A MOVING MINE

Part 2: A Glimpse of Destiny

As the day unfolds, the daily activities are set in the community; villagers are busy in maize fields, and the young girls head to the stream as the smile of a peaceful breeze and harmony sweeps the community and the spirit of Ubuntu hovers.

“I’m scared of Chikuza’s beating; I am glad the makishi is over,” said Kanna with her voice barely audible above the murmur of the stream water.

Nono teased. “It reminds me of how you almost sped off last time. Whenever you see Chikuza, learn to run for your life before you get whipped.”

They giggled and laughed about it, continuing their walk.

Nala stumbled and watched them from a distance as they exchanged glances. He couldn’t help but notice Kana’s beauty – her dark chocolate complexion, a crown of afro hair, crystal-clear eyes, and bright smile. His heart skipped a beat, and he felt a sense of shyness, looking away to play it cool.

Nono and Kanna drew closer, their footsteps quiet on the grass. Nono noticed Nala’s glance and spoke up.

“Good morning,” she said.

Nala fumbled with his words as he panicked, unsure how to respond. Shortly, he then replied,

“Good morning to you, too,” and smiled.

Kanna gave him a concerned look, but he quickly looked away.

Nono teased Kanna, “Did you see how he was looking at you?”

Kanna asked, “Who?”

Nono replied, “The guy who just passed us. That’s love at first sight. I know the look, and I can tell he’s interested.”

Kanna rolled her eyes. “Oh, please don’t start this. We came to the stream for a reason, not to discuss who’s in love with whom.”

Nono teased, “We’ll see; you’ll tell me you met him again. I know it, and it will be soon, trust me.”

They laughed and continued their walk.

Meanwhile, Nala’s curiosity lingered about what Lukwesa had said earlier.

“If this is from our ancestors… Why wasn’t it told to us? And why haven’t I heard anything about it?”

He pondered, trekking towards the mining site. His mind shifted to the memory of Kana’s bright smile, lingering in his mind. He couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was more to her gentle demeanour than met the eye. His footsteps slowed, and he found himself lost in thought, replaying their brief conversation. The sound of the wind rustling through the trees and the distant chirping of birds faded into the background as he pondered what lay beneath her calm exterior.

The sun beat down on his skin, warming his face, but he barely noticed, his mind preoccupied with visions of Kanna’s laughter and the way her eyes sparkled. He quickened his pace, his long strides eating up the distance, but his thoughts remained with Kana.

He walked towards the mining site; the rugged landscape and the miners’ bustling activity snapped him back to reality. He took a deep breath, the smell of earth filling his lungs. As he stood at the edge, a miner approached him from behind.

“What are you doing here? Don’t you know this is a restricted site?”

The miner’s weathered face and calloused hands were a testament to his years of working in the mines. Nala hesitated, unsure how to respond.

“I… I want to learn about mining. I want to be a miner.”

The old miner raised an eyebrow. “A miner? What do you know about mining?”

Nala replied, “Nothing, but I want to learn. I have a stone I found, and I’d like you to take a look.”

The miner’s interest piqued, he said, “Let me see it,” eyeing the stone in Nala’s hand.

Nala handed over the stone, his fingers brushing against the miner’s rough skin. The miner’s eyes widened as he examined the stone, and Nala’s curiosity got the better of him.

The miner marvelled. “Wow…”

“What is it?” Nala asked.

His voice, barely above a whisper. The miner’s expression turned thoughtful, and he rubbed the stone between his fingers.

“Where did you dig this?”

Nala hesitated, unsure whether to reveal the truth.

“I picked it up this morning by the kerb,” he said finally.

The miner’s eyes widened. “This is a rare stone, valuable and uncommon, one that could change your life. You were lucky to find it.”

“Let me show you around the site”

Nala smiled and postured his shoulder with pride, not knowing the challenges and mysteries to unfold.