Chapter 3 The initial breach

The Initial Breach

When it occurred, the evening was calm. Amaka and Kunle were left alone in the house when Ada went to see a friend who had recently given birth. Everything appeared normal at first. While Kunle was in the living room watching TV, Amaka sat in her room attempting to concentrate on her homework. However, as the minutes passed, she started to feel nervous.

When she heard his footsteps coming toward her chamber, she automatically tensed up. His voice was heard after a knock on the door. "Are you busy, Amaka?"

"Yes, Uncle Kunle," she said, attempting to maintain a stern yet courteous tone.

Ignoring her answer, he said, "Come to the living room." "I want to discuss something important with you."

Amaka closed her books reluctantly and followed him. Sitting on the couch, Kunle had a composed yet solemn expression. He gestured for her to take a seat next to him.

"How is school going?" he inquired in a kind manner.

With succinct responses, Amaka said, "It's fine."

I hope all is okay with you. I have no doubt that you will make your parents pleased because you are a clever girl.

"I'm grateful."

A hush ensued, and the room's atmosphere appeared to thicken. Amaka's heart raced as Kunle moved closer to her on the couch.

His voice trailed off a little as he said, "You know, Amaka, you're a very beautiful young woman."

Amaka stopped. Her legs seemed stuck in place, despite her instincts telling her to get up and go. She said, "Thank you," in a voice that was almost audible.

Kunle put a hand on her shoulder and extended out. "You're unique," he whispered in a low, eerie voice. "Are you aware of that?"

He clenched his fingers into her shoulder as Amaka attempted to pull away. With a shaky voice, she said, "Uncle Kunle, I have to finish my homework."

His smile stopped short of his eyes as he said, "It can wait." "I just want to spend some time talking to you. After all, you are family.

Kunle's fingers traveled to her arm and tightened his hold before Amaka could react. She felt a wave of fear and abruptly withdrew, getting to her feet. She trembled as she continued, "I really need to go back to my room."

After a brief period of expression darkening, Kunle forced a smile. He laughed quietly as he remarked, "You're such a nervous girl." "All well, then. But never forget that I'm available whenever you need me.

Locking the door behind her, Amaka rushed to her room. She leaned against the door, her breath coming in quick spurts, her hands shaking. She experienced a mix of uncertainty, rage, and dread. What had just taken place? Did she imagine his tone shifting, the way his hand lingered?

The remainder of the evening flew by. Even after Ada came back and invited her to dinner, Amaka remained in her room and refused to leave. Ada, who is always considerate, didn't press her when she said she needed to rest since she had a headache.

Amaka's eyes were watering that night as she laid in bed. The truth of what had transpired started to set in. Kunle could no longer act as though it was all in her head since her actions had gone too far. Despite the fact that nothing explicitly physical had occurred, she felt violated. It was wrong, the way he had touched her, the way he had stared at her.

The idea made Amaka dreadful, yet she still wanted to tell Ada. What if she wasn't believed by Ada? What if she said she was lying or, worse, that she was attempting to destroy her marriage? The neighborhood, as well as their home, held Kunle in high regard. Who would oppose him on her side?

Amaka tried to stay away from Kunle the following day. When she got home, she stayed in her room and departed early for school. Ada inquired about her well-being after noticing her reserved demeanor. Amaka faked a smile and said, "I'm fine." "Just worn out from school."

However, the burden of what had transpired would not go away. Fear gripped her chest every time she saw Kunle. His once-kind grins now seemed more like the grin of a predator. He created a tense, dreadful atmosphere in the house.

Amaka's previously lively demeanor started to wane. She grew more reclusive, quieter, and less interested in the outside world. When her school friends saw the shift, they inquired as to whether something was amiss, but Amaka was unable to bring herself to tell them. She felt powerless, isolated, and confined.

A terrible chapter in Amaka's life began with the tragedy. It was the first betrayal of her confidence and the first rift in her new home's façade. Her sense of security had been destroyed by Kunle's acts, and she was aware that nothing would ever be the same.

Amaka made the decision to defend herself even if no one else could as the days stretched into weeks. She started journaling, recording every encounter-every word, every glance, every touch that unnerved her. It was a tiny act of resistance against the encroaching darkness, a means of preserving her sanity.

Amaka, however, felt in her heart that the initial break was just the start. The darkness in her house was deepening, and she would have to summon all her courage to confront what lay ahead.