By

:Ler
atoMal
i
nga

Pr
ologue
Mynamei sOy intandoKunene, Iam 29y ear
s
ol
dandbel i
evei tornotIam amot hertothree
beaut
iful
kids,Twogi r
lsandoneboynamel y
Oluhl
esheis11, IhadherwhenIwas18, t
hen
Simbongil
emyboy ,heis6y earsoldthenmy
l
astbornSibani,shei sjustay earold,Ihadher
whenIwas28, thatislastyear.

Iam mar r
iedtoabusinessmogul ,Sf
isoKunene.
Imethim whenIwas17, wewer eatan
educati
onalschooltr
ip,hi
sschool wasalso
ther
e,Ili
kedhim,Iguessheal soli
kedmesowe
exchangednumber sandtherestishistor
y.See
myhusbandl ovesmesomuchandhemakes
surethatheshowsmeev ery
day .Heisoneof
thebiggestbusi
nessmeni nSA, heownshot el
s
aswel l
.
Wellasforme,Idon'
twork.Myjobi stomake
surethatmyki
dsarewelltakencareof ,
Idr
ive
them toandf
rom school
andwel lIalsohav
eto
meetmyhubby '
sneeds.

Ienjoyshopping,Iloveexpensi vethings.I'
m all
aboutrockingmynat urallookbutImakesur eI
keepitsexy ,
beautifulandel egant,I
'
m nott oo
muchi ntoweav esbutt rustmeIcanspend
money !!
!!Shoes,Jewel l
ery,dresses,expensiv
e
tr
ips,shoes!!
!andmor eshoes! !
!Andt hehubby
doesn'tcompl ai
n,sowhynot ?

Letmet ellyoual i
tt
leabouthowSf isoandIgot
married.Iwas18andpr egnant,mydadwasso
angryanddi sappoint
ed,mymom ont heother
hand, ar
ggy ouknowhowmot hersare,so
l
ov i
ngandunder st
anding.Mydadcamear ound
eventuall
y,hetoldmehewoul dhelpin
support
ingthebaby ,Iwassohappy .Ihav
et wo
si
bli
ngs,Myol derbr
otherMvel
oandMysi ster
Londeka,theyar ebot
hmar r
iedandhav ethe
l
ivesoftheirown.Any waybacktomyst ory,so
onemor ni
ngIwaswokenupbyv oicesneart he
doorofmyr oom.
"MaMbat hamov eoutofmyway !
!!
Iwant
Oy i
ntandot oexpl ainwhatt hi
sis!
!"wi
thouta
doubtIknewt hatitwasmydadandIwasi n
trouble."Yimakehl alam, y
ehlisaumoya
Mbat ha"t hatwasmom cal mingmydaddown,
sheal way sdoes.Any wayasIwas
eav esdropping,thedooropenedandIj umped,
I
fakeday awn, pretendingl
ikeIhadjustwoken
up.

Dad:"
Oyi
ntando!
!!
!Kant
iwhatexact
lyi
swr
ong
wit
hyou?
"
Me:
"I.
..
Idon'
tknowwhatdadi
stal
ki
ngabout
"

Dad:"
What'
sthi
s?Tel
lmewhat
'st
his?Fir
stl
y
youcomehereandt
ell
usy
ouarepregnantand
nowthi
s?"

Het hr
ewapaperatme, mymom wasj ust
gi
vingmeat ir
edl ook,IguessIam real
l
y
di
sappoint
ingthem.Ir eadthepaperand
gasped,Whatthe...
???
?Al ett
errequest
ingfor
myhandi nmarriagefrom theKunenes?How
comeSf i
soneverment i
onedthi
stome?I
l
ookedatmydadandhewasf uming.

Me:
"DadIswearIdi
dn'
tknowaboutt
his?
"

Dad:"
Goodthenyouwill
tel
lthatboyt
hatIsai
d
nochi
ldofminewil
lgetmarri
edattheageof
18,t
hedamageofi
mpr
egnat
ingy
ouwas
enough"
.

Hel eftthelet
terwithmeandmom f oll
owed
hi
m.I '
vealwayshear dt
hatlastbornkidsare
tr
oubl ebutme! !!
!GuysItookthetrophyin
defyingmypar ent
sandt r
ustmei twas
unintentional
.
It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edSf
iso.

Sf
iso:
"Senhl
i
ziy
o"

That
'showweaddr essedeachot
her,
Iwoul
d
cal
lhim St
handwaandhewoul dr
espondby
sayi
ngSenhli
ziy
o.

Me:"Whydidn'
tyoutel
lmeaboutyour
i
ntent
ionst
osendy ourel
der
shere?Thel
ett
er?
"
Sf
iso:
"OhIguessi
tar
ri
vedsaf
ely
"

Wowt hi
sguy
,hi
sresponsewasnott
heoneI
expect
ed.

Me:"
Sfi
somydadisshi
tmad!!
!!Hei
sangr
yand
hei
ssayi
ngIwon'
tgetmar
ri
edatayoungage"

Si
l
ence!
!!Thenhesi
ghed.

Sfi
so:"
I'
m sor r
yIcausedy outr
oublewi t
hy our
dadmyl ove,Ij
ustcoul dn'
thelpit
.Iloveyou
babyandwheny out oldmey ouarecar r
yingmy
babyIknewIhadt omar ryyoubutit'
sokayi f
younotready,I'
ll
wai t.Imeanwoul ditbeselfi
sh
ofmet owantt oforcey ouint
odoing
somethingyoudon' twant"
Myhear
tachedatthat
,Icl
osedmyey
esand
t
ookadeepbreat
h.

Me:
"I'
l
lmar
ryy
ouSt
handwa"

Sf
iso:
"What
?Nobabyno,
youdon'
t.
..
..
"

Me:
"Yes!
!!
I'
l
lmar
ryy
oubaby
,I'
l
ltal
ktomydad"

Sfi
so:"
Reall
y?Youwi
l
lmyl
ove?Thanky
ou
honey
,thankyou"

Me:
"Okayt
henby
efornow"

Sf
iso:
"Youar
efor
get
ti
ngsomet
hing"
Me:
"Il
ovey
ouSt
handwa"

Sf
iso:
"Il
ovey
out
ooSenhl
i
ziy
oyam"

Wehung, Iwalkedoutoftheroom andmy

missi
onwast oconv i
ncemydadt oallowmet o
marrySfi
so.Isathim down,beggedhim,cr
ied
andpull
edallthestuntsyoucanthi
nkof,he
fi
nall
yagreedbuthewasnothappy .

Dad:"Oyi
ntandogi r
lstheseday
swantsuccess,
theywanttodrivecarstheyboughtwitht
hei
r
ownmoneyandy ou!!
!Youmychildwanttoget
marri
edatt heageof18, youaresti
l
linmatr
ic
andpregnant.Don'tyouhavedreams?"

Me:
"Idohav
edr
eamsdadandoneoft
hem
i
ncl
udesmar
ryi
ngSf
iso"

Dad: "OkaythenIwon' tstopyoubutjustknow

thatmeandy ourmot herwon'tli
veforever,
we
willdieOyintandoandoncewear edead, wewill
nevercomeback.Ihope, Ij
usthopewheny ou
fi
nallyregr
ett akingthisdecisi
ony ouaretaking
now, itwon'tbet oolate,Ihopewewi l
l st
il
lbe
ali
vet ocarryy ou."

Ithankedmydadbutmostwor dshesai
dhur t
me, theyhithomebutIwaspr ayi
ngIdon't
regretit
,Iwasal soprayi
ngt hattheywil
ll
iveto
seet hei
rgrandki dsbuttheypassedont hrough
acaracci dentfouryearslat
eraf t
ermyweddi ng.
Iwassohur ttohav el
ostmypar ent
s.
ButI
'
m gladI'
m st
il
lnotregr
ett
ingthedeci
sion
ofmarr
yingSfi
sobecausewear esti
l
lvery
muchinlove.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..

Backatthepr esentmoment ,Mommydut ies!

!!I
havetogopi ckmyki dsupf rom school
,Ihave
nonanny,rememberI '
m housewi fesoIhaveall
theti
mei nthewor ldtotakecareofmyki ds.I
havetotakeSbani wi
thme, soIputheronher
carseatandf astenedher,sheissoadorable,
eati
ngherhands.

Of
fIdr
ovet
otheschool
!!
!!
!!

Welcomet omyworld,hopeyouwil
lenj
oyasI
takeyoudownmyl i
feofbeingahousewif
e.I
hopey ouwil
ll
ear
nal otfr
om thi
sst
ory.

Li
ke,
commentandshar
e!!
!!
!
Fi
rstInsertwil
lcomeaf
terwehav
egai
ned
enoughf ol
lowers
Bei
ngahousewi
fe

I
nser
t1.

Landel
alandel
a
Landel
alandel
a
Landel
alandel
a
Mi
na.
..
.
Mi
nangi
yak'
funababyy
eah.
..
.
Mi
na.
..
.ohmi
nangi
zok'
thol
ababy
..
..

That
'sasoundofDonal
dcomingfrom mycar
,I
j
ustdroppedof
ftheki
dsatschool
nowI '
m
dr
ivi
nghome.TodayIlef
tSbaniwit
hMar i
a,she
i
sourpartt
imenanny.Ical
lherwhenev
erI
wannagosomewhere.

Idrovehomewhil
edancingandsingi
ngalong
toDonald,
heismyfavouri
te.WhenIarr
ivedI
foundMariaf
eedi
ngSbani.

Me:
"Mar
ia"

Mar
ia:
"Yesma'
am"

Me:"I
'm backbutI
'l
lbeheadi
ngoutinanhour
orso,meaningyouwil
ll
ookafterSbani
fort
he
wholedayokay?"

Mar
ia:
"Nopr
obl
em"
.
Iranupstai
rstotakeashower,whenIwas
doneIhadt ofi
gureoutwhattowear.Ilooked
forcl
othes,ar
ggghtheylookwornout.Ineedto
dosomeshoppi ng.
Fi
nall
yIf oundmyol i
vegr eenshortdress.
Mmmhbl ackheel swoul ddobutwhi chones?I
l
ookedt hroughmyshoesandf oundblackLoui
s
Vuit
tonpoi nti
es,Perfect
.Ilookedbeaut i
fulsoI
di
dmymakeupandmadeament alnotetogo
getmyhai rwashedandmay besomebr aids
woulddo.TookmyLVbagandheaded
downstairs.Tipfortheladies,makealway s
makesur ey ourshoesmat chyourbag, i
t'
s
cl
assyandl adyl
ike.*Wink* .

Me:
"I'
m of
fthen,
I'
ll
seeguy
slat
er"

Mar
ia:
"Okayma'
am,
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"
Me:
"Thanky
ousweet
y,don'
tIal
way
s?"

Shelaughed,
Idon'
tknowwhetheri
twasaf ake
l
aughorwhatbutitwaskindawei
rd,Ibr
ushed
thatof
fandwenttokissmybaby.

Me:"Mommywillcomebackokay
?Iam goi
ng
tobri
ngyouani
cedressokay
?Yes..
.y
esmy
angel
"

Me:
"By
e".

Iwav
edgoodby
easIwasheadi
ngt
othecar
.

Idr
ovepastKar
oogri
llandbaratIr
eneVi
ll
age
mall
,Iknowmyhusbandlovesthei
rst
eakso
much.Ohbyt hewayIam goingt
osurpr
isehi
m
wi
thlunch.Sfi
soworkshardandsometi
meshe
f
orgetseati
ng.

Me:
"Hel
l
ohowar
eyou?
"

Wai
ter
:"AwwSi
sterO,
I'
m goodhowar
eyou?
"

See?Theyevenknowmebecausewear
e
regul
arsher
e.

Me:"I
'
m good,canyoupleasegi
vemet
heusual
j
ustaddyourchil
l
icheesefri
es"

Wai
ter
:"Okay
,comi
ngr
ightup"

Iwai
tedf
ormyor
derandi
naf
ewmi
nut
esi
t
came, that'
swhatIl oveaboutt hem, great
servi
ce.Youdon' twai tfor ev
erfory ouror der
plustheirfoodi soutoft hiswor l
d.It hanked
him,gav ehim at i
panddr ovet oCor nwall hi
l
l,
that'
swher ehubby '
sof ficesare.It'
snotf ar
from I
renesoi tdidn'ttakeme30mi nutest o
arri
ve,Itookoutt hef oodandwal kedi n,as
usualalleyesonmebutI '
m usedt ot hisnow,
somear egiving"Bitchy "lookswhi l
esomear e
givi
ngmef akesmi l
esbutsomegi veme
genuinesmi leswi thwar m greeti
ng.

AsIwal
kthr
oughtothehel
pdeskt
her
ear
e
"
Hell
oMrsKunene"ever
ywher
e.

Me:
"HeyCassandr
a,i
smyhusbandi
n?"

Cass:"
Hell
oMr
sKunene,
luckyf
ory
ouhei
sin
buthehasameet
ingi
nanhour"
Me:
"Okayt
hanksl
ove"

Iwal kedtohi soffi

ceandhewasont hephone,I
sil
ent l
ywal kedin,maki
ngsurethatIdon't
disturbhim.Isatdownandst artedunpacking
thef ood.Hegav emeasmi l
e,acknowledgi
ng
mypr esence.Thephonecalltookupt o10
mi nutes*Rol l
i
ngmyey es*.Hefinal
lyhungup.

Sf
iso:
"Mybeaut
if
ulwi
fe"

Me:"Heyhubby,lookwhatIbroughtyou,
I
fi
gur
edthatsincey oumissedbreakf
astyou
coul
ddowi t
hy ourfavour
itest
eak"

Hest
oodandcamet
osi
tinf
rontofmeont
he
t
abl
e.
Sfi
so:"
Didn'
tImar r
ytheperf
ectwif
et hough?
Thankyoumyl ove,i
t'
sli
keyouknewhow
hungr
yIam.Ihav eameet i
nginafewmi nutes
andIcould'
vegoneinonanempt ystomach"

Ismil
ed,
Iwi shIcoul
dspendsomemor et
ime
wit
hhim butitseemsli
kethesemi
nut
esare
fl
yi
ng.

Me:"
Isn'
titmyj
obtomakesur
eyouar
ewel
l
t
akencareofmylov
e?"

Hesmi
rkedandpul
l
edmeupf
rom t
hechai
r.

Sf
iso:
"Comeki
ssme"
Wekissedf
oralongti
me,i
twasget
ti
ngheat
ed,
Ipul
l
edoutandgiggl
ed.

Me:"
Let
'sgety
oufedMr,Wedon'
twanty
out
o
bel
atef
orthemeet
ingnowdowe?"

Hegavemehiscut
epuppyey
esandpul
l
edme
i
nforanot
herki
ss.

Sf
iso:
"Il
ovey
oumf
azwam"

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

West ar
tedeat i
ng,
feedingeachotherhereand
ther
ewhi l
etalki
ngandunf or
tunatel
yitwas10
minutestohismeet i
ngsoIhadt oleavesothat
hecanpr epar
e.Weki ssedandIleft
.
Wheretofr
om here?Ican'
tgobackhome,i
t'
s
cl
osetoschooloutsomay beIshoul
dpush
ti
mebybuyingafewt hi
ngs.

Idrovetocentur
ionmallandboughtaf ew
cl
othesformyki ds,
notthattheyneedthem
but.
...
Ial
soboughtmy sel
faf ewdressesand
shoes,don'
tlookatmel i
kethat.
..
I'
mjustdoing
myj obyouknow.

Aftersometi
meIdr ovetoSout hdownscoll
ege,
that'
swheremyki dsattendschool,i
twas
14h30andt heyknockof fat15h00because
theydosportsaswel l
.Oluhledoesswimming
andSi mbongil
eplayssoccer.

Iwai
tedi
nthecarunt
ili
twas15h00,
Ithenwent
t
ogett
hem.

Ol
uhl
e:"
Mommy
"

Me:
"Yesbaby
"

Ol
uhl
e:"
CanIal
soj
oint
hemusi
ccl
ass?
"

Me:
"Ohdoy
oul
ovei
t?"

Oluhl
e:"
YesIdoandbesi
des,
all
myf
ri
endsar
e
doingi
t"

Wowt hi
schil
d!Cansheevensing?Cansheplay
apianooranyi nst
rumentfort
hatmatter
?She
wantthisbecauseoffri
ends?ButIguessshe
wi
lllearn.Att
heendoft hedaydaddypays,so
whoam It
osayno?

Me:
"Okaybabywewi
l
ltal
ktodaddyokay
?"

Shesmiledandnodded.Inoti
cedt
hatmy
for
evert
alki
ngbabyisquite,
somethi
ngmustbe
wrong.

Me:
"Boyboy
"

Helookedatme,helookssad,wegott
othecar
,
t
heytossedthei
rbagsinthebootandj
umped
i
nthecar.

Me:
"Si
mbongi
l
emommyi
stal
ki
ngt
oyou"

Hel
ookedatmeagai
nandf
rowned.
Si
mbongi
l
e:"
MommycanIasky
ousomet
hing?
"

Me:
"Any
thi
ngmyboy
"

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Arey
ouwor
king?
"

Hai
bo?
??

Me:
"Whydoy
ouask?
"

Ol
uhle:
"Mommyy ousai
dhecanaskanythi
ng
soyoushoul
danswerhi
squest
ionnotaskhi
m
aquest
ion"

Mi
sssmar
typant
s,myki
dsar
etoosmar
tand
t
heyar
eloudmout
hs.

Me:"Mommyi
snotwor
kingboyboy
,whydo
youask?
"

Simbongile:"
BecauseMr sErasmussaidwe
shoulddoacol l
ageofbot hourparent'
sjobs
andwr it
ewhatt heydo,myfriendstol
dmet hat
thei
rmot hersaredoctor
s,somear elawyersbut
Ireal
isedthatI'
veneverheardy ousayi
ngyou
aregoingt owork"

Myheartached,Igett
hatheissti
l
lyoung,he
doesn'
tunderst
andandthelookonhisface
tel
l
smehowsai dheisbecausehewon'tbe
abl
etowr i
teaboutme.

Me:
"Butguesswhatboy
?"
Si
mbongi
l
e:"
What
?"

Ol
uhl
e:"
Shesai
dguesswhat
,don'
taskher
what
?"

Me:"Ol
uhl
est
opi
t,sodoy
ouwantt
oguessmy
boy
?"

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Youwi
l
lhel
pmel
i
eabouty
our
j
ob?"

Myheartachedagai
nbecauset
hat
'st
hepl
an
butwhatcanIdo?

Me:"Nobabywearenotgoi
ngtoli
e,mommyi
s
abusinesswoman,
sheisherownboss"
Hecheer
edupatthati
nst
antbutt
hebi
ggir
l
gav
emeal ookt
hatsays"
Reall
ymom?".

Afterthatconv ersati
ont hedr i
vehomewas
compl etel
ysilent.Honest l
yI '
venev erworked
before,I'
m usedt obei ngtakencar eof ,
What
couldpossi bl
ygowr ong?I '
velivedlikethi
sfor
years.Wel lIf
ai l
edmymat ri
cbecauseIwas
pregnant ,
Iwasn' tabletof ocusbecauseIwas
heavil
ypr egnantdur i
ngexam t i
me, sofrom
thenInev erev enattempt edwr i
tingagain,I
'm
naturall
ynotageni ussowhywasIsupposet o
crackmyskul l
?Pl usSf i
sopr omisedt otake
careofme, al
l Ihavetodoi stotakecar eofhis
kidsandI '
m doi ngagr eatjobatt hat,whil
eheis
alsodoingagr eatjobatt akingcareofme.

Whenwear
ri
vedIr
eal
i
sedt
hatIwasdeepi
n
thoughts,
Whyam Iev enthinkingaboutworki
ng?
Noonewoul dhir
emeany way .Ihavenomat r
ic
andmygr ade11r esultsareashame, t
hey
aren'
tsomet hi
ngy oucanf l
auntaboutoreven
applyforajobwith,total
disgrace.

Ol
u:"
Mom wear
ehome,
opent
hedoor
sforus"

Iunlockedt
hecar ,
theygotandr
aninside,
they
alwaysdothat.Theyareal
waysfussi
ngov er
thei
rlit
tl
esi
ster,t
heysaytheymi
ssherwhen
theyareatschool.

Idrov
etothegarage,t
hent
ookoutthei
rbags
fr
om theboot
,lockedt
hecarandwenti
nside.

AsIenter
edIcaughtMari
agi
vingmeanasty
l
ook,she'
sdoi
ngthisfort
het
hirdt
imeandshe
al
sof
akedal
aughbef
oreIl
eft
.

Me:"Oluhl
etakeSbaniandSimbongil
etothe
pl
ayroom butbeforeyoudo,gochangethe
uni
form.I'
l
lbri
ngy ouguyssomethi
ngtoeat"

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
BecauseIwantt
oeatcor
nfl
akes"

Me: "BoyboyIalwaystellyoutonotuse
becausewheny ouarenotaskedwhy ,
all
you
hav etosayisMommyIwantcor nfl
akesand
becausey oudidn'
tasky oujusttol
dmey ou
wantt hem,Iwon'tmaket hem foryou,mommy
alway stel
lyoutoask,nowgoandchanget hen
I'
l
l bri
nghotdogs"

Hesulkedandtheyall
lef
t,It
hinksometi
mes
wearespoil
ingthem t
oomuch, nowSimbongi
l
e
i
susedt ogetti
ngawaywi t
hev er
ything,
getting
everyt
hinghedemandsandIhav et oputaf ull
stopnow.Isl owlyturnedtolookatMar iaand
shewasgi vingthatlookagainbutshequi ckly
shif
tedwhensher ealisedIsawher .

Me:
"Mar
iacomel
et'
ssi
t"

Isatdownont
hecouch,
sheal
sodi
d.

Me:
"Doy
ouhav
esomet
hingsy
ou'
dli
ket
otel
l
me?
"

Mar
ia:
"Tel
lyou?N.
..
noma'
am t
her
e'snot
hing"
.

Me:"
Sowhyareyougi
vi
ngmenastyl
ooks?I
sawyounowagai
nandthatwasl
i
ket
he5th
t
ime"

Mari
a:"
I'
m sor
ryma'
am I
..
..
Idi
dn'
treal
i
seIwas
l
ooki
ngatyoubadl
y"

Me:
"You.
..
youdi
dn'
treal
i
se?OhwowMar
ia"
.

Shecl
ear
edherthr
oatandwal
kedawaybut
st
oppedonhert
racks.

Mar
ia:
"Ma'
am"

Me:
"Yes?
"

Maria:
"Don'
tbetohar
shontheki
ds,howy
ou
spoketoSimbongi
l
ewasnotokay"
.
Godpleasehel
pmesot
hatIcancont
ainwhat
I
'm aboutt
osay.

Me:"Idi
dn'thir
ey ousoy oucouldteachme
aboutparenti
ng,Ihir
edy outolookaftermy
ki
dswhenI 'm notavail
able,
sopleaseMar i
a
howItalktothem ismybusi ness"

Il
eftherstandingt
hereandwenttomakemy
ki
dstheirhotdogsandj ui
ce,It
ookthem t
ot he
pl
ayroom, Sbaniwassleepi
ngonOlu'shands.

It
ookherandwentt
oputheri
nherbabycot
.

Ishoul
djuststar
tdefr
ost
ingthemeati
nthe
fr
iendsothatIcancookearl
y.
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e
#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght
I
nser
t2.

[
Oyi
ntando]

I'
m notfeel
ingwel l,mywhol ebodyaches,i
t'
s
l
ikeIsleptont hefloor .Thenauseaisalsoher
e,
everyt
imeIf eell
iket hisit'
susuall
ybecauseI'
m
pregnantbutno!!Ir efuset obeli
evet
hatIcoul
d
be,ImeanSbani isonl yoney earol
d.Iam
tossi
ngandt ur
ning, Ican'tsl
eep.
Ithenfeltt
heurget
oVomi t
,Iqui
cklygotoutof
theblanket
sandrantothetoi
let
,Ipukedand
satdownont hecol
dfloor
.
"
Babe,
whyar
eyousi
tt
ingt
her
e?"

ThatwasSfi
so,Idi
dn'
tseehim comei
nthe
bathr
oom,Il
ookedup,helookedwor
ri
ed.

Me:"Iwantedtopee,butthenwhenIwasdone
If
eltnauseous,soIdeci
dedtositabi
tandI
di
dn'twanttodist
urbyou"

Hebroughthi
shandtome,
sot
hatIcanst
and
up,
Itookitt
hengotup.

Sf
iso:
"Let
'sgot
obedmyl
ove"

WewenttobedandwhenIlookedatt
hetime
onmyphoneitwaspastt
welvemidni
ght
.
Wegoti nbedandIsl eptonSf i
so'schest,Iwas
deepi nt
houghts,hekeptonpl ayi
ngwi t
hmy
hair,
hedoesthatal otwhenhewant smet o
sleepanditworksbutnotatt hismoment .At
thismomentI'm scared,whatifIam pregnant?

Isi
ghed.

Sf
iso:
"Tal
ktomebaby
"

Me:"Whatwoul
dyousayi
fIt
oldy
ouI
'
m
pr
egnant
".

If
elthi
m get
ti
ngt
ense,
hest
oppedpl
ayi
ngwi
th
myhair
.
Sf
iso:
"Ar
eyou?
"

Me:
"No,
noI
'
m not
.It
'sj
ustaquest
ion"

Sf
iso:
"Whywoul
dyouaskt
hat
?"

Me:"I
t'
sjustathoughtt
hatcrossedmymind
seei
ngthatwedon'tuseprot
ectionandI
'
m not
onanyform ofprev
enti
on"
.

Sfi
so:"Wecan'thaveanotherbaby,Sbani
isjust
ayearoldandbesidesIthinkthr
eekidsare
enough,yousaidyouweregonnat akeapill
baby,whyaren'
tyoutaki
ngi t
?"

Me:"
Ifor
getbutI
'
llputani
mpl
anti
nst
ead,
that
wayIwon'
tfor
get
".
Heki
ssedmeont
hef
orehead.

Sf
iso:
"Okayl
et'
ssl
eept
hen,
Ihav
eanear
ly
morni
ng"

Me:
"Goodni
ght
"

Sf
iso:
"Goodni
ghtmyhear
t"

Hefel
lasl
eep,
butmeont heotherhand,
sl
eepi
ngwasjustf
arbutevent
uall
yIdozedof
f.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Waki
ngupinthemor ni
ngwasami ssion,AllI
want
edtodoissleep.Itur
nedtoSfiso'ssidehe
wasal
readyup.Itr
iedgett
ingupbutmybody
wasj
ustnumb, whatwrongwithme?Am Isi ck?
MaybeIshoul
dgoseeadoct or .If
orcedmysel
f
outofbedbutSf
isogotin,
alreadydressedi
n
hi
snavybluesui
t,hehadatrayoff ood.

Sf
iso:
"Mor
ningbaby
"

Me:
"Mor
ningl
ove,
I'
m sor
ryIwokeupl
ate"
Sfi
so:
"It
'sokaymyl
ove,
getbackt
obed.Imade
youbr
eakfast"

Me:
"Thanky
ouhoneybutt
heki
ds,
Ihav
etoget
t
hem r
eadyf
orschool
"

Sfi
so:"
Ialreadydid,t
heyarehavi
ngbreakfast
downstair
s,I'
llt
aketheki
dstoschool.Yi
u
har
dlysleptlastni
ghtsoeatandsleepagain"
.
Ohhhh,
don'
tIhavetheper
fecthusbandthough?
I
t'
sli
keheseesjusthowmuchIneedt osleep.

Me:
"Thanky
oust
handwa"

Heki
ssedmycheek.

Sf
iso:
"By
emybaby
,Il
ovey
ouokay
?"

Me:"Il
oveyout
oo,
butIwantt
oki
ssmybabi
es
goodbye"

Hechuckl
edandt
ookhi
slapt
opbag,
lookedat
hi
swatch.

Sfiso:
"I'
l
lki
sst
hem f
oryou,
wegonnabel
atei
f
theycomeuphere,
youknowDrSi
mbongi
lewi
ll
wanttoknowwhat'
swrongwithyouandthe
conv
ersati
onwi
l
ltakef
oreversobyebabe".

Il
aughed,
hei
sri
ght
,Si
mbongi
l
etal
ksal
ot.

Me:
"Okayby
e,I
'
llpi
ckt
hem upl
ater
"

Sfi
so:"Don'
tworr
yaboutt
hat
,restmylove.You
don'
tlookokay,
youareev
ensweat i
ngbutit
's
notthathot
,maybeyouar
ecomi ngdownwi t
h
fl
u".

Idofeelhot
,ver
yhotbuttherearecl
ouds
outsi
deandacoldbreeze,notr
eall
ycol
dbuti
t'
s
nothot.

Heki
ssedmef
ort
hel
astt
imeandl
eft
.Ist
art
ed
eat i
ngbutIst oppedatjustasecondbi te,
put
thepl ateasideandtr
iedsleepi
ngbuti twas
har d,Iwokeupandwentt oswitchont he
aircont hesatdownont hecoldf l
oor.Ishoul
d
call mysister,
Imissherandshe' stheoneI
trustmor ethanthefri
endsIhave, thoseones
arej ustfr
iendsIpushthisli
fet
hingwi th.

It
ookt
hephoneanddi
all
edher
.

Londeka:
"Mnt
ase"

Me:
"HeySi
showar
eyou?
".

Londeka:
"Nowt hatI
'm hear
ingf
rom y
ouIcan
safel
ysayI'
m good".
Me:
"I'
m gl
adIst
il
lmat
tert
hatmuch"

Shel
aughed.

Londeka:"
Comeon,
uyil
astbor
nkaMano
Babasoofcour
seIl
oveyoualot,
howar
emy
babi
es".

Me:"Theyar
egoodbutt
heymissaunti
eNdeka,
atl
eastuncl
eMvel
ovisi
tst
hem al
ltheti
me"

Londeka:"
Don'
tgui
ltt
ri
pme,youknowhow
busyIam butI
'
llmaketi
meandtaket
hem out
al
ongsideMimi"

Mimi
isherdaught
er,
Minenhlei
nful
l
,shei
sa
di
vat
hatone,you'
dswearshe'
s18butshe'
s9.
Me:"OkaybutSi
sIneedtoseeyou,act
ual
l
yI
needtotal
ktoyouaboutsomet
hing.

Londeka:
"OkayI
'
mli
steni
ng"

Isi
ghed.

Me: "It
hinkI'
m pr
egnantandIki
ndofasked
Sfisowhathewoul dsayi
fItol
dhimI'
m
pregnant,hesimpl
ysaidSbanii
sst
il
lyoungand
threekidsareenough"

Londeka:"KodwaJehovaOyi
!!
!!Howcoul dyou
besoirresponsibl
e?Whatmakesyouthinkyou
couldbepr egnant
?Anddamnr i
ghtSbaniisst
il
l
young".
Me:
"Iknowokay
?"

Londeka:"
List
enI
'm gonnabet
hereinanhour
orso,Ist
il
lneedt
ogot othemeet
ing".

Me:
"Okayby
esi
s".

Wehungup, Igotupfr
om thefl
oorandGoshh!!
!!
Ifor
gotaboutmybaby ,
Ihaven'
tcheckedher
.I
wenttoherroom andshewasnotthere.My
heart
!!
!!

Ir
usheddownstai
rsandshewasst i
ll
notthere,
ofcour
seshewouldn'tcomehereallbyherself
,
Ir
anupstai
rsandtookmyphone, myhands
wereshaki
ng,
wher ei
smybaby .Idial
ledSfiso
asitwasri
ngi
ng,Iheardhercr
ying.Idropped
thephonetothefl
oorandrandownst
air
sand
foundherwit
hMar i
a,Icl
osedmyeyesand
sighedi
nrel
ief.

Me:"Mar
ia!
!!Youscar
edme,
Ithoughtsomeone
st
olemybaby "

Isai
dthatwhi
l
etaki
ngherf
rom Mar
ia,
Iputher
onmychest.

Mari
a:"Ma'am Igotstr
ictorder
sfr
om Mr
KunenethatIshouldnotdistur
byou,
hesai
d
youaresick"

Me:"
Hell
oy ou,
hell
omypri
ncess.Mommy
al
mostfai
ntedthi
nki
ngy
ougotlost,
yah!Yes
myangel,
mommywasgonnadi e"
IsawMar i
athr
oughthefri
dge,shewasrol
l
ing
hereyes,
IswearI'
m gonnafi
reherassf
orthi
s
att
it
udesheisgiv
ingme.

[
Sfi
so]
.

Iam att
heof
fi
ceandIr
eal
isemywifet
ri
ed
cal
l
ingme,It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edherback.

Oy
i:"
Baby
"

Me:"
Ijustr
eali
sedthatImi
ssedy
ourcal
l
,is
ev
ery
thingokay?"

Oyi
:"Ohbabyit
'snot
hingser
ious,Iwant
edto
askyouaboutsomethi
ngbutit'
snowsorted"
Me:
"Okaymyl
ove,
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"

Oy
i:"
I'
m okaybaby
"

Shedoesn'tsoundfi
netome,Iam wor
ri
ed
becauseshehardlyget
ssi
ck.

Me:
"Okaymyl
ove,
pleaser
estokay
?"

Justt
hent
heof
fi
cel
andl
i
ner
ang.

Oy
i:"
Okaybaby
"

Me:
"By
e,Ihav
etogo"

Shesai
dgoodby
eandhungup,
Ianswer
ed.
Me:
"Kunene"

"GooddayMrKunenei t'
sThobi
lef
rom Bl
uehi
ll
s
hotel
,there'
saladybyt
henameof
SimingenkosiKhumal
o,shesay
ssheneedsto
seetheboss"

Bluehil
l
si soneofthehotelsIown,i
tal
sohas
eventspaces,wherepeoplehostweddi
ngs,
part
ies,corpor
ateevent
sandsoon.

Me:"Iam busyri
ghtnowThobi
l
e,cany
ouget
hert
ocallme? "

Thobil
e:"
UmhSirI'
m af
raidIcan't
,sheiswi
th
hercousi
nEnzokuhl
eZuluandt heyare
i
nsist
ingonseei
ngyou,theysaytheyneedt
o
l
ayoutacompl
aintst
rai
ghtt
oyou"
.

Me:
"Okayl
ookt
ell
them I
'
llbet
her
einanhour
".

Thobi
l
e:"
Okaysi
rby
e"

Shehungup,Itookmyphoneandcarkeysand
wenttomeettheladi
est
hatar
ehellbenton
seei
ngme.

Closetoanhourlater
, Iarr
ivedandwentinand
i
ndeedt hereweret
wol adi
esseatednearthe
helpdesk,Iknewit
'sthem becausenooneev er
si
tsthere.

Iwal
kedt
othehel
pdesk.
Me:
"Thobi
l
ehowar
eyou?
"

Thobil
e:"
I'
m goodsi
r,t
hesear
ethel
adi
est
hat
askedforyou.
"

Me:
"Okayt
hanksThobi
l
e,I
'
llt
akei
tfr
om her
e".

Il
ookedatt
hem,
theyl
ookedt
ooser
ious.

Me:
"Gooddayl
adi
es,
Iam MrSf
isoKunene"
.

Lady1:"
Enzokuhl
eZuluandt
hisi
smycousi
n
Simi
ngekosiKhumal
o"

Me:
"Ni
cemeeti
ngy
ou,
cany
oupl
easef
oll
ow
metomyof
fi
ce"
Theyfol
l
owedme,
Igoti
nandof
fer
edt
hem
seat
s.

Me:
"Sol
adi
eshowcanIbeofhel
ptoday
?"

Simi:"Wel lIam theownerofGl am magazi ne,I

hav erecentlystartedanot hermagazi ne,The
rentsmagazi newhi chisal l
aboutpar ents,thei
r
l
ifestyl
eandhowt heyhandl ework,chil
drenand
focusingont hei
rmar riagesaswel l
, butalsoi t
i
nv olv
essi nglepar entsandhowt heydoi t.So
MrKuneneIhear dabouthowbeaut ifuly
our
hotelisandi tisthebeatf orhost
ingev ents, I
wantt olauchmymagazi nebutoneofy our
staffmember swasv eryrudet ouswhenwe
camet oinquire,shesai dsomenast ythi
ngs"
Enzokuhle:"Sirasabusi nessmany oushoul
d
knowt hatitreall
yi sdisgustingtohav esuch
peoplewor ki
ngf oryou,any waysi ncewe
couldn'tt
alkpr operlywithyourst aff,weneedto
knowf rom youhowmuchdoesi tcosthost i
ng
anev enthereandcany oupl easeshowus
around? "

Me: "I
'
m sosor ryaboutwhathappened, I
'
lldeal
withthat,
justgivemet heperson'sname.Wel l
thankyouf orchoosingbluehil
ls,
hereisthe
paperofhowwechar gebutI'
ll
alsogiveyoua
discountj
ustasanapol ogy
,let
'sfir
stgosee
theeventscentre"

West oodupandwentt her

e,t
heyl
oveditand
paidtheful
lbookingamounti
mmediat
ely,I
thankedthem andtheyl
eft
.
[
Nar
rat
ed]
.

Londekadr
ovetoOyint
ando'
shouse.She
buzzedatt
hegateandOyiopened.

Theyhuggedandwentt
osi
tatt
hel
ounge.

Oy
i:"
HeySi
sthanky
ouf
orcomi
ng"

Londeka:
"Ihadt
o,her
eIgoty
out
wooft
hese"

Shet ookoutt
wopr egnancytests,Oyi
ntando
anxiousl
ytookthem andwentt opeei nthe
bathroom t
henputthem bothint hei
rboxes,
shewentbackt ohersist
er.

Londeka:
"Sot
ell
meher
e,whenwi
l
lyoust
art
doi
ngsomet
hingwi
thy
ourl
i
fe?
"

Oyintando:"
Londeka!
!Wherewil
lIevenbegin?
YouknowIcan' thandl
ebusi
ness,Ican'
tapply
forjobswit
hmyCV, i
t'
stooembarrassi
ngandI
can'tevengotoschool,
youknowIam not
smar t.

Londeka:"
Thosear
ejustexcuses,
soy
oupref
er
stay
ingathomeandbeingababymaking
machine?
"

Londekaopenedt
heboxesandshegasped.

Londeka:"
Sweetjesus!
!!
!Youarepregnant
!My
GodOy i
ntandowhathappenedtocondoms?
Afterpi
l
l?Oranyform ofcont
racepti
ves?Why
areyousocarel
ess?"
Oyi
:"Don'
tshoutatmeLondeka,
Idi
dn'
tpl
an
t
hisokay?AndIdidnotmakethi
sbabyal
one"

Londeka:"Youdi dn'
tplanofcourse,
i
rresponsi
blepeopl ehardlyplan,
andohdonot
tr
yandsayy ouar epregnantbecauseofSf
iso,
yesheisthef atherbutOy ihedoesn'
twant
anotherbaby, y
ouasawomanshoul dmake
sureyoudon' tfal
lpregnant"

Oyi
ntandojustcr
ied,shecouldn'
tbeli
eveshei
s
pr
egnant,whatwillshet
ellherhusband?

#Goodni
ght
#Unedi
ted
Li
ke,
CommentandShar
e.
I
nser
t3.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Mysi st
erhasleft,i
t'
sonl yanhourbef oreSfi
so
arri
vesbackfrom wor k.TosayI '
m scared
wouldreall
ybeanunder statement,Iam paci
ng
upanddown, HowdoIt ellhi
mt hatI'
m
pregnant?Wher edoIbegi n?OhmyGodIcan' t
tel
lhim,hemadei tcl
eart hatt
hreekidsare
enough,hemadei tcl
eart hatSbaniissti
ll
youngandf orrealmybabyi ssti
llyoung.How
canIbesocar eless?

OkaymaybeIshoul
dpract
iset
heperf
ectwayt
o
t
ellhi
m.Iwenttost
andbythemir
rori
nthe
l
ounge.
Me:
"BabyIam pr
egnant
"

Not
hatwi
l
ljustputhi
m of
f.

Me: "BabyIjustfi
guredt
hatwear eexpecti
ng
yetanotherbaby ,
Iam pregnant.Iknowy ou
didn'
twantanot herbaby
, IswearIdidn'
tplan
this,
I'm sor
ry"

"
Youar
ewhat
?"

Ijumped,it
'shim.Idi
dn'
tseenorhearhi
m wal
k
i
n, Isl
owl
yt urnedtol
ookathi
m andhelooked
pissedofftosaythel
east,
Ismil
edtryi
ngto
softenhi
m upbuthewasexpect i
ngananswer
tohisquestion.
Me:
"Uhmm h.
..
heybaby
"

Sfi
so:"
Oy i
ntandodi
dy ousayi
ngwear
e
expect
ing?Areyoupregnant
?"

Inodded.

Sfi
so: "
Ist
hatwhyyouwer
easki
ngmewhatyou
askedmey est
erday
?Whyyouweresi
ck?And
couldn'
tsl
eep?"

Me: "
Welly
..
.yesbutthenIwasn'
tsureIjusthad
mysuspici
ons,becauseofhowIf el
tandthen
todayIt
ooktwopr egnancyt
estsandthey
confi
rmedthatIam"

It
henl
ookeddown,
hel
ooksbor
edmor
ethan
any
thi
ngandt
hatj
usthur
ts.

Sfiso:
"Wow. .
..
you..
..
Oy i
ntandowhatwasI
supposet odo?WhatwasIsupposet odo?
Sincey ouar
eforgetful
,am Isupposeto
remembert hi
ngsf oryou?Likerememberi
ng
thatwear ehavi
ngunpr otectedsexandyou
mustt akeyourpil
l
? "

Me:
"Sf
isoI
'
m sor
ry"

Hesighedandt
ossedhi
sbagandbl
azeront
he
couch.

Sfi
so:"
I'
m goi
ngt
opi
ckt
heki
dsupf
rom
school
"
Hethenleft,
Ijustwentdownandcr i
ed.I'
ve
neverseenhim somad, hehardlycal
lsmeby
myname.May beIshouldterminatebutnoI
can'
tdot hat
.Letmecall mybrother,hear
ing
fr
om him wil
lmakemef eelbet
ter.

Mv
elo:
"Gundi
"

Hecall
smet hat,eversinceIwasyoung,see
mysibl
ingsandIgetal ongverywell
,i
t'
shis
wi
fethatdoesn'tl
ikeLondekaandI,honestl
yI
woul
dn'ttel
lyouwhybecauseIal sodon'
tknow.

Me:
"Bhut
i"

Mv
elo:
"Ar
eyoucr
ying?
"
Me:"What?Nobhut
iI'
m notcr
ying,
Ijustwoke
upnow,I'
m notf
eel
i
ngwel l
"

Mv
elo:
"Mmm,
sohowar
eyou?
"

Me:"
I'
m good,howarey
ou,
howar
etheki
ds?
Aunt
ieOmissesthem"

That'
showhiski
dsaddr
essme,Aunti
eOthen
Londekai
sAunti
eNdeka.Hehasf
iveki
ds,
thr
eeboysandtwotwi
ngirl
s.

Mv el
o:"Thei
rmom wenttogetthem f
rom
school,
thegirl
smissyou.Appar
entl
ywhenthey
arether
ey outaket
hem out,
theysayi
t'
salways
fun"
Il
aughed,
Ishoul
dvi
sitt
hem.

Wespokef
orawhi
l
e.

Mv
elo:
"Gundi
"

Henowsoundsser
ious.

Me:
"Bhut
i?"

Mv el
o:"Justr
ememberthatLondekaandIlov
e
youokay ?Wewil
lalwaysbether
ef ory
ouandI
bel
ievey ouwoul
dtell
usift
hingsarenotokay
ri
ght?"

Iwasnowcr
ying,
Inoddedf
orget
ti
nghecan'
t
seeme.
Mvelo:"Okayst
opcr
yingthen,
Ilov
eyoumy
angel,
I'
llcomeseey
out omorr
ow".

Me:
"Okayby
ebhut
i,Il
ovey
out
oo"
.

Ihungup, Iam reallyluckyt ohavehim and

Londekaasmysi bli
ngs, theyareal
way sthere
whenIneedt hem.Any wayIst oodupandwent
tofixupsomesandwi chesf ormykids, Iknow
they'
llbehereany ti
mef rom nowandasusual
theywi l
lbehungr y.Butf i
rstIwenttowashmy
facebecauseift heyseet hatI'
vebeencr yi
ng
theinterr
ogati
onwi l
lbegi n.Aft
erwashingmy
face,myey eswer est i
llpuffybutatleastIcan
sayIwassl eepi
ng.

Iwentt
otheki
tchen,
prepar
edt
hem t
hei
r
sandwichesalongwit
ht hei
rfat
her.Ithen
defrost
edthemeatsot hatIcanstartcooki
ng.
JustasIwasst andi
ngbyt heki
tchencounter,
theycamer unni
ngin.

Simbongilewasbei
ngchasedbyhi sfat
her,
he
wasl aughi
ngsohard.Il
ookedatthem anda
tearescapedmyeye,howcanIr ui
nsucha
beautif
ulthi
ng?Mybabygirlcamerunningt
o
me.

Ol
u:"
Hel
l
omommy
"

Me:
"Heybaby
,howar
eyou?
"

Ol
u:"
Let
'sj
ustsayIcoul
dn'
tbehappi
er"
Me:
"Uuuuhhhshar
ethehappi
nesswi
thy
our
mot
her"

Ol
u:"Soyourdaughterwi
l
lbeget
ti
ngawardson
Wednesday,t
here'
sanawardcer
emony"

Icheer
edf
orher
,ki
ssedhercheekandgav
eher
ahug,mybabyi
ssmartandofcoursel
i
ke
daddy.

Me:"Mommyi ssoproudofyou,andIwill
be
si
tti
ngatthef r
ontsi
tscream whentheycall
uponOluhleeeeeKuneneee"

Shel aughed,seei
ngmyki dshappymakesme
sleepatnight,Imightbeall
thebadthingsin
thewor ldbutI'
m agoodmot her,
thatIgiv
eitto
my self.
Me:"
Simbongilewon'
tyousayhel
l
otomommy
andt
ellherabouty
ourday?"

Hewasst
il
ll
aughi
ngatwhatev
erdaddywas
t
ell
i
nghi
m,hestoppedl
aughi
ng.

Simbongil
e:"Hel
lomommy ,howareyou?
MommyIdr eamedofy oucarry
ingt
wol i
tt
le
babiesbuttheydi
dn'tl
ookli
keSbani,t
heywer e
smal l
andcuteeee.Mydayatschoolwasni ce,
myt eam wonandIgotcorrectwhenwe
drawingourfamil
y"

Myhear tdi
dsomethi
ngatthement i
onof
babies,
Iremembermymom woul dseethings
thr
oughherdreamsbefor
et heyhappenandI
thi
nkSimbongil
ehasthesamet hi
ngbutthen
agai
nitcoul
djustbeadr
eam.

Me:"Ohboycomeki
ssmommy
,shei
ssopr
oud
ofy
ou"

Hef
rowned.

Si
mbongi
l
e:"Ewwmommynomor
eki
sses,
I'
m
abi
gguynow"

Ol
u:"
Yahbutdaddyi
sbi
ggert
hany
ouand
mommykisseshi
m"

Sher
oll
edherey
es,
wowsuchdr
amaonmy
ki
ds.

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Oluhl
ethat
'sbecausedaddyi
s
mommy
'sboy
fri
endandI
'
m notokay
?"

Sfi
solaughedandwentupst
air
s,Iguesst
o
change.

Me:
"Imadey
ouguy
ssandwi
ches"

Ol
u:"
Ohmommywear esorr
ybutdaddybought
Si
mbongi
l
eahappymealandmeabi gmacso
wear
eful
l"

Me:"
Ohh.
..
okayt
hen,gochangesot
hatwecan
seey
ourhomework"

Theyrantotheirrooms.Whatwil
lIdowit
h
thesesandwiches?Whathappenedtonot
buyingki
dstakeout sdur
ingt
heweek?Isighed
andputthem i
nr eseal
abl
epl
ast
icandputt
hem
i
mt hefr
idge,
Sfisocamedowncarryi
ngSbani
.

Me:
"Imadey
ouasandwi
ch"

Sf
iso:
"ThanksbutIat
eatt
heof
fi
ce"

Inoddedandwentupst ai
rs,Ijustt ookal ong
shower ,witht earsstreamingdown, Ifinished
afterawhi leandwor emyf loraldressand
sli
pperst henwentt ocheckt heki ds'homewor k,
theywer eal readydone.ThenIwentt ost arton
supper,Icookedr ice,steak,pot atosal adand
gravynot hi ngfancy ,
weat esilentlywi thonl y
thekidstal king.IfedSbani ,bathedherand
wentt oputheri nbed, Sfi
sowasbat hi
ng
Simbongi leandOl uhl
ehadj ustf i
nishedbat hing.
Iwentdownt owasht hedi shes, usuallywedoi t
togetherwi thSf i
so,Iam hopi nghewi l
l come.
I
ndeedhecameandt
ookabot
tl
eofwat
er.

Sf
iso:
"Goodni
ght
"

Me:
"Ar
en'
tyougonnahel
pmewi
tht
hedi
shes?
"

Sf
iso:
"I'
mti
red,
Ihadal
ongday
"

Justl
i
ket
hathel
eft
.
Isi
ghedandfi
nishedt
henwentt
ocheckont
he
ki
ds,Ol
uhlewasreadi
ng.

Me:
"Babyi
t'
sti
met
osl
eep"

Shecl
osedthebook,
Iwentt
osi
tnexttoher
,
sangf
orherasongthatmymom usedtosi
ng
forus, shethensl ept.Imi ssher ,it
'sday sli
ke
thesewhenIwi shIcoul dconf i
dei nher,tellher
howIf eelbutshe'snomor e.Iwi pedof fmy
tears,kissedmychi ldandwentont ocheck
Simbongi le,hewasal readysl eeping...
Whew! !
!!
I
kissedhi m andwentt okissSbani thenIretired
tobed, Sfisosaidhei stir
edbyhewasst i
llup
readinghi sbook, Itookof fthedr essandwent
tofindmypy j
amas, usual l
yhewoul dne
j
umpi ngatmebutt odayhei snotev enlooking
atmeandi thurts.Ifoundt hem andputt hem
on, Igottobedandt ri
edsl eepingbutmymi nd
waswor kingfullti
me.

Me:
"Tel
lmewhatIshoulddof
ory
out
ofor
giv
e
meforf
all
i
ngpr
egnant?
"

Iwasl
ooki
ngtheot
herwaybutIhear
dhim
cl
oset
hebook,t
henheswit
chedhissi
delamp.
Sf
iso:
"Goodni
ghtOy
int
ando"
.

Icl
osedmyey
eshar
d,t
ear
scameoutunt
ilIf
ell
asl
eep.

[
Sfi
so]

Idon'twantt obeangr yatOy intando, Iloveher

andt hatisnotal i
e.Iam justwonder inghow
hermi ndwor ks, shepr omisedt otakeapi ll
but
nowshe' spregnant .Honest lyIwasgoodwi t
h
thr
eeki ds.Asi tisI'
mt heonl yonepr ov i
dingin
thehouse, al
l sheev erdoesi sshopar ound,go
overseaswi t
hherf ri
ends,nott hatI'm
compl ai
ni ngbecausemoneyi snott hepr oblem
butourexpensesourgoi ngup.Ev ent her i
chest
mani nt hewor ldwoul dn'
tbet hril
led.Ipayt he
bill
soft hehouse,thatbei
ngwat erand
electri
city
.West ayinSouthdownsest atesso
youcani maginehowexpensi vethatplacei s,
I
payt heschool f
ees,forbothkidsit'
scloset o
hundr edthousanday earandsoonSbani hasto
j
oi nthem.Ibuygr oceri
es,Idoev er
y t
hing.How
muchmor ecanItakereall
y?Any wayIwokeup,
gott hekidsreadythengotr eadymy self
, It
ook
Sbani andputheri nbedwi t
hhermom t hen
prepar edbreakf
astforthekids.AftereatingI
drovet hem toschoolamdwentt owor k.

MydayproceededbutIkeptonthi
nkingabout
Oyi
,Shecri
edhersel
ftosleepyest
erdayand
t
hatreal
l
yhurtsme.
Thephoner
angdi
stur
bingmef
rom myt
hought
.

"
Kunenehel
l
o"
"Hel
loMrKunenei t
'sSimingenkosiKhumal
o,I
don'
tknowifyouarefreebutt her
e'sf
ewthi
ngs
Iwoul
dliket
or unpastyou,lunch?"

Me:"Iam af
rai
dIcan'tdolunch,
Iam meeti
ng
upwithacli
entforl
unchbutifyouarefr
eenow
Icansendyouanaddr esstomyoffi
ces"

Si
mi:"
Okaypl
easedot
hat
,I'
l
ldr
ivet
her
eri
ght
away
"

Me:
"Okayby
e"

Ihungupandsenthert
headdr
ess.

Anhourl
ater
,acal
lfr
om r
ecept
ioncamei
n.
Me:
"Yes"

"Si
rther
e'sMissKhumal
olooki
ngf
ory
oushe
saysshespoketoyou"

Me:
"Br
ingheri
n"

Ihungup,
ami
nut
esl
atert
her
ewasaknock.

Me:
"Comei
n"

Shewalkedwearingay ell
owsui twithblack
hi
ghheels,herweavet i
edmessy .Shelooked
sobeauti
fulanddiff
erentfrom yesterday,she
hasaperfectbody.Anhourgl ass,mymout h
hungopen.
"
Ithi
nkIsawaf
lygoi
ngt
hroughy
ourmout
h"

Iqui
ckl
yclosedi
tinembar
rassment
,Ist
oodup
andshookherhand.

Me:
"Mi
ssKhumal
opl
easesi
t"

Shetookasit
,sheisagoddessIt el
lyou,but
waitwhyam Ievennoti
cingherbeauty?Noone
caneverbeasbeauti
fulasmywi fe.

Me:
"SohowcanIhel
pyou?
"

Simi:"
AsIhadtoldyouIwi l
lbehostingmynew
magazineatyourvenue,Isawabeaut if
ul spot
atyourhot
elIwaswonder ingifIcouldrentthat
spaceformymagazi ne,
Icurrentl
ydon'thav e
enoughspacewher eglam magazi
neisand
Enzokuhl
e'soffi
cesareall
beingused,
Iwil
lonl
y
rentunt
ilIgetaspace".

Herli
psaret
hick,
whent
heymov
etheyar
e
per
fect.

Me: "I
..
..
Iam usi
ngthatspacef ormeet
ingsat
thehotelbutIhavetwoofficesheret
hatI'
m not
using,youcanuseoneoft hem.Doy oumind?"

Si
mi:"
Reall
y?OhmyGodt
hanky
ou,
cany
ou
pl
easeshowme?"

Istoodup,sheal sogotup.Iwalkedbehindher
,
shehasper fectr
oundass.Whenshewal ksshe
hasconfidence,shelooksexci
ted.Wegott o
theoffi
ces,Ishowedhert hefi
rstonethen
movedtothesecondone,
shel
ovedi
tbecause
i
t'
sbigger
.

Si
mi:
" ThankyousomuchMrKunene,
canwe
nowtalkpaymentpl
an?
"

Me:"Pleasecal
lmeSfisoandnodon'
tworr
y
aboutanypayment
,it
'sgoodtoseean
ambiti
ouswoman,soy oucanuseitf
orf
ree"

Shehuggedmewhi
l
escr
eami
ng.
..
.Women.

Si
mi:"
Thankyou,
thanky
ou,
thanky
ouMrKu.
..
.I
meanSfi
so"

Shelooksev
enmor
ebeaut
if
ulwhenshei
s
happy.
Shel
eftandIwasl
eftt
hinki
ngabouther
.

Li
ke,
commentandshar
e
#Unedi
ted
I
nser
t4.

[
Sfi
so]

It
'sclosetoknockof ftimeandIf eelt
err
ible,I
feelguil
ty.HowcanIl ookatanot herwoman
l
ikeIdi dwithSimi?Iam mar ri
edf orheaven's
sakeandIl ov emywi f
e.Oy i
maybeev er
ything
butshe'sagoodwoman, shel ovesmeal ot
thatIam sureof ,shet akescar eofmykidsv er
y
well.Sheisv erybeautifulbot hinsideand
outside,ri
ghtnowIf eelterri
ble, l
i
keIbetray ed
her.SoIknockedof feal i
erthanIshoul dand
wentst rai
ghttoaf loralst ore.
If
oundawhi
tel
ady
,Ibel
i
eveshei
saf
lor
istor
what
ever
.

Me:
"Goodaf
ter
noon"

Shegav
emeav erywi
desmi l
e,onl
yifal
lpeopl
e
whoworkwithsuchser
viceswerethi
s
wel
coming.

Her
:"Goodaf
ter
noonsir,
I'
m Madonna.
Wel
comet oMDflor
ist
s,whatcanIdofory
ou
t
oday?"

Me:"Thanky ou,
Ineedoneofyourbeaut
iful
,
bi
ggest,expensi
veandlov
elysmell
ingbunchof
fl
owers"
Shesmi
l
ed.

Madonna:"
Luckylady
,Isshenotal
l
ergi
ctoany
ki
ndoffl
owers?"

Me:
"No,
shel
ovesf
lower
sal
ot"
Madonna:
"Okay
,letmemaket
hatbunchf
or
you"
.

Shewentonanddidherthi
ngandsher eall
ydid
comewi t
hahugebunchofflowers,
itsmell
ed
good.Somenatur
alext
ract
sthereandlavender
i
fmynost ri
l
scansmellpr
operl
y.

Me:
"Thanky
ou,
howmuchwi
l
ltheycost
"
Madonna:
"Onl
yR650"

WowR650asi ft
heyaregoingtolastf
orev
er,
t
hingswomenlove.But
..
.anythi
ngtomakemy
l
ovelywi
fehappy
,Iowehert hatmuch.

Ipai
danddr ovet
oChickenli
cken,Iknowshe
l
oveshotwingswhenshei spregnant.Ibought
herl
otsofthem.Last
lyIdrov
et oMoodycowt o
getherherfav
ouri
tei
cecream.

Idrovehome, whenIgottothegateIst
opped
andtookoutapi eceofpaperthenwrot
eonit
,
shoveditinsi
dethefl
owers,Ibreat
hedi
nand
drovein.

Aft
erpar
kingt
hecari
nt hegar
ageIwal
kedi
n
andshewasbusymakingfoodfort
heki
dsi
n
t
heki
tchen.

Ol
uhl
e:"
Mommywhyar
eyoucr
ying?
"

That
'st
hefi
rstt
hingIhear
dandmyhear
tbr
oke,
Ist
oodther
eandlist
ened.

Oyi
:"I
'
m notcr
yingmyangel
,Iwaschoppi
ngan
oni
on"

Ol
uhl
e:"
Isitdaddy
?Ori
sitmeand
Si
mbongi
le?"

Oyi:
"It
'snothi
ngmommycan' thandl
ebaby,i
t'
s
notdaddyandi t
'snoty
ouorSimbongil
eokay?
Nowgoandsi ti
ntheli
vingr
oom,I'
ll
bri
ngyour
foodthere"
Oluhl
e:"
Okaymommy
,wi
pet
het
ear
sof
f,Il
ove
you"

Thensheranoff
,Islowl
ywalkedcar
ryi
ngt
he
fl
owersandherfav
ourit
efood.

Shewasn'
tseei
ngme, Ihuggedherf r
om behind,
shewassni
ffi
ng,whensher eal
i
sedI '
mt heone
huggi
ngher
,shequickl
ywipedof fhertear
s.

Me:
"Heybaby
"

Oy
i:"
Hey
"

Me:
"Youokay
?"
ShenoddedbutIcoul
dseeherwi
pingof
fthe
tear
s.

Imadeherl
ookatme,
herey
eswer
epuf
fyand
red.

Me:
"Lov
ehav
eyoubeencr
ying?
"

Shel
ookeddown,
Ihur
ther
.

Me:"
I'
m sor
rybaby,I
..
..
IknowIshouldn'
thav
e
r
eact
edthatway,I
t'
snoty ourf
aul
t"

Shenodded.

Me:
"Tal
ktomemyl
ove"
Oyi
:"If
eell
ikeI'
m becomingaburdentoy
ou,
maybeIshouldstar
tlooki
ngforajobsot
hatI
canhel
paroundinthehouse".

What
?No!
!!
Ist
hatwhatshet
hinks?

Me:"Babyyouarenotaburden,andbesi
des
whi
chj obwil
lyoul
ookfor
?I '
drathert
akecar
e
ofyouthantohaveyousl
avearounddoinga
har
djob"

Shenoddedandwentbackt
odoi
ngf
oodf
or
theki
ds.

Me:
"LookwhatIboughty
ou"
Shelookedandsmiledbutthatsmi
lei
snott
he
oneIknowandlove, i
t'
sful
lofpai
n.HowcanI
hur
ttheonepersonwhol ovesmesomuch,
whomademeaf atherandmademyhousea
home?

Oy
i:"
Thanky
ou,
theyar
elov
ely
"

Ibrushedhert
ummy ,shefl
i
nched,Ikepton
brushi
ngitunt
ilshewasrel
axed.

Me:"Iam wi
shi
ngforagi
rl
,Si
mbongi
l
eisl
i
ke
f
iveboysinoneper
son"

Shegiggl
ed,
that
'smorel
ikei
t.Al
thought
he
sadnesswassti
l
lther
e.
Me: "
Iloveyoumama, Il
ovey ousomuchand
I'
m sorryf
orhowIr eacted.Thisbabyi
sours
andit'
snoty ourf
aultt
hatwear egoi
ngtohave
anotherbaby"

Oy
i:"
Ilov
eyout
oo"

Me:"
Comeshowmehowmuchy
oul
oveme,
ki
ssme"

Sheki
ssedmeandIhuggedhert
ight
,Il
oveher
somuch.

Iwhi
sper
edi
nherear
s.

"
Ilov
eyou"
Me: "
Sothecr
avi
ngs,
Iboughty
ouchi
cken
l
ickenhotwi
ngs"

Shel
aughed,
Isweart
hatmademehappy
.

Oyi:"
Therear
en'
tanycrav
ingsf
ornowbutI
can'
tsaynotohotwingsandmyMoodycow
Icecream"

Il
aughed,t
henki
ssedheragai
nandagai
nand
agai
n.Shetookt
hefoodtotheki
dst
henwe
wenttoshowert
ogether
.

Oy
i:"
I'
m meet
ingupwi
thMv
eloi
nanhour
"

Me:
"Whyi
shenotcomi
ngov
erf
ordi
nner
?"
Oy i
:"Hesaidsomethi
ngaboutameeti
ngatt
he
samer estuar
antsohewouldrat
hermeetme
therebeforehi
smeeting"

Me: "
Okayhurr
ythen"wescrubbedeachot her
,
hadaninnocentshower.Webot hdressedup,
sheworeherjeansandgolfT-shir
tand
sneaker
s.Shelookedamazing,shehasaway
ormakingeveryt
hingl
ookbeaut i
ful
.Whenshe
wasdone,shekissedmeandl eft.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Iam i
nmycardr i
vi
ngtoCent urionmall,t
hat
's
whereI'm meeti
ngmybrother .Itookthecar
dor
paperthatSfi
soputontheflower s,Iwantto
readi
t.SoIopeneditanditread:
"
Myl
ove,
pleasef
orgi
veme.Iwasv
eryst
upi
d
andIpromisetomakeituptoy ou,
Iloveyou
andourkidssomuch,fourofthem.From
Sthandwasakhotoyousenhli
ziyoyam"

Ibl
ushedandputitaway ,i
nnot i
meIwasat
cent
uri
onmall,Iparkedthecarandwentto
muggnbeanandt herehewas,mybr owned
ski
nnedbrot
her.Funnyhowweal ll
ookali
ke,
mymom' sgeneswer everystr
ong.

WhenIgott
ohi
m wehugged.

Mv
elo:
"Gundi
"

Me:
"Heybhut
iza"

Wesatdown,
fussedov
ereachot
hert
hen
or
deredevent
ual
l
y,wespokeabouthi
sfami
l
y,
myfamil
yandsuchthi
ngs.

Me:"
Ineedtot
ell
yousomebutpl
easepr
omi
se
youwon'
tj
udgeme"

Mv
elo:
"Okay
,Ipr
omi
se"
.

Iknowhedoesn'
tmeani
tbutI
'
llt
ell
him any
way
.

Me:
"I'
m pr
egnant
"

Helookedatmethensi
ghed,
see?Thati
s
j
udgementonit
'sown.

Mv
elo:
"Oy
int
ando?
"
Me:
"Bhut
i?"

Mvel
o: "
Soyoureall
ygonnabethathousewi
fe?
Onethatonl
ygi
v esbirt
h?Doyouthi
nkmom
anddadwouldbepr oud?"

Il
ookeddown,hisfaci
alexpressiont
ell
sme
howdisappoi
ntedheis,andhei ssoseri
ousI
can'
tevenkeepeyecontact.

Mv elo:"Gundipleaser ewr i
teyourmatri
c,Iknow
youcandoi t,j
ustputy ourmindtoitthenyou
willpass,thenenr olatanycol l
egeorunisafor
distancelearning.Thatwon' tstopyoufrom
shoppi ng,t
akingy ourki dstoandfrom school
andbei nga" Housewi fe" .
Hi
s" Housewif
e"cameoutsar
casti
cal
l
y,Iam
t
hinkingofdoi
ngjustt
hat
,not
hingwouldgo
wrongright
?

Mvel
o:"
Ify
oudon'twanttodoitf
oryoursel
f
t
hendoitf
orourparent
s,doi
tforyourki
ds.Be
t
hemom theycanbeproudof"

That'
sit
!!I
'm goi
ngtoregistertorewr i
temy
matri
c,Ican'
tbethatstupid,Iknowt heycar
e
formeandt heywantwhat '
sbestf orme.

Me:"I
'
m goi
ngtodoi
tbhut
i,f
orme,t
hekids
andourpar
ent
s.I
'
m sur
etheywi
ll
beproud"

Hesmi
l
edandhel
dmyhand.
Mv
elo:
"Il
ovey
ouokay
?"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Wef inishedeat
ing,or
dereddesser
twhil
e
catchingup,anhourlaterhi
smeetingwas
aboutt ostar
tsoIleft
.

WhenIgothome, Iwaswel comedbyacur r

y
smell
,itsmell
eddivine.Iwalkedandhubbywas
weari
nganapr oncooki ngupastorm, t
heki
ds
wereont hefl
oorplayingwithSbaniandmy
ki
tchenlookedli
keitwashi tbyastorm.

Ij
ustgi
ggl
ed,
satont
hestoolandwatched,
he
cametoki
ssmeandcont
inuedmakingamess.
I
t'
sthethoughtthatcount
sri
ght
?Thedi
rt
doesn'
tmattermuch.

#Unedi
ted
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.

I
nser
t5wi
l
lfol
l
owwhenwer
each1500page
l
i
kes.
I
nser
t5.

•
••3mont
hsl
ater
•••

[
Oyi
ntando]

Iam 3mont hspr

egnantandIhavealso
regi
ster
edtorewri
temymat r
ic,atl
easti
t'
sonly
twosubject
sthatIf
ail
edsoit'
smanageable.I
thoughtthi
swoul dbeabadi deabutitisnot.
MyhusbandandIhav ebeeni nagoodpl acefor
thepast3mont hs,weatt
endedt heawar d
ceremonyt oget
herwhenOluwasget ting
awards,wewentt oourfi
rstappoint
ment
together
,Icansafel
ysaythingsaregood.

Butmysi steradv isedmet okeept herewriting

sit
uationasecr etbecausewedon' tknowhow
Sfisowi l
lreact, hemi ghtthinkIdoubthi m, he
mightst opgi vingmemoneyt henIwon' tbe
abletopayf ort hecollegesoIdon' twantanyof
thattohappen.Ij ustgotbackf r om cl
ass, Iam
meet i
ngupwi t hLesego, myf riend.Wear e
meet i
ngatSout hdownsshoppi ngcent re,at
l
easti t
'snotf arf r
om myki ds'school andour
house, soitisconv enient
.Af t
erdr ivi
ngf ora
whi l
eduet ot raffi
cIf i
nall
yar ri
v ed.
Lesego:
"Heypr
eggos"

Il
aughed,
wehuggedandsatdown.

Me:
"Heybabe,
you'
vebeenscar
cel
atel
y"

Lesego:"Youknow, t
rav
elli
ngwit
hhubby,
shoppinginothercount
riesandandand.How
haveyoubeen? "

SeeLesegoi sthatwoman, shehasar ich

husbandbuthasbusi nessesherself
,sheis
smart.Iguessbynature,sheonlyhas2ki ds
andshedoesn' twantmor e,herhusbandtake
hereverywherehegoes, helovesherli
kethat
.

Me:
"I'
vebeengoodhoney
,can'
tcompl
ain"
.
Weor der edandstart
edeat ing,t
hreemont hs
i
ntopr egnancyandI '
m alreadybig,wellnotbig
bi
gbutI 'veaddedonsomewei ght,atl
eastthis
pregnancyi snotstr
essful,Idon'
tgetcrav i
ngs
everynowandagai n,Ieatalmostev er
ything
andmor ningsi
cknessesar ejustokay.

Lesego:"Butf
ri
end,don'ty
oucar
eaboutyour
fi
gurethough?Imeany ouhav
ethreeki
dsasit
i
sandgoi ngtofour
"

Me: "Wel
lfr
iendIhavenoinsecuri
ti
esand
besides,
youknowmypr egnanci
esneverl
eav
e
mel ooki
ngbad,Ialway
sgobackt omynormal
weight"

Wespokef
orawhi
l
e,Idi
dn'
tdar
etel
lherabout
mydecisionofgoi
ngbacktoschool,
Iknowshe
wil
ltel
lTimthenTi
m wil
ltel
lSfi
so,well
Timis
herhusbandandheisfr
iends/
busi
nesspart
ner
wit
hSf i
so.

Aft
ercatchingwewentsepar at
eways,Iwentto
getmykidsf r
om schoolshewenttogethers,
herki
dsattendschoolatcornwall
hil
lcol
lege
andtheystayther
easwel l
.

Mybabiesl
ov emeal otl
ately,
theywerehappy
whenItol
dt hem IwaspregnantohbutjustasI
hadsai
dthedr eam Si
mbongilehadaboutme
car
ryi
ngtwinswasnott r
uebecauseit'
sonly
onebaby.

Ol
u:"
Mommy
"!!
!
Theyr
ushedt
omeandhuggedme.

Me:
"Heymommy
'sbabi
es,
comeki
ssme"

Theyki
ssedme,
ohy
es,
Igetki
ssesev
enf
rom
thebi
gboynow.

Wedr ovehomewhi l
etheytol
dmeaboutt hei
r
day .Wef inallyarri
vedandMar i
awaswi thher
sisterandI '
m guessi ngSbani wassl eepi
ng.I
greet edt hem andaskedhert omake
sandwi chesf ort hekids,shedidwhi l
eIwent
upst airst ocheckonmybaby .Wel lSfi
so
suggest edwehi reMar iaful
lti
measournanny
becausenowt hatI'
m pregnantIcan'tdo
ever ythingpl uslookingaf t
erthekidsandwel l
thatwor ksf ormebecauseIgett i
met ostudy
,
attendcl asseswi t
houtanyhassles.
Iwentbackdownstair
st ogetwaterbutassoon
asIapproachedIhear
dMar i
aandhersister
tal
ki
ngaboutmesoIst oppedandlist
ened.

Mar
ia:"
Oyi
ntandoi
sjustaf
ool
i
shwoman,
she
i
sbl
indedbymoney"

Lucy:
"Isawherhusbandwal
ki
ngaroundwit
h
somewomanatt heshoppi
ngcentr
e,t
heywere
al
lcozyandIbetthati
shi
smist
ress"

What?Wel l
Lucyal
soworksatcornwal
lasa
cl
eanersochancesofseei
ngmyhusbandare
hi
ghbutcoul di
tbet
rue?Maybeit
'soneofhi
s
employees.

Mar
ia:
"Herhusbandi
sacheat
erIt
ell
you,
it'
s
j
ustt hathestil
lhasn'tmetany onetounl eash
hischeatingselfwit
h, Iremembert hisonet i
me
Oy i
ntandohadl ef
ttov isithisbrother,Iwas
heret aki
ngcareofSi mbongi lesincehehad
refusedtogo.Sf i
socamet ome, weki ssedand
j
ustaswewer eaboutt odot hedeed, the
Madam hadt orui
nt hemomentbycal li
ng, I
reall
yt ohaveapieceofhi m.Idespi set hat
womanandI 'dbepleasedi ftheycheatonher "

Lucyl
aughed.

Me: "
Justasy ou'
dbepleasedifmyhusband
cheatsonmeIguessy ou'
llal
sobepleaseto
knowt hatyouarefi
red!
!Packeveryl
i
t t
lethi
ng
youhav einmyhouseandl eave,
Iwil
lhire
someonewhohasmor al
sandneedst hi
sjob".

Theydi
dn'
tseemecomei
n,t
heyf
roze.
Mar
ia:
"Umm I
..
."

Me: "
Leavemyt eathereandgo!!
!Maybey our
si
stercansqueezey ouinatherwor
kplace,you
wi
llcleant
ogether"

Mar
ia:
"I.
..
ma'
am.
..
"

Me:"
Don'
tma'am me,youwer
er ef
err
ingt
ome
bymynamesodon'tchangei
t,j
ustst
andup
fr
om mychai
randleav
e!.
"

Shestoodupandwentout
sidetohercot
tage,
I
accompani
edherandwait
edforherwhil
eshe
packed.
Me: "
Youwi l
lcal
lacaborsomethingIdon'
t
care,
allt
hemoneyy ouwor kedf
oryouwill
be
deposit
edintoyouraccount"
Il
eftthem atthegateandwentbackinside,I
am soangry,Ihavetakenenoughofher
at
tit
udeandIcan' tt
akeanymor eofit
.Asf or
Sf
iso,howcanhet r
ysleepi
ngwithher?That'
sif
i
t'
strue.

It
ookabottl
eofwat
erandwentt
opl
aypuzz
les
wi
thmykids.

[
Sfi
so]

It
'sanhourpastknockoffti
mebutIam
workingonaverybigproj
ectsoIam goi
ngto
belateathome,Iscrat
chmyhead, makephone
call
sandthenanhourlaterIdeci
detopackup
andgo.

AssoonasIwal kpastt
heoff
iceIgaveSimi,
I
noti
cethelight
sareonsoIopent hedoorand
peepthrough,Iseehergl
uedtoherlapt
op.

Me:
"It
'sl
ateandy
oust
ayv
eryf
ar"

Shej
umped.

Me:
"I'
m sor
ryIscar
edy
ou"

Shegi
ggl
edandt
ookadeepbr
eat
he.

Simi:
"IthoughtIwasalonei
nthebui
ldi
ng,I
havethi
si nt
ervi
ewIhavetorunwi
thverybi
g
peoplesoIam tryi
ngtocomeupwithgood
quest
ionsandt
hewhol
est
ruct
ureofi
t"

Me:
"Ohokay
,canIseehowf
ary
ouar
e?"

Shenodded,Iwentt
ostandnexttoherand
l
ookedatthelapt
opscream,Ihel
pedherwith
quest
ionsandIcoul
dsmellherperf
umef r
om
whereIwasstandi
ng.

Me: "Ther
e!!Youdon'thavet
osital
lni
ght
crackingyourskul
l,
theyarebigandi
mport
ant
butquestionsarequesti
onsyouknow"

Shegiggl
edagainandlookedatme,ourfaces
met.Wewer ebreat
hingthesameai
r,Icould
smell
coffeefr
om hermout h.
Webot
hfroze,Itouchedherl
ipswi
thmine,
they
wer
esosoft,shebreathedi
nandout.

Wekissed,Iki
ssedherhungr
il
y,shehel
dmy
neckasthekissgotheat
ed.

If
inall
ycamebackt
omysensesandst
opped
ki
ssingher
.

Me:
"I.
..
um.
..
Ihav
etogo,
I'
m sor
ry"
.

Shelookeddownandnodded,
whi
l
epl
ayi
ng
wit
hherf i
nger
s.

Me:
"I.
...
I'
l
lleavet
oy ourwor
kthen,
don'
tfor
get
t
oswitchof ft
hel
ightsandl
ockup".
Si
mi:
"Umm.
..
yeah.
..
I.
..Yeahgoodni
ght
".

Me:
"Goodni
ght
"

Iwalkedoutandstoodbythedooraft
ercl
osi
ng
i
t,Isigheddeepl
y.WhathaveIdone?Whyam I
feel
ingthisway?

Idr
ovehome,i
twaspast7pm.WhenIgot
homemywifewasset
tingt
hetabl
e.

Me:
"Heyev
ery
one"

Theki
dsrant
omeandhuggedme,Iki
ssedOl
u
andbr
ushedSi
mbongi
l
e'shead.

Me:
"Heybaby
"
Oy
i:"
Heyl
ove,
youar
elat
etoday
".

Me:"
I'
m sor
ry,
Ishoul
dhav
ecal
l
ed.Iwas
compl
eti
ngsomethi
ng"

Shecametowardsme, Iknowshewant sahug

andakiss,
butIcan'
tkissherwit
ht hel
ipsthat
j
ustki
ssedanotherwoman, andIknowshewi l
l
smell
awoman' sperf
ume, I
tisst
rong,Ican
smell
itmysel
f.

Me:
"I.
..
I'
l
lgot
akeaqui
ckshowert
henj
oiny
ou"

Isaidthatasshewascomingtome,whe
stoppedonhertracksasIr
anupst
air
s.
Itookashowerandputonsweatpant
sanda
vestthenwentt
ojoi
nthem.

Icouldn'
tevenengageintheconv ersat
ion,
I
l
ookedupatherandshewasl ookingatme, I
couldn'
tkeeptheeyecontact,Ij
ustlooked
downandat e.Aft
ereati
ngwewashedt he
dishesandputthekidstosleep.

•
••I
nthebedr
oom•
••

Sf
isokepttossi
ngandtur
ning,
hedidn'
tknow
whethert
oholdOyil
ikeheusuall
ydoesornot
.

Oy i
ntando:"
I'
mt r
yingt
osleepSfi
so,
Iknowy ou
feelguil
tyaboutsomethi
ngbutcanyoudothat
atwor k,i
nyouroffi
cenother
einourbed"
Hef
rozeatt
hement
ionof"
Gui
l
ty"

Sfi
so:"I
'
m sorr
ybaby
,I'
mjustst
ressedout
aboutsomethi
ng"
.

Oyi
ntando:
"What
everi
tis,
cani
tnotdi
stur
bmy
sl
eep?"

Hergutfeel
ingtol
dherithastodowi t
ha
woman, j
udgingbyhowhel ookedatheratthe
tabl
eandshecoul dn'
thel
pbutthinkaboutwhat
Lucysaidabouthim andawomanl ooki
ngcozy
attheshoppingcentr
e.

Sf
iso:
"Goodni
ght
,Il
ovey
ou"
.

Oy
int
ando:
"Ni
ght
"
Sfi
sogotmor
ener
vousandf
eltev
enmor
e
gui
lt
y.

#Unedi
ted
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.

Sorr
yaboutyest
erday,t
her
ewasl oadsheddi
ng
andbat
terywaslow,Icoul
dn'
tty
pe.
I
nser
t6.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Itt
ookmeal otofstr
engthtonotaskSf
iso
abouthi m andMar i
a,hi
m andthewomanLucy
wast alki
ngaboutandhi m bei
ngallj
umpy
yesterday.Iam keepi
ngitcool
,Idon'
twantto
bethatwoman, thatonewhocomeoutas
j
ealous.Youknowhowmenar e,theyhavea
tendencyofdoingf il
thythingsthentryand
makei tseem li
key ouar ethereasonwhyt hey
didwhatt heydid.SoI '
mj ustgonnakeepqui t
e,I
sawgui l
twr i
tt
enal loverhisfaceandIwanti t
toeathim upt i
llhedecidest ocomecl ean.

Ijustgotoutofcl
ass,
whil
eIam thi
nkingabout
Sfisoandhisunknownshenani
gans,
I'
m dri
ving
tot hedoct
orformycheckup.Mydearhusband
promi sedt
ocome.

Iar
ri
vedandpar
kedthecarandwalkedin,by
l
uckitwasnotf
ull
soIsatandwaitedforSfi
so
toar
riv
ebuthewasnowhereinsi
ght.

"
Oyi
ntandoKunene"
.
Myheartdroppedwhenmynamewasbeing
cal
led,
hedidnotcome.Isi
ghedt
henst
oodup
andwentin.

Doc:
"Mr
sKunene,
howar
eyout
oday
?"

DrMtshal
ihasbeenmydoct
orf
rom si
nceIwas
pr
egnantwit
hSimbongi
l
e.

Me:
"I'
m goodDoc,
howar
eyou?
"

Doc:"
I'
m goodt
hanky
ou,
nowl
et'
sgetdownt
o
busi
ness"
.

Heaskedmeafewquesti
onst
hendidwhat
neededt
obedone,
whichwasput
ti
ngagelon
myst
omach,
hest
oppedandl
ookedatme.

Doc:
"Iam hear
ingt
wohear
tbeat
sher
e"

Me:
"What
?Whatdoest
hatmean?
"

Okayst
upi
dquest
ionIknow.

Doc:
"Itmeansy
ouar
ecar
ryi
ngt
wins"

Hemov edthescannert
hingyar
ound,t
henhe
start
edpointi
ngoutthati
ndeedI'
m car
ryi
ng
twins.

Ishouldbehappyri
ght?Imeant heyaremykids.
Whyam Inothappy ?Tearsjustcameout,
the
Doctorwipedofft
hegel,Ifi
xedmy sel
fand
wi
pedof
fthet
ear
s.

Doc:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"

Me:"
YeahDocI'
mfine,I
'
mj ustov
erwhel
med
wi
themoti
ons,
I'
m happy"

Henoddedandprescr
ibedsuppl
ement
sforme
asperusual
thenIl
eft
.

[
Lat
eri
ntheday
]

Ijustgothomef rom picki

ngthekidsupf rom
school.Ineedtost ar
tlooki
ngforanannyanda
househel p.Iwon'tmanagewi t
hev ery
thi
ngat
themoment .Aft
ermaki ngfoodforthekids,I
decidedtogot akeashowerandnapal i
ttl
e.I
'm
notcooki
ngt
oday
,I'
mti
red.
.
..
..
..
..

Damn!!!Whatkindofamot heram I?Iov

erslept,
i
twassupposet obeanhournapbutIsleptf or
morethant hr
eehours,It
otal
lyfor
gotaboutmy
ki
ds.Idraggedmy sel
ftotheplayr
oom asI
hear
dv oicescomingfrom t
hereandOluhleand
Simbongilewereplay
ing.

Me:"
Guyscomel
et'
sseet
hehomewor
ks,
then
youwi
ll
bath"

Oluhl
e:"
Mom i
t'
sfr
iday
,fr
idaysar
enot
homeworkday
sremember ?
"

Ohy
eah!
!!It
otal
l
yfor
goti
t'
sfr
iday
.
Me:"Ohyes,mommyf or
got
,I'
m onl
ygi
vi
ngy ou
anhouri
nt her
e,r
ightnowam gonnagocheck
onSbani
"

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Shei
swi
thdaddyatt
hegar
den"

It
'sf
ri
day!!
!!Idon'
tunderst
andwhyI
'
mfor
get
ful
,
evenSfi
soknocksof fearl
y.

Iwalkedoutl
eavingthem t
oplay,
Ididn'
teven
bothergoi
ngtothegarden,Ij
ustwenttothe
ki
tchenandprepredsandwichesf
orthekids.

"
Heybaby
"

Icl
osel
ymyey
esandsai
dal
i
ttl
epr
ayer
.
Heavenl
yfat
her
,I'
m notr
eadyt
otal
ktoy
our
son.

Me:
"Hy
"

Sfi
so:"
I'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmakei
ttothedoct
or'
s
appoi
ntment,
Igothel
dupatwor
k".

Inoddedandf
ini
shedup.

Me:
"Pl
easegi
vemet
hechi
l
d,Iwannaf
eedher
"

Heslowl
ygaveSbanitome, Il
ef thi
m standing
ther
eandwenttofeedmybaby .Iam convinced
nowmorethaneverthatther
e'sawomanSf i
so
i
sbusywithandIwon'tasknort ryt
ot al
kabout
i
t,Heisagrownassman, heknowst he
di
ff
erencebet
weenr
ightandwr
ong.

AsIwasf
eedi
ngSbani
,Sf
isowal
kedi
nandsat
down.

Sf
iso:
"Baby
"

Me:
"Mmmm"

Sf
iso:
"I'
m sor
ry"
.

Me:
"For
?"

Hekeptqui
et,
sodi
dI.

Hesi
ghedandl
ookedatme.
Justateaserofwhatwi
llbehappeni
ng
tomorr
owonaf ul
li
nser
t,I'
l
lcont
inuef
rom
whereIended.

I
'm sor
ryf
ortaki
nglongtopost,myphonehad
aprobl
em t
henloadingsheddi
nghappened
t
akingnet
workalongwithit
.

pl
easesharethepaget
oyourf
ri
endsand
fr
iendsoff
ri
ends.

Lov
e
Admi
n♥
I
nser
t6(
Cont
inuat
ion)

[
Simi
].
Ihaven'tbeeninar el
ati
onshipinav erylong
ti
meandr easonbei ngthatI'
m alway sbusy.I
nevergav eloveachance, evenint hepast
rel
ati
onshipsI '
venev erinv
estedmyal l
.
But..
..
butnowIf eelatt
ractedtoMrKune. .
.I
meanSf i
so.Eversinceweki ssed,Ihav en'
tbeen
abletogethi m outofmymi nd.RightnowI 'm at
home, I
'mt r
y i
ngt owor kontheupcomi ng
i
ntervi
ewbuti t'
sj ustimpossibl
e.

"
Pennyf
ory
ourt
hought
s?"

Ijumpedfrom t
hecouch,
Igotr
eli
evedwhenI
real
isedi
t'
sEnzo.

Enzo:
"Okay..
..
youev
engotstar
tl
ed,what
ever
youaret
hinki
ngaboutmustbedeep"
Me:
"Hey
,Idi
dn'
theary
oucomei
n"

Enzo:"That'
sbecauseyouwer
edeepi
n
thoughts,
caretoshare?
"

Me:"I
t'
snothi
ngmaj
orr
eal
l
y,I
'
mjustst
ressi
ng
aboutwor
k"

Enzo:
"Tr
yt hatwi
thsomeonewhodoesn'tknow
youSi
mi,Iwon'tdr
agitoutofyoubutI
'
llst
il
lbe
heret
oli
stenwheny ouarereadyt
otel
lme"

InoddedbutdeepdownIknowIwon' ttel
lher
oranybodyelsefort
hatmat
ter.Idon'
twanna
bejudgedforfal
l
ingforamarr
iedman.
Enzo:"
AnywayI'
m heretol
etyouknowt
hatwe
arehavi
ngagir
lsnightout
,Pr
ett
ycamewit
h
thei
dea,ar
eyougame? "

Me:
"Yeah.
..
yeahIam,
Isur
edoneedabr
eak"
.

Enzo:
"Gr
eatthenpr
epar
eyour
sel
f,wear
eli
vi
ng
i
nanhour".

Me:
"Theki
ds?
"

Enzo:"
HoneyIam marr
iedtoNkanyi
soZulu,
my
manof f
eredt
otakecar
eoft heki
ds,
healso
bel
iev
esIneedabreaksinceIworkt
oohard".

Me:
"Andt
henwhataboutMr
sKhuzway
o?"
MrsKhuzwayoisEnzo'
sli
tt
lesi
sterZinhl
e,she
i
spregnantandhat
esitwhenwel eav
eher
behi
nd.

Enzo:"
Thatoneisstayi
ngathomewi thherki
ds
andhusband,y
ouknowNt andodoesn'
twanna
beseparat
edfrom Zi
nhle"

Il
aughedandwentt
ogetr
eadyf
ort
hegi
rl
s
ni
ghtout.

Wai t
!!!
!DidIint r
oducemy self
?Ididn'tr
ight?
Wel lIam Simi ngenkosiKhumalo,Iam av ery
careerdr i
venwoman.EnzoandZi nhlearemy
cousins,theirfatherandmymom ar esibli
ngs
thereforetheirfatheri
smyuncl eandmymom
i
st heiraunt.Butt hat'
snotimportantatthe
moment ,whatmat ter
sisthatIf
indnewof f
ices
quicklysot hatIcanmov efr
om MrKunene' s
space.Idon'
twannafindmysel
fmaki
ng
mistakeswit
hamar r
iedman.

[
Sfi
so]

Oyintandoi ssocalm, sheisnotcomplai

ning
noraskingmeany t
hing.Ithi
nksheseesri
ght
throughme.Imeant hat'
stheonlyval
idr
easonI
hav etoherbehav i
our .MaybesheknowswhatI
didwi t
hSi mi,buthow?Ormay beit
'smy
i
magi nations?May beIshouldtestthewater
s
andf i
ndouti fsheknowsorshesuspect
somet hing.

Me:
"BabyI
'
m hungr
y,canIor
dersomet
hing?
"

Shedi
dn'
tcook,
Iam ev
enaf
rai
dtoaskwhy
.
Oyi
:"I
fyouwantt
oor
dert
heny
oucan,
theki
ds
andIhaveeat
en"

Ohwow!
!!Sot
heyat
eandnev
ert
houghtabout
me?

Me:
"Oh..
.noi
t'
sokayI
'
llgomakesomet
hingi
n
t
hekit
chen"

Throughoutt hey earsI'

vebeenmar ri
edwi th
Oyintandoshehasnev erbeenlikethi
st owards
me, whenev erthere'
sapr obl
em sher ai
sesit,
wef i
ghtabouti tandf i
xit.Whatsheisdoi ng
nowi sr eal
l
ykill
ingme, Iwouldratherhaveher
shoutt hanthissil
enttreatmentI'
m gett
ing.

Isi
ghedanddeci
dedt
oaskheronceandf
oral
l
.
Me:
"Babyar
eyouokay
?"

Oy
i:"
YeahIam"

Me:
"I'
m sor
ryf
ornotcomi
ngt
othecheckup"

Oyi
:"I
t'
sfi
neSfi
so,
leti
tgo.Iunder
stand,
You
hadtowork"

Yoooh,
thewayshesai
dit
!!
!

Me:"
Isther
esomethi
ngIdi
d?Tohur
tyouor
makeyouangr
y?"

Oyi
:"Wel
lquest
ionisareyoudoingsomet
hing
t
hatcoul
dpossibl
yhurtorangerme?"
Ichokedonsal
i
vaandcoughedf
orqui
te
sometime.
Shegav
eabor
edl
ookandst
oodup.

Oyi
:"I
'm goi
ngt
ooutt
heki
dst
obedt
hensl
eep,
goodni
ght"

Shest
oodupandl
eftmet
her
e.

.
..
..
..
..
..

•
••I
nthebedr
oom•
•••

Icoul
dn'
tsleep,Iputmyhandontopofher
,she
pushedi
t.Ithoughtshewassl
eeping.
Me:
"Myl
oveI
'
m notcheat
ingony
ou,
Iswear
"

Oy
i:"
Whosai
dyouar
e?"

Ikeptqui
et.

Oyi
:"Thedoct
orsai
dIshoul
dgetenoughsl
eep
ohbutyouwouldn'
tknowsi
nceyouwere
worki
ngwhenIwentt ot
hedoct
or"
.

Me:
"Lov
eI.
..
..
"

Oyi
:"Goodnightbaby
,youhav
etohavet
owake
upearl
yinthemor ni
ng,y
ouareahar
dworki
ng
manafteral
l"
Isi
ghedandt ri
edt osleepbutIj
ustcoul
dn't
.But
Idon'tgetwhyOy int
andoisangry,
ImeanI
alr
eadyapol ogizedfornotmakingitt
othe
doctor'sappointment.AndwiththeSimi
si
tuation,Ionlykissedherandcamet omy
sensesqui ckly
.Thatkissmeantabsolutel
y
nothi
ng, or.
..
.am Itryi
ngtoconvi
ncemy sel
f?

Myt
hought
sat
emeawayt
il
lIf
inal
l
ydozedof
f.

#Unedi
ted
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.
♥
I
nser
t7.
[
Oyi
ntando]
Weekshav epassedandImustsayt
he
si
tuat
ioninmyhousewasv er
ytenseandsour
butatleastt
hingsar
enowbacktonormal
.I
spoket omysi st
erandt ol
dheraboutmy
suspicionsandwel lall
shesaidwas" Mntase
actnor mal,ifhereal
lyischeat
ingyouwi l
lfi
nd
outev entuall
y"andIhav ebeenplayi
ngitvery
cool.Ev erheardaboutawoman' sgutfeeli
ng?
Asmuchaswear egoodnowbutt hatf
eeli
ngis
ther
e.

Anywaybackt othepresentmoment,i
t'
stwo
daysbef or
eChri
stmas, somykidsandIare
decorati
ngtheChri
stmast ree,
daddyi
snot
homeandhei sobvi
ouslynotatworkbecause
theyclosedfort
heholidays.

Ol
uhl
e:"
MommyIt hi
nkweneedaddt
hel
i
ght
s
i
nthel
iv
ingr
oom aswel
l"

We'
vedonet
oomuchdecor
ati
ngal
ready
,Iam
sot
ir
ed.
Me:"Babywe'vedonetoomuchdecorat
ing,
why
don'
twet akeabreakandgetsomet
hingto
eat
?"

Si
mbongil
e:"
Yes.
..
yesmommyt
oast
ed
br
ead!
!!
!"

Ilaughed,myl i
tt
lepumki nisbusyplay
ingon
thefloorwi t
hhertoysandChr i
stmaslight
s,I
reall
ywi shtobeherrightnow, shei
sababy
andcar esaboutabsolutelynothi
ngintheworl
d.
Allshecar esabouti
sbei ngfed,bat
hedandput
tobed.

AsformeIhav ealott
odealwith.
..
getti
ngmy
matri
c,deal
ingwi
ththr
eekids,myhusbandwho
hascheati
ngqual
it
ies,mor
ningsicknessesand
al
otofcr
avi
ngs.

Me:"
Olul
ookaf
terSbani
neh,
I'
m goi
ngt
omake
usf
ood"

Oluhl
e:"
Okaymommy ,
pleaseaddal
otof
cheeseonthet
oast
edbread"

IgiggledandshookmyheadasIwal kedt othe

kit
chen.Theyar ether easonwhyIt rysohar dto
containthet hingsIdeal wi
thatti
mes, Iwant
them toseeav er
yhappymom, mor ethan
any t
hingt heyarether easonwhyIf inallychose
tobecomeabet t
erper son.Il
ovemyki ds,Il
ive
formyki ds.Ipr eparedt hefoodandwentback
tothel oungewhenIwasdone, satont he
carpetandat e.Sbanikeptonpl ayi
ngwi thmy
foodbutwhenIt ri
edfeedi ngherherownshe
refusedt oeat .
Me:
"Sbani
letmommyeat
"

Shespokei
nherf
orei
gnl
anguage,
thatgot
Si
mbongil
etol
augh.

"
Fami
l
yI'
m home!
!!
"

Hewascarr
yingawhol
elotofgi
ftboxes,
from
bi
ggestt
osmallest
.

Ki
ds:
"Daddy
!!
!"

Theygotupandrantohi
m,howwi
l
ltheyhug
wit
hallt
heseboxes?
Theyhuggedhim,thegi
ft
sfel
ldown,
he
fol
l
owedsuittheygotontopofhi
m.

Sbani
:"At
ata"

Il
aughed,that'
shert r
yingtosaydaddy,Idon't
knowwhybutcompar edtomyot herki
dsshei s
pret
tyl
ate,herwor dsarenotclearenoughand
sheisst
ill
balancingwi tht
hingswhenwal ki
ng
butsheis1y earold.

Sf
iso:
"Heybaby
"

Me:"Hey
,wher
ehav
eyoubeen?Yourki
dswer
e
abusi
ngme"

Hel
aughedandcamet
oki
ssmet
henmynot
sov
isi
blet
ummy
.

Sfi
so:"
Iwasgi
ftshoppi
ng,
it'
sChr
ist
masi
ntwo
daysbaby
"

Me:"
Isee,yougotalotofthem.Li
stenI'
m so
t
ir
edpleasetakeov
er,I'
m gonnagotakeabath
t
hencomebackt opreparesupper
"

Sfi
so:"Takeaslongasyouint
hebathmama,
I'
l
lorderall
yourfav
ouri
tes,
youdon'
thav
eto
cook"

Am l
uckar
en'
tI?
Iki
ssedhi
m andr
anupst
air
s.

Sbani
:"Mamamama"
Ihear
dhercryi
ngformeandIchoset
oignor
e
herandranmysel
fabubbl
ebathandgoti
nsi
de
andrel
axed.

