54

IVORY

Mama called me into her room later that night after we had had dinner. Jide had switched off the generator and it was dark. He had gone off to sleep then.

"Ivory, my dear," she called me after she had been silent for over thirty minutes.

The crickets chirped into the night while the owls hooted to the rhythm that was made. It was very hot but my shawl was over my shoulders.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied uncertainly, wondering what this summon was about.

"I know you will understand me. Even if Jide does not, you should because you are a woman like me," she said calmly.

I...