Strained (2023) Movie Script
1
- [students chattering indistinctly]
- [wistful music playing]
[indistinct chattering continues]
[students laughing]
- [pot clatters]
- [soft music playing]
[plates clattering]
[exhales]
Ozo!
[lady panting]
Babe, calm down.
[sighs]
[chuckles]
What is this man doing?
Babe, look, I am not exactly sure
how you are calm about this.
Babe, your water just broke.
- [sighs]
- Huh?
Where are your underwears?
[giggles] For what?
Babe, we need to be
on our way to the hospital.
What's wrong with you, huh? Come on.
- You want the baby to come out here?
- [Lady] Mm-mm.
Look, okay.
You're right. But,
for starters, I've been packed
a long time ago for the hospital.
- Okay?
- And my bag is right there.
[sighs] All right.
Okay, fine. Let's go then.
[in Igbo] Alright.
[in English] Let's go.
- Sir?
- [Ozo] Eh?
I can walk.
[tuts] It's not that bad.
[in Igbo] Okay, baby.
[lady clears throat]
- [Ozo in English] What?
- Somebody is forgetting something.
[Ozo] What?
[upbeat musical beats playing]
- [Ebere] Thank you.
- You are welcome, my love.
Oh, my...
Aw Babe, you didn't have to.
I wanted to, my love.
This is so beautiful.
I know.
Sweetheart,
thank you so much
for giving me my first child.
[kisses]
My first true love.
[clicks tongue] I don't understand.
So me now, what am I?
- Well, you are...
- Well what?
A baby that just
came out how many days ago...
You want to replace me with baby.
[Ebere in Igbo] It's alright,
[in English] when it's time to breastfeed
baby you come and take the job.
- [Ozo] Babe you are so petty.
- [Ebere] I am.
- [Ozo] Sweetheart, guess what?
- [Ebere] What?
[Ozo] I actually got you pepper soup
from your favourite restaurant.
- [Ebere] It's a lie.
- [ozo] I am telling you [laughing]
[Ebere] Fatherhood.
[Ozo in Igbo] You have seen it.
- [Ozo] I am an action man.
- [Ebere] I agree.
[both laughing]
[baby crying]
[Ebere hisses] Ooh.
I am not picking up that child.
I'm worn out. [hisses]
Isn't there like a sleeping pill
for babies we can give to her?
[Baby continues crying]
[Ebere] Really? Ozo.
[Ozo blows raspberry]
[baby continues crying]
One day, one day, one day
What seems like a very far someday
Will one day become today
And it will be okay
- And it will be okay
- [baby continues crying]
What you give today
You reap another day
Don't give up or forget
There is still tomorrow
Oh ehhh
[in Igbo] Patience is good
A child is a blessing
God has given to us
Oh ooh
Comfort my heart
[baby crying]
- One day, one day, one day
- [Ozo sighs]
What seems like a very far someday
- Will one day become today
- [baby crying]
- And it will be okay
- [Baby continues crying]
And it will be okay
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
[mouthing]
- Babe...
- Shh.
[whispering] Don't wake the baby.
- [whispers] I am sorry about that.
- [whispers] It's okay.
[sighs] Babe, something came up.
- What?
- [sighs]
I need to be in Calabar on Thursday.
[yells] What?!
- [mouthing] What?
- Calm down.
We are having technical issues
at our branch in Calabar, and apparently...
- [sighs]
- Sweetheart, look, listen.
and apparently,
I am the only one who can rectify it.
What about baby and I?
You know I can't handle her alone.
[sighs] Yeah, I know
Babe,
don't you think your mother
should come for Omugwo?
Babe, it's high time
you gave her a second chance.
I don't want her here.
Get a nanny! I've told you this before.
I don't want a stranger touching my child.
Do you think I will resign my job
for motherhood after maternity leave?
- I am going back to work.
- Well, until then just...
Get your sister.
Get your sister.
- I don't want my mother here.
- [sighs]
- [woman on phone in Igbo] My brother!
- [Ozo] Sister. [laughing]
I missed your call. [in Igbo] I am sorry.
[in English] Yes.
Seems you're busy these days?
[Sister] My dear,
do you know I just got a contract
to cater for a one-week
conference in Abuja.
So I have to personally travel there
tomorrow and start preparations.
Ehen!
Ehh?
[Sister] Eh [in Igbo] Anything?
But...
[hesitates]
[in English] Sister,
but I thought you have a manager.
At that your Abuja branch now.
[Sister] Leave that one.
I know but I can't gamble it
It's the governor's wife,
and they are all attending.
Oh, I see.
Hey, this one is big. Hm.
[in Igbo] Hm, you don't
even know a half of it.
- Aunty, you are really enjoying. [laughs]
- [Sister laughing]
You are just eating all
the money. Packing all the money
all by your self ehn?
[Sister in Igbo]
My brother, what will I do?
[in English] Cut soap for your brother.
Cut soap for your brother. [laughing]
- Get out! Please get out [laughing]
- [Ozo laughing]
Anyway, how is my new baby?
Ah, Ebere will say
I've abandoned you people.
Sister, [sighs]
that's why I called.
[Sister] Okay.
I have an impromptu
business trip to Calabar.
So I was hoping
that you would come stay with Ebere
so you can help with the baby.
[Sister] Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
Ozo, this is a dilemma.
Ozo, I'm traveling tomorrow. Hah!
What will happen now?
[sighs]
Eii!
- [groans, hisses]
- [in Igbo] My dear, sorry. Sorry.
[Ozo groans]
[Sister in English] I am so sorry.
[sighs] Sister, don't worry, okay.
- [Sister in Igbo] I am so sorry.
- Don't worry. I'll...
I will figure something out.
Okay. You can go
where you have to go to. I...
[Sister in Igbo] Safe journey
- Safe journey okay?
- Sorry my brother. Thank you.
See, once I'm done with the conference,
I'm coming straight to your house. Okay?
I would really appreciate it, aunty
- [Sister in Igbo] No problem.
- [in English] Trust me.
I'll be expecting you.
- [in Igbo] Okay, take care.
- [Sister] Okay.
Bye bye. My regards to Ebere.
- Alright, I'll send your regards to her.
- Sure. Bye.
Alright, bye bye.
- [Sighs]
- [wistful music plays]
Hey, babe.
- Sorry. [chuckles]
- [Ozo sighs]
Is there a way we can
return this one and get a refund?
- Please...
- This one cries too much. Ah.
There's no refund. [chuckles]
What you see is what you get.
[Ebere in Igbo] Sorry.
[Ozo in English] Sister called.
Okay.
She's leaving for Abuja tomorrow,
and she won't be back for a week.
[Ebere sighs]
It's fine.
I think I'll manage.
[Ozo sighs]
- Babe, can we call your mother?
- [Ebere] Mm-mm.
Ozo, please!
Not tonight.
I don't want to engage you
in that conversation. I am tired.
But babe,
what's the worst that can happen?
[yells] I don't want her here!
Do you realize I've not lived
with this woman under the same roof
for the past 13 years?
I don't even know her.
I can't live with her peacefully.
You would not know till you try.
Jesus.
[Ozo] Babe,
why don't you just see this
as an opportunity to reconnect with her?
[Ebere exhales]
[sighs] Man! Babe,
you know, you're lucky?
I would do anything,
I would give anything,
to have my mother back on earth.
Please, don't blow this.
- Okay.
- [soft music playing]
Yes, hello?
Good morning, ma.
Am I speaking with Miss Abigail Udo?
[Ozo sighs]
My name is Ozo
I'm Ebere's husband.
Your son-in-law.
I am fine, and you?
I know. [chuckles]
[knock on door]
[knock on door]
- Mama [chuckles]
- [Abigail] Haa.
- Good morning [chuckles]
- [Abigail in Igbo] How are you?
[Ozo] I'm good and you?
- [in English] I'm okay.
- [Ozo] Wow!
- [Ozo] So good to see you.
- [Abigail Agrees]
- Thank God for journey mercies. [laughs]
- [Abigail] Ah ha, ah ah!
[Ozo] This is so nice.
- I am so excited to see you.
- [chuckles]
Hope the trip was not stressful at all?
[in Igbo] No, it was not.
In fact, I slept like a baby
inside the taxi.
- [In Igbo] That's great. [laughing]
- [Abigail laughing]
- [Ozo in English] Thank God.
- [comic music plays]
[Abigail] Hmm.
[giggles] [in Igbo] My dear,
[in English] You're a very fine young man.
Very fine.
- I like what I see.
- [Ozo giggles]
In fact, my daughter married well.
- I'm happy.
- [Ozo laughing]
Thank you, ma. Thank you, ma.
[In Igbo] No, forget the ma.
[in English] Mommy.
I am okay with that.
Thank you, Mommy.
[In Igbo] Mm-hmm. Now you come.
[in English] So, where's my daughter?
- Is she not around?
- [Ozo] Oh, she is upstairs.
Oh, yes. She's taking care of the baby.
She's feeding the baby.
[exclaims n Igbo] Heh!
Wait, let me clean my ear.
- So, true true, I'm now a grandmother?
- [Ozo] Mm-hmm.
[in Igbo] Things are happening so fast!
[Ozo] That is true!
When good things happen to me
It would seem as though
I wrote a letter to my God
When what I desire starts to happen
It would seem as though
I wrote a letter to my God
Look at my in-law.
It's alright, bring it on.
When good things happen to me
It would seem as though
I wrote a letter to my God
When what I desire starts to happen
It would seem as though
I wrote a letter to my God
-[Ozo laughs]
-[Abigail laughs] Heh!
[in English] Mommy please let
me take you to your room.
[In igbo] Thank you, God. Thank you
-Wait, my dear, before you do that,
-Eh?
[in English] The taxi man
that brought me is still outside.
- [Ozo] Oh.
- Eh... his money is three thousand.
- [Abigail in Igbo] It's a lot but...
- No problem, don't worry.
- Ehn?
- Yes, Mommy. I'll take care of it.
- [in Igbo] My great in-law. [laughs]
- I will take care of it. [laughs]
When good things happen to me
It would seem as though I wrote my God
[In Igbo] Oh it's here, wow.
When good things happen to me
It would seem as though I...
Hmm. Oh my! Mm. Ah.
-Mommy,
-[In Igbo] My dear.
[in English] this is where
you will be staying.
- Ehh. [in Igbo] It is good.
- Eh. [laughing]
[in English] Where is my daughter?
I want to see her.
I want to hug her. Where is she?
She will be here to see you soon, okay?
I'm sure she's excited to see you too.
[in Igbo] Oh my child!
Oh my child,
- thank you.
- [Ozo] Alright.
Tell her I am waiting. [sighs]
[hisses]
It would seem
As though I wrote my God...
[door squeaks]
[exhales]
[motorbike engine accelerates outside]
Ebere,
[in English] what is your problem?
Problem as how?
You know your mother is here, right?
[scoffs] Ehen? So?
[Ozo] What is so?
Ebere, please go
and welcome your mother now.
Welcome her as how?
[hisses]
Sorry, em, I should go and hire
atilogwu dancers to welcome her?
- Ebere, look, we spoke about this.
- [Ebere hisses]
- [In Igbo] I am begging you.
- [In Pidgin] Please leave me.
I am begging you, Ebere.
[in English]
I am telling you now as your husband.
Go downstairs
and properly welcome your mother.
[in Igbo] I am begging you.
[in English] That woman traveled
all the way to come and help you
[in Igbo] I am begging you, Ebere.
[in English] Madam.
Madam,
are you not forgetting something?
[Ozo hisses]
When good starts to happen to me
It would seem as though I wrote to God
When what I desire starts to happen
It would seem as though I wrote my God
A letter
[in English] Welcome, Mom.
Heh! [chuckles]
[in Igbo] My mommy.
Ha!
[in Igbo] Oh my! My child!
[in English] I have missed you so much.
Eh?
[in Igbo] Oh, my child. Oh, my child.
[in English]
Please, can I hold my grandchild?
[voice breaking]
Let me hold my grandchild.
[laughing]
Oh! [tuts]
Ah.
Mm.
[in Igbo] My child.
[in English] You look like your mother.
[in Igbo] But you have
your grandmother's nose.
My nose.
[chuckles]
My child. [in Igbo]
[in English] You are blessed. My child.
Anywhere we have failed,
you, my daughter, will succeed.
-These hands of yours,
-[baby coos]
mmm, mmm. [in Igbo] Talk to me, my child.
[in English] ...I bless them today
Anything they touch shall turn to gold.
Your feet shall take you places that...
[stutters]
Babe,
I want to beg you again.
Please, live peacefully with your mother.
Have you seen me fight before?
That's not what I meant.
Make it conducive for her.
This attitude you're putting up is
making the whole atmosphere very intense.
Speak to her if you have to.
I've heard you.
[Ozo] Mm-mm.
Get to know her.
That's what you should be doing now.
I've heard you.
- I'll miss you.
- I'll miss you too.
- Alright. I love you.
- Love you.
- Take care of baby. Okay?
- I will
[car engine revving]
[Ebere] Hey, baby.
Oh, you are about taking off?
Alright. Mm.
I am missing you already. Mm-hmm.
Mmh!
Oh, okay.
Safe journey.
And please,
remember to call me
as soon as you touch down.
Alright?
Okay, cool.
[chuckles] Love you.
[in Igbo] Oh my child. [Chuckles]
Eh, my Mommy...
[in English]
Please can you stop calling me that?
My name is Ebere. Stick to the name.
[in Igbo] My child don't be offended. Eh,
[in English] just that, you look
like my mother when she was young.
Well, I'm not her.
What do you want?
Em,
Baby needs breast.
If you can come and feed her... mm.
I'll be out shortly.
[drum beat music plays]
[baby cooing]
[in Igbo] What? Wait. What is that?
- [in English] What are you doing?
- [baby babbling]
- [baby crying]
- Pumping her milk.
