Your

sTr
uly

#1

I
nShakawe, thewindblewcoldair
,winterseasonhadendedbutit
wassti
llascold.Rethabi
lecoul
dbarelyfeelherfi
nger
sasshesat
onthebenchatt hehospit
alwit
hheryoungerbr ot
herstar
ingat
thepi
cturesonthewal l
s.

Shehadseent hem morethanshecoul dcount,hadreadevery

l
etter,
evenreadthewordsbackwar ds.Thoughafteral
l t
heti
mes
shehadsatont hesamebench, st
ar edatthedi
rtywhitewall
s
thatal
way sst
ayeddir
ty,st
aredatthosepictur
eswi thfol
ded
corners,
shenevergotusedtothefear .

I
talwaysmadeherweak.I twasn’therever
y dayfearofbeing
pi
ckedonbyot herkidsbecauseshewast hickandhadst retch
marks,
defini
telynotthefearofbeingharassedbyherGui dance
andCounseli
ngt eacher
…butr at
heritwast hefearoflosingher
mother
.Itscaredhersomuch, i
tmadet earsburnherey es.

Thecoldbr eezeblewpastt hem astheysatonthecoldmet al

benchesst i
lli
ntheirschooluni
forms.Rethabil
e'
sstomach
growled,
sheswal l
owedandl ookedatBat angashefiddl
edwi th
hi
sf i
ngers.Het urnedtoherfeeli
ngherey esandsmil
edshowi ng
hi
st womi ssingteeth.Shecouldthefeartoo…Thebot hknew…
Shesmi l
edandt ouchedhischeek.Atleasthehadhisjersey.

“
Arey
oucol
d?”

Heshookhi
sheadt
henopenedhi
smout
h.“
Tha-
Tha-
Tha-
Thabi
l
e…m-
mamai
ssi
ck?
”

Hestammered,someti
messhewishedsheweretheone
stammer
ingnothim.Shewoul
dtakethestr
uggl
efrom hi
m any
day.

“
Shewi
l
lbef
ine.Thedoct
ori
sgi
vi
nghermedi
cine.
”

Henodded, sheknewhewashungr ythoughhewouldjustkeep

quiet
.Tearsburnthereyesasshesatther
e.Atearr
oll
eddown,
sheturnedwipingitawaywit
hthebackofherhand.Shetooka
deepbreathandt urnedt
ohertenyearol
dbrot
her.

“
Arey
ouhungr
y?”

Heshookhi
shead.

“
Wewi l
lpassbyElang’
shousebefor
ewegohome.Shesai
dshe
wi
ll
stealsomefoodforustoday
.”

Henoddedagai nandconti
nuedfiddl
ingwi
thhi
sfinger
s.
Rethabi
l
et ookadeepbreathwaiti
ng.Anur
sewalkedovert
o
them.Rethabi
lestoodupquickl
y.

“
Ismamaok?
”

Thenur
sesadl
ylookedather
.“Shewi
l
lbef
inemygi
rl
.”

“
Canweseeher
?”

“
Yes.Wegav
ehersomet
hingf
ort
hepai
n.”

“
Eemma,
thanky
ou.
”Ret
habi
l
etur
nedt
oBat
eng.“
Let
’sgo.
”

Bat
enggotupandwalkedwithhi
ssist
ert
othei
rmother’
sward.
Ret
habi
l
elookedather,
itseemedshewaslosi
ngweightwi
th
eachday,shecoul
dbarel
yrecognizeherany
mor
e.Shecoul
dsee
hermother’
sbones.Bat
engr ushedover.

“
M-mama.
.”

MmagweRet
habi
l
esmi
l
edweakl
y.“
Myboy
..
”

“
I-
I…”Hecl
osedhi
sey
esbr
ief
ly.“
Idr
-dr
ewy
-y-
you.
”

Shesmi
l
edandt
ouchedhi
scheek.“
Showme.
.”

Heopenedhisbagandshowedher.Rethabi
lesil
ent
lywatchedas
t
heyspoke,shesni
ffedwi
pinghert
earswiththebackofherhand.
Hermothertur
nedtoherandsmil
ed.

“
Thabi
…come…”

Hervoi
cewassoweak,shet
ookmoment
si nbetweeneachword.
Ret
habil
esl
owlywal
kedover
.MmagweRethabi
lelookedather
ki
dsthensmil
ed.

“
Thabi
…don’
tcr
y…Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
”

Ret
habil
elookedathermot
hert
henputherhandsonherf
ace
cr
ying.

“
Iam scar
ed…”

Hermotherpul
l
edhercl
oserandhuggedt
hem bot
h.Shecl
osed
herey
esasherowntear
sfil
ledherey
es.

“
Ther
eisnoneedt
obescar
edThabi
…Iam her
e.”

Rethabi
lecri
edmoreholdingontohermother.Mmagwe
Rethabi
lehel
dherbreathholdi
ngitt
oget
herthenshesmi
led
wipingRet
habil
e’
stears.
“
It
’sokThabi
…it’
sok.Don’
tcr
y…Iam her
ewi
thy
ou.Iwi
l
lnev
er
l
eaveyoursi
de…”

Shel
ookedatbot
hherki
dsandsmi
l
ed.

“Ial
way
sgoingtobet
her
e.Ipr
omi
se…Iam comi
ng
home…tomorr
ow.”

Ret
habi
l
elookedathert
ear
ful
l
y.“
Youar
ecomi
nghome?
”

MmagweRet
habi
l
enodded.“
Yes.Whenar
eyouf
ini
shi
ngy
our
exams?
”

“
Nextweek.
”

“
Whatar
eyoul
eftwi
thwr
it
ing?
”

“
Engl
i
sh,
Biol
ogy
,andSet
swana.
”

“
Thel
astpaper
sri
ght
?”

“
Yes.
”

“
Iknowy
ouhav
epassed.Youar
ebr
il
li
ant
,myl
i
ttl
eDoct
or.
.”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
edwi
pingawayhert
ear
s.

“Youar
egoingt
obeav
erysuccessf
uldoct
or.Youar
egoi
ngt
o
savel
iv
es.
.”

“Iam goi
ngtohel
pyou.Iwi
l
ldoev
erysur
ger
ysot
haty
ounev
er
havecancerev
eragai
n.”

Hermot hersmiled.“
Iwantyoutogohomeandcleanthehouse.
Cleaneveryt
hing.Fol
dmycl ot
hesni
cel
y…youknowt hatdr
ess
thatyouli
ke?Ther edone?TheoneIworeatt
hechurch
anni
ver
sar
y?”

Ret
habi
l
enodded.“
Yes.Il
ovet
hatdr
ess.
”

“Takei
tandputi
twi
thy
ourt
hingsi
nyourr
oom,
keepi
tforme
ok?”

“
Yes.
”

Hermotherchuckled.“Alsothoseheel
sIboughtt
hattimewhen
wewenttoGabor onet ogether
.Theygowellwi
ththatdress.Take
t
hem andkeepthem f orme. ”

“
Yesmama.ButImakesur
enooneent
ersy
ourr
oom.
”

“Iknowsweetie…butIwil
lbehappyifyouarewiththem.Yousee
myj ewelr
ybox.Ther
ei st
hissetofear
rings,
abraceletanda
necklace…Al
sokeept hem.Andmyf avori
teper
fume. ”

Conf
used,
Ret
habi
l
enodded.“
Ok.
”

“Iam cominghomet omorr

ow.Don’tcomehereaft
erschool
.
Takey ourbr
otherhome.Iwil
lbet
herewait
ingforyou.
”

“
Ok.Youf
eel
bet
ter
.”

“Yes.Waybett
er.Il
oveyouThabi.Neverl
etany
onesepar
ateyou
andBatang.Youwil
lstayt
ogether.Aunt
yKeemiisy
ourmother
ok?”

“
Yesmama.
”

“Bat
ang,
Ilovey
oumyboy
…tomor
rowaf
terschool
,gohomewi
th
Thabi
.Ok?”

“
O-o-
ok.
”
“Thabi…underthebed, thereisabox .Abigbox.Ithasthe
i
mpor tantdocument s.I
nt hatbox,therei
smoney .Takeit
,keepi
t
safe.Idon’
twanti tstol
enbyt hieves.Thehouse…Ourhouse.It
wasmyf ather
’shouse.Hegav eittome.Iextendedit
.From me,i
t
goest oyouandy ourbrother.”

Shel
aiddowncat
chi
ngherbr
eat
h,ey
escl
osed.Sheopenedt
hem
andsmil
ed

“
Ilov
eyou.Somuch.Iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
row.
”

Ret
habil
enoddedsmi
li
ng.Shef
eltr
eli
eved.Goodt
hingshehad
cl
eanedthepr
evi
ousni
ght.

“
Bye…”

Thekidst
urnedandwalkedoutsmili
ng.MmagweRet habi
leput
herhandoverhermouthcryi
ng.Theotherpat
ientwhohadbeen
watchi
ngsadlystoodupfr
om herbedandhuggedher .

“
Itwi
l
lbef
ine.
”

“Mykids…mykidsarest
il
lyoung…Godhel
pme…modi
mo
nthuse…theyar
eyoung…Godplease.
.”

“
Shhhh….
”

“
Theyneedme… myki
dsneedme…”

Shecr
iedsomuchaspai
ncont
inuedsucki
ngouthersoul
.

*
**
Rethabi
lewal kedhomewi t
hBat ang,Shetookat ur
ngoingt
oher
bestfri
end’shouse.Shelookedatt hebigcast
lehousewhere
El
angst ayed.Sometimesshewasenv iousofherfri
endwhogota
P20not eeverysingl
edayforlunchatschool.Ithadtobeni
ce
stayi
nginthatbighouse.

Rethabi
lelookedatt
hesunsett
ingandstoodacrossthehouse
underatreewi t
hBat
ang.Minut
eslat
er,
Elangwalkedout.
Rethabi
lesmi l
edasherf
ri
endrushedoverhol
dinghertouch
screenphoneandalunchbox.

“
Youwer
esupposedt
obeher
etwent
ymi
nut
esago.
”

“Sor
rythamma,thedoct
ort
ookt
imewi
thmamabutt
omor
row
sheiscominghome.”

El
angsmil
edalsoasrel
iev
ed.“
See?It
oldy
ounott
owor
ry.Shei
s
goi
ngtobefi
ne.Take.
.”

El
anghandedRethabil
ethelunchboxwit
hthefood.Rethabi
l
e
qui
cklyopenedi
tandswallowedstar
ingatt
hechicken.Shetook
apieceandhandeditt
oBat ang.

Elangsmi
l
edashequickl
yat
eit
.“Iputal
otoff
oodkedi
rel
ale
kamosomapakel
a.”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Byt
heway
,yourboy
fri
endsentamessage.
”

El
anghandedRethabil
ethephone.Shelookedatt
hemessage
fr
om At
ang,herFacebookboyf
riend.Theyal
waystal
kedt
hrough
El
ang’
sphonesinceshedidn’
thav eone.
Rethabi
l
eopenedthemessage,
herhear
tpoundi
ng.Shesl
owl
y
satdownbytherockandr
eadthemessage.

At
ang:
Heybabe,
whereexact
lydi
dyousayy
oust
ayi
nShakawe?
Ar
eyoubackf
rom wor
k?

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.El
angputherhandonherwai
st.

“Thabi
le,ar
eyousmiling?Thisguyisaskingaboutwher eyoustay
.
Ithi
nkhewantstocomeandv i
sit
.Kanahedoesnotknowt hat
ther
eisnoLorrai
ne,thatactual
lyLorr
aineisjustaFacebook
pict
urewebumpedi ntoandnowan18y earoldhighschool
schooleri
susi
ngit.
”

Ret
habil
esi
ghed.“
Atangwouldn’tcomet
hissi
de.Hei
sinSout
h
Afr
ica,
hefl
ewther
eearli
er.Heiswill
bebacki
ntwodays.
”

“Mmat hi
sisgettingoutofhand.Iam getti
ngscared.Weshoul
d
havenevercreatedthatLor
rai
neaccount .I
twasjustmeanttobe
ajokebutnowy ouar edeepinarelat
ionshi
pwithanoldanold
many oubarelyknow? ”

Rethabi
lesi
ghedst
ari
ngatEl
ang.“
Ijustwanttobehappy
.Thi
sis
theonlyper
sonwhomakesmehappyEl ang.
”

Elangsatbesi
deherf
ri
end.
”Iwanty
ousaf
e.Thi
sguyseemsway
older
,gapehel
awearelyi
ngtohi
m.Whati
fhecomeshere?Nna
keatsaba.
”

“
Ati
eisnott
hatol
d.Hei
sjustt
all
.Iwonderhowhi
svoi
cesounds
l
i
ke…”

Thegi
rl
slookedateachot
herandl
aughed.
“
Met
oo.Mmeol
ebegaal
ebogal
e.”

“
Ati
eisnotl
i
ket
hat
.Osof
tmot
hoo.
”

Elangshookherhead.“Youwouldneveronthephone.Thabile,I
am seri
ous.Youshouldendthi
s.Iknowy oureall
yli
kehim butng
ng…gapet hoset
attoosmma, helooksdangerous.Helooks
scary.
”

“
Ati
eisnotdanger
ous.Youar
ejudgi
nghi
m wayt
ooear
ly.
”

“Thabi
,evenifhe’
snotdangerousbutheisgoingtosl apyoufor
l
y i
ngtohim,makinghim bel
i
ev eyouareathi
rt
yy earol dameri
can
who’sadoctor.Otsi
l
egor eny edi
sa,nnammakeat saba.Have
youseenhishand?Mot hootagocl apawaswelaGabor oneka
backfl
ip.Idon’
twanttosee.”

“
Iwil
ldoi
tnextweek.Thi
sismyfir
str
elat
ionshi
p.Iam sur
ehe
woul
dn’
teevenlookatmeifhesawmei nreall
i
fe.
”

“Ri
ghtnownoonewouldlookatus,wearedarkbecauseoft
he
sun,wepr
obabl
ydon’
tknowhowt obat
hproperl
y,r
eleswenyana.
Waitti
l
lwegotoUni
versi
tyofBotswanawenagirl
!Heeeeiga
gonnamurr
r!
!!
”

Ret
habi
l
elaughedthenl
ookedatt
hephoner
eal
i
zingbewas
onl
i
neandrepl
ied.

‘
Lor
rai
ne’
:Ist
ayneart
heseniorschool
butIam goi
ngt
oKasane
t
omorr
owmor ni
ngonabusinesstri
p.

At
angst
art
edt
ypi
ng.Ret
habi
l
est
aredatt
hephonewai
ti
ng

At
ang:
Whatt
imear
eyougoi
ngt
her
e?”
‘
Lor
rai
ne’
:at9am.Ar
eyoust
il
li
nSA?

Atang:
Yes,Iam st
uckthi
ssi
de,i
t’
srai
ningsoal
lfl
i
ght
shav
e
beencancel
ledduetobadweat
her.

Lor
rai
ne:
Sor
rymot
howame

At
ang:
Whot
aughty
out
hat
?

Lor
rai
ne:
Ihav
ebeenl
ear
ning.Ihav
etswanaf
ri
ends.

At
ang:
Sowher
edi
dyousayy
ouar
efr
om i
nAmer
icaagai
n?

Lor
rai
ne:
TexasHoust
on.

At
ang;
Ok.Wewi
l
ltal
k,Ihav
etogo.

Thegreendotonhi
snamedi sappear
ed.Ret
habi
l
esi
ghedsadl
y
thengaveEl
angherphone.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Elangsi
ghedstar
ingatherfr
iend.“
Nextweekyoubr
eakupwit
h
thisguy
.It
hinkit
’senoughnow.Fourmonthsi
senoughThabi
l
e.”

“
Iwi
l
lbr
eakupwi
thhi
m.”

Ret
habi
l
est
oodup.“
Letmegohome.Iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
row.
”

“
Bye.
”

Rethabi
lewalkedawaywi t
hhery oungerbrother
.Elangstaredat
Rethabi
le’
schatwithAtang.Shewentt ohisprofi
leagainand
l
ookedathi sprof
il
epictur
e,t
het at
toosonhi sarmsscar edherso
muchshel ookedatthephoneforawhi lecontemplati
ngj ust
breaki
ngupwi thhi
mt hendelet
ingtheprofil
ealltoget
her.
Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
handt
yped.

Lor
rai
ne:Hi,Icntdodi
seni
mo.ItsntwkngnIm gngbck2Txssrr
nsoItnkit
sbsti fwej
stpr
twys.Iwshunthnbthppnnss,
plsno
i
tsntu,btmi.Udsvbttr
.By.

Shequi
ckl
ywenttotheset
ti
ngsanddeact
ivat
edt
heaccount
.She
si
ghedsat
isf
iedandwal
kedtothei
rgat
e.

*
**

HeadedtoShakawe,Headedt
oShakawei
nhis4x4pi
tchbl
ack
Amarok,
Atangfixedhi
scapdri
vi
ngwit
honehand.

Hi
stwi
nbr
otherl
aughed.“
Shei
scatf
ishi
ngy
ou?
”

“Yeah,
ifIdi
dn’
tshowNayangt
hepict
ure,
Iwoul
dnothav
eknown.
Gatwethatpi
ctur
eissomeZambi
anladywhost
aysinAmer
ica.
*

Agangl
aughedmor
e.“
Itol
dyou…kanadi
l
otsaFacebookke
maakahel
a.”

“IknowbutIwasal
readyinMaunsoImi
ghtaswel
lgot
o
Shakaweandseewhat’sup.
”

“Ican’
tbel
i
eveYayahur
tyousomucht
oapoi
nty
oudat
e
Facebookgir
ls.
”

“
Don’
tst
artwi
thme.
”

“
Girl
swhocatfi
shareugly…Iam j
ustsay
ing.I
fIwer
eyouIwoul
d
j
ustleav
ethi
sgirl
alone.
”
“
Goodt
hingIam noty
ou,
Iam goi
ngt
ogett
othebot
tom oft
his.
”

“
Shar
pmist
er.Pl
easekeepy
ourhandst
oyour
sel
fwheny
ouget
t
her
e.”

Atangdroppedthecallwit
hasigh.Hisheartskippedashelooked
aheadstari
ngattheelephanti
nthemi ddl
eoft heroadwitha
C180.Itbl
ewIt’
strunkstampingonthegroundangr il
y.At
ang
hootedasitbegunpushingtheBenz.Hebrightenedhisli
ght
s
hooti
ng.

Theangr yel
ephantlookedover
,Atangconti
nuedhooti
ng.The
el
ephantblewit’
strunkmov i
ngbackandwentt othebi
gt r
ee
besidesheroad.Atangsteppedontheaccel
erat
oraddr ovet
o
Benzr ol
l
ingdownhi swindow.Theladyi
ntheBenzsteppedout
cry
ing.

At
angl
ookedather
.“Let
’sgo!
”

Shehurri
edov erholdi
ngherhandbagandj umpedintheAmar ok.
Atanglookedatt heelephantget
ti
ngabi gbrunchanddroveoff.
Theladylookedatt herearvi
ewmi r
rorwatchingtheel
ephant
destr
oythecar .Sheputherhandov erhermout h,t
ear
sroll
ing
downhercheeks.

“
Iam st
il
lpay
ingt
hel
oan…God”

Atangl
ookedatheri
nshock.“
Youcoul
dhav
edi
ed!I
syourl
oan
theonl
ythi
ngyoucanthi
nkabout
?”

Shel
ookedathi
m andbur
sti
ntoal
oudcr
y,herf
aceugl
i
fyi
ngas
herl
i
pscurv
eddown.
Your
sTr
uly

#2

Atangdroveforawhi
least
heladycri
ed.Helookedatt
heti
meas
rai
ndroplet
sheavi
lyf
ell
onthecaraccompaniedbyhal
e.

Hesl
oweddownrol
l
ingdownhi
swindowsl
ightl
y.Thecoldai
r
bl
ewint
hecarmaki
ngthewomanshiv
erwhil
eshesniff
ed.

At
angst
oleagl
anceather
.“What
’sy
ourname?
”

Shel
ookedathi
m.“
Zaza.
”

“
Wher
ewer
eyougoi
ng?
”

“
I…”Shecl
osedherey
es,
atearr
oll
i
ngdown.Shesni
ff
ed.

“
Shakawe…”

“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nShakawe?
”

“
Iam goi
ngt
oseemymot her
’ssi
ster
.Shei
snotwel
l
,mymot
her
i
ssi
cksoshecoul
dn’
tcome..
”

Zazasni
ff
ed.“
Ijustgott
hatcar6mont
hsback.Iboughti
twi
tha
l
oan.”

Atanglookedatt
heShakaweboar
dandsi
ghed.“
What
happened?”

“It
houghti
twaspassi
ngsoIst
opped.Idi
dn’
treal
i
zei
twas
angry
.”

“
Iam sor
ryabouty
ourcarbutt
hatt
hingwasgoi
ngt
oki
l
lyou.
Wheni tget
sangry,
ther
eisnostoppi
ngit
.Ipr
omi
seyou,
ify
ou
didn’
tgetoutoft
hatcar,
theyweregoi
ngtofi
ndy
oudead
tomorrow.”

“
Thanky
ou.
.forsav
ingme.
”

Atang’
sphoner
ang.Her
eachedf
ori
tandpi
ckedt
heunsav
ed
number.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“Soyoudecidedt
orobmyhouseAt
ang?
”Yaoney
ell
edont
he
otherend.

“
What
?”

“
Youdeci
dedt
orobmyhouse?Youar
esochi
l
dishAt
ang.
”

“Whywoul
dIrobyou?Ar
eyoutr
yingtohaveaconv
ersat
ionwi
th
meorwhat?Osekawabatagontena,ot
aswabaYaone.Didy
ou
seemerobbi
ngyou?”

“
Soi
fit
’snoty
ou,
whoi
sit
?”

“Bot
sarr
agoomae, l
ant
est
erl
onanxla.Iam goi
ngt
ocomet
her
e.
Iwanty
outoaccusemeofbul
l
shi
tfacet of
ace.”

“
Iwasj
ustaski
ngbecausesomeoner
obbedme.
”

“Andyouassumei
t’
sme.Ket
sil
egogot
hubakacl
apa.Keet
a
ko.”

Shehungup.Zazaswall
owedandt
ookadeepbr
eat
hst
ari
ng
aheadwhi
lehedrove.

“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?Thepol
i
ceort
oyouraunt
?”
“
CanIpl
easest
artatt
hepol
i
ce…?
”

“
Ok.Doy
ouknowwher
eiti
s?”

“
Yes.Youcant
akey
ournextl
eftt
urn.
”

Atthepolicestati
on,At
angremainedinthecarasZazajumped
outtheninsidewhilei
trai
nedheavil
y.Hereachedf
orhisphone
andloggedi nonFacebook.Amessagepi ngedonhismessenger
.
Heclickedoni tandopenedLor
raine’
smessage.

Hefrownedtry
ingtoreadwhatwaswr it
tenbuthecouldn’
t
underst
andanythi
ng.Matteroff
act
,itdi
dn’tsoundli
ketheper
son
heusuall
yspoketo.ThatonehadtheperfectEngl
ish.

Hel
aughedwonder
ingi
fmaybehewer
edeal
ingwit
hki
ds.I
tdi
dn’
t
l
ooki
twasagrownpersonwhohadwr
it
tent
hat.

Her
epl
i
ed.

At
ang:
Huh?

Hest ar
edathisphonef orawhile.HewentonFacebookand
searchedforheraccount.Hesighednotf
indi
ngitt
henhewentt
o
hiscontact
sandcal l
edhisfri
end.

“
Atang.
.”

“
Phef
o,di
dyougetany
thi
ng?
”
“
Yeah,It
ri
edt ocal
lbuty
ourphonewasn’
tgoi
ngt
hrough.Ihacked
t
heaccount.Igott
henumber.
”

“
Sendi
ttome.
”

“Don’tdoanyt
hingstupi
dthere.Youarenotthef
irstper
sontoget
catf
ished.Youwon’tbethelast.Atl
eastshenev
eraskedforyour
money .”

“
Sendt
henumberot
swemot
seo.
”

“
Iam sendi
ng.Mr
.Gcal
l
ed.Your
efusedt
ofl
yhi
mtoKasane?
”

“It
’srai
ningcatanddogsandt hewi
ndist oomuch.Iam not
takingchanceswit
hmyl i
fe.Iam api
lotyesbutIam notaboutt
o
dieinthenameofmoney .Renkaparal esahel
a.”

“
Letmego,
myr
eal
li
fegi
rl
fr
iendi
sher
e.”

At
angl
aughed.“
Voet
sek!
”

Phef
olaughedmor
e.“
Shar
pAt
ang.Isentt
henumber
.”

PhefohungupasZazawalkedoutofthepoli
cestati
on.Sher
an
overandgoti
nthecarshi
veri
ng,hercl
othessli
ghtl
ywet.

“
Whatdi
dtheysay
?”

“
Not
hing.Theyar
enotsay
ingany
thi
ngi
ntel
l
igent
.”

Shewi
pedhert
ear
swi
thherhands.At
angst
art
edt
hecar
.

“
Shoul
dInowt
akey
out
oaunt
’shouse?
”

“
Yes.
”

At
angst
art
edt
heAmar
okandr
ever
sedf
rom t
hepol
i
cest
ati
on.
“
Gost
rai
ghtt
il
lyouseeaschool
.”

Hej oi
nedtheroadanddrovewhil
eshedi
rect
edhim.Hef
inal
ly
parkedthecarinfr
ontofthegat
e,hi
sbri
ghtl
ight
smadehim see
thehouseproperl
y.Acurt
ainmoved.

Zazasighed.“
Letmegoandknock.May
bet
heymov
ed.Il
astsaw
them whenIwas20.
”

“
Iwi
l
ldr
ivei
n.I
t’
sok.I
t’
stoomuddy
,ify
our
uny
ouwi
l
lfal
l
..”

Heopenedthedoorandquickl
yjumpedoutandopenedthegat
e.
Hegotbackinhi
scarwet,hist
-shi
rtcl
ungontohisski
neven
more.

Hedroveinandparkedr
ightt
hev
eranda.ZazaShest
eppedout
andknockedonthedoor.

Ret
habi
l
e’shear
tpoundedsomuchasknockper
sist
ed.Shewent
tot
heki
tchenandtooktheki
tchenkni
fe.

Someoney
ell
edout
side.

“
Aunt
y!I
t’
sZachar
ia!Aunt
y!”

Ret
habileputawaythekni
feandhur
riedtot
hedoort
henopened.
ShelookedatAuntyKeemi’
sdaught
er..

“
Thabi
l
e!”
Rethabi
lesmiledandunl
ockedthebur
glarbar.Zazahuggedher
ti
ghtl
y.Rethabil
eremai
nedinherar
mshol di
ngont oher.

Zazast
eppedback.“
Howi
saunt
y?”

Rethabil
esmil
ed.“
Shei
sfeel
i
ngwaybet
ter
.Shei
scomi
nghome
tomorrow.”

“Sheiscomi
ng?Ithoughthercancerhadpr
ogr
essedt
oot
her
part
softhebody
..
”

“
Shei
sget
ti
ngbet
ter
.Shei
sget
ti
ngdi
schar
gedt
omor
row.
”

Batangwalkedoverandstoodbesideshissist
eri
nhisshort
s.
Zazalookedathim andsmil
ed.Rethabil
elookedatt
hedouble
cabguessingitwasprobabl
yherboy f
ri
endwhohadbr oughther
.
Thedooropenedandamanst eppedout .

HehandedZazaherhandbag.“
Yourphonei
sri
ngi
ng.
”

“
Thanks,
uhthesear
emycousi
ns.That
’sRet
habi
l
eandt
hat
’suh…
what
’shi
sname?”

Ret
habi
l
eputherhandonherbr
other
.“Bat
ang.
”

Theboy f
riendtur
nedandlookedatt
hem fixi
nghisbaseballhi
s
cap.Rethabil
e’
sheartski
ppedasshestaggeredback,kneesweak.
Herthroatimmediat
elydri
edasherheartpounded.Helookedat
her.

“
Hi,
Iam At
ang.
”

Bat
angsmiled.“
Y-y
-yournamei
-i
-i
-i
sli
kemi
ne.Ia-
a-am al
soca.
.
cal
l
edAtang.”
At
angsmi
l
ed.Zazal
ookedathi
m ashemov
edf
rom her
.

“
Iknowr
ight
?It
hinky
ouandIcanbegr
eatf
ri
ends.
”

Bat
angnoddedsmi
l
ing.“
Twi
ns!
”

At
angl
aughed.“
Ili
ket
hat
,howol
dar
eyou?
”

“
Iant
e-t
e-t
enbu-
buty
ouar
eol
d.”

“I
tdoesn’tmatt
er.Wecanst i
l
l betwi
ns.Herei
ssomet
hingfor
you.
.”Atangputhishandinhisbackpocketandt
ookouta
hundredpulanote.Hehandedittohi
m.

Bat
angl
ookedathi
sol
dersi
ster
.

“
Thabi
ca-
canI
…ta-
ta-
taket
hemoney
?”

Ret
habi
lelookedathi
m andsl
i
ght
lyshookherhead.Bat
ang
l
ookedathim.

“
I-
“

Zazal
aughed.“
Youcant
akei
tBat
ang…t
aket
hemoney
..
”

Heshookhisheadandhuggedhi
ssist
er’
sleg.Zaza’
sphone
st
artedri
ngi
ngagai
n.Shetooki
tfr
om herhandbagthenwal
ked
i
nsidethehousepi
cki
ng.

Atanglookedather,Rethabi
lekeptherheaddown,
herhear
t
raci
ng.Shecouldfeelhi
sey esonherandshewonderedifmay
be
hewasst ari
ngathowf atshewas.

“
Hi.
.”

Ret
habi
l
ekeptherheaddown,
herhandsshaki
ng.Het
ouchedher
chi
nandt i
lt
edherhead.Achillr
andownherspineasherent
ir
e
bodyfr
ozeathi stouch.Hel
ookedi
nhereyes,
unabletokeepeye
cont
act,shelookeddown.

Heputt
hemoneyi
nherdoekandsmi
l
ed.“
Keepi
tforhi
m ok?
”

Shenodded.

“
Huh?
”

“
Eer
ra.
”

Hest
eppedbackasZazawal
kedov
er.

At
angl
ookedather
.“Ar
eyoust
ayi
ngher
e?”

“
Yes.Thanky
ou.
”

“
Shar
p.”

Het ur
nedandwal kedbacktohiscar.Rethabil
ewatchedashe
gotinhiscarandrever
sedout,herheartstil
lpoundi
ng.He
steppedoutintherai
nandclosedthegat e.Helookedovert
hen
gotinhiscaranddroveoff
.

Zazasi
ghed.“
Let
’sgeti
n.I
t’
sget
ti
ngcol
d.”

*
**

Atangdr
ovetoal
odget
henpar
kedhi
scarandcal
l
edt
henumber
hehadgott
en.

Thephonest
art
edr
ingi
ng.
“
Hel
l
o?”

Af
emal
evoi
cepi
cked.

“
Goodevening,
wearecal
li
ngfrom PostOf
fi
ce,t
her
eisapackage
t
hati
sgett
ingdeli
ver
edtoyou.Whoam Ispeaki
ngwit
h?”

“
Youar
espeaki
ngt
oEl
angLepang.
”

“
Howol
dar
eyouMs.Lepang?
”

“
Iam 18y
ear
sol
d.Wher
eist
hepackagef
rom?
”

“
Iti
scomi
ngf
rom TexasHoust
on.
”

“
Texas?I
nAmer
ica?
”

“
Yes.Maywepl
easehav
eyourdi
rect
ions.
”

El
angqui
ckl
ydi
rect
edhi
m.

“
Thanky
ou.Yourpackagewi
l
lar
ri
vet
omor
row.
”

“
Thanky
oubutIdon’
tknowany
onef
rom Texas.
”

“
Youwi
l
lhav
eyourpackaget
omor
row.
”

At
anghungupandst
eppedoutoft
hecar
.

*
**

Thefoll
owingmorning,
Zazasatinthesit
ti
ngroom makingphone
cal
l
s.Rethabil
ewalkedoutofherroom wit
hheryoungerbrot
her
i
ntheiruni
forms.
ShelookedatRet habil
e’
sschool dressthathuggedhert hi
ckbody,
hereyeswentupt ohersofthai
rthatwascombedi nanaf rothen
herface.Shewasbeaut if
ul,ver
ybeaut i
ful
.Itwasthatkindof
beautythatwasuni queandrare.Herthickbodyandt i
nywai st
madeherenv ious,shehatedhert hi
nbody .Shehadtri
ed
ever
y t
hing,f
rom protei
nshakest othepill
sev ent
heinjecti
ons.

Zazasmil
ed.“
Iam goi
ngtogot
othehospi
tal
andseeaunt
y.
Mamacouldn’
tcome.Shewasatt
hehospi
tal
,herbl
oodpr
essur
e
i
shighbutsheiscomi
ng.
”

“
Ok.Butmamai
scomi
nghome,
shei
sbet
ternow.
”

“
That
’sgood.
”

Ret
habil
esmil
ed.“
Thatguyf
rom y
est
erday
…ishey
our
boy
fri
end?”

Zazal aughed.“
Nohun.Idon’tevenknowhisname.Iwas
attackedbyanel ephantl
astni
ght.Hesav
edme.Ileftmycar
there.”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“I
t’
sok.Someonej ustcal
ledmeaf terseei
ngmyt hi
ngsinthecar
.
Shesentpi
ctures.I
t’
snott hatbad.Itcanbef
ixed.Myinsur
ance
companywil
l t
akecar eofit“

“
Ohok.Wewi
l
lseey
oul
ater
.”

“
Oksweet
ie.By
eBat
ang.
”

Batangwaved.Zazawat
chedast
heywal
kedoutt
hensi
ghed
pressi
ngherphone.
*
**

Thatsamemor ni
ng,At
angpar
kedunderat
reeopposi
tet
he
houseElanghaddir
ect
edhi
my est
erday
.

Thegateopenedandaschool
walkedout.Atangcal
l
edher
numberagainst
ari
ngather
.El
angstoppedthentookouther
phoneandanswered.

“
Hel
l
o?”

Atangchuckledi
ndisbeli
ef.Hest
art
edthecarhangi
ngupthen
drovetoher.Hesteppedoutwhil
eshestar
edathiscar
.El
ang
heartski
ppi
ngasshecamef acetof
acewithhi
m.

“Hi
,Iam l
ooki
ngforLor
rai
neWar
ren,
shest
ayswher
eyouj
ust
camefrom.Doyouknowher?
”

“
I.
.I-
“

“
Liet
omeandIam goi
ngt
obur
yyoual
i
ve.
”

Peer
andownherdr
essasshest
aredathi
m.

“I
twasn’tme.I
twasRet
habi
l
e!It
oldhert
ost
op.I
twas
Rethabi
l
e!”

.
Wehaveoffi
cial
lystar
ted.Ihopeyouhavetaggedt
hatfr
iend.
Thosewhower esti
llt
ryi
ngtoadjust
,yest
erdaywasyourday.Ya
dumayatsamay a!
Your
sTr
uly

#3

“
It
’sRet
habi
l
e!I
twasn’
tme.It
oldhert
ost
op…”

At
angst
aredathert
henherpee.“
Geti
nthecar
.”

“
Itwasn’
tme.Shewasusi
ngmyphonebecauseshedoesn’
thav
e
aphone.Iswear
..
”

“
Geti
nthecar
,youar
etaki
ngmet
oRet
habi
l
e.Geti
n.”

El
angl
ookedar
ound,
shel
ookedatt
hegat
e.

“Iwil
lcatchyou.Youcan’toutr
unme.Youar egoi
ngtotakemeto
Rethabi
le.YouthinkIam hereforgameshuh?Maybeyouaret
he
culpr
it
-“

El
angst ar
tedcry
ing.“Itwasn’tme.Iswearitwasn’
tme.Itwas
Thabil
e.Idon’
twantt odie.Iwil
ltakeyoutoThabil
e.Sheis
wait
ingformetogi veherandherbr ot
herfood.”

“
Geti
nthecar
.”

Shelookedatthepi
tchblackAmarokwithbi
gwheelst
henhi
s
ti
ntedwindows.Hi
stattoosscar
edhersomuchmor et
earsr
oll
ed
down.Hewassot al
l,he’dpr
obablybur
yherali
ve.

“
Youar
ewast
ingmyt
ime.Iam notgoi
ngt
otel
lyouagai
n.”

Sheslowlygoti
nthecarandsatatt
heedgeoft
hel
eat
herseat
.
Atangjumpedinhi
scaranddroveoff
.
“
Gost
rai
ght
,shei
swai
ti
ngbyt
hebi
gMor
ulat
ree.
”

Atanglookedatheratt
hebackseat.I
twasact
uallyfunnyt
hathe
hadbeenpl ay
edhighschool
kids.Whathadat
tractedhimtothat
profi
l
eagain?

“
Ther
eshei
s…”

Shepoi
ntedatthebi
gt r
eewher eRethabi
l
ewasstandingl
aughi
ng
wit
hheryoungerbr
other.Sherai
sedherheadandlookedathi
s
car
.El
angopenedthedoort ostepout.

“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?Tswal
alebat
ileo.
”

Shesl
owlycl
osedthedoorsniff
ing.Atangst
eppedoutofthecar
andwal
kedovertoRethabil
e.Sheheldherbrot
her
’shandand
movedback,
herheartraci
ng.

Batangsmi
ledr
ecogni
zi
nghim.At
anggotcl
oser
.Ret
habi
l
eput
herarmsar
oundhersi
bli
ng.

“
Tha-
Thabi
tha-
th-
that
’sA-
Atang,
he-
“

“
Shhh.
.”

Bat
angcl
osedhi
smout
handsmi
l
edatAt
angwhosmi
l
edback.

“
Heybuddy
…bi
gup…”

Theybumpedf
ist
ssmi
l
ing.At
angt
urnedt
oRet
habi
l
est
il
lsmi
l
ing.

“
HiLor
rai
ne.
”

Sheswal
l
owed,herhear
tski
ppi
ngabeat
.Awav
eofdi
zzi
ness
sl
ammedher.
“
Kanaker
engMsWar
ren?
”

Fearweakenedherasshestoodbef
orehi
m,itcr
ippl
edev
erypar
t
ofhert
hatshejustst
oodtherest
ari
ngathi
m asifhewer
ea
ghost
.

“
Imustsay,
yourpr
ojecti
sgoi
ngr
eal
lywell
.Don’
tyoumi
ssTexas
Houst
on?Doyouevenknowwher
ethati
s?”

Ret
habi
l
eswal
l
owedahugel
umponhert
hroat
.

“MsLor
rai
neWarren…ar
eyout
heor
igi
nal
ort
hesubst
it
utewas
gokwal
aenimo?
”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”Herv
oicewasbar
elyaudi
ble.

“
Itr
avel
edal
lthewayf
orMsLor
rai
ne.Wher
eisshe?
”

“Iam sor
ry.Pleasedon’
tme.Ineveraskedforany
thi
ngfr
om you.
Iam sorr
yIlied.Iwasgoingt
ostop.Mybr ot
herhasonebutme.”

“
Sowhoisgoi
ngt
otaket
hepuni
shmentf
orbei
ngal
i
ar?Your
f
ri
end?
”

Elangopenedthedoor.“
No!Ret
habile.Shedidthi
s.I
twasn’
tme.
Shewast heone!Sheshoul
dgetpuni shedal
one.Shewastheone
catfi
shi
ngy ou.Idi
dn’
tdoanyt
hing.Punishher!Notme.
”

Ret
habi
l
elookedatEl
angsadl
y,t
ear
sfi
l
li
ngherey
es.

“
Elangy
ouar
etheonewhosai
dIshoul
drepl
yhi
m.”

“OmaakaRet
habil
e.Shei
stheone.Ididn’
tdoany
thi
ngIpr
omi
se.
Shei
sthemaster
mind.Puni
shheralone.”

Bat
angst
oodi
nfr
ontofhersi
sterpr
otect
ivel
ythendr
oppedhi
s
school
bagandpi
ckedast
oner
eadyt
oat
tack.

*
**

Atthehospit
al,t
hedoctorlookedatthet
imest andingby
mmagweRet habi
le’
sbedwher eherbodyl
aid.Hehadseen
countl
esspeoplediebutthehopehehadseeni nthosechi
l
dren’s
eyeshauntedhim.Itwoul
dcr ushthem.Hewi shedhehadj ust
tol
dthem…

“
Timeofdeat
h07:
10a.
m.”

Thenur
sesighedt
earf
ull
y.Shesni
ff
edthi
nki
ngofthekids.She
coul
dn’
timagi
neherdyi
ngandleavi
ngherki
dsal
lalone.

Thedoctorcov
eredthebodywi
thasheetandwal
kedoutl
eav
ing
thebodytobetakentot
hemorgue.

Thenursefoll
owedaf t
erthedoct
orthensecondsl
ater
,another
nursewalkedin.Sheuncover
edthedeadbodyandtookapi ctur
e.
Shecoveredthebodyagainandwalkedoutposti
ngonherf ake
Facebookaccountthathadover3kfri
endswit
hacaption.

‘ Geui
j
obathong.Di
ri
sangdicondom i
j
a,bonanggompi
eno,
kanay
oneyabol
aya.Condomise’

.
[
Your
sTr
uly

#4

Rethabil
etri
edtopullBatangbackbuthest
ubbornlystoodin
frontofherasifhecouldactual
l
ydosomething.Rethabil
e
tearf
ull
ylookedathim.

“Icatf
ishedyou.Iam sorry.Iam notLorrai
neWar r
en.Icreated
theaccountwi t
hmyf ri
end.Iam sor r
yfordr aggingyoualltheway
herefornothi
ng.Elangdidnot hi
ngwr ong.Itwasal lme.”She
snif
fed.“Iam sorr
y.Ihaveanexam at0830, mybr otherneedsto
beatschool ontimesot hattheteacherdoesn’ tpi
ckonhi m.
Pleaseletusgo.”

Atanglookedatherandsighed,
washereall
ydealingwithki
ds
ri
ghtnow?Heev enfeltl
i
keapedophi
lejuststandingt
herewith
them.Hehadexpectedsomet hi
ngdi
ff
erent,nottwoteenager
s.

“Getin,Iwil
ldr
opoffatschool
.Neverdothatagai
n.Youwi
ll
meet
diff
erentpeopl
eandnotallwil
lbel
enientonyou.Okil
ewa
clapi
wa?( Haveyoueverbeensl
apped?)”

Ret
habi
l
eshookherhead.

“Oneyouwil
lgetsl
appedforplayi
ngwit
hpeopl
e.Focusonschool
orsomethi
ng.Geti
n.Iwon’thurty
ou.
”

HelookedatBat
angandl
aughed.“
Geti
nbuddy
…Iwon’
thur
t
you.
”

Ret
habi
l
esl
owl
ywal
kedt
othecarandopenedt
hebackdoor
.
Bat
anggoti
n.At
angl
ookedatRet
habi
l
e.

“
Tsenakopel
e.(
Geti
natt
hef
rontseat
.)
”

Rethabil
eclosedthebackdoorandgotinatthefr
ontseat.Her
thi
cknesscov er
edthewholeseatasherdressrol
l
edover
exposingherthi
ckthi
ghs.Sheputherschoolbagonherlapthen
l
ookedatEl angwhowasst ar
ingather
.

At
angl
ookedatEl
ang.

“
Doy
ouwantt
ochange?
”

“
No.Ihav
eanot
herdr
essatschool
.It
’sf
ine.
”

Rethabi
lel
ookedoutthrought
hewi ndowashedrov
e,shesighed
thi
nkingofherdr
eam.Shehadl ef
tearli
ert
opassbythehospit
al
beforegoi
ngtoschool.

El
angtookoutalunchboxfr
om herbag.“Thabitake.Iknowyou
don’
thavefoodathomeandthatyoudidn’teat
.Icookedf ory
ou
andBatang.Youcanl
eavesomeforyourmot herlateron.
”

Ret
habi
l
etur
nedandt
ookt
hel
unchbox.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

ShelookedatAtang.“
Youcandr
opusof
font
henextt
urn,
wewi
l
l
walkfr
om ther
e.”

El
anglookedatRet habi
le.“
Mydressi
swet.Ican’
twal
ktoschool
.
Peopl
ewillsee.Idon’twanttobel
aughedat
.”

“
Wher
eishi
sschool
?”

El
angqui
ckl
yanswer
ed.“
Taket
henextt
urnr
ightt
henl
eft
.”
“
It
’sfarwithacar
.AndIwanttogotothehospi
tal
andseemy
mother.YoucandropEl
angatschool
.”

Atangi
gnoredheranddrov
et othepr
imar
yschool.Hepar
kedby
thegat
e.Rethabi
l
esighedthengotof
fwit
hherbrother
.

“
Ignoret
heki
dswhobul l
yyouok?Iwil
lwai
tforyouout
side,y
ou
wil
lfi
ndmehere.Li
stent
oteacheranddowhatshesays.Ok?”

“
O-o-
ok.Tha-
Thabi
?”

“
Yes…”

“Thatman…”Hepoi
ntedatt
heAmar
ok.“
He-
he-hei
-i
sabad
person?
”

Sheshookherhead.“Il
iedt
ohi
m butIapol
ogi
zed.
”Shehugged
hi
mt hensmil
ed.“Bye.
.”

Hesmi
ledt
henwavedwalkingi
nsi
detheschool
.Ret
habi
l
ewai
ted
wat
chi
nghi
m wal
ktohisclasst
il
lhegoti
n.

Shet ur
nedt
othecar.“Thankyoufordr
oppingusoff
.Iam goi
ng
tothehospi
tal
.Iam sorr
yforwhathappened.Iwi
l
lneverdoit
again.”

“
Ret
habi
l
e,geti
n.Iwi
l
ltakey
out
her
e.”

“
Idon’
twantt
okeepbur
deni
ng-
“

“
Iwi
l
ltel
lyoui
fyouar
ebur
deni
ngme.Geti
n.”

Shelookedathi
mthengoti
n.Her
ever
sedwhi
l
eEl
angpr
essed
herphone.

At
angl
ookedatherandchuckl
ed.“
Sowher
eexact
lydoy
oust
ay
i
nHoust
on?
”

Shel
ookedathi
m andf
oundhi
m smi
l
ing.“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“
IfIhadasked,
whatwer
eyougoi
ngt
osay
?”

Shel
ookeddownembar
rassed.“
Idon’
tknow.
”

“Youareagoodliar
.Iactual
lybeli
evedmostofy ourlies,
event
he
factt
hatyouhaveonechi l
d.Ishouldhavesuspectedwheny ou
tol
dmehowmuchy ouearn.Kenekeset seker
ekekopat wo
hundrednyana,
IthoughtIhadhitjackpotl
ennakei kutwi
sego
kopamadi.”

Ret
habi
l
elaughed.Hesmi
l
ed.“
Mxm ondi
sapoi
nti
l
ewena.
”

“
Sor
ry.
”

“Yousaidyouaredoct or
…osekawat hol
aot samekelamo
bagolongRethabil
e.(Neverplayl
i
kethatwit
hel ders.
)Youarea
chil
d.Bonagompi enoekar ekepedophil
emobanneng.Ot are
dir
isadiphoso.(LooknowIl ookli
keapedophile.Youwil
lmake
usmakemi st
akes.)

“
Takey
ourr
ight
.”

Heturnedri
ghtandlookedather,
hiseyesgoi
ngtoherneckr
oll
s.
Helookedawaywi t
hasi gh.Mi
nutesl
aterhepar
kedhi
scarin
f
rontofthehospi
tal.

Atthebackseat
,El
ang’
sheartst
oppedasshecameacr
osst
he
tr
endingwomanwhohaddi edofHIV.

Sheopenedt
heor
igi
nal
postandl
ookedatt
hecapt
ion.
‘
‘ Geui
jobathong.Dir
isangdi condom i
j
a,bonanggompi
eno,
kanayoneyabolaya.Condomi se’
(HIVguys!Usecondoms,l
ook
today
,HIVki
ll
s.)

Herheartbeatsofastasshereadt
hecommentst
hatwer
ebel
ow
t
hepictureofRethabi
le’
sdeadmother
’sbody
.

Herthr
oatimmediat
elydr
iedup.Shel
ookedatRet
habi
l
ewhowas
smil
i
ngwi t
hAtang.

“
Ijustwantt
omakesur
eshesl
eptpr
oper
ly.Iam comi
ng.
”

Shegotof
fleav
ingherbagbehi
ndt
henhur
ri
edi
nsi
det
hegat
e.

“
Thabi
l
e’smot
heri
sdead.
”

At
angt
urnedt
oher
.“What
?”

Tear
sf i
ll
edEl
ang’sey
es.“Theyhavepost
edher.Sheisdead.She
hadbreadcancer
.Thedoctorsai
ditwastool
ateforanyt
hing.
.”

El
anggotof
fthecarandr
anaf
terherf
ri
end.

“
Thabi
!
”

Ret
habi
l
etur
nedassheappr
oachedt
heent
rance.

“
Huh?
”

“Kat
sosentamessage.MaMotshegwai
sdoingr
evi
sionsr
ight
nowwi t
hthem.Let
’sgoanddot
oo.Youwil
lseey
ourmom after
theexam.Let
’sgo.
”

“
Itwon’
ttakel
ong.Herwar
d-“

“
Thabi
,youwi
l
lcomel
ater
.Let
’sgopl
ease.GapeIdon’
tthi
nkwe
shoul
dbedel
ayi
ngt
hatscar
ymanaf
terwepl
ayedhi
m.Let
’sgo.
”

“Youcango.Iwantt
oseemymot
her
.Iam notl
eav
ingwi
thout
seei
ngher.
”

Tear
sfil
ledEl
ang’
sey
es.“
Thammapl
ease…l
et’
sgoandwr
it
ethe
exam f
ir
st.
”

“
Itwon’
ttakel
ong.Iam notgoi
ngtotalktoher
.Justseeher.Go
t
oschool.Iwi
l
lcatchwit
hy ougapeIreadal
lni
ght.Iam f
ine.
”

Ret
habil
ewalkedinsi
dethehospit
alt
henhur
riedt
ohermother’
s
war
d.Elangfol
lowedaft
erher.Ret
habi
lesmi
ledstar
ingatt
he
emptybed.

“
Ithi
nkt
heydi
schar
gedheral
ready
.Shemusthav
ewenthome.
”

Hermot
her
’snur
sewal
kedov
ert
henl
ookedatt
het
wogi
rl
s.

“
Gir
ls,
shoul
dn’
tyoubeatschool
?”

El
anghel
dRet
habi
l
e’shandt
ight
ly.Anot
hernur
sewal
kedov
er.

“Uhu,thi
sisthegi
rlwho’smotherdied?Ithoughtshehadonly
onedaught er
.Iam sor
rygi
rl
s.Eish,gothatabutitshal
lbewel
l.
I
t’snottheendofwor l
d.Li
feshallgoon.Cancerisadeadly
disease.Thedoct
ordidevery
thi
nghecoul d.Sorryaker
e.”

Ret
habi
l
elookedatheri
nconf
usi
onwhi
l
etheot
hernur
sepi
nched
her
.

“
Ma?
”

Hermot
her
’snur
sel
ookedatRet
habi
l
e.“
Got
oschool
.”

Ret
habi
l
elookedather
.“Pl
easenev
ert
alkaboutmymot
herl
i
ke
t
hat
,shegotdi
schar
ged.Shef
eel
sbet
ter
.Shei
sathome.
”

Elangsni
ff
edasat earr
oll
eddown.Hermother
’snur
selookedat
herthensi
ghed.“
Sosorrymygir
l.Justgot
oschoolandleaveal
l
this.
”

“
Eemma.Di
dmamat
akeev
ery
thi
ng?
”

“
Justgot
oschool
.Iwi
l
lcheck.Goandwr
it
eyourexam.
”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Thegirl
swalkedout
.Rethabi
l
esmi l
edsomuch, El
anghadlast
seenthatsmil
emonthsback.Ret
habil
elookedatherhappi
l
y.“I
am happymamawasdi schar
ged.Ican’
twaitt
ogohome. ”

El
angnoddedf
orci
ngasmi
l
e.Theygoti
nthecar
.At
angl
ookedat
bot
hofthem.

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Shewasdi
schar
gedal
ready
.”

El
angsatatthebackseatandsni
ff
ed.Sher
ubbedherey
esand
l
ookedatthepostagain.

Atangstar
tedtheengi
neanddrov
et hegir
lst
oschool
.Heparked
metersbefor
etheschool
.Ret
habil
elookedathi
m smi
li
ng.“
Thank
youandIam sorry
.”

“
It
’sok.
”

Theysteppedoutofthecarandwalkedtotheschoolgat
e.El
ang
noti
cedotherstudent
sstar
ingatt
hem, sheputherar
m over
Rethabi
legiv
ingthem al
ook.
*
**

Atangsatinhi
scarforawhilethenstar
tedhiscar
.Hehonest
ly
wasn’taboutt
ogethimsel
finvolvedwit
hkids.Hejoi
nedt
heroad
anddroveoff.

Hi
sphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng.Hel
ookedatAgangcal
l
ingt
henpi
cked.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Didy
ouf
indher
?”

“
Itwasan18y
earol
dschool
kid.
”

Aganglaughed.“
Obat
athupa.El
egor
ehowugl
yisshet
hatshei
s
notdat
ingheragemat
es.”

“Shei
sact
ual
l
ynotugl
y…j
usti
nnocentandpl
ain.Iam onmyway
back.
”

“
Ok.Ihopey
oudi
dn’
ttouchheri
nanyway
.”

“Mxm,otany
elaAgang.Ij
ustsai
dshei
saki
d.DoIl
ookl
i
kea
pedophi
l
etoyou?
”

“I
sn’
tshe18?Thosepeopl
ear
eal
readyf
ucki
ng.15y
earol
dshav
e
sex.
”

“
Whosl
eepswi
tha15y
earol
d?Whoget
ser
ect
ionf
rom t
hat
?”

“Iam j
ustsaying.Butonceshei
sov
er18,
shei
sfi
ne.Kemosadi
helaohelet
sing.”

“
Iam nott
ouchi
ngachi
l
d.Ouragedi
ff
erencei
stoomuch.She
can’
thandl
emeei
therway
.Shei
stoosof
t.
”

“
Sheistherightfulone.Atl
eastyouknowshewon’ tcheator
l
eaveyoufort hemanshecal l
edf r
iend.Sheisinnocent.Youmark
y
ourterr
it
ory,omonnel adi
ck,youcust om desi
gnherf oryour
sel
f.
I
fsheisthatinnocent ,
maybekev i
rgin.Imagineknowingyouare
t
heonlywho’ sev erbeeni
nthere…”hewhi stl
ed.“I
magine…”

Atanglaughed.“
Somethingiswrongwi
thy
ou.Youar
eful
lofshi
t.
Iam l
isteni
ngtothatnonsense.
”

“
Iwasj
ustsay
ing.Don’
tdoi
t.Idon’
tdot
hatkegal
e.Iam good
wi
thDi
di.
”

“
Thatwomani
smar
ri
ed.
”

“Gaanyal
wat hat
athataaker
e.No,gamot engt
eng…oont op
hel
a,gagobad.Gadeepmomar ri
age.Gapewhosaidwecan’ thi
t
i
tbecauseyoumar r
iedher
?Mister
,gatweshari
ngiscar
ing.Iam
hel
pinghi
m.”

“
Youar
egoi
ngt
ogetbeat
enoneday
.”

“
Nxl
a,akany
ela.Iam doi
nghi
m af
avorher
e.Mi
ster
,goshar
p.”

Hehungup.At
anglookedathi
sfat
hercal
l
inghi
mimmedi
atel
y.
Hebi
thisl
owerli
p.

“
Eish.
.”

Hesi
ghedt
henpi
cked.“
Papa!
”

“Atang,whati
sgoi
ngon?GatweYaonemar
ri
edanotherman?
Didn’twepaymagadi
fort
hatgi
rl
?What’
sgoingon?
”
“
Rra?
”

“
Onkut
uleboy
!”

“
Hel
l
o?Papa?Hel
l
o?”

“
AtangDani
els!
”

“
Hel
l
oo?Papa?He-
“

Hehungupandswi
tchedof
fhi
sphone.

*
**

I
nKasane,Rr
agweAt
angangr
il
ycal
l
edhi
m agai
nwhi
l
ehi
swi
fe
wat
ched.

“
Heswi
tchedof
fhi
sphone!Cany
oubel
i
evet
hisboy
?”

“
Papa,
cal
m down.It
hink-
“

“Cal
m down?Thatboymadeusgat
herher
eandgot
othatgi
rl
’s
house!Whatnonsensei
sthi
s?”

“
Hewon’
texpl
ainpr
oper
lyi
fyouar
eyel
l
ingathi
mli
ket
hat
.”

“Theproblem i
syoubabiedtheseboystoomuch.Todayl
ook!
Godwhatki ndofpuni
shmenti st
his…Outofanythi
ngGodcoul
d
haveblessedmewi t
h,ithadtobetheseboys.Icoul
dhavet
aken
adonkeyi npl
aceofthem.Adonkeywoul dhavebeenmuch
bett
er.Whatisthi
s?Thisboywantstokill
me.”

“
Don’
ttal
kaboutmychi
l
drenl
i
ket
hat
-“
“
Isi
llt
alkaboutt
hem howev
erIwantMargaret!
”Gey
ell
edangr
il
y.
Heputhishandonhi
schestfeel
i
ngitt
ight
ening.

“
IfIcoul
dsel
lthem…Iwoul
dsel
lthem f
orf
ree!
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#5

Rethabi
lewalkedoutoft
heexaminat
ionhal
lthenpickedherbag
wheretheotherbagswere.El
angal
sowalkedoutthenpickedher
bag.

“
Howwasi
t?”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Itwasf
ine.Iam goi
nghome.
”

“
Youar
enotst
ayi
ngt
ost
udy
?”

“
Ngng,
Iwantt
oseemama.Youcanst
ay.
”

“
It
’sf
ine.Let
’sgot
oget
her
.”

Theywalkedoutoft
heschoolpremises.Elangl
ookedather
fr
iendandswall
owed.Theywalkedsil
entl
yheadedhome.Elang
passedthetur
ntoherhouseandwentst rai
ghtwit
hRethabi
l
e.
From af
arshecoul
dseecarsparkedinfrontofthegat
e.

Ret
habi
l
efr
owned.“
Ther
ear
epeopl
eatourhouse.
”

Elanghel
dRethabil
e’shandastheyapproached.Ret
habi
le’
shear
t
racedastheywalkedthrought
hegate.Zazawalkedoutofthe
houseandlookedatthem.

“
HeyThabi
…”

“
Who’scarsar
ethese?I
smamaher
e?Shewasdi
schar
gedi
nthe
mor
ning.
”
Aunt
yKeemi
wal
kedout
.Shel
ookedatherdaught
er.

“
Zaza,
goandhel
pint
hehouse.
”

Rethabi
l
el ookedathermother
’sol
dersist
er,
herheartpounding.
Zazaturnedandwalkedinsi
dethehouse.AuntyKeemismiled.

“
Youar
esobi
gThabi
…”

“
Wher
eismama?
”

Shewalkedov
erandhuggedherhol
dinghert
ight
ly.“
Imi
ssedy
ou
Thabi
…”

“
Wher
eismama?
”

“
Iam sor
rymygi
rl
…Iam sor
ry.
.”

“
Aunt
ywher
eismama?
”

“
Iam sor
ry.
.”

“
Isshesl
eepi
ng?
”

“
Shei
sgone.
”

Thabi
movedbackandl
ookedather
.“Gonewher
e?Shesai
dshe
i
scominghome.
”

“
Shedidn’
tmakei
t.Thepai
nwast
oomuch.Godhasl
aidhert
o
r
est
.”

Thabi
shookherhead.“Ngng…shegotdischar
ged.Shei
sfi
ne.
Shewasmuchbetteryest
erday
.Shei
sfine.”

“
Shedi
edi
nthemor
ning.
”
El
angsnif
fedastear
sroll
eddown.Thabi
shookherheadasher
auntt
ri
edtotouchher.

“
Mamai
sfi
ne…”

“
Iam sor
ryThabi
….Butsheputupagr
eatf
ight
.Shewasst
rong.
”

Shel
aughedt
henst
oppedandl
ookedatEl
ang.

“
Iam sor
ryThabi
…”

“Ispoket
omamalastni
ght
…Iwentt
othehospi
tal
int
hemor
ning.
Shehadbeendi
schar
ged.
”

Herauntshookherhead.“
Shehadpassedonwheny
ouar
ri
ved.
”

Shedr
oppedherbagt
hent
urnedandr
anout
.

“
Ret
habi
l
e!Thabi
l
e!Thabi
!”

Heraunthur
ri
edoutoft
hegat
e.

“
Thabi
l
e!”

El
angputherbagdown.“
Iwi
l
lgoaf
terher
.”

“
Ok,
bri
ngherback…”

El
angwal
kedout
.

Att
hehospi
tal
,Ret
habi
l
ewal
kedt
owar
dshermot
her
’snur
se.
“
Iwantt
oseemama.
”

Thenur
sel
ookedatherandswal
l
owed.“
Ret
habi
l
e…”

“
Iwantt
oseemymot
her
.Takemet
owher
emymot
heri
s.”

“
Comeandsi
twi
thme.Come…”

Shet
ookherhandandl
edhert
othebenches.

“Yourmother ’
scancerhadspreadout.Therewasnot
hinganyone
couldpossiblydo.Thechemotherapywastoomuchonher ,she
hadaskedust ostopthet
reat
mentbecauseei t
herway…itwas
j
usttoolate.Shehasbeeni nalotofpain.I
tsl
owlyki
ll
edher.She
l
eftthi
sfory ou…”

Thenur
set
ookoutt
hel
ett
erf
rom herpocket
.

“
Shesai
dit
’sf
ory
ou…”

Ret
habi
l
etookt
hel
ett
erandopenedi
t,herhandsshaki
ng.

‘
DearRet
habi
l
e

IrememberwhenIgav ebir
tht oy ou…Ihadbeeni nlaborfor8
hoursorso.Mymot herdidn’tknowIwaspr egnant,Iwasscar ed
butIknewIwaskeepi ngyou.Onl yKeemi knew.Shewat chedme
pushyououtandwhenIhel dy oui nmyhands, Iknewmyj oyhad
come.Myhappi ness.Ilovedy ouwaybef oreIgav ebirt
ht oyou.
Youwer esobeautif
ul.Rightt her eIknewIwoul ddoany thingfor
you.Il
atergav
ey ouabeaut i
ful brotherandIlov eyoubot hso
much.

Ihavefoughtbutthetimehascome.Wheny oureadthi
s,Iwil
lbe
gonebutonl yphysi
call
ybecauseIwi l
lforev
erbeinyourheart
.I
am nowr esti
ng.Iam nolongerinpain.Youhavebeennothinga
beauti
fulsoul…don’
tchanget hat.RemainasmyThabi …theThabi
Iknow.

Yourbr
othernowonlyhasy ou.Don’tl
eavehi
m Thabil
e.He’
sal
l
youhave.Youonlyhaveeachother.Loveandprot
ectoneanot
her
.
Iknowit’
sgoingtobehardwithoutmamabutl i
fegoeson.You
aregoi
ngt ohavetobestr
ongandl eadyourbr
other.

IwishIcouldl
ivet
oseey oumakeitinlif
ebutthi
sisl
if
eandwe
can’tal
wayshaveitourway.Don’
tletanyonet
akethehouse.I
t’
s
yours,r
ight
ful
l
yso.It’
syourbrot
her
’shouse.

Ihav espokent oy ourauntyandbeggedhert otakeyouand

Batang.Shewon’ thav etostaywi t
hy oufull
timebecausesoon
youar egoingt oUB.Bat angi stheonlyoneshewi l
lstaywit
hher
ti
llyoucant akehi m underyou.Don’ tagreetobeseparat
ed.Sti
ck
together.Don’tagreet obet akeninbyy ouruncl
e.Hewant sthe
house.Hehasbeenwant ingitsincemamapassedon.Hewas
angrythatmamagav ethehouset omeandnott ohim.
Mamahadaf ar
m.Inev ertoldyouaboutit
,shenev
ertoldanyone
aboutit
.Itwasherfat
her’sfarm.Thedocumentsofthatfar
m are
i
nthatboxundermybed.I t
’snowy our
s.Il
ongchanged
ownershipofi
ttoyouandy ourbr
other
.

Themoneyi nthebox,keepi
tti
ll
your eal
l
yneedit
.Ispoketo
Lovemore,thatt
alent
edZimbabweanmanwhomakescof fi
ns.I
alr
eadypaidhim.Goandseehim soy oucanchooseaniceone
forme.Letmebebur iedinmychurchunifor
m.Iwantt
obebur i
ed
besidemymot her.

From myclothes,l
etBatangchoosesomet hinghewantsbefor
e
otherr
elati
vestakeany t
hing.Ther
est,l
etthem t
ake.Il
oveyouso
muchRet habi
le.Iwil
lforeverl
oveyou.I
t’
sokt ocry
…y oucancry.
It
’sfi
netocry.Mamal ov esyousomuch, t
ellBat
angIlovehi
m so
somuch.Letmer estnowmybaby …

Mama.
.’

Rethabi
le’
stear
sf el
lonthel
ett
er.Shel
ookedatt
henur
seandl
et
outaloudcryscreaming.

“
Mama!
”
*
**

Latert
hatday
,El
angsatwi
thBat
angi
nthehousewhi
l
ethei
raunt
pacedupanddownworri
edl
y.

Zazalookedathermother
.“Mama,
yourbl
oodpr
essur
ehi
gh.
Pleasesi
tdown.Letherbe.
”

“Zachari
a,mysi
steri
sdead.Herdaughterisnowheretobefound.
Whatshei st
ryi
ngtotakeherl
i
fewher eversheis?Don’
tev
er
openy ourmout
hifyouhavenothi
ngintell
igentt
osay!”

El
angwentonFacebookandpost
edapi
ctur
eofThabi
l
eagai
n.

‘
Pleasehelpusf
indmybestfr
iend.Shewaslastseenatt
he
hospit
ali
nherunif
orm.Pl
easeshare…hernameisRethabi
le
Kaisar
a.’

Elangsi
ghedandputherarmsaroundBatangwhowasst i
l
l i
n
confusi
on.Herphonevi
brat
ed.Sheswal
lowedstari
ngatAtang’
s
numberthenshestoodupandwalkedoutsi
depicki
ngthecall
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Ijustsawy
ourWhat
sAppst
atus,
whathappened?
”

Hisvoicewassodeepandhusky ,El
angtookadeepbr eat
h.“Her
aunttoldherabouthermotherwhenwecamebackhome.She
ranoutgoingtothehospi
tal.WhenIgotther
e,shehadalr
eady
l
eft.Nowwecan’ tfi
ndher.Wehavelookedeverywher
e.”

“
Andherbr
other
?”
“
Hei
swi
thme.
”

“
Ok.Shar
p.”

Hehungup.El
anglookedaroundhopingtoseeherwalkingover
butt
her
ewasnoone.Justdar kness.Tear
sstunghereyes.She
sni
ff
edashermothercal
led.

“
Mama…”

“
Hasshebeenf
ound?
”

“
Ngng,
Iam scar
edmama…”

“Sheisfi
ne.Sheprobabl
yjustneedssometi
me.Youknowshe
l
ov esherbrot
hersomuch.Shewoul dnev
erl
eav ehim.Areyou
goingtosleepther
e?Icancomesoy oucansleepinthecar
.”

“Iam wit
hBatang,i
t’
sfi
ne.Iwil
lwai
tforThabi
her
e.Shehasn’
t
eatenthewholeday,maybeyoucanbri
ngsomefood.
”

“
Ok.
”

Elangwi pedhert
earsandwalkedi
nsi
dethehouse.Some
relat
iveshadstar
tedsingi
ngsomechurchsongs.

El
angsatdownandpul
l
edBat
angcl
oserst
il
li
nherschool
uni
for
m.

*
**

At
angj
umpedi
nhi
scaratt
hel
odgeandsatst
il
lforseconds.He
wasn’
tevensur
ewhyhehaddeci
dedtostayandnotl
eav
e.He
st
art
edtheengi
neandr
ever
sedoutofthelodge.

Atangreachedforhi
sphonethenwenttothei
rFacebook
conver
sations,
hescrol
l
edupt il
lhegottot
hemessageshehad
tol
dhim abouttheoneplacesheli
kedtogosometi
mes.

Hesloweddownroll
i
ngdownhiswi
ndowthenaskedf
or
dir
ecti
onsfr
om ahawkeront
hesi
deoft
heroad.Heli
stened
caref
ull
yanddr
oveoff.

Hejoinedthegravelr
oadanddrovef orawhi l
elookingforthe
Baobabtree.Hetookat ur
nseeingitont hesi
deoft heroadand
par
kedunderi tt
henjumpedout.Hel ookedatt heri
v erf
rom a
di
stanceandwal kedoverwonderi
ngi fshehadt hr
ownher sel
f
i
nside.

Hi
sphonev i
bratedi
nhi
spocket
,het
ookitoutandlookedathi
s
mothercal
l
ing.Heputt
hephoneonsi
lentandl
ookedaround.

At
angsighedseeingherseatedonarockadist
ancef
rom him.He
sl
owl
ywal kedover,
shelookedathi
mt hent
urnedtot
heri
v eri
n
si
l
ence

“
Iam sor
ryabouty
ourmom.Don’
tyouwantt
ogohome?
”

“
Iwantt
ogot
omymot
her
.”

At
angcr
ouchedbef
oreher
.“Youry
oungerbr
otherneedsy
ou.
”

Ret
habi
lel
ookedathi
mt ear
full
y.“Shesai
dshewasget ti
ng
di
schar
ged…shesai
dshewasgoi nghome.”Tear
sroll
eddown.“
I
di
dn’
tsayIl
oveyouback…Ijustleft
.Iwanttodi
etoo.Iwantt
o
di
etoo…”

Atangstoodupandhel pedherup.Hewr appedhist att

ooed
veinedarm ar
oundherasshest artedcry
ingforherloss.Herpai
n
couldbeheardf r
om hercr
ies.Atangbendedandpi ckedherup.
Hewal kedtohiscarandputheratt hebackseat
.Ret habi
l
ecri
ed
somuchi tactual
lyhurt
.

Hehel
dherconf
usedonwhatt
oev
endot
omakeherpai
nst
op.

“
Iwantmama…”

Heswal l
owedt henleanedoverandbabykissedher.Atang
touchedherchinandf r
enchkissedhersal
tysoftl
ips.Shecri
ed
betweenthekiss,hekissedherharder
,hi
shandonhert hi
ckthi
gh.
Hedi ckj
erkedinhispantswakingupfrom i
t’
ssleep.

Hishandwentunderherschool dr
esst i
ll
het ouchedherpanty.
Atangmov edhisli
psdownt oherj awthenherneckwhi legently
pushingherdownt oli
eonherback.Heki ssedherneck,andthen
herli
pswhi lehertear
sf el
lont hecarseat .Herskinwassosof t,
heunzi ppedherdressont hesi dethentooki toffwhi
leshecried.
Heunbut t
onedhershirtandt ookitofffoll
owedbyherbr a.Atang
touchedherf i
rm bigbreast,
hi sheartraci
ngashi sdi
ckgoteven
harder.Heunzippedhispant sgi vi
ngitroom.

Hel eanedov erandki

ssedhernipplethem openedhismout hand
gentlysucked.Sheletoutamoani n-betweenhercr
ies.Atang
suckedherhar dersqueezi
ngherotherbr east
.Hemov edtothe
otheroneandsuckedoni twhi
lehisotherhandwenti nsi
deher
panty.Het ouchedherthi
ckkuku.
Atangdroppedki
ssesdownherbellybutt
ont henhookedher
panti
eswithhist
humbandpul l
edthem out.Helookedather
thi
ckkukuandpartedherkukul
ips.Heswal l
owedstari
ngather
fl
aps.

Rethabi
l
elookedathi
m,hermi
ndsl
owl
ytaki
ngi
nwhatwas
happeni
ng.

“
Atang…”

Atangleanedov erandstar
tedmuffingher
.Hesl
idhistongue
downhersl i
ttasti
ngherjui
cesandsuckedherpussy.Rethabi
le
moanedatt heunmat chedpleasur
e,shehel
dherbreat
h,hertoe
curl
ing.

“
Ati
e…”

Sherai
sedherheadandl ookedathishead,herenti
rebody
sti
ff
enedasthepleasureburntherl
ikewildfi
re.Shecl
osedher
eyesandopenedthem wildl
yspasmi ng.Herj
uicesgushedoutas
shemoanedloudl
y ,herbodyvibr
ati
ng.

Atanggotupandkissedherli
pslet
ti
nghertast
eher sel
f.He
pull
eddownhisbri
efsthenitspr
ungoutalli
nit
’sglory,
pre-
cum
al
readyoozi
ngout.Herubbedhimselfonherwetness,shewas
sowetandready.

Hemov edhi
swaistsl
idi
ngupanddownhersl i
twhil
egruntedin
herear,hi
shandstouchi
nghereverywher
e.Shemoanedsof t
ly
underneathhi
schest,
hekissedherpushi
ngatherentr
ance.

Herubbedhi
msel
fonherandpushedev
enmor
eathert
inykuku
hol
e.
Rethabil
efrownedatt
hepressure,
Atangputhi
shands
underneathherbut
thol
dingherand#removed.

htt
ps:/
/www.f
acebook.
com/
groups/
809549596663175/
?ref
=sha
re_
group_
li
nk

Readt
her
emov
edsceneatt
hegr
oupunderannouncement
.
[
READTHECHAPTERATTHEPAGE]

Your
sTr
uly

#5

#r
emov
ed

-pushedhar
der
.Hert
inyhol
esl
owl
yst
ret
chedov
erast
hatt
ip
pushedin.

Sharppainstr
uckher,
sheputherhandonhischest
.Atangki
ssed
herpushingevenhar
der,
shebithi
slowerl
i
past heti
ppoppedin.
Atangletoutagrowl
.

“
Atang.
.gobot
hoko…(
it
’spai
nful
.)
”

Hel
ookedi
nherey
esandki
ssedheragai
n.

“
Iam sor
ry…l
ookatme…”

Shelookedathim,hesl
owlypushedin,hi
sdi
ckst
retchi
ngher
beyondasitsl
idinhert
ightwar
mt h.Ret
habi
l
epushedhim.

“
Atang-
“

Hegentl
ythrustwit
honl yquart
erhi
sdi ck.Shel
ookedathim
panti
ngasthesunset .Hekissedhertappingherwi
thonly
quart
erhi
sweapon, herpussyslowlyadjustedt
otheint
rusi
on.
Atangki
ssedherneckf eeli
ngherbodyr el
ax.Hemovedhiswaist
pushi
ngbitbybitofhislengthi
nsi
de.
Rethabi
l
er eceiv
edanot herkissmoani ngsoft
ly.Hegr
untedont op
ofherasherpussyhuggedhi m pul
li
nghim backinwheneverher
easedout.Itfel
tsogood, thepleasureseemedt obeti
ppinghim
wit
heacht hrust.Herpussymassagedhi sweaponsqueezinghim.
Hesqueezedherbr eastgentlythrusti
ngintoher.

Rethabil
emoanedouthisnameashet appedherg-
spot
.Hetook
offhisshir
tandgent
lydr
il
ledher.Shet
ouchedhi
schest,
herhand
goingtohisbumpyabs.Sheclosedherey
esmoaning.

Atangputherlegonhisar
m andpushedhisent
iredi
ckinsi
deher
.
Rethabil
escreamed,
herenti
rebodyf
reezi
ngatthepainmixed
withpleasur
e.

Atanggroanedholdinghert
ight
lyt
akingamomentdeepi nthat
pussy.Herpussyclampedhim somuchhecoul djustexpl
ode.
Hisheartpoundedsomuchatt heinsanepl
easure.

Hesli
doutt henpushedbackinagai
n.Tear
srol
leddown
Ret
habile’
scheeks.Atangki
ssedhert
hrust
ingwit
hhisent
ir
edi
ck.
Shescratchedhi
sbackashiswholedickfi
l
ledherup.

“
Atang!
”

“
Rel
axbabe…r
elaxf
orme.
.”

Hemov edhiswaisttappi
ngheratdi f
ferentangl
es.Het appedon
somethingsweeteverysingleti
mehepushedbacki n.Herwhiti
sh
j
uicescoveredhi
sdickashecont i
nuouslyeasedi
nandout ,hi
s
waistmovingashewaspl ayi
ngsomer umbamusi c.Hisdick
j
erkedinsi
deher,hi
sballst wi
tchi
ng.Herkukucontinued
narr
owingdownonhi m.
Shemov edunderneathhim wanti
ngmore.Atangi
ncreasedhi
s
speedl
osingcontrolnowf ucki
ngher
.The4x4Amar okshookas
hepoundedintoher.Rethabil
ethr
ewherheadbackwi t
hascream
expl
odi
ngasheror gasm sentherint
ocloud9.

At
angthrusti
ntoacoupleoft
imest
henst
il
ledf
il
li
ngherupwi
th
hi
sfer
ti
leseedsgrunt
ing.

Shemoanedsoft
lyf
eel
i
nghim spurtouthi
swar
m seedsi
nsi
de
herwhi
l
etheyhel
deachot
hertight
ly.

Hekissedherandr emainedontopofhercatchinghi
sbreath.
Rethabil
eslowlyf
ellasl
eepunderneat
hhim.At angki
ssedherli
ps
andslowlysli
dout.Heclosedthedoorthenpickedherupgetti
ng
underneathherdoshecouldli
eont opofhim.Hey awnedthen
cl
osedhi seyes.
Your
sTr
uly

#6

InAtang’
scar
,Rethabil
eslowlyopenedhereyes.Herheart
ski
ppedasshefelthim sl
i
ghtlymoveunderneathher.She
swall
owedaseverythi
ngplayedinherhead.Tearsfi
ll
edherey
es,
shegotoffhi
m bumpingherheadont hecar’
sr oof
top.

“I
shi
i
…”Shetouchedherheadthenputherhandsonherbr
eastas
hewokeup.Hesatupri
ghtandswit
chedont heli
ght
.

Hel
ookedathert
ear
srol
l
ingdownhercheeks.

“
Hey
-“

“
Kebat
agoy
alapeng.*
(Iwantt
ogohome.
)”

“
Ok,
arey
ouok?
”

“
Kesi
ame.Kebat
agoy
alapeng.(
Iam f
ine.Iwantt
ogohome.
)”

Het
riedt
otouchherbutshemov
edbackwipi
nghert
earswit
h
t
hebackofherhand.Ret
habi
l
epi
ckedherbr
aandputitonasher
t
ear
sconti
nuedroll
i
ngdown.

“
Icanwal
kify
oucan’
tdr
opmeof
f.I
t’
scl
ose.Iknowashor
tcut
.”

“Iwil
ldr
opyouoff
.”Heputhi
shandsonherwai
standlookedat
her.“
Ketagoisal
apeng.(
Iwi
llt
akeyouhome.
)Don’tcr
y.”

Shenoddedt henpickedherschoolshir
twit
htheShakaweSenior
Schoolemblem imprintedoni
t.Sheputitherwaistcov
eri
ngher
l
eakingkuku.Her eachedfort
het-shi
rtandhelpedherputi
ton.
Hequickl
ybut
tonedi
tupthenpi
ckedherdr
essandhel
pedherput
i
ton.Hepull
edupthezi
pthenpi
ckedherminimousef
ull
panty
.

“
Yourpant
yisni
ce.
”

Shelookeddownsil
ent
ly.Helif
tedherlegandputi
tthr
oughthe
hol
ef ol
lowedbyt
heotherleg.Shel
ift
edhersel
fupsli
ghtl
yashe
pul
leditup.

“
Arey
oui
npai
n?”

“
No.Iwantt
ogohome.
”

“
Got
othef
ront
.Justj
umpov
er.
”

“
Ishoul
dst
epont
hecarseat
s?”

“
Yeah.Jumpov
er.Iam goi
ngt
otakeal
eak.
”

Heopenedt hedoorandst eppedoutofthecar.Ret

habilej
umped
overandtr
iedt oseatbutherpussywassosor eitf
eltl
ike
someonehadbur nther.Shemov edtothesidesli
ghtl
ysoshe
couldsi
twithonebut t.Atangopenedthedriver
’sdoorandgoti
n
thecart
henst art
edt heengine.

“
Doy
ouwantPanado?
”

“
Rra?
”

Hel
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.“
Doy
ouwantapai
nki
l
ler
?”

“
Nyaar
ra.
”

“
Lor
rai
ne…”

Shel
ookeddown.Het
urnedherf
acet
ohi
m andl
ookedatherl
i
ps.
Hel
i
ckedhi
slowerl
i
pandl
eanedov
ert
henki
ssedher
.

“
Arey
oui
npai
n?Lookatme.
”

Shel
ookedi
nisey
esandnodded.

“
Ok.
”

Heopenedt
hecompactandt
ookoutasachetofpai
nki
l
ler
s.He
handedt
hem t
oher
.”

“
Iwi
l
lgetwat
eratasuper
mar
ket
.”

“
Eer
ra.
”

Shelookedoutthroughthewi
ndowashedroveoff.Heparkedhi
s
caratasupermarkerthenqui
ckl
ygotout
.Shewatchedhim ashe
walkedinsi
de,
af ewmi nut
esl
aterhewal
kedbackholdi
nga
plast
ic.

“
Thephar
macywascl
osed.Iwi
l
lgety
out
heemer
gencypi
l
ls
t
omorr
ow.Take…”

Hehandedhert heplast
ic.Ret
habi l
eopenedandtookoutwater
thendrankthepil
lsasAtangdr oveherhome.20mi nut
eslat
erhe
parkedacrossthehouse,shelookedoverandlookedatthe
peoplegather
edinhermot her
’sy ar
d.Minut
espassedasshe
stared,
shecouldseeotherscry i
ngwhil
eother
sjustsat.

Tear
sit
chedherey
es,
shesni
ff
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
It
’sok.Iam sor
ry…”

“Mamai
sali
ve,Iam goi
ngtowaitforher
.Shesai
dshei
scomi
ng
homesoIam goi
ngtowaitforher
.”
Sheopenedt
hedoorandst
eppedoutt
henputt
hepl
ast
icont
he
carseat
.

“
Takei
t,i
t’
syour
s.”

Shelookedatitthentooki
t.Atangwat
chedherasshewal
ked
towardsthegatethenputhishandsonhisf
ace,gui
lt
ywei
ghi
ng
him down.

*
**

Rethabi
lewalkedpastt hecr
owdastheystaredather
.Shewal
ked
i
nsidethehouseandl ookedatthef
ull
house.Theyhadpushed
hermother’
ssofasagai nstt
hewall
.Otherpeopl
ewereseat
edon
thefl
oor.Herauntraisedherheadf
rom themattr
essshewas
sit
ti
ngonwi t
hBat ang.

“
Thabi
!
”Shest
oodupandhuggedher
.“Thanky
ouGod.
”

Ret
habi
l
elookedatherbr
otherwhoseemedl
ost
.

“
Iam f
ineaunt
y…”

“
Wher
ewer
eyou?
”

“
Iwasattheriv
er .Mamadoesn’tl
i
kehersof
asl
iket
hat.Icl
eaned
t
hehouse.Idon’twanthert
ofindthem l
i
ket
hat
.Shedoesn’
tli
ke
i
t.
”

Herauntnodded.“
Ok…wewi
l
lpusht
hem back.
”

“
Iam t
ir
ed.Iam goi
ngt
osl
eep.Bat
ang,
come…”
Bat
angst
oodupandl
ookedati
sol
dersi
ster
.“Tha-
Tha-
Thabi
,m-
m-mamaisdead?
”

Ret
habil
eshookherhead.“No.Shesaidshei
scomi
nghome.We
ar
egoingtowaitf
orher.Sheiscoming.”

Herauntsni
ff
ed.“
Thabi
…shei
sgone.
”

“Aunt
y,kekopaosekawar i
alo.(
Pleasedon’tsaythat.
)It
’sbad
l
ucktosaysucht hi
ngs.Mamasai dshei scomi nghome.They
madeami stakeatthehospit
al.Mamai scomi nghome.Shei s
coming.Pl
easestopcrying…whyar eyoucrying?”Tear
sfil
ledher
eyesashervoiceshook.“Whyarey oucryi
ng?Shei scoming
home.BatangandIwi l
lwaitf
orherhere.”

AuntyKeemilethertearsfal
lunablet
oremainstr
ongany more.
Shelookedathersister
’schi
ldrenandstar
tedcr
ying.Shesl
owly
knel
tcryi
ng.Shecriedsomuch, ev
enthosewhower enotcr
ying
beguncryi
ngsilent
ly.

“Lel
omocomeback!Whatam Isupposedtodo?Godbr i
ngher
back!Thispai
nist
oomuch…ThesekidsaretooyoungGod…Ke
tasimolahakae?(
Wher
eam Isupposedtostar
t?)Lel
omocome
back..
”

Rethabi
letookherbrother
’shandandl
edhi
mtothei
rroom.She
gotinwithhim andsatonthebed.Bat
angt
ear
ful
l
ylookedati
s
si
ster.

“
Thabi
…m-
m-mama…”

Ret
habi
leateart
hathadf
all
endownhi
scheek.“
Shei
scomi
ng.
Don’
tcr
y.”
“
Thabi
…”

Shewrappedherarmsar oundhi
m.Thedoorslowl
yopenedt
hen
El
angwalkedin.Sheclosedthedoorandwal
kedovert
henputher
armsaroundbothofthem.

“Iwassoscar
ed.Wher
ewereyou?Isawt
haty
oucamei
nAt
ang’
s
car.I
shetheonet
hatf
oundyou?”

“
Yes.
”

“
Wher
ewer
eyou?
”

“
Att
her
iver
.”

El
angsni
ff
edt
hest
rongmal
escent
.

“
Yousmel
ll
ikehi
m.”

“
Iwasi
nhi
scar
.”

“Iwasi
nhiscart
oot
hatday
.”El
angl
etgoandl
ookedather
.“Di
d
hehugyou?”

“
Ng…”

“Doyoul i
kehim?Hedoesn’ tlookli
keagoodman.Hehast att
oos
andhei sscarry
.Idon’tt
hinkweshouldbet al
ki
ngtohim.Gape
helaIam surehehashi stypekoGaborone,Idon’
tthi
nkhedates
gir
lsli
keyou.Hewasonl ywit
hy oubecauseyouhadli
edtohim.
Andy ouaretooy oung.Menlikehi
ml i
kebigwomanwhowor k,
esengronay aana.Hedoesn’tevenli
keyou.”

Ret
habi
l
elookedather
.Elangheldherhand.“
Ithi
nkweshould
st
ayawayfr
om thatman.Helooksli
keadev i
lworshi
pper
.Heis
notgood.Peoplearedi
ffer
entont
hephone.Helooksl i
kehe
beat
swoment oo.Didyouseehowbighishandis?Evenhisvoi
ce
i
sscarry.Nnakeamot shaba.(
Iam scar
edofhim.)”

“
Ok.
”

Elangl
ookedatherandsneezed.“
Mma, howlongdi
dheevenhug
you?Wait
seyousmel l
li
kehewasr ubbi
nghisbodyonhi
m.”

“
Notl
ong.
”

“
Youshoul
dn’
thav
elethi
m ev
ent
ouchy
ou.
”

“
Ng…”

“
Ebi
leIam bl
ocki
nghim.Wedon’
tneedsuchi
nourl
i
ves.I
t
houghthewasgoingt
obeatus.
”

Rethabi
l
esatinsi
lencestari
ngatthewallsl
owlyzoningout
.She
stoodupawhilel
aterandlai
dBatangdown.Elangy awnedthen
fr
ownedstar
ingatawetst ai
nonRet habi
l
e’sbutt
.

“
Somet
hingi
sony
ourbut
t.
”

Ret
habi
l
etouchedherbut
t.“
Ithi
nkIsatonsomet
hingwet
.”

Shetookoffherdr
ess.El
angl
ookedatt
hehi
ckey
sonherneck
andherchest.

“
Whathappenedt
oyourneck?
”

Ret
habi
l
etur
nedt
othemi
rr
orandl
ookedatt
hehi
ckey
s.

“
Uh…I
-“

“
Heel
a,whatdi
dthi
smandot
oyou?
”
“
Ng?
”

“
Didhet
ouchy
ou?Whatdi
dhedo?
”

“
Not
hing.
”

‘
Thabi
…It
houghtwewer
ebestf
ri
ends…”

“
Wear
e.”

“
Sowekeepsecret
snow?Ijo!Aft
erIstay
edwi t
hy ourbrot
herthe
whol
eday,
wait
sethisf
ri
endshipisonesided.I
t’
slikeIam for
cing
mysel
fonyouwait
seThabi
le.
”

“
Butnot
hing-
“

“
Ebi
l
eomaakat
hisday
s!Peopl
echange.
”

“
Hekissedme.Andputi
tin.Idon’
tknowhowi
thappened.I
t
j
ust
…”Sherubbedherey
es.“Hejustdi
dit
.”

“
Didwhat
?Sex?
”

Thabi
lenodded.El
angputherhandov
erhermout
h.“
Her
aped
you?”

“
Idon’
tknow,
I-“

“
Hedid!That
’sr
ape.Weneedtoreportthi
sman.Il
ongsawi
t.
Howcanhetakeadvant
ageofyourpain?”

Aunt
yKeemi
openedt
hedoorandwal
kedi
n.El
angl
ookedather
.

“
Amanr
apedherwhenshewasatt
her
iver
.”

“
What
?Thabi
l
e?”
Thabi
l
elookedatheraunt
.“Ma?
”

“
Whoi
she?Doy
ouknowhi
m?”

El
angnodded.“
Sheknowshi
m onFacebook.Her
apedher
,she
wasavir
gin.
”

Aunt
yKeemil
ookedatherniece.“
Putony
ouruni
for
m.Wear
e
goi
ngtot
hepoli
cest
ati
onrightnow!”

MerryChristmasev er
yone , hopeyoublessedones.Yetanother
Chri
stmaswear etogether
,Iam mor et
hanj ustgr
atef
ulforyour
supportandlove.Ihopewehav emoreChristmasestogether
.I
l
ovey ouall,
Iwouldn’tbeherewi t
houtyou.

Your
s…Fez

[
02/
14,
18:
23]Nt
siki
:Your
sTr
uly

#7

Atthepol
icest
ati
on,Rethabil
esteppedoutofheraunt
’scar
toget
herwit
hheraunt.Herlookedoverather
.

“
Don’
twor
ry,
theywi
l
lcat
chhi
m.Hei
sgoi
ngt
ojai
l
.Ibel
i
evey
ou.
”

Ret
habi
l
eswal
l
owed.“
Peopl
ear
egoi
ngt
otal
kaboutme.
”

“
Itdoesn’
tmat
ter
.Iwi
l
lst
andwi
thy
ou.
”
“Theyar
egoi
ngtot
alkaboutmekoskol
ongcall
i
ngmemor
e
namesthant
heyal
readycal
lme.Hedi
dn’
trapeme.
”

“Thabi,i
t’
sokmygi
rl
.Iknowy ouar
escared.It
’snor
mal
tobe
scared.Whaty
ouwentthroughist
raumati
-“

“
Hedi
dn’
trapeme.I
twasn’
trape.
”

“
Thabi
l
e-“

“
Hedi
dn’
trapemeaunt
y…”

Herauntlookedathert
ears.“
Thabi,t
her
eisnoneedtobescar
ed.
Iam her
e.Iam heretoprot
ectyou.Noonewil
ltal
kabouty
ou.”

“
Hedi
dn’
trapeme.Iwantt
ogohome.
”

“
Ifhedi
dn’
trapey
ou,
whatdi
dhedo?
”

Ret
habi
l
elookedathershaki
ng.“
Hehuggedme.Andki
ssedme.
”

“
That
’sal
l
?Huh?
”

“Hedi
dn’
trapeme.Hef
oundmeatt
her
iverandbr
oughtmeback
home.
”

“Youarescar
ed…wai
tint
hecar
.Iwi
l
ltal
ktot
hepol
i
ce.I
t’
sokmy
gir
l.Si
tint
hecar
.”

Rethabi
l
egoti nthecarsnif
fi
ngt
hentookoutEl
ang’
sri
ngi
ng
phonefrom herback.El
anghadgiv
enitt
ohersoshewouldshow
Atang’
spict
uretothepolice.

Shelookedat‘
AtangDanger
'cal
l
ingt
henpi
ckedandputt
he
phoneonherear.
“
Hi,
letmespeakt
oRet
habi
l
e.”

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Hel
l
o…”

Hi
svoi
cesof
tened.“
Hey
,di
dyoudr
inkt
hepai
nki
l
ler
s?”

“
No.Noty
et.Iwi
l
ldr
inkt
hem.
”

“Ok.Ij
ustgotaworkcal
l.Theyneedmeatworktomor
row.I
shouldhavegonebackt
odaymor ni
ng…Iam goi
ngnow.Wil
lyou
beok? ”

“
Eer
ra.
”

“
Iwil
lcomebacki
nacoupleofdays.ButIwantt
ogi
veyou
moneyfort
heemer
gencypi
ll
.ShouldIcomebyordoanewal
l
et?
”

“
Ist
il
lhavet
hatP100y
ougav
eBat
ang.Icanbuywi
tht
hat
money.
”

“
Ngng,
that
’shi
smoney
.Noty
our
s.Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ouy
our
s.Ket
e?”

“
Youcansendi
t.I
t’
sst
il
lfi
ne.
”

“
Ok.ButIwantt
oseey
ou.Ar
epeopl
est
il
lawake?
”

“
Yes.
”

“Ok,
thenyoucansneakout
.Iwi
l
lcomei
nanhour
.Thatshoul
d
befi
ne.”

“
Eer
ra.
”

“
Pleasedr
inkt
hepai
nki
l
ler
s.”

“
Ok.
”
“
Youneedy
ourownphone.
”

“Iwi
llbuyonewhenIgetmyal
l
owance.Iam goi
ngt
obuyani
ce
phone.”

Atangchuckl
ed.“
That’
smonthsfr
om now.Youneedat
empor
ary
oneti
lly
oucanaffor
dy our
sel
fone.
”

“
Idon’
thav
emoney
.”

“
Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ou.
”

“
Youdon’
thav
eto.
”

“
Iam goi
ngt
o.”

“
Buty
ouar
est
il
lpay
ingl
oans.Yousai
dyourf
inancesar
eti
ght
.”

Helaughed.“Ican’
tbel
i
eveIwassohonestwit
hyout
hinki
ngIam
t
elli
nga26y earoldwomanandyetIgotonebi
gli
efr
om an18
yearol
dgirl
…nowwoman. ”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“I
t’
sinthepast
.Let
’sl
eavei
t.IknowIam underti
ghtbudgetbutI
canaff
ordaP500phone.Iwil
ljustdr
inkwat
er.
”

“
Don’
tfor
gett
oaddsugari
nthewat
er.I
tmakesi
tbet
ter
.”

Hel
aughed.“
Iwi
ll
dot
hat
.Ihear
dyourf
ri
endear
li
er,
ther
eisno
f
oodathome?”

“Si
ncemamahasbeenatt hehospi
tal
,shehasn’
tbeenworki
ng.I
workabitonweekendsbuti
thasn’
tbeenenough.El
anghave
beenhel
pingus.
”
“
Wher
edi
dshewor
k?”

“
Shemakesbaskets.Ni
cebeauti
fulbasketsandshesews
t
radi
ti
onal
clot
hes.Wehadal i
tt
leshopbutwehadt ocl
osei
tbut
wenormal
lysel
ltotour
ist
s.Imakejewelryal
ongsidewit
hher.
”

“
Youar
eal
soat
ail
or?
”

Rethabi
l
esmi l
ed.“Yes,butIam notasgoodasmamabutIhav
e
beendoingherorders.
”

“
Soy
oudependony
ourf
ri
endf
orf
ood?
”

“
Somet
imes.
”

“
Idon’twantyoudoi
ngt
hatany
mor
e.I
fther
eisnof
ood,
yout
ell
me.Idon’
tli
keher.
”

“
Youdon’
tknowherwel
l.Sheisagoodper
son.Shehasstoodby
me.Wehavebeenf
ri
endsf or
m 1.Shei
smyonlyfri
end.
”

“
Iknow.Iam notsayi
ngst
opbeingf
ri
endswithher
.Ij
ustdon’
t
l
i
keher.That
’sall
.Ify
ouwantsomet
hing.Tel
lme.Ok?
”

“
Eer
ra.
”

Herauntwal
kedoutoft
hepol
i
cest
ati
onwi
thaf
emal
epol
i
ce
of
fi
cer.

“
Ihav
etogo.By
e.”

Shequi
ckl
ydr
oppedt
hecal
l
.Herauntopenedt
hedoorf
orher
.

“
ComeThabi
…youcant
alkt
oher
.”

Ret
habi
l
elookedatt
hepol
i
ceof
fi
cershaki
ng.Thepol
i
ceof
fi
cer
si
ghed.

“
Come,
mme,
letmet
alkt
oheral
one.
”

“
Ok.
”

Theywal
kedi
nsi
det
hepol
i
cest
ati
onandt
ogetof
fi
ce.

“
Sitdown.
”

Ret
habi
l
esatdownandl
ookedather
.

“
Howol
dar
eyou?
”

“
18y
ear
sol
d.”

“
Youhav
eaboy
fri
endr
ight
?”

“
He-
“

“Youdo.Noneedt
oexpl
ainy
our
sel
f.Yout
wohadsext
oni
ght
aker
e?”

Ret
habi
l
enoddedl
ooki
ngdown.

“
Didhedoi
twi
thf
orce?Washef
orci
ngy
ou?
”

“
No.
”

“
Didy
oul
i
kei
t?Wasi
tni
ce?
”

Ret
habi
l
esi
l
ent
lyl
ookeddown.

“Ret
habil
e,l
ookatme.Yourauntwantstoreportrape.Rapeisa
seri
ousmatter
.Ify
our eportr
ape,i
tmeanshewi l
lgotherejai
l
becausewearegoingtotakey out
obeexaminedandsi nceIam
heari
ngyouwereav i
rgin,i
tmeanshebrokeyourhy men.Youare
probablybrui
sedandswol
lenr i
ghtnownowonderyouar
e
walki
ngt hewayyouarewalking.I
twon’tl
ookgoodf
orhi
mify
ou
report
.Isthatwhaty
ouwant ?Wasi tni
ce?
”

“
Yes.
”

“Doyouwantt oreporthi
mtosaveyoursel
ffr
om thebackl
ashyou
aregoingtogetforopeni
ngyourkegst
oamany ouprobabl
ylove
andlethim bej
ail
edsoy oucanl
iveinr
egretory
ouwantt odothe
ri
ghtthing?
”

“
Itwasn’
trape.
”

“Ok.Thenthereisnocase.Tell
yourauntheisy
ourboyfr
iendand
youlethim becausey
oudidaker e?Youcoul
dhavesai
dno
Rethabi
le.Youcouldhavesaidstop.Di
dyousayanyofthose
words?”

“
No.
”

“
Goandt
ell
yourauntabouty
ourman.Iam sor
ryabouty
our
mom.
”

Ret
habi
lestoodupandwal
kedoutt
othecar
.Shegoti
nand
l
ookedatheraunt
.

“
Didt
heyopent
hecase?
”

“Idon’
twanttoreportandhavepeoplegossipme.Ever
yonewil
l
knowandforevertalkaboutme.Godwillpunishhi
m.Ij
ustwant
togohomeandwai tformama.PleasetakemehomeAunt y.
”

Herauntsi
ghedsadl
y.“
Didheuseacondom?
”

Shenodded.“
Yes.
”
“Iam sorr
y.Ishoul
dhavedonebett
er.Ishoul
dhav
el ookedf
or
youmor e.Iam sor
rymygir
l.Lel
omomustbeweepi ngwherever
sheis.”

Shehuggedher
.Ret
habi
l
esi
ghedwr
appi
ngherar
msar
oundher
too.

*
**

Athome,Ret
habi
l
ewal
kedi
nherr
oom andf
oundEl
angseat
edon
thebed.

“
Whatdi
dthepol
i
cesay
?”

“
Idi
dn’
trepor
t.
”

“
Why
?”

“
Hedi
dn’
trapemeEl
ang.
”

“Soyouwi
l
li
ngl
yopenedy
ourl
egsf
oramany
oudon’
tev
en
know?”

“
Iknowhi
m.”

“
From Facebook?Ar
eyoul
i
steni
ngt
oyour
sel
f?”

“
Ijustwantt
osl
eep.
”

“
Ican’tbel
iev
ey ouopenedyourl
egsf
oramany oujustmet
.Iwas
worr
iedsickaboutyouwhil
eyouwerebusyopeni
ngyourl
egsfor
men!”
“
Iam sl
eepi
ng.
”

“
Bri
ngmyphone.Iam goi
nghome.
”

Ret
habi
l
eunl
ockedt
hephonet
hent
ext
edhi
m.

Ret
habil
e:Iam gi
vi
ngbackt
hephone.Don’
ttextorcal
lont
his
numberanymore.

Hequi
ckl
yrepl
i
ed.

Atang:
Cool.Iam comi
ngnow.Wi
l
lbeher
eint
enmi
nut
es.Iwi
l
l
parkwher
eIdr oppedy
ouoff
.

Rethabi
l
edeletedt
hemessagest
henhisnumberasgav
eback
thephone.El
angsnat
chedi
tandangr
il
ywalkedout
.

Rethabil
eclosedthedoorandlaidont hebedbesi desherbrother
counti
ngi nherhead.Minut
eslatershegotupandsl idherf
eetin
herfl
ipflops.Sheopenedherwindowt hankf ul
ithadnoburglar
barsthenjumpedoutandcl oseditsl
ightly.Shegrabbedthe
bucketatthebackofthehouset henst eppedoni tandjumped
overthefence.

Herheartpoundedasshehur
ri
edwher ehehaddroppedher,he
fl
ashedhisli
ghtsoncet
henshewalkedtothecar.At
angleaned
overandopenedthedoorf
orher.Ret
habil
egotinandclosedthe
doorthentur
nedtohim.

