30/07/2025
The Good Mother-in-law Episode One
Jenet sat alone on the edge of the bed in the beautiful bedroom. She was holding her phone in her hand, but she wasn’t pressing anything. Her eyes were open, but her thoughts were far away. It was almost midnight. The house was quiet, except for the sound of the ticking wall clock. She had cried again that night, just like the previous ones. Her pillow was still wet from her tears. Her husband, Aloy, had gone to the sitting room after shouting at her. He said he didn’t want to sleep beside a “childless woman.”
This wasn’t how Jenet imagined her marriage would be. When she married Aloy three years ago, she was full of dreams and expectations. They looked happy in their wedding photos. People said they were perfect for each other. But everything changed after the first year passed without a child. Aloy began to change. At first, he was quiet about it. Then he started making small comments. Now, he said hurtful things directly, and Jenet didn’t know what to do anymore.
Earlier that evening, he had shouted again. “What kind of woman are you? Three years, Jenet! Three years and not even one sign of pregnancy? I want four children, and I must have all of them before I turn 40. I told you this before we got married!” His voice echoed in the room as Jenet stood there in silence. “I don’t have time to waste. I need a real wife, not someone who keeps crying and cooking soup.”
Jenet wanted to speak, but her voice failed her. She opened her mouth, then closed it. Her heart was too heavy. She had gone for tests. She had prayed. She had fasted. Doctors didn’t say anything was wrong with her. But nothing was happening. She didn’t know what else to do. She only wished Aloy would stand by her, instead of making her feel like she was a curse in his life.
In the morning, Aloy left the house without talking to her. Jenet quietly swept the compound and prepared his breakfast, but he didn’t touch it. After he left, she sat in the kitchen, staring at the food. She didn’t have the strength to cry again. She heard a knock on the door later. It was Mama Aloy, her mother-in-law. Jenet quickly stood and welcomed her. The older woman sat down and asked for water. Jenet brought it and sat beside her quietly.
Mama Aloy looked at Jenet’s face and saw the sadness written all over it. “Jenet,” she said gently, “how are you?” Jenet nodded slowly. “I’m fine, Mama.” The woman placed her hand on Jenet’s shoulder. “I heard what happened last night. I’m sorry, my daughter.” Jenet looked surprised. “You heard?” she asked. Mama nodded. “Yes. I was passing when I heard my son raising his voice. And you know this is not the first time.”
Jenet looked down, embarrassed. She didn’t want her mother-in-law to feel bad or think she was a failure. But Mama took her hand and held it firmly. “Don’t let anyone make you feel like less of a woman because of this. Children come from God. I know you’re trying. I see your efforts. Please don’t kill yourself over this matter.” Jenet’s eyes filled with tears again, but she wiped them quickly. She was grateful for Mama’s words.
That same evening, when Aloy returned, he met his mother sitting on the veranda. He greeted her casually, but she didn’t reply warmly. “Aloy,” she said sharply, “we need to talk.” He looked confused. “What is it, Mama?” She stood up. “Follow me inside.” They both entered the sitting room. Jenet was in the kitchen. Mama turned to her son. “Why are you treating your wife like this? Are you now God who gives children?”
Aloy was silent. He wasn’t expecting such a confrontation. Mama didn’t wait for his reply. “You forget how long I waited before having you? I was married for five years before you came. Your father stood by me. If he had treated me the way you’re treating Jenet, do you think you would be standing here today?” Aloy rubbed his forehead. “But Mama, I’m almost 35. I told her I wanted children before 40.” Mama shook her head slowly.
“And if God decides to give you children at 50, will the world end?” she asked. “You are behaving like the ones who run from hospital to herbalists’ place looking for answers. Be patient, my son. If you lose this woman, you may never find peace again.” Aloy said nothing. He picked up the car key and walked outside. Mama turned and saw Jenet watching from the kitchen. She walked over and hugged her. “You are my daughter. I’m with you.”
Later that night, Jenet lay in bed again, but this time, her heart felt a little lighter. Someone cared. Someone believed in her. Someone stood up for her. She thought about Mama’s words and smiled faintly. Maybe everything would not end in sorrow after all. Maybe there was still a small light at the end of the tunnel. She wiped her face and turned to sleep, whispering, “Thank You, Lord… for Mama.”
To be continued
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Eyen Mmong
Eunice Etim
Robert Kenga
