B- Part 4 - Story

Part 1: B- Part 1
Part 2: B- Part 2
Part 3: B- Part 3

The next day, Kairo and I wait for Heal to return from school. We tell him about Simta's proposition and his teacher's thoughts.

Heal sits down and clasps his hands. His black hair falls on to his forehead, his eyes stare at his hands and his body is still. Heal's voice is low even though his body is not fully developed. When he stands, he towers over Kairo and I but his face is hairless and his jaw is soft. He directs his intense brown eyes towards us and asks for our opinion. Kairo tells him that we will support him in any way possible. Heal looks at his hands for a while longer, Kairo presents Heal with many plans debating the effects of either decision. Heal speaks, "I would like to work at the chemist." I walk up to Heal and hug him.

In the village of B- there are certain cultural traditions that have been followed for centuries, to ensure a happy and healthy community. A person under the age of thirty is considered a trainee. People believe that the first three decades of life should be devoted to study, friendship and a chance to undertake projects that would help others less fortunate. Many professions are encouraged here, from Doctors to Teachers to Engineers to Artists. The view of the community is that each person has a brain and a special talent, regardless of their gender. The expectations of a trainee are that they help others, share belongings, achieve family harmony and a friendlier community. It is also important to work on their ambitions and dreams. In this village, it is a rare sight to see beggars.

Before a child is allowed to go to school, they have to learn the essentials about family and community living. Just like Buiy and Fah, each child has to wake early and help make the breakfast. The family eats breakfast together and clears everything away. The child and an elder make sure that the house is tidy and clean and that all chores have been completed. Soon after this, the child will learn how to shop and pick the best food available, understanding the right prices. They learn who the best shop owners are and their specialities, how to determine the ripeness of food and the amount needed. They learn to buy all the necessary ingredients and how to cook proper dinners that are healthy and enjoyable to eat. Cooking is a serious art in B-, both boys and girls have to understand the rudiments of  healthy eating. It is important that all children can provide a healthy and balanced meal as it is usual for families to take turns and cook for one another.  

After the meal, the child will usually sleep for the siesta or have time to themselves where they can learn to read, draw or play an instrument. As the sun cools, the children meet up and play in the village. Friendship is encouraged, most of the children in the same area play together and it becomes a good foundation for many friendships and for social intelligence to flourish. A child will stay out till dinner time or until the family come home, though it is not compulsory. Once the family eats dinner they may receive visitors, go out with friends or spend time pursuing solitary activities such as study, meditation or reading.

Life is rich and busy in B-, people are always out and about visiting each other. Work is considered a part of life, where people achieve satisfaction. No job is too small. Everyone implicitly understands that all work has to be done to make life easier.

Kairo, Buiy, Fah and I go shopping in the mornings. We speak to the owners and talk about food, Peto invites us in for tea, which we accept. As we drink, Peto informs us of Simta's birthday the following week. Kairo and I blush as we realise our forgetfulness. Peto smiles, "Do not worry my friends." He tells us he has organised an evening in Simta's honour, Peto and he are close friends and have known each other since they were children. Neither of them wanted to marry, instead they formed an alliance together.

In B-, marriage is allowed for anyone who is committed. Providing that the couple is thirty years or older. Marriage is allowed for any couple, even those of the same sex. However, Peto and Simta have decided that marriage was not a constructive path for them, preferring community spirit. They invest their lives into serving the village through their jobs and spreading love through close friendship. The village thinks well of Simta and Peto, many people visit them and they are active members of the festivals and celebrations in the village. Peto plays the guitar and joins the other musicians from time to time, together the village would dance and sing with the accompaniment of the band.

Kairo speaks, "Of course we will attend the celebrations and bring food." Peto clasps his hands together and smiles, "It should be a lovely evening. Make sure you bring Heal along, Simta has an immense amount of respect for the boy." We agree, drink our tea and buy some fruit and vegetables.

Find Part 5 here



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