“Let me show you what Dad got for me on my birthday. Come with me,” he said enthusiastically, as he grabbed my right hand.

Still in a quite perplexed state and at the same time, not being able to make any guesses at that point, as to what he was about to show me, there was this eagerness to see the thing that made Matt as excited as this.

When we got to his room, he opened the cupboard adjacent to his bed and pulled out a blue 1/4 guitar.

“Wow! First off this is beautiful,” I said and then smiled subtly. “Thank you,” he replied.

“But you never told me you play the guitar,” I said, faking an angry face.

“Yes because I’m still learning to play. Dad’s teaching me,” he replied. “That’s really good.

Alright Matt, can you now release me so I can take my luggage to my room and take a shower?” I asked sarcastically.” “Yeah, sure!”

The first semester of my final year at college had come to an end and I had just arrived home from the airport.

I had given up my initial intentions to be staying longer in school even when school was out of session.

This was because reuniting with my family during each recess was something I really longed for.

I opened my eyes and looked at the clock sitting in my table.

It was 5pm, basically three hours of what looked like siesta.

After checking Matt’s room and not finding him in there, I went in search of Mum.

She was in the kitchen.

“Hey Chris,” I’m so sorry I didn’t come along with Dave to pick you at the airport.

I had to go pick Matt from school,” she said.

“No Mum its fine and that reminds me, where’s Matt?”

“Oh Matt. He went out with Michael for a walk while you were asleep.

Some days, they go together to the garden down the lane to play the guitar” “okay Mum,” I said “Yeah I think Matt is learning really fast,” she added. “Interesting!”

“Yeah I just hope they’ll be back in time”, Mum said.

“I hope so too. By the way Mum why don’t you let me help you out with the veges for once?” I asked her.

She never let me touch anything in the kitchen and I always wondered why.

“Let me tell you a story Chris. When you were three, i always had you by my side wherever I went and just like now, you always wanted to be with me whenever I was cooking.

One day, I was doing some deep frying and then I heard the doorbell ring.

..I stepped out for a second to check the door and I had barely opened the door when I began to hear you cry loudly from the kitchen so I rushed to see what was going on and there you were, writhing in pains,” she narrated and then paused.

“what was the cause of the pain, Mum?” “Well apparently you had put your hand into the oil in the frying pan and it was steaming hot.

I couldn’t just imagine how painful the scald must have been for a little boy your age.

...Michael and I had to take you to the hospital immediately. i couldn’t even forgive myself for what happened and you need to understand that you were all your Dad and I had at that time and we loved you so so much.

Your Dad wasn’t happy with me and I could understand. I should have been more careful.

It took roughly two weeks for the injury to heal,” she continued.

I looked at my hand and saw a very faint scar at the back of my right middle finger.

“oh, I’ve noticed this scar but haven’t really cared to ask what caused it.” “Yeah now you know.

..So since the accident occurred I have been very skeptical about having you in the kitchen because I always have this subtle fear that you’d either get another scald or accidentally get a knife cut or something,” she replied.

“But Mum I’m a grown man now isn’t it?’ I asked.

All the while, i stood leaning on the wall as I listened keenly to her story.

“Yeah, my boy is actually a grown man now,” she said and then put her hand on my shoulder.

“Good so you should do away with the insecurities,” I told her.

“okay fine. Come help me dice the vegetables if that makes you happy,” she said, smiling. The lounge door banged.

“That must be Michael and Matt.” I paused for a moment and then heard Matt’s tiny voice. He was singing out loud on his way to his room.

We continued the cooking until we were done. “Chris could you come help me set the table for dinner,” mum asked.

“Baby this is really delicious,” Dad complimented.

“Oh Thank you! You should commend Chris for his amazing cooking skills,” Mum replied.

“For real he made this?”

“He did assist me actually,” she said. “okay “ “And yeah that reminds me Chris. Your daddy has stolen Matt’s heart away from me. I forgot to tell you,” she said.

Dad chuckled and took a glass of water “How is that?” I asked Mum.

“Matt now spends more time with your daddy more than he does with me,” she replied jokingly but with overtones of jealousy.

“But Mum I just enjoy watching him play the guitar every evening when he’s back from work and you’re always busy either getting the table ready for dinner or something else,” Matt interjected.

“They also go to the garden to play together for reasons best known to them, and they never ask if I’d love to go along with them,” Mum replied.

“Well, Matt hired me as his music tutor and I’ve got to take my job seriously.

I wouldn’t want to entertain any distractions or intruders when it’s time for serious business,” Dad scoffed.

“Michael!” Everyone laughed at Mum who tried so much not to laugh. However, in no time, she burst into laughter.

“Well since I can’t beat you guys, I’m left with no choice than to join you guys,” she said.

“But Dad on a more serious note, you guys should take Mum along with you more often, when going for your music tutorial sessions.

..That way she won’t feel left out. Isn’t that a good idea?” I asked.

“Okay fine! Mum can come along with us the next time we go. But she has to promise me she won’t disturb our music lessons,” Matt said audaciously but in a funny way.”

“I promise” “Alright then, I think that settles it,” I replied.