How could she come to my home and frighten my children? I shouted at her, “GET OUT OF HERE!”
My mother had only one eye. I despised her for it, for her condition filled me with shame. To put bread on the table for our family, she worked as a cook in a school. One day, when I was in primary school, she came to visit me. My heart sank. How could she do this? I was so ashamed. I pretended not to see her, glared at her with hatred, and ran away. The next day, one of my schoolmates said, “Blimey, your mums only got one eye!” I wished the ground would swallow me whole. I wanted her gone. So when I saw her that evening, I spat out, “Wouldnt it be better if you just died, so you wouldnt embarrass me anymore?”
She said nothing in return. I hadnt even thought before speakinganger had taken over. I didnt care how she felt. I didnt want her in my life. I worked hard, left for London to study, and built a life for myself. I married, bought a house, had children of my own, and was content. Then one day, my mother turned up at my door. She hadnt seen me in years, hadnt met her grandchildren. When she stepped inside, my children laughed at her. How could she come here and scare them like this? I roared, “GET OUT!”
Quietly, she whispered, “Forgive me. I must have the wrong house,” and vanished from sight.
Years later, a letter arrived from my old school about a reunion. I told my wife it was a business trip. After the gathering, out of curiosity, I visited my childhood home. The neighbours told me my mother had passed. I felt nothing. They handed me a letter she had left behind.
“My dearest son, Ive always thought of you. Im sorry for coming to London and frightening your children. When I heard you were attending the reunion, my heart leaptbut I didnt know if Id even be able to rise from my bed to see you. Im sorry you were ashamed of me as you grew. Remember, my love, when you were small, you had an accident and lost your eye. As your mother, I couldnt bear the thought of you growing up with only one. So I gave you mine. Now I am proud, knowing you see the world through it. With all my love, your mother.”
