ABSTRACT

DAVIE CHIDYA GONDWE

The Gravitas Boy

LIFE OVERSEAS
THE NOVEL
 CHAPTER 1

Mike sat on his small chair as he ate his meal that Friday evening.
He then assured himself that it was now the right time to make the
announcement to the entire family. Yes, they deserved to know it
for it as well applied to them. He had actually kept it to his personal
world before he decided to inform his family. Much enough, he didn’t
want his two small boys to know it before dawn for he never wanted
people to be aware that he was leaving for the city. Mud sticks were
very common in Mlambe village that some would actually do you
harm in magical ways as you were about to encounter a fortune in
your life. And he also assured himself confidently that no one else,
setting himself aside knew about the long journey he was about to
take.

He stared at how the entire family ate. Everybody, ate from their
own plate. After all, they were the only family who had such an
individual practice. Many people preferred to eat from a communal
plate and it was almost a custom of their long founded culture. The
main reason which made people to be practicing such a custom was
that many families were composed of large numbers of people. And
if everyone had eaten from their own plate, the girls would always
complain being faced by a heap of dirty utensils. Boys were not the
typical of children to do household chores but hunting, farming,
construction and brick laying. Hence all the household chores fell
on their siblings of the opposite sex.
Mike stared at his children who sat on a bamboo mat and curiously
examined their haste pace of swallowing. Wasn’t that going to bring
shame to him in the city? He thought he was going to teach them
how they were to behave once in the city.

Everybody had finished eating and the room was engulfed in a

silent atmosphere. Racheal, Mike’s younger daughter, assembled
the plates and took them outside to clean them as it was her usual
role. She then came back and took the small basin which was on the
dirty floor, disposed of its dirty water, and gave clean water to her
father for him to wash his hands. “Atta girl!” mike said as a way of
admitting his appreciation to his most beloved daughter. Racheal
just walked away with a shyly sharp smile which openly displayed
her in-beauty. “This is why I like you my girl,” Mike spoke to himself
as a smile got plotted on his face. He then turned to Racheal. “Come
here first before you wash the plates. There is something vital which
I want to send into your ears.” Mike ordered as he fished out a small
fuko from his black jacket which could no longer be considered black
due to fading out as it was his casual.

Rachael soon turned up as she was much more eager to know what
the message was. Inside herself, something, supernatural, as she
thought, told her that the message was positive and since her heart
didn’t beat, she knew for sure that she wasn’t going to receive whips
again as it was the case the previous night when she threw sand
into their neighbor’s daughter’s eyes. But those were moments
which were attached to everybody’s childhood and it was all fate.
She thought. She finally reached where the whole family was and
sat down politely while driving her worn out skirt to her right hand
side.

To her left hand side, was Amanda, her elder sister and her two
brothers sat aside on small wooden chairs which were two feet from
the ground. They always sat aside, not to segregate their siblings,
but only to qualify to their natural tie that’s sharing the same womb
simultaneously. Khama and Kennedy were their names. And to the
left of Mike sat Lindiwe, the deputy head of the family. She
stretched her fat smooth legs horizontally on the mat such that they
bordered with Amanda’s legs. She was always a calm woman unlike
the other women in Mlambe. This was so because she had been
brought up by very strict parents. Not only them but also the whole
society at large. And Mr. Mike was very lucky to pluck the beauty
of Kamasa village. A pastor’s daughter who imitated her father’s
God-fearing spirit. She kept her hands on top of her dress between
her legs. The hands which were always fruitful due to her
hardworking spirit.

“It always pleases me to be seeing this family in its togetherness

like this for I become very proud that God gave me a blessing much
worthy than tones of diamond –and that’s my family.” Mike started.
“I have called you here for I want to tell you that tomorrow we are
going to bid farewell to Mlambe as we set out for Nashaki city.” He
paused a little to see how his children reacted. Though no one made
a verbal reaction, maps locating joy and happiness were painted all
over their faces. “But,” he resumed, “I don’t want people in this
superstitious village to know about this special leave of ours. I
understand you are grown up enough to understand that your
greatest enemy is the one who shares bread with you. People may
seem to be incurious about our family matters but they are really
keeping a sharp knife under the mat.” He then paused while his
eyes set directly where Racheal sat as if the knife he was talking
about was really under the mat. But it was just a common saying to
mean that people would always wish evil things to descend on you
no matter how they are friends with you.

“Now everybody should keep this to their self and don’t let the cat
out of the bag to your unzipped-mouthed friends. You can now go to
sleep since we shall set out very early in the morning before the
third cock crow so that no one can tell our whereabouts for the mean
time.” He cogently concluded. He then went with his wife to their
bedroom in order to milk out more word to her which Amanda and
her younger siblings didn’t deserve to be aware of at that o’clock.

Though the room was blanketed in darkness but Mike could read
the joy on his wife’s beautiful face and so did the latter. “It’s Mark
who has called me to start living in the city where he leaves,” Mark
begun. Lindiwe listened attentively for she was overdosed. “He also
says he wants our children to go to a good high school so that in the
near future this black dog can set us free.”
“Are we going to take our belongings?” she asked ignorantly. “And
what activity shall grant us bread and butter since it’s only farming
which we do. After all, I heard that there is no free arable land in
the city,” she asked in an eager-to-know manner. Mike took some
moments before he answered. Though he had the answers in mind
but he didn’t know how he could let them out in an understandable
way.
“After all, you know very well that my brother is a very rich man in
the city and he can’t invite me to a series of troubles. He will provide
for us.” Mike declared.
“But do you think he will be able to cater for the whole group of ours
on top of feeding his two families and perhaps his dogs?”
“I have already told you about this and you keep on asking me. What
more do you want to hear from me?! Maybe you want our neighbors
to know it?! Answer me now!” Mike commanded. Filled with fear
she floundered as Mike flounced to their small wooden bed.

They both shut their mouths to prevent quarrels. Lindiwe thought

he would beat her again as it was the case of previous days. But he
didn’t fold his hand to mound a fist. Maybe he was now committing
to the principle from his in-laws that once he beat her again they
would set them apart? But those were questions with no need of
answers of approval in Lindiwe’s big head. They didn’t know that
they were communicating through their thoughts in a very
extraordinary way. For on the other hand, Mike as well failed to
understand how her wife created such a flaw in the conversation.
Was it because of her absolute illiteracy? No! Mike assured himself
for though being illiterate, she was blessed with supernatural
wisdom. Anyway, he concluded, it was just something normal in a
family.

It was silence again at once. Sound only came from the aged bed
which had even seen the birth of their first born daughter. The bed
ranted due to the state of being overused. It had been there
supporting a sum of 160kgs from the couple for 16 solid years. It
needed rest as well. Lucky enough, as they were already setting off
after a few hours from that moment, the bed was going to relax. But
wasn’t there anyone else who would inherit it among Mike’s
relatives. Nobody knew. After some moments, sleep stole them.

About ten meters from the parents’ bedroom, the overexcited

children suffered from insomnia that particular night. They spoke
in exaggerations about their journey.

