How my mother found out I was pregnant at 13

It was a warm evening in Abuja, and I could hear the distant sounds of children playing outside. I was in my room, trying to focus on my homework, but my mind kept wandering. I felt a strange mix of anxiety and excitement, a secret growing inside me that I couldn't hide much longer.

My mum, ever the observant one, had noticed changes in me. She saw how I avoided certain foods, how I seemed more tired than usual, and how my clothes fit differently. But she never said anything, perhaps hoping it was just a phase.

One evening, as I was helping her prepare Tiko in the kitchen, she finally asked, "Are you feeling alright, my dear?" Her voice was gentle, but her eyes were filled with concern. I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest. The truth was on the tip of my tongue, but fear held me back.

She must have sensed my hesitation because she gently took my hand and led me to the living room. "Sit down," she said softly. "We need to talk." As I sat there, the words spilled out of me in a rush. I told her everything – how I had been scared, how I didn't know what to do, and how I was six months pregnant at just 13 years old.

Her reaction wasn't what I expected. Instead of anger, she wrapped her arms around me and held me close. "We'll get through this together," she whispered. Tears streamed down my face as I realized that no matter what, my mum would always be there for me. And in that moment, I knew we could face anything together.