Back home

Tomelo stepped off the bus, the dust of the rural road settling on her skin like a second layer. She breathed in deep, the familiar scent of the village filling her lungs – woodsmoke, fresh earth, and a hint of wildflowers. Home.

As she walked through the small gates of her family's estate, the weight of expectations settled back onto her shoulders. The party in Lusaka had been a whirlwind, but this was reality. Her family's legacy, the pact, Thando... all the things she'd tried to outrun.

Tomelo's hand instinctively went to the sunflower on her back, hidden beneath her shirt. She hadn't told anyone about the strange tingling whenever Thando was near. Not even Thando. It was like the tattoo was alive, pulsing with a secret she didn't understand.

She dropped her bag in her room, changed into worn jeans and a faded tee, and headed to the backyard. Her grandmother's favorite spot – a shady spot under the mango tree – was calling. Maybe there, she'd find some clarity.

As she settled into the worn chair, a faint whisper seemed to carry on the wind... _choices have consequences_. Tomelo's skin pricked. The spirit was watching. Tomelo sister's walks towards her and says some words, meant to comfort, fell flat. Tomelo forced a smile, nodding along. But the weight didn't

"Easy for you to say, Nalani," Tomelo said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're not the one stuck in this mess."

Nalani's expression turned serious, her eyes darting around before she leaned in. "I'm trying to help, Melo. Just... be careful, okay?😮 So it's a family thing – the pact, the expectations, the secrets. Nalani's words take on a new weight. Tomelo's not alone in this.

"How do you deal with it?" Tomelo asked, her voice low.

Nalani's gaze drifted off, a mix of sadness and resolve on her face. "I found my own way, Melo. You will too."

..."All the women in the family know this, so it's only you," Nalani added, her eyes locking ontTomelo's. "It gets better with time."...

⏰ Time flew. Tomelo woke to her alarm blaring, sunlight streaming into her room. She groggily got up, the sunflower tattoo a gentle hum on her back. Another day, another chance to navigate the pact, school, and Thando.

As she rushed through her morning routine, her mind was a jumble. What was the spirit waiting for her to choose? She grabbed her bag and headed out, Nalani's words echoing – _you will too_.

At school, Tomelo's friends were buzzing about the weekend. Tomelo smiled, laughed, played along. But her eyes kept drifting to Thando, sitting a few seats away. The tattoo pulsed softly.

Little o little flower

with your bright yellow color

I want to know you more

For as the sun kisses your roots

My you light up my world

with eyes beautifully made

I hope you know I love you

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