tar reached into her bra, making a show of pulling out money, her movements slow, seductive—enough to distract the goon holding Mandume. The man's eyes locked onto her exposed cleavage, giving Mandume the moment he needed.
With a forceful jerk, Mandume slammed his elbow into the goon's ribs. The man stumbled back, the knife flying from his grip and disappearing into the thick brush.
At the same time, Star spun on her heel and delivered a brutal kick straight to the other goon's groin. He crumpled, groaning.
Mandume grabbed her wrist, his fingers tight but trembling.
"Run!" he shouted.
They sprinted to the road, hearts pounding, lungs burning.
Panting, Mandume finally spoke, "Oh my God… what just happened?"
Star, catching her breath, offered a shaky laugh. "Your prophecy came true. Robbers. Thank God we didn't bring anything valuable."
Mandume chuckled, still stunned. "But that was smart. You really threw them off."
"Yeah… Stars don't dim," she said, flashing a nervous grin.
He glanced at her sideways. "But… did you really mean what you said back there?"
Star blinked. "Yho, I was scared you'd get swept up in the romance and miss the point."
"I'm the one who's scared," Mandume admitted. "Didn't that freak you out completely? What if your mutism kicks in again?"
Star looked away. "I don't know… but if it happens, don't call the doctor. Just sprinkle water on my face. And maybe… maybe we just don't talk about it at all. No rewinding. Then it won't come."
"You sure?"
"Yes," she whispered.
They walked home in silence, the night pressing in.
Later That Evening
Dinner was warm, the clatter of dishes filling the air. Everyone was seated when Bonita spoke up.
"Star, my brother said you had a big adventure today."
Star's hand stiffened on her fork. Mandume immediately stepped in.
"Yeah… Boni, I hope you remember everything we told you about it. So no need to ask Star, right?" His gaze was firm, almost pleading.
Bonita caught on quickly and signed Sorry to Star.
"Adventure, huh?" Grandma Christine raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, Grandma," Mandume replied. "We'll tell you after dinner. Right now, let's eat."
Bonita leaned closer to Christine and whispered, "Granny… Star might go mute if we bring it up. She got really freaked out."
Mandume reached under the table and gently touched Star's hand. She exhaled slowly, grounding herself.
"How did this condition find me?" she muttered under her breath.
Maria, ever suspicious, narrowed her eyes. "Star looks nervous… What exactly happened out there? Where did they go?"
Then, after a beat of tense silence—
"Grandma… I have something to tell you," Star said quietly.
Maria immediately straightened. Her eyes sharpened like a blade.
"Aww, okay, go ahead, my child," Christine replied, kindly.
"I've been wanting to say this for a while, but… there have been obstacles." Star's eyes flicked to Maria, who suddenly looked nervous.
Maria interjected quickly. "Star, can't you tell Mom later? We're eating… table rules."
"Yeah, tell Granny later," Bonita added gently. "When you feel safe and have enough time."
Christine raised an eyebrow. "What's with the nervousness, Maria? I'm sure it's not your secret she's about to reveal… right?"
Maria forced a smile, but her voice was tight. "Absolutely not, Grandma. I'm as transparent as water. No secrets here."
Star let out a soft, mocking laugh. "Of course. The faithful daughter. Never kept a secret in her life, right?" The jab landed. Maria flushed with anger.
Mandume, oblivious to the deeper war between them, asked, "Wait—what's really going on?"
Star turned back to Christine. "Actually, Dad and I… we've talked. We're trying to put things right."
Maria suddenly cut in, too fast. "And you're leaving, right?"
Silence fell. Everyone stared.
"What?" Christine exclaimed.
Maria's face paled—realizing her words had betrayed her.
"I mean… I assumed…"
Mandume turned to Star, hurt flickering in his eyes. "You're leaving?"
"Mendu," she said softly, "Take it easy. I'm not finished yet."
She continued, "Father asked to meet me tomorrow after work."
Maria relaxed visibly. Christine, however, beamed with pride.
"That's wonderful, my child. He raised you—fed you, clothed you—and one mistake can't erase all that. Mandume, tomorrow, take the company car and escort Star, understood?"
Maria flared. "Mom, company cars aren't for personal use."
"Oh, I know," Christine replied sweetly, "Or perhaps you'd prefer to return Mandume's car to the house? That way, we won't have to talk about this again."
Star looked between them, confused.
Mandume chimed in, "She's right. There's no car left for house use. They keep… disappearing. We'll use the company cars."
"I'll just take a cab," Star said.
"No, Star," Christine cut in. "You're family. Which means you're entitled to everything here."
Everyone froze.
"Family?" Maria sneered. "She's been here a month, and already she's family? You accepted her, loved her—and me? I've been here over 20 years and you still hate me!"
Bonita and Mandume stared at her in shock.
Maria stood, shaking. "I've done everything—and still, I'm never enough!"
"Mom… let's go." Bonita took her mother gently by the arm, leading her away.
"What was that about?" Mandume asked, stunned.
Christine sighed. "It's nothing for you to worry about. It's between us elders. Eat your food."
She turned to Star. "And you—don't let her words get to you. Eat, and prepare to meet your father tomorrow."
Star nodded quietly, the chaos still echoing inside her.