In the short story, “My Parent’s Bedroom,” by Uwem Akpan, the most important message expressed to the reader is that it 's human nature for a mother to protect her children to the best of her ability. In the beginning of the story, Maman tries to protect Monique and Jean by telling them things to do that will keep them safe later. She has “kept us indoors since yesterday,” (1). She realizes how dangerous things are, so she wants to keep them sheltered and safe inside. She instructs Monique not to “turn on any lights tonight,” (1) and “remember to lock the door behind me,” (5). She does these things because she knows that the mob will come to the house later and she wishes to prevent her children from getting hurt. Another way Maman tries to