Chapter 3: Papa Returns, Joy and Tears

The day before our fifth birthday, papa—who don stay for border for years—just waka enter house, surprise everybody.

He arrived with dust on his shoes, sun hot on his neck, wearing his old soldier’s jacket. Neighbours rushed out, children shouting, "Papa don come!" Mama dropped her yam, wrapper half-tied, laughing and crying, hugging him so tight people began to clap.

Mama, still busy arranging birthday party, was shining with joy.

She sang his oriki, voice trembling, while the whole compound buzzed. Even the backyard goats joined, bleating as if they too get reason to celebrate. She shouted to her sister, "Bring more soup o, papa don show!"