My In-law Raped Me Part III
The Healing Tapestry Of Sisterhood
“I think its my period. Been having mood swings and severe cramps. I thought to stay back home today and take care of myself."
I replied in a soft tone as tears creeped to the edge of my eyelids, threatening to fall but I wipe them away.
After I said that lie, the anger in my chest slowly turns to guilt. Something snapped inside of me and the emotions I 've been suppressing rushed up at once and the tears poured freely. She hugged me tight and offered to make me ginger and cranberry tea to relieve cramps. She left and returned with a hot cup of tea and a sachet of pain relief. I drank from the cup and let it burn the guilt away as I popped the pills. I felt better afterwards and thanked her.
Uncertain of how she 'd take the news, i grappled with the torment of whether to confide in her or not. The fear of disbelief and shattered family bonds loomed over me like a stormy cloud, threatening to drown me in silence.
Desperate for guidance, i sought solace in the dimly lit car park in our compound where I often found refuge. I sat on a weathered bench, the moonlight cast an eerie glow on my tear-streaked face. The night seemed to hold it’s breath, mirroring my internal struggle.
What baffles me is the way at which he calls my sister all these pet names, moving around the house unapologetically like nothing happened. How evil could this man be? At this point, I began to fear for the life of my sister. Someone who could act this way can definitely kill.
I tried all I could to avoid any confrontation with him, while I moved around the house and carried out my chores in fear of the unknown and anger especially when my sister is out.
Meanwhile, just yesterday my sister sensed an unsettling tension within the house. Unaware of the sinister secret, she observed the strained interactions between her husband and I. She asked me if there was a problem, I said no. A growing unease gnawed at her yet the truth remained hidden in the shadows.
I was torn between protecting my sister’s marriage and seeking justice for myself.
One evening after dinner, when he stepped out to check on his friends not far from the neighborhood. I decided it was a good time to let the cat out the basket, because my heart could no longer take it. At least, I owe it to my sister to let her know that this man is not exactly who she thinks he is. I called her into my room and narrated the whole truth that threatened to unravel our family bond. I started by politely telling her to be careful who she trusts because salt and sugar looks alike.
As the words spill out in a hushed tone, hot tears followed like a river. The news hit her like a ton of bricks. First, shock, then disbelief. But as i recounted the painful ordeal. Suddenly a flicker of understanding ignited in her eyes as she recalled a similar experience her friend encountered with her then boyfriend some years ago, just before she said yes to his proposal. She didn’t take it personally because she thought her friend was jealous and looking to destroy their relationship. But now, hearing it from me, she knows better than to disregard the truth of who her husband is.
“Why didn’t you tell me all these while?”
She questioned, regarding me with concern and empathy as she took my hands in hers.
“I was terrified, didn’t think you would believe me cos he already said you won’t. Most importantly, I didn’t want to destroy your home seeing how much you love and adore him.”
“You shouldn’t have. He destroyed it first by forcing himself on you. An offence punishable by law. No one should have to experience that.”
She mouthed amidst tears and guilt of not listening to her friend then.
“We are sisters, bound by blood and shared experiences, we should find strength in each other.”
She continued as she drew closer and consoled me.
My journey towards healing began as soon as I told my sister and I felt a huge load lifted off my shoulder. Haven’t felt this way in weeks, seeing that her love and support for me was unwavering. She took me to the hospital for check-up, after which she quietly reached out to the authorities in charge of sexual violence and they immediately swung into action.
The morning the authorities came to pick him up, he was frozen in place like a slab of concrete, warily looking at me like I 'd developed horns. He never believed I would have the courage to tell my sister, so he fed off of my naivety, without knowing what was coming.
Shortly afterwards, he was sentenced to prison. The painful truth had set us free, forging a new chapter where strength, solidarity, and justice prevailed over the shadows of despair. We picked up our pieces and forged ahead for the life we both deserve.
Together, we confronted the darkness that lurked our sisterhood. Aunt Sandra torn between loyalty and justice, chose to stand by me severing ties with her husband. Our family, once oblivious of the trauma, now witnessed the resilience of two sisters, united against betrayal and sexual violence.
The End.
Thanks for stopping by. Have you enjoyed this story? I 'd like to see your claps and comments.
Did you miss Part II? Read it here.
Until next time, peace out!✌️😊
