Ch 1:
"Did you remember to pack the pots in the car?" asks Nala.
"Yes Ma how could I forget pots, what exactly would I cook my food with?" Annita rolls her eyes
"Do not roll your eyes at your mother young lady! Apologise now" Annita's father says in a reprimanding tone.
"I'm sorry Baba, I'm sorry Ma. I just want everything to be perfect and I need us to get going so we can meet the landlord as he needs to give me the keys to my room" Annita apologises.
Her father owned a 2003 Toyota Corolla that they had filled up with all her belongings. She had found accommodation in Pietermaritzburg through an agent and couldn't wait to move in. She was going to be living in a communal space with 6 other girls who were also pursuing their dreams. Before leaving the house they said a prayer for her and got into the car and embarked on that journey to Pietermaritzburg.
When they finally arrived to Pietermaritzburg and found the place. She called the landlord and he came to welcome her into her new room. She got there and her roommate was already there. The place had a garden and a TV room. She was sure she was going to have fun living with girls from different backgrounds. The place was nothing like her village. Back home, they don't have washing machines and home alarms. Her father managed to get them a TV set 3 years before her grade 12 year. That was 2017. There was also a caretaker who looked quite scary but the landlord assured her he was going to protect her and he was there for their safety since the accommodation was occupied by girls only.
She settled in and put sheets on the bed. Her mother helped her put her clothes into the wardrobe and her food in the fridge. She was talking to her roommate. Her roommate said she was here in university to study engineering as she was passionate about it. Annita didn't know if she felt as strongly about agriculture. She just thought, agriculture probably has many opportunities for one to grow and she can always come back and educate people in her village who to optimize the way they garden.
Her father was talking to the landlord and caretaker and was questioning them about the safety of this place. It's nothing like their village. No dirt roads, just tar roads and a few trees. Just before her parents left. Her mother gave her a word of advice.
"Annita my child, take care of yourself. I know you're getting older and you will begin to meet men. If it so happens you make a boyfriend, protect yourself my child for the world is evil and knows no remorse" Nala held her child's hand and kissed her on the forehead.
They left Annita to settle well into the place and mingle with the other girls in the house. Annita was too shy and awkward though. She tried to talk to her roommate but the conversation ended up being bland. The next day she had to get up and plan her timetable for her lectures and she did so. Still afraid to make friends with the girls she'd stay in her room and be content with that. She'd get busy with social media, on Twitter, posting pictures and connecting with different people.
Problems after 2 to 3 weeks of living there started to arise. The place was becoming filthy. The girls wouldn't wash their dishes after using them and throw them in the sink with chewed up bones. The toilet would always need a clean. Not to mention the disgusting showers that were never cleaned. They started to grow mould on them and it became a health hazard. Annita was adamant she needed to get out of there and find a place of her own. A single room apartment that was clean and beautiful. All the other girls agreed and wanted to leave as well.
All in the meanwhile Annita carried on with trying to adjust to campus life and spending her days on Twitter rather than getting real human interaction.
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