Episode 9 – "First Paycheck & A Parent’s Complaint"

Scene 1: Walking Home with Miss Franca

(After a long day at school, Ebere packs her books and steps outside. She notices a fellow teacher, Miss Franca, standing near the school gate. Franca is a French teacher in the secondary section, known for her friendly attitude.)

Franca (smiling): "Ebere, you are going home?"

Ebere (nodding): "Yes, it's been a long day."

Franca: "Come, let's walk together."

(They begin walking side by side, chatting.)

Franca: "How are you adjusting to the school?"

Ebere: "It’s going well. The students are lively, but controlling them is not easy."

Franca (laughing): "Yes, primary school kids have too much energy! But you will get used to it."

(As they walk, their conversation shifts to a lighter topic.)

Ebere: "Franca, I heard you also teach biology sometimes. What topic do you like teaching the most?"

Franca: "Ah, the human body! It is fascinating. Did you know the skin is the largest organ in the body?"

Ebere (surprised): "I knew, but I never really thought about it!"

Franca: "And the heart beats around 100,000 times per day. Imagine how much work it does just to keep us alive!"

Ebere: "That’s amazing. No wonder doctors say we should take care of our bodies."

(They continue discussing fun biology facts as they reach a junction where their paths split.)

Franca: "Alright, Ebere, I’ll see you tomorrow! Bonsoir!"

Ebere: "Goodnight, Franca!"

(She waves and heads home.)

Scene 2: Next Morning – Getting Ready for School

(Ebere wakes up early. She stretches and checks the time—it's 6:00 AM. She quickly freshens up and starts dressing.)

(She wears a light blue button-up shirt and a black trouser, tucking in the shirt neatly. She ties her hair back and picks up her school bag. Before leaving, she glances at a small piece of paper stuck to her mirror—it’s her rent reminder. Her rent is due in four weeks, and she needs to start saving money.)

Ebere (muttering): "Today is payday. Thank God!"

(She locks her door and heads out.)

Scene 3: First Paycheck!

(At school, Ebere goes to the account office before heading to class. The school bursar, Mr. Samuel, is behind the desk, checking payment records.)

Ebere (smiling): "Good morning, sir."

Mr. Samuel (nodding): "Morning, Miss Ebere. You’re here for your paycheck?"

Ebere: "Yes, sir."

(He pulls out an envelope and hands it to her.)

Mr. Samuel: "Here you go—your salary for the month."

(Ebere takes the envelope and quickly peeks inside. She sees the cash and lets out a small sigh of relief. At least now, she can start planning for her rent.)

Ebere (grateful): "Thank you, sir."

Mr. Samuel: "You're welcome. Keep up the good work!"

(She smiles and leaves, tucking the money safely in her bag.)

Scene 4: A Parent’s Complaint

(As Ebere walks toward the classroom block, she notices a man in his mid-40s arguing with Mr. Bami, one of the school staff. The man looks frustrated. When Ebere gets closer, she hears part of the conversation.)

Man (angrily): "Where is my son’s teacher? I want to speak to her!"

(Mr. Bami turns and notices Ebere approaching.)

Mr. Bami: "Ah, here she is. Miss Ebere, this man is one of your student’s fathers. He has a complaint."

(Ebere steps forward, adjusting her bag strap.)

Ebere: "Good morning, sir. I’m Miss Ebere, the Year 3 teacher. How can I help you?"

Man (frustrated): "My name is Mr. Ade, and I’m here because of my son, David. He came home with a deep cut on his forehead! He said another student, Jason, pushed him during break time!"

(Ebere frowns, concerned.)

Ebere: "Oh no! I’m really sorry about that, sir. I wasn’t aware. Let me check with the class and find out what happened."

Mr. Ade: "Find out? You should already know! How can teachers not be watching the students properly?"

(Ebere stays calm, trying to defuse the situation.)

Ebere: "Sir, I understand your frustration. I promise to investigate and speak to Jason about this. I’ll also make sure it doesn’t happen again."

(Mr. Ade sighs, rubbing his forehead.)

Mr. Ade: "Fine. But if I hear that my son is hurt again, I will not take it lightly!"

Ebere (nodding): "I understand, sir. I will personally ensure it is handled."

(Mr. Ade shakes his head and walks away, still mumbling. Mr. Bami pats Ebere’s shoulder.)

Mr. Bami: "You handled that well. Parents can be difficult sometimes, but just stay calm like you did."

Ebere (exhaling): "Thank you, sir. Let me go talk to Jason now."

(She heads toward the classroom, ready to sort out the issue.)