IYA (short story)

Mama was almost breathing her last, i watched her helplessly and couldn't do anything to save her.  Was she going to die the same day my wife was in labour after twelve years of being without a child, i shed tears as i reminded her that the day she had hoped and prayed for had come.  Bunmi had just been rushed into the delivery room, i couldn't go in because i also had to be by mama's side, my heart was torn into two..

Mama had suffered to raise me even amidst her ill health, she had fallen seriously sick after my father and two siblings died in a ghstly motor accident. Mama had never remained the same again, she developed high blood pressure and later had partial stroke, i remember how she would sell off her wrappers and some expensive jewelries that my father had gotten her just to make sure she saw me through school, yes, she enjoyed just a little of my wealth but had hoped her old weak hands could embrace her grandchildren.

The thoughts were still running through my mind when the doctor came to announce that i had a daughter, it was a dream come true as mama had prayed i have a daughter first, so she replaces the vacuum my deceased sister's created in her heart.. I was filled with joy, finally a cry of a baby would be heard in my home, mama was all smiles as she requested i name my daughter after her and that i should not weep because her joy was complete even though she couldn't see the new born but she is glad the miracle happened in her life time, she asked me to take care of my wife and her grand daughter and just as i was promising her i'd do everything she wanted, she gave up the ghost.

I wept uncontrollably but the sight of my new born healed my soul... I named her IYABO, just as mama wanted, i still believed a part of mama was always with me when ever i behold my precious daughter!

Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016