Son: Njodzeka
Daughter: Fonyuy
Njodzeka: Dad, good morning.
Father: Yes, my son, good morning. How are you feeling this morning ?
Njodzeka: Father, I'm feeling fine. Father, I have something to discuss to you.
Father: What is it my son ?
Njodzeka: Father, you see, I'm the first child of the family and I am supposed to go to the University this coming year. Yet you are not saying anything about it.
Father: Son, I've been thinking about this issue, but I still have not found a solution to it because I no longer have moneny as I had in the past to be able to send you to the University.
Njodzeka: Father, are you trying to tell me it is not possible for me to go to the University this year?
Father: Not so my son. What I'm trying to tell you is that at the moment, I don't have enough money. You see, because of your sister's resent problem which you know, emptied everywhere that I had money.
Njodzeka: What problem are you talking about, Dad? Does Fonyuy have any problems in this house? When it's my own problem, you claim not to have the means but when it's Fonyuy's, that is when money comes out. Father, remember that she's a girl and she'll not remain with you here, She'll one day go and marry outside. I'm a boy and I will always be with you. So you should see into my problems first, Daddy.
Father: Son, I understand. But you see, nowadays if you don't show your love to your girl child, she can betray you in any way. She's now mature and men are already attracted to her. So, if we don't take good care of her now, she might go out as a prostitute and bring shame into our house.
Njodzeka: Dad, you might be right but don't just show her all the love as mom is already doing. If so, she'll become a naughty child and betray us one day.
Father: Don't tell me that! How will she? She can't betray me if I show her my love.
Njodzeka: Ok Dad. It's ok. Now tell me, this year I am supposed to go to the University. I want to know if I will go this year or not so that I can start looking for what I can do for a part-time job to enable myself to have money for my University studies.
Father: This child, what do you think you can do? You only need to come and work with me in the farm since your mom and Fonyuy are no longer going to the farm. If we work on our farm, by the next rainy season we shall harvest more and sell and this will give us more money.
Njodzeka: Father, count me out. I cannot go to the farm. I’d rather go and join friends in the market and push trucks and carry people’s bags so that I can have money too. Working in the farm is not going to be my job. Money has no colour, Dad.
Berinyuy: Why are you shouting at your father like that? Don't you know how to respect your father?
Njodzeka: Mama, stay out of this. I haven’t said anything to you and this does not concern you. You don't care about me. You only care about Fonyuy. Am I not also your child ?
Berinyuy: What? What do you mean? You're my son and I have to talk to you. What do you mean by it does not concern me? That’s all you’re good at. Your friends are now in universities and you’re staying at home.
Njodzeka: Mom! Mom, it's all you. You're my problem. You're my mother and you're the one who is supposed to take care of my studies. I've passed my exams and I am waiting for you to send me to University and you're there telling me rubbish. If it were my sister, you would have done everything for her. Look at me, am I not frustrated by you, parents?
Berinyuy: Husband, are you with me? Are you hearing what your son is saying to me?
Father: Now he's my son. If he were good, he would have been your own son. You women! Why can't you call Fonyuy my daughter also?
Berinyuy: Ok. Continue with him but let him not open his mouth on me again, like father like son. Fonyuy, carry this and let's go to the market. Don't look at this, this, this fool.
(On the way to the market)
Fonyuy: Ah! Ah! Mama, my stomach, Mama, my stomach.
Berinyuy: What is it Fonyuy? What is it my daughter ? Why are you vomiting? Sit down here while I look for water for you drink. Here's water. What happened? I'm suspecting something seriously. Do you have a boyfriend?
Fonyuy: No mama, I don't have any boyfriend. Ah!
Berinyuy: You're telling lies, you're pregnant, Fonyuy. Look at the shame you've brought on me. Well, come. We're going to see my native doctor. We must abort it right now,come.
Fonyuy: No Mama, I'm afraid. I don't want Papa to know about this. If he knows about it, I’m dead.
Berinyuy: Come, I'm your mother and your father does not know things like this more than I. I want you to go to the University this year and I don't want you to have this pregnancy. The native doctor is the one who can do it without any mistake.
Fonyuy: Ok Mama, let's go. I just hope nothing will go wrong with me because if my friends know, they will laugh at me.
Berinyuy: Come, we're there. Wait here let me call for him. The great one, I'm here.
The Great One: Ah, Berinyuy was it you, my daughter? Welcome. What do you want the Great One to do for you. Wait, I know what you want. Your daughter is the problem.
Berinyuy: Yes, the great-one. She is pregnant and I would like to terminate the pregnancy. Help us Great-One.
The Great One: I will help you. But remember, this should be by your daughter's will. Does she accept it?
Berinyuy: (She says to Fonyuy slowly) Accept it my daughter, accept what he tells you.
Fonyuy: Yes, Great One, I accept.
The Great One: Ok, since you have accepted, pass this way. Remove your shoes and sit down here. Take this and drink. You have to sleep in the house for two days because you will need to have some rest after taking the second dose tomorrow morning.
Fonyuy: Ok, Great-one, thank you very much.
Berinyuy: Thank you very much Great-One, how much do I have to pay?
Great-one: Go! Go! When it's over, you can come and give what you think would be ok to the Great One.
Berinyuy: Thank you very much Great One. Fonyuy, come let's go. Have you heard ? You should sleep for two days, I don't want to see you out until the two days have passed. Let's go back to the house, I will go with you to the house before going back to the market.
(Back home)
Fanwong: Why are you people coming back so early and what is this you're holding? Who gave you this? Is this not something from a native doctor? Where is it from? Give it to me.
Berinyuy: My husband, don't talk like that please. Fonyuy is not well and we went to see the native doctor to get some medicine for her.
Fonyuy: Papa it's true, I have headache and Mama said we should go and see the native doctor. I'm already feeling better since I drank the medicine he gave me there.
Fanwong: Alright? I just hope you're feeling better now.
