02/12/2025
I had a brother, Emeka. Since we were kids, we shared everythingâschool books, clothes, even our dreams. We promised each other that no matter what happened, we would always have each otherâs back.
When our parents died suddenly, everything changed. I stayed behind in the village to care for our younger sister, Ada, and the small family house. Emeka moved to the city. He got a job and started sending money home sometimes, but he was always too busy to visit.
At first, I understood. Life in the city is hard, I told myself. But years passed. I worked tirelessly on the farm and took care of Ada. I went without many things so she could go to school. Meanwhile, Emeka posted pictures of his new apartment, his car, his holidays⌠and rarely thought to call.
One day, I decided to visit him. I wanted to see my brother after all these years, maybe even ask for his help with Adaâs school fees. When I reached his apartment, I found him laughing with people I didnât know. He barely remembered me.
I asked him to help Ada. He looked at me coldly and said,
âShe is not my problem. I worked hard for my life, and I cannot carry everyone.â
I left quietly. My heart ached. The boy I grew up with, the brother I trusted, had become a stranger.
Was Emeka right to focus on himself, or should family always come first?
What do YOU think?
