The Guilt Trip
In the early morning light of Ijebu-Ode, the rooster crows, and the town begins to stir. But one voice is already louder than the sun.
Mama Teni is pacing outside her compound, barefoot with one slipper missing, phone pressed tightly to her ear.
So because you’re now living in Lagos and pressing laptop, I no longer exist? You that I nearly died giving birth to! You can’t call, you can’t come home? What kind of remote child is this?
She lets out a dramatic sigh, clutches her chest, and shakes her head.
God will judge you people. Posting pizza on Instagram while your mother drinks garri without sugar. I didn’t carry you for nine months for you to forget me on Mother’s Day!
She ends the call and mutters to herself, All of them will see.
The WhatsApp Panic
In Lagos, stuck in traffic, Teni opens her WhatsApp and sees five missed calls and a 7-minute voice note.
She groans and types into their family WhatsApp group, The Achievers:
Guys! Today is MOTHER’S DAY! We are finished.
Thousands of miles away in Canada, Seyi, still in his pajamas, replies groggily:
Wait, wait, wait... Is Mother’s Day today in Nigeria?! I thought it was next Sunday here in London?!
Teni fires back:
You’re in Canada, sir. Time zone is not an excuse.
Ronke, the lastborn who lives down the road in Ijebu-Ode but acts like she’s abroad, adds:
She said if we send money without showing up, she’ll fast and call the elders. I don’t want that kind of intercession this year ooo.
Then Kola, the third child studying in the UK, replies:
Already booked my flight. This year, I’m showing face. No stories.
Teni replies: Kola for president!
Seyi: Let me find a flight before she sends thunder to Canada.
Ronke: We go show this year. No excuses!
The Surprise Plan
Teni knocks at Mama’s door, disguised as a food delivery woman. Mama squints immediately.
Teni? Is that you? My friend, remove that nonsense wig.
Teni laughs and pulls it off. Surprise, Mama. I came home for you.
Mama clutches her chest. So you still know your way to this house?
Just then, Seyi arrives in full agbada, dragging suitcases and sweating like a goat.
Mama blinks. Jesu! Are you dying?
Seyi grins. I just came to say Happy Mother’s Day.
Kola enters with a box of tea bags and a London hoodie. Mamaaaa! Surprise from the UK!
She squints. You brought tea? Am I cold?
Baba Teni peeks from inside, newspaper in hand. So it takes Mother’s Day for all of you to remember we still have a roof?
Everyone laughs.
Decorations and Distractions
Inside, Ronke and Kola are blowing balloons. Seyi hangs streamers. Teni places a cake on the table.
Mama walks in and freezes.
What is all this? Who is getting married in my parlor?
Ronke rushes over with a pot. Mama, help us taste if the salt is okay.
Mama dips her hand and tastes. Hmm. Add just one Maggi. Then it will be perfect.
Baba Teni nods. She’s in a good mood. Carry on.
The Letters
Later, Mama is guided to the sofa. A small wrapped box is placed in her lap.
She opens it to find an old photo and a bundle of handwritten letters.
She reads one.
Dear Mummy, thank you for cooking jollof at 2am, even after shouting all day. You’re our real MVP.
She chuckles. So you people knew I was tired but still ate my food.
Another letter reads:
When Daddy had nothing, you had faith. You taught us to pray, to survive, and to smile. Thank you.
Her eyes well up.
Kola’s letter makes her laugh again.
Whenever I eat my rice in the UK, I remember your stew. Even your shouting had seasoning.
Mama wipes her tears. You children won’t kill me with emotion today.
The Funny Gift
Ronke brings out one final box.
Mama, we got you a new phone. Just one button for voice notes.
Mama holds it carefully. Do you mean I can record my shouting in peace?
She presses the button immediately:
This is your mother. If you like, don’t reply. I will appear in your dream.
The whole room erupts in laughter.
Mama and Papa’s Final Words
That night, under the stars, the family sits outside. Mama is on her chair, wrapper tucked over her legs. Baba sits beside her with a cup of tea.
Mama looks at her children.
If your mother is still alive, call her. Don’t wait till she’s gone before you bring flowers. Show love now.
She turns to Baba. You see them? They did well today.
Baba nods. You people have done well. But next year, plan ahead. Before she sends the village after all of us.
Everyone laughs.
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Happy Mother's Day to every mother who loved in silence, gave in secret, and never stopped praying. We see you. We love you.
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