B- Part 7 - Story

Part 1: B- Part 1

Part 2: B- Part 2
Part 3: B- Part 3
Part 4: B- Part 4 

Part 5: B- Part 5

Part 6: B- Part 6

We retire to our beds. Kairo and I, unable to sleep easily, we drift in and out of consciousness. In a restless doze, I picture Sadie in a red dress twirling further away from me. She becomes a dot in the distance and my feeble legs are not strong enough to reach her. I call out her name, which jolts me back to my bed, to a worried Kairo and stillness. I try to ask Kairo for a cup tea, he understands, gets up and leaves the room. I prop myself up and stare into space, scared of the images I had just seen. Kairo enters the room and hands me a cup. I let the steam float and disappear into my skin. My chin is slightly damp as I hold the cup towards my chest, resting it on the covers below. My mouth is dry but the liquid is too hot, I pass my tongue over my lips in an attempt to regain my speech. Kairo gets into bed and looks at me. He asks me what is wrong. I nod my head and raise my arm in a little effort to make him wait. Kairo waits.

After a while, I sip at my tea and start to tell Kairo about the events at Simta’s party and of the dream I had about Sadie. I tell him that I worry about Sadie, that she might fall in love too soon and make the mistake of rushing her life. In B-, those who usually decide to marry before 30 years old usually leave the village and never return. It is not the village that pushes the couple away for the village people do love first and foremost. But the couple usually choose to take a different path to those who live in B- and find they are more comfortable in cities where marriage laws are less important.

For Sadie, a love relationship could be harmful to her life in B- for she has no money or possessions and Kairo and I cannot accommodate another person comfortably in our house. At sixteen years old, Sadie has yet to learn about herself in great depth. Should she get involved in a love relationship the consequences might hinder her own personal development.

We drink our tea together and chat about the evening’s festivities, preparing ourselves for another attempt at sleeping. I take Kairo’s hand and hold it. His warmth comforts my disquiet thoughts. I wonder what I can do about Sadie, how I can show her how easy and beautiful life can be. I think of Heal and all the lessons he has already learnt and those he will face as he grows. Buiy and Fah bring a slight smile to my face as I picture their innocence, happy to be cuddled and loved by all those around them. My mind turns to Kairo, my companion of many years, my best friend, and joy fills my heart. 

Soon I start to feel my face relax, my body sag and sink into the hard mattress below. I think to myself, ‘I am fading away.’ Then life starts to talk to me, telling me that my time has passed, like the clouds that fill the sky, life has to drift away. I had lived my life and now it is over. No goodbyes. No more attempts at sustaining the body and life I cannot keep, as it’s not mine to own. I float further and further on to another place, towards another lifetime. I cannot fight.

I breathe my last breath; it is sweet, gentle and beautiful. The sweetest air I have ever tasted and my eyes close.

****************

Afterword

Only Kairo, Buiy, Fah, Peto and myself, Heal, live in B- now. Time passes on in B-; Simta soon joined Tanga in heaven. His dying wish was that I would take over the chemist and further the training of other students in health and medicine. I have set up a scheme to encourage students to follow in my footsteps. I am now a trained Doctor and have extended the shop to include a practice; I treat the whole village.

Buiy and Fah are still studying. In their spare time they look after Kairo who is weaker than he once was. Sometimes we hear him talk to Tanga in the house, late at night we hear his voice in deep conversation though we know no one is there.

Sadie completed her studies; she now lives in the nearby city of T- with her husband and visits regularly.

The figure of Peto sitting outside his stall is still a usual site for the village of B-. He strums his guitar, speaks to the locals and, with the help of assistants, sells his wares to the community.

Life moves on, new babies are born and there are more weddings to celebrate.

The dead watch over and guard the little village of B-.


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B- Part 6 - Story

Part 1: B- Part 1

Part 2: B- Part 2
Part 3: B- Part 3
Part 4: B- Part 4 

Part 5: B- Part 5

Simta’s birthday arrives and we dress in our best clothes for the occasion. Heal and Buiy hold their presents in their hands, careful not to drop them. Sadie, Heal, Kairo and I carry food and enter the door of the community hall.

