"Why are you back from the market so early today?" Casper asked as he took the basket from his mother and placed it gently on the verandah.
"Why should I stay there," she replied, wiping her face with the edge of her cloth, "when my son is leaving home tomorrow?"
"I need to make sure everything is ready."
"So you closed the yam store?"
"I asked a friend to look after it for me," she said. "Have you bought the suitcase?"
"Yes," Casper answered. "Charles and Mallory went with me. They're inside."
"I know," she said, lowering her voice slightly. "I heard them talking."
She paused, then added softly, "You should marry Mallory when you return. She is a good girl."
Casper laughed as he walked into his room. In truth, he had already made that decision long ago.
"Muna!" his mother called as she sat down on a stool outside. "Bring me some water."
One of his sisters quickly ran to a nearby house and returned with a bottle of cold water.
After drinking, his mother went into the kitchen to check on the food being prepared.
When she later entered Casper's room, she found Mallory arranging clothes neatly into the suitcase. Charles sat on the only chair, flipping through an old magazine.
"This suitcase is very nice," she said. "I hope you didn't spend all your money on it."
"The woman in the shop reduced the price for us," Casper replied. "So it wasn't too expensive."
His mother nodded.
"I am very happy that you are finally going to the US," she said. "I had to borrow some money to help you prepare, but I do not mind."
She looked at him carefully.
"My only prayer is that everything goes well for you, and that you do not forget us."
She paused before continuing.
"Your father was a poor bricklayer, but he did his best. You must follow his example."
Casper sat down on the bed. He knew these words were important. Charles moved closer, listening as well, while Mallory continued packing quietly.
"Since your father died, life has not been easy," his mother went on. "The yam store has helped me take care of you and your sisters."
She turned to Charles.
"You have been his friend for many years. You know all this, don't you?"
"Yes, mother," Charles said respectfully. "I know. And I trust him. He will not disappoint you."
Casper looked at her.
"I will make you proud," he said.
She smiled.
"That is what I want to hear."