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Copyright © 2025 Chimwemwe G Bandah

+265884934853

[email protected]

All rights reserved

No portion of this book can be used without express permission from the author of
the book.

Written by: CHIMWEMWE G BANDAH

Contents
Acknowledgements....................................................................................................................................... 4

Dedication ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 5

Dreams worth chasing: ................................................................................................................................. 6

Prologue ........................................................................................................................................................ 7

CHAPTER 1: The unseen path ................................................................................................................. 8

CHAPTER 2: The Choice Between Two Loves........................................................................................ 10

CHAPTER 3: The Betrayal ...................................................................................................................... 12

CHAPTER 4: The Comeback ......................................................................................................................... 14

CHAPTER 5: The Power of Forgiveness ................................................................................................. 17

CHAPTER 6: The Dreamcatcher............................................................................................................. 19

Acknowledgements

I am deeply grateful to Grant Ngwale for his valuable contribution towards the
writing of this book. To say the truth, when I was writing this story, the title that
was in my head was “it will make sense someday”, and while writing it, the title
“Dreamcatcher” came up and when I asked him which title should I use when
he was proofreading it, he chose the last one and he gave me good reasons for
that choice. I don’t take that for granted.

A special thanks to Madalitso Chatha, my graphic designer. Your hard work and
dedication to this book is remarkable.

Lastly, my appreciation goes to everyone who enjoy reading my stories it’s your
feedback that has encouraged me to write this book. And thanks to everyone
that has contributed towards the production of this book.

Dedication
"To all the dreamers out there, never give up on your aspirations. May this story
inspire you to keep pushing forward, even when the odds seem against you.
May it remind you that every great achievement starts with a single step, and
that the power to make your dreams a reality lies within you.

As you read 'The Dreamcatcher', I hope you'll be reminded that you are
capable of overcoming any obstacle, that your unique voice and perspective
are needed in this world, and that your dreams are worth fighting for.

So don't let fear or doubt hold you back. Keep shining, keep pushing, and most
importantly, keep believing in yourself. The world needs your dreams, and I have
no doubt that you will make them a reality."
Introduction
Everyone in this world was given a task by God to pursue so that someone can
also discover his talent. The dreamcatcher is someone who has set his plan and
all his effort in achieving his dream. In order to achieve that dream you don’t
need to let anyone tell you what to do because it’s you’re dream and the
reason why you’re the only one seeing that dream is because God gave it to
you only.

Will Smith once said, “Don’t ever let somebody tell you, you can’t do
something, not even me. Alright. You gotta a dream, you gotta protect it.
People can’t do something themselves they wanna tell you, you can’t do it. You
want something, go get it.”

This story is about a boy who encountered a lot of setbacks on his way to
achieve his dream of becoming an author. His challenges were both coming
from his parents and his friends, but he did not give up on his dream. The good
thing is that his writings were reaching some people who were believing in him
and it was these people that helped him achieve his dream. Upon achieving his
dream, he also started an organization that will he helping other youths achieve
their dreams. There is a great lesson in this story, “Not every relative of yours will
help you accomplish your goals. And sometimes, it is the strangers that help us
the most than our relatives”. This is one of the lessons one can get from this story,
I hope you will find some other lessons from this story.
Dreams worth chasing:
The following articles have helped when I was writing this story, I hope they will
also help you to achieve your dream:

Article 1: "Embracing Your Passion" by Unknown

"Pursuing your dreams is not a selfish act, but a necessary one. When you follow
your heart, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities. Don't let fear or doubt
hold you back. Take the leap and watch your dreams unfold."

Article 2: "The Power of Perseverance" by Maya Angelou

"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not
to be reduced by them. Hold on to your dreams, even when the world around
you seems to be pulling you down. Persevere, and you will rise above the noise."

Article 3: "Believe in Yourself" by Roald Dahl

"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because
the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who
don't believe in magic will never find it."

Article 4: "Overcoming Self-Doubt" by Neil Gaiman

"The one thing you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your
story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as
only you can."

Article 5: "Chasing Your Dreams" by Oprah Winfrey

"The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change their future by
merely changing their attitude. Don't let anyone dull your sparkle. Keep shining,
and your dreams will follow."
Prologue
Maya's fingers trembled as he held the pen, the blank page staring
back at him like an abyss. He had always dreamed of being a writer,
of weaving words into worlds that would transport readers to far-off
lands. But the doubts had always lingered, the voices of his parents
echoing in his mind: "Writing is a waste of time, Maya. Get a real job."

