After her shower, Lily came down from her room and joined her mother and Uncle Jack for breakfast. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of freshly cooked eggs and bacon, and the sunlight streaming through the windows created a warm, inviting atmosphere. The table was set simply, but it felt like a feast compared to the tension and fear they had left behind.
Lily hadn't been to school since she was 10. Her father had always insisted it was a waste of money to send a female child to school, a belief that had kept her from the education she craved. Despite this, her curiosity and love for learning never dimmed, and she often dreamed of returning to a classroom.
After they finished eating, Lily began clearing the table, carefully stacking the plates and carrying them to the sink. As she started doing the dishes, she overheard Uncle Jack talking to Mara.
"I think it's high time Lily went back to school," Jack said, his voice filled with conviction. "I don't think the girl enjoys staying at home while her mates are in school."
Mara sighed, looking down at her hands. "I know, Jack. But first, I need to get a job. You've already helped us so much by letting us stay here. We wouldn't want to be a bother."
Jack waved her concern away. "Nonsense. You are family, and family always has each other's back. Tomorrow, we'll enroll Lily back into school. I'll pay the fees until you get a job. Okay?"
Mara looked at Jack, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Jack. You don't know how much this means to us."
Lily continued washing the dishes, her heart swelling with hope. The idea of going back to school, of being among friends and learning new things, felt like a dream come true. For the first time in a long while, the future didn't seem so bleak.