Fonyuy: Yes dad, he also said I should stay indoors for two days without going out except when I want to go to the toilet.
Fanwong: What? What kind of treatment is that? Only headache and you have to stay indoors? Well, I hope you'll be fine soon.
(Njodzeka enters)
Njodzeka: Father, why is Fonyuy on the bed at this hour of the day? Is she ok? Fonyuy, what is it? Are you ok?
Fonyuy: No, I'm sick. I have headache.
Njodzeka: Headache my foot. I'm not sure it's only headache. Did mama take you to the hospital?
Fonyuy: What is your corcern? Don't disturb me.
(Mama enters)
Berinyuy: What is it again Njodzeka? Can't you see that she's not well? Let her rest.
Njodzeka: Mama, is it only because I'm asking what happened to her? Father, why is Mama under rating me in this house as if I’m not her own child too? Mama why? Ok, since you only care about Fonyuy and forget me, I don't mind. I will mind my own business and God will help me one day. When I asked about going to the University, you told me to go and see my father. Father, is this the right way for mama to be treating me?
Father: My son, don't mind her, like mother like daughter. Let's go back to our conversation. You said you'll like to go and join your friends in the market. Don't you think it's not a good idea?
Njodzeka: Dad, I don't think so. I'm just from the market and I've seen one of my friends who agrees that I should work with him. I'm also doing this because one of my friends who is now in the University did the same to save some money for his admission. And I don't think it'll be a bad thing if I did the same.
Father: Ok, if you insist, be very careful because it's very dangerous, I'm just accepting this because there's no other option. Go on and do it but don't let anybody come here complaining you’ve done something stupid in the market.
Njodzeka: Ok Dad, thank you. But father, he asked for some money so that I can rent his wheelbarrow since I'm still a beginner.
Father: How much?
Njodzeka: 1000frs CFA, Dad.
Father: 1000 what? Don't you think it's too much? Then how much do you think you can work per day? Anyway, I will see if your mother can lend me some money. Ah! that's her coming, Mama Njodzeka, please lend me 1000frs, I want Njodzeka to start doing something so that he can save some money for admission into the University next year.
Berinyuy: What? I think you're out of your senses. If it were about Fonyuy, my daughter, I would have undersood. But to this stupid boy, count me out. I don't have money to waste.
Njodzeka : Father, let's forget it. I know what to do. Just forget all about this now.
Father: But take care my son. How are you going to make it now?
Njodzeka: Father, I have one of my friends who owns a wheelbarrow. I will plead with him.
Father: Ok!
(One week later)
Fonyuy: Mama, I saw some clothes in the market last week ; I will like you to buy them for. Futhermore I will like to drink tea every morning before going to school because I've lost weight. My friends will laugh at me especially as my skin colour is becoming black. I will also need to buy some oil so that my body type should be shining again.
Leila: My daughter, you know I am your mother and if you need anything, I will always give you.. Tomorrow I'll give you some money.
Fonyuy: Thank you Mama.
(Njodzeka comes back from the market)
Njodzeka: Father, good evening. I'm back father.
Father: Welcome my son. How wasday? You're happy, what is it?
Njodzeka: Father, just look at this. This is 5000frs and I've paid the money my friend lent me. Indeed, this is my profit.
Father: My goodness, that is serious my son. Immediately, we should arrange and open an account in which you can be saving your money. Does that suit you?
Njodzeka: Yes dad, I will surely go tomorrow, by 8:00 a.m. to make sure the first person there.
(Fonyuy comes back from the market)
Fonyuy: Mama look at this. Here's the dress and oil. This oil is the most recent onthe market and it creams. I'm glad my colour will come back again. Do you like it Mama?
Berinyuy: It is nice, I love it my daughter. This is the type of dress I used to see on television. Let me tell you something. Do you know you're a big girl now? I know men have started longing for you. I will like that when you go to the University, you concetrate on your studies even if there are men. Don't forget to study hard.
Fonyuy: Ok Mama, I've heard. But, should I go to parties with my friends while there? I have this proverb for you Mama. "A monkey cannot leave a tree with banana to climb a coconut tree".
Berinyuy: Yes, I think that is normal for everybody. But don't forget to study hard.
(One year later)
Njodzeka: Papa, it is already one year since I started working in the market. The money I have been saving is already enough for my admission into the University. What do you think Dad?
Father: My son, you're right. Tomorrow, I will go with you to withdraw the money and buy your books first. I will then go with you to Yaounde for your admission and after that I'll look for a room. Since Fonyuy is also going to the University, I would suggest that you stay with her in the same room initiatly. Does that suit you?
Njodzeka: Father, Mama is taking care of her, since she's my sister, I don't see anything wrong with that.
(Fonyuy hears her name)
Fonyuy: What’s my name fore? Please, stop calling my name. Even though Mama is taking care of me, Papa is still my Dad and they both have to take care of me. Mind your own business.
Njodzeka: Papa, have you heard the way she talk to me? I will slap this girl. Do you know I'm your elder brother?
Fonyuy: As my elder brother, you have been in the University by now.
Father: Hey Fonyuy, shut up your mouth. He's your elder brother. Now, the two of you listen, I am sending both of you to the University. All of us will go down to Yaounde so that I can register both of you at the same time. After that, we'll look for your room because you'll be living together for the meantime. Is that clear?
They both answer: Yes Dad.
(They leave for Yaounde).
(After registration)
Father: Now, your registration is over. Both of you should learn to live together for you'll be studying together and doing things together. These are thethings that you'll be using together. I don't want to hear any quarrel.
Fonyuy: Dad, are you not going to buy us a television set and a radio?
Njodzeka: Father, do you hear her? Hear what she's saying !. That's all you know. You can't even ask for something like a blackboard that we can be using at home.
Father: Ok children, I will do what you want me to do for you. Njo, are you ok with what she's asking for? I will buy the blackboard first Fonyuy.