At
angl
eanedov
erandki
ssedher
.

“
Iam goi
ng.Iwi
l
lbebackbef
oret
hebur
ial
.”

“
Mymot
heri
snotdead.Shei
sgoi
ngt
ocomehome.
”
Helookedatherandnodded.“
Ok.Cal
lmewheny ouneed
any
thing.Iwi
l
lsendthemoneytoyourfr
iend’
snumber
.”

“
Ok.
”

“Goandgetanicephone.Iwi
ll
givey oumor ei
fit
’snotenough.
From t
her
ey oucangettheemergencypill
.Andfoodifneeded.
Getasim car
dandcallmeimmedi at
ely.Ok?”

“
Ok.
”

Heki
ssedheragai
n.“
Goandsl
eep.
”

Shegotofft
hecarandhurr
iedbackhome.At
angst
art
edhi
scar
anddrov
eoffewall
ett
ingt
hemoney .

*
**

AtEl
ang’
shouse,El
ang’
sphonev
ibr
atedf
rom underherpi
l
low.
Shet
ookitandopenedt
hemessage.

FNB DATANGsenty ouP2800.00.GetcashatCashPlus

part
nerorPressPROCEEDatFNBATM.PI N26434,i
sv al
i
dfor
16hrs.I
fPI
Nexpired,
dial*
130*392#

Herhear
tskippedasshel
ookedatt
hemoney
.Sheputherhand
onherchestandswall
owed.

FEW DAYSLATER…
Your
sTr
uly

#7

Atthepol
icest
ati
on,Rethabil
esteppedoutofheraunt
’scar
toget
herwit
hheraunt.Herlookedoverather
.

“
Don’
twor
ry,
theywi
l
lcat
chhi
m.Hei
sgoi
ngt
ojai
l
.Ibel
i
evey
ou.
”

Ret
habi
l
eswal
l
owed.“
Peopl
ear
egoi
ngt
otal
kaboutme.
”

“
Itdoesn’
tmat
ter
.Iwi
l
lst
andwi
thy
ou.
”

“Theyar
egoi
ngtot
alkaboutmekoskol
ongcall
i
ngmemor
e
namesthant
heyal
readycal
lme.Hedi
dn’
trapeme.
”

“Thabi,i
t’
sokmygi
rl
.Iknowy ouar
escared.It
’snor
mal
tobe
scared.Whaty
ouwentthroughist
raumati
-“

“
Hedi
dn’
trapeme.I
twasn’
trape.
”

“
Thabi
l
e-“

“
Hedi
dn’
trapemeaunt
y…”

Herauntlookedathert
ears.“
Thabi,t
her
eisnoneedtobescar
ed.
Iam her
e.Iam heretoprot
ectyou.Noonewil
ltal
kabouty
ou.”

“
Hedi
dn’
trapeme.Iwantt
ogohome.
”

“
Ifhedi
dn’
trapey
ou,
whatdi
dhedo?
”

Ret
habi
l
elookedathershaki
ng.“
Hehuggedme.Andki
ssedme.
”

“
That
’sal
l
?Huh?
”
“Hedi
dn’
trapeme.Hef
oundmeatt
her
iverandbr
oughtmeback
home.
”

“Youarescar
ed…wai
tint
hecar
.Iwi
l
ltal
ktot
hepol
i
ce.I
t’
sokmy
gir
l.Si
tint
hecar
.”

Rethabi
l
egoti nthecarsnif
fi
ngt
hentookoutEl
ang’
sri
ngi
ng
phonefrom herback.El
anghadgiv
enitt
ohersoshewouldshow
Atang’
spict
uretothepolice.

Shelookedat‘
AtangDanger
'cal
l
ingt
henpi
ckedandputt
he
phoneonherear.

“
Hi,
letmespeakt
oRet
habi
l
e.”

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Hel
l
o…”

Hi
svoi
cesof
tened.“
Hey
,di
dyoudr
inkt
hepai
nki
l
ler
s?”

“
No.Noty
et.Iwi
l
ldr
inkt
hem.
”

“Ok.Ij
ustgotaworkcal
l.Theyneedmeatworktomor
row.I
shouldhavegonebackt
odaymor ni
ng…Iam goi
ngnow.Wil
lyou
beok? ”

“
Eer
ra.
”

“
Iwil
lcomebacki
nacoupleofdays.ButIwantt
ogi
veyou
moneyfort
heemer
gencypi
ll
.ShouldIcomebyordoanewal
l
et?
”

“
Ist
il
lhavet
hatP100y
ougav
eBat
ang.Icanbuywi
tht
hat
money.
”

“
Ngng,
that
’shi
smoney
.Noty
our
s.Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ouy
our
s.Ket
e?”

“
Youcansendi
t.I
t’
sst
il
lfi
ne.
”
“
Ok.ButIwantt
oseey
ou.Ar
epeopl
est
il
lawake?
”

“
Yes.
”

“Ok,
thenyoucansneakout
.Iwi
l
lcomei
nanhour
.Thatshoul
d
befi
ne.”

“
Eer
ra.
”

“
Pleasedr
inkt
hepai
nki
l
ler
s.”

“
Ok.
”

“
Youneedy
ourownphone.
”

“Iwi
llbuyonewhenIgetmyal
l
owance.Iam goi
ngt
obuyani
ce
phone.”

Atangchuckl
ed.“
That’
smonthsfr
om now.Youneedat
empor
ary
oneti
lly
oucanaffor
dy our
sel
fone.
”

“
Idon’
thav
emoney
.”

“
Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ou.
”

“
Youdon’
thav
eto.
”

“
Iam goi
ngt
o.”

“
Buty
ouar
est
il
lpay
ingl
oans.Yousai
dyourf
inancesar
eti
ght
.”

Helaughed.“Ican’
tbel
i
eveIwassohonestwit
hyout
hinki
ngIam
t
elli
nga26y earoldwomanandyetIgotonebi
gli
efr
om an18
yearol
dgirl
…nowwoman. ”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“I
t’
sinthepast
.Let
’sl
eavei
t.IknowIam underti
ghtbudgetbutI
canaff
ordaP500phone.Iwil
ljustdr
inkwat
er.
”

“
Don’
tfor
gett
oaddsugari
nthewat
er.I
tmakesi
tbet
ter
.”

Hel
aughed.“
Iwi
ll
dot
hat
.Ihear
dyourf
ri
endear
li
er,
ther
eisno
f
oodathome?”

“Si
ncemamahasbeenatt hehospi
tal
,shehasn’
tbeenworki
ng.I
workabitonweekendsbuti
thasn’
tbeenenough.El
anghave
beenhel
pingus.
”

“
Wher
edi
dshewor
k?”

“
Shemakesbaskets.Ni
cebeauti
fulbasketsandshesews
t
radi
ti
onal
clot
hes.Wehadal i
tt
leshopbutwehadt ocl
osei
tbut
wenormal
lysel
ltotour
ist
s.Imakejewelryal
ongsidewit
hher.
”

“
Youar
eal
soat
ail
or?
”

Rethabi
l
esmi l
ed.“Yes,butIam notasgoodasmamabutIhav
e
beendoingherorders.
”

“
Soy
oudependony
ourf
ri
endf
orf
ood?
”

“
Somet
imes.
”

“
Idon’twantyoudoi
ngt
hatany
mor
e.I
fther
eisnof
ood,
yout
ell
me.Idon’
tli
keher.
”

“
Youdon’
tknowherwel
l.Sheisagoodper
son.Shehasstoodby
me.Wehavebeenf
ri
endsf or
m 1.Shei
smyonlyfri
end.
”

“
Iknow.Iam notsayi
ngst
opbeingf
ri
endswithher
.Ij
ustdon’
t
l
i
keher.That
’sall
.Ify
ouwantsomet
hing.Tel
lme.Ok?
”
“
Eer
ra.
”

Herauntwal
kedoutoft
hepol
i
cest
ati
onwi
thaf
emal
epol
i
ce
of
fi
cer.

“
Ihav
etogo.By
e.”

Shequi
ckl
ydr
oppedt
hecal
l
.Herauntopenedt
hedoorf
orher
.

“
ComeThabi
…youcant
alkt
oher
.”

Ret
habi
lel
ookedatt
hepol
i
ceof
fi
cershaki
ng.Thepol
i
ceof
fi
cer
si
ghed.

“
Come,
mme,
letmet
alkt
oheral
one.
”

“
Ok.
”

Theywal
kedi
nsi
det
hepol
i
cest
ati
onandt
ogetof
fi
ce.

“
Sitdown.
”

Ret
habi
l
esatdownandl
ookedather
.

“
Howol
dar
eyou?
”

“
18y
ear
sol
d.”

“
Youhav
eaboy
fri
endr
ight
?”

“
He-
“

“Youdo.Noneedt
oexpl
ainy
our
sel
f.Yout
wohadsext
oni
ght
aker
e?”

Ret
habi
l
enoddedl
ooki
ngdown.

“
Didhedoi
twi
thf
orce?Washef
orci
ngy
ou?
”
“
No.
”

“
Didy
oul
i
kei
t?Wasi
tni
ce?
”

Ret
habi
l
esi
l
ent
lyl
ookeddown.

“Rethabil
e,l
ookatme.Yourauntwant st
oreportrape.Rapeisa
seri
ousmat t
er.Ifyoureportrape,itmeanshewi l
lgotherejai
l
becausewear egoingtotakey outobeexaminedandsi nceIam
hearingyouwer eav ir
gin,i
tmeanshebr okeyourhy men.Youare
probablybruisedandswol l
enr i
ghtnownowondery ouare
walkingthewayy ouarewal king.I
twon’tl
ookgoodf orhimifyou
report.I
sthatwhaty ouwant ?Wasi tni
ce?”

“
Yes.
”

“Doyouwantt oreporthi
mtosaveyoursel
ffr
om thebackl
ashyou
aregoingtogetforopeni
ngyourkegst
oamany ouprobabl
ylove
andlethim bej
ail
edsoy oucanl
iveinr
egretory
ouwantt odothe
ri
ghtthing?
”

“
Itwasn’
trape.
”

“Ok.Thenthereisnocase.Tell
yourauntheisy
ourboyfr
iendand
youlethim becausey
oudidaker e?Youcoul
dhavesai
dno
Rethabi
le.Youcouldhavesaidstop.Di
dyousayanyofthose
words?”

“
No.
”

“
Goandt
ell
yourauntabouty
ourman.Iam sor
ryabouty
our
mom.
”

Ret
habi
l
est
oodupandwal
kedoutt
othecar
.Shegoti
nand
l
ookedatheraunt
.

“
Didt
heyopent
hecase?
”

“Idon’
twanttoreportandhavepeoplegossipme.Ever
yonewil
l
knowandforevertalkaboutme.Godwillpunishhi
m.Ij
ustwant
togohomeandwai tformama.PleasetakemehomeAunt y.
”

Herauntsi
ghedsadl
y.“
Didheuseacondom?
”

Shenodded.“
Yes.
”

“Iam sorr
y.Ishoul
dhavedonebett
er.Ishoul
dhav
el ookedf
or
youmor e.Iam sor
rymygir
l.Lel
omomustbeweepi ngwherever
sheis.”

Shehuggedher
.Ret
habi
l
esi
ghedwr
appi
ngherar
msar
oundher
too.

*
**

Athome,Ret
habi
l
ewal
kedi
nherr
oom andf
oundEl
angseat
edon
thebed.

“
Whatdi
dthepol
i
cesay
?”

“
Idi
dn’
trepor
t.
”

“
Why
?”

“
Hedi
dn’
trapemeEl
ang.
”

“
Soy
ouwi
l
li
ngl
yopenedy
ourl
egsf
oramany
oudon’
tev
en
know?
”

“
Iknowhi
m.”

“
From Facebook?Ar
eyoul
i
steni
ngt
oyour
sel
f?”

“
Ijustwantt
osl
eep.
”

“
Ican’tbel
iev
ey ouopenedyourl
egsf
oramany oujustmet
.Iwas
worr
iedsickaboutyouwhil
eyouwerebusyopeni
ngyourl
egsfor
men!”

“
Iam sl
eepi
ng.
”

“
Bri
ngmyphone.Iam goi
nghome.
”

Ret
habi
l
eunl
ockedt
hephonet
hent
ext
edhi
m.

Ret
habil
e:Iam gi
vi
ngbackt
hephone.Don’
ttextorcal
lont
his
numberanymore.

Hequi
ckl
yrepl
i
ed.

Atang:
Cool.Iam comi
ngnow.Wi
l
lbeher
eint
enmi
nut
es.Iwi
l
l
parkwher
eIdr oppedy
ouoff
.

Rethabi
l
edeletedt
hemessagest
henhisnumberasgav
eback
thephone.El
angsnat
chedi
tandangr
il
ywalkedout
.

Rethabil
eclosedthedoorandlaidont hebedbesi desherbrother
counti
ngi nherhead.Minut
eslatershegotupandsl idherf
eetin
herfl
ipflops.Sheopenedherwindowt hankf ul
ithadnoburglar
barsthenjumpedoutandcl oseditsl
ightly.Shegrabbedthe
bucketatthebackofthehouset henst eppedoni tandjumped
overthefence.
Herheartpoundedasshehur
ri
edwher ehehaddroppedher,he
fl
ashedhisli
ghtsoncet
henshewalkedtothecar.At
angleaned
overandopenedthedoorf
orher.Ret
habil
egotinandclosedthe
doorthentur
nedtohim.

At
angl
eanedov
erandki
ssedher
.

“
Iam goi
ng.Iwi
l
lbebackbef
oret
hebur
ial
.”

“
Mymot
heri
snotdead.Shei
sgoi
ngt
ocomehome.
”

Helookedatherandnodded.“
Ok.Cal
lmewheny ouneed
any
thing.Iwi
l
lsendthemoneytoyourfr
iend’
snumber
.”

“
Ok.
”

“Goandgetanicephone.Iwi
ll
givey oumor ei
fit
’snotenough.
From t
her
ey oucangettheemergencypill
.Andfoodifneeded.
Getasim car
dandcallmeimmedi at
ely.Ok?”

“
Ok.
”

Heki
ssedheragai
n.“
Goandsl
eep.
”

Shegotofft
hecarandhurr
iedbackhome.At
angst
art
edhi
scar
anddrov
eoffewall
ett
ingt
hemoney .

*
**

AtEl
ang’
shouse,El
ang’
sphonev
ibr
atedf
rom underherpi
l
low.
Shet
ookitandopenedt
hemessage.
FNB DATANGsenty ouP2800.00.GetcashatCashPlus
part
nerorPressPROCEEDatFNBATM.PI N26434,i
sv al
i
dfor
16hrs.I
fPI
Nexpired,
dial*
130*392#

Herhear
tskippedasshel
ookedatt
hemoney
.Sheputherhand
onherchestandswall
owed.

FEW DAYSLATER…

.
Your
sTr
uly

#8

AFEW DAYSLATER…

Rethabi
l
elookedatt
hecof
fi
nsear
lymor
ning.Lov
emor
elookedat
hersadl
y.

“
Youcanchoosebet
weent
hoset
hree.
”

Herl
ipst
rembl
edasshest
aredatt
hecof
fi
ns.Bat
angpoi
ntedat
one.

“
Thi
-Thi
sone.
”

Lov
emor
ewal
kedov
erandopenedt
hebr
owncof
fi
n.

“
Thi
sone?
”

“
Y-y
es.
”

Hel
ookedatRet
habi
l
e.“
Thabi
?”

Painchockedherasshest
aredati
t.Shepr
essedherl
i
ps
toget
herholdi
ngiti
nandnodded.

“Ok.Iam sorr
yfory ourlossThabi .Iknowwhaty ouaregoing
thr
ough.Ihavebeent here.Iknowt hepain.Thedenial
.Iknowthe
hope.Iknowt hesleeplessnights.Iknowi tal
l.I
twon’tgetbet
ter…
notnow.Af t
erallt
her elati
vesaregone…t hefuner
alwil
lstar
tthen.
Iam sorr
yThabi .
”
Shelookeddowncr yi
ngsi
lent
ly.Hewalkedov
erandhuggedher
.
“Butt
imewillpass.Thewoundwi l
lheal
.Andyouwi
ll
forev
erhave
thememor i
es.”

Shesni
ffedcry
ing.Lov
emor
emov
edbackasRet
habi
l
ewi
ped
awayhertear
s.

“
Yourmotherhasal
readypai
dsoi
t’
sok.Doy
ouwantt
ranspor
tto
t
hehospi
tal
?”

“No.Myuncl
ebr
oughthi
svan.Hewi
l
lcar
ryi
t.Thanky
ou
Lovemor
e.”

Hesmi
led.“
Mynameisact
ual
l
ynotLovemore.Mybrotheri
s
Lov
emore.Wedot
hist
oget
her
,Iam t
heyoungerbr
other.Far
ai.
”

“
Sor
ry.
”

“
It
’sok.
.”

“
Iwi
l
lgoandcal
lmyuncl
e.”

Rethabi
lewal
kedoutt
oherauntwhowaspar
kedbehi
ndherol
der
brother
.

“
Wehav
echosen.
”

“
Okmygi
rl
.Letmet
ell
youruncl
e.”

Ret
habi
le’
sphonerangf
rom herj
acket
’spocket
.Shet
ooki
tout
andst
eppedbackansweri
ngAtang’
scall
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“Hey
, Iam passi
ngGumare.Iwi
l
lbet
her
einl
esst
hant
wohour
s.
Didyouchooset hecof
fi
n?”
“Yes.Wearegoi
ngtotakeherf
rom t
hehospi
tal
andbr
ingher
home.”Hervoi
ceshook.

“
Iwi
l
lbet
her
e,keet
a.”

“
Ok.
”

Ret
habi
l
ewat
chedasheruncl
est
eppedoutoft
het
ruckwi
tht
wo
men.

“
Ihav
etogo.
”

“
Ok.Iwi
l
lbet
her
einl
esst
hant
wohour
s.”

“
Ok.
”

Shehungupandsl
i
dthenewphonebacki
nherpocket
.

*
**

Justaf
terGumar
e,At
angpi
ckedhi
smot
her
’scal
ldr
ivi
ngwi
thone
hand.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Ati
e…howar
eyoumybaby
?”

“
Mama,
your
eal
i
zeIam agr
ownmanaker
e?”

“
Youwil
lal
way
sbemybaby
.Godbl
essedmewi
tht
woki
ds…onl
y
t
wo.Howarey
ou?
”

“
Iam f
ine.
”
“
Yourf
atheri
snothappy
.”

“
Iknow.
”

“
Whathappened?
”

Hesi
ghedwonderi
ngwhatt
ot el
lher
.“Shewascheat
ingonme
wi
thhercol
l
eagueatwor
k.Ideci
dedtoendtherel
ati
onshi
p.”

“Andwhydidyounottel
lus?At
ang,kanawepaidmagadifort
hat
gir
l.Wehadclai
medherasours.Herfat
herdemanded12k.We
gavethatmoneythi
nki
ngwearebuil
dingaunion.
”

“
Idi
dn’
twantt
ost
ressy
ou.
”

“St
ressme?Atang,Iam yourmother.I
t’
smydut y
.Youhav eto
comehomeandexpl ai
ntot hefamil
ywhathappened.From ther
e,
wear egoi
ngtothatf
amily.Theyneedtoexpl
ainthemselvesand
wear egoi
ngtocancelwhateverwehadagreedon.That’show
thi
ngsaredone.
”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

Shesi
ghed.“
It
’sok.Sowhendi
dthi
shappen?
”

“
It
’sbeenf
ourmont
hs.
”

Shetookadeepbreath.“
Itol
dyou.Whenyoufi
rstbr
oughtt
hat
gi
rlt
ome.Youhadj ustmether.Twoyear
sback.Thi
siswhatI
meant.Buti
t’
sfi
ne.Whereareyou?”

“
Iam goi
ngt
oShakawet
oseeaf
ri
endwho’
slostamot
her
.”

“
Oh,
sosor
ryt
oheart
his,
itmustbehar
donhi
m.”

“
Yes.
”
“
Kemang?Pr
ince?Ot
swaShakaweaker
e?”

“
Nomama,Pr
ince’
smot
heri
sfi
ne.Youdon’
tknowhi
m.I
t’
sa
wor
kmat
e.Bye.
”

“I
t’
sawoman?Idon’
ttr
ustBal
ete.Ngng…y
ourf
atheroncehad
anaff
air
-“

“
Mama,
letmedr
ive.I
t’
snotawoman.
”

“
YouaremysonAt ang.Iknowi
twheny
ouorAgangi
sly
ing.I
t’
sa
woman.Ihopeshe-
“

Hedr
oppedthecal
landlookedatthewomanont hesi
deoft
he
r
oadstandi
ngbesi
dehercar,herbonnetopen.

Atanglookedatthet
imethenlookedather.Shef
laggeddownhi
s
cardesperat
ely
,hegotcl
oserandr ecogni
zedher
.Hestoppedt
he
carbesidesher
.

Zazasmi l
edopeni
ngthecardoor
.“Hi…ohJesust
hanky
ou.I
thoughtnoonewouldeverf
indme.I…”

“
Eit
a,what
’sup?
”

“Iborr
owedaf ri
end’
scar
.Itj
ustst
art
edsl
owi ngdownt
heni
t
stopped.Idon’
tknowwhat’
swrongwithi
t.Iam goi
ngt
omy
aunt’
sfuneral
.”

“Iwouldj
umpstar
tyoubutIdon’
thav
ejumper
swi
thme.Ican
giveyouari
de.
”

“
Ok.Letmel
ocki
t.Iwi
l
lseei
twhenIcomeback.
”

“
Yah.
”
Zazarushedoverandcl
osedt
hebonnett
hentookherhandbag.
Shelockedthecarandj
umpedint
heAmar ok.

“
Thanky
ou.Youar
eal
way
ssav
ingme.
”

“
It
’sok.
”

Hesteppedontheaccel
erat
orspeedi
ngoff
.Shelookedathi
s
ar
mt henhiswatchandhi
shands.Shetookadeepbreat
hand
smil
ed.

“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
”

“
Iam goi
ngt
oseemygi
rl
.”

Herheartsank.Ok…heobv i
ousl
yhadagir
lf
ri
end.Suchmenwer e
neversi
ngle.I
tdidn’
tmakesenseforamanlikehi
mt oevenbe
si
ngleunlesssomethingwaswrongwit
hhim.Hewast al
l
, buf
f
andhadt hatvoi
cethatwoul
ddriv
eanywomancr azy
.

Zazasmi led.“
Sheisluckytohaveyougoi
ngupanddownl
i
kethi
s.
Iforgottotakeyournumberthatti
mesoIcanthanky
oupr
oper
ly
forsavingmef rom deat
h.”

“
It
’sok.Yout
hankedmeenough.I
tcoul
dhav
ebeenany
one.
”

“
Your
iskedy
ourl
i
fe.I
tcoul
dhav
eat
tackedy
ou.Thanky
ou.
”

“
Sur
e.”

Zazat
ookoutherphoneandt
ext
edherf
ri
end.

Zaza:
Mma!Ibumpedi
ntot
hathunkagai
n!!

Fr
iend:
Youl
i
e!
Zaza;
Itel
li
ngyou.Bat
hongwai
tset
hisman…mmawai
tsesome
manarejustt
heit.

Fr
iend: osi
mol
otseZaza

Zaza:Iam t
ell
i
ngy ou.Heishothot
!Heis Hedeser
vesto
beintheMen’smagazine.Heisthety
pethatdeser
vesev
erygood
thi
ng.Hedeservespeaceandgoodsexeveryti
mehedemandsi t
.

Fr
iend:
Iwantt
oseehi
m!

Zaza:
Wai
t.
.

Zazaadj
ust
edherseatandsatatanangl
e.Shet
ookhi
m asi
de
pi
ctur
eandsenti
ttoherfr
iend.

Fr
iend:
HEY!
!!
”

Zaza: t
oldy
ou.

Fr
iend:
what
’shi
snameagai
n?

Zaza:
Idon’
tknow.Iam goi
ngt
oaskt
oday
.Hehasagi
rl
fr
iendbut
i
onkheeee!

Fri
end:
Whocar esany
moremma?Wai
tset
hoset
att
oos…ekar
e
LanceGrossi
nShamaarMoor
.

Zazasmil
edandcont
inuedchat
ti
ngt
oherf
ri
endwhi
l
eAt
ang
drov
einsi
lence.

*
**
I
nShakawe,
ever
yonegat
her
edatt
hegr
avey
ardl
atert
hat
mor
ningwhi
lesi
ngi
ng.

Rethabi
l
estoodwi t
hherbrot
herstari
ngathermother’
scof f
in.
Herchurchmember ssangbeauti
ful
ly
,ever
yonejoi
ningin.Tears
rol
l
edasshel ookedathermother’
sport
rai
tontopoft hecoffi
n.It
wasanol dpi
cturet
hathadbeentakenbeforet
hecancer .

Sherememberedthatdaysowel
l.Shel
ookedatt
hesmile
remember
ingexactl
ywhatshehadbeensmili
ngabout
.

Herauntstoodbesidesher
.Theyslowlybegunl ower
ingthecoff
in
si
nging.Thepastorsai
dapr ay
erastheythrewahandf ulofsoi
l
i
nside.Rethabi
l
elookedattheboxthenshel ookedatthemen.

“
Takeherout
….Takeherout
!”

Herauntpul
ledherbackastheyst
art
edf
il
li
ngt
hegr
avewi
thsoi
l
.
Ret
habil
efoughtfr
om hergr
ipcryi
ng.

“
Stop!Takeherout
.Mama!Takeherout
!Mama!
”

Heruncl
e’
swifewal
kedov
erandhel
pedpul
lherback.She
scr
eamedcry
ing.“
Mama!Youareki
l
li
ngher
!Stop!
”

Bat
angsi
l
ent
lycr
iedwat
chi
nghi
ssi
ster
.

“
Mama!St
op!Takeherout
!Mama!
”

Ot
herr
elat
ivesl
ookeddowncr
yingt
ooasshecr
ied.

“
Leav
eme!Mama!
”

Themenfil
l
edthegrave.Rethabi
l
e’sauntl
ethergo.Shedropped
thegr
oundcry
ingandcrawledtotheheapofsoil
.Shestar
ted
di
ggi
ngoutwi
thherhands.

“
Mama!Mama!
”

El
angtear
ful
l
ywatchedherf
ri
endtoget
herwit
hsomeclassmat
es.
Atearr
oll
eddown.Shel
ookeddownandsil
entl
ycr
ied.

Li
ghtdropl
etsofrai
nst
art
edf
all
i
ngont
hem.Ret
habi
l
econt
inued
tr
yingt
odigoutthesoi
l
.

Your
sTr
uly

#9

Herauntt
ear
ful
l
ywal
kedov
er.

“
Thabi
,shei
sgonemygi
rl
…”

“
Shei
ssuf
focat
ingaunt
y…l
et’
sgetherout
.”

“
Thabi
…”

“
Hel
pme…shei
sgoi
ngt
odi
e.”

Ther
aindr
opl
etsgotheav
ier
.

“
Thabi
,l
et’
sgo.
”
“
Iam notgoi
ngwi
thoutmama.
”

“
Ret
habi
l
e,l
et’
sgo!
”

“
Iam notgoi
ng.
”

Ar
elat
ivewal
kedov
er.

“
Keemi
.Letherbe.
”

“
It
’sr
aini
ng…”

“
Letherbe.Lethercr
yforhermot
her
.”

AuntKeemigotupslowl
yandtookBatang’
shand.Hepul
l
edhi
s
handbackandwalkedovert
ohim si
ster
.

“
Th-
Th-
thabi
…let
’sg-
g-go.
”

Ret
habi
l
ecr
iedev
enmor
e.“
Mama!
”

Keemiwalkedov
erandpi
ckedhersi
ster
’ssonwi
thev
eryst
rengt
h
shehad.

“
Shewi
l
lcome.
.let
’sgo.
”

Shewalkedawaytoget
herwit
hever
yoneel
seassomehurr
iedt
o
thei
rscar
sandothershur
ri
edbackt
othehouseonfoot
.

El
angl ookedatherf r
iendthenturnedandwal
kedawayescaping
fr
om ther ain.Ami nutelat
ertherewasnoone,j
usther
.Rethabil
e
stoppeddi ggingandlaidont opofthegrav
eastherai
npouredon
her.

*
**
At
angpar
kedout
sidet
hegat
e.Zazasmi
l
ed.

“
Thanky
ousomuch.What
’sy
ournameagai
n?”

“
Atang.I
t’
sok.
”

“
Ithi
nkIshoul
dtakey
ournumberf
ort
hef
utur
e.Youhav
ehel
ped
medomuch. ”

“I
t’
sallgood.
”Hereachedf
orhi
sbr
other
’sbusi
nesscar
dand
handedittoher
.

Zazal
ookedathi
sname.“
Agang…It
houghty
ousai
dAt
ang.
”

“
Ngng…i
t’
sAgang.Youmi
shear
d.Youcancal
lmet
her
e.”

Zazal
ookedathi
sbusi
nesscar
dagai
nsmi
l
ing.

AgangDani
el

Phy
siot
her
api
st

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Iwi
l
lcal
l
.Thanky
ou.
”

“
Hasy
ourauntbeenbur
iedal
ready
?”

“
Uhl
etmeask.
”

Sher
oll
eddownt hewi
ndowandaskedawomanhol
dingan
umbr
ell
aoverheadwalki
ngt
hroughthegat
e.

“
Dumel
ang,
ist
hebur
ial
done?
”

“
Yes.Ev
ery
onehasl
eftt
hegr
avey
ardexceptRet
habi
l
e.”
“
Int
her
ain?
”

“
Yes.Shei
shur
ti
ng.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Zazsl
ookedatAt
ang.“
Yes,
it’
sdone.
”

“
Wher
eist
hegr
avey
ard?
”

“
Oh…y ouseethatroadwherepeoplear
ecomingfrom.St
rai
ght
yougo,y
outakey oursecondl
eftt
hengostr
aight
.Youwil
lseei
t.
Why?”

“
Justaski
ng.Ihav
etogo.
”

Zazasmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Shest eppedoutandhur r
iedtothehousewhi lei
trai
ned.At ang
droveof fheadedt othegraveyard.Heparkedhiscarinsideand
l
ookedar ound.Hisey esf
ellonher ,
hequicklyst
eppedout .He
shudder edasthecol drai
nf el
lonhim.Het ookoffhisleather
j
acketandt hr
ewi tinthecarthenwal kedoverweari
nghi sboots.
Hecr ouchedbef oreherandt ouchedher.

“
Thabi
…”

Sher
emai
nedst
il
lont
opoft
hegr
ave.

“
Thabi
…let
’sgo.
”

Shel
ookedathi
m.“
Pleasehel
pmedi
gherout
..
.”

“
Babeshei
sgone.Shei
srest
ingnow.
”

Sheshookherhead.“
Shei
sdy
ingi
nsi
det
her
e.”
“Thabi
…youknowyourmom l
ovedyou.Shei
snowr esti
ng.Shei
s
notinpai
nanymor
e.Shei
snotcryi
nganymore.Letherr
est…she
i
sgone.”

“
Weneedt
odi
gherout
.Youdon’
tunder
stand.
”

At
angpi ckedherupandwal
kedwi
thhert
othecar
.Shescr
eamed
cr
ying.

“
Mama!Putmedown!
”

At
angputherinthecar
.Shet
ri
edt
opushhi
m of
fcr
ying.He
gr
abbedherhands.

“St
op!Yourmom i sdead.Asmuchasi tishardtocomei nto
ter
mswi th,t
hat’sreal
it
y.That’
sy ourreali
tygoi
ngf or
war dnow.I
am notgoingtot el
lyouhowt ofeelbecauseIhav eneverbeenin
yourshoes,butIam surethatthewayy ouarefeeli
ngisthesame
wayBatangi sfeeli
ng.Forhi
mi t’
spr obablyworse.Heneedsy ou
asmuchasy ouneedhi m.Idon’tknowy ourmotherbutIknow
shewouldn’twanty ouintherai
nl i
kethis.Idon’
twanty ouinthe
rai
nli
kethis.”

Shel
ookedathi
m shaki
ng.“
It
’st
oomuch…”

Hehuggedhert i
ghtly.Shebrokedownonhi schest
.Hehel dher
forminut
estil
lshest oppedcryi
ng.Helaidherdownont hecar
seatandcoveredherwi thhi
sjacket
.Atangclosedthedoorand
j
umpedont hedr i
ver’
sseatwet .Helookedatherfi
ghti
ngwi t
hher
hiccupswhi
l
esni f
fing.

“
Iam t
aki
ngy
ouhomet
oBat
ang.
”
Shestar
edint
onot hi
ngsniff
ing.Atangstar
tedthecaranddrove
herhome.Heparkedbyt hegatethensteppedoutandpickedher
upfrom t
hebackseat.Heknockedont hedoorholdi
ngherinhis
arms.

Al
adyopenedt
hedoor
.

“
Dumel
ang…”

Thel
adylookedatRethabi
l
ethenatt
heman.“
Thanky
oumyson.
Comeinsi
dewithher.
”

At
angwal
kedi
nsi
detheful
lhousewi
thpr
obabl
yguest
s.Thel
ady
l
edhi
mtothebat
hroom.

“
Putheri
nthebat
htubsoIcanbat
hher
.”

Atanggentl
yputheri
nthet
ub.Thel
adywal
kedout
.At
angr
ubbed
hercheek.

“
Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
.Iam sor
ryIcamel
ate.
”

Thel
adywal
kedbacki
nagai
n.

“
Thanky
ousomuchson.
”

“
It
’sok.
”

At
angwalkedoutandgotinhi
scar.Hestar
tedtheengineand
dr
oveof
f.Hisphonerang,
helookedathi
sbrothercal
l
ing.

“
Yah?
”

“
IsZazapr
ett
y?”

“
Osi
amehel
a.Shei
sThabi
’
scousi
n.”
“
Outoft
en,
howdoy
our
ateher
?Idon’
twantugl
ygi
rl
s.”

“
Shei
sbeaut
if
ul.Shei
san8.Ij
ustdon’
twanther
.”

“
Ok,
soy
ouwentt
oShakawe?
”

“
Shar
pmi
ster
.”

Aganglaughed.“
Ithoughty
ouwer
enoti
ntoki
ds.Whathappened
toyou?
”

“
Voet
sekAgang!
”

“Youareal
readygoi
ngupanddownf ort
hisgi
rl
.Gabor
oneto
Shakaweismorethanathousandki
l
ometersaway…youwant
her?
”

“
Shejustl
osthermot
her
.Iam j
ustbei
ngsuppor
ti
ve.What
’s
wrongwit
hthat?
”

“Whyar
eyougetti
ngdefensi
ve?Mist
ercal
m down.Asl
ongas
shei
snotunder
age,youaregood.
”

At
angcli
ckedhi
stongueandhungup.Hethought
ful
lyl
ookedat
hi
sphoneaboutt
ocallherbutt
hensi
ghed.Hewouldwaitabi
t
l
onger
.

*
**

AtRet
habil
e’
shome,
Keemi
dressedupherni
ecei
nwar
ncl
othes
andsi
ghed.
“
Comeandj
oinus.Wear
eaboutt
odi
scussawayf
orwar
d.”

Shestoodupandwalkedout
.Shet ookoutherphonewalki
ngto
thebathr
oom.Shel
ockedhersel
finsidecal
l
ingherhusband.

“
Keemi
…”

“
Didy
out
hinkabouti
t?”

“It
oldyou,onl
yonewi l
lst
aywithus.Wear enotgoi
ngtotakeal
l
yoursi
ster
’sburdens.Wealsohaveli
ves.Onl
yonechil
dcancome.
Youchoosewhowi l
lcome.Ihaveal
readyspokenandthat
’si
t!
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#10

Atthefuner
alaf
tereat
ing,Rethabi
l
esatonthecouchwi
thher
br
other.Hermother
’solderuncl
estooduphol
dinghi
swalki
ng
st
ick.

“Bagaet sho, it
’sbeenav erydifficultweekf oral lofus.Todaywe
havebur i
edmybr ot her’sdaught er.Asapar ent ,
Ihav enev er
i
magi nedonedayIwoul dhav et ocr yandbur ryLelomobutwear e
here.Lel omol eavesbehi ndt wochi ldren.Fr om her eIknowpeopl e
aregoingt ot heirhomesandgoonwi tht heirl i
vesbutnotf orher
chil
dren.Theyhav elostt heirmot her .Theyhav enof atherand
nowal l t
heyhav eisus.Shehadt woki ds, Ret habilewhoi s18
yearsol dandatt hemoment ,shei swr it
ingherf orm5
examinat i
ons.Sheal sohadBat ang, Ret habi le’sy oungerbr other.
Hei steny earsol dandhedoi ngst andar d4.Theyneedaguar di
an,
someonet ot aket her esponsi blyoft heirmot her.Iwoul dt ake
them butwi t
hmyheal t
h, Iwon’tgi vet hem t hecar etheyneed.I
couldn’tev encomet oseet heirmot herasshef oughtf orherl i
fe.
Bagaet sho, t
hesechi ldrenar eourchi ldren.Butdon’ tfeel
pressuredt ot aket hem becausei fnoonecan’ t…Iwi lltaket hem
withmysi ckness.Iam say ingt hisbecauseIdon’ twanty ou
feel
ingpr essur edtot aket hem t henl aterabuset hem. ”

Keemi swall
owed.“ Lel
omohadbeggedmet ot
akethem bot
hbut
unfor
tunatelyIcannottaket
hem al
l
.MyhusbandandIaredeal
i
ng
wit
hfinancialprobl
ems.Icanonl
ytakeoneatthemoment.”
Ret
habi
l
epul
l
edherbr
othercl
oser
.Thei
runcl
enodded.

“Lel
omowasmysister
.Iwoul
dneverl
etherkidssuf
ferwhenI
am ther
e.I
fKeemi
cam onl
ytakeone,
Iwil
ltaketheotherone.
”

Theuncl
e’
swi
fel
ookedatherhusband.“
Uh.
.Rr
agweThat
o…-
”

Theunclelookedather.“Wecant akeone.Mysi st
ercanonlytake
one,
wewi lltaketheother.Thesechi
ldrenareoursi
ster
’schi
ldren.
Wewi l
lnotletthem suff
erwhilewear ether
e.”

Thei
runcl
enodded.“
Ok.SoKeemi
,whi
chonear
eyout
aki
ng?
”

“
Icant
akeThabi
.Modi
ricant
akeBat
angi
nthemeant
ime.
”

“
WhyRethabi
le?Youshoul
dtakeBat
ang.Heneedsy
oumor
e.He
i
sst
il
lyoung.
”

Keemi l
ookedatherbrother
.“WhydoyouwantRethabi
l
esomuch
atyourhouse?Iam t
akingRethabi
l
e,Ial
readysai
dIam taki
ng
her
.”

“
Bat
angi
syoungKeemi
.Heneedsy
oumor
e.”

“Theyar
ebot
hyoung.Ret
habi
l
ewillbest
ayi
ngwithmet i
l
lshe
goestoUBsoshecanbeadoctor
,whenshegoes,Iam t
aki
ng
Batang.
”

“Ify
oucan’ttaket
hem bot
hnow, t
henyouwon’
ttakethem bot
hin
thefut
ure.Youwantyourhusbandtohar
assmysist
er’
sdaughter
huh?”

“
Har
asswho?Youdon’
tknowmyhusbandwena!
”

“
Iknowt
hatgoodf
ornot
hingt
hingy
oucal
lhusband.Whatki
ndof
manstaysathomethewholedayandcan’
tputfoodonthet
abl
e?
Heisabusi
ve,youwanthi
mtotakeouthi
sfrust
rati
onsonmy
ni
ece?”

Keemi angr
il
ylookedathi
m.“Myhusbandworks!Yout
hinkweall
don’tknowwhyy ouwanttost
aywit
hRethabi
l
e.Youwillnev
erget
thi
shouseselokewena! ”

“Sel
okewenakemang?Ketagor
agaKeemi
!”Hest
oodup
angri
ly
.Keemi
stoodupt
oo.

“
Oragamang?Youar
enotget
ti
ngt
hishouse!
”

“Idon’twantthishouse!Thatwasagesback.Whywoul dItake
awayt heonlythingthesechil
drenhav e?Ibroughtmyownhouse!
Iam fine,mysoni swor ki
ng.Idon’tneedany t
hingf
rom anyone.I
willt
akebot hgapeifIshould.IlovedLelomo!Iknowshet hought
Iwasaf terherhousebutIwasaf t
erittenyearsback.Gi
vemea
break!”

“
Youar
enotget
ti
ngRet
habi
l
e.”

“
Enough!
”

Theybot
hst
aredatt
hei
runcl
e.

“
Howol
dar
eyou?Ar
eyouki
ds?
”

Keemi
slowl
ysatdown.

“Youhaveembar
rassedmet oday!Whatbehavi
ori
sthi
s?I
nfr
ont
ofthepeopl
e?Huh?Rethabi
l
e, whowil
lyoustaywi
thmy
daught
er?”

“
Mamasai
dweshoul
dnotbesepar
ated.
”
Keemi
sighed.“
It
’st
empor
aryThabi
.”

“
Mamasai
dweshoul
dnotbesepar
ated.
”

“Ret
habil
emygi
rl
,Iknowwhaty
ourmot
herwant
ed.Pl
easet
ryt
o
underst
andmygi
rl
…”

“
Iwi
l
lst
ayher
ewi
thhi
m.”

“
Andwhatwill
youeat?Bat
angneedst
oeatt
oo.Whowi
l
l
mai
ntai
nthi
shouse?”

“
Iam notsepar
ati
ngf
rom mybr
other
.”

“I
t’
sonlyforacoupl
eofmont
hs.”Keemistoodupandsatbesi
de
her.“
It
’sonl
yforacoupl
eofmonthsthenIwil
ltakey
ourbr
other
i
n.”

Rethabi
lel
ookedathertearf
ull
y.“Mamasai
dweshoul
dnot
separat
efr
om eachother.Iam notl
eav
ingmybr
other
.”

Keemitear
sroll
eddownhercheeks.“Rethabil
eplease…pl ease
mychil
d.IwouldtakeyoubothbutIcannot.Idon’
twanty ouor
himtosuff
er.Pl
easeunderst
and…Iknowwhaty ourmot hersaid.I
knowbutyouarenotgetti
ngseparat
edforever.Yourbrotherwill
staywi
thyourunclebutonl
yti
ll
yougot oUBt henIwi l
ltakehim.”

“
Mamasai
dweshoul
dnotsepar
ate.
”

Theuncle’
swif
estar
edi
nannoy
ance.Shel
ookedatherhusband
thenf
oldedherar
ms.

“Keemi,
ift
heirmothertoldthem nott
ogetsepar
atedthenIdon’
t
thi
nkyoushouldseparatethem.Thewholefamil
yishere,
they
canall
helpcontr
ibut
ingsomet hi
ngpermonthtohelpassisty
ou
wi
tht
hechi
l
dren.
”

Keemilookedathersist
eri
n-l
aw.“Ican’
ttaket
hem bothatt
he
moment .Icanonl
ytakeone.Icanonlyt
akehim onceThabi
goes
touni
versit
y.”

“Iwil
ltakeBat
ang.
”Modi
rispoke.“
It
’sf
ine.Youcant
ake
Rethabil
e.”

Hiswifelookedathi
m angr
il
y.“
Whyareyouseparati
ngt
heseki
ds?
Rethabi
ledoesn’
twanttobesepar
atedf
rom herbrot
her
.”

Keemi
lookedatRet
habi
l
e.“
Thabi
-“

“
Iam notl
eav
ingBat
ang.
”

“Doy ouwanttost ar
vetodeat h?Youar enotwor ki
ng.Thisi
sonly
tempor ar
y.Youarenotget t
ingseparatedforgood.Iam sureyour
mot herwouldunderstand.Youcan’tremainhereal one.Bat
angi
s
goingtoneedf ood.Hei sgoingtoneedpr opercare.”

“
Iam notl
eav
ingmybr
other
.”

Keemi si
ghed.“Iwil
ltakehim nextmonth,i
nthemeant i
meIcan
takeyouwithsoIcanf indabiggerhousetostay.Youruncl
ecan
takehimforthi
smont hwhil
eIlookforabiggerhousethenIwil
l
takehim.Ipromise.Justonemont hsolookforanotherhouse.
Onemont h.”

“Iam notl
eavingmybrother
.Youwi
llf
indusher
eaf
teronemont
h.
Iam notgoinganywher
ewi t
houtmybrot
her
.”

Keemi st
oodupandwalkedoutdef
eated.Ret
habi
l
elookedatthe
rel
ati
vesthatwer
est
ari
ngatherandleanedbackonhermother’
s
couchhol
dingherbr
other
’shand.

*
**

Lat
erthatday,af
termostpeopl
ehadlef
t,Keemiwal
kedinsi
de
Ret
habile’
sroom whereshewasseat
edont hebedwhi
leBatang
sl
ept.Shesatbesideher
.

“Thabi ,Il
ov edy ourmot hersomuch.Il ov edhermor ethan
any thing.Godhasst olenf r
om me.Iam hur t i
ng.IwishIhaddone
mor e.Iwi shIhadbeenher e.Mysi stercal l
edmet hemor ningshe
diedandbeggedmet ot akeyoubot h.Iwasgoi ngt obutt he
situat i
onatmyhousecannotal lowmet otakey ouandy our
brot heratt hesamet ime.Iknowshedi dn’twantherchi l
dr ento
besepar ated,Iknowt hatmor et hanany one.Iknowwhatshe
want edbutIcan’ tdoitnow.Icanonl ytakeonechi l
d.Eithery ou
orBat ang.Ihadopt edf oryoubecauseIknewsoony ouwi llbe
goi ngt ouniversit
ythenIwoul dt akey ourbr other.Pl
ease
under stand…Ican’ tleavey ouher e.Mysi sterwoul dturninher
grav e.Iam sur eshei salreadyt urningwher evershei sbecauseI
am al readyf ai
li
ngt odoonet hingshe’ sev eraskedmet odo.Kea
gokopangwanaka…”

“Iam sor
ryauntybutIam notl
eavingBatang.I
t’
seit
heryoutake
usbothory oul
eaveus.Iunderst
andy oursi
tuat
ionbutIam not
goingtoleavemybrotherwhenheonlyhasme.Mamasai dwe
shouldnotbeseparat
ed.”
Zazawal
kedi
nandl
ookedathermot
her
.“Mama.
.”

“
Pleaset
alkt
oyourcousi
nZaza…pl
easemakeherunder
stand.
”

Zazalookedathert
henatRet
habi
l
e.“
Ok,
pleasegoanddr
ink
yourpil
l
s.”

Keemi
stoodupandwal
kedout
.Zazal
ookedatRet
habi
l
e.

“Ref
use.Don’ tagr eetogoingwithher.Herhusbandi sarapi
st .He
i
samonst er.St ayherewithyourbrother.Shewon’tbeli
eveyou.
Heisaper vert.Ilikeyourstr
ongwi ll
.Iheardyoucansewand
makebasket s, nowt hatyouaredonewi thschool,youcanfocus
onit.Andalso…y ouar eanorphannow.Youwi l
lgetmoneyf rom
thegovernment .Alsothecondolencesmoneyi sthere.Don’
tallow
them toconv i
ncey ouother
wise.
”

Ret
habi
l
elookedather
.Zazahuggedher
.Ret
habi
l
esni
ff
ed.

Zazasteppedback.Ret
habi
l
e’sphoner
angf
rom thebed,Zaza
l
ookedov eratt
hebrandnewSamsungasAtangcall
ed.Rethabi
l
e
reachedfort
hephoneandpicked.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hey
,kekont
le.Takwano.Obusy
?(Iam out
side.Comeher
e.Ar
e
y
oubusy
?”

“
No.
”

“
Takwano.(
Comeher
e.)
”

“
Eer
ra.
”

Hehungup.Ret
habi
l
est
oodup.
“
Myf
ri
endi
sher
etoseeme.
”

“
Ok.
”

Zazawalkedoutwi t
hher.Rethabi
lelookedatt
hebl ackAmarok
acrosst
heirhouse.Zazachuckledindisbel
i
efstar
ingatitt
oo.

“
Letmegoandsayhi
tomyper
son.He’
sher
eforme.Hewant
s
me.
”

Ret
habi
l
estaredasZazaconf
ident
lywal
kedover
.Herphone
st
art
edri
ngi
ngasZazawalkedoutthr
oughthegat
e.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Whatar
eyoust
andi
ngt
her
efor
?Takwano.
”

“
Zazasai
dyouwanther
,Idon’
twantt
o-“

“Rethabi
l
e,kar
etakwano.Yourcousi
nisf
orward,
whosaidIwant
her?Am Inother
eforyou?Bri
ngBatangr
etsamaye.(
Bri
ng
Batangsowecango.)”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#11

Zazawalkedtowar dsthedoorsmil
i
ng.Shetri
edt
oopenthedoor
buti
twasl ocked.Atangrol
leddownthewindowandl
ookedat
herhol
dinghisphone.

Zazasmi
l
ed.“
Hi.
..whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”

At
angl
ookedatt
hehouseandst
aredather
.“Ar
eyoucomi
ng?
”

“Ever
yoneisl
eav
ing.I
fIl
eave,peoplemightsteal.Zazaismy
cousi
n,shemetyoufi
rst
.Idon’twanthertothinkthat-
“

“
Whocar
eswhatshet
hinks?
”

“
Theyar
emyr
elat
ives.Mymot
heri
snother
eany
mor
e.”

Zazast
aredathi
m ashespokeonhi
sphone,
hist
onesof
t.

“
Ok,
Iwi
l
lwai
ther
e.”

“
Itmi
ghtt
akel
ong.
”

“
It
’sok.Iwi
l
lwai
t.
”

Hehungup.Zazasmi
l
ed.

“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Ar
eyoual
readygoi
ngback?
”

“
No.
”

“
Wel
lIam goi
ngnow.
”

“
Shar
p.”
“
Iknowy
ouar
eher
eforme,
whathappenedt
oyourper
son?
”

“
Whosai
dIam her
efory
ou?
”

Zazasmi
l
ed.“
Whodoy
ouknowher
eAgang?
”

“
That
’snoty
ourbusi
nessbuti
t’
snoty
ou.Saf
ejour
ney
.”

Heroll
eduphiswindowpr essi
nghi
sphone.Zazawai
tedforhi
m
tol
aughitoutunl
ockingthedoorbuthecar
ri
edonpressi
nghis
phoneasifhewasn’tseei
ngher.

Sheknockedont
hewi
ndow.“
Agang!
”

Shewal
kedroundt
hecarandknockedonhi
swi
ndow.Her
oll
ed
downhi
swindowandlookedather
.

Shesi
ghed.“
Whoar
eyouher
etosee?Youdon’
tknowany
one
her
eexpectme.
”

Heleanedbackfi
xi
nghiscapthensmil
edbri
efl
ylooki
ngdownon
hi
sphone.Helookedatheragai
n.Zazal
ookedathissmi
leand
smil
edback.

“
What
?Whodoy
ouknowexpectme?Ibr
oughty
ouher
e.”

“
Youaregoi
ngtomakemygi
rl
fr
iendt
hinkIact
ual
l
ywanty
ou
whenIr
eal
lydon’
t.
”

Zazal
aughed.“
Shei
snother
eaker
e?”

“
Shest
ayssomewher
eher
e,keemet
siene.
”

Ret
habi
l
ewalkedoutoft
hewithablackplast
icandst
art
ed
pi
cki
ngli
tt
erar
oundtheyar
dinalongdress.
“ThenwecanmeetkoGaborone.Whatshedoesn’
tknowwon’t
kil
lher
.Whenareyoul
eav
ing?Kanayouneverknowthefut
ure,
I
maybey ourt
ype.
”

“
No,
youar
enot
.”

Hersmi
ledi
sappear
edt
henshel
aughed.“
Iwasj
oki
ng,
Imeanas
f
ri
ends.
”

“Idon’
tdofemal
ebesti
esbecauseIdon’
texpectmygirl
tohave
one.Kedil
otsamasepahel
a.”Hetookouthiswal
letandhanded
heraP100note.

“
Cany
oupl
easehel
pherpi
ckl
i
tter
?”

Zazal
ookedatthemoneyandsmil
ed.“Shei
smycousin.Youmet
herl
astt
ime.Iwil
lhel
pher
,youdon’
thavetopayme.
”

“
Ok,
shar
p.”

Embarrassed,sheturnedandwalkedbacki
ntheyard.Shewasn’
t
evensurewhathadj usthappened.Ret
habi
l
elookedatthe
Amarokt henatZazawhost art
edhelpi
ngherpi
ckli
tter
.

“Thabi
,hav
eyouseent
hatcarbef
ore?Imeanbef
oreIcamewi
th
him.”

“
Ngng…”

“
Ok.
”

“
Ishewai
ti
ngf
ory
ou?
”

“
Notex
act
ly.Hei
sher
etoseesomeone.It
hinki
t’
sbusi
ness.
”

“
Ok.
”
Theyconti
nuedpi ckingl
it
terasmor epeoplelef
t.Al
mostanhour
l
ater,
Rethabil
efinishedcleani
ngthehousewhi l
eZazaputaway
theplat
es.Shelookedov eratthegate,hi
scarwasst i
l
lpar
kedat
thesamespot .Hermot herwalkedi
nt hekit
chen.

“
Wehav
etogo.Yourf
atheri
sal
lal
one.
”

“
Yourhusband?
”

“
Zachar
iah…”

“
Ma?Iam j
ustsay
ing.I
sn’
titt
ooear
lyt
oleav
eheral
one?
”

“Eveni fIst
ay,sheisnotchanginghermind.Ihavetogohome.I
knowsoonshewi l
lbecall
ingcryi
ngforhelp.Thi
swon’tl
ast.
Rethabi l
ewill
havetounder st
andthatshecan’tal
wayshaveither
way .Sheshouldappreciat
ewear eeventryingtosuppor
therand
herbr other
.”

Zazasi
ghed.“
Wecango.
”

Theywalkedout .Rethabil
estoodbyt hedoorwatchingthem get
i
nt hecarandrev erseout.Shelookedatwherecarsandpeopl e
hadbeen,itwasempt y.Eventheneighborshadl
eft.Shewat ched
heraunt’
scardr i
v eoff
.Herey esfellonthemuddygr ound.Tears
fi
ll
edherey es.

Shewal kedinsi
det hehouseandl ookedathermot her’
spictur
e
frameont hewall.Sheblinkedasshewonder edwhi chstepto
takenow.Shet ookoutt heringi
ngphoneandl ookedathi m
call
ing.

“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Pleasecomeher
e.”

“
Bat
angor
obet
si.(
Bat
angi
ssl
eepi
ng.
)”

“
Shoul
dIcomeandcar
ryhi
m?”

Sherubbedherey
es,
hervoi
ceshaking.“
No.Heisgoingtocry
agai
n.Idon’
tknowwhatt
otell
him.”Shesni
ffedhol
dinghercry
.“I
don’
twanttowakehi
m up…”

“
Thabi
…”

“Iwanttocr
y…ithur
ts.Myhear
thurt
s.Iwantt
owakeup.Iam
scared.
”Hervoi
ceshookevenmore.

“
Comet
ome.Come.
”

“
Peopl
ear
egoi
ngt
olook.
”

“
Pret
endt
heyar
enott
her
e.”

Shewal kedoutsideandwentt ohi

scart hengotin.Hi st i
nted
windowspr otect
edherf rom t
hest ar
es.At angadjustedhi sseat
thenpulledherov ersoshewoul dstr
addl ehim.Hewr appedhi s
armsar oundherhol dinghertightl
y.Rethabilecl
osedherey es,
her
headonhi schest .Hersilenttear
sslowlywethi st-shirt.Atang
kissedherforeheadhol dingherwar m body .Ti
mesl owl ywentby
ashehel dher.Hewasn’ tsurewhatexact lyhewasdoi ngbuthe
actual
lydidn’
tregr etbei
ngwi thher.Her ubbedherback.

“
Thabi
l
e..
”

Sherai
sedherheadandl
ookedather
,herey
esr
eddi
sh.Shewas
beaut
if
ul.
“
Rra?
”

Hewipedawayhert
ear
sthenki
ssedher
.Hecar
essedhercheek
babyki
ssi
ngher
.

“
Didy
ougett
heemer
gencypi
l
l.
”

“
No.Iwasscaredt
ogoinandbuy
.Youcangoandbuy
.Idon’
t
wantpeopl
eknowi
ngt
hatInowdothi
ngs.
”

Hi
shear
tski
ppedabeat
.“What
?”

“
Iwasscar
ed.
”

“
Soy
oudi
dn’
tbuyt
hepi
l
l?”

Sheshookherheadst
ari
ngathi
m.“
Icanst
il
lgeti
taker
e?”

“
Fuck!Whatt
hef
uckRet
habi
l
e?!Whatdi
dIt
ell
yout
odo?
”

“
Keneket
shaba…(
Iwasscar
ed.
)”

“
Buty
ouwer
enotscar
edt
obuyaphone,
why
?”

Shekeptquiet
.Heputhi
shandsonhi
sfacecur
singunder
neat
h
hi
sbreath.

“Myperi
odhadendedthedaybef
ore.I
twasmysaf
eper
iod.Iam
sor
ryIdi
dn’
tgeti
tbutIhavethemoney.
.”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#12

At
angparkedthecaratt
hepharmacyandsteppedoutoft
hecar
l
eavi
ngherbehind.Mi
nutesl
aterhewal
kedoverwit
hthepil
ls.

Hegrabbedabot
tom ofwat
erf
rom t
hebackseatandhandedi
tto
her
.

“
Dri
nk.
”

Hewat
chedherdr
inkt
hensi
ghed.“
Ifi
tdoesn’
twor
k,y
ouar
e
goi
ngt
obeamom. ”

“
Idon’
twantt
obeapar
enty
et.
”

“
Thenmay beyoushouldboughtt
hatpi
llRet
habi
le.Youdi
dn’
t
mindpeopl
etalki
ngaboutyouaft
eryouboughtt
hephoneakere?
”

“Maybeyoushoul
dnothav
etakenmyv
irgi
nit
yatt
hebackofy
our
carwit
hnocondom.”

Hel
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.“
Arey
ouhungr
y?”

“
No.
”

“
Isar
elat
ivet
aki
ngy
ouguy
s?”

“No.Iam donewit
hmyexams.Wear egoingtoremai
nathome.
Mamasai dweshouldnotbesepar
ated.Mybrot
herandIar
e
package.Ther
eisnotaki
ngoneandleavi
ngtheother
.”

“
Makessense.Buty
ouar
enotwor
king.
”
“Iam goingtosewandmakebasket
sful
lti
me.I
fitdoesn’
tpan
out,
Iwi l
llookf
orajob.
”

Hest
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveherbackhome.

“GoandtakeBat
ang.Iwanttotakeyouguy
ssomewher
e.What
doyouthi
nkweshouldcallourchi
ld?
”

“
Iam notpr
egnant
!”

Shesteppedoutoft hecarwhil
ehelaughed.Rethabil
ewal
kedin
thr
ought hegate.ShelookedatEl
angwhowasseat edbyt
he
Veranda.Elangstoodupandlookedatthecarthenatherf
riend.

“
Whati
shedoi
ngher
e?”

“
Hewasher
efort
hef
uner
al.
.”

El
anglookedatthecar.“
Andal
readyy
ouar
elet
ti
nghi
m dr
ivey
ou
ar
ound.WhereisBatang?”

Rethabi
l
eunlockedt
hedoorandwalkedi
n.Shewal
kedt
oher
room whil
eEl
angfol
lowedbehi
ndher.

“
Thabi
,thi
smanisnotgood.Soonar
oundpeopl
ewi
l
lbesay
ing
y
ouhavesugardaddy
.”

“Youdon’
tknowhim El
ang.Hei
sagoodman.Tatt
oosdon’t
defi
nehim.Heisapil
otandhei
sgoodathi
sjob.Oki
leatswa
modailynews.
”

“
Thenwhyi
sheaf
tery
ounothi
sagemat
es?
”

“
Ili
kehi
m.”

“
Soony
ouwi
l
lbepr
egnantandhewi
l
lleav
eyou.That
’swhatmen
l
ikehi
m do!Theywi
l
lhavesexwi
thy
out henl
eaveyou.Youwon’t
gotoUBandy ouwi
llr
emai
nheremotheri
ngafat
herl
esschi
ld.
”

Rethabi
lebitherlowerl i
pandl i
ft
edBatangwhowassl eepi
ng.
Shewal kedoutwi thhim asheslowlywokeup.At
angst eppedout
ofthecarthent ookhimf rom herar
msandputhim atthe
backseat.Rethabil
ewal kedbacktothehouseandlockedthe
door.Sheturnedt oElang.

“At
angisnotabadper
sonEl
ang.Iknowhescar
esy
oubuthei
s
notabadperson.
”

“
Yourmot
herj
ustpassedonandal
readyy
ouar
eyougoi
ngout
wi
thmen?
”

Ret
habi
l
elookedatherandsi
ghed.“
Wewi
l
ltal
klat
er.
”

Shewal kedtotheAmar ok.Atangopenedthedoorf orhert

hen
shegoti nwhil
eElangwat chedstandingbythegateinshock.He
j
umpedi nandkissedherbeforedriv
ingoff.Sheshookherheadin
disbel
i
efandcl appedonce.

Shet
ookoutherphoneandst
art
edt
ypi
ng.

Elang:YouaregoingthroughregretthisRet habi
le.Don’tsayI
didn’
twarnyou.Whatmakesy outhi
nkt hatt hi
smancanact uall
y
wantyouafteryoucat f
ishedhim?Hei splayingwithyoubecause
hehasseent hatyouar eeasyone.Wat choutmoghel ,nnanext
yearIam goi
ngt hroughv ar
sit
y.Idon’tknowabouty ou,youwi l
l
benursingababywhi leIam inGabs.Youj ustburiedyourmot her
,
youshouldbemour ni
ngnotchasingaf terdicks.

Shesentt
hemessageandwal
kedhome.
*
**

Zazaleanedbackinhermot
her’
scarholdi
ngherphone.She
thought
full
ytappedhi
snumberandcal
ledhim.

Hi
sphoner
angacoupl
eoft
imest
henhepi
cked.

“
Hey
…”

“Hi,
IhopeIdidn’
tcauseprobl
emsf
ory
ou.Idi
dn’
tknowy
our
gir
lf
riendst
aysaroundther
e.”

“
It
’sok.Shedi
dn’
tseeany
thi
ng.
”

“
Ok,
bye.
”

“
Arey
ouok?
”

“
Yes.By
e.”

Shehungupandl
eanedbackdel
eti
ngt
henumberaccept
ingt
he
l
oss.

*
**

I
nGabor
one,
Agangsati
nhi
scarandcal
l
edhi
sbr
other
.

“
Yah?
”

“
Whatdi
dyoudot
oZaza?
”
“
Not
hing.Mi
sterIhav
esomeonewi
thmegoshar
p.”

Agangl
aughed.“
Ican’
twai
ttomeett
hisone.
”

Atanghungup.Agangst
art
edt
hecart
ext
ingZaza.Hi
sphone
vi
brated,
hepi
ckedthecal
l.

“
Heybabe…”

“
Hi,
hel
eftf
orhi
str
ip.Iam comi
nghome.
”

“
Ok.
”

“Iam t
ell
ingyousoyouknowt hatIam coming.Idon’
twantto
fi
ghtwithyourdi
rt
ygir
lsbecauseIknowy oubringthem t
othat
house.
”

“
Babe,
ther
eisnoone.
”

“
Iam j
ustsay
ing.
”

“Saysthemar r
iedwoman.Cany oust opthis?Wambor aebil
e.I
f
youarelookingforafight,
don’tcomet omyhouse.Iam not
deali
ngwithstupidinsecuri
ti
estonight.Youknewwhaty ouwere
getti
ngyourselfi
ntowhenwef i
rstmet .IfuckwhoeverIwant
whenIwant ,samewayy ouletyouroldmanr i
deyou.Don’
tcome
withanatti
tudetomyhouse.Iwi l
lfucky ousohardy ouwi
llhat
e
me.”

Shekeptqui
etandsni
ff
ed.

“
Arey
oust
il
lcomi
ng?
”

“
Yes.
”Herv
oicewasnowqui
eter
.

“
Shar
p.”
“
Ilov
eyou.
”

“
Shar
p.”

Hehungupannoy
ed.

*
**

I
nShakawe,Atanghel
pedRethabi
l
eint
hespeedboathehad
hi
red.Shel
ookedatBatangwhowasnowawakeandallsmi
les.

At
angl
ookedather
.“Ar
eyougood?
”

Shenoddedsit
ti
ngdownsmi
li
ng.Bat
angst
oodbyt
hest
eer
ing
wheelhappi
l
y.Atangsmi
l
edathi
m.

“
Arey
our
eady
?”

“
Y-Y-
Yes!
”

Hesmil
edthentur
nedt
hekey.Rethabi
l
et ookadeepbr
eathas
t
heboatgentl
ymovedf
rom wheretheotherboat
swereparked.

Shetookadeepbr eat
hashepi lot
edthespeedboatwi
thBat
ang
whil
echatt
ing.Shelookedatthewatersar
oundthem andsl
owl
y
rel
axedasthewindbr ushedherski
n.

At
angt
urnedt
oher
.“Come…”

Shestoodupandwalkedov
er.At
angputheri
nfr
ontofhi
m and
huggedherf
rom behi
nd.

“
Hol
dthest
eer
ingwheel
.
”
Shetoucheditwhi
leBat
angwatchedexcit
edly.Ret
habi
l
egi
ggl
ed
gent
lynavigat
ingt
heboat.At
angkissedherneck.

“
Youar
egoodatt
his.
”

Shel
aughed.“
Don’
tleav
eme.
”

“
Iwon’
t.Iam r
ighther
e,Ipr
omi
se…”

SI
XMONTHSLATER….

.
Your
sTr
uly

#13

SI
XMONTHSLATER…

I
nShakawe,
besi
dest
her
oad,
Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
edt
alki
ngt
oawhi
te
l
ady
.

“Thi
ssli
ngbagismadewi thonl
ybeads.Iusedi
ff
erentki
ndsof
beadsal
sodif
ferentcol
orstocr
eat
ethedesign.
”

Thewhi
tel
adysmil
edhol
dingupthebag.“
Thi
sisgor
geous.How
l
ongdoesi
ttakey
outocr
eatesuch?”

“
Aday
.”

“
Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul.Howmuchagai
n?”

“
P350.
00.
”

“UhIdon’
thav
epul
asbutyoucant
aket
his…”Thel
adyt
ookout
$100.Ret
habi
l
esmil
edhappi
ly
.

“
Thanky
ousomuch.
”

“
Youdeser
vemor
efort
his.I
t’
sbeaut
if
ul.Thanky
ou.
”

Thewhi t
el adygotbacki
nhercarasRet
habi
l
eputt hemoneyi
n
herpurse.Anothercarst
opped.Twol
adi
essteppedoutand
walkedov er.

“
Hi.
.kebokae?(
Howmuchi
sit
?)”
Rethabi
lepoi
ntedatherembr
oider
ybeadneckl
aces.“
That
’sP250
each.ThebagsareP350each.Thebeadedt
opsareP350each
too.
”

Theotherl
adypi
ckedt
het
op.“
Nyaamma,
P350i
stoomuchf
or
j
ustthi
s.”

Herf
ri
endl
ookedov
er.“
Atl
eastP200.
”

“
KanammeIonl
yhav
eP150.
”

Ret
habi
l
elookedatt
hem.“
It
’sP350.
”

“That
’salot
.IknowsomeoneonFacebookwhosel
l
sthesef
or
P100.Shegetsthem f
rom Thai
l
and.
”

“
Imakemi
newi
thmyownhands.I
t’
sP350.
”

“
Noonewill
buytheseatsuchhi
ghpri
ces.Youpr
icel
ooki
ngat
y
ourcompeti
tor
spri
ces.Thi
scan’
tbeP350.”

Ret
habi
l
e’sphoner
ang.Shet
ooki
toutandpi
cked.

“
Hel
l
o?*

“Hi
,Ij
ustsawyourpageonFacebook.Yourt
hingsar
ebeaut
if
ul.
Doyoudodeli
veri
es?”

“
Notatt
hemoment
.”

“Ok,pl
easesendmedir
ect
ionst
owhereyouar
esel
l
ingfr
om.I
wantthebeadedt
oo,t
hebagandIsawyoumakeGermanPr
int
clot
hes.
”

“
Eemmabutf
ort
hoseIwor
konor
der
.”
“
Ok,
Iam comi
ng.Iam get
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
”

“
Lermesendy
out
hedi
rect
ions.
”

“
Ok.Thanky
ou.
*

Ret
habi
l
ehungupandl
ookedatt
het
wol
adi
es.

“
Thanky
ouf
orst
oppi
ngbyThabiDesi
gns.
.”

Theot
heroneoutdownt
het
op.Whaty
ouar
edoi
ngi
sthef
t.
”

Theladywhosoldtr
adi
ti
onalfoodbesi
desRethabi
l
elaughedas
theywalkedt
othei
rcar
.Rethabi
lel
aughedtoo.

“Fearsomeonewhocan’ taf
for
dsomet hi
ng.Theywi
llsayal
lthe
gibber
ish.Don’
ttheyknowpeopleact
uall
ybuywithnocomplaint
s?

Ret
habi
l
elaughed.“
Iam usedt
osuch.
”

“
NnammaIcan’tkeepquiet.Weareal
ltr
yingtomakemoney .I
woul
dnothav
ekeptquietthamma.Iwon’tbeinsul
tedbya
womanwhowearsdir
tywigsebil
eokareol ebetsi
gothapa.“

Ret
habi
l
elaughed.“
That
amma!
”

“Iam t
ell
i
ngy ou.Ihaveachil
dThabiandIstandinthesunthe
wholedaytoputf oodonthetabl
e.Iwon’
tletsomeonewith
yell
owpimplesinsultmebecauseoreki
leHondaf i
tyasecond
hand.”

Rethabi
l
eforwardedt
hedirect
ionst
oacustomer.Sheputaway
herphonesmil
ingasElangwalkedoverwi
thanumbrel
laoverher
head.

Shest
oodbesi
desThabi
l
eeat
ingherspi
cybi
l
tong.Sal
i
vaf
il
led
Ret
habi
l
e’smout
hasshesal
i
vat
edt
hebi
l
tong.

“
CanIpl
easehav
e…i
tsmel
l
sni
ce.
”

El
anggavet
heenti
repackett
oher.“
NnammaIwon’tbeabl
eto
st
andint
hesunthewholeli
kethi
s.I
’
drat
herdi
eshem.”

Ret
habi
lesmi
ledeat
ing.“
Iam sav
ingenought
otakeBat
angwi
th
whenIgotov
arsi
ty.
”

“Whyshoul
dhestaywit
hyouwhenyouraunti
sal
i
ve?Shewi
l
l
staywi
thhi
m.Youraunti
sinGabor
oneakere?
”

“
Ngng,
shest
aysi
nMol
epol
ole.
”

“Hewi l
lstaywit
hher .Whyshouldyoutakehi m?Gabor oneli
feis
expensive.Heisgoingtoneedananny , gapeki
dsi nGaborone
carrysnackstoschool.Gaboronel
i
f eisexpensive.Youcan’tstay
withachi l
dwheny ouarealsonewt here.Kidsgetkidnappedtoo.
”

Ret
habi
l
esi
ghed.“
Youdon’
tunder
standEl
ang…”

“Iunderst
andThabi buty oucan’
tlethim suff
erwhenyoucanget
help.Iunder
standthaty ouwanttost aywithhim nowbuti
magine
wheny ouaref i
ghti
ngtocompl eteassignment sandot
herthi
ngs.
Heneedsapr operguardian.
”

Rethabi
l
esighedfini
shi
ngthebi
lt
ong.El
angl
ookedatRet
habi
l
e’s
chubbycheckthenherneckr
oll
s.

“
Youar
esof
att
heseday
s.”

Ret
habi
l
epausedchewi
ngandl
ookedather
.“Ng?
”

“
Youar
esof
at.Youl
ookwayol
dert
hany
ourage.Youneedt
o
exer
cise.I
magi
negoi
ngt
oUBl
i
ket
his.Youneedt
odr
opeat
ing
toomuch.”

“
Ihav
eal
way
sbeenl
i
ket
his.
”

“Yesbutyouneedt
olosewai
tThabi
.Youlookli
keahi
ppo.You
can’
tbefatinhi
ghschool
andal
soatUniv
ersit
y.”

That’
slookedover
.“Sheisnotf
at.Shei
sthi
ckandbeaut
if
ul.Why
shoul
dshel osewei
ght?”

El
anglookedather
.“Iwasnott
alki
ngt
oyou,
Iwast
alki
ngt
omy
fr
iend-
“

“
Idon’
tcar
e,Iam t
alki
ngt
oyou.Whatki
ndofaf
ri
endar
eyou?
”

Ret
habi
l
elookedatThat
a.“
That
a-“

Elangl
aughed.“Don’
tyouhav
eachil
dtothi
nkabout
?Thamma
knowyourtargetmarket
.Ahi
ghschool
dropouti
snoti
nmy
l
eague.”

“Youar eatoxicfriend.Formei t
’sthef actthatyouthinkyouar e
allthatbuty ouar enot hing.Don’tbr agt ooloudaboutUBbabe
becausedon’ tforgety ouar etheoneher egoingwithaverage
grades.Imayhav edr oppedoutt woy earsbackbutIpassedwi t
h
allB’s,Thabi i
sgoi ngwi thst r
aightA’ sandwenawasdi DandC’ s
standher et olookdownonmebecauseIhav eachild?Don’tlet
thef actthatIhav eachi l
dgeti ntoyourheadsomucht hatyou
thinky oucant alktar getmar ketwithmesweet y,y
ouar eallface
andnobr ains.Don’ ttryme, Iam nott hattypeyouwal kover,Iwil
l
mopt hef l
oorwi t
hy ourblackbut t.
”
Ret
habi
l
e’sphoner
ang,
shest
eppedbackpi
cki
ng.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“Hey
,it
’sFar
ai.Iam br
ingi
ngacust
omert
oyouwhowasabag.
Areyouhomeorbyt heroad?
”

“
Iam att
her
oad.
”

“
Ok,
Iam comi
ng.
”

Ret
habi
l
el ookedatEl
ang.“
Thabi
,ar
eyougoi
ngt
olethert
alkt
o
meli
kethat?”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“
Youknowwhat
,it
’sok.Cl
ear
lyIam notwant
edher
e.Shar
p
mma.
”

Sheangri
lywalkedaway.Rethabi
l
esadl
ylookedatherasshe
walkedaway.Thatasi
ghed.

“
Iam sor
rybutIcan’
tst
andy
ourf
ri
end.
”

“
Peopl
emi sunder
standher
.El
angi
snotabadf
ri
end.Shei
sjust
l
i
kethat
.”

“
Sheli
kesatt
enti
on.Shewon’
tgeti
tfr
om me.Byt
heway
,you
l
ookbeaut
if
ul.Il
i
keyourdr
ess.
”

“
Imadei
t.
”

“
It
’spr
ett
y.Iwi
shIcoul
dsewsoIcanmakeboysomecl
othes.
”

“
Icandoi
t.Ihav
esomemat
eri
al.
”

“
Thammar
eal
l
y?”
“
Yes.
”

Acarst
opped.Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
edasshewal
kedov
er.

“
Hi,
wespokej
ustnow.Mynamei
sYaone.
”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Ret
habi
l
e…”

“UhIwantt hebag,thetopandt henecklace.Ialsowantadr essI

willwearformytraditi
onalwedding.Isawy ourotherpictur
eson
yourFacebookpage. ”Yaoneunlockedherscr eenandshowedher .
“Seewhaty oumadeher e…Iwantmi nesli
ghtlydif
ferent.Iwant
minewi t
hl acear
msandal soi
tshouldbeaf i
taandf l
aretypeof
dress.
”

“
Icandot
hat
.Icandoasketchandsendi
ttoy
ou.Fornowl
etme
j
ustt
aket
hemeasurement
s.”

“
Ok.
”

Ret
habi
l
etookhermeasur
ement
sthenwr
otet
hem downbef
ore
pi
cki
ngoutt
hethi
ngsshewant
ed.

“
Ther
e..
”

Yaonepaid.“
ThankyousomuchThabi
.Pl
easesendt
hesket
ch.I
am l
eavingShakawetomor
rowwi
thmyman.Wewer eher
e
vi
sit
ing.
”

“
Eemma,
Iwi
l
lsend.
”

Yaonesmi l
edthenwal kedtothecar.Shegotinanddroveoffj
ust
asFaraiparkedhi
sbr other
’ssi
nglecabIsuzu.Hesteppedout
wit
hal adythenwalkedt oThabi
lesmili
ng.
“
Hey
…Ibr
oughty
ouacust
omer
.”

Thabi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Dumel
ang…”

“
Hi,
yourt
hingsar
ebeaut
if
ul.CanIhav
ethebagpl
ease.
.”

“
Yes,
keP350.
”

Shesoldt
heback.Thel
adysmi
l
edt
henl
ookedatFar
ai.“
Thank
you.By
e…”

“
Bye.
*

Shewal
kedaway
.Far
ail
ookedather
.“Hey
…howi
sbusi
ness?
”

“
Good.
”

“
Icansee,
moneyi
smaki
ngy
oul
ookgood.
”

Ret
habi
l
elaughed.“
Thesuni
smaki
ngmedar
ker
.”

“
Act
ual
l
yno.Youst
il
ll
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”

“
Youar
ely
ing!
”

Far
ail
aughed.“
Iam t
ell
i
ngy
ou.Ar
eyoust
il
lsel
l
ing?
”

“
Ngng,
Iwaswai
ti
ngf
ort
hatl
ady
.Ihav
etogohomenow.
”

“
Letmehel
pyou.Iwi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
f.
”

‘
’
Thanky
ou.
”

Faraihelpedherpackwhil
etheylaughedchatt
ing.Heput
every
thinginthecarthenopenedthedoorforher.Ret
habi
le
tur
nedandwav edatThata.

“
Bye…”
“
ByeThabi
.”

Thabigoti
nt hecarthatl
ookedli
keitwasol
derthanher.Hel
if
ted
thedoorsl
ightl
yupandpushedi ttocl
osemakingaloudsound.
Hewalkedroundt hecarandjumpedin.Her
eversedthemanual
carandjoi
nedt heroad.

Farai
stol
eglancesatherashedr
oveherhome.Hest
oppedt
he
carbyatuckshop.

“
Iam comi
ng.
”

Hejumpedout
.Secondsl
aterhegotbacki
nhol
dingapacketof
Si
mbachipsandcoke.

“
Take…y
oupr
obabl
yhadal
ongday
.”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
It
’sok.
”

Rethabi
leopenedtheSimbachi
psandst ar
tedeati
ng.Hechanged
thegearsanddroveherhome.Far
aiparkedthecarinf
rontoft
he
housejustasRethabi
l
eopenedthecoke.

“
Wher
eisBat
ang?
”

“
Int
hehouse.Itol
dhimtostayinthehouseoncehecomesback
f
rom school
.Hedoesn’
topenforanyonewhoisnotme.
”

Shesippedhercoke.Farail
ookedather,shewassobeaut
if
ul,
her
presenceal
waysmadehi m ner
vous.Ret
habil
etur
nedt
ohim and
smiledmakinghi
m smi l
eback.

“
Iam goi
ngt
oMaunt
omor
row.Iam del
i
ver
ingt
wocof
fi
ns.Ther
e
i
samov i
ethatj
ustcameout,
Iwaswonderingi
fmaybeyoucan
comewit
hme, wewill
watchi
tint
heaft
ernoonthencomeback.
Justt
ocel
ebrat
ehowf ary
ouhavecome.
”

“
Ihav
enev
erbeeni
naci
nema.
”

Faraismi
l
ed.“
Met
oo.ButIam sur
eitwi
l
lbeni
ce.Pl
easesay
yes.”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Iwoul
dli
ket
hat
.”

Far
aismi
l
edwil
dly
.“Youwon’
tregr
eti
t.Ipr
omi
se.Theysai
dit
’sa
ni
cemovi
e.Iwi
l
lbehereear
lymorni
ng.”

“
Ok.
”

“
Letmehel
pyouwi
thy
ourt
hings.
”

Hegotoutoft
hecarandcarr
iedherthi
ngstotheVer
anda.He
wal
kedandopenedthedoorf
orher.Rethabi
l
egotoff
.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Far
ainodded.Shesmi
l
edt
henwal
kedt
othedoor
.Sheknocked
onthedoor.

“
Bat
ang!Bat
ang!
”

Bat
angunlockedthedoorandthebur
glar
.Ret
habil
eturnedand
wavedatFaraiwhosmiledwav
edback.Shecarr
iedherthi
ngs
i
nsi
deandl ockedthedoor.

*
**
Faraidroveoffsmil
ingal
one.Heparkedatt
hehouseheshar
ed
withhisbr ot
herandjumpedoutoft
hecar.Hewal
kedinsi
de,
his
brotherlookedathi
m.

“
Andt
hen?
”

“
Shesai
dyes.
”

“Iheardherboyf
ri
enddrivesanAmar ok.Ihopeyouarenotset
ti
ng
yoursel
fforaheart
break.Il
ikeRethabil
e,sheisagoodgi
rlbut
sheseesy ouli
keafri
end.Don’thurtyoursel
f.
”

“Iwi
llseeal
lthatwhenIgett
here.Iam t
aki
ngherwit
htomor
row.
Thatguyisnotmarri
edtoher.Sheisnotmarr
ied.
”

Theol
derbrotherl
ookedathi
m andsi
ghedcooki
ngpapont
he
par
aff
inst
ov e.

Far
ail
aidont
hecouch,
asmi
l
est
il
lonhi
sface.

*
**

Lat
erthatev
eni
ngjustaft
ermidni
ght
,Ret
habi
l
e’sphoner
ang
waki
ngherupfrom hersl
eep.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hey
…”

Herey
essnappedopenashespoke.Shel
ookedatt
hecal
l
erI
D
andsmi
l
ed.

“
Att
ie…”

“
Opent
hedoor
.Iam out
side.
”

Shegotof fbedandwal kedtothedoor.Sheunl

ockeditt
hedoor
thenthebur gl
arbarandlookedathiminhisworkuni
form.She
hadnev erseenhiminhiswor kunif
orm buthel
ookedsogood.It
fi
thim perfect
lyl
ikeitj
ustmadef orhi
m.

Heopenedhi sar
ms, Rethabi
let
ookastephuggi
nghimtight
ly.
Atangwrappedarmsar oundherki
ssi
ngherneck.Hest
epped
backsl
ightl
yandkissedher .

“
Imi
ssedy
ou…”

Shesmi
ledshy
lyst
il
li
nhisar
ms.“Imi
ssedy
out
oo.It
houghtI
wasgoi
ngtoseeyounex
tweek.
”

“
Iknow…Icoul
dn’
tfl
youtagai
nwi
thoutseei
ngy
ou.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#14

Rethabi
lesmil
ed.Thel astti
meshehadseenhim hadbeenover
threeweeksback.Atanglookedi
nsi
dethehouse,hi
seyesfal
l
ing
onhermot her
’spict
ureframe.Hebabyki
ssedhersqueezi
ngher
breast
.

“
Let
’sgot
othecar
.Lockt
hedoor
.”

Shetookthekeysfrom i
nsi
dethehousethenlockedandwalked
wit
hhimt othecar.Heopenedthedoorf
orherandwat chedas
sheapproached.Shecl
imbedinthenhej
oinedherandclosedthe
doorstar
ingather.

Hesmiledandpi ckedherupthenpl
acedheronhislap.Herni
ght
dressr
odeov er.Atangl
ookedatherbi
gbreast
sandt ouched
them.Hegentlymassagedont opofherni
ghtdressthenhe
pull
editdown.

Atangleanedov
erandki
ssedherneck.Shecl
osedhereyesas
herpanti
esgotdamp.At
angkissedl
ipsandsmil
ed.“Howis
work?”

Rethabi
lesmil
ed.“Peopl
elov
ethebeadwork,
especi
all
ywhi
te
people,
theyevenpayextr
afort
hepieces.
”

Hesmi
l
edback.“
That
’sgoodbabe.Youar
enai
l
ingt
his.
”

“
Isawhemoneyy
ousentt
ome.Thanky
ou.
”

At
angcont
inuedpl
ayi
ngwi
thherbr
east
sthenl
aidherdownand
tookofftheni
ghtdr
ess.Hel
ookedathercar
toondr
awn
underwear.

“
Babe,
doy
ouact
ual
l
ygot
otheshopsandbuyt
hesepant
ies?
”

Sheshookherhead.“
Imaket
hem.Why
?”

Hel
ookedatt
hecar
toonchar
act
eroni
t.“
Theyar
eni
ce.
”

Shesmi led.Hepulleditoutandgotont opofherkissingherwhil

e
touchingher.Rethabil
et ookadeepbreathasheunzi ppedhis
pants.Her ubbedhimsel fonherwet.Rethabilemoanedsoftly
mov ingherwaistunder neathhi
m.Sheunbut tonedhi
sshirtthen
helpedhimt akeitofffoll
owedbyhiswhi t
ev est.

Hekissedherandpushedhi
sdi
cki
nsi
de.Herkukusl
owl
y
st
ret
chedoutforhi
m.

Ret
habil
eputherhandonhischestf
li
nchi
ng.At
angrubbed
hi
mselfonherandheldherwai
stashepushedinagai
n.

“
Awww…At
ang…”

Herli
tt
lekukuhuggedhi
mti
ght
ly.Hegr
unt
edi
nherearsqueezi
ng
herbody.

“
Ahhshi
t!
”

Hepushedi nhalfofitkissi
ngherneckt henhesl owlybegun
t
hrusti
ngwi t
honl yhalfhisdick.Herkukumassagedhi sweapon
makinghim gruntandqui veront opofher .Shefeltsoogoodor
wasitthefactthatithadbeent hreeweekst houghwhenev erhe
madelovetoher ,shef el
tevent ight
er.

Shesl
owl
ymov
edherhandsf
rom hi
schestmoani
ng.At
ang
kissedherl i
psandpushedther
estofhi
slengt
hdeepinsi
dewit
h
asi nglethr
ust.Shepi
nchedhi
m cl
osi
nghereyes,
hefeltmor
e
thanj ustdeep.

“
Atang!
”

Hekissedherenjoyi
ngt heti
ghtnessandwar mth,i
talwaysf
elt
gooddeepinsideher.Heslowlyeasedoutt henpushedhimsel
f
backinsi
deagain.Rethabil
etri
edtomov ebackbutt her
ewasno
spacetomov ebacktowi thherheadagainstthedoor.

Hekissedherwhil
emovinghi
swaisttappi
ngal
lhercorners.She
gotevenwett
erthemorehesankin.Herbodyr
elaxedadjusti
ng
tohisdi
ck.Heputherl
egsonhisshoulder
sandgentlydr
ill
ed
fi
ll
i
ngherwithhi
sdick.

Rethabi
lemoanedatt hepleasur
e,shelookedathimthencl
osed
hereyesasthepleasuredoubledup.Hei ncr
easedhi
space
groani
ng.Hi
sphoner angfrom thefrontseatasshecl
osedher
eyesspasming.

Atangsl
ammedhimsel
finsi
deacoupl
esmor
eti
mest
henst
il
led
rel
easi
nghi
sseedsi
nsi
de.

Shelookedathi
m breat
hingheav
il
y.Hegotof
fhert
henr
eached
forhi
sphoneandpicked.

“Yeah…youfoundsomeone?….Ok,howl ongwill
sheitt
ake?…
Ok,askher…Iwil
lsendt
hemoneytoy ou, howmuchdoy ou
need?.
..Ok,
met oo.
”Hedroppedt
hecall.Rethabi
lel
ookedathi
m.

“
Whowast
hat
?”
“
Noonei
mpor
tant
.”

“
Whatwer
eyousay
ingmet
oot
o?”

At
angl
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”

“
Whatwer
eyousay
ingmet
oot
o?”

“
Babe…don’
tdot
his.Canwenotgodownt
hatr
oad?
”

Shelookedathi
m andsatupr
ightpi
cki
nghernight
dress.At
ang
si
ghedandhandedherhisphone.Shel
ookedatthelastcal
l
er
whichwashismother
.Shegavebirt
hhisphone.

“
Iwasj
ustaski
ngwhoy
ouwer
etal
ki
ngt
o.I
fIam notsupposed
t
oask,
sayso.”

Atangkissedher
.“Ormaybeyouj
usthav
etot
rustme.Whywoul
d
Icheatony oui
nfrontofy
ou?
”

Shelookeddownsli
ght
lyembar
rassed.At
angt
il
tedherchi
nand
ki
ssedhertaki
ngtheni
ghtdr
essfrom her
.

Meanwhi l
e,Rethabi
le’
sneighborwhowasst andi
ngbyt hewindow
star
edatt hecarparkedinfrontoft
hehousewi t
hRethabil
einsi
de.
Shecouldn’tseeanythi
ngthoughsheknewsomet hi
ngwas
happeninginthatcar.Sheclappedherhandsandwal kedtoher
daughter’
sroom.

“
Mav i
s,Ret
habi
le’
sricholdmanisher
e.Ican’
tbel
i
ev et
hischi
l
d.
Hermother
’sbodyissti
ll
warm andal
readyshebr
ingsmeninthe
yar
d.”

Mavislookedathermother
.“Mama,
goandsl
eep.Youar
e
di
sturbi
ngme.LetRethabil
ebe.
”
“
It
sv er
ydisr
espect
ful
.Iam goi
ngt
otel
lhert
omor
row.Ican’
t
watchthi
sbehavi
orgoon.”

Mav
iscl
osedherey
esandt
urnedt
heot
herdi
rect
ioni
gnor
ingher
mot
her.

*
**

Thefoll
owi
ngmor ni
ng,Far
aiparkedtheIsuzubythegatethen
l
ookedattheblackAmarokparkedintheyard.Hetookadeep
breat
handsteppedoutofhiscarthenhewal kedovert
othedoor
passi
ngthecar.

Heknockedont
hedoorandwai
ted.

I
nsi
det
heAmarok,
Ret
habilewokeupasFar
aical
l
edhername.
At
angwokeupt
ooandlookedather
.

“
Who’
sthat
?”

“
Myf
ri
end.
”

“
Whatf
ri
end?
”

Ret
habi
l
epickedhernightdressandouti
ton.“
Theonet
hatmade
mymother
’scoff
in.Far
ai.Ihadagreedt
ogotoMaunwit
hhim so
wecangot
otheCi
nema.
”

“
Youagr
eedt
owhat
?”

Shel
ookedathi
m.“
He-
“

“Idon’thav
efemalef
ri
ends.Idon’
tbel
i
evei
nsuchf
ri
endshi
psand
Idon’tli
kesuchf
ri
endshi
ps.”

“
Far
aii
s-“

“
Idon’tgiv
eaf uck.HecanbeJesusforal
lIcar
e.Idon’
tli
keit.I
wi
llbeyourfr
iendifyouwantafr
iend.Youarenotgoi
ngtohav e
makemal efr
iendsasfarasyouarewithme.Stayher
e,Iwil
ltal
k
t
ohim. ”

“
Atang-
“

Heputonhi
spantsandst
eppedoutoft
hecarshi
rt
less.Far
ai
t
ookadeepbreat
hashewalkedover
.

“
Sur
elai
taka…”

“
Eit
a..
”

Atangl
ookedoveratIsuzupar
kedatt
hegat
ethenwhi
stl
ed.“
My
fat
herst
il
lhast
hat.”

Far
aismi
l
ed.“
Thecari
sal
egend.
”

“
Tel
lmeabouti
t.At
ang…”

“
Far
ai.
”

“
Farai
lai
taka,Iam goi
ngtobestr
aightwi
thy
ou, what
ever
f
ri
endshi
pt hi
ngyouhav egoi
ngonwithmygi
rlIdon’
tli
kei
t.AndI
wantitt
ostop.Unlessyouareherr el
ati
vewhi chIam sur
eyou
notsoIwantittostop.Remaj i
taandIam sur eyouunderst
and
whereIam comingfrom.Iknowy ouprobabl
yl i
keher,
Idon’
t
bl
amey ou,
shei saprettyt
hing.Buttheprobl
em i st
hatsheis
mineandIdon’tli
kepredat
orsar oundmyper son.”

Far
ait
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Iunder
stand.
”

“
Sur
elai
taka.
.”Theybumpedshoul
der
s.Far
ait
urnedandwal
ked
t
ohi
scaranddr oveof
f.

At
anggotbacki
nthecar
.Ret
habi
l
elookedathi
m.

“
Whatdi
dyousayt
ohi
m?”

“
Iendedthefr
iendshi
p.Iam notgoi
ngt
oent
ert
ainbohe’
sjustmy
f
ri
end.I
tdoesn’tworkl
iket
hatwithme.
”

“
Iam noty
ourex.
”

Atangkissedher
.“IknowbutIj
ustdon’
tli
kei
t.That
’sj
ustme
babe.Samewayy ouhaveaproblem wi
thmesayingmetoo.
”

Shesmiled.“
Ijustwant
edt
oknowwhower
etal
ki
ngt
o.That
’sal
l
.
Atang…?
”

“
Yeah?
”

“
Whydon’
tyouev
ersl
eepi
nthehouse?
”

Helookedather
.“Idon’
twantt
odisr
especty
ourmot
herl
i
ket
hat
.
I
tfeel
slikeshei
slooki
ngatme.”

“
Isi
therpi
ctur
efr
amei
nthesi
tt
ingr
oom?Icanmov
eit
.”

“
It
’snotherpi
ctur
efr
amebabe,
keepi
t.ThedayImar
ryy
ou,
Iwi
l
l
sl
eepi
nthehouse.Ipr
omi
se.
”

Hisphonest
artedr
ingi
ngagai
n,Ret
habi
l
elookedatt
heCal
l
erI
D
asYaonecal
led.

Heanswered.“
Hi,Iwi
llt
alkt
oyoul
ater
….IsaidIwil
ltal
kt oyou
l
ater
…Iwillcal
lyou…ok.
”Hehungupthenkissedherholdingher
i
nhisarms.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#15

At
angsqueezedRet
habi
l
e’sbr
east
,shef
li
nchedpushi
nghi
shand
of
f.

“
It
’spai
nful
.”

Hesmi
l
edandki
ssedher
.“Sor
ry.
”

Hemov
edhi
shandt
oherbel
l
yandr
ubbedi
tgent
lywhi
l
esmi
l
ing.

“
Igoty
outhosebi
gumbrel
l
assot hatyouar
enotunderthesun
t
hewholedayatt
her
oadsincey
our ef
usedapropershop.
”

“Idi
dn’tr
efuse.Ij
ustwant
edsomewher
ewher
eIcangett
he
exposureIneed.”

“Iwantyoutolearnhowtodr
ive.Youshoul
dgetadri
ver
’sl
icense.
Youcanst ar
tatthedri
vi
ngschool,howmanymonthsdoyou
haveti
ll
y oustar
tatUB?”

“
Thr
eemont
hs.
”

“
Ist
her
eadr
ivi
ngschool
aroundher
e?”

“
Yes.
”

“Ok,wear egoi
ngtor
egi
steryoutoday,i
fyouareafastl
ear
ner
,
youwoul dbedri
vi
ngbef
oreyoustartschool
.Iam goi
ngtopay
him ext
ratomakesureyougetthebest.

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
Byt
heway
,wher
edoesy
ouruncl
eli
ve?
”

“
Hestaysi
nOr
apa.Mymot
her
’suncl
eist
heonet
hatst
aysi
n
Maun.
”

“
Maunwher
e?”

Ret
habi
l
elookedathi
m.At
angki
ssedher
.

“
Ijustwantt
oknow.
”

Shel
ookedathi
m andt
oldhi
m.At
angnodded.

“
Iwantt
ot akeyououtf
orshoppi
ngtoday.Maybey
oucanal
sodo
y
ourhai
rthoughIhadsentyoumoneyforthat
.”

Sheshy lysmil
ed.“
Batangneedednewschoolshoesandanew
bag.Iboughthim aschoolshi
rtt
henIboughthim abi
kesothat
hewon’ thavetobegotherchi
l
drenfort
hei
rbikes.Themoneygot
fi
nished.”

“
Whydi
dn’
tyousayany
thi
ng?
”

“
Idon’
twanttofi
nishy
ourmoney.Theoney
ouar
elef
twi
thaf
ter
t
hebanktakest
heonef ort
hel
oan.”

Atanglookedatherandsmil
ed.“Iwi
l
ljustdri
nkwat
er.Asl
ongas
youaregood.Iwanttotel
lyousomething.
”

“
What
!”

“
Remembermyex?Theonet
hatcheat
edonme?
”

Ret
habi
l
e’shear
tski
pped.“
Yes.
”

“
Whenwebr
okeupIhadal
readypai
dmagadi
.Wewer
egoi
ngt
o
getmar
ri
ed.
”

“
Ok.
”

“Icaughtherwit
hhercolleaguewhowasi ntr
oducedt omeasa
gayguyt hat
’swhyIjustneverhadaproblem wi thit
.Hedidn’
t
appeargaytomebutIdi dn’treadmuchintoitbecauseIhadbeen
withthiswomanf or3yearsandwewer ehappy .Ihadfl
ownout
toSAandIwasgoi ngthr
oughcomebackt hef oll
owingdaybut
therewasachangeofpl ans,Ihadtofl
ythepr esidenttoMaunso
Ihadt ocomeback.”

“
ThePr
esi
dent
?”

Helookedather
.“Iam api
lotbabebutj
ustnoty
ourordi
narypil
ot.
Iam amili
tar
ypi
lot.It
oldy
ouwheny ouweresti
l
lfaki
ngident
it
y.”

“
Youar
easol
dier
?”

“
Iwasapilotfi
rst
.Istudiedabr
oad.Icoul
dn’tfi
ndjobsoIwent
i
ntomil
it
ary.Thatwasf ortwoyear
s.Theyli
kedmeenoughsoI
j
oinedt
heS.W.A.Tteam butIam onlycal
l
edi fnecessar
y.”

Shel
ookedathi
m conf
used.“
What
?”

“Wit
hconnecti
onsandall,
Igotajobasami li
tar
ypilotbut
sometimesIam alsoj
ustyouror
dinarypil
ot.Ifl
ythepresi
dent
sometimestoo.Someti
mesIam par tofhi
ssecur i
ty,t
hat’
sif
necessar
y.”

“
Sowhatar
eyou?
”

“
Iam ahust
li
ng.That
’sal
lyouneedt
oknow.
”

“
Doy
ouev
enhav
ebankl
oans?Youpr
obabl
ymakeal
otof
money
.”

Hel
ookedi
nherey
es.“
NoIdon’
thav
eloans.
”

“
Ist
hatwhyy
oucanj
ustr
andoml
ysendme1kperweek?
”

“
Iwanty
outohav
eevery
thi
ngyouneed.Iam aprovi
der
.That
’s
t
heki
ndofmanIam.Youneedtogetusedtothat
.”

“
Whydon’
ttoi
nvestt
hatmoney
?”

Atangsmi ledandki ssedher .“Li

sten…Ihadt oflybackt hesame
dayIhadf lownoutbecauset hefoll
owingdayear lymor ningIwas
goingthroughf lythepresidenttoMaun.It houghtitwoul dbea
greatsurprisetomyexandt hat’
swhenIwal kedinonherwi t
hher
gaycol l
eaguef uckinginmyhouse.Il osti
tandst abbedt hem
boththought heydi dn’
tdie.Sheconv incedherboy fr
iendt osay
somet hi
ngel sesot hatinreturnIletthem conti
nuewi ththeir
rel
ati
onshipi npeace. ”

Ret
habi
l
eswal
l
owedl
i
steni
ng.

“Shecal
l
edmel astweek,i
tseemsherboyfr
iendwasi
nvol
vedi
n
someshadydeali
ngsandhewasar r
estedsoshewasaski
ngfor
somemoneytohel pbai
lhi
m out.
”

“
Youst
il
ltal
ktoher
?”

“
No.Shecal
l
edme.
”

“
Andwhatwi
l
lyoubeget
ti
ngi
nret
urn?
”

“
Not
hing.Shesai
dshewi
l
lpayi
tback.
”

“
Whyar
eyout
ell
i
ngmeal
lthi
s?Dowhaty
ouwantwanty
our
money
.”

Ret
habi
l
ereachedf
orherni
ghtdr
essandputi
ton.

“Iam tel
li
ngyoubecausey ouaremygi r
lf
ri
endandIbeli
evei
n
transpar
ency.Iwantyoutobeont hesanepageasIam.Youj ust
don’tgetupsetbecauseIam t
ell
ingyouwhathappened.Iam j
ust
goinghonest.Ify
oudon’tli
kesomething,yousayi
t.
”

“Idon’tl
ikethatyousti
llt
alktoyourexgi r
lf
riends.Ialsodon’tli
ke
howy oucomeher etofuckmei ny ourcarl
ikeIam apr ost
it
ute.I
don’tl
ikeit.I
tmakesmef eelcheap.Ifwecan’ tdoitli
kenormal
peoplethenlet’
snotdoi tatall
.It
’suncomf ort
ableint hecar.You
aretheonl ymanIhav ebeenwi t
hbutIdon’ tthinki
t’ssupposedt o
belikethis.Whydoy ouevendot hat?”

“Iwi
llchange.Iam sorr
y.Ididn’
treal
i
zebutnowIknow.Iwil
l
bookusi ntoalodge.Iwon’ttal
ktoherany
more.Ipr
omise.I
s
ther
eany thi
ngelseIshouldchange?”

“
No.
”

Heputheronhi
slapt
henl
i
ftedherdr
essandr
ubbedhercl
i
t.

“Ok.Idon’tl
i
keyourpanties.Theyar
enicebutIdon’
tli
kethem on
you.Itmakesmef eel
asi fIam havi
ngsexwithatenyearold.
Thepant i
esareni
cebutsomeonewhocanr ideadick,
Idon’t
thi
nky oushoul
dweart hose.”

Hekissedherandmov edherupsl
ight
ly.Ret
habil
elookedathi
m
f
eel
ingitatherent
rance.Heslowl
yloweredherdownoni t
.

