"Maybe he's home…"
The family of four stepped out of the car, strolling toward the door. Each had different thoughts running through their mind, which was understandable—it had been more than a year since any of them had last had contact with him.
Someone they had grown up with, shared precious memories with. They were happy to see him finally, but mostly angry that he hadn't even sent a single text—no birthday wishes, no replies to their messages or calls.
Jason snapped out of his thoughts and opened the door. The aroma of different delicious dishes hit him unexpectedly. He looked toward the dining table—and there stood his son, the one he hadn't heard from in a year.
The rest of the family entered, their gazes following Jason's toward Dayo, who looked very different from what they remembered. It wasn't just his height; it was his facial expression, the way he carried himself. Everything about him seemed changed.
Janet, whose camera was still on, saw her brother for the first time in so long and instinctively moved to run and hug him—but her brother tugged her arm and shook his head, signaling otherwise.
Almost as if planned, the entire family strolled to the dinner table, completely ignoring Dayo's presence. They sat down, focusing on the food as though it were more interesting than the young man standing before them.
Dayo, watching all of this, felt his gaze drop in defeat. He had expected this reaction from his family and accepted it. Without a word, he walked toward the sitting room, stopping at the piano. Sitting down, he looked at his family before placing his fingers on the keys. He pressed the speaker button beside him, and his voice came through—soft, calm, and filled with emotion.
Even if we broke down that night
And I said some things that I couldn't make right
I know it's been a long, long fight
But I'm still here waiting—I promise I'm changing…I just need
Time…
His voice was so gentle that as he sang, memories of the night that had changed his life began to play in his mind like a movie. Slowly, he stood up, his eyes red as he looked at his family.
Verse 1:"Mama, I miss how your hands could heal
Those evening massages, warm home-cooked meals
You'd hum old songs while you cleaned the floor
Your stories at night—I still wish for more
And Dad, I miss the field behind the shed
You're teaching me how to aim and steady my head
Your army tales, your scarred hands strong
How we'd hunt at dusk and shoot 'til the light was gone
You taught me more than just how to aim
You taught me focus, pride, and carrying pain
I left too soon, with my ego in flames
But I still carry our blood, our name."
As his voice picked up in pace, shifting into a rap, Dayo walked toward his mother and embraced her before moving to his father and doing the same, all while continuing to sing.
Chorus:
Even if we broke down that night
And I said some things that I couldn't make right
I know it's been a long, long fight
But I'm still here waiting—I promise I'm changing
I just need
Time…I—I need time…Just a little time…
By now, the whole family had begun to accept what was happening. Their eyes followed Dayo, who stood in front of them, eyes closed, singing with emotion, tears threatening to fall.
Verse 2:"To my lil' sis, I miss your endless cheer
Your messy braids, the way you'd pull my ear
We fought, we laughed, you'd never stay mad
You were sunshine when the world felt bad
And lil' bro, I miss our crazy days
Football on Saturdays, swimming in the haze
You looked up to me, I know I let you down
But I'm still your big bro, just not around."
He moved to his sister, who stood frozen in shock, ruffling her hair gently before kissing the top of her head. Then, turning to his brother, he clasped his hand in their signature handshake.
"I got lost, chasing things that never stayed
Left behind the ones who showed me grace
But I'm coming back, even if it's slow
Just give me space, just let me grow."
Now standing before the whole family, Dayo's voice rose higher than before.
Short Chorus:
Even if we broke down that nigh
tAnd we all went silent—hearts locked tight
I know everything will be alright
If you give me time…Just a little time…I, I need time…
(A/N: "Time (Family Version)" (Inspired by NF's "Time")
At this point, every eye in the room was red with tears. They seemed to understand him—and forgive him. Dayo played the final note on the piano as his voice faded into silence.
DING
A familiar sound echoed, but Dayo seemed zoned out, as though he hadn't heard it.
Like instinct, the entire family stood up, rushing toward Dayo, wrapping him in a group hug.
"I can't breathe! Give me space!" Janet squealed, causing the family to burst into laughter before settling down again.
Dayo looked at them and spoke."I know nothing I say can justify what I did or the harm I caused. But I promise I've changed, and I won't make the same mistake of abandoning my family again. To show my sincerity, I came home early and cooked a meal for everyone. Let me serve you."
At that moment, their expressions changed—almost as if they'd seen a ghost. Dayo couldn't cook. The last time he tried, the food was either oversalted, overseasoned, or simply undercooked.
Seeing their reaction, Dayo quickly added, "I know what you're all thinking—but I've improved! Just try it. If you don't like it, that's fine. No pressure."
He headed to the kitchen to bring the food.
"Mom, Dad… you have to save us from this," Jeffery whispered, visibly nervous.
"Eh… OMG!! I think I just became popular!" Janet suddenly screamed, looking at her phone.
"What happened? Why are you shouting?" the three asked in unison.
Janet turned her phone toward them, and their jaws dropped.
Her livestream, still running, had more than 50,000 live viewers—and the number was still climbing. Gifts and comments poured in:
WOW, what a performance
"Who is he? I'm not sure I've seen him before"
"Hey Janet, give me your brother's number!
"You up there, don't you dare! I'll gift you a lion for his number
"OMG, the emotion in his voice—this is pure brilliance
"He's hot asf! Look at that glowing brown skin and those pink lips, omg
"Man raps like he was born for it
And the flow! Not to mention that beat…Who knows the name of the song?
"This is the most emotional performance I've ever seen."