Wrestling & Soccer

“Okay, but no pinching or slapping Erzulie.” But whenever she ended up in a headlock, he knew that her flailing arms would attempt to smack or pull anything she could reach. Clad in a stained dishdasha with a slightly ripped pocket she earlier contributed to, he would playfully charge at her while she shrieked and tried to avoid his grasp. She usually kicked at him, that high, pointy-toed and rather useless move that was only aimed at creating distance between them so she could better her retaliation. Her older sister would pass by and shake her head, “Whay, machinich 15 sena.” But they both laughed it off and continued their match.

Their mother was not very fond of their version of indoor soccer though. Many a times the ball would smash into a frame, vase, or lamp, creating a loud thud. The two would stop, look at one another with the same, antsy, wide-eyed expression. The house was silent. “Shino hatha? Ishkisartaw?” their mother would call out. After inspecting the crime scene, one of the two would yell back, “La walla shay.” But of course, there were always unfortunate incidents, for instance, when one of the wooden, intricately painted bird statues was shot down by a forceful, slightly deflated ball.

Five Christmases later, she walked by the slightly injured bird. She stopped and held the cool, smooth sculpture between her palms. She smiled when she noticed the bird’s somewhat injured beak.




PS I memorized the entire soundtrack. This song really brings back memories. My cousins and I actually acted some parts of it out: the car scene and another clip where we had our hair in rollers. Go figure.

at 9:06 AM