The green leaves didn't surprise the boys. They're used to seeing flowers, beautiful ones.
The eldest one stepped farther away from the two as if she's a contestant in a debate, with her gap teeth she began to spell out words rather nicely.
"Grandma, Sam and Tim don't like it here, neither do I. Brother Tayo was showing us leaves earlier and we didn't like it. We see flowers ; The roses, sunflower and all of them. We have closet and shower there in our place, tiled floor and air-conditioned rooms. This place is hell! Call mummy to come get us"
Grandma could not say a word as she didn't understand all of the girl's grammar, not even 'boda Adio' who claimed to have lived in the city for a good number of years. It was now left to me to unravel this mystery with my cheaply earned village vocabulary. I shook my head in self pity and opened my lips wide for a while to summarise the little girl's speech, "Mama, won ni awon fe lo Ile o. " (Grandma, the children want to return to their home).
Grandma giggled. She agreed to the children's pleas and placed a call through. Her native accent was audible as she smiled, proud of herself while she spoke. I went inside in a defeated manner.
''These Lagos people dey enjoy o, see small girl as she dey yarn oyinbo like say na her own" I went down on my back as I mumbled those words.
Few hours later, Uncle Henry arrived with his wife. His children were delighted to see him and their mother, they ran into their arms repeatedly and making joyful noises and cries. Their pleasantries took about 20 minutes. I prostrated to greet Uncle Henry and his wife as soon as I sighted their gazes , Uncle Henry patted me on the back while his wife just waved. So typical of her!
Grandma prayed for the family and blessed uncle Henry specially. They soon departed and it was just I and my people (Grandma and boda Adio) in the room, I could flaunt my english jargons again.
But one thing kept on striking my heart, it was how the little girl spoke so fluently at a tender age. Their unusual choice of materials, food, decisions etc. It was maddening!
"These people dey enjoy. Lagos na so so great place" I protested.
©Aj Maverick
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am3mm10@ptsolest
