Daddy?

“Daddy, good afternoon sir”

“How are you, my baby?”

I’m fine sir

How is school and work now?

School has been a lot o. I’m just trying my best. Hahahaha. And work is stressful, but there’s no choice.

Ehyaaaa. That’s my baby girl eh. Jisi ike o?.

you smile.

Daddy how is your body now?

It’s fine nne.

Daddy, mummy told me you’ve started trekking all the way to town again. Won’t you pity yourself?

This girl. This girl. I said I’m fine now.

he laughs a bit. Your body relaxes a bit.

Daddy, when are you coming home?

Chai. Ewooo. I was supposed to come back this month o. But then something happened with the fertilizers. And you know I cannot leave this place empty, eh?

you sigh. You’d expected the response, but somehow, even after 12 years, his casual absence still stings. But you chuckle anyways

It’s okay, daddy. I understand. Sha rest up o. Don’t stress yourself o. Eat well o.

Okay ma

You both laugh.

I love you daddy.

I love you too, my baby, e nugo o?

The call ends. You stare at that phone for a minute or two, and suddenly, the screen becomes watery. You clean your eyes, shocked at the tears. Then you inhale and exhale. Yes. His voice was enough. The absence still hurts, but the voice was enough.