The day began like any other—a sunny Saturday in Sunrise Heights, a tight-knit neighborhood where everyone knew one another. The smell of grilled food wafted from a modest backyard, and soft music played while Nyla, a 34-year-old mother, tied balloons and finished decorating for her twin sons’ twelfth birthday party.
Jaden and Jason, bright, dark-skinned, energetic boys, were the joy of her life. Nyla had raised them mostly on her own, with help from her elderly mother, Mrs. Thelma. The boys leapt around the living room, laughing at superhero decorations and eyeing the large birthday cake.
Watching from a corner was Malcolm, the boys’ father and Nyla’s long-time but inconsistent partner. He had only recently returned to the home after months away. His presence was welcomed, but a quiet tension still lingered between him and Nyla—an unspoken unease. But today was meant for…..Read Full Story Here…………………
