Ella hadn't been home since the previous night.
After the heated argument with her mother, she had stormed out, her chest tight with anger and frustration. With nowhere else to go, she found herself at the one place that had always brought her peace—a quiet spot under a tree not too far from home.
Morning had come, but Ella still sat there, her knees drawn close, her arms wrapped tightly around them. Her eyes were fixed ahead, but her mind was far away.
This place had always been her escape. Since she was eight years old, she had come here whenever life became too much. But today, even the silence and fresh air couldn't calm her thoughts.
Suddenly, a hand tapped her shoulder.
Ella flinched and turned quickly.
"Emeka! You scared me," she said, placing a hand on her chest. "What are you doing here?"
Emeka sat beside her, letting out a quiet breath. "Mummy has been looking for you. She asked me to bring you home."
Ella's expression hardened immediately. "I'm not going back to that house."
Emeka looked at her calmly. "Why? What happened?"
Ella turned away, irritation flashing across her face. "Can you just stop asking me that?"
"Then help me understand," he said gently.
She exhaled sharply. "Can you stop asking me that stupid question?"
There was a brief silence.
"Mummy is too stubborn," Ella continued, her voice softer but still tense. "She doesn't listen. She never understands."
Emeka nodded slightly. "Maybe. But things are not easy right now. You know that."
Ella didn't respond immediately. Instead, she explained everything—her frustration, her anger, and how overwhelmed she felt.
When she finished, Emeka looked at her for a moment.
"Let's just go home," he said quietly. "Staying here won't change anything."
Ella hesitated. Then slowly, she stood up.
"Fine," she said. "Let's go."
By the time they got home, the sun was already higher in the sky.
Bimbo had been pacing around restlessly, her face filled with worry. The moment she saw Ella, she rushed forward and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"I'm sorry," she said, her voice trembling. "I'm so sorry, my daughter. I didn't mean to shout like that… I was just worried."
Ella stood still for a moment before gently pulling away.
"It's okay," she said quietly, moving to sit on one of the wooden stools. "You don't have to explain. I understand."
Bimbo searched her face. "Are you sure?"
Ella nodded. "You're my mother. I know you only want what's best for me."
Relief softened Bimbo's expression.
"Have you eaten?" she asked quickly.
Ella gave a small laugh. "Is there even food in this house?"
Bimbo smiled faintly. "I made jollof rice."
Ella leaned back slightly. "Then why are you asking me? Of course I'll eat. Hunger no dey wait."
Bimbo chuckled.
"Emeka," she called, "go inside and bring food for your sister."
"Okay, Mama," he replied, heading inside
Later that afternoon, Bimbo made her way to Mama Caro's shop.
The place was lively, filled with customers moving about and voices rising and falling. Mama Caro stood behind her stall, attending to people with her usual confidence.
As soon as she noticed Bimbo, her expression shifted slightly.
"Hmm. Bimbo," she said. "You come again? Wetin you want?"
Bimbo swallowed, trying to steady herself. "Mama Caro… I came to apologize."
Mama Caro let out a short laugh.
"Apologize? After the way you take talk to me yesterday?"
"I didn't mean it like that," Bimbo said quietly. "I was just stressed."
Mama Caro folded her arms.
"See eh, I carry better offer come your house yesterday, you begin talk as if I wan spoil your life."
Bimbo said nothing this time. Her face remained tight, her expression unreadable.
Mama Caro continued,
"That work wey I tell you about, I still dey talk am. I never give anybody else. If you agree, your daughter fit go."
Bimbo didn't respond. She only shifted slightly where she stood, still holding onto that same reluctant look.
"The family get money," Mama Caro went on. "The madam dey live alone since her husband die. Your daughter go help for house, and she still fit go school small-small."
Just then, Toyin, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward to the stall with a few items in her hand.
"Mama Caro, how much be this?" she asked.
"Na five hundred naira," Mama Caro replied.
Toyin nodded and paid, but her attention lingered on the conversation. As she collected her change, she glanced at Bimbo.
"That work she dey talk about…" Toyin said carefully, "I know the woman."
Bimbo looked at her briefly, but her expression didn't change.
"She's very kind," Toyin continued. "Your daughter will be safe there."
Mama Caro nodded.
"You hear? No be bad place. Better pass make she dey here dey suffer."
Bimbo remained quiet, her thoughts heavy.
Toyin adjusted the items in her hand. "Just think about her future."
Mama Caro added firmly,
"No waste this chance. Opportunity no dey knock two times."
Bimbo finally spoke, her voice low.
"I go think am."
She gave a small nod, though her face still showed she hadn't accepted it.
Without another word, she turned and walked away slowly, her mind weighed down with the decision before her.
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