Chapter 12: The Talk at Home

That evening, after dinner, Rita sat on the small veranda in front of their house. The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving behind streaks of gold and purple in the sky. A light breeze stirred the mango tree beside their compound, and the smell of pepper soup still lingered in the air.

Her mother, Mama Rita, came outside with two mugs of hot cocoa. She handed one to her daughter and sat beside her on the wooden bench.

"You've been quiet since you got back," Mama Rita said, taking a sip. "How was the exam?"

Rita smiled softly. "It was… eventful."

Her mother raised an eyebrow. "Eventful? Hmm. You better talk."

And so Rita began. She told her about Mrs. Olutunushi coming to class and how she had fallen while teaching figures of speech. Mama Rita gasped.

"She fell down? Hope she's okay?"

"Yes, ma. Anne and I helped her up. She wasn't hurt, just a bit embarrassed."

"Hmm," her mother nodded. "That woman walks like she's on a runway. Thank God she didn't break her hip."

They both chuckled.

Then Rita hesitated. "And during the Maths exam… something else happened."

Her mother looked at her, now more serious. "What is it?"

"I helped Anne a little. She was panicking. She forgot the probability formula. So I passed her a note."

Mama Rita narrowed her eyes, not angrily but with concern. "You know that's risky."

"I know. And Mrs. Owode saw us."

Her mother put down her mug. "Ewo! What happened? Did they send you home?"

"No, ma. She called us after the exam… but she didn't punish us. She said she understood."

Mama Rita was silent for a while, then she nodded slowly. "Hmm. That woman is strict, but she has sense. Still, don't try that again. You're smart, Rita. Trust your books. And Anne too."

"I will, ma," Rita said quietly.

Her mother smiled and pulled her into a side hug. "I'm proud of you for helping a friend. But next time, help her before the exam."

They laughed together, their mugs clinking gently.

---

Meanwhile, in another part of town, Anne was helping her mother wash plates in their kitchen. Water splashed over the basin as the two moved in rhythm, the way they always did after dinner.

"So how was school today?" Mama Anne asked, wiping her hands on her wrapper.

Anne looked at her. "It was… a lot."

Her mother raised a brow. "Talk to me."

Anne dried her hands and leaned against the wall. "During the Maths exam, I froze. I forgot the probability formula. Just like that."

Mama Anne turned fully to face her. "That happens sometimes. Exam pressure."

"I know. But I panicked. If not for Rita, I might've cried."

"She helped you?"

Anne nodded. "She passed me a note. Told me the formula."

Mama Anne's expression was unreadable for a moment. "That was risky."

"I know. Mrs. Owode saw us. She could have reported us. But… she didn't. She understood."

There was a long pause before her mother finally said, "That's a good friend you have. Hold her close. But promise me something."

"Yes ma?"

"Don't lose confidence in yourself. You've been studying. You just let fear in. Next time, breathe. Your brain didn't disappear, it just panicked."

Anne nodded slowly. "I'll do better."

Mama Anne smiled and tapped her gently on the forehead. "Good girl. Now, go and read your English notes. Mrs. Olutunushi is not playing with you people."

They both laughed, and the night carried on, peaceful and warm.

Two friends. Two homes. One story.

And the journey was just beginning.