LEAP - The journal of a street kid

Time For Change

Sisonke's heart raced as he made his way through the streets, the morning sun casting a warm glow on the cracked sidewalks. He had never ventured far from his home before, and the thought of leaving everything behind, even if just for a while, felt both thrilling and terrifying. Aphiwe had spoken so highly of Miracle House, and after everything he'd endured at home with his mother, the idea of finding a place where he could feel safe, where people would care, filled him with hope.

It wasn't long before the familiar streets began to blur together, the landscape of his childhood shifting as he walked further away from the neighborhood. He could feel the eyes of strangers on him as he passed by, but he kept his head down, trying to look invisible. His nerves were eating at him, gnawing away at his resolve. What if they didn't let him in? What if they turned him away because of his background?

He shook off the doubts. He had to keep going. For the first time in his life, he was taking control of his destiny.

As he neared the outskirts of town, the city's bustle began to quiet. The buildings became less crowded, replaced by green spaces and scattered houses. Finally, after what seemed like hours, he spotted it: the large white gates with the familiar blue letters painted on the wall. Miracle House.

Sisonke's breath caught in his throat. He had arrived.

The gates were open, just as Aphiwe had described, and he hesitated for only a moment before walking up the pathway that led to the entrance. The building stood tall and imposing, its wide windows reflecting the clear sky. The atmosphere around the house was peaceful, almost sacred, like it was holding its breath, waiting for someone to find it.

He knocked gently on the door, unsure of what to expect.

A few moments later, a woman answered. She was tall and older than Aphiwe's "miracle mother," her face soft yet firm, with eyes that seemed to have seen both joy and sorrow. Her silver hair was tied in a neat bun, and she wore a warm smile that immediately put him at ease.

"Can I help you, child?" she asked, her voice gentle but filled with authority.

Sisonke stood frozen for a second before he found his voice. "I... I've come for help," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "My name is Sisonke, and I... I need a place to stay."

The woman's expression softened further. She stepped back from the door. "Come inside, Sisonke. You're safe here."

As Sisonke crossed the threshold into Miracle House, he felt a strange weight lift off his shoulders. For the first time in years, he felt like he was in the right place.