Night had fallen.
The compound was quiet — too quiet.
But Ada's heart was loud inside her chest, pounding with every step she took.
Chidi walked beside her, a small torch trembling in his hand. His eyes were wide with fear… but steady with determination.
"They're asleep," Ada whispered.
"Yes," Chidi replied softly. "But we can't wait."
Flat Seven stood ahead of them, dark and silent, like it was watching.
Ada's fingers trembled as she pushed the gate open.
The metal creaked softly as they stepped into the shadowed corridor.
Inside the flat, the air felt cold and heavy, like it had been holding breath for years.
In the corner of the living room, a faint reddish glow pulsed slowly… like a tired heartbeat.
Ada swallowed and took a deep breath.
"I'm not afraid," she whispered — more to herself than to Chidi.
Chidi nodded and tightened his grip on the torch.
"Hello?" Ada called softly into the room.
"I know you're here. I know you're lonely. You don't have to scare anyone anymore… I can help you."
The glow flickered.
Then a soft, broken whisper filled the air — barely a sound, yet filled with pain:
"Alone… always alone…"
Ada's chest tightened. Slowly, she knelt on the cold floor, her voice gentle and steady.
"I know," she whispered.
"I understand. You were hurt. You were left behind. And no one came for you. But you don't have to stay here anymore. You can rest. You can finally be at peace."
The reddish light shimmered violently for a moment, pulsing faster, as if struggling.
The whispers grew louder…
then softer…
then quiet.
Chidi stepped closer and held Ada's hand tightly.
"You're safe now," Ada said through her tears.
"We see you. We hear you. You're not alone anymore."
Slowly… the glow began to change.
From harsh red…
to soft orange…
until it slowly faded away completely.
Warmth filled the room.
The heavy air lifted.
For the first time, Flat Seven felt calm.
Ada exhaled deeply, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Chidi smiled faintly beside her.
Outside, the compound lights flickered back on.
The wind softened.
And somewhere in the estate, children slept peacefully — unaware of the courage that had saved them this night.
Ada knew this night would stay with her forever.
Because sometimes, courage is not loud.
Sometimes
courage is simply stepping forward when fear wants to leave you frozen.