Delia POV
"Mom," I began as we stirred the pot in the kitchen, the scent of boiling herbs rising between us, "I want to tell you something important. I've decided to go to the West."
She turned to look at me, puzzled.
"There, I can find a job," I continued, "earn some money, and take care of our family. Look around—we don't have anything. We're hated by everyone. If I stay here, we'll just keep suffering. But if I go, I'll make you proud."
"What?" Mom asked in a sharp tone, not sure she heard me right.
"Mother, I'm sorry if my decision hurts you, but I can't keep living like this. I need to leave the East and go where I can build a better life."
I paused, my voice thick with emotion.
"Alsyria and her friends—they won't stop tormenting me. Every day, they find new ways to humiliate me. I can't breathe in this place anymore. I want a life where I can focus, where I'm not constantly looking over my shoulder. I want peace—for me, and for us."
Mother began to cry silently. I understood her pain, and honestly, mine matched hers. But what choice did I have? Staying would only trap us further in poverty and shame.
Leaving her behind was cruel. I knew the whispers would worsen once I was gone. She would have to bear the insults, the humiliation—alone. But deep inside, I believed it was the only way. If I went to the West, I might come back with hope.
"Delia, do you even understand what you're saying?" she asked. "Who are you leaving me to?"
As the weight of her words sank in, Auntie Pelsia entered the kitchen. She'd heard the last part of our conversation and stared at us suspiciously.
"Who is leaving?" she asked.
I stood and turned to her. "Auntie, I'm sorry. But I've decided to go to the West."
"What?! What does that even mean?" she gasped. "Who are you leaving us with, Delia?"
Tears filled her eyes too.
But then—suddenly—Mother wiped her cheeks and straightened her back. Her voice grew firm, steady.
"No," she said. "You have to go. That's final. And Pelsia will go with you."
"What?" I exclaimed, shaking my head. "No! If Auntie's coming with me, then I won't go at all. I can't let you face everything alone."
Auntie Pelsia stepped forward, her eyes already shining with protest. "Yes, that's true, sister. How can I leave you here with all these burdens? No, I won't do that."
Mother raised her hand, silencing us both.
"I am the eldest here," she said with a voice that left no room for argument. "I am giving you both an order. The only thing you have to do is obey—and do as I ask."