CHAPTER NINETEEN: DAD IS NOT USELESS
Lina's three children returned home, oblivious to the dramatic events that had transpired earlier. Lina had been worried about how she would break the news of her divorce to them, especially her youngest child, who was deeply attached to her father.
As the children entered the house, Lina greeted them warmly. "Welcome, my children! How was your holiday? Did my aunt treat you well?" she asked, trying to sound cheerful.
The eldest child responded, "Aunty is the best. She treated us well, and she was even in tears when we were leaving to come back to the village." Lina's eyes lit up with excitement as she thought about her own plans to move to the city.
"I'm glad to hear that," she said. "You know, I've been thinking of moving to the city myself. Your aunt has been kind enough to offer me a place to stay." The children looked at each other, seemingly uninterested in their mother's plans.
The youngest child, however, had a more pressing concern. "Mum, where's Dad?" she asked, looking around the room as if expecting her father to appear at any moment.
Lina's expression turned cold, and she replied, "Don't ask about your father. He's a useless person." The children looked at each other in shock, and the second child frowned.
"Why do you say that, Mum?" the second child asked, looking concerned.
Lina's response was cut off by the youngest child, who exclaimed, "Mum, stop that! Why are you calling Dad useless? My dad is not useless!" The child's voice was firm, and Lina knew she had to tread carefully.
The eldest child asked again, "Mum, where's Dad?" Lina knew she had to come up with an explanation, or risk facing a household rebellion.
"Do you know why I called your father useless?" Lina asked, trying to sound convincing. "It's because he's been absent for the past three days, and I've been worried sick. I've been looking for him everywhere, but he hasn't returned home."
The children looked at each other uncertainly, and the eldest child asked, "Mum, did you offend Dad? Because Dad always comes home early to take care of us." Lina's eyes welled up with fake tears as she replied.
"I didn't do anything to him, my children. I heard that he said he didn't want us anymore, that we're a burden to him." The children looked at each other in shock, and the youngest child asked.
"Mum, are you sure Dad said that, or is it just a rumor?" Lina nodded, trying to maintain her composure.
"Yes, my child. Your father told me himself. He said he doesn't want us anymore." The children looked at each other uncertainly, and Lina knew she had to keep up the charade if she wanted to keep her children on her side.