Chapter 4-1

Chapter 4-1

            Wayne and Steve reviewed the new house’s plans, laying them across the table in the barn. “Steve, I just can’t get over it,” Wayne said, reviewing the plans. “You want us to build a two-story home with three bathrooms and a bedroom for all the kids, plus a nursery with a playroom beside.” Steve just nodded his head. “Steve, it would take a full year to build this house,” Wayne said, putting his fingers through his hair and then tracing the lines with his fingers. “You even doubled the square footage,” Wayne said as he looked at the figures on the lines.

            Steve laughed, looking around the room. “Wayne, I know you and Martha. You’ll grow into it. I do not doubt that,” he patted him on his bare back.

            “I tell you, it can’t be done, Steve, not by spring,” Wayne said, shaking his head and looking at the plans again.

            “Pa, there are some men out here looking for you,” Robert said.

            “Alright, son, be right there,” Pa said as he rolled up the plans.

            “Hello, Mr. Downing, sir,” the man replied respectfully, unperturbed by the sight of everyone being naked. Even he and the boys were shirtless and barefoot as they offered their help to finish the crop in the field over yonder, so they could prepare for the picnic. The temperatures were so extreme that it seemed insane for anyone to wear more than that.

            “How much space do you think you boys will need for this picnic?” he asked. “It’s hard to tell. Last time we counted over two hundred, and that was twenty years ago,” the man replies.

            “Two hundred!” Wayne said, hitting his head with the palm of his hand.

            “Yes, sir.”

            “Small gathering my foot.” Wayne looked again at the flyer over by the phone.

            Steve laughed, “Wayne, don’t sweat the small stuff,” and slapped him on the back, leaving him standing there.

            With determination, Wayne strode towards the door, his voice carrying across the room as he hollered at his boys. He playfully slapped Steve on his bare back, a sign of their close bond, before directing him towards the barn. Eager to escape the scorching heat, the boys wasted no time in changing into their farmer overalls, leaving their shoes and shirts behind. Once ready, they joined Pa and Steve in the wagon’s front. Pa handed the reins over to Steve as the boys, and Pa braced themselves.

            “Steve, just lightly flick with your wrist because if you do it too hard.”

The horses came to life with a hard start and a jump, leaving the barn, and then galloped; Steve, trying to pull back hard on the reins, bouncing up and down on the seat, turning white as a sheet. Robert, Will, and Richard hang on tight as they go past the house and down the road a few paces, Pa and the boys laughing in the back. Ma, Mary, Lizzy, and EJ busted a gut, laughing as they watched Steve, and the boys fly past them.

            Steve’s wife Loraine yelled back, “Don’t work too hard now, Steve. I’ll bring you some fresh lemonade.” She laughed so hard she nearly fell right off the porch.

Martha watched the dust clear, and her boys go down the road, wiping the tears of laughter from her eyes. “Well, I guess we better see about lunch for our silly boys,” she said as they waved goodbye.

            EJ turned to his Ma, clutching his ribs from laughing so hard. “I’ll be fine, Ma,” he said confidently, observing Sam and Danny frolicking in the yard. His brothers were happily enjoying the day, their carefree laughter filling the air, as they remained blissfully unaware of their lack of clothing. With each block he picks up, a smile forms on his lips. He can’t help but steal glances at the fields, where his brothers work tirelessly, feeling a deep longing tug at his heart, desperate to be united with them. “Maybe next time,” he chuckled, his laughter blending with the sound of Steve’s nervous laughter as he tried to navigate the wagon, creating a symphony of amusement.

            Pa and his boys, Steve, Richard, and the farmers cleared the hay field for the picnic all that afternoon. Loading the hay bales onto the wagons helped them store it away for the season.

Wayne was very grateful for the help. “Oh, it was nothing, Mr. Downing, glad to help another framer, that’s all,” with a smile on their faces. Martha and the girls brought them all refreshments and a nice lunch for all their trouble with freshly baked cookies and fresh lemonade. “Thanks, ma’am,” each one smiled back and waves, “Just remember to keep your porch light on,” as they drive away, headed back down the road.

            The boys unhitched the wagon and put the horses away, wiping the day’s sweat from their faces. “Well, Pa, that’s that,” the boys said as they looked at the fresh bales of hay in the barn.

            “Not bad for a day’s work, I’d say,” Pa replies. Pa takes his arm and puts it around his boys. “No, sir, not bad at all. Too bad we had to do it all at once, but it is nice to be done, I have to say,” he said.

