THE UNSEEN THREADS OF FATE

In the small town of Karmola, nestled in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, lived a single mother named Jerima and her 23-year-old daughter, Miskina. Jerima had raised Miskina on her own, often speaking of Miskina's father as a fleeting ghost who had vanished when she was pregnant. Jerima never revealed the truth about her past, crafting a life of hard work and perseverance, determined to provide for her daughter.

Miskina, a bright and compassionate young woman, had grown up with a sense of longing for the father she never knew. Despite her mother's silence, she often dreamt of the man she imagined him to be. As fate would have it, Miskina found love in an older man named Bidal, a kind and gentle soul who brought warmth and joy into her life. Unbeknownst to her, Bidal was the very man her mother had abandoned years ago.

Jerima had fled her hometown upon discovering she was pregnant, fearing the poverty and struggles that would come with raising a child with Bidal, who was then a humble farmer. She settled in Karmola, where she started anew, burying her past and focusing solely on Miskina's future. As the years passed, Jerima found solace in the small but steady life she built, though the weight of her secret remained a constant shadow.

Miskina's relationship with Bidal blossomed into a deep, passionate love. Bidal, unaware of Miskina's true identity, was captivated by her spirit and resilience. Their bond grew stronger with each passing day, and when Miskina discovered she was pregnant, she felt a mixture of fear and excitement. She decided it was time to introduce Bidal to her mother, hoping they could discuss the future and plan their marriage.

On a crisp autumn evening, Miskina invited Bidal to dinner at her modest home. Jerima, unaware of Miskina's relationship, prepared a simple yet hearty meal, eager to meet the man who had captured her daughter's heart. As Bidal entered the home, the air seemed to thicken with an unspoken tension. Jerima's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the familiar face, the man she had left behind so many years ago.

Jerima and Bidal's eyes met, and in that moment, the past surged forward with all its might. Miskina, sensing the unease, introduced Bidal to her mother, her voice trembling with anticipation. "Mom, this is Bidal, the man I love and the father of my child."

Jerima's face paled, and she stumbled back, her mind racing. The room seemed to spin as she grasped the horrifying truth. She turned to Miskina, tears welling in her eyes. "Miskina, you don't understand... Bidal is your father."

Miskina's world shattered in an instant. Disbelief, confusion, and a profound sense of betrayal overwhelmed her. She looked at Bidal, who stood frozen in shock, his face contorted with the realization of the impossible truth. "No, this can't be," Miskina whispered, her voice breaking. "How could this happen?"

Jerima, sobbing uncontrollably, tried to explain. "I left him, Miskina. I left him because I was scared, because we had nothing. I thought I was doing what was best for you."

Bidal, his heart breaking, stepped forward. "Miskina, I had no idea. I never knew about you. If I had known..." His voice trailed off, filled with a deep sorrow.

The days that followed were a blur of anguish and despair. Miskina could not bear the shame and the impossibility of her situation. She isolated herself from everyone, unable to face her friends, her community, and most of all, herself. The love she had felt for Bidal turned into a twisted knot of revulsion and sorrow.

Unable to see a way forward, Miskina's mind descended into a dark abyss. She saw no escape from the scandal and the disgrace that would follow her and her unborn child. One fateful night, overcome by the weight of her emotions, Miskina made the tragic decision to end her life. She left a note for her mother, a final farewell filled with heartbreak and pain.

Jerima found Miskina the next morning, lifeless and cold. The note, stained with tears, read: "I'm sorry, Mother. I cannot live with this. I love you, but I can't bear the shame."

Jerima's cries echoed through the empty house as she clutched her daughter's lifeless body. The pain was unbearable, a punishment she felt she deserved for the lies and the choices she had made. News of Miskina's death spread quickly through the town, and the community was left in shock and mourning.

Bidal, devastated by the loss of his daughter and the cruel twist of fate, could not find solace. The guilt and grief consumed him, and he too saw no escape from the torment that plagued his soul. In a final act of despair, Bidal took his own life, leaving behind a world forever scarred by tragedy.

Jerima, now alone, was haunted by the memories of her past and the irreversible consequences of her actions. She had lost everything she held dear, and the once vibrant home was now a hollow shell. In her final moments, Jerima wrote a letter, hoping to find some semblance of peace.

"To whoever finds this,

I am Jerima, a mother who loved too much and lied too deeply. My choices led to the death of my daughter and the man I once loved. I write this not for forgiveness, but for understanding. Love can be both beautiful and destructive. I beg of you, cherish those you love and speak the truth, for lies can only lead to ruin.

May Miskina and Bidal find peace in the afterlife, and may the story be a lesson to all.

Jerima"

Jerima's lifeless body was found beside the letter, her face peaceful for the first time in years. The town of Karmola mourned the loss of three lives, forever changed by the unseen threads of fate. This story, filled with love, lies, and unimaginable tragedy, became a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of deception.

BY ENG. LUBAYI LOUIS A. %%%%%