[
Sfi
so]

Ov erthepastweekst hingswer er eall

ynotgood
andmebei ngthemant hatIam, onewhohas
nev ercheatedonhi swi fe,Iwasr eallyshowing
thatIki ssedanotherwoman, Iwasshowi ng
thatIf eelguil
tyaboutsomet hingandt hatwas
reallyclosetobreakingmyhome, Ihadt ocome
backt omysensesandst opact ingl i
keal ove
sickt eenager.Iwon'tli
eandsayIst opped
thinkingaboutSi mi,
It hinkaboutherf r
om t i
me
tot i
mebutal soIcan'tlosemywi feandki ds
ov eraf li
ng.SonowIdeci dedt obeaf at
hermy
kidsneedandahusbandmywi f
eneeds.
AnywayIorder
edandplayedwithmykids,I
missedthesemomentssomuch, t
heykeep
or
deringmearound,
weputal lt
hegif
tboxes
ar
oundt heChr
ist
mastreethenfi
nal
lythei
r
mom camedown.

Oy
i:"
I'
mfi
nal
l
ydone"

Me:
"Thef
oodwi
l
lar
ri
vesoon,
comesi
tnextt
o
me"

Shesatt
ome,Iki
ssedherf
orehead,
Ilov
emy
wif
esomuch.

Me:
"Yousmel
lgood"
Oyi
:"Thankyou,
I'
m hungr
y.Whyi
sthef
ood
t
aki
ngl ong?
"

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"Ar
emybabi
eshungr
y?"

Whenshet oldmeshe'scar
ryingtwins,Iwon'
t
l
ieandsayIwasn'tshockedbutI '
vemade
peacewithitandI
'
veactuall
yf al
l
eninlovewit
h
theidea.

Oy
i:"
Yeaht
heyar
e"

Aswewer etal
ki
ngtheint
ercom rang,
Ibuzzed
thepersoninandwenttoopent hedoor,
itwas
ourorder,
Ipaidandtookthefood.
Ihadorder
edchickenst
ri
ps,ribs,buf
fal
owings
andawholelotoffri
est
henf orthekidsI
order
edMcDonald'sbur
gers,thankstoMrD
foodImanagedtogetever
y t
hing.

Igav
ethekidsthei
rfood,wel
lasf
orSbani
she
wasalr
eadyti
redandasleep.
Oyiopenedt
heremai
ningpaperbagst
hen
fr
owned,shel
ookedatme.

Me:
"Whati
sitbabe?
"

Oyi:"
Ithoughty
ousai
dyouwoul
dor
deral
lmy
fav
ourites"

Me:
"Buty
oul
oveal
lthoset
hingsbabynj
ena"
Sheshookherhead,
guy
shermoodswi
ngs!
!!
!

Oyi
:"Mxm!!
!Hotwings!
!!
!!Hot
..
..
hotwi
ngs
Sf
iso!
!!
what
'sal
lthi
sreal
ly?"

Iwasjustpuzzledandreal
lyget
ti
ngbored
becausejustyest
erdaysheaskedforbuf
fal
o
wings.

Oyi
:"I
'
lldr
ivemy
sel
ftochickenli
ckenbecause
cl
earl
yI'
m onmyowninthispregnancy
"

Shewentt
ogetthecarkey
s,Ist
oppedher
whil
eshewasonherwaytothedoor.

Me:"
I'
ll
gogett
hem,
Iwon'
tal
l
owy
out
odr
ive
t
hist
ime"
Oyi
:"Whatar
eyou?Myf
ather
?Pl
easeIneedai
r
Sf
iso"

Me:"Babygot
othegar
den,
you'
l
lgetal
ltheai
r
youneed"

Shet hr
ewthekey sont het abl
eandwentt osit
down.Itookthekey sanddr ov
eoff,l
uckil
y
therewasn'
tanyqueont hedrivet
hru,Ior
dered
asmanywi ngsaspossi bleanddroveback
home.WhenIar rivedtheki dswereasleepbut
shewasst i
ll
up, It
ookal ookatherandsaw
thatsheiscr
ying.

Me:
"BabyI
'
m her
ewi
tht
hewi
ngs,
stopcr
ying"

Shet
hrewmyphoneatme,
damn!
!!
!Damn
damndamn! !
!!Ipi
ckeditupandcameacr oss
text
sbetweenSimi andI,meapologisingfor
thekissandt
elli
ngheritwil
lneverhappen
againandsherespondedbysay i
ngit'sokay
andthatsheenjoyeditr
egardl
ess.

Me:
"I.
..
.baby
..
.i
t'
s.
..
Icanexpl
ain"

Oyi:"
Explai
nwhat ?
??Thatwhyy oukissedher?I
knewit!
!!IknewitSfi
so,youarefuckenwhoring
aroundwhileIrai
seyourkids,
slavearoundfor
youandnur si
ngthepregnancyalone!
!!
"

Shewasshout
ing,
loudenought
owaket
heki
ds.

Me:"Mamapl
easedon'
tshoutt
heki
dswi
l
l
wakeup"
Oyi
:"Theycanwakeup!
!Idon'
tcar
e,Iwoul
dli
ke
t
hem tohearwhatki
ndofabustar
dyouare"

Me:"Babyitmeantnot
hing,
IloveyouandIam
notevenseei
ngher,i
twasami stake"

Oy i
:"Fuckyouandyourmistake,t
aket hose
stupidwingsandshovethem inyourass, Idon'
t
wantt hem any
morenordoIwanty ouinmy
bedroom, youcansl
eepinthesparebedr oom
orthecouchorwi t
hyourwhor eIdon'tcare"

Sheturnedtol
eavebutstoppedandbef
oreI
knewitallt
hebuff
alowingsandri
bswereal
l
overme, t
hensheranupstai
rs.

Whatkindofaf
ool
am I
?Whydi
dn'
tIdel
etet
he
messages?
Isi
ghedandcl eanedupt henwentt ot
hespare
bedroom butIcouldn'
tsleep,Ideci
dedtowake
upandwentt oourroom, shewascurledupand
cry
ing.Isleptonourcouchmaki ngsureshe
doesn'thearme,allIwantedwast oholdher
andapol ogi
sebutIknowbet ter.

#Goodni
ght
#Unedi
ted
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.
I
nser
t8.

3day
sago[
Nar
rat
ed]

Duri
ngChri
stmasdayOyi
ntando'
sbrot
herand
si
stercamewit
hthei
rpar
tnersandchi
ldr
ento
celebratethedaywi t
hKunenesast heyhad
host edaChr ist
maspar t
y.Every
onewast here,
theirfri
endsandSf i
so'sfewcolleagues.Atthat
ti
meOy i
ntandowasst i
llmadatSf i
sobutf or
thesakeoft heguest
sshepr et
endedl i
ke
every t
hingisokay.
Thepar t
ywenton, t
heygaveeachothergifts,
braai'
dmeat ,at
eandli
stenedtogoodmusi c
whi l
edancingtheni
ghtaway.ButOyintando's
sisterhappenedtonoti
cethatOyii
snotokay
soshecal l
edhertothebedroom sotheycould
talk.

Londeka:
"OkaySi
sIknowyoul
i
ket
hebackof
myhand,what'
swrong?"

Oyi:
"Atfi
rstIt
houghtIwasseei
ngthi
ngs,t
hatI
wasgoingcrazybutmysuspici
onsgot
confi
rmedwhenIsawmessagesbet weenhim
andsomegirl
,theyki
ssedandhewas
apol
ogi
singfortheki
ssbutthegi
rlsai
dshe
enj
oyedi
t".

Shewasi
ntearsasshecoul
dn'
tbel
i
ev eher
ver
yownhusbandcoul
ddoherli
kethat.

Londeka: "What?Ohnomnt aseI '

m sorry.Listen
babyIneedy out obest rongr ightnowokay ?
Remembery ouar epr egnantandatt hi
s
momenty ouneedt othinkofwhat 'simpor tant,
yourchil
dr enaremor ei mpor tant.Iwanty out o
beamot hert otheki dsOy i
ntando, don'tfall
aparti
nf rontoft hem.I fy ouf eelli
kecr yi
ng,
l
ocky ourselfupi nt heroom andcr ybutal so
don'
tov erdoi t,
st r
essi snotgoodf ort
het wins.
Iam alway sheref ory oumyl ov e.IfSfi
so
conti
nuest oseet hisgirlyouwi l
lfindoutand
mntasey oumustl eavehi sungr atefulass.You
mightnotbewor ki
ng, youmightnotbet hekind
ofgirlsomemennowaday swantbutt r
ustme
youarewi thi
nt hedreamsofmostmen, men
whowi l
lbewi l
li
ngtolov eyouandy ourkids.
Youwi llgetyourmat r
icresul
tsinaf ewweeks
andI'm surey oupassedbecauseIsawhow
focusedy ouwer e,
theny ouwillenr
ol atany
coll
egepar tandstil
lbeamot hertothekids"

Oyi:"
I..
.Il
ovehi
m Londeka,howdoIleavethe
manI 'v
eknownandl ovedhalfofmyli
fe?My
fi
rstlove?Thef
atherofmyki ds?HowdoIdo
t
hat ?
"

Londeka:"
Sit
uati
onwi ll
forcey ouOyi,Iknowit'
s
abitt
erpi
llt
oswallowbuty oucan'
tstaywi th
someonewhowi llbreakyouemot ionall
yev er
y
chancehegetsandbesi desIam notsay inghe
wil
lconti
nuecheatingallI
'm sayi
ngis" I
f"he
cont
inuest
ocheat
"

Oyint
andonoddedandsighed,
Londekabr
ought
herinforahugt
henwipedhertear
s.

Oyi:"
Thankyou,
IguessIr
eal
l
yneededt
otal
kto
you.Ifeel
bet
ter
"

Londeka:
"Good,nowIwanty
outogotot
he
bathr
oom andwashyourf
acesowecanand
feedaunt
ieNdeka'
stwi
ns"

Shesmiledandst
oodup,wentt
owashherface
thencamebackandappl
i
edal i
tt
lemakeup.

Oy
i:"
I'
m done,
wecango"
Londeka:"Babyremember ,don'
tshare
ever
y t
hingwithyourfr
iends,youneverknowif
they
'l
lbehappyorwhat .I
'm her
eforyoualway
s
avai
labletotal
k,evenaftermidni
ght"

Oyinoddedandt
heywal
kedoutoft
her
oom
handinhand.

Whentheygottothegardentheyfoundpeople
danci
ngandhavingtheti
meoft heirl
iv
es.Sf
iso
wasjustsi
tt
ingt
here,watchi
ngpeopledance
whil
ehedrankhisglassofwhiskey.

Thenightwentonandonunt i
levery
onelef
t
expectMv el
oandNdeka'ski
ds.Theywould
sleepoverthent
heirpar
ent
swoul dgett
hem
thefol
lowingday.
[
Int
hebedr
oom]

OyiandSf i
sohadjustgot t
entotheirbedr
oom
af
tersayingthei
rgoodby estothei
rguests,
Oyi
ntandowasst il
lfi
ndingithardtotalkt
o
Sf
isoafterwhatshef ound.

Sf
iso:
"Babycanwet
alk?
"

Oy
i:"
Iam t
ir
edSf
isoIneedt
osl
eep"

Sf
iso:
"Wecant
alkwhi
l
einbed"

Oyi
:"Youdon'
tgetitdoy
ou?Iam say
ingIneed
tosl
eepnotchi
lli
nbedandli
stentoyour
sorr
ies.
"
Sf
isosi
ghed.Oy
int
andowasl
ooki
ngf
orher
py
jamas.

Sf i
so:"
Babyitwasami st
ake, amist
akethat
happenedonceandi tneverhappenedagain,
it
wi l
lneverhappenagain.I
'
mr eal
l
ysorry
,Iwould
ratherhaveyoushoutatmet hanthi
ssil
ent
treatmentI'
m gett
ing"

Oy
i:"
Why
?Whydi
dyoudoi
tint
hef
ir
stpl
ace?
"

Sf
iso:
"Itwasami
stakebaby
"

Oyi
:"Wr
onganswerSf
iso,Iam aski
ngwhydi
d
youdoi
t,answermet
ruthful
l
yorletmesl
eep"

Sf
iso:
"Itwasamomentofweakness"
Oy
i:"
Arey
ouat
tract
edt
oher
?"

Sf
isol
ookeddown.

Oy
i:"
Youar
e..
.Okay
,doy
oul
oveher
?"

Sf
iso:
"No.
..
.nobabyIl
ovey
ou"

Oyi:
"Youdon'
tlov
eherbutyouat
tract
edt
oher
,
formethat
'ssamedi
ffer
ence"

Sf
iso:
"ButOy
iIdi
dn'
tsayI
'
m at
tract
edt
oher
".

Oyi
:"Youdi
dn'
thav
etosayi
t,y
oursi
l
encesai
d
i
tal
l"
Shewor eherpy
jamasandgoti nbed,swit
ched
offhersi
delampleavingSf i
sosti
llseat
edon
thebed.Hegotup,tookof fhiscl
othesandgot
i
nbedonl yinhi
sboxer s.

Heputhi
shandonOy
i'
stummyandbr
ushedi
t.

Sfi
so:"I
'm sor
ry,
Ipromiseyoubabyi
twil
lnev
er
everhappenagain.Il
oveyouandIcan'
taf
for
d
toloseyou"

Oyikeptquiet,
shewasthinki
nghard,t
hinki
ng
ofhersist
er'swor
ds.ToheritwasclearSfi
so
l
ikedthi
swomanandt hathurther
.

Sf
iso:
"Baby
"
Shekeptqui et
,ther ef
oreSfi
sosqueezedher
breastswhileki
ssi ngherneck.Herbreat
hing
patternchanged, heknewhegotherwher ehe
want edshewon' tsaynot osexbecauseofthis
pregnancy.

Hemadehert
urnt
olookathi
m,herey
eswer
e
cl
osed.

Sf
iso:
"Lookatmebaby
"

Sheshookherhead, Sfisopull
edhercloserand
kissedherlips,shedidn'tr
efuse.Heundressed
herwhilekissingherthenanot herhand
caressedherboobswhi leanotherwasdown
theredoingt hethi
ngs..
...
..
.AndAndAnd
Theyhadav er
yhotsession,
withSfi
sobusy
apologisi
ngandaskingifheisfor
giv
enand
Oyintandoagreedt
of or
givehim.

Sf
iso:
"Mer
ryChr
ist
masmyl
ove"

Oy
ismi
l
edwhi
l
ebr
eat
hingheav
il
y.

Oy
i:"
Mer
ry.
..
mer
ryChr
ist
mas"
.

Heki
ssedheroncemoreandwentt
ogeta
t
oweltocl
eanthem up.

Sf
iso:
"I'
m sosorr
ybabyandIloveyou.I
pr
omiseitwil
lneverev
erhappenagai
n"

Oy
i:"
Youpr
omi
se?
"
Sf
iso:
"Ipr
omi
se"

Theyki
ssedandf
ell
asl
eepi
neachot
her
'sar
ms.

[
Presentday
]

[
Oyi
ntando]

SfisoandIar egoodbutIt hi
nkt here'spartof
met hatsti
lldoesn' tt
rusthi mf ul
ly.Att he
momentIam ner vousaboutmyr esul t
s,weeks
arer eall
ygoingbyf aster.Any wayt odaywear e
takingt hekidst othemov iesinMal l ofAfri
ca,
wehar dlygot here.Ihav ejustpackedal l
the
necessar ythingsf orSbani ,nappies, dummy ,
foodandachangeofcl othes.Idon' tSouth
Africanweat her ,whereverIgowi thmyki ds,
t
her
e'sal
way
sjacket
s.

Sf
iso:
" Babyweareal
ldoneandt
heki
dsar
e
i
mpatientl
ywait
ingf
oryou"

Me:
"Tel
lthem wear
enol
ongergoi
ng"

Ol
u:"What
?Mommyno! !Noyoupromisedand
r
emembery ousai
dweshouldnev
ereverbreak
apromi
se,whyareyoubr
eaki
ngyour
s? "

Sf
isoandIl
aughed,
Idi
dn'
tev
enseehercome
i
n.

Me:"
I'
mjoki
ngbaby
,wear
egoi
ng.TakeSbani
'
s
bagt
othecar"
Shet
ooki
tandr
anof
f.

Sf
iso:
"Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulmyl
ove"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Iwaswearingat
ightyel
l
owdresswhi
ch
showedoffmyli
ttl
ebabybumpandbl
ack
sti
l
let
os.

Sfi
so:"
Areyousur
eyouwi
l
lweart
hoseshoes
thewholeday
?"

Me:"
YesbutIpackedsl
i
pper
sjusti
ncaseIget
t
ir
ed"

Sf
iso:
"Okayt
hen"
Me:
"Comel
et'
sgo"

It
ookSbanifr
om t
hebed,shewasbusyeat
ing
myphone,i
thadsal
iv
aall
ov er
.

Me:"Si
sSbani
,doy
ouwantt
odamagemama'
s
phone?
"

Shegi
ggl
ed,
mxm ki
ds.

AsIwaswal
ki
ngout
,Sf
isopul
l
edmeback.

Me:
"Whatnow?
"

Sf
iso:
"Youar
efor
get
ti
ngsomet
hing"
Me:
"Yi
nil
eyo?
"

Sf
iso:
"Thi
s"

Hepull
edmeinforakiss,av
erypassi
onate
ki
ss.Sbani
keptonbeati
nghi
m withhert
oy.

Me:
"Si
s!!
!Sf
isoi
nfr
ontofmychi
l
d"

Sfi
so:"
Ouch!Shehi
tmewit
hhert
oyonmy
head,
sheissojeal
ous.
"

Welaughedandwentout
,onthewayt
othecar
wecameacrossSi
mbongile.
Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Haaaa!
!We'
vebeenwai
ti
ng"

Sfi
so:"
Youknowladi
esmyboy,yourmom and
Sbaniwer
esti
ll
looki
ngatt
hemselvesont
he
mirr
or"

Si
mbongilelaughed,Iguessatt
hethoughtof
Sbani
lookingatherselfonthemir
ror
.

Wegoti nthecar,Ibuckl
edtheki
dst henwelef
t.
Ilovethesekindofday s,wegett
ospendt i
me
togetherandlistentoourki
dsyappingaway,
l
istentoourf avouri
temusicandjustshar
e
goodl aughs.

[
Sfi
so]
Wear efinall
yatMallofAf r
ica,t
hepar kinglots
areful
l,Ihavetodrivear oundtof i
ndapar ki
ng
spaceandbam! !
!LuckilyIfoundone, therewas
acarleav i
ng.Assoonasi tleft
,Iparkedt hen
helpedthekidsout.Oy iwentt otakeSbani 's
bagandt hekids'j
acket s.Womenandt heirTLC,
Iwouldhav eneverthoughtofpacki ngj ackets
becausewhenwel efthomei twashotbutnow
i
tlookslikeit'
sgonnar ain.AnywayIl ockedt he
doorsthenwewenti nside.

Oyi
: "
Let'
sgobuyt heti
cket
sfi
rstt
hengoeat,
I
'm hungryandthekidshavet
oeatbef
orethei
r
mov i
estart
s."

I
ndeedweboughttwoticket
sf orOl
uhl
eand
Si
mbongil
e,wewon'tbegoinginwitht
hem we
wi
llj
ustt
akeSbanit
oplayatt hepar
kand
maybedoalit
tl
eshoppingthenwewi l
lgoget
t
hem whent
hei
rmov
iei
sov
er.

Wewentt oroccomama' sandorder

edt henwe
at
e,Sbanikeptoneat i
ngfr
om ourpl
ates,she
al
waysdoest hat,Doesn'
twantherfoodwhen
ot
hersareeating,shewant
swhatwear eeating.

Aftereat
ingthemovi
ewasaboutt
ost
artsowe
tookthekidsther
eandl
eft
.

Whenwegott ot hepark, mychildwassohappy

toseeot herkids, shestartedplayingwhil
eOyi
andIwat chedherandt hensomet hi
ngcaught
myey e.Simi ngenkosi,shewasal soatthepar
k
witht
hel adywhom It hinki shercousinEnzo,
theoneshecamewi ththeot herdayatthe
hotel
,theywer ewi t
hotherl adi
esandt her
e
werekidspl ayingr i
ghtinfr
ontoft hem.
Oy
i:"
Sfi
so!
!!Am It
alki
ngt
omy
sel
f?"

Me:
"Ummm so.
..
sor
rybaby
,youwer
esay
ing?
"

Oyi
:"Mxm nev
ermi
nd,
youar
ebusychecki
ng
ot
herwomenout"

Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongueandkeptqui
et.

Me:
"BabyIwasnotchecki
ngt
hem out
"

Aswewer etal
ki
ngIsawSi
mi comi
ngtoour
di
rect
ion,
Iswearmypalmsgotsweat
y
i
mmedi at
ely
.
Simi:"
HeySfi
so,
Isawy
oubutIt
houghtI
'
m
seei
ngthi
ngs"

Me:
"Hey
"

Oyiwasf
ocusedonSbani
butIknowshewas
l
ist
eni
ng.

Simi
:"Howarey
ou?How'
sthef
est
iveseason
tr
eat
ingyou?
"

Me:
"Ver
ywel
lthanks,
you?
"

Si
mi:"
It
'sgood,Imeansomet
imeoutsi
dethe
of
fi
ceisalwaysgoodandnot
hingbeat
sbeing
wi
thyourfamil
y"
Inodded.

Me:"
Ohhsor
rythi
sismywi
fe,
Oyi
ntando.Baby
t
hisi
summm. .
..
"

Icoul
dn'tut
terhernamebecauseshewil
lknow
i
mmedi atel
ywhoSi mii
sthenwewillgobackt
o
squar
eone.

Si
mi:"
OhhIseey ouforgotmyname,Iam
Si
mingenkosi,
youcancallmeSimi
.Niceto
meetyouMr sKunene"

Oy
igav
emet
heel
ookt
henshesmi
l
ed.

Oyi:
"Simi
!!Onewhowaski
ssingwit
hmy
husband?Nicet
ofi
nal
lymeetyou"
Si
michokedonSal
i
vaIguess,
Ial
socoughed.

Oyi
:"Norelax,
Iknowbutit'
swaterundert
he
br
igdeandohhei sMrKunenenot
Sf
iso.
..
unlessheisyourf
ri
end"

Si
mi:"
MrKunene..
.y
es,Ummm l
etmel
oveand
l
eaveyou,
happyholi
days"

Oy
ifocusedonSbani
agai
n,i
gnor
ingSi
mi.

Inodded,
thenshel
eft
.

Oyi:
"Iwasbusytal
ki
ngt
oyouwhil
ey ouwere
busyeyei
ngher?
Whatdoyout
hinkIam Sf
iso?"
Me:"Babynotnowplease, Idi
dn'tknowshe
wouldbehere,hadIknownIwoul dhave
suggestedwegosomewher eelse,l
et'
snot
fi
ghtbecauseofherplease.Ial
ready
apol
ogisedandy ouf
orgaveme"

Shesighedandkeptquiet
,whenitwascl
oset
o
theendofthemovie,wewenttobuyafew
thi
ngsthenwait
edforthekids.

Finall
ythemovi
ecamet oanend,IIwentt
oget
them weboughtthei
rMcDonald'st
henlef
t.The
drivehomebecameal oudone,
theywere
explai
ningt
hei
rmov i
e.

Si
mbongile:
"Youarel
yi
ngOl
uhl
e,t
hatdogwas
noteat
ingblood!
!"
Oluhl
e:"What
everSi
mbongi
l
e,daddyi
twas
eati
ngredjel
l
y,i
twasavampir
edog"

TheywentonandonandwhenIl
ookedatOy
i,
shewasasleep,
sowasSbani
.

Wef i
nal
l
yarri
vedathomeandwewer eal
ldog
ti
redsoweateandreti
redt
obed.Idi
dn'
teven
knowwhetherOyiwasmadorwhatbutwejust
sl
ept.

#Mor
ning
#Unedi
ted

Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.
I
nser
t9.
[
Oyi
ntando]

Icansaf elysayweent er
edt henewy earona
goodnot e.Ihav edecidedtol eavewhat
happenedl astyearjustthereandbegi nmyy ear
onacl eansl ate.Ievenmadenewy ear'
s
resolutionswhi chincludetakingcareofmy sel
f
mor e,lov i
ngmy selfmor ethanIexpectt obe
l
ov ed, l
ov i
ngmyki dsmor ebutmosti mpor
tantl
y
pav emywayt oindependency .Ilov
emy
husbandy esbutdur ingthepastf ewmont hshe
reall
ypr ov edt omet hathecanl eavemeany day,
hepr ov edt omet hatmar ri
agedoesn' t
guar anteehappi nessf or
ever.

Speakingofpavi
ngmywayt oi
ndependency,
todayIam meeti
ngupwi t
hcelest
e,sheisa
l
adyt hatownsabout
ique,shesel
lsclot
hes,
shoesandallsor
tsofcl
othingbutIwantto
proposetoherthatIi
ntr
oduceahandbag
rangeinherbouti
que,Iwi
llalsobebuy
ing30
percentofhershar
es,soIam driv
ingt
o
Southdownsshoppingcentre.
.
..
..
..
..
.

Mi
nut
esl
aterIar
ri
vedandcal
l
edher
.

Cel
est
e:"
Heyhoney
"

Me:
"HyI
'
vej
ustar
ri
ved,
wher
ear
eyou?
"

Cel
est
e:"
MeetmeatMuggnbean"

Me:
"Okay
,I'
l
lbet
her
einaf
ew"
It
ookmyhandbagandabookoft
hehandbags
Iwantt
oaddi
nherstor
e,l
ockedt
hedoor
sand
l
eft
.

WhenIgott
omuggnbeanshewasal
ready
t
here.

Me:
"Heyhowar
eyou?
"

Wehuggedt
henIt
ookasi
t.

Cel
este:"
I'
m goodbabe,Ihav
en'
tseeny
oui
na
whi
le.Lookatyougl
owing"

Ismi
led,
Ireal
l
yam glowi
ng.Thepr
egnancygot
melooki
ngallf
reshandgl
owy.
Me:"
Yeahi
t'
sbeenawhil
e,Ihadalotgoingon,
howi
sthenewyeart
reat
ingyousofar?
"

Celest
e:"
Ohwell
it'
sokayIguess,
sti
l
lwaiti
ng
toseewhati
thasinst
oreformeandy ou?
"

Me: "Welli
treal
lyi
sthebegi
nni
ngbutIcan
safelysayIcanallt
hegoodthi
ngshappening,
I
al
sohav egreat
erpl
anssohopeful
l
yitwil
lgoas
planned"

Wehadouri
nfor
mal
conv
ersat
iont
henor
der
ed
br
eakf
ast
.

Celest
e:"Okaylet
'sgetdowntobusiness,Ihav
e
thenecessarydocumentsthatyouandIwi l
l
needtosignasanagr eementthatIam sell
i
ng
30percentofmyshar esandyouarebuy i
ng
them.Icangiv
et hem t
oyousoyoucangoand
careful
lyr
eadthem t
henwewill
takei
tfr
om
there"

Me: "Okaynopr obl

em then, Ihadmeantt o
proposeani deatoy ou,Idon'tifyouwilll
i
kei
t
butany wayasy ouknowI 'vebeenbuy i
ng
cl
othesaty ourbout i
queforawhi le,
Iknowyou
don'thaveabagcol l
ecti
onandy ouknowmost
l
adieswhobuyaty ourboutiquear eoneswho
l
ov eshoes,handbagsandt helikes.Sohow
aboutwei ntroduceabagcol l
ection?"

Shesmi
l
edwi
del
yandIknewt
hatshel
i
kest
he
i
dea.

Cel
este:"
Wow! !Ireal
l
ynev erthoughtofthat,
moreespecial
l
ybecauseIknewIwoul d
st
rugglewit
hget t
ingsignatur
ehandbags, Ibuy
mi
neov
erseas"

Me: "
Wel l
Ithoughtl
ongandhar dbef oreIcould
comet othisi
dea,soIhav eafr
iendcandel iv
er
thestockforusfrom pari
s,wewill
onl ypayhim
fordeli
veri
ng.
..
theonlythi
ngwewi lldoi sadd
thebrandnamet othebags"

Celeste:
"OhmyGodOyi!
!!Wherehav
ey oubeen
al
lthisti
me?Youwerebusybei
nga
shoppaholi
cwheny
ouhav ebi
ll
i
onair
eideas"

Ismi
l
edpr
oudl
y.

Celeste:"
Okayhowaboutwego50- 50?Imean
al
readyy ourideaswil
lbebri
ngusalotof
money ,soit'
sonlyfai
rwego50-50andrename
andr el
auncht hebout
ique"
Me: "
Wel l
y ouhaveal otofr angei nthestore,
I
will
onl ybeaddi ngthebagsf ornowsol et'
s
fi
rststickt othe30per cent.Andbesi deswe
haveseehowpeopl er espondt othebagsthen
wewi l
ltakeitfrom t
her e,i
ft heybuyi nnumbers
andt heyr eal
lyli
kethem wewi llexpandtothe
i
deaofl i
ngerie"

Shenodded,shewasbl
ownawaybyt
hei
deasI
wasproposi
ng.

Cel
est
e:"
Okaymylove,
Ireallycan'
twaitt
oget
i
nbusi
nesswit
hyou,
Ibelievegreatminds
combi
nedmakeanexplosion"

Me:"
Lookhoneyf
ornowI
'
dli
ket
oremai
na
si
l
entpar
tner
"
Shef
rowned.

Cel
est
e:"
Why
?"

Me:"
Myhusbanddoesn'tknowandfornowI
'
d
l
iket
hingst
oremai
nthisway ,
Fornow"

Shenoddedthenwespokesometil
lwedeci
ded
topar
tway s,
I'l
lhav
emybrot
hergothr
oughthe
documentssinceheisal
awyer
.

Me:"Byehoney
,Imissmykids.Iam goi
ngt
o
f
etchthem f
rom mysist
er'
spl
ace"

Cel
est
e:"
Okayl
ove,
seey
ou.
..
."
Me:"
Int
wodaysti
me,I'
l
lmakesur
eIsi
gnby
t
henandcomethr
ough"

Wehuggedandwentsepar ateways.Mykids
l
eftonthe2ndt ovi
sitt
hei
rauntNdeka,my
houseisquietsi
ncetheyl
eftsoIam goi
ngto
getthem y
oohIcan't
.

Tobecont
inuedl
ater
#Unedi
ted
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.
I
nser
t9(
Cont
inuat
ion)

[
Sfi
so]

Tomorrowwear
eopeningatwork,si
nceI'
mthe
bossIhavet
ogotodaytochecki
fevery
thi
ngis
okay ,
preparefortomor r
owandallthat,
therefor
eIjustfi
nishedtaki
ngashower .I
thoughtOy i
woul dbebackf r
om meet i
ngup
withherfri
endbutshe' snotsoIguessI'l
ll
eav
e
withoutseeingher.Itookmylaptopandcar
keys.

AsIwasabouttogo,
Iheardacarpul
li
ngupon
thedri
vewayandaminut
elat
erthenoi
se
began.

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Daddy
!!
"

Hecamer
unni
ngt
ome,
Ipi
ckedhi
m up.

Me:
"Heychamp,
yougood?
"
Henodded.IhuggedOl
u,t
hent
ookSbani
from
her
.

Me:
"Howi
smyangel
doi
ng?
"

Ol
u:"
I'
m okaydaddy
,I'
mjustt
ir
ed"

Ichuckl
ed,
sheal
way
sspeaksl
i
keanadul
t.

Me:
"Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngt
hatgoty
ousot
ir
ed
mnt
anam?"

Ol
u:"
Whew!!!Wefi
rstwentt
obuygr
oceries
wi
thauntNdekat
henweswam almostthe
whol
e,t
hatwasunti
lmom cametofet
chus".

Me:
"I'
m sor
rydaddy
'sangel
,soy
ouwantt
o
sl
eepnow?
"

Shel
etoutadeepbr
eat
hthennodded.

Oyi
:"Got
oy ourr
oom mommy
'sangel
,I
'l
lwake
youupaf
tercooki
ng"

Sher anupstai
rst
oherr oom,Myboynev ergets
ti
red.Iheardhi
m say i
ngsomethingabout
missinghisdogtohismom soher anoutsi
de.I
pl
ay edwithSbani,shekeptonlaughing.

Me:
"Baby
,Idi
dn'
tyou'
dpi
ckt
hem upt
oday
"

Oyi
:"Ial
sodidn'tplant
o,I
t'
sadecisi
onImade
r
ightaft
erbreakfastwi
thmyfr
iend.Imi
ssed
t
hem alot"
Me:
"Okay,Iwashopingwewouldgoout
t
oni
ght
,justthet
woofus.Wehav en'
tdonet
hat
i
nawhil
eandbesi destomorr
owI'
m goi
ngback
t
oworksoIwon'thav etot
imetot
akeyouout"

Oyi
:"I
t'
sokaybabe,besi
desIf
eel
ver
yti
red.
MaybeIshoul
drestabit"

Me: "
Okaynoprobl
em sthandwasam,l
ookbaby
Ineedtogototheoff
icefortomor
row'
s
prepar
ati
ons"

Shey
awnedandnodded.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouMawenganezam"
ShesmiledasIwalkedclosertoher
,shei
sso
beaut
if
ul.Thi
spregnancylovesher.

Me:
"Doy
oul
ovey
ourhubby
?"

Igott
oherandt
ickl
edher
,shel
aughedso
much.

Oy
i:"
Ngy
ayi
thandanam i
ndoda"

Me:
"Indodakabani
?"

Oy
i:"
Indoday
am"

Ismi
l
edandki
ssedher
.
Me:
"Gor
estt
henbaby
,I'
l
lseewhenIgetback"

Oy
i:"
Okaybaby
,lat
er"
.

It
hendr
oveof
f.
.
..
..
..

Arriv
ingatt heof f
icei
twasempt yandquiet,
theonl ypeopl ewhower eherewer ethe
cleaningladiesandt heonlysoundt her
ewas
camef rom vacuumsandout sidether
ewast he
guywhodoesourgar denandt hesoundofa
l
awnmower .Iheadedstrai
ghtt otheoff
iceand
greetedmaMsi zaontheway ,sheisoneofthe
cleaningladies.

WhenIgott
otheoff
iceIst
artedwithwork,
fir
st
st
art
edbychecki
ngmyemai l
s,respondedt
o
t
hoset
hatneededr
esponse.

"
Knockknock"

Il
i
ftedmyheadonl
ytobemetbySi
mi.

Me:
"Hey
"

Shewalkedin,GodIknowI '
m mar
ri
edbutdamn
thi
sgi
rlisbeauti
ful
,herbody.

Si
mi:
"Youar
est
ari
ngMrKunene"

Isnappedoutofi
tqui
ckl
y.

Me:
"Ummm.
..
Happynewy
ear
"
Simi:"
ThankyouMrK...
.whenIdrov
einIsaw
yourcarandt
houghtIshouldcomesayhell
o"

Me:"Ohwel
lthanky
ou,
Isai
dyoucancal
lme
Sf
iso"

Simi:
" Ohno.
..
MrsKunenemadei
tcl
eart
ome
thatyouareMrKunene"

Isi
ghedt
hinki
ngofmywi
fe.

Si
mi:"
Okayletmegot
omyof
fi
cet
hen,
itwas
l
ovel
yseei
ngy ou"

Me:
"Okayt
hen,
seey
ouar
ound"
Shenoddedandt ur
nedaroundtoleave.Her
dresswasv er
yti
ghtIcouldseet
het y
peof
underwearshewaswear i
ng.

Allthebloodfl
owedt omydick,
itbecamever y
hard.Asshewasaboutt oopent hedoor,
It ook
ther emotecont
rolandpr
essedlock,shet
ried
openi ngbutf
ail
ed.

Assoonasshet
urnedIwasr
ighti
nfr
ontofher
.

Si
mi:"The..
.Imeandoori
snotopeni
ng,
what
's..
..
."

Hereyeslandedonmyf
ull
yer
ectpeni
s,she
gaspedforher.
Si
mi:
"Wenzani
?"

Me:
"Look"

Ishowedhermydi
ck.

Me:"
It'
shungryf
ory
ou,
I'
m hungr
yfory
ou
Si
mingenkosi
"

Si
mi:
"You
.
.Sf
isoy
ouar
emar
ri
ed"

Me:
"Shhh.
..
"

Ipul
ledhertomeandki
ssedherdeepl
yand
hungri
l
y,shemoanedi
nsi
demymout handthat
t
urnedmeonev
enmor
e.

Me:
"Ineedy
ou"

Shekeptqui
et.

Me:
"Ify
oudon'
twantt
his,
tel
lmet
ost
op"

Shekissedme, t
hatconfirmedherhungerfor
me.Ili
ftedherupandputheragai nstthewal
l,
herl
egswr appedaroundmywai st,Iki
ssedher
fr
om themout h,
totheneckt henIwenttoher
boobs,mymout hwor ki
ngont heotherboob
whil
etheotherhandcar essi
ngtheotherone.

Si
mi:
"S.
..
OhSf
iso"
Me:
"Ineedy
ou,
I.
..
Ilov
eyouSi
mi"

Did..
.didIj ustsaythat?WellIdon'
tknowi fi
t'
s
l
ov eorl ustbutIam r eall
yfi
ndingherat
tract
ive
andIf eel somet hi
ngf orher
.

Shet
ri
edtalki
ng,Iki
ssedher
,myhandwent
downtohernuna,shewasallwetandr
eadyf
or
me.

Ithenwalkedt othedeskwhi
lesti
llcarr
yingher
andputheront op.Ir
emovedthelaptopand
otherpapers.Iworkedonherbody,whenIwas
sati
sfi
edIent eredher,
shemoanedl oudl
y ,
l
ucky
enoughtheof fi
ceissoundproof
edsonoone
canhearher .

Ipushedsl
owl
yti
l
lIwasf
ull
yin.
Si
mi:
"Ahhh.
..
.y
..
.y
es"

Me:
"Doy
oul
i
kei
t?"

Si
mi:
"Il
ovei
t"

Heari
nghersaythatdrovemecr azy
,Istart
ed
pumping,shewasscreami ngoutmyname
whil
eIgroaned.Shedugherl ongnailsonmy
backbutthatonl
ydrovemecr azycauseI
pumpedlikeitwasmyl astdayonear th.

Si
mi:
"Yesbaby
..
..
yes,
I.
..
Ilov
eyoumor
eSf
iso"

What??
? ?Icoul
dn'
thol
dinanyl
onger,
Iwent
f
aster
..
.shecamethenIfol
l
owed.Ismil
edto
her
,Idi
dn'
tevenfeelanyregret
s,Il
ovedev
ery
momentofit
,Ifel
tgoodinsideher.

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Shesmi
l
edandcl
osedherey
eswi
thherhands.

Ichuckl
edandtookof
fmyvest,
Icl
eanedher
upthenwipedmysel
faswel
l.

Wedressedup,Ikissedherfort
helastt
ime
t
henIunlockedthedoor,shelef
t.

Fort
heentiredayIt
ri
edworki
ngbutIcoul
dn'
t.
Mymi ndkeptondri
ft
ingof
ftothemomentI
hadwithSimi.
Ithendeci
dedtojustgohome,
I'
llwork
tomorrowbecausenow?NowI'
llneverbeabl
e
togetanyt
hingdone.

#Unedi
ted.
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.
I
nser
t10.

Aweekl
ater
[
Oyi
ntando]

Guesswhatke? ?Ipassedmymat r
ic!
!!Andright
nowI '
m onmywayt oregisteratBost on
businesscollege.I
'l
lbest udyi
ngbusi ness
managementt hat'
swhatmybr otheradvised
met odosi nceIam get t
ingintobusi nesswith
Celeste,apparentl
yitwil
lhelpmeknowmor e
aboutr unni
ngabusi nessandal l
thatIneedt o
knowi nthatdepartment.Speakingofgetti
ng
i
ntobusi nesswithCeleste,
t hedocumentswer e
si
gnedandseal ed,
youar enowl ooki
ngata
shareholderofglam coutur
eandmebei ngt he
gir
lthatIam, thegi
rlwhoknowspeopl ethat
knowpeopl e,Imadet hethingsthatmadet he
bagsar r
iveinourstore.

2020i sav er
ygoody earforme, okayletmenot
exaggeratebecauseit'
sonl ythebeginningbut
whatawayt ostartayear!!
???Imeanwho
woul dhavethoughtthatme, meOy i
ntando
woul dactual
lypassmat r
ic?Whowoul dhav e
thoughtIwoul dfi
ndinter
esti nbusi
ness?
Maki ngmyownmoney ?Nott hatIneedi tbut
i
t'sjustamazingknowingt hatyouhav e
somet hi
ngt oyourname.Hadsomebodyt old
met of i
ndsomet hi
ngtodowi thmyl i
fe5y ear
s
ago, Iwouldthi
nktheyarecr azy.
Okay !
!Iknowmyl i
fei sexci t
ingandal lbut
there'
ssomet hingbot her i
ngme, myhusband.
Sfisohasbeendi stantl ately
, Idon' tknowi fI
'm
seeingthingsbuthest artedact ingst r
ange
from l
astweek.Iaskedi fever yt
hingi sokaybut
asperusual "Work"washi smai nr eason.Allhe
doesiscomebackf rom wor k,spendabout15
mi nut
esorsowi t
ht heki ds,shower ,eatthen
closehimsel finhisst udyf orhour s.Hecomes
tobedl at
e, hedoesn' ttouchme, wenol onger
makel ove,ar ggghit'stoomuch.It oldmysi ster
,
shesaidmay beit
'sthepr egnancybecause
somet i
mesi tcanmakey ourpar tnerdi sl
ikeyou.

AnywayIar ri
vedatBoston,long
queues...
..
.*
Sigh*fi
nall
yIregister
edthenwent
tothenearestKFCt ogetmy selfsomet hi
ngto
eat,yooohthetwinsareshowi ngmef lames
wheni tcomest ofood.WhatIenj oyaboutit
thoughisthatIhavenoext r
emecr av
ingsor
moodswings,t
heonlythingi
sthatIeatal
ot
andwel
lngiyaGlowerbabes*Wink*

Aft
ereat
ingIthendecidedtobuySf i
soatwister
meal,
helovesit.Iknowjustt
hethingtocheer
hi
m up,I
'
mt akingthefoodtohim andthenI'
ll
sur
pri
sehim bytell
inghi
m Ipassedmymat ric.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..

Af
teranhourIgottoSf
iso'
swor
kpl
aceand
wenttoCassandr
atoaskifmymanisi
n.

Cass:
"YesMr
sK,
hei
sin"

IthankedherandwalkedtoSf iso'
soffi
ce,It
ri
ed
openingthedoori
twasl ocked, l
uckyformeif
heusedt heremot
et olockitIknowt hecodeto
openf r
om theout
side,i
t'
sOl uhle'
sdateof
bi
rt
h..
..
2505

"Wel
l.
..
Youknowhowt
owor
kmybodyr
ightsoI
can'
tcompl
ain"

Ifroze,t
hefoodIhadf el
l.Theybothl
ookedat
me, it
'sher
.ThatSimigir
l,si
tti
ngonmy
husband'slap,
theyarefeedingeachotherwhi
l
e
praisi
ngeachother.

Sfi
sogotupqui
ckl
yandcametome,t
ear
swer
e
nowstr
eamingdown,
Iwastr
embli
ng.

Me:"I
sthi
swhaty
oudot
ome?I
s..
..
Sfi
soi
sthi
s
whatyoudot
ome? "

Sf
iso:
"BabyI
..
.i
t'
snot
..
..
"
Me:"It
'snotwhatIt
hink?
thenwhatisit
?Iheard
herSfi
so,Ihear
dhersayingshekoveshowy ou
workherbody,you'
vebeensleepi
ngwith
her!
!!
!!
"

Ibrokedown, myhear tached.Howcoul dhedo

thi
stome?Thenhehasaner veoft el
l
ingme
i
t'snotwhatIthink.Isawhersi tt
ingonhisl
ap,I
sawt hem f
eedingeachot her,havingaromant
ic
moment ,Iheardthem.

Sf
iso:
"Baby
..
.I
..
.I
'
m sor
ry,
pleasedon'
t.
..
."

Me:"
Isshether
easonwhyy ounolongerspend
t
imewithme?Whyy ounolongert
ouchnor
makelovet
ome?Hel l
Sfisoi
sshether eason
whyyouspend15minuteswit
hthekids?"
Iwasshoutingsomucht hatpeopl
ewerenow
standi
ngbyt hedoor
.Ikeptonwipingmytear
s
buttheycouldn'
tst
opcomi ngout.

Sfi
so:"
Sthandwasam Icanexpl
ain.
..
Ilov
eyou
and.
..
."

Ifel
tasharponmyabdomi
nal
area,
Ifl
i
nched
andclosedmyeyes.

Sf
iso:
"Ar
eyouokaybaby
?"

Thebi
tchwasstandi
ngt
her
eli
ket
hewhor
ethat
shei
sandwatching.

Sf
isocamecl
oser
,tr
yingt
otouchme,
Iputmy
handupf
orhi
mtoseet
hathemustnot
.

Me: "
Ihopesheiswort
hit,Ihopesheiswort
h
t
heendofourmar ri
age,y
ouf ail
edtosti
ckto
yourvowsandIhopehervaginaisworthyou
l
osingmeandt heki
ds"

Sf
iso:
"BabyI
..
..
"

Me:
"Ahhhh"

Thatpai
ncamehar
derthi
sti
me,itdidn'
tst
op.I
wentdownonmykneesbecausestandi
ngwas
j
usttohard.

"
She'
sbl
eedi
ng,
cal
lanambul
ance"
Iwassuddenlydi
zzy
,Icoul
dhearvoi
ces
shout
ingbutsomewordsdidn'
tmakesenset
o
me.

Me:
"He.
..
hel
pme,
hel
pmepl
ease"

Sfiso:
"Baby..
..
babycany ouhearme?Lookat
meOy i
ntandopleasedon'tcl
oseyourey
es,l
ook
atme.Theambul ancei
sont hewaymyl ov
e
staywithme"

Ev
ery
thi
ngbecamebl
urr
yandi
twasl
i
ght
sout
.

[
Sfi
so]

Iam att
hehospi
tal
,i
nOyi
'swar
d.Iam paci
ng
upanddown,I'
m att
hev
ergeofcr
ying.I
t'
sall
myf
aul
t,Icoul
dn'
tkeepmypant
szi
pped.

IhaveneverseenOy i
ntandosobr
okenandso
hurt
,Ihur
ther.WillIev
erbeablet
ofixt
his
mess?Thel ookshegav emewasenoughtot
ell
howmuchshehat esme.

Sheissleepi
ngpeacef
ull
y,shehasdri
pson,
theysayshelostal
otofblood,I
'
vebeenpaci
ng
upanddowni nthewardwaiti
ngfort
hedoctor
tocomeandupdat eme.

Dr
:"MrKunene,I'
m sosorr
yforkeepingyou
wai
ti
ng.Thescanswedi dshowthaty ourwi
fe
waspregnantandwascarryi
ngtwins"

Me:"Whatdoy
oumeanwas?Shei
scar
ryi
ng
t
wins"
Dr:
"Unf
ortunatel
ysi
rtheydi
dn'
tmakei
t,she
hadamiscarri
age"

Icl
osedmyey
es, f
eltl
ikewall
sar
ecl
osi
ngi
non
meandIwasjustsuff
ocati
ng.

Me:"
No!!NoDoct
orpl
easecheckagai
n,t
her
e
mustbeamist
ake"

Dr: "
I'
m sosorryMrKunene,l
ooksli
keherbl
ood
pressur ewastoohi
gh,shesuff
eredapani
c
attackandt hebabi
escoul
dn'tt
akethest
rai
n
andst ress"

Tearsjustr
oll
eddown, Iki
l
ledmyki
ds.What
kindofamonst eram I
?Sheisgoi
ngtohat
eme,
thisi
sgoingtobreakher.
Ij
ustwai
l
edsof
tl
yandsatdownnextt
oher
.

Me:"I
'
m..
.I
'
m sor
ryst
handwasenhl
i
ziy
o,I
'
m..
.I
'
m
sor
ry"

Iheldherhand,anot
herdoct
orcamei
n.The
fi
rstdoct
ortappedmyshoulder
.

Dr:"I
'
m sosorryforyourl
ossMrKunene,r
ight
nowweneedt otakeyourwi
fesowecan
perf
orm aCsect i
onandremovedthebabi
es
thencleanherup."

Inodded,
theywheel
edheroutandIj
ustsat
ther
eandcriedsi
l
ent
ly.
Myphonerang,Icheckedt
hecal
l
erI
D,i
twas
Si
misoIignoredher.

Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.

#Goodni
ght
#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP
Bei
ngahousewi
fewasmypr
ofessi
on

Bantubam I
'
m sosor
ryaboutyest
erday,
whenI
gothomeIwassotir
ed.Ideci
dedtotakeal
it
tl
e
napinhopesoft
ypi
ngwhenIwakeupbutkehI
over
slept .

I
nser
t11.
[
Oyi
ntando]

"Workhar
dOy int
ando, wor
khardmychi ld.Your
dadandIarelookingdownony ou,t
hingsmi ght
l
ookbadr i
ghtnowbuti twil
lal
lworkouti nthe
end.Weloveyou,y ouandourbeaut
if
ul grand
ki
ds"

Me:"Ma.
..
.mamacomeback,
don'
tl
eav
eus
agai
nmamapl ease"

"ByemuntuzanakaMa, weareal
waysbyyour
side.Wehaveneverl
eftyou,
takecar
eof
yoursel
fandtheki
ds"

It
ri
edrunni
ngtoherbutshedi
sappear
ed,
I
st
art
edscreami
ng.
Me:
"Ma!
!!
!!Ma!
!!Comeback!
!!
"

TheplaceIwasatsuddenl ybecamedar k,I

heardbeepingsounds, Itri
edopeningmyey es
butthebrightnesswast oomuch.Icl osedt hem
andopenedagai n.Real
it
ykickedin,I
'mi n
hospit
al.Thebeepi ngsounds,thesmel l..
..
ital
l
cameback, inSf i
so'sof
fice.Ever
ythi
ngt hat
happened, t
hebl o.
..
theblood.Myhandqui ckly
wenttomyst omach, i
twassof tasifithad
nothi
ng.

"
MrsKunene.
..
.ar
eyouokay
"

Iguessi
t'
sthedoct
or,
Itur
nedt
olookand
i
ndeeditwas.
Thebeepi
ngsoundscont
inued.

Dr:
"MrsKunenepleasecal
m down,
breat
hin
andout
..
.i
n..
..
out
"

Itr
iedti
ll
Iwascal
m,al
lIneedt
oknowi
swhat
happenedtomyki
ds.

Me:
"My
..
.mybabi
es"

Shelookeddown,Isuddenlyhadt
ears,Iki
ndof
knewthepossibi
l
iti
essinceIwasbleeding
befor
eIcameher e.

Me:
"Drpl
easet
ell
mybabi
esar
eokaypl
ease"

JustasIwasaski
ng,
LondekaandMv
elogoti
n,
f
oll
owedby
..
..
.

Me:"
Whatdoy
ouwanther
e?Uf
unani
Sfi
so
l
ana!
!!
!"

Sf
iso:
"BabyI
..
..
..
"

Me:"Nooo!!
!Idon'
teverSf
isol
ist
entome
car
eful
ly,
ngithi
everwannaseeyouagai
n,get
out
"

Mv
elo:
"Sbal
epl
easel
eav
e"

Me:"Sbal
emyf oot
!!
!Hei
snolongery
ourSbal
e,
Ihat
ehim andIwantadi
vor
ce"

Sf
iso:
"St
handwasam y
oudon'
tmeant
hatdo
y
ou?
"

Me:"Drpleasewoul
dyouki
ndl
ytel
lmewhat
happenedtomybabies?
"

Dr
:"Ma'
am I
'
m sosorr
ybuty
ourbabi
esdi
dn'
t
makei
t,y
oumiscar
ri
ed"

Londekacri
ed,Iwasbey ondhur t
,Iwasbroken.
Iwantedtocrybuttearscouldn'
tcomeout .I
l
ookedatSfiso,IneverthoughtIwouldhate
someoneIoncer egardedast helov
eofmyl if
e
l
ikethi
s.

Me:"IhateyouSf
isoandifyout hi
nkthepain
youhavecausedmewi l
leventuall
ydiedown
andIwill
stophat
ingyoutheny oubettert
hink
agai
n,Youkill
edmybabies,youkill
edmei nsi
de
andy
ouar
ether
easonf
oroursepar
ati
on.
"

Mv
elo:
"Whathappenedkant
ivel
e?"

Ichuckl
edsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Me: "
Hedi dn'
tt ellyou?Wel lletmebr eakit
downt oyou, Sfisohasbeenact i
ngupf rom a
weekago, Ithoughti t
'sjustwor kbuty esterdayI
tooklunchtohi mi nhopesoff i
ndingoutwhy
he'sbeendistant ,Iwasgoi ngt oreachoutf or
somet hi
ngIdi dn'tdoi nthef i
rstplacebutas
soonasIgott ohi soffice,itwasl ocked.Iknow
thepintoopen, IopenedandIwasmetby
anotherwomansi tt
ingonhi slap,theywer e
feedi
ngeachot herandt alkinghowmucht hey
enjoyeachwhenhav i
ngsex"
Sf
isodi
dn'
tseet
hef
istf
rom Mv
elocomi
ng.

Mv el
o:"
Youbust ard..
.af
terever
ythi
ngOy ihas
donetobewi t
hy ou?Shedef iedourparents
j
usttobewithy ou,shegav eyouwayt omany
kids,
shebecameahousewi fe,t
aki
ngcar eof
yourneedsandt akingcareofyourchi
ldrenand
thisi
swhatsheget sinret
urn?Getout!
!!!
"

Sf
iso:
"I'
m sor
rybaby
"

Thenheslowl
ywal
kedout
,whenher
eached
thedoor
.

Mv
elo:
"Expectdi
vor
cepaper
ssoon"

Hedi
sappear
ed,
that
'swhenchestpai
nhi
tme,
I
j
ustsobbed.Year
sofmarr
iagedownt
hedr
ain,
howcouldSfi
sodothi
stome?

Londeka:"Shhhbabyi
twi l
lpassokay?I
twi
ll
pass.All
isnotlostOyi
,youstil
lhav
e3beauti
ful
ki
dsandy ouhav eus"

Me:"
But.
..
butIl
ostmytwinsLondeka,
Ilost
t
hem.Ishoul
dhave.
..
Ishoul
dhavebeenst r
ong
f
ort
hem"

Mvel
ocoul
dn'
tst
andwat
chi
nguscr
y,he
wal
kedout
.

Londeka: "Iwon'tal
l
owy outoblamey oursel
f
forthestressthatSfisoputyouthroughOy i
,i
t'
s
noty ourfaultt
hathecheated,howwer eyou
goingt obest r
ongafterfi
ndi
ngy ourhusband
wi
thanot
herwoman?
"

Me:"
Ihavetofi
ndapl
acetostay,
ther
e'sno
wayI
'm st
ayi
ngwit
hhi
m underthesamer oof
"

Londeka:
"Andt here'
snowayyouar
est
ayi
ng
al
one,youwil
l comeandstaywit
hmeunti
lyou
arecomplet
elyfine"

Me:"
No..
.noLondekaIdon'
twanttocr
owd
Mandl
ainhishouse,i
t'
swrongandImeanhow
l
ongwil
li
ttakebefor
eIcansayI'
veheal
ed?
"

Londeka: "Ev
enifi
ttakestwoy earsOy i
,my
homei sy ourhome.Mandlaknowsy ouar emy
sist
erandhewon' thaveapr oblem,yesI'
ll
talk
tohimf i
rstbutoutofrespectnotbecauseI'l
lbe
askingforhispermissi
on"
Isighed,t
hedream Ihadofmymot her
occupiedmymi ndbutIdecidedtokeepitt
o
my sel
f.SeeasbrokenasIam, Iam ver
ystr
ong.
I'
vealwaysbeenthest r
ongoneandLondeka
hasalway sbeensoftandfr
agil
e.

Aswer
etal
ki
ng,
thedoct
orgoti
n.

Dr:
"Ma'am I'
m af
raidvisi
ti
nghour
sar
eov
er,
our
pat
ientneedstorest"

Londeka:
"I'
l
lseey
out
omor
rowokay
?"

Me:
"Okay
"

Londeka:
"Il
ovey
ouSgci
nosi
kaMa"
Ismil
edwithtearscomi ngout,t
hat
'swhatmy
dadusedtocallme,SgcinosikaMawakhe,
becauseIam thelastbornandIwasamama's
baby.

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
ooNdl
ebezana"

Shelaughed,
alsowi t
htear
scomi ngout
.Dad
cal
ledherNdlebezanabecauseshehasbig
ear
s,hehadnamesf oral
lofus.Mvelowas
Nsi
zwakaBaba.

Sheki
ssedmyf
oreheadandl
eft
.

Dr
:"Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"
Me:"
Physi
cal
l
yI'
m okay,I
'
mjustbr
oken
emot
ional
l
ybutI
'
llbefi
ne"

Dr:"
Shal
lIr
ecommendsomeoney
oucant
alk
to?
"

Me:"
No.
..
nonoDocI'l
lbefi
ne.Iam ast
rong
woman,
solongasIhavemykidsandsibl
ings
ar
oundmethenI
'l
lbefi
ne"

Dr
:"Ohsoy
ouhav
eot
herki
ds?
"

Me:"
3ki
ds,
2gi
rl
sand1boy
.Theyar
emyl
i
fe
Doc"

Dr:
"OkaythenI
'm gl
adyouhav
ekidst
oli
vefor
andtheywil
lal
sobetheret
ogivey
oustr
engt
h
t
ocar
ryon"

Inodded,
she'
sav
eryni
ceI
ndi
anwoman.

Aft
erourli
tt
leconver
sat
ion,
shecheckedme
andlef
t,It
ri
edsleepi
ngbutfai
l
edsoItookmy
phoneandfoundamessagef r
om Sf
iso.

"
BabyI'mr eal
l
ysor
ry,whatwouldIbewithout
you?IknowImessedupandy oucanpuni sh
meinallthewayspossi
blebutpleasedon'
t
l
eaveme, Ilov
eyouSenhli
zi
yo"

Tearsfellf
rom myey es,haditbeenadiffer
ent
day,thi
smessagewasgonnamel tmyheartbut
nottoday,todayallIf
eelforSfi
soi spur
ehate,I
hatehim andit'
snotaj oke.Hebrokemyhear t
i
ntoami ll
ionpieces,hekill
edourkids.
Iloggedintof
acebook,
Iwasmetbya
memor y
..
.Api
ctur
eofSfisoandIcarry
ing
Oluhlewhenshewasy oung,Iqui
ckl
ytoour
pictur
esanddelet
edeachandev ery
oneoneof
them.

[
Sfi
so]

Imessedupandj udgingf r
om howt hingsar e,
Oy i
willnev erforgiveme.Ican' teventhinkof
howpai nful i
t '
sgoingtobewhenshel eav es,I
real
lydol ov eher.YesIcheat edandal lbutI
l
ov eher.Ri ghtI'm athome, I
'
mt ry
ingtocook.I
putwor sinsi dethepanandwentt ositont he
couch, Icont inueddr i
nkingmyGl enMor angie,
dryginwi thoutmi x i
ngit.Ithinkitistheonl y
thi
ngt hatcanhel pmenumbt hepainI '
m
feel
ing.Bef oreIknewi tthebot tl
ewasempt y
andIwaskakdr
unk,It
riedstandingupbut
fai
l
ed,If
ell
downandsleptjustl
ikethat
.

[
Simi
]

TrustmeIknowI 'mt helastper sony ouwantt o

hearf r
om r i
ghtnowandguesswhat ?Yep! !You
guessedr i
ght,Idon'tcare.Ast owhyIhav eto
bejudgedl ikey ouguy shav enev erfall
eninl ove
Idon'tknowbutany wayy ouar ethel eastofmy
problems.Il oveSfisoandatt hisv erymoment
I'
m wor ri
edabouthi m.Ithoughthewoul dbei n
hospitalwithhiswi febutnope! !hel efthours
ago.May bey ouarewonder i
nghowIknowt hat ,
wellIknowpeopl ewhoknowpeopl eand
someoneIknowwhowor ksatt hathospi t
al tol
d
mehel eftandhel ookedv er
ydev astatedand
depressed, henev erwentback.Il ookedf orhi m
atwor k,hewasnott her
e,Icalledhi m abouta
thousandtimesbuthewasnottaki
ngmycal
ls
soI'mleftwit
honeopti
on,whi
chisgoi
ngtohi
s
house.

Iam usingthegpsbecauseIdon'
tknowthe
place,
Igottheaddressfr
om oneofhisf
il
ein
hi
sof f
ice.
.
..
..
..
.

FinallyIarri
ved, l
ucki l
ythegat ewaswi deopen
andhi scarwaspackedout sidebutl uckyhow
anyway ?Leav ingt hegat ethisopenisl i
ke
i
nv i
tingthet hi
ev esi nsi
de.Ipar kedbehindhis
carandwal kedi nside,Ibuzzedatghedoorbut
therewasnor esponse.Thenmynost ril
swere
hitbyav erystrongsmel lofsomet hi
ngburning,
Iopenedt hedooronl ytobewel comedbya
terr
iblesmoke.Goshh! !!
!!
Me:
"Sf
iso!
!!
!"

Iranar
oundnotknowingwhereI'
m goi
ng,oh
ther
eheis,lyi
ngont
hefloorandawholebott
le
ofGM fi
nished.

Itr
iedshaki
nghi m buthewasnotwaki ngup, I
pull
edhim outsideandopenedthef ew
windowsIcoul dfi
ndthenIrantothekitchen,
Hewasf ryi
ngwor s..
.*
Sigh*Iswi
tchedthest ove
offandtookthepotout si
de.

Honestl
y,Iwasnotevensurewhattodonext
soIdecidedtocal
ladoctorfr
iendofmi
ne.
Gr
eathei
scomi
ng.

AsIwaswaiti
ngforSi
bonelot
ocome,a
beaut
if
ull
adycame,she.
..
.wowshei
swithouta
doubtasi
stert
oSf
iso'
swi
fe,
theyl
ookv
ery
muchali
ke.

Her:
"Hey
,whoar
eyouandwhat
'shappeni
ng
her
e?"

CanIr
eal
l
ytel
lherI
'
m Sf
iso'
ssi
dewoman?No.

Me:"I
..
.wel
lIwaspassi
ngbywhenIsawthe
smokecomingoutofthehousesoIt
houghtI
shoul
dcomeseewhat '
shappeni
ng"

Shedidn'
tbuyit
,Ialsowoul dn'
thave.Thelook
onmyf acesol
dme, andbesideshowwoul da
tot
alstr
angergeti
nsi desomeoneshouse
becausetheywanttohel p?Moreespecial
ly
becausethehouseisf arfr
om thestr
eetsso
seei
ngthesmokei snoteasy .
Her:"Thanksf
oryourkindness,
youmayleav
e,
I'
l
ltakeitfr
om her
e..
..
notthatItr
usty
ou
anyway "

Itookmybagandphoneandl ef
t,t
helookof
disgustonherf
ace,
Ijustt
ext
edSibonel
oand
toldhimtonotcomeanymore.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodmor
ning
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.

#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t12.

[
Londeka]
YesterdaywhenIwentt oOy i
'
shouseIf ound
thisladyandsher eal
l
yseemeddodgy ,Ididn'
t
evenf orasecondbuyherst orybutket hatis
notwor r
yingmef ornow, youknowt hewayI '
m
somadatSf isowhenIf oundhi ml yi
ngt here
helplesslyIdraggedhi m backi nsidet hehouse
andl efthim sleepingont hecar pet.Atleastthe
smokewasnol ongerther e,
whatwasl eftwas
thesmel l.Any wayIhadwentt her etopacka
smal lbagf orOy ibecauseshe'sget t
ing
dischargedt oday .
.
..
..
..
..
..
..

WhenIgott
othehospi
tal
shewasal
readyup,
wai
ti
ngforme.

Me:
"Heysweetcakes"
Shesmil
edfai
ntl
y,Oyii
sverystr
ongbutnowi
t'
s
vi
sibl
ehowbrokensheisandthatt
ear
sme
apart
.

Oy
i:"
Hey
"

Me:
"Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"

Tear
sfel
lfr
om herey
es,
sheshr
ugged.

Me:"Aski
esmnt ase,
you'l
lbefi
ne.Mvel
oandI
wil
lbebyy oursi
deti
lly
ouf eel
thaty
ouare
complet
elyfine,
weloveyounana"

Shewipedof
fthet
ear
s,Ihandedhert
hespor
ts
bag.
Me:
"Goshowert
hensot
hatwecango"

Oyi:"
I'
veal
readyshower
ed,
Ijustneedt
o
change"

Shewalkedtothebathroom,shewaswal
king
ver
yslowly
,I'
m guessi
ngt hest
it
chesf
rom t
he
oper
ati
onwer epai
nful.

Aft
ersomet
imeshecameback,wewentout
andsi
gnedt
hedischar
gepaper
sandl
eft.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Iam br
oken,
Idon'
tknowi
fI'
llev
erhealfr
om
thi
sbutwhatIdoknowi
sthatIam nev
ergoi
ng
backt oSf i
so,hesl eptwiththatgi rlandbyt he
l
ooksoft hingsit'ssomet hingt hey '
vebeen
doingregul arl
y.If oundoutt hatt heyki ssed, Ilet
i
tslidenowt heywer ebangi ngeachot herIal so
havet oletitgo?OhnoIcan' t,
Iev enl ostmy
babiesint hepr ocess.Thi sshowst hatSf i
so
hasnor espectf orme, seeIdef i
edmypar ent s
yesandt hat '
sal lbecauseIl ovedSf i
sosomuch
butalsowhengr owi ngupwewer etaughtt o
neverset t
leforl ess, t
onev ertakeev erythi
ng
thatisthrownatus, mymom t aughtust o
alwaysputour selv esfi
rstev enifitmeanswe
shouldbesel f
ish.

AndwhenIgotmar ri
edmydadr emindedme
"Oyi
mnt anam remembereveryt
hingwet aught
youfrom wheny ouwereali
tt
legirl
,neverever
set
tl
ef orless,y
ouareapri
ncessandi fa
per
sonf ai
lst ot
reaty
ouli
keonedonothesi tat
e
tol
eav e"
Thi
sisme,Iam l
eavi
ng.Icannev
erbeabl
eto
for
giv
ehi
m evenifIt
ri
ed.

Me:
"Dr
ivet
omyhouse"

Orshoul
dIsaySf
iso'
shouse?

Shef
rowned.

Londeka:
"Ngoba?
"

Me:"
Ineedyout
ohelpmepackmybel
ongi
ngs,
al
ongwit
htheki
ds'
clot
hes"

Londeka:
"Mv
eloandIwi
l
lgof
etcht
hem Oy
i,
Youneedt
orest
"

Me:
"Nomnt
asepl
ease"

Shesi
ghedandchangedt
hedi
rect
ion.I
nno
ti
mewewerethere.
Wewal kedi
nandfoundhi
ml y
ingont
hecouch
facingthecei
li
ng.Whenhesawushegotup
quickly
.

Sf
iso:
"Baby
"

Ilookedathim, It
hensearchedfort
helov eI
hadf orhiminmebutf oundnoneofit,I
twas
replacedwithangerandhate.Iwentupstair
s,
thest i
tchesar
epainful
.
Iwentt
omycl
oset
,tookoutf
ourhugebags.

Me:"Ndekapl
easepackal
ltheki
ds'
s
bel
ongingsi
nheret
henI'
ll
packmine"

Shenoddedandleft,Ist
art
edpackingmy
cl
othes,
leav
ingsomebecauset heywon'tal
lfi
t
i
nthesebags,Ipackedtheshoes.IguessI'
l
l
comebackfortheotherones.

"Babyno!
!Pleaseyoucan'
tleav
eme.IknowI
messedupst handwasam butpleasegi
vemea
chancetofi
xt hi
s"

Ikeptqui
etandcont
inuedpacki
ng,Ithen
packedmydocument sandtheki
ds'document
s.
Me:"OhbythewaywhenIcamet otheoffi
ceI
wastheretot
ell
youIpassedmymat ri
c,I
wantedtosur
pri
seyoubutIgotasurpri
se
myself
"

Sf
iso:
"What?Wowsthandwasam t
hat
's
amazi
ng,whendi
d..
..
"

Me:"Iowey
ounoanswers,
youar
edi
stur
bing
me.Ineedt
opackandgo"

Hesatont
hebedandbr
ushedhi
shead.

Sfi
so:"OyiIl
oveyouandl
ikeanyot
herper
sonI
madeami stake,
don'
tIdeser
veasecond
chance?"
Me: "Aper sonmakesami stakeonce,twiceor
event hr
eet imesisnol ongerami st
ake.You
kissedwi thher,wel
lIguessi twasami stake,I
forgavey ouandnowy ouwer eshaggingher ,
Godknowshowmanyt imes.Ilostmybabies
becauseofy ourunf
ait
hf ul
nessandImustj ust
forgiv
ey ou?OhnoSf i
so"

Aft
ersometimeIwasdonepacki
ngbutther
e's
sti
l
lalotofclot
hest
hatwer
eleft
,Mvel
owi l
l
comebackf ort
hem.

Sf
iso:
"Fi
neOy
i!Leav
emyki
dsbehi
nd.
"

Me:"
Overmydeadbody,y
oukil
l
edyourki
dsso
whi
chki
dsareyout
alki
ngabout
?"

Sf
iso:
"YouneedmeOy
i,y
ouwon'
taf
for
dto
maintai
nthatl
i
fest
yleorev
enpayf
ort
heki
ds'
schoolf
ees"

Ohwow!!
!Thi
sguyismor
ecr
azi
ert
hanI
t
hought
.Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:"Yesifi
twasayearagoIwouldsayIneed
youbutnow!!
!Sf
isoyoumayevenstop
support
ingt
heki
ds,Ist
il
lwon'
tneedyou"

Aswewer
ear
gui
ngLondekawal
kedi
n.

Ndeka:
"I'
m done,
let
'sgo"

ShetookthebagsandIt
ookthesmall
erone.I
thentookof
fmyr i
ngandthr
ewitathi
m.
Me:"I
twasgoodwhil
eitl
ast
ed,
thedi
vor
ce
paper
swil
lcomesoon"

Sf
iso:
"Oy
i!
"

Me:
"Gi
vet
hatr
ingt
oherorsomet
hing"

Sfi
so:"
Argggdon'tev enbother,
shewil
lgeta
morebeauti
fulandmor eexpensi
veri
ngthan
thi
sone,af
terallshewor kshardsheknows
somethi
ngexpensi v
ewhensheseesone"

Doy ouknowt hatgi

ii
!!Soundthathappensin
yourheartwhensomet hingshocksorhurt
sy ou?
Wellyesithappened.

Londeka:
"Ohnomnt
asedon'
tev
enwor
ry,
hei
s
t
ryi
ngtomakeyouf
eel
thepai
nhei
sfeel
i
ng
r
ightnow,
hei
saweakman"

Me: "
Shemi ghtdeser
veanexpensiv
er i
ngbut
shecannev erbemeandt hatdi
gsrightt
hrough
yourheart
,ithur
tsyouevenmoretot hi
nkthat
anothermanwi l
lbehavi
ngawhol eofme"

Thenwel
efthi
m st
andi
ngt
her
e.

Putev
ery
thi
ngi
nthecar
,goti
nsi
deandl
eft
.

Londeka:
"I'
m pr
oudofy
ou,
youst
oodupt
o
hi
m"

Me:
"Thanksf
orbei
ngt
her
e"
Londeka:
"Al
way
sMnt
akaMa"

Wef
inal
l
yar
ri
vedatLondeka'
shouseandki
ds
r
ant
ome.

Ol
u:"
Mommy
"

Shehuggedme,
Ifl
i
nched.

Simbongi
le:
"Ol
uyouar
ehur
ti
ngmommy
,ar
e
youhurtmom?"

Me:"
Heybabies,l
etmommyof floadt
hebags
i
nthecarf
ir
stthenI'
l
lbeal
lyours"

Theyhel
peduswit
hthebags,
wewenti
nsi
de
andMandlawasnoti
n.
Londekacall
edherdaughterupstai
rssoasto
gi
vemespacewi t
hmyki ds.Iki
ssedSbani
,oh
mybabygr owsfast.

Me:
"Comesi
tnextt
omey
out
wo"

Theycameandsatdown.

Simbongi
l
e:"Aunt
yNdekat ol
dusyouar
esick
andyouwereatthehospi
tal,
arey
ouokay
now?"

Me:
"Yesmommywassi
ckbutshewi
l
lheal
"

Oluhl
e:"
Isitt
her
easonwhyy
ouf
li
nchedwhenI
huggedyou?"
Me:"
Yes.
..
doyour
emembermommytol
dyou
shei
sgoi
ngtohav
eotherbabi
es?
"

Ol
uhl
e:"
Yes?
"

Me:"Wel
lmommyl ostthebabi
es,
sowewi
l
l
nev
erhavet
hem again"

Ol
uhl
e:"I
'm sosor
rymom,
youhada
mi
scarr
iage"

Hai
bo!
!!How.
..
okayIf
orgetshei
sabi
tol
der
.

Simbongi
le:
"Ar
eyousai
dthaty
oul
osty
our
babi
es?"
Me:"YesbutIam happybecauseIhav
emy3
beauti
ful
babi
es"

Ol
uhl
e:"
Somom what
'swi
thal
lthebags?
"

I
sitokaytotel
lthem aboutmysepar
ati
onwi
th
t
heirdadnow?

Me:"
Wewi
l
lbest
ayi
ngwi
thaunt
yNdekaf
ora
whi
l
e"

Theyjumpedf
orj
oy,
mykidslov
ebeingat
Londeka'
ssot
heywon'
tbet
roubli
ngme.

Aft
ertheconver
sati
onIhadwi
thmyki
dsIf
elta
hugesenseofrel
ief
.
Theyr
anupst
air
s.
Londeka:
"Howdi
ditgo?
"

Me: "
BetterthanIt
houghtbutIsti
l
lhaven'tt
old
them aboutmyseparati
onwi t
htheirf
ather,
I
onlytol
dt hem wewil
lbestayi
ngherforawhi l
e
andtoldthem aboutt
hemi scar
ri
age"

Shebr
ushedmyshoul
der
.

Londeka:
"I'
m pr
oudoft
hewomany ouare,
you
arestr
ongandthel
oveyouhav
eforyourki
dsi
s
amazing"

Isi
ghed,
am Ir
eal
l
yst
rong?

Londeka:
"Letmemakey
ousomet
hingt
oeat
soy
oucant
akey
ourmedsandgetsomesl
eep"

Shewentaheadandmademef
ood.Iat
e,dr
ank
thepi
l
lsandwenttosl
eep.

[
Nar
rat
ed]

Sfi
socouldn'
ttakest
ayi
nginthehouse
anymore,
het ookashowerandwenttothecl
ub.

Arri
vi
ngatt heclubhesatal oneatt het
ablet
hat
wassi t
uateatthecorner.Heor deredabucket
ful
lofHeineken,hekeptondr i
nkingli
kether
e's
notomor r
ow, whenthefirst12wasdonehe
orderedsomethingmor estronger.

"
Youl
ookedt
roubl
ed,
car
etoshar
e?"
Helookedatt
hepersont
alki
ngandi
twasa
beaut
if
ulwhit
elady
.

Sf
iso:
"Icameher
ebecauseIneededt
obe
al
one"

Her:
"Iam Vanessa,
Iam av
erygoodli
stener
.
Youcantalkt
omeaboutany t
hing"

Me: "
Areyouget t
ingpaidforli
steningt
o
people'
sbusinesses?Isuggesty ougoli
stent
o
thosethatwanttosharewi t
hy ou"

Thegi
rlgotcl
osert
oSf
iso.

Vanessa:
"Letmeguess,
it'
smat
ter
soft
he
hear
t.Youcheat
edony
ourwi
feandnowhei
s
l
eavi
ngy ou"

Sf
iso:
"How.
..
howdi
dyouknow?
"

Vanessa:"OhI'
mr i
ght!WellIam averygood
j
udgeofchar act
erandbesidesthatI'
vebeen
l
ookingaty ousi
nceyougother e,y
ou'vebeen
pl
ayingwithyourri
ng.That'
swhatpeopl ewho
havetroubl
einthei
rmar r
iagedo"

Sfi
sosighedandlookedatt
hegi
rl
,shewasso
beaut
if
ul andhewonderedwhyi
ssheevenher
e.

Sf
iso:
"Whyar
eyouher
e?"

Vanessa:
"Imakemi
ser
abl
emanhappy
,Ican
makey
ouhappy
"

Sfi
so:
"It
hinkI
'
vehadt
oomucht
odr
ink,
Ineed
togo"

Hetri
edstandi
ngupbuthet r
ippedandf
ell
,he
hel
dont othet
ableandstoodupbuthe
coul
dn'tst
andproper
ly.

Vanessa:
"Letmedr
ivey
ouhome,
youar
einno
st
atetodri
ve"

Hedidn'targue,hetossedherthecarkey
sand
Vanessahel phim walkouttothecar
.When
theygotthere,Sfi
sotoldhertheaddr
essand
slept
.
Whentheyarr
ivedi
nSf i
so'
shouseVanessa
shookhi
m buthewasn'twakingup,
soshe
wentandpul
ledhim outoft
hecar,t
hat
'swhen
hewokeup.

Vanessa:
"Ineedt
oopent
hegat
e,what
'st
he
pi
n"

Sfi
sopunchedthepinont hegat
e,i
ttookti
me
butheeventual
lydi
ditandtheygoti
n.Vanessa
heldhi
shandandwal kedhiminsi
de,shet
ook
himtothebedroom thatwasri
ghtdownst
airs,
wenttoparkthecarinsi
detheyar
dandclosed
thegat
e,thenshewentt osl
eepnexttohi
m.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodmor
ning
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e
I
nser
t13.

[
Sfi
so]

TheminuteIopenedmyey es,Isawawhi
teand
ski
nnyyetbeauti
ful
gir
l,sl
eepi
ngnextt
ome.I
qui
ckl
ypushedherandf rowned.

Me:"
Whot
hehel
lar
eyouandwhatdoy
ou
want
?"

Shey
awnedandsmi
l
ed.

Her
:"Goodmor
ning"

Igotupfrom t
hebedandIhadt
hemasterofal
l
headaches,
itt
hendawnedonmethatIwas
v
erydrunkl
astni
ghtandIcan'tev
enr
emember
t
heeventsofwhathappened.

Me: "
Howisitagoodmor
ningwhenIwakeup
nexttoast
ranger
?"

Shesatupstr
aightandfi
xedheral
readynot
ther
edresswhichshowedhernotsoappeti
zi
ng
thi
ghsandIst
ar t
edwonderi
ngifWe...
..

Her
:"Cl
ear
yyoudon'tr
ememberanyt
hingand
j
ustt
ogetyoutor
elaxwedidn'
tdoanythi
ng.
"

Isi
ghed,
Iwasr
eli
evedhonest
ly.

Her:
"Okaysoyouwereatthecl
ublastni
ght
,
youweresi
tt
ingl
ikeast
ressedper
sonandy ou
hadal
ott
odr
inkwhenIcamet
oyou.
..
."

Istoppedherbecauseever
ythi
ngcameback,
from whenshehelpedmeupandmepunchi ng
theaccesspinatthegat
eandt hatwasi
t.

Me:
"Inowr
emember
,sowhat
'sy
ourname?
"

Shegi
ggl
edwhi
l
eshaki
ngherhead.

Her:
"Vanessa,
youcancal
lmeNessa.LookI
br
oughtyouhomeandnowt haty
ouaresafeI
al
soneedtogo".

Iwentt
omywal l
et,
tookoutall
themoneyIhad
andgavet
oherbutshelookedatmeli
keIwas
outofmymind.
Me:"
It
'st
hel
eastIcandoaft
eryoubroughtme
homesaf
ewhenyoudidn'
thaveto"

Honest
lyIj
ustwantedhergone,
Ineedt
ogo
hometomypar ent
s.

Nessa:"
Wellthankyou,Iam notapr
ost
itude
nordi
dIhelpy oubecauseIwantedmoney.I
j
ustdidoutofthegoodnessofmyheart.
"

Ifr
owned,f
rom whatIr
ememberlastni
ghtshe
sai
dsheknowshowt omakepeoplehappyor
somethi
ngli
kethat
.

Shesmiledandtookherhandbag,
tookouta
busi
nesscardandputonmybedt henshewore
hershoes.
Nessa:
"CanIgetabat
hroom?
"

Itol
dherwhereiti
s,shelef
tandaf
ter
sometimecamebackl ooki
ngfr
eshonthef
ace
withherhai
rbr
ushed.

Nessa:"
Iam gonnago, haveagr eatdayandI
hopeyou'
llbef i
nef r
om all
thati str
oubli
ngyou.
Iknowyouhav eal otofquestionsbecauseof
whatIsaidlastnightsouset hatbusinesscar
d
tocal
lme, wecanmeetupf orlunchwheny ou
arefr
ee.Bye"

Shewalkedout ,
I'
veneverseenawhitewoman
sobeautif
ul.SheiswhatIwouldcal
lblack
Mlungu,shehasabl ackgi
rlvi
begoi
ngon.
Ihuf
fedandsatdown.Mymi ndwentt
omywi f
e,
shereal
l
yl ef
tandhonest
lyIcan'
toper
ate.I
missher,Imissmykids.
AnywayIcal
ledmydadandlethim knowthatI
wanttoseehim,i
t'
saboutmymar r
iage.Iwant
totel
lhi
m ev
eryt
hingt
hathappenedandask
himtogobegOyiforme.

Dad:"Sony ourmom andIaregoi

ngtoseea
fri
endthatsidesowewillj
ustpassby,
I'
ll
also
tal
ktoy ouruncl
etocomeal ongwit
hus,i
s
every
thingokay?"

Isi
ghed,Iknowhewill
shoutatmei fIt
ell
him
soI'
l
ljusttel
lhi
m whenhearr
ives.

Me:
"Dadweshal
ltal
kwheny
ouar
ri
ve,
thanks"
Dad:
"Okaysonby
efornow"

Ihungup,Ithendeci
dedtotakeashower
.
WhenIwasdoneIdeci dedtoorderf
oodf
ormy
parent
s,Ican'
tevencook.That
'showmuchI
dependentonmywi f
e.

Iti
diedupwher eIneededt
oandaft
er
somet imetheordercameandt
ookall
thef
ood
tokitchen.
.
..
..
..
..
.

Anhourl
ater
.

Thei
nter
com rang,
Ibuzzedt
hem i
nthenwent
towai
tbythedoor.
Mymom at
tackedmewi
thahug.

Mom:
"Boyboy
"

Ohwow!Arewest
il
lther
e?Iam af
athernow
andboyboyi
smyson.

Weexchangedgr eet
ingsthenIdir
ectedthem t
o
thelounge,Iwenttowar m upthefoodand
broughtbeersformydadanduncl ethenjui
ce
formymom.

Dad:
"Ukahl
eNdodana?Youl
ookdi
stur
bed"

Isi
ghedandnodded,t
owhatI'
m noddi
ngforI
don'
tknow,I
'
m honest
lyconf
used,I
'
mlikealost
puppy"
Iwentt
ocheckthefood,itwasgood.HowdoI
evendi
shup?DoIser v
et hem noworwai
tabi
t?
Arggwhat
ever
.IdishedthebestwayIknow
howandtookthefoodtot hem.

Myuncl
efr
owned.

Uncl
e:"
Mfana,wher
eisMakot
iwheny
ouar
eso
busyi
ntheki
tchendoi
ngherj
ob?
"

Mom :"
HaaaIknewshewasagoodf
ornot
hing
gi
rl
".

Il
ookedatmom,
shenev
erl
i
kedOy
iandOy
i
di
dn'
tcare.
Dad:
"Car
etot
ell
uswhyOy
int
andoi
snother
e"

Isatdown.

Me:
"Babat
hat
'swhatIneededt
otal
kabout
"

Dad:
"Okaywear
eli
steni
ng"

Me:
"Oy
int
ando.
..
she.
..
shel
eftmebaba"

Mom cl
appedherhandsandl
aughed.

Mom: "Iknewit!
!Isoknewitthatshewoul d
l
eav e,Goodr i
ddancemyson, youwi l
lfi
ndan
educatedwoman.Your eal
l
ycoul dn'
ttoler
ate
thatil
l
iterategi
rl
,all
sheeverdoesi sgivebir
th"
Me:
"Mom pl
ease!
!Il
oveherokay
?"

Dad:
"Whathappened?
"

HowdoIev
ensayIcheat
edonmywi
fe?

Me:"I
..
.Iwasunfait
hful
dad,Icheat
edonher
andshef oundoutand.
..
.t
hatmadeherl
oose
ourbabies"

Il
ookeddownembarrased,
Oyi'
sfacewasall
I
sawatthatmoment
,thepainshewasfeel
i
ng.

Uncle:
"Hawuhawuhawu!!
!Sfi
so!Whywould
youcheatonOyi
ntandowhenshewasfai
thf
ul
toyouanddidev
erythi
ngf
oryou?"
Mom: "
I'
m notevensurpr
isedthatshewas
pregnant,t
hat'
sallsheeverdoes.I
'l
lbei
nthe
garden"

Shehummedonherwayout
,Iknowshei
s
happy
.

Dad:
"Soshewaspr
egnant
?"

Inodded.

Dad: "
SonIam v
erydi
sappoi
ntedinyou,t
hatgi
rl
respectedy
ouandgaveyouchil
dren.Doyou
rememberhowshemar r
iedyou?"

Me:
"Itwasami
stakebaba,
pleaset
ryandt
alk
toherf
orme.Il
oveherandIneedhert
ocome
backhome.
"

Dad:"Sfi
soyoucan'tgoaroundsleepi
ngother
women, hurt
ingyourwif
eintheprocessand
expectustogetinvol
ved.Youareaman, you
areafathersopl
easeactlikeone,Iam not
gett
inginvol
ved.
"

Dadstoodupandwenttocal
lmom sot
heycan
l
eave,myuncl
estoodupandpat
tedmy
shoul
der.

Uncl
e:"
Fixy
ourmessson"

Mom: "Don'tf
ixanyt
hingwenababy,l
etthatgi
rl
go.She'snotworthi
tifyouaskme,aslongas
youwillsupporty
ourkids,
Yenasheshouldfi
nd
ajoborsomethi
ngIdon'
tcar
e.Fi
ndy our
sel
fa
youngfr
eshandsmartgi
rlwhoworkshard.
"

Thenjustli
kethatshewal
kedout
,she'
ssucha
di
va.Ilookedatdad,hewasmadatme, Isawi
t
fr
om howhel ookedatme.

Dad:
"Fi
xyourmessSf
iso"

Theyl
eft
,Iwassodef
eat
ed.

[
Oyi
ntando]

"
Oyi!
!!Mntasecomeonopent
hedoor
.Youcan'
t
l
ocky our
selfupf
orev
er"

Iwi
pedof
fthet
ear
sthatwer
efal
l
ing,
Idon'
t
t
hinkIcandot
hisl
i
fet
hingany
mor
e.

I'
vebeenlockedupinthisroom f
oral
mostsix
hours,al
lIheari
sbabiescryi
ng.Il
ostt
hem,I
shouldhavetri
edhardertomakesureIdon'
t
miscarry
,Iki
ll
edthem.

"
Mom pl
easeopent
hedoor
,Sbani
iscr
ying"

Mydaughter'
svoicemademereal
iseI
'
ve
negl
ect
edt hem.Igotupandj
ustt
henmy
phonebeeped.

Iwentt
ocheck,i
twasanSMSf
rom *
Sigh*my
exmotheri
nlaw.

"
Iam gl
admysonf
inal
l
yreal
i
sedhowwor
thl
ess
youare,all
youeverdoi sgivebi
rt
h.Leavehim
alonentombaza,awufundil
eandmyson
deservesawelleducatedladywhodoesn't
spendmoneyshenev erworkedfor
.Ihopeyou
stayinthewholethatyouarein"

Tearsstreameddownsomemor e,
I'
m not
surpri
sed.Sheneverli
kedme, I'
mjusthurtthat
thr
oughi tal
lshehadtoment iongi
vingbir
th.I
decidedthatI
'm donerespect
ingher,she
doesn'tdeser
vemyr espect.

Ir
epl
i
ed.
"Yi
ngobawenauf undil
eangisho?Pleaseleave
meal one,Idon'tcareaboutyourst
upidson
anymor e,
hecangot ohiseducatedgirl
sIdon't
care.RestassuredIwi l
lnevergobacktohim,
angisamfuni!
!!
!!Hlukananam wenamaGogo
nesishwapha,whoknows?May benaweey akho
i
ndodai
funaabafazi
abapaki
l
e?Andy
ouand
bot
hknowy ouhavenoAss"

Ipr
essedsendthenwentt
oopent
hedoor
,Ol
u
waspract
ical
l
ycryi
ng.

Me: "
Hey..
.babycomet
omommy
,whyar
eyou
cr
ying?"

Olu:
"Becauseyoudon'
twanttoopenthedoor
andwewantt oseeyou,Sbani
iscr
ying"

Iclosedmyeyes,
atearescaped,Iqui
ckl
y
wipeditmaki
ngsureshedoesn'tseei
tbutI
wast ool
ate.

Ol
u:"
Mommywhat
'swr
ong?Youar
eal
socr
ying?
I
sitbecauseoft
hebabi
esy
oul
ost
?"

Me:"I
..
..
nobaby
,mommywi
l
lbef
ine,
Ijusthav
e
aheadache"

Shel
ookedatmenotconv
inced.

Ol
u:"
MommyIknowal
somadey
ousad"

Icl
osedmyey
es,Iam real
lybr
okenandIdon'
t
knowwher
etobeginf
ixingmysel
f.

Me:
"Got
akeSbani
andboyboy
,Iwantmyki
ds
t
obeher
ewit
hme"

Ol
u:"
Butmom y
ouhav
etogodownandeat
"
Me:
"Mommywi
l
leatwhenshei
shungr
ybaby
"

Shenoddedandwal
kedout
.

Soonasshewal
kedout
,Londekawal
kedi
n.

Ndeka:
"Oy
i!
!?

Me:
"Mmm"

Ndeka:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"

Inoddedbutt
ear
sjustcameout
.

Ndeka:
"Oy
iyouwi
l
lgetsi
ck,
youhav
en'
teat
en
sinceyest
erdayandyou'
vebeenl
ocki
ng
yoursel
fupinhere"

Me:"I.
..
Ican'
ttakethepainany
moreNdeka!
!
I
t.
..
ithurt
s,it
'ssopainf
ul.Whyme,
Londekawhy
me?"

Ij
ustbrokedown,shequickl
ywenttocl
oset
he
doorandcrouchednextt
ome, shehel
dme
ti
ght.

Ndeka:"Letitoutsisi
,cr
yallyouwantbutmake
surewheny oudoney oudon'tcryforthesame
reason,
remembery ouhavekidsOy iandri
ght
nowy ouarehur t
ingthem.Yourkidsneedthei
r
l
ov i
ngmot herandy ouarepushingthem away.
"

Icr
iedsomucht
hatIhadhi
ccups,
sheki
ssed
myf
oreheadandkeptonshushi
ngme.

Shegavemeagl assofwat
ert
hatwasbythe
bedsi
de,Idr
ankandwenttowashmyface.

Ndeka:
"Let
'sgodownstai
rs,
spendtimewi
th
t
hekidsOyi
,eatsomethi
ngplease"

Inoddedbuttear
swer
est
il
lst
reami
ngdown,
shewipedthem.

Sheheldmyheadasweopenedt
hedoor
,
Oluhl
ewasaboutt
oknock.

Me:
"Let
sgodownst
air
sbaby
"

ShehadSbani
wit
hher
,mybabycr
iedwhenshe
sawmeandbr
oughtherhandst
ome.

Sbani
:"Mama.
..
.mama"

Itookherandkissedheral
lov
er,
shestopped
cryi
ngandgiggled.Wewentdownst
air
sandmy
babieswerefussi
ngoverme.
Hav
eIr
eal
l
ynegl
ect
edt
hem t
hatmuch?

Londekabr
oughtmef oodandIsharedmyfood
wit
hbecauseIreal
lyhadnoappeti
te,ev
ena
smallt
omatocouldn'
tgothr
oughmymout h.

Thenther
ewasaknockont hedoor.Londeka
wenttoopenandthel
astpersonIwantedto
seecamein.Icoul
dn'
tcausedramabecause
theki
dswerehere.
Theyr
ant
ohi
m.

Hepi
ckedOluf
ir
standki
ssedhert
hen
Si
mbongi
le.
Ideci
dedtost
andandwenttot
hekit
chen.I
stoodbyt
hefr
idge,
Icoul
dn'
tbr
eat
hproperl
y.

"
Oyi
pleasel
i
stent
ome"

Whendidhegether
e?Iopenedmyey
esand
l
ookedathi
m.

Me: "
SfisoIdon'
twantt olist
entoy ou,
Idon't
wanty ouanymore.It
'sov erokay
?Idon'tever
wanttoseey ouunlessy ouwantt oseethekids,
Isuggestyouleaveifyouar enotheretosee
t
hem"

Sfi
so:"Babypl
ease,
PleaseOyiIneedyou,
Ilove
Sthandwasam andIcan'
tli
vewithouty
ou,Iam
so..
..
."

Me:"Sf
isogo!
!!
!!Pl
easegookay?Idon'
tfor
giv
e
youandIdon'
tloveyouanymor
e,Idon'
twant
younordoIwantyou,go!
!!
"

Hel
ookeddownandsl
owl
ytur
ned.

Ashewaswalki
ngout,Ical
l
edhi
sname.He
st
oppedqui
ckl
yandlookedatme.

Me:"Tel
lyourmom t
ol eav
emet hehellal
one,
sheshoul
dstoptex
tingmeI '
m notherschool
mat
e"

Hesi
ghed.

Sf
iso:
"Oy
ibabyI
..
..
"

Me:
"Hamba"

Het
ookawal
kofshame,
Iwentdownandcr
ied.

[
Simi
]

Whydi dIfall
inlovewit
hSf i
so?Il
ov ehim and
heisnotev entakingmycalls,
hesentmeat ext
messagesay ingIshoul
dst opcal
li
ngmeandI
shouldfi
ndanot herof
fi
ceandmov eoutofhis
off
ice.Iwassobr oken,IknowIshouldn'
thav e
butonedoesnotpl
ant
ofal
li
nlov
e.

I
'vebeenlyi
ngonthecouch,
nur
singmybroken
hear
t.Enzowalkedi
nwithmymot her
.Ar
ggh
whatdotheywant?

Mom:
"Indodal
eekwenzaul
alekanj
alo?
"

That
'smymom f
ory
ou,
Thabi
thai
snoi
sy.

Enzo:"
AyboCuz,
yourey
esar
ebl
oodyr
ed
what'
swrong?
"

Me:
"It
's.
..
not
hingIam comi
ngdownwi
thf
lu"

Mom pul
l
edthebl
anketawayf
rom andf
eltmy
t
emperat
ure.
Mom: "
Hai
bowena!Yourt
emper
atur
eisj
ust
f
ine,
it'
samani
sn'ti
t?"

Il
ookeddown,
Enz
owi
denedherey
es.

Enzo:"
HawuCuzkant
iuy
ajol
aandy
oudon'
t
say"

Me:
"Het
oldmet
ost
ayawayf
rom hi
m"

Ist
art
edcr
ying.

Mom:"Mybabywedon'
tcr
yov
ermen,
mencr
y
ov
erus.
"
Enzo:
"AuntThabi
!
!!Whathappenedbabe?
"

Shoul
dIt
ell
them?Wel
l
...
.

Me:"Thi
ngisheismarri
edandhiswif
efound
outaboutusandmiscar
ri
ed,shewaspregnant
"

Mom: "
Simi
ngenkosiKhumalo!!!
!Youknow
exactl
ywhatEnzowentt hr
oughwhenher
husbandcheated,whywouldy ouwanttobet
he
otherwoman?Onewhoi sresponsibl
eof
anotherwoman'stear
s?"

Me:
"MamaIdi
dn'
tpl
anonf
all
i
ngf
orhi
m,i
t.
..
."

Mom:"Wuuuuhai
i
iisukaSi
mi,
Ineedt
oget
dr
unk"
Shestoodupandwentt
ogetwhat
everdr
ink
sheneeded.

Enzo:
"CuzIwon'tj
udgeyoubutIwon'
tsayI'
m
notdi
sappont
ed,pl
easeleavet
hismanalone.
Youarebeaut
if
ulSimiandyoucanhaveany
manyouwant,notthemarri
edman".

Theydon'
tunder
stand,
Ilov
ehi
m.Thatmar
ri
ed
manistheoneIwant.

Ideci
dedt
ogouptomyroom becausecl
ear
ly
theyar
eher
etoj
udgeme.

