My mother's lies

My story begins from the day I was born. I was the only child in the family; we were very poor and always lacked enough food. One day, we managed to get a little rice to alleviate our hunger. My mother gave me her portion, pouring some from her plate into mine, and said, "My child, eat the rice, I am not hungry." And this was the first lie she told me.

Time passed, and I grew a bit older. My mother would finish her household chores and then go to the small stream by our house to catch fish. She wanted me to eat fish so I could grow well. One day, by the grace of God, she managed to catch two fish. She quickly returned home, prepared the food, and placed the two fish in front of me. I started eating the first fish gradually.

My mother would separate the bits of flesh that clung to the bones and spines of the fish and eat them; I was happy to see her eating as well. I placed the second fish in front of her for her to eat. But she immediately returned it to me and said, "Eat, my child; eat this fish too; don't you know I don't like fish?" And this was the second lie my mother told me.

I grew a bit older and had to go to school, but we couldn’t afford the school supplies. My mother went to the market and reached an agreement with a clothing seller to take some clothes and sell them door-to-door to women in exchange for a fee.

One winter night, it was raining. My mother was late, and I was waiting for her at home. I went outside and searched the nearby streets, seeing that she was carrying some goods and visiting houses. I called out, "Mother, let’s go home; it's late and cold. Leave the rest for tomorrow morning." She smiled and said, "My son, I am not cold, you go home." And this was the third time my mother lied to me.

As we reached the last day of the year and school was coming to an end, I insisted that my mother come with me. I entered the school while she stood outside under the scorching sun, waiting for me. When the bell rang, and the exam ended, I came out of the school. She embraced me tightly. I saw a glass of juice in her hand that she had bought for me to drink when I came out. I was so thirsty that I took a big sip until I felt quenched. My mother was holding me and saying, "Enjoy, may it be good for you." When I looked at her face, I saw she was sweating heavily; I immediately handed her the glass of juice and said, "Mother, drink." She replied, "My son, you drink; I am not thirsty." And this was the fourth lie my mother told me.

After my father passed away, providing for our needs fell to my mother; a widow who bore all the household responsibilities. She had to meet all our needs. Life became very difficult, and we often went hungry. My uncle was a good man, living close to us. He would send us little food to eat. When he saw that our situation was getting worse day by day, he advised my mother to remarry someone who could take care of us, even though my mother was still young. But she refused and said, "I do not need anyone's love..." and this was her fifth lie.

I finished my studies and graduated from school. I believed it was time for my mother to rest and hand over the responsibilities of the household and providing for us to me. Her health was also at risk, and she could no longer go door-to-door. So she would buy different vegetables early in the morning and spread a mat on the street to sell them.

When I told her to stop doing this because it was now my duty to provide for us, she refused and said, "My son, keep your money for yourself; I have enough income." And this was the sixth lie she told me.

I completed my studies and became a lawyer. I was promoted and hired by a German company. My situation improved, and I became the assistant to the president. I felt happiness was turning my way. In my dreams, I envisioned a new beginning and a fresh life filled with happiness. I traveled often. I contacted my mother and invited her to come live with me. However, not wanting to burden me, she said, "My child, I am not used to luxury and a comfortable life." And this was the seventh lie my mother told me.

My mother grew old and reached an advanced age. She fell ill with the cursed disease of cancer, and someone needed to take care of her and be by her side. But how could I go to her when there was a city between us? I abandoned everything and rushed to see her. I found her lying in a sickbed. When she saw my pitiful condition, she smiled. There was a fire in my heart that burned all my insides. She had become very thin and weak. This was not the mother I once knew. Tears streamed from my eyes.