GOTCHI AND SATCHI: (part thirteen, the end) “Where is your father? I must see him,” Binta asked the children. Just at that moment, she lifted her head, and saw in the distance a sight that filled her weary heart with such happiness that she cried even harder. “Gotchi, look, look over there!” she sobbed. Read more…
GOTCHI AND SATCHI: (part twelve) Days became indistinguishable from one another. Gotchi had no sense of how long it had been since they had left their village. She could hardly remember the day she had begun this journey, when her heart had been filled with eagerness and hope. Read more…
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 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 nine, short story continued) After almost a month squatting in the mosquito-infested market, Binta abruptly announced, “It’s time for us to leave. Read more…
GOTCHI AND SATCHI: ( part eight, short story continued) Binta and Gotchi went looking for food. They found several open stands lit with dangling, colorful light bulbs. They bought a small bowl of rice topped with a gooey green sauce. “Mommy, that’s not enough for us both to eat!” Read more…
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 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…
GOTCHI AND SATCHI (part five): (….short story continued….) Sanda silently mourned the loss of his beloved cow. Indeed, every member of his herd was precious. He knew his animals by name, and recognized their footprints in the sand. Read more…