The Choice
The flat was dimly lit, a single candle flickering in the center of the room.
Favour sat cross-legged on the rug, staring at her open passport. Daniel placed the email printout on the floor beside her.
She read it.Twice.
Then said nothing.
The clock ticked.
"I didn't know," Daniel whispered. "I swear."
Favour finally spoke.
"You did everything for me. And still… it's never been enough for them."
Tears brimmed in her eyes.
"Even your own mother thinks I'm not worthy. That I'm a mistake."
Daniel knelt before her. "You're not. I was. For not standing up sooner."
Favour stood and walked to the window. The rain had stopped, but thunder still rolled in the distance.
"What do we do now?" she asked.
He moved to stand beside her. "You have a hearing in three days. If they rule against you… you'll be deported."
Favour closed her eyes.
"But if I fight," she said, "I'll be dragging your family name through public mud. I'll embarrass you."
"I don't care," Daniel replied.
She looked at him, pain and power mixing in her gaze.
"I do," she said.
And in that moment, Daniel realized something terrifying…
Favour might not fight.
She might choose to disappear.