The Guardian of Mudiyansegewatta

A short story set in the late sixties Ceylon, in the village of Dalugama. The story centres on Felix, a respected young villager who is regarded as a protector by the community. When a thief disrupts the peace, Felix gives chase, determined to apprehend the culprit. The excerpt highlights Felix’s heroism and the villagers’ reliance on him during a time of change and uncertainty.

In the sleepy village of Mudiyansegewatta, Ceylon, 1969, the afternoon sun beat down relentlessly. The air was thick with the scent of spices and sea salt when a woman’s scream pierced the tranquillity.

“Hora! Hora! Thief! He’s running!”

Villagers rushed into the dusty street, doors flying open in unison. Felix burst from his small shop, a loaf of bread in one hand and a sturdy stick in the other. His sarong was hitched up to his knees, revealing a bare chest glistening with sweat.

“Aiyyo! What’s happening?” Felix’s brother, Anton, called out.

Felix’s eyes scanned the road, his gaze intense. “Trouble’s coming our way. But don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

He planted his feet firmly in the gravel, muscles tense. A young boy tugged at his sarong.

“Felix Ayya, are you going to catch the bad man?”

Felix ruffled the boy’s hair. “Just watch, Mallie. I won’t let him get away.”

Mariya Gurunanse, an elderly woman, hobbled up to Felix. “Aiyo, son, be careful. Thieves can be desperate.”

Felix flashed a confident grin. “Don’t worry, Mariya Gurunanse, I’ve handled worse. Remember the fellow who tried to rob Annavi Mama’s house?”

Mariya Gurunanse chuckled. “How could I forget? You had him tied to the coconut tree, begging for mercy.”

The crowd murmured in agreement. Felix had become their protector, a symbol of safety in uncertain times. Ceylon’s recent independence had brought change, but Felix remained a constant.

Suddenly, a figure darted between the coconut trees lining the road. Felix’s grip tightened on his stick.

“There he is!” someone shouted.

Felix’s voice boomed out. “Oi! You! there! Stop now or face the consequences!”

The thief hesitated, then sprinted towards the paddy field. Felix scowled.

“Time for a chase! Don’t worry, I’ll bring him back.”

With that, Felix took off running, his powerful strides kicking up dust. The villagers watched in awe as their guardian vanished into the lush green, hot on the thief’s heels.

The boy shook his head, smiling. “Felix always saves the day.”

Mariya Gurunanse nodded. “Thank the gods for him. In these changing times, Felix is our rock.”

As the crowd waited, anticipation hung in the air. They knew Felix would return victorious, adding another tale to the legend of Mudiyansegewatta’s fearless protector.