Mr. Membere sat quietly under the shade of the large mango tree that stood in the middle of their compound, watching the unfamiliar vehicle parked just a few feet away. Beside him stood Mr. Moses, a neatly dressed man with a calm demeanor, who had just arrived with two other men. They had brought unexpected news that left the entire household in shock.
"Mr. Moses," Mr. Membere began, his voice low and cautious, "where exactly is this place called Greenwood? And what kind of place is it?"
Mr. Moses offered a gentle smile and replied in Lhukonzo, "Greenwood is far away, across the seas. It is found in Europe. It's a country mainly for white people, though there are a few black people living there too."
At this, Mr. Membere fell silent, absorbing the magnitude of the revelation. He stared ahead, lost in thought. Bella's mother, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward with worry etched on her face. "But… how did my daughter reach there? We were told she had gone to the city—Kampala."
Mr. Moses nodded sympathetically. "It's a long story, Mama Bella. When you meet your daughter, she will explain everything herself. She has been through a lot and she will tell you everything in her own words."
Bella's mother clutched her hands together, emotions welling up in her eyes. Mr. Moses continued, "We've been instructed to take you, your husband, and your son to the city. You will be staying there for a short while. Is there anyone else you would like to come along?"
She turned to her husband and after a moment of silent exchange, she said, "Bella's two aunts—Kabugho and Jolly—and her uncle from my side. They should come too."
"Do they stay far from here?" Mr. Moses asked.
"No, they're just nearby," she replied.
"Good," Mr. Moses said. "We'll be leaving for the city this evening. Please prepare yourselves. Don't carry anything with you—everything you need will be provided once we arrive. Bella's husband has made arrangements."
Mr. Membere was taken aback. "You mean we are leaving today?"
"Yes, today," Mr. Moses confirmed. "Take your time to prepare. We'll be waiting for you in the car. Oh, and before I forget," he added, turning back as he was about to leave, "Bella's husband requested that you bring some African fresh foods for her—matooke, fresh beans, cassava flour, all the foods she used to cook. She has been preparing them for the family there, and they enjoy her cooking very much."
At this, Bella's mother smiled brightly, her heart swelling with joy. Moses and his team returned to the car, leaving the family to prepare.
Tears brimmed in Bella's mother's eyes. She almost cried, but they were tears of happiness. Her daughter was not only alive, but thriving in a faraway land and remembered them fondly. Mr. Membere, still trying to comprehend the events unfolding, said softly, "Go to your brother and tell him. I will go inform my two sisters."
He walked away in a daze, filled with a mixture of disbelief and pride. The once-troubled household now buzzed with activity as news spread quickly to the relatives. Mr. Membere went to the homes of Kabugho and Jolly, his sisters, to tell them the good news.
"Our Bella… she's in Greenwood, in Europe," he began, emotion heavy in his voice. "She's married. Her husband is a good man. He has sent for us."
The sisters gasped, their hands flying to their mouths in astonishment. They asked questions faster than he could answer. How did she get there? Who is the husband? When is she coming back? Mr. Membere could only shake his head and say, "All will be explained soon. We are going to the city tonight, then we will travel to Greenwood from there."
Back at the Membere home, preparations were underway. Although they had been told not to carry anything, Bella's mother carefully selected the best matooke, fresh beans, dried fish, cassava flour, and sweet potatoes. She placed them aside, thinking of her daughter cooking with the same familiar tastes, oceans away.
Their son Arthur returned shortly before dusk, surprised to find such excitement in the air. His mother embraced him tightly and began explaining everything. He, too, was shocked and thrilled to hear of Bella's fate.
Mr. Moses had been instructed to take the family to the city where caretakers would host and look after them for two weeks. During that time, arrangements for their journey to Greenwood would be finalized. The caretakers would ensure they were well-dressed, in good health, and emotionally prepared. It was evident they had never traveled far before, and the experience was going to be life-changing.
As the sun began to set, the family gathered what little they needed and bid farewell to their neighbors. Emotions ran high. Some wept in joy; others were curious, whispering among themselves about Bella and how she had made it all the way to Europe.
Mr. Membere and his wife sat in the car with their son, and shortly after, the two aunts and uncle joined them. Mr. Moses gave them a reassuring nod as the vehicle started its journey to the city.
The road ahead was long, winding through hills and valleys. But inside the car, there was a new sense of hope, a fresh beginning. Bella's family, who once feared they might never see her again, were now on their way not only to meet her—but to step into a world they never imagined possible.
The car sped on, carrying with it a cargo of love, joy, matooke and Cassava flour.