[in Igbo] You say?
Are you handicapped?
[in English] Are you handicapped
that you're pumping milk?
Why can't you just carry baby
Put her to your breast so she can feed?
That is how it is done.
That way I know she's getting enough milk.
Oh please,
stop this new generation nonsense
that does not make sense to me.
Ah-ah.
Don't you know that skin-to-skin
is the best?
Pick up the baby,
put her to your breast
so she can feed like a human being.
[in Igbo] Do you hear me?
Come, am I not talking to a human being?
[chuckles]
[in English] See, let me tell you.
[in Igbo] My child
is above me, is deception. Mm?
[in English] Don't think
I cannot spank you at your age.
- Please, just pick up this baby.
- [baby cooing]
[in Igbo] Put your breast in her mouth,
let her feed to her satisfaction
because her father paid for it.
[in English] Feed her like a human being.
- [baby cooing]
- [Abigail] Ah-ah.
I don't support this at all.
[in English]
Let the baby feed like a human being.
- [baby crying]
- Aaa-ah! Mmh!
[in Igbo] Breastfeed my baby,
before she starves.
Now you come. That's how it's done.
Suck your mother's breast, it's you right.
- [comic tune plays]
- [Abigail in English] [laughing] Wait,
look at this one.
You're hiding your breast,
in your own house. [chuckles]
It's okay continue.
[in English]
When you want to feed her outside,
[in Igbo] build a canopy for your breasts.
[Abigail laughing]
[knock on door]
Yes. Come in.
[door squeaks]
[in Igbo] My mommy.
[in English] What happened
to the guest bathroom?
The guest bathroom?
Oh... Ah... No. [in Igbo] No. [chuckles]
[in English] My bathroom is very fine.
No problem at all. [clicks tongue]
Just that, eh...
I noticed your stomach is still very big.
[in Igbo] It's not good. Ehn?
[in English] So, I want to press it
very well for you with this hot water.
So that all the blood clots
and the toxins
that is still inside your womb
will come out.
[in Igbo] So you will be fit.
[in English] Please,
I don't want it.
[melancholic music plays]
[Abigail exhales]
[door slams shut]
[Abigail] It's okay, Nneoma
[humming]
[baby cooing]
What? What...
Mommy,
this water is too hot for the baby now.
-[in Igbo] No,
-[baby coos]
[in English] It is the right temperature
for baby massage.
Oh, no, Mommy, this is hot!
Do you know that this baby just came out
from a hot place?
Oh, you don't know that
when you were pregnant with her,
[in Igbo] your womb,
[in English] was very hot.
She's used to the temperature.
[in Igbo] Do you hear me?
[in English] Please, [splutters]
forgive me. But I keep forgetting,
- are you a doctor?
- Leave all these things.
You can't know more than me.
- [in Igbo] Do you hear me?
- [in English] Jesus.
Take it easy on that massage now.
[splutters] Her bones are still fragile.
[in Igbo] Come, this girl, give me space.
Don't trade words with me. Ah-ah!
[in English] If you want to assist me,
stand there, watch and learn.
Don't come here and be arguing with me.
- [in Igbo] Be careful.
- [baby coughs]
[hisses] Pour water for me.
[in English]
Pour more hot water inside here.
[in Igbo] I said pour water for me.
Troublemaker!
-[utensils clatter]
-[comic tunes play]
[in Igbo] Wait, my Mommy.
Ah-ah.
[in English]
Is it noodles you want to eat?
- [scoffs] Obviously.
- [in Igbo] Eh, no. It won't work
[in English] No, ah, it won't happen.
Noodles? No. Ah.
How can a nursing mother eat noodles?
Eh?
Don't you know that whatever you eat,
you feed baby.
[in Igbo] Oh, you want to start
giving her noodle at this early stage?
[in English] It will not work.
[in Igbo] Ah, abomination! Not possible
[in English] No.
So, what am I supposed to eat?
Eh-he.
Don't worry,
I came with herbs,
so that I can make
hot spicy pepper soup for you.
That is what you need now.
So that it will melt
all those congealed blood
[in Igbo] you know
I also brought palm wine
Palm wine is very good
[mmm] It will help you
to produce plenty milk eeh!
- your breast will be flowing so well.
- Jesus Christ.
So that the baby will feed well.
If someone calls her a breast-fed child,
she will answer
- [phone ringing]
- Oh my God
- [in English] Ah, It's okay...
- Hello
- Ah, no, no, no, no.
- Hello
Answer your phone, let me do the cooking.
I will feed you when I'm done. Ah-ah.
[in Igbo] What's with feeding the baby
noodles at this stage?
[Abigail shocked]
[Ebere] [in English] Maria,
are you serious?
No. Stop.
You're playing with me.
You are coming to Enugu? [laughs]
When?
Oh, my God.
Aw, I can't wait to see you.
I'm so happy to hear this.
[chuckles]
[hisses]
My dear,
I wish Ozo's sister can just come
so that this woman can go.
It...
I promise, She is driving me nuts.
Do you know how long this woman
and I have lived under the same roof?
I swear it, it's almost as if...
I don't know her anymore.
[tuts]
Eh?
How?
[in Pidgin] Please... No...
[in English] Let's just drop this topic
before you annoy me.
Eh-heh!
The moment you touch down Enugu, ehn?
Let my house be your first point of call.
[chuckles] Sweet babe.
Before I forget, my Kilishi.
With enough pepper
now that you're in Abuja.
Eh-heh!
Baby is fine, [chuckles] she's there.
[Abigail] The one in my heart
[in English] Alright, darling. [chuckles]
Can't wait to see you.
Bye. [laughs]
[Abigail continues singing]
[Abigail] Mm. Wow!
[in Igbo] My mommy, are you going to bath?
No problem at all. Eh?
[in Igbo] No problem.
[in English] Your food is ready.
Hot pepper soup and yam.
[in Igbo] Let it cleanse your body. Eh?
[in English] Can you please,
stop bringing food to my room,
like you're some house help?
[chuckles]
I came for Omugwo, my child.
And Omugwo is all about serving.
- Aw, that must be really hard for you.
- [wistful music plays]
Hard?
How?
Motherhood is about serving.
Seeing how quick you ran away
from it at the first instinct.
And now you're here,
preaching to me about service,
like you have a clue about it.
Ebele.
Please,
can you excuse me?
I'd like to take my shower.
And,
don't ever bring food to my room.
When I'm hungry,
I'll go downstairs
and dish myself a plate.
Yeah. Hello, good morning.
Okay.
I'm yet to receive the mail.
Please, send it to me immediately.
I'll be waiting.
- [baby coos]
- [Abigail in Igbo] It's okay, my child.
[Abigail] It's okay.
[TV comes on]
[indistinct sounds from TV]
- [people chattering on TV]
- [Abigail increasing TV volume]
-[man on TV] Come Amaka, what's happening?
-[Amaka] Mm?
[Amaka on TV] -Ah-ah! I told you already.
[in Igbo] The show is tonight!
Look, I have hot temper. I don't want
to repeat myself. What's happening here?
- [comic tune plays]
- What are all these candles for?
- [Amaka] [in English] Ah, Ekene! Ekene!
- See I'm not sacrificing to anybody.
- [Ekene blows candle]
- [Amaka] Oh, Ekene! Ahn-ahn!
[Amaka] Ekene, you're not romantic at all.
Not even a little bit.
- [Abigail exhales]
- [Amaka] This romantic setting is for us.
- [Ekene] Romantic?
- I told you it's a special night.
- Special night or sacrifice night?
- [Abigail laughing]
[Ekene] See, let me tell you,
the only thing that is remaining
for this sacrifice
to be complete is chicken.
[Abigail sighs]
-[Ekene] Take off!
-[Abigail laughing loudly]
[Amaka] [in English] Stop now! Come on.
Please, do you mind?
- [Ekene] I should read it?
- [Amaka] Mm-hmm.
Oh, [chuckles] sorry, my Mommy.
- Just that the film is so funny. [laughs]
- [indistinct chattering on Tv]
-[Ekene] ...you.
-[Amaka] No oh, I won't agree.
[Tv turns off]
[Abigail sighs]
- [Ebere muttering] Check.
- [phone ringing]
[chuckles] [in Igbo]
She has remembered me.
Agnes, you have remembered me. [chuckles]
Huh, me? No, I'm enjoying my self.
My dear, if you see where I am, it's
like a white-man's country. [laughs loud]
Eh, the baby is so beautiful.
The baby is indeed our offspring.
[Ebere muttering]
[Abigail hesitates]
If you see this baby,
you would want to give birth again.
Eh? My son-in-law?
[exclaims] See, dear.
He is a handsome man.
[exclaims] He is tall,
handsome and light-skinned.
He doesn't disrespect my daughter.
No, not at all.
He adores her so much. [laughs]
That's what gladdens my heart most.
[laughing]
[Abigail singing Igbo folk song]
I told my mother, "Kparanuma"
My mother told my me, "Kparanuma"
[Ebere] Good afternoon, Mommy.
Eh-heh.
[in English] Hope the baby is not crying?
I came to feed her.
No. In fact, she has been sleeping since.
I had to wake her to give her water.
What?! You're feeding my baby water?
[in Pidgin] Yes.
[in English] I noticed you don't like
giving her water. Why?
Because...
She is on exclusive!
There's enough water in the breast milk.
[in Igbo] No, that's not true.
[in English] Don't say that! Ahn-ahn!
Don't you know what solid is?
Breast milk is like solid to them.
[in Igbo] If you swallow solid,
you push it down with water.
[in English] That is how it is done.
Why do you talk like an illiterate?
Do you want to cause
complications for my baby?
- [groans]
- [soft music playing]
How?
How can you say a thing like that?
Hmm?
Will I do something
to hurt my only grandchild?
You search me.
I don't know what you're capable
of doing or not.
Please, don't give my baby water.
And, ask me before you do any...
strange thing.
[Ebere muttering]
Giving my baby water... [hisses]
[Ebere clears throat]
[Ebere] Why aren't you upstairs?
[Abigail] Baby couldn't sleep [chuckles]
I felt the open space will help,
and it did.
[chuckles]
What do you have there?
[Abigail chuckles]
I am just watching
your wedding pictures.
You looked so beautiful
[huffs]
and very happy.
Um, thank you.
Um,
about this afternoon,
I am sorry I called you an illiterate.
[Abigail] No, you
did not call me an illiterate.
You just said I behaved like one.
Hmm, and it's okay.
Well, I am, I am sorry I...
- I didn't mean to, it was...
- [Abigail] It's okay.
I am old fashioned, anyway.
I had just you.
When you were a baby,
my mother,
your grandmother,
never allowed me touch you,
except to breastfeed you.
Anything I do here is what I saw her do.
I am not an expert.
How is she?
No, I mean Grandma. How is she?
Oh, [chuckles] she's late.
She died at 80.
I am sorry.
No.
What? Is this not Romanus and his wife?
- You remember Uncle Romanus?
- Of course, why won't I?
he was your father's best man
at our wedding.
[chuckles] Very funny man.
Tell me about it.
That man cracks me up every time.
[chuckles]
Why did you not invite me to your wedding?
You had my number.
Um...
- The... I was... I was go...
- [Abigail] Ebere.
Why, did you not invite me,
to the wedding?
Your wedding.
I...
What role would you have played?
Was I supposed
to tell my stepmom, who literally raised
and groomed me,
to sit aside as a spectator,
whilst you played mother of the day?
- No.
- [wistful music playing]
I would have happily,
and eagerly
played the role of a spectator,
just to be there.
Just to witness that, that joy,
that happiness of seeing you embark
on a new phase of your life.
I would have given anything
to be there.
You should have at least reached out.
[pets the baby] It's okay.
Good night, [in Igbo] my Mommy.
[wistful music continues]
[Baby crying softly]
[Ebere softly] Shh.
- [Baby crying]
- [Ebere calming the baby]
[tuts]
- [Ebere in Igbo] My baby what is it?
- [Baby crying]
[Ebere] [in English] Mama. Mama, hey
See this one.
- [petting baby frantically] Nne.
- [Baby continues crying]
Baby
- Why are you doing this to me? Take this.
- [baby crying loudly]
[in Igbo] Mama,
[in English] What do you want me to do?
Why are you doing this to me this night?
- [Abigail in Igbo] What is it?
- [baby crying]
Who is beating her?
- [Abigail] What is it?
- [Ebere] [in English] I don't know.
I don't know what to do with her.
Please, just take her
[in Igbo] Oh my child it's okay.
It's okay. Hush, hush. [tuts]
[in English] It's okay.
My baby, it's okay.
- [baby cries]
- [Abigail] Shh.
Who is upsetting my baby?
Who is actually upsetting my baby?
A child that went to get money
From town and was given all blessings
Saying she shouldn't talk
Shouldn't make noise
My child, look on
My dearest child, look on
[in English] It's okay.
My Mommy, go and sleep.
I will take it up from here. Mm?
I will stay with her.
- [in Igbo] Go and sleep.
- Thank you
[in English] It's okay.
Who is upsetting my baby?
Who is really upsetting my baby?
A child that went to get money
- [soft music playing]
- [Abigail continues lullaby in background]
[Ebere sobs]
[knock on door]
[Abigail in Igbo] Who's it?
Who is that?
[woman] [in English] Good afternoon, ma.
[chuckles]
Beauty, who are you looking for?
- I am Maria, Ebere's friend.
- [Abigail] Oh.
- Ebele's friend? [exclaims]
- Yes.
- My dear, you are beautiful. Ah!
- [Maria laughs]
My daughter has taste.
First, fine husband.
Now, fine friend.
It's as if it is only fine,
fine people that she knows.
- [Maria laughing]
- [Abigail laughing] I like it.
Ma,
Ebere never told me you're funny. [laughs]
- Come in.
- [Maria] Okay, thank you.
