Umsindo ohlukanisiwe

Lena learned the house rules on her first night: don’t ask questions, don’t make noise, don’t expect kindness. The family called it “structure.” She called it weather—cold, constant, and impossible to argue with. They measured her by chores done and words not spoken. Dinner was quiet. Weekends were quieter. If she laughed too loudly at a show, the TV clicked off. If she lingered at the table, a finger tapped the clock. She grew smaller without moving an inch. But Lena had a talent no one notic