The Stranger's Three Goals

Thunder and lightning raged as heavy clouds spread across the sky, signaling that rain would fall soon—not the usual drizzle but a downpour that was certain. At that moment, I had just gotten off the bus that brought me all the way to Sumbawanga. The journey had been very long, but I was grateful to have arrived safely.

There was hustle and bustle here and there, but it was all ordinary, nothing like in Dar es Salaam, a city known for its intense activity. The rudeness of the people here did not bother me; it was clear I had entered Sumbawanga. Exhausted, I needed to find a place to rest before continuing my journey to the villages I intended to visit.

The weather here was completely different from Dar. This made me open my bag, which contained only a few clothes. I took out a sweater and put it on. I hadn’t brought many clothes because I believed I wouldn’t stay long.

Not seeing any reason to continue traveling that day, I inquired about guesthouses where I might find lodging. I quickly found a room that I paid for one night, since the next day I had to keep moving on my journey.

My goal was to conduct research on Sumbawanga’s environment and its villages because I was about to write a book focusing on the environment and cultures of Sumbawanga.

While lost in thought about my book, someone knocked on my door. When I opened it, there stood a white woman with a beautiful figure. She was just standing there without a word.

“Hello, sister!” I greeted her, assuming she needed something. She looked at me with relaxed, casual eyes.

“Hi brother, I was wondering if you prefer to sleep alone. Don’t you feel cold?” she said. I was startled because I had not expected such a question. I already sensed her implication but wanted her to explain further without showing that I understood; I knew such things happened only in Dar, never in the provinces.

“Sorry, I don’t understand what you mean,” I replied.

“Come on, brother, do I look unclear or what?” she said, starting to lift her dress and revealing her thighs. I was shocked—I hadn’t expected it to go that far.

“Alright, alright!” I stopped her. She didn’t reveal herself, but she didn’t back down either. Then she lifted even higher, and I could clearly see the outline of her intimate parts.

Her eyes landed on my zipper and saw that my fly was already standing upright. “Wow! Hold me then!” she said as she suddenly approached and put her hand on my zipper. I had to make a difficult decision because I knew I was about to break my own rules to avoid love while working on my tasks.

I closed the door abruptly, leaving the woman surprised and unable to believe she had been rejected. I threw myself on the bed, sighed deeply, and then exhaled. At that moment, my fly also calmed down and returned to its normal state.

“Phew, I knew these things happened only in Dar, not here,” I said to myself.

Sleep took over me, and I didn’t know how long I had been asleep. I woke up to see the sun already risen.

I jumped up and rushed to the bathroom, even though it was very cold. I tried to bathe to bring my body back to normal.

I grabbed my bag and went out. I had no time to waste; I had only three days here before returning to Dar to start writing my book, which I had planned would be governed by the Sumbawanga region.

As I left, I met the same woman coming out of a room next to mine. It seemed she had missed me and gone to lure someone else! When she saw me, she looked embarrassed, bowed her head, and I passed by without greeting her. I immediately took a motorcycle taxi to Mponda village.

I was warmly welcomed even though I had no host there. I explained my purpose, and they offered great cooperation.

I slept there, then the next day I headed to Kisumba village, where I found the story I now bring to you.

What surprised me first was the reception I received. I had done various studies in many villages before, but I must admit this was tough. Nobody cared about me or welcomed me as a stranger. I tried to introduce myself and greet the locals, but they didn’t respond at all.

By evening, I had achieved nothing, not even meeting a host, as every person I followed listened and then ignored me.

Hunger became severe and darkness had already fallen. Luckily, I spotted a place selling food.

I moved closer, ordered a meal, and was served. I ordered ugali and fermented milk and ate heartily, having been very hungry.

After satisfying my hunger, the question remained: where would I sleep? Returning to the village I came from was far and transportation was difficult.

I felt confused, thinking about stories I had heard about Sumbawanga. I was utterly exhausted. There were no guesthouses or places to sleep in those areas.

I tried to get used to the locals, but it completely failed. Even the small hotel I was at started closing, which made me more confused.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT? WHAT IS JACK MAMBO'S FATE?