All her friends mocked her for being barren for years but life hard other plans

All her friends mocked her for being barren for years but life hard other plans

I don’t like it. Again?  Don’t nag me, Chika. Don’t do that to me. I am tired.  Come here first.  No.  Nobody keeps saying God stands by the best.  Where is Kanayo? Five whole years women that got married after me already have children running around their houses.  And does that mean our own story has ended?  Maybe my body is cursed.

 Stop saying that nonsense.  Then why is this happening to me?  The doctor said we are both fine.  Doctors are not God. Something is wrong somewhere.  Listen to me. I married you because I love you, not because of children, not because of pressure from people.  Easy for you to say.

 You’re not the one they whisper about every morning.  Who whispered to you again?  Your sister, who else?  Amara talks too much. Ignore her.  Should I ignore her? She lives in the same compound with us. Every single day she reminds me that she has children and I don’t.  I will talk to her.  You always say that.  Because I don’t want problems in this house. The problems are already here.

Look at me. One day this room will be too noisy because of our children. You will complain that they are disturbing your sleep.  You really believe that?  With my whole heart. Now drink your tea before it gets cold.  Thank you. David, leave your sister ALONE BEFORE I BREAK THAT HEAD of yours. Your children are stubborn like their father.

At least I have children.   Good morning, Mama. Oh, sorry.  Good morning to you, too. Don’t mind Shade. Her mouth has no filter.  No offense now. We were just joking. Some jokes are insults. Everything hurts barren women these days. AMARA! WHAT? DID I LIE?  YOU KNOW WHAT You know what hurts me the most? The fact that your brother sacrifices everything for you, yet you disrespect his wife every chance you get.

 And what have you sacrificed for him? Empty womb and emotional speeches?  Careful.  Or what? You’ll suddenly get pregnant from anger?   Yes, walk away. That’s what you always do. No. I walk away because if I answer you properly, your children will watch their mother get disgraced today.  WHAT DID YOU SAY?  YOU HEARD ME.  WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? AMARA?  ASK YOUR wife why she’s insulting me early in the morning.

Tell him exactly what you said first.  I ONLY JOKED WITH YOU. Calling me barren is A JOKE?  AMARA.  BROTHER, WHY IS EVERYBODY PRETENDING? Is it A LIE? FIVE YEARS IS FIVE YEARS.  ENOUGH.  For speaking the truth?  Now.  Fine. Sorry. But her face clearly shows she means nothing.  Don’t ever say that again.

 Your brother is deeply in love. Love without children is useless.  Still angry?  Your sister hates me.  She doesn’t hate you.  Then what is that? What?  Frustration, bitterness. Amara’s life isn’t easy.  So, I should become punching bag? Then do something.  What do you want me to do?  Set boundaries.

 She’s my sister.  And I’m your wife.  Rukky, now answer me honestly.  If this continues for another five years, will you still defend me like this?  Why are you talking like that?  Because fear is entering my heart.  Fear of what?  That one day you’ll wake up and realize everybody was right.  About what?  That marrying me was a mistake.

 Don’t you ever say that again.  You don’t know how women look at me in church.  I don’t care.  Your mother cares.  My mother is old-fashioned.  Your sister cares.  Amara talks too much.  The neighbors care.  People will always talk.  But what if one day you stop caring to marry you?  I would have left a long time ago.

 I love you. That’s the beginning and end of this conversation.  I want to believe you forever.  Then believe me now.  My brother is blind because of love. Honestly, if he were another man, he would have married a second wife already.  Exactly.  Veronica has tied him spiritually.  You believe that thing?  How can a man stay this loyal for 5 years without children?  Mhm.

 Sometimes I think that woman is pretending. Maybe she removed her womb before marriage.  Jesus. You think I’m joking? Women are wicked these days. And some women are evil. Were you spying on us?  No. Nobody mentioned your name.  You don’t need to. Everybody knows who you’re talking about.  Then face the truth.

The truth is that you’re miserable.  You don’t need to. Everybody knows who you’re talking about.  Then face the truth. The truth is that you’re miserable.  Excuse me? Yes, miserable. You want my marriage to fail because yours already failed.  WATCH YOUR MOUTH.  NO, you watch yours. Every day you insult me inside the house your brother gave you shelter in.

 Shelter? This was my father’s compound, too.  Then respect the woman running the home.  A home without children is incomplete.  At least my husband still sleeps beside me every night. Can you say the same about yours?  Don’t ever mention my husband again.    AMARA! YOU SLAPPED MY WIFE?  SHE INSULTED me first.

