Vivian’s life changed a few minutes after she left. She stayed in a three-roomed cottage while Adams’s family were in the big house. There was a bed for her and one for Tatenda and Tino.

They had supper in the big house. Vivian could feel the peace and happiness in the house. Mr Adams and his wife sat down to have a discussion with Vivian. She still wanted to further her studies so they enrolled her at a college so she could do Form 4 and a course of her choice that Mr Adams would pay for. She worked inside the big house and got paid. She did the washing, ironing and cleaning.

Mrs Adams cooked for the whole family every day and sometimes they eat takeaways. Vivian felt free and finally at peace. No one judged her and Mrs Adams liked giving her advice and teaching her skills in cleaning like using the vacuum cleaner and the electric washing machine.

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday they attended church. The Christ Ministries was a good church with polite people. Vivian liked the church especially when everyone there talked about sensitive issues. Vivian was ashamed to talk about her life, she just wanted to move on. The youth consisted of black, coloured and whites and Vivian felt safe. She was not alone. She thought the church was for whites but got surprised to see it was non-racial. People were saying their prayer requests, Mrs Rabbi lead the youth.

“Do you have anything to say Vivian?” she asked.

“No,” Vivian looked down.

“I know you are a new comer but please feel free. We are one family in this church,” she said brushing her shoulder.

A few of the people raised their hands then she pointed to a coloured girl who sat at the back.

“My parents rejected me when I was 3. They left me on the street,” the young lady said.

“My mother is sick, we are struggling to live because she is not able to work,” a black guy spoke.

“We are going to pray for each other. If anyone has a request, tell us so we can pray together,” Mrs Rabbi said.

No one said anything. All their heads looked down.

They sang ‘You are Faithful’ and started to pray. Vivian made a lot of friends and was no longer afraid like when she was at home. She felt safe, free and at peace. Tino and Tatenda went to a crèche in the neighbourhood.

It was rare to find whites helping the blacks due to a sanction raised by the president who chased most of the whites out of the country. Most of the whites left the country after Mugabe won.

Maybe I am blessed, Vivian thought. She smiled while scrubbing the floors. She worked in the big house three times a week in the afternoon and some mornings she attends school. Mr Adams requested that she should focus on school then they hired someone else for the house job. Vivian refused; she wanted to thank them for being kind and having a heart.

Vivian never had thoughts of committing suicide after staying with the Adams. They treated her with patience and love. When they scold her, it was always gently and not harshly. When her heart didn’t sit well, she would confide in Mrs Adams. She taught her that life was not easy but one shouldn’t be rude and proud. She was taught to be slow in speaking and quick in listening. Mr Adams told her that life was not easy but with hard work one can achieve the best.

Susan and Marvellous still struggled to find work after they finished University. Wilson was still being bossed by his wife. Charmaine had gone from bad to worse, she was angry with everyone even her daughters.

Vivian payed them a visit, with some groceries she bought for them after a month staying with the Adams family. She also bought gifts for them all. For her dad she bought a suit, some brand new shoes and a suit for her mother. She greeted them with love. Wilson was happy to see her. He embraced her in his arms. Susan and Marvellous stared on with hatred. When Charmaine received her gift, she smiled and began to ask a lot of questions as if she didn’t do bad things to Vivian. Vivian had forgiven them, but she would never forget.

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Tell us what you think: Do you think there are still good people out in the world? Do you know any?