The high school admissions were done or at least on-going.The kids were excited to be cladded in high school uniforms,carrying their metallic box suitcases and other requirements for those that were called to boarding schools.The transport systems became busy and jammed with long-distant traveling kids.It became a televised sensational event in the long run,as the ministry of education officials visited from door to door households trying to implement their 100 percent transition agendas.The bright but needy students like Tina ,were lucky enough to acquire bank scholarships from their programs.
It was at this season that Lara Scott and Marina Tiffy began their friendship journey at Gems international highschool.The two differed in race and complexions.Lara was a blonde British girl living in the country while Marina was a chocolate girl from a Cushite community under scholarships.Year 10 began for most pupils in Lara's class,but then there was a sudden introduction of Marina Tiffy by the school director."Hello class!I'm here to officially introduce Marina Tiffy.She is an indigenous girl,who was rescued from F.G.M and found scholarships from international organizations to be admitted in this school for the entire years.I would like her to sit near Lara.Lara I expect you to guide and orient her around so that she knows everything including conducts and policies around here with time!"
Marina showing signs of shyness walked towards Lara,she sat besides her after Lara greeted her warmly.It was during the long break period when the two started becoming colloquial."Hi!I'm Lara.I will begin to start exposing you around here little by little.First let's go to the dormitories.The dormitories are safe sleeping spaces for students,each student is given a bed,and lockers.I know you have been allocated yours already,but it's also nice to go through the various dormitories around here,familiarize them just in case there might be shufftles.We have dormitories named after animals;Cat,rabbit,ostrich,and spider...." After slowly inspecting the four dorms illustrating the special prefect rooms,bathrooms and washrooms,and stores for storing equipments like sports' gears.The bell soon rang.Students typically take 8–10 subjects.
Core subjects: English Language, Mathematics, and Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
Optional subjects: Business Studies, Economics, ICT, Geography, History, Foreign Languages, Art, Music, Drama, etc.
At the end of Year 11, students sit for IGCSE exams.
Lara gave such explanations to Marina before their Mathematics teacher entered the class.Lara then whispered,"This is Mr.Jeffy.He is kind of soft when we impress him with our performances and participations in class.But then he becomes grotesque if we don't live up to his expectations.Just be careful when you interact with some of these teachers.Their temperaments and attitudes vary." "Okay,I will.Thanks!"Marina whispered back. The lunch time break bell rang soon enough after a final Physics lesson by Mr.Kolasky.As they walked down the dining hall,Marina started explaining to Lara,"You know what I have decided to choose art,music and drama as my optional subjects just like you.So the afternoon optional subjects,we shift and sit together.Deal?" "Deal!"Lara agreed.Lara continued orienting,"So here is the dining hall,we have a program of daily meals.During the week,the common breakfasts are eggs, coffee,three slices of bread,smokie,and a banana .We have a canteen around here,so only tea is provided during the long mid-morning break,students then usually purchase snacks optionally.The common weekdays lunch are;rice,beans and a watermelon slice.The evening supper throughout the week are;a slice of chicken thigh,spaghetti,stew,spinach,supplemented by a glass of passion drink.The weekend lunch shifts to slices of brown ugali,kales,and pieces of pork along with stew.It's a buffet type of service,where we queue with our utensils to different servers,who serve different quantified meals and drinks.We sit in groups of five at the designated tables,pinned on the noticeboard.The seat arrangements are meant to foster further interactions in different academic years,each member from a different grade compose a dining table..."
Now Lara and Marina were queueing as they furthered their conversations about their various tastes of meals, table behaviors of some of the students.Soon they departed from each other after claiming their allocated seats.
After their optional lessons in the afternoon,they toured the various science labs after permissions were granted,pools, library and finally the various sports' courtyards."Wow,we finally toured everywhere this evening,witnessing tennis games, badmintons, volleyball, basketball,soccer , swimming,table tennis and the rest. " "At least now I know you will try to keep up with schedules and activities around here,,now let's go and take our suppers .."Lara added,as they marched to the dining hall."After supper, we have an evening preps periods,where we are left on our own up to nine p.m to just silently do our assignments or even just revise.The prefects take charge during such periods.Then, during recession times marked by a bell,we are supposed to prepare ourselves in terms of ironing clothes,polishing shoes , showering and teeth brushing before ten thirty p.m when all lights are switched off.The prefects and teachers on duty wander around the dormitories with torches at hand, to just confirm that all beds are occupied at that times."Lara added."What about the morning sessions,can you expound on that?"Marina inquired. "The five a.m bell rings electrically,set inside every dormitories and every other building inside the school premises.We all rush for the morning preps which runs up to seven a.m. Afterwards,we have an hour for breakfast intakes,and preparations before we officially embark for the eight a.m classes." "Thanks,for such critical information,with time I know I'll just get used to the daily routines."Marina complimented."Don't worry about the bathrooms,they are just too many in each dorm, morning showers queues and delays are not an issue around here!"Lara added later before they dispersed in their respective dining tables for supper.Marina for the better part of the weekdays was trying to adjust to the daily routines as she even hanged around with Lara during breaks.
The weekend finally set in,Lara rushed towards Marina's bed in a different dorm that Saturday morning,"Wake up!It's the weekend." "What?The bells didn't ring?Am I late or in trouble?"Marina panicked as she slowly encroached out of her blankets."No!You silly,the entire Saturday,we are free upto the night preps times when we will be guided by the bells.Today,kids do laundry,assigned cleanings, sports or choose to go for entertainment sessions in the afternoons." "Huh!Oh!"Marina lazily sputtered.She dragged herself slowly out of her bed."Before I forget, we usually do general cleanings from ten a.m.The kids collaborate to clean their respective dorms,while other employed cleaners focus on other areas." "Okay!" Marina yawned.
Marina and Lara prepared themselves for that day hygienically,before embarking on laundry duties together.They brought in their basins, buckets ,set of pegs,washing powders,detergents,brushes at an open space."You know here,cases of theft,or space scrambles are rare.We have ample hanging lines,and balcony spaces for drying shoes and clothes.All our official and non-official attires were marked with an indelible bold conspicuous admission number and so it becomes really hard to even steal." "I'm glad you guys know manual laundry,you know we have stereotypes about international schools.We think that everything is automatically catered for; laundry services,cleaning services..." Marina tried to imagine before Lara interrupted,"Yeah!I know such prejudices.It's true such services take place in most international school,but our school came up with a peculiar perspective where they wanted to make us more responsible at the end of our high school period." "We have agricultural projects,where the interested students can volunteer to learn more about firewood chopping, animal rearings(cows, rabbits and sheep),and farm cultivations.We consume or even sell farm produces." "Wow ,nice initiatives from the school!I have never been in a boarding school.At home we just do herding with our goats,moving from one place to another,basic manual laundries and other cleanings."Marina commented. "Marginalized communities,I understand,how life can be tough,but you guys have really adapted the harsh climatic conditions,tropical diseases and exposures.. It's always nice to meet such diversed people ."Lara commented.
They then displayed their different washing skills on different attires as they interacted enthusiastically.They hanged their clothes close to each other,Marina did her debut dorm cleanings,soon they had lunch meals before the duo met again in Marina's dorm."Hey,let's go for entertainment,let me escort you."Lara suggested as they then marched to the entertainment hall.A bit of delays marked by buzzing of the already seated students in the auditorium."I have never been to such place!"Marina in awe surveyed the place .She sat besides Lara,while snacking popcorns.
Soon the big screens were turned on.The opening scene of the toy story movie rolled out.Toy Story (1995) is a groundbreaking animated film by Pixar and Disney, known as the first feature-length movie made entirely with CGI. It tells a heartwarming and adventurous story about toys that come to life when humans aren't around.
"Nice movie experience,I had a nice time."Marina complimented as they chose to exit the auditorium."Let's go and witness the tennis game,for the rest of the afternoon."Lara then suggested.Tennis seemed to inspire Lara,her siblings played the game as hobbies.It became a bloodline hobby.She was good at the game,to the extent that she slowly began tutoring Marina its nitty-gritty.The two left alone in the courts,were jangling the tennis ball in set-piece games.Marina seemed to be a fast learner,as she proved to beat Lara in a few sets."Outsmarting my master !"She proudly commented after winning a set.Tired but convivial they left the courts after the dining bells reverberated all around."Next time,I hope to win!"Marina panted in such optimism.Expeditiously,they then ran for supper and preps sessions later that night.The coalesce between the duo seemed quixotic.It hoped maybe it would unite them in future sports or just a basic career as they myriadly sticked to one another.
The following day,the bells rang at six a.m.Confused,Marina awoke thinking maybe there was a preps session up coming.She hygienically prepared herself,took her breakfast meals before returning to her dorm to fetch books.It was then Lara suddenly emerged,"Hey,let's go to mass.The church bells have just chimed.Hurry up!" "Church mass?I thought it was preps sessions perhaps!" Surprisingly, Lara commented."Oh, sorry for late notifications.We usually have a Sunday mass session from eight a.m at a proximal church behind the school compounds." Marina's avidity to walk past the school compounds became clear."I rarely visit places of worship back at home,but I'm always glad to irate in my nominal nomadic lifestyles back home." Then Lara tried to elucidate the order of services to Marina.A Catholic Mass follows a structured order, divided into four main parts: Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding Rites.After such a mass,they returned back in their dorms.Sunday was basically a resting day,where students chose to extend their sleeps, academic works, library time spending, sports but excluding entertainment activities.The girls chose to go to the library,to inspect the various book catalogs,and interact with various networked computers.That evening before supper,they took their dried clothes (plus shoes from balconies) from the lines,then carefully packing them inside their lockers.
