“I didn’t want to say anything until contracts were signed. I got the part and that was enough, now I want to see how far I can take this.”
Mum sits down properly now. “So you’re leaving.”
Za’s jaw tightens. “Why do you have to make it sound like abandonment?”
“Because it is,” Mum snaps. “You’re running off the minute things in this house become uncomfortable.”
“That’s not fair,” Za shoots back immediately. “I’ve been working toward this type of opportunity for years.”
“Is that so?” Mum asks. “Well timing matters and so does intent.”
Za stiffens. “I am not leaving because of anything involving this family.”
“Then why so soon?”
“Because this is my career!” she explodes, composure finally cracking. “Why is it so hard for you to accept that I might want something outside of this house and away fromyou?”
Mum folds her arms. “And what exactly is wrong with this house?”
Za lets out a disbelieving laugh when Mum ignored the last part of her question. “Are you serious?”
Dad shifts uncomfortably in his seat.
“You constantly measure me against him,” Za says, gesturing toward me without even looking.
“That is not true,” Mum fires back.
“It is!” Za insists.
I step in before it gets too crazy.
“It’s a big opportunity Za,” I say, keeping my voice level.
Both of them turn to look at me.
Mum’s eyes narrow slightly. “Youdon’t need to mediate.”
“I’m not mediating, Mum. I’m stating a fact. It’s a big step.”
Za looks at me like she’s trying to figure out whether I’m sincere or performative.
Mum scoffs softly. “Now you’re her defender?”
“She doesn’t need defending,” I reply. “But she deservesrespect.”
“Respect?” Mum echoes. “What has she done in this house to earn respect? What goal has she achieved? For God’s sake she is twenty four years of age and she has done nothing of note.”
I…
I’m so disgusted right now. Who speaks to their kid that way?
“Whether or not she has madeyouproud has nothing to do with her being successful. Za’s success is for her. Not so you can have something to brag about at mass.”
“It’s pointless, Jabari.” Za stands up abruptly. “I get it now. It doesn’t matter what you, or me or anyone says to her. She’llalways think what I do is futile. That’s really what you think of my work, right?”
Mum hesitates just long enough for it to be obvious.
“I think,” Mum says carefully, “that the world is not kind todreamers.”