As he sat there, frozen in uncertainty, Maya felt the weight of his

dreams bearing down on him. He thought of all the times he had
tried to write, only to be met with rejection and disappointment. He
thought of the countless hours he had spent pouring his heart onto
the page, only to have it torn apart by critics and naysayers.

But then, something shifted inside of Maya. A spark of determination

ignited, and he began to write. The words flowed onto the page like
a river, each sentence a testament to his courage and
perseverance. As he wrote, Maya felt the doubts and fears melting
away, replaced by a sense of purpose and belonging.
CHAPTER 1: The unseen path
Maya's fingers danced across the keyboard, pouring his heart and soul
into his latest story. But as he typed, a familiar knot formed in his
stomach. His parents had made it clear: writing was a waste of time,
and if he didn't focus on his studies, they'd cut him off financially.

"Get a real job, Maya," they'd say. "Writing won't put food on the table."

But Maya couldn't help himself. He was born to write.

As he sat in his small, cluttered room, surrounded by scribbled notes

and dog-eared books, Maya's frustration boiled over. "Why can't they
just understand me?" he whispered to the empty space.

And then, with a quiet determination, he spoke the words that would
become his mantra: "It will make sense one day."

Little did Maya know, his words had already reached someone who
believed in him. Renowned author, Julian Blackwood, had stumbled
upon Maya's stories online and was blown away by the young writer's
talent.

"I've found a gem," Julian thought to himself. "This boy's got a voice
that needs to be heard."

Julian decided to reach out to Maya, to offer guidance and support. And
maybe, just maybe, change the course of Maya's life forever.

Maya's email inbox was usually a barren wasteland, filled with spam
and notifications from social media platforms he barely used. But on
this particular day, a message from Julian Blackwood himself sat
waiting, like a digital oasis in the desert.

Maya's heart skipped a beat as he read the email, his eyes scanning the
words with a mix of excitement and disbelief. Julian Blackwood, the
author of his favorite book, wanted to meet with him and discuss about
his writings.

The meeting was arranged for a small café in the heart of the city.
Maya arrived early, his palms sweating as he nursed a cup of coffee.
Julian walked in, his presence commanding attention, and smiled
warmly at Maya.

"Your writing has a spark, Maya," Julian said, as they sat down. "A
spark that can be fanned into a flame with guidance and dedication. I
want to help you hone your craft, to help you become the author you're
meant to be."

Maya left the café that day with a sense of purpose he'd never felt
before. He had a mentor, a guide, and a friend. And with Julian's
support, he began to write with a newfound confidence, the words
flowing onto the page like water.
CHAPTER 2: The Choice Between Two Loves
But as Maya's writing improved, his parents' disapproval only
intensified. They saw Julian's involvement as a threat, a distraction
from the "practical" path they wanted Maya to follow.

Maya's parents grew increasingly hostile, their disapproval of his

writing morphing into outright sabotage. They deleted his files, hid his
notebooks, and even went so far as to disconnect the internet, trying to
sever his connection to Julian and the writing community.

But Maya refused to give up. He wrote in secret, scribbling stories on

scraps of paper and hiding them in his room. He met with Julian in
clandestine coffee shop meetings, discussing plot twists and character
arcs in hushed tones.

Julian, sensing the tension, offered Maya a safe haven – his own
writing studio, tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. Maya accepted,
spending long hours there, pouring his heart onto the page.

As the days turned into weeks, Maya's writing flourished. His stories
began to take shape, characters leaping off the page with vivid intensity.
Julian beamed with pride, knowing that Maya's talent was blossoming
despite the adversity.

But Maya's parents would not relent. One fateful night, they confronted
him, their anger boiling over like a pot left unattended.

"Choose between your writing and your family," they spat, their words
hanging in the air like a challenge.
Maya hesitated, torn between the two loves of his life. What would he
choose?

Maya's heart pounded in his chest as he faced his parents. He knew

that this moment would define his future, and he couldn't back down.

"I won't give up writing," Maya said, his voice firm but trembling. "It's
who I am. It's what I'm meant to do."

His parents' faces twisted in anger and disappointment. "Fine," they

spat. "If that's your choice, then you're on your own. We won't support
you financially or emotionally. You're dead to us."

Maya felt a stinging sensation, as if he'd been slapped. But he stood tall,
his resolve strengthened by Julian's words: "Your writing is your truth.
Don't let anyone take that away from you."

