Àdùké

A glimmer of hope

My heart raced as I hurried to the door, the dim lamp barely illuminating my way. Aduke, with her usual nonchalance, finally dragged herself off the sofa and followed me.

We reached the door, and there stood my father, looking tired and frustrated. His eyes narrowed at the sight of the barely glowing lamp.

"What is this, Ladun?" he demanded. "Didn't I tell you to keep the lamp charged?"

"I'm sorry, Father. I asked Aduke to charge it, but—"

"But what? Aduke this, Aduke that. You are the eldest. Take responsibility," he snapped, handing me the bags of foodstuffs. I nodded silently, knowing it was useless to argue. Aduke gave me a quick, apologetic glance before taking a bag from Father's hands.

As we walked back inside, Aduke whispered, "I'm sorry, Sis. I really did try to charge it."

I sighed, too tired to be angry. "Just help me with the food, okay?"

We placed the bags on the kitchen counter, and Mother immediately started sorting through them, her sharp eyes inspecting everything. In her usual manner, she stored them in their various space, handing the yams to me, to place it on the stall. "Put it over there"

"Yes, Mother," I replied, setting to work. Aduke tried to help, but Mother quickly shooed her away.

"Go and rest, Aduke. You've done enough for today," she said.

Aduke hesitated, glancing at me with guilt, but she eventually retreated to the living room.

Dinner was a quiet affair, the only sounds were the clinking of cutlery and the occasional murmur of conversation. Father seemed more relaxed after his meal, and I hoped the worst was over for the night.

After dinner, as I cleared the table, Father called me over. "Ladun, I need to talk to you."

I approached him nervously. "Yes, Father?"

He looked at me intently. "You need to take more initiative. I know it's not easy, but you are the eldest. Your mother and I expect more from you. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Father," I replied, my voice barely a whisper.

"Good. Now go help your mother clean up."

As I turned to leave, Aduke appeared in the doorway, a determined look on her face. "Father, it wasn't Ladun's fault about the lamp. I should have made sure it was properly charged."

Father looked at her, surprised. "Aduke, that's very responsible of you to admit. But remember, you both need to work together. Support each other."

"Yes, Father," Aduke and I chorused, sharing a brief moment of understanding.

As we finished cleaning up, I felt a small glimmer of hope. Maybe things could change. Maybe Aduke and I could find a way to support each other better. It wouldn't be easy, but for the first time in a long while, I felt like it might be possible.

…every beautiful things come to an end..join me again next Friday 7pm.

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