“Agape, I better find you ready to go to school by the time I reach that door, young lady!”
I pretend not to hear her yelling. She yells at the top of her lungs all the way from the kitchen.
“I am never setting foot in that school again. Never!”
Yesterday was my last day setting foot on those premises. As I get lost in my thoughts of yesterday’s events, my bedroom door flies open as Mom flies furiously in my direction and snatches the blankets away from me, leaving me bare. I’m not a fan of sleeping in any clothing, I prefer my birthday suit, thank you very much!
“Are you challenging me in my own house, child?” Mom yells furiously, and I cringe at her use of tone.
It begins to dawn on me that I’m in trouble.
“No, Mom!” I squeak in fear.
“Then what the hell am I doing here? Ain’t you supposed to be at the breakfast table already having breakfast before your transport arrives?” she scolds.
All I do is nod as I don’t want to make her angrier than she already is.
“I don’t recall muting you, so don’t you dare me!”
“Sorry, Mom,” I stutter nervously.
“Now get your thick ass off that bed straight to the bathroom and be out in five minutes!”
I shake my head in disagreement, shocking her.
“I beg your pardon?” Mom roars in anger.
“I can’t go to school, Mom.” I let out a tear and suddenly my mom’s mood changes from fury to concern.
“Sweetheart, what is wrong? Why are you crying? Talk to Mom.” She joins me in bed and we join our hands together.
“Mom, it is not my choice not to go to school. I’m sorry if I came out as disrespectful. The thing is, I would rather be home with you than going back to that hellhole,” I say, as I burst into tears and I blink them away.
“Kanti, what happened, mtanami bandla?”
“I am being mocked for having a thicker body. I’m being shamed and bashed for being different to other children. Yes, I’m thick and dark in complexion. Yes, I have eyesight problems but I’m only human, I have feelings. They call me names like hippo, baboon, mafehlefehle, gumba gumba, mnyamane, and expect me not take offence. You can’t laugh at me every time I pass near you and expect my feelings not be affected. Not only students but teachers as well. I’ve been patient for too long but now I can’t any more! I’m slowly sinking into depression! I’m failing to be strong.” I break down after the last words and mom embraces me.
“If they think that they will get away with this then they sure have another thing coming. Abangazi kahle! I’m gonna show them why they call me maNdlovu today. I’m not gonna take this lying down. No child of mine will suffer while I’m still alive and kicking. They didn’t help me give birth to you nor contribute any money towards raising you! Wait here, I’m coming back, sweetheart!” she says, and storms out of my room before I can stop her.
“Mom, wait!” I try running after her but because of my sleeping-naked tendencies, by the time I finish dressing up and going after her, she is long gone.
Only God knows what will happen…
Tell us: Do you think it’s important for parents to listen to their children at all times?