The smell of spices and herbs scent the room, the community is busy with preparations A band is playing music at the front of the room and some people are dancing. Simta is standing by a table talking to his gift bearers. We walk up to him and he smiles warmly. Buiy places his gift on the table beside Simta and motions Fah to do the same. Heal and Sadie bow towards Simta and wish him a happy birthday. I reach over and give Simta a kiss on the cheek and Kairo takes Simta’s hand and shakes it. Simta welcomes us and thanks us for our gifts. Peto walks towards us and we all greet each other once again, glad to be together on this eventful day. Heal asks Peto where he should put the food, Peto smiles and clasps his hands delightedly. He winks towards Kairo and takes Heal to the appointed place.

More people speak to Simta so we walk on and greet the other villagers. The children meet their friends and soon leave us, Kairo and I find seats and listen to the music. People stop to talk, commenting upon the festivities and events throughout the village. We are told of forthcoming marriages and the plans for the ‘Festival of the Rains’. The seasons in B- alternate between hot and dry and hot and wet, the rains help the crops grow. Every year we celebrate this gift from the heavens. People make costumes and enact the story of the rains. The children sing songs and the whole community watches the spectacle, they walk from one side of the village to the other and they villagers follow their song to the place of the festival. It is a very special occasion in B-.

We watch the dancers and spot Sadie amongst her girlfriends dancing freely to the music. She raises her eyes from her lowered head and looks across the room. I follow her gaze and see a boy standing alone, watching her. For the whole time I look at him, his eyes never stop looking at Sadie.

The music stops whilst the musicians rest. Sadie walks with her friends in the direction of the food. She glances from time to time at the boy while she collects her plate and scoops ingredients in the bowls. All her movements are deliberate and careful. She talks to the people that surround her, her laugh rings with a different tone and her eyes sparkle in delight. She knows she is being watched and pretends with her friends that she does not notice. She finds a table and eats, I look for the boy but he has gone. My eyes search around the room but there is no sign of him. My hand trembles a little; I take Kairo’s hand to stop the trembling.

The band starts. I keep my eye upon Sadie for a while but she is lost amongst the throng of dancers. I look towards Kairo, his feet are tapping away to the rhythm. I tell him I will get some drinks. I raise my stick and lean on it heavily so I can stand. The people in front of me make a path so I can walk slowly to the table. Heal walks up to me and takes my arm and then fetches me a drink. I ask him to take a drink to Kairo. By the table, I cast my eyes across the room, in search of Sadie. I see her talking to the boy who was watching her. She is smiling and their heads are close together, they seem to be in deep conversation. There is a tap on my shoulder, I turn my head and see Heal peering in Sadie’s direction. I ask Heal if he knows the boy, he tells me that he does. I ask Heal for the boy’s name and he tells me the boy is called Lorace.

I wonder about Sadie. I notice that her friends have left her alone. Sadie is not dancing. Sadie and Lorace seem to move closer to one another, their heads barely touching. My heartbeat seems loud to me, my knees do not cope with the strain of standing and my stick seems to bend under my weight. My ankles become painful and the thought of walking one more step pains me. I am stuck. I ask Heal to find me a chair. Heal walks away.

Simta catches my eye and walks up to me, he asks me why I look so pale. I tell him that I am feeling tired and that Heal has left to find a chair. Simta looks at me, worry fills his eyes. He tells me old age is unkind. I smile weakly at him and say youth is worse for at least when a person is old they understand life does not go on forever and use their time wisely. Simta says that he wouldn’t mind being young again, I ask him if he would change anything if he had his time once more. Simta looks thoughtful for a few moments. He tells me that he wished he had a child to pass on his possessions. He tells me that he is happy not to have married but would like some family of his own. I nod, my ankles aching, Heal arrives with a chair for me, I glance in Sadie’s direction but her chair is empty.

Heal and Simta talk about the shop; they talk quietly and seriously. I see Buiy and Fah appear from the crowd; Fah takes my arm and wraps it around his shoulders. He nestles his head into my body. Buiy sits beside my knees and his hands play with my sandals. These children fill me with love, their innocent gestures instil a sense of purpose within me. I ask them if they are well, they tell me they are tired and that they do not want to play. The three of us stay together and watch the festivities. I look out for Sadie.

