ACT 1 SCENE 1
{The scene opens with 15-year-old Mercy, her 4-year-old sister Rebecca, and their exhausted mother sitting on the floor after returning from the market. Their mother is counting a small amount of money, visibly disheartened.
MOM
(sighs deeply, eyes cast down as she counts the meager amount of money)
Today's sales were dismal. Most of my customers wanted to buy in dozens, but because I have so little to offer, they went to Mama Kelvin instead. I even had to ask her for credit just to have something to sell today. (She slumps against the wall, fatigue weighing on her shoulders.)
MERCY
(frowning, her heart aching for her mother)
But today is market day! Sales should be better than any other day. You took credit, and this is all we have? (Her frustration grows as she eyes the 10,000 naira in her mother's hand.) When is this going to end?
REBECCA
(innocently worried)
Mummy, have you paid back Mama Kelvin? You know how she gets when someone owes her money. (She glances up at their mother, her small face reflecting concern.)
MOM
(wipes a tear from her eye, trying to remain strong)
No, I haven't paid her back yet. I wanted to, but if I do, we'll have nothing to eat. Remember, I promised your teachers I'd balance your school fees soon? Mercy's WAEC examination fee is due too. (Tears threaten to spill as exhaustion overtakes her.) I'm tired... I just don't know what else to do. (She wipes her face with her wrapper.)
MERCY
(reaching out to comfort her mother)
It's okay, Mum. Please don't cry. You know I hate it when you worry so much. We'll figure this out together. You don't need to stress about my WAEC; let's focus on how to make this money stretch.
MOM
(her expression turns to alarm)
What do you mean you don't want me to worry about your exam? Are you planning to drop out? (The thought sends a chill down her spine; she never had the chance for education, and she desperately wants her children to succeed.) No… no… that can't happen.
MERCY
(cutting in quickly, sensing her mother's rising panic)
No, Mum! It's already been paid for! (Her eyes sparkle with a mix of joy and relief.)
MOM
(Stunned, processing the words)
Paid for? What do you mean, "paid for"? By who?
MERCY
(grinning, she explains eagerly)
You know how the old students from the 1989 set have been coming to our school for their reunion and renovating parts of it?
MOM
(nodding, still confused)
Yes, you told me about that.
MERCY
Well, today was the reunion, and they gifted the top three best students from each class. The JSS 3 and SSS 3 students' examination fees—both WAEC and NECO—were paid for! And I'm so proud to say I was the overall best student in the whole school! (She waves an envelope triumphantly.)
MOM
(her eyes widen in disbelief, struggling to comprehend)
So... you're saying I don't need to worry about your examination fees anymore? And you really received a bonus?
MERCY
(nodding vigorously, excitement bubbling over)
Yes! The bonus is 50,000 naira!
MOM
(taking a moment to absorb the news, a smile breaks across her face as she counts the money in disbelief)
Fifty thousand naira?! (She begins to cry tears of joy.) Oh God, I thank You! Thank You so much! (She bursts into a spontaneous song of praise, relief flooding through her.) Now part of your university money is secure. (She takes a deep breath, a sense of hope returning.)
MERCY
(gently shaking her head)
No, Mum. We have to use this to sort out our bills first. Don't forget our rent is overdue too. This money from your sales can be used for food.
MOM
(shaking her head, her voice rising slightly)
I can't do that! It would feel like I'm holding you back from moving forward. What happens when you go to university? Will we be searching for money again? No… no…
MERCY
(holding her mother's hands, her voice calm and soothing)
Mum, you think too much. This is God's provision. I believe He will surprise us in ways we can't even imagine. Let's focus on today; we'll handle university later.
MOM
(hesitantly agreeing, a small flicker of hope igniting in her heart)
Fine... but I just hope this works out. I can't bear the thought of you dropping out or anything stopping you from completing your education.
MERCY
(reassuring her, squeezing her mother's hands tightly)
It's going to work out just fine. I promise. You worry too much! Why would I even think of dropping out? I've promised you, no matter what, I will finish my education and make you proud. I'll take care of you. We'll get through this together. (She pulls Rebecca closer, embracing her.)
REBECCA
(happily returning the hug)
Wow... free hug from Almighty Mercy! (She laughs, her laughter infectious.)
MERCY
(releasing the hug, feigning offense)
What? Why are you acting like I don't hug you? (She eyes her sister playfully.) Don't you dare do that again, or I'll smack your head! (She raises her hand in a mock threat.)
REBECCA
(playfully moves closer to their mother, sticking out her tongue at Mercy)
You didn't get me! (She wiggles her tongue, a mischievous grin on her face.)
MERCY
(hissing playfully with a smile)
It's not your fault; I've been playing with you too much! Now you're disrespecting me, huh? (She feigns seriousness, hands on her hips.) Spoiled brat! Don't forget I'm older than you by eleven years, okay?
