INDIVIDUAL 💨

Daughter: “Dad, the wedding is in six weeks. Why haven't you transferred the money?” Father: “Because I'm not paying for it.” Daughter: “What?” Father: “I said I'm not paying.” Daughter: “But you promised me $15,000.” Father: “I know.” Daughter: “We've already paid deposits. The caterer is expecting the balance.” Father: “Then you'll have to reduce the wedding budget.” Daughter: “Dad, you paid for my brother's wedding last year.” Father: “Yes.” Daughter: “You gave him $22,000 without him even asking.” Father: “That's true.” Daughter: “So why am I suddenly different?” Her father looked away. Father: “Because circumstances have changed.” Daughter: “What circumstances?” Father: “Things you don't understand.” Daughter: “I'm 27 years old. Stop treating me like a child.” Her mother, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. Mother: “Just give her the money. We discussed this.” Father: “And I told you my decision.” Mother: “You can't punish her because of something that happened years ago.” The room went silent. Daughter: “Punish me for what?” Neither parent answered. Daughter: “Mum, what is he talking about?” Mother: “Nothing, sweetheart. Your father is just upset.” Father: “Don't do that.” Mother: “Do what?” Father: “Don't make me look like the villain when you know exactly why we're having this conversation.” The daughter stood up. Daughter: “I don't care what happened between you two. I just want to know why my father suddenly doesn't want to help me.” Her father took a deep breath. Father: “Ask your mother who paid your university tuition.” Daughter: “You did.” Father: “Ask her who bought your first car.” Daughter: “You did.” Father: “Ask her who stayed awake outside the hospital when you had surgery at fourteen.” Daughter: “You did, Dad. What's your point?” Father: “My point is that I've never treated you differently from your brother.” Daughter: “Until now.” He said nothing. Then her mother whispered: “Please. Not like this.” The daughter turned toward her. “Not like what?” Her mother started crying. Father: “Eighteen years ago, your mother told me something about you.” Daughter: “What?” Father: “Something I promised never to tell you.” Mother: “Please don't.” Father: “I kept that promise for eighteen years. But now you're asking me to explain a decision without telling you what caused it.” Daughter: “Dad, you're scaring me.” He looked directly at her. “Your mother told me I wasn't your biological father.” The daughter froze. Then she laughed nervously. “That's not funny.” Father: “I'm not joking.” Daughter: “Mum?” Her mother covered her face. Daughter: “MUM, IS THAT TRUE?” Her mother nodded. The daughter stepped backward. Daughter: “So you've known for eighteen years?” Father: “Yes.” Daughter: “And you never told me?” Father: “No.” Daughter: “Then why tell me now?” Her father looked at her mother. “Because last week, the man who is your biological father called me.” Daughter: “What did he want?” Her father swallowed. “He wants to walk you down the aisle.” – at Ogogoro Village, Nigeria