TWICE A HEART
Chapter 3: The Breaking Point
Tari sat at the kitchen table, her hands trembling as she tried to steady the cup of tea before her. Her body felt heavier each day, her breath shallow, as though the weight of the world was pressing down on her. She had tried to ignore it—tried to tell herself that if she just kept going, things would eventually get better. But the signs were clear now: her body was no longer able to keep up with the demands of her heart.
The doorbell rang, breaking her from her thoughts. She sighed heavily, hoping it wasn’t another visitor needing something she didn’t have the energy to give. But as she opened the door, she found Ngozi, her cousin, standing with a wide, expectant smile.
“Aunt Tari,” Ngozi began, her tone sweet but carrying the usual request that Tari knew all too well, “I was hoping you could help me out with a little something. My business is going through a rough patch, and I just need a small loan to get through the month.”
Tari’s smile faded as she looked at the familiar face. It wasn’t the first time Ngozi had asked for help, and certainly wouldn’t be the last.
“I’ve already helped you, Ngozi,” Tari said quietly, her voice betraying her exhaustion. “I can’t keep giving.”
Ngozi’s smile faltered, but only for a moment. She quickly recovered, her voice growing more insistent. “Aunt Tari, I understand, but you’re the only one who can help me now. I promise, I’ll pay you back as soon as I can.”
Tari hesitated, her shoulders slumping. “I’m not sure I can help anymore.”
Ngozi stepped forward, her voice softer but full of expectation. “Please, Aunt Tari. I’ve always known you would help. You’ve always been there for me.”
Tari closed her eyes for a moment, fighting the pull of her own kindness. She felt the overwhelming weight of it all, the constant giving with no return. But her heart could not say no.
“Alright,” she said with a sigh, reaching into her purse to pull out the last of her savings. “But this is the last time, Ngozi. I can’t do this anymore.”
Ngozi took the money quickly, her gratitude feigned, and left without a second thought. Tari watched her leave, a sinking feeling in her chest. She had done it again. She had given, even when her own needs were barely being met.
The moment Ngozi left, Amara and Uche entered the room, their face tight with concern. “Mom, did you give her money again?” Amara asked
Tari glanced at her children, her expression weary. “She needed it.”
“You always say that, Mom,” Uche said, his voice rising. “But what about what you need? What about us?”
Tari closed her eyes, feeling the weight of her son’s words.
Amara shook her head, frustration and helplessness filling her. “It’s not right if you’re losing yourself in the process. You’re always giving, but you’re not taking care of yourself. You’re hurting, and you’re ignoring it.”
Tari opened her eyes, her gaze soft but full of sadness. “I’ve taught you to give, haven’t I? I’ve taught you to be kind, to help when you can. This is just who I am.”
Amara sighed, her heart heavy. She wanted to be understanding, but the toll it was taking on her mother was becoming impossible to ignore. “I know, Mom. But you’ve given everything, and there’s nothing left for you. Please, don’t wait until it’s too late.”
Tari shook her head, the tears threatening to fall. “I don’t know how to just turn off this part of me. It’s not that simple.”
Amara’s voice softened, a mix of concern and love. “You don’t have to stop being generous, Mom. But you need to start saying no when it’s too much. You need to take care of yourself too.”
Tari fell silent, the weight of her daughter’s words pressing down on her like a heavy burden. She had always thought her generosity would be her strength, but now, in her later years, she could feel it unraveling. Her heart, so full of love for others, had begun to feel heavy with the burden of being everything to everyone. And she was beginning to wonder if it was time to learn a different lesson—the lesson of knowing when to stop.
Question
1. What request does Ngozi make from Tari?
2. How does Tari feel after giving Ngozi the money?
3. What is Amara’s reaction to her mother’s constant giving?
4. What advice does Amara give Tari about taking care of herself?
5. How does Tari respond to Amara’s concerns about her health and well-being?