Just One More Step.

Source

"I understand how it feels. I see how draining it seems. But take one more step," Grandma said to Brita, her granddaughter, who complained bitterly about how badly she was being treated in her aunt's house.

After she lost both parents in a motor accident on their way to Ukpai, Brita became an orphan. Her grandmother, old and struggling to care for herself, thought it wise to send her to live with her late son's sister. She believed Brita would at least have two square meals and be able to go to school.
But things didn’t turn out as hoped.

At her aunt's house, Brita was maltreated and shown all kinds of cruelty. Each day began with chores- sweeping, washing, fetching water, and helping her aunt fry and sell bean cakes before heading to school. She was always late. Her teachers flogged her constantly, and she was called names like “Late Comer.” Sleepy and worn out, she often dozed off in class because she barely got any rest at night.
No one wanted to be her friend. The students avoided her, not wanting to face the same shame and humiliation. Brita felt alone and abandoned, and her grades began to suffer.

One weekend, Grandma called and asked that Brita come visit. Reluctantly, her aunt agreed and permitted her to go. When Brita arrived, Grandma was shocked at how emaciated she looked. Concerned, she asked if she was sick.

That was the moment Brita could no longer hold it in. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she poured out her heart. She spoke of the beatings, the chores, the constant lateness, and the shame. “I'm tired of life,” she said, sobbing. “No one wants to be my friend. I’m always humiliated. I don’t feel intelligent anymore, i don’t even have time to read. I don’t want to go back there again.”

Grandma listened in silence, holding her gently. Then, she looked into her granddaughter’s weary eyes and said in a soft, firm voice, "I understand how it feels. I see how draining it seems. But take one more step." "One more step?" Brita asked quietly.
"Yes," Grandma replied. "Just one more. You may not see the road ahead clearly, but every step you take brings you closer to the light. Don't give up, Brita. One more step each day is all you need. Things will not remain this way forever."

That night, Brita slept peacefully for the first time in a long while wrapped in Grandma’s arms and in the warmth of hope. And from that day, whenever life overwhelmed her, she remembered Grandma’s words: Take one more step.

Thanks for reading
Stay inspired, stay true
@ritaetim