Jengo and the Lily of Life
In the heart of Africa, nestled within a secret valley, lay the kingdom of Zimbala. The kingdom was renowned for its exotic wildlife, lush green pastures and above all, its majestic Golden Waterfall. The waterfall was known to possess mystical powers, which included the ability to heal any wounds, both physical and emotional. The central character of our story is an unassuming, humble boy named Jengo, with a heart as big as a lion's and the courage to match.
Growing up in a small hut on the outskirts of Zimbala, Jengo lived with his widowed mother. His days were spent helping his mother tend to their small patch of land, while his nights were reserved for his love of storytelling, a passion he inherited from his deceased father.
Jengo's mother's health had been deteriorating for quite some time and despite his best efforts, Jengo could barely manage to afford the medicine. Word about his mother's condition reached the King, who, touched by Jengo’s love for his mother, gave him a task. If succeeded, it would reward not only wealth to take care of his mother but also a position in his council of advisors. The task was to retrieve a Lily of Life, a mystical flower known to blossom on the surface of the Golden Waterfall, during the full moon. It was a dangerous mission filled with treacherous jungle paths and savage animals. But if the tales were true, the flower had the power to cure any illness.
With hope in his heart and his mother's blessing, Jengo embarked on his journey. He crossed treacherous dense forests, encountering wild animals, braved the storms, climbed rugged mountains, until finally, at the edge of breath and strength, he reached the Golden Waterfall. Guided by the full moon’s reflection, he saw the Lily of Life bloom on the surface of the waterfall, radiating a soft golden hue. He dove into the fall to retrieve the healing flower, aware of the ever-present danger of drowning or being swept away.
In the clutch of the waterfall's strong current, Jengo felt his strength dissipate but his courage did not waver. Braving the intense pressure, he managed to reach out for the Lily of Life and pluck it. With the flower, he climbed the slippery surface and escaped the surge.
Jengo returned to Zimbala with the healing Lily gripped tightly in his hand, its golden glow flickering like a beacon of hope. His mother was cured, reverted back to her previous lively state with the magical properties of the flower. And as promised, King bestowed upon him wealth and a place among the advisors. However, Jengo denied the wealth but accepted the council position on one condition, that he be allowed to use this new role for the welfare of the people of Zimbala.
Word of his bravery and humility reached beyond the kingdom-extending to all corners of the continent. Jengo became an emblem of courage and compassion, a beacon of hope for people far and wide. His tales of bravery echoed throughout Africa, inspiring generations and adding to the folktale treasure. Through all this, Jengo remained the same helping, loving and humble boy of Zimbala, yet now with a multitude of stories that symbolized his courage, and his determination to protect and serve his people, and above all, the boundless depth of his love for his mother.