“Tomorrow we will board a bus! What a pleasure!” began Amanda.

“You should be much happier than me for it will be your first time,
Racheal,” she continued. Yes, it would indeed be her first time
unlike the others who had ever travelled in a car due to injuries
which were only treated at Nessa district hospital, fifty kilometers
away. “As you can see, I am already highly contented. “Tomorrow I
will be the first one to wake up,” Amanda said. “No, that’s not true.
Actually tonight I will not sleep.” Amanda wanted to laugh her
lungs out when she heard that Racheal wasn’t going to sleep but
she kept calm. Perhaps she saw that the night was long. Time after
time, she peeped through the window to see if dawn was
approaching but the moon indicated that it was not yet midnight.

She looked at her sister who was already snoring. She, however,
kept on thinking about the journey. It was as if she was going to
board a plane. But sleep stole her inside her thoughts. When she
woke up she peeped through the window again but it was only an
hour after midnight.

In the next room, it was the same with the twin brothers. They also
suffered from the very same insomnia. And after they bad talked
and talked, they saw that they were making noise and they went
outside. They took some maize to the kitchen. They searched for
glowing ember s from the fire place. Before he saw one, Khama, the
ember was seen by his bare hands. “Oops!! Oh my God!” Khama
groaned in pain.
“What is it boy? When are you going to stop acting so grouchy?”
“My hand caught fire!” he screamed.
“So why saying ‘oh my God’ instead of ‘oh my hand’?” he said
kiddingly
“How can you say that instead of feeling sorry for me?”
“Anyway, I’m sorry for you.”

Now they re-lit the fire and started roasting their maize. One by
one, the grains danced in the frying pan. Whenever a grain made a
bursting sound, they considered them as gunshots.

The one which has made the heavy sound is mine, one could say. No
it’s mine. The other one would argue until another grain burst then
so on and forth. They ate the maize while it was still hot and they
didn’t chew enough before opening the gate leading to the
esophagus. They talked while they ate. Perhaps, they had defiled
their father’s rule of no talking while eating. However, they didn’t
mind since no one was around to see them conducting an open
defiance.

“Tomorrow we are going to see the city!” Khama started.

“Not only seeing but we are going to live there till Jesus comes.”
“Jesus comes every day to take his people… Those who die saints.”
“But some are not his people…. Those who do witchcraft for
instance.”
“I heard that such people go to a certain place where there is no
electricity, the sun and the moon but fire to warm those who go to
live there.”
“The fire is not for warming but it burns those who sin against God.”
“How do you know about that?”
“Didn’t you hear the pastor last Sunday preaching about hell and
paradise?”
“Do you believe in that crook? Haven’t you heard that she was
caught in one of our classes with Gawa’s wife?”
“That are his actions as a human being like you and me but what
he preaches purely comes from the Bible.”
“Whatever the case is, I don’t believe in him at all!”

After debating for a good period of time, they came back to the city
at once.

“And we will go to good schools and live in good houses.” Khama

said.
“How sure are you? Don’t forget that there are also people who live
under a pile of struggles in the same city. Don’t be myopic my
brother.”
“No, there is no way uncle can invite us to mass problems in the
city.”
“We are going to see.”
“I already heard from Jimmy that the city is a good place. Caroline
also said so.”
“I can only trust Caroline for Jimmy wasn’t in the city but in Nessa.”
“Some ten years from now, whenever we come here to see people,
everyone will respect us and some of our age mates will be following
behind us everywhere we go…”
“… To smell our nice perfumes.” His brother finished for him
They then cackled only to realize that the maize had been fully
exhausted. That was what told them to go and sleep.

Mike was made awake by a certain mosquito which kept on rotating

while singing vaguely near his wide rounded ear. He keenly looked
at his wife who was still fast asleep. He peeped through the window
and saw that darkness was still breathing out there. He then heard
the third cock crow. It might be three o’clock now. He thought. This
is now the right time to mark our exodus. He knew for sure that
people would start going on their errands after an hour or so. He
stretched his hands while he made sleepy sounds and sounds of
tiredness. He took his jacket and put it on. He looked for his shoes
but they were nowhere to be found. He then woke his wife up.
She took long to wake up. Her face carried a message that she
needed more time to sleep. But they had to start their journey in
good time. She pulled out the blanket whose holes were at a point
large enough for eyes to pass through. She also stretched herself.

“Why do you wake me up so early like this?”

“Don’t ask me as if you have been born few hours ago. Where are
my shoes?”
“Can’t you see them there?” she pointed them with her finger.
“I’m not a mad man to put on odd shoes. I want a full pair of the
brown ones.”
“Check under the bed in the metal box.”

Mike knew his wife did not want to get the shoes for him. So, he just
humbled himself and looked for them himself. He took them and
cleared off the dust with an old cloth. He put them on and tightened
the shoelace. It was so tight as if he was going for a final stage in
the so famous winter Olympics.

“Go and wake up your children. How can they sleep till this hour
while I sent them to bed very early than ever?”
“Why do you always say ‘your children’ as if I sought them
somewhere else myself?”
“If they call you mother, they are your children.”
“Don’t they call you father as well?”
“They do.” He simply answered, trying to put the matter down
“So what makes you keeping me angry all the time with such
words?”

Mike knew he was wrong so he apologized. Lindiwe walked away

making her way towards her daughters’ bedroom. She knocked
several times but no response reached her. She then knocked
another three times. This time it was very violent such that her
hand felt some pain. The door opened. Racheal lit the lamp.

“Your father says it is time to set off. Get dressed. I am going to

wake up your brothers.”

The girls realized that they had taken an inadequate sleep. They
stretched their bodies. They then cleaned their faces with a wet
cloth. They looked for better looking clothes among the pile in their
large bag made out of sack. They took their dresses which beard
resemblance. Their father had bought them for them after selling
his tobacco the previous year.

She then proceeded to the boys’ bedroom. Approaching the door, she
was greeted by very noisy snores from her sons. The door was not
locked so she went in straight. She stood three meters away from
where they slept, on their mat which had an African map shape in
its middle. She called them but neither responded. The snoring was
now ascending. Only when she shook them vigorously, they
responded in blurred speeches. From their very faces, she figured
out that the boys had slept some few hours back.
The boys realized that they had slept for not more than two hours.
They rose to their feet, stretched themselves, yawned three or four
times then got dressed. They smiled at each other. They knew that
it was now time to go to the city. They were leaving the village. They
washed their faces to clear out the signs of dizziness.

Mike called his family together before they departed. They

organized in the sitting room.

“We are now about to set off for the city,” he started. “Once you are
there you need to behave. Don’t act in a way to advertise your
ignorance and foolishness in the faces of other people. Always be
patient, calm and cautious. Don’t touch things in other people’s
houses and just watch whatever they do in their own homes. Also,
don’t just speak everything.” He paused. “I have talked much and
the one who is wise has not only heard and but will also do I have
said.”
He then asked his wife to pray for the family so that God be with
them throughout their exodus. The wife prayed a very strong prayer
and they all said ‘Amen’ in agreement. They exited the house and
said goodbye to it.

