The 200 Cedis
1200 Words
HMMMTOHEALING — CHAPTER 19: THE 200 CEDIS
Friday came.
Healing was at the bursar’s office before break time. His hands were in his pockets.
“Madam Lydia,” he said. “Uniform allowance.”
She looked up from her computer. “Ah, the Sunrise boy. Yes.”
She opened her drawer. Counted.
200 cedis. New notes. Clean.
“Sign here,” she said.
He signed. `Healing Mensah. Received 200 cedis.`
He held the money. It felt real. Heavy.
“Thank you, madam,” he said.
“Don’t waste it,” she warned. “That’s for uniform. Not tro-tro, not credit, not food.”
“Yes, madam.”
He walked straight to Kaneshie Market after school.
The uniform shop was busy. Mothers, students, tailors with measuring tapes.
Healing had one uniform. Faded. Torn at the sleeve. He’d been wearing it all term.
“New uniform, 2 shirts, 1 trouser, 1 tie, 1 belt,” he told the woman at the counter.
She measured him fast. “120 cedis.”
He paid. The woman packed everything in a black polybag.
80 cedis left.
He stood outside the shop. 80 cedis was a lot. He could buy food for 2 weeks. New shoes. Credit.
Madam Lydia’s voice was in his head: `Not food. Not credit.`
He walked past the food stalls. Past the shoe stand.
He stopped at a bookstore instead.
“Past questions. Math and Science“Past questions. Math and Science. SHS 2,” he said.
“60 cedis,” the man said.
He paid. 20 cedis left.
He bought a cheap pen and exercise book with the rest. 10 cedis change.
He walked home with 3 bags. One for uniform. One for books. One small one for his pens.
His dad was at the door when he got home.
“What’s that?” his dad asked.
“New uniform,” Healing said. “And books.”
His dad looked at the polybag. He didn’t ask where the money came from. He already knew.
“You spent all of it?” his dad asked.
“On school,” Healing said.
His dad was quiet for a long time. Then he said, “Hm.” And went inside.
That night, Healing washed his old uniform. He ironed the new one. He laid both on his bed.
Monday, he would wear the new one.
He opened his notebook.
`Friday. Got 200 cedis. Spent 180 on school. Saved 10.
Dad saw. Dad said ‘Hm’.
That’s progress.`
He smiled to himself. Small, but real.
Saturday morning.
Tunde saw him at the market. Healing was holding his new textbook.
“Charity boy shopping?” Tunde said.
Healing looked at him. “Not charity. Sunrise.”
“What’s Sunrise?” Joel asked.
“A program,” Healing said. “For students who work hard.”
Tunde laughed. “Work hard? Or beg hard?”
Healing didn’t laugh back. He just held up his new Math past questions.
“See you in class, Tunde,” he said. And walked away.
For the first time, Tunde didn’t have a comeback.
Sunday night.
Healing packed his bag. New uniform. New books. New pens.
He stood in front of the small mirror.
The boy looking back didn’t look invisible anymore.
To be continued...
Monday morning came fast.
Healing walked to school with his bag on his back.
The sun was bright. The air was fresh.
He felt nervous. But he also felt strong.
At the gate, other students were laughing.
Some wore old uniforms. Some wore new ones.
Healing took a deep breath.
He remembered the 200 cedis.
His mother gave everything she had.
He would not waste it.
He stepped inside.
Chapter Two starts now.
The classroom was full.
Students were talking. Some were reading.
The teacher walked in. Everyone stood up.
"Good morning, class," she said.
"Sit down," she told them.
She looked around the room.
Her eyes stopped on Healing.
"New student?" she asked.
Healing nodded. His heart was fast.
"Stand up and tell us your name," she said.
Healing stood up slowly.
"My name is Healing," he said, loud and clear.
The class was quiet for one second.
Then the teacher smiled.
"Welcome, Healing. Sit down."
He sat down. He felt proud.
The 200 cedis was worth it.
School had begun.
He opened his new book.
He wrote his name on the first page.
Healing. Class 1.
A new life started today.
The teacher began the first lesson.
She wrote ABC on the board.
Healing copied every letter.
His handwriting was neat.
He did not look around.
He focused only on his book.
He remembered his mother.
She worked hard for this day.
He would make her proud.
Break time came.
Other students went outside to play.
Healing stayed in his seat.
He read his book again.
This was his chance.
He would not waste it.
The bell rang again.
Class was back in session.
Healing smiled.
School felt good.
The teacher asked questions.
Healing raised his hand.
"Yes, Healing?" she said.
He answered correctly.
The class clapped for him.
He felt happy inside.
School ended at noon.
He walked home slowly.
He could not wait to tell his mother.
Today was a good day.
At home, his mother was cooking.
"How was school?" she asked.
Healing smiled wide.
"It was great, Mama," he said.
"I answered questions in class."
"Everyone clapped for me."
His mother hugged him tight.
"I am proud of you, my son."
The 200 cedis was not wasted.
Chapter Two ends here.
The next morning came fast.
Healing woke up early again.
He washed his face.
He wore his uniform.
He ate a small breakfast.
"Go and learn well," his mother said.
Healing nodded and smiled.
He walked to school with hope.
The sun was shining bright.
Birds were singing in the trees.
School was waiting for him.
A new day had begun.
He reached the school gate.
Friends were already there.
They greeted him with smiles.
"Healing, you came early," one said.
"Yes," he replied.
"I do not want to be late."
The bell rang loud.
Students rushed to their classes.
Healing walked in fast.
He took his seat.
He opened his book.
He was ready to learn.
The teacher came in.
She wrote on the board.
"Today we will read," she said.
Healing listened well.
He raised his hand again.
He answered every question.
He felt proud.
School was good.
His mother would be happy.
The bell rang for closing.
Students stood up.
"Goodbye, class," the teacher said.
Healing packed his bag.
He walked home with a smile.
Today was a win.
At home, his mother waited.
"How was school today?" she asked.
Healing smiled big.
"It was the best day, Mama."
"I answered questions."
"Everyone clapped for me."
She hugged him tight.
"I am proud of you."
The 200 cedis was worth it.
End of Chapter Two.
He felt proud.
School was good.
His mother was happy.
Today was a win.
Tomorrow would be better.
Healing smiled.
He was ready.
Chapter Three comes next.
He would not give up.
The end.
Thank you.
Bye now.
Chapter Three begins soon.
The class clapped for him.
Done.
Yes.
Ok.Good Luck Bye
- Writer
