Shadows In The Dark

Shadows in the Dark

Chiwara Lawson 

Chapter 1 - 1302 hours, Mkoba 18, Gweru, Zimbabwe

In the industrious heart of Mkoba 18, Amon Chisungo's workshop stood as a testament to perseverance. His son, Michael, a 24-year-old journalism graduate, was there, his hands begrudgingly busy with manual labor instead of the investigative work he was trained for. The lack of job opportunities had tethered him to his father's trade, each spray-painted chair a reminder of his unutilized potential. Michaela, his sister, was the embodiment of focus, her eyes scanning the lines of her textbooks as she prepared for her Zimsec Olevel Examinations. Her aspirations were pinned on the hope of higher education, a path she wished to tread without stumbling over the obstacles that had hindered her brother. Their father, Amon, approached Michael with a look of understanding. "Son, your degree is a powerful tool, and this workshop... it's just a stepping stone." Michael, pausing his work, met his father's gaze. "A stepping stone to where, Dad? There are no jobs, no outlets for my voice. It feels like I'm trapped." Amon's voice was steady, "I know, but we must have faith. The ruling party is trying, and change takes time." Michael's response was tinged with impatience, "Faith doesn't create jobs, Dad. We need action, not just patience." The conversation laid bare the generational divide between them: Amon's cautious optimism and Michael's urgent yearning for change.

Chapter 2 - 1400 hours, Rumwe village, Zaka, Zimbabwe

Headman Chauke sat under the baobab tree in Rumwe village, his eyes reflecting the depth of his thoughts. The village was a canvas of contrasts, with modernity creeping in through solar panels and the tarred road that led to the Nyika growth point. The nearby schools buzzed with the energy of youth, and the police sub-base at the shopping center stood as a symbol of order. Chauke's mind, however, was on his ambitions. His loyalty to the ruling party had served him well, and now he eyed the position of councilor, a role that would extend his influence. Yet, his support was not without self-interest, and his tenure as headman had been marked by the subtle exploitation of his title. The village, with its blend of the old and the new, was at a crossroads, much like the country itself. Chauke knew that his actions could tip the scales for Rumwe, for better or worse. As he watched the sun dip lower, casting long shadows across the village, he pondered the legacy he would leave behind.

Chapter 3 - 1623 hours, Mkoba 18, Gweru, Zimbabwe

Michael's heart raced as he burst out of his rented house, the sound of gunfire and screams echoing through the hallway like a war zone. He sprinted down the corridor, his backpack bouncing behind him, and his phone clutched in his hand. He had to warn Nyasha and the others, and get out before the soldiers closed in.

As he reached the front door, he saw his landlord, Baba Moloi, standing firm with a machete in his hand, his eyes blazing with defiance. "Ba Moloi, what are you doing?" Michael yelled, but Baba Moloi just gave him a fierce glance and charged out into the fray.

Michael followed, his eyes scanning the chaos. Soldiers in uniform were swarming the yard, guns blazing, and villagers were running for cover. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and fear. Michael spotted Nyasha crouched behind a water tank, her eyes locked on him, her face pale with fear.

Suddenly, a soldier appeared in front of him, his gun raised. Michael froze, his heart in his throat. The soldier's eyes were wild, his face twisted in a snarl. "You're one of them, aren't you?" he growled, his finger tightening on the trigger.

Michael raised his hands, his mind racing. "No, please! I'm just a student!"

Nyasha yanked him into a sprint, and they raced towards the motorcycle, bullets whizzing past them. They leapt onto the bike, and Michael roared it to life, speeding away from the carnage.