Tomas got home just in time for dinner. The meal was warm, the conversation casual… but his eyes? They were miles away.
Star noticed immediately.
"Dad… is everything okay?" she asked, her voice careful but direct.
"Yeah, yes… everything's fine," Tomas replied with a weak smile.
But Star wasn't buying it. "Are you sure? Is Ms. Frieda giving you trouble again? Does she want you back?"
"No, no," Tomas said quickly, too quickly.
"Why would Frieda trouble him? She's not an idiot," Louisa cut in. "Maybe he's just worried about something else."
"Mom, maybe you still have her in your good books, but Dad doesn't. He'd have spent the night on the streets if Daniella didn't open the door for him that day. Frieda is evil, and you know it—she's capable of anything."
"Star," Tomas interjected, trying to soothe the tension. "I'm totally fine. Frieda and I just have some issues… I'll sort them out. Don't worry."
"What kind of issues?" Star asked.
"I'll tell you when the time is right," he said, dodging.
"Okay… But if it's anything serious, especially if it involves Frieda, please don't bottle it up. I'd like to help you, Dad. You don't have to carry it alone."
Louisa snorted. "I still don't see why she's not allowed to be upset. Tomas probably disappeared without telling her where he was going. She is his wife after all."
Star blinked. "Mom? Why would you even say that? You and Dad never divorced. And he and Frieda didn't get married either. Why are you handing him over like he's a bad debt?"
"That's the only way to make sense of him running into another woman's house the moment we separated," Louisa said sharply.
"That was the worst decision I ever made," Tomas admitted, regret etched into every word. "And I'm sorry."
"Sorry? Sorry won't undo the fact that you practically tried to starve me to death in that house!" Louisa's voice cracked, her pain surfacing like an old wound torn open.
"You're not about to start fighting now, are you?" Star's tone grew firm. "Because I won't allow that. Mom, I understand your anger. It's justified. But Dad is trying to make things right. He's changed. Please, don't let the past rob you of peace."
"Your mother is right, Star," Tomas said quietly. "Fate was against me. Otherwise… you would've been an orphan. I know that. I'm ready to make amends in any way she sees fit. Even if it means going to jail."
That silenced the room.
"No, Dad, you don't need to go that far—" Star began.
Louisa cut her off.
"Do you really think you can blackmail me with remorse, Tomas?" she snapped. "You think I'll forget everything you put me through just because you're finally sorry? I passed Grade 12, remember—I understand manipulation. Keep your repentance. I'm not here for you. I'm here for my daughter. That's all."
With that, she stormed off to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
Tomas exhaled. "She's not ready to hear me."
"Not yet," Star said gently. "But one day, she might. Just listen. Let her speak. She'll forgive you when she's ready."
"I hope so," Tomas said, the weight of years pressing down on his shoulders.
Later that night, as the household slipped into uneasy rest, Star's phone buzzed.
Mandume.
He was calling.
She tiptoed into the bathroom and answered, stifling a yawn. "Why are you calling now? I miss you, but I was almost asleep."
"You're yawning like you just ran a marathon," Mandume teased. "Were you already asleep?"
"Yes, and now you've ruined my beauty sleep," she grumbled playfully.
"Hey! If you'd replied to my texts, I wouldn't have disturbed you."
"I did reply," Star said, confused.
"Nope. Nothing came through on my side."
"I can't argue right now—my parents are sleeping."
"Your mom is there too?" he asked, surprised.
"Yes… and by the way, I'm mad at you. Why didn't you pick me up from the hospital?"
"I had important work, Star. I thought I'd find you home… but your dad beat me to it."
"Still! You owe me for that."
"I like it when you're mad at me in a sweet way," Mandume chuckled. "Now I can sleep in peace."
Star smiled. "Can I see you tomorrow? Like… on a date?"
"Wait… are you asking me out?"
She giggled. "Can you be my date, Mr. Mandume Davids?"
"Yes. Yes. A thousand times yes!" he exclaimed so loudly that Olivia stirred in the next room.
"Why is Mandume shouting at this hour?" Olivia muttered as she tried to eavesdrop, but the walls betrayed her.
"I'll send you the location," Star whispered.
"You just made my night," Mandume said. "Goodnight, Star."
"Goodnight."
The Next Morning
"Star, wake up!" Louisa called, nudging her gently. "It's time for breakfast and your vitamins."
"Mom… it's too early," Star murmured, half buried under the blankets.
"It's half-past seven. Your father's already gone to work."
"Just thirty more seconds. Please," Star whined.
"Thirty seconds? Are you crazy? We slept early last night!"
Louisa sighed, checking the clock. "Alright, I'm heading to the market to set up my stand. Will you be okay on your own till lunch?"
"Mom, I'm not a baby," Star mumbled.
"I know… but I need to leave knowing you took your vitamins."
"I will, I promise. I'm just… really tired. I need a bit more rest."
Louisa softened. "Pregnancy is a full-time job. But promise me something—don't leave the hotel, even if Mandume asks you to."
"I won't," Star said drowsily.
Louisa kissed her forehead and left, the door clicking shut behind her.