            “So, Steve, would you say it drives like a car?” Richard asked, slapping Steve on his red sun burned back.

            “Ouch, that hurts,” he replied.

            “Sorry,” as they all laugh, noticing that he was a little sunburned.

            Robert notices it, too. “Did you forget something today, Steve?” Slap.

            “Ooooh.”

            “Sorry.”

            When Will got his chance, Steve ran into the house, with the boys laughing behind him. Steve exclaimed, “Not fair!”

            “Come on, dear,” she said, taking him down the hall. Loraine winked at her. I’ve got just the thing for those sore muscles, too, and that sunburn,” she added, closing the door behind them.

            The next thing you hear from the room is, “Oh, that’s cold, dear! That tickles! Ahhhhh.”

            “That’s a good husband.” Loraine laughed like a schoolgirl inside the room and hummed to her man and the moon.

            Martha convinced them to stay one more day; she wasn’t taking no for an answer, and neither was Wayne. They took keys to ensure Steve would stay put again. After dessert, he had an extra glass of milk with something extra.

Martha whispers, “Thanks, Doc.”

            He yawns with the words coming out of his mouth as they take him down the hall, “Not fair,” sleepily like with a yawn.

            They laughed. “Goodnight, Steve. We’ll see you in the morning,” they all said.

Martha and Aunts finished the boys’ kitenge gowns and placed them on their beds as they turned themselves in; Ma and Pa made their rounds like they do every night. First, stopping in the boy’s room, wishing each boy goodnight, and then into the girl’s room. Ma and Pa smile, laughing at their silly girls because they pushed their beds together to create one bed.

            Ma bent down, brushing their hair away from their faces as they bent down softly. They kissed their cheeks, whispering, “Goodnight, our silly girls, and sweet dreams,” and closed the door behind them. Heading down the hall to their bedroom, they closed the door behind them, their house still busting at the seams just a little. Filled with love and family, they thanked each other for the meal with a warm embrace.

            “Martha, dear, do you know how much I love you?” Wayne asked, whispered in her ear.

            “Yes, dear, I do,” and he hums softly in his ear.

            Sunrises early on the farm with the day breaking through the sky; Mr. Rooster springs to life with a magical c**k a doodle do. Ma is in the kitchen humming along with the aunts, preparing breakfast with a smooth start.

“Good morning, girls. Julie, wake the boys. Tell them breakfast is almost ready, dear,” she said.

            “Yes, Ma.”

            “Anna, dear, please help me set the table.”

            “Yes, Ma.”

            The boys all gleamed with joy, seeing their new Kitenge, and hurried to put them on; the first thing they did was spin around the room with EJ grabbing his ribs from laughing so hard. Richard couldn’t believe his eyes watching these two in these strange gowns, but he couldn’t help but laugh. Sam and Danny were on the floor, rolling with laughter, watching their brothers spinning around. Julie and Ma can hear them clear down the hall. “Alright, boys, your breakfast is getting cold,” she yelled.

            “Yes, Ma,” Robert said, and Will helped EJ with his crutch as they all went to breakfast. Seeing her three boys wearing the Kitenge, Ma smiled and whispered thank you to each one.

            They smiled, “Ma, that’s what brothers are for; besides, they’re fun,” and spin.

Ma and their sisters laugh, watching them, Ma says. “What silly boys I have,” she said.

            Everyone seated around the table for one last breakfast together. Pa stood up from his chair, clearing his throat, and tapping the orange juice glass. “First off, I have some news,” he said as he looked around the table, looking at his little family. Then she looked at Ma across the table. She nodded with a tear in her eye, “It looks like, family, we are moving.” That got everyone’s attention, as Ma and Pa smiled.

            “Where, Pa?” they all asked.

            “Oh, not far,” he replied.

            “When Pa?” Robert asked.

            “They tell me by spring. I don’t know how,” Pa said. His children looked at him, puzzled.

            “But Pa, we just started the rooms,” Will replies. Steve and Richard burst out laughing. Pa himself tried to keep a straight face. “Yes, I know,” looking at the three of them. “You are still going to be building those rooms, my sons.” You’ll just be building them with a new house, that’s all,” he replied. Watching everyone’s jaws hit the table. Steve and his wife Loraine and EJ’s aunts laughing around them, then got up from the table, giving each of the children a big hug before sitting back down. The children did not know what to say, looking at them speechless. Martha wiped the tears from her eyes.