Hel
ookedi
nherey
es.“
Ilov
ehowy
ouar
egoodaty
ourhust
le.I
am i
mpr essed.Il
ovehowy ouarefocusedanddet er
mi ned.Ilove
howy ouloveyourbrotherandalwaysincludehiminev eryt
hing
youdo.Ilovejusthowmuchy ouarebeaut i
fulandsoftandthick.
Youaresobeaut if
ul.AndIloveyou.Ialsolovethi
s….Lookat
your
self.
”

Ret
habi
lelookedathi
sdicksl
i
dingi
n.Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
hand
l
ookedathim,herl
ipssl
i
ghtl
ypart
ed.

At
angki
ssedherandt
ookof
fthedr
ess.

“Idon’tli
kebeingpushedorl imit
edwhenIwanti t.Iwanttoenjoy
youwi thouthavingtobegf oranyt
hing.Phy si
caltouchismyf i
rst
l
ov elanguage.Ijustdon’tlov
ethisbutIneedi ttothinkpr
operly,
todistress.Il
i
kecel ebr
atingwiththi
s.IfIam sad, t
rustme…sex
willmakemehappy .I
fIam mad, sexwi l
lcalm medown.I fIam
alr
eadyhappy ,itwil
l makemehappi er.
”

Hegentl
ymov edunder
neat
hher
.Heki
ssedhersl
owl
ymov
ing
under
neathher.

“Itwil
ltakey ouawhiletoreall
yknowmeev erypar
tofmebutI
needy outoknowt hi
s…forme, sexi simportanti
nthe
relat
ionshi
p.I t
’supther
ewi thfaithfulness,
honestyandloy
alty
.
Sexdoesn’ tboreme.Iam t el
li
ngy out hi
ssoy ouknowbabe.In
thefuture,youshouldsti
ll
knowIt hi
nkaboutsexal otandIlove
tohav esex.Ok? ”

Shenoddedmoani
ngashegav
ehersl
owdeepst
rokes.

“
Tal
ktome…”

“
Iunder
stand.
”
Hesmi l
edandki
ssedherser
vinghersl
owly.Hesqueezedherand
suckedherni
ppl
egentl
y.Ret
habil
erubbedhisheadmoaningas
shegotevenwet
ter.

“Ialsov al
uefai
thful
nessbabe.I fyoucheatonmeaf t
erIhav e
giveny ouevery
thing,Iwil
lki
llyou.Iam notj
okingandi t’snota
habitthatIsaythistopeople.Atacer t
ainl
evel
, Iunderstandwhy
myexwoul dhav echeatedbutt hi
stimearoundIhav ev owedto
dot hi
ngsdi f
fer
ently.
”

Ret
habi
l
eleanedov
erand#r
emov
ed.

Your
sTr
uly

#15

#r
emov
ed

Rethabil
eleanedov
erandki ssedhi
m adj
usti
ngherpositi
on.She
mov edupanddownr i
dingit
.Shecl
osedhereyesasitrubbedher
wallstappi
ngsomethingsweetpushinghert
oedge.Atangput
herhandsonherwai stgrunt
ing.

“
Fuckbabe…sl
owdown.
.”

Sheshookherheadr i
dingi
tli
keherli
fedependedonit
.Her
breastshookasshemov edevenfast
er.At
angsqueezedher
waistlosi
ngitashi
scum camer ushi
ngthr
ough.

Hert
hickkukutwi
tchedf
oll
owedbyherbodysti
ff
eninggri
ppi
ng
hi
sdick.Shet
hrewherheadbackandexpl
odedwithaloudmoan.
Sherodethewaveasheoffl
oaded.Shefi
nal
l
yst
oppedandl
aid
herheadonhischestbr
eat
hingheavi
ly
.

Secondsl
atershegotof
fhi
m andopenedt
hecardoort
hen
st
eppedout.

“
Mybrotheri
sawake.Don’tevert
hreatentoki
l
lmeagai
n,Iwi
l
l
r
epor
tyoutothepol
ice.Iam notyourex.”

.
Shefinall
yst
oppedandl
aidherheadonhi
schestbr
eat
hing
heav
il
y .

Secondsl
atershegotof
fhi
m andopenedt
hecardoort
hen
st
eppedout.

“
Mybrotheri
sawake.Don’tevert
hreatentoki
l
lmeagai
n,Iwi
l
l
r
epor
tyoutothepol
ice.Iam notyourex.”

Shecl
osedthedoorandwalkedtothedoorj
ustasmmagwe
Mavi
swalkedoutofherhouseholdi
ngacup.

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thabi
l
e,howar
eyou?
”

Ret
habi
l
elookedov
er.“
Iam f
ine.
”

“
That
’sgood.
”

Ret
habi
l
eunl
ockedt
hedoorandwal
kedi
nthehouse.

*
**

Latert
hatday,ElangopenedRet
habi
l
e’sst
atuses.Shel
ookedat
thenewhairst
yleandwhatseemedli
keanewdr essandnew
heels.

Sheopenedmor
eofherstat
uses,
nopi
ctureshowedAtang.
Obvi
ousl
y,i
tmadesenset
hatshewoul
dn’twantpeopl
etoseeher
boyf
ri
endwhowasoldert
hanher.

Shezoomedinoneofthepi
ctur
esandstar
edattheweavein
Ret
habil
e’
sheadthatl
ookedl
ikeherr
eal
hairespeci
all
ywi
ththe
edgeslai
ddown.Shet
ouchedherbrai
dsbor
edwit
ht hem
knowingthatweav
ewoul
dlookbett
eronher
.Ev
ent hedress.
.

Shesi
ghedt
henwentt
oherFacebookandsear
chedf
orAt
ang.

Hi
saccountwaspri
vat
ized.Shesenthi
m afri
endrequestand
si
ghedgoi
ngtoherFacebookmessagesthatsheneverrepl
ied.

*
**

I
napresi
dent
ialsui
teatari
verl
odgeinShakawe,
Atangstoodby
t
hebal
conystar
ingatthewat
erswhi
leRethabi
l
eandBatangwore
t
hei
rnewclot
hes.

Hecal
l
edhi
sfat
herhol
dingacanofbeer
.

“
Atang…”

“
Didmal
omecal
lyou?
”

“Hedi dminutesback.Yourmot herisnothappy.Shesay sthatgir

l
i
sachi ckbutIsawherpictureandIlikeher.Youngandf resh.Not
stressful
.Nowt oyouwillt
rainherandmakehery ours.Idon’t
suppor ti
mpregnati
ngpeopl e’
sdaught er
’sbutIam happyy ouare
takingresponsi
bil
i
tyforyouractions.”

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
Sowhenwi
l
lithappen?
”

“
Wewer
ethi
nki
ngnextweekend.Whati
sshesay
ing?
”

“
Shedoesn’
tknowy
et.
”
“
Sheneedst
oknow.
”

“
Shei
sgoi
ngt
ocr
y.”

“Shewillkeepquiet
.Whocri
esforever
?Iam f
inall
yhav
inga
grandchil
d.Godisgood.It
houghtyouwoul
dgi vemenothi
ngbut
stressanddisappoi
ntment
sti
llIdi
e.”

At
angl
aughed.“
Iam myf
ather
’sson.
”

“
Boy
,Iwasnot
hingl
i
key
ou!
”

Atanglaughedandhungupt
henwalkedint
her
oom.Hel
ookedat
herstari
ngathersel
font
hemir
rorsmil
i
ng.

“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”

Shesmi
l
edt
urni
ngt
ohi
m.“
Thanky
ouf
ort
hecl
othes.
”

Atangsi
ppedhi
sbeerandki
ssedher
.“Hav
eyouhady
ourper
iod
thi
smonth?”

Sheopenedhermout
htoanswerwi
thay
est
henpaused.

“
No.I
thasn’
tcomey
et.Why
?”

“
Iwasj
ustaski
ng.
”

“
It
’scomi
ng.
”

“
Ok.Andt
heonef
orl
astmont
h?”

Shet
houghtofl
astmont
hthenl
ookedathi
m.“
Itcame,
why
?”

“Iwantyoutousecont
racept
ivessot
heyneedy
out
ofacer
uled
outpregnancy
.”
Sheswal
l
owedst
ari
ngathi
m.“
Iam notpr
egnant
.”

“
Ok,
butwhati
fyouwer
e?”

“
Iwouldn’
tbe.Iam notgoi
ngthroughbri
ngachil
dwhenIam onl
y
achi
l
dt oo.Iam notgoi
ngtogetUBwi t
hababy.Iwoul
dabor
tit.
”

“
Youwhat
?”

Ret
habilesi
ghed.“At
ti
ecanwenott alkaboutpregnancyandki
ds?
Iam notgoingt
ohavekidsti
l
l Ihav
eadegr eeandwor ki
ngand
al
somar ri
ed.Iwantt
oestabl
ishmy sel
ffi
rst.NowIam justa
chi
ld.
”

“
Soy
ouwoul
dabor
tmychi
l
dbecausey
oudon’
thav
eal
lthat
?”

“
Iam notpr
egnantsono.Iam notabor
ti
ngany
thi
ng.
”

“
Whati
fyouwer
e?”

“
Iwoul
dalsogoandpi
ckami
l
li
onwhi
l
eati
t.Pl
easest
op.Doy
ou
l
i
kemydress?”

Hesi
ppedhi
sbeerandnoddedsi
tt
ingdown.“
Yah.
”

Anot
herbonuscomi
ngup
Your
sTr
uly

#16

Thatsameev eni
ngYaonesati
ntheguesthousethencal
l
ed
Atang.I
trangacoupl
eoftimesthenheanswered.

“
Yah?
”

“Hi
,ther
rahav
eyout
houghtabouti
t?Iwil
lgi
vey
out
hemoney
backassoonasmyl
oangetsapproved.
”

“Iam notgiv
ingy
oumoneyt
obai
loutt
hemany
ouwer
echeat
ing
onmewi t
h.”

“Atangtheweddi
ngi
sint
woday
s.Iam goi
ngt
obeal
aughi
ng
stock.
”

“Atleastnowy ouwil
lknowhowthatf
eel
s.Andyouneedtost
op
call
i
ngme.I t’
snolongerfunny
.Youmustbetaki
ngmysil
encefor
somet hi
ngelse.Don’
tannoyme.”

Hehungup,Yaonelookedatherphonedi
sappoi
nted.She
t
hought
ful
lycal
ledhersist
er.

“
Yay
a…”

“
Iam hav
ingsecondt
hought
saboutKago.
”

“
Why
?”

“
Ahhmmat hi
srelat
ionshi
pisal
readybor
ingmeIdon’
tthi
nkIst
il
l
wantt
ogetmarr
ied.
”
“
Isi
tbecausehel
osthi
sjob?
”

“Hedoesn’twanttolookf
oranotheronegapeIdon’tthi
nkIl
oved
him.Idon’tt
hinkIev
erdidwai
tse.Itwasjustexci
tementof
somethingnew.”

“
Youmessedup,
youseenow?
”

Yaonesi
ghed.“
Iwant
edt
ohur
thi
m back.
”

Thesistersi
ghed.“Ahhmma, whathappenedhasalr
eady
happened.Cany oujustmov
eon?Kagol ovesyou.I
tshoul
dn’
tbe
aboutthemoneybutIaboutthelove.
”

“At
angusedtospoil
.Il
ackednot hi
ngwi t
ht hatman.Il
ovedhi
m.
SometimesIwonderwhatIdidtoAmant le.IsawherandKago
tal
ki
ngsomet i
meback.Laterthatweek,Ifoundhereari
nginmy
house.I
twasjustl
i
kethatti
meatAt ang’
shouse.”

“Yay
a…arey ousur
eitwashers?Kanat hatt
ime,At
angsai
dithad
beenyoursandIcoul
dbeli
evehim becauseIhadboughty
ouand
Mantlet
hesameear r
ingsbymist
ake.”

“Iam notstupi
dTsi
tsi
.Iknowhesl
eptwi
thher
.Hecandenyi
tal
l
hewant s.
”

“Yourproblem Yaonei sy oudon’tl

istent oreasonmysi ster
.I
don’tthinkAmant lesleptwithAtang,shedi dn’thaveareasont o.
Justbecauseshesl eptwi t
hthatoneboy fr
iendofy our
swhowas
alreadycheatingony oudoesn’tmeanshenowgoesar ound
sleepingwithy ourman.Youneedt ol etgo,howmanyr elat
ionshi
p
willyoudestroyjustbecausey outhinkAmant lesleptwit
hthe
many ouwoul dbedat ing?Seewhathappenedwi thAtang,now
youarer egr
ett
ing.Youneedt
oseesomeone.Youarenotabad
person,Iknowbuty ouhavet
ofor
giv
eandheal.Thi
sisnol
onger
healt
h.”

“
Ilov
eAt
ang.Idon’
twantt
ogetmar
ri
ed.
”

“ForgetAtangYaone.Thatshi tsank.Youhur tt
hatmantoan
extentthatevenafterever
ythinghest i
ll
camet oyoubeggingfor
youguy stofixthi
ngs.Youbr okehi m.Ifeel
sorryf
orthenext
womani nli
ne,hewi l
lpr
obablyhur therbecauseofwhatyoudid.
”

Yaonesni
ff
ed.“
Idon’
twantt
ogetmar
ri
edany
mor
e.”

“
Sleep.Wewi
l
ltal
ktomor
row.
”

“No.Idon’twanttogetmarr
iedanymoreTsit
si.Iam notdoing
thattoKago.Hedeservesbett
erandthat
’snotme.Idon’tlove
him..Iwanttocancelt
hewedding.
”

“
Yaone-
“

“
Iam notget
ti
ngmar
ri
edany
mor
e.Iam goi
ngt
ost
ayher
efort
he
r
estofmyleave.
”

“
Yaone,
magadi
waspai
d-“

“
Wewi
l
lref
undt
hemoney
.”

“
Doy outhi
nkthi
sisajokeYaone?Youj ustdon’
twakeupandsay
youdon’twanttogetmar r
iedbecausey oucanclearl
yseet hat
t
hef utur
eisblur
ry.Thi
sisnothowi t’
sdone.Youcan’ tsayyou
wantedtohurtAtang,i
t’
snotaboutt hatbecauseevenbefor et
he
i
ncidentwithAmantlehappened,youalreadywantedKago.You
f
ellinlovewit
hhim.Nowt hathe’slosthisjobyoureali
zeyou
don’
tlov
ehi
m?

“
Idon’
tcar
ehowi
twi
l
lbedonebutIam annotget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
”

*
**

Thefoll
owi ngday
,earlymor ni
ng,AtangstaredatRethabi
lewhile
shesleptthenhetouchedherbel ly
.Hesmi l
edalone,heleaned
overandgent l
yki
ssedher .Rethabil
esli
ghtl
ymov edinhersleep,
Atanglookedatherfacet hentookhisphoneandt ookher
pict
ureswhi l
eshesleptl
ikeheusual l
ydid.

Heputawayhi sphonet henl eanedov erandkissedher .Rethabi

le
turnedherheadandscr atchedhert hi
ghi nhersleep.Atangl i
ft
ed
thesheettur
ninghertohersi de.Her ubbedhimsel fbetweenher
l
egsandsl owlypushedt hetip.Rethabil
emov edi nhersleepand
pulledt
hesheettocov erherself.Hest r
okedhimsel fandslowly
pushedin.Hepausedenj oy i
ngherwar mth.Heslidintheent i
re
dickwakingherup.Atangpushedhersoshecoul dlieonher
stomachwi t
hdickpluggedi n.

Hereachedforapil
lowraisi
ngherupsl
ightl
yputt
ingiton
st
omach.Hepushedhert hickt
highst
ogetherandstart
eddr
il
li
ng
i
nandoutkissingherback.

Rethabil
epull
edthesheet
smoani
ngi
ntothepi
l
lowwhile
convulsi
ng.Heremainedi
nsi
def
oracoupl
eofsecondsand
f
inal
l
ysl
i
dout
.

Heturnedheraroundandkissedher
.Ret
habi
l
elookedathi
m
exhaust
edwhileherpussyburnt.

“
Hey
…Ihav
etogo.
”

Shef
rowned.“
Now?
”

“Yeah…Iam fl
yi
ngoutt
omorr
owmorning.Iwi
l
lseeyoupr
oper
ly
nextweek.Iam goi
ngt
ocomeandgetyousoyoucanseemy
houseinGabs.”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Youar
etaki
ngmet
oGabor
one?
”

“
Yes.Youar
est
art
ingatt
hedr
ivi
ngschool
tomor
rowt
odayr
ight
?”

“
Yes.
”

“
Ify
ougetyourl
i
censebef
orey
oust
artschool
,Iam goi
ngt
oget
y
ouacar.
”

“
Acar
?”

“
Yes.
”

Ret
habi
l
eputherhandsonherf
acescr
eami
ng.“
Acar
?”

“
Yes.That
’si
fyougeti
tbef
orey
oust
artatUB.
”

Ret
habi
l
ehuggedhi
mlaughi
ng.“
Acar
?Ar
eal
car
?”

“
Yes.
”

Tearsf
il
ledherey
es.“
Att
ie…ar
eyouser
ious?Youwi
l
lbuymea
car?
”
“
Yes.
”

Sheputherhandsonherf
acelaughi
ng.Herlaughsl
owl
ytur
ned
i
ntoacry.At
anghuggedherki
ssingherf
orehead.

“
Ihav
enev
erhadany
onebuymeany
thi
ng.
”

“
Thi
swi
l
lbey
ourf
ir
st.
”

“
Iam goi
ngt
odr
ivi
ngschool
today
.”

Heki
ssedherl
i
ps.“
Ihav
etogo.
”

Hegotoffherandputonhissweat
pantsthenwal
kedtothe
bathr
oom.Hisphonestar
tedri
ngi
ngjustasheopenedthe
shower.

Shereachedfori
tandlookedatanunsav ednumbercal
li
ng.She
gotoffbedthenpi
ckedhist-shi
rtandputiti
n.Shewal
kedtothe
bathr
oom andknockedont hedoor.

“
Att
ie…y
ourphone.
”

“
Tsena.
.”

Sheopenedthedoorandwalkedin.Shelookedathismuscl
es,
nowhim bei
nginmili
tar
yexplai
nedthatbuffedbodyandhis
hei
ght
,alsothataur
aaroundhim.

Shelookedathi shai
rcutthenhisbeard.Herwentdownt ohi s
chest.Hehistattoostar
tedonhi sr
ightbreastgoingtohisri
ght
hand.Hi sl
efthandalsohadonwhi chextendedt ohisback.These
weret heki
ndofmenhermot herdi
sli
ked.Sheassociatedtatt
oos
wit
hev i
l
ness.
“
Whoi
sit
?”

“
Ngng,
unsav
ednumber
.”

“
Answer
.”

Ret
habi
l
eanswer
edandputt
hephoneonspeaker
.

“
Soyoubl
ockedmeAt
ti
e?Iam notaski
ngf
ormoneyany
mor
e.
I
t’
sok.
”

Ret
habi
lelookedathi
m.Hepul
l
edhercl
oserwi
thhi
swethands
andki
ssedherneck.

“
Ibl
ockedy
oubecauseIwantt
ocutof
fal
lcommuni
cat
ionwi
th
y
ou.
”

“Iknowy ouprobabl
yhatemebutcanwet alk?Iam nol onger
getti
ngmar r
iedandIwantt oexplai
nmy self.Ihur
tyoubecauseof
whathappenedwi thmysister.I
tdoesn’texcuseanythingbutit
wasn’tbecauseIdidn’
tloveyouany morebecauseIdi d.Isti
ll
do
andiftherei
sachance, Iwanttof i
xthi
ngs.”

“
Youaretal
kingbull
shitr
ightnow.Thereisnochanceofusfi
xi
ng
t
hingsev
er.AndIhav emov edon.IfoundsomeonewhoIreal
ly
l
oveandIrespectherandourr el
ati
onshi
p.Iam t
ell
i
ngyouforthe
l
astti
me..don’tcal
lmeagai n.Ihopeyouhear
dme. ”

Ret
habil
ehungupandsmi
l
ed.“
Letmegoandchecki
fBat
angi
s
awake.
”

“
Don’
tyouwantt
obat
h?”

“
Ngng…”
Shequickl
ywalkedoutthenputhisphonedownandpi ckedher
s.
Shesatdownt hought
full
ythenwentontheint
ernetconnect
edto
thel
odge’sWiFi.Shecouldn’
trememberwhenlastshehadseen
herper
iodthoughsheoncesawbl oodsomet i
mebackm

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
handt
ypedi
nont
hesear
chbar
.

‘
howdoy
ouknowy
ouar
epr
egnant
'

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
handwai
tedf
ort
her
esul
ts.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#17

At
angpar
kedt
hecaratt
hegat
e.Bat
angsmi
l
ed.

“
I-
I-
Imi
ssy
-y-
youal
ready
.”

Atangsmi
led.“
Imi
ssy
out
oo.Iam comi
ngnextweekt
otakey
ou
tomyhouse.”

Batang’
sey eswhenwidened.“
We-Weareg-
g-g-
…”Heclosedhi
s
eyestry
ingtomakeupt heword.Ret
habi
lel
ookedathi
m and
smiledencouragi
ngl
y.

“
Goi
ngt
ost
aywi
thy
ou?
”

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
Yes.
”

“
Yes!
”

Hel
aughed.“
Iwill
comeandtakeyou.
”Theybumpedf
ist
s.At
ang
l
ookatRet
habil
eandpushedherhai
rback.

“
Hey
…ar
eyouok?
*

Ret
habi
l
enodded.“
Yes.
”

“
Somet
hingi
sof
f.Tal
ktome.
”

Sheshookherhead.“
Iam f
ine.
”

“Il
oveyou.Il
ovey ousomuch.Iknowourrelati
onshi
phasjust
start
edandIknowy ouareyoungbutIwil
lneverli
mityouf
rom
reachi
ngthesky.Iwil
lbeyournumberonefan.Youareahard
worker,
youaresmar tanddet
ermined,
not
hingcanstopy ou.I
l
ov et
hataboutyou.IneedyoutoknowIalsowantnothingbut
thebestfory
ouandt hat’
swhyIam heret
oassisty
oui nanyway.
Youarenotalone.
”

Shesl
owl
ysmi
l
ed.“
Ianscar
ed.
”

“
Ofwhat
?”

“I
…”Shecl
osedherey
esandt
ookadeepbr
eat
hthenl
ookedat
hi
m.

“
Not
hing.Iwi
l
lbef
ine.
”

“
Tal
ktome.I
t’
snotnot
hing.
”

“Il
oveyousomuch,itscar
esme.Ihav
enev
erbeensohappyI
can’
thelpbutt
hinki
t’
stempor
ary
.”

“
It
’snot
.”

“Youhav ejustawayf rom alongtermrelati

onshi
p.Thereason
youwer eev entalkingtomeonmyFacebooki sbecauseyouwere
try
ingtodist r
acty oursel
f.Iam scar
edIam ar eboundandthat
youar eonlywi thmebecausey oual
sofeltsorr
yforme.Iget
scaredwhenIt hi
nkofbei ngwi t
houtyou.Igetscaredformy
brother.Helovesy oumuch”

“Iam notgoinganywher
e.Il
oveyou,youar
enor ebound.Il
ove
you.Ilov
ey ousomuch.”Heleanedbackoverandkissedher.
Batanggiggledandputhi
shandsonherface.

Shel
aughedthenst
eppedoutget
ti
ngthei
rshoppi
ngbags.At
ang
gott
herestoft
hem andputt
hem i
nthehousewheret
herestof
thebagswer
e.Heki
ssedherwhi
l
eBat
angr
ant
othebackoft
he
housewit
hhist
oy.

“
Ilov
eyou.Don’
tfor
gett
hat
.”

Shegotanotherki
ssthenhewal
kedoutgoi
ngtohiscar
.She
star
edstandi
ngbythedoor,hej
umpedinhi
scaranddroveof
f
fl
ashinghi
sli
ghtsonce

Ret
habi
lewal
kedbacki
nthehouseandt
ookherphoneandcal
l
ed
El
ang.

“
Elang,
didt
ogetmymessage?
”

“
Yes,
Iam her
e.”

Thedooropenedt
henEl
angwal
kedi
nthehouse.

“
Igoti
t.Whathappened?
”

“
Letmehav
eit
.”

El
angtookoutt
hehomepr
egnancyt
estf
rom herpocketand
handedi
ttoher
.

“I
tmeansmamausedherot
herone.Thi
sist
heonl
yonel
eft
.Go
andpeeoni
t.
”

“
Thanks.
”

“
Doesn’
theusecondoms?
”

“Nobuthebuy smeemer gencypi

ll
ssonowhewantsmetouse
cont
racept
ivesandpregnancyshoul
dberul
edout
.Ihav
en’
tseen
myperiodi
nawhi l
e.Iam scared.
”
“I
tnightbest
ressbecauseofy
ourmom’
spassi
ng.Iam sur
eit
’s
nothi
ng.WhereisBatang?
”

“
Atangboughthi
m at
oy.It
hinkhe’
satt
hebackoft
hehousewi
th
i
t.
”

“
Het
ooky
ouguy
soutf
orshoppi
ng?
”

“
Yes.
.”

“
Yourhai
risni
ce.
”

Rethabi
l
esmi l
edwal
ki
ngtothebat
hroom.El
angfoll
owedbehi
nd
herandstoodbyt
hedoorwhil
eRet
habil
epeedinthest
ick.

Shewal
kedoutwit
hitandputitont
hebedt
hensatdownont
he
fl
oor
.El
angsatdownbesideher.

“
Whati
fyouar
e?”

Rethabi
l
eremainedqui
etst
ari
ngatherbed.Timeseemedtobe
mov i
ngsoslowl
y.Shesatt
her
ethi
nkingofthatni
ghtshehadl
ost
hermother
.

El
angst
oodupt
hent
ooki
t.Shet
urnedt
oRet
habi
l
eandshowed
her
.

Tearsf
il
ledRet
habi
l
e’sey
esasshestar
edatthetwol
i
nes.They
rol
l
eddownhercheeksgoingdownt
oherneck.

“Youneedtoabor tit
.Youcan’tgotoUBpr egnantThabi.Youalso
haveBatanginy ourplat
e.Howwi l
lyoumanageal lofthat?How
wil
lyouevenst udyabroadify
ouhav eababy ,Iam sur
et heywil
l
l
ookintothat.Youraunttol
dy oushecan’ttakeyouandBat angat
thesamet i
me, wheny ougoov er
seas,doyout hi
nkshewi ll
take
y
ourbr
otherandy
ourbabyt
oget
her
?”

Mor
etear
srol
l
eddownhercheek.

“Unl
essyoutel
lhi
m sot hathecandumpyou.Menli
kehi
m ar
e
happyti
l
lyougetpregnant.Heisgoi
ngt
odenyit
.”

“
Atangi
snotl
ikethat
.Heistheonl
ymanIhavebeensl
eepi
ng
wi
th.Hewon’
tdenyhisbaby
.Iam goi
ngt
otel
lhi
m. ”

“Thenwhathappenswheny out ell

him?Youkeepi tthenhe
dumpsy ouandnowy ouareasi nglemot herwho’ salsoamot her
toherbrot
her .Anyway s,t
hat’snotmypr oblem.It oldy ouitwil
l
endintears.There,youhav ebeenget t
ingf uckedwi thouta
condom.It oldyouandy our efusedtoli
stent ome.Wedon’ tknow!
Nowi tmakessensewhyy ouar esofat.Youl ooklikeahi ppo.
Imaginegoingt oUBl ooki
ng40wheny ouar ejust19.For get
beingadoct or,
may beanur sebecausewaai i,youhav ejust
fuckedupy ourchanceofbei ngadoct or.
”

“
Stopcal
l
ingmeahi
ppo.Idon’
tli
kei
t.
”

“
Butt
hat
’showy
oul
ook.
”

“
Isai
ddon’
tcal
lmeahippo.Youalwaysfindsomet
hingnegati
ve
t
osayaboutmeyetwearefr
iends.
”Rethabi
lest
oodup.“Idon’
t
l
i
keit
.”

“Soyouwantmet olietoyou?Chilehaveyoulookedatyoursel
f
onthemirror
?Yournecksweat sbabes.Lookaty our
sel
f!I
fy ou
wantmet oli
etoyou,itwon’thappenhere.Youlookfat
.Ebi
le
that
’swhysomeoft hoseclothesyougotwon’tlookgoodony ou
becauset
heyareforpeoplewi t
hcertai
nbodies.
”
“Ihavehaditwit
hy ournegati
vit
y.Youalway swanttobebet
ter
thanmei nevery
t hing.Itmustbeputti
ngy ouonpressur
eseeing
whatAtangdoesf ormeandnowy ouwantt odest
roymyself
esteem.Pleaseleav e.Idon’
tthi
nkthisfr
iendshi
pisworki
ng
anymore.”

“Youknowwhat ,youar
eright
.LennaIwanttodistancemy sel
f
from gi
rl
swhodonot hi
ngbutopenlegsforol
derment henget
pregnant.Peopl
emightst
artt
hinki
ngkelebel
etelenna.”

“Awhor e?Youareanempt yenj

oyvessel
whocopi
esinexams.
Pityyoucouldn’
tdothati
nthefi
nal
.Imagi
neanAstudent
droppingtoD’sandhowmanyar et
hoseC’swhi
chsavedyou?
”

“Theyonl yneed6subjects,therestdon’tmatter.Imadei tto36

points,doesn’tmat
terifIhaveD’sorC’ s,oskal
ay o,Iam goi
ngto
universi
tyandnotpregnantlikeotherpeopl eIknowwhoar e
sleepingwithancestr
alspiri
ts.AtleastIam anempt yvessel
whichdoesn’ tsl
eeparoundget ti
ngf uckedfornewcl othes.
Pov ert
yisdangerous,i
twi l
lturnpeopleintoprostit
utes.”

Rethabi
leangri
l
yslappedher
.Elangsl
appedherback,Ret
habi
l
e
grabbedhertooandpunchedhersohardthatshef
ell
.

“
Getout
!”

Elangslowlygotup.“Iam goi
ngtoreportyoutothepoli
cethen
tell
ev er
yonethatyouarepregnant
!Stupi
duglyfatbi
tch!Ihope
yougi vebi
rt
ht oanuglybabyli
keyoursel
f.Youlookl
ikemy
mot her’
sage.Nxla!
”

Shewal
kedout
.Ret
habi
l
etear
ful
l
ypi
ckedt
hepr
egnancyt
estt
hat
hadt
wol
i
nesandputherhandsonherf
acecr
ying.

Shegotunderblanket
sandcover
edherheadcr y
ing.Awhil
elat
er
shesnif
fedpressi
ngherphoneonFacebooksearchingf
or
abort
ionpi
ll
s.Shecameacrossanumbert hencall
edtheper
son
si
tti
ngupri
ght.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Dumel
ang,
doy
oust
il
lhav
etheabor
ti
onpi
l
ls?
”

“
Yes.Cy
tot
ec.Doy
ouwant
?”

“
Yes.ButIam i
nShakawe.
”

“Iam i
nMaun,
Icangetamor
ningbust
other
e.I
t’
sP850pl
us
deli
ver
y.”

“
Iwi
l
ltakei
t.
”

“
Seey
out
omor
row.
”

*
**

At
angl
ookedatt
het
imedr
ivi
ngt
hencal
l
edhi
sbr
other
.

“
Atang…”

“
Iwantasmal
lcar
.Thatf
ri
endofy
our
s…doeshest
il
lsel
lcar
s?”

“
No.Hel
ongst
opped.Whi
chcardoy
ouwant
?”

“
Idon’
tknow,
may
beaPol
ovi
voorGol
f.
”
“
YouwantaGol
fforwhat
?”

“ForThabi
.Idon’twanthertostruggle.Sheiscar r
yingmychil
d.
Soonenoughshewi l
lbestay
inginGabsf ullt
imeasamom anda
student
.Iwanttot hi
ngseasierforherbyal lmeans.Iwanta
housetoo.Athreebeds.Somet hingbigbutnott oobig,i
tshould
j
usthaveenoughspaceandi tshoul dbeni ce.Shewi l
lbecoming
withherbr
other.
”

“Ir
eal
l
yli
kethi
sThabigi
rlbutacar?Can’
tyouj
ustgether
someonetodr
opheroffandpickher
?”

“
No.Acarisabet
teropt
ion.Goandcheckf
oraGol
f7.Iwanti
tin
whi
te.Iwi
l
lshowi
ttohernextweek.Shei
sgoi
ngtol
oveit
.”

*
**

Thef ol
l
owingmorningRet
habi
l
ewai
tedbythebusstopwher
e
shewasmeet ingt
heman.Acabst
oppedthenathi
nshortman
steppedout.

Rethabi
l
estoodupashewal
kedovert
henhehandedhert
he
pharmacypaperbagwhi
l
eweari
ngacapthatcov
eredhal
fhi
s
face.

“
Theyaret
woi
nsi
de.Oney
oudr
inkandt
heot
hery
ouputi
tiny
our
v
agina.
”

Ret
habi
l
eopenedt
hepaperbagandl ookedatthepi
ll
s.She
si
ghedt
hent
ookoutmoneyfrom herpocketandhandedhim.
Hequickl
ycount
edandsmil
ed.“
Ok.Remai
nathomeaft
er
dri
nki
ngthem.Thepr
ocessi
spainf
ulandy
ouwil
lbl
eedbutnot
toomuch.”

“
Ok.
”

“
Bye.
”

Hegoti
nhi
scabwhi
l
eshewal
kedhome.

Athome, Ret
habil
esati
nherroom gl
adBatangwasatschool
thenagedrankone.Shetookof
fherpanti
esandlaidont
hebed
thenpushediti
nhervagi
nawithhermiddl
efinger
.

Apol
ogi
esf
ami
l
y,Ihadt
hewor
stheadacheofal
lti
me.
Your
sTr
uly

#17

Thatsamemorni
ngAt angsatontooofhi
sbonnetstar
ri
ngatt
he
A45.Hisf
ri
endwalkedoutofthehousei
nhisuni
form.

“
Lai
taka!
”

At
angj
umpeddownandbumpedshoul
der
swi
thPr
ince.

“
Sel
lmet
hiscar
.”

Pr
incel
aughed.“
Ijustboughtt
hisAt
ang.
”

“
Youwi
l
lbuyanot
herone.It
hinkmmagweSar
ona.
”

Pr
incesmi
l
ed.“
Whati
fit
’saboy
?”

“
It
’sagi
rl
.Icanf
eel
it.Hernamei
sSar
ona.
”

“
Iam pr
oudofyouboy
!YouareabigboynowbutIam notsel
l
ing
mycart
oyou.GotoNaledi
Motor
s.Theyhav
eit
.”

Pri
nce’
sgir
lf
ri
endwal kedoutofthehouseinshi
rt
sandatopt
hat
showedhernippl
es.Atangtookouthisphonewhil
ePr
ince
att
endedt
oher .Shewalkedbackinthehouse.

At
angsi
ghed.“
Howar
ethi
ngs?
”

“
Wear
egood.Wear
ehappy
.Ihav
ebeent
hinki
ngi
fmar
ryi
ngher
.”

“
Youwantt
omar
ryher
?”

“
Iknowy
oudon’
tli
keherAt
angbutIl
oveher
.Ihav
enev
erbeen
happi
er.
”

“
Don’
ttaket
hist
hewrongwaybutt
hatgir
lisnott
het
ypey
ou
mar
ry.Wehadathr
eesomewit
hthi
sgirl
.”

“
That
’si
nthepast
.Il
oveher
.Ican’
tswi
tchof
fmyf
eel
i
ngs.
”

At
angshookhi
shead.“
Iam war
ningy
ou.
”

“
Aker
eyouwon’
tsl
eepwi
thher
?”

“WhenhaveIeversl
eptwi
thsomeoneyouar
eseei
ng?Iam j
ust
sayi
ngsheisnotthety
peyoumarr
y.”

“Becauseofwhatshewasdoi ng?I twasduet ocir

cumstances.
Loneisagoodper son.Shewasj ustlookingformoneythen.This
i
sl i
feAtang.Younev erknowthef uture.Thetruthist
hatmay be
yourgir
lisnotwhaty ouar
eseeingr ightnowbecauseof
cir
cumst ances.Imeanshe’sli
mit edatt hemoment .Yousaidshe
wantstobeadoct or.Whatift
henagej ustreali
zesshe’
sforthe
str
eets.Ithappens.Peoplechange, notthatIam sayi
ngshewi l
l
changebutsameasLone.Shehaschangedf orthebett
er.”

“
Ret
habi
l
eisal
readyher
sel
f.
”

“Sheisonl
y19,
let
’st
alkwhenshei
s25y
ear
sol
d.Ri
ghtnowshe’
s
sti
ll
ababy.”

“
Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay
?”

Pri
ncesmiledt
henunl
ockedhiscar.“
Not
hing.Youbet
termarr
y
herqui
ckl
ybeforet
heytakeherandmakeherseethefunst
uffi
n
theworl
d.”

“
Tsek!
”
Pr
incel
aughedinhi
suni
for
m,At
angsmi
l
edr
ecal
l
ingt
heday
she
wereasol
diert
oo.

“Iam goi
ngt
hroughwor
k.Legadi
maonkemet
si.Youknowhow
heis.
”

Atanggotinhiscarandrever
sedthendrov
eoffheadedtoNal
edi
Motors.Helookedattheti
ny,hesti
l
lhadtwohoursbefor
efl
yi
ng
out.

*
**

Zazasati
nherof f
iceatt
hirdfl
oorst
ari
ngatthepar
kingl
otl
osti
n
hert
houghts.Herphonestart
edri
ngi
ngstar
tl
ingher
.

Shesl
owlypi
ckeditandl
ookatAgangcal
l
ing.Shest
aredati
tfor
awhil
ethenpi
cked.

“
Whatdoy
ourwant
?”

“
Hey
,cany
oucomeov
ert
oni
ght
?”

“
Tof
uck?
”

“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”

“
Agang,whatexactl
yarewedoi
ng?I
sthi
sar
elat
ionshi
pori
t’
s
j
ustsex?Iam conf
used.”

“
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?”

“
Us.Whenev
erIneedy
ou,
youar
enott
her
e.Youonl
ycal
lmet
o
makesexappoi
ntment
swheny
ouar
ebor
ed.
”

“
It
’snotl
i
ket
hat
.Canwet
alkt
oni
ghtaboutt
his?
”

“
Ifeel
li
keIam wast
ingmyt
ime.Youonl
ywantmef
orsex.
”

“
Babe…”

Zazasi
ghedst
ari
ngatt
hewal
l
.

“
Babe,
Ilov
eyou.Ok?
”

Zazasmi
l
ed.

“IknowIhavebeenashi
tt
yboyf
riend.IknowandIam sor
ry.Iwi
l
l
change.Let
’st
alkt
oni
ghtwhenyoucome. ”

Shebl
ushed.“
Ok.
”

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Aganghungup.Zazasmi
l
edopeni
ngherl
apt
op.

*
**

Laterthatdayi
nShakawe, Ret
habilegruntedinpainonherbed.
Shepul l
edthesheet
sast hepainslashedherabdomeni nhalf
.
Shecur l
edherbodyint
oabal lcr
yingast hepainincr
eased.An
urgetopushcameagai n,shegotof fbedlooki
ngatthebloodall
overthebedandonher self
.
Shesquat
tedpushi
ngbutnothingcameoutj
ustmorebl
ood.She
sl
owlyl
aidonthefl
oorcr
ying,herpi
nkdr
esshadtur
nedred.

Thepaingotsoextremeasshelaidonthefloor
.Sheslowlygot
upfeeli
ngweakwhi l
ebloodl
eaked.Shereachedforherphone
andcall
edElang.Thephonerangtwicet
henshedr oppedthecal
l.
Shedial
edAtang.

“Thi
sisafreeannouncementf
rom mascom,t
henumberyouhav
e
dial
edisnotavai
l
ableatthemoment.Pl
easet
ryagai
nlat
er.
Thankyou.”

Shewentt
oWhat
sAppanddi
daVNcr
ying.

“
Atanghel
pme….Myst
omachai
i
ii
ii
!”

Shedr
oppedt
hephonesl
i
dingt
othegr
oundcr
ying.

*
**

I
nthesit
ti
ngroom,Batangl
aidonthecouchasl
eepwit
hthe
bot
tl
eofhisj
uiceonthefl
oorwhil
eSpongeBobSquar
ePant
s
pl
ayedontheTV.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#18

(THI
SINSERTCONTAI
NSSENSITI
VECONTENTTHATOTHER
READERSMAYFINDDISTURBI
NG.READER’
SDESCRI
TION
ADVICED.
)

I
nSouthAfri
ca,
Joburg,
Atangswitchedonhi
sphonewalki
ng
i
nsi
detheroom.Hesatdownconnect i
nghi
msel
ftothewif
iand
wai
tedforhi
smessagestorepor
tin.

Hi
sfat
her
’sWhat
sAppmessagecamet
hrough.

Paps: Yourunclewentt
oseetheKaisarauncleandaskedi
fwe
couldcomenextweek.Theyhav eagreed.Bytheway ,
Gasegore
rentsegotlhelemagadi
?Ili
kethi
sgirlgapeofit
.Youseem t
o
l
ov eher.Ifit
’sonl
ydamagestheyar
egoi ngtochargeyoul
otsof
money .Betterontsemagadi
.

At
angsmi
l
ed,
seemsbabygi
rlhadwont
heol
dman’
shear
tbyj
ust
l
ooks.

Atang;Shei
sonly19,Iwanthert
heregrowal
it
tl
esoshe
underst
andsourrel
ati
onshi
pfull
y.Ri
ghtnowi
fImar
ryher
,Iwi
l
l
bemor eofherf
atherrat
hert
hanherman.

Hesentt
hemessaget
henscr
oll
eddownandopenedRet
habi
l
e’s.

HeopenedherVN.

“
Atanghel
pme….Myst
omachai
i
ii
ii
!”
Hesatupri
ghtandpl
ayedt
heVNagai
nlisteni
ngtohercry
ing.His
hear
tpoundedsomuchashecal
l
edher.Itrangunanswer
edt hen
hecall
edheragai
n

Heswallowedthensear
chedforEl
angonhiscontact
s.He
fr
ownedreali
zi
nghehadlongdelet
edhernumber.Hecall
ed
Pri
ncegett
ingup.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“Themonnadoyourememberthet
imeIaskedyout
ogetme
Rethabi
l
e’snumberwhenshewassti
l
lcat
fi
shingme?”

“
Yeah…”

“
Sendmet
hatnumberagai
n.Idel
etedi
t.
”

“
Ok.Why
?”

“
Justsendt
henumber
.”

“
Ok.
”

Atangpacedi fsomethi
nghadhappenedtothebaby.She
soundedlikeshewasi nsomuchpain.Helookedattheti
me
wonderingifhecouldgetabusbackhomet henmaybecalli
nfor
afavor…het hought
full
ylookedathi
sphone.Pri
ncesentt
he
numberagai n.

At
angt
appedi
tandcal
l
edher
.Itr
angt
hri
cebef
oreshepi
cked.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi,
keAt
ang.Ar
eyouwi
thThabi
?”

“
No.Iam athome.
”
“
Whenl
astdi
dyouseeher
?”

“
Uhi
nthemor
ning.
”

“
Cany
oupl
easegoandcheckuponher
…Iwi
l
lgety
ouadr
ink.
”

“
Uhok.I
sev
ery
thi
ngok?
”

“
Idon’
tthi
nkso.Howl
ongwi
l
litt
akey
out
ogett
her
e?”

“
Fiv
emi
nut
es.
”

“
Makei
tthr
eef
ort
wodr
inks.
”

“
Ok,
Iam goi
ngnow.
”

“
Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.
”

“
Ok.
”

Hehungupandmadeanot
hercal
l
.

“
Atang…”

“Raps,Ineedafavor
.Iam i
nSAandsomethingisgoi
ngonwi t
h
mygi r
l.Sheisi
nShakawe.Thut
ocanflyal
one,Iam t
hinki
ngof
dri
vingtoGabsthenfly
ingf
rom Gabst
oShakawe.Ineeda
chopper.”

“Yeah,Igotyoubutwhat
’swrongwi
thher?Youknowwoman
overexagger
ate.Maybei
t’
snothi
ngbi
g,sheprobabl
yjustwant
s
att
ention”

“
ShesentaVN.I
t’
snotnot
hing.I
t’
ssomet
hing.
”

“
Thechopperwi
l
lber
eadyf
ory
ouwheny
ougett
her
e.”
“
Sur
e.Iowey
ou.
”

“
Don’
twor
ryabouti
t.
”

*
**

AtRethabi
le’
shouse,El
angwalkedthroughthegat
ewit
hherdog
br
eathingheavi
l
yfrom al
lther
unning.Sheknockedont
hedoor.

“
Thabi
!Thabi
!”

Sheknockedagai
nbangi
ngt
hedoor
.“Thabi
,keAt
ang!
”

Sheiswait
edthenwal
kedtothewindow.Shefr
ownedatthe
openwindowthenmovedthecur
tai
nt oonesi
de.Shel
ookedat
Batangsl
eepi
ngonthecouch.

“
Bat
ang!Bat
ang!
”

Hewokeupf
all
i
ngof
fthecouch,
hisl
i
ttl
ehear
traci
ng.

“
Opent
hedoor
.”

Herubbedhi
seyesthenwal
kedt
othedoor
.El
angwal
kedov
er
andgotint
hehouse.

“
Whyi
stheTVon?Wher
eisThabi
?”

Hey
awnedst
agger
ingsl
eepy
.“S-
sleepi
ng.
”

Hegotbackont hecouchandclosedhi
seyes.El
angclosedt
he
doorandwalkedtoThabi’sr
oom.Sheopenedthedoorasher
phonerang.Shepicked.
“
Iam her
e,l
etmewakeherup.
”

“
Ok,
thenl
etmespeakt
oher
.”

“
Ok.
”

El
angwalkedi
n.Herphonefell
from herhandsasshescr
eamed
i
nhorror
.Shel
ookedatthebloodont hebedthenonthef
loorand
onThabi
le.

“
Thabi
!
”

Shehur
ri
edov
erandknel
tdownbef
oreher
.

“
Thabi
l
e!”

Shet
urnedherar
oundandl
ookedatherf
ace.

“
Thabi
!
”

Shepul
ledherhandonherl
apcr
ying.“
Thabi
…Thabi
l
e!Thabi
wakeup!”

Sheshookherbutsheremai
nedsti
ll
.Thedooropenedthen
Bat
angwalkedin.Hefr
ozestar
ingathi
ssist
erthenatt
heblood.

“
Batang,
goandwakeupRr agweMoj
a!Tel
lhi
m weneedacart
o
t
akeThabit
othehospi
tal
.Run!Runf
ast
!”

Heranout.El
angputThabi
le’
sheaddownandst
art
edwi
thchest
compressi
ons.Shel
ookedatthebl
ood.

“
Thabi
!
”

Shest
oppedt
hengotherphone.

“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Whatt
hef
ucki
sgoi
ngon?
!”

“
Ther
eisbloodal
lov
er…sheiscov
eredonbl
ood.Shei
snot
movi
ng.Shewon’
twakeup.
”

“
Fuck!Fuck!
”

“
Ther
eisal
otofbl
ood.Ont
hebedandont
hef
loor
.”

ThedooropenedthenRragweMoj
ahur
ri
edi
n.Hel
ookedatt
he
si
tuat
ion,
hishear
tskippi
ngabeat
.

“
Hel
pmecar
ryher
.”

Elanghungupt henwal
kedoverandpickedherfr
iendsl
egswhile
theoldmanlift
edthehands.Wit
hhispainful
back,hewalkedout
carry
inghertohisol
dCoroll
aparkedbythedoor.Theyputher
heavybodyinsi
de.Hegotinhiscarpr
aying.

“Godtheyjustl
ostt
hei
rmot
her
…hav
emer
cyont
hem.Theyar
e
onlychi
ldr
en.”

El
anglockedthedoort
hengotinthecarwi
thBat
angonherl
ap.
Hestar
tedhiscaranddrov
eoffheadedtot
hecli
nic.

*
**

Atanggoti
nther
entalcarovert
hirt
yminut
esl
ateranditt
ookof
f
headedtot
heborder
.Hedi al
edElangl
ooki
ngattheti
me.

“
Hel
l
o?”
“
What
’shappeni
ng,
tal
ktome.
”

Shesniffed.“
Thedoctor
sar ewithher
..Ther
e…Ther
ewasblood.
I
twasal ot…all
overt
hefloorandonthebed.Onherdr
essandon
herlegs.Therewasbl
ood…t herewasa…a…”Shestart
edcr
ying
tal
ki
ng.“ Shewasn’
tmoving.”

“
Iam comi
ng.
”

“
Iam scar
ed.
”

At
angbi
thi
slowerl
i
phol
dingt
hest
eer
ingwheel
.

“
Iam comi
ng.Wher
eisBat
ang?
”

“
Her
ewi
thme.
”

“
Ok.Iwi
l
lbet
her
etomor
rowmor
ning.
”

“
Ok.
”

“
Iwi
l
lcal
lyoui
ntwent
ymi
nut
es.
”

Shesni
ff
ed.“
Ok.
”

Hehungupandt ookadeepbreathtry
ingtocalm downbuthe
coul
dn’
tseem t
obeabl eofthi
nki
ngany t
hingbuther…theVN.
Maybei
fhehadseeni tear
li
er…fuck!Heshouldhavejustt
oldher
..

Hetookanotherdeepbreat
hfeel
i
ngt heear
thcl
osi
nguponhi
m.
TheVNplayedinhishead…fuckAtang.

Hesteppedontheacceleratorovertr
acki
ngtwolongt
rucks.He
gotbackinhisl
anemissingt heoncominglorr
ybyani
nch.His
handssweatedwhil
eshaki ng.Helookedattheti
mecal
li
ngher
agai
n.
“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Any
thi
ngy
et?
”

“
Ngng…”

“
Ok…Iwi
l
lcal
lyouback.
”

“
Ok.
”

Hehungupstar
ingattheroad.Hef
oundhi
mselfwanti
ngtopr
ay
buthewasn’
tev
ensurewher etost
art
.Her
eachedforhi
sphone
andcal
ledhi
smotherspeeding.

“
Heel
ooo?
”

“
Mama.
.”

“
Att
ie…howar
eyou?I
t’
slat
e.I
sev
ery
thi
ngok?
”

“Ithi
nkThabi haslostthebaby .Herfri
endfoundherinapool of
blood.ShehadsentmeaVNcr y
inginpain.Shedidn’
tknowshe
waspr egnant.It
hinklosinghermot herandall…shewasn’taware.
Thepr egnancywasami stake.Ididn’
tplanit
,itj
usthappened.
Pleaseprayforherandourbaby .Iam scared.
”

“MaraAtang,howcouldi
mpr egnat
eachil
d?Betteryet
,youcoul
d
havetol
dher.Whatifshefoundoutthenpani
cked.Str
esscauses
miscarr
iage.
”

“
MamaImi
ghtl
oseher
,thi
sisnott
het
imef
ort
hat
!”

“
Iam justt
ell
i
ngy
ou.Cal
m down.Iknowy
ouar
escar
edbuthav
e
f
ait
h.”

“
Cany
oupr
ayf
orher
?”
“Yes…father,wecomebef orey ouasy ourchil
dren…wecomet o
youaskingf ory
ourmer cyLord.Wehav ecomet oyoubecauseif
nottoyou,wehav enowher eelset otur
nt o.Weonlyhaveyou.
FatherIbringyouRethabil
e,Lor dIdon’tknowherorwhat
happenedbutLor dIcoverherwi ththebloodofJesus…”She
conti
nuedpr ayi
ngwhilehedrov e.

*
**

I
nShakawe,
thedoct
orwal
kedov
er.El
angqui
ckl
yst
oodup.

“
IsThabi
ok?
”

“
Iwoul
dli
ket
ospeakt
osomeoneol
der
.”

Rr
agweMoj
ast
oodup.“
Iam her
e,Iam t
hei
rnei
ghbor
.Theyst
ay
al
one.
”

Hesi
ghedsadl
yst
ari
ngatt
hem.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#19

“
Ist
her
eaf
ami
l
ymemberher
e?”

El
angt
ear
ful
l
ylookedathi
m.“
No,
justhery
oungerbr
other
.Isshe
ok?
”

“She’sget ti
ngtransferredtoMar i
nainGabor one.Idon’
thav eal
l
thedet ai
lsasy etbutsheconsumedsomet hingv er
ypoisonous,I
am suspect inginattempt stodoanabor t
ion.Shel ostalotof
bloodandhadahear tattackcausedbyext ensiv
einter
nal bl
ood
l
osst oget herwithintensepain.Sheisst
il
l bleedi
ng,wear e
transferr
inghert oGabor one.”

El
angl
ookedatt
hedoct
orandswal
l
owed.
.“Abor
ti
on?
”

“
Ify
ouhav
ear
elat
ive’
snumber
,we’
dli
kei
tpl
ease.
”

El
angshookherhead.“
Idon’
thav
eany
.”

Herphonest
art
edri
nging.ShelookedatAtangcal
l
ing,
shel
ooked
att
hephoneforawhil
eandf i
nall
ypicked.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Issheok?
”

“
Theyaretransf
err
inghert
oGabor
one,
Mar
ina.She’
sbl
eedi
ng
i
nter
nal
l
y .
”

“
Theyar
etr
ansf
err
ingherwi
thwhat
?”
“
Ambul
ance.
”

“
Thatwi
l
ltakel
ong.Letmeor
gani
zesomet
hing.
”

“
Ok.
”

“
Letmespeakt
othedoct
or.
”

Elangl
ookedatt
hedoctorandt
ookadeepbr
eat
h.Shewal
kedt
o
thedoct
orandwhisper
ed.

“
Herboyfr
iend.Pl
easedon’
tsayi
twasanabor
ti
on.Hei
snot
ment
all
ywel l
.”

Shehandedhimthephoneandsi
ghedst
eppi
ngback.Bat
ang
tear
ful
l
ylookedatEl
ang.

“
I-
i-
isThabi
dyi
ng?
”

“
No..no.Sheisjustnotwellbutshewi
l
lbef
ine.Shei
sjust
…a
l
i
ttl
esick.Butshewillbef
ine.”

Hesatdownont hebenchwi pi
ngawayhi stearsasfear
weakenedhim.Thiswasthesamehospi talhi
smot herhadcome
toandneverret
urned.Hewipedhistearswiththebackofhis
hand,t
hethoughtofhissi
sternotr
eturningbrokehishear
tfur
ther
.

Thedoct
orgavet
hephonebackt
oEl
angandwal
kedaway
.El
ang
putt
hephoneonherear
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Achopperi
scomi
ngt
ocol
l
ecther
.Bat
angi
sgoi
ngwi
th.
”

“
Ok,
Icancomr
ywi
tht
oo.
”
“
Doesy
ourmot
herknow?Idon’
twantunnecessar
ydr
ama.
”

“
Shewi
l
lunder
stand.
”

“
Idon’
tunnecessarydrama.Butt
hanksf
orgoi
ngov
er.Iwi
l
lsend
t
hemoneyf oryourdri
nks.
”

“
Wai
t-
“

Hehungupbefor
eshecoul
dsayanyt
hingel
se.Sheswal
l
owed
t
henslowl
ysatdownwit
hBatang.

*
**

I
nGabor
one,
Agangsi
ppedhi
sbeercal
l
inghi
sbr
other
.

“
Agang…”

“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”

“
Thabi
hadami
scar
ri
age.Iam onmywayback.
”

“
What
?”

“Shemusthavef
oundoutandpani
cked.She’
sbl
eedi
ng.
.Ishoul
d
havet
oldher.
”

“
Iam sor
ry.Iknowy
ouwer
eexci
ted.
”

“
Shemi
ghtdi
e.Thebabyi
sleastofmywor
ri
esr
ightnow.
”

“
Ist
her
eany
thi
ngIcandot
ohel
p?”

“
Shei
sgoi
ngt
oar
ri
vebef
oreme,
shehasal
i
ttl
ebr
other
.Hewi
l
l
beal
lal
one.Cany
ougethi
mforme.
”

“
Yeah.Iwaswi
thPr
inceandPhef
o.”

“
Ok.Iwi
l
ltel
lyouwhent
heyl
and.
”

“
Ok.
”

Hehungup.Agangwal
kedt
otheguy
s..

“
Thabi
hadami
scar
ri
age.
”

Phef
olookedathi
m whi
stl
i
ng.“
Shi
t!
”

“
Yeah…”

“Whenheaskedf
orhernumberwhoknewshewoul
dbehi
s
per
sontoday?
”

Pri
ncesi
ghed.“
Whoknew?Hehadmel
ooki
ngf
ori
ttoo.Ei
sh…
howisshe?”

“
Shei
sbei
ngt
ransf
err
edt
oGabs.
”

Phefol
ithi
scigarett
e.“Shei
sbeauti
fulandthi
ck.Okatswaale
monatewaitse.Kanathesechubbyonestendtohavei
tthi
ckand
j
uicy
.”

Pr
incel
aughed.“
Phef
oweeh!
”

Phef
olaughed.“
Iam j
ustsay
ing.Thi
sgi
rlhadmyboydoingup
anddownsforher,
shemustbesweetandtight
.Kehotpl
ate.
”

“
Ist
hishowy
out
alkaboutourwomen?
”

Phef
olookedatAgang.“
Iam j
ustsayi
ng.
.It
’sagener
alst
atement
.
Ihav
eneverseenAtangl
iket
hisforawoman.NotevenYaone
gott
his.It
’seit
herher
eall
ylovesherorhej
ustl
ovest
hef
actt
hat
shei
si nnocentandpr
egnant.
”

“Iknowmybr
other
..hel
ovesher
.Letmego,
herbr
otheri
s
comingt
oo.
”

“
Sur
eboy
!”

Agangwalkedt
ohiscarandj
umpedi
n.Hi
sphoner
angashe
rev
ersedhi
scar.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Heybabe,
arey
oucomi
ng?
”

“
Notnow.Ihav
eanemer
gency
.”

“
Agang-
“

“
Wewi
l
ltal
kwhenIgett
her
e.Shar
p.”

Hehungupbef
oreshecoul
dsayany
thi
ng.Themar
ri
edwoman
cal
l
edhim.Hesi
ghed.

“
Yah?
”

“
Heybabe,
Iam comi
ng.
”

“
Ihav
esomeone.Comet
omor
row.
”

“
Agang…”

“
Iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
row.
”

Herv
oicebr
oke.“
Agang…”

“
Wewi
l
ltal
ktomor
row.
”
Shebr
okedowncr
ying.Hehungupanddr
oveof
f.

*
**

I
nShakawe,t
heparamedicsgotRet
habi
l
eint
hepl
anet
oget
her
wi
thherbr
other
.El
angstoodover.

“
Iam t
hebaby
sit
ter
.”

Thepil
otlookedathim.
.“Ther
eisnospace,
sor
ry.Someonehas
beenarr
angedf ort
heki
d.”

“Ret
habi
lei
smyf r
iend.Iam goi
ngwi
thher
.Herbr
otheri
sscar
ed
ofpeopl
e.Heneedssomeoneheknows.”

“
Ther
eisnospace.
”

“
Iwi
l
lsi
tatt
heback.Idon’
ttakemuchspace.Iswear
.”

“
Sor
ry.
”

“
Please…Ihav
etogowi
thher
.”

“
Sor
rybutwecan’
ttakey
ou.St
epback.
”

Thepil
otgotin.El
ang’
shear
tracedasshel
ookedatt
hespacei
n
thechopper
.

“
Icansi
tther
e!”Shepoi
nted.

Shemov edbackasthehelicopter’
sbladesspun.I
tslowlyli
ft
ed
i
tsel
fgoingup.Shesadlywat cheditasitwentaway.Tearsfi
ll
ed
hereyes.Shewipedonethathadr oll
eddownhercheekt henshe
wal
kedtotheparki
nglotwhereRr
agweMoj awaswaiti
ng.She
r
ubbedhereyesasthepainofwatchi
ngthehel
icopt
erl
eave
wi
thoutheraf
teral
lshehaddonechokedher.

Shesni
ffedwi
pingawayanothert
ear
.Rr
agweMoj
alookedathi
m
thendr
oveherhomeinsi
lence.

*
**

I
nGabor
one,ov
ert
wohourslat
er,
Agangt
alkedt
ohi
sbr
other
wal
ki
ngi
nsidet
hehospi
tal
.

“
Iam goi
ngi
n.”

“
Ihav
ejustpassedZeer
ust
.Iam al
mostt
her
e.”

“
Ok.
”

“
Shar
p.”

Hehungupj
ustasZazastart
edcall
i
ng.Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
wal
ki
ngtowar
dstherecept
ion.Hesmil
ed.

“
Hey
…”

Shelookedathi
m andsmi
l
edst
ari
ngathi
m.Sheswal
l
owedf
ixi
ng
herdress.

“
Someonej
ustcamet
hrough.A19y
earol
dgi
rlf
rom Shakawe.
”

“
Oh…t
hebl
eedi
ngone?
”

“
Yes.Wher
ecanIseeher
?”
“
She’
saboutt
ogoi
ntosur
ger
y.”

“
GreatbutcanIqui
ckl
yseeher
?”

“
Whoar
eyout
oher
?”

“
Herbr
other
.Shecamewi
thherbr
other
.Wher
eishe?
”

“Uhamalenur
set
ookhi
mtobat
hroom.Hewant
edt
opee.He’
s
coming.
”

“
Can’
tIqui
ckl
yrusht
oseemysi
stert
henIwi
l
lcomeandt
akehi
m.
Wher
eissheagai
n?”

I
nRethabi
le’
sroom,Agangwalkedinst
ari
ngatthebed.He
l
ookedatherconnect
edtomachinesandgotcl
oser.Helookedat
herf
acethenthemachines.

Shemovedthenslowlyopenedhereyesunderheav
ymedi
cat
ion.
Tear
srol
leddownasshest aredathi
m.Agangmov edt
heoxy
gen
maskfr
om herface.

“
Atang….
”Shecl
osedherey
escr
ying.

Agangt
ouchedherhand.“
It
sok.
.”

“
Iam dy
ing…”

“
Shhh…noonei sdying.Youarenotdy
ing.
.notwhenIam her
e.I
won’
tlett
hathappen.Igotyou…”
“
Don’
tleav
eme…”

Hervoicegotf
aint
er.Heputbacktheoxygenmaskandsqueezed
herhand.Shesqueezedhi
sli
ghtl
ybeforeherhanddr
opped
fol
lowedbythemachinesbeepi
nguncontrol
labl
y.

Happynewy
earev
vveeer
ybody
!Lov
eandl
i
ght
Your
sTr
uly

#20

AttheSout
hAfr
icanbordergate,
Atangst
oodi
nsi
det
heof
fi
ces
pl
eadingwi
tht
heimmi grat
ionoff
icer
.

“
Iknowi
t’
spast12butIam beggi
ngy
ou.
”

Theelder
lywomancont i
nuedpackingherthi
ngs.“Thebor deris
cl
osed.It
’s00:15.Theyshouldhavenotevenletyouin.Wear e
noti
nBot swanahere,Iam goinghomet omyf amil
y.Pleasedr i
ve
outandwaitoutsidethegate.Weopent omorrowat6.Someone
wil
lhelpyouthen.”

“Please…mygi
rl
fr
iendj
usthadami
scar
ri
ageandshei
sal
one.
Please…”

“
Iam notgoi
ngt
o-“

At
angt
ookouthi
swal
l
etandt
ookoutsomemoney
.

“
P600.
”

Shelookedathim.“Itwasbusytoday.Iam ti
red.Iam exhaust
ed.
.
Ican’
tfeelmyfeet.Theyar
eswol l
en.Iam hungryandt hi
rst
y.I
wanttoknockoff.Youcan’tcomeher eatthi
stimeholdingsix
hundredrandorwhat ev
eri
tis,ngi
khathel
e!”

“
Please…pl
ease.
”

Shel
ookedatt
hemoneyt
hent
ooki
tandsatdown.

Shepr
ocessedal
lhi
sdocument
s.Shel
ookedathi
m.
“Nextti
mecomeont imebecauseokwenzekenamuhl angeke
kuphindekwenzeke.Kuf
anelewenzeisi
qini
sekosokuthiuyaf
ika
ngaphambi kokut
hisi
val
e.Nathisi
yakhat
halalapha.Asi
wona
amarobhothi.
”

Atangsmil
ed.“
Thanky
ou.Youhav
eagoodhear
t.Youar
egoi
ng
toheaven.
”

Sheshookherheadget
ti
ngup.“Unenhl
anhl
anamuhl
a.Angi
yena
umuntuonzi
ma.Veleuf
ikengesi
khathi
.”

“Ngi
yabongasi
thandwa.Lal
akahlentokazi
enhl
e.Uf
ana
noBeyonce,
bakebakutshel
alokho?
”

Thel
adysmi
l
ed.
.“Hamba!
”

“
Banomona.
”

“
HambaAt
ang!
”

At
anghurr
iedoutlaughi
ngthenj
umpedi
nhi
scarheadedtothe
Tl
okwengbordergatewher
esomeonewasal
readywai
ti
ngfor
hi
m.

Inlesst
hantenminut
eshedrov
eoffheadedtoGPH.Hedr
ove
t
hrougharedtr
aff
icli
ghtt
aki
ngadeepbreat
h.

*
**

AtGPH,Agangsatwit
hBatangwhowasasleep,hi
sheadon
Agang’
slap.Agangpr
essedhi
sphonewonderi
ngwhatcoul
dbe
taki
ngtool
ong.Hel
ookedupandsi
ghedst
ari
ngatZazawal
ki
ng
over.

Shel
ookedatBat
angandf
rownedconf
used.

“
What
’smycousi
ndoi
ngher
e?”

Aganglookedather.“
Youar
eyel
l
ing,
whyar
etal
ki
ngasi
fIam
st
andingattheroad?”

“
Agangt
hisi
smycousi
n!Myaunt
’sson.
”

“
Ok,
then?
”

Zazal
ookedathi
m,bethear
traci
ng.“
Agang…whodi
dthi
schi
l
d
comewith?
”

“
Sitdown.
”

Shesl
owl
ysatdownst
ari
ngathi
m wai
ti
ngf
oranexpl
anat
ion.

“Thi
sisyourcousi
n’
sbr
other
,Ret
habi
l
e..Ret
habi
l
eisAt
ang’
s
gir
lf
ri
end.
”

Zazal
aughed.“Ni
cej
oke.Babewhat
’smycousi
ndoi
ngher
e?
Wherei
shis-“

“
Thabi
isAt
ang’
sgi
rl
fr
iend.Thegi
rl
fr
iendhev
isi
tsi
nShakawe.
”

“
Noo!
”

“
Theycameher
etoget
her
.”

“
No…y
ousai
dyourbr
other
’sgi
rl
fr
iendj
ustl
ostt
hebaby
?”

“
Yes.
”
“
Ret
habi
l
eisonl
y19!Whatdoy
oumean?
”

At
anghur
ri
edov
er

Hel
ookedatZazat
henatAgang.

“
Wher
eisshe?
”

“
Thedoct
ori
sst
il
lwi
thher
.Theyar
edoi
ngasur
ger
y.”

“
Ok.
”

Zazal
ookedathi
minshock.“
Thabi
is….God!Ineedt
otel
l
mama…”

Agangsighed.“Canyoujustwai
tti
l
lwet
hedoct
ort
alkst
ous.We
wil
lbetakeitfr
om tothere.
”

Atangsatdown. .handsonhi sf ace.Zazastar

edathim ashesat
opposi t
ethem.Shecoul dn’
tev enunder st
andhowtheyhad
startedtherel
ati
onship.Nowi tmadesensewhyRet habil
ehad
refusedtocomewi th.

Ti
meslowlypassedastheywait
ed.Overt
hir
tymi
nutesl
ater
,
At
angst
aredatthedoct
orwaiti
ngforanexpl
anat
ion.

“
Whathappenedt
oher
?”

Thedoct orlookedathim.“Wehav estoppedt hebleeding.We

foundmi fepri
stoneandmi soprostolinherblood.Abor t
ionpill
s.
Mi fepri
stoneendst hepregnancy .I
twor ksbyblockingt he
hor monepr ogester
one.Withoutprogesterone,t
hel i
ningoft he
uter usbreaksdownandt hepregnancycannotcont i
nue.
Mi soprostol makesthewombcont r
actcausingcrampi ng,
bleedingandl ossofthepregnancysi mil
artoami scarriage.This
usuall
ywor ksperfectl
yforpregnancybel ow12weeks.Af ter12
weeks, werecommendr atherasur gi
calabort
ion.Yourgi r
lfr
iend
wasar ound23-25weeks.Shehadwhatwecal lani ncomplete
abort
ion.Shelostal otofbloodandt hebabyboywoul dn’
thav e
survi
vedany way.Wef oundherbl oodfrom thebloodt ank.Good
thi
ngthehear tatt
ackwasn’ tsevere.Shewillbefine.”

Atangf
rowned.“
No.Shedi
dn’
tknowshewaspr
egnant
.Ther
eis
nowayshewouldhaveaabor
ted.
”

Thedoctorsighed.“Atang,att
hisstageyoucanthi
nkwhat ever
youwanttot hi
nkaboutwhatcoul dhav
epossibl
yhappenedbut
anaborti
ontookpl ace.Youcall
edmet ocomeandhel py ourgir
l…
Ididj
ustthatandIam t el
li
ngyouwhathappened.Itwasaf ai
l
eda
abort
ion.
.onet hatcouldhavekil
ledher.Abor
ti
oncankil
l.Shelost
thegi
rl.
”

Heshookhi
sheadt
ear
ful
l
y.“
Someonegav
ehersomet
hing.She
di
dn’
tknow.
”

“Youcangoandtal
ktoher.I
fshedi
dn’tknow,Iwi
l
lal
sotakei
t
shedidn’
tknowshewaslosi
ngthebaby.She’
sgoi
ngtoneed
you.
”

*
**

I
nRet habil
e’
sroom, Atangst
oodbyhersi
deholdi
ngherhand.
Theyhadt akenoffherweave.Hel
eanedoverandki
ssedherl
i
ps
thencaressedhercheek.
Sheopenedhereyesandl
ookedathi
m.Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.
Atangki
ssedher.

“
It
’sok.I
t’
sok.
”

Hertear
sfel
ltot
hepill
owasshecried.At
anghuggedher
,
Ret
habil
eputherarmsaroundhi
m cryi
ngloudl
y.At
angbl
inked
hol
dingher
.Hekissedherneckt
henherli
ps.

“Iam sor
ry.Ishouldhavetoldyou.Ididn’
tknowhow, it
’sthatt
ime
youdidn’
tbuyt hepil
l.ButIshoul
dhav ebeenresponsibl
eenough
tobuyitforyou.Ishouldhavebeenr esponsi
bleenoughtohave
usedacondom.Iam sor ry
.”

Sheputherhandsonherf
acecryi
ng.At
anghuggedheragai
n
thensni
ff
edbli
nking.
.Hel
etbergoawhil
elat
erandwipedher
face.

“Thedoctorsaidyouaregoingtobeok.Butwel ostourbaby
.He
saysitwasanabor ti
on.Anincomplet
eabort
ion.Didanyonegiv
e
youany t
hing?Iknowy oudi
dn’tknowyouwerepr egnant
.AndI
will
findwhodidt hi
stoourchil
d.”

Shel
ookedathi
minsi
l
encet
henopenedhermout
h.“
Youwant
ed
ababy?
”

“NotthewaySasawasconcei vedbutonedayIdid.Iwasgoi
ngt
o
takeresponsi
bil
it
y,Ihadal
readyal
ert
edmyf amil
yandIwas
goingtopaydamages.Iam stil
lgoi
ngtobecausey ouwer
e
carry
ingmychild.WasitEl
ang?”

Tear
sfil
l
edherey
esonceagai
n.“
ButIam y
oungf
orababy
…I
wasn’
tgoingt
omanage.
”
“Iwasgoingtobewi t
hyouandhel py
ou.Youwerenotgoingt
o
bealone.Iwasnotgoingtoabandonmybaby.Oryou.Iwasgoing
totakeresponsi
bil
i
ty.Il
oveyou.Youwerenev
ergoingtobeal
one.
Wasi tEl
ang?”

Shel
ookedathi
m unsur
eofwhatt
osay
.

“
Tal
ktomebabe.
.”

“
I…”

“
It
sok.Youcant
ell
me.Tal
ktome.
.wasi
ther
?”

“
I…I
…”

At
angl
ookedather
.Ret
habi
l
esatupr
ight
.

“Iwasn’
tready.Iam sor
ry.Iboughtt
hem from someguyon
Facebook.Ididn’
tknowitwouldbethatpainfulorther
ewoul dbe
domuchbl ood.Itwasme.Iwasscar ed.Isti
l
l haveschool
..Iam
notevenwor ki
ng.Iwasscared.”

At
angpaused.“
What
?”

“
Icanseey
ouwant
edt
hebaby
.Iam sor
ry.
”

“
Youabor
tedt
hebaby
?”

Tear
srol
l
eddownhercheeks.“
Iwasscar
ed.
”

“
Youabor
tedt
hebabyThabi
?”

Shelookedathi
m,pai
nandconf
usi
onmi
xedwi
thhoper
efl
ect
ing
back.

“
Iam sor
ry.
”
Hel
ookedathert
henchuckl
ed.“
Youki
l
ledmychi
l
d?”

Shesl
owlygotoffbed.“
Iwasn’tr
eadyAtang.If
oundoutwhen
youl
eft
.Ij
ustlostmymot her
.Ican’
taf
fordababy.”

“Di
dyoumakey our
sel
fpr
egnant
?DidIsayIwasn’
tgoi
ngt
otake
car
eofthebabythaty
oudeci
dedtoabort
..
?”

“
No…Iwasj
ustscar
ed.I
…thoughty
ouwoul
dleav
e.”

“
That’
sjustnonsenseandyouknowit!
”Heyel
led.“I
fIhadwanted
t
oleaveyou,Iwouldhavel
ongdonethatwhenIreal
izedyouhad
abrot
herthatdependedonyou.Whatwasisi
tthatmadey ou
t
hinkIwouldleaveyou?Obuamasepa!”

“
Iwasscar
edAt
ang…Idi
dn’
tknowwhatt
odo…”

“Youwerenotscared.Ifyouwerescar
edyoucoul
dhavetol
dso
wefigur
eitouttogether.Youwereal
waysgoi
ngtoabor
ther.You
hadmadet hatcl
ear.
”

“
Atang-
“

“Whywer eyoucal
li
ngmecryi
ng?Youknewwhaty ouwer
edoing
akere?Idrov
eallt
hewayfr
om Joburgf
oryou.Whenyousent
thatVNy oushoul
dhav
ejustsai
dtheent
ir
etrut
h.”

“
Iam sor
ry.BabeIam sor
ry.
”

Atangsi ghed.“Youcouldhav ediedbutit

’sok.Iam goi
ngt otake
blamef oritall
.IfIhadusedacondom, youwouldnothav egotten
pregnantandt houghtIwoul dleaveyouthendecidetoabort.I
t’
s
myf ault
.Iam sor ry.Iam sor
ryforthepainyouwentthrough
today.Iwi l
lhavey ouret
urnedhomet omor r
ow.Batangisalso
here,Iam sur
ehewit
nessedal
lthat
.Iam sor
ry.Iam act
uall
y
real
izi
ngmecomi ngi
ntoyourl
i
feiscausi
ngmor eharmt han
good.”

Sheshookherheadcrying.“
No…i twasme.Ishouldhavet
oldy
ou.
Ishoul
dhavenotli
stenedtoElang.Don’
tsaythatpl
ease…”

“
It
’snotaboutElang.Youdeser
vebett
er.Il
oveyoubuti
fyoucan
t
hinkIcanleav
ey oubecauseyouarecarr
yingmybl
oodthenI
t
hinkyoudeservebetter
.”

Shecri
edevenmore.“No…Ilov
ey ou.Iwantyou.Iwasjust
scar
edAtang… canwetryagai
nAt t
ie…pl
ease.
.Iwon’tabor
tit
agai
nIswear…Iwill
keepit
.Don’tl
eaveme.”

ThedooropenedthenAgangwalkedinwi
thBat
ang.Batangran
overtohi
ssist
erandhuggedher.Ret
habi
l
ewipedhertearswit
h
thebackofherhandandhuggedhim.

Hecr
iedhol
dinghi
ssi
stert
ight
ly.At
angl
ookedather
.

“Iwi
ll
wai
tforhim out
side.Thi
sismytwi
nbr
otherIt
oldy
ouabout
.
Agangwi
l
lbringBatanginthemorni
ng.
”

Rethabi
lel
ookedathistwi
n.Theyl
ookedsoi
dent
ical
…Agang
tookoffhi
sjacketsmi
li
ng.

“
Idon’
thav
etat
toos.Hehas.
”

At
angt
urnedt
othedoor
.

“
Att
ie…pl
ease.
”

At
angsi
gheddi
sappoi
nted.“
Bye.
”
Heopenedt
hedoorandwal
kedout
.

“
Atang!
”

Hecl
osedt
hedoorandwal
kedout
.

“
Atang!
”

Aganglookedather
.“Hei
sjustupset
.Hewi
l
lcal
m down.Don’
t
worr
y.Helovesyou.
”

Ret
habi
l
etear
ful
l
ylookedathi
m.“
Hei
sleav
ingme.
”

“No.Hel
ovesyou.Hewil
lbeheret
omorr
ow.Hei
sal
sot
ir
edf
rom
all
thedr
ivi
ng.Hewil
lseeyout
omorrow.
”

*
**

Att
heparki
nglot,
Agangopenedthedoorf
orBat
angwhoj
umped
i
natthebackseat
.Hecl
osedthedoorandwal
kedtohi
sbr
other
whowasseatedontopofthebonnet
.

“
Sheabor
ted?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Iam sor
ry.Butshei
sst
il
lyoung.
”

Atanglookedathim.“Exact
ly.Shedidwhatwasbestf orher
.I
don’tevenbl
ameher .Ineedspaceorsheneedsspacet ogrow.
Shedoesn’tdeservetobedealingwit
hallthi
sbul
lshi
t.She
deservesbet
ter.Idon’
tevenhav et
herighttobemadather .
Thanksf
ort
oday
.”

At
anggoti
nthecarandl
ookedov
eratBat
ang.

“
Heybuddy
!”

“
Arey
-y-
youl
-l
eav
ingus?
”

Atangsighedt
hent
urnedt
ohi
m.“
Iwi
l
lnev
erl
eav
eyou.Ar
eyou
hungry
?”

Henoddedsmi
li
ngreassur
ed.At
angst
art
edthecaranddr
oveof
f
f
ight
inghi
spai
n.Heroll
eddownhiswi
ndowdri
vi
ng.

.
r
Your
sTr
uly

#21

At
angparkedt
hecarandwal
kedi
nsi
dehi
shousewi
thBat
ang
whol
ookedathishugeTVi
namazement
.

“
Y-y
-yourTVi
sbi
g!”

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
Yes,
youcanseeev
ery
thi
ngoni
t.
”

Bat
angl
ookedar
oundsmi
l
ingwi
thamazement
.

“
C-c-
canIst
ayh-
her
ewi
thy
-y-
you?For
ever
.”

At
angl
aughed.“
WhataboutThabi
?”

“
She-shewi
l
lst
ayh-
h-h-
her
etoo!
”

“
Thatsoundsl
i
keapl
an.Come…”

Atangledhi
mt otheotherroom t
henopenedt
hedoor
.Bat
ang
gaspedstar
ingatthebigbed.”

“
It
’shuge!
”

“
Youar
egoi
ngt
osl
eepher
etoni
ght
.Youar
eti
redr
ight
?”

“
No.I
-Iw-
w-wasi
napl
ane!
”

“
Ahel
i
copt
er.Di
dyoul
i
kei
t?”

“
Yes!Is-
s-sawev
ery
thi
ng!
”

“
That
’sgoodbuddy
.Comeandsi
t…”
Atangwalkedtothebedandsatdown.Bat
anggotonthebed
smili
ng.HelookedatAt
angsmili
ngsomuchAtangsighednot
sureofwhattotell
him.

“
Iwantt
otel
lyousomet
hing.Iwanty
out
oli
sten.
”

Bat
angnoddedst
il
lsmi
l
ing.

“Iam goi
ngtogoawaywi thworkf
orawhi
leandyouwon’
tbe
seei
ngmeany mor e.Iwi
l
ltryt
ocomeandseeyoubuti
twon’
tbe
thesamelikeIseeyounow.”

Bat
ang’
ssmi
l
eddr
opped.“
Y-y
-youar
ego-goi
ng?
”

“
Notf
orev
er.
”

Tear
sfi
l
ledhi
sey
esandr
oll
eddownhi
scheeks.“
B-ButI
…lov
e
you.
”

“
Iknow,
Ilov
eyout
oobutIhav
etogo.
”

“
I-
Iw-
w-wantt
ogowi
-wi
thy
ou.
”

Atanghuggedhi
m ashecr
ied.Het
ookadeepbr
eat
hrubbi
nghi
s
back.

“
Iam sor
rybuddy
.”

“
D-don’
tgo.
”

Batangcri
edsomuchtil
lhefel
lasl
eep.At
angpi
ckedhi
m upand
gentl
ylai
dhim downonthebedbefor
ewalki
ngout
.

Hewalkedinsidehi
sbedroom t
aki
ngoffhiscl
othesphysi
call
y
andemot i
onall
yexhaust
ed.Hewalkedi
nsidehisbat
hroom and
stoodunderthecol
dwaterforawhil
ethenlat
erwalkedouttohis
phoner
ingi
ng.

Het
ooki
toutandpi
cked.

“
Ret
habi
l
e,Iam t
ir
ed,
Iwantt
osl
eep.
”

“
Iknowy
ouar
eangr
y.Iam sor
ry.
.”

“Iam notangrytoaty ou.Youdi dnothingwrong,st

opapologiz
ing
fordoingwhat ’
sbestf oryou.Iam angryatmy sel
ffort
hinki
ng
thi
swasi t.Iexpectedthistogoacer tainway.Youneedspaceor
sodoI .Wewi llt
alkthen.”

“
Youar
ebr
eaki
ngupwi
thme.Il
ovey
ou.Pl
ease…”

“
Ilov
eyout
oobutt
hisi
sfort
hebest
.”

“At
ang…keagokopa…don’
tleav
eme.Iwasj
ustscar
ed.Pl
ease
don’
tleav
eme.
”

“
It
’snotgoi
ngt
owor
k.Notnowatl
east
.Pl
easesl
eep.
”

“
Whatam Igoi
ngt
otel
lBat
ang?Hel
ovesy
ou.
”

“
AndIl
ovehi
mtoobuthewi
l
lunder
standast
imegoeson.
”

Shest
art
edcr
ying.Hesi
ghedcl
osi
nghi
sey
essi
tt
ing.

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“
Can’
twet
ryagai
n?”

“Weren’
tyout heonewhosaidyouar et ooy oungforababy?You
areri
ght.Focusongetti
ngtoUBandact uall
ygett
ingyourdegree.
Youwi l
lfi
ndsomeonewhowi l
llovey our i
ghtandhewon’ tputyou
underanysortofpressur
e.Look,sleep.Bat angwil
lbewithyouin
t
hemorni
ng.Youar
ef l
yi
ngbackhome.Iwi
l
lsendy
ousome
moneyi
ncaseyouneedanyt
hing.
”

Hehungupandswi
tchedof
fhi
sphone.

*
**

Thef ol
lowingmorni
ng,Rethabi
l
ewai t
edinherroom al
ready
dressed.Herhear
tskippi
ngast hedooropenedthenAgang
walkedi n.

“
Hi…”

Ret
habi
l
elookedbehi
ndhi
m.“
Wher
eishe?
”

“
Hehadt
ogo.Hef
lewami
nist
erear
lymor
ning.
”

“
Wheni
shecomi
ngback?
”

“
Iam notr
eal
l
ysur
e.”

“
Doy
ouhav
ethekey
stohi
shouse?
”

“
Yes-
no.No.Idon’
thav
e.Thechopperi
sal
readywai
ti
ng.
”

“
Ok.Takemet
ohi
shouse.Iwi
l
lwai
tforhi
mther
e.”

“
UhRet
habi
l
e-“

“
Let
’sgo.Ihav
ebeendi
schar
ged.
”

Shetookherbr
other
’shandandwal
kedoutwi
thhi
m.Agang
fol
l
owedbehind.
“Thabi,
Idon’
tthi
nkthat
’sagoodidea.Hei
ssti
llupset
.It
hinky
ou
shouldgiv
ehim someti
met opr
ocessever
ythi
ng.”

“
Takemet
oAt
ang’
shouseandf
ocusonZaza.
"

“
Iknowmybr
other
-“

“
AndIknowmyman.Wi
l
lyout
akemet
her
eorIhav
etof
indmy
wayt
here?
”

Agangunlockedhi
scar.Rethabi
l
ewal kedov
erandgotin.Bat
ang
j
umpedi nattheback.Aganggotinanddroveof
f.Heparkedthe
carbesi
destheAmar okawhilel
ater
.

Rethabi
l
elookedathi
shousest
eppi
ngout
.Agangknockedont
he
door.

“
Atang!
”

Minutesl
aterAtangopenedthedoorhol
dingacanofbeeri
nhi
s
hand.HelookedatRethabi
le.

“
Shoul
dn’
tyoubeony
ourwayhome?
”

Ret
habi
l
elookedatAgang.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Atangl
ookedatAgang,Bat
angsmil
edandhuggedhi
mti
ght
ly.
Agangtur
nedandgotinhiscart
hendr
oveout.

“
Arey
ougoi
ngt
oletmei
norshoul
dIj
ustsi
ther
e?”

“
Youcansi
tther
e.”

Shenoddedt
hensatdownont
hev
eranda,
herf
eetont
he
pavement
.
“
Wheny
ouwantmet
ocomei
n,y
ouwi
l
lcomeandt
akemei
n.”

Bat
angl
ookedathi
ssi
stert
henatAt
ang.

“
Arewe-
we-
wesi
tt
ingout
side?
”

“
Yoursi
sterwant
stosi
tout
side.
.let
’sgoi
n.”

Ret
habi
l
el ookedatAt
angandl
ookedatherf
eetr
emai
ningseat
ed
ashewalkedinhi
shouse.

*
**

I
nShakawe,El
angcal
ledRethabi
l
eaf
tercl
eani
ngThabi
’
sroom
andwashi
ngherbl
ankets.

“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?”

“
ThankGodyouareok.Iwassoscar
ed.Idi
dn’
tsl
eepl
astni
ght
.
Howareyouf
eel
ing?”

“Iwantnothingt odowi t
hyou.Youar eapoisonousplantinmy
l
ifeandIhav ebeenl ett
ingyougrownotknowi ngIam poisoni
ng
my sel
f.Iwanty outostayfarawayf r
om me, t
hisfri
endshi
pcan
got ohell
forallIcare.Iam fi
nealone,Idon’
tneedy ou,
Ineverdi
d.
Iwanty oufarfrom me.Nev ercal
lmeev eragain!Fr
om hereIam
blocki
ngy ou!”

“
Thabi,i
sthi
sbecauseofourf
ight
?Thisi
snott
hef
ir
stt
imewe
f
ight
,Iam sor
ryf
orthethi
ngsIsai
d,I
-“

“
Got
ohel
lwi
thy
ourapol
ogy
!St
ayawayf
rom mesel
fi
shdumb
bi
tch,
nxl
a.”

“
Thabi
-“

“Don’
tcal
lmeev eragai
n.Goandl
ockf
ory
ournextv
ict
im
becauseIam done!
”

Shehungup.El anglookedatthephonesadly.Shef
ini
shedof
f
cl
eaningtherestoft hehousethenwalkedoutandt
ook
Ret
habile’
sdrysheet sinthehouse.Sheputt
hem onthebedt
hen
walkedoutandl ockedthedoor.

Sheputthekey
swhereRethabi
leal
way skeptandwal
kedout.A
tearr
oll
eddown,shequi
ckl
ywipeditandconti
nuedwalki
nghome.

Far
aidr
ovepasthert
henr
ever
sed.“
Hi…”

El
angl
ookedov
er.“
Hi.
”

“
IsThabi
home?
”

“
Ngng.
”

“
Ihav
ebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lherbutherphonei
snotgoi
ngt
hrough.
”

“
ShewenttoGabor
onewi
thherboy
fri
end.Idon’
tknowwhenshe
wi
ll
beback.”

Far
aisi
ghedsadl
y.“
Thanks.
”

Het
ookaU-
tur
nwhi
l
eEl
angwal
ked.Hedr
ovebesi
desher
.

“
CanIgi
vey
oual
i
ft?
”

El
angsmi
l
ed.“
Iam al
mosthome.I
t’
sok.
”

“
Jumpi
n.Iwi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
f.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”

Elanggoti
nthenhedr
ovet
oherhouse.El
angsmi
l
ed.“
Thank
you.”

“
Youar
ewel
come.
”

Shesmi
l
edt
henst
eppedoutwhi
l
ehedr
oveaway
.

*
**

I
nGabor
one,
Keemi
hel
dherphonet
alki
ngt
oheruncl
e.

“
Whatdoy
oumeanpr
egnant
.”

“Theywantt
opaydamages.Ihav
esai
dyesandt
oldt
hem t
o
comenextweekend.
”

“
Rethabi
leisachi
ld!Whatmansl
eptwi
thachil
danddecidedt
o
i
mpregnateher
?Itmustbethemanwhorapedher
.Iwil
lnotal
low
i
t!Notever
!”

“
Rapedher
?”

“
Yes.I
fit
’shi
m,wear
erepor
ti
nghi
m.”

“Keemi whatar ey outal

kingabout ?Youar eallovertheplace.The
familyIam t alkingaboutar eav eryorgani
zedf amilyandtheyare
veryrich.Thei rsonimpr egnatedourchi l
dandhei staki
ng
responsi bil
it
yf ori
t,heisnotdeny i
ngthebabyandt hat’
swhat
mat t
er s.Ifshei spregnantthent hereisnothi
ngwecandot han
acceptt hesi t
uat i
on.”
“
Sheisj
ustachil
d.That’
swhyIwant
edt
ost
aywi
thher
.Iam
t
aki
ngherundermywi ng.
”

“
Arey
out
aki
ngherbr
othert
oo?
”

“No.Mybrot
herwi
l
ltakehi
m andt
hat
’sf
inal
.Iam goi
ngt
o
Shakawe.
”

“Thedamagesaresti
ll
goingt
obepai
d.Iam notsur
eoft
hei
r
plans,
theymi
ghtalsopaymagadi
“

“
Overmydeadbody
!Thatwi
l
lnothappen!NotwhenIam al
i
ve!
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#22

Atanggav eBat
anghispl
ateoffoodjustassomeoneknockedon
thedoor.Hesighedandwalkedover
,helookedathi
shelper
’s
daughter.

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Mr.Dani
el.
.”

“
Hi…uh?
”

Shesmil
ed.“
Kelebogi
le.Uhmamahadtobackhomeformy
cousi
n’
swedding.Iam her
etocl
eanandwashyourcl
othes.
”

“
Kel
l
yri
ght
?”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
ed.“
Yes.
”

“
Comei
n.”

Hemovedf
rom t
hedoort
henKell
ywalkedi
n.Atanglookedat
Ret
habi
l
ewhowassleepi
ngst
il
lsi
tti
ngontheveranda.

“
Thabi
!
”

Sher
emai
nedst
il
l.Hewal
kedov
erandshookher
.

“
Ret
habi
l
e!”

Shesl
owl
ywokeup.Hesi
ghed.

“
Comei
n.”

Shebi
therl
owerl
i
pandst
oodupst
il
labi
tdr
owsyf
rom her
medicat
ion.At angl
ookedatthebloodstainonherdress.
Ret
habil
et urnedandlookedatherdressreal
izi
nghewasst ar
ing.
Sheswallowedst ar
ingatthebl
oodstain.Shelookedatwhereshe
hadbeensi t
ting.

“
Iwi
l
lcl
eani
t.
”

“
Iwi
l
ldoi
t.Goandt
akeabat
h.”

Shet
ear
ful
l
ylookedathi
m.“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“Godownthepassage,
thel
astdoortoy
ourl
eft
.Ther
eisam
ensui
tei
ntheroom.Usemythings.
”

Shet
ri
edt
otouchhi
m buthemov
edback.

“
Youwi
l
lfi
ndsomet
hingt
oweari
nthewar
drobe.
”

Shewalkedi
nsidet
hehousethenl
ookedatt
hewomani
nsi
det
he
house.Shet
urnedandl
ookedatAt
ang.

“
Who’
sshe?
”

“
Goandbat
h.”

Atearrol
leddownt henshewalkedtohi
sroom.Sheclosedthe
doorsnif
fi
ngandputherhandsonherf acecr
y i
ngsil
ent
ly.She
cri
edforawhilethenwalkedtothebat
hroom andtookof
fher
cl
othes.Shestoodundertheshowerandopenedthewater.

Col
dwat ersprayedall
herbodythatshetensedbutsheremai
ned
st
il
lthenslowlysatdownonthet i
l
edfloor,
herheadbetweenher
l
egs.Shest ar
edatthebloodgetwashedawaygoi ngdownthe
dr
ain.
Painchokedher
,shebrokedowncr
yingi
nhi
sbat
hroom,
the
showerswall
owinghercri
es.

*
**

At
angmoppedthebl
oodst
aint
henwal
kedi
nhi
shouseand
l
ookedatKel
l
y.

“
Youknowwher
eev
ery
thi
ngi
sri
ght
?”

Shetur
nedt ohim,helookedli
ket
hewholewor l
dwassitt
ingon
topofhishead.Shecouldtel
lhewasn’
talr
ightormaybei
twas
j
usther.Heoftenlookedscar
ytoherbutnottoday
.Shenodded.

“
Yes.
”

“
Ok.
”

Hewal
kedt
ohi
sbedr
oom hol
dinghiscanofbeer
.Shelookedat
t
heki
dwhowasst
ari
ngather
,Kell
ysmi l
edandwaved.

Hesmi l
edbackandwaved.Kell
ywal
kedtotheguestr
oom and
putherbagonthebed.Herphoner
ang,shequi
ckl
ytooki
tout.

“
Mama.
.”

“
Kel
l
y,ar
eyout
her
eyet
?It
’s8o’
cl
ock.
”

“
Yesmama.
”

“Ok.Pl
easecl
eanproperly
.Cleanev
erycornerofthehouse.Make
surehi
sclot
hesar
ecl ean.Checki
fther
eisstil
lfoodi
nthef r
idge,
i
ftherei
sany,i
t’
sruined.Thr
owitoutandcooksomethi
ngfr
esh.
Youhavebeentothathousewit
hmeal ot
,youknowwhathe
l
ikes.
”

“
Ok.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Eemma.
”

Kel
lyputawayherphonet
hentookoutthecl
eani
ngunif
orm.She
t
ookoffdressandputont
heunif
ormthenstar
tedcl
eani
ng.

At
anglookedathi
sfat
hercal
l
ingwhi
l
eseat
edonhi
sbed.He
pi
ckedthephone.

“
Hel
l
o..
”

“Ati
e…yourmot
herhasj
ustt
oldme.Iam sor
ry,
Iknowhow
exci
tedyouwer
e.”

“
It
’sf
ine.I
thappens.
”

“
Whatar
eyout
hinki
ngwedonow?
”

“Let
’sj
ustgoaheadandpaythedamages.Shewascar
ryi
ngmy
daught
ereit
herwaysoit
’sonl
yri
ghtt
hatIdo.”

“
Ok.Howi
sshe?
”

“
Shei
sfi
ne.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“
Sur
epops.
”

Hehungupandl
ookedattheensui
tedoor.Hegotupandwal
ked
i
nsi
de.Hel
ookedathert
henwalkedover.

“
Ret
habi
l
e…”

Atangclosedthetapandtookatowel
.Hewrappeditaroundher
andpickedherup.Heputheronthebedandwalkedovergohis
wardrobe.Helookedathi
sclot
hesandtookouthi
stracksui
tand
anoversizedt
-shi
rt.

Rethabi
l
estar
edathim ashedr
iedhert
henappl
i
edl
oti
ononher
bodybefor
edressi
ngherup.

“
Iwi
l
lgety
oupads.Doy
ouneedany
thi
ngel
se?
”

“
Ngng…”

“
Iwi
l
lbeback.
”

“
Doy
ouhat
eme?
”

“
Whyshoul
dIhat
eyou?
”

Tearsitchedherey es.“Iwasscared.Iwassoscar ed.Ican’

teven
takecareofBat angproperly
.Iam onl
yl earni
ng.Thethoughtof
beingamot herscaredme.Iwasal soscar edofwhatpeopl e
wouldsayaboutme.If earedformydr eams…Iam sor ryAtang.I
am scaredt hatIam losingyou.Idon’
tknowwhatIam supposed
todowi thouty ou.Iam soscaredIwantt oholdont oy oufor
ever.
IknowIhur ty ou.Icanseey ouarehurting.IwishIknewhowt o
maket hepai nthesamewayy oudidformybr otherandI.Iwant
tomakey ouhappy.Pleasetel
lmewhatIshoulddo…Iwil
ldoit
.
Butift
hereisnothi
ng,it
’sok.Iwil
lgo.Idon’
twanty
outohat
eme
becauseIloveyou.Doy ousti
ll
loveme? ”

“Il
oveyoubutIneedspace.Andsoyou.Idon’
that
eyou.Ican
neverhat
eyoubutIneedtospace.
”

Shebi
therl
owerl
i
ptr
yingt
ohol
don.Shenodded.

“
Ok.Ther
eisanev
eni
ngbust
oShakawe.Bat
angandIcant
ake
t
hatone.
”

“
Ok.Doy
ouneedany
thi
ngel
sef
rom t
hemal
l
?”

“
Bat
angneedssomecl
othes.
”

“Let
’sgot
oget
her.Iwi
ll
waiti
nthecar
.Hecanst
aybehi
ndwi
th
Kell
y.Hewant
stowatchTV.”

Shenoddedwipinghertearshol
dinghercry.Hel
ookedather
.
Shepressedherli
pstogetherwi
thherotherhandonhermouth.

“
Iam notbreakingupwi
thy
ou.Ij
ustneedspace.That
’sal
l
.Iwant
t
odealwiththisonmyown.”

Shenodded.“
Ok.
”

Hewal kedout.Ret habil

ewipedhertearsandstoodupinthe
over
sizedtracksuit.Shefol
dedthewaistbandofhissweatpantsa
coupl
eoft i
mest henalsothebott
omsoft hepants.Sheputon
theshoesshehadgot t
enatthehospit
alandwalkedoutholding
herphone.Shel ookedatBatangwhoseemedhappyi nfr
ontof
theTV.

“
Bat
ang…Iam comi
ng.Wear
egoi
ngt
ogety
ousomecl
othes.
Whenwecomeback,
wear
egoi
nghomeok?
”

Helookedatherandsadl
ynodded.Rethabi
lesi
ghedandwal
ked
outtohi
scar.Shegoti
nthenhereversedanddroveof
f.

Herphoner
angi
nherhands.

“
Aunt
y…”

“
Ret
habi
l
e,wher
ear
eyou?
”

Sheswal
l
owed.“
Ma?
”

“
Wher
ear
eyou?
”

“
Iam athome.
”

“Soyouhavenowbecomeal i
arhuh?Busysl eepingwithgrown
menandget ti
ngpr egnant?Yourmot heristurni
nginhergrave!
Youhav eembarrassedt hi
sfamil
yRet habil
e!NowIseewhyy ou
didn’
twanttocomewi thme, i
twassoy oucandoal lyour
nonsenseinmysi ster
’shousedisrespecti
ngher .Thisi
swhyy ou
l
ostthatbaby!Iam comi ngtothatman’ shouseandwear egoi ng
home!Yourunclewi ll
bet aki
ngBatangandt hat
’sthat!
”

“Noonewi ll
separatemybrotherandI.Iam Bat
ang’slegal
guardianandIwil
l deci
dewhathappenswithhim.Iam sorryyou
feelIhaveembarrassedthi
sfamilybutnooneistakingBatang
from me.Iam notgoinganywherewithyousodon’tbother
yourself
.”

“
Ret
habi
l
e-“

“GoodbyeAunt
y.Don’
tscream somuch,
youhav
ehi
ghbl
ood
pressur
e.Wedon’
twantyoudyingonus.
”
Your
sTr
uly

#23

AtGameCi t
yMal l
,At
angpushedt hetroll
eybehindRet
habi l
e
whil
eshewalkedinfr
ont
..shestoppedt hentooksomej eans,she
l
ookedatthem andsear
chedforBat ang’ssi
ze.Shecheckedt he
pr
icetagandquickl
yputthem back.Shecont i
nuedwalking.

Atangpushedt hetrol
leyandpickedthepantsthenputthem i
n
thetr
oll
ey.Rethabil
epi ckedsomeshorts,
shel ookedatthepr
ice
thentookBatang’ssizeandt ur
nedtothetrol
ley.Shefr
ownedat
thepantsshehadl eftbehind.

“
That
’st
ooexpensi
ve,
Iwi
l
lgett
hisi
nst
ead.
”

“
It
’sok.Hewi
l
lli
ket
het
rouser
.”

“
Buti
t’
stooexpensi
ve.
”

“
It
’sok.Iam pay
ing.Heneedst
wot
-shi
rt
s.”

Shetookadeepbr eathandputtheshor
tsinsi
debeforetur
ning
andconti
nuingwalking.Shepi
ckedtwot-shi
rt
sandthrewthem in
thet
roll
ey.AtangtookanI r
onmant-shi
rtandputi
tinsi
dewith
whit
esneaker s.

Hel
ookedather
.“Doy
ouwantsomet
hing?
”

Ret
habi
l
eshookherhead.“
No.Yougotmeenough.Let
’sgoand
pay
.”

Shel
edhi
mtot
hecashi
er.Het
ookouthi
scar
d.Thecashi
er
l
ookedathi
m.

“
P634.
55.
”

“
Iam swi
ping.
”

Themal
ecashi
erl
ookedatRet
habi
l
e.At
angl
ookedatt
hecashi
er.