The week's quotidian routines slowly caught up with Marina in the school.Marina's midterm breaks were marked with a worldwide televised event of the papacy elections,as the breaks kicked off.
Marina followed up the event at school in entertainment junctions,as she had not budgeted for such 'mid-term' breaks.Lara chose to hang around with her since their friendships was building up, basically."One day,I'll just decide to be an alter girl.You know back home,we have this mega-church.My parents are involved in missionary activities.I actively participate in our church.Spiritual leaders are really influential you know what I mean,just look at the importance and respect the pope is given, worldwide.He is a head of state,head of church,and an influential voice of impact in the society."Lara tentatively spoke. "You sure have influential parents after all.I think you should follow their footsteps."Marina commented."At this stage,I'm not sure about my future plans,but it's nice to interact with church youth,members, volunteering in music ministry.At least I feel a sense of honor accorded to the fact I'm the daughter of a popular televangelist." "Hahaha,a televangelist daughter,'titles'." Marina comically said."So about your family,may I at least know anything?"Lara curiously asked."My story is complicated but rather traumatic.I grew up in a nomadic family.Life was normal,till I witnessed my elder sister's genital mutilation while still young.She bled profusely, painfully crying out loud as the unsterilized tools, became a blunder.She was rushed to the hospital,for treatment.But then the doctors were bribed and henceforth commanded to keep the matter surreptitious.I swore to never undergo such traditions ,but then it became a coercive matter in the long run.On the eve of my circumcision,I ran away from my home to a further rescue center.They believed me and automatically accepted me.I worked hard in school and for other NGO's during my leisure times. That was how I ended up by luck,with a scholarship opportunity."Marina briefly narrated.
"So where do you plan to stay in the upcoming vacation?"Lara asked."I plan to stay at my sister's place.She is married,has kids and livestock.I will be helping around,I guess."Marina elucidated.In tranquility,they then decided to go back to class after break sessions came to an end.
The vacations soon came about.It was Marina's first vacation.In her deep thoughts inside the van,she thought over again about the FGM menance and maybe how in the future she could be an influential voice of change.Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a serious global issue affecting millions of girls and women, primarily in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. It involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons, often as a cultural or religious practice.
Laws banning FGM exist in many countries, but enforcement remains a challenge.
"I ought to be a voice in ending such discriminations despite the stigma obstacles in the long run."Marina silently thought as she alighted the van.She was glad to meet her elder sister after short brisk walks ahead.Her available sister ushers her in, hysterically,"Marrriiina!Ah!How did you know I lived here?I missed you!" "I just remembered the directions, landmarks,and addresses after noting them down (a year ago after you visited me in the center) and vowing to one day visit you!"Marina replied."I can see you are still ingenious.That was eximious.Well, I recently visited the center and told me about your scholarships to an international school.Can you maybe expound on that?"Her sister inquired."Yeah,the NGO'S that I volunteered to work with decided to grant me scholarships after monitoring my performances in school and in their fields of work, basically." "Oh wow!I'm proud of you.I know you get sorted.But here just feel at home.You can decide to help with the pastoral activities or just hang around to cleanings." "I'll just revert to my nomadic lifestyles.Do you still communicate with parents?"Marina then asked. "Parents were disappointed to learn about your escapes.They would at least love to see you face to face,talk about every pressing issues,yeah,we still communicate!"Her sister replied. "I would love to mediate with them,but after maybe I finish high school due to the unavoidable circumstances like distances,fares,and the hostile community around, holistically speaking."Marina explained."Fine,as you wish,rest a while, before you take your tea with snacks."Marina retired to brief sleeps after tiresome journeys.She couldn't wait to revert back to her nomadic life.
North Eastern Kenya is predominantly occupied by pastoralist communities such as the Somali, Borana, and Rendille, who rely on livestock for their livelihood. Their way of life is shaped by the harsh, arid climate and the need to move frequently in search of water and pasture.
For the better part of the holidays,Marina along with her nephews and nieces had fun times shepharding livestock as they irated to greener pastures.Played soccer,and other popular girlish games(local softball) in the country as they looked after their livestocks.
"Time for departure guys,I love you!"Marina kissed and waved back at her family as she was leaving for another term in the school calendar.The return for another term,became a strange phenomenal to Marina.The strict security check ups, registration queues , before settlements.Immediately after she threw herself on the bed after unpacking her stuff,Lara stepped in to lie besides her,"So Marina,tell me about your holidays.I know you are a tyro." Marina paused a while before replying,"My vacay,was exhilarating.I was able to intermingle interminably with my sister, brother in law,nieces and nephews.We played ludo games, local soccer, softball,as we even herded livestock from one place to another.It was just fun .But I also missed my parents,when my sister brought such topics up."
"What about yours?"Marina reiterated."My vacay was casual,going in for camps along with my fellow church youth.We had fun during those days.Then I came back focused in the music ministry.I'm the church's drummist.So I'm almost needed in most services taking place during the week besides Sunday.My assistant,who is also a full-time drummist decided to take a break when I'm always available." "That's well to hear that,I never stepped to church.But there are missionary churches around our area,my sister and brother in law only chose to go for church services while we kids chose to hang around.I would also love maybe one day be an active minister in various available ministries in the church."Marina elucidated."Serving God is the best rewarding service.His blessings,love and protections flow in unimaginable ways .Such are the rewards of a faithful minister."Lara added before beginning their academic colloquialism,analysing their performances in which they passed with flying colors.
The second term began smoothly,both girls vowing to perform better in various subjects.They were active participants,raising their hands to answer questions correctly.They read ahead of their teachers and became frequent library visitors.Doing individual or group works and assignments.Just before the mid-terms,an annual visiting day event took place.Respective board members and stakeholders met along with parents and the students in a colourful decorated event.The choppers landed,the posh cars filled the open field space adjacent to the school premises.Students and parents met outside (allowable for that day), hugged,cuddled as they picked up the snacky gifts from them.Others were carrying heavy luggages,others few,others like Marina had none.After the early morning intermingling sessions were halted, everyone was called to the tent-meetings.Marina lost focus as she weighed if her sister would be visiting her or not.
Better late than never,Marina spotted her sister with her kids at the gate.She sprang up from her seat, and rushed towards them joyously.She then directed them to the empty sets of seats.They had carried a few snacks' luggages for Marina.Marina had previously made phone calls to her sister,after asking the bursar for such permissions,alerting her about the upcoming scheduled visiting days as announced in the newsletters,in which Marina forgot to showcase it to her.All the same,Marina was glad to see her sister remember her in such important dates.The long harangues in the tent conglomerations left guests and the mass in hunger,less concentrating after the time chronomated upto four in the p.m.It was then the director adjourned the meeting thanking everyone for coming having no any other business.Everyone dispersed to find suitable picnic spaces, for family dining.
Marina finally found a tree shade,near the gardens.She led them to such spaces before they all settled down on the lesos that her sister brought along."Marina,you said you never showed me the newsletters, oblivious to such dates.So how did you fare academically last term?"Her sister asked."I had an A minus. I'm sorry for being oblivious."Marina replied."That's impressive,you will bring in the newsletter to me later on.But first let's have our meals."Her sister suggested.The meals were opened from their then miscallenous hotpots.They took traditional camel meat,rice, potatoes,kales,camel milk,and soups."Wow sis!This looks like a delicacy.I bet you made this!" Her sister in flattery replied,"Thanks!I never forget such culinary artistics." They ate joyously,played mobile games,as Marina garrulously bragged about the school to her sister.They soon finished dining before embarking on orientation journeys with her family.They toured every corner of the school's premises before ending up at Marina's dorm.They helped her unpack the little goddies to her locker,as she even handed over to her the newsletter."Wow,I can see you are becoming pedantic.Not a bad start.I expect you to maintain your high intelligence in academia." "I will do my best.Thanks sis!"They cuddled each other as she embarked on escorting them up to the van stage."Thanks guys for visiting,I hope to see you in other upcoming visits.Bye" "Bye!We will miss you."They said in unison as they boarded the van.Marina left the scene keeping in mind that she never felt isolated after all.Watching other families reunitying in the morning,had stigmatized her for while ,almost despairing that she won't be visited any time soon.
That evening became an entertainment event,but Lara and Marina chose to stay in the dormitories,snacking while story-telling.Lara chose to share some of her goodies to Marina eventually packing them into her locker."Wow all these snacks!You guys must be blessed.Anyway thanks for your generosity.I wish I could reciprocate your kindness."Marina courteously said."No problem!I'm your bestie after all."Lara humbly replied."By the way,I asked my parents if I could be an alter girl.Guess what?They accepted me to serve.As long as It brought me closer to God,and never disrupted my academics,they saw it aptitudely."She added."Awesome to hear that." "Would you like to join me maybe?"Lara curiously asked. Shockingly Marina replied,"No way!I mean...It's culture shock to me.I grew up with traditional forms of worship.I then rarely went to church,and now you just want me to dive into a full-time ministry,all of a sudden?" "Oh!I'm sorry, I didn't know that you will be offended.Maybe, with time,you might join me after getting used to church?Maybe?" "Maybe!I'm looking forward to get used to church and just admiring your ministry.Thanks for your concerns." "Welcome!"Lara replied as they cuddled each other.They continued snacking before deciding to go for musical entertainment sessions in the last minutes of the entertainment sessions.They danced together popular RnB and urban pop songs before retiring to bed later that night. A week to the mid-terms break,bedbug menance broke out in the school,creating a night wailing experience where pupils writhed in pain and agony as they scratched their bodies at night.It was then an emergency parade was called to, the following morning.They announced classes postponements, fumigations and early extended midterm breaks.The bites had left scores of facial and skin sores on the bodies of most victims.
