The award still sat neatly folded on my desk, like a quiet reminder of how far I had come.
Everything felt different now. Teachers smiled at me. Classmates gave me nods of respect. Even the ones who once laughed behind my back now saw something else in me — potential.
But nothing, absolutely nothing, compared to what I found that evening:
A letter.
It was placed gently on my bed. The envelope was sealed with my father's crest. I recognized the handwriting — my mother's.
I opened it slowly, heart pounding.
"Dear Adewale,
Your father and I received the news. We cannot express how proud we are. To see your name mentioned as a winner, after everything you've faced — it brought tears to our eyes.
We always knew there was greatness in you. But this… this was you finding it for yourself.
As promised, your study abroad application has been approved. The doors are open. The future is calling.
But there's something more.
We heard about Tope — the girl you said stood by you when no one else did. The one who believed in your change, even when it wasn't easy.
Your father and I have decided that if she's willing — and if you both succeed through the final selection — she can come with you.
Not just as a friend… but as part of your story.
Don't let go of what matters.
With all our love,
Mum & Dad"
I held the letter to my chest, stunned. My chest rose and fell with a heavy breath.
Tope.
She could come with me?
I ran out into the hallway, eyes searching.
I found her near the library, flipping through a book.
"Tope," I said, breathless. "I got a letter from home."
She looked up, curious. "And?"
"They want you to come with me… to study abroad."
She froze. "What?"
I smiled. "If we pass the final stage of the scholarship — they're in. They want you there, too."
Tears welled in her eyes.
"Why would they do that?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Because they know what I already knew," I said gently. "You changed my life."