Why Mum, WHY!!!!

The morning sun painted the sky in hues of gold as Chioma woke up to the chirping of birds outside her window. It was a new day in the peaceful Igbo village of Nkporo, but little did she know that this day would bring forth a heart-wrenching question that would test the limits of her understanding.

Chioma, a young woman with dreams as vibrant as the colorful beads adorning her waist, lived with her mother, Adanna. Their bond was unbreakable, nurtured by love, trust, and unwavering support. They shared laughter, dreams, and secrets, forming a tight-knit family unit.

As Chioma descended the stairs, the aroma of freshly brewed tea enveloped her senses. She found Adanna in the kitchen, her serene face etched with concern.

"Mama, what's wrong? You look troubled," Chioma asked, her voice filled with worry.

Adanna sighed deeply, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Sit, my dear," she said, patting the chair beside her. "There's something I need to tell you, something that will change everything."

Chioma's heart skipped a beat, a wave of unease washing over her. She took a seat, bracing herself for the revelation that was about to unfold.

"Your father," Adanna began, her voice trembling, "your father is not here with us anymore. He passed away last night."

The words hung heavily in the air, suffocating the room with an overwhelming sense of loss. Chioma's world shattered in an instant, her dreams and aspirations crumbling like fragile clay.

"Why, Mum? Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Chioma's voice quivered with a mix of grief and anger.

Adanna's eyes filled with tears as she reached out to hold Chioma's hands. "I wanted to protect you, my dear. I wanted to shield you from the pain until I found the right words."

Chioma pulled her hands away, her emotions swirling in turmoil. "But why, Mum? Why didn't you let me say goodbye? Why didn't you give me a chance to be there for him in his final moments?"

Adanna's shoulders slumped, the weight of regret bearing down upon her. "I thought I was doing what was best for you, my love. I wanted to spare you the anguish, to keep you from witnessing his suffering."

Tears streamed down Chioma's face as she struggled to comprehend the enormity of her loss. The questions tumbled from her lips, raw and desperate. "How could he leave us, Mum? How could he abandon us like this? How will I go on without him?"

Adanna's voice quivered with a mixture of pain and love. "Your father loved you deeply, Chioma. He may not be physically here, but his love will always remain with us. We must find the strength within ourselves to carry his legacy forward, to honor his memory."

A silence enveloped the room as Chioma absorbed her mother's words. The pain remained, but a glimmer of understanding began to flicker within her wounded heart.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Together, Chioma and Adanna navigated the turbulent waters of grief, leaning on each other for support. The village embraced them, offering solace and love in their darkest hours.

In the quiet of their home, Chioma uncovered a box tucked away in her father's study. It contained his journals, filled with memories, aspirations, and unspoken words. With each page she turned, Chioma felt a renewed sense of purpose, a determination to carry her father's dreams forward.

Through her own tears, Chioma vowed to honor her father's legacy. She pursued her education with fervor, immersing herself in her studies and embracing the power of knowledge. Adanna stood by her side, offering unwavering encouragement and guidance.

As Chioma flourished, her father's spirit seemed to guide her steps, a constant presence in her life. She became a beacon of hope for the village, inspiring other young minds to persevere and chase their dreams.

In the years that followed, Chioma's accomplishments echoed through the village. She became a respected scholar, an advocate for education, and a pillar of strength for her community. And amidst it all, she carried her father's love in her heart, forever grateful for the lessons he had taught her.

To be continued...