            Steve stands, “It’s our way of saying thank you,” looking at EJ, “from his Aunt Margaret and his grandmother.” He sits back down again and nods to everyone. Ma and Pa thank them again. Pa brings the table back to order. “We also, with great sadness, like to wish you a safe return to your homes and hope you will come back to our farm as often as you can because you, too, have become part of our family,” as Pa tries to hold back the tears from said goodbye. He raises his orange glass with a toast of gratitude and sits back down. Ma passes down the hot biscuits and the ham, wiping the tears with the back of her hand. The breakfast table all buzz about the new house.

            After the chores were done, Steve and Loraine packed up the car and gave everyone a last goodbye before returning home. Mary and Lizzy hugged each other and kissed on the cheek. “Martha do not be so hard on yourself; if you need us, just give us a call,” Mary said.

Martha wiped her eyes as she patted them on the back. “Thank you for all your help.”

walked them to their car.

Richard follows them. They shake their fingers at him and hug him. “You mind them, you hear,” Lizzy said.

            “I promised Mother I would, didn’t I…and I plan to stay put,” he replied.

            Martha laughed with a tear in her eyes and put her arm around him. “Thanks, Richard,” she kissed his cheek. He didn’t even blush; he just smiled. Everyone gathered around to wave them down the road. As they all looked back at the farm, it seemed quiet now, and the house seemed lonely as they walked back inside.

            “Well, Pa,” Ma said as she looked around the house, and Ma sighs, “Boys, looks like we have work to do.”

            “Yes, Ma.”

            “But the question is, where do we start first?” Ma asked. Everyone laughed as Will and Robert spun around the room, making themselves dizzy. Julie rolled her eyes and picked up Sam, turning him upside down, and Anna spun Danny. Pa went over to the sink, picked up a glass of water, and poured it down Ma’s back.

            Ma screams, “Wayne?” as the boys run to Their bedrooms to change clothes, then hurry. The barn only wearing a smile. Richard picks up EJ, running and heading towards the barn with the other boys. The kids Grabbed their buckets, and the war was on the right where they left off. Splash! This time, EJ was in the cart while Robert and Will pulled him so he could splash buckets of water that afternoon. Everyone was soaked, including Ma, laughing till it hurt, Ma passing out towels. This time, everything ends well as Ma changes EJ’s bandages and hangs up all the discarded clothing. She gives him tight hugs and loving pat on his bare bottom before giving his Kitenge gown before she sent him on his way with a smile and kiss on the head.

            “Remember, son, take it slow now,” she said.

            “I promise, Ma,” and watched him hobble out the door.

            Pa and the boys gathered outside the house; their voices filled with anticipation as they discussed the details of the new house plans. With the little ones settled for their nap, Ma and the girls made some minor tweaks to the house after their guests departed. This time, only minor adjustments were required. The girls decided it would be convenient for the boys to share a room. They weren’t about to give up their dressing room as they giggled to themselves. They were changing all the sheets and making all the beds. They put Sam and Danny back into their room, where they shared a single bed that the boys preferred due to their closeness as brothers, which still left one more room unused.

            Ma found the boy’s room overcrowded and unnecessary. “Julie, go ask Richard if he wants his room back,” her mother instructed. “That way,” she said, “we can move his things back while we’re at it, dear.”

            “Yes, Ma,” Julie said and went out the back door to find the boys and Pa measuring, trying to find a spot for the new house. “Richard, Ma would like to know if you would like your room back since we are changing things around a bit,” Julie said.

            “I haven’t given it much thought,” he said.

            Overhearing Julie, Robert playfully slaps him on the back and asked, “What’s the scoop?” “What, tired of us already? Richard”

            Richard laughs. “No, just can’t get enough of that rooster. I miss looking at him in the morning out the window. Alright, that’s fine since I’m not going anywhere for a while,” he said, looking at the spot where the new house was going to be built.

            “Richard how long is a while?” she asked, her voice filled with curiosity. Julie asked.

            “Oh, let’s just say it could be fall, could be spring, not sure yet,” he replied, slapping Robert on the back. “You’re not tired of me yet, are you?” he asked, laughs.

            “Not the way you drive a wagon,” Robert said. “Besides, the rooster would miss you, too,” he replied.

            Julie hugged and kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks, Richard.” He didn’t even blush; he just smiled and watched her return inside.

            “Well, boys, are you going to stand there all day?” Pa asked.

            “No, Pa. No, sir,” Pa laughed, putting his arms around them.

