“Mama,” Angela said, laughing through tears, “he is my boss’s father.”
Her mother shook her head in awe. “God works in ways that make humans quiet.”
Angela squeezed her mother’s hand. “With this salary, Mama, we can save for your surgery.”
Her mother’s eyes softened. “My child, you are my blessing.”
Angela hesitated, then confessed, “My only problem is Jeff’s fiancée. She doesn’t like me.”
Her mother frowned. “Be careful with her. Some people hate light because it shows their darkness.”
Angela nodded. “I will ignore her. I’m there to work, not to fight.”
The next day, Jeff traveled.
And with him gone, Mabel’s cruelty lost its leash.
When Angela arrived early, she heard shouting inside.
She rushed to Papa James’s room and found Mabel standing over him, hands on her waist, anger loud.
“Every morning you’re calling my name!” Mabel yelled. “Am I your mate? Why can’t you sit in one place?”
Papa James looked small, frightened. “Please don’t shout,” he pleaded weakly. “You are stressing me.”
Angela stood at the doorway, fists tightening.
When Mabel finally left, Angela entered gently.
“Papa, good morning,” she said.
Papa James looked up with tired relief. “My child… thank you. That woman is not good to me.”
Angela sat beside him. “Papa, don’t worry. I’m here.”
He squinted at her. “Your face looks familiar. Have we met before?”
Angela smiled softly. “Yes, Papa. I’m the girl who gave you money that morning.”
Papa James frowned, confused. “I… don’t remember.”
“It’s okay,” Angela said. “Don’t stress yourself.”
After feeding him, Papa James held her hand.
“My child,” he said, “don’t go home tonight. Stay here. Mabel is not good to me.”
Angela’s heart squeezed, but she shook her head.
“Papa, I’m sorry. I have to go. My mother is sick. She needs me.”
Papa James nodded, disappointed but understanding. “Okay. But come early tomorrow. I feel safe when you are here.”
“I promise,” Angela said.
Then came the night her mother collapsed.
Breathing fast. Skin cold. Eyes rolling with fear.
Angela rushed her to the hospital, praying like prayer was the only currency she had left.
After tests, the doctor pulled her aside.
“Angela,” he said gently, “your mother needs urgent surgery. Without it, she may not survive the next week.”
Angela’s hands shook. “How much?”
“Five million naira,” the doctor replied. “We need to start preparations immediately.”
Angela’s world tilted.
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