Morning in Farato unfolded slowly, with Matou feeding chickens and watching goats, Borogie lifting a cooking pot, Nenneh Dado stirring sour milk, and Yerro emerging from his hut. The family then ate together from a large communal calabash. Matou, after tasting the porridge, remarked, "I forgot food could taste like this." Her father, Yerro, invited her to join him, stating, "My daughter, Come. You have been eating away from me for long enough. Today you shall eat beside your father." Matou then commented, "It doesn’t taste like Mama," to which Nenneh Dado responded, "No matter where you travel, nobody cooks like the woman who carried you." Yerro permitted this, adding, "Very well. But only because your sister has come home."
Morning Rhythms and Family Meals
Nenneh Dado placed a carved wooden gourd containing millet porridge, sour cow's milk, and honey beside Yerro, the family patriarch. Morning in Farato unfolded slowly, with Matou feeding chickens and watching goats, Borogie lifting a cooking pot, Nenneh Dado stirring sour milk, and Yerro emerging from his hut. The rest of the family ate together from a large communal calabash, a long-standing tradition within the household. Yerro then invited Matou to eat beside him, stating, "My daughter, Come. You have been eating away from me for long enough. Today you shall eat beside your father." The honey used in the meal had been bartered by Borogie from a local beekeeper the previous week, a testament to the family's resourcefulness and connection to the community. Matou tasted the porridge, a familiar yet distant flavor, and remarked, "I forgot food could taste like this." Matou commented on the porridge's flavor, telling Yerro, "It doesn’t taste like Mama." Nenneh Dado responded to this, saying, "No matter where you travel, nobody cooks like the woman who carried you." Bubel then joined them, announcing, "I want to eat here too." Yerro permitted Bubel to eat with them, adding, "Very well. But only because your sister has come home." This small allowance showed the special significance of Matou's return.
Yerro then initiated a conversation with Matou, asking, "So… Tell me. Everything." He gave her latitude in her storytelling, stating, "We have time. Begin where you wish." This open invitation allowed Matou to share her experiences at her own pace, without pressure or interruption. As Matou recounted her experiences, Yerro reacted to a detail about a person's gait, inquiring, "That boy truly walks like that?" His curiosity reflected a keen interest in the world Matou had inhabited. Matou confirmed, "Worse," painting a vivid picture of the individual. Yerro expressed a desire to meet a person named Yassin, saying, "I would like to meet this Yassin." This statement hinted at a potential connection or a deeper understanding he sought. Matou offered a nuanced perspective on such a meeting, predicting, "You would either like her or send her home after five minutes." Her insight suggested a complex personality. Yerro considered this, responding, "I think I would do both," demonstrating his characteristic blend of acceptance and firm judgment. Borogie observed the family interaction, remarking, "Alhamdulillah. My daughters have found one another." This expression of gratitude noted the emotional significance of the reunion. Yerro later confirmed his contentment, stating, "That pleased me." Nenneh Dado then outlined household needs, saying, "We need onions. And pepper. There is no dried fish left," before instructing, "Go to the market."
Echoes of Childhood Memories
For that afternoon, Matou experienced a profound sense of belonging, feeling simultaneously like a sister, daughter, teacher, and child, without any feelings of homesickness or loneliness. This multifaceted identity showed her deep connection to her family and her roots in Farato. Her mind returned to memories of Bakau School, a place that shaped her formative years. She recalled the foundational lessons of learning multiplication tables and the joy of reading English stories, which opened up new worlds to her. She remembered Mr. Bojang praising her handwriting, a small but significant validation of her efforts. The distinct laugh of Haddy Garjo echoed in her mind, a sound that brought back a flood of memories of schoolyard camaraderie. She also recollected the gossip shared by Samba Bah, reflecting the social dynamics of her school days. Matou also recollected Yassin frequently arguing with teachers during her school days, a detail that provided further insight into Yassin's spirited personality and Matou's shared past with her. These vivid recollections painted a picture of a rich and impactful childhood.
Later, Matou observed Khadjel at Bakau Nursery, a sight that immediately brought a smile to her face. Khadjel recognized Matou immediately upon seeing her and ran towards her with unbridled enthusiasm, a heartwarming moment of recognition and affection. Matou subsequently brought sweets for Khadjel, a small gesture of kindness that deepened their bond. She made it a point to visit her during every break time, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing this new connection and providing comfort to the young child. These interactions noted Matou's nurturing side and her ability to connect with the younger generation.
Reconnecting with Tradition and Self
Despite her physical presence in Farato and her active participation in family life, Nenneh Dado maintained that Matou remained a visitor and should engage in leisure activities rather than assisting with chores such as pounding pepper. This stance, while seemingly restrictive, was rooted in a desire to spare Matou from manual labor, treating her with the deference due to a returning family member who had experienced a different life. Matou, however, performed various tasks including sweeping the compound, a fundamental chore that kept the living space tidy. She was also seen straightening sleeping mats, ensuring comfort for the family. Her hands were busy folding wrappers, a common household task, and hanging blankets out to air. She diligently opened shutters, allowing light and fresh air into the huts. These actions demonstrated her willingness to contribute and her deep-seated connection to the rhythms of daily life in Farato, despite Nenneh Dado's gentle protests.
Bubel later approached Matou, requesting her to teach him, a clear sign of his admiration and eagerness to learn from his older sister. Matou responded by drawing letters in the sand for him, a simple yet effective method of instruction, stating, "This is A." This impromptu lesson showed Matou's role as a teacher and mentor within the family. When Bubel attempted to imitate her, Matou corrected his form with gentle guidance, saying, "No. Like this," patiently guiding his hand to form the letter correctly. This interaction showcased her patience and pedagogical skills.
Matou and Bubel subsequently collaborated to construct a kite using paper, sticks, and string, a creative endeavor that brought them closer. They then experienced the simple joy of flying it, watching it soar against the sky, a symbol of freedom and shared happiness. Nenneh Dado eventually sent Matou to the market to acquire essential household items, stating, "We need onions. And pepper. There is no dried fish left," a practical directive that reintegrated Matou into the daily responsibilities of the household. She then instructed Matou, "Go to the market." Following these instructions, Matou purchased onions, pepper, dried fish, and a small quantity of salt from the market, successfully fulfilling her task and demonstrating her capability to navigate the local economy.
Joy in Simple Moments
Borogie observed the family interaction and remarked, "Alhamdulillah. My daughters have found one another," expressing profound joy at the reunion and the visible bonds forming between Matou and Bubel. This sentiment noted the deep familial love and contentment within the household. Yerro later confirmed his contentment with the situation, stating, "That pleased me," a concise yet powerful affirmation of his happiness regarding his daughters finding each other. This sentiment followed a morning meal where Matou had been invited by Yerro to eat beside him, a gesture of honor and inclusion. Earlier, Yerro had encouraged Matou to share her experiences, telling her, "So… Tell me. Everything," and granting her latitude by adding, "We have time. Begin where you wish." This open dialogue allowed for a deep exchange of stories and perspectives. During their conversation, Yerro had inquired about a person's gait, asking, "That boy truly walks like that?" His detailed questions indicated his genuine interest in Matou's life outside Farato. He also expressed a desire to meet Yassin, stating, "I would like to meet this Yassin," further emphasizing his engagement with Matou's recounted experiences and the people who had influenced her. The morning's events, from the communal meal to the heartfelt conversations, solidified Matou's place within her family and the community of Farato, marking a profound return to her roots and a renewed sense of belonging.