 So you hit her?  BROTHER.  GET INSIDE.  YOU’RE SHOUTING AT ME BECAUSE OF THIS WOMAN?  I SAID GET INSIDE. DID SHE HURT YOU? I’m tired of this nonsense.  Then end it.  What do you mean? Ronke.  No. You cannot keep protecting everybody while I’m the one bleeding.  She’s my sister.  AND I’M YOUR WIFE.

 Please lower your voice.  Why? So the neighbors won’t hear. They already hear everything.  This is not the time.  When will it be the time? I’m fighting infertility outside. Now I have to fight humiliation inside my own home, too.  Enough. Enough. I won’t allow this anymore.  You promise?  Yes.  Your brother would choose her over you one day. Happening.

 Then maybe it’s time Ronke learns that not every woman survives marriage pressure. What are you planning? You’ll see.  You know something?  Mhm?  For once, the house is peaceful.  Mhm. I love this.  You become more beautiful whenever you’re not thinking about babies.  So according to you, stress is my problem.  According to me, you’re carrying the whole world on your shoulders.

 And according to me, my husband is trying to dodge serious conversations.  See this woman. I’m serious.  And I’m serious, too.  Can we have one peaceful morning without mentioning children?  No.  Why?  Because somebody owes me twins.  Twins?  A boy and a girl.  Ah, you’re already placing orders.

 And you pay for delivery. Pay both.  What are you doing?  Kanye.  What?  The curtains are open.  Let them be open.  People will see.  Let them learn.  Brother!  Of course.  Of course. Do you have 10,000 naira? My son needs books.  Where is the money I gave you last week? Fi-  Finished. Children are expensive.

 Amara.  Aunty Monik.  Hello, my dears. Hi, Auntie Amara.  CAREFUL! CATCH ME, TUNDE.  HEY, NOT SO ROUGH.  ALL RIGHT. ALL RIGHT. PILLOW FIGHT.  LOOK WHAT I CAN DO.  NO, NOT THERE. THEY’RE CHILDREN.  AMARA.  WHAT? That’s the third thing they’ve broken this month. You can’t expect children to behave like adults.

 You can expect them to behave.  So, about that money.  No. No. No. David.  Yes, Auntie.  Who did this?  We were cooking.  Cooking what?  Adventure.  It was Chimaka’s idea.  No, it was your idea.  Liar!  God. What’s happening? Look at this kitchen.  So? So?  Children play. This is not playing.

 You don’t understand because you don’t have any.  What? Did I lie?  Good morning, ma’am.  Morning, everyone. Let’s begin. The second quarter projections are unacceptable. If we continue at this pace, competitors will overtake us before year end. I didn’t call this meeting to assign blame.

 I called it because solutions pay salaries.  No I didn’t agree, ma’am. We can revise the marketing strategy.  Good. What else?  Expand into new territories.  Better. Let’s build on that. Her confidence is powerful, sharp, respected. Ma’am, the investors have arrived. Perfect.   Let’s make them regret underestimating us.

 Hello.  Where’s your husband?  went to work.  At work? Tell Tell him I need 15,000.  For what? Why are you asking me? Because every week it’s money.  Now you’re counting what your husband does for his family?  No, I’m counting what your husband should be doing.  Just tell him.  Sweetheart, are you okay?  My knee hurts.

 There, all better.  Thank you, auntie. Thank you so much.  She’s adorable. She keeps me awake every night.  You’re lucky.  Nothing.  One day Please, God. One day it will come. I believe.  Ronique.  My period is late.  By how many days?  Six.  Does it happen before?  Not like this.  Baby.  I feel different.

 You always feel different.  This one is different.  You said that 3 months ago.  And one day I’ll be right.  How many have you taken?  Four.  Four?  Maybe the others were faulty.  Ronique.  What if this is finally it?  Then we’ll celebrate.  And if it isn’t?  Then we’ll keep living.  Maybe the others were faulty.

 Ronique.  What if this is it?  Then we’ll celebrate.  And if it isn’t?  Then we’ll keep living.  You make it sound easy.  Because I’m not willing to let infertility steal your happiness.  It already has.  No, not completely, because you’re still here, and I’m still here, and we’re still together.

 I’m scared.  I know.  What if it never happens?  Then we’ll face that day when it comes, not today. Today you’re 6 days late, that’s all we know.  Early pregnancy symptoms. Can pregnancy test be wrong? Signs before positive results. I complained about those children, but I would give anything to have one of my own.

Please. Just one. Please.  Those children will be fine. Ronke is there, isn’t she? Every day she’s complaining that she doesn’t have children. Tonight she can practice motherhood for free. Maybe God is using my children to prepare her for blessing that isn’t coming.   You are a wicked woman.

 Sometimes when you talk, even I get scared. The funny thing is that Ronke still tries to be nice to you after everything you say to her.  That is her problem. If somebody insults me once, I return it 10 times. But Ronke keeps acting like a saint. Besides, what exactly am I saying that is a lie? 5 years in marriage and nothing to show for it.

