The Path Of The Lutalo

The year 2017, Nyala Village, Sudan, Africa.

A young boy sat under a Baobab tree for shelter while watching the cattle.

"Why is life so hard for us... why do we have to work so hard, why can't everyone have a good life.."

He thought to himself while bemoaning the struggle the poor had to go through just to see another day.

"Madlenkosi! Madlenkosi!"

An elderly woman was shouting for him from a small house nearby.

"Aljada, I'm here! I'm here!"

The boy watching the cattle was Madlenkosi, a Darfur refugee. Madlenkosi was an attractive medium brown Sudanese adolescent with almond-shaped expressive brown eyes. He had fled to Nyala from the conflict between the Fur and Zaghawa tribes and the government. He had lost both his parents in their bid to flee the region and was only able to get to his aljada's house months after.

Madlenkosi helped his Aljada with all that was needed to be done, whether it was caring for the cattle, handling the stall, or even doing dangerous odd jobs to get enough money so they could have something to eat.

He knew how hard he had to work to survive, and he was always hardworking because he knew it was the only way they could make a living.

..............

"Madlenkosi, have you forgotten what time it is? It's time to go down to the market"  said his Aljada.

"Yes Aljada, I will go now," He said as he packed up the beaded necklaces his Aljada made to sell.

After walking down the cart road with his bare feet in the sand and dust he had soon came upon the market which was bustling with noise from hawkers advertising their goods.

Upon reaching the empty area he swiftly and routinely set up his stall and placed everything for anyone passing by to see.

Madlenkosi was used to this lifestyle after spending two months by his Aljada but upon seeing other children around his age in the market with their parents, he couldn't help but miss and long for his parent's affection and love again...