Silent Bruises

When the music changed, Adunni suddenly grabbed Morenike’s hand. “Come.

Let’s dance before the night gets old.” She pulled her onto the dance floor with a joy that

didn’t match her eyes. They danced, laughed, spun around each

other like girls again… But in the middle of the dance, Morenike froze.

She saw it. On Adunni’s wrist. A bruise. Dark. Fresh.

Shaped like fingers. Adunni quickly pulled her sleeve down — too late. Their eyes met.

And in that one moment, the smile Adunni had been hiding behind collapsed.

Just for a heartbeat. But it was enough. Morenike whispered, “Adunni… who did that to you?”