Chapter 1‐ Arrival
Simthandile Mkhize stepped off the bus with her heart pounding harder than it ever had before. The campus stretched endlessly before her—tall buildings, students moving in every direction, laughter mixing with the sound of rolling suitcases. It was overwhelming.This was it.
University.
She tightened her grip on her suitcase handle, suddenly aware of how small she felt in such a large space. Back home, she was known. Here, she was nobody.
You worked for this, she reminded herself.
Parents hugged their children tightly nearby, giving last-minute advice. Simthandile stood alone. Her mother had cried when she left that morning, whispering prayers into her hair. Her father had only nodded, pride shining quietly in his eyes.
“SIMTHANDILE!”
She turned and saw Lindiwe running toward her, arms wide open, her face glowing with excitement.
“We actually made it!” Lindiwe shouted, hugging her tightly. “University students!”
Simthandile laughed, relief washing over her. Having Lindiwe there made the place feel less frightening. Together, they walked through the main gate, unaware that this same friendship would one day leave scars.
As they crossed into campus, Simthandile felt a strange mix of excitement and fear settle deep in her chest.
She didn’t know it yet, but everything was about to change.
