THE DAY I BECAME A MOTHER

The struggle 2

After about a week, I started feeling better. I could move freely again, though I still limped a little. But overall, I felt really good. I kept thinking about the idea that had crossed my mind earlier. I had only a small amount of money left in my purse, so I wondered, why don’t I start up something small, like a water business with the very little money I have left,

There was a company nearby, and with my protruding stomach —,only about three months left before I would put to bed — I considered my options. my mind went to my parents, but I quickly brushed it off.

I got to Maxim Table Water Company and bought about twelve bags of Peltan. I paid a young boy a small amount to help push them into my quarters. I also bought a transparent plastic container, and with that, I set out to hawk.

While walking, I prayed that God would answer my prayers and help me sell the pure water well. And He did. In less than an hour, I had already sold almost half of the bucket. I was rushing home to get more water when I noticed that a few of my water bags were missing. I was devastated, and I felt sick immediately. I had been robbed. So I hid the remaining bags somewhere safe and returned to hawking.

was so happy that night. I just lay down and slept off immediately because I was completely exhausted. The next morning, I still felt tired, but I had already planned to go to the market to shop for a few baby items, so I strolled there with my bucket of water.

When I got to the market, I found baby clothes and bought everything I thought the baby would need. I bought them in small quantities because I was working with a tight budget. I was excited, but the lady selling to me wasn’t and I didn't get a damn.

It was a Sunday morning, so I went to a new church. I started attending the church because they treated me well, except for some people that were too full of themselves. They sometimes consented me cash and food, but their speeches were unshakable, and so different. the preaching created goosebumps on one's skin. It was like a hidden truth. So I was moved to start attending the church. So I took my bath, brushed my teeth, and put on the little dress I had, and carried a one-eyed Bible, and made my way, looking all confident. But inside, I was having an anxiety disorder. I walked inside, all eyes were on me. So I took a back seat.

I was a little late, and I hated it. When it was time for the offering, I danced like I owned the church. After the service, I walked back home and lay down. Every part of my body hurt. I was so stressed out because of this new business, but God had been helping me through it all. I had been able to buy a few things for myself, for my kitchen, for the baby, and I still had some money left. So I decided to take a siesta.

“Oh my God,” I exclaimed as I opened my eyes and saw it was already 3:30 p.m. I quickly rushed out, ready to hawk. I didn’t bother having lunch because I planned to hawk around the woman who sold bread and roasted fish. So I began trekking.

That day, I saw a lot of people because there was a party going on—something like a politician’s child dedication—and the whole place was filled with music and dancing. Before long, I had sold everything.

When night came, I left the place and headed home. I had been served some food at the party, so when I got home, I just made a little pap and bought some bean cake. I ate and slept off immediately.

I woke up around 7:45 the next morning feeling very heavy, and I feared that I might soon be due. I still had about a month and some weeks left before my delivery date, so that morning I quickly rushed to the public toilet to freshen up. I ate my breakfast—cold bean cake and bread—and then walked to the Pew Order Company to buy fifteen more bags. There was progress for me, because before it was twelve bags, but today it was fifteen.

When I got home from the company, I went out to hawk again. I didn’t sell much because it was a monday,

Ouch!” I reeled. I knew I heard something—yes, I felt something kick inside my stomach, and it felt really, really funny. I held my stomach and whispered, “Please, please… when you’re coming out, don’t be painful, okay? Mommy has to live for you, okay?” That was what I told him. It sounded funny, but I truly meant it, because I wasn’t ready for this kind of life at all—but I didn’t have a choice.

For the rest of the day, I felt very, very restless. I didn’t know why, but I kept turning and rolling on my bed, unable to sleep, and I had no appetite. So I decided that I would just go for a stroll just for fresher air

I got dressed in a little skirt and a T-shirt. I didn’t wear anything underneath because of the heat. Then I went out and started strolling. I was very, very happy because my legs were completely healed. I wandered around, taking T-turns and U-turns, exploring new directions. I hadn’t really been to that area before, but I chose to stroll there that day, hoping it might be a good spot to hawk, ,

Then I finally found out where the politician who hosted the dedication lived. I walked past the compound, which was heavily guarded and fenced. It looked very, very beautiful, but honestly, it wasn’t as beautiful as my parents’ house. I thought of them for a moment, but then I brushed it off and went home.