By Thorn Mulli
Six-year-old Mwikali loved watching modelling shows on television. She hoped to be a model, but according to mother, only when she was old enough — like the tall and beautiful ladies glamorously strutting on walkways. So Mwikali resolved to appear older than she really was.
When mother entertained guests in the living room, Mwikali slipped into her room and rummaged through her stuff, looking for her make-up kit. She then proceeded to apply it just like mother did every morning. With the make-up complete, she went for mother’s clothes.
They wouldn’t fit but a look at the mirror convinced her she looked older. Transformed, Mwikali gracefully walked into the living room.
Oddly, her mother and her guests only cast smiling glances at her then proceeded with their tea party. She had hoped they would notice how grown up she had become. Could she have missed something?
A few days later, mother hosted a chama and little Mwikali spent more time dressing up. This time, they surely would see how grown up she had become but alas! An hour went by and all she got were the same blank expressions like the last time. Soon enough, she got tired and fell asleep on the couch. When she woke, she could not help but ask her mother why her adult friends did not seem to notice how grown up she was.
“Never act like someone else, always be you” was the answer she got. Even though she did not fully understand what that meant, Mwikali decided she would stop playing dress up.
A few days later, mother’s friends were back again. On this occasion, Mwikali sat like a lady, quietly sipping tea in her own clothes and when everyone was finished, she helped clear the table. This she did clumsily, eliciting a few laughs from the adults present before something unexpected happened while she was still within earshot.
Mrs Mbugua commented on how mature and grown up Mwikali had become with the other guests nodding in agreement. A gleaming Mwikali could not hide her joy as she continued with the chore.
Years later, back from her first day at work as a professional model, Mwikali thanked her mother for her wisdom and swore she would always strive to be herself.
