Despite all his arrogance, he didn't have the guts to lift the stick against Siyawezi. The girl knew him inside and out—his weaknesses, his moods, his desires—and she was the one who had completely bewitched him when they had been involved. If she had been his wife, he would have surrendered all his wealth to her and written everything in her name. She was an extraordinary woman—playful, seductive, and skilled in every way of stirring a man's senses.
That pride of wanting to beat her—where could he even find it? Whenever he tried to shout or scold, if she so much as gave him a daring look, he would quiet down immediately, like a soldier silenced by his superior. All that authority he displayed before other students vanished in front of her. She could even mock him to his face, and he wouldn't know how to respond.
Every time she walked away after angering him, her hips swaying rhythmically, his thoughts would instantly drift elsewhere—to the memories of her beside him in bed. Her skin—so soft, so warm—always awakened something deep within him. He would remember how her thighs opened for him when she lay on her back, how she would call him in that tender, teasing tone to come closer. The way her body moved against his when she was on top, their closeness, their breath mingling—those memories erased all anger. Whenever he thought of those moments, the desire returned instantly. Even the mere thought of undressing her again would make him restless, trapped by her spell.
"This girl has completely conquered me… I'm done for," he muttered to himself regretfully. The issue with Rama no longer crossed his mind; all that filled his head was the thought of intimacy, until he realized he was physically aroused where he sat and had to press his legs together, trying to force those thoughts away.
---
The first stop after leaving the hospital was at the home of Teacher Frank—the one who had been punched and had his nose broken. He had already received treatment and returned home to rest, unwilling to go back to work because of the pain and the humiliation of being beaten by a younger man in front of all the students. Had it been an ordinary fight where he wasn't hurt, perhaps people would have laughed at him for his foolishness, but this had turned into real disgrace.
The senior teachers arrived and found their colleague seated in the living room on a couch. His nose was bandaged, and traces of dried blood were still visible underneath. After greeting him and expressing their concern, they sat down. He had been hurt badly, even though it was just one punch.
The headmaster spoke first, his tone heavy.
"Mwalimu, we've just come from the hospital. The boy you caned—he was struck right on the shoulder, and that's where he had stitches. The impact reopened the wound, causing internal bleeding, which later burst open. The boy's mother has now taken him home, but the situation isn't good. She needs a clear explanation of how you ended up hitting him there."
Frank lowered his head in silence.
The assistant head added, "Frank, let's be clear—the boy doesn't come from an ordinary family. We all thought he lived only with his aunt, but at the hospital, his biological mother appeared, and she's a powerful woman. You'd better explain yourself before this matter gets out of hand. Remember, people with money don't play on the same field as we do."
Teacher Frank finally spoke, his voice low.
"My bosses, I was preparing some materials for my class when Teacher Manjenje came to report the boy. He said he found him walking while the bell had already rung. When he stopped him and asked why he was late, the boy ignored him and walked past. When called again, he answered with arrogance. I didn't think it was a big issue, so I took it upon myself to discipline him. That's when all this happened."
The headmaster frowned.
"But you know very well that school policy forbids caning a student on that part of the body. Why didn't Manjenje speak when we asked him where it all started? He just kept quiet as if he didn't know anything. Something isn't right here—this isn't normal. Rest for now; we'll go talk to him. He's an old teacher and a wise one. I doubt he would unjustly accuse that boy."
The assistant added, "But Headmaster, even if the boy denies the accusations, it won't solve much. We need to find a way to handle this matter properly—to calm the situation. I don't want to believe Manjenje is being framed, but maybe he had other reasons and failed to defend himself against Frank's authority. What's important now is that we talk to Manjenje and end this matter before it spreads."
---
The journey of Rama's mother and the others from the hospital ended at a luxurious house located in Mtoni Kijichi. The car drove through the tall gate and stopped near another fancy vehicle parked inside. Rama was helped out and taken into the living room with the support of Lily and his aunt.
His mother followed closely and sat beside him, while the others took seats on the surrounding couches of that elegant home. Everyone's eyes turned toward him as he carefully sat down, trying not to strain his injured shoulder.
His mother began speaking, clearly upset.
"My son, I've told you so many times to come live here and transfer to a better school, but you're so stubborn. I don't understand what's in your head. Look at you now—getting beaten like this!"
Her sister, Salima, spoke softly.
"But sister, he's not at fault for that. You should let him do what he loves, as long as he performs well. Rama is among the top students there; the school suits him."
"The problem is those teachers and their attitudes! You think they'll continue teaching him peacefully after this?"
"That teacher doesn't even teach him," Lily said. "I was surprised when he came looking for him, accompanied by the math teacher. But that teacher was badly injured—Rama could have killed him if I hadn't stepped in to calm things down. Since morning, I'd seen how he was being harassed, being forced into cleaning duties. That's when I called him to the office under the pretense of needing help, just to get him away from there until the assembly bell rang."
The mother pointed her finger toward her son.
"And you—tone down that hot temper of yours. You'll end up being taken to court and we won't be able to help you."
Salima intervened.
"Sister, please, leave the boy alone. He was just provoked. He's not a troublemaker."
"Salima, do you think I don't know the son I gave birth to? Ever since his uncle let him stay with his cousin Juma, who got him into boxing, I knew I was raising a fighter," the mother said angrily.
Salima shook her head.
"I'm the one living with him now, and I'm telling you—Rama is loved by everyone in the neighborhood. He's respectful and well-behaved. It's that teacher who caused the problem."
"Well then," the mother concluded firmly, "tomorrow I'll go to that school myself and meet that teacher. It's unacceptable for him to hurt my son like this. And as for you, you're not going back there until you're fully healed."
"Mama!" Rama protested softly, but his mother cut him short.
"Not another word. You'll stay here and rest until you're completely well. Your health comes first today—no arguments."
Lily leaned in gently.
"Rama, listen to your mother for now."