With a heavy heart, Maya packed his bags and left home. Julian took
him in, offering a small room in his studio. Maya threw himself into his
writing, pouring his pain and struggle onto the page.

And then, something miraculous happened. Maya's writing began to

resonate with others. People connected with his stories, his characters,
and his struggles. A community formed around him, a tribe of writers
and readers who understood him.

Maya's debut novel, born from the ashes of his family's rejection,
became a surprise hit. Critics praised its raw emotion, its honest
portrayal of the human condition.
CHAPTER 3: The Betrayal
As Maya stood at the podium, accepting an award for his work, he saw
Julian in the crowd, beaming with pride. He saw his tribe, cheering him
on. And he knew that he'd made the right choice, no matter how
difficult it had been.

Maya's star continued to rise, with his debut novel receiving critical
acclaim and commercial success. He became a darling of the literary
world, with fans and critics alike clamoring for his next work.

But amidst the chaos, Maya's friendship with James began to fray.
James, who had always been Maya's confidant and supporter, grew
increasingly resentful of Maya's success. He felt overshadowed,
forgotten in the wake of Maya's meteoric rise.

One fateful night, James made a devastating decision. He snuck into

Maya's studio, copying one of Maya's unpublished stories onto a flash
drive. He then submitted the story to a prominent literary magazine,
under his own name.

The magazine accepted the story, praising James for his "bold new
voice." James reveled in the attention, finally feeling like he'd stepped
out of Maya's shadow.
But when Maya discovered the theft, he felt a betrayal unlike anything
he'd ever experienced. His trust was shattered, his sense of self-worth
shaken.

As James's stolen story gained traction, people began to whisper that

Maya was the imposter, not James. They pointed to James's "bold new
voice" and claimed that Maya's previous work was just a fluke.

Literary critics, eager for a new narrative, started to question Maya's

authenticity. They scrutinized his writing style, searching for any hint
of dishonesty.

Maya's fans, confused and disillusioned, began to turn on him. They

accused him of plagiarism, of stealing James's ideas and passing them
off as his own.

James, reveling in the attention, fueled the fire. He gave interviews,

claiming that he was the true creative force behind Maya's success. He
even went so far as to say that Maya was just a puppet, with him
pulling the strings.

Maya watched in horror as his reputation crumbled. He tried to speak

out, to defend himself against the accusations, but his voice was
drowned out by the chorus of doubt.

Julian, Maya's mentor, tried to intervene, but even he couldn't stem the
tide of public opinion. Maya's tribe, once so loyal, began to desert him.
Maya felt like he was losing himself, like he was disappearing into the
shadows. He wondered if he'd ever be able to reclaim his rightful place
as a writer.

Maya retreated from the world, unable to bear the weight of the
accusations. He stopped writing, stopped speaking, stopped leaving his
apartment. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of doubt and betrayal.

Julian tried to reach out, but Maya pushed him away. He didn't want to
see anyone, didn't want to talk to anyone. He just wanted to disappear.

CHAPTER 4: The Comeback

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Maya's
apartment became a prison, a place where he could hide from the world.

But as the silence stretched out, Maya began to hear a whisper in his
mind. A whisper that told him he wasn't a writer, that he was just a
fake. That James was the real talent, and he was just a pretender.

Maya knew he had to do something, or risk losing himself completely.

But what?

Maya slowly began to write again, the words trickling out like blood
from a wounded heart. He wrote about his pain, his doubt, and his fear.
He wrote about the whisper in his mind, the one that told him he wasn't
good enough.
As he wrote, Maya felt a weight lifting off his shoulders. He realized
that he didn't have to let the accusations define him. He could rise
above them, create something new and beautiful from the ashes.

But first, he needed to make amends. Maya reached out to Julian,

apologizing for pushing him away. Julian, seeing the sincerity in Maya's
eyes, forgave him immediately.

"Let's work together again," Julian said, a smile spreading across his
face. "Let's create something that will show the world what you're truly
capable of."

Maya nodded, feeling a sense of hope he hadn't felt in months. Together,

they started brainstorming ideas, their creative energy sparking like
fireworks.

As they worked, Maya also reached out to a new friend, a fellow writer
named Sophia. She was kind and understanding, with a quick wit and a
sharp mind. Maya found himself opening up to her in ways he never
thought possible.

