TRIALS OF THELMA

her, defining her in a way she couldn't shake. It wasn't just the slap, it was the consta

ll me, "You brought us luck, Thelma. Your father found work the day you were

ed the world, he got a call with a new job offer. "He was at the interview when

anged the day Jayden was born. My mother had always wanted a son, so she prayed and begged God

thday to you, happy birthday dear

should have made me happy. It did make me happy, but instead, it also reminded me of how tired I was. I had spent the entire weekend preparing for his

must be submitted by 10 a.m. on Monday. Late sub

id I have? Sleep wasn't an option. "Thelma! Wake up early to make lunch for everyone to

xhaustion settle deep into my b

Seeing Blessing at the gate made me feel a little lighter. "Hey,

mitted, the weight of my life pressing down on me. "Don't worr

f relief. "You're a

"Although, I think you should try doing your a

She was a tall woman with a kind face and an encouraging smile, known for making even the most difficult topics seem mana

"A triphthong is a complex vowel sound that begins with one vowel and glides into tw

are found in words like fire' and 'o

ard to concentrate. When Ms. Precious called on me to read, my hea

lt seen, like maybe I wasn't as useless as my mother always made

lked home, Blessing's question cut through the

.. I spent all of Saturday helping out. By the time we

nding. "That's a lot. Did h

my brother's face. "Yeah, he did. He lo

art ways, Blessing gave me a quick hu

mfort she offered home with me. But I knew that once I stepped through that d

******

d to myself. "What kind of mother does this