Ayo’s Mom: Can someone tell me what’s going on here?
Ayo: Nothing, Mom… I was just consoling her.
Ayo’s Mom: Consoling her? For what? And why is she on her knees? Ngbo? What happened to you?
Alia: (quickly standing) N-nothing, ma… (tries to leave)
Ayo: I noticed her mood and asked what was wrong. You know how she is… she always kneels when talking to us.
Ayo’s Mom: (staring at him deeply) You look very suspicious… better mind yourself.
(turns to Alia) And you—your work? Is the food ready?
Alia: Almost, ma. Let me go check it.
Ayo’s Mom: Wait. I don’t ever want to see you near my son again. Never alone with him. Is that clear?
Alia: Yes, ma.
Ayo’s Mom: You can go.
(turns sharply to Ayo) And you… I know you. If I ever catch you with her—trying anything—I swear to God, I will deal with you myself.
Ayo: I won’t, ma… I promise.
Ayo’s Mom: Good. Now get out of my sight.
(Curtain)
----------
Two Days Later – Night (8:30pm)
ADEWUNMI’S P.O.V
I was in the kitchen cooking with Summayah.
Even though I had fever and my body felt weak… I still had to push myself.
Life doesn’t stop because you are tired.
Suliyah was in the living room doing her assignment.
Summayah was washing plates beside me when Suliyah suddenly entered the kitchen.
Suliyah: Mom!!!
Adewunmi: What is it? (I answered weakly, my body tired)
Suliyah: Brother Abdullah wants to talk to you.
She handed me the phone.
Adewunmi: Hello, Okomi… how are you?
Abdullah (phone): Good evening, Mom. I’m fine. How are you doing?
Adewunmi: Alhamdulillah… I’m fine. How is your studies? I hope there is no problem? And when are you coming home?
Abdullah: Very soon, Mom. I’m almost done with my exams. I’ll come home next week for holiday.
A small smile appeared on my face.
For a moment… I felt peace.
Adewunmi: We will be expecting you. Hope you are eating well?
Abdullah: I’m just managing myself oh… I can’t cook jare. I just can’t wait to see you and eat your food again.
Adewunmi: (smiling softly) Take care of yourself.
Abdullah: Bye, Mom.
Adewunmi: Bye.
(Call ends)
Suliyah: Why did you cut the call? I wanted to tell him to buy something for me.
Adewunmi: Sorry, I didn’t know.
Summayah: He has forgotten me… he didn’t even ask of me.
Suliyah: And why would he remember you? Who remembers a disgrace like you? My friends mock me because of you. They don’t even come to our house anymore.
Summayah: Mummy, you see now abi…
Adewunmi: Ehhhh! In the name of Allah, both of you should not add to my pain! If not, leave my kitchen! I am not okay!
(voice breaking)
Adewunmi: Your father has been gone for four days… no call, no message… I have tried his line repeatedly but it is not going through… isn’t that enough for me to worry? What if something has happened to him?
Suliyah: You are right, Mom… I even need money from him. JAMB registration is ongoing.
Summayah: So that’s all that matters to you?
Suliyah: Who is talking to you? Mind your business! As if you want him alive. If anything happens to him, I will hold you responsible!
Adewunmi: OUT! Both of you OUT of my kitchen!
They left immediately.
I stood there alone…
My hands shaking slightly.
Adewunmi: Ya Allah… please protect my husband… guide him back home…
(Curtain)
SUMMAYAH’S P.O.V
I entered my room angrily and slammed the door.
My heart was burning.
Why does my mom tolerate all this rubbish from Suliyah?
Too soft… too kind.
And my father?
Only God knows where that wicked man is.
Suddenly—
A voice.
From the parlor.
Angry. Loud. Familiar.
Bolaji: You useless woman! Come here before I come there!
My body froze.
That voice…
No… it can’t be.
He left four days ago.
But it was him.
I rushed and peeped.
There he was.
Angry. Furious. Back like a storm.
My mom rushed out immediately, relief all over her face.
Adewunmi: Baba Suliyah… welcome… where have you been? I tried your number… I was so worried… I am very sorry for what I said… please forgive me…
She knelt down.
Begging.
Again.
Bolaji: Don’t you dare touch me! I will break your hand! Are you mad?!
His voice echoed through the house.
Bolaji: So now you’re feeding your children well without me? You’ve become the boss, right? Good! Very good!
My chest tightened.
Then—
Bolaji: Pack your things and get out of my house! You and that evil child!
Silence.
My ears rang.
Did he just say that?
My mom collapsed emotionally.
Adewunmi: Please… Baba Suliyah… after 22 years… where will I go? Please forgive me… I will never talk back again…
She was crying uncontrollably.
Begging on the floor.
But he sat on the couch like nothing mattered.
Cold.
Detached.
I couldn’t breathe properly.
I ran inside.
Called my uncle.
My hands were shaking.
He heard everything.
And said he was coming immediately.
Outside the House
We were already outside.
Our bags packed.
Thrown out like we were nothing.
My mom was still knocking the gate.
Still begging.
Her voice broken.
Neighbors gathered.
Whispering.
Some helping her knock.
Minutes later, my uncle arrived.
Shock covered his face.
He tried calming my mom.
But she refused.
She kept begging to go back inside.
My uncle began loading our bags into his car.
But my mom…
Kept saying she wanted to stay.
Even after everything.