Chapter 17

I stood outside the huge iron gate of Grandpa’s mansion as negative thoughts kept blocking my sense of reasoning. I imagined an intimidating and burly security personnel, wearing a uniform with bright colours asking me to go back home without sympathy in his eyes. I snapped out of it and reminded myself of how strong I was: I am a strong and fierce girl, I affirmed.

I put my knuckles to work and knocked at the gate. A man peeked through from the small hole in the gate and then, he came outside. He was exactly as I imagined. Intimidating, burly, adorned with bright - coloured uniform.

“Excuse me ma’am, what can I do for you?” He asked, raking through my entire outfit with his eyes as if trying to gauge my status.

“I want to see my grandfather.” I responded and he stared at me as if I had grown horns in my head. “I was told he lives here and I really need his help,” I added, glancing around worriedly. The neighbourhood reeked of tranquillity, the street was clean and