Vivian sat in her grandmother’s kitchen, picking beans and wondering why her mother never came for her. She hadn’t seen her since she was seven, and now, at sixteen, she still longed for her. Her grandmother always said, “Your mother loves you,” but Vivian doubted it.

She entered her grandmother’s room, folding her arms. “Grandma, why isn’t Mama coming for me?”

“I thought I have answered that question,” Grandma said, sighing.

“Please, tell me the truth.”

Grandma patted the space beside her. “Come, sit. Let me tell you everything.”

Vivian sat down, listening as Grandma explained, “Your mom doesn’t want you. She is happy with her new family.”

Tears streamed down Vivian’s face. “I know she gave birth to me out of wedlock, but I still want to see her. Please give me her address.”

After making arrangements, Grandma put Vivian on a bus from Anambra to Ibadan. On the way, the bus was attacked, and Vivian lost her money. Only her small button phone was safe. A kind young man helped her reach Ibadan.

At the gate of her mother’s house, Vivian knocked. A woman who looked like her answered.

“Mama,” Vivian said.

“What are you doing here?” her mother asked coldly.

“Mama, aren’t you happy to see me?”

“If you love me, you’ll return to your grandmother. I’ll send you some money.”

Vivian cried bitterly. The next day, she boarded a bus back home, carrying the heavy truth inside her.