The Agony Of A Weeping Child

5 - Duty calls

When Mercy woke up, the clock read 5:24 AM. She quietly tiptoed to her mother's room to greet her and found Mrs. Sade getting dressed.

"My dear, how was your night?" Mrs. Sade asked with a warm smile.

"It was fine, Mum. I slept well, and I think I even had a dream," Mercy replied while massaging her neck.

Both of them burst into laughter at the mention of her dream. Mrs. Sade checked her bags to ensure nothing was missing. As she prepared to leave the house, she noticed the frown on Mercy's face.

"Lola, you should be used to this by now. If I stay home, we won't earn a living. Is that what you want?" Mrs. Sade asked gently.

"No, Mum. It's not that I don't want you to go to the shop, but the stress is overwhelming," Mercy said, tears welling in her eyes.

"My daughter, stress is a part of adulthood. If you want to succeed in life, you have to endure some hardships. By the way, do you think I should go to your school? I could beg them to let you write your exams while I figure out your school fees," Mrs. Sade suggested.

Mercy shook her head, disheartened. "Mummy, it's better not to go than to face potential insults. The school knows that your late husband was wealthy, and they'll just remind you of our situation."

"The insults don't matter to me, my dear. I just want to ensure you don't drop out of school. You deserve to be there; it's me who feels like I've failed you," Mrs. Sade said, wiping her tears with her left hand.

Mercy held her mother's hand, looking deeply into her eyes. "My mother is not a failure, and I'm not a dropout. Things will definitely get better, in Jesus' name."

"Amen! I need to go now; it's already 5:45 AM. I'll try to get there by 5:55 AM. I'll walk quickly," Mrs. Sade replied, determination in her voice.