Homegoing

by Yaa Gyasi

“That’s ridiculous!” Edward said. “You’re a teacher. People stare at you all day.” But for Yaw that was different. At the front of the classroom he was not himself. He was a performer in the tradition of village dancers and storytellers. At home, he was who he really was. Shy and lonely, angry and embarrassed. He did not want anyone to see him there.