Her dreams and vision of an exciting and scenic train journey towards better prospects at the Zululand forestry station came crashing down in a sequence of misfortunes; the fire of hope and joy died like a candle in the wind.
The four children no longer want to play the travel game as each one succumbs to motion sickness, and baby is constantly thirsty. Adding to her dilemma is the taste of cold weak coffee, just like dirty water!
The rhythm of the train eventually calms the children, silence and serenity settles in the compartment; music to her ears.
She heaves a sigh of relief when they reach Kwambonambi, wondering what that name means in the isiZulu language; imagines hidden danger when she learns it is ‘the place where the chiefs gather’.
A gallant young man greets them at the station and they continue their journey over dusty roads besides a forest of trees. She is captivated by the sight of swans and bluebirds, breathes in the coolness of the forest, healing her fragile state of mind.
Nerves already on edge after the long journey, she regrets they ever took the leap into this strange and new world, her doubt grows and whispers ‘you fool, you should have stayed right where you were’.
Her body and feet aching, she remembers how Mother and Father were always there to lend a helping hand with the children when Michael was at work. She seldom lacked shelter from the storms of life, and would miss the comforting touch of Mother reassuring her that everything will be perfectly fine, her invisible safety net gone!
Their next stop is at the town’s general dealer for supplies, and she is startled by a long-winged car screeching to a halt next to them.
An apparition with a mile long cigarette holder alights, smoke billowing from blood red lips, the devil’s masterpiece of witchery!
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She pauses, and cottons on that this is a sales lady from the big city, self assured and prancing like a tigress.
The poor shop owner, she wonders what this creature is going to convince him to buy!
But heaven forbids, the creature is walking towards them, she turns her back, pretending to focus on the field of dandelions outside as she certainly is not buying anything from this woman!
The gallant young man smiles, poor fellow, he’s fallen for her tricks, but he turns to them and introduces the creature, ‘This is your new neighbour.’
Now she knows for sure they made the biggest mistake to come here to this God forsaken place and be stuck with a witch of a neighbour, around whom she will have to tip-toe for sure.
The witch however turned out to be a kind, strong woman whose pearls of wisdom guided her in this strange place; someone who listened, understood, brought joy and laughter to a dreary day, and became a dearest lifelong friend.
A huge thank you to 
The challenge asked for a story of 250 - 500 words and only some of the given words had to be used; but I followed my friend 
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