10/08/2026
When your mother says, ‘Don’t worry, we are okay,’ sometimes that's when you start worrying."
A young Kenyan professional is at work when her mother calls.
She answers.
“Hi Mum.”
They talk normally.
Then her mother casually mentions that things at home are a little difficult.
Nothing dramatic.
Just school fees.
A medical bill.
Food prices.
Something that needs repairing.
The daughter says:
"I'll send something after payday."
She hangs up.
Then she looks at her M-Pesa balance.
She knows she doesn't have enough.
Now she's sitting at her desk trying to work while mentally calculating how to divide money she doesn't have.
The story is about the emotional burden of being the child everyone believes will eventually rescue the family.
Engagement question:
For those supporting family back home: what is the hardest part nobody talks about?