Fumigation is one of the most effective methods to eliminate bed bugs, especially in severe infestations. The process involves using specialized gases or chemicals to penetrate all areas where bed bugs hide.
The fumigations got implemented as the students took early midterm breaks.Marina explained everything to her sister on why she came earlier than expected.She was glad to meet them anyway,in such extended breaks.After everything reverted back to normalcy,the students embarked on their return journeys.This time,the security checks were stricter.Checking for every health hazardous possible items, as they sanitized at the gates. The beddings inspections got extended the following day,just to make sure the school calendar didn't get disrupted after all.The second term eventually ended as hopefully planned.
The third term sooner began after the limited short summer breaks; to make it up for time wasted on fumigations.Lara and Marina got closer in academics,discussing health and diseases in the library during a science discussions,Lara suddenly began,"These sores and diseases,have you ever encountered them in such disturbing ways?" "Yes,I have ever encountered.The tropical diseases like tsetse flies,malaria,tormented me in the better part of my childhood.What about you?"Marina asked tentatively."Yes,I have had flu,the cold infections type when I was also a kid.But my parents were faith-oriented guys rather than science -oriented.It took lots of prayers before they finally decided to admit me to the hospital in the long run.That's what perhaps is keeping me from pursuing science -related careers, because of the prejudice that science is associated with atheism." "That's new,I hope you find it in your heart ,to independently choose your pathways free from influential people around you." "I hope that so!"Lara non-chalantly said knowing how hard it would be to be separated from her parents' influences.The third term seemed to superfluously run smooth ,it was then after the mid-terms break was when a sudden cholera outbreak took them by surprise.Cholera is a severe bacterial infection causing acute diarrhea and dehydration. Hospitalization is necessary for severe cases to prevent complications and death.
The administration decided to invite health forensic team to determine the cause of such televised outbreak that affected most students who got admitted to nearby level 5 hospitals and dispensaries in the county.It was then decided that the harvested water got mixed up with pollutants from farm products.The academic calendar got disrupted again as two weeks of treatments and hospitalizations witnessed class postponements.Both Lara and Marina fell victims of such critical outbreaks.However, no parents nor external visitors were allowed to see their kids,as they saw to it that panic and loss of confidence might break out, aggravating the situations.Soon,the kids through health insurance policies got discharged from their respective hospitals and school routines got normalized.They eventually closed the school late in defiance of the planned calender that term.However, in the newsletters the administration tried to explain everything crystal clear to parents and guardians concerning the late closures.They also disclosed honest statistics about the cholera outbreak and its impact.
The long end-year holidays witnessed Lara wanting to spend her holidays at the coast.She was given monies for hotel bookings,up keep and transport before they (parents) released her for her vacation celebrations.Lara travelled in style,inside a jumbo jet plane,she soon landed in Mombasa.Took a taxi that led her directly to a spacious hotel.It was then the cultural festivals had kicked off in mama ngina gardens.But first she decided to tour the active Mkomani carnival parks.
A carnival site is a lively and colorful place filled with various activities designed for entertainment, fun, and social interaction.
She had the most of her time,but nevertheless she felt lonely and hoped to meet a friend in her touring endeavors.The following day,the chirping of birds,penetrating of the oriental amber rays through her windows reflected the cosmic dawn painted through the liliac canvas sky characterized by the bouyant stratus clouds echoeing a hazel picturesque all around the ozonic atmosphere above.The gale breeze from the sea lull nearby blew past her leaving a saltic smell in her room,that made her sprang up from her bed in such allergic sneezing reactions.She took a resounding boisterous yawn before heading to the bathroom for brief hygienic preparations.
Soon enough ,she left the hotel tenements heading towards the trending cultural festivals in the city by a taxi.The cultural festivals showcased the Swahili culture richness.The parades,food,traditions,and dances displayed just outside,ushered in Lara as they manoeuvred through the populous mass at the entrance scene.The huge big screens and prospectus set above welcomed them inside the gardens,but then it was a public -free event sponsored by the county government.Lara alighted from her taxi,sorted his chauffeur,before clumsily following the crowd.She passed various entrepreneurs along the way;photographers,painters,snack vendors, coconut vendors,drinks vendors and others.She didn't mind to have a coastal taste of indigenous aliments since she was a first -time tourist,along with taking memorable commercial photos.It was then an on-going concert attracted her attention,from the hype noisy crowds ,that then she rushed to the scenes.The local artists were being showered with loves from their fandoms, when they got stage performance's chances.Lara cluelessly asked Tina,a girl standing besides her,"Hey, what's going on?" "Oh,the local vernacular artists are performing,I guess.It's hard to comprehend but don't worry, just be patient."Tina reiterated.They stood in silence for a while trying to observe everything patiently,but since Lara got a friendship opportunity to her seemingly height and perhaps age mate besides her,she then began flirting,"By the way,I'm Lara ,I came all the way from Muthaiga.I came to just tour the area this festive season.I felt so lonely.And so maybe,You could be my accompany mate.The budget is on me.I just want a candid friendship."
Tina replied amicably,"Nice to meet you Lara.I'm Tina ,I'm from the county.I wouldn't mind to accompany you around, don't worry about cost sharing.I also am willing to use my budgets,but responsibily." "Thanks for accepting me!" They then cuddled.For the better part of that day,Lara and Tina had fun face painting,riding camels,jeeps(bumper rides),snacking,and even dancing up and down before mealing biryani and other Swahili aliments in the afternoons.In the evenings, Tina couldn't go on through the overnight concerts,"My parents will become worried,if I don't return at early nights.I'm sorry I have to leave!" "No problems,maybe we can exchange contacts,then I pay your taxi bills." Reluctantly ,Tina gave her the contacts and eventually accepted to be gifted with fare from Lara.Lara after late nights partying, decided to go home.The following day, she planned to swim in the afternoons before taking off in her evening plane that she had booked prior.
Year 11 for Lara and Marina, became solemn.They were to sit for their I.G.S.E at the end of that year.They had group studies,so intensively that it really reflected in their mid-terms exams.For the first time,Marina topped her class -streams ,while Lara became third.They both scored impressive strong grade A's.The aftermath of that performance however didn't go well for Marina.The bigger girls ,who were known to be, ironically ,academic giants,approached Marina and Lara at their seats after settling down from the just concluded midterm breaks,"You two, what do you think you're doing?We are the giants here,we conquer academics, sports, leadership and of course you two!" "So,stop trying to compete here,either you apologize or we assign you a random punishment."Then the big girls laughed."Hey,that's not fair of you,we beat you fair and square,then why are you assigning punishments?"Marina questioned."You! Who gave you permissions to talk? Sponsored girl.You topped the list,a nobody,I can't believe that!"
Then Lara came to her defence,"Just leave her alone.She didn't mean to say that offensively.Maybe we can talk outside!" Lara escorted the girls outside the classroom
where she eventually bribed them.She then returned to her seat,"The prefects here have more authority than you can ever imagine according to the constitution.So just be careful how you interact with them." Lara beseeched."Okay fine, thanks for coming through."Marina non-chalantly said.She felt isolated,and had low self -esteem after all.Such words had cut her deep in her marrows but she didn't mention it to Lara,she had to keep it to herself.Lara proved to be her only friend in the school even as she had aspired to build a network of more close friends in the near future.But such developing attitude slowly proved to be a futuristic obstruction.
The prefects election was at hand.The director had officially presented the election process schedules at the assembly.Interested candidates were to register within a week with the administration.Campaigns were to take place for another week, consecutively, before the elections kicked off the following Tuesday. The prefect structure in an IGCSE-based school is a leadership system where selected students take on responsibilities to help maintain discipline, assist staff, and represent the student body. The structure can vary by school, but typically follows a hierarchical system with different roles
Selection Process
Application & Nomination: Students apply or are nominated by teachers and peers.
Interviews & Elections: Candidates may go through an interview process or student voting.
Appointment & Training: Selected prefects undergo leadership training before taking office.
The campaigns had intensified. Interested candidates for different positions walked from one class to the other explaining their manifestos,giving promises,and any other form of persuasions.Marina and Lara, sinisterly tried to traduce their bullies by registering as candidates.They never minded winning,but only to cast aspersions on their targeted candidates, indirectly.They got noticed, reported and got disqualified in the last campaigning days."Determined to bring us down,ha bye losers!"One of the big girls contemptuously mentioned to them.Tuesday elections came to pass.Students lined up to vote.They underwent through polling booths after being handed over the ballot papers, secretly voted,before casting them accordingly to various ballot boxes,given indelible marks on their thumbs to culminate their electorate obligations.The evening counting took place,no student was allowed to get out of their classes,only the teachers did the subsequent counts that night.Early morning during the assembly time,the director had the honors to announce the winners infront of everyone.The winners were then called forward to make brief speeches afterwards.Lara and Marina were disappointed if not feeling obnoxious when they heard the voices of the very same bully girls,iterated as leaders. They soon dispersed when then, they began whispering,"I can't believe the felicitations of those girls.I thought the electorate agreed with us about their misdeeds in an indirect way."Marina commented."It shows how bribery solitice can traverse in ways unimaginable!"Lara ingenuously said as they went to class.Lara and Marina agreed to study less in fear of falling victims of overtaking their prefect,seemingly jocular perfect opponents.Their erudite friends followed suit.They were afraid of getting in their ways.
