When Fear Knocked, Love Answered

“Everton heard the noise, but only I understood what it meant.” Granny was having another attack again, and I rushed toward her room, my hands shaking and cold at the same time. The clock on the wall ticked loudly, each second pounding against my chest. Her breathing was uneven, shallow, like she was fighting an invisible weight pressing her down. I called her name softly at first, then louder. There was no response. Panic rose in my throat, thick and heavy. As her caregiver, my mind spun in confusion, fear blurring every thought. The room felt smaller, colder, as if it too was holding its breath. I forced myself to pause. In the middle of the chaos, Granny’s voice echoed in my mind: “Fear makes things worse, my child.” I moved closer and held her hand. It was warm, familiar, steadying me. In that moment, I chose love over fear. “I’m here, Granny,” I whispered. “You’re not alone.” Her fingers tightened around mine, just slightly, but enough to remind me why I had to stay calm. Footsteps sounded behind me. Everton stood at the doorway, his face no longer confused. He finally understood the noise—not just fear, but love calling for courage. As the house slowly returned to silence, I realized something I would never forget. Fear will always knock without warning, but love is a choice. And when we choose love in the middle of fear, we find the strength to face anything. © 2026 W NDUNGU. All rights reserved.