After telling him everything, I immediately burst into tears. The grief was just too much for me to hold after all this days. Afterall I have someone I know, someone who can understand what I was feeling. Lisaka stood up immediately and came to my side and patted my back. And it seems just that act of kindness and concern was enough to let the whole dam break, I was sobbing with great racking sobs. Lisaka just continued patting my back and whispering assurances that I will be able to see my brother again. After a few hours, I controlled my tears and sat upright.
"Are you okay now?" He asked and I nodded, sitting like that for a while before asking for help.
"Please do you know of any job available?" I asked, trying to look braver and more matured than I look. He sighed and looked away and I wandered why he was reluctant. "Is there any problem?" I asked him cautiously. He turned to me and took a deep breath.
"Look, work is not easy to come by in this town and I don't think you can work where am working"he said looking pitiful and sad.
" Why, what's wrong with your work?" I asked him.
"I am working as a servant for the richest and most powerful man in this town" he replied and I was surprised.
" So... I cannot work where you're working because you're a servant?" I asked almost on the verge of shouting. He shook his head and laughed briefly and I wondered what was funny.
"No, it's not that, he only hires young men to work for him while his wife hires young women but she says she isn't in need of any maid again, so there lies the problem"he explained. I became thoughtful, what kind of family is that? and why is it only men he hires? is it because his wife was jealous or what. I pondered on my dilemma for a moment before it suddenly clicked. Yes! He could hire me. I looked up at Lisaka excited.
"What if I dress up as a man, he could hire me!" I exclaimed excitedly. But Lisaka eyed me skeptically.
" Yes you could, but it's very risky, once they find out, you are a dead meat"he said. I frowned up at him, I didn't want anything to dampen my determination.
"Don't worry okay? They won't find out, I promise" I patted his hands trying to reassure him.
He sighed and seemed to think for a moment and I held my breath during that moment, afraid he'll say no. He turned back to me and smiled a little
"Okay I'll let you try it, but just keep out of danger and be careful"He waggled his fingers at me and I beamed.
" I promise!" I was so excited, I could earn a real money, I could use the money to look for my brother.
"Okay now it's time to go to bed, it's late already" he said. I jumped up from the chair and ran to hug him. He stiffened before reluctantly wrapping his arms around me back. I pulled back and he looked away but I was too excited to wonder why.