Captured

Culture

"Do you like this?" I ask as I stare at my reflection in the mirror.

"Yes babe, the same way I liked all the other outfits you've tried on," Daniel responds with a puzzled expression.

I wonder if this outfit is suitable for brunch. "Babe, we're gonna be late, remember what your brother said-" Daniel starts, but I cut him off.

"Kev was just talking out the side of his mouth. Jamaicans are naturally late and he knows that," I say dismissively.

"Babe, you look great," Daniel reassures me. "Okay fine, this will have to do I guess," I reply.

Perfect.

Today, we'll be going to a breakfast party to spend more time with my family. I missed my siblings, and it's clear that I've been missing out on a lot. It's starting to feel like I don't know them anymore, and I hate that.

ON THE WAY

"Kev, can I have the Aux?"

Shan, nuh badda play nuh fuckry we nuh heart is broken" he chaffed before turning to Daniel and inquiring "bare fuckry she listens done?"

A confused Daniel shrugs " I - Uh-"

"Relax Kev and give me the aux" I interrupt

"ano stone ages eno bredda tun on uh Bluetooth Badman"

I connect my phone to the car's Bluetooth and begin scanning through my playlists. It then dawned on me that I'd never really introduced Daniel to too much of Jamaica's culture

"I'm going to put you on babe..you ready? I ask Daniel

"I'm ready" he smiles softly at me

If you are going to be my husband, it is important that you appreciate authentic dancehall music and know my favorite artist. The legend that I am about to play is my favorite for various reasons. He sings from the heart, making it easy to connect with his music, even though we have had different life experiences. He is an incredible storyteller, and his music has healed my sadness and wounds on numerous occasions.

yea, we fall and we rise🎵

This talented young man? He is The Dancehall butcher

We listen to his latest album the entire way...

After receiving our armbands, we enter the party and are immediately surrounded by a nostalgic atmosphere. The old-school dancehall songs, the dialect, and the delicious aroma of our cuisine.

LATER THAT NIGHT

Your birthday is coming up" I remind Daniel

Yeah"

"Got any plans, I haven't heard you mention it much"

"I was getting around to it, it's just with everything that's going on a few things take priority

Do things take priority over your birthday?

I could be going to jail, or rather I could be sentenced

Exactly, that is another reason you should be celebrating your freedom, especially with me before you become someone's prison thing

That's never happening, I could get sentenced but ain't no way I'm going.

Don't change the topic, what are your plans?

I have none, would you like to plan it?

Challenged accepted.

I can't wait

I know, you want to visit this prison talk now?

Are you worried?

I'm a bit concerned