Three days later, a small canter truck rolled slowly into the farmyard.
Dust rose into the air as it stopped.
Three people stepped down.
Mubita, the shepherd
His wife Chipo
Their small child Luyando
Mr. Sikalima and his wife Bwalya welcomed them warmly.
> "You are safe here," Mrs. Sikalima said kindly.
That evening, Mr. Sikalima explained the work.
> "You will start herding the cattle next Sunday. For now, learn the land and the animals."
Mubita smiled gratefully.
> "Thank you, sir. I will treat your cattle as if they were my own."
That night the stars filled the sky above the farm.
For the first time in years, Mubita felt hope.