The Setting Sun and the Rolling World

Ngoni Moyo is a research assistant who lives and works at a tree plantation in Chikara Forest. One night, a colossally drunk coworker named Mangazva arrives at his lodgings covered in blood and claiming that another plantation worker named Samba nearly beat him to death. He calls on Ngoni for help because Ngoni illegally sold him nipa, an extremely strong alcoholic palm beverage. Mangazva demands to speak with Mr. Jones, the manager, but Ngoni worries that Mangazva will carelessly reveal that Ngoni provided him the nipa.

Two other workers, Old Mangara and Chokuya, arrive and promise to get medical treatment for Mangazva. As the three of them leave, Chokuya warns Ngoni about Mangazva’s mother, who is known across the plantation as a powerful and vengeful witch.

Later that night, Mangazva returns to Ngoni’s home with bandages covering half his face. He says he spoke to Mr. Jones, who merely laughed at his misfortune. Mangazva also swears he did not tell Mr. Jones that Ngoni sold him nipa.

Given that Mangazva is still incredibly drunk, Ngoni offers to walk him the four miles to his house, which he shares with his mother, father, wife, and three children. There, a very awkward conversation ensues between Ngoni and Mangazva’s family, which culminates when Mangazva’s wife begs Ngoni—who has been sober for a year—to help her husband quit drinking.