409 Leaving Bukavu

Zachary became busy after ending his call with Emily. He spent his morning hours packing his luggage before meeting his Congolese lawyer in charge of securing his property. Then, in the afternoon, he drove to town and linked up with Coach Samson Damata at a local hotel in Bukavu.

The Congolese coach had already requested to meet him more than a couple of times over the past two months. So, he figured that he should not disappoint him, especially since he was the person that had helped his grandma settle down in Lubumbashi.

"Welcome!" Coach Damata said in Swahili as soon as Zachary stepped before his table in the otherwise silent restaurant. "It's a pleasure to see you again, my young friend." Without waiting for Zachary to reply, the coach pulled him into a bear hug and patted his back repeatedly.

"How are you doing? Coach Damata asked, releasing Zachary.

"I'm doing okay," Zachary replied.