Jacob was on his way home from school. He had just his last examination to end his primary education.
At his side was Bukirwa, who accompanied him. As they approached their compound, they heard loud shouting and cries: "Somebody help! A snake! It has bitten me. Kill it!"
Jacob became instantly alert. It was his mother's voice. He never hesitated and immediately broke into a run, Bukirwa following him closely behind.
They reached the wooden gate and pushed it open. Jacob saw his mother sobbing as one of her hands touched her leg, where it hurt while the other held her moccasins.
The neighbours who had heard her cries came holding huge clubs in their hands and were busy striking at something on the ground.
Then Jacob saw it. Lying lifeless, its head crushed by the neighbours who had come to his mother's rescue was the cobra that had bitten his mother.
Musani, who had also heard the shouts and cries, suddenly came running as he held a club in his hands. Agwa closely followed him behind.
As Jacob saw the snake, he instantly realised his mother's life was in great danger. He ran towards his mother and embraced her.
"Are you okay, Mama?" He gasped as he spoke.
"I am not sure, my son. It's that damn cobra. It struck me when I was digging into the garden. Please go and get the village doctor."
Musani, who was now near her, remarked, "Don't worry, Angela. We will prepare herbs for you, and you will be alright. There's no need to get the doctor."
Then he instructed Agwa, "Go out and get the leaves of the Jafari tree; the one in your compound. Bring these here so that I may prepare herbs for Angela. She will be alright after taking the herbal drink."
Agwa obeyed. She left immediately to carry out her husband's orders. She knew if she did not carry out his instructions, Musani could be very harsh.
Meanwhile, Musani became quite busy when Agwa brought the herbs, which he began preparing. The neighbours just watched as he entered the kitchen and lit the fire.
He remained inside for a while but came out twenty minutes later holding a cup that contained the boiled leaves. But he was disturbed by the turn of events in his household.
Although he had been quite unfair to Angela and her son, his mind began to reflect on the good moments together when Angela used to accompany him to the village dances, which both of them liked.
Angela was indeed a good dancer who had made him win praise from friends and foes alike, making him feel quite proud. Her love for dances, music, and regular attendance at funerals in the village was a bonus for him among the men folk.
"Take and drink this, my love," he spoke with a sad voice. "You should also rub the herbs on the leg where the serpent bit you. Although a cobra is one of the most poisonous and dangerous snakes, these herbs should help you."
Angela did as she was told. But as she felt exhausted, she excused herself and went inside her house.
Outside, the neighbours dispersed and went back to their homes when they saw Musani follow her into her house. Jacob and Bukirwa, who had been watching quietly, decided to go inside the house and be with their parents.
Once inside, Musani told his mistress, "You must now rest on bed. I'm leaving, but I'll be back to see how you're doing."
As he was retreating, his eyes fell on Bukirwa, and he said, "Now, go back to your mother and see what she needs for preparation of the evening meal."