()
"My mother will arrive today" my uncle said as he prepare to step out for work that morning.
I screamed with excitement! Spending time with Grandma has always been fun and I always look forward to it.
My excitement was not just based on how exciting her presence will be but with the fact that I will finally have someone in the house I could chat, play and laugh with. at least for once, my lonely self will have a company.
()
I kept checking outside for any cab that might be bringing someone, I kept eavesdropping on my Aunt's calls to know whether Grandma was closeby OR whether there has been a change of plan but got nothing (you can imagine how restless one can feel when curious)
However, towards evening, Grandma finally arrived and everyone gave her a warm welcome, my Uncle's wife welcomed her with an unsuspected smiles and embrace. She had earlier asked me to prepare food for Grandma before her arrival and I did.
I served Grandma some of the food and she ate with all excitement anticipating everyday throughout her stay to always be like that, but little did she know that most people are just better off knowing from a distance.
()
The next morning of Grandma's arrival went well as breakfast was served with me included, which was a very rare thing to happen.
Few days into Grandma's stay in the house, my uncle's wife got tired of being nice and adorn herself with her attire of selfishness.
She began to starve her mother-inlaw by preparing food for just herself and afterwards take all the food stuffs and ingredients into her room so nobody uses them.
Grandma started eating once in a day and that usually happened as dinner which left Grandma to bother herself with what to eat before then.
I was already accustomed to the "going hungry routine" around the house, especially when I don't have money to snack. Obviously, even when I had money to perhaps prepare something sustainable, I couldnt because, the Gas and some other things I will need to use belonged to her.
()
So it went on for days, Grandma will ask me to buy noodles for both of us with the little money she came visiting with. (imagine a mother buying her own food in her son's house).
I became so pained and began to drop applications in so many places for Job employment so I could take care of my Grandma but she couldn't stay for long, not when she has enough to eat in her own husband's house and still had left overs to give out to people.
My Uncle was still going about being busy with the thought that his wife was taking care of me and equally giving the mother a VIP treatment, little did he know that his mother was suffering under his roof.
Grandma had already made up her mind to leave the following day, the news came to my uncle that evening as a shock and he exclaimed "mama so soon? When did you even arrive? "
Grandma had to cook up some reasons just to avoid his son having an argument with his wife. !()
On the eve of Grandma's departure, I was so sad because my chat mate was leaving though my uncle's wife wasn't comfortable seeing the closeness between I and Grandma.
Sometimes she eavesdrop on our conversation to ascertain the content of our gist but we were always careful not to talk about her and she always ends up leaving disappointed.
She dispised the fact that I was happy for once and did her best to kill my joy so fast.
That morning, my Uncle left for work and told his mother that his wife will settle her when she is leaving, the time came for Grandma to leave and my Uncle's wife gave her an amount of money that could barely take her to her destination and lamented her whole life on top of it.
She has always been the one keeping my Uncle's money and most times when visitors come around and are about leaving, he usually gives her the discretion of settling them on his behalf and she will pinch the money and give to the person, especially if it's from the husband's family.
That day, Grandma stretched her hand and collected the money and said thank you.
While seeing her off, I asked if the money will take her home she answered "no" but that she still has little money left with her from the one she came with.
She tucked one thousand naira into my hand and I objected but she insisted and said "don't worry, I know you will soon finish school and take care of me but for now you're still my responsibility" (I held back the tears trying to force itself out of my eyes) and I replied "sure I will". "Good bye Grandma" off she went.()
After grandma's departure, I felt so lonely and empty again.
When I got home, everywhere was as silent as it used to be before she came. It took days before I could adjust into my old and former way of life, (one man squad).
I wished she didn't even come visiting perhaps, I wouldn't feel so lonely that period but at least, it revived that lively part of me that went dormant due to inactivity.
"My name is Mary and I am David" New cousins in the house, (lol) let's see how long you guys can last! Hahahahah, my laugh was long and bae!!! #Anticipate the next episode. Thank you.
MORALS !!!!
In life, no hurdle is beyond your strides.
When challenges come your way, stand tall and stare into its eyes and it will surely take a bow!!
Hey Steemians, the story continues, please read, upvote, comment and resteem. Love you all.
@Favoursampson