One rainy evening, Michael was attending a business dinner at an expensive hotel when his phone rang.
It was his younger cousin, Ruth.
"Michael, you need to come home," she said, her voice shaking.
"What's happened?"
"It's your mother. She's been unwell for weeks. She collapsed at the market today."
Michael stood up immediately.
"Which hospital is she at?"
Ruth gave him the details.
For the first time in years, Michael abandoned everything and rushed home.
When he entered the hospital ward, he found Grace lying quietly on a bed. She looked much smaller than he remembered.
Her once-energetic eyes opened when she heard his footsteps.
"Michael?" she whispered.
He rushed to her side and held her hand.
"Mum, I'm here. I'm so sorry I didn't come sooner."
Grace managed a weak smile.
"You came, my son. That is what matters."
Tears filled Michael's eyes.
"I'll take care of you. I'll get you the best treatment. I'll build you that house I promised."
She gently squeezed his hand.
"Michael, listen to me. A house is only bricks and cement. What I wanted was your time. I wanted to sit with you beneath our mango tree and hear about your life."
He lowered his head, unable to speak.
For years, he had believed that sending money was enough to show love. Now he realised that his mother had never been asking for his wealth.
She had been asking for him.