Cookies and kindness

HOURS AGO...

"Gifts from us... I just moved here and thought of spreading some love!" Mrs. Chibuike said with a bright smile, her tone light and jovial.

Mrs. Hart chuckled warmly. "You're the new neighbors? Welcome! Come in," she invited, stepping aside to let them enter.

Mrs. Chibuike stepped in enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Kamsi followed slowly, her expression a mix of reluctance and curiosity, a slight frown tugging at her lips.

"I'm assuming you're from Africa?" Mrs. Hart asked politely, her eyes flicking between Mrs. Chibuike and Kamsi.

"Oh yes, Nigeria to be precise!" Mrs. Chibuike replied, her pride evident in her voice.

"And she...?" Mrs. Hart inquired, glancing at Kamsi.

"This is my daughter, Kamsi," Mrs. Chibuike said, nudging her daughter gently. "Say hi."

"Good afternoon, ma'am," Kamsi greeted, managing a pouty smile.

"Oh dear, she's so pretty!" Mrs. Hart exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with genuine admiration.

Kamsi blushed, a shy smile breaking through her initial reluctance.

"Yes, a lot of people say that," Mrs. Chibuike agreed, her own smile broadening as she shared a proud look with her daughter.

"Wow, your house is lovely!" Mrs. Chibuike exclaimed, admiring the tasteful decor and cozy ambiance.

"Thank you, I'm glad you like it," Mrs. Hart replied, her smile genuine.

"Do you live alone?" Mrs. Chibuike asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Oh no, I don't. I live with my son and younger daughter," Mrs. Hart answered. "They're not home right now, but I think they'll be back soon."

"Do say hi to them for me," Mrs. Chibuike said warmly.

Mrs. Hart's face lit up with a touch of surprise and delight. "Why don't you stay for dinner?" she offered, her hospitality shining through.

"Maybe some other time," Mrs. Chibuike declined politely, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.

"Okay then, thanks again for the cookies!" Mrs. Hart said, her voice full of appreciation.

"It's nothing, really. See you some other time," Mrs. Chibuike responded as they made their way to the door.

"Goodbye!" Mrs. Hart waved, her smile lingering as she shut the door.

Outside, Mrs. Chibuike turned to Kamsi with a triumphant grin. "See? I told you they'd be nice people!"

Kamsi rolled her eyes at her mom's enthusiasm. "Yeah, yeah."

"On to the next house!" Mrs. Chibuike declared, already moving towards their next destination with a spring in her step, her joy infectious even to a reluctantly amused Kamsi.

As Mrs. Chibuike and Kamsi approached the next apartment, Mrs. Chibuike gave a gentle tap on the door. Moments later, it swung open to reveal a teenage girl with brown skin and hair styled in a wavy up-knot. She wore a white headset around her neck, a black hoodie, and blue baggy jeans, her expression a mix of curiosity and confusion.

"Hey..." the girl greeted, her eyes flicking between the strangers.

"Hi dear. Are your parents home?" Mrs. Chibuike asked, her voice carrying a touch of awkwardness.

"It's just me," the girl replied, a hint of curiosity in her tone.

"Oh!" Mrs. Chibuike exclaimed, momentarily taken aback. She quickly composed herself and stretched out the plastic container of cookies. "I made these. We recently moved here and thought, why not spread some love!" she said with a warm, polite smile.

"Thanks," the girl said, her voice flat and monotone, as she accepted the container.

"You're welcome, dear. I'm Mrs. Chibuike, and this is my daughter, Kamsi," she introduced, trying to break the ice.

Kamsi offered a small, hesitant wave, her eyes meeting the girl's briefly before looking away.

"Well, it was nice meeting you. Enjoy the cookies!" Mrs. Chibuike said, her smile unwavering as they bid their goodbyes.

As they walked away, Kamsi looked at her mother with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Mom, you really think this is going to work?"

Mrs. Chibuike shrugged, her eyes twinkling with optimism. "You never know, Kamsi. Sometimes, a small act of kindness can open doors to wonderful friendships."

Kamsi rolled her eyes but couldn't help a small smile as they headed to the next apartment, the adventure of spreading goodwill continuing with each knock

"That's a weird little girl," Mrs. Chibuike remarked as they entered their apartment, closing the door behind them.

"Mom, she's pretty," Kamsi murmured, her voice soft.

"Not as pretty as my daughter," Mrs. Chibuike countered, her eyes sparkling with pride, causing Kamsi to blush.

"You make me feel like I'm the prettiest girl in the world," Kamsi said, a shy smile playing on her lips.

"That's because you are," her mom affirmed, leaning in to plant a gentle kiss on Kamsi's forehead. "And never let anyone make you feel less," she advised, her tone both tender and firm. Kamsi nodded, absorbing the warmth of her mother's words.

Just then, Kamsi's thoughts drifted to last night's encounter with the arrogant guy. Her smile faded as she remembered his condescending tone and sneering face. The way he had spoken to her, as if she were beneath him, made her blood boil anew.

"Mom, can I ask you something?" Kamsi said, her voice tinged with concern.

"Of course, dear. What's on your mind?" Mrs. Chibuike replied, her expression softening into one of support and attentiveness.

Kamsi hesitated, the memory of the encounter still fresh and raw. "Remember last night, I told you about this guy I met... He spoke to me like I was nothing, like I didn't matter. How do you deal with people like that?"

Mrs. Chibuike's expression darkened slightly, her eyes narrowing as she considered her response. "Oh, Kamsi," she began, her voice gentle yet firm. "People like that, they don't define you. Their words, their attitudes, they're a reflection of their own insecurities and prejudices, not your worth. You are strong, smart, and beautiful. Never forget that."

Kamsi nodded, her mother's words wrapping around her like a protective shield. She felt a surge of gratitude and love for this woman who always knew just what to say to make her feel invincible.

"Thank you, Mom," Kamsi said, her voice steadier now.

Mrs. Chibuike smiled, her eyes full of pride and love. "Anytime, my darling. Now, let's finish delivering these cookies and spread a little more kindness, shall we?"