The second term saw Marina happier.She was rewarded by her sister for topping the midterm exams and seconding the end terms.She had never been prouder.However,her memorable outings in the holidays to national parks, archives,and city center left a lasting resounding impression on her mind.During the term,she used to reiterate such epic stories to Lara during the free times.She would almost associate everything she came across, with her memorable trips.Lara was happy for her,but then she had only raconteured her Mombasa trip only once to her.She became skeptical of her excitements when Marina started echoeing her trips,a month later."It must feel thrilling to have such epic journeys for the first time, considering your backgrounds." "I'm sorry but you're right.It's just memorable for my case.Oblivious to my environment,I keep reminding myself of such novice tours."Marina shyness emerged.Then after witnessing field games with Lara that evening,she came across a pathway that led to a nearby forest."Marina where are going?That path leads to the forest.Don't move further!"Lara tried to stop her.
That night preps,Marina called Lara outside suddenly,when they were quietly studying in class.Both girls got out of the class then Lara curiously asked,"What's it Marina?" "Come let's go to the dorm,I'll explain everything." The girls slowly tiptoed to the dorm.It was then illegal,unless under special permissions, to be found in the dorms at such times."Listen, as crazy as I may sound,I want us to sneak to the forest for night adventures."Marina elucidated."You are definitely crazy.Do you know the repercussions?"Lara raised her voice."I know but,how will we ever know this place? During breaks, teachers outside monitor our movements strictly,come on it's just a few night hours then we are back.The preps last for two hours,by then I'm sure we will be back before preps end.We will try to come up with excuses that perhaps may rescue us from troubles." A long silence occured then that saw Lara walk to and from in such anxious short distances. Then she tried to consider,"Are you sure about making it on time?" "We will try.We both have LED wrist watches, and torches." Marina resonated.The torches were superfluously a requirement due to the frequent blackouts experienced in the area.
Soon enough,the both girls ran towards the walls, agilely, they climbed their way outside.Chirping of crickets,croaking of frogs in a nearby swamp,whimpering and snarling of distant dogs ushered them outside the school compounds.Howling of the cold wind characterized by rustling of leaves followed by tooting and rumbling of distant lorries that night vehemented the environment as they endeavoured to maneuver with their torches inside the forest.Suddenly ,Lara tested Marina concerning the environmental champions and legends like Wangari Maathai as they briskly walked,"I bet you heard about environmentalists,and climate change activists.But then from this country I want you to briefly describe a Nobel laureate,who was an activist!" "That's easy.Wangari Maathai was a Kenyan environmentalist, activist, and Nobel Peace Prize winner who had a profound impact on forestry, particularly through her Green Belt Movement (GBM).
Her Impact on Forestry:
1. Mass Tree Planting & Reforestation:
Founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, which led to the planting of over 50 million trees across Kenya and beyond.
Encouraged communities, especially women, to plant trees to combat deforestation, soil erosion, and desertification.
2. Environmental Conservation & Advocacy:
Fought against illegal deforestation and land grabbing, including protecting Nairobi's Karura Forest from destruction.
Advocated for sustainable forestry policies and environmental laws in Kenya and globally.
3. Empowering Communities, Especially Women:
Trained thousands of women in tree planting and sustainable land management, linking environmental conservation with economic empowerment.
4. Global Influence on Forest Conservation:
Inspired international movements promoting afforestation and climate action.
Advocated for the UN's Billion Tree Campaign, urging countries to plant trees to fight climate change." "Hmm, correct.I can see from your NGO work experience,you mastered such concepts."Lara complimented."Yeah,we used to receive such inspiring teachings even as we endeavoured and conspired to conserve the environment,help the community and other meaningful activities." " It's nice to be active instead of building castles in the air.I mean there's work to be done.God commanded us humans to take care of his creations as far as I can recall."Lara commented.Suddenly they heard sounds as they neared the forest;Cicada buzzing,squeaking of echoeing bats,plumoses of nightingale and other mysterious birds, howling anonymous noises coming from all directions.This marked the start of a tremendous timid journey as they entered the zone.With their torches flickering on all possible directions ,they walked close to each other sputtering in fear of creating loud attentions to unknown creatures.Slowly they tip toed taciturnly crunching the twigs and leaves underneath.They moved in past the meadow when suddenly Lara whispered,"Where are we going?" "I don't know!It's frightening,but we must keep looking for alternative pathways.I think reverting back is a bad idea.The night creatures are getting louder after sensing us!"Then Lara in a confused state said,"What?I mean....Never mind.Okay, Let's move in hopefully." They walked along the pathways for longer distances before hearing the swooshing and babbling brook adjacent a nearby river.Being timid,they decided to maneuver around instead of crossing over the river.Luckily, they found another glade."Hey it's getting late, let's rest here at our own risk.Then we will pay the consequences later on, instead of risking our lives to hidden wild creatures out there." "Good idea.Let's sleep." They camouflaged inside fallen twigs,leaves in their slumber for the entire night.
The following morning,Lara woke up mid-morning and found Marina crushing nuts with a stone as she rubbed her eyes,"Where did you get those from?" "I just climbed the tree to grab a bunch of them." "Today we must leave as soon as possible,I know everyone is looking for us.This is all your fault,never forget that!"Lara complained."Relax,we haven't even had our breakfast.Let's go fishing,cook,eat then we embark on our return journeys." "More crazy ideas.Okay!"Lara non-chalantly said.Lara sprang up from her place,and started eating up the cracked nuts besides Marina."The river is just ahead,hurry up,we are running out of time!"Marina persisted.She then moved towards the felling branches zone where she picked one of the branches,sharpened it with a sharp stone such that it became a banausic fishing tool in the long run."Let's go,let's go."Lara stood up then and both marched towards the river.They stooped low in close search of any swimming fish."There!"Lara suddenly signalled Marina who in turn, quickly reacted by throwing accurately his sharp tool inside the river.She then lifted up the tool that had sharply pierced her target."Now that's how you fish.Teaching you new tricks." "Yes,trouble master!"Lara satirically replied.They then proceeded to cook.But then,Lara became curious,"So how are we gonna cook that in such conditions?" "Easy pie,there are various ways of cooking or baking for that matter.Cooking fish in an isolated forest area requires natural methods that rely on available resources:Smoking Over a Fire (Preservation Method)
What You Need: A fire, green sticks, and time.
How to Cook:
1. Build a small rack with green sticks above a low fire.
2. Place the cleaned fish on the rack.
3. Let the fish smoke slowly over several hours.
4. This method not only cooks but also preserves the fish for later consumption.They then followed the stated procedures.They lit a fire using fire stones,by friction,placed their built racks before starting smoking.They went back to fish more fish from the river,this time Lara getting a chance to not only fish but to smoke.She became excited with such indigenous activities and henceforth wanted more adventures.She thereafter suggested that she wanted to pick up the nuts from the top tree section.Almost falling,Marina held her feet below as she encouraged her to focus.Eventually, she screamed at the top of her lungs,creating a ruffling scene from the departing timid birds in the forests.She quickly harvested the nuts, felling them on the ground as Marina did the gathering task.She thereafter slowly descended under Marina's watch."You seem to be brisk,after all."Marina commented as Lara laughed a little."Thanks for teaching me!How did you learn these stuff,the fishing, harvesting, seemed indigenous to me?" Marina cleared her throat before elucidating,"My sister used to take me for such adventures when we were kids.We travelled long distances during herding to find water bodies like dams,or lakes,we fished ,bathed, after that we came across fruits.Climbed our way on top to harvest them.Yeah, that's basically how I acquired such skills." "That's awesome,to hear you ,Marina,the adventurous kid..."Then Lara laughed before she added,"Speaking of bathing, let's take river bathes, perhaps?" "Okay!As you say so."Marina acquiescented.
Nakedly,they dived inside the cold river scaring off the passing fish,but managed to swim ,drink disgustingly,and splash to one another joyously.They then moved towards the gale where they slept flat,under the mid-morning shining sun,to just warm themselves in such nudity."You know I have never had fun like this in my life.Maybe it came at the right time, obnoxiously."Lara thoughtfully told Marina off. "It's fine,at least you learnt few skills.I'm proud of you bestie.No matter what you are my only bestie.I felt bad when those big girls looked down on me.I was anticipating to make more friends this year,but then I developed this isolated attitude and just decided to stick with you in my entire high school years." "Ooh,I'm really sorry about your self -esteem.But if that's your decision,well be it.As long as it doesn't extremely affect your mental health,or cause any kind of disruptions.I'm here for you,as you are there for me.Thanks for opening up your issues to me." Lara advised. "You're welcomed.Thanks also for understanding me."Marina reiterated."Your welcomed too.Now let's chill for a little while.I know time is not on our side."Lara hesitated.They soon fell into deep slumber, oblivious to their surroundings and time.
In the meantime,the administration had ordered and hired a search rescue team from the government's forensics.The men in blue,along with their pack of dogs soon entered the forest zones,in a rush.The K-9 dogs, confidently smelled their way inside using their innate instincts that encompassed their pathways.An hour past midday,had reached when the girls got awaken by distant howls and barks."Hey ,hey,let's get out of here ,the dogs are approaching." Both girls embarked on putting on their attires as fast as possible.As they tried to run away,in a different directions, suddenly a loud speaker voiced up in calls,"Lara and Marina,wherever you are.Stay put.This is the police.You are safe with us.I repeat.Stay put!"The girls stood there in submission as they awaited their rescuers.They were soon found.Then the chief police demanded an explanation after spotting them,Marina then confessed,"I told off my friend to sneak out of the school last night, promising her that it would be a few hours -adventures, actually before the preps end,we would have already been back.As wrong as it may seem,we jumped off the walls and proceeded to journey the interminable pathways to the forests.We got lost yet frightened by the night creatures to retreat. So, we found a meadow,rested for the night.The following morning,we had fun activities of fishing,nut harvesting, drinking and swimming in the river.It's basically all my faulty idea.She has nothing to do with this." Marina elucidated as she tried to defend Lara.The police chief then commented,"You girls are in deep trouble,since you are safe, let's go back to school,you will face your music with the administration."
