
Wanza imagined herself at Maria’s graduation
What would she wear?
Maria was Wanza’s oldest
A girl with promise
Would she graduate?
***
Maria joined university
And moved from home
But dutiful Maria kept in touch with her mother
Wanza worried about Maria
Would she manage to fund Maria’s course?
Would Maria graduate?
***
Two weeks before the end of the semester
Maria went home
She asked her mother to buy her a new, big suitcase
To pack her belongings at the end of the semester
Mother and daughter bought a blue suitcase
Would Maria graduate?
***
A week later, Wanza sent Maria money
Usually, Maria would call or text
To acknowledge receipt
This time, she did not
Wanza called her daughter Maria
No answer
Where is Maria?
Would Maria graduate?
***
Four days earlier….
“It’s over between us,” Maria said to Mulwa.
“No, not until I say so,” answered Mulwa.
“I said it’s over. Get out of my room,” Maria insisted.
“And I said it’s not over,” he said.
He moved towards her and attempted to hold her. She pushed him away and moved towards the door to open it. He grabbed her roughly to stop her from reaching the door and pushed her violently. She fell back and hit her head on the edge of a low table.
She was unresponsive….
***
Maria’s body was found in the blue suitcase …
Maria did not graduate.
(Based on a true story)
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About the Creator
Wanjiru Ciira
I'm a story-teller with an interest in the human condition. I write on relationships, health, aging, parenting, travel, and fiction. I've a background in journalism - feature-writing, reporting, and investigative journalism.


Comments (4)
So sad
Very sad story
Very well written......and sadly true :(
Sad story. Well told though 👍🏾