19

The following morning, Boma stayed seated on her bed. She was ready for class but could not find the courage to leave.

Hilda was already gone to class because their timetables were different based on the different degrees they were studying for.

Memories of the threats and bullying she received at the bush path caused her heartbeat to pummel against her chest. Whenever it occurred, she would lose the courage to move forward beginning with baby steps such as leaving the hostel.

Deciding to skip class, she settled back on her bunk bed, folded her arms, and stared at the ceiling, wishing she was somewhere else instead. She wished she could afford to leave the campus but there she was, stuck because it was a financially impossible feat for her.

Boma's heavy thoughts came to an end at the abrupt ringing of her phone. She took the call, seeing that it was her Fidelis, her reading pal. She had not seen him for a while because he had been down with malaria and had to go home.

"Hi, Fidelis." S