ALL THAT GLITTERS ARE NOT GOLD (EPISODE 2)

Hello everyone! I hope this message finds you well, by the grace of God. This is Chidera Daniel Ben, and I’d like to continue with the story "All That Glitters." I appreciate your patience during my delay.

I was on the verge of uncovering something important, but first, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for this community. I was quite upset to receive a notification indicating that my work had been flagged with an AI alert.

I want to make it clear that I am the sole creator of the story in question, developed with great consideration and effort. It’s disheartening to see it incorrectly categorized by some system as generated by either a human or AI. I genuinely don't understand this labeling. I just wanted to share my feelings on the matter; thank you for listening.

As we proceed, this story's goal is to highlight the injustices faced by real children in their homes every day.

CONTINUATION OF "ALL THAT GLITTERS" (episode 2)

source

Joseph stayed silent, paralyzed by the fear of destruction if he confided in anyone.

Goodness had bravely asked the question that others avoided: "What’s wrong with you?"

He stood stiffly by the sink, unable to respond. For a brief moment, their eyes met, but fear surged back as he recalled the threats and the eerie stillness of the night, alongside the haunting memory of Chief’s heavy hands…

No one could comprehend the suffering he bore.

Yet Goodness’s gaze was gentle, softer than anything he had felt since arriving in Uyo.

Quickly, he wiped his face with the back of his hand and murmured, "Nothing. I’m fine."

However, Goody understood that this was not the first time she had seen such distress. She had witnessed this far too often in affluent families.

That evening, she slipped him a small note: "When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be here."

Later that night, Chief Chisom returned, and instead of crying, Joseph stared blankly at the ceiling.

The Chief cautioned him, "If you ever breathe a word to anyone, I'll destroy you. Do you understand?"

Joseph nodded slowly. "Yes, sir."

But within his heart, a seed of resistance and hope had been sown.

Two weeks passed, and Joseph became quieter, more broken, and increasingly robotic. Through it all, Goodness observed him in silence, like a protective sister.

When Chief was away on a trip, Goodness quietly entered Joseph’s room and whispered, "Joseph! I have an aunt who runs a shelter for children. I can help you escape, but I need you to trust me."

Joseph's heart raced at the thought of freedom. "Will he find me?" he asked nervously. "He’s powerful."

She took his hand and reassured him, "I was once like you. I managed to escape as well. You can’t keep suffering. You’re still young."

Trembling, Joseph felt the warmth of comfort wash over him—a feeling he had almost forgotten.

"I want to leave…," he whispered. "I want to go home."

But it was complicated. Chief’s men were everywhere, the mansion had cameras, and the guards patrolled the gates.

They needed to be smart and act quickly.

A plan was devised—one chance, one night, one shot at freedom.

Just as they were about to put it into action, an unexpected event occurred: Chief Chisom returned early, intoxicated, furious, and suspicious.

He shouted, "Joseph!!! WHERE IS THAT BOY?!"

💔 Were they about to have their plan exposed?
💔 Was the escape doomed before it even began?

NEXT EPISODE: Will Joseph manage to escape, or will the monster in a suit catch him before he can flee?

📢 Follow @dannyben39 for more engaging stories. Resteem to unlock the next episode, and comment "Run, Joseph" if you’re hoping for his safety.

Thanks 🖊️

Regards 😎
@steemkidss