Whenever I remember this memory, I just look at myself because I have not been a good child to my parents. I care less about others but satisfy myself. Once I am in control of mom's shop, I eat things that I wouldn't even pay for. This brought a lot of shortage in profit for her but since it's my mom's items, shouldn't I entertain and satisfy myself even though I steal them? Mom will never give you anything unless it comes willingly or you do something for her. She is such a scrooge just like how I explained in my post.
My mom was an avid trader who ventured into different menial Jobs including selling wholesale foodstuffs. Since, my mom is the one selling these foodstuffs — rice, beans, garri, Semovita etc. I felt happy because I would be stealing raw rice while I find excuses to go home, only for me to go and waste the little kerosene at home, prepare my delicious meal, eat and stretch myself on the cushion in the sitting room then sleep off like one who has no future.
What does a little young girl understand then? I never knew I would come to understand how hard it is to work hard for money. Now, I am among those who keep shouting “adulthood is a scam.”
At least I learnt how to cook while in Primary School. All thanks to mom who would force and draw me away from others while playing so I can pay attention to how she prepares these delicious meals.
On this particular day, mom told me to go home to prepare dinner early enough so that by the time everyone returns home from the shop, we won't have to start preparing meals at 10 pm. One thing I normally do since I love rice so much — when I am told to measure five cups of rice for the five of us in the house, because rice is my favourite, I would measure seven cups so that I would hide some to eat first before eating the real one.
I was doing this until this day. Something happened...
Mom sent me home to start preparing dinner. As usual, she said I should measure five cups of rice. I made sure she wasn't looking in my direction when I measured seven cups just to carry out my bad act. I prepared the meal and as I was dishing a part for myself in the public kitchen, I heard mom's voice coming over to the kitchen to come and see what her daughter had been doing since.
She is back? I was surprised and shocked too because my mom would never enter inside when she returns from the shop, she would visit the kitchen as if there is something connected to her getting there first.
Immediately, I hid the food behind the stove. Mom checked the rice. That woman was smart woman to know if the actual cup was the same. She has been in the business for a long time, so, you can't outsmart her. She was like “Busayo, isn't this food much? Are you sure it was five cups you took?” I nodded positively and she left.
It was time to dish the food for the family. As soon as I was done, mom knew I had no business again in the kitchen and so, she instructed no one to go out and she locked the door. Perhaps she knew my trick? I kept thinking in my mind.
At that time, I was afraid of the hidden food. What if dad or mom went out to pee or check the kitchen, won't they see my secret? I was restless that night as I was eating my meal. I would have eaten the other food first if she hadn't blocked my way. I was a foodie then. I am still one though 🙄
We all finished eating while we went to bed. I forgot about the food and the next day, I went to the kitchen to wash the plates when I sighted the plate behind the stove. There was nothing in there again?
Who came to eat the food? At first, I thought it was one of the tenants in our house because some guys are living in the compound. So, they can eat anything they see. On the other hand, my mind went to the rat because those creatures in the kitchen are always bigger than human beings. So, I assumed rats helped me so that my secret won't be exposed. With that, I never stopped this act until I grew up to start working. Then I knew how I limit the way I eat and never waste any food.
