Black & White

-10-

C H A P T E R  T E N

March 21 1976

The gentle blowing breeze blew past us, causing the tree branches and flowers to bend. I took a deep breath as I stared at the headstone infront of me. I inhaled the smell of the newly turned earth and the fresh flowers on the graves. All 69 graves had fresh flowers on them. I released Zenande's hand from my grasp and moved closer to the grave.

In Loving Memory Of A Great Husband And Father.
1930 - 1960
Dearly Loved And Never Forgotten.

"Sawubona Baba."(Hello dad) I whispered, as I used my fingers to wipe the dead leaves off the headstone. I looked at the row of 69 graves, they leaned together like old friends. We knew that my father would like this place. The rustling of leaves behind me startled me. I turned my head only to see Mama laying a blanket on the dry grass. We all sat down on the blanket. Mama smiled towards Zenande, "You can greet him too, don't be afraid."

Zenande looked at the headstone, then quickly turned towards Mama,"Can I call him dad too?" She asked.

"Of course you can." I said, smiling at her.

"S-Sawubona B-Baba." She whispered softly.

"He won't answer you, but he can hear you and he is always watching over you. Both of you." Mama said, assuring us.

"Can I tell him about what happened at school yesterday?" Zenande asked.

"Sure, go ahead sweetheart." Mama said.

We all listened to Zenande's stories. The sound of the gentle breeze rustling the leaves and tree branches comforted us. The fact that my father is always watching over me, comforted me.

While Zenande was busy telling dad about her day at school yesterday, I whispered to Mama, who was watching Zenande with adoration, "I wish I could remember what he looked like."

Mama took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. She placed her free hand on my chest, where my heart is."What's important is the love your father had for you and the few moments that you shared with him. You might not remember what he looked like, but memories live on in the heart."

I was only two months old when my father passed away. Mama used to tell me that dad liked changing my diaper and giving me baths, I am his first born child after all.

"I wish I could remember what his touch felt like." I whispered.

"Your father was a mine worker yet he had the softest hands." Mama said, smiling as she spoke.

I stared at the headstone infront of me and wondered how life would have been like if dad was still alive. One thing I am certain of is that I definitely wouldn't be a domestic worker. I felt my mother's fingers on my chin, as she lifted my face so that I was staring at her.

"You know where you got your stubbornness from?" She asked. I shook my head in response  "You got it from your dad." She said.

"Mama?"

We turned to Zenande, who had finished telling dad all about her day at school yesterday.

"Yes sweetheart?"

"Can you please tell us more stories about dad." She asked.

"Of course, come here."

Zenande and I moved closer to where Mama was seated. Zenande laid her head on Mama's lap, while I placed my head on Mama's shoulder.

"It was the year 1958....." Mama began.

~*~

Thank you for reading. 💜