CHAPTER II
The day was cool and windy. Darkness was still alive. One could not
recognize their friend who could be walking ten meters away. Wind
flew away their hair and their clothes, especially skirts. Sand
affected their sight but they had to keep on moving. Mike placed his
left hand on his cheek near his left eye to keep away the sand
particles. Their mouths were shut but their feet only produced
sound which was easily surpassed by the violent wind. They walked
and walked. Mike’s pace was too fast such that the little boys
seemed as if they were running after him in order to catch up with
his pace.

They walked past Mishanga and Kandodo villages. Amanda

remembered her friend from Kandodo village. She knew she was
going to miss her a lot. She also knew that when she will get to know
that she had left for the city she would complain too much. But she
assured herself that the ones who are living never do part. After all,
she would probably start new friendships in the city.

They had now managed to put behind them three kilometers with a
two kilometers deficit. Dawn approached. The sun gave off faint
rays which protruded through the thick canopies of Chikanga
forest. But since they were already far away from their village, they
felt at ease.

As they moved, a hooting sound could be heard probably some two

kilometers away. “Let’s increase our pace. We might miss the bus.”
Mike ordered. The reaction was positive. Racheal nearly wished she
had wings to fly her to the bus station. But she only had to use her
two natural walking sticks to pace than the rest of the family. She
could not wait to board a bus for the premier time in her life.
After some time, the hooting was realized to be nearer then it was
faint at once. It might have left Chiteshe bus stop, Mike thought.
But he didn’t have to say this. It would lessen hope levels in Lindiwe
and all the children. But it was the only bus. If it had already left
for Nessa district, then it was obvious that they would go to the city
the next week on a similar day. And this would fool his personality.
Inside himself, he just prayed that they find the bus.
A flicker of hope came when they heard the hooting for another
time. They were remaining with five hundred meters only. They
saw many people who flocked to the bus station. Many were
carrying their different commodities which they wanted to
merchandise at the district market. Some went to look for dirty jobs
while some went to shop different items for their families.

They were finally at the station. The crowd was two large such that
their way was blocked. Rather, Racheal had found her way through
the huge crowd and was on the entry steps. She was suddenly sent
back because she did not produce a fare. She swam through the
crowd again and landed in her father’s hands.

“Where did you go?” Mike asked

“I went to secure my seat in the bus.”
“Who told you so?! Do you have the fare?!” he thundered at her for
not sticking to his rules. He then stopped shouting at her for there
were a lot of people. Time was going as well.
It was now their turn after a long wait on the long queue. The
conductress opened a book bearing the bus’s name. Mike mentioned
the whole family behind him. The conductress wrote their names on
different bus tickets. They then entered and found that all the seats
were exhausted already. The option then shifted to standing all the
way to Nessa. Mike always hated standing in a bus. It was not easy
to stand for a journey of four hundred kilometers. But there was no
any option.

The bus was finally full to the brim. People were packed as if they
were clothes being squeezed to fit into a single bag. The driver
started the engine. It made a very noisy sound for so long. After five
minutes, he pressed the accelerator pedal and the bus swerved into
its path.

There was silence in the bus at first. People carried different faces
describing different messages. Some seemed to be going to Nessa
central hospital. Some to collect their letters and parcels at the post
office. Meanwhile, the majority was for Masanga market. Mike saw
different people who were his fellow tobacco farmers but he did not
talk to them. He wanted to avoid being asked a lot of questions as
to where he with the entire family was going.

The bus was really speeding. Some old women who sat at the back
complained about the speeding but their voices were not audible to
the driver. They actually faded in the crowd which blocked the
middle path of the bus. On the other hand, Kennedy and Khama
saw that the bus was moving at a snail's pace. They condemned the
old women's complaints. They thought the driver could speed better
than that. Actually, they were just much eager to see the city.

After a coverage of ten kilometers, people started conferring with

one another. People spoke about different issues.
"Ladies and gentlemen," a certain man in khaki trousers began.
"Next time we have to vote responsibly or else we will still complain
till we join our ancestors."
"That's true! Let's not vote for that beast for the sixth time!" a
certain woman came in.
"He really deserve no vote. How can a member of parliament fail to
build even a single school block for six solid years?" another one
reacted.
"But it is you women who voted for him this time." another man
stirred more controversy.
"Liar! Liar! We did not vote for him! We voted for Janet but it is you
men!" a certain fat woman, who had just stood from her chair,
rejected the recent Nan’s speech while she even spoke with her
hands.

"Awuze!!" (Tell them!!) Other women supported their colleague.

"He gave you zitenje and you were tempted to vote him in." another
man, who sat at the end right corner fired up. The crowd roared into
laughter. Some women who wore linen bearing the MP's name and
face, felt intimidated.
"NO! It is you men because he bought you beer during the campaign
time." another woman threw her voice together with some showers
of saliva. People laughed again. Some women ululated in an accord
with their fellow outstanding women.
"Enough!' commanded a certain man. He was in a nice suit and was
looking to be holding a certain leadership position somewhere. His
command was really suitable. "Why should we keep on arguing as
if this will change anything in our constituency? Don't forget that
that MP will still hold that position for the coming four years till the
next polls.

The passengers quit the conversation at once. The bus was still
speeding. It sped through bumps and huge pot holes. People
complained but the driver was always doing the opposite whenever
they told him to slow down. They were completely peeved. The bus
had just covered a quarter of its total mileage. The quietness created
a boring atmosphere and people were just conferring low voice
conversations to each other.

Mike’s mind was already at the city. He thought about how he was
going to feel on his first day at work. He was cut in by Kamima, one
of his fellow tobacco farmers.

“Good morning Mike.”

“Good morning.”
“How are you doing my friend?”
“I am fine and you?”
“I am good as well. Are you going as far as Nessa?”
“Mmmm no. Why do you ask?”
“I wonder that you have taken your entire family along with you as
if we have already sold our tobacco.”
“Mmmm no sometimes you just have to embrace your family by
surprise.”
“OK I get you. That’s important to be done by a man like you”

Mike did not want the story about his destination to continue so he
aimed at changing the topic.
“But do you think this year our tobacco sales will be progressive?”
Mike asked Kamima.
“Maybe because the rains are nowadays becoming erratic.”
“I don’t think next year I will cultivate tobacco again.
“Why? Kamima asked looking confused. “Do you think you will be
able to survive in that village if you are to be doing maize farming
only?
“You know what my friend,” Mike started. “Each and every year our
progress is being marginalized by these middlemen.”
“But they really help because we cannot manage to take our bales
to the auction individually. I am just okay with them.”
“Not me. They take almost half of our money into their pockets
besides the normal money we give them.’’
“We shall see if you are going to manage what you are saying.”

The bus had covered almost half of the journey now. It stopped at
Milira bus stop to drop some customers and to take some as well.
Many people got out to answer nature calls but they were actually
perpetuating with the journey.

Mike took some money and gave it to his wife to buy some fast food
for the family. Lindiwe bought some snacks and some drinks. She
distributed them among her children. Many people were getting off.
This made the bus to delay to start off such that they had much time
to eat.