Mom: "
Oksalay
oy oucan'
tcr
yoveramarr
ied
manSimi!!
!Heisprobabl
ycr
yingf
orhi
swife'
s
f
orgi
venesswhereverhei
s"
Sheshout
edf
rom t
helounge,
Ibangedt
hedoor
andthr
ewmysel
fonthebed.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght
.

Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.

#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t14.

[
Ndal
o]

TodayImadei
tmymissi
ontowakeupearl
y
andtakemyki
dst
oschool,
I'
vecr
iedmor
ethan
enoughandIdon'twantt
owasteanymor etime
cry
ing,Ineedtoatt
endmycl
assesandgo
checkhowt hebusi
nessi
sdoi
ngatt he
bouti
que.Ifeell
i
keI'
veal
l
owedthesituati
on
wit
hSf i
sopullmedownsomucht hatIforgot
mydut i
es.

YesIam st i
l
lbrokenandIwon' tli
eandsayI '
ll
getoveritnow, Imaygetov erthedi
vorcebutI
don'
tthinkI'
llgetoverlosi
ngmybabi es.I
'l
lonly
l
earntol i
vebutIwon' tgetoverit
.

Ireal
lyneedtogohousehunti
ng,Ifeel
li
keI'm
crowdingMandlainhi
shouse,hewon'tsay
becauseheisanicepersonbutkehnami asa
personIhavetothi
nk.

Ijustgotbackf
rom droppi
ngtheki
dsatschool
,
thehouseissoquiet.Mandl
aandLondeka
wentt owor k,I
'm withSbaniandshei snoteven
mindingme, she'sbusydoingGodknowswhat
ont hecarpetandseei ngherhappysoot hesmy
heart.IwishIwasj ustashappyandknew
nothingaboutt hiscruelworl
d.Speakingofthe
cruelwor l
d,thewor l
dofpaini,Iam makinga
vowt omy self.
..
Iwillli
vetomakemychi l
dren
happy ,Iwil
lprotectthem wit
hev er
ythi
ngIhav e,
theyaremyf ir
standonl ypri
ori
ty.

Asmymi ndwasr
oamingaround,thedoorbel
l
rang.It
ookmybabyfr
om thefloorandwentto
open.

Ohi
t'
sMv
elo.

Me:
"Br
other
"
Hesmi l
edwide,i
sn'
thesupposedtobeatwor k?
Don'tgetmewr ong,I
'
m happytoseehi mit
's
j
ustthatIsomehowf eelgui
l
tybecauseit'
sli
ke
thei
rliveshavesomehowstopped,theyar
e
worriedaboutme.Theykeepcall
ingtocheck
howI 'm doi
ng.

Mv
elo:
"Hey
,kunj
ani
?"

Heaskedashewal
kedin,hetookSbani
and
t
hrewheri
ntheai
r,shel
aughed.

Mv
elo:
"Sawubonawena,
ntombi
kaLume"

Het
ickl
edher
,shel
aughedsohar
d.

Wesatdown,
hel
ookedatme.Iknowwhatt
hat
l
ookmeans,
Ishoul
dtel
lherhowIam.

Me:
"Iam t
ryi
ngbhut
i,I
'
llbef
inewi
tht
ime.
"

Hesi
ghedandnodded,
wor
rywaswr
it
tenal
l
ov
erhi
sface.

Me:
"CanIgety
ouany
thi
ngt
odr
ink?
"

Mvel
o:"
Nomntase,
I'mfine.IhearLondekat
ell
s
meSfi
sowashereyest
erday"

Isi
ghedandnodded.

Mvel
o:"Oyit
hediv
orcepapersar
ereadybutI
won'
tserv
ehim wit
houtyourper
missi
on.Iwant
yout
obesur ei
fyoureal
l
ywantt ol
eavehim,
wedon' twanttopressur ey ouintol eavinghim
onlyforyoutoblameusatt heendoft heday
andsaywef or
cedy ouintodoi ngit.Iknow
mat t
ersofthehear tandy oucancont rolwhat
theheartsaysandwant s,Ify oufeel l
ikey ou
sti
lll
ovehim andr i
ghtnowy ouarest illangr
y
butyouwi l
leventuallygobackt .
..
..
"

Longspeech!
!!Ihadt
ocuthi
m.

Me: "I
..
..
bhutiyesIstil
llovehim, Il
ovehim with
allmyhear tbutthat'
sonl ybecauseIcan'tfal
l
outofloveov ernightbutIam cer t
ainthatI'
m
donewi thSfiso,i
ttookt hi
ssituati
onformet o
real
iseal otofthi
ngs, i
tforcedmei ntogrowing
andInowr eali
sethatSf i
sokeptmebecauseof
thebenef i
tshegotot herwisehewoul dhav e
optedforsomeoneeducat ed,hi
swor dsnot
mine.Iwasj ustahousewi fewhom hef ound
homewhenhegotbackf rom wor k,hewoul d
fi
nesupperr eadyandwai t
ingf orhim, breakfast
i
nt hemor ning, cleanandI ronedcl othes.What
hesai daboutt hatgi rlbeingsuccessf ul and
knowi nganexpensi vet hi
ngwhensheseesone
mademeaskmy selfthatifhewant edan
educat edwoman, asmypar tnerwhydi dn'the
pushmet ot hatdi rection?Il ostmyki ds
becauseofhi si nfi
delityandf ormet hati sso
unforgivable.Iam nol ongert hatlit
tl
egi rl
who
settl
edf orany thingIt houghtwasni ce, Iam a
mot herandasmot herIhav et othinknotonl y
formy selfbutf ormyki dstoo, wi t
hthatbei ng
said,youmayser vehi m wi t
ht hedivorcepaper s
becauseIwi t houtadoubtwantoutl "

Hesighedandsmi
l
edt
hennoddedamul
ti
ple
t
imes.
Mv el
o: "
Ilov
ethewomany ouarebecomi ng,
l
et'
sj ustsaymaybet hi
swasnotmeantt obe
andIwanty outoknowt hatmyselfand
Londekawi l
lal
way sbetheref
oryou.Our
parentsmustbepr oudofyouwher etheyare,
you'r
eagoodmot her"

Ismi l
edwitht
ear
scomingout,i
fdadwasst il
l
aroundIknowhecouldhavesai
d" Itol
dyou
mnt anam"andmom wouldbeholdingmetight.
Imisst hem.

Me:"Speaki
ngofmom anddad,It
hinkIneedt
o
t
akeal i
tt
lebreakandgohome,
may befora
week"

Mv
elo:
"Youmeanhomehomeasi
nhome"
What
evert
hatmeans!
!Il
aughed.

Me:
"Ar
eyoual
awy
er?
"

Helaughed,heknowswhatImean.Home
homeasi nhome?What'
sthat?

Me: "Yeshomehomeasinhome,
Ijustwantt
o
feelclosert
oourpar
ent
sandt
hencloset
his
chapterofmylif
e"

Mvel
o:"Okay,
whendoy
ouwantt
ogo?May
beI
candr
iveyou"

Me:"BathongbroIhaveacar,
I'l
ldr
ivemysel
f.
TheonlyfavourIneedfr
om ei
theryouor
LondekaistotakecareofmykidswhenI'
m
gone,Iwi
l
lonlyl
eavewi
thSbani
becauset
he
other
shaveschool
"

Mvel
o:"
Noy
oudon'
thav
etoask,
youknow
t
hesear
emyfav
our
it
ebabi
es"

Ithankedhi
m,hetookoutdiv
orcepaper
sand
showedme, Ir
eadthem andwassati
sfi
ed.

Me:"
Theyar
egood,
Ijustwantnot
hingf
rom
hi
m"

Mv el
o:"Oyiy
ouaremar ri
edincommunit
yof
propert
y,y
ouhav etoget50%ofevery
thi
nghe
owns,moreespeciall
ytheoneshegotwhen
youwer emarri
ed"
Me: "That'sthethi
ng, Idon'twantany thingf r
om
him,notev en5%.Iam si ckandt iredofbei ng
thewomant hatwasmade, Iwantt omake
my self.Thenextthingy ouknowI '
llbeget ti
ng
i
nsultst hathemademe, Iam wher eIam
becauseofhi smoney .Iwantacl eanst art,I
wantt omakemyownmoney .Hewor kedf or
everythinghehas, Ididn'
t.SoIwantnot hing,the
onlythingIneedi sthathesuppor ttheki ds,he
mustal soopenat rustfundf orthekidst hat's
i
t."

Mv
elo:
"I'
m pr
oudofy
ou"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Mv el
o:"
OkayIhavet
ogetgoing,I
'
llf
ir
ststar
tby
droppi
ngofft
hepapersatSf
iso'
soffi
cethen
headtoworkbutbef
oreIgoIwanttoknow
howy
ouar
eset
tl
ingt
hei
ssueoft
heki
ds"

Me: "OkayI '

m notfi
ghtingforcust ody,thekids
will
st aywi t
hmewi t
houtanyf i
ghtunlesshe
want st ofi
ght.Iam notincludingmyki dsint hi
s,
Iwantt hem t
ogr owupknowi ngtheirfatherand
havingagoodr elat
ionshipwi thhi
m.Sohemay
comeseet hekidswhenev erhewant sto,he
mayt aket hem onsomeweekendsorev enpick
them upf r
om schoolbutonet hi
nghemust
knowi sthatheshouldkeepi tst
ri
ctlythatway ,
hemustnotuset hekidstogett omebecauseI
don'twanthi m nearmeunl essitconcerns
them."

Mvel
o:"Okaygood,
I'
ll
seey
oul
ateror
t
omorrow"

Me:
"Okay
,cal
lmet
henandbr
iefmeabout
whathesai
d"

Mvelo:
"Iwi
lldothat
..
.Yey
!!
!Ni
nki
zanaka
Malume,wozal
a"

Hepi
ckedSbani
upandt
ickl
edher
,shel
aughed.

Me:"Ay
bost
op!
!She'
l
lbecr
yingt
hisoneI
know"

Hekissedhert
henhuggedmeandl
eft
.Li
keI
hadsaidSbani
star
tedcry
ing.

Me:
"Hai
ibabyt
hul
a,y
abuy
auLume.
..
.shhhh"

Igav
eherthepaci
fi
er,
sheshushedup.It
hen
deci
dedt
ocleanuphereandther
e,madefood
f
ormychi
l
d.

WhenIwasdonewi theveryt
hing,l
i
kebathi
ng
Sbaniandbat
hingmy sel
f,t
imewasalready
gone.Ihav
etodriv
etoschool agai
n.

[
Sfi
so]

Divorce!Iseri
ouslynev ert
houghtI '
dbea
div
orcedman.HowdoIsi gnthesepaper s
knowi ngthatIst
illl
oveher ?HowdoImov eon?
HowdoIbr ingmy selftoli
vingwi t
houther
for
ev er?Ican'
tsignthesepaper s,Ican'tl
oose
myf ami l
y.Myhousei scol
dwi thoutthem,it
's
nolongerahome.Imadeami stake,don'
tI
deserv easecondchance?

Iam nowdr
ivi
ngt
otheki
ds'
school
,IknowI
mightf
indhert
her
e.Ihav
etot
ryi
nreasonwi
th
her.

AssoonasIar
ri
ved,
ther
eshewaswai
ti
ngf
or
theki
ds.
Iappr
oachedher
,shewasonherphone.
Whenshet
urnedshesawmeandherf
ace
t
urnedr
edwit
hrage.

Oyi
:"LookCelest
ebabe,I
'
llcal
lyouorbet
tery
et
I
'l
lcomethroughtomorr
owmor ning"
.
..
..
..
..
..

Oy
i:"
Okayby
e"

Shehungup.
Me:
"Hey
"

Oyi
:"Si
ncef
rom whendoy
oupi
ckt
heki
dsup
onamonday?"

Me:
"I.
..
.wel
lI.
..
Oyi
li
stenbabyI
..
..
."

Oy
i:"
Didy
ougett
hedi
vor
cepaper
s?"

Me:
"Yes.
..
whi
chi
s..
."

Oy
i:"
Didy
ousi
gn?
"

Isi
ghed,
she'
snotevengivi
ngmeachancet o
tal
k,t
hewomanIseenowi snotthesame
womanImarri
edyearsback,Ir
eall
ybrokeher
.
Me:"Ican'
tsi
gnt
hem Oyi
,Il
oveyouokay
?
Pl
easegivemeachancetofi
xthi
s"

Shef
rowned.

Oyi:"Youcan'tory
ouwon'tsignthem?Sf iso
l
alela,youcanneverfi
xthi
sunlessy ouplanon
bri
ngingmyki dsback.Iam r
eallygetti
ngtir
ed
ofthis,Iwi
llbefor
cedtogetar estr
aini
ngor der
"

AsIwasabouttot
alksher
aisedherf
ingerf
or
metoshutup.

Oyi:
"Idon'
twannahearit,
sav
eyoursel
fthe
energyt
obegf orsomethi
ngt
hatwil
lnever
happen,si
gnthepapersandmoveon."
Whenwebot htur
nedt
hekidswerer
ightbehi
nd
us,wedidn'
tseet
hem.Theyl
ookedsadorhurt
I
'm notsur
e.

Ol
u:"
Mom.
..
dadhel
l
o"

Oy
i:"
Ohheybaby
..
.y
ouar
eher
eal
ready
"

Sheki
ssedt
hem andtookthei
rbagsf
rom t
hem,
sheputt
hem i
ntheboot.

Oy
i:"
Heyboyboy
"

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Hel
l
omom.
..
dad"
Thenhehoppedint
ot hecar
,Ol
uhl
efol
l
owed.
Mykidsar
ereal
lysaid.

Oyi
:"Signthedi
vor
cepapersSfisobecauseno
matt
erhowhar dyoutryyouwil
l neversucceed,
st
opf oll
owingmearoundit
'sunattr
active.
"

Shewentt
ot hecaranddr
iveof
f.Ij
ustst
ood
ther
eli
kealostpuppy.

Aftersomet
imewhenmymi ndhadregi
ster
ed
thatsheisr
eal
lygone,Isl
owlywal
kedtothe
caranddrovestr
aighthome.

[
Oyi
ntando]

WhodoesSf
isot
hinkhei
s?Whatmakeshi
m
t
hinkhecankeeponf
oll
owi
ngmear
ound?

"
Ican'
tsi
gnt
hepaper
s"what
?Hecan'
tsi
gn?Nx!

Isl
owlytur
nedtolookatmybabi es,t
heywer
e
qui
etall
theywayfrom school
andnowt heyare
si
tt
ingonthecouchsti
llawful
lyquiet
.

Me:
"Babi
es,
what
'swr
ong?
"

Ol
u:"
Mommyar
eyouanddaddyget
ti
nga
di
vor
ce?
"

Il
ookedatherl
i
ke.
..
.ki
d!!
!

Ol
u:"
Mom Iam ol
dokay?Bi
ancaoncet
oldus
hi
smom anddadareget
ti
ngdiv
orcemeani
ng
theyareseparat
ing,
soar
eyouanddad
separat
ing?"

Thisi
sthet opi
cI'v
ebeendreading,butoneway
ortheotherIhavetogett
oit.Ibreathedinand
askedthem tositwit
hmeont hecar pet
.
Theysat
.

Me:"Okaybabies,l
ist
entome.Yesmom and
dadareseparati
ng,becausewenolongermake
eachotherhappybutwebot hlov
eyouandwe
wil
lal
way sbethereforall
ofyou"

Si
mbongi
l
e:"Doesthatmeanwearenol
onger
goi
ngt
ostaywithdaddyathome?
"

Me:"
Yes,mommyi sgoi
ngtobuyusanew
homebutyoucansti
l
lvi
sitdaddyany
timey
ou
want
"

Simbongi
lei
ssti
ll
young,
hedoesn'
treal
l
y
under
standt
hiswhol
ethi
ngcomparedtoOl
uhl
e.

Si
mbongi l
e:"
Will
wehav eapool?Andpl
ay
stati
onandplayr
oom andajunglegy
m
outsi
de?"

Me:"
Yesmyboy ,
mommywi ll
makesur
ethat
wehaveal
lyourf
avour
it
es"

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Okayt
henI
'
m game"

Hethenstoodupandranof
f,Il
aughedal
i
ttl
e
andlookedatOl
uhl
e.
Me:
"Babydoy
ouwannasaysomet
hing?
"

Oluhle:
"Isdaddyt
her
easonwhyy
oul
ostt
he
babies?"

O-kay!!NowthisIdidn'
texpect..
.asIwastryi
ng
tocomeupwi ththeperfectanswer,thedoor
openedandLondekagoti nwithherdaughter,
theygr eet
edusandLondekasawt hatIwasina
posit
ionIcan'thandle.

Shel
ookedatherdaught
er.

Ndeka:"
Babytakemommy '
sbagsupst
air
sthen
changeyourschool
uni
for
m"

Sheagr
eedandl
eft
,Londekacamet
ojoi
nus.I
expl
ainedt
oherwhat
'shappeni
ng.

Londeka:
"Ol
uhl
ebaby
?"

Ol
u:"
Yesaunt
ieNdeka?
"

Ndeka:"
Ifyouhav eafri
endthatdoesnott
reat
youwellatschool,al
waysputsyoudownand
breaky
ourhear twhatwouldyoudo?"

Ol
u:"
Iwoul
dst
opbei
ngt
hei
rfr
iend"

Ndeka:
"Butwoul
dyouhat
ethem?
"

Sheshookherheadno.
Olu:"
Mommyal
way
staughtust
onev
erhat
e
anyone"

Ndeka: "
Goodgirl
,nowthatisthesamet hing
thatishappeni
ngbetweenmom anddad, so
mommyi schoosi
ngt ostopbeingdad' swi f
e
j
ustlikeyouwouldstopbeingfriendswi ththe
personthathur
tsyou..
..
butitdoesn' tmean
mommyhat esdaddy,shejustwantt of
indher
peaceofmi ndandbehappy ,youal soshould
nothatedaddybecausehel ovesy ouokay ?"

Ol
u:"
Okayaunt
ie"
.

Ndeka:
"Good,
doy
ouhav
eanyot
herquest
ion?
"

Shesmi
l
edandshookherheadno.
Ol
u:"
I'
m gl
adyouarechoosi
ngtobehappy
mommybutyoualsodon'
thatedaddy
"

Iki
ssedher,shest
oodupwentupst
air
.Whew!
!!
!
Chaptercl
osed.
.

Ndeka:
"Youokay
?"

Me:"Yeah,I
'm gl
adI
'
m donewit
htheexpl
aini
ng.
Thanksforcomingt
hroughf
orme".

Shet
appedmyshoul
derandsai
d"Any
time"

Shewentupst
airst
ochangeintocomfor
tabl
e
cl
othes,
wechil
ledtoget
herandItol
dherabout
mydecisi
ontogohome.
Lat
eronwest
art
edpr
epar
ingsupper
.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght

Li
ke,
commentandshar
e

#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t15.

*
Aweekl
ater
*

[
Oyi
ntando]

Beinghomeisreal
lyr
efr
eshi
ng,Idomissmy
babiesbutImakesur
etocal
lthem ev
ery
morni
ngbeforetheygot
oschool
andev
ery
ni
ghtbef
oretheygotobed.
Soy esIcamehomeaweekagoandour
neighbour swereveryhappyt oseeme, t
hey
wer efussingoverSbani butsomeIcoul dsee
theywer ewonder i
ngwhyI '
m backathomeand
mor eov erwhyismyr ingnotonmyf inger,
afteral
lIhadabi gweddi ngandalmost
everyoneher ecame, t
heysawmyr ing.Itwas
nothar dtomi sssi
ncei twasar ocksonow
theyarewonder ingwher etherockdisappeared
to.
WhenIarri
vedheremyhear tbr
oke, it
'sl
i
kewe
hadnegl
ectedourparent
s'house.Thegr ass
wasgrowing,
mymom' sgardenwasasgoodas
deadandthedustinthehouse!!*Sigh*mom
musthavebeenturni
nginhergr ave.

SoIdeci
dedt
ohi
reoneoft
heboy
sher
etohel
p
mewi t
hthegardenandcutthegrass,Icl
eaned
andtheguyalsopaint
ed.YesIwon'tbestayi
ng
herebuti
t'
sreal
lynotonforthehousetolook
l
ikesome'Spookytown'whil
ewear eali
ve.

AnywayIjustfi
nishedbathing,Ihavetobat
h
Sbanibecauseit
'sclosetoherbedt imebutshe
l
eftwi
t hournei
ghbour sgrandchil
dren.
AsIwaswalkingtowar
dsthedoorwi
tht
heai
m
ofgoingt
olookformybaby,Mam Mt
shal
i
knocked.

Me:
"OhhsawubonaMa"
.

MaM:
"Sawubonasi
si,
canIcomei
n?"

Me:"Yeboma, Iwasabouttogolookf
ormy
baby
, Idon'
tknowifyoudon'
tmindwait
ing"
Shenoddedandmadeheri n.Iwalkedoutand
l
uckyenoughthekidswerejustoutsi
de,butit
's
get
ti
ngdark.Aren'
ttheysupposetobebat hi
ng?

Me:
"Li
nky
!!ml
etheazogeza"

Theyallst
oodupandcamet ogi
vemeSbani,
Gosh!!
!Shewassodi r
ty,thankGodfor
pavementsandplacesthathavenosoil
becausewow,I'
veneverseenSbanithi
sdir
ty.

Me:"Okayby
eby
egi
rl
s,y
ou'
l
lseehert
omor
row
neh?
"

Theyagreedandl
eft
,Iwal
kedbacki
nsi
de.
..
OhI
for
gotIhaveaguest
.
MaM:
"Yi
nhl
einganey
akhobo"

Ismil
edandthankedher
,Ihonestl
ydon'
thave
ti
metoaskifIcangethersomethi
ngtodri
nk,I
havetogetbusy
,soIsatdown.

MaM:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokayOy
int
ando?
"

O-
Kay
!!
!!

Me:"
Idon'
tthi
nkIf
oll
owMa,
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
i
nter
msof?"

Iseewherethisisgoi
ngandIdon'twantt
ofi
nd
my sel
fdi
srespecti
ngher
.Iam her
ebecauseI
neededspaceandpeaceofmi nd.
MaM: "Sengi
shongobay ouar
eamar r
ied
womanandy ouhav ebeenher
eforaweek,
doesn'
tyourhusbandneedyou?OhandIsee
youeventookyourri
ngoff"

It
ookadeepbr
eat
heandl
ookedather
.

Me:"Mawi t
hallduerespectthi
si smymom
anddad'shouse,t
herefor
eIbelievewecan
comeher ewheneverandhowev erwewant
wit
houthavingtoexplai
nourselvestoanyone.I
needtobathmychi l
dsoi ft
here'snothi
ng
el
se..
..
"

Shest
oodupandcl
appedherhandsoncet
hen
hel
dherwai
st.
MaM: "
Uluhl
azawengane!
!!I
sthiswhatthebi
g
ci
tydi
dtoyou?Speaki
ngtoyourelder
sli
keyou
ar
ejumpingdownthetr
ee"

Istoodandwentt
oopent
hedoorandsi
gnal
l
ed
forhert
oleav
e.

Sheslowlywalkedoutandmumbl edsomet
hing
Icoul
dn'thearbutal
soIdidn'
tcar
e.

Icl
osedthedoor,mxm vil
lagewitches.Arggg
Sbaniisf
all
ingasl
eep,Ipickedherupandwent
tobatheherqui
ckl
ythenf edher,sheslept
befor
eshecouldevenf i
nisheati
ng.Icleaned
herupandputhertobed.

Idi
dwhatIdoever
ydaysi
nceIgother
e,goi
ng
tomypar
ents'
bedroom.I
tst
il
ll
ooksthesame,
wenev erchangedanyt
hing,
from howthings
wereplacedtothecurt
ainsandthepict
ureson
thewall.
..
Isatonthebedwiththei
rwedding
pict
ure.

Me:"Ma..
.Baba,mymarri
agefel
lapar
t,Il
ostmy
ki
ds,Iam brokenandIr
eall
yneedyou,Imiss
you"

Tearswerefal
l
ing,Icoul
dfeelt
hei
rpresence.
Thei
rscenthaslonggonebutsomeoft hei
r
cl
othesi
nt hewardrobest
il
lhol
dalit
tl
ebitofit
.

AsIwasbusyt
alki
ngt
othepi
ctur
emyphone
rang,
ItwasMv
elo.

Me:
"Br
other
"
Mv
elo:
"Mnt
asehowar
eyou?
"

Me:"I
'
m get
ti
ngt
her
emnt
ase,
bei
ngher
ereal
l
y
hel
ped"

Hesighed,
Iknowhehassomet
hingt
otel
lme
whenhedoesthat
.

Me:
"Sayi
t"

Hechuckl
ed.

Mv
elo:
"Youknowmehuh"

Me:
"Toomuch"
Mv
elo:
"Hesi
gnedt
hedi
vor
cepaper
s".

If
rozeforamoment ,
yesthisi
swhatI
wanted.
..
heckt
hisiswhatIwantbuti
tisonl
y
si
nkingi
nnowt hati
t'
sreal
lyover
.

Inoddedwi
thmyheadf
orget
ti
ngt
hathecan'
t
seeme.

Mv
elo:
"Ar
eyoust
il
lther
e?"

Me:
"Yes.
..
um y
es,
I.
..
wowokay
"

Mvel
o:"
Oyi
areyouokay,
youknowy
oucant
alk
t
omeaboutany
thing"

Me:
"I'
l
lbe.
..
noI
'
mfi
ne,
lookI
'
llcal
lyoui
nthe
mor
ning.
..
Sbani
iscr
ying"

Idi
dn'twai
tforhi
sresponse,Ihungupand
cur
ledupont hebedandcriedsobad.

Me:
"Ma!
!!
!"

Icr
iedmy
sel
ftosl
eep.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..

"Khul
ulainhl
i
ziy
oy akhomntanam,
konke
kuzol
unga."(Freeyourhear
tmychil
d,al
lwi
l
l
bewell"
.

Me:
"KodwababaIl
ovet
hisdov
e,i
t'
sbeaut
if
ul"
"
Leti
tgoOy
int
ando"

Me:
" Baba!!
!Babano!!
!!I
..
..
Ilov
eit
!!Mt
shel
e
Ma!
!!Tellhi
m Ican'
tl
etitgo"

"Yourdadisri
ghtOyint
ando,
thatdovei
snot
yours.
..
leti
tgobecauseitwi
llhur
tyoui
fyou
holdont oi
t"

Ij
umpedupandIwassweat i
ngandhadt ear
s.I
dreamtcar
ryi
ngabeaut i
fulwhitedovebutmy
parent
stel
l
ingmet oletitgo,attheendmydad
hi
tmyhandst hedoveflewaway .

Shit!
!!
!Isl
epti
nmypar ents'
bedr
oom andt ot
all
y
forgotmychil
d,Iqui
ckl
ygotupandr antomy
oldbedroom,that
'swhereIhadputher.If
ound
herplayi
ngwithmyteddybear.
Isatnexttoher,
didshereal
lysleepthr
oughout
thenightwit
houtcry
ing?That'
sfirst
.

Me: "Hell
oprincess,mommyf orgotabouty
ou
l
astni ght
..
.ohshei sabadmot herneh?Ohyes
baby...
.doyoulikemommy 'steddy?Yesyou
do..
.comel etmechangey ournappynana"

Ichangedhernappy ,If
eltawhol
elotl
i
ghter,
l
ikesomet hinghasbeenlif
tedof
fmyshoulders.
Ihaven'
tfeltli
kethi
sinages.
It
hendeci
dedtogobuyfl
owersthenvi
sitmy
mom anddad'
sgrav
esandgetthem cl
eaned.

[
Sfi
so]
Ican'
tbeli
evemymar ri
agei sover,
ev en
thi
nki
ngaboutitmakesi thardformet o
breat
he.Iam beyondbroken,Il
oveOy i
somuch
andcomingtot er
mswi ththefactthatshei
sno
l
ongermywi feisabit
terpil
ltoswal l
ow.

SoaweekagoIkeptonbuggi ngher ,aski

ngfor
forgi
veness,shetoldmeI '
m harassingherso
shewentt ogetmear estr
aini
ngor derbuta
goodper sonthatsheis,sheonlyrequested
thatIstayfr
om her,Icancomeseet hekidsas
muchasIwantbutImustnott alknorcome
nearher.

Ther
ewasnot hingIcoulddoreall
y,Ihadno
choi
cebuttosign.Iwashav i
ngherf oll
owed,
j
ustbecauseImi ssherandI'
dli
ket oknow
whatshedoes,Istoppedwhenmyguyt ol
dme
shespott
edhercr yi
ngattheparki
ngl otofthe
mall
.Icoul
dn'
ttakei
tany
mor
e,IknewIbr
oke
her
.

Ri
ghtnowIam witht
heki
ds,
Oluhl
eand
Si
mbongil
e,Sbani
lef
twi
thOyi
.
Itookt
hem outf
ori
cecr
eam andsomet
oys
shoppi
ng.

Wear
enowseat
edatSpurwai
ti
ngf
orourf
ood.

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Daddi
dyouki
l
lmommy
'ski
ds?
"

Icoughed,
choki
ngonsal
i
va.

Oluhl
e:"
Simbongi
l
edaddi
dnotki
l
lthem,
right
daddy?"
Me:
"YesboyIdi
dn'
tki
l
lthem,
Godt
ookt
hem"

Si
mbongi
le:
"ThenIhat
eGodbecauseHe
makesmommycr y
"

Icl
osedmyeyes,
takingi
talli
n.Myki
dsev
en
sawhowpai
nedtheirmotheri
s.

Olu:"
Wel l
dadmom t ol
dusthatyouaregett
ing
adivorcebutshealsot
oldusthatshedoesn'
t
hateyouandweal soshoul
dn'
thateyou"

Ismil
edandnodded,
Iwashonest
lyl
ostf
or
words.

Si
mbongil
e:"
Shepr
omisedtobuyasabeaut
if
ul
houset
hathasmyfav
ouri
tebecausewewon'
t
bestay
ingwithy
ouanymore,
dadar
ey ougoi
ng
tost
ayalone?Whydon'
tyoucomewit
hus?"

Me:"
Youwil
lvi
sitdaddyal
lthet
imeanddaddy
wi
ll
alsov
isi
tyouinyournewhouse"

Final
ly!
!!Ourfoodarr
ived,
itbecamesi
lentat
thetable,onl
ythesoundofourutensi
l
s.

Il
ookedatmykids,Ifail
edtheirmother.The
l
eastIcandoistobet hebestfathert
ot hem,
l
ovethem andal
way sbeav ai
labl
ewhenneeds
be.
Theyar
emyl
i
fe.

Whenwer edone,It
ookthem t
oToysrus,
Oluhl
ewasnotinter
est
edi nt
oyssoIbought
heratabl
etandtheboyherekeptonpoi
nti
ngat
di
ff
erentt
oys.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght

Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.

#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t16.

*
4year
slat
er*
[
Oyi
ntando]
Planni
ngabirthdaypartyhasnev erbeenso
hardSbanii
stur ning6yearsandIhav etogoal l
outbecausefort hepastyearsIneverpaidtoo
muchat t
enti
ont omyki ds,duetomydi vorce.
Ohhhbyt
hewayl
etmer
eint
roducemy
sel
f.
Iam Oy i
ntandoMbat ha,33y earsofage.Iam a
divorcedwomanandamot herto3beaut if
ul
chil
dr en.Oluhlehasnowbecomeat eenager,
shei s15y earsol dandv erysmar t
.Shei stoo
mat ureditscar esmesomet imes,all Iwannado
asapar entispr otectherf r
om theboy sandthis
cruelwor l
d.ThenSi mbongi leisnow10y ears
old,alsodi f
ferentf r
om whenhewasst il
l6
yearsol d,henol ongertalksalot.Thenl astl
y
myl it
t l
epumpki nSbani,shei sturning6y ears
oldin2day stime, shetal ksmor ethan
Simbongi ledid.

Wellj
usttot
akeyoubackal
i
ttl
east
owhat
happened3year
sago.

*
3year
sago*
Bei
nghomewast
hebestdeci
sionIev
ert
ookor
soIt hought .Howdoy ouletgoofsomet hing
youl ovesomuch?Somet hingyouar eusedt o?
Ijustcoul dn'tdoit.Iwentbackt omynor mal
l
ifeany waybuti twast oomuchf orme.If ell
i
nt odeepdepr ession,anxiet
y,str
essf ol
lowed
causi ngmet olooseal otofweight.Igav eup
onal otofthings,Ineglectedmyki ds,atsome
pointIwentt oourhouseandbur ntalmost
everyv aluablethingthatbelongedt oSfi
so,
thinkingthatwoul dheal mebutno! !Igot
admi ttedatt hepsy chi
atri
chospital
.They
thoughtIwascr azybutIwasn' t
,Iwasabr oken
woman.
IhatedSfi
sowit
heveryf
ibr
eofmybei ng.
Eventual
l
yaft
erayearofnotseei
ngmykidsas
oft
enasIwanted,t
hedoctordecl
aredmea
healedwoman,hesai
dIcouldgobackhome.
Someoft het
hingsIl
earntatthehospit
alwer e
thati
nor derf
ory out
oheal y
ouhav etoforgi
ve
thosethathurtevenwhenyouhav en'
treceiv
ed
t
heapology,
youshoul
dnotblamey
oursel
fand
l
ast
lyandmostimportant
lyr
ememberwhat'
s
i
mportanti
nyourli
fe.
That'
swheni tal
lcamebackt
ogether,t
hatI
havekids.Imadeav owtomysel
fthati
t'
sall
aboutmyki ds,
nothi
ngandnooneelsebutmy
ki
ds.
SorightafterIwasrel
easedfrom t
hehospital
,I
decidedtomov efrom t
heplacewest ayedi
n
andgost ayinSunninghil
l
,inSandton.Imoved
myki dsfr
om SouthdownscollegetoCrawford
col
lege.IforgaveSfi
soandfreedmy sel
f.
Theonl ythi
ngI'm happyf oristhatourdecision
tocopar entworksv erywel l
,heknowswhent o
comeseet hekidsorfetcht hem.Wel linterms
ofbusinessIdecidedt hatweshoul dexpandi t
,I
openedanot herbranchinMaboneng, Glam
couturehasnev erbeent hisbig,wemakeal ot
ofmoneyoutofi t
,Ialsor unani ndi
vidual
eventscompanyandImustsay ,nothingfeels
goodthanhavingy
ourownfatbankbalance.I
havehealedf
rom mydiv
orceandmiscarri
age
al
thoughIthi
nkaboutmytwinsf
rom ti
met o
ti
me,theycoul
dhavebeenbigbynowbutl i
fe
goeson.
Themostimportantthi
ngisthatmykidsknow
thatmeandthei
rfatherseparat
edandthey
knowwelovethem.
.
..
..
..
..
.
Anywaybacktothepr esentmoment ,t
he
pri
ncesssaidshewant saPrincessSophia
themeforherpart
ysoIhav et ogoupanddown
l
ookingforcol
oursthatwillmatchthetheme.

Wear eatgr
eenstonemall,
thepr
incessisbusy
showingmediff
erentthi
ngsbutIam theel
der
here,
Iknowwhati swhat.
Sbani
:"MommyIwantt
owearapur
pledr
ess
andIl
ovethatone"

Me:"Sbaniyoualr
eadysai
dyouwantawhi te
one,weboughtit,
nowy ouwantpur
ple.Iam
gett
ingti
redofthi
s"

Sbani
:"Fi
nemommyf
ine"

Shehuf
fedandwentar
oundl
ookingf
orGod
knowswhat
.Thi
schil
disgoi
ngtobethedeat
h
ofme.

Me: "
Fine!Gotakethatdr essandli
stent
ome
careful
lyyounglady,
ifyouchangey ourmind
againwear ecal
lingoffthispart
y"
Shescr
eamedandjumpedupanddownt
hen
rant
ogetthedr
ess.
WhenshegotbackIwenttopayandt henI
l
ookedbackonl
ytoreali
sethatmydaughteri
s
nowher
einsi
ght
.Ist
artedpanicki
ng.

Me:
"Sbani
!!
"

Haveyoueverfel
tli
key ouarelosi
ngyourmind?
That
'sme,Iranaroundt heshopbutIwasnot
seei
ngher
.Ir ant
ot hesecuri
tyatthedoor
.

Me:"E.
..
excuse,I
..
..
mydaught
er,
please.Di
dn'
t
youseeay ounggir
lher
e?"

Sec:
"Whatwasshewear
ingma'
am?Ther
e'sa
l
otofki
dscomingi
nandoutofher
e"
Me:"Pink.
..
.y
esapi
nkdr
ess,
shehasaf
ro
and.
..
.ohmyGodwhereismychi
l
d?"

Sec:
"Idi
dn'
tseeherma'am, may
beweshoul
d
gocheckonthecct
vfootage"

Inodded,
thepl
ast
icIhadwasont
hef
loor
.

Wegottot
hecameraroom,t
heycheckedthe
r
ecentf
oot
ageand.
..
.ohnowhoisthatman?
Itshowedamanhol di
ngherbyhandand
walkingoutofthestor
e.Icoul
dn'
thol
diti
n
anymor e,
Ijustwentdownandcri
ed.Iwantmy
chil
d.

Ist
oodupandr
anout
,Ineedcamer
asoft
his
whol
emal
l
,wher
ewi
l
lIev
enbegi
nlooki
ng?

Ir
anout
.

Sec:
"Ma'
am,
youar
eleav
ingy
ourpl
ast
ic"

Mxm doesshet
hinkIcar
eaboutt
hebl
oody
pl
ast
ic.

Ir
anaroundl
i
keamadwomanbusycal
l
ingout
Sbani
'
sname.

[
Nar
rat
ed]

ThemanboughtSbani
icecr
eam atmi
l
kyl
ane.
Sbani
:"Youar
esuchani ceper
son,mommy
wouldkil
lmeifshef
indsmeeat i
ngi
cecr
eam"

Man:"
Yourmom doesn'
twanty
out
oeati
ce
cr
eam?"

Sbani:"
Wellshedoesbutonspeci f
icdaysnot
every
day,shesay sitwil
lcauset
oothdecayand
al
lthesesicknesses."

Themanwhi
sper
ed.

Man:
"Thendon'
ttel
lherIgav
eyou"

Shelaughed,shewasreal
lyhavingfunwit
hthi
s
st
ranger,hekeptont
ell
inghim stor
iest
hat
madeherl augh.
Man:"
Yourmom mustbewor
ri
edabouty
ou,
let
metakeyouback"

Sbani
:"Okay
"

Shewasnotworr
iedorevenseei
ngany
thi
ng
wrongwi
thwhatshedid.

Astheywer
ewalki
ngbacktheysawamessy
Oyi
ntandor
unni
ngaround.

Sbani
:"Mom!
!!
"

Oyir
ant
oherandat
tackedherwi
thav
eryt
ight
hug.
#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght

Whocouldbethestr
angert
hatt
ookSbanifor
I
cecream?Whilecr
acki
ngyourmindsabouti
t,
I
'
llsayfi
ndoutmoreonthecont
inuat
ion
t
omor r
ow.

#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t16.
Cont
inued.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Icr
oucheddownandl ookedstr
aighti
nto
Sbani
'sey
es.Ihaveneverbeensoscaredinmy
wholeent
ir
eli
fe.
Me:"Sbaniwhatdi
dIsayaboutt
alki
ngt
o
st
rangers?
"

Shepl
ayedwithherfi
nger
s,Iknowwhatthat
means.Shedoesthatwhensheiscooki
ngupa
goodanswerfory
ou.

Sbani:"
YousaidIshouldn'
ttal
ktostr
anger
s
becausetheywil
lsteal
mebutuncl e.
..
."

Me:"Hei
snotyouruncl
e,hei
sastr
angeryou
hearme?Youonlyhaveuncl
eMvel
othat'
sit
!!
Arewecl
earSbani
?"

Shenodded.
Me:
"Doy
ouwantmet
ocancel
thepar
ty?
".

Sbani
:"Nomommyplease,
Ipr
omi
set
onev
er
tal
ktostr
anger
sany
more"

Isi
gheddeepl
y,asi
ghofr
eli
ef.

Me:
"Whatdoy
ousaynext
?"

Sbani
:"I
'
m sor
rymommy
"

Thebloodystrangerclear
edhisthroat.
..
Isl
owly
l
ookedathisdi r
ecti
on.Carvel
a,brentwoodand
GolfT-
shir
t.
..
ifthati
sn'tatypi
calZuluoutfi
t
thenIdon'
tknow.Ist oodupandl ookedathim.

Hi
m:"
Saw.
..
."
Me:"Don'
tyoudaresawuboname! !!Wher
ethe
hel
ldoyougettheri
ghttojusttakemychil
dfor
i
cecream?Whodoy out
hinky ouare?"

Hesmi
l
ed.
..
mxm bl
oodychar
coal
.

Him:"
Nkosazana,
kahl
eul
akabo.Ngegama
ngi
wu..
..
"

Me:"Idon'tcar
ewhaty ournameis,
youhad
absolut
elynorightt
ojusttakemychil
dli
ke
that
"

It
urnedar
oundandt
ookSbani
'
shand.

Me:
"Let
'sgo"
Sbani
:"By
euncl
eTK"

Bloodybl
ackuncl
eTKsmi
l
edandwav
ed
goodbye.

Wewentbacktothestorewewer eat,Igotmy
plast
ict
henwel
eft.Ihadlostal
lthedesir
eto
shop.

Me:
"Sbani
?"

Sbani
:"Yesmom"

Me:
"Doy
ouwantt
ogetst
olen?
".
Sbani:
"Butmommywhyar
ewegoi
ngback
ther
e?IsaidI
'
m sor
ry"

Isighedanddroveoff.Isuddenl
ygotemot
ional
,
IthoughtIhadlosther.GodknowsIwasgonna
die.
Iwipedof
fthet
ear
sthatwer
ebl
i
ndi
ngmeand
tookaver
ydeepbr
eathe.

WhenwegothomeIt
hrewmy
sel
font
hecouch.

Ol
uhl
e:"Youlooksadmor
ethant
ir
edmom
what
'swrong?"

Me:
"Ifi
tisn'
tyourl
i
ttl
esi
ster
"

Shechuckl
ed,
ever
yoneknowst
hatSbani
is
t
roubl
e.

Ol
uhl
e:"
Whatdi
dshedonow?
"

It
oldherevery
thi
ng,shelaughed.Igav
ehera
l
ookthatasked"What'
sfunny?"

Ol
uhl
e:"
Shei
ssaf
emom,
that
'sal
lthatmat
ter
s"

Justt
hen,
thei
nter
com r
ang.

Ol
uwentt
oopen.

Me:
"Whoi
sitOl
uhl
e?"

Ol
uhl
e:"
Del
i
ver
yfory
oumommy
"
Me:
"Si
gni
t"

Af
tersomet
imesshecamebackwi
thaboxand
abunchoff
lower
s.

Me:
"Whoar
ethosef
rom?I
t'
snotmybi
rt
hday
?"

Ol
uhl
e:"
Let
'ssee"

Shet
ookt
hecar
dthatwasont
hef
lower
s.

Oluhl
e:"
Mbal i
enhl
e,thi
sserv
esasanapol ogy
forwhatIdi
d.Bekungeyonai
nhl
osoy ami
ukuk'
caphuki
sa.Umuhleimpel
antokazi,
Iwould
l
ov et
oseey ouagai
n.LoveThokozaniDlamini
"
Irol
l
edmyeyesbut
..
..
waitwai
twai
twher
eon
eart
hdi
dhegetmyaddress?

Ol
uhl
e:"
Someonehasanadmi
rer
"

Me:"Mxm shutupandt
hrowt
hrowt
hose
f
lowersi
nthebin"

Sheopenedherey
eswi
de.

Ol
uhle:
"What?Hel
lnomommy ,I
'
mt aki
ngthem
t
omyr oom.Icoul
ddowi t
hsomefr
eshflower
s,
l
et'
sseewhat'
sinthebox"

Sheopeneditandwowsuchabeaut i
ful
neck
pi
ece.Argghthatonemusthavest
oleni
t,a
manwithbrownbr ent
woodtr
ouser
swoul d
nev
eraff
ordsuchabeaut
if
ulandexpensi
ve
j
ewel.

Oluhl
e:"
Wowmom!
!!Ni
ggamustbesoi
ntoy
ou,
forhi
mtobuyy
out
his!
"

Me:"Idon'
tcareOl
uhleplease,
anywaywhatdo
youknowaboutniggasthatareint
oaper
son?
Youareonlyingr
ade10and15"

Sher
oll
edherey
es.

Ol
uhl
e:"
Umm y
ahmom,
15andi
ngr
ade10not
st
upi
d"

Me:"Whatev
er,I
'm gonnagogetsomerest.
Pl
easelookaft
ermi sssmar
typants.Wher
eis
Si
mbongi
l
eany
way
?"

Oluhl
e:"Ohhhsor
rymom Iforgott
ot el
lyou,dad
camet ogethi
m.Apparentl
ytheyarehavinga
boysdayout.Hetri
edcall
i
ngy oubutyouwer e
notpi
ckingup"

Me:
"Okay
"

Itookmyphoneandchecked,i
ndeedt
here
were3missedcal
lsf
rom Sfi
so.Musthav
ebeen
thatt
imewhenIwasrunningar
oundli
keamad
woman.

Igotupandtooktheneckl
acewithme,Oluhl
e
gavemeal ookbutIwasnotaboutt
otalktoo
muchwi t
hher,soIi
gnoredherandwenttomy
bedroom.
I
mmediatel
ywhenIputmyheadont
hepi
l
lowI
dr
if
tedoftosl
eep.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght
.

I
t'
sacont
inuat
ionf
rom Yest
erdaysoi
tcan'
tbe
l
ongl
ikeaful
li
nser
t.

#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t17.

[
Oyi
ntando]

I
tisf
inal
l
ythedayoft
hepar
tyandIam pl
eased
withhowevery
thingis,
mydaught eri
ssohappy,
I'
m gl
adevery
thingcametogetherbutmostof
all
I'
m gl
adIdon'thavetodeal
wi t
hSbani'
s
i
ndecisi
vet
endencies.

Me:
"Sot
ell
mommyhowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"

Sbani
:"Li
keaPr
incessmommy
,thanky
ouso
much"

Me:"Goodgi
rl
,nowgotel
lOl
uhl
etocomedown
her
eandhelp,wear
eaboutt
ostar
t"

Sheranupstai
rs,
thel
adi
esandt
hei
rki
dskept
oncomingin.

Si
hle:
"Nowt
hispl
acel
ooksamazi
ngOy
i,Il
ove
whaty
oudi
dwi
tht
het
heme"

Me:"Gir
ltrustmewhenIsayi
twasnoteasy
,
Sbanikeptonmakingdemands"

Theyl
aughed,
Sbani
camedownwi
thhersi
ster
.

Myphoner
ang,
it'
sSf
iso.

Me:
"Hey
"

Sfiso:
"Hyum..
.l
ookIwon'
tbeabletocometo
theparty
,Ihav
esomebusinesstodealwi
th,
pleaseapol
ogi
setothepr
incessf
orme"

Ii
nwardlyrol
l
edmyey es,t
hat'
swhathedoes
bestl
atel
y.Hemissesthekids'
impor
tantday
s
andsayhehas"
Busi
ness"t
otakecar
eof
.

Me:
"Okayby
e"

Sf
iso:
"Oy
idon'
tbel
i
ket
hat
"

Me:"Wasther
esomet
hingel
sey
ouwant
edt
o
saySfi
so?
"

Sfi
so:
"Wel
lnobut
..
.okayI
'
m sorr
y,t
ell
SbaniI
sai
dHappybi
rt
hdayandI'
l
lbri
ngherabiggi
ft
"

Me:
"Okay
"

Ihungup.
Me:"
Sbani
daddysay
shecan'
tcomebuthewi
l
l
buyy
ouagift
"

Ol
u:"
Whyam Inotsur
pri
sed?
"

Me:
"Ol
uhl
e"

Ol
u:"Mom i
t'
str
ue,dadal
wayshasexcuses
l
atel
yandi
t'
sget
tingonmylastner
ve"

SeewhatImean?LastweekOl uwasget ti
ng
awardsatschoolandaspar ent swehadt obe
attheawardceremony ,hedidn'tcome.
Simbongil
ehadasoccermat ch, sti
l
lhecoul dn'
t
makeit.Ihav
ebecomeamot herandf atherof
mykidsandIstill
trymybestt omakesur ethat
theydon'
thatehim butit'
sheadi ngthereandas
muchIdon'twantt hathappening,Iwon'twi nin
convi
ncingthem becauseSfisokeepsongi
vi
ng
them enoughreasonstoresenthim.

Me:"
Oluhl
eIknowbutyoudon'
thav
etogetal
l
wor
kedupaboutitbaby
"

Ol
u:"
What
evermom,
cant
hepar
typr
oceed?
"

Isighedandaskedeveryonetogat
herar
ound
thegar densowecanbegin,myPri
ncesswas
nol ongerashappyasshewasinthemorni
ng
andt hatbrokemyheart
.
Iwentt
oherandkneel
eddown.

Me:
"Ar
eyouokaybaby
?"

ShenoddedbutIcoul
dseet
ear
sfor
ming.
Me:"Sbanimommyi shear
,soisOl
uand
Si
mbongi l
e,Yourf
ri
endsar
ealsoheresoy
ou
don'
thavetobesadmybabyokay ?"

Sbani
:"Okay
"

Me:"Doy
ouwantt
oseewhatmommybought
you?
"

Shesmi
l
ed,
herbr
ightandbeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e.

Sbani
:"Yesssy
esmom"

Ist
oodup.
Me:
"Okaybutwehav
etosi
ngf
ory
ouf
ir
st"

Thepartybegan,
wesangforherandshewas
soshy,t
hatgotmelaughi
ngbecausethi
sisso
unl
ikeher.

Mvel
o:"Okayokaykids,i
t'
sti
mef ort
hegif
ts
andi
fyouhavenogi ft
,yougetnocakeandyou
won'
tpl
ayont hesl
ipperysli
de.

Theyal
lstart
edstar
tedshout
ingandscreaming,
aski
ngtheirmot
herstogiv
ethem thegi
ft,we
coul
dn'
thelpbutl
augh.
Theygav eSbanithegi
ft
sandherbeingthedi
va
thatsheis,shewassohappyandshef el
tso
speciall
ikeshe'
stheonlyper
sonl
i
vingon
planeteart
h.
Ol
ugaveherthegi
ftshebought
,itwasamake
upset
,shegotupandhuggedhersist
er.

Me:"Ol
uhl
eamakeupset?Real
ly?Whati
smy
daught
ergoi
ngt
odowit
ht hi
s?"

Peopl
elaughed.

Oluhle:
"Wel l
ever
yoneIknowmyl i
tt
lesi
ster
l
ov esbeingbeaut
iful
,sheisaladyli
kemom so
shewi l
lteachher
selfhowtoputmakeupon, I
don'tmindbeingherdoll
,ri
ghtpri
ncess?
"

Shegi
ggl
edandsai
dyes.

Si
mbongil
e:"
Welly
ouarethebey
onceoft
he
housesosi
nceIdi
dn'
tknowwhattobuyf
oryou,
Ithoughtwhynobuty
ouami
crophonesoy
ou
cansingforus"

Sbani
:"Ohhhhy
es"

Sheclappedherhands,
wel aughed.Regar
dless
ofeveryt
hing,
thel
ovemykidshav eforeach
otherbr
ingsmepeace,thei
rhappinessmakes
mecompl ete.

LondekaboughtherahugeBarbi
ehouset
hen
Mveloboughtherahugesetofdoll
s.
It
ookoutmygi
ft
,itwashuge.

Shest
oodup,
shewasr
eadyt
oseei
t.
Iopenedi
tandi
twasapi
nkbi
ke.
Sher
ant
owar
dsi
tandst
art
edj
umpi
ngupand
down, shehuggedmesotight
.She'
sbeen
askingforabikesoIt
houghtwhynot,
ithada
helmetandabasket.

Someguycametowardsus,hehadacl
i
pboar
d
andagi
ft
.Del
iv
eryguyIguess.

Hegr
eet
ed.

"
Del
i
ver
ymi
ssSbani
"

Every
onel
aughed,
Imeanwhodel
i
ver
sforaki
d
real
l
y?

Sbani
:"Thatwoul
dbeme"

AsIwasaboutt
osi
gnshest
oodup.
Sbani
:"Mommytheysaiddeli
ver
yforMi
ss
Sbani
notMissOyi
ntando,socanIsi
gnfor
mysel
fMrdeli
ver
y?"

Wel
aughed,
Mrdel
i
ver
ynodded.

Shesi
gnedandt
ookt
hegi
ft
.

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Henoddedandleft
,Sbaniopenedt
hegi
ftand
scr
eamedherlungsout.

Sbani
: "
It'
salapt
opforki
ds,itwil
lteach
ever
ythingIneedtoknowandi thasacard,Si
s
OlubecauseIcan'tr
eadproperl
ypleaseread
f
orme"

Isupposeitcomesf
rom Sf
iso,
itcount
sfor
somethingri
ght?

Oluhl
e:"Itsay
sHappybi r
thdaylit
tl
eone, Ihope
youwill
hav eabeaut
ifulday.Iboughty outhat
l
aptopbecauseyout ol
dmey ouar esti
llyoung
andcan'treadpr
operly,
Ihopei twil
lteachy ou
howtor eadandwrit
e...
uncleTK"

Every
onelookedatme, t
heywantedtoknow
whouncleTKi s.Onlyi
ftheyknewIalsodon't
knowhim exceptthatheisamadst rangert
hat
keepsonsendingmegi f
tsandonlyGodknows
howheknowsmyaddr ess.
Sbaniwasev enaf
rai
dofbei
nghappybecause
shethoughtIwoul
dscoldher
.
Me:
"It
'sabeaut
if
ulgi
ftmyangel
"

Shesmi l
edwit
hr el
ief
.Thepart
ycontinued,we
atethengaveevery
onethecake.Thekidswent
toplay,
westayedatthegardenwatchingthem
playwhil
ehavi
ngourownconv ersat
ion.

Ast
hedaywenton,peopl
estar
tedl
eav
ing.Al
l
i
nal
litwasabeaut
if
ulday.

[
Thokozani
]

Mkhusel
i
:"KodwaSi
bal
i
khul
udoy
out
hinkt
his
i
sagoodi dea?
"

Me:
"Whatar
eyouonabout
?"
Mkhuseli
:"YouknowwhatI '
mtalkingabout,
havi
ngthatwomanf ol
lowed,don'tyouthi
nkit'
s
gonnaturnheroff
,nakhonawhendi dyoustart
bei
ngafraidofapproachingawoman? "

Me: "
Mkhuseli
sheisnotj ustawoman, t
here's
somethi
ngabouther .Shei snot hingcompar ed
tothewomenI '
vebeenwi th,ther e'ssomething
i
nviti
ngaboutherbutalsot here'st hatt
hingthat
makesmef earher,she'
si nti
mi dat i
ngandy ou
knowIdon'tdowellwithrejection"

Mkhusel
i
:"Sol
etmegett
hisst
rai
ght
,youl
ove
her
?"

Hehadast
upi
dsmi
rkonhi
sface.
Isi
ghed.

Me:
"Il
oveherbaf
o,hemakesmeweak"

Hel
aughed.

Mkhusel
i:"
Clearl
y,t
heThokozaniIknowdoesn't
dolov
e,buttheoneI'mlooki
ngatnowisinlove,
Ubabakwamel eal
ungisei
nkomozakhe"

Isi
ghed,Ihaveneverf
eltst
rongl
yattr
actedtoa
womant hewayIam wi t
hthatwomen, Iam
nat
urall
ytal
kati
vebutthatt
imeItookherchi l
d
att
hemal landshetol
dwher etogetoff,If
ound
myselfnotknowingwhattosay.

Mynamei
sThokozani
Dlami
ni,
Iam 38y
ear
s
old.Iam awel lknownbusi nessman, Ifi
ndit
veryfunnythatOy intandodoesn'
tknowme
becausemyki ndof" Wellknown"isonet hat
i
ncludesbei ngonpaper sdayindayout,Itryas
muchasIcant oliveanormal l
if
ebut
somet i
mesitbecomeshar dbecauseev enthe
l
ittl
et hi
ngsIdo, youf i
ndthem onthef r
ontpage
ofev erynewspaper .

Li
kewhenItookOyint
ando'sdaught
er,
thenext
papert
obeprint
edhad" THOKOZANIDLAMI NI
TOOKCHILDWI THOUTMOTHER' SCONSENT
ANDWASTOLDWHERETOGETOFFBYTHI S
UNKNOWNBEAUTI FULLADY"
Ihadtodoever
ythi
nginmypowertomakesur
e
thestor
ydi
sappear
sbecauseIcoul
dn'
thav
e
Oyint
andoseeandrui
nevery
thi
ngforme.

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.
I
nser
t18.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Monday sar ealway shecti

cforme, Ihav
eto
dri
vet hekidst oschool,dr
ivetomycompanyt o
checkhowev er
ythi
ngwentov ert
heweekend
becauset hat'
swhenwegett odomostev ent
s
thenlastl
yIspendt hewholedayatGC( Glam
Couture).Ijustarri
vedatthest or
eanditis
alr
eadypacked.
Iwentst
rai
ghtt
omyof f
iceandj
ustasIsat
downPamelafol
lowedi
n.

Pamel
a:"
Goodmor
ningmadam"
Me:
"Mor
ningdear
"

Pamel
a:"
How'
sthemor
ning?
"

Me:"Can'
tsayi
t'
sgood,
Ihadalongandt
iri
ng
weekend,
Ineedsomerest
.Howareyou?
"

Pamela:
"I'
m good,anywaywehav
eranoutof
st
ock.Here'
stheli
st"

Itooki
tandthankedher,mydaybegins.Ihav
e
tomakephonecal l
sandorderthest
ockand
countal
lthepr
ofitand.
..
and.
..
and.

AsIwasbusymyphoner
ang,
it'
sCel
est
e.
Me:
"Heypar
tner
"

Cel
est
e:"
Heyl
ove,
howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I'
m sot
ir
ed,
howar
eyou?
"

Cel
est
e:"I
'
veneverbeenbet
ter
,Ihavegood
newsandhopef
ull
ytheywil
ll
if
tyourspi
ri
t"

Me:
"Icoul
ddowi
thsomegoodnews"

Cel
est e:"Ij
ustagotacallfr
om Percyof
Businessawar dsandGlam Couturehasbeen
nomi natedundertwocategori
es,TheBusi
ness
ofthey earawardandwehav ealsobeen
nomi natedunderthewomenofnot eaward"
Me:
"What
?Youl
i
e!!
!"

Cel
est
e:"
Lucki
l
yI'
m not
,gi
rlwear
edoi
nggood"

Ismil
edwidely,
nowIknowwear
eont
her
ight
tr
ack,If
eelgood.

Me:
"Thosearei
ndeedgreatnews,
sowheni
s
t
heact
ualdayoftheawards?"

Cel
est
e:"
Thi
scomi
ngsat
urday
"

Me:"What?That
'sashor
tnot
ice,
wher
ewi
l
lI
getaper
fectout
fit
?"

Shelaughed,
Iknowshe'
sthi
nki
ngt
hatI
'
m
bei
ngdr amat
ic.
Cel
est
e:"
Wewi
l
lsor
tthatoutdon'
twor
ry"

Me: "
Yooohokayletmegetbusy,
thanksfor
del
iveri
ngsuchgoodnewsinthemorning,If
eel
rej
uvinat
ed.
"

Shel
aughedandwehungup.

Wow, Ir
eall
ynev ert
houghtI'
dseemy sel
fdoi
ng
thi
sgood,letalonebei
ngabusinesswoman
thati
srecognisedbymany .Thi
sreal
l
yl i
ft
edmy
spir
it
sup.

[
Sfi
so]

Me:
"Babycomeon!
!I'
m gonnal
eav
eyou"
Shecamedownl ooki
ngal ll
av i
sh,Somet i
mesi t
getstomyner veswhenshet akesforeverto
preparehersel
f.Butwhenshei sdone,Igetto
real
isewhyshet ooklong, shei ssobeautif
ul.
EachtimeIseeherl ookingt hisbeauti
fulIfal
li
n
l
ov ewithheralloveragain.Herbabybump
makesherl ookev enmor ecut er.

Ismi
l
ed.

Vanessa:
"I'
m her
enow,
let
'sgo"

Iki
ssedherandbr
ushedherst
omach.

Me:
"Youl
ooksexy
"
Vanessa:
"Don'
tIal
way
s?"

Me:
"Get
ti
ngcockyar
en'
twe?
"

Shegi ggled..
.Ohhhy ouar eprobablywonderi
ng
whoVanessai s,remembert hatladyImetat
theclub?Theonewhot ookmehomewhenI
wasdr unkandIwokeupnextt ohert hehe
foll
owingmor ning?yest hatone.Wehav ebeen
togetherforay earnow,Itallst
artedas
fri
endshipbutIguesswebot hdev el
oped
feel
ingsf oreachot hersowedeci dedtogiv
eit
atryandt hatledtoherf al
li
ngpr egnant,
I
couldn'tbehappi er.

Anywaywegott othecarandIdr
ovet
o
Centur
ionmall
,Ideci
dedtotakemywhit
ebaby
mamaoutf ordi
nner.
.
..
..
..
.
Wefinal
lyarr
ived,
par
kedt
hecarandwal
kedi
n
handinhand.

Aswer ewal ki
ngIsawsomeoneIknow, Simi?I
haven'tseenherin3y ear
snow, WhenOy il
eft
meIi nsist
edthatsheleavesbothmyof f
ices
andgof indanotherpl
ace,Itol
dhertostop
cal
li
ngmeandshedi dtomysur pr
ise.
Shewaspushi
ngababyonast
rol
l
er.

Itr
iedact
ingli
keIdidn'
tseeherbutshesawme
andcamet owardsus.
Shel
ookedatmet
henatVanessa.

Si
mi :
"Whodowehav ehere?Sfi
soKunene!
WowInev ert
houghtI
'dseeyouagai
nbutI
guessit
'sonl
ymountai
nsthatdon'
tbumpinto
eachot
her
"

Me:
"Si
mi"

That
'sal
lIcoul
dsayhonest
ly.

Si
mi:
"Ohhhey
..
.I
'
m Si
mi,
youar
e?"

Shesai
dlooki
ngatVanessa.

Vanessa:
"I'
m Vanessa"

Si
mi:"
Nicetomeety
ou,
Ohhy
ouar
epr
egnant
?
Congr
atul
ati
ons"

Vanessa:
"Thanky
ou"
Shewasbor ed,AsIwast ryi
ngtowalkawaymy
eyeslandedonSimi '
sbaby,IsawSbaniand
Oluhl
einherandmyhear tbeatchanged
i
nstantl
y.Could.
..
..
.nononoi tcan'
tbe.

Shesawt
hel
ookonmyf
ace,
soshesmi
l
ed.

Simi
:"Shei
sy our
sSfi
so,
youreal
l
yareababy
makerbutt
rustmewhenIsayshedoesn'
tneed
you,
sheisgrowingv
erywel
landdoi
ngokay"

Me: "
Simi
!!Whyt
hehell
didn'
tyout
ell
me?You
keptmychil
dawayfr
om me? "

Simi:
"YousaidIshouldstayawayfrom you,
remember?Youblockedmynumber saft
eryou
tol
dmet ostopcall
ingyou,Itr
iedbutyousaidI
shoul
dleav
eyoual
one"

Vanessal
etgoofmyhandandr anof
f,Ididn'
t
knowwhethert
orunaf
terherorwhat
,it'
slike
myfeetweregl
uedtot
heground.

Simi
:"By
eSfiso,
itwasniceseei
ngy
ouohby
thewayhernameisSiphosami"

Shewinkedandpushedthestr
oll
erwalki
ng
away,Icl
osedmyeyeslett
ingi
tallsi
nkin,
I
fi
nall
yrantot
heparki
nglotandfoundNessa
cry
ing.

Me:
"Baby
"

Vanessa:
"Takemehome"
Me:
"Andourdat
e?"

Vanessa:"
Idon'
tcar
eaboutnof
uckingdat
e
Si
fi
so,takemehomeokay?AndwhenIsay
homeImeanmyhousenoty our
s!!
"

Me:
"Comeonmyl
ove,
shemeansnot
hingt
o
meit
's.
..
..
..
"

Shewavedherhandt
omyf
aveandIknew
she'
sdonetal
ki
ng.

Isighedandgottothecar,Ilookedatherf
ora
while,shewaslooki
ngoutsidethewindow,
brushingherbump.Isi
ghedagai nandstar
ted
thecar .
Iam br
eat
hingthr
ought hewound,HowcanI
havea3yearolddaughterandnotknowabout
her
?Howev il
canSimi be?

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght

Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.

#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t19.

[
Thokozani
]

"
Siry
oursui
tisher
e"
Me:"OkaythanksZami
l
e,pl
easet
akei
tforme,
I
am busyri
ghtnow"

Shenoddedandwal
kedout
.
Wellj
ustsoyouknowIam thefounderandCEO
ofamediacompany,t
her
e'salotthatfal
ls
undert
hatword"Medi
a"
ThereisTDbroadcasti
ng,TDChar
it
y,TD
Producti
onandTDev ents.
Sot
henameofmycompanyi
sTDmedi
a.
Wepr oducemostoft hetelev
isiondramas,
mov i
esandseries,wedor adiobroadcast
ing,
wedochar i
tywor kbutIalsostart
edan
orphanagebecauseIbelieveingivi
ngbackand
helpi
ngthoseinneed.
Ithenownaagri
cul
tur
alcompany,i
tmai
nly
focusesi
nfar
ming,
wepr ov
idebi
g
super
market
swi
thMi
l
kandmeat
,fr
uit
sand
veget
abl
es.
Sot r
ustmeIhav ealotofmoney ,notthatI'
m
braggingbutit'
shardtotell
yout hetruthnoone
cantellthatIhavemoneyunl esstheyknowme
si
nceIam wel lknown,Il
ovelivi
ngasi mpleli
fe.
AnywaybacktowhatIam doi
ngri
ghtnow,
Iam
prepar
ingmysel
ffort
heawardst
hatare
cominguptomorrow.

Idecidetocal
lMkhuseli
,hei
sonepersonIdo
everythi
ngwit
h,hehandlest
hebr
oadcasti
ng
partofmycompany .

Mkhu:
"Si
bal
i
khul
u"

Me:"Mkhusel
iSibal
i
khuluisyourdadnotme,
any
wayIwanty outopreparetheint
erv
iewsf
or
tomorrow,t
hebusinessawar
dswi
l
lbe
broadcast
edli
ve"

Mkhu:"
What
?Sot
heyaskedy
out
otaket
his
one?
"

Me: "
Yeah,whentheycal
l
edtot
ell
meI '
m
nominated,
theyal
soaskedmetobroadcastf
or
them"

Mkhu:
"Mmm wear
egoi
ngt
ochowal
lthi
s
money"

Me:
"EyMkhudoasIsayman"

Ihungup,
Iknowhewil
lnev
erst
op.Helov
es
moneybutheisl
azy
,Ij
ustl
ovewhathedi
dwit
h
TDbr
oadcast
ing,
hei
saBCgeni
us.

Ithenwentbackt odoingmyj ob.

..*
Sigh*Lately
Ican'tgoadaywi t
houtt hi
nkingabout
Oy i
ntando,thatwomanr eall
ystolemyhear t
, t
o
apoi ntofnor et
urn.Ican'tevendowhatIused
todowi ththegirl
st hatentert
ainedmebef ore.
Il
oveherandI
'
m pr
epar
edt
oset
tl
edowni
fI
gett
ohaveher
.

[
Oyi
ntando]

MygirlandIdecidedt otakeadayof fwor

k
today,
wear eataspa.Wer eall
ywantt ol
ook
andfeel goodtomorr
owatt heawards,we
alr
eadyboughtourdr essesandImustsayI '
ll
belookingallki
ndsofy ummyi nmyboobt ube
redmermai ddress.I
t'
smyv eryf
ir
sttime
att
endingt hiskindofev entf
ormy self,
Iusedto
att
endwi thSf iso.Iwashistrophywife,al
ways
beingbyhi ssideandsuppor tinghim butt
his
ti
mei t'
sdifferent,Iam att
endingbusiness
awardsf ormy self.Ihaveall
therighttobe
excit
edandgoov er
board.

Cel
est
e:"
Sogi
rlt
ell
meaboutt
hisuncl
eTKguy
"

Me:"What'
stheretotel
lthough?Idon'
tmuch
abouthi
m,hei sst
alki
ngmeandIr eal
l
yhat
e
whatheisdoing"

Cel
est
e:"
May
behel
i
kesorl
ovesy
ouhey
"

Me:"Sowhynott
ell
mei
nst
eadofact
ingal
l
cr
eepy?"
Celest
e: "
Maybehei sscar
ed,f
riendhavey
ou
seenhowi nt
imidat
ingyouarelatel
y?Youhav
e
thi
sseriousf
ace"

Ikeptqui
te,
am Ir
eal
l
yint
imi
dat
ing?

Me:
"Ahhhwel
l
...
..
"

Shelaughed,weconti
nuedwi
thourmassages
atthespathenweheadedtothesal
onandhad
ourhairandnai
lsdone.

Me:
"BabesI
'
m amot
herof3sodut
ycal
l
s"

Wehuggedandwentsepar
ateway s,
Cel
este
hasnochi
ldandshehasnoplansofhavi
ngone
anyt
imesoon.Shesay
sshestil
lwantst
ohave
f
unwit
houtt
hinki
ngoft
heki
ds,
soi
t'
sdi
ff
erent
f
orme.

AsIwaswalkingt
omycar,someonecalledmy
name.It
urnedtol
ookanditwas..
..
God!
!!Iam
havi
ngaverygoodday
,canitnotberui
ned?

Si
mi:"Hey,wowy
oul
ook.
..
dif
fer
ent
,good
di
ff
erent"

Me:
"Thanks"

Iopenedthecarandputt
heli
ttl
eplast
icsIhad
atthebag,whenIcl
osedthedoorshewasst i
l
l
standi
ngther
e.

If
rowned.
Si
mi :
"DidSf
isot
ell
yout
haty
ourki
dshav
ea
si
ster?"

Whatdoesshemean?

Me:
"Asi
ster
?Whatsi
ster
?"

Si
mi:
"Ihav
eadaught
er,
Sfi
soi
sthef
ather
"

Ismi l
ed,
Idon'tknowifsheistr
yingtohurtme
orwhatbutit'
snotwor ki
ng.Nothingconcer
ning
Sfisohur
tsmeany more,
I'
vebeent her
e,done
thatandI'
m notabouttodoitany more.

Me:
"Ohisit
?Congrat
ulat
ionsmawakhe,i
f
t
her
e'snot
hingel
seIhavetogetgoi
ng,Myki
ds
arewai
ti
ngf
ormeatschool
,I
'm sur
eev
en
your
siswai
ti
ngf
oryou"

Igott
othecarandhoot
edf
orherasshewas
sti
l
lst
andi
ngthere.

Idroveoffandwenttogetmykidsfr
om school
.
Ihonestl
ydon'thav
etimeforSf
iso'
sdrama.
.
..
..
..
..
..
Iam backf
rom pickingt hekidsupfrom school
,
Mygirl
sandIarej ustcomi ngupwi t
hideasof
whatwewillbeeat i
ngt onight,
thebi
gboyi s
busyontheplaystation.

Olu:
"Mom t
here'sMrDfoodtheseday
syou
know?Youdon'treal
l
yhavet
ocook"
Sbani
:"Orbett
eryetmom,youknowthere'
s
Debonair
'spi
zzaandtheydel
i
verforf
ree"

Il
aughed,
theset
woar
etooext
ra.

Wef
inal
l
yal
ldeci
dedonor
der
ingpi
zza.
Aswewer ewait
ingf
orthef
oodmyphone
rang.
..
unknownnumber
.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"

Si
l
ence.

Me:
"Hel
l
ooo"

Icheckedt
hecal
l
,itwasst
il
lonbutt
heper
son
wasqui
tesoIdeci
dedt
ohangup.

Ourfoodcame, weatet henIret

iredtobed
earl
i
ert hanusual
.Ineedmybeaut ysl
eep,
tomorrowi t
'sabi
gday .Itol
dmy selft
hat
whetherwewi nornot,thenominationinan
achi
evement ,i
tpr
ovest hatwearegood.

[
Nar
rat
ed]

VanessahasbeenangryatSf
iso,
sheal
so
di
dn'tknowwhetheri
twashormones
cont
ribut
ingt
otheangerorwhat.

Shenev
erwentbacktoSfi
so'
shousesi
ncet
he
dayt
heysawSimi,soSf
isocametoher
.
Hewascar r
yingabunchoff
lowerandaboxof
chocol
ates.

Sf
iso:
"Myl
ove,
Imi
ssy
ou"

DeepdownVanessaal
somi
ssedhi
m.

Sf
iso:
"Iboughty
ourf
avour
it
es"

Shesmiledandt
ookthefl
owerstot
heVase
andcamebacktosit
,shedevour
edont
he
chocol
ates.

Vanessa:
"Sif
iso.
..
Ilov
eyoubutI'
m scar
edof
l
ovingyouandmor eoverI
'
m scaredtoknow
howmyf utur
elooksli
kewit
hyou"
Sfi
sof
rowned,
conf
usedast
owher
eal
lthi
s
comesfr
om.

Sfi
so:"
BabyIl
oveyouandy
ouneednotbe
scar
edofanyt
hing"

Vanessa:"Si
fisoy ouhavethreekidswit
hyour
exwife,youhav eakidwithy ourexwhatev
er
andnowI 'm pregnantwit
hy ourchil
d,wher
eis
stabi
l
ityt
here?I '
m sureeveny ourki
dsdon't
knowy ouany more"

Sf
isosi
ghed.

Sfi
so:"
IknowbabyandIpr omiseIwon'tl
eav
e
youorourbaby,
Itisnotmyintent
ionnot
spendi
ngti
mewi thmykids,Il
ovethem butt
hey
knowI'
m busy"
Vanessasi
ghed,shewasdefeat
edbecauseto
heri
twascleart
hatSfi
sodidn'
tunder
stand
whatshewasonabout.

Vanessa:"Thelastthi
ngIwantisyourkids
hati
ngmeandsay ingIchangedyouormade
youneglectthem,gospendt i
mewi t
hthem,
don'
tmakemequest i
onyourfat
herhood"

Sfiso:
"Okayl
oveI
'
lldoso,
Ihav
egr
eatnews
though"

Vanessal
ookedathi
m,shet
houghtt
oher
sel
f
howsheloveshi
m.

Sfi
so:"
I'
m nominat
edatthebusi
nessawar
ds,
soIneedyoutobether
ewi t
hme"
Vanessa:"Ohhwowbabe, that
'sni
ce.I
'
m proud
ofyou,congratul
ati
onsandgoodluckI
hope.
..
.waitdidyousayyouwannagowi t
h
me?"

Sf
iso:
"Yesl
ove"

Vanessa:
"Butbabyi
t'
sshor
tnot
ice,
wher
ewi
l
lI
fi
ndaperfectdr
ess?
"

Sf
iso:"
Don'
tworryyour
sel
faboutany
thi
ng,
I
ar
rangedast
yli
st"

Vanessa:
"Wel
lthenweshal
lgo"

Theysatt
her
epl
anni
ngf
ort
omor
row.
#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.

#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t20.

[
Oyi
ntando]

I
tisfinal
l
yt hatdayoftheawar ds,Iam done
bathi
ng.Ijusthaven'
tdressedupbecauseI 'm
goingtodropt heki
dsof fatLondeka'sthenI '
l
l
dressupthereandheadst r
aightt
ot hev enue.

Si
mbongil
e:"
Butmom whyar
eyounotgoi
ng
wi
thus?
"
Me:"
Mom wouldl
ovet
ogowi
thy
oubabybut
noki
dsar
eall
owed"

Henodded.

Ol
u:"
Yooohyou'
l
lbesl
ayi
ngmama,
thatdr
ess
i
stodi
efor"

Sbani
:"Andyourhai
r,Si
sOl
uourmom i
sreal
l
y
beaut
if
ulneh?"

Olu:"
Shereal
lyi
sbeauti
fulmyangel
,weal
so
goingtobebeaut
if
ull
ikeherwhenwegrow
ol
der"

Ismi
l
ed,
theyr
eal
l
yremi
ndmeofhowMv
elo
andLondekausedtobewhent al
kingtome,
theyt
reatedmeli
kearealpr
incess,our
rel
ati
onshipwasexact
lyt
hesamet heir
s.

Me:"Youwil
lbemorebeaut
if
ult
hanme,
hav
e
youseenyour
sel
ves?"

Si
mbongil
e:"I
'
llbechasi
ngaf
tery
our
boyf
ri
ends"

Olu:
"OhpleaseI'
my ourbi
gsi
sterwena,
you
can'
tbechasingaft
ermyboyf
riend"

Si
mbongil
e:"
ButalsokeepinmindthatI'
mt he
onl
ybr
otheryouhave,meaningpr
otect
ingyou
i
smyresponsibi
l
ity
,nomatterhowoldy ouare"
Ichuckl
edandshookmyhead, i
fthere'
sone
thi
ngI'm al
waysgrat
eful
forishavingthem as
mykids,asimperf
ectmylif
eissomet i
mesbut
thi
spartofiti
sverymuchperfect.

Sbani
:"Bhuti
Iwon'
thav
eaboy
fri
end,
mom wi
l
l
hi
tme,rightmom?"

Me:
"Iwon'
thi
tyoumybabybutIdon'
twanty
ou
t
ohaveaboyf
ri
end"

Shenodded.
Thedri
vebecameashor
toneal
lbecauseofmy
tal
kat
ivenunus.
Wef
inal
l
yar
ri
ved,
drov
einandt
heki
dsgotof
f.

Me:
"Knockknockf
am"
Ndeka:
"Heymi
ssNomi
nee"

Wehugged,shehuggedt
hekidsaswel
land
t
heydi
sappearedi
mmediatel
y.

Ndeka:"
Let
'sgogety
oudressedamddol
l
edup
mntase,
youdon'
twannabelate"

Me:
"Yeahl
et'
s"

Wewentt
othesparebedroom,Il
aidoutmy
dr
essont
hebed,shegasped.

Ndeka:"
Oyi!
!!
!Damnt hedressissogor
geous,
yourcur
veswill
fitper
fect
lyint
oit"
Me:
"Ri
ght
?OhhIcan'
twai
t"

Ndeka:
"Okay
..
..
okay
,si
tsoIcandoy
ourmake
up"

Isatonthebed,
shestyledmyhai rf
ir
st,
then
didmagiconmyf ace,
ifther
e'sonethi
ngItrust
herfori
sdoingafacebeat,sheisgood.

Ndeka:
"Done!Youl
ookl
i
keabl
ackbar
bie"

Istoodupandwentt olookatmyselfonthe
mirrorandboyohboy !
!!
!Thesmokeyey es!The
redandImeanv erydarkredl
ipst
ickonmyl i
ps,
themagi ct
hatt
hev ol
umemascar adidonmy
l
ashesandmyey ebrows.
Me:
"Mnt
ase"

Itcameoutasawhi sper,
guysrememberwhen
ItoldIloveanatur
al l
ook?Ihaveneverdone
thiskindofmakeupandseei ngmy sel
flooki
ng
l
iket hi
sisalot
,Iam sobeauti
fuli
fIcansayso
my self.

Ndeka:
"Yousobeaut
if
ulmnt
ase"
.

Me:
"OhmyGod,
thanky
ou"

Ndeka:
"Al
ri
ghtgetdr
essed"

Shehandedmemydr essed,Igoti
nsi
dei
tand
Haaaa!
!!Boysandgir
lsthisbabymamari
ght
l
ookedallsor
tsofyummyandr eadyt
obeeat
en.
Iworemybl
ackLouisVui
tt
onpoi
ntyheel
sthen
tookmyLVcl
utch.

Wegotoutoft
heroom,Ndekabusyshower
ing
mewit
hcomplements.

Oluhl
eappear
edandhermout
hwashangi
ng
open.

Ol
uhl
e:"
Hai
bomawey
ingane!I
sthaty
ou?
"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"Yephoney
,iti
sthemot
heroft
hree"

Ol
u:"
Wowmom y
oul
ookamazi
ng"
Me:"Thankyoumyangel
,guy
sIhavetoget
goi
ng,Celest
eispr
obabl
ywait
ingf
orme.

Theywi shedmeluck,
sadlybot
hLondekaand
Mv el
ocan'tbet
here.Ndekawil
lbel
ookingafter
thekidsandMveloisinCapetown,
business
thi
ngsbuthesentmeamessagewi shi
ngme
l
uck.
AnywayIlef
tanddrovest
rai
ghttoEmperor'
s
pal
ace,t
hat'
swherethevenueoftheawardsis.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.

Afteranhourdr i
veduetotraff
icIfi
nall
yarri
ved,
parkedt hecarandwhenIgott otheexact
venueandcamer aswerefl
ashingleftr
ightand
centre.Itext
edCelest
e,shetoldmeshei s
alr
eadyi nsoIhadnoot herchoicebuttowalk
i
nal
one.

AssoonasIgottot
her
edcar
pet
,camer
as
fl
ashedatmeevenmor
e.

"
Ma'am areyouthesamel
adyt
hatshout
edat
MrDlaminiatt
hemall?
"

Me?Shout?MrDl amini
?Haii
iIguessthismake
upmakesmel ooklikesomebodyelse,Ii
gnor
ed
herandr
aninside.
Whew!
!!Iwonderhowcel
ebr
it
iesdoi
t,because
wowmeIcan'tkeepup.

AsIwast r
yingtofi
ndCelest
ewithmyey es,
theyl
andedonSf i
soinst
ead.Healsosawme
andapproachedme.Hewaswi thawhiteand
tal
lbeaut
if
ul l
ady,
walki
nghandinhand.
Sf
iso:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"

Il
ookedatt
helady,shei
spr
egnant
.It
hen
l
ookedbackatSfi
so.

Me:"
Hell
otoy outoodearexhusband,
what
wasyourquesti
onagain?OhwhatIdoingher
e?
Konj
ewhatishappeningher
e?"

Sfi
so:"
Busi
nessawar
ds!Awar
dsmeantf
or
busi
nesspeopl
e"

Heissoarrogant,whendi
dhebecomesor ude?
Ohmay betheSfisoIknewwast hef
akeone
andri
ghtnowt heoneI'mlooki
ngatist
hereal
one.
Haaa!
!Butthelookheisgivi
ngmeisenough
formetoreal
isethatheseeshowbeaut
if
ulI
am.

Me:
"Gr
eat
!Iguessnowy
ouknowwhyI
'
m her
e"

Isl
owlyt
urnedt
owalkawaybuthepulledme
back,
hur
tingmeint
heprocess.If
li
nched.

Me:
"Youar
ehur
ti
ngme!
!"

Sfi
so:"
Youarepr
obablydoi
ngwhaty
oudobest
,
accompany
ingaman!!Wheret
hehel
lar
emy
ki
ds?"

Fort
hel
oveofJesuscanhenoti
rr
it
ateme?
Me:
"Leav
e!!My
..
.hand!
"

Isai
dthatr
oughl
ypul
l
ingi
taway
.

"
Ngabekonkekuhambakahl
ela?
"

Weall
turnedtol
ookatt
hisper
sonwi
thabol
d
voi
cet
alking.
Dar
k,buf
f,y
ummy
,yummy
,Dar
kandy
ummy
.
Mmmmh!

Iwal
kedt
ohi
m andr
appedmyar
m ar
oundhi
s.

Me:
"Ohy
esbabyal
li
swel
l
,let
'sgo"

Hehesi
tat
edatf
ir
stbutasi
tregi
ster
edt
ohi
m
t
hatI
'mtr
ynafakethi
shel
oosenedup,we
wal
kedaway.Goshhesmel
lssoexpensi
ve.

Whenwef i
nall
ygotawayfr
om Sf
isony
ana
wakhona,
Iletgoofhi
sarm.

Me:
"Thanky
ousomuchf
or.
..
..
."

Ohhell
no!
!!I
t'
sthatbr
ent
woodandcarvel
aguy
.
Theguywhostol
emychild,
thest
alker
.

Hesmiled,heav
enlyfat
her!I
sitreal
l
yhim?Why
i
shesohandsomet oni
ght?ThatdaywhenI
sawhim hewasv erybl
ackbuttodayheisdar
k,
heishandsome.

Hi
m:"
Howar
eyount
okazi
?"
Me:"I
'
m good,thanksagai
nforpl
ayi
ng
al
ong..
..
I.
..
.t
he.
..
.Ihav
etogofindmyfri
end"

Hi
m:"
Icanhel
pyouf
indher
"

Ashewast al
king,
Igotl
ostinthemovementof
hi
slips,
hisey
esar esobeaut
if
ul,hei
sso
handsome.

Hi
m:"
Mama!
"

Me:
"Mmmm umm.
..
sor
ryy
ou.
..
nev
ermi
nd"

Il
efthi
m andwenttost
andfarawayfr
om her
,I
br
eathedinandout
.Whatwasthat?
"
Aftercat
chingmybreat
h,Ical
l
edCelest
e.She
tol
dmet hetabl
enumbersoIl
ookedfori
tand
foundit.

Me:
"Heybabe"

Shest
oodupandhuggedme.

Celest
e:"Youl
ookst
unni
ng,
I'
vebeenwai
ti
ng
foryou"

Me:"
Mxm Icoul
dhavebeenher
eawhi l
eagoif
i
twasn'
tformyexhusbandwhothi
nksIneed
t
oanswertohi
m"

Igotagl
assofchampagneanddownediti
n
onego,t
henItookanot
her
.Ireal
l
yneededi
t,
af
terwhathappened.

It
oldCel
est
equar
terofwhathappened.

"Goodeveningladiesandgentlemen!CanIhave
youratt
entionplease.
..
..
.t
hanky ou,
thankyou.
Mynamei sPrudenceMasi ngaandI'l
lbey
our
hostforthenight.
..
..
."

Shewentonanont al
kingandjustl
iket
hatthe
ni
ghtbegan.Icoul
dn'thelpbutthi
nkaboutMr
buf
fanddarkguy .

[
Nar
rat
ed]

"Thi
sawardi
smeantt
ocel
ebr
atewomeni
n
busi
ness,
womenwhodoi
nggoodandwomen
i
nspiri
ngtheyoungandt heoldtobecomeof
bett
erversi
onsofthemselves.Thiscat
egor
yis
Thewomanofnot eandt heawar dgoes
to.
..
..
Oyint
andoMbat ha"

Oyidi
dn'
thearhernamebei
ngcal
l
ed,she
cl
appedherhandsandonl
ywhenCel
este
pokedherdi
dsher eal
i
set
hatt
henamethat
wascall
edishers.
Shest
oodupandwentt
othest
age.

Oy i
:"Wow!I .
...
whew! !Wher edoIbegi n?Iwould
fi
rstli
ket ot hankGod, i
tisbecauseofHi mthat
Ireceivedt hisawar d,honestl
yIwasnot
expectingi t,Ihadev entoldmy selfthateveni
fI
getnot hi
ng, I'dstil
lbeproudofmy selfforbei
ng
nomi nated.Iwoul dthenliketothankmy
brotherandsi sterforthesuppor t
,forpushing
met obet hebestv ersi
onofmy selfandfor
alwaysbeingt hereandencour agingme.I
wouldalsoliket othankmybusi nesspar tner
Celest
ef orwel comingmei ntoherbusi ness
andallowingmet obringtothetabl emyi deas
andmaki ngGl am Cout ur
ewhati tis,Il
ovey ou
fri
end.Andt oal lt
heOSSOev entssuppor ter
s,
thankyouv erymuch.Iam becauseofy ou,
thankyoual lsomuch"

Shethent
ookherawar
dandwentbackt
othe
seat
.

Sfi
socouldn'tbeli
eveit,
hewaslit
eral
l
yfeeli
ng
hot.Hegotupf rom thechai
randwenttothe
bat
hr oom t
hencameback.

Vanessal
ookedathi
mthensi
ghed.
Vanessa:
"Youst
il
ll
oveher
,don'
tyou?
"

Sfi
so:"
What?nobaby,
Ijustcan'
tbel
i
eveshe
gotanawar
d,Il
oveyounother"

Vanessanodded.

Theawar
dscont
inued.

"
Undert
hecategor
yofbusinessmenofthey
ear
t
heawardgoestoThokozaniDlami
ni"

Theycl
appedhandsashestoodup.Hegotto
thest
ageandthankedev
ery
onethenwentback
tosi
tdown.

"
Wecal
l
edoutal
ltheawar
dsandweonl
yhav
e
oneawardl
eftandtheawardforbusinessof
they
eargoesto.
..
..
Glam cout
ure!
!!
!"

Every
onestoodupandclappedhandsexcept
theshockedSfi
so,
asthegirl
smadetheirway
tothestaget
ocoll
ectt
heirawar
d.

Celest
enar r
atedali
ttl
eonhowshest arted
Glam Coutureandhowi tstart
edboomi ngwhen
Oyijoi
nedforceswithher,thenfi
nal
lytheywent
backtositdown,theywer esohappy.

PeoplekeptonCongr
atul
ati
ngt
hem,
busi
ness
oftheyearisbi
g.

[
Thokozani
]
IgotthreeawardsandImustsayI
'
mver
ypr
oud
thateveryyearI
'
m addi
ngthem.

Anywayl
et'
snott
alkaboutt
hat
,let
'st
alkabout
Oyi
.

Damn!!Howpossi
blei
sitf
oraper
sont
olook
sobeauti
ful
?Shei
sagoddess.
Isawherappr oaching,
Idecidedtomeether
halfway.Iknowf orsur
eshewasnotcomi ngto
mebutI 'm st
oppingher,Ican'tl
oosean
opport
unitytotal
kt oher.

Me:
"Mama,
singakhul
uma?
"

Shel
ookedl
i
keshewasshocked.
Oy
i:"
Iam.
..
."

Me:
"Pl
ease.
..
just5mi
nut
es"

Shesi
ghedandagr
eed.

Wewal
kedt
oamor
equi
eterpl
ace.

Me:
"Youl
ookamazi
ng"

Shesmi
l
ed,
myhear
tbeatchanged.

Oy
i:"
Thanky
ou"

Me:
"Congr
atul
ati
onsont
heawar
ds"
Oyi
: "
Thanksagai
n,t
ell
meher
e,whyar
eyou
st
alki
ngmesomuch? "

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:"
I'
ll
tel
lyoui
fyouagr
eet
ogooutwi
thme
somet
imetomorr
ow"

Sheut
ter
edal
ow"
Wow"

#Goodni
ght
#Unedi
ted

Tobecont
inued.
GuysNxeseni
,net
wor
kjustdi
sappear
ed,
even
nowit
'sbad.
PleaseNot eOSSOeventsisOyi
'si
ndiv
idual
company ,anditi
sthefi
rstl
ett
erofherandhe
ki
ds' names.

I
nser
t21.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Ihadav erybusyandt i
ringweekendy et
amazi ngone, aftertheawar dsonSat urday,on
SundayMv eloinsistedthatwedoal it
tl
ebr aai
tocelebratemy" achievement s"asheput sit
.It
real
lywasr eal
lyfunbutt odayit'
smondayandI
feell
ikeIwashi tbyat rain,mywhol ebodyi s
sorefrom al lt
hedanci ngIdi dyester
day .Buta
gir
l'
sgot tadowhatagi rl
'sgottado.
Aft
erdri
vingthekidstoschool Idecidedto
dri
vetothemal l
,Idi
dn'thavebreakfastathome
becauseIwokeupabi tl
aterthanusual,Ionl
y
managedt omakecer ealfort
heki dsandwellI
don'
teatcereal
ssomybr eakfasttakesti
met o
makesoIwi llj
ustbuymuf fi
nsatMuggnBean.
AssoonasIar
ri
ved,
Ipar
kedt
hecarand
wal
kedout.
Alleyeswer eonme, Il
ookedatmy sel
ftoseeif
somet hingiswr ongwithhowI '
m wearingormy
hairmay be,Itookmyphoneandusedi tasa
mirrortoseei fmyf acelooksokayandwel l
accordingt ome, Iam al
l goodbutpeopleare
sti
lll
ooki ngatme, somear epoint
ing.

Iwalkedt
oMuggnBeanandt hosewhower
e
mindingt
hei
rbusi
nessstar
tedlooki
ngatmeas
well
,OhGodwhatishappening?
Therewasal
adyst
andi
ngnextt
ome,
Itouched
her.

Me:
"Excuseme.
..
hel
l
ohowar
eyou?
"

Her
:"HyI
'
m goodt
hanks"

Me:"Whyar
epeopl
est
ari
ngatme,
ist
her
e
any
thingwr
ongwit
hme?"

Shel
ookedatmeasiftofi
ndsomethi
ngt
hen
shef
rownedandshookherheadsl
owl
y.

Her
:"NooooIseenot
hingwr
ong,
tomey
ou
l
ookgood"

Isi
ghedandt
hankedher
,lucki
l
yImanagedt
o
buymythr
eemuff
insthenIqui
ckl
ylef
t,t
he
star
eswer
eget
ti
ngreall
yuncomfor
tabl
e.
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Arri
vi
ngatworki
ng,Igotinsidet
heboutique
andtherewer
ealreadycustomers,assoonas
theysawme,thoselooksIgotatthemal l
star
ted.
IwalkedtoPreci
ousassoonasIgott oherthe
fi
rstthi
ngI'
m welcomedbyi sanewspaperwit
h
apictur
eofmest andingwit
hthatdar
kguyand
theheadli
nethatsaysNEW WOMANI N
THOKOZANIDLAMI NI'
SLIFE,
Igasped.Whoonear
thisthi
sguy?Whati
she
knownf or
?Whatdotheymeannewwomanin
hisl
if
e?Am Ithewomaninhisl
if
e?
Iqui
ckl
ylookedupatPr
eci
ousonl
ytof
indher
l
ooki
ngatme.
Me:
"Canwet
alki
nmyof
fi
ce?
"

Shegiggl
ed,
shei
scr
azyt
hisonebutt
hisi
snot
thet
ime.

Pr
eci
ous:
"Mor
ningt
oyout
ooma'
am"

Me:
"Pr
eci
ous!
!!Hai
i
imanl
et'
sgo"

Shel
aughedandst
oodup.
Wegott omyoff
iceandtossedmybagonthe
tabl
e,al
soputt
hemuf f
insdownthenIl
ooked
her.

Me:
"Whyam Ionpaper
s?"
Okaywhyam Iput
tingi
tasifshepr
int
edt
he
paper
?Arggshe'
ll
underst
andwhatImean.

Precious:
"BecauseMaOy anay
ouwerespot
ted
withoneofthebiggestandwel
lknown
businessmen"

Biggest
?Wellknown?Doesi
tmakehim well
knownifIdi
dn'tknowhi
m?Awellknownperson
hastobeknownbyev er
yoner
ight
?Ormay be
not.

Me:"Wel l
knownforwhat ?YesIknowhei sa
busi
nessmanbecausehegotawar dsbuthow
doesthatmakehim wellknown?Ialsogotan
awardbutI'
m nott
rendingokayIunderstand
I'
mthenewcomeri nthis,Sfi
somyexhusband
i
salsobiginhisownright,heusedtoget
awards,hehasneverbeenonpapersf or
somethi
ngli
kebei
ngspot
tedwit
hsomeone,i
t'
s
al
waysbeenthosef
ewint
ervi
ewsnj
eregar
ding
busi
ness"

Shel
aughedandshookherhead.

Precious:"Ohwellther
e'snothingIcansay
otherthany oushouldgetusedt oseei
ng
yourselfonpapersbecauset hatmanisalways
andf oreveronpapersforeachandev er
yli
ttl
e
thi
nghedoes. .
..
Ihavetogetbackt owork
madam, j
ustgooglehim"

Shewinkedatmeandwal kedtothedoor
,when
shegotther
e,sheopenedthedoorandstopped.

Pr
eci
ous:"AndOy
inotonl
yishef
amousbuthe
i
shottoo"
Me:
"Mxm phuma"

Shelaughedandleft
,It
ookmyl aptopand
searchedTHOKOZANIDLAMI NIongoogleand
theresul
ts.
..
.ohheav
enlyf
ather
!!!Myfacei
sal
l
overtheint
ernet
!!
!

*MrDlami
ni seemstohavefoundhimsel
fa
gor
geouswoman. ..
.t
here'
sapict
ureofme
hol
dinghi
shandt hatti
meIwaspr et
endi
ngto
behisgi
rl
fr
iend.

*I
sn'
tshet
hesamewomanwhot
oldwher
eto
getof
fatt
hemall
?

Haibo!
!!Thatt
imeIwasenter
ingt
heawar
ds
venueonejournal
i
staskedi
fI'
mtheonet
hat
shout
edMrDlami
niatthemal
landIdidn'
t
knowwhathewastal
ki
ngabout.
..
.kant
i??
?Oh
j
esusChr
ist
.

