“Not again. If he doesn’t come, not only will I stop acting, I’m not singing again." Nii vowed, after hours of waiting for Papa. Unfortunately, Papa was in traffic. The question is how would Nii know . And even if he did, it was Papa’s problem, not his. Because no one forced Papa to make any promise. He promised to come to Nii’s play even though he knew how busy his life was. “I don’t care if it’s a play by Chigozie Obioma, or a play by Tyler Perry, if he doesn’t show up, this will be my last performance. “ Nii warned, looking around for the hoe he needed for his performance.
“Don’t say that my son, “Nii’s mother worried. “Your father knows how important today is.”
“Then where is he, Mama?” Full of bitterness, Nii asked. “If he knew how important acting was to me, he would be here today.”
“I know. “ Mama agreed. There was nothing more she could say. She had tried calling Papa but he refused to pick or even call back.
“This is sad.” Nii’s brother said, considering the number of hours it took Nii to dress up as a farmer.
Minutes later, mama’s phone rung. Though she expected the one calling to be Papa, it was just Mansa. A nobody.
“Nii, it’s time.” The director of Nii’s play informed him, offering him a hoe. “Here, use this hoe and remember who you are. You are the best farmer I’ve ever had. Wherever your father is, I’m sure he is proud of you. “
“Do you have someone to play the masked father in- law now?”
“Yes. So just hurry up. Everyone is waiting for you on the stage. ”
On the stage, next to Nii stood a man in a mask . He was supposed to be a father in law in the play and lots of people were seated just to see both of them act . “Don’t think I’m fooled by your mask“, Nii said, just like he rehearsed. “I know who you are. I’m not going to give up because of you.” It was now the turn of the man in mask.
“Have you considered that my daughter here is a soon-to-be pharmacist?”
“Yes, Sir “
“Have you considered that she is now completing her bachelor’s in pharmacy and will proceed to do her MPhil in the UK?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Have you considered young man, what kind of future you, an unschooled farmer, will have with her?”
“ Yes, Sir.”
“Then you must marry her.” The masked man finally said, removing his mask. He was Papa.
“My God, Papa!” Nii screamed, forgetting he was on the stage and supposed to be in character.
“Yes , my son.”
“What are you doing in my play?”
“I told you I will keep my promise. Didn’t I? Do you believe me now?”
