“I forgave you many years ago.”
A ripple of surprise moved through the crowd.
Even Kemi turned sharply.
“You did?”
Toby nodded.
“Yes. Because anger is a heavy burden. Carrying it for twenty years would have destroyed me.”
Bolanle’s eyes filled again.
“Then does that mean—”
Toby gently lifted a hand.
“Forgiveness does not erase consequences.”
She nodded slowly. “I understand.”
“You cannot return as the mother these daughters needed. That time is gone.”
Kemi exhaled, some of her tension easing.
Yetunde lowered her eyes thoughtfully.
“But,” Toby continued, “you are still a human being. And if you truly wish to make peace with the past, there is a way.”
Bolanle looked up, confused.
Toby gestured toward the academy site.
“This school is being built for girls who feel abandoned, overlooked, and limited by where they come from. If you truly regret what happened, then spend the rest of your life helping them.”
Bolanle stared at him.
“Work with the academy?”
“Yes,” Toby said calmly. “Not to restore the past. That chapter is closed. But to do something meaningful with what remains.”
Folake was the first to speak softly.
“Helping girls like us.”
Abiola nodded.
“That could matter.”
Yetunde said, “People can change.”
All eyes turned to Kemi.
She crossed her arms and remained silent for a few moments.
Finally, she sighed.
“I still don’t trust her. But if Daddy believes this is the right path… then I will try.”
Last came Titi.
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