She stands at the top of the steps, arms hanging down by her sides, looking through the bars of the security gate, she watches me leave. I roll down my window – let out a wave – her hand rises in return. I kiss mine; blow a kiss, mom catches it, blows one in return. Tears in my eyes – ‘have a happy birthday, mom’. I let out the clutch and pull away. Dad has walked ahead, to the security-complex security-gate, he has the remote control in his hand. “Have a good trip Sunny Jim,” he says to me, “and be careful, we hope you’re home for Christmas.’
I have my new South African Passport, my new Schengen visa (valid for three years). I’m on my way to the Rainbow Warrior.
