TWICE A HEART
Chapter 1: The Heart of Giving
Tari had always been the kind of woman who believed in the goodness of people. It was in the way she smiled at strangers, the way she offered a kind word to anyone in need, and the way she opened her door to anyone who called for help. Whether it was giving away her last meal or offering her time to comfort a neighbor, Tari’s heart was as wide as the ocean. Her family often teased her about it, because they too knew her kindness had no limits.
Her home, a modest apartment in the heart of Lagos, was a revolving door for people in need. She gave without hesitation. From the young woman who needed a few naira to the elderly man who asked for a ride to the market, Tari always had something to offer. And her children, young though they were, learned this from her. They watched her give, sometimes to the point of exhaustion, and though they didn’t fully understand the weight of it, they knew one thing for sure: their mother’s heart was endless.
But as time passed, Tari began to notice something. The people who came to her, asking for a little help here and there, seemed to take more than they gave. They never truly appreciated her generosity. It became a pattern. One by one, her neighbours, her friends, even her extended family, began to take advantage of her kindness.
Tari’s daughter, Amara, noticed it first.
“Mom,” Amara said one evening, as they sat at the dining table, her brow furrowed, “Why do you always give away so much? Don’t you think people take advantage of you?”
Tari looked at her daughter, her eyes gentle but resolute. “Giving doesn’t hurt, my dear. It’s when we stop giving that we lose the chance to make a difference. Some people may take advantage, yes. But that’s not why we give. We give because it’s the right thing to do.”
Amara shook her head, her frustration bubbling up. “But you’re always tired, always running after people who don’t even appreciate it. Why don’t you think about yourself for once?”
Tari’s smile softened. “It’s not about thinking about myself, Amara. It’s about showing kindness, even when it’s hard. We can’t control how others act, but we can control how we respond.”
Her daughter remained silent, unsure of how to respond. Tari went back to cleaning the dishes, but her thoughts lingered on her daughter’s words. She had seen the signs. People didn’t call her as often unless they needed something. She’d offered her time and resources to people who never even said thank you. But she couldn’t help herself—her heart was too big, too full of love to turn anyone away.
The next day, Ngozi, a distant relative who had moved to the city for work, came knocking at her door. Tari greeted her with a smile, though she knew from the moment she opened the door that Ngozi was there for a reason.
“Aunt Tari,” Ngozi began, her voice sweet but edged with expectation, “I’m in a bit of a tight spot. Could you help me out with some money? My rent is overdue, and I’m struggling to make ends meet.”
Tari’s heart softened. She knew the struggles of city life too well. But there was something about Ngozi’s request that made her pause. She had helped her before. Yet Tari, being Tari, didn’t hesitate. She reached into her purse and handed Ngozi some money.
“Take it, my dear,” Tari said, her voice warm, “I hope this helps.”
Ngozi took the money without a second thought, giving Tari a quick, polite hug before rushing off. Tari stood at the door, watching her leave. She had always believed that love was limitless, and she would never stop giving, even when others didn’t understand.
Question
1. What does Tari believe about giving?
2. How does Amara feel about her mother’s generosity?
3. Why does Tari continue to help others, even when they take advantage of her kindness?
4. Who asks Tari for help?
5. What lesson does Tari try to teach her daughter Amara about generosity?