ACT ONE
Scene one
Its the middle of the day
A modest sitting room, the curtains are drawn open, permitting the sunlight to stream in, emphasizing the individual and collective family portraits hanging on the wall. Nigerian Father sits on one of the brown sofas, beneath the twirling ceiling fan reading a newspaper.
(one of the inner doors open)
Nigerian Mother walks into the parlour, with Nigerian Children trailing behind her
Nigerian Mother: The children said they have something to tell us (sits down besides the husband)
Nigerian Father: (looks up from his newspapers, adjusts spectacles) Yes.
1st Nigerian Child: (looks at siblings nervously) Dad, there’s something I want to tell you
Nigerian Father: I’m listening
1st Nigerian Child: (lips quiver) Daddy, uncle Timothy has been trying to touch me.
Nigerian Mother: (confused) What do you mean touching you? He’s your uncle. There is nothing wrong with that.
2nd Nigerian Child: (eyes widen) But Mum, he tried to touch her breasts. He said he wanted to find out how big her breast are.
3rd Nigerian Child: (interjects) And when I walked into the room, he jumped up suspiciously.
Nigerian Father: (incredulously) My brother?
1st Nigerian Child: Yes daddy.
Nigerian Mother: (shakes her head in disbelief) No. I don’t believe that. You might not have heard him correctly. He must have been saying something else.
Nigerian Father: Yes. That is what must have happened. He’s my brother and he would never do such a thing. I trust him. Do you know he’s even the youth president in his campus fellowship at school? (stares furiously at the children). I’m sure it’s all those movies you’ve been watching that’s putting weird ideas in your head.
3rd Nigerian Child; But dad…
Nigerian Mother: Shush. When your father is talking you keep quiet. How dear you make such allegations against your uncle? That’s very bad. And he always buys gifts for you whenever he returns from school. Especially you - (points to 1st Nigerian Child) - and yet you are lying against him? Wasn’t he the one who bought you that pink blouse you’ve wanted for so long?
1st Nigerian Child: (eyes downcast) Yes, but when…
Nigerian Father: (interrupts angrily) No buts. I don’t want to hear such malicious lies again. Now go to your rooms before I loose my temper. (jerks fingers in the direction of their room). And no television privileges for a month.
Nigerian children exits the parlour
Nigerian Father: (faces Nigerian Mother) I have told you to always caution your children. Imagine if Timothy hears this? Do you know what scandal it will cause? My reputation?
Nigerian Mother: (solemn) I’m sorry, my husband. I’m sure its the shows they watch on television nowadays that’s influencing their minds.
Nigerian Father: My own brother? (shakes his head) Timothy will never do such a thing.
Nigerian Mother: I concur. Lets put the matter behind us, my husband. Your food is ready. Do you want me to serve it?
Nigerian Father: Yes. I’m famished. And isn’t it even Timothy who helped you pound the yam?
Nigerian Mother: Yes oh. Such a hard working boy. Don’t mind the children. Its just a silly prank. They have learnt their lesson. Let me go get your food.
Nigerian mother walks into the kitchen
Nigerian father leans back into the sofa, picks ups his newspaper; resumes reading
Light fade
Scene two
Six months later.
Nigerian Father and Nigerian Mother are in the parlour watching a show on the television
The mobile phone rings
Nigerian Father: (picks up the mobile) Yes
(voice heard over speaker)
Police Officer: This is Sergeant Obi, from the Amuwo Odofin police Division
Nigerian Father: (jerks in his chair, gesturing to Nigerian Mother to tune down the volume of the television set) And why is the police calling me?
(voice heard over speaker)
Police Officer: Are you related to Mr Timothy Evans?
Nigerian Father: Yes, he’s my younger brother. What crime could he have possibly committed? He is a good boy.
(voice heard over speaker)
Police Officer: (snorts) Well, your younger brother was caught in the act of raping a minor he was supposed to be tutoring. Luckily enough, a police officer was around, so he was saved from jungle justice.
