THE STRANGER'S PROMISE II

Six months had passed since the disappearance of the four Zwenda siblings. The village of Malawi was still reeling from the loss of Joy, Jason, Jane, and Jacob. The once peaceful community was plagued by fear and uncertainty.

Rumors of the disappearance spread like wildfire, getting the attention of neighboring villages. The villagers whispered among themselves, speculating about the siblings' fate.

Meanwhile, deep within Mr. Chekani's cottage, the four siblings huddled together in the dark, damp cellar. Their eyes adjusted to the faint light, and they could see the cold, stone walls that held them captive.

Joy, 9, Jane, 7, Jacob, 11, and Jason, 13, had been held captive for months, subjected to emotional and mental torture. Despite their ordeal, the siblings' bond remained strong, but the darkness in the cellar seeped into their souls.

Peter Zwenda and his wife, Miriam, kept their hopes alive, but the rest of the village grew hopeless with each passing day. The village elders suggested holding a funeral, assuming the siblings were dead.

Jason, determined to escape, shared his plan with his younger siblings. They waited for Mr. Chekani to return from his hunting trip.

As the sun set, they heard the familiar sound of Mr. Chekani's heavy boots climbing the steps to the front door. The siblings positioned themselves, ready to put their escape plan into action.

Mr. Chekani entered the house, placing his bow and arrows behind the door. He set down his bag and began preparing supper. The aroma of wild mushrooms and roasted rabbit filled the air.

After eating, Mr. Chekani prepared a bowl of food for the siblings and headed down to the cellar. He carried a candle stand with a lit candle in one hand and the bowl of food in the other. "Here's your food, boys and girls," he said, his deep voice echoing off the stone walls.

As he bent to place the bowl on the ground, Jason seized the opportunity. He lunged at Mr. Chekani, pinning him to the ground. "Jacob, hit him with the rock!" Jason instructed.

Without hesitation, Jacob picked up the rock and struck Mr. Chekani on the head. The stranger passed out, leaving the siblings to execute their escape plan.

To be continued...