Lindiwe Moyo( the matron's assistant) was getting more worried about what was going on at the matron's office. It seemed like the matron was hellbent to deprive the little what was rightfully hers. Lindiwe was becoming uncomfortable each day she saw Rowena suffering under the hands of Mrs Van Zyl. Mrs Van Zyl was a hot headed woman. If she decided to do something, she needed no opinion from anyone, especially those who were black like Lindiwe ( one of her assistants). She grew up in a family where she was taught that a white man is by all means superior than a black man. Her actions kept reminded everyone that she was the one who was in charge of the centre. Lindiwe on the other hand, was a humble soul, kind and compassionate. Her love torwards the children at the centre was not measured according to their colour and looks but on their capacity as human beings. She was dedicated to her work. She had become so touched to those children as they were hers. She knew each and every one of them by their names. She was also attached to Rowena like she did to others. What was happening to Rowena was worrying her. She decided to keep an open eye on the situation but made sure the matron did not suspect anything.
One Saturday afternoon, the children were in the playground doing their sports activities. Lindiwe was cleaning the matron's office as per instructions. She came across another document. She went through in a hasty manner. According to the information she grasped while reading, she learnt that the document was from Mr Miller. She was applying for the full custody of her granddaughter, Rowena. He also stated that he wanted to Include her in his will as his rightful heir, since she was the last member of his family. He was no longer ashamed about how Rowena looked, she was his blood after all. He knew that Rowena was left all alone too. So, they had something in common. He was determined to take part in her life after everything that had happened in her life as an orphan. He felt it was his second chance to do right in memory of his late son. Rowena's father, Owen, died in a car crash while he was rushing for work. That was the devastating new Mr Miller had ever heard. His son was his only heir and the last member of the family he left with. He spent months in hospital after he buried him. Now he felt it necessary to take care of his son' s daughter as she was the only child his son had ever had.
Lindiwe was excited about the news she was reading. That was the best gift ever for Rowena, she thought to herself filled with pleasure. She could not wait to see Rowena being freed from that monster of a matron. She wished that things would go well with Mr Miller and his granddaughter. She was aware though that Mr Miller was already in his elderly years and had no other family support so, it would be difficult to get the full custody of Rowena. There was also a letter that Mrs Van Zyl had written. It stated that Mr Miller was unfit to have a full custody of a teenager since he was already in his eighties and besides there was no female figure in his life. That alone was an obstacle to get his wishes. Mrs Van Zyl was making sure that those arrangements did not go through. She contested the document by stating that Rowena needed a proper family structure. This made Lindiwe to lose hope but she was determined to help Rowena and her granddad although she did not know the right channels to go through for that to be finalized. She decided to keep her eyes and ears open for any developments regarding that case. She was itching to tell other staff members about this but she knew that would put her into trouble. So, she decided to lie low a little bit.
Months passed by without any movement in connection to Mr Miller' s custody application. Lindiwe could no longer control her curiosity, she find herself enquiring about the matter. Mrs Van Zyl was shocked that someone knew about the custody case. She became red with anger and asked Lindiwe a lot of questions. She told her she had jeopardized her job by interfering in things that did not concern her. She even fired her. Lindiwe was devastated and wished she never put her nose in Rowena's matter. She was left jobless with lot of responsibilities. Her children would suffer because of that. She was told not to mention anything about the custody to other staff members. She left with a heavy heart and wished Rowena a happy life.
Rowena was devastated too about the news. She was starting to get closer to Lindiwe. She wondered why people who were close to her always leave her all alone. She missed Clara and decide to write a letter to her to pour all that was in her heart. She told her about Lindiwe who left. She asks told her about Mrs Van Zyl who was mean to her. Clara replied and comfored her. She also wrote to Lindiwe sympathizing her about what happened. Lindiwe answered Clara's letter and they decided to help Rowena to get what was rightfully hers. They kept contacting and updating one another about Rowena's case. They even contact Mr Miller and told him everything. Mr Miller was disappointed and could not believe what they told him. Mrs Van Zyl was a family friend. They had known each other for years since she was working for to the army too. " How could she do such a thing?" Mr Miller kept asking himself that question. He decided to go to the centre by himself to see what was going on.