Angel Richardson was born into a life the world had already forgotten.

Raised in poverty in Gbarnga, Bong County, by parents who never had the chance to read or write, her future seemed already decided. Survival—not success—was the only expectation.

But everything changes when her family moves to Monrovia in search of a better life… and fate places a miracle in her path.

A woman.
A chance.
A door that was never meant to open.

Through the kindness of Sister Agnes Godfrey, Angel is given an opportunity few girls like her ever receive—an education at the prestigious St. Teresa Convent.

For the first time, she dares to believe her life could be more.

Then tragedy strikes.

At just six years old, Angel loses her father to heart disease—and with him, the fragile sense of security she had just begun to know.

Grief could have broken her.

Instead… it ignites something unstoppable.

By the age of twelve, Angel makes a bold and dangerous promise to herself:

She will rise.
She will lead.
She will become Liberia’s second female president.

And she will build a future where no child is forgotten.

But dreams like this come with a price.

In a society shaped by poverty, doubt, and limitations…
In a world where power is not easily given—especially to girls like her…

Will Angel’s determination be enough?

Or will the weight of reality crush her dream before it ever begins?

This is not just a story about a girl.

This is a story about a nation.
A dream.
A future waiting to be rewritten.

Will Liberia rise with her… or leave her behind?

Each step felt heavier than the last, like something inside me was slowly giving up. By the time I reached the house, my chest felt tight—like I couldn't breathe properly.


I closed the door behind me and stood there for a moment.


The same silence that used to comfort me… now felt unbearable.


Maybe I was foolish for believing things could ever change.


Maybe I was foolish for thinking I could change anything.


The feeling of being alone—even in a world full of people.


I sank slowly onto the edge of the bed, my hands trembling slightly in my lap.


For a moment… a dangerous thought crossed my mind.


A quiet voice, soft but heavy, telling me there was a way to make everything stop.


But the pain made it hard to think clearly.


My voice broke in the silence of the room.


I didn't even know what I was asking for anymore.


I stood up slowly and moved around the room, not really seeing anything—just moving, like my body was on its own.


I changed into an old green dress and slipped on my black flats. My hands moved automatically as I fixed my hair into a loose, messy bun.


When I looked at myself, I barely recognized the girl staring back.


I picked up my bag and walked toward the door.


I didn't know exactly what I was doing.


The wind brushed against my face, but it did nothing to clear my thoughts.


When I finally arrived at Randall Street, my heart began to beat faster.


I stepped down and walked slowly toward the gate.


I pushed the gate open and stepped inside.


Each step toward the house felt uncertain—like I was walking between two choices, two paths… and I didn't know which one I would take.


I swallowed hard and knocked again, a little louder this time.


I stood there, staring at the door, my thoughts racing.


I lowered my hand slowly, my fingers trembling.


I took a small step back, my heart pounding loudly in my chest.


I couldn't stay in that moment forever.


Chapter 5 - Suicide Meal