RENTED LIFE 1

 

Kuni knocked off from Psalms Academy where she had been taking 12 graders in extra tuitions, she had dedicated her time working extra hours in a day just to ensure she secured a permanent contract but that yielded nothing. After a successful term and an applaud from the principal, they had to let her go. Trying to negotiate her stay felt like forcing something she already knew was impossible, the school could not afford to pay her a full salary. That afternoon she walked home defeated. She did not even stop over at her usual spot to get ice cream. Her father was reading a news paper when she walked into their  small living room, their house was so small that it only had three rooms; a sitting room, small kitchen and one bedroom. Kuni and her siblings slept in a small room outside which was specifically designed to accommodate two beds. 

 

“Good evening dad” she greeted as she offered herself a seat

 

“My daughter… good evening, you had a lot to do today?” He asked looking at the wall clock above their 32 inch tv.

 

“No, I just opted to walk” she said

 

“No my daughter… why cover that long distance on foot?” 

 

“It’s only 6 kilometers dad…” she replied tiredly as her eyes closed 

 

“Your younger ones have prepared samp with peanut butter.. your favorite” he said

 

Kuni nodded her head but did not open her eyes, she was not sleeping and her father noticed she was just troubled.

 

“Kuni…” her father calmly called her as he put his news paper aside.

 

Kuni ignored him but he called again this time with an authoritative tone.

 

“Dad they had to let me go” she said with her voice cracking 

 

Mr Simata felt defeated but immediately chose to be a father and begun to encourage his daughter. Tears were already rolling from Kuni’s eyes. 

 

“ maybe you need to go to the city” it’s not working out here” her father suggested 

 

Kuni sat upright, opened her eyes and looked at her father 

 

“And who will help mum around?” 

 

“Your mother and I will be fine, Kasabo is now matured to take up your role, you are grown my daughter it’s time to start your life”

 

“But dad….”

 

“Kuni, before your mother comes I am offering you this opportunity, look my daughter, your mother has her own plans for you and so do I but being here with us will not propel you into the life you deserve. You are a diploma holder my baby, not many people around here even like that. Go and soar high, just give it a try honey… I trust that you will definitely make it. As for living alone, honey you did it in college you will do it again”

 

Kuni sat in disbelief as she looked at her father, she had initially thought of leaving but never thought it would be this way or this soon. However, she understood her position as first child required her to make certain sacrifices.

 

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When Kuni arrived at the bus terminus it was chilly and busy, many people were packing up in readiness for the first bus which was already honking signaling it’s departure. The bus would always leave at 5:10am, it was a time bus. Mr and Mrs Simata had driven as early as 4am in their 1996 Peugeot, it would often stop for a water break so they had to start off early. However, they had said enough prayers to prevent anything that could go wrong. That morning was a turning point for their family as they were certain a good life awaited their daughter. The Simata’s drove from their farm in Yengwe area near the catholic mission to broadway intercity bus terminus, their daughter was leaving for Lusaka to join her friend and they could not be more delighted. It had been two weeks of prayer and preparation. Kuni was going to live with a friend who she studied with at the teachers training college, Aaliyah was her name. Upon arrival at the terminus and with a little struggle to get to the ticket room, Kuni pushed through the queue and managed to buy a ticket. She boarded immediately. 

 

“It is well my daughter and many blessing” Mrs Simata shouted to her daughter who stood by the window to wave.

 

“Thank you mum… dad I will see you soon” she waved.

 

Kuni plugged in her headsets as she settled and the bus embarked on its 5hour journey to Lusaka