Njodzeja: Father, I think it’s needless buying all these things now. We should first of all start studies. As for me, what I need is a blackboard, which you've accepted to buy.
Fonyuy: Father, he likes only the blackboard whereas I like both, I will like you to buy us a TV set and radio and then the blackboard.
Father: Ok children, I will buy you people a TV set, a small radio and a blackboard. Njo, come, don't worry. I know why I am doing that. She's a girl and can be stubborn if I don't show her love especially at this initial stage . Now, Fonyuy come. As I am now going back to the village I would like to advise the two of you. Both of you are my children and I would like you to show love to each other. You should read together and, always remember to cook in the house.You should learn be save money. You see, we don't have money ; we're poor. I no longer have any money in my account. So, you people should study hard for your future. Please my children, do respect yourselves and respect everybody here on campus.
They both answer: Thank you Dad. We shall respect each other.
(The father leaves and arrives in the village safely and a friend (Binfon) is telling him what his wife was doing in his absence)
Binfon : Papa Njo, welcome. I heard from Mami Njo that you went for the children’s registration to the university.
Father : Yes Binfon, I went and everything went on well. Please let me go to the house and have some rest.
Binfon : Papa Njo, I have something to tell you.
Father : What is it again ? I hope it’s not asking of money or something.
Binfon : No ! It is about Mami Njo and Lukong from the next compound. I use to see her there very early in the morning on my way to the farm. I suspect Lukong is having an affaire with her.
Father : Are you out of your mind ? If that is all you think you can say here, please excuse me and go your way.
Binfon : I’m just trying to tell you when it’s still early. Ok, let me go but just know that your wife is bringing abomination to this village.
Father : Go to hell ! Don’t ever tell me rubish like what you’ve just said here. Good day.
(Father arrives to his house beeing disturbed with what he has just heard from Binfon)
Berinyuy: You're back my husband? How is Yaounde and how was your journey?
Father: Yes my wife, we did travel well. Yaounde is really a big city. Everything went well and their place is a nice place. Fonyuy was insisting that I must buy them a TV and a Radio so I used the remaining money and bought them all those things.
Berinyuy: That is not bad, you know it is safer and would keep them in the house most of the time.
Father: You're right. Now, let's think on how we'll be preparing for the coming year and food to send to them. We will go to the farm tomorrow and see if we can plant more cassava so that we can prepare garri for them.
Berinyuy: That's right. But dear, do you know something? I'm only afraid of Fonyuy. She's now big and she might be heady with Njo.
Father: It depends on how she was brought up. When I was telling you that we should not show so much love to her, you were thinking that I was joking.
Berinyuy : Papa Njo, we have a born-house tomorrow night and we will be there till the next morning.
Father : A born-house ? When did you people start that ? To go and stay outside because of born-house ?
Berinyuy : Well, that is the new constitution and I can’t stay behind.
Father : Ok, but you should be careful with yourself. Now. Tell me what is going on between you and Lukong ?
Berinyuy : Which Lukong are you talking about ? Is that what your people are telling you ? You better go and ask to them what is going on between I and Lukong or you yourself can go and ask. I knew your family will start causing problems in this house.
Father : Hey woman ! Don’t ever talk about my family again. You can insult me but not my family.
Berinyuy : Then who told you all this ? Just one day I went to Lukong to beg to a bottle of palm wine.
Father : And must he give you the palm wine only in the morning at 5 :00 a.m ? Anyway, you should be very careful with me in this house or else....
Berinyuy : I’m sorry my husband. I’ve heard.
(She is going to Lukong’s immediately after talking with her husband) (She is knocking at Lukong’s door)
Berinyuy : (Knocking at Lukong’s door) Co ! Co ! Lukong it’s me Berinyuy.
Lukong : Hello ! my sweetheart. How are you ? Please come inside. Is that man back already ?
Berinyuy : Yes ! But there’s a big problem. Somebody told him that I was here.
Lukong : What ? This should be Binfon. I saw him the other morning when you were going. I must talk to him.
Berinyuy : No. Don’t talk to him because if you do, things will be tough on us. I know what to do. I will not come here for sometime now because if I do, my husband might know. I know when I will come here again, when next he will travel to Yaounde. Don’t worry sweetheart. Let me be going please.
Lukong : Ok, I will always be waiting for you when you’ll be ready. You know I love you so much and I will be missing you.
(6 months later, Fonyuy and Njodzeka remained behind in Yaounde for studies)
Njodzeka: Fonyuy, it is good we write a letter to Dad and Mama, it has been six months that we've not written to them.
Fonyuy: If you can you can write to them, I don't have any time. I will be going out for a party tonight and I want to sleep now. Please don't disturb me for now, and if any man comes to look for me, tell the person I've gone out.
Njodzeka: Fonyuy, you've changed, you're forgetting our parents and you don't even study anymore. What is wrong?
Fonyuy: Please, don't disturb me. Am I disturbing you from going to school? And more to that, am I dull like you? You better work hard in school because I don't have any problems. I always have my exams and it's not to read everyday that will make me pass. I have confidence in myself. Please I want to sleep.
Njodzeka: Ok, I'm going to the class, I want to go and read. Please when you wake up, try to cook these potatoes, I've already cleaned it and I don't have much time to cook it now.
Fonyuy: What? Am I your cook now? You've started bothering me in this room. I think it'll be better for me to find my own room.
Njodzeka: Hey Fonyuy, what are you saying? Your own room? Where will you get the money from?
Fonyuy: Do you think I'm sleeping. I'm working for my money. Yaounde is not like the village where you wait for Papa or Mama. Where do you think I go to every night and come back from in the morning? I work in town every night. I will be looking for a room next week. Stay there. Anyway, "A monkey cannot live a banana tree and climb on a coconut tree".
Njodzeka: Fonyuy, please don't tell me you're now a prostitute when I don't know. That is a very bad thing to do in life. You mean those people coming here with expensive cars like that are going out with you? Don't you see they're older than our Father even? Please, you're my sister and I don't think I can stay and see you loosing your life. You have to think fast and change your habit please. Money is good but life is too short. It is good to study and work for your money the right way.
