“Your friend is beautiful, Sisanda. You have been so kind to him,” she said gently.

“What is his name?” asked one of the boys.

“Thokozani,” answered Sisanda.

“Thokozani means ‘rejoice’,” explained Miss Khanyile.

The children sat down and listened while Sisanda read the story she had read to Thokozani on the day they had first met. The reserve manager took photos. Some tourists passing by took photos too. Even a photographer from a local newspaper clicked away. He promised that a photo of them would be in the newspaper soon. Everyone cheered.

What a gift! Reading to heal a friend.