“
Obat
agonj
elammabol
ait
aka?(
Doy
ouwantmywoman?
)”

Thecashi
erl
augheduncomf
ort
abl
y.“
Nyaa.(
No.
)”

“
Yaanongkengomolebankar
eobatagomotsayanemi
ster
?
(
Thenwhyareyoul
ooki
ngatherasi
fyouwanther
?)”

“
Iam sor
ry.Iwasj
ust
…-“

“Osekawatolaolebabanyanabar
onay
alo.Otakgobal
a.(Don’
t
everl
ookatourwomanl i
kethat
.Youwi
l
lgethurt
.)
”

ThemanbehindAt
anglaughed.“
Bafanababanyatsabathomme
enemmaboomont legor
e.Omot swarekamatset
seleko.(
These
guysunder
est
imat
epeopleyourwomanistoobeauti
ful
.Treather
well
.)
”

Rethabi
l
elookeddownshy
lyasAt
angpunchedhi
spasswor
d.He
tur
nedtothemansmili
ng.

“
Nnamomothowameokaswa.(
Wheni
tcomest
omywoman
y
ouwi
ll
die.
)”

Themanl
aughed.“
Don’
tsor
rysi
r.Reut
ule.(
Wehear
d.)
”

At
angsmil
edgett
ingthepl
ast
icwi
thBat
ang’
scl
othes,heputhi
s
ar
m ar
oundRet
habil
e’
swaistandwal
kedoutwi
thher.
“
Arey
ousur
eyoudon’
twantany
thi
ng?
”

“
Iam f
ine.Thanky
ou.
”

“
Don’
tyouwantt
opl
aity
ourhai
r?”

“
Iwi
l
lfi
ndsomeoneathomet
odomyhai
r.Youdon’
thav
eto.
”

“
Iwi
l
lsendy
out
hemoneyf
ory
ourhai
r.
”

Hewal kedoutwit
hhert
henopenedt
hedoorf
orher
.Shegoti
n
theAmar ok.Hecl
osedt
hedoorandputt
hepl
ast
icatt
he
backseat.

“
Iam comi
ng.Twomi
nut
es.
”

Ret
habil
ewatchedhim wal
kbackinthemall
.Themanfrom t
he
cl
othi
ngshopapproachedandknockedonherwindow.

Sher
oll
edi
tdownandl
ookedathi
m.“
Dumel
ang.
”

“
Hi,
what
’sy
ourname?
”

“
Ret
habi
l
e.”

“
Who’
sthatguyt
oyou?Yourbabydaddy
?”

“
Myboy
fri
end.
”

“
Cool
guy
,real
l
ycool
guy
.CanIgety
ournumber
?”

“
Ihav
eaboy
fri
end.
”

“YeahIknow.Buty
ouar
enotmar
ri
ed.Younev
erknowwhoy
our
soulmatei
s.”

Het
ookRet
habi
l
e’sphonef
rom herhandsandswi
pedt
hescr
een
unl
ocki
ngi
tthenpagedhi
msel
f.Hesmi
l
edgi
vi
ngbackt
hephone.

“
Iam Nat
efobutcal
lmeTef
o.Wewi
l
ltal
k.”

Hesmiledandwal
kedtohi
scar.Rethabi
lewatchedinshockas
hegotinsi
dehi
scaranddr
oveoff.Shelookedatherphoneand
swal
lowed.

Herphonev
ibr
ated.Sheopenedt
hemessage.

Unsav
ednumber
:Youar
ereal
l
ypr
ett
y.

Ret
habil
equickl
ydelet
edthemessageandnumberthensi
ghed
wai
ti
ng.Atangwalkedovermi
nuteslat
er.Hegoti
nthecar
hol
dingaconoficecream.Hehandedtheicecr
eam t
oher.

“
Thi
sisy
our
s.”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Igoty
out
his.Ij
ustt
houghty
oumi
ghtl
i
ket
hem.
”

Ret
habil
etooktheshoppi
ngbagandtookoutabox.Sheopened
i
tandlookedatthespar
kli
ngheel
s.Shegasped.

“
Att
ie…!
”

“
Youl
i
ket
hem?
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Theyar
ebeaut
if
ul.Il
ovet
hem…Il
ovey
ou.
”

Herphonev i
brat
edagai
n.Sheopenedthemessagefr
om Tef
o
andblockedhisnumbert
hendelet
edthemessage.

Ret
habileputawayherphoneandputt
heshoesatthebackseat
.
Sheleanedoverandki
ssedhim.Hehesi
tant
lyki
ssedherback
andqui
ckl
ypul
l
edaway
.

“
Putony
ourseat
bel
t.
”

Rethabi
l
eputont heseatbel
tandleakedhericecr
eam ashe
star
tedthecaranddrovebackhome.Rethabilewal
kedinsidet
he
housefi
nishi
nghericecream.Shelookedaroundwondering
whereherbrotherwas.

Sherelaxedl
ist
eni
ngtohiml
aughf
rom t
heot
herr
oom.At
ang
walkedinsi
dethehouse.

“
Takwano.(
Comeher
e.)
”

Hewalkedtohisbedroom.Shefoll
owedbehindandlookedathi
m.
Atangpul
ledhercloserandki
ssedhersqueezi
ngherbreastwhi
l
e
pushi
ngheragainstthewall
.

Shefli
nchedashesqueezedhersor
ebreast.Hetookof
fthe
hoodieandT-shi
rt
.Hestar
edatherthi
ckbreastt
hentookofft
he
bra.

Hesqueezedt
hem agai
n,Ret
habi
l
escr
eamedatt
hepai
n.

“
Atang!
”

“
Youar
emaki
ngnoi
se.Obat
aBat
angaut
wa?(
YouwantBat
ang
t
ohear
?)”

Shelookedathi
m herhear
tpounding.Hekissedheragai
n,t
his
ti
mer oughl
ywhil
esqueezi
ngherthickbut
t.Het ookof
fhist
-shi
rt
star
ingatherf
earf
uleyes.

“
Kneel
…”
Sheknel
tdown.Atangunz
ippedhi
spant
sandt
ookouthi
sdi
ck.
Herubbedhi
mselfonherl
ips.

“
Open.
”

Sheopenedhermout h,
Atangpushedhi
sdi
ckinherwarm mouth.
Herstomachli
ft
edashepushedwaydeeperinsi
de,shegagged
movingbackwards.

“
Iam goingtof
uckyourmout
hsinceitcan’
tbeyourpussy
.Ify
ou
t
ryfight
ingme,
Iwil
lfucky
ourass.Keepyourhandsonyour
t
highs.”

Sheswal
lowedstar
ingathi
m,ther
ewasj ustsomet
hingaboutt
he
wayhewasstari
ngather,i
twasn’
ttheusualandi
tmadeher
scar
ed.

At
anghel
dherheadand–#r
emov
ed.

Rethabil
e’sturnedasshef ail
edt obreat hewithhisdickdeep
i
nsidehermout h.Tear
sr ol
leddownwhi lebecont i
nuedf ucki
ng
hermout h,shegaggedpi nchinghert hickthighs.Hegr unted
shootinghisloadinhermout h.Hepusheddeeperr el
easinginher
mout h.Shepushedhi m back,herstomachcont entcomi ngri
ght
out.Atangmov edbackwat chingherv omi tonthef l
oor.

Shedownbr eat
hingheavi
l
y.Atangsi
ghedrel
iev
edthenhehel
ped
herupfeel
i
ngabi tgui
lt
y.Hetouchedherbr
eastandki
ssedher
for
ehead.

“
Iam sor
ry.Come…”
Hetookhertothebathroom.Rethabi
l
eleaneddownbyt hesi
nk
washi
nghermout h.Het ur
nedtohim,heki
ssedherli
psand
pi
ckedherup.Hewal kedwithhertot
hebedroom andlai
dher
downthenlai
dbesideherpulli
ngherinhi
sarms.

Hehel
dhertight
ly.Ret
habi
l
eputherar
m ar
oundhi
m snuggl
i
ng
ev
encloser
.

*
**

Out
side,
Keemi dr
ovethr
oughAt ang’
sgat
eandpar
kedbesi
dehi
m
whi
leZazasatonthepassengerseat
.

“
Mama,
Ithi
nkweshoul
d-“

Keemist
eppedoutofhercarandmar
chedi
nsi
det
hehouse
angr
il
ywhil
eyel
li
ng.

“
Ret
habi
l
e!Ret
habi
l
ecomeoutnow!Ret
habi
l
e!”

Zazawal
kedi
n.“
Mama-
“

“
Ret
habi
l
e!”

At
angwal
kedf
rom t
hebedr
oom shi
rt
less.

“
Hey
!St
opy
ell
i
ngi
nmyhouse.Ar
eyousmoki
ng?
”

“
Atangt
hisi
smymot
herandy
ouwon’
ttal
ktoherl
i
ke-
“

“HeyVoetsekwena!Whoaskedy
ou?Gett
hef
uckoutofmy
house.Lantwael
alona!
”
Keemi
’
shear
tracedasshest
aredathi
m.

“
Isai
dgetgoi
ngkanagakeut
wal
e?”

Keemi walkedoutt
aki
ngoutherphoneandcal
ledthepoli
ce.
Atangclosedthedoor
.Zazaputherhandonherchestwhi
leher
heartbeatwayfast
erthannor
mal.

Hermotherspokeonthephone.“
Hel
l
o?Myni
ecehasbeen
ki
dnapped.Ineedyourhel
p.”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#24

Rethabil
efi
nishedcl
eaningthef
loort
henwal
kedt
owar
dst
he
doorjustasAtangwalkedin.

“
Youraunti
sout
side.Shei
sher
efory
ou.
”

“
Iwi
l
ltal
ktoher
.”

“
Ok.
”

Shewal
kedoutsi
deandlookedatZazathenheraunt
.Keemi
l
ookedathert
henranov
erandwr appedherarmsaroundher
.

Ret
habil
elookedatZazaknowi
ngi
twasal
lherdoi
ng,
nott
hati
t
matt
eredanyway.

“
Aunt
y..
”

“
Iam t
aki
ngy
ouhome.
”

Rethabi
lesi
ghed.“
Iam goingt
omymot her
’shouse.Iam not
stayi
ngherenoram Igoi
ngwit
hyou.Iappr
eci
atethefactthaty
ou
careaboutmesomuchbutIam goinghome.”

“
Thabi
-“

“
Bat
angi
scomi
ngwi
thme.
”

“
Ret
habi
l
e,y
ourmot
herwant
edy
out
ost
aywi
thme.
”

“Mymotherwant
edyout
otakemybrotherandItogether.You
coul
dn’
tdoit
.Youwantt
otakeoneandleavetheother,t
hatisnot
goi
ngtohappen.Iwil
lneverl
ett
hathappen.Ir
especty
ou.Idon’
t
wantt
obedisrespect
ful
.”

“
Ret
habi
l
e,Iam t
ryi
ngt
ohel
pyouher
e.”

“
IknowbutIdon’
tneedyourhel
patthemoment
.Iam f
ineatt
he
moment
.Iwill
tel
lyouwhenIneedhelp.
”

“Youknowwhatngwanany ana,Iam si
ckandtir
edofchasing
aft
ery ouli
keaheadl esschicken.Youareungr
atef
ulbutl
et’ssee
wherey ourungrat
efulnesswilll
andyou.Youthi
nkli
feiseasy
akere?Iam going,i
fy oudon’tcomewi t
hmet henyouaredeadto
me.”

“
Dri
vesaf
ely
.”

ZazalookedatRet
habi
l
einshock.“
Thi
sisgoi
ngtoendi
ntear
sI
am t
elli
ngyouandyouwil
lhav
enoonetoturnt
othanmy
mother.
”

“Whatendedi ntearswasy ouwanti

ngmymant hengoingafter
histwi
nbr otherthinki
ngyouwi l
lgett
hesamer esult
s.Iam not
disr
espectful.Don’tpushme.Yourmot heri
sabouttof al
l
,please
takeherhome.Iwon’ ttur
nt oy
ourmot herwholetherhusband
rapeyou.”

Keemi gaspedthenlookedatZazaasRethabi
lewalkedbackin
thehouseclosingthedoorbehi
ndher.Shethoughtf
ull
ywalkedto
Atang’
sbedr oom.Shepickedherphonefr
om thebedwhilehe
showeredthenwentonFacebookandpost edpictur
esofher
workonherpage.

Shesmi
l
edassomeonel
i
kedt
heposti
mmedi
atel
y.Herphone
v
ibr
atedassomeonesentheraWhat
sAppmessage.Sheopened
t
hemessage.

Customer:Hi
dear
,justsawyourpostonFacebook.Ihav
ea
weddingcomi
ngupintwoweeks, mydesi
gnerondisapoint
il
e.I
needadressf
ormyselfandmygirl
s.Weare7i ntot
al.

Thepersonsentthet
ypeofdressedshewant
edforher
bri
desmaidsthenher
sel
f.Ret
habil
ezoomedinthepi
ctur
est
hen
repl
ied.

Ret
habil
e:Hi
,Icandot
hatbutsi
nceyouar
eonl
ygi
vi
ngmet
wo
weeks,
Iam goingt
ochar
geyoumore.

Cust
omer
:Moneyi
snotapr
obl
em.Kebokaedeposi
t?

Rethabi
l
e;Yourdr
essi
sP3000.Theonesf
ory
ourgi
rl
sisP1800
each.

Cust
om:
Per
fect
.Howmuchi
sthedeposi
t?”

Ret
habi
l
e’shear
tpoundedasshet
yped.

Ret
habi
l
e:7k.

Customer:
pleaseforwar
dy ourbankdet
ail
s.Iwi
l
lmakepay
ment
thensendyouallourmeasurements.

Ret
habi
l
e:ok.

Shefor
wardedherorangemoneydet
ail
sasAt
angwal
kedoutof
thebat
hroom.Helookedather
.

“
Aret
heygone?
”

“
Yes.Whatt
imedoesourbusl
eav
e?”
“
Iwi
l
lcal
lsomeoneandask.
”

“
Ok.
”

Hisphonestar
tedri
ngi
ngbesideher.Ret
habi
l
epickeditand
l
ookedatElang’
snumber.Shestar
edathisphoneforawhil
ethen
handedhi
m hisphone.

“
Elangi
scal
l
ing.Yout
alkt
oEl
ang?
”

“
IspoketoherwhenIwant
edhert
ocheckupony
ou.Iwas
wor
ried.
”

“
Sowhatarey
oudi
scussi
ngnow?Aker
esheknowsIam her
e
wi
thy
ou.”

“
Idon’
tknowwhyshei
scal
l
ingRet
habi
l
e.”

“
Answerher
.Ial
sowantt
ohearwhaty
out
wot
alkabout
.”

“
Iam notgoi
ngt
oanswerherbecauseIhav
enot
hingt
odi
scuss
wi
thher.
”

“
Iwantt
ohearwhatshehast
ost
ay.Youshoul
danswerher
.”

“
Ret
habi
l
e-“

“
Iam goi
ngt
ogetmybr
otherr
eady
.”

At
anganswer
edandputheronl
oudspeaker
.“Yah?
”

“
Hi.I
sThabi
wit
hyou?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
CanIpl
easespeakt
oher
?”
At
anggav
ehert
hephonet
hendr
essedup.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi,
omboki
l
e?”

“
Yes.
”

“Aoomma, oversuchasmal lissue?Iam sor

ry.IknowIhurtyou
butyouknowIdidn’tmeani t
.ThammawenaIwi l
lwashyour
clot
hesfort
womont hs.Unbl
ockme, Ihav
enewst otel
lyou.”

“Idon’
tli
keyourbehav i
orsomet i
mes.Kebonegoreotwaet
si
gorekedidimetsibutIam t
iredofit
.Iam goi
ngt
ounblockyou
butify
out r
ymeagai nIam goingtocuty
ouofff
orgood.Imean
i
t.Gakelelelope.
”

“
Loudandcl
ear
.Unbl
ockmef
astsoIcanIt
ell
you.
”

“Andletthi
sbet
hel
astt
imey oucal
lAt
ang.Gaket
sigor
ele
discussaengmmegakerat
e.”

“
Sor
ry.
”

“
Bye.
”

El
anghungup.Ret
habi
l
elookedathi
m ashef
ini
shedupdr
essi
ng.

“
Pleasebl
ockEl
ang.
”

“
OK.
”

“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
”

“
Iam goi
ngt
oseeaf
ri
end.Iwi
l
lseey
oul
ater
.”

“
Ify
ouev
ergoandi
mpr
egnat
esomeoneout
sidet
hisr
elat
ionshi
p
becauseIabor
tedt
hebaby
,Iwi
l
lnev
erf
orgi
vey
ouebi
l
eIwi
l
l
dumpy ou.
”

“
Youseet
hatmout
hofy
our
s-“

“Iam t
ell
ingy ouwhat’sgoingtohappen.Iam sayi
ngi
ttoday
Atangsot hatyouknow.Goandt r
yit.Iam f
orgi
vi
ngpersonbutI
will
neverforgiveyouforthatandIwilll
eaveyouandnevert
ake
youback.IfIdoi twon’tbeoutoflov
e.”

Hel
ookedathersi
l
ent
ly.“
Emma,
keut
ule.Ket
samay
e?”

“
Youcango.
”

Shetookherphoneandopenedthemessagef r
om Orangemoney
.
Shesmiledhappi
lyt
henwentonWhat sApp.Shelookedatt
wo
moremessagesfrom di
ff
erentcust
omersandrepli
edtothem
whil
ehest ar
edather
.

Hewal
kedoutandchuckl
eddr
ivi
ngout
.

*
**

Keemi
par
kedt
hecaratZaza’
swor
kpl
ace.

“Soyouhav
egoingaroundt
ell
i
ngpeopl
ethaty
ouwer
ehav
ingan
aff
airwi
thmyhusband?”

“Youmeant haty
ourhusbandwasrapi
ngme.SomehowIam glad
sherefusedtogowit
hyou.Itwoul
dbeashamei fy
outookherto
yourhusbandsohecanhav ehi
swaywithhersi
nceyoucan’
t.
”
“
Zachar
iah!
”

“
Trut
hhur
ts.By
e.”

Zazast
eppedoutandwal
kedi
nsi
det
hebui
l
dingpi
cki
ngAgang’
s
cal
l.

“
Hi.
”

“It
hinkweshouldcal
li
tqui
ts.Idon’
tli
keawomanwhocan’
tmi
nd
herownbusiness.
”

“
What
?”

“Iam begi
nni
ngtothinkt
hatyouprobabl
yst
il
lwantmybr
other
andIreall
ydon’
tcarebutIam onewit
hyou.
”

“
Soy
ouwer
eusi
ngme?
”

“
No.Youwantedt
hisasmuch.Don’
tbedramat
ic.I
fyoudi
dn’
t
wantt
hist
henyoushoul
dhavesai
dso.”

“
Youandy
ourbr
other
-“

Aganghungup.Zazast
aredatherphonei
ndi
sbel
i
ef.

*
**

Latert
hatday,Rethabi
l
egotint
hebuswi
thBat
angandsatbyt
he
window.Atanglookedather
.

“
Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.
”
“
Ok.
”

“Goforthedr
ivi
ngschooll
essons.Wheny
oumov
ethi
ssi
de,
you
aret
akingyourl
icense.
”

“
Eer
ra.
”

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

Shesmi
l
edbl
ushi
ng.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Hel
eanedov
erandbabyki
ssedhert
hent
urnedt
oBat
ang.

“
ByeBuddy
..
”

“
Bye.
”

Thebumpedfist
s.Atangsmil
edatRet
habi
l
eandgotof
fthebus
whil
eshest
aredwithasmile.

Thebussl
owl
ydr
oveoutofbusr
ankasshel
ookedatherman
wal
kingt
owar
dshi
scar.

THREEMONTHSLATER…

Aft
ernoon.Iam sorr
yIam l
ate.Fi
rstdaybackatwor
kwashect
ic.
Themor ni
nginserti
scomingup.
Your
sTr
uly

#25

Thr
eeMont
hsLat
er…

AtUB,Ret
habi
l
ewalkedoutofthepremiseshol
dingherst
udent
I
Dcardandherti
metablei
nherhands.Shegottothebusstop
wher
eBatangwaswait
ingwit
ht hei
rbags.

Rethabi
leputthet
inetabl
eandstudentI
dent
it
ycar
dinBat
ang’
s
schoolbagthendi
aledAtangagai
n.

“
Thi
sisaf
reeannouncementf
rom-
“

Shehungupworr
iedlylooki
ngatthet
ime.Tear
sfil
ledhereyesas
shesatdownwai
tingforElang.Mi
nut
espassedthenElang
walkedover
.

“
Hey
,di
dyougethol
dofhi
m?”

Ret
habi
l
eshookherhead.“
No.
”

“KanannaIgotaccommodati
onandIam sharingsoIcan’
ttake
youandBatangtother
oom becauseIam notsurewhoIam
shari
ngwit
h.”

“Wewon’
tbet
heref
orl
ong.Iam sur
ehei
str
avel
i
ngt
hat
’swhy
hi
sphonei
sof
f.”

“
ThabimmaIdon’
twantt
obeki
ckedoutoft
heroom.Idon’
thave
ari
chboy
fri
endt
ogiv
ememoneyandIwon’thaveany
whereto
gowhenthi
ngst
urnsouthf
orme.Whycan’
tyouj
ustf
indahouse?
Aker
eyouhavemoney.
”

“
It
’sok.Iwi
l
lfi
ndsomet
hing.
”

“
Letmehel
pyoul
ookonFacebook.Al
lyouneedi
sar
oom.
”

“Iknow.Ihadfoundsomethingbut
…”Rethabi
l
esighedthen
pressedherphonewhil
eElangsatdownandopenedher
Facebookthenstar
tedsearchi
ngforar
oom torentnearUB.

Ret
habil
ecal
l
edt
henumbershehadsav
edday
sback.I
trang
twi
ce.

“
Hel
l
o?”Af
emal
evoi
ceanswer
ed.

“Dumelang.MynameisRet
habil
e.Isawy
ourhouseonFacebook
daysback.Isi
tst
il
lav
ail
abl
e?”

“Notreal
l
y.Iam wait
ingf
orsomeonewhojustcal
l
edmet omake
payment.Hehadcalledi
nthemorni
ngbuti
fyoucanbeathi
mto
i
t,youcantakei
t.”

“
CanIcomeandseei
t?Ihav
ecashr
eady
.”

“
Yes.Hur
ry.
”

“
Eemma,
thanky
ou.HowdoIgett
her
e?”

Ret
habi
l
eli
stenedast
hewomandi
rect
edhert
henhungup.

“
Ifoundar
oom.Iam goi
ngt
oseei
tthenpay
.”

“
Howmuchi
sit
?”

“
950.
”
“
Fai
r.Idon’
tunderst
and,
whydi
dn’
tyoul
eav
eBat
angwi
thy
our
mot
her’suncl
e?”

“
Elang-
“

“Iam justsayi
ng, nowbesidesyourschool
,youhavetoworry
abouthi m.What ’
sgoingtohappent ohi
m wheny ougowherever
youwantt ostudyabroad.Willy
outakehim wi
th?Youareonlya
studentThabi.Asmuchasy ouwanttohonoryourmother
’s
wishes,keepinmi ndt
hatyouar eal
soachil
dandy ouneedhelp
withBat ang.
”

“Idon’
tmindstayi
ngwithmybrot
her.I
tmakesmef
eel
bet
ter
knowingIam wit
hhim andt
hatheissafe.
”

“
Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowheny
ougoov
erseas?
”

“
Iwi
l
lcr
osst
hatbr
idgewhenIgett
oit
.”

“Whatwillhappenwheny ouhav eeveni

ngcl asses?Thisisnot
Shakawewher ey oucanjustlockhiminsi
det hehouse.Thisis
Gaborone.Chil
drengetkidnappedinGabor one.Al otoft
hings
happeninGabor one.Iam nottry
ingtobenegat iv
ebutItryingt
o
makey ousee.Hei sgoingtoneedclothes.Uniform.Ngwanawas
tur
aThabi.”

“Soy ouwant edmet oleavehim?Iwill

nev
erl eavemybrotheras
l
ongasIcant akecar
eofhi m.Heismychild.Letmewor ryabout
hisfuture.Youcan’tr
elatetomebecauseyoudon’ thavesibl
i
ngs.
May beify oudidyouwoul dunder
standme.Unt i
lIgoabroad,Iwi
l
l
staywi t
hhi m.Iam goi
ng.”

“
Youar
enev
ergoi
ngt
oenj
oyv
arsi
tyl
i
febecausey
ouar
enowa
mot
her
.”

Thabi
l
egotherbagandst
oppedacab.

“
Speci
al…”

“
Let
sgo.
”

Thecabdr
iverst
eppedoutandputt
hebagsi
ntheboot
.

“
Bat
angl
et’
sgo.
”

Theygotincarwhi l
eElangwat ched.Thecabdrov eoff,El
ang
walkedbacki nsi
detheschoolpr emi
sesinhershor tdressand
wentt oherroom.Herroommat ehadarri
ved.Shet ur
nedf r
om her
mirrorhol
dinghermakeupbr ushandl ookedatElangsmi li
ng.

“
Hi,
Iam Koket
so.
”

El
angsmi
l
edbackl
ooki
ngatt
hecol
oredgi
rl
.“Hi
.Iam El
ang.
”

Koket
sogi
ggled.“
IthoughtIwasgoingtohaveweirdoasa
roommat
e.Iam goingtoapartykoblock5.Let
’sgotoget
her
.”

“
Uh,
Idon’
tknowany
one.
”

Koketsol
aughedrol
l
ingherey
es.“
Youdon’
thavet
oknowany
one
toatt
endaparty
.Youjustl
ookcut
eandsexy
.”

Elangsatont
hebedwat
chi
ngasKoket
sor
anar
edl
i
pst
ickonher
l
ips.

“
Someri
chNiger
ianguyt
hrewapar
ty.I
fyouwantf
reemoney
,
y
ouwil
lcomewithme.Wherear
eyoufr
om? ”

“
Shakawe.
”
“
Heel
ang!Sof
ar.Hav
eyouev
erbeeni
nGabor
one?
”

“
Yesbutt
ojustv
isi
t.
”

“
Youknowwhat
?Youarecomingwit
hme.Iam goi
ngtot
each
y
ouGabsli
femoghel
.Youar
egoingtoenj
oyy
oursel
f.
”

El
angsmiledexci
tedl
y.Herphonestar
tedr
ingi
ng,shel
ookedat
Far
aical
l
ingthenputitonsi
lentst
ari
ngatKoketso.

*
**

InBlock8,Rethabil
epaidt hecabt hensteppedout.Thecabdri
ver
gotherbagsst ar
ingatt hebodyt rappedinherbodyhuggi
ng
dressthathuggedhert hickness.Wi t
hherbrai
dstiedinabun,
he
couldseeherroundf acecl ear
ly.Shesmiled.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Youar
ewel
come.
”

Sheopenedthegatethenpushedherbigsui
tcasei
nsidewhi
le
Batangfol
l
owedbehindher.Shewalkedtothebighouseand
knockedonthedoor.

Shelookedatherbr
other
,hewasunusuall
yqui
et.Thedoor
openedthenaladysmil
edherhandoverherpr
egnantbel
ly
.

“
Hi…”

Ret
habil
esteppedbacksmi
l
ingback.“
Mynamei
sRet
habi
l
e.We
j
ustspoke.
”
Theladysmil
ed.“Iam Angel
abutcal
lmemmagwePalesa.The
otherguyj
ustcal
ledbeggingmenottogi
veany
onet
hehouse.
Comeandsee, i
st haty
ourson?
”

“
Hei
smybr
other
.”

“
Ok.MynameisAngel
a.Myhusbandisnotyethome,he’
sst
il
lat
wor
k.Youwi
l
lmeethimlat
er.Whenisyourf
urnit
urecomi
ng?”

Ret
habi
l
efol
l
owedbehi
nd.“
Idon’
thav
eany
.Iam st
udent
.”

MmagwePalesatur
nedandl
ookedatRet
habi
l
e.“
Youar
ea
st
udent
?Youlookolder
.”

Sheopenedthedoortotheser
vant
squar
ter
s.“
Thi
sisi
t.I
t’
s
rel
ati
vel
ybi
gandt her
eisnogeyser
.”

Rethabi
lewal
kedintheti
nyroom passi
ngthesinkjustout
sidet
he
room andsmi
led.“
It
’sfi
ne.I
twil
lbemybr otherandI.”

“
Ok.Youhavey
ourownelect
ri
cit
y.Yourwat
eri
sincl
udedi
nthe
r
ent
.Yoursi
nki
soutsi
de.
”

“
Ok.
”

“Thereisnocei
li
ngorfi
tt
edwar dr
obe.That
’swhyther
oom i
s
P800.Iunderst
andyouareastudentsoIwil
lneedmymoney
everythi
rddayofeachmonth.
”

“
Eemma.
”

MmagwePal esasmil
ed.“
That’
sal
l.I
fy ouneedanythi
ngel
se,I
wil
lbeatthemainhousebuty
oucanal socall
me.Myhusband
andIarenotnoi
sypeopl
eandwedon’ tli
kenoisypeopl
eorpar
ty
peopl
e.Ourhousei
snotashebeen.”
“
Eemma.
”

“Iknowyouprobablyhavefri
endsbutyourf
ri
endsshoul
dknow
whent ocome.Wedon’ twantstr
anger
sdoingbackandfor
thher
e.
Ihaveadaughterandv al
uabl
esinmyhouse.Somepeopleare
thi
eves.Doyouhaveaboy fri
end?”

“
Yes.
”

“Ok.Thenitmeansyouwill
beusingthebackgate.Therei
sa
smallgat
ebehindyourhouse.It
hinki
t’
sbestthatway.”

“
Hehasacar
.”

“
Kesugardaddy
?”

“
Ma?
”

MmagwePal
esal
ookedatherbody
.“Ihopey
ouarenotoneof
t
hosegi
rl
smmawhodateoldermenformoney.
”

“
Hei
snotanol
dman.
”

“Ihopesobecausei
fnotIwoul
dhavet
oaskyout
oleav
e.
Anyways,wel
come.Doyouhavethemoney
?”

“
Yes.
”

Rethabi
letookoutt
hepur
seandhandedAngi
ethemoney
.She
counteditandsmil
ed.

“
Ok.Youcanset
tl
ein.Wewi
l
ltal
klat
er.
”

“
Eemmat
hanky
ou.
”

Shewal
kedout
.Ret
habi
l
esi
ghedt
henl
ookedar
ound.Sheopened
thesuit
caseandtookoutabl
ankett
hensatdownwi
thBat
ang
star
ingatthecei
l
ing.

Shepi
ckedherphone,
herhear
tski
ppedasAt
angcal
l
edback.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hey
,Ij
ustl
anded.Ar
eyoust
il
latUB?
”

Shetookadeepbreat
hli
steni
ngt
ohi
m,hi
svoi
cedeepandhusky
.
Shebli
nkedt
earf
ull
y.

“
No.If
oundasmal
lroom.Iam wi
thBat
ang.
”

“
Keet
a.Packy
ourt
hingswear
egoi
nghome.
”

“
Ithoughty
oubl
ockedme.Youhav
enotbeent
alki
ngt
ome.
”

“
Isai
dIneededspacet
oheal
.Sendmey
ourl
ocat
ion.
”

“
Ihadal
readypai
drent
.”

“
Youwi
l
lgety
ourmoneyback.Iam comi
ng.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#26

Atangdroveintheyardtal
kingonthephonethenparkedinfr
ont
oftheserv
ant’squart
er.Ret
habil
egotupandl ookedathim
thr
oughthewi ndowashest eppedoutofhi
scarput t
ingonhis
capwithhisphoneonhi sear.

Rethabil
etur
nedtoBatangwhowasnowsleepi
ng.Hedidn’
tseem
thatexci
tedaboutt
hemov et
houghsheknewhim seei
ngAtang
wouldsetthemoodr i
ght.

Sheturnedt
ohim andsmiledasheconti
nuedt
alki
ngonhi
s
phone.Sheopenedthedoorandwalkedout
.

At
angtur
nedandl
ookedatherasshest
oodbyt
hedoor
.He
wal
kedover
.

“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.Letmeat
tendt
osomet
hing.
”

Helookedather,
shewast hi
ckerandt hedr
esshuggedeverypar
t
ofherbody.Hewr appedhisarmsar oundherpull
i
nghercl
oser.
Sheclosedhereyeshugginghim breathi
nginhiscol
ogne.

“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.Sur
e.”

Hehungupandsl i
dhisphoneinhispocket
.Hehel
dhert
ight
ly.
Tearsfi
ll
edherey
es.Sheclosedhereyesasat
earr
oll
eddown
hercheek.

Heki
ssedhernecksqueezi
ngherbody.MmagwePalesawal
ked
ov
erpushi
ngherbigbell
yfor
wardwhil
eholdi
ngt
helease
agr
eement
.

ShepassedtheblackAmarokwitht
hebigtir
es.Shecar
eful
ly
l
ookedatitt
henwal kedov
ertothedoor.Shepausedst
ari
ngat
Ret
habil
ehuggingaman.Shet ookadeepbreathappr
oachi
ng.

“
Ret
habi
l
e…”

Ret
habi
l
emov
edbackandl
ookedather
.At
angl
ookedathert
oo.

“
Ibr
oughtt
hel
easeagr
eement
.”

“
Shewon’
tbest
ayi
ngher
e.”

MmagwePal
esal
ookedupathi
m.“
What
?”

“
Shewon’
tbest
ayi
ngher
e.Iam t
aki
ngherwi
th.
”

“
Uhbut
-“

“
Aker
enot
hingwassi
gnedasy
et?Shehaschangedhermi
nd.
”

MmagwePalesal
ookedatRet
habi
l
e.“
Ify
ouknewy
ourboy
fri
end
wasgoi
ngt
o-“

At
angshookhi
shead.“
Tal
ktomei
fyouhav
eani
ssue.It
hinkI
wasl
oudenough.
”

Rethabi
lel
ookedathi
m.Therewassomethingaboutt
hewayhe
spokeespeci
all
ywhenhismindhadal
readybeenmade.Hedi
dn’
t
rai
sehisvoi
ce,her
emainedcal
m butf
irm.

Ret
habi
l
elookedathim smil
i
ngashetookcont
rol
oft
hesi
tuat
ion.
MmagwePalesabl
inkedthensi
ghed.

“
Iwi
l
lgethermoney
.”
Sheturnedandwalkedaway.Atangturnedt oRethabileand
st
aredatherchubbycheeks.Heleanedov erandki ssedher.
Rethabi
lecl
osedhereyesstandi
ngonhert oeskissinghim back.
Hishandswentdownt oherbutt
.Hesqueezedt hickbehind.
Rethabi
leputherhandsonhischestfeel
inghiser ecti
ononher
st
omach.

Ret
habil
elookeddown.“Bat
angisgoi
ngt
obehappyt
oseey
ou.
Hethoughtyouhadlef
tforgood.
”

At
angbi
therl
owerl
i
psmi
l
ing.“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Iam f
at.
”

“
Whot
oldy
out
hat
?Youar
ebeaut
if
ul.
.Il
ovey
oul
i
ket
his.
”

Hecaressedhercheekthenwalkedinsi
det hehouse.Shet
ooka
deepbreathandfol
lowedhiminside.Helookedatherbag.

“
That
’sal
lyougot
?”

Bat
angquickl
ywokeuphear
inghi
svoice.Her
aisedhi
sheadand
l
ookedatAtang,
asmil
ecoveri
nghi
sface..

Hel
eapedandj
umpedi
nhi
sar
mshuggi
nghi
m.At
angsmi
l
ed.

“
Heybuddy
!”

“
I-
Imi
ssedy
ou!
”

“
Imi
ssedy
out
oo.
”

Ret
habi
l
efoldedthebl
anketonthefl
oor
.Sheputitbackinthe
bagwhi
leBatangchat
tedhappi
l
ywithAtang.Shewalkedoutas
MmagwePalesastoodbythedoor.
“Hereisyourman.IhopeIneverseeyouagain.Ishoul
dbe
chargi
ngy ouf orwast
ingmyti
me.Ihopeyoudidn’tmakemy
housedir
ty .Someonewho’sser
iousaboutt
hehousei scomi
ng
sopleaseleav enow.”

Rethabi
l
etookt
hemoneyback.“
Iam sor
ryf
ormywast
ingy
our
ti
me.”

At
angwal
kedoutwi
tht
hebagwhi
l
eBat
anghel
dhi
sbag.

“
Let
sgo.
”

Rethabi
l
esmil
edatmmagwePal
esa.“
It
scl
ean.Youcancheck.
Thankyou.
”

Atangputthebagatt
hebackseat
.Batangjumpedi
nbehindhis
seat.Ret
habi
l
egotint
hecarthenAtangclosedt
hedoorwhil
e
sheputontheseat
bel
t.Shel
ookedatBatang.

“
Arey
ouhappy
?”

Batangl
ookedather
.“Im-
m-mi
ssourr
eal
h-housebutI
-I
-Iam
happy.
”

“
Imissouroldhouset
oo.Butwear
egoi
ngt
ost
ayher
eti
l
lIam
f
ini
shedatschool
.”

At
anggoti
nthecart
henpaused.

“Comeanddr
ive.Ispoket
oyouri
nst
ruct
or.Hesay
syouar
e
good.
”

Hesteppedout.Rethabi
l
etookoffherseatbel
tthenswapped
seat
s.Atanglookedatherasheadjustedthecarseatmovi
ng
cl
osertothesteeri
ngwheel.Shest
artedthecarshaki
ngthen
rever
sedslowl
yti
ll
shewasout .Shejoinedther
oadanddroveof
f
slowl
ysteppi
ngontheacceler
atorholdingt
hesteer
ingwheel
wit
h
bothhandswhil
estar
ingahead.

Het
ookouthi
sphoneandt
ookapi
ctur
elaughi
ng.

“
Babeyouknowy
oucanj
ustr
elax.Ther
eisnoneedt
odr
ivel
i
ke
t
hat
.”

“
Wher
edoIt
urn?
”

Hel
aughed.“
Tur
nri
ght
.”

Ret
habi
le’
sphonerangfrom Bat
ang’
sbag.Bat
angt
ooki
toutand
smi
ledstar
ingatFar
ai.

“
Thabi
,Far
aii
sca-
ca-
cal
l
ing.
”

At
angt
urned.“
Letmeseebuddy
.”

Ret
habi
leswall
owedashet
ookt
hephone.Hepi
ckedandputon
l
oudspeaker
.

“HiThabi
…areyouwi
thEl
ang?Ihav
ebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lherbut
sheisnotpi
cki
ng.
”

“
No.Shef
oundaccommodat
ionatUB.Il
efthert
her
e.”

“
Cany
oupl
easecal
lher
,Iam wor
ri
ed.
”

“
Ok.
”

“
Thanks.
”

Hehungup.Ret
habil
estoppedbyt
her
edt
raf
fi
cli
ghtandl
eaned
l
ooki
ngathim.Atangsi
ghed.
“
Youar
est
il
lfr
iendswi
thher
?”

“
Shei
smyonl
yfr
iend.
”

“
Idon’
tli
keher
.”

Shel
ookedathi
mthent
urnedt
other
oadi
nsi
l
ence.

*
**

I
nBlock5,Koket
sowalkedinsideahousewithElangbehi
ndher,
bot
hgirl
sinminidr
esses.Shelookedatev
eryonedressedin
whi
tejustl
i
kethem andsmiled.Koket
sodraggedhertothebar
.

“
Twogl
assesofchampagnepl
ease…”

“
Sur
e!”

Thebartenderpouredthem champagne.Koket
sohandedt
he
othergl
asstoElangthenlaughed.

“
Cheer
stogoodl
i
fe!
”

El
anglaughedsippi
ngherwine.ANigeri
anhi
tsongstart
ed
pl
ayi
ng.Koketsoscreamedjoi
ningt
hecrowdwhiledanci
ng.El
ang
si
ppedmor eofthechampagnewatchingwhi
lemovingherbody
fr
om si
detoside.

Herphonesi
l
entlyrangi
nherpur
sewhi
l
eshef
ini
shedherdr
ink
t
hengotanotherone.

Koket
sowal
kedov
eranddr
aggedheri
nthecr
owdwhi
l
e
someonegropedherbutt
.Sheturnedt
olookbutwit
hthecrowd,
shecouldn’
tevenseewhoitwas.ASouthAfr
icanamapianosong
play
ed.Koketsoscr
eamedraisi
nghergl
assupwhilesi
nging
l
oudlyasshedanced.

Theydancedforawhileandgotmor edr
inksget
ti
ngdrunk.
Koket
sodraggedhertothetoil
etandtookoutherweedthena
pagefr
om myt hebi
ble.Sherol
ledtheci
garet
teandli
titup.

Someoneknockedonthedoor.Koket
soopened.Twot hi
nmen
wal
kedinhol
dingthei
rgl
assesofwhiskyi
ntheirhands.

“
Rakopa,
whyar
eyouhi
dingwi
tht
hegoodt
hings?
”

Koketsolaughedtakinganot
herpuffbef
orehandi ngt
hecigaret
te
tooneoft heguys.Theyexchangedthecigaret
teandf i
nal
ly
handedittoElang.Notwanti
ngt oseem outofplace,
shetookit
andpuf f
edoncet henblewoutthesmoke.Koketsosmi l
edad
Elangtookanotherpuffli
keaprothenblewthesmokei ntheair.

Koketsor
oll
edanot
hercigar
etteastheyal
lsatont
hef
loor
get
tinghi
ghwhil
esippi
ngtheiral
cohol.

Koketsost
artedl
aughingwiththeotherguylyingonthebathr
oom
fl
oorswhil
etheotheronekissedElangtouchingherbreast
.His
handwentunderneathherdressthenheshift
edherpant y
touchi
ngherpussy.El
angweakl ypushedhishandlaughingoutof
i
t.TheguylookedatKoketsoandhi sfr
iend.

“
Iam t
aki
ngherhome.
”

Koketsonoddedl
aughingatnothi
ng.Theguyhel
pedEl
angand
walkedoutwit
hhertakinghert
ohiscar.
Hejumpedinanddr ovet
ohishousewhi l
eElangf
ellasl
eep
besi
deher.Heparkedhiscarathishouseandhel
pedherinside
hi
shouse.Elanggiggl
edasheputheront hebeddrunktoo.He
gotontopofherkissi
nghertaki
ngouthisharddi
ck.Hepushed
herpant
ytothesideasshefellasl
eep.He-remov
ed.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#27

Atatwobedapart
menti
nGabor
one,
Ret
habi
l
elookedar
ound
thenl
ookedatAt
ang.

“
Younowst
ayher
e?”

“
No.Youwi
l
lbest
ayi
ngher
ewi
thBat
ang.
”

Rethabi
le’
smouthdropped.“
Ican’
taffor
dthi
shouseAtang!I
t
l
ooksexpensiv
e.Aroom isenoughforme.That
’swhatIcan
aff
ord.Thi
sistoobi
g.”

“
Iam t
heonewho’
spay
ingf
ori
t.
”

“Thankyouf ort
hisbutIam notgoingtostayher
eandhaveyou
payrentforme,rentwhichIcan’tevenaf
ford.Whati
fwebreak
uporwhati fyoudie?WhatwillIdo?”

“Iam notdyi
ngandwear enotbr
eaki
ngup.AndIam nott
heone
payi
ngf ort
hishouse.BDFpaysf
orit
.Iam t
ryi
ngt
omaket hi
ngs
easi
erforyou.”

Tear
sfil
ledhereyes.“
Iwantt
obeabletot
akecareofmybr
other
andIshouldt
hingsnotworkoutbet
weenyouandI.
”

“
Andwhywoul
dn’
ttheywor
kout
?What
’sgoi
ngon?
”

“
Nothi
ng…Iam j
ust
…”Shel
ookedupbl
i
nki
ng.At
earr
oll
eddown.
“
It
stoobi
g.”

“
It
senough.Ev
eni
fwebr
eakup,
Iwi
l
lst
il
ll
ety
oust
ay.
”
“Andi
fyournewgi
rl
fr
iendisnothappywit
hthat
?IfIwer
eyou
newgir
lf
ri
endIwoul
dn’tbehappywitht
hat.
”

Atangputhi
shandsonherwaistandpul
ledhercl
oserandki
ssed
her.Heranhi
shandsal
loverherbodyashisdi
ckhardenedi
nhis
pants.

Hetookherhandandplaceditonhisdi
ck.Ret
habi
leputherhand
i
nsi
dehispantsandtouchedhisweapon.Hegrunt
edinher
mouthsqueezi
ngherbody.Sheletgothensi
ghed.

“
Iam onmyper
iod.
”

“
What
?”

“
Iam onmyper
iod.
”

Bat
angwal
kedf
rom t
hebedr
oomssmi
l
ing.

“
Thabi
th-
ther
ear
ebeds!
”

Rethabi
letur
nedandwalkedtothebedroomswalkingpastthe
twocouchesinthesmallsi
tt
ingroom.Sheopenedt hefir
str
oom
andlookedatthesi
ngl
ebedandt hef
it
tedwardr
obes.Shewal ked
totheotherr
oom andl
ookedatt hebi
gbedfigur
ingt hatwasher
room.

Shesl
owlysatdownthinki
ng.At
angopenedthedoorandwalked
i
n.Heclosedthedoorbehi
ndhimlocki
ngit
.Shelookedathi
m as
headv
ancedtowardsher.

“Iam notgoi
ngtostayhere.Iwi
lll
ookforahouseIcanaff
ordbut
Iwil
ltakethefur
nit
urewit
h.Iunderst
andyouaretr
yingt
ohelpbut
Iwanttohavemyownpl ace, myownhouse.Iwanttobefr
eeand
str
essfree.Iwi
llst
ayherewhil
eIl
ookforaroom t
ostayi
n.I
appreci
ateyourhelp,
Iknowyouwanttomakethi
ngseasi
erfor
me.Buty oualr
eadydo.Youdomorethanenoughalr
eady
.Ican’
t
acceptthi
s.Iam sorr
y.”

Atangpushedherdownsoshel aidont hebed, herhi

psspreadi
ng
over.Heslowlytookoffherdress, Ret
habilerai
sedherbodysohe
couldpull
itout.Atanglookedathert hi
ghst henherhips.Hisey
es
mov edtoherstomacht henherbr easttrappedinherbra.He
unhookedt hebraandtouchedt hem ashi sprecum oozedwetti
ng
hi
spant s.

Helookedatherthi
ghsrubbingagai
nstoneanot
her,shesti
ll
had
thepregnancyf
ateventhoughshehadlostt
hebaby.Hepar t
ed
herthi
ghsandlookedatherpantynot
ici
ngherpad.Helookedat
her.

“
Whatdi
dIsayaboutt
hesepant
ies?
”

“
Iam onmyper
iod.Iam notcomf
ort
abl
ewear
ingt
heot
herones.
”

“Thenfi
ndtheonesyouarecomf
ort
abl
ewi
th.WhenIam ar
ound,
I
don’twantt
oseethem.”

Hepull
edthem outt
oget
herwi
thherpad.Hegotontopofher
ki
ssi
ngherwhil
eunzippi
nghi
spants.Herubbedhi
mselfonher
whil
etouchi
ngherbody.

Herpussygotwetashecont
inuedrubbi
nghi
msel
fonher,her
hor
monesheighteni
ng.Heki
ssedherneckt
henl
ookedather.

“
Imi
ssedy
ou…”
Sheputherhandsinsi
dehisshi
rtandtouchedhisski
n.Atang
tookof
fhert-
shir
tandkissedherhar
derpushingatherentrance.

Ret
habi
l
emoanedatt
hei
ntr
usi
onf
li
nchi
ng.Shepushedhi
schest
.

“
Atang…Iwantust
ogett
est
edf
ir
st.
”

Atanghel
dherwai
stpushi
ngi
n.Herpussysl
owl
yst
ret
chedopen
ashesli
dinhi
sweapon.

“
FuckIl
ovey
ou!
”

Hegentl
ypushedinsidebl
ocki
ngherpathwit
hhispi
pe.He
l
ookedatherandkissedhersqueezi
ngherbr
east
.Hekissedher
neck.

“
Keepi
tdownf
ormeok?
”

Shenoddedt
aki
ngmul
ti
pledeepbr
eat
hs.He.
.

Rethabil
escreamedint hebathr
oom hol
dingthesinkwhi l
estari
ng
atherselfonthemirr
or.Sheclosedhereyesti
ghtl
ylett
ingitout
squatti
ng.Atangconti
nuedpoundingintoherthengrunted
off
loading.Hesli
ditoutkissi
ngherneckwhileherlegsv i
brat
ed,
herkneesweak.

Hetur
nedheraroundandpickedherup.Shequi
ckl
ywr
appedher
l
egsaroundhol
dinghi
mt i
ghtly
.

Hepar
tedherbut
tcheekspushi
ngherdownhi
ssemi
erect
ion.
Shemoanedweakl
yinhisearexhaust
ed.

Hehel
dheragai
nstt
hewal
lfucki
ngherwi
thdeepf
astt
hrust
s.
*
**

Thatsamenight
,El
angslowl
yopenedhereyesandlookedar
ound
whil
ethethi
nman’sbrot
herf
uckedher
.Sheslowlysli
ppedoutof
consci
ousunabl
etoevenmakeoutanythi
ng.

Themangr unt
edenjoyi
ngev er
ythrustintohert
ight
ness.Hi
sbutt
clenchedashewentf ast
ermoaning.Het hr
ewhisheadback
feeli
nghisloadrushi
ngthroughhispipe.Hestil
l
edspurti
ngout
histhickcum i
nsidehert
henhegotof fshaki
ng.

Thet
hinmanwal
kedi
nandl
ookedathi
sbr
otherl
aughi
ng.

“
Goshar
pyaanong,
youhav
ebeenati
tgol
ekane.
”

Thebr otherlaughedthenoffbedpul li
nguphispantsthenwalked
out.Thet hinmanl ookedatElang’
snakedbodywhi l
eherpussy
l
eaked.Hepi ckeduphi st-
shir
tandwi pedherthentookoffhi
s
pantsagai n.Hefli
ppedhert henpar
t edherbuttcheeksst
ari
ngat
herbutthole.Hehadal wayswonder edhowi tf
eltanditl
ookedso
ti
ght.Hest rokedhisdickandpushedi nf
orcef
ullygl
adhehad
i
njectedherwi thasedat i
ve.

*
**

Thefol
l
owingmorni
ngRethabi
l
eopenedthef
ri
dgeandlookedat
thef
ood.Shesmi
l
edr eal
i
zingt
hismanhadwental
loutforher
.
Shefoundhersel
fthi
nki
ngtwiceoffi
ndingherownplacewhen
shecouldsavethatmoneybutthenagain,
thefut
urewasan
uncer
tai
ntomor r
ow.Shetookaf ewthi
ngsthenstar
tedfr
yinga
coupl
eofthingswhil
esingi
ng.

Herphonerangontheki
tchencount
er.Shel
ookedati
tthen
pi
ckedFarai
’scal
l
.

“
Thabi
?”

“
Hey
.”

“
Ishet
her
e?”

“
No.
.”

“
Ok,
howi
sitt
her
e?”

Shesmil
ed.“Theschool
ishugeandbeaut
if
ul.Igotmyt
imet
abl
e.
Iam r
eadyforcl
assnow.”

“
Andaccommodat
ion?
”

“
Iam goi
ngt
olookf
orsomet
hing.
”

“
Youar
est
ayi
ngwi
thhi
m now?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Ok.Becar
eful
.Ify
ouneedany
thi
ng,
cal
lme.Cal
lmeany
time.I
wi
ll
bether
eforanythi
ng.
”

“
Far
ai-
“

“
Iam say
ingi
tasaf
ri
end.
”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Ok.Thanky
ou.Ar
eyoust
il
ll
ooki
ngf
orEl
ang?
”
“
No.Ical
ledtotal
ktoy
oubutt
hewayy
ouanswer
edt
oldmey
ou
wer
ewithhim.”

“
Ithoughty
ouandEl
angwer
eget
ti
ngcl
ose.
”

“
Idon’
twanther
.Il
ovey
ou.Wewi
l
ltal
k.”

Ret
habi
l
eputdownt
hephonet
henpi
ckedi
tandcal
l
edEl
ang.

“
Thenumbery
ouhav
e-“

Rethabil
edr oppedthecallasacardrovei
nout si
defoll
owedbya
doorclosing.Secondslater,al
adyopenedthedoorinheel
s.She
l
ookedatRet habi
lethenmodeledherwaytot hebedrooms,her
heelsechoingont hetil
edfloor
s.

“
Att
ie!
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#28

“
Att
ie!
”

Thel
adyconti
nuedcal
l
ingopeninghisbedr
oom door
.Shel
ooked
athi
m sl
eepi
ngwithasheetcov
eringhisl
owerbody.

“
Atang!
”

At
angwokeupastheladywal
kedfur
theri
nther
oom,
herheel
s
maki
ngnoi
se.Shel
ookedathi
m smil
ing.

“
Hi…”

At
angf
rowned.“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”

“
Icamet
omeety
ourper
son.
”

At
angt
hrewapi
l
lowather
.“Nay
anggetout
!”

Nayanglaughed.“Sor ude!Tsoga.(
Wakeup.)”Shepi
ckedthe
pi
ll
owandputi tont hebedt henwalkedout
.Shepausedst
anding
bythedoorandt urnlookingathim.

“
Youl
ookgood.
”

“
Out
!”

Nayangl
aughedandwal
kedt
othesi
tt
ingr
oom smi
l
ing.She
l
ookedatRethabi
l
ewhowasj
ustst
ari
ng.

“
Hi.Ar
eyout
hemai
d?
Rethabi
l
esi
l
ent
lyl
ookedatheri
ncompletesil
encet
henputthe
for
kdownandwal
kedtothebedroom.Sheopenedthedoorand
l
ookedatAt
angwhowasputti
ngonhist-shi
rt
.

“
Heybabe…”

“
Who’
sthatwoman?Andpl
easedon’
tli
etome.“

“
That
’sNay
ang.Myuncl
e’
sdaught
er.Shei
smycousi
n.”

Ret
habi
l
esi
ghedr
eli
eved.“
Oh…she’
spr
ett
y.”

“
Didshesayany
thi
ngt
oyou?
”

“
No.Shej
ustwal
kedi
nli
ket
hispl
acewasher
s.It
hought
…”

Atangkissedher
.“Shei
sjustmycousin.Shei
stheonewho
actual
l
yt ol
dmey ouwerecatf
ishi
ng.

Ret
habi
l
enodded.“
Shecal
l
edmeamai
d.”

“
That’
showshei
sbutIwi
l
ltal
ktoher
.Come,
letmei
ntr
oduce
y
ou.”

Het
ookherhandandl edhertothesit
ti
ngr
oom.Nay
angl
ooked
upf
rom herphoneandsmiledatAtang.

Ret
habi
l
elookedatherf
lawl
essmakeupt
hensi
ghed.

“
Nayang,t
hisi
smygi
rl
fr
iend,
Ret
habi
l
e.Babe,
thi
sismycousi
n,
Nay
ang.”

Nay
angl
ookedatRet
habi
l
eandsmi
l
ed.“
Hi.
”

“
Hi.
”

Nay
anggotuppul
l
ingdownhershor
tdr
ess.“
Canwet
alk?I
n
pr
ivat
e.”

Ret
habil
ewalkedtothekit
chentof
ini
shupcooki
ngwhi
leNay
ang
st
ared.At
angwalkedoutsi
de,shef
oll
owedbehi
ndhi
m and
smil
ed.

“
Shei
sfat
.”

“
Sheist
hickandbeauti
ful.Nev
ercal
lheramaideveragai
n,even
whenj
oki
ng.Idon’
tli
keit.Noonewil
ldisr
espectmywoman. ”

“Sheist oofatAt
ang.Ithinkyoumovedonf r
om Yaonetoo
quicklyandsettl
edforwhat ev
eryoucoul
dgetyoureyeson.Do
youev enlovethi
sgirl
?Yaonehurtyou.Youaredeali
ngwit
ha
heartbreakandyou’
v efoundtheperf
ectcandi
dat
etouse.”

“
Ilov
eRet
habi
l
e.Sayshei
sfatonemor
eti
me.
”

Nayangtookadeepbr eathandexhaleddeeply
.“Iam justsayi
ng,
youweretalki
ngt oherwhil
eshecatfi
shedyou.Youwentaf t
er
her
,caughtheri nherl
iesandnowy oulov
eher?Idon’tthinkyou
l
ovethisone.Ifyouneededf ul
lti
mesextoheal youcouldjust
gott
enthatinsteadofdraggi
ngsomeonei nt
oy ourheartbr
eak
i
ssues.Youar egoingtohurther.
”

“Youarenotinmyhear t.Youdon’
tknowwhatIfeel.I
fitwassex,
Iwouldhavelongleftherandprobabl
ywouldn’
trememberher
unlessshewasar elat
ivewhomadei tamissi
ont oal
waysbein
myf aceever
ysingleday.Whatdoy ouwant?”

Nay
angsmi
l
ed.“
DoIannoyy
ou?
”

“
Youar
eannoy
ingmer
ightnow.
”
“
Ihear
dyouwer
enotf
lyi
ngsoIcamet
oseey
ou.
”

“
Ok.By
e.Whot
oldy
ouIwasher
e?”

“
Agang.
”

“
Mygi
rl
fr
iendst
aysher
e.Don’
tcomeher
eagai
n.”

Hetur
nedandwalkedbacki
nthehouse.Nayanggoti
nhercar
t
hentookherphoneandcal
l
edhersi
sterdri
vi
ngout.

“
Nay
a…”

“IsawAtang’sgir
lf
ri
end.Outofall
thepr eviousone,sheisthe
oddoneout .YouknowhowAt anglikeshi swomen, thi
sti
mehe
wentandtookt hi
sfatgir
lhel
awasmar agoamaki makimawith
neckrol
l
s.It’sl
ikehegrabbedthefi
rstthinghecouldgethiseyes
on.”

“
YoumeanRet
habi
l
e?”

“
Youknowher
?”

“Papat oldmeabouther .Shei sthewomanhepai ddamagesfor

.I
wasn’ tsupposedtotellyouthat.Thefamil
ykeptthei
ssueonthe
l
owl ow.Hegotherpr egnantmont hsbackthenshehada
mi scarr
iageandlostthebaby .Isawherpict
ureonAtang’
sprofi
l
e
pictureawhi l
eback.Idon’tknowhowherbodyl ooksbutshehas
thef aceIwon’tl
ie.Sheisv er
ybeautif
ul.
”

“
Youkeptt
hisf
rom me?Why
?”

“Naya,
dor eal
izet
hatbecauseofy
ourli
tt
lecrushonthi
sman, you
neverl
ikeanyofthewomanheget si
nar el
ati
onshi
pwith?Funny
enoughhowt herel
ati
onshi
pendswheny ouandwhoeveritwi
ll
becomebestf r
iends.Yaonewaswi t
hAtti
eforsol
ongwhi l
eshe
workedinJwaneng.Hewashappy .ThenshemovedtoGabs.You
becamef r
iendswithherandallofasuddenYaonei scheati
ng.
Youneedt okeepy our
selfundercheckbecauseAtangisyour
brot
her,
thatcannev erchange.”

Nayanglaugheddr
ivi
ng.“Areyouseri
ous?Ihavenocr
ushon
Atang.Heismybrother
.Ididn’
ttel
lYaonetocheat
.Maybeshe
wasalwayscheati
ngonhi m.”

“
What
evermma,st
ayawayf
rom Ret
habi
l
e.Gapeshei
stooy
oung
t
obefr
iendswi
thy
ou.
”

“
Shel
ooks30.
”

“
Ngng…It
hink20orsomet
hing.
”

Nay
angl
aughed.“
20?Wai
tseYaonedi
danumberonmycousi
n.”

“
Shar
pmma!
”

“Shedoesn’tl
ook20.Shei
sfatandl
ooksol
der
.Ebi
l
eIt
hought
shewast hemaid.
”

Thesi
sterl
aughedt
oo.“
Youar
egoi
ngt
ohel
l
.By
e.”

Shehungupl
aughi
ngheadedt
owor
k.

*
**

Thatsamemor ni
ng,Tshepangwal
kedtothebusst
opnearher
houselooki
ngattheti
me.Shestoodatt
hebusstopwai
tingfor
hercombi
.Mi
nut
espassedt
henshemov
edbackt
osi
tont
he
bench.

Herheartskippedasshesawt hegir
l whowassleepi
ngont he
bench,herotherhandontheground.Sheputherhandonher
chestandsighedwonder i
ngwhysomeonewoul djustchooseto
sl
eepont hebenchi nsuchashortdress.

Mi
nut
espassed,
Tshepangl
ookedagai
nthenwal
kedov
er.

“
Hi…”

Sher
emai
nedst
il
l.

“
Hi!
”

Shest
il
lremai
nedst
il
l,
Tshepangshookhert
owakeherup.

“
Wakeup!
”

Acombidrov
epastherasshewokethegirlupwhoseemedway
t
ooyoung.El
angsl
owlyopenedhereyes.Tshepangsmi
l
ed.

“
ThankGod,
arey
ouok?
”

Tshepanghel
pedhersi
tup.El
angst
aredi
ntonot
hingdr
owsyand
confused.

“
What
’sy
ourname?
”

“
Elang…”

“
CanIcal
lsomeonet
ocomeandpi
cky
ouup?Ar
eyouok?
”

El
anggotupasherstomachli
ft
edthenhurri
edt
othebincloseby
andvomi
ted.Hert
hroatbur
ntasshestagger
edbackt
ot hebench.
Tshepangt
ookoutherbot
tl
eofwat
erandhandedi
ttoher
.

El
angt ooki
tanddr
anksomewatert
ryi
ngtor
ememberwhathad
happenedthepr
evi
ousni
ght
.Herbodyhur
tsomuch.

Shel
ookedatherhandbagt
henopenedi
t.Herphonewasgone.

“
Ilostmyphone.
”

“
Shoul
dIcal
lsomeonef
ory
ou?
”

“
Yes,
myf
ri
end.
”

Tshepangtookoutherphoneandgavei
ttoEl
ang.El
angdi
aled
Rethabi
le’
snumberandputthephoneonherear
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“Thabi
…t hankGod.Idon’
tknowwhathappened,
Iam st
randed,
didAtangcome? ”

“
Yes,
youar
est
randed?
”

“
Yes.Cany
oupl
easecomeandgetme.
”

“
Str
andedwher
e?Ar
en’
tyouatt
hecampus?
”

“Ngng…comeandhel
pme.Idon’
tknowwher
eIam orhowIgot
her
e.”

Tshepangwhi
sper
ed.“
Youar
einTl
okweng.
”

“
Gat
weTl
okweng.
”

“
Idon’
tknowwher
ethati
s.LetmeaskAt
ang.Wher
eexact
lyar
e
y
ou?”
El
anggav
ethephoneback.“
Pleaset
ell
herwher
eexact
lyIam.
”

*
**

Elangst
oodupast heblackAmar okparkedbesi
desherwith
Rethabi
l
eseatedatthefrontseatwhil
eAt angdr
ove.Shegotinat
thebackhol
dingherhandbag.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Ret
habi
l
elookedather
.“Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”

“
Iwaswi
thKoket
so.Myr
oommat
e.”

“Youal
readymadenewf
ri
endswhoabandony
ouont
hef
ir
st
day.
”

“
Shedi
dn’
tabandonme.
”

“
Thenwhywer
eyoust
randed?
”

Elangr
emai
nedqui
et.Mi
nut
esl
aterAt
angpar
kedhi
scaratUB
campus.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

El
anggotoutoft
hecar
.Ret
habi
l
est
eppedoutt
ooandl
ookedat
herf
ri
end.

“
Arey
ouok?
”

Tear
sfi
l
ledEl
ang’
sey
es.“
Yest
erdayatt
hepar
ty,
I-“
“
Youwentt
oapar
tydr
essedl
i
ket
hat
?”

“
Huh?
”

“Youlookli
keaprosti
tut
e.Howdoyouwearthati
npublic?And
youdon’tevenknowanyonetobeat
tendi
nganypart
ies.That
’s
howt hosestr
anger
ssleepwit
hyouthenaf
tert
hatsomeone
screamsrape.”

“
Idon’
tneedtoknowany onetoatt
endaparty
.AndIdon’tlook
l
i
keaprostit
utebutifIl
ookl
ikeonethenyouareone.Bet
ween
y
ouandIy ouaretheonewhosleepswithamanf ormoney.”

“
Youar
eungr
atef
ul-
“

“
Yousai dIlookli
keapr osti
tute!Andnoonescr eamsrapeunless
t
heywer eraped.Stoptalki
ngasi fatt
endingapartywit
hpeople
youbarelyknowmeanspeopl eshouldsleepwithyou.Peopl
ego
t
heretohav efunnottof uck.AndifIscream r
apeitmeansI
woul
dhav egott
enrapped.Yourboy fr
iendiswaiti
ngforyou.Bye.
”

Elangwalkedtoherroom hol
dinghert
ear
s.Sheopenedthedoor
thenwalkedinandlookedatKoketsowhowasdoinghermakeup.
Shesmiled.

“
Hi!Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
”

El
angstar
edatheri
nshock.“
Soy
ouletthatmantakeme
wher
everhet
ookme?YouknowIdidn’
tevenknowhim.”

“Heel
a,Iam notababysit
ter
.Iwasther
etohavefunnottolook
aft
eryou.Gapeify
oudi dn’
twanttogowit
hhim, y
oucouldhave
j
ustsaidno.Youwantedt oandyouwantt
oshiftblame.Noone
f
orcedy
out
ogot
othatpar
ty.
”

Koketsost
oodupandpi
ckedherbagt
henwal
kedout
.Elangput
herhandsonherf
acecr
yingr
ememberi
ngbi
tsoft
heprevi
ous
ni
ght.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#29

Atangsati
nhi
scart
alki
ngtohisfatherwhi
l
ewaiti
ngf
or
Rethabi
l
ewhowasbuy i
nghersewingmateri
ali
nsi
deashop.

“Ihopeyouar esmartaboutthet
hingsyoudof ort
hisgi
rl
.Il
i
ke
her,don’
tgetmewr ongbutitwil
lhurtyousomuchmor ewhen
therelat
ionshi
pdoesn’tgothewayy ouexpecti
ttogo.Andi
fyou
i
mpr egnateheragai
n,youaremarryingher.
”

“Shewouldn’
tagr
ee.Shewantst
ogoabroadf
orherdegr
ee.She
won’tagr
eetomarri
agebutmaybet
hist
imeIwil
lj
ustmakesure
nothi
nghappenstomychil
d.”

“
Youwantt
otr
apherwi
thababy
?”

“Iam securi
ngourfutur
e.Onceshegoeschancesofushavi
nga
babyareslim.Herdegreetakes7t
o10y ears.May
beherli
fe
planswill
change,Idon’
tknowbutatleasti
fwehaveachil
d..
”

“
Soy
ouwantt
oimpr
egnat
eheragai
n?”

“Iwantababy.Losi
ngSaronamademereali
zeIwantachi
l
d..I
am gett
ingol
d.Achildal
sosecur
esourf
utur
e.”

“
May
beormay
bey
ouar
ejustscar
edawhi
temanwi
l
ltakeher
.”

At
angchuckl
ed.“
Yes.Achi
l
dwi
l
lbemysecur
it
y.ButIr
eal
l
ywant
achi
l
d.”

Ret
habi
l
ewal
kedoutoft
heshophol
dingapl
ast
ic.
“
Papa,
Iwi
l
ltal
ktoy
oul
ater
.”

“
Ok.Yourmot
heri
sdoi
ngmuchbet
ter
.”

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
That
’sgood.
”

“
Yes.Ok,
bye.
”

Hehungup.At
angputdownhi
sphoneasRet
habi
l
egoti
nthecar
.

“
Iam done.
”

At
angst
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveherhome.

“
Iam fl
yi
ngtoMaunl
atert
oday
.Iwi
l
lbecomi
ngbackt
omor
row
mor
ning.”

“
Ok.
”

Atangparkedt hecarandl
ookedather.“
Pleasestayhere,you
don’thavetolookforati
nyroom t
ostayinwheny oucanst ay
hereforfr
ee.Iknowy ouwanttobeindependentbutletmehelp
you.Batangishappyhere.Ther
eisspaceforhimt obefreetoo.
”

“
Idon’
twantt
obur
deny
oumor
e.”

“
Ilov
eyou.Iam doi
ngt
hisbecauseIl
ovey
ou.Lookatme…”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
edandl
ookedathi
m.

“Keagorata.Idon’texpecty outodoanythi
ngformeot herthan
j
ustbeingfait
hfulandl oveme.Iwillgi
veyouev er
ythi
ng…allI
needisfai
thful
ness.Ineedt oknowifIcantr
ustyou.Andwhen
younolongerwantme…i t’
seasy.Youjustt
ellme.Iwon’thold
youhostageinarelationship.”
“
Ilov
eyout
oo.Idon’
tcheat
.”

Hesmi ledtouchingherchinthenleanedoverandki ssedher .A

carparkedbesideshis,hesealedthekisswi t
hababyt hekissand
l
ookedathi sbr ot
hersteppingoutofhiscar.Rethabil
et ookher
plasti
candwal kedinsi
det hehousewher eBatangwassl eeping
ont hecouch,theremot econtr
olonhischest.Rethabilesmi l
ed
stari
ngattheTVmount edont hewall.

Rethabil
ewalkedtothebedroom andcaughtherref
lecti
ononthe
mir
r or
.Shegotclosert
othemi r
ror.Sheneededthegy m…she
bi
ggert hanbefor
e.Shesatdownont hebedandsear chedf
or
gymsonFacebook.

Out
side,
Agangl
i
thi
sci
gar
ett
eandbl
ewoutt
hesmoke.

“
Soshe’
sthr
eat
eni
ngy
ou?
”

“
Yah…”

“
Itol
dy out
ostayawayfrom t
hatwoman.Mar
ri
edwomenar
e
t
ri
cky.Andyouhavealottol
ose.”

“
Shedoesn’
tcar
e.Igotsocl
oset
ost
rangl
i
nghert
odeat
h
y
est
erday.
”

“
Icant
alkt
oheri
fyouwant
.Shewon’
tbot
hery
ouaf
tert
hat
.”

Agangl
ookedathi
sbr
otherr
ecal
l
ingt
het
imet
heywer
est
il
lat
schoolt
hensmi
l
ed.“
Iwi
l
lhandl
eit
..butt
hanks.Howi
sitgoi
ng
withher
.”

“Wearefi
ne.Iam happyshei
snowhere.May
bet
hiswaywecan
bot
htakethi
sr el
ati
onshi
pser
iousl
y.
”

“
Osekawat
shosangwanasi
r.
”

Atanglaughed.“WhywouldIscar
eher
?Iam justgroomi ngher
i
ntoapr operwoman.Thisti
meIam gi
vingital
lmyal l
.Ifshe
cheats,Iam goingt
oki
ll
herandwhoeveriti
sthatshewi l
lbe
test
ingmewi t
h.”

Aganglookedathi
sbrotherandsighed.“
Iam sureshelovesyou
too.Notever
yonecheats.Youmightfi
ndthatshegenuinel
yloves
you.Rethabi
l
eseemslikethatwoman.Giveheraf ai
rchance.She
i
snotYaone. ”

*
**

AtUBcampus, El
anglaidonthebedcryi
ngsilent
ly.Shet
ri
edto
blockhermindf r
om all
theti
meshedr i
ftedinandoutof
consci
ousness..Shelookedatherphonethenreachedfori
tand
call
edRethabi
le.

“
Hel
l
o?”

Shesni
ffed.“Iam sor
ryf
orcal
l
ingyouaprosti
tute.Lastni
ghtat
thepar
ty,Igotsodrunkandhi
gh.Twomenj oi
nedKoket soandI.I
wassmoki ngweed.Igotsodr
unkIcoul
dn’twalkthenhetookme
tohi
shouse…hedr uggedmealongway
.Ir
emembersli
ppingin
andoutconsci
ousness…ther
ewassomeoneel
se.Iam scar
ed…”

“
Iam sor
ry….Shoul
dIcomet
her
e…?Iam sor
ryaboutwhatIsai
d
t
oo.Didyourepor
t?”

“
Theyar
egoi
ngt
osayIam l
yi
ng.
”

“
Iwi
l
lgowi
thy
ou.Iam comi
ng.
”

*
**

Rethabi
lewal
kedoutwit
hElangfrom thehospi
talhol
dingher
hand.Sheunlockedt
heAmarokandj umpedin.El
angslight
ly
smiledget
ti
ngi nont
hepassengerseat.

“
Thi
scari
sni
ce.
”

“
Atangsai
difIcr
ushi
tIshoul
dn’
tcomeback.
”

El
angl
aughed.“
Hel
ovesy
ou.
”

Ret
habi
lest
artedtheengi
ne.“Il
ovehi
m butt
herei
sjust
somet
hingabouthim…Idon’tknow.
.maybei
t’
sinmyhead.
”

“
What
?”

“
Idon’
tknow.Iam happyhest
il
lwant
sme.
”

“
Hel
ovesy
ou.IhopeIal
sogetsomeonewhol
ovesmel
i
ket
hat
.”

Ret
habi
l
elaughed.“
Cat
fi
shagoodl
ooki
ngman.Younev
erknow.
”
El
angl
aughedt
oo.“
Idon’
twantt
obesl
apped.Iam scar
ed.
”

Rethabil
eslowlyrever
sedthenjoinedtheroad.Shetookadeep
breathsteppingontheaccel
eratordri
vingat30km/hrgoi
ngtothe
poli
cestation.Sheparkedawhilelat
erandsighed.

“
Let
’sgeti
n.Ihopet
heyar
restKoket
so.
”

Thegi rl
ssteppedoutoft hecarandwal kedinsi
det hepolice
stati
onhol dinghandswal kingpastYaonewhowaswal ki
ngout
holdinghercer ti
fieddocument s.Shespott
edAt ang’scarand
smiledwal kingov er.Sheopenedherumbr ell
athewai tedforhim
standingbesi dest hecar.Ithadbeenawhi lesinceshesawhi m
andshewasn’ tsurehowt heconv er
sati
onwasgoi ngtogo.Yaone
fi
xedherdr esswai ti
ngpat ient
ly.Shetookoutherlipst
ickandr an
i
tonherl i
ps.

Aboutthi
rt
yminut
eslater
,Rethabi
lewal
kedoutwit
hElang.She
unl
ockedthecarf
rom adist
ance,Yaonecl
osedherumbrell
aand
fr
ownedasRethabil
ewalkedpastherandgoti
nthecar.

Shewal
kedov
ert
othedr
iver
’ssi
deopeni
ngt
hedoor
.

“
Hi,
whoar
eyouandwher
eist
heowneroft
hiscar
?”

“
Ma?
”

“Wherei
stheowneroft hi
scar?Cany oust
epout
,Iwil
lbe
damnedifIl
etafatthingl
ikeyoutakemyman.Nyaalal
a,st
ep
outandhandoverthosecarkeys.Ebi
leoimel
akol
oi.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#30

Yaoneopenedt
hedoorwi
der
.

“
Getout
.”

Ret
habil
elookedathersummerdr
essandbl
ackdust
ypumps.
Hereyeswentuptoherweaveasshet
ri
edtofi
gur
eoutifshe
wastheex.

“
DoIknowy
ou?
”

“
Youdon’
thav
etoknowme,
getoutofmyman’
scar
.”

Ret
habi
l
ereachedf
orherphoneandcal
l
edAt
ang.

“
Babe…”

“Yourexgir
lf
ri
endisherehar
assi
ngme.Shesay
sshewantst
he
car.It
hinki
t’
sher.Tal
lthi
nwomanwit
htwocomplexi
ons.
”

“
Putonl
oudspeaker
.”

Ret
habi
l
eputt
hephoneonl
oud.

“
Youar
eon.
”

“
Youar
eget
ti
ngonmyner
ves.
”

Yaoneswal
l
owed.“
Atang-
“

“Iam goi
ngt
otel
lyouonce,
Iwon’
tsayi
tagai
n,getawayf
rom my
car.
”
“
Att
ie-
“

“I
fIsayi
tagai
n,y
ouaregoi
ngt
oregr
eti
t.Mar
kmywor
ds.Babe,
pl
easecomeback.”

“
Eer
ra.
”

Ret
habi
l
ehungupt
hencl
osedt
hedoor
.Yaonel
ookedather
.

“
Doy
ouser
iousl
ythi
nkwhaty
ouhav
ewi
thhi
m wi
l
lwor
kout
?”

“Whatyouhav
ewi
thhi
miswhatdi
dn’
twor
kout
.Pl
easemov
e
back.
”

“
WhatIshar
edwi
thAt
angi
smor
ethanwhaty
oucanev
er-
”

“Youarei nthepast.Youar egoingtor emaintherebutgoahead

andcont i
nueembar rassingy our
self
,itseemst hat’
syour
special
ty.Ifyouarenotbeggi ngformoney ,youarehumili
ati
ng
yoursel
f.Doesn’ti
tgett i
ring?Beingreject
edcount l
essti
mes
becausey oucouldn’tkeepy ourvagi
nai nyourpanty?”

“
Thammay
ouar
etoof
att
othi
nky
oucan-
“

“
Andyouar
etoot
hint
obet
alki
ngt
ome.Mov
ebackmot
howas
j
eso.
”

Rethabi
l
est
art
edt
hecarwhi
l
eYaoneangr
il
ylookedather
.She
rol
l
eddownthewi
ndow.

“Stopusingthewrongf oundationforyourfaceandthose
eyebrowsar et
oobl ackandbol d.Iam notamakeupexpectbutI
am surethegoal i
st onotlooklikeajoke.Youlookl
ikeaclown
withthatredli
psti
ck.Hav eclass.Youcan’tfai
latev
erythi
ng.Pi
ck
yourstruggl
e.Stepback.”
YaonesteppedbackasRet
habil
edrov
eof f
.El
anglookedather
.
“Wasthathisl
ongti
megirl
fr
iendhebrokeupwit
h?”

“
Yes.
”

“
Becar
eful
.”

“At
angwon’tgetbackwit
hher .I
fhewantedtohewouldhave
donei
t.Pl
easestop.Iam notgoingt
odiscussmyrel
ati
onshi
p
wit
hyou.”

“
Iam t
ryi
ngt
omakey
ouseewhaty
ouar
emi
ssi
ng.
”

“
Letmel
ear
nfr
om mymi
stakes.Iam happy
.”

Ret
habi
l
eincr
easedt
hespeed.Shepar
kedatt
hepar
king.

“
Ithi
nky
oushoul
drest
.Andt
akey
ourpi
l
ls.
.”

“
Thankyou.Atangr
eall
ytr
ust
sy ou.Toletyoudr
ivehi
scarthen
r
entoutahouseforyouandyourbrot
her.Hedoesever
ythi
ngfor
y
ou.”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
It
sonl
ytodayhel
etmedr
ivei
t.
”

“Iam happyfory
ouchomi.Af
terev
eryt
hingy
ouhavebeen
through,
youdeservet
obehappybutIhopeyoul
eaver
oom f
or
disappoi
ntment.
.”

Ret
habil
esighed.“
Elangcany
ouj
ustbehappyf
ormewi
thout
menti
oningothert
hings?
”

El
angsi
ghed.“
Iam sor
ry.Iam wor
kingonmynegat
ivi
ty.
”

“
Wor
khar
der
.”
El
anghuggedherandsteppedoutofthecar.Sheslowl
ywalked
away.Rethabi
l
esighedt
hendroveoutofthepremisesheaded
backtotheapart
ment.

Shedr oveinthr
oughthegateandpar kedthecarthenst
epped
out.Theneighborwhohadj ustdrov
ei nrai
sedhishandather
wav i
ngi nhi
ssuit.Ret
habi
lesmiledandwav edbackthenwalked
i
nsidet hehousewhereAtangwaspl ayingvi
deogameswi t
hher
brother.

Helookedatherandsmiled.“
Youneedt
otakey
ourl
i
censeso
youcanproper
lydri
veyourowncar.
”

Shesmi l
ed.“
Yourcari
sni
ceandbig.Maybewheny
ougof
ory
our
tr
ipsIcandri
veitar
oundf
oryou.HiBat
ang..
”

Helookedatherandsmiledbri
efl
ywhil
epressi
ngt
hegamepad.
At
angpul l
edhercl
oserandkissedhert
henmadehersi
tonhis
l
ap.Rethabi
lebi
therl
owerlipsit
ti
ngsli
ght
lyint
heai
rhol
dingher
wei
ght.

At
angpul
l
edhert
osi
tinpr
oper
ly.Ret
habi
l
elookedathi
m.

“
Icangr
abachai
r.Iam t
oof
at,
letmesi
tonachai
r.
”

Heki
ssedherneck.“
Youar
enotf
at.
”

Shesmi led.“
Ther
eisnoneedtoli
et ome..Il
ookatmysel
fonthe
mirrorandIknowwhatIsee.Iam only19andIwearsi
ze42,44.I
probablylookol
dert
hanyou.That
’swhypeopleeasi
lybel
i
eveI
am Batang’smother
.”

“
Doy
ouknowhowmuchy
ouar
ebeaut
if
ul?
”
Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.“
Thanky
ou.
”

At
angl
ookedatherasshel
ookedawayr
ubbi
ngherey
es.

“
DidYaonesayany
thi
ngt
oyou?
”

“
Not
hing.
”

At
angl
ookedatBat
ang.“
Buddy
,Iam comi
ng.
”

“
Ok.
”

Atangstoodupandpickedherupbri
dalst
yle.Hewal
kedwi
thher
tothebedroom t
henputheronthebed.

“
Whydidyour
emainwi
thmeaf
tery
ouf
oundoutIwascat
fi
shi
ng?
Whydi
dyoustay
?”

“Iwasn’
tgoi
ngtostay.Iwasgoi
ngtol
eav
ebutIcoul
dn’
tgety
ou
outofmyhead.It
hinkIalr
eadyl
ovedy
oufrom y
ourl
i
e.”

“
Youwer
eangr
yIl
i
ed.
”

“
Iwasbutnotsomuch.Ihadexpect
edi
t.
”

Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.“
Iwantt
ogot
othegy
m.Iam t
oof
at.
”

“Youar
enotfat.Andifyour
eall
ywantt
ogot ot hegym,Iwi
ll
makeaplanforthat
.Ilovey
ou.Aft
ermyexIt houghtIwasdone
buther
eIam.Iam inlovewit
hyou.Neverdoubtthat
.Youarethe
mostbeaut
if
ulwomanIhav eevercameacross.”

Het
ookof
fherf
lar
eddr
essandki
ssedherski
n.

“
Ilov
eeverysingl
epar
tofy
ou.Igoty
ousomet
hing.Youar
edone
wi
thyourper
iod?”
“
Yes.
”

Heopenedthewar
drobeandt
ookoutashoppi
ngbagt
hen
handedi
ttoher
.

“
Goandt
ryt
hem on.Iwi
l
lwai
ther
e.”

Ret
habi
lelookedi
nsi
deandl
ookedathim.Shestoodupinherf
ull
pl
ainbl
ackpantyandpi
nkbr
athenwalkedtothebat
hroom.

Shet ookoffev
eryt
hingandputonthet hongandthematchi
ng
bra.Shelookedatherpubi
chairandfrownedthenwalkedout
withtheshoppingbaginfr
ontofher.

“
Itdoesn’
tlookr
eal
l
ygoodbecauseIhav
en’
tshav
edy
et.
”

“
Letmesee.
”

Ret
habi
l
eputt
heshoppi
ngbagdown.At
angl
ookedather
.

“
Iwi
l
lshav
eyou.
”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
edshy
ly.“
Iwi
l
ldoi
t.
”

“
Iam comi
ng.Ihav
ehai
rremov
er.
”

Hewalkedt othebathr
oom andwal kedoutholdingthehair
removercream.Heputat owel onthebedandhel pedherli
eoni
t.
Hepulledoutthethong.Rethabil
eclosedhereyesgiggl
ingashe
appl
iedthehairremovercream.

At
angopenedherl
egsappl
yi
ngt
hor
oughl
y.Hef
ini
shedup.

“
Oknowwewai
t.
”

Hel
aidbesi
deher
,sheputherar
m ar
oundhi
m,herheadonhi
s
chest
.

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

*
**

AttheUBcampus, Elangl
aidonherbedst ari
ngintonothingwhile
cry
ing.Thedooropenedt henKoketsowalkedi n.Shelookedat
El
angt hencontinuedchat
ti
ngonherphonel oudlywhil
elaughing.
Sheundr essedandchangedint
oanot herdressbeforewal ki
ng
outsti
llonherphone.

El
anglaidonhersi
deandbr
okedowncr y
ing.Shecr
iedsomuch,
herbodyqui
veri
ng.Awhi
lel
atershest
oppedandjustl
aidont
he
bedmotionl
ess.

*
**

Yaonewal
kedinsi
deherhouseandtookoffhershoes.Shepaced
upanddownthentookherphoneandcall
edAtangwi t
hhernew
number
.Hisphonejustr
angti
lli
tst
opped.

Shesni
ff
edt
ext
inghi
m.

Yaone:
Ilov
eyou.Iwantust
ofi
xthi
ngs.Iwi
l
ldoany
thi
ng.
Pl
ease…
Shesentthemessaget henwaitedbuttherewasnor
esponse.An
hourpassed,shecal
ledhim again.Shefr
ownedwonder
ingifwhy
i
twasn’tgoingthr
oughany more.

*
**

Zazawalkedi
nsi
deAgang’
soffi
cethatsameday
.Agangl
ooked
atherseat
edwit
hamani nhi
soffi
ce.Hesmil
ed.

“
Excuseme,
letmeat
tendt
othi
s.”

Hest
oodupandwal
kedoutwi
thher
.

“
Iam busy
,whatdoy
ouwant
?”

Zazaopenedherhandbagandhandedhimt hehomepr
egnancy
testt
oget
herwit
hpictur
esfrom t
heUlt
rasound.

“
Congr
atul
ati
ons.I
t’
saboy
.”

Sheturnedandwal
kedaway .Aganglookedatt
hehome
pregnancyt
estt
hatshowedlinesthenatthepi
ctur
es.He
swallowedl
eani
ngagainstt
hewall.

*
**

AtKeemi
’
shouse,
Keemi
lookedatherhusband.
“
Ican’
tfor
cehert
ost
aywi
thme.
”

“
Ithi
nkweshoul
dtaket
heki
ds.
”

“
What
?”

“Sheisonlyachil
d.Sheneedsy ourguidance.Lethercomeand
staywithherbr
other.Wewi l
lj
ustsellhermot her
’shouset
ohel
p
raiseherandherbrother
.”

“
Lel
omowoul
dn’
twantt
hat
.”

“Lelomoisdead.Wewi l
lbedoingwhat
’sbestf
orthi
ski
ds.Tel
l
hery oucantakeherandherbr
other
.Looknowlit
tl
eboy
sare
sleepingwi
thherfini
shi
ngher.
”

Keemi
tookherphoneandcal
l
edRet
habi
l
e.

“
Aunt
y…”

“Rethabil
e,Iknowyouwanttobewit
hyourbr
other
.Youar
eri
ght.
Idon’tthi
nkit’
sri
ghttosepar
atey
ouandhim.Youcanbot
hli
ve
withme. ”

Thehusbandnoddedst
ari
ngather
.

“
Iam f
inewi
thBat
angher
e.Butt
hanky
ou.
”

“
Iam gi
vi
ngy
ouonel
astchance,
whent
hingsf
all
apar
t-
“

“
Iwi
l
lsur
viv
eaunt
y.Butt
hanky
ou.Hav
eagoodday
.”

Ret
habi
l
ehungup.Keemi
lookedatherhusband.

“Shei
sgoi
ngtoregretthi
s.Trustme,Iwil
lgi
veheronl
yamont
h
andshewi
llbecr
ying.Iam tel
li
ngyou.”
Thenei
ghbor
’sdaught
erknockedont
hedoor
.Keemi
openedf
or
her
.Thefi
veyearol
dwalkedin.

“
Dumel
angmmagweZake,
mamai
saski
ngf
ort
hemoney
.”

“Ok,
waither
e.Iam goi
ngacr
osst
her
oadt
otakemymoney
.Iam
coming.
”

Keemi walkedoutwhi l
eherhusbandstaredatthechubbychil
d
hungri
l
y .Heputhi shandsi
nsidehispantswhil
eshei nnocent
ly
suckedhert humb.Ami nut
elaterhegruntedcl
osinghiseyesthen
gotupandwal kedtothebedr
oom whileKeemi walkedinsi
dethe
housewi t
ht hemoney .

TWOYEARSLATER…

.
Your
sTr
uly

#31

TwoYear
sLat
er…

AtUB, Ret
habilewal kedtoherlecture’
soff
icei
nblackj
eansand
anOrlandopiratesbl ackt-
shir
tthenknockedonhisdoorhol
ding
herpri
ntedandbi ndedassi gnmentinherhand.Sheopenedthe
doorandwal kedi n.Helookedupf rom hi
slapt
opandleanedback
onhischairsmi l
ingst ar
ingather.

“
Kai
sar
a…”

“
Mr.Kgosi
,Ihav
ebr
oughtmyassi
gnment
.”

“Ahh,
perfect
.Iwi
shal
lyourcl
assmat
eswer
easser
iousasy
ou.
Comei n.
”

Ret
habi
lewal
kedf
urt
heri
ntheof
ficeandputherassi
gnmenton
hi
stabl
e.Het
ooki
tandopenedi
t.Hesmiledreadi
ngthr
ough.

“
Bri
ll
iantKai
sar
a,youhav
epot
ent
ial
.Itwi
l
lcar
ryy
ouf
ar.Youar
e
f
ocused,keepi
tup.”

“
Thanky
ouSi
r.
”

Hesmi l
ed,hewasoneoft
heyounglectur
esandev er
yti
meshe
l
ookedathim,heremi
ndedheroftheSkeem Saam act
orwho
pl
ayedLehasa.Ormaybei
twasjustthecomplexi
onthatmade
hi
ml ookli
kehim.
“
Iwi
l
lmar
kitt
oni
ght
.”

“
Ok.
”

“Ihavethi
st extbookatmyhouse.I thel
pedmewhenIwasat
varsi
ty,
Istoleitandneverwentbackwher eIst
oleit
.It
hinkyou
mightli
keit.Itri
edsearchi
ngforitevery
wheret
hinki
ngIwillgeti
t
somewher ebutseemsi t’
snotthereanymore.I
twill
hel
py ou.”

Hestoodupputti
nghisstethoscopearoundhisneckandtookout
hisbusi
nesscar
dthenwal kedovertoher.Rethabi
let
ookadeep
breat
hstari
ngathi
m closethedistancebetweenthem adv
anci
ng
l
ikeshewaspreyhe,t
hepr edator.

“Cal
lmewheny ouneedi
t.
”Hegotcl
osert
oherl
ett
ingheri
nhal
e
hiscol
ogneandopenedt
hedoor
.

“
Seey
out
omor
rowi
ncl
assKai
sar
a.”

Rethabi
leturnedandwal kedt
otheparki
ng,sherel
easedher
breathreal
i
zingshehadbeenhol di
ngitt
henlaughedalone
unlocki
ngthewhi t
eMer cedesBenzA45.Shegotinthenst
art
ed
theengineandr ev
ersedoutofUB.

From adi
stance,
ElangsawthewhiteBenzdr
iveout
,shehel
dher
bagproper
lyandranoveral
readyscreami
ng.

“
Thabi
!
”

Thabi
stoppedt
hecart
henEl
angj
umpedi
n.

“
Yoh!I
t’
shot
.”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Tel
lmeabouti
t.
”
El
anglaughed.“
Waai
,doy
ouev
erf
eel
it?Youcont
rol
your
weat
herkanawena.”

Ret
habi
l
edr
oveof
flaughi
ng.“
Wher
eto?
”

Elangsighed.“
Iam goi
nghome.Iam t
ir
ed.Myl
apt
op’
schar
geri
s
notworkingany mor
e.Ihadt
ogotothecomput
erl
abanddomy
assignmentsfrom t
here.
”

“
All
owancegaeseet
seni
?(Hasn’
tt
hral
l
owancer
epor
tedi
nyet
?)”

“I
tdidbutIpaidrent,boughtf
oodandhadmyphonef
ixed.My
moneyisalreadyfini
shedthat’
swhyIhadaskedy
out
opi ckme
upinthemor ni
ng.”

Rethabil
elookedatEl
ang’
sphone.Elangleanedbackont
hecar
seatsinki
ngintot
hecomfort
,hereyesclosed.

“Ihadt
odropoffBatangtoschool
.Theschool
busdidn’
tcome
andIwasalr
eadyrunningl
ateformymorningl
esson.
”

Elangopenedhereyesandlookedather
.“ButIhadal
readyasked
youthenightbef
oreRethabi
le.
”

“
Idi
dn’
tknowBat
ang’
sschool
buswoul
dn’
tshowup.Iwasgoi
ng
t
ocome.”

Elangsmi l
ed.“Youcouldhav
ejustsaidnoThabi
.Youcoul
dhave
saidthatlastnight
.Iwoul
dhaveplannedmydaywell
.Someti
mes
Ifeelthi
sf r
iendshi
pisonesi
ded.
”

“
ElangIal
sohavemyli
fet
oli
ve.Iam sor
ryIcan’
tal
way
sbedoi
ng
whatyouwantmetodowhenyouwantmet odoit.
”

“
Yourpr
obl
em i
syoul
i
ket
ogetl
i
ckedbet
weeny
ourbut
tev
ery
singl
et ime.Youbehav easi fyoupayf ort hiscart obemov i
ng.
Mmawheny oudon’twantt odosomet hing, youj ustsayso.It ol
d
youIdi dn’thavemoneyt ogot oschool andy ousai dyes.When
youcoul dn’tcome,y outell
mewheny ouf eltlikeitandIwasj ust
waiti
ngf ory oubecauseIam st upidthatway .Funnyhowt hings
changeThabi l
e.Hav i
ngar i
chmanhadgot teni ntoyourheadso
mucht haty ouforgotwhof edy ou,yourbr otherandy ourmot her
whent hingswer ehar dforyou.Ist olepadsf ory oumoghel ,stole
moneyf oryou,gotbeat enfory ou.Todayy ouar etheonet reating
l
ikethis…wenaRet habileKai sara?Wheny ourmot herwasdy i
ng,
whowast hereforyou?Whent heysaidy ourmot herwaski l
ledby
AIDS,whowast her
ef oryou?Ir eal
lyhopet hisl astsforever.”

Rethabil
elookedather.“
Ihavebeenpicki
ngy ouupanddropping
youoffmostoft heti
me, Ihav
eborr
owedy oulot
sofmoneyy ou
neverretur
n,moneythatcanbuyevery
t hi
ngy ougav
eme.”

Ret
habi
l
est
oppedt
hecaront
hebusst
op.

“I
t’
snotmyf aul
tyourboyfriendi
snothingli
kemine,yourprobl
em
i
sy ouwantmet ofeelguil
tyforhavi
ngwhaty outhi
nky oushoul
d
behav ing,t
hatwon’thappenandIam t i
redofyoursti
nking
att
itude,getoutofmycar .Iam overt
his.Pl
easegetoutofmy
car.
”

“Mycar?
”Elanglaughed.“Oki lewar ekakoloiwena?War emy
car
?”Shelaughedev enhardercl apping.“Mycar?Wena?Mycar ?
Don’
tembarrassy oursel
f,walkingaroundasi fyouboughtthi
scar
whil
eyouaredatingasugardaddy .Don’tbr
agt ooloudsweet
y,
youcan’
taffor
danyofany thi
ngy ouhave.AtleastIcanaff
ordmy
shi
t!
”
“Ify
oucouldaff
ordanyt
hingwhatareyoudoi
ngatNi
geri
an
parti
esoemetsibohowmuchdoy ouwonts,
nowonderyougot
raped,r
etar
dedjeal
ousbi
tch!
”

Elangangri
l
ypul l
edRethabi
le’
shairscr
atchi
ngher.Rethabi
letook
offtheseat
beltandgrabbedhertop.Shepunchedherthatblood
spurtfr
om Elang’
snose.Rethabi
l
e’snosef l
aredasshestepped
outofthecarthenwalkedoutgoingroundtoherdoor.She
openedthedooranddr aggedheroutwithheroldbrai
dsand
punchedheragain.

Acardr
ovebyt
hent
hedr
iverr
oll
eddownt
hewi
ndow.

“Thammaot l
abol ayamotho..motlogel
e..
”Themanyel
led.
Rethabil
epushedEl angf
rom hercarthengotEl
ang’
sbagand
thr
ewi tontheroad.

“Ican’tafforditbutIhaveit
,unli
keyou.Ihaveitall
andy oudon’
t.
AtleastIsl eepwithhim andgetmywor t
h,unl
i
key oubutwhat
cany ouexpectaf terget
tingusedbyt womenal lni
ghtlong?
May bet heywer eevenmor ethantwo.Kotengokomet sadick.
(Youpr obablyswal l
owthedick.)Ipi
tyyoursocoldboyfri
end,i
t
mustbesadsl eepi
ngwithabor ehol
el i
keyou.
.”

El
anglookedathercry
ing.“
Say
sthegi
rlwhoabor
tedagr
own
baby
,youaregoingtohell
!”

“
Iwi
l
lmeety
out
her
eloosev
agi
na!
”

Shewal
kedr
oundandgoti
nhercarthendrov
eoff
.El
angl
i
ps
tr
embl
edasshewi
pedhernosewit
hhert-shi
rt
.

Themanwhohadsl
oweddownst
oppedhi
scarandst
eppedout
t
henwal
kedov
ert
oher
.

“
Hi…ar
eyouok?
”

Elang’
sheartr
acedasshetri
edtokeepitt
ogether.Shepi
ckedher
handbagthenlookedupt
ryi
ngtostopthebleedi
ng.Herheart
achedsomuchshebr okedowncryi
ng.

Themanl
ookedatherconf
used.“
Hi…i
sther
eany
thi
ngIcando?
”

Elangshookherheadt henwalkedawaywipi
nghernose.Ov
er
twentyminut
eslatershewalkedinsi
dethepol
icest
ati
on.

*
**

Rethabi
lewal
kedinsi
dethehouseandsl
owlysatdowninthe
sit
ti
ngroom.Sheputherhandbagdowntaki
ngoffhershoesas
shesatdown.Shecouldn’
tremembert
helastt
imeshehad
fought.

Rethabil
etookadeepbr
eathwonder
ingwhyshehadl
ett
he
uselessfr
iendshi
pdr
agforsol
ong.

Shereachedforherphonethencal
l
edAtangunbut
toni
ngher
j
eans.Shesighedattherel
i
efthenuncl
i
ppedherbrawit
hone
hand.

Hi
sphonerangti
l
litst
opped.Shepr
essedherli
pst
ogetherand
di
aledhi
snumberagai
n.Itr
angforawhil
ethenhepi
cked.

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Hey
…”
At
angcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.“Hi
…”

“
Whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?Imi
ssy
ou.
”

“
Imi
ssy
out
oo.Iwi
l
lbebacksoon.
”

“
Idon’
tunderst
andwhyyouhadt
ogoonat
ri
pwi
thot
hersol
dier
s
whenyouarenotone.
”

Hespokesoft
ly.“
Itsnotaful
lti
methi
ng.
.Theyneededme.These
poacher
saregett
ingoutofhand.Iwi
l
lbebackinnoti
me.”

“Ihadafi
ghtwithElangt
oday.Youknowhowshei
s.I
tgot
physi
cal
..Ipunchedhert
wice.
”

“
Iam notgoi
ngt
osayany
thi
ngabouty
ourf
ri
endany
mor
e.”

“
Youwer
eri
ght
.Ishoul
dhav
eli
stened.
”

“Youknowwhathappenswheny
oukeepasnake.I
twi
l
lbi
tey
ou
oneday.”

“
Iam sor
ry.Ishoul
dhav
eli
stened.
”

“
It
sok.Il
ovey
ou.
”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
edl
yi
ngont
hecouch.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

“
Ishoul
dgetgoi
ng.Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.
”

“
Ok.
”

Hehungup.Ret
habi
l
ecl
osedherey
est
henherphoner
ang.She
pi
ckedt
hecall
.

“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Ret
habi
l
eKai
sar
a?”

Ret
habi
l
esatupr
ight
.“Yes,
who’
sthi
s?”

“Youar espeakingt
oSuperint
endedBantl
a,wehaveEl
angLepang
here.Ineedy ouher
eatthepolicest
ati
onin15minut
es.Ibel
iev
e
sincey ouhaveacar,t
hat’
sshouldbeenoughti
mekanay angMs
Kaisara?”

*
**

Somewher einBotswana,Pr
inceputpressureonAtang’
sgunshot
woundt hatwasonhisstomachatt hebackofav anwhil
ea
sol
dierdrovethem f
rom t
hebusht oaclini
cnearby.

Pri
ncelookedathi
sfri
endandlaughedshaki ng.“Doyou
remembert het
imeIgotshot…fuckIt houghtIwasgoingtodie.I
wasconv i
ncedIwasdying.
”Hesmi led.“ButImadeit
.Youhav e
beenherebefor
e.Beenshotbef
or e.Twice.Thisi
snothing.You
aregoi
ngt obeok.
”

Atanglaughedthencoughedoutbl
ood.“You’
veal
way
sbeen
scared.Fr
om thefi
rstt
imekotrai
ning.
”

Pri
ncesmi
l
ed.“
Bei
ngscar
edi
sagoodt
hing.Buty
ougott
hat
guy.
”

At
angl
ookedatPr
inceandsmi
l
edsl
owl
ycl
osi
nghi
sey
es.

“Mist
erosekawarobal
a,bat
agoj
elamony
ana.(
Don’
tsl
eep.
Theywil
lfucky
ourgi
rl
.)
”
At
angtri
edtolaughbutr
athercoughedoutmor
ebl
ood.Pr
ince
l
ookedatthedri
ver
.