Fonyuy: You're wasting your time. Money is the same and there are so many ways you can work for your own money but money is still money. Excuse me. I even saw a friend of mind who'll be going out of his room and I've paid the advance already. I will be leaving this place in two days time. So you should learn how to cook or do things by yourself, you can look for a young girl as your girlfriend who can cook for you.
Njodzeka: Fonyuy, since you don't want to listen to me, I don't have anything to say, but just know that you're making a very big mistake in your life and you'll regret it.
Fonyuy: Thank you Mr Adviser. Have you finished? If you've finished, please excuse me, I want to sleep.
Berinyuy: Are you back, my husband? How is Yaounde and how was your journey?
Father: Yes, my wife, we did travel well. Yaounde is really a big city. Everything went well and their place is a nice one. Fonyuy insisted that I must buy them a TV set and a Radio. So, I used the remaining amount of money and bought them all those things.
Berinyuy: That is not bad. You know, this is safer and would keep them indoors most of the time.
Father: You're right. Now, let's think of how we can prepar for the coming year and how we can send food to them. We will go to the farm tomorrow and see if we can plant more cassava so that we can be preparing garri for them.
Berinyuy: That's right. But dear, do you know what? I'm only afraid of Fonyuy. She's now big and might not be submissive to Njo.
Father: It depends on how she was brought up. When I was telling you that we should not show so much love to her, you thought I was joking.
(6 months later)
Njodzeka: Fonyuy, we should write a letter to Dad and Mama. It’s six months since we've not written to them.
Fonyuy: If you like you can write to them, I don't have any time. I will be going out for a party tonight so I want to sleep now. Please, don't disturb me for now, and if anyone comes to look for me, tell the person I've gone out.
Njodzeka: Fonyuy, you've changed. You're forgetting our parents and you don't even study anymore. What is wrong?
Fonyuy: Please, don't disturb me. Am I disturbing you from going to school? And more to that, am I dull like you? You better work hard in school because I don't have any problems. I always pass my exams and it's not reading everyday that will make me pass. I have confidence in myself. Please I want to sleep.
Njodzeka: Ok, I'm going to class, I want to go and read. Please when you wake up, try to cook these potatoes, I've already peeled them it and I don't have enough time to boiling them now.
Fonyuy: What? Am I your cook now? You've started bothering me in this room. I think it will be better for me to look for my own room.
Njodzeka: Hey Fonyuy, what are you saying? Your own room? Where will you get the money from?
Fonyuy: Do you think I'm sleeping. I'm working for my money. Yaounde is not like the village where you wait for Papa or Mama. Where do you think I go to every night and come back in the morning? I work in town every night. I will be looking for a room next week. Stay there. Anyway, "A monkey cannot leave a banana tree to climb a coconut tree".
Njodzeka: Fonyuy, please don't tell me you're now a prostitute . That is a very bad thing to do in life. You mean that those people who comes here with expensive cars are going out with you? Don't you see they're even older than our Father? Please, you're my sister and I don't think I can stay and watch you lose your life. You have to think fast and change your habit please. Money is good but life is too short. It is good to study and work for your money in the right way.
Fonyuy: You're wasting your time. Money is the same and there are so many ways you can work for your money. Afterall, money is money. Anyway, I have a friend of mine who will be moving out of his room. I've already paid the deposit. I will be leaving this place in two days time. So, you should learn how to cook or do things by yourself. You can look for a young girlfriend who would be cooking for you.
Njodzeka: Fonyuy, since you don't want to listen to me, I don't have anything to say. But just know that you're making a very big mistake in your life and you'll regret it.
Fonyuy: Thank you Mr Adviser. Have you finished? If you've finished, please, excuse me, I want to sleep.
(Njodzeka meets one of their neighbours from Yaounde)
Njodzeka: Hey Yuven, is that you? This is Njodzeka. Do you still recognise me? I know you in the village. I'm Fonyuy's sister.
Yuven: Oh! Njo, is this you? This is great, you're now a big man. How do you find Yaounde? You know, I completed the University last year with a doctorate degree. What about your sister, Fonyuy? Is she doing fine?
Njodzeka: She's doing fine, Yuven. But there's one thing bothering me about my sister. She's here with me but she does not even attend classes anymore. She goes out and comes back only in the morning, telling me that she work in town every night.
Yuven: Working where? In town? This is serious. Working in town is prostituting. There are thousands of girls here who leave their villages to come to the University and when they come, they forget everything about school and and start living the way they want. What do you think about it? Try to inform your parents because I will be going up to the village next week and would like you to send them a letter. I will help you and give it to them.
Njodzeka: That is good. I will write it right away. Wait for me, please.
Yuven: This is really serious. Do you know how many HIV cases I have in my hospital? And 80% of them are University students ? Jesus Christ ! why is this girl doing this?
Njodzeka: I've finished. Here is the letter. I just pray she should not see it.
Yuven: I am leaving, I hope to see you when I come back from the village. Bye !
Njodzeka: Ok, thank you very much. Bye ! Please, tell my parents everything because I don't know what else to do.
(Fonyuy enter)
Njodzeka: Fonyuy, if you were here, you would have written a letter to Dad and Mama, Yuven has just left and I've written a letter.
Fonyuy: Well, that is not what I have come here for. I'have come to inform you that I've been transferred to Douala and I'm leaving tomorrow. I'm tired of living here in Yaounde and in the Campus. There's a man there who will take care of me when I get there. So, I will be leaving you for now.
Njodzeka: Fonyuy, please don't do this. Papa will not be happy. Remember what he told us before going back to the village. Ok, give me your telephone number so that if any problem arises I can call you easily.
