WRECKED 27 26

Mother wants to come down next weekend," Jubril said. "She " sounded upset. I thought it would be nice if we invited Mustapha and Kuku. A family union will cheer her up. I hope you don't mind?"

"Of course I don't mind," Anaya said. "I'm surprised Kuku never made out time to come visit since they moved to Maiduguri. Strange. Anyway, they are all welcome."

Jubril shook his head. He was surprised by her reaction. Anaya wasn't fond of his mother and dismissed his brother as a mummy's boy. And he knew that she never pretended. She smiled at him as if she could read his thoughts, and said, "I'll make sure they have a good time."

She's changed so much, he thought. The selfishness that was ruining her character had given place to warmth and compassion. The hard edges were blurred; the brittle attitude of life and its purpose had changed so dramatically that it actually showed on her face. She's more beautiful now than when I just met her, and I love her as much as I ever did.

Afsat arrived in low spirits. She was disintegrating, she didn't eat or sleep, and for a while, there was a frightening lack of selfdirection, unusual for this tireless woman.

Afsat knew Anaya tried to tolerate her and paid lip service to the conventions, but she also realised strength and turned instinctively to her daughter-in-law. Something was happening to her son, Mustapha. Mustapha was her favourite, softer than Jubril, more demonstrative as a child. Seeing him during his last visit to Abuja a week ago broke her spirit. As a result, she gave herself to Anaya's hands and let grief have its way, as she unburdened.

"Something is wrong, Anaya. My son has taken to drink. He has lost his spark."
Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click for visiting.

Anaya was patient with her weeping and distress. She pitied Afsat without understanding the mother's anguish for her child. She tried to comfort her, to support her, concentrating on making the old woman comfortable and happy, and seeing she wasn't left alone.

"We will get to the bottom of whatever is bothering Mustapha. They arrive this weekend. Now, calm down. I promise you, we will handle the situation. Whatever it is. Pull yourself together now. You need to be strong for him."

Afsat Rufai wiped her eyes and took hold of Anaya's hand, gripping it tightly. "Oh, thank you, Anaya. Thank you for being good to me." And she began to cry again. But there was a difference. Relief and hope now flickered in her and remained steady, like a tiny flame. Anaya smiled. Her mother-in-law may not be very intelligent, but she was endowed with maternal feelings that were powerful enough to combat her sorrow.

Chapter end