mamu remembers . . .

Mrs. Mamu woke during the night to find that mamu was not in their bed.

She put on her robe and went downstairs to look for him.

She finds him sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in front him. He appeared deep in thought, just staring at the wall.

She watched as he wiped a tear from his eye and takes a sip of coffee.

"What's the matter, dear?" she whispered as she stepped into the room. "Why are you down here at this time of night?"

Mamu looked up, "Do you remember 20 years ago when we were dating, and you were only 17?" he asked solemnly.

She is touched thinking mamu is so caring and sensitive. "Yes, I do," she replied.

Mamu paused. The words were not coming easily. "Do you remember when you father caught us kissing in the back seat of my car?"

"Yes, I remember," she said, lowering herself into a chair beside him.

Mamu continued, "Do you remember when he shoved a shotgun in my face and said, "Either you marry my daughter, or I will send you to jail for 20 years!"

"I remember that too", she replied softly.

He wiped another tear from his cheek and said, "I would have gotten out today!"