My 2 Cents: Notes on expectations

Abed Naima
Nov 2 · 4 min read

‘I am Alice, I’m in wonderland,

Where’s the rabbit?

He is late again

Goodness gracious, I can’t wait for him

Who has got the time?’

Hey Margaret,

How are you? It’s been a while since we spoke. The time’s running by awfully fast don’t you think. You’re 25 now. That’s quite a heavy number. I can only imagine the responsibilities and expectations placed on your head right now. You must be going absolutely bonkers. How are the old rents doing? I assume all is well. I figure you’ve already moved out, you’re much too old to be living with them now. They would probably have kicked you out by now, they must in fact! At your age, I had a whole family to deal with. I suppose the times are different now. This generation of yours’s …. Different.

I apologize, I did not mean to begin this note with such a presumptuous tone. I only write to inquire about your wellbeing. You should have a good man on your arms by now, I hope. Not too old, one of proper age. I do expect some little ones soon enough. I am sure you have thought about it and planned it in detail. Not to pressure you but time waits for no man! Your cousin Ciku is now with child, I couldn’t help but smile when I saw it on Facebook. She’s much younger than you I must mention. Ah, kids nowadays grow up so fast.

Speaking of kids, I hear that Kilimani has become famous for their posh apartments! Most of the young adults these days are living there. It seems like a good place to start off your life, I should assume you will be following suit. I cannot wait to hear everything you have been up to. Oh! And you mustn’t forget that a woman without her certificates nowadays is no good. An education is important. Did you finally get around to applying for that master’s abroad? I only ask for accountabilities sake.

One more thing my dear, how is your health?

Yours,

Uncle Morrie.

Margaret had just gotten into her one bedroom flat on the not so suburban part of Nairobi. Fridays were always a bore. She opened the letter to read it; exasperated. She then proceeded to open a bottle of wine, sit on the floor and sob. You see, Margaret had had a day. No. Margaret had had a year. She had moved out of her parents’ house at the beginning of the year as she was supposed to…At her age. With her dad paying her rent, the transition seemed seamless, for a month or so. Then the ocean of bills begun to come through, her boyfriend left her and her plans to pursue her masters stalled. Life was happening. Her job barely paid her and the matatus she took to work would drain her before her work did. The loud lone of the night screamed at her everyday as she unlocked her door. She had barely begun, yet here she was, tired. A masters was the last thing on her mind, now a man? She scoffed at the thought.

It’s Sunday afternoon when she responds:

Dear Uncle Morrie,

Thank you for taking the time to inquire about my health. It seems high up on your hierarchy of things you expect to be going well for me. Time definitely doesn’t wait for anybody. Now, where were we? Yes, husband. Well, as for now I am swimming in a pool of conquests, yet to figure out what’s good for me. About the kids, all in God’s time. I should think about freezing them because I doubt, they will come naturally seeing as how my conquests are mostly… Indecisive.

I did move out actually! It seems to be the only thing ticked off my to do list this year. I am glad you wrote; I was wondering whether you would like to lend me some cash for one of those Kilimani homes. Kilimani homes need Kilimani cash you know. Not to be intrusive, I heard you called my father for a loan all two. We all have our battles I suppose.

I appreciate your query about my education. Very few people care to ask about such detail. My master’s is underway as expected. I should begin my applications soon. Although I have been pondering on why I wasn’t able to attend your eldest daughters’ graduation, wasn’t it supposed to be last year? Did the invite get lost in the mail? I don’t mean to be intrusive in the least, I’m mostly wondering.

All matters aside do greet Aunty Betty for me. I miss her a great deal. I heard something about her being cross with you for taking out another loan. Oh, I do hope that’s settled. It’s been amazing to hear from you.

One more thing dear uncle, how is your health?

Truly,

Margaret.

Abed Naima
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