Story of the day! Episode 1- Mum, Omasiri and me by Okereke Best

When Papa travelled to the U.K I was still learning to be a boy, barely eleven. I could remember clearly what happened the day before Papa left Onitsha for Lagos; it was on a Saturday. Omasiri my elder sister and I returned from Bible class chanting ‘Brave soldier’, a song we learnt in church.

That evening was fun; it was unlike Saturday evenings.

Just like those evenings you spend with your loved ones on a visit, before they path the next morning. Chidiuto, our house help served nsala soup with pounded yam, a meal she seldom prepared or else Mama was pregnant or had just delivered.

‘You guys are sweet; very sweet, I just wish I could stay a little longer with you’, Papa said, sounding emotional. But, I knew he was kidding, I knew Papa too well. He had always talked about the white man’s land; where lights don’t go off; I knew Papa would not want to spend an extra night home, at least not now.

Before Papa travelled, he promised us a lot. He promised to come back after six months. He also said Mama would visit when he settles.

Papa's traveling bag took a position in the parlor for almost two weeks, just like I and Omasiri normally did.

Whenever 24th December was nearby, I and Omasiri would keep our big tattered lookingGhana-must-go bag in the parlor, and then gradually pack our clothes therein after laundry and ironing, in respect to Christmas travel.

Papa did almost the same thing. He always updated the bag daily; sandals today, shirt tomorrow, until he was done with everything he thought salient. This time Papa's bag was ECHOLAC, he refused managing any of his old bags. He said they were too old and outdated. Papa's new bag was also small.

 "I don't think I would need much for this journey, I can buy whatever I need in the U.K" he said as a defense.

At dawn, when Papa left finally for the Lagos, we were still on bed, Omasiri and me.

 To be continued...

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