The Agony Of A Weeping Child

6 - Blame game

Mrs. Sade hurried to the shop, quickly mixing the beans with other ingredients. Earlier, she had ground the beans at her neighbor's house, making the process a bit easier. As she began frying the bean cakes, she hoped customers would arrive before the food cooled down.

Fortunately, customers started trickling into Mrs. Sade's shop a few minutes past six. Some wanted to buy bread, but Mrs. Sade only sold bean cakes and pap. She assured her customers she would purchase bread before evening.

Many people frequented Mrs. Sade's shop, drawn to her cleanliness and kindness. Bank workers often stopped by on their way to work, making her a popular choice.

Around 8:00 AM, Mercy arrived at the shop. Mrs. Sade's heart sank when she saw her daughter approaching.

"Mum, why do you look unhappy?" Mercy asked.

"Are you not supposed to be in school by now? Look at you, staying in my shop like a market woman because I can't pay your fees. It's just not right!" Mrs. Sade replied, frustration evident in her voice.

"Mum, please don't blame yourself. None of this is your fault," Mercy reassured her.

"Lola, I feel responsible. If I had listened to your father when he suggested I start my own business back when he was alive, I wouldn't be in this situation," Mrs. Sade said, regret filling her words.

"Why didn't you listen to Dad?" Mercy inquired.

"Your father provided everything—money, good clothes, food, cars. He made sure we didn't face any stress. He even wanted to build a house in my name, but I refused because our family home was big enough. I'm sorry, Lola. Maybe if I had agreed, we wouldn't be suffering today," Mrs. Sade wept as she shared her regrets with Mercy.

Hearing her mother's words filled Mercy with sadness. Although she felt an urge to blame Mrs. Sade for their misfortunes, she reminded herself that they couldn't change the past.