Tanya sets up an appointment with the therapist even before she talks to Dylan; he’s going to have to fall in line. Mhamha has been quiet about it ever since. She finds Dylan in his study, with his Bible. They haven’t been to church since the “incident”. She doesn’t think its avoidance; they’re just trying to protect Kupa. If Kupa says she’s not comfortable, then they won’t go. She’s choosing her battles and that’s okay.
“Dee…”
He looks up and smiles, “Tee.”
Dylan knows there’s definitely something on her mind. She never interrupts his Bible time. She hasn’t been sleeping well too. But he knew she’d come when she was ready. And judging by the determined look on her face, she’s ready now. He closes his Bible.
“You want to sit or walk?” He asks.
Tanya decides the air will do them good.
“I wanted to run something by you…I want to take Kupa for counselling.”
Dylan pauses.
“It’s just that with all that’s happened, she needs to talk about it, let it go.” Tanya continues. “There’s been too much trauma in this day and I don’t want her to think that’s normal.”
“ I think that is a good idea. When do we start?”
Tanya is shocked but also relieved. She didn’t expect it to be so easy.
“Ah well…It’s going to be just the women. It’s just that I feel there’s a lot of issues that need dealing with as women.”
He sighs and shrugs,
“Let me know when I’m needed then.”
Tanya doesn’t know if she should be relieved or worried. Has he just brushed her off or conceded? Either way she’s happy it didn’t turn into a fight. They walk back home and Dylan offers to be there when she asks Kupa to go for therapy. Knowing full well that she sometimes comes off as harsh and callous, Tanya agrees. They find her in her room on her laptop. She spends hours reading and Tanya approves of it.
“What are you reading today?”
Kupa looks up, “Oh, just some reviews on Becoming by Michelle Obama. That’s what I’m thinking of reading next.”
Dylan walks over to her and sits, “Your mother and I would like to ask you something. It’s important, but if you feel you don’t want to do it that’s fine.”
Tanya adds, “We want what’s best for you and we think this would help.”
Kupa doesn’t know what to make of this. She wonders if she did or said something wrong to warrant a talk from her parents. She doesn’t respond.
“Your mother would like you to join her in therapy.” Her father says.
Kupa looks at her mother and sees the worry in her eyes. She really wants to do this.
Tanya sits on the bed too and looks into her eyes,
“Nothing is wrong with you. And despite what you may have heard, therapy is not only for white people and certainly doesn’t mean you’re crazy. I just think that with what you’ve been through, talking might help.”
They give it a second to sink in. Tanya wants to say more but she doesn’t. Dylan steps in,
“We want you to know that we love you and we just want to help. You have your whole life ahead of you and we want you to live it without any limitations.”
Kupa has already decided she’ll do it. If it will give her mother peace then she will try it. She’s seen how Mama and Gogo relate. She doesn’t want that kind of relationship with the mother she prayed for, for most of her life. She’s a bit worried though, about talking about her past; her life at the orphanage or even before that. Will they see her differently?
It doesn’t matter. She’ll do it anyway, she owes them that much.
“Uh ok… I’ll do it.”
Tanya sighs in relief.
“Then we can get that ice-cream you like after!” her mother says gleefully.
The bribe is not necessary but Tanya decides she’ll buy Kupa the ice-cream anyway. She’ll do whatever she needs to make her daughter feel special. Dylan pats his daughter’s hand and takes his leave. Tanya sticks around to give one more piece of information,
“Gogo is coming too.”
“ Ah Mama…” Kupa whines.
“I’m sorry Kupa, it’s already been discussed. We’ll see if the doctor recommends separate sessions for us after the first one. Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.”
Kupa is visibly disheartened but imagines her grandmother in a psychologist’s office. She quickly lights up and chuckles at that.
“What’s funny?,” her mother asks.
“ Gogo will definitely shout at the doctor. I can see it!”
“Handisi mwana mudiki ini!!” She imitates her grandmother’s voice.
They both burst into laughter. Gogo walks at that moment and finds them giggling. She scowls.
“Ko what is so funny? Laughing like gossips kudaro?”
They manage to hold in their laughter.
“ Kupa come and fix the TV. It won’t go to Africa Magic.”
At that, they burst into laughter again. There’s nothing wrong with the TV, Gogo just needs to enter the child lock pin. Kupa goes with her grandmother who is now giving her a speech on acting like a hooligan while Tanya goes to her bedroom. She passes by Dylan’s office and hears him shout at someone.
“She’s my wife, that hasn’t changed! Why are you calling? What do you want?!”
Tanya doesn’t mean to eavesdrop, but her husband’s voice is so loud. Who is he talking to? She wonders.
