"You'd better be fast, your daddy is waiting" Binta said to Jamila as she eats her breakfast, "he'll take you to school today, I have an appointment to catch up with" she said as she brought Jamila's school bag to her.Jamila nodded quickly, shoving the last piece of bread into her mouth before standing up. She slung her bag over her shoulder and kissed her mother's cheek. Binta watched her for a moment, her eyes lingering with a mix of worry and hope. Mornings like this had become rare moments of calm, and she held onto them tightly.
Outside, the sun was already climbing, bathing the quiet street in a soft golden light. Jamila's father waited by the car, scrolling through his phone until he noticed her. His face broke into a smile, the kind that always made Jamila feel safe, even on days when her thoughts felt heavy.
"Ready?" he asked.
Jamila nodded again, climbing into the car. As they drove, she stared out the window, watching familiar houses pass by. Everything looked the same, yet she felt different inside. A new term at school meant new teachers, new classmates, and new expectations. She wondered if this time things would change—if she would finally feel like she belonged.
At school, her father squeezed her hand before she stepped out. "Have a good day," he said gently. "And remember, just be yourself."
She smiled, though her heart raced as she walked through the school gates. The noise of laughter and chatter surrounded her, but Jamila moved quietly, finding her classroom and taking a seat near the window. As the lesson began, she listened carefully, surprised by how focused she felt. For the first time in a long while, she wasn't distracted by fear or doubt.
During break time, a girl approached her, introducing herself with a shy smile. They talked—first about schoolwork, then about music, then about dreams. Jamila felt something unfamiliar bloom in her chest relief.
When the final bell rang, Jamila realized the day had gone by faster than she expected. As she walked home later, she thought about how small moments could lead to big changes. Maybe a new beginning didn't have to be loud or dramatic. Maybe it started quietly—with a conversation, a smile, or the courage to show up.
And for the first time, Jamila believed that this chapter of her life might truly be different. Maybe with her new friend or with the peace she suddenly felt after a long
while.