People were murmuring with excitement, glancing toward the back of the hall.
“Is she here already?”
“I heard she is very humble.”
“They say she came from nothing.”
Chinedu leaned toward the man sitting beside him.
“Excuse me… who are they talking about?”
The man smiled.
“You don’t know? Madame Efuna. The guest of honor.”
The name hit Chinedu like a slap.
His heart skipped.
“What?”
“Madame Efuna,” the man repeated. “A powerful woman. A business leader. A philanthropist. Her story is inspiring.”
Chinedu laughed nervously.
“That’s funny. My mother’s name is Efuna.”
The man chuckled.
“Well, this one is no poor woman.”
Vanessa leaned toward him, annoyed.
“Stop talking nonsense. Focus.”
But Chinedu could not focus.
His ears were ringing.
Backstage, Mama Efuna sat quietly. Her hands rested on her lap. Her breathing was steady.
Adawale stood beside her.
“Once you step out, there is no hiding.”
Mama nodded.
“I am not afraid. I have lived through worse.”
Adawale studied her face.
“Your son may be in the audience.”
Her fingers twitched.
“Chinedu?”
“Yes.”
Silence filled the space.
For a moment, Adawale thought she might change her mind.
But when she opened her eyes again, they were calm.
“Let God do what He wants.”
A staff member stepped in.
“Madam, it is time.”
The lights dimmed.
The hall grew quiet.
The announcer returned to the microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today we honor a woman whose life teaches us that kindness, patience, and endurance can move mountains.”
Applause broke out.
“She started with nothing. She faced rejection. She faced pain. But she did not give up.”
The curtain slowly opened.
“And now,” the announcer said proudly, “please welcome Madame Efuna.”
Mama Efuna stepped onto the stage.
The applause exploded.
People stood to their feet. Some clapped. Some cheered.
Chinedu froze.
His heart stopped for a second.
The woman walking toward the podium wore a simple but elegant dress. Her steps were slow, steady, and sure.
Her face—
Her face was too familiar.
Leave a Comment