the soldier asked in English.“Yes,” Amber said. The sound of her own heart pounded in her ears.“But what are you doing in the bush?”“I’m lost. I’m trying to get back to Uganda.”The soldier lowered his rifle. “But you are in Uganda.”“I am?” They had crossed the border and not known it. Tears welled in Amber’s eyes.“Are you the lost lady from Lwereo?”She nodded, overcome with emotion.“Where are your friends?”She hesitated.“We have been looking for you for many days, lady. You all must be very tired.”“Very tired,” she echoed.A grin split his face. “Welcome to Uganda.” Amber and her friends rode all the way into Kampala in a military convoy made up of Jeeps and two trucks full of Ugandan soldiers. The men made a great fuss over them, gave them food and water, and lavished candy on Rosemary, who’d tucked herself shyly under Ruth’s arm. Against all odds, Amber fell asleep in the back of the truck, her head resting in Boyce’s lap.Once they arrived in the city, they were taken to the hospital, where a medical team checked them over and pronounced them dehydrated but in good condition considering their ordeal.
