Mallam O.’s first cigarette puff Tomlinson High School, Songo was probably his last?
Bongolistically,
Mallam O.
In Songo, near Waterloo. The first school dance of Tomlinson High School. Two of the school’s brightest pupils, Osman Sankoh, affectionately known as Mallam O., and Michael Osman Sesay, better known as Uncle Check, were decked out in their finest attire. The night was young, the music lively, and the mood electric. Little did Mallam O. and Uncle Check know, their lives were about to take an unexpected turn.
Mrs. Louisa O. Pessima, the revered second principal of the school, was not expected to grace the event for long. Yet, fate had a different plan. Mallam O. and Uncle Check found themselves intrigued by the allure of smoking, having admired their older peers basking in smoke. Driven by curiosity and the desire to fit in, they made a choice to smoke. With limited funds, they settled for the harsh and inexpensive “Tabaca” – a far cry from the coveted “555 State Express” brand.
As they stepped outside of the dancing hall, the crisp evening air did not steady their nerves. The first inhale was harsh, the smoke unforgiving, sending them into a fit of coughs. In that vulnerable moment, Mrs. Pessima appeared, her approach slow and deliberate. The shock was immediate, their guilt undeniable as they stood, cigarette in hand, under her discerning gaze. Her words were few but impactful: “This is end of school for both of you.”
With their dreams seemingly shattered, Mallam O. and Uncle Check couldn’t bear to face the music and the merriment they had left behind. They walked home heavy with regret, blaming each other. In the quiet of their despair, they agreed a plan to write the following letter to Mrs. Pessima, seeking forgiveness. Could their sincere words sway the heart of their principal? Only time would tell.
Dear Principal,
We, Osman Sankoh (aka Mallam O.) and Michael Osman Sesay (forever Uncle Check), wish to address the ‘smoky’ incident at the recent school dance.
First and foremost, we want to clarify that we are not, by nature, smokers. Our lungs are as inexperienced in smoking as a fish is in flying.
Our decision to smoke was, let’s say, a misguided attempt to be ‘cool’. We saw our seniors, with their swag and puffs of smoke, looking like dragons in that fantasy novel you asked us to read.
We must confess, our first (and last) attempt at smoking was like a scene from the comedy show we saw in class.
Madam principal, imagine us again, coughing and spluttering like old lorry engines trying to start on a cold morning. We probably set a world record for the shortest smoking career ever.
Then, as fate would have it, you appeared. Caught red-handed, or should we say, smoke-handed, we experienced a mix of fear, guilt, and a sudden urge to enroll in a ‘How to Disappear Instantly’ course.
We solemnly swear that our smoking days are over – they barely even started! We realize now that trying to imitate something without understanding its implications is not wise. We deeply regret our actions and promise to adhere to the school’s values.
Yours cough-free and smoke-free,
Osman Sankoh (Mallam O.) & Michael Osman Sesay (Uncle Check).
They received a response. They waited until they had had their evening meal before they opened the letter.
Dear Whatever you call yourselves,
It’s not often that a letter from students brings a smile to my face, albeit a wry one.
You must avoid such ‘smoky’ incidents at the school. Good that you have admitted your mistake and you recognised your poor judgement. It’s a sign of maturity to acknowledge when you’ve erred and to learn from it.
That said, I must emphasize the gravity of your actions. Smoking, especially in a school environment, is not only harmful to your health but also sets a poor example for your peers. It’s important to understand that actions have consequences, and as students of Tomlinson High School, you are expected to uphold certain standards.
Let this incident serve as a stern warning. Any further breach of school rules or conduct unbecoming of a Tomlinson student will be met with more serious consequences.
Remember, the choices you make today shape the person you will become tomorrow. I trust that you will use this experience as a stepping stone towards making better decisions in the future.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Louisa O. Pessima
Principal, Tomlinson High School