I start to feel better and strong enough to walk home. I ask Buiy to fetch Kairo and Sadie. Soon, Kairo is at my side. I tell him that Buiy, Fah and I want to go home. I tell him that he can stay but his eyes look worn and the idea of peace appeals to him too. Buiy returns without Sadie, he said that he could not find her anywhere, he tells us that he has been all around the building. Kairo and I glance at one another, fear creeps into my body, and every heartbeat strengthens its journey.

Simta stops his conversation with Heal and we tell him of our intentons. We thank him for the party and wish him much success for the next year. He thanks us for the presents and food, some guests spot him and take him away from our little group. Heal agrees that he would like to leave, I ask Heal to look for Sadie. Heal leaves.

They return and Sadie arrives looking flustered and apologises to us, she explains that she went outside the building for some fresh air. I take hold of my stick and Heal helps me to my feet. Buiy and Fah take each other’s hands, Kairo and I walk together and Sadie and Heal talk quietly behind us.

Read part 7 here.

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B- Part 5 - Story

Part 1: B- Part 1
Part 2: B- Part 2
Part 3: B- Part 3
Part 4: B- Part 4

Once we are home, the boys make presents for Simta. When Sadie arrives she asks her brothers what they are doing. “We are going to Simta’s birthday. We are making presents.” Buiy tells her as he shows her his efforts.

I sit outside on the steps with a cup of tea in my hand, Sadie creeps up and sits beside me. We smile at each other and watch village life. A man is walking up the street offering fruit to passers-by and homeowners. A cow passes our house sedately, its little belly rocks from side to side with each step. The man who is offering fruit, sells some and enters the house with his wares, leaving his bag outside. The cow nudges the bag and gently starts to munch on a mango that falls onto the floor. The cow is careful to chew slowly, juice dripping on to the floor. Sadie and I chuckle as the man realises what has happened to his missing mango and watches it disappear. The man nods, raises his arm, pats the cow on the head and takes the precious food bag away from the curious bovine.

Sadie sits back, she tucks her skirt under her knees and plays with her hair haphazardly. Her hair is long and thick, Sadie wears it behind her ears. Her thin face is clear and her eyes are bright. She turns to me and asks about Kairo and myself, how we met and when we fell in love. I warn her that it is a long story but she says that she would like to hear it. I smile and tell her.

  “I was passing through the village of B- with my brother and sister. We were headed for the city of T-, for we were told that we might have family there. My parents died when I was young so we were eager to trace any family history. When we entered the village, we decided to re-stock our supplies and rest for the night. We set up our tents behind the village and cooked dinner around the fire.

  “The fire attracted much life, unfortunately mostly of the insect variety, but a group of young people walked up to us, including Kairo, and asked if they could sit with us. We realised quickly that they could not understand our language and that we only had a basic grasp of theirs. Most of our attempts at communication resorted to hand gestures and mime, which led to much laughter. We were told that they saw us arrive and buy food and that we were the talk of the village. Our blue eyes and pale skin made us attractive. The girls wanted to touch my sister’s fair hair and comb it. The boys played with the fire, stacking all the spare pieces of wood and poking the flames. I looked at the group and I caught one boy staring at me. His eyes held fear and his mouth was trembling. I smiled at him but his eyes lowered instantly.

  “At the time Kairo and I were twenty four. Both of us considered too young to engage upon any relations other than friendship. When Kairo and I married he told me that he knew straight away that he wanted me, but he also knew the impossibility of the situation. We were too young, of different nationalities and I was only in the village for one night.

  “Towards the end of the evening most of the group left for their homes. We said goodbye to them one by one and many smiles passed between us. Kairo and his friends stayed on and he tried to talk to me. Soon night arrived, Kairo and his friends left and my brother, sister and I, amazed by the friendliness of the community, made ourselves comfortable and slept.

  “Dawn broke, my family and I woke up. As I left my tent I found a small wooden statue, it had my name carved into the bottom, with a small ‘K’ at the toe. I knew it had come from Kairo, I put the statue in my purse with my valuables. Once we were packed and ready to leave, my heart fell. I felt safe and calm in this little village and was sorry to leave, but the prospect of finding family was a greater need so we left.”

