There were moments in life when you looked in the mirror and realized—you were changing.
Not just growing older, but growing into yourself.
Akutu had always thought she knew who she was.
A Ghanaian girl, ambitious, intelligent, hardworking.
But now, in this new world, surrounded by people from different backgrounds, different cultures, and different ways of thinking—
She was beginning to question everything.
It started with small things.
Like the way she had started drinking coffee instead of tea.
Or how she found herself enjoying music she never used to listen to.
Or how she now spoke slower, enunciating each word carefully, so others could understand her accent.
She was adapting.
But was she still herself?
One evening, after a long study session, she found herself deep in conversation with Olivia.
"You've changed since I met you," Olivia said casually.
Akutu froze. "What do you mean?"
"I don't know… you just seem more—" Olivia searched for the right word. "More sure of yourself. More you."
Akutu thought about that.
She had always feared that change meant losing herself.
But maybe—just maybe—change was revealing who she truly was.
That night, she pulled out her journal.
She flipped through the pages, reading her own words from months ago.
The doubts. The fears. The uncertainty.
And yet, here she was.
Not lost. Not fading.
Becoming.
The pulleys of life had shifted once again.