It is a bright morning. From the fourth second floor of our apartment, I can see the people pass each other without any form of greetings. I was disturbed because back in the village all I could see my people do is that before you touch anything, you must make sure that you know the welfare of your family members. What is wrong with the city people that they cannot be great their uncles and aunties? I had successfully finished my studies and moved to Mexico City, where I was hired as an accountant. I prepared myself and had my regular Mexican diet, rice and a cup of tea. This meal has seen me through my youth up to the current day. I opened my door and saw my neighbor who I had taken almost a week without seeing because he was like a nocturnal animal working in the factory at night and resting during the day. This was exactly what made my father dislike the city as the norm is broken.
I greeted him in my vernacular language and noticed that he did not know what I was saying so stretched my arm which he gladly shaken hands smiling and closed the door. This made me miss the life back at the village where I could speak my mother tongue expertly, but the city has caused me to forget some terms as I have always communicated in English with most of the people in the Town and at the workplace. I felt it was high time I should think about spending a weekend at the village with my parents and friends. I left for work so that the Asian manager would not fire me, which would be a significant hit on our family.
“I am glad that you now put on decently,” said Kim, my friend at work.
“Hello friend,” I replied.
“What is different in my dressing sir” I enquired.
“You remember the “funny” village clothing you were wearing the first day you reported at work,” said Kim.
I laughed to cover my worried face. I started thinking that Kim could have been right because the cloth that my father gave me as a present for getting a job. I have never worn it because I always feel like my friends will criticize me to be traditional instead of putting on the trendy jeans and shirts that make me feel cool. At lunch, I met my Mexican workmate who was very social. She got her phone and put on some music that was sung by a local community band. I did not enjoy it, and I tried to persuade her to stop the music before our fellow junior workers could criticize us at the firm.
“Hey, I am not stopping the music because it reminds me of my position in the society and the importance of my family in my life.”
I left her and got back to my workstation. I was disturbed the whole afternoon as I could not help think what my family would think of me when they learn that I do not like the Mexican songs and dressing code anymore. I could not help but think that I may be send off the family because of my new way of life. I am a disappointment to the entire Mexican community. I wish I never came to the city.