Sadie gasps, “You left?” I chuckled at her impatience. I continue, “Love does not always arrive in a flash and expect a person to be overwhelmed by its depths straight away. Sometimes it needs to grow and only time can allow that to happen. If I had forced events then I am sure I would not be sitting with you now. The people of B- are not foolish, they realise that a person cannot plan a time when love will arrive. They just believe that if love is strong enough it will be alive for a very long time. Many people believe that they’re in love and wish to marry early. They succumb to their instincts rather than their intellect and after a while wonder why they didn’t wait and fulfil their training and purpose beforehand.” Sadie nods, holds my arm and asks what happened next.

I tell Sadie, “I left for T-, found my family and settled in the city comfortably. I learnt the language, completed my studies and watched my brother and sister marry.

  “I had many friends and there were men who wished to court me but marriage held no interest for me. I wanted to join a religious order and be a missionary. The problem with my plans was that I did not believe in the God they taught at church so I decided I would help the poorer folk and move from village to village. My thoughts of Kairo had faded long ago and only surfaced when I focused upon the little statue, I did not intend to look for him. I was committed to my cause of charity.”

  “But you found him!” Sadie interrupts.

I laugh, “Yes, I moved around, I helped the elderly to die a dignified death, free from fear. I would make fires and cook for the homeless. I helped to sew clothes, find people a job and teach people how to look after themselves.

  “Soon, I arrived in the village of B-, I set up camp behind the village where my family and I camped seven years earlier I then slept; exhausted after my journey. Once refreshed, I decided to explore the village. As soon as I entered I felt peace grown within my body. My walk slowed to a stroll, my shoulders relaxed and I started to smile. I remember feeling this vividly for I did not just feel at peace, for the first time in my life I felt at home. I conversed with the locals, bought some food and asked where the poor and homeless gathered. In fact, it was Peto that gave me the directions though I did not know that then. I walked to a large white building, inside there was much commotion. Many people were cooking, serving and eating. Laughter and chatter filled the room, music was being played by a small group, some of the children were dancing while the older people clapped.

I hold my hand to my heart, feeling joy at my own words, experiencing my own fresh wonder at the images I conjured and look at Sadie. Sadie’s elbows are upon her knees and her hands sit under her chin; she stares at me with rapt attention.

  “Did you see him then?” she asks.

  “Yes, yes I did,” I sigh. I talk more to Sadie, ‘At the end of the line of servers, I saw the boy who left the statue beside my tent. This time he is a man. His black hair is cut very short, his strong arms held the pots and pans that contained plenty of food and he was smiling at every person who offered their plate. I looked for my statue in my purse, when I found it I walked up to him. I gave him the statue. Kairo looked at me and I remember his eyes expressed amazement. He could not believe I was the same girl, he kept repeating my name very softly, ‘Tanga, Tanga, Tanga’. I did not expect him to act in this manner though I did not really expect anything. He told me to wait for him. The rest, as they say, is history.”

Sadie looks at me and smiles, she takes my hand and holds it gently. My words exhaust me so I say nothing else. The warm evening makes my body restful. I close my eyes and doze lightly.

Continued: Part 6: B- Part 6

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B- Part 4 - Story

Part 1: B- Part 1
Part 2: B- Part 2
Part 3: B- Part 3

The next day, Kairo and I wait for Heal to return from school. We tell him about Simta's proposition and his teacher's thoughts.

Heal sits down and clasps his hands. His black hair falls on to his forehead, his eyes stare at his hands and his body is still. Heal's voice is low even though his body is not fully developed. When he stands, he towers over Kairo and I but his face is hairless and his jaw is soft. He directs his intense brown eyes towards us and asks for our opinion. Kairo tells him that we will support him in any way possible. Heal looks at his hands for a while longer, Kairo presents Heal with many plans debating the effects of either decision. Heal speaks, "I would like to work at the chemist." I walk up to Heal and hug him.

In the village of B- there are certain cultural traditions that have been followed for centuries, to ensure a happy and healthy community. A person under the age of thirty is considered a trainee. People believe that the first three decades of life should be devoted to study, friendship and a chance to undertake projects that would help others less fortunate. Many professions are encouraged here, from Doctors to Teachers to Engineers to Artists. The view of the community is that each person has a brain and a special talent, regardless of their gender. The expectations of a trainee are that they help others, share belongings, achieve family harmony and a friendlier community. It is also important to work on their ambitions and dreams. In this village, it is a rare sight to see beggars.