[both laughing]
- How are you?
- [Maria] I am fine.
Um, isn't Ebere in?
I just wanted to surprise her.
- I just came in from Abuja yesterday.
- [Abigail] Aw!
- Ebele stepped out.
- [Maria] Oh!
She went to buy something,
but she will soon be back.
Okay. Em, what of our baby?
- She cried throughout the night.
- Aw!
- Now is her sleeping time.
- I can imagine.
[both laugh]
- Em, make yourself comfortable.
- Okay.
- What should I offer you?
- Nothing, mama.
- Don't worry, I'm fine.
- [in Igbo] No, no, I don't want this.
[in English] I will not take it.
- [in Igbo] Come, hope you are Igbo?
- [in Igbo] Yes.
- Eh-heh!
- [Maria laughs]
[in English] So,
you will take fresh fish pepper soup.
Plus, I brought
sweet palm wine from the village.
- Okay, ma.
- Just wait, I am coming.
Alright. Thank you. [laughing]
[in Pidgin] We will buy your underwear.
Your husband will buy your wedding gown.
- [Abigail, Maria laugh]
- [man talking indistinct on Tv]
- [laughter]
- Do you understand? So that we can match.
- Here comes the bride
- [laughter]
[man on TV] Here comes the bride
- [door slams close]
- [Abigail] Ah!
- Your friend is back.
- Oh.
- [Abigail in Igbo] My Mommy.
- [Maria] Ebere! [laughs]
[both laughing]
- [Ebere] Oh. [laughing]
- [Maria] Oh my God! [laughing]
I wasn't expecting you till Friday.
- Well, surprise [laughs]
- Oh, you look good.
Thank you.
If you've told me you were coming,
at least I would have made
something for you,
or even gotten your favorite small chops.
Ebere, don't bother yourself. Mm?
Your mom has taken good care of me. Eh?
Ah, [chuckles] she's so nice.
You didn't mention that part.
- [Maria chuckles]
- [Ebere] Is that so?
How is my baby?
- Oh, she's fine. She's upstairs.
- [Ebere sighs]
- I should bring her down so Maria...
- No, no, no, no
Don't worry, Maria and I will go
upstairs instead to see the baby.
Um...
- Let me tidy the kitchen. [chuckles]
- [Maria] Okay.
- Oh, my God! Your mom is adorable.
- Oh,
I love her.
- She's so nice. [chuckles]
- [in Pidgin] I see.
[Ebere in Pidgin] Please.
- [in English] I got you your kilishi.
- [Ebere] It's a lie!
- Just the way you love it. [chuckles]
- [Ebere] Oh my goodness.
With enough pepper [laughing]
[Maria] Oh my God!
- [Maria] Ebere, she's too cute.
- [Ebere] I know.
I can't get over it.
What! My ovaries!
Your ovaries?
Don't worry, baby will soon fill it.
- I want her.
- Ahn-ahn!
If is not her type,
- I don't want.
- [Ebere in Pidgin] Please.
When you are praying for babies,
pray for the ones that sleep at night.
That one, she can
bring down the roof at night.
- [Maria] I can imagine.
- [Ebere] [hisses]
[Maria] Oh, [chuckles]
- [inPidgin] How are you?
- [Maria] [in English] My dear!
How is Ebuka?
[sighs deeply]
[in Igbo] What is it?
-Ebere,
-[Ebere] Mm?
[in English] I think I have kept you
in the dark for too long.
Why? What happened?
You remember when I told you he hit me?
Yeah, that one time.
But things changed after the incident.
- It didn't.
- [sad music playing]
[sighs] I've lost count
of the days he hit me.
No!
Ebere,
Ebuka cheats,
he drinks,
he hits me,
he clears my account at random.
I had to set up secret accounts.
-I am sorry
-[Maria sighs] Ebere,
Ebuka is a beast now.
In fact, the reason I came here
is to beg my parents to let me go.
[sighs]
[clicks tongue]
Are you sure you want to do that?
[voice breaking] I'm tired.
I am sorry.
- I'm tired.
- [Whispers] So sorry.
- I'm going insane.
- [Whispers] I am sorry
I'm losing my mind.
Some days he comes to his senses
and tells me he will do better.
And then, boom, he is off with a new girl.
And starts behaving the same way.
[Ebere mouthing] I am sorry.
- I am tired.
- Sorry.
Ha!
[sighs]
I...
I think we should pray about this.
I mean, the guy you married,
has to be in there, somewhere.
[baby crying]
I am so sorry, let me attend to her, okay?
Mama. [chuckles]
Thank you once again.
I'm almost on my way,
I'm just waiting for Ebere.
- No problem at all. Hm?
- Okay
- No problem [chuckles]
- Thank you ma. Thank you.
[sighs]
My dear,
I am not a nosy person.
Mm-mm.
But I heard everything you told Ebele.
[scoffs]
Domestic violence is not
something you think about,
especially when your life is at stake.
Hm?
Look at you.
You are young...
and my God, you are beautiful.
- [Maria sobs]
- So, leave while you can.
[Abigail] Hm?
Don't let anybody dictate to you
how to choose life,
because, if it is snatched,
believe me, everybody will move on well
including your parents, unfortunately.
- [in Igbo] Do you hear me?
- [Maria sniffles]
- [sobs] [in English] Okay.
- [Abigail in Igbo] No.
[in English] It's okay.
- It's okay.
- [Maria sobbing]
-Listen,
-[Maria sobbing]
don't worry about anything. Mm?
I'll always be here for you.
[in Igbo] Do you hear me?
- [Maria] Yes ma.
- Stop crying. Clean your eyes.
- [Abigail] [in English] It's okay.
- [Maria sobbing]
[chuckles] Ah-ah!
My Mommy, what are you doing?
Eh?
[brush scrubbing]
[in Igbo] No, leave it.
[in English] Let me do it.
- Let me hel...
- [yelling] I am not handicapped. Stop it.
Ah-ah!
I am only trying to help.
[splutters] Why're you sounding this way?
You know what? Just, just stop.
You think I didn't hear
what you told Maria?
What?
[splutters] I don't understand you.
You want to destroy her life,
just like you destroyed mine.
You think every woman just ups
and leaves their home,
- marriage and children?
- Ebere.
Why are you saying this?
[feeding bottle clatters]
You know what?
Since you got here,
we haven't addressed
the big elephant in the room.
You left me. Disappeared.
Like, how dare you even do that?
I left because your father was a monster.
A big monster!
It was my life
or you.
I chose my life.
He beat me every day.
Every single day.
You think I didn't know that?
Hm?
So, fuck what?!
[Ebere] Huh?
He hit my step mom too
and not one day
did she pick a piece of cloth,
to say she was leaving.
She stayed with her three kids.
Really?
And you think she's better than me, right?
Damn better then you will ever be!
You are just a coward,
who ran and never looked back.
[slap]
Do you think
that if I had stayed
and died in that marriage
I will be here, helping you?
Eh? So, where is she?
Where is that courageous
step mother of yours?
Where is she? Why is she not here?
Why is she not the one doing Omugwo?
Is it not because she is
confined to a wheelchair
with a spinal injury
inflicted on her
by that your devil of a father?
That would've been me,
a vegetable.
[gasps]
So you who were wise to go.
Why didn't you take me with you?
You left me.
You left me to grow up in a toxic home.
I hate you so much.
[Abigail gasping]
[gasping]
- [Ozo on the phone] Babe calm down.
- I don't want her here.
I don't want her here. I want her to go.
I hate her!
- [Ozo] What happened?
- I don't like her.
-[Ozo] Calm down
-I don't want her to stay here.
-[Ozo] Can you just calm down
-[panting]
- [Ozo] and let me know what the issues...
- Can you please call your sister?
I don't want... I don't want her here
[Ozo] Okay
Okay, it's alright just calm down alright?
I'll call my sister and um...
I would explain to her
so she can shorten the trip.
Alright?
Okay.
[Ozo] But, just calm down. Stop crying.
Stop crying. Just relax okay?
[Ebere gasping]
[Ozo] It's okay.
[crickets chirping]
[Abigail sniffles]
[belt cracks]
[young Abigail] I promise
I won't do this again.
[belt cracks]
[young Abigail] Please! [wails]
[young Abigail] No! Chief! [wailing]
- [belt lashes]
- [young Abigail gasping, wailing]
- [belt lash continues]
- [young Abigail wailing]
[Ebere gasping]
- [baby crying]
- [Ebere panting]
[baby continues crying]
[hasty footsteps approaching]
[Abigail exhales]
[baby coos]
The baby needs to be fed.
Why did you stop visiting me in school?
[Abigail exhales]
Your father never
allowed me to do any kind of work.
I ate straight from his palms,
[scoffs]
when he's in a good mood though.
When I left him,
I left with nothing.
I couldn't even fend for myself.
I was squatting
with one family member or the other,
one friend or the other,
until I got tired
and went back to the village to farm.
When I gathered enough money,
I came back,
and I took a nanny job.
Then I came for you.
[Abigail sniffs]
But your father threatened me
from the gate.
And warned me never to come close.
Hmm.
At one point,
he locked me up for trespassing,
and all my pleas and cries to the police
fell on deaf ears.
Then I heard you
were out of state in university.
And I hoped,
I hoped you will look for me.
Where would I have started from?
You had my number.
You have always had my number.
[panting] The question is,
did you even want to find me?
[Abigail inhales heavily]
[Abigail splutters] Did...
[gasps]
-[baby cries],
-[Ebere sniffles]
[gasps]
[Maria clears throat]
[mouthing words] Hi,
[both chuckling] Hi.
- For the baby.
- [Ebere] Oh! Ah!
Godmother!
You really want to spoil my baby.
Yeah, yes.
It's only rich aunt vibe
that she will be getting from me.
Just you know.
- Thank you.
- [Maria] You are welcome.
-Oh, dear,
-[Maria] So,
are you okay?
What? Yeah.
[hisses] it's just work.
My company people,
they do not understand
the meaning of maternity leave.
Yeah, but
that's not what I'm asking.
[Ebere] Okay.
Are you okay?
[Ebere exhales]
I try.
I try to move away from the past.
The hurt.
But, she's clearly under my roof,
breathing the same oxygen,
holding my child,
who clearly loves her absolutely.
[Maria chuckles]
She is lovable.
You know, I...
I just can't seem to forgive her
for leaving me
at my most crucial formative years.
I can't.
You know,
it's funny how you hate her and blame her
and forget the real monster here.
Who?
Your dad, Ebere.
He created the environment
for what happened to happen.
And I don't see you hating him.
Infact, I see that you love him.
Why don't you think your mom
deserves the same love too?
It was her decision to make.
- She left me when I was...
- I'm pregnant.
[Ebere] Oh, you don't
look too happy about that.
Yes. Yes, Ebere because
I am not going back to my husband.
Oh Maria.
[Maria panting]
I can just imagine my own hating me
for the same decision.
Don't say that. Please don't.
You know what? [sniffles]
I'll always be here.
Okay?
And I promise, I'll support you
in what ever decision you decide to take.
Okay?
[inhales] Now, I want you to see
why your mother did what she did.
Support her.
Show her the love she has missed
all these years, not having you.
[Maria] Mommy, I'll be leaving.
Ah-ah!
You are going?
- Yes, Mommy.
- [in Igbo] No, not like that.
[Abigail] [in English] I am making lunch.
- Eh?
- Don't worry.
My mom wants to take me to see someone
so I have to be back in time.
Ah?
[Maria] Yes.
Okay.
Em,
wait.
What of, em...
what we discussed the other day?
[Maria exhales]
Em,
I have decided to leave him.
I'm pregnant, but
I hope this is what needs to be done.
Listen...
in the beginning,
it might seem tough.
But trust me,
it gets better with time.
And the right kind of support.
You have people
who are solidly behind you,
and rooting for you.
Don't worry.
You'll be fine.
I'm sure of that.
Hm? [chuckles]
- Thank you so much, ma. You are an angel.
- [Abigail] Aw.
- [Maria] Thank you.
- [Abigail] It's okay.
- [in Igbo] Safe journey.
- [Maria] [in English] Alright.
- Take care.
- [Abigail] Okay.
-[Maria] Mommy,
-[Abigail] Hm?
please,
give Ebere some more time to come around.
She's my friend. I know she will.
- Thank you.
- [Maria] Okay.
-Go well
-[Maria] Alright Bye.
[baby coos]
[Ebere tuts]
[Abigail in Igbo] [sighs] Ebele, my child.
[in English] Please, do you have a minute?
Okay?
[in Igbo] Don't be angry. Mm?
[in English] Don't be angry.
I need some money to buy drugs.
How much?
11,000 Naira
[baby coos]
Okay.
[in Igbo] Thank you so much. Thank you.
[Ebere] [in English] Em, sorry.
What are the drugs for?
[in Igbo] [sighs] My child, arthritis.
- [in English] Arthritis?
- [sighs]
Arthritis in what parts?
My joints.
So, why didn't you tell me?
And how have you been managing
with that and baby?
I usually take my drugs
and they ease the pain.
But my drugs finished a week ago
and I am beginning to feel the pain again.
Oh, my goodness. Mommy, no.
You should have told me that before now.
[in Igbo] That's true. [hisses]
[in English] Get dressed,
I'll take you to the pharmacy.
My Mommy, don't worry,
I will take keke to the nearest pharmacy
and get the drugs myself.
No, I insist. Go get dressed.
[baby crying]
Thank you.
[in Igbo] Oh, my child.
- Let me carry baby, since she's crying.
- No.
You go get dressed
and meet me in the car. I will get her.
[in Igbo] Thank you.
[in English] Thank you very much.
[baby crying]
[Ebere] Shh!
[Ebere] Hey, little one.
[Ebere] Hello.
Yeah. Hi, Doctor.
I hope I'm not calling at the wrong time?
