"Mum, don't feel sorry for yourself. No matter what, we're going to make it, and nothing can stop us," Mercy said with a smile as she consoled her mother.
Mercy sat on the bench and started chatting with her mother to lift her spirits. After a while, Mrs. Sade asked for a favor.
"Please help me buy some bread. I'm not quite sure how they sell it, but just go to a good bakery," she requested, handing Mercy 1,500 naira and a small polythene bag to carry the bread. Mercy set off to the bakery around 9:00 AM.
Upon arriving, she noticed boxes neatly lined up and asked someone how the bakery operated. Once the staff realized Mercy didn't have a box, they kindly provided her with one to help her buy the bread. After nearly two hours, it was finally her turn. Once she made her purchase, she hopped on a bike and returned to her mother's shop.
Mrs. Sade helped her tie the bread and arrange it on the table in front of the shop. "Everything is going to be alright," she assured Mercy, determined not to let their current situation dampen her daughter's spirits.
Mercy found joy in being around people, refusing to let her struggles overshadow the happiness of others. The environment was calm, with workers and students having left early, leaving the streets serene except for the gentle chirping of birds and the rustle of squirrels.
Mrs. Sade meticulously arranged her shop, sweeping away ashes and picking up dirt. Once she finished cleaning, she washed her hands and encouraged Mercy to relax at home, but Mercy refused.
"Mummy, I want to stay here so we can prepare for evening sales together," she insisted.
"My dear, honestly, you should be in school. I don't want your classmates to see you here after school and tease you. I'm your mother, and I won't allow anyone to humiliate you, directly or indirectly," Mrs. Sade said, taking a deep breath.
"I understand, Mum, and I appreciate your concern. But I'm not ashamed of you. This is our shop, and we fry akara for a living. Let them laugh; I'm here to support you," Mercy replied confidently.
Mrs. Sade sighed heavily, taking in her daughter's words, and then opened her arms wide, enveloping Mercy in a warm hug.
YOU ARE READING
The Agony Of A Weeping Child
Mystery / ThrillerThis is the story of a Nigerian teenager who loses her inheritance after the death of her father and must navigate life's challenges without his support. It's a traditional narrative that takes readers through her journey of pain, hardship, and resi...