 Even people who don’t like me know that’s unusual.  Still, you don’t have to remind her every single day.  Why not? The whole compound is thinking it. I’m just brave enough to say it.   You are something else. Brother, we’re stepping out for a few hours. The children will stay here.  A few hours?  Yes, of course. We’ll have fun.

 Where are you going?  Out.  Out where?  Since when did I start reporting my movements?  Amara, it’s almost night. Where exactly are you taking yourself dressed like that?  I’m not taking myself anywhere. Shade and I are going to have fun. Must my life end because I have children? You people are married and enjoying yourselves every day.

 Nobody is saying you shouldn’t have fun. But at least tell us before dumping the children here.  Dumping? Listen to her, as if I brought goats into the house. They’re children, Ronke. Beautiful children, the kind some women pray for every night.  Amara.  What? Did I mention anybody’s name?  You don’t have to.

 Anyway, we’ll be back later. How much later? Whenever we’re done. Seriously though, where exactly did you leave the children?  Amara, that’s rude. You didn’t even ask properly. You practically threw the children there and left.  Shade, so what?  She should be grateful. Every day she’s praying for children.

 Tonight she has two. Let her enjoy the experience. One day your brother will hear you talking like this.   Let him hear. He knows I’m right. Everybody knows I’m right. The only difference is that people are pretending because Ronke cries every time somebody mentions the truth. I still think you go too far. No, I haven’t gone far enough.

That woman has my brother wrapped around her finger. My brother used to listen to me before she came. Now every conversation ends with my wife this, my wife that. You’re jealous.  Of what?  Of the fact that your brother loves her more than he listens to you.   You should put her down.

 Your back must be hurting.  No. Let her sleep.  You’re spoiling her.  I know. You know what’s funny? They stress me all day, they destroy things, they make noise, they never sit still. But when she fell asleep on me, I forgot every annoying thing she did.  Because you love children. One day.  Don’t.  What?  Don’t give me hope tonight.

If I start thinking about it again, I won’t sleep.  You deserve hope.  Hope is becoming expensive, Kanayo. Every month I buy pregnancy test, every month I imagine baby names, every month I convince myself this is the month. Then every month I cry.  Then let me carry that burden, too. Stop trying to suffer alone.

 This is our struggle, not yours.  Sometimes I forget that.  Then I’ll keep reminding you.  Brother, can I ask you something honestly?  Whenever you start a sentence like that, trouble follows.  I’m serious.  Fine. Ask.  Have you ever considered marrying a second wife?  What did you just say?  I’m asking a simple question.

 5 years is a long time. You’re not getting younger. A man needs children. A family needs an heir. There are good women everywhere. Why not marry another wife and solve the problem?  Amara, I can barely keep up with the bills I already have. You want me to add another wife, another house, and another set of responsibilities?  afford it. Don’t act poor.

 Besides, Ronke is making plenty of money.  And what does that have to do with anything?  It means your life is comfortable. You can have another family without suffering.  Let me explain something to you. When I had nothing, Ronke was there. When I was borrowing transport money, she was there.

 When everybody doubted me, she was there. So, why exactly would I reward loyalty with betrayal?  I’m not talking about betrayal. I’m talking about reality.  No. You’re talking about selfishness. You want children so badly that you’re willing to destroy my marriage to get them.  You make it sound dramatic.  It is dramatic.

 You are asking me to break the heart of a woman who has stood beside me for years. Do you know how many women would have left when life was hard? Ronke stayed.  But what if she never gives you children?  And what if another woman doesn’t either?  You’re too emotional.  Marriage is not a supermarket where you exchange people when things don’t go your way.

 And you’re too careless. I’m only trying to help.  No. You’re trying to interfere. Listen carefully because I won’t repeat myself. I will not marry a second family. I will not betray my wife.  Fine.  Good.  But don’t say I didn’t warn you. Just enough.  Mrs. Ronke, this is the fourth consultation we’ve had this year.

 We have repeated the tests, we have checked your hormones, we have checked your scans, we have checked everything available to us. From a medical perspective, I still cannot find anything seriously wrong.  Doctor, with all due respect, something has to be wrong. Women don’t just wait 5 years for a child when everything is fine.

 Every month I get my hopes up, every month I buy another pregnancy test, and every month I end up  I understand your frustration, but sometimes medicine reaches a point where patience becomes part of the treatment. I know that sounds unfair, especially when you’ve been waiting this long, but your body’s not  Show me a reason why pregnancy cannot happen.

