Genji’s Story: I’m Choosing Both

The room is elegantly set, with soft lighting casting a warm glow over the long dining table. Genji, dressed in a soft blue kimono with dark blue and bright pink accents, sits at one end, her hands clasped in her lap. Her fiancé, AKEEM, a tall, dark-skinned Nigerian man with a warm smile, sits beside her, his hand resting protectively over hers. His mother, MAMA KEHINDE, regal in her colorful traditional Nigerian attire, sits across from Genji’s parents, who are visibly uncomfortable.

GENJI’S MOTHER

sits stiffly, her eyes narrowed as she picks at the food on her plate. GENJI’S FATHER leans back in his chair, arms crossed, a look of disapproval etched on his face. The silence in the room is thick, only interrupted by the faint sound of clinking utensils.

Genji’s best friend, YUKI, sits quietly to the side, watching the tension unfold with concern. She casts a supportive glance at Genji.

Genji takes a deep breath, the weight of the moment heavy on her chest. She knows what’s coming, but she also knows what she must do. The conversation had been simmering all night, but now it was time to face it head-on.

GENJI’S FATHER

(coldly, breaking the silence) “So, Genji... when are you going to stop this nonsense and start thinking about your family’s honor?”

The words hit like a dagger, but Genji doesn’t flinch. She feels Akeem’s hand tighten around hers, grounding her. She looks at her father, her dark eyes steady.

GENJI

(calm, but firm) “Father, this isn’t nonsense. This is my life. Akeem is the man I love, and I won’t apologize for that.”

Her mother scoffs, shaking her head as she avoids eye contact.

GENJI’S MOTHER

“A Japanese daughter marrying... him? What will people say? What will the family think? This isn’t our way.”

Genji’s chest tightens, but she refuses to let her parents’ judgment dictate her happiness. She straightens her back, lifting her chin.

GENJI

“I’m not marrying him for what others will say. I’m marrying him because he is kind, loyal, and loves me for who I am. He doesn’t see me as a piece of honor to uphold or a box to fit into.”

Her words hang in the air as her parents exchange uneasy glances.

AKEEM (calm, his voice steady)

“With all due respect, I understand your concerns, and I know it’s difficult. But Genji and I have chosen each other. We’re building a life together that’s based on love, not tradition. That’s what should matter.”

Mama Kehinde nods in agreement, her voice soft but powerful as she adds,

MAMA KEHINDE

“In our culture, marriage is about unity, about two souls coming together as one. Love should be celebrated, not confined by borders.”

Genji’s mother glares at her, but before she can respond, Genji stands up from the table, her voice strong and unwavering.

GENJI

“I love my heritage. I love where I come from, and I respect our traditions. But I also love Akeem. I’m not choosing between my culture and my heart—I’m choosing both. I won’t let outdated views define the future I want to build.”

She looks directly at her father, her gaze unwavering.

GENJI

“I refuse to live in a world where love is seen as a weakness or a failure because it doesn’t fit someone else’s idea of ‘right.’”

YUKI (grinning, raising her glass high)

“Whoo hoo!”

The outburst breaks the tension, filling the room with a moment of laughter, though Genji’s parents remain stone-faced. Genji’s father slowly stands, his eyes locked on his daughter.

GENJI’S FATHER (quietly, but with a tinge of regret) “It’s not what we imagined for you, Genji.”

Genji’s voice softens, but her resolve remains.

GENJI

“I know, Father. But this is my choice. Akeem and I are going to build a family full of love, respect, and acceptance. I hope one day you can see that.”

The room falls silent once again. Genji sits back down, her hand once more finding Akeem’s. The tension in the air slowly begins to dissipate, and while her parents’ approval remains uncertain, Genji knows she has stood her ground.

Akeem squeezes her hand gently, leaning close to whisper.