Gotchi and Satchi, part 11

GOTCHI AND SATCHI: (part eleven) Gotchi felt numb. She thought achingly of Satchi. Without money, she lost all hope of seeing her beloved friend again.  She thought of all their hard work, and she thought of her father, brothers and sisters. The rains had still not come. Without money, would they all die of hunger? Of thirst? Read more…

Gotchi and Satchi, part 10

GOTCHI AND SATCHI (part ten… short story continued) After many months of wandering, Binta and Gotchi saved enough money to return home. They traveled back to the big city; Gotchi was no longer afraid of the bus. All she could think about was seeing her brothers and sisters. She fell asleep, each bump bringing her closer to home. Read more…

Gotchi and Satchi, part 7

GOTCHI AND SATCHI : (part seven… short story continued) Binta dragged the terrified Gotchi to the marketplace, declaring, “This is where we will sell our medicine.” They found an empty space on the dirt ground, next to a fruit and spice vendor.  After rolling out their torn plastic mat, Gotchi proceeded to neatly lay out their plants. She then found some discarded cardboard, and on it drew little sketches to describe what the medicines would heal: headaches, diarrhea, and malaria. There was even a potion to help people fall in love! Read more…

Gotchi and Satchi, part 6

GOTCHI AND SATCHI (part six): (….short story continued….) As Gotchi grew older, her sorrow diminished.  Binta decided it was time to teach her the traditional art of making medicine and potions.  Ever since they lost their herds, the women spent months every year selling their traditional concoctions in neighboring regions. Read more…