A FAMILY IN CHRIST

By Olajugba Oluwaseyi

SAFACS 2023 ENTRY 20

Abike sat on the worn-out couch and traced the intricate patterns of the faded orange and brown patterns on the couch with her fingers. The living room seemed brighter than she remembered, yet she didn’t feel the warmth she once felt.

The walls, once covered in a mosaic of her life - her primary school graduation, her first swimming lesson, her prom night, and her graduation from the university - were bare now. A bittersweet smile flickered across her face when she remembered how much her mother loved taking pictures, framing them, and hanging them on the wall. When she looked at the wall again, saw only portraits of her parents, her smile faded, and she felt her mind battle between nostalgia and unease.

The string of beads hanging on the arch in the archway tinkled softly when her mother, Aisha walked into the room. Her black flowing abaya swept the floor as she walked before she sat on the couch next to Abike. Abike sighed and sniffed to hold back the tears welling up in her eyes, her mother was already in mourning for her. She turned to her mother and forced a smile but the look of disappointment on her mother’s face made her swallow the words she had planned to say, and a lump formed in her throat. This was going to be harder than the rehearsals in front of the mirror.

“At least, you came early. I can say you remembered one of the things I taught you.”

Abike knew that the teasing tone in her father’s voice was an attempt to calm the tension in the room as he walked in and sat beside her mother. He was smiling at her, but Abike knew he wasn’t here to pick sides.

“Baami, I know you called me to have this conversation again, but my mind is made up. The reason I came is to remind you that my decision does not erase the love and respect I have for you both.”

“Abike Hafsat Michaels, the moment you made that decision, you spat in my face and dragged your father’s name in the mud. Do you know what people are saying about us now?” Aisha’s voice cracked.

“Aisha, don’t push her away with what you’re saying.”

“After all the visits to Mecca, Abike.” She turned to her husband. “Ahmed, I thought we did everything right. I thought we did.”

“Maami, I didn’t mean to bring shame to the family. I am not rejecting all you’ve taught me.”

“Abike, leave before things become worse than they already are.” Aisha finished; her voice heavy with anger.

Overwhelmed by emotions, Abike stood up and walked out of the living room. Tears spilled freely across her face as she got closer to the house gate. A message from her church family appeared on her phone inviting her to a worship meeting. Tears mingled with warmth in her chest - she remembered that she had found a new family in Christ, one she could run to.