Zara's hands trembled as she picked up the letters. She didn't want to believe it, but the handwriting was too familiar. Her grandmother had known Kemi. Maybe even hidden something about her.
They carried the suitcase back to the flower shop, sitting on the floor like two children uncovering buried treasure. Zara opened the first letter.
Dear Ireti,
I can't stay here much longer. I think he knows. I'm scared. I'll try to leave after the festival.
Zara's breath caught. The letter was dated a week before Kemi disappeared.
"He knows? Who's 'he'?" Dayo asked.
They read more. The letters hinted at someone watching Kemi, someone she feared. Then came the final letter:
If anything happens to me, please tell Dayo the truth. I wish I could see him again.
Zara covered her mouth. Her grandmother had known Dayo's mother. She had known Kemi was in danger. But why hadn't she said anything?
They spent the night going through every page. At dawn, Zara looked out the window and realized something else.
The rain had stopped.
It was the first time in weeks.
Dayo stood beside her. "Do you think it's a sign?"
Zara nodded slowly. "Something is changing. Maybe... maybe it's time we find out what really happened."
But as she turned back, she noticed something even more chilling, her sketchbook was open on the table.
And a new drawing was inside.
She hadn't drawn it.