Dear Red

Sixty Five

The following morning, we sat down to breakfast. When my parents moved to the living room, they called me to talk.

"Tina, as I have hinted before, it is time for you to settle down and start a family. I have had informal requests for your hand in marriage for a few years now. When it was time for Suzan to get married, people remembered that I had another daughter in waiting. Of course, I took none of them seriously because you were still pursuing a higher agenda abroad," dad explained. "A few months ago, I got another such request from a gentleman whose father I hold in high regard. I think he is serious about you and he would make a worthy husband. His request comes at a time when you have reached the pinnacle of your career. You are a successful practicing surgeon. It is time to give your personal life some attention."

"Who is he?" I asked.

"Duncan Kakura. He is an auditor."

"You are tentatively engaged to Duncan. Your father and his are good friends. There's no reason to stop their children from pursuing a relationship. However if the two of you realize it is not feasible, it is okay to break it off," mum explained.

I released the breath I had been holding at my mum's words. But I had another thing coming.

"If you decide you do not want to be Mrs. Kakura, I want you to know that I expect you to get married before two more years go by," dad said seriously. I swallowed hard.

"Lenard," mum began.

"This is serious, dear. If I don't put my foot down on this issue, Tina is going to spend the best years of her life building up a medical career that is not going to keep her warm at night when she is 70. So far, she has managed to spend a decade jetting around the world studying and doing what most medics do not achieve until they are 40. I do not mean to discourage you, Tina. You can fall into bed every night exhausted and satisfied but at least have a husband waiting to meet you at the finish line."

"I understand," I said.

"That said, this afternoon, Duncan and a few relatives are coming over to meet us. It shall be a small afternoon tea. I hope you keep an open mind," dad said. Mum rose and gestured for me to follow her.

"There is much to prepare for this afternoon. Let's see what we can do in the kitchen," she explained as we left my father to read his newspaper.

The better part of the morning was spent wiping utensils for the afternoon and doing light baking. My mother and I had a chance to chat which put me at ease. We had a quick lunch and then my mother rushed me upstairs to get ready. She ordered me into the shower and made sure that I used a special bath lotion with a wonderful scent. When I was through, she handed me a gorgeous set of traditional attire. I dressed quickly while she rifled through the shoes I had brought. I had not planned to meet prospective in-laws on this trip so I had nothing particularly impressive on hand. Eventually, she found a pair of shoes that were simple yet complimentary. When the issue of clothes had been settled, I sat down and she removed the braids that she had done the previous night. My hair cascaded past my shoulders in waves. She styled it lightly but left it down.

"When it is time to serve the guests, we shall gather it up," she explained, "For now, you shall remain the gorgeous carefree beauty that you are."

I nodded and she left my room to get herself ready. I was not allowed downstairs until the house keeper came for me. At about 4pm, I heard cars in the front yard. I did not move from my position on the bed. Twenty minutes later, there was a knock at my door. The house keeper mentioned that I was needed downstairs and then continued on her way. I rose and put final touches to my appearance then slipped down to the living room.