"What? Who would do something like that?" Christine exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Star reached the breakfast table, sitting quietly next to Mandume. She greeted everyone with a soft smile.
"Morning, Star," Mandume said, turning to her. "I told them what happened at the hospital yesterday. We need to find out who tried to end your life… and the baby's."
"Star," Christine said, leaning forward, "have you wronged anyone? Is there someone who might want to eliminate you… or your child?"
"No, Grandma. I was just as shocked when I found out," Star replied calmly. "But it's okay now. At least we know, so we can just be extra careful."
"No, child. The enemy is also being careful," Christine said. "We need to think… who would do this?"
Mandume's eyes slowly turned toward Bonita.
"Someone who knows Dr. Mathews. Someone who knows his weaknesses... and hates Star enough to want her gone," he said, his tone laced with suspicion.
Star caught the glance and followed his eyes to Bonita. Bonita shook her head, as if pleading innocence. Star just smiled faintly at her.
"I don't know why you're saying all this," Maria interjected suddenly. "But why ignore the obvious? What if Star just wanted to abort the baby herself? Who would want to abort someone else's child? That doesn't even make sense."
Star turned, stunned. "Why would I do that, madam? I don't even know how this child came to be. I may be reckless in your eyes, maybe even wicked, but aborting my own child? That's not who I am."
Maria sighed dramatically. "Star, everyone knows how stressed you are. You were raped. Your parents are separated. You're not on good terms with your father. Maybe… maybe you thought getting rid of the baby would make things feel normal again. But thank God you got caught. Listen, my daughter, don't ever try something like that again. We're here for you."
Everyone around the table stared at her, stunned.
"I care for you more than my own child," Maria continued, pressing her hand on her chest. "Especially now that you're carrying a child. Life throws problems at all of us — but we don't solve them by creating new ones. Please, just admit it. Admit you tried to abort the child and framed Dr. Mathews. We won't be angry. It's life."
Mandume froze. Christine blinked in disbelief. Star sat back in her chair, speechless.
"But think about it," Maria said. "Dr. Mathews has been with us over twenty years. Why would he suddenly do something like this? Star, Mandume said you knew he gave you abortion pills. So why did you take them?"
Star's fingers trembled under the table.
"You think you're smart," Maria muttered under her breath. "Let's see how you get out of this."
"I didn't know they were abortion pills until I saw the effects," Star said, her voice quiet but steady.
"Effects?" Maria pressed. "They cause cramps. Pain. Nausea. You didn't notice?"
"I remember she was in pain on Saturday," Bonita said hesitantly, glancing at Star. "Mandume, remember? She was complaining."
"She was," Mandume confirmed. "And on Sunday morning, she left the house in disguise to confront Dr. Mathews. She pretended to be someone he trusted — and he confessed everything."
"Where are the pills now?" Christine asked.
"I threw them away," Star answered.
"There. You see?" Maria clapped her hands. "She threw them away so there's no proof. Why, Star? Why toss the evidence?"
Star's eyes burned. "You want to know why? Because I'm not a monster! Where would I keep them — in a jewelry box? He handed me white pills in a clear packet, in Mendu's presence. No label. No name. How was I supposed to know what they were?"
Maria snorted. "Even at gunpoint, Dr. Mathews wouldn't take a bribe. He's family."
"Mendu," Star turned to him. "Check the bin in my room. I threw the pills in there. If they're still intact, we can test them."
Mandume rose and left the room. Star stood and, without missing a beat, walked around the table and sat beside Maria.
"While we wait," she said sweetly, pulling out an earbud, "I've been working on a new song. You'll be the first to hear it."
She inserted the bud into Maria's ear and pressed play.
Maria's eyes widened. She yanked the earbud out violently.
"Oh—it's not nice," she said, forcing a smile. "Too loud. Grandma will listen when it's… polished."
Christine narrowed her eyes. That wasn't music. That was a threat.
Mandume returned and placed the packet of pills on the table.
"Here. These are the pills Dr. Mathews gave Star. This is the proof. He needs to be held accountable… or explain himself."
Star leaned closer to Maria and whispered, "I don't want to expose you. But if Mendu tests those pills and confronts him with the threat of losing his license, he'll crack. He'll mention your name. And when he does, Grandma will know everything."
Maria froze.
"Let me see…" she said, snatching the packet from Mandume's hands. "Yes. Abortion pills. No doubt. Don't worry. I'll deal with Dr. Mathews. We should… end our arrangement with him. Why would he do this?"
Christine narrowed her gaze. Something's off.
"That's what I thought," Star muttered under her breath.
"Yes, Mom," Mandume said. "We can't risk Star's life. Her mother trusts us. We have to protect her."
"I'll speak to Dr. Mathews," Maria said quickly. "Now, everyone get ready for school or work. It's getting late."
Maria turned and left the room. As Star passed by Christine, the old woman caught her wrist, held it firmly, and stared into her soul.
"Grandma?" Star asked, confused.
Christine said nothing. She just pulled her into a tight, silent hug… then let her go.
Everyone dispersed quietly, but the silence screamed with suspicion.