REBECCA
(laughing)
You always say that! It's a story for the gods! (She rolls her eyes dramatically.)
MERCY
(chuckling)
I'll always say it! If I'd been a bad girl and got pregnant at your age, I would have given birth to you! Do you know when I started my period? (She stands defiantly, hands on her waist.)
REBECCA
(shrugging, unbothered)
Don't know… don't care! (She bursts into giggles as Mercy playfully tickles her.)
MERCY
(laughing as she tickles her sister more)
This is your punishment!
MOM
(watching her daughters interact with a smile, then gently interrupts)
Mercy, stop it! That's enough tickling for one night. Let's figure out what to eat.
MERCY
(grinning)
There's food we can eat! I was given two plates of jollof rice and chicken! (She beams with excitement.)
MOM
(eyes wide in disbelief)
Really? They celebrated their reunion in style!
MERCY
(standing up to set the food on the small center table)
Yes, and I'm going to celebrate with my friends too, in an even grander way, by God's grace!
MOM
(smiling warmly)
Amen, my dear!
REBECCA
(raising her spoon, eyes sparkling)
Me too! I will buy a car for my mummy and build her a house! I'll give her everything she wants and even buy a house for my class teacher too! (She pouts adorably, her eyes shining with determination.)
MERCY
(laughing heartily)
Really? So between your teachers' house and car and Mum's house and car, which one will be more expensive? (She raises an eyebrow teasingly.)
REBECCA
(replying matter-of-factly)
My mommy, of course! What do you expect? (She rolls her eyes as if it's obvious.)
MERCY
(pretending to pout)
What about me? I won't get anything?
REBECCA
(pretending to think, then smirking)
Sister Mercy, I know you'll be too wealthy to want anything from this younger sister of yours anyway! (She rolls her eyes, teasing.)
MERCY
(leaning closer, whispering dramatically)
Don't worry! I still want something from you. When I say "something," I mean something extravagant—like a mansion with a big pool! (She chuckles, her eyes sparkling with mischief.) Besides, you can't build houses for your teachers and forget about your sister, right? Right, my boy? (She playfully pulls Rebecca's cheeks.)
REBECCA
(pulling her cheeks away, feigning irritation)
Stop calling me that! It's annoying! (She frowns dramatically, crossing her arms.)
MERCY
(grinning, teasing her further)
I'm only telling the truth! If people don't look closely, they might think you're a boy! (She laughs, enjoying the banter.) My boy.
REBECCA
Mommy, help me tell Sister Mercy to stop calling me that!
Turning to their mother,pouting
MOM
(smiling at their playful exchange, finally breaking her silence)
Mercy, stop annoying your sister and eat your food. She's not a boy; she just looks like one!
REBECCA
(whining, her eyes welling up)
Mom!!! You're teasing me too!
MOM
(pulling Rebecca closer, stroking her hair soothingly)
My tiny little baby, don't cry! I'm telling her off already. You see, I'm just trying to get it through her thick skull that you're a girl. Don't cry, okay? (She gives her a gentle squeeze.) Mercy, stop it and eat. You have to wake up early tomorrow.
MERCY
(chuckling at Rebecca's reaction)
Alright, alright, I won't tease her again. (She opens her arms wide, inviting Rebecca in for another hug.) Want a hug? You know my hugs are the best, right?
REBECCA
(jumping into her sister's embrace, sighing contentedly)
The only thing you're correct about!
[They all burst into laughter, the sound of their joy filling the small room. The weight of their struggles momentarily lifts, replaced by warmth and love.]
MOM
(wiping a tear of joy from her eye as she watches her daughters, her heart swelling with pride)
You girls bring so much happiness into this home. No matter how tough things get, always remember this laughter. It's our strength.
MERCY
(nodding, her expression turning serious for a moment)
You're right, Mum. No matter what challenges come our way, we have each other. That's what truly matters.
REBECCA
(enthusiastically)
And we'll always find a way to celebrate!
[The three share a moment of silent understanding, the weight of their reality briefly forgotten. Mercy begins to set the table, her heart lightened by the joy of the moment.]
MOM
(smiling as she starts serving the food)
Let's enjoy this meal together. We have a lot to be grateful for tonight.
MERCY
(serving jollof rice and chicken with a flourish)
And who knows? Maybe this meal will bring us even more good luck!
REBECCA
(eyes wide with excitement)
Maybe I'll get a car for you, Mum, and a house for my teacher too!
MOM
(laughing, shaking her head in disbelief)
You're quite ambitious, my little one! But let's focus on finishing our dinner first.
MERCY
(raising her spoon in a mock toast)
To family! May we always find joy in each other, no matter how tough things get!
REBECCA
(raising her spoon too)
To family! And free hugs!
[They all laugh and clink their spoons together, their laughter ech
oing in the small space. As they begin to eat, the camera zooms out, capturing the warmth and love that binds them together.]
[Lights fade slowly as the sound of their laughter]
{LIGHTS OUT}