“My daughter is NOT a demon!” Luthando glared at the village elder. 

His wife had fled months ago, not able to face the shame brought on their family. He walked home past the local clinic, ignoring the mean looks of gossips along the street.

Classmates pushed her down onto the muddy path, and she ran home crying.

Luthando gently wrapped her in his arms. Calmer then, she looked up and he recalled a poster on the clinic door—Operation Smile, free surgery for qualified children. 

Three months later, he gasped as the bandages were removed, the cleft palate gone forever.

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Thompson Emate
Thompson Emate(@thompson-emate)
5 months ago

What a lovely story, Preston. Good job. Was it because of the cleft palate, his daughter was labelled a demon? What was the cause of the cleft palate?

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
5 months ago

It was a lovely read, Preston. I am happy that the cleft palate was totally gone forever. Thanks to the doctor who helped her with her operation. She can now show her best and sweet smile. 

I can feel the father’s anger and anguish as he defends his daughter from judgmental people, “My daughter is NOT a demon!” Luthando glared at the village elder. ”

Well done.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
Reply to  Preston Randall
5 months ago

You’re most welcome, Preston.

Linda Rock
Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
5 months ago

Your picture of that beautiful little girl smiling won me over even before I’d read the story, Preston! Children can be so cruel but adults have no excuse. I remember an ex England Football Team Manager stating that the disabled were being punished for sins in a former life! He actually believed that! Unsurprisingly, his contract was terminated. What a wonderful organisation – Operation Smile – and such a fitting title for… Read more »

Melissa Taggart
Melissa Taggart(@melissa-taggart)
5 months ago

This is a lovely picture chosen for a lovely story, Preston. I’m that person that believes all children are beautiful, cleft palate and all. But I’m happy she qualified for surgery. Great work!

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