The Joburg’s traffic start so early at 5am. He informs his mom he arrived safely. He checks the time and doze off to sleep, needed to rest. A call wakes him at past 8. It is his mother, he hopes it’s not bad news.

“Son, don’t forget to buy the beds. When do you think you will be back?” She asked worried.

“I am not sure. I still need to look for Tendai and Innocent,” he answers.

“Boy, those boys are bad company!” she shouts.

“Ma, they are in prison and their mothers are worried. I could just see them and give them hope that we haven’t forgotten them,” he tries to soften his mother’s heart.

“Okay but be careful,” she warns him.

He checks the time and it’s quarter to nine. He needs to prepare for his visit. He feels nervous, what if they refuse to see him or they just walk away after seeing him. But his mind says it’s the right thing to do but his heart said he shouldn’t visit them. He registers his name but stills feels a bit sceptical about the visit. The officer asks who is he visiting but Alfred keeps quiet; the officer snaps and hits the table with his fist.

“Sorry sir, I want to see Innocent Mbuyi and Tendai Mhou,” he answers trembling.

“That isn’t hard hey,” he says showing him the gate with another officer.

The officer by the gate searches him. They act tough, rough and hardly smile. He followed other visitors in the hall.

Innocent is returned to the cell and joins others on the breakfast. Tendai runs to hug his friends. It’s been three days he has been in the sick bay. He sits down with difficulties. He still feels the pain in his belly but prison isn’t home where you get help after doing crimes, there isn’t care but tough love. They make sure you are punished. Prisons aren’t a Five Star hotel but a place where they are reprimanded.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“I will be,” he answered trying to sit comfortably.

“I will avenge for you,” he hits the table hard.

Everyone looked at them, even Scar look at them with a weird smile. Innocent pulls his friend closer because he is afraid things can get worse. Tendai could put them both in danger.

“We need to be strong till we get out of here,” he whispered.

“Do you think we will make it?” he asks worried.

“We have to hope,” he touches his shoulder with a smile.

Warder Luke comes in holding a book for all those who visitors but Tendai kept eating while Innocent rests his body on the bench. They got puzzled when their names are called out. They always hope one day someone will visit them but neither their family nor friends know they are in prison.

“Did I hear right?” he asks waking up from the bench.

“Who could that be?” Tendai stand up confused.

“If your name is called, let’s go and see your visitors,” Warder shouts. They follow the Warder, Innocent walks in front and two other prisoners were behind him. Tendai was after the two prisoners but they walked slower.

Innocent felt relieved and happy. He wants to scream and jump but who can it be. No one knows about where they are. There is hope after all, he will see when they get to the hall.

Alfred sat on a chair looking at the door where prisoners came in. Then he saw Innocent walking slowly, he rushed towards him.

“Friend… Oh my God,” he embraces him in his arms.

“Oouch… I am in a bit of pain,” he said pushing him gently.

Tendai see Alfred and hug him. Tears flow on their cheeks. They walked to sit down they couldn’t express their happiness so they kept smiling.

“I can’t believe my eyes,” Innocent’s puzzled rubbing his eyes.

“How did you find us?” Tendai asks.

“I had to look for you. Your mothers are worried,” he answers peeking at them to see if they had changed a bit. Alfred notices they’ve gone slim, he could see their bones through their skins. Innocent also checks Alfred who has grown a belly and that he had muscles.

“How is life?” Tendai asks trying not to stress.

“Life is better, I didn’t come to speak about my life. I came to see if you are well,” he said cautiously.

“As you see,” Tendai says sadly.

“We are not well. Prison is hell,” Innocent speaks louder but Tendai closes his mouth. They have to act strong and not show they are weak especially in front of other prisoners in the hall.

“Scar will hear us and punish us more,” he whispers to Innocent. He looks petrified after Tendai warned him but Alfred is confused.

“What’s going on?” Alfred asks, confusedly.

Tell us: Do you think Alfred will rescue Tendai and Innocent from their misery?