A Day in the Life of Thomas

This article, written by Denzil Jayasinghe, presents a fictional account of a day in the life of Thomas, a civil servant living in Ceylon in 1972. The article explores Thomas’s thoughts and concerns about his son, Denzil, a young man who seems more interested in socializing and pop culture than his studies. Thomas struggles with the financial burden of Denzil’s education and grapples with the desire to guide his son while acknowledging Denzil’s need for autonomy. The article concludes with Thomas reflecting on the mysteries of youth and his desire to understand his son better.

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across Kohalwila Road as Thomas made his way home from the council office where he worked as its top civil servant. The enormous church, a remnant of colonial times, loomed on one side of the road, its weathered stone facade a silent witness to the ebb and flow of Dalugama’s fortunes.

Thomas’s eyes scanned the familiar scene, searching for a glimpse of his eldest son, Denzil. The road bustled with life – grandmothers in their crisp saris, young men astride creaky bicycles, and schoolchildren in neat uniforms, their laughter echoing in the warm air.

There, on the opposite side, Thomas spotted a group of boys leaning against their bicycles. Denzil stood among them, his lanky frame and light complexion making him easy to pick out. Thomas allowed himself a small, wry smile. He was pleased to see his son socializing, even if it meant less time for studies.

As he passed the group, Thomas nodded slightly, careful not to embarrass his teenage son. “Poor boy,” he thought, noting Denzil’s thin frame. “What does the future hold for him?”

At home, Thomas changed into a comfortable sarong and settled into his favorite armchair. His wife, Susan, brought him a steaming cup of Ceylon’s finest tea. As he sipped, Thomas’s mind wandered to his concerns about Denzil’s education.

“Rupees 350 a month for that fancy accounting college,” he mused, “nearly half my salary.” He quickly pushed away the thought, feeling a twinge of guilt.

Later that evening, Thomas peeked into Denzil’s room. The boy had fallen asleep, his radio still softly playing the latest Hindi film songs. Thomas switched it off, a mixture of emotions washing over him. Pride in his son’s quick wit and charm, worry about his seeming lack of interest in studies, and a dawning realization that perhaps it was time to let Denzil find his own path.

As he closed the door, Thomas chuckled softly to himself. “Ah, the mysteries of youth,” he thought. “Perhaps tomorrow I’ll ask him about those film stars he’s always discussing. Who knows? I might learn something new.”