At school,they were canned thoroughly for being too sumptuous about the rules.It left them with marks despite the watery tears and screams that preceded.They then rushed to the washrooms rubbed their faces,and the murky marks, areas,before heading for their backpacks in the dorms.They were officially suspended for two weeks.They were to return with their parents or guardians on the same day,at the director's office.Lara exclaimed,"I have never cried and screamed like that all my life.Those teachers were harsh to be honest.My dad is not gonna like this,if she see the scars they left on my body." "Yeah,also me,I mean, I have never been through such tortures,I thought FGM nightmares were over.But then such group of harsh intemperate teachers canning us? That's not acceptable in any way." The girls discussed about possible child abuse encounters which by law was illegal and suspects could end up in jail if found guilty.They soon switched to their juvenescence when they boarded a loud van playing urban pop music,at a nearby stage.They shook their heads in such karaokes and danced their journey away.
At home,both girls confessed their faults in a candid way,but then they faulted the administration for child abuse,hence they begged their parents or sister to defend them when they returned afterwards.Soon,the suspensions lapsed.Parents and sister of Lara and Marina respectively met at the director's office at the same time on the same day.The director warmly greeted them all before he began saying,"Your kids have been misbehaving,they were found sneaking out and around a protected forest zone nearby.We through the local police,later found them out,punished them before suspending the two.I would like to clearly state that ,we raise disciplined kids around here ,any form of indiscipline is highly discouraged." Then Marina's sister interrupted,"But that doesn't mean,you abuse them.Your teachers canned them mercilessly leaving marks on their bodies.This is a break of the law.We will sue you for the damage caused." They went further ahead to showcase such damages infront of him.The director then became speechless,knowing that he too, was in danger.He chased them away soon.But then,the guests marched to the courts immediately after such encounters.They filed a case which began soon.Marina and Lara became involved in the courts for the better part of that term.Defencelessly, the director quickly accepted all guilty counts.The school was thereafter left to pay heavy fines to bail out their guilty teachers.The litigants and plaintiffs gained a lot after all.Soon,the board of directors changed the director and teachers.The excuse given during parade became a cover-up type,but the new team was warmly welcomed.The issue became clandestine after the guilty victimized group were bribed to keep the matter a secret,lest aspersions be casted upon their school's name.The girls soon returned after a long while break,to class,also gave cover-up excuses to their concerned classmates.They then became anxious about their end-term exams.
They did their exams nevertheless,after trying to catch up with their fellow students;borrowing books for notes updates,involving them for discussions,using revision books e.t.c
The final term was determinate.They were about to sit for their I.G.S.E.The duo girls,came back exhilarated after chatting back home about the events of the previous term.Such encounters seemed to bring them closer, rather than further away.That term,however,they had vowed to have less drama ,be disciplined and focus on the exams ahead.The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) covers a wide range of subjects, each with specific topics tested in exams.
For the better part of the term,they remained focused in their studies.However,they had received friction from some of their teachers after superfluously needing their aids.The sudden intemperate contemptuous attitudes,was perhaps due to setting up their former colleagues to the courts that led to their eventual dismissals.The strained relationships with them was further highlighted in class,when they were being satired by their nicknames,had mismarked papers returned to them or never got a chance to be picked whenever they raised their hands in attempts to answer questions.Being the final year to interact with them,they never made it a big deal after all.Soon,the short term lapsed henceforth they sat for their IGSCE. It became easy,as they commented to each other,for the two girls.They had caught up with their classmates,revised solemnly,did intensive pastpapers from the IGSCE previous years, compiled in a revision book.
Another academic year dawned for the students.Year 12 saw them switch to A-levels system. Key Stage (Years 12–13, Ages 16–18) – A-Levels
Students choose 3–4 A-Level subjects based on their career interests.
Common subjects: Mathematics, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Economics, Business, Psychology, Literature, History, and ICT.
A-Level exams determine university placement.
The girls encouraged each other to choose science subjects after yet another Marina's influential persuasive talks.Lara was a bit skeptical, considering how deep she was faring in her church;mission and worship music experiences.This to a larger extent, built a strong relationship with her parents.She however, tried to impress Marina and protect her from sensitivities and vulnerabilities,after all.Marina gave reasons like being determined to rescue,treat and perhaps becoming an influential voice of change in her pursuits of curbing FGM menance.This made her zealous in science -related subjects as even she had always hoped to be among the health practitioners(doctors or nurses or community health care givers).The year began well,Lara and Marina always following each other shoulder to shoulder.However, duelling broke out at one long breaks,while they were trying to scramble to buy snacks at the canteen.Canteen supplies faced shortages.The owner became insolvent,her goods were being stolen as goods were transported by volunteering students from the gate,these facts gave her mental stress.She eventually turned out to be loud,rude,and insolent trying to maintain order to scrambling students outside her shop."Hey listen here rascals!,I'm not selling to anyone who is not queuing,or handing over fake currencies."Such were the developing misdemeanors of the students around.Then , suddenly one of Marina's bullies turned around from the front sides and shouted loudly,"Hey!Who pushed me?" No one seemed to pay attention.She shouted louder,this time creating tensions,"I said who pushed me?"Marina and Lara at the scenes contemptuously ignored as they continued chatting.Then she shifted her sharp eyesights towards the duo,who were chatting,"You two,I'm trying to talk here, don't you have respect for my concerns!" But however, she was ignored by them in their interminable garrulousness.Fuming in anger,she stepped down and walked towards them,and slapped the duo hotly making them cheeky-red.They writhed in pain from such forceful impacts and almost wept,it was then Marina jumped in fights' retaliation ,as she rained on her,incessant slaps that eventually turned out to be a cat fight.
The three eventually found themselves kneeling down in the staffroom.The deputy carelessly said then,"You two,the last time you were here ,ended up in court cases,you won, complaining of child abuse.You are back again,I don't know what kind of punishments will teach you a lesson this time.Us teachers are honestly afraid of you.You have the honors of stating your own punishments." With their solemn faces on,it became a serious situation,of how the cases had traumatized the rest.They were perhaps afraid of losing their jobs.After a long silence in the room and reading their faces,Marina and Lara then whispered to one another on their ears, trying to pick their punishments for a while.Then Marina spoke up,"General cleanings perhaps." The deputy then agreed,"It's okay,you three will do compound and field cleanings.Then,you come back we inspect together,before I write to you your last warning suspension letters for you two only.After a week, I expect you back here,but don't come back with your parents.Understood?" "Understood sir!"In unison,they all replied.They did a great job after inspections confirmed that.Soon,they were in their pop van singing loudly in youthfulness,"everyday, there's a pain in my heart that won't go away,cause I need you here with me....."
They soon embarked on their normal classes after the short break.The three slowly got along with each other as they interacted.The interactions led them to music club,after the big girl suggested it to them.The duo had never thought of joining a club before.Soon, they became part of the company of the big girls,prefects.They all rushed to the music club's meetings every evenings.There was an upcoming music festival in the country.A competition among Kenyan schools.The Kenya National Music Festival is an annual event where students from high schools across the country showcase their musical and artistic talents. The festival promotes cultural diversity, creativity, and talent development through music, dance, and spoken word performances.Some outstanding groups are invited to perform at state functions or international events.
Marina and Lara fell in love with music never missing any practices.The popular Christmas carols were being rehearsed by the club.Marina with her soprano languishing,and sweet to the ears- voice made her get lead roles eventually along with a few others.Lara,also became a lead violinist due to her distinguishing talent that set her apart.It became an opera -type of rehearsal ,where the lead role-artists in loud crescendos and diminutives, staggered and stammered their sweet pitched-voices rhythmically creating a beautiful opening scene to the audiences.The conductors then took charge immediately,directing their miscallenous musical bands of instrumentalists,some whom were book guided front-desk,creating an artistic music that synched with the choir.Telling the story of the shepherds and the birth of Christ illustrated by a short opening drama by the some choir members before embarking on choruses.Perfection practices paid off as they proceeded from sub-county to county to regional levels and joyously got to the national level.
The finals held in Kisumu county, witnessed culture shock to Lara.Life became unbearable to her, since she got used to a soft-kind of life.There was limited sleeping spaces,she could barely turn to sleep comfortably in the hosting boarding school.Limited supply of water,only a jug of water was provided in queues for bathing that cold dawn.Marina,accompanying her,taught her the skill of 'passport' bath,in which she also learnt in her remote homesteads.With such little water,and soap,it became possible to peruse through body washing process.They even spared water for brushing teeth, dubiously and incredulously.She also taught her how to clean with the little available water;by just wiping and scrubbing away the affected areas,the drying method; with a covering towel then squeezing in an effort to hasten the drying process.She also taught her manual ways of ironing clothes under the sun; lifting clothes up and down against the wind in strong forces until the fabrics got aligned in the long run then drying them(since water helps in alignment) under the sun for a long while.Lara learnt a lot from Marina;her survival skills.