[phone ringing]
Hey, babe.
[Ozo on the phone] Hey, baby
[both chuckle]
[Ozo] You sound good.
Yes, I am.
I guess today wasn't that bad.
[Ozo] Mmm?
- I am really happy to hear this.
- [Ebere chuckles]
-Em, so, babe,
-Mm-hmm?
[Ozo] My sister said she
will be available to come soon.
Oh, [sighs] that,
um, babe, I don't think
there'll be any need for that anymore.
It's fine.
I mean, you said I should
get to know my mom so...
In fact, just realized
that she hasn't been feeling too well.
- [Ozo] Really?
- Yeah.
What's wrong?
She has joint arthritis.
I umm... I took her
to the pharmacy though but
on my own, I've also been reading
some treatment.
You know that.
I don't think she's really that bad,
now that I'm getting to know her,
I think I just
might need to be a little more patient.
- [Ozo] That's very good, babe.
- [chuckles slightly]
This is really good to hear.
And I am really proud of you, babe.
Thank you [chuckles]
Thank you. So, what's up?
How's it going over there?
[Ozo] It's going pretty well.
-Oh, really
-[Ozo] I like the energy here.
Wow, nice.
[praying in Igbo] We fly to thy patronage
Oh holy Mother of God,
despise not our petitions
in our necessities,
but deliver us always from all dangers,
Oh glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.
In the name of the father,
and of the son, and of the holy spirit...
[knock on door]
[in English] Come in.
[Ebere] Good morning, Mom.
Ah,
My child, good morning.
- [in Igbo] Good morning.
- [in English] Yes.
So, I have news.
Eh, what is the news?
There's a corrective surgery,
that can be carried out
for your joint arthritis.
It's called arthroplasty.
And the doctor says it can be
performed here without having us travel.
[sighs]
- But that would be expensive.
- [chuckles] It doesn't matter.
So long as it's corrected
and you stop feeling the pains.
I don't know, my child.
- I honestly don't know.
- [Ebere] Mm-mm, Mom,
it's a done deal.
We just have to wait for Ozo.
When he returns,
we proceed with the surgery.
- Huh?
- [sighs deeply]
[in Igbo] My child,
- God bless you.
- Amen.
[in Igbo] God bless you.
[in English] You and your husband
- will be happy forever.
- Amen.
Resources to take care of your child
will be readily available to you
at all times.
-Amen. Amen
-You will never lack.
[in Igbo] You won't lack anything,
my child. Thank you.
[in English] Thank you, Mommy.
Thank you, mommy.
[Ebere and Abigail sigh]
Em, Mom,
why do you always repeat the same clothes?
[huffs] It is what I have,
and as long as it is clean,
I will wear it.
Don't bother yourself.
That one is not a problem.
Okay?
Good morning
- [Ebere] Good morning.
- I am from Fieldphase logistics.
These are your packages.
Do call us next time.
- [Ebere] Sure.
- Have a nice day.
- [in Igbo] Who will I call my mother
- [Abigail yelling excitedly]
[in Pidgin]
Mama carried me for nine months yeah
Mama nurtured me
since child birth yeah
[in Igbo]
I will only do good things for you oh
I will use good things
To say thank you. Thank you
Mama, good things are
What I will do for you
- Mama
- [both laugh]
I will only do good things for you oh
I will only do good things for you oh
Mama
It shall be well with you
Mama
It shall be well with you
Mama
- Mama I cherish you for life
- [both giggling]
Because you carried my matter
In your head for life
I will only do good things for you oh
Oh mama mama
I am saying thank you
Mama, good things are
what I will do for you
Mama
I will only do good things for you oh
Mama, I will only do
Good things for you oh
Mama
[music fades]
[Abigail] You know,
this baby reminds me so much of you.
- [Ebere] Are you serious?
- Yes.
No matter how many shots you took,
you never cried. [chuckles]
- It's a lie.
- I'm telling you, you were such
a strong baby.
You know, I was shocked
that she didn't even cry
like the other babies
that were immunized, mommy.
But, but did you notice that woman?
That woman that was crying
more than her baby that got the shot
- [spluttering] what happened to her?
- [Ebere laughing]
I did not understand it.
I thought I was
the only person that noticed it.
- No, I did.
- that woman was so ridiculous.
- [phone ringing]
- [Abigail laughing]
Let's see.
- Excuse me.
- [chuckles]
Hey, baby.
[chuckles]
- Yes.
- [gate squeaks]
[Abigail] Hey, my fine son-in-law.
[laugh]
Oh,
[in Igbo] Oh, my child,
this is the sort of thing I like.
Oh, my child.
- [Ebere and Ozo kissing]
- [Abigail chuckling]
- [Ozo] My in-law.
- [Abigail] My dear,
-I hope you went well
-Yes I went so well
- [in English] Where is my princess?
- She is sleeping.
-You know afternoon is her nap time,
-Eh?
because in the night
- she is always awake.
- Eh?
[in Igbo] She keeps her eyes open
like a fish,
- and she won't sleep.
- [Ozo and Ebere laughing]
- That's because she is missing me.
- [Ebere chuckles] I pray.
- [Abigail] Maybe.
- [Ozo in Igbo] That's true.
[Ozo and Ebere talking indistinctly]
[Abigail in Igbo] Let's go inside...
- [chuckles] Take it easy.
- [Ozo and Ebere kissing]
My son, take it easy before you tear
my daughter's lips with your kiss.
[in English] [chuckles] Let's go.
[Abigail in Igbo] It's okay.
[Abigail] The kiss is enough.
[all laughing]
Babe.
Baby.
Where have you been?
I've been with Mom [chuckling]
Oh, my goodness,
that woman has gist
that can keep you glued for days!
[chuckles] That's good.
You know, I am happy that you two are
- getting along. You know?
- [Ebere] Mm-hmm.
- I like...
- [Ebere chuckles]
that you have given her a second chance.
Well, I don't think she's that bad,
but when it comes
to her traditional ways, oh my goodness.
I think we will find our way around it.
That's good to hear.
- I'm so happy about that.
- Mm-hmm.
Well,
now that em...
-mommy is happy,
-[chuckles]
What is wrong with this one?
...and you are happy,
[chuckling]
well, I was hoping that em...
you give daddy some sugar.
Which sugar?
Please, I have not healed, leave me.
- You haven't healed?
- Mm.
- Let me check.
- [chuckling] Check what?
[kisses]
[Ebere] Mommy! [gasping]
- Mommy!
- [Abigai in Igbo] Who is shouting?
[Abigail] What is it?
- [in English] What is it?
- I don't know what is wrong with baby.
I don't know... Why is she acting funny?
- What happened to her?
- [Ebere panting]
[baby crying]
You know babies at this stage,
their stomach is small.
So, when they want to digest food,
it is always painful,
and very discomforting for them.
[spluttering] What do we... Is it colic?
[in Igbo] 'Co' what?
[spluttering] [in English] Please let's
just take her to the hospital, please.
- There is no need for that.
- [baby coos]
Just give her a little palm oil to drink
and she will be fine.
- Palm...
- [baby coos]
Mommy please, I don't think
it is wise to give my baby
- palm oil to drink.
- Leave that thing!
There's nothing wrong with it.
Ah-ah, it is natural.
Palm oil is a universal medicine.
[in Igbo] don't you know?
[in English] See, I don't know about that,
but please let me get my car key
so we can take her to the hospital.
Please, help me pack a bag. [baby coos]
[Ebere panting]
Why is the baby foaming in the mouth?
[Ozo] What?
[baby crying]
[yells]
Why is the baby foaming in the mouth?
- How am I suppose to know? I don't know.
- [Abigail in Igbo] What is it?
Why is she forming in the...
Did you give my baby palm oil?
- Yes, a little for her stomach.
- Oh, God.
- What happened?
- [baby crying]
What happened?
Ah, ah!
[splutters in Igbo] What... Heh!
This small palm-oil I gave her!
[in English] God have mercy oh!
[in Igbo] I have implicated myself.
[sighs heavily]
[sighs] Heh! Mm.
[exhales]
[whispering] Thank you, Jesus.
[mouthing words]
[praying indistinct]
[door slams shut]
[Abigail in Igbo] My Mommy,
[in Igbo] What is it?
Why were you not picking my calls?
I was so worried.
Em, please, how is my grandchild?
- [yells] Don't you dare!
- [tense music plays]
Babe,
-please, calm down
-Calm down?
Don't tell me to calm down. Didn't you see
what we went through at the hospital
because she didn't listen to me?
- [mouthing] It's okay.
- [Abigail] I am sorry.
I thought the palm oil will...
You always do things
without thinking of the repercussions.
Or maybe you do.
Maybe you intended to kill my child.
Ebere.
Stop it this very moment.
What is wrong with you?
Why are you never ever calm
in situations like this?
Was she calm
when she gave the baby palm oil?
Oh, you are calm
because the baby miraculously survived.
If this was a different situation,
would you still be calm?
[Abigail] I am sorry.
I am sorry about everything.
I never intended to hurt the baby.
She is my grandchild.
I love her,
and I want the best for her.
[Abigail sniffs]
It is okay.
Hm?
I will leave your house.
That way, you will stop
having problems with me.
[Ebere] Yes. Go on.
Run. Run like you always have.
Run when the situation
doesn't suit you but know this,
you will never have any chance in my life
or the life of my children anymore.
[sighs deeply]
[baby crying]
[Ozo snorts]
[baby crying]
Sorry.
Babe please, can I get the towel?
Babe?
- [Ozo] Hm?
- The towel.
[Ozo] Hmm.
[Ozo] Hm.
I said the towel.
Oh, sorry. Sorry. Towel.
[in Pidgin] So sorry.
[Ozo humming a tune]
- [Ozo continues to hum]
- Babe?
- Babe?
- [Ozo] Mm?
- Hm!
- I am hungry.
-I need to eat
-Aw, sweetheart.
You've not had something to eat?
- Mm-hmm.
- [Ozo] Eh!
And I have a bad migraine.
Oh-oh, sorry.
Sorry.
Em, please, can you get me
something from the kitchen to eat?
Okay.
That's not a problem. So, em...
what's in the kitchen for me to dish?
Actually, nothing.
I was thinking you can make me
fresh fish pepper soup
with yam.
[in Igbo] Please.
[in English] Fresh fish?
- [in Igbo] That is what I am craving.
- [exclaims in Igbo] Oh, wow!
Please.
Please.
Okay, let me go and prepare it.
- [in English] Thank you.
- Oh.
One more night
One more night
And I can be right there
[in Igbo] It is what it is.
- [in English] Your food is ready. Mm-hmm.
- [Ebere chuckles]
- [Ebere sighs]
- [Ozo] Sorry.
- Is it okay?
- Hm
Should I put it this side
- or you want it this way?
- [Ebere] Mm-hm, it's fine darling.
Alright.
[Ozo sighs]
[Ebere chuckles]
[spitting]
What nonsense is this?
Babe, you don't like it?
Did you taste it?
[spitting]
If this was how I cooked
for you in the house
would you still be eating at home?
[sighs] [in Igbo]
Baby please take it easy.
[in English] It's not that deep. I mean,
we both know I'm not such a great cook...
And you're not trying hard to be!
You don't even help me
around the house with baby.
Just this one thing I've asked you to do
and look at the mess you've made of it.
What exactly are you actually good for?
Ebere...
watch it.
I am not your mother,
so stop looking for an opportunity
to transfer your aggression on me.
We both know I can not cook,
so no amount of scolding that you do now
will make me a good one.
For your information,
you had better call your mom
because you cannot do without her.
I can! I will!
I have!
And without all of you, in fact.
[Ebere] It's so freaking annoying
how I married someone
who can't even make a simple meal.
I'm amazed.
I'm amazed,
for someone who likes good food,
he can't even make one himself.
It is now I'm even noticing
how bad he is at the home front.
Ozo can't even change a diaper.
Someone who, who grew up around women
can't do anything for himself.
Jeez!
It's the audacity for me!
It is the audacity at which he said,
[mimicking] "Baby,
you know I cannot cook."
Like, can you imagine?
[Ebere hisses]
[utensils clatter]
- Maria.
- [Maria] Mm?
Haven't you been hearing
everything I've been saying?
I have.
Eh, so why are you not saying anything?
Ebere, what do you want me to say?
Assist you in slandering
your husband for something
you both know he faulted at
before marrying him with your clear eyes.
What does that even mean?
Babe, you're vexed, obviously.
I get.
But I don't think he's the reason.
We both know you're not angry
about his non-cooking skill
or his inability to change diapers
or even his superpower
to sleep through the night
while the baby is crying.
So please, free him.
And while you are at it,
-free yourself too
-[soft music playing]
[birds chirping]
Mommy.
[Abigail chuckles]
What are you doing here?
Ah-ah!
Did you not send me a message?
You don't want me here?
I always want you here.
I always want you here,
holding my hand,
[voice breaking]
telling me everything will be okay.
Your protection,
the safety of your presence.
I didn't want to be vulnerable again.
But now, I...
I don't think I have
the strength to build fences anymore.
Ebere, there is no need for that.
There's no need for any kind of fence.
You are my child.
From my womb.
Hm?
I can never love anyone
- more than I love you.
- [Ebere sobbing]
And this time around,
I will not give up on you.
- Huh?
- [sniffles]
So if you like,
chase me away with this
razor blade mouth of yours.
[Igbo idiom] You have ventured
into the impossible. [in English] Because,
I am here to stay.
I am not going anywhere.
- I love you, Mommy.
- Ah!
- I miss you.
- [Abigail] I love you.
I love you too, my child.
It's okay.
[in Igbo] My Mommy.
[in English]
Everything is going to be fine.
[in Igbo] Do you hear me?
[in English] And I'll be here,
with you, every step of the way.
Mm?
- It's okay.
- [mouths] Yes!