Racheal kept on asking if they were about to reach Nessa but each
time she was told they were very far from Nessa. The journey
continued.

Racheal, alongside others would frequently excuse the bus to go out

to answer nature calls. This was so because they were not used to
travelling long distances in a car. This did not please Mike who told
her that she has to stop asking the driver to be stopping time after
time. In a cruise of fifteen minutes more, they arrived at a certain
market where he bought bananas for her. He believed bananas will
help her not to be called by
0 frequently. Probably, this worked.

At once, silence dominated again. Some people were even sleeping.

Some were chatting at low voices. People were tired with the
scorching sun and the nature of the road. Though it was hot in the
bus, it was not recommended to open the windows. If all windows
were to be let open at once, the whole interior of the bus would be
fed up with dust. So people had to persevere the hot condition to run
away from dust but dust was already penetrating through some
windows which had no glasses. The bus was really old.

After three hours, they arrived at Masuku road block. By then, they
had covered almost seventy five percent of the boring journey.
Everybody was asked to get out of the bus so that the police could
search for illegal materials in the bus. Before the passengers got
out, the conductor warned people to be careful with their money for
Masuku was well known with pickpockets. People got out and it was
an opportunity for them to stretch themselves. Some met their
friends and relatives who had come to do various businesses at
Masuku.

At the completion of the search, passengers were told to get in.

When they were still getting in, a certain lady almost cried when
she agnized that her money has been stolen. 'Oh! My money is gone!'
she screamed. This alerted others to check in their pockets. Few
minutes later, almost six more people also claimed their money had
been stolen. It was not easy to trace who the criminals were for they
were clever enough to snarf in the sight of the police. A certain man
who was looking fierce, admonished that if the one who had stolen
from him does not return the money, he will not see the sunset the
very same day. He knew that the dacoits must happen to be among
the passengers. People murmured and some had to fire amusing
zingers. The passengers returned to their respective seats at last.
Some were lucky to occupy vacant seats as some people got off at
Masuku. Mike was one of them. He checked in his pocket and found
that his money was still intact. He just smiled to himself. The bus
then left.

After Masuku, one could tell that where they were going was a bit
civilized. There were big shops, schools, small markets clinics and
good houses. Racheal stood up to be seeing such buildings which
looked wow to her. Other kids also did the same. Some adults who
it was also their first time to travel to Nessa, kept their eyes out to
see what they had been hearing from friends and relatives.

The road from Masuku to Nessa was tarmacked. This provided

solace to the passengers. They were now having the freedom to open
the windows to let in the breeze. The bus was now cruising at a
greater speed. The road was accommodating a lot of traffic than
before they reached where they never saw any other car apart from
their bus.
The journey from Masuku was quite enjoyable. People relaxed.
Those who were sleeping were awaken up so that they should be
getting their things ready for easy offloading as soon as they reach
Nessa. Men joked a lot and women who sat next to each other played
some gossip games in low – tone voices. This was a very popular
negative character among women. It was actually their food at
home for some would gossip at a borehole for ages forgetting their
families at home.
The bus was really cruising. Some people were already in a zone of
boredom as far as waiting to see Nessa was concerned. But in no
time, just as the conductress assured them, they were to be at
Nessa. After a coverage of a good number of kilometers from
Masuku, in their front, a certain truck had blocked the way. They
were told the truck which was transporting timber, missed its lane
hence ended up blocking the way. This caused inconvenience to
passengers from the far Mlambe village who were keener to be in
Nessa. There was really huge traffic ahead of them. Worse enough,
they had to wait for that truck to be offloaded so that the traffic
could resume motion.
After an inopportune wait of half an hour, traffic resumed. By this
time people were already tired. Mike was a bit happy for he knew
that in the next thirty minutes they will have arrived at Nyssa.
How time flies! The bus was finally there. It entered the depot and
all the passengers got off. Though this was a destination to many,
it was not the same case with Mike and family. Actually, they had
to take another bus to take them to Nashaki.
The children went to answer nature calls in district paying
facilities. From there, Mike took them through some of the notable
places in the CBD. The children, especially Racheal, were really
amazed to see nice buildings which lay at the heart of the district.
Racheal at least felt to be in an egalitarian world with her siblings
for they all now knew Nessa and no one had been ever to a far place
than that.
As they moved, they came across different friends and relatives who
had vacated the village years back to fetch for greener pasture. They
exchanged greetings and talked little about the current lifestyle in
the village and how hard life in town was. Upon hearing that town
life was harder than whatever people could perceive, Lindiwe
thought they were going to go through a chain of suffering once in
the city.
Mike turned to his wife and said, “We now have to go and book our
tickets from one of the instant buses going to Nashaki.”
“ But you haven’t bought anything for the children and me. We are
hungry and we cannot just keep on moving on empty stomachs,” she
reacted.
“I thought I have just bought you food recently,” Mike stared at her
and he seemed to be worried. His wife was really true. The
children’s faces exhibited how hungry they were. Moreover, their
lips were just as dry as they were.

Mike though of taking them to one of the affordable restaurants in

Nessa.
“I am going to take you to Somi Restaurant. Please behave in an
appropriate manner. Don’t show publicly that you are primitive.”
Mike commanded. The four siblings nodded their heads to offer an
agreement to what their dad was saying.

They went and occupied Somi restaurant. Mike called upon the
waitress to serve them Nsima with beef and cabbage. Mike ate with
the boys while Lindiwe dined with the girls. Mike was impressed
because his children behaved almost in the right manner he
wanted. After finishing their meal, Mike paid a total of four
thousand kwacha. They then checked out of the restaurant.
Mike left his family to rest at a certain shop veranda as he rushed
to book a bus. Many call boys were rushing after him, quarrelling
for him such that they nearly fought. “Take this bus sir, it is very
comfortable!” one of them claimed while tapping him on his right
shoulder. “No sir! That one is a liar. Take this one. It is durable and
quick!” another call boy counter-argued while strongly pulling away
the hand of his colleague from Mike’s shoulder. “Sir, if you want to
have a memorable journey take our bus. We provide meals and TV
but at an affordable price which is also negotiable.” Another one
came in.

When all this was happening, Mike was being pulled from side to
side. He was confused. He did not know which bus to take. Finally,
he thought of boarding the one with food and TV extras. He then
strongly pulled them away with all his power and headed straight
towards Jojoda Executive Coach. The call boys were still following
before him though they were now a bit afraid because he had shown
to them that he is not a coward. They thought he would change his
plans so that they take him to their respective buses. However,
Mike stood his position.

As he reached where the bus was packed he received a warm

welcome from the conductress who was smiling at him. This was a
usual habit of conductresses and many other business ladies as a
way of attracting customers. Mike was somewhat impressed. He
then inquired for the bus fare and he was told it was K10, 000 per
head. He then tried to negotiate with the conductress by telling her
that he was with five people behind him so they should consider him
a downward adjustment. Finally, he was asked to pay K55, 000 in
total. Mike paid the money and got the tickets in return. “Keep them
safe for checking during the course of the journey,” the conductress
advised. “Surely I will madam,” he kindly replied. He then left for
the restaurant after being told that the bus would depart at five
o’clock. By that time it was five hours prior to the departure.