For the performances,they got nervous,but slow by slow they got favor embraced by the adjudicator's comments.They were hopeful for the final outcomes at the end of the festivals after culminating their performances.Thereafter,they also got to be audiences;cheering on their fellow competitors.One notable performances that caught the attention of the duo was 'Kiswahili Kitukuzwe!' A poetry that embraces the maintenance of the language generationally.Also other patriotic songs and dramas about love,peace and unity impressed the audiences to a point where there were ululutions and standing ovations.Time for presenting winners eventually came,the master of ceremony in her speech created a tensed atmosphere,as she invited the connoisseurs to present their various marks. There were shouts of joy as various schools celebrated their aced performances in various categories.
For Gems, they were not left behind,their performances brought them to the first,second or third overall positions in various categories.Lara,Marina and her mates stood up and screamed in such joyous mood, after such announcements.They stayed behind since the best performances in each category are showcased in a final gala event.They received awards and certificates and got selected in a sponsored way,to perform for the head of state in the state house,a week later.Being nervous,they eventually got to perform at the statehouse.They finally embarked on their bus- return journey singing convivially songs of celebrations,carelessly drumming , blowing whistles, clamoring and making boisterous cheers melodically,"everywhere we go;everywhere we go oo!People wanna know ; people wanna know oo!,who we are ;who we are ee!,and so we tell them;and so we tell them mm!,we are the champions;we are the champions, mighty mighty champions; mighty mighty champions."
Suddenly in such moods, a flue virus broke out,making everyone inside the bus asphyxiously coughing incessantly.The flu virus spread through direct contact, airborne droplets, and contaminated surfaces.
Prevention strategies (handwashing, wearing masks, and vaccination) could have helped slow the spread.
It became aggravating when their driver got infected,making him lose focus on the road as they entered the highway section.The driver veered off carelessly trying to overtake the lorry infront of him at a corner road only to meet an incoming speeding van that knocked their bus away down the nearby hills,rolling down in such crashed malleability state.It had knocked the lorry also before further veering off down stream.The LPG lorry eventually burst into infernos affecting the nearby vehicles tragically.
It became a national news highlight.Rescue efforts and road clearance (it became closed) continued for the better part of that week.Ambulances rushed to and fro at the remote highway scene picking up victims of carnage.Lara and Marina unconsciously found themselves in the I.C.U fighting for their dear lives.Victims of severe road accidents who end up in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) go through a traumatic and life-altering experience. Their journey is marked by pain, fear, uncertainty, and hope, as they struggle between life and death.
Sadly, some do not survive, leaving families in grief.Most school victims like Lara and Marina were under life -supporting machines,underwent surgeries to stop bleeding besides the main orthopedic surgery procedures.It took them averagely a week before regaining consciousness.Their anxious parents,friends and guardians on receiving alerts,flooded their respective admitted hospitals.Lara got up from her comma,then inquired the nurse,"What really happened?" "Relax lass,it was reported that a flue virus broke out inside your travelling bus.You all coughed unconsciously, eventually affecting your driver who lost control,hence an accident occurred."The nurse elucidated."An accident!Are my mates safe?"Lara in a helpless tone inquired."Unfortunately,there were reported fatalities.It was a wider -affecting carnage,the LPG lorry burst into flames affecting other cars around the scene.Most of your mates are admitted in the ICU,a number of them lost their lives."Nurse replied."That's so sad!May their souls rest in peace!Thanks for the information.Can I see my parents?"Lara melancholy inquired. "Yes!But after we are sure that your conditions are improving after constant monitoring and evaluations.Your guests are already here ,but we need space and patience in our profession."Nurse tried to persuade Lara.Lara like the rest of the hospitalized victims, got meals from their parents and guardians but were not allowed to see each other for a long while.
Soon enough,Lara got to meet his visitors on one fine morning,"Lara,are you okay? We have been praying for you as we spent all those cold nights here.We were alerted by the administration about the carnage.We rushed here,but couldn't access you until now." Lara then reiterated,"I'm fine dad.Thanks for the aliments and your company,not forgetting the prayers.I'm convalescing quite well.I thank God.The proof is in the machines." "We thank God!"Her mum added.Then Lara tried to elucidate,"We won the first three positions at various categories in the just concluded music festivals,got sponsored and selected to perform at the state house.As we returned in celebration moods,I heard a flu virus broke out blurrring the driver,making all of us cough incessantly,it was then a carnage took place.I don't remember anything else from there." Her mum then tried to reveal,"Your bus knocked an incoming speeding van at a corner junction,swaying your bus making it knock off the LPG lorry besides it before rolling down hill making it malleable eventually." "That's an aweful picturesque." Lara commented."But then God saved your lives."His dad hopefully mentioned."What!Dad people died!I lost my friends.How did God select a few lives to be saved?"Lara sadly asked. Then his dad tried to explain,"God has a purpose for every living being on earth.He chose perhaps to save the few,since they had unaccomplished purposes.For the rest ,it was perhaps a case of spiritual attacks.But to be honest,we were fervently interceding for you always ,while you were away from us." "Thanks for your remberances,but I still don't get it? Perhaps with time ,I may understand everything.I know there is a purpose for everything under the sun,but pre-mature deaths is a hard concept to grasp."Lara melancholy said as tears ran down her face.She was then comforted and hugged by her guests.
The intercessions and prayer meetings were taking place at the school premises in the meantime.Weeks went by when soon victims got discharged,but attended school in wheelchairs and crutches,along with other bandages.They were given priorities, privileges and special cares while at school apart from having an adjusted school calendar for that year pinned at the notice board(only for carnage victims).But then,only one victim remained hospitalized at the ICU as time went by.The tent meetings still took place for the sake of that one victim.The special guests preachers,along with everyone else hopefully poured out their orisons in deep worship and complete surrender as they knelt ,cried ,and spoke in tongues.A week passed by, only to receive bad news about her demise,in one of the assembly meetings.This fact really drifted Lara away from faith.After such announcements,she firmly resolved to quit her alter -girl role in church and dissociate herself from the music ministry back home.
Year 13 was the last high school year for both Marina and Lara.The entire school fraternity was still healing,added important vigil dates in their school calendar,made stricter policies to ensure such horrific incidents don't ever occur.Automatic hand washers were set inside strategic buildings along with sanitizers.
Lara and Marina met.This time at least Lara was almost convinced about taking medicine course in near future after falling from faith,and had life saving medical encounters.They both were in agreeable terms about their future pathways,hence they encouraged each other in their final school year.The final year however,saw the senior students misbehaving.There was a subsequent rise of popular betting companies by then.The final year students (most of them),had sneaked mobile phones.They used them to chat with their boyfriends or even indulge themselves in sports' betting.In the morning preps,such students would enter class in blankets or sweaters,covered themselves either in extended sleep mode,or mobile phone usage, stealthily.
Lara and Marina soon noticed the misdemeanors,"Hey Marina,I think these girls are using cellphones illegally." "Yes, I have noticed a couple of them.They use them to gamble in sports or even chat with their boyfriends." "I think Marina, this will get them into trouble.But let's just stay cool,not tempted in any way to conform to their habits.Remember we are on a last warning section of probations.The next trouble gets us expelled automatically." "Sure,sure we must stay focused."Marina obsequiously stated being not sure whether or not to conform.Marina usually loved adventures and curiousity since she was a kid,it became hard for her to just settle down;not learning new skills,places,or hobbies like sports' betting,or even a new phenomenal that had just emerged recently.
In her first vacation that year,Marina suddenly gets connected to another cousin after her sister had irated further away.The big posh house shocked Marina as she entered in.She has never stepped inside such houses.The lustrous chandeliers,ample spaces, stunning curtains mounted infront of the beautiful designed glazed windows.The coachy leathery sets of seats and sofas,arranged impeccably across the living room.The spacious setting of the dinner table at the front corner along with its cuisine restaurant -type chairs ,table mats, cutleries,and all contained spices arranged on top.The infallible clean kitchen,mounted with cardboards above and beneath for storing utensils,or feed.The sinks,oven, microwave,fridge,gascooker,and all cleaning tools just stored outside.The wall mounted large smart television complemented by home theater sound systems (with wall mounted speakers around the house),the internet fibre connectivity all around ,left Marina in such awes.Hot shower system and bathroom bathtubs,the smart ventilated and sanitary arranged toilets,the huge corridors, staircases and finally the air -conditioned bedrooms with beautiful wardrobes,huge leathery beds ,and lamplights beside a nice study area zone,completely knocked her off in amazements.She then gets introduced by her cousin Liss in such orientations."This is your bedroom, Your pyjamas are inside the wardrobes,your unique bedroom sandals are also there.We have clothes for visitors,more clothes for women of course.More beddings if the cold weather persists ,in the wardrobes also.But first,you make sure you take hot showers,brush your teeth before and after sleeping.That's how we conduct ourselves, suggestively. Okay,now I will leave you to change .Come downstairs if you're ready we interact more."Liss banged the door as she left her alone.
