LEAP - The journal of a street kid

A New Secret in the House

It was an ordinary afternoon at Miracle House, the sun casting its warm glow over the playground where the children were scattered, playing soccer, climbing trees, and chatting in small groups. The house was buzzing with energy as usual, but behind the bright smiles and playful laughter, something was amiss.

In the kitchen, a soft murmur of conversation filled the air, mixed with the clink of plates and the sizzling sound of food being prepared. But in the corner of the dining room, where a group of girls had gathered, a quiet tension was building.

The girls were talking, their voices hushed but urgent. Nandi, one of the older girls, had been growing more withdrawn these past few days. At first, no one noticed, but now, something was different about her. Her clothes seemed tighter, her movements slower, and there was a strange hesitation in her step. She always had a smile on her face, but today, it was a little more forced.

It wasn't long before the whispers began.

"Sisonke, do you think Nandi's been acting weird?" Thando asked quietly, nudging Sisonke as they sat at the corner of the table.

Sisonke glanced up from his plate and nodded. "Yeah, she's been different. I don't know... she looks pale. Like she's hiding something."

Thando, always sharp, narrowed his eyes. "You think it's just a bad week? Or is something else going on?"

Just then, Nandi stood up from the table and excused herself, walking briskly out the door to the backyard. The other girls watched her go, exchanging nervous glances.

Sisonke felt something heavy settle in his chest. He didn't know what was happening, but he could sense the change. A few minutes later, Thando nudged him again.

"Let's go talk to her," Thando suggested, pushing his chair back. "I think we need to figure out what's going on. Something's definitely up."

They made their way outside, where Nandi was sitting alone on a bench, her arms wrapped tightly around her midsection. She stared down at the ground, her face drawn and tired.

"Nandi?" Sisonke asked gently, stepping forward. "Hey, is everything okay? You've been quiet today."

Nandi flinched as if startled, her head snapping up. She looked at Sisonke, then at Thando, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. For a moment, she said nothing. Then, with a shaky breath, she spoke.

"I... I don't know how to say this," she began, her voice barely a whisper. "I didn't mean for this to happen."

Thando and Sisonke exchanged confused looks. "What are you talking about?" Sisonke asked.

"I'm pregnant," Nandi said, her voice trembling.

The words hit Sisonke like a punch in the gut. He blinked in shock, struggling to process what she had just said. Thando's face went pale, and for a moment, there was an uncomfortable silence that stretched on between them.

Nandi looked down at her lap, her hands resting on her stomach. "I don't know what to do. I'm scared, Sisonke. Scared of what everyone will think... scared of what will happen. I didn't mean for this to happen. It just... did."

Thando's eyes softened. "Who... who is the father?"

Nandi wiped at her face, wiping away a tear. "It doesn't matter," she whispered. "I don't even want to think about him right now. I just... I can't tell anyone. If the other kids find out... it'll be the end of me."

Sisonke was quiet for a moment, the weight of her words sinking in. Nandi was only a year older than him, and the thought of her carrying a child—something that should've been a dream for some, but now felt like an impossible burden—staggered him. He reached out and gently placed his hand on her shoulder.

"We won't tell anyone," Sisonke said quietly. "But you need to tell someone who can help. This is big. You're not alone in this, okay?"

Nandi looked up at him, her expression full of fear. "But who? I can't go back to the world I came from. Not with this. Not now."

"Then talk to the adults here," Thando urged. "They'll help. But you have to tell them, Nandi. It's too much to carry on your own."

For a moment, Nandi didn't speak. She just looked at them both, her face torn between fear and relief. Slowly, she nodded.

"I'll think about it," she said quietly. "But... thank you. For listening. I don't know what I would've done if you didn't."