            “I am glad because I have no clue how we are going to build this by spring,” Pa said, looking at the square footage whistling between his teeth. Yes, sir, boys, it’s a big one,” he said. “Pa, you keep saying that” the boys said as they looked at the plans, not understanding them.

            “Alright, boys, let’s see if I can break it down for you. Follow me, boys. Robert, you stand here and don’t move,” he said. With each measured step, Pa counts the spaces aloud, his voice filled with determination, “One, two, three…” His gaze remains fixed on the plans as he directs Will to one spot and Richard to another, moving with purposeful strides. Pa effortlessly lifted EJ and carried him across the field, settling him in a spot near the northern field. “Alright, boys, this is the size of the house,” Pa exclaimed, his voice echoing through the vast space.

Pa stood in the middle and placed two rocks in the center, then searched for a rock for each of the boys. “Alright, that’s how big it is,” He exclaimed, his eyes widening in amazement as Pa gestured with his arms.

            The boys whistle, “Holy cow, Pa, this supposed to be built by spring?” Pa nods. “Man, we are in a heap of trouble,” they said.

            When Pa tries to laugh, his smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “And Steve says the lumber is on its way.”

“You must be joking, Pa,” Robert said, his eyes wide with disbelief. Pa, shaking his head, reveals the stack of bills of sale to prove his seriousness.

            “Yes, son,” his Pa replies, “and Steve insists that it can be done.”

            Ma and the girls bring the boys a delicious spread of cold sandwiches, refreshing lemonade, and a cozy quilt to sit on under the shade of the tree. Pa and the boys tell them all about the new house and show them how big it is. Bursting with enthusiasm, Ma and their two sisters approached the boys, offering hugs and words of motivation to ease their anxiety about the daunting challenge of constructing the massive house before the deadline.

Instantly brightening the gloomy atmosphere, Ma joyfully announces that the long-awaited annual picnic is just around the corner. It is only two days away. They had eagerly awaited the long-awaited event all year - a chance to reconnect with friends from school, witness the spectacular fireworks, engage in exhilarating games and dances, enjoy delectable food, dance to captivating music, and embrace the essence of summer before the School starts. The boys’ groan at the word school, meaning homework, now added to the list with building a house, plus farm chores, just make them more depressed.

            A kid on a bike asked, “Excuse me, are you Mr. Downing?”

            “Yes, lad, I’m Mr. Downing,” Wayne replies.

            “I have a telegram for you; please sign here, sir. Man, sir, you are a long way from town, I must say,” the boy said, trying to catch his breath.

            Richard laughed, “I know what you mean.” Robert and Will started cracking up as Pa signed for the telegram. Ma offered the boy some lemonade and cookies, watching him down two glasses in a single gulp.

            Pa said, “Sit, son, and relax. I’ll have Richard take you back to town.”

            “Thank you, sir,” the boy replies, looking down the road.

 

As Pa reads the telegram, a mixture of concern and confusion crosses his face.

 

Mr. Downing, help is on the way. Stop.

Keep your chin up and the horses running. Stop.

Aunt Margaret and the boys are on the way. Stop.

Remember to keep the porch light on. Stop.

Please give EJ a gentle kiss and a warm hug from me, Aunty M. ―end of telegram.

 

            Wayne hands the telegram to Ma, his eyes catching her curiosity as she quickly scans it before sharing it with the rest. A mischievous grin spread across Robert’s face. “Well, I guess,” looking over at Richard, “you are stuck with us,” pushed him over, and the boys laugh.

            Richard swiftly seized their heads, locking them firmly under his arm. “That’s just so I can do this,” and tickles them to death until they scream uncle. EJ and the girls helping, of course. The sound of laughter filled the air as Danny and Sam dog-piled on top of Richard, creating a joyful mess of tangled bodies. Thinking they all lost their minds, the poor telegram boy steps out of their way.

            To restore order, Pa burst into laughter and said, “Alright, boys.” Pa turned to Richard, instructing him to take the poor boy back to town and handing him the keys to the pickup.

With the boys’ help, he loaded his bike into the back of the vehicle and then climbed in, ready for the ride that would take him back to town. Ma and the girls sigh, looking towards the house and the spot where they planned to construct the new house, then laugh, thinking about how crowded they perceived themselves to be. “Wayne, when she says boys,” Ma rereading the telegram, “how many is she talking about?” she asked.

            Pa shrugged his shoulders. “Two, maybe three, dear. I don’t know, dear. You are asking the wrong person; it just says they are on their way. I have a house to build,” he said, looking back at the plans, “and not a lot of time to do it in,” he said, shaking his head, leaves her sitting there.