“
Skumba,
dri
vef
ast
er!
”

Skumbast
eppedont
heaccel
erat
orspeedi
ngaway
.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#32

Atthepoli
cest
ation,
Rethabi
l
el ookedatEl
angwho’sl
i
pswer
e
swoll
en.El
anglookedatherwipingherbl
ood,t
her
ewasbl
oodal
l
overherT-
shi
rt
.

Ret
habi
l
etookadeepbr
eat
handl
ookedatt
hepol
i
ceof
fi
cer
.

“Sheattackedmef i
rst.Iwasdri
v i
nghomet henr anoverwanti
ng
alift
.Shegoti nmycarandstartedmaki ngnoi
seabouthowI
couldn’
tpickherupint hemorningthoughIexplainedtohert
hat
mybr other’
sschoolbusdidn’
tcomei nthemor ningsoIhadto
drophim off.Shepull
edmyhai rscrat
chingme, Ipunchedheri
n
selfdefense.
”

“Sheisly
ing.Idi
dn’
tdoanythi
ngt oher
.ShegotangrybecauseI
saidshesleepswit
holdermenf ormoney.Shepunchedmeand
draggedmeoutofhercarbeatingme.”

Ret
habi
leangri
l
ylookedather
.“Soy
ouwon’
tadmi
ttopul
l
ingmy
hai
rscr
atchi
ngme? ”

El
angputherhandsonherf
acecr
ying.Thepol
i
ceof
fi
cerl
ooked
atRet
habi
le.

“
Let
’sseewher
eshescr
atchedy
ou.
”

Rethabi
letur
nedshowi
nghi
m herneck.“
Shewasf
ight
ingme.I
foughtback.
”

“
Stopl
yi
ngRet
habi
l
e.”
Thepoliceof
ficersighed.“
Thereisawitnesswhosawy ouhitt
ing
yourfr
iendont hesideoftheroad.Lookatyoursel
fthenlookat
her…youcouldhav ekill
edsomeone.Shei spr
essingcharges
meaningIam goi ngtolockyouinsi
debecausewenaoMar k
Henryakere?
”

“
Shest
art
edi
t.
”

“
Youshoul
dbehumbl
i
ngy
our
sel
fapol
ogi
zi
ngr
athert
han-
“

“
Iam notgoi
ngt
ofor
giv
eher
.”

Ret
habi
l
elookedatt
hepol
i
ceof
fi
cer
.“MayIpl
easemakeacal
l
.”

“
Yes.
”

Rethabi
legotupandwalkedout
sidecal
li
ngAt
ang.Hisphonej
ust
rangthenstopped.Shet
ookadeepbreat
handsenthima
message.

Ret
habi
l
e:Heybabe,El
angispr
essingchar
ges.Shetoldt
he
pol
i
ceIatt
ackedherwhensheatt
ackedme.Iam scared.

Shel ookedatherphonewonderi
ngwhom t
ocall
.Shescr
oll
ed
throughhercontactl
istandmostpeopl
ewerej
usther
classmat es.

Shecameacr
ossAgangt
hent
appedhi
sname.

Af
emal
evoi
cepi
cked.“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi,
canIt
alkt
oAgang?
”

“
Andwhoar
eyou?Li
stenher
e-“

Ret
habi
l
ehungupbef
oreAgang’
sgi
rl
fr
iendcoul
dgoont
alki
ng.
Shecal
l
edAt
angagai
n.

“
Ret
habi
l
e,hi
,i
t’
sPr
ince.
”

“
Ohhi
…canIpl
easespeakt
oAt
ti
e…”

“Yesbuthe’
sbusyatthemoment
.Somet
hingi
sgoi
ngon.Imake
surehecall
syoubacktomor
row.
”

“
Tomor
row?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Ther
rai
t’
sanemer
gencyand-
“

Pr
incehungup.Ret
habi
l
ecal
l
edhi
m agai
n.

*
**

Att
hecl
inic,
thenurseat
tendi
ngt
oAtanglookedathi
sfri
endwho
washol
dinghisphonewhil
eshedi
dchestcompressi
ons.

Shebreat
hedheav
il
ylooki
ngathi
m.“
Thedoct
ori
scomi
ng.Who
keepscal
li
nghi
m?”

“
Hisgi
rl
fr
iend.
”

Thenur
sesmi
l
ed.“
Whyar
eyounotpi
cki
ng?
”

“
Iwoul
dn’
tknowwhatt
otel
lher
.Ishegoi
ngt
obeok?
”

“
Yes.Wejustneedt
ocont
aint
hesi
tuat
ionher
ethenhav
ehi
m
t
ransf
err
ed.
”
“
Ok,
ahel
i
copt
eri
scomi
ngt
ogethi
m.”

“
Per
fect
.”

“
Letmespeakt
oher
.”

Pr
incef
rowned.“
What
?No!
”

Thenur
sesmi
l
ed.“
Ijustwantt
omakehercal
m down.
”

“No.Youwantmyf
ri
endPear
l.Godknowswhaty
ouwi
l
lsayt
ohi
s
gir
l.
”

Pear
llaughed.“
Iwanty
ourf
ri
end?Whot
oldy
out
hat
?”

Shel
ookedatAt
angt
henatPr
ince.

“
Ili
key
ouguy
sforwhaty
oudo.Don’
tgeti
ttwi
sted.
”

Thedoctorwalkedwit
htwomorenurses.Pear
llookedatPri
nce
asanothernur
setookovert
hechestcompressi
ons.Hestil
lhad
theot
herhandont hewoundpr
essingon.

“
Letgo.Hei
sinsaf
ehands.
”

Pr
incel
ookedather
,hel
etgot
henPear
lpushedhi
m out
.

“
Youneedt
ocal
m down.Yousai
dthi
sisnothi
sfi
rstt
imer
ight
?”

“
No.I
t’
snot
.”

“Thenyouaregood.Don’
tworr
y.Theheli
copt
eri
scoming.Heis
goingt
oreceiv
ethehelpheneedsthengohometohi
sgirlf
ri
end.
Youhaveacut,come,Iwil
lcl
eanitup.
”

“
Arey
ounotgoi
ngt
ohel
p?”
“ThoseareERnurses.Theyknowwhatt heyaredoing.Thatwas
anERdoct or
.Atangisingoodhands.Theirfi
rsti
ntui
ti
onis
stabi
li
zehim.Theywon’ttakeoutt
hebul l
etbuttheywil
lkeephi
m
ali
ve.Come.”

Shewalkedwithhimtoheroff
ice.Shewalkedinanotherroom
andcamemi nuteslat
ernowinanotherdress.Shesatdown
put
ti
ngonglov esandstar
tedatt
endingtothecutonhishand.

Shecl
eanedupt
hecutandputabandageoni
t.Pr
incesmi
l
ed.

“
Thanks.
”

“
Youar
ewel
come.
”

“
Letmespeakt
omycol
l
eague,
he’
sout
side.
”

“
Ok.
”

Hestoodupandwal kedout .Pear

lsmiledstar
ingathi
mi nhi
s
uni
for
m, thesemenalwaysl ookedgood.Itwasli
ketheyborn
speci
fi
call
yforwhattheydid.Shesmiledthentookofft
hegloves
anddisposedthem t
hinki
ngofAt ang.

Hi
sphonestar
tedr
ingi
ngagai
n.Pear
llookedat‘
Babe’
cal
l
ingt
hen
si
ghedpi
cki
ng.

“
Hel
l
o?”

Ther
ewassi
l
ence.Pear
llookedatt
hephonet
hensmi
l
ed.

“
Heeel
l
oo?
”

“
Wher
eisAt
ang?
”

“
Obusy
,canIhel
pyou?
”
“
Pleasegi
vehi
mthephone.Ineedt
ospeakt
ohi
m.”

“
Iam sor
rybuthe’
sbusy
.Whatdi
dyouwant
?”

“
Iwantt
ospeakt
omyman.That
’swhatIwant
.”

Pearll
aughed.“
Youwantt ospeaktoy ourman?Hunny ,calm
down.Whenhe’soutinthewildness,youcan’tcl
aim hi
m.Hewi l
l
cal
lyou.Beagoodgi r
lf
ri
endandj ustwait.Goodgir
lswait.Stop
cal
li
ngev er
ysecond,wamol spisalewenamma, l
ethim breathe.
Iwil
ltel
lhimyoucall
ed.”

Pearlhungupandputthephonedown.Pri
ncewalkedi
nand
l
ookedatAt ang’
sphoneri
ngi
ng.Hecutthecal
landswit
chedof
f
thephone.

*
**

Atthepolicestati
onRethabil
et ear
ful
lycal
ledhi
m agai nbutit
wasn’tgoingthroughanymor e.Shetookadeepbreat htr
yingto
cal
m downbuthert houghtsranwithhersomuchat earroll
ed
downhercheekwhi l
eherhear tpounded.Shesni
ffedthen
scr
oll
edt hroughhercontactsunsureofwhot oevencal l
.

El
angl
ookedatRet
habi
l
easshewal
kedbacki
ntheof
fi
ce.
“
Iam st
il
lpr
essi
ngchar
ges.
”

Rethabi
lelookedather .“
Iam sorryElang.Youknowt hi
sisnot
thefi
rstti
mewef ight.Iam sorryforthethi
ngsIsaid.Iwasjust
angrybutIam sorry.Iam sorryIcouldn’
tpickyouupaty our
house.Iam sorr
yforpunchi ngyou.Itwon’thappenagain.Iam
sorry
.Canwej ustforgetithappenedandmov eon.Ilov
ey ou.
”

El
anglookedatherangr
il
y.“
Youthinkyouareupther
ewit
hJesus
butIam goi
ngtohumbleyou.Iam notdr
oppingt
hechar
ges.Not
aft
eryoualmostki
ll
edme.”

Thepoli
ceof
fi
cerst
oodup.“
Come.
.Iam l
ocki
ngy
oui
nsi
def
or
assaul
t.
”

“Wait
,Elangpl
ease…Ihaveanexam t
omor
rowmor ni
ng.Keago
kopa.Youknowhowi mport
anti
tisf
ormetotakeall
myexams.”

Elangr
oll
edherey
es.“
Youshoul
dhav
ethoughtaboutt
hatbef
ore
youbeatme.”

El
angwatchedasthepol
iceoff
icerdr
aggedheroutt
hensmi
l
ed
post
ingt
hepict
uresshehadtakenonface.

‘
AfterIt
oldmoghel t
ostopsleepi
ngwi t
holdmenf ormoneyshe
att
ackedme.Wai t
sefri
endshipskemaakahel a.Iam fi
neand
curr
entl
yatthepoli
cestat
ion.She’
sbeenar r
ested.Iam goingto
humbleher.Peopl
ewhodon’ tworkforthei
rmoneybal apisa.
’

El
angshar
edherpostt
ovar
iousgr
oups.

*
**
Out
sidet
hepoli
cestat
ion,
Pul
est
eppedoutofhiscart
alki
ngon
t
hephone,hi
scoatonwhil
ehi
sst
ethoscopehungonhisneck.

“
Iwil
ll
ookathi
sresult
sandseei
fIcangetany
thi
ngel
seot
her
t
hanwhatyoual
readygot
.”

Theot
herdoct
orsi
ghed.“
Thanks.
”

Pulehungupandwal
kedov
ert
othepol
i
cest
ati
onont
hef
ront
desk.

“Hi
,Iam Pul
eKgosi
.Iam her
eforRet
habi
l
eKai
sar
a.She’
sbeen
arr
ested.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#33

El
angwalkedpastPul
eholdi
nghert
issue.Hei
mmedi
atel
y
not
icedher,
hehadseenthem t
oget
heracoupl
eoft
imes.He
wal
kedafterher
.

“
Hi…”

El
angt
urnedal
mostt
ri
ppi
ngt
hensmi
l
ed.“
Dumel
ang.
”

“
Iam Pul
e.Youar
ebeaut
if
ul,
canIgi
vey
oual
i
ft?
”

El
angl
ookedathi
m andsmi
l
ed.“
Uh,
yes.Thanky
ou.
”

“
Arey
ouok?
”

“
Iam f
ine.
”

Pul
epressedt
hekeystohisy
ell
owBMW.El angl
ookedov erand
l
ookedatM4,shesmil
edstar
ingatt
hecar .Theyel
l
owi shgold
col
ormadeitl
ookextr
a.Shehadneverseenitupclose.

“
Yourcari
sbeaut
if
ul.
”

“
Thanks.
”

Theygoti
nthecar.El
angkeptherhandsonherthi
ghstonot
messuphiswhit
ecarseats.Helookedatherst
art
ingt
heengine.

“
What
’sy
ourname?
”

“
Elang.
”
“
Youar
eRet
habi
l
e’sf
ri
end,
right
?”

El
angshookherhead.“
No.
”

“Iam Pul
e,heruncle.Shecalledmeandt ol
dmewhathappened.I
am sorr
yitcamet othis.Idon’tev
enknowwhatgoti
ntoherbutI
am sorr
y.Haveyoubeent othedoctory
et?”

“
Youar
eheruncl
e?”

“
Yes.She’
snev
erspokenaboutme?
”

“
No.
”

“
Idon’tbl
ameher.Iwasneverr
eal
lyclosewi
thmysibl
i
ngsbut
t
hat’
snotthecase.
”Helookedatherandsmil
ed.“
Youarepr
ett
y.”

El
angl
ookeddownatherhands.Pul
erol
l
eddownt
hewi
ndow.

“Iknowyouar eupsetandhurt
.Butcanwecometoan
underst
anding?Howmuchdoy ouwanttodr
opthechar
ges?Iwi
l
l
alsopayforyourmedicalbi
l
l.
”

El
angl
ookedathi
m.“
Youwantt
opaymet
odr
opt
hechar
ges?
”

“
Howmuchdoy
ouwant
?”

Elanglookedathimthi
nking,
shebadlywantedt
ohumble
Rethabil
e,hermissi
ngherexam woul
dmeanshewoul dhav
e
fail
edandshewoul dki
ssHar v
ardSchoolOfMedici
neby
e.

Shel
ookedupandl
ockedey
eswi
thhi
m,hesl
i
ght
lysmi
l
ed
maki
ngherski
nbur
n.

“
Maybeaf
tert
hiswecangooutf
ordi
nner
.Iam st
arv
ing.That
’si
f
y
oudon’
tmind.
”
“
Ret
habi
l
ereal
l
yhur
tme.
”

“
Iknow…Iam sor
ry.Pl
easef
orgi
veher
.”

Shet
hought
ful
l
ylookedathi
m.“
Iwantaphone.
”

“
Whi
chphone?
”

“
ASamsung.I
t’
s4k.
”

“
Goandsayy
ouf
orgi
vehert
henIwi
l
ltr
ansf
ert
hemoneyt
oyou.
”

“
Ify
oudon’
t?”

“
Youwil
lj
ustt
ellt
hem your
eal
l
ywantt
olaychar
ges.Iwi
l
lgi
ve
y
outhemoney,pl
ease…”

“
Ngng,
sendt
hemoneyf
ir
stt
hen-
“

“Iwil
lgiveyou5k.Ifyoudon’tdr opthecharges,
wearegoingto
j
usttogetal awyer.Shewillbeoutl at
esttomorrowmorni
ngt hen
from t
herewewi llgotocourt.Youdon’ thavealawy
er,
allyou
haveiswhat ?Abloodstainedt -
shir
t?Andwhat ?Somepictur
es?
Andhowf arwil
lyougetwi t
ht hat?ThisisnotanAmeri
canmov i
e.
Thisisreall
ifei
nBot swana.”

El
angswal
l
owed.“
6k.
”

“
2k.Takei
torl
eav
eit
.Idon’
tcar
e..pl
easest
epoutofmycar
.”

“
Yousai
dyouwoul
dgi
veme5-
“

“
Ihav
echangedmymi
nd.Yout
hinky
ouar
esmar
t-
“

“
Iwi
l
ltakeP4000andsayIf
orgi
veher
.”

Pul
elookedather
.“Dr
opt
hechar
gesf
ir
stt
henIwi
l
lgi
veoutt
he
money
.Gapewant
ia,
Ineedt
ogett
owor
k.”

Elangsteppedoutofthecarandwentbackinsi
det
hepoli
ce
stati
on.Shewalkedbacktothesuper
int
endent’
sof
fi
cethen
knocked.Shewalkedinsecondsl
ater
.

“Ihav
ethoughtaboutmydeci
sionandIwantt
ofor
giv
ehersi
nce
shesayssheissorr
y.”

Hel
ookedather
.“Whatchangedy
ourmi
nd?
”

“
Shei
smyf
ri
end.Idon’
twanthert
omi
ssherexam.
”

“Ok.Butalsounder st
andwear eworki
ngher e.Youcan’
tpress
chargesthendeci deyouwanttodropthem becauseyouwantt o.
Wewor kwi thprocedureher
e.Andwear enothereforyouonly.
Wehav eot hermat t
erstoat
tendtothat’
swhyweaskedy ouifyou
aresurebef or
ey ouwentaheadandpr essedcharges.
”

“
Iwasst
il
langr
y.Iam sor
ry.
”

Rethabi
lewalkedoutofthecell
thengotherphonebackov
eran
hourlat
er.Shewalkedoutofthepoli
cestat
ionpul
li
ngupher
j
eans.Elanglookedatherst
andingbytheentr
ance.

“
Nextt
imeIwon’
tfor
giv
eyou.
”

Ret
habi
lesi
ghed.“
Ithi
nkt
hisf
riendshi
pshoul
dcomet oanend.I
hav
ealwaysfor
giv
enmostthi
ngsy oudobecauseofhowfarwe
havecomebutIcan’ tanymore.Youaretoxi
candy ouwi l
lnever
change.Thi
ngsal wayshavetogoy ourwayornoot herwayatall
.
Youalwaysfinditeasytotryandbreakmyspir
it.Youal way s
remindmeofev erythi
ngyoudidforme.Ineverknewi twasa
debtbutIbeli
eveIhaverepaidit
.Don’tt
alkt
ome, don’tcallme.
YouandIar edone.Iam ti
redofthi
sbackandf ort
hwi thyou.”

“
Good.Becausel
ennaIam t
ir
ed.
”

El
angwal
kedov
ert
oPul
e’
scarwher
ewasst
andi
ngbyhi
sdoor
.

“
Mymoney
.”

“
Yournumber
?”

El
angcalledouthernumbert
henPul
edidanewal
l
et.Elangt
ook
outherphoneandlookedatt
hemessagewit
hasmile.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Youcango.
”

“
Yousai
dsomet
hingaboutdi
nner
.”

“
Ihav
echangedmymi
nd.
”

Shelookedathi
m confusedthenshelookedbackasRet
habi
l
e
walkedover
.Hesmiledstari
ngather.

“
Youj
ustsai
ditsoIwoul
ddr
opt
hechar
ges?
”

Pul
eglar
edather
.“Di
dn’
tIgi
vey
ouy
ourmoney
?Whatdoy
ou
want
?”

“
Arey
ouev
enheruncl
e?”
“
May
beIshoul
drev
ersemymoney
.”

“Youcan’tdot
hat
.Iwi
l
ltel
lthem y
out
hreat
enedmet
odr
opt
he
charges.
”

“
Goahead.
”

Puleunlockedhi
dphoneandr ev
ersedtheewal
let.Elanglookedat
him asamessager ef
lect
edinherphoneshowingtheewal l
et
reversal
.Shetur
nedandwalkedbackinsi
dethepolicestati
on.

Rethabi
lel
ookedathi
m.“
Iam sor
ryf
ort
oday
.Idi
dn’
tknowwho
tocall
.”

“
It
sokKai
sar
a.Ar
eyouok?
”

Shenodded.“
Iam f
ine.Thanky
ou.IknowIwasoutofl
i
ne.Iam
sor
ryMr.Kgosi
.”

Pul
elookedatherasherv
oiceshook.“
Thabi
l
e…ar
eyouok?
”

Ret
habi
l
esni
ff
edasat
earr
oll
eddown.“
Iam f
ine.
”

“
Hey
….”Hegotcl
osert
oher
.“I
t’
sok.
”

Moretear
srol
leddown.Sheputherhandonhermout
hcr
ying.
Pul
elookedatherandhuggedher
.

*
**

I
nsi
det
hepol
i
cest
ati
ont
hesuper
int
endentl
ookedatEl
ang.

“
Iwantt
opr
esschar
gesagai
n.Shehadherr
elat
ivet
hreat
eni
ng
me.
”

“Doyouhaveev
idencetowhaty
ouar
esay
ing?I
fyouhav
e
evi
dence,
showusr i
ghtnow.
”

“
Nobuthei
s-“

“Youknowwhat ,youthi
nkthisisapl aygroundhuh?Yout hi
nk
thisisyourmot her’shousewher eyoucanj ustcomei nanddoas
youpl easeandweshoul djustbejumpi ngar oundforyou.Thisis
apol i
cest ati
onandwedeal withreal matters.Wearenother eto
playgames.Iam goi ngtoputy ouinacel ltonightf
orgi v
ingfal
se
i
nf ormation.May beIshouldletyoust aytheweekendt oo.What
doy out hinkthi
sis?Getup!Iam t akingyout oacell.Youwi l
l
thinkcar eful
l
yabouty ourl
ifefrom there.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#34

Ret
habi
l
est
eppedbackandsi
ghed.

“
Thanky
ou.Ihav
etogohome.Mybr
otheri
sal
one.
”

Pul
erubbedhercheek.“
CanIdr
opy
ouof
f?”

“
No.Butt
hanky
ou.Thanky
ousomuch.I
twon’
thappenagai
n.”

“
Howwi
l
lyougohome?
”

Ret
habi
l
epr
essedt
hecarkey
sunl
ocki
nghercar
.“Iwi
l
luset
hat
.”

“
Ok.Seey
out
omor
row.
”

“
Yessi
r.
”

Ret
habi
lewal
kedtohercarandgoti
n.Shedial
edAt
angagain.
Shecl
osedherey
estear
full
yasthepr
erecor
dedvoi
cespoke.

“Thenumberyouhavedial
edi
snotavai
labl
eatthemoment .
Pleasetr
yagai
nlat
er.Thanky
ou.Thi
sisafreeannouncement
from-“

Shedr
oppedt
hecal
landt
ext
edhi
m.

Rethabil
e:Thereisnoneedtoswit
choffyourphone,
Ialr
eady
know.Sav eyoursel
ftheener
gyandhaveyoursel
fanicel
ife.I
knewt hi
swouldhappensoonerorlat
er.Ihopeshemakesy ou
happy.

Shesentt
het
extasat
earr
oll
eddownhercheekandf
ell
ont
he
scr
een.Ret
habil
eraisedherheadandcaughtherl
ecturest
ari
ng
ather
.Shestar
tedthecaranddrovehomewhi l
esnif
fing.

*
**

Thatsamenight,
Zazarockedhersicksonwhi l
eseatedonher
bed.Sheputherhandoverhi
sforehead,histemper
aturewasst
il
l
hi
gh.Sheslowlyl
aidhi
m downandgotof fthebedt
akingher
phone.

Shecal
l
edAgangsi
tt
ingdown.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi.Ar
eyouf
reet
otal
k?”

“
Yeah…”

Zazaswal
l
owed.“
Iknowy
ouhat
eme…”

“
Idon’
t.Il
onggotov
eri
t.
”

Tear
sburntherey
esaslookedatthepi
ctur
eframeofhersonon
thewal
l
.Hehadhi sf
ather
’sear
s.Andtheyhadthesamesmile.

“IknowtheDNAt est
ssai
dheisnoty
our
sbutever
ytimeIl
ookat
him,Iseeyou.Youweret
heonl
yoneIwasseei
ng.Theonl
ymanI
wassleepi
ngwi t
h.”

“
Zaza,
Iam t
ryi
ngt
osl
eep.
”

“
Ist
il
lthi
nkt
hemar
ri
edl
adyy
ouwer
eseei
ngdi
dsomet
hing
becausey
ouar
etheonl
ymanIwassl
eepi
ngwi
th.
”

“Noonedidanyt
hingtothetest
s.Iam notyourson’
sfat
herand
that’
sthat
.St
optryi
ngtodragmei nt
ohisli
fe.Apartofmeis
actual
lygl
adhei
snotmi ne.
”

Shenoddedhol dingt hephone.“Heisnotwell.Hehasnotbeen

welll
ately.AtfirstIthoughtitwasbecausehist eet
hare
begi
nningt ogr owoutbuthei snotget
tingbetter.Wear
ewaiti
ng
fort
het estresul t
s.Iknowy ouarehisfather
.Ihav enor
easonto
keeplyi
ngt oy ou.Goodni ght.”

Shehungupandputherhandst
oget
herpr
ayi
ng.

*
**

Agangwal
kedbackinsi
det
hehousepr
essi
nghi
sphone.Hos
gi
rl
fri
endl
ookedathi
m.

“
Whowast
hat
?”

“
Noone.
”

Nkamol ookedathisphoneandsighedknowinghewaspr obably

l
ying.Shefel
ttheburni
ngurgetosnatchthephonefrom hi
m and
checkbutsatsti
ll
,herhandsonherlap.Agangsatdownpr essi
ng
hi
sphonewhi leshestar
edinsil
ence.

Hel
ookedather
.“What
?”

“
Not
hing.
”
Nkamomov ecloserandl eanedagainsthischestl ooki
ngatt heat
theTV.Agangputhi sar m aroundherwhilepr essinghi sphone.
Sheraisedoneey ewhi l
etheot herr
emainedatt heTV, herheadin
thesameposition.Shewat chedashescrolledonhi sFacebook.
Hepausedatapi ct
ure.Nkamomov edsl
ightlycl oser.Agang
l
ookedather ,
shet urnedherey estotheTVr emai ningcalm.
Agangwentbackt opressinghisphone,shet urnedoneey eover
tohisphonememor i
zingt henameasher eact edwi thahear t
.

Hi
sphonestar
tedr
ingi
ng.Sheturnedwit
hherheadandl
ookedas
‘
Thabi
l
e’cal
l
ed.Agangquickl
ypicked.

“
Thabi
.
.”

Thabi
l
esni
ff
ed.“
Hi,
wher
eisy
ourbr
other
?”

“
Im Ghanzi
,what
’sgoi
ngon?
”

“
Wher
eexact
lyi
nGhanzi
?”

“
What
’sgoi
ngonThabi
?”

“
Yourbr
otheri
scheat
ingonme.Iwantt
ogot
her
e.”

Hegotupandwal
kedoutwhi
l
eNkamowat
ched.

“
Atangwi
l
lnev
ercheatony
ou.Hel
ovesy
ou.
”

Ret
habil
esniff
ed.“Awomananswer edhi
sphone.Nowhe
swi
tchedoffhisphone.Ishoul
dhav
eknownthatwholet
ri
pwasa
wayforhi
mt ogoandcheat .”

“Hey.
.li
stent
ome.Hel
ovesy
ou.Hel
ovesy
oumor
ethan
anyt
hing.
”
“
Ify
oucan’
ttel
lmewher
ehei
s,i
t’
sfi
ne.
”

“Iwouldtel
lyouifIknew.Al lIknowi sthatheisi
nthebush.I
don’tt
hinkhei scheati
ng.Hehasgr eatplansf
oryouandhimin
theearl
yfuture.Lethim comeandexpl ai
nhimself
.Don’
tbequick
tojumpgoconcl usions.Andev enifhewer etocheat
,hewouldn’
t
l
ethissidechicktouchhi sphone.”

“
Iam scar
ed.
”

“
Don’
tbe.Youhav
enor
easont
obe.Doy
ouguy
sneedany
thi
ng
t
her
e?”

Shesni
ff
ed.“
Wear
efi
ne.
”

“
Arey
ousur
e?”

“
Yes.
”

“
Cal
lmewheny
ouguy
sneedany
thi
ng.
”

“
Ok.
”

Aganghungup.Hecal
l
edhi
sbr
other
.Thecal
ldi
dn’
tgot
hrough,
hecal
ledPri
nce.

“
Agang…”

“
Letmespeakt
oAt
ang.
”

“
Anacci
denthappened.Buthe’
sfi
ne.
”

“
Whathappened?
”

“
Hegotshotbuthe’
sok.
”

Agangswal
l
owed.“
Wher
eishe?
”
“He’
sbeentakentoSA.ButIcan’
ttel
lyouwher
ehei
s.You
under
standaker
e?”

“
Howser
iousi
sit
?”

“
He’
sfi
ne.Don’
twor
ry.
”

“
Wher
eishi
sphone?
”

“
Ihav
eit
.Why
?”

“Who’
sbeenanswer
inghi
sphone?Thabi
sai
dawomananswer
ed
hi
sphone.
”

“
Awoman?
”

“
Yes.
”

“Nooneansweredhi
sphone.Iswi
tchedi
tof
f.Unl
ess…f
uck!Iwi
l
l
sor
titout
.Itwasanurse.
”

“
Atangobat
agony
ala.Hecan’
thav
esuchhappeni
ng.
”

“Iwil
ltal
ktoher.She’
sbeenwant
inghim,If
orgothi
sphonei
nher
offi
ce.It
hinkt
hat’swhenshepi
ckedthecal
l.
”

“
Tal
ktoher
.Iwi
l
ltal
ktoThabi
.She’
sal
readycr
ying.
”

“
Ok.
”

“
Keepmeupdat
edwi
thAt
ang.
”

“
Sur
e.”

*
Nkamost oodbehindthedoorwhi
leAgangwrappeduphiscal
l
out
side.Shehurr
iedtothecouchashewalkedbackint
hehouse.

“
Iam goi
ngt
oseeaf
ri
end.Iam comi
ng.
”

“
Whatf
ri
end?
”

“
Youdon’
tknowhi
m.Iwi
l
lbebacki
nanhour
.”

Hepickedhi scarkeys.Nkamostoodupandwat chedhim ashe

walkedout.Hegoti nhiscaranddrov
eoff.Tearsfi
ll
edhereyes.
Shecouldn’tunderst
andwhyGodal wayslethergeti
n
rel
ati
onshipswithmenwhoal way
scheatedonher .

Shebl
inkedr
ubbi
nghereyesknowinghewasouttocheatonher.
Shel
aiddownonthecouchholdi
nghercr
ies.Pai
nchokedherso
much,shebr
okedowncryi
ng.

*
**

AtRet
habi
le’shouse,Agangpar
kedbesi
desRethabi
l
e’scart
hen
st
eppedout.Hewal kedtot
hedoorcal
li
ngher
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Iam byt
hedoor
.Open.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#35

“
Iam out
side.Opent
hedoor
.”

“
Ok.
”

Hehungupandwai ted.Rethabi
l
eopenedthedoorminut
eslat
er.
Aganglookedatherreddi
shswolleney
esandsmiledasshe
unl
ockedtheburgl
arbar.

“
Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
”

Shel
ookedathi
m andsni
ff
ed.Agangsmi
l
ed.

“
Atangwoul
dnev
ercheatony
ou.
”

Atearrol
leddownhercheek.Shewi
pedi
twi
tht
hebackofher
hand.Agangsighed.

“
Pleasedon’
tcr
y.Hel
ovesyou.Youknowthat
.He’
sprov
enthat
y
ouev er
yday.Whyar
ey oudoubti
nghi
m now?Hashegi
venyoua
r
easontothi
nkhewouldcheat?
”

Sheshookherheadsni
ff
ing.

“Exactly
.He’sinthemi ddl
eofami ssi
on.Pri
ncehadhi sphone.
Prince’
ssideanswer edthecall
thi
nkingitwasPrince’
sother
phone.Iam sor r
yithappened.Iam sorr
yyouhadt ocryfort
hat.I
don’tblamey oubuttrustyourmanenought oknowwhenhesay s
heonl ylov
esy ou,hedoes.”

Shewi
pedof
fanot
hert
earnoddi
ng.Agangsmi
l
ed.
“Andifamanreal
lylovesy
ou,he’
dhavenor
easontocheat.
Pleasej
ustwai
tforhim.He’
sgoingt
ocomebacktoyou.”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Arey
ouguy
sokt
hough?
”

“
Wear
efi
ne.
”

“I
fyouneedanyt
hing,
don’
thesi
tat
etocal
lme.Iam aphonecal
l
awayMrsDaniel
.”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
edbl
ushi
ng.Agangchuckl
ed.

“
Gobacki
nthehouseandl
ockup.
”

Shenoddedthenl
ockedt
hebur gl
arbarandthedoor
.Agang
walkedtohi
scart
henrev
ersedoutifthegat
e.Hesteppedout
andclosedt
hegat
ebefor
edr i
vi
ngbackhome.

Hewalkedi
nsi
dehishouseminutesl
ater
.Hel
ookedatNkamo
sl
eepi
ngonthecouchthenwalkedov
er.

“
Babe…”

Sheopenedhereyesandl
ookedathi
m.Hef
rownedr
eal
i
zingshe
hadbeencry
ing.

“
Whathappened?
”

Shesatuprightandsighed.“It
hinkweshouldendthis.Youhav e
beenaftermef orsi
xmont hscomi ngt
omywor kplaceev eryday.
ThereasonIhadbeenr ejecti
ngy oui
sbecauseIam insecure.My
babydaddyhur tmesomuchIt houghtIwasgoingtodie.Istayed
thr
oughoutal lhi
sshenanigansbecauseIlov
edhim.Mypr oblem
i
st hatwhenIl ove,Ilov ewi thmyal l
.Hedest r
oy edmesomuchI
couldn’trecogni zemy selfthenhedumpedmeandmar r
ieda
womanhe’ dj ustmet .Itriedwi thmynextr elationship.Idid
everythingagoodwomancoul dpossi bl
ydoandIgothi m
i
mpr egnat ingmycousi n.Theyst ayt ogetherrightnow.Fr om t here
i
t’
sj ustbeenaser iesofmebei ngused.Iam usedt othehur tso
muchIal way sexpecti t.Iam soi nsecure…i t’
slikeadi sease
destroyingme.Wheny oul eftallIhav ebeent hinki ngisthaty ou
arecheat ingonme.Ev erythingy oudoi ssuspici oustome.I
snoopar oundl ikeIam cr azy…Isni f
fy ourclothes.Iwantt oknow
whaty ouar edoi ngony ourphone, whoy ouar et alki
ngto, whyy ou
didn’taanswermycal l i
mmedi at
ely.Ihav eanxi etyandIt hinkI
am depr essed. .Iam i nconst antpain.Somet i
mesIcr ymy selfto
sl
eepwhenIt hinkofev erythingandj ustwonderwhyme…y ou
deser vebet terthanthi s.AndIknowy ouar egoi ngt ogett i
redso
i
t’
sbet t
erIl eav eonmyown. ”

AganglookedatNkamoandsmi l
edstar
ingatherwhil
eshewiped
hert
ears.
.Shepushedherlonghai
rbackthenstoodup.Shewas
shor
t,soshortshebar
elyr
eachedhi
schest.

“Iknowy ougot hroughmyphoneandt hatyousnoopar ound…a

l
ot .Iknowy ouquest i
ont hethingsIdothoughy ouneversayi tout
l
oud.Iknowy oucr yatnight.Iknowy oueavesdroponmy
conv ersati
ons.Youpr obablyknoweachofmyFacebookf r
iends.
.I
knowy ouhear dmyconv er
sationwithPri
nce.Isawy ourshadow.
Iact ual
lywant edyout oaskmewher eIwasgoi ngbutIalso
want edy outot r
ustmeenought oknowIwon’tcheatwi thmy
sisterin-l
aw.Ilovey ou.Wi t
hy ourimperf
ecti
onsbecauseIam not
per f
ecttoo.Iwantt hi
st owor k.AndIwantust oworkt omakei t
work.Iwantustoseeat her
apist
.May beasindi
vi
dualsfornow
thenasacouple.Iam nothi
dinganything,
Ihavetol
dyou
every
thi
ngsofeel f
reetodoany t
hingthatwil
lmakeyourday
bett
er.
”

Nkamol
ookedathi
minshock.Aganghuggedher
.

“Il
ovey ou.Mysisteri
n-l
awisf i
ne.Iwenttocheckuponher
becauseIknowmybr otherwoulddot hesame.Zachar
iacal
l
ed
aboutthechil
d.Itoldyouallaboutit
.”

“
May
bey
oushoul
djustbl
ockher
.”

Shetookouthisphonef
rom hi
spocketandhandedi
ttoher.
Agangunlockedhi
sphoneandblockedher
.Nkamosmiled
happi
ly.

“
Doy
oust
il
lwantt
owat
cht
hemov
ie?
”

Agangputdownhi
sphoneandt
ookof
fherni
ghtdr
ess.

“
No.Iwantt
ofucky
ou.
”

Hekissedhert ouchinghernakedbody.Hepi
ckedherandputher
onthedini
ngt ablethenpushedherchestdown.Agangpul
ledout
hist
-shi
rtthenleanedov erdr
oppingki
ssesfr
om herneckdown
toherchestthenf ur
therdownpassedherbell
ybutt
on.Hekissed
herkuku.

Nkamomoanedgr indi
ngagainsthi
sface.Agangwal kedtothe
ki
tchenandcamebackwi t
htwodishtowels.Hetiedeachhandt o
herlegandopenedherlegsevenmore.Het ookoffhi st
-shi
rtand
coveredherheadwit
hitsoshewouldn’tseeanything.
Het ookouthishar
dv ei
nedweaponsmackedhercl i
twithit
.She
fl
inchedtryi
ngtocl
oseherl egsbuthehel
dthem i
nplace.Agang
pushedt heti
pandcircl
edinsidewhil
ebi
ti
nghisl
owerlip.He
continuedteasi
nghergett
ingherevenmoreset.

Nkamot ri
edmov i
ngslowerimpatientf
orit
.Agangsl
ippedi
tout
andrubbedhersensi
tivecl
i
tmaki nghermoan.Hestoppedand
pushedinaninch…thenanotherandmor e.Nkamopull
edat
rest
rai
ntsasAgangpushedhi sentir
edickinsi
de.

Her emainedst
il
lthenki
ssedherandrepeatedl
yfi
ll
edherpat
h
rubbingagai
nstherwall
whil
ecaressi
ngev erycor
neri
nsi
deher
kuku.

Nkamomoanedt ryi
ngtomov eaagainsthi
m.I tf
eltdogoodher
moansgotl ouder
.Agangtouchedherbreastwhilethr
usti
ngint
o
her.Hepoundedintohergrunt
ingandgroaning.Helookedat
himsel
fdisappear
inginsi
deherpussy.Thetableshookwithever
y
thr
ust.

Shet
ri
edt
omov
eherar
msasherent
ir
ebodyi
tched.

“
Agang…ahhh…”

Agangdugdeeperwhi l
efucki
ngherhard.Shewassosweethe
foundhimselft
hinki
ngaboutpull
i
ngoutbutfuck!Shewasjust
toogood.Herpussybegunnarrowingonhim.Tearswethi
st-shi
rt
,
thepleasur
emultipl
yi
ng.

Nkamoscreamedspasmi
ng.Agangwenti
nf ul
lfor
cecumming.
Hegaveheronest
rokemaki
ngsureheoff
loadedever
ythi
ngint
o
her
.
Heunti
edhert
hent
ookof
fhi
st-
shi
rtf
rom herf
aceandki
ssedher
sl
i
dingout
.

“
Wecanwat
cht
hatmov
ienow.
”

Shesmi
l
ednoddi
ng.

*
**

Atthejai
lcell
,El
angst oodatthecornerlockedwit
hot herl
adi
es.
Shegottir
edandsatdown.Shest il
lcouldn’
tbel
ieveshewas
sl
eepinginjai
lallbecauseofRethabil
e.Angerandpai nmadeher
breat
heheav i
lyandshecouldn’twaitti
ll
shewasr eleased.

Shetookadeepbreathpl
anni
nginherhead.Ther
ewasnoway
shewouldwatchRethabi
l
egoov er
seas,
shewasgoi ngt
ogether
offherhi
ghhorseandbri
ngherdowntoearthwereever
yonewas.

*
**

Thefol
lowingmorning,Ret
habil
ewalkedoutoft
heexami
nat
ion
hal
landsighedwithasmi l
e.Oneofhercl
assmatesal
sowal
ked
outandlookedather.

“
Hey
…”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
edback.“
Hi.Kat
lor
ight
?”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Kat
so.Ret
habi
l
eri
ght
?”

Ret
habi
l
elaughed.“
Sor
ry,
yes.
”

“
It
’sok.Howwasi
t?”

“
Itwasf
ine.
”

“
Yah,IhopeIdi
dwel
l
.Isawy
ouappl
i
edt
obesponsor
edt
ogot
o
Har
vard.Metoo.
”

Rethabi
lesmil
edast
heywal
kedt
oget
her
.“Awesome.Ihopewe
quali
fywait
se.
”

Katsonodded.“
Met
oo.Megoi
ngt
her
ewoul
dchangemyf
ami
l
y
for
ever.
”

“
Met
oo.
”

Ret
habi
l
ewat
chedast
wosol
dier
swal
kedt
othem

Kat
sohel
dherbagpr
oper
lyner
vousst
ari
ngatt
hei
rguns.

Ret
habi
l
e’shear
tracedast
heyst
oodi
nfr
ontoft
hem st
ari
ngat
her
.

“
MsRet
habi
l
eKai
sar
a?”

Shenodded.“
Yes.
”

“
MynameisOmpileandt
hisi
sTi
ro.Ret
swaBDF,
doy
ouknow
MrAt
angDani
el?
”

“
Yes.I
sheok?
”

Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.“Youhav
etocomewi
thus.
”
Herhear
tpoundedsomuchasherkneesgotweak.

“
Whathappenedt
ohi
m?I
sheok?
”

“No.Youneedtocomewit
hust
oconf
irm hi
sbody.Anacci
dent
happenedyest
erday
.Ev
ery
onei
swai
ti
ngforyou.
”

Shel
ookedatt
hem,
herent
ir
ebodyweakeni
ngf
urt
her
.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#36

Theyledhertot
heBDFnumberplateGolf
.Ompi l
eopenedt
he
fr
ontseatdoorf
orher
.Shelookedathi
m, shehadn’
tsai
daword
yetorevenmadeasound.

“
Geti
n.”

Shegoti
nandstaredahead,herfaceblank.Ti
rogoti
natt
heback
whil
eOmpil
etookthefrontseat
.Hest art
edthecaranddr
oveof
f
headedt
otheai
rport.

Tir
olookedatherthicknessfil
li
ngtheenti
reseatwhileher
summerdr essrodeupexposi ngherthi
ckyell
owt hi
ghs.Hehad
heardaboutAtang’
sgi r
lf
riendandalwaysthoughtpeoplewere
j
ustexaggerati
ng.Shesilentl
ysatonthefrontseatnotmovingan
i
nch.

Hesighedlookingout sidethewi
ndow.Ompi l
estol
eglancesat
herwonderingwher eAt anghadgot
tenher.Helookedather
handsthenshor tcleannail
s.Onherwri
stwasabl ackmanly
watch,possibl
yAt ang’sbutnowheunderstoodwhyAtanghidher
.

Hef
inal
l
ypar
kedt
hecar
.“Let
sgo.
”

Shesl
owl
ylookedathi
m.“
Wher
eismyboy
fri
end?
”

“
Wear
etaki
ngy
out
ohi
m.Let
’sgo.
”

“Yousai
dconfi
rm….Whatdoy
oumeanconf
ir
m?Whatdoest
hat
evenmean?”
“
Youwi
l
lsee.
.let
’sgoorel
sey
ouwi
l
lmi
ssy
ourf
li
ght
.”

“Idon’
tunder
stand.Makemeunder
stand.Wher
eismyboy
fri
end?
Iam cal
li
nghim.”

“
Hei
snotgoi
ngt
oanswer
.Ify
ouwantt
oseehi
m,l
etust
akey
ou
t
ohi
m.”

Sheshookherhead.“
Iam goi
nghome.
”

Ret
habi
leopenedt
hedoorandst
eppedout
.Ti
rogotoutoft
hecar
andgr
abbedherhand.

“Yourmani
snothome.He’
saman,
notaboyf
ri
endkanahe
doesn’
tmakey
oucum?Doeshemakeyoucum?”

Shel
ookedathi
minshock.

“Exact
ly,t
hatmakeshi myourman.Aboy f
riendissomeonewho
doesn’tmakey oucum.Asl ongashehitsitandmakesi train,
he’saman.Andy ouarehiswoman.Wear et akingyoutoy our
man.Tur naroundandwalki nsi
detheai
rport.Iam notAt angwho
probablybegsandlickst
hegr oundyouwalkon.Tur n,now! ”He
commandedf i
rmlyandloud.Shelookedathim.

“
Iam goi
nghome.Iwi
l
lwai
tformymant
her
e.”

“
Ok,
ver
ywel
lthen.
”

Ti
robendedt
henpi
ckedherupandt
hrewheroverhi
sshoul
der
.
Ret
habil
escr
eamedashewalkedwi
thheri
nsi
detheair
port
.

“
Thusang!
”

Ompi
l
ewal
kedbehi
ndhi
m.Mi
nut
esl
atert
heywal
kedt
othe
border
inggate.Ti
roputherdown,
herbodyr
ubbi
ngagai
nsthi
s
wakeningeverysensei
nhim.Heswall
owedasshest
eppedback
fi
xi
ngherdress.

Shewasst ubbor
n, i
tturnedhi m ontohaveawomanchallenge
hi
ml i
kethat.Heforgott helastti
mehehadsomeonej uststand
uptohim andshel ookedf earl
ess.HewonderedhowAtang
handl
edherknowi ngwhohewas.Shepr obabl
ystr
essedhim
morethananywomanhe’ dbeenwi th.

“
Mybr
other
-“

“
Agangwi
l
lsor
touty
ourbr
other
.”

“
Stoptal
ki
ngwhenIam t
alki
nganddi
dn’
tyousayev
ery
onei
s
wai
ti
ngforme?Who’sev
eryone?
”

Ompil
echuckl
edt
hensmi
l
edt
aki
ngouthi
sphone.Ti
rol
ookedat
her
.

“
Youwi
l
lfi
ndoutsoon.
”

“
Howdoy
ouknowAt
ang?Whathappenedt
ohi
m?”

“
He’
sdead.
”

Sheangr i
l
ylookedathi m.“Neversaythataboutmymanev er
agai
n.Ifit
’sl
if
tingbri
cksandput ti
ngthem atonecor
nerandback
whereyougott hem alldayatworkhasgot t
enint
oyourhead,
don’
tthinkyoucandi sposeitonme.”

Ompi
l
ebur
sti
ntoal
oudl
augh.

Ti
rof
rowned.“
Idon’
tli
key
ou.
”
“
Goodf
ory
ou.
”

Theygoti
nthepl
ane.Ret
habi
l
esatbyt
hewi
ndowanddi
aled
Agang.

“
Thabi
.
.”

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
hast
ear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.“
What
sgoi
ngon?
”

“Iwi
llt
akecar
eofBatang.Theyt
oldmehegoti
ntoanacci
dent
.I
am notsur
ewhat
’sgoingon.Hewasshot
.”

“
Shot
?”

“
Yesbuti
t’
sAt
ang…hewi
l
lbef
ine.
”

“Theysai
dtheyar
etaki
ngmet oconf
ir
m hi
sbody
.Idon’
tev
en
knowwhatthatevenmeans.
”

“
Relax.I
t’
sok.He’
sfi
ne.I
fanythi
ngwaswr ong,Iwouldhavefel
t
i
t…ok,Iam l
yi
ngbutIam sur
ehei sf
ine.Hey…don’tcr
y.He’s
f
ine.
”

“
Ianscar
ed.
”

“
Don’
tbe.Iwi
l
lremai
nwi
thBat
angher
e…“

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Igoty
ou.
”

Shehungupandputherphoneaway
.Shetookadeepbreathas
thepl
anetookof
fwit
hOmpi l
eandTi
roseatedbehi
ndher.

*
**
El
angwal
kedinherr
oom t
hatsamemor
ning.Herr
oommat
e
l
ookedov
erather
.

“
Hi…ar
eyouok?
”

El
angsi
ghed.“
Iam f
ine.
”

“IsawyourpostonFacebook.Wasi
tyourf
ri
endwhodr
ivest
he
Benz?”

“
Yes.Theonehersugardaddygother
.”

Herr
oommatesmi
l
ed.“
Wai
tsebat
hongIal
soneedasugardaddy
i
nmyl i
fe.
”

“
That
’sj
ustpr
ost
it
uti
on.
”

“NgngElangmma.Someti
mesyesbutsometi
mesit
’slove.I
don’
tthi
nkther
eisany
onewhowouldbuyyouaBenzjustfor
fun.
”

“Ther
eisnoloveli
ket
hat.Keprosti
tut
ionhela.AndIam goi
ngto
exposeher
.Every
oneshouldseethisgir
lforwhoshetrul
yis.
”

“
Uhu,
thef
ri
endshi
pisov
er?
”

“Shethi
nkssohighlyofherself
.Let’
sseehowshewi l
ldeal
wit
h
herboyf
riendandtheworldfindingoutsheabor
tedababy.
”

Ther
oommatelookedatheri
nshock.“
That
’swi
tchcr
aft
.Why
woul
dyoudothat
?”

“Iam goi
ngtofixt
hatpat
het
icf
atthi
ng.Goi
ngaroundthi
nki
ng
sheisbett
erthanme.Shewon’
tseeitcomi
ng.Shecankiss
Har
var
dby
e.Nxl
a!”

“
Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
”

El
angl
ookedatherandlaughed.“Lookatyourface.Iam j
oki
ng
mma.Mxm, Iam j
ustannoyedbutIthinki
tsbestIforgi
veherand
moveon.KanaThabii
smydayone. ”

Theroommatelaughed.“I
ja,yougotmet her
e.Iam happyyouar
e
choosi
ngpeace.Iwil
lseey oulat
er.Ihav
ealateaft
ernoon
l
esson.”

“
Ok,
bye!
”

Ther oommatewal kedout.El

angpressedherphoneand
searchedforLyser
gicaciddiet
hyl
ami deandPhencycl
i
dine.She
readthroughthei
reffect
sandwhatt heycoul
ddo.

ShewentonFacebookandsearchedf
ort
hem.Ov ert
hir
tyminut
es
l
atershecameacrossapostandanumber.Shecopi
editdown
andcall
edtheper
son.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi,
doy
oust
il
lhav
eLSDandPCS?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Iwantt
hem.Howmuchi
sit
?”

“
P300f
orbot
h.”

“
Iwi
l
ltakei
t.CanIhav
ethem t
oday
?”

“
Yesbuty
ouknowwhatt
heydor
ight
?”
“
Yes.Iam medi
cal
studentandwear
enotanexper
iment
.”

“
Ok.Let
’smeetatRai
lPar
kMal
ltoday
.Say2p.
m.”

“
Ok.Thanky
ou.
”

El
anghungupandsmi
l
edt
hencheckedherbankbal
ance.

“
OkMr
sBenz…l
et’
sseey
ougoi
ngt
oAmer
icaaf
terpl
ayi
ngme.
”

Shewalkedtot
hebathr
oom andshoweredthenchangedi
ntoa
bodyhuggi
ngdresst
henwalkedoutl
ockingbehi
ndher.

*
**

Twohour slat
er,Ret
habi
lehel
dherschoolbagpr
operl
yasthecar
thathadtakenthem f
rom ORTamboparkedinfr
ontofabuil
ding.
ShelookedatOmpi l
ewhowasseatedbesidesher.

“
Let
’sgo.
”

Theysteppedout.Tirogotoutfrom thefr
ontpassengerseat.
Theywerenowonj ustthei
rclot
hes,shewasn’ tev
ensurewhere
theyhadchanged.Theywal kedinthebuil
ding,Rethabi
l
equickl
y
noti
ceditwasahospi tal
.Shewal kedbehi
ndt hetwomenwhol ed
thewaythenapproachedadoor .

Ompi
l
elookedatherandsi
ghed.“
Wewi
l
lwai
tout
side.
”

Heopenedt
hedoor.Ret
habil
esl
owl
ywal
kedi
nthenf
rozest
ari
ng
asOmpil
ecl
osedthedoor.
Your
sTr
uly

#37

InJohannesbur
g,Atangsmil
edonthebed.Shehurri
edover
droppi
ngherbagandhuggedhim.Atangadjust
edhimsel
fsohe
couldwraphisarmsaroundher
.Shetear
ful
lycuppedhi
sface.

“
Whathappened?
”

“
Thi
ngsdi
dn’
tgoexact
lyaccor
dingt
opl
anbutIam f
ine.
”

“
WhenIcal
l
edy
ouy
est
erday
-“

“
Ihadbeenshot.Idi
dn’
ttel
lyoubecauseyouhadanexam i
nthe
morni
ng.Iknowhowitwasimportant
,howdiditgo?
”

Shesmi
l
edashewi
pedhert
ear
.“Wel
l
.It
hinkIdi
dwel
l
.”

“
That
’smygi
rl
.”

“Ithoughty
ouwerecheat
ingaf
terPr
ince’
ssi
dechi
ckanswer
ed
hisphone.Ilov
eyou.
”

At
angrubbedhercheekt
henherl
i
ps.Hepul
l
edhercl
oserand
ki
ssedher
.

“
Yousmel
lgood.
”

Shegi
ggl
edst
ari
ngathi
m.“
It
’st
heper
fumey
ouboughtmet
hat
ti
me.”

“
Yousmellni
ce.
”Hel ookedi
nherworr
iedey es.“Iam f
ine.They
t
ookoutt
hebull
et.Iam good.Theywi
l
l r
eleasingmet omorrow.I
wantust
ogosomewher
ebef
orewegot
oVi
cfal
l
s.”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Wher
e?”

“
Youwi
l
lseet
omor
row.Ihav
ebookedy
oui
nahot
el.
”

“
Iam notgoinganywhere.Iam goi
ngtost
ayherewi
thyou.I
missedyou…yourbeardhasgrown.”Shet
ouchedi
tplay
ingwit
hit
.

“
Liedownwi
thme.
”

Shel
ookedatt
hebedandl
aughed.“
Wewon’
tfi
t.
”

Hescoot edtoonesi
de.Rethabi
lesmiledandcl
imbedont hebed.
Shelaidonhersideputt
ingherarm ar
oundhim,herheadonhis
chest.Shesmil
edinhisarms.Atangrubbedherthi
ckbutt
squeezingfr
om ti
met oti
meagainwhi leki
ssi
ngherforehead.

“Elangr eportedmet othepolice.Theyar rest

edmef orassault
becauseshewentt her
ewi thabl eedingnose.Icall
edyouand
that’swheny ourphonewasanswer ed.Isentyouamessaget hen
calledAgangbuthi sgi
rlf
riendanswer edthephoneandshei swas
rude.Idi dn’tknowwhoel setocal lbecauseIhadanexam i nthe
mor ning, Icall
edmylecture.Hecameandpai dElangtodropthe
char ges.”

Shelookedathi
mtoandf
oundhi
m smi
l
ing.Sher
elaxed.“
Iwas
scar
ed.”

“Youseewhyi t
’simpor
tanttostayawayfrom thatgir
lri
ght
?At
l
eastyousawi tfory
oursel
f.Ineverli
kedherr
ightfrom t
he
begi
nning.AndIhopethisi
st helastt
imeIhearabouther.Iwi
l
l
paythelect
urebackwhenwegohome. ”
Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Iam sor
ryIdi
dn’
tli
stent
oyou.
”

Heki
ssedher
.“Ther
eal
lessoni
soney
oul
ear
nyour
sel
f.
”

“Yourbear
dmakesy
oul
ookol
der
.Kanagat
wekej
olasugar
daddy.”

Hel
aughed.“
Ili
ket
hisl
ookmor
e.”

“
Ther
rabatagot
say
agot
weodzaddy
.Il
ovey
ou.Idon’
twantt
o
l
oseyou.
”

“
Butbabet
hisi
sal
ook.
”

Rethabil
elaughedput
ti
ngherlegoverhim.“
Theywi
llsnat
chyou.I
don’tknowhowt ofi
ght.Wi
thElangIknowshecan’
tfi
ghtfor
shi
t.”

Atangki
ssedherhandt
ouchi
ngherr
ingf
inger
.“Yourf
inger
sar
e
small
.”

Het
ookoutar
ingf
rom under
neat
hhi
spi
l
lowandsl
i
diton.He
t
ooki
tout
.

“
Yourf
ingeri
sreal
l
ysmal
l
.”

“
Who’
sri
ngi
sthat
?”

“Ti
ro’
s.Hewant
stopr
oposet
ohi
sbabymama.Herf
inger
sar
e
almostl
ikey
our
s.”

“
Itwasabi
tloose.
”

“
Hewi
l
lhav
etogeti
tal
ter
ed.Ti
ro!
”

Thedooropenedt
henTi
rowal
kedi
n.Hesmi
l
edst
ari
ngatAt
ang
bewhoseemedcomf
ort
abl
eandhappy
.

“
Yah?
”

“
Youwi
l
lneedt
ogeti
tal
ter
edsl
i
ght
ly.Justsl
i
ght
ly.
”

“
Ok.Wear
egoi
ng.
”

“
Thanksf
orbr
ingi
ngMr
sDani
el.
”

“
Shar
plai
taka.
”

Theybumpedf
ist
sthenhewalkedout
.Ret
habil
esnuggl
edcl
oser
tohermanwhi
leherubbedhert
hight
henherbutt
.

*
**

I
nGaborone,El
anggotinHondaf
it
.Al
adyl
ookedathi
m.She
handedhi
m ablackpl
asti
c.

“ThereisLSD, i
t’sanhal l
uci nogendr ug.I
tcauseshal l
uci
nations,
alli
nall,itt
emper swi t
hy ourbr ai
n.Makey ouseeandf eelthings
arenott here.Youmayf eel j
oyandeuphor i
a,feellikeyouare
fl
oatingbuty oucanhav ereal l
yterri
fyi
ngthought s.It’
seff
ect sare
unpredictable.Itstart
swor kingwi t
hinthi
rtymi nutesandgoi nto
ful
lpeaki n2- 4hour s.Thislast sfor12hour s.I
t ’
sadanger ous
drug.Const antusemaycauseper manentdamaget othebrai n.I
t
canev encauseschi zophr enia.”

“
HowmuchdoIt
ake?
”

“
Onet
abl
eti
senough.
”
“
Ok,
att
heot
herone?PCS?
”

“It
’sPCP.Phency cli
dineisami nd-
alter
ingdrugt hatmayl eadt
o
hallucinat
ions,
it’
sassameasLSD.I tcausesaudi t
ory
hallucinat
ions,
imagedi storti
on,severemooddi sorders,
and
amnesi amayalsooccur .Ital
socausesacut eanxietyanda
feelingofimpendingdoom, paranoi
a, vi
olenthostil
ity
,a
psy chosesindi
sti
nguishabl efr
om schizophrenia.”

“
Soi
tdoesn’
tki
l
l?”

“Hi
ghamount
soft
hosel
eadst
osei
zur
es,
comaandwor
se,
deat
h.”

El
angnodded.“
Addi
cti
ont
ooaker
e?”

“Yes.PCPisaddi
cti
veanditsuseoft
enleadstopsy
chologi
cal
dependence,
crav
ing,andcompulsi
vePCP-seeki
ngbehavi
or.
”

“
Youknowsomuch,
arey
ouadoct
or?
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
No.Doy
ouhav
emymoney
?”

“
Yes.
”

El
angt
ookoutt
heP300andhandedi
ttoher
.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“Eemma.Pleasedon’tov
erdose.LSDcausesv
iol
entand
psychot
icbehavi
or.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

El
angsteppedoutofthecarandwalkedtothecombissmi
l
ing.
Shegotinatt
hefrontseatandst
art
edt y
pingRethabi
l
ea
Facebookmessage.

Elang:Hi.Iknowwear efighti
ng.Iam sorr
y.Itookoutmy
frust
rati
onsony ou.Iknowy ouhav ebeenbymysi deforthe
l
ongestandIkeept aki
ngy ourufirgr
unted.Iam sor
ry.Ifeel
depressed.Ihav ebeendr eamingofthenightIgotrapedsomuch
thatcan’tsl
eep.Ikeept hinki
ngit’
sgoingtohappenagai n.Iam
beinghaunt ed.Iam goingcrazy,sometimesIjustwanttokill
my sel
f.Iam sor r
y.Pleaseforgi
veme.Youar etheonl
yoneIhav e.

Shesentt
hemessageandsmi
l
edknowi
ngherper
son.

Sheinser
tedt
henewsi
m car
dandqui
ckl
yregi
ster
edi
tthensent
Atangamessage.

‘
Unknown’
:Soyouthi
nkyouknowy ourgi
rl
fr
iend?Di
dshet
ell
you
aboutt
hebabysheabor
ted…yourbaby…

Shesmil
edfeel
ingasifshewasinJamesBondfi
lm.Sheput
awayherphoneasthecombigotful
lthent
hedr
iverdr
oveof
f.

*
**

Lat
erthatdayAgangwalkedint
hehousewi
thBat
ang.Nkamo
l
ookedatthechil
dthenathim.

“Hey,t
hisi
sBat
ang.Ret
habi
l
e’syoungerbr
other
.Wewi
l
lbe
stay
ingwit
hhimti
ll
she’
sback.ShewenttoSA.”

“
Doesn’
thegav
erel
ati
ves?
”
“
Hedoes.Iam hi
suncl
eandhewi
l
lbest
ayi
ngwi
thme.
”

Nkamol
ookedatt
hechi
l
dsuspi
ciousl
ythenshef
akedasmi
l
e.

“
Ok.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#38

El
angsmi
l
edasherr
oommat
egotback.

“
Hi…”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Hi.
”

“
Youdi
dn’
tgot
oschool
today
?”

“
Ngng.Iam notf
eel
i
ngwel
landmyf
acei
sswol
l
en.
”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“
It
’sok.Iwi
l
lseeschool
onMonday
.”

“
Yah…”

Theroommatesatdownonherbed.Elangstoodupthenpoured
j
uiceintwogl
asses.Shesecr
etl
ydroppedapil
li
nthedri
nkthen
grabbedafor
kandquickl
ymixed.

Shesi
ghedt
urni
ngt
oherr
oommat
e.

“
Take…somej
uice.
”

Ther
oommat
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Theroommatesippedthecol
ddrinkandgulpedi
tal
ldown
quenchi
nghert
hirst
.Shetookoutanov el
andlai
donherbed
readi
ngwhi
leEl
angsl owl
ydrakehers.
*
**

Thabiopenedhereyeswakingup.Shelookedatt hewhitewall
s
andgotoffthebed.ShelookedatAtangsleepingthensatdown
star
ingathim.Shetookoutherphonethent ookapictur
eofher
handholdi
nghis.Shereachedforherbagandt ookoutherlapt
op
andbooksandst ar
tedstudyi
ngwhileheslept.

Hisdooropenedt
heanur
sewal
kedi
nhol
dingf
ood.Shesmi
l
ed
atRethabi
l
e.

“
Iam goi
ngt
owakehi
m upsohecaneat
.”

Rethabil
esmi ledbackthenfrownedsni
ff
ingtheboil
edegg.Her
stomacht urned,sheputthelapt
opdownandr ushedtothe
bathroom intheroom andv omit
ed.Shewalkedoutminutesl
ater
wipinghermout h.Atanglookedatherworr
iedl
y.

“
Arey
ouok?
”

“
Yes.YouknowIdon’
tli
keboi
l
edeggs.Thesmel
lget
stome.
”

Hel
ookedatt
heeggst
hencl
osedt
hem.“
Oh…”

“
Itsmel
l
sli
kef
art
.Youcaneat
.”

Shetookherlaptopandbookst hensatatfarcor
nerofther
oom.
Atanglookedatherconfused.Shesmiledandlookedather
l
aptopcontinui
ngstudyi
ng

*
**
Zazasati
nthedoct
or’
sof
fi
ceasheexpl
ainedt
oher
.

“Asfeared,t
hetumoriscancerous.Hehasgrade4mali
gnant
brai
ntumorandi t’
saggr
essive.Iknowthi
sisnotwhaty
ou
expectedtohear…”

Zazal
ookedathi
m hol
dingherboyinherarms.Hehadl ostso
muchweight
,shecoul
dfeelhi
m sl
ippi
ngfrom herhands.

“I
thasal
readyspr
eadthr
oughouthisbr
ain.Wecandoradi
ati
on
andchemother
apybut
…it’
snotgoingtotakei
taway.

Shesmi
l
edhol
dinghi
mti
ght
er.“
He’
sal
lIgot
.”

“
Ist
her
ehi
stor
yofcanceri
nyourf
ami
l
y?”

“
Yes.Myaunthadi
t.Mygr
andmot
her
.Andt
hehi
stor
ygoeson.
”

“
Iam sor
ry.Ir
eal
l
yam.
”

Shelaughedasatearrol
leddown.“He’
stooyoung.He’sbeen
cry
ingtogotoschoolwithmyneighbor
’sdaught
er.Ir
efused
because…he’
sjusttooyoung.Iwasgoi
ngtotakehim nextyear
.”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

Sheswal
l
owed.“
Ican’
tlosehi
m.”

“
Radi
ati
onandChemoi
spai
nful
.Hi
sli
tt
lebodywon’
thandl
eit
.”

Sheshookherheadcr
ying.“
Ican’
tlosehi
m.Ican’
t.
”

“
Thetreat
mentsar
enotonlypainf
ulbutt
heyar
eexpensi
veand
i
t’
snotgoingt
omakehim bett
er.”
“
Ican’
tlosehi
m.Ican’
t.
”Shebitherl
owerl
i
pstari
ngatt
hedoct
or.
“
Ican’
t…he’sal
lIgot
.Iwil
lsel
lmycarandmyplot
.Iam not
l
osi
nghim.Ican’
t…”

“
Iknowt
hisi
shar
dfory
ou.Iwi
l
lgi
vey
out
imet
othi
nkabouti
t.
”

“
Ican’
tlosehi
m…Ican’
t.Youdon’
tunder
stand…Ihav
enot
hing
wi
thouthim.
”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

Zazawal
kedoutcarr
yingherboyt
henputhi
m att
hebackseat
.
Shegoti
nhercarandputherhandsonherf
acecryi
ng.

“
Godpl
ease…”

Shetookadeepbr eat
handl
ookedathi
m sleepi
ngpeacefull
y .
Shereachedf
orherphoneandcal
ledAtangbutthecal
ldidn’tgo
thr
ough.Shedi
aledhisnumberwi
thherothersi
m car
d.Itrang
twi
cethenhepicked.

Shequi
ckl
yhungupandt
ext
edhi
minst
ead.

Zaza:TodayIwentt ogetAJ’ sr
esults.Thedoctorhadspoken
aboutcancerawhi lebackbuthehadbr ushedi
toffbecausewe
hadhope.Ther esultscamebackandhehascancer .Grade4
brai
ntumor .It
’salreadyspread.Hesay swecandor adiat
ionand
chemotherapybuti t
’salr
eadytoolate.Ishoul
dhav etakenhimto
thehospi
tal earl
ier.Idi
dn’tseeit
.Ithoughtmostoft hesy mpt
oms
wer ejustor
dinarysickness.Myignor
anceandsel
fi
shnessisthe
reasonhei ssick.Iblamemy sel
f.Iam goi
ngtot
akehimf orhi
s
treatmentsbecauseIam notgoi ngtolosehi
m.Iwi
llkeepyou
updat ed.

Shesentthemessagethensnif
fedputti
ngherphonedown.She
star
tedt
heengineanddrovehomel i
steni
ngtoTrai
nWr eckby
JamesArthurwhi
lehersonslept.

‘
Lay
ingi
nthesi
l
ence

Wai
ti
ngf
ort
hesi
rens

Si
gns,
anysi
gnsI
’
m al
i
vest
il
l

Idon’
twannal
osei
t

I
’
m notget
ti
ngt
hrought
his

Hey
,shoul
dIpr
ay?Shoul
dIpr
ay

Tomy
sel
f?ToaGod?

Toasav
iourwhocan

Unbr
eakt
hebr
oken

Unsayt
hesespokenwor
ds

Fi
ndhopei
nthehopel
ess

Pul
lmeoutoft
het
rai
nwr
eck

Unbur
ntheashes
Unchai
nther
eact
ions,
I’
m notr
eadyt
odi
e,noty
et

Pul
lmeoutoft
het
rai
nwr
eck

Pul
lmeout
,pul
lmeout
,pul
lmeout

Pul
lmeout
,pul
lmeout
’

Shest
oppedthecaremotionswrecki
ngher.Shegotoutand
st
oodinfr
ontofhercarasthesunset.Sheknel
tdowncrying.
Shecr
iedsomucht i
l
lshewasjustgasping.

*
**

AtAgang’
shouse,
Nkamoopenedt
hemessagef
rom t
heunsav
ed
number.

7267* * *
*:TodayIwentt ogetAJ’ sresults.Thedoctorhadspoken
aboutcancerawhi lebackbuthehadbr usheditoffbecausewe
hadhope.Ther esultscamebackandhehascancer .Gr ade4
braint umor .It’
salreadyspread.Hesay swecandor adiat
ionand
chemot herapybuti t
’salr
eadyt oolate.Ishouldhavet akenhimt o
thehospi t
al earl
ier.Idi
dn’tseei t
.Ithoughtmostoft hesy mptoms
wer ejustor dinarysickness.Myi gnor anceandselfi
shnessi sthe
reasonhei ssi ck.Iblamemy self
.Iam goi ngtotakehi mf orhi
s
treatment sbecauseIam notgoi ngt olosehi m.Iwil
l keepyou
updat ed.

Shest
art
edt
ypi
ngherr
esponse.
‘
Agang’:HeisnotmysonsoIdon’ twanttoknowany t
hingabout
him..l
ethi
m diei
fhe’
sdying.Idon’tcar
e.St
opt ext
ingmeor
call
ingme.Iam i
naseri
ousr el
ati
onshipandIlovemygi r
lf
ri
end.I
am notgoingt
odealwit
hy ourgarbagedrama.Tellthefatherof
thatchi
ldnotme.

Shesentthemessaget hendeletedi tt
ogetherwit
htheoneZaza
hadsent.Shesi
ghedput ti
nghisphonebackwher eshehad
gott
enit
.Shethoughtf
ul l
ypickedi tupandblockedherbef
ore
putt
ingt
hephonedownagai n.Mi nuteslat
erAgangwalkedfr
om
thebedr
oom dressedthenheki ssedher .

“
Iam goi
ngoutwi
tht
heboy
s.Iwi
l
lbebackl
ater
.Il
ovey
ou.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Hekissedhert
henwalkedovertoBatangwhowaswatchi
ngTV.
Theybumpedfist
sthenhewalkedout.Shewal
kedbehi
ndhim
am wavedashedroveoutthesheclosedt
hedoorandl
ookedat
Batang.

“
Wher
eisy
ourmot
her
?”

Bat
angt
urnedt
oher
.“She-
she-
shei
sdead.
”

“
Ishey
ourf
ather
?”

Bat
angsmi
l
edandshookhi
shead.“
N-No.
”

“
YouknowwhatIdotol
iar
s?”Shewalkedgot
heki
tchenand
wal
kedbackwi
thajugf
ull
ofhotwater.

“
Ibur
nthem.Tel
lmet
het
rut
h.I
shey
ourf
ather
?”

Bat
angl
ookedatherconf
used.“
Idon’
tli
e-l
i
e-“
“
Hey
!Iwi
l
lbur
nyou!
”

Hi
shear
tst
art
edpoundi
ngashel
ookedather
.

“
Who’
syourf
ather
?”

“
I-
Il-
“

Nkamogotcl
oserhol
dingt
heket
tl
eofhotwat
er
Your
sTr
uly

#39

Batangl
eapedbumpi ngi
ntoherasshegotevencl
oser
.Thehot
kett
lesl
i
ppedfrom herhandsdri
ppingherf
eet
.Shescr
eamedas
theli
dopened,
thehotwat erbur
ningher
.

Batangrushedt
otheki
tchenandcamebackwi
thcol
dwat
erf
rom
thefri
dgeandpour
edherlegs.

“
So-
sor
ry.
”

Nkamosatdownast hepai
nweakenedher.Bat
angpickedhis
smallphonefr
om thetabl
eandpressedthebut
tons.Hedial
ed
theambulancenumberhehadmemor i
zedandputthephoneon
hisear.

*
**

Attheclub,Agangparkedhi
scarthesteppedoutofhi
scar
l
isteni
ngtotheloudmusicfr
om theclub.Hisphoner
angthenhe
pickedthi
sfather
’scal
l.

“
Papa…”

“
Wher
ear
eyou?
”

“
Iam f
lyi
ngt
her
etomor
rowmor
ning.
”
“Idon’
tunder
standwhyyoudidn’
tcomet
oday.Tomor
row
anythi
ngcanhappen.Youshoul
dhavesl
epther
e.”

“
Iwi
l
lbet
her
eint
hemor
ning.
”

“
Yourbr
otheri
spayi
ngmagadi
.Iwanty
out
oseehowi
t’
sdone.
Maybei
twil
lmoti
vat
eyoutoo.
”

Agangl
aughed.“
Papawee,
cany
oul
etmebe?
”

“No.Youar
egrowing.Youar
enotgoi
ngt
ost
ayy
oungf
orev
er.
Youareget
ti
ngold.”

“
Ihav
en’
tmett
her
ight
ful
per
sont
omar
ry.
”

“
Don’
tyouhav
eagi
rl
fr
iend?
”

“Ourrel
ati
onshi
pisnewandit
’sgoi
ngtotaket
imet
il
lIcanbe
suresheistheoneIreal
l
ywanttomar
ry.
”

“I
tdidn’
ttakeyourbr
othert
hatl
ong.Ij
ustwanty
ouset
tl
eand
havekids.Ti
mei smovingmyboy.
”

“
Idon’twanttomarryf
orthesakeofjustget
ti
ngmar ri
ed.Iwant
t
ogetmar ri
edbecauseIam i
nloveandseeaf ut
ure.Idon’tseei
t
wi
ththewomanIam cur r
entl
yseeing.
”

Hi
sfat
hersi
ghed.Pl
easecomeear
lymor
ning.
”

“
Eer
ra.
”

Hehungupthenputawayhisphoneandwal
kedi
nsi
det
hecl
ub
st
ari
ngatt
heladywalki
nginfr
ontofhim.

Hi
sphonevi
brat
edinhi
spocket
.Het
ooki
toutandpi
cked
Nkamo’
scal
lwalki
ngout
.
“
Babe…”

“
Yourchi
l
dhasbur
ntmewi
thwat
er!
”Shescr
eamedhy
ster
ical
l
y.

Agangf
rowned.“
What
?”

“
Hebur
ntme!
”

“
Hebur
nty
ou?
”

“
Myl
egs!
”Shecr
iedscr
eami
ng.

Aganghur
ri
edt
ohi
scaranddr
oveof
fheadedbackt
ohi
shouse.

*
**

Elangwat chedherroommatelaughinglyi
ngont hefloortal
ki
ng
alone.Shegotupandl ookedatElang.Shet urnedtothewall
screami ngasifshewasseeingsomet hi
ng.Sher antothe
bathroom, El
angstoodupandcloset hebathroom doorlocki
ng
herinside.

ShesatdownonherbedknowingforRet
habil
eshewasgoingt
o
gi
vehertwopi
ll
sofeach.Onedidn’
tseem t
oreal
lybedoi
ngthe
j
ob.

Shel
aidonherbedandcheckedi fRet
habil
ehadr
eadher
messagebuti
thadn’tbeenopenedasy et
.Shebi
therl
owerl
i
p
andty
pedanotherone.

El
ang:
Pleaset
alkt
ome.If
eel
li
keki
l
li
ngmy
sel
f.
Shesentthemessageandsighedgoingtohert
imel
ine.She
pausedcomingacrossRet
habil
e’
spictur
eofherhandand
Atang’
s.Shelookedatt
hecapti
on.

‘
Myhappypl
ace.
’

El
anglookedatt he23hear
treact
ionsonthepict
ure.Shescrol
l
ed
pastt
hepi ct
ure.Herr
oommat ebangedthedoorscreaming.
El
angswi t
chedonherBluetoot
hspeakerandstart
edplaying
musicloudly
.

*
**

Atthehospi
tal
,Agangwal
kedinsi
deNkamo’
sroom.Hel
ookedat
thenursebandagi
ngherl
egs.Hewal
kedovert
oher.

“
Whathappened?
”

Sheputherhandsonherfacecry
ing.Helookedatherl
egsand
huggedher
.Hesighedconfused,
thenursewalkedout.

“
Whathappened?
”

“
Myphonewasringi
ngsoIwentt
oansweri
thol
dingt
heket
tl
e.
Hepushedmeanditfel
l
.”

“
Hedi
dn’
tdoi
tonpur
pose.
”

“
Hedi
d.”

“
He’
sonl
y12.Comeon,
whywoul
dhedoi
tonpur
pose?
”
“
Idon’tknow.May
beheshoul
dgobackt
ohi
shouse.Tohi
s
mother.
”

Agangl
ookedather
.“It
oldy
ouhe’
sRet
habi
l
e’sbr
other
.”

Nkamolookedathim angr
il
y.“
Youar
ely
ing!Yout
hinkIdon’
t
knowhe’
sy our
s?”

Agangst
eppedbackst
ari
ngather
.“Ar
eyoui
nsane?
”

“
Thatt
hingt
ri
edt
oki
l
lme!
”

“
Youar
ecr
azy
.Iam goi
ng.
”

“
Youarealiarandcheat
er.Onkgadif
ebe!”Shescr
eamed.“
You
t
hinkIdon’
tknowyourtr
icks?Iknowital
l
.”

Shegotof
fbednowcr
ying.“
Goonandcal
lmecr
azy
.Ihav
ebeen
cal
ledwor
se.
”

Agangl
ookedathert
hensi
ghedreali
zi
ngjusthowbrokenshe
was.Hepi
ckedherupandputherbackonthebed.

“Pleasesl
eep.Iam goi
nghome.Mysi
steri
n-l
aw’
sbr
otheri
sal
one.
Iloveyou.
”

Hewal
kedout
.Nkamoscr
eamedcr
ying.

AtAgang’
shouse,
Agangwalkedi nandcl
osedthedoor
wonderi
ngwhyBatanghadn’
tlockedori
twastheshockof
ev
ery
thi
ngt
hathadhappened.

“
Bat
ang!
”

Hewal
kedtotheguestr
oom andf
oundhi
m seat
edont
hebed
wi
thhi
sbag.

“
Heychamp…”

“
Wh-
wher
eisThabi
?”

“
Shewentgoseeuncl
eAt
ang.Ar
eyouok?
”

Hetookadeepbreat
hlikehedi
dwi
tht
hespeecht
her
api
stt
hen
hestar
tedspeaki
ngsl
owly.

“
Iwantt
ogohome.Iwi
l
lwai
tforRet
habi
l
ether
e.”

“
Whathappened?
”

“
Yourwif
edoesn’
tli
keme.Shewant
edt
obur
nmewi
thwat
er.I
wantt
ogohome.”

“
Sheisnotmywi f
e.Iam sor
ryIl
efty
ouwi t
hher
.Youdon’
thav
e
t
ogobecausethisismyhouseandIlikey
ouver
ymuch.Thisi
s
y
ourhousetoo.Ok?”

“
She-
“

“Sheisnotcomingback.Youdon’
thav
etogo.Yoursi
sterwi
ll
comeandt akeyouwhenshecomesback.Tomorrowwear e
goingtoseeyouruncl
ethencomeback.Doyouwanttowatcha
mov i
e?”

Bat
angsmil
edthenwal
kedoutwit
hAgang.Theysatdownand
pl
ayedanact
ionmovi
e.Agangl
ookedathi
m seat
edbesideshi
m.
I
twoul df
eelgreathavi
ngason…butt henhewasnotsur eabout
Nkamo.Nott hathe’dbeensurei
nthef i
rstplacebutnowhe
doubtedalotofthi
ngs.HelookedattheTVwat chi
ngasJason
Stat
ham j
umpedf r
om amov i
ngcartoanot hermovingcar.

*
**

Thefol
lowi
ngmorni
ng,Atangputonhist-
shi
rtslowl
ythenwal
ked
tot
hehospit
albedwhereRethabi
lewassl
eepingwit
hherli
ps
par
ted.Hel
eanedoverandkissedher
.

“
Hey…”

Shewokeupandl
ookedathi
m si
tt
ingupr
ight
.Shey
awnedt
hen
smil
ed.

“
Wear
egoi
ng?
”

“
Yes.Wear
egoi
ngt
obat
hatt
hehot
elandgo.
”

Shegotof
fthebedthenpickedherbooksbendi
ng.Atang
smackedherbut
tmakingitji
ggl
e.Sheturnedl
aughi
ng.Heki
ssed
herandwal
kedoutcarr
yingherbag.

Theygoti nacarbytheentrance,himt aki

ngthefrontseat
.He
start
edthecaranddr ovewhileRethabilest
aredattheSouth
Afri
canstreetsfort
hefir
sttime.Awhi lelat
ertheywalkedinsi
dea
hotel
.Rethabil
esmiledtaki
ngev eryt
hing.Shefoll
owedbehi nd
hi
m smiling.Theygotinanelevatorthatwhiskedthem up.

Secondsl
atert
heyst
eppedout
.At
angi
nser
tedt
hecar
dbehad
gott
enont hedoorandopenedit
.Rethabi
l
ewal kedi
nwhil
ehe
hel
dt hedooropen.Thebeautyoftheroom l
eav i
ngher
speechless.Shewalkedtothebal
conyandlookedatthet
alk
buil
dingsandbusyr oads.

Shewal
kedbacki
nther
oom.“
Babe…t
hispl
acei
sbeaut
if
ul.
.”

At
angt
ookof
fhi
st-
shi
rt
.“Iknow.Let
’sshowerandgetgoi
ng.
”

“
Ok…”

Shewalkedtothebathroom ashepr essedaphonei ntheroom.

Shetookoffherdressstar
ingatthehugebat hr
oom.Shet ookof
f
herpant
yandbr athenputthem nicel
yont hehanger.Atang
walkedi
nunzippinghispants.Helookedathisgir
l,hiseyes
mov i
ngfr
om herbreastsandf ur
therdown.

Hepul l
edhercl
oserandsqueezedherbreast
.Shefli
nched.He
smilednot
ici
ngthechangesnowt hathewaspayingatt
ention
thenhehuggedtight
lyki
ssi
ngherneck.

“
Thanky
ou…FuckIl
ovey
ousomuch.
”

Sheputherarmsaroundhi
m hugginghim unsurewhatshewas
bei
ngthankedfor
.Atangmovedhisheadandki ssedher.
Ret
habil
eputherhandonhischestgoingdownt ohisbandage.

Atangkissedhermorecar essi
ngher,hi
shandmov edbetween
herlegsthenhetouchedherwetfoldscursingunderneat
hhis
breath.Heopenedherlegsmor etaki
ngouthisdick.Hepushed
heragainstthewal
landhookedherl egthatshestoodononel eg.
Hel ookedinherey
escur v
inghisbackand#r emoved.
*
**

InMaun, afleetofcarsf rom theDanielfami

l
yparkedoutside
MmagweRet habi
le’
saunt ’
sgatethatthenei
ghborsstoodbythei
r
fencesjuststari
ng.Insidet hehouse,themagadinegoti
ati
ons
conti
nuedbet weent het wof amil
ies.Thenei
ghborsconti
nued
stari
ng,minuteslatertherewasul ulati
onint
hehousef ol
lowedby
tradi
ti
onweddi ngsongsbei ngsung.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#40

Rethabil
epul ledtheduvetsconv ul
sing.Hereyesrolledbackas
pl
easur epar aly
zedher.Herp* ssysqueezedhim maki nggr unti
n
herearbur yinghimselfdeepinsideher.Hedicjerked, hi
scum
l
andingi nside.Hekissedherthenr emainedstil
lenjoyingjust
bei
ngi nsideher .Herbreathi
ngwentbackt onormal t
henhesl i
d
i
toutandl ookedathersmi li
ng.

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Atanggotoffherthenpi ckedherupandwalkedwi t
hhertothe
bathroom.Awhilelatertheywalkedoutl
aughing.Someone
knockedonthedoor .Shef i
xedthet
owelaroundherbodyashe
walkedtothedoor,at owel onhi
slowerbody.

Hegotaplast
ict
henwal
kedbacki
nther
oom.“
Igoty
ou
somet
hingtowear.
”

Hehandedhert
hepl
ast
ic.Ret
habi
l
eopeneditthent
ookouta
dr
essandathongt
oget
herwithamat
chingbraandsandal
s.

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Shedressedupwhi
leheopenedhi
sbagandt ookoutsome
cl
othes.Shewat
chedhi
m asheputonajeanandat -
shir
t,t
het
-
shi
rtcl
ungontohi
sbodyshowinghi
smuscles.

“
Youcanusemyt
hings.
”
Rethabi
l
el ookedi
nsidehi
sbagandt
ookoutt
hel
oti
on.She
appli
edstari
ngathim.

“
Sowhocookedf
ory
oui
nthebush?
”

Heputonmyawatch.“
Wedoitoursel
vesbutt
her
ewasal
odge
near
byandanel
der
lyl
adyal
wayscooked.”

“
WhatwasPr
ince’
ssi
dechi
ckdoi
ngt
her
e?”

“
Theonlyl
adiesar
oundclosebyar
ethenurses.It
hinkit
’soneof
t
hem.Iam notsur
ethough.Whyar
ey ouaski
ngallthi
s?”

Sheappl
i
edhi
srol
lont
henhi
sfr
agr
ance.

“
Iam j
ustaski
ng.
”

“
Ifhe’
scheat
ingi
twoul
dbewi
thoneoft
hel
adi
est
her
e.”

Shecombedherhai
rthenputdownt
hecomb.At
anghel
pedher
upandki
ssedher.

“
Iam notcheat
ing.Pl
easet
rustme.
”

“
Ido.
”

“
Good.Let
’sgo.
”

Shewal kedoutwi
thhim goi
ngtothecaroutsi
de.Atangdrove
them backtotheai
rpor
tagainandwalkedinsi
dewithher.Thabi
l
e
foll
owedbehindhimtry
ingtoguesswherewast aki
ngher.

Hekedhertowher
ethepl
aneswerethent
ookhertoasmall
pl
ane.Themanwhohadbeenstandi
nginf
rontofi
tsmil
ed.

“
Atang.
.”
“Sur
esur
e.Ihav
emygi
rl
fr
iendwi
th.Tel
lSkhuIsai
dthanks.Iowe
him.
”

“
Sur
e.”

Themanwalkedawayt
henRethabi
l
elookedathi
m happi
l
y.She
j
umpedinhi
sarmsexci
tedl
y.

*
**

Thatsamemor ni
ng,Zazaadver
ti
sedherpl
otandcari
nsever
al
groups.ShewentonWhatsAppandpostedonherst
ory.

Shelookedathersonwatchi
ngTV.I
tmadehersmile.Zaza
conti
nuedadvert
isi
ng.Shewentt
ohermessagesandswallowed
herproud

Zaza:Hi
.Iknowy ousai
dyouwantnot
hingtodowit
hthechi
l
dbut
Ineedyou.Iam sel
li
ngmycarandpl
ot.Pl
easehel
pme.Iwil
lpay
youback.

Shesentt hemessagebutitbounced.Shel
ookedatherphone,a
teardroppingontheski
n.AJstart
edclappi
nghishandswit
ht he
cartooncharact
erhewaswat chi
ngwhi l
esi
ngi
ngalong.

Zazal
ookedoverwat
chi
nghim si
nghappi
lycl
appi
ngandmov
ing
hi
sbody.Shet
ookapict
uresmili
ngt
earf
ull
y.

Hecont
inuedsi
ngi
ngobl
i
vioust
owhatwasgoi
ngon.
*
**

El
anglookedatgetroommatewakingup.Shesmi
l
edstar
ingat
her
.Theroommat eslowl
ysayupr
ightfeel
i
ngsasi
fshehadbeen
hi
tbyatrain.

El
angsmi
l
ed.“
Arey
ouok?
”

Sheshookherheadr
ecal
l
ingbi
tsandpi
ecesofl
astni
ght
.

Elangsi
ghed.“Wai
tsey
oudidn’tsl
eeplastni
ght.Youwere
screamingandmumbli
ng.Ievenstar
tedprayi
ngbecauseIwas
scared.
”

Theroommatelookedatherconfused.“
Iwasdr
eami
ng?I
tfel
tso
real
.Youl
ockedmei nthebathr
oom and…”

“
Ilockedy
ouwer
e?”

Ther
oommatelaughed.
.“Ican’
tbel
ievei
twasadream.Yoh…I
wasgoi
ngcr
azyinmydr eam.Matteroff
act
,Iwascrazy
.”

El
anggotupf
rom herbed.“
Arey
ouok?
”

“Yes.Iguessi
t’
sschoolst
ress.Theexamswer
ewher
ehect
ic.I
can’tbel
ievei
twasadream.

“
Itwas.
”

Shegotupandpour edhersel
fsomewaterf
eel
ingsl
eepyst
il
l.She
l
ookedathersel
fthensighedwonder
ingwhyshewouldhav
e
suchadream…
*
**

InMaun,Keemisati
nhercarwat
chingasmoreofherrel
ati
ves
cel
ebr
ated.Herbrot
herwal
kedoverandgoti
nhercar
.

“
What
’swr
ong?
”

“
Youshoul
dhav
esai
dno.Howcoul
dyoumar
ryherof
fjustl
i
ke
t
hat
?”

“
Whatdoy
oumean?
”

“
Shei
sst
il
last
udent
.Shei
sachi
l
d!”

“Rethabi
lei
shappywi
ththisman.Andsowhatifshe’
sst
il
la
student?Heisdoi
ngr
ightbyher
.Isuppor
tthi
s.”

“
Becausey
oul
ovemoneysomuch!
”

“
Idon’tevenknowwhat
’swr
ongwi
thy
ou.Orwhyy
ouar
e
f
ight
ing.”

“
Mysi st
erwoul
dnothavewant
edherdaught
ert
ogetmar
ri
edl
i
ke
t
his.Thi
smanistoool
dforher
.”

“Yourhusbandis11y ear
solderthany ou.What’
swrongwithy
ou?
Youaresobi t
terbecauseshedidn’tcomer unni
ngtoyouwhen
hermotherdied.Thatshedidn’
tneedy ou.Youaresickand
stupi
d.”

Hest
eppedoutoft
hecarandwal
kedt
owher
eev
ery
onewas.
*
**

InCapeTown, l
atert
hatday,Ret
habi
l
esmiledasAtangwalked
towardsthebeachwithher
.Thesunslowl
ysat,
shelooked
aroundhappil
y.

“
Ihav
enev
erbeent
othebeach.
”

Hehel
dherhandandsmi
l
ed.“
Iknow.
”

Shel
ookedatt
het
rai
lofr
osepet
als.

“
Aret
hesef
orsomeone?
”

At
angshr
ugged.“
Idoubt
.”

Shewalkeddownthebeachwit
hhim asi
tgotdark.Fr
om a
dist
anceshecoul
dseecandl
es.Shesqueezedhi
shand.“Ar
ewe
supposedtobehere?
”

“
Iwantt
oshowy
ousomet
hingt
henwegobackt
othehot
el.
”

Shesmil
edandnodded.Theyappr
oachedthecandl
es.Rethabi
l
e
l
ookedatthegl
owingstonesi
nthewatert
hatmadeabi gheart
makingt
hewaterglow.

At
angl
ookedar
oundt
henf
rowned.

“
Iam comi
ng.It
hinkt
heyr
emov
edi
t.
”

“
What
?”

“
Iam comi
ng.
”

Hedi
sappear
edi
ntot
hedar
kness.Ret
habi
l
eswal
l
owedl
ooki
ng
aroundnowt hinki
ngofal l
thehorrorst
ori
esshehadhear d.She
l
ookedatt hestonesinthewat er
,hereyesfal
li
ngonsomet hi
ng
shininginside.Shetookoffhershoesandgotint hewater.The
wav esmadeherhear tpoundsomuch.Shehadseenenough
mov iestoknowal otcouldhappeninthewater.Shehurr
iedov er
anddi ppedherhandi nthewat er
,thewaterbar
elyreachi
ngher
knees.pi ckeditupandl ookedatthegli
tt
eri
ngr i
ng.

“
Hey
..
”

Shedr
oppedt
her
ingi
nthewat
erst
art
led.At
angsmi
l
ed.

“
Hi…”

Sheputherhandonherchest
.“Youscar
edme.
.It
hinksomeone
i
splanni
ngsomethi
nghere.Weshouldgo.”

Shel
ookedi
nthewat
erandpi
ckedt
her
ing.

“
See?Weshoul
dgo.Letmeputi
tback.
”

At
angt
ookt
her
ingf
rom her
.

“Letmesaysomethi
ngfi
rst
…Iknowt hedr
eam i
stogoabroadf
or
school
.Iknowwhatyouwant.AndIwantt
oseeyouachi
evingi
t.I
wanttobebyyoursi
dewheny ouachi
evei
t.
”

Rethabi
lesmiled.Hetouchedherhands.“Il
ovey ousomuch.I
wanttobewi thyouforever
.Iwantustogetherinever
yway .I
wanttobey ourpermanentcheerl
eader.Yourpermanentnumber
1fan.”

Shebl
ushed.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

“
Ihav
enev
erbeent
hishappyandIwantt
ofeel
li
ket
hisf
orev
er.
.”
Heslowl
ywentdownonhi
skneei
nthewat
ert
henhel
doutt
he
r
ing.

“Iam alr
eadythehappi
estmani ntheplanet
.Iwanttomakey ou
thehappiestwomanintheplanet.Iwantustobeanof fi
cial
team.
Idon’tknowwhatthefutur
eholdsbutIwantt oexperi
enceitwith
you.Mar r
ymebabe…l et
’smakei toff
ici
al…PleasebeMrs
Daniel…”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#41

Rethabi
lelookedathiminshock.Shepunchedher sel
fbuthewas
sti
llt
here,st
il
lkneel
i
ngholdingaring.Shethoughtofherdegree,
hergoals,whatshewanted.Sheswallowedthenlookedinhis
fearf
uleyes,t
earsburni
ngherown.At earr
olleddownhercheek.

Ther
ingst
aredr
ightbackather
.Anot
hert
earr
oll
eddown.

“
Whataboutschool
?”

“Iwillneverst
opyouf rom ther
eachi
ngthegreaterhei
ght
syou’
ve
alway swantedtoreach.Iwanttobebyy oursi
dehelpi
ngyou
reacht hem.Iknowy ourdream…Iwill
notstandbetweenyouand
that.Iloveyou.
”

Shel
ookedatt
her
ingagai
nandnoddedcr
ying.

Hel
ookedathersmi
l
ing.“
Ist
hatay
es?
”

“
Yes.
”

At
angclosedhi
seyest
henopenedthem andsl
i
ditonherf
inger
.
Hegotupandhuggedhert
ight
ly.

From adistancethecameramanhiredcapt
uredev
eryt
hingas
theykissedstandingi
nthewater
.Hestoppedthev
ideoand
smiledsati
sfied.Hewalkedawayhumming.

*
**
I
nKasane,thateveni
ng,RragweAtangsmi
l
edr
eadi
ngAt
ang’
s
message.Helookedathiswife.

“
Atangsay
sshesai
dyes.
”

“Good.Wewouldn’thavewantedtogobacktot hatf
amilyagai
n.
Whathedi dwasar i
sk.Thatgi
rli
ssti
l
lyoung,i
t’
snotlikesheis
desperat
etosett
ledown.Sheisnotunderpressureunli
kesome
women. .
”

“Sheloveshim.Shemakeshim happy.He’sver
yhappywit
hthat
gir
l.Andhedidrightt
omarryherbeforeshewentover
seas.
Thesewhi t
emenar evul
tur
es.Nowshewi llbegoi
ngasRethabi
l
e
Daniel
.”

“
Atl
eastAt
angcanbr
eat
he.
”

“Sheprobabl
ymakesitdi
ffi
cultforhi
mt obr
eat
he.Sheistoo
beauti
ful
.Butshe’
stheri
ghtf
ul si
zeforhi
m.Notthefooddepr
ived
gir
lsheusedtosleepwi
th.”

MmagweAt
angl
aughed.“
Stopi
t.
”

“Iam t
ell
i
ngy
ou.Iwentt
her
ethel
astt
ime.Hedoesn’
tsl
eepat
night
.”

“
Aii
RragweAt
ang!
”

“
Iam tel
l
ingyou.Her
epr
esent
suswel
l
..t
hat
’sexact
lywhatI
t
aughthim.
”

“
Whatdi
dyout
eachhi
m?”
Rr
agweAtangt
ookt
hebi
blef
rom herl
apandputi
tasi
det
hen
ki
ssedher
.

“
Iwi
l
lshowwhatIt
aughthi
m.”

Shel
aughedashegotont
opofher
.

“
Don’
tdothatthi
ngyoudi
dlastt
ime.Nnakeal
apa.Iam not
y
oungany
mor e.Mangol
eameabot oko.(
Mykneesarepai
nful
.)
”

Heki
ssedhertaki
ngoffherni
ght
dresst
henr
eachedf
ort
hel
ub
ont
hesideofgthebed.

*
**

Lat
erthateveni
ngAgangwalkedi
nhishousestil
li
nhissui
t.
Bat
angf ol
l
owedbehindyawningwi
thexhaust
ion.Agangswi
tched
ontheli
ght,hi
shear
tski
ppedasbelookedatNkamosi t
ti
ngon
hi
scouch.

Agangl
ookedatBat
ang.“
Goandsl
eepbuddy
.”

Bat
angnoddedandwal
kedaway
.Agangsi
ghed.

“
Howdi
dyougeti
nsi
de?
”

“
Ihav
easpar
ekey
.”

“
Ihav
ebot
hmykey
s.Wher
edi
dyougety
our
s?”

“
Ihadonemadef
orme.Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?
”

Agangsi
ghed.“
Ok.Soy
oucancomei
nandoutasy
oupl
easei
n
myhouse.
?”

“
Imi
ssedy
ou.
”

“Ithi
nky ouneedt oheal
f r
om whaty ouwentthr
ough.Seea
therapist
.Whathappenedwi thBatengshowedmej usthow
brokeny ouare.Iknowyouwant edtoburnhim sohecanadmi tt
o
mebr inghisfatherwhenIhadtoldy ouwhom hewas.Youneed
toseesomeone.Youneedpr of
essional
helpandnowIseei twhy
yourrelati
onshipsdon’
tlast.
”

“
Youar
ebr
eaki
ngupwi
thme?
’

“
Youneedt
imet
oheal
.”

“
ButIam f
ine.
”

“Youarenot
.Youneedhelp.Iwil
ldropyouof
fatyourhouse.And
don’
tthi
nkyoucantrypsy
chot endenci
esonme,Iwil
lkil
lyou.
”

Shelookedathi
mt ear
full
yandst
art
edcr
ying.Agangwal
kedt
o
theguestr
oom andlookedatBat
ang.

“
Buddy
,Iam dr
oppi
ngof
faunt
yatherhouse.Comeandl
ock.
”

“
Ok.
”

Agangwalkedovert
oNkamoandpi ckedherupatasshecri
ed
evenl
ouder.Bat
angclosedt
hedoorasAgangputNkamoi nsi
de.

Hejumpedinanddrov
etohersi
ster
’shouse.Agangpar
kedatt
he
gat
eandlookedatNkamo.

“
Let
sgo.
”

“
Ilov
eyou.
”
“Youneedt oseesomeone.Iwil
lpayforyoursessi
onsbutyou
needhelp.Iwil
lsendyoumoneyf ory
ourlegs.Iwil
lbekeepi
ngin
touchwithyourther
api
st.Af
tershedeclar
esyouwel l
,wewil
lget
backtogether
.”

Hest eppedoutoft
hecarandtookherinsidethegat
ecar r
ying
her.Heknockedonthedoor.
.secondslaterNkamo’ssist
er
openedt hedoor
.Shel
ookedatheroldersist
erandsighed.

“
Whatdi
dshedo?
”

“
CanIputherdown?
”

Thesist
eropenedt
hedoorwider.Hewal
kedi
nandputheront
he
couchthent
urnedt
othesi
ster.

“
Yoursi
sterneedshel
p.Iam goi
ngt
ofi
ndsomeonet
ohel
pher
.”

Theyoungsi
sternodded.“
Ok.Ihopeshedi
dn’
tcausemuch
damage.”

“
No.
”

“
ThankGod.Thanky
ouf
orbr
ingi
ngherher
e.”

“
Cool
.”

HekissedNkamot
henwal
kedout
.Nkamo’
syoungersi
ster
si
ghed.

“Youcouldn’
tkeepi
tgoingcouldyou?Your ui
neditl
i
keyourui
n
everyt
hingel
se.Iwi
shIcouldjusttakeyouanddumpy ouat
SbranabecauseIam t
ir
ed!Iam tir
edNkamo.It hi
nkyoushoul
d
gobackhome.Tomama…”Thesi stersni
ff
ed.
Nkamoshookherheadt
ear
ful
l
y.“
Iwi
l
lloseAgang.
”

“Youhav eal
readyl
osthi
m becausey
oudon’ twantt
odr i
nkyour
pil
ls.It
hinkyoushoul
dgohome.Ican’tkeepdoingt
his.Not
any more.
”

*
**

I
nCapeTownt hefoll
owingmor ning,Rethabil
elookedather
di
amondr ingonherfinger
,itfitperfectl
y.Sheskiditof
fherfi
nger
andlookedatitcl
oselybef
or eslidingitbackonherf i
nger.At
ang
walkedbackintheroom andl ookedather .

“
Iwi
shwecanst
ayabi
tlongerbutwewi
l
lcomeback.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ouf
orbr
ingi
ngme.Il
ovei
t.
”

Heki
ssedthentookherbagandwal kedoutwit
hher.Theygotin
acabwai
ti
ngf orthem att
heentrance.Rethabi
l
erestedherhead
onhi
scheststari
ngatherring.

*
**

I
nGabor one, Agangparkedhi
scaratZaza’
shouseandwalked
i
nsidethrought hegat
e.Heknockedonthedoorandwai
ted..
minuteslatershewalkedout.

“
Hi.
.Iwantt
odot
het
est
sagai
n.”
Shenoddedthenmov edfr
om t
hedoorl
ett
inghi
min.Shewal
ked
tot
hesitt
ingroom andtur
nedt
ohim.

“
Youcant
akehi
m.Iwi
l
lremai
nher
e.”

