Found the Boy

Mma Ramotswe found a boy in the witch doctor’s house. The witch doctor was a skinny and tall man. Mma knew who the boy was and asked the skinny man to let the boy go. He smiled and said that Mma Ramotswe could take the boy with her if the boy wants to go with her. There was a slender scar on the boy’s forehead. Mma asked the boy whether he is the son of the teacher at Katsana Village, yet he said she was crazy.

The boy turned to the witch doctor asked him: “Who is this fat crazy lady, father?” Mma was shocked. It seemed like the boy had lost his memory; it must be the scar on his forehead. The tall man laughed and said: “It must be the damn sun outside that made this lady had some illusion. Go to make her some tea, my son.”

After the boy walked inside the kitchen, Mma Ramotswe said angrily: “How dare you do this to an innocent boy? You are smart. He will do whatever you, his father asks him to do.” The man laughed out loud: “Mma, this is not your business. I’d like to ask you to leave. Save your time.” Mma Ramotswe replied: “I will take him with me later on. Watch me!” Then, she walked out and shut the door. She got in her tiny van and started the engine.

After an overnight drive, she arrived at the front of the school at Katsana Village. Meanwhile, a man with glasses stepped out the building. He said to Mma Ramotswe: “May I help you, Mma?” “Are you the father of Thobiso, Rra? I’m Mma Ramotswe.”She said. The man stood still for a moment. “Yes, I am. Did you find my son?” “I did, and I can take you to your son.” “Thank God. Where is my son, Mma?” “I can say that he is safe now. I have driven all night. Can I have some rest at your place before we go? I want you to find some photos of your family and take them with us to your son.” “Sure. Let’s go.”

Mma Ramotswe was wiped out after two long driving. She took a shower and slept for a whole day.

The next day, they began their journey in the early morning. They were at their destination before sunset. Mma Ramotswe said to the teacher: “Here we are. Come with me, Rra.” She opened the door and they walked into the house.

The witch doctor and a woman who must be his wife were sitting around the table with the boy; they were having supper. “My son, I found you finally.” The teacher cried out and moved forward to hug his boy. “Who are you, Rra? I don’t know you.” Thobiso pushed him away. The woman spoke up: “Rra, what are you talking about? This is my son. Please leave us alone.” She held Thobiso tightly as if he will disappear suddenly.

The teacher was shocked and turned to Mma Ramotswe for an answer. “This is why I asked you to bring photos. Now, take them out.” The witch doctor looked scared. He stood up and tried to take those photos before the teacher handed them to the boy. He shouted: “Don’t!” The photos dropped on the floor. Thobiso saw that was him in those photos. His memory flashed in his mind. He ran into the teacher and cried.

The woman fell on the floor and whispered: “Where is my son? Where……”

The witch doctor sobbed and said: “It was my fault. I was too greedy. One year ago, there were many customers that came to me for witchcraft. I couldn’t find enough children. I killed my own son that time because I had made deals with all the people who came to me. My wife was out of gear after she found out. She missed our son so much and cried all the time. So, I decided to bring back a son for her. You and my son look so alike. That’s why I took you. However, you are not my son. He is dead.”

Mma Ramotswe said: “You shouldn’t have done this to your son or any other children. People all have parents. I hope you quit practicing witchcraft from now on. I know someone who works in a police station. I don’t think you want me to bring them here too.” “I regret what I did already. I can promise you. You may go now.”

Mma opened the door. The three people got in the van and drove away.