Synopsis of the Short Story: “Stones Bounce On Water” in the Anthology Memories We Lost and Other Stories

Stones Bounce On Water is authored by a Ugandan named Dilman Dila. The story covers events that suspiciously take place before and after the death of Winnie. The story takes place when five friends; Tim Collins, Peter, Chelsea Creole, and the Paulson’s are to have fun at Paulson’s house. The first incident occurs when a firecracker that had been forgotten on the lawns goes off. Winnie claims that the others are planning on Killing her due to their reasons.

The next day, Simon who is the Chef at Paulson’s house takes Tim Collins who is a cousin to a pond. Simon shows him how to make stones bounce on water. He also explains to him that the pond is a taboo site where dead bodies are deposited. Later on, when this topic is talked about in the house, Winnie claims that that is the pond that her killers are planning to deposit her body. Winnie also claims that there is also a plan for Simon to poison her. Simon together with the other cooms angrily walk out without preparing evening meals.

The next day, Joe Paulson goes to Simon’s house and reports to him that Winnie is missing. With Simon’s help, investigations are carried out by a sergeant named Pascal Kivumbi.In Joe’s house, the sergeant notices some mud which is definitely from the pond since it was a dry season. He also notices that someone might have tried to mop away the mud probably to hide evidence.

At the pond, he notices some unrecognizable footprints and then sees a toe appearing From the pond before Winnie’s whole foot appears. A case is Pursued against Tim, Peter, Chelsea, and the Paulson’s but they all win due to lack of evidence. Later, Peter marries Chelsea at a wedding where Tim is the best man. The Paulson’s skip the wedding. After some time, Tim and Peter disagree on issues of Sharing Winnie’s property and this makes it easier for the court to make its final decision on Winnie’s killer.