I said, my voice echoing with a newfound strength that seemed to swallow the entire hall. “Very well. But let me remind you of one crucial detail before I go.”
Silence descended like a shroud, all eyes on me. The room was charged with an electric anticipation, the kind that precedes a storm. I could see the curiosity and bewilderment etched on every face, including my sister’s, who was still clutching her soaked dress as if it alone were anchoring her to sanity.
Taking a deep breath, I approached the podium, my heart resounding like a drumbeat of justice. With each step, I shed the weight of years spent in their shadows, years of being the unwanted daughter. I felt like David before Goliath, armed with truth as my only weapon.
