“How could you bring your family members into my son’s house? Do you want to kill him with hypertension?” Mama yelled over the phone. Mama Eli was caught off guard. She had called her mother-in-law hoping to get her support against the harsh treatment she was receiving from her husband. She was confident that thingsContinue reading The Family Part 21
“Generosity has its limits, you know that!” said Rhoda’s mother to her as they sat in the reception giving Comfort some time to talk with Niniola. “But Maami what should I have done? Should I have abandoned Comfort’s children?” “I’m not saying you should have…” “Or should I have brought them over to you?” “No!Continue reading The Family Part 20
Mama Eli suddenly found herself the custodian of Comfort’s siblings. With her sister still in a coma, she had no choice but to take in the remaining five children. She knew her husband wouldn’t support it but she saw no other way out. Her mother-in-law had returned that morning, leaving her when her support wasContinue reading The Family Part 19
Niniola was chopping water leaves when her step-father came into the sitting room and took off his damp singlet. “I’m hungry. Get me something to eat.” He said.
Niniola’s siblings were glad to see their sister back. “We’ve been suffering.” Her younger brother said, wiping the tears that had fallen from his eyes. “He beats Maami every day. Every day!” he said, shaking his head. “I wish we could just run away, but where would we go to? Sister Nini you have toContinue reading The Family Part 17
Niniola was moping the kitchen floor when Chief Afonja walked in. “Good morning sir.” “Make me some tea.” As she set the kettle on the burner, the chief sat down at the breakfast table and wiped his forehead. He had slipped out of Mama Eli’s bed, about to escape to Mama Ayo’s room when sheContinue reading The Family Part 16
Gbenga floated in and out of consciousness before the next person grabbed him. His throat was sore from screaming and his energy was depleted from taking too many punches, kicks and slaps. He had come to the conclusion that the policemen had left the station. He had screamed too loudly for anyone not to haveContinue reading The Family Part 15