Two young boys navigate familial expectations as their fathers reflect on their own upbringing.
The tall father enjoys the warmth of the sun on the verandah, already settled when the short father and his son arrive. The two men engage in a serious discussion, a common practice among fathers who often seem comfortable in their idleness. Meanwhile, the short father’s son busies himself with a broken mirror, attempting to groom his hair, reminiscent of a bull sharpening its horns. He catches a glimpse of his cousin’s mother, who wears a smug expression, and contemplates sharing that he left home without properly styling his hair. However, she remains unfazed by his dilemma.
Just then, the tall cousin emerges from his room, dressed in a school uniform featuring a red sweater and blue trousers. He brushes aside his mother’s concerns, declaring that adults never grasp the significance of hair. He gestures for his cousin to disregard his mother’s comments, reinforcing their shared understanding of youth’s priorities. The shorter cousin, satisfied with his hair, takes a seat on a cane stool next to his cousin’s mother. He pulls out a well-worn notebook from his bag, running his finger along the pages while making a peculiar sound.
“Cousin,” the tall cousin calls, “can you do me a favor and polish those shoes?” The mother interjects, exclaiming, “How shameless! He’s trying to read!” The shorter cousin responds, “It’s fine, Aunty. I don’t want to be late because of him.” Their laughter resonates, lightening the atmosphere. The tall father, observing the scene, chides the shorter cousin for his lack of focus, suggesting that if he dedicated as much energy to his studies as he does to his hair, he would excel academically. This incites another wave of laughter among the cousins and the mother, while the tall cousin’s sister peeks out from her room, bemused by the commotion.
Despite the light-hearted banter, the tall father’s annoyance simmers beneath the surface. He reflects on his own upbringing, lamenting the absence of mirrors and distractions in his youth. His comments fall flat as the laughter continues, prompting him to turn away, feeling somewhat overlooked. The tall cousin’s mother, now wiping tears of laughter from her cheeks, casts a serious glance at the boys, reminding them of the respect due to their fathers, who have earned their dignity with age.
“Did you eat anything?” she asks the shorter cousin. “Yes, just a banana and an egg,” he replies. She encourages him to eat more, especially on such an important day. As the time draws near, the shorter father asks, “Are you ready? Ensure you have everything: pens and supplies.” Without waiting for a reply, the two fathers start towards the main road, the cousins trailing behind. The tall cousin’s sister quips sarcastically about their resemblance to their fathers, a comment that stirs embarrassment among the boys.
As they walk, they spot other students in uniforms, all without parental guidance. The fathers glance back periodically, ensuring their sons are close. The shorter father lightens the mood with a joke about a schoolmate who tried to cheat by writing answers on the ceiling, only to be caught. The cousins and their friend share a hearty laugh, momentarily breaking the tension. “Father,” the tall cousin calls, “we have friends now. You can go back.” The taller father quickens his pace, dismissing the suggestion.
Upon arriving at the school, the atmosphere is chaotic, with groups of students milling about and seating arrangements posted on the wall. The cousins find themselves seated just a few benches apart amidst the tumult. The fathers, seeking refuge from the noise, retreat to a quieter spot, silently hoping for their sons’ success as they prepare to face a pivotal moment in their young lives—an opportunity that could shape their future.
