My Son

This a story that I wrote for my office buletin board.

I remember my son’s first day in school till date. His initial excitement was infectious. My husband spent every evening buying him things he needed for his school. A new bag, a water bottle, new uniform, pencil box, pencils, erasers, etc. He kept saying that our boy will grow up to be the best son in the world.

I drove him to his school. When I dropped him off at the gate to an affectionate looking school maid and started to leave, he called out, “Where are you going?” I promptly replied, “Home beta. I will pick you up in an hour. You be good okay” and kissed him on his forehead.

Probably at this point he realized that he will be left alone to take his first step into his new world. He looked scared. I could see that he was about to cry. I gave him a hug and assured him that I would be back in an hour to pick him up.

“Don’t go. Come with me.”, he said
“I can’t dear. This is your school. See none of the mothers are going in. Are all the other kids crying?”
“Don’t go.” He continued to say listening to nothing.
“You wait outside. I will see you from that window.” He said.

“Your little sister is waiting for me to come home. Please be a good boy and stay nice. I will get you the car you wanted if you are good.” Now the deal seemed good. “Okay ma. But come back soon. You will come na?”

“Yes dear, I will”.



Years later, I am sitting in this small dusty room with a small window waiting for my son to come to me. He promised that he will come and take me as soon as his new house was ready. He said it won’t be more than a week.

It’s been a year, I haven’t seen my son. After loosing my husband and daughter, he is all I have. I am still waiting for him to keep his promise the way I did when I left him in school on the first day…..