Unknown Pregnancy
Episode 1
Sarah sat quietly on the small wooden porch of their modest house, her eyes fixed on the dusty path leading to their front door. She was deep in thought, reflecting on the life she had shared with her mother since her father’s death. She could barely remember him, just unclear images of a man with a warm smile and strong hands that would lift her up high into the air. But those memories were faint, almost like a dream she had long ago. Her mother was the one constant in her life, a pillar of strength who had done everything she could to provide for them.
Inside the house, Sarah’s mother, Mrs. Johnson, was busy preparing a simple dinner of rice and beans. The kitchen was small and worn, just like the rest of the house, but it was home. Mrs. Johnson had worked tirelessly for years, taking on any job she could find to put food on the table. Life hadn’t been easy for them. They often had to make do with very little, living from hand to mouth, but they had managed to get by.
As Sarah walked into the kitchen, the aroma of the cooking food filled the air, but it wasn’t enough to lift the heavy atmosphere. “Mom,” she began hesitantly, “we need to talk about the examination fees.”
Mrs. Johnson paused, her hand hovering over the pot. She didn’t look at Sarah, but the tension in her shoulders was telling. “I know, Sarah,” she replied softly. “I’ve been thinking about it too.”
“Mom, it’s my last year in secondary school,” Sarah said, her voice tinged with desperation. “If I don’t write these exams, I won’t be able to get into the university. We can’t just give up now.”
Mrs. Johnson turned to face her daughter, her eyes filled with both love and sadness. “I know how important this is to you, sweetheart,” she said, reaching out to take Sarah’s hand. “But things have been really hard lately. I’ve been trying to save, but it’s just not enough.”
Tears welled up in Sarah’s eyes as she tried to hold back the overwhelming sense of helplessness that was building inside her. “There must be something we can do, Mom. Maybe I could get a job after school… or we could borrow the money from someone?”
Mrs. Johnson shook her head, her face etched with worry. “I don’t want you to take on that burden, Sarah. You should be focusing on your studies, not worrying about money.”
“But what other choice do we have?” Sarah asked, her voice breaking.
Mrs. Johnson sighed deeply, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. “I don’t know, Sarah. I don’t know what to do.”
For a long moment, they stood in silence, the only sound the gentle bubbling of the pot on the stove. Sarah felt a mix of frustration and sadness, but she also knew that her mother had done everything she could for her. Despite the difficulties, they had always had each other, and that was something no amount of money could change.
“We’ll find a way,” Mrs. Johnson finally said, though there was a hint of doubt in her voice. “We have to believe that something will work out.”
Sarah nodded, trying to find comfort in her mother’s words. But deep down, she couldn’t shake the feeling that time was running out, and their options were dwindling.
Sarah’s world seemed to crumble when her mother broke the news. They were seated in the small living room, the old clock ticking loudly in the background. “Sarah, you won’t be writing the examination this year,” her mother said, her voice gentle but firm. “We don’t have enough money for the fees right now.”
Sarah’s heart sank. “But… but Mom, I’ve been studying so hard. I can’t just wait another year!” Her voice wavered as she fought back tears.
Her mother’s eyes were filled with regret. “I know, sweetheart. It breaks my heart to say this, but there’s no other way. We’ll save up, and you can write it next year.”
Before Sarah could protest further, a knock on the door interrupted their conversation. It was Aunt Lydia, her mother’s older sister, who always seemed to arrive at the most unexpected times. “I heard what’s going on,” Aunt Lydia said as she stepped into the room, her eyes full of determination. “And I’m here to help.”
Sarah looked at her aunt with a glimmer of hope. “What do you mean?” she asked cautiously.
“I’ll pay for your fees,” Aunt Lydia announced, her tone leaving no room for argument. “But there’s one condition. You’ll come live with me until you finish your exams. I’ll take good care of you.”
Sarah hesitated, glancing at her mother for reassurance. Her mother nodded slowly. “It’s a good opportunity, Sarah. Your aunt will make sure you have everything you need.”
After a moment of consideration, Sarah agreed. “Okay, Aunt Lydia. I’ll go with you.”
The next day, Sarah packed her bags and left for her aunt’s house. As soon as she arrived, she noticed a young man standing by the door, his eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her uncomfortable. He was tall and well-dressed, but something about the way he stared at her sent shivers down her spine.
“Is that your husband?” Sarah asked, trying to sound casual as she turned to Aunt Lydia.
Aunt Lydia laughed softly. “No, darling. This is Mark, my friend’s son. He’s staying with us for a while.”
Mark continued to stare at Sarah’s behind as she walked, and then he let out an ominous smile.
To Be Continued .