 I know. We’ll get through this.  So, what am I supposed to do? Just continue waiting while everyone around me keeps moving forward with their lives? Because, honestly, doctor, waiting is becoming harder than the problem itself.  Ronke.  It’s so difficult.  Then stop letting your entire happiness depend on one outcome.

 Continue living, continue working, continue loving your husband. Sometimes life surprises people when they stop strangling themselves with expectations.  Ma’am. Good morning, everyone. Good morning, ma’am. The board is ready for you in the conference room. Thank you, Bola. Let’s go. The investors loved yesterday’s presentation.

 They’ve approved the expansion project. The board wants to meet you this afternoon. Also, the regional directors are asking for your recommendations regarding the Abuja branch. Tell them I’ll send my report before lunch. Move the board meeting to 2:00. And please remind finance that if I ask for figures by Monday, I don’t mean Thursday.

 Yes, ma’am.  Well,  you already know.  Ronke,  No, please don’t tell me to relax. Don’t tell me God’s time is the best. Don’t tell me it will happen when I least expect it. I know you’re trying to help, but every encouraging sentence feels like another reminder nothing has changed.

 I wasn’t going to say any of that. I was going to say that I hate seeing you torture yourself every month. You don’t even allow yourself a chance to breathe before you’re counting symptoms and buying another test.  want to know. And what do you expect me to do? Pretend I don’t care, pretend I’m not hurting? Every month feels like a funeral, Kanayo.

 A funeral for a child I imagined but never got to meet.  I know that feeling. We will get through this. And let me carry some of that pain. Because every time you lock yourself in that bathroom, you’re acting like this is your battle alone. It isn’t. If you’re hurting, then I’m hurting, too.  David, leave it. AMARA, CAN YOU PLEASE CONTROL THEM?  They’re children.

 You’ve been saying that for months. Children are children, yes, but parents are supposed to be parents. Maybe when you have children, you’ll understand. What? Why are you looking at me like that?  Because I’m tired.  Tired of what? Tired of cleaning after you, tired of feeding your children, tired of paying for things they destroy, tired of pretending your insults don’t hurt.

  You know what your problem is? You think because you have a job and wear expensive clothes, you’re above everybody. But all that money can’t buy what God refused to give you. The compound goes silent. You’re rich, successful, yes, but every night you still go to sleep wishing for the one thing I have naturally.

 ENOUGH.  NO. TODAY I’LL FINISH TALKING. YOU WALK AROUND THIS compound acting like a queen, but you’re still barren. You can buy all the furniture you want, drive all the cars you want, become managing director of companies, but at the end of THE DAY  I SAID ENOUGH. YOU KNOW WHAT? FOR 5 YEARS I have tolerated you because of MY HUSBAND.

 FOR 5 years I fed you, accommodated you, I cleaned after your children, and listened to your nonsense. But today is the last day.  What are you talking about?  I’m talking about you leaving my house.  You heard me.  This is my brother’s house.  No. This is our house. And I’m tired. I’m tired of your drama.

I’m tired of your disrespect. I’m tired of waking up every day to insults from somebody living under my roof.  YOU CAN’T THROW ME OUT.  Watch me.  Have you lost your mind?  No, I finally FOUND IT.  YOU’LL REGRET THIS.  MAYBE. Let me be barren, but look at us. You are fertile, yet you don’t have a husband in your house.

 You are fertile, yet you’re surviving on your brother’s kindness. YOU ARE FERTILE, YET YOU CAN’T EVEN TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN CHILDREN WITHOUT DUMPING THEM ON OTHER PEOPLE. HOW DARE YOU? NO, how dare you? Every day you’ve used my pain as entertainment. Every day you’ve mocked something I cry about in private. SO, TODAY, TAKE your fertility and get out of my house.

 What happened?  Your wife threw me out.  I did.  Tell her she can’t do this.  What exactly happened?  Nothing.  Tell him what you said.  What did you say? Amara.  So, you’re choosing her?  No.  Then stop this.  I’m choosing peace. You’ve become a stone in my wife’s shoe. Every day there’s another argument.

 Every day there’s another insult. I love you because you’re my sister, but I also love my wife, and lately you’ve made this house impossible to live in.  So, that’s it?  Yes.  You’ll both regret this.   Ronke? Ronke?  I’m pregnant. It’s positive.  What?  It’s positive.  What?  I’m pregnant.   You serious?  I’m serious.

 Oh my god.  Kanayo.  We’re having a bab We’re having a baby.  We’re having a baby.  Years of waiting.  Years of prayers.  Years of heartbreak.  Finally.  We’re having a baby.  We’re having a baby.  Years of waiting.  Years of prayers.  Years of heartbreak.

 Finally. Remember when you thought it would never happen?  I remember.  And now?  Now, it’s a miracle.  Our miracle.  Now I know that some journeys are longer than others. But that doesn’t mean they’re over.

