Smart Sindara woke up before the sun.

Today was Father’s Day — the day to thank Baba, her father, who had taught her so many things.

Baba taught her how to ride a bicycle, how to fix the garden, and even how to dance Afrobeats without stepping on anyone’s toes.

But Smart Sindara had a problem.

She had no money to buy Baba a gift.

She sat on the front steps with her chin in her hands. Her yellow daisy drooped in her afro.

Just then, her brothers Timi and Tami ran up the stairs.

“Why so sad?” Timi asked.

Smart Sindara sighed. “Baba has given me so much. But how do I give him anything when I don’t have money to buy a gift?”

Tami thought for a moment. “But Daddy doesn’t only give us gifts. He gives us love every day.”

Timi nodded. “So how can we show him we really love him too?”

Smart Sindara suddenly sat up.

“I know!” she said. “We will act a play. We will show Baba all the funny, kind, and special things he does.”

So the three siblings got to work.

They called their play The Many Faces of Baba.

Timi acted like Baba going to work. He carried an old bag and said in a deep voice, “Where are my keys? These keys had better not grow legs today!”

Tami acted like Baba relaxing at home. He leaned back and said, “I am not sleeping. I am only resting my eyes.”

Smart Sindara acted like Baba dancing Afrobeats. She lifted one hand, moved her shoulders, and said, “Children, watch carefully. This is original daddy style!”

They laughed and laughed.

Mum loved the idea and helped keep Baba distracted.

One day, Baba almost walked into their rehearsal.

Mum quickly called, “Honey, please come and help me fix this bathroom door. It is behaving one kain.”

Baba frowned. “This door again?”

“Yes,” Mum said. “Very serious matter.”

Finally, Father’s Day arrived.

Smart Sindara, Timi, and Tami dressed up as Baba going to work, Baba relaxing at home, and Baba heading out to parties.

Mum set up a roll-up banner that read:

BEST BABA EVER

When Baba came outside, rubbing his sleepy eyes, he stopped.

His children stood ready to perform.

The play began.

Timi marched with the work bag.

Tami pretended to rest his eyes.

Smart Sindara danced Baba’s Afrobeats dance.

Baba laughed, clapped, and laughed again. Then his eyes became shiny and wet.

When the play ended, Smart Sindara hugged him tightly.

“We didn’t buy you a gift, Baba,” she said. “But we made this with all our hearts.”

Baba smiled softly.

“This is the best gift in the world,” he said. “You didn’t just act like me. You noticed me.”

Smart Sindara smiled.

“That’s what you taught me, Baba. The best things don’t always cost money. Effort matters.”

Baba opened his arms wide.

“Then come, all of you. Who is ready for my original daddy dance?”

And their home filled with music, laughter, and love.