With Julian's guidance and Sophia's support, Maya started to rebuild

his confidence. He started to see that the accusations didn't define him,
that he was more than enough.

But just as things were looking up, James struck again...

James, still bitter and resentful, released a new story that bore a
striking resemblance to Maya's latest work. The similarities were
uncanny, and Maya knew that James had done it again.
But that wasn't all - James also began to spread rumors about Maya's
relationship with Sophia, trying to drive a wedge between them. He
whispered lies about Maya's intentions, trying to make Sophia doubt
him.

Maya was devastated. He had thought that he was finally moving past
the pain of James's betrayal, but now it seemed like the wound was
being ripped open all over again.

Sophia, however, saw through James's schemes. She knew that Maya
was genuine, that he would never intentionally hurt her. She stood by
him, her loyalty and trust a beacon of hope in the darkness.

Together, Maya and Sophia confronted James, calling him out for his
deceit and manipulation. James, realizing that he had gone too far,
finally began to crumble.

"I'm sorry," James said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was jealous,
and I let it consume me. I didn't mean to hurt you, Maya."

Maya looked at James, seeing the remorse in his eyes. He knew that
forgiveness wouldn't be easy, but he also knew that it was necessary.

Maya took a deep breath and nodded. "I forgive you, James. But I need
you to know that trust has to be earned back. I want us to move forward,
but I need boundaries to protect myself."

James nodded fervently, relief washing over his face. "I understand,
Maya. I'll do whatever it takes to regain your trust."
Maya smiled, a sense of closure washing over him. He knew that the
road ahead wouldn't be easy, but he was ready to move forward.

With James's apology and Maya's forgiveness, the trio began to heal.
They started writing together again, their creativity and friendship
blossoming like a garden after a spring rain

CHAPTER 5: The Power of Forgiveness

Maya's writing flourished, his stories infused with a newfound depth
and emotion. Sophia and James offered support and encouragement,
their bond stronger than ever.

As they worked, Maya realized that the journey had changed him. He
was no longer the same writer, the same person. He was stronger, wiser,
and more compassionate.

And when Maya's next book was published, it was met with critical
acclaim. The critics praised his growth, his willingness to confront the
darkness and emerge stronger.

Maya smiled, knowing that he had finally found his true voice. He had
found himself.

As Maya's book launch approached, he received an unexpected visit

from his parents. They looked nervous, fidgeting with their hands as
they entered his apartment.
"Maya, we're so proud of you," his mother said, her voice trembling. "We
were wrong to doubt you, to try to push you away from your dreams. We
see now that writing is a part of who you are, and we're sorry for not
supporting you sooner."

Maya's father nodded in agreement. "We were afraid of the unknown,

afraid that you'd fail. But we realize now that failure is a part of growth,
and we should have been there to support you every step of the way."

Maya's eyes welled up with tears as he hugged his parents tightly. "I
forgive you," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "I'm just glad we
can move forward together."

With his parents' apology and support, Maya felt a sense of closure and
vindication. He knew that he'd made the right choice in pursuing his
dreams, and that he had the love and support of those around him.

The book launch was a huge success, with Maya's parents beaming with
pride in the front row. Maya's story had come full circle, a testament to
the power of perseverance and forgiveness.
CHAPTER 6: The Dreamcatcher
Maya's reconciliation with his parents sparked a new idea. He wanted
to help children who, like him, had big dreams but faced obstacles. He
decided to start an organization that would support and mentor young
writers, providing them with resources and guidance to achieve their
goals.

Maya named the organization "Dreamcatchers" and poured his heart

and soul into making it a reality. He assembled a team of dedicated
mentors, including Julian and Sophia, and together they created a
comprehensive program to nurture young writers.

Dreamcatchers offered writing workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and

scholarships to help young writers pursue their passion. Maya also
established partnerships with schools and literary festivals to reach a
wider audience.

As Dreamcatchers grew, Maya saw the impact it had on young lives. He

received letters from children who had found their voice, their
confidence, and their passion for writing through the organization.

Maya's parents, proud of their son's accomplishments, supported

Dreamcatchers wholeheartedly. They saw the positive change it
brought to the community and were grateful to be a part of it.

Years later, Maya's organization had become a beacon of hope for young
writers worldwide. He had created a legacy that would continue to
inspire and empower future generations.
And Maya, the once-doubtful writer, had become a leader, a mentor,
and a dreamcatcher.

The End

“Never give up on your dreams, no matter how painful and difficult your journey is.”