Before a child is allowed to go to school, they have to learn the essentials about family and community living. Just like Buiy and Fah, each child has to wake early and help make the breakfast. The family eats breakfast together and clears everything away. The child and an elder make sure that the house is tidy and clean and that all chores have been completed. Soon after this, the child will learn how to shop and pick the best food available, understanding the right prices. They learn who the best shop owners are and their specialities, how to determine the ripeness of food and the amount needed. They learn to buy all the necessary ingredients and how to cook proper dinners that are healthy and enjoyable to eat. Cooking is a serious art in B-, both boys and girls have to understand the rudiments of  healthy eating. It is important that all children can provide a healthy and balanced meal as it is usual for families to take turns and cook for one another.  

After the meal, the child will usually sleep for the siesta or have time to themselves where they can learn to read, draw or play an instrument. As the sun cools, the children meet up and play in the village. Friendship is encouraged, most of the children in the same area play together and it becomes a good foundation for many friendships and for social intelligence to flourish. A child will stay out till dinner time or until the family come home, though it is not compulsory. Once the family eats dinner they may receive visitors, go out with friends or spend time pursuing solitary activities such as study, meditation or reading.

Life is rich and busy in B-, people are always out and about visiting each other. Work is considered a part of life, where people achieve satisfaction. No job is too small. Everyone implicitly understands that all work has to be done to make life easier.

Kairo, Buiy, Fah and I go shopping in the mornings. We speak to the owners and talk about food, Peto invites us in for tea, which we accept. As we drink, Peto informs us of Simta's birthday the following week. Kairo and I blush as we realise our forgetfulness. Peto smiles, "Do not worry my friends." He tells us he has organised an evening in Simta's honour, Peto and he are close friends and have known each other since they were children. Neither of them wanted to marry, instead they formed an alliance together.

In B-, marriage is allowed for anyone who is committed. Providing that the couple is thirty years or older. Marriage is allowed for any couple, even those of the same sex. However, Peto and Simta have decided that marriage was not a constructive path for them, preferring community spirit. They invest their lives into serving the village through their jobs and spreading love through close friendship. The village thinks well of Simta and Peto, many people visit them and they are active members of the festivals and celebrations in the village. Peto plays the guitar and joins the other musicians from time to time, together the village would dance and sing with the accompaniment of the band.

Kairo speaks, "Of course we will attend the celebrations and bring food." Peto clasps his hands together and smiles, "It should be a lovely evening. Make sure you bring Heal along, Simta has an immense amount of respect for the boy." We agree, drink our tea and buy some fruit and vegetables.

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B- Part 3 - Story

Part 1: B- Part 1
Part 2: B- Part 2

Kairo and I make every effort to nurse the children's exhaustion and weakness. After many days they look healthy and we start to talk and get to know each other. We learn to understand the other's disposition and friendships form. We cook, laugh and explore the village as a family.

Kairo and I watch Sadie, Heal, Buiy and Fah grow.

The school accepts Sadie and Heal and they start their studies. When they arrive home they tell us about their day. I listen attentively to their words, happy that they enjoy their school and other pupils.  Buiy and Fah enjoy the delights of the village also and play with the children during the day. The heat does not bother them so Kairo and I take turns to teach, sometimes we draw together or recite poetry. Buiy and Fah look forward to the arrival of their brother and sister, they show them their drawings or sing songs for them. When I sit outside, sometimes I hear Buiy's high and melodious voice float past. I let the tune encourage love within me. I send him good thoughts, thank God for his beautiful voice and sink gently into a doze.

In the evening, we gather our food and make dinner together. A knock is heard at the door, Heal opens the door, and Simta enters the room. Kairo asks Simta if he would like to join us for dinner, he accepts and we sit at the table together. Kairo shares the rice, taking care to give our guest the largest portion. I glance at Simta and think, 'Simta looks unhealthy and his skin is changing colour.' His deep brown skin is fading and a yellow cast glimmers in its place. Sadie talks to Heal about school, her eyes full of interest when Heal mentions some of the people in his class. Heal's hands move about in a deliberate manner, careful not to knock the dishes on the table. His face lights up with a smile when he recalls an event that has happened, though usually his features settle in a contemplative manner. Buiy and Fah eat quickly, proud of the food that lies before them. Buiy tells Simta about the dinner, he tells him that he is in charge of buying the best ingredients. Simta feigns admiration which encourages Buiy to talk more.

