Chapter Sixteen

For dinner, we enjoyed a delicious meal of rice and chicken stew. The enticing aroma permeated the house even before my mother and aunt finished cooking. It smelled truly heavenly. After the satisfying dinner, I sat on the sofa in our small, cosy living room, next to Ella, watching television. However, the power abruptly went out after just five minutes. Undeterred, we ventured out to the veranda and joined my grandmother, who regaled us with exciting stories as we savoured roasted chicken accompanied by palm wine. In one corner, my grandmother had built a warm fire, providing us with comfort instead of the chilling night air.

With all of my grandmother's children and grandchildren gathered to celebrate, the room was filled to the brim. When it came time to sleep, the sofas in the living room were pushed aside to make space for the grandchildren.

The warmth of having your family together for Christmas is an experience that everyone should cherish, and I have always wished for everyone to enjoy their Christmas to the fullest. Our worth is not measured by how much we spend during Christmas but by the love we give and receive.

As the New Year approached rapidly, a wave of anticipation washed over me. I closed my eyes, envisioning a cascade of happiness gracing the faces of everyone I held dear. With hopeful thoughts swirling in my mind, I drifted off to sleep, eagerly awaiting the joy and possibilities that the upcoming year would bring.