Soon,she joined the rest of the family.Her auntie introduces her kids to Marina.The first born cousin,Liss,was in high school while the younger one was about to finish her primary school studies.They were preparing supper that late evening for Marina.Liss joined her mum in the kitchen for a while,while Marina was left glued to the television while surfing the internet on her phone.Soon,Liss joins Marina for interactions .Marina puts her phone away before they began chatting.Liss begins asking,"Tell me more about Alisa ,your elder sister,your parents and everyone in the family?" "My sister got married.I don't know if you're aware of that.It has been long since we had family gatherings at grandparents' place.I ran away from home,due to the FGM menance,got rescued, volunteered around then ended up with scholarships.But I still chat with parents, promising them to pay them a surprise visit after my high school studies." Busy on her phone,Liss seemed non-chalant."Hey,are you listening!" "Hmm give me a minute, there's a boy driving me crazy here!"Liss complained. After long silence while Liss chatted,"So you were saying Alisa got married,you ran away from home,got rescued from FGM, volunteered with NGO's,which in turn gave you scholarships to a prestigious high school." "Something sort of!" Then Liss asked,"So tell me how do you adapt to different environments?At home ,the nomadic lifestyles,at school,elite environment?" Then Marina elucidated,"I got lucky to have a faithful companion who helped me adjust slowly.The culture shocks,and all that stuff.Yeah, slowly I became flexible." "I'm glad to hear that.Because ,I saw your awing facial expressions after coming here."Then Marina added,"It's just that this place is peculiar,poshy,a new phenomenal to me.That's why I was just wondering all along out of curiosity." "You're welcomed.Always feel at home.Away from that,Your school life.How is the international curriculum?"Liss asked curiously.Then Marina responded,"The curriculum is basically almost the same with the local.We choose subjects,do two determinate exams,yeah something like that.I'm faring well academically,won the music festival,had accidents got healed,still struggling ahead of my final exams."
Then Liss recalled,"Yeah,I heard of a carnage involving high school choir.It made headlines for a while.But I'm glad you recovered." "We got hospitalized in the ICU for most of the victims,a few died.The school healed eventually.I used to walk in crutches by then while convalescing."Marina elucidated.Suddenly,Liss got called by her mum from the kitchen.Marina elongated her head to peep,Liss's phone chats.She oversaw romantic messages displayed on her phone with a guy called ,Jacob Mars.She thereafter continued watching television while Liss got engaged in busy cooking with her mum.That night ,his uncle arrived.Both daughters ran to cuddle- welcome him home.Marina stood a while to greet his uncle .She got warm receptive messages,before all settling down.Supper got served soon at the dining table,where they all congregated.They ate that night ,had a nice family fun time ,while discussing Marina.Her family life,carnage encounters,her passionate doctor dream and so forth.For the rest of her vacation,she got exposed to a mega church ,had nature walks with her cousins,assited them in their mini -garden and farm during the day,played board games like chess with them;in a gambling style at night.
The second term witnessed a literature visit announcements at the first parade.Lara and Marina,having been science -oriented,tried to find ways of sneaking in.They then agreed,to register as essay contestants.They then in a panic mode,tried to prove their skills to the teacher on duty before the crucial test day.On the test day, the registered candidates were to be confined in a hall,do essay tests in an effort of picking few competent candidates to the events.Lara and Marina,visited the concerned literature teacher,asking him for tips,or even correct their sample essays for days before the test day.The test day,soon arrived.The candidates sat accordingly inside the hall ,patternly spaced from among themselves.The tests tensiously took off.After the adjourning bell rang,the candidates hence stood up ,handed over their essays for marking before dispersing.
In the next assembly,the senior literature teacher,announced the list of names qualified to represent the school for the following day's event.Lisa and Marina in unison made screeching sounds after hearing their names."Who said that?" Pausing, the teacher on duty solemnly asked.After a long silence,he then continued.Soon,they dispersed,"I can't wait for tomorrow."Lara said hysterically."The story of high school functions.We gonna face it!"Marina commented.
The following day,the participants prepared themselves early enough before boarding the school van.Safetly,they arrived at a nearby hosting school.Various schools had a fair share of their representatives.The place became populated with bee-hive of activities.Various contestants were directed to their categorical rooms for competitions that kicked off that mid-morning.After about an hour,most competitions had lapsed.Marina and Lara re-joined,commenting about the nature of the tests.They then decided to orient the hosting school.They got obstructed by various boys who attempted flirting with them.They gave out their numbers candidly even as they satirically and comically whispered to each other,"May the best man win our hearts." Luncheons soon came about while in their helter-skelters around the compounds.They had more encounters with strangers in such groups while mealing.They gave comical stories,and had fun time interacting. Afternoons ,was witnessed with entertainments.They all marched in the auditorium by instructions,and grabbed their seats.Set-book acts were being performed for the better part of that afternoon.
After watching the dramaticiss of the river between and the river and the source novels,in a comical, satirical but educative ways,the curtains downed signaling the end of the day's events.Later on,the results were to be transmitted to individual schools along with rewards if qualified.The duo girls left the scene,excited , entertained,and hoped for more functional outings.
The final term soon set in,there were introductions of foreign politics in gambling spaces that left the senior students wagging their tongues in such debates.They went further to discuss strength and weaknesses of those candidates at small groups gatherings during break times.The term was marred with consifications of mobile phones in such operations after one caught student,set, the rest, up.Mass suspensions then followed.The silent remnants ,used secretly their phones,to maliciously sell fake exams,in their sinister conning businesses.Others fell into such traps while others like Marina and Lara cautiously avoided them.Their grades were therefore improving after random tests issuances,this was due to serious tutor engagements,lab engagements, library revisions and group discussions.As the A-level exams approached.They became highly confident.They reiterated over the A-level tested subjects on various topics.A-Level subjects are divided into sciences, humanities, and social sciences, with each subject covering advanced topics.
The examination period soon took off.The candidates spaciously sat away from each other in rooms that occupied a few of them.The gratuitous moments like when they all finished inking their last answers on their booklets, witnessed a hearty sendoff between Lara and Marina after trolling along their luggages past their school gate.Marina while cuddling Lara began her empathizes,"I'm gonna miss you bestie.You have held my hand all throughout the ups and downs of our high school moments." Lara then echoed,"I'm gonna miss you too.We will be keeping in touch on our social medias, chats,and calls.Thanks for teaching me survival skills and everything else we been through together." They then hopped into a local restaurant,where they ate before departing on one of their favorite pop vans,in quite cheerful moods.During such seasons, campaigns had intensified,at one moment during the final term,the students got rare opportunity to witness high level politicians who landed with choppers at the school fields,just outside the premises.
This triggered mass educations on the importance of taking part in such civic duties,the high school leavers were encouraged to take their identification cards with a promise of faster processing.Such was the case of Pete Murray.I was moving helter -skelter trying to secure signatures from various stakeholders in my pursuits of fulfilling the requirements.I witnessed long queues at the sub-chief's office,interacting with Isak and other former classmates at such scenes.Isak,"Hey these lines are way too long,if only they could simplify such processes." "I know right,they keep correcting us and sending us back to collect more signatures after we interacted with the sub-chief at his office.They could just have told us once and for all ,the required procedures instead of taking us rounds."I complained.For three days,we used to return back at the sub-chief's office,after errors got noticed on our documents.The following day,we got relieved to visit the chief's office for final rubber-stamping before submissions.We returned home feeling hopeful for acquisitions of our identification cards.We were also in rush hour of acquiring our electoral cards after we anticipated to participate in our debut civic elections duty that year.After about two months,we got texts about ID collections at the ward offices.The same ward offices also conducted election registrations ,coincidentally.I made short brisk walks to such offices,signed off after collections,then jumped off to other queues of election registrations.Isak came about later,to follow suit.I left the scene holding two cards after all.
It came to pass then,I became monotonous during the post-high school era.University admissions were done at the fall season in the last quarter of the following year.I just used to wake up at mid-mornings,take breakfast while watching entertainment television shows that highlighted trends in music,arts,events like grammies,oscars or even politics and basically revolving around social medias ,not forgetting the NBA highlights(playoffs) that got me glued.One day my mum suggested,"Would you like to help grand mum around?She has been all alone,and since you are in long vacations,maybe you can use your juvenescence to assist on the farms,and everywhere else." "Fine,I wouldn't mind."Tentatively, I spoke.It was long since I visited the country sides.I was not sure if I could travel alone to such sites,traversing through the complex routes,and landmarks, safely and without facing any challenges.But since,my family saw a man and not a kid in me any longer,they believed that I would eventually learn, perhaps by failing forward as I had an Identity card after all.The following week,I faced my fears.My brother, escorted me to the night bus station,wished me good luck before leaving me alone at the station.That night the bus took off steadily.It was a direct Nakuru bus.At Nakuru,I would then meet Kenny,who would in turn connect me to shuttle vans that would lead me closer.I was making such mindfulness,in fears of getting lost along the way.
That dusk(following day),I eventually arrived.Giving a sigh of relief,I alighted ,thanked the guy for knowing the exact place, otherwise I could have treked perhaps if no biker had known the gate.Grandma's maid,then came to usher me inside the premises.I honestly felt tired,I needed concluding rests perhaps,as the previous rests had proved insatiable.Grand ma was glad to meet me,she had expected me after such home communications.Her kids,by then had upgraded her building premises.That was the notable slight change captured after returning back since grand dad's burial.I got a chance to interact with both grandma and maid at the kitchen near the warmth fireplace during supper.I got to know about the maid;she was a sponsored high schooler tasked with helping around.My grand ma interrogated me about my family back home.But in fears and awes,I didn't dare ask her back.She was hot-tempered ,easily offended or angered type of woman.She would basically complain for long whiles in repetitions and reminisces if a slight mistake offended her in the long run.That was how she used to still jabber about her kids;their individual profiles,past mistakes,but also praised their achievements.From her colloquialism,you could notice how she strictly raised them up to be where they are now, successful in life. Soon,we were about to finish supper,along with dish washings.Afterwards,the maid prepared warm water for washing feet,then she went ahead to prepare my beddings, placed my suitcase strategically in the bedroom before coming back to give me such notifications.I transitioned then to my bedroom,the cold made insomnia impossible to prevail for my case.I felt that it flamed drowsiness which led to calm,deep slumbers.The following morning,I was eager to begin helping around .I accompanied the maid to the cow shade,helped her in tying the dairy cow before the milking process began.By observations,she elucidated me the step by step processes even as she vowed that I would soon be milking in the mornings.We prepared tea using the milk before embarking on our breakfast with scorns.After warm bathes and preparations,I soon embarked on my debut farm works in casual attires.For the better part of the day,I was weeding, ploughing with a jembe,planting seeds, cutting napier grass for sheep,goats and cattles,cleaning the chicken coop,providing water to their troughs,cleaning other livestock's shades while reiterating the same tasks.I herdered the insatiable goats and sheeps in the evenings for a while around the meadows,and open spaces before returning them back in the evenings.I also got a chance to well water for domestic use before embarking on kitchen duties alongside the maid.
