THE LETTER
224 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.
Daniel sat in his car as the rain fell hard.
Port Harcourt was dark and quiet.
He could not understand his mother.
Why would she do this to Zahra?
Zahra never hurt anyone.
His phone buzzed again in his pocket.
He was afraid to look at it.
He started the car and drove away.
- Writer
