Next Maundy Thursday

Set in Benin Edo State *Next Maundy Thursday* delves into family dynamics identity and societal pressures. The story follows the narrator's complex relationship with her sister Ada who faces harsh body shaming due to her unconventional appearance and is labeled as an escapee alien and even albino. Despite these challenges Ada remains resilient supported by her father's encouragement.A turning point occurs when Ada tattoos her father's initials as a tribute which causes a rift with their mother who views tattoos as evil. The narrator struggles to reconcile her love for Ada with her discomfort toward the tattoo exposing suppressed family tensions and personal prejudices.As the story progresses toward Maundy Thursday themes of shame unconditional love and societal expectations emerge. The narrator’s closing sentiment—“Ada’s body disgusted me a great deal”—captures the unresolved emotions of judgment guilt and the challenges of tradition versus modernity.