Monroe, or rather Roy Renwick, entered the university campus. It was his first day at the University Of Cape Town, and he grinned as he saw other students his age. It felt good for him to be around so many people. During registration, he chose to study an engineering degree. Meanwhile, Lindi also started her first day working at a restaurant as a cashier. She went by the name Thulisiwe Zungu, and the restaurant she worked at was just a few kilometers from the university.

Lindi felt insecure about Monroe, though. She knew that coming to the city was a big mistake, but she had to risk it all for Monroe since she wanted him to have a better and a nicer life like most other youngsters. But she didn’t trust he would be careful, even though she raised him to be a responsible child.

Lindi was in training at the restaurant, and she was trained by a male colleague named Simon. She saw Simon as the most respectful gentleman she had ever encountered in her life. Some parts of her missed having romance in her life, but she had doubts that any normal man would be able to handle the life she was living. She knew very well that feelings could be something very difficult to control. If it was real feelings that she felt for Simon, then she had to get rid of them before they got any worse, or perhaps she thought it was just infatuation because she saw him for the first time.

Back at the university, Monroe finished his first lecture. Since he hadn’t made any friends yet, he walked aimlessly around the campus trying to find a spot to chill. During his walk, he saw a tree with a big shade and walked towards it. He sat down on the ground and gazed at a small lake just opposite to where he was sitting.

In his boredom, Monroe wished he had a cellphone, but sister Lindi did not allow it. She also told him to stay away from pictures and public places.

‘I don’t want the cameras to catch your face,” Lindi had told him.

While Monroe was sitting under the shade, a girl appeared carrying a bunch of books in her arms. She smiled at him and sat down behind him.

“This is the first time I’m having company under this tree,” the girl said.

“I’m sorry if I stole your spot.”

The girl smiled again. “I’ve never seen you before. Is this your first year?”

“Are you telling me you know all the students on campus?”

“I’m used to the familiar faces, except for the first years. But I’m sure I won’t forget yours,” the girl said.

“Is that supposed to be a compliment?” Monroe asked, smiling.

“Why would you think it was a compliment?”

“Because my sister always tells me I’m a good looking guy.”

The girl chuckled. “And you believe your sister when she tells you that?”

“Shouldn’t I?”

The girl smiled again but didn’t respond.

“Do you believe boys when they tell you you’re beautiful?” Monroe asked.

“No, mainly because that’s what they want me to believe.”

“Well, I believe you’re beautiful.”

The girl turned and looked at Monroe. After a while, she moved and sat next to him and they look at each other with smiles on their faces.

“I’m Summer,” the girl said.

“I’m Roy. Roy Renwick.”

“Well, Mr Renwick,” the girl said, standing up. “Come, let me show you around the campus.”

Tell us: What do you think Monroe meeting Summer could mean?