A day before independence
It was a Saturday morning, and everyone was buzzing with excitement because the next day marked the celebration of independence. However, I didn't share the same enthusiasm.
As usual, my mom was jotting down a long list of items to buy for the market. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the extensive list and questioned her about it. With a smile, she told me to fetch my dad.
I ventured outside in search of my dad and heard his voice emanating from a neighbor's house. Curious, I tried to figure out what was happening there.
It turned out to be a heated argument between a husband and wife. The man was frustrated about not being able to afford all the items his wife wanted for the celebration. The wife, on the other hand, was adamant about having everything, no matter the cost. Thankfully, my dad arrived just in time to prevent a physical altercation.
I delivered the message to my dad, and he accompanied me back home. On our way, we passed another family, all hands on deck, busily preparing various dishes for the celebration. I couldn't help but wonder if all these activities were necessary in our current Nigeria, where so many things weren't working.
My dad knew the purpose of the call from my mom and asked if I had seen the list. Although I had seen it, I decided to keep it a secret and denied knowing about it.
When we arrived home, my mom handed the list to my dad, who exclaimed, "Why is this list so long, woman?" He asked if there was any way to make changes to it, but my mom insisted that everything was necessary. My dad went inside and brought out money, and I could see the joy on my mom's face.
She headed to the market and purchased everything on the list. Upon returning, she surprised us with goodies from the market. We eagerly awaited the next morning for the celebration, filled with happiness and anticipation.
As usual, my mom was jotting down a long list of items to buy for the market. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the extensive list and questioned her about it. With a smile, she told me to fetch my dad.
I ventured outside in search of my dad and heard his voice emanating from a neighbor's house. Curious, I tried to figure out what was happening there.
It turned out to be a heated argument between a husband and wife. The man was frustrated about not being able to afford all the items his wife wanted for the celebration. The wife, on the other hand, was adamant about having everything, no matter the cost. Thankfully, my dad arrived just in time to prevent a physical altercation.
I delivered the message to my dad, and he accompanied me back home. On our way, we passed another family, all hands on deck, busily preparing various dishes for the celebration. I couldn't help but wonder if all these activities were necessary in our current Nigeria, where so many things weren't working.
My dad knew the purpose of the call from my mom and asked if I had seen the list. Although I had seen it, I decided to keep it a secret and denied knowing about it.
When we arrived home, my mom handed the list to my dad, who exclaimed, "Why is this list so long, woman?" He asked if there was any way to make changes to it, but my mom insisted that everything was necessary. My dad went inside and brought out money, and I could see the joy on my mom's face.
She headed to the market and purchased everything on the list. Upon returning, she surprised us with goodies from the market. We eagerly awaited the next morning for the celebration, filled with happiness and anticipation.