Once Kairo sits, Simta transfers his attention to him. Simta is a chemist. He talks about his shop, commenting on the need for it within the community and the satisfaction he receives each day, safe in the knowledge he helps everybody who enters. He tells everyone that Heal's teachers are keen to further the boy's talents. The teachers have conversed with Simta about Heal's ability, they are impressed by his intellect. Heal modestly averts his eyes and looks at his dinner. Simta asks him to look up, which he does, and Simta says, 'Do not be ashamed of your intelligence, Heal.' Heal shakes his head and says nothing. We carry on with our dinner and chat about the village and its life.

As soon as the children leave the table, Simta sips his tea and his expression changes. He explains to me and Kairo that he is in need of another assistant. 'Heal's talents in science and maths will be valuable in the shop. He could help with the accounts, give advice to those who buy medicine or have an ailment. The teachers agree that it would benefit him should he decide to study medicine.' Kairo and I look at one another and I say, 'Kairo and I need to discuss this with Heal.' Simta shakes his head, 'I understand. I know Heal is of a sensible disposition.' Simta mentions that he often catches Heal reading when the other children play and that he is able in the art of conversation with his elders. He adds that he will pay the boy a wage for his duties. Simta drinks his tea and says goodbye.

We sit together and talk about Heal. We both agree we will allow Heal to decide and that we will stand by his decision. Kairo puts his arm around my shoulder and I rest my head on his chest. We sit in silence. I am content to sit here and be with Kairo. I listen to his heartbeat, his breath gently caresses my wiry hair, his body warm against mine. I squeeze Kairo's arm in an affectionate manner and tell him that I love him. He embraces my shoulder in reply and I smile. I feel lucky to be alive and able to love my husband and the children. Kairo senses my thoughts and voices the doubt I do not wish to address, 'If only we weren't so old!' My smile fades. I know there is nothing we can do about time. Like the watch, we are only more evidence of its infallibility. 

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B- Part 1 - Story

Introduction

This is a story set in the mythical village of B-, set in an unknown country. This story is not intended to be a conventional dramatic story; the reader should not expect to turn the page with anticipation of a narrative pull. Rather, I would like the reader to focus on each moment. The use of formal prose and the present tense represents Tanga’s consciousness and reflects her Buddhist-like philosophy of mindfulness and loving-kindness. I hope you enjoy this!

……………………….

I see the children around him laugh, his face gets redder by the minute but time just keeps passing. I see him try to stop it; he jumps up and down, waves his arms about and clicks his fingers. “Magic,” he says. He looks at his watch after each performance but the hand still moves. After a while he throws the watch on the dusty floor, stands on it and walks off.

The children scrabble in pursuit of the damaged watch. I observe them play with the hands, a few pick up fragments of plastic – hoping to catch some of the magic that the man couldn’t stop. Soon they disperse, bored with the watch that broke, half conscious that it was only a mechanism and a servant to the eternal mysteries of this world.

I sit under the Banyan tree, the sun sinks slowly behind me, the heat finally becoming bearable. My tanned arms and legs betray my foreign status thought I have lived in B- longer than anywhere else I would call home. My skin is not dark brown, thought its native paleness has turned golden. In this town, being old is considered an honour, a respected position within the community. As a foreigner, I am considered unusual, alluring yet unknown. My mental and physical faculties have not failed and my love for this place is unwavering as it brought up my husband whom I adore. No ancestors were here before me and none shall make their home here for I have borne no children. The wrinkles on my face show the signs of the unbeatable magic. My white hair glows, even in the fading light. I am called Tanga, it means ‘blue eyes’ for they also betray my status, so different from the chocolate brown that flows from the blood of B-. Foreigners who enter this village are informed of me; the people here understand my love for this place and know I will share it with others.

I take time to appreciate my surroundings and feel peace within. My companion walks out of the building opposite me, he sees me sitting and smiles. I reach for my stick, pull myself up and walk towards him. His back is slightly rounded, his grey hair contrasts against his dark brown skin. We meet each other, take each other’s hand and smile lovingly. The peace from within travels from my heart, through my hands and into my husband’s body. We begin to walk deliberately through the maze of the village, down its dusty roads and setting sun.

