“You have a knack for law. I noticed it while we were putting your case together.” Mr. Abubakar moved closer. “I’ve heard bad stories about the kids that go to the arts section of your college. You don’t belong among cruel people like that, Michelle. You could become a great lawyer and fight against the injustices in this system with me.”

Michelle was intrigued but not that interested. However, once she won the case over Lila, she experienced even more bullying by Lila’s friends who held a grudge against Michelle because Lila got expelled.

It was then that she decided to quit studying film, and started studying law instead. Before she made this huge decision, she consulted with Mr. Abubakar to agreed to mentor her.

Seven years later, Michelle found herself moving from a huge law firm to opening an office herself. She was very successful, and even had money to undergo a surgery which was very successful.

One day, she placed her wheelchair at the corner of her office, and walked to the table. She was getting used to walking after spending her entire time in a wheelchair.

She changed her style, dyed her hair blonde, and got read of her glasses. Michelle looked like a completely different person, so different that her own mother didn’t recognize her years after she had abandoned her.

As she was going through some paperwork, someone knocked on the door of Michelle’s law office. It was a familiar face, her mother Iris.

But this woman didn’t look like a successful actress, which made Michelle believe that she didn’t make it in the film industry.

Just as Michelle believed her mother would recognize her and maybe apologize for abandoning her, Iris said, “Is it true that you help people for free if they can’t afford to pay you? I don’t have a job and I don’t have any money.” Hearing this, Michelle realized her mother didn’t recognize her so she decided not to reveal who she really was.

“I guess I was mistaken.” Iris rose to leave, but Michelle gestured to her to wait.

“No, you’re right. I just…” Michelle hesitated on the verge of confronting the woman but didn’t know how. It was easier to focus on the job.

“I do work pro bono,” Michelle continued. “Please tell me why you need legal help.”

It turned out that Iris drove drunk and crashed into the car of a wealthy businessman who now wanted to throw the book at her.

“Honestly, I don’t think I can get you off entirely, but we can push for a reduced sentence, possibly even community service. I’ll need more details but first, can I offer you something to drink?” As she returned with refreshments for them, Michelle stumbled.

Iris caught her elbow and asked if she was okey, to what Michelle pointed to the wheelchair and said she was still getting used to walking. But even that wasn’t a hint enough for Iris to recognize the child she had given birth to.

When the court date arrived, Michelle fought hard and managed to lower Iris’ sentence to a year of prison time or paying a fine.

“I still have no money to pay the fine,” Iris sobbed. “I’ll have to go to jail after all.”

At that moment, Michelle turned to the judge and said, “If the court will permit it, I’d like to pay the fine on my client’s behalf so she can go home immediately.”

“Why would you do this for me?” Iris wrapped her hand around Michelle’s wrist.

“You really don’t recognize me at all?” Michelle tipped her head. “This may refresh your memory.”

She then took out her mom’s note in which she called her a burden. The paper was creased from being read and crumpled up several times over the years, but Iris’ words were still perfectly readable.

“This can’t be real.” Iris stared at her openmouthed.

“You can keep that, I don’t need it anymore.” Michelle started to pack up her things. “I’m sorry you didn’t get to be an actress after all, but I hope you enjoyed living for yourself.”

“Wait, Michelle. We need to talk.”

“No.” Michelle shook her head. “You didn’t even recognize me, your own daughter. And I know I don’t look exactly the same as the kid you walked out on, but come on!”

“Please, just let me explain.”

Michelle then left the courtroom and never looked back.