Chapter 1: Simple but happy

He woke up to a sunny day; the rooster’s crow had woken him up a few minutes before. Through his window, he could see the sun’s rays, and the cooling breeze was swiftly moving the palm trees. Another day, another chance, he thought, and got out of bed.

His baby sister was already in the living room, playing with her little toy car. He had made it for her a few days ago. He had taken the lids off four Fanta bottles and had made holes in each of the lids. Then he took a wire, put it through the holes, and connected them. She loved her new toy. When she saw him, she babbled, “Zayn, Zayn”. “Ndio,” he muttered while rubbing his eyes. She had grown so much since the last time he had seen her. How time flies, he thought, while picking her up. “Pretty, you have gotten so big,” he said while acting as if she were too heavy. Her innocent laughter filled the room.

After some playing around, he put her down and went out to wash his face. He got his blue jug, filled it with water, got the bar of soap, and squatted in front of the tap. Quickly, he washed his face, groaning a bit since it was quite cold. The palm trees were swaying peacefully, and from time to time, a coconut would fall, making a thud. How much has he missed Mafia Island? How much has he missed this simple, but happy lifestyle? The air smelt of salt, firewood and Frangipani flowers.

His mother was probably making his favorite breakfast. Ugali and fish. Slowly, still half asleep, he walked over to the kitchen. His mother was already inside, cooking away. He smelt her famous ginger tea and the sweetness of the pineapple, which she had just cut open. When she saw him, her eyes lit up, and a big smile crossed her face. Good morning, son. Take a seat and eat. Call your sister. Happily, he took a pineapple slice and enjoyed his breakfast. The simple things….love and peace. Was that the meaning of life? He asked himself, while sipping on his tea.