Now is the Time for Running

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains indirect references to extreme violence and physical and psychological abuse. Graphic descriptions of the aftermath of violent animal attacks are also included.

Deo and Innocent are in the back of the truck that will take them to Beitbridge, a town on the border with South Africa. They both have new shoes from Captain Washington, who told them that when they get to Beitbridge, they should find Mai Maria: a woman who will look after them. Now, the driver of the truck tells them that they will soon have to pass a military roadblock. Innocent asks Deo if they are “going to see him” (44), meaning their father. Deo lies and says yes, even though he has no idea where to start looking for a father he barely remembers. Innocent tells Deo that he knows their father’s truck license plate; he has a gift for memorizing numbers.

When they get to the roadblock, Deo and Innocent hide in a hole behind the truck’s bunk bed. Deo hears soldiers question the driver about where he is going. They ask someone else at the roadblock if they prefer long or short sleeves. Deo does not understand this question, but he can hear people screaming outside, and, through a small hole, he sees blood on the ground.