Iwenttohi
sBi
ographyandreadever
ythi
ng
aboutandi
tal
lmadesensewhyhei sfamous,
I
si
ghedandgotoutofthei
nter
net.
Istart
edwor kingwi thmymi ndallovert
he
place.Ical
l
edr eceptionandaskedthem to
bringmecof fee, Icoulddowit
hsomeener gy.
Soontheybroughti
t,asIwaseat
ingmyof
fi
ce
phonerang.

Me:"Gl
am cout
ure,
Oyi
ntandospeaki
nghow
canIhel
pyou?"

Ihear
dachuckl
edt
henasi
gh.
Call
er:"
Sawubonant
ombi
enhl
e"(
Hel
l
o
beauti
full
ady
)

I
t'
shim,hi
svoi
cei
sdeepandbol
d.I
tgi
vesme
goosebumps,
Oyi
breat
hin.
..
.

Me:
"Hy
,howcanIbeofhel
p?"

It
ri
edt
oremai
nascal
m asIpossi
blycan.

Thokozani
:"CanIt
akey
ououtf
orl
uncht
oday
?"

Me:"
I.
..
.wel
lIcan'
t,
I'
mv er
ybusyt
odaysoI
won'
tbegoingforl
unch"

Thokozani
:"Ohhhhai
iikul
ungi
l
e,I
'
llbuyusl
unch
andcomet oyouroff
ice"
Heeeeh!
!!Thi
sguy
,thenextthi
ngy ouknow
t
hey'
ll
besay i
ngMrDlamini
spottedhavi
ng
l
unchwit
hnewwomani nhi
slif
e.

Me:
"Ohno.
..
I.
..
..
"

Thokozani:
"NomoreexcusesSt
handwasam,if
youcan'tgotol
uncht
henlunchcometoyou,
l
etmegetbackt owork.I
'
llseey
ouinafew"

Hehung..
.di
dhejusthanguponme?Isi
ghed
andgotbacktowork.

[
Thokozani
]

I
'
vebeenbusywor
kingher
ebutIdon'
tev
en
knowwhatI 'm doingexactlybecauseIdon' t
seem togetany t
hingdone.Al lI'
mt hi
nki ngoff
ri
ghtnowisOy i
ntandoandIcan' twaitany
l
ongerforlunch.Isawt hepaperandi treall
y
gotmener vous,shepr obablysawi tandas
muchIdon' tcareanymor eaboutwhatt he
paperssayaboutme, t
hel astthingIwanti sfor
them t
owr i
tethingsabouther ,itcouldr ui
nmy
chanceswithherandIsweari ftheyrui nthi
ngs
forI
'l
lsueeachandev erynewspapert hereis.
Ideci
dedtotakemycarkeysandwall
et,Idr
ove
offt
oHar dRock,
iti
soneofmyfavouri
tefood
outl
ets.
IgotthereandboughtusfoodthenIwentt o
buyherflowers.whenIgottotheboutiqueit
wasluncht i
mealready
,Iwalkedinandpeople
star
tedlooki
ngatmebutIdon' tevencare,I
'
m
usedtothis.
Igottotheladysi
tt
ingont hehel
pdesk,Imust
saytheydidabeautif
uljobwitht
hispl
ace,I
'
ve
neverbeentoaclothi
ngst or
ewithhel
pdesks?
NotthatIcanthi
nkof .
Assoonasshesawmeshegotup.

Her
:"Gooddaysi
r,wel
comet
oGl
am cout
ure"

Me:
"Hel
l
o,t
hanky
ou.I
'
m her
eforMi
ssMbat
ha"

Shenoddedandt
ookt
hephone,
cal
l
ingherI
guess.

Her:"
Ma'am MrDl
ami
nii
slooki
ngf
ory
ou.
..
okay
wil
ldo"

Shehungupandl
ookedatme.
Her
: "
Youcangothrough,whenyougost r
aight
t
here'
sawhitedoorony ourl
eft
,justknock
t
here"

It
hankedherandwentt
owher
eshedi
rect
ed
me,Iknocked.

"
Comei
n"

Iopenedandwal
kedi
n.Shel
ookedsobeaut
if
ul,
Ismil
ed.

Me:
"Sawubonamama"

Shesmi
l
edner
vousl
y.
Oy
i:"
Hy.
..
pleasesi
t"

Iputt
hefl
owersonthet
abl
etheopenedt
he
chai
rtosi
ton,
Itheputt
hefooddownaswel
l.

Me:
"Beaut
if
ulf
lower
sforabeaut
if
ull
ady
"

Oy
i:"
Whosai
dtheyar
ebeaut
if
ul"

If
rowned,
Iwasdi
sappoi
nted.Shet
henl
aughed.

Oy
i:"
I'
mjoki
ng,
thanky
out
heyar
ebeaut
if
ul"

Ibr
eat
hedout
.

Me:
"Yougotmet
her
e"
Ourey
esmet
,shequi
ckl
ylookedaway
.

Ial
way
sgetl
osti
nherey
es,
herbeaut
yisal
ot.

Me:
"Ngi
cel
aungi
buke"(
Pleasel
ookatme)

Shesl
owl
ydi
d,Ihel
dherhand.

Me:"
YouaskedmewhyIwasst
alki
ngy
ou,
do
your
eal
l
ywannaknow?"

Shel
ookeddownandnodded.

Me:"
Ngiyak'
thandamama,Ilov
edyoufrom t
he
f
ir
stdayIsawy ou,i
fIdi
dn'
tknowbet
terIwould
sayungi
thakat
hekwaMai
mai
"(Youbewi
tched
me)

Shel
aughed,t
hesoundofherl
aughedi
smusi
c
tomyears.

Oy
i:"
Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
"

Me:"Ungasholuthosthandwasam, l
et'
seat
.Al
l
youcandoi st
hinkwheni stheper
fectdayf
or
metosendoSi bali
khulukwaMbatha"

Shesmil
ed,
Iopenedt
hef
oodandgav
eherher
shar
e.

I
tbecamesi
l
entf
orawhi
l
e.
Oy
i:"
Sobei
ngonpaper
s,i
sithowy
oul
i
ve?
"

Ist
oppedeat
ing,
I'
m guessi
ngshesawt
he
paper
s.

Me: "
Ngiyaxol
isamama, Idi
dn'
tmeanf
oranyof
thattohappen,i
t'
ssomet hi
ngIhav
enocont
rol
over,Iwi
llt
rybyallmeanstomakesur
ethey
writ
enothingaboutyou"

Oyi
:"Notonlyam Ionpaper
sbutI
'
m al
soal
l
ov
ertheinternet
"

Isi
ghed,
coul
dthi
smeanIwon'
thav
eher
?

Me:
"I'
l
lhav
ethem r
emov
ed"
Shenoddedandstar
tedeat
ing,
Icoul
dn'
teat
..
.I
j
ustl
ookedather.

Oyi
:"Igott
hosekindofst
aresenought
oday,
pl
easedon'taddonthem,i
t'
suncomfor
tabl
e"

Me: "
Theonlydi
ffer
encebetweenmystar
eand
everybodyel
se'
sstar
esisthatminei
sful
lof
l
ov e"

Shekeptqui
te,
Itookheronehand,
itwas
shaki
ng.

Me:"Uthandoolunj
elubuhlungumama,i
t'
svery
toxi
c.Il
ovey ouandit
'ski
ll
ingmebecauseeach
andeverydayI'
m pr
ayingforthedayy
ouwill
fi
nall
ybemi ne"
Shetookherhandf
rom me,
Itookmyf
oodand
ate.
HowcanIl
oveaper
sonsobad?

Oyi
:"Thankyouforl
unch,
itwasni
ce.Myl
unch
t
imeisov ert
hough"

Inoddedandcont
inuedeat
ing.

Shel
ookedatmeandf
rowned.

Me:"
What?Youmayworkwhi
l
eIsi
ther
e,my
l
unchti
meisnotov
er"

Shel
aughed.
Oy
i:"
Ican'
twor
kwi
thy
ousi
tt
ingher
e"

Me:
"Kul
ungil
e,ngi
zohamba.CanIt
akey
ouout
t
oni
ght?
"(I
t'
sfineI
'l
lgo)

Sheshookherhead.

Oyi:
"No,
Idon'
twannaseemy
sel
fonpaper
s
agai
n"

Me:"Youhav
etogetusedtoi
tbaby
,youar
e
goi
ngtobeMaDlaminisoon"

Sher
aisedherey
ebr
ow.

Me:"
Itwasni
ceseei
ngy ouumuhl
eimpel
a,I'
l
l
pi
ckyouupatsev
en"(Youarer
eal
l
ybeaut
iful
)
Oy
i:"
Ihav
eki
ds,
Ican'
tj
ustgoasIpl
ease"

Me: "
Wewi l
lsor
tthatoutmamaplease,j
ust
agreetogooutwithmet henIwi
l
ltakecareof
thesit
uat
ionwit
ht heki
ds"

Shesi
ghed.

Oy
i:"
Youdon'
tgi
veupdoy
ou?
"

Me:"Gi
vingupwouldmeanI'
m notser
ious
abouty
ou, soI
'
llt
aket
hatasayes?"

Shenodded.
Me:"Great,
I'
ll
askmysi
stert
obor
rowmeher
nanny,
I'l
lcomewit
hherwhenIpi
ckyouup"

Oy
i:"
Okayt
hen"

Ist
oodup.

Me:"
Okaybyefornow,
Ngi
yak'
thanday
ezwa"(
I
l
oveyouokay
?)

Shegi
ggl
edandnodded.

Me:
"Youcanal
way
ssayy
oul
ovemet
oo"

Shest
oodupandopenedt
hedoorf
ormewi
th
asmil
eon.
Oy
i:"
Bye.
..
thanksf
orl
unchoncemor
e."

Me:
"Ahug?Ev
enaki
ssi
sfi
ne"

Shelaughedandpushedmeout
,Iwaspl ease
wit
hmy self
.Knowi
ngImadeherlaughisgood
enoughforme.Idr
ovetowor
kplayingBrian
Mcknight

'
Oney
oul
i
keadr
eam comet
rue.
..
Twoj
ustwannabewi
thy
ou.
..
.
Thr
eegirl
it'
splai
ntoseet
haty
ourt
heeonl
y
oneforme..
..

Isangal
ongwit
hahugegr
inonmyf
ace,
Ican'
t
waitt
oseeheragai
n.
[
Sfi
so]

SoOy i
ntandoisr eal
lyi
nar el
ati
onshipwi
th
ThokozaniDlamini,shei
snowal lovert
he
papersandinternet.Howcanshebeso
carel
ess?Shei samot herandherbeing
famousmi ghtendangermyki ds.

Vanessa:
"Si
fi
soy oual
somov edonwi
thyour
l
ifef
orheavensake,whycan'
tshedot
he
same?"

Me:"VanessasheIhavenoprobl
em wi
thher
mov i
ngon,it
'swhoshemovedonwiththatI
haveaproblem wi
th!Shewi
l
lputmykidsin
danger!
"
Vanessa:"Howwi l
lshedot hatSi
fi
so?Admiti
t
youarejealous,
yousti
llwishyouhadher,she
tur
nedoutt obesomet hi
ngy ounevert
hought
shewouldbe"

Me:
"GetoutVanessa!
!!
"

Shel
ookedatmeandchuckl
ed.

Vanessa:"Withpleasur
eandIwanty out oknow
thatassoonasIst epoutofthatdoor,youwill
nevereverseemeagai n,Iam donewithy ou
Sifi
so,i
t'
sclearthatyousti
ll
loveyourexwi f
e
andIcan'thavey outal
kabouthereverychance
youget,wewi l
ljustseeeachotherwhent he
chil
disconcerned"

Shet
ookherbagandl
ookedatme.
Vanessa:"Pl
easepackupal
lthestuf
fIhad
her
e,I'
llhavesomeonepi
ckthem up"

Shel
eft
,Isatdownandbr
ushedmyf
acei
n
fr
ust
rat
ion.
DoIstil
llov
eher?May beIsti
l
l dobutei
therway
i
tdoesn'tmeanIwilll
etheroffthehook,Iam
taki
ngthematteroftheki
dstocour t
,Iam
fi
ghti
ngforcustody
.

Il
ookedatt
henewspaperagai
nandt
hrewi
t
away.

#Unedi
ted

Toal
lthel
adi
est
hatboughtmedat
athanky
ou
somuchmyl
oves,
Ireal
l
yappr
eci
atei
t.

Thi
sgoesoutt
oya'
l
l

1.
XM Gat
sheni
2.Amel
i
aVassBr
ummage

3.Mbul
iEnt
leThul
i
sa.

I
'
llpostanot
heronel
ater
♥♥♥

Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.

#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t22.
[
Oyi
ntando]

Todayt heboutiquewasbusierthanusual,soI
hadtobeatt hestorel
ongerthanIhad
anti
cipated.AnywayIfinal
lyknockedoffandI'
m
dri
vi
nghome.TobehonestIam dogt ir
ed, I
'
m
notfeeli
ngt hewholedinnersi
tuati
onwith
Thokozani,whot akesapersonoutona
mondayany way?

Iarr
ivedathome,IhadaskedLondekat
opick
thekidsupformesinceIcoul
dn'
tknockof
f
earl
y.
Ifoundthem havi
ngicecr
eam ont
hecouch,
I
thi
nktheyaretest
ingme.

Me:
"Whatdayi
sitt
oday
?"
Ol
u:"
Hel
l
otoy
out
oomot
her
"

Igaveheradeat hstare,sheknowsv er
ywel l
Sbanihassugarr ush,Idon'
twantthem eating
sweetthingsduringtheweek, moreespeciall
yif
i
t'
sthislate.Sbaniwon'tbesleepi
ng,shewi l
lbe
havi
ngloadsofener gyandagai ni
t'
sust hat'
s
supposet oli
stentoherstori
es.

Sbani
:"I
t'
smondaymom"

Shespeakswhi
l
ewatchi
ngcar
toons,
mxm I
won'
twinthi
sone.

Me:
"Howar
eyoubabi
es?
"

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Wegood,
mom whyi
sdadno
l
ongercomi
ng?
"

Me:"Idon'tknowbaby,
I'
m sur
ehei
sbusy
,you
knowher unsbusi
nesses"

Henodded.IaskedhowtheirdaywasandIam
gl
adtohearthatitwasgood,theyal
lhadf
un.

Me:
"Soguy
s..
..
"

Theylookedatme,
exceptofcour
sev
ampi
ri
na
here.

Me:"Ihaveafri
endthatwantst
otakemeout
f
ordinnertoni
ght,
so..
..
Iwil
lbel
eavi
ngyouwi
th
ananny"
Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Isy
ourf
ri
endaman?
"

Inodded,
heal
sonodded.

Olu:"Mom Idon'
tthi
nkthere'
saneedfor
nanniesher,
Icantakecareoftheki
dsand
my sel
f"

Me:"
AndIdon'
tdoubtthatf
orasecondmy,I
j
ustt
omakesurethatSbanidoesn'
tgi
vey
ou
pr
obl
ems"

Sbani
lookedatmet
henbackatherv
ampi
ri
na
onTV.

Sbani
:"Mom ar
eyousay
ingI
'
mtr
oubl
e?"
Me:
"What
,younotmychi
l
d"

Il
eftt
hem andwenttotakeashowersothatI
coul
dchangeintosomethi
ngni
ce,Igott
here
andshowered,
changed
intomyblackti
ghtdr ess,r
eveal
ingmyl egs,I
thenwor
enudepoi ntyheelsandj ustl
i
ket hatI
wasdoneandIl ookedpr et
tygood.Alit
tlebitof
Carol
i
naHer r
eraperfume, t
ookmybagand
wentdownstai
rs.

WhenIl
ookedatt
het
imei
twas10mi
nut
est
o
7pm.

Me:
"Guy
s"

Theyl
ookedatme.
Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Youl
ookni
cemom"

Me:
"Thanky
oumyboy
"

Ismil
ed,l
atel
ymysoni snolongert
hesame.
Heisnothappyandt hathurt
smebecauseI
don'
tthi
nkthere'
ssomet hi
ngIcandoabouti
t.
Hemisseshisfather
.

Me:"AsIhadtoldy ou,myf r
iendwhom Iam
goi
ngoutwi t
hwi l
l becomingwi t
hsomeone
whowilll
ookaf t
ery ouforaslongasI
'm not
her
e,don'
tdisrespecther,bekindandOluhl
e
youhowthingsar edone,showherokay?"

Them:
"Yesmom"
Me:
"Good,
SimzcanIt
alky
oumyboy
?"

Hest
oodup,
wewentt
othebal
cony
.

Me:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"

Henodded.

Me:"BabyI
'
my ourmom andIcanseey ounot
okay
, y
oucant
ellmeany t
hing.Il
ovey
ouandI
worr
ywhenIseey ousad"
.

Simbongile:
"Imissdad,whydi
dhest op
comingtoseeus?Hedoesn' tl
oveusany mor
e?
Idon'tt
hinkIlovehi
m anymorebecausehe
star
tedbyhur ti
ngyounowheishurti
ngus"
Ipul
ledhim cl
oser,
Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
anymore.Ican'
tkeeponly
ingtomyki
dsto
savehisass.

Me:"I
t'sokayson,Mom ishere,asmuchasI
'm
notdaddybutjustknowthatIlovey
ouandI'
l
l
al
way sbethereokay?"

Henodded,Ihuggedhi
mthenki
ssedhi
s
f
orehead.

Si
mbongil
e:"
Ewwwmom!
!I'
m nowol
dfor
ki
sses"

Me:"
I'
ll
sti
l
lki
ssev
enwheny
ouar
e30,
youar
e
myson"
Hel
aughedandl
ookedatme.

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Ilov
eyousomuchmommy
"

Alwayshear
ingmykidsdeclari
ngt hei
rlov
efor
mesoothesmyheart,itbr
ingtearstomyey es
andmakesmehappy .Itprovestomet hataft
er
al
l I
'
m goodatthi
sparenti
ngalonet hi
ng.

Me:
"Mommyl
ovesy
oumor
ethany
oucan
i
magine"

Hehuggedmeagai
nandl
eft
.

Ist
oodther
elooki
ngatnot
hingandt
heOl
uhl
e
came.
Olu:"
Ist
hisf
ri
endofyour
stheonewhokepton
sendi
ngyoufl
owersandgif
ts?
"

Me:
"Yes"

Ol
u:"
Wai
t,mom y
ouokay
?"

Me:
"Per
fect
lyf
inebaby
"

Justthenthegateopened,meaningSimbongil
e
buzzedthem in.Whenwear est
andinghere,
we
seeev er
ythi
ngthathappensout
side.
Assoonashegotoutoft
hecarmyey
es
wi
dened.
Howisitt
hatthisguyhasmoney?Whowearsa
l
eopar
dprintT-shi
rt
,jeanandt
hosembat
ata
shoes(
Shoesmadeoutoftires)onadate?We
l
ookedathim asheappr
oached,Olucoul
dn'
t
hel
pbutlaugh.

Me:
"Ol
uhl
e"

Ol
u:"
W..
.whatmom?Whati
shewear
ing?
"

Wewentbacki nsidethelounge,wecouldst
il
l
seethem thr
ought hewindowsinceitwasnot
dar
koutside,Iopenedthedoor.
Ashegotcl
oserSbani
sawhi
m andr
ant
ohi
m.

Sbani
:"Uncl
eTK!
!!
"

Hepi
ckedherupandspunherar
ound.
Thent
heycamei
nsi
de.Hewaswi
thl
adyI
'
m
guessi
ngi
sthenanny
.

Thokozani
:"Sani
bona"

MindyouSbaniwasst
il
lhol
dingont i
ghtt
ohim,
Idon'
tknowwhywouldthi
schil
dlovea
str
anger
,Imeansheonlymethim oncebutshe
sti
l
lremembershi
m.

Wegr
eet
edback.

Thokozani
:"Nt
okazi
thi
sisThembi
,thenannyI
promisedt
obringal
ong"

Me:
"HyThembi
nicet
omeety
ou"

Thembi
:"Li
kewi
sema'
am"
Iwon'
tevenbothertoaskhowheknowsmy
pl
acebecausehe'sbeensendi
ngmegif
ts
bef
oresoit
'scl
earhewasst al
ki
ngme.

Me: "
Umm okayt hesear
emyki ds,
thi
sisthe
bigsi
sterOluhl
e,thenSi
mbongilet
hebrot
herof
thegir
lsthenSbani myl
astbor
n"

Thokozani
:"I
'm happyt
ofi
nal
l
ymeety
ou,
you
havebeaut
ifulki
ds"

Whatdoeshemean"
Happytof
inal
l
ymeet
t
hem?"hasheal
wayswant
edtomeett
hem?

Ol
u:"
Nicet
ofi
nal
l
ymeety
out
otoouncl
eTK"
Thokozani
:"Ndodawhenar
ewegoi
ngt
opl
ay
fi
fatoget
her?"

Si
mbongi
l
esmi
l
edwi
de.

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Today
!Now!
!"

Weal
ll
aughed.

Ol
uhl
e:"
Mom i
sgoi
ngoutnowr
emember
?"0

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Ohhhy
es!
"

Thokozani
:"Don'
twor
ryI
'
llmakeaday
"

Henodded,
Thokozani
lookedatme.
Thokozani
:"Wecango"

HeputSbani
down.

Sbani
:"CanIgowi
thy
ou?
"

Me:
"Nopebaby
"

Shesul
kedatwentbackt
owat
chi
ngcar
toons.

Me:"Okaybyekiddi
es,don'
tfor
getwhatIsai
d
aboutr
espect
ingsisThembi,Ol
uhlewhenit
's
bedti
meallofyoushouldgotosleep"

Ol
u:"
Yesma'
am"
Me:
"And.
..
..
."

Ol
u:"
Mom go!
!!Iknowev
ery
thi
ng"

Il
aughedthenweleft
,heopenedthedoorf
or
me.Sohecanbeagent l
emanev enwhenheis
weari
ngli
keinkabi
.
Igoti
nsi
deandheal
sogoti
nthendr
oveout
.

Thokozani
:"Umuhl
e"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Ial
mostsai
dandy
oul
ookawf
ul.
Thokozani
:"Thanksf
oragr
eei
ngt
ogooutwi
th
me"

Idi
dn'
tagr
ee,
hef
orcedme.

Ismi
l
edandnodded.

Wear rivedatMabonengPr ecinctandwentt oa

certai
nr estaurant,I
'venev erseenorhear dofit
beforebutbestbel i
ev eitthef oodsmel l
s
amaz i
ng.I t'
sat radi
tional foodout let.Ithas
Zulupr i
nts,Ndebel epr i
ntandal lsor t
sof
colours,it
'sprettyniceandcl assyatt hesame
ti
me.Thef loorisclean, tablesar ev eryclean.
Youcoul deatont hef l
oorwi thoutanywor ry.

Wewenttosi
tdownandt
henawai
tr
esscame
wi
thmenus.
Her
:"Goodev
eni
ng,
awubhut
iThokozani
"

Thokozani
:"YahNomf
undo"

Theyseem t
oknoweachot
herpr
ett
ywel
l
.

Nomf
undo:
"Ma'
am wel
comekwaSi
bal
i
khul
u"

I
sthatt
henameoft
hispl
ace?

Il
ookedatthemenuandont opitwaswri
tten
kwaSibali
khul
u.Il
ookedbackatthewai
tr
ess
andsmiled.

Me:
"Thanky
ou"
.
Thokozani
:"YoucangoNomfundo,
wewi
l
lcal
l
youwhenwear ereadyt
oorder
.

Shenoddedandleft
.Asf arasI'
m concer
ned
thisguyi
saDlaminiandSibali
khul
uisaDlamini
clanname,doest
hat..
..

Thokozani
:"Thi
sismybr other'
srestaur
ant,he
di
dforpeoplewhol ov
et r
aditi
onalfoodbut
mostlytocr
eatejobsforpeopleinourvil
lage
backinKZN."

Inodded.

Me:"
It
'saver
ybeauti
ful
place,
hedi
dan
amazi
ngjobwit
hit
"
Hehel
dmyhand,
itgotsweat
ysamet
ime.

Thokozani
:"Readyt
oor
der
?"

Il
ookedatt
hemenuoncemoreanddeci
dedI
'
ll
or
deradumpli
ngandchi
ckenst
ew.

Me:
"YesIam"

Hecal
l
edbackt
hewai
tr
ess.

Thokozani
:"Iwi
l
lhav
eipapanosuandwat
er"
(PapandMogodu)

Shewr
otei
tdown.
Me: "
I'
llhav
eidombol
onenkukhuandor
ange
j
uice"(Dumpli
ngandchi
cken)

Shewr
oteandl
eft
.

Thokozani
'
sey
eswer
edr
il
li
ngi
ntome.

Thokozani
: "
Angikazengiy
iboneintombienhl
e
njengawe,ngishonomaongi zalayowenza
kancane"(
I'v
enev erseenabeaut i
ful
woman
l
ikeyou,evenmymom seesnot hingonyou)

Ibl
ushedandl
ookeddown,
hisv
oicet
hough!
!!
!

Thokozani
:"Oy
int
ando"
Il
ookedupandhewasser
ious,
ver
yser
ious.

Me:
"Mmm"

Thokozani
:"Indodaikut
handil
e, angikazenj
e
ngihl
anyekangakangomunt uwesi fazane"(
Thi
s
manl ov
esy ou,I'
veneverbeenthiscrazy
becauseofawoman)

Isi
ghed.

Me: "
ThokozaniIhav eki
dsandI'm bothandI'
m
bothmotherandf athert
omyki ds,Icomeout
ofamessymar r
iage.Ican'
taff
ordtobei n
anotherr
elat
ionshipandhurtmykidsi nthe
process,
Simbongileisalr
eadyhurtbythe
absenceofhisfather"
Iwasnowtaki
ngallt
hatwasbot
her
ingme
wit
houtev
enreal
i
singit
.Hehel
dmyhandsti
ght
.

Thokozani
:"Idon'
t.
..
..
"

Theladycamebackwi
thourf
ood,
sheputi
ton
thet
able.

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Shenoddedandl
eft
.

Thokozani:"Bangi sasho.
..
Idon'tmindthatyou
havekids,Ilov eyouandt hatmeansI '
m more
thanwill
ingtol ovey ourki
dsasmyown,
Angishoukut hi Iwil
lrepl
acetheirf
atheror
anythi
ngl i
ket hatbutIcant r
yandbeaf at
herto
t
hem"

Ikeptqui
te,doIl
i
kehim?Al ot
!!Am Iwi
ll
i
ngto
openmylifeandkids'
li
fef
orhim?I'
m notsur
e.

Me:
"Let
'seat
"

Hesighed,westartedeati
ngsi
lent
ly.Hekepton
st
eali
ngglances,ormay bewekeptonsteali
ng
gl
ancesateachot her.Somet
imesIwouldfeel
hi
sey esgawkingatme.

Hesi
ghed.Il
ookedupandhewasdoneeat
ing.

Thokozani
:"Tell
mehowy ouf
eel,
ifyoudon'
t
l
ovemeIwi llunder
standbuti
tdoesn'tmeanI
wil
lgiv
eupandl etyougo,ngi
zozwisi
saukuthi
awung'thandikodwangi
zokwenzaungi
thande"
(I
'
llunderstandthaty
oudon'
tlovemethenI'
ll
makey oulov eme)

Thi
sguy
!!

Me:
"Idol
i
key
oubutI
'
m scar
edThokozani
"

Thokozani:
"Oli
key i
zi
ntozabelungumama, i
t'
s
eit
heryoulovemeory oudon'tloveme.
Masewut hiy
oudolikeme,Ifeel unl
oved.Iwant
tobelovednotl
iked"

Igi
veupwi
tht
hisguy
.

Iwassof
ull
andmypl
atewasnotev
enhal
f
done.
Thokozani
:"Okayi
shoke,
usabani
?"

Me:"
Ihaven'
tbeeni
nar
elat
ionshi
pin4year
s
now,
it'
salway
sbeenmeandmyki ds"

Thokozani
:"Sowhatar
eyouscar
edof
?"

Me:"
Int
roduci
nganewmani
nthei
rli
ves,
the
i
deaofhavi
ngamaninmyli
fe"

Thokozani
:"Youar
escar
edt
hatIwi
l
lleav
e?"

Inodded.

Hehel
dmyhandsandl
ookedst
rai
ghti
ntomy
ey
es.

Thokozani:"
Ngishil
oukut hingif
unaubewu
MaDlaminimanj engizokushiyakanjanmama?I
l
ovey ouandit'
snoj oke.Thel oveIhavefory
ou
mademedost upidthingslikestal
kingyouand
st
eali
ngy ourchil
dforicecream"

Ilaughedatt
het
houghtofhowcr
azyIwent
thatday.

Me:
"Whathadgot
teni
ntoy
ouv
ele?
"

Thokozani
:"Lovemama...
uthando.Iwasscared
ofyousoIthoughtbytaki
ngy ourdaught
erfor
i
cecream Iwouldgetyouratt
entionandonl
y
thendi
dIreali
sethatIwaswr ong"
Me:
"It
'sget
ti
ngl
ate,
tomor
rowIhav
ewor
k"

Hest
oodupandl
ookedatme.

Thokozani
:"Okay
,si
ngahamba"

It
ookoutt
hemoneyf
rom mypur
se.

Thokozani
:"Wenz
ani
?"

Me:
"Pay
ingt
hebi
l
l"

Thokozani
:"Nowear
enotpay
ing,
let
'sgo"

Thel
adyt
hatser
veduscame.
Her
:"Seni
yahamba?
"

Thokozani:"
Ehene,t
ell
MkhuseliIsai
dthanks
fort
hef r
eefood,noonetakesThokozani
Dlamini
'smoneyandgetsawaywi thi
t,
sengi
zibhadali
l
enjal
o"

Thel
adylaughed.Il
ookedatThokozani
,thi
s
guyi
scrazy.Thi
sisabusiness.

It
ookt
hemoneyIhadandgav
eitt
othel
ady
.

Me:"
Thi
sisyourt
ip,t
hanksf
ort
hegr
eatser
vice
andt
hefoodwasgreat"

Her
:"Ohht
hanky
ousomuch,
thanky
ou"
Me:
"Youwel
come"

Thokozani
:"R10i
bimi
fanel
e,bay
adel
elay
enane
bossyakhe"

Her
:"Hai
bo!
!!
"

Shelaughedandbidusfarewel
lthenshegot
backtowork,Thokozani
andIalsolef
t.

Hestoppedbyatt hemallandboughtadoll
for
sbani
,chocol
atesforOluhl
eanda...
.what
?A
fr
eaki
nplaystati
onf orSi
mbongil
e!

Me:
"Whyapl
ayst
ati
on?
"

Hekeptqui
etandpai
d.Whenwegott
othecar
hedi
dn'
tdr
ivei
nst
eadhej
ustl
ookedatme.

Thokozani:"
Thatboyisnothappy,Ibel
i
evethi
s
willcheerhi
m up.Il
oveyountombenhleand
thatmeansIhav etolov
eyourkidstooand
maket hem happy"

Thi
sreal
l
ymelt
edmyheart,Inoddedandt
hen
heki
ssedmycheekanddr
ov eoff
.

Tobecont
inued.
..
..

Loadsheddi
ngguy
sit
'snotme.
Ev
ennowt
her
e'snoel
ect
ri
cit
y.
I
nser
t23.

[
Oyi
ntando]
I'
vejusttakenabubbl ebath, it
'sfri
daymeani ng
Iwil
l berelaxi
ngsinceit'
saweekend.I t'
sbeen2
weekssi nceThokozani andIwentoutandI
mustsayal lI
'mthi
nkingofl atelyit
'shim.Ilove
thefactthathelovesmyki ds,hemakest hem
happywi thouteventryi
ngt oohar d.Theyhav e
real
lywar medupt ohim, somet i
meshev ideo
call
sandt heycr
oucht ogetheront hecouchand
tal
kt ohim aboutschool wor k,eventsthat
happenedatschool andallsor tsofthings.I
don'tevenbecomepar toftheconv ersati
on.
Cany
oubeli
evethatsomeofthethi
ngstheytel
l
hi
m,t
heydon'
ttel
lme?Talkaboutreal
trai
tor
s.
Any
wayit'
sti
meforbedsoI'
m goingt
oki
ssal
l
mynunusgoodni
ghtbef
oreIsl
eep.
Ifi
rstgott
oSbani
'sroom,itwasempt
y.Iwent
toOlu'
sandfoundthem t
ogether
.
Me:
"Gi
rl
s"

Theyl
ookedup.

Ol
u:"
Mom,
thepr
incesswant
stosl
eepwi
th
me"

Me:"
Okay
,mom i
sgoingt
osleepthen.I'
l
lsee
yout
omorr
owmorni
ng,Il
oveyoubabies"

Sbani:"
Welov
ey out
oomom andt
omorr
owy ou
promisedwearegoi
ngt
ohav
eapicni
catthe
park"

Me:"
YesIdi
dbabyandIhav
en'
tchangedmy
mi
nd"
Ol
u:"
Sbani
mom i
sti
red,
lethergot
osl
eep"

Sbani
:"Okay
.Got
osl
eepmom"

Ikissedt
hem andwalkedoutthenIheadedt
o
Simbongil
e'
sroom andbefor
eIcouldenterI
heardhimlaugh.I
shegoingcrazy?
Iwal
kedclosert
othedoorandi
tsoundedl
i
ke
hewashav i
ngaconver
sati
onwi
thsomeone
butwho?
Si
mz:
"OhnouncleTKIwon'
ttel
lher
,shewi
l
l
ki
l
lmeifshef
indout
"

Uncl
eTK?Di
dThokozani
buya.
..
.ohhel
lno!
!

Simz:
"Thanky
ouandpleasecomegetme
tomor
rowIdon'
twantt
ositatthepar
kwi
tht
he
l
adi
es,
theywi
l
lbegossi
ping"

Het
henl
aughedandsai
dgoodby
e.
Igoti
n,hej
umpedl
i
kehewashi
dingsomet
hing.

Me:
"Boy
"

Hesmi
l
ed.

Si
mz:
"Mom"

Me:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"

Henoddedamul
ti
plet
imes.

Me:
"Whower
eyout
alki
ngt
o?"
Si
mz:
"Me?Noonemom"

Me:
"Okaygoodni
ghtboy
za,
Ilov
eyouokay
?"

Si
mz:
"Il
ovey
out
oomommy
"

Icl
osedthedoorandgott
omyroom.Assoon
asIgott
omybed, myphoner
ang.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"

Thokozani
:"Mama"

Me:
"Hey
"
Thokozani
:"Kunj
ani
ntombenhl
e"

Me:
"I'
m goodhowar
eyou?
"

Thokozani
:"Imi
ssseei
ngy
ourpr
ett
yface"

Ismi
l
edt
omy
sel
f.

Me:
"Okay
"

Thokozani
:"Ngi
ngaphandl
e,pl
easecome"

Hai
bo!
!!

Me:
"Youar
ejoki
ngr
ight
?"
Thokozani
:"Nomamazi
,angi
dlal
i
"

Ij
umpedoutofbedandqui
ckl
yrant
omy
bal
conyassoonasIsawhi
scarbyt
hegat
eI
l
aughed.

Thokozani
:"What
'
sfunny
?"

Me:
"I'
m sl
eepi
ng"

Thokozani
:"Howi
sitpossi
blef
oraper
sonto
sl
eepandtalkont
hephoneatthesameti
me?"

Il
aughedandwentt
oputonmysi
l
kygown.

Me:
"I'
m comi
ng"
Ihungupandti
ptoedsoast
omakesur
ethe
ki
dsdon'
thearme.
Igotoutsideandopenedt
hegat e,wentoutto
hi
m.Hewasl eani
ngagainstthecar,weari
ng
greytr
acksuit
sandsneakers.Forachange
l
ookinglikesomeonewhost aysinJozi
.

Me:
"Hey
"

Hepull
edmeclosert
ohi
m,ver
ycl
ose.Iwas
l
it
eral
l
ygluedt
ohim.Hehel
dmebymywai st
.

Thokozani
:"CanIki
ssy
ou?
"

Il
ookeddown,
hesmel
l
samazi
ng.
Wi
thoutawar
ning,
hepeckedmyl
i
psand
befor
eIknewi t
,hefrenchki
ssedme.I twas
sl
ow, passionateandsosoamazi ng.Ibl
ocked
every
thingoutandenj oyedthekiss,Igotlosti
n
i
t.Hisbreathingchanged,hepulledmecl oser
andcloser.Ifel
thismanhood, Ipushedhim.

Heclosedhi
seyesandopenedhisarmsf orme
tocomeback.Ihesit
antl
ywentback,If
eelver
y
saf
einhisar
ms, l
ikeit
'swher
eIbelong.

Hesighedandopenedhi
sey
es,
kissedmy
f
orehead.

Thokozani
:"Ungenzani
kodwaMaMbat
ha?
"
(Whatareyoudoingtome)

Me:
"Whathav
eIdone?
"
Thokozani
:"Ungi
thakat
hil
elekwaMai
mai
"
(Youbewit
chedme)

Igi
ggl
edt
henl
ookedupt
oseehi
m ont
hef
ace.

Me:"
WheredidSi
mbongil
egetaphonet
o
communi
catewit
hyou?
"

Hecoughedal
i
ttl
eandf
rowned.

Thokozani
:"Aphone?Hedoesn'
thav
eaphone,
doeshe?"

Ipi
nchedhi
m,hef
li
nched.

Me:"Thokozani
Ihear
dhi
mtal
ktoy
ouont
he
phone"
Thokozani:
"Ei
shokayke,Igavehim myphone
sohecancontactmeorIcancont acthi
m,we
wereplanni
ngonkeepingitoursecr
et"

Me:"
What'
ssoimpor
tantt
haty
oucan'
tdi
scuss
onmyphone?
"

Thokozani
:"Ment
hings.
..
rel
axst
handwasam,
I
'l
lmakesurehefocusesonschool
"

Me:"Youbett
erThokozanibecausei
fyoudon'
t
I
'l
lki
llyoubot
handfeedy outomyneighbour
's
dogs"

Hel
aughedandbecameseriousi
nst
ant
lyl
i
ke
hej
ustt
houghtofsomet
hing.
Thokozani
:"Baby
"

Me:
"Mmm"

Thokozani
:"Mi
naang'
sakhoni
manj
e,Il
oveyou
somuch.Pleasegi
vemeachance,
giveusa
chance"

Il
ookedaway
,hemademel
ookathi
m.
Wewer est
il
lgl
uedt oeachother
,Icoul
dfeel
hishear
tbeat
,ithadchanged.I
twasbeati
ng
fast
.

Thokozani
:"Oyi
ntandongyakuthanda,
ngi
kuthandangempela.Akulal
ekimama,all
I
thi
nkaboutisyou"(Il
oveyou,Iloveyouf
orreal
.
Ican'
tev
ensl
eep)

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouThokozani
"

Hecl
osedhi
sey
esandi
nhal
edandexhal
ed.

Thokozani
:"Pl
easesayi
tagai
nmama"

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou,
ngy
akut
handanami
"

Thokozani
"Ngempel
a?"

Inodded.
Hepickedmeupandspunmearound,
mygown
unt
iedit
sel
fandr
eveal
edmyver
yshort
pyj
amas.
Heputmedownandsmi
l
ed.

Thokozani
:"Ngi
zodl
akamnandi
mina"

Ipushedhi
m pl
ayful
l
yandt i
edt
hegownagain.
Hecamecloserandkissedmeagai
n,t
hiski
ss
carr
iedawhol
elotoflove.

Ifel
tli
keateenagert
hati
sexper
ienci
ngl
ovef
or
thefi
rstt
ime.

Me:
"Ihav
etogobacki
nsi
de"

Thokozani:
"CanIgowi t
hyou,
Ipr
omiseIwon't
touchyou.Ijustwantt
oholdy
outi
ght,
sleep
nexttoyou".
Me:
"For
geti
t"

Thokozani:
"Please..
.pl
easemama, I'
m begging
you,Iwil
ll
eavev eryearlyi
nthemorningbefore
thekidswakeup, phelaifIl
eaveIwon'tbeable
tosleepandifIcan'tsleepi
tmeansy ouwon' t
sleeptobecauseIam goi ngtocal
lyouallni
ght
l
ong"

Il
aughed,
mxm hei
scr
azy
.

Me:"Fine!
!!But.
..
.butpl
easebehav
eThokozani
orI
'
llthrowy ououtthebalcony
"

Hel
aughed.
Thokozani:"
Yourt
hreat
saretoomuch,
atfi
rst
youthreat
enedtofeedustoadognowI'
m
gonnabet hr
ownoutthebalcony
"

Igi
ggl
ed.Il
ovehim,hei
ssohandsomeand
cut
e.Notbabycut
ebutoldper
soncut
eift
hat
makessense.

Iwenti
nandopenedt
hegat
esohecoulddri
ve
i
n.Hedrov
einandpar
kedonthedr
iveway
.

Wewal
kedi
nsi
de.

Thokozani
:"I
'
m hungr
y"

Me:
"Usuy
ahl
any
amanj
e"(
Youar
ecr
azynow)
Thokozani
:"Pl
easebaby
,I'
m ser
ious"

Il
ookedathi
m,hewasser
ious.Ipul
l
edhi
m
upst
air
stomybedr
oom.

Me:
"St
ayher
e,I
'
llbr
ingf
ood"

Thokozani
:"Ki
ssmef
ir
st"

Ishookmyheadsay
ingno,
hegotupfr
om the
bedandcametome,hepul
ledmeandkissed
me.

Thokozani
:"Mmm yahne?Ut
handongi
yal
i
saba"
(I
'
m afrai
doflov
e)

Igi
ggl
edandwentt
owar
mthef
oodt
hatwas
remaini
ng,di
shedupandpour
edhim agl
assof
waterthenIswi
tchedof
fthel
i
ght
sandwent
upstai
rs.

Thokozani
:"Thanky
ou"

Hetooktheplat
eandat
eliket
her
e'sno
tomorr
ow,thehegul
pedthegl
assofwater
down.

Thokozani
:"mmmm itwasr
eall
yni
ce,
ify
ou
werenotgonnat
hreat
entoki
ll
meIwasgonna
askformore"

Il
aughedanddi
rect
edhimtot
hebat
hroom so
hecoul
dwashhishands.
Hecamebackt
opl
essandwear
ingboxer
sonl
y.
LordJesussonofMar
ia.
..
fat
hery
oursoni
sa
snack.

Thokozani:
"Surel
yyounotexpect
ingmet
o
sl
eepintracksuit
sbaby
"

Me:
"Ummm noi
t'
sfi
ne"

Iswall
owed,t
ookof
fmygownandgotunder
thecover
s.Heal
sogoti
nandcameclosert
o
me,heheldmebymywaistandki
ssedmy
cheek.

Thokozani
:"Goodni
ghtst
handwasam"

Me:
"Goodni
ght
"
Thokozani
:"Il
ovey
ou"

Inodded.

Thokozani
:"Hai
isayy
oulov emetooorI
'
llgo
wakethekidsupandtel
lthem I
'
m her
e"

Mxm hei
scr
azy
.

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Hekissedmyshoul
derandhel
dmywai
st
t
ight
lyandpul
l
edmet ohim.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
I
nthemor
ningat6h00Iwokehi
m up,
hewas
st
il
lhol
dingmet
ight
.Ipushedhi
m awayfr
om
meandshookhi
m.Heopenedhiseyes.

Thokozani
:"Mmm"

Me:
"Wakeup,
youhav
etol
eav
e"

Thokozani
:"Haaaababy
,soear
ly"

Me:"Yousee?Gobef
oret
heki
dswakeup,
it'
s
6h00now"

Thokozani
:"Okay30mi
nut
es"

Ipi
nchedhi
m hej
umpedup.
Thokozani
:"Okay
..
.okaybabyke.
..
hai
iyouar
e
abusi
ve"

Hegotup,andsl
owlywentt
othebat
hroom.He
camebackful
lydr
essed.

Thokozani
:"Okaygi
vemesomesugar
"

Hepulledfrom bedandhuggedmeont hewaist

.
Hestaredintomyey esf
orsometi
meandshook
hisheadthenhekissedmepassionatel
y ,
it'
s
l
ikehewast el
l
ingmehowmuchhel ovesme
becauseIfelti
t.

Thokozani
:"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"
Hetookhi
scarkeys,Iaccompani
edhi
mt ot
he
car
.Heissocl
ingy
, hedoesn'
twannago.

Hekissedmeagainandagainandagai
nunti
lI
tol
dhim heshoul
dleav
e.Event
uall
yhedrov
e
off
.

[
Sfi
so]

Vanessaforgaveme, Ihavedeci dedtobea

bett
ermanf orhim andourchild.Shet oldmet o
dropthewholecust odysi
tuat
ionandf orthe
sakeofourrelat
ionshipIdeci
dedt oletitgo,I
can'
tsayI'
m happywi t
hhowthi ngsar ebut
whatcanIdo?Any wayit'
sSaturdaymor ning
andwe'vejustdecidedtogooutf orbreakfast.
Aswear
eheadi
ngoutmyphoner
ings,
it'
smy
mom.

Me:
"Mom"

Mom: "
Whati sitthatIseeaboutOyi
ntando
dat
ingthatfor
ev eronmagazinesand
newspapersDlami niboy?
"

Me:
"MaI
'
m notev
ensur
etheyar
edat
ing"
.

Mom:"YeyIj
ustsawanewspaper
,theyar
eon
t
hefr
ontpage"

Isi
ghed,
mymom i
sti
ri
ng.

Me:"Mat
hat'
sanol
dnewspaper
,fr
om t
heday
oft
heawards"
Mom: "
Stil
l..
.thatgirl
isgoi ngtoputmygr and
chil
dren'
sl i
v esindanger ,weal lknowthatboy
hasenemi es, t
hereisnowayhecanhav eal ot
ofmoneywi thnoshadybusi nessesandas
soonhisenemi esstri
ketheywi llbeusi
ngt he
ki
dst ofightt heirbat
tles,don'tbeasofti
eSf i
so
fi
ghtforcust odyofthekidssot hatt
heycan
staywithy ouandgi vethathoeachancet ohoe
aroundper fectly"

She'sri
ght
,Thokozani
can'
tbeal
lcl
ean.Whatif
theyusemykidstogettohi
m?Ican'
thavethat
.

Me:
"Okaymom Iheary
ou"

Mom:"Wher
eismypr
ett
ywhi
tedaught
eri
n
l
aw?"
Me:
"She'
sri
ghther
e"

Mom:
"Gi
vehert
hephone"

Idi
d,t
heystar
tedt
alki
ng.Mom l
ovesVanessa
somuch,t
heygooutshoppingt
ogether
someti
mes.

Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.
#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t24.

[
Oyi
ntando]
MykidsandIhavej
ustfini
shedpr
epari
ngfor
thepar
k.Thegi
rl
sdecidedthatweputonour
matchi
ngoutf
it
sandImustsayI '
m enj
oyi
ng
ever
ymomentofit.

Si
mz:
"Mom"

Me:
"Yes"

Si
mz:
"I'
m notgoi
ngt
othepar
kwi
thy
ouguy
s"

Me:
"Ohy
esy
ouar
ebaby
"

Si
mz:
"Nomom!Idon'
twantt
o,Iam.
..
."
Justbefor
ehecoul
dfi
nishhi
ssent
encemy
phonerang.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"

Thokozani
:"umungat
hinjest
handwasam
uyobeungamoshanga"(Youwouldn'
thav
edone
anywrongifyouanswerbysayi
ngmyl ove)

Me:
"Howar
eyou?
".

Hel
aughs.

Thokozani
:"I
'
m goodbaby
,howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I'
m good"
Thokozani
:"Didt
heli
tt
leguyt
ell
yout
hathei
s
notgoingt
ot hepar
k"

Me:
"YesandIt
oldhi
m hei
sgoi
ngt
othepar
k"

Thokozani:
"Usuf
unalenganei
beyi
nkonkoni
manje?"(Doyouwantthi
schil
dtobegaynow?)

Me:
"Iwoul
dn'
tmi
nd,
hewoul
dst
il
lbemyson"

Thokozani
:"Okaybutst
il
lI'
m out
side,
her
eto
gethi
m.Pleasebuzzmei n"

Ihungupandbuzzedhimin,
fewminuteslat
er
hegotin,wear
ingshor
ts,
gol
dT-shi
rtand
sneaker
s.TheZulumaninhi
misalwaysvisi
ble,
regardl
essofwhathewear s.It'
skindoffunny
thateversincehecamewear ingthoseshoes
madeoft ir
eandal eopardprintvestIal
ways
l
ookatwhathei swear i
ng,youcoul dswearhe
hasmul ti
plepersonali
ti
es.Ther e'
sThokozani
whowear sasui t,t
heonewhowear s
brentwood, car
vel
aandi nstantl
ybecomeat axi
dri
verlookal i
ke,t
hesqathami yalookali
keand
theoneI'ml ooki
ngatr i
ghtnow.

Ol
u:"
Uncl
eTKhy
"

Thokozani
:"Hel
l
obabygi
rlhowar
eyou?
"

Ol
u:"
I'
m goodt
hanks"

Hesatdownandmydaught
erwasal
ready
si
tt
ingonhi
slap.
Sbani
:"Ar
eyoucomi
ngwi
thust
othepar
k?"

Thokozani
:"Nouncl
eTKi
sgoi
ngoutwi
th
Si
mbongi l
e"

Shenodded,wowthat
'safi
rst
.MySbani
agreei
ngtosomet
hingwit
houtaski
ng
questi
ons.

Thokozani
:"Okayladi
es,hav
efunatt
hepar
k.
Asambendoda"( Let'
sgoman)

Sbani
gotup.

Myphonebeeped,Il
ookedonl
ytof
indanSMS
f
rom Thokozani
sayi
ngIWANNAKISSYOU
BEFOREWELEAVEBABY.

Il
ookedathi
m andl
aughed.

Ol
u:"
Mom what
'sup?
"

Me:"Umm. .
.not
hing,
it'
saf
unnymemef
rom
Londeka"

Shenodded.

Thokozani
:"Ineedabat
hroom bef
orewel
eav
e"

Me:
"Goupst
air
s,seconddoorony
ourl
eft
"

Hel
ookedatme,
Iknowwhathei
str
yingt
odo.
Hewentupst
air
s.

"WOZAPHELA"(
Come)i
t'
sanot
herSMSf
rom
him.

Me:
"OhhIf
orgotsomet
hingupst
air
s"

Iwentupandf
oundhi
m si
tt
ingonmybed.I
s
thi
sabathr
oom?

Me: "
Isthi
sabat
hroom?Isai
dseconddooron
yourlef
t"

Hegotupandcl
osedt
hedoor
,het
henhel
dme
bymywaist
.
Thokozani
:"Igotl
ostandf
oundmy
sel
fher
e"

Igi
ggl
ed.
Hethenki
ssedme,
heisagoodki
sser.Imel
tin
hi
sarmswhenheputshi
sli
psonmine.
Ipushedhi
m,wewer
ebot
hbr
eat
hingabi
t
heavi
ly.

Thokozani
:"Il
ovey
oumama,
wow"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:"Il
oveyout
oobutwehavetogo,r
emember
ther
eareki
dswait
ingdownst
air
sandt
heycan
comehereanyt
ime"

Hesi
ghedandki
ssedmeonemor
eti
me.He
t
hem spankedme.

Me:
"Gof
ir
st"

Helaughedandl
eft
,Ibr
eathedinandout
,
gat
heri
ngsomestrengt
h.Ithenfi
xedmysel
f
andgotout.

Olu:
"Mom yousaidyoufor
gotsomet
hingbut
youareemptyhanded"

Me:"
OhhyesbabyIj
ustr
eal
i
sedIt
ooki
t,i
t'
s
pr
obabl
yinmyhandbag"

Thokozani
:"What
'
sisi
t?"

Hemustnot
,Ishothi
m al
ook.Hechuckl
edand
st
oodup.

Thokozani
:"Hav
efun,
wear
eleav
ing"

Si
mz:
"By
eladi
es"

Me:
"Behav
e"

Si
mz:
"Ial
way
sdomom"

Theyl
eft
.Thegi
rl
sandIal
sot
ookt
hingst
othe
car
,wethenl
eft
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.

Arr
ivi
ngatt
hepark,i
twasabitf
ull
.Ir
eal
i
sed
howImissmysister
,soIt
ext
edherandtol
d
hertoj
oinusatt
hepar
kwi
thMbal
iher
daught
er.

Sherepl
i
edbysay
ing"
IWASMEANI
NGTO
CALLYOUBYTHEWAY, WEWI
LLBETHEREI
N
ANHOUR"

Sbani
wenttoplaywhil
eOl
uhl
eandIhadour
gi
rl
yconver
sat
ion.Hermat
uri
tyscar
esme
someti
mes.

Ol
u:"
Somom doy
oul
i
keuncl
eTK?
"

Icoughedal
i
ttl
e.

Me:
"What
?"
Ol
u:"
Doy
oul
i
kehi
m?Uncl
eTK?
"

It
houghtoft
her
ightwayt
oanswerher
.

Me:
"Asaf
ri
endy
es"

Ol
u:"
Soy
ouguy
sar
ejustf
ri
ends?
"

Me:
"Yes,
whydoy
ouask?
"

Olu:
"NoIwasj
ustaski
ng,
I'
veseenhowhappy
youlat
ely
"

Inodded.

I
ndeedanhourl
aterLondekaar
ri
ved.Shewas
wi
thMv
elo'
ski
ds.

Wehugged, thekidswenttopl
ay.Mbal
i
,Ol
u
andthetwinsar eal
mostthesameagesot
hey
engagedintheirconver
sat
ion.

Londeka:
"Andwher
eist
hegl
owcomi
ngsi
s?"

Ismi
l
ed.

Londeka:
"Youl
i
e!!
!!Whendi
dithappen"

Il
aughed,
Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngsowhyi
sshe
concl
udi
ng?

Me:"Yest
erday,
whenIwasaboutt
osleephe
cal
l
edandsai dhei
soutsi
de,
hewantstosee
me,soIwentt ohim andli
kealwayshe
confessedhisundyi
ngloveformesoIdecided
togi
v eitago,whatcouldpossi
blygowrong?
I'
vebeensingleforf
ouryears,t
hat'
sal
ot"

Londeka:
"Doy
oul
ovel
ovel
ovehi
m?"

Me:"Il
ovelovelov
ehim mntase,Ipl
ayedhard
t
ogetforquitesometi
mebuthenev ergaveup
f
ormet hatwasenoughandabov eallt
hat,
he
l
ovesmyki dsandtheyl
ikehi
mt oo"

Londeka:
"I'
m sohappyforyou,y
oudeser
veall
thi
shappinessandmore,Ihavetomeett
his
uncl
eTKoft hekids"

Il
aughed.
Me:"Youwil
ldearsi
ster
,tel
lmeher
ewher
eis
oursi
steri
nlaw?"

Shelaughed,Mvel
o'
swifeisadi v
aIt el
lyou,she
neverwantstochi
llwi
thus.There'
sal ways
excuses,somet
imesshe'
snotf eeli
ngwell,t
he
otherti
mesheneedstobebusywi t
h
something.

Londeka:"
Ohhthepr
eciouswif
esaidsheis
meetingupwi
thherfr
iends,
soIdecidedt
otake
theki
ds"

Webecamesi
l
entabi
t.

Londeka:
"Inot
hernews.
..
..
"
Me:
"I'
m al
lear
s"

Londeka:
"I'
m pr
egnant
"

What
?Myey
esi
nst
ant
lyopenedwi
del
y.

Me:
"What
?"

Londeka:
"Yep,
secondbabyonboar
d"

Me:
"Howf
aral
ong?
"

Londeka:
"16weeks"

Me:
"Haaaat
hat
'sl
i
ke3mont
hs"
Londeka:
"Yeah"

Me:"That'
ssobeaut
if
ulbabe,
I'
m genui
nel
y
happyforyou,
whati
shubbysaying?
"

Londeka:
"Al
lIcansayHetr
eatsmel i
keanegg,
i
t'
slikewewil
lbehavi
ngourfi
rstbaby"

WowI'mreal
l
yhappyf
ort
hem,
Mandl
aisa
goodguy
.

Wecal
l
edt
heki
dsandat
e.I
twasagoodday
.

[
Thokozani
]

Wearedri
vi
ngtothemall
togetafewt
hings
t
hatMkhusel
ineedst
henwewill
beheadingt
o
hispl
acetowat chsoccer.Ireall
yhadfunwi t
h
Simbongil
e,heisasmar tboyt hatI
'
venoticed.
Heaskedmet otakehimt oplacesIusuall
ygo
tosoItookhimt ooneoft heplacewhereIeat
theaf
ricantr
aditi
onalf
ood, hewassoexci ted
andsaidhewant stocomeher emoreoften.

Sengizengaqonywangakit
hibyAubreyQwana
i
sdoingt hethi
ngsinmycarandallIcanthi
nk
ofismywoman, yesMYWOMAN.That '
s
soundsjustri
ght.Il
ovehersomuchandIam
pl
anningonmaki nghermywi f
eonewayort he
other
.

Ar
ri
vi
ngatEastgat
emal
l
,Ipar
kedt
hecarand
wewalkedi
n.

Me:
"Youst
il
lgood?
"
Simz:"
Yeah,
I'
mreal
l
yhav
ingagoodt
imewi
th
you.Doyoul
ovemymom?"

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"Il
oveheral
ot"

Si
mz:
"Doest
hatmeany
ougonnabeourdad?
"

Me:"Idon'
tknow,
doy
ouwantmet
obey
our
dad?
"

Heshr
ugged.

Si
mz:
"I'
l
laskmom f
ir
sti
fit
'sokay
"
Inodded.
Wewentt ochecker
sandgotal
lthethi
ngs
Mkhuseli
askedfor,
wealsoboughtafewnice
t
hings.

AssoonaswentoutIsawOyi
'sexhusband
appr
oachi
ng,
wit
hawhi lel
ady
.

Si
mz:
"Dad"

Hedi
dnotl
ookexci
ted.

Sf
iso:
"Heychamp,
howar
eyou?
"

Si
mz:
"I'
mfi
ne"
Sf
iso:"
Whatar
ey oudoi
ngwi
thmysonher
e?
WhereisOy
int
ando?"

Me:"
Sawubonanawendoda, Wellwearehavi
ng
amen'sdayout,Oyi
ishav
ingaladies'
dayout
wi
ththegir
ls"(
Hell
otoyoutooman)

Sf
iso:
"Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
odo?
"

Me:"Me?Ohnothi
ngman,I'
mjustf
il
li
ngt
he
gapthaty
oulef
tinbot
hyourki
dsandOyi
,
not
hingbi
greal
ly"

Hewant
edt
ohi
tmebutt
hel
adyhel
dhi
m.

Lady
:"Noti
nfr
ontofy
oursonSi
fi
so,
hel
l
o..
.y
ou
mustbeSi
..
..
ummm howdoIpr
onouncehi
s
nameagai
nbaby
?"

Sheaskedl
ooki
ngatSf
iso.

Si
mz :
"Simbongile,
that'
smyname.DadIdon' t
l
oveyouany more.Youdon'tcometocheckup
onus,youforgotaboutus.Youarenolonger
myrolemodel ,
nowIl i
keuncleTKbecausehe
makesusandmommyhappy "

Sfi
so:"
I'
m sor
ryson,daddypr
omi
sest
ocome
seeyou.Il
oveyouand..
..
."

Si
mz:
"Uncl
eTKl
et'
sgo,
wewi
l
lmi
sssoccer
"

Hel
eftf
ir
st,
Ilookedatt
hisf
ool
i
shmani
nfr
ont
ofme.Whonegl
ect
shi
ski
dsatt
hisdayand
ager
eal
ly
?

Me:
"Cheer
s"

Iwalkedofff
oll
owingSi
mbongi
le.Icaughtup
wit
hhi m,wegottothet
hecar
.

Me:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"

Henoddedbuthedi
dnotl
ookokay
.

Me:"Lookdon'tbesad,I
'
m sureyourdadwil
l
comeseey ou.Iam al
sohere,
y oucancal
lme
anyt
imeoftheday "

Hesmi
l
ed.
Si
mz:
"Yout
hebest
"

Ibr
ushedhi
shead,
thenIdr
oveof
f.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.

Shor
tIknow,Ihavefl
uguyssoI
'm notokay
.I
j
usttookmedicat
ionandi
t'
ski
cki
ngi n,
soIfeel
sl
eepy.

N.BThere'
sapartthatt
alksaboutbei
nggay,
I
'm nothomophobicandI'
m notpromoti
ng
homophobia,
it'
sjustast
oryli
ne.
somef
ans:
"Admi
nyouar
est
art
ingt
obor
eus
now"

Me:"Don'
tworr
ybabiesIwil
lbany ousoyou
won'
tbeboredbymeany mor e.Letmeposta
sni
ppetformyreasonabl
efansbef or
eIban
you"

•
••SNI
PPET•
••

Oyint
ando:"
Sfi
sopleaseleavemyhouse!!You
saidyouar
eheretoseet hekidsbutnowyou
aremeddli
nginmyper sonall
ife,
leav
e!!
"

Sfiso:"
Ofallt
hemeny oucouldchoosefr
om,
youhadt ogoforHIM!!
!Whatkindofagold
diggerareyou?Put
ti
ngmyki ds'l
i
feindanger
allbecauseofmoney?"
Arggghei sr
eal
l
yirr
it
ati
ngme.Iwal
kedtot
he
doorandopenedforhimtoseeImean
business.

Me:
"Leav
eSf
iso"

Helookedatmeandwalkedt
othedoor
.I'
m
gl
adhedidn'tf
indt
heki
ds.

Me:
"Nev
ercomeback"

Sf
iso:
" Ohtr
ustmeIwon't
,I'
l
lseey
oui
ncour
t.I
wantfull
custodyofmyki
ds"

Ichuckl
edal
i
ttl
e.

Me:
"Idi
dthi
nky
ouhav
ebecomecr
azyl
atel
y
butnowIknowt haty
oureall
yareshi
t
crazy
..
.buty
oucangot ocourt
,I'
l
lseeyout
her
e.
Goodluckbecauseyougonnaneedit"

Ithenpushedhim andclosedt hedoor.Iam i

n
l
ov esoIhav enoti
met ostress,moreespecial
ly
bySfiso.I
'vedoneenoughst r
essingforhim,not
anymor e.

Iwenttogeti
cecream f
rom t
hefri
dgeandsat
onthecouch,
thehouseissoquiet
.Theki
ds
wenttoGoldr
eefcitywi
thuncl
eMv el
o.

There'snothi
ngniceonTV,Ij
ustf
ocusedonmy
i
cecr eam andfi
nall
ydeci
dedonwatching
JudgeJudy .Myphonerang.

Ismi
l
edbef
oreIcoul
danswer
.
Me:
"Baba"

Thokozani
:"Mama,
opent
hegat
e"

Yessss!
!!
!Hei
sher
e.

*
Toni
ghtonUzal
o*
I
nser
t25.

*
2weeksl
ater
*
[
Oyi
ntando]

TosayI'
m happywoul
dbeanunder
stat
ement .I
am bey
ondhappy.Asmuchasmyrelat
ionship
wi
thThokozanii
ssti
ll
new,
itf
eel
sli
kewe' ve
knownandbeentoget
herforyears.Hetreat
s
melikeaQueenandtreat
smyki dsli
kehisown.
Honestl
yIcoul
dn'
taskforabetterpar
tner.
Anot herthi
ng, Thokozanii
ssoclingyguy
s,hei s
alway sinmyof f
icebuthealsohasacompany
torun.IfI'm atwor k,
hecomest omywor kplace,
i
fI'm home, hecomesandbewi t
hmeandi fI'
m
atthemal l
,hecal l
sandtel
lsmehei sonthe
way .Icansayhespends80per centofhistime
withme.
AsIam smil
i
ngt omy sel
fwhi
l
et hi
nki
ngofhi
m,
thei
nter
com r
ings.Iaskwhoiti
sandguess
who?
Yepy
ouguessedr
ightSf
isohi
msel
f.
Ibuzzedhi
minandopenedthedoort
henIsat
onthecouchwai
ti
ngforhi
mt ocomethr
ough.
HegotinandIlookedathim,Ifi
twasn'
tformy
ki
dsIwasn'tgonnabel
ieveIoncemarri
edthi
s
guy,
looki
ngathim Ij
ustfeel
awholelotof
resentmentandhat e.It
hinkofal
lthepai nhe
causedme, theloveIhadforhim,theyearsof
mar r
iegethatwentdownt hedrai
n.Butifthere'
s
onet hi
ngIdon'tfeelany
mor ei
sanger, I
'
velong
l
etgooft hat.Iam happyandcontent,Ij
ust
don'tli
kehimf orwhohebecameov er
night.

Sf
iso:
"Sawubona"(
Hel
l
o)

Me:
"Hey
"

Hesatont
hecouchopposi
teme.

Sf
iso:
"Howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I'
m goodSf
iso,
howar
eyou?
"
Sf
iso:
"I'
m good"
.

Me: "
Hawu! !It
houghtforsomeonewhohasn't
seenhiskidsinav eryl
ongti
mey ouwouldn'
t
daresayyouar egood.Howar eyougoodwhen
youneglectedthekids?"

Sf
iso:
"I'
m her
etoseet
hem"

Me:
"Theyar
enotar
ound"

Sfi
so:"Don'
ttel
lmet
heyl
eftwi
tht
hat
boyfr
iend"

Me:"Theyl
eftwi
thhim sadl
y.Heisdoi
nggood
att
hisfat
heri
ngthi
ng,l
etaloneboyf
ri
endi
ng"
Hecl
osedhi
sey
eswhi
l
ecl
enchi
nghi
sjaws.

Sfi
so:"Ican'
tbel
i
eveIoncemarr
iedahoeli
ke
you,howcouldyoutr
ustast
rangerwi
thour
ki
ds?"

Me:"Ial
socan'
tbeli
eveIoncemar
riedamoron
l
ikeyou,i
fanyt
hingiti
syouwhom Ishoul
dn'
t
t
rustwit
hmyki ds"

Sf
iso:
"Youar
eabl
oody
..
..
."

Igotup,whothehell
doeshethi
nkhei s?Has
healwaysbeenli
kethis,
hewasjustgoodat
hi
dingit
?Orital
lstar
tednow?

Me:
"Sf
isopl
easel
eav
emyhouse!
!Yousai
dyou
ar
eheret
oseet
hekidsbutnowy ouare
meddl
i
nginmyper
sonall
if
e,leav
e!!
!"

Sfiso:"Ofal
lthemeny oucouldchoosefr
om,
youhadt ogof orHI
M! !
!Whatkindofagold
diggerareyou?Putti
ngmykids' l
i
fei
ndanger
allbecausemoney ?
"

Arggheisreal
l
yir
ri
tat
ingme,Iwal
kedt
othe
doorandopenedsohecoul
dseeImean
busi
ness.

Me:
"Leav
eSf
iso"

Hel
ookedatmeandwal
kedt
othedoor
.

I
'
m gl
adhedi
dn'
tfi
ndt
heki
ds.
Me:
"Nev
ercomeback"

Sf
iso:
" Ohtr
ustmeIwon't
,I'
l
lseey
oui
ncour
t.I
wantfull
custodyofmyki
ds"

Ichuckl
edal
i
ttl
e.

Me: "
Idi
dthinkyouhav ebecomecrazylatel
y
butnowIseey oureall
yareshitcr
azy.
..
butyou
cangotocourt,I
'l
lseey outher
e.Goodluck
becauseyouwillneedit
."

Ithenpushedhi m outandclosedthedoor
.I'
m
soi nlove,
Idon'thavetimetostr
ess,more
especiall
ybySfiso.I'
vedoneaenough
stressingforhi
m, notanymore.
Iwenttogeti
cecr eam f
rom t
hefr
idgeandsat
onthecouch.Thehousei ssoqui
et,t
heki
ds
wenttoGoldreefcitywi
thuncl
eMv el
o.

There'
snothi
ngniceonTV.Ij
ustfocusedon
myicecream andfi
nal
lydeci
dedonwat chi
ng
JudgeJudy.

Myphoner
ang,
Ismi
l
edbef
oreIcoul
danswer
.

Me:
"Baba"

Thokozani
:"Mama,
opent
hegat
e"

Yessss!
!!
!hei
sher
e.

Ij
umpedupf
rom t
hecouchandbuzzedhi
min.
Minutesl
aterhewalked,guyshei
swear
inga
sui
t.Helooksdapper,Icoul
deathi
mri
ghtnow.

Hecamecl
oserandki
ssedme.

Thokozani
:"Cher
rykaMj
i
ta"

Ibl
ushed,
there'
ssomethi
ngabouthi
svoi
ce.I
t
makesevery
thingt
hatcomesoutofhi
smouth
soundsosexyandsoperfect
.

Me:
"BabakaMama"

Hesmi
l
edandki
ssedmeagai
n.

Thokozani
:"Howar
eyout
hembal
am?
"(My
hope)
Me:
"I'
m okaybaby
,howar
eyou?
"

Thokozani:
"I'
mti
redmama, Ij
ustgotoutofa
veryi
ntensemeeti
ng,al
lIneedaft
eritwasto
seemywomanbecausey ooohitwashecti
c
andyoumyl ovearet
heonlyonekeepingme
sane"

Me:
"Aski
esbaba"

Thokozani
:"Il
ovei
twheny
oucal
lmebaba,
it
tur
nsthemanon"

Ismil
edagain,t
hismanisl
i
keadr
eam.Het
ook
ofthebl
azerandsatdown.
Me:
"Ar
eyouhungr
y?"

Thokozani
:"Fory
ouy
esbaby
"

Me:"
Hayy
yiThokoz
ani
man,
Imeanhungr
yfor
f
ood?"

Thokozani
:"I
'
m dy
ingofhungerst
handwasam,
youcangivemefoodbutbefor
ethatcomesi
t
her
e"

Het
appedt
hespacenextt
ohi
m.

Thokozani:
"Khul
umanendodayakho,t
ell
me
whathappenedbecauseIcanseeyouhave
somethingonyourmind"(
Talkt
oyourman)
Ihesi
tatedbutev entuall
ytoldhim aboutSfiso
andhowhewant stotakemet ocourt.Honestly
whatwor r
iesmei sexposi ngmyki dst othi
s.All
Iwantfort hem i
st obehappy ,Ineverwished
thi
sforthem.Iwant edthem toexperienceboth
theparents'lov
e,regardl
essofourf ailed
marri
ageandnowt heyhav etobeexposedi n
court
s.

Thokozani
clenchedhi
sjawsaft
erIt
oldhi
m,I
l
ookedathim hehadveinsonhi
sfor
ehead.

Thokozani
:"Haii
iokaynt
okazyam enhl
e,y
ou
cangivemef oodthen"(
Mylov
elylady)

Hawuthi
sguy?Ishenotgonnagi vemea
sol
uti
onorsomething.Il
ookedathim,
he
l
ookedangr
ybuthewast r
yinghar
dnottoshow.
Healsol
ookedcalm, v
erycalm.
Isi
ghedandwentt
omakehi
mfood.

[
Simi
]

Mydaught
eri
ssosi
ck.Idon'
tknowwhatt
odo
any
more.

Mom:"Si
mingenkosiact
ingallci
vi
lisedand
whi
tewon'
thelpthi
schild.Wehav etotakethi
s
chi
l
dhomet oourtradi
ti
onalheal
er"

Me:
"Mamat
ra.
..
."

Mom: "
Iwon'twat
chyouki
ll
mygrandchil
dsimi
,
Iwon'
t!
!!I
fyouwantt
ostayher
ethenstaybut
I'
mtaki
ngthischi
l
dwithme"
Isi
ghed.WhenThabithaKhumal
olooksall
ser
iousthenyouknowshemeansbusiness
andrightnow,mom meansbusi
ness.

IwatchedherpackingSami'sbags.Ionthe
otherhandbusyshushingher.Hertemperat
ure
i
swayt oohigh,sheiscryi
ngnonst op,
shehas
eventurnedpi
nk,mypoorbaby .

Me:"
What
'swrongbaby
?What
'swr
ong
mommy'
sangel?"

Shejustkeptoncr
ying,
Itr
iedbr
east
feedi
ngher
,
shedidn'
tbudge.

Iwasbecomingemoti
onalri
ghtnow.What
coul
dpossi
blybewrongwithmybaby ?Itook
hert
o3Doctorsal
readybuttheyseenothing.
Usel
essi
fyouaskme.

Mom t
ookthebagsout
sidet
othecar
,shet
hen
cameback.

Mom:"Br
ingt
hischi
l
d,ar
eyoual
socomi
ngor
what
?"

Isi
ghed,
Ican'
tstaywhi
lemybabyi ssick.We
wenttot
hecarandIdrovewhil
emom shushed
her
,aswewereont heroadshefi
nall
ykept
qui
etandsl
ept.

[
Nar
rat
ed]

MrsKuneneisatatradi
ti
onal
healer
,thereto
consul
taboutOyi
ntandoandhisnewlyfound
boy
fri
endandal
sot
her
etogetherownt
hings.

Makhosi:"Al
lIcansayi sthet
imeforyourson
toloseevery
thi
nghewor kedhardf
orhascome,
unfort
unatel
ythere'snothi
ngIcandotohelp.
Hei st
heonehol dingthepowertohel
p
himself
."

Mr
sK:
"Whatdoy
oumeanMakhosi
?"

Makhosi:"Everyonehasancestorsandsome
ancestor
sdonotl i
keseei
ngtheirki
dssuffer
,
theyfi
ghttheirbatt
lesandanotherthi
ng,y
our
sonhasachi ldwhoneedshi m andheisnot
eventheretosuppor tt
hechil
d,theancest
ors
areveryangry"

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght

Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.

May
beseni
ngi
thuke.
I
nser
t26.

[
Thokozani
]

I'
mi nmyof f
ice,can'tseem togetanywor k
done.AllI'
mt hi
nkingof fi
sOy intando.Iloveher,
Il
ov ehersomuchi tscaresme.Her e'sthethi
ng,
whenIl ove,Ilovehar dandIl ovetruthfull
y.I
hav en'
tdonet hi
slov ethinginy earsnow.Ionce
l
ov edaper sont oapoi ntofnor eturn,therewas
nothingIdidn'tdof orher.Iboughther
expensiveshoes, car s,
clothesandt ookhert o
expensiveget away s.ThedayIhadpl annedt o
proposeIwentt oherhousehopi ngtosur pr
ise
herwhenshel eastexpect edi tbutguesswhat ?
I'
mt heonewhogotsur pr
ised.Ifoundherand
someguyf uckingont hecouch.Iwasso
brokenbutmyf ami lywast hereforme, my
mom ev ensaidandIquot e" Thokozani
mnt anam konkekwenzekangesi zathu,
mhlampeunkul unkul unabaphansi bebefuna
ukukuboni saukut hi ukumshadakuy obe
kuyiphuthael i
khul u"(Thokozani mychi l
d,
everythi
nghappensf orareason.May beGod
andt heancest orswant edtoshowy out hat
mar ryi
ngherwoul dbeabi gmi st
ake).Ittook
meawhi l
et ogetov erherbutIdi deventuall
y
andpr omi sedmy selftonev erfalli
nloveagai n
buther eIam.I 'm headov erheelsinlove.
I
'm notgett
inganyyounger
,Ilov
eOy i
ntando
t
hatiswithoutadoubtandIwouldreall
yloveto
marryherbutaft
erallt
hepainI'
veencounter
ed
f
rom lovi
ngsomeoneIwantt otaketi
meand
knowherandheri
ntent
ions.

AnywayIgotbacktowork.Mkhusel
ithr
ew
hi
mselfi
nwithoutknowi
ng.

Me: "
Whatt hehel
lman?Whathappenedto
knocking?Whatifyouhadf
oundmef ucki
ngmy
woman? "

Hel
aughedandsatdown.

Mkhusel
i:"
That'
sthet
hing,
Iknowt
hatwon'
t
happenso.
..
."

Heshr
ugged,
Ithr
ewapaperathi
m.

Me:
"Whatdoy
oumeany
ouknowt
hatwon'
t
happen?Don'
tIhav
eapeni
s?"

Mkhusel
i:
"Youdobutt
heloveyouhav
efor
MaMbathaist
oomuchI'm sur
eyouar
eeven
scar
edtoaskfori
t"

Heisright
,Idon'twanttopushheraway
.Iwant
ustotakethi
ngssl ow.Ishookmyheadatt
his
i
diot
icbroofmi ne.

Me:
"Sowhat
'sup?Whatdoy
ouwant
?"

Mkhuseli
:"It
hinkwehaveaprobl
em t
hatcoul
d
somehowt ar
nishthenameofthecompany
morethanitcouldwit
hyour
s"

Il
ookedathi
minamannert
hatsay
scont
inue.
Mkhusel
i
:"Oy
int
ando'
sexhusband"

Me:
"Whatabouthi
m?Whatdi
dhedo?
"

Mkhuseli:
"Hewenttot hev
oiceandt ol
dthem
howy outurnedhi
skidsagainsthim, hefur
ther
moreliedandsaidyouabuseOy intando,sheis
afr
aidofyouandafraidoftel
li
ngy out ol
eave
her"

Igotup,
Iwasnowf
umi
ng.

Me:"What?Thatsonofab..
..
mkhusel
ipl
ease
t
ell
met hatbul
lisnotpubl
i
shed"

Mkhusel
i
:"Lucki
l
ynot
,Li
ndaf
rom t
hev
oice
call
edmebef oreandaskedifshecoul
dtal
kto
you,Iaskedherwhy ,t
hat'
swhenshet ol
dme
thewholest ory
.Itol
dherit
'spurel
iesandpai
d
hertodestroythestory
"

Isi
ghedinreli
efbutt hi
smeanIshoul dn'
trel
ax
becausenextti
meIwon' tbethislucky.My
companyhasacodeofconductt hatstateswe
don'
tworkwi t
hclientsthathavescandalsand
abusewomensoy oucani maginehowt hat
wouldtar
nishthenameofmycompanyand
makemel oseal otofclientsbecauseitwouldI
can'
tsti
cktomyownconduct s.

Me:"
Mkhusel
iI'
m gonnaki
llt
hatbust
ardwi
th
myownbarehands,whatt
hehelli
swrongwit
h
hi
m?"

It
ookof
fmyt
ieandsatdown.
Mkhusel
i
:"Doy
ouwantmet
opayhi
m av
isi
t?"

IknowMkhuseli
,hehashisownwayofdeal
ing
withpeopl
e.Noheisnotamurder
erbuthehas
thi
swayofdestr
oyingpeopl
ewhothr
eatens
him orf
amil
y.

Me:"Noman,I
'
lldealwi
thi
t.Idon'
twanty
ou
f
ight
ingmybatt
les.
"

Hegotup,
pat
tedmyshoul
derandl
eft
.

[
Sfi
so]

Aft
ermylawyertol
dmet hatmychancesof
get
ti
ngful
lcustodyoft
hekidsar
e2%t o
nothing,t
hatreall
yfrustr
atedme.ItmeantIam
l
etti
ngt hatbustar
dwi n.Itmademeangr ytoa
poi
nti nwhichIdecidedt ogot ot
hepapersand
sayheabusesOy iandhet urnedmykids
againstme.
Iti
snowt hatIreal
i
sethatwit
horwithout
educati
onOy iwasthebestt
hingt
oev erhappen
tome.IlovedhernoIstil
ll
oveherandseeing
herhappywithanothermanmakesmesi ckt
o
thestomach.

I
t'scloseto5pm andt
hestor
yisnoty
et
publi
shed,Ideci
detot
akemyphoneandcal
l
thatLindawoman.

Li
nda:"Thevoi
cey
ouar
espeaki
ngt
oLi
ndahow
canIhelpyou?
"
Me: "
Whyisthestor
ynotpubli
shed?Igavey
ou
thatst
oryy
ester
day,yousai
dy ouwil
lhav
eit
publi
shedt
odayandit'
snotwhy ??
"

Shesi
ghedf
ir
st.

Linda:"Sf
isoI'
m guessingit
'syou,
li
sten.
..
The
voicedoesn'tpubl
ishli
es,befor
ewepubl i
sha
storywedoourr esearchandbasedont he
i
nf ormati
onIfoundy ourst
orywasallali
e,I'
m
sor r
y"

Me:
"Itwasnota.
..
."

Il
ookedatt
hephone,
thatbi
tchhunguponme.

It
hrewphoneont
hewal
l
,fr
ust
rat
ed.
Thedooropened.

Cassandr
a:"
Siri
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?Ihear
d..
..
"

Me: "
Getthef
uckout
!!
!I'
m noty
ourchi
l
dI'
m
yourboss"

Sheslowl
ywalkedofmyof fice,
Igotupand
wenttopourmyselfaglassofwhi skeyand
gul
pedital
ldowninonego, onegl assledto
anot
herandanother.If
eltt
ipsy,goodtipsy
.All
ofasuddenaplanknockedi ntomyhead.

Ipackedmythi
ngsandl
eft
.Ev
ery
onehas
knockedof
f.
Idr
ovet
oOy
int
ando'
shouse.

Ar
ri
vi
ngt her
eIf oundthatshewasal
sodri
vi
ng
i
nsoIjustparkedoutsidethegat
eandwal
ked
i
n.
Shegotof
fthecarandsawme.

Oyint
ando:"
IthoughtIt
oldy
out
onev
ercome
backhere"

Me:
"I'
m her
etoseemyki
ds"

Oyi
:"Asyoucanseet heki
dsarenothere,
Sfi
so
t
heydon'tlackafat
herfi
gure.Mybr
otheri
s
t
hereforthem."

Me:
"Yahbuty
oucan'
tdenymet
hechancet
o
seet
hem Oy
int
ando,
theyar
emyki
ds"

Shewalkedt
othehouse,
Ifoll
owedher.As
soonasshetookof
fhershoes,Isl
appedher
shefel
l
.

Oy
i:"
Sfi
sowhatt
he.
..
."

Idi
dn'tall
owhertofini
shoffhersentence,
Igot
ontopofherandslappedtheli
vingl
ightsoutof
her,Igotupandki
cked,punched,ki
ckedand
puchedher.

Oy
i:"
S..
Sf.
..
Sfi
soy
ouar
ehu.
..
hur
ti
ngme"

Shewasnowbl
eedi
ngwi
thbot
hhermout
hand
nose.
Igr
appedherbyherhai
r.

Me: "Ididevery
thi
ngf ory
ou, everyt
hing!
!!Iown
youOy intando!
!Youhearme?Youwi llt
ellt
he
medi athatyouwer ebeatenbyt hatThokozani
ofy ourorelsenextti
meI '
llki
ll
y ou,am I
clear!
!!
!!
"

Shequi
ckl
ynodded.Iletgoof
fherhai
r,her
headhi
tonthet
il
edfloor.

It
ookoutmyphoneandtookpi
ctur
esofherf
ull
ofbl
oodl
yi
nghelpl
essl
yonthefl
oor.

It
henwal
kedoutanddr
oveof
f.
[
Simi
]

Assoonaswear ri
vedinKZNmymom cal l
ed
Bab' Magagulat
het r
adit
ionalhealert
hatt
he
familyusual
lyconsult
sat,lucki
lyhemanaged
tocomesi ncehehadnocl ient.Samiwassti
ll
sleeping.

Magagul
a:"
Sani
bona"

Wegr
eet
edback,
wewer
eseat
edont
hef
loor
.

Magagul
a:"
Inganei
yonaenenkingaangisho?
"
(
Thechil
distheonewit
hapr oblem r
ight?
)

Mom:
"Yebobaba"(
Yes)
Hetookmyhi sbones,cal
l
edupontheKhumal
o
ancestor
s,askedf
ortheli
ght
.Hestar
ted
growli
ngandchanti
ng.ThatwokeSamiupand
shestart
edscreaming.

Magagul
a:"
Bekal
enganephansi
"(Putt
hischi
l
d
down)

Me:
"Butshei
scr
ying"

Mom:
"Si
mi!
!Putherdown"

Iputherdown,shest
oodupandtri
edcoming
tomebutmom madehersi t
.Igav
eheranthee
l
ook.Howdot heyexpectmetowatchmychi
ld
cry
?
Magagula:"Ngibonaifuelimnyana,impil
o
yenganeisengozinienkulu.Kuzomeleibi
kwe
emadloziniakubo"(Iseeadar kcloud,t
he
chil
d'
slif
eisi ndanger.Shehast obe
i
ntroducedtoherancest ors)

Isawthi
scoming,i
t'
sal
waysthecasethat
whenachil
dgetssi
cktheancest
orsar
e
i
nvolv
ed.

Me:
"Sowhatshoul
dwedo?
"

Magagula:"
Kuzomel ewaziseubabawengane,
kumel
ey enzelweimbelekolengane"(
Youhave
tol
etthefatherknow,ther
ehast obea
cer
emonydonef ort
hischil
d)

GodknowsIwantnot
hingt
odowi
thSf
iso.
Inodded.

Mom: "
Fornowakukhoesi ngakwenzaukut
hi
i
yekeukukhal
aingane?"(I
stherenothi
ngwe
candoforthechi
ldtostopcrying?
)

Magagul
a:"
Ngi
zoni
kal
omut
hi"(
I'
ll
giv
eyout
his
muti
)

Het
ookoutt
wosmal
lpl
ast
ics.

Magagula:"Loumgezengawoebusuku
makayolal
a, l
oumphuzi sewona, kodwa
khumbulaukut hii
sixazul
uloakusiyi
solesi,
i
nganeidingaisikokungenjal
ouzobonai nkinga
enkul
u"(Thisonebat hherwithiteverynight
befor
eshesl eeps,thisoneshemustdr inkit.
Remember
,thi
sisnotthesol
uti
ont
oal
lthi
s.
Thi
schi
l
dneedsacer emony)

It
ookt
hepl
ast
icandt
ookmychi
l
d.

Magagul
a:"
Bekai
nganephansi
"(Putt
hechi
l
d
down)

Ihuffedanddidastol
d.Shewasst il
lscr
eaming
andthatbrokemyhear ti
ntopieces.Magagula
blewsomet hi
ngthatl
ookedlikeashi nSami'
s
eyes.Shestoppedcry
ingimmedi ately
.

Magagul
a:"
Mthat
heke"(
Takeher
)

It
ookherandgav
emagagul
ahi
smoney
.
Me:
"Ngy
abonga"(
Thanky
ou)

Henodded,
Igotupandl
efthi
m wi
thmymom.

Sigh!
!!Wher
edoIevenbegi
nwithal
lthi
s?Sf
iso
hashumili
atedmeandhavi
ngtodealwit
hhi
m
makesmesi cktot
hestomach.

#Unedi
ted
#GoodMor
ning
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.

#BAHWWMP
Anot
heronecomi
ngl
ater
.
I
nser
t27.
[
Oyi
ntando]

Ihav enot earstocry,Iam numb.Thepai nI

'm
feelingonmywhol ebodyi snothi
ngcompar ed
tot heoneI '
mf eeli
nginsi
de.Mykids!!Ohnomy
kidsshoul dneverseemel yi
ngonthef l
oorli
ke
this.It r
iedcrawlingtothecouchtogetmy
phonef rom mybag.Icl osedmyey es,tr
yingso
har dt oignorethepain.Ifi
nall
ygot othebag
andt ookthephone.Idi al
ledMv el
o'snumbers.

Mv
elo:
"Mnt
ase"

Me:"Heycanyoupleasekeept
heki
dsf
orme?I
hav
et orushsomewhere"

Mv
elo:
"Ar
eyouokayOy
int
ando"
Icl
osedmyeyes,becameemot
ional
.Tear
s
str
eameddown.Inodded.

Mv
elo:
"Oy
i!
!"

Heshout
ed,
Ifl
i
nched.

Me:
"Ye..
.y
esI '
mf i
ne,pl
easekeeptheki
dsf
or
me,
I'
ll
callyou.Tel
lthem Il
ovethem"

Ihungupandf orthef
ir
sttimesinceI'
vesit
ti
ng
onthi
sfloorIstar
tedcr
ying.Thebloodonthe
fl
oori
spr oofofhowmuchSf isobeatme.Why ?
How?Whendi dwegethere?ThemanIl oved
somuch, whendidhebecomeamonst er?What
wentwrong?
Myphoner ang,
seei
ngThokozani'
sname
appearIdeci
dedtoi
gnor
eit.Ineedtogett
o
hospi
tal
.
Thephoner
angagai
n.

Isi
ghedanddeci
dedt
oanswer
.

Me:
"Baby
"

Thokozani
:"Myl
ove,
howar
eyou?
"

Howam I?Idon'tknowbutwhatIknowisI
needtogettothehospi
tal
,Ican'
ttal
konthe
phonebecauseI'
llcr
y.

Me:
"I'
m..
.I
'
mfi
ne"
Thet
ear
s..
.t
het
ear
s.

Thokozani
:"Mamal
et'
sdot
hisagai
n,Howar
e
you?"

Ifel
tsomethi
ngsli
mycomi ngoutofmynose,
I
touchedandi
twasblood.Istar
tedhav
inga
headacheandfeel
i
ngdizzy.

Me:
"He.
..
hebeatmeThokozani
,Hebeatme"

Ij
ustbr
okedown,
Iwasv
eryl
i
ghtheaded.

Thokozani
:"What
?Sthandwasam whobeaty
ou?
Whathappened?Whereareyou?Am onmy
way"
If
eltv
eryli
ghtheaded,
Iremember
edsi
nce
Sf
isolef
tIdidn'
tcl
osethegat
e.

Me:
"I.
..
p..
..
Thok.
..
"

Thephonefel
ldownasIf
oll
owedsui
t.I
twas
l
ight
soutforme.

[
Thokozani
]

Me:
"Mama"

Si
l
ence.

Me:
"Babyt
alkt
ome, I
'
m comingpl
easehangi
n
t
her
e,ar
eyoubadl
yinj
uredorsomet
hing?
"
Si
lence.Il
ookedatt
hephone,
Shehasn'
thang
up.

Me:
"Oy
i!
!"

Si
l
ence.Fuck!
!!
!Fuckf
uckf
uck!
!!

It
ookmyphoneandcarkey
sandr
ushedout
.

"
Siry
ouar
eal
lov
ert
hei
nter
net
"

Ipushedheroutoft
hewayandrant
omycar.
AssoonasIgotin,Idr
oveof
fli
keamani
ac.

About40mi
nut
esl
aterIar
ri
ved,
that
'showf
ast
Idrove.Ipar
kedrightout
sidet
hegate,i
twas
notevenclosed.Hercarwasparkedoutsi
de.I
raninandopenedt hedoor.

AssoonasIwal
kedi
n, Iwaswelcomedbymy
womanlyi
ngonthef
loorcover
edbyblood.
TheonlypersonI
'mt hinkingoffr
ightnowis
Sfi
so.I
'
m gonnakillhim, IswearIwil
lfuckenki
l
l
hi
m.Hecl earl
ydoesn'tknowwhoIam.

Ikneel
edi
nfr
ontofher
.

Me:
"Baby
"

Shewasn'
twaki
ngup,If
eltherpul
se.Whew!
!!I
t
wasther
ealt
houghi
twasf ai
nt.
Ipi
ckedherupandr
ushedhert
omycar
.
Iplacedheratt
hebackseat.Iwentbacki
nside
andt ookt
hegateremote,cl
osedthedoorand
wentbackt omycar,cl
osedthegateanddrove
offtothehospi
tal
.

Ar
riv
ingatMedicli
nic,Ipar
kedthecarand
pi
ckedherup.Iraninsideshout
ingforhel
p.

Lucki
lytheycamewit
hastret
cherandpushed
hertotheward.Ir
anbehi
ndthem.

Doc: "
Sircanyougobyther
ecept
ionandt
ell
them t
ogi v
eyouadmissi
onfor
ms"

Inoddedandwentt
odoast
old.

WhenIgott
other
ecept
ion,
peopl
ewer
est
ari
ng
atme.
Igr
eetedt
heladyandaskedforf
orms,
shewas
al
solooki
ngatme.Ifi
l
ledthefor
msandsigned.

Me:
"What
'swi
thal
lthest
ares?
"

Her
:"Si
ryou.
..
youar
eal
lov
ert
hei
nter
net
"

It
henr
emembermyP.
Asay
ingt
hesamet
hing.

It
ookmyphoneoutandIhadal most20
missedcal
ls,f
rom j
ournal
i
stsI
'
m guessi
ngand
ot
hersfrom Mkhusel
i,
mom anddad.

Iwenttot
heint
ernetandwhatIf
oundt
her
e
shockedme.
THOKOZANIDLAMINIBEATSHISAWARD
WINNI
NGGIRLFRI
ENDOYI NTANDOMBATHA
TOAPULP.

Ther
epi
ctur
essuppor
ti
ngt
heheadi
ng.

Me:
"Fuck!
!!
!!Nonono!
!

AsIwasfrust
rat
edwi
thev
ery
onelooki
ngatme,
myphonerang.I
twasMrDuma,
oneofmy
bi
ggestcl
i
ents.

Me:
"MrDumasi
r"

MrDuma:"
Dlami
ni whatthehel
li
sitt
hatI'
m
seei
ngont
heint
ernet?You'r
eawomaniser
now!!
"
Shi
t!
!!

Me:
"Si
rIdi
dnotdoi
t,t
hosear
efakenews"

MrDuma:"Dl
ami
nior
gani
seaboar
dmeet
ing
f
ortomor
rowmorni
ng"

Hehungup.It
hrewmyphoneont
hewal
l
.

Iam sogoi
ngt
oki
l
lthatSf
isoguy
.

Iwentbackt
othewar
d.

[
Sfi
so]
Seei
ngthatmyplanwor
kedmakesmehappy,
I'
mjustnotpr
oudofhi
tt
ingt
hemotherofmy
ki
ds.
Iam si
tt
inginmyhouser
eadi
ngallt
he
comment speopl
ear
esayi
ngaboutthatMor
on.

Amessageal
ertcamet
hroughonmyphone.

"YOUHAVEMESSEDWITHTHEWRONG
PERSON!YOUWANTEDTOPLAYRI
GHT?LET'
S
PLAYTHEN"

I
mmedi at
elyaf
terr
eadi
ngt
hatmessage,
my
phonebeepedagai
n.

R200000wi
thdr
awnf
rom myaccount
What???
?Itr
iedcal
l
ingt
hebankbutt
hephone
beepedtwot
imes.

"
GAMEON"

Anot
herone.

R500000Wi
thdr
awnf
rom adi
ff
erentaccount
.

NowIwaspaci
ngupanddown, Ideci
dedt
o
r
ushoutanddr
ivet
othebank.

#Unedi
ted
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.

#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t28.

[
Oyi
ntando]
•
••Aweekl
ater
•••

Nomat terhowmuchIt r
ytoav oiddramai nmy
l
ife,i
tkeepsonf oll
owingme,itlegitknowsmy
name.Iwasv eryl
uckybecauset heinjur
iesI
sustainedfrom Sfi
so'
sbeati
ngwer enotv ery
bad,nodamagewasdonesoIgotdi schar ged
threeday sago.YepThokozanitookmebackt o
thehospi t
alandthedoctort
hankedhi m al ot
*Roll
ingey es*

Anywayallthatdoesn'
tmattermuch, mykids!
!
Mvelotoldthem t
het r
uth,
hel i
teral
l
ytol
dthem
Sfi
soattackedandbeatmet illIl
andedin
hospi
tal
.Theycr i
edandconf essedthei
rhate
forSf
iso.Iam nowsit
ti
ngher
eli
steni
ngtohi
m
andLondekatell
ingmetoopenacase.

Londeka:"
Oy i
it'
sbeenfoury earssi
nceyouand
Sfi
sodivor
ced,it'
sbeenay earsi
ncehe
negl
ectedthekidsandt henhehast heaudaci
ty
tocomeher eandv i
olat
ey ou!!
!Openacase
agai
nstthi
sbust ar
dOy i
ntando"

Shewasbr
eat
hingf
ir
e.

Me:
"Londekal
eti
tgo,
it'
sfi
ne.Idon'
t.
..
..
"

Mv el
o:"I
t'
sagoodthi
ngIsentmy selft
hatvideo
thatprov
eshereal
l
yv i
olatedyou,nosisterof
mineisgoingt
obeav icti
m ofviol
enceand
nothi
nghappensaft
erwar ds,
I'
m goingstrai
ght
tothepoli
ceandsi
ncet heywill
sayy outheone
whohastoopenacaseIwil
lgl
adl
ytell
them
t
hatyouareaf
rai
dbecausehet
hreat
enedyou"

AsIwasaboutt
ostophi
m het
ookhi
scarkey
s
andphonet
henlef
t.

Isi
ghed,IknowMv el
o.Hewon'
tbackdown
wit
houtaf i
ght.Thelawyeri
nhi
misabeast,
it
neverst
opst i
l
l i
tgetswhati
twant
s.

Londekasatdown,
shehel
dmyhand.

Ndeka:"
Mntasewehaveyourbestinter
estat
hear
t,welov
ey ouandwecan'
tjustletSfi
soget
awaywithwhathedidt
oyou."

