Arriving downstairs, at what I would think a humble 8 o clock, I was greeted to the regular and expected response from my dear old dad. A tall stocky old man touching 50 with grey streeks, neatly flowing through both his hair and the makings of a short well-kept beard. His back slightly hunched through all the hardships that life had but a reliable smile that beamed with affection.
“Hey up loser you sleep well”
“Aint you a sight for sore eyes since when did you get up early”
“Your mum was snoring again”
“sucks to be you”
This whippy exchange of banter continued for the better part of 10 minutes a usual part of the day to make it feel a little bit more special. I continued forward in my quest to the holy grail for a particularly heavy eater like me. Swinging open the kitchen door I magnified my presence casting a domineering pose to literally no one, but hey if a guy says he doesn’t get excited before food then are you sure it's a guy. At least that’s my thought. Not saying girls cant like food, it's 2020 after all I don’t want to be crucified.
Eating a well-cooked breakfast of oats, apples, bananas, nuts, raisins, prunes, and a pinch of cinnamon all left boiling in milk. The day started as blissful as could be. Full of bountiful energy I began my journey to university, alas a student’s life is full of many obstacles. I pulled out my Corsa once more exemplifying myself with the earlier notation of global warming.
“got to put my foot on the carbon footprint can’t be left out”
The journey lasted for 20 minutes since I lived close to the university. I wouldn’t say I was a particularly bright student, being in an Asian family lead to Asian level expectation. Most people try to learn to get street smart, however, I opted for my own study smart which meant listen in class when it’s time to listen and chill when it’s time to chill. I pulled into University at 9AM in a very casual outfit, a pair of iddidas trainers, sweat pants for trousers, a grey hoodie for the top and all kept under a peculiarly large and heavy jacket, an outfit which many such University students would wear to express their wondering emotions. Being my first day and start of the semester I decided to go with this attire to keep as good of a distance away from the limelight as possible. Being slightly tall at 6’0 but a well-built individual with laid back thick black hair, I wore an approachable but no-nonsense expression, not to intimidate but to stop the more expressive people from mingling. Not that I didn’t like to mingle but unlike the norm of University students I decided to keep my head down and work hard, whilst knowing that this facade I kept up wouldn’t last long once the banter began. I strolled into my first lecture headed by a man who made one wonder whether the belly came from beer due to the stress of students or eating an unhealthy amount. However, the belly had no effect on the lecture which continued as mundane as I expected, the professor almost robotical in his approach demonstrating the fact that he went through this lecture many more times, all of which I can imagine expressed the same amount of enthusiasm which for those who never went through this very exciting moment was non, absolutely none.
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Thankfully the lecture finished with all my brain cells intact and I left without looking back praying for no more whilst knowing full well there was another tomorrow. As I reached the apex of my walk flying through the corridors to leave the University grounds I heard a ping. A ping that notified me of an attempt of communication. Looking down to the D8 in my hand I saw a message which I can tell you didn’t increase my motivation. The mail stated that the recent job I applied to had rejected my application due to little experience in the field, I couldn’t find fault in them for that but it didn’t bode well with the current day.
Under the mail was another less notable, from a figure who I particularly respected and had a major influence in my life. Coming to this country many years ago with nothing both my parents worked exceptionally hard to provide for both me and my brothers. My mother in particular both looked after me and my siblings, who I can safely say weren’t the most well-behaved, whilst studying hard to be a lawyer. Fully qualified now my mother was both stern but very affectionate, some would say I was a mother's boy, and I would not disagree. The message on the other hand had not specified the affection I was hoping for.
“ When you finish go to the shops and buy the groceries were running out since you eat so much Love mum”
My response was as classy as ever, a son showing rebellion in his later years trying to gain some ground in the household but being swiftly and might I add slightly hurtfully shot down.
“ Do I have to I had a bad day and my brothers eat as much as me why don’t you ask the big one”
“ I didn’t ask son I told you what to do and if you don’t want to that’s fine, I will give you the salad from last night and your bags don’t show me that white attitude”
“ Mum that would be classed as racism nowadays you should now this you’re a solicitor”
“ I know what I am and you should know what you are a kid living of me eating the food I make whilst not being very productive at home is it my fault you kids nowadays are so sensitive, be home quick otherwise the door won’t open, Love mum”
Having no retort I turned on the ignition, my car sparking to life once more with a per, and left to make a quick start to my journey towards the store. Hoping not to forget the aforementioned goods, I jotted a quick memory list knowing that if anything was missing a bloody torrent of words would rain down as bullets awaited me from my much-loved family. A literal battlefield which I for one knew I would not win.