Back in my day

“That was so embarrassing. Why did you do that?”

“I had to. When I was poor they always laughed at my family. Now, I laugh at them.”

“But dad, don’t you think it is immature for you to brag to people because you are rich now? Money is not everything.”

“Listen to me, I know you never go hungry and have everything you need, but when I was young I never knew when my next meal would be. I first wore shoes in form two. I became a millionaire at 40. Of course I am going to enjoy my success and rub it on people.”

“You are not the richest person in the world dad.”

“I know. Right now though, I am richer than all my relatives combined.”

“Is that the reason you are always going to the slums every weekend?”

“Yes. I have to remind myself of where I came from, and why I should never return there. I also rub it in the noses of those people who said I would never amount to anything.”

“I think what you are doing is wrong dad. Please stop concentrating on showing off. At least spend some time with us. You are hardly ever at home.”

“I do not know what you are complaining about. Children of these days are spoilt. When I was young, my dad had seven wives. He was always sleeping outside, drunk and very poor. He never cared about us. I doubt he even knew our names. I, on the other hand, am always home. I make sure you have everything you need in life. To me that is enough. The rest is your mother’s responsibility.”

“But dad, we never see you. The only questions you ask me are about school. You never care about my hopes, my dreams or what I want to be in my adult life.”

“I see adolescence has finally arrived. It seems you need a spanking.”

“But dad…”

“Don’t ‘but dad’ me. I see other fathers who never come home. They do not care whether their children have eaten or not. I am always here. None of you care enough for me. Nobody says hi to me when I come home, nobody removes my shoes and bring me slippers. Nobody cares about how my day was. All you do is chat with people on your phone, play your computer games and make noise when you need me to buy you something.”

“Dad you also come in chatting on your phone. We have tried to say hi to you numerous times, but you are always busy making calls, sharing photos and videos on your phone. You yell at us when you need something, yet were are just there.”

“This lack of respect is really astonishing. I see your mother has taught you to talk back to your father.”

“I just need you to be a man and grow up.”

“WHAT?! WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME?”

“You heard me. Be a man.”

“OK. I see. Clearly, you have no respect for me.”

“How can I respect a man who is never there for his family? Always busy showing off how rich he is. Rich in money, not in love. Don’t walk out on me. I am talking to you.”

“I have to otherwise…”

“Otherwise what? You can’t handle the truth.”

“Cindy stop trying my patience. You have insulted me enough. Stop now.”

“I won’t stop. You have never wanted to listen to me. It is about time I told you the truth. Dad where are you going? Dad? STOP!”