“Let’s drive straight to the police station,” said Viola, as she helped Mila into the car. Jack was driving. Mila’s head was clearing as she drank more water.

At the police station Viola and Jack helped Mila open a case against Monza. As she described him, one of the policemen came forward from the back office.

“I think I know who you are describing,” he said.

“You know this monster?” asked Viola.

“If it’s who I think it is we suspect him of human trafficking and drug dealing,” said the policeman. “There have been reports, not just your sister’s. We have been trying to catch him for some time. But we didn’t know where he took the girls … but now … Maybe we can make progress.”

The police tried to get as much information from Mila as possible. She had to describe how Monza looked, and the building he had taken her too. She gave the police his number but Monza must have trashed his phone, because the call was untraceable.

“He’s probably lying low by now,” said the policeman. “He must know you would go to the police.”

“I wonder how many girls were there? Yhooo! My God, we live in a cruel world!” Viola said, clapping her hands and watching her little sister shaking from the ordeal.

“I will let you know when we catch him,” said the policeman. “In the meantime be careful. Let us know if he tries to contact you again.”

The next two days Viola applied for leave from work, just to watch Mila, even though she had recovered well.

“To think that I was so naïve and trusted all of his lies,” Mila said as they sat drinking coffee together.

“I am so grateful that you were brave and fought your way out. If it seems too good to be true, then something is not right,” said Viola. “I should have stopped you that morning when you told me you didn’t know what the job was. Something felt wrong. I should have–”

“You can’t blame yourself,” said Mila. “I should never have gone with a stranger. I knew nothing about him.”

“The main thing is you are back and safe with us,” said Viola, hugging her.

* * * * *

A week passed by and Mila started to feel her old self again. Viola had found somewhere she could do extra classes on a Saturday that would help her improve her Maths and English marks. Jack, meanwhile, went with her to the nearby Traffic Department to get a date to write her learner’s license, and bought her the K53 manual.

Back at home, Jack told Mila about an event they were going to have the following weekend for Mam Sandlana, who was well-known and loved in the community. She was retiring from her position as principal at Jack’s school and he was in charge of organizing the event.

“So she decided to retire eventually? Yhoo she is old! She should have retired a long time ago,” laughed Viola.

“I hope everything goes well,” said Jack, and then turned to look at Mila, who was busy on her sister’s laptop, typing another application letter.

“Mila, don’t you want to come along on Saturday to the farewell function of our principal? How is the job search going anyway? Have they called you back from that jewellery store you applied at?” asked Jack.

“Uumm! Nope! I don’t think I got it anyway. They should have called by now,” answered Mila sadly. It was dawning on her that getting a job was an uphill battle that required great perseverance.

“Just come to our celebration on Saturday and cool your mind off. It’s going be like a kind of market or fete, so you can bake your delicious muffins and sell them there, if you want. There will be lots of people, and above all your muffins are to die for! You will make good money,” said Jack, winking at Viola. Viola just smiled.

“Umm … I might come if you promise to give me a slot to sing in the concert part,” teased Mila.

“Well, I don’t know. I have already arranged a singing group.”

“That’s fine. I think it will be good for me to just get out and meet people. And I will make my muffins,” she said proudly, making a funny face. “And sell them.”

“Great, I will put your name on the list of stalls,” said Jack.

***

Tell us: Do you agree that perseverance is a must in a job search?