That evening Metutu returned to the one place he could find peace. Coming into the mouth of the cave, he saw Kima standing over the food for the meal. Though she was going through the motions of her old life, the look in her eyes was very different. They were dull and lifeless.
“Kima? Are you all right?”
She looked up. “Metutu?”
She looked notably older. Without a moment’s hesitation, Metutu went to her and embraced her. The old fire came back to her face as she wept on his shoulder. “Oh thank God you’re all right! You are such a good boy. No wonder Busara loved you so!”
“I loved him too. And I promise you that I always will. I want to help any way I can if you’ll only let me.”
“You mustn’t come here often. It might harm you if word leaks out. There are spies out there.” Without mentioning Kinara’s name, she said, “You know that HE knows everything that goes on. We must be careful.”
“It does not matter if I am in danger. When I am struck down, I will be lifted up like Busara in triumph over death!” He went back into the cave and held a lamp next to the paintings. He saw a picture that represented himself together with the family group. Metutu fell to his knees and wept. “That must be the last thing he painted!” He touched the painting carefully with his fingertips. “Oh gods, I still can’t believe he’s gone. I will see that he did not die in vain, Kima. I will carry on his work, so help me gods!”
“See this line that connects you to Asumini? It was his hope that you should one day be joined in marriage. It was my hope too that one day you would enjoy a love rooted in truth and beauty.”
Metutu, understandably, did not want to betray his own father to the council. Not that much would come of it, with suspicions about Busara’s religion having being confirmed. But he could not condone what his father did.
“Kima, I am going to continue with my studies with Makedde. I will be a shaman as I had promised.”
Kima smiled, but her eyes were sad. “Aiheu will bless you. I only wish Busara could have been here to finish your training. He was looking so forward to it.”
“I didn’t know him for long, but I will never forget his gentle wisdom. He told me to follow my dream. I will.”
“You must be careful. Don’t let the ignorant put out your light.”
“I am willing to spill my blood for the love of Aiheu. Without his love, life is not worth living.”
“Still don’t count your life worthless. Don’t discard it lightly. Remember that some of us love you.”
He hugs her around the shoulder. “Some of us love you too.”
Asumini was looking at the paintings. “There is my Auntie," she said tearfully. "She loved us, but she was always my father's. I will miss her."
“She told me she would not leave until her work was done.” He thought a moment. “Besides, I will always be there for you.” Metutu took Asumini in his arms. “As your father gave up his life to pass the truth to me, I will make sure you have what you need even if I must do without! I will be another son to Kima, and a husband to you.”
“Metutu, we do not want your pity. That is not the kind of love we feel for you.”
“Not pity! I have always felt for you. You were always so wise and as beautiful as I am plain.”
“Your face is not plain.”
“Only because you are beautiful enough for both of us.” He kissed her first on one cheek then the other. “Don't blame me for feeling attracted to you. What son of Chako could look at you and not think guilty thoughts."
She gave him a chaste kiss. “Someday there will be a time for guilty thoughts when grief has run its course. And they will be of you. If you love me, give me time.”
“I give you my whole lifetime. When you need me, I won’t be far behind.”