There was a time when the breaking of a new day didn't bring peace _ but worries. My mom, who had just lost her dear husband. Was doing everything humanly possible to put food on our table.
But as the days passed, her little stall became emptier. Goods ran out, and there was no money to restock. Each night was filled with silent prayers, whispered into the darkness.
At that time, i was just a teenager with dreams and zeal,but no money in sight. I desperately wanted to help, but i didn't know how. Still, something inside me kept saying, * there must be a way*.
One afternoon after school, i went straight to my mom's shop as usual. But this time,i noticed a woman nearby, sitting with her children. They seemed new in that area. She was beading, her fingers gracefully stringing colorful beads, one after another, into fishing wire
"Good afternoon ma", i greeted.
"Good afternoon. How are you?" She replied, though her eyes never left her work.
I sat nearby, watching with keen interest as her hands moved with precision and rhythm. She picked each bead, color by color, size by size and gradually created a beautiful beaded hairband.
After several minutes of silently observing her, i finally asked, "can i help you with that?"
She looked up ,surprised, then smiled. Oh! If you can, I'd be very pleased. I really need to get this delivered tomorrow"
I quickly grabbed some fishing wire and joined her, mimicking her ever move. When she picked a white bead, i picked a white bead. When she switched to blue, i followed suit. By the end of the day, i had created six beautiful beaded hairbands, and she was clearly amazed.
"You did pretty well today," she said smiling at me. Thank you so much. You know, i could pay you. for every dozen of beaded hairbands you make, i can pay you 30 naira"
My heart leaped.
This is it, the answer to my secret prayers. I can finally earn a living and help my mom.
I didn't give her a definite answer just yet.i needed to speak to my mom first.
At first, my mom didn't like the idea. She was worried about my schoolwork and house chores. But i pleaded with her, explaining how i could balance it all. Eventually, after much convincing, she finally agreed.
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The next day, after school, I ran excitedly to the woman's house to share the good news. She handed me several bags of beads with different bright colors and different shapes. Alongside some fishing wire and a plier. The work had officially began.
I took everything home,and with the help of my little ones, I completed the pieces quickly and requested for more. It became our little evening project.
By the end of the week, when she handed me my pay, i was amazed. How could something so small ,just sitting and beading turn into real money? I quickly rushed home, face beaming like someone who just won lottery, proudly handed my mom the entire money.
"Mom, i said grinning, can you make egusi soup with plenty meat with this money?"
My mom laughed heartily. I'll add it to mine and we'll cook egusi soup with meat for everyone today!"
That night, as we sat down to prepare the egusi soup, i felt a deep sense of joy,contentment and pride.
I had finally found a way to earn a living and support my mom.