When Chioma returned home from work, she freshened up and sat down at the dining table for dinner. It had been an exhausting day for the family – attending to customers at the restaurant, selling fruits in the market, and working on broken cars at the garage.
Despite their fatigue, the family of three still felt happiness in their hearts. Family meant everything to them; everything else could fade away, but not the love within their family.
'Someone was incredibly generous and gave me 8,000 naira as a tip just for serving her fried rice,' Chioma exclaimed, holding a slice of bread in her hand, her eyes bright with excitement.
'You're quite likable, that's why,' Andrew remarked, a playful smile tugging at his lips as he sipped his milk.
'Oh, please, stop teasing me,' Chioma chuckled, a light blush colouring her cheeks as she waved off his comment.
'How much do I get from the tip?' Louisa joked, her tone playful as she added food onto Andrew and Chioma's plates.
'Mum, you're too old for that. Andrew will give you something instead,' Chioma chuckled, her eyes twinkling. She had already planned what she would buy for her mother when she received her first salary. If she couldn't find a nice handbag, she would give her entire month's salary to her mother. However, she feared her mother might insist on her keeping the money for herself.
'You didn't buy anything for us?' Andrew teased, raising an eyebrow.
Chioma rose to her feet, went to the bedroom, and returned with a bag. She took out a pair of fancy white slippers and a tie. Presenting her mother with the slippers and Andrew with the blue tie, Chioma had obviously put a lot of thought into these gifts.
'I received tips from other customers, though not as substantial as Audrey's,' Chioma said, slipping back into her chair, a soft smile playing on her lips.
'Why did you spend so much? You could have saved the money,' Louisa questioned, her brows furrowing in concern.
'Mum, try them on. I want to see if the slippers fit you,' Chioma said with a smile, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Louisa bent down and slipped the slippers onto her feet, while both Andrew and Chioma watched intently.
'Mum, the slippers look good on you,' Andrew praised, nodding in approval.
'I know, but your sister shouldn't have spent money on me. Today was her first day at work. She could have saved the money to buy a new dress or shoes for herself,' Louisa remarked, tears welling up in her eyes.
Chioma walked over to her mother and gently held her shoulder. 'It wasn't expensive, Mum. I saw a street vendor selling them, and I thought they would look good on you.' Chioma's voice was filled with affection, her gaze soft. 'Do you like them, Mum?' Chioma asked.
Louisa nodded, tears streaming down her face. 'I understand why you bought the slippers for me. However, it's too costly for someone in your position to purchase. You should have saved the money for yourself.' She paused, and after a while, she added, 'Thank you.'
'Thank you for the tie, little sister. I'll wear it with my new suit,' Andrew expressed his gratitude, giving Chioma a warm smile.
Chioma smiled back but remained silent, returning to her chair.
After the family finished their dinner, they retired to their beds for the night.