The Heavy Burden

EPISODE 1: THE HEAVY BURDEN

Adesuwa sat on the old wooden bench outside her one-room apartment, staring at the empty pot on the fire. Her three children played nearby, their laughter masking the hunger that gnawed at their bellies. She sighed deeply, wiping sweat from her forehead as she fanned the fire with a piece of cardboard.

Her husband, Efe, had not been home for three days. It was nothing new. Even when he was around, he contributed nothing to the family’s welfare. Adesuwa had been the sole provider, struggling to feed their children, pay rent, and clothe them.

“Mommy, when will the food be ready?” her eldest, Osaro, asked, peering into the empty pot.

“Soon, my dear,” she lied, hoping her neighbor would return soon with the cup of garri she had begged for earlier.

Efe, once a promising young man, had become nothing but a burden. He spent his time drinking at local bars, coming home only to demand food and sleep. When Adesuwa pleaded with him to find work, he would wave her off with an excuse or, worse, insult her.

That evening, after managing to prepare a watery soup, Adesuwa sat in deep thought. She couldn’t continue like this. She was tired of begging, tired of struggling alone in a marriage that only brought her pain.

Something had to change. But was she ready to take that bold step?

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EPISODE 2: A HOPELESS MARRIAGE

Adesuwa sat on the thin mattress in their cramped room, watching the door. It was past midnight, and Efe had not returned. Again.

She had long stopped expecting him to be a responsible husband, but the pain of his absence still cut deep. When they married ten years ago, she had believed in love. She had believed in his promises—that he would work hard to build a future for their family. But those promises faded with time, replaced by disappointment and hardship.

The next morning, Efe finally stumbled into the house, reeking of alcohol. His shirt was unbuttoned, his breath heavy with the stench of cheap liquor. Adesuwa swallowed her frustration, trying not to provoke him.

“Efe, the children have not eaten since yesterday. There’s no food in the house,” she said, her voice low but firm.

Efe scoffed, flopping onto the mattress. “Is that my problem? Are my hands tied? Go and find something for them to eat.”

Adesuwa clenched her fists, holding back the urge to scream. “Efe, you are their father. They are your responsibility too!”

He shot her a deadly glare. “Don’t raise your voice at me, woman! If you’re tired, leave! Nobody is forcing you to stay.”

His words hit her like a slap. Leave? Could she? Would she?

She had sacrificed everything for this marriage, believing things would get better. But now, she realized something—she was more alone with Efe than she would be without him.

Maybe it was time to start thinking of a way out.

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