Every morning again, there's that tense moment when we say goodbye, and leave Nelson at home with his ayi. He screams, refuses to stay behind, pulls us back in, and his anger stays with us even after we have left the building.
Words
We spend the summer with his grandparents, and the anger is now accompanied with words. We say "Grandpa is going to work" he says "work". Whatever that means beyond waking up early and taking a bike or car to leave the house.
Shoes
Back in Shanghai he's transferred that knowledge. Every morning when he sees us dressing up, he'll say "mama work" and help me to get my bag, push my shoes onto my feet, and open the door for me. The drama has transformed to an exciting morning ritual.
Me too
Two weeks into the new ritual, he's decided that it is time for Nelson to go to work too. He collects socks and shoes, his little schoolbag and an umbrella and opens the door, this time to let himself out. "bye bye" he calls from the hallway. "Nelson work". Now it's my turn to shout: "Not without your underwear, you!"
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| Picture by Ben Schaap www.benschaap.nl |
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