Mama, please sit up slowly. You need to eat before taking your medicine. Easy, easy, Mama. Please don’t stress yourself. I am fine, my daughter. Don’t worry too much about me. You always say you’re fine every time you cough, but I can see you’re getting weaker. I only say that because I don’t want you carrying all my worries on your shoulders.
Mama, I’m already worried. Hiding it from me won’t change anything. The nurse said you must eat first, even if it’s only a little. I’m not hungry. The medicine has left a bitter taste in my mouth. That isn’t a reason to stop eating. Just try a few spoons for my sake. What did you prepare today? Pap, and there’s fresh bread beside it. I know it’s your favorite.
Pap again? Yes, Mama. Until you get stronger, this is what the doctor recommends. You should eat the bread instead. I’ve already eaten. Mama. What exactly did you eat, Amaka? Tell me the truth. I wanted you to eat first. I’ll eat after you’re done. You always say that, but you never do.
There’s enough for both of us, Mama. Just finish yours first. You’ve been taking care of me for months. You’re beginning to forget about yourself. I could never forget myself because taking care of you is part of who I am. You should be building your own future, not spending every day worrying about mine.
You spent your whole life building mine. Now it’s my turn to take care of you. You’ve already done enough. No, Mama. Not until you’re healthy again. You’ve been fighting this battle alone for too long, and I can see how tired you are. What did he say this time? He gave us one more week.
After that, he wants us out of the house. How much do we still owe him? 3 months’ rent. I thought you paid 1 month’s rent already. I used the money for your hospital tests. The doctor said they couldn’t wait. You should have told me. And you would have refused because that’s the kind of mother you are.
My daughter, we need a roof over our heads just as much as I need treatment. You shouldn’t have carried this burden alone, and I couldn’t watch you get worse because we’re trying to save rent. Your life will always come first for me. Only two tablets are left. Then let those two finish.