When he got at the restaurant, he found that the wife with the kids
had just finished their meal. The kids were contented upon seeing
their father.

“I have booked the tickets and the bus will be setting off later at
five.”
“How much is the fare per head?” Lindiwe asked.
“It’s K10, 000.” He answered.
“That has to be too much. Why didn’t you opt for other buses with
fairer charges?’’
“This one is a bit expensive because passengers on board are given
free meals on top of being provided with TV for the entire journey.
“Then that’s really nice. It means we will have to save money we
would have used to buy food on top of these kids having free
entertainment.”
“Yes that’s it. But we have to walk around the town again so that
we don’t get bored of hanging around.”
“No my husband we have to rest. We have just taken our meal and
the sun is too scorching for the kids.” Lindiwe complained.
“Then I will go with Khama and Kennedy.” He commanded. He
then took the twins and walked into the town.
He began showing them different places of interest in the town.
They went to see some of the famous schools and hospitals. They
even went to see the DC’s office at the district headquarters. He
then narrated to his boys that he once applied for a job as a clerk
at the DC but his proposal was turned down despite that he was
the right person fitting the position based on merit. “However, the
job was given to the DC’s niece who dropped out of school in
standard eight and was unable to write good English.” He
narrated. “This was when I saw that this was my last chance and I
then decided to begin cultivating tobacco in the village.” He
continued.
They continued adventuring for famous spots in the town.
“Dad would you please take us to the stadium?” Khama requested
while Kennedy supported his point.
“Okay we will get there from here.” He assured them.
“Alright dad. That will be amazing.” Kennedy complemented.
From there, they also walked past different places before finally
getting to the stadium.

“Nessa Stadium! It reads!” Khama screamed after seeing on the

stadium’s wall.
“Yes I see it as well! It is very amazing!” Kennedy came in.
They then went at the entrance where stood two tall and fierce
men. It seemed unnecessary entrance was restricted.
“Good morning sir?” Mike greeted the men.
“Good morning. How are you?
“I’m fine and you?”
“We are also fine. How can we help you?”
“We would like to visit the stadium. We are from Mlambe.” Mike
answered.
“Have you come all the way from Mlambe just to visit the
stadium?” one of the mane asked in a puzzle. Mike laughed before
responding.
“No. We are travelling to Nashaki so as we are waiting for the bus
we decided to come here as a place of interest.”
“Alright you can enter and have a look of the interior.” The man
granted them permission

Mike and the two boys entered the stadium. They admired it a lot.
Khama and Kennedy wished they would play in it one day.
Actually, they were young footballers of Mlambe. They were both
good stars with Khama playing as a defender while Kennedy as a
striker. It was an amazing gift for the family. They enjoyed the
view for some good time and they then decided to leave. They
exited and thanked the stadium guards for granting them
permission to visit it.

It was still two hours to time. The boys were seemingly bored with
hanging around for so long. This was the same with the girls. But
Mike assured them that they were soon going to the bus ready for
departure. Meanwhile, they were supposed to travel almost the
whole night for them to get to the dream city.

They went where they had left Lindiwe and the girls. They found
them chatting. They had already finished their meals.
“Let’s be going. Get your bags,” Mike instructed.
“I was also thinking the same. We have to find better seats so that
no one among us.” Lindiwe complemented.
The children seemed to be happy because they knew they were now
going to the city without any delay. They woke up and got their
bags. Lindiwe too woke up, cleaned the back of her skirt, fastened
her wrapper and carried some of the luggage.

They headed where their bus had been packed. Many boys began
asking them to board their bus but Mike did not answer them. He
was just focused. A certain call boy dared to pull Khama to a certain
bus while taking his luggage from him. When Mike saw this, he
became frustrated and threatened to fight the boy. The boy was
afraid hence he distanced himself to a far position. They were finally
at their bus’ station.

Many people were boarding the bus. Conductors were busy checking
tickets when passengers were getting into the bus. Some were
making sure they put the passenger’s goods in the drawers where
the owners had confirmed safety of the goods. Around the place,
police officers were busy patrolling so that they arrest anyone who
would dare to steal or commit any other crime. Mike and his family
reached at the bus entrance. They showed their tickets to the Chiefs
conductor after he had demanded so. The other bus assistants took
their luggage to put it in the up spaces of the bus. He then made
sure that all his children were with him. Thereafter, he instructed
the boys to sit in the front seats in respect of the girl’s seat as
Lindiwe and him occupied the seat behind the girl’s.
Many people were still getting in the bus. It was not yet full. Some
had already occupied their seats but they had gone to buy food and
other things while some were outside to expose themselves to cool
air as the inside was hot. The engine was already on and Mike had
hope that the journey was on. He took his phone and dialed his
brother’s number. They talked for some minutes and he cut it.
“I was talking to Mark. He says we should call him when we reach
Nashaki depot so that he can come to pick us.’’ Mike narrated to his
wife.
“Then that is better for I was worried that we might be there before
dawn such that we would have travelling problems.”
“All is okay. He will pick us up in his car.”
“Is his house very far from the depot?”
“Not that far. Probably, I think it is a distance of seven kilometers.”
“Seven kilometers? That is a long distance I guess.”
“On foot it is but since in the city multitudes of people travel in cars
so such distance do not really matter.’’
“Alright I get that one…” Lindiwe was cut by the bus conductor who
was up for an announcement.
“Our respective passengers, ladies and gentlemen, let us pay
attention to this announcement please,’’ he begun. Murmuring was
heard among the passengers as people got ready to listen to the
conductor. The conductor was putting on a hard khaki flare with an
overcoat which looked very dark. He had a fierce face and his voice
carried a tone of command. In his hands was a ticket book and a
cellphone. He seemed to be someone very serious with his business.
People were finally quiet and he had to continue.
“Firstly, everybody here should make sure he or she has a valid
ticket”, he continued. “Secondly, make sure your bags do not contain
any illegal stuff. If so, just come get your money and take other
buses because all bags will be searched at roadblocks.’’ He paused
and gasped some water. He made a three step forward move as he
had faced the back of the bus to make sure he was in the middle of
the passengers.
“Lastly, everybody must also make sure they take care of their own
property. Our company is not liable to any loss of property arising
from carelessness of the holder.” He stopped there and he later
asked if anyone had a question. The bus was quiet. The conductor
then went out of the bus to help other passengers who were
boarding the bus.
People then begun to confer on one another. Many people seemed to
be couples, some with a child or two. As people were still chatting,
huge noise was heard from outside. “Thief! Thief! Thief!” some
people shouted. “Stone her to death! Do not spare that wizard!’’
others screamed. In no time, the suspect was surrounded by a very
large crowd. Heartless people slapped her brutally. Some people
whipped her using mop sticks used in the depot while some
sympathized with her. After some minutes, the police came to the
lady’s rescue. “Leave her to us!” a policeman commanded. People
did not mind. “We will deal with her ourselves!” the crowd shouted.
Conflict rose between the mob and the police over dealing with the
thief. Later, the police managed to rescue the suspect from the
angry mob and took her to the station. However, her body was
already painted with blood spots. Some people still followed her to
the station.