Fonyuy: My phone number? I can't. I don't want you to bother me because I know you'll always be asking for money. Ask money from Papa or any of your friends. I can't give you my phone number. Good-bye
Njodzeka: (Cries) Oh God, are you really up there? Look after my sister, Lord and please, Father, help and guide her. Change her mind Papa God.
(Yuven arrives the village)
Yuven: Good afternoon, Mama.
Berinyuy: Who is this? Is this Yuven, the son of Konyuy? How is Fonyuy and Njodzeka? Their father has just gone to the farm. Please, sit down my son. Look at you , you're now a big man. How are those children?
Yuven: Yes Mama, they're doing fine. Njo sent me with this letter to give to you. I heard him complaining about Fonyuy. He said she no longer takes her studies seriously and she no more lives in the house.
Berinyuy: What? Are you sure of what you're saying? My daughter? I'm not sure. What about Njo? Is he doing well? Has he been looking after her?
Yuven: He's scared about her, Mama, Infact, from what Njo told me, Fonyuy has become a prostitute in town . I do not appreciate her behaviour either. I only saw her one day passing inside a big car with one rich man. Such people are usually called "mbomas". Mama, I'm afraid. Well, let me get home and see my parents, You know ,I completed the University last year and I'm now a medical doctor. I'm sorry I did not tell you.
Berinyuy: What? Doctor? These children, thank God for His work. Your parents must be proud of you today. My congratulations. Ok, my son. I will wait for her father to come so that we can read the letter together. This Fonyuy! She has started. Why is this girl doing this? Her father will scold at me today.
(Mr Fonwong returns from the farm)
( talking to himself )
Father: "What is wrong with this woman". (To his wife) How come you're talking alone in the house? Is anything wrong? Why are you like this? If you're not happy, tell me?
Berinyuy: Here's a letter sent to us by our son, Njo. The boy who brought the letter says that Fonyuy is no longer living in the house and that she no longer attends classes. That's why I am talking to myself.
Father: You see! It's the way you brought her up. When I was telling you about it, you refused, to listen. Give me that letter, Stupid. I have to travel to Yaounde tomorrow to see them.
Berinyuy: I would like to go with you.
Father: You will stay here and take care of the house. We cannot leave the house like that.
Berinyuy: Ok, when you go, greet them for me and tell Fonyuy to try and remain a good girl.
Father: (Angrily) Was she a good girl before? F! f! f oooll!
(The very day her husband left for Yaounde, Berinyuy went to Lukong again)
Berinyuy: Sweetheart, good morning. He has gone again to Yaounde and I think this is the right time we should be together.
Lukong: Sweetheart. Are you serious ? I’m so happy today. Please do me this favour. I will like you to bring your things here and stay with me.
Beriyuy: No! What will people say? Don't you see that it is not good. I just want to keep you happy every time.
Lukong: I have an idea on how we can stay together forever without any problems from your husband.
Berinyuy: What is the idea ? I hope it is not something stupid.
Lukong: Sweetheart, I know this will disturb you but, I will first like you to tell me the person you really love. Me or your husband.
Berinyuy: Please stop it. You know I love you, the person you’re calling my husband, don’t you see that he’s older than me ? My parents forced me to marry him telling me that it’s our tradition. He’s not my choice.
Lukong: Ok, now I understand. Let’s do something very fast.
Berinyuy: What ?
Lukong: Let’s eliminate him.
Berinyuy: What ? Kill him ? You’re not serious. What will people say ?
Lukong: Ok, if you don’t want it that way, you better forget all about me and go to your husband.
Berinyuy: Ok , sweetheart. But I don’t think people will know about this.
Lukong: Leave that to me. Let’s go to my traditional doctor. He’s the person who’s protecting me and can help me in anything.
Berinyuy: Ok, let’s go.
(They arrives to the traditional doctor)
Lukong: I salut you my Lord.
My Lord: Lukong, how are you? Wait a minute. What do you people want ?
Lukong: My Lord, there is somebody who is disturbing my wife, my wife is not concentrating on me any more.
My Lord: Where is your wife, Lukong ?
Lukong: She’s there my Lord. Let me call for her. Sweetheart, come inside.
Berinyuy: Good day my Lord.
My Lord: You’re welcome my daugther. Your husband is telling me that somebody is disturbing you from him. Who is the person.
Berinyuy: Yes my Lord. This man, my parents forced me to marry him and I don’t love him, so I will like to forget everything about him.
My Lord: Are you telling me the truth ? When the Gods are demonstrating, they don’t look behind. Now, tell me what you want me to do for you.
Berinyuy: I want to elimate him my Lord.
My Lord: Where is he now ?
Berinyuy: He travelled to Yaounde my Lord and I want him to die in a car accident while coming.
My Lord: Consider it done my daughter. But you should think twice again.
Berinyuy: Ok my Lord. I’ve already thought it over before coming.
My Lord: You can now go and wait for the news from Yaounde.
Lukong: Thank you my Lord. How much am I paying my Lord ?
My Lord: You can go. The Gods don’t need any payment. Just wait for the work to be done.
Lukong: Thank you my Lord.
Berinyuy: Thank you my Lord.
(They are going back to Lukong’s house and Berinyuy was so afraid)
Berinyuy: I’m afraid sweetheart. People will talk about this.
Lukong: Come on sweetheart. Don’t worry. I will handle everything. You should not bother yourself. Once he’s dead, nobody will talk to you again, even if they do, they’ll get tired.
Berinyuy: It’s true. But please let’s wait for that to happen first before I come to your house.
Lukong: Wait for what? Wait for his corps? I can’t. I want you to come next week.
Berinyuy: Ok sweetheart, I’ve heard. I will do so next week but, I will not come to the house tomorrow.
(He arrives Yaounde at about 11 p.m.)
Father: Njo, are you there? It's me, your father.
Njodzeka: Father, welcome. I did not know you were to come Dad. I hope everything is all right back home. How is Mama and the people in the village?
Father: They're all doing fine, I got your letter and couldn't help coming. Where's Fonyuy at this hour of the night?