            Pa meticulously finds his stakes and marks the ground, his fingers tracing the measurements with precision. Looking at the plans and the house, his face shows visible signs of worry, with deep lines etched across his forehead. As the day turned into night, the boys continued to work diligently, their focused expressions never wavering as they tirelessly figured out this and that. Burning the midnight oil until Martha finally emerges. They can finally take a break. “Come on, boys, dinner’s ready,” she called out, her voice filled with warmth and anticipation. Pa sighs, blowing out the light. He and the boys are silent throughout dinner, looking towards the empty lot and worrying about how long it will take.

            The boys and Pa, fueled by determination, continue their work in the backyard long after dinner, their efforts casting elongated shadows under the flickering lantern light until the early hours of the morning. With exhaustion weighing heavily on them, they crawl into bed and quickly succumb to sleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow.

With only a few hours of sleep under their belts, they rise early to do their chores before diving back into their work, determined to make significant progress on the foundation of the house. Ma shakes her head at the boys, their sweat-soaked clothes evidence of their hard work. Ma and their sisters bring them food and snacks to keep them going. With motherly care, Ma checks to make sure her son EJ is not tearing any of his stitches while cutting wood on the wagon.

Despite his weariness, EJ giving a tired sigh, “I’m alright, Ma,” as she took notice of the sweat dripping from his brow. “It’s just hot out here,” he replied, wiping the sweat off his brow as the boys toiled in the heat. Ma whistled for the girls, her sharp whistle echoing through the air, but Pa simply raised his hand and replies, “Not today, dear.” As the afternoon wore on, Pa and his boys kept working, their hands covered in dirt and sweat.

            “That’s it,” Ma said defiantly, dousing Pa with water. The girls, not wanting to be outdone, happily drenched the boys as well. Pa reluctantly surrenders his hammer to Ma, who promptly hands him a bucket in return. “That’s enough for one day, dear,” she said, soaking him again, then tickling him till he laughed, and Danny and Sam knocked him over. Ma wins the day, and war is on.

Pa tries to return to work, but Ma won’t let him, removing all the tools and belts. “Wayne, the Annual Picnic is tomorrow, and I will not have my boys too tired to play,” she said. With that, she soaks him again, and the girls tickle him till he screams uncle. “That’s a good boy,” Ma said as she smiled and laughs. Pa picked her up in his arms and put her right into a tub of water with her screaming, “You wouldn’t dare?” She giggled like a schoolgirl, kicking her bare legs and feet in the air, laughing, splashing, and then Ma chased him around the farm with a bucket of water.

            The sound of squawking chickens filled the air as they frantically tried to avoid getting wet from the water that had missed the person. When Richard swiftly sidestepped to avoid a collision, he unintentionally showered Mr. Rooster with water. A casualty of war, a wet rooster, he’ll survive to crow another day. With everyone soaked to the bone and nicely cooled. Ma hangs the clothes on the line to dry in the sun, including Pa’s and the boys’ work shoes. “Oh well,” she said and giggled, “they needed a little fun,” she said as she watched them dripping on the line. “They won’t be needing them tomorrow,” she chuckled.

The mouthwatering fragrance of freshly baked apple pies and Ma’s famous boysenberry pie fills the kitchen, making it impossible to resist the temptation. The warm, golden-brown crusts glisten under the soft kitchen lights, while the sweet scent of cinnamon and apples dances in the air. Ma and the girls work together, their hands covered in flour, as they prepare an early supper and arrange trays of pies on the counter. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing everyone’s taste buds.

Ma ensures the boys are comfortable for the night. Upon seeing the beds, they couldn’t resist the allure of the soft, fluffy pillows, which seemed to whisper promises of restful slumber. A sense of contentment washes over Ma as she watches, a serene smile forming on her face. Meanwhile, the girls excitedly rummage through their closets, their nimble fingers handpicking their favorite outfits for the Annual picnic. The room fills with the scent of freshly washed clothes and their favorite perfume as they excitedly search for the perfect combination of comfort and style.

The atmosphere crackles with anticipation, and in the background, she can hear snippets of laughter and lively conversation. Excitement hangs in the air as the girl's daydream about the dance floor, their carefully chosen outfits captivating the attention of many attractive boys, eagerly awaiting an invitation to dance. They can practically feel the excitement building up within them as they imagine the thrilling attractions that await.

