WE DESERVED A HAPPY ENDING (UPDATED)

New Beginnings

In July 2018, I successfully concluded my high school final exams, a significant milestone in my life. Throughout my academic journey, I forged connections with numerous individuals, cultivating friendships, romantic liaisons, bonds that evolved into family, and, above all, a steadfast companion in Eliel, my best friend since grade 1. Eliel provided unwavering support during the lowest ebbs of my high school experience.

The culmination of those six years marked not only an endpoint but also the commencement of a new, potentially challenging chapter. Leaving behind my cherished bonds with Eliel, friends, hometown, and beloved places in Likasi, my birth city, proved to be a poignant farewell. Likasi had been my home for many years, a canvas on which I painted memories and experienced the full spectrum of teenage emotions.

Venturing into the unfamiliar terrain of Lubumbashi added an element of uncertainty. Despite the city being larger than Likasi, my familiarity with it paled in comparison. Departing Likasi without bidding farewell to friends due to an unexpected bus breakdown was disheartening. Amid the breathtaking landscapes of uninhabited areas, the absence of Eliel weighed heavily on my spirits.

The journey took an unexpected turn when the bus broke down, prompting some passengers to seek refunds and alternative transportation. Stranded in the wilderness, I reluctantly joined the refund line, securing my money back. However, finding alternative transportation proved challenging amidst the clamor, resulting in missing two buses before finally boarding the third, which, although not destined for my exact location, became a pragmatic choice.

Upon disembarking, I navigated the unfamiliar surroundings, a ten-minute walk revealing the geographical disconnection from my intended destination. Grateful for the funds I had, I engaged a taxi driver, who, while explaining the prohibitive cost of reaching my final stop, offered to drop me at a point from where I could access public transport. This compromise facilitated my safe arrival at the Lubumbashi residence.

Reuniting with my family, including my mother Rebecca, cousin Rick, sisters Grace and Promise, and nephews Caleb and Yann, brought a mix of emotions. Our shared history included a period of separation when our home succumbed to fire, a painful memory etched in our collective past.

As a child, my aspirations leaned towards European education and a career in medicine to alleviate my mother's persistent health challenges. Despite articulating these dreams during high school essay assignments, I eventually pursued studies in commerce and informatics.

Acclimating to Lubumbashi, I sought to familiarize myself with the locale and its inhabitants. Establishing new friendships, notably with Tanya, a female neighbor, as well as male acquaintances Hivernal and Mike, became a routine during the holiday period post-matriculation. Engaging in PlayStation activities and navigating social dynamics, I found myself more aligned with Hivernal due to shared interests.

With the arrival of Eliezer, another Likasi native and recent graduate, our social circle expanded. Gaming championships and cooking competitions became our shared pastimes, fostering camaraderie. However, the impending departure for Johannesburg, South Africa, for advanced studies added a bittersweet layer to my experiences in Lubumbashi.

Assisted by my brother, I navigated the bureaucratic processes of passport and visa applications, gradually becoming acquainted with the city's geography. The anticipation of superior education in South Africa brought a mix of excitement and apprehension, especially considering the bonds forged in Lubumbashi.

As the day of departure approached, I encountered challenges in bidding farewell to newfound friends and the city I had just begun to explore. The support of family and the warmth of friendships made the transition more manageable, yet the unknown journey that awaited in Johannesburg loomed large.

On February 3, 2019, as I boarded my flight, I cast a final gaze upon the expansive landscapes of my motherland from thousands of feet above, a poignant farewell to the beauty that had shaped my formative years.