“
Arey
ouok?
”

Shenodded.“Ifoundabuy erformyplotbutshesaysshehas
onl
y50k.Iam thinki
ngofjusttakingt
hat.Idi
dresearchandther
e
i
sahospitali
nSout hAfri
ca.Theycansav ehim.Theyhavedealt
wit
hgrade4br aincancerbeforeandwon.Iam goingtotakea
l
oantoo.”

Aganglookedathi
m.“
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?Hehas
cancer
?”

“
Isenty
ouamessage.
”

“
Idi
dn’
tseeany
thi
ng.
”

Shepi
ckedherphoneandhandedi
ttohi
m whilemumbli
ng
i
naudi
bly
.Shesatdownandkeptqui
etim complet
esi
l
ence
st
ari
ngatthewall
.Agangl
ookedatt
hemessagesandswall
owed.

“
I…”

“
Youbl
ockedme.
”

Hesl
owl
ysatdown.

Sheslowlytur
nedtohi
m.“Iam goi
ngt
osavehim.”Shesmil
ed
tear
full
y.“
Iam notl
osi
ngmyson.Notl
iket
his.I
’
dr at
herdi
e.Iam
notlosi
ngmyson. ”

Agangpul
l
edheri
nhi
sar
msasshebr
okedowncr
ying.
*
**

AtSirSeret
seKhamaInter
nati
onalAi
rpor
t,At
angwalkedoutwit
h
Rethabi
le.AmansteppedoutoftheAmarokandhandedAtang
thecarkeys.

“
Thanks!
”

Themansmi
l
edwal
ki
ngaway
.“Sur
e,wewi
l
ltal
k.”

Theygoti
nthecar
,At
angl
ookedatRet
habi
l
e.

“
Ihav
etot
ell
yousomet
hing.
”

“
What
?”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#42

Shel
ookedathi
m.“
What
?”

“
Ial
readyspoket
omyuncl
es.
”

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
handswal
l
owed.“
Obat
agont
samagadi
?”

“
Yes.
”

“
What
’sgoi
ngt
ohappent
ouswhenIgoabr
oad…i
fIgo.
”

“
Youar
egoingtogo.Andwewi
l
lbef
ine.Wewi
l
lfi
ndawayt
o
makei
twor
k.”

“Whatify
ougett
ir
edofwai
ti
ngf
ormet
ocomeback?Wi
l
lyou
div
orceme?”

“
Ther
eisnot
hingt
hatwi
l
lmakemet
ir
ed.I
t’
sal
eapoff
ait
h…”

Hekissedher
.“Don’
tov
ert
hink…wewi
l
ldeal
wit
heachdayasi
t
comes.Toget
her.
”

“
Itf
eel
sli
keadr
eam.
”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
It
snot
.”

Shelookedatherr
ingandsmi
l
ed.“
Youwantmet
otal
kto
malume? ”

“
Ial
readyaskedmyuncl
est
o.”
Shesi
ghed.“
Ok.Sowhenar
eyou-
“

“
Yest
erday
.Idi
dyest
erday
.”

“
Youdi
dwhat
?”

“
Ipai
dyourbr
idepr
ice.
”

Shepaused.“
Youwhat
?”

“
Idi
dn’
twantt
owai
t.
”

“
Soy
oual
readypai
d?”

“
Yes.
”

“
Howmuch?Whot
ooki
t?”

“Youruncl
e.He’sgoi
ngt
otal
ktoy
ou.Ij
ustwant
edt
otel
lyou
befor
ehecalled.
”

“
Howmuchdi
dyoupay
?”

“
That
’smysecr
et.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ican’
tbel
i
evet
his.Youwantt
omakemeawi
fe?
”

“
Youar
eal
readyawi
fe.
”

Shelookedatherr
ing.“
Ican’
tbel
i
ev eyour
eal
l
ywantmeasa
wif
e.Ineveri
maginedgett
ingmarr
ied.
”

“Onemor ethi
ng,Ithi
nkyouarepregnant.Youareget
ti
ngt hi
cker
.
Iam notsuresogoandcheck.Iam wor kingmanwhocanaf f
ord
mywi f
eandchi l
dren.Pl
easedon’tki
ll
mychi l
difyouare.Ican
aff
ordtakingcar
eofy ouandhim makingsureyouhave
ever
ythi
ngy ouneedatallt
imes.Icanaffordanannywhocan
hel
pus.Ev
enify
ouaret
ogoabr
oadf
orschool
,Iwi
l
lst
il
ltake
car
eofyouandt
hebaby
.”

Shel
ookedathi
mthought
ful
l
ythenswal
l
owed.“
But
…”

At
angki
ssedher
.“Pl
easedon’
tki
l
lmychi
l
d.”

“
Idon’
tthi
nkIam pr
egnantAt
ti
e.”

“
Let
’spassbyt
hecl
i
nic.Iwantapr
operscan.
”

Hestart
edthecaranddr
oveof
fheadedt
oacl
i
nicwhi
l
eherhear
t
pounded.

Atthecli
nic,
Atangwalkedinsi
dewi
thher.Hespoket
othe
recept
ioni
stwhil
eRethabi
le’
shear
tracedsomuchshefound
hersel
fshaki
ng.Theysatdownbythewaiti
ngareawai
ti
ngfort
he
doctor
.

At
anghel
dherhandandki
ssedi
t.Mi
nut
esl
ateraf
emal
edoct
or
wal
kedov
er.

“
Mr.AndMr
sDani
el,
Iam Dr
.Ti
ku,
youcancomet
hrough.
”

Theyf
oll
owedaf
terhert
oherof
fi
ce.

“
Wewantt
odoscanandseei
fmywi
fei
spr
egnant
.”

Thedoctorsmi
l
ed.“
Ok.Youcanputont
heboont
uber
ighti
nthe
bat
hroom.”
“
Ok.
”

At
angtookouthi
sphonet
henpi
ckedacal
lwal
ki
ngout
.Ret
habi
l
e
l
ookedatt
hedoctor
.

“Ithi
nkIam pr
egnantbutIam notr
eady
.Cany
ousayIam not
.
Please.
”

Thedoct
orl
ookedather
.“Youwantmet
oli
e?”

Tearsfi
ll
edhereyes.“
Iam notready.Idon’tknowhowi t
happened.Iam oncontr
acept
ives.Please…Ican’thav
eababy
now.”

“
Andwhathappensaf
tery
ousayy
ouar
enot
?”

“Iwanttodoasurgi
calabor
ti
on.Iam notr
eady.He’smy
boyfr
iend.Ihav
eschool
.Idon’
twantachil
dli
mi t
ingme.Pl
ease…”

ThedooropenedthenAtangwalkedin.Ret
habi
lesmil
edwalki
ng
tothebathr
oom.Minut
eslatershewalkedoutandgotont
hebed.
Atangexcit
edl
yhel
dherhandsmi li
ng.

“
Wewi
l
ldoat
ransv
agi
nal
scan.
”

Shet
ookapr
obeandputsomegi
rloni
t.

“
It
’sgoi
ngt
obeal
i
ttl
ecol
d.”

Rethabi
l
et ookadeepbr eat
hasthedoctorpushedt
heprobe
i
nsideher.Theyall
lookedatscr
een.Thedoctorswal
lowedt
hen
tur
nedtoAt ang.

“
Uh…no.Idon’
tseeany
thi
ng.Fal
seal
arm Iguess.
”

At
ang’
ssmi
l
edi
eddown.“
Arey
ousur
e?”
“
100%.
”

“
Pleasecheck.
”

Shel
ookedatt
hescr
eenandsi
ghed.“
Not
hing.
.Iam sor
ry.
”

Hesi
ghed.“
Okt
hanks.
”Hel
ookedatThabi
.“Ar
eyouokbabe?
”

Tear
srol
l
eddown.“
Iam f
ine.
”

“
Don’
tcr
y.I
t’
sok.
”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

Heki
ssedher
.“Don’
tbe.Butcanwet
ry?
”

Shel
ookedathi
m andnoddedcr
ying.“
Yes.
”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Real
l
y?”

Shenodded.“
Yes.
”

Hehuggedhert
ight
ly.“
Thanky
ou.Let
’sgohomeandst
artt
ryi
ng.
”

Hi
sphonestar
tedr
ingingagain.Hetookitoutandlookedat
Pr
incecal
l
ingt
henkissedher.“Il
oveyou.Letmet akethi
s.”

Hewal
kedout
.Shel
ookedatt
hedoct
or.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Thedoctorwalkedoverandpushedthepr
obei nsi
deheragai
n.
Rethabi
l
efrowned.Shemov editonandaboutthenpausedas
theybot
hlist
enedtotheheartbeat
.Thedoctorsmiled.

“I
t’
sagirl
…sheispr
ett
yst
rong.Youar
eabout17weeks.
Congr
atul
ati
ons.
”
“
Iwantt
obookf
oranabor
ti
on.Doy
ouper
for
m abor
ti
ons?
”

Thedoct
orsi
ghed.“
Yes.
”

“
Iwantt
obooki
n.Tomor
rowmor
ning.
”

“
Ok.
”

Shegotupandchangedt
henwal
kedout
.At
angsmi
l
ed.

“
Let
’sgoandt
ry.
”

Shel
aughed.“
Iwasoncont
racept
ionsoi
tmi
ghtt
aket
ime.
”

“
It
sok.Il
ovey
ou.
”

Shesmi
l
edhuggi
nghi
m.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#43

Rethabi
lewalkedinsi
deAtang’
shousewhil
ehefol
l
owedbehind
carr
yingthei
rbags.Shesatdownfeel
ingheav
yonhershoul
der
s.
Atanglookedather.

“
Arey
ouokbabe?
”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Iam f
ine.Justt
ir
ed.
”

Atangwalkedtot hebedroom wit

hthebagst hencamebackin
sweatpant
sshi r
tlessholdi
nghisl
oti
on.Rethabil
elookedat
bandagerightabov ehi
sabdomenashesatdownt aki
ngherl
egs.
Heplacedt hem onhislapandtookoffhershoes.

Heputsomelot
ioni
nhishandandgentl
ymassagedherf
eet
.He
r
aisedhi
sheadandfoundherst
ari
ng.

“
Youshoul
dst
opwear
ingcl
osedshoesf
ort
hewhol
eday
.”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
OkDoc.
”Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Att
ie…”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Yes…”

“
Whatwi
l
lhappeni
fwedon’
thav
eki
ds?
”

“
Whatdoy
oumean?
”

“
Whatwi
l
lhappeni
fwedon’
thav
eki
ds?
”

“
Whydoy
ouask?
”

Sheputherf
eetdownandst
raddl
edhi
m.At
angouthi
shands
ar
oundherwai
st.

“Youbadlywantachi
ld.Icanseeyouaredi
sappoi
ntedt
hatIam
not.Butwhati
fwejustdon’thav
ekids?
”

“
Whywoul
dn’
thav
eki
ds?YouandIar
efer
ti
le.
”

Shel
ookedathim andsmi
l
ed.“
Woul
dyoul
eav
emei
fIcoul
dn’
t
gi
veyouachil
d?”

“
Babewhat
’sgoi
ngon?
”

“WhatwillhappenifIcan’tgiv
ey oukids?Anyt
hingcanbea
problem.WhatifIcan’tcarryful
lter
m?Orwhati fIcan’
tget
pregnantbecauseIoncehadanabor tion…whatwil
lhappen
then?”

“
Wewi
l
lseeksecondopi
nion.Ther
ear
eopt
ions.
”

“Can’
twej uststaywit
houtkids?WhydoIhavetosharey
ourl
ove?
Chil
dlesscouplesarehappy.Ther
earealotofpeopl
ewhoare
happywi t
houtkids.
”

“
Ret
habi
l
e-“

“
Didyouknowcancerisheredi
tar
y .Imayhav
eit
.Mymot
herhad
i
t.Hermotherdi
dtoo.Icanhaveittoo.
”

“
Babe-
“

“
AndImaydi
eandl
eav
emychi
l
drent
osuf
fer
!”

“
Thabi
.
.”

Shesi
ghed.“
Iwasj
ustwonder
ing…”
“
Don’
tyouwantki
ds?
”

“
Ido.Ij
ust
…”Sheki
ssedhi
m.“
Ido.Iwasj
ustwonder
ing.Ido.
”

“
Tal
ktome.
”

“
Iam f
ine.Justt
hatsomet
imesIwonder
.”

“
Iknowcanceri
sher
edi
tar
y.Buti
tdoesn’
tmeany
ouhav
eitor
t
hat’
sincur
abl
e.”

“
Iknow.Ij
ust
..“Shesi
ghed.

At
anglookedi
nhereyes.“
Andy ouwon’
tshar
emyl
ove.Il
ovey
ou.
Il
ovey
oumor ethananyt
hing.
”

Shesmi
l
edr
est
ingherheadonhi
schest
.“Il
ovey
out
oo.
”

Atangfli
ppedthem andstaredather .“
Idon’tknowwhat
tomorrowholds.Orwhatthedayaf terhasinstore.IknowIl ove
you.IknowIwouldchoosey ouoverandov eragain.IknowIwant
youtoday…tomor r
owandt hedayaf terthat
.Iwanty ouforever.I
knowIam wi l
li
ngtotakealeapoff aithandtrustourlove.IknowI
wouldgiveanythi
ngforyou.”

Shesmiledemoti
onall
y.“Iam scar
ed.Iam scaredofthef
utur
e.I
am scar
edofwhatthef utur
ecanbring.Iam scar
edofdyi
ngand
l
eavingt
hepeopleIl
ov e.Iam scar
edofl osi
ngyou.Il
oveyouso
much…Idon’twanttolosey ou.
”

“
Youar enotl
osingme.Andyoudon’
thavet
obescared.Iam
r
ighthereandreadyt
ogivey
ouanythi
ng.Whatdoy
ouneedf rom
me?”

Shesni
ff
ed.“
Not
hing.Youar
eper
fect
.”
Atangki
ssedhertaki
ngof
fherdress.Heslowl
ymadel
ovetoher
onthecouch.Ret
habil
emovedherwaistunder
neat
hhi
m ashe
ki
ssedherneckmov i
ngontopofher.

*
**

AgangsatinZaza’shousewhil
eshesl epti
nhisarms,hepr
essed
thi
sphonecheckingdoctor
sinIndia.Zazamov edont
opofhim
wakingup.Shequickl
ygotupthinkingofherson.

Agangpul
ledherback.“
Hey…he’sok.Hewokeup.Wat
chedTV
andatet
henheplayedandslept
.”

“
Whatt
imei
sit
?”

“
It
’sj
ustaf
ter4.
”

“
Isl
eptt
hewhol
eday
?”

“
Yes.Goodthi
ngi
sIf
oundadoct
ori
nChi
na.Hecanhel
phi
m.
He’
sgood.
”

Zazasmil
ed.“Ok…howmuchi
sit
?Iwast
hinki
ngofsel
l
ingmy
proper
tyt
oo.”

“Youdon’
thavetosel
lany
thi
ng.Iwil
ldi
ginfrom mysav
ingsandI
cangetmuchmor emoneyfr
om thebank.
.Itshoul
dbeablet
o
covermostt
hings.
”

“
Iwi
l
lgi
vey
out
hemoneyf
rom t
hepl
otandcar
.Toaddon.
”

“
Ok.I
t’
snoty
ourf
aul
t.St
opbl
ami
ngy
our
sel
f.Youar
eagr
eat
mom.
”

Zazashookherhead.“
Iam not
.ButIwi
l
lbeabet
termom.
”

“Youar
ethebestmom.Youcoul
dn’
thav
eknown.Youar
ehuman.
Stopbl
amingyour
sel
f.
”

Hehuggedher
.Shehel
dhi
mti
ght
lynowhopef
ul.

“Ihav
etogoandpickBat
angfrom school
.Ify
oudon’
tmi
nd,
we
cancomehereandkeepyoucompany .
”

Shest
eppedback.“
May
bey
oushoul
ddoDNAt
est
sfi
rst
.”

“
Itcanwai
t.
”

“
Wher
eisThabi
?”

“
Wit
hAt
ang.
”

Zazasmi
l
ed.“
Youguy
scancome.Ihopey
ourgi
rl
fr
ienddoesn’
t
mind.
”

“
Iendedt
hat
.Itwasn’
twor
king.
”

*
**

El
ang’ sroommatesatintheroom t
hinkingofherdr
eam that
evening.Shecouldn’
tstopt
hinki
ngabouti t
.Shesti
l
lcoul
dn’t
beli
eveitwasonlyadr eam.I
thadn’
tlikeitatal
lormaybeshe
wasgoi ngcrazy
.

Shepi
ckedhernov
el.El
angwal
kedi
n.“
Hi.
.”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Hi.
”

Elangsatonherbedt aki
ngoutherphone.Shecheckedher
Facebookmessagesbutt herewasnothi
ng.Shetookhershoes
andlaidonherbedconst r
ucti
ngherpl
an.Theroommat ereada
couplebodsentencesfrom hernov
elt
henputitawayandl ai
don
herbed.

El
angl
ookedatherandcont
inuedwi
thherpl
ans.

*
**

Thef
oll
owi
ngday
,At
angpar
kedt
heAmar
okatUB.

“
Cal
lmewheny
ouar
edone.Iwi
l
lcomeandpi
cky
ouup.
”

Ret
habi
l
enodded.“
Ok.Il
ovey
ou.
”

“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Shesteppedoutofthecarandwavedwal
ki
ngaway
.Shet
ookout
herphoneandcall
edadiffer
entcl
i
nic.

“
Hi,
Iwoul
dli
ket
omakeanappoi
ntmentf
orasur
gical
abor
ti
on.
”

“
Howf
arar
eyou?
”

“
17weeks.
”

“
Unf
ort
unat
elyDr
.Ikemedoesn’
t-
“

“
Iwasr
aped.Idon’
twantt
okeept
hischi
l
d.Pl
ease…”
*
**

Dr.Ti
kusatinheroffi
cethatsamemor ning,gui
l
tyeat
ingherup.
ShereachedforherphonestaringatAt
ang’snumberonapiece
ofpaper.Shedi
aleditt
hencalledhim.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Mr .Dani
el,
it’
sDr
.Ti
ku.Ihav
etot
ell
yousomet
hing.Iam sor
ry
I
..
”

.
:
Your
sTr
uly

#44

At
anghel
dhi
sphonedr
ivi
ngwi
thonehand.

“Ij
ustreal
izedt hatt
hemoni torwewer eusi
ngy ester
daywast o
goforservicingbecauseit’
sbeengi v
ingussomepr oblems.If
possi
ble,mayy oupl
easecomewi thyourwif
ef oranotherscan.
Freeofchar ge.Wegr eat
lyapologi
zeforthi
s.”

“
Uhy
eah.Iwi
l
lbr
ingherl
atert
oday
.”

“
Per
fect
.Seey
ousoon.
”

Hehungupandsmil
ed.Hedial
edRethabi
l
ebuthernumberwas
busy
.Hesi
ghedanddrovet
oAgang’sworkpl
ace.

Heparkedatthepar
kingl
otandwalkedi
nsidethebuil
ding.The
recept
ioni
stl
ookedathi
m,hedidn’
tknowthisone.Sheseemed
new.Hesmi l
ed.

“
Hi.
”

“
MrDani
el.Goodmor
ning.
”

“
Cany
oupl
easebr
ingmecof
feet
omyof
fi
ce.
”

“
Yessi
r.
”

At
angwalkedawayt
henwentupthest
air
s.Hel
ookedathi
s
br
other
’sPA,Ol
esmi
led.“
Twi
nnie.
”

At
angl
aughed.“
OtaswabaOl
e.Ot
eng?
”
“
Yeshe’
sin.
”

At
angopenedhisbr
other’
sdoorandwal
kedi
nsi
de.Hesatdown
whi
leAgangspokeonhisphone.

“
Ineed200k.CanIgeti
tthen?…Ok,
when?Ok,
cool
.”

Aganghungupwhi
l
eAt
angst
ared.

“
Thatmuch?Whati
fitdoesn’
twor
k?”

Agangsi
ghed.“
Ithast
owor
k.”

“Don’
ttakemoneyfrom t
hebank.Iwil
lgety
out hemoneybutyou
needtocaref
ull
ythi
nkaboutt
his.He’sachi
ld,
oney ou’
vebeen
denyi
ng.Canhehandleit
?He’sonly2.”

“
He’
smyboy
.If
ail
edhi
mfort
woy
ear
s.Notagai
n.”

At
anglookedathi
sbr
otherandnodded.“
Iwi
l
lgety
out
he
money
.”

“
Thanks.Zazai
shopef
ul…”

“
Howi
sshehandl
i
ngi
t?”

“
Shei
sscar
ed.Shesay
sthecanceri
sher
edi
tar
y.”

“
Yah…Thabi
isscar
edshemi
ghtgeti
t.
”

“
Chancesar
ehi
gh.
”

“
Shei
sscar
edofdy
ingandl
eav
ingherchi
l
d.”

“
Iam scar
edmysonmi
ghtdi
e..
”

“
Wher
eisNkamo?
”
“It
ookhert
ohersister
’shouseaf
tersheal
mostbur
ntBat
ang
accusi
nghi
m ofbeingmyson.”

“
Shewhat
?”

“
Shebur
nther
sel
finst
ead.It
hinkpur
posel
y.She’
stoodamaged.
”

“
Thesecr
azyonesar
eyourt
ype.
”

Agangl
aughed,
Oleopenedt
hedoorandl
ookedatAt
ang.

“
Cof
feey
agagoet
sil
eMr
.Dani
el.
”

At
angl
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.Youl
ookni
ce.
”

Ol
esmi
l
edandcl
osedt
hedoor
.At
angst
oodup.

“
Ihav
etogo.Wewi l
ltal
k.Youar
edoingwel
l
.Ihear
dyouwer
ein
t
henewspaperl
ebafanabacorr
upt
ion.
”

“
Connect
ions!
”

Atangl
aughedwalki
ngout
.Olewatchedhi
m ashewal
kedout
thensi
ghedpri
nti
ngadocumentf
orherboss.

*
**

Aroundl
unchhour
,Ret
habil
ewalkedoutoft
helibr
aryhol
dinga
bookwit
hherbagonherarm.Shetookoutherphoneandcall
ed
Atangwal
kingt
othegate.

“
Hi,
Iam done.
”
“
Ok,
Iwi
l
lbet
her
eint
enmi
nut
es.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Hehungup.Shewal kedoutoftheschoolpr
emisesandsatbyt
he
busstopwaiti
ngforhim.Herphonerang,
shetookadeepbreat
h
star
ingatheruncl
ecall
ing.

“
Mal
ome…”

“
Thabi
,howar
eyou?
”

“
Iam f
ine.Let
eng?(
Arey
ouwel
l
?)”

“
Wear
ewel
lmyni
ece.Uh,
ist
hisagoodt
imet
otal
k?”

“
Eer
ra.
”

“Ok.TheDanielfamil
ycameandpaidyourbr
idepr
ice,
Iam sure
hetoldyou.Wehadbeent ol
dthi
syoungmanwasr eadyt
o
off
ici
all
ymakey ouhisandalsot
hathewasgoingtoaskf
ory our
handinmar r
iage.”

“
Hedi
d.Thanky
ouf
orwhaty
oudi
d.”

“Noworries.Ir
eall
yli
kethi
sy oungman.Hel ov
esy ouandtakes
careofyouandy ourbrot
her.Iam happyGodblessedyouwitha
goodmanwhol ovesyou.Iknowwher evermysist
eris,
sheisso
happy.
”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

“Wearenowonewi ththeDanielf
ami l
y.Theyaregoodlevel
headedfamil
y.Theyacknowledgethefactthatyouhavea
youngerbr
otherandtheydon’tmind.Iam notgoingt
otakemuch
fr
om t hemoneyt hatcamebutr at
herIwast hinki
ngwer enovate
yourmot her’
shouseandputat ombst oneonhergr ave.Forthe
l
ongestt ime, mysi sterandIdi dn’
ttalkbecauseshebel i
evedI
wasst il
laftermymot her’
shouse, nott hatIbl
amedherbut …it
wast eny earsaf t
ermymot her’
spassi ngthatIaccept edthatthe
housewasher s.Ididn’ttr
yr esol
vingourdi sagreement s,Iwas
pri
deful andIr egretitmor ethanany thing.Idi
dn’tev enknowshe
wassi ck.ButIwi lldor i
ghtwi thherkids.Iknowy ouwantt ogo
abroad,Ineedy out oknowt hatwheni tgetstoassi sti
ngy ouwith
anythingy oumayneed, Iam alway sher e.
”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.
.“Eer
ra.
”

“
Goodmychi
l
d.Iwi
l
lcal
lyousowecandi
scusst
het
ombst
one
i
ssue.
”

“
Yes.
”

Hehungup.Rethabi
lesmil
edhappily,shel
ookedatherf
inger
t
hentookouttheri
ngfrom herpocketandsli
ditonherf
inger
.

“
Hi…”

Ret
habi
l
elookedatEl
angasshesatbesi
deher
.

“
Iam gl
adIf
oundy
ou.Ihav
ebeenl
ooki
ngf
ory
ou.
”

“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?”

“Iknowyouareangr
ywithme.Youpr
obabl
yhat
eme.Idon’
t
blameyou.Youhaveev
eryri
ghtt
obe.”

“
Elang-
“

“
Iam sor
ry.Iam sor
ryIt
ookoutmyf
rust
rat
ionsony
ou.You
di
dn’tdeservethat.Iam sorr
y.IknowIdon’tdeser
veyouasa
fr
iend.Thereisonlymuchsomeonecant akeandIknowy ouare
ti
red.Iam sorr
y.”Tearsfil
l
edElang’sey
es.“Igotyout
hisj
uice…
peaceofferi
ng.Idon’thavemuchmoney .
”

TheAmar
okpar
kedbyt
hebusst
op.

“
Ihavetogo.Thi
sf r
iendshi
pshouldj
ustend.It
hinkweshoul
d
j
ustkeepourdi
stance.Goodluck.
”

Shest
oodupt
aki
ngherbag.El
angst
oodupt
oo.

“
Yourj
uice.
”

Rethabil
esi
ghedandtookt hesmal
lbott
leofor
angej
uice.She
gotinthecar.El
angwatchedasRethabi
l
erecei
vedaki
sst henher
boyfr
ienddroveaway.

*
**

At
angl
ookedatRet
habi
l
edr
ivi
ng.

“
Youar
efr
iendsagai
n?”

“
No.She’
sbackagai
nbutt
hist
imei
t’
snotgoi
ngt
owor
k.Iam so
t
ir
ed.
”

“
Iwantust
opassthr
oughthatcl
i
nicf
ir
st.Thedoct
orcal
l
edand
want
stodoanot
herscan.
”

Ret
habi
l
eswal
l
owed.“
What
?Why
?”
“Shesaidthemoni
torsheusedwassupposedt
ogof
orser
vici
ng.
Youmi ghtbepr
egnant…”

Rethabil
ehel
dAtang’shand.“
Pleasel
et’
sgot omorrow.Ihavean
exam inthemor
ning.Wecangoi ntheaft
ernoon.Iam ti
red.And
hungry.
”

“
Itwon’
ttakel
ong.I
t’
sjustt
womi
nut
es.
”

Sheleanedov
erandki
ssedhi
m whi
l
etheywant
edf
ort
het
raf
fi
c
l
ighttotur
ngreen.

“Canwepleasegot
omorr
ow.Thatpl
acemakesmenerv
ous.I
don’
twanttobepokedwi
tht
hingst
oday.Let
’sgot
omor
row.
”

Hel
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”

Rethabi
l
et ookoffhershoesadjust
ingt
hecarseat.Sheputher
feetonthedashboardandclosedhereyesr
elaxi
ng.

Sheslowlyf
ellasl
eep.Hedroveforawhil
ethenf
inal
l
ypar
kedt
he
carunderatr
eeandl ookedathersmi
li
ng.

“
Babe…”

Thabi
l
ewokeup.Shel
ookedathi
m.“
Wear
ehome?
”

Shesatupr
ightst
ari
ngatt
hebush.“
Wher
ear
ewe?
”

“
Thi
sisapl
ot.Justout
sideGabs.Iwasthi
nkingt
hataf
terweget
mar
ri
ed,
maybewebuyapl otandbui
ldourhome.”

Shel
ookedatt
hespacet
henathi
m.“
Youwantt
obui
l
dahouse?
”

Heshookhi
shead.“No.Iwantust
obui
l
dahome.Toget
her
.It
wi
ll
beforourf
amily
.”
Shesmil
ed.“
Iwoul
dlov
ethat
.Youar
epay
ingf
ori
tri
ght
?Idon’
t
moneynow.”

Helaughed.“
Weareone.Mymoneyisyourmoney.That
’swhati
t
meansbeingateam.Ther
e’snoIi
nthi
s.Onl
ywe.”

Hepull
edheronhi
slapadj
ust
inghi
sseat
.Heki
ssedher
.Thabi
l
e
smi
led.

“
Ok.Youwantt
hisspace.
”

“Iwanty
outoseei
tsot
hatwecanf
indsomewher
ewebot
hli
ke
andwanttost
ayat
.”

“
Ili
kei
t.I
t’
sfarf
rom t
heci
tyr
ush.
”

Atangtouchedherstomach.“Thanky
ouf
orsayi
ngyesf
orachil
d.
Ican’
twaitfort
his.Iam t
hinki
ngmaybei
t’
sgoi
ngtobeaboy.
”

“
Oragi
rl
.”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Ifi
twi
l
lbeagi
rl
,weshoul
dcal
lherWar
ona.
”

“No.Waronai
stooor
dinar
yandcommon.Il
i
keMi
ray
a.Iwant
Engli
shnames.
”

“
Whatdoest
hatev
enmean?
”

“
Idon’
tknow.I
t’
sbeaut
if
ul.
”

“Ekareleunalamakul
a.Ebi
ler
ekabit
sasecondbor
n
Rajesh.
(Soundsli
keanIndi
anname.Wemightaswell
cal
lthe
secondbor nRaj
esh.
)”

Ret
habi
lel
aughed.“
Ther
raMi
ray
aisbeaut
if
ul.Ut
wa…mmagwe
Ray
a.”
“
War
onai
sni
cebabe.
”

“
No.Andi
fwehav
eaboy
..wewi
l
lcal
lhi
m Ramon.
”

“
Mai
naamakul
a.”

“
RragweMi
ray
aleRamonDani
el.
”

“
No.TheboykeOt
sil
e.I
twi
l
lbeWar
onaOt
sil
e.I
tmakessense.
”

“Mi
ray
aandRamon.Yournamescanbesecondnames.Nnake
bat
agonnammagweRay a.
”

“
MmagweWawa.
”

“
Atang.
.keRay
a.TsaboWar
onaket
sagagokwa.
”

“MmekanaommagweWar ona.It
’sadonedeal
.Youwillbet
he
mostbeauti
ful
mmagweWar onainhist
ory
.”Hetouchedher
stomach.“
Shewil
lbebeaut
if
ul.Maybeshewoul
dhav eyour
eyes.
”

Ret
habil
esmi
l
edt
henputherhandov
erhi
s.“
Hopef
ull
ynoty
our
ear
s.”

“
What
’swr
ongwi
thmyear
s?Theseear
sar
esexy
.”

Ret
habi
l
elaughed.“
Theyl
i
edt
oyou.
”

“
Thesecanbef
eat
uredi
namagazi
ne.That
’swhatmadey
ouf
all
f
orme.”

Herst
omachv
ibr
ated.At
angki
ssedher
.“Let
’sgety
ouf
ed.
”

“Il
oveyou.Ourdaught
eri
sgoingt
obebeauti
ful
.Andyouar
e
goingt
obeanamazi ngDad.Anamazi
nghusbandtoo.
”
Hesmil
edshylytouchi
nghisbear
d.Shekissedhi
mtaki
ngitout
fr
om hi
spantsthenshepushedherpant
iestothesi
deandslowl
y
satoni
t.Hegruntedsqueezi
ngherwai
st.

Apolicevanparkedbesidesthem.Rethabi
lequi
cklyjumpedoff.
Atanggrabbedhisjacketandoutoverhisdi
cksitt
ingproper
ly.
Thepoliceoff
icerst
eppedoutandwal kedover.

“
Dumel
ang…i
sev
ery
thi
ngokher
e?”

Atangnodded.“
Yeah.Iam Atangandthi
sismywi f
e.Youhav
e
parkedi
nourplot.I
sn’
tthatt
respassi
ngmorena?
”

“
Ijustwant
edt
oseei
fev
ery
thi
ngi
sok.Dumel
amme.
”

Rethabi
lesmil
edandwav edmakingsur
eheseesherri
ng.The
poli
ceoffi
cernoddedandwalkedtohi
scart
hendroveoff
.Atang
tookoffhi
sjacket
.

“
Come.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Goandpee.Iwantt
oeat
.Wewi
l
ldoathome.
”

“
Youcan’
tdot
hisandsayIshoul
dpee.
”

“
Goandpee.Iam cal
l
ingNandos.
”

Hel
ookedatherbeggi
ngher
.Shel
ookedathi
sweapon.

“
Babegoandpee.Iam hungr
y.”

“
Youar
eev
il
.”

Hegotoutofthecar.Shegr
abbedherphoneandcal
l
edt
hecl
i
nic
shehadcal
ledearl
i
eron.
“
Hi,
Iwoul
dli
ket
ocancel
thatappoi
ntment
.”

“
Goodaf
ter
noon.Wewi
l
lcancel
you.Thanky
ou.
”

Sheputawayherphonewatchi
nghi
m wal
kov
erzi
ppi
nghi
spant
s.
Hegotinthecarandki
ssedher
.

“
Didy
ouor
dersomet
hing?
”

Sheshookherheadsmi
l
ing.“
Whatdi
dyouwantt
oeat
?”

“
You.
”

Shel
aughed.“
Ij
o.Yourl
i
fei
shar
d.”

At
angstart
edthecaranddr
ovewhil
eshecal
ledNandos.She
gr
abbedthejui
ceshehadgott
enf
rom El
angandstar
teddri
nki
ng.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#45

Atthemal l
,Thabi
lerol
leddownthewindowsinthecarf
anning
herselfwithherhandwhi l
ewai
ti
ngforAtangwhohadwentt o
col
lectt hei
rorder
.Sheopenedherbagandt ookoutapaperand
continuedfanninghersel
fbutt
hemoreshedi d,t
hemoreshe
sweat ed.

At
angwal
kedbackandgoti
n.“
Ther
eyougo.Ar
eyouok?
”

“
Iam bur
ning.
”

At
angst
art
edt
hecarandswi
tchedont
heAi
rcon.

“
Bet
ter
?”

Sheshookherhead.“
Iam notf
eel
i
ngt
oogood.
.let
’sgohome.
”

“
Wecangoseeadoct
or.
”

Shel
ookedathi
m.“
No.Iwantt
ogohome.
”

“
Ok.
”

Atangdr
oveoffwhil
eRethabi
l
escrat
chedherarm.Herski
nbur
nt
somuchitfel
tli
kesomeonehadsetheronfi
re.Shet
ookadeep
br
eathcl
osi
ngherey est
hensheopenedthem.

Shefr
ownedunabletoseeproper
lyt
henr
ubbedt
hem.At
ang
par
kedthecarandlookedather
.

“
Letmegoandpi
ckupBat
ang.Agangi
sgoi
ngt
oZaza’
shouse.
”
“
Ok.Iam goi
ngt
ogoandt
akeashower
.”

“
Ok.
”

Ret
habi
l
esteppedouthol
dingthephone.Sheunl
ockedt
hehouse
andbewal
kedinadAtangreversedout
.

Sheputthef
oodonthet
abl
eandt
ookoffhercl
othest
henbe
swi
tchedontheAChopi
ngt
hebur
ningwoul
dgoawaybutitgot
worse.

Ret
habilewalkedtothebathroom t
henstoodunderthecol
dwater
.
Shesighedfeeli
ngitgetbett
er.Awhil
elatershest
eppedout,
she
scr
eamedst ari
ngathermot hersi
tt
ingont hebedcover
ed,
worms
movingaroundherbody .

Shesli
ppedtryi
ngt or
unandfell
droppi
ngthetowel.Shel
ooked
overatthebed,herey
eslocki
ngwithhermother
’seyeswhich
wereblackandscary.

Shescreamedl
ouderget
ti
ngupt henr
anoutofthebedroom.
Atangopenedt
hedoorandlookedatherassheranovernaked.

Atanghuggedhertaki
ngoffhi
sjackett
heputaroundherwhil
e
Batangwalkedi
n.Rethabi
l
elookedathim,
horrorref
lect
ingi
nher
eyes.

Sheslowl
yturned.Hermot
hersmil
edshowingherbl
ackshar
p
teet
hwhil
eslowlywalki
ngover
,wormscli
mbingher.

“
Atang!She’
scomi
ng!Hel
pme.
”

At
angl
ookedbehi
ndherst
ari
ngatt
hewal
lthenhehuggedher
.

“
Babe…i
t’
sok.I
t’
sok.
”
Ret
habi
l
ecr
ied.“
Shei
scomi
ng.Shei
scomi
ng!
”

“
Noonei
sher
e…hey
..l
ookatme.
.”

Shet
ri
edtopushhi
m outofherwaybutheheldhert
ight
lythen
hepi
ckedherupwhi
leshehurr
iedherheadonhi
schesthiding.

Hewal
kedwi
thhert
othebedr
oom andl
aidherdown.

“
Babe.
.”

Shekeptherheadonhischest
,herey
estightl
yshutwhil
eshe
hel
dont ohi
m.Hel ookedar
oundtheroom andsighedconf
used.

“
Thabi
…ther
e’snooneher
ebabe.Di
dyouhearsomet
hing?
”

Sheslowl
ymov
edherheadandl
ooked.Shewasgone.Thabi
si
ghed.

“Shewasher
e.Si
tt
ingont
hebed.Shel
ookedscar
y.She’
s
haunt
ingme.
”

“
Babewho?
”

“
Ihav
etogo.Ican’
tst
ayher
e.Iam notsaf
e.”

“
Whatar
eyout
alkabout
?”

Thabil
egotoffthebedisandopenedthewardr
obe.Shet
ookout
alongdresst
henputi tont
opofthejacket
.Shepi
ckedsome
pantsandputthem on.

“
Iam goi
ng.
”

Atanglockedthedoornot
ici
ngsomet
hingwascompl
etel
yof
f.
Shelookedli
keshewashighonsomething.
“
Didy
ousmokeany
thi
ng?
”

“
What
?”

“
Oreatsomet
hing?Becausesomet
hingi
swr
ong.
”

Shel
aughed.“
Wrongwi
thwho?You?Iam goi
ngt
oschool
.”

“
Youar
enotgoi
ngany
wher
e.Whatdi
dyousmoke?
”

“Whyareyouaccusi
ngmeofthi
ngsIdonotknow?Huh?Whydo
youl
ikebehav
ingli
kemypar
ent?Iam noty
ourchi
ld.Iwantt
ogo.
Openthedoor
!”

“
Iam notopeni
ngt
hatdoor
.”

Sheturnedt
othedoor,herheartski
ppedashermot herst
oodby
thedoornowinherchurchunif
ormlookingbeaut
if
ul.

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thabi
…”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Mama…”

“
Comeher
emygi
rl
…Imi
ssedy
ou.
”

Thabiwal
kedoverandhuggedher.At
angwat chedasshehugged
theai
rtal
ki
ngal
one.Shesniff
edthentouchedtheairasi
fshe
washoldi
ngsomething.

Shetur
nedandlaughedtal
kingalone.Hesi
ghedknowingshehad
got
tensomethi
ng,hethoughtf
ull
ytookouthisphoneandtooka
vi
deowhil
eshelaughedalone.

“
Thabi
…”

Thabi
l
etur
nedt
ohi
m.“
Shhh.
.mamai
sher
e.”
“
Comeandl
i
edown.
”

“
Youar
emaki
ngnoi
se.Mamawi
l
lheary
ou.
”

Atangwatchedherseatont
hebed.Hepul
ledhercl
oser
..“Ineed
youtosl
eep.Iwil
lcooksupperwi
thBat
ang.Sl
eepwhateveryou
tookof
f.
”

“
ButIam notsl
eepy
.AndIf
eel
hot
.Myski
nisbur
ning.
”

Shef annedherselfwit
hherhand.Atangkissedherthenwalked
out.Rethabil
efoll
owedhim out.ShelookedatBatangintheli
vi
ng
room, heslowlyturnedi
ntoabigsnake.Itsl
owlyhissedcoming
towardsher .

Shemov
edback,
herhear
tpoundi
ng.

“
Snake!
”

At
angwal
kedf
rom t
heki
tchenhol
dingagl
assofwat
er.

“
Whatsnake?Dr
inkt
his.
”

Rethabil
erantotheki
tchenandgr
abbedakni
fe.Atangwal
ked
over,herhear
tpoundedsomuchashealsochangedint
oasnake.

Herkneesslowlygotweak.ShelookedatAt
angchangi
ngback
thencaughtherbefor
eshecouldfall
.Bat
anglookedov
er
confused.

“
Ist
her
easnake?
”

At
anglaughed.“
No.Yoursi
sterat
esomebuns.Theymakey
ou
cr
azy
.Shewi l
lbefi
ne.
”

Bat
angl
aughed.“
Shei
sscr
eami
ngl
i
kei
tacr
azyper
son.
”
At
angsmi
l
ed.“
Shewi
l
lbef
ine.
”

Hepickedherupandwalkedwit
hhertothebedr
oom.Hel
aidher
downgladhehadthedrugfrom hi
str
ip.

Hetookoffherclot
hesandcover
edherwit
haf l
eece.Hel
eaned
overandkissedhersmi
li
ngthenwal
kedtotheki
tchenand
st
artedcooking.

*
**

AtZaza’
shouse,
Agangwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehousehol
dingabot
tl
e
ofwine.

Zazasmi
l
ed.“
Hi…”

Agangsmi
l
edback.“
Igotuswi
ne.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Hewal
kedi
nsi
de.Zazasmi
l
edwal
ki
ngbehi
ndhi
m.

“
Ifoundabuy
erf
ort
hecar
.Henegot
iat
edt
o50k.
”

“
No.That
’swayt
olow.
”

“
Hesay
s-“

“Iwi
llsel
lthecarforyou.Don’
tletknowyouaredesper
atefor
thei
rmoney .Theywil
ltakeadvantageofi
t.Youhaveabeauti
ful
carand50ki sjustaj
oke.”

“
Weneedt
hemoneyqui
ckl
y.Wecan’
t-
“
Agangpul
ledhercloser
.“Lookatme…lookinmyey es…wewil
l
handl
ethi
s.Relax…Iknowy ouarescar
ed.Soam Ibutbr
eat
he
babe…wewillsell
thecarattheri
ghtamount.Ok?
”

Shet
ear
ful
l
ylookedathi
m.“
Idon’
twantt
owai
tsohedi
es.
”

Agangki
ssedher
.“Noonei
sdy
ing.Wewi
l
lwi
nthi
s.”

Shewrappedherar
msar
oundhi
mrubbi
nghert
ear
sonhi
swhi
te
shi
rt
.

*
**

El
angpacedi
nherr
oom wonderi
ngi
fshehaddrankt
hej
uice.
Ther
ewasnowayofknowingti
l
lmaybetomor
row.

Herr
oommat
ewal
kedi
n.El
angsatdown.

“
Hi.
”

Ther
oommat esmiled.“Hi
.Wai
tseIcan’
tgett
hatdr
eam outof
myhead.Ikeept
hinkingandIj
ust…”

El
angsmi
l
ed.“
Itgoty
ou.Iam sor
ry”

“
Isti
l
lcan’
tbeli
evei
twasadream.Ikeepr
emember
ingt
hingsand
i
tdoesn’
treal
l
yfeel
li
keadr
eam.”

“
Butbey
ouwer
esl
eepi
ng.Isawy
ousl
eepi
ng.I
’
m wasawake”

Theroommatesatdown,
Elangl
ookedatt
het
imet
hencl
osedher
eyescur
iousl
y.
*
**

Lat
erthateveni
ngAtangwat
chedTVwhil
epressi
nghisphone.
Helookedatthemessagehehadgot
tenf
rom anunsaved
numberthendelet
edit
.

Hi
sphoner
ang,
hepi
ckedt
hecal
ltur
ningt
otheTV.

“
Hi…i
t’
sRor
isang…”

“
DoIknowy
ou?
”

“Sorr
y…ImeanDr .Ti
ku…Icouldn’
tsl
eep.Yourgi
rl
fr
iendis
pregnant
.17weeks.It’
sagirl
.Shewant
stoabortbecauseshe
sayssheisnotr
eady.Shehadaskedmenott otel
lyou.Ij
ust
wantedyoutoknowt hetr
uth.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#46

Thef ol
lowingmor ni
ngRethabileopenedhereyesandstaredat
thewall.Shelookedaroundt heroom asherheadspun.She
slowlysatupri
ghtlocki
ngey eswi t
hAtangwhowasseat edona
chairst
aringather.

“
Hi…”

“
Hi.Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
”

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
hfeel
i
ngt
ir
ed.“
Ifeel
tir
ed.
”

“
Whathappenedt
oyou?
”

“
Idon’
tknow.Ihadt
his…I
…wasIdr
eami
ng?
”

“
No.Whathappened?
”

“
Idon’
tknow.Ij
ust
…Iwasseei
ngt
hings.Isawmama.Yout
urned
i
ntoasnake.
”

“
Whatdi
dyout
ake?Di
dyout
rydr
ugs?
”

“No.Idi
dn’tt
akeanyt
hingt
hewhol
eday
.Ij
ust
…Iwasl
osi
ngi
t.I
keptseei
ngmama. ”

At
angst
oodup.“
Andy
oudi
dn’
ttakeany
thi
ng?
”

“Idi
dn’
t.Ihadanexam i
nthemor
ning.Fr
om t
her
eyoucamet
o
pickmeup.Idon’
tdodrugs.
”

“
Soy
ouj
ustwentcr
azyoutofnowher
e?”
“
May
beIam bei
nghaunt
ed.
”

“
Haunt
edbywho?
”

“
Idon’
tknow.ButIdi
dn’
ttakedr
ugs.
”

“Bal
oibakwalonabastr
ongaker
e?(
Thewi
tchesi
nyourf
ami
l
y
arestr
ong,
aren’
tthey
?)”

Sheswal
l
owedcl
osi
ngherey
es.

“
Ormay
bey
ouwer
etr
yingt
odoanot
herabor
ti
on.
”

Ret
habi
l
eopenedherey
esandl
ookedathi
m.“
What
?”

“
Youhear
dme.Soy ouwer
ejustgoi
ngt
oki
l
lmybabyl
i
key
oudi
d
wi
tht
hefi
rstone?
”

Herhear
tski
ppedasshel
ookedathi
sangr
yface

“
Idon’
tknowwhat
-“

“
Thedoct
orcal
l
edmeandt
oldmet
het
rut
h.”

“
Whatt
rut
h?”

“
Aboutt
hebaby
!Iknow!
”

Ret
habi
l
egotof
fthebed.“
Whatbaby
?”

“
Ket
agot
hubakakl
apa,
koor
eont
aet
swakeng?
”

Sheswal
l
owedst
ari
ngathi
m.

“
Wher
eyouj
ustgoi
ngt
oki
l
lhert
oo?
”
“
Atangwhatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?”

“
Soy
ouar
egoi
ngt
opr
etendl
i
key
oudon’
tknow?
”

“
Youar
escar
ingme.Idon’
tknowwhat
-“

Atanggav eherl
i
ghti
ngslapt
hatshestagger
edfal
l
ingasherear
rang.Shebli
nkedsl
ippi
ngint
oconfusi
onashercheekbur
ntasif
i
thadcat chonfi
re.

“
Standupandl
i
eagai
n.”

Shesl
owl
ygotup,
herhandonhercheek.

“
Soy
ouar
enotpr
egnant
?”

“
Idon’
tknow.
”

Hesl
appedheragai
n,herl
i
pst
rembl
edt
henshest
art
edcr
ying.

“
Youdon’
tknowany
thi
ngaboutt
hebabyaker
e?”

Shecr
iedl
ouderput
ti
ngherhandsonherf
ace.

“
Iam t
alki
ngt
oyou!Howmanyhav
eyouki
l
ledsof
ar?
”

“
Ipani
ckedbutIwasn’
tgoi
ngt
ogot
hroughwi
thi
t.
”

Atangsmil
ed.“
Whycan’
tyouj
ustbehonestRet
habi
l
e?I
sthatt
oo
hardtodo?
”

“IswearIwasgoi
ngt
okeepi
t.
.Ipani
cked.Igotscar
edbecauseI
am notready
.”

“
Youar
enotr
eady
?”

“
Att
ie…Iknowwhaty
ouar
ethi
nki
ng…”
At
angshookhi
shead.“
No.Idon’
tthi
nky
oudo.
”

“
Iwasnotgoi
ngt
ohur
tthebabyIswear
.”

“Idon’
tbeli
evey
ou.
.Idon’
tthinkyouevenl
ovemet
obegi
nwi
th.I
am conveni
entf
ory
ou.Idon’tthi
nkit
’sl
ove.
”

Tear
swentdownt
oherneck.“
Ilov
eyou.At
ang…”

“Iam begi
nni
ngt
owonderhowmanymor
ebabi
esy
ouhav
e
kil
led.
”

“
Iwasn’tgoi
ngt
ohur tt
hebabyIswear
.Ipani
ckedy
est
erday
.I
wasn’
tthi
nki
ngstr
aight
.”

“
Didt
heysel
lyout
hewr
ongpi
l
lst
hist
imear
ound?
”

Moret earsfel
lasshel ookedathi m.“Iwasn’tgoi ngt ohurtthe
baby…Igotscar edthat’swhyIaskedhernott osayany thi
ng.You
havetobel i
eveme.IknowIwaswr ong.Iam sor ry.
”Shehel dhis
hand.“Iwasnev ergoingt ogot hr
oughwi thi
t.Iknowy ouare
questi
oningme…andIdon’ tblamey oubutshe’ sher e.”Sheput
hi
shandonherst omach.“ Sheissti
llhere.Iwasnev ergoingto
gothroughwi thi
t.Idon’tknowwhathappenedy esterdaybutI
di
dn’tdoany thi
ng.Ididn’teveneatany thi
ng…Iwr otemyexam
andcal l
edyou…t henwedr ovetotheplot .Pl
easebel ieveme…”

“Iam goi
ngout
,Ihav
ethi
ngst
odo,
yourcr
ocodi
l
etear
sar
enow
bori
ng.”

“
Atang-
“

“
Youknowwhathurt
sme?It’
sthef
actt
hatIknowyoudon’tl
ove
me.NotasmuchasIdoany
wayormaybenotevenatal
l.Youare
comf
ort
abl
ewi
tht
hesetup.Thi
ssetup…i
twor
ksf
ory
ou.
”

“
That
’snott
rue.Il
ovey
ou.Don’
tsayt
hat
…”

“Idon’
tknowany mor e.Cal
lbackDr.I
keme,hewantstoknow
mor eaboutyourrapeandalsohowf art
hepregnancyi
s.Hesay
s
hewi l
lbendtherulesifyoureal
l
yneedtogothroughwit
hthe
aborti
on.Idi
dn’tr
ealizemakinglov
etoyouwasr ape.
”

“
Att
ie.
.”

“
Doy
out
hinkt
hisi
swor
kingkanar
afor
cahel
a?”

“
Ilov
eyou.Iwasnotgoi
ngt
ogot
hroughwi
thi
t.
”

“
Idon’
tknowany
mor
e.”

Sheheldhi
shandscr y
ing.“
Iwasn’tgoi
ngt
odoi t
.Iwasn’
t
thi
nki
ngproper
ly.Ihadcancel
edtheappoi
ntments.
”

“
Letmego.
”

Sheshookherhead.“
Osekawat
samey
a.”

“
Letgoofmyhands.Obat
agont
ena.
”

Hepull
edhishandawayandwal
kedout
.Ret
habi
l
eputherhands
onherfacecr
ying.

*
**

At
ang’
sphoner
angashedr
ove.Hepi
ckedt
heunsav
ednumber
.
“
Yah?
”

“
Hi.I
t’
sPear
l.
”

Hel
aughed.“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?”

Pearll
aughedtoo.“
IjustspoketoPri
nce.Iam sorr
yforansweri
ng
yourphone.Iwasn’
ttryi
ngtocauseprobl
emsi nyourrel
ati
onshi
p
butIam sorr
y.I
twasunpr ofessi
onal
andoutofline.
”

“
Otaswabakana.
”

“
Sorr
y.Iwasnaughty
.KanaPr
inceonkomant
se.Gat
weIshoul
d
r
espectmysel
febi
lekeswabi
l
emogomaswe. ”

At
angl
aughed.“
It
’sok.
”

“Ihear
dyouar
edoingwel
l
.Iwaswor
ri
ed.Youl
eftt
hissi
de
bleedi
ngt
odeath.
”

“
Thanks,
Iam f
inenow.
”

“
Pleasedon’
tgetshotagai
n.”

“
Iwi
l
ltr
ynott
o.”

“
Ok.By
e.”

“
Shar
p.”

Hehel
dthephonegohi
searwai
ti
ngf
orhert
ohangup.Pear
l
gi
ggl
ed.

“
Shar
p.”

“
Otshegang?
”
“Sepe.Igott
ransf
err
edt
oGabs,
Iwi
l
lbest
art
ingkoMar
inaon
Fri
day.”

“
That
’sgr
eat
.”

“Yeah…ifyourgir
lf
ri
endwon’tgetmadmay
bey
ouwi
l
lshowme
around.Ihaveneverbeent
oGabs.”

“
Arey
ouser
ious?
”

“Yes.Istudi
edkoSerowe.Iam fr
om MaitengweandIstay
edi n
Francist
ownallmyli
fe,wenttoSeroweforschool
.Workedthere,
got r
ansferr
edtoOr
apa, Kasanet
hem here.”

“
Howol
dar
eyou?
”

“
25.Pl
easedon’
tlaughatme.
”

At
angl
aughed.“
Iam not
.Iam j
ustshocked.That
’sal
l
.”

“
Iam mov
ingt
omor
row.
”

“Ok.Youwil
lcal
lmewhenyouarri
vetomorr
ow.Wit
hthewayyou
arefor
ward,Iwoul
dhav
eneverguessedyouhav
eneverbeeni
n
Gabs.”

Shel
aughed.“
Iam notf
orwar
d.”

“
Youar
e.”

Pear
lsi
ghed.“
Byt
heway
,congr
atul
ati
onsonpay
ingmagadi
.”

At
angsi
ghed.“
Yaht
hanks…”

“
Youdon’
tsoundexci
ted.
”

“
Iam.
”
“
That
’snothowexci
tementsoundsl
i
ke.
”

At
angparkedonthesideofther
oad.“
Iam exci
ted.ButIt
hinkI
am al
oneint
hisr
elat
ionshi
p.”

“
Why
?”

“
Idon’
tthi
nkshel
oves.Notenought
oset
tl
eandhav
eaf
ami
l
y.”

“
Whydoy
ousayt
hat
?”

“
Icanseei
twit
hheract
ions.Sheli
kest
heideaofusbei
ng
t
oget
herbut
…Idon’
tthi
nkshel ov
esme.”

“Iam sor r
y.Idon’tknowhowot herwomandoi tbutGodknows
howIwoul dt hankhi m everydayifIhadamanl i
key ou.Orj usta
manhel awhol ov esme.Someonewhowoul ddoany thingforme.
Icravefort hatkindofl ove.Pur elove.Lov ethatcomesnat ural
l
y.
WhenIl ive,Ilovehar d.Ihavenev ermetsomeonewhol ovedme
thesamewayIwoul d.Butahh…i t’sdiff
iculttomeetpeopl ewi t
h
pureintentions.Iam sor ryforwhaty ouar egoingt hrough.
Chancesar esheknowsy oul oveherandwoul dfeedi tanything
shegivesy ou.Sheknowst hepowershehasov ersoi tmakesi t
easierf
orhert ohur tyoubecausesheknowsy ourhear twon’ tl
et
youleav e.Iam sor r
y .Butmay beshel ovesy ouandj ustdoesn’ t
knowhowt oshowi tproperly.”

Atangsighed.“Ihavebeenwant i
ngachild.Thefi
rstpregnancy
sheabortedit.Iunder
stood.Shewasy oungthen.Nowwear e
gett
ingmar ri
edandshewaspl anni
ngtoabortagain.Isuspected
shewaspr egnantandt ookhertoagynecologi
st.Shethent ol
d
thegynecologistt
otell
meshe’ snotpr
egnantsoshecanabor t.
”
“
Itmeansshedoesn’
twantki
ds.Icangi
vey
ouone.
”

Hel
aughed.“
Youar
ecr
azy
.”

Herelaxedastheycont
inuedchat
ti
ng,
theconv
ersat
iongot
l
ight
erast heyl
aughed.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#47

Justafterdusk,
Ret habil
esetupt hedinnertableandsmi l
ed
star
ingatherwor k.Shewal kedtot hebedroom andputonan
eveninggown.Shel ookedather selfonthemi r
rorthenranher
l
ipsti
ckonherl i
psagai n.Sherubbedherbel l
yandwal kedtothe
sit
ti
ngr oom whereshel i
tupcandl esandswi t
chedof ft
helight
s.

Rethabi
lesatdown,
herhandoverherst
omach.Ti
mesl owl
y
passedasshesatwait
ingforhi
m.Almostanhourl
atershecal
l
ed
againbutther
ewassti
llnoanswer
.

Shelookedatt
heti
meandcontinuedwai
ti
ng.Al
mosttwohour
s
l
atersheyawnedandl
aidonthecouchst
ari
ngatthewal
l
.She
sl
owlyfell
asl
eepasmoreti
mepassed.

Thef ol
lowingmor ni
ng,Atangwalkedinsidehishouse.Hepaused
star
ingatt hesetupthenclosedthedoor .Rethabi
l
eopenedher
eyeswaki ngup.Shey awnedgett
ingupf r
om thecouchsti
l
linher
eveninggown.Shel ookedatAtangr eal
izi
nghewasonl yarri
vi
ng
thenshel ookedatthetime.I
twasj ustafter6.

“
Wher
edi
dyousl
eep?
”

Hewal
kedpasthergoi
ngt
othebedr
oom.Shef
oll
owedaf
terhi
m.
“
Youdi
dn’
tcomeback.
”

“
Iwaswi
thPhef
o.Iwaswat
chi
ngagame.
”

“
Whatgame?
”

At
angtookoffhi
st-shir
twalki
ngt
othebat
hroom.Ret
habi
l
etook
of
fhetheel
sgoingafterhi
m.

“
Whatgame?
”

“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?Don’
tyouhav
eabor
ti
onst
obedoi
ng?
”

“
Iwai
tedf
ory
ou.
”

“
Goodf
ory
ou.
”

“
Iwaswor
ri
ed.
”

“
Worr
iedaboutwhat
?Thatyourcar
dtogoodl
i
femi
ghtbegone.
.
wambora,
kebatagothapa.
”

Shel
ookedathi
mtear
ful
l
y.

“
Yourcr
yingpl
ani
sannoying.Thereisnothi
ngnewabouty
our
wat
erwor
ks.Cl
osethedoor,Iwanttobath.”

“
Iknowy
ouar
eangr
y,Iam sor
ry.I
-“

“
Youarenotsorr
y.Youaresorr
yyougotcaught.Foral
ltheot
her
t
imeyoudidn’
tgetcaught
,youwerenotsor
ry.
”

Hetookoffhi
spant
st hentookashowerwhi
leshest
oodbyl
i
ke
l
ostwetpuppy.Mi
nutesl at
erhewal
kedout
.Heopenedt
he
wardr
obeandbegundr essi
ng.

“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
”
“
Ihav
ethi
ngst
odo.Whatdoy
ouwant
?Money
?”

Atearrandownhercheek.Shewi
peditwit
hthebackofherhand.
Hefini
sheddressi
ngandputonhi
sfragr
ance.

“
Canwef
ixt
his?
”

Hegrabbedhiscap.“
Iam goi
ngout.Don’
twai
tup.I
fyougot
o
yourhouse,
leav
emykey snextdoor
.”

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

Hisphonerang.Rethabi
lel
ookedatthecall
erbuthequi
ckl
y
swipedthescreenpicki
ngwhil
ewalkingout
.

Sher
anaf
terhi
m.“
Atang!
”

Hegotinhiscaranddroveoffsmil
i
ng.Shesni
ffedwalkingback
i
nthehouseaspai nst
rangl
edher.Sheswal
lowedholdingher
t
earsbuttheysti
l
lfel
ldownhercheeks.

*
**

Agangsmi
l
edst
ari
ngatZazai
roni
nghi
sshi
rt
.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
It
sok.Whenar
eyoudoi
ngt
heDNAt
est
s?”

Agangreachedf
orhi
sshi
rtandputi
ton.“
Iwi
l
ldoi
t.Buti
tdoesn’
t
matter
.”

“
Itdoes.I
tdoesmat
ter
.Pl
easedot
het
est
s.”
Hesi
ghedbut
toni
ngup.“
Ok.
”

Zazasmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.Forev
ery
thi
ng.
”

Agangreachedforhi
sti
eandputi
tar
oundherneck.Zazasmi
l
ed
l
ookinginhisey
es.

“
Doy
our
ememberwheny
oubr
okeupwi
thme?
”

Agangsi
ghed.“
Yeah.
.”

“
Youhat
edmedi
dn’
tyou?
”

“
No.
”

“Youdi d.Af teryouhadsexwi thmet hef i

rsttime, youwer edone
withmet hen.ButIstayedandslowl yyourannoy ancegrewt o
hatred.Ist ayedbecauseIact ual
lylov edyou.AndIkeptme
wonder ingi fIhadbeent hatdesper atethatAt angwoul dhav ehi
s
brotherf uckmewhenev erhefel
tlikei t
.Honest lyIwouldn’thave
mindedbei ngt oldt
hatIdon’twanty ouany mor e,butIguessI
l
ov edy ousomuchIhadwant edy out osayi t.Iam sorryIdragged
youback.That ’
swhyIwanty outodoDNAt ests.Iwanty outodo
everythingy ouar edoingknowingi t’
sf oryourson. ”

“
Iam sor
ry-
“

“
Don’
tbesor
ry.Youdi
dnot
hingwr
ong.
”

Agang’
sphonerang.Zazawalkedt
oherbedroom andlai
ddown
besi
deherson.Shemov edcl
oserl
ist
eni
ngtohim breat
hing.She
si
ghedclosi
nghereyes.

I
nthesi
tt
ingr
oom,
Agangpi
ckedNkamo’
scal
l
.
“
Yeah?
”

“
Hey
,wher
ear
eyou?
”

“
Whati
sit
?”

“
Soyouar
echeati
ngonme?Iam aty
ourhouseandIsl
epther
e.
Whoar
eyoucheati
ngonmewit
h?”

“
Howdi
dyougeti
nmyhouse?
”

“
Youarej
ustl
iket
herestoft
hem!I
fyouthi
nky
oucancheaton
meandgetawaywit
hit,
youarewr
ong!
”

“
Ican’
tdot hi
swit
hy ou.Iam done.Ourrelat
ionshi
piscl
ear
lynot
wor
king.Youneedserioushelpforyourpsychoti
cbehav
ior
.Leav
e
myhousebeforeIcallthepol
ice!
”

“Iam goi
ngtoburnthi
shouse.Youarenotbreaki
ngupwi
thme!
Never!YouandIaremeanttobe!Youaretheloveofmyl
i
fe!Iam
notgoinganywher
e!”

Aganggr
abbedhi
scarkey
sandwal
kedout
.

“
Tryanyf
unnygamesi
nmyhouseIwi
l
lbur
ryy
oual
i
ve!
”

Hegoti
nhi
scaranddr
oveof
fheadedt
ohi
shouse.

*
**

Athi
shouse,
Nkamocont i
nuedcutt
inghi
spant
swi
thasci
ssor
.
Shet
ookhisj
acketandcutthear
msi nhal
f.
Shetookallofhi
sclothesandwalkedoutwit
hthem andwal ked
wit
ht hem t
othebin.Sheputever
ythi
nginthebinandwalked
backinthehouse.ShelookedathisTVandslammedi tonthe
fl
oor.Shewalkedaroundthewholehousej
ustopeningthetaps.

Agangpar
kedoutsi
deandhur
riedi
nsi
dehi
shouse.Hefr
oze
st
ari
ngathisupsi
dedownhousewhil
esl
ashedt
hecouches.

Agangpul
l
edherwit
hherhairandsmackedherf
ace.She
scr
eameddroppi
ngt
heknif
e.

“
Whatt
hef
*ckar
eyoudoi
ng?
”

“
Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?
”

Hel ookedatherboili
ngwithanger.Hegrabbedherhairand
draggedhertothebat hr
oom wherewat erwasnowspi l
li
ngfr
om
thetub.Hepushedherheadi nsidethewat er.Nkamoki
cked
drowning.Shecontinuedfi
ghti
ngscratchinghim.Agangremai
ned
sti
llforawhil
etothenpul l
edheroutandt hrewheronthefl
oor.
Shegaspedcoughi ngoutwater.

Shel
ookedathi
m,herhear
tpoundi
ng.Agangt
ookof
fhi
sshi
rt
andt
ie.

“Want
wael
awena,
aft
erIputy
oui
nli
ne,
youwi
l
lnev
ert
ryi
ton
any
oneel
se.
”

Nkamomov
edbackt
err
if
ied.

*
**
At
angdr ovei
nt hr
oughay ar
dwher eatruckl
oadedwit
hproper
ty
wasparkingbythedoor.Hesteppedoutofhiscarj
ustast
he
dr
iverofthetr
uckjumpedoutoft het
ruck.

Pearlopenedthedoorandsteppedoutt henshesmil
edlookingat
Atang.Heey esmov edf
rom hershortbl
ondehairmovingtoher
beauti
fulfacethendownatherperfectbodywrappedwiththe
bondagedr essshehadon.

“
Hi…”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Youmadei
t.Sor
ryt
her
ewasnogr
andwel
come.
”

Pear
llaughed.“
It
sok.Iam sot
ir
ed.
”

Atangwalkedtothetruckdr
iverandbegunhel
pingcar
ryherl
i
ttl
e
fur
nit
urei
nt hehouse.Twentyminutesl
aterAt
angtookouthi
s
wall
etandpaidthetruckdri
ver.

“
Thanky
ouboss!
”

“
Sur
esur
e!”

Hejumpedinhist
ruckanddr
oveof
f.Pear
lwal
kedi
nsi
deher
bachel
orpadandsmiled.

“
Notbad.
”

“
Soi
t’
sfr
eeaccommodat
ion?
”

Shel
aughed.“
Feel
sni
cebei
nganur
se.Idon’
twor
ryaboutr
ent
money.Il
ovei
t.
”

“
It
’scut
e.”

Sheputherbagandl
eanedagai
nstt
hewal
lst
ari
ngathi
m.
“
Arey
oust
ayi
ngory
ouhav
etogo?
”

Helookedathersmi
l
e.“
Iwi
l
lhel
pyoumov
eyourf
urni
tur
ethen
go.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Theymov edherf
urni
tur
earoundputt
ingthehousei
norderwhi
l
e
chatt
ing.Almostanhourlat
er,
Pearl
threwhersel
fonherbed
exhausted.

“
Iam sot
ir
ed!
”

“
Shoul
dIor
derf
ood?
”

“
Please…Iwi
l
lshoweri
nthemeant
ime.Iam sosweat
y.”

Atangsatonherbeddi
ali
ngafastfoodrest
aurant
.Pear
lst
oodup
andtookhert
oil
etr
ybagthenwalkedoutsmili
ng.

Shecoul
dn’
tunder
standhowsomeonewouldjustpl
aygames
wit
hsuchamanbutwhatwast hatphr
ase…someoneelse’
s
st
oneissomeoneelse’
sdi
amond.

Shewalkedoutawhil
elat
er,
atowelwr
appedar
oundherbody
thenwalkedbacki
nherbedr
oom.Shesmil
edst
ari
ngathi
ml y
ing
onthebed.

Pear
lputdownhertoi
l
etrybagandgotontopofhi
m sit
ti
ngon
hi
sdic.At
angopenedhiseyesandl
ookedathersmil
i
ng.

“
Foodi
scomi
ng.
”

Shesmi
l
edt
henshel
eanedov
eranddr
oppedaki
ssonhi
sli
ps.

“
Obat
ankgol
egawena.
”
Pear
lchuckl
ed.“
Thanky
ouf
orhel
pingmet
oday
.”

Heputhi
shandsonherwai
st.“
Youar
ewel
come.
”

Shemov edherwaistsl
ight l
yf eelinghisdi
ckbeneat hher
.She
ki
ssedhi mrotati
ngherhi ps.Heki ssedherback, hi
shandsgoing
downherbut tashisdickj erkedwaki ngup.Hisphonest art
ed
ri
nging,shepausedkissinghi m andt ookouthisphonefrom hi
s
pocket.Shelookedat‘Babe’ cal
lingandgav eittohim.

Hi
slookedatt
hecal
l
erandsi
ghedpi
cki
ng.

*
**

Ret
habi
l
ehel
dherphone.

“
Yah?
”

“Hi…I…”Shesni f
fed.“Ilovey ou.Iam sadyout hi
nkIam wi thy ou
formoney .Iam sady out hinkIdon’tl
oveyouandt hatIam with
youbecauseIl ovetheset -up.Ihaveneveraskedf oranything
from youwhi chmakesmewonderwhyy ousaythatt omeor
may beit’
sangertalking.Iknowy ouareupset,br
okenand
disappoint
ed.NothingIam goi ngtosaywillbebelievabl
eatt his
pointbutIpromisey ou..Iwasnotgoi ngtogot hroughwi thit
.Can
wepl easefixthi
s.”

“
Iam busyr
ightnow.Wewi
l
ltal
k.”

Hehungup.Ret
habil
erubbedhercheekt
hent
ookadeepbr
eat
h
l
yi
ngonthecouchinhishouse.
*
**

Pear
lsmi
l
edt
henki
ssedhi
m agai
n.

“
Icangi
vey
ouwhaty
ouwant
.”

Shetookofft
het
owel
andr
emai
nednaked.At
ang’
shear
t
pounded.

Shebi
therl
owerl
i
pandki
ssedhi
m agai
ntaki
ngi
toutf
rom hi
s
sweat
pant
s.

“
Pear
l-
“

“
Shhh…don’
tthi
nkabouti
t.
”

Shestrokedhim, herownheartr
acing.Sheopenedhermout
hand
st
artedsuckinghim.Hegr unt
edstari
ngather.Shecl
osedher
eyeslett
inghim butthebackofherthroat
.

Hegroanedthenshestoppedandst r
addl
edhim.Sheslowlysat
onit
.Atangsqueezedherwaistasherpussysqueezedhi
m.Just
bei
nginsi
defeltdogoodhefeltli
kehewasaboutt oexpl
ode.She
l
ookedathimt henki
ssedhim befor
egett
ingoff
.

“
Sor
ry.Letmeputonsomecl
othes.
”

Helookedatheri
nshockasshet
ookoutadr
essl
i
keshehadj
ust
notsatonhi
m.Hegotoffbedwit
hhar
don.

“
Arey
ouser
iousr
ightnow?
”
“
Yes.Idon’
tthi
nkweshoulddothis.Thankyouforwhatyoudid
t
odaybutwehar dl
yknoweachother.Ican’
tal
readyberi
ding
y
ou.”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#48

Lat
erthatday,Ret
habil
eparkedbyBatang’
sschool gateand
wai
ted.Agangparkedbehindherthensmil
edwalkingov ertoher
.
Heknockedonherwi ndowt henshel
ookedoverandf orceda
smil
eroll
ingdownherwi ndow.

“
Hi,
Idi
dn’
tknowy
ouwer
epi
cki
nghi
m.”

Ret
habil
esmiled.“Imi
sshi
m.Ihaven’
tbeenspendingt
imewi
th
hi
ml at
ely
.Ishouldhav
ecommunicated.Iam sor
ry.
”

Agangl
ookedatherpuf
fyey
es.“
Arey
ouok?
”

“
Iam f
ine.
”

“
Tal
ktome.
”

“
Ngng…keshar
p.Justschool
str
ess.
”

“
Thabi
wee…i
t’
sme.
”

Ret
habi
l
elaughed.“
Iknow.
”

“
Whatdi
dhedo?
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Not
hing.
”

“
Idon’
tbi
te.
”

Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
est
henshesi
ghed.“
It
snot
hing.
”

Hel
ookedi
nherey
es.Shel
ookeddownasat
earr
andown.She
wipeditoffandsmiledst
ari
ngathernai
ls.Bat
angwalkedover,
Agangt ur
nedandbumpedf ist
swithBat
ang.Rethabi
l
efixedher
faceandsmi l
ed.Theychatt
edforawhil
ethenAgangturnedto
her.

“Youdon’
thavet
obealone.Iknowyout
hinkbecausehe’
smy
twinIwi
ll
sidewi
thhi
m…buty ouarenowpartofthefami
lyand
asmuchasy ouar
ehiswif
e,youaremysist
er.
”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Eer
ra.
”

Bat
anggoti
nthecart
henl
ookedathi
ssi
ster
.“Hi
.”

Ret
habi
l
est
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.“
Howi
sschool
?”

“
Fine.
”

Shel
ookedathi
m andsmi
led.“At
angandIar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
Weareall
goi
ngtobeafamily.
”

“
Yes!
”

Ret
habi
l
elaughed.“
Andy
ouar
egoi
ngt
obeanuncl
e.”

Bat
angl
ookedatherconfused.Ret
habil
esmi
l
ed.“
Iam goi
ngt
o
hav
eababyandyouwi l
lbetheuncle.
”

Hismouthdroppedopenashelookedather
.Ret
habi
l
elaughed
putt
ingherhandoverhi
smouth.

“
Fli
eswi
l
lgeti
n.”

“
Youar
epr
egnant
?”

“
Yes.
”
“
Wear
egoi
ngt
ohav
eababy
?”

“Yes.Let’
sgoandgetsomesnackst
henwat
chamov
ie
kolapeng.
”

“
Ok.Whatwi
l
lwenamet
hebaby
?”

“
War
ona.
”

Bat
angsmi
l
ed.“
The-
The-
“

“
Takeadeepbr
eat
hin.I
t’
sok.
”

Hesmiledanspokesl
owl
y.“
Therei
sagi
rlcal
l
edWar
onaat
school
.Shei
sniceandpr
ett
y.”

Ret
habi
l
elookedathi
m.“
Youl
i
keher
?”

Bat
angl
aughed.“
Idi
dn’
tsayIl
i
keher
.”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Aker
elennaIam j
ustaski
ng.Doy
oul
i
keher
?”

“
Ili
kehert
hewayGodl
i
kesme.
”

Rethabil
eburstoutlaughingparkingatamal l.Sheturnedofft
he
enginesti
ll
laughingthenpausedst ari
ngatt heentrance.She
swallowedstari
ngatAt angwalkingoutoft hemal lhol
ding
pl
ast i
cswithawoman.Theyl aughedt henkissed.Herheart
poundedsomuchi tfel
tlikei
twasv i
brati
ng.

Herkneeswentweakasshewat
chedt
hem l
aughagai
n.

“
Thabi
!
”

Shel
ookedatherbr
other
.“St
ayi
nthecar
.Iam comi
ng.
”

Ret
habi
l
est
eppedoutoft
hecarandwal
kedov
er.Shemov
ed
evenf
asterf
eel
ingherf
eetgetev
enheavier
.Eachst
epshet
ook
thr
eat
enedtopull
herundert
heground.

Heunl
ockedt
hecar
,thewomanputherhandonhi
schestki
ssi
ng
hi
m.

“
Atang!
”

Atangtur
nedl ocki
ngeyeswit
hRethabi
l
e.Hi
seyespoppedoutas
hefrozedroppingoneofthepl
ast
ichewashol
ding.

Thewomanalsolookedov
erconf
usedt
hensmi
l
edmaki
ngsense
ofwhatwasgoi
ngon.

“
Heybabe…”

Ret
habi
l
elookedathi
m openi
nghermout
h.Tear
srol
l
eddown.

“
Whoi
sthi
s?”

“
Fuck!I
t’
snotwhaty
out
hink.
”

“
Isawy
ouki
ssi
ng.Whoi
sshe?
”

Pear
lsi
ghed.“
Iwi
l
lwai
tint
hecar
.”

Ret
habi
l
elookedather
.“Wai
tinwho’
scar
?”

Pear
lrol
l
edherey
es.“
Iam nott
alki
ngt
oyou.
”

“
Atang,
kebual
ewena!Who’
sthi
s?”

“
She.
.shei
smycousi
n.”

“
Youki
ssy
ourcousi
ns?
”

Heputt
hepl
ast
icsdown.“
It
’snotwhaty
ouar
ethi
nki
ng.
”
“
Isawy
ou…”

Pear
lgoti
nthecar
.Ret
habi
l
elookedathert
henaAt
angshaki
ng.

“Tel
lhert
ogetout
.Youar
enotgoi
ngwi
thher
.Wear
egoi
ng
home.”

“
Shei
smycousi
n.”

“
Iny
ourf
ami
l
yyouki
ssy
ourcousi
ns?
”

“
Itwasn’
taki
ss.Youar
eov
err
eact
ing.
”

“
Atangam Icr
azy
?”

“
Youdi
dn’
tseepr
oper
ly.
”

“
AtangIsawy
ou!Tel
lhert
ogetoutoft
hecar
.”

“
Iam j
ustdr
oppi
ngherof
f.
”

Tearsr
oll
eddown.“
AtangIam beggi
ngy
ou.Tel
lhert
ost
epout
.
Let’
sgohome…please.
”

“
Iwi
l
ldr
opherof
fandcomehome.
”

“Youarenotgoinganywhere.Tel
lhert
ostepoutoft
hecar
.At
ang
pleasedothi
s.Youarebreakingmyheart
.”

“
Shei
smycousi
n.Iam onl
ydr
oppi
ngherof
f.
”

Herhear
tbr
okeev
enmor
e.“
Atang….
”

“
Iwi
l
lseey
ouathome.
”

Hepickedt
hepl
ast
icsandputt
hem i
nthecar
.Shel
ookedathi
m
cr
ying.
“
Therrawhyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?Pl
easest
op.Kekopar
eye
l
apeng.”

“
Iwi
l
lmeety
ouathome.
”

Sheheldhi
shandcr
ying.“
Youarehur
ti
ngme.Wear
eget
ti
ng
marr
ied.Pl
easedot
his.Il
ovey
ou.”

“
Rethabi
le,
Iwil
lseey
ouathome.Shei
smycousi
n.Idon’
tknow
whatyouwantmegosayorwhyyouar
eevencr
ying.
”

“
AtangIsawy
ouki
ssi
ngher
.”

“WhywouldIkissmycousin?Youdidn’
tseepr
operl
y.
.Whatyou
aresayi
ngdoesn’tmakesense.Iam dr
oppi
ngherof
f.Shei
smy
uncl
e’sdaught
er.
”

“At
angyoukissesher
.Isawyou.Pleasedon’
tdothi
s.Ilov
ey ou.I
knowyouareangryatmebutdon’tdothi
s.Pl
easedon’tdothisto
me.”

“
Iam dr
oppi
ngherof
fthenIwi
l
lcomehome.
”

Shewentdownonherkneesbeggi
nghi
m.“
Atangpl
ease…pl
ease
l
et’
sgohome.”

“Youar
ecausi
ngascene.Iwi
ll
meety ouathome.Peopl
ear
e
begi
nni
ngtost
are.Gohome.Iwil
lseeyouther
e.”

Hegotinhi
scarwhil
ePearlatehermagnum thenhedroveaway
.
Ret
habil
esatonthepavementcryi
ng.
.Thesecuri
tyguardwho
hadbeenwatchi
ngwalkedoverandpull
edherupsadly.

“
Osekawalelamysi
ster
.Got
lasi
ama.Don’
tcr
y.Godwi
l
lsee
y
outhr
ough.Got
lasi
ama.”
Your
sTr
uly

#49

Atthemall
,Ret
habil
egoti
nthecar,
Batangputdownhi
ssister
’s
phonepausi
nghisgame.Ret
habi
lestar
tedt
hecaranddroveto
Agang’
shouse.Shepar
kedbythegateandcal
ledhi
m.

“
Thabi
…”

“
Hi,
Iam par
kedatt
hegat
e.Ar
eyouhome?
”

“
No.Atwor
k.What
’sup?
”

“
IthoughtIwoul
ddr
opof
fBat
ang.Buti
t’
sok.
”

“
Bri
nghi
mtot
heof
fi
ce.
”

“
It
’soki
f-
“

“
Ret
habi
l
e…br
inghi
m..ok?
”

“
Eer
ra.
”

“
Iam wai
ti
ng.
”

Ret
habi
l
eputdownherphoneanddr
ovet
oAgang’
scompany
.

Bat
angl
ookedathi
ssi
ster
.“Ar
eyouok?
”

Ret
habi
l
enodded.“
Yes.
”

“
Youar
ecr
ying.
”

Ret
habi
l
ewi
pedawayhert
ear
s.“
Iam sor
ry.Iam f
ine.
”
*

AtAgang’
sworkplace,
Ret
habil
eparkedneart
heent
rancewher
e
Agangwasst
anding.Shel
ookedatherbrot
her
.

“
Pleasesl
eepov
erwi
thhi
mtoday
.Iwi
l
lgety
out
omor
row.
”

Batanghuggedhissi
ster
.Ret
habi
l
ecl
osedherey
eshol
dinghi
m
ti
ghtl
y.Sheletgo.

“
It
sok.
”

HesteppedoutofthecarandwalkedovertoAgang.Theyf
ist
bumpedthenBatangwalkedinsi
dethebuil
ding.

Aganggoti
nthecarandl
ookedather
.“Ar
eyouok?
”

Rethabi
lesi
ghed.“
Yourbrot
herischeat
ing.
”Shetookadeep
breathf
eeli
ngheremoti
onsriseagai
n,t
earsfi
ll
i
nghereyes.

“I
…At anghasbeenwant i
ngachi ldforawhi lenow.Ev ersince
Sarona.It ol
dhi m Iwasn’tready.He…t henwewentf orascan
aft
ersuspect ingIwas.Iknewchanceswer et hatIwasbutIwas
oncont raceptiv
es.Idon’ tknowhowi thappened.Ipani cked…
besidest hati
fIgiv ebirt
h,oneofuswi l
lbest ayingwi t
hthebaby
andshewon’ tgett ofeelhowi tfeelstohaveamot herand
fat
her …canceri nourf amilyisheredit
ary.Ipanicked.Iaskedthe
doctortosayIwasn’ tbecauseIwasconsi der i
ngabor ti
on.Butthe
fol
lowingdayIchangedmymi ndseeingjusthowbadl yhewant ed
achild.Icanceledmyappoi nt
ment .Iknowi tbarelymakessense
butthedoct
orwhoIaskedtol
iecal
l
edhim andtol
dhim.He’
s
upsetandnowheischeat
ingandki
ssi
ngherinpubli
c.”

Rethabi
l
ewipedawayhert
ear
s.Agangsadl
ylookedatherand
huggedher
.

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“
HesaidIam ov
err
eact
ing.Hesai
dIdidn’
tseeproper
ly.Hesaid
i
t’
shi
scousi
n.Hewentwithher
.Iknowhe’
ssleepingwithher
.”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

Ret
habi
l
epul
l
edawayandl
eanedbackonherseat
.

“
Iwi
l
lwai
tforhi
m.”

“
Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m.He’
slosi
ngi
t.
”

“
Thanky
ouf
ort
aki
ngBat
ang.
”

“
Any
time.
”

AgangsteppedoutthenRethabil
edrovehome.Shepar
kedand
steppedoutoft
hecarholdi
ngt hekeys.Sheunl
ockedt
hedoor
andwalkedinsi
dethehouse.

Shesatdownandstar
edatt
heTVcryi
ng.Herphonerang,she
reachedf
ori
tthent
ookadeepbr
eat
hstari
ngatthelandl
ine.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Ret
habi
l
eKai
sar
a,i
t’
sMsPi
l
ane.
”

Shesatupri
ghtasoneofherseni
orl
ect
uresspoke.“
Good
aft
ernoonDr.Pi
l
ane.
”
“Mydaughter
,Iam atMi
nist
ryofEducat
ion.Howof
tendoy
ou
checkyouremail
s?”

“
Uh.
.”

“
Youar
edonewi
thy
ourexamsr
ight
?”

“
No.Ihav
ethel
astonet
omor
row.
”

“Themi ni
str
yappr ovedy oursponsor shi
papplicationbasedon
the4.5GPy ougotl astsemest er.Yourresult
sf orthissemester
arethelastr
equi rementneeded, ifyougetany t
hingabov e4.0in
whichknowingy ou,y oualreadygoti t
.From t
her ey ouaregoi
ngto
havetowr i
tethatmi niexam forHar vardSchool soy ouget
acceptedint
ot heschool .Youarel eavi
nginlesst hantwomont hs.
Youareoneoft hebestst udentsrightnowsoev eryoneisbacki
ng
youup.Youhav emadei t.”

Ret
habi
l
emout
hdr
oppedopenast
ear
srandownhercheeks.

“
Thabi
…youdi
dit
.Youwi
l
lcont
inuey
ourpost
graduat
edegr
eei
n
Har
var
d.”

Shebr
okedowncr
ying.“
Mama….Mamal
ookatme…l
ookatme
Mama!”

Dr.Pi
lanesni
ff
ed.“
Shei
slooking.Shei
slooki
ngmygi
rl
.Shei
s
seei
ngit.Iwi
l
lseeyout
omorrow.”

Dr
.Pi
l
anehungup.Ret
habi
l
esatont
hef
loor
.

“
Mamal
ookatme…l
ookatme…Iam goi
ng.
.”

Sheputherhandsoverherfaceasli
ghtdropl
etsofwat
erhi
tthe
roof
.Therai
ngotheavierwhil
eRethabi
lecri
ed.
*
**

Pear
lsmi
l
edst
ari
ngatAt
ang.

“
Thankyouf
orwhatyoudidear
li
eron.It
houghty
ouwer
egoi
ng
t
othrowmeoutofyourcar
.”

At
angsi
ghed.“
It
’sok.
”

Pear
llookedathi
ssadf
ace.“
Shewon’
tdumpy
ou.
”

“
Thel
astt
imeIsawhercr
yli
ket
hatwaswhenhermot
herdi
ed.
”

Pear
l hel
dhisf ace.“
Shewil
lbefi
ne.Shelovesyou.Youguyscan
al
way sfi
xthings.Stopst
ressi
ngyoursel
f.Youwil
ldiewi
thstr
ess.
Nkalelagore.”

At
angchuckl
ed.“
Ishoul
dgo.
”

“
Youhav
en’
teat
en.Pl
easeeatf
ir
st.
”

“
Pear
l-
“

Shekissedhim putti
ngherhandunder
neathhist-
shir
t.She
touchedhissel
lbuiltbodyt
hensheunzippedhispant
sandout
herhandinsi
det ouchingi
t.

Hegrunt
edsqueezi
ngherwai
st.Shest
rokedi
tsmear
inghi
s
pr
ecum whi
l
eatit.

At
angpickedherupandputheront
hebed.Hetookoffhershi
rt
dr
ess.Herbodywasfl
awless,
shehadnosingl
estr
etchmark.He
t
ookof
fherbr
aandki
ssedherneck.

Pearlmoanedcl
osinghereyesashemov edhi
sli
psf r
om her
necktohersmall
breast
s.Hesqueezedthem,hi
slipsmoving
fur
therdown.Hetookoffherl
acethongandopenedherl
egs
fur
ther.

Hisheartpoundedashi sdickgotev
enharder.Herubbedhi
mself
onherwet ness.Pearl
mov edhewaistbeneat
hhimt henhel
ped
takeoffhi
st -
shir
t.Shetouchedhist
att
ooedskin.

At
angpushedhisweaponinsi
de.Hegr
oanedasherwal
l
shugged
hi
sweapon.Shefel
tsogood.

“
Fuck!
”

Shelookedathi
m andki
ssedhim hol
dingherbr
eat
hfeel
i
ng
deeperi
nher.At
angslowl
ysli
doutandpushedbackinagai
n.

“
Shi
t!Fuck!
”

Hegaveherthethi
rdt
hrust
,Pear
lmoanedsoftl
yinhi
sear.Her
phonest
art
edringi
ngfr
om thebed.Sher
eachedfori
tandpicked.

“
Hel
l
o?What
?”

At
angtri
edtaki
ngthephonefrom her,
shelaughed.“I
tsmy
mother
.Sor
ry.Gohome,fi
nishoffther
e.She’
swai t
ing.
”

“
No…comeon.
”

Pearl
pushedhi
schest
.“Mymom i
shav
inganepi
sode.Ineedt
o
at
tendtoherAt
ang.
”

“
Cantshewai
t?”
“
Shewi
l
ldi
e.Pl
ease…”

Hel
ookedatherasi
fhewasaboutt
ocr
y.

“
Fini
shof
fathome.
”

“
Icanwai
tfory
ou.
”

“
No.I
t’
slat
e.Goandgi
vei
ttoher
.Shewi
l
lappr
eci
atei
t.Go…”

“
Thammakeagokopa.
”

“
Youwantmymot
hert
oduebecauseIwast
oobusyhav
ingsex?
”

Shekissedhi
m.Hegotof
fher
,Pear
lgotof
fbedandhel
dher
phonetoherear
.

“
Mama…don’
tpani
c.GohomeAt
ang.Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.
”

Shehel
dherphonestar
ingathi
m.Hesl
owlygotupandwentt
o
thebat
hroom wher
ehepeedandputi
tbackinhi
spants.

Pear
l smi
ledashewalkedoutsadl
y.Shecl
osedherdoorand
cont
inuedtal
ki
ngtohermother.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#50

AgangwatchedasZazahuggedBatangbythedoorwhil
ehe
repl
i
edtoanemail.Hesighedt
houghtf
ull
ythencal
ledRethabi
l
e.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi,
wher
ear
eyou?
”

“
Iam wai
ti
ngathi
shouse.
”

“
Doy
ouneedmet
her
e?”

“
No.Butt
hanky
ou.
”

“
Ify
ouneedany
thi
ngcal
lme.Att
imesl
i
ket
hisIhat
ethathehas
myface.
”

“
Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.
”

“
Ok.By
e.”

“
Bye.
”

HehungupasZazawal
kedov
er.Shel
ookedathi
m.

“
Arey
oucomi
ngi
n?”

“
Yes.Il
ovey
ourdr
ess.
”

Zazal
ookeddownandl
aughed.“
Ilookl
i
keadoor
.Nowondery
ou
l
eftme.
”

Hel
aughedt
oo.“
Youl
ookedbet
terpr
egnant
.”
“
Notev
en.
”

“
Youl
ookl
i
keamodel
.Il
i
kei
t.Por
tabl
e.”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Shoul
dIdi
shf
ory
ou?Yoursoni
sawake.
”

“
Dishup.Iam comi
ng.
”

Zazanoddedthentur
nedandwalkedbacki
nherhouse.Agang’
s
phonevi
brat
edr i
ngi
ng,hel
ookedatNkamocal
li
ng.

“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?”

“
Iam goi
ngt
oki
l
lmy
sel
f.
”

“
Ok.By
e.”

Hehungupandbl
ockedhert
hencal
l
edhi
sbr
other
.

*
**

At
ang’
sphoner
angashedr
ovehomewhi
l
eitr
ained.

“
Agang…”

“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
”

“
Wit
h?”

“
Soy
ouar
enowcheat
ing?
”

“
Sher
anandt
oldy
ou?
”

“
Newv
agi
nai
sdr
ivi
ngy
oucr
azyIseebuty
ouar
egoi
ngt
oregr
et
t
his.Tr
ustme.Youar
egoingt
oregr
ett
his,
Ihav
enev
ersai
dthi
s
t
oy oubuty
ouaregoi
ngtocry
.”

“
Sheki
l
lsmyki
ds!
”

“
Becauseshe’snotready.Andshedi
dn’tki
l
lthecurr
entoneso
what
’syourproblem?Shecouldhaveabort
edbutshedidn’
t.She
i
ssti
llcar
ryi
ngy ourchi
l
dt heny
ougoandcheat .Comeon…i sn’
tit
t
oosoon? ”

“
Agang-
“

“
Ihopey
ouknowwhaty
ouaredoi
ng.Youhadf
inal
l
yfounda
womanwhol
ovesy
ouandyouonl
y-“

“
Shedoesn’
tloveme.Iwishshedi
dbutshedoesn’t
!Shel
oved
whatt
hisr
elat
ionshi
pdoesforher
.Shenev
erlovedme.”

“Youar
egoingcr
azybutit
’sok.Thi
nkwhat
every
ouwantt
othi
nk.
Youwil
lthi
nkoft
hisday.
”

Hehungup.At angdr
oveinhisyardandparkednextto
Rethabi
le’
sBenz.Hesteppedoutofhiscarandhurr
iedinsi
det
he
house.Hesighedwal
kingin.Hetookadeepbreathstari
ngat
Rethabi
lewhowasseat edonthecouch.

Shel
ookedathi
m wi
thpuf
fyswol
l
eney
est
henst
oodup.

“
Iam goi
ngt
otakeashower
.”

“
Youruncl
e’
sdaught
eri
sNay
ang.IknowNay
ang.
”

“
Youdon’
tknowev
eryf
ami
l
ymemberi
nmyf
ami
l
y.”

“
It
showy
out
hinkIam t
hatst
upi
d.Idon’
tknow…may
bei
t’
sthe
i
mpr
essIgav
eyou.May
beImadey
out
hinkIwasst
upi
d.”

“
Ret
habi
l
e-“

“
Isawyouki
ssi
ngt
hatwoman.Iam notcr
azy
.Whyar
eyou
l
yi
ng?”

“Ar
ey oust
il
lpregnant
?Ory ouhavedonetheusual
?Iam notsur
e
aboutyouanymore.Ican’
twaithel
pbutthi
nkyouaregoi
ngt oki
ll
mireofmychil
dren.”

“
Itwasonl
yonce.
”

“
What
ever
.”

Hewalkedpasthergoingtothebathr
oom.Ret
habi
lewentaft
er
him.Hetookoffhi
st-shi
rtandgrewitont
hebed.Hesatdown
taki
ngoffhi
sshoes.

Ret
habi
l
epi
ckedhi
st-
shi
rtandsni
ff
edi
t.

“
Yousl
eptwi
thher
?”

“
Idon’
tfuckmycousi
ns.Ret
habi
l
eIam t
ir
ed…Pl
ease…”

Tearsfi
l
ledherey
es.“
Youdi
d.Icansmel
lheral
lov
ery
ou.
Atang…”

“
Youraccusat
ionsar
eat
urnof
f.
”

“
Atangy
ouar
ebr
eaki
ngmyhear
t.
”

Helookedathertear
sandgotup.Hekissedher
,hertear
srol
l
ed
downasshedr oppedthet
-shi
rt
.Hepushedhertothebedand
tookoffherdr
ess.Atangt
ookouthi
sdickandpushedherpanty
totheside.
Hepushedhi sdicki
nsi
dethenlookedather.Heki
ssedherand
cl
osedherey esimagi
ningPear
l’
sper f
ect
ion.Hegr
unted
i
magi ni
ngjusthowherpussyhadf el
tsogood.Ret
habil
epressed
herl
ipstogethersmel
li
ngtheotherwomanonhi m.

Hefuckedherhar
der,i
tfel
tdi
ff
erent.Hewasn’
ttouchingherl
i
ke
heusuall
ydi
d,notki
ssi
ngherandt aki
nghi
stimewi t
hher.

Hef
uckedherev
enhar
derandst
il
ledgr
unt
ing.

“
FuckPear
l…”

Rethabi
lelookedathim andbur
stint
otears.Hel
ookedather
real
izi
nghisslipoft
ongue.Hesighedthengotof
fherandwalked
tothebathroom.

Rethabil
eputherhandov erhermout
hcryi
ng.Hi
sphonest
art
ed
ri
nging.Shequi
cklyreachedfori
tandpi
cked.

“
Hey
,youf
orgoty
ourwal
l
et.Comeandt
akei
t…”

“
Hei
snotcomi
ngt
her
e.”

“Uhu…honey …youaresti
llhol
dingon?IfIwereyouIwoul djust
l
eaveonmyownbuty ouwantt okeephurt
ingyourselfdosuit
yoursel
f.Youhavelosthi
m.May bei
fyouwer enotbusytryi
ngto
beagr aveyar
dkil
l
inghischil
dren…may be…justmay beyouwould
sti
ll
hav ehi
m.Butnowhe’ sgone.Sorry
.”

“
You-
“

“Youcan’
tpossi
blycompet
ewi
thme.Youar
efat
.Tel
lhi
m Pear
l
call
ed.
”

Shehungup.Ret
habi
l
eswal
l
owedandputhi
sphonedown.She
satst
il
lst
ari
ngatt
her
ingonherf
inger
.

At
angwal
kedoutwi
that
owel
wrappedar
oundhi
swai
st.

“
Pear
lcal
l
ed.
”

“
Youanswer
edmyphone?
”

“Ir
ememberher…sheistheladywhoansweredyourphonewhen
youwer
esti
llatyourt
ri
p.Irememberhervoi
ce.Whereyoueven
onaworktr
iporyouwerewi t
hher?”

“
Youar
elosi
ngi
t.
”

“Iam not.Idon’
tknowhowy ouhi
tshotbutyouwer enotata
worktri
p.Youwer ewit
hher.Thi
sdidn’
tstar
tjustnow.Allt
hat5
monthsy ouclai
medtobeonawor ktr
ip,
youwer ewit
hher.
Sayi
ngy ouwer eontr
ipwasalieyouknewIwoul dn’
tquest
ion
youabout .
”

“
Youcancheck-
“

“Idon’
twantt
ocheckany
thing.Notwhenyouhav
esl eptwit
hme
aftery
ouhavesl
eptwi
thherpossibl
ygi
vingmediseases.
”

“Youaregoingcrazy
.Youwon’tbestandhereasify
ouar e
i
nnocentwheny ouhavedonenothi
ngbutki l
lmybabi
es.You
don’tevenl
oveme.Youl ov
ewhatmymoneydoesf oryou,you
l
ov ethethi
ngsIdoforyouormaybet hat
’showyouwereraised.
Obat agomborawena,.”

“Ineverl
ovedyoufory
ourmoney.Ilovedyoufory
ou,youpieceof
shit
!Don’tputmymotheri
ntot
his,sherai
sedmewellthat
’swhyI
am goingtoHarvar
dtobedoct
or.Mymot herdidwel
l
!Sher ai
sed
awomanwhocanst andonherown, Idon’tneedyoutosurvi
ve,
whodoy out hi
nky ouare?Youareaweakl i
ng!Youcouldn’
tdate
youragemat esanddeci dedt
ogoaf t
erme.I tmakessensewhy
Yaonelef
tyourass!Iam sogl adthi
shappenedsonowIcango
andabortyourlit
tl
edirt
,Iwouldneverwanttobeassociatedwit
h
acommuni tydickwhenIhav emadei tandIam upther
e.”

“
Youar
edosur
eaboutHar
vad,
theydon’
tjustt
ake-
“

“Tsek!Ibl amey ourfatherwhonev erlovedy oufortheamountof

bullshi
ty ouhav egrownupt obe.Nnapapi Iam goingtoHar vard.
Mini st
ryofEducat ionappr ovedmyappl i
cation.I
magi neifI
actuallywentaheadandgotmar riedt oy ouandbest uckwi thy ou
whenIcoul dbemeet ingbet termenwhowi llbeinmyl evel.
”She
l
aughed.“ Imaginebeingi nAmer icasay i
ngIam mar r
iedket ogela
boZay ne,boAndr ew…mi ssinganoppor tunitytohavewhi tekids
allbecauseofy ou?Inev er!”Shecl appedherhands.“ Iam going
totheSt ates,youwi ll
r emainher ewi thPear l
.Ihopeitwor ksand
shegi vesy ouhundr edkids.Bet teri t
’snotme, LegoneIwoul dn’t
wantmyki dstohav ey ouasaf ather !Itwouldbeacur se.
”

Hel
ookedatheri
nsi
l
ence.“
Yourappl
i
cat
ionwasappr
oved?
”

Shesmi ledtearfull
ythent ookoffhisr
ing.“Yes.Thanky oufor
showingmewhoy ouare.Youhav esav edmef r
om f uture
heart
break.Youhav etaughtmeagoodl esson.Andi fIstayed
withyouf oryourmoney ,
Iwoul dhavenev erstayedf orthatl
ong
becausey oudon’ thavethemoneyt ogiveme.Ot hermengi ve
thei
rgirl
fri
ends15kmont hly,t
heybuytheirgir
lfr
iendsdi Range
Rover,youar eherecryingf orwhat?Secondhandcar ?Othermen
taketheirgir
lfr
iendstoPar is…thei
ronet ri
pinPar iswi l
lbuyyour
car.Don’tr
aisey
ourvoi
cesayi
ngy ouhavemoneypapi,youare
notinthesameleaguewit
hthebigboys.OngwanaAt ang.But
whatcanwesay ?Youarewhoy ouare.Tel
lyourf
amil
ywehav e
brokenup.Iam donewi
thyou.Got oPearl
.Shehasgotyour
wallet
.”

Rethabi l
egrabbedhercarkey s.“Andy ouknowwhatannoy sme?
I
t’sthef actthatIknowIchoset hewr ongtwin.Agangismuch
bettermant hany oucaneverbe.IwishIhadmethi mfir
st.You
aret hatonet winthatthedoct
orsshoul dhavekil
led.Buti
t’sok.I
mean, Beyoncel eenehadanex, youwi l
lbethatexinmyl i
fe.
I
rrelevantex.Goanddi spl
ayyourweaksext endencies,don't
forgett oputy ourener
gyintoyourforeplay.
"

Shewal
kedoutanddroveout
.At
earr
oll
eddownhercheek
fol
l
owedbyanotherone.

“
It
’sokRet
habi
l
e…i
t’
sok.
”

Shest
oppedbytheredtr
aff
icl
i
ghthol
dingi
tin.Herphoner
ang,
shel
ookedathi
m call
i
ngandhungupthenbl
ockedhim.

