FRIGHTENED LOVE

Unwavering support

"Chidinma stood, her gaze fixed on Sila, her expression a mix of shock and realization. 'Yes, it's quite apparent that I've never extended kindness to this young woman,' she admitted silently. 'But I cannot bear to see her depart so abruptly. She has proven to be an invaluable asset to this company since she first joined.'

Raising an eyebrow, Chidinma voiced the question that surprised all the company staff standing nearby: 'Are you truly considering resignation?'

This response was unexpected. The staff had anticipated a more forceful reaction from her—perhaps a reprimand or even dismissal, similar to what she had done to Lisa, the woman whose position Sila now occupied.

Lisa had never directly accused Chidinma of being too harsh. Chidinma had overheard her complaints to a colleague, which ultimately led to Lisa's swift termination.

Sarah, Sila's closest colleague, felt a pang of sadness at the thought of Sila leaving. Sila had been her main source of support and assistance with her work.

'No, she's not seriously considering resignation,' he reassured his mother, loud enough for all the staff to hear, eliciting gasps of surprise.

Sila stood near the door, rendered speechless by the unfolding events. While she felt a twinge of regret, she was not fearful of losing her job. Her remorse stemmed mainly from her uncharacteristically harsh tone towards an elder.

Daniel, positioned by the door holding the key, regarded Sila with pity as she stood quietly for a while.

'she accused me of being mean,' Chidinma acknowledged. 'Nevertheless, I don't want anyone resigning today. It's my homecoming celebration. You can submit your resignation letter tomorrow. Today, we're all going to celebrate together. That's an order.'

Sila cleared her throat, casting her gaze respectfully towards Chidinma. 'I'm sorry, Ma'am.'

Chidinma looked as if she wanted to say something but held back, turning her attention to her son.

'Come on, Dan, I have a surprise for you,' she said, leading the way to the company's conference hall.

Daniel glanced at Sila. 'Are you coming, or do you prefer to remain here looking like a doll?'

Sila glared at him irritably. 'I do not look like a doll.'

Daniel grinned, gesturing towards the glass entry door. 'Perhaps you should confirm that in the mirror.'

Sila glanced at her reflection in the glass, feeling a twinge of shame. 'Hmm... Perhaps he's right,' she thought to herself, but she refused to give in, walking past him towards the conference hall.

Daniel smiled at her and shook his head. 'I like this kind of woman,' he mused to himself.

As Daniel entered the hall, he was greeted by the elaborate preparations his mother had made for his homecoming celebration. He was pleased, as he had never experienced such a grand celebration from her before. Even on Daniel's birthdays, his mother's gestures were limited to purchasing gifts and delegating their delivery to the household staff upon his return from school. Even during Daniel's holidays, his mother consistently claimed to be preoccupied with work commitments."

"The celebration proceeded seamlessly, marking one of the most memorable days in Daniel's life as he witnessed his mother orchestrating such a grand event.

The following morning, Sila found herself still in bed past 8 a.m. when her mother's persistent knocks interrupted her slumber.

"My dear daughter," her mother's voice persisted through the door. Sila groggily responded, granting entry.

"You're still in bed?" Barisi inquired, puzzled. "Aren't you expected at work today?"

Sila winced, stretching her fatigued body. "I'm utterly drained, Mum. I doubt I can muster the energy for work today."

Barisi playfully nudged Sila, urging her to rise. "Don't succumb to lethargy, my dear. I've raised you to be industrious. Get moving!"

Despite her weariness, Sila chuckled, sitting up to prepare for the day. However, the events of the previous workday flooded her mind, dampening her enthusiasm. "I can't seem to shake off yesterday's ordeal," she mused to herself. Barisi, sensing her daughter's distress, inquired further.

Sila recounted the unsettling events to her mother, leaving Barisi visibly perturbed. After a moment of contemplation, she locked eyes with Sila, her concern palpable. "Honestly, I'm dismayed by the treatment you've endured from your superior. Your father and I discussed it recently. If you face any further mistreatment, your father has vowed to intervene. I refuse to stand idly by while you're subjected to such disrespect. We managed perfectly well before you started working, and your resignation wouldn't lead to our demise. In fact, I regret rousing you from your rest, knowing what you're enduring at your workplace. I won't allow you to return to that callous environment," Barisi declared, her indignation evident.

Sila hesitated, conflicted by her sense of duty and the support of her family. "But I can't simply resign without proper consideration. I must adhere to the terms of my employment contract and formally tender my resignation," Sila reasoned, embracing her mother.

Barisi's expression softened, her maternal instincts kicking into overdrive. "Of course," she interjected firmly. "Who wouldn't be incensed to learn that their child is being mistreated? Do you realize the lengths I went through to conceive you? I ought to confront your boss myself...."

"Mum, please," Sila interrupted, seeking to diffuse her mother's escalating emotions. "I'll manage. It's not just me; others have endured similar treatment. It's characteristic of her behavior."

"I won't stand for it, especially when it concerns my daughter," Barisi interjected fiercely.

The commotion roused Ethan from his slumber, prompting him to enter Sila's room.

"Good morning, Daddy," Sila greeted him warmly.

"Good morning, my dear," Ethan replied, taking a seat nearby. "What's the matter?" he inquired, perplexed by the tense atmosphere.

Barisi wasted no time in recounting the workplace turmoil to her husband, her frustration palpable.

"Mum, it's not as dire as you're making it out to be," Sila interjected, hoping to downplay the situation in front of her husband.

Ethan sighed, absorbing the details. Turning to Sila, he offered a reassuring smile. "You're an adult now, Sila. You're 21. You know what's best for you. Your mother and I will stand by whatever decision you make. Do you wish to persevere in your current position, or do you contemplate resignation?"

Sila deliberated, grappling with conflicting emotions. Recalling the events of the prior day, she remembered glimpsing a hint of remorse in her boss's demeanor, along with Daniel's evident sympathy. Additionally, Sarah's counsel echoed in her mind, urging her to consider the uncertainties of seeking new employment. Faced with these considerations, Sila addressed her parents earnestly. "I believe I should afford my boss an opportunity to address my concerns before reaching a decision. Moreover, I must adhere to protocol and formally submit my resignation, should I choose that path."

Ethan nodded approvingly. "That's a prudent approach, my daughter," he affirmed, offering Sila a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You have our unwavering support."

Barisi offered a resigned sigh, her concern for her daughter evident. "You must hasten, Sila. You're already behind schedule," Ethan reminded her, prompting Barisi and himself to exit the room."