Njodzeka: Father, I've not seen Fonyuy for the past two months. The last time she came here, before I wrote that letter, she came with somebody that took away her belongings. She did not tell me anything. I tried to ask but the man shouted at me that I didn’t have the right to ask her any questions. That he's taking her to Douala. She told the man that I'm just her cousin and that she came and took her belongings from here to look for a house. Dad, that's what made me write the last letter, because Fonyuy was going mad after that man.
Father: So, she's in Douala now! The town I here is very big? This girl! A place I've never been to in my life is the place she has gone all alone !
Njodzeka: Yes, Dad, but I don't know where we can find her. She refused to give me her telephone number. However, there's a friend of hers who told me that she saw her in Douala and that she was not looking good going by her appearance. I think we should see her so that she can direct us to the area where we can find her.
(Njo leaves and goes to Nyuydzes')
Njodzeka: Nyuydze, good morning. It's me, Njodzeka. Can I come in?
Nyuydze: Yes, come in Njo. How are you today?
Njodzeka: I'm doing fine. My dad is here and he would like to see you.
Nyuydze: Your dad? Please let's go. You know, I don't know your dad. How is he? When did he come?
Njodzeka: He's fine. He came last night.
(They return to Njo's place)
Njodzeka: Papa, here's Nyuydze, the friend I told you about who saw Fonyuy in Douala. She's also from our village, but I don't know her parents. She's a very good friend to us.
Father: My daughter, how are you? I've heard your name and it sounded familiar to me. Are you the daughter of Wirkom and Kinyuy?
Nyuydze: Yes dad. How come you know my parents? I don't know much about you. I only know Fonyuy and Njodzeka here at Campus.
Father: You see my daughter, you're too young. Your father was my best friend before he died. When he died, you were still a kid. You don’t know me because your compound is very far from ours.
Nyuydze: Dad, Njo told me that you would like for us to go and look for Fonyuy, is that true? I don't know the specific place where she lives, but she did give me her telephone number and I hope that it can help us to get in touch with her.
Father: That's good. We'll leave tomorrow morning by 10:00 a.m. I will tell Njo to get ready . You know, I've never been to Douala and I hear it's a very big city.
(The next day)
Njodzeka: Dad, get ready so that we can catch the bus. As for me I'm ready. So, while you're still preparing, let me rush and see if Nyuydze has finished. (he knocks at Nyuydze's door) Nyuydze, are you ready ? I'm ready and I think my dad is also ready by now. So we're waiting for you. Or, should I wait for you so that we can go together?
Nyuydze: Yes, I'll be ready in a few minutes, you can have a seat while I get ready. How's your dad? (she finishes) Now, let's go. I hope your dad has finished by now. (In Njodzeka's dorm ) Dad, good morning. (She greets him).
Father: Good morning my daughter, how are you? Can we go now?
(They enter the bus, it is the first time the father enters a big bus, he said)
Father: What is this, is this a train? I hope everybody is going to Douala is inside here.
Nyuydze: (Smiles) No dad, there are more than 10 buses like this travelling to Douala daily. So we've just taken one of them.
(they arrive at Douala by 12:00 noon)
Father: Children, is this Douala? This is a beautiful town. Are you sure we will see Fonyuy? Where are we going to see her? How many days do you think we will be looking for her and where are we going to sleep?
Njodzeka: Nyuydze, please can we call the number you talked about now? I think it'll be the best way.
(Their dad is already tired, it is already about 10:00 p.m. and it is raining in town. There is mud and it splashes on Dad)
Nyuydze: Let me go to that telephone booth and call. (She rings and man pickes up the phone) Allo! Allo! This is Nyuydze, Fonyuy's friend from Yaounde. Please can I talk to her? It's very urgent. (He answeres yes and gives the phone to Fonyuy)
Fonyuy: Allo! Nyuydze is that you?
Nyuydze: Yes, it’s me. I'm here with your dad and your brother, Njodzeka. We have been struggling to get you over the phone.
Fonyuy: Yes, where are you people. I will direct you to where I am so that you can get right to the house. (She directs her and Nyuydze understands. (The latter leads Njondzek and Dad) Dad, let's go, I know where to find her now. But when I called, it was a man who picked up the phone. Anyway, let's go.
Father: My daughter, where are we going to again? Have we not already passed through this street?
Nyuydze: No Dad, they decide. (They arrive there and knock) Fonyuy! Fonyuy! (She calls). Oh my God! Fonyuy is this where you're living? Here are your dad and Njodzeka.
Fonyuy: (Her boyfriend comes out as Nyuydze shows her dad and brother. She does not want the man to know that they are her people.) Who? Is this my Dad? I don't know him and this boy you call my brother, I don't know him. (Dad is shabby and tired and needs to take a rest.)
Father: Fonyuy, what are you saying? You say I'm not your father? Njo, have you heard what your sister has said? Since she claims not to know me, let's leave this place I should return to the village. Fonyuy, you will come back and meet me at home. If you don't meet me alive, we will meet in the grave.
Fonyuy: (She turns to her boyfriend) Sweetheart, don't listen to them. I don't know them, it's only the other girl who was my classmate and I don't even know what she's doing here or where she's come from with these people. Ah, honey, don't mind them.
The boyfriend replies: It's not strange, it happens to almost everybody who is struggling to survive. Can we go in now? I need some rest.
Fonyuy: (She feels uneasy and confused) Sweetheart, I hope you've not taken it to heart, I'm sorry.
(On their way back to Yaounde, they have an accident and the father dies.)
(They were unconscious for about 20 minutes after they had an accident. After their recovery, they find out that their father had died. Nyuydze was not unconscious and was the only person who could react fast and she called again Fonyuy to inform her what had happen.)
Nyuydze: Allo! Allo! Is that Fonyuy?
Fonyuy: Yes, what again Nyuydze? Can't you leave my sweetheart and me in peace? (And she dropps the phone. They start having fun).