SI
XWEEKSLATER…

.
Your
sTr
uly

#51

TWOMONTHSLATER.
.

I
nShakawe,Ret
habil
efi
nishedcleani
ngthehousethenfi
xedher
mot
her’
spict
urefr
ame.Shet ookadeepbreathandwalkedtoher
mot
her’
sbedroom.Ever
ythingwasstil
li
nthesameposition.

Tear
sf i
l
ledhereyesasshelookedatthebed.Shesatdownon
hermother’
sdressi
ngtabl
eandst ar
edathersel
fonthemirr
or.
Sheopenedthedrawerandsmi l
edstari
ngatthepi
ctur
einsi
de.
Shetookitoutandchuckl
edstari
ngatherandhermother.

Shestoodupandwal kedtothewar dr
obewherehermother
’s
dresswas.Shetookitoutr
emember i
ngherweari
ngit
.Tear
s
rol
leddown.Shetookoffherdressandputiton.Shet
ookoutthe
perfumeandsprayeditonhersel
fjustl
ight
lyt
hewayhermother
usedto.

Shet ur
nedtothemi
rrorandbrokedowncr yi
ng.Shesatdownon
thebed,minut
espassedthenshefinall
ykeptqui
et.Thedoor
openedf ol
l
owedbyBatangwalkingin.Hepausedstari
ngatt
he
dress.

“
That
’sMama’
s?”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Yes…Iam abi
tbi
g,i
tfeel
sti
ght“

“
Itl
ooksni
ce.Yousmel
ll
ikeher
.”
Sheshowedhi
mtheper
fume.Hesmi
l
ed.

“
Shel
ovedt
hatone.
”

“
Shedi
d.Youwant
?”

Heshookhi
shead.“
Iam goi
ngt
ocr
y.”

“
It
sokt
ocr
y.Come…”

Sheopenedherarms.Hewal
kedoverandcri
edinhi
ssi
ster
’s
arms.Thabi
bitherl
owerl
i
pholdi
nghimtight
ly.

Hefi
nal
l
ykeptqui
etandsatbesi
desher
.“Iwi
shIwasgoi
ngwi
th
you.
”

“Metoo.Buty
ouwil
lbevi
si
ti
ng.AndassoonasIcan,
youar
e
goi
ngtostaywit
hme.”

“
Whycan’
tIst
aywi
thuncl
eAgang?He’
sreal
l
ycool
.”

“
Becauseuncl
eAgangi
suncl
eisAt
ang’
sbr
other
.”

“Sohedoesn’
tli
keusany
mor
ebecausey
ouar
eangr
yatuncl
e
Atang?
”

“
No.Buthecan’
tst
aywi
thy
ou.
”

“
Zazai
sal
soni
ce.
”

“
Herchi
l
dissi
ck.Shecan’
tst
aywi
thy
ou.
”

“
ButIam notangr
yatUncl
eAt
ang.Youar
etheangr
yone.
”

“
Bat
ang,
AtangandIar
enol
ongeri
nar
elat
ionshi
p.Webr
okeup.
”

“
Why
?”
“Becausehefoundanotherper
son.I
fsomeonedoesn’
tlov
eyou
anymore,youlett
hem be.”

Bat
angl
ookedather
.“Sor
ry.Whydi
dn’
tyouj
ustsayt
hat
?”

“Youraregoi
ngtost
aywi
thouruncl
e.AssoonasIf
indaj
obt
hen
Iwil
ltakeyou.
”

“
Ilov
eyouThabi
…”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.Il
ovey
ou.
”

Theyhuggedeachothert
henf
inal
l
ywal kedoutofthebedr
oom.
Rethabi
l
e’sphoner
ang.Shepi
ckeditf
rom thetabl
eandanswer
ed.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Thabi
,i
t’
sZaza…howar
eyou?
”

“
Iam f
ine.
”

“
Whenar
eyougoi
ngnnemma?
”

“
IsAt
angt
her
e?”

“
Thabi
-“

“
Iknowhe’
sther
e.Nextweek.Iam goi
ngnextweek.
”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Ok…Iam goi
ngt
omi
ssy
ou.
”

“
How’
sthebaby
?”

“
Fine.He’
sfi
ne.Wear
ehopef
ul.
”

“
Met
oo.
”

“
Didy
ougoaheadwi
tht
heabor
ti
on?
”
“Longback.Iam happythatIam notgoingtobeasingl
emother
atmyage.GapeIdon’ twanttoinconveniencemonnawasga
Phele.
”

“
Uhok.By
e.”

“
Shar
p.”

Shehungup.Thabiwal
kedtoherbedroom anddraggedthebags
out
sidet
ogetcar.Sheputever
ythi
ngintheboot.Shewentback
tot
hedoorasBatangwalkedout,Ret
habil
elockedthedoorand
j
umpedinhercarwithBat
ang.

Shecal
l
edheruncl
est
art
ingt
heengi
ne

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Mal
ome,
Iam onmywayt
her
etodr
opof
fBat
angt
henIwi
l
lgo.
”

“
Ok.Wear
ewai
ti
ng.
”

“
Ok.Thanky
ou.
”

“
It
sok,
whatt
imei
syourf
li
ght
?”

“
Int
heev
eni
ngt
oday
.”

“Okmydaught
er.Wear
esoproudofy
oubutwhatabouty
ouand
Atang…Hepai
dmagadi
.Youarehi
swife.
”

“
Idon’
twanttogetmarri
ed.Idon’
tthi
nkIev
erwantt
oget
mar
ri
ed.Iwantt
obefree.
”

“
Mar
ri
agei
s-“

“
Atang’
sbehav
iorshowedwhathecoul
dhav
ebeencapabl
eof
oncehegotmar
ri
ed.Idon’
twantt
ogetmar
ri
ed.
”

“Thabi
,youcan’
tintoawi l
danimal
justbecausey
ouandy
our
husbandhadalit
tlefr
ict
ion.”

“Hecheat
edonme.Idon’
twanthi
m anymore.Helef
tmecr
ying
atthemal
lgoi
ngwi
thher.Iwi
l
lneverf
orgi
vehim.”

“
Mydaught
er-
*

“
Iam onmywayt
her
e.”

Hesi
ghed.“
Ok…*

Ret
habi
l
er ev
ersedjustasFar
ai par
kedbesi
dethegat
eand
wal
kedi
n.Hewal kedoversmil
ing.Ret
habil
esmil
edsteppi
ngout
oft
hecar.

Faraismi
l
edthenhuggedhert
ight
ly.Shesi
ghedput
ti
ngherar
ms
aroundhi
m wi
thhereyescl
osed.

“
Hey
…”

Shesmi
l
edt
henst
eppedback.“
Hi.
”

Far
aismi
l
ed.“
Youar
egoi
ng?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Iam goi
ngt
omi
ssy
ousomuch.
”

Ret
habi
l
elaughed.“
Met
oo.
”

“
Don’
tfor
getme…pl
ease.
”

“
Iwon’
t.
”
Farait
ookherhandsi
ntohi
sandki
ssedt
hem.“
Iam happyf
or
you.”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Hehuggedheragainthenl
etgo.Hel
ookedatherl
ipsandleaned
overtoki
ssher.Shel
ookeddown,hi
sli
pslandi
ngonhercheek
i
nsteadthenshesmil
ed.

“
Ihav
etogo.
”

Far
aiswal
l
owedandcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.“Yeah…cal
lme.
”

“
Iwi
l
lby
e!”

Hewatchedhergett
inginherwhit
eBenzthenwavedasshe
r
ever
sed.Shewav edbacksmili
nganddroveof
f.

*
*

Atangi
nser
tedanewsim car
dinhisphoneandcal
l
edher
.The
phoner
angtwicet
henshepicked.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi,
pleasedon’
thangup.Canwet
alk?
”

“
Atangy
ouandIhav
enot
hingt
otal
kabout
.St
opcal
l
ingme.
”

“
Ineedt
oseey
ou.
”

“
OkaePhel
e?”
“
Weneedt
otal
k.”

“
Wehavenothi
ngtotal
kabouti
t.Leav
emeal
one.Iam aboutt
o
r
epor
tyouf
orharassment
!”

“
Babepl
ease…Iknowy
ouar
eupset
.”

“
Idon’
twanty
ou.
”

“
Wher
eist
hebaby
?”

“
Inheav
en.
”

Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Youabor
tedheragai
n?”

“
Yes.It
oldy
ouIwoul
d.Iwoul
dnev
erwantt
obeassoci
atedwi
th
y
ou.”

Heclosedhi
sey
essi
tt
ingi
nbuscar
.“Why
?Whywoul
dyouki
l
l
her
?”

“
BecauseIwantnot
hingt
odowi
thy
ou.
”

Her
ubbedhi
sey
essadl
y.“
Didy
ouev
erl
oveme?
”

“
Yes.Notany
mor
e.”

“
Thabi
-“

“Idi
d.Notanymore.Youhav
etaughtmet
hatl
ovedoesn’
tgetyou
anywher
ebecausewear ewi
thpeopl
ewhodon’
tknowwhatlov
e
i
s.”

“
Canwet
alk?Wher
ear
eyou?Kebat
arebua.
”

“
Iam notgoingt
otal
ktomebecausey
ouandIar
edone.The
r
elat
ionshi
prani
t’
scause.
”
“
Please…”

“
Bye.
”

“
CanIcomewher
eyouar
esowet
alk?
”

“
No.
”

“Imessedup.Myacti
onswereinf
luencedbyanger .Iwasangry
andIwantedtohur
tyouback.Iwashur tbecauseevenafter
assur
ingyouofmylove.
.yousti
ll
wentaheadt ookplanan
abort
ion.
”

“Iam happyy ougotangryandshowedmewhoy ouar e.Iwil

l
nev erforgivey oufortheamountofpai nyouputmet hrough.For
sleepingwi thmeaf t
eryousleptwithher.Forembar r
assingme
andchoosi ngher .Iwil
lneverforgi
veyou.Youhur tmesomuchI
willnev erforgiveyouforit
.Stayawayf r
om me!Ihav enot hi
ngof
your swi t
hme.Youev enhadtheaudacitytohernamewhi leon
topofme.Il ongt oldyouIwoul dneverfor
giveyouify ou
cheat ed.”

“
Ifor
gavey
ouwheny
ouki
l
ledSar
ona,
Iam al
sowi
l
li
ngt
ofor
giv
e
y
ouforSar
ona-
“

“HeywenaSat
an,
youarenotGod.Idon’
tneedy
ourf
orgi
veness.
Pleasel
eav
emealone.
”

“
Babe-
“

Shehungup.Het r
iedcal
li
ngagai
nbuti
tdidn’
tgot hrough.He
si
ghedthensteppedoutofhi
scaratacardeal
ership.Acar
deal
erwalkedtohim.
“
Boss…”

“
Eit
a,shownewhaty
ouhav
e.Iwantsomet
hingni
cef
ormywi
fe.
”

Hisphonevi
brat
ed,
het
ooki
toutf
rom hi
spocketandl
ookedat
Pearl
call
i
ng.

“
Pear
l…”

“
Wher
ear
eyou?Youar
est
ressed.ComeIwi
l
lmassagey
ou.
”

“
Thammadon’
tdot
his.
”

“
Dowhat
?Come…Iwi
l
lmakey
ouf
eel
bet
ter
.”

“
Iam busynow.
”

“At
ti
e…come.Youneedt
ocum soy
oucant
hinkpr
oper
ly.
Come…”

Heswal
l
owedl
i
steni
ngt
oherl
uri
ngv
oice.

“
Ilov
emywi
fe.
”

“
Iknow.
”

“Il
i
key ourbodyandIwanttofucky
ououtofmysy stem butnot
enoughtocontinuedest
roy
ingmyrelat
ionshi
p.Youlooklikeyou
couldbeagoodf uck.
”

Pear
llaughed.“
Wheny
ouwantme,
youknowwher
etof
indme.
”

Shehungup.At
angsi
ghedandpoi
ntedatacar
.“Thatone.
”

*
**
Zazahel
dherphonet
alki
ngt
oAgang.

“
Can’
tyout
alkt
oyourcousi
nbabe?
”

“ThabiandIarenotcl
ose.Gapewhaty
ourbr
otherdi
dis
unforgi
vabl
e.”

“
Hewasangr
yandhur
t.He-
“

“Heshoul
downuptohisshit
.IdoubtThabiwil
lforgi
vehim.She
knowsshecanmakeitwi
thouthi
m.Hermot herdidwithouta
man.Idon’
tknowwhati
twill
takeforhert
of or
givehim.”

“
Iam get
ti
ngi
nameet
ing.Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.
”

“
Ok.
”

Hehungup.Zazafi
nishedprepari
ngherson’
sfoodt
henwal
ked
t
ohisroom wher
ehewassl eeping.

Shetookadeepbreat
hstar
ingathi
m.Thechemowastaki
nga
tol
lonhisl
i
ttl
ebodybutshewasgoingt
okeephi
mfight
ing.

“
Hey
…”

Shetouchedhi
scol
dhand.Acoldchi
l
lrandownherspi
neasshe
l
ookedathim.Shesl
owl
ypickedhi
m.

“
Hey
….Baby…wakeup.
.”

Her
emai
nedst
il
l,
hisbodycol
d.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#52

Rethabil
edrov
einheruncl
e’
syardt
hataf
ter
noonandpar
ked
besideshisNi
ssandoubl
ecab.

Meanwhi
leattheneighbor’
shouse,mmagweKael
ofr
owned
st
ari
ngatthecar.Herneighborl
ookedather
.

“
Who’
sthat
?”

“I
t’
sLelomo’schi
ld!Shehasbr oughtherbrothersohecanbur den
us.Iwonderwhyshej ustcan’
ttakeherbrotherwhereversheis
going.KanawealreadyhaveourbudgetsgapeIj ustdon’twantto
careofanyone’
schildr
enwhennoonehel pedmewi t
hmyki ds.”

Shestoodannoy
ed.“
Sheshoul
dbelookingforthatboy’
sfat
her
i
nsteadofbri
ngi
nghi
mtome.Idon’tknowwhatpeopl ethi
nkIam,
aslavewho’
smeanttot
akeofever
yone’schil
dren.
”

Thenei
ghborl
aughed.“
Tel
lhery
oucan’
t.
”

“HowwhenRragweKaelot
oldhershecoul
dbr
inghim.
Someti
mesIhatet
hismansomuch.Ket ol
akeipot
sagor
eoi
ta
gorekemai
dkanaslav
esagagwe.”

“
Nyaamma,
standourgr
ound.Youcan’
tbef
orcedt
obeananny
.”

“Hei
snotgoingtost ayi
nmyhousef orfr
eeeati
ngmyfoodf or
fr
ee,dr
inki
ngmywat erforf
ree.That
’snotgoi
ngtohappen.Iam
notachari
tyhouse.Keeta.
”
MmagweKael owal
kedt
ohery
ardasherhusbandwel
comedhi
s
si
ster
’schi
l
dren.

Rethabi
lesmi
ledwalki
ngi
nsi
det
hehousewi
thheruncl
e.Her
unclesmil
edhappi
l
y.

“
Iam pr
oudofy
ou.Youhav
ecomesof
ar.
”

Ret
habi
l
enodded.“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Sowher
eexact
lyar
eyougoi
ngi
nAmer
ica?
”

“
Bost
on,
Massachuset
ts.
”

“
Whereist
hat?Wait
sedon’
tbothery
our
sel
fmychi
l
d.Idon’
tknow
t
hosepl
aces,
whatIknowisyouaregoi
ngt
oAmeri
ca.Mysist
er
i
shappywher
evershei
s.”

MmagweKael
owal
kedi
nsi
det
hehouseandsaynextt
oher
husband.

“
Ret
habi
l
e,howar
eyou?
”

“
Iam f
ineaunt
y,howar
eyou?
”

“
Wit
hthewayy oumadeitcl
earyouwouldnev
erseparat
efr
om
y
ourbr
otherIam sur
pri
sedyouarel
eav
inghimtoday.
”

Ret
habi
l
elaughed.“
Iwi
l
ltakehi
m af
terIhav
eset
tl
ed.
”

“Ng…Isee.ButThabi ,weneedt otalkaboutyourmarri

age.You
j
ustcan’tdecidey ouwanttobreakupt henupandgowhen
magadi waspaidf oryou.I
t’
sdisrespectf
ulandpaint
sourfamily
bad.Aft
erev ery
thingthi
smandi df oryou,i
tshowsjusthow
ungrat
efulyouar etoj
ustthinkyoucandumphi m.Thatmani s
yourhusband.Youshoul
dnotbeher
e,y
oushoul
dbewi
thy
our
newfami l
y!
”

Herhusbandl
ookedather
.“Mogat
saka,
Thabi
say
shewas
cheat
ingand-
“

“Whatmandoesn’ tcheat
?Doest hatmeanweshouldleaveour
husbandsbecausewear ebei ngcheatedon?It
’snat
ureforaman
tocheat.Ret
habil
eisnottheonl ywomanwi thavagi
naonear t
h.
Everyot
herwomanhasav aginaanditwasmadef oraman.You
wanthimt otast
ethesamef oodev er
ynight
?”

“
MmagweKael
o-“

“Shewasluckytohav
ef oundsomeonewholovedhertheway
sheis.Nowwho’sgoingtowanther
.Mendon’twantfatwoman!
Youshouldgobacktoy ourmanandaskf
orforgi
venessand
mov eonwithl
if
e.Andhelawhat’
swrongwit
hUBi fImayask?UB
i
sstill
-“

“Enoughwoman!I fmyniecedoesn’twanttogetmarri
edt hen
that
’sit.She’
syoung,shecanalwaysfi
ndsomeoneel se.Just
becausey ousettl
edforl
essbecauseofenvydoesn’tmean
everyoneshould!I
fyouhavenothi
ngintel
li
genttosay…y ouknow
what?Justkeepqui et
.Goandspreadgossipinthestreets.
”

MmagweKael
okeptqui
et.Ret
habi
l
etookadeepbr
eat
h.

“
I-
“

“GotoHarvar
d.Bri
ngt
hatdegr
eehome.Iam pr
oudofyou.
Batangwil
lst
ayinmyhousewit
hme.Hewi l
lbemyson.Heshal
l
eatwhatIeat
.Heshal
lst
ayandliv
ehappi
lyi
nthi
shouse.Goand
t
akeyourdegr
ee,
don’
tfeelpressur
edtotakehi
m.Iwil
lbehi
s
f
ather
,hi
smother
,hi
sguardian.Iwil
ldor
ightbyhi
m.”

Tear
sfi
l
ledRet
habi
l
e’sey
es.“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
It
sal
ri
ght
.”

Ret
habi
l
elookedatheraunt
.“Thanky
ouaunt
y.”

MmagweKael
olookedather
.“Eemma.
”

Ret
habi
l
eopenedherbagt
hent
ookoutaphone.

“
IboughtBat
angapr
operphonesohei
sabl
etocommuni
cat
e
wi
thme.”

Shegav
eitt
ohi
m.Bat
angsmi
l
edst
ari
ngatt
hesmar
tphone.

“
Yes!
”

Hehuggedhersi
sterhappi
l
y.Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
edwr
appi
nghi
sar
ms
ar
oundher.

Shel
ookedatt
het
ime.“
Ihav
etogo.Myf
li
ghti
sfor9.
”

Theyall
stoodupandwal kedoutexpectf
orMmagweKaelo.
Outsi
deRethabil
etookoutdonemoneyf r
om herpur
seandgav
e
i
ttoheruncle.

“
Idi
dn’
tbutany
thi
ngso-
“

Heshookhishead.“
Nomydaughter.Thi
sisy
ourhome.Hi
s
home.Ther
eisfood.Youdon’
thav
et ogi
vememoney.”

“
It
stohel
pint
hehouse.
”

“
Ican’
taccepti
t.Keepi
tfory
our
sel
f.Youdon’
tknowwher
eyou
ar
egoi
ng.Wewi
l
lbef
ineher
e.”

Ret
habi
l
eputi
taway
.“Ok.Thanky
ou.
”

“
It
sok.
”

Shewalkedt
othecari
sandgoti
nwi t
hBatang.Sheopenedher
bagandtookoutt
hemoneyhermotherl
eft
,itwassti
l
linthe
pl
asti
cshehadfoundi
tin,
unt
ouchabl
e.Shegaveitt
ohim.

“Keept
hismoney.Whenthingst
urnbad,t
akeit
,got
otherank
andgetabustoGaborone.Youwil
lgotoAgang’
shouse.
”

Henodded.

“Iwi
lll
eaveyouwi ththi
scar d.I
thasmoneyi nside.Idon’
twant
youtousethismoneyunl essandonlyifnecessary.Youhavea
passport
.Iam goingtof i
ndaj obandseei fIcantakeyou.Butfor
nowbeagoodchi ld.Don’tbedisr
espectful
.Ready ourbooksand
pass.MmagweKael oisnott heni
cestwomanbutouruncl eisso
don’tmi
ndher .I
fany t
hinghappenscal l
me.Iwi ll
giveyoumy
numberassoonasIar riv
e.Buttil
lthen,cal
lAgang.OrFarai.
”

“
Ok.
”

Shegav
ehi
m hermot
her
’sper
fume.“
Staywi
tht
his.I
t’
sMama’
s.
”

Bat
angsmi
l
edt
aki
ngi
t.“
Ok.
”

Rethabi
lehuggedhi
m.Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
est
henshel
aughed.“
I
don’twantt
oleaveyou.
”

“
Ican’
twai
ttocomet
oAmer
icat
oo.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ok.By
e…”
“
Bye.
”

Heputt
hemoneyandbankcar
dinhi
spocket
.

“
Thepi
nis0887.
”

“
Ok.
”

Hest
eppedoutthenwaved.Ret
habi
lest
art
edthecarand
r
ever
sedthendr
ov eof
fheadedtoGabor
one.

*
**

Agangwal
kedi
nZaza’
shousel
atert
hatdayt
aki
ngof
fhi
sti
e.

“
Babe!
”

Hewal kedtohi sson’

sroom andopenedthedoor.Hesmil
ed
st
aringatZazawhowasont hefl
oorhol
dinghiminherarms.Hi
s
smileslowlydisappear
edashestaredathertear
s.Heslowl
y
walkedov erandlookedathi
sson.

Hi
sheartpoundedashetouchedhisl
i
ttl
ehand.Zazal
ookedat
hi
m cr
yingsi
lent
ly.Heswal
lowed,
tear
sburni
nghisowney es.
Nowitmadesensewhyshehadnotbeenanswer i
ngherphone.

Het
ookouthi
sphone,
hishandsshaki
ngt
hencal
l
edhi
sbr
other
.

“
Agang…”

“
Hei
sgone…”

Ther
ewassi
l
ence.“
Shi
t!
”
“
Whodoy
oucal
l
?Whatdoy
oudo?
”

“
Letmecal
lsomeone.Iam comi
ngt
her
e?”

At
earr
oll
eddownAgang’
scheek.“
Whatshoul
dIdo?
”

“
Iam comi
ng.Wher
eisZaza?
”

“
Wit
hhi
m.Hi
sbodyi
scol
d.”

“
Iam comi
ng.
”

“
Shoul
dIcal
lmama?
”

“
Iwi
l
lcal
lher
.”

“
May
behei
sst
il
lal
i
ve.Mamacanpr
ayf
orhi
m.”

“
Iam comi
ng.
”

Aganglookedathi
sson,hi
sent
ir
ebodycrumpli
ngdown,
hecoul
d
feel
hisstr
engthdr
ainout
.Heknel
tbef
oreZaza.

Shelookedathi
m andcr
ied.Heputhi
sar
msar
oundhercr
ying
too,
theirchi
l
dbetweent
hem.

*
**

Elangscrol
l
edthr
oughThabi’
sFacebooktimel
inewi
thherf
ake
account,
shehadn’
tpost
edany t
hinginawhil
e.Shesi
ghedthen
di
aledhernumberbuti
tdidn’
tgot hr
ough.

Shel
ookedatt
hepi
l
lsonherbedunabl
etowai
tti
l
lschool
sre-
openedsoshecanpr
oper
lydr
ivehercr
azy
.

Sheputthepi
l
lsawayj
ustasherr
oommat
ewal
kedi
nlaughi
ngon
herphone.

“
Iam comi
ng.Gi
vemet
womi
nut
es.Ok.Il
ovey
ou.
”

Shehungup.El
angl
aughed.“
Who’
sthat
?”

Ther
oommatelaughedt
oo.“
Myboy
fri
end.Iam goi
ngout
.See
yout
omor
row.”

Sheputonherf l
ipf
lopandpi ckedheralr
eadypackedover
night
bagthenwalkedout .Elanggotoffherbedandwalkedoutthen
watchedherroommat ejumpinherboy f
ri
end’
sAudi5.Bored,she
walkedbackinthehouse.

ShewenttogetFacebookmessagesandlookedatt
hehi’si
nher
i
nbox.Shewenttoeverypr
ofi
leofeachper
sonandsighedputt
ing
herphoneaway.Thefi
shinheri
nboxwasn’tt
hefi
shshewanted.

*
**

Hourslateri
nGaborone,Rethabi
lepar
kedattheai
rpor
t,herhear
t
raci
ng.Shegotoutandt ookherbagsthendr
aggedthem insi
de
SirSer
etseKhamaInternati
onalAir
por
t.

“
Kai
sar
a!”

Ret
habi
l
etur
nedandl
ookedatMr
.Kgosi
wal
ki
ngov
er.Hesmi
l
ed.

“
Dr.Kai
sar
a…”
Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Sir
..
”

Hegotcl
oserandgotherbags.“Ihav
ebeensentt
oseey
ouof
f
andgi
veyouwordsofencouragement.”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Let
’sgoi
nDr
.Kai
sar
a.”

Theywal
kedi
nsi
det
henhesmi
l
edst
ari
ngather
.

“Youaregoingtomakeit.Youaregoi
ngtobethedoctory
ou
wanttobe,youjusthav
et oknowwhichdoct
orthati
s.Iam pr
oud
ofyouKaisara.
”

“
Thanky
ouSi
r.
”

Hehuggedher.Rethabi
letookadeepbr eat
hfeel
inghi
smuscles
ar
oundher.Hi
sbr eathbrushedherneck.Shesl
owlyputherar
ms
ar
oundhim,herheartbeatingwayfaster
.Hepull
edawayand
smil
ed.

“
Goodl
uck!
”

Shesmi
l
edt
aki
ngherbags.“
Bye.
”

Hesi
ghed.“
Youknowwhat
?Fucki
t!
”

Hepull
edhercloserandkissedher
.Ret
habi
legaspedashe
ki
ssedherr
avishingherl
ips.Hepul
ledawayandsmiled.

“
Go.
”

Sheswal
l
owedt
hensl
owl
ytur
nedandwal
kedaway
.
*
**

I
nt hepl
ane,Ret
habi
l
etookapi
ctur
eandpost
edi
tonher
Facebook.

‘
Har
var
dher
eIcome.Dr
.Kai
sar
aint
hemaki
ng.
’

Shelookedathercapt
iont
hensmi
l
ed.Sheunbl
ockedAt
angand
text
edhim.

Rethabi
le:Hi
.Iam leavi
ng.Ihaveleftyourcarattheair
port.The
carkeysarewiththeair
portstaff
.Itoldthem youaregoingto
comeandcol l
ectthem.Youcanal way sreselli
torbett
eryet,gi
ve
i
ttoPear l
.Il
eftt
her i
nginsi
det hecar.Imov edmyt hi
ngsfrom
yourhouse,what’
slefti
swhatIf ound.By e.

Shesentt
hemessagej
ustast
heai
rhost
essst
art
edt
alki
ng.

*
**

PulewatchedasRethabil
e’
splanetookof
f,hehel
duphisphone
taki
ngav i
deothensmiledwatchi
ngitgoup.Hewalkedoutoft
he
air
portandjumpedinhiscar
.

*
**
AtAgang’
shouse,
Atangr
eadt
hemessageandt
ri
edcal
l
ingher
.

“
Thenumbery
ouhav
e-“

“
Shi
t!
”

Pr
incewal
kedov
er.“
Arey
ouok?
”

“
Thabi
isgone.
”

Pri
ncesighed.“
Youmessedup.Bigt
ime.Forgetherev
ert
aki
ng
youback.Notinthi
sli
fet
imeany
way.It
’sover.
”

Heswal
l
owedsi
tt
ingdown,
real
i
tydawni
ngonhi
m.

“
Ilov
eher
…”

“
It
stool
atenow.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#53

AtJohannesburgORTamboI nt
ernati
onalAirpor
t,Ret
habi
le
checkedoutuponar r
ival
t hencheckedinforherconnecti
ngfl
i
ght
.
Withonlyherl
aptopbag, shewalkedtoTer minalAfoll
owi
ng
behindtwowhiteladi
eswhower elaughing.Shetookadeep
breathgl
adshehadchangedi ntoherjeansandsneakers,i
tmade
mov ingmucheasier.

MinuteslatersheboardedintotheBri
ti
shAir
waysfl
ightandsat
bythewi ndow.Shelookedar oundatt
hebeauty
,herheart
pounding.Amansatbesi deherandgaveheranod.Shesmiled
andlookedoutt hr
ought hewindow

“
Goodev
eni
ngl
adi
esandgent
lemen.
”

Rethabi
letookadeepbreathasafli
ghtat
tendantspokesoft
ly.
Sheswitchedoffherphonefol
l
owinginst
ruct
ionsthenputonher
seatbel
ttoget
herwithever
yoneel
se.

Sher
ubbedhersweatypal
msandtookadeepbreat
hast
hepl
ane
sl
owl
ytotookoffheadedt
oLondonHeat
hrow.

*
**

Thefol
lowi
ngmorni
nginBot
swana,
Keemi si
ghedst
ari
ngather
daught
erwhowassit
ti
ngonthematt
resscry
ing.
“Idon’tunderst
andwhyy ounevertoldmet hebabywassi ck.
May bethisiswhyhedi edbecausethebibl
esay srespectyour
mot herandfatherforl
ongli
fe.Youdon’teventalktomeorcheck
howIam doi ngy etyouaremydaught er
.”

Otherr
elat
iveslookedather
.“NommagweZaza,
that
’snowayt
o
speaktoachildwhoi sgr
iev
ing.
”

“Thi
sisther
ightwayt
obecauseZachari
adoesn’tr
espectme.
Todayshegavebir
tht
oafather
lesschi
l
dwhodi ed.”

MmagweAgangf rowned.“Youwil
lnotspeaktol
ikethat
.Ihave
hear
denoughofthis,
ifyoucan’
tsympathizewi
thyourdaught
er,
don’
t.WhatIwi
l
lnotletyoudoisdestr
oythiswomanf ur
ther
anymore.
”

“
Yoursondi
dnotpay
-“

“Yes,
hedidnotandhewil
lbutIwi
ll
notl
etyouharasst
hischi
ld.
Whatkindofamotherar
eyou?Areyounotashamed?Youshoul
d
beashamed.”

Keemil
ookedatev
er y
onewhowasnowl
ooki
ngathert
hecl
i
cked
hert
ongueandwalkedout
.

Zazasniff
edasmmagweAt angsatdownt
onextt
oher
.Out
side
otherr
elat
ivessangchur
chsongs.

*
**

At
anghandedt
hecashi
ermoneyatashopt
henwal
kedouthi
s
newsim card.Hegotinhi
scarandi
nser
tedi
tthenr
egi
ster
edi
t
bef
oretr
y i
ngt ocal
lher
.

“Thenumberyouhavedial
edisnotav
ail
abl
eatt
hemoment
,
pleaset
ryagai
nlat
er,
thankyou.
”

Het
ookadeepbr
eat
handcal
l
edBat
ang'
snumber
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Heybuddy
,howar
eyou?
”

“
Iam f
ine.
”

“
What
’sup?Wher
ear
eyouguy
s?”

“
Iam atmyuncl
e’
shouse.Thabi
wentt
oAmer
ica.
”

“
Sheal
readyl
eft
?Wasn’
tshegoi
ngnextweek?
”

“No.I
twaslastni
ght.AndIam notsupposedtot
alkt
oyou
anymorebecauseyouhaveanewgi r
lf
riend.
”

“
Whosai
dthat
?”

“
Thabi
.
”

Atangsighed.“
It
sok.Sheisangryatmethat
’swhyshesai
dthat
butitdoesn’
thavet
obelikethat
.Iam al
waysher
e.”

“
Sot
her
eisnonewwoman?
”

“
No.Ther
eisnoone.Hasshecal
l
edy
ouy
et?
”

“
Noty
et.
”

“
Okbuddy
,look,
don’
ttel
lherwespoke.
”
“
Ok.
”

At
anghungupandputhi
shandsonhi
sface.Pear
lst
art
edcal
l
ing.

“
Isai
dIwi
l
lcal
lyou.
”

“At
ang,Ij
ustsawt
haty
ourbr
other
’ssonpassedon.Iam so
sor
ry.
”

“
Thanks.
”

“
Itcan’
tbeeasyonhi
m.Ort
hechi
l
d’smot
her
.Iam r
eal
l
ysor
ryf
or
y
ourloss.
”

“
Thanks.
”

“
Didy
oumanaget
otal
ktoRet
habi
l
e?”

“Iam notgoi
ngtodi
scussmywi f
ewithyou.I
fIev
erdi
d,i
t’
s
stoppi
ngtodaysoneverment
ionhername.”

“
Ok.Iam sorry
.Uh,myt
apisleaki
ng.Idon’
tknowwhotocall
.I
t
ri
edever
y t
hingbuti
twon’
tandwat erhadf
il
ledt
heki
tchen.
”

“
Cal
lapl
umbert
hen.
”

“Idon’tknowany oneandIhaven’
tgott
enpai
d.Couldyouplease
fi
xit.Idon’tt
hinkIwil
lbeabletohandl
ethewaterbi
ll
.Ineed
help.
”

“
Soy
ouwantmet
oleav
emynephew’
s-“

“Iam sur
eitwon’
ttakelong.AtangIam sor
ryf
orwhatev
erthatk
didbecauseIam seei
ngy ounowhateme.Iam sor
ry.Pl
easehel
p
me.”
“
Idon’
that
eyoubutIwantt
ost
ayf
arawayf
rom y
ou.
”

“Iknow.Iwon’
teverallyou.Ij
ustwantmyt
apt
obef
ixedbef
oreI
drownthehouse.Please..
”

Het
ookadeepbr
eat
handsi
ghed.“
Iam comi
ng.
”

“
Thanky
ou.Pl
easehur
rysoy
oucangobackt
othef
uner
al.
”

Atangstar
tedthecaranddrov
et oPearl
’
shouse.Heparked
i
nsideheryardandwalkedi
nsideherhouse.Hewalkedtothe
kit
chenwhereshewasonherkneesmoppi ngthef
loorwit
ha
towel.Hel
ookedatthetapewhichshehadt i
edwit
hanother
towel.

Shegotup.“I
fyout
akeof
fthet
owel
,thewat
eri
sgoi
ngt
ogo
ever
ywhere.
”

Hesi
ghed.“
Goandcl
osei
tatt
heback.
”

Pearl
noddedandwalkedoutinheroi
nkni
ghtdr
ess.Shewalked
backinandfoundhi
m al
readyworki
ngonthet
ap.Sheknel
tdown
andconti
nuedmopping.

Hef
ini
shedupandl
ookedather
.“Goandopeni
t.
”

Shegotupandwalkout
sidethem openedi
t.Shewal
kedback
i
nsidet
hehouseandsmiled.

“
Youf
ixedi
t!
”

“
It
stempor
ary
,youneedt
ogetanewt
ap.
”

“
Thanky
ou.Iwant
edt
ocal
lyouy
est
erdaybutIgotscar
ed.
”

“
Gotscar
edofwhat
?”
“
Youhat
eme.Iwi
shIknewwhatIdi
d.”

“Idon’that
ey ou.Ij
ust…Imessedupwi thmyr elati
onshi
p.Idon’
t
knowhowIev enletithappenbecauseIloveher.IknowIdo.
May beitwasangerandpai nbutIloveher.Iwantedtosavemy
rel
ationshi
p.”

“
Iunder
stand.Ihopeev
ery
thi
ngwor
ksout
.”

“
Shelef
t.Idoubti
t.Sheal
readywentt
oHar
var
d,shei
sgoi
ngt
o
meetmuchbettermen.”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“Ial
waysfearedwhenshegoesshewouldl
eav
emebutnowI
knowforsuresheisgoi
ngtomov eon.May
beshewi
l
lneverev
er
comeback.”

Pear
lst
aredathi
ssadf
ace.“
Iam sor
ry…come…”

Shepul
ledhi
mt oherbedr
oom andpushedhi
m ont
hebedt
hen
tookof
fherdr
essremaini
ngnaked.

Hel
ookedatherbodyt
henshegotont
opofhi
m.

Sheunzi
ppedhi
spant
sandtookouthisdi
ckthenleanedov
erand
suckedi
t.Hegr
unt
ed,
hisdi
ckget
tingevenharder
.

Pear
lrai
sedherheadand#r
emov
ed.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#53

Sheunzi
ppedhi
spant
sandtookouthisdi
ckthenleanedov
erand
suckedi
t.Hegr
unt
ed,
hisdi
ckget
tingevenharder
.

Pearl
raisedherheadandsl
owlysatonit
.Shemoanedtaki
ngit
al
linthentookadeepbreat
hstari
ngathim andst
art
edmoving.
Sheputherhandsonhischestri
dinghi
m.

Atangputhi
shandsonherwaistgr
unt
ingatthef
eeli
ngofher
pussy.Hecoul
dn’
tunder
standwhyshefel
tsoogood…sotight
andwar m.

Hefl
ippedt
hem andlookedatherf
ace.Sheki
ssedhim.Atangput
herl
egsonherchestandpushedhi
sdickinsi
degrunt
ing.

Helookedatherli
tt
lebreastandsqueezedthem.Hehammer ed
herpussy
,hiseyesclosedasthepleasur
edrovehim crazy
.He
watchedhisdi
ckdisappearinandoutofhersweethole.Hesl
id
outtodel
ayhiscum andsmackedhercl i
t.

Pearlmoanedashepushedbackhisdickinsideandwentf orthe
ki
llpoundingi
ntoher
.HerbodyshookasAt angfuckedher.She
grabbedhishandsgaspi
ngthenspasmedmoani nglouder
.At ang
bi
thislowerli
p,hi
scum comingatful
lspeed.Sheclosedherey es
ashef i
ll
edherup.

“
Shi
t!
”

Hesl
owl
ysl
i
doutbr
eat
hingheav
il
y.Hi
sphoner
angi
nhi
spocket
.
At
angt
ookadeepbr
eat
handpi
ckedhi
sbr
other
’scal
l
.

“
Yeah?
”

“
Wher
ear
eyou?
”

“
Pear
lcal
l
ed…hert
apwas-
“

“
Whatt
hef
uckdi
dthi
swomanf
eedy
ou?
”

At
angwal
kedoutofherbedr
oom.“
Somet
hingi
sinherv
agi
na.
”

“
Youf
uckedherf
orr
eal
thi
sti
me?
”

“
She’
s.
.wow!
”

“
Atascal
eof10?
”

“
Shei
sat
en.
”

“
Idon’
tbel
i
evey
ou.
”

“
Comeandf
eel
itf
ory
our
sel
f.
.”

Pri
ncespoketo.“
Who?Pear
l?Lennakeabat
a.Wear
ecomi
ng.
Sendlocat
ion.
”

Atanghungupandsentthel
ocati
on.Hewentbackt
oPear
l’
s
bedroom andf
oundherasl
eep.Hekissedher
.

“
Hey
…”

Sheopenedherey
esandsmi
l
ed.

“
Hi.
”

“
Ili
key
ou.It
hinkIshoul
dacceptIl
ostThabi
andmov
eon.
”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ohh.
.”

“
Yeah…andy
ouar
eper
fectf
orme.
”

“
Iam happyf
eel
thatwaybecauseIl
ovey
ou.
”

Atangkissedher
.“Ok.Uhbyt
heway
,youknowIhav
eat
win
ri
ght?”

“
Yes.
”

“MybrotherandIar eone.Weshareeveryt
hing.I
ncl
udingwomen.
Thabiwasour sboth.Ifi
t’
stomucht ohandlewecanendt hi
s.
Becausemybr otherandmyf r
iendli
ketoshareevery
thing.I
fIam
notther
e,eit
herPrinceorAgangiswithyoukeepingyouhappy.
YougetwhatImean? ”

Sheswal
l
owedandnodded.

“
Shoul
dwecont
inue?
”

“
Yesbutwewi
l
lal
lsi
tdownsoIunder
standhowt
hiswor
ks.
”

“
Yeah.
”

“
Soy
oual
sosl
eepwi
thPr
ince’
sgi
rl
fr
iend?
”

“
Yes.Al
soAgang’
s.
”

Shenodded.“
Ok.Ihav
enev
er…donet
hatbef
ore.
”

“
Iunder
stand.Aganglosthisson.He’ssad.He’
scomingov
er.He
want
stomeety ou.Togetherwit
hPrince.Theywantt
osayhithen
wegotothefuneral
.”

“
Ok,
letmedr
essup.
”
“
Don’
t.Ist
il
lwantt
ofucky
ou.
”

Hefl
i
ppedhermaki
ngherkneel
andstr
okedhimsel
fthenpushed
hi
sharddi
cki
nsi
depushi
ngherchestt
othebed.

Pearl
’
sey esopenedwildlyf
eeli
ngitdeepert hansaybef or
e.She
tr
iedrai
singherchestbutAgangpushedi tdownf ucki
ngherwith
hi
sent i
redick.Herbut
tvibr
atedwitheacht hrustashedr i
ll
edher.
Shetri
edt ocrawlawaytosaveherselfbuthepul l
edherback
sl
ammi nginsideheroverandovergroaning.

Hepul
ledherofft
hebedsot
heycouldbothstand,hi
m behi
ndher
t
hencurvedhi
sbackfi
ll
i
ngever
ycornerofthatpussy
.

Shest
oodonhert
oesunabl
etot
akei
tast
ear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.

Herbedroom dooropenedthenhi
stwinwal
kedi
nf ol
lowedby
Pr
ince.Aganglookedatherandsmil
edwalki
ngover.

“
Hey
….”

Pear
l l
ookedathisbr
other
,tear
srol
l
ingdownwhi
l
eAt
ang
cont
inuedfucki
ngher.

“
Shhhh.
.it
’sok.Osekawal
ela.
”

Hekissedhercheeksthenherli
pswhi l
esqueezi ngherbreast
.
Pri
ncesli
dhishandbet weenherpussyl i
ps.Her ubbedhercli
t
gentl
ywhilecar
essingherbody.Pear
l’sheartpoundedasal lt
hree
mensur r
oundedher.Sheclosedhereyesatt hepleasure.At
ang
hi
titaspotasPrinceconti
nuedrubbinghercl i
twhileAgang
ki
ssedherneckwhi sper
ingsweetnothingstoherear .

Shemoanedi
nAgang’
smout
hlet
ti
ngi
toutagai
n.At
anggav
eher
onel
astst
rokeandr
eleased.Hemov
edandki
ssedherback.

“
Iwi
l
lseel
aterbabe.Letmer
ushbackt
othef
uner
al.
”

Atangwi pedhimsel
fthenpickedhi
sphoneandwal kedoutas
Agangbendedhermor enowbehindbehi ndher.Pri
ncetookout
hisweaponandpushedi tinhermout h.Hegent l
ytappedher
throatenjoy
inghi
mself.Agangheldherwai standpushedhisdick
i
nsi decursi
ngunder
neathhisbreath.Theyboth…

Shegrabbedhishandsgaspi
ngthenspasmedmoaninglouder.
Atangbithi
slowerli
p,hi
scum comingatf
ull
speed.Sheclosed
hereyesashefil
ledherup.

“
Shi
t!
”

Hesl
owlysl
idoutbr
eathingheavi
ly.Hi
sphoneranginhispocket
.
At
angtookadeepbreathandpickedhisbr
other
’scal
l.

“
Yeah?
”

“
Wher
ear
eyou?
”

“
Pear
lcal
l
ed…hert
apwas-
“

“
Whatt
hef
uckdi
dthi
swomanf
eedy
ou?
”

At
angwal
kedoutofherbedr
oom.“
Somet
hingi
sinherv
agi
na.
”
“
Youf
uckedherf
orr
eal
thi
sti
me?
”

“
She’
s.
.wow!
”

“
Atascal
eof10?
”

“
Shei
sat
en.
”

“
Idon’
tbel
i
evey
ou.
”

“
Comeandf
eel
itf
ory
our
sel
f.
.”

Pri
ncespoketo.“
Who?Pear
l?Lennakeabat
a.Wear
ecomi
ng.
Sendlocat
ion.
”

Atanghungupandsentthel
ocati
on.Hewentbackt
oPear
l’
s
bedroom andf
oundherasl
eep.Hekissedher
.

“
Hey
…”

Sheopenedherey
esandsmi
l
ed.

“
Hi.
”

“
Ili
key
ou.It
hinkIshoul
dacceptIl
ostThabi
andmov
eon.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ohh.
.”

“
Yeah…andy
ouar
eper
fectf
orme.
”

“
Iam happyf
eel
thatwaybecauseIl
ovey
ou.
”

Atangkissedher
.“Ok.Uhbyt
heway
,youknowIhav
eat
win
ri
ght?”

“
Yes.
”

“
Mybr
otherandIar
eone.Weshar
eev
ery
thi
ng.I
ncl
udi
ngwomen.
Thabiwasoursboth.I
fit
’st
omucht ohandl
ewecanendthis.
Becausemybr ot
herandmyf r
iendl
iketoshareev
ery
thi
ng.IfIam
notther
e,ei
therPri
nceorAgangiswithyoukeepi
ngyouhappy.
YougetwhatImean? ”

Sheswal
l
owedandnodded.

“
Shoul
dwecont
inue?
”

“
Yesbutwewi
l
lal
lsi
tdownsoIunder
standhowt
hiswor
ks.
”

“
Yeah.
”

“
Soy
oual
sosl
eepwi
thPr
ince’
sgi
rl
fr
iend?
”

“
Yes.Al
soAgang’
s.
”

Shenodded.“
Ok.Ihav
enev
er…donet
hatbef
ore.
”

“
Iunder
stand.Aganglosthisson.He’ssad.He’
scomingov
er.He
want
stomeety ou.Togetherwit
hPrince.Theywantt
osayhithen
wegotothefuneral
.”

“
Ok,
letmedr
essup.
”

“
Don’
t.Ist
il
lwantt
ofucky
ou.
”

Hefl
i
ppedhermaki
ngherkneel
andst
rokedhi
msel
fthen
#r
emoved.

Shest
oodonhert
oesunabl
etot
akei
tast
ear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.

Herbedr
oom dooropenedt
henhi
stwi
nwal
kedi
nfol
l
owedby
Pr
ince.Agangl
ookedatherandsmi
l
edwal
ki
ngov
er.

“
Hey
….”

Pear
l l
ookedathisbr
other
,tear
srol
l
ingdownwhi
l
eAt
ang
cont
inuedfucki
ngher.

“
Shhhh.
.it
’sok.Osekawal
ela.
”

Hekissedhercheeksthenherli
pswhi l
esqueezi ngherbreast
.
Pri
ncesli
dhishandbet weenherpussyl i
ps.Her ubbedhercli
t
gentl
ywhilecar
essingherbody.Pear
l’sheartpoundedasal lt
hree
mensur r
oundedher.Sheclosedhereyesatt hepleasure.At
ang
hi
titaspotasPrinceconti
nuedrubbinghercl i
twhileAgang
ki
ssedherneckwhi sper
ingsweetnothingstoherear .

ShemoanedinAgang’
smout hl
ett
ingitoutagain.At
anggaveher
onel
astst
rokeandrel
eased.Hemov edandkissedherback.

“
Iwi
l
lseel
aterbabe.Letmer
ushbackt
othef
uner
al.
”

Atangwi pedhimsel
fthenpickedhi
sphoneandwal kedoutas
Agangbendedhermor enowbehindbehi ndher.Pri
ncetookout
hisweaponandpushedi tinhermout h.Hegent l
ytappedher
throatenjoy
inghi
mself.Agangheldherwai standpushedhisdick
i
nsi decursi
ngunder
neathhisbreath.Theyboth…

*
**

I
nOrapa,
Batangpackedhi
sclot
hesi
nhi
snewr
oom.Mmagwe
Kael
owalkedi
nandlookedathi
m.
“
Whatt
imear
eyoucl
eani
ngt
hehouseandmaki
ngbr
eakf
ast
?”

Hel
ookedather
.“Ma?
”

“Hey,doy out
hinkyouarejusther
et oeatandgot ot
hetoil
et?
ThisisnotGaboroneandIam noty oursist
er.Thishouseisnot
goingtocleanit
self
.Star
tcleani
ngrightnowt henaft
erthatcook.
Mycl othesar
edirt
y.Theyneedtobewashed.I fyoudon’
twash
them thenyouwill
sleepoutsi
dedoy ouhearme? ”

Henodded.Shel
ookedathi
mthencl
i
ckedhert
onguewal
ki
ngout
.

“
Makesur
eyoumopev
erycor
nerandr
aket
hey
ard.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#54

I
nLondon,t
wohour sbehi
ndofBotswana,t
heBriti
shAi
rways
f
li
ghtt
ouchedgroundinLondonHeathr
ow.Itsl
idsmoothl
yonthe
r
unwayandfinal
l
ystopped.TheAi
rhostessspoke.

“Goodmor ni
ngLadiesandGent l
emen,wehavetouchedgroundin
LondonHeathrowwher elocalt
imeis07:
35.Connecti
ngfl
i
ghtto
Boston,Massachusett
swi l
lbeintwohour
sandthirt
yminutesfor
thosegoingtoBoston,welcometoLondon.
”

Ret
habilesmil
edtaki
ngof
ftheseatbel
texhaustedf
rom j
ust
si
tt
ing.Shetookadeepbr
eathastheygotoffthepl
aneat
Ter
mi nal5.

Rethabi
lecheckedoutast hecoldbreezebrushedherski n.She
openedherlaptopbaggladshehaddoneherr esearch.Sheput
onherjacketthenpull
edherbagst othesit
tingar eawher eother
passengersthatwerewait
ingfortheconnect i
ngf li
ghtwerebei ng
l
ed.Rethabil
eputherbagsdownl ooki
ngaroundunabl etobelieve
shewasact uall
yinLondon.Theairportl
ookedsobusywi th
amountofpeopl eshewasseei ngthoughthatt ooknothingfrom
thebeautyoftheair
porti
tself
.

Shetookoutherphoneandswi
tchedi
tont
hensmi
l
edconnect
ing
tot
heWi f
i.

Herphonevibr
atedasmessagenot
ifi
cati
onsst
art
ed.Sheopened
herWhatsAppandlookedat25messagesfr
om anunsaved
number
.Shecl
i
ckedont
hemessage.

Number
:Heyi
t’
sEl
ang

Number
:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?

Number
:Ican’
tbel
i
evey
oul
eftwi
thoutt
ell
i
ngme

Number
:Yourappl
i
cat
iongotappr
oved?

Number:
Wait
seyouaretr
ickyThabi
l
e,Ican’
tbel
i
evet
his.Ir
eal
l
y
t
houghtweweref
ri
ends

Number
:WhataboutAt
ang?

Number
:Youar
ejustgoi
ngt
oleav
ewi
thoutawor
d? Gi
rl
s

Number
:WhataboutBat
ang?

Number
:Wai
tseourf
ri
endshi
pwasonesi
ded!

Number
:Ican’
tbel
i
evey
ouar
egoi
ngt
oHar
var
d!

Thabil
ereadther
estr
oll
i
nghereyest
henbluetickedal
lofthem
andrepli
edsomeofhercl
assmat
e’smessages.Shecli
ckedon
Batang’
snumberandsenthi
m amessage.

Thabi
:Hey
,nowi
nLondon.Howi
sit
?

Themessageti
ckedonce.Sherepli
edmoremessagesthenstood
upandwalktotheglasswal
lst
aringatapl
anethatwaslandi
ng.
Shetookapi
ctureofitt
henacoupleofsel
fi
eswhichsheposted
wit
hacapti
on.

‘
London,
check.Nextf
li
ghtt
oBost
on.
’

Shesmi
l
edr
eadi
ngt
hecomment
sfr
om herpr
evi
ouspi
ctur
e.She
repl
iedt
omostcomment
ssmi
l
ing.Agangsentheramessage
overWhatsApp.

Agang:
Hey
,MsHar
var
d.

Thabi
smi
l
ed.

Thabi
:Hi
.

Agang:
Soy
ouj
ustl
eft
?

Thabi
:Itwasf
ort
hebest

Agang:
Wemi
ssy
oual
ready
.

Thabi
:Focusony
ourbr
other

Agang:
Iam happyf
ory
ou.

Thabi
wal
kedt
othewai
ti
ngar
eaandsatdownhol
dingherphone.

*
**

I
nBot
swana,
Agangsati
nhi
scarst
ari
ngatRet
habi
l
ety
ping.

Thabi
:Thanky
ou.Iam ner
vous.

Het
ypedhi
srepl
y.

Agang:
Don’
tbe.Yougott
his.

At
angwal
kedov
erandgoti
nthecar
.

“
Youneedashower
.”
Agangputhi
sphonei
nhi
spocket
.“Yeah.
.”

“
Mamasai
dZazawant
sAJt
ogetbur
iedher
einGabs.
”

“
Yes,
shewant
stobecl
osert
ohi
m.”

“
Ok.Iam sor
ry.Iknowyoudidev
ery
thi
ngy
oucoul
d.I
twashi
s
t
ime.Hewasinal otofpai
n.”

“
Yeah…t
hanky
ou.
”

“
It
’sok.
”

“
IsawRet
habi
l
e’spi
ctur
esonFacebook.She’
snowi
nLondon.
”

At
angsi
ghed.“
Isaw.
”

“
Iam sor
rybutIt
oldy
ouso.
”

“
Iknow.
”

“Pearlisbeautif
ulandshe’sagoodf ucki
ngcandidat
e,butthat
’s
all
.Idon’tthi
nkshe’ stheki
ndofwomany ouwouldwantt oset
tle
for.Yesherv aginaisbewit
chedbutthat’
sall
.Idoubtbesidesl
ust
youf eelanyt
hingf orher
.Ojiset
se.Youlostt
hebestthingfor
what ?”

“Iam goi
ngtowaitforhert
ocalm downt
henmaybegoandsee
her.She’
sangryr
ightnow.Shesai
dIhaveweaksexper
for
mance.
Idon’tev
enknowwhatshemeantbecauseIam theonl
yshe’
s
everbeenwit
h.”

Agangl
aughed.“
Shepr
obabl
yjustwant
edt
ohur
tyou.
”

“Gat
weIdon’
tcompar
etobi
gboyswhobuyt
hei
rgi
rl
fr
iends
RangeRov
ersgi
vi
ng15kall
owances.
”
Agangl
ookedathi
mlaughi
ng.At
angsi
ghed.

“Watsgega,kenalestr
ess.Iam goingtowai tf
orher
.Keduetsi
magadi.Iam goingtofi
ghtf ormymarriage.WheneverIt
hinkof
hermov i
ngon,Ifeell
ikedying.Thabii
smygi r
l.
”

“Sheisgoi
ngtocomebackmar ri
edtoar i
chwhi
temanwho
dri
vesRoll
sRoyceandFerrar
is,nowcalledDr
.Pet
ersoutwemala
agagoanabothoko,okareokany el
ammegot swametsi.Or
e
wahemaout weohemasephi nyasalekgowasesenkgang
perf
umey aVersacewakgami wakemat heebeoswa.”

“
Otany
elaomar
ete!
”

Agangl
aughedasAtangst
eppedoutofhi
scar
.Hesi
ghedt
hen
fol
l
owedhisbrot
her
.

*
**

Pearll
aidonherbedsni
ff
ingwhilemassagingherabdomen.She
slowl
ygotoffbedasherpussybur ntt
henstoodbyhermir
ror
faci
ngbackwardandbendedlookingback.Shesi
ghedunablet
o
seeanythi
ngduetohowswol l
enshewas.

Shewipedawayhert
ear
sandslowl
ywalkedtothebat
hroom.She
fi
l
ledi
twithwat
erandaddedsomebat
hingsalt
s.

Shegotinsideandsoakedherpussyasshethoughtofhow
AgangandPr incehadtakent
urnsonherfucki
ngherinal
l ways
possi
ble.Shewasn’tsurehowRethabi
l
ehadst ay
edthatlong
bei
ngf
uckedbythreemenli
ket
hatt
houghnowitmadesense
whyPr
incehadbeenangr
ythet
imesheanswer
edThabi
’sphone.

Awhilel
atershegotoutofthebat
htubandwal
kedtoher
bedr
oom.Shet ookherphoneandcall
edanumber.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi,
Iwantt
hatmi
xtur
eagai
n.TheoneIhadi
sfi
nished.
”

“
Ok,
howwasi
t?”

“
Hecoul
dn’
tst
op.I
twor
ked.
”

“
Itol
d.Iam notathomer
ightnow.Comel
ateronandcol
l
ecti
t.
”

“
Ok.Thanks.
”

“
Bye.
”

Shehungupandl
aidont
hebedl
i
steni
ngt
oherkukut
hrobbi
ng
pai
nful
l
y.

*
**

Batangbendedundert hesunwashingheraunt ’
sclothes.She
l
ookedathi m sippingherjuicet
henwalkedtot heroom hewas
goingt obeusi ng.Sheopenedt hewardrobeandl ookedathis
clothes.Shest artedsearchi
ngthrowi
ngsomeofhi sclotheson
thef l
oor.Shepausedr eachi
ngforthepl
asticofmoney .She
openedi tthent ookoutt hemoneyandcount ed.Hermout h
droppedassher ecountedtheP2000pulathensheputi nherbr
a.
Shelookedathisphonewit
haf rown.Heev
enhadabett
erphone
thanhers.Shet
ookoutthesim cardst
henwal
kedoutwi
ththe
phoneandhi di
tever
ythi
nginherbedroom.

Shethought
ful
lylookedatherhusband’sjacketwhereheusual
ly
kepthismoneythentookitandsearchedt hepockets.Shet
ook
outthemoneyinsidethenwalkedwiththej ackett
oBatang.

“
Alsowasht
his.I
fyouf
indanymoney
,br
ingi
ttome.
”

Batangbreat
hingheavil
yasshedr oppedt
hej
acketont
opoft
he
hugepil
eofclothesthatst
il
lneededtobewashed.

Shewalkedt
ot hehouseandsati
nfr
ontoft
heTVwat
chi
nga
Paki
stanser
ies.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#55

Lat
erthatday,Zazastatedi
ntothi
nairsur
roundedbyrelat
ives.
Shehadnev erfel
tsoaloneinherl
if
e.Shekepthopingtowakeup
andlaughaboutthenightmarebutt
heheavyfogjustwouldn’t
l
eave.

Shehadst oppedcryi
nginhopethatitwil
ljustgoaway.Butshe
foundherselfst
il
lonthatmatt
ress,st
il
lfeeli
nglost
…sad.Her
heartf
eltdoheav yi
twasasifbrickswerebeingloadedontopof
i
t.

Shehadst ar
edathi spict
urefordolongsl
ippi
ngi nt
omor edenial
.
I
tjustdidn’
tfeel
righttobesi t
ti
ngonthatmatress.Atangwalked
i
nsidethebedroom.Hi smot herl
ookedathimt oashei sst
aredat
her.

“
CanIpl
easesi
twi
thheral
one.
”

Hismot hernoddedandgotuptoget
herwi
ththerestoft
he
rel
ati
ves.Het ookof
fhisshoesandsatwi
thher
.Zazalookedat
him.

“Ij
ustwantmyson…Idon’
tunderst
andwhyIwasgi
venhi
mfor
himtobetakenaway
…tobestolenfrom me.
.”

Hehel
dherhand.Zazal
aughed.

“
Itdoesn’
tmakesense.Hewast
ooy
oung…hehadn’
tli
vedhi
s
l
i
fe.”
“
Hewi
l
lfor
everbewi
thus…her
e.”Het
ouchedherchest
.

“Iwantt
oholdhi
m.IjustwantmysonAgang…Iwantmychi
ld.I
j
ustwantmychil
d.Idon’twantt
obesi
thereandcr
y…Iwantmy
son!Iwantmyboy…”

Aganghuggedherasshecr
ied.Awhi
l
elat
ershewassi
l
ent
.

“Iam sorr
y.Maybei
fIhadbeent
herewecouldhavesavedhi
m.I
am sorry
.Iknowitwon’
tbr
inghi
m backbutIam sor
ry.
”

Zazastar
edatthewal
li
nsi
l
encesni
ff
ing.Agangr
ubbedherback
rubbi
nghisey
es.

“
Hewasinpain.Hei
srest
ingnow.Looki
ngov
erus.Hei
sfr
ee
f
rom t
hepai
n.”

“
Iwi
l
lnev
erbef
reef
rom i
t.If
ail
edmyson.
”

“
Youdidn’
tfai
lhi
m.Youfoughthardert
hanany
onecouldhav
e
f
ought
.Helovedyou.Il
ovedhi
mt oobuthe’
snolongeri
npai
n.”

“
Myhearti
sinpai
n.I
t’
stoomuch…t
hepai
nist
oomuch.Idon’
t
wantt
hepai
ntoo…”

Her
ubbedherback.“
Wewi
l
lmakei
ttoget
her
.”

“Idon’
twantt
hepai
nAgang…Idon’
twantt
hepai
n…Iwantmy
boy.”

Agangki
ssedhercheekr
ubbi
ngherback.

*
**
Out
side,
RragweAt
angl
ookedathi
sson.

“
Sowhatnow?
”

“
Iam goi
ngt
owai
tforher
.”

“Waitforhert i
l
lwhenAt ang?Andifshechoosest owor
k
overseast henwhat?Youneedt osett
ledown.Youcan’tj
ust
wait…Ret habil
eisnottheonlythi
ckbeauti
fulwomanonearth.
Youwi l
lmov eon,maybenexttimeyouwon’ tcheatl
i
kea
teenager.Heruncleisveryupset.
”

“
Ilov
eher
.Iwasj
ustangr
y.”

“Nowl ookatwhatyourangercostyou.Youdon’tcheattheway
youcheated.Yourwif
eshouldneversuspectit.Oreventhi
nkyou
arecheati
ng.Womenhav e10sensesandt heycanjustcat
chthat
youaresniff
inginawhiff
.Youshouldhav ebeensmar t
.Notthe
wayy oubehaved.Li
keanimmat ure.
”

“
Iwantt
ovi
sitherandgi
vehert
hegi
ftIgother
.”

“Womanar ef
ullofthemsel
vessomet
imes.Shecanr
efusei
t
becauseshecan.”

“
Youar
enothel
ping.
”

“WhatshouldIhelpingyouwith?Takeresponsi
bil
i
tyofy
our
behavi
or.Youdidn’tgetthatf
rom me.”

Rr
agweAt
angwal
kedov
ert
ohi
swi
feasPr
incewal
kedov
er.

“
Ihav
etogo.Iwi
l
lbeher
etomor
rowmor
ning.
”
“
Yahsur
e!”

“
TakechekePhel
ethengohome.
”

At
angl
aughed.“
Osekawadi
rat
hat
alewena.
”

“
Oner
oundt
henIgohome.
”

Pr
incelaughedthenwalkedtohiscar
.Hedroveoffandpassedby
amallgetti
ngafewthingscash.Hethrewawaytherecei
pt
dr
ivi
ngtoPearl’
shouse.

Hewalkedinsi
deherhouseandfoundherl
yingonhercouch.
Pearll
ookedatther
edrosesandthepl
asti
cheiswasholding
i
ncludi
ngfood.

“
Hi…Igoty
ousomet
hings.
”

Pear
lsmi
l
edsi
tt
ingst
ari
ngatt
hef
lower
s.“
Theyar
ebeaut
if
ul.
”

“
Likey
ou.Ial
sogoty
ouf
oodanddonesnacks.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Hesatbesi
desher
.“Ar
eyouok?
”

“
Yes.Soar
eyouokwi
thanot
hermansl
eepi
ngwi
thy
ourwi
fe?
”

“Yeah…it
’snor
maltous.Pluswhywoul
dyoucheati
fyouar
e
getti
ngal
lthel
oveandattent
iony
ouneed.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Iguess.
”

“
Youarespecial.Youhavebeendr
ivi
ngmyboycr azy.Youar
e
r
ight
ful
womanf orhim.Hewantstogetmarr
ied.Youareri
ght
womanforthat.Youlookli
keahappyendi
ng.”
Pear
lbl
ushed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

“I
tsok.Youjusthavet
obeour sandthat
’sal
l
.Youar
enotonl
y
Atang’
s.YouarealsoAgang’
s…mi ne.
”

“
Ok.
”

“
Good.
”

Pri
nceki
ssedherthent
ookoffhergown.Hetouchedhernaked
bodyandlai
dheronthecouch.Hetookouthi
sweaponst ari
ngat
herswol
lenreddi
shmeat.Hi
sweapongotharder.Heleanedover
andmuffedhercl
eankukupushinghi
stonguei
nside.

Pearl
moanedsof
tl
yashecontinuedsucki
ngandsuckl
i
ngher
bri
ngi
nghert
otheedge.Shegotwetashecarr
iedonmuff
ingher
.

Herai
sedhi
sheadasherbodybegunshaki
ngt henbepushedhi
s
weaponi
nsi
de.Pear
lputherhandov
erhischestfeel
i
ngherpussy
ache.

Heki
ssedhert
hrust
ingmer
cil
essl
yint
ohersweethotkuku.

Pr
inceoff
loadedinsi
dethengotof
fherj
ustasheAgangwal
ked
i
n.Pri
ncekissedherthenwal
kedoutzi
ppi
nghispant
s.

Pear
lbr
eathedheavi
lyst
ari
ngatAgangashet
ookouthi
sdi
ck
st
ari
ngatherkuku.

Sheswal
l
owed.“
Agai
n?”

Hegotontopofherki
ssi
ngher
.“Imi
ssedy
ou.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
l
iket
his…”
Heki
ssedherget
ti
nghi
msel
freadyt
ofuckher
.

*
**

Batangf
inall
yfi
nishedwashingandhangingthecl
othes.He
walkedi
nsidethehousewithburni
ngreddishwri
stsandapainf
ul
back.

Hisbodyacheddomuchandhungermadei tall
wor se.Hewent
tohisroom,helookedathiscl
othesonthefloorinconfusi
on.He
l
ookedatwher ehismother’
smoneyhadbeenbutt herewas
nothi
ngany more.Heswall
owedandwal kedtothebedt otakehis
phonebutitwasn’tt
here.Hesearchedt
heent i
reroom butther
e
wasnot hi
ng.

Hi
suncle’scardr
oveint
henhewalkedinsi
dethehousehol
ding
mai
zemeal .HeopenedBatang’
sdoorandl
ookedatBatangwho
wassearchi
ngforsomethi
ng.

“
Bat
ang…”

Bat
angl
ookedathi
suncl
ecr
ying.Hef
rowned.

“
What
’swr
ong?
”

“
Ican’
tfi
ndmyphoneandmymoney
.Thabi
lef
tmesome
money.
”

“
Iam sur
eev
ery
thi
ngi
sher
e.”

MmagweKael
owal
kedi
nsi
det
hebedr
oom.
“
What
sgoi
ngon?
”

“
Bat
angsay
shi
sphoneandmoneyi
smi
ssi
ng.
”

“Ihav
en’tseenanyt
hing.Iwasbusywashingtheclot
hes.Iam
surei
t’ssomewhereinhere.WhywouldThabi ev
engiveachil
d
moneyandbuyt hatbigphone?He’
sachild.Whatdoesheneed
thephonefor?Heshouldfocusonhisschoolbooksnotphones
andmoney .”

Bat
angt
ear
ful
l
ylookedatherknowi
ngi
twasher
.

“Batang,whyareyoul
ooki
ngatmel i
kethat
?Yout
hinkIwoul
d
stealyourt
hings?Me?Iam at
hiefnow?
”

“
MmagweKael
ohedi
dn’
tsayt
hat
.”

“
Iam goi
ngt
ocook.
”

Shewal
kedaway.Bat
ang’
suncl
esighed.“
Iwi
l
lhel
pyoul
ook.Iam
sur
ethephonei
ssomewhereher
e.”

*
**

I
nBoston,Massachuset
ts,Thabicheckedoutandwal kedoverto
wher
epeoplewhower ereceivi
ngtheirf
riendsandr
elativ
eswer e
wai
ti
ngholdingboar
dswi t
hnameswr it
tenonthem.Shel ooked
ar
oundstar
ingatallt
hewhi t
e.

Shetookadeepbreat
hthencaughthernamewr
it
tenonbea
whit
epaper
,‘R.KAI
SARA,BOTSWANA’ .
Shewal
kedov
ert
hent
hel
adysmi
l
edather
.

“
Hi,
youmustbeuhRet
abi
l
e…”

Thabi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Yes.Ret
habi
l
e.”

“
Oh…i
t’
sRe-
tha-
bil
e!”

Shenoddedsmi
l
ing.“
Yes.
”

Thewhit
eladysmil
ed.“Lovely!MynameisLucyDean.Iam f r
om
Harv
ardSchoolOfMedicineandIwill
bey ourcar
etakert
il
lyou
knowyourwayaround.Pleasecomewi t
hme. ”

Lucyt
ookt
heot
herbagandl
edThabi
l
eout
sidet
heai
rpor
t.

Goodni
ght
Your
sTr
uly

#56

AtHarvar
d,LucyledRethabiletothedormswhi l
eshelooked
aroundst
aringattheotherstudentsar
ound.Lucyknockedona
doorsmil
ing.Anotherstudentopenedthedoor.Lucysmil
ed.

“
HiMosa,
Ihav
ebr
oughty
ourr
oommat
e.”

Ret
habi
l
esmiled,
Mosasmi
ledopeni
ngt
hedoorf
urt
her
.Lucyl
ed
Ret
habi
l
einsi
dether
oom.

Shel
ookedatt
het wobedswi
thadeskandachai
roneachsi
de
oft
hebed,t
heclosetatt
heot
hercor
ner
.

Lucysmil
ed.“
Mosa, t
hisi
sRet habi
leKai
sar
a…y ourr
oommat e
thi
syear
.Sheisdoingherpostgraduat
eandshei sf
rom uh
Boswana.Ret
habil
e,t
hisMosaBi mbo,shei
sfrom uhZambia.
Youtwocancatchup,tomorrowwear esor
ti
ngoutclassesand
ti
metabl
es.Bye.
”

Lucyt
urnedandwal
kedout
.Mosal
ookedatRet
habi
l
esmi
l
ing.

“
Hi,
Ifeel
bet
terseei
ngmynei
ghbor
.”

Ret
habi
l
elaughed.“
Met
oo.Whendi
dyouar
ri
ve?
”

“
Lastnight
.Theynev
ert
oldIwasgoi
ngt
osi
tfort
hel
ongest
t
ime.”

“
Mybut
thur
ts.
”

Mosal
aughed.“
Whatar
eyoust
udy
ing?
”
“
Postgr
aduat
einBi
ology
.”

“
Fir
sty
ear
?”

“
No,
lastsemest
eri
nmysecond.
”

“
Iam doi
ngmyf
ir
sty
ear
,postgr
aduat
einChemi
str
y.”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
Nice.I
sther
eWi
Fiher
e?”

“
Yes.
”

“
Ineedt
otal
ktomyy
oungbr
other
.”

Rethabil
et ookoutherphoneandwentonWhat sApp.Shesi
ghed
star
ingathermessaget hathadn’
tbeenrepliedyet.Shel
ookedat
hislastseenwor r
iedl
ywonderi
ngifsomethinghadhappened
thenshei swenttoheruncle’
schatandvideocalledhim.

I
trangf
orawhi
l
eti
l
lhef
inal
l
ypi
cked.Hesmi
l
ed.

“
Thabi
!
”

“
Mal
ome,
howar
eyou?
”

“
Iam f
ine.Hav
eyouar
ri
ved?
”

“
Ijustar
ri
ved.
”

“
Godi
sgr
eat
!”

“Ihavebeent
ryi
ngt
ocommuni
cat
ewi
thBat
ang,
Ican’
tgethol
d
ofhim.”

“Hemispl
acedhi
sphone.Wehav
ebeenl
ooki
ngf
ori
tandwe
can’
tfi
ndit
.”
“
Wher
edi
dhel
osei
t?”

“
Hesay
sitwasi
nthehouse.
”

“
Iwantt
otal
ktohi
m.”

“
Ok.
”

Ret
habi
l
etookadeepbr
eat
hasBat
anggott
hephone.Hesmi
l
ed.

“
Thabi
!
”

“
Hi,
howar
eyou?
”

“
Iam f
ine.
”

“
Wher
eisy
ourphone?
”

“Inthemor ni
ngwhenIwaspacki ngmycl ot
hes,
Auntycameand
toldmet owashherclothes.Ilef
titonthebedandwashedt he
clothesthewholeday.WhenIwasf i
nished,i
twasnotther
e
any moreandalsothemoneyy ougaveme.Mycl ot
heswereon
thef l
oor
.Shesay sshedoesn’tknowbuti twasonl
ymeandher
thewhol eday.
”

“
Youwashedhercl
othes?
”

“
Yes.Shesai
dIcan’
tst
ayher
eforf
ree.Iwantt
ogohome.
”

Tear
sfi
l
ledRet
habi
l
e’sey
es.“
Ther
eisnooneathomeBat
ang.
”

“
Can’
tIgot
ouncl
eAgang?
”

“Letmecal
lsomeone.St
aywi
tht
hatphonesoIcancal
lyou
back.
”

“
Ok.
”
Ret
habi
l
ehungupt
hencal
l
edAgang.

“
Thabi
…”

Shet
ookbr
eat
hasAt
angpi
cked.

“
Babe…”

“
Hi,
isZazat
her
e?”

“Hi
,she’
ssleepi
ng.Agangiswithher.Shesl
eptear
lyt
oni
ght
.
Can’
tIhelpyouwithwhateveri
tis?
”

“
No.Noty
ou.
”

“
Iknowy
ouar
eupsetbuti
t’
sme…y
oucant
alkt
ome.
”

At
earr
oll
eddown,
shequi
ckl
ywi
pedi
tbef
oreMosacoul
dsee.

“
Ithi
nkt
hatshi
psank.
”

“
Youbr
ingangr
ywi
thmedoesn’
tmeanIcan’
thel
pyou.
”

“
Youcan’tbecauseyouwi
llmenti
oniti
nt hef
utur
elisti
ngal
lthe
t
hingsy
ou’vedoneforme.That’
sthepersonyouare.”

*
**

I
nBot
swana,
Atangswal
l
owedl
i
steni
ngt
oher
.

“
Iam sor
ryf
orhowIspoket
o-“

“
Don’
tbesor
ry.Yousai
dhisyoufel
t.Al
lal
ongy oujustfel
tIwas
wi
thy
oufort
hemoney .I
texpl
ainsmistt
hings.Ineedtospeak
wi
thAgang,
hei
swi
l
ltal
ktoZazaf
orme.
”

At
angwat chedasAgangwal
kedov
ert
henheoutt
hephoneon
l
ouderspeaker.

Agangl
ookedathi
sbr
other
.“What
’sup?
”

“
Agang?
”

Agangl
ookedathi
sphone.“
Hi.What
’sup?
”

“Ihadlef
tBatangwit
hmyuncl ethi
nki
nghewassaf etherebutmy
uncle’
swifehasal
readystar
tedabusi
nghim.Iam scaredofwhat
canhappeninthefutur
e.Idon’
thaveanot
herplanforhim att
he
moment .
”

“
Doy
ouwantmegot
akehi
m?”

“
No,
canZazadoi
t?”

“
Wej
ustl
ostt
hebaby
…”

“
What
?No…”

“
Yes.
”

“
Iam sosor
ryIdi
dn’
tknow.Iam r
eal
l
ysor
ry…”

“
It
sok.
”

“
Iam sor
ry.Uhandi
t’
sok.Letmej
ustt
alkt
omyuncl
e.”

“
Ify
ouwantmeorAt
ti
etot
akehi
m,i
tcanhappen.
”

“
No.It
hinki
t’
sbestIdon’
t.Youar
eAt
ang’
sbr
otherandIam
t
ryi
ngt
omov eon.”
“
Thabi
,youwi
l
lbedoi
ngt
hisf
or-
“

“Iwi
l
l r
atherhestay
sthere,
endur
eitt
il
lIcantakehi
m.Butt
hanks.
Iam sorr
yforyourl
oss.Passmycondol
ences.”

Shehungup.At
angsi
ghedsadl
ythencal
l
edherback.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“Iknowyouwantnot hi
ngt odowit
hmebecauseofwhat
happened.Idon’
tblamey ou.Youwantnot
hingtodowithme,
that’
sunderst
andablebutdoesBatanghav
et osuf
ferf
orit
?”

“Iwil
lmakeapl anforhi
m.Youar ethelastpersonIwouldwant
mybr othertostaywithhim.Gapey ourgi
rlf
ri
enddoesn’tseem
l
ikeshewoul dappr eci
atemybrother’
spresence.Youshowedme
thatyouwoul dchooset hatwomanov eranyoneandIdon’twant
mybr othertofindhimselfhomel
essbecausePear l
doesn’
twant
him.Tot aIdon’tthi
nkyouandIshoul deventalki
ng.Ti
ll
nowIam
sti
llt
ryi
ngt ofi
gur eoutwhathappenedbutit’
sok.Youdon’ thav
e
toexplainanythingtome. ”

“Iwasangry
.Iam notexcusi
ngmybehav
iorbutIwasupset
.It
wasthefactthataf
terIr
eassur
edy
ouofourfutur
eyousti
ll
went
aheadandli
edt ome.”

“Iwasnotreadyforachil
d.IwasgoingtokeepherforyoubutI
am gl
ady ouandIareoverbecauseIdidn’
tfeel
guil
tywhenIgot
ri
dofit
.Imaginetheburden…thestr
essandwhatki ndofanger
thr
owsy ouinanotherwoman’sarms?Iam hangingup.Don’
tcall
meback.”

Shedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.At
angswal
l
owedt
hent
urnedt
ohi
sbr
other
wi
thasadf
ace.

*
**

AtHarv
ardcampus,Rethabil
ehel
dMosa’
sphonet
oherear
cal
l
inghermother
’suncle.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hel
l
o,Rr
emogol
okeRet
habi
l
e.”

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Mal
omekeRet
habi
l
e.”

“
Thabi
…?”

“Eer
ra.IwenttoAmer
icaf
orschool
.Idon’
tknowi
fRr
agweKael
o
hadtoldyou.
”

“
Hedi
dmychi
l
d.Hedi
d.Iam sopr
oudofy
ou.Iam happy
.”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Butheal
sot
oldmey
ouhadaf
ightwi
tht
hatboy
.”

Shesi
ghed.“
Eer
ra.
”

“
Thesethi
ngshappen.I
t’
snor
mal
forpeopl
etof
ight
.Itdoesn’
t
meanyouwalkaway.”

“
Eerr
a.Ical
ledyoutot
ell
thatRragweKaelohadsaidhewoul
d
t
akeBatangandstaywi
thhim whil
eIam atschool
butmmagwe
Kael
oisnothappyaboutthatandshehasstar
tedmi st
reat
inghi
m.
Ij
ustarr
ivedi
nAmericatoday,Il
efthi
mther
ey est
erdayandshe
hasal
readyst
art
ed.Idon’tknowwhattodo.
”Shesni ff
ed.

“Don’
tcry.Ineverli
kedthatwoman.Shei svil
eandy ouruncle
doesnotseei tbecauseheisbli
ndedbyl ov
e.Ther easonwhyno
oneeverv i
sit
shimi sbecauseofhiswif
e.Lethim comet ome.
Hewillst
aywi thme.Iam 72y ear
soldbutIam st i
llal
ive.Idon’
t
mindstayingwithhim.Hecancomet othefarm andlivewith
me.”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“Iwil
lnev
erl
etmybrother
’sgr
andchi
ldr
ensuff
erwhenIam t
her
e.
PlusmyownkidshatemesoIgetlonel
y.Somecompanywould
begood.”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
It
sokmychi
l
d.Lethi
m come.
”

Rethabi
let
ear
ful
l
ysmi
l
eddr
oppi
ngt
hecal
l
.Shedi
aledherbr
other
again.

“
Hel
l
o?”

Shesi
ghedasheruncl
epi
cked.“
Hel
l
o,l
etmespeakt
oBat
ang.
”

“
Ok,
isev
ery
thi
ngok?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Bat
angcome…”
*
**

I
nOr
apa,
Bat
angt
ookt
hephoneandwentout
side.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“Hi
,Ispoket oRremogoloNthut
ung.Hesaidyoucancomet othe
far
m.Iknowy ouwer enowusedtotheci
tybutit
’sonlyt
emporary
.
Takethecar d,goandcashoutmoneytomorrow.Packyourbags,
wheny ouleavet omorr
ow,gowit
hyourbagsandt akeabusto
Maun.Iwi l
lcallRremogol
otowaitf
oryouattherank.He’
sold.
Helphim around.”

“
Ok.
”

“Don’tworryaboutthephone.Iwi
ll
getyouanotherone.Don’
tsay
anything.TomorrowyouaregoingtoMaun.Giv
et hephoneto
malome. ”

Batangwalkedbacki
nthehouseandgavet
hephonet
ohi
suncl
e
them wenttohi
sroom andst
art
edpacki
ng.

“
Thabi
?”

“Malome, IhavespokentoRremogoloNt hutungandaskedhi mt o

takeBatang.MmagweKael oisnothappyaboutBat angli
v i
ngin
herhouse.Idon’twanttobreakyourmar ri
ageorcausepr oblems
i
ny ourhomesoIt hi
nkit
’sbestBatanggoest oMaun.Iam goi ng
toignorethefactthatmmagweKael ot ookBat ang’
sphoneort he
factthatshetooktheP2000Ihadl eftforhim.Iwi l
lignor
et he
factthatshemadehi m washallherclothes.Iwillt
akeitthatit
wasforsl
eepi
ngunderherr
oof.Thankyouf
orwanti
ngtoassi
st
butf
ormypeaceofmind,Ihav
edecidedBatangl
eaves.
”

“
Thabi
,suchi
ssuescanbesol
ved.
”

“Idon’
tthinkthiscanbesolv
ed.Youareagoodman.Ihav eseen
i
tbuty ourwifeisnothappywit
hmybr otherl
ivi
ngwithher
.
BatangwillcatchabustoMaunt omorrowmor ni
ng.Til
lIt
akehi
m,
hewi l
lbestayinginMaun.Ihavetogo.Bye.”

Shehungupt
henhest
oodupandl
ookedathi
swi
fe.

“IwanttheP2000y oustoletoget herwit

hBatang’sphonei nan
hoursorIsweart oyou,youwi l
lsleepinjai
lforthefttoni
ght!What
kindofaper sonareyou?EvenSat anisbet
terthany ou.Your
heartisrot
tenIcanev ensmel l
it!Youaresoev ilandhav e
separatedmef rom myfamil
y .Butnotany more.Bringthat
money .”

“
Arey ouaccusi
ngmeofbeingathief
?Me?Youknowwhat
?Iwi
l
l
l
eave.Iwil
lnotstaywher
eIam notwant
ed.
”

Shewal kedoutoft hekitchenangri

ly.Themoneyinherbr east
start
edburni ngher
.Shef r
ownedast hehitgotworse,she
screamedt akingoutthemoneyandt hrewitonthefloor.Her
breastcontinuedburning,itf
eltl
i
kesomeonewasbur ni
ngpl ast
ic
onit.Shescr eamedev enlouderrunningtothebat
hroom t aking
offherdress.

Herhusbandl
ookedatt
hemoneythent
ookadeepbr
eat
h
wonderi
ngwhyhehadmarr
iedher
.

“
Lebel
elame!Nt
huse!(
Mybr
east
!Hel
pme!
)”
Shecont
inuedscr
eami
ng.Hewalkedt
othebat
hroom anl
ooked
att
heburnwoundonherbreast
.

“
It
sbur
ning!I
t’
sbur
ning!I
jooweeee!
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#57

Batangwal
kedoverandlookedcur
iousl
y.Herauntcr
iedsomuch
rol
l
ingonthefl
oornaked.

“
Iam bur
ning!Iam bur
ning!Iam bur
ning!Br
ingcol
dwat
er.
”

Batanglookedathi
sunclewhowasjuststar
ingt
henrantothe
ki
tchenandcamebackwi tht
he2li
terbottl
eofcokef
ullwit
h
water.Heopeneditandpour
edi
tonher .

Sheturnedar
oundashecont
inuedpouri
ng.Heranbacktot
he
kit
chenonceitwasempt
yandpoureditonher.Shecal
meddown
thensi
ghedcryi
ng.

“
Itookt
hemoneyandphone.Thephonei
sundert
hebed.
”

Batang’suncleswall
owedstil
li
nshock.Helookedar
oundt
he
housethenl ookedatthewoundonherbreastt
hathasj
ust
appearedfrom nowher e.

Bat
angwal kedoutandwenttohi
sroom amsconti
nuedpacki
ng
hi
sclothes.MmagweKaeloslowl
ygotupandwalkedoutsi
de.
Shelai
ddownont heVerandaasthecol
dwindbrushedher
pai
nfulinf
lamedbody.

*
**
AtAtang’
shouse, At
angwalkedinsi
dehisbedroom,herper
fume
wasstil
li
ntheair.Heswal
lowedt ry
ingtofi
gureoutwhathad
happenedtohim.Hehaddest r
oyedar el
ati
onshi
phehadputhis
ever
ythi
nginforsomeonewhowasnotev enwor t
hit
.

Hisheartachedsomuchaahet ri
edtocomeint
otermswi thit
.
Heopenedt hewardrobeandl
ookedatsomeofherclothes.He
tookoutherdressthenlai
donthebedhol
dingi
nbreathinginher
scent
.

Hetookouthi
sphoneandwentonherFacebook.Hesmi l
ed
st
ari
ngatthepi
ctur
esshehadjustposted.Shel
ookedbeaut
if
ul
asusual
,hesmil
edstar
ingathersmil
ethensavedherpi
ctur
ein
hi
sphone.

Heheardhi
smaindooropeningf
oll
owedbyhi
sfat
her
’sv
oice.He
r
emainedst
il
lhol
dingherdr
essinherar
ms.

Hi
sdooropenedsecondsl
aterashi
sfat
herwal
kedi
n.

“
Atang…uhu?Ar
eyousni
ff
ingadr
ess.
”

“
Iam t
ryi
ngt
osl
eep.Youwi
l
lsl
eepi
nthenextr
oom.
”

“Sni
ff
ingherdr
esswon’
tbri
ngherback.Youneedt
omoveon.
Youmessedup.Idon’
tseethatwomancomingback.
”

“
Cany
oubor
rowmey
ourphone?
”

“
Whatdoy
ouwantt
odo?
”

“
Iwi
l
lret
urni
t.Ther
eisf
oodi
ntheki
tchen.
”

Rr
agweAtangl
ookedathi
ssont
hengav
ehi
mthephoneand
wal
kedout
.
At
anglai
donthebedthensav
edhernumberi
nhisphone.He
wentt
ohisWhatsAppandWhatsAppcal
l
edher
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“Hey
, Ij
ustwant
edtocheckifyoumadeaplanforBat
ang.Iknow
Iam bother
ingy
ou.Iam sor
ry.
.Iam wor
ri
edabouthi
m.”

“Idi
d.Andyesy
ouarebother
ingme.Whyar
eyousoconcer
ned
aboutBat
ang?He’
snotyourconcer
n.”

“Ihav
ecaredforhi
m si
nceImethim.Ican’
thel
pthatIl
ovehi
m
andwantnothi
ngbutthebestf
orhim.
”

Shesi
ghed.“
Iam t
ryi
ngt
osl
eepAt
ang.Pl
easest
opt
his.Wher
eis
Pear
l?”

“Therei
snoPearl
.Iwasnotcheating,Iwasreal
lyonatri
pIswear.
Youcanaskanyone.Inev
ercheatedbef or
e.IwasangryandIam
sorry
.Idon’
twantt
oloseyou.Idon’twanttobewi t
houtyou.
”

“
Iam hangi
ngup.Iam t
oot
ir
edf
ort
his.Tomor
rowIam changi
ng
mynumber.”

“
Iwi
l
ldoany
thi
ng.Pl
easedon’
tleav
eme,
Ilov
eyou.
”

“YouthoughtIwasj ustgoi ngtoforgiv

edi dn’tyou?ThatbecauseI
showeddesper ati
onIwasn’ tgoi
ngt oleave..thatbecausey ou
paidmagadi Iwasjustgoi ngt ot
akei t
..youwer ewr ong.It
oldyou
IwouldleaveIyousl eptwithanotherwoman.Youdi dandcame
backsmel l
i
ngl i
keher .Youhadt hegut stogetont opofmeaf ter
fucki
ngherthencal lhernameont opofme, afterallt
hatyou
wanttoputitasami stake?Ami stakei sneverwel lt
hought.Iam
goingt
ogetovery
ouandmoveon.That
’sgoi
ngtohappenIwil
l
fi
ndsomeonewhodeser
vesme.Notyou.Someonewholovesme.
I
t’
snoty ou“

“Il
oveyoumoret
hanany
thi
ng.Iwi
l
lgi
veany
thi
ngf
orus…f
ory
ou.
Iwil
ldoany
thi
ng…“

“Stopcal
l
ingmecornert
ocor
ner
.Youar
est
eal
i
ngmypeace.Iam
blocki
ngthi
snumber.
”

“
It
’spapa’
sbi
rt
hday
.Hewant
stosayhi
.”

“
Idon’
twantt
otal
ktohi
m.

“CanIj
ustl
ist
entoy
oubr
eat
he?Iwantt
oli
stent
oyoubr
eat
hing.I
sweart
hat’
sall
.”

“
Bye-
“

Shehungup.Hel
aiddownhol
dingherdr
essi
nhi
sar
mst
ear
ful
l
y.

Hi
sfat
herwal
kedi
nandl
ookedathi
m.

“
Atang.
.”

Her
emai
nedst
il
lsni
ff
ing.

“I
fyouwantheryouwi l
lhavetoprovetoherthatyoucanbethe
mansheneeds.Istil
ldon’
tunderstandwhatmadey oucheaton
suchabeauti
fulf
itgi
rlbutsheisyourwifesoyoucanchooseto
holdont
ryi
ngt owinherback.Ifsherej
ectsyou,pi
ckyourl
osses
andmoveon.”

Rr
agweAtangpi
ckedhisphoneandwal
kedout
.Hewentonhis
What
sAppandlookedatRet
habi
le’
snumber
.Hetappedi
tand
cal
l
ed.

“Iam ti
redofthi
sAtang.Idon’
twantyou!Acceptit
,you,Ihat
eyou
mor eeveryt
imey oucal
lmewi t
hyourinf
esteddick,nxl
a!You
askedwhaty oucoulddo,goanddi
e.Iam sureyourparentswil
l
breathebett
er.
”

Rr
agweAt
angcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
…“Makot
i…”

Ther
ewasdonesomesi
l
ence.

“
Makot
i…howar
eyou?
”

Ret
habi
lehungup.Rr
agweAt
angl
ookedatphonet
hensi
ghed
def
eat
ed.

MmagweAt
angwal
kedov
erf
rom t
heki
tchen.“
Wher
eisAt
ti
e?

Heputawayhi
sphoneandsatdown“
Cry
ingf
orRet
habi
l
e.”

“
**

Thefol
l
owingmorningPear
lsl
owlytookoffhercl
othesatt
he
doct
or’
soff
iceandopenedherl
egs.Hetouchedherreddi
shski
n
wit
hafrownandlookedmorecaref
ull
y.

“Yougotacut…y
ouneedstit
ches.I
fwedon’tt
reatt
his,
youare
goingtohav
eaninf
ect
ion.Whathappenedt
oyou?Wher eyou
raped?
”

“
No.Iam f
ine.
”
Ok.
”

“
Iwantt
ogetext
rast
ichessoi
tget
ssmal
l
er.
”

Thedoct
orl
ookedather
.“What
?”

“
Whencani
tIgeti
tdone?
”

*
**

InBoston,Rethabi
leswit
chedoffherphoneandl
aidonthebed
exhausted.Shesighedcl
osinghereyes.Mosal
ookedather
.

“
Youar
epr
egnant
?”

Ret
habi
l
eopenedherey
esandl
ookedather
.“What
?”

Mosal
ookedatherbel
l
yandsmi
l
ed.“
Not
hing.Youcansl
eep.
”

Ret
habi
l
enoddedandcl
osedherey
essl
eepi
ng.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#58

I
nOrapa,
mmagweKael ol
ookedatherwoundandputonadr
ess
whi
l
eherhusbandst
ared.

“Bat
angisgoi
ngt
oday.Ihav
edeci
dedt
odr
ivet
oMaun.Iwi
l
lbe
comingbackt
omorr
ow.”

“
Soy
ouar
eleav
ingmewhi
l
eIam notf
eel
i
ngwel
l
?”

“
Yourevi
ldeedsmadet
hishappen.Howcoul
dyoust
eal
his
money?
”

“
Iwaskeepi
ngi
tsaf
eforhi
m.”

“Youwer ekeepi
ngi tsafe?Welookedforthatmoneyev er
ywhere!
Idon’tevenunderstandwhyy ouhatedhispresencebecauseyou
don’tpaythebil
l
si nthishouse!Ir
egretmarryi
ng.Iregr
ett
edeven
beforeIdid.
”

Hewal kedout
.MmagweKael otookadeepbreat
hwal kingoutof
thebedroom.Shewat chedherhusbandcarr
yingBatang’sbags
outsi
dewhileBatangbehi ndhi
m.Theygotinthecarthenhe
start
edtheengi
neanddr oveoff
.Shetookadeepbreat hand
walkedouttooholdi
ngherhandbag.Sheopenedherumbr el
l
a
headedt ot
hecli
nic.

*
**
AtPear
l’
shouse,
Atangwat
chedasPear
ldr
ankt
hemor
ningaf
ter
seat
edinhi
scarwit
honebutt
.

“
Arey
ouok?
”

“
Yes.I
t’
spai
nful
toseat
.”

“
Iam sor
ry.Ishoul
dhav
etol
dthem t
otakei
teasy
.”

Shenoddedhol
dingthebot
tl
eofwat
er.At
angt
ookoutsome
moneyandgaveittoher
.

“
Getsomethi
ngf
ory
our
sel
f.Iwi
l
laskAgangt
obr
ingt
heot
herpi
l
l
l
ateron.
”

“
He’
sgoi
ngt
owant
.Gi
vei
ttome,
Iwi
l
lremai
nwi
thi
t.
”

“
No.Hewon’ t
.Ihav
espokent
ot hem.Noonei
sgoingt
otouch
y
ou.Iam sorr
y.Hewil
lcomel
aterandal
socheckuponyou.Iam
f
lyi
ngouttoday.
”

Pearl
noddedcount
ingt
hemoney
.Shesmi
l
edt
henl
ookedathi
m.
“Il
oveyou.
”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Iknow.Ihav
etogo.
”

Shesl
owlygotoutoft
hecarandl
impedtoherhouse.Shet
urned
andwaved.Hewavedbackanddr
oveoffcal
l
ingAgang.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Iam onmyway
.Ar
eyoual
readyatt
hegr
avey
ard?
”

“
Yes.
”
“
Iwi
l
lbet
her
eint
went
ymi
nut
es.
”

“
Shar
p.”

*
**

Atthef
uneral
,Keemisatbesi
deherdaught
erast
hepast
or
pr
eachedinfr
ontoft
hem.

“
Wher
eisRet
habi
l
e?”

Zazar emainedinsilencestari
ngatherson’
spict
ureontopofhi
s
l
it
tlecoffin.Sherecall
edthet i
meduri
ngheraunt’
sfuneral
…she
sti
llcouldrecal
lThabi’scri
es…shehadcr i
edsomuch..noone
hadbeenabl et
ohur ther.Shehadthoughtshewasjustbei
ng
dramat i
candwant edat t
ention.

Tearsrol
leddownassheleanedonAgangwhowasseatedt
he
othersi
de.Hekissedherf
oreheadast
hepast
orcar
ri
edon.

Minut
eslat
erev er
yonest oodup,Pri
ncewalkedwardsthecoff
in
wit
hPhefo.Atangwal kedovertoo,Agangtookadeepbreatht
hen
al
sowalktothecof f
in.Theyallcar
riedi
theadedt
ot hegrav
ethey
hadal
readybeendug.

MmagweAt angstart
edsingi
ng,ever
yonejoinedastheywal
kedt
o
t
hedugoutgr av
e.Zazasniff
edcryi
ngstandingwithhermot
her
whokeptl
ookingaroundsearchi
ngforRethabil
einthecr
owd.

Thepast
orsai
daprayerast
hecoff
insl
owlywentdown.The
fami
lymembersal
lthr
ewahandful
ofsoil
insi
de.Zazagother
handfulandlookedatherson’
scoffi
n.Shehadneverf
eltpai
n.I
t
fel
tphysical
.Agangputhisarm ar
oundherhol
dingher
.

Shet
hrewt
hesoi
linsi
deandcriedi
nhisar
ms.Agangwr
apped
hi
sarmsar
oundherholdi
ngherti
ght
ly.

Atangpickedashovelwiththeot
hermenandst ar
tedfi
l
li
ngt
he
grave.Hetookoffhi
sjacketremai
ningwi t
hhi
swhitel
ongsl
eev
ed
shir
t.Hefoldedt
hesleevesandcontinued.

Fr
om adi
stance,
afewKai
sar
arel
ati
veswat
chedashewor
ked.

Theot
hercousi
nchuckl
ed.“
Lesekal
atswapel
obat
hong,
that
’s
Ret
habi
le’
sman.”

Thet
hincousi
nsmi
l
ed.“
Ret
habi
l
eisnother
eaker
e.”

“Yesbutt
hati
sherhusband.GapehaveyouseenRethabi
le?That
manisusedtomeatnotameat l
essdrumsti
ck.Hol
dy our
self
mma, wecan’
tal
waysfearforourmenbecauseofyourboney
ass.
”

Thet
hincousi
nkeptqui
etandcont
inuedst
ari
ngatAt
ang.

Peopl
ebegundi
sper
sing,
Atangl
ookedatAgang.

“
Iam f
lyi
ngt
oSA.
”

“
Ok.
”
“
Don’
tfor
getPear
l.
”

“
Iwon’
t.Iam t
hinki
ngofwor
kingoutt
hingswi
thZaza.
”

“
Iam sur
eshewi
l
lli
ket
hatt
oo.
”

“Yeah…Iwi
l
lseeyouwhencomeback.Ihear
dpapat alkabout
howwhenhecall
edRethabi
l
eyest
erday
,shethoughtitwasy ou
andwentof
fwit
hinsul
ts.
”

Atanglaughed.“
Iknow.She’
supset
.Iwon’
tst
opcal
l
ingher
.She’
s
yettoblockme.”

Pr
incewal
kedov
er.“
Iam goi
ng.Lonepasseshercondol
ences.
”

Agangnodded.“
Thanks.
”

Pr
incebumpedshoul
der
swi
thhi
mthenwal
kedt
ohi
scar
.At
ang
si
ghed.

“
Shar
p.”

Agangwatchedashi
sbrot
herwalkedt
ohiscar
.Hesi
ghedand
walkedt
ohiswhereZazawasal
readywai
ti
ng.

At
anggoti
nhi
scarpr
essi
nghi
sphone.

“
Hi…”

Herai
sedhi
sheadandl
ookedatoneoft
heKai
sar
arel
ati
ves.He
r
oll
eddownhiswi
ndow.

“
Yeah?
”

“
Ourcar
sar
eful
l
,Iwaswonder
ingi
fyoucoul
dgi
vemeal
i
ft.
”

“
Iam headedt
owor
k.Ial
readyr
unni
ngl
ate.Youcangot
othat
car
…”

At
angpoi
ntedatAgang’
scar
.“Hecandr
opy
ouof
f.
”

“Aoorra…y
oucandr
opmeof
fal
ongt
heway
.Thabi
andIar
e
close.
”

At
anghoot
edf
lashi
ngatAgangwhowasr
ever
sing.

“
Hewi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
f.
”

Shesteppedbackasheroll
eduphi swi
ndow.Shewal
kedov
ert
o
Agang’scarandgoti
n.Zazalookedather
.

“Foranugl yperson,youhavesomuchconf i
dencetothinky ou
cangoaf t
erpeople’smen.Omaswet hataAmo, i
fIwer eyouI
woul dstopembar rassi
ngmy self.Every
oneknowst hat’
sThabi ’
s
manbuty oubeingy ou,youcouldn’thel
pbuttakey oursmelling
vaginathere.Iwonderhowy ourfatherfeel
sinOrapaknowi nghis
daughterisnothingbutanugl ywhor e.Lerebuisathatalona.”

Amor
emai
nedqui
etasAgangdr
oveof
f.

*
**

InBoston,Ret
habi
lel
ookedoutsi
det hr
oughthewindowearl
y
morning.Shesmil
edhappil
ythentookapictur
eofhersel
f.She
smil
edchangingherWhatsAppprofi
lepict
ure.

Shel
ookedatheraunt
’smessage.

Keemi
:Mydaught
erwast
her
ewheny
ourmot
herpassedonand
youcoul dn’tevenbot hercomi ngtoday.Youar esoungrat
eful,
my
daughterev encanet oseey ourdi
ckmot herbutyounever
botheredwhenhersonwassi ck.Ihopey ouetcanceranddi ea
slowpai nfuldeath,Ineverthoughty ouwoul devertur
nouttobe
thispersony ouar e.Mysisteristurningi
nhergr ave.

Rethabil
eblockedanddel et
edhernumber.Sheconti
nuedrepl
yi
ng
someofhermessages.Awhi l
elat
ersheputonhersummer
dressafterbat
hing.Shelookedather
selfonthemirr
orand
smiled.Mosawal kedoutofthebathr
oom, atowel
aroundher
body .

Shel
ookedatRet
habi
l
esmi
l
ing.“
Pregnancyl
ooksgoodony
ou.
”

Ret
habi
leturned.“
Ohno…I
’
m notpr
egnant
.Il
ostt
hebaby
…a
monthago.”

