At 7:15, I went upstairs singing “Dawning of a New Day” by Ntokozo Mbambo” because it was my mother and I’s favourite song. When I got upstairs, I found her fast asleep, and I was pretty sure she had forgotten herself.

“Wake up mom, dinner is ready now,” I said, but I immediately felt guilty for disturbing her beauty sleep, especially knowing that she hated being disturbed during her nap. I did not know why that was though, but I guessed it was because it triggered angry feelings about her work.

“Ndalo, my baby, I’m so tired, I just want to sleep,” she responded, whispering. “But I know you’re not going to leave my room until I promise to walk down the stairs with you, right?’’

As my mother was speaking, I could tell that she was still felt sleepy, but I knew that she had to eat something in order to avoid waking up in the middle of the night.

“Precisely, you know me mom,” I said while pulling her blanket to the floor. “Now, put on your sleepers, and lets walk down the stairs. I’ve cooked up a storm, and you know I don’t disappoint.”

As my mother and I were walking out of the room, I sensed a feeling of loneliness in her, and I thought it might have been because she was missing my dad, her husband. When I saw this, I realised that I needed to reassure her and uplift her.

“And then?” she asked. “Why are you looking me like that, Ndalo?”

“I just wanted to tell you that I love you, mom,” I responded with a smile. “We don’t say those words often enough, but just know that Simo and I love you very much, and you are the best mom ever!”

After speaking, I kissed my mother on her soft cheek, and she pretended like she hated it. I used to see her do the same thing whenever my father kissed her on her forehead, and she would boldly nod her head and say gross! But deep down in my heart, I knew that she loved those baby kisses that me and my dad used to give her.

“Do we have a special visitor, Ndalo?” my mother asked when we got to the dining table, and the reason she was asking was because I had set the dining table in a very formal manner, just like in those formal gala events.

“No mom,” I replied with a goofy face. “I don’t have any hidden reason for why I decorated the table like this. I just felt like I should do it, just so I can cheer you up.”

After a while, we all sat down and made ourselves comfortable around the table. We then dished up for ourselves, and it was our tradition at home that, every time we dined, Simo was the one who said the grace. It was funny how he forgot to say grace every time, and my mother and I always had to stare at him like he was a thief before he did it.

“What?” Simo said while looking at us with puzzled eyes.

“Simo, just pray,” I said while rolling my eyes.

Simo eventually said grace, and even though we always had to remind him to do it, he was a worshipper, so whenever he prayed, he did so like the heavens were going to open its doors and shower us with its blessings.

“My daughter, you never cease to amaze me,” my mother said while rubbing my left shoulder. “This food is delicious, and I could tell it was great as soon as started walking down the stairs. And please forgive me for not complimenting your dishes every time you cook.”

“No mom it’s fine,” I responded. “You shouldn’t apologise. So guys, I have an announcement that I’ve been keeping in my chest all day. You know that it’s been a year since I graduated at Stellenbosch University, right? Well, I received a call from the Faculty of Economics earlier, and they want me to serve as a junior lecture there. I’ll continue studying there because I’m only left with one module for me to finish my Honours degree, but it’s a great offer, mom. Besides, you know I’ve been tutoring accounting students for a little cash on the side anyway.”

After speaking, I sat there quiet while watching Simo and my mother celebrate.

***

Tell us: Do you think Ndalo should take the job offer, even if it means she would have to move to another city?