Bound to you

A fresh start

Clara's pov

"Finally," Clara whispered to herself, a flutter of excitement mixing with a hint of anxiety as she packed the last of her belongings. Today was the day she would leave behind the only home she had known, heading to the University of Nairobi. A dream she had cradled in her heart for years.

Standing in the doorway of her tiny, cold room, Clara allowed herself a sad smile. The space barely had anything, not even a single furniture. Only a small mattress pushed into the corner and a thin blanket that had seen better days. It was hard to believe she had managed to survive in this cramped place for so long. She felt her heart tag, rather painfully at the memories of the past.

She took a deep breath, scanning the familiar surroundings. Each object held a story, a whisper of the loneliness that had settled in her bones during those long, cold nights. All she could take with her were a few worn clothes and a fragile photo frame of her parents. Her most treasured possession. The only tangible link to a love she had lost far too soon.

A tear slipped down her cheek as her  heart tightened. Suddenly,  memories washed over her. The nights spent shivering under that thin blanket, the hunger gnawing at her stomach, and the constant shadow of her foster parents' anger. Yet, within the ache, there was a fierce determination to break free from the past. She had to embrace the future she had long yearned for, she had no otherwise.

Just as she zipped up her battered duffel bag, the door swung open, and her foster mother stormed in, her voice sharp as ever.

"Why haven't you left yet? I can't stand your sight! Take all your filth and get out! I never want to see you again. Do you know how hard it was to raise you? We spent so much money on you! Don't forget to pay us back for every penny!"She shouted.

Clara's heart sank at the familiar tirade, the words cutting deep. It was always like this. From the moment she had stepped into their home as a ten-year-old, it had been a battleground, with her foster mother wielding anger like a weapon.

Clara stayed silent, knowing that any response would only ignite the flames further. She had learned early on that silence was her best defense. She didnt want to accept it, but the phrase , once beaten, twice shy,  had kept her safe through years of turmoil.

Glancing at her phone, Clara realized time was slipping away. She grabbed her bag, adrenaline surging as she raced out the door, each step pulling her further from the weight of her past.

Luck seemed to be on her side; the bus hadn't left yet. She boarded just in time, her heart pounding as it pulled away, leaving behind the shadows she longed to escape.She welcomed her new found freedom, and with it let go of the anchors of the past that had been weighing her down.

When she arrived at the University of Nairobi, its grandeur stole her breath. It was more vibrant and alive than she had ever imagined. It was then she realised the freedom she had gotten and the door to anew world she had opened. She would be damned if she didnt take it.

The registration process was a blur of excitement, she quickly found a room—spacious and filled with light. Such a  contrast to her old, dull existence.

Another girl her age walked in. Reaching out for a handshake. Clara hesistated for a brief second. It had been a while since she had had any contact with anyone. Back at home she was like a slave, never allowed to socialize. 

She looked up at the girl, still wondering whether or not to reach out for the handshake as well. Dont get it wrong, she was never allowed to touch anyone back at home, after all, she was dirty and smelly.

"Hi, I'm Nadia," her new roommate said, a warm smile spreading across her face.

"I'm Clara," she replied, 

As she shook Nadia's hand, she took a moment to absorb the difference between them. While Clara's clothes were frayed and worn, Nadia's attire exuded style and confidence. Every piece of clothing she had on screamed luxury and high-end.

Yet, as they began to chat, Clara felt an unexpected connection forming. They bonded over shared interests—books, music, and dreams of the future. Laughter bubbled between them, filling the room with a sense of possibility. 

By the end of the day, they went out together, Nadia insisting on buying a few clothes for Clara, a gesture that left her both grateful and a little overwhelmed.

The next evening, Clara found herself at a charity party with Nadia, her stomach a knot of nerves. Surrounded by laughter and unfamiliar faces, she felt out of place, but Nadia's steady presence anchored her. In that moment, Clara realized she wasn't alone anymore.

For the first time in years, she felt the warmth of friendship wrapping around her, a flicker of hope igniting within. As she stepped into this new chapter of her life, Clara embraced the promise of fresh beginnings, ready to rewrite her story and carve out a future filled with light.

Hi guys I'm so excited for this story as it is my first one. Please just give it a chance since it might not be perfect. 💓💓💓💓love you guys