It's another new Dawn, the sun rays have risen as well, shining blissfully on Mama Nkem hut. She looks stepping out every morning to receive the morning sun as she is very aware it adds vitamins to her body when she doesn't know which of the vitamins.
Mama Nkem is a widow , in her mid 60s who does not embrace familiarity ever since her soul mate left her to journey alone. She felt no one worth staying with. Her two children Nkem is married and is in her husband's house while Nkechi is in the States to acquire her Master's degree.
Mama Nkem is known by villagers to be a generous and lover of children but she is always glued to herself when she is with others. For her "speak when important and maintain silence when there is no need to speak". Everyone already knows her philosophy so they either choose to remain mute with her whenever they are walking in a group or they ignore her and talk among themselves.
Nkem who doesn't know her mother to be that reserved began to get worried, she pleaded and tried to convince her to come stay with them in Lagos but she objected.
On the other hand, Nkechi, who is the second child of her mother, is the most loved by her mother as she always addresses her as "my jewel". For the past few years she has left for external exams outside of her country. She has been so determined and ambitious to make her mother proud. Mama Nkem has been a backbone to her.
Mama Nkem has left for a church meeting. After getting home, just as she was about lifting her pot of soup, something happened.
She shouted and that was the last word she muttered. She laid there for several hours without anyone noticing her predicament. A palm fruit harvester who goes from home to home seeking for ripped ones to harvest got to Mama Nkem's house, saw how the door is wide open.
He called several times and got no response. He wanted to leave with his bicycle but something told him, someone can't leave his or her house open like this if she's not inside. "Lemme peep" , he did and found a soul lying helplessly on the floor. He left out a loud shout which drew the attention of the villagers to the direction of where the voice was heard. They all ran to the scene.
We need to take her to the hospital but before we do that, let's call one of her children and inform them what is going on. Nkem's number was called but wasn't connected, after several attempts to no avail they switched to Nkechi. Nkechi, who was preparing to receive her MA certificate that very day, got the saddest news of her life. When she had her mother's collapse, she became shattered.
Source
At that spot she was blank on what to do and which to leave. It was the last day of her days as a M.A student and as one of the best graduating students, she had to go climb that podium, receive her award and give a speech. She has been waiting for such a moment and just when the moment was at their family doorstep, her mother is down.
She quickly sent an emergency message to the school bodies, booked a flight and rushed back to be with her mother. By the time she got home, the villagers had already taken her to the hospital, although she was still lying lifeless but the doctor assumed her "she will be fine as she needs enough drip to regain lost strength".
Nkechi sat at the edge of the bed weeping and praying. At the same time thinking of many things "after all my mother's effort and mine to attain this level, just at the last minute you are lying on a hospital bed". You are one reason behind my driving ambition to attain this height. Please don't leave me without eating the fruit of your labor.
Then her phone rang, it was her sister Nkem calling.
"Hi sis, mummy is lying lifelessly here, I just got back from the state today. The villagers said they called you several but your number wasn't connecting".
"No, I felt something strange today so this is the omen!!" Tears rolled down her eyes.
"Sis, the doctor assured she will be fine, let's pray for her with faith".
"I will be home tomorrow as early as possible. My line that the villager had isn't reachable again as my phone was stolen a month ago".
After several hours, Mama Nkem finally blinked and saw Nkechi sitting at the edge of a hospital bed. "How did I get here and my jewel, what are we doing here".
" Mummy, I am happy you are awake, you blackout for hours and I got a call from villagers saying I had to leave the State for home".
After days in the hospital for her full recovery, Nkem returned to see her mother. She felt happy she had kids and villagers that ran to her rescue. After the incident, she began to familiarize with others as she felt massive love from them.
Nkem's husband's relative implored to come stay with Nkem's mother, to which she agreed with all happiness.
Nkem went back to Lagos to be with her family while Nkechi went back to the State, got her certificate although she was unavailable to make a speech but she had lots of job offers awaiting her. She chose the most favorable and began working. She started sending monthly allowance to her mother, after some months, she began building a house for her mother and promised to take her to the State to experience the peacefulness of a new location.
When you have a backbone you try all possible best to keep that backbone in a good health and that can only be done when you do positives. Nkechi has done great by keeping to her own side of the bargain.
Exactly, you are right my brother @iyimoga . Having someone to call a backbone is rare. Those that got one will definitely want to cherish that one just like the character Nkechi depicted.
The death of a spouse hurts. Different people manage it differently. Whatever it is in life, no one can live a fulfilled life in isolation. The incidence sent such message to Mama Nkem.
I could also see the love of a lovely child in the action of Nkechi. Mothers are jewel of inestimable value.
Kudos for a nice story.
It is very difficult to live in isolation. Thanks so much my gee for this wonderful comment on this piece of mine. I'm grateful you stopped by to read. Gracias.
Wow...a really interesting story. Nkechi really sacrificed to be with her mother. Not everyone can give up a life changing moment like that.
Yeah, you are very right. Not everyone can do what she did. I guess that's one reason she's her mother's "jewel". Thanks a lot for stopping by and for the cool comment.
I'm happy to comment
So sweet to hear. I'm grateful.
It's a blessing that a villager passed by when Mama Nkem passed out. If he hadn't been there it would have been a different story altogether.
Exactly, once it's not ones time for one to kick the bucket, there are ways God works .
Interesting story depicting just how important family can be and I love how Nkechi felt her mother was more important than making a speech even though that was what she wanted.
Thanks so much @hazmat for finding this story interesting darling. I'm sorry for responding late to this comment, I just to got to see it now. I appreciate your reading through the work and warm comment.
an interesting story. Losing a soul mate does have a big impact on the spirit of life.
In your story I found words of wisdom and likes, which is this section
Awwwn, am glad you find the story to be an interesting one. Thanks for reading and for the amazing comment.
Nice story. I thought there mom will die but she saw her jewel by her side that great.
This is scene that got my attention mostly, this shows that Mama loves Nkechi well and am glad she didn't fall her hands
Thanks so very much @officialrosh1 for finding the story to be a nice one. Thanks for the reading and commenting
You have created a most likeable family. It could have been unrealistic, if you had been less skilled in forming the characters. But you gave these characters life. You gave Mama Nkem a complex personality. She is dedicated, but likes to be quiet, and is often ignored by groups when she is among them. Nkechi is a 'jewel', but still when she gets word about her mother she is conflicted. She would like to receive her degree and make a speech, but does not choose this path. She takes care of her mother.
You do a really good job with the prompt and with the skill challenge. Thank you for sharing this story with us and for engaging with other writers in the Inkwell community.
Thanks so much for the pleasant words. I smile so much when I see your comment down my work, it gives me the encouragement to do better next time.
Yay! 🤗
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Thanks so very much
Your entry is quite simple, but with a well-developed plot. The children's desire to become their mother's pride is well reflected in your story. Excellent work.
Thanks so much for this awesome comment. I'm grateful for invested your precious time in reading my work and also your amazing comment too. Do have a pleasant Sunday dear friend @fragozar01