“Dad, I feel feminine, sir,” Ade said, standing before his father.

Pa Ade lowered his newspaper and stared at Ade over the rim of his slightly tinted glasses. “Hmmm. Funke, where is my food?” he called out to Ma Ade.

“Have you told your mother?” Pa Ade asked Ade.

“I have told her, sir,” Ade replied.

“What was her response?” Pa Ade asked.

“She laughed for a minute or so and directed me to come speak to you, sir,” Ade said, his confidence waning.

Pa Ade grunted. “Hmmmm.”

The family’s Ibadan bungalow stood nestled within a quiet neighborhood. The single-story structure boasted a sloping roof and large windows that welcomed the breeze.

“I hear you,” Pa Ade said, readjusting his glasses. He continued reading, but as Ade turned to leave, Pa Ade called him back.

“Ade, I need fresh bread for my breakfast this morning. Take the money from my work drawer and also buy two extra newspapers for me.”

Ade retrieved the money and returned to his father for extra cash for transport.

“Sir, the money I have is just for the newspapers and bread only. Can I get extra cash for transport fare, sir?” Ade asked.

Pa Ade looked up from his newspaper. “No!”

Ade’s face fell. “But sir, it’s a mile away by foot.”

Pa Ade’s expression remained stern. “Better start going, or else.”

Ade eventually left for his trek. An hour later, he returned exhausted.

“I’m back, sir. Here are the bread and newspapers.”

Pa Ade nodded, eating his breakfast. “By the way, Ade, go wash my car and your mum’s too. Make sure you wash the tires clean with soap and water. After that, press iron my shirts and trousers.”

Ade’s anger flared. “Sir, I’m tired, and I haven’t eaten since morning.”

Ma Ade intervened, her voice stern. “Will you obey your father’s instructions and go do what he told you to do? Do you want your father to curse you?”

Ade reluctantly complied. Two hours later, he returned to his father’s presence, sweating and breathing heavily.

Pa Ade asked, “How do you feel, son?”

Ade’s response surprised him. “I feel strong and powerful, Dad. Masculinity is strength, power, and responsibility, Dad. Taking care of the heavy duties at home is my responsibility. I understand that now. I am a Man!”

Pa Ade smiled, proud of his son. “I love you, son.”

Ade smiled back. “Love you too, Dad.”

From that day forward, Ade became an alpha dog in his school and community.