Subtitle translation by: Regina Njoku
- [students chattering indistinctly]
- [wistful music playing]
[indistinct chattering continues]
[students laughing]
- [pot clatters]
- [soft music playing]
[plates clattering]
[exhales]
Ozo!
[lady panting]
Babe, calm down.
[sighs]
[chuckles]
What is this man doing?
Babe, look, I am not exactly sure
how you are calm about this.
Babe, your water just broke.
- [sighs]
- Huh?
Where are your underwears?
[giggles] For what?
Babe, we need to be
on our way to the hospital.
What's wrong with you, huh? Come on.
- You want the baby to come out here?
- [Lady] Mm-mm.
Look, okay.
You're right. But,
for starters, I've been packed
a long time ago for the hospital.
- Okay?
- And my bag is right there.
[sighs] All right.
Okay, fine. Let's go then.
[in Igbo] Alright.
[in English] Let's go.
- Sir?
- [Ozo] Eh?
I can walk.
[tuts] It's not that bad.
[in Igbo] Okay, baby.
[lady clears throat]
- [Ozo in English] What?
- Somebody is forgetting something.
[Ozo] What?
[upbeat musical beats playing]
- [Ebere] Thank you.
- You are welcome, my love.
Oh, my...
Aw Babe, you didn't have to.
I wanted to, my love.
This is so beautiful.
I know.
Sweetheart,
thank you so much
for giving me my first child.
[kisses]
My first true love.
[clicks tongue] I don't understand.
So me now, what am I?
- Well, you are...
- Well what?
A baby that just
came out how many days ago...
You want to replace me with baby.
[Ebere in Igbo] It's alright,
[in English] when it's time to breastfeed
baby you come and take the job.
- [Ozo] Babe you are so petty.
- [Ebere] I am.
- [Ozo] Sweetheart, guess what?
- [Ebere] What?
[Ozo] I actually got you pepper soup
from your favourite restaurant.
- [Ebere] It's a lie.
- [ozo] I am telling you [laughing]
[Ebere] Fatherhood.
[Ozo in Igbo] You have seen it.
- [Ozo] I am an action man.
- [Ebere] I agree.
[both laughing]
[baby crying]
[Ebere hisses] Ooh.
I am not picking up that child.
I'm worn out. [hisses]
Isn't there like a sleeping pill
for babies we can give to her?
[Baby continues crying]
[Ebere] Really? Ozo.
[Ozo blows raspberry]
[baby continues crying]
One day, one day, one day
What seems like a very far someday
Will one day become today
And it will be okay
- And it will be okay
- [baby continues crying]
What you give today
You reap another day
Don't give up or forget
There is still tomorrow
Oh ehhh
[in Igbo] Patience is good
A child is a blessing
God has given to us
Oh ooh
Comfort my heart
[baby crying]
- One day, one day, one day
- [Ozo sighs]
What seems like a very far someday
- Will one day become today
- [baby crying]
- And it will be okay
- [Baby continues crying]
And it will be okay
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
[mouthing]
- Babe...
- Shh.
[whispering] Don't wake the baby.
- [whispers] I am sorry about that.
- [whispers] It's okay.
[sighs] Babe, something came up.
- What?
- [sighs]
I need to be in Calabar on Thursday.
[yells] What?!
- [mouthing] What?
- Calm down.
We are having technical issues
at our branch in Calabar, and apparently...
- [sighs]
- Sweetheart, look, listen.
and apparently,
I am the only one who can rectify it.
What about baby and I?
You know I can't handle her alone.
[sighs] Yeah, I know
Babe,
don't you think your mother
should come for Omugwo?
Babe, it's high time
you gave her a second chance.
I don't want her here.
Get a nanny! I've told you this before.
I don't want a stranger touching my child.
Do you think I will resign my job
for motherhood after maternity leave?
- I am going back to work.
- Well, until then just...
Get your sister.
Get your sister.
- I don't want my mother here.
- [sighs]
- [woman on phone in Igbo] My brother!
- [Ozo] Sister. [laughing]
I missed your call. [in Igbo] I am sorry.
[in English] Yes.
Seems you're busy these days?
[Sister] My dear,
do you know I just got a contract
to cater for a one-week
conference in Abuja.
So I have to personally travel there
tomorrow and start preparations.
Ehen!
Ehh?
[Sister] Eh [in Igbo] Anything?
But...
[hesitates]
[in English] Sister,
but I thought you have a manager.
At that your Abuja branch now.
[Sister] Leave that one.
I know but I can't gamble it
It's the governor's wife,
and they are all attending.
Oh, I see.
Hey, this one is big. Hm.
[in Igbo] Hm, you don't
even know a half of it.
- Aunty, you are really enjoying. [laughs]
- [Sister laughing]
You are just eating all
the money. Packing all the money
all by your self ehn?
[Sister in Igbo]
My brother, what will I do?
[in English] Cut soap for your brother.
Cut soap for your brother. [laughing]
- Get out! Please get out [laughing]
- [Ozo laughing]
Anyway, how is my new baby?
Ah, Ebere will say
I've abandoned you people.
Sister, [sighs]
that's why I called.
[Sister] Okay.
I have an impromptu
business trip to Calabar.
So I was hoping
that you would come stay with Ebere
so you can help with the baby.
[Sister] Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
Ozo, this is a dilemma.
Ozo, I'm traveling tomorrow. Hah!
What will happen now?
[sighs]
Eii!
- [groans, hisses]
- [in Igbo] My dear, sorry. Sorry.
[Ozo groans]
[Sister in English] I am so sorry.
[sighs] Sister, don't worry, okay.
- [Sister in Igbo] I am so sorry.
- Don't worry. I'll...
I will figure something out.
Okay. You can go
where you have to go to. I...
[Sister in Igbo] Safe journey
- Safe journey okay?
- Sorry my brother. Thank you.
See, once I'm done with the conference,
I'm coming straight to your house. Okay?
I would really appreciate it, aunty
- [Sister in Igbo] No problem.
- [in English] Trust me.
I'll be expecting you.
- [in Igbo] Okay, take care.
- [Sister] Okay.
Bye bye. My regards to Ebere.
- Alright, I'll send your regards to her.
- Sure. Bye.
Alright, bye bye.
- [Sighs]
- [wistful music plays]
Hey, babe.
- Sorry. [chuckles]
- [Ozo sighs]
Is there a way we can
return this one and get a refund?
- Please...
- This one cries too much. Ah.
There's no refund. [chuckles]
What you see is what you get.
[Ebere in Igbo] Sorry.
[Ozo in English] Sister called.
Okay.
She's leaving for Abuja tomorrow,
and she won't be back for a week.
[Ebere sighs]
It's fine.
I think I'll manage.
[Ozo sighs]
- Babe, can we call your mother?
- [Ebere] Mm-mm.
Ozo, please!
Not tonight.
I don't want to engage you
in that conversation. I am tired.
But babe,
what's the worst that can happen?
[yells] I don't want her here!
Do you realize I've not lived
with this woman under the same roof
for the past 13 years?
I don't even know her.
I can't live with her peacefully.
You would not know till you try.
Jesus.
[Ozo] Babe,
why don't you just see this
as an opportunity to reconnect with her?
[Ebere exhales]
[sighs] Man! Babe,
you know, you're lucky?
I would do anything,
I would give anything,
to have my mother back on earth.
Please, don't blow this.
- Okay.
- [soft music playing]
Yes, hello?
Good morning, ma.
Am I speaking with Miss Abigail Udo?
[Ozo sighs]
My name is Ozo
I'm Ebere's husband.
Your son-in-law.
I am fine, and you?
I know. [chuckles]
[knock on door]
[knock on door]
- Mama [chuckles]
- [Abigail] Haa.
- Good morning [chuckles]
- [Abigail in Igbo] How are you?
[Ozo] I'm good and you?
- [in English] I'm okay.
- [Ozo] Wow!
- [Ozo] So good to see you.
- [Abigail Agrees]
- Thank God for journey mercies. [laughs]
- [Abigail] Ah ha, ah ah!
[Ozo] This is so nice.
- I am so excited to see you.
- [chuckles]
Hope the trip was not stressful at all?
[in Igbo] No, it was not.
In fact, I slept like a baby
inside the taxi.
- [In Igbo] That's great. [laughing]
- [Abigail laughing]
- [Ozo in English] Thank God.
- [comic music plays]
[Abigail] Hmm.
[giggles] [in Igbo] My dear,
[in English] You're a very fine young man.
Very fine.
- I like what I see.
- [Ozo giggles]
In fact, my daughter married well.
- I'm happy.
- [Ozo laughing]
Thank you, ma. Thank you, ma.
[In Igbo] No, forget the ma.
[in English] Mommy.
I am okay with that.
Thank you, Mommy.
[In Igbo] Mm-hmm. Now you come.
[in English] So, where's my daughter?
- Is she not around?
- [Ozo] Oh, she is upstairs.
Oh, yes. She's taking care of the baby.
She's feeding the baby.
[exclaims n Igbo] Heh!
Wait, let me clean my ear.
- So, true true, I'm now a grandmother?
- [Ozo] Mm-hmm.
[in Igbo] Things are happening so fast!
[Ozo] That is true!
When good things happen to me
It would seem as though
I wrote a letter to my God
When what I desire starts to happen
It would seem as though
I wrote a letter to my God
Look at my in-law.
It's alright, bring it on.
When good things happen to me
It would seem as though
I wrote a letter to my God
When what I desire starts to happen
It would seem as though
I wrote a letter to my God
-[Ozo laughs]
-[Abigail laughs] Heh!
[in English] Mommy please let
me take you to your room.
[In igbo] Thank you, God. Thank you
-Wait, my dear, before you do that,
-Eh?
[in English] The taxi man
that brought me is still outside.
- [Ozo] Oh.
- Eh... his money is three thousand.
- [Abigail in Igbo] It's a lot but...
- No problem, don't worry.
- Ehn?
- Yes, Mommy. I'll take care of it.
- [in Igbo] My great in-law. [laughs]
- I will take care of it. [laughs]
When good things happen to me
It would seem as though I wrote my God
[In Igbo] Oh it's here, wow.
When good things happen to me
It would seem as though I...
Hmm. Oh my! Mm. Ah.
-Mommy,
-[In Igbo] My dear.
[in English] this is where
you will be staying.
- Ehh. [in Igbo] It is good.
- Eh. [laughing]
[in English] Where is my daughter?
I want to see her.
I want to hug her. Where is she?
She will be here to see you soon, okay?
I'm sure she's excited to see you too.
[in Igbo] Oh my child!
Oh my child,
- thank you.
- [Ozo] Alright.
Tell her I am waiting. [sighs]
[hisses]
It would seem
As though I wrote my God...
[door squeaks]
[exhales]
[motorbike engine accelerates outside]
Ebere,
[in English] what is your problem?
Problem as how?
You know your mother is here, right?
[scoffs] Ehen? So?
[Ozo] What is so?
Ebere, please go
and welcome your mother now.
Welcome her as how?
[hisses]
Sorry, em, I should go and hire
atilogwu dancers to welcome her?
- Ebere, look, we spoke about this.
- [Ebere hisses]
- [In Igbo] I am begging you.
- [In Pidgin] Please leave me.
I am begging you, Ebere.
[in English]
I am telling you now as your husband.
Go downstairs
and properly welcome your mother.
[in Igbo] I am begging you.
[in English] That woman traveled
all the way to come and help you
[in Igbo] I am begging you, Ebere.
[in English] Madam.
Madam,
are you not forgetting something?
[Ozo hisses]
When good starts to happen to me
It would seem as though I wrote to God
When what I desire starts to happen
It would seem as though I wrote my God
A letter
[in English] Welcome, Mom.
Heh! [chuckles]
[in Igbo] My mommy.
Ha!
[in Igbo] Oh my! My child!
[in English] I have missed you so much.
Eh?
[in Igbo] Oh, my child. Oh, my child.
[in English]
Please, can I hold my grandchild?
[voice breaking]
Let me hold my grandchild.
[laughing]
Oh! [tuts]
Ah.
Mm.
[in Igbo] My child.
[in English] You look like your mother.
[in Igbo] But you have
your grandmother's nose.
My nose.
[chuckles]
My child. [in Igbo]
[in English] You are blessed. My child.
Anywhere we have failed,
you, my daughter, will succeed.
-These hands of yours,
-[baby coos]
mmm, mmm. [in Igbo] Talk to me, my child.
[in English] ...I bless them today
Anything they touch shall turn to gold.
Your feet shall take you places that...
[stutters]
Babe,
I want to beg you again.
Please, live peacefully with your mother.
Have you seen me fight before?
That's not what I meant.
Make it conducive for her.
This attitude you're putting up is
making the whole atmosphere very intense.
Speak to her if you have to.
I've heard you.
[Ozo] Mm-mm.
Get to know her.
That's what you should be doing now.
I've heard you.
- I'll miss you.
- I'll miss you too.
- Alright. I love you.
- Love you.
- Take care of baby. Okay?
- I will
[car engine revving]
[Ebere] Hey, baby.
Oh, you are about taking off?
Alright. Mm.
I am missing you already. Mm-hmm.
Mmh!
Oh, okay.
Safe journey.
And please,
remember to call me
as soon as you touch down.
Alright?
Okay, cool.
[chuckles] Love you.
[in Igbo] Oh my child. [Chuckles]
Eh, my Mommy...
[in English]
Please can you stop calling me that?
My name is Ebere. Stick to the name.
[in Igbo] My child don't be offended. Eh,
[in English] just that, you look
like my mother when she was young.
Well, I'm not her.
What do you want?
Em,
Baby needs breast.
If you can come and feed her... mm.
I'll be out shortly.
[drum beat music plays]
[baby cooing]
[in Igbo] What? Wait. What is that?
- [in English] What are you doing?
- [baby babbling]
- [baby crying]
- Pumping her milk.
