Mamadou has now entered school. Per his father’s request, Mamadou sometimes comes for “studies” around dinner-time. After one such session, Kairaba asks Mamadou what he wants to be when he grows up. Mamadou has trouble answering the question. Kairaba tries many times to explain and finally says, “You’re not understanding. When you finish school, do you want to be paramilitary, or…?”
“A paramilitary.”
Kairaba describes how a member of the paramilitary will need to be strong, intimidating, tell the people on the road Stop and Asha! Go on. Kairaba says, “No, I would not like Mamadou to join the paramilitary.”
He explains to Mamadou that with school papers he can get a job that will allow him to not work hard but have money so that “the people will always have enough.” Mamadou could even be president. Neene joins the conversation to discuss what life will be like when Mamadou is president. He will drive by in a car and all the people will shout, “Fatou Bobo’s Mamadou! Fatou Bobo’s Mamadou!” He will send Neene to America where they will fix her knees.
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