Me:
"AsmuchIhat
ewhathedi
dLondeka,
hei
s
sti
l
l t
hefatherofmyki ds.I
t'
sbadenoughthat
Mv el
otol
dt hem whatSf i
sodid,
whatwill
happeniftheythenreali
seIgotthei
rfat
her
arr
ested?"

Iwassuddenl
yemot
ional
,thi
sist
oomuch
real
l
y.

"
That
'sthebestdeci
sionyouwoul
dhav
emade
mom,Ipersonal
l
ywoul dbehappy
"

Wher
edi
dshecomef
rom?

LondekaandIl
ookedather
.

Me:"
Whendi
dyoust
arteav
esdr
oppi
ngon
el
der
sOl
uhl
e"
Olu:"
Sor r
ymom butIwasn' teavesdr
oppi
ng,I
j
usthappenedt oheary ouguy sofwhichwas
notmyi ntent
ion..
..
butIsti
llthi
nkaunti
eNdeka
i
sr i
ght,hehasn'tbeenaf athertousinayear
andthenhecomesandbeat syouup,whatki
nd
ofamandoest hat
?Whatexampl eisheset
ti
ng
onSimbongi l
e?Hi m bei
ngi npri
sonwon'tmake
adiff
erence,wewon' tnotice"

Shet henlef
t,myeyesgotwat er
yinstant
ly.I
real
isedthatmydaught eri
sgrown.Asob
escapedmymout h.Londekabroughtmef ora
ti
ghthugasIcr i
edinherar ms.

[
Sfi
so]

I
'
vebeenr
ecei
vi
ngt
hreat
ningmessages,
Ilost
cli
ents,mor emoneyhasbeenwi t
hdrawnf r
om
myaccountandt woofmywor kersatthehotel
resi
gned.Thepastweekhasbeenv eryhardfor
me, I'
mt r
yingtododamagecont r
olbutit'
sli
ke
I'
m pouringwat erinsi
deabucketf ul
l ofhol
es,
whenIf ixthis,
thatcrumbles.AsmuchasIhat e
sayingthisbutIadmi tIr
egretcrossingthat
Dlaminiguy .
AsIwassi tt
ingbusyonmylapt
op,
myphone
rang.
..
.anunknownnumber,
Ievendread
answering.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"

"
HeySf
iso"

Thatv
oicesoundsl
i
keSi
mi'
svoi
ce.
Me:
"Si
mi?
"

"Yes.
..
wereal
l
yneedt
otal
k,i
t'
samat
terofl
i
fe
anddeath"

Me:
"Can'
twet
alkov
ert
hephone?
"

Simi:
"Nowecan't.
..geezr
elaxSf
iso,Iwant
nothi
ngfrom y
ou,absolut
elynot
hing,Ij
ustneed
helpformydaughterandyouaretheonlyone
whocanhelpher"

Me:
"OkaywecanmeetatCent
uri
onmal
l
t
omorr
owmorning"

Si
mi:
"Okayt
extmeal
lthenecessar
ydet
ail
s"
Me:
"Okay
"

Shehungup.SeewhatImean?

Icont
inuedwor ki
ngonmyl apt
op,t
heinter
com
wentoff.Ibuzzedt heper
soninandwalkedto
thedoor,theminuteIopenedthedoorIwas
metbypol iceoff
icersal
ongsideMvel
o.

Me:
"Gent
lemen"

Pol
1:"
Sfi
soKunener
ight
?"

Inodded,
looki
ngatMv elohel
ookedpi
ssed
wit
hme.Ifthesepoli
cemenwerenothere,
I
swearhecouldhavekil
ledme.
Me:
"YeshowcanIhel
pyou?
"

Pol2: "Youar eunderar r

estforphy si
cally
viol
atingandt hreat
ningtokil
lOy i
ntando
Mbat ha,ev erythi
ngcanandwi llbeusedagai nst
youint hecour tofl
aw.Youhav et herightto
remainsi lence, y
ouhav eari
ghtt obringy our
ownl awy er,ifyouhav enonethest at
ewi ll
provi
dey ouwi thone"

Meanwhi
letheot
heronecuf
fedmyhands.I
wassoshocked,
theyhav
enoprooft
hatIdi
dit
.

Me: "
Youhavenopr
ooft
hatIdi
dit
!!Idi
dnot
vi
olateheri
nany
way"

Theypushedmet
othei
rvan.
Me:
"Ineedt
ocal
lmyl
awy
er"

Pol
1:"
You'
l
ldot
hatatt
hest
ati
on"

Mveloclosedmydoorandthengat
e,they
pushedmei nsi
dethebackoft
hevan.Ihave
neverbeensofrust
rat
ed.

Thev
ant
ookof
f.

[
Thokozani
]

Every
thi
ngwentbackt onor
malver
yquickly,
Mkhuselimadesuremynamewascl eared.But
I'
m worr
iedaboutOyi,
asmuchasshei snot
showingitIt
hinksheist
aki
ngst
rai
ninal lof
thi
s.
Iam chil
li
ngwithMkhu,wearedri
nki
ngbeer
andtakingadvant
ageofoursat
urdaybecause
wenev errest
,weareal
waysbusy.

Mkhu:"
Sot el
lmewhatdowedowi t
hthet
wo
mi
ll
ionItookfrom t
hatf
ool
'
saccount
?"

Il
ookedathi
m,hel
aughedandsi
ppedonhi
s
beer
.

Me:
"Whatt
womi
l
li
onar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"

Iknowexatlywhathei
st al
ki
ngabout,Iknow
howheoper at
esandIknowhehasnoty et
star
tedtort
uri
nghim,t
hiswasjustan
i
ntroduct
ion.
Mkhu:"Ungenzi
ngathiawaziukuthingikhul
uma
ngani
bafo"(Don'
tactlikeyoudon'tknowwhat
I
'mtal
kingaboutbrother)

Me:
"Whendi
dyoudoi
t?"

Mkhu:
"Whenyouwer
est
il
lbusynur
sing
maMbatha"

Ishookmyheadanddr
ankmybeer
.

Me:"May beopenaneducati
onal
fundforOyi
'
s
ki
ds,I'
l
ltalkt
oheraboutitwhenshei
sless
st
ressed"

Henodded.
Me:"
Speaki
ngofmaMbatha,you'
vealways
want
edtomeether,
howaboutIcallherand
aski
fwecouldcomeover
?".

Mkhu:
"Yeah.
..
doesshehav
easi
ster
?"

Me:
"Fucky
ou"

Hel
aughed,
Itookmyphoneandcal
l
edher
.

Oy
i:"
Baba"

Ismil
edbefor
eIcoul
dtal
k,somethi
ngabout
thewayshecall
smebabaturnsmeon.

Me:
"Mama,
kunj
an?
"(Howar
eyou?
"
Shesi
ghed.

Oy
i:"
I'
m okayIguess"

She'
snotokay
.

Me:"
Lookbabymybr
otherwantstomeety
ou,
doy
oumi ndi
fwecomethrough?"

Oyi
:"Nonotatal
l
,Idon'
tmi
nd.I
'
llpr
epar
eyou
somethi
ngtoeat
"

Me:
"Okayst
handwasam,
Imi
ssy
ou"
.

Oy
i:"
Imi
ssy
oumor
elov
e"
Me:
"Ar
eyousur
eyou'
reokayt
hough?
"

Shesi
ghed,
fort
hesecondt
imenow.

Oy
i:"
Mybr
otherhadSf
isoar
rest
ed"

Me:
"Hedi
dgr
eat
,what
'st
hepr
obl
em wi
th
t
hat
?"

Shekeptqui
te.

Me:"Lov
eweshal
ltal
kwhenwegett
her
e,Il
ove
you"
.

Oy
i:"
Ilov
eyout
oo"
Shehungup.

Me:
"Sf
isogotar
rest
ed"

Mkhu:
"What
?MaMbat
haopenedacase?
"

Me:"No.
..
apparent
lyi
twasopenedbyher
br
otheronherbehalf
".

Hekeptqui
tef
orawhi
l
e,l
i
kehewast
hinki
ngof
somethi
ng.

Mkhu:
"Thebr
otherwhoi
sal
awy
er?
"

Me:
"Yeah"
.
Mkhu:"Gr
eatwhentheygot ocour
themust
adddefamat
ionofcharact
ertothechar
ges,
we
aresui
nghimfort
hat"

Il
aughed,
Mkhusel
ii
scr
azy
.Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sa
gametohim.

Any wayweleftandassoonaswear ri
ved
Simbongil
erant ome,SbaniandIar
enolonger
bestfri
ends,shesaysIal
lowedSimbongi
let
o
stealmefrom her.

Me:
"Boy
,howar
eyou?
"

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
I'
m good,
howar
eyou?
"
Someti
meshet alksli
keagrownman, Hi
m and
Mkhuseli
havealreadymetsincewewentto
watchsoccerathispl
acetheothert
ime.

Mkhu:"
Zkhi
phaniskhokhosam?"(
What'
supmy
ni
gga/
dog/boss.
..
.whatev
eryoumaycal
li
t
guys )

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
I'
m gooduncl
eMkhu"

Wewenti nsi
de,
whenwepassedbythegar
den
Oluwaswi t
hthegi
rl
swhom Iguessar
eher
fr
iendsandSbanii
nthemi
x.

Wegr
eet
edt
hem,
sheexci
tedl
ymadeherway
t
ous.
Ol
u:"
Uncl
eTK.
..
hy"

Me:
"Heyhowar
eyou?
"

Ol
u:"OhnoI
'm good,
can'
tcompl
ain,
your
pr
esencewi
l
ldomom somegood"

God!!
!Oy
i'
ski
dsar
ewayt
oomat
uredf
ort
hei
r
ages.

Me:
"Issheokay
?"

Sheshr
ugged.

Ol
u:"
Youshal
lseef
ory
our
sel
f"
Me:
"Meetmybr
other
,Mkhusel
i
"

Ol
u:"Ohwehav euncl
eTKandUncl
eMK,
how
ni
ce.I
'm happyt
omeetmalumz"

Mkhul
aughed,
Ithi
nkt
heygonnagetal
ong.

Mkhu:
"Ni
cet
omeety
out
ooShana"(
Niece)

Shel
aughedaswel
l
.

Ol
u:"
Ithi
nkI
'
m gonnal
ovedbeingcal
l
edShana,
l
etmegobacktomyfr
iends"

Shel ef
t,wewenti
nsi
deandOyi
wasdrinki
ng
wineandsnackingwi
thsal
tandvi
negarSi
mba
chips.
Me:
"Mama"

Shelookedupandsmi
l
ed,
herr
eal
andgenui
ne
smil
e.

Oy
i:"
Baba"

Shest
oodupandhuggedme.

Me:"Umm okayl
ove,
thi
sfoolr
ighther
eismy
brot
herMkhusel
i
,Mkhuuyenaumamakel o"
(Thi
sisher
)

Mkhu: "
AwumaMbat ha,wenaowayenza
umfothewuthiuSoft
y,sphal
aphal
asentombi
,
ngazengajabulel
aukukwaziweMamaka
Thokozani"(
Youwhot ur
nedmybrotheri
ntoa
soft
y,beauti
ful
lady
.Iam sohappyt
omeety ou"

Oyil
aughed,
Idon'
tknowwhyMkhusel
ii
sthi
s
cr
azy.

Oy
i:"
Nicet
omeety
out
oMkhusel
i
"

Wesatdown,Oyiof
fer
edusdr
inkst
henshe
wentt
odishup.
Mkhuseli
start
edwhi sper
inghi
sst
upi
dand
nonsensi
calnothi
ngs.

Mkhu:"Baf
osheshaushadel omuntu,muhle
f
uthiuyat
handeka.Uyi
yonalenhl
oboef unwa
wuBaba"(Marr
yher,sheisbeaut
ifulandsheis
t
hetypethatdadwantsforus)
Me:
"Awut
hul
endoda"(
Shutupman)

Oy icameback, shegav eust hef

ood.We
startedeatingandthenicefoodgotMkhusel i
's
l
ev el oft
alki
nghigh.
..
.veryhighandOy iwasin
fi
tsofl aughter
.Nonethelessitwasgoodseeing
herl augh.Sbanicame,shewasnowcl oseto
Mkhusel iwhokeptont ell
ingherstor
ies,pur
e
l
iesi fyouaskme.

Wehadalov
elydayandI'
m gladOyi
wasnot
f
ocusi
ngonthi
ngsthatst
ressher
.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.
#BAHWWMP

Toallt
hosethattoppedmeup,thanksami
l
li
on
youguys.Youarelovedby#Adminzo

Sorr
yforthel
atefor,
loadsheddi
nghad
happenedsoIstar
tedtypi
nglate.
I
nser
t29.

[
Oyi
ntando]

It
'sMondaymor ning,Ij
ustdrovethekidsto
schoolandasI'm dri
v i
ngtowor k,mymi ndis
alsoworki
ngov erti
me.YeswhatSf i
sodidwas
wr ongi
nalll
evelsbutcanIreall
ywat chhim
staybehi
ndbars?OhnoIcan' t
..
.Ir
eallycan'
t.
Hei sthefatherofmykidsregar
dlessandI
havet othinkfort
hefut
urenotthenow, what
happensi ftheychar
gehim wit
hmanyy ears
andi thappensthatmykidsneedhim duri
ng
thosey ears?
Asmymi ndwasallov
erIdeci
dedtot
akeaturn
anddri
vetoJeppepol
icest
ati
on,t
hat
'swher
e
heishel
d.
.
..
..
..
.

Ar
ri
vi
ngt
her
eIwentt
othehel
pdesk.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"

Thel
adyt
her
egav
emeanast
ylook.

Her
:"Yah"
What
?Yah?Whatt
hehel
l
?

Me:"I
'm heretodropchar
gesagainstSf
iso
Kunene,Ibeli
evehewasbroughthere"

Shelookedatmef
orawhi
l
eandl
ookedbackat
herbook.

Her
:"Mkhi
ze"

Shesai
dcal
li
ngoneoft
heconst
abl
es.He
madehiswaytous.

Mkhi
ze:
"Yes"
Her
:"Dowehav
eaSf
isoKuneneher
e?"

Mkhi
ze:
"Letmecheck"

Hewenti
noneofther
ooms,
aft
ersomet
imehe
camewit
hafi
le.

Mkhize:
"Yeswedohav
ehi
m,hei
sinahol
ding
cel
l
"

Her
:"Mmm t
alkt
oher
"

Il
ookedatherandshookmyhead.

Mkhi
ze:
"HowcanIhel
pyousi
si?
"
Me:
"I'
m her
etodr
opchar
gesagai
nstSf
iso"

Hel
ookedatmesur
pri
sed.

Mkhi
ze:
"Why
?"

Me:
"Becausei
t'
sther
ightt
hingt
odo"

Hel
ookedatt
hef
il
e.

Mkhi
ze:"
Sor
rybutyounott
heonewhoopened
t
hecasesoyoucan'
tdropt
hechar
ges"

Me: "
Butthi
swholethi
ngisaboutmeokay ?I
candropthechargesi
fIwantto,
it'
saboutme!!
Iti
smet hathebeatupnott
heonewhoopened
thecase"
"
Sor
rysi
sit
hisi
snotyourhouse!
!Youdon'
tget
t
omakenoiseokay
?".

Igotupfr
om t
hechairandchar
gedtoher.She
i
sbeginni
ngtoir
ri
tat
emewi thherst
inky
att
it
ude.

Me: "
Lalelalawenant ombazana,I
'
m notyour
sisterinlawy ezwa?Youar eheret
owor knotto
fuckent ellmewhatt odoandhowt ot
alk!
!
Smi le!
!!Youruglyfacecoulddowithasmile"
(Listenher eyougir
l).

Itookmybagandwal
kedout
,leav
ingt
hem wi
th
thei
rdr
oppedj
aws.

Mv
elohast
omakesur
ethosechar
ges.
AsIwasdr i
vi
ngIwasshi
tmadatt
hatgi
rlwi
th
herat
ti
tude.
Idrov
etowor kandjustwalkedi
n, cl
osed
myselfi
ntheoffi
ceandt r
iedgett
ingsomewor k
done,or
deredfewthingsbutIcouldn'
tfocus.
ItookmyphoneandsentMvel
oamessage,at
l
eastthatwaywewon'
thavetoar
gueov
erthe
phone.

"MveloIwasatthepoli
cestat
iontodr
op
chargesagai
nstSfi
soandtheytoldmeIcan'
t
becauseI'
m nottheonewhoopenedthecase,
sopleasegoanddr opt
hem Mv el
o"

Isenti
tandswi
tchedof
fmyphone.
Icont
inuedwor
king.
[
Simi
]

Idon'
tunderst
andwhyisSfi
so'
sphoneoffnow,
wehadt omeetandtal
kbutheisqui
et,
heev en
resor
tedtoswit
chi
nghisphoneof
f.
If
inal
l
ydeci
dedgot
ohi
swor
kpl
ace.

Me:
"HeyCass,
isMrKunenei
n?"

Cassandra: "
Hey ..
.ohnohedi dn'
tcomeandhe
hadav eryimpor tantmeetingwithanimportant
cl
ient,
Itriedcal l
i
nghim buthisphoneisnot
goingthrough, call
edhishousenumber ,i
tri
ngs
unanswer edsowesentt hedr i
vertogotohis
houseandunf ortunat
elyhewasn' tt
her
e.Aswe
speak,thecompanyi satthev er
geoflosi
ngan
i
mpor tantcli
ent "
What?Thi
sisunli
keSf
iso,heval
ueshi
s
companyalott
obeactingthi
sway.

Me:"Wow!!Umm okayCasspl
easecal
lmei
f
youhearf
rom hi
m ori
fhecomesin"
.

Igavehermynumber
sandl
eft
.Wher
ecoul
d
thi
smanbe?
Idr
ovehomewithaheavyhear
t,mychi
l
d'sl
i
fe
i
sontheli
neandthi
sfreaksmeout.

[
Thokozani
]

Assoonasthemessagecamet hroughIgotup
fr
om t
hechair
.WhythehellwouldOyint
ando
wantt
odropchar
gesagainstthatman?
Wel
lthemessagest
atedherbr
other
'sname,
meani
ngthemessagewassenttomeby
mi
stake.

Idi
all
edhernumbers,
itt
ookmetov
oicemai
l
.I
si
ghedandconti
nuedworki
ng.
Assoonasknockofft
imecame,IaskedMkhu
tot
akecar
eoftherestoft
hethi
ngs,Ithenl
eft
.
Idr
ovestr
aighttoherpl
aceandluckyf
orme,
whenIar
riv
ed, shewasalsodr
ivi
nginandshe
hadnoty
etpickedtheki
dsupasi twasear
ly.

Shesawmeandsmil
ed,honest
lywi
ththeway
I
'mfeel
i
ngr
ightnowIcoul
dn'
tevenr
eturni
t.

Webot
hwenti
nsi
de.
Me:
"Mama"

Oy
i:"
Baba"

Me:
"It
ri
edcal
l
ingy
ou"

Oy
i:"
Ohhsor
rymyphonebat
ter
ydi
ed"

Me: "
Oryoujustswit
cheditof
fbecausey
ou
wantedtoavoidyourbr
otheraf
tert
hesmsyou
senthim?"

Shel
ookedatmewi
tht
hat"
Howdoy
ouknow
l
ook"

Me:
"Wel
lyoumi
stakenl
ysenti
ttome"
Sheopenedhermar
bleey
es.

Oyi
:"Babyi
t'
s.
..
wel
lhei
sthatf
atherofmyki
ds
so.
..
."

Sheshr
ugged.

Me:
"Doy
oust
il
ll
ovehi
m?"

Oy
i:"
What
?"

Me:"Doy
oust
il
ll
ovehi
m?That
'swhat
..
..
doy
ou
st
il
ll
ovehi
m?"

Shechuckl
ed,
mucht
omyi
rr
it
ati
on.
Oyi:"
Howcoul dyouevenaskmet hat?I
seri
ouslycan'
tbeli
eveyouThokozani
,youar
e
oldtobeactingl
ikea15y earol
djeal
ous
boyfr
iend"

What
?

Me:"Jeal
ousboy f
ri
endyousay ?I'
m notjeal
ous,
Ij
ustwantt oknowwhywoul dyoudropchar ges
agai
nstthemanwhov i
olat
edy ou?Why ?Onlya
womani nlovewoulddothat"

Oyi:
"Thokozanili
stenher e,y
ouwon' t
underst
and!!
!Sfi
sov iolatedmeyesbutf orthe
sakeofmyki dsIwi l
lnothav ehi
m arrested,noI
won't
!Thesekidswi l
l growupandt heywi l
l
needtheirf
atherandasmuchasy out r
yy ou
wil
lneverbet hei
rfat
her
,youar
enotthei
rfat
her
sopleaseletmedowhat '
sbestformyki
dsand
st
opi nt
erf
ering"

Di
dshej
ustsayt
hat
?Tome?

Me: "Wow!WowOy i
nt ando.Iwillneverbetheir
fat
her,I'
m nott hei
rf ather?HellI'
m nott hei
r
fat
hery esbutI '
vebeenmaki ngt hem happyf or
thetimethei r"
Father "wasn'tthere...
.i
nfactyou
knowwhat ?Dowhaty oubelieveinbutj ust
makesur et hatthedeci sionsyoumakedonot
makemequest ionourr el
ati
onship, i
fyoustil
l
l
ov ethefatherofy ourki dstellme, sothatwe
don'twasteeachot her '
stime"

Itookmycarkeysfr
om t
het
abl
eandat
tempt
ed
towalkbutshest
oppedme.
Oyi
:"Thokozani
I'
m sor
ry.
..
Ishoul
dn'
thav
esai
d
t
hatand..
..
."

Me: "
Don'tbesorry,y
ouknowmydadal way s
saywhenaper sonsay st
hingstoyouwhen
theyareangryitmeanstheymeant hem, t
hat'
s
howt heyfeel
.I'
m gonnagiveyouti
me, ti
met o
thi
nkaboutwhaty ouwant,ifyouwantthis
rel
ati
onshipandifyouarewi l
l
ingt
or espectme,
becausebeingwi t
hmemeansy ouwi l
lbeable
torespectmejustasmuchasIwi llrespect
you"

Oy
i:"
Baby
"

Me:"Whi
ley
ouaret
hinki
ng,don'
tcont
actme,
don'
tcometomyof
ficenormyhouse,thi
nk
andthinkharderbecauseIwil
lnothaveyou
remindmet hatI'
m notthefat
herofyour
kids.
..
rememberI '
m notwit
hyoubecauseI'
m
desperat
e,I'
m withyoubecauseIloveyoubutI
caneasilyf
orgetaboutyouandtheloveIhave
foryou"

It
henwal
kedout
.
Iloveher,
GodknowsIl oveherbutIcannev er
standthewayshespoket omeandt hewayshe
stil
lcar
esaboutherexhusband, Iunderst
and
theyweremar r
iedforl
ong,theyhavekidsbut
thatisnoexcuseformakingmedoubtherl ove
forme.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t30.

[
Mvel
o]

AftertheheatedargumentIhadwi thOyintando
aboutgetti
ngt hatmanr el
eased,Ijustgott i
red
ofitanddecidedt odropt hecharges.Idon' t
knowwhyshei sdoingt hisandasmuchasshe
keepsonsay ingshei sdoingitforherkidsof
whichIdon'tunderstandhowbecausehei snot
eventhereforthoseki ds.Sheistheirmot her
andast heysay" Mothersknowbest "soIwi ll
stopinter
feri
ngandl etherdot hingstheway
sheseesf i
ts.

Af
terdr
oppi
ngt
hechar
gesIdr
ovet
oherof
fi
ce.
Igr
eet
edt
hel
adi
es,
theywer
eey
eingme.I
madei
ttoherof
fi
ceandf
oundhercr
ying.

Me:
"Hey
"

Shet
ookat
issueandwi
pedof
fhert
ear
s.

Oy
i:"
Hey
"

Me:
"Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
"

Oyi
:"I
t'
snot
hingIcan'
tdeal
wit
h,need
somethi
ngt
odr i
nk?"

Me:"No.
..
I'
m notst
ayi
ng.I'
m her
etol
ety
ou
knowthatyourmanisf
ree"
Shel
ookedatmeandf
rowned.

Oy
i:"
He'
snotmyman"

Me:
"Yeahwhat
ever
,lookIhav
etogo"

Igotup.

Oyi:
"Mv el
othankyoufordoi
ngt
his,
oneday
you'
llunder
standwhyIdidit
"

I
frol
l
ingey
esdi
dn'
tl
ookgay
,Iwoul
ddoi
tri
ght
now.

Me:
"Okay
..
.hav
eagr
eatday
"
Iwal
kedout
,tobehonestI
'
m pi
ssedwi
thher
.

[
Sfi
so]

Bei
nghereforthr
eeday shasbeenhellforme,
neverhav
eIeverthoughtonedayI'
dbei najai
l
cel
l
.Mybusinessesaremostdef i
nit
ely
suf
feri
ngatthi
smoment .

"
Sfi
soKunene"

Igotupfr
om thatSt
iffbenchIwassit
ti
ngat,
howtheyexpectapersontosleeponthi
sisa
myster
ytomer eal
ly
.

Theof
fi
cerunl
ockedf
orme.
Him:"Youar
efreetogohome,
youarel
uckyt
he
char
gesweredropped,
manyabusi
vemendon'
t
gett
hatopport
unit
y"

Me:
"Wh.
..
thechar
geswer
edr
opped?
"

Hi
m:"
Youhear
dme"

Igotout
,wewentt otherecept
ion,Isi
gnedout
andgotmybelongingsandleft
,Ihadtorequest
ubersi
nceIdi
dn'thavemycarher e.
Wheni
tar
ri
vedIdi
dn'
tl
ookback,
Ijustl
eft
.

Ihavet
oapol
ogi
setoOyiandmaket
hingsr
ight
wit
hmykids,
thi
sreal
l
ytaughtmeaval
uabl
e
l
esson.
[
Oyi
ntando]

Thokozani'
swordskeptplay
inginmyhead"I'
m
notwit
hy oubecauseI'
m desper
ate,I
'
m wit
h
youbecauseIloveyoubutIcaneasil
yfor
get
aboutyouandtheloveIhaveforyou"

DidIpushhimt hatfar
?Ikeptcal l
inghim buthe
wasnotpickingup,Icall
edsomanyt i
meshe
endeduprejecti
ngmycal ls..
.butIam beginni
ng
tothi
nkheisov err
eacti
ngr eall
y.IknowIwas
wrongtosaysomeoft het hi
ngsIsaidbut .
..
Itookmyphoneanddial
l
edhimfort
hel
ast
ti
meandlucki
lyheanswered.

Thokozani
:"Hel
l
o"

Wowt
hat
'saf
ir
st.
Me:
"Baby
"

Hekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e.

Thokozani
:"Yes"

Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"

Thokozani
:"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"

Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"

Thokozani
:"Isai
ddon'tbesor
ry.
..
Ial
sosaid
don'
tcallme.Igaveyouti
metothinkaboutus,
aboutwhatyouwant"
Me:"I
'vethoughtaboutus.
..
IknowwhatIwant
Thokozani.
..
I.
..
."

Thokozani
:"Noyouhaven'
t,
fort
hel
astt
ime
Oyint
andostopcall
ingmeanduset
hist
imeto
thi
nk,Ihav
et ogetbusy
"

Hehungup.Myt
earswer
ealr
eadyf
all
i
ng.Il
ove
hi
m,GodknowsIdoandIdi
dn'
tmeantohur
t
hi
m.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodmor
ning

Justashor
tthi
ngf
ort
hemor
ning.
Bei
ngahousewi
fe
I
nser
t31.

•
••3weeksl
ater
•••
[
Thokozani
]

"
Thokozanithi
sisworkpl
ace!
!!Youcan'
tbr
ing
y
ourstresshear,
focusman"

Me:
"Gett
hef
uckoutofmyof
fi
ceMkhusel
i
!!"

Mkhu:
"Thokozani
we.
..
..
"

Me:
"Getout
!!PhumaMkhusel
i
"
Helookedatmeandl eft.Iclosedmyey es.
DamnImi ssOy i
ntandor ightnow.Ir eallycan'
t
takethi
sany mor e.Shetriedcalli
ngmeal otof
ti
mest i
llshegav eup.Iknowsomemi ghtnot
underst
andwhyIdi dwhatIdi dbutIwoul d
real
lyhat
ebei ngi narelationshi
pwi thsomeone
whodoesn' tknowwhatshewant s.Ilov eher
andIseemy sel
fmar ryi
nghersoonbutIdon' t
wanthert oregretmarryingmei nal ongr un.I
tookmyphoneandscr olledtoOy i'
s
numbers...
fuckthis,I
'm goi ngtoher.It ookmy
carkeys,phoneandl eft.

OnmywayoutIbumpedi
ntoAsanda.

Her
:"Si
rMrCowel
li
sher
etoseey
ou"

Me:"I
'
mr ushi
ngsomewher
e,pl
easet
ell
Mkhusel
itohandl
eit
"
Asanda:
"ButSi
r.
..
..
"

Il
efthert
her
eandwentt
omycar
.
Idroveof
fandi
naj
ustamat
teroft
imeIwas
there.

Igotof
fandwenti
nsi
de.
Igreet
edherst
uffandaskedi
fshe'
sar
ound.
Theytoldmeshe'
sinandall
owedmetogo
thr
ough.

Iknockedonceandopened,
shewasf
aci
ng
down.Morelikesl
eepi
ng.

Me:
"Mama"
Shejumpedup,hereyeswereswoll
enandI
coul
dtel
lshe'
sbeencr y
ingjudgi
ngfr
om t
he
boxofti
ssuesnexttoher.

Me:
"Sawubona"(
Hel
l
o)

Oy
i:"
Hy"

I
tcameoutasawhisper
.Thesi
ghtIwasseei
ng
br
okemyheart
.Di
dIpushthist
oofar?
Tearsmadet
hei
rwaydownherey
es.Iwal
ked
toher.

Me:
"I'
m her
ebaby
,I'
m her
eshhh"

Shegotupandhuggedmef
ordearl
i
fe.
[
Oyi
ntando]

ThethreeweeksIspentwi t
houthi m wasso
pai
nful
, Icouldn'
tcopeandtrustmeIdi dalot
ofthi
nkingandbestbeliev
ei tIlov
eThokozani
andIwillnevereverdoanythingtojeopar
dise
whatwehav e.

AssoonasIthr
ewmy sel
finhi
sarms,
itf
eltl
i
ke
home.Il
etoutasobandhehuggedmeti
ghtl
y.

Me:
"I.
..
I'
m sor
ry"

Hekeptonshushi
ngme.

Icr
iedi
nhi
sarmsandwhenIwasdone.He
mademelookathi
mm
Thokozani
:"I
t'
sokaymyl
ove,
Imi
ssedy
ou"

Me: "
I'
vethoughtaboutev
eryt
hingandIl
ove
youThokozani,Imadeami st
akeandI'
m sor
ry.
Ireal
lyam s.
..
."

Heshutmeupwi t
hakiss,
averypassi
onat
e
ki
ss.Mykneesgotver
yweak.
Hescoopedmeup,
myl
egswer
eonhi
swai
st.

Me:
"Thedoori
snotl
ocked"

Hebabyki
ssedmeandwal
kedt
othedoorand
l
ocked.

Thokozani
:"Mama"
Me:
"Baba"

Thokozani
:"Ngy
akut
handa"(
Ilov
eyou)

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Thokozani
:"Andr
ightnowIwantt oshowy
ou
who'sthemaninthi
srelat
ionshi
p"

Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"

Thokozani
:"Youdon'
tgett
otal
ktomeasy
ou
pl
easeSthandwasam"

Hehadt
hissmi
rkonhi
sface.
Me:
"Isai
dI'
m sor
rybaby
"

Thokozani
:"DamnImi
ssedy
ou"

AsIwasabouttotal
khekissedmehungri
l
y
andwalkedwi
thmet omydesk.Hemademe
si
tbuthewassti
ll
standi
nginbetweenmylegs.

Thokozani:
"Mamat odayyouwil
lknowthatI
l
ov eyoubutmostofallyouwil
lknowthatI
'm
themani nthi
srel
ati
onshipandyouwil
lknow
nottotal
ktomel i
keaI '
m someidi
ot"

Idi
dn'
tev
enf
ini
sht
alki
nghe.
..
.••
•REMOVED•
••

[
Simi
]
Sfisocal
l
edandinvit
edmet ohi
shouse,Idon'
t
knowwhyt hesuddenchangebuthesounded
nice.

WhenIgott othegat
eIhitt
hebuzzer,t
hegate
sl
idopen.Idrovei
nandbabygirlwasfast
asl
eep.Ipickedherup,car
efulnott
owakeher
up,cl
osedthedoorandwentin.Heopenedthe
doorforus.

Sf
iso:
"Hey
"

Me:
"Hi
"

Wesatdown,
wit
hSami
onmyl
ap.
Sf
iso:
"CanIgety
ouany
thi
ngt
odr
ink?
"

Me:
"NoI
'
m st
il
lgood"

Henoddedandsatdown.

Me:
"Wel
ll
etmegett
oit
"

Sf
iso:
"CanIputhert
obedwhi
l
ewet
alk?
"

Inoddedbecausebabygi
rli
sheav y
.Het ook
herandwentaway,inamatterofsecondshe
wasback.

Me: "
Sfi
soSamiissick,
sheisnotwel
l andt
he
tr
adit
ional
heal
erbackhomesay ssheneedsto
beintr
oducedt
oy ourancest
ors,
aceremony
mustbeperfor
medf
orherbef
oresomet
hing
badhappens"

Hel
ookedatmet
henl
ookeddown.

Sf
iso:
"Si
mi"

Me:
"Mmm"

Sfiso:"I
'
m sorry,
I'
m sorryforeveryt
hing.I
'
m
sorryforthepainIcausedy ou,I'
m sorr
yyou
hadt oraiseourdaughteralone.Imissedouton
3y earsofherli
feandatt hismomentIf eell
i
ke
acompl etejer
k.Sheshoul dhavebeen
SiphosethubutbecauseIwasn' tthereshehad
tobeSi phosami."
Iwasgobsmacked.Awhol eSfi
soapol
ogisi
ng?
Thishadchangedsomuch,hewasdif
fer
ent
fr
om thategocent
ri
cSf
isoIknowandhate.

Me:
"It
'sokaySf
iso,
all
Ineedi
sthecer
emony
f
ormychild"

Sfi
so:"Ourchil
dSi
mi .
..
fr
om nowgoingf
orward
I'
dli
ketobef ul
lyi
n.Iwil
ldothecer
emony,j
ust
setthedate"

Isi
ghedwi
thr
eli
ef.

Me:"Thanky
ousomuch,I
'
llhav
emyf
ami
l
y
deci
deaboutthedat
e"

Sf
iso:
"OkayI
'
llal
sot
alkt
omydadbecauseI
don'
treal
l
yev
ery
thi
ngt
hatneedst
obedone"

Inoddedandt
hent
her
ewascompl
etesi
l
ence.

Sf
iso:
"She'
sbeaut
if
ul.
..
beaut
if
ull
i
kehermom"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:"Wit
hthatbi
gheadofy
our
s..
..
pleaseshe
doesn'
tl
ookli
keme"

Welaughed,
onsomereal
though,Sami
'
shead
guy
s.Sheisver
ypr
ett
ynonethel
ess.

Sf
iso:
"Andy
ouar
ejeal
ousr
ight
?"
Me:
"Ohpl
ease"

Wel aughedandt
heawkwar
dsi
l
encecame
back.

Me:
"Ummm weneedt
ogetgoi
ng"

Sf
iso:
"Okayt
hen,
letmegogether
"

Inodded,
hecamebackwi
thanawakeSami
.

Sami
:"Mama"

Me:
"Heybaby
"

Shecr
ied,
wav
ingherhandst
ome.It
ookher
,
shekeptqui
te.

Sf
isopl
ayedwi
thheral
i
ttl
e.

Sf
iso:
"Whenar
eyoubr
ingi
nghert
ovi
sit
"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow,
weshal
ltal
k."

Henoddedandwalkedusout
.IputSami
onher
carseatandsai
dgoodby
etoSfi
so.

#BAHWWMP
#Unedi
ted
Fi
ndt
heREMOVEDont
hepagel
ateron.
I
nser
t32.
[
Oyi
ntando]

Aft
erThokozani l
eftt
heof fi
ce,Ihonest l
y
coul
dn'tf
ocus.Iwashappyt hatwef ixedthi
ngs,
Iwashappyt hathemi ssedmej ustasmuchI
missedhim andhealsosuf fer
edj ustli
keIdid.
Butmostofal lIwasthinki
ngoft hethingshe
di
dt ome,onmydeskandmywal l
.
Justthethoughtofthatbr
oughtasmilet
omy
faceasIwasdr i
vingtogopicktheki
dsupfr
om
school.
Thedr
ivewasn'
tev
enl
ong,
Iar
ri
vedandgotmy
ki
ds.
Theygreet
edmeandasperusual t
heystart
ed
narr
ati
ngtomehowt hei
rdayl
ookedlikebutI
noti
cedthesist
erwassmi l
i
ngalonenot
l
ist
eningtowhatanyofusweresay i
ng.Ij
ustlet
herbebutI'
ll
gettothat.
Myphoner
angandi
twasconnect
edt
o
bl
uet
oot
h.Icoul
dn'
trecogni
set
henumber
s.

Me:
"Hel
l
o?"

Si
l
encebutIcoul
dheart
heper
sonbr
eat
hing.

Me:
"Hel
l
ll
o!!
"

"
Oyi
hey
"

It
'shim,i
t'
sSf iso.Itookadeepbreat
hbef oreI
couldtal
k,Ilookedatmyki dsandreal
isedt hat
theyheardthatit'sthei
rfat
heroncal
ljudgingby
thelooksont heirfaces.

Me:
"Sf
iso"
Sf
iso:
"Ummm y
es.
..
.Hi
,i
t'
sme"

WhatdoIsaynext
?

Me:
"Okay
"

Sf
iso:
"I.
.weneedt
otal
k"

Me:
"About
?"

Sfi
so:"
Ever
ythi
ng,
canIcomeov
ert
oyour
house?
".

Me:
"Okay
,whendoy
ouwantt
otal
k?"
Am Imaki
ngt
her
ightdeci
si
onbyagr
eei
ngt
o
seehi
m?

Sf
iso:
"Lat
er,
today
?"

Me:
"Okayseey
oul
atert
hen"

Ihungup.

Ithoughttheki
dswoul
dtal
kbuttheydi
dn'
t,
theyjustf
ocusedonwhat
evert
heyweredoi
ng.

Wearr
ivedathomeandIwast
oot
ir
edt
ocook
soIor
deredi
n.

Me:
"Doy
ouguy
shav
ehomewor
k?"
Ol
u:"
Idi
ditcl
asssonopeIdon'
thav
eit
"

Sbani:
"Teachersai
dweshoul
dlear
nvowel
sounds"

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Igotnonet
oday
"

Me:"Okaygoandchangethen,
Sbani
wewi
l
ldo
vowelsoundsi
nnotime"
.

Theyl
eft
.Si
gh.
..
.Ihadt
heurget
ogotopeebut
mynunawasburningl
i
kenobody'
sbusi
ness.
Isatonthecouchandscr
oll
edt
hrought
he
channel
s,myphonebeeped.

"
Ikhekhel
akhol
i
mnandi
kodwamama"
Thokozani
.
Ismi
l
edandsenta"
Mxm i
thur
ts"

Hecal
l
edmeal
mosti
mmedi
atel
y.

Me:
"Baba"

Thokozani
:"St
handwasam,uthi
yini
ebuhl
ungu?"(Mylov
e,what
'spai
nful
?)

Me:"
Lekhekheot
hil
i
mnandi
"(Thecaket
haty
ou
sayi
snice)

Thokozani
:"OhhhkodwaMaMbat ha!
!!
Umusukhalakhona,yesesuvele
ungi
sanganise.
..
ngi
zwesewut hiphel
aAhhh
ye.
..
yes,No.
...
ohyeah,ri
ghtt
here..
..
oh
Thokozanipl
ease..
..
stop,whyareyou
st
opping"(MaMbathat hough!
!Whenyoust
art
moaning!Youjustdri
vemecr azy)

Hetr
iedi
mit
ati
ngmyv oi
ce,
aft
ert
hatwe
cr
ackedupi
nlaught
er.

Me:
"Youar
eoutofy
ourmi
nd"

Thokozani
:"Il
ovey
ou,
wher
ear
etheki
ds?
"

Me:
"Theyar
esomewher
eint
hehouse"

Thokozani
:"Okay
,passmygr
eet
ingst
othem"

Me:
"Wi
l
ldot
hat
"
I
tbecamesi
l
entf
orawhi
l
e.

Thokozani
:"Khul
umaphelamama,
Iknowy
ou
wannasaysomet hi
ng"(
Talk)

It
ookdeepbr
eat
h,Ihav
etot
ell
him.

Me:
"Wel
lI.
..
Sfi
socal
l
edme"

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:
"Baby
"

Thokozani
:"Ngi
l
alel
e,qhubeka"(
I'
mli
steni
ng,
cont
inue)
Me:"
He.
..
he.
..
hesai
dwoul
dli
ket
ocomeand
t
alkt
ome"

Thokozani
:"And?
"

Me:
"Isai
dit
'sokayhecancomet
hrough"

Thokozani
:"Okayt
hen"

Me:
"BabyIonlywannahearhi
m out
,Iswear
t
her
e'snot
hingmoretoit
"

Thokozani
:"Sthandwami naangishongolut
ho,I
gaveyouthreeweekst othinkcaref
ull
yabout
whatyouwantandIbel ieveyouthought
car
efull
ysowhat everhappensfrom nowoni t
'
ll
bebecauseofwhaty ouwerethinkingabout
,I'
m
notworri
edaboutanythi
ng,hencewhyIwon' t
evenfi
ghtaboutt
his"(Mylove,Ididn'
tsay
anyt
hing)

Me:"Okayt
hanksbabe,pl
easerestassuredthe
3weeksthatyougavemewasenoughf orme
t
othinkanddeci
dewhatIwantandIl oveyou,I
wantandneedyouinmylif
e".

Thokozani
:"Il
ovey
out
oomamazi
wam"

Forr
ealthoughIl
ovehi
m andIwon'
tdo
anyt
hingtorui
nwhatwehave.

[
Sfi
so]
Ihaveneverbeensoner vousinmyl i
fe.The
amountofshameI '
mf eel
ingr i
ghtnowisasbi g
asmountki l
i
manjar
o.Ihav en'
tseenmyki dsin
twoyears,whodoesthat?Whatki ndofaf at
her
doesthatmakeme?DoIev endeserv
et obea
fat
her?
IwentandboughtOlu'
sfavour
it
echocol
ates,
boughtSbaniadol
landSimbongil
eabal
lsince
helovessoccer
.

WhenIwasdonebuy i
ngev ensweet
sandother
nicethi
ngs,
IdrovetoOy i
'
s.Isati
nsi
dethecar
forabout5minutesbefor
eIcouldbuzzonthe
i
nt er
com.Theyletmein.

Oyi
openedthedoorandGodIcoul
dn'
tev
en
l
ookather
.
Oy
i:"
Hy"

Me:
"Hey
"

Sheallowedmei nandthekidsweresi
tt
ing
thereplayi
ngMonopolyonthecarpet
.They
didn'
tev endar
etolookatme.

Oyil
etthewaytotheli
vi
ngroom, It
ookagood
l
ookatherandshelookedverygood.Icould
t
ell
thatsheishappyanddoi
ngbet t
erwithout
me.

Isatdownandsodi
dshe.

Igreet
edthekids,
theygreet
edbackjustasa
for
m ofshowingrespectbutt
heyhadzero
i
nter
esti
nme.

Oy
i:"
Whatdi
dyouwantt
otal
kabout
?"

Onceuponati
meweusedt oco-par
entandit
wasall
goodunti
lofcour
seIr
uinedevery
thi
ng.

Me:"Guy
sIhav
esomet
hingf
oreachoneof
you"

Theyl
ookedatme.

IshowedOl
uthechocol
ates.

Olu:"
WellInol
ongereatt
hose,
theymakemy
skinoi
ly
"
Shet
henst
oodupandl
eft
.

Simbongil
e:"
Hady oubeeni
nourli
ves2y ears
agoyouwoul dhaveknownt
hatInolongerlove
soccer,Inowplayrugby
"

Hef
oll
owedhi
ssi
ster
.

Sbani
:"I
sthedol
lmi
ne?
"

Me:
"Yesbabyi
t'
syour
s"

Shet
ooki
tandt
hankedme.

Me:
"Oy
ibef
oreany
thi
ngI
'
dli
ket
oapol
ogi
sef
or
allt
hepai
nI'
veputy
outhrough,
forhur
ti
ngy
ou.
I'
m sor
ryf
orbei
nganabsentfat
her"

Oyi:"ForwhatyoudidtomeIhonest lydon't
needy ourapol
ogybutbecauseI '
m agood
personandIhat edrama,I'
ll
justsayapology
accepted.Butt
her ealpeopl
ewhoneed
explanati
onsandapologiesareyourkids"

Isi
ghed,
she'
sri
ght
.

Shest
oodupandlef
t.Af
tersomet
imeshe
camebackwi
tht
hekids.

Theysatdown,
Sbani
wit
hnocar
eofwhat
's
happeni
ng.
Oy
i:"
Guy
syourdadwant
stot
alkt
oyou"

Si
mbongi
l
ehadhi
sey
escl
osed.

Me:
"Wel
lguy
sI.
..
..
"

Si
mbongil
e:"
Every
thi
ngisi
nfir
e,Icansmel
lthe
smoke,
every
thi
ngisinf
lames"

Weal
ll
ookedathi
m.

Myphoner
ang,
itwasMphooneoft
hesecur
it
y
guy
sinmycompany.

Me:
"Ineedt
otaket
his"
Ianswer
edt
hecal
l
.

Mpho:"
Sirt
her
e'sfi
reever
ywher
e,t
hebui
l
ding
i
sburni
ngdownt oashes"

Me:
"What
??Whatt
hehel
lhappened!
?"

Mpho:
"I.
..
.Idon'tknow,
itj
usthappened,
Ineed
t
oseekhelpby e"

Hehungup.

Me:"Fuck!
!!Ineedtogo,
I'
m sor
rywewi
l
l
cont
inuetalki
ng."

Ir
anoutbef
oret
heycoul
dev
ent
alk.
Howcomemybui ldi
ngbur
ndown?Imean
t
her
e'sno.
..
.unl
esssomeonebur
nti
t.

Idrov
etoCor
nwal
landi
tfel
tli
keav
eryl
ong
dri
ve.
Ii
ncr
easedt
hespeedand
BANG!
!!
!!
!!
!!Ihi
tsomet
hing,
shi
t!
!Whatcoul
dit
be.

Igotoutofthecart
ogolookandOhhhhshit
!!
!!
Nonono. .
..
Iki
ll
edaper
son,Ihi
taperson.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght

Tobecont
inuedt
omor
row.
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t33.

[
Sfi
so]

Il
ookedather ,whatdoIdonow?Ikneel ed
downt ocheckherpul se,i
twast herebutf ai
nt.I
havetocal lanambul ance...
.noitwil
ltakelong
andIcan' thavethi
sladydy i
ngonmyaccount .I
pickedherupqui ckl
yandputheratt heback
seat.Luckyf ormenocar swer ecomi ng.Igot
i
nsidet hecaranddr ov eofftoMi dst
ream
hospitalsinceitwasthecl osest.

AssoonasIgott
her
eIgotheroutandr
ushed
heri
n.

Me:
"Hel
p!!
!!Pl
easehel
p!"
Lucki
lyt
hestret
cherwasrushedt
owar
dsme
andtheypl
acedherther
e.
Astheyr
ushedhert
othewar
dorwher
everI
fol
l
owedbehindt
hem.

Thedoct
orcamet
ome.

Doc:"
SirI'
m afr
aidwecan'tlety
ouinatthe
moment ,
she'sinav er
ybadcondit
ion,
sowe
havet
odeal withthesit
uat
ionnow"

Me:
"I.
..
.Can,
canIcomebackt
omor
row
mor
ningtoseeher
?"

Shenoddedandaskedmet of
il
linadmissi
on
for
ms.HowdoIev enfi
l
lthem i
n?Idon'
tknow
herna.
..ohherhandbag!Iqui
cklywenttomy
carandgotthebag.Isearcheditandlucky
enoughIfoundthewalletwhichhadtheI.Dcard
andbankcards.Iwentbackinsideandf i
l
ledthe
for
mst henIlef
t.

*Si
gh*Ican'
tbel
i
eveall
thethi
ngst hatar
e
happeni
ngtome.Idr
ovetoCor nwallt
ofi
ndout
whathappenedt
omyof fi
ces.
WhenIgotther
ethepl
acewasf
ull
ofpol
i
ceand
f
ir
efi
ghter
s.

Irant oMphosi nceheisthefi

rstper
sonmy
eyesl andedon.Myhear twasbeati
ngoutofmy
chest, l
ookingatthebui
ldi
ngitwasburntev
en
outside,Itwasashes.Mykneesgotv er
yweak,
I
couldn'tstandanymoresoIjustwentdownon
myknees, tear
smadet hei
rwaydown.
Iworkedhar dforal
loft
his,
Ibuil
tthi
splace
from scr
atch.Allmyhar
dwor k,
allbur
ntdown.
Whowoul ddot hist
ome?Whywoul dtheydo
thist
ome?

Me:
"Mpho!
!What
..
..
whathappened?
"

Mpho: "
SirIdon'tknow,Iswearnoonecame
here,al
ltheotherguardscanconfir
mt hatand
mor eoverwecheckedt hefootagesfr
om all
aroundtheyard,noonecame"

Hel
ookedscar
ed.

Me:"
Sowhathappened?Whathappened
Mpho!
!!
?"
Hekeptqui et.Igotupandt hepoliceof fi
ce
came, askedmest upidquestionssoIl efthim
ther
eandwenti nside.Thecei l
inghadf all
en,
whatusedt obedeskswasnowcoal s.Ikept
j
umpi ngallthethingsthatwer ebur ntont he
fl
oorandheadedt omyof fi
ceoratl eastwhat
usedt obemyof fi
ce.Thewal lwasbl ack, The
pict
uresIhadpl acedont hewal l
wer eburn, I
sawt heremai nsoftheframesont hef l
oor .
Everythi
ngwasgone, allmyi mpor t
ant
document s,my .
..
.Il
etoutasob, myhear twas
real
lyshattered.Iwalkedoutandwentt omy
car,l
eavingev ery
onebehi nd.

Whil
eIwasdr
ivi
ng,wit
hmymi
ndwor
king
ov
erti
me.Myphonerang.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"
"MrKunenet hehotelisburni
ngdownand..
..
and
wearet r
apped,wecan' tgooutoft
hebuil
ding.
The..
..
thethere'
salsopeoplewhogotburnt
i
nsidetherooms. .
..
pleasehel
pus"

Il
ostcont
rol
oft
hecaranddr
ovei
ntoat
ruck.

All
Irememberhear
ingwast
hesoundof
hooter
s.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Sfi
sowil
lnev
erchange.Howcanhedot hi
sto
theki
ds?Hemadethem bel
ievet
hathewould
i
sbackintot
hei
rli
vesandthenhegoesanddo
thi
s!
"
Arey
ouwat
chi
ngt
henews?
"

Ansmsfrom Londekacamethrough.It
ookt
he
remot
eandswi t
chedtotheEt
vnews.

"Thereisahugefir
eatbluehil
l
shotel
,the
employeesandguestsatatthehotel
aresaid
tobest ucki
nthebuil
dingandarewait
ingfor
therescueteam t
ogethereandgetthem outof
thebuil
ding.Thep.
..
."

Idi
dn'tevenconti
nuewatchi
ng.Bluehi
ll
sis
Sfi
so'
shot el
.Couldt
hatbethereasonwhy
Sfi
soleftli
kethat
?Whocouldhav ebur
nthis
hotel
?

Itookmyphoneanddial
l
edhi
snumberbuti
t
tookmetovoicemai
l
.
Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Mama"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"Yesmyboy
"

Simbongil
e:"
Iseeal
otofbloodondad's
cl
othes.GogoandMkhulusaytheyareangr
y
andtheywon'tst
opunt
ilheapologi
se"

Me:
"What
?Wh.
..
.Si
mbongi
l
e"

Il
ookedathi m,t
hetimehetoldmehehada
dream ofmecarryi
ngtwinsIthoughtitwasj
ust
adream and..
.Ohno!!
!Ohnot hiscan'
tbe
happening.Hedidsaysomethingaboutthef
ir
e,
ev
ery
thi
ngget
ti
ngbur
nt.

Me:
"Boyar
eyout
alki
ngt
ogogoandMkhul
u"

Henodded.

Me:"Canyouseet
hem now?Whatar
ethey
say
ing?"

Simbongil
e:"
Theyar enotherenowbutthey
showedmedadl y
inginapool ofbl
ood,t
hey
al
sotoldmet hattheywon'tst
opuntil
he
apol
ogises"

No!!
!Mysoni sst
il
lyoungforal
lthi
s.Theycan'
t
bedoingthi
s,hei
stooy oungtobeseeingsuch
thi
ngs.Tear
smadet hei
rdownmyf ace.
Si
mbongi
l
s:"
Whyar
eyoucr
yingmom?
"

Iwipedoffmyt
ear
sandaskedt
ogot
ohi
s
room.Icont
act
edLondeka.

Me:
"Mnt
ase"

Londeka:"
OyiSf
isowasi
nvol
vedi
nav
erybad
caracci
dent"

Me:
"What
?Wher
edi
dyougett
hat
?"

Londeka:
"It
'sal
lov
ert
hei
nter
netOy
i"

Ihungupandwentonl
i
ne.Anyt
her
eitwas,
the
caracci
dentt
hathappenedi
nCor
nwal
l
.
WhywasheinCor
nwal
l
?Wasn'
thesupposet
o
beatbl
uehi
l
ls?

I
nothernewsupdat
e,Apict
ureofSf
iso'
s
bui
l
dinginCor
nwall
burntdown.
OhmyGodwhat
'shappeni
ng?

Myphonestart
edringi
ngandIcouldn'
tanswer
,
Iwassti
l
lshook.Couldmyparent
sbet heones
doi
ngthi
s?

[
Snet
hemba]

Theysmil
edatmeast heyledmetowheremy
weddingdr
essis.Icouldn'
tbel
i
evethatIwas
gett
ingmarr
iedsoon.Butwhatsurpri
sesmeis
t
hatI
'
venev
ermetmysoont
obehusband.

Mom:
"ComeSne"

Me:"
Butmom f i
rstwehavet
otal
kaboutthi
s
manI'
m supposetogetmarr
iedt
o,Idon'
tknow
hi
m.WhatifIdon'tl
ovehi
m?"

Dad:"
Snemychild,
heisagoodman,youwi
l
l
l
ovehim butmor
eov er
,heneedsy
ou,
youal
so
needhi
m.Youneedeachot her
"

Ismi
l
ed,Ibel
i
evemydad.Hehasnev
erli
edt
o
meortol
dmesomethi
ngthati
snotr
ight
.

Mom smil
edatmeassoonshesawt
hatIwas
r
eadytogoseethedr
ess,
shehel
dmyhand
andt
henwegott
ohercl
oset
.

OhmyGod! !Abeaut
if
ulwhi
teci
nder
ell
adress.I
l
ovei
tandIcan'twai
ttowal
kdownt heai
sle
wear
ingi
t,wit
hmydadbymysi de.

Dad:"
HeistheoneSnethemba,t
heancest
ors
tol
dus,y
ourdesti
nati
onhasfi
nal
lycometoan
end,y
ouhavearr
ived"

Me:
"Ican'
twai
ttof
inal
l
yseehi
m"

Mom:"WeloveyouSnemychi ld.Makeus
pr
oud,bet
hewi f
etoyourhusbandanddoy our
wi
fel
yduti
es.Letusgotosleep,goodni
ght
"

Me:
"Goodni
ghtmom.
..
dad"
Dad:
"Goodni
ght
"

Hekissedmyfor
eheadandt
heywentt
osl
eep.I
j
ustsatther
esmil
ing.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t34.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Whent
heysayt
hingscanhappenfastt
hey
meani
nthi
smanner.OneminuteSfi
sowas
here,t
henextminuteherushedoutduet ot
he
fi
reathiscompanyandt hent hehot
el,
nowhe
i
sf i
ghti
ngforhi
slif
einhospital.

Howdoesal lofthathappen?Howcant her

ebe
fi
restart
ingfrom nowher eandburnbui
l
dings?
What '
spainfulisthatsomepeoplewhower eat
thehotellosttheirl
iv
eswhilesomegotsaved
buttheylandedi nhospit
al.

Myki dshav ebeensi tt

ingher el
ookingatme,
youknowwheny ouar epar ent,
yourkidsr elyon
you,theytrusty out operform miracl
esbuti t
's
unfortunatethatther e'
sreal l
ynothi
ngIcando.
It
'sbeenaweeksi nceSf isohadanacci dent
andhei sinav er ybadst atesomucht hatthey
saidtheywon' tallowki dstoseehi m, hei snot
respondingtoany thi
ngt reatmenttheyt ryatthe
hospital,
event hedoct orsar esurpri
sedast o
what'
sr eal
l
yhappeningbecausetot hem he
appearstobedeadbutt hemachinessayhei s
al
ive,soIaskedthem t
onotswitchof ft
he
machinesbecausehemi ghtpul
lthrough.

SomemaysayIst i
ll
lovehim butt r
ustmeI
don'tnotevenat inybitbutt hef actthatheis
thefatherofmyki dsmakesi tharderf ormet o
actoutofangeri ncer t
ainthingsbecause
shouldsomet hinghappent ohi m myki dswi
ll
beaf f
ected.Theyl oveSfisoal ot ,
theywer ejust
madathi mf orabandoni ngt hem butt hepast
daysIsawhowmucht heyl ov ehim, theysent
him getwellsooncar ds,sweet sbecause
apparentl
ysomeonewho' sinhospi talneedsa
l
otofcandy ,thatisaccordingt oprincess
"Sbani"
.

Any
wayI
'
m wai
ti
ngf
orThokozani
tocomeget
theus,he'
sbeenver
ysuppor
ti
vetokids.He
makessurethatt
heyar
ealwayshappy,today
heistaki
ngustoGoldr
eefci
ty.

AsIwaspackingjacket
sforthem andcl
othes
forSbani
,hewalkedin,
I'
m guessi
ngSimbongil
e
openedforhi
m becausetheyarecoming
toget
her.

Hegr
eet
edt
heki
ds,
asal
way
stheywer
ehappy
t
oseehi
m.

Het
hencamet
omeandki
ssedmycheek.

Thokozai
:"Mama"

Me:
"Baba"
Hesmil
ed,
heal
wayssmil
ewhenIcallhi
m baba,
hesay
shecannev
ergetusedt
othat
.

Thokozani:
"ukahl
est
handwasam?
"(Ar
eyou
okaymyl ove)

Me:
"I'
m goodbaby
,your
sel
f?"

Thokozani
:"Hay
iingi
khahl
e,asambeni
phel
a
baby"(
I'
m good,l
et'
sgoalr
eady )

Me:
"YahI
'
m done,
pleaset
aket
heset
othecar
f
orme"

Het
ookt
hebagsandf
rowned.
Thokozani
:"Awubuyiy
ini
dal
i?Whyarethese
bagsheavy?"(
Aren'
tyoucomingbackdar
li
ng?)

Olu:"
AhhhhuncleTKmom i sl
ikethat
,she
packsJerseys,
pairsofsocks,
changeof
clot
hesforSbaniandandand, ehesaysincase
theweatherchanges"

Thent
heylaugh,shoul
dtheweatherchange
shewi
llbethefi
rstonetoaskf
orherjacket
.

Me:"OhoOluhl
ey ouknowyou'
llbet
hefi
rstone
aski
ng"Mom doy ouhavemyjacket
"butnow
youaremakingfunofme"

Shel
aughed.
Ol
u:"
Iknowmyqueen,
that
'swhyIl
ooov
eyou"

Mxm t
hiski
d.Whenal
lwaspackedwewentout
t
othecarandl
eft
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Arri
vi
ngthereweboughtti
cketsandthekids
wenttoplaywhi
leThokozaniandIwatched,we
thendeci
dedtotakeawalkforICECREAM.

Thokozani
:"Mama"

Me:
"Baby
"

Thokozani:"
Namhl anj
engizohambangi
ye
ekhayaokwes'khashana,t
heycall
edandsai
d
wear eneeded"(TodayI'
l
lbegoinghomefora
shortwhil
e)
Me:
"Okayandwhenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
"

Thokozani
:"Pr
obabl
yMonday
"

Okaysot
odayi
t'
sSat
urday
.

Me:
"Okaynopr
obl
em t
hem"

Thokozani
:"AndIwast
hinki
ng"

Me:
"I'
mli
steni
ng"

Thokozani:
"Il
oveyoubabyandIdon'
tknow
aboutyoubutIfeel
readytomakeyoumywi f
e,
soIwast hi
nki
ngoftalki
ngtomyuncl
esandt el
l
t
hem aboutusandthatIneedthem to
r
epr
esentmeatt hel
obolanegotiat
ions"

Iwantedt osaysomethi
ngbutwor
dsfail
edme,
soIjustwentsil
ent.Mymindwastheonedoi
ng
thet
alking.

Thokozani
:"Mamaungi
zwi
l
e?"(
Didy
ouhear
me?)

Me:
"I.
..
.wel
lwe.
..
."

Thokozani
:"That'
sifyoudowannamar r
yme, I
won'tpushi
ntoany t
hingbabybutalsoIwant
youtoknowt hatI
'm notgett
inganyyounger
,I
don'
twanttobeaboy fr
iendmywhol el
if
e."
Me:
"Iheary
ou"

Thokozani
:"Doy
ouwannamar
ryme?
"

Me:
"Yesbutnotnow"

Henoddedandsil
encetooki
t'
spl
ace.Icoul
d
t
ell
thathewasverysad.
Af
terouri
cecr
eam wewentt
ocheckont
he
ki
ds.

•
••AMONTHLATER•
••

[
MrsKunene]

Sf
isohasbeeni
nhospi
tal
foramont
h,hei
s
runni
ngoutofmoneyt opayt hehospit
al
becausethedoctor sthinkweshoul dswitchoff
themachines.Tot hem heappear stobedead
butaccordingtothemachi neshei sali
ve.They
havetri
edandexhaust edeveryopti
ont herei
s
tohelphim butnothingwor ked.Iam now
sit
ti
ngwithmyhusband, helooksdrai
nedand
defeat
edt osaythel east.

Me:
"Baba"

Hi
m:"
Mmm"

Me:"Maybeweshouldgothet
radi
ti
onal
rout
e,
si
tt
inghereandhopi
ngforamir
acl
eisnot
hel
ping"

Heexhal
edandnodded.Onet
hingIl
oveabout
myhusbandisthathenev
erobj
ect
stoanyt
hing
Isay,
heagreeswithmeallt
het
ime.It
ookmy
phoneandcall
edMakhosi
.

Me:
"SawubonaMakhosi
"(Gr
eet
ings)

Hegr
unt
edandchant
ed.

Makhosi:"
EMbumbul u,
kuzomelenit
hathe
undodananimhambiseeMbumbulu,kukhona
l
aphoazoluthol
akhonausizo"(
Youhavetot ake
yoursontoMbumbul u,
that'
swherehewillget
help"

Me:"
KuphieMbumbul
uMakhosi
?"(
Wher
ein
Mbumbul
u?)
Makhosi:"
Kukhonai khehlaeli
yiny angaenkulu
esgodi
nisaseMbumbul u,akhekhoumunt u
ongal
azi,
nifi
kenibuzengoMahl athini
"(Ther
e's
anoldmani nthatvil
lage,everyoneknowshi m.
JustaskforMahlathinitheywilltakey outo
hi
m"

AsIwasaboutt
otal
khehungup.

Me:"Babakuthi
wasizolut
hol
aeMbumbulu
usi
zo,wehav etohurr
yandhaveSfi
so
di
schargedthendri
vether
etoday
"(Theysaywe
wil
lgethel
pinMbumbul u)

Heexhal
ed.

Hi
m:"Okayl
et'
sgobutfi
rstpackasport
sbag
f
orhi
m sothatwecanchangehim anddr
ive
t
her
eassoonaspossi
ble"

Inoddedandwentt
opackhi
sspor
tsbag,
then
weleft
.

Arri
vi
ngatthehospi
tal
,wehadhi
m dischar
ged
thenbeganourj
ourneytoMbumbul
u.

[
Snet
hemba]

I'
mf i
nall
yhealing,Igotdi
schargedtwoweeks
agoandIcoul dn'tbehappier
.Ihatehospit
als
withpassion.ThingisI'
m averytr
adit
ional
person.Ialsohaveagi f
tofseeingthi
ngsthat
peoplecan'tseeandt al
ktopeoplewhodi eda
l
ongt i
meago.Thepastf ewday sIhaddiffi
cul
ty
connecti
ngt omyancest or
s,Ineededanswer s
aft
erthedr eam Ihadaboutmeget ti
ngmar ri
ed
t
osomeoneIdon'tknow.Ifeelsofr
ust
rat
ed,
whydon'
ttheyl
etmeseet hisper
son.

Igotupf r
om thechairandwenttomysecr et
room, Il
i
t3whi t
ecandlesand3r edcandles.I
star
tedprayi
ngt henIaskedthegreatancestor
s
torevealtomewhatt hedream meant.

Asmyey eswer eclosed,

adar ktal
lman
appear
ed.Hewasst andi
ngatt healt
er,
wai ti
ng
formetowal kdownt heaisl
eandt hen
moment sl
ater,thereIwasinawhi tedress.
Thesamedr essIsawmymom gi vi
ngmei nt he
dream.Iwal
kedupt othi
shandsomeman, he
wasallsmil
es.

Mynamei sSnethembaMkhize,Iam 31year

s
ofage.Iam whatyoucal
laprophet
.Iuse
candl
esandwat ertoper
for
m myprophecy.I
havenev erworkedadayinmyl i
fe,
my
ancestorsonlywantmetohelppeoplei
nt hat
tr
aditi
onalmannernotbywakingupandgoi ng
toworkandt rustmeImakeal otofmoney ,
moneyt hatiswaymor et
hanthatofaperson
wakingupev erydayt
ogot owork.

Ri
ghtnowI'
m onaquest
,aquestt
ofi
ndt
his
manI'
m supposedt
ogetmarr
iedt
o.

#Goodmor
ning
#Unedi
ted

Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t35.
[
MrKunene]

Aft
erhour sofdr
ivingtoKZNwef i
nal
lyarri
ved
i
nMbumbul u.Wekeptondr iv
ingaroundasking
abouttheMahlathinipersonwhoi ssupposet o
hel
pmysonbutnooneseemst oknowhi m, I
'
m
sofrustr
atedandseei ngSfisoly
ingonhi s
mother'
slaphelplesslyi
sn'tmakingthings
easi
er.

Me: "
Awushomkami ,
thi
spersonofyour
ssai
d
every
bodyknowsthepersonwearel
ookingf
or
butwe'v
ebeendriv
ingar
oundandnoone
knowshim,kant
iyi
nivel
e?"(Tel
lmeheremy
wife)

Shekeptonbr
ushi
ngSf
iso'
shead,
wit
htear
sin
herey
es.
Her:
"Keepondr
ivi
ngKunene,
wecan'
tgi
veup
now".

2hoursl
aterwewer
esti
llont
heroad,
we
st
oppedtwicef
ort
hetoi
l
etandfood.
Wewer edeepwit
hint
hebundus,
ther
eareno
peopl
eloi
teri
ngar
oundthest
reet
sli
keother
l
ocati
ons,youonl
yseecowsandgoats.
Asweweredr
ivi
nglucki
lyayoungl
adywas
wal
kingt
owar
dsthecar.Ist
oppedandcal
l
ed
her
.
Shewalkedtous,shehadonay ell
owf ace
maskwhi chIbel
i
eveisforsunprotect
ion
becausebestbel
ievei
tthi
splaceisscotchi
ng
hot.

Me:
"Sawubonasi
si"(
Hel
l
o)
Her
:"Yebosawubonababa"(
Greet
ings)

Me: "
Nganeyamisi
lahl
ekil
e,sihambasifuna
i
nyangaokuthi
wawuMahl athi
ni,ungakwazi
ukusi
siza?"
(Mychi
ld,wearelost.Wear e
l
ookingforatr
adi
ti
onalhealercall
edMahl at
hini
,
canyouhelpus)

Shesmi
l
ed,
shel
ooksl
i
keaf
ri
endl
yyoungl
ady
.

Her:"
Ohhhhai ibabamaseni lasenifi
kil
e,
mangabeubab' Mahlat
hinienimufunayowuy e
l
oowazi way ol
aesgodini t
henkhul ul
ekani
ngobanimt hol
il
e"(Youhav efoundhi m,ifhei
s
theMahlathini
thatiswellknowni nthev il
l
age
thenyouhav efoundhim)
Wi
fey
:"Cany
oupl
easedi
rectus?
"

Her:"
Ngi
ngani
hambi
saMaumakungena
nki
nga"(
Icant
akeyout
her
eify
oudon'tmi
nd)

Iopenedthedoorforher
,shecl
i
mbedint heI
droveof
f,shestar
tedgiv
ingmedir
ect
ions.

Me: "
Mi nangiwuBab'Kunene,loumkami uMa
Kunenet henlowayi
ndodanay am uSfi
so,uyena
esi
mdi ngelausi
zo"(
Iam Mrkunene, that
'smy
wifeandt hat
'smysonSfiso,heistheweare
seeki
nghel pfor)

Her:"
Ohhhngijabul
elaukunazi,
mi nangi
wu
Thabi
sil
e.Ngyathembanizoli
tholausi
zo"(Ni
ce
meeti
ngy ou,
Iam Thabisi
leandIhopey ouwill
fi
ndhelp)
Thabi
sil
e:"
Wear
eher
e".

Iparkedoutsi
dethegat
e,i
t'
sav
eryhugey
ard
ful
lofrondavel
s

Thabi
sil
e:"Mi
nangi
zoni
shi
yakhonal
a"(
I'
ll
leav
e
youhere)

It
ookoutR100andgav
eitt
oher
.

Me:"
Thankyousomuchf
ory
ourhel
psi
si,
may
Godbl
essyou"

Thabi
sil
e:"
Ohnobabai
t'
snopr
obl
em,
youdon'
t
havet
opayme"
Me:"Don'tt
akeitaspay mentbutratheras
appr
eciati
onmychi l
d.Hadi tnotbeenforyou,
wewoul dsti
ll
belooking"

Shesmil
edandthankedme,assoonasshel
eft
ayoungmanapproachedus.

Him:"uBabauthiningangeniegcekeni
,ni
me
khonalapho.Ngizobuyenginit
sheleukut
hi
ngenani"(
Fathersaysyoushoul dnotcome
i
nsidetheyard,I
'l
lcomebackandt ell
youto
comei n)
Justl
i
ket
hathel
eft
,notev
enagr
eet
ing.

Wi
fey
:"Thi
siscr
azy
!!
!Howl
ongmustwewai
t?"

Shewasver
yfrustr
atedtosaytheleast
.
Somet
imesIdon'tunder
standher.
Wewait
edforal
mostanhour,
theboycame
backwi
thabucketandbr
oom.

Hi
m:"
Ngi
cel
ani
sondel
e"(
Pleasecomecl
oser
)

Wewenttost
andnearhi
m,hespri
nkl
edt
he
wat
eronusandthenmadeusdri
nk.

Him:"Ngi
cel
anivul
eumny angowemot
olapho
kunesgul
anekhona"(
Pleaseopent
hedoor
wherethesi
ckpersonis)

Howdidheknowther
e'ssomeoneinthecar?I
wentt
oopen.Hespri
nkledt
hewateronSfiso,
a
l
otofwater
.

Wewer
ethensummonedi
nsi
de,
Ihadt
ocar
ry
Sf
isoallt
hewayin.Hel
ookeddead,
wit
hal
lthe
i
njur
iesonhi
sfaceandbody.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Mykidswentt ovi
sitLondeka,Iam wit
h
Thokozaniandeversinceheaskedifhecould
sendhisunclest
omi neforlobolaandIref
used,
he'
sbeendi st
ant
.

Iam cooki
ngandhei shel
pingmewithpeeli
ng.
Idon'
tknowwhywear ecooki
ngsomuchf ood
becausetheki
dswillbegoneforaweeksince
schoolsarecl
osed.

Me:
"Baby
"
Isai
dthatwhi
l
ebusyst
ir
ri
ngt
hepot
.

Tk:
"Mama"

Me:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"

Tk:
"Yeah.
..
yeahI
'
mfi
nebaby
,why
?"

Ishr
ugged.

Me:"I
'mj
ustaski
ng,
you'
vebeenabi
tdi
stant
l
atel
y"

Hesighedandcamebymyside.Het
ookmy
handsoIcoul
dlookathi
m.
Tk:"MamaIl ovey ou, Ilov ey ousomucht hatit
scaresme.Ihav enev erlov edt hi
smuch, Ihav e
neverbeensoscar edofl osingaper sonand
hellIhavenev erwant edt omar ryapersonso
bad.WhatI '
mt r
yingt osayi sI '
m notgetti
ngany
youngerandI 'vealway shadadr eam of
mar ry
ingt hef i
rstwomanIf all
deeplyinlov e
withandy ouar ethatwoman.Iknowand
understandt haty ouhav ebeent hr
oughal ot,
I
knowy oupr obablyf earmar ri
agebuty ou'
v e
beendi vorcedf or4y earsnowbaby .CanInot
sufferforanot herman' smi stakes?Ifyouknow
youar enev ergonnaber eadyt ogetmar r
ied
againory oudon' twannamar r
ymet hent ellme
nowsot hatIcanwal kawayandheal wheni t
's
stealearly.Myf atherkeepsonaski ngmewhen
am Iget t
ingmar ri
edand. .
...
."

Me:
"Iwi
l
lmar
ryy
ou"
Tk:"No!!NomamaI 'm notsay i
ngallt
his
becauseIam forci
ngy ou,Ijustwantyouto
knowhowIf eelabouty ou,Iwanttostar
ta
familywit
hyou,abigfami l
y.10kidsrunning
aroundourhouse,I'
dbet hehappiestmanal i
ve.
IloveyouMaMbat ha,Ilovey ousomuch"

Me: "I
'l
lmarryyouThokozani,I
'
m notpressur
ed.
IloveyouandIwasj ustscaredbutIwould
ratherbescaredthantoloseyou,you'
vebeena
goodmant omeandmyki dsandIl ov
eyouso
somuch"

Il
ovehi
m and4year
slat
erIf
eelr
eady,Iwantt
o
beMrshi
m, Mr
sDlamini
andIwanthi
mt obe
Mrme.

Hesmi
l
ed,
Goshi
shecr
ying?Hei
scr
ying.
Me:
"Baby
"

Heclosedhi
sey esandbroughtmeinforati
ght
hug.Hesqueezedmef ordearl
if
ethenheletgo.

Tk:
"Thanky oumama, t
hankyouSthandwasam.
Ngi
yak't
handa,ngi
k'
thandaimpel
a"(Thanky
ou
mylove,Il
ov ey
ouforreal
)

Wekissed,
ourki
ssedescal
atedveryf
ast.He
pi
ckedmeupandputmeont hekit
chen
count
er.

Me:
"Wewi
l
lbur
nthef
ood.
"

Heswi
tchedof
fthest
oveandcamebackt
ome.
Tk:
"Let
'smakebaby1of7"

Ismi
led,
hei
scr
azy
.Iam notmaki
ng7mor
e
babi
es.

•
••REMOVED•
••

[
MrKunene]

Wegotin,
ther
ondav
elwasv
erydar
kand
cr
eepy
.

Assoonaswewal
kedi
n,hegr
unt
edand
gr
owled.
Mahlat
hini
:"Bekaumfanaphansi
,akuf
uneki
mfazil
a"(Puttheboydown,nowomani s
neededinhere)

Il
ookedatmywi
fe.

Me:
"Gowai
tformei
nthecar
"

Her
:"No!
!NoKunene,
I'
m notl
eav
ing"

Isi
ghed.

Mahlat
hini
:"Mfazi
ngi
thi
phuma!
!!
!"(
Woman!
!!I
sai
dgetout!!
)

Hisvoi
cehadchanged,i
twasver
ygruf
fand
scar
y.Shegotupandranoutqui
ckl
y.
Mahl
athi
ni:
"Uv
umelani
ukudl
alwawumfazi?
"
(
Whydoy oual
lowawomantoplayyou?)

Me:
"Angi
zwa?
"(Excuseme)

Mahl at
hini
:"Lomf azi
wakhoukusebenzi sel
a
umut hi
,ukwenzeukut hiungaphiki
saninaye,
yi
ngakhouv umelananakhokonkeakushoy o.
Awumbuzi nganiukuthi
uy azel
aphiiny
anga
enithumelela?"(Yourwifeisusi
ngmut iony ou,
shemadey out oobeyev er
ythi
ngshesay s,why
didn'ty
ouaskherhowsheknowst hetradi
tional
healerthatref
erredyoutome? )

Ikeptqui
te,
thi
shi
thar
d.Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hat
woman.
Mahlathini:
"Abaphansi bathukuthele,l
omf ana
udl
alengent ombazanaekungadl alwangay o.
Kuzomel eniyenzeumsebenzi wokuxol i
sa,
al
ungisei zi
ntoneyinganezakhe"( The
ancenstorsareangr y,hemessedwi thagi rl
that
shouldn'
tbemessedwi th.Thereshoul dbea
ceremonyper formedt oappeasewi ththe
ancestorsandal sofixthingswithhi skids)

Inodded.Hechant
edandt
hrewpl
ast
icsatme.

Mahl
athini:
"Vulaumlomowakhemanjeuf
ake
l
eyomithi"(Openhi
smouthandfeedhimthat
muti
)

Idi
dast
old.

Mahl
athi
ni:
"Angekeaphi
ndeakwazi
ukuhamba,
kodwauzophi
l
a."

Thismanget
sst
rai
ghtt
othepoi
nt,
hedoesn'
t
explai
nal
ot.

Hegotupandcametowher eSfi
sowasl y
ing.
Heappl
iedamutionhiswounds,hekepton
t
alki
ngi
nalanguagethatIdi
dn'
tunderst
and.

Sfi
sostar
tedshaki
ng,
shaki
ngv
erybad.Hegot
sweat
y.

Mahlathi
ni:"
Uzophaphama, manifi
kaegol i
niy
otholakukhonaumunt uonil
indi
le,
uyoxazulul
azonkeinki
ngazendodanay akho"
(Hewillwakeup,wheny ougett oJoburgy ou
wil
lfi
ndsomeonewai t
ingforyou,thatpersonis
thesolut
iontoyourson'sprobl
ems)
Inodded.

Mahlathini
:"Nayii
mithi.
..
lokumeleageze
ngawonsukuzonkemakageza, l
oawugcobise,
beselouzowuf akaekudlenikwakhe"(Herei
s
themut i
,thi
soneisf orbathi
ngeveryday
,thi
s
onehel oti
onswithitandt hi
sonegoesinhis
food)

Me:
"Ngy
abonga"(
Thanky
ou)

Mahlathi
ni:"Thatha,l
oowakho,ugezengawo
amehloekuseni mawuvukanasebusuku
mawuy ol
ala, beselouwufakaphansikwel
imi
"
(Thi
sonei sy ours,y
ouwashy oureyeswit
hit
ever
ymor ningandni ghtandthi
soneputit
underneathy ourtongue)
Inoddedandt
ook.

Mahl athini
:"Angifunilut
hookwamanj e,hamba
ungav aleli
si.Uzothimasekalulemeumf ana,
ubuyenay enizokhiphainkomoy am"(Idon't
wantanypay mentf ornow,youwi l
ll
eav eand
don'tsaygoodby e.Assoonast heboyhas
recovered, youshoul dcomebackwi t
hhi mto
pay)

Ipi
ckedSfi
soupandlef
t.Fi
ndi
ngmywi
fei
nthe
carIwassodi
sgust
ed.

Idr
oveof
finsi
l
ence.

Wi
fey
:"Whatdi
dhesay
?"
Me:
"Hewi
l
lbef
ine"

Fr
om t
henonwar
dswewer
equi
et.

[
Snet
hemba]

Myancestorsfi
nall
yreveal
edtomewher ethi
s
manstays,fr
om whatIgot,thi
smani st
roubl
ed
andneedsmyhel p.Idon'
twhybutIfeelaver
y
str
ongconnectionwit
hhim alt
houghIdon'
t
knowIdon'tknowhim.

Iwenttothegar
ageandgotinsi
demycar
.I
havetostar
tdri
vi
ngther
e.I
t'
snottoof
arf
rom
her
eany way.
#Goodni
ght
.
#Unedi
ted
Li
ke,commentandshar
e.

#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t35.

•
••2weeksl
ater
•••
[
Thokozani
]

Ihaveneverbeensohappyi nmyl i
fe,everyt
hing
i
shappeni ngsofastandI'
m soexcited.Ithi
nk
I'
m gonnal osemymindbecauseIcan' tseem to
beslowingdown.Iam athomei nuMl azi,who
wouldbet hebestpersontosharethisspecial
momenti fnotmymom?Wear egoingt obuya
ri
ngtogetherandshei ssoexci
tedthatfinal
ly
I'
llbeget t
ingmar r
ied,appar
ent l
ysheandt he
restoft hefamil
yhav ebeenwai t
ing.Mymom i s
not hingl i
kethosemoder nwomeny ousee, wit
h
allthemoneywehav eshest i
l
l wearst he
traditionalpri
ntdressesandshe' swear i
ngher
bestout fi
tthenithast obeat wopi eceanda
mat chinghatandt odayisthatday ,sheis
wear i
ngay el
lowtwopi ece,whichconsi stsofa
skirt,awhi tevestandy el
lowbl azeralongwi t
h
hery ell
owhat .

Me:
"Ma.
..
usumuhl
emanj e,asambephel
a"
(
Mom..
.y
oulookbeaut
if
ul now,l
et'
sgo)

Shecame,
looki
ngl
i
keaqueent
hatshei
s.

Dad:"
Sibongi
seni
uphat
hekahl
eumf
azwam"
(Tr
eatmywi f
ewell
)
Ismil
edandshookmyhead.Seei fitwas
accordi
ngtodad,hewouldbel
eavingwithus.
Hetendstothi
nkhecantakecareofmom
bett
erthatwecan,hel
ovesherl
ikethat.

Me:
"Ngi
zokwenzenj
alobaba"(
I'
ll
dot
hatdad)

Theyki
ssedandmom wal
kedt
othecar
.

Dad:"UngathengiiRingnomaiy i
phi,k'
meleibize
kubonakaleukuthiuMaMbat hay iMbali
yangempelaSibongi seni
,umaumt handa
ngempelaindandat hok'melei
sho"( Don'
tbuy
anykindofring,i
thast obeexpensi vetoshow
thatMaMbat haisar ealfl
ower.I
fy oureal
lylove
her,t
heringhast ospeakf ory
ou)
Inodded.

Dad:"Andthendomakesur
ethaty
oudon'
ttake
l
ongni nony
oko,k'
mel
esi
zokhul
uma."(
Wehave
total
k)

Me:"Okaybaba,I
'l
lmakesur
ethatshedoesn'
t
seecurt
ainsorpots"

Wel
aughedt
henIl
eft
.

Nt
okozo:
"Bhut
i"(
Brot
her
)

Nt
okozoi
smyspoi
l
tli
tt
lesi
ster
,shei
s17.

Me:
"Yah"
Ntokozo:"Pl
easebuymeadr
ess,
mom knows
i
t,she'
llshowyou"

Me:
"Howmanydr
essesdoy
ouhav
eNt
okoz
o"

Ntokozo:
"Hawubhut
ikodwa,
ngi
yak'
ncenga"
(
I'
m beggingy
ou)

Me:
"Okayshar
pNt
okozo"

Igott
othecaranddr
oveof
f.
Wegott
othemal
l
.

Mom:
"I'
m hungr
ySi
bongi
seni
"
ThewayIhatetheSi
bongi
seni
name!!Yoooh
andmyparentsal
waysmakesuret
or emindme
al
lthet
imethatit
'
smyname.

Me:
"Wej
ustar
ri
vednj
eMa"

Mom: "
Let'
sgother
e,Icoul
ddowi
thsome
st
reet
wisetwo"

Sheignor
edwhatIsai
dandpoi
ntedKFC.I
si
ghedandtookherhand,
wewalkedt
oKFC.

Shewentt of indaseatwhileIwenttoor der.I

orderedstreetwisetwoandcrunchbur gerthe
wayshel ov esthem andafantaorangeont op.
Asf orme,Iset t
ledforcokeonlybecauseIwas
verynervous,Ican'tst
omachany thi
ngr i
ght
now.
Icol
l
ect
edouror
derandsatdown.

Mom:
"Thanky
ou"

Shet
ookabiteofhermeatandchewedaf
ter
swal
l
owingshelookedatme.

Mom:
"Sot
ell
meabouther
"

Huh!
??I
ssheser
iousr
ightnow?

Me:
"HawuMa"

Shesmi
l
edandshookherhead.
Mom: "Youknowy oukidsoft odaytake
mar ri
agel ightly
,thereasonwhyy ourmar ri
ages
don'twor ki sbecauseofhowy oudot hi
ngs.
Sibongiseni Iwantyoutobet hemant haty our
fatheris,Iwanty outotreatthatgir
l l
i
keaqueen,
IknowI '
vebeeny ourqueenf orlongbutnow
shei sgoi ngt obey ourqueenThokozani andI
don'tev erwantt ohearhersay i
ngy ouhitheror
youdi dn'tsleepathomeory oucamehomel at
e
forwhat ev erreason.Not hi
ngmustbeabov e
yourmar riage,yourmarriagemustcomef i
rsti
n
everything. "

Iwassil
ent,
justli
steningtomybeaut i
ful
mom
tal
k.Themorewor dssheut ter
edisthemoreI
knewforsurethatIwantt odothis,
Iwantto
marryherwi
thoutasi ngledoubt.

Mom:
"Howdoesshemakey
ouf
eel
?"
Me: "
Ma. .
.y
oh,Idon'tev
enknowwhatt osay.
WhenIl ookather,ever
ythi
ngel
sear oundus
doesn'texi
st,
it'
sonlymeandher.Iloveherso
much, shemakesmehappyMa, Ican'teven
staymadatherev enwhenshegi v
esmer eason
to"

Shesmi
l
ed.

Mom: "
Andt hatmysoni
slov
e,t
hati
sreason
enoughforustogobuyt
hemostexpensi
ve
di
amondr i
ng"

Ismil
ed.Weat eandstar
tedourt
ourl
ooki
ngfor
theperf
ect.Mymom keptonsayi
ngnotoall
thebeauti
fulr
ingswesaw.
Wef i
nal
lywenttoPedroDasil
verj
ewel
ersi
t'
s
oneofthejewell
eryshopst
hathav
ethemost
expensi
verings.

Theminutewewal
kedi
nmom al
readysawt
he
per
fectr
ing.

Mom:
"Thatonei
stheonemyboy
,iti
stheone"

Wewenttot
heri
ngshepoi
nted,
itwasbr
onze
wi
thahugedi
amond.

Il
oveditt
oo,
itwoul
dbeper
fectf
orhert
iny
fi
nger
.

I
twasthemostexpensi
veri
nginthest
ore,
so
wi
thoutev
ent
hinki
ngtwice,
Iboughti
t.
Me:
"Il
ovei
tsomuchMa,
she'
sgonnal
ovei
t"

Mom:
"I'
m sur
eshewi
l
l.
"

Weboughtaf
ewthi
ngs,
incl
udi
ngNt
okozo'
s
dr
esst
henwelef
t.
Spendi
ngt
imewi
thmymom wasni
ce.

[
Snet
hemba]

Ifi
nall
ygott oseet hemanI'm supposetoget
marri
edto, it
'sbeent woweeksnow, hewoke
upbutstil
l confused.Hismotherdoesn'
tli
ke
memuchbutatl easthi
sfatheri
sagoodman.I
di
dn'ttel
lthem thatI'
m supposedtomar r
ythei
r
son,Ij
ustsai dIwassentbyancest orst
ocome
helpthei
rsonandi
tlookedl
i
ket
hef
atherwas
expecti
ngme.

Sori
ghtnowI'
vejustf
ini
shedpr
ayi
ng,
I'
m
dr
ivi
ngtoSfi
so'
shome.

Itookthebott
leofwat
erthatIprayedf
orand
tworedcandlesandwhit
ecandles.Iwantt
o
prayforhi
m andmakehim dri
nkt hewat
er.
.
..
..
..
..
.

Iar
ri
vedatt
heKunenehousehol
dandwas
wel
comedin.

Me:
"Sani
bona"(
Greet
ings)

MrK:
"Sawubonandodakazi
"(Gr
eet
ingsmy
daught
er)

Mr
sKunenemumbl
edsomet
hingandl
eft
.

MrK:"
Don'tmindhersi
si,
woul
dyoul
i
ke
somet
hingtodri
nk?"

Me:"Nobaba,I
'
mfine.I
'
dli
ket
obeal
onewi
th
Sf
isoifi
t'
sokaywi
thyou"

MrK:
"Nopr
obl
em,
Icant
akey
out
ohi
sroom"

Ist
oodup,wewal
kedt
oSf
iso'
sroom andMr
sK
wasther
e.

MrK: "
Cany
oupl
easegi
veSnet
hembasome
space"
Isensetensi
onbet
weent
hem,
ther
e'sal
ot
goingon.

MrsK:"I
'
m wit
hmysonandt
hati
snocr
ime,I
can'
tj
ustupandl
eav
emysonwit
hastr
anger
"

MrK:
"Awuphumemf
azi
"(Getoutwoman)

Shegotup,
gav
emeat
err
ibl
elookandl
eft
.

MrK:
"I'
l
lleav
eyout
oit
"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Hel
eft
,Iwentandsatnextt
ohi
m,hewas
asl
eep.

Me:"Idon'tknowwhy ,Idon'
thowbutIf eel
very
connectedtoy ou.Myancestor
swer eri
ght,t
hey
areri
ght.Youar eformeamdr ightnowI
promisethatI'
llhel
pyou,youwillbefi
ne"

Iwipedoffmytear
sandlitt
hecandles.I
kneeleddownandstar
tedpray
ing.

WhenIwasdonepr
ayi
ng,Iwentbackt
osi
tnext
t
ohim,hel
dhi
shand.Heopenedhisey
esand
l
ookedatme.

Me:
"Sawubona"(
Hel
l
o)

Hel
ookedshocked.
Sf
iso:
"You.
..
.I
..
.I
'
m sor
ry,
Ihi
tyouwi
thacar
"

Hi
swordswer
enotcl
ear
lyaudi
blebutIhear
d
hi
mri
ght.

Iclosedmyey esandsilentl
ycall
edmy
for
ef ather
s.Everyt
hingbecamecl earasaday,
thedayIgothi tbyacar ,befor
eIpassedout.
Hisfaceappear ed,heistheonet hathi
tme
witht hecar.

Ismi
l
ed.

Sf
iso:
"I.
..
I'
m sor
ry"

Ihel
dhi
shand.
Me:
"It
'sokay
,ithadt
ohappen"

Hefr
owned,hewon'
tunder
standbutsoonhe
wi
ll
.Ihel
pedhi
m dri
nkthewaterIbr
ought
.

Me:
"You'
l
lbef
ine"

It
hinkt
heconf
usi
onwasgone,
her
emember
s
wel
l.

Sf
iso:"
Mycompany ,
hot
el.
..
I.
..
lostev
ery
thi
ng,
mykidsand.
..
and.
..
"

Tear
srol
l
edoutofhi
sey
es.
Me:"
All
wil
lbewel
l
...
.i
thadt
ohappenSf
iso,
all
wi
ll
bewell
"

Iwipedoffhist
ear
s,ourey
esmet
,wel
ookedat
eachotherforawhi
le.

Me:
"Al
lwi
l
lbewel
l
"

Henodded.
Iwi
l
lhel
phi
m.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Thingsar
egreat,
I'
m happy
.I'
m gl
owi
ng
becauseofal
lthelov
eIgetfr
om myman.
TodayI'm spendi
ngt hedaywit
hmyf ami l
y.
Thatincl
udesMv el
o,hiswi
feandkids,Londeka,
husbandanddaught erandsheisglowing.The
pregnancysuitsherandthenofcoursemy
babies.
Icookedupast
orm,
wear
egat
her
edar
ound
thetabl
e.

Me:
"Sooooguy
s..
..
Thokozani
askedmet
o
mar
ryhi
m"

Londeka:
"Andddd?
"

Me:
"I.
..
sai
dyes"

Si
l
enceSi
l
enceSi
l
ence.
Londeka:
"Wow"

Me:
"Saysomet
hingguy
s"

Mv
elo:
"Iwantt
omeethi
m"

Okaynosur
pri
set
her
e.

Me:
"I'
l
lhav
ethatar
ranged"

Londeka:
"Congr
atul
ati
onsmnt
asebutwher
eis
theri
ng?"

Wel
aughed.

Ol
u:"
Uncl
eTki
saZul
uman,
I'
m sur
ehedi
dn'
t
seet
heneedt
opr
oposewi
thar
ing"

Wel
aughedsomemor
e,Iwi
l
lhi
tOl
uhl
e.

Me:
"Ol
uhl
eI'
l
lwhi
pyourass"

Theyall
congrat
ulat
edme,
morethanany
thi
ngI
wantedtoknowhowmykidsf
elt
.

Me:"Sobabi
es,howdoy ouf
eel
aboutmommy
get
ti
ngmar r
iedagai
n?"

Olu:"
Tobehonestwi thyoumom hadi tbeen
someoneel sewhoaskedf oryourhandin
marri
ageIwoul dworrybutknowingit'
suncl
e
TKI'm happyforyouandI'
mj usthappyin
generalbecauseIknowhemakesy ouhappy,
hel
ovesust
ooasy
ourki
ds"

Ismi
l
ed,
I'
m happy
.

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Gof
ori
tmom,
I'
m happyf
ory
ou"

Iknowhi
m,thel
ookonhi
sfacecansay
sthat
hemeansit
.

Sbani
didn'
tevencar
etol
ookatme,
shewas
complement
ingthef
ood.

Me:
"Sbani
"

Sbani
:"Mommy
"
Me:
"Mommyi
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed"

Shesmi
l
edandl
ookedatme.

Sbani
:"Okay
,Iwi
l
lbet
hef
lowergi
rl
"

Wow.
..
okay
.

Me:
"Ar
eyouhappyf
ormommy
?"

Sbani
:"OfcoursemommyandIt
hinky
ouwi
l
l
makeabeaut i
fulbr
ide"

Welaughedandhadourl
ovel
ylunchwi
thgood
l
aughs.
Myphoner
ang,
videocal
lfr
om t
hebaby
.

Me:
"Excusemeguy
s"

Iwentt
oanswer
.

Me:
"Baby
"

Thokozani
:"Mr
sDl
ami
ni"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"Unj
ani
baba"(
Howar
eyou?
"

Thokozani
:"Nowt
hatI'
mtal
kingt
oyou,
Ican
saf
elysayI'
m mor
ethangood"
Me:
"I'
m gl
ad"

Thokozani
:"UmuhleweMbal i
yam, uke
wazibonanj
e?"(Youarebeauti
ful
myf l
ower
,di
d
youeverseeyoursel
f?"

Whyi
shemaki
ngmebl
ush?

Me:
"Youal
sol
ookv
eryhandsome"

Thokozani
:"Imi
ssyou,
ziphi
inganezami
?"
(Wherearemykids)

Myhear tj
ustmelt
ed.Ionlygott
oseethese
kindofmeninthemov i
esandnev erdi
dIever
thinkonedayI
'l
lbehavingoneasmyman.
Me:"Theyareal
latt
hedini
ngr
oom,
wear
e
hav
inglunchwit
hthefam"

Wespokef
orawhi
l
eandendedt
hecal
l
.

I
'
m soi
nlov
e.

Iwentbackt
ojoi
nev
ery
one.

Mv
elo:
"Akasabl
ushi
nje"(
She'
sbl
ushi
ng)

Wel
aughed,
mxm t
heymustl
etmebe.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght
Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.

#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t36.

[
Thokozani
]

Ij
ustgotofft
hecallwit
hmyl ady
.Mydad
summonedme, apparentl
yhewantstogui
de
meandt al
ktomeaboutcer t
ainthi
ngs.

