TEXTE 11 : LIFE IN TOWN

Bena has left her village and has just arrived at Mara, a town in East Africa,where she is looking out for her friend, Gatimu. She walked up and down the pavement and looked at every man who passed by, but she did not see Gatimu. The crowd frightened her. The shrill cries of the boys playing in the street annoyed her because they reminded her of her younger brothers back home. She envied the carefree children on the roadside. Here she was, alone in a strange town. Gatimu had not come to meet her. Where could he be? The juke-box in the bar was playing a good tune. The music was soft and inviting. She went in. All eyes turned towards her as she stepped into the bar. She held her bundle more tightly. Her eyes were fixed on the floor. "There is a seat this way, lady," the waiter said in a polite but businesslike manner. Bena followed him obediently. "What can I do for you, lady?" the waiter asked. she hesitated. Her fingers found the tablecloth and she began playing with it. After a time, she looked up. The waiter was patiently waiting for an answer. "I...I... wanted to see somebody," she said. "Do you know him?" "I was expecting him to meet me at the bus," she said softly. "Do you know where he stays?" "I am a stranger here," she said innocently, without looking at the waiter, "but he works on the railways," she added. "Then go to the railway headquarters and ask for him there. The place is near. Once out, turn right and walk straight on," advised the waiter. Bena rose, collected her bundle and tucked it under her left arm. For the first time, she heard the noise the people were making. Laughter. Music. It was all unusual to her. She threw a glance at the waiter and said politely, "Thank you, sir." She went out, almost running. The waiter stood looking at her until she disappeared. Then he shook his head and went about his business. Bena followed the waiter's advice. The crowd that pushed around her, without any apologies, did not exist. She felt bitter at heart. Was it her fault that she had not liked Bako? Her father had chosen him for her because Bako came from a rich familly. How could he be her husband? A coward. A man who had wept at his initiation ceremony.