As bedtime approaches, the boys feel a small surge of anxiety creeping in. However, it quickly dissipates as they playfully twirl around in their vibrant Kitenge gowns, the colorful fabric swirling around them. Their laughter fills the room, echoing with pure joy and excitement, creating a symphony of happiness. EJ and Richard can’t help but laugh uncontrollably, their joyous sounds resonating throughout the space, harmonizing with the gentle humming of the ceiling fan.

Ma opened the door to their room, and a waft of lavender-scented air greeted them. The calming fragrance instantly relaxes the boys, putting their minds at ease. “Alright, you two silly boys, time for bed,” she said with a giggle, her voice carrying a soothing melody that lulls them into a state of tranquility. “Yes, Ma,” they laughed, removing the gowns and climbing into bed.

Ma and Pa were making the early rounds before bed tonight, tucking in all the kids. Ma was cussing Pa out for making the boys work so hard and making her worry so much. Falling asleep in each other’s arms.

The early sun slowly rises over the mountains with a loud c**k-a-doodle-doo from Mr. Rooster right near Ma and Pa’s window that morning. Cause Pa to fall out of bed onto the floor with hard wake up call, muttered under his breath, “I need to “get a new rooster.”

            “Dear, he’s just mad, dear, that’s all. Pulling himself together from the quick little morning jolts to get the blood pumping, Ma is in the kitchen, fixing a quick breakfast. There is nothing too fancy this morning, considering there’ll be lots to eat at the picnic all day: sweet rolls, muffins, eggs, bacon, orange juice, and setting the table herself. “Boys, go do your chores first this morning, then we’ll all have breakfast, then get cleaned up, then we will head out for the day,” she called out.

            “Yes, Ma. “Yes, ma’am.”

            “Julie, go ahead, get the little ones bathed and dressed,” she said.”

            “Yes, Ma. “

            “Anna, you “can you help me get things gathered into the baskets and packed?” she said.”

            “Yes, Ma. “

            Everyone” was busy bustling about the house, getting ready for the picnic. Excitement was in the air. Pa whistling while thinking about all the food and taking Ma dancing tonight as he polished his dancing shoes.

            Will and the boys are out doing chores. “EJ, if anyone asks, you just say you fell out of a tree,” Robert said, seeing him worry about what to says.

            “Thanks, “Robert,” he replied.

            “Besides, “we won’t leave your side for a minute, will we, Will?” Robert,” said as the boys put their arms around him.

            “Not for “a single minute,” Will said as he rubbed his head.

            “Now stop “worrying, you’ll be fine,” replied Robert.

            “But if they are there, Robert?” EJ said as he swallowed hard.

            “So what? “Pa, and us will be right next to you. They won’t come near you. Now stop worrying. Will you or” Robert said, and his brother Will, taking a feather headed towards him?

            “You wouldn’t dare? EJ said as he laughed, grabbing his ribs. “Uncle, uncle. Alright,” helping him off the soft hay. “You know Ma will skin you a live,” EJ replied, laughed, picking up a feather and chasing Robert and Will back into the house.

Ma couldn’t contain her laughter as she watched EJ hobbling after them, a straw tucked in his hair and a feather clutched in his hand. EJ was trying to catch them. She halted Robert and Will in their tracks. She and his two sisters teamed up, tickling them without mercy until they couldn’t resist anymore and gave in. Shaking a finger at the mischievous trio, their mother’s voice took on a stern tone as she declared, “Alright, boys. Go get cleaned up,” she said firmly.”

            “Yes, Ma. “

            Ma’s hand grazes each head affectionately as she directs them down the hall with a pointed gesture. Ma ensures all EJ’s stitches are in place and whispers, “Good, you are doing just fine.

            Thanks, Ma,” he said, sending him on his way. He grins back and Ma watches him go.

Everyone at the breakfast table for a quick bite before they go. Girls and Ma quickly clear the table, loading things in the cars.

            They decide to leave the pickup home and take Richard and Grandma’s cars, lots more room for everyone, and EJ could stretch out a bit more, then Pa locked up the house. Ma was proud of her little family. Robert, Will, and EJ dressed in their new Kitenge. Oh, how they glistened with colors that dazzled the mind. To her, they looked so handsome in them. Richard and Pa and the little ones in their new farmer overalls and shirts and play shoes, knowing the shoes will be gone within hours or sooner, knowing the little ones. Her two daughters wore a nice new dress that would turn a young boy’s head. She was proud of her little family.