Ice Cream

One Flavor for Life

"I'm going to marry Kerubo," said the young man to his father.

"That's wonderful, son. Let's go get some ice cream."

They walked to the new ice cream shop that had just opened in the village. Everyone was talking about their creative flavors—coconut mango, cinnamon banana…. The list went on and on.

As they approached the ice cream shop, both father and son's eyes grew wide. Their heartbeats quickened.

"So, son," said the father, "what kind of flavor do you want? I'll treat. But you can only have one flavor."

"Just one flavor?" the son exclaimed. "This place is renowned for having all the sweetest flavors."

The father put his hand on his son's shoulder.

"Son, when you get married, you're making a choice to have only one woman for the rest of your life."

"But what does that have to do with ice cream, Father?"

"One flavor, son. That's all you can have.

I know it is a big decision, son. You need to be sure that you are ready for it."

The son scanned all the flashiest flavors.

"Strawberry," he answered.

"It's always been my favorite, and it always will be. Just like Kerubo."

His father smiled.

"You might just be ready, son."

He turned to the shop keeper.

"Two strawberries, please."

A story by Pemba Umoja