The days passed quickly, but for me, the week felt like it was moving in slow motion. Finally, Saturday came. Usually, Saturday was just a normal routine of heavy lifting and counting change, but this time, everything felt different.
I woke up before the sun was even fully out. By Six AM, I was already standing beside the white Toyota Corolla, my school bag replaced by my market ledger. Only God knows how long I had been praying for the school days to end quickly just so I could see Auntie Sarah again.
I leaned against the warm metal of the car, closing my eyes. I couldn't help but imagine her beautiful, calm face and that sweet scent of lavender that followed her everywhere. It was so much like my mum's—a scent that felt like home.
While I was deep in my thoughts, I suddenly felt a light tap on my shoulder. I jumped slightly and turned around, only to be met with the judging face of my father. He had his arms crossed, looking at me like I had grown a second head.
"Um, good morning, Daddy! How was your night?" I blurted out, trying to look busy. "And for your information, I have been waiting here for over fifty minutes. It seems you're late today. What happened? Were you busy?"
Joseph raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Good morning to you too. And what do you mean by 'I am late'? I am right on time, darling. Maybe you are just very early today."
"What? How am I early? This is my usual time for getting ready for the market!" I said, though I felt a little guilty. I knew I had rushed out of bed. "But I was only thirty minutes early, and I've been here for over fifty minutes... so that means you are over twenty-four minutes late! Please, when you're done, kindly check your watch to see who is telling the truth."
Joseph immediately looked down at his watch. His eyes widened slightly as he realized I was right. He cleared his throat, looking a bit embarrassed.
"And by the way," I added, scrutinizing him from head to toe, "you look quite different today. What is the inspiration behind today's look? You even polished your shoes until they shine like a mirror."
"How do I look? This has always been me!" he rushed to say, avoiding my eyes as he opened the car door. "And please, Ma'am, if you're done with your questions, kindly get in the car, buckle your seatbelt, and let's head to the market. It's almost eight o'clock!"
"Well noted, Sir," I said with a cheek
smirk. I knew exactly what he was doing. He was trying to avoid my questions because he knew I had caught him trying to look good for a certain someone.
As they drove toward the central market, Joseph stole a glance at his daughter. He couldn't help but feel a massive wave of pride. He had raised her alone to this age, and she had become so brilliant and smart. At fourteen, she was already becoming a beautiful woman.
Looking at her reminded him so much of his late wife, Mary. For a second, a shadow of sadness passed over him, pulling him out of reality. But then, he thought of Sarah. He thought of her smile and how much he wanted to see her today. He didn't know where this feeling came from—maybe it was because Sarah shared that same gentle spirit his Mary had. He found himself smiling at the steering wheel.
On the other side of the car, I was lost in my own world. I had so many things to tell Auntie Sarah. I had questions about her sewing, questions about the market, and most importantly, I was busy planning.
How can I link her to my father? I wondered.
She was kind, she was smart, and she smelled like memories. In my heart, I already knew: she was the only one fit to be my mother.