I lay there in bed trying to force myself to sleep. I squeezed tight to my pillow. I shut my eyes and tried to let my mind drift. I rolled in bed restless but still fighting my restlessness. The weather was cool, just the perfect weather for a good afternoon's sleep. I finally gave up when I couldn't tap into the other realm. Then I lay there in bed pretending to be asleep.
Just when I thought I was alone in the compound. I heard Mama Chinedu’s voice filter through my window. Unlike her strong voice filled with so much aura. She sounded different, softer, filled with warmth. I tried to ignore the urge to go outside and know who she was talking to with such a demeanor. But somehow, my curiosity won. I found myself getting off my bed and slipping on my slippers.
I got outside to see her sitting on a wooden stool; her head neatly tied and her bright orange Buba neatly ironed. It looked like she was going somewhere. But beside her sat a little girl, no more than seven, her cheeks streaked with dried tears. And in her tiny hands, she clutched tightly onto a half-empty pack of Capri Sun and a pack of biscuits.
My curiosity piqued the more as I leaned against my doorway, listening to them. Trying not to be seen or heard.
“So you see, Mimi,” Mama Chinedu said to the little girl, her voice sounding almost like a gentle lullaby, “there’s always that wind that helps lost children find their way home. Trust me, it will help you find your way back to your mum”
I watched as Mimi sniffled, her eyes brightened up with so much hope. “Really?”
Mama Chinedu nodded. “Oh yes." She smiled. "And guess what brings this wind along our way."
Mimi raised her head and looked at Mama Chinedu. "What?"
“People,” Mama Chinedu said, tapping the little girl’s nose playfully. “People like you and me that care enough to help people in need. People that stop to listen to the whispers of the wind."
Mimi's jaw dropped. She still held tightly to her biscuit and Capri Sun. "The kind wind has a voice. It whispers?"
"Oh yes. It whispers. It is that tiny voice within us that tells us to be kind to others. Then when we are kind, it carries this kindness along. Distributing it to others, making the world a better place."
I was getting more curious about their discussion. The sight looked beautiful. It was just like a grandma and her grandchild having a heart-to-heart discussion. When my curiosity couldn't be held back anymore. I cleared my throat to announce my presence.
Mama Chinedu looked up to see me. She smiled and gave me a nod. I returned her nod and proceeded to sit beside them
Little Mimi turned and glanced at me. But she paid me no attention. I guess she was more engrossed in her discussion with Mama Chinedu. She turned back to Mama Chinedu, chewing on her biscuit thoughtfully.
“But Mama… does this wind not get tired?”
Mama Chinedu chuckled and rubbed her little head gently. “Mimi dear, kindness doesn’t get tired. It moves from one person's heart to another, like passing a small warmth from yourself to another person."
Mimi's lit up with wonder again. She stared at Mama Chinedu like she just revealed a new secret. “Like when I'm sad and my mummy hugs me, and then I feel warm inside?”
“Yes.” Mama Chinedu smiled. “And when you share your biscuits with a friend at school, or even help someone in need. In that way, we help the wind distribute kindness, and it never gets tired."
Again, like she uncovered a new discovery. Mimi glanced down at her biscuits, then she picked out one and broke it in half. She turned to me and smiled.
"Aunty, are you my friend?" She asked.
I nodded. "Of course, I am your friend if you want me to be," I replied warmly. Looking from her to Mama Chinedu.
Then she proceeded to offer me a piece of her biscuit shyly.
I smiled and accepted it. "Thank you, dear."
Mama Chinedu smiled. “Seems like the wind is working already.”
Just then, we heard the gate shake before swinging open. Then a woman who looked like she was harassed by the wind, rushed in. She was breathless and frantic.
Immediately Mimi saw her, she jumped up and rushed to her screaming. “Mummy!”
Halfway across, the woman dropped to her knees, and let her daughter into her arms. Then she let the tears drop.
“I was so scared! I thought I had lost you forever when they called me from home saying that you were missing.” She looked up at Mama Chinedu, her face laced with joy.
"You must be the one that called me."
Mama Chinedu stood up and dusted herself. "Yes. Such a clever girl you've got. She memorized your number. That was how I was able to call you. And she also catches up quickly with discussions."
"Thank you so much. She's so fond of me. I never knew she followed me as I left. I made sure she didn't see me leave the house." The woman said, still not letting go of her daughter. She stood up and held her daughter in her hands.
"It's fine. I found her outside crying as I was about to drive off to work. Told me she lost her way following her mum." I watched as Mama Chinedu said. Then she got on her knees and reached over to Mimi, smoothing her hair. “Remember my dear, a little kindness is all the magic we need to make the world a better place. Also, don't run after your mother like that again."
Mimi nodded and smiled. She still clutched tightly to her biscuit and Capri Sun. As they turned to leave, she turned back, beaming with smiles.
“Bye, Mama! Bye, Aunty!” she said.
We waved back at her.
I stepped closer to Mama Chinedu, shaking my head in awe. “How do you always know exactly what to say?.” I asked.
Mama Chinedu turned to me and laughed, the sound rich and full. “One thing about words is that they're like rain. When they fall at the right spot where it's needed, they help things grow.”
I smiled. “You hit the right word again.”
Mama Chinedu looked at me and smiled. “This girl.”
I stood there with Mama Chinedu watching Mimi and her mum until they were out of sight. I had just witnessed something truly magical again. With Mama Chinedu being at the helm. It wasn't something new to me anymore.
Suddenly the cloud roared and began to darken. A heavy wind began to blow. It was about to rain.
Mama Chinedu patted my shoulder. “I guess I can't make it to work again." She said as she looked at her wristwatch first before looking up to the sky. "Come inside before the wind decides to carry you off too."
Laughing, I followed her in, my heart lighter than before. "I hope you've got more biscuits and Capri Sun to share?" I playfully asked.
"I've always got enough kindness to share, my dear" she replied as we walked into her house.