It was a very hot Wednesday afternoon, but all I could think of was the rice and stew with dried fish my mother promised us; her cooking is second to none, and I could not stop thinking about it. I could not concentrate in class; no matter how hard I tried, I could not get my mind off the food my mother promised. My mind kept drifting towards it no matter how hard I tried to think about something else. I kept thinking about the rice and stew to the point where I could actually perceive the aroma of rice and stew in a class filled with students.
I could not wait to hear the dismissal bell; I kept turning around to check the time using the big wall clock at the back of my class. At some point I started imagining how I would devour the rice once I was served. I thought of so many ways, so many sitting positions in which I would stay to enjoy my meal, for I have craved it for so long. All my imagination was interrupted as my social studies teacher called me out of wonderland.
"What was the last thing I said? "My social studies teacher said, pointing at me.
"Me?" I asked, hitting my chest.
"Yes, you," my teacher responded with a tone. "Stand up when answering my question." My teacher added
Immediately I stood up to avoid getting him even more angry, since I was not paying attention, I could not say the last thing he said because I was in class, and at the same time I was not in class because I was completely absent minded.
My classmates kept whispering the last thing he said, but they were not loud enough, and since his eyes were fixated on me, I could not do anything.
"That is how you people fail to listen in class, and then your parents blame the teachers." My social studies teacher said it, and silence swept through the class.
Clearly he was angry but did not want anything to ruin his day.
"You can sit down, but this time pay attention because I will ask you questions before leaving." My teacher said as he went back to explaining the evolution of man.
For my own safety and fear of getting punished, I had to abandon the thought of the rice and stew back home as I paid attention in class and avoided distractions. Social studies was the last class for the day; I used that as consolation as I focused on the class. A few minutes later the timekeeper started jingling the bell, and our teacher was forced to leave the class.
"I will see you guys in my next class." My social studies teacher said as he exited the class.
Immediately I packed my bags and was the first person on the bus, and for the first time I was one of those that wanted the bus driver to move immediately and not wait for those students who spend so much time on God knows what after school. After a few minutes the bus moved, and I was dropped off in front of my house, and immediately I dashed inside, but the house was unusually quiet; my siblings were nowhere to be found, no noise, and my mom was not shouting and asking them to stop doing whatever wrong thing they were doing.
I only got disappointed when I saw all the ingredients she bought for the food on the dining table; that only means my dreams about eating rice and stew will stay dreams. I noticed a book and a pen on the center table, but I did not bother to check what it was about. I went to my room, and since the hunger was unbearable, I decided to go check around the house if there was anything I could eat. When I passed by the notes on the center table and the handwriting, since it was my mom's, it attracted me to read it.
"Godwin, I am sorry I was not able to fulfill my promise to you; maybe when I am back. Your siblings and I travelled to Kano State to see your uncle Chucks; he had a stroke this morning and needs some looking after. Our neighbor will come pick you up. You will be staying with them for the time being. I will be back in a day or two. Be a good boy. Much love." Mom
Reading this, my chest tightened, and from that moment, the house did not only feel quiet but empty as well. Knowing they will not be back anytime soon came with a lot of emotions.
I looked closely at the handwriting, and I noticed it was written in a hurry, and then I remembered how much Uncle Chuck cares for us whenever we visit him or he visits us. When he visits, he gives us 3 times the money our parents give us to take to school and asks that we keep it a secret, and that caused my heart to feel even heavier. A single note brought so many emotions; I felt sad, I felt empty, I felt emotions words cannot describe.
