Two Day Hero

A visit that changes everything

"Where's Jakob?"

"In Mombasa."

"When's the last time he was home?"

"Well, the longest it's been is seven years."

"Seven years without seeing his father?"

"Yes, I guess his wife won't let him get away."

"Why, is he in a cage? Did she lock him up and throw away the key?"

"Don't know."

"Well, anyway, Dad is sick now. You've been here for a week. I've come for a week. Mary came for a week. How about Jakob?"

Dad walks in with a cane, oxygen attached.

The doctors took out liquid from his lungs by poking holes in his back.

"Hey, Dad, you have a big smile on your face. Good news?"

"Yes, Jakob's coming up for a couple days."

"Really? That's great. How many nights?"

"Just one, but he'll be here for two days."

"Oh, okay. And then back to Mombasa?"

"He can't stay away from Nuru too long."

The neighbor in a tidy white shirt walks in.

Dad exclaims, "Did I tell you my son Jakob is coming up?"

"He'll be able to help me while he's here."

"That's wonderful," replies the neighbor.

"He sounds like a real hero."

Dad smiles.

A story by Pemba Umoja