Episode 2
Shortly before mope sat for her Junior
Secondary School Certificate Examinations (J S SCE) which would qualify her to choose from among many disciplines her class in the senior secondary provided, Mama took ill and all efforts to make her recover proved fruitless.
She had been taken to many doctors both orthodox and unorthodox -yet she did not fare better at all and it was getting worse every day. The little that could be gathered had been gathered and some personal properties had been sold to raise money to cater for her ailing health. “Mama, do not leave me at this period when i need you most. You are all I have and depend on. My father and mother left me, would you also?” Mope was filled With tears that reminded her again of the place of her departed parents which the old woman had been trying hard to fill.
It was the third day she had not been able meat anything at all. The pap“ that was prepared by neighbours too was also abandoned. The family members of Mama never left her alone to her failing health, they all rallied round her to give the old woman the needed moral and financial supports.it was decided that she should be taken to Ilorin where Banji, Mama's second son, stayed and Mope be taken care of by Aina, Mama's niece. Mrs Aina wasa big army to Kolade whose daughter became has now.
Mope knew she would miss the care and
attention Mama gave her to succeed in he education and now that she was not only being taken from her, she would also miss her school, her Friends, her teacher, especially Mrs jinadu.she spent some hours of the day thinking and sobbing for what life had brought on her.
She thought she was not as fortunate as most other students in her school.Emotions prevailed on her and she was comparing her self with classmates whose parent brought to school in big cars and bought gifts for occasionally.
She never had more than a pair of sandals which mama could provide.Though she was contented with the provisions,she was worried now that her helper was sick; she wept for the fear of her future.
The principal of the school sent for her one day.
'Good morning, sir.'
'how are You,mope? Sit down.
'Thank you very much,sir'.
'I'm aware of the health condition of your Grandma,your guardian.But you see, my dear, life is just like that at times to some of us. You will not need to let that affect you.At the staff meeting this morning,it was decided that you be assisted to pay your school Fee.The teachers consider this your school fees. The teacher consider this imperative, I mean as necessary, based on you academic performance and moral conduct
Mrs Jinadu has given me all the necessar details concerning your plights, and I am going to work on that. Just continue to be the good girl that you are. It’s okay, ’ Mr Fawole said.
‘Thank you sir, may God reward you and all the staff members with blessings of life.’
As she was leaving the office, the bald-head principal looked at her with pity and wished that he had the head could also have the cap.
Weeks after she finished her examinations Mope was taken to Ibadan where Mrs olonade resided with her family. Mrs Olonade had promised to raise and train Mope in the way she was trained by her grandmother, her aunt, whose impacts on her life were tremendous, Aina owed Whatever she was to the spirited efforts and principled guidance of Mama Lalonpe who made sure that her two sons and Aina received university education.