Dad:
"Hl
alaphansi
ndodana"(
Sitdownson)

Itookasi
t.Hepouredmeaglassofwhi skey,
mydadhar dl
ydoesthat
.Hehardlyshar
eshis
fi
neandexpensi
vebottl
esofwhiskeyswithus.
Dad:
"Si
bongi
seni
"

Me:
"Baba"

Dad:"Inganiwenaut heufunaukushada
uMaMbat ha?Uyothumelani nioMal ume
bayokumel a?Phelawenaawushol utho,uv
ele
wathiuy oshadauMaMbat ha"(I
sn'tthatyousaid
youwantt omarryMaMbat ha?Whenar eyou
sendingt heuncl
estor epresentyou?Youar e
notsay i
ngany t
hing,youjustsaidy ouwanna
marryher )

Me:"Bengi
saz
okut
shel
ababa"(
Iwasgonnat
ell
youdad)

Dad:
"Okay
,ngi
l
alel
e"(
I'
mli
steni
ng)
Me: "
Iwanttopr oposef ir
stthenI
'l
ltal
ktoheri
n
ter
msofsendi ngt heuncl es,
angi
shonay e
kumeleazi
lungiselele,azi
senomndeni wakhe"
(Sheshoul
dalsopr eparehersel
fandlether
famil
yknow)

Dad:
"Ohhhhai
i
ingi
yezwa,
sowhenar
ewe
meeti
ngher
?"

Me:
"I'
l
lbr
ingheral
ongnextweek"

Henoddedandsi
ppedonhi
swhi
skey
.

Dad:
" Doy
ouknowwhyI
'
m shar
ingt
hiswhi
skey
ofminewit
hyou"

See?It
oldy
ou,
ther
e'sal
way
sar
easonbehi
nd
t
hewhi
skeyshar
ing.

Me:
"NoSi
bal
'
khul
u,Idon'
tknow"

Dad: "
BecauseI'
m pr oudofy ouson, marri
agei s
averybigstepandi ttakesar ealmant owant
tosettl
edownandst ar taf
ami lyofhisown.I
wanty outorespecty ourwife,donotuset he
"I
'mthemanment ali
t y"iny
ourmar r
iage,
it'
sa
veryoldandboringst atement.Womenwantt o
betreatedl
ikeQueensandy ou'l
lseeeverythi
ng
wil
l r
unsmoot hl
y."

Inodded.

Dad:"I
'
vebeenmarri
edtoy
ourmom for32
year
sanddoy ouwantt
oknowthesecrett
oour
marri
age?
"
Me:
"Yes"

Dad: "
Iasknoquest ions,Ij
ustli
stenanddoas
shesay s,woment endt owhineal otwhenyou
don'tl
istent ot hem.Askherf oradv i
ceinmost
thi
ngs, al
way sassur eherthatshe'simport
ant
andspeci al.Nev erev erwalkawaywhenshe' s
shoutingaty ou,li
stenbutalsodonotanswer
hereveni fsheasksy ouaquest i
onbecause
youmi ghtanswerheri nawr ongwayandt he
fi
ghtescal ates, l
astl
ynev ereverbeatawoman,
takehert ot hebedr oom andt al
ktoherwhile
sheispant ingandsweat i
ng,you'
llseemyson,
yourmar ri
agewi l
ll
astf or
ever"

Ilaughed,
womanar eahandf
ulbutwi
thaman
l
ikemydad, Icanhandl
eit
.
Me:
"Thanksf
orthegui
dancebaba,
Ifeel
ready
t
ocli
mbintot
hisnewchapter
"

Hesmil
edandnodded,wehadourwhiskey
whi
let
alki
ngaboutt
hingsoft
hepast
.

[
Snet
hemba]

Myancest orshaver evealedal otofthingst o

me, i
t'
sal otandIdon' tknowwher etost art
deali
ngwi t
ht hem butIhav eto.Oneoft hem
beingSf i
so'sdaught erbeingsi ck,unfort
unat el
y
therit
ual cannev erbedonewi t
hSf i
sosi ck,so
theygav emeasol ution.MrKunenehast o
slaughteragoatf ort hechil
d, burnimpephoand
i
nt r
oducehert otheancest ors.Thenshehast o
wearisphandl a(Thegoatski n)andt hent he
secondpr oblem issomewhi tewomanwho
clai
mst obecar r
y i
ngSf iso'
schi l
d.Ialready
knowt hatshewaslyi
ngandonami ssi
onto
destr
oySf i
soandthenlast
lySfi
sowas
supposedt onev
erwalkagainbutIgotthe
sol
utiontomakinghim walkagai
n.Ihonestl
y
haveal ott
odealwit
hbutIknowwi t
hmy
ancestorsonmyside,I
'l
lconquer.

RightnowI '
m wit
hSfi
so,Ihav
et oletthem
knowabouthel pi
nghi
sdaught erbef
oreit'
stoo
l
ate,atleastheis,
get
ti
ngbetter.

Me:
"Sf
iso"

Hel
ookedatme.

Sf
iso:
"Mmm"
Me:"Ibeli
evethemot herofyourdaught
ercame
toyoulookingforhelp,wehavetohelpher
soonerbeforeit
'stoolate,
Ihaveasolut
ion,I
onl
yneedy outogi vemeagoaheadandal so
contacther
"

Sfi
so:
"Ohhyes,Si
mi.Iwassupposedt
odoa
cer
emonyforthechi
ld.
"

Me: "
Okayit'
sgonnabehar dtodoitwit
hy ou
sti
ll
sickl
ikethis,
soy ouhavetocont
actthe
motherofyourchildandaskhertocome,
ther
e'sasolut
iontoallthi
s".

Henoddedandt ookhisphone.Whi l
ehewason
callwi
thherIdecidedgooutandt al
kt oMr
Kuneneaboutthiswholesi
tuat
ion.YouseeI '
m
thatonepersonwhohatesjumpingst eps,
Ili
ke
doingthi
ngsstepbystepsohelpingSf i
soget
hi
slif
ebackIdeci
dedthatwehav
et ostar
tby
appeasi
ngtohi
sancestor
sanddoingri
ghtby
hi
skids.

[
Oyi
ntando]

I'
mj ustseat edreadingKwant ut hu,oneoft he
stori
eswr i
ttenbyMi nenhleManqel eon
facebookandI '
mt hi
nkingwow! !Havingt olov
e
aper sononl ytof i
ndt hatyouar eactuallyfamil
y,
Iwoul ddier eal
ly.Alexisisv erystronghonest ly
,
asI'mr eading,enjoyingmy selfandt alking
alone,I'
m di st
urbedbyt heintercom.Ar gggh
whocoul ditbe?Can' tagi r
l enjoyhercompany ?
Imeanev enmyr ascal sarenotar oundsoGod
reall
ygr antedmet histime.

Iwentbuzzedtheper
soni
nandwai
tedatt
he
door
.Deli
veryguy.
Hi
m:"Goodev
eningma'
am,
del
i
ver
yforMi
ss
Oy
int
andoMbatha"

Me:
"That
'sme"

Isi
gnedfori
tandtookthebox,ahugebox.
OkaynothugehugebuthugeifyougetwhatI
mean.Whatift
here'
sasnake?

Arggghhhstopov
ert
hinki
ngOyi
,thi
sisr
eall
i
fe
notmov i
es,
ehocoul
dpossibl
ysendyoua
snake?

It
hankedt
heguyandwentt
osi
tdown.
Iopenedtheboxandther
eloui
sVuit
tonpoi
nty
heel
s,alongreddr
essandanecklace.
Accompani
edbyal
ett
ert
hatr
ead.
..

"Ngy aziukuthiangi
yenaubhut iMaRomance,
kodwast handwasam y ekaumona, ngizamil
e.
Cany oupleasegetready ,
I'
ll
besendingadr iv
er
tocomepi ckyouupi nanhour .Ndoday akho
i
y akuthanda"(IknowI'm notbrotherr
omance
butdon' tbejealousmyl ove,It
ri
ed..
..
..
.yourman
l
ov esy ou)

Ibl
ushed,
thi
smannev
erceasest
oamazeme.
Irantomybedroom,putthecl
othesonthebed
andwenttoshower.AssoonasIwasdone, I
di
dmymakeup, fi
xedmyhairandgotdressed.
Thedressl
ookssogoodonme, Iref
useto
beli
evemyveryownShakaZuluboughtit,
someonemusthav ehel
pedhim.
Anywayaspromisedthet
ransportwasherei
n
anhour,
Iwonderwhat'st
heoccasion.It
ri
ed
cal
l
inghim buti
ttookmetovoicemail
.

I
nl essthananhourwewer eatthisbeautif
ul
place,i
thaddimmedcol our
edlights.I
tlooked
l
ikeaclubandar est
aurantatthesamet i
me, i
t
wasnotf ull
ypacked.It
'sli
keitwasapl acef or
BEEsorwhat evertheycallt
hosepeopl ewho
haveal otofmoney .

Iwalkedinandspott
edmyzul uguyinabl
ack
tux.Helookedsogorgeous.
..
handsomeImean.
Hewal
kedupt
ome.Imi
ssedhi
m.

Thokozani
:"Mama"

Heki
ssedmeandt
ookmyhand.
Me:
"Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
mey
ouwer
eback?
"

Thi
sguywasi
nKZNl
astt
imeIchecked.
Hesmi l
edanddidn'
tanswer.Wewenttot
akea
sit
,damnthi
splaceissonice,I
'
m put
ti
ngonthe
l
istofmyfavour
itepl
aces.

Thokozani
:"Imi
ssedy
ousomuch,
youl
ook
appeti
zi
ng"

Il
aughed,ofal
lthewor
dshecouldusedto
descr
ibehowbeauti
ful
Iam hehadtochoose
appet
izi
ng.

Me:
"Thanky
oubaba,
it'
sal
lyou"
Oneladybr
oughtt
wogl
assesofchampagnet
o
us.

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Shenoddedandl
eft
.

Me:
"What
'st
heoccasi
onbaby
?"

Justt
hensomeonespokeont
hespeaker
s.

"Ladiesandgentlemen, mybrotherlaidhi
seyes
ont hisbeauti
ful
ladyandwhenhet oldme
abouther ,It
houghthewasgoi ngcr azyor
somet hingbecauseall
hekeptont alki
ngabout
wasmar ri
age,evenbeforet
heybecamel over
s,
heal r
eadyknewt hathewasgoi ngt omar r
yher,
Ij
ustl
aughedathim butl
it
tl
edidIknowthathe
wasseri
ousandtodayhewantstoaskthis
beaut
if
ull
adytomarryhim,inf
rontofal
lofyou"

NcooohIfounditver
ycute,
Iwonderwhothat
guyi
sandwher etheyar
eseated,
Ihopeshewill
sayyes.

Andthentherewasabrightl
i
ghtt
hatwentt
o
thewall
..
..
thewordscame

"MaMbat
ha,Sthandwasam,
Mawenganezam
ezi
y10.
..
wil
lyoumar r
yme"

Ijustf
roze,
theli
ghtthencametoshi
nebright
onmeandThokoz ani
,bri
ngi
ngall
theat
tenti
on
tous,Thokozaniwasonhisknee.
Thokozani
:"Mama"

Hel
ookedner
vous.

Me:
"Baby
!!
!Yesss,
yesI
'
llmar
ryy
ou"

Heinsert
edthering,OhhhmyGod!!
!Sucha
beaut
iful
rock.Tearsmadethei
rwaydone.

Hest
oodupandgav
emeat
ightsqueeze.

"Andjustl
iket
hatmybr
otheri
snol
ongera
bachelor
"

Onl
ythendi
dIr
eal
i
set
hati
t'
sMkhusel
i
'sv
oice,
I
l
aughed.
Thokozani
keptonki
ssi
ngme.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t37.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Ikeptl
ooki
ngatmyring,
it'
sthemostbeaut
if
ul
ri
ngI'
veeverl
aidmyeyesto.

Thokozani
:"Doy
oul
i
kei
t?"

Iguessheal
sonot
icedhowmuchI
'
vebeen
l
ooki
ngati
t.

Me:
"Il
ovei
tbaby
"

Heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Thokozani
:"I
'
m gl
ady
oudo,
sohowwasmy
proposal
?"

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:"I
twasonpoi
ntbaba,
Ilov
edev
erymoment
ofi
t"

Hel
aughed,t
hisguyf
indsbei
ngromanti
cfunny
.
Hesay
sthesethi
ngsareforwhi
tesonl
y.
Mkhusel i
madehi swaytous,foral
ltheti
me
we'vebeensi t
ti
ngher
e,I
'veseenhim wit
h5
di
fferentgir
ls,
Iwonderwhatgoesoni nhi
s
mind.

Mkhu:
"MrandMr
sDl
ami
ni,
niseRi
ght
?"

Me:"NotyetMr
sDlami
nibutt
oanswery
our
quest
ion,
wearegood"

Mkhu:"AychaMaMbathaki
minausuwu
MaDlamini
"(Tomeyouareal
readyMrsDl
ami
ni)

Ismi
l
ed,
thi
sguyi
scr
azy
.

Thokozani
:"Mfet
huminanoMamasiyahamba
manje,i
zobonana"(
Browear
eleav
ing,I
'
llsee
y
ou"

Mkhu: "
Shonihambekahl e,konjesi
thi
niisingi
si
?
Congratul
ati
onsony ourengagement ,
letme
al
sogoandl ookf oroneladytogowi t
h"( Go
well
,whatdot heysayinEnglish?)

Thokozani
shookhi
shead,Ilaughed.Webi
d
hi
m goodbyeandwentout
side.

Thokozani
:"Mama"

Me:
"Baba"

Thokozani
:"Uhambanam angi
sho?We
spendi
ngthenightt
oget
heratmyplace?
"
Hel
ookscut
ewhent
ryi
ngt
omakemeagr
ee.
Inodded.Wewentt
ohi
scar
.

Thokozani
:"St
handwasam"

Me:
"Baby
"

Thokozani
:"Ngy
ak'
thanday
ez"(
Ilov
eyou,
you
know)

Ismi
l
ed,
Ilov
ehi
mtoo.

Me:
"Nam ngy
ak'
thanda"(
Ilov
eyout
oo)

Thokozani
:"Yoooh!
!!
!If
eel
li
kest
andi
ngont
op
oft
heroofandl
etev
ery
oneknowhowmadl
yin
l
oveIam"

Me:
"Goanddoi
tsuper
man"

Helaughedandcamecl
oserf
oraki
ss,
we
shar
edapassionat
eki
ss.
Het
hent
ookadeepbr
eat
heandst
art
eddr
ivi
ng.

Whenwear
ri
vedathi
spl
ace,
Iwassocol
d.

Me:
"BabyI
'
m socol
d..
..
Ithi
nkIneedashower
"

Thokozani:"
Aybaby,hamboshower ,
I'
m not
j
oini
ngy ou.Angekengigezekani
ngimina"(
Go
andshower ,
I'
m notbathingagai
n)
Il
aughedandwenttoshower,
Ithenwentt
ohis
cl
osettoi
nvadei
t.Iwantsomethi
ngtowear
.
Ifoundasweatpantalt
houghit'
sbigbutitwi
ll
havetodoandnowat -
shir
t.Il
ookedthrough
andwhatIfoundthereIneverexpect
ed.
Apict
ureofhi
m andsomegi
rllooki
ngallcoz
y
andandatthebacki
twaswri
tten"Youmight
havemovedonbutI'
l
lnev
ereverstoplov
ing
you"
It
'shi
shandwr i
ting.Myhear
tstart
edbeati
ng
fast
.Soproposedbuthehasn'tgott
enoverhi
s
exorwhateverthisgi
rli
stohi
m.
OhnoIcan'
tbearebound,
hecan'
tbewi
thme
knowi
nghelov
essomeoneelse.
Iwentoutofthecl
oset ,satont opofthebed
andrequest
eduber,Ithenwentbackt ofinda
toptoputon.Iwasnowi ntears,Ipul
l
edat -
shir
tandadressfel
l,Ileftonthef l
oor,woret
he
t-
shir
tandwalkedout.
Thokozani
:"Babyy
ou'
ve.
..
..
"

Itookmyphoneandmyshoesandpushedhi
m
outofmyway.Iwasbaref
oot
ed,asIwas
runni
ngdownthest
air
shefol
l
owedme.

Thokozani
:"Baby
,mamawhat
'shappeni
ng?
"

Ii
gnor
edandranout
, myuberwast
her
e.Igot
i
nandlef
thi
m shout
ingmyname.

Theuberarr
ived,
Igotof
fandmadesur
etolock
thegat
e.AssoonasIgotinsi
det
hehouseIsat
onthecouchandcri
ed.

Whywoul
dThokozani
dot
hist
ome?Am Ia
rebound?Okayfine!
!!Fi
ne..
.l
et'
sjustsayhei s
overhisexnow, whyishest i
l
lkeepingthe
pict
ure?Fineagain,
let'
ssayhekepti tasa
memor y,whataboutthemessageatt heback
ofthepict
ure?Andt hedress?
OhhellnoI'
m notabouttomarrysomeonewho
sti
l
llov
eshisex,Ican'
t,Iwon'
t.GodknowsI'
ve
hadmyf ai
rshareofpainandI'
m notaboutt
o
l
etamanhur tme.
Myphonekeptonr i
ngingasIkeptoncr
ying.
Godsheissobeautif
ul,shei
sdamngorgeous.
I
'm beaut
if
ulbutI
'
m not hi
ngcl
osetowhatshe
i
s.

Myphoner
angfort
heupteentht
ime,
Iignor
ed
andt
henamessagepoppedin.

"Babyit
'snotwhatI
tlooksl
i
ke..
.Godmylov
eI'
m
sorry
,pl
easeopenthegate,
I'
m outsi
de"
It
ext
edhi
m back
"LeaveThokozani
,Iwon'tanswermyphonenor
willIopenmygateforyou!Leaveandnever
comeback.Gobackt othel ov
eofyourli
fe,
I'
ll
havey ourr
ingdel
i
vered"

Iswitchedoffmyphoneandwentupst ai
rsto
mybedr oom.Igoti
nsidethebedandcr i
ed,
the
smell onhi
sclot
hes,Il
ovehim..
.ohGodIlove
him somuch.Icri
edmy selft
osleep.

[
Thokozani
]

I'
veneverbeensoscar edinmywhol eent
ireli
fe,
whenIsawherwear ingmycl othesy
etcr
yingI
knewthatit
'ssomethingt hathadtodowit
h
whatshefoundinmycl osetandwhenIsawt he
pi
ctureandthedressonthefl
oorIknewt
hat
I
'm screwed.HowcouldIbesostupi
d?
I'
m overSamkeli
siweandIgotoverheryears
ago.HowInev ert
houghtofremovi
ngt hese
thi
ngsisbeyond.

I'
m nowparkedoutsi
deOy i
'
sgat
e,I
'
mtr
yingt
o
call
herbutherphoneisnowoff
.
Whatdidshemeanshe'l
l havemyr ingdel
i
ver
ed?
Shecan'tl
eaveme,Iwon'tsurv
ive.Imadea
mistakebutIdol
oveher.Jesus!!
!WhathaveI
done?

Itr
iedcal
li
ngher,hopingthatbyluckshe'l
l
answerbutitsti
l
ltookmet ovoicemailand
i
nsteadIsawt heli
ghtsofherhousegoi ngof
f.

Isi
ghedandj
ustdr
oveof
f.Imessedup,
Ireal
l
y
messedup.

[
Sfi
so]

Ifeelbet
ter,
alt
houghmyhearti
sstil
lbr
oken
aboutthelossofcompanyandhotel
.
Snethembakeepsonsay i
ngIshoul
dletitgo
andfocusonr ebui
l
dingmysel
fbuthonestl
yit
's
notthateasy.
SpeakingofSnethemba,If
eelsomet hi
ngso
deepforher,Idon'
tknowwhatitisbecauseI'v
e
neverfel
tli
kethisbef
orebutallIknowisthatI
don'twannaletgoofthi
sfeel
ing.
Sheisagoodper
son,
sher
eal
l
yhel
pedmeal
ot.
Ibel
i
eveshewasGodsent
.
I
'vejustfi
nishedtakingashower,i
t'
sver
yhar
d
gett
ingthingsdonebecauseI'm ona
wheelchairbutI'
ml uckymydadhelpsmewit
h
mostt hings,
Iwouldn'tbecomfort
ablebeing
assistedbymom wi thsomet hi
ngs.AlsoI
sensesomeser i
oustensionbetweenmom and
dad, I
'
dliketoknowwhati tisbuttodayI'
l
lleti
t
sli
debecauseSi miisonherwaysowehav eto
tal
kaboutmor eser
iousthings.

Dad:
"Ar
eyoudoneson?Yourguesti
sher
e"

Me:
"I'
m donedad"

Hepushedmeout ,
Ifeelsoembarrasedand
ashamedofmy self
.Inev erev
enhadthe
decencyt
otell
myf amil
yaboutmydaughter
andnowshe's3y earsold.

If
oundthem si
tt
ingatt
helounge,
Samilooked
weakandshehadlostwei
ghtcomparedtothe
l
astt
imeIsawher
.

Me:
"Si
mi,
hel
l
o"

Si
mi:
"HeySf
iso"

Ii
ntr
oducedhert
oev
ery
one.

Dad:"
Nicetomeety
ouSimi,mysonnev
ert
old
usaboutyouory
ourdaught
er"
.

Me:"AndIapologise,Idon'
tknowwhathad
gott
entomebutwhatI 'vebeent
hroughthe
pastweekshasbeenawakeupcal ltome, I
wannadot hi
ngsright.IcanseeSami i
sreal
ly
si
ckandI'm sorr
ySi mi"
Simi:
"It
'sokaySfiso,Ihear
daboutyour
si
tuati
onalthoughit'
sbeenhardformebutI
hadtounder st
and"

Me:"
Snehasanotherpl
ant
ohel
pSami
,Sne
cany
oupleaseex
plain"

Shehadal
readytol
dmypar
ent
sbutnowshe
want
stoexplai
ntoSimi
.

Sne: "
OkaySi minicetomeety ouandyour
beautiful
girl
.I'
m sorryaboutwhatyouare
goingthrough,itmustbehar d.Anywaysi
nce
therehast obeacer emonyper f
ormedforyour
chil
d,itwon'tbeeasywi thSfi
sosti
llsi
ck
howev erthere'
sasol ut
ion"

Sheexpl
ainedev
ery
thi
ng,
theyagr
eedt
hatt
he
r
it
ual
wil
lbeper
for
medassoonast
omor
row.

Wehadl
unchandt
henSi
mil
eft
.
Snecamet osi
twit
hmei nmyroom,wejust
engagedinaconv
ersat
ionandl
aughedhere
andther
e.

Me:
"Thanky
ouSne"

Sne:
"Don'
tthankme"

It
ouchedherhand,
oureyesmetandt
hent
her
e
wasanawkwardsil
ence.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t38.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Honestl
y,Idon'
tknowwhathurtsthemost.The
f
actthatIfoundhisex'
sstuf
forthemessage
t
hatdeclareshi
sloveforhi
sex.
..t
helov
ethat
wi
llbeforever
.
Idon'
tknowhowIendedupasleepbutIf
inal
l
y
sl
eptandnowthati
t'
smorning,I
'
m awake
si
tti
ngonmybed,Ican'
tev
enseem togetout
ofbed.Myeyesar
esoheavy,Ibett
heyare
swoll
en.
Sigh*
*Ideci
detoswi
tchonmyphoneandcal
l
Ndekatocheckonmykids,Imi
sst
hem.They
shoul
dcomebackhomet oday.
Assoonasmyphonei
son,
Igett
onsof
messagesandmissedcal
l
sfrom Thokozani
andsomev oi
cemail
messages,
Iignorethem
andcal
lmysister
.

Londeka:
"Mnt
akaMa"(
Mom'
schi
l
d)

Me:
"Heysi
s,howar
eyou?
"

Ndeka:
"I'
m good,
howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I'
m good,
Iwantmyki
ds"

Shechuckl
es.

Ndeka:"
Nobabiesofmi newi l
lcomebackwhen
youaresti
l
lfeel
ingthewayt hatyouar
efeel
i
ng,
f
ixitt
henI'
lldr
ivethem back"
Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?Howam If
eel
i
ng?
"

Sheknowsmet oowel
l
,pr
obabl
ymor
ethanI
knowmy sel
f.

Ndeka:"MntaseIwon' tf
orcei
toutony ou,
you'l
l
tal
kwheny ouar ereadytotal
kbutI'
m not
bri
ngingthekidsback.Thesekidshavebeen
exposedtonegat i
veenvir
onmenttoomuch, not
anymore"

Isi
gh,she'
sri
ght
.I'
m notgoodandwhenI
'
m not
good,
Iwon'tbegoodcompanytomybabies.

Me:
"Okayt
hen"
Tear
sar
enowont hever
geofcomingout
,I'
m
l
ooki
ngatmyr
ing.Il
ovethatman.

Me:
"Iwantt
ovent
"

I
'
m nowcr
ying.

Ndeka:
"I'
m al
lear
sordoy
ouwantmet
ocome
over
?"

Me:
"Noi
t'
sokay
,I'
l
ltal
kri
ghtnow"

Ndeka:
"Okay
?"

Me:"
Soyest
erdayThokozani
final
l
ypr
oposed
wi
thari
ng.
..
."
Shescr
eams!!
!!OhmyGodLondeka!Imanage
togi
ggl
ethr
oughthet
ears.

Me:
"Shutup..
.sothenwedeci
dedt
ogospend
t
henightathi
splace"

It
ellherever
ythingassheisli
steni
ng
at
tenti
vely
,I'
mr eleasi
ngl
i
tresoftears.

Me: "Itwouldhav ebeenbet teri

fitwasjusta
pictureLondekabutt hemessageont hepictur
e!
Doy ouunder standt hathecouldstil
lbeloving
her?I tclear
lyst atedthathewi l
lfor
everloveher
andt hent hedress?Ther e'
snowayhewoul d
tell
met hathef or gottogetridofit
,healway s
getscl othesfrom hi sclosetandthatdressis
j
ustatt hefront, i
ttookonepul lofaT-shir
tforit
t
ofal
l
"

Ndeka:"IgetwhatyoumeanandIwouldbejust
asangrybuthearhim outandal
sotel
lhi
m how
youfeel
, Imeanyoulovethi
sguysoyoucan'
t
j
ustgiveup"

Idon'
tknow,
I'
m scar
edofheartbr
eak.Iwoul
d
diei
fhewastosayhesti
l
llovesher.

Me:
"Okayt
hanksf
orl
i
steni
ng"

Ndeka:
"Al
way
sbabe"

Me:"
Bye.
..
pleaseki
ssmykidsf
orme,God!
!I
mi
ssthem somuchandit
'sonl
ybeenaday"
Shelaughedandpr
omi
sedt
oki
sst
hem bef
ore
hangingup.

Ithenwentandl
ist
enedtoThokozani
's
Voicemai
lmessages,
Ithenwenttoreadhi
s
texts.

"BabyIknowImessedup,Idon'
tl
oveher
anymore..
.y
ouar
etheloveofmylif
e"

"
Myloveit
'sf
iney
oucanbeangr
yal
lyouwant
j
ustdon'
tl
eaveme"

"
MamaIagr eeI
'
m afoolbutI
'my
ourf
ool
baby
,
Afool
thatwoul
ddi
ef oryou"

"
Sthandwasam Ican'
tsl
eep"
If
oundmy
sel
fsmi
l
ingatt
hel
astmessage.

Ionl
ymanagedtoreadf
ewoft
hemany
messageshesent
.
He'
sbeencal
l
ingev
enaf
termi
dni
ght
.

Ifi
nall
ydecidet ogetupandt akeashowert hen
gocheckhowt hingsareatthestore.Lat
eron
I'
m meet i
ngupwi t
hCeleste,wehavebought
anotherbuil
ding,Wear eopeningyetanother
bouti
quei nPretoriaCBD..
..
mor emoneyand
morecr eati
onofj obs.

JustasIwasheadingtotheshowermyphone
rang.
..
itwasanunsavednumber.
Me:
"Oy
int
andohel
l
o"

"
Babypl
easedon'
thangup.
..
I"

Hesi
ghedf
ir
st.

Thokozani
:"I
'
m outsi
de.
..
.ngi
cel
'ungi
vul
ele
mama"( Pl
easeopenupforme)

Iwentt
othebal
conyandhewasreal
l
yther
e,
who'
sphoneisheusi
ngtocal
lme?

Ihungup,putonagownandwent
downstai
rs.
..
Ibuzzedhi
mi nandsatont
he
couchwaiti
ngforhimtocomein.

Secondsl
aterhegot
,wal
ki
ngsl
owl
yli
keachi
l
d
whogotbustedsteal
i
ngsugar,hehadabunch
offl
owers.Hewaswear i
ngashort
,vestandfl
i
p
fl
ops.
..
haditbeenanotherday
,Iwoul
dhav e
l
aughed.

[
Thokozani
]

Ididn'tsleepatal l
,Ihadaf ewgl assesof
whiskeyhopi ngtheywoul dknockmeoutbuti t
didn'twor k.Themor egl assesIdrankitwasthe
mor esoberandawar eIbecame.Isatupal l
ni
ght ,textingandcallingher.Iwaspr act
ical
ly
waitingf ormor ni
ng.AssoonIsawt hati
twas
mor ningIshower edjusttogetridofthealcohol
smel landheadedt obuyherf lowers.
Andnowher eIam,walkingslowlyi
n,I'
m even
grat
efulthatsheopenedupf orme.Shel ooks
sadmor ethanangry,Icantel
l t
hatshe'
sbeen
cryi
ng,hereyesareabitswollen.
Me:
"Mama"

Shekeptqui
et.Isatnextt
oher..
.Thoughtof
touchi
ngherbutdecidedagai
nstit
,Idon'
t
wannaupsether.

Me:"
Sawubonast
handwasam"(
Greet
ingsmy
l
ove)

Oy
i:"
Hy"

Isl
owl
yt ouchedherhandandwhenIsawthat
shewasnotpushingme, It
ookherwhol
ehand
i
ntomine.

Me:
"BabyI
'
m sor
ry,
Igotov
erheral
ongt
ime
ago,ev
enbeforeImetyou.
..
.IknowIshould
havegott
enri
dofthepict
ureandthedr essbutI
don'
tknowhowInev ert
houghtofit
.Iwon'tli
e
andsayIfor
gotbecauseIj
ustneverthoughtof
i
t"

Tear
smadethei
rwaydownhercheeks.
..
Idon'
t
wanthert
ocr
y,Ihat
eseei
nghercr
y.

Oyi:"
Thokozani doyouunder standhowdeep
themessagey ouwr oteont hatpictureis?I thas
measki ngmy sel fi
fI'
m saf einthisrelationship,
i
fonedayIwon' twakeupt oy ousay ingy ouar e
getti
ngbackt ot hewoman" Youwi llnev erstop
l
ov i
ngev enifshemov edon" ,i
tmakesme
wonderhowdeepy ourl ov
ef ormei s, howy our
l
ov eforheris.Itmakesmewonderi foneday
youwon' tst
artcompar i
ngmet oheral l
becausey ou'l
lbemi ssingher ,
itmakesme
wonderifsomedayIwon'tbeexpectedt
oact,
behave,
dress,tal
kli
keheral
lbecauseyou'
l
l
for
everl
ov eherbutcan'
tbewit
hhersoIhav e
tobeher?"

Ihur
ther
,shei
ssohurtandIcant
ell
howmuch
shel
ovesme,Il
ovehersomuch.
Iwentdownonbot
hmyknees,
Iwasnowi
n
tear
stoo.

Me: "
BabyImessedup, Ishouldhav egot tenrid
oft hem butIpromisey ou, Iswearonmygr and
father'
sgr aveI'
m overher ,Ifeelabsolutel
y
nothingforher ,
notev enat i
nybitoflove.Al lof
myhear tbeat sforyou,Ibur nedt hem yesterday.
Icanev ensel lt
hathouseandgetanewone
sthandwasam, Ngy axolisamama, Ican'tliv
e
withouty ou.Iwouldratherdi ethantol i
v e
withouty ouandmyki ds"
Iwasalsointear
s,I'
veneverfel
tanythi
ngli
ke
thi
sbefor
e.Letalonebeingthi
sscaredof
l
osingaperson.Ili
ter
all
yburnedthosethi
ngs
i
mmedi at
elywhenIgotbackhome.

Ihel
dherhandt
ight
.Shewasnotl
ooki
ngatme.

Me:
"Pl
easedon'
tl
eav
eme"

Shel
ookedatme.

Oyi
:"Doyoupr
omi
set
haty
oudon'
tl
oveher
any
mor e?
"

Me:"
Ipromisebaby
,IswearIdon'
tev
enl
i
keher
.
Youar
et heonl
ywomanf orme"
Oy
i:"
Sukuma"(
Standup)

Igotupandsatnextt
oher

Oy
i:"
Ilov
eyou"

Youshoul
dallmyinsi
desr
ightnow,
those3
magi
calwordsar
ewhatIneededtohear.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouev
enmor
e"

Iki
ssedherf
oreheadandhuggedhersot
ight
,
l
ikemyli
fedependedonthi
shug.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght

Tobecont
inuedt
omor
row.

#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t39.

[
Sfi
so]

Thel it
tleri
tual forSami wentwel l
,that
'sof
cour seaccor dingt oSnet hemba.Wehav enow
arrangedt odoal ittl
ecer emonyi nwhichIhav e
toapol ogiset omyancest orsandmake
amendswi t
hOy iandt heki ds.I
'mreall
yhoping
they '
ll
forgiveme, Ireall
ywi shtostartmyl i
feon
acl eanslateandbeaf atherthatmyboycan
l
ookupt oandmygi rl
scanr untoforprotecti
on.
Simij
ustlef
tandnowI'm her
ewithmymom
anddad,Snealsol
eftr
ightaf
tert
heri
tual
.

Dad:"Youreall
yhavetothankGodandthe
ancestor
sf orSnet
hembason,shereal
l
yhelped
i
nsav i
ngy ourdaught
er'
sli
feandshe'
sdoi
ngall
shecantohel pyougetbackyourl
i
fe"

Me: "
Yeahdad,it
'sl
ikeIwasgiv
enasecond
chanceatli
fe,
Iwanttorightmywrongsand
al
soIhaveapr egnantwoman,Ishoul
dmake
sureshe'
sokay"

Hefrownedbutdidn'tsayany t
hing,that
'smy
dad.Heal wayspr
efershearingthingsfrom me
i
nsteadofaskingquestions.Itol
dhi m
ever
ythingandhewasr eallydi
sappoi nt
edI
coul
dseei tinhi
sfacebuthej ustkeptitto
hi
msel f
.
Mom:"Si
miissobeaut
if
ul,
shecoul
dmakea
gr
eatMakot
i"

Thereshegoesagai
n,Idon'
tknowwit
hherand
thi
nkingshecanal
wayschooseher"
Makoti
".

Me:"
YeahsheisMabutIdon'tknowabout
maki
ngagreatmakoti
,atl
eastnotforme.She
i
spartofmypastmist
akes"

Mom: "I
tshoul
dn'
tbel
ikethaty
ouknow?You
canalwaysfi
xthi
ngswit
hherandli
vehappil
y
everaft
erpl
usshegaveyouabeauti
ful
chil
d"

Me:"Nomom..
.Idon'
twantherandbesi
desI
t
hinkmyhear
thasf i
nal
l
yfoundit'
spi
ece"
Mom: "
Ihope..
.Ij
usthopeyoudon'tmeant
hat
Sangomawomanorwhat evershecal
l
shersel
f
Sfi
sobecause.
...
"

Dad:"Ey!!
!Eymanmf azi!
!Whati sitwit
hy ou
andthinkingyoucanalway sdictateevery
one's
l
ife?Foroncei nyourli
fetakeast epbackand
l
etpeopl edothingsthewayt heyseef i
t.I
'm so
ti
red,I'
mr eal
l
yt i
redandreall
ysickofy ou.I
knowt hatyou'vebeenusingmut ionmeandI
wasj ustwait
ingformysont or ecoverandnow
thatheisbetterthanbefore,
Iam f il
i
ngfor
divor
ceanddon' tworryI'
llmoveout "

Whenhewasdonet alki
ngIwasshook,Iwas
l
egi
tshockedtosaytheleast
.Il
ookedatmy
mom asherjawdropped,onedi
dn'
tevenhave
t
oaskifit
'st
ruebecauseherexpr
essi
onwas
j
ustenought
osayit
'st
rue.Ican'
tbel
i
eveshe's
beenusi
ngMutionmydad, whywoul
dshedo
that
?Imeanmydadisav er
ynobleman,Av er
y
goodman.Whatwasherreasontodoal
lthat
whendadhasbeengoodtoher?
Ihav
eneverseenmyfathersoangr
y,Idi
dsee
thet
ensi
onbutInev
erthoughti
twast hi
sdeep.

Me:
"Ma!
!,
won'
tyoudef
endy
our
sel
f?"

Shebl
i
nkedamul
ti
plet
imesandswal
l
owed.

Mom: "H.
..
howcany
ouaccusemeofwi
tchcr
aft
Kunene?"

Herwordswerenotevenheavyl
iket
heyusuall
y
ar
e,shewasjustbeingdef
ensi
vebutevena
pr
imaryschoolchi
l
dcouldseesheisguil
ty.
Dad:
"Mxm Idon'
thav
eti
mef
ort
his"

Hestoodupandlef
t,Ilookedatmom.Whois
thi
swoman?Sheblinkedawayt het
ear
sand
gotup,shel
eftmej
ustl i
kethat
.
Wow!
!!Justwow.
Iwheel
edmyselft
omybedr
oom,
tookmy
phoneanddi
all
edSne.

Sne:
"Mypat
ient
"

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"Hey
,uhambekanj
an?
"(Howdi
dyougo?
)
Sne:
"Ver
ywel
lthanksf
oraski
ng"

Me:
"I'
m gl
adt
oheart
hat
..
.Sne"

Sne:
"Yes?
"

Me:
"Thanky
ouf
orev
ery
thi
ng"

Sne:"
Don'
tthankmey
et,
west
il
lhav
eal
ott
o
do"

Me:
"Thanksany
way
,Ir
eal
l
yappr
eci
atey
ou"

Sne:
"Thanky
ourancest
ors"

Shet
henwentqui
etf
orsomet
imebutIcoul
d
hearshewant
edt
otal
k.
Shesi
ghed.

Sne:"
Don'
tleti
tconsumey ourthoughts,
nor
shoul
dyouworryaboutit
,yourmom di dyour
dadwrongandhemi ghtki
llhersoit'
sbetterhe
l
eaves"

Ikeptqui
et,
howmuchmor edoesshesee?
Wowhergi f
tisi
ncr
edi
ble.

Me: "
Okay...
youknowIsti
ll
haveanissue,
I
i
mpr egnatedsomeoneandshedisappear
ed,
I
tr
iedgetti
ngaholdofherbuthernumber
apparentl
ydoesn'
texi
st.Doyouthi
nkyoucan
help?"

Sne:
"It
'snoty
ourchi
l
dSf
iso,
shewasf
ool
i
ng
you.Shehadamotiv
ebutI'
l
lgettot
hatwhen
wemeet ,
fornowgetsomerest
"

What
?Whatdoesshemean?
Shehungupbef
oreIcoul
dask.

What
'shappeni
ngi
nmyl
i
fev
ele?
I
fthisiswhatpuni
shmentf
rom ancest
orsl
ooks
l
ikethentheysur
eknowhowtodeal wit
ha
person.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Soafterthewholeapologysessi
onmybaby
deci
dedt otakemeoutonashoppi ngspree.
Whowoul dsaynotoshopping?Moreespeci
all
y
wheny ouwon'tbeusingyourmoney*Wink*.
Wejustgotback,i
nhishousethati
sandhei
s
complaini
ngaboutbei
ngti
redandwhat
not
..
..
lazymuch.
Iboughthim propergrocer
iesandt
hengot
my sel
fsomef ewclothes,makeup,shoesand
accessori
es.

Assoonaswegetinsi
det
hehousehet
hrew
hi
mselfont
hecouch.

Thokozani
:"Yoohbabynextt
imeremindmenot
togowithyouforshoppi
ng,I
'
llj
ustgi
veyout
he
car
d..
..
yesesI'
m soti
red"

Il
aughed,
mxm he'
sexagger
ati
ng.

Me:
"Hel
pmeunpackt
hegr
ocer
iesbaby
"
Hel
ookedatme,
Nohemustnot
.

Thokozani
:"Comesi
tdownmamaman,
wewi
l
l
unpacklat
er"

Me: "
Nobaba,Ipr
omiseaft
ert
hisyouwi
l
lrest
I
'l
lcookupastormforyouandthedoaf
ashion
paradefory
ouwithmynewclot
hesandmay be
gi
vey ousomegoodsex"

Att
hementionofthewordsexhi
sey
esl
i
tup,
hegotupf
rom thecouch.
Il
aughed,wetookthegr
ocer
iestot
heki
tchen
andstar
tedpacki
ngawayevery
thi
ngtowherei
t
shoul
d.
Me:"Letmest
artoncooki
ng,
whatwoul
dyou
l
ikeeati
ng?
"

Hesmi
l
ed,
anaught
ysmi
l
e.

Thokozani
:"Iwannaeatmywi
fet
obe"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"Thokozani
man"

Thokozani
:"ButI
'
m ser
ious,
okaykecook
anyt
hingmama"

Ishookmyheadanddecidedoncooki
nghim
Sampandbeefst ewandaddj
ustathr
eebean
sal
ad,I'
veseenhowmuchheenjoyedi
tthel
ast
t
imeImadei
t.

Hesatont
opoft
hecount
erasIsl
avedaway
.

Thokozani
:"MamaI
'
m soobsessedwi
thy
ou"

Il
aughedandsangMar
iahCar
ey'
s.
..
..

Me:"Whyyousoobsessedwi
thme...
boyI
wannaknow,whyyousoobsessedwit
hme?"

Hel
aughed,
probabl
yatmybadv
oice.

Thokozani
:"I
mbivoi
cey
akhost
handwasam"
(Yourvoi
ceisugl
y)
Il
aughedandhel
dmychestdr
amat
ical
l
y.

Me:"I
'
m hurt.
..
..
ouch!
!!
!Thokozaniyouareso
br
utal
,I'
my ourwomanf orheavensake,
ev
eryt
hingaboutmemustbeni ceinyour
ey
es..
.evenmypoopshoul dsmellgoodtoyou"

Hel
aughed.

Thokozani
:"Awukahl
eboSt
handwasam"

Icont
inuedchoppi
ngaswekeptont
alki
ngand
l
aughing.Hecameandhuggedmefr
om behi
nd.

Thokozani
:"Ngi
yak'
thandamunt
uwam"(
Ilov
e
youmyperson)
Me:
"Iknow"

Heki
ssedmyneckandwhi
speredi
nmyearas
hewasal
sosqueezi
ngmyboobsseduct
ivel
y.
..
.

Thokozani
:"Wenaawuyi
thandi
yini
indoda
yakho?"(
Don'ty
oulov
eyourman? "

Me:
"Ngi
yi
thandaukuf
a"(
Ilov
ehi
mtodeat
h)

Hewent"
Mmmm"

Igi
ggl
ed,het
henbecameser
iousashemade
melookathi
m.Hekissedmeonthel
ipssl
owl
y.

Thokozani
:"St
handwasam"
Me:
"Baby
?"

Thokozani
:"Iwanty
out ostartl
ooki
ngfora
newhouse,onethatyoulove.Abigenough
housetoaccommodat ethekidsaswell
"

If
rowned.

Me:
"Thi
sonei
sbi
gmos?
"

Thokozani
:"Idon'
twanti
tanymore,I
'
m sel
l
ing
i
t.
..
..
Iwantonet hatwi
l
lbechosenbymywife"

Ismi
l
edandnodded.
Me:
"I'
l
lgett
oitt
hen"

Wekissed,hespankedmeandannouncedthat
heisgoi
ngt ocatchuponsoccer
,soIwent
backtocooking.
WhenIwasdoneweate,Idi
sheduptwopl
ates
butIwaseat
ingwi
thhi
m onhispl
ate.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght
OrGoodmor
ningAngaznam

#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t40.

*
Aweekl
ater
*
[
Thokozani
]
TodayOyiandIaredriv
ingt omyhomei nKZN,
asIhadpromisedthem Iwoul dbri
nghert
his
week,soyeah.Sheisanerv ouswreck,
she
di
dn'tsl
eepbusyaskingifthey'
ll
li
keher?what
i
ftheydon'
t?Whatshoul dshewear ?Si
gh.

Me:
"Babyasambehawu"(
let
'sgo)

Oy
i:"
I'
m done,
justt
womi
nut
es"

Shesai
dthat10mi
nut
esago.

Iwenttocheckonwhatshe'
sdoingreal
lyand
assoonasIgotther
eIjustl
aughed.Guess
whatshe'
sdoing?
Smh.She'
slooki
ngather
sel
font
hemi
rr
or
pr
act
isi
nghowshe'
sgoi
ngt
otal
kandbehav
e.

Me:
"Let
'sgo"

Itookherhandbagonthebedandpul
l
edherby
thehand,shel
aughed.

Wel
ockedandIdr
oveof
f.

Me:"
Youl
ookli
keat
rueDl
ami
niwi
fe,
ahead
wr
apsui
tsyou"

Shesmi l
ed,
shehasonav erybeaut
if
ulyel
low
dressandablackheadwrapwhichsli
ghtl
y
showsherweav eandbl
ackheels.

Me:
"Rel
axmama,
wear
enotgoi
ngt
her
eto
seekappr
oval
orval
idat
ion,
I'
mjustgoi
ngt
o
showthem myworl
d"

Oy
i:"
I'
myourwor
ld?
"

She'
sbl
ushi
ng.

Me: "
Idon'tknowwhat '
sbi
gbetweenthe
univ
erse,world,
planetort
heyar
ejustequal
but
yeahsthandwasam"

Oy
i:"
Thanksf
orl
ovi
ngme"

Me:
" Thanky
ouforchoosi
ngthi
sugly
mnyamanethati
smebaby "(
Blackper
son)

Shel
aughed.
Oyi
:"Di
dyousayugl
y?Ohhel
lno,
youmyman
ar
eadream"

Iki
ssedherhand,
Ilov
ehert
othemoonand
beyond.

West oppedatthepetrolst
ati
on,
shewentt he
bathroom,Iboughtsnacksandpizza.Shewent
tositattheback.

Anhourlat
ershewassleeping,
Ijustl
ookedat
hert
hroughthemirr
or,
sheissobeaut i
ful
.I
makingapromisetomyselftotakecar
eofher
i
neverywaypossibl
e.

[
Oyi
ntando]
Thokozani
:"Babyv
uka,
wear
eher
e"

Myheartski
ppedathousandt i
mes, t
hatwasa
l
ongbutshortdri
ve.
..
Idon'
tknowi fImake
sensebutwhatI'
mtryi
ngtosayi sthati
twas
l
ongbutwear r
ivedt
of ast
,I'
m notready
.

Il
ookedathi
m,Iwasev
enbi
ti
ngmyl
owerl
i
p.

Thokozani
:"Wozaphel
a"(
Come)

If
ixedmydoekandgotof
fthecar
.

Tookmyhandbag.
Me:
"Thokozani
I'
m scar
ed"

Hepull
edmecloserf
oraki
ss,It
ri
edfi
ghti
ng
buthewassostr
ong.Heki
ssedthel
i
vingl
ight
s
ofme.

Me:"
Sisman!!
!Infr
ontofyourfat
her
'sgat
e?Do
youwanthi
mtot hi
nkI'
m corr
upti
ngyou?"

Butt
heki
ssr
eal
l
ydi
dthemagi
c,I
'
m abi
tcal
m
now.

Thokozani
:"Let
'sgobaby
"

Heof
floadedt
hesmal
lbagswehadandhel
d
myhandatthesamet
ime.
Wewal
kedi
nsi
det
hegat
e.Theyhav
ea
beauti
fulhouse,
bigandbeauti
ful
.Butal
soyou
cantel
l i
t'
sbasedekasi
,nottoofancyj
ust
modern.

Thokozani
:"Wel
comekwaSi
bal
i
khul
u
st
handwasam"

Ismil
ednervously
,Ishoul
dhavetakenthese
shoesof
f,Iwil
lfall
,mykneesar
eshaking.

Heopenedt hedoorand.
..
.OhmyGod
Thokozanididn'
ttel
lmet
hewholeDl
ami
nicl
an
wil
lbehere.

Awomanwhom It hi
nkishi
smom cameand
gaveThokozaniahugthenshel
ookedatme
andsmil
ed,Ilookeddown.
Sheatt
ackedmewi
thawar
m andwel
comi
ng
hug.

Thokozani
: "
Kantimanj
e?Kwenzenjani
?
Nabaningi
kangaka?"(What
'shappeni
ng?Why
areyouallhere?
)

Theyl
aughed,
Icant
ell
theyar
ever
ycl
oseasa
fami
ly
.

Woman: "
Doyouthi
nkwewouldhav
emi ssed
thi
sday?Youknowwe'
veal
lbeenwait
ingto
seeyourwoman"

Heshookhisheadandhel dmyhand.He
greet
edt
hem fir
st,Iwaslooki
ngdownal
lthi
s
ti
mebutIcouldfeelthei
reyesonme.
"
Hawu!!
!!MaMbatha!Usukhona?Mf
azwam no
Mfet
hu"(Youar
ehere?Ourwi f
e)

Mkhusel
i
?He'shere,
Ifel
tateaseabi
tandgot
t
heurgetol
augh.Thisguyi
sawholemood.

Thokozani
:"Babythi
sismyfami
l
y,IswearI
di
dn'tknowthey'
dallbeher
e"

Ismi
l
edandshy
lygr
eet
ed,
theygr
eet
edback.

Mkhusel
i
:"I
t'
sgoodt
oseet
heshysi
deofy
ou
hey
"

Il
aughed,
mxm.

Thokozani
:"Babyt
hisi
smymom andr
ight
t
her
eismydad"

Inoddedanddi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
.

Dad:"
Sibongi
seniuMaMbathaubukeka
ekhat
hele,
mlungisel
eegumbiniaphumul
e"
(Shelooksti
red,
fixt
heroom soshecanrest
)

Sbongi
seni
?Who'
sthatnow?

Thokozani
:"Yebobaba"

I
t'
shi
m!!
!!I
'
m sogoi
ngt
ocal
lhi
mthat
.

Hetookmyhandandt hebagsandwalkedme
tooneoftherooms.Wit
houtevenaski
ngI
knewit
'shisj
udgingbyt
hecolouranddesi
gnof
i
t.

Me:
"Shuuuut
hatwasawkwar
d"

Hesmi
l
edandcamet
oki
ssme.

Thokozani
:"Wel
comet
omyhome"

Me:
"It
'sabeaut
if
ulhome"

Thokozani
:"Getsomer
est
,I'
l
lcomebackt
o
checkonyou"

Me:
"I'
dli
ket
oshowerf
ir
st"

Henoddedandwentout
,hecamemi
nut
esl
ater
.
Thokozani
:"Woza"

Itookmyt oil
etr
yandhisgownandf ol
lowed
hi
m, there'
snoen-sui
tebat
hroom her
e,it
'sa
normal t
ownshiphouse.

Thokozani
:"Thi
sisi
tthen,wheny
ou'
redone
youknowy ourwayback"

Me: "
Haaawhati
fIbumpi
ntosomeoneont
he
passage?
"

Hel
aughedandshookhi
shead.

Thokozani
:"Noonewi
l
lcomebaby
"
Heki
ssedmeandl
eftbef
oreIcoul
dcont
est
ev
enfurt
her
.

Itookav eryqui
ckshower
,probabl
yonofthe
quickestshowersI
'v
eeverhad.All
becauseI
wasaf rai
dthatsomeonemightknock.
WhenIwasdoneIputont hegown,tookmy
belongi
ngsandwal kedout,t
iptoedbacktothe
room butbeforeIcouldgett
heresomeone
clear
edtheirthr
oat,Ist
oppedandturnedback.

"
Sawubonasi
si"

She'
sapr ett
yy ounggir
l,l
ooksal
it
tl
ebi
tli
ke
Thokozani,
af emaleversi
onofhi
m.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Shehadatrayoff
oodandj
uice.Idi
dn'
tseeher
ear
li
eron.

Her
:"I
'm Nt
okozo,IwassentbybhutThokoz
ani
t
ogiveyouthefood"

Ismiledandthankedher,
Itr
iedtaki
ngthefood
butitwasimpossiblewi
thal
l t
hethi
ngsonmy
handssoshei nsi
stedonhel
pingmecar r
yitto
theroom.

Me:
"Thanky
ou,
I'
m Oy
int
ando"

Ntokozo:
"Okayni
cetomeety
ousi
sNt
ando,
I
l
ikeyourweavebytheway
"
Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"I'
l
lmakesur
eIgety
ouonenextt
ime"

Shesmi
l
edandt
hankedmet
henshel
eft
.
Idi
dn'tev
enbotherget
ti
ngoutofthegown,I
j
ustsatontopofthebedandhadthefresh
bakedsconesandjui
ce,t
heyt
astedsosogood.
WhenIwasdone,
Igotsomesl
eep.
.
..
..
..
..
.
Twohour slaterThokozani
cameandwokeme
up,apparentl
ywehav etogojoi
never
yonef
or
supper.
Ichangedint
oadecentdr
essandsandals,
woreaheadwr ap,
All
thewhi
leThokozaniwas
j
ustlooki
ngatme.
Me:
"DoIl
ookokay
?"

Thokozani
:"Okay
?Ohnomyl
ovey
ohl
ookso
good"

Iwenttothebathroom andwashedmyf ace

j
usttogetridofthesleepyoneandlookf resh.
Wethenmadeourwayt othedi
ningroom and
ever
yonewast herewaiti
ngforus,If
eltkindof
badthatpeopl
ewoul dwaitforme.

Thokozani
openedachai
rformeandt
hensat
nextt
ome.

MrsD:"
Okaynowthatweareallher
e,l
et'
s
cl
oseourey
esandsaythegrace"
Weal
ldi
d,shepr
ayedandwest
art
eddi
shi
ngup.

Thokozani:"
Okaymyl oveIdidn'tgetto
i
ntroduceeveryone,Thati
smycousi nZobuhl
e
andnexttoheri smyauntwhoushermot her
,
AuntKholiweandt henmyuncl eSakhil
eand
you'v
ealreadymetNt okozo,mymom anddad
andthent hi
sidi
otMkhusel i
,therestofthe
famil
yisnother ebecausetheystayfar"

Me:
"Okayni
cet
omeety
oual
l
"

Zobuhl
e:"
Nicetomeety
out
oo,
youar
eso
beaut
if
ulhey"

Me:
"Thanky
ou,
youar
ebeaut
if
uly
our
sel
f"
Shereall
yisbeaut
if
ul,
probabl
yinherl
ate20s
orearl
y30s.

AuntK:
"Sowhatdoy
oudoOy
i?"

Me:"I
'
minthefashi
onbusi
ness,
Icoownt
wo
cl
othi
ngbout
iques"

AuntK:
"Ni
ce,
soy
ourar
eabusi
nesswoman"

Me:
"YeboAunt
ie"

Zobuhl
e:"
Thatexpl
ainsyourf
ashi
onsense,
you'
vegotqui
tesomet ast
e"

Ismil
edandt
hankedher
,Asmuchasshe
showersmewit
hprai
sesIsensesomebad
ener
gyf
rom her
,andsar
casm aswel
l
.

Mr sD:"Iam sohappytofinall
ymeety ou
sthandwasam, Youknowev eryt
imeSbongi seni
camehome, hewouldtalkabouty ouf r
om the
dayhecomest i
l
lthedayhel eav es.Icouldtel
l
youmakehi m happy,Ihaven'tseenhi m so
happy"

Me:
"Hemakesmehappyt
ooMa"

Helookedatmeandsmi
led,
hereal
l
yis
obsessedwit
hme.Hel
ooksatmeever
y
secondhegets.

MrD: "
AwushokeNdodakazi ,uhl
alanobani?
Umndeni uhambakanjaningobaushi
lo
uSbongiseniukut
hiabazal
ibakhobasweleka,
ngi
y axoli
sangal
okho"(Tel
lmemychi l
d,whodo
youst aywit
h?Yourfamily
?hetoldmethatyour
parentspassedon,I
'm sorr
yaboutt
hat)

Me: "Istaywithmykids,Ihav eabr otherand

si
stert heyarebothmarriedt henwedohav e
unclesandot herext
endedf amily,al
thoughwe
donothav eav er
ycl
oser elationshipbutwe
acknowl edgeoneanother "

Henodded.

Zobuhle:"
Yimake! !
!Unezi
nganeezint
athu?
1..
.2.
.3?HaibokahleweThokozani?Youdon't
evenhave1chi l
d?Mzal aIt
hinkyouneedto
reconsi
der"(Wai
t!!Youhave3kids?No
Thokozani)
Il
ookeddown,
myhear
tpumpi
ngv
eryf
ast
.

Mkhusel i
:"Yimake! !
!!Zobuhleungaf uni ukuthi
ngikusakazengempama, lal
elake, uzongisiza
uphindeuzi sizenawe, angi f
uni ukukuzwa
ukhul umauy ezwa?Si yozesicedeukudl al
a
ungav ulangal omlomowakho, angisho
siy
azwana? "(Wait!
!Youdon' twantmet oslap
you, li
stenher e..
.y
ouar egoingdomeand
your selfaf av our,
Idon'twantt oheary ou
tal
king, y oushoul dkeepqui ettillwefinish
eating, arewecl ear?
)

Shekeptqui
et,whyisThokozani
notsay
ing
anyt
hing?Heisjustgl
uedtohisf
ood.

Mkhusel
i
:"Ngi
thesi
yezwanana!
!!
!Zobuhl
e?"(
I
sai
dam Icl
ear
? )
Zobuhl
e:"Ngi
zwil
eMkhusel
i
,bengi
buzami
na
nj
e?"(
Iheardyou,
Iwasj
ustaski
ng)

Ntokozo:"
SisOy i
howol
dareyourki
ds?I'
dli
ke
tomeetthem, bei
ngal
astbor
ngetsbori
ng
sometimes."

Me:"Myfi
rstbornisagi
rlshe'
s15foll
owedby
aboywhoi s9goingto10andlastbor
nis6
year
sold,
agirlaswell
"

Shenodded.

Nt
okozo:
"I'
dreal
l
yli
ket
omeett
hem"

Honest
lyIwi
shwenev
ert
ouchasubj
ectofmy
ki
ds,moreespecial
l
yafterZobuhl
e'sst
atement
.
If
eelumcomfor t
abl
eandj udged,
whydidn'
t
Thokozani
tel
lthem any
way ?
Hetouchedmyhandf rom under
neat
hthet
abl
e
andsqueezedit
.I'
m guessi
nghecanseehowI
feel
rightnow.

Thokozani
:"Nt
okozopl
easetakethedishesto
theki
tchenandwashthem,babypleasehelp
her"

MrsD:"AychaSbongi
seni
,Nt
andoi
sourguest
,
shecan'
tbedoi
ngdishes"

Me:
"NoMaIdon'
tmi
nd,
I'
dact
ual
l
yli
ket
ohel
p"

Mr
sD:
"Ar
eyousur
emybaby
?"
Me:
"YesMa,
I'
m sur
e"

Shenodded,NtokozoandIcl
earedt
hetable
andtookthedishest
othekit
chen.I
twassil
ent,
wewashedt hem.Icoul
dfeelNt
okozolooki
ng
atme,it
'sl
ikeshewantedtosaysomethi
ng.

Nt
okozo:
"Si
sNt
ando?
"

Me:
"Yesl
ove"

Ntokozo:"I
'm sor
ryaboutwhatZozosai
d,Ican
t
ellthaty
ouar esad.Don'tmi
ndher,wealr
eady
l
ovey ou,she'
sanonf act
or"

Ismi
l
edandshr
ugged.
Me:
"It
'sokaybaby
,I'
l
lbef
ine"

Weengagedi nasmall conv

ersat
ion,hert
ryi
ng
hardtomakemel aughunt i
lweheard
somethi
ngbangingfrom thedini
ngroom and
thenThokozani
shouting.

Thokozani:"Youwi llnot!
!!
!!Youhearme
Zobuhle,youwi llnotmakemywoman
uncomf or
tableandy oudef i
nitel
ydon'
twanna
getonmywr ongsi de.Wheni tcomesto
OyintandoIwi llf
or getthatyouar emycousin,
ngi
zokhohl wa!!!Iloveher ,Il
ov eherandher
ki
dsandnoty ouorany bodyel sefort
hatmatt
er
wil
l t
ellmeot herwi se"

Hewasr
oar
ing.Iwasshookandv
erysadt
hat
f
ami
l
yisf
ight
ingonmyaccount
.
Nt
okozol
ookedatme.

Ntokozo:"
Her eal
lylovesyousisi
sodon'tmind
whatotherpeoplesay,hereal
lydoesn'
tli
ke
t
alki
ngorf i
ghti
ngt hat
'swhyhekeptquietatthe
t
able"

Inoddedandcont i
nuedwi ththedi
shes,atear
escapedmyey ebutIqui ckl
ywipeditoff,
butit
tri
ggeredalotofemot i
onssoIcouldn'tholdt
he
tearsinany
mor e.Eachandev erywordZobuhle
utter
edpier
cedr i
ghtthroughmyhear t
.

Zobuhle:
"Wellf
ightmeallyouli
kebutIst i
l
l
thi
nkyoucoulddobet t
er,
Amot herofthreeand
div
orceeyetshelooksyoung?Sheistr
oubl e,
I
wonderwhat'st
hest or
ybehindthedi
vorce"
Iputt
hedishclothonthet
ableandwentt
othe
room.Ican'
ttakeitany
more,
Iwannago.

[
Thokozani
]

Ihavenev
erbeensoangr
yinver
ylongtime,
If
Zobuhl
ewasnotfamil
yIwoul
ddefini
tel
y
str
angl
eher.

Dad:"Zobuhl
engicel
auhambent ombi
yam,
ngyabonausudakiwe"(
Pleasel
eavemygi
rl
,I
seeyouaredrunknow)

Shewantedt
otal
kbutIpushedherout
.My
auntst
art
edcompl
aini
ngsodadhertoleav
eas
well
.
UncleS:"
Kholiwebeni
bizwewubani vel
e?Ake
nihambenizobuyamasenikwaziukucabanga"
(Whocall
edy ouhereanyway?Leave,you'
ll
comebackwheny oucanfinal
l
yt hi
nk)

Shecli
ckedhert
ongueandlef
tfol
l
owi
ngher
daught
er.Nt
okozowalkedi
n.

Ntokozo:
"BhutiSisNtandoheardev
eryt
hing
andakaphatheki
lekahle,It
hinky
oushouldgo
checkuponher "(She'
snotokay)

Isi
ghed.

Dad:"
Hambamf ana.
..
MaDlami
nikuzomele
naweukhulumenayeUMaMbathaumazise
ukut
hithi
naasi
nanki
nganayef
uthisi
mamukel
a
nezinganezakhe"(
Goboy..
.MaDl ami
niyou
shouldalsotal
ktoherandtellherwehaveno
problem wi
thherandwewel comeherandher
ki
d)

Mom nodded, Islowlywalkedt omybedr oom.

Shewasi nsi
det heblankets,snif
fi
ng.It
ookoff
myclothesandj oinedher,Iheldherwaistand
pul
ledhertome.Shewasl ookingtheotherway.

Me:
"Mama"

Shesnif
fedandt
urnedt
olookatme,
she'
s
cr
ying.
Iwi
pedof
fhert
ear
sandki
ssedher
.

Me:
"I'
m sor
rybaby
"
Shekeptqui
et.

Me:
"IloveyouSt
handwa,
youandt
heki
dsand
t
hat
'sall
thatmat
ter
s"

Tobecont
inued.
#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght
#BAHWWMP

I
nser
t41.

[
Oyi
ntando]

•
••Remov
ed•
••
Iopenedmyeyes,Iwasfeel
i
ngsopressed.
WhenIturnedThokozani
wasnoti
nbed.

Iam honestlynocomf or
tabl
ewiththe
bathroom beingout
sidetheroom becauseI
'
m
scaredofbumpi ngi
ntosomeone.

Amessagecamet
hroughonmyphone.

"BabyIwentoutwi thMkhuandDad,pl
ease
don'tbeaf raidofusingthebat
hroom,Noone
mov esar oundt here.Nt
okozowil
lmakeyou
breakfast,alsoy oushouldgoj
oinmom
wher evershei sinthehouse"

Ismi
led,
it'
sli
kehereadmymind.Iwor
ethe
gownandwenttothebathr
oom wit
hmytoi
let
ry
bag,peedanddecidedt
owasmyfaceand
brushmyteeth.It
henmademywaybacktot
he
room.
Ichangedintoamaxi dressandwor eadoek
andsli
ppers.If
ixedthebedandcl eanedup
hereandthere,
Ithensatdownandcal l
ed
Londeka,Iwannatal
kt omyki ds.

Londeka:
"MaDl
ami
ni"

Il
aughed,
mxm.

Me:
"Hel
l
oMr
sZi
tha"

That
'shermar
it
alsur
name.

Ndeka:
"How'
sitgoi
ngwi
tht
hei
nlaws"
Me:
"Ohwel
l
...
soso"

Ndeka:
"Whatdoy
oumeansoso?
"

It
oldherwhathappened.

Ndeka: "
Mntaserememberhowmymot herin
l
awhat edme?Youar ebett
erbecauseyouare
notlovedbythecousin,minaIhatetodealwit
h
monsterinlaw.
..
..
sot hatZokuhlechi
ckai
ntshit
babe,solongasy ourmanl ovesyou"

Me:"
Yeah.
..
.howar
emybabi
es,
Iwannat
alkt
o
t
hem"

Ndeka:
"Thel
i
ttl
erascal
slef
twi
thhubbyand
thenOl
uhl
eandMbali
areatthepoolsi
de,I
'
ll
call
youwhent
heycomeinsi
de,I
'mlazy"

Me:
"Pregnancyhasyougoodhuh?Wher
edi
d
t
herascal
sgot owit
hhubby?
"

Ndeka:
"Idon'
tknowhonestly,
hespokeabout
t
hemall,i
cecream andal
lthat"

Aswewer
etal
ki
ngaknockcamet
hrough.

Me:"
Mnt aseIhav
etogo,
pleasecal
lwhent
he
ki
dsarr
ive"

Ndeka:
"Okayby
eIl
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"
Ihungupandwenttoopent
hedoor ,
MrsD
walkedi
nwit
hafull
Engli
shbreakf
ast.

Mr
sD:
"Sawubonasi
si"(
Greet
ings)

Me:
"SawubonaMa"

Mr
sD:
"CanIcomei
n?"

Me:
"YesMa"

Shewalkedi
n,pl
acedt
hef
oodont
hebedand
satdown
Idi
dn'tknowwhattodonext
.Shet
appedt
he
spaceformetosit
.
MrsD:"
Howareyoufeel
ingt
oday
?Iknowy
ou
sl
eptwi
thaheav
yheart"

Onlyifsheknewthatmymangav emegood
sexthewholenightandcheeredmeupbutof
courseIwouldn'
ttel
lhi
mt hatwouldI
?

Me:
"I'
m okayt
hanky
ouMa"

Shehel
dmyhand.

Mr sD:"MybabyThokozani l
ovesy ouandwe
canseehei shappy,youmakehi m happyand
thatforusashisparent
si senough.Iwantyou
tofeelathome,don'tworryaboutwhatZobuhle
said,wewelcomey ouhereandIf oronewould
reall
ylovetomeetyourkids."
Ismil
edandnodded,
hear
inghersayt
hatwas
enough.

Me:
"Ngy
abongaMa,
thanky
ousomuch"

MrsD:
"It
'sokaychi
ld,
noweaty
ourbreakf
ast
wheny
ou'redonecomejoi
nmeatthegarden"

Inoddedandthankedher
.Icannowsaf
elysayI
feel
verywel
come.

"
Imi
ssy
ou"

Amessagefrom Thokozani
.Ismiledand
i
gnoredit
,at
ethentookthedishestothe
ki
tchen.
[
Sfi
so]

SneandIhav ebecomev erycloseoverthepast

days,weshareourpastandsadl yshealsotold
meshel ostherparentsandt hatreal
l
y
damagedheratsomepoi ntinli
febutshe'
sa
str
onggirlbecausethroughal lt
hatshereal
ised
hergif
t.Speakingofhergi f
t,i
t'
ssuchan
i
ncredibl
egift
..
.shereall
yhelpedme.

Wearenowdrivi
ngt
othemal
l,shei
nsistedthat
wegooutbecauseI
'
vebeeni
ndoorsforever
.

Sne:
"Andwear
eher
e"

Shegotof
fthecarandcamet
ohel
pmeout
.
Shel
ockedthecarandwheel
edmei
nsi
det
he
mall
,weareatMallofAf
ri
ca.

Ifel
tver
yweak,
whowouldhav ethoughtt
hat
onedayI'
dbesi
tti
nghel
plesslyont hewheel
chai
r?Howthemight
yhavef al
len.

Sne:
"Il
oveRoccoMamas"

Ichuckl
edf
ir
st.

Me:
"Let
'sgot
her
e"

WhenwegottoRoccoMamasitwasnot
packed,
weor
deredandf
oundaperf
ectspot
.
Ourf
oodcame,wetal
kedaboutr
andom st
uff
andl
aughedwhi
leeat
ing.

Ourhandst
ouched,
Ifel
tit
..
..
whatIusual
l
yfeel
ever
yti
meI'
m wit
hher.
Ourey
esmet
.

Me:
"Sne"

Sne:
"Mm"

Me: "
Idon'tknowifyoucanfeeli
ttoobutIfeel
somethingv er
ydeepforyou,I
'
veneverfel
tli
ke
thi
sbefore.Ithi
nkI'
minlove"

Shesmi
l
edandl
ookeddown.
Sne:"
Ifeeli
ttoo,
Idon'
tthi
nkIl
ovey
oubutI
knowIloveyou"

Wow!
!!Ir
eal
l
ydi
dnotexpectt
hat
.

Me: "
WowI..
.canwetrymaybe?Arel
ati
onshi
p?
IknowI'
m aburdenri
ghtnowandIhave
nothi
ngmucht oof
ferbut
..
."

Sne:
"St
opblabber
ing,
yeswecangi
vei
tat
ry,
I
woul
dlovet
o"

IsmiledandasIlookedatt
hedoorthe
approachedVanessaandOhmy .
..
.whatt
he
fuck!
!!!
!?
??

Samuel
?Howi
sthatVanessai
shol
dinghands
wit
hmyworstenemy
?Sheev
enhasar
ingon,
bot
hoft
hem.

Sne:"
Ihopenowy ougetit
,shel
iedt
oy ou
Sfi
so.
..
thatmanisherhusbandandsheis
car
ryi
nghischi
ld,t
heywereouttogetyou"

What
?

Me:
"ButI
..
."

Sne:"
Let'
sgobuyaf
ewt
hingsandav
oid
drama"

Idi
dn'tev
enpr ot
est
,shej
ustwheeledmeout,
Vanessalookedatmeandquickl
ylookedaway
.
#BAHWWMP
#Unedi
ted
I
nser
t42.

[
Oyi
ntando]

I'
vejustfi
nishedpacki ngourbel ongings,weare
headingbackt oJozi burg.Ihadagr eattime
honestl
y ,
mor eespeci all
yafterthetalkIhad
withMr sD.Sheshowedmet heirf
amilyphoto
album,toldmeaboutThokozani whengr owing
up,apparentlyhewast roubl
e.Thokozani al
so
tookmet ohi sfavoritespots,showedme
aroundthear eaandi ntroducedmet ohis
chil
dhoodf ri
ends.I'dbel yi
ngi fIsai
dIwasnot
happythatwear eleav i
ngbecauseI 'mv ery
happy,Imi ssmybabi es.
JustasIf
ini
shedpacki
ng,Mr
sDmadeherway
i
nwi t
htwocontai
nersf
ull
offood.

Mr
sD:
"Nganey
am"(
Mychi
l
d)

Me:
"YeboMa"

Mr
sD:
"OhhhowIwi
shy
oucoul
dst
ayl
onger
"

Ismiled,
Ican'
tkeepeyecontactwi
thher
thoughshehasawar m hear
t.

Me:
"Weshal
lcomebackagai
nMa"

MrsD: "
Iknowmybaby,hereIpr
eparedfoodf
or
you.Youhavealongwaytogo,youwil
lbe
hungryandthent
heseher
earecookiesI
packedf
ormygr
andbabi
es"

Ismi
l
edandt
hankedher
.

Me:"Theywi
l
llov
ethem,
theyl
ovesweet
t
hings"

Iputt
hem asi
de.

MrsD: "
Good...
Nt ando,al
waysremembert hatI
haveful
lywelcomedy ouinmyhome, youare
nowmydaught eraswel l
.Ify
oufeell
i
key ou
missus,donothesi tatet
opinchSbongiseni
's
earsandtel
lhimt obr i
ngyouokay?"

Igi
ggl
edandagr
eed.
Thokozani
:"St
handwasam kuzomel
esihambe
manje"(Myloveweshoul
dgetgoingnow)

MrsD:"
Haii
i sukawena,
sisaxoxa"(
Ohpl
ease,
wearest
il
ltalki
ng)

Thokozani
:"Youhadt
hewholeweekendt
odo
thatMa,wehavebusi
nessest
orunandki
dst
o
rushbackto"

Thewayherefer
stomyki dsashiski
dsgi
ves
megoosebumps, i
tli
ter
allymakesmefal
lfor
hi
m al
loveragai
n.

Mr
sD:
"Int
hatcasel
etmenotkeepy
ou"

Thokozani
:"Si
bongeMa,
babyar
eyoudone?
"
(
Thanksmom)

Me:
"Yeah,
all
doneandr
eady
"

Hetookt
hebagsandwentout
,Mr
sDandI
f
oll
owedbehi
ndhim.
Assoonaswegott otheloungeNtokozoand
MrDl aminiwer
estandingther
e,Iguesswait
ing
tobidusf ar
ewell
,al
soMkhuselilef
tyest
erday
sincetherewasacli
entthathehadt oat
tendto.

Ntokozo:
"OhhhhhowIwi
shIcoul
dleav
ewi
th
youguys"

Thokozani:
"Assoonasyoucompl
etey
our
matri
cy ouwil
lj
oinus"
Shesul
ked,
shef
eltl
i
kei
t'
stoof
arandal
ong
wai
t.

Me:"Nisal
ekahl
ebaba,ngyabongaumusa
eni
ngikhombewona"(Keepwellfat
her
,thank
youfortheki
ndnessy
oushowedme)

MrDlami
ni:
"It'
sall
goodmychil
d,safej
ourney
.
Wehopetoseey ousoonanddon'
tleav
ethe
ki
dsbehi
nd,thi
sisnowthei
rhome"

Ismi
l
edwhi
l
elooki
ngev
ery
wher
ebuthi
m.

Me:
"Thanky
oubaba,
I'
ll
keept
hati
nmi
nd"

MrsD:"Thokozanipl
easet
reatmychi
l
dli
kea
queenorelseyouandIwil
lfi
ght
"
Hechuckl
edandhuggedthem,Ihugged
Ntokozot
henMrsD,Iobv
iousl
ywoul dn'
thug
f
atherinl
awsoIsai
dmygoodby esthenwe
l
eft.

Thedriv
ef r
om KZNtoGaut engislongthough,
al
ltheposit
ionsofsi
tt
ingaretoomuchf orme.
Wedr ovepastChi
ckenLicken.Apparentl
ymy
manher ewil
lbeawaket hewholewayi fhe
munchesont hei
rhotwings.

Thokozani
:"St
handwasam"(
Myl
ove)

Me:
"Mmm"

Thokozani
:"Di
dyouhav
efun?
"
Me:"Alotoff
un,yourfamil
yisabunchofni
ce
peopl
ewellofcourseexcept
..
..
"

Thokozani
:"IknowbabyandI
'
m sor
ry"

Hetookmyhandwhi
lehefocusedont
heroad,
heki
ssedi
tandwhathedi
dnextwasbeyond
me.
Het
ookmyhandandr
ubbedhi
sd*
*kwi
thi
t.

Me:
"Hai
bobaby
"

Thokozani
:"Yoohhhbabywami
..
.I
'
m hor
ny"

Me:
"Ar
en'
tyoual
way
s?"
Thokozani
:"I
nanazi
yakhoi
mnandiangi
sho,
ngi
zothi
ni?
"(Yourp***
syi
snice,
whatwil
lIsay
?)

Il
aughed,
mxm.

Helookedmeandbl ewmeaki ss,

whil
emy
handwasst i
ll
brushi
nghi
sveryhardd*
*k.A
groanescapedhismout
h,Ipul
ledmyhand
away.
Thokozanii
scrazy,
I'
m notgonnagi
vehi
mthi
s
nanaziashecall
sit
.

•
••Nar
rat
ed•
••

Vanessalookedatherhusband,
shel
ooked
ver
yterr
if
ied.Hewassomadandwasv ery
cl
oset
ohi
tt
ingher
.

Him: "
Iaskyouonet hi
ngVanessa!!
!One!!And
youfail
,youspentalotoft
imewi t
hSfiso,you
shouldtakenthedocumentsbynowbutnohi s
dickwast oogoodsomucht hatyoucouldn't
focus.
"

Vanessa:"BabyI
'
m sor
ry,
Itr
iedbuthi
dthem
ver
ywel l
"

Him:"Thosedocumentswoul
dchangeourl
i
ves
Vanessa,yesIdohav
emoneybutthose
documentswouldmeanwewon'twork
anymore"

Sherol
l
edhereyesatherhusbandforbei
ng
sel
fi
sh,asl
apl
andedonherf acebecausehe
f
eltl
i
ket
hiswasaj
oket
oher
.

Him:"GetoutofmyfaceVanessa,
bef
oreIki
l
l
you,
youar eusel
ess"

Shequi
ckl
ywal
kedaway
.

[
Snet
hemba]

I'
minl ove,Il
ovethatguyandI '
m will
i
ngt odo
anythi
ngt ohelphim getbackonhisf eet.Al
soI
consultedwithmyancest ors,t
heyrevealedto
met hathehast oreconnectwithhiskids,he
shouldgoapol ogi
sebecauseappar entlythe
ancestorsofhisexwi f
ear everyst
rong.

I
'
m washi
ngdi
shes,
myphoner
ang.
Sf
iso:
"Munt
uza"

Hecal
l
smet
hatandIal
way
smel
t.

Me:
"Honey
"

Sf
iso:
"Howar
eyou?Imi
ssy
ou?
"

Me:"
I'
mfine,
whydon'
tyoucomeovertomy
pl
acesowecanhavedi
nnerfort
wo?"

Hetr
iedpr
otest
ingIhungupandr
equestuber
f
orhi
m.

Andsentansms"
Ify
ouwantust
ogetal
ong,
youwi
ll
geti
nsi
det
heuberIr
equest
edandget
her
e"

#Unedi
ted
Guysor
ryf
orthecropt
op,t
here'
snonetwor
kin
myareawhi
chthenmakesithar
dfort
oposton
t
ime.

Pr
omi
set
omakei
tupt
oyout
omor
row.

#Goodni
ght
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t43.

[
Sfi
so]
Snef or
cedmei ntocomi ngov ertoherplace,
shedoesn' tli
ket hefactthatI'
m al wayslocked
upinmyr oom, soIf inal
lyagreedt ocomi ng.We
spenttheni ghtt ogether,
watchingmov i
esand
j
ustt al
ki
ng, ourr elat
ionshipi
sst il
lnewsoi t
's
sti
llver
ymuchi nnocent.Wejustcuddl e,share
ki
ssesandt alk.There'ssomet hingaboutt his
gir
l,shechal l
engesme, sheisdi ff
erentfr
om
fr
om Oy ioranyot herwomanI 'v
ebeenwi th.
I
t'
smor ni
ngal
readyandshe'snoti
nbed,she'
s
probablysomewhereint
hehouse.Itri
ed
getti
ngupbutitwashard,Ineedtousea
bathroom.

Sne:
"Goi
ngsomewher
eMr
"

Me:"Ineedt
ouseabat
hroom baby
..
.come
her
e"
Shehadatr
ayofbr
eakf
ast
.Sheputi
tont
he
bedandcametome.

Me:"Goodmor ni
ngmyl
ove,
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
i
nthatT-shi
rt
"

Shesmil
ed,
shehadonmyT- shi
rt
,itwasbi
g
enought
obeashortdr
ess.

Sne:
"Thanky
ou,
may
bey
oushoul
dgi
vei
tto
me"

Me:"
Youcanhav
eitbutI
'
dli
ket
oseey
ouwhen
youweari
t"

Shegi
ggl
ed.
Sne:"
Letmehel
pyouup,
ourcof
feewi
l
lget
col
d"

Iheldontothesideboardwhi l
eshehelpedme
up,Ireal
l
yfeelsouseless.Ever
yt i
me
somebodyhast ohelpmeIj ustfeelsoangr
yat
my sel
f.

Sne:
"Ther
eyouhav
eit
"

Me:
"Thanky
oubaby
"

Iwheeledmy selftothebathroom, didmy

businessandwashedmyf ace.Lucki l
ymy
wheelchai
risadv anced,Icanlif
tmy sel
fupsoI
canbeabl etoreachsomet hingatt het op,
I
thenwentbackt ot hebedroom andSnewas
alr
eadyeating.
Ij
oinedheranddevour
edonthebreakf
ast.Al
so
I'
vereal
i
sedthatsheknowsherwayaroundthe
ki
tchen.

Sne:
"Youar
est
ari
ng"

Ohsnap!
!Idi
dn'
tev
enr
eal
i
set
hatIwasst
ari
ng.

Me:
"Youar
ebeaut
if
ul,
Ican'
thel
pit
"

Shebl
ushedandl
ookeddown.

Me:
"Andthenshebl
ushesandbecomeev
en
mor
epret
tier
"
Sne:
"Ohhhpl
easest
ophoney
"

Il
eanedov
erf
oraki
ss,
sheki
ssedme.

Sne:
"Baby
"

Me:
"Munt
uza"

Sne:
"YouknowI
'
vebeent
hinki
ng"

Me:
"About
?"

Sne:
"Yourexwi
feandki
ds"

If
rownedandl
ookedather
,wi
tht
hat"
Goon"
l
ook.
Sne:"
Youneedtoapol
ogi
set ot
hem,make
peaceandonl
ythenwi
llt
hingsl
ookgoodf
or
you"

Isighed,Idowannaapol
ogi
sebutwheredoI
start
?I'm ev
enashamedofmysel
fforwhatI
didtomyki ds.

Me:
"Iwi
l
lbabywhenI
'
mready
"

Sne:"Babyyou'
llnev
erbeready,
Isuggestyou
doitsoonerrat
herthanl
ater,
eventoday"

Me:
"Todaybaby
?"

Sne:
"Yesi
nfacther
e,cal
lher
"
OkayIsti
ll
knowhernumber
sbyheadunl
ess
shechangedthem.

Itookmyphoneanddi all
edhernumbers.I
t
rangandrangandfinal
lyanswered,
assoonas
shesaid"
Hello"Ibecamev er
yscared.

Me:
"Oy
ihy
"

Oy
i:"
Sfi
so?
"

Me:
"Yes"

Oy
i:"
Hy"
Me:
"I.
..
ummm I
..
."

Snesi
gnal
l
edf
ormet
otal
k.

Me:"
Iwouldli
keustomeetandt al
k,Ihavealot
t
hatIneedtotal
ktoyouaboutandapologise"

Shewentqui
etf
oramomentandt
hensai
d..
.

Oy
i:"
WhenbecauseI
'
mver
ybusy
?"

Me:
"Todayi
fpossi
ble"

Oyi:
"Ri
ghtnowI'minPret
ori
ataki
ngcar
eof
busi
ness,
I'
llbedoner
oundabout2h00p.m"
Me:
"Icanwai
tfory
out
ofi
nish.
..
pleasebr
ing
t
hekidsov
er"

Oyi
:"Br
ingthem ov
er?Kant
iwher
ear
ewe
meeti
ng?"

Me:
"How'
scent
uri
onmal
l
?"

Oyi:"
Ummm okaySfi
so,pl
easesendmet
he
exactti
meI
'
llbether
e"

Shehungup.

Me:
"Done"

Sne:
"See?Nohar
m done,
I'
lldr
iveyoubutwhen
wegetther
eI'
l
lgi
veyouguysspace,I
'l
lj
ust
shopar
ound.
"

Me:"
Thanky
oubaby
, f
orever
ythi
ng.
..
.f
or
maki
ngmefacemyfears"

Sne:
"Don'
tthankmebaby
"

Wefini
shedeat
ingandj
ustsatt
here,
tal
ki
ng
anddecl
ari
ngourlov
eforoneanot
her.

[
Oyi
ntando]

CelesteandIj ustfi
nishedtal
kingbusinesswit
h
thepreviousowneroft hi
sbuil
ding,
it'
sv er
ybig
andspaci ous.Ourcl ot
hesaregoingtof i
twell
,
thi
splacei spretty
,ast owhythiswomani s
sell
ingitbeatsmer eal
lybutyouneverknow.
Me:"Cel
est
ebabe,weshal
ltal
k.Ineedt
orush
somewherebutweneedtomeetsometi
met hi
s
week"

Celest
e: "
Okaymylove,
I'
m alsodr
ivi
ngtothe
off
ice,Ineedtopl
aceorder
sbefor
eit'
slat
e"

Wehuggedandwentsepar
ateway
s.

Ihonestlydon'tknowhowIf eelaboutmeet ing

upwi t
hSf i
sowi ththekidsaround.AsmuchasI
understandthatwhyhel eftt
hewayhedi dthe
l
asttimehecamet oseet hekidsbutt hekids
wouldn'tunderstand,t
heydon' tunderstandand
Ifearhurti
ngt hem shouldanythingli
ket hat
happenagai n.Howev erI'
m gonnagi vehimt he
benefi
toft hedoubtandhopef orthebest .
Withschoolscl
osedli
kethisI'
m happybecause
Igettodomyt hi
ngsproperlywit
houtthi
nki
ng
offet
chingthem f
rom schoolanddoing
homewor kandtheli
kes.
Ohbefor
eIf
orgetIneedt
ocal
lthebabyand
i
nfor
m hi
m.

Hi
sphonerangunansweredandt
hena
messagef
oll
owedafter
.

"
MamaI'
mint hemeet
ingatt
hemoment
,I'
l
lcal
l
y
ouwhenI'
m done"

It
ext
edhi
m back

"
It
'sokaybaby
,Ij
ustwant
edt
olety
ouknow
thatI
'm meeti
ngupwi
thSf
iso,
heal
soaskedt
o
seethekids"
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.

Wewer ef
inall
yatCentur
ionmall
,wai
ti
ngfor
Sfi
soatMuggnBean.I tt
ookalotofbeggi
ng
andconvi
ncingfort
hesekidst
oagree.

Aswer esi tt
ing,ther
ehecame.Si tt
ingona
wheel chair,helookslikeheiscarr
yingthe
wor l
donhi sshoulders.Hedoeslookhappybut
hei snothingliketheSf i
soIknow,theonewho
walkswi thhisheadhel duphighandIknowit
allhastodowi thbeingonawheel chair
,he
feelshelpless.

Sf
iso:
"Sani
bona"(
Hel
l
o)
Weal
lgr
eet
edback.

Ol
uwasonherphone.

Sfi
so:"
Thanksf
oragreei
ngt
oseeme,
Iknow
youcoul
dhavechosennott
o"

Ishrugged.Hesighedandl
ookedattheki
ds,I
couldseesadnesswr i
tt
enal
loverhi
seyes.He
l
ookedatt hem f
orquit
esometime,atear
escapedhiseyes.

Sf
iso:
"They
'vegr
own"

Me:
"Yeaht
heyhav
e"

Iki
ndoff
eltsor
ryf
orhi
m.Hewi
pedoft
het
ear
.
Sf
iso:
"Imessedup,
Ireal
l
ymessedup"

Me:
"It
'swat
erundert
hebr
idgeSf
iso"

Sf
iso:
"Theyhat
eme.
..
theycan'
tev
enl
ookat
me"

Me:"Theyaresti
llyoungSfiso,alli
twillt
akeis
anapology
,tal
kt othem andmaket hem beli
eve
i
nyouagain,don'tonlyspeakt hough,acti
ons
ar
everyimportant.Theywillforgi
veyou"

Hel
ookedatme.

Sfi
so:"
You'
reagoodwoman,youdon'
tdeser
ve
anyofthet
hingsIputy
out
hrough,
youwerea
goodwi f
etomeandagoodmot hertoourkids
butImesseditallup.I'
m sosor
ryOy i
,I
'mtruly
sorr
yfrom t
hebot t
om ofmyhear t
,forhi
tt
ing
youandputti
ngy outhroughhel
l
.Pleasefi
ndi t
i
ny ourhear
ttoforgiv
eme"

Iwasnowemot ional
,ashekeptonapol
ogi
sing,
everyt
hinghedi
dt omeplay
edinmyheadli
kea
sl
ideshow.

Me:"Iforgiveyou.
..Idon'
tknowwhyyoudi
dit
butIforgiveyou.I
'mi nahappypl
aceandIdon'
t
wantany thi
ngtakingthatawayfr
om me,I
for
givey oufull
y"

Het
hankedmesi
ncer
ely
.

Me:
"Ol
uputt
hephoneawayandl
ookatdad"
Shedi
dandsatpr
oper
ly.

Heapol ogisedtothem f
oreveryt
hing,for
makingt hem feell
essimportant
.Het oldthem
helovest hem andthati
ftheygivehim another
chancehewi l
lprovetothem howimpor tant
theyare,theyforgavehi
m andhuggedhi m.

Sbanist
artedaski nghim whycan'thewal k,
why
i
sheonawheel chair
.Mykidswer ehappy,t
hey
star
tedtal
kingaboutol dmemor iesandt hen
theywentbuyI cecream atmilkylane,thei
rold
ti
mef av
our i
te.WithOlupushingt hei
rdad.

Icansaf
elysayI
'm atpeace,IhopeSfi
sowil
l
sti
ckuptohiswordandbet herefort
heki
ds.
Aft
ert
hei
ricecr
eam sessi
onwef
inal
l
ydeci
ded
tol
eav
e.

#Unedi
ted
#Goodni
ght
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t44.

[
Thokozani
]

Kil
lmeifyoueverhearmetel
lawomant olook
forahouse.Myheadispoundi
ng,
she'sbeen
taki
ngmet odi
ffer
entpl
acesandI
'm soti
red.

Ist
oppedatt
hepet
rol
stat
ionandl
ookedather
.
Me:
"Baby
"

Oy
i:"
Lov
e"

Shei
ssoexci
tedandIhonest
lydon'
tknowwhy
.

Me:"Al
lthehousesyout ookmet oar egood,
pl
easedecidebecauseIcan'tdot hi
sanymore.
Wewentt odif
fer
entplacesalready"

Oy
i:"
Okaybabaonel
asthouset
henI
'
lldeci
de"

Me:"
Youdohaveapict
ureoft
hathousenj
e?
Whydon'
tyoudeci
denow?Youalr
eadyknow
howi
tismos"

Oy
i:"
Okayf
ine!
!!Takemehome,
yousai
dI
shouldl
ookforahouseandt
hennowy
ounot
pati
entwit
hme"

Ohht
her
ewegoagai
n.

Me:"Babyi
t'
snotthat
,I'
mti
redandy
ouknowi
t.
Let
'sdoitt
omorrowke"

Shelookedoutthewindow.Ihonestl
ydon'
t
underst
andwomenandt hei
rtant
rums.Igotout
ofthecarandwenttobuydr i
nksandsome
snacksandthenwentbackt othecar,
shewas
playi
ngcandycrush.

Me:"What'
stheaddr
essofthel
asthousewe
hav
et ocheckout
?Iwanttoputi
tonthegps"
Shesmil
edandgav
eitt
ome,
Ipunchedi
tin
anddr
oveoff
.

Me:
"Idl
akebaby
"

Shet
ookt
hedr
inkandsnacksandat
e.

Wef i
nal
l
yar
ri
vedandgotof
f,f
oll
owi
ngt
he
agent
.

Agent:"
Goodday
,It
houghty
ouwer
enol
onger
coming"

Oyi
:"I
'
m sor
rywear
elat
e,wegotal
i
ttl
ehel
d
up"

Idon'
tunder
standwhyar
ewemeet
ingwi
tha
di
fferentper
sonbecausewe'
veal
readymet
anotherhouseagency.

Agent:
"Noprobl
em,I'
m Biancat
heprevi
ous
agentyoumethadothercommitmentssoshe
askedmetofil
li
nforher"

Oy
i:"
Okayni
cet
omeetyouBianca,
I'
m
Oy
int
andoandt
hisi
smyfi
anceThokozani
"

Shenodded,sheseemedv er
yuncomf or
tabl
e
becauseofhowseriousIwas,Idon'
tmeanto
makeheruncomfortabl
ebutI'
mt ir
ed.

Me:
"Cany
oupl
easet
akeust
hrought
hehouse"

Shenodded.
Agent
:"Ofcour
se"

Shewal
kedi
n,If
oll
owedt
hem.

Oyi:
"Babycoul
dyoupl
easer
elaxandco
operat
e?"

Me:
"Yeah"

Shetookust hroughallt
herooms,Imustsay
thi
sonei squit
ebi gandspaci
ous,
alsochi
ld
fri
endl
y,bythet i
mewewer edoneIcouldsee
thatOyialsol
ov esit
.

Oy
i:"
Babawhatdoy
out
hink?If
oronel
ovei
t"
Me:
"Il
ovei
tandi
fyoul
ovei
tthenl
et'
sbuyi
t"

Shesmi
ledandtur
nedtolookatt
heBey
once
womanorwhat
everhernameis.

Oy
i:"
Wel
ovei
tandwear
ebuy
ingi
t"

Agent:"
Fant
ast
ic,
herearethepaperswi
thme
thaty
ouneedtogothroughandsign.
Wedi dal
lthatandIwashappy,
Isi
gnedandthe
housewasour s.Deposi
tedt
hemoneythenwe
l
eft.

[
Sfi
so]

Mykidshav
eforgi
venmeandhonestl
yI
coul
dn'
tbemorehappi
er.Todayt
heyar
eher
e
wi
thmeandI'
m pl
anningonint
roduci
ngthem
t
oSnet
hemba,hopef
ullyt
heywil
lli
keher
.

Wear
eatMal
lofAf
ri
ca,
inRoccoMamas.

Sbani
:"Daddywhydon'
tweor
der
"

Me:
"Ar
eyouhungr
ypr
incess?
"

Sbani
:"Yes"

Me:
"Okayl
et'
scal
lthewai
tert
hen"

Luckyforust
hewai
tr
esscameourdi
rect
ion,
I
cal
ledher.
Me:
"Ol
uor
derwhaty
ouguy
swant
"

Sheor
der
ed,
Iaskedf
orj
ustagl
assofj
uice.

Aswewer esit
ti
ngther
e,t
alki
ngandwait
ingfor
thei
rorder
,Snemadeherwayin,shel
ooked
beauti
ful
.

Sne:
"Hel
l
oev
ery
one,
I'
m sor
ryI
'
mlat
e"

Wegr
eet
edback,
shesatdown.

Me:
"It
'sokaybaby
,youl
ookgr
eat
"

Sne:
"Thanky
ou"
Shelookedabi
tner
vous,pr
obabl
ybecause
she'
swonderi
ngift
hekidswil
ll
oveher
.

Me: "
Okaybabythesearemyki ds,
Oluhleshe'
s
thei
rbigsi
ster
,Simbongi
lethebrotherofthe
gir
lsandSbanithel
it
tl
eprincess"

Sne:
"Ohhht
heyar
esocut
e..
.hel
l
obabi
es"

Them:
"Hel
l
o"

Sne:
"Howar
eyouguy
sdoi
ng?
"

Ol
u:"
Wegoodt
hankshowar
eyou?
"

Sne:
"I'
m goodt
oo"
Me:
"Thi
sisAunt
ieSne"

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Nicet
omeety
ouAunt
ieSne"

Sne:
"Thanky
ouboy
,ni
cemeet
ingy
out
oo"

Thei
rfoodcameandSbani
didn'
twast
eti
me,
shedugri
ghti
n.

Me:
"Let
'spl
aceanor
derbabe"

Weor
der
ed.

Sbani
:"Sodaddy
..
.i
sAunt
ieSney
ourgi
rl
fr
iend?
"
Icoughedal
i
ttl
e,Idi
dn'
texceptt
hat
,atl
east
notnow.

Me:
"Ummm she.
..
wel
lpr
incess.
..
"

Sne:
"YesbabyAunt
ieSnei
sdaddy
'sgi
rl
fr
iend"

Sbani
:"Okay.
..
andthendaddywil
lyoumarryher
?
I
fyoumar ryhershe'
sgoingt
obeoursecond
mommyj ustli
keuncleTkwil
lbeoursecond
daddybecausehe'sgoi
ngtomarrymommy "

Wowthi
schil
d,Idi
dseet
her
ingonOy
i'
sfi
nger
soI
'
m notsur
pri
sed.

