Mangled Shoes

Part title

""However, General Mahereho did not listen; he signed up for the military, and later they, along with General Witbooi and his team, would come to rebel against the white masters in a revolt."

The masters were aware of our beliefs about God and the devil. Their main goals were to trade goods in exchange for cattle and learn more about our copper mines. As a result, explorers had been familiar with the names of these Herereos, who were "cattle rich" for years. But this was the first time they had actually witnessed it. Who would understand since they were in the poet's homeland?

"What happened with General Maherero and General Witbooi Grandmama?"

"They died Debbie, after they revolted against the Germans, out of vengeance, they called out, making orders and demands all the way from Europe, ordering for every woman, every child, and every man to be killed. General Witbooi, though a foe of General Maherero at the time, was not going to just sit back and watch. So he took up arms and joined Maherero; their resistance against German colonial rule led to the Nama and German genocide."

"Peel those carrots, then knead the dough; carrots go in with potatoes, corn, and cabbage; that's for the soup. Maybe I can teach you how to make dumplings. If you're eager to grow up and start doing other older people's things, you might as well know how to cook."

"What do you mean, Grandmama?" Deborah asked with confusion.

Her grandmother made the snide remark in reference to the illicit activity in the shadowy alley. Deborah was present right now for the true reason that she was aware of it.

"What I am saying is that if you are going to let them climb and do whatever they want, leaving you broken and traumatized, then you might as well focus on doing chores, little Missy, since you think you're a big girl now."

"Ndjami- an otjiherereo word acquainted with God of the heavens, has given you another chance. Although all you bring to our house is shame and disgrace, he has chosen to show you mercy and grace. Therefore, instead of straying further as you get older, now is a good time to purposefully seek him out. Go before your forefathers and say a prayer. Repent, Deborah, repent! Seek repentance before God, and do not be deceived again. There's nothing like a relationship at sixteen; you've still got your whole life ahead of you."

"All these things can wait, but what you cannot put on hold is your education. Establish these boundaries while you're still young, and why try to take your own life over somebody else's? Over this boy. What's his name? Is he God? Is he your father, brother, or relative at all?"

Since the trauma was still fresh and this supposed casual afternoon was already tense and upsetting, Deborah had hoped they wouldn't talk about it.

No, grandmama, he is not God, nor is he my relative."

"I tell you now that obedience is better than sacrifice, Deborah. My dear child, if the price for your disobedience is much greater, go on and finish with the lunch preparations. I will return to my bedroom for now and take a nap.

Her grandmother turned to the far east while picking up her radio. She observed the animals grazing peacefully as she looked through the sandvelds. She added in passing, "When you're finished, Debbie, go into the kraal and find a calf drinking from its mother's mammary with its mouth; this will cause the milk to flow. Tie the mama's legs and milk the cow. Don't forget to take a bucket with you. Now, if you will excuse me, I'm going to rest for a while."

"Ii mama, yes, mom. While attempting to maintain decorum, Deborah muttered to herself how much she despised the situation back there.

"Grandmother just says to do this and do that; I haven't even had a chance to call Mohammad since."