Once inside the house, Abel settled into a wooden chair with worn-out cushions provided by Rungi, gesturing for Orisi to sit beside him. His first impression of Orisi was that she was really quiet and composed for her young age. On her birthday that year, she hadn't made a fuss when she was carried by him like many other children her age who would cry at being carried by strangers.
Now, looking at her again, she hadn't changed much still that quiet girl. However, he now observed as the little girl who was supposed to be around nine years old looked like a six year old; her body bony and thin.
Yet, seeing the stark living conditions, he understood the stunting effects of hardship. A pang of guilt struck him. All those times Mani had sent savings, he'd inquired about his friend's life but had never probed deeper. Mani had always insisted he was fine, and Abel, wrapped in his own world, had taken him at his word.
Rungi offered him a cup of boiled water, which he accepted with genuine thanks.
"Mr. Abel," Songu began, her impatience evident, "you said you came here on matters concerning my son?"
"Yes," Abel said, taking a sip of water before placing the cup at the wooden table. "It's like this, Mani had been saving for his child and wife's future,"
"What do you mean?" Songu inquired, her heart stirring, had her son really kept some money away?
"It's called insurance," Abel replied.
Songu and Yingi were left confused. The two had been born in Isingiro and never attended formal school. They had never heard of such terms before. The could tell that the word wasn't in their local language. Rungi however sort of had an idea.
"Mr. Abel, please explain to me what that is," Songu demanded, her tone sharp with anticipation.
Your son was working hard to secure an education for his daughter," Abel said, his gaze shifting to Orisi. "She's almost ten now. Her schooling should be the priority. It would be best to place her in an excellent school."
"Oh." Songu nodded in understanding, a wide smile on her face. She knew that his hard working son must have left something behind. It seemed the native doctor hadn't been false. Her son's riches had found their way to her! "This child Orisi has always been bright since childhood how could I let her education stall?" Songu immediately rushed to say.
Rungi watched her mother-in-law, the naked greed in her eyes no longer a surprise. She had tolerated the mistreatment when the finances were beyond her control, but this was different. This was her child's future. She would not let Songu touch a single penny of her husband's hard-earned savings.
"That's good, then," Abel replied, taking another small sip of water. He was already piecing together the family dynamics.
"Well, Mr. Abel, did you travel all the way from the city to our humble village for that?" Songu probed, eager for the topic to reference the whereabouts of the money.
"Not entirely, Grandmother," Abel said. "My good friend passed away, and I wasn't able to attend his burial so I also wanted to visit his grave in passing if possible,"
"Ah," Songu nodded "Then let us take you there when you are ready,"
"I would appreciate that."
Songu's patience was running on a thin line. This man was circling the real issue, and she was losing her grip on the conversation.
"Orisi," Abel said, turning to the girl, "you'll be turning ten in a few months?"
"Yes," Orisi replied, her gaze carefully assessing him. She saw the luck that had clung to him since the day he met her father. Without that intervention, he would have died. Now, having passed that life-and-death trial, he was destined to live a long life and see his grandchildren and great grandchildren if no unexpected event happened.
Abel felt the child's stare but didn't find it weird but adorable. His four year old daughter-Milda sort of looked at him the same way, she would hug him tight when he was off work and stare at him, refusing to be carried by anyone else even her own mother.
Looking at Orisi's bony body, he had a feeling that even his four year old would be able to carry her off her feet-a pang of guilt washed over him, maybe if he had checked on his savior earlier on, their life couldn't have been so hard.
"My second daughter is sixteen, in Senior One at Mary Hill High School," Abel said softly. "What would you think about coming with me to the city? There are many excellent schools there you might love."
Alarm bells went off in Songu's head. She couldn't let Orisi leave this village or else the money she hoped to receive from Abel would never reach her hands!
"Orisi will be attending a school here!" Songu interjected, her voice sharp. "The government school, or even a private one like Kinta which her cousins will be attending, is available to her now. The only reason she lagged behind was financial constraints. Now that my son has this… insurance, she can go to any school she wants right here!"
Yingi also eagerly looked at Abel. How lucky were these two? Even that filial deceased brother-in-law of hers who never dared to disobey his mother had used covert means to conceal money from them! Would that mean that Orisi would sore higher than her children? She didn't want to imagine such a scenario at all!
Abel absorbed Songu's words. His initial assessment was correct. The elderly woman's concern wasn't for the child's well-being; it was for the money. The mother and child were malnourished, while Songu and Yingi appeared healthy and well-fed. The stark contrast spoke volumes.
"But the insurance money can't be taken out?" Abel calmly stated.
"What? Isn't it my son's money?" Songu inquired, her tone raised "What is that insurance? are they trying to steal my son's money?"
Abel's suspicions were confirmed. Her focus was entirely on the money, not the welfare of her granddaughter. He suddenly understood why Mani had trusted a complete stranger with his family's future instead of his own mother.
Tsk,tsk, he would respect her as the mother of her good friend but he would never let her lead him by the nose like she did to Mani.
"It's like this," Abel began, a small, firm smile gracing his lips. "Mani saved with the insurance company so that her school fees would be paid directly to the school she attends, every term, until she finishes high school. The money never touches anyone's hands."
"What!" Songu exclaimed almost jumping from the mat on the floor. "How is that possible? You...are you lying to me? Take out my son's money this instant. I am his mother, which insurance can keep my own son's income from me!"
"Mother, please calm down," Rungi said, attempting to solace the situation.