[in Igbo] You say?
Are you handicapped?
[in English] Are you handicapped
that you're pumping milk?
Why can't you just carry baby
Put her to your breast so she can feed?
That is how it is done.
That way I know she's getting enough milk.
Oh please,
stop this new generation nonsense
that does not make sense to me.
Ah-ah.
Don't you know that skin-to-skin
is the best?
Pick up the baby,
put her to your breast
so she can feed like a human being.
[in Igbo] Do you hear me?
Come, am I not talking to a human being?
[chuckles]
[in English] See, let me tell you.
[in Igbo] My child
is above me, is deception. Mm?
[in English] Don't think
I cannot spank you at your age.
- Please, just pick up this baby.
- [baby cooing]
[in Igbo] Put your breast in her mouth,
let her feed to her satisfaction
because her father paid for it.
[in English] Feed her like a human being.
- [baby cooing]
- [Abigail] Ah-ah.
I don't support this at all.
[in English]
Let the baby feed like a human being.
- [baby crying]
- Aaa-ah! Mmh!
[in Igbo] Breastfeed my baby,
before she starves.
Now you come. That's how it's done.
Suck your mother's breast, it's you right.
- [comic tune plays]
- [Abigail in English] [laughing] Wait,
look at this one.
You're hiding your breast,
in your own house. [chuckles]
It's okay continue.
[in English]
When you want to feed her outside,
[in Igbo] build a canopy for your breasts.
[Abigail laughing]
[knock on door]
Yes. Come in.
[door squeaks]
[in Igbo] My mommy.
[in English] What happened
to the guest bathroom?
The guest bathroom?
Oh... Ah... No. [in Igbo] No. [chuckles]
[in English] My bathroom is very fine.
No problem at all. [clicks tongue]
Just that, eh...
I noticed your stomach is still very big.
[in Igbo] It's not good. Ehn?
[in English] So, I want to press it
very well for you with this hot water.
So that all the blood clots
and the toxins
that is still inside your womb
will come out.
[in Igbo] So you will be fit.
[in English] Please,
I don't want it.
[melancholic music plays]
[Abigail exhales]
[door slams shut]
[Abigail] It's okay, Nneoma
[humming]
[baby cooing]
What? What...
Mommy,
this water is too hot for the baby now.
-[in Igbo] No,
-[baby coos]
[in English] It is the right temperature
for baby massage.
Oh, no, Mommy, this is hot!
Do you know that this baby just came out
from a hot place?
Oh, you don't know that
when you were pregnant with her,
[in Igbo] your womb,
[in English] was very hot.
She's used to the temperature.
[in Igbo] Do you hear me?
[in English] Please, [splutters]
forgive me. But I keep forgetting,
- are you a doctor?
- Leave all these things.
You can't know more than me.
- [in Igbo] Do you hear me?
- [in English] Jesus.
Take it easy on that massage now.
[splutters] Her bones are still fragile.
[in Igbo] Come, this girl, give me space.
Don't trade words with me. Ah-ah!
[in English] If you want to assist me,
stand there, watch and learn.
Don't come here and be arguing with me.
- [in Igbo] Be careful.
- [baby coughs]
[hisses] Pour water for me.
[in English]
Pour more hot water inside here.
[in Igbo] I said pour water for me.
Troublemaker!
-[utensils clatter]
-[comic tunes play]
[in Igbo] Wait, my Mommy.
Ah-ah.
[in English]
Is it noodles you want to eat?
- [scoffs] Obviously.
- [in Igbo] Eh, no. It won't work
[in English] No, ah, it won't happen.
Noodles? No. Ah.
How can a nursing mother eat noodles?
Eh?
Don't you know that whatever you eat,
you feed baby.
[in Igbo] Oh, you want to start
giving her noodle at this early stage?
[in English] It will not work.
[in Igbo] Ah, abomination! Not possible
[in English] No.
So, what am I supposed to eat?
Eh-he.
Don't worry,
I came with herbs,
so that I can make
hot spicy pepper soup for you.
That is what you need now.
So that it will melt
all those congealed blood
[in Igbo] you know
I also brought palm wine
Palm wine is very good
[mmm] It will help you
to produce plenty milk eeh!
- your breast will be flowing so well.
- Jesus Christ.
So that the baby will feed well.
If someone calls her a breast-fed child,
she will answer
- [phone ringing]
- Oh my God
- [in English] Ah, It's okay...
- Hello
- Ah, no, no, no, no.
- Hello
Answer your phone, let me do the cooking.
I will feed you when I'm done. Ah-ah.
[in Igbo] What's with feeding the baby
noodles at this stage?
[Abigail shocked]
[Ebere] [in English] Maria,
are you serious?
No. Stop.
You're playing with me.
You are coming to Enugu? [laughs]
When?
Oh, my God.
Aw, I can't wait to see you.
I'm so happy to hear this.
[chuckles]
[hisses]
My dear,
I wish Ozo's sister can just come
so that this woman can go.
It...
I promise, She is driving me nuts.
Do you know how long this woman
and I have lived under the same roof?
I swear it, it's almost as if...
I don't know her anymore.
[tuts]
Eh?
How?
[in Pidgin] Please... No...
[in English] Let's just drop this topic
before you annoy me.
Eh-heh!
The moment you touch down Enugu, ehn?
Let my house be your first point of call.
[chuckles] Sweet babe.
Before I forget, my Kilishi.
With enough pepper
now that you're in Abuja.
Eh-heh!
Baby is fine, [chuckles] she's there.
[Abigail] The one in my heart
[in English] Alright, darling. [chuckles]
Can't wait to see you.
Bye. [laughs]
[Abigail continues singing]
[Abigail] Mm. Wow!
[in Igbo] My mommy, are you going to bath?
No problem at all. Eh?
[in Igbo] No problem.
[in English] Your food is ready.
Hot pepper soup and yam.
[in Igbo] Let it cleanse your body. Eh?
[in English] Can you please,
stop bringing food to my room,
like you're some house help?
[chuckles]
I came for Omugwo, my child.
And Omugwo is all about serving.
- Aw, that must be really hard for you.
- [wistful music plays]
Hard?
How?
Motherhood is about serving.
Seeing how quick you ran away
from it at the first instinct.
And now you're here,
preaching to me about service,
like you have a clue about it.
Ebele.
Please,
can you excuse me?
I'd like to take my shower.
And,
don't ever bring food to my room.
When I'm hungry,
I'll go downstairs
and dish myself a plate.
Yeah. Hello, good morning.
Okay.
I'm yet to receive the mail.
Please, send it to me immediately.
I'll be waiting.
- [baby coos]
- [Abigail in Igbo] It's okay, my child.
[Abigail] It's okay.
[TV comes on]
[indistinct sounds from TV]
- [people chattering on TV]
- [Abigail increasing TV volume]
-[man on TV] Come Amaka, what's happening?
-[Amaka] Mm?
[Amaka on TV] -Ah-ah! I told you already.
[in Igbo] The show is tonight!
Look, I have hot temper. I don't want
to repeat myself. What's happening here?
- [comic tune plays]
- What are all these candles for?
- [Amaka] [in English] Ah, Ekene! Ekene!
- See I'm not sacrificing to anybody.
- [Ekene blows candle]
- [Amaka] Oh, Ekene! Ahn-ahn!
[Amaka] Ekene, you're not romantic at all.
Not even a little bit.
- [Abigail exhales]
- [Amaka] This romantic setting is for us.
- [Ekene] Romantic?
- I told you it's a special night.
- Special night or sacrifice night?
- [Abigail laughing]
[Ekene] See, let me tell you,
the only thing that is remaining
for this sacrifice
to be complete is chicken.
[Abigail sighs]
-[Ekene] Take off!
-[Abigail laughing loudly]
[Amaka] [in English] Stop now! Come on.
Please, do you mind?
- [Ekene] I should read it?
- [Amaka] Mm-hmm.
Oh, [chuckles] sorry, my Mommy.
- Just that the film is so funny. [laughs]
- [indistinct chattering on Tv]
-[Ekene] ...you.
-[Amaka] No oh, I won't agree.
[Tv turns off]
[Abigail sighs]
- [Ebere muttering] Check.
- [phone ringing]
[chuckles] [in Igbo]
She has remembered me.
Agnes, you have remembered me. [chuckles]
Huh, me? No, I'm enjoying my self.
My dear, if you see where I am, it's
like a white-man's country. [laughs loud]
Eh, the baby is so beautiful.
The baby is indeed our offspring.
[Ebere muttering]
[Abigail hesitates]
If you see this baby,
you would want to give birth again.
Eh? My son-in-law?
[exclaims] See, dear.
He is a handsome man.
[exclaims] He is tall,
handsome and light-skinned.
He doesn't disrespect my daughter.
No, not at all.
He adores her so much. [laughs]
That's what gladdens my heart most.
[laughing]
[Abigail singing Igbo folk song]
I told my mother, "Kparanuma"
My mother told my me, "Kparanuma"
[Ebere] Good afternoon, Mommy.
Eh-heh.
[in English] Hope the baby is not crying?
I came to feed her.
No. In fact, she has been sleeping since.
I had to wake her to give her water.
What?! You're feeding my baby water?
[in Pidgin] Yes.
[in English] I noticed you don't like
giving her water. Why?
Because...
She is on exclusive!
There's enough water in the breast milk.
[in Igbo] No, that's not true.
[in English] Don't say that! Ahn-ahn!
Don't you know what solid is?
Breast milk is like solid to them.
[in Igbo] If you swallow solid,
you push it down with water.
[in English] That is how it is done.
Why do you talk like an illiterate?
Do you want to cause
complications for my baby?
- [groans]
- [soft music playing]
How?
How can you say a thing like that?
Hmm?
Will I do something
to hurt my only grandchild?
You search me.
I don't know what you're capable
of doing or not.
Please, don't give my baby water.
And, ask me before you do any...
strange thing.
[Ebere muttering]
Giving my baby water... [hisses]
[Ebere clears throat]
[Ebere] Why aren't you upstairs?
[Abigail] Baby couldn't sleep [chuckles]
I felt the open space will help,
and it did.
[chuckles]
What do you have there?
[Abigail chuckles]
I am just watching
your wedding pictures.
You looked so beautiful
[huffs]
and very happy.
Um, thank you.
Um,
about this afternoon,
I am sorry I called you an illiterate.
[Abigail] No, you
did not call me an illiterate.
You just said I behaved like one.
Hmm, and it's okay.
Well, I am, I am sorry I...
- I didn't mean to, it was...
- [Abigail] It's okay.
I am old fashioned, anyway.
I had just you.
When you were a baby,
my mother,
your grandmother,
never allowed me touch you,
except to breastfeed you.
Anything I do here is what I saw her do.
I am not an expert.
How is she?
No, I mean Grandma. How is she?
Oh, [chuckles] she's late.
She died at 80.
I am sorry.
No.
What? Is this not Romanus and his wife?
- You remember Uncle Romanus?
- Of course, why won't I?
he was your father's best man
at our wedding.
[chuckles] Very funny man.
Tell me about it.
That man cracks me up every time.
[chuckles]
Why did you not invite me to your wedding?
You had my number.
Um...
- The... I was... I was go...
- [Abigail] Ebere.
Why, did you not invite me,
to the wedding?
Your wedding.
I...
What role would you have played?
Was I supposed
to tell my stepmom, who literally raised
and groomed me,
to sit aside as a spectator,
whilst you played mother of the day?
- No.
- [wistful music playing]
I would have happily,
and eagerly
played the role of a spectator,
just to be there.
Just to witness that, that joy,
that happiness of seeing you embark
on a new phase of your life.
I would have given anything
to be there.
You should have at least reached out.
[pets the baby] It's okay.
Good night, [in Igbo] my Mommy.
[wistful music continues]
[Baby crying softly]
[Ebere softly] Shh.
- [Baby crying]
- [Ebere calming the baby]
[tuts]
- [Ebere in Igbo] My baby what is it?
- [Baby crying]
[Ebere] [in English] Mama. Mama, hey
See this one.
- [petting baby frantically] Nne.
- [Baby continues crying]
Baby
- Why are you doing this to me? Take this.
- [baby crying loudly]
[in Igbo] Mama,
[in English] What do you want me to do?
Why are you doing this to me this night?
- [Abigail in Igbo] What is it?
- [baby crying]
Who is beating her?
- [Abigail] What is it?
- [Ebere] [in English] I don't know.
I don't know what to do with her.
Please, just take her
[in Igbo] Oh my child it's okay.
It's okay. Hush, hush. [tuts]
[in English] It's okay.
My baby, it's okay.
- [baby cries]
- [Abigail] Shh.
Who is upsetting my baby?
Who is actually upsetting my baby?
A child that went to get money
From town and was given all blessings
Saying she shouldn't talk
Shouldn't make noise
My child, look on
My dearest child, look on
[in English] It's okay.
My Mommy, go and sleep.
I will take it up from here. Mm?
I will stay with her.
- [in Igbo] Go and sleep.
- Thank you
[in English] It's okay.
Who is upsetting my baby?
Who is really upsetting my baby?
A child that went to get money
- [soft music playing]
- [Abigail continues lullaby in background]
[Ebere sobs]
[knock on door]
[Abigail in Igbo] Who's it?
Who is that?
[woman] [in English] Good afternoon, ma.
[chuckles]
Beauty, who are you looking for?
- I am Maria, Ebere's friend.
- [Abigail] Oh.
- Ebele's friend? [exclaims]
- Yes.
- My dear, you are beautiful. Ah!
- [Maria laughs]
My daughter has taste.
First, fine husband.
Now, fine friend.
It's as if it is only fine,
fine people that she knows.
- [Maria laughing]
- [Abigail laughing] I like it.
Ma,
Ebere never told me you're funny. [laughs]
- Come in.
- [Maria] Okay, thank you.
