TEXTE 12 : LIFE IN TOWN

Bena suddenly comes across Sarah, and old friend of hers who used to live in the same village. "Bena, so you are in town!", Sarah said happily. "Oh, I just arrived a moment ago." "It is a surprise. You must have come for something special?" At this, Bena looked down shyly, wiped her face with her bare hand,then changed her bundle to her other arm. "Bena dear, you must be tired and hungry. Let's go to that hotel across the street," Sarah said encouragingly, leading Bena. Bena followed obediently. "What will you have?" "Something cold," Bena answered. They were brought two Fantas and some cakes. "How is everyone at home?" Sarah asked, pouring herself a drink. "Fine," Bena said. "Sarah, I came to this town to look for-" She stopped, picked up her drink, put it down, took the cake, but when she was about to bite it, put that down too. "Don't tell me you're looking for a job," Sarah said laughingly. Bena tried to force out a smile and asked: "Tell me, where is Gatimu?" "Surely you didn't make the whole journey to ask that," Sarah answered. "Where is he?" "Oh, just around." "You mean in town? Here?" "Oh no, he left with his wife some weeks ago for Tabora." The glass Bena was holding fell and broke into pieces. Her fingers were trembling. She stood up to pick up the pieces of glass. "I will do it lady," the waiter said. She covered her face with her hands and, in tears, she told Sarah: "I was to marry him very soon." Sarah felt confused. So as not to cause any embarrassment she said: "Oh, I see!" The waiter came. Sarah paid. She took Bena's hand and said: "Let's go home and have a rest. Don't make this the end of the world." In that moment of darkness and loneliness, the words of her aged mother came back to her: "Bena, the city people are not good. You will only be happy in the village." Her mother had once told her so. "How true her prophecy!" Bena thought.