The donkeys and cows move slowly whilst the street bustles around them. The rickshaws buzz dangerously close but the animals do not notice. The children chatter with delight and play, the older ones ride about on battered bikes weaving in and out of the rubbish and animals that get in the way. People of all ages take advantage of the dull heat, sit in the open air, keep an eye on the children and enjoy the beauty of the setting sun. The buildings around them reflect the traditions of the Old Raj, the while of their walls increasingly covered by red soil, their grandeur incongruous against the simple town.

Some of the folk call out greetings to us while we walk past, they press their hands together and bow, a sign of respect for us, the old couple that walk slowly down the street. Some young girls with wet hair sit out on the pavement together, letting the sun dry it naturally as it falls down onto their backs. One girl catches my eye, her long dark hair set in waves, cascading below her breasts, almost reaching her waist. Her eyes are so dark the pupils are hard to find. She glances up from her book, her gaze uncertain. Her skirt has ridden up her legs, revealing a little birthmark above her knee. She nods in our direction and we carry on.

We pass a few stalls that have opened after the siesta. I touch the mangoes and judge their ripeness. The owner, Peto, invites us in for a cup of tea. We decline his offer but buy three mangoes for our supper.

As we reach our home we see a girl with three other children sitting around her knees; she is bent over and crying. The children look lost and confused. I walk up to them and hold out my hand, the girl takes this hand and stands up.

  “I am Tanga,” I say.

 “I know, I have been looking for you,” she replies, the tears staining her cheek, reflecting the red of the sunset. We all enter the house together.

Kairo and I, not averse to the company of strangers, take pleasure in making our guests comfortable. We prepare the beds, fill the bath and together put the food on the table and eat. Our guests look tired, especially the younger children, so we ask no questions.

The girl introduces herself and her brothers, “My name is Sadie and these are my brothers.” She points to them in turn: “Heal, Buiy and Fah.” In response to this Kairo says, “You are welcome to stay here, we will not turn you away.” Sadie nods, her eyes fill with tears and I take her hand. She smiles a little in return and pulls her hand away.

I start to study Sadie and her brothers. I wonder about them and try to gather any clues as to their origin. All of them are thin and they wear foreign clothes. Baggy trousers and loose fitting shirts, nothing like our local clothing. They must have travelled far, why would such a young girl travel alone with her brothers? We glance at each other from time to time over the table and smile, in an attempt to spread a warm feeling to our guests. We encourage them to feel at ease and pretend we are not seriously worried for the future of these children who have found us.

The boys eat the rice, fish and devour the mangoes. Sadie eats very little, her dark skin, pale. The boys finish their food and I take them to their room. The boys, delighted by such comfort, immediately take off their shirt and prepare for the wonderful joy that is sleep. Five minutes pass and all is still. I leave them and walk back to the kitchen.

I find Kairo clearing the table, at which Sadie still sits, suddenly her posture slackens, her eyes close and her chin lands softly on her chest. Tiredness wins its struggle and pushes her swiftly towards slumber. Kairo looks at me, then at the girl. He walks towards her and gently ushers her on to a bed.

I remember a very good friend of mine who used to stress the importance of family. She would always say, ‘To know thy family is to know thyself’ and I would agree. When Kairo and I married, everybody would ask about our plans to have children. In B-, nobody is allowed to marry before they are thirty, so the business of reproducing is high on the agenda for most newlywed couples. After many years, we realised we were not meant to have a family and the village stopped asking so many questions. The lack of a child did not bother us and we did not feel incomplete, in fact our respect and love for each other deepened as the years brought us closer together as a couple.

The family - various different personalities flung together, bound by blood. Automatic access into lives of people one might never have met in daily life otherwise. Momentous occasions shared, arguments that reach violent proportions can strike. I remember what it was like to see my brother as a baby or when my sister and I would fight over matters that seemed important at the time. Within the family a bond deeper than friendship can form.

I lie in bed and think about Sadie, Heal, Buiy and Fah and wonder what it would be like if they became a part of my family. Kairo and I talk long into the night, discuss plans and ideas in case these children have no place to return and no one else to love them.

Night falls, the stars shine and the full moon protects the little village of B-.


Read Part 2 here: B- Part 2 - Story


Other long stories can be found here: Gracie's long stories



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