Maame

by Jessica George

For some reason, at night, when you’re meant to be sleeping, your brain wants answers to everything.

Still, that doesn’t change the fact that although I didn’t think I’d be rich, I expected to be happy and the failure to do so has left me gasping for air most of the day.

“You’re Christian, Shu. Do you always believe in God?” “Yeah, course. Got to.” “Why?” “Because,” she says, “I can’t carry on living believing human beings are as good as it gets.” She looks at me. “We’re the worst.”

“Dear God,” I say. “Please don’t let me die. I don’t think my mother could handle it. Please remember all the times I went to church even when I didn’t want to go. Amen.”

‘Regardless of how you behave, a lot of things are going to be out of your control because this world was made to test you. Protect your peace in whatever and every way that you can.”’