Will you remember this day, Gogol? his father had asked, turning back to look at him, his hands pressed like earmuffs to either side of his head. How long do I have to remember it? Over the rise and fall of the wind, he could hear his father's laughter. He was standing there, waiting for Gogol to catch up, putting out a hand as Gogol drew near. Try to remember it always, he said once Gogol reached him, leading him slowly back across the breakwater, to where his mother and Sonia stood waiting. Remember that you and I made this journey, that we went together to a place where there was nowhere left to go.
In this excerpt from "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri, Gogol's father encourages him to cherish their shared experiences. As they navigate the journey together, the father emphasizes the value of memories and the bond they share. His gestures and laughter symbolize the importance of connection and the moments that shape their lives.
The father's request for Gogol to remember their journey signifies a deeper message about the significance of family and...