Dangaske💥

My cousin Chidinma got married last December in Enugu. Small wedding. Her husband, Emeka, works logistics in Lagos. Not rich, not broke. Three months in, his mother came from the village for “two weeks.” She is still there. She started with the food. Then the house help. Then she told Emeka, in the parlour, that a wife who still goes to work while her husband’s mother is around is not submissive. Last Thursday Chidinma came back from the office at 7. Food was not ready. The mother had been at a neighbour’s place all afternoon. Emeka had already eaten bread. He asked why the pot was empty. Chidinma said she just got in and would start now. His mother said, “You see? This is what I have been telling you.” Emeka slapped her. Once. Open palm. She held her cheek and did not shout. The mother said, “Good. At least he still has sense.” Then she went to her room. He sent his mother 50k the next morning and told Chidinma, “I didn’t mean to. Just don’t embarrass me in front of her again. She will soon go.” She has not gone. Chidinma’s sister saw the mark on Saturday and said she should pack her things. Emeka’s brother said it was one slap, not beating, and that she provoked it by answering elder people. Her pastor told her to pray and not let the devil use one mistake to scatter a young home. Her colleague at work said if a man can raise his hand once, the date is already set for the next time. She asked me what I would do if I were her. I have not answered.