Chapter 47. Bitter? Not Sweet

"I love this! Mama, I love this one! Can I take this, mummy?" Emmanuel danced in place, waiting for Marissa to catch up with him.

Marissa puffed slightly as she climbed the staircase in his trail.

"Emmanuel Anthony Maduka, how on earth did those small legs of yours carry you so fast?" She asked in a mock-stern voice 

Emmanuel grinned at her and lifted his trousers ``Mummy, see, my legs are strong! I am a strong boy, mummy," he strutted around to show her just how strong his sneakers-encased legs are.

Marissa shook her head while trying to hold her disapproving look, then laughed out loud when he got to the end of the balustrade, gave a smart turn, and saluted her.

Emma ran back to her when he saw her laughing again and repeated his early question, "Mummy, please, can I take this one? I like this one, mummy."

She crouched down to his level, holding his shoulders to keep him in place.

"Before we talk about that, what did I say we a