THE WEEKEND TRADITION

She sits on a short wooden stool, combing her hair in preparation for Mama Iyabo's arrival. It is Saturday, and her hair must be done before Monday.She sits innocently under the sun, her skin glistening from the generous amount of shea butter she applied. Somehow, it found its way from her hair down, leaving her looking as though she has just poured cooking oil all over her face. Mama Iyabo takes the comb from her and helps her work through the section she has missed."At your age, you still don't know how to comb your hair?""I hope your mummy didn't give you 200 naira this time."Of course, her mother did, despite promising 300 naira the previous Saturday. Mama Iyabo clicks her tongue and continues combing, her hands moving with a roughness the little girl has become used to.At least, the little girl was not the crying type, Mama Iyabo loved her for this. "Carry the stool and put it under the tree," she instructs, before going inside to bring out the longer stool."What hairstyle did they tell you to make in school?" she asks."Shuku."Mama Iyabo nods and begins to part the lines, the comb gliding through her hair as silence settles between them."What class are you in now?" she asks, breaking the silence."Primary Four," the little girl replies, wearing a smile that seems to spread to Mama Iyabo's face."Ah! Big girl!"The front is already done. Now it is time for the back. Mama Iyabo gently positions the little girl's head between her legs to keep it steady. Luckily, she is wearing a longer wrapper this time, sparing the little girl from the occasional discomfort of having her face pressed against Mama Iyabo's knees. Just when the little girl thinks it's almost over, Mama Iyabo pauses. She goes inside and attend to her son. The wait seems long, but the little girl doesn't mind. At least, her neck gets a break. For once, she can lift her head and allow it to enjoy freedom before She returns. Mama Iyabo eventually returns carrying the black nylon bag the little girl came with."Oya, eat your biscuit." She eagerly reaches for it, washing it down with the water Mama Iyabo offers her. It is one of the little pleasures that make the entire experience worth it. It is already 2:00 pm and Mama Iyabo is working on the final strands. The little girl can hardly contain her excitement. She shifts and occasionally moves her head, eager to finish."Don't move your head!" Mama Iyabo warns her, for what feels like the hundredth time. A few minutes later, it is finally over.She is home in no time, eager to show her mother her new hair. Monday can come now. Her hair is ready for school.

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