Nyuydze: (She remains with the phone in her hands not knowing what to do) Oh my God, what is happening to this girl ?
Njodzeka says: Nyuydze, let’s forget about her. She'll come back home creeping. Let's take him to the mortuary and from there we can inform the people in the village. They will know what to do. Tomorrow, I will go to Amour Mezam Agency to send a letter to your mother and the elders of our village to inform them about this death.
Njodzeka: (confused) Nyuydze, you know, I rely on you. I do not know what to do.
(In the village now, his mother was already married to Lukong. Everybody in the village was against his mother. She received the letter not knowing who to talk to, the elders did not want to see her again because her sudden change of husband, proving that she was only waiting for the slightest opportunity not knowing that she was the one who killed her husband. But she was courageous to go and give the letter to her husband's elder brother "In-Law" and went back to her new husband).
The In-Law: What is the letter for? Where is the letter from? (She goes back crying because she is ashamed of what she has done.
(He reads the letter and goes to the Chief's palace). Your Highness, here's the news from Douala. My junior brother Fanwong is dead and Njodzeka and one of her friends will bring the corpse tomorrow morning.
(The next day, Njodzeka and Nyuydze arrive with the corpse in the village. People were already waiting for them. The burial takes place and the ceremony goes on smoothly)
Njodzeka: (He talks to the elders about his sister Fonyuy). Elders, I'm surprised about what my sister did to us when we went to Douala to look for her. Father's death was caused by her. That's all I can say.
The elders: Listen son, "Water in a broken pot is there for the dog. Knowledge is better than riches," my son. Now that the death ceremony of your father is over, we suggest you should go back to school and study hard and continue to be a good and respectful boy. We shall send some people to Douala to see your sister, Fonyuy.
Njodzeka: Thank you my elders, but I have to see my mother before going back. (The elders agree.)
(Now, he goes to see his mother.)
Njodzeka: Mother, good day. What are you doing here Ma? The death ceremony of our dad has just ended and here you are staying with a different person as his wife. What do you think will happen to our future now? You don't even bother about my sister's whereabouts. Do you know where she is now? Mother, I am going back to school and if you remain with this man as a husband to you, don't count me as your son any longer. The elders, even the gods of our village are angry with you for what you've done.
Mother: My son, I'm sorry but I think I have to do this. I will continue to take care of you children. I will send you food and some money to pay your rent and fees next month.
Njodzeka: Mother, I don't want anything from you. I have a good friend who has decided to help me out. If you think you're a good mother to us, forget about this man and go back to our house and let us plan how we can bring Fonyuy back from that man. If not, don't think I will ever listen to you or eat whatever you send to me again.
Mother: My son, why do you say this? I am your mother and please do listen to me. I will go and look for your sister, but I don't yet know when . I will get permission from my husband, if he accepts.
Njodzeka: Who! Your what? Husband! Which husband are you talking about mother? Your husband is dead. Please mother, if you think you're a good mother, never talk about any other husband in my presence. Good-bye mother. I'm going back to school. Go ahead and marry your husband. But remember, you'll come back and confess to the elders and to the whole village. I'm going back to school.
Mother: (Crying) My son, don'tsay that please. I'm confused.
(For 6 months, neither Njo nor Fonyuy sends any message to their mother, nor does Njodzeka hear from Fonyuy or her boyfriend. One day after 2 months, Fonyuy’s boyfriend searches for Njodzeka.)
(Around the University campus, the boyfriend goes in search of Njodzeka. Finally he meets Njodzeka).
Boyfriend: Good morning. I am the boyfriend of your sister Fonyuy. Do you recognise me? You came some time ago with a friend of Fonyuy and your dad.
Njodzeka: What brings you here, man? As you can see, I'm on my way to school. Excuse me.
Boyfriend: (He has sad news for Njodzeka, Fonyuy is seriously sick, infected with HIV-AIDS. He does not know how to break the news to Njodzeka since he has never come to see them.) I have come to tell you about your sister's illness. She's very sick and has been in the hospital now for about 4 months. She's infected with HIV-AIDS. I've been trying to locate you all for the past three months but to no avail.
Njodzeka: And am I your doctor? Is this place a hospital? Do you remember when we came to your place in Douala? What did you people do to me? Do you remember when you use to hunt for her at the university? Do you still remember the way the two of you treated us when we called and told you about my father's death? Go and talk to your doctor. Should I direct you to my village? You should go to Banso and ask for Kikai Kelaki compound where you will meet Mami. Tell her your problem. I am neither her father nor her parent.
Boyfriend: (The next day, he sets out for the village, which he does not know. He inquires and finally reaches the village. He meets with the elders). Good day Sirs. I am looking for the mother of Fonyuy, I don’t know if you know her. Fonyuy told me her father's name was Fanwong who died some 8 months ago.
Elders: Where is she? What's the problem and who are you my son?
Boyfriend: I am a friend to her. She was living with me, but now she's in the hospital where she is seriously sick. I've come to tell you so that we can see what we can do or maybe we can go and bring her home.
Elders: You see, young man, we will send you to her mother so that you can arrange everything with her.
Boyfriend: Her mother? Is her mother still alive? She told me her mother died 2 years ago. I only know about her father. Ok, where is she?
Elders: You will go with this young man. He will show you the place.
(On their way, the Boyfriend asks the young man)
Boyfriend: Why is her mother living far from their compound?
Young man: When her husband died, she went and got married to another man who lives far from her. The elders do not like the man, and more to that, she's been banned from coming here. We’ll soon reach the place. I will not get right there. That's the house, you can now go alone.
Boyfriend: Ok, thank you. Take this and buy bread on your way back.
Young man: No, thank you. I don't think I will. Thank you.
Boyfriend: Ok ! (He is confused. I thought villagers like money. Why is he refusing my money? He knocks at the door.) Is there anybody home? (A man called Lukong, the new husband to Njodzeka's mother comes out.)