All her friends mocked her for being barren for years but life hard other plans

I don’t like it. Again?  Don’t nag me, Chika. Don’t do that to me. I am tired.  Come here first.  No.  Nobody keeps saying God stands by the best.  Where is Kanayo? Five whole years women that got married after me already have children running around their houses.  And does that mean our own story has ended?  Maybe my body is cursed.

 Stop saying that nonsense.  Then why is this happening to me?  The doctor said we are both fine.  Doctors are not God. Something is wrong somewhere.  Listen to me. I married you because I love you, not because of children, not because of pressure from people.  Easy for you to say.

 You’re not the one they whisper about every morning.  Who whispered to you again?  Your sister, who else?  Amara talks too much. Ignore her.  Should I ignore her? She lives in the same compound with us. Every single day she reminds me that she has children and I don’t.  I will talk to her.  You always say that.  Because I don’t want problems in this house. The problems are already here.

Look at me. One day this room will be too noisy because of our children. You will complain that they are disturbing your sleep.  You really believe that?  With my whole heart. Now drink your tea before it gets cold.  Thank you. David, leave your sister ALONE BEFORE I BREAK THAT HEAD of yours. Your children are stubborn like their father.

At least I have children.   Good morning, Mama. Oh, sorry.  Good morning to you, too. Don’t mind Shade. Her mouth has no filter.  No offense now. We were just joking. Some jokes are insults. Everything hurts barren women these days. AMARA! WHAT? DID I LIE?  YOU KNOW WHAT You know what hurts me the most? The fact that your brother sacrifices everything for you, yet you disrespect his wife every chance you get.

 And what have you sacrificed for him? Empty womb and emotional speeches?  Careful.  Or what? You’ll suddenly get pregnant from anger?   Yes, walk away. That’s what you always do. No. I walk away because if I answer you properly, your children will watch their mother get disgraced today.  WHAT DID YOU SAY?  YOU HEARD ME.  WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? AMARA?  ASK YOUR wife why she’s insulting me early in the morning.

Tell him exactly what you said first.  I ONLY JOKED WITH YOU. Calling me barren is A JOKE?  AMARA.  BROTHER, WHY IS EVERYBODY PRETENDING? Is it A LIE? FIVE YEARS IS FIVE YEARS.  ENOUGH.  For speaking the truth?  Now.  Fine. Sorry. But her face clearly shows she means nothing.  Don’t ever say that again.

 Your brother is deeply in love. Love without children is useless.  Still angry?  Your sister hates me.  She doesn’t hate you.  Then what is that? What?  Frustration, bitterness. Amara’s life isn’t easy.  So, I should become punching bag? Then do something.  What do you want me to do?  Set boundaries.

 She’s my sister.  And I’m your wife.  Rukky, now answer me honestly.  If this continues for another five years, will you still defend me like this?  Why are you talking like that?  Because fear is entering my heart.  Fear of what?  That one day you’ll wake up and realize everybody was right.  About what?  That marrying me was a mistake.

 Don’t you ever say that again.  You don’t know how women look at me in church.  I don’t care.  Your mother cares.  My mother is old-fashioned.  Your sister cares.  Amara talks too much.  The neighbors care.  People will always talk.  But what if one day you stop caring to marry you?  I would have left a long time ago.

 I love you. That’s the beginning and end of this conversation.  I want to believe you forever.  Then believe me now.  My brother is blind because of love. Honestly, if he were another man, he would have married a second wife already.  Exactly.  Veronica has tied him spiritually.  You believe that thing?  How can a man stay this loyal for 5 years without children?  Mhm.

 Sometimes I think that woman is pretending. Maybe she removed her womb before marriage.  Jesus. You think I’m joking? Women are wicked these days. And some women are evil. Were you spying on us?  No. Nobody mentioned your name.  You don’t need to. Everybody knows who you’re talking about.  Then face the truth.

The truth is that you’re miserable.  You don’t need to. Everybody knows who you’re talking about.  Then face the truth. The truth is that you’re miserable.  Excuse me? Yes, miserable. You want my marriage to fail because yours already failed.  WATCH YOUR MOUTH.  NO, you watch yours. Every day you insult me inside the house your brother gave you shelter in.

 Shelter? This was my father’s compound, too.  Then respect the woman running the home.  A home without children is incomplete.  At least my husband still sleeps beside me every night. Can you say the same about yours?  Don’t ever mention my husband again.    AMARA! YOU SLAPPED MY WIFE?  SHE INSULTED me first.

 So you hit her?  BROTHER.  GET INSIDE.  YOU’RE SHOUTING AT ME BECAUSE OF THIS WOMAN?  I SAID GET INSIDE. DID SHE HURT YOU? I’m tired of this nonsense.  Then end it.  What do you mean? Ronke.  No. You cannot keep protecting everybody while I’m the one bleeding.  She’s my sister.  AND I’M YOUR WIFE.

