SHORT STORY
Her six children were all fatherless. Their ages ranged from 16-5. She alone worked to support them. She was a stocker at Walmart. Yet still she was determined to let them have a merry Christmas. Her night shift gave her more time to be with her kids during daylight. The mother dutifully ensured that they all attended school everyday. She packed lunch kits for the younger ones but the eldest and second in line took whatever small change she could muster to buy something at the school's canteen. Sometimes they were lucky when the ladies at the canteen gave them a little extra or a few damaged but wholesome snacks. They never complained. In fact they were the most pleasant to interact with at anytime. Mama taught them that everyone is going through something, regardless of the appearance.
On Mama's off-days they would go window shopping. They dreamed of owning some of the toys in the store and wearing some of the clothing they saw, but restrained themselves- remembering Mama's mantra. The sight of the delights brightened their hearts. They made fun with each other on how they would look wearing the various pieces on display. Most times at the end of their shopping, they would take home ice-cream and some chips. They were ecstatic.
As the special day grew closer, Mama was able to buy a few pieces of decorations at her workplace. The company offered special discounts for all employees during the festive season. So, Mama with all her kids in tow went shopping. Oh, two a shopping carts were bursting at their seams with goodies. This family was rich. They bought rice, corn, flour, yeast, cooking oil , cornmeal, oates, milk, beans, fresh fruits, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, rolls of bathroom tissue, paper towels, bath soap, two mops, and more, and more. They gleefully exited the store and made their way home. © Wallace Paul, December 2024 (Look out for Pt II in next issue.)
Her six children were all fatherless. Their ages ranged from 16-5. She alone worked to support them. She was a stocker at Walmart. Yet still she was determined to let them have a merry Christmas. Her night shift gave her more time to be with her kids during daylight. The mother dutifully ensured that they all attended school everyday. She packed lunch kits for the younger ones but the eldest and second in line took whatever small change she could muster to buy something at the school's canteen. Sometimes they were lucky when the ladies at the canteen gave them a little extra or a few damaged but wholesome snacks. They never complained. In fact they were the most pleasant to interact with at anytime. Mama taught them that everyone is going through something, regardless of the appearance.
On Mama's off-days they would go window shopping. They dreamed of owning some of the toys in the store and wearing some of the clothing they saw, but restrained themselves- remembering Mama's mantra. The sight of the delights brightened their hearts. They made fun with each other on how they would look wearing the various pieces on display. Most times at the end of their shopping, they would take home ice-cream and some chips. They were ecstatic.
As the special day grew closer, Mama was able to buy a few pieces of decorations at her workplace. The company offered special discounts for all employees during the festive season. So, Mama with all her kids in tow went shopping. Oh, two a shopping carts were bursting at their seams with goodies. This family was rich. They bought rice, corn, flour, yeast, cooking oil , cornmeal, oates, milk, beans, fresh fruits, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, rolls of bathroom tissue, paper towels, bath soap, two mops, and more, and more. They gleefully exited the store and made their way home. © Wallace Paul, December 2024 (Look out for Pt II in next issue.)