Nigerian Father: (mouths drops open) What? That’s impossible! Are you sure its my brother?
Nigerian Mother; What? (anxious) What is it?
(voice heard over speaker)
Police officer: (continues) He was caught in the act, sir. He gave us your number to call as next of kin. Anyway, he’s about to be locked up in a cell and a court case has been filed.
Nigerian father: But.. (stammers) I cant believe this. Can I speak to him, please.
(voice heard over speaker)
Police officer: (pause) One moment
(scuffles in the background is heard through the speaker of the phone)
(voice heard over speaker)
Timothy: Brother please help me. (sobs)
Nigerian Father: Timothy is it true?
(voice heard over speaker)
Timothy: Brother, it was the devil o.
Nigerian Father: The devil? (suddenly annoyed) Did the devil also lead you to my daughter?
(voice heard over speaker)
Timothy: (hesitates) Brother it was not like that. It was the devil. But your sons were always around her, so I couldn’t do anything. Brother it was the devil.
Nigerian Father: (agitated, he smashes the phone against the wall.)
Nigerian Mother: (tense) What happened?
Nigerian Father: (narrates the news to his wife.) So our children were right all along. And they told us but we choose not to believe them.
Nigerian Mother: (still in shock) Timothy? (wraps her arms about herself) Who would have thought it possible?!
Light fades
The end!
I think the story speaks for itself.
Since it’s more than a word, I’ll rephrase and say: The story is enough for the wise.
Photo credit: marsabitimes.com
Yeah. Alot of people get married and start having kids without proper lectures on parenting expetialy the importance of listening to thier children.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad
Importance of parenting should really be emphasized to couples so they don't end up distroying their children
DeleteThe only thing I can say is that children usually tell the truth. In a case Like this it is your duty as a parent or guardian to check into what they are telling you. Don’t just brush it off. Make sure. They are telling you because they trust and love you and believe you will protect them from bad things. Make sure you as a parent or guardian listen to your children and don’t pass judgement until you are sure!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHow will a child ever lie about such issues in the first place ? Parents really need to listen
DeleteI think a few tips should be given in premarital counseling on what not to do in the case of raising children.
ReplyDeleteYes .that's a good point
DeleteHmmmmm, it's indeed an eye opener
ReplyDeleteGrate writing superb keep going god bless
ReplyDeleteThanks again
DeleteHmm...its adviceable to actually make enquiries and investigations into what your children tell you. You cant say you trust someone well enough that you can't ask questions especially on such sensitive accusations. The issue is truely real and parents really havecto start taking cautions when dealing with the storys thier children tell them even those little unncessary school gist. It might not be sexual alond but any abuse of any kind shouldn't be condoled in the name of training up a child.
ReplyDeleteAnd you hit the nail on the head. Thanks for the favourable contribution
DeleteParents must have the heart of making enquiries on whatever their children tells them because many children at young age says whatever is true about other people's actions towards them, even if the accused is a well respected person, parents must make sure they find out the truth value of the incident and not to turn deaf ears to them. And if parents continues FIFA way Sexual Abuse will continue to grow in the society.
ReplyDeleteSo true @educated Mallam
DeleteReading the story alone is annoying. It would have happened to his children so he learns. Parents needs to stop been too busy for there children... how can you have parent and still confide your issues with outsiders
ReplyDeleteEspecially... african parents
ReplyDeletePropagate the word
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSex education should be taught at home, in school and via any medium of communication. We also need to address the challenges around teenagers. Peer pressure and adolescent health, sexual orgies and rape tendencies.
ReplyDeleteMost perverts and pediophiles have a backlog of teenage emotional challenges not addressed.
Health counsellors are highly needed in addition to mental health therapist. God help us.
I'm in full support. We need to nip this from the bud
DeleteSadly it happens
ReplyDeleteAnd yet parents still turn a blind eye. Wish I could scream this into Thier ears 🤔🤔🤔
Delete