The following day,grandma chose to inspect and supervise our works.We did a few errors,she complained but then she decided to guide us through gently, instead.Grand ma ironically,loved me even after the slight errors that I thought would offend her.Her love was reflected by her persistent requests to the maid,that I receive enough fruits and meals until I felt satisfied.She had an orchard nearby,where we used long branches to pluck them off, after doing the general duties.Quotidians went by,the non-quiesent iterative duties brought us together as we furthered raconteured while working together with the maid.However,the area was hindered with poor communications connectivities.The telecommunications and electric companies invested less,in such remote areas.Networks,signals,electricity became a challenge.We used solar connectivity around the homestead.
Since the weather was oftenly cloudy,and grandma was critical,it then became a norm to use the television minimally;we only watched or charged at night hours by law.We heavily depended on radio-listening, most of the times. If in any case,the weather was cloudy for the entire day.Then,the following day,I went uphill at my uncle's place nearby to just charge phone.The journey proved to be an uphill task as I traversed one long hill for a long while before reaching the place.By missing me,I was then warmly welcomed by the family,had other tea drinks,before leaving my phone for charging sessions.They had other backups,so it became alternative to just visit them in case of such emergencies.I then became a frequent phone user after my first time recent acquisition of a smart phone.Playing app games like temple run,or subway surfers as then I became addicted ;by then I was not a social media enthusiastic guy.Sundays proved monotonous in such area code.After preparations;grandma,maid and I set off on a long treking journey to church in town center.On arrivals,we found an on -going service in vernacular languages ; unfortunately all throughout the service,I became deaf-type;not comprehending what was going on.I was only fascinated by the various presentations by kids,youth,adult males and finally females before the service began.Having no interpreter around,I became patient with the three -hour sermons,moving my eyes around in confusions,I only tried to read the body languages. My uncle being a deacon,then got a chance to bring the announcements as it concluded.However,I had to further wait outside for a while,due to other group meetings that were post-service arranged.In such meanwhiles,being alone,I endeavoured to stroll the church premises,and other town areas out of curiosity.The return journeys strolls took place after rejoining again.We reached home at five in the p.m,hungry and tired.
The following week,as I endeavoured to charge phone at my uncle's place,that morning,I suddenly stopped by just to catch a glimpse of the aerial panaromic views.On one side,I diminutively,saw the black stripes indicating the highway roads,the market place,and finally the lake Baringo regions; turquoise blue waters.I also got a chance to make friendships with the local kids around in such areas.
Suddenly, unexpectedly, Kenny joined me to just keep me company and also help grandma around.But then,that week there were bandit attacks in the region.On one Sunday after church,the maid elucidated to me about the heavy presence of soldiers hovering around in their tankers around the town center.She told me about the banditry menance in the region.It then became a gambling chance to just walk around across the hilly areas trying to reach my uncle's place, this was because I witnessed military planes passing overhead in one journey encounter.We warmly welcomed Kenny.Then she gave the maid a solemn look as she greeted her.It was like they had unsolved past issues, something like that.Kenny flared up my staycations by just coming up with crazy ideas like goat slaughtering.He had already established a trustworthy bond with grandma ,so it became a less issue for Kenny's case of trying things around without permissions,but then Kenny was responsible and accountable. Slaughtering a goat requires hygiene, precision, and humane handling to ensure the meat is safe for consumption.
That evening we endeavoured to roast the meat,while chatting.It then became a mediative chat.I alternatively only chatted with Kenny and the maid side by side,but the two became uninterested with one another.I tried my best to keep down the tensions that became visible,coming with calming ideas like,"The meat is smooth and tasty,how do you see it guys?"They then answered respectively and joyously. Soon,we endeavoured to clean utensils and the messy areas only then making the situation aggravating.As we were working on washing utensils together,the two being close to each other became insolent with words of unrelatedness ,isolations and other unspeakable words being thrown loudly against one another.I tried my best to calm the situation by volunteering to step in the middle after seeing their anger stirring up gradually.It proved futile then,after a fight broke out.Blows were exchanged ,being receptive of some of them,in my separation pursuits.The girl became overpowered,and almost badly maimed it was then out of nowhere,grandma stepped in to command a cease fight.The girl had a distored sore-face while Kenny had bleeding gums.
The following day,on grandma's orders,they became distanced from each other.They were never to come across in any way,with each other.Having monies, Kenny tentatively told me off about market visit on foot later that day,perhaps to cool himself off,appease everyone for the previous errors or just build a trustworthy bond with grandma.We gradually took off past the gates,walked a while before then meeting a boy along the way.Kenny being a frequent visitor to grandma's place,as he grew up ,ended up to build a network of other local friends in the area.But this type of friend became familiar to me.He was among a gang of farm watchdogs,guarding their farms from possible thieves' menances in such eras.As a group of touring kids' cousins,we had came across them after losing tracks,they then tried to bully us before escaping their catapults' attacks after refusing to cooperate.It was I who hid then emerged with a maize stalk launching attack on the gang,that eventually left them retreating fast on their heels.Such were the reminisces given by Kenny during introductions.Then,I apologized,as he did likewise,after confirming to each other such former events before continuing with our journeys along with the new friend.Occidentally, we passed through farms,hilly murram roads,the pathways and landmarks ,after all they seemed to be defined.Most farm owners had fenced their farms,creating clear pathways in the long run.It became hard to get lost,after several navigation-pathways.An hour later,we entered the market .A rural market is a vibrant hub of economic and social activity where farmers, traders, and consumers gather to buy, sell, and exchange goods and services.
The rural market,on arrival,was characterized with defined activities.A blend of traditional and modern picturesque complemented the market's environment.We made brisk walks past the fruit vendors,basketry,textile mongers, beadwork vendors before indulging ourselves to mancala.We had purchased locally made clothes ,shoes,beads and necklaces,baskets,and finally various rare fruits.Kenny had gifted his friend with a little shopping but unfortunately he had lost his money in gambling games.Afterwards,we embarked on our return journeys.We took different routes,this time coming past forests which then made me desire more nature walks nostalgically."Guys let's walk around the lake regions!"Tentatively I mentioned."Okay,but you should know how dangerous those regions are."Kenny warned."There are banditry menance,reptiles in those areas.It is mission impossible in my perspectives."His friend then added.Being adamant,and blindly fascinated with nature,we eventually agreed to carefully trek around those areas.
We came across various sounds,and creature -sightings like chirping of sparrows, drumming and humming of woodpeckers,humming birds,rustling of leaves as we traversed across the acacia woodlands, croaking of frogs,across the wetlands,basking of lizards,chameleons around the rocky escarpments regions and up cliffs (in our climbing pursuits),soon enough after a long while we arrived.Occidental sunset then was hazing it's orange canvas making the scene epic and beautiful across the babling waters.We later on,spotted the hot water springs that could possibly boil an egg, from such heard stories. Suddenly,we heard screams of eagles,panic ruffles of kingfishers and herons as they seemed to escape in such flocks.At first,we thought that it was the eagle that they feared,but then we were obnoxious.Looking at each other in suspense,we froze for a while, trying to figure out the sudden bird movements.Then,we heard distant fusillades.My friend was right after all.Flushing out banditry operations were on -going.We distantly hid,even as the military choppers cruised over-head in large numbers after short intervals.With our hearts on our mouths, heavily pounding,we showed facial signs of panic and distress as we glanced at one another silently for a long while;sweating in such cold conditions only confirmed our fears.Night soon crept in ,the choppers were still hovering around.
It seemed like we would sleep in such jungular conditions after slowly despairing.The creatures nightmare then faced us;we could hear distant hisses,howls,cricket chirps, echoeing bats,as well as tree rustling."Guys,let's just decide once and for all to boldly escape this place.I can't bear these weird sounds.I don't know what kind of reptile or creature is out there waiting to prey on us?"I hesitated.After agreements ,we walked together in such hurriedness.With our phone torches ,we arduously continued running aimlessly ,irregardless.Kenny's sharpness of landmark recalls, fortunately saved us in the long run.Sighing fast and timidly,we soon stopped by,to release our friend in goodbyes.Then,ahead we reached home.We gave stories and excuses of our late night home comings in such candid but horrific ways.Then,we got warned for hovering around at such curfew times.We could have been mistaken for bandits,and God knows what might happen.The gifts Kenny had purchased,proved to be reconciliatory.He had gifts for everyone.In such amicable and peaceful co-existances,the following weeks fostered Kenny and maid together even as they shared duties while chatting.We also got a chance to visit further churches that had shorter services; comprehendible sermons,brisk activities after Kenny noticed my lagness.
The military operations were soon over,peace had returned in the regions,making the residents more confident to explore outside after all.