I know it is morning because everywhere seems bright even with my eyes closed.

I pay attention to the voices around me. Seems the school nurses have remembered my existence after all.

"Where were you all night, that you didn't notice a patient soil her bed with vomit in her sleep?" The head nurse screams at the night duty nurse after seeing my appalling state.

I wonder what she would have done if she knew vomiting in my sleep was the least problem I had last night.

I pretend I'm still asleep as I listen to them argue back and forth. I wrinkle my nose from the nasty smell coming from my pillow. I wish they would stop arguing and clean me up already.

I really want to go home. I hate this school. I don't know why my parents have to insist that I attend their alma mater.

They met each other in this secondary school, and their relationship progressed till they finished their university education and got married.

I am the first of two children, and they have this bizarre idea that their children should attend the school where their love story started.

Boarding school suited them well, doesn't mean it suits me too.
I don't know why they won't understand that.

**********

It is my third day at the clinic, and they have sent for my parents to pick me up so I can be well taken care of and convalesce better at home.

**********

I am in the sitting room of my school guardian, watching the television, when I hear my mum's voice outside, exchanging pleasantries with Mrs. Shodimu, my guardian.

As if they remember that I'm close by, they start speaking in hushed tones, and I'm sure the subject of discourse is me.

Few minutes later, my mum comes in, staring at me with disappointment in her eyes. I do not understand why she blames me every time I fall ill.

This is the second time this term that she has been summoned concerning my health status. Maybe she's disappointed because I have to take her away from her busy schedule at her supermarket every time they call her because of me.

I seldom fall ill at home, but it is a different thing entirely in school. Things don't just go well with me here.

"Let us go home!" She snaps at me; and I hear her mutter "lazy child" under her breath.

As we make our way to the car park, we pass by students going for afternoon prep classes,chatting and laughing with one another, and I try to avoid my mother's gaze.

"Lolu!" I hear someone call.