Nomusa brought the edge of the water jar to her small brother’s eager lips. Water ran down his chin and over his fat body as he drank noisily.
Nomusa’s dog, Puleng, came running out of the hut. He showed his happiness at seeing Nomusa by running around her in crazy circles.
“Thirsty, Puleng?” Nomusa cupped her hand and poured some water into it for the dog to drink.
Just then Nomusa heard a voice behind her.
“Sakubona, Nomusa!”
It was her half sister, Sisiwe, who lived in the hut next to Nomusa’s. They had the same father but not the same mother.
“What is the story, Nomusa?” Themba broke in eagerly. If his sisters began talking, he might never hear it.
“Well,” Nomusa began, showing them the beautiful red and green feather, “it all began with this.”
Sisiwe exclaimed over the parrot feather, but Themba clamored for the story.
Nomusa described her encounter with the imamba with lively words and gestures. Her audience was much impressed.