"Don't touch me!" Songu screamed, shoving her hand away. "Did you conspire with him to swindle me? Let me tell you, what belongs to my son is mine! Yingi!"
"Yes, mother-in-law?" Yingi replied, gloating thoughts filling her brain. She knew her mother-in-law wasn't easy. Who ever this man was, he would have to spit out the money!
"Go and fetch the village head! Now!"
"Alright," Yingi replied immediately darting off.
"Orisi, go out and play," Abel said touching his left pocket to pick out several wrapped sweets which he gave the child "We are just going to have a talk among elders,"
"Alright," Orisi replied, flashing a smile that revealed a set of perfect white teeth. She appeared the picture of innocent obedience—a simple, humble child, Abel thought.
Rungi looked at her daughter questioningly, she usually wasn't as welcoming to outsiders as she now appeared. What was going on.
"Listen to your uncle," Rungi urged.
"Hm! Uncle, I would like to go with you to the City," Orisi softly said before turning to leave the house, however, she was met with a vicious and angry look from her grand-mother which was self explanatory-you are going no where and I dare you to speak again!
Orisi pretended not to have seen Songu's gaze and stepped out of the house. She had to mirror the behavior of other children who were liked by the village elders: obedient, smiling, and eager to please. With her personality, may be her Uncle Abel wouldn't like which might cut off her plans of leaving this village.
"Orisi! come and we play!" A voice cut through her thoughts as she spotted a group of children in a distance. The sun was high and bright, she never understood why these children were always active and about under the great heat, the good thing was that they were under a tree shade. She marched towards them, distributing sweats then sat down to calm her mind and think about what would probably be discussed when the village chief arrived.
A few minutes later, Orisi spotted Yingi accompanied by a tall, skinny-almost bony middle aged man in a stripped shirt and a suit pant. This was automatically the village head, his clothes were always different from the locals, with one look, you could tell that they were bought from outside town.
Judging by his weight, one would think he was among the starved villagers but his family was rich with grains and land that would cover several acers. During the famine, he was the one who sustained many people in this village or else, greater disaster would have sweat the entire place.
It is said that he came to this remote village to escape the hustles of city life but Orisi knew that Village Head Humura, for all his wealth, was a man trapped between life and death, wishing for an end but clinging on for his family's sake. Sighing, she turned away as the two figures entered the house.
Humura slightly stopped in his tracks as he turned to look at the small girl under the tree. Her eyes didn't resemble those of an innocent child. Every time he met her, he always felt that she saw his life clearly which was confusing and scary to think about.
"Village head?" Yingi called.
Humura came back to his senses and entered the house. Sorting problems has never been his weakness; only when it came to his did it become an impossible task.
"Hello, my name is Humura Aine, the village head," Humura introduced himself, shaking hands with Abel.
"My name is Tumwebaze Abel," Abel replied.
"Nice to meet you,"
Rungi placed a stool besides Abel for him to sit then also poured him a cup of water.
"Please tell me what the issue is," Humura inquired, looking at the four people before him.
Songu immediately launched into her version, painting Abel as a cunning fraudster trying to steal her son's legacy. When it was his turn, Abel explained everything calmly, presenting the official insurance documents.
"So that's how it is," Humura nodded, his expression thoughtful. He turned to Songu. "Grandmother Songu, do you know anything about insurance?"
"No! How would I know about such foreign tricks?" she retorted. "This is the first I'm hearing of this ridiculous scam!"
Humura offered a small, knowing smile. "This gentleman is not lying to you. After reviewing the documents, I can confirm everything he says is true."
"What? How can you be so sure Humura," Songu stated "Be vigilant not to be deceived!"
"No worries grand-mother," Humura replied "I already have an insurance plan with this gentleman's insurance company,"
Abel looked up, surprised at this revelation, the world was really small, he could have never imagined that someone in this village apart from Mani knew about his company.
After having back and forth questions, explanations and answers. Songu discovered that there was really no way to get that money. She felt her heart bleeding at the thought.
The village head left the family at around mid day. Songu and Yingi angrily left Rungi's compound.
"Is it really true," Rungi turned to look at Abel who was holding his smart phone typing away "Did my husband really save up?"
Abel looked at the thin woman and put his phone in his side jacket.
"He really did," Abel said "Trust me on this, Orisi deserves the best education, I could tell she is bright. I already have a school in mind and Orisi has showed willingness to come with me to the city,"
Rungi was a bit hesitant, he hadn't stepped in the city ever since she married her husband. She dreaded meeting anyone from back then.
"Think about it, I will be staying in the village for more three days," Abel said standing up and stepping out side the house.
Rungi silently escorted him to the car. In a distance, Orisi came running towards them.
"Did you play well?" Abel inquired scooting down at her level.
"Yes," Orisi replied
"That's good," Abel said as he touched his pocket removing a wallet.
Rungi immediately seemed to understand something so she hurried to pull Orisi away.
"It's alright," Abel said after seeing her actions "Take this as your husband's money, Buy meat for the young one, "
"My husband's money is in insurance," Rungi commented.
"You're right," Abel replied with a helpless smile. He couldn't argue with her sharp integrity. "Then take this as a partial payment for your husband saving my life. I never got to repay him, and nothing can equate a life. Besides, I was unable to visit my friend's grave today. I'll return tomorrow. Won't you host me?"
Seeing the man's explanation, Rungi received the money.
Abel then climbed in his car and drove off.
Rungi and Orisi watched as the maroon Land cruiser disappeared in a distance before walking back to their house, each in their own unknown thoughts.