“I hope you have seen how that suspect has been dealt with,” a
certain man spoke amidst other passengers. The whole crowd
looked at him with amazement. “It should be a warning to all who
have the same malpractice,” he continued. “Anyone who dares to
steal anything in this bus shall be dealt with accordingly. He
stopped there. The man was fierce, tall, and black in complexion
with strong muscles and seemed to be a very gravitas man. Some
people clapped hands for the super-giant while some women
ululated for him. People begun commenting in low voices, everyone
with his or her neighbor.

New passengers continued filling the bus. The seats were fully
occupied and those coming thereafter had to stand. But standing
was not an easy thing. It was some thirty minutes before six. Some
buses had started setting off. The bus which Mike took was expected
to depart in the next few minutes. The bus was already full and they
were waiting for the driver to come.
The driver came when it was ten minutes to six. He was a short fat
skinned man. Probably in his late thirties. Captain Jack was the
name people used to call him. He was an experienced driver. He
began driving buses for long distances when he was just twenty. He
occupied his seat and closed his door. Mike’s children were really
happy that they were now departing. Captain Jack turned the bus
and faced the exit gate of the depot. He engaged the forward gear
and put the bus in motion immediately.

The man at the gate pushed the heavy corroded metal gate to pave
way for the bus. The conductor paid packing fee and the bus exited.

Everyone was now quiet thinking about the journey they were
taking that night. Some were going to places before Nashaki while
some were actually going to the city. As that grave silence was still,
after the bus had barely covered a kilometer long distance, a certain
man broke the silence.

“My dear brothers and sisters,” he begun addressing the

passengers. The man was tall and gentle. He was putting on a
beautiful dark blue suit. He was among the standing passengers. In
his left hand he held a bible with a handkerchief in the other. He
forced himself out of the crowd to be at a position where his voice
would be audible enough. “Let’s come before God and ask for
travelling mercies on this long journey.” He continued. “Amen man
of God!” some believers amongst the passengers answered in
agreement.
“Let us pray. Our Father in heaven we come before you this evening
with thanksgiving first. I thank you Lord for the life of everyone
here. It is my prayer Lord that may you be our protector throughout
the journey. May you be with the driver as well. Give him wisdom
to drive this man made machine properly. I rebuke any trap and
any potential accident in the Mighty name of your son Jesus Christ
our savior, Amen!” he finished the prayer and his fellow believers
replied a very powerful Amen in chorus.

The man of God then started a chorus which went like:

Lucky is the hand that gives

For the Lord will bless it abundantly

Give my brother give, (give)x3 unto Him give.

Give my sister give, (give)x3 unto Him give.

That hand which gives to His servants

So that the gospel is preached to people of all nations

May god bless that hand which will give towards spreading His

gospel.
 Give my brother give, (give)x3 unto Him give.

Give my sister give, (give)x3 unto Him give.

Some people started giving to the pastor while despised saying that
they cannot give at all. “These people are true town thieves. They
do this just to rob people,” a certain man behind Mike spoke to the
lady next to her in a low voice. “After all if they are true servants of
God why don’t they build formal churches?” the lady replied in
agreement with the man. “Even one person among us would
volunteer offering a prayer and demand no offering,” the man
continued. “These people are real thieves and they even curse when
people do not give,” the lady kept on condemning the practice. “But
the bible says curses cannot hurt us unless we deserve them so I am
not scared of curses from these thiev…” he stopped immediately as
the man of God had begun speaking. as well.

“Thanks to all who have humbly offered to God. May God bless you
abundantly as the scriptures say. To all despising this and calling
me a thief, God is watching and will punish you immediately!” the
pastor finished with an angry tone.
“My friend, mind you the person you are targeting is not your child!”
that man at the back of Mike’s seat responded in anger too.
“How dare you call a man of God a thief and challenge me like that?
God will curse you!” the pastor replied while drawing closer to the
man. The man also rose up to show the pastor that he was not afraid
of him.
“Go away son of the devil!” the pastor commanded the man.
“You are son of the devil yourself you idiot foolish thief..!” before he
had finished he realized a blow on his forehead. The man kicked the
pastor on his big belly in reprisal. People shouted in all voices while
some expressed worry over the fight. The two men had at least
seven blows each before courageous men put down the fight. People
shouted at the pastor for being a short tempered man and all called
him a greedy false pastor. Before he knew it, the pastor found
himself out of the bus having been kicked heartlessly. People
clapped hands for the conductors for kicking him out and all begged
that no one should come again in that bus to steal in God’s name.

While this was being done, the bus had only covered ten kilometers
of the required seven hundred. Silence prevailed among the
passengers as all people were far away with their minds. Some were
thinking of how the journey will be till they reach their respective
destination while some had already travelled as far as their
destinations in an imaginary world. Meanwhile, some people talked
to their neighbors in low voices. People talked about agriculture,
politics, religious issues and many other issues as much as they
could exhaust.

Mike stared at his wife with a suspicious eye though there was
nothing suspicious about her. She was just a good woman. Despite
being her late thirties, she still looked as someone in her twenties.
Many women and young girls in Mlambe admired her youthful body
since many women of her age were already looking old. His wife was
absent minded and never knew Mike was staring at her. Mike was
a very curious person. He would take much of his time alone
thinking about many things. He would come up with ideas which if
were to be implemented great results would be encountered but lack
of resources was a major hindrance.

He recalled how they met at Msangano secondary. Mike was a form

two boy whereas Lindiwe was a form one girl. The two met each
other one on one on a certain day when there school was hosting
regional secondary school sports. Mike spotted the queen when she
was coming from a netball pitch. That was the day he proposed and
got a positive answer in the next two days.

The love of these two schoolmates grew very strong roots and it
became known among other scholars. The news even came to the
knowledge of certain teachers. Little by little they withdrew their
attention from academic affairs and usually they would go out on
many occasions. It reached a point where they even stopped fearing
parents and teachers.

One arvo on a Sunday, Lindiwe called Mike since they had to

discuss something concerning their relationship. They met at a
mango tree behind the junior classes. This this thick unfruitful
mango tree had a very special history. Those benefiting from it had
even nicknamed it the love tree because many student would meet
there to discuss their love affairs. Mike dumbfounded the nervous
Lindiwe wiping her tears with a very poorly worn out chitenje. She
failed to hold her cry as she seemed to be under the control of very
strong emotions and feelings.

“Hello sweetheart!” Mike addressed her in their usual way.

“Hello Mike.” Lindiwe lazily responded in a low tone voice. Mike
was surprised to hear Lindiwe addressing him by his real name.
“What has gone wrong with her? Does she want to tell me that it is
over? What might I have done or maybe she has heard something
bad about me from these gossip-eaters?” Mike asked himself all
these questions before he made his mind on how to control the poor
Lindiwe.”

“Is everything alright dear?” Mike asked.

