67
***ASHLEY***
As we hugged, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.
Ashley's mom:"What's happening here?"
Ashley's Dad:"MmaRab, Nokubonga is alive. Our daughter is back!"
I looked up to see my mother's face, and at first, there was a hint of confusion. But as she gazed into my eyes, I knew she recognized me. She knew her daughter was finally home. I could see the tears welling up in her eyes, and I knew she was trying to hold back her emotions.
Ashley's mom:" Ash..li..li.. Ashley!"
I met her halfway, and we embraced, holding each other tightly. We both cried out loudly, tears of joy streaming down our faces. My mother was praying and thanking God for safeguarding me, for bringing me back to her. She was calling out my clan names, ululating in our traditional way, expressing her joy
