Leave, but for a reason

By Mercy Mbuge

My house help of three months left after giving a two weeks’ notice.

I have always told myself that when someone wanted to step out of my life I would let them go. Therefore, my response to her plea was positive but I was curious to know why she had wanted to leave.

Then she dropped it. The spirit of evil people who had been bewitching her in the village had followed her to the city. Before employing her, I had thought of every reason that made house helps want to leave like being yelled at, feeling alienated from the family, too much work.

I made sure to comply with silent rules of engagement as I had wanted her to stay on for at least two years. But woe unto me. She was now being haunted. Of all the reasons one could think of, I did not see that one coming.

I shared the bizarre story with my mom who advised that I pray with her before going to bed. But she had made up her mind to go back to her home as she claimed that the threats would stop as soon as she landed in the village.

One year is the longest a house help has stayed with us. One stayed in for just three days before announcing her uncle’s burial. Yet another, left unannounced when I had taken my son for a Sunday afternoon outing. We came back only to find ‘aunty’ had left. 

My son is now three years old and on my seventh house help since I gave birth to him. What I am grateful for the most is that they have left my son safe and sound. My key consolation is my son is growing up and becoming more independent.

My best bet is to keep praying that each stays a bit longer and treat us better than the last one.