Title: “Tears for Mama, Joy for Papa”Amaka’s Silent TearsIn Egbere-Oke, a little girl named Amaka sat under the mango tree where her mother was buried. She clutched a worn-out doll Mama Ifeoma had sewn for her. Since Mama's passing, Amaka had become withdrawn. She did everything her Papa asked, but her heart was heavy.One night, Amaka cried silently beside her sleeping brother Chuka. "Mama, why you leave me?" she whispered. "You promise say you go come for my birthday." The next morning, Papa Okon noticed her red eyes. "Amaka, wetin dey worry you?" She shook her head.The village school reopened, but Amaka didn't attend due to lack of a new uniform. Papa Okon felt ashamed. He begged the headmaster for more time. One evening, Papa Okon sat beside Amaka under the mango tree. "Amaka, you know say I dey try. Talk to me." She broke down, "Papa, I miss Mama."Papa Okon held her tightly. "I miss her too, my pikin. But you be my strength now." That night, he told stories about Mama Ifeoma's dancing days. Chuka giggled, and Amaka managed a small smile. For the first time in months, laughter rose from their home again—soft, shaky, but real. Amaka took her first step towards healing, and Papa Okon found a reason to keep going.