The days rolled by slowly, each one bringing Zaria a little more strength. Though her body was healing, her nights remained haunted by the echoes of the past. Nightmares often woke her in cold sweats—dark flashes of Sarah's cruel voice, the hunger pangs, the silent cries for help that went unanswered. Each time she opened her eyes, it took her a moment to remember she was safe now—under Sally's care, in a place filled with warmth and kindness she was still learning to trust.
Sally was a patient Man. He sat with Zaria through the quiet hours, offering company without forcing conversation. Dr. Kwizi Samuel, Sally's close friend, visited often to check on Zaria's health. A renowned doctor and owner of several hospitals and companies, he had taken special interest in Zaria's recovery. Plans were already underway to fly her to India for specialized treatment, and a kind-hearted nurse from the hospital, who had grown deeply fond of Zaria, had volunteered to accompany her.
"She's like a daughter to me now," the nurse had told Sally. "Even when she was asleep, I'd sit by her bedside reading novels aloud. I'll take care of her in India, just like my own."
But Zaria, though grateful, remained quiet and thoughtful. One particular afternoon, as Sally gently helped her take her medicine, Zaria looked up, her eyes watery but steady.
"Uncle Sally ," she whispered in her hoarse, barely-there voice. "Can I ask for something?"
"Of course, my sweet girl. What is it?"
"I want to send a letter... to someone very special."
Sally leaned in attentively.
"Her name is Linda. She's my friend—my only friend. She's the one who's been helping me, giving me food, encouraging me even when I had no hope left. She deserves to know that I'm alive... and safe."
A soft smile curved on Sally's face. "That's a beautiful thought. And I'm sure your friend would be so happy to hear from you."
Zaria shook her head slowly. "But I want her to keep it a secret. She shouldn't tell anyone, not even her mother or any teacher… except Teacher Lilian, if she ever sees her again."
Sally's brows lifted slightly. "Why Teacher Lilian?"
"She was the only teacher who cared. She helped me too, before she was transferred. Linda knows about her. I just... I don't want Sarah or anyone else to know where I am. Not yet."
Sally placed a gentle hand on Zaria's shoulder. "I understand. We'll respect your wishes."
There was a pause before Sally asked softly, "Where can we find this Linda?"
Zaria coughed a little and cleared her throat. Her voice came out cracked, but determined.
"She's in Primary Seven, at Bright Light Primary School."
Sally nodded, making a mental note. "We'll find her. Would you like to write the letter now?"
Zaria nodded. Sally brought her a pen and a piece of crisp white paper. Zaria's hand trembled as she held the pen, but Sally supported her wrist until she steadied. Slowly, Zaria began to write, pouring her heart into each word:
---
Dear Linda,
I miss you. I don't even know how to start this letter because there's so much I want to say, but I don't know if I have the words.
I am alive. I know everyone must be thinking I'm dead, or something worse. But I am alive, Linda. God sent someone to help me, and I am now in a safe place with kind people. They are treating me well, and very soon I'll be taken to India for better treatment.
Please don't cry anymore, my friend. Please don't blame yourself for anything. You did everything you could for me. You fed me, gave me hope, and treated me like a sister. You're one of the reasons I am still alive.
But Linda, I beg you, please don't tell anyone about me. Not your mother, not your teachers—only Teacher Lilian, if you ever see her again. Please keep this secret until I'm strong enough to come back on my own.
When that day comes, I promise to find you. I will return and hug you so tight you'll never doubt that miracles happen. For now, just pray for me.
I love you, my sister.
Zaria.
---
By the time she finished writing, Zaria had tears flowing freely down her cheeks. Sally carefully folded the letter, placed it in an envelope, and wrote "To: Linda (P.7), Bright Light Primary School" in neat handwriting across the front.
"I'll make sure she gets it," Sally assured her. "And don't worry, she'll keep your secret."
Zaria smiled weakly, but there was a peace in her eyes that hadn't been there before.
That evening, Sally called one of her trusted drivers and explained the situation. She gave him strict instructions to deliver the letter personally to the school and hand it over only to a girl named Linda in Primary Seven. The next morning, the driver left early for Bright Light Primary School.
Meanwhile, preparations for India continued. Dr. Kwizi was finalizing the hospital arrangements, and the nurse was getting her travel documents in order. Zaria, despite the excitement, remained quiet. She often sat by the window, staring at the clouds, whispering silent prayers. But something had shifted inside her—hope had finally found a way in.
Two days later, the driver returned with news that he had found Linda and handed her the letter personally. "The girl cried the moment she saw Zaria's name," he told Sally. "She kept holding it like it was a piece of gold."
Sally smiled, her heart full. "Then it reached the right hands."
Though Zaria didn't say much, when she heard the news, her lips formed the faintest smile. For the first time in a long time, she slept without any nightmares that night.