“No Mike! Not at all!” Lindiwe answered almost shouting.
“What is it that is tormenting your beautiful sound mind dear?”
Mike queried more.
“I am doomed Mike am doomed! I am really finished! I do not even
know where to go and what to do!” Lindie answered almost crying.
Mike’s heart swiftly raced to and fro. Not that he run out of words
but how to express them. ‘I will handle her,’ he gave himself a
conviction in his mind.

“Tell me what the issue is my dear,” he spoke to her in a lovely and

caring voice. By this time, Mike was holding her in his arms where
she usually loved to be.
“I… I am… aaa… am pre… pregnant Mike,” she finally revealed the
shocking news to the poor boy. Mike didn’t believe this and before
he responded he realized he had pushed her away and she feel on
the roots of the love tree. His blood froze.
“Lindie, don’t tell me I am the one responsible for that. I am not yet
ready at all to become a father.” Mike denied the responsibility over
the pregnancy.
“No Mike! You don’t have the right to deny your baby to be born
because we did it together. I am not Virgin Mary to conceive without
a man!”
“Just look for the one who gave you that stupid thing of yours you
idiot!” Mike flattered.

Lindiwe started sobbing without boundaries as she covered her face

with a wrapper. Mike went home as well but with his mind as big
as an ocean but as empty as the vacuum.

Two weeks later, Mike was surprised to see Lindiwe’s aunt in

company of other women from her village escorting her to his home.
By then he was sleeping in a very small house with two rooms only.
His friends, Vincent and Christopher, who used to share that house
with him had to move out so that they give room to the new couple.

The two started their journey with endless hurdles day in day out.
By then exams were three months prior. Upon the knowledge that
Mike had impregnated Lindiwe and that they have gotten married,
the two were mercilessly dismissed from school simultaneously.
Hope for the two ended right at this time. Their future became
darker and darker. It was very hard for a village child to make it in
life without the power of education. I was totally different in towns
where some children would get huge sums of capital to set up their
own businesses if they didn’t make it through the academic
corridors.

Despite the two being married and dismissed from their school,
Mike had to carry on. However, he did this secretly since Lindiwe’s
father had threatened that if he goes to school and leave his
daughter home, something very bad would follow his whole life.
Meanwhile, Mike would only study at home and used to ask his
friends to help him catch up what they were learning. He did this
with great passion and had promised himself to sit for the National
exams no matter the circumstances.

When time came for exams, he sat as an external candidate at

Chitimu secondary school. He was very eager for the exams because
he was sure he was fully equipped. He sat for the exams with all the
hope that he will carry them off colorfully. Though many people
humiliated him but he did not give up on his dream. He would
always see a ray of hope in whatever he was doing.

Three months later, the results for the exams were out. To the
surprise of many, Mike scored 8 points and he was the second
nationwide with the first candidate scooping seven points. The news
about his amazing success spread throughout the whole nation of
Mzangazi and he became a topic among young girls in their
neighborhood. Meanwhile, when Lindiwe’s father learned this, he
went at Mike’s house at night for the first time since his daughter
got married. He didn’t even offer back greetings from his son in law
but he threatened him right there in total anger. “You are not going
to college with your big disobedient nonsense head. Mind you, I am
Vanya the great! Don’t dare young man to disobey my commands
ponce more. My daughter cannot be nurturing the pregnancy alone
in pain while you go to school in total freedom. If you make any
unnecessary stupidity I will deal with you accordingly! With those
words, he picked up his panga knife and his dog and left. He didn’t
even have time see his daughter. Mr. Vanya was a very fierce
person. He was very famous for mud sticks as he was a trusted
herbalist of Mlambe village.

From that day onwards, Mike no longer had the courage to further
continue his studies. He was very afraid of his father in law. Though
he was lucky to appear on the government free scholarship, what
his father in law declared upon him always set him back. He was
qualifying to be called an educated savage. It was not his choice
though. Fate had overpowered his promising future. He hated
himself and his father in laws as he cursed him tirelessly.

That was a very tough chapter of his life from which uncountable
snags instigated. A month later, the beautiful queen Amanda was
born in the poor family. “This child will set us free from this bondage
of poverty,” Mike told his wife when she had just presented the baby
to him when she was coming from the hospital. She was really a
blessing to the family. While Mike was recalling these tough
memories, the bus had now covered almost seventy kilometers.
Tears almost dropped from his eyes but he had to cover his face
because he did not want to be seen as a weak man since men in
many societies were not supposed to shed tears. He stared at his
family in admiration. He always wished to do the best for his family
only that he was facing difficulties to make his ends meet.

The bus was almost as silent as midnight. Some people were

sleeping with low tone snuffles. “Attention ladies and gentlemen!”
the fierce conductor started talking but many passengers ignored.
“Attention please! May you wake up all those who are sleeping for
it’s time for food!” he announced. Many people now got up from there
temporary sleep after hearing that it was time for food. “You will
only get food upon showing your valid tickets,” he continued. Many
started looking for where they had put their tickets so that they
should not miss their share. “We shall never have mercy for those
who have carelessly misplaced their tickets. He finished.

When all people were fully awake, the bus assistants led by the chief
conductor commenced on food distribution. The meal package
consisted of rice, a chicken drumstick and a drink for each
passenger. The meals were really nice. Lucky enough, no one missed
their share and all enjoyed the food as the bus was struggling with
the long distance which stood uncovered.

Mike’s children, just like many other passengers had found a chance
to have such a nice meal which they would usually have on
Christmas and New Year eve. Meanwhile, it was going to become
their casual meal when they would start living in Nashaki.
“How is the meal?” excitedly Amanda asked Racheal.
“One of the most delicious meals I have ever had in my life!’’ Racheal
replied as she made another bit on her chicken drumstick.
“So it is with me too.” Amanda said with a big smile on her face.
“I would really love to be boarding this bus every day to be enjoying
meals like this,” Racheal jokingly said.
“Hahaha do not make me laugh Racheal. Don’t you know that the
money you can be spending for the bus fare can afford you this meal
ten times?” Amanda curiously asked as she laughed at her sister’s
love of food.
“Yes I know but in a bus it is two in one because you eat and travel
through places.”
“Hahaha you are just in crazy love with food and travelling,”
Amanda jokingly insulted her. They laughed together while
enjoying their meal and their journey.

In the front seat to Amanda and Racheal’s seat, Khama and

Kennedy too talked a lot about how they both enjoyed the meal.
They also narrated many stories much of which were about their
childhood days and about football.
“I am praying that our cousins in Nashaki should also be football
lovers,” that was Khama.
“I guess they are. I don’t think there can be boys who hate football
because it is a boys’ game.”
“There are some boys who do not and love girls’ plays.
“I can never be in the company of such boys. Football is my favorite.”
Kennedy came in.

As they were discussing, the chief conductor switched on the bus

TVs. The bus had three TVs, one in front, the other in the middle
and the other one was closer to the back seats.

All people were really happy that they were going to watch the TV
throughout their journey. The show was to be divided in three
categories; in the first place people were going to watch news, then
they would put cartoons for kids and then some movies for the
general audience.

