BUTTERFLIES I N THE DARK

THE END

"What we call the beginning is often the end, and to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from"

-TS Elliot-

As the sun rose over the horizon casting a golden hue over the now familiar landscape, I stood at the edge of what had now become my home, a moment suspended in time. I opened the door to the hallway a sound echoed with memories of laughter, sadness, secrets and the comforting cadence of daily life. Each room held a piece of my heart both good and bad. Is this what mother would have wanted, who knows?

I inhaled the familiar scent of baked bread as I entered the dining room, for the first time everyone was gathered around for breakfast even dad and Irene and I felt the weight of the world press against my shoulders, a blend of excitement and trepidation as I embarked on my journey to oxford.

I could almost smell Oxford or what I imagined it to be as I packed my bags with the first lady next to me, antagonising me with her memories as she went to university. I sat with her later in the garden after I saw Irene off and thanked her for being patient with me even if I always ignored her. After I ate supper and told father goodbye for the last time in Uganda, she stopped with me at her at the door and told me a statement I would never forget "do you know why I never gave up on you, because you're like a butterfly in the dark, you don't make sense but that's what makes you special and wherever you go they will notice it" she hugged me and I realised that even with mum gone, I had found a new mother in this beautiful woman.