The news came like lightning in the village of Chakama, inland Malindi. But it wasn't one of the many lightning strikes that are hovering over the coastal region of Kenya these days for the arrival of the rainy season. That was benevolent lightning, full of joy.
Darkness has recently fallen in Chakama and the Area Chief, the village security manager Chome Mwagandi learns the news from malindikenya.net and literally burst with joy.
His screams are a reminder to all local residents. His office is located a few meters from the former home of the volunteers of the Onlus Africa Milele, where many of the children and young people who Silvia cared for and who were studied by the Onlus still stay during the day.
"You are giving me great news - says Chome - but where did they find her? Is she in Malindi now? Can we see her?"
The questions are filled with anxiety but also with laughing voices, with liberating sighs.
After the explanations ("she was freed in Somalia, she will go directly to Italy to her parents") the village chief explains something to those around him and adds.
"Everyone here would like to embrace her again. We are happy, now I'm going to tell everyone the news! We hope she'll be back among us soon".
The roads to Chakama in this period are not easy to travel, because of the heavy rains fallen during the week, but in the village 80 kilometers from Malindi they hope to celebrate together with those who in the last year and a half have not forgotten her and have continued to cultivate the hope to see her again.
"We are waiting for you " Concludes the phone call Chome.
We'll bring something to eat to celebrate, because they particularly need it there.