A MOTHER'S BURDEN
830 Words
The days in the city started early for Amina. Each morning, she rose before dawn to prepare breakfast for Odeny and pack his lunch. It was a modest meal—a sandwich and a piece of fruit, with a small bottle of water—but it was all she could afford. She would then rush him off to school before catching the first matatu to her job as a house cleaner in an affluent neighborhood.
Her workdays were grueling, filled with endless scrubbing, polishing, and laundry. By the time she returned home in the evening, her body ached, but her responsibilities didn’t end there. She still had to cook dinner, help Odeny with his homework, and plan how to stretch her limited earnings to cover rent, school fees, and basic necessities.
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One evening, Amina sat at their small table, reviewing a crumpled receipt for Odeny’s upcoming school trip. He had handed it to her earlier with excitement shining in his eyes.
“Mama, we’re going to the museum! The teacher said we’ll see real dinosaur bones and learn about history!” Odeny had exclaimed, barely able to contain his joy.
Amina had smiled, hiding the pang of worry that hit her. The trip fee wasn’t much for most families, but for her, it was another unplanned expense that threatened to throw her precarious budget off balance.
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The next day, Amina tried to negotiate with her employer for extra hours. She approached Mrs. Okello, a woman with perfectly styled hair and an air of detached kindness, while folding freshly laundered clothes.
“Madam, I was wondering if I could work a few extra hours this week. Perhaps on the weekend?” Amina asked hesitantly.
Mrs. Okello glanced up from her phone, her expression unreadable. “We don’t really need extra help right now, Amina. But I’ll let you know if anything comes up.”
Amina nodded, swallowing her disappointment. She had expected the response but couldn’t help feeling defeated.
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Later that evening, after putting Odeny to bed, Amina sat by the dim light of their single bulb, trying to figure out a solution. She considered borrowing money from a neighbor, but she had already borrowed once to cover Odeny’s school uniform and hadn’t yet repaid the full amount.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. It was Nabwire, their elderly neighbor who lived in the next room. The two women often shared quiet conversations over cups of tea when they had the time.
“Amina, I heard you sighing from my room,” Nabwire said with a gentle laugh as she stepped inside.
Amina smiled weakly. “It’s nothing, Mama Nabwire. Just trying to make things work.”
Nabwire settled into one of the mismatched chairs, her presence calming. “Raising a child alone is never easy, but you’re doing well. Odeny is a good boy. What’s troubling you?”
Amina hesitated before sharing her dilemma about the school trip. Nabwire listened intently, nodding occasionally.
“You know, sometimes the best thing you can do is ask for help,” Nabwire said. “The teacher might understand if you explain your situation. Or perhaps there’s a way for you to pay in installments.”
Amina nodded thoughtfully. She hated the idea of exposing her struggles, but she couldn’t bear the thought of Odeny missing out on an experience he was so excited about.
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The next day, Amina swallowed her pride and went to the school during her lunch break. She spoke with Mr. Obare, explaining her situation in a quiet, measured tone.
“I don’t want Odeny to miss the trip,” she said. “But money is tight right now. Is there any way I could pay the fee over time?”
To her relief, Mr. Obare was understanding. “We can make arrangements, Amina. Odeny is a bright boy, and he deserves to go. I’ll note it down, and you can pay when you’re able.”
Amina felt tears prick her eyes but quickly blinked them away. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.”
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That evening, Odeny came home to find his mother preparing dinner with a lighter expression on her face.
“Mama, is something good happening?” he asked, noticing the slight smile she wore.
“You’re going to the museum, my son,” she said, turning to him with a proud smile.
Odeny threw his arms around her. “Thank you, Mama! I promise I’ll work hard in school and make you proud.”
“You already do,” she whispered, holding him close.
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Despite the constant balancing act, Amina found moments of joy and purpose in her struggles. Every sacrifice she made felt worth it when she saw Odeny’s enthusiasm for learning and his growing confidence. The city had tested her in ways she couldn’t have imagined, but it had also given her the chance to dream of a better future for her son.
- Writer
