This evening I planned to meet with Jeremy's mother the moment I returned from work. His mum goes out very early in the morning and comes back late at night. Since it was about to rain heavily, I felt the mum would have returned home earlier today. So when I got back home this evening, I changed and headed straight for an eatery to buy some snacks for Jeremy. I bought an extra plate for the mother as well. I took these snacks and went to the house to knock. Jeremy was the one who opened the door when I knocked. He paused like he had seen a ghost. Then he glanced back and returned his gaze to me and whispered. "Dad." I whispered back. "Jeremy." Is your mummy in?" "Yes. She just came back." "Tell her I want to see her." He froze for a moment. I could see fear in his eyes. "Will you be in trouble?" I asked. He nodded his head. I understood his fear. I knew he was scared of his mother's reaction. Especially as she had already warned him about me. Just as I was about to turn back, his mother showed up at the door and opened the curtain. She must have heard my voice when I was talking with Jeremy. She pushed Jeremy behind her and the boy just went inside. "Good evening." "What do you want?" "I came to talk with you and I also brought some snacks and food for you and for Jeremy too. I stopped by the eatery." Jeremy was peeping through the window and I could see his face. "Did Jeremy tell you we were hungry?" "No...no. Not at all. I just wanted to see you and discuss with you. So I felt I shouldn't come empty-handed. I thought of what to get and believe me this was the best thing I could come up with." "We are not hungry, sir. We just ate dinner not long ago." I nodded. "Can I come in. So we talk?" "About what?" "Ummm... I understand you do not know me that well. I am your neighbor. I stay just over there. Jeremy and I have been friends and I met him once when I gave him a lift to school and since then I have been giving him lifts to school." "Are you a driver?" "No... I am a writer and script writer and I work for an establishment as well." "So since you are not a driver why are you interested in giving him a lift?" "I just... I mean since we go out together in the morning and I... Madam listen. Jeremy is a nice boy and I have seen him as my son as well as you have. I just wanted you to understand..." "Jeremy is not looking for a father. If he were I would have shown him where his father is. Please stay clear from my son. Please." She entered the house and shut the door angrily. For a moment I felt embarassed and useless. Jeremy waved at me and I waved back. I do not know if he was saying sorry or saying goodnight to me. But before I could wave back, his mother forcefully dragged him away from the window. I felt bad. I turned and left. On my way home, I got beaten by the rain. My clothes were drentched. It was as if the heavens were in agreement with her. I do not know if to stay off or try one more time. I do not know at all #nakupenda #Discipline