“You are tuned in to Mzangazi Broadcasting Station. It now time

for evening news and reports and you are with me Mirth Gondwe.”
The reporter addressed the audience. “Just tune into another
channel because we are tired of useless current affairs every day,”
a certain man at the back contested. “I totally agree with you Mr.
we are tired of hearing about all the evils these politicians do as if
they don’t want our votes to get into power.’’ Another concerned man
came in too. “And despite every day receiving donations and grants
from abroad organizations, the development base is just as stagnant
as it is,’’ complimented another man who sat in one of the front
seats.

When these people were discussing, the reporter was already on a

second news line. The other passenger as well didn’t pay that much
attention since their main focus was diverted to the issue that was
initially raised in the bus.

It was really an undeniable fact that development was stagnant in

Mzangazi. Regimes had been coming and going but none seemed to
have interest in developing the country from a low economy class to
a middle economy class country. All politicians and other
administrators were suiting to be termed invisible hands since they
hungered for power only for personal gains. Only few if none were
concerned with the welfare of citizens who had put them into the
power which was often abused.

In no time, the news hour was over and it was time for kids’ shows.
One of the bus assistants switched into a cartoon channel. At least
all kids love cartoons. So, that was the only preferable show to be
put. This time was particularly for Kennedy and Khama alongside
other kids. Those who were not able to see properly were either
being lifted by their parents or would stand beside their respective
parents’ chairs.
All children were to full amazement upon watching kids’ shows for
almost two hours. Khama and Kennedy talked much about the
show, their favorite actors and all sorts of things they watched from
the show. Few moments later, Khama and Kennedy alongside other
kids went to sleep. As per the program, movies were put for the
general audience. However, some had no interest in the movies and
were just holding conversations with their seatmates.
The bus had now covered almost 140 kilometers by the time it was
approaching Nkholokolwe Roadblock. The Chief conductor rose up
to speak. “We are approaching Nkholokolwe Roadblock now. Every
passenger will be asked to get out of the bus so that the police can
search for any illegal stuff.’’ He then paused a little bit. You are
therefore asked to take care of your personal properties like
cellphones and Laptops.’’ He finished. Those passengers with either
a cellphone or a laptop or both busied themselves with ensuring
their safety.
The driver kept on cruising fast only to slow down at the observance
of the roadblock sign. The traffic police put up his hand signaling
the driver to stop. He then applied brakes and parked the bus along
the road. The passengers were then asked to come out of the bus as
they had been earlier told.
Three police officer commenced on the search duty accompanied by
two bus assistants. Two officers went inside with one assistant
whereas one officer searched in the outside lockers with the other
assistant. After a few moments, some noise was heard in the bus. It
seemed the police officers were the questioning the assistant. The
conversation could be heard as a conflict between the two parties.
The passengers were surprised pertaining to what must have
happened. Soon, one officer came and stood at the door and called
the driver immediately. They discussed some few things there but
it seemed no one was being satisfied enough to surrender. But from
how they argued it seemed they had found something illegal but the
question was who would have been in possession of that illegal stuff
if so.
As the passengers still waited outside, the conductor came and
called out for all passengers to get in. Everyone was now happy
that they were continuing with the journey. After everyone had
settled on their respective seats, the police officers
re-entered the bus. He then went straight at Mike’s seat.
“Young man, what have you carried with you!” the officer asked
Mike in commandment.
“No.. no.. si... sir nothing sir!” he answered in stammer.
“Young man watch out! What is in this shopping bag?” the officer
asked while taking the bag. Mike together with his wife and
children were shocked upon realizing that the bag was not among
their belongings. The officer then took out the thing packed in the
bag. To everybody’s bewilderment, it was Indian hemp which was
popularly known as chamba. Before Mike could try to argue to
prove himself innocent, his hands were already putting on……
“You will have to defend yourself in curt my friend.” The officer
concluded while pushing Mike out of the bus with his button stick.

Lindiwe and her children began crying while other people tried to
calm them down. The problem was that Lindiwe had no phone and
she was not certain on how she would reach their destination. The
driver stepped on the accelerator and returned to fast motion
without caring that there were passengers whose destination had
been compromised. Lindiwe almost stopped the bus so that the
children and she follow the husband to police to witness every
proceeding but she knew that it would not be easy for them to find
another fare to proceed with the journey after everything was
finally over. She just assured herself as well as her children that
they should have hope as they were still pursuing their journey
without the leader.
The other passengers in the bus kept on talking about the incident
in low but somehow audible voices. Others said that the illegal
stuff must have been belonging to someone in the bus who just
betrayed him. On the other hand, others objected backing him up
saying that it was really belonging to him. Still, other passengers
confronted those who were laying the blame on Mike to stop citing
the need to avoid hurting his wife and children psychologically.
The noise then died down completely.

Mike was heartlessly dragged by the police to their campsite

which was just around the roadblock. “Sit down!” the officer
commanded him. Mike sat down in the poor ventilated room which
had its floor wet. The lighting was also too poor. Light only came
from the moon through a window which faced west. After a
moment, another office cam and gave Mike two hot slaps. Mike
just looked. He thought about the whole drama that was in
occurrence. Why would an unknown person betray him like that?
How would his wife and children meet his brother upon their
arrival in Nessa? Those were among the questions he asked
himself.
But as he was still discerning, the officer whipped him with three
hot whips on his back. He groaned with pain.
“Young man, how many times should I ask you the same question?
Are you deaf!? The officer angrily asked. Mike wondered as to
when the officer asked him as he claimed. He later realised that he
had been absent minded.
“May you please come again sir. I did not get you clearly.”
“Don’t waste my precious time here!’’ the officer shouted at him
while he gave another slap on his face.

Mike was heavily tortured as he waited for dawn break so that he

could to be tried in a court of law. What he feared was being
proven guilty for something he had not done. However, he assured
himself that God was going to defend his innocent soul.

Mike hated how long it took for day time to emanate. An hour
later, he was joined by two fellow men who also seemed to be
suspects. He never talked to them. They neither did. He tried to
sleep but his mind was just too busy for that. He always thought
about his family. His heart thumped heavily with pain. He
thought of sneaking but then he then reversed the idea. He just
prayed to the Almighty one that the court should better fine him
than being sent up the river if his case would go with injustice.

Later on, Mike fell asleep. In the sleep he had a dream. He saw his
late father approaching him in the small room he was being kept.
His father was crying to see him in police custody. He shed tears
too but he avoided looking at his father because he looked so scary.
He even wanted to run away but his legs felt numb. His father
said no word but was just crying. Later on, his father spoke to him,
“My spirit won’t let you suffer my son. I am with you always. I
know you are innocent and nothing will happen to you.’’ He then
laid his right hand on him. Mike was too scared of his father’s
ghost. With the right hand still on his head, his left hand took the
bag with the illegal drug. Before Mike knew it, his father’s ghost
had already vanished.

Mike woke up very horrified. His heart was beating faster. He

moved too steps forward. Surprisingly, he noticed footsteps on the
place where his father had stood in the dream.