Unlike his grandmother, Tobela was quiet.
Every morning he helped Mwiya with the cattle and farm work.
He worked hard and spoke little.
Mwiya appreciated the young man's effort.
"You are strong," Mwiya told him one day while they repaired a broken fence.
Tobela smiled faintly.
"My grandmother says hard work keeps trouble away."
But deep inside, Tobela felt uncomfortable.
He had noticed the way his grandmother behaved in the homestead.
Sometimes she spoke to Nalubamba in a tone that sounded less like a guest and more like a master.
One evening, Tobela approached his grandmother quietly.
"Grandmother," he said.
"Yes?"
"Should we not continue searching for land like you said?"
MaSimukonda looked at him sharply.
"Do not question me," she replied.
Tobela lowered his eyes.
From that day forward, he remained silent.