The excitement flowed through Kino’s body, sending chills up his spine, as his heart pounded in his chest, so much that he thought it would explode. His steps quickened as he turned off the main road onto that old familiar dirt trail. Like a little boy, the 45 year old almost skipped along, as fond memories came flooding – his parents, his wife Annette, his friends – all so near. And when he thought the feeling was too much to bear, just when he thought he was going to explode, something caught his eyes.
A few feet ahead, the dirt track was no more, tall shrubs and grass now replaced the well-lit path to his community. His heart stopped. The place was dark, He paused and asked, “Where am I? Is this the right place?” and when no answer came, Kino, now recovering from his disbelief decided to prod on.
He parted his way through the overgrown grass, and there and then it hit him. The village was abandoned. He had reached the centre of the community and in disbelief, he closed his eyes, his body became numb, and the world started spinning. Immediatley, he heard the sound of the children playing, they were laughing loudly, some were screaming in delight, and in the midst of that, he heard a baby crying. The houses were well painted – bright yellow, orange, lime green and white – too many shades and colours to mention.
Hi favourite hang-out spot beckoned to him, a cosy boulder sitting lazily under two East Indian mango trees. There, his two childhood friends Shane and Martin, welcomed him with open arms, a hug that said we’re happy you’re home. And when Annette, screamed his name – he was at a loss for words – he sprinted towards her – only he didn’t reach.
Rubbing his forehead, Kino woke up to the sound of a sheet of rotten zinc slamming violently against a makeshift wooden door. Giant sized trees stood where buildings once were. The roads were no more, and except for a bald patch with a vulture feasting on a dead carcass, all life had disappeared. Even the breeze which was at home in Troyton failed to stir a leaf. No one was there. Life in the village was extinct.
After 20 years in prison, Kino had lost touch with his relatives, his friends, his community. Now he was alone. No leads, no one to talk to, no life... his people seemed to have vanished from civilization. He was in the village where nobody lives anymore. And, it was a sick feeling.
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