MORENIKEJI
“Morenikeji!” My mother’s baritone voice echoed through the walls of our incredibly large hallway. No, the house wasn’t a big one, just badly shaped with the plan drawn by an half-baked draftsman that was Papa's friend. I remember how I lurk in the shadows whenever I didn’t feel like talking to anyone. Mama knew to find me there. “I knew you would be here ohh. Look at you, acting like a big baby. You’ve still not changed.” I ignored her and just stared at her badly coloured skin, blemished by dangerous chemicals she called body cream. “Mama. When did you start bleaching? It is bad for your health ohh”, I whispered, “Cancer.” ‘Cancer ko. My dear, stop worrying. Everybody’s getting light-skinned these days. You better adjust and let me get you a very nice one for your skin. Dark child like your Papa. Before you divert my attention, you know why I am here oh.” I didn’t reply and I could sense her temporary calmness seeping ...