Sne:
"Icanbey
oursecondmommyi
fyoul
i
ke"
Shenodded, shest ar
tedtal
kingabouttheir
uncl
eTK, howhebuy st
hem gift
sandni cefood,
hetakesthem outev erynowandagai n.I
honestl
ycouldn'thelpbutfeelj
ealous,mykids
openedupt oanot hermanbecauseIcoul dn't
beagoodf athertot hem.

Ol
u:"
Pri
ncesseaty
ourf
ood"

Sbani
:"Okay
"

Ij
ustl
ovehowtheyaddresseachot
her
,they
l
oveoneanot
heralot.
OurfoodcamebutwhenIlookedatSneshe
wasintenselyl
ooki
ngatSi
mbongi
le,
shewas
notevenblinki
ng.

Me:
"Babear
eyouokay
?"
Shefr
ownedali
tt
leandnoddedt
henaskedt
o
beexcused.

Ol
u:"
Issheokaydad?
"

Me:"It
hinkso,
may
beshewentt
ousea
bat
hroom"

Shenodded.

Me:
"Boy
zaar
eyouokay
?"

Hewast ooqui
etformyli
king,Iknowhehas
growntobealit
tl
equiet
erthanhewasbefore
butheseemedtooquiet
,whichmademe
wonderifhei
sokaybecauseofhowSnewas
gawki
ngathi
m.

Si
mz:
"I'
m gooddad"

Inodded,from t
hesoundofhi
svoi
ceIcoul
d
thentel
lthathereal
l
yisokay.

Mi
nut
esl
aterSnecamebackandt
ookasi
t.

Me:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"

Sne:
"Yeah.
..
ummm y
eah"

Weat ewhi
leconversi
ngher eandther
eand
befor
eweknewt hedaywasov er,webi
dSne
goodbyeandIcall
edt hedri
vertocomegetus.
Bei
ngonawheel chairreal
l
ystressesmeout,I
can'
tev
endr
ivear
ound.

Wefir
stdrov
etheki
dsbackt othei
rmom,I
madesurenott
oenterbecauseIknewIcoul
d
f
indhi
mt her
e.

Me:
"Ihadagr
eatt
imewi
thy
ouki
ds"

Si
mz:
"Thanky
oudad,
wehadal
ovel
yti
met
oo"

Ol
u:"
Andi
twasni
cemeet
ingAuntSne"

Sbani
:"Whenwi
l
lwegooutagai
n?"

Me:
"I'
l
lcal
lyousowecanar
rangeokay
?"
Theynodded.

Me:"Okayby
ethen,
I'
ll
cal
lyouguy
slat
er.Il
ove
you"

Ol
u:"
Byedad,
wel
ovey
out
oo"

Thedriv
erwalkedt
hem i
nsi
deandcameback
secondslat
er.

WhenIgothomeIcal
l
edSne.

Sne:
"Heyl
over
"

Me:
"Heymunt
uza,
yougood?
"
Sne:
"YeahI'
m good.Ihadagoodday,
itwas
ni
cemeetingyourki
ds.Theyar
elov
ely
"

Me:"Babytodayyouact
edv
eryawkwar
d,
wannatalkabouti
t?"

Shesi
ghed.

Sne:
"I'
l
ltel
lyoui
nper
son"

Me:"
Ohhhokayt
henbaby
,letmet
ryandr
est
.I
l
oveyou"

Sne:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Ihungupandst
ruggl
edget
ti
ngi
nbedunt
ilI
fi
nall
ydi
d.
[
Oyi
ntando]

Thekidshadf unwiththei
rdadandIcouldn'
tbe
happier,thei
rhappinessmeansalottome.
Theywentasf arast el
l
ingmeaboutAunt
Sne..
.that'
sOluhle,youknow..
.mommy -
daught ergossip.
I
t'
sagoodt
hingt
hathemov
edont
hough.

I'
mi nbedr i
ghtnowr eadingoneofmyf av ouri
te
stori
esQondi si
we, t
hesepeoplecanwr i
te
yoooh.Iam her egetti
ngemot i
onalaboutit,I
don'thaveapr oblem wit
hLuthandotakingov er
theZikhali
riverasthenewI ndoniyamanzi butI
alsodon'twantQondi todieandbet he
ancestororwhat everoftheri
ver,t
hegir
l has
beent hr
oughal ot,shedeservestofi
ndlov e
andbehappyf oronceinherlife.
AsIwasbusyreadi
ngandhavingt
he
conver
sati
onwit
hmy sel
fatt
hesameti
memy
phonerang.

Me:
"Thebaby
"

He'sbeensul
ki
ngbecauseIt
ooktomany
housesandappar
ent
lyhewasti
red.

Thokozani
:"Mkami
"

Ohhhl
ookatmebl
ushi
ngandal
lthat
.

Me:
"Si
bal
i
khul
u"
HechuckledandaskedhowIam,hethen
compl
ainedaboutbeingt
ir
edbecauseofme.

Me:
"Aski
esbabyhawu"

Thokozani
:"Mama"

Me:
"Mmm"

Thokozani
:"Mydadcal
ledandaskedifyou
tal
kedtoyouruncl
esaboutt
helobol
aissue"

Me:"
OohnoIdidn'
t,
I'
ll
call
Mvelotomorr
owand
t
alkt
ohi
mt henhewilll
ett
hem know"

Thokozani
:"Okay
..
.Iwast
hinki
ngofsendi
ngmy
el
dersnextweek"
Thi
sguyi
sinahur
rybutI
'
m notcompl
aini
ng.

Me:"
OkaybabyI
'
llmakesur
eev
ery
onei
sready
byt
hen"

Thokozani:"
Ican'
twai
tforyoutobeMrs
Dlaminiandmoreovertohaveyouwakeup
nextt
omeeachandev erymorni
ng"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:"
Ial
socan'
twaitt
oshoutatyouforno
r
easonorsomet
imesdenyyouthenanazi
"

Hel
aughedandsai
d..
.
Thokozani
:"Uyahlanya.
..
ngi
shonoma
ungangi
nci
shaukudl aakunankingakodwahai
ii
i
nanaziyam"(Youar ecrazy,youcaneven
ref
usetogivemef oodther
e'snoprobl
em but
notwit
hmyp* * *
y)

Ilaughedwetal
kedf
oral
i
ttl
ewhi
l
eunt
ilIf
elt
verysleepy
.

Thokozani
:"I
yazi
fel
angawel
endoda"(
Thi
sman
di
esforyou)

Me:
"Andt
hiswomandi
esf
ory
ou"

Thokozani
:"CanIv
ideocal
l
?"

Hai
bo!
!Ij
ustt
oldhi
mI'
m sl
eepynj
ena!
!
Il
aughedandr
efused.

Thokozani
:"Mxm goodni
ghtkeh,
Ilov
eyou"
.

Me:
"Goodni
ghtbaby
,Il
ovey
oumor
e"

WehungupandIdozedof
f.

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t45.

[
Snet
hemba]

Iam watchi
ngTVorr
athert
heTVi swat
chi
ng
me.I'
m sit
ti
ngher
ewait
ingforSf
isot
ogether
e
soIcantel
lhi
m abouthi
ssonbutal
soIdon'
t
evenknowwherewil
lIbegi
n,wi
l
lheunder
stand
me?
WellInol ongergotoSf i
so'
shomebecause
eversincehet oldhi
sparentsaboutour
rel
ati
onshi p,hi
smot herwentnutsandtol
dme
toneversetf ootinherhouse,sounti
lSfi
so
goesbackt ohishousewegonnaseeeach
otherhere, i
nmyhouse.

AsIwasthinki
ngaboutamil
li
ont hi
ngsatonce,
ther
ecameaknockont hedoor.Igotupand
wenttoopen.

Dr
iver
:"Hel
l
oMa'
am"

Idon'
tknowhowmanyt
imeshav
eIt
oldt
his
guytocal
lmebymyname.
Me:
"Hey
..
.t
hanksf
orbr
ingi
nghi
min"

Driver
:"I
t'
smypleasure.I
'
llcomegety
oul
ater
then,Ma'am i
twasniceseeingy
ou"

Me:
"Okayby
e"

Icl
osedt
hedoorandpushedhi
minsi
de.

Sf
iso:
"Mymunt
uza,
howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I'
m goodbabe,
howar
eyou?
"

Sf
iso:
"Isi
tnotv
isi
blet
hatI
'
m happy
?"
Ohy
esi
t'
sver
ymuchv
isi
ble,
Iwasaboutt
oask.

Me:
"Icant
ell
,whatmakesmymansohappy
?"

Sfi
so:"Let
'sj
ustsayIhav
eal
i
ttl
esur
pri
sef
or
you?"

Hehasasmi
rkonhi
sface.

Me:
"Okay
..
.sur
pri
seme"

Heheldbothsidesofhiswheel
chai
randsl
owl
y
butsur
elygotup,hestoodup.

Sf
iso:
"Tadaa!
!!
"
Me:
"Sf
iso"

I
tcameoutasanuni
ntendedwhi
sper
.
Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
ev ethi
s.Igottear
yimmediat
ely
,I
knewhewasgoi ngtowalkagainevent
ual
l
ybut
Idi
dn'
tthi
nkitwouldbethisquick.

Me:"WowI
..
.ohmyGodwhatdi
dyourpar
ent
s
say
?"

Sfi
so:"Idi
dn'
ttel
lthem,Iwant
edy
out
oseeme
fi
rstbefor
eanyoneelse"

Ismil
edt hroughtheyear
sandrushedtohi
m,I
huggedhi mt i
ght
lyhefel
lbackonhis
wheelchair
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"

Sf
iso:
"It
'sokay
..
.comeher
e"

Isatonhislap,hebabykissedmeandhugged
met i
ghtagain.Icl
osedmyey es,taki
ngitall
in.
Asmyey eswer eclosed,
Isawhi m...
Simbongil
e,
sit
ti
ngwithav eryoldwomant heywer ebusy
rubbi
ngSfiso'
slegs.

"Gogopleasemakedadwalkagai
n,pl
ease"
Simbongil
esai
dtotheol
dlady.

"
Don'tworr
ychild,
hewill
walkagain.Yousee
wi
ththeseleavesoft
heMor ul
atreeeveryt
hing
wi
llbefi
ne.Allwewantedwasforhimt oask
f
orforgi
veness.HemustthankthatMkhizegir
l"
Iqui
ckl
yopenedmyey
esandl
eftt
heembr
ace.

Sf
iso:
"Yougood?
"

Me:
"Ummm.
..
yeah"

Inodded,
Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
evewhatIj
ustsaw.

Igotupf
rom hi
m.

Me:
"Icooked,
arey
ouhungr
y?"

Hel
ovesmycooki
ngal
ot.

Sf
iso:
"Ofcour
sebaby
"
Iwenttotheki
tchen,
dishedupf
orhi
m and
wentback.

Sf
iso:
"Thanky
ou,
itsmel
l
sgood"

Me:
"Hopei
ttast
esgoodt
oo"

Hest
art
edeati
ng,Ij
ustst
aredatt
heTVwi
th
mymindrunni
ngwil
d.
Thatboyi
spower
ful
,soitmeanshehel
ped
Sfi
so?Wow!!
!Hei
sreal
lyspeci
al.
I'
vehelpedal otofpeople,connectedwith
dif
ferentancestorsandseenal otofthi
ngsbut
I'
venev ercomeacr osssuchsi t
uati
on.Heis
surr
oundedbyel der
lypeople,heisguardedand
protected.
Sf
iso:
"Baby
"

Icamebackf
rom t
hewor
ldoft
hought
s.

Me:
"Mmm?Youdoneeat
ing?
"

Sfi
so:"
BabyI
'vebeencal
li
ngyourname,
please
tal
ktome,i
sitaboutSi
mbongil
e?"

Isighed,thi
sformeisalsoconf
usingbutt
he
understandi
ngIhaveisenough,Ihav
etotel
l
him.

Me:
"Wher
edoIev
enbegi
n?"

Sf
iso:
"Fr
om t
hebegi
nni
ng?
"
Me:"Okayt
hensoyoursonhasagif
t,aspi
ri
tual
gi
ft
.Heseesthi
ngsandtal
ktopeopl
e"

Sf
iso:
"What
?Whatdoy
oumean?
"

Me:
"Hei
stheonet
hathel
pedy
ouwal
kagai
n"

Sf
iso:
"Isn'
tthaty
out
heonewhohel
pedme?
"

Me: "
Ididinaway ,mecomi ngintoyourli
fewas
withareason,Ihel
pedy oubyper suadi
ngy outo
askforforgi
veness,t
hewat erIkeptongi vi
ng
youalsohelpedinmakingsur ethatyourlegs
remainstabl
eandt henwithSimbongi l
e,he
askedtheancestorstomakey ouwalkagain
andherey ouareheali
ng"
Hesi
ghed,
Icoul
dtel
lhewasconf
used.

Sfi
so:"
Soy oumeantosayhetal
kst
othe
ancest
ors?DoesOyi
knowthis?"

Me: "
Hei sst i
l
ly oung, hedoesseet hingsand
hearthings.Hecanseet hef ut
uref orexampl e
heknewaboutt het wi nsy ourexwi f
ewas
carry
ingbef orey ouandherf oundout ,hesaw
thefir
eofy ourbui l
dingbef oreitcouldappear ,
hesawy ouracci dent .Hej ustdoesn' tknow
what'shappeni ng, i
nt er msofcommuni cat
ing
withtheancest or s,fornowbecausehei ssti
ll
young,hecommuni cat esthem t hroughhi s
emot i
ons.Whenhei shur ttheyf eel i
tandt hey
dealwithsomeonewhohur thim,whenhei s
happyt heyshinel i
ghtuponandbl esst he
personwhomakeshi m happy ,whenhewant s
somethingsobadtheymakei thappensot hi
s
meansher eal
lywantedyoutowal kagai
n,
alt
houghhedidn'
tsayitwithhisownmout hbut
becausehewasev enfeel
ingittheymadeit
happen.Thatchi
ldisguar
dedSf iso,
noteven
thestr
ongestwit
chcanbewi t
chhi m"

Hewentqui
et,i
t'
sli
kehewasdigest
ingt
he
whol
ethi
ng,hewantedi
ttosi
nkin.
Ij
ustl
ethi
m beandal
l
owedhi
mtot
akei
tal
li
n.

Sf
iso:
"WowI
..
..
wow"

That
'sal
lhemanagedt
osay
.

[
Oyi
ntando]
Mvel
oishere,Ical
l
edhi
m andt
oldhi
m about
t
helobol
aissue.

Mvelo:"
Icall
eduncl
eThomas,hesai
dhewould
tel
ltheother
s.Heal
soaskedt
hatyoucal
lhi
m
aswell"

Me:
"Okayt
hanksbi
gbr
o,I
'
llcal
lhi
m"

Wewerenowwait
ingforThokozani
,appar
ent
ly
Mvel
owantedt
otalkt
ohim.

Minut
eslaterthebuzzerwentoff
,Iopenedthe
dooranditwasmyev ersosexyman,hewas
weari
ngabl acktuxwhichsuit
edhim per
fect
ly.

Me:
"Baba"
Thokozani
:"St
handwasam"

Heki
ssedme,
Imov
edsohecoul
dcomei
n.

Thokozani
:"ShoMf
ethu"

Hegreet
edMv
elo,
theyhavemetbef
oret
hat
's
whyuncl
eTKi
ssor el
axed.

Mv
elo:
"Exe.
..
fede?
"

Thokozani
:"Hai
i
ifokol
sbal
e"

Iwenttopourthem dr
inksandwentbackt
o
gi
vethem,Ifoundthem laughi
ng.
Mv
elo:
"Thanky
ou"

IsatdownbutMvel
olookedatmeli
keI
'
vej
ust
donethemostcr
azi
estthi
ngever
.

Me:
"What
?"

Iaskedshr
uggi
ngmyshoul
der
s.

Mvel
o:"
Wewouldli
ket
otal
k..
.gof
ind
somet
hingt
odo"

If
rownedandaskedwhybutThokozani
sai
d..
.

Thokozani
:"Wear
etal
ki
ngasmenbaby
"
Irol
l
edmyey esandleftt
hem t
here,Iwashed
thedishesandcleanedupmykitchen.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..

Hoursl
aterMvel
owasgone, Thokozaniwas
si
tt
ingonthecarpetpl
ayingmonopolywit
hthe
ki
ds.Thenoiset
heywer emaki
ng!!
!

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Str
aightt
ojai
luncl
eTK"

Me:
"Baby
?"

Hel
ookedupatme.

Me:
"Canwegot
alk?
"
Sbani
:"Haaaamama,
whywoul
ddot
hat
?We
arest
il
lplay
ing"

Me:
"Hewi
l
lcomebackpr
incess"

Thokozanigotup,wewentt
omyr
oom l
eav
ing
theki
dsplaying.

Assoonaswegoti
n..
..

Me:
"And?
"

Thokozani
:"Andwhat
?"

Me:
"Don'
tactsmar
twi
thme"
Hel
aughedandpull
edmei nforakiss,
hehel
d
mywaistandki
ssedthel
i
vingli
ghtsofme.

Thokozani
:"Usexykanj
anmawuzenzai
Boss"
(Youaresosexywheny ouactl
i
keaboss)

Me:
"Babyman"

Thokozani:
"Okaywesetthedat
ef ornextweek
Saturday
,hesaidhewoul
dcallyourunclesand
l
etthem know,wealsot
alkedaboutmenst uff
thatdon'
tconcerny
ou"

Me:
"Okayt
hen"

Wesatont
hebed,
tal
ki
ngandl
aughi
ng
f
orgett
ingt
hatwepr
omi
sedt
heki
dst
hathe
wouldbeback.

Me:
"Andhey
awns"

Thokozani
:"I
'
m sot
ir
edandsl
eepy
"

Me:
"Ar
en'
tyoual
way
s?"

Thokozani
:"Ithi
nkI
'
m ov
erwor
kingmy
sel
f,I
needsomet imeout
"

Me:
"Yeah.
..
takeof
fthatsui
tandsl
eep"

Heyawnedagai
nandtookoffhi
ssuit
,hegot
i
nsi
dethecover
sonl
yinhisbri
efsandvest
.
Thokozani
:"Ar
en'
tyougonnacomeandcuddl
e
me?"

Il
aughed.

Me:"No!
!I'
m goi
ngt
ocook,
I'
ll
tel
ltheki
dsy
ou
notf
eeli
ngwell"

Thokozani
:"Mxm f
ine"

Ismi
l
edandl
eftt
her
oom.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..

I
t'
sMorningal
ready,
Thokozanisl
eptthewhol
e
ni
ghtwi
thouteveneati
ngandhei sst
il
lsl
eepi
ng.
Whatworri
esmenowi sthatheissweati
ng.
Ishookhi
m al
i
ttl
e.

Me:
"Baby
"

Hesl
owl
yopenedhi
sey
es.

Thokozani
:"Baby
"

Me:
"Youar
esweat
ing,
arey
ouokay
?"

If
elthi
stemper
atur
eandi
twashi
gh.

Thokozani:
"It
hinkI
'
m comi
ngdownwi
thf
lu,
I'
m
notfeel
ingwell
"
Me:
"Let
'sgoseeadoct
or"

Thokozani
:"Hellnobaby,cabangasengiy
a
kwaDokotelangencayomkhuhl ane"(
Imagine
megoingt othedoctorbecauseoff l
u)

Mxm I
'
minnomoodt
oar
guewi
thhi
m,Ij
ust
st
oodup.

Me:"Youdidn'
teatl
astni
ght
,letmegomake
youbreakf
ast"

Thokozani
:"Canyoupl
easegi
vemey
est
erday
's
foodifi
t'
ssti
llav
ail
abl
e"

Inoddedandwenttotheki
tchen,Ihaddished
upforhi
my est
erdayandputonthemi cr
owav e
soIj
ustwarmedi
tup,
tookagl
assofwat
erand
wentt
ogivehi
m.

Thokozani
:"Thanky
oumama"

Heateonespoonandallofsuddengotupf r
om
thebed,ashewasrunni
ngtot hebat
hroom he
didn'
tev
engetther
e,hevomitedonthefloor
.

Me:"That
'si
t!
!!I
'
m dr
ivi
ngy
out
otheDoct
or,
pl
easetakeashower
"

Iwentt
otakeabucketandmop,whenIcame
backhewasst
il
lsi
tti
ngonthebed.

Thokozani
:"BabyI
'
llbef
ine,
Idon'
tneeda
doctor
"
Ist
oppedmoppi
ngandl
ookedathi
m.

Me:"Thokozani
readmyl i
ps!
!!
I
..
.don'
t.
..
wanna..
.hear
..
.i
t!
!Wearegoi
ngt
othe
doctor
"

Thokozani
:"ButI
..
..
"

Me:"Youhav
eyourgr
eyt
racksui
ther
e,pl
ease
hur
ryandshower
,wehav
etogo"

Hegotupdefeat
edandheadedt
othe
bat
hroom t
oshower
.

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP
Sorr
yfort
hel
atepostguy
s,myphonei
sati
t
agai
n.
I
nser
t46.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Iwokeupv eryear l
y, Ihonestl
ycouldn'tsleep.
I'
vebeenmar ri
edbef ore,I
'v
ebeendownt his
roadbef or
ebutt odayi sdif
fer
entIdon' tknow
howt oexplaint hedi ff
erenceI'
mt alki
ngabout
butit'
sjustdiff
er ent.IguessbecauseI 'm now
olderthanIwast hatt i
meandI 'm nowamot her.
EverydecisionImakeIhav etobeext racar eful
soast onotaf fectmyki dsinthelongr un,
howev erI'
venev erbeensoexci t
edt oget
mar r
ied,I'
m bothex ci t
edandner vousbut
honestlythener vescl oudtheexcitement .
Cel
est
e:"
Rel
axwi
l
lyou?Al
lwi
l
lbewel
l
"

Wel l
Cel esteandIhav eformedav erybeautif
ul
fr
iendshi p,al
l t
hef ri
endsIhadwhi l
eIwas
mar r
iedt oSf i
sodi sappearedri
ghtafterour
di
v orce,theynev erev encaredtocheckhowI
wasandIbel i
evet hatwasGodshowi ngme
whatt heyr eall
ymeanwhent heysayFRI ENDS
AINTSHI T!!I'
mj okingbuty ahsomef ri
ends
ai
n'tshitf orreal
.

"
Umabef
ikaki
nibezok'
cel
ant
ombazana
Wov
uma.
..
.
Bay
eza.
..
.omal
ume
Bay
eza"
Thatwaspretent
iousauntwalki
nginsi
ngi
ng
thatBongoMuffi
nsong.Ijustsmil
edand
huggedher.

Li
ndi
we:
"Ohhmybabycongr
atul
ati
ons"

IfIcoul
dIwoul
drol
lmyey
esr
ightnowbutt
hen
again.
..
.

Me:
"Thanksaunt
ie,
thanksf
orcomi
ng"

Li
ndiwe:"Hawul
ala,
don'tthankme.
..
Iwoul
dn'
t
missthi
sdayforanyt
hinginthewor
ld,y
ouare
mybrother'
schi
l
dafterall
"

Am gl
ady
our
emembert
hat
..
..
mxm.
Me:
"Yeah,
howar
etheki
ds"

Li
ndiwe:"Theyar
eallgood.
..
wej
ustmi
ssy
ou,
ani
vakashiweOyint
ando"

Myphoner
ang,
sav
ingmef
rom t
heshedev
il
..
..
I
smi
led.

Me:
"Baba"

Thokozani
:"Imi
ssy
ousomuchbaby
..
."

Il
aughed,Ihav
en'tspokentothi
sguytoday
unti
lnowandhedoesn' tgr
eetmehejustcuts
str
aightt
othechase.

Me:
"I'
m ner
vous.
..
kant
iwher
ear
eyouruncl
es?
"
Hel
aughed.

Thokozani:"
Mydadcalledt
osayyouguysar
e
notopeningthegat
e,appar
ent
lyt
hey'
vebeen
shouti
ngwi t
hnoresponse"

Ohhkonjethi
shouseisdisabl
ed,Ican'
thear
what'
shappeningout
sidewhenI'minthisroom,
norcanIseeatthegatebecausethi
sroom is
farf
rom i
t.

Me:
"Ohhhsot
heyar
eher
e?"

Thokozani
:"Yeah.
..
they
'vebeenf
orqui
tesome
ti
me"
Thent
her
ewassi
l
ence.

Thokozani
:"Mama"

Me:
"Babe"

Thokozani
:"Il
ovey
ousomuchokay
?"

Andt henImelt,heal
waystel
lsmehelov
esme
buttodayitsoundsdeep,
itsoundsv
eryver
y
ver
ygenui neanddeep.

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Thokozani
:"OkayI
'
llseeyouinafewhoursmy
l
ove,dadsaysthey
'veopenedupf ort
hem.He
j
ustSMSedmeont heotherphone"
Me:
"WhuuuuI
'
m ner
vous.
..
okayby
e"

IhungasBul
elwamycousi
nandLondekamade
thei
rwayi
n.

Bul
i
:"Wowy
oul
ooki
nggoodkot
iza"

Ismil
edandthankedher,wellappar
entl
ysince
Londekai
smar r
iedshecan'tgointothelounge
wit
hus,it
'l
lbeBuliandCel
estecomingwi thme.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
2hour
spassedwi
thnoupdat
ewhat
soev
er.

Iwasnowgetti
ngal
lsweatyandemot
ional
becauseIt
ext
edThokozanihei
snotr
eplyi
ng.
Cel
est
e:"
Okayher
e,dr
inksomewat
er"

It
hinkshecoul
dal
soseet
hatt
her
ewast
roubl
e.

Igul
peddownthegl
assofwater
,mypal
ms
werever
ysweaty
,Iwant
edtocry.

Londekacamei
n.

Me:
"Di
dyouhearany
thi
ng?
"

Ndeka:"
Iwaspr epar
ingsomef oodforyour
peopl
ebutAuntSbongi l
ecameandsai dshe
wascall
edin,t
heywer edisagr
eeingoncert
ain
thi
ngssotheytookabr eaktogot al
k"

Shet
hencameandhuggedmeast
ear
s
st
reameddown.

Ndeka:"
ComeonOy i
,don'
tcr
y..
.t
hesethi
ngs
happenbutt
heydon'
tmeananythi
ng"

[
Thokozani
]

Iwassi tti
ngi nahotel r
oom wit
hMkhusel iand
ourf r
iendsbuti nallhonest
yIwasj ustnot
feel
ingokay ,
Oy iandIdidgotothedoct ort
he
otherdaybutappar entl
yitwasjustacold,wel
lI
dof eelbetterthanthatdaybutsomet hi
ngisa
bitoffaboutmybody ,I
'
m alwaysti
redand
readyt osleep.

Sbu:
"Ey
yyNdodav
uka!
!"(
Wakeupman)
Ist
oodupandwentt
othebal
cony
.

Mydadcal
l
edal
mosti
mmedi
etel
y.

Me:"Baba.
..
kuhambakanj
an?
"(Dad.
..
how'
sit
goi
ng?)

Hesighedandatt
hatmomentIknew
somethi
ngwaswrong.

Me:
"Dad"

Dad:"Theyaredemandingal otofmoney
Thokozaniandyourunclesaredisagr
eei
ng,I
wantedtogivethem whattheywantbutyou
knowMqaphel i
,hestar
tedment ioni
ngalotof
thi
ngssot heyaskedustoleaveandcomeback
whenwear
ereadyt
oactl
i
keadul
ts"

Ihungupandcall
eduncl
eMqaphel
i
,hemust
notdri
vemecrazy.

Heanswer
ed.

Hi
m:"
Mshana"

Me:"Lalel
akeNdoda. ..
.y
ouwi llgobackinside
andfir
staskf orforgiv
enessf orbehavi
nglikea
hi
ghschool kidandt heny ouwillgiv
ethem
whattheywant ,pleasedon'tstressmeout
Malume. .
.pl
ease"

Ihungup,
heknowsnott
omesswi
thme.
Ical
l
edmywoman,
shemustbedev
ast
ated.
Her
:"Hel
l
o"

Wow,
shesoundsv
erysad.

Me:
"BabyIf
ixedi
t,pl
easedon'
tcr
y"

Shewasnotcr
yingri
ghtnowbutIknowshewi
l
l
i
fshedi
dn'
tcryalr
eady.

Oy
i:"
Okay
"

Isi
ghed.

Me:
"Baby
"
Oy
i:"
Mmm"

Me:"Il
oveyouandy ouandIwil
lgetmar
ri
ed
agai
nstal
lodds,If
ixedthel
it
tl
e
misunder
standi
ngthathadoccur
ed"

Oy
i:"
Okaybabat
hanky
ou"

Ismil
edtomy sel
f,Il
ovethi
swomanandifI
havetosel
lmycompani esj
ustt
obewit
hher
thensobeit
.

Oy
i:"
Didy
oueat
?"

Allthemor
ereasonwhyIam mar
ryi
ngher
,she
takesagoodcareofme.
Me:
"NoI
'
lleatwhen.
..
."

Oyi
:"Goeatr
ightnowThokozani
,youknowy ou
ar
esickandI'
ll
knowwheny ouhaveeatenand
whenyouhaven't
"

Ichuckl
ed,
thi
sonebossesmear
ound.

Me:
"OkayI
'
llv
ideocal
lyouwhenI
'
m eat
ing"

Oyi
:"Good.
..
lookbabyIhav
etogo,
myauntj
ust
wal
kedin"

Me:
"Okayngy
ak'
thanda"(
Ilov
eyou)

Me:
"Ut
handway
ini
"(Youar
elov
edbyme)
Shehungup,Iwentbacktotheguysandtook
myfood,Iat
ewhileconver
singwit
htheguys.

•
••Nar
rat
ed•
••

Oyi
ntandoandthegirl
swentt
othelounge
wherethenegot
iat
ionswer
eheld.
Asperl
obol
aproceduret
heyhadtopickthei
r
br
ideamongstt
hethreel
adi
esandMrDl amini
di
dn'
twantanymist
ake,hequi
ckl
ypickedher.

UncleThomas:
"Mshana,
doy
ouknowt
hese
people?
"

Whil
elooki
ngdownOyiagr
eedt
oknowi
ngt
hen
andsotheywer
eexcused.
[
Sfi
so]

TodaymydadandIar etr
avel
li
ngtoMbumbulu,
that
'saplacei
nwhi chIgothel
pfr
om andmy
dadsaythemansai dweshouldcomebackt o
payhim onceI
'vehealedandImusthereal
l
y
knowshisjob.

Aswer edr
ivi
ngandt
alki
ngmydad'
sphone
rang.

Dad:
"It
'sOy
i'
suncl
e"

If
rownedi
nconf
usi
onasheanswer
ed.

Theyspokef
orsomet
ime.
Dad:"
Okayweshal
ltal
kcauser
ightnowI
'
m
dr
ivi
ng"

Hesai
dgoodby
eandhungup.

Me:
"Whatwashesay
ing?
"

Dad:"Todaytheyreceivedl
obol af
orOyint
ando
sotheywantt ocomeandr etur
nthelobol
awe
pai
d,thatist
raditi
on.Wehav et oper
forma
cer
emonyandl ettheancestorsknowthatshe
i
snol ongeraKunene, andacceptourlobol
a"

Inoddedandsi
l
encef
il
ledt
hecar
.

Wef
inal
l
yar
ri
vedt
othi
spl
aceandassoonas
wegotoffthecar
,ayoungmanapprochedus,I
wassti
l
lonmywheel chai
rbecausemybalance
wasnotyetstr
ong.

#Unedi
ted
Tobecont
inued
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t47.

[
Sfi
so]

Af
terspr
inkl
inguswi
thwat
ertheyoungman
al
l
owedusi n,mydadwaspushi
ngme.

Assoonaswegott
othesmal
lrondav
el
Youngman:"Takeof
fyourshoesbef
orey
ougo
i
n,don'
tknock"

Wedidashesai
dandwenti nsi
de,i
twasdar
k
butwecoul
dseethegrassmatthatwehadt
o
si
tonandwecouldseeeachotherabi
t.
Ihav eseencr eepyplacesbefor ebutthisone
taket hetrophy,i
t'
sthemostcr eepiestplaces
I'
veev erseenandbeent o.It
'sthosepl acesthat
getsy ourhairtostandandgi vesy ougoose
bumps, Icanfeelheavypresent sofpeopl ebutI
can'tseet hem.Ilookedatdadt oseei fheisas
spookedasIam butnahhewasokayIguess
becausehef eltt
histhefir
sttimewhenwe
came, Iwasdeadal i
ve.

Dad:
"Sawubonababa"(
Greet
ings)
Hedi
dn'
tgr
eetback,
hechant
edandgr
unt
ed.

Him:"Mfanangaphambi kokut
hingichubekel
e
phambil
ingi celaubekelokhuesazwana
ngakhophansi "(Boybef
oreIcanev engo
fur
ther
,pleaseputwhatwehadagr eedondown)

Wazwananami ?(
Heagreedwi t
hme)Seenow
I
'm notfol
l
owingandbesi
desifheisreferr
ing
tothemoney,howmuchisitthen?Whyi she
notcall
i
ngitmoneyandsaytheprice?

Him: "
Angi y
enausomabhi zini
si,
angibi
ziimali
ngemal i
,akuyonaey am kodwa
eyabaphansi..
.kuyomelenomay inionakho
ukubabongangobausuphol il
e"(I
'
m nota
businessman, Idon'
tcall
moneybyname.I t'
s
notmi neitbel
ongst otheancestors,youjust
havetot akeoutanyamounty ouhave)
WowsoheknowswhatI
'
mthi
nki
ng?

It
ookoutt
hemoneyf r
om mypocket
,it
amount
edtoR2000.Iputi
tont
hegrassmat
.

Hechantedandgrunt
ed,
hethenpoured
somethi
ngonthemoneyandsaidsomet hi
ngs
Icoul
dn'
thearpr
operl
ynorunder
stand.

Hi
m:"
Indodanay
akho"(
Yourson)

Hesai
dlooki
ngatme.

Him:"I
phi
weleyangane,
ngishonam ngyazi
wa
esgodi
ninakweziny
eizi
ndawoukuthi
ngiy
iny
angaenamandlakodwaanginasoisi
pho
esi
f ananesenganey akho.Usuy aziukuthi
ngikhulumangani ,angishouy i
tholil
eincazel
o?"
(Thatchi l
disgift
ed, Iam knowni nthi
sv i
ll
age
andot herplacesthatI '
mt hepower ful
tr
adi t
ionalheal
erbutImy selfam notasgi ft
ed
asy ourson.Youal readyknowwhatI '
mt al
king
about ,yougottheexpl ai
nationright?)

Me:
"Yebobaba"(
Yes)

Mydadlookedconfusedandsol
ost
,hel
ooked
atmeexpecti
nganswers.

Him:"Kukodwaengi zokutshelakhona, ukube

akuyonaleyanganekubewenawashona,
i
phethweamadl oziamakhul ukabi f
uthi
anamandla,umanj eungaphi ndauyicasule
kuyophel
angawe.Ley anganeiyosi
zaabant u
abaningi
kabi,abasukaezi ndaweniezihluka
hl
ukene"(There'
sonet hi
ngIwi l
ltel
lyou,I
fit
wasn'
tforthatchil
dy ou'
dbedead.Hehasgr eat
andmostpower fulancestors.I
fyoudareanger
hi
m again,i
t'
llbeoverforyou.Thatchil
dis
goi
ngt ohelpmanypeopl e,peoplef
rom
di
ffer
entplaces)

Thisissosur
real
,iti
ssounbel
i
evabl
e.I
'
m st
il
l
tr
yingtodi
gestit
.

Him:"BesekubekhonauMaMkhi ze, kuzomel e

umshade.Umphi wengabaphansi baki ni
nebakubo, uphet
hei ziphozakhoezi nhlekabi
kodwawazewazamaukumoshaf uthi wadlal
a
ngaye,kuyobhidl
ikakonke, uzohlanya
nokuhlanya"(Thent here'
sMaMkhi ze,y ouhave
tomar ryher.Shewasgi v
ent oyoubyy our
acestorsandher s,shehasy ourbeaut ifulgi
fts
i
nherhandsandi fyoumessupandt oywi t
h
her
,itwi
l
lal
lcomecr
umbl
i
ngdownandy
ouar
e
goi
ngtogocrazy
)

IwassoshockedbutIdon'
tmi
ndmar
ryi
ngSne,
shehasmyheart.

Helookedatmydad,hedidsomegr owl
i
ng
soundsli
keananimalandthenshookhi
shead,
hewasbur pi
ngnonestop.

Him:"
Akusekhoengingakwenza,
iskhathi
si
hambil
e"(Ther
e'snothi
ngIcando, t
imehas
goneby)

Dad:"
Ukhul
umangani
baba"(
Whatar
eyou
tal
ki
ngabout
)
Him: "
Isikudl
il
ey akucedangaphakat hi
,
l
ezinhlunguohlalaukhul umangazo. ..y
ingoba
uyadli
wangaphakat hi,unkosikazi
wakho
ukufakeleushefuekudl enikwakho, futhi
akusekhoengi ngakwenzaukukusi za"(Ithas
eateny ouupandf i
nishedy ouinsi
de, yourwife
putpoisoni nyourfoodandt here'
snot hingI
candot ohelpyou)

What
?No!
!!
!Mom can'
tki
l
ldad,
howcanshe?

Dad:
"Pl
ease.
..
pleasehel
pme"

Heshookhi
shead.

Hi
m:"
Kuphel
i
le"(
It
'sov
er)
Mytearsf
ell
,Ican'tl
osemydad.Somethi
ng
canbedonesurelytohel
phim,Iknewmom
wascruel
butthisistoomuch.

Hetoldmet opackmybel ongingsandgoback

tomyhousebecauseshei snowl ookingtoki l
l
me,alli
nthenameofmoney ,sheknowsmy
moneyisnol ongerthatmuchandI '
ml ooking
touseittorebui
ldmy self
.I'
vealwaystaken
car
eofher ,dadalwayslovedandt ookcar eof
her
,whyi sshedoingthis?

Aft
ersomet
imeweleft
,dadwassodefeat
ed
andver
yhear
tbr
oken.Hecan'
tdi
e,nohecan'
t.

[
Thokozani
]

Ri
ghtaf
terIr
ecei
vedt
hecal
lthatev
ery
thi
ng
wentwel
l,Idr
ovet
othel
ocat
ionwher
eOy
i'
s
homeis.
Iparkedfewhousesawayandcal
l
edher ,
I
coul
dmydadanduncl esdri
nki
ngalcoholand
eati
ngfrom af
ar.
It
ookoutt
hephoneandcal
l
edher
.

Oy
i:"
Myl
ove"

Me:"St
handwasam, pl
easecomeout
side.I
'
m
par
kedthreehousesawayfr
om y
ourhome"

Shegi
ggl
ed.

Oy
i:"
I'
m ki
ndabusybaby
"

Me:
"Sneakouthawu,
themanmi
ssesy
ou"
Shel
aughedandhungup,
fewmi
nut
esl
aterI
sawherappr
oachi
ng.

Iopenedt
hedoorf
orherwhi
l
eIwasi
nsi
det
he
car.

Assoonasshegotinandcl
osedt
hedoor
,I
at
tackedherwi
thakiss.
Shebl
ushedassoonasIendedi
t.

Oy
i:"
Someonemi
ssedme"

Me:
"Youhav
enoi
deababy
..
.y
oul
ookl
ovel
y"

Shesmil
edandt hankedme,shewaswear
inga
bl
uetr
adit
ional
l
ypr i
nteddr
essandamatching
doek.

Me:"
Soyouaremywi
fet
radi
ti
onal
l
yspeaki
ng,
MrsDl
amini
"

Ismi
ledatt
hesoundoft
hat
,Il
ovehersoso
much.

Oy
i:"
Yeahandi
tfeel
ssogood"

Me:
"Ki
ssme"

Shecameandki
ssed,
Sibal
i
khul
ust
oodup
i
nstant
ly.

Itookherhandandputonmyd*
**ksoshe
couldfeel
howhardIwas.
Hereyeswer
esmallandred,
Iknewf
orsur
e
t
hatshewasalsowhereIwas.

Shesmi
ledandopenedmyzi
p.Il
ookedather
asshet
ookital
lout
.

Me:
"Baby
"

Shestar
tedbylicki
ngtheti
p,shemadesuret
o
swi
rlhertonguearoundandthatgotmegoi
ng
i
nsane.

Icl
osedmyey
esasshest
art
edt
aki
ngmeal
li
n,
shewasev
engaggi
ng.
Shewentonabouti
tforawhileandwi
thouta
warni
ngIshotal
lmyc**insi
dehermouth,she
swal
l
owedandl
ookedv
erypl
easedwi
thher
sel
f.

Me:
"F*
*kbabyt
hatwas.
..
.damn!
!!
!!
"

Shesmi
l
ed,
Ipul
l
edmy
sel
ftoget
heranddr
ove
off
,
Shel
aughed.

Oyi
:"Hai
bobabyst
opt
hecar
,wher
ear
eyou
t
aki
ngme? "

Ibr
ushedhert
high,
Ihadl
i
ftedherdr
essup.

Me:"Iwantwhat
'smineandIcan'
treal
l
yhav
eit
her
enowcanIMr sDl
amini
?"
Shesmi
l
edandl
ookedout
sidet
hewi
ndow.

Idr
ovesi
l
ent
lyt
il
lwegott
othehot
el.

Onourwayinwebumpedi nt
oMkhuseli
butI
pickedOy
iupbri
dalst
ylehecoul
dtal
kbecause
Iknowhim,Ir
ushedtomyhotelr
oom.

Icoul
dhearhi
mlaughbutIdi
dn'
tcar
e.

•
•••
Remov
ed•
•••

[
Oyi
ntando]

Myphoner angasIwasinThokozani
'
sar
ms,
I
checkedanditwasLondeka.
Ianswer
ed.

Me:
"Heysi
s"

Ndeka:"
Usunyamal
alewayaphi
keh?
"(Wher
e
haveyoudi
sappear
edto?)

Il
aughedandshejoinedi
n.Iguesssheal
ready
knowstheanswertoherquest
ion.

Me:"I
'
llcomebackl
aterguy
s,I
'
m sti
l
lrest
ing
andbondingwi
thmymanaswel l
"

Ndeka:
"Okayshar
pmkakhe"(
Hiswi
fe)
Il
aughedandhungup.

IfoundThokozani
looki
ngatme,somethi
ng
deepwaswr i
tteni
nhiseyes,
hewasstari
ng
actual
ly
.

Me:
"Youar
est
ari
ng"

Thokozani
:"I
'
venev
erl
ovedaper
sont
his
way..
.i
tscar
esmebaby"

Me:
"Whydoesi
tscar
eyou?
"

Thokozani
:"BecausemaybeonedayI'
m gonna
wakeandbet oldthati
twasal
ladream oreven
worsewhatifyouleaveme?"
Icoul
dseewor
ryi
nhi
sface,
itwasr
eal
concer
n.

Me:"
Nobaby.
..
I'
dnev
erev
erl
eav
eyou,
noti
na
mi
ll
i
onyear
s"

Hesi
ghedandki
ssedmyf
oreheadt
hepul
l
ed
metohi
schest
.

Thokozani
:"Cany
ouhearmyhear
tbeat
ing?
"

Me:
"Yeah"

Thokozani
:"I
twi
lll
i
ter
all
yst
opi
fyoul
eav
eme,
I
am goi
ngtodieIsweart
oGod"

Me: "
Thenitmeanyounotgonnadi
ebecause
I
'm notgoi
nganywhere"
Thokozani
:"I
thi
Mxi
i
ist
ru"

Il
aughedhar
der,mxm whost
il
lsayt
hat
?He
l
aughedaswell
.

Me:"Butf
orrealbabyIpromi
seI'm her
etost
ay,
unl
essofcourseyougiveareasontoleav
e"

Thokozani
:"I
'
dnev
erdoany
thi
ngt
omakey
ou
l
eaveme"

Inoddedandki
ssedhi
sbar
echest
.
Myst omachgrowl
ed,
I'
m onl
yreal
isi
ngnow
thatIdi
dn'
teatsi
ncemorni
ngbecauseoft
he
nerves.
Thokozani
:"Someonei
shungr
y..
.l
et'
scal
lroom
ser
vice"

Hedi
dandwel
aidl
i
ket
hatwai
ti
ng.

Ourfoodcameandweatewhil
est
il
li
nbed,
feedi
ngeachot
herandki
ssi
ngher
eandther
e.

Thokozani
:"Sowhenar
eweget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow?
"

Thokozani
:"Okay..
.j
ustknowthatwheny
ou
plant
heweddi ngIwanty out
ohaveever
ythi
ng
youdesir
e,t
her e'
snobudget"

Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
"Youcan'
tsayt
hatt
oawoman"

Hel
aughed.

Thokozani:"
WellIj
ustdi
d,she'
snotjustany
woman, she'
stherul
erofmyheart"

Wesilentl
ylookedateachot
her,Heav
enl
y
fat
herthankyousomuchf orthi
sman.Il
ove
him.

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP

Myphoneisbackatitguy
s,bat
ter
ydoesa
countdownsoI'
l
lpostanydaybecausesome
daysarethewor stwhi
lesomear ebett
er.So
j
ustknowi fwegodaywi thoutaninser
torifi
t'
s
short
,it
'sbecauseofthephone.

Theremovedwi
llbepost
edduri
ngt
hedayon
STORIESBYLERATOMALI NGA
•
••Sni
ppet
•••
[
Amont
hlat
er]

Sfi
so'sfatherwassick,verysi
ckandbedri
dden.
Sfi
sot r
iedt aki
nghi
mt ohospi
tal
butheref
used,
Snealsot ri
edhelpi
nghi minherownwaybutit
wasrev ealedtoherthatnoonecanandwill
helphim, hehadstarteddevel
opi
ngsoresal
l
overhisbody .

Mr
sK:
"Babay
ouneedt
oeat
"
Shehadabowl ofpor
ri
dgewi
thher
,tr
yingt
o
feedherhusband.

Sfiso:
"Ma!!
!St
opitokay
?Webot hknowthat
youdidthi
stohim,webothknowyouarethe
reasonbehi
ndthi
s,Ihat
eyou!!
!!
"

Shel
ookedatSf
isoandsi
ghed.

Mr
sK:
"Kahl
ewengane,
I'
m st
il
lyourmot
her
"

Sf
iso'
sfat
hercoughed,
hecoughedupbl
ood.

Hi
m: "
Sfi
so..
.ndodanapl
easebri
ngal
lmy
gr
andchi
ldr
enbef or
ethesunset
s,al
loft
hem"

Sf
iso'
stear
sdr
opped,
hewashopi
ngt
hati
t'
s
notthedayhehasbeendr
eadi
ngsi
ncehi
s
fat
hergotsi
ck.

Henoddedandl
eft
.

#Comi
ngUpLat
erToday
I
nser
t48.
•
••Amont
hlat
er•
••
[
Oyi
ntando]

"
Babycal
m downwi
l
lyou?
"

Ilookedathi
m, thi
sguyhasanervetot
ell
me
tocalm down!
!!Iam ner
vous,
Ican'
thel
pit.

Hehel
dmyhand,
Ilookedoutt
hewi
ndow.
Thi
sdr
ivei
sal
sot
aki
ngf
orev
er.

Thokozani
:"St
handwasam"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Thokozani
:"Wear
eher
e"

Ishookmyhead,
Idon'
twantt
o.Whati
f
I'
m..
..
ohmyGod.

Hel
ookedatmewi
thbeggi
ngey
es.

Me:
"Don'
tgi
vemet
hatl
ook"

HeknowsImel
twhenev
erhel
ooksatmewi
th
puppyey
es.

Thokozani
:"Ngy
acel
amama"(
I'
m beggi
ngy
ou)

Hewi pedoffmyt ears.I

'm anemot i
onalwreck,
I'
vebeenl i
kethisforquit
esomet i
meand
LondiwebelievesIcouldbepr egnant
,Ihave
businessestorunandi tjustgotbusy,
Ireal
ly
can'taff
ordtobepr egnant.YesIdowantmor e
babiesandmor eoverIdowantt ohavebabies
withThokozani butcanitnotbenow?

Me:
"Fi
ne"

Wegotoffthecar
,heheldmyhandaswe
wal
kedin.WeareheretoseetheDoctor
,we
wannaconfi
rmifwereal
lyar
epregnantornot
.
Thokozani
:"Goodday
,wemadean
appoi
ntmenttoseeDrSt
eenkamp"

Lady
:"Gooddaysi
r.
..
ma'
am,
Yournamepl
ease"

Thokozani
:"Oy
int
andoM.
..
."

Lady
:"Gotit
..
.y
ouwi
llgoi
nwhent
heper
son
whoisincomesout
"

Shesmil
ed,shehasav erybeaut
if
ulsmi
l
eand
whyexact
lyisshef
lashingitt
omyman?

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Ikeptastrai
ghtf
aceandpull
edThokozani
to
thebenches.Hechuckl
edandki
ssedmyhand
aswesatdown.

Thokozani
:"Il
oveyou..
.Il
ovey
ouev
enmor
e
wheny ougetj
ealous.
"

Hewhi
sper
edi
nmyear
.
Ismi
l
edandsai
d"Mxm"

Rightaf
tert
heper
sonwhowasi
nexi
ted,
they
call
edusin.

Dr
:"Goodday
..
.pl
easet
akeasi
t"

Shealsohadthi
scont
agi
oussmi
l
e,Ismil
ed
backbutatt
hebackofmymindI
'
mt hi
nki
ng
"PLEASECANINOTBEPREGNANT"
Wegreetedbackandsatdownt
henThokozani
i
ntr
oducedus.

Dr
:"Al
ri
ght
..
.howcanIbeofhel
ptoday
?"

Thokozani
:"Wethi
nkwear epregnantsowe
wouldli
ketoconfi
rm oursuspi
cions"

Shesmiledandnodded,Icoul
dtel
lshewant
ed
met osaysomethingbutwhatcanIsay
becausethespokesper
sonhasspoken.

Dr
:"Whatmakesy
out
hinky
oucoul
dbe
pr
egnant
?"

Thokozani
:"Mywifeher
eisal
wayscr
ying,ev
en
fort
helit
tl
estt
hings,
sheisal
way
shungr y
and.
..
."

Me: "Andnothing,hei
slying.Thi
ngisheis
alway ssi
ck,ti
redandsleepy.Honest
lywhosti
l
l
thi
nkst hosearesignsofpregnancy,
Ithi
nkhe
i
sj ustoverworki
nghimselfandheneedst o
rest"

Dr
:"Whenl
astdi
dyouhav
eyourper
iod?
"

It
houghtf
orawhi
l
e.

Me:
"Aboutamont
hago"

Dr
:"Andthi
smonth?Youdoreal
i
sethatwear
e
2daystoendoft
hemonthri
ght?"
Isighedandnoddedwhil
ebigheadherewas
smi l
ingandpr
obabl
yprayi
ngthatIact
ual
lyam
pregnant.

Dr
:"Okay.
..
let
'st
estandseei
fyoursuspi
cions
ar
etrueornot"

Shehandedmet heplast
iccupandinst
ruct
ed
met ogopeeoni t,It
ookitandlef
tandfew
minutesl
aterIcamebackandhandedi ttoher
.

Shedi
ppedt
hest
icki
nsi
deandwai
ted.

Thokozani
keptonsqueezi
ngmyhand.

Dr:
"And..
..whatdowehavehere?
Congr
atulati
onsyouguy
sareindeedpr
egnant
"
Il
ookedatThokoz
ani
,hehadav
eryhugegr
in.
Hepul l
edmecl oserandki
ssedmealloverthe
face.Icoul
dn'
thelpbutsmil
e,hi
shappiness
alwaysrubsoffonme.

Me:
"WowI
..
..
wow"

Thokozani
:"Itol
dyoubaby
..
.Doci
sitpossi
ble
toseehowf ararewe?
"

Ial
mostr
oll
edmyey es,whatdoeshemeanhe
tol
dme?BecauseLondekaistheonewhotol
d
us.

Dr:"Ofcour
sewecan,Ij
ustneedy
out
oli
eon
thatbedandli
ftupy
ourt-
shir
t.
"
Iwentandl
aidont
hebed,
shesmeer
edt
hegel
onmyt ummy.

Dr:
"Okay .
..
.t
hatisyourl
i
ttl
eone,sti
ll
devel
oping..
.youar
e6weekspr egnant,
whi
chi
s
amont handt woweeks"

IlookedatThokozani
,hewasconcentrati
ngon
thescreen.Di
sbel
iefandawhol el
otoflove
wr i
tt
enonhisface,helookedatmethentook
myhandandki ssedit.

Thokozani
:"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"
Thedoct
orsmil
e,Iguessbecauseofour
conf
essi
ontoeachother.
Hehel
pedmewi
peof
fthegel
,Idr
essedup
pr
oper
ly.

Dr:"Pl
easecomebackf oryourfir
st
appoint
menti ntwoweeks,youwillbe8weeks
pregnantbythen,howeverIwil
lprescr
ibe
supplementsthatyoushouldgobuy "

Inodded,shewrot
edownt hepr
escri
pti
onand
thenextappoi
ntmentl
ett
er,wethenl
eft
.

Assoonaswegottot
hecar,Thokozani
pul
l
ed
meandsqueezedmesot
ightint
oahug.

Me:
"Ouchhhhh"
Thokozani
:"I
'
m goingtobeafather
,Ican'
t
bel
ievethi
sbaby,
Ir eal
l
ycan'
t"

Hekissedme,Ismil
edandshookmyhead.I
'
ve
nev
erseenhim sohappy
.

Me:
"Let
'sgo,
I'
m hungr
y"

Thokozani
:"Okayl
et'
sgot
hen"

Andjustl
ikethatwel
eft
,alongt
hewayhekept
ontel
li
ngmeaboutbabynames, thenur
sery,
howitshouldbeaboybecauseSimbongi
leis
theonl
yboyamongstgirlandbl
ahblahblah.

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t48
Cont
inuat
ion.

•
••Nar
rat
ed•
••

Sfi
so'sfatherwassick,v
er ysickandbedr idden.
Sfi
sot r
iedtaki
nghi mtothehospi talbuthe
ref
used, Snealsotri
edhelpinghimi nherown
waybuti twasr ev
ealedtohert hatnoonecan
andwi l
lhelphim.Hehadst ar
teddev el
oping
soresalloverhisbody.

Mr
sK:
"Babay
ouneedt
oeat
"

Shehadabowl
ofpor
ri
dge,
try
ingt
ofeedher
husband.
Sfiso:
"Ma!!
!"St
opitokay?Webot hknowthat
youdidthi
st ohim,webothknowy ouar
ethe
reasonbehi
ndt hi
s,Ihat
eyou!!
!!
"

Shel
ookedatSf
isoandsi
ghed.

Mr
sK:
"Kahl
ewengane!
!!I
'
m st
il
lyourmot
her
"

Sf
iso'
sfat
hercoughed,
hecoughedupbl
ood.

MrK:"Sf
iso..
..
.Ndodana,
pleasebri
ngmy
gr
andchi
ldrenbefor
ethesunsets,
alloft
hem"

Sfi
so'stear
sdr
opped,hewashopingi
t'
snotthe
daythathewasdreadi
ngsi
ncehisfat
herf
ell
si
ck.
Henoddedandl
eft
.

[
Sfi
so]

Iref
uset obeli
evethatmydadcoul dbedy i
ng,
I'
m notreadytogot hroughthatpai
nandquite
fr
anklyI'
mj ustnotreadytoleavewit
houthim.I
t
sti
ll
beatsmeast owhymymom woul ddothi
s,
dadlovedher ,
hetookcar eofherandthi
sis
whatshedoes?
WhatIhat
emoreisthatsheisnoteven
ashamed,
sheli
vesherli
fel
ikeanynormal
day
,
l
ikeshedi
dn'
tdoanythi
ng.
Iwipedof
fmytearsasIwasdri
v i
ngand
l
ist
eningt
oRebbecaMalope-I
sikhal
o.
Ican'tr
ememberthel
astti
meIpr ay
ednor
l
istenedtoGospel
musicbutr
ightnowatt
his
ver
ymomentIf eel
li
ket
hissongi
stheone
makingsense.

Icall
edSimiandt ol
dhertobri
ngSami asitis
veryi
mportantandlucki
lysheagreed.Ithen
drovetoOyi'
splace,par
kedoutsi
deandcal led
her.

Oy
i:"
Sfi
sohy
"

Me:"HeyI
'
m outsi
de,
sorr
yfornotcal
l
ingfi
rst
bef
orecoming,
canyoupl
easecomeout ?
"

Shehungupandmi
nut
esl
atershear
ri
ved.

Oy
i:"
Hey
..
.y
ouokay
?Youl
ook.
..
notsogood"
Isi
ghed.

Me: "
Dadissi
ck,verysick.Hehasbeenfort
he
pastfewweeksandt here'
snohope,sohe
askedtoseethekidstodaybefor
ethesunsets
hencewhyI'
m here"

Oyi
:"OhmyGodSfisoI
'
m sosor
ry,
Ireal
l
yam.
I
'l
lgocal
ltheki
ds"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Sheleftandaf
tersometi
memyt hr
ee
musketeerscamewalkinghandi
nhand,
they
greet
edmeandwenti nsidet
hecar.
I
'm sodeadinsi
deIcan'
tevenhugandbejol
ly
wit
hmyki ds,t
heycanevenseeandsenseit
.
Oy
i:"Iwi
shhi
m aspeedyrecov
ery
,pl
easesend
mylovetohi
m.I
'l
lputhi
mi nmypray
ers"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Igott
othecaranddroveoff
,assoonaswegot
home,Isawcarspar
kingout
side.
Peoplegoi
nginandoutandIknew,
Ijustknew
that
..
.Dad!
!!
!!
!!

IsawSimiappr
oachi
ngmycar
,shehadSami
withher
.

Si
mi:
"Sf
iso.
..
.y
ourdad.
..
he.
..
"

Ir
ever
sedt
hecart
hatv
erymomentanddr
ove
of
f.
Howcanhej
ustdi
e?Hewantedt
oseetheki
ds
sowhydi
dn'
thewai
t?Di
dItakel
ong?
Myphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng,
Itwasmyuncl
e.

Ii
gnor
edt
hecal
l
.
Mykidswerepr
obabl
ysur
pri
sedast
owhat
's
happeni
ng.

Myphonebeeped.

"Sf
isoy
ourdadpassedaway
,youneedt
ocome
home"

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP
Someoneaskedmet oshar
emybanki ngdet
ail
s
so..
.I
'
m usi
ngCapi
tecaccnois1604473701or
youcaneWall
eton0628332549.
..
thank
you♥ ♥
I
nser
t49.

[
Sfi
so]

Thisfeel
ssounreal
,it
'sl
ikeI'
m hav
ingabad
dream andsomeonewi l
lsomehowwakemeup
totel
lmeI '
m dr
eaming.
I'
vebeenparkedonthesideoft
heroadwi
thmy
kidsandhonestl
yIdon'
tevenknowwhatt
otel
l
them.

Ol
u:"
Dadwhat
'shappeni
ng?
"
Simbongi
le:
"Mkhulupassedawayandhewant
s
ustobetherebef
orethemortuar
ypeopl
ecome
totakehi
m"

Ifr
ownedandlookedathi
m,howdi
d..
.soi
t'
s
tr
ue?Thi
sgif
tofhis?

Olu:
"Si
mbongil
e!!Howcoul
dyousayMkhul
u
haspassedon?
"

Isi
ghedandl ookedatt
hem,howIwi shtobe
Sbanir
ightnow.Sheiscar
efree,
justplay
ing
wit
hherdoll.

Me:"
It
's.
..
it
'strue.Mkhul
upassedonandt he
r
easonwhyIf etchedyouisbecauseheasked
metobri
ngy ou"
Olu:"
OhmyGod!
!!What
..
.whathappened
daddy?"

Me:
"Hewassi
ck"

Tearsmadedownherf ace,
Icoul
dseehow
painedsheis.Dadlov
edherandshelovedhi
m
too,theyhadaveryst
rongbond.

Me:
"I'
m sor
rybaby
"

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Let
'sgodaddy
"

Istar
tedthecaranddrovehome.AssoonasI
gotther
e,thecar
shadi ncreasedi
nnumbers
fr
om whenIdr ov
eoff.Islowlygotof
fand
openedt
hedoorf
ort
heki
dst
ogetof
f.

Wesl owlywalkedi
nandt her
ewerepeople
si
nging,mymom wasal readyseat
edonthe
matt
r ess.Il
ookedatherandfel
thatebr
ewing,
shekill
edhim.
Nowshei
ssi
tt
ingher
ecr
ying,
pret
endi
ngt
obe
hur
t.

AuntNompi :"
Sfiso.
..
wherehavey oubeen?The
mor guepeopleareonthewayt ogetyourdad,
theparamedicsdidcomet ocheckhim, pl
ease
givethemortuarypeopl
edirect
ion"

Shehandedmet
hephone,
thel
ookonherwas
pi
ti
ful
.
It
ookt
hephoneandwai
tedf
ort
hem t
ocal
l
.
AuntNompi
:"I
'
m sosor
ryboy
,Icameassoon
asIgott
hecal
l"

Inoddedandwal
kedaway
.
Sot
hisi
sit
,mydadi
snomor
e.

[
Oyi
ntando]

Thokozanitr
eatsmelikeI
'm si
ck,wejustfound
outthatI
'm pr
egnantbutheisalr
eadyacti
ng
l
ikethedoctortol
dmeIhav eadiseasethat
can'
tbecured.

Thokozani
:"Babydi
dyoueat
?"

Il
ookedathi
m,heleftfor30mi
nut
estothe
shopsandwhenhelefthemademefood.
Me:
"Hai
boThokozani
,whatam Inow?Api
g?"

Thokozani:
"Angishosthandwasam Iwantt
o
makesur ethaty
ouf eedmybaby"

Me:
"I'
m nothungr
ynori
syourbaby
"

Hesmi
l
edandcamet
osi
tnextt
ome.

Thokozani
:"Sonaweuzobamubiv
elemama?
Ubenekhalaeli
khul
u?"(
Youal
sogonnabeugl
y
andhavingabignose?)

Il
aughed.
Me: "
Nohawu, evenIdobecomeugl
yyouwon'
t
havear i
ghttotel
lme.Youshoul
dal
wayssay
I
'm beauti
ful
"

Hebr
ushedmyt
ummyandki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Thokozani
:"Forthi
sgi
ftmama,
Iwi
l
lfor
everbe
i
ndebtedtoy ou"

Myphoner
angatt
hati
nst
ant
,itwasOl
u.

Me:
"Mybaby
?"

Shesni
ff
ed.

Me:
"Ol
uhl
e?Ar
eyoucr
ying?
What
'swr
ong?
"
Ol
u:"
It
'sMkhul
umom, hepassedaway.Bef
ore
wecoul
devenseehi
m, hepassedawaymama"

Icoul
dtellhowbrokenmydaught
erwas,She
hadastrongbondwi t
hMrKunenebecauseshe
washisfir
stgrandchi
ld.

Me:"Ohhhmybaby,mom i
ssosor
ry.Doy
ou
wantmet ocome?
"

Ol
u:"
Yesmommy
"

Me:
"Okayt
hen,
I'
ll
bet
her
e"

Shehungup,MrKuneneisgone?Ican'
tbel
i
eve
thi
s,Icanonl
yimagi
nehowSfisomustbe
f
eel
i
ngri
ghtnow.Losingaparenti
snotani
ce
f
eel
i
ngatal
l,i
t'
sabitt
erpi
llt
oswallow.

Thokozani
:"What
'
swr
ong?
"

Me: "
It
'sOlu,
shei scr
ying.Hergr
anddad
passedaway .Sheissobroken,mydaught
er
l
ovedhi m.Doy oumindifIgother
eforanhour
orso?"

Thokozani
:"Nonotatal
lbaby
,I'
l
ldr
ivey
ou"

Iknewhewoul dsayt
hat
,appar
entlydri
vingi
s
nolongergoodformebutI
'l
ll
etitsl
idefornow.

Me:
"Thanky
ou,
letmequi
ckl
ychange'
Iwenttomyr oom tochangei
ntomor
edecent
andrespect
fulcl
othes.

•
••NARRATED•
••

Amandl
awasgoingthr
oughhermother'
sphot
o
al
bum,shest
oppedononeofthephotos.

Amandl
a:"
Mom"

Her
:"Yes"

Amandla:
"Whoi
sthi
sper
sony
ouar
ewi
th
her
e?"

Shepoi
ntedoutt
heper
sonont
hephot
o.
Her
:"Noonei
mpor
tant
,justanol
dfr
iend"

Amandl
a:"
Okay
"

Shecont
inuedl
ooki
ngatt
hephot
os.
Hermothert
ookherphoneandsentanSMSt
o
herPIf
ri
end.

"Heybabe,
Ineedafavour.There'safri
endof
minewhom I'
vel
ostcontactwith,Iseehim on
paper
sbutIneedhi
saddr ess,pleasefi
nditfor
me"

Shesenti
tandwentt
ocooksupper
.

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP

Shor
tIknow
Chapt
er50.

Aweekl
ater
.
[
Sfi
so]

Funeral
s,doesoneev ergetusedtothem?I t
'sa
fri
day,adaybeforewel aymydadt orestand
I'
veneverbeensobr okeninmywhol eentir
elif
e.
Ithoughthewouldbeher etoseehisgrandkids
graduate,
Ithoughtnowt hatmyli
fehast ooka
turnhewouldbeher etoguidemeandhol dmy
handasIbui l
dmy sel
fupagainandmostofal lI
thoughthewouldbeher etoseemar r
y
Snethemba.Iguessourhopes, dr
eams,
thoughtsandwishesaren'tal
waysoursbut
God'
spl
ans.
Isatatt
heVeranda,
looki
ngatpeopl
egoi
ngup
anddown,doi
ngGodknowswhatandt het
ent
beinger
ect
ed.
Il
ookedatt
heki dspl
ayi
ngaround,t
heydon'
t
knowwhat'
shappeningandatthi
smomentI
woul
ddoany t
hingtotr
adeplaceswit
hthem.

"Youlookl
i
keacorpseman,
didy
oueatorev
en
getsomesleep?
"

Il
ookedup,onl
ytoseemycousi
nMbuso.I
haven'
tseenhi
minyear
s.

Me:
"Whatt
he.
..
.Mbuso?
"

Mbuso:
"Int
hef
lesh"
Hesatdownnexttome,hehadt
hisamer
ican
accentandl
ookedr
eal
l
ygood.

Me:
"Wow!
!Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
"

Mbuso:"Hereandt
herebutweshal
ltal
kabout
t
hatlat
er,howareyoufeel
i
ngman?"

Me:"
NotsogoodbutIhav
etobest
rongr
ight
?
I
tiswhati
tis"

Ishr
ugged.

Me:
"Wow!
!!Inev
ert
houghtI
'
dseey
ouagai
n"
Mbuso:"WellIwoul
dn'
tmi ssmyuncle'
sf uner
al
foranyt
hingi
ntheworld.Iact
uall
yfeelbad
becauseIhadhopesthathewoul dbepartof
thepeoplewhowill
paylobolaforme"

If
rowned

Me:
"You?Payl
obol
a?Whoi
sshe?
"

Hel
aughed.

Mbuso:"
Samkel
isi
we,shei
sonebeaut
if
ul
woman.Shesur
estol
emyheart
,weevenhav
e
adaught
er,
Amandla"

Wow!!Ihonest
lycoul
dn'
tbel
i
evet
his,
Mbuso
hasbeengoneforyear
snowandforhi
mto
act
ual
lyr
ockandsayhei sget
ti
ngmar
ri
edand
hasadaught
er,
that
'sshocki
ng.

Me:"Youhav
eadaught
er?Wowhowol
dis
she?
"

Mbuso:"
Okayshe'
snotmi
nebi
ologi
cal
l
ybut
whenImetSamkeshewasst
il
lababysoIt
ook
herasminef
rom t
hen"

Me:
"Wow!
!Okay
"

Wetal
kedforquit
esometi
meunti
lti
mef ort
he
mor
tuarypeopl
etobri
ngmydadarr
ived.

Everyoneleftev
eryt
hingtheywer
edoingand
gatheredaroundtowelcomethecor
pse.
Assoonasthecoff
inwasbr
oughti
nsi
dethe
yar
d,myunclesai
dthecl
annames,
welcomi
ng
mydadathome.

Mymom star
tedscreami
ng,
drawi
ngal
lthe
at
tent
ionf
rom peopl
e.

Mom:"Ohhhhbaba!
!!St
handwasam.
..
why
?
WhyKunene?"

Shewascr
ying,
andal
lthosef
aket
ear
sreal
l
y
i
nfur
iat
edme.

Peoplewerenowsingi
ngast
hecof
fi
ngot
i
nsidethehouse.

Hei
sgone,
mydad,
Mypi
l
larandst
rengt
h.
[
Oyi
ntando]

Iser
iousl
ycan'tbel
iev
eMrKunenei sgone.The
mostsurrealt
hingaboutdeathi
sthatyouwil
l
nowbeaddr essedasapast .Wenowsayhe
"Was"agoodman, he" Had"agoodheart
.
Mydaughterissobr okenandIdon' tev enknow
whattodoasapar ent .Andthenther e'
s
Simbongi
le,heissost rongandit'
slikehei s
buri
edinhisownwor l
d.Mychi l
disdi ff
erent
andthatr
eallyworr
iesme.Hekeptonsay i
ng
i
t'
sokayandMkhul u'sdeat hwon'tbei nvain.
Anot hert
hing,Appar
entl
yIcan'tgotothe
funeralbecauseapartf
rom thefactthatI
'
m
pregnant,MrKunenewasmyf atheri
nlawsoI
can'tburyhim.
"
Ucabanganimunt
uwam"(Whatar
eyou
t
hinki
ngaboutmyper
son?
)

Igotst
art
led,
Iwasnotexpect
inghi
m andIwas
sodeepinmyt hought
ssomuchthatIwasnot
awareofmysur r
oundi
ngs.

Me:"
Gosh!
!!Thokozani
,don'
tsneakuponme
l
iket
hat
"

Thokozani
:"Iwasnotsneakingmama, Igotin
l
ikeanormal personbutr
eali
sedyouaredeep
i
nthoughts,I'
m sorr
yIscaredyouThembal am"

Hesatnexttome,ki
ssedmycheekandhel
d
myhand.Idon'
tknowwhybutsomethi
ngabout
Thokozani
'
sperf
umemakesmehor ny.
Me:
"Imi
ssedy
ou,
howdi
ditgo?
"

Hehadgonetoseehowtheinter
iordesi
gneri
s
comi
ngalongwit
hourhouse,wehav etomove
i
nsoon.

Thokozani
:"I
twentwel
l
,it
'ssobeaut
if
ulbaby
,
youwill
lov
eit"

Ismi
l
edf
aint
ly.
Her
ubbedmyt
ummy
.

Thokozani
:"Ukahl
emamakhe?
"(Yougood?
)

Me:"I
'mjustworri
edaboutOluhl
ebaby ,my
chi
ldhasdetachedfr
om ever
y t
hing.I
t'
sli
keMr
Kunenehasleftwi
thapartofher"
Heki
ssedmyhandandthenmyneck.That
'shi
s
wayofcal
mingmedown.

Thokozani:
"Guesswhat ?Whenshecomes
backfrom t
hef uner
al,Iwil
ltakehert
ooneof
thegoodpsy chol
ogistwhowi ll
tal
ktoherand
makesur eshe'sokay,how'sthat?
"

Inodded.

Hestart
edsqueez
ingmyboobs,theyareso
sensi
ti
vesoheisalsocar
eful
.Henibbl
edonmy
neck.

Me:
"Mmm"
Thokozani
:"How'
sthatbaby
?"

Heaskedwhi
l
eki
ssi
ngmyneck.

Me:
"That
's.
..
mmm.
..
that
'sgoodl
ove"

•
•••
REMOVED•
•••

[
Nar
rat
ed]
AtSandhur
stHot
el.

Sher
ecei
vedaphonecal
lfr
om herf
iance.

Her
:"Lov
e"

Hi
m:"
Heyl
ove,
justwannal
ety
ouknowI
'
llsee
y
oul
ater
.Wear
ever
ybusyher
e"

Her
:"Okaybooboo"

Hi
m:"
Ilov
eyousugar
"

Her
:"Il
ovey
oumor
edi
ngdi
ng"

Theyhungup.

Her:
"Ammy,gowat
chsomeTVbaby
,Iwanna
t
alktomyf
ri
end"

Shetol
dherdaughterwhothenst
oodupand
wenttopl
aywithhermother'
sphonei
nst
ead.
Herfr
iendcame,theyhuggedast
heyhadn'
t
seeneachotheri
nawhi l
e.

Theycaughtup.

Her
:"Di
dyouf
indsomet
hing?
"

Thabi:"Yesbabes,heisfi
lt
hyri
ch!
!Richerthan
thelastti
mey ousawhi m andher
einthis
envelopeisevery
thingyouneedtoknow"

Thabi
gav
ehert
hebr
ownenv
elope.

Her
:"Thankyousomuchmybaby
,weshal
l
meetupfordri
nkssomet
ime"

Thabi
:"Sur
ethi
ngl
over
,Ihav
etogetgoi
ng"
Thabi
lef
t.

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP

Remov
edt
obepost
edi
nthegr
oup♥
I
nser
t51.

*
SAMKELI
SIWE*

Il
ookedatt
hewomanont hepi
cture,
theyseem
happyandv
erymuchinl
ove.Helookseven
bett
ert
hanthel
astt
imeIsawhim.

WhenThokozani
andIwer
etoget
herhehad
moneybutnotasmuchashehasnow, tobe
honestIdi dn'tlov ehim,Iwast hereformoney
mor ethanany thing.Hepr ovi
dedf ormei nev ery
waypossi ble,hehel pedinpayingf ormyv arsit
y
fees.Icaughtf eeli
ngssomewher eal ongthe
way ,Istartedlov i
nghi m butIhadaboy fr
iend
andt helov eIhadf orThokozani wasnotas
strongast heoneIhadf ormyt henboy f
ri
end, I
couldn'tleav ehim ev eni
fIwant edt osoI
decidedt oendt hingswithThokozani .
Helovedme,t
hati
swithoutadoubtandwhenI
l
efthi
m hewasshat
teredtosayt
heleastbut
t
heheartwant
swhatitwants.

Ithi
nkamont hafterIl
efthim,If
oundoutIwas
pregnantandcounti
ngtheday sther
ewasno
wayt hebabywasSbusiso'sbecauseIwasnot
i
ntimatewithhi
m atthatti
mebutIwasi nti
mat
e
withThokozani
.That'
swhenIknewIwasa
deadpersonali
ve,Iwroteanotet oSbusiso
l
etti
nghim knowthatI
'
m pregnantandthebaby
i
snothis,Ihadtorunformyli
febecauseI
knewhewoul dki
llmethat'
showcr azyhewas.

Ihadmoneyi nmysavi
ngsaccount,
enought
o
hel
pmest artanewli
fesoIwenttotheUSand
monthslat
ermybabygirl
wasbor n,
Inamedher
Amandla.
IwasveryluckybecauseIl
andedmy sel
fawell
payi
ngjobsoIwasabl etotakecareofAmmy
butnowmybabyhasgr own,shekeepsaski
ng
aboutherdadandIt hi
nkit
'st
imeItoldhert
he
tr
uth.

Idon'
twantanyt
hingfrom Thokozani,
Ijust
wanthimtohavear el
ati
onshipwithhis
daught
er,
Ialsowanttoapologizeforkeepi
ng
herawayfr
om him andhidi
ngherf r
om him.I'
m
happyandabouttogetmar r
ied.ImetMbuso
backintheUS,Iwasatt hepar kwithmybaby
whenhesuddenl yaskedtoj oinmewhi l
eI
watchedAmandl aplayi
ng,wespokeandwhat
broughtusevenmor ecloserwast hatwewer
e
bothSouthAfri
cansinaf oreigncountr
y.

Isi
ghedl
ookedatAmandla,
shei
saspitt
ing
i
mageofThokozani
,Ihav
etodothi
sforher.

*
NARRATED*
THEDAYOFTHEFUNERAL.

AttheKunenehousehol d,MrsKunenewas
weari
ngabl acklongdress,coveri
nghersel
fup
wit
habl anketwhenshesuddenl yfel
tveryhot
ai
rsurr
oundi ngher,shewaslit
eral
lysweati
ng
andsurpri
singlyenoughtheweathernothotat
al
l,
itwascl oudy.
Sheremovedthebl ankettofr
om hertoseeif
ever
yonewasf eel
ingt hewayshewasf eeli
ng
butnopeoplewerej ustgoi
ngabouttheir
busi
nessprepari
ngf ortheservi
ce.

MrsKunene:"
Ngy
asha.
..
whyi
shoti
nher
e?"(
I'
m
bur
ningup)

Peopl ewhower esit

ti
ngwithherl
ookedather
weirdlyastheyweresurpr
isedbyhersay
ing
shef eel
shot,theysawsweatrunni
ngdownher
face.

Shel
ookedatThandi
we,
oneoft
hef
ami
l
y
members.

MrsKunene:
"Pl
easegot
akeaf
ani
nthel
i
ving
r
oom"
Thandi
:"Mamncanekuyabandakuze
kunamafu"(
Aunt
yit'
scold,i
t'
sevencl
oudy
)

ShegaveThandiweonel
ook,shegotupand
wenttogetthef
an.Shewasnowonherf eetas
theheatbecameevenmore.

Meanwhi
lei
nt hespar
ebedr
oom Si
mbongi
l
e
wasseat
edalone,hi
smindwasf
ar.
Ashewassit
tingt
herealonethi
nki
ngabout
whydi
dhergrandmotherhavetoki
llt
hei
r
gr
anddad,
yeshealreadyknew.

Afigureappear
edoutofnowher e,Si
mbongil
e
l
ookedatt hi
soldwoman, hewasnotev en
scared.Hesatproper
lyandlookedather.
Si
mbongi
l
e:"
I.
..
Iknowy
ou"

Thewomansmi l
ed,shewashappythatt
hegif
t
waspasseddownt oSimbongi
l
e,heisbr
ave
andhasaheartofstone.

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Whydi
dgogoki
l
lMkhul
u"

Oldwoman:"
Unesbi
ndimf
ana..
.ngiyazi
qheny
a
ngawe"(
Youarebr
aveboy
..
.I
'
m pr oudofyou)

Simbongi
lesmi
ledev
enthoughhedi
dn'
t
under
standwhyhewasgett
ingacompl
ement
.

Oldl
ady:"
Becauseofyourheart,
thatgogoof
your
shasstar
tedburni
ngup, shewon'tget
awaywit
hkil
li
ngmygr andson"
Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Sodoest
hat
..
..
"

Bef
orehecoul
dfi
nisht
alki
ngt
heol
dwoman
di
sappear
ed.

*
SFI
SO*

Amagugu
Al
eli
zwe
Ay
osal
'emat
huneni

Ngi
yol
ala
Ngi
ngedwa
Et
huneni
Lami
Peopleweresingi
ng,wewer
enowatt hechurch,
Icoul
dn'tmovemyey esf
rom mydad'
spictur
e
perf
ectl
yplacedontopofhi
scasket
.
Thi
sisi
t.
..
uhambi
l
euKunene(Hel
eft
).

Thepastorpray
ed,speechesbeganand
apparent
lymymom i snotsupposetost
andup
andtalk,
whichsoundsbettert
omebecauseI
knowshewoul dbeutter
ingpureli
eswit
hher
mouth.

Theycal
ledmyname,Isi
ghedandsl
owl
ygot
up,Mbusotappedmyshoul
der
.

Me:"Theyal
wayssayapar entshouldnever
bur
ytheirki
ds,i
tshouldbekidsburyingt
heir
par
entsbutinal
l honest
yIfeell
iketheperson
whocamewi ththismottodidn'
tknowwhat
theywer etalkingabout .Ilookatmyki dsand
thinkonedayI 'm goingt odieandl eav ethem to
feel thepainofl osingme, t
hepainofknowi ng
thatt heynev ergonnaseemeagai n.Mydad
wasmor ethanj ustaf athert ome, hewasmy
bestf r
iend,mygot oguy ,hewast hef i
rst
per sont osay" SonI '
m pr oudofy ou" .Hewasa
truedef i
nit
ionofagent leman, afat hertomany
andal eader .Ican'tbel i
ev eI'
m standi ngher e
say inggoodby ef orthel asttime,Ishoul dbe
standi ngher ecel ebratingy our60thbi rthdaybut
becausel if
e....
.Ilovey ouKunene, Iwi l
ltrytobe
themant haty ouwer e,tof ol
lowiny our
foot stepsandIwi l
lcar ryony ourteachi ngsand
passt hem downt oyourgr andkids, Restin
powerdad"

Iwasnowi nyear
sbutIcoul
dn'
tallowmy
sel
fto
breakdown,Ihadtot
alkandfi
nish.
Speecheswentonandont
il
lwehadt
ogot
o
thecemeter
y.

Whenwegott
her
e,t
heser
vicebegan.
Andt henmom star
tedscr
eaming,Ir
oll
edmy
eyest hi
nki
ngshehasstar
tedwit
hherpret
ence
butthenshestoodupandmov edbackwar
ds,
l
ikeshewascr azy.

Mom: "
Ikil
l
edhi
m...
.pl
ease.
..pl
easef
orgi
veme,
don'
tki
llmepl
ease"

Peopl
ewerenowl
ooki
ngather,Ihat
ethatt
his
i
sdist
urbi
ngmydad'
sfuner
al.

Il
ookedatMbuso,henoddedandwentt otake
mom away.Thepast
orcontinued,wewere
askedt
ogopoursandandj ustli
kethatOl
uhle
wai
l
ed,
Ihel
dhert
ightasshecr
ied.

Iwassurpr
essi
ngmyownt
ear
s,Ihav
etobe
st
rongformykids.

Theguysst
art
edput
ti
ngbackt
hesoi
l
,cl
osi
ng
thehol
e.

Past
or:
"Canweal
lcl
oseourey
esandpr
ay"

Weall
did,
hepr
ayedt
henwel
eftgoi
ngback
home.

*
Thokozani
*

Nextweekwear emovingint
oournewhouse
sothei
nter
iordesi
gnerisdoneandImustsay
sheknowsherj
ob,i
t'
ssobeaut
if
ul.Iam now
l
ookingar
ound,
ever
ythi
ngseemsper f
ect.

Myphoner
ings.

Me:
"Hel
l
o?"

Si
l
ence.

Me:
"Hel
l
o?"

Si
l
enceagai
n,Ihungup.

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t52.
AWEEKLATER.

*
Oyi
ntando*

Wehav ejustmov edintoournewhouse, Iam

dogt i
red.NotbecauseIwasmov ingthings, no
butbecausewehadt ounpackandpack
everythi
ng.Ilovet hehousenol i
es,it
'schi l
d
fri
endly,veryspaciousandthecol oursinside
arejustbeautiful
.What '
smor eimportanti sthat
myki dsloveitandmor eovertheylovet hefact
thatuncleTKi sfinall
ymov i
ngintost aywi thus.
Ispoi
lmykidsIagreebutThokozani
isonhi
s
ownlevelofspoi
l
ingthem whi
chiswhythey
l
ovehim somuch.

If
inal
l
ydeci
dedt
ogetupf
rom t
hecouchand
gocook,Imaybeal
lthi
ngsbutI'
m notl
azy,
Ido
whatIhavedoandhonest
lyIenj
oycooki
ngfor
myman.

Inoticedthathelef
thisphoneont hedining
tabl
easi twasr i
ngi
ng.Hewentt othe
psychologistwiththekidsaspromised,he
decidedtot akeal
lofthem sothattheycan
openupaboutev er
y t
hingtheyf
eel.

Iwenttocheckwhowascalli
ng,
itwas
unknownnumber.JustasIwasaboutt
o
answeritst
oppedri
ngi
ng.
Ishruggedandputi
tbackt
othet
abl
ebuti
t
rangagain.

Me:
"Thokozani
'
sphonehel
l
o"
Ihear
dsomeonesi
ghi
ngont
heot
herendoft
he
l
ine.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"

"
Hel
l
o"

I
twasawoman.

Me:
"Hy
..
.howcanIhel
pyou?Who'
sthi
s?"

Her
:"I
..
.canIt
alkt
oThokozani
?"

Me:"He'
snothomeatt
hemoment ,youcan
l
eaveamessageandyournameI'
ll
tellhi
myou
cal
l
edsohecangetbacktoyou"
Shehungup. ..
Okay.Iputthephoneont het abl
e
andwentt ocook,ImadeThokozani '
sfav ouri
te,
Spaghettiandmeat bal
ls.Apparent
lyhenev er
atethem beforehemetmebecausehei sa
"Zuluman"andheeat spapandmeatsot he
momentIgav ehim Spaghetti
andmeat bal l
she
couldn'
tstopcompl ementingthefoodandi t
sincebecamehi sfave.

WhenIfi
nishedcooki
ngIwentt
otakeashower
andwentbacktowatchmyTV.

"
Ahhhuncl
eTKi
t'
sal
i
e,y
oudi
dn'
twi
n"

Theywer
ever
yloudandl
aughi
ng.

Sbani
:"Buti
t'
sfi
neev
eni
fwedi
dn'
twi
n,we
enj
oyedour
sel
ves"

Olu:
"Di
dyouseethatl
adywesawatt
hemal l
?
Shewaslooki
ngatuswit
hsomuchenvy
,that'
s
whyIsayyouarecool
"

Ismil
ed,seei
ngt
hem happyl
i
ket
hismakesme
happy.

Thokozani
:"Heymama"

Hecameandki
ssedmet henbr
ushedmy
st
omach,
heissoobsessedwit
hit
.

Me:
"Heydaddy
"

Hedr
oppedhi
swhol
ebodyonmynewcouch.
Igav
ehi
m al
ook,
hechuckl
edandsai
d"Sor
ry"

Me:
"Di
dyouki
ddi
eshav
efun?
"

Ol
u:"
Wedi
dmom"

Ismil
ed,
Sbanicameandsatontopofme,
she
canbeababyatti
mesandIloveit
.

Me:
"Icooked"

Sbani
:"Uncl
eTKboughtusbur
ger
ssonopewe
wil
lpassonyourf
ood"

IlookedatThokoz
ani,
hegotupandr
anaway
thatverymoment.
..
mxm.
Iwentanddi
shedupforhi
m andl
eftt
heki
dst
o
watchTVandwenttoourr
oom.

Me: "
Ishoul
dn'
tbegiv
ingyoufoodrightnow
becauseyouwentandfedtheki
dsj unkfood
knowingver
ywellt
hatI'
l
lbecooking"

Hesmi
l
edandpat
tedt
hebedf
ormet
osi
t.

Thokozani
:"Il
ovey
ou"

Ishookmyheadwhi
l
esmi
l
ing.

Thokozani
:"Di
dn'
tyouseemyphone?
"
Me:"Youl
efti
tonthedini
ngt
abl
eandont
hat
not
e,someladycal
led"

Thokozani
:"Di
dshel
eav
ethemessageandher
name?"

Me:
"Nope,
shehunguponmesoonasIasked"

Hefr
ownedandshr
ugged,
hest
art
edeat
ing
wi
thmewatchi
ng.

Thokozani:
"Thewayungi bukengakhona,ngat
hi
ungi
fakel
eikorobel
a"(Thewayy oulooki
ngat
me,it
'sli
keyouarefeedingmel ovepoti
on)

Il
aughedandl
efthi
mther
etogethi
sphone.
Me:
"Her
e'sy
ourphone"

Het
ooki
tandt
hankedme.

Thokozani
:"Letmet
ryandcal
lthi
sper
son"

Hel
ookedatt
henumberandf
rowned.

Me:
"What
?"

Thokozani
:"Yezikeyang'
shayel
aleNumber
kodwawathulalomuntu"(Thi
snumberonce
cal
ledbutthepersonwasquiet)

Me:
"Mmm t
hat
'sodd.
..
cal
li
tagai
n"
Hedi
dandputi
tonl
oudspeaker
.

"
Hel
l
o"
Sheanswer
ed.

Thokozani
:"Hel
l
owho'
sthi
s?"

Her
:"I
t'
s.
..Thokozani
Heyi
t'
s.
..
"

Thokozani
closedhi
sey
esandendedt
hecal
l
.

Me:"
Andnow?Doy
ouknowwhot
heper
son
i
s?"

Henodded.
Thokozani
:"It
hinkIdo..
.i
t'
sSamke,myex
gi
rl
fri
end.Theoneont hepict
urey
ousaw"

Ohhel
lno!
!!Whyi
sshecal
l
ingmyman?

Me:"OhhhtrustmeIwillstabhervagi
naand
f
eedittotheneighbour
'sdogThokozani,ifshe
t
hinksshewi l
lcomeandr uinourr
elat
ionship"
.

Helaughed,
whyi
shel
aughi
ngbecauseI
'
m
ser
ious?

Me:
"Uhl
ekani
?"(
Whatar
eyoul
aughi
ngat
)

Thokozani
:"Thewayyousaidy
ougonnast
ab
hervagi
na,Isweari
tsoundedr
eal
,l
ikey
oucan
doit
"
Ichuckl
ed,
het
hinksI
'
mjoki
ngandI
'
m not
.

Me: "I'
m notj oki
ngbaby..
.reall
ybabyI'
m not
,I'
l
l
fuckenst abherandst abyouaswel l.Mybaby
willbef atherl
essIt
ellyou.
...
letmegocheckon
theki ds,theyhavetotakeabat h.Besuret
o
callthatbi t
chandtell
herISAI Dsheshould
stopcal li
ngy ou"

Iki
ssedhi
scheekandwal
kedout
,leav
inghi
m
wit
hhisj
awdropped.

*
Samkel
i
siwe*

Idon'
tknowwhyissohar
dtal
kingt
ohim,I
cal
ledhi
mt hepr
evi
ousweekandIcoul
dn'
ttal
k.
Mbuso:
"Yougoodbaby
"

Isi
ghedandnodded.

Mbuso:"
Okayl
ookI'
mt aki
ngAmandl
awithme,
mycousi
nwouldl
iketomeether
.Don'
tyou
wantt
ocomewithus?"

Me:"I
..
.noyouguy
scango,
Iwannasor
tsome
t
hingsout"

Mbuso:
"OkayIl
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo.
..
takecar
eyout
wo"
Heki
ssedmeandlef
twithAmmy,
Mbusoloves
mydaught
ersomuch,y
oucoul
dswearshei
s
hi
s.

Iwentt
ogoogle,IcheckedThokozani
'
s
companyandwher eiti
sbased,It
ookmycar
key
sanddrovethere.

Ihav
etodot
his,
onewayoranot
herbutIhav
e
todoit
.

45minutesl
aterIar
ri
ved,
Isatinsidethecar
andtookdeepbreat
hsbefor
ewal kinginsi
de,
thi
splacei
sbigandsobeauti
ful.

Igott
otherecept
ionar
eaandt
her
ewast
his
beaut
if
ull
ady.
Me:
"Hel
l
oI'
mlooki
ngf
orMrDl
ami
ni"

Her:
"Hel
loma'
am unf
ort
unat
elyMrDlami
nii
s
noti
ntoday
,di
dyouhaveanappoi
ntment
?"

Me:"
Notreal
lybutIhav
ebusinesstotal
kabout
wi
thhim,
it'
surgent
.Can'ty
oucallhi
mf orme?"

Her:"
Whenhei
shomehedoesn'
twantust
o
cal
lhim"

Fuck!
!!
Isighed,IguessI
'
m gonnahav
etogot
ohi
s
placethen.

Me:
"Okayt
hanks,
I'
ll
justgot
ohi
spl
acet
hen"
Her
:"Doy
ouhav
ehi
snewaddr
ess?
"

Newaddr
ess?

Me:
"NoIhav
eanol
done,
didhemov
e?"

Her
:"Yesl
etmewr
it
eitdownf
ory
ou"

Shewrot
eitdownonapi
eceofpaper
,It
hanked
herandl
eft
.

*
Thokozani
*

Iwassit
ti
ngont hekit
chenstool
wit
hwat
chi
ng
Oyicooksupper
, shel
ovescooki
ng.
Sher
ecent
lycookedSpaghet
tiandt
hosebal
l
s
andnowanot
hermeal
.Ichosewel
lforr
eal
.

AsIwasl
ookingandadmiri
ngher,
thought
sof
Samkecr
ossedmymi nd.Wasitr
eall
yher?And
i
fsowhydidshecal
lme?

Ibrushedt
hatthoughtoffandgotupf
rom t
he
chair
,Iwentt
ost andbehindmywoman.I
ki
ssedherneck,brushedhertummy.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Shesmi
l
edwi
de.

Oy
i:"
Ilov
eyoubaba"

Thedoorbel
lrang.
Me:
"I'
l
lgogeti
t"

Iwentt
oopent hedoorandmyj
awdr
opped,
I
wasspeechl
ess.

Samke:
"Hey
"

Oy
i:"
Babywho'satthedoor,
Ineedyoutohel
p
mewith.
..
.Ohheav
enlyfat
hernotnow"

Shet
urnedbackl
eav
ingusont
hedoor
.

Samke:
"Can.
..
canIcomei
n?"

"
Comei
n?Comei
nendl
i
niKabani
?Inwhose
house?
"

Ididn'
tseenothearhercomingback.Shehad
thebigkni
feinherhand,Iopenedmyey eswi
de.

Me:
"Babyt
her
e'ski
dsi
nthehouse"

Oy i
:"I
t'
sagoodthingtheyareupst
air
s,
ThokozaniIwasnotjokingwhenIsai
dIwoul
d
stabherVagina,
whatdoy ouwantinmy
house?"

Samke:
"Iwantt
otal
ktoThokozani
"

Oyichar
gedtowardsher,Ist
oppedherbefor
e
shecouldgettoher
,Iknowshemi ghtnotst
ab
herbutIwon'tt
aketheri
skofjustwatchi
ng.
Me:"Mamapl
easest
op,
Samkewhatdoyou
want?Wehav
enothi
ngt
otal
kabout
.Pl
ease
l
eave"

Samke:
"Wehav
etot
alkabout
..
..
"

Oyi:"
HaiboJehov
ah!!!Leave!
!!Thi
shouseof
mineisnotaboardroom wher emeet
ingsare
held,
ify
ouwannat alkpleasetakehi
m wit
h
you"

Shepushedmeoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
.

Me:"Samkethi
sbett
erbegood,mywi f
eis
pr
egnantandIcan'
taff
ordheranyst
ressso
pl
e..
."
Samke:
"Wehav
eachi
l
d!!
!"

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP

Li
ke,
commentandshar
e.
I
nser
t52
Cont
inuat
ion.

*
Thokozani
*
Ithi
nkIdi
dn'
thearhercor
rect
lyatf
ir
st,
Ilooked
ather,
shewasintear
s.

Me:
"Whatdi
dyousay
?"
I
'
m hopi
ngf
oradi
ff
erentanswer
.

Samke:"I
'm sorryThokozaniI
..
.Ishouldhave
tol
dyou.IswearI '
m notheretoruinyour
rel
ati
onshipwithyourwi f
e,Ij
ustwanty outo
havearelati
onshipwithyourdaughter,she'
s
grownnowandcur i
osityhasgottenthebetter
ofher"

Icl
osedmyey
es,
Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
evewhatIwas
hear
ing.

Me:"
YouandIbrokeup9y earsago,that '
s
al
mostadecadeandy oucomeher etot ell
that
wehaveachil
d,thaty
ou'v
ehi dmychi ldf r
om
me?Why ?I
nfactwhyshoul dIbel
ievey ou
Samkel
isi
we?"
Samke:
"WecanDNAt
esti
fyoudon'
tbel
i
eve
me"

Isi
ghedi
nfr
ust
rat
ion.

Me:"Wher
edidyougetmyaddr ess?What
makesyouthi
nkyoucanjustshowupinmy
house?Mywif
e'shouse?
"

Samke: "Igotyournumbersf
rom y
our
recepti
onist,
I'
m Ili
edandsai
dI'
vegotser
ious
businesstotalktoyouabout
"

Me:
"Leav
e"

Samke:
"Thokozani
I..
."
Me:"HambaSamkelisi
we,Ihaveawi f
eandthe
l
astthi
ngIwantisf
orhertogot obedangry
wit
hme, i
fshegoestobedwhol eangrywit
h
me,Iwon'
tbeabletotouchhertummyt hati
s
car
ryi
ng"Mychil
d"sopleaseleave"

Sheslowlytur
nedt
owardsthegate.Ican'
t
bel
iev
et hi
s,howdoesonehideawhol ehuman
bei
ng?Forsomanyy ear
sev en.

Shest
oppedwal
ki
ngandl
ookedatme.

Samke:"Hernamei sAmandl a,averycutel i

tt
le
gir
landverysmar ttoo.Shelooksexact l
ylike
youandMkhusel i
, shehasbigear sli
key ouand
thi
ckli
psli
key ourmom.I 'm sorryInevertold
you,It
houghtitwast herightthi
ngt odoatt hat
ti
mebutIwi shIhaddonet hi
ngsdi f
ferentl
y"
Shesighedandgoti
nsi
dehercaranddr ov
eof
f.
Isi
ghedheavil
yandwalkedbackinsi
dethe
housetofi
ndOy i
seat
edont hecouch.
Iwentt
ositnextt
oherandt
ouchedj
ustt
otest
thewat
ers.

