The Truth

The next day was Saturday. Ndukwe usually goes to the stream every Saturday, but he did not go because they were preparing for the coming of his dad. His siblings were so happy that his dad would be home, but he could not shake off the thought of his birth and the joy of his new-found love.

Good morning, Mom! He greeted.

Good morning! Ndukwe, I hope you remembered what I said last night. You have to do your chores and also help Daniel with his laundry. Oh, I almost forgot, our neighbor (Mrs. Nkiru) wants you to help her with her taxes later today, " his Mom replied.

"Okay, Mom!" he said.

Ndukwe is very kind, brilliant, and full of compassion. He loves helping people; helping people gives him joy and makes him feel useful. At around 4:30 pm, his dad arrived. Ndukwe's dad is so ambitious and takes his business very seriously that he sometimes forgets about his family. He does not go to church like he used to anymore because he has no time for anything else but himself and business.

Everyone was happy when his dad came, but Ndukwe was not happy because he hasn't really felt the love of having a dad. His dad always scolds him and wants him to someday take over his business and continue the legacy of his grandfather.

Ndukwe wanted a different life, but he is not yet sure about the purpose of life.

At the dining table after they had finished eating, his dad started talking to everyone about his trip and how well his business is doing; he forgot to ask his kids how they were doing. He never truly cares about anything except his business and legacy.

Ndukwe has a lot of anger in his heart but tried to be calm and respectful. After about 15 minutes of a long speech of his dad talking about his trip and business, Ndukwe took so much courage and decided to ask his parents about his birth.

He asked his siblings to excuse him that he wants to talk to his parents; they both left happily because they were also tired hearing his dad talking about his business.

"Mom, Dad, I need to ask you something," Ndukwe began tentatively.

His parents, taken aback by the seriousness in Ndukwe's voice, exchanged a concerned glance.

"What is it, son?" his father inquired.

Swallowing hard, Ndukwe broached the subject that had been haunting him. "I've been hearing people say that you made a deal with the devil to have me because Mom couldn't conceive for ten years. Is it true?"

His parents' expressions softened as they realized the weight that their son had been carrying. Gathering their composure, they took a moment before responding.

" Ndukwe, don't believe what people say. It's true that your mother and I desperately wanted a child. We prayed and hoped for many years for a little one to join our family. But there was no deal with the devil. We simply never gave up hope, and fate smiled upon us when you finally came into our lives," his father explained with a reassuring tone.

His mother took Ndukwe's hand gently and continued, "The whispers that you heard are just cruel gossip, my dear. Sometimes people create frightening stories when they don't understand something. But don't let their words tarnish the love and joy that brought us together as a family."

As they spoke, Ndukwe sensed the sincerity in their voices and the love that flowed from their hearts. The weight that had been pressing upon him began to lift, replaced by a sense of relief and renewed faith.

From that day on, Ndukwe no longer allowed the rumors to cloud his thoughts. His parents' reassuring words had dispelled the shadows of doubt that had crept into his mind. He found solace in knowing that his existence was the result of love, hope, and the unyielding perseverance of his parents.

He then cleared the plates of the meal away from the dining table and walked into his room. As he left, his parents started talking and it seemed like they were having a good time. His mom missed his dad so much, and being alone made her feel crazy, but she could not talk about it. Instead, she cried behind closed doors and hoped for a miracle.

He was happy that he had finally known the truth and he closed his eyes and slept.