Considering their poor backgrounds, they never dreamt that their fortunes would be reversed for the good. They had to contend with academic woes, medical problems, and other social setbacks. Their lives were a series of bizarre incidents. They often had to live on the charity of good Samaritans to acquire food and clothing. People would look at them with raised eyebrows, as if they were the only ones who could not manage three meals daily.
They never allowed situations to pull them down. They fought hard to ensure that they grasped every chance that came their way to improve their lives. They were once requested to leave school for non-payment of bills, and the worst thing was that it was almost time for their promotional exams, a chance they could not miss.
What was admirable was that despite their worst situations, they always ranked among the top five in their class. Teachers would at times depart in amazement at their extraordinary perseverance. They relished their academic brilliance, and some even vowed to see to it that they reached the pinnacle they deserved. Four of their instructors jointly contributed funds to support their education to its completion. They were true to their promise, paying their school fees and providing the materials needed for them to succeed.
They were just about to sit for their final exams at the primary school level to enable them to move to the second cycle when their only remaining parent died. They were in despair and grief. Their relatives were not that supportive in burying their mother. The significant funeral contributions were kindly made by four committed teachers who vowed to help them achieve their goals. The funeral rites were carried out with solemnity, and life slowly resumed a sense of normalcy.