THE FAMILY MEETING

THE FAMILY MEETING

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My mother did something astonishing and unexpected. She sent us a message for an urgent family meeting at the family house. Four of us gathered there, but surprisingly, Mama didn't welcome us with her usual warmth. Though she responded to our greetings, we could all sense the coldness in her voice.

Even my father was surprised to see all his sons, and he questioned Mama about the reason for the meeting. However, she told him to wait patiently and find out why.

Mama thanked us for leaving our busy schedules to respond to her call. "But I want you all to know that I am not a happy woman. You have all offended me. Anyone who offends my husband offends me."

My father tried to say something, but Mama communicated with him through her eyes, and he just smiled without speaking.

"I don't know about my other siblings, but I know I haven't offended you or Papa in any way," my elder brother said.

"Really?" Mama responded.

"I'm sure, Mama."

The rest of us also reassured her in the same way. She sighed and then smiled sadly.

"When was your father's birthday?" she asked.

We all looked at each other with guilt on our faces.

"Yesterday!" I said.

"If I can remember correctly, not a single call or SMS came from any of you to him. But you wouldn't forget mine. If it were my birthday, you would have posted it on your social media handles, including your wives. I would have received calls from all of you, and my account would be overflowing. I have watched this for years, and I won't allow it to continue," she said.

My father shifted in his chair, clearly surprised by the reason Mama called for the meeting.

"Is there any month you fail to send me money? But how many of you remember to do the same for my husband, or is he not your father? Even when I am not asking, you send me money. What about my husband? How can you show care and love for me and look at my husband as a stranger? In fact, stop sending me anything! You have your father's phone number, ye