SHATTERED
Story by O'nezer
Episode 2
The night was calm and quiet. Every room in Bayo's home had a living being in it, but the house was just so quiet as if no one was breathing in it.
The cock-crow from the backyard in the early hours of the morning broke the silence in the house.
“Good morning” was heard here and there as everyone did the usual morning routine.
Soon enough it was mid-day. There had been women outside the house cooking for the guest. Everyone ate to their satisfaction except the Johnsons.
“We need to put some things in place among our brother’s wealth." a voice from a room in the house explained.
“So we will have to close his room and go with the kids.” Mr Aare Johnson, one Bayo's Uncle continued.
Hot tears welled down Bayo's Mum face. She felt a deep pain in her stomach and she heaved a deep sigh that signified hurt.
Bayo's mother was soon left alone with the kids. No one bothered to check on her except the neighbours.
“My kids, now you understand what life is... People only love you when you're rich. It is until after you lose everything that you will know your true friends.” Bayo's mother tried hard not to cry before her kids as she spoke.
Few days later, one of Bayo's aunt from his Father’s side paid the family a visit. It was awesome seeing someone from their father's side check on them.
“Ah, oko mi, you can take him with you.” Bayo's mum said genuflecting and thanking Mrs Jerry, one of her late husband’s sisters.
“You do not know what this means to me. That someone still cares makes my heart merry.” Bayo's Mum continued.
“I cannot afford to be like others. I know what my brother did for me. It is really sad he had to die too soon." Mrs Jerry dried her eyes trying to prevent the tears.
Plans were made and Bayo followed his Aunt to the city.
“You will not regret this oko mi.” Bayo's Mum prayed as she bade her in-law and her now 3year old son farewell.
"Life in the city is quite different from that of the town.” Mrs Jerry told Bayo at their arrival in the city.
“You just have to be careful and watch how you behave here.” Mrs Jerry continued.
Bayo was carried away with the buildings and difference he saw in the city. He could not help but admire his new environment.
“Do not worry, you will get to know more.” Mrs Jerry said as she flagged down a taxi to her residence.
“You are welcome to our abode." Mr Jerry welcomed Bayo and his wife.
“I have been waiting, calculating the time of your arrival for some hours now.” Mr Jerry said as he helped his wife with the luggage into the house.
Bayo's home back in the town is one of the best, but nothing compared to the Jerrys’ mansion.
"Sit here and relax a bit. Your Aunty will soon be here to take you to your room.” Mr Jerry said as he offered Bayo a fruit juice.
"Daddy, where is our meal?" Mrs Jerry slumped into the chair with an aura of fatigue.
"I'm famished." She said, staring at Bayo at his end of the living room with his fruit juice in his hand.
Bayo quickly took his new environment in. It was fun for him as he could get water easily at the turn of the tap any minute of the day.
“We do not have to go to the backyard for water.” Bayo told Mr Jerry as he observed how he washed the plates.
6months through Bayo's stay with his Aunt, he had been enrolled in a government primary school in the city.
“But you should have made provision for a better school than that. We can afford it.” Mr Jerry cautioned on the day his wife obtained the form.
“He is my relative and not yours. Any decision I make is final and acceptable. Ah!" Mrs Jerry made her husband feel bitter at those words.
"It is alright if that is what you want, but I want you to know that I love him too.” Mr Jerry turned abruptly as he covered himself with his blanket.
Mr and Mrs Jerry never agreed on issues pertaining to Bayo. Mrs Jerry always had the final say and nothing could change that. It was not much of a surprise when Mr Jerry noticed Bayo's malnourished look.
“What hurts me most is that, people will ask how this came to be under my roof.” Mr Jerry shook his head as he observed little Bayo struggling with a bucket of water that was quite bigger than him.
Bayo kept growing, but each stage spelt more pain for him as he suffered starvation and maltreatment from his Aunt.
“Her husband is not even an option" 7year old Bayo narrated to his only friend Dave.
"She must not even know that I have a friend and sadly, some teachers are watching my every move and they report to my aunt.” Bayo explained to Dave has they both walked the busy road home.
Watch out for what next
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