My morning struggles
My mother' shrill voice pierced the morning calm." Maryam,wake up !The house needs cleaning, and you're the only one who can do it."I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, already feeling the weight of her disapproval .
"But, mom ,I cleaned it yesterday, "I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.
"Are you talking back to me ?"she snapped her eye narrowing .
I knew better than to argue . I'd grown accustomed to her criticism, her constant belittling. Instead, I focused on my morning routine, hoping to find some solace in the familiar rituals. I washed my face, applied my skincare products , and repeated affirmation to boost my mood.
Why couldn't my mother love me like she loved my sister?what was it about me that didn't deserve her affection?The questions swirled in my mind like a perpetual storm .Every day ,I wished this was just a bad dream ,but the harsh reality remained:this was my life .
As I went about my chores, my mind wandered to the life I wanted-one where I felt seen ,heard ,and loved .But for now ,I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on getting through the day.
The one person in my family who truly loves me is my father. His warm smile and gentle words are a balm to my soul .But on this particular day ,I had plans to escape the tension at home .My friend Neo called, inviting me to spend the day with her .I jumped at the chance, eager to forget my troubles and enjoy some freedom.
As the sun began to set , I reluctantly made my way back home. I walked through the door, feeling a mix of emotions. My mother and sister would likely be critical, but I hoped my father would be home ,bringing a sense of calm to the evening.
As I entered the living room, I saw my father sitting on the couch, looking tired but content. He'd just gotten back from work, and he's eyes lit up when he saw me ."Hey ,sweetie!how was your day ?"he asked, opening his arms for a hug.
In that moment, I felt at peace.Being near my father made feel loved and accepted. The stress of the day melted away, replaced by a sense of belonging. We chatted about our day ,and for a brief moment, I forgot about the tension with my mother and siste.
"Every day felt the same unit my friend Katlo,who lives in Gaborone, came to visit me in Gabane .We sat down ,and our conversation flowed effortlessly as we talked about our lives.I shared my struggles and dreams with her ,and she listened intently.Her offer to help me find a job in Gaborone came like a lifeline ,and she promised to call if she found something suitable. I was thrilled at the prospect of starting something new, building a life that was mine alone .Living with my mother and sister had become overwhelming and I yearned for independent, for a chance to spread my wings and fly .Though I didn't want to leave my father behind, the opportunity to build a new life in Gaborone, with new people and experiences, was too enticing to pass up. The thought of Gaborone's bustling streets, its vibrant culture, and its promise of a fresh start filled me with excitement and anticipation. I couldn't wait to see what the future held".
"As I waited for her Katlo to follow up on her promise, days turned into weeks.The anticipation was building,and I was starting to lose hope. But then ,Last month, katlo called with exciting news:a new campaign was looking for a secretary, and she had recommended me for the role.She told me to come in for the role,and the interview was on Monday at 9am sharp. My heart skipped a beat as I processed the opportunity. Could this be the chance I had been waiting for?
I felt a surge of determination and focus .I began to mentally prepare myself for the interview, thinking about my strengths and qualifications. I practiced my responses to common interview questions and made a plan to get a good night's rest before the big day. Monday couldn't come soon enough. The prospect of a new job, a new challenge, and a new chapter in my life was exhilarating. I was ready to take on whatever came next."
Today is Saturday, and I've decided it's time to talk to my family about my plan .I'm nervous about sharing the news, especially since I'm not entirely truthful about my intentions. I'll the mom,sister, and father that I'm going to be looking for a job for a month and that I'll be staying with Katlo. It's not the whole truth, but I don't want to worry them or spark unnecessary questions. I'm hoping they'll be supportive and understanding, even if they do have some doubts. I take a deep breath, preparing myself for the conversation ahead. It's time to share my plans and take the best step towards independence. "
"I sat down with my family to tell them about my plans to move to Gaborone. My sister immediately started arguing with me, saying I was abandoning them and thinking I was better than them ,my mother chimed in ,disapproving of the whole idea.They both seemed to think was making a huge mistake.
"But my dad was different. He listened to me calmly then told me to go.He said I was an adult and needed to make my own decisions. He supported me ,even if it meant leaving them behind. I was surprised, but also relieved. It was like he understood me in a way my mom and sister didn't.
"My mother and sister looked on ,clearly unhappy with my dad's decision. But he just nodded at me ,telling me to go make a new life for myself. It was a bittersweet moment ,knowing I had my dad's support but not the rest of my family's. "
Today's the day!I'm finally moving to Gaborone to start my new life with Katlo. I'm both excited and nervous about this new chapter. I've got my bags packed, and I'm ready to leave the familiar behind. Tomorrow's the big day-I have a job interview, and I'm hoping to make a great impression. I've been preparing for this moment for so long,and I feel like all my hard work is paying off. I've been thinking about what to wear, what to say ,and how to showcase my skills. I'm ready to take on this new challenge and make the most of this opportunity. Bring it on Gaborone!I'm ready to start fresh, learn, and grow in this new city. Katlo's support means a lot to me ,and I'm grateful to have her by my side as I navigate this new journey.
Gaborone, you're a gem !I arrived in this beautiful city and was immediately struck by its charm. The sun -kissed buildings,the vibrant markets ,and the friendly faces all blended together to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. As I stepped off the bus ,I melt Katlo at the bus stop, and we exchanged warm smiles.We walked to her home ,taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Gaborone's laid -back vibe was infectious, and I felt my worries melting away.
As I settled into Katlo's cozy home, I felt grateful for this new adventure and the opportunity to experience Gaborone's beauty firsthand.