Chapter 5
Their mother was slicing a squash with a large knife in the kitchen as he entered it. The pot of pork was already boiling. She added the pieces of squash and potato into the boiling pot and put the lid over it. She then looked at him with a smile and asked him how his day was.
He gave her the usual answer and handed her the biscuits he had bought at the village shop. He then took a knor (a low wooden stool) from the side and sat down next to her. He looked around the house and it was silent except for the cracking of the firewood as they burned under the bubbling pork stew.
He looked at his mother and asked her, ‘Where are Marbōd and Salan, I see or hear no sign of them?’
‘They have gone for the prayer meeting five minutes ago. It's Wednesday, remember?’ His mother reminded him.
Yes, sometimes he forgot to keep track of the days. Every Wednesday and Saturday, besides the usual Sunday Services, there was an evening prayer meeting in their church or in one of the members’ house. He would attend whenever he could, but most times, like today, he missed it. So he replied with regret, ‘Oh, yes it is! I would have gone to the service too but I got delayed at work. I also helped Ma Kiang on my way home today.’
His mother asked in surprise, ‘What did you help Ma Kiang with?’
Lamchwa explained, ‘I met him on the road as I was coming home. His car tyre was punctured and so I offered to change it for him. I didn't want him to get dirty with his suit and boots on for he was coming this way to a birthday feast at Ma Da-me's. He offered me a lift afterwards.’ Lamchwa paused as his mother nodded. After a few moments he said to her, ‘Bei... Ma Kiang has offered me a job at his Hardware store.’
His mother smiled and said, ‘Then take it, son; if you are free. Ma Kiang is a good and generous man, always willing to help others; he is not proud like the other rich people here. It will be good if you work with him.’
Lamchwa agreed with what his mother said and replied, ‘Alright then, bei. Since you too agree, I shall take up the job as soon as I am done with the house at Mōjem village. I have already told Ma Kiang that I shall be free only after that and he said that he could wait.’
His mother nodded and then said, ‘Salan has put hot water in the pot for you outside; if you wish, you can have your bath now.’
‘Okay then, I shall have my bath now.’ Saying this, he went to prepare for his bath.