STRUGGLES IN THE STREETS

Chapter 2

The stop was made at the police station.Elvis was rudely thrown into the cell."You will rot in here you bitch."One of the police shouted at him.The cell accommodated three other individuals.A bin was set at one of the corner in the cell.The other three men stared at him angrily."Welcome comrade,feel at home."This was there invitation.Elvis bowed his head and let tears to roll down his cheeks."This is not the life I wished to live."He told himself silently.

The night was approaching and his fellow comrades placed their heads on one of their shoes to have a sleep.The room was very cold and dark.A stuffy smell came from the bin.Elvis placed his head on the floor and stared at the ceiling as tears roll down his cheeks.He knew well that he will be jailed for a longer term.He was not sure he was going to get out alive.

Suddenly a flashback of his life started roaming in his mind.He saw how a happy family he had despite of being poor.

The family was located in Siaya county,Ugunja subcounty.Mary and Pablo were hardworking farmers.They lived in a half of an acre which Pablo had inherited from his late father.The two depended on agriculture to feed their family and educate their only son Elvis.They kept two dairy cows which they sold their milk to neighbors and some for consumption.They dedicated themselves on educating their son.

Elvis was good in academics and would always take the first or second position in class.He competed in many academic competitions and he made the school proud.

Peter was Elvis' best friend.They spent much of their time together whenever they had a break.Luckily their homesteads were closer to each other.However,Peter was not too good in academics.He was an average student.Despite this,Elvis kept him as his closest friend.

The two walked together to school and back after school.The two family were also friends however Peter's family were much richer than his.Elvis was also fit in extra curriculum activities.He was a football player and he represented the school well in football competitions.

One day,Mr.Sam;the school headteacher entered class six yellow class.On his left hand he was holding a book and on his right a pen.He stepped in the class and impolitely interrupted the lesson."There are several members who are studying here without having completed their term one fees."He said.Every student looked at each other as Mr.Sam opened his hardcover book."Elvis Otieno where is your fees."All eyes were focused towards him."These are fellows who think that this school operates by fake promises."He said."Sir,but..."."Keep your buts to yourself,I need the fees."He completed as he closed the book.

"Excuse me sir,let me call his dad."Madam Grace tried to plead with him."I do not want to hear any word let him go for the fees or else stay with his parents back at home."He concluded and walked out.

Elvis packed his books and left the class.When he arrived home he found his parents on the farm."Why are you back early today?"His dad asked."Mr.Sam needs the fees paid or else I should not go back."He replied.Pablo lowered his face down and shook his head.Mary got hold of his shoulder."Ok go inside."Mary said.Pablo left his jembe and went to sit on the veranda.

Days and weeks passed without Elvis going to school.He spent most of his time helping his parents in the farm.

When the harvest season reached the family was happy to get a good harvest.They knew they would sell their harvest and have Elvis back to school.Joy was noticed in Elvis' face.During the night before the market day the family held a meeting."Tomorrow will be our turning point in our life.The huge amount of money we are going to get from this harvest will turn our life.I will purchase another dairy cow and also have Elvis' fees paid.My dear wife I am going to buy you the dress you always wanted."Pablo completed as the family bursted into laughter.

"Mary,you will accompany me to the market early morning as Elvis will remain to guard our home."He added.Everyone departed to have a sleep.Early the following morning Elvis woke up to find his parents had left.He quickly decided to clean the compound and later on fetch water from the stream.Several hours passed but his parents were not back home yet.

When dark was approaching he heard a cry from a distance.The voice was coming from the road.He quickly ran to see what was happening.He was astonished to find a crowd around two dead bodies which seemed to be badly injured.The bodies were bleeding profusely.He cut himself through the crowd only to be hit by a strange view.His parents were lying dead.Their bicycle was badly damaged.Elvis fell onto his knees and let out a painful cry.He could not believe it."Why me!"He asked silently.

"Hey young man get up!"The police commanded Elvis.He came back into reality.He was amazed to see the three men paying some money to the police and they received their drugs back."What about this young fellow?"One of the police asked."We have no business with him,he is in your hands." The men said as they leave.

The cell was opened and Elvis was harshly pulled out.He was taken to the next cell where he had his hands tied and mouth shut.The police came in with whips and they worked properly on his body.His body was bleeding and he was running short of breath.A bucket of very cold water was splashed on his body.He was untied and thrown at the but and the police car took off.A stop was made along the roadside.They quickly got out his body mercilessly and threw it in a ditch.It was still late at night and the car took off."Justice served."The police said happily to each other with demonic laughter.