"Lolu, wake up! This is evening prep class for reading, not sleeping!"

I feel a hard knock on my already aching head and hear laughter all around me. I find it so difficult concentrating on the book before me. My head hurts, and my body feels so hot to touch.

I told my school mother this evening that I didn't feel too good, but she shoved my complaints aside and instead gave me buckets to go fetch water for the next day's washing.

"Work takes away all pain, Lolu." She said.

Now it seems things are worse with my body. I've been feeling this way on and off for two weeks now, but I refuse to visit the school clinic, or tell my guardian.

They will only tell my parents again and I'll have to be schooled on how disappointing and weak I am. I will endure the pain and malaise, maybe it will resolve itself with time.

Keeping my eyes open is an herculean task, and it feels like hot smoke emanating from my feverish body. I heave a sigh of immense relief when the bell rings for us to return to the hostel.
**********

"Are you sure Lolu did not smoke marijuana during prep? She is moving like someone that is high."

I hear them say all sorts behind me and laugh to their own jokes. My focus is to get to the hostel and lay my aching head down. I struggle with each step, and the fact that each step moves me closer to the comfort of my bed gives me more resolve.

Someone pushes me from behind. The others laugh. Another push. And another. It is like a game to them now.

I do not mind. I just need to get to my bed and embrace the solitude of sleep.
At last, we get to the hostels, and I use the last ounces of my strength to push myself forward to my room and up the top bunk. Tears stream down my eyes as I submit my consciousness to nothingness.
**********