Family Values

Parents' kitchen. They have just returned from Mauritius at 6am that morning. Father is at the table drinking wine. I am sitting opposite him with a glass of water. Mother is at the sink, as always. They are jet lagged.

Me: Mam, will you come and sit down. I have something to tell you and papa?

Mother shoots a look in our direction, carries on at kitchen sink.

Me: Mam, please come and sit down. It's important.

Mother looks again then crosses kitchen to wipe her hands on a dishcloth, moving the butter dish just a little bit this way, just a little bit that. Most unlike her.

Me: Ma-am!

Mother: J'arrives, J'arrives!

She sits down, dresses plastic flowered tablecloth with her hands.

I inhale, deeply.

Me: Foca wanted to come but I thought it better if I told you myself.

Father: Are you getting married?

Me: On no papa, (nervous laugh, almost relieved), no. We haven't known each other long enough for that. No, I'm having a baby.

Father: (circles base of wine glass with thumb and forefinger, leans back into his chair). What have young people got against marriage these days?

Colour drains from mother's face