 Please lower your voice.  Why? So the neighbors won’t hear. They already hear everything.  This is not the time.  When will it be the time? I’m fighting infertility outside. Now I have to fight humiliation inside my own home, too.  Enough. Enough. I won’t allow this anymore.  You promise?  Yes.  Your brother would choose her over you one day. Happening.

 Then maybe it’s time Ronke learns that not every woman survives marriage pressure. What are you planning? You’ll see.  You know something?  Mhm?  For once, the house is peaceful.  Mhm. I love this.  You become more beautiful whenever you’re not thinking about babies.  So according to you, stress is my problem.  According to me, you’re carrying the whole world on your shoulders.

 And according to me, my husband is trying to dodge serious conversations.  See this woman. I’m serious.  And I’m serious, too.  Can we have one peaceful morning without mentioning children?  No.  Why?  Because somebody owes me twins.  Twins?  A boy and a girl.  Ah, you’re already placing orders.

 And you pay for delivery. Pay both.  What are you doing?  Kanye.  What?  The curtains are open.  Let them be open.  People will see.  Let them learn.  Brother!  Of course.  Of course. Do you have 10,000 naira? My son needs books.  Where is the money I gave you last week? Fi-  Finished. Children are expensive.

 Amara.  Aunty Monik.  Hello, my dears. Hi, Auntie Amara.  CAREFUL! CATCH ME, TUNDE.  HEY, NOT SO ROUGH.  ALL RIGHT. ALL RIGHT. PILLOW FIGHT.  LOOK WHAT I CAN DO.  NO, NOT THERE. THEY’RE CHILDREN.  AMARA.  WHAT? That’s the third thing they’ve broken this month. You can’t expect children to behave like adults.

 You can expect them to behave.  So, about that money.  No. No. No. David.  Yes, Auntie.  Who did this?  We were cooking.  Cooking what?  Adventure.  It was Chimaka’s idea.  No, it was your idea.  Liar!  God. What’s happening? Look at this kitchen.  So? So?  Children play. This is not playing.

 You don’t understand because you don’t have any.  What? Did I lie?  Good morning, ma’am.  Morning, everyone. Let’s begin. The second quarter projections are unacceptable. If we continue at this pace, competitors will overtake us before year end. I didn’t call this meeting to assign blame.

 I called it because solutions pay salaries.  No I didn’t agree, ma’am. We can revise the marketing strategy.  Good. What else?  Expand into new territories.  Better. Let’s build on that. Her confidence is powerful, sharp, respected. Ma’am, the investors have arrived. Perfect.   Let’s make them regret underestimating us.

 Hello.  Where’s your husband?  went to work.  At work? Tell Tell him I need 15,000.  For what? Why are you asking me? Because every week it’s money.  Now you’re counting what your husband does for his family?  No, I’m counting what your husband should be doing.  Just tell him.  Sweetheart, are you okay?  My knee hurts.

 There, all better.  Thank you, auntie. Thank you so much.  She’s adorable. She keeps me awake every night.  You’re lucky.  Nothing.  One day Please, God. One day it will come. I believe.  Ronique.  My period is late.  By how many days?  Six.  Does it happen before?  Not like this.  Baby.  I feel different.

 You always feel different.  This one is different.  You said that 3 months ago.  And one day I’ll be right.  How many have you taken?  Four.  Four?  Maybe the others were faulty.  Ronique.  What if this is finally it?  Then we’ll celebrate.  And if it isn’t?  Then we’ll keep living.  Maybe the others were faulty.

 Ronique.  What if this is it?  Then we’ll celebrate.  And if it isn’t?  Then we’ll keep living.  You make it sound easy.  Because I’m not willing to let infertility steal your happiness.  It already has.  No, not completely, because you’re still here, and I’m still here, and we’re still together.

 I’m scared.  I know.  What if it never happens?  Then we’ll face that day when it comes, not today. Today you’re 6 days late, that’s all we know.  Early pregnancy symptoms. Can pregnancy test be wrong? Signs before positive results. I complained about those children, but I would give anything to have one of my own.

Please. Just one. Please.  Those children will be fine. Ronke is there, isn’t she? Every day she’s complaining that she doesn’t have children. Tonight she can practice motherhood for free. Maybe God is using my children to prepare her for blessing that isn’t coming.   You are a wicked woman.

 Sometimes when you talk, even I get scared. The funny thing is that Ronke still tries to be nice to you after everything you say to her.  That is her problem. If somebody insults me once, I return it 10 times. But Ronke keeps acting like a saint. Besides, what exactly am I saying that is a lie? 5 years in marriage and nothing to show for it.

