Twelve and Not Stupid by Zuraidah Omar

     I find this story very mysterious. It is because of how the writer starts the opening. First my thought about this story is Papa were having an affairs with Auntie May behind Mama knowledge. But no actually. Papa just wants to help Auntie May family problem because Yem which is husband to Auntie May and he is Papa’s older brother too. That’s why Papa gets involved.

     Also I like how the writer plays with the character. They have bad and good character. For instance, even though Papa was willing to help Auntie May, he has another character that I kind of not like. He’s like another different world when he with his family. Papa is reserved and doesn’t talk much. Which is true: Whenever Grandpa, Mama’s father, comes to visit Sasha’s family for a few days, he and Grandpa can sit in the living room together for hours and not say much to one another.  But then again, when his friends come by, Papa is not reserved at all and is often the most talkative in the group. Weird isn’t?

     I dislike Yem’s character because Yem is doing a lot of wrong towards Auntie May and his sons, Kassim. First by marrying Auntie May without Jah’s knowledge (Yem’s first wife). Then by pretending that he hasn’t a second family and even worse, neglecting this second family. This shows that Yem is not responsible husband and Auntie May is patient woman because she pays for everything. The house and their food.

     I adore Mama’s character because Mama is a very correct person who gives a lot of thought to what she says or does. She who keeps informed about plans for the family, what they are to do over the weekend and where we will be going for their holiday. This shows that Mama was very responsible mother toward her husband and daughter, Sasha.

     Last but not least, I like how the writer ends the ending. 

“I (Auntie May) didn’t invite you (Sasha) into my (Auntie May) house the last time. It’s late now so I (Auntie May) can’t invite you (Sasha) in this time. You (Sasha) must come again and get to know Kassim (Auntie May’s son) better”

“Mama turn her head in my (Sasha) direction and one of her (Mama) eyebrows is lifted in a question-mark”