Chapter 2 Unspoken Shadows

Unspoken Shadows

At first glance, Amaka's new life at her sister Ada's house was ideal. There was warmth, laughter, and everything she had never known in the hamlet at the house. Ever the devoted sister, Ada went out of her way to ensure her comfort. She prepared Amaka's favorite foods, assisted her in adjusting to her new school, and never ceased to affirm the family's belief in her. Ada's husband Kunle seemed to be just as encouraging, often expressing interest in Amaka's academic success and giving guidance.

Amaka briefly thought she had entered a dream. She had new experiences every day, including a room of her own where she could study and plan for the future, access to a better education, and city life. However, beneath this flawless exterior, a disquieting sensation started to develop.

It began with little things, moments that Amaka brushed aside as unimportant. For instance, Kunle's praise frequently came across as unduly enthusiastic. One evening while they were sitting in the living room, he remarked, "You've developed into such a lovely young lady." His smile seemed less innocuous than it had was when his gaze lingered on her. Amaka dismissed it, thinking he was just being nice.

However, the little things added up. Kunle started looking for excuses to spend time with her alone. Even when Ada was available, he would call her into the study and pretend that she needed help with anything trivial or offer to drop her off at school. Amaka once felt a shudder go down her spine when he stood too close while describing something about a book. She had once found his presence comforting, but now she felt uncomfortable.

She convinced herself that she was dreaming. Ada had great faith in Kunle, who was her brother-in-law and a well-known businessman in the neighborhood. How could she doubt his motives? But the uneasiness remained.

Amaka made an effort to stay away from him alone, but it wasn't always feasible. Kunle requested Amaka to assist him in organizing some documents in his study one evening while Ada was out running errands. He started asking too intimate, personal questions while they were working. With a playful yet inquisitive tone, he asked, "Do you have a boyfriend at school?" Amaka glanced at the documents before her and shook her head rapidly. "That's good," Kunle remarked, lowering his voice a little. "You're not old enough for such diversions."

Amaka didn't say anything to Ada despite feeling uneasy about the topic. Could she? Ada loved Kunle and frequently complimented him on being a wonderful brother-in-law and a supportive spouse. It felt impossible to speak up, especially because she wasn't even certain that her feelings were legitimate.

Amaka started to feel other effects of the uneasiness. At home, she grew quieter and more inward-looking. Her friends at school observed the shift and inquired about her well-being, but Amaka dismissed their questions. Even with her best buddy Tayo, she was unable to force herself to express how she was feeling.

When Kunle offered to pick Amaka up from school one afternoon, it was a game-changer. Kunle offered to cover for Ada when she called to let them know she was going to be late. He probed her more intimately on the way home, asking about her early years, her relationships, and her feelings toward love. Amaka's uneasiness increased with each second as she answered in monosyllables. Kunle put a hand on her shoulder as she got out of the car when they got home. He whispered softly, "You're special, Amaka," leaving his hand in place for longer than was necessary.

With a mumbled "thank you," Amaka drew away and hurried into the home. She closed herself in her room, her heart pounding. She let herself admit for the first time that something was seriously wrong. Kunle was acting in a darker way that she was no longer able to deny; it wasn't just the overly protective behavior of a loving brother-in-law.

Amaka had trouble falling asleep that night. She mentally relived every exchange she had with Kunle, looking for explanations. Was she going overboard? Would she be able to tell Ada? What would her sister think, though? Would she accept her? She felt so alone that tears ran down her cheeks as the weight of these questions weighed heavy on her chest.

Her new home's shadows, which had previously been cozy and inviting, suddenly felt ominous and oppressive. Amaka was aware that she had to defend herself, but she was unsure of how. Silence was suffocating, yet speaking up felt like an unthinkable risk. One idea kept coming to her as she lay awake that night: this was a prison masquerading as a home, not a place of refuge.

Despite not knowing how long it would take or how much it would cost, Amaka made the decision to find a way out of the darkness. She had no choice except to live for the moment and hope that the shadows would eventually be revealed.