Rwandese Flowers_ 1 to 6

culture. When I arrived at the place, I saw about forty craftswomen sitting or kneeling to work in the
molding of clay, manufacturing pots, pans, dishes and other handicrafts. I figured that finding a
market for such a batch would be easy, considering the quality and beauty of its objects. They painted
an opaque, dark background on them as the basis over which they put colored and cheerful images. I
was impressed to contemplate plebs like the Twas making vibrant themed pieces. Their pots,
furthermore, expressed the personality of those who do not face the struggles of life as a difficulty in
getting their way ahead, and I was sure that the humanity ought to treasure the Pygmy pottery. Men
came from the swampy lands of Bugesera with clay, packaging it in wet sheets that they carried on
their shoulders.
As it was time for us to leave the settlement, we got in the GH Farm's delivery
truck and started the way back to Kigali, and shortly after, when we were taking the road, we crossed
with a police convoy that was heading towards the Twa community. From the top of the truck, I saw
in a Toyota pickup something that seemed like a huge dead animal. I searched for information.
"What was that in the vehicle?" Elizaphan answered me.
"They passed on the run, but I believe it is a downed gorilla, Dr. Isabelle."
"Why would they take it to the village?"
"I have no idea, Doc."
The Tutsi Rose Kabaguyoi observed.
"I guess the Hutus are trying to find who killed that creature. The gendarmerie is
seeking culprits, and it is about to raid these tribes around here. I noticed that gendarmes, park
rangers, and paramilitaries are among them, and I believe that the situation back there is getting to be
troublesome for our friends."
"As they are a Rwandan flagship species, the law prohibits us to hunt gorillas. Just a
single animal is regarded more worthy than the entire population of that village these days." Father
Jumpe explained.
"Why, Father?"
"This country gets more money for the gorilla preservation than for the improvement
of the Twas' health conditions. It is an iconic animal, and the government uses it to raise money to
conserve the habitat where it lives. It is also a source of income for some important entrepreneurs
through ecological tourism."
"So, let us go back to check if everything is okay."
Elizaphan implored in a mood of utter disbelief in that possibility.
"Jesus on the Cross! You must be nuts, Dr. Isabelle. We ought not to return now
because those men are dangerous."
Yet I had already made up my mind.
"The priest put me in charge of caring for the Twas and I am going back. If you do not
want to come with me, leave me here. Stop this truck, driver, please."
Just when the men were feeling safe, we heard the sound of gunshots coming from the
spot whence we came, and in turn, the driver went fast even more to stay away from danger. On my
side, from the top of the truck body, I laid my head on its cab, knocked on it and said:
"Please, break! We must return."
Just when the Tutsi was accelerating the vehicle, we heard other shots, and then, I could
not resist.
"Break off this car right now for the passion of God!"
* * * * *
Father Jumpe, hearing the name of Our Lord and seeing the distress of Isabelle, stood
up for her, and they returned to the village, finding it crawling with the gendarmerie. On arriving,
they saw the police officers cracking down the Twas. Two dead Pygmies were fallen in the courtyard,
a man and a woman. They made a lovely couple and left orphans, and the wife died from a knife