TheLostConnecti

Based on a true experience

on
Chapter 1: A Chance Encounter

T
he sun cast a warm glow over the bustling streets of the
Mozambican town as I boarded the bus headed to Tete
City. I had been there before, and the prospect of
exploring more the place excited me. As I settled into my
seat, I noticed a girl with a friendly smile sitting next to me.
She looked older than me, but that’s a story for another day.
We seated there facing each other for an hour or so then we
struck up a conversation, and before long, it felt like we had
known each other for years. She kept asking ‘How long until
we get there?’ I learned that it was her first time to travel by
bus such a long journey. ‘So what do you do in Tete’ she
asked, ‘Timaganyu basi’ I responded in a low tone. Truth be
told by this time I knew she wasn’t just older than me, I had
discovered that she had two University degrees. And I never
wanted her to ask me about my education, I mean what
would I say to the two time graduate? And judge me not, this
is a feeling every one of you would bear if you were in my
shoes, maybe even worse. I am not misogynistic but ladies
like these betrayals my confidence. ‘These people are so
hostile,’ I was glad soon as she changed the topic ‘you can
even tell the women have got no manners, look at their
dressing better us back home we’ve got at least respect for
elders and our men too(she giggled as she noticed my ‘really’
expression on my face) …..and at least the majority dresses
nicely.’ She continued. That’s the Nhungues* t’s just normal
to them I added ‘You can’t marry here, would try it?’ She
lowered her voice as she said it, ‘No! never,’ I seconded her
idea. We talked more on topic and then the bus approached
a police check point, they greeted us in Portuguese Boa
tarde, familia. And asked for travelling documents, she
couldn’t get what they were trying to inquire since they were
speaking Portuguese until I told her ‘they want your travelling
document’ she produced her passport to the police. Soon as
she showed her passport the police let us go. But she was
curious why the Police didn’t ask for my passport, ‘Well i
replied the greeting properly. That’s why. They thought am a
local.’ I said. The hours flew by as we shared stories, dreams,
and laughter. It was a refreshing experience, meeting
someone so genuine and open-hearted. Our friendship
blossomed effortlessly, nurtured by the unique bond we had
formed on that bus.

Chapter 2: A Night in Tete City

As the bus pulled into Tete City, we decided to extend our
time together. Let me be clear here, we did not literally
decide but circumstances did. She was supposed to meet
with a certain guy a Taxista(Uber driver), He was to pick her
from the bus depot and help her get another bus to Maputo. I
prayed he never show up, thank god he didn’t. We headed to
Nagi Bus Depot, she got the ticket to Maputo but they would
start off 11:00am the next morning. She wanted to shower
and a place to take the night. She suggested booking a hotel
room for the night and she wanted to explore the city further.
I agreed without hesitation, eager to spend more time with
her. The hotel room was a cozy sanctuary, where we
continued our conversations late into the night. Time seemed
to stand still as we delved into deep topics and shared our
innermost thoughts. The connection grew stronger, and the
more we talked, the more we discovered similarities in our
lives. It was during one of these heart-to-heart conversations
that I discovered Grace's name was the same as my late
mother's. The coincidence struck a chord within me,
deepening our connection further.

Chapter 3: Unexpected Distance

The following day, Grace informed me that she had to travel
to Maputo for a job interview. Reluctantly, we parted ways,
but we promised to keep in touch. We exchanged phone
numbers, fueling our optimism about maintaining our
newfound connection. However, as the days passed,
communication dwindled. Messages went unanswered, calls
went straight to voicemail. I couldn't help but worry,
wondering what could have caused this sudden distance
between us. Finally, after days of silence, I received a
message from Grace.

Chapter 4: Unveiling Secrets

Dear Andrew, I hope this message finds you well. I regret to

inform you that I have returned to Malawi. My husband
became increasingly invasive, and I had to prioritize my
safety and well-being. I am truly sorry for not reaching out
sooner. Confusion and disappointment overwhelmed me. I
hadn't known Grace was married, let