The skies above Entebbe were bright and clear that morning, casting warm light over the paved roads as Sally Raymond drove silently toward Orbit International School. In the backseat of his SUV, Dexta leaned back, clutching a box of new toys — a small football, building blocks, and a bright red toy car. His face was glowing with curiosity.
"Where are we going again, Daddy?" Dexta asked.
Sally smiled through the rearview mirror. "To visit a friend. She's staying at a school nearby."
"Is it a girl?"
"Yes. Her name is Zaria."
"Is she your friend?"
Sally paused for a second before answering. "She's someone very special."
The boy didn't press further. His small hands were already twisting the wheels of the toy car, lost in thought. Sally turned his eyes back to the road, the weight of the moment heavy on his heart.
He hadn't told Angela he was bringing Dexta until that morning. She had hesitated at first, unsure if it was a good idea.
"But what if Zaria finds out the truth?" she'd asked softly.
"She won't," Sally assured her. "She doesn't even know I'm married. To her, I'm just… someone who cares."
Angela had finally agreed, and now, they were minutes away from Orbit.
---
When they arrived, Angela was waiting at the parking area with a smile. She bent down and greeted Dexta warmly.
"Hi there, young man! I'm Aunty Angela."
"Hello," Dexta replied, shyly hiding behind his father's leg.
Zaria came moments later, running down the school steps in her uniform and polished shoes. Her hair was neatly tied, and she carried her sketchbook under her arm.
When she saw Sally, her face brightened.
"Father!" she called out, joy filling her voice.
Sally knelt and opened his arms, and Zaria ran into them with all the innocence and love a child could carry. Dexta stood watching, puzzled by how close this girl seemed to his father.
Zaria turned and smiled at Dexta. "Hi. What's your name?"
"I'm Dexta."
"Dexta! That's a cool name. Do you like drawing?"
He shrugged. "A little. I like cars more."
Zaria grinned. "I like drawing cars. Maybe I'll draw one for you."
Dexta looked at her with interest.
Within minutes, the two were laughing. Zaria showed him around the gardens near the classrooms, and they played a short game of hide-and-seek while Sally and Angela sat at a shaded bench nearby.
"She's really good with kids," Angela said, watching them.
"She's been through so much," Sally replied, eyes not leaving Zaria. "But look at her. That light in her is still alive."
"And Dexta?" Angela asked softly.
"He's quiet. He doesn't even know what a mother's warmth feels like," Sally said, emotion tightening in his chest. "Beatrice has never been… there for him."
Angela touched his arm gently. "At least you are."
Sally nodded, but his heart was heavy. Watching Zaria and Dexta bond so naturally made him feel proud — and guilty.
They're siblings. And they don't even know.
---
As the afternoon wore on, Sally treated them to a small picnic lunch outside the school grounds. He had brought juice, sandwiches, cupcakes, and fruit. The children sat on a spread-out kitenge cloth, eating and laughing under the trees.
Zaria showed Dexta her sketchbook, where she had drawn forests, flowers, and people. He was fascinated. Then she handed him a page she had ripped out earlier — a drawing of a lion with a fiery mane.
"This is for you," she said.
"Really?" he beamed.
"Yeah! Because you look brave."
Dexta smiled wider than he had in days.
Sally's heart swelled as he watched them — two children bound by blood and loss, yet unaware of their shared pain. He wanted to bottle that moment and never let it go.
---
As the sun began to dip low, Sally stood up.
"Time to go, Dexta."
Zaria helped him gather his toys. "Will you come again?"
Dexta turned to Sally with a pleading face.
Sally smiled at them both. "If Zaria wants, we'll visit again."
"Yes!" Zaria laughed.
Dexta nodded eagerly, holding his toy car tightly. "Okay!"
Sally pulled Zaria aside and knelt before her. "Are you doing okay, my girl?"
Zaria nodded. "Yes, Father. School is nice. I love it here."
"If you ever need anything, just ask. You're not alone anymore."
She nodded again, hugging him tightly. "Thank you for the food... and for today."
"Thank you for being strong," he whispered back.
---
On the drive home, Dexta was unusually quiet.
"Daddy?" he finally asked.
"Yes, son?"
"Who is Zaria really?"
Sally kept his eyes on the road. "Why do you ask?"
"She's very kind. She gave me a lion drawing. I like her."
Sally smiled faintly. "Zaria is Angela's daughter. And Angela is my good friend. She helped me when someone I care about was sick."
Dexta nodded slowly, as if trying to piece it all together.
"Is she like a cousin?"
"No," Sally said gently. "But she's very special to me."
There was a pause. Then Sally added, "Dexta, listen carefully."
"Yes, Daddy?"
"Today's visit — don't talk about it to anyone. Not to the maid, not even to Maria. If anyone asks, you say we went to the kids' park, Uncle Fahad took you to shave your hair, and then we bought toys and had ice cream."
Dexta blinked. "Why?"
"Because it's our little secret. Understand?"
Dexta looked down at his toys and smiled. "Okay, Daddy. I won't say anything."
Sally ruffled his hair proudly. "That's my boy."
Dexta leaned back in his seat. "Will we go back and see Zaria again?"
Sally chuckled. "Do you want to?"
"Yes," Dexta said with a sleepy smile. "She's nice."
Sally glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "Next time, then."
---
They arrived home just as the sun disappeared behind the houses. The compound was quiet. Beatrice's car wasn't in the driveway.
Sally felt a strange relief wash over him. He didn't want to explain anything to her. Not tonight.
"Go in and put your toys away," he told Dexta. "Then come for dinner."
"Yes, Daddy."
As the boy ran inside, still clutching his lion drawing, Sally paused at the door.
He looked up at the sky — stars beginning to blink awake in the dusk.
One day, he thought, they'll know the truth.
But for now, he would protect that fragile bond — the one Zaria and Dexta had unknowingly begun.