Leap of Faith

4. THE D-DAY

I don't remember much about my childhood,but i just woke up one day and I was seven. When I look back on my life, I don't remember a time when Yasmin wasn't there. Always present, always nagging,always questioning. The last part is what always irritated everyone the most. Everyone but my dad. He would wisely take on her questions with a very succinct approach, enough to let Yasmin know no more questions were welcome. But she wasn't one to take a hint. I don't remember her questions very well but even a dyslexic person wouldn't forget the "hows" and "whys" which featured the most in her line of questioning. My people(Garreh) have a small saying, "dhubi, dhubin duf" which can be roughly translated to stories have a way of bringing more stories(also replace stories with issues). You'll see why as I unfold the events of the D-day,at least in Yasmin's books.
Having had very little time to sleep, I hit the snooze button on my phone alarm twice. I gave in on the third ring and dragged my tired body to the bathroom making a mental note to change my alarm tone. It was bad for anybody with a hangover. I almost broke my hip when I slid and almost fell on the smooth,tiled floor. Had it not been for the bidet,I would be collecting disability cheques down at the Huduma centre. I silently mumbled a grateful thanks to the inventor of the bidet. Whoever said a bad day is seen in the morning,must have lacked a bidet in their bathroom(it must have been super-slippery). Usually am early, but after freshening up and heading to the dining table,I was the last one there. I took my seat beside Yasmin who seemed relieved that i was finally there. To be honest, in a weird way, I kinda felt a little bit endeared to her.I fell on the seat with a slump and let out a loud sigh that got everybody to look in my direction.
" Whoa, bad night?", enquired Yasmin. I knew exactly what she was trying out here. Let me break it down for you. First,this was classic overcompensation. Big mistake. But I get it,she was rattled and off her game. Secondly, this was some sort of warm-up, more like a curtain raiser for her big secret.
"Yeah, I had a bad night,thanks for asking. I was told something that really shook me yesternight", I replied taking a big bite of my 'anjera'(somali version of pancakes). " What will you do if somebody close to you wanted to do something really stupid to her body?", I asked. Two can play this game I thought. She kicked me under the table I almost let out a yelp. My dad,not a big fan of small talk,was done with his breakfast,and made as if to leave. Yasmin could see that her window of getting this secret that's been gnawing at her for God-knows-how-long off her chest was closing and really fast. She had to act fast. I looked at her,and for the first time in my life, I saw a defeated Yasmin. Just sitting there,in a zombie like trance,motionless with a poker face that could fool no one.I pitied her,I didn't like her, but I loved her. So against my better judgement, I acted fast.
"Baba,Yasmin wants to tell you something",I announced. My dad fell back on his chair and scanned the room first before settling his gaze on Yasmin. If he had a shilling every time he heard those words. He wasn't going to get away from this and he knew it.
" Okay,what? ", he finally asked.