Mozambique, Africa

Thursday, October 8, 6 PM

The sunset swallows the distant horizon while shining golden rays upon the trees. Towers of giraffes stroll towards their homes, casting shadows that stretch farther than their massive necks. The distant roar of a female lion quickens the giraffes speed, their thundering hooves vibrating along the ground.

Several miles away, Nia stands up, wiggling her ears to sense any other disturbances. She reminds herself of her work and refocuses her attention on digging the ground. After several minutes, she unearths a landmine and notifies her partner Kofi.
“Nice work, Kofi says while cuddling her. “We’ll notify the bomb squad.”
They head back home, and Nia sits on Kofi’s lap on their way.
. . .

Inside a container in Kofi’s living room, A whole banana disappears in one minute inside Nia’s mouth. A hero’s work is always in need, so I must always prepare for whatever comes next, she says to herself. She drinks from her water bottle then sets out for her exercises on her spinning wheel.  Kofi walks into the living room and watches her run as he sits down in a chair. A sad smile crosses his face.

“It’s tragically ironic, humanity has to go through things so traumatic and horrendous to learn the most wonderful things about life. Yet the costs are the losses of innocents and the potential for more bitterness to grow.”

Nia slows down on her wheel, noticing tears in Kofi’s eyes. She unlocks her latch door and stands on the edge of the table. She opens her mouth and speaks.
“Kofi, my sweet partner, do not cry. The blood of the innocents can never return, but their passing is not in vain. it creates new purpose for those who are still here. That is why my name is Nia, I want my name to be a symbol for you to never give up. I care about you so much. You are my partner, my friend, the one person who believes in me not for what I can do, but for who I am. Oh Kofi, I…”

Kofi looks up and sees Nia standing, hearing only squeaks and sniffles. He chuckles and scoops Nia into his arms.
“Nia, were you trying to cheer me up?”
Nia looks away, knowing that her words are still powerless to a human, even a good one.
“What’s wrong? Do you want another banana?”
Nia brushes a tear aside and nods eagerly.
Kofi grabs a banana in the kitchen and notices several letters underneath the door’s mail slot.
“Let’s eat and go over the mail, shall we?”
Nia nods, admiring Kofi’s multitasking abilities.

Three letters are read over until a small one is left.
Nia and Kofi’s eyes grow larger when they notice that the letter’s wax seal has a small symbol of a spade.