Me:
"St
handwaSam"

Shel
ookedatmeandsai
d"Mmm"

Me:"IswearIdi
dn'tknowshewouldcome,I
l
ovey ounother
,thatcount
sforsomethi
ng
r
ight
? "

Shekeptqui
et.
Me:"Iwoul
dratherhaveyoucutSi
bawi
tht
he
kni
feyouhadthantoignoremeMama,i
thurt
s"

Oy
i:"
Whatdi
dshewant
?"

Me:
"She.
..
She.
..pl
easepr
omi
sey
ouwon'
tfl
i
p"

Oy
i:"
Whatdi
dshewantThokozani
man?
"

Me:"Shesay
swehav
eachi
l
d,Idi
dn'
tknow
baby
"

Oyi:"
Iknowwomenl ikeher,shewi l
lcomewi t
h
some" Ijustwantyoutohav ear el
ati
onship
withyourchi l
dnot
hingmor e"wel l
guesswhat?
I'
m amot herandI
'
dnev erdenymyki dsan
opportunitytobewit
htheirfather,t
heref
oreif
i
t'
struet hechi
ldi
sy ours,Iwil
laccepthim or
herjustli
keyouacceptedmyki dsbutt el
lherI
don'
tev erwannaseeheri nmyhouseandI 'm
seri
ousThokozani,Iwillki
ll
edherandki l
l
myselfbecauseI'
m afraidofpri
son"

Il
aughedandpul
l
edhert
omychest
.

Me:
"Thanky
ouSt
handwaSam"

Oy
i:"
Yeahwhat
ever
"

Shegotupandl
eftmether
e,shewasnol
onger
angr
yli
keshewasear
li
eron.

Igotupandf
oll
owedheronl
ytof
indheri
nthe
ki
tchendi
shi
ngupforme.
*
Samke*

Ididseehowbeaut if
ul Thokozani'swif
eison
thepi cturesbutIdidn'tthinkshe'sthi
sbeautif
ul.
Shel ooksev enbett
erinper son,heskinisso
fl
awl ess, herbodyistodi eforand...
.wowwhy
am Iev ent hi
nki
ngofher ?Honest lywhenIsaw
herIf eltchestpainsandal l
,If
eltveryj
ealous.
AndwhenThokozani saidsomet hingabout
touchi nghi swif
etummywhi chiscarryi
ng"His
child"hewasbei ngsar casti
cIknowbuthe
reallydi dgettome.Hecoul dhav ebeenagr eat
father, Ideniedhi
mt hatchanceandnowhei s
exper i
enci ngitwit
hsomeoneel se.
Myphoner
ang,
itwasDabbymyf
ri
endf
rom t
he
US.

Me:
"Deehey
"
Dabby
:"Heybabe,
howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I'
mfi
neIguess,
howar
eyou?
"

Dabby:"
I'
m good,
outwi
thi
t.What
's
happeni
ng?"

Isi
ghed,
Iknowshewon'
tl
eti
tgot
il
lIt
ell
her
.

Me:
"If
inal
l
ytol
dhi
mthet
rut
h"

Shegaspedandsai
d
"
And?
"

Me:
"Hewassopi
ssedof
fwi
thme,
hewas
angr
ysomucht
hathet
oldmet
oleav
e"

Dabby
:"Wow!Butdon'
tworr
ybabe, he'
l
lcome
ar
ound.Obv
iousl
yheisst
il
lshocked"

Me:"
Yeah..
.hei
smar
ri
edandhi
swi
fei
s
pr
egnant
"

Dabby:"Andwhatwer
eexpect
ingexact
ly
fr
iend?
"

Isi
ghed,
shel
aughed.

Dabby:"
Ohwel
lyoualr
eadyknowwhatI '
ll
say.
..
worky
ourmagicandhecouldbeallyours.
Hewasonceyourmansosur el
yy oust
il
l
remembert
hebutt
onstopress,butt
onsthat
dr
ovehi
m Cr
azy
"

Il
aughed,
wespokesomemor
eti
l
lIhungup.
Il
oveMbuso,I'
dneverdohiml
i
ket hat
.He'
s
beennot
hingbutt
hebestinmyli
fe.

"
Youwoul
dn'
tdowhatt
omebaby
?"

Ij
umpedf
rom t
hechai
r.

Me:
"Huh.
..what
?"

Mbuso:
"WhenIgoti
nhere,
yousai
dyou
woul
dn'
tdothatt
oMbuso"

Shut
!Iwast
hinki
ngoutl
oud.
Me: "
Wel l
..
.i
t'
s,t
here'
sthi
sgi
rlIknow,she
cheatedonherhusbandsoIwasj ustthi
nki
ng
I'
dnev erdothatyou"

Hepul
l
edmecl
osert
ohi
m andki
ssedme.

Me:"
Iwasn'
texpect
ingy
ouguy
sthi
sear
ly,
wher
eisAmandla?"

Mbuso: "
Sheaskedthatshesleepst
her
efor
today
,there'
scousi
nsandkidsofcousi
nsher
agesoshewasenj oyi
ngherself"

Me:
"Okay
"

Hepul
l
edmecl
oser
.
Mbuso:"
Comehere.
..
todayI
'
m hav
ingy
oual
l
ni
ghtl
ongri
ght
?"

Ismi
l
edandnoddedashest
art
edki
ssi
ngt
he
megent
ly.

REMOVED.

Fi
ndt
heremov
edpar
tonSTORI
ESBYLERATO
MALI
NGA.

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t53.
*
Sfi
so*

IlookedatAmandla,
herf
acelooksf
amil
iaror
rathershel
ooksl
ikesomeoneIknowIj
ust
don'tknowwho.

Myphonerang,
dist
urbi
ngmefrom t
ryi
ngt
o
f
igur
eoutwhothischi
ldl
ooksl
i
ke.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"

"Goodeveni
ngsi
r,canIspeakt
oMrKunene
Junior
"

Me:
"Speaki
ng"

Her
:"Ver
ywel
lMrKuneney
ouar
espeaki
ngt
o
Dineofrom KM at
torneys,I
'
m sor
ryforcal
li
ng
thi
slatehoweverI'
dliketoknowify
ouar e
avail
abl
etomorrow?"

Me:
"YesIam"

Dineo: "
Good,IhaveMrKunene'
swi l
landwould
therefor
eliketocomeovertoyourplacetor
ead
i
t,pleaseinvit
eMissOyi
ntandoMbat haandher
kidsaswel lasMissSi
mingenkosiKhumaloand
herdaught er
"

Me:
"Ummm.
..
okayt
hanky
ou,
I'
ll
dot
hat
"

Di
neo:"Okaythankyou,I'
l
larr
iveat10am i
nthe
morni
ng,thanksforyourti
meby e"
Me:
"By
e"

Shehungup,somydad'swil
li
sgoingtobe
readtomor
row.Mom mustbehappythatshe'
l
l
fi
nall
ygetwhatshewant
ed.
Isighedandatt
emptedtocallmywomanbut
Mbusowal kedi
n,helookedangr
yandqui
te
drunk.

Me:"Ar
en'
tyousupposet
obewi
thy
ourwi
fet
o
be?
"

Hesatdownandchuckl
ed,l
uckyenought
he
ki
dswerenolongeri
nher
e.

Het
henshookhi
shead.
Mbuso:"
Shef
uckedmeupman,
shef
uckedme
upbadl
y"

If
rowned.

Me:
"Wi
l
lyout
alkor
..
."

Mbuso: "
Wit
hallt
heloveIhaveforher,I
changedmyway sforher
,If
atheredher
daughter
.Il
ovehermanandshe. .
.she.
..
"

Hechuckl
edwhil
eshaki
nghi
shead,
Isawy
ear
s
dr
oppi
ngfrom hi
seyes.

Me:"Heybro.
..
tal
ktome,
whatdi
dshedo?I
t
can'
tbethatbad"
Hewi
pedof
fhi
stear
sandl
ookedupatme.

Mbuso:
"LookI
'
m ev
encr
ying,
I'
mfuckenweak"

Ist
oodupandwentt
ogethi
m wat
er,
heneeds
todet
ox.
WhenIgotback,Ihandedhi
mthegl
ass,
he
gul
pedi
talldown.

Me:
"Readyt
otal
korIshoul
dgot
osl
eep?
"

Hesi
ghed.

Mbuso:
"Wewer emaki
ngloveand.
..
andshe
cal
l
edmebysomef ucker
'sname,shecal
l
ed
meThokozani
"
Iopenedmyey eswide!!There!Thatchi
ldlooks
exact
lyl
ikeThokozani,Oyi
ntando'sThokozani.
Sheisli
ter
all
yaduplicateofhim.

Me:"
What?I
sthatper
sont
hef
atherof
Amandl
a"

Hef
rownedandaskedwhyIam aski
nghi
mthat
.

Me:
"Justcur
iousy
ouknow"

Heshr
ugged.

Mbuso:
"Idon'
tknowwhoAmmy '
sfat
heri
ssoI
woul
dn'
tknowifit
'shi
m ornot
"

Inodded.
*
Oyi
ntando*

I'
venev erbeenaper sont obecont r
olledby
hormonest hr
oughoutal lmypr egnanci esbut
thisoneisshowi ngmef lames.Thi smor ningI
don'tfeelli
ket al
king,Idon'tfeelli
keeat i
ngand
Ijustdon'tfeel l
i
kebat hing.Ijustwannabe
aloneandnev erbedi sturbednort alkedt o.
Iwokeupear l
yandwentt osi
tint
heliv
ing
room wit
hmyf leeceblanket
,Iwon'
tbemaking
breakf
astaswel l
,whoeverwantsfoodwil
lhav
e
toorderorcookIdon'tknow.

"
SthandwaSam,usheshi
l
eukuvukanamhl
anj
e"
(
Myl ove,
youwokeupearlyt
oday)

Ther
egoesmypeace.
Me:
"Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepany
mor
e"

Thokozani
:"Isee.
..
hav
eyoupr
epar
edbr
eakf
ast
orIshoul
d?"

I'
m gl
adheal
soi
ncl
udedhi
msel
fint
he
equat
ion.

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tmakei
tsoy
oucan"

Hecameandki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Thokozani
:"Ukahl
emama?
"(Ar
eyouokay
?)

Inoddedandsmi
l
ed.
Thokozani
:"Whatwoul
dyoul
i
ket
oeat
?"

Me:
"I'
m nothungr
ybaby
"

Hefrownedandsatnextt
ome.Lor
dyourson
can'
tgetthemessage.

Thokozani
:"Babyisthi
saboutwhathappened
yest
erday?I
ngani ngi
xol
isil
esthandwaSam,
yousti
llmadatme?I 'm sorr
ymama"( I
apol
ogizemyl ov
e)

OhhhmyBaby ,hethinksI'm angr

yathim.Iwish
hecouldunder
standt hatI'
m notangr
yI'
mj ust
i
nthemoodbuthowdoy ousaythatt
oy our
par
tnerwit
houthurti
ngt hem?
Ihel
dhi
shand,
her
eal
l
ywaswor
ri
ed.

Me:"I
'm notangrybaby,I'
mj ust.
..
Idon'
tknow, I
j
ustfeelundertheweatherbutI '
m notangry.I
f
i
twil
l makey oufeel
better,giv
emeaki ssand
br
ingmesomechocol atecakei nthefr
idge"

Hesmi l
edwide,
thi
sguyi
ssohandsomeandhe
happenstobemymanbyt heway
,Il
ovehi
mto
bi
ts.

Hepeckedmyl
i
psandbi
tthem al
i
ttl
e.

Thokozani
:"I
cecr
eam f
ormybabymamaon
theway"

Hewi
nkedatmeandl
eft
.
Myphoner
ang,
itwasSf
isocal
l
ing.

Me:
"Sf
isohy
"

Sfi
so:"HeyI
'
m sor
ryforcal
l
ingear
ly,
mydad's
l
awy eri
scomingt
odayandshesaidshewoul
d
l
ikeyouandtheki
dstobehere"

Me:
"Oww.
..
okayumm,
whatt
ime?
"

Sf
iso:
"10o'
cl
ockshar
p"

Me:
"Okayt
henI
'
llbet
her
eby
e"

Ihungup,
hai
bo!
!!Ngi
hlanganaphi
kehmi
na
endabeni
zamaLawy
er?
??

Tobecont
inued
#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t54.

*
Nar
rat
ed*

Itwas10h05andever
yonewasgat
hered
aroundt
hetabl
eatSfi
so'
shome.Theywere
waiti
ngfort
helawy
ertoarr
ive.

MrsK:"Whyexactl
ydi
dthatl
awyercal
lyou
Sfi
sonotme?I '
mthewif
ehereandwhyare
yourgi
rl
fr
iendsher
e?
Oyint
andorol
ledherey
es,shewasusedtoher
bei
ngt hi
sbossyanddramati
csonosurpr
iset
o
heratall
.

Sfi
soignoredhermom andj
ustaf
ewminut
es
l
ateraknockcamet hr
ough,
Sfi
sowentt
oopen
thedoor.

Sf
iso:
"YoumustbeDi
neot
hel
awy
er?
"

Shesmi
l
edandsai
d"YesIam,
sor
ryI
'
mlat
e"

Sfi
soclosedthedoorandl
edhert
othedi
ning
room whereever
yonewasseat
ed.

Di
neo:"Goodmorni
ngever
yone,I
'm Di
neoMr
Kunene'
slawy
er,
I'
m sosor
ryforkeepi
ngyou
wai
ti
ng,
traf
fi
c"

Theyal
lacknowl
edgedher
,shet
hensatdown.

Di
neo:"
Alr
ightseei
ngthatIar
ri
vedlat
eandI
st
il
lhav
etorushoff,l
et'
sgettoi
t"

Shetookoutdocument
sfr
om abr
own
envel
ope.

Mr sK:"Fi
rstofal
lMrsl
awy ercanIaskwhat
thesetwoar edoi
ngherebecausethi
sis
supposedt obeafamil
ymeet i
ng"

Di
neo:"
Itwasyourhusband'
swi
shf
ort
hem t
o
beher
e,canIpr
oceed?"
Sf
iso:
"Pl
ease"

Shetookoutt
hepaper
sfr
om t
hebr
own
envel
ope.

Di
neo:"
Alri
ghtsoIhaveal
etterher
ewi thme,i
t
wasgi
ventomebyt hedeceasedtoreadi t
whenheisnomor eandi
treadsli
kethis..
."

Shepausedl
i
ttl
e.

Dineo:"Whenmyl awy erreadsthistoyou, i

t
wouldmeanI 'm nomor e.Sf i
soson, myoneand
onlychil
d.Iwantyout obehappy ,l
ivel
ifetothe
ful
lestandletgoofanyangerr ecit
inginsi
deof
you,MarrySnethembaasshei sgoodwoman
andsoonnev ereverneglectmygr andkids,tr
y
andbet hebestfathertot hosekids.Iwantyou
toknowt hatIr eallylovey ouev eni nmygr av e,
takecar eofy our selfandhol dont ot helov ewe
bothhadandcont i
nuet ohav eforeachot her .
Makot i yeswenaOy intando, t
hingsmi ghthav e
gonewr ongbet weeny ouandSf i
sobuty ouwi l
l
alway sbeumakot i
tome, youmademea
grandf atherandf orthatIwi l
lforev erappr eciate
you,pleaset akecar eoft hem andal way s
remembert ot ell myLul ugirlthatMkhul ulov es
her,alloft hem.Si mi ngenkosi unfor t
unatel ywe
nevergott oknoweachot herwel lbutf orthe
factthaty ouar et hemot herofmy
granddaught er, Iwillneversideliney ounort urn
ablindey e,takecar eofSi phosami ..
.call
ingher
Siphosami doesn' tfeel r
ightthat'swhyI
decidedt onameherNgel osiandl astlytomy
wife,itisdone, y ourmi ssionwasaccompl ished
andj ustknowt hatt hroughi tall
,Idi dlovey ou"

Ev
ery
onewasi
ntear
s,i
ncl
udi
ngMr
sKandt
he
l
astmessage,onet
hatwasforher
,itsent
shi
ver
sdownherspine,
itmadeherregretev
er
ki
ll
i
ngherhusband.

Theylookedatherbutshejustkeptast
rai
ght
facewhil
ewipingoffhert
ears.

Dineo:"
I'
m sosorryf
oryourl
ossguys,
Ihope
youhealfrom l
osi
ngthi
samazingman.Anyway
mov i
ngrightal
ong,t
hereadi
ngofthewil
l
"

Shet
ooki
tout
.

Dineo:"Lastwil
landtestamentofKhehl
aJohn
Kunene, IKJKunenedecl ar
ethatt
hismylast
willandtestament,
revokingal
lwil
lspr
evi
ously
donebyme.
ToOy i
ntando,Igi
veyou50%oft heshareson
mymi ni
ngcompany ,thatmoneyshouldtake
careofmygr andki
dsandtakethem togood
school
s,IleavemyJaguarwithLulu.

SimingenkosiIgi
veyou25%ofthesharesi
n
themi ni
ngcompanyaswell,
thatshoul
dbe
enought otakecar
eofNgel
osi,t
akeherto
goodschool s.

TomysonSf i
so,Ibeli
ev eIraisedaresponsibl
e
child,Iwouldliketobelievet hatmybusinesses
willbesaf ewithyout hereforeIleaveallmy
asset stoyouandt heremai ning25%f r
om the
mi ningcompanyi sy oursaswel l
.Withthat
beingsai d,youwillsti
llcontinuesupporti
ngthe
kidsf i
nanciall
ywithoutconsi deri
ngthemoney
theygot .
Lastbutnotleastmywi
fe,
Ileav
ethehouse
wit
hy ou,y
oucankeepthecarsyouwere
al
readydri
ving."

MrsK:"Hel
lno!!
!That'
snotmyhusband'
swi
ll
,
hewouldneverl
eavemewi t
houtnomoney,
whatwil
lIeat
?Wi l
lIeatt
hecar
sandt he
house?
"

Shewassopi
ssedof
fandv
erymuchangr
y.

Dineo:"
Unfor
tunat
elyma'am t
hat
'sal
li
nthewill
,
yourhusbandwantedevery
thi
ngtobeli
kethi
s"

Mr
sKst
ood.

Mr
sK:
"Howcant
hesegi
rl
sgetmyhusband'
s
moneybutIdon'
t?
"

Sfi
so:
"Becausetheydi
dn'
tbewi
tchdad,
unl
i
ke
somepeopleIknow"

Dineo:"That
'sall
,Iwil
lprepar
enecessary
document at
ionandhav eyousignforwhatwas
assignedtoy ou,
thanksforyourt
ime"

Shest
oodandSf
isowal
kedherout
.

*
Thokozani
*

Iwashopingtorel
axwithmywomanandnot
doanythi
ngbutsinceshel
eftt
ot hemeeti
ngat
theKunenesIdeci
dedtogocatchuponsome
workattheoff
ice,i
twasaSaturdaysonoone
wasatt
heof
fi
ce,
justmy
sel
fandt
heguar
ds.

"
Sirt
her
e'ssomeonel
ooki
ngf
ory
ou"

Il
ookedup,
itwasFani
e,oneoft
hesecur
it
y
guys.

Me:
"Fani
e,di
dtheper
sonsaywhot
heyar
e?"

Fani
e:"
NoSi
rbutshesay
sit
'si
mpor
tant
"

Me:
"Letheri
n"

Icl
osedmylapt
opandlookedatt
hedoort
o
seetheper
sonwhowantstoseeme.
Andi
ncameSamkel
i
siwe,
Icoul
dnotev
enl
ook
atherpr
oper
lywit
hthatshortdr
essshewas
weari
ng,i
twasshortandtooti
ght.

Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"

Samke:"
Hel
l
ot oyout
ooThokozani
,ther
e'sno
needt
obeallr
ude"

Me:
"Talkorl
eavebecauseIhav
efarmor
e
i
mport
antthi
ngstodo"

Samke:"Farmor
eimpor
tantt
hany
our
daught
er?"

Ohhel
lno!
!!Shemustnotst
artwi
thme.

Me:
"Youmeant
hesamedaught
ert
hatkept
awayfr
om meforthewhol
efucken9year
s?
Pl
easesaywhatyouwantandleav
e"

Shetookoutherphone,
pressedi
tandputi
ton
thet
ableformetosee.

Itookitdoubtf
ull
yandt henIsawher,a
photocopyofmy sel
f.Shelooksexact
lyli
keme,
herears,ski
ntone..
.everyt
hing.

Il
ookedupatSamkel
i
siwe,
shel
ookedr
elaxed.

Me:
"Why
"

Itcameoutasawhi
sper
,Iwasshaki
ngand
angerwasbrewi
ngi
nsi
deofme.
Samke:"
I'
m sorr
yThokozani
,Iwasf
orcedbya
cer
tai
nsit
uati
on"

Icl
enchedmyjaws,Imi
ssedouton9y
ear
sof
mydaughter
'sl
if
e.

Shewalkeduptome,
hel
dmyshoul
der
.I
pushedherhand.

*
Oyi
ntando*

Idrov
eof fl eavingthekidswi t
hSfisoafterthe
meeting,Icoul dn'
tst ayanylongerbecause
whatIsawr eal
lyshockedme.Ther ewast his
chi
ldthatl ookedexact lyli
keThokozani,have
youev erseeni denticaltwi
ns?It'
slikeshe'
sa
youngt win.
Iwasdri
vi
nghome, whenIarr
ived,Iwashopi
ng
tofi
ndThokozanibuti
nst
eadast i
ckynotewas
putont
hefridge.

"
SthandwaSam I
'
m att
heof
fi
ce"

It
ookanAppl
ethenwentbackt
omycar
,
dr
ivi
ngt
otheoff
ice.

Af
tersometi
meIar r
ived,
Ipassedsecur
it
y
wi
thoutanyhassl
es.

Iwalkedtot
hebuil
dingandst
rai
ghttohis
off
ice,t
hedoorwasopenedso..
..
whatthe!
!!
!?

Hegotupsoonashesawme.
Thokozani
:"Baby
,howdi
ditgo?Whyar
eyou
her
e?"

Me:
"Pl
easel
eav
ent
ombaz
ana"(
gir
l)

Shegav
emeanev
ill
ook.

Me:"
Thokozanii
fyouknowwhat'
sgoodf
ory
ou,
youwi
ll
tel
lthi
sskanktoleav
e"

YesIdidf i
ndthem doi
nganysil
lythi
ngsbutfor
thefactthatshei
sallt
ouchyfeelywi
thmyman
i
rksmeandThokozani i
snotsayinganyt
hing
aboutit.

Me:"Fi
neI
'l
ll
eave,Iseenowthebabywil
lbe
usedasanexcuse.I
fshesohell
bentonhav
ing
y
oumeetthechil
d,whynotbri
ngthechil
d?Why
i
sshecomingherewear
ingshortdr
essesli
ke
t
hisi
ssomebrothel
?"

Iaskedthequest
ionsthatcoul
donlybe
answeredbyherbutIdirect
edthet
oThokozani
.

Hesi
ghedandkeptqui
et,
Itur
nedbackt
oleav
e,
hedi
dn'
tevenf
oll
owme.

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t55.

*
Thokozani
*

Mymi
ndcamebackf
rom wher
everi
twas,
I
real
i
sedt hatOy
intandolef
t,Idi
dn'
tdoanythi
ng
aboutit
.Sheisprobablyangryandthi
nki
ngthe
worst.
Il
ookedatSamkeli
si
weonl
ytof
indhernaked,
shewalkedt
owardsme.

Samke:"
Wehadagoodt hinggoi
ngThokozani
,
Igav
eyouthebestsex,
I'
m sureshe'
snot
hing
cl
osetowhatIam i
nbed"

Il
ookedather
,angerr
isi
ngf
rom wi
thi
n.

Me: "
Youareembar assi
ngy ourself
,youdon't
l
ookappealingtomeanddon' tfoolyour
self
becauseyouarenothingcloset owhatmywi fe
i
s..
.wearyourdressandleavemyof fi
ce,t
he
nextIseeyouitwil
lbeincour t"
Shepi
ckedupherdr
essandf
rowned.

Samke:
"Whatdoy
oumeani
ncour
t?"

Me:
"Imeanj
ustt
hat
..
.getoutofmyof
fi
ce"

Ipackedmyt
hings,
shedr
essedup.

Samke:"I
'
m sorryThokozani
,youcan'
ttakeme
tocour
tplease.Ihadavali
dreason"

Me:"
Wel
lwatchmeSamkel
isi
we,
wat
chme.
Gett
hef
uckoutofmyof
fi
ce"

Shefi
xedherdressandr
anout
.Isi
ghedand
l
eftt
heoffi
ce.
OnmywayhomeIwasscar ed,
aski
ngmy sel
f
whatOy ii
sthi
nki
ng.IhopesheknowsthatI'
d
nevercheatonher
,I'
dneverdoanyt
hingtorui
n
ourrel
ati
onshi
p.Il
ovehersomuch.

If
inal
lyar
riv
edandf oundhercarpar kedont
he
dr
ivethedri
veway,Iparkedbehindherand
br
eathedinbefor
eIcoul dgoinside.

Ifoundherpaci
ngupanddown, shelookedmy
way .Shei
scryi
ng,Iswearmyheartbrokeand
thelevel
noff
earinmer ose.

Me:
"Baby
"

Shelookedatme,
li
keshewasexpect
ingmet
o
tal
k.
Me:"Iswearnothi
nghappened,
IloveyouandI
woul
dnev erhurtyout
hatway,I
..
.Iwasjust
conf
usedandl ostatt
hatmoment "

Oyi:"YouknowIdon' tdowel lwit

hsuchscenes,
shewasal ltouchyf eelywithyouandy oudidn'
t
evensayany thing,shewasgi v i
ngmenast y
l
ooksandy oukeptqui et
,Iaskedy outotel
lher
toleaveandy oust i
lllookedatmel i
keIam a
psychoti
cwi fe..
.Thokozani I'
m pregnantandI
wouldappreci atei
ty ouallowmet oenjoymy
pregnancy,don'tstressmepl ease"

Me: "IknowloveandI'
m sorry.
..
shekeptmy
chi
ldf rom meforyear
s,shelooksexactl
yli
ke
me...pleasecal
m downSt handwasam, t
hat
str
essi snotgoodforthebaby"
Oyi
:"Youar
einnoposi
ti
ont
otel
lmet
ocal
m
down"

Isi
ghed,fr
om whereI
'
m standi
ngshe'
snot
angr
y,she'
sjustemot
ional
.

Me:
"Whatposi
ti
onam Ii
nkehbaby
?"

Oyi:"
Ithoughty ou'
dnev erask..
.okayl al
ela
keh.
..y
ouar ei napositi
onwher ey ouwon'tbe
sl
eepingi nmybedanddef init
elynoti nmy
bedroom, Ialsodon'twannaseey ouanywhere
nearmyguestbedr ooms, t
heyar ef orguests,
Andpleasehel pmeandnev erthinkofof
sl
eepingonmycouchbecausei t'snotfor
sl
eepingi t
'sforsit
ti
ngandwayt oo
expensive..
.andThokozani I
...
"
Shesighedandleftmet
here,
Ifoundallthi
s
funny
.Shei sver
yemoti
onall
atel
y,Iguessit
's
thepregnancy
.

Ifol
lowedherupst
air
s,Shewasreadi
ngoneof
thosebookshelov
es.Sheignor
edmeatall
costs.

Me:
"Mama"

Sheignor
edme,
Iwentt
othecl
osetand
changed.
Ideci
dedtogoprepar
esomethi
ngtoeatf
ort
he
bothofus,
it'
sti
mesli
kethi
swhenIwisht
he
ki
dswerehere,wewouldbepl
ayi
nggamesand
havi
ngfun.

I
'
m notv
erygoodi
ntheki
tchenbutIknowt
he
basics,
Ifi
nishedupandtookthef
oodupst
air
s
onlytofi
ndhersleepi
ngwitht
hebookonher
hand.

Isighedandki
ssedherf
orehead,
Iret
urnedher
foodtotheki
tchen.

JustwhenIfini
shedmyf ood,Ideci
dedtodo
somewor kbutmymi ndkeptondr i
ft
ingoffto
thatphot
o,Iwonderwhatkindofachi l
disshe,
whatkindofafatherwasIgoingtobet oher
.

Sleepfinal
l
ycr eepsi
nsoIt aketheblanket
sand
preparetosleeponthecar pet
,seeifther
e'sone
thingIdon'
twanti spissi
ngOy iof
fevenmor e
soI '
l
lbesleepingheretoday.

*
Oyi
ntando*
Iwokeupf eeli
ngv eryhungr y
,itwasmor ning
already.Idon' tevenknowwhenIf ellasl
eep,
whenIt urnedt olookatThokozani '
ssideofthe
bed, hewasnott her e.Igotupandwentt othe
l
oo, whi l
eati tIremember edthatItoldhim not
tosleepi nourbedr oom.Iwor et herobeand
wentt ochecki nt heguestbedr oomsbuthe
wasnott herei nanyoft hem, Ihopehei snot
sleepingonmycouch, hecoul dhaveusedt he
guestr oom inst eadofsl eepi
ngonmycouch.I
wentt ot heloungeandf oundhi m sleepi
ngon
thecar pet,Ohhhmypoorbaby .

Il
efthimther
eandwenttomakesomegr easy
br
eakfastandmadehotchocol
atej
ustt
heway
helovesi
t.

It
ooki
ttot
hel
ounge,
goti
nsi
dehi
sbl
anket
t
henIki
ssedhi
sli
ps,
eyesandnose.

Heopenedhi
sey
esal
i
ttl
eandsmi
l
ed.

Me:
"Mor
ningbaby
"

Hef
rownedbutsmi
l
ed.

Thokozani
:"Morni
ngl
ove,
thi
smor
ningi
snot
goodonmysi de"

Me:"
Areyousi
ck?Ohhhbabyi
t'
smyf aul
t,I
madeyousl
eeponthecar
pet,
I'
m sor
ryIwas
j
ust
..
."

Het
ookmyhandandki
ssedi
t.
Thokozani
:"Hey.
..
relax,
I'
m notsi
ckandbesi
des
Ideser
vedthis,
it'
sjustmyback.It
'ssor
e"

Me:
"I'
m sor
rybaby
..
.Imadebr
eakf
ast
"

Hesatupst
rai
ghtandchuckl
ed.

Thokozani
:"Remi
ndmenott
omesswi
thy
ou
agai
n"

Il
aughed,
hef
indst
hisf
unnyandi
t'
snot
.

Me:"
I'
ll
runy
ouahot,r
elaxi
ngbathandthen
gi
veyouamassageaf
terwardshow'
sthat?
"
Thokozani
:"Massageonl
y?"

Hegav
emehi
snaught
ylook,
Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
"Andmay
bemor
e"

Weki
ssed,
shar
ingourmor
ningbr
eat
h.
Heaskedmeabouty est
erday
'smeet
ingwi
th
thelawyer
,It
oldhi
m howitwent
,hewasso
surpri
sed.

Thokozani:"
ButImustsaybaby,Ir
espectthat
oldmanf ornotf
orget
ti
nghisgrandki
ds.This
showshowmuchhel ovedthem"

Me:"Hedi
dlovethem,soseei
ngthatt
heynow
hav
esharesint
hemi ni
ngcompanyandthey
will
begetti
ngmoneyev erymont hfr
om t he
company ,
Imightaswelluseittopayf orthei
r
feesbecausetheyareexpensiv
e.Andt henI'l
l
opensomesav ingsaccountforthem aswel l
"

Henoddedandki
ssedme.

Thokozani
:"Per
fect
"

Wewentqui
et.

Thokozani
:"Mama"

Me:"Ngyak'
thandaandIpromisethatI'
dnever
doanythi
ngtohur t
,atl
eastnoti
ntenti
onal
ly
.
Yest
erdaynothinghappenedbet
weenSamke
andIandtrustmewhenIsaywhenIsawt he
pict
ureIdespi
sedher
,Iknowwit
houtadoubt
thatshe'
smine,shel
ooksli
kemebaby"

Hewasget
ti
ngemot
ional
,Ihel
dhi
shandt
ight
.

Me: "Thenbabyy ouneedt omakemeanst o

havear elati
onshipwi t
hherohandt hat
remindsme, whenIcamet ot heoffi
ce
yesterday,Isawal it
tl
egi r
llookingexactl
yli
ke
you,Icouldn'taskSfisobecausehewasbusy
withhisdr amaticmot herbutmay beit'
sjust
resembl enje,youhav etocallthatSamke
womanandt el
l hert
obr i
ngt hechil
dov ersowe
canmeetherandgett oknowher "

Thokozani
:"Iwi
l
l..
.Thankyoumylov
e,f
or
accept
ingherevenbefor
emeeti
ngher"
Me:"
Wereareateam,
whathurt
syou,
hur
tsme
andwhat
'sy
oursismi
netoo.
"

Hepul
ledmet
ohi
schest
,wesatl
i
ket
hati
n
si
l
ence.

*
Mbuso*

AsmuchasIdi
dn'
twantt
oseeSamke,Ihadt
o
got
otheapar
tmentandt
akeAmandl
aback.

Ammy
:"Daddycanwedr
ivet
oMcDonal
d'
s?"

Me:
"Okaymybaby
"

Idrov
etotheMcDonal
d'
sdri
vet
hruandbought
herahappymealt
henIdr
oveof
f,sheenj
oyed
hermeal
whil
emymindwaswanderi
ngaround,
Howdoessomeoney
oulov
ehurtyouthat
much?

Minut
eslaterwearr
ived,
Iopenedt
hedoorf
or
Ammy ,shejumpedout.

Wewalkedinsi
dehandi
nhandandsoonaswe
goti
nsi
de,Samkewaswatchi
ngTV.

Me:
"Hey
"

Shest
oodup.

Samke:
"Baby
..
.hey
"

Shet
hencr
oucheddownt
oAmandl
aand
ki
ssedher
.

Samke:
"Hel
l
obaby
"

Ammy :
"Heymom,IhadfunwhereIwas,Imet
ot
herki
dsandi
twasf un.
..
canIgoagai
n?"

Shesmi
l
edandl
ookedatme.

Samke:"
Mommywi
l
lthi
nkabouti
t,how'
s
that
?"

Shenoddedandr
anofft
ogethermom'
sphone,
shel
ovesaphonetoomuch.

Samke:
"Babycanwet
alk?
"
Me:
"Aboutwhat
?"

Samke:
"I.
..
I'
m sor
ryl
ove,
Idi
dn'
tmeanforany
oft
hatt
ohappen,Iwasinabadspaceand.
..
"

Me:"
Andwhat ?Youhadtocall
anot
herman'
s
nameinthemiddl
eofourlov
emaking,howdo
yout
hinkthatmakesmefeel
?"

Shesatdown.

Samke: "
Hewasoncemyboy fr
iend,wel
lat
l
easthet houghtsobecauseIdidn'tl
ovehim
thatmuch.Ihadaboy fr
iendwhom Iloved,
thi
ngshappenedandIf ellpr
egnantwithhis
chil
d,Ihadtorunformyl i
febecausemyt hen
boyfr
iendwouldhavekill
edmehadhef ound
outthatI '
m pr egnant,
that'
swhyIwasi n
Amer i
ca.Inev ertol
dThokozani about
Amandl a...
thisonet i
meAmandl asawapi ctur
e
ofThokozani andIi nmyol dalbum andasked
whohei s,that'swhenIr eali
sedthatImadea
mistakebyhi dingAmmyf rom herdad,shewill
growupandf indoutonherownev ent
uall
ythen
hateme"

Shewasi nt
ear
sbuti
nalloft
hatIst
il
ldi
dn'
t
under
standwhyshemoanedhisname.

Me:"Iheary
ouandIunder
standbutwhatI
don'
tgetiswhycal
lhi
snamewhi l
ehavi
ngsex
wit
hmeSamkel i
siwe,
why?"

Shekeptqui
et.
Igotupandt
ookaf
ewcl
othesofmi
ne,
she
st
oodi
nfr
ontofme.

Samke:
"BabyI
'
m sor
ry,
wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"

Me:"
Somewher
efarf
rom y
ou,
Ineedt
ocl
ear
myhead"

Justl
iket
hatIl
eft
,Icanseet
hroughher,she
hassomehiddenfeel
ingf
ort
hisThokozaniguy
.

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t56.

TWOWEEKSLATER.
*
Oyi
ntando*

OluhleandIar ebusyi nthekitchenpr epari

ng
dinner,Thokozani '
sdaughterisfinal
lycomi ng
through.Iam honest lyner
vousbecauseIdon' t
knowwhatki ndofachi ldisshe.Inmostcases
youf i
ndachi l
dgi vi
ngyouatti
tudebecausey ou
arenott heirmot heroryouareinar elati
onship
withtheirfather.Iam hopi
ngandpr ayinginthi
s
caset hatshe'snoneoft hat,t
hatshewi l
l
acceptmeandgi vemet herespectIdeser ve.

Ol
uhl
e:"
Mom y
oul
ookner
vous,
what
'swr
ong?
"

Ismil
edatherandsai
d"Not
hingser
ious,
just
thi
nki
ngabouthowthedi
nnerwil
lbeli
ke"

Shenoddedandcont
inuedwi
thchoppi
ng.
It
'snothelpi
ngthatwewi llbedini
ngwi t
ht hat
Samkel i
siwewoman, asmuchasshei rri
tates
me, Ideci
dedtobet hebiggerpersonandal low
hertocomeaswel lbecauseIknowi tcanbe
awkwar dfort
hechildtobear oundpeopleshe' s
notfamili
arwit
h,sohermom' spresencewi ll
makei teasi
erforher.

Wecookedandf i
nishedup,Ol
uwenttobath
andIwenttoourbedroom t
obathaswell,
Thokozani
wassitt
ingontopofthebed,Icoul
d
seehewasnervous,Iwentandsatnextt
ohim.

Me:
"Baby
"

Thokozani
:"St
handwasam"

Me:
"Youokay
?"
Thokozani
:"Whatifshedoesn'
tli
keme?Whatif
shehatesmef orbei
ngabsentinherl
i
fe?How
coul
dSamkel i
siwedothis?
"

Helookedv eryworri
ed,Icanonl
yimaginehow
hefeel
slike,notknowingaboutyourchi
ldf
or9
year
s,that'
stoomucht otakei
n.

Me:"Shewon' that
ey oumyl ove,t
rustmeshe
won'tandbesidesshewi l
lgrowupandsee
whatagoodmany ouare,shewillseeyounow
whatanamazi ngfatheryouwillbetoher,don'
t
behardony oursel
f.I
t'snotyourfaultt
hatyou
werenotthere"

Hebr oughtmecl
osert
ohi
m andki
ssedmy
cheek.
Thokozani
:"I
'm bl
essedtohav
eawomanlike
youinmylif
e,asmar twomanandv
erygood
hear
tedtoo.Il
ov eyou"

Me:"Il
oveyouevenmore,
youhavenoideaoh
andbabyifSamkel
isi
wedoesn'
tbehav
eI'
ll
kick
heroutofmyhouse"

Hechuckl
ed.

Thokozani
:"Yesma'
am"

Wepr epar
edour selv
esandl ateronthe
i
ntercom r
ang.Ev ery
thingwasr eadyand
alt
houghIwasbor edthatIhadt ocookforthi
s
shit
tywoman, Ihadnochoi ce.Iwasnotdoi ngit
forherbutformyhusbandandhi sdaught
er.
Iwentt
oopent
hedoor
,ev
eryonewasal
ready
set
tl
edandwai
ti
ngont
hedini
ngtabl
e.

Me:
"Hey
..
.comeoni
n"

Thi
sisthesamechil
dIsawbackatSfi
so's
pl
acethatt
imeIwast her
e,I
'
m wonder
ing
what'
sthestor
yther
e.

Shesmi
l
ed,
mostf
akestsmi
l
eI'
veev
erseen.

Theywal
ked.

Ol
uhl
e:"
OhhhAmandl
a!!
"
Thokozani
:"Ohpr
incess,
youknowher
?"

Oluhl
e:"
YeswemetherbackatMkhul
u'
spl
ace,
shecamewithuncl
eMbuso"

Me:
"Pl
easehav
easi
t"

TheysatdownandsoIdi
d.
Il
ookedatThokozaniandhewasst
ar i
ngatt
he
l
it
tl
egir
l,Icoul
dseethathewasget
ting
emoti
onalandthetabl
ewasbecoming
awkward.

Samke:"Umm. .
.t
hanksforinv
iti
ngusfordi
nner,
pl
easemeetmydaught er,ourdaught
er
Thokozani
..
.HernameisAmandl a,wecal
lher
Ammy "
Ial
mostr ol
ledmyeyesat"
Ourdaught
er
Thokozani"
.Thesar
casm t
hatcamewith
i
t..
mxm.

Thokozani
:"I
..
.Amandl
a,sawubona"

Shewentqui
et,
Thokozani
frowned.

Samke:"Ohhhshedoesn'tknowot
her
l
anguagesapartf
rom Engli
sh,Ammydaddyi
s
say
inghell
o"

Ammy
:"OhhhI
'
m sor
ry,
hel
l
odaddy
"

Myhear
tmeltedwhenshesai
ddaddy,
seewi
th
al
it
tl
echil
dyoudon'
thavetost
ressal
ot.
Ammy :
"Somom i
fthi
sonei
smydadwhoi
s
daddyMbusot
ome? "

Samke:"
Thisoneisyourreal
daddyandthe
daddyMbusoismommy '
sboyfri
endwhi
ch
makeshi
my ourseconddaddy "

Shet
houghtf
orawhi
l
eandsai
d..
.

Ammy:"
Ohokay .
..
nicemeet
ingy
oudaddyand
whoi
sthi
s,doesitmeansheismymom too"

Thokozani
:"Shecanbey
ourmommyi
fyou
want"

Samke:
"Noshe'
snot
"
Theyspokeatt
hesameti
me,
Thokozani
looked
atSamkewithafr
own.

Ammy:"
Ohwel lIguessshe'
sgonnabemy
mommytoo,Idon'tmindhavi
ngtwomommies
andt
wodaddies"

Ismil
ed,she'
sabeautif
ulandver
ysmartchild.
Theresemblancebet
weenhim andThokozani
i
stoomuch.Doesi tmeantheoneI'
m carr
ying
wil
lbeli
kethisaswell
?

Me:
"Pl
easeser
vey
our
sel
ves"

Westart
eddishi
ngup,Il
ookeduptofind
Samkelooki
ngatmewi t
hsnakeeyes.Doyou
thi
nkIcar
ed?HellnoIdi
dn'
t,weat
esilent
ly
wi
thThokozani
smili
ngtohimsel
fandst
eali
ng
gl
ancesatAmmy ,
seeinghi
mlikethi
smakes
mehappy.

Ol
uhl
e:"
Howaboutwegot
othel
oungeand
wat
chTVguy
s?"

Theyal
lagr
eedandgotupf
rom t
het
abl
e.

Me:
"Ol
ugety
our
sel
vesi
cecr
eam neh"

Ol
uhl
e:"
Okaymom"

Theyl
eftandsi
l
encet
ookov
eragai
n.

Thokozani
:"Mywif
ebeggedmet onottaket
o
court
,soI'
m gi
vi
ngy out
hisoppor
tuni
tyto
expl
ainwhyyouhadt
ohi
demydaught
erf
rom
meforyear
s"

Hewasl ookingatherstraightintheeyes.Wel l
yesThokozani waspreparedt otakehimt o
court,Ihadtobeghi m nott obecauseIdon' t
wantachi l
dinvolvedi
nt heirmadness,Itold
himinst eadofgoingtocour themustuset hat
ti
met ogett oknowherdaught erandbondwi th
him andt heyshouldfindacommongr oundon
howt heywi l
l r
aiseherandbot hbether
ef orher.

Me:"Irat
heryoukeepyourreasonstoy
our
sel
f,
babythechil
disherenow.Letitgo"

Iwasaf
rai
dthatt
hoser
easonsmi
ghthur
thi
m.

Thokozani
:"St
handwasam,
ngf
unaukwazi
"(My
l
ove,
Iwannaknow)

Samke:"Fi
neThokozani
,I
..
.wheny
ouandIwer
e
dat
ing,
Ihadaboy f
ri
end.Il
ovedhi
m andas
muchasIloveyou..
."

Ist
oppedherr
ightt
her
e.

Me:
"Lov
ed.
..
lov
edsi
sinotl
ove,
pastt
ense"

Shesi
ghed.

Samke: "Yesloved..
.asmuchasIl ovedyoubutI
di
dnotl ovey outhewayIl ov
edhim.I ny
ouI
wasbenef it
ingfinanci
all
ymor et
hanany t
hing,I
di
dlovey oubuti twasnotenough, i
twasnot
deep.Iendedt hi
ngswi thyoubecauseIfel
tlike
Ishouldstopplayi
nggamesandbeser ious
withmyboy fr
iendbutIfoundoutt hatI
'
m
pregnant,
Icouldn'
ttel
lhim becausecounti
ng
back,youweret hefat
her.Ihadtor unf
ormy
l
ifebecausehewasgonnaki ll
me, Hehada
temper.Il
eftandwentt oAmer i
ca"

Thokozani
'
sjawswer
enowcl
enchedandIdon'
t
l
ikethi
sonebit
.

Me:"
Okaysisithankyouforcoming,
please
l
eav
e.Wewi ll
dr i
vethechi
ldbackhome
t
omorrow"

Samke:
"Thokozani
I'
m..
."

Me:
"Pl
easel
eav
e"
Shest
oodupandt
ookherbag.

Thokozani
:"Youdi
sgustme"

Hecl
i
ckedhi
stonguet
henl
eft
.

Me:
"Youraddr
esspl
ease,
forwhenwebr
ing
t
hechi
ld"

Samke: "
Youthi
nkyouownt hi
scast l
ehuh?You
thi
nkyouwon?Wel ltel
lyouwhat ,
Thokozani i
s
mine,Hewasmi nebeforehewasy ours,Imade
ami st
akeandIknowwhi chbuttonst opress,
hel
lforgi
vemeandf orgetyoueverexisted"

Me:"
Youaresocr
azy
,youar
edr
eami
ng,
getout
ofmyhouse"
Samke:"
Sandhur
stapart
ment
s,1822second
fl
oor
.That'
smyaddress"

Shet
ookherbagandmodel
l
edout
.
Isi
ghedandwentt ocheckupont heki
ds,t
hey
werehavi
ngfunjustconver
singandgett
ingto
knoweachotherwhil
ethebigsist
erwasbusy
onherphone.
Iwentupst
air
stocheckonmybi gbaby
,hewas
l
yingonbedfaci
ngup.Igotontopofhi
m,
ki
ssedhim ev
ery
whereonhisface.

Me: "
Letthepastgobaby,don'
tl
ethergetto
you.Enjoyt
hisoppor
tuni
tyyouhaveofbeing
withyourbaby"

Hesatupandki
ssedme.
Thokozani
:"Il
ovey
ou,
youknowt
hat
?"

Me:
"Oht
rustmeIknowMr
"

Thokozani
:"How'
smybabydoi
ng?
"

Heaskedbr
ushi
ngmyt
ummy
.

Me: "
Doinggoodandver
yrespect
ful
today
becausemommydi dn'
thaveanymorni
ng
si
ckness"

Hesmi
l
edandnodded.

Thokozani
:"Si
shadani
ningampel
ababy
?"
(
Whenar
eweget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed)

Me: "
YouknowIwast hi
nking,wearepract
icall
y
husbandandwife,
west aytoget
herandthe
whit
eweddingwouldbeput ti
ngastampt o
whatisal
readyourreal
i
ty.Idon'
twannaget
marri
edwhilepr
egnantsoIwast hi
nkingmay be
aft
erhavi
ngababy "

Hekeptqui
et.

Thokozani
:"OkaysthandwaSam,
ift
hatwi
l
l
makey ouhappythenIhavenopr
obl
em"

Me:
"Doesi
tmakey
ouhappy
?"

Thokozani
:"Mamat
hei
deai
stomakey
ou
happyatal
lti
mes,minaaslongasIgett
owake
upnexttoyouev
erydaythentr
ustmeI'
m
happy"

Me:
"Okayhubby
,let
'sgowasht
hedi
shest
hen"

Thokozani:"
Kodwaazangenj esi
vumelane
ngokuthiuzongi
hlukumeza"(
Butwedidn't
agreethatyoushouldabuseme)

Ilaughed,gotofoffhi
m andpul
ledhishand, he
gotupandgr abbedmebymywai st,hekissed
thelivi
ngli
ghtsoutmeandmademet ouchhi s
crotch.Ij
ustranformyli
feandhef oll
owed, we
fi
nallywashedthedisheswit
hhim constantl
y
askingifAmmyi sokayandcheckinguponher
everynowandagai n.
*
Snet
hemba*

Ikeptonseei nghospi talstret

chersbei ng
rushedintothehospi tal,Ididnotunder st
and
whatthismeansbutI t'sbeenhappeni ngforthe
pastmont hnow.Ihav edr eamsofawoman
andamanbei ngbur i
edandt hesamepeopl e
aretheonesbei ngr ushedt ohospit
al,Ican'
t
seetheirfacesbutIf eel l
ikeIneedt ohelpthem.
Iprayfortheirsafetyev eryday,Iconsultmy
ancestorsaboutt hem buteacht imeIdo, Iget
noanswer s.It'
sjustblank.

Isi
ghedandsatonthecouch,
nextt
oSf
isowho
l
ookedveryhappyt
oday.

Me:"YezbabyIcoul
dusesomegoodnews,
whatisi
t"
Sfi
so:
"Canyoubeli
evebabyIgotacall
from
oneofmyformercl
ient
,heaskedforameeting"

Wel l
that
'sonethi
ngkeepingmesane,seei
ng
Sfi
sodoinggoodagain,heissl
owlybutsur
ely
ri
singagainandIcoul
dn'tbemorehappi
er.

Me:"
Wowbabyt
hat
'samazi
ng,
thi
ngsar
e
comi
ngt
oget
her
"

Heki
ssedmyhandandl
ookedatmei
nthe
ey
es.

Sfi
so:"
Babydoyouknowwhatwasoneofmy
dad'
slastwi
sh?
"
Me:
"Nowhatwasi
t?"

Sfiso:"
Heaskedt hatImarryandapartfr
om the
factthathewantedthat,Ial
sowantthat.Iwant
ust ogetmarri
edbaby .Il
oveyouandbef or
eI
getmyshi tt
ogetherI'
llbehappyknowingthatI
mar ri
edyou"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"Okay
"

Sfi
so:
"Let'
sgogetmar r
iedtomorr
owbaby,at
homeaffai
rs.Iknowyouprobabl
ywantabig
weddi
ng,I'
ll
giveyout
hatandmor ebutf
ornow
pl
easeagreetobeMrsKunene"
Ismi
l
edagai nbutt
hist
imeIwasv er
y
emot
ional
,tear
smadet hei
rwaydown.

Me:
"Okay
..
.okaybabyIagr
ee,
wewi
l
lget
mar
ri
ed"

Hepickedmeupandspunmear
ound,
het
hen
ki
ssedme.

Sf
iso:
"Thankyou,
Thanky
oukhabazel
aka
Mavovo,t
hankyouMaMkhi
ze.Ipr
omiseI
'
ll
pr
oposeli
keagentl
emanshoul
d"

Ilaughed,Il
ovehim andIdon'tdoubthi
slov
e
forme, Ial
readyknowourfutureanditl
ooks
bright
.
*
NARRATED*
Atadar kplace,i
twasrai
ning,Si
mbongil
ewas
feel
ingv er
ycold.Hehadnoj er
seyon,
hewas
shiv
ering.

Voice:"Thisiswher
eyouhavetostartbei
ng
str
ongmf ana,t
hisi
swhereyourj
ourneywill
begin.Youhav etobest
rong.Youwerechosen"

Hejustnodded,hewasshaki
ngf
rom t
hecol
d,
hecouldn'
tutt
eranywords.

Voice:
"Thewor l
dneedsy ou,luyaqalauhambo
l
wakho, angekekubelul
af ut
hi l
uy ocal
ela
ebunzi
meni kodwakuzomel euqi ne"(Your
j
ourneyisabouttobegin,i
twon' tbeeasyand
i
t'
sgoingt ostar
tthr
oughhar dshipsbuty ou
havetobest r
ong)
Henoddedagai
n.

Simbongil
e:"Ye..
..
yebo.
..
yebo!
!Ngi
yagodol
a"
(Yes.
..
yes,I
'
mf eel
ingcol
d)

Voi
ce:
"Goodby
e"

Simbongi
lej
umpedupfr
om hi
sbed,panti
ng
andther
ewasav er
ycol
dbr
eezeinhisroom.
Thenoutofthebl
ue,
thunderst
roke,
heav
yrai
n
beganfal
l
ing.

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t57.
*
NARRATED.
*

7mont hshaspassed,Oyi
ntandowasheav i
ly
pregnantandthefactt
hatshesti
llhadtwo
mont hstogobeforeshedel
iver
sr eal
lymade
herwannacr y
,shewasalwaystired,al
ways
hungryandsomet i
mesmoody .
Thispregnancywasdiff
erentf
rom al
lher
pregnanci
es,howevershewashappybecause
herhusbandwasv erysupport
ive.
Todaywasonethosedaywher
eshewas
feel
i
ngdownandnotinthemoodtheki
dswer
e
atschool
soshewasalone.

Forthepast7mont hsshehadstoppedwor ki
ng,
Thokozaniaskedhertostopnotonlydur
ing
pregnancybutforgood,
hewant shertor
elax,
rai
set heirkidsandmaket heirhouseahome.
Shedi dn'
tmi ndbecauseCel est
einsistedthat
shewoul dt akecareoft heircompany ,nowt his
i
st hekindofhousewi fesheenj oyedbei ng,one
whost aysathomebutmakesmoneyany way.
Onewhowakesupsomet i
mest ocheckouther
emai l
sandmakesor dersfrom home, shel oved
theideaofwaki nguponcei nawhile,getinher
suitpantsandgot oabusi nessmeet ingbutst i
ll
ber ef
erredt oasahousewi f
e,Shestarted
call
ingher selfamoder ndayhousewi fe.
Shehadbecomeapr ofessi
onal
i
sm ofbei
nga
housewi
fe,notwhatshewasbef or
e.

Asshewassi t
ti
ngr
eadi
ngamagazi
neher
phonerang,
shesmil
edas"
Hubby"f
lashedon
herscr
een.

Meanwhi
l
eatThokozani
'
sof
fi
ce.
Hewasst
andi
ngf
aci
ngout
side,
onhi
sphone.

Thokozani
:"Myl
oveukuphi
?"

Oy
i:"
I'
m athomebaby
"

Thokozani
:"Perf
ectli
stenmama, Ihav
eanhour
orsotospare,prepar
ey our
sel
f,I
'
m comingt
o
pi
cky ouup.Wear egoingtoadate"

Oyi
ntandoontheothersideofthephone
l
aughed,Thokozanil
ovesrandom dat
eslat
ely
,
sheagreedtoitany
way .

Thokozani:"
Wewillgotoy
ourf
avour
it
e
rest
auranthow'
sthat?"
Oy
int
ando:
"I'
dlov
ethatal
ot,
plusI
'
m hungr
y"

Samkewasst andingbehindThokozani wit

hout
him evennot
icingashewasbusyt alkingtohis
wife,Samkel
isiwel i
stenedtoever
ythingthey
saidthenshet i
ptoedoutmaki ngsure
Thokozanidoesn'tseeher .

Whenshewasf i
nal
lyoutsi
de,anideacame
knocki
ngint
ohermind.Sheknowst hatOy
i
l
ovesMy t
hosGreekrest
aurantsoshedroveout
.

*
Samkel
i
siwe*

IboughtwhatIneededt
obuyanddroveto
Mythos,Idi
dn'
twanttodothi
sbutIhav
e
nothi
ngtolosereal
ly
,Mbusol
eftmeandIlost
him whilet
hinkingaboutanot herman,thesame
whodoesn' tevenl ookatmet wice.Yeshe
l
ov eshisdaught erbutIfeell
ikeit
'snotenough,
Oy i
ntando'
skidsgetmor eattent
ionbecause
theystaywithhim, whataboutmine?I'
m doing
whatanymot herwoul ddo.

Isatdownandcal
l
edf
orawai
tersoonasI
arr
ived.

Him:
"Gooddayma'am,wel
comet
oMy
thos,
howcanIbeofhel
ptoday?
"

Me:"
Goodquest
ion.Lookthere'
sacoupl
ethat
wi
ll
comehere,t
heladyispregnantandt
heguy
i
sdark"

Hef
rowned.
Him:"Weal
wayshavepregnantl
adi
esanddar
k
guyscomi
nginma'am so.
..
"

Me: "
ShutupI '
m stil
ltalki
ng,her
e'sthei
rpict
ure.
Ineedy outopourt hi
si nwhateverfoodthey
wil
lorder,makesur ey ouservethem.Idon't
knowhowy oudoi tbutpleasegetitdone.Iwill
makei tworthyourwhi le"

Ihandedhimt heblackpoi
sont
hatwasi
na
tr
ansparentbott
le.

Hi
m: "No!
!!Nonono,Ican'
tandwillnotdothat
.
How...
OhGosh!!
!Howcouldy ouevenaskmet o
dothat?I
'
m sorr
yIcan't
,Imightl
osemyj ob"

Me:
"Rel
axokay
,noonewi
l
lfi
ndout
.Okayi
fit
willmakey oufeel better,
whydon'tyoudoit
thenaskoneoft hewai t
ersorwait
resst
ogo
givethem thei
ror der.LookI '
l
lgi
veyouhalfa
mill
ion,ri
ghtnowIhav eR250kwi t
hme, I
'
m
givi
ngittoy ouasmot ivati
on.Oncethej
obis
doneI '
l
lgiveyout her estevenmore"

Hestart
edshakingwhenhesawtheenvel
ope,
I
knowpeoplewhowor ki
nthi
ski
ndofplacesdo
notgetalotofmoneysothi
swil
ldef
ini
tel
y
motiv
atehim.

Me:"R250000,allyoursfornowandlater
anotheronecoming.Ifyoupull
itof
fthough.I
t'
s
al
linthere,
countit
"

Hesighed,t
ookthephoto,poi
sonandt
he
money,heshovedalloft
hem inhi
sapr
onand
act
edlikeheiswri
ti
ngsomet hi
ng.
Ideci
dedt oorderagl
assofwi
nethenIwentto
si
tatthefarcornerwher
enotever
yonecansee
me.Idisguisedmysel
fandhadmydrink.

*
Oyi
ntando*

Wef i
nal
lyarri
vedatMyt
hosandIwas
i
mmedi atel
ywelcomedbyanappet
isi
ngsmel
l
.I
gothungrythati
nst
ant
.

Aswegoti nsi
de,
ther
ecameawai
tert
oour
di
rect
ion.

Hi
m:"Gooddaysi
r,ma'
am andwel
comet
o
Myt
hos,t
abl
efort
wo? "
Me:
"Yespl
ease"

Hedi
rect
edust
oourt
abl
e.Hel
ookedner
vous.

Me:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"

Him:"Ummm. .
.y
e..
.y
esma'am,it
'snotevery
day
whereIgett
oservewel
lknownpeopl el
ikeyou
soitki
ndofmakesmener vousbecauseIdon'
t
wannamessup"

Thokozani
:"Rel
axandgetusdri
nks,mywife
wil
lhaveanapplej
uicewhi
leIhaveorange
j
uice"

Me:"
BabyI'
m hungry
,pl
easegetmeyour
t
radi
ti
onal
burgerandfr
iesf
ornow"
Hewrotedownandleft
.Thokozani
kissedmy
hand,
hedoesthatalot
.

Thokozani
:"Il
oveyou,Il
oveyousomuch
Sthandwasam andIcan'
twaitf
orourbabyt
o
fi
nall
yarr
ivesoIcanholdhim"

Wellyeswear
ehavingaboy
,Thatmade
Thokozani
ahappi
estmanoneart
h.

Adif
fer
entwai
tercamebackwi
thouror
der
,I
t
hankedhi
m.

Thokozani
:"Weshal
lcal
lyouagai
n,t
hanksf
or
now"
Ist
artedeati
ng,
Mmm thei
rfoodisal
waysnice.
Thokozaniat
emyfr
iesmorethananyt
hing.

AsIkeptoneat i
ng,Igothotfl
ushes.Idon't
whet
heritwast hefood,orthepl
aceishotor
i
tsmypr egnancyreacti
ngtowhatI'm eat
ingbut
Iwaslegitbur
ningup.

Il
ookedThokozani
,hewassweat
ing.

Thokozani
:"Kuy
ashisababy
,I'
m sweat
ing,
look
atyoualsosweati
ng"

Il
ookedatot
herpeople,t
heywer
elaughi
ng,
conv
ersi
ngandhavingtheti
meofthei
rli
ves.

Myv
isi
onst
art
edbecomi
ngbl
urr
y,Isaw
Thokozani
fal
l
ingbuti
t'
sli
keIwasseei
ng
doubl
e.

Me:
"He.
..
.ohmyGodhel
p"

Myey esbecameheav y,
Icoul
dherepeopl
e
screami ngforhelpfr
om adi
stanceandj
ustl
i
ke
thatitbecamebl ank.

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP

Anot
heronecomi
ngi
naf
ew
I
nser
t58.

*
Samkel
i
siwe*
Whathav
eIdone?Whati
f.
..
ohmyGod,
whoam
I
?
Iwaspacingaround,notsureofwhattodo
next
,Ishoul
dn'thaveactedthatway.It
hought
i
twasgonnaknockt hem outaf
terawhil
enot
i
mmedi at
ely.

*
Londeka*

Igotacallfr
om thehospital
,appar
ent
lyOy
iand
Thokozanigotadmitted,
Itookmyphoneand
sentMveloat exti
nformi
nghi mtomeetmeat
thehospi
tal.

Coul
ditbet hatshe'
sinlabour
?Buti
tcan'
tbe,
she'
sonly7mont hspregnant.
ohwhatam I
sayi
ng,
ev enThokozaniisadmitt
edmeani
ng
somet
hingi
swr
ong.
Wellasforme,Ij
ustahadababynotsolong
ago,Ihadtol
eavehim wit
hMbali
becauseat
thi
smomentmysi sterneedsme.

Idr
ovei
ntot
alspeedandi
nnot
imeIwast
her
e.
Ir
ushedi
nandst
oppedbyatt
her
ecept
ionar
ea.

Me: "
HelloI
'
m her
eforOyi
ntandoMbatha,
a
pregnantwomanwhojustgotadmi
tt
edwi t
hher
husband"

Her:"
Ohhhyespl
easegothatsi
de,
thedoct
or
wil
lcomeandatt
endtoyou"

Inoddedandwait
ed,
aft
ersomet
imeMv
elo
camer unni
ng.
Mv el
o:"
Heymntase,
IcameassoonasIgot
yourmessage,
what'
swrong?Whathappened?
"

Me:
"I.
..
Idon'
tknow,
Ijustgother
e"

Hesatont
hebenchwhi
l
eIkeptpaci
ngupand
down.

Mvel
o:"
Londekasi
tdown,
youmaki
ngme
di
zzy
"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"Doy
out
hinkt
heyhadanacci
dent
?"
Mv
elo:
"We'
l
lfi
ndoutwhent
hedoct
orcomes"

Me:"Thebaby
!!OhmyGodshecan'tl
ose
anot
herbabyaft
ert
het
wins,
it'
sgonnaki
llher
"

Iwasnowint
ear
s,curi
osi
tyi
sreal
l
yki
l
li
ngme.I
wantt
oknowift
hey'
reokay.

Aft
eralongti
meofwai
ti
ng,
thedoct
ormade
herwaytous.

Doc:
"Thokozani
Dlami
ni"

West
oodup.

Me:
"Heydoc,
howar
ethey
,how'
smysi
ster
?*
Mv
elo:
"Whathappened?
"

Doc:"Weransomet estsanditshowsthatt
hey
hadfoodpoisoni
ng,therewasav er
ydangerous
poi
sonintheirbl
oodstream.Luckil
ywe
managedtodr ai
nitoutofthei
rsystem"

Foodpoi
soni
ng?How?Wher
ewer
ethey
?

Me:"Wi
llt
heybeokay
?Wher
edi
dtheygett
he
poi
son?
"

Doc:"Idon'
tknowmuchbutfr
om whatIhear
d
theywereattherest
aur
ant
"

Mv
elo:
"Canweseet
hem"
Doc:"Unfort
unatel
yMissOy i
ntandoisin
i
ntensiv
ecar eunit
,shesuff
eredami norheart
att
ackandherbl oodhadthemostpoi son
whichaffect
edherlungsaswel lhoweveryou
cangoseeMrThokozani ashemanagedt opull
thr
ough,heisawakebutst i
llweak"

Ifel
tmysel
fget
ti
ngweak,
thi
scan'
tbe
happeni
ng.

Me:
"Wi
l
l.
..
wil
lshebeokay
?"

Doc:
"It
'sst
il
lear
lyt
osay
,Ineedt
ogetgoi
ng"

SheshowedusThokozani
'
swardandl
eft
,we
wenti
n.Helookedv
eryweak.
Me:
"Hey
"

Hegav
emeaf
aintsmi
l
eandgr
eet
edback.

Mv
elo:
"Sbal
e..
.whathappened?
"

Heexplainedevery
thi
ngonhowt heywereat
therest
aurant
,theyorder
edfoodandall
ofa
suddentheystart
edfeeli
nghot.

Thokozani
:"Wher
eisshe?Howi
sshe?
"

Hel
ookedwor
ri
ed.

Me:
"Appar
ent
lyshe'
sin.
..
"
Idi
dn'
tfi
nishmywor
ds,
thedoct
orpushedt
he
door
.

Doc: "I
'm sorrytointer
ruptbutthisisrather
urgent .Oyi
ntandoi snotrespondingt o
medi cationandherl ungsarecol l
apsing,i
nt hi
s
casewehav et oinjectherwithmedi cati
onthat
willstopherl ungsfrom coll
apsingandt hat
medi cationi
sv er
ystrong,i
t'
snotgoodf orthe
baby .Sowear eleftwit
htwochoi ces, weeither
saveherort hebaby "

Me:
"No!
!!
!No"

Ibr
okedownandcr
ied.Mysi
stercan'
tdi
e.

Thokozani
satup,
tear
smadei
tdownhi
sface.
Thokozani
:"S.
.sav
emywi
fe,
sav
emywi
fe"

Hewassobrokenthati
tbr
okemyalready
br
okenhear
t,hecoul
dn'
tevent
alkpr
operl
y.

Mvel
o:"Doccan'
tyoudoany
thi
ngt
osav
ethem
bot
h?"

Doc: "Unfort
unatel
ynotandwear erunningout
oftime, Ineedyoutosignconsentformf orme,
onet hatshowst hatyouagr
eetothepr ocedur
e.
Ialsowanty outoknowthati
t'
sav eryri
sky
procedur ewhichcanresul
ttouslosingthem
both"

Thokozani
:"Doct
ormakesureyousavemywi
fe,
wecanst i
l
lhaveanot
herbaby.Ican'
tl
iv
e
wit
houther,t
hekidscan'
tli
vewithoutherandif
yousavethebabyhowwi l
lIrai
sehim?Ican't
doital
one.Savemywi f
e,saveher..
.sa.
..
save
her
"

Hebr
okedown,
Mvel
owentandpat
tedhi
sback.

Isi
gnedt
heconsentf
orm onhi
sbehal
f.

*
Thokozani
*

Ihav eneverbeensobr okeninmywhol eenti

re
l
ife,IthoughtIknewpai nbutt hismomenthas
shownmet hatIknownot hingaboutpai n,
pain
i
swhatI '
mf eeli
ngrightnow.It houghtIwas
strong,thoughtnothingcouldev ermakemecr y
butthis..
.t
hishasshownmet hatI'm notstr
ong.
Mkhusel
iwal
kedi
n,hel
ookedl
i
kehewas
r
unning.

Mkhusel
i:"
BafoIonl
yreceiv
edacal
lnow,
what
'shappeni
ng?Where'sMaMbat
ha?"

Icl
enchedmyj
awst
hinki
ngaboutmywi
fe.

Me: "She'
s..
.she'
si naverycri
ti
calcondit
ion.
Thedoct orsaidit'
seit
hertheysaveherort he
baby .MkhuseliIdon'
twantababyi fIcan't
raiseitwit
hher ,Iwanthertohelpmer ai
seour
kids.Shecan'tleaveme...
"

Icoul
dn'
thol
diti
n,Ij
ustl
etoutal
oudwai
l
.

Me:
"It
'smyf
aul
t,hadIl
efthert
ost
ayathome
thennoneoft
hiswouldhavehappened.
..
Itook
hertother
est
aurantonl
yfort
histohappen"

Mkhusel
icl
enchedhi
sjaws.

Mkhusel
i
:"Whathappenedatt
her
est
aur
ant
?"

Me:
"Appar
ent
lyourf
oodwaspoi
soned"

Henodded.

Mkhuseli:
"I'
l
l seeyoulat
erBaf
o,sur
elyfood
can'tj
ustpoisonit
self
.SomeonediditandI
'm
goingtofi
ndoutwhoi ti
s"

Hej
ustwalkedoutandl
eftmet
obeeat
enby
myownthoughts,
whowouldwantt
oki
l
lmy
wi
fe?

*
NARRATED*

Thedoctorswer esur
roundi
ngOy
int
ando,
her
chestwasmov ingupanddownandmachines
weregoingcrazy.
Theyhadinject
edherear
li
ertoandwait
edto
seeifsherespondst
otheinj
ect
ionbutherbody
rej
ectedi
t.
Theywer
enowt
ryi
ngal
ltheycoul
dtosav
eher
.

Doc1:
"Seei
ngthatthei
nject
iondidn'
twork,
we
hav
etoperf
orm anemergencyc-sect
ion"

Theyrushedhert
otheat
reandac-
sect
ionwas
perf
ormed.
Thei
rbabyboywasdeli
veredjustl
iket
hat,t
hey
hadtoputhi
mi nani
ncubatorbecausehewas
notf
ull
ydevel
opedbutthedoctorexamined
hi
m andhewasast r
ongy oungboy.

Ontheot herhandotherdoct
orswer
efi
ghti
ng
onsavingOy i
ntandobut.
..
..
..
.t
hemachi
nes
beeped!!
!

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP
I
nser
t59.

*
Snet
hemba*

Iseeherfadingaway
,herhandshel
dbyt
wo
olderpeopl
e,amanandawoman.
Me: "
Heavenl
yfather,Idon'
tknowwhoshei s
butIf eel
youandmyancest orsareshowi ngme
thispersonforareason.Ican'tseeherf ace,
pleasemakemeseeher ,pl
easepr otecther.I
t
seemsshehaski ds,shejustdeli
veredanew
bornbabyandi fshedi eswhowi l
llookaf t
erher
child?Iam pray
ingfather.
..
..
"

JustasIwaspr ay i
ng, herfacebecamecl ear,
i
t'sSfiso'sexwife, i
tbecamecl ear,l
ikeitwasa
videobei ngplayed,att herestaurant,t
he
womanwhoappr oachedawai t
er,gavehim
somet hing,minuteslat erIseeOy int
andoand
herhusbandwal king,af t
erorderingthewai t
er
wentandpour edwhathegotf r
om thewoman
earli
erandIj ustseet hem passi ngoutandf rom
theretakentot hehospi t
al.
*
NARRATED*

Atthehospit
althedoctorwheelsthebabyt
o
theThokozani
'sward,heissti
l
linsidet
he
i
ncubator.

Thokozani
:"I
s..
.i
sthat
..
.i
sthatmyson?
"

Thedoctorsmi
lesbutThokozani
isn'
thav
ingi
t,
hi
sheartbeatr
ises.

Doc:"YesMrDl ami
ni,
thi
sri
ghther
eisyour
babyboy,st
ill
verymuchyoungbutver
ystr
ong
foraprematurebaby,
wethoughtyouwoul
ddo
withspendi
ngt i
mewithhi
m"

Thokozani
didn'
tev
enbot
herl
ooki
ngathi
sson,
helookedatt
hedoct
orasi
fseeki
ngf
or
answers.

Thokozani
:"DoctorIsai
dsav emywi f
eandyou
chosetodot heopposit
e,Isaidsav
emywi f
e
notthi
sbaby.Wher ethehelli
smywi fe?
"

Hewasf
umi
ng,
hesatupst
rai
ght
.
Thedoct
orsi
ghed.

Doct or:
"Si
rweexhaustedallt
heoptionswe
hadofsav ingyourwif
ebutnoneoft hose
optionsareworking,
thedamagethatwasdone
toherbyt hatpoi
sonwast oomuchso
unfortunat
elysheisonli
fesuppor
t,shecan'
t
breathonherown"

Thokozani
hitt
hesi
decupboar
d.
Thokozani:
"Fuck!
!!Iam pay
ingt
hishospi
tal
a
for
tune,savemywi fe!
!!
!"

Thebabycr
ied,
hiscr
iest
oosof
tandl
ow.

Doct
or:
"Youar
escar
ingt
hebabyMr
..
..
"

Thokozani
:"Idon'
tgi
veafuckaboutt
hest
upi
d
baby.
..
.Iwantmywi f
eal
iv
e"

Thatver
ymomentLondekaandherhusband
walkedi
nandassoonasLondeka'seyes
l
andedtothebabyi
ntheincubat
orshebroke
downandcried.
Herhusbandhel
dhert
ight
,shecr
iedi
nhi
s
ar
ms.
Doctor
:"I
'
m sosorryforwhatyouar
egoing
thr
ough,Oyint
andoisonli
fesuppor
tandit'
l
lbe
uptoyouasaf amil
ytodecidewhethery
ou
swit
choffthemachineor.
..
."

Thokozani
:"Gett
hef
uckout
!!Getout
!"

Thedoct
orsl
owl
ywal
kedout
.
ThecryingLondekawal kedtotheincubator
,
shesmi l
edthroughhert ear
s,sayi
ngal i
tt
le
pray
erinsidethatOyint
andosur v
ivesbecause
thel
itt
lepersoninfr
ontofherneedshi smom.

*
Thokozani
*

Ev
ery
thi
ngi
shappeni
ngsof
ast
,Idon'
tev
en
knowwhatt odo, Ifeelsohelpless,Ifeelso
weak.Ican' tev enlookatt heincubatorthatis
placednextt omybed, If
eel verysad,veryhurt
andv eryangry.I'
m soangr yatt hepersonthat
didt his,t
hatper soncouldhav eki l
l
edme
i
nst eadnotmywi fe,Iam try
ingt oimaginehow
l
ifewoul dbewi thoutherbutIcan' tseem tofind
anythi ng,l
if
ewi thoutOy i
isempt y,
it'
spoint
less
andv eryworthless.

Islowlyturnedtolookatthi
sy oungbabyinthe
i
ncubat or,
hei ssl
eepingpeaceful
lyanddoesn'
t
evenknowhi smotherisfi
ghti
ngf orherl
i
fe,he
l
ooksl ikeme, hel
ooksexactlyli
kemeandhas
Oyi'scheekbones.
Tear
sjustr
oll
edoutofmyey
es,
lov
efi
l
ledi
tsel
f
i
nmyhear t
.

Me:
"Hey
..
..sawubonaSi
bal
i
khul
u,ubaba
uyaxol
isangokuthethisamfanam.Ipr omise
mommywi ll
makei t,sheisafight
er,shewill
fi
ghtforyou,yourbrotherandsist
ers,shewill
fi
ghtfordaddy.Ilov
ey ouboyboy,Il
ov eyouso
much"

Iwipedof fmyt ear

sbutt heydi
dn'tseem to
stop,theyjustmadetheirwaydown.Igotup
fr
om t hebedandst oodnexttot heincubator,
helookssmal l
.Hemov edhistinyfeetandI
brokedown, howcouldthishappen?Ishoul dbe
experi
encingt hi
smomentwi t
hmywi febuthere
Iam lookingatmysonmov ehisti
nyf eetal
one,
whodoIev ennamehi m?

AsIwascr y
ingIf
elthandst
ouchmyshoul
der
,
thescentt
oldmeit'
smymom.

Mom:
"Ohmnt
anam"
ThatmomentIbecameamama'sboy,
Icried
onhershoulder,
mydadwal
kedt
otheincubat
or
andlookedatthebaby
.
Mkhusel
iwal
kedi
n.

Mkhusel
i:"Whythehel
ldi
dn'
tyout
ell
me
Samkeli
siweisbacki
ntown?"

Theyal
llookedatmebutatthatmomentIwas
j
ustthi
nkingcoul
ditbet
hatshehassomethi
ng
todowiththi
s?

Me:"Idi
dn'tthi
nkitwasimportantandshe
camebackwi t
hababygirl
,sayingshe'
smine.I
coul
dhav edeniedbutshelooksexactl
yli
keme,
Iwasplanningonbringi
ngherhomebef oret
his
happened"
Mkhusel i
:"Wel l
thenthatbit
chistheonet hedid
thi
s,shepai dthewai t
ertopoisony ouguy s,as
tohowsheknewhowy ouguyswer egoing
thereIdon'tknowbutwhatIknowi sthatit'
s
her,becauset heyarebloodyamat eursthey
forgotaboutthecamer as,theytr
iedframingt he
otherwaiterthatbroughtyourfoodbut .
..
."

Me:"Ohfuck!!
!Thewai
terthattookourorder
swit
chedwiththeonethatbroughtourfood,he
di
dn'tbr
ingthefoodhi
mself.OhI'm sogoingto
ki
ll
her"

Mom si
ghed.

Mom:
"Howi
sOy
int
ando?
"
Me:"She'
sonlifesuppor
tmom, GodknowsI
can'
tloseher
,soonerorlatert
heywil
lbetel
l
ing
ustoswitchoffthemachines"

Thatt
houghtal
onegav
emegoosebumps,
it
mademesoangr y
.

Mkhusel
i
:"Ahhhhi
sthatmi
niy
ou?
"

Inodded,
hewal kedtothei
ncubatorandplay
ed
wit
hthebaby,Idoubthecouldevenhearorsee
hi
m butMkhuselididn'
tcar
e,hekeptatit
.

*
NARRATED*

I
nsideOyi'
sward,shewassur
roundedby
doctor
s,st
il
ltr
yingtof
igur
eoutwhatiswr
ong.
Shehadmachinesall
overher
,shewasn'
t
breat
hingonherown.

Al
lofasuddent
hemachi
neswentcr
azy
.

Doc:"
Sheregai
nedherbr
eat
h,she'
sbr
eat
hing
onherown"

Doc1:"
Herbl
oodpressur
eisdr
oppi
ng,
shei
s
hav
ingapani
cat
tack"

Herchestr
oseupanddown,
thi
sti
mei
twasso
i
ntense.

Doctor
sstart
edrunningaround,i
nject
ingher
andputti
ngondrips,t
hemov ingofthechest
stopandbeeeeeeeeeeepp.
Doc1:
"Wel
osther
"

Theytri
edal
ltheycoul
d,t
heyfai
l
ed.They
star
tedwri
ti
ngdownont hei
rnot
epads,so
checki
ngher.

Doc2:
"Ti
meofdeat
h19:
25"

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP

Pr
omi
sedel
i
ver
ed.
TomorrowIam post
ingt
helasti
nser
tof
BAHWWMPandwi ll
bestar
ti
ngwithSimbo
gi
le'
sjour
ney
I
nser
t60.
*
Londeka*

WewereinThokoz ani'sward,wi
thhi
spar ent
s
andhi
sbrother.Ever
y onefussi
ngoverthebaby
butt
hat'
sthethings,hehasnonamey et,
heis
j
usta"Baby"

Me:
"Whenar
eyounami
nghi
m?"

Thokozani
:"Makuv
ukai
SthandwaSam"(
When
mylovewakesup)

Ismi
led, I
'
veseenlovebefore,
myhusband
l
ovesmesur ebutneverhaveIeverseen
somethingli
kethi
s,Thokozanil
ovesmysist
er
toapointofobsessi
on.
Inoddedandj
ustt
hent
hedoct
orwal
kedi
n.

Thokozani
:"HeyDoc.
..
doy
ouhav
eanygood
newsonmywi f
e?"

Shekeptqui
et.

Me:
"Ismysi
sterokay
?"

Shesi
ghedandIknowt
hatl
ook,
Iknowi
ttoo
wel
l.
Ishookmyhead, t
earsef f
ortlessl
ymadet hei
r
waydownmycheeks, Ifel
tabi tdizzyandmy
breat
hingpatt
ernchanged, Ididnotwantto
hearthi
s,i
t'
snotwhatI '
mt hinkingiti
s.

Ther
oom becamesi
l
ent
,toosi
l
ent
.
Doc:"Wet r
iedal
lwecould,
thehospi
talhasthe
bestDoctorsbutunf
ort
unatel
ywelosther,
we
coul
dn'tsaveher.
"

Ever
ythingbecamebl
ank,Ir
emembert
hewhol
e
room spinni
ngandt
henitwasdar
k.

*
Thokozani
*

Il
ookedather,r
eadherf acehopingtofinda
si
gnthatshowsshe' sjokingbutIfoundnone,
she'
sseri
ous.Ever
y onelookedatme, t
he
doct
orwentandcr oucheddownt oLondeka
whopassedout,shet henwentoutandcame
backwit
hotherswhoputheronast ret
cher.

Doc:
"I'
m sor
ryMrDl
ami
ni,
mydeepest
condol
encest
oyouandy
ourf
ami
l
y"

Iheardhert
alki
ngbutsomewor dsdi
dn'
tmake
sense,t
heywerenotAudi
ble.Icl
osedmyeyes
andtearsst
reameddown.

Il
ookedatmyson,
heissoy oung.Whatam I
goi
ngtodo?Whatam Igoi
ngtot el
lthegi
rl
s
andSimbongi
l
e?Howam Igoingt ol
eave
wit
houther
?

Mymom cameandhuggedmet
ight
,shewas
al
soi
ntear
s.
Mywi fecan'
tbedead, she'snotdead.West i
l
l
hadal ott
odot ogether,
wehadmor ebabiesto
make, wehadt ogetmar r
iedandshareal i
fe
togetherf
oreverandnow?Noshe' snotdeadI
refusetobeli
evethat.
Ipushedmymom gent
lyawayf
rom me,
Igot
upfrom t
hebed.

Mkhusel
i
:"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"

Ii
gnor
edhim andwalkedoutofthewar d,
soon
asIwasoutIstar
tedrunni
ngaroundlookingf
or
mywifei
neachandev eryward,shout
ingher
nameandaskinghertorespond.

Me:
"Mama!
!!St
handwasam"

Icoul
dhearMkhuselir
unningbehi
ndmebutI
wantOyint
andotoshowthem she'
snotdead,
I
wanthertotel
lmeshe'sokayandwewill
get
marri
ed,Iwanthert
ocomeandseeourbaby .
Me:
"She'
snotdead!
!BabyIknowy
ounotdead"

Every
onewasnowl ooki
ngatme,Iknowt
hey
thi
nkI'
m cr
azy,
I'
m notcrazy
,Iwantmywi
fet
o
comet ome.

Mkhuseli
:"Doccan'
tyoudosomet
hingt
omake
hi
m stop?"

It
'st
hesameDoct
ort
hatdecl
aredmywi
fedead,
Il
ookedather
.

Me:
"Iwantt
oseeher
"

Doc:
"She'
s.
..
."
Me:"
Isai
dIwantt
oseeher
!!
!Don'
ttel
lmeany
st
ori
es,
Iwantt
oseeher
"

Shesi
ghedandsai
d"Fol
l
owme"

If
oll
owedher
,behi
ndmewasMkhusel
i
.

Wegottoherwardandshewascover
edi
na
whi
tecl
oth,
from herf
acegoi
ngdown.

Me:
"Getout
,bot
hofy
ou"

Mkhusel
i
:"Thokoz.
..
"

It
urnedtol ookathi
m,her
eal
l
ywant
stopi
ss
meof fIsee.
Me:
"Ineedamomentwi
thmywi
fe,
getout
"

Theysl
owlywalkedout
,Iopenedt
hecl
oth.Her
eyeswerecl
osed.

Me:
"Baby
"

Shekeptqui
et,
whyi
sshenotsayi
nganythi
ng?
Sheshoul
danswerme,
Iwanttohearsaybaba.

Ihel
dherhand,
shewascold.Icoul
dn'
tcont
rol
mytear
s,Ij
ustbrokedown.

Me: "
Youpr omised,
youpromisedmet haty
ou'
d
neverleav
eme.Mamaungi t
hembisi
le,what
shouldIdowi t
hmy sel
f?Whatam goingtodo
withallthel
oveIhav eforyou..
.t
he.
..
thekids
Sthandwasam, whatwill
Itell
them?Ican'ttell
them youaredead, weneedy ou,we.
...
babywe
needy ou,howwi l
lItakecareofourkidsalone?
Wehav eababyboy ,whowi l
lhesaymom t o?
Vukababy ,Vuka!!
!Vukaaaaa!!
!!
"

Ist
art
edshaki
ngher,Icri
edoutloud.Whoever
sai
dmendon'tcr
iedclear
lyhasneverfel
tthe
pai
nI'
mfeeli
ngri
ghtnow, she'
snotwakingup.

Me:
"Mamawakeup!
!!
!"

ThedooropenedandMkhusel
iandtwodoct
ors
camein,t
heyheldmeti
ghtsoIcoul
dstop
shaki
ngher.

Mkhusel
i
:"Baf
olethergo,
shedi
edahappy
woman,
shedi
edknowi
ngy
oul
ovedher
,lether
goSi
bal
i
khul
u"

Me:
"No.
..
.No!!
!Nobabyyoucan'
tdot
hist
ome,
t
oourki
ds..
..
you.
..
youcan'
t"

Thedoct
orinj
ectedmeandwi
thi
naf
ew
minut
esIpassedout.

*
Mvel
o*

Ihonestl
ycan' tbel i
eveshe' sgone,I'
m st i
ll
try
ingtodi gestit.Iam dr i
vingtotheirhouse,as
abigbrother ,anuncl eIam f acedwitht el
li
ng
thekidsthatt hei
rmot herisnomor e, howdoI
breaktheirhear t
sl i
ket hat?HowdoIev enbegi
n
tel
li
ngthem whenImy selfcan'tbel
ievei t
?
Tearskeeponbl indingmeandIwi pet hem of
f
becauseIdon'
twannacauseaccident
sont
he
roadduetonotseei
ngproper
ly.

Iam expect
edtobest
rongbuthowwhenmy
l
itt
lesi
steri
sdead?

Ican'
tl
iv
e..
.
I
fli
vi
ngi
swi
thouty
ou
Ican'
tl
iv
e..
.
Ican'
tgi
veany
mor
e..
..

Iam pl
ayi
ngMar
iahCar
ey'
wit
houty
ou'

Howwi
l
lli
febef
rom her
eon?
Ifi
nallyarr
ivedanddr ovein,
Isatonthedr
ive
wayf orawhi le.Thi
nkingofnicerway
sof
hurt
ingt hekids.
If
inal
l
ygat
her
edt
hest
rengt
handwal
kedi
n.

If
oundt hem watchi
ngTV,theywer
eeven
l
aughingbutSimbongil
ewasabsentfr
om
whatevertheywerewatchi
ng,hewast
ooqui
et.

Ol
u:"OhheyUncl
eMv
elo,
how'
smom andUncl
e
Tkdoing?
"

Shani
:"Ar
etheygonnabeokay
?"

Icl
osedmyey
es,
Godpl
easeIneedst
rengt
h.

Me:"Guy
spl
easecomesi
tnextt
ome,
Ineedt
o
t
ell
yousomethi
ng"

Si
mbongi
l
e:"
Ial
readyknowwhaty
ouwantt
o
t
ell
usUncl
eMv
elo"

Ismi
l
edandaskedwhat
?

Simbongi
l
e:"
Youwantt
otel
lust
hatmom i
s
dead"

Ichokedonsal
iv
a,tosayIwasshockedwoul
d
beputti
ngi
tli
ghtl
y,Iwasbey
ondshocked,
how
doesheknow?

Ol
uhle:
"Simbongi
l
e!!
!Never
!!
!Nevereversay
t
hatagain,
howcany oupl
ayaboutdeath?"

Hekeptqui
etandkeptast
rai
ghtf
ace.

Me:
"Whyar
eyousay
ingt
hatboy
?"
Simbongi l
e:"
BecauseIsawGogoandMkhul u
holdingherhandandgoingwithher,t
heycame
tovisitmeandtoldmet obestrongformy
sist
er sandbrot
herandthatwewon'tseemom
againbutshewi l
lcomeandv i
situs
somet imes"

Isi
ghed,Idon'
tunderst
andwhyancest
ors
wouldbecommuni cati
ngwi
thhi
m, hei
stoo
youngtobeseeingsuch.

Ol
uhl
e:"
Uncl
eMv
eloi
sitt
rue?
"

Icoul
dseehershaki
ng,
shewascl
oset
otear
s.

ImadeherandOl
uhl
esi
tonmyl
ap.
Me:"
Youknowmyself
,Uncl
eTk,
yourdadand
Aunt
yNdekal
oveyouri
ght?
"

Ol
unodded.

Me: "
Yes..
.Iwanty
out oknowthatAunty
Londekawi l
lal
waysbelikemommyt oyou,
we
wil
lalwaysbethereforyou,
wewi l
lal
wayst
ake
careofyouandprotectyou"

Oluhl
ewasnowi ntears,she'
soldenoughand
sheunder
standsthesethings.

Me: "
Mom couldn'
tmakeit
,thedoctor
str
ied
savi
ngherbuttheycoul
dn'
t.Theref
oremommy
passedon,shewenttoheaven"
Sbani:
"Wewill
neverseeheragain?Sowi
l
l
AuntyNdekabutmedr essest
hatmommy
boughtforme"

Ol
uhl
ejustbr
okedown,
Ihel
dhert
ight
.
Shecriedsomucht hatIendedupintears
myself,Sbani
brushedhersist
er'
sbutIcould
seethatshewasal sohurtt
hatshewon'tsee
hermom again.

Me:
"Ar
eyouokaySbani
saMal
ume?
".

Shest
art
edt
ear
ingup.

Sbani
:"Iwantmymom,
shel
ovesme"
Godpleasegivemestrength,Il
ookedat
Simbongil
e,i
t'
sli
kehewasl ostinhisownwor
ld,
hegotupandwentt othekitchenandcame
backwithaglassofwater.
Hegaveitt
ohi
sol
dersi
sterwhowasweepi
ng
pai
nful
l
y.

*
NARRATED*

AWEEKLATER.

Ithasbeenasadweekf orboththeMbat has

andt heDlamini
s,comingtotermswi t
hthe
deathofOy i
ntandowasv eryhard.Theyhadt o
prepareforthefuner
alei
therway ,Thokozani
wassi t
ti
ngonamat tr
essbecauset radit
ional
ly
him andOy i
ntandoweremar r
ied.
Hewasnott
alki
ngnoreat
ing,
hej
usthel
dont
o
Oy
i'
spi
ctur
e.
Fri
ends,Thokozani
'
scol
leaguesandOyi
's
workerswerecomingi
nandoutt oshowlov
e
andsupport.
Sfisowasalsother
etosuppor
thiskids
becauseheknowshowf ondofthei
rmot her
theywere,hehadtobether
eastheirfat
herto
holdthei
rhand.

Fi
nal
lySat
urdaycame,
thedayt
heyf
inal
l
ypay
hert
orest
.
Ever
yonewasi
nthetent,
theserv
icehadbegun
andpeopl
ewhowereclosetoherspoke.
Thokozani
'
sti
metospeakarr
ived,
hest
oodup
andwenttost
andatt
hefront
.

Thokozani
:"Mama.
..Sthandwasam.Iam not
readyt
osaygoodbye,Idon'twantt
osay
goodbye.Ithurt
smyl ove,i
thurtssobad.Iam
tr
yingtofindawayt odealwiththisbutIf
ind
none,Ifeelsoempty ,
I'
m deadinside.Whydi
d
youhavet odie?Howcoul dtheytakeyouaway
fr
om me?Thel ovethati
ssomuchi nmyheart,
whatam Igoingt odowithit?"

Hewipedof fhi
stearsandsighed,
hetookher
pi
ctur
efrom thecasketandlookedati
t,he
smil
edthroughthetears,
thenchuckl
ed.

Thokozani :"
Iremembert hef i
rstt
imey ousaw
meatt hemal l
,Ihadbeenf oll
owingyouf ora
whi l
ebuty ouonlysawmet hatdaybecauseI
tookSbani foricecream withoutyour
knowl edge,youfreakedoutandwheny ou
fi
nallyfoundusy ousur etol
dmet hewayt oget
off.Thatday .
..
thatdayIfelli
nlovewithy ou
evenmor e,y
ouwer ef ei
sty,
sobeaut i
fuland
whatIl ovedmor eabouty ouishowy ouloved
yourki ds.BabyI 'm standingheremaki nga
promi setoy ou, thoseki dsaremyki dstoo,I
knowt heyhav eaf atherbutI'
mt hei
rfathertoo,
Iwillplayther olet hatyouwer eplayi
ng.Iwi l
l
takethem t ot hesal ont ogetthei
rhairdone, I
will
washt heirhai rev er
ynowandagai njustli
ke
youdi dandIwi llmakesur eSimbongi l
egetsa
goodgi r
lfr
iendlikey oual waystoldhim.They
areourki dsandt hel ovethatyougav ethem, I
will
mul t
iplyit
.Onel astthingSthandwasam,
youandIwer esupposedt ogetmar ri
ed,Ihada
ri
ngmadespeci all
yf oryouandIwoul dli
keyou
totakei twi t
hy ou, asasi gnofmyl ove,my
eternal l
ove"

Peopl
ewereint
ears,Sf
isoontheot
herhand
admir
edtheguy
,helovedhowThokozanil
oved
hi
skidsandhel
ovedhowhel ovedOyi
.
Thokozani
wentandopenedt hecasket,
not
cari
ngwhatpeopl esay ,hesl
ippedtheri
nginto
Oyi'
sfi
nger,
heki ssedherandbr okedownt hat
verymoment .Mkhusel i
wentandhel dhi
mt ight
ashepouredt hedr opsofhistear
sintothe
casket
,heclosedt hecasketandlookedbackt o
i
t.

Thokozani:"
Iam maki ngav owt onev erf al
lin
l
oveagain,youar etheonl ywomanI 'l
lev erlove
andIpromiset hatIwon' tgi
v ethelovet hat
bel
ongst oyout oany oneelse.Alsomamaour
son,Iwantedt onamehi m wheny ouwakeup
but.
..
butyoudi dn'
t,I'
m nami nghim Phi l
angez wi
PhakadeDlami ni,Phakadeisourson, our
symboloflov e.Iwil
lraisehim well,Il
ov ey ou
baby,Il
ovey ounowandf or
ev er"

Hewentandsatdown.
Thenextper
sont
ost
andupwasCel
est
e.

Shehadpuffyeyesfr
om al
lthecryi
ng,she
stoodt
hereandwipedoffhertear
swiththe
ti
ssueandlookedatthepi
ctur
eont hecasket
.

Celest e:"From beingmycl ient,t

obeingmy
businesspar t
nerthenmybestf r
iend.I
rememberhowj ol
lyyouwer ewhenIf ir
stmet
you,y ouwer esobeaut iful andhadabeaut iful
heart...I
..
.Idon'tevenknowwhatt osay.My
fri
endpl easeknowt haty ourki dsarenotal one,
Iwillalsopl aymypar tinr aisingthem, Iwi
ll
makey oupr oudandf lyourbusi nessuphi gh.I
remembert hel astti
meIcal l
edy ou,you
braggedt omeandsai dy ouar ethehousewi f
e
withst y l
e,thehousewi f
et hatmakesmoney ,
youlov edst ayi
ngathomeandnotcomi ngt o
workany morebuty oualsol ovedtakingcareof
businesswhi leatit,
Isaidt oyoui noneoft he
meet ingswehad" Fri
endy ouar eglowing"and
your espondedbysay i
ng" Beingahousewi feis
yourpr ofessi
on,youar emast eringit"Il
ovey ou
somuchf r
iend,mayy ouresti neternalpeace,
beagoodguar di
anangel .Iwi l
loffi
cial
lybe
changi ngourboutiquenamet o"Thehousewi f
e
withst yl
e".

Shet
henwentt
osi
tdownandcr
ied.

Theservi
cewentonandonandthentheywent
tothecemet
erywher
etheyf
inal
l
ylaidhert
o
rest
.

#Unedi
ted
#BAHWWMP
*
THEEND*
Ithasbeenaminuteguys,
Ihadfun,
lov
edy our
comment sandyournev
erendi
ngsupport
.

St
ayt
unedf
orSi
mbongi
l
e'sj
our
ney
.