"FOREVER AMEN - CHUI..."

"You know if this was Bullo, we would have trapped these big rats and turned them into food. I just still don't understand why you think it is an abomination. In fact, my friend Santana and I once roasted one and let me tell you dear sister, you know not what tasty means. Hahaha!" Brian always made jokes to make his sister brighten up whenever she was sad or worried. His sister Nilla seemed not to be listening, but rather lost in thoughts. "Did you even hear what I just said big sister?" He asked as he continued to chortle, conversing in a silly manner. "I clearly heard what you said, I am just amused that I have actually been living with a cave man who roasts rats and even eats them... Also, when was this that you and Santana fed on a rat? How poor were we on that day? My gosh! No wonder there was this day I thought you smelled like a rat," Nilla said, as she joined her brother in his chuckling. One of the things that kept the two siblings going was their silly jokes that once in a while zapped them out of their cruel reality. They were always optimistic about the future and grateful no matter their circumstances. Brian always had a silly saying that kept them both going, and it went "I am not sure whether the next wave will be just vanilla or ammonia with pepper, let me gracefully surf through this one." He always said this to help keep his head in check that, indeed, his current moment could be greater than the next and that, instead of complaining, he would accept it with grace. Poor thing, always looking for the best in the face of adversities, unyielding as they may seem, and, who could blame him anyway? The poor thing really needed fantasy to survive reality. It had been four months after Nilla and Brian moved to Nairobi from Mombasa. Before, the duo had moved from Uyoma, their village in rural Kenya, to Mombasa, in search of a better life. Nilla had just come from a very toxic marriage from which she barely escaped with her life and vowed to create a peaceful environment where her brother would be safe from violence. She was more than willing to prefer a meager table, where tranquility reigns supreme, over abundance that fails to grant solace. Did somebody say abundance? Did she really think that the food to which she also contributed in looking for and was barely enough, was actually abundance? Seems 'abundance' had clearly lost its meaning. Nilla had found a contract to work as an office messenger for a Chinese tour company as a messenger. Although the pay was not that good, she argued that her twenty thousand Kenyan shillings a month(equivalent to 128.20 USD), was better as she could budget for it and knew what to expect within the month, compared to the business she had in Mombasa, which was very unpredictable, especially since the cost of living was also skyrocketing by the minute. Her brother was also soon joining high school and this meant that she needed a stable source of income to be able to pay his school fees. Kenya has got a system of high school selection that is full of surprises. The 8-4-4 system of education was greatly beneficial for people from humble backgrounds when the late president Kibaki announced free primary education. This meant that more children from poor families were able to have access to education. The public high schools were also a little bit affordable and bursaries were also available for children who came from poor backgrounds. There is usually a very tough part when it comes to getting bursaries - the students usually have to come from around the village or area where the school is situated. This was the only reason why, despite completing his primary school at Uwezo school in Mombasa, Brian had no choice but to select a public high school near his village. This was the only way he could complete his high school without much stress of paying school fees since the school would help in paying a part of his school fees as Nilla would only pay half of it. As they were seated on their mattress which had seen greater days, the two were still laughing at the number of rats they get to fight every night before they could get a peaceful rest. Nilla really hated their home. "You know, save for the high temperatures, I somewhat prefer Mombasa to here. On the days when we were unable to change our diet or get food, we would just take a walk towards Pirates beach and on our way there, we would have mangoes that were by the roadside. I also miss getting ready Arab clients whose houses I would clean and get some little money for the week. Brother, tell me, do you think I made a mistake thinking twenty thousand is better than unpredictable business money? Do you think I did not thoroughly think this through? Rebuke me my little baby, I am listening," Nilla said with tears swelling her eyes and a lot of weight resting on her soul. She knew she was tired of trying to survive. She knew she really wanted to start living like the beautiful city women she had seen around. She knew she longed for stability for Brian. She knew her sanity was on the edge. "Nini, my dear sister and mommy, please, listen to me," Brian said as he held his sister's hands. "Your strength is what has held me this far. Your kindness and love are the two things that have kept me warm. Your wisdom is what has kept me alive. I have seen you move mountains, I have seen you defy the odds, I have witnessed you break walls and I... I am more than grateful to have been mothered and taught by you. Your zeal is what keeps me going. I know you are tired and burnt out dear sister - who wouldn'nt be? after all these years? I am standing because of the calls you have made. I live because you laid down your life for mine. I think a lot about when you will catch a break. I think a lot of when it will be over, and you do not have to keep fighting so hard. I want to let you know that that day is coming. I want to let you know that I do not take you for granted. I want to let you know that I see the scars you bear because your life has been a battlefield. I also see the wounds you are nursing because you've refused to give up for my sake. Lastly, get this directly to your skull sister - every choice you have ever made, have all led us to a better tomorrow. Your leadership inspires a profound trust within me, a faith that transcends mere belief. I am blessed only because I am associated with you." Nilla broke down. His heartfelt words about her shattered the barriers she held, breaking her into emotional fragments. She felt like she had strength to carry on once again. She hugged her brother, and they were both positive that things would work out. They were sure that Brian would attend high school with not so much hassle, Nilla's little salary would carry them through and above all, they decided to surf through the current storm with grace and hope and that was all they needed.