The Ogundele family resided in a quiet village in Osun State, Nigeria. Their house stood at the end of the narrow, rutted street, under tall mango trees that offered both protection and delicious fruit. Mr. Ogundele, an honest middle-aged farmer, was widely respected. His wife, Mama Kemi, was a smiling woman who sold akara and pap outside their house gate. Their two offspring, Kemi, and Tobi, were exemplary children and well behaved.
Each evening after dinner, the entire family would be gathered on the porch and partake of the cool breeze. Mr. Ogundele would share childhood tales, and Kemi and Tobi would chuckle until their bellies ached. Life was simple but full of joy.
Just one hot Friday afternoon, Mama Kemi was frying akara, a stranger approached the gate. He was slim, tall and bore a scar in the form of a streak along his cheek. It was Uncle Sunday, (Mr. Ogundele) elder brother, who left the village some time ago to go for the well coined greener pasture in Lagos.
"Ah, Sunday! Long time no see!" Mr. Ogundele exclaimed, rushing to hug his brother.
Uncle Sunday grinned, showing his stained teeth. "Brother mi, life has not been easy o. Lagos has dealt with me."
The family welcomed him warmly, offering food and a place to stay. Uncle Sunday said he needed time to "sort himself out," and they agreed he could stay as long as he needed. Initially, he got involved in housework and family evening family discussions. He told stories about Lagos that fascinated the children.
But as days turned into weeks, things began to change.
Uncle Sunday began coming home late, drunk, and swearing. The first time it happened, Mama Kemi tried to calm him, but he pushed her aside, yelling, "Don’t tell me what to do in my brother’s house!". Mr. Ogundele chastised him the following day however, Sunday dismissed it with a laugh, "Ah, big brother, just chill! It’s just enjoyment."
Before long, money started making its way out of the kitchen cupboard where Mama Kemi stored her market savings. She suspected Uncle Sunday but said nothing at first. When it happened again, she told her husband.
"Sunday, how can you do this to us?" Mr. Ogundele confronted him one evening.
"Ah-ah, me? Steal? Brother, don’t accuse me wrongly o!" Sunday said, his voice rising. "Is it because I came to stay here? Do you think I’m a thief?"
The argument turned into a shouting match. Kemi and Tobi found refuge in the room, listening to the roaring for their lives.
After that night, the house was no longer peaceful. Uncle Sunday brought strangers home, loud men who drank and smoked late into the night. The children's sleep was ruined, and the heavenly aroma of Mama Kemi's akara was replaced with the stinging smell of cigarette.
One day, Kemi came home crying. A neighbor had teased her, saying, "Your uncle is a useless man, always drinking and causing trouble.". She felt ashamed and hid in her room.
The final straw came when Uncle Sunday tried to sell one of Mr. Ogundele’s goats without permission. Mr. Ogundele saw him at work and challenged him.
"Sunday, you have crossed the line! You cannot stay here anymore!"********
Uncle Sunday laughed bitterly. "So this is how you want to repay me for all I’ve done for you? Have you forgotten how I helped you when you had nothing? ".
"Helped me?" Mr. Ogundele shouted. "All you have brought to this house is trouble!"
The noise from the argument got so loud it attracted neighbors who came out to watch. Mama Kemi remained mute, her hands shaking, and tears traced her cheeks.
Uncle Sunday finally left, but the damage was done. The Ogundele family’s once-peaceful home felt heavy with sadness. The neighbours gossiped, "Ehn, didn’t we tell them not to take in that man?
It took months for the family to recover. Mr Ogundele mended the damaged fence and sold the rest of the goats to pay for Uncle Sunday's burdens. Mama Kemi got back to her akara shop, but today there was a gentleness in her laughter.
That night, by the mango tree, Kemi asked, "Papa, why did Uncle Sunday behave like that?
Mr. Ogundele sighed deeply. "Sometimes, people change, my dear. It's not our fault, but we have to be wary of the people that we allow into our lives.
They all beamed and after Mr. Ogundele started a new story they all laughed again for the first time in what seemed like months. Despite the scars of Uncle Sunday's visit, the Ogundele family made their gradual way back to the tranquillity they once enjoyed.
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