Amidst all the sleepless nights, and the physical training, I was strong, not until initiation night.


We were pinning our heads to the ground when one instructor came around and randomly flogged everyone in turns. His wayward whip stung the side of my belly. I tried to let out a cry but felt a lump in my throat; no sound came. I was writhing in pain. I tried to maintain my position but after a few seconds, I fell to the ground like a log of wood.


He gave me another jab to keep me down and I could hear his muffled voice shouting “Trainee, stand up!”. I tried to stand but I couldn’t.



He dragged me out of the line, my belly scratching and my limbs threatening to jump out of their sockets. He stopped dragging when he noticed I was no longer struggling. Life threatened to... Syncityng.com (under series and stories)