 Even people who don’t like me know that’s unusual.  Still, you don’t have to remind her every single day.  Why not? The whole compound is thinking it. I’m just brave enough to say it.   You are something else. Brother, we’re stepping out for a few hours. The children will stay here.  A few hours?  Yes, of course. We’ll have fun.

 Where are you going?  Out.  Out where?  Since when did I start reporting my movements?  Amara, it’s almost night. Where exactly are you taking yourself dressed like that?  I’m not taking myself anywhere. Shade and I are going to have fun. Must my life end because I have children? You people are married and enjoying yourselves every day.

 Nobody is saying you shouldn’t have fun. But at least tell us before dumping the children here.  Dumping? Listen to her, as if I brought goats into the house. They’re children, Ronke. Beautiful children, the kind some women pray for every night.  Amara.  What? Did I mention anybody’s name?  You don’t have to.

 Anyway, we’ll be back later. How much later? Whenever we’re done. Seriously though, where exactly did you leave the children?  Amara, that’s rude. You didn’t even ask properly. You practically threw the children there and left.  Shade, so what?  She should be grateful. Every day she’s praying for children.

 Tonight she has two. Let her enjoy the experience. One day your brother will hear you talking like this.   Let him hear. He knows I’m right. Everybody knows I’m right. The only difference is that people are pretending because Ronke cries every time somebody mentions the truth. I still think you go too far. No, I haven’t gone far enough.

That woman has my brother wrapped around her finger. My brother used to listen to me before she came. Now every conversation ends with my wife this, my wife that. You’re jealous.  Of what?  Of the fact that your brother loves her more than he listens to you.   You should put her down.

 Your back must be hurting.  No. Let her sleep.  You’re spoiling her.  I know. You know what’s funny? They stress me all day, they destroy things, they make noise, they never sit still. But when she fell asleep on me, I forgot every annoying thing she did.  Because you love children. One day.  Don’t.  What?  Don’t give me hope tonight.

If I start thinking about it again, I won’t sleep.  You deserve hope.  Hope is becoming expensive, Kanayo. Every month I buy pregnancy test, every month I imagine baby names, every month I convince myself this is the month. Then every month I cry.  Then let me carry that burden, too. Stop trying to suffer alone.

 This is our struggle, not yours.  Sometimes I forget that.  Then I’ll keep reminding you.  Brother, can I ask you something honestly?  Whenever you start a sentence like that, trouble follows.  I’m serious.  Fine. Ask.  Have you ever considered marrying a second wife?  What did you just say?  I’m asking a simple question.

 5 years is a long time. You’re not getting younger. A man needs children. A family needs an heir. There are good women everywhere. Why not marry another wife and solve the problem?  Amara, I can barely keep up with the bills I already have. You want me to add another wife, another house, and another set of responsibilities?  afford it. Don’t act poor.

 Besides, Ronke is making plenty of money.  And what does that have to do with anything?  It means your life is comfortable. You can have another family without suffering.  Let me explain something to you. When I had nothing, Ronke was there. When I was borrowing transport money, she was there.

 When everybody doubted me, she was there. So, why exactly would I reward loyalty with betrayal?  I’m not talking about betrayal. I’m talking about reality.  No. You’re talking about selfishness. You want children so badly that you’re willing to destroy my marriage to get them.  You make it sound dramatic.  It is dramatic.

 You are asking me to break the heart of a woman who has stood beside me for years. Do you know how many women would have left when life was hard? Ronke stayed.  But what if she never gives you children?  And what if another woman doesn’t either?  You’re too emotional.  Marriage is not a supermarket where you exchange people when things don’t go your way.

 And you’re too careless. I’m only trying to help.  No. You’re trying to interfere. Listen carefully because I won’t repeat myself. I will not marry a second family. I will not betray my wife.  Fine.  Good.  But don’t say I didn’t warn you. Just enough.  Mrs. Ronke, this is the fourth consultation we’ve had this year.

 We have repeated the tests, we have checked your hormones, we have checked your scans, we have checked everything available to us. From a medical perspective, I still cannot find anything seriously wrong.  Doctor, with all due respect, something has to be wrong. Women don’t just wait 5 years for a child when everything is fine.

 Every month I get my hopes up, every month I buy another pregnancy test, and every month I end up  I understand your frustration, but sometimes medicine reaches a point where patience becomes part of the treatment. I know that sounds unfair, especially when you’ve been waiting this long, but your body’s not  Show me a reason why pregnancy cannot happen.

 I know. We’ll get through this.  So, what am I supposed to do? Just continue waiting while everyone around me keeps moving forward with their lives? Because, honestly, doctor, waiting is becoming harder than the problem itself.  Ronke.  It’s so difficult.  Then stop letting your entire happiness depend on one outcome.

