Brother's Mess

Mark

On the other face of the coin was Mark. He

was the son to honorable Makur, a

renowned public figure. Being the only son his

parents had, he was adored very much, and he

had spent almost three quarters of his life in

Kenya. This obviously worried Hon. Makur as

he was growing up uncultured.

Mark was in the living room with his whole

attention on an action movie showing on

television. He was shouting and urging on the

protagonist to beat the hell out of the bad guys

that had attempted to raid a supermarket when

he heard thundering voice roaring behind him.

It was his father. Hon. Makur was a tall, huge

man with broad chest and marks on his

forehead that signified his native culture. But

he was more of an educated man than a

traditionalist.

‘Mark, my son, this watching will affect

your health. The lights can damage your eyes.’

He said. ‘Why are you in the same position i left you hours ago? And this kind of fighting on

TV, how is it educating you? Why can’t you

ever watch educative films?’

‘Come on, dad. Come on, let John Rambo

have some peace. Go sign some documents.’ M

ark countered.

‘i***t, are John Rambo? Come strike me.’

He attempted to slap him but missed. Mark was

already in his bedroom, laughing.’ This boy’s

behavior is unbecoming.’

Over five minutes later, Mama Mark

entered the sitting room through the back

door. She was carrying a large red box that had

been delivered a few minutes ago. Her

husband was on a sofa, watching news. She

dropped the box and greeted, after finding her

full breath.

‘What is that thing, eeh?’ Asked Hon.

Makur.

‘Don’t worry. It’s the kitchenware. You

look bored, don’t you?’ Mama Mark replied.

‘I don’t think so. But shall you sit? I need

to share a word with you.’

‘Oh gosh. I am very busy, right now. Why

can’t I join you after you’re done watching news? The news seems to be interesting,

anyway.’

Mama Mark took care of the kitchen work

with the support from her little daughter,

Sandi. She availed supper at the table and since

it was a little early, she only served cold drinks

to boost their wait for the suppertime. This was

except for Mark who never liked drinks. He

had already dished himself a plateful of food,

and he was savoring it like a leopard that has

spent a long time without a prey. Hon. Makur

was joined by her wife, Mama Mark. ‘I

remember, honey, you wanted to have a word with

me.’ She said.

‘Yes, oh yes! I want to talk about Mark,’

Hon. Makur replied.

‘What about him?’ She asked softly, her

eyes surveying him.

‘I think he should go to Rumbek this

vacation. It has been long since his last stay

there, and besides, he is the only son in the

family. He should know his relatives and

culture as well. After the holidays, he can come

back.’Yes, that is a nice idea. I had thought of

suggesting this. And what about me and Sandi?’

‘I leave with Mark next tomorrow and you

two will come shortly afterwards. From Juba

you and Mark will go to Rumbek for a visit. You

should…’ Mark appeared, barely breathing,

interrupting the conversation.

‘Dad, what is this conspiracy? Did I just

hear Rumbek, or do I have to see a doctor?’ He

asked, rather jokingly.

‘No, you don’t have to. We are paying a

visit to our relatives.’ Mama Mark said.

Mark smiled in a weird way and said he

liked the idea. ‘After nearly a decade the nigga

comes around to take Rumbek under siege.’ He

said, leaving for the bedroom.