[both laughing]
- How are you?
- [Maria] I am fine.
Um, isn't Ebere in?
I just wanted to surprise her.
- I just came in from Abuja yesterday.
- [Abigail] Aw!
- Ebele stepped out.
- [Maria] Oh!
She went to buy something,
but she will soon be back.
Okay. Em, what of our baby?
- She cried throughout the night.
- Aw!
- Now is her sleeping time.
- I can imagine.
[both laugh]
- Em, make yourself comfortable.
- Okay.
- What should I offer you?
- Nothing, mama.
- Don't worry, I'm fine.
- [in Igbo] No, no, I don't want this.
[in English] I will not take it.
- [in Igbo] Come, hope you are Igbo?
- [in Igbo] Yes.
- Eh-heh!
- [Maria laughs]
[in English] So,
you will take fresh fish pepper soup.
Plus, I brought
sweet palm wine from the village.
- Okay, ma.
- Just wait, I am coming.
Alright. Thank you. [laughing]
[in Pidgin] We will buy your underwear.
Your husband will buy your wedding gown.
- [Abigail, Maria laugh]
- [man talking indistinct on Tv]
- [laughter]
- Do you understand? So that we can match.
- Here comes the bride
- [laughter]
[man on TV] Here comes the bride
- [door slams close]
- [Abigail] Ah!
- Your friend is back.
- Oh.
- [Abigail in Igbo] My Mommy.
- [Maria] Ebere! [laughs]
[both laughing]
- [Ebere] Oh. [laughing]
- [Maria] Oh my God! [laughing]
I wasn't expecting you till Friday.
- Well, surprise [laughs]
- Oh, you look good.
Thank you.
If you've told me you were coming,
at least I would have made
something for you,
or even gotten your favorite small chops.
Ebere, don't bother yourself. Mm?
Your mom has taken good care of me. Eh?
Ah, [chuckles] she's so nice.
You didn't mention that part.
- [Maria chuckles]
- [Ebere] Is that so?
How is my baby?
- Oh, she's fine. She's upstairs.
- [Ebere sighs]
- I should bring her down so Maria...
- No, no, no, no
Don't worry, Maria and I will go
upstairs instead to see the baby.
Um...
- Let me tidy the kitchen. [chuckles]
- [Maria] Okay.
- Oh, my God! Your mom is adorable.
- Oh,
I love her.
- She's so nice. [chuckles]
- [in Pidgin] I see.
[Ebere in Pidgin] Please.
- [in English] I got you your kilishi.
- [Ebere] It's a lie!
- Just the way you love it. [chuckles]
- [Ebere] Oh my goodness.
With enough pepper [laughing]
[Maria] Oh my God!
- [Maria] Ebere, she's too cute.
- [Ebere] I know.
I can't get over it.
What! My ovaries!
Your ovaries?
Don't worry, baby will soon fill it.
- I want her.
- Ahn-ahn!
If is not her type,
- I don't want.
- [Ebere in Pidgin] Please.
When you are praying for babies,
pray for the ones that sleep at night.
That one, she can
bring down the roof at night.
- [Maria] I can imagine.
- [Ebere] [hisses]
[Maria] Oh, [chuckles]
- [inPidgin] How are you?
- [Maria] [in English] My dear!
How is Ebuka?
[sighs deeply]
[in Igbo] What is it?
-Ebere,
-[Ebere] Mm?
[in English] I think I have kept you
in the dark for too long.
Why? What happened?
You remember when I told you he hit me?
Yeah, that one time.
But things changed after the incident.
- It didn't.
- [sad music playing]
[sighs] I've lost count
of the days he hit me.
No!
Ebere,
Ebuka cheats,
he drinks,
he hits me,
he clears my account at random.
I had to set up secret accounts.
-I am sorry
-[Maria sighs] Ebere,
Ebuka is a beast now.
In fact, the reason I came here
is to beg my parents to let me go.
[sighs]
[clicks tongue]
Are you sure you want to do that?
[voice breaking] I'm tired.
I am sorry.
- I'm tired.
- [Whispers] So sorry.
- I'm going insane.
- [Whispers] I am sorry
I'm losing my mind.
Some days he comes to his senses
and tells me he will do better.
And then, boom, he is off with a new girl.
And starts behaving the same way.
[Ebere mouthing] I am sorry.
- I am tired.
- Sorry.
Ha!
[sighs]
I...
I think we should pray about this.
I mean, the guy you married,
has to be in there, somewhere.
[baby crying]
I am so sorry, let me attend to her, okay?
Mama. [chuckles]
Thank you once again.
I'm almost on my way,
I'm just waiting for Ebere.
- No problem at all. Hm?
- Okay
- No problem [chuckles]
- Thank you ma. Thank you.
[sighs]
My dear,
I am not a nosy person.
Mm-mm.
But I heard everything you told Ebele.
[scoffs]
Domestic violence is not
something you think about,
especially when your life is at stake.
Hm?
Look at you.
You are young...
and my God, you are beautiful.
- [Maria sobs]
- So, leave while you can.
[Abigail] Hm?
Don't let anybody dictate to you
how to choose life,
because, if it is snatched,
believe me, everybody will move on well
including your parents, unfortunately.
- [in Igbo] Do you hear me?
- [Maria sniffles]
- [sobs] [in English] Okay.
- [Abigail in Igbo] No.
[in English] It's okay.
- It's okay.
- [Maria sobbing]
-Listen,
-[Maria sobbing]
don't worry about anything. Mm?
I'll always be here for you.
[in Igbo] Do you hear me?
- [Maria] Yes ma.
- Stop crying. Clean your eyes.
- [Abigail] [in English] It's okay.
- [Maria sobbing]
[chuckles] Ah-ah!
My Mommy, what are you doing?
Eh?
[brush scrubbing]
[in Igbo] No, leave it.
[in English] Let me do it.
- Let me hel...
- [yelling] I am not handicapped. Stop it.
Ah-ah!
I am only trying to help.
[splutters] Why're you sounding this way?
You know what? Just, just stop.
You think I didn't hear
what you told Maria?
What?
[splutters] I don't understand you.
You want to destroy her life,
just like you destroyed mine.
You think every woman just ups
and leaves their home,
- marriage and children?
- Ebere.
Why are you saying this?
[feeding bottle clatters]
You know what?
Since you got here,
we haven't addressed
the big elephant in the room.
You left me. Disappeared.
Like, how dare you even do that?
I left because your father was a monster.
A big monster!
It was my life
or you.
I chose my life.
He beat me every day.
Every single day.
You think I didn't know that?
Hm?
So, fuck what?!
[Ebere] Huh?
He hit my step mom too
and not one day
did she pick a piece of cloth,
to say she was leaving.
She stayed with her three kids.
Really?
And you think she's better than me, right?
Damn better then you will ever be!
You are just a coward,
who ran and never looked back.
[slap]
Do you think
that if I had stayed
and died in that marriage
I will be here, helping you?
Eh? So, where is she?
Where is that courageous
step mother of yours?
Where is she? Why is she not here?
Why is she not the one doing Omugwo?
Is it not because she is
confined to a wheelchair
with a spinal injury
inflicted on her
by that your devil of a father?
That would've been me,
a vegetable.
[gasps]
So you who were wise to go.
Why didn't you take me with you?
You left me.
You left me to grow up in a toxic home.
I hate you so much.
[Abigail gasping]
[gasping]
- [Ozo on the phone] Babe calm down.
- I don't want her here.
I don't want her here. I want her to go.
I hate her!
- [Ozo] What happened?
- I don't like her.
-[Ozo] Calm down
-I don't want her to stay here.
-[Ozo] Can you just calm down
-[panting]
- [Ozo] and let me know what the issues...
- Can you please call your sister?
I don't want... I don't want her here
[Ozo] Okay
Okay, it's alright just calm down alright?
I'll call my sister and um...
I would explain to her
so she can shorten the trip.
Alright?
Okay.
[Ozo] But, just calm down. Stop crying.
Stop crying. Just relax okay?
[Ebere gasping]
[Ozo] It's okay.
[crickets chirping]
[Abigail sniffles]
[belt cracks]
[young Abigail] I promise
I won't do this again.
[belt cracks]
[young Abigail] Please! [wails]
[young Abigail] No! Chief! [wailing]
- [belt lashes]
- [young Abigail gasping, wailing]
- [belt lash continues]
- [young Abigail wailing]
[Ebere gasping]
- [baby crying]
- [Ebere panting]
[baby continues crying]
[hasty footsteps approaching]
[Abigail exhales]
[baby coos]
The baby needs to be fed.
Why did you stop visiting me in school?
[Abigail exhales]
Your father never
allowed me to do any kind of work.
I ate straight from his palms,
[scoffs]
when he's in a good mood though.
When I left him,
I left with nothing.
I couldn't even fend for myself.
I was squatting
with one family member or the other,
one friend or the other,
until I got tired
and went back to the village to farm.
When I gathered enough money,
I came back,
and I took a nanny job.
Then I came for you.
[Abigail sniffs]
But your father threatened me
from the gate.
And warned me never to come close.
Hmm.
At one point,
he locked me up for trespassing,
and all my pleas and cries to the police
fell on deaf ears.
Then I heard you
were out of state in university.
And I hoped,
I hoped you will look for me.
Where would I have started from?
You had my number.
You have always had my number.
[panting] The question is,
did you even want to find me?
[Abigail inhales heavily]
[Abigail splutters] Did...
[gasps]
-[baby cries],
-[Ebere sniffles]
[gasps]
[Maria clears throat]
[mouthing words] Hi,
[both chuckling] Hi.
- For the baby.
- [Ebere] Oh! Ah!
Godmother!
You really want to spoil my baby.
Yeah, yes.
It's only rich aunt vibe
that she will be getting from me.
Just you know.
- Thank you.
- [Maria] You are welcome.
-Oh, dear,
-[Maria] So,
are you okay?
What? Yeah.
[hisses] it's just work.
My company people,
they do not understand
the meaning of maternity leave.
Yeah, but
that's not what I'm asking.
[Ebere] Okay.
Are you okay?
[Ebere exhales]
I try.
I try to move away from the past.
The hurt.
But, she's clearly under my roof,
breathing the same oxygen,
holding my child,
who clearly loves her absolutely.
[Maria chuckles]
She is lovable.
You know, I...
I just can't seem to forgive her
for leaving me
at my most crucial formative years.
I can't.
You know,
it's funny how you hate her and blame her
and forget the real monster here.
Who?
Your dad, Ebere.
He created the environment
for what happened to happen.
And I don't see you hating him.
Infact, I see that you love him.
Why don't you think your mom
deserves the same love too?
It was her decision to make.
- She left me when I was...
- I'm pregnant.
[Ebere] Oh, you don't
look too happy about that.
Yes. Yes, Ebere because
I am not going back to my husband.
Oh Maria.
[Maria panting]
I can just imagine my own hating me
for the same decision.
Don't say that. Please don't.
You know what? [sniffles]
I'll always be here.
Okay?
And I promise, I'll support you
in what ever decision you decide to take.
Okay?
[inhales] Now, I want you to see
why your mother did what she did.
Support her.
Show her the love she has missed
all these years, not having you.
[Maria] Mommy, I'll be leaving.
Ah-ah!
You are going?
- Yes, Mommy.
- [in Igbo] No, not like that.
[Abigail] [in English] I am making lunch.
- Eh?
- Don't worry.
My mom wants to take me to see someone
so I have to be back in time.
Ah?
[Maria] Yes.
Okay.
Em,
wait.
What of, em...
what we discussed the other day?
[Maria exhales]
Em,
I have decided to leave him.
I'm pregnant, but
I hope this is what needs to be done.
Listen...
in the beginning,
it might seem tough.
But trust me,
it gets better with time.
And the right kind of support.
You have people
who are solidly behind you,
and rooting for you.
Don't worry.
You'll be fine.
I'm sure of that.
Hm? [chuckles]
- Thank you so much, ma. You are an angel.
- [Abigail] Aw.
- [Maria] Thank you.
- [Abigail] It's okay.
- [in Igbo] Safe journey.
- [Maria] [in English] Alright.
- Take care.
- [Abigail] Okay.
-[Maria] Mommy,
-[Abigail] Hm?
please,
give Ebere some more time to come around.
She's my friend. I know she will.
- Thank you.
- [Maria] Okay.
-Go well
-[Maria] Alright Bye.
[baby coos]
[Ebere tuts]
[Abigail in Igbo] [sighs] Ebele, my child.
[in English] Please, do you have a minute?
Okay?
[in Igbo] Don't be angry. Mm?
[in English] Don't be angry.
I need some money to buy drugs.
How much?
11,000 Naira
[baby coos]
Okay.
[in Igbo] Thank you so much. Thank you.
[Ebere] [in English] Em, sorry.
What are the drugs for?
[in Igbo] [sighs] My child, arthritis.
- [in English] Arthritis?
- [sighs]
Arthritis in what parts?
My joints.
So, why didn't you tell me?
And how have you been managing
with that and baby?
I usually take my drugs
and they ease the pain.
But my drugs finished a week ago
and I am beginning to feel the pain again.
Oh, my goodness. Mommy, no.
You should have told me that before now.
[in Igbo] That's true. [hisses]
[in English] Get dressed,
I'll take you to the pharmacy.
My Mommy, don't worry,
I will take keke to the nearest pharmacy
and get the drugs myself.
No, I insist. Go get dressed.
[baby crying]
Thank you.
[in Igbo] Oh, my child.
- Let me carry baby, since she's crying.
- No.
You go get dressed
and meet me in the car. I will get her.
[in Igbo] Thank you.
[in English] Thank you very much.
[baby crying]
[Ebere] Shh!
[Ebere] Hey, little one.
[Ebere] Hello.
Yeah. Hi, Doctor.
I hope I'm not calling at the wrong time?
[phone ringing]
Hey, babe.