Lukong: Yes, can I help you young man? Are you one of those young boys who used to come and disturb my wife in the night?
Boyfriend: Yes sir, I'm looking for Mami Leila, Fonyuy's mother (Mother hears from afar and shouts) Yes, I'm here, who is that? (She comes out and sees the Boyfriend. She does not know him. The boyfriend greets her and says) Mother, are you the mother of Fonyuy? I've come to tell you that Fonyuy is in hospital and she's seriously sick. I would like to go with you so that we can bring her home.
Mother: What? My daughter sick! Of what?
Boyfriend: Mother, calm down, take it easy. The doctor says she's suffering from HIV AIDS and that the best thing is to take her home.
Mother: No, it can't be true. Who are you? Do you know my daughter?
Boyfriend: Yes ma, I know her. She’s my friend. She has been living with me for the past eight months.
Mother: Eightt months and it's now that you're looking for her parents ! Young man, you better go back and treat my daughter before bringing her here. I don't want to hear anything from you anymore. Get out of my house.
Boyfriend: Mother, please let me explain. I'm sorry, take it easy Ma, she's seriously sick.
Mother: Just go away and bring my daughter, I don't know you.
Boyfriend: (He is forced to go back. He does not even go back to greet the elders anymore. He reaches the hospital where Fonyuy has already been put in the Mortuary.) Doctor, where's my wife? How is she doing doctor? Is she doing better now?
Doctor: (He looks down and up and then says) Young man, I tried my best but she could not make it. I'm sorry. (Boyfriend is forced to take the corpse back to Fonyuy's compound.)
Boyfriend: (He arranges everything and takes along his friends. They take the bus to Fonyuy's compound where he left three days earlier. There they arrive with two buses full of his friends and a coffin lying on the other bus. They first of all pass through the mother's compound where there was nobody at home. They then go to the big compound where the elders are sitting. He comes out of the bus.)
Boyfriend: My elders, it has happened. That is Fonyuy lying on top of the bus. She died when I went back to Douala. What can we do now elders?
Elders: Who are your elders young man? We don't even know you in the first place. That is her father's house. You can either go and put her there or go and see her mother in her new husband's house.
Boyfriend: Let's go back to her mother. (The husband was just returning from the farm and he sees so many people coming off of two buses carrying a dead body. He recognizes the boyfriend.)
Husband: Stop! What does all this mean? Young man, what do you have on top of your bus?
Boyfriend: Father, this is Fonyuy. She's dead following what I told you people. Where is here mother? The elders have sent us to come and bury her here, where her mother is living.
Husband: What? It can’t be in my compound? I think you people are crazy. (The mother is coming from the farm and the husband says to her) Hey, come and see the shame you've brought on me. This is not my child and now they say they want to bury her here. I don't want anybody to be buried here. Go and bury her in her father's compound.
Boyfriend : (He tells his friends) Boys, let's go and put the corpse where the elders told us. It's their father's house. Let’s leave this place. I'm afraid.
Mother: My son, are you people going back? You cannot go. If you want to go back, bring my daughter back to life. I don't know you.
Boyfriend: Madam, we've done our best and I don't think we can do anything anymore. She's now lying in your house. Guys let's go.
Mother: Please, my neighbours, come and help me clean the compound. I want to go and call the people in my compound to come and help us bury our daughter.
Neighbours: What? Why is it that the elders in your husband’s compound are not doing anything about it? Do you want us to disgrace ourselves. People, let's leave her alone there.
Mother: Please, please help me. I don't have anybody again. My husband is dead, my daughter is dead and my only son has refused to come for the burial of his only sister because of my behaviour, because of the way I treated him when he was still here in the village. If I had known I would have taken good care of him too. I will think I will commit suicide because there is nothing on earth that interests me anymore. I'm dying.
(A pastor is passing by)
Pastor: Woman, what is your problem? Killing yourself will not solve your problem with God. Tell me what happened?
Mother: Pastor, I have a confession to make. Pastor, I was a bad woman to my children, I aborted my daughter's pregnancy of 3 months. I was bringing her up in a very bad way Pastor. When my husband died, I went and married a man in the same neighbourhood and forgot all about my children, Pastor. One is in Yaounde. He has refused to come home because of my behaviour. I want to see him, Pastor.
Pastor: Do you know where he lives in Yaounde so that we can go and see him tomorrow ? You have to apologize to him and beg for his forgiveness.
Berinyuy: Yes Pastor, I will do so when we reach Yaounde. We'll leave tomorrow, Pastor.
Pastor: Ok, I'll wait for you in the station. Good night.
(The next day)
Berinyuy: Good morning Pastor. Can we go now.
Pastor: Yes I am ready, let's go.
(They arrive Yaounde and start asking anybody they meet in the street about Njodzeka. At last, they ask this boy.)
Berinyuy: Good afternoon my son, what is your name? Please, we are looking for one boy called Njodzeka. He entered the University about four years ago.
The boy: Good afternoon Madam. My name is Konglim. I heard that name you’re talking of last week. It was said that the boy would be travelling to London. So I don't know whether he's still here or not. I don't even know him. I can direct you to someone who knows where he lives.
Beriyuy: Please my son, where is the place?
Konglim: Ask this boy coming up. I have to go because I have to attend a class. Please, Berni, show them the room of that guy whom they said was to travel to London.
Berni: I'm sorry, he left last night. One of my friends went to see him off. He said they had already left.
Berinyuy: Oh Pastor, what can I do now?
Pastor: Woman, you will have to be prayerful. Let us go back to the village.
(On their way back home, they have an accident and she looses one leg. They are now in the village.)
Berinyuy: Pastor, thank you very much. Although, I have lost one leg and I know my son has not forgiven me yet, I will go and meet my husband.
Pastor: Woman, don't go there again. You should remain in your house even if you are there alone. God will show you the way.
Berinyuy: Thank you Pastor. I will.
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