WHY I DON'T LIE
I am Segun, and I am 8 years old. I have a little brother, his name is Baby Tolu, he is 3years old.
One day, it was weekend and mummy asked me to take care of Baby Tolu. I know you are wondering about the gap between our ages but I once had a younger sister who died mysteriously 4 years ago.
Our nanny, Aunty Sikirat left for the village few months ago. I have quizzed about her many times and mum will always either respond, "she will be back soon" or "Don't disturb me Segun."
Aunty Sikirat left when I confessed to mummy that she beats me whenever mummy leaves me with her. Although, I felt bad doing that because I loved my nanny. Mummy came home one day and saw my left ear bleeding. She asked and I had to tell her. I heard Mummy call her into her room, discussed with her and the next day, Aunty Sikirat left for the village. My nanny took good care of Baby Tobi when she was sick before she died, even though mummy was not too caring. She also takes me to school everyday in daddy's small car after feeding me with my favorite food. Daddy leaves the house as early as 6 am and mummy goes early to work also.
Mummy told me where Baby Tolu's feeding bottle was in a hot water bowl and instructed me to feed him whenever he cries.
After mummy left, I took him out to go and play. Suddenly, I couldn't find him. I looked everywhere to no avail. I was so afraid. I didn't know what to do. I cried and cried till I heard the sound of daddy's car. I ran quickly to my room, cleaned my face came out and greeted him. He asked where my mummy and little brother were. I lied that they went to the market. Daddy didn't wait, he left again for the office after few minutes.
Mummy came back and asked of my brother, I lied again that daddy came to carry him out. She called daddy and asked if he came home which daddy affirmed.
It was the shout of our neighbour's wife that took us outside to see what has happened, only to find my little brother's head behind the tyre of our neighbor's car, scattered into pieces. Mummy fainted and I didn't know whether to cry or shout. I fell down looking at his pieces. He had slept off under our neighbor's tyre while I was in the back yard with my toy car.
Our neighbor didn't also check so he crushed my little brother's head, and he died.
After his burial, I promised never ever to lie again!
© Ben James
©ANSAChildrenLiteratureContest