 Continue living, continue working, continue loving your husband. Sometimes life surprises people when they stop strangling themselves with expectations.  Ma’am. Good morning, everyone. Good morning, ma’am. The board is ready for you in the conference room. Thank you, Bola. Let’s go. The investors loved yesterday’s presentation.

 They’ve approved the expansion project. The board wants to meet you this afternoon. Also, the regional directors are asking for your recommendations regarding the Abuja branch. Tell them I’ll send my report before lunch. Move the board meeting to 2:00. And please remind finance that if I ask for figures by Monday, I don’t mean Thursday.

 Yes, ma’am.  Well,  you already know.  Ronke,  No, please don’t tell me to relax. Don’t tell me God’s time is the best. Don’t tell me it will happen when I least expect it. I know you’re trying to help, but every encouraging sentence feels like another reminder nothing has changed.

 I wasn’t going to say any of that. I was going to say that I hate seeing you torture yourself every month. You don’t even allow yourself a chance to breathe before you’re counting symptoms and buying another test.  want to know. And what do you expect me to do? Pretend I don’t care, pretend I’m not hurting? Every month feels like a funeral, Kanayo.

 A funeral for a child I imagined but never got to meet.  I know that feeling. We will get through this. And let me carry some of that pain. Because every time you lock yourself in that bathroom, you’re acting like this is your battle alone. It isn’t. If you’re hurting, then I’m hurting, too.  David, leave it. AMARA, CAN YOU PLEASE CONTROL THEM?  They’re children.

 You’ve been saying that for months. Children are children, yes, but parents are supposed to be parents. Maybe when you have children, you’ll understand. What? Why are you looking at me like that?  Because I’m tired.  Tired of what? Tired of cleaning after you, tired of feeding your children, tired of paying for things they destroy, tired of pretending your insults don’t hurt.

  You know what your problem is? You think because you have a job and wear expensive clothes, you’re above everybody. But all that money can’t buy what God refused to give you. The compound goes silent. You’re rich, successful, yes, but every night you still go to sleep wishing for the one thing I have naturally.

 ENOUGH.  NO. TODAY I’LL FINISH TALKING. YOU WALK AROUND THIS compound acting like a queen, but you’re still barren. You can buy all the furniture you want, drive all the cars you want, become managing director of companies, but at the end of THE DAY  I SAID ENOUGH. YOU KNOW WHAT? FOR 5 YEARS I have tolerated you because of MY HUSBAND.

 FOR 5 years I fed you, accommodated you, I cleaned after your children, and listened to your nonsense. But today is the last day.  What are you talking about?  I’m talking about you leaving my house.  You heard me.  This is my brother’s house.  No. This is our house. And I’m tired. I’m tired of your drama.

I’m tired of your disrespect. I’m tired of waking up every day to insults from somebody living under my roof.  YOU CAN’T THROW ME OUT.  Watch me.  Have you lost your mind?  No, I finally FOUND IT.  YOU’LL REGRET THIS.  MAYBE. Let me be barren, but look at us. You are fertile, yet you don’t have a husband in your house.

 You are fertile, yet you’re surviving on your brother’s kindness. YOU ARE FERTILE, YET YOU CAN’T EVEN TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN CHILDREN WITHOUT DUMPING THEM ON OTHER PEOPLE. HOW DARE YOU? NO, how dare you? Every day you’ve used my pain as entertainment. Every day you’ve mocked something I cry about in private. SO, TODAY, TAKE your fertility and get out of my house.

 What happened?  Your wife threw me out.  I did.  Tell her she can’t do this.  What exactly happened?  Nothing.  Tell him what you said.  What did you say? Amara.  So, you’re choosing her?  No.  Then stop this.  I’m choosing peace. You’ve become a stone in my wife’s shoe. Every day there’s another argument.

 Every day there’s another insult. I love you because you’re my sister, but I also love my wife, and lately you’ve made this house impossible to live in.  So, that’s it?  Yes.  You’ll both regret this.   Ronke? Ronke?  I’m pregnant. It’s positive.  What?  It’s positive.  What?  I’m pregnant.   You serious?  I’m serious.

 Oh my god.  Kanayo.  We’re having a bab We’re having a baby.  We’re having a baby.  Years of waiting.  Years of prayers.  Years of heartbreak.  Finally.  We’re having a baby.  We’re having a baby.  Years of waiting.  Years of prayers.  Years of heartbreak.

 Finally. Remember when you thought it would never happen?  I remember.  And now?  Now, it’s a miracle.  Our miracle.  Now I know that some journeys are longer than others. But that doesn’t mean they’re over.