Lora's days in the family house began to take on a rhythm, though it wasn't the comforting routine she had hoped for. Every morning, she rose early to help with chores, hoping to prove herself. But no matter what she did, it never seemed to satisfy Mama Bisi.
"You're sweeping too fast," Mama Bisi commented one morning, her arms crossed as she watched Lora sweep the living room. "You'll miss the corners that way. Do it properly."
"Yes, Ma," Lora replied, adjusting her movements to suit Mama Bisi's exacting standards.
Later that day, while washing dishes in the kitchen, Mama Bisi hovered nearby, her sharp eyes catching every mistake. "Why are you holding the plate like that? You'll drop it. And next time, don't leave watermarks. It shows you weren't taught properly."
Lora bit the inside of her cheek to keep from snapping. She focused on the soapy water in front of her, silently repeating Andrew's advice: Be patient. She'll come around.
But the constant criticism was wearing her down.
---
That evening, Lora and Andrew sat together in the small garden outside the house. The soft hum of crickets filled the air, but Lora could barely appreciate the serenity.
"I don't think she'll ever like me," Lora said quietly, her hands twisting in her lap.
Andrew sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Mama is set in her ways, Lora. She's like this with everyone, not just you."
"But I'm not just anyone," Lora countered. "I'm your wife. She doesn't see that. She doesn't see me."
Andrew reached out, squeezing her hand. "She'll see you eventually. She just needs time to understand how amazing you are."
Lora gave him a weak smile, but her doubts remained.
---
The days blurred together, each one bringing new challenges. When Lora tried to help prepare a meal, Mama Bisi would point out her mistakes with barely concealed disdain.
"That's too much oil," Mama Bisi said one afternoon as Lora stirred a pot of stew. "Are you trying to drown the vegetables?"
Lora took a deep breath, adjusting the ladle. "I'll fix it, Ma."
Mama Bisi shook her head, muttering under her breath. "If I leave this kitchen to you, Andrew will starve."
The comment stung, but Lora swallowed her frustration.
---
One afternoon, Andrew returned home early from work to find Lora sitting alone in their room. Her shoulders were slumped, and her eyes were red-rimmed.
"Lora, what's wrong?" he asked, sitting beside her.
She shook her head, tears spilling over. "I'm trying so hard, Andrew. I've done everything I can to make her happy, but it's never enough. She always finds something wrong with me."
Andrew wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "I know it's hard," he said softly. "But you're stronger than this. Mama doesn't mean to hurt you—she's just afraid of change."
Lora pulled back, her brows furrowing. "Afraid of what?"
Andrew hesitated. "Afraid of losing control. Afraid of losing me. She's always been the center of the family, and now that we're married, she feels like things are slipping out of her hands."
Lora frowned, her heart softening slightly. She hadn't considered Mama Bisi's perspective before, but it didn't erase the hurt she felt.
"Why can't she just talk to me instead of tearing me down?" Lora whispered.
Andrew didn't have an answer, but he held her until the tears stopped.
---
Her phone rang it was FaceTime with her bestie Anna
"Hey bbe how are you doing over there"
"Good I guess for now… it obvious his mom doesn't like me but I hope his siblings do"
"You know I told you about this before you got married to him
You were bend over hills I just hope everything works out perfectly for you sweet if not am gonna come over there and get your ass back here" Anna said sound serious… Lora burst into laugh " Thanks for lightening up my mood but am gonna be fine"
"I just hope this is a good decision" Anna said smiling
Lora smile nodding "Yes it is… am going to make her love me"
"Better…. because you left everything here including your job and me…so she better loves you" Anna said yawning
Lora nodded not knowing what to say but "I…
"I need to get some sleep now..been working all day…byeeee" she was interrupted….Lora hung up clutching her phone to her chest thinking if this family really worth everything but she has made up her mind
That night, Lora lay awake, staring at the ceiling. She knew Andrew was right—Mama Bisi's behavior came from a place of fear and insecurity. But understanding didn't make it any easier.
I'll keep trying, Lora resolved silently. For Andrew. For us.
As the city buzzed quietly outside, she felt a flicker of determination reignite within her. This silent battle wasn't over yet.