THE HIDDEN LETTER
229 Words
The house was quiet that night in Port Harcourt.
Zahra could not sleep. She walked into her mother’s old room. Dust covered everything. Her mother died two years ago, but her things were still there.
Zahra opened the old wooden drawer. Inside, she found a yellow envelope. It had no name on it. Her hands were shaking.
She tore it open.
It was a letter. The paper was old and folded many times. The handwriting was her mother’s.
Zahra, if you are reading this, it means the truth is coming out. You are not my only daughter.
Zahra stopped breathing.
The letter continued. There was another baby. The same night. The hospital mixed the papers. I was too afraid to tell you.
Tears fell on the paper. Zahra dropped the letter.
Another daughter? Who? Where was she now?
Her phone buzzed on the bed. Unknown number.
The message said: Stop looking, Zahra. Some secrets should stay buried.
Zahra looked at the door. She was not alone in the house anymore.
Zahra ran to the door and locked it.
Her heart was beating fast.
Who sent the message?
Was the other daughter in Port Harcourt too?
She picked up the letter again.
Her mother’s handwriting was real.
This was not a lie.
Zahra sat on the floor and cried.
She had no answers, only more fear.
The house felt cold.
- Writer