[Ozo on the phone] Hey, baby
[both chuckle]
[Ozo] You sound good.
Yes, I am.
I guess today wasn't that bad.
[Ozo] Mmm?
- I am really happy to hear this.
- [Ebere chuckles]
-Em, so, babe,
-Mm-hmm?
[Ozo] My sister said she
will be available to come soon.
Oh, [sighs] that,
um, babe, I don't think
there'll be any need for that anymore.
It's fine.
I mean, you said I should
get to know my mom so...
In fact, just realized
that she hasn't been feeling too well.
- [Ozo] Really?
- Yeah.
What's wrong?
She has joint arthritis.
I umm... I took her
to the pharmacy though but
on my own, I've also been reading
some treatment.
You know that.
I don't think she's really that bad,
now that I'm getting to know her,
I think I just
might need to be a little more patient.
- [Ozo] That's very good, babe.
- [chuckles slightly]
This is really good to hear.
And I am really proud of you, babe.
Thank you [chuckles]
Thank you. So, what's up?
How's it going over there?
[Ozo] It's going pretty well.
-Oh, really
-[Ozo] I like the energy here.
Wow, nice.
[praying in Igbo] We fly to thy patronage
Oh holy Mother of God,
despise not our petitions
in our necessities,
but deliver us always from all dangers,
Oh glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.
In the name of the father,
and of the son, and of the holy spirit...
[knock on door]
[in English] Come in.
[Ebere] Good morning, Mom.
Ah,
My child, good morning.
- [in Igbo] Good morning.
- [in English] Yes.
So, I have news.
Eh, what is the news?
There's a corrective surgery,
that can be carried out
for your joint arthritis.
It's called arthroplasty.
And the doctor says it can be
performed here without having us travel.
[sighs]
- But that would be expensive.
- [chuckles] It doesn't matter.
So long as it's corrected
and you stop feeling the pains.
I don't know, my child.
- I honestly don't know.
- [Ebere] Mm-mm, Mom,
it's a done deal.
We just have to wait for Ozo.
When he returns,
we proceed with the surgery.
- Huh?
- [sighs deeply]
[in Igbo] My child,
- God bless you.
- Amen.
[in Igbo] God bless you.
[in English] You and your husband
- will be happy forever.
- Amen.
Resources to take care of your child
will be readily available to you
at all times.
-Amen. Amen
-You will never lack.
[in Igbo] You won't lack anything,
my child. Thank you.
[in English] Thank you, Mommy.
Thank you, mommy.
[Ebere and Abigail sigh]
Em, Mom,
why do you always repeat the same clothes?
[huffs] It is what I have,
and as long as it is clean,
I will wear it.
Don't bother yourself.
That one is not a problem.
Okay?
Good morning
- [Ebere] Good morning.
- I am from Fieldphase logistics.
These are your packages.
Do call us next time.
- [Ebere] Sure.
- Have a nice day.
- [in Igbo] Who will I call my mother
- [Abigail yelling excitedly]
[in Pidgin]
Mama carried me for nine months yeah
Mama nurtured me
since child birth yeah
[in Igbo]
I will only do good things for you oh
I will use good things
To say thank you. Thank you
Mama, good things are
What I will do for you
- Mama
- [both laugh]
I will only do good things for you oh
I will only do good things for you oh
Mama
It shall be well with you
Mama
It shall be well with you
Mama
- Mama I cherish you for life
- [both giggling]
Because you carried my matter
In your head for life
I will only do good things for you oh
Oh mama mama
I am saying thank you
Mama, good things are
what I will do for you
Mama
I will only do good things for you oh
Mama, I will only do
Good things for you oh
Mama
[music fades]
[Abigail] You know,
this baby reminds me so much of you.
- [Ebere] Are you serious?
- Yes.
No matter how many shots you took,
you never cried. [chuckles]
- It's a lie.
- I'm telling you, you were such
a strong baby.
You know, I was shocked
that she didn't even cry
like the other babies
that were immunized, mommy.
But, but did you notice that woman?
That woman that was crying
more than her baby that got the shot
- [spluttering] what happened to her?
- [Ebere laughing]
I did not understand it.
I thought I was
the only person that noticed it.
- No, I did.
- that woman was so ridiculous.
- [phone ringing]
- [Abigail laughing]
Let's see.
- Excuse me.
- [chuckles]
Hey, baby.
[chuckles]
- Yes.
- [gate squeaks]
[Abigail] Hey, my fine son-in-law.
[laugh]
Oh,
[in Igbo] Oh, my child,
this is the sort of thing I like.
Oh, my child.
- [Ebere and Ozo kissing]
- [Abigail chuckling]
- [Ozo] My in-law.
- [Abigail] My dear,
-I hope you went well
-Yes I went so well
- [in English] Where is my princess?
- She is sleeping.
-You know afternoon is her nap time,
-Eh?
because in the night
- she is always awake.
- Eh?
[in Igbo] She keeps her eyes open
like a fish,
- and she won't sleep.
- [Ozo and Ebere laughing]
- That's because she is missing me.
- [Ebere chuckles] I pray.
- [Abigail] Maybe.
- [Ozo in Igbo] That's true.
[Ozo and Ebere talking indistinctly]
[Abigail in Igbo] Let's go inside...
- [chuckles] Take it easy.
- [Ozo and Ebere kissing]
My son, take it easy before you tear
my daughter's lips with your kiss.
[in English] [chuckles] Let's go.
[Abigail in Igbo] It's okay.
[Abigail] The kiss is enough.
[all laughing]
Babe.
Baby.
Where have you been?
I've been with Mom [chuckling]
Oh, my goodness,
that woman has gist
that can keep you glued for days!
[chuckles] That's good.
You know, I am happy that you two are
- getting along. You know?
- [Ebere] Mm-hmm.
- I like...
- [Ebere chuckles]
that you have given her a second chance.
Well, I don't think she's that bad,
but when it comes
to her traditional ways, oh my goodness.
I think we will find our way around it.
That's good to hear.
- I'm so happy about that.
- Mm-hmm.
Well,
now that em...
-mommy is happy,
-[chuckles]
What is wrong with this one?
...and you are happy,
[chuckling]
well, I was hoping that em...
you give daddy some sugar.
Which sugar?
Please, I have not healed, leave me.
- You haven't healed?
- Mm.
- Let me check.
- [chuckling] Check what?
[kisses]
[Ebere] Mommy! [gasping]
- Mommy!
- [Abigai in Igbo] Who is shouting?
[Abigail] What is it?
- [in English] What is it?
- I don't know what is wrong with baby.
I don't know... Why is she acting funny?
- What happened to her?
- [Ebere panting]
[baby crying]
You know babies at this stage,
their stomach is small.
So, when they want to digest food,
it is always painful,
and very discomforting for them.
[spluttering] What do we... Is it colic?
[in Igbo] 'Co' what?
[spluttering] [in English] Please let's
just take her to the hospital, please.
- There is no need for that.
- [baby coos]
Just give her a little palm oil to drink
and she will be fine.
- Palm...
- [baby coos]
Mommy please, I don't think
it is wise to give my baby
- palm oil to drink.
- Leave that thing!
There's nothing wrong with it.
Ah-ah, it is natural.
Palm oil is a universal medicine.
[in Igbo] don't you know?
[in English] See, I don't know about that,
but please let me get my car key
so we can take her to the hospital.
Please, help me pack a bag. [baby coos]
[Ebere panting]
Why is the baby foaming in the mouth?
[Ozo] What?
[baby crying]
[yells]
Why is the baby foaming in the mouth?
- How am I suppose to know? I don't know.
- [Abigail in Igbo] What is it?
Why is she forming in the...
Did you give my baby palm oil?
- Yes, a little for her stomach.
- Oh, God.
- What happened?
- [baby crying]
What happened?
Ah, ah!
[splutters in Igbo] What... Heh!
This small palm-oil I gave her!
[in English] God have mercy oh!
[in Igbo] I have implicated myself.
[sighs heavily]
[sighs] Heh! Mm.
[exhales]
[whispering] Thank you, Jesus.
[mouthing words]
[praying indistinct]
[door slams shut]
[Abigail in Igbo] My Mommy,
[in Igbo] What is it?
Why were you not picking my calls?
I was so worried.
Em, please, how is my grandchild?
- [yells] Don't you dare!
- [tense music plays]
Babe,
-please, calm down
-Calm down?
Don't tell me to calm down. Didn't you see
what we went through at the hospital
because she didn't listen to me?
- [mouthing] It's okay.
- [Abigail] I am sorry.
I thought the palm oil will...
You always do things
without thinking of the repercussions.
Or maybe you do.
Maybe you intended to kill my child.
Ebere.
Stop it this very moment.
What is wrong with you?
Why are you never ever calm
in situations like this?
Was she calm
when she gave the baby palm oil?
Oh, you are calm
because the baby miraculously survived.
If this was a different situation,
would you still be calm?
[Abigail] I am sorry.
I am sorry about everything.
I never intended to hurt the baby.
She is my grandchild.
I love her,
and I want the best for her.
[Abigail sniffs]
It is okay.
Hm?
I will leave your house.
That way, you will stop
having problems with me.
[Ebere] Yes. Go on.
Run. Run like you always have.
Run when the situation
doesn't suit you but know this,
you will never have any chance in my life
or the life of my children anymore.
[sighs deeply]
[baby crying]
[Ozo snorts]
[baby crying]
Sorry.
Babe please, can I get the towel?
Babe?
- [Ozo] Hm?
- The towel.
[Ozo] Hmm.
[Ozo] Hm.
I said the towel.
Oh, sorry. Sorry. Towel.
[in Pidgin] So sorry.
[Ozo humming a tune]
- [Ozo continues to hum]
- Babe?
- Babe?
- [Ozo] Mm?
- Hm!
- I am hungry.
-I need to eat
-Aw, sweetheart.
You've not had something to eat?
- Mm-hmm.
- [Ozo] Eh!
And I have a bad migraine.
Oh-oh, sorry.
Sorry.
Em, please, can you get me
something from the kitchen to eat?
Okay.
That's not a problem. So, em...
what's in the kitchen for me to dish?
Actually, nothing.
I was thinking you can make me
fresh fish pepper soup
with yam.
[in Igbo] Please.
[in English] Fresh fish?
- [in Igbo] That is what I am craving.
- [exclaims in Igbo] Oh, wow!
Please.
Please.
Okay, let me go and prepare it.
- [in English] Thank you.
- Oh.
One more night
One more night
And I can be right there
[in Igbo] It is what it is.
- [in English] Your food is ready. Mm-hmm.
- [Ebere chuckles]
- [Ebere sighs]
- [Ozo] Sorry.
- Is it okay?
- Hm
Should I put it this side
- or you want it this way?
- [Ebere] Mm-hm, it's fine darling.
Alright.
[Ozo sighs]
[Ebere chuckles]
[spitting]
What nonsense is this?
Babe, you don't like it?
Did you taste it?
[spitting]
If this was how I cooked
for you in the house
would you still be eating at home?
[sighs] [in Igbo]
Baby please take it easy.
[in English] It's not that deep. I mean,
we both know I'm not such a great cook...
And you're not trying hard to be!
You don't even help me
around the house with baby.
Just this one thing I've asked you to do
and look at the mess you've made of it.
What exactly are you actually good for?
Ebere...
watch it.
I am not your mother,
so stop looking for an opportunity
to transfer your aggression on me.
We both know I can not cook,
so no amount of scolding that you do now
will make me a good one.
For your information,
you had better call your mom
because you cannot do without her.
I can! I will!
I have!
And without all of you, in fact.
[Ebere] It's so freaking annoying
how I married someone
who can't even make a simple meal.
I'm amazed.
I'm amazed,
for someone who likes good food,
he can't even make one himself.
It is now I'm even noticing
how bad he is at the home front.
Ozo can't even change a diaper.
Someone who, who grew up around women
can't do anything for himself.
Jeez!
It's the audacity for me!
It is the audacity at which he said,
[mimicking] "Baby,
you know I cannot cook."
Like, can you imagine?
[Ebere hisses]
[utensils clatter]
- Maria.
- [Maria] Mm?
Haven't you been hearing
everything I've been saying?
I have.
Eh, so why are you not saying anything?
Ebere, what do you want me to say?
Assist you in slandering
your husband for something
you both know he faulted at
before marrying him with your clear eyes.
What does that even mean?
Babe, you're vexed, obviously.
I get.
But I don't think he's the reason.
We both know you're not angry
about his non-cooking skill
or his inability to change diapers
or even his superpower
to sleep through the night
while the baby is crying.
So please, free him.
And while you are at it,
-free yourself too
-[soft music playing]
[birds chirping]
Mommy.
[Abigail chuckles]
What are you doing here?
Ah-ah!
Did you not send me a message?
You don't want me here?
I always want you here.
I always want you here,
holding my hand,
[voice breaking]
telling me everything will be okay.
Your protection,
the safety of your presence.
I didn't want to be vulnerable again.
But now, I...
I don't think I have
the strength to build fences anymore.
Ebere, there is no need for that.
There's no need for any kind of fence.
You are my child.
From my womb.
Hm?
I can never love anyone
- more than I love you.
- [Ebere sobbing]
And this time around,
I will not give up on you.
- Huh?
- [sniffles]
So if you like,
chase me away with this
razor blade mouth of yours.
[Igbo idiom] You have ventured
into the impossible. [in English] Because,
I am here to stay.
I am not going anywhere.
- I love you, Mommy.
- Ah!
- I miss you.
- [Abigail] I love you.
I love you too, my child.
It's okay.
[in Igbo] My Mommy.
[in English]
Everything is going to be fine.
[in Igbo] Do you hear me?
[in English] And I'll be here,
with you, every step of the way.
Mm?
- It's okay.
- [mouths] Yes!
Subtitle translation by: Regina Njoku