"(laughing) He thinking about your daughter in law—that's why he refuses to stay here when I tell him to," Salima said, causing Lily to burst out laughing so hard that Rama stared at his mother with wide-eyed suspicion after hearing her words.
"(sighing) I see you've grown up now, child. Salima, when we go back there, we'll take this girl along. She'll stay here with you, but there's no going back there today."
Upon hearing this, Salima leapt up playfully and began celebrating as if she had just scored a goal. Lily laughed so hard she collapsed onto the couch. Rama didn't know whether to join in the laughter or just remain calm, especially since his mother only smiled and didn't show any irritation.
"So, Salima, it's your cleverness that makes you get along so well with him—so much so that he enjoys staying with you. Truly, absolute harmony here—everything in its place. First, let's leave immediately. (turning to Lily) Teacher, stay here with your student for a moment; we'll leave now. Sister is here; I've already given orders to prepare food for you," he said. After that, they left, leaving Rama and his teacher alone, and the two of them ended up laughing together.
"You all live in such a strange way. Things are perfect at your place, yet you chose to come and stay here. And your mother didn't even object?"
"My elder sister listens to me and loves me a lot. That house is hers, and when I told her I'd stay here with my aunt and arrange the other rooms, she didn't complain. Life there seems much sweeter than here."
"Really?"
"Think about it—here, when you return to the neighborhood, everyone is inside their homes with their elders. You end up stuck here until the next school day. There, I have many friends; I hang out with them in the streets when I have no study schedule. Life there is freer. Here, I just come and go as my mother commands, nothing more."
"Doesn't your father live with your mother?"
"They separated a long time ago. He has another wife and children there, but he still comes here wanting to see me and talk. At school, no one knows about our arrangement. I didn't want anyone to know, but they will eventually. I only confided in Odo Salima."
---
When it was time to leave class, several students—Frida, Monica, Rahima, Siyawezi, and others—walked together. No one displayed anger toward another that day. Their main purpose was to visit Rama. They decided to go to his home, knowing that was where they would find him, as none of them knew his mother had already picked him up some time ago.
The journey took them about fifteen minutes before arriving at the house. The students were surprised when they got there, seeing Rama's mother's car parked outside without knowing who had arrived. After greetings and some brief questions, Salima guided them to the yard and introduced each student to Rama's mother.
She didn't stop there, saying, "Sisters, they've come to see Rama."
"My children, your friend is home now. Let's go see him… Salima, come with us. You know time flies, and soon these children will have to return home."
That day, everyone was very surprised to see Rama's biological parent; no one expected him to have a parent nearby. They entered the yard as instructed, with Salima sitting up front and her sister at the wheel. That marked the beginning of the trip from there, and the girls were astonished when they reached the house in Kijichi—an impressive building none of them expected.
They were ushered into the living room, where they found Rama seated on the couch with several bandages covering his injury. Frida, upon seeing him, quickly came over and sat beside him, looking at him with deep concern. Seeing this, Siyawezi felt a pang of jealousy but kept quiet, concealing his feelings. He sat on another couch with his friends, while Rama's mother joined him.
"My children, this is how he looks. I had to bring him home to rest. Once he recovers, he will return to school and live normally again. There's still something Salima hasn't told me, and I'm not yet aware of it," she said.
"Didn't you see him yourself, sister? What else should I say? The person who caused that injury and the fresh wound is right there beside him," Salima said, causing Lily to laugh heartily. Rama's mother, however, remained composed and did not show irritation. Frida blushed and bent down, while her friends restrained themselves from laughing, seeing the situation.
"Odo! You're exaggerating now, honestly! Today, you really told me something unusual," Rama complained.
"You stay put for now. That one has already been brought here. Don't go climbing walls; that wound is still healing," Salima teased as her sister headed toward the kitchen, followed by her, leaving the teachers and students in the living room.
Seeing them leave, Lily remarked, "Child, today you've done really well. Wait for your friend to come along so they can meet each other. But don't tell them about your argument back then; your mother might overreact."
"Who dares open their mouth? If I try that, everyone inside will be in trouble in no time," Rama said.
"And you, stop your bad behavior now. What is this all about—going around with a fresh wound! You gave us quite a scare," Frida scolded, pinching his nose gently.
The students talked quietly among themselves, while the parents were in the kitchen. Before long, their teacher excused herself, leaving the students free to discuss matters openly. That day, everyone understood that their friend had not been involved in any trouble, only enjoying a life mingled with friends and adventure.
---
Siyawezi was driven back to the neighboring street in the same car and dropped off to head home later than usual. A few people saw him get out, but when they realized the driver was a woman, no one interfered.
The girl led him with an elegant stride, taking the main road to ensure he arrived promptly. The journey was short, and they reached their house, then entered the yard after noticing the gate was closed. There, his mother was in the kitchen; she greeted him and explained what had happened, as he had been delayed returning. Afterward, he changed clothes and joined her to help with other household tasks as usual. He didn't want any change other than continuing to show respect and obedience, staying at home with his mother. The day ended normally, with night falling and dinner served to the family.