Star's life at college is far from glamorous, but she makes it work. Between studying and selling sweets to pay for her transport fees, she's learned the art of survival. Lucky for her, the government study loan covers her tuition, so she doesn't need to worry about that.
Most of her time at college is spent in the library during breaks, surrounded by the scent of books and the occasional whiff of her sweets. Despite the bustle of campus life, Star has found a quiet rhythm. Her only regular customer is Mandume.
Mandume buys sweets from Star every single day, and while no one knows exactly why Star doesn't consider him a friend, there's an undeniable connection between them. It's something Star hasn't fully figured out yet, but does Mandume already know what it is?
"Usual," Mandume says, handing Star a N$10 note.
"You're block-listed today, Mendu, because your sugar levels are going through the roof, and I'm not about to be the cause of that. But I'll keep the change," Star replies, teasing.
Mandume chuckles, pulling out another N$10 note. "You can keep the change."
Star shakes her head, amused. "Seems like I'll be rich overnight."
Mandume smiles, impatient now. "Give me my sweets."
"For how much?" Star teases.
"For just N$1," he replies, playfully.
With a roll of her eyes, Star hands him the sweets. They chat some more, gossiping about the students walking by and complaining about their modules. Eventually, Mandume gets lost in Star's laugh, a moment of peace in the chaotic buzz of the campus.
"So, you still haven't told me what's bothering you," Star says, noticing his distant gaze.
Mandume stumbles over his words, struggling to answer. "What? Me? I… I…" he stutters.
"I... I..." Star mimics him, laughing lightly.
Mandume, embarrassed, clears his throat. "Why do you always ask me that? Nothing's bothering me."
Star looks at him seriously. "I'm serious, Mendu. Whatever's on your mind is serious, and you need to make space for it. My mom always says I'm like truth itself—I don't hide things, no matter how hard I try. So don't make me dig, alright?"
Mandume looks at her, confused and a bit worried by her words. But Star, ever the optimist, smiles and pats him on the shoulder. "Cheer up, alright?"
The bell rings, signaling the start of their next class. Star hands Mandume his change, including the extra N$10 note, but Mandume insists she keep it.
"I'm serious. You can keep the money," he says, his voice quieter now.
Star smiles, genuinely touched by the gesture, but she doesn't have time to dwell on it. She watches Mandume walk off to his next class, his shoulders tense but with a slight smile playing on his lips.
Meanwhile, Maria is at the office, talking business with her friend, Kefas.
"You don't really expect me to go down there, do you?" Maria says, frustration in her voice.
"Well, that's for your own good... or else be nice and lose this deal too, while the Davids get the best," Kefas replies, leaning back in his chair.
Maria narrows her eyes. "The company is mine now. It's just the papers left. I had that boy go on leave so I can transfer all the income to my account. He won't find out."
Kefas raises an eyebrow, skeptical. "That's clever, but one day he will find out. He's getting married this year. His wife will definitely figure it out."
Maria clenches her fists, annoyed. "His lawyer said there are papers missing that he has to sign. Once he does, marriage won't be a condition anymore."
Kefas sighs. "And only Davids knows where those papers are. We have no choice."
Maria's eyes narrow with determination. "Then he won't marry the girl of his choice. He'll marry my choice. My girl."
Kefas smirks, knowing exactly who Maria is talking about. "Yeah, Bonita told me he seems to be into a girl named Star."
Maria stiffens. "Star? He talks about her every morning."
Kefas raises a warning finger. "Be careful. He might marry her. Don't count on Tiffanie."
Maria, her mind working rapidly, replies coldly, "I will find out everything about her."
Back at college, Star is buried in her textbooks, studying furiously for her exams. She's determined not to repeat any modules, especially after the stress of last semester. As the exam period ends, she catches sight of Steffy again—someone who hasn't been in her life for a while.
Star's focus is shattered by the constant fighting between her parents. The house has become a battleground, and the tension is palpable. Star wants nothing more than to escape it all, to find peace somewhere far away. Her favorite place is the nearby bush, where she can think and breathe without the constant chaos around her.
But even there, she can't escape the pull of the life she's tangled in.