Ma dropped the medicine and sat down, then immediately started talking.
“Mama Grace, you will not believe my life. I have finished school—no job. I have sense—no connection. I have beauty—no sponsor.”
Mama Grace burst into laughter.
“Your mouth will not kill you.”
Ma placed her hand on her chest dramatically. “I am suffering with talent.”
Her mother coughed and laughed at the same time. “Instead of helping me, you are doing stand-up comedy.”
Ma pointed at her. “Mama, laughter is medicine. I am saving hospital bills.”
Mama Grace watched her carefully—her energy, her heart, her light.
Then she spoke.
“Ma, do you want to work?”
Ma froze.
“Work?”
“Yes. In the city.”
Ma leaned forward. “What kind of work? Legal work or ‘don’t ask questions’ work?”
Mama Grace slapped her arm lightly. “Don’t be stupid.”
Ma grinned. “I’m listening.”
“In a big house. As a maid.”
Silence.
For the first time since she entered, Ma was quiet.
Her eyes shifted to her mother, then back to Mama Grace.
“Will they pay?”
“Yes.”
“Good money?”
“Yes.”
Ma stood up immediately. “I accept.”
Her mother blinked. “Just like that?”
Ma turned to her. “Mama, at this point, if they say I should wash a lion, I will price it first before refusing.”
Mama Grace laughed so hard she held her stomach.
The next morning, the sun had barely risen, but Ma was already dressed, bag packed, energy at full volume.
Her younger brother stood beside her, half asleep.
“Take care of Mama,” she told him seriously.
The boy nodded. “I will. But who will disturb the house when you go?”
Ma gasped. “You are calling me a disturbance? I am entertainment!”
She hugged her mother tightly. “I will send money. I will come back. One day I will carry all of you to the city.”
Her mother smiled weakly. “My daughter, just be careful.”
Ma winked. “Careful is my middle name.”
Mama Grace whispered, “Your middle name is trouble.”
When the car entered Anthony’s estate, Ma’s mouth opened and refused to close.
“Wait, wait, wait…”
She pointed at the mansion.
“Is this a house or an airport?”
Mama Grace chuckled. “This is where you will work.”
Ma clutched her chest. “If I faint, please pour water on me. Not too much. Water is expensive.”
As they entered, the maids gathered—eyes sharp, ears ready, judgment activated.
One whispered, “This one looks like she talks too much.”
Another replied, “She will talk herself out of this job.”
Ma heard them. Of course she did.
She turned slowly and smiled brightly. “Don’t worry, I talk, but I also work, so you people will not miss me.”
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