Sometimes, I do wonder if most Nigerian parents apologize to their children if it is going to change the fact that they are still parents. I don't know if it's only Nigerian parents alone or if it's an African thing. One thing, I know is that sorry heals every pain, if been said at the right time, rather than looking for a cunning way to make the person forget.
I remember while growing up, we were about six in the house, and we sometimes took turns to do house chores. On this Saturday, my father was the one who decided to share the work in the house. I was given the biggest work in the house, while my cousins were given just a little. I was so unhappy, but I grudgingly did my work. It wasn't my turn to do the afternoon cooking for the house that day. After moping the entire balcony both front and back, wash the toilet, arrange the entire five bedrooms, and wash clothes. My father said that I would have to cook lunch; I said Dad, it is not my turn but precious turn.
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Precious is my female cousin, who happens to be too lazy to do anything for herself, and why my father indulged her in every nonsense is what I don't know. so I cooked lunch that afternoon and served it.
One of my aunts visited. And she requested to use the toilet and after she finished, she forgot her purse. I can't tell if someone else saw the purse first, but I took the purse to her when I saw it on top of the fridge, and, she thanked me.
I was in my room when I heard my father shouting my name, I answered sir. Then he asked who took money from your aunt's purse.
I was just looking at him, confused because I didn't understand why he would be calling me. I said I don't know who did it. omo, before I finish I don't know, I have received two dirty slaps on my face
I was now seeing stars; I stood there crying and glaring at my father, angry. I just ask him why with tears falling from my face. He said you are asking me why, why will you remove money from your aunt's purse without her permission.
I said that it wasn't me; I only saw the purse there and brought it to her. I don't even know the contents inside.
He shouted that I should shut up, that I was the only one that had passed there. I didn't talk; I just kept quiet. To make matters worse, my aunt said if I had told the truth, I wouldn't have been beaten. I felt pain in my chest for money I didn't take. I shouted. Have they asked others if it's only me that is in the house, while should I be the suspect? Have I stolen anything before in this house? Then, my mom came out and asked what happened. I explained, and my mom then reminded my aunt that she gave precious one Thousand to get her something before going to use the restroom. She then shouted oh I forgot. It's my fault; you can go without even saying sorry. I turn to my father, I can see he feels guilty. Instead of saying sorry, he said you are the senior, and that's the price that comes with being senior. Whatever the word means, I was bitter inside because he couldn't even say sorry for the pain, he inflicted on me. Next thing, he sent ice cream to my room. I felt unhappy and bore grudges against my dad and my aunt for a long time.
I have forgiven them but swear never to hurt my child or offend them without apologizing
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