MOORI KOKO

I nodded and took the porridge. It tasted bland, but uncle James kept encouraging me to take more. I forced a few more spoons down, but my mind drifted to Grandma Ama's porridge.

It was our favorite, and it was a recipe from Ghanaland. ( moori koko) ( meaning porridge made from corn) She made it with milled corn and added negro pepper for a fragrant touch. The mere thought of it brought bittersweet memories.

This porridge, however, was nothing like grandma's. The taste made my stomach churn. I rushed to the washroom, leaning over the sink as everything came back up. I washed my face and looked at myself in the mirror. The reflection staring back was unfamiliar –puffy eyes, messy hair, and a face worn with grief.

My Grandmother's death was taking a toll on me.

A soft knock broke my thoughts. I opened the door to find uncle James standing there, concern etched on his face.

" Hey are you ok?" He asked gently.

" yeah," I replied though my voice was shaky. "I just … need to get out of here. The scent in this place is making me nauseous."