Joyce

The sun has just set, the clouds become thick and the whirlwinds take over the earth. The market women are running to their homes. The farmers leave their apportioned lands and take to their heels.

Soon, a heavy rain started. Everyone was already indoors by now.

"Oh my God everywhere is leaking again," Mrs. Evelyn said emotionally.

"Mum, but the carpenter said he has done a great job in the repair of the roof," Joyce stated.

"Yes, he said. I am disappointed in him. And this rain doesn't want to subside. Joyce, go and place a bucket under that zinc," Mrs. Evelyn said pointing to a leaking portion of their dilapidated house roof.

(Joyce hurriedly places a bucket under the roof. She walks back to her seat).

"If not for your father's demise, we would have left this house for ours years back. I pray God grant him a peaceful rest," Mrs. Evelyn said in a sad voice.

"Mum, it's okay. Don't bring back the hurting memories of the past. Dad was a good-hearted man when he was alive. He was the envy of this community and its environs. I know his life was terminated by enemies," Joyce said in a teary voice.

"Don't cry my beloved. What do you want me do if you start crying? Mmm..., Mr. Davies, my husband, I know your spirit won't leave those that killed you. Joyce, go and check the water in those buckets I placed under the rain outdoors," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Okay mum," Joyce said and left the sitting room.

"Are the bucket full?" Mrs. Evelyn interrogated.

"No mum," Joyce said as she walked back into the sitting room.

"(Standing at arms akimbo) My precious daughter, I want you to make me smile someday. You have been the only treasure your father left behind before he met his untimely death," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Mum, I will make you proud. Your morals are rightly making me become the woman you love me become," Joyce said amidst smiles.

(Now the rain has finally subsided)

"I trust you Dr. Now that the rain as stopped, I will go and continue the cooking outdoors. While you continue in the tidying of the rooms. Understood?" Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Yes mum," Joyce said.

Mrs. Evelyn went outwards to continue cooking, while Joyce stayed indoors to complete the domestic chores.

"Well done mum," Sandra said.

"Thank you daughter. How are you faring today?" Mrs. Evelyn said.

"I am good mum. Is Joyce around?" Sandra said.

"Yes, she is indoors, being engaged," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Oh, let me go and see things myself," Sandra said and walked to the door.

"Hello friend!" Sandra yelled.

"Who is there? I am coming" Joyce said and exited the room.

"Workaholic lady!" Sandra teased.

"What do you need me do? I can't leave all the domestic chores for mum alone to do," Joyce said.

(The two friends exchanged pleasantries)

"How are you doing?" Sandra asked.

"Not bad. And you?" Joyce said.

"Same here babe. You weren't in school yesterday, were you?" Sandra said.

"I got no option than to stay in the shop with mum yesterday. You know she is a beans cake monger who needs much help," Joyce said.

"You are right. She is a very hard-working woman and aging. She needs you often. I am sure you took from her workaholic nature," Sandra said

"I am blushing. Yes I took from mum. Dad wasn't indolent though," Joyce said.

"You are right. Let's allow sleeping dogs lie. Can I assist you in the tidying?" Sandra said.

"Why not? I won't mind," Joyce said.

(The two friends continued the cleaning as they gestured and talked)

"I think I have to be on my way now. Mummy will be angry if I keep late night," Sandra said.

"You are right Dr. Mum won't want her treasure to be mishandled," Joyce said and the two friends walked out.

"So soon? You should at least take something before you go," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"I would have loved to ma, but it's getting dark and I don't want mum to be angered," Sandra said.

"Alright, my Dr. Send my regards to everyone at home, including your pussycat," Mrs. Evening teased.

"(Smiles) It's been long I heard your moonlight tales. I will come and listen to some these days," Sandra said.

"Alright, my Dr. You can come in your convenience," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Okay ma," Sandra said showing off her gapped teeth amidst the blisters on her lips.

"Mummy, I want to accompany Sandy baby," Joyce said.

"There is no problem. But please don't stay long. You know you are the apple of my eye," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"(Smiles) Okay mum, I shan't," Joyce said

"I will give your meal to the dogs if you stay long," Mrs. Evelyn teased.

"(Laughs) You can't do that mum," Sandra chipped in.

"Don't mind mum," Joyce said.

(Joyce and Sandra left)