Smiling women with two babies
The little girls cried loudly as their mother threw them on the bed and began packing her clothes into a bag. Her face was tight with anger like someone ready to fight the whole world.
Mr. Peter, her husband, said gently, “The babies are crying. They need their mother.” But Linda answered in a cold and sharp voice, “They are no longer my concern.
I’m leaving you.” She continued stuffing her clothes into the bag without looking at him.
“Please don’t go, Peter begged. If not for me, then stay for the sake of these innocent children God gave us. Linda turned to him and snapped. I didn’t marry you to suffer. Since you can’t give me the life I want. I’m done.
Don’t come looking for me. As for the babies, do whatever you want with them. I don’t care. She paused, twisted her lips bitterly, and added, “To be honest, I don’t even care if they live or die.”
With that, she zipped up her bag and stormed out of the house, slamming the door hard behind her.
Everything had once been peaceful between Peter and his wife. But things changed the day he lost his job. Since then, Linda had been threatening to leave. She complained about everything. The small room they moved into, the plain food they had to eat. Peter kept begging her, not just because he loved her, but for the sake of their little daughters, Mary and Naomi, who were just 3 months old, but Lyndon never listened.
Mr.Peter carried the babies in his arms and gently cuddled them. Though they kept crying, he rocked them back and forth until they slowly calmed down. As he looked at their innocent faces, his heart grew heavy, but his voice was firm. I may not have money to give you the best life, he whispered. But I promise I will be the best father in the whole world to you.
He kept rocking them softly and not long after the twin girls drifted off to sleep. The next morning came with hunger and worry.
Chapter 2:
Even though he had spent the whole day pushing heavy loads while caring for his babies, he felt happy. He had made enough money to take care of his girls. That evening, he went to a nearby pharmacy and spoke to the pharmacist. He explained his situation and asked for help with things he needed to feed his babies.
The kind pharmacist made a list for him. It included powdered milk for infants and some basic medicines for baby care. Mr. Peter paid for everything and returned home, feeling grateful.
Day after day, he continued to work with the twins tied to his chest. He had no one else to help. His mother had passed away and he had no sisters.
It was exhausting, but he never complained. In fact, he felt joy in his heart knowing that he was able to care for his daughters. At first, he didn’t believe he could do it, but now he was managing and the babies were doing fine. One Monday morning, as he stepped out with his wheelbarrow, a familiar voice called out to him.
It was Mama Caroline, an elderly neighbor. She walked up and said, “Let me take the babies today. I’ll watch over them until you return.” Mr. Peter hesitated. she added gently. I want to help you. Besides, the sun is too hot for these little ones. Don’t worry, I will take good care of them. After thinking for a moment, Mr.
Peter handed the babies to her and left for work. Though he was relieved from the stress of carrying the babies around all day, his heart was still restless.
Those girls were his whole world. Since their mother left, he had formed an unbreakable bond with them. He would give his life to protect them. Mama Caro, as everyone called her, was poor, but she was kind-hearted.
She took care of the babies with love. She fed them, bathed them, and dressed them gently. When Mr. Peter came back in the evening, he found his daughters giggling happily in Mama Caro’s arms. He smiled with deep thanks and took them home. From that day on, Mama Caro helped him anytime he went out with his wheelbarrow.
The twin girls grew up knowing two people. Their loving father and Mama Caro, the woman they called Mama. Mary and Naomi didn’t attend the best private schools, but their father made sure he worked hard to pay their school fees and buy all the books they needed. He also taught them how to be kind, respectful, and hardworking.
At 18 years old, the twins graduated from the community secondary school. Mr. Peter was filled with pride. The girls studied day and night for their WASSCE and UTME exams. Mary scored 325 in her jam. Naomi scored even higher, 341. Both of them got admission to study medicine and surgery at the same university.
Courtesy: Christian Ugbaje
