PRODUCT OF A RAPE

Chapter Three: The Journey Begins

Zara's ambition was indelibly imprinted in her mind, like a constant, rhythmic bell ringing day and night. She had purposed in her heart that her dreams were not just hopes but certainties. For years, Zara believed that one day everything she aspired to would come to pass. Today was just one step closer to that future.

It was a quiet Saturday morning. Grace and her daughter had decided to spend the day at home. Zara had been planning a surprise for her mother, though she wasn't entirely sure what form it would take. All she knew was that she wanted to make her mother proud, and today, that moment had arrived.

Suddenly, there was a loud knock at the door. Before Grace could respond, Zara burst into the room, eyes wide with excitement.

"I made it, Mum! I made it!" Zara exclaimed, practically jumping into her mother's arms.

"What did you make?" Grace asked, a look of confusion sweeping across her face.

"I passed my entrance exam! I scored 303 out of 400! Mum, your daughter has made it!" Zara said, beaming with pride.

Grace's face lit up with disbelief, then sheer joy. "What? Are you serious? 303?! Oh my God!" she shrieked, unable to contain her excitement.

Tears welled up in Grace's eyes as she hugged Zara tightly. The news had come as a pleasant surprise, as Grace had no idea where Zara had gone earlier that morning. She had noticed the anxiousness in her daughter's demeanor when she left but never imagined it was related to the exam. Zara had been wearing her favorite blue gown with a white waist belt, looking as clean and sharp as ever.

Grace had always admired how Zara took care of herself, always neat and well-dressed, a trait that brought her immense pride. But today's achievement surpassed all of that.

Zara thrust the result slip into her mother's hand, her smile still as bright as ever. "See for yourself, Mum."

Grace held the paper as though it were made of gold. "This is exhilarating! One by one, our dreams are becoming a reality!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with happiness.

Unable to contain her joy, Grace sent one of the neighborhood kids to buy juice so they could celebrate properly.

"Mum, don't you think you're spending too much on just a result?" Zara asked, laughing.

Grace stopped in her tracks. "Just a result? Do you know how many people failed? You passed, and you're calling it just a result?"

Zara chuckled. "I guess that means you'll kill a cow when I get into the university."

Grace laughed heartily. "I'm already making preparations for that. Don't worry, I'll surprise you with a big smartphone... though I guess it's no longer a surprise now that I've told you."

Zara's eyes widened. "Really, Mum? Don't worry, I'll get admitted whether they like it or not."

"That's my daughter! I love that energy."

"I love you, Mum. I don't know what I would have done without you," Zara said, her voice softening.

Grace smiled warmly, brushing away a tear. "Don't make me emotional. So, what's next?"

"I need to study even harder for the university post-entrance exams."

"Do you need money for anything related to your admission?"

"Not really, Mum. Just the exam for now."

Zara knew her mother would spend every last kobo on her education if needed. But she didn't want to take advantage of that. She believed that destiny had a great plan for them, and she didn't need to drain her mother's resources to make it come true.