“
Oh…sor
ry.Iam sor
ry.
”

Ret
habi
l
esmi
l
ed.“
It
sok.I
t’
sthebabyf
at.
”

Mosanodded.“
Youl
ookgood.
”

“
Iwantt
olosewei
ght
.”

Mosal
aughed.“
Wheny
oushedof
fthewei
ght
,gi
vei
ttome.
”

Thegir
lsl
aughed.Thabi
tur
nedbackt
othemi
rr
orandsi
ghed
smil
i
ng.

THREEYEARSLATER….

.
Your
sTr
uly

#59

THREEYEARSLATER.
.

I
nMaun, t
heschoolsirenrangasBat angf i
nisheduphisScience
not
es.Hepackedhisbagsi nhisschool bag.Hest oodupwi t
hhis
‘
SchoolPr
esident
’badgeonhi swhiteironedshi r
t.Hepickedhis
bagandwalkedoutlookingattheti
me.

Hisf
ri
endrushedov
er.“
ThemonnaBatang,ohedi
tsehomework
yaMaths?Nnaempolayanxondomf
ethu,ene1legwasnyedi
sa
l
eene.”

Bat
angl
ookedathi
m.“
Iam submi
tt
ingmybookr
ightnow.
”

“
Eht
aker
echaChat
henwesubmi
ttoget
her
.”

Bat
angt
ookouthi
sbookf
rom hi
sschool
bagandhandedi
tto
hi
m.

“
Iam comi
ng.
”

“
Sur
elai
taka.
”

Batangwal kedoutandhur
ri
edtotheLi
brar
ylooki
ngathiswatch.
Hishear tski
ppedashewatchedherwal
koutinherschool
dress
thatreachedjustabov
eherknees.

Herfr
iendjoi
nedhertal
ki
ngloudlyasusual
.Hel
ookedathernow
ner
vous,thefr
iendwasalwaysther
e.Someti
meshejustwi
shed
shewoul dj
ustbr
eakherl
egandst ayathomesohecoul
dhav
ea
properconver
sat
ioni
nherabsence.

Heappr
oachedt
hem,
thef
ri
endl
ookedathi
m.

“
Hi?
”

Bat
angl
ookedatherasshel
ookedathi
mtoo.

“
HiLebo,
canwet
alk?
”

Lebo’
sfr
iendl
aughed.“
Uhu!Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom Lebo?
”

Bat
angsi
ghed.“
Iwantt
otal
ktoher
.”

“
Talkehh,
what’
shol
dingy
ourt
ongue?Thecat
?Wi
tht
hewayy
ou
t
alkl
ikeasnai
l
,Ibet
”

Lebol
ookedatherf
ri
end.“
Seba-
“

“Ngng,l
etf
arm boytell
uswhathewant s.Weneedt ogohome.
What’
saform 2studenthavetosaytoaf orm 3student.Koor
eo
nyat
sannakanamang?Tal k!Tal
kfast.Wedon’ thavethewhole
dayher
etoli
stentoyousayonewor df ortwentyhours!
”

BatanglookedatherbignoseandsmallChineseeyesasshe
spokeloudlythatevenot
herst
udentsst
ared.Hehat edherso
muchj uststar
ingatherf
aceannoyedhi
mt ot hel
ast.

Lebogangsi
ghed.“
Wecant
alk…”

Shewal
kedfr
om herf
ri
end.Batangl
ookedatherwi
thasmi
rkand
fol
l
owedLebowhil
eLebo’
sfri
endlaughed.

“
Thewonder
sshal
lnev
erend!
”
Batangsi
ghedasshewal
kedwi
thLebo.“
Idon’
tli
kef
ri
end.O
papil
eebi
leomodomo.”

Lebol
aughed.Thewayhespokewit
hhi
sdeepvoi
ceandt hat
sl
ownessalwaysmadeherbl
ush.“
She’
sact
ual
l
ynice.Justloud.
”

Bat
angt
ookoutasmal
lgi
ftbagf
rom hi
sbagandhandedi
ttoher
.

“
Happybi
rt
hday
.”

Lebosmil
edtakingit
.Sheopenedi
tandtookouttheear
nings,
watchandchocolat
e.Shel
ookedatthebeaut
if
ulwatch.

“
Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul…”

“
Iaskedmysi
steri
nAmer
icat
ogetf
orme.
”

“
Wow….
”

“
Iam gl
ady
oul
i
kei
t.
”

“
Ilov
eit
.Thanky
ouBat
ang.
”

Shehuggedhim.Hisheartski
ppedandpoundedsomuchasher
ski
ntouchedhis.Shest
eppedbackashesmi l
ed.

“
Wear
ecl
osi
ngonFr
iday
,may
bewecanhangout
.”

“
Iam goi
ngt
oBost
ont
hehol
i
day
.Iam goi
ngonFr
iday
.”

“
Oh…t
hat
’s…t
omor
row?
”

“
Yes.Mysi
sterhasal
readybookedmyf
li
ght
s.”

Lebosmi
l
edastheywalkedoutoft
heschool
premi
sesandt
ook
ther
oadt
oherhouse.Shesmil
ed.
“
Iwi
l
lseey
ounextt
ermt
hen.
”

Henodded.“
Yes.
”

Hetookadeepbr
eat
hgoi
ngt
hroughwhatAt
anghadt
oldhi
mto
say
.

“Ir
eall
yli
keyou.Iknowyouareolderbutagei
sjustnumber
.It
doesn’
tdefi
neanythi
ng.Iwanty
ou.”

Lebonervousl
ylookedupathi
m.Hedi
dn’
tlookyoungert
hanher
becauseofhisheight
,hi
sbear
dandhi
svoi
cetoo.

Batanglookedathert
henl
eanedoverandki
ssedher
.Wit
h
confusi
onandshock,shemovedherli
psandmist
aki
ngl
ybithi
s
tongue.

Bat
angmov
edbackt
hensmi
l
ed.“
Hav
eyouev
erki
ssedbef
ore?
”

Sheshy
lyshookherhead.“
No.
”

Heleanedoverandki
ssedheragai
n,t
hist
imewi
thabi
tmor
e
conf
idence.Hemovedbacksmili
ng.

“
CanIt
akey
ournumber
?”

“
Yes.
”

Shetookoutapieceofpaperandapent henwrot
edownher
numberwit
hherneathandwr i
ti
ng.Shehandedhi
mt hepaper
.He
smil
edtaki
ngit
.

“
Thanks.By
e.”

Lebowatcheshim ashetur
nedandwal
kedbackt
otheschool
.
Herfr
iendwalkedover.
“
Didy
ouj
ustki
sshi
m nemma?
”

Lebosi
ghedput
ti
nghergi
ftbagi
nherbag.

“
Let
’sgo.
”

“
What
’st
hat
?”

“
Not
hing.
”

“
Isn’
they
oungf
ory
ou?
”

Lebostar
tedwalki
ngsmil
ingwonderi
ngwhenhehadnot
icedher
.
Herfr
iendcl
appedherhandsonce.

“
Wow!
”

Bat
anghur
ri
edtohi
scl
assandf
oundhi
sfr
iendwai
ti
ngf
orhi
m.
Kar
abosmil
ed.

“
Yougother
?”

Bat
angjumpedthenki
ckedt
heai
rcel
ebr
ati
ng.Hi
sfr
iendl
aughed
cel
ebr
ati
ngtoo.

“
Tsenay
anaboy
!”

Theybumpedf
ist
s.“
That
’smyboy
!”

Bat
angsmi
l
ed.“
Tsal
ayagagwey
emaswey
eleeneel
eteng.
”

“
ORat
onki
yel
e?Nxl
a!Kant
egoswal
enggomo?
”
Bat
angl
aughed.“
Let
ssubmi
trev
aye.
”

Kar
abopi
ckedhi
sbagandwal
kedoutchat
ti
ngwi
thBat
ang.

Almostanhourl
ate,
Batangwalkedi
nsi
det
hehouseatt
hef
arm
andfoundhi
sgrandfat
herf
ixi
ngtheol
dcof
feet
able.

“
Papa…It
oldy
ouIwoul
dfi
xthat
.”

Hel
ookedathi
m andsmi
l
ed.“
It
’snot
hingbi
g,j
ustl
oosescr
ews.
”

Bat
angtookt
hescrewdri
verf
rom him.“Youwi
l
lhur
tyour
sel
f.Si
t
down.Di
dyoudr
inkyourmedicat
ion?”

Theol
dmangrunt
edsit
ti
ng.“Idi
d.Batang,
Icantakecareof
mysel
fmyboy
.Don’twor
ry.Didyoupackyourpasspor
t?”

Batangputdownhisbagandst
art
edf
ixi
ngt
het
abl
e.“
Yes.
Everyt
hingi
spacked.
”

“
Yoursi
steri
sgoi
ngt
obesohappyt
oseey
ou.
”

Batangsmil
ed.“
Met
oo.Ican’
tbel
i
eveIam goi
ngt
obei
nan
ai
rplane.
”

Hisgrandfat
herlaughed.“ OldbackIwor kedforawhiteman.He
hadhisplane.Itwassmal lbutinmyey esitwasthebiggestIhad
everseen.Thef i
rstti
mehef lewwi t
hmeImessedupmypant s.I
rememberhowembar rassedIwasandhowhel aughedatme.I
wil
lneverforgetit,
from then, Inev
erfl
ewev eragai
n.Don’tbeli
ke
me.
”

Batangl
aughed.Theoldmanl
aughedtoothenst
art
edcoughi
ng.
Hiscoughworri
edBatangsomuch,i
tact
uall
yscar
edhi
m.

Hegothi
m agl
assofwat
erandgav
eitt
ohi
m.“
Dri
nk.
”

“
Thanky
oumyboy
.”

“
Iam scar
edt
oleav
eyoual
one.
”

“
Don’tbe.Iwil
lber
ighther
ewheny
oucomeback.Iwi
l
lheher
e
wai
ti
ngf oryoumyson.”

Bat
angt
ear
ful
l
yhuggedhi
m.Theol
dmanhuggedhi
m back.

“
Iwil
lbeherewai
ti
ngf
ory
ou.Iwi
l
lonl
ydi
ewheny
ouar
efi
nished
wi
thschool
.”

Bat
angsni
ff
ed.“
Idon’
twanty
out
odi
e.”

*
**

I
nGaborone,
Zazawalkedoutofhermeet
inghol
dinghertabl
et
andmadeherwaytoheroff
ice.HerPAwalkedi
nsidehol
ding
fl
ower
s.

“
Thesecamef
ory
ou.
”

Shesmi l
edalr
eadyknowingwhot heywerefr
om.ThePAput
them onherdesk.Zazat
ookt hentookoutt
henot
e.Sher
eadit
andblushedasherPAwal kedout.
Zazat
ookherphoneandcal
l
edhi
m.

“
Hey
…”

“
Hi,
Ijustsawt
hef
lower
s.Thanky
ou.
”

“
Youar
ewel
come.Canwegof
ordi
nnert
oni
ght
?”

“
Yes.
”

“Great.Iwill
makesomereser
vat
ions.Iwantt
otaket
hingst
othe
nextlevel.Il
ovey
ouandIknowIwanty ou.
”

Shesmi
l
edst
ari
ngathernai
l
s.

“
Iwi
l
lcomeandpi
cky
ouupl
ater
.”

“
Ok.
”

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Hehungup.Zazatookadeepbreathsmi l
i
ng.Herphoner
ang,
she
l
ookedatt
hecall
erID,hersmi
l
edi sappeari
ng.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Heybabe,
whatt
imear
eyouknocki
ngof
ftoni
ght
?”

“
Lat
e.Ihav
erepor
tst
osubmi
t.
”

“
Whatt
imei
slat
e?”

“
May
bear
ound8.
”

“
8?”
“
Agangy ouknowIam behi
ndschedul
e.Thattr
ipyoutookmet
o
wi
thoutconsul
ti
ngwi
thmef ir
stmadetaketenstepsback.
”

“
Youneededt
hatt
ri
p.”

“Youl
i
ketaki
ngdeci
sionsal
one.Youshoul
dhav
etol
dme.You
knowIdon’
tli
kef
unnysurpr
ises.
”

“
Babear
ewef
ight
ing?
”

Zazasi
ghed.“
Iam j
ustt
ell
i
ngy
ou.Iam wor
kingl
atet
oni
ght
.”

“
Iwant
edust
ogoout
.”

“
Idon’
tthi
nkIwi
l
lmakei
t.
”

“
It
’sok.Wecangowhenweknockof
f.
”

“
Iwi
l
lbet
ir
edt
hen.Can’
twej
ustgosomeot
hert
ime?
”

“
Ihav
eplansforust
onight.I
thast
obet
oni
ght
.What
evert
ime
y
ouknockoff
,wewillgothen.
”

Shesi
ghed.“
Ok.
”

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

“
Met
oo.
”

Hehungup.Shel
ookedatherphonebor
ed.

*
**

At
angwal
kedouti
ftheai
rpor
thol
dinghi
ssmal
lov
erni
ghtbag.He
tookouthi
scarkeysapproachingitattheparkingt
henunl ocked
i
tandjumpedin.Hejumpedi nsidethensighedstar
ingathi s
messagesrepor
tin.Heopenedhi sFacebookt hencli
ckedonher
name.Shehadchangedherpr ofil
epict
ure.Hesmi l
edr eacti
ngto
i
tthensentheramessage.

Atang:
Heybabe,
justf
lewbackt
oBot
swana.Iam headedhome
now.Ilov
eyousomuch.

Hesi
ghedsat
isf
iedt
henst
art
edhi
scaranddr
ovehome.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#60

Thateveni
ngAgangparkedhi
scaratZaza’
sworkpl
acethenhe
steppedoutoft
hecarandwalkedt
othesecur
it
yguardseatedby
theentr
ance.

“
Mor
ena.
.”

Thesecur
it
yguar
dlookedathi
m.“
Boss,
howcanIhel
pyou?
”

“
Ilooki
ngf
ormygi
rl
fr
iend.She’
swor
kingl
atet
oni
ght
.”

“Thereisnoonehere.Thelastper
sont
oleav
ewasaman.The
buil
dinghasbeenlocked.
”

“
Arey
ousur
e?”

“
Yes,
ever
yonehadl
eft
.Icameher
eatsi
x.Thebui
l
dingi
sempt
y.”

Agangsighedtaki
ngouthi
sphonewonderi
ngifshehadal
ready
wenttoherhouse.ThePhoner
angunanswered.

“
Ok,
Ithi
nkshewenthome.Thanky
ou.
”

“
Sur
e.”

Agangtur
nedcalli
ngheragai
nanddr ov
et oherhouse.Heparked
hi
scarthenwalkedtothedoorhol
dingthesparekeys.He
unl
ockedthedoorandwalkedinsi
desearchi
ngforherbutthe
housewasempt y.

Het
ri
edcal
l
ingheragai
nbutherphonej
ustr
angunanswer
ed.He
worr
iedl
ysatdownandwait
ed.Anhourl
aterhecal
l
edagai
nbut
st
il
lther
ewasnoanswer.

Hecal
l
edhi
sbr
other
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

Agangsi
ghed.“
Ithi
nkZazai
scheat
ing.
”

“
Why
?”

“Icanfeel
it.I
t’
sthesecretphonecal
ls,
thedi
stancei
nthe
rel
ati
onship.Shefeel
sli
keshei smil
esawayfr
om meev en
thoughwear eonthesamebed.Oursexdoesn’tevenfeel
the
same…”

“Af
terever
ythi
ngy
out
wohav
ebeent
hrough,
doy
out
hinkshecan
dothat?
”

“
Icanf
eel
hersl
i
ppi
ngf
rom myhands.
”

“
Wher
eissher
ightnow?
”

“IhadtoldherIwanttotakeherout.Shetol
dmeherev er
yday
excusethatsheiswor ki
nglat
e.Isenttoherworkpl
aceandshe
i
snott here.Iam cal
l
inghersheisnotpicki
ng.
”

“
Waj
elwa.
”

“Mothowat engotsi
legonyela,
bant waela.What
’ssohar
dabout
tel
l
ingsomeoney oudon’
twantt hem anymore?Omongweot si
l
e
gony el
a.Zazathi
nksIam ayearold.
”

“
Don’
tgot
ojai
l
.”

“
IfIgo,
it’
sgoi
ngt
obewor
thi
t.Shewant
stoseeanot
hersi
deof
me.
”

Aganghungupthengoti
nhi
scarandparkedthecarattheback.
Hegotbacki
nthehouseandwai
tedforheronthecouch.

*
**

Zazasi
ppedherchampagneont
her
ooft
opr
est
aur
antst
ari
ngat
herpar
tner
.Hesmiled.

“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”

Zazabl
ushed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Iwantt
ogetmar
ri
ed.
”

Zazal
ookedathi
m.“
What
?”

Hetookoutther
ingandshowedher
.Zaza’
shear
tski
ppedasshe
l
ookedatit
.

“
It
’sbeaut
if
ul.
”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Igoti
tfory
ou.
”

Zazatooki
tandlookedati
tcar
eful
l
y.Shehadnev
erseen
anyt
hingdobeauti
ful
.

Tear
afi
l
ledherey
es.“
Ilov
eit
.”

Hetooki
tandslidi
tonherfi
nger.Herl
eanedov
erandki
ssedher
t
hentheycont
inueddi
ningontherooft
op
*
**

I
nBoston,l
atert
hatday,hour
sbehi
nd,Ret
habil
ewalkedoutofthe
l
ectur
ehal
lholdi
ngherbooks.Shel
ookedattheti
meandhur r
ied
homecarr
yingherbooks.

Almosttwentyminuteslat
er,sheopenedthedoortoherti
ny
apartmentandwalkedin.Shetookoffhershoesbythedoorand
walkedtothecouch.Shesatdownexhaust edthentookher
phoneandr el
axedstret
chingherl
egs.

SheopenedherWhat sAppmessagesasaFacebooknotif
icati
on
pinged.Al
readyknowingwhoi
twas,shei
gnoreditandcarri
edon
reply
ingtohermessages.

Mosawal
kedi
nherapar
tmenthol
dingamug.Shesmi
l
ed.

“
Hi…Iam i
nneedofmi
l
k.Doy
ouhav
eany
?”

Rethabi
l
estoodupandwentt
ohertinyki
tchen.Sheopenedher
fr
idgeandt
ookoutherl
astmi
lk.ShepouredforMosajustabit
.

“
Thi
sismyl
ast
.”

“
Thanks.
”

“
It
sok.
”

“
Chr
iswasher
elooki
ngf
ory
ou.
”

Ret
habi
l
efr
owned.“
Forwhat
?”
Mosasi
ghed.“
Hel
ovesy
ou.
”

Ret
habi
l
erol
l
edherey
es.“
Idon’
t.
”

“Thabi
,Chr
isi
sagoodman.He’
sat
hir
dyearr
esi
dent
,handsome
andlovesy
ou.
”

“Ihaveresponsibil
iti
es,andIam justnoti
ntorel
ati
onshi
ps.One
nightofsexcan’ thavehimt hi
nki
nghei sinl
ovewithme.He
shouldhavest ucktoj ustbei
ngmyf ri
end.Iwi
llnotbecor
nered
i
nt orel
ati
onshipbecauseIwashor nyanddrunkanddecidedto
fuck.”Shesighed.“Iwasal sostr
essedaboutmyexams.AndI
stil
lam.”

Mosalookedather
.“Idon’tknowwhathappenedtoyou
prev
iousl
ybut…considerhim.He’sagoodguy.Downtoear
th.
Youdon’thav
etobeahear tbreaker
.”

“Thengof orhi
m Mosa.Iwantt ogetmydegree…Iwanttobe
abletotakecareofmyl i
tt
lefamil
y.Chri
sandIwil
lwantdif
ferent
thi
ngsthenhewi lldeci
detocheat…Iam notpai
nti
ngever
yone
withthesamebr ushbutmayber el
ati
onshi
psarenotmycalli
ng.”

Ret
habi
l
etookof
fhert-shi
rt
.Mosalookedathert
att
ooj
ust
bel
owherbr
east
.Sheshookherhead.

“Youneedt ogotochur ch.Iknowy ouwerenotr ai

sedl i
kethi s.
Nottobet hiski
ndofper son.Youar egoi
ngt oregretall
oft his.Al
l
themi ssedoppor t
unit
iesandchances.Youar egoingtowat ch
otherpeopl ehappyandy ouwi l
lremainthi
sbi t
terpersonthaty ou
are,youaregoi ngtobesadandIf eelsadforyou…f orthose
aroundy ou.Youwi l
lbecomeev enmor ebi
tter,
itwillj
uststar t
withy ourex.Youareful
l ofsomuchangerandwon’ tacceptyour
partintohowt hi
ngsfellapart.Youwanttobet hevictim somuch
thatyouwal karoundwiththeexcuseev er
ywher eyougo.And
that’
st hetr
uth.Ipi
tyyourbrot herf
orhowmuchhel ooksupt o
you.Forhowhet hi
nksy ouareGodwheni nfactthaty ouarea
destructi
on.Ipit
yyourdaught er…forhavi
ngsuchav indict
ive
mot herwho’ssocaughtupi nherownselfi
shness.”

Rethabilel ookedatherandl aughed.“ Ididn’ tcomet oAmer i

cato
bejudgedbyany one.Youdon’ tknowmeorwher eIhav ebeenor
whatIhav ebeent hrough.Goandf ocusy ourener gyony our
abusivef atherwhoi sst il
lbeatingy ourmot herandmaki ngy our
sist
erhi ssecondwi fe.Orbet t
ery etfocusony ourtherapy
sessionsbecausebet weeny ouandIi fther eisany onewi thanger
i
t’sdefinitelyther apev icti
m.Theonl ydest ructionher eisyou,
may beify ourmot herl ovedyouandy oursi sterenoughshe
shouldhav epr otectedy ouinsteadofshi el dingher sel
fwi thher
daughter s.Don’ tbringmybr otherormydaught erintoyour
messedupl ife,wombl esswhor e.Tryingt omakey ourselfJesus’
cousinwi thf akeChr i
stiani
typret endingt obehappy ,Iwillmop
thefloorwi t
hy ourassmoghel e.”

Mosalookedatherinshock.Thedooropened,
Thabil
ookedov
er
asherdaught
erwalkedinfoll
owedbyhernannybehi
ndher.

“
Mama…”

Thabi
wat
chi
ngherr
unov
er.Thabi
pickedherup.

“
Heysweet
y…Imi
ssedy
ou.
”

Shehuggedherandt
ookadeepcal
mingdown.“
Imi
ssedy
oumy
angel
…”

Mosawal
kedout
.Thabi
lookedatt
henanny
.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Youar
ewel
come.Seey
out
omor
row.By
eLomo…”

Lel
omosmi
l
edandwav
edexci
tedl
y.“
Bye!By
eby
e!”

Thenannylaughedandwalkedout
.Thabil
ookedatherdaught
er,
tear
sfi
ll
inghereyes.Shet
ookadeepbreat
handkissedher
daught
ersit
ti
ngdown.

Lomosmiledi
nhermot
her
’sar
ms,
Thabi
lookedathert
wobuns
andsmi
led.

“
Ilov
eyou…”

“
Kissmama.
.”

Thabiki
ssedher .Lomogiggl
edbury
ingherf
aceonhermother’
s
chest
.At earrol
leddownThabi’
scheek,
shewipedi
tawaykissi
ng
herdaughter’
sforehead.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#61

InBost
on,Ret
habil
ewatchedherdaughtereatwatchingcar
toons
onthel
aptopwhil
esheheldabooki nherhands.Lelomolaughed
atthel
apt
opscreenpausi
ngeating.

Thabisi
ghedthenconti
nuedst
udy i
ng.Sheopenedanot
herbook,
herphonestar
tedr
ingi
ng.Shereachedfori
tandlookatt
he
Botswananumbercall
i
ngherwonder i
ngwhoitwas.

Shesi
ghedt
henpi
cked.“
Hel
l
o?”

Ther
ewassil
ence.Thabi
lookedatherscr
eent
hem putt
hephone
onherear
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

Shefr
ownedatt hesil
encethensighed.“Whydoy oukeepdoing
thi
s?I
sitnecessary
.Iknowy ouarelist
eningAtang.Idon’
tknow
whatyouaretry
ingtoachievefrom t
hisbutdon’tyoufeel
sorry
forme?All
thisisunnecessary
.”

“
Hi…”

Thabi
paused.“
Elang?
”

El
angchuckl
ed.“
Hi…”

“
Wow!Iam sor
ryabout
..It
houghti
twas-
“

“
Atang.I
t’
sok.Iam sor
ry.
”
Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
No.Don’
tbe.I
t’
sni
cet
oheary
ourv
oice.
”

El
angl
aughed.“
Howi
sschool
?”

“Schooli
sfi
ne,
nowpur
sui
ngBachel
orofMedi
cine,
Bachel
orof
Surgery
.”

“
Wow!Andhowl
ongi
sthatgoi
ngt
otake?
”

Thabi
laughed.“
Wel
lqui
etaf
ew.Butnott
ool
ong.
”

“
Iam hav
ingf
ory
ou.You’
veal
way
swant
edt
obesdoct
or.
”

“
Ithi
nkIunder esti
matedit
.It
houghtsincemyPre-
Meddegree
woul
dj ustbelikeever
ythi
ngel
se,Ishouldknownf
rom t
heGRE
t
estthatthesepeoplewerenotpl
ay i
ng.”

“
Thet
esty
out
akebef
orebei
ngaccept
edi
ntoHar
var
d?”

“Yes.Thatwasdohard,Ithoughtitwouldendt her
ebutit
’san
ongoingthi
ng.Thefi
rstyearhere,Icri
edwhenIsawmyr esult
sat
theendofthesemester.Iwasfightingtostayabovethel
ine.I
t
happenedwiththenextsemester.IhavelostweightEl
ang…not
from gym…ofcauseInowdobutwow! ”

El
angl
aughedhar
d.“
Thabi
!”

“
Iam tel
l
ingyou.Ihav el
ostwei
ghtbecauseofstr
ess,
forget
ti
ng
t
oeatandmor estress,bei
ngunderpr
essure.I
t’
snotwhatI
t
houghtitwoul
dbel ike.
”

“I
tsalwaysdif
ferent
.Ialwaysseey
ourpi
ctur
eswi
thmyf
ake
account.Youaresti
llbeaut
if
ul.
”

“
Howar
eyou?
”
El
angsi
ghed.“
Unemploy
ed.Ver
yunemploy
ed.Iam begi
nni
ngt
o
hat
emydegree.If
eel
Iwastedmyti
me.”

“
It
sonl
ybeenay
earEl
ang.Youneedt
obepat
ient
.”

“
Ifl
i
fecoul
dal
sobepat
ient
.”

“
Itwi
l
lhappenf
ory
ou.
”

“Ihopesoon.Iwasnowselli
ngweavesandwi
gs.It
’sbeen
keepingmeafloat
.Idon’
tknowforhowmuchlonger.Iam bar
ely
holdi
ngon.”

“
Iam sor
ry.Keephust
li
ngt
il
lyouf
indsomet
hing.Youwi
l
lgi
vea
t
est
imonyoneday .
”

“
IhopeIdo.Andy
ou?Anypl
ansofv
isi
ti
ng.
”

“Ihadwantedtocomel astyeargotner
vous…scar edofwhat
waitsforme.Ijustl
eft
.Ipackedmybags, andlef
t.Iwasready
…I
hadalreadypackedmybags, Iwenttot
heai r
portandjust
couldn’
t.SoIcamebackandcr ied.
”

“
Whathappenedt
oyouandAt
ang?
”

“Hewant edababysomuchandIdi dn’t

.IgotpregnantandI
wantedt oabortinwhi chIchangedmymi nd.Hefoundoutand
wasv eryupset.Hewashear tbrokenandIguessdi sappointed
thathequestionsever yt
hingaboutusandmyl oveforhim.That ’
s
whenhedeci dedt ofindsomeoneel sewhopossiblycouldlove
him.Iremembercr yingkoAi r
portJunct
ionmallbegginghimt o
tel
ltheotherwomant ost epoutofthecarsowecoul djustgo
home.Ihadseent hem kissing,t
hismanl ookedatmeandsai d
she’smycousi nandthatIdi dn’
tseepr operl
y.ThatIwasov er
reacti
ngandt hatIsoundedcr azy.Ikneltbeggi
nghim, byt
hat
ti
mehedi dn’
tcareanymor e.Iwenthomeandwai t
ed.Helater
came, herperfumealloverhim.Hesl eptwit
hmewi thoutbathi
ng
afterhavi
ngtohav esleptwithhert henhesaidouthername.I
guesshehadi magini
ngitwashernotme.That ’
showt hat
ended.”

“
Iam sosor
ry.
”

“
Itst
il
lhurt
stothi
nkaboutit
.Obvi
ousl
yIknowshewasbetter
t
haninbutforhi
mt osayhernamewhil
eontopofme.
.ithurt
s
mealot.”

El
angsighed.“
Iam sor
ryfr
iendbutmaybeyoushoul
djustfor
get
hi
m andmov eon.Kanaobviousl
yhi
sli
fei
smov i
ngforward.
”

“Hehasmynumber.IknowBat anggavei
ttohi
m.Ifhe’
snot
sendi
ngmessagesoverFacebook,hecal
l
skeepsquiet
.”

El
angl
aughed.“
Oir
ang?
”

“Walet
saebeadi
dimal
a.Somet
imesIdon’
tanswerunsav
edBot
s
numbers.
”

“
Sot
hesecondpr
egnancy
…youdi
dwhat
?”

Ret
habi
l
elookedatherdaught
er.“
Iabor
tedmma.
”

“
Iwouldt
oo.I
magi
nehav
ingachi
l
dwit
hacheati
ngman.That
woul
dmeanyouwoul
dbeti
edtohimf
ort
herestofy
ourl
if
e.”

Thabi
sighed.“
Yeah…”

“
Soy
ouwi
l
lnev
ergetbackwi
thhi
m?”
“IfIdoitwouldbet ohurthi
m.Iwoul dbreakhimt il
lhekil
l
s
himself.Iwouldfini
shhim,itsowon’ tbeforlove.WhatIhavefor
thatmani shatred.Iwouldhur thi
mt othelast.Iimaginei
tEl
ang.
Iimaginehim kil
li
nghimself.Iam holdingagr udgeand…”Tears
fi
lledhereyes.“Someti
mesIt hinkIneedhelp.”

“Youarefi
ne.Yourangeri
sjusti
fi
ed.Youhaveev er
yri
ghttobe
angry
.LennaIwouldjustbeangryli
keyouare.Youarehuman
Thabi.I
t’
soktobeangry.It
’soktobehatef
ul.Itwil
lwearof
fas
ti
megoeson. ”

“
Iguess.
”

“Gapehewasyourfi
rst.Fir
stheart
breaksar
enott
obetaken
l
ightl
y.Hewasyourf
irstinevery
thi
ng.It’
somynormal
thatyou
cryforsol
ong.
”

Shelaughed.“
Youar
eri
ght
.Whenmethi
m Idi
dn’
tknow
anyt
hing.
”

“
See?Thehear
tshal
lheal
.”

“
Thanky
ouf
orcal
l
ingme.
”

“
Iam happyIspoket
oyou.
”

“
Met
oo.Imi
ssedy
ousomuch…”

“
Wehav
enev
erhadaf
ightt
hisl
ong.
”

“
No.Wehav
enot
.”

Theybot
hlaughed.

El
angsi
ghed.“
Iam sor
ryThabi
.”
“
It
sok.Il
ongf
orgav
eyou.
”

“
Thanky
ou.Howi
sAmer
ica?Kanasomeofusj
ustseei
tonTV.
”

Thabi si
ghed.“I
tshard.It’
sreal
lyhar d.Ican’tgetasecondj ob…a
full
timeonebecauseofschool .Ihav etopayr ent.Ihavetobuy
food.Ineedt osendBat angmoneyev erymont h.Ihavetopay
otherbill
s.Al
lowancei sbarel
yenoughEl ang.Iam leftat0when
everythi
nghasbeenpai d.Andthefoodi sbar el
yenough…Idon’ t
eatev er
yday.WhenIf orgettoeat,good.Somet i
mesi t’
s
starvati
on.Dri
nkwat erandmov eon.Ri ghtnowt hereisnothi
ngin
thehouse.Ihadsav edenoughmoneyt ogetBat ietov i
sit
.He’sso
excit
ed.Hedoesn’ tknowhe’ scomi ngtohunger .May beIam
shouldturntoprosti
tution.
”

El
angl
aughed.“
Stopj
oki
ngl
i
ket
hati
j
a.”

Thabi
laughed.“
Letmer
ead.Ihav
eanexam t
omor
row.By
e.”

“
Bye.
”

Rethabi
lehungup.Shesi
ghedmassagi
nghersti
ffshoul
ders.
Lomost oodupandwalkedtowar
dsher
.Thabismil
edstari
ngat
herbeauti
fulf
ace.

“
Hi…”

“
Himama.
.”

Ret
habi
l
epi
ckedherup.Shel
ookedatheri
nnocentey
es.

“
Whatar
ewegoi
ngt
odot
omor
rowbaby
?”

Sheki
ssedherl
i
psandsi
ghedl
ooki
ngatherbooks.
*
**

Thefol
lowingdayi
nGaborone,AgangwokeuptoZaza’
svoi
ce
out
sidethedoorwhi
lesheunlockedherdoor
.

“
Iam homenow.Thanky
ou.Il
ovey
ou-
“

Shepausedwalki
nginsi
dethehousethenlockedeyeswit
h
Agang.Sheswall
owedasthephonefellf
rom herhands.

“
B-babe…”

Agangst
oodupt
henl
ockedt
hedoorandpi
ckedherphone.

“
Wher
ewer
eyou?
”

Zazatookadeepbreathasherhear tr
acedsomuch.“Iwasata
fri
end’
shouse.Acol
league.Iknockedoffreal
l
ylat
eandwasjust
tooti
redtodri
vehome.”

“
Icoul
dhav
epi
ckedy
ouup.
”

“
Ifor
got
.”

“
For
gotwhat
?”

“
Iam sor
ryAgang.Iknowi
t’
saboutwhat
every
ouhadpl
anned.I
wasj
usttooti
red.
”

“Noonei
stal
ki
ngaboutt
hat.Iam t
alki
ngaboutt
hef
actt
haty
ou
coul
dhav
ecall
edmetopickyouup.”

“
Iknockedof
far
ound10.It
houghty
ouwer
esl
eepi
ng.
”
“
What
’st
hepasswor
d?”

“Iam nott
ell
i
ngyouanyt
hing.Ify
oudotr
ustmethenwehav
e
nothi
ngbetweenus.Wemi ghtwewel
lj
ustcal
li
tqui
ts.
”

Agangl
aughed.“
Ok.
”

“
Yes!
”

“
Ther
eisnot
hingatt
hebackofy
ourhouse.Comeandsee.
”

Shewalkedoutwit
hhi
m.Zazal
ookedasheunl
ockedhiscar
.He
openedtheboot
,shewal
kedov
erandl
ookedcur
iousl
y.

Agangpickedherupandputherinsi
dewhil
eshescr
eamed.He
cl
osedthebootandsighedwalki
ngbackinhousedi
ali
nga
numberwithhisphone.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Ineedafav
or…Ineedt
ogot
hroughsomeone’
sphonebutt
her
e
i
sapassword.
”

“
Bri
ngi
t.
”

“
Sur
e.”

*
**

AtAt ang’
shouse,Ataxidr
oppedoffEl
angbythegate.She
steppedoutandtookadeepbr eat
hwalki
ngtothegatepull
ing
downhershor tdr
ess.Shetookadeepbreat
hthenpressedthe
i
nt er
com.
Your
sTr
uly

#62

At
angspoket
hrought
hespeakerbyt
hegat
e.

“
Yeah?
”

Elangtookadeepbreath.“
HiAtang.I
t’
sEl
ang.CanIpl
easet
alkt
o
you.It
’simpor
tant
.It
’saboutThabi
.”

Therewassi
lence.Shewai t
ednervouslythent
hegateopened.
Shewalkedi
nandwentt othedoorjustasAtangwal
kedoutin
onl
yhissweatpants.Shetookadeepbr eathst
ari
ngatal
lhis
tat
toos.

Shepul
l
eddownherdr
ess.“
Hi.
”

“
Whathappenedt
oher
?”

“
Canwesi
tandt
alkwhi
l
eseat
ed?
”

Helookedatherthenopenedthedoorwi
der
.Shewal
kedinhi
s
house,herey
esfellonThabi
’
spictur
efr
ameonthewal
l.

“
Sitandt
alk.Ihopei
t’
simpor
tant
.”

Shesatdownbit
ingherlowerl
ip.Shelookedathi
m wai
ti
ngf
or
hi
mt osi
tbutheremainedup.Shesighed.

“Thabitol
dmeabouthowy oustillwanther.Ithoughtyouneeded
toknowsomet hi
ng.Sheismyf r
iendandIdon’ twanthertohur t
hersel
f.Shei
splanningont
akingy oubackonl ytohurtyou.She
wantstodestr
oyy ouandwatchy oukil
lyourself
.Shedoesn’tlove
youanymore,
shehat
esyouandj
ustwant
stohur
tyou.Youhav
e
noreasont
obeli
evemebut…”

Sheopenedherhandbagandtookoutherphone.Shewentt
oher
recor
dingsandf
astfor
wardedtothatonepart
.

“IfIdoitwouldbetohurthi
m.Iwoul dbreakhimt il
lhekil
l
s
himself.Iwoul
dfini
shhim,itsowon’tbeforlove.WhatIhavefor
thatmani shatr
ed.Iwouldhurthi
mt othelast.Iimaginei
tEl
ang.
Iimaginehim ki
ll
inghi
mself.Iam hol
dingagr udge
and…Somet imesIthi
nkIneedhelp.”

Shest
oppedt
her
ecor
ding.

“
Playi
tfr
om t
hest
art
.”

“
Uht
heot
hert
hingsar
enoti
mpor
tant
.”

“
Iwantt
oheari
t.
”

Shepressedpl
ayf
rom t
hebegi
nni
ng.At
angl
i
stenedt
henl
ooked
atEl
ang.

“
Cal
lheragai
n.Askherwher
eshest
aysi
nBost
on.
”

“
What
?”

“
Youhear
dme.
”

“
Myai
rt
imei
sfi
nished.Ij
ustwant
edy
out
oknowt
hatshe-
“

“
Iwi
l
lbuyai
rt
ime.
”

Het
ookhi
sphoneandboughtherai
rt
ime.

“
Cal
lher
.”
El
angswal
l
owedt
hem di
aledThabi
.Herphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi…ar
eyoual
readysl
eepi
ng?
”

“
Yes.Iam 7hour
sbehi
ndy
ou.
”

“
Sor
ry.It
houghty
ouwer
eawake.
”

“
Ngng…butl
etmewakeupandr
ead.If
ell
asl
eep.
”

“
Ok…sowher
eisexact
lydoy
oust
ayi
nHar
var
d?”

“IstayatBri
ght
onAll
ston.Nott
hebestnei
ghbor
hoodbut
affordabl
e.Why?Youwanttovi
sitme?”

El
angl
aughed.“
No.Justcur
ious

“
It
snott
hatf
ancybutr
eal
l
yaf
for
dabl
e.Ei
sh…”

“
What
?”

“Ir
egrettel
li
ngyou.Kanawenawheny
ougetangr
y,,
youai
rmy
businesstothepubl
ic.
”

“Aowwmma…Ihavechanged.Iwasy
oungt
hen.May
beoneday
aft
erIgetaj
obIwi
l
lvi
sity
ou.”

Thabi
laughed.“
57t
hEv
eret
t…y
oul
ookf
ormeandIwi
l
lbet
her
e.”

“
Myai
rt
imei
sfi
nishi
ng.By
e.”

“
Bye.
”

El
anghungupandl
ookedatAt
ang.

“
Shedoesn’
twant
-“
“
Whatexact
lywher
eyouhopi
ngt
oachi
evef
rom t
his?
”

“
Iwant
edy
out
oknowt
het
rut
h.”

“IwantyounowhereclosetoRethabi
l
e.IfIhearyoucal
lsher
again,
Iam goingt
oshooty ouandburr
yy ou.I
fyouthi
nkIam
j
oking,tr
yit
.Ihopethi
sisthelastt
imeyoucallher.
”

El
angl
ookedathi
m.“
Ijustwant
edt
ohel
pyou.
”

“
Isai
difIheart
haty
oucal
l
edRet
habi
l
e,ot
sil
egony
ela.Getout
.”

Sheslowl
yst
oodupandwalkedout
.At
angwal
kedt
ohi
s
bedr
oom cal
l
inghi
sbr
other
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Shecame?
”

“
Yes.I
nthemor
ning.
”

“
Whatdi
dshesay
?”

“Sheisyetgoingt
osaysomet hing.Iam gi
vi
nghert
imet
othi
nkof
heranswers.Shethi
nksIam playing.
”

“
Wher
eisshe?
”

“
Athome.
”

“
Iam goi
ngt
oMassachuset
ts.
”

“
Todowhat
?”

“
Tot
ryagai
n.”

“
Andy
out
hinkt
hist
imeshewi
l
ltel
lyouwher
eshest
ays?
”
“
Iknowwher
eshest
ays.Iwantmygi
rlback.
”

“Don’tgetar
rest
edi
nfor
eigncount
ri
es.Thatsi
det
heyar
restf
or
harassment.
”

“
Iam notl
eav
ingt
il
lIt
alkt
oher
.”

“
Becar
eful
.”

At
anghungupandpackedhi
sbagsi
ntoat
rav
eli
ngbag.

*
**

Thephonetechni
cianunl
ockedZaza’
sphoneandhandeditt
o
Agang.Agangtookadeepbreat
hthenopenedhermessages.

Heswall
owedt hroughhermessagest
henwentt
oherWhat sApp.
Hesi
ghedthent ookoutsomemoneyf r
om hi
spocketandgaveto
t
hetechni
cian.

“
Thanks.
”

“
Sur
e!”

Agangwalkedgohiscarandjumpedin.Her
eadAlhermessages
andputherphonedownweak.Het ookamoment,hi
shandon
herf
ace.Hestart
edhiscaranddrovebackt
oherhouse.

Heopenedtheboot.Zazagaspedcoughingwhil
etear
srol
l
ed
downhercheeks.Agangsi
ghedbedef eated.

“
Ijustwantt
het
rut
h.”
Shest
art
edcr
ying.“
Pleasedon’
tki
l
lme.
”

“
Iwantt
het
rut
h.”

“
Agang.
..
”

“
Iwantt
het
rut
h.That
’sal
l
.Thet
rut
h.”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“
Youar
esor
ryaboutwhat
?”

Shel
ookedathi
m shaki
ngwi
thf
ear
.“I
…he…Il
ovey
ou.
”

“Iwasnotbol di
ngyouhostageinthisrelat
ionshi
p.Youcoul d
haveeasil
ydumpedmenott ostr
ingmeal ongwi t
hst reetni
ggas.
Want waela.Iwasactual
lythi
nki
ngofget t
ingmarri
edt oy ou
thi
nki
ngmay be…”Agangsighed.“Getoutofmycar .Iam not
payi
ngy ourrentbytheendofthismont h.Iam surey ourmancan
manage.”

Zazaslowl
ygotout
.Agangcl
osedhi
sboott
henj
umpedi
nhi
scar
anddroveoff
.

*
**

Thefoll
owingmorningi
nBoston,Thabifi
nisheddr
essi
ngt
hen
packedherthi
ngsinherbag.Shelookedattheti
mewonderi
ng
whereherdaught
er’
snannywas.

Shet
ookherphoneandcal
l
edher
.
“
HiTabi
..
”

“
Hi,
wher
ear
eyou?Myexam st
art
sint
hir
tymi
nut
es.
”

“Iknow,Iam sosor
rybutIhadanacci
dentonmywayt
her
e,Iam
atthehospi
tal.
”

“
What
?Isi
tser
ious?
”

“
Idon’
tknow.Iam scar
ed.
.Ican’
tfeel
myl
egs.
”

Thabi
lookedatherdaught
ert
ear
ful
l
y.“
Canty
ougetany
onet
o
hel
pme? ”

“
Iam sor
ryTabi
.”

Shehungup.Thabiputherhandsonherfaceholdi
nghertears.
.
Shethought
ful
l
ypickedLomoupt hem walkedoutwithherbag.
Shelockedt
hedoorandwal keddownst
airstoMosa’sdoor.She
knockedandwait
ed.Mosaopenedsecondsl at
er.

“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?”

Ret
habil
esighed.“
Cany oupl
easeremai
nwi
thhe.Iwi
l
lbebacki
n
twohours.Iam wr
it
inganexam.”

“
No.
”

Mosaclosedt
hedooronThabi
’
sface.Thabi
putherdaught
er
down.

“
Youar
egoi
ngt
ost
aywi
thaunt
yMosaok?Il
ovey
ou.
”

Sheki
ssedher
.Lomowav
ed.

“
Byemama…”
Thabiknockedonthedoorandlist
enedasfootstepsappr
oached.
Sheturnedandranoff.Mosaopenedthedoorthenlookedat
Lomowhowassmi l
i
ngather.Shelookedovertohermotherwho
wasfeetawayr unni
ng.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#63

Latert
hatdayAgangwalkedinsi
dehishouseandfoundKel
l
y
i
roninghi
scl ot
hes.Shet
urnedtohi
m sti
l
linherChoppi
es
supermarkett-
shi
rt.

“
Hi,mamaisnotwel
l
.Ial
readywentt
oAt
ang’
shouse.Iam
f
ini
shi
nguphere.
”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
It
’sokbutmmagweKcooksf
ormewhenshe’
sher
e.”

Kel
l
ylaughed.“
Iwi
l
lcook.
”

“
Thanky
ou.What
’swr
ongwi
thmygi
rl
fr
iend?
”

Kel
l
ylaughed.“
Yourgi
rl
fr
iend’
sul
cer
sar
emaki
ngi
thar
dforher
.”

“
Didn’
tshegett
reat
edl
astt
ime?
”

Kell
ysighedsadly
.“Shedi
dbut…she…y ourgi
rl
fri
endbel
ievei
n
thepastorheal
i
nghersowear ewaiti
ngforSunday.Wearegoi
ng
tochurchandmay beshewil
lgetheal
ed.”

Agangnodded.“
Isee.Iwi
l
lcal
lher
.”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Don’
tsayIt
oldy
out
hat
.Shewi
l
lbeupset
.”

“
Iwon’
t.Il
ovey
ourshor
thai
r.Il
i
kedy
ourl
onghai
rtoo.
”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
ed.“
Ili
ket
heshor
thai
r.I
t’
saf
for
dabl
e.”

“
Youcutbecauseofmoney
?Wher
eisy
ourboy
fri
end?
”
“
Gotmar
ri
ed.
”

“
Iam sor
ryt
oheart
hat
.Ifi
tmakesy
ouf
eel
bet
ter
,Zazai
sget
ti
ng
mar
ri
ed.”

Kel
l
ysadl
ylookedathi
m.“
Iam sor
ry.Iknowy
oul
oveher
?”

“
Yeah.I
t’
sli
fe.Keet
a,Ihopey
oudi
dn’
tcookf
orAt
ang.Hewentt
o
t
heStat
es.”

“
Ihopeshet
akeshi
m back.
”

Agangnodded.“
Met
oo.Hehasl
ear
nthi
slesson.
”

Agangwalkedtohi
scleanbedroom.Hewalkedbackt
othesi
tti
ng
room awhil
elat
eral
readyinhi
sgreysweat
pantsandat-
shi
rt
.He
l
ookedatherasshefini
shedupironi
ng.

“
Thanky
ou.Thehousel
ooksspot
less.
”

Kel
l
yputhi
sshi
rt
sandpant
stohi
sbedr
oom.Shecamebackand
smi
led.

“
Justhowy
ourgi
rl
fr
iendl
i
kesi
t.
”

“
Iam goi
ngt
ocal
lher
.Godhel
pst
hosewhohel
pthemsel
ves.
”

Kel
l
ywal
kedt
otheki
tchen.Hef
oll
owedaf
terherandsmi
l
ed.

“
WhatcanIdo?
”

Shel
ookedathi
m.“
Youcanst
artmaki
ngt
hesal
ad.Ihadal
ready
st
art
edwit
hthemeat.
”

“
Ok,
whatam Isupposedt
ocut
?”

Shesmi
l
edt
henopenedt
hef
ri
dgeandt
ookoutacoupl
eoft
hings
forhi
m.Shewashedt
het
omat
oest
hent
ookachoppi
ngboar
d
andaknif
e.

“
Cutt
hem l
i
ket
his…”

Sheshowedhi m.Agangnoddedandtookoverwhi
l
eshetookout
hermarinat
edmeatfrom t
hefri
dge.Shel
ookedathist
omatoes
andlaughed.

“
Thosear
ehugeAgang….
”

“
Yousai
dIshoul
dcutl
i
ket
hat
.”

Kel
l
ytookt
hekni
fef
rom hi
mthencutagai
n.“
Iwanti
tli
ket
his…”

Hel
ookedathi
stomat
oest
henher
s.“
What
’st
hedi
ff
erence?
”

“
Theyar
enot
.Cutpr
oper
ly.
”

Hestar
tedcut
ti
ng.Shesmi
l
ed.“
That
’sbet
ter
.Bef
ast
.Ihav
etogo
home.”

Agangt
urnedtoher
.“Iwil
ldropy
ouof
f.Pl
easest
ayandeatwi
th
me.Eat
ingal
oneisbori
ng.”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
ed.“
Ican’
t.
”

“
Please…Iwon’
teaty
ou.Iwi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
fatt
hegat
e.”

“Mamawon’
tli
keit
.Shedoesn’
tevenl
ikethi
sfr
iendshi
p…she
bel
iev
esi
nprof
essi
onal
ism.Idon’
twantto-“

“
Don’
tyouhav
efr
iends?
”

“
Ido.
”

“
Youwi
l
ltel
lhery
ouwer
ewi
thaf
ri
end.Notme.St
ay…Iam
cut
ti
ngt
heset
omat
oesni
cel
yfory
ou.
”

Kel
l
ysi
ghed.“
Ok.
”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

*
**

Elangscrol
ledthr
oughherFacebooklat
erthateveni
ng.Shecame
acrossherroommate’spost
,theyhadpart
edway sassoonas
theygraduatedandnowshewasget t
ingmar r
iedtoherboyf
ri
end.

Elangwentthr
oughherpi
ctur
esandlikedt hem t
henmov edon
scrol
li
ngdownonFacebook.Herl
andlordst ar
tedcall
i
ng.Elang
bitherl
owerli
pwonderi
ngwhatexcuseshewasgoi ngtogive.
Sheknewt hi
smonthshewouldgetev i
cted.Therewasnoway
aroundit
.

Shesatupri
ghtstar
ingatherr
oom.Ther
ewasnot
hingmuch.She
wenttohercontact
sthentookadeepbr
eat
handcall
edher
mother.

“
Ela…”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Iwentt
othei
nter
viewt
oday
.”

“
And?
”

“Theysai
dtheywil
lcal
lme.Idoubti
t.Iam t
hinki
ngofcomi
ng
home.Ican’
taff
ordtokeepstay
ingherewit
houtajob.
”

“
Iam happyy
ouar
enowunder
standi
ngwhatIwassay
ing.You
wi
l
llookf
oraj
obwhi
l
eyouar
ehome.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Howi
sThabi
?”

“
Shei
sst
ruggl
i
ngi
nAmer
ica.
”

“I
nthebearfutureshewon’tbestr
uggli
ng.Notsomuch.Doctor
s
arethemostrespectedpeoplei
nthewor l
d.She’
sgoingtobe
suchabri
ghtst ar
.Hermotherisproudwhereversheis.
”

El
angnodded.“
Yes.Iwi
shIhadst
udi
edmedi
cinet
oo.
”

“
Buty
ourdegr
eei
sst
il
lasgood.
”

“
Iwi
l
lgetat
ruckf
ormyt
hings.
”

“
Ok.
”

Shehungupandst
art
edpacki
ngherbel
ongi
ngs.

*
**

Justaf
tert
enintheeveni
ng,
Agangpar
kedhi
scar
,hi
sli
ght
sof
f
thenl
ookedatKell
y.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Bye.
”

“
Whi
chChoppi
esdoy
ouwor
kat
?”

Sheshookherhead.“
No.Andby
e.”
“
Wai
t,Iwant
edt
otakey
ououtf
or-
“

“Youaregoingt
hroughahear
tbr
eakAgang.Iknowyouar
e
l
ookingforsomethi
ngtot
akeawayyourpain.I
twon’
tbeme.
Goodnight.
”

Shesteppedoutofthecarandwal kedtothegate.Sheopenedit
andwalkedinwhilehewatchedsmi l
ing.Shegotinthehouse,
Agangdroveoff,
hisli
ght
sst i
llof
f.Heswi t
chedthem onStthe
cor
nerdisappear
ingoutofsight.

*
**

Hourslateri
nBoston,Ret
habil
ewaitedattheair
portholdinga
boardwithhisname.Sheexcit
edlywatchedasthearri
valswalked
over.Shewatchedasothershuggedscreamingwhil
eother scr
ied.
Shelookedaroundhopingtoseeherbrotherasthear
rival
s
walkedout.

Minut
espassed,
herhear
tst
art
edpoundi
ng.Shewal
kedt
ohel
p
desk.

“
Eveni
ng…”

Al
adysmi
l
edather
.“Ev
eni
ng…howcanIhel
pyou?
”

“
Uhmybr otherwassupposedtobearr
ivingt
oo.BA1445.
.uhhe’
s
f
rom London.Hi
snamei sBatangKai
sara.Heiswi
thRachel
Motsumi.
”

Thel
adyl
ookedather
.“Whi
chf
li
ghti
sit
?”
“BA1445.Hi
snamei
sBatang…”Shespel
titout
.“BATANG KA
ISARA.Hei smybr
other
.Hewassupposedt obei
nfl
i
ght
BA1445.”

“
Thabi
!
”

Thabitur
ned,t
earsfi
ll
edhereyesasheranovert
oher.He
huggedhercryi
ng.Thabi
heldhimti
ghtl
y,herowntear
swett
ing
hercheeks.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#64

I
nBoston,
Rethabi
l
eopenedherdoorandwal
kedin.Bat
ang
f
oll
owedbehi
ndhersmil
ing,
hidhear
traci
ngwit
hexcit
ement.He
t
ookoffhi
sshoesbyt
hedoorandsteppedontheAmericanf
loor
.

“
Thi
sfl
oori
ssof
t.
”

Thabi
lookedathi
m andl
aughed.“
Youar
egoi
ngcr
azy
.”

“Ev
eryt
hingi
sbeaut
if
ul.
”Hel
ookedatt
het
wocouchesandt
he
pai
nti
ngonthewall
.

Bat
angsmil
edstar
ingatt
hesl
idi
nggl
assdoort
hatledtothe
small
bal
cony.Het
urnedhi
sheadandl
ookedattheki
tchen.

“
It
’ssmal
lbutbeaut
if
ul.
”

“
It
sreal
l
ysmal
l
.”

Hewalkedtothebat
hroom andsmiledlookingattheAmeri
can
showerandtoi
let
.Hepressedthebutt
ont henitf
lushed.

Henoddedi
mpr
essed.“
Smar
t.
”

Helookedathersinkandopenedthetaptouchi
ngthewater
.
Somehowt hewaterfel
tdi
ff
erent
.Itdefi
nit
elydi
dn’
tfeel
li
kewat
er
fr
om theBotswanadam…

“
Thewat
erher
eisni
ce…”

Thabi
laughedhar
der
.“I
tsj
ustwat
er.Youmustbet
ir
ed.I
twasa
l
ongj
our
ney
.”

Bat
angwal
kedoutandsmi
l
ed.“
No.Iam nott
ir
ed.Wher
eisy
our
TV?”

“
Ihav
eNet
fl
ixonmyl
apt
op.
”

“
Yes!
”

Thabi
smi
l
edt
hent
ouchedhi
sbear
d.“
Youar
ebi
g“

“
Andyouar
ebeaut
if
ul.
”Het
ouchedherhai
randchuckl
ed.“
And
y
ouhavel
ostwei
ght.
.”

“
Youl
i
kedmef
at?
”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyou.Idon’
tcar
eify
ouar
ethi
nort
hick.
”

“
Ilostwei
ght
.Gy
m anddi
et.Andl
otsofst
ress.Somuchst
ress.
”

“
Imi
ssedy
ou.
”

Shehuggedhi
m.“
Met
oo.
.”

AnotherdoorinthehousethenMosawal
kedouther.Bat
ang
l
ookedatt hebabyiswholookeddomuchli
kehissi
sterand
tur
nedbackt oThabi.Shel
ookedatt
hebabyagaint
henThabi.

Thabi
wal
kedov
erandpi
ckedherupasBat
angst
oodi
nshock.

“
Bat
ie,
thi
sisLel
omo.Lomo.LomoKai
sar
a.”

“
Kasar
amama?
”

Thabi
smil
edkissi
ngherdaught
er’
s.“
Yeshunny
…thi
sisBat
ang.
Heismybrot
her.”
Mosasi
ghed.“
Ibat
hedher
.Iam goi
ng.
”

Thabiswal
lowedandf ol
lowedheroutsi
de.“Thankyou.Iam sorr
y
aboutyest
erday
.Iwasoutofl i
ne.Iwasangrybutitdoesn’
tmake
al
ri
ght.Iwasupset.If
eltatt
ackedandjudged.Ishoul
dnothav e
sai
dwhatIsaid.”

Mosasighed.“
Iam happyi
thappened.NowIcany
ourt
rue
col
ors”

“
Youpr
ovokedme!
”

“
Itol
dyouthetr
uth.Youdon’
twantt
oaccepti
t.Butf
ory
ouuse
mypastst
ruggl
esagainstme….
”

“Iam sorr
y.Idi
dn’
tmeani
t.Iam sorr
y.If
eltat
tacked.You
attackedme.Prov
okedme.Iwasn’tgoi
ngtojustkeepquiet
.”

“
Itol
dyout
het
rut
h.Youar
esel
fcent
ered-
“

“Youattackedme.Iwasn’ tgoingtokeepquiet
.Iam sorr
yIsaid
thethi
ngsIsaid.Ishouldhav enottakenthatf
ar.ButIwasn’
t
goingtokeepquietafteryouhav eatt
ackedputti
ngmydaughter
andmybr ot
heri
ntoit.Thanky ouforstay
ingwithmydaughter.
”

Thabi
walkedbacki
nherhouseandl
ookedatBat
angwhowas
st
il
lst
ari
ngatLomo.

“
Itol
dyouIwashav
ingababy
.”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Shei
sour
s?”

“
Yes.
”

“
Shei
sreal
l
ybeaut
if
ul.Andbi
g..
”
“
Iknow.
”

“
Whydi
dn’
tyout
ell
me?
”

“
Iwant
edt
osur
pri
sey
ou.
”

Hepi
ckedherup.Lomolaughedt
ouchinghi
snose.Bat
anghi
s
ar
msaroundher,t
earsf
il
li
nghereyes.

“
Shei
sbeaut
if
ul….
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Shei
s…”

Hesni
ff
ed.Lomol
ookedathi
stear
s.

“
Mama…hecr
ying?
”

“
He’
shappy
.”

Bat
angl
aughedandsatdownhol
dingher
.Thabi
satdown.

“
Iam happyy
ouar
eher
e.Imi
ssedy
ou.
”

Hesni
ff
ed.“
Imi
ssedy
out
oo…Imi
ssedy
ousomuch.
”

Sheheldhishand.“Youarehere…Iwi
l
lbedonei
nthreeyear
s
thenIwil
lstar
tmyr esi
denceprogr
am.Iwi
l
lbegett
ingpai
dplus
all
owance.Iwil
ltakeyouthen.
”

“
WhataboutPapa?Idon’
twanthi
mtost
ayal
one.
”

Thabil
ookedathi
m andsi
ghedchangi
ngt
het
opi
c.“
Yourhai
rcut
i
snice.
”

“
Uncl
eAt
a-…I
…”

“
Hewhat
?”
“
Tookmet
othebar
ber
.”

“
Ihopey
oudi
dn’
ttel
lhi
myouwer
ecomi
ngher
e.”

“
No!Idi
dn’
t.
”

Thabi
sighed.“
Idi
dn’
tli
kewhaty
oudi
d.”

“
Iknow.Iam sor
ry.Ij
ustl
ovehi
m.”

“
Hei
syourf
ri
endgonekoo!Hei
snotmyf
ri
end.
”

Bat
angl
ookeddown.“
Hel
ovesy
ou.
”

“
Hedoesn’
t.Hewi
l
ltel
lyouwhaty
ouwantt
ohear
.“

“
Hedoesn’
tli
e.Iwi
sh…”Hesi
ghed.

Thabishookherhead.“
Itwi
l
lnev
erhappen.Don’
thol
dyourbr
eat
h.
Iam tr
yingt
omov eon.Howam Isupposedtoi
fIdon’
thav
ethe
supportofmyfamil
y?”

“
Iam sor
ry.Ij
ust
…Iam sor
ry.
”

Thabi
huggedhi
m.“Itsok.Let
’smakeapr
omi
se…t
het
hreeweeks
youar
eherenoAtang.”

“
Ipr
omi
se.
”

Thabi
lookedatherdaught
erwhowasnowsl
eepi
ng.

“
Arey
ouhungr
y?”

“
Iat
eal
oti
nthepl
ane.Il
i
ket
hatl
adywhocamewi
thme.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Shewasni
ce.
”

“
Iwasscar
edwhenwecheckedi
nLondon.Theywant
edt
osee
t
heaf
fi
dav
its.Theycal
l
edt
heBot
swanaembassy
.”

“
Ihear
d.Iwasscaredtoo.Buty
ouar
eher
enow.Youcansl
eepi
n
t
hebedroom wi
thher.
”

“
Whatabouty
ou?
”

“
Iwi
l
lsl
eepont
hecouch.
”

“
Iwi
l
lsl
eepont
hecouch.I
t’
sok.
”

“Ok.Letmeputhi
m down.Adj
ustt
hecouch.I
tcant
urni
ntoa
bed.”

Thabitookherdaughterandwalktothebedroom andl
aidher
daughterdown.Shetookaduv etandapil
lowthenwalkedovert
o
Batangwhowasst andingbythebalconysnappi
ngpict
ures.

“
Ist
her
eWi
Fi?
”

“
Yes.Letmeputt
hepasswor
d.”

Shet ookhi
sphoneandent er
edt hepasswor d.Batangsmil
ed
thenpostedhi
spi ct
ures.Thabi adjust
edt hecouchandoutt he
pil
lowandducebtdown.Shewal kedtot hekitchengladher
all
owancehadrepor t
edt oday.Sheopenedt hef r
idgeandtookout
thePopeyeschickenshehadl eft
.Shet ookacanofCoke.She
heatedthechi
ckenandt ookt hef oodtohersi tt
ingroom.

Sheputitonherl
i
ttl
etabl
ethensatdownonhert
inyt
abl
ewi
th
herbooks.

“
Ihav
eexams.
”

Bat
angwal
kedbacki
nthesi
tt
ingr
oom andpi
ckedt
heboxof
Popey
es.Het
ookapi
ctur
e.Thabi
laughed.

“
Youar
egoi
ngcr
azy
.”

“
Thepeopl
emustknow.Kehemapef
oyaAmer
icagoha.
”

Shel
aughedhar
der
.“Osekawar
ekgol
ega.
”

“
Whatdoy
oucal
lthi
spl
ace?
”

“
Wear
eBr
ight
onAl
l
stonApar
tment
s.”

“
Ican’
twai
ttot
ell
them Iwasi
nBr
ight
onAl
l
ston.
”

Shesmi l
edwat chi
nghimtakepi
cturesofev
ery
thing.Herphone
vi
brated.Shesmi l
edseei
ngthecal
lerIdt
henwalkedtoher
bedroom picki
ng.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“Kai
sar
a,Isawthequesti
onsyousentme.Iwi
l
lrepl
ythem as
soonasIgettothehospi
tal
.”

“
YesSi
r.
”

Pul
elaughed.“
Howar
etheexams?
”

“
Har
d.But
…Iam doi
ngmybest
.”

“
Thebesti
swhatwewant
.Youar
edoi
ngr
eal
l
ywel
lDr
.Kai
sar
a.”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Howi
sLomo?
”

“
Lomoi
sfi
ne.Bat
anghasar
ri
ved.
”

“
Hemustbesohappy
.”
“
Hei
s.Hewon’
tst
opt
aki
ngpi
ctur
esofev
ery
thi
ng.
”

“
Lethi
m be.
”

Shegi
ggl
ed.“
Iam t
aki
ngt
hem t
othepar
ktomor
row.
”

“
Whenam Iget
ti
ngi
nvi
ted?
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Youar
ewel
comet
ovi
sitt
het
inyapar
tment
.”

“Iam goi
ngt
ocome.MaybewhenBatangcomesbackhome.I
don’
twanttoov
erwhel
my ourl
i
ttl
efl
at.
”

Theybot
hlaughed.“
Yeah…”

Pul
esi
ghed.“
Youar
emaki
ngev
ery
onepr
oud.Keepi
tup.
”

“
YesSi
r.
”

Hel
aughed.“
Getsomesl
eep.I
t’
slat
ether
e.”

“
Yes.
”

“
Bye.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Bye…”

Shehungupandsmi l
ed.Shewenttot
hesi
tti
ngr
oom andsmi
l
ed
watchi
ngherbr
othert
akev i
deosofhi
msel
f

*
**

I
nGabor
onePul
e’
sfr
iendl
ookedathi
m andsmi
l
ed.
“
Ojol
alest
udenty
aanongMi
ster
?”

“Thabi
isnotmyst
udentandno.She’
snotcomi
ngback.Not
now.”

“
So?
”

Pul
esighedwalki
nginsidethehospit
al.“
Shei
sbeauti
ful
,i
nand
out
.She’sbeenhurt
,beenthroughthemostbutsheisst
rong.She
i
sagoget ter
.Sheisahardwor ker
.Sheisawonderf
ulperson.
”

Hisfr
iendl
ookedathi
m.“
Youar
efal
l
ingf
orher
.Icanseei
t.Be
caref
ul.
”

Hi
sf r
iendwal
kedaway .Pul
erushedtohisoff
iceandsighed
si
tt
ing.Heunlockedt
hisphoneandthoughtf
ull
ylookedather
pi
ctures.Hef
oundhimselfsmil
ing.

*
**

Elanggotinthebusthatsamemor ni
ng.Shel
eanedbackonher
seatandsighedtear
full
yastheboysslowl
ymov edgoi
ngoutof
stati
on.Tear
sburnthereyes,sher
ubbedthem.

Thepassengerbesi
desherl
ookedather
.“Hi
,ar
eyouok?
”

Shenodded.Hesmi
l
ed.“
Iam sor
ry.
”

Shet
urnedt
ohi
m.“
Rra?
”

“
Iam sor
ry.Forwhat
everr
easony
ouar
ecr
yingf
or.
”
Shenodded.“
Thanks.
”

Hepressedhi
ssmal
lphonet
henputi
tonhi
sear
.Hesi
ghed
di
sappoint
ed.

“
Thammakeadimafounuyagago.Myai
rt
imei
sfi
nished.Ineed
t
ocal
lsomeoneur
gentl
y.
”

El
anggav
eitt
ohi
m.Hesmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.
”

Shenodded.Hedi
aledanumberandcal
l
edi
t.

“
Hel
l
o?Igoti
nthebus….Ngng,
theydi
dn’
tseeme.Sur
e…”

Hehungupandgav
ebackt
hephone.“
Thanks.
”

El
angt
ookbackphoneandsi
ghedr
elaxi
ng.

*
**

AgangparkedatmmagweKell
y’
shousethensteppedoutand
walkedi
nsidet
heyar
dheadedtothedoor.Heknockedand
st
eppedback.Aminut
elat
erKell
yopenedholdi
ngherhandbag.

Shesmil
edthenl
ookedbacki
nthehouse.“
Mama,
Agangi
sher
e
toseey
ou.”

Agangchuckl
ed.Shel
ookedathi
mthenopenedt
hedoorwi
der
.

“
Comei
n.”

HewalkedinandlookedatmmagweKwhowasseat
edont
he
couchhol
dingherbibl
e.Shesmi
l
ed.
“
Agang…”

Hewal
kedov
erandhuggedher
.Shesmi
l
edashesatbesi
desher
.

“
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
”

“
Bet
ter
.”

“
Whatdi
dthedoct
orsay
?”

“
Themanupt
her
eisi
ncont
rol
.”

“
Youdi
dn’
tseet
hedoct
or?
”

“
Ihav
egi
veni
tal
ltoGod.
”

“Mymot herisjustlikeyou.Igr ewupi naChri

st i
anhome.She
praysandbel i
evesj ustl
ikey ou.ShelovesGod, shehasFaithi
n
him.Andasmuchasshet aughtistoprayandgi veallt
hebatt
les
tohim,sheal sotaughtust hatGodhel psthosewhohel p
themselves.AsmuchasIwanthi mt oheal
.myheadache, he
shouldfi
ndt hepainkill
eralreadydoingsomet hing.Fai
thisyou
beli
evi
ngy oushal lbehealedt hroughhismercyandl ove,i
t’
syou
beli
evi
ngt hathewi llmaket hemedi cati
onwor k.Let’
sfi
ghtthi
s
witheverythi
ng.Please…”Hehel dherhands.“Imi ssyou.”

MmagweKsmi l
dthenf
ixedhi
sti
e.“
Youl
ookhandsome.Your
mot
herr
aisedagoodman.”

“
Wil
lyouseeadoct
or?
”

“
CanIgot
omor
rowwhenIcomebackf
rom chur
ch?
”

Heki
ssedhercheek.“
Yes.CanIt
akey
ou?
”

“
Yes.
”
AganghuggedherasKell
yst
oodbyt
hedooratwat
chi
ng.Agang
gotupandlookedather
.

“
CanIdr
opy
ouof
f?”

Kel
l
ynoddedsmi
l
ing.“
Yes.Thanky
ou.
”

Agangwal
kedoutwi
thKel
l
yandgoti
nthecar
.Shesmi
l
ed.

“
Thanky
ouf
ort
alki
ngt
oher
.”

“
That
’smygi
rl
.”

Shel
aughed.Agangst
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.

Atamal
l
,Agangpar
kedt
hecar
.Kel
l
ysmi
l
ed.

“
Thanks.
”

“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”

Shel
aughed.“
Nothappeni
ng.By
e!”

Shesteppedoutofhi
acatanswal
kedaway.Aganglaughed
watchingherassher
aninsi
det
hemalli
nherjeansandChoppi
es
t-
shir
t.

Hestart
edt hecaranddrovet
owor
k.Hosphoner
ang,
het
ooki
t
outandpickedZaza’scal
l.

“
Yeah?
”
“
Hi,
canwet
alk?
”

“
About
?’

“
Iam sor
ry.IknowIhur
tyou.
”

“
Don’
tbe.Congr
atul
ati
ons.
”

“
May
bewecan-
“

“
Ihav
emov
edon.
”

“
Soqui
ck?
”

“
Yeswhynot
?”

“
Ithought
-“

“
Stopt
hought
ingandst
opcal
l
ingme.
”

Hehungupandbl
ockedhernumber
.

*
**

I
nBost on,Thefol
lowi
ngmor ni
ng,Thabif
ini
shedhol
dingher
daughter’
shairi
ntoabun.Shetookasmal l
toot
hbrushanddid
thebabyhairsandwhil
esheplayedav i
deogameonhermot her
’s
phone.

Thabi
fini
shedupandsmi
l
ed.“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”

Shesmi
ledtouchi
ngitwi
thherhand.Shewalkedoutoft
he
bedr
oom.Thabiopenedt
hewardrobeandtookoutadress.
Lel
omolookedathermot
her’
sphoner
ingi
ngandswi
pedt
he
scr
eenandputi
tonherear.

“
Hel
l
o?”

Amal
evoi
cespoke.“
Hi…howar
eyou?
”

“
Fine…”

“
Whatusy
ourname”

“
Lomo…”

Batangwalkedoutoft
hebathroom al
readydr
essed.Lomol
ooked
athim andputt
hephonebehindhersmi l
i
ng.

“
Whoar
eyout
alki
ngt
o?”

Shegi
ggledthent
hrewhersel
font
hecouch.Bat
angt
urnedas
someoneknockedonthedoor.

Hewalkedoverandopened.Hishear
tski
pped,
Lomocamef
rom
behi
ndhim andl
ookedtoo.Atangsmil
ed.

“
Heybuddy
…”

Iam sosor
ryabouty
est
erday
Your
sTr
uly

#65

Atang’seyesfel
lonLelomo,theresembl
anceimmedi at
ely
catchinghi
sattenti
on.Shesmil
edt henr
aisedherar
ms.At ang
swallowedthenpickedherup.

“
Hi…”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Hi…”

Bat
angswal
l
owedt
henwal
kedout
sidecl
osi
ngt
hedoor
.

“
Didy
ouf
oll
owme?
”

Atanglaughed.“
IfIknewwewoul
dhav
ecomet
oget
her
,Lebo’
s
boyfr
iend.
”

Batangsmil
ed.“
She’sgoi
ngtobeupset.Ij
ustpr
omi
sednott
o
evermenti
onyournameinfr
ontofher.
”

“
Iwi
l
lhandl
eher
.Who’
sbabyi
sthi
s?”

Lel
omohel
dhi
sbear
dsmi
l
ingmaki
nghi
m smi
l
eback.

“
What
’sy
ourname?
”

Bat
angswal
l
owed.“
Shei
smynephew.Ij
ustsawhery
est
erday
.”

At
angl
ookedather
,hi
shear
tvi
brat
ingagai
nsthi
schest
.

“
Howol
disshe?
”

“
3.”
Hedroppedhisbagandheldherwit
hbot hhands.Thedoor
openedthenRet
habi
lewalkedoutholdi
ngagl assofj
uice.She
fr
ozestari
ngathi
m,herkneesweakeningasacol dchi
llranown
herspi
ne.

Atanglookedather.Shewastil
lasbeauti
ful
,hi
sey essl
owl
ywent
downherbody ,shehadlostwei
ghtthoughshestil
lhadhad
volupt
uouships.Heswallowedandlookedinhereyes.

“
Hi…”

Tearsfi
ll
edherey esandroll
eddownhercheeks.Shestaggered
backgetli
pst r
embling.At
anghandedLomot oBatangthem
huggedher.Shegr i
ppedhist-
shi
rthol
dinghimtightl
yasher
emotionsrose.Acryescapedherli
ps,Batangwalkedbackinthe
houseashi ssi
stercri
ed.

Atangheldherwarm bodytight
lyki
ssi
ngherneck.Hercr
iesdi
ed
downmi nut
eslat
er,hefeltherbodybegi
ntorel
axi
nherarmsas
shefoughtherhi
ccups,herheadonhischest
.

Mi
nutespassedast heyhel
deachotherli
kenothi
ngel
se
mat
tered.Thabi
closedhereyesst
il
lholdi
nghist-
shi
rt
.

Hermindt
ookherbackt oall
thetimehehadhel dherli
kethat
,
t
hememor iesst
il
lfel
tfr
eshinhermi nd.Thoseneckki
ssessti
ll
f
eltt
hesame, st
il
lweakenedherthesamewayt heydi
dagesback.
Hi
stouchremindedherofeveryothertouchhehadevermade.

Shet ookadeepbreathinhal
inghi
sscent.GodAtang…she
breathedoutthenslowlyl
etgoandsteppedback.Shewipedher
tearsandsnif
fedlookingathim.
Hisbeardhadcrowdedhisfacebuthest i
lll
ookedasgood.His
hair
cutputoutal
lhi
sfacial
f eat
ures.Shelookedathi
sbuff
edup
body.Hewasmor ebuff
edt hanthelastti
mehesawher .Probabl
y
taki
nghisjobmoreseri
ously.

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul…”

Sheopenedhermout
htor
espondbutnot
hingcameoutr
athera
tearr
oll
eddown.

“
Ver
ybeaut
if
ul.
”

Hemov
edcl
oserandwi
pedawayhert
ear
sast
heyr
oll
eddown.

“
Finewi
ne.
”

Shechuckl
edt
ear
ful
l
y.Hecuppedherf
ace.

“
Met
siaAmer
icaaber
eka.
”

Shel
aughedcr
ying.Hesmi
l
edcar
essi
ngherf
ace.

“WhenIleav
ehere,
ket at
sa25l
i
tter
s.Theywi
l
lhav
eto
under
standatt
heairport
.”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Theywon’
tal
l
owy
ou.
”

Hi
shear
thammeredagai
nsthi
schestasshespoke.“
May
be.
.but
i
t’
swort
hatry
.”

Hi
seyeswenttohersl
i
ght
lypar
tedli
ps.Helookedi
nhereyesfor
amomentdebati
ngwit
hhi
mself.Heslowl
yleanedover
,hi
sli
ps
br
ushedagai
nsther
s.

Hepart
edhisl
i
psandsof t
lyki
ssedher
.Thabi
gaspedashetook
cont
rol
ofherl
ips.Het
urnediti
ntoafr
enchki
ss,hi
shandswent
downt
oherwai
st.Shest
agger
edbackweakl
y.

Atangheldheragai
nstthedoor,
hishandsnowal loverher
.Thabi
slowl
ytouchedhisbi
cepskissi
ngherbackasev erypartofher
bodywokeup.Her ubbedhisbodyagainsther
s,shestoodonher
toeswrappi
ngherarmsar oundhi
sneck.

Thedooropened,
Thabi
mov
edbackqui
ckl
yandswal
l
owed.
Bat
anglookedather
.

“
Phone.
”

Hehandedhert
hephone.Thabi
lookedatPul
ecal
l
ingt
henqui
ck
pi
cked.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hey
…hav
eyoul
ookedi
ntowhatIsenty
ou?
”

Shecl
ear
edhert
hroat
.“No.Noty
et.
”

“
Ok.Ianswer
edev
ery
thi
ng.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Youar
ewel
come.Ar
eyoual
readyatt
hepar
k?”

“
No.noty
et.
”

“
CanIv
ideocal
lyou?
”

Atanglookedatherhear
ingthemalevoi
ceattheotherend.He
swall
owedwonder i
ngift
hatwasherboyfri
end.Notthathewould
bl
ameher .Shehadprobablymovedon.

Thabi
lookedathi
mthenspokeont
hephone.
“
Iwi
l
lcal
lyouback.
”

“
Ok.Iam onmywayhome.
”

“
Ok.
”

Shehungup.At
anglookedatherphonethenather
.Thabirubbed
herl
i
psassherecal
l
edPear l
..shepul
leddownherdress.

“
Howdi
dyouf
indme?
”

“
IsLomomi
ne?
”

“
DidBat
angt
ell
you?
”

“
No.Ihi
redaPI
.”

“
Tost
alkme?
”

“
Ineededt
ofi
ndy
ou.Iwasgoi
ngcr
azy
.”

“
Thati
sil
l
egal
!Wher
eisPear
l?”

“
Ther
eisnoPear
l.
”

“
Wher
eisshe?
”

“
Nother
e.Babe-
“

“
Don’
t…pleasedon’
tdothat
.Thatki
sswasami
stake.Don’
tthi
nk
i
tmeansanythi
ng.I
tdoesn’
t.
”

“
IsLomomine?She’
smineri
ght
?Shel
ookssomuchl
i
key
ou?
Whywoul
dyoukeepherfr
om me?”

Shel
ookedathi
m,herangerr
isi
ng.At
angsi
ghed

“
Whydi
dyoukeepherf
rom me?
”
“
Becauseshei
snoty
our
s.”

“
Shei
sthr
ee.
”Hesi
ghed.“
Thabi
-“

“Sheisnotyour
s.She’
stwo.Herfat
herwastheonewhohadj ust
call
ed.Isl
eptwit
hhim aweekaft
erthediv
orce.St
opfor
cing
yoursel
fonmydaughter.Shei
snotyoursandwill
nev
erbey ours.
Herfatheri
sPuleKgosi
.”

At
angl
ookedathershaki
ng.“
Idon’
tbel
i
evey
ou.
”

“
That’syourownissue.Shei
stwoyear
s.Mydaughterhasa
f
atherandit’
snotyou.Seei
ngyouj
ustremi
ndedmeofal ot.I
f
youthoughtcomingherewoul
dmakemet akeyouback,youhav
e
wastedyourti
me.”

“
Idon’
tbel
i
evey
ou.
”

“
Sui
tyour
sel
f.ButLomoi
snoty
our
s.Thi
sisherf
ather
…”

Sheshowedhi
m api
ctur
eofPul
e.At
angl
ookedatherUBl
ect
urer
.

“
That’
sherfat
her.YouandIdon’thaveany
thingtogether
.Don’
t
f
orcemydaughteronyoursel
f.Shehasafather.Iam sur
pri
sed
y
ourPIfai
l
edtot el
lyouthat
.Ashame…”

Helookedatherandbl
i
nked,
pai
nchoki
nghi
m.“
Idon’
tbel
i
eve
you.
”

“
Youdon’
tbel
i
evewhat
?ThatImetabet
terman?
”

“Youwantt
obr eakme…sheismine.Idon’
tbel
i
eveanyoft
hat
crapy
oujustsaid.IwantDNAt
ests.
”

“
Ok.Wewi
l
ldot
hem.Mat
teri
ffact
..l
et’
sdot
hem t
oday
.The
sooneryoucr
awl
backt
owhat
evershutboxy
oucamef
rom,
the
bett
er…”

Thabiwal
kedbacki
nherhouse.Shedi
akedanumbergoi
ngt
o
herbedr
oom.

Chr
ispi
cked.“
Thabi
…”

“
Hi.IneedDNAt
est
sdoneonmydaught
er.ButIneedaf
avor
…”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#66

I
nBoston,
Rethabi
leputherdaught
er’sdocumentstoget
herwi
th
hi
sandwalkedoutofherroom.Batanglookedather.

“
Whyar
eyoul
yi
ngt
ohi
m?”

Thabi
tur
nedt
ohi
m.“
What
?”

“Whyarey
oul
yi
ngt
ohi
m?I
t’
shi
sdaught
er.Whyar
eyoul
yi
ngt
o
hi
m,?”

“
Whydoy
out
hinkIam l
yi
ngt
ohi
m?Lomoi
snothi
sdaught
er.
”

“
Shehashi
smout
h.”

“Soyougoaroundl
ooki
ngatpeople’
smout hs?Thi
sisnotAt
ang’
s
daught
er.Lomohasherf
atherandit
’snotAtang.
”

“
Letmeseehi
sbi
rt
hcer
ti
fi
cat
ethen.
”

“
Bat
angwhat
’swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
”

“
Letmeseeherbi
rt
hcer
ti
fi
cat
eify
ouar
enotl
yi
ng.
”

“Iam notshowi
ngy
ouany
thi
ng.I
t’
snothi
sdaught
er.Di
dyou
bringhi
m here?
”

“Ididn’
tbri
nghim anywhere.Whyareyoudeny
ingLomothe
chancet ohav
eherf at
herinherl
if
e?Youwanthertogrow
fatherl
essoryouarejusthopi
ngtogiv
ehertothenextmanyou
meet ?”
“
Don’
ttal
ktomel
i
ket
hat
!Iam ol
dert
hany
ou.
”

“Whatifshewantsherf
ather
?Ify
ouar
enotl
yi
ngl
etmeseehi
s
bir
thcert
ifi
cat
e.”

“
Iam notshowi
ngyouanythi
ng.Idon’
tknowwhat’
sgottenint
o
y
oubutIam yourol
dersi
sterandyouaregoi
ngtorespectme.”

Batangst oodup.“ Respecti searnedandy out ryi

ngt okeept his
chil
df rom herf atherwon’ tmakemer especty ou.Whydoy ou
wantt okeephi m awayf rom hisdaught er?Lomodeser vest o
growupwi thherf atherpr esentinherl if
e.”Hi sv oiceshookas
tear
sf ill
edhi sey es.“Youmi ghtnotseet hei mpor tancebecause
yougr ewupwi t
houtaf atherbutIknowi t’
sni cet ohav eadad.I
haveseent hedifferencebet weenmeandmyf r
iendswi thfathers.
UncleAt angdi dn’ tdoany thingt oLelomo.Iknowmyf atheronce
wantedt obei nmyl if
e.Nt atemogol ot oldmet hatmamawast o
angry,sher ef
used.Shehat edhi m.ButIwant edmyf ather.Iwould
havelov edt ohav eadad.Hedi dn’tdoany thingt ome…Ideser ved
tohav eadad.Ideser vedt obel ikeot herki dst oo!Youal sodi d.
Butmamawasangr yatev er
yman.Yourf at herdoesn’ tev enknow
hehasadaught eroutt herebecausemamar anof f.Wedeser ved
togrowupwi thf athers.Ther eisnot hingr espect abl eabout
keepingchi l
drenf rom theirfathers.Ther ei snot hingspeci alabout
that
!”Hi st earsrolleddown.“ I
fy oucan’ tseemypoi ntgoandl ook
atyour selfinfrontoft hemi rr
orandy out ellmewhaty ousee! ”

Tear
sbur
ntherey
esasshel
ookedathi
m.

“Lel
omodeser
vestohav eafat
her
.Ify
oucan’
tfor
giv
euncle
Atangf
orwhathappened,i
t’
sfi
nebutLomoshoul
dn’thav
eto
suff
erforthat
.Hedi
dnot
hingt
oher
.Shedeser
veshi
slov
eand
att
enti
on.”

Thabi
wipedawayat eart
hanhadr andown.Sheoutherbag
downsni
ffi
ng.Herdaughterl
ookedathersadl
y.

“
Mama…”

Bat
angpi
ckedherup.“
Mamai
sfi
ne.Comeandseey
ourdad.
”

Thabiwatchedasheopenedherbagandt ookoutthebir
th
cer
tifi
cat
e.Shepressedherl
i
pstogetherhol
dinghertear
sashe
walkedout.Shet
urnedandwalkedbackinherbedroom.

Out
side,At
angsmiledholdi
nghisdaught
er.Batanghandedhi
m
t
hebirt
hcerti
fi
cat
ewher eshehadli
stedhim asthefat
her.

Hesmi
l
edst
ari
ngathernames.‘
Lel
omoWar
onaKai
sar
a.’

At
angt
ookadeepbr
eat
handl
ookedatBat
ang.

“
Wher
eisshe?
”

“
Cry
ing.
”

Henoddedthenl
ookedathisdaughtersmi
li
ng.Shewasbeaut
if
ul.
Shelookedsomuchli
kehermother.Shesmil
edtouchi
nghi
s
bear
dagain.

“
Hi.
.”
Lomosmi
l
ed.“
Hi…y
ouwantmama?
”

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
Yes.Iwantmama.
”

Lomot
urnedhert
othedoor
.“Mama…”

Batangsi
ghed.“
Idon’
tthi
nkshewantstoseey
ou.AndIwon’
tlet
youseeherbecausei
tmakeshercr
y.”

“
Youar
edoi
ngagoodj
obatt
hisbr
otherbusi
ness.
”

Batangsmil
ed.“Iam t
ryi
ng.Thabi
takest
het
rophyatbei
ngt
he
bestbigsi
ster
.”

“Pleasel
etmetalktoher
.Iwon’
ttakemuchti
me..Iknowsheis
angryatme,Ij
ustneedaminut
e.Justaminut
ethenIwill
go.”

Bat
angt
hought
ful
l
ylookedathi
m.“
60seconds?
”

“
Yes.60seconds.Just60secondst
henIwi
l
lbeout
.”

“
Ok.60secondsandy
ouar
egoi
ng.Iwi
l
lbecount
ing.
”

“
Ok.
”Atangl
ookedatLel
omo.“Heybaby
…letmet
alkt
omama.
MynameisDaddyok…saydaddy?
”

“
Dada.
.”

At
angsmil
edandkissedhercheek.HehandedhertoBat
angt
hen
wal
kedi
nsi
de.Bat
angpointedatthebedroom door
.

“
Iam count
ing.59…”

Atangwalkedtot
hedoorthenknockedbeforewal
ki
ngi
n.He
foundherseat
edonherbedcryi
ngsilent
ly.

Hecr
ouchedbet
weenherl
egsandl
ookedather
.
“Shei
sbeauti
ful
.Shelookssomuchli
keyou.Shei
ssmar tt
oo.
Andcantal
kproperl
y…Iguessshet
akesaftery
oubecauseI
knowIwasn’
tthatsmart.
”

Hecuppedherf aceandwi pedhert ears.“Ihur tyou…Iwi shIknew

whatt odot omakei talr
ight.Iwastooangr yIdest r
oy edwhatwe
had.Itwashar dt obel
ieveyouwer enotgoi ngt oabor twheny ou
hadt hedoctorli
et omet hepr evi
ousday .Itfeltli
key ouwer ejust
sayingitbecauseIhadcaughty ou.Iwassoupset ,Iwant eda
distr
acti
on.Inev ersl
eptwi t
hherwhenIwaswi t
hy ou.Ihav eno
reasontolietoy ou.Iwasgoi ngtosleepwi thhert hatday ,butI
didn’t
.Ilov
ey ou.Therehasn’ tbeenany oneel se.Iam happyy ou
kepther.”

“Ididn’
t.Shej
ustwouldn’tdi
e.It
ookthepil
ls.Ibl
edandIhad
cramps.WhenIwentt ogetmywombcl eanedout..shewasst
il
l
there.Thedoctor
ssai
di twastoolat
e.Andt hati
fItri
edi
tIwoul
d
die.Ididn’
twanttodi
e.Iwasscared.
”

“Il
oveyou.Ihavenev erstopped.It
’salwaysbeenyou.Iwantto
bepartofherli
fe.Iunderstandyouwer et
ooangryyouwantedt o
keepmeaway …butIwantt obeapr esentfat
her
.Whichever
arr
angementmakesy oucomf ortabl
e…asl ongasIam herfather
.
IwantyoubackandIwi l
ldoany thi
ng...“

Thabi
sni
ff
ed.“
Don’
tyout
hinki
t’
sal
i
ttl
etool
atef
ort
hat
?”

“I
tsnot
.Justgivemeachancebabe…gi
vemeachance.Keago
kopa…Ilov
ey ou….
”

Hel
ookedatherbeggi
ngher
.
Your
sTr
uly

#67

Rethabil
eshookherheadst
ari
ngathi m.Tearsgl
ist
enedi
nher
eyes,shesi
ghedclosi
nghereyes.Theyrol
leddownhercheeks.
Sheopenedhereyesandtouchedhisface.

“Ispental lt
heseyearswor kingonmyhat redf ory ou…Iwor kedon
hatingy ousomuch.Ihadhadday swher eIjustwantt opickup
yourcal landinst
eadofhangi nguporsay ingwhat ever…Ijust
wantt ot el
lyouthatIhavenomoneyandt haty ourdaught eris
j
ustexpensi vebutIwoul drathersleeponwat er…becauseI
wor kedonbl ocki
ngy ouinmyl i
fe.Ineedhelp…”Shesni ff
ed.“I
reall
yneedhel p.Ineedhel pwi t
hLomo.Sheshoul dbegoi ngtoa
daycar ebuthernannyal r
eadyi sexpensi v
e.Al lowancei sbarel
y
enough.I tonlycover
sformenotmydaught er .Andshehast o
eat…shehast owearcl othes.Somet i
mesi t’
sj usthar dbecauseI
haveschool …r i
ghtnowhernannygoti nanacci dent..i
fBatang
didn’tcome, Idon’
tknowwhatIwasgoi ngtodonextweek.The
l
oadf ormeal oneistoomuch.Ican’ t
…Iam f aili
ngt otakeproper
careofmydaught erwhi l
ef i
ghtingtogetadegr ee.Ineedhelp.”

“
Whatdoy ouneed?Iwi
l
lgi
veyouwhatev
ery
ouneedf
or
mai
ntenance.Howmuchdoyouneed?
”

Shesmi l
edtearf
ull
y.“Alot
.UhIam notear ni
nganyt
hingot
her
thanall
owance.SoIwi l
lneedmoneyf orherday
-car
e.Forher
food.Forhernanny.Forhercl
othes.Shedoesn’
thavemuch.But
wemakeusewi thwhatwehav ewor k.
”
“
Ok.
.howmuchdoy
oupayr
enther
e?”

“$690.Uhit
’sti
nyandit’
sanol dapart
ment.Thecei
l
ingi
sal
so
crackedt
hat’swhyit
’ssortofaff
ordabl
e.”

“
Howmuchi
stheday
-car
e?”

“
$1100.Permont
h.”

“
Ok,
andhernanny
?”

“Ipay$100perweek.Shedoesonli
neschool
ingsowhil
eshe
doesthat,
she’
shelpi
ngmewi thLomo.It
’swaytool
it
tl
ebutshe
underst
ands.
”

“
SoifLomoi
snowgoi
ngt
oaday
car
e,doy
oust
il
lneedherf
ull
t
ime?”

“No.Shecancomeear l
ymor ni
ngtohelpprepar
eherforschool
andmay beaf
terschoolbecauseIsometi
meshav etogotothe
l
ibrar
yorhaveanev eni
ngclassmeaningIwil
lgethomequite
l
ate.”

“Ok.Thenmaybenowwecanpayheraccor
dingtohourst
hat
she’
shere.Ontheday
syouar
enotatschool
,youcantakeov
er.
”

Ret
habi
l
enodded.

“
Howmuchdoy
ouneedf
orherf
ood?Enoughf
ood.
”

“
$200shoul
dbeenough.
”

“
Ok…andcl
othes.I
fIgi
vey
ou$2500,
wil
li
tbeenoughf
orher
?”

Shesni
ff
ed.“
Yes,
it’
smor
ethanenough.
”
“
Howmuchi
sagoodapar
tmentar
oundher
e?”

“
It
spr
icey
.”

“
Howmuch?
”

“
Agoodst
udi
oapar
tment
sst
art
sat$1500.I
t’
sexpensi
ve.
”

“
Ok…Iwi
l
lgi
vey
out
heex
tramoneyf
oragoodst
udi
oapar
tment
.”

“
No.It
’stoomuchmoney
.It
’sal
ot.Wher
ewi
l
lyougetal
lthat
money?”

“
Ist
art
edaschool
busbusi
ness.Iam notpoor
.”

“
School
bus?
”

“Yes.Igotthreecombies.IhadoneatfirstandImadeadeal with
apreschool t
hathadjustopenedtotransporttheirstudent
s.They
have50st udentssofar.Besidest
hose,Ihaveanot hergroupof
10…hi ghschoolstudents.Imakegoodmoneyf rom that.
”

“
Howmuchdoy
ouchar
geperst
udent
?”

“
P500.Fuel
isexpensi
ve.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Thatwasasmar
tmov
e.”

“
Yeah…Iam t
hinki
ngofget
ti
nganot
hercombi
e.”

“
Mor
emar
ket
?”

“Yeah…Iam eyei
ngapri
maryschool
thati
saboutt
oopen.A
pri
vatet
hing.I
fIcanbagt
hem…may beIcangetabusi
nstead.
”

“
Iam happyy
oucanaf
for
dLomo.
”
Hechuckl
edt
hengotupandsatbesi
desher
.“Youl
ook
beaut
if
ul.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.Whatdi
dyoudowi
tht
hatpl
ot?
”

“
Not
hing.Ij
ustboughti
t.I
t’
saf
orest
.”

Shenoddedt
hensi
ghed.“
Thanky
ou…f
orhel
pingwi
thLomo.
”

“
Iwoul
ddoany
thi
ngf
ory
ou…andher
.”

Shelookedathi
m.“
Doi
tfory
ourdaught
er.Iam nott
aki
ngy
ou
back.
”

Hesmil
ed.“
Youarenottakingmebackr
ightnow.Wej
ustf
ound
eachot
her
.It
’sunder
standabl
e.”

“
Ididn’
tfi
ndy
ou.
”Shel
aughed.“
Iam nott
aki
ngy
oubackev
er.
I
ja.
”

“Wearemeanttobe.Wear egoingt
or ai
seourdaught
ertoget
her
.
Osoulmateyaaka.I
fyouref
usemygr andmotheri
sther
e…she’s
good.Nkukuotankemelekadinao.
”

Thabil
aughed.“
Gaoswabe.I
twon’
twor
k.Iam noty
our
soul
mate.”

At
angsmi l
ed.“
Redi
meantt
obe.Ebi
l
eIl
ovey
ou.Gapewear
e
marr
ied.
”

Shechuckled.“Iam notgoingtotakeyoubackwenamogatsa
Phele.Notaft
ermaki ngmecr yonpavementsotsamayalePhel
e.
Iwillnev
erforgethowIcriedforyouli
keIwascrazyt
henyoutol
d
meshei syourcousinafterIsawy ouki
ssi
ngher.OreIam ov
er
reacti
ng,i
fIevertakeyoubacky ouaregoi
ngtohatewomenf or
t
her
estofy
ourl
i
fe.Youwi
l
lhangy
our
sel
f.
”

“
Inev
erl
ovedher
.Andshe’
sint
hepast
.Il
ovey
ou…Who’
sPul
e?”

“
Mynewman.
”

Heswall
owed.“Wheredoeshest
ay?Andyouarely
ing.What
boy
fri
endlet
’sy
ousleeponastomachful
lofwater
?”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Hei
sapot
ent
ial
.”

“I
fIseehi
m Iam goi
ngtoshoothi
m.Iam goi
ngtoshoot
ever
yonewhotr
iesit
.Youaremywifeandweareafamil
y.We
haveachi
ld.
”

“Youshouldseehim.He’sadoctorgapehewalksar
oundwithbi
g
dickener
gy.He’sprobabl
ygoodatthedepart
menttoo.He’
sa
goodkisser.I
t’
stheconfi
denceforme…he’soneofthosemen
whodon’ttalkalot
.Ili
kehim.”

“
Iam goi
ngt
oki
l
lhi
mifheget
scl
oset
oyou.
”

“
Ij
o…soIshouldj
ustbesi
ngl
e?Iam t
ooy
oung,
Ineedar
eal
man
whowon’
tcheat.
”

“
Imadeami stake.Onethatwon’
thappenagai
n.Il
ovey
ou.
”He
t
ouchedherchinandkissedher
.

Herhear tr
acedasheki ssedherharder
.Heslowlyl
aidherdown
andgotont opofher.Thabit
ouchedhischest
,herni
pples
hardeninginherdress.Herdressr
odeupashegoti n-bet
ween
herlegs.

Hisdi
ckgotevenhardert
ent
inghi
spant
s.Thabi
moanedsof
tl
y
asherubbedhi
mselfonher.
Hersoftmoanedturnedhim onev
enmoreherubbedhi
msel
fon
heragai
n.Herpussythrobbedget
ti
ngwet
ter
.

Atangkissedherneck,hisl
ipsgoingfurtherdown.Hequickly
tookoffherdress.Hisheartpoundedsomuchi tfel
tli
kehewas
goingtohaveahear tatt
ack.Heunclippedherbr aandsqueezed
herbreastst
il
lrubbinghimselfonher.

Heleanedov
erandsuckedherni
pples.Shecl
osedhereyes,
her
handinhi
shead.Shemoanedmov i
ngherwaistunder
neathhim.

Atangsli
dhi
shandinsideherpantyandtouchedherwetnesswit
h
agrunt.Het
ookouthishandandpul l
edoutherpanti
esthen
l
ookedathersmoothp* ssy.Hel
eanedoverandkissedherp*ssy
asifhewaskissi
ngherlips.

Thabicl
osedhereyesmoaningalit
tl
elouder
.Heworkedhis
mouthonherlikehewaspaidto.Thabimoanedhi
snamef eel
i
ng
herenti
rebodyit
ch.Shet
ouchedherbreastmoani
nghisname.

Atangr
aisedhi
sheadtakingoffhist-
shirtandki
ssedheragain.
Heunzi
ppedhispant
sandt ookouthishardoozingdi
ck.Heranit
upanddownherwetslitgroaning.Helookedinherey
essli
ding
upanddownherwetness.

“
Ilov
eyou…”

“
Mhmmm….“

Hesmi
l
edt
hen#r
emov
ed.

ht
tps:
//www.
facebook.
com/
groups/
809549596663175/
?ref
=sha
re_
group_l
ink(
Theremov
edi
sshar
edatt
hegr
oupunder
announcements)

Sheletgothepi
ll
owandpul
l
edherhai
rconv
ulsi
nguncont
rol
l
abl
y,
herpussyexpl
odi
ngi
n.

Helookedatherbigbreast
sbounci
ngasherpussysqueezedhi
m.
Hi
sdi ckj
erked,hegav
eheracouplemorepowerful
thr
uststhen
st
il
ledpumpi nghi
sseedsinsi
dehergr
oani
ng.

Thabiclosedherey
esasdepositedal
lhi
sthickcum i
nsi
deher
.
Atangletgoofherlegsandki
ssedhersl
idi
ngout.

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

Sheopenedherey
esbreathi
ngheavil
y.“
Goodf ory
ou.Iam st
il
l
notgoi
ngtotakeyouback.Don’
trai
seyourhopes.
”

Shetur
nedandclosedhereyesdozi
ngoff
.At
angchuckled
st
ari
ngatherknowingitwasgoi
ngtotakemoret
hanjustatr
ipt
o
Bost
ontowinhisgirl
back.

I
nt heki
tchen,At
angfini
shedcooki
ngthenhedishedupforhi
s
nephewandhi msel
f.Hewalkedtotheki
tchenwhereshewas
watchi
ngcar t
oonsonThabi’
slapt
op.
“
Lomo…comeandeat
.”

Lomoquickl
ygotupandwalkedov er
.Shel
ookedatthepl
ate
al
readyr
eachi
nginsi
de.Shegrabbedahandful
ofri
ceandputiti
n
hermouth.

Atangwalkedoutandsmiledst
ari
ngathi
sdaught
er.I
tst
il
lfel
t
unreal
thathehadactual
l
ymadeahuman.

Hesatdownbesi
deBat
ang.“
Letmef
eedher
.Howi
sschool
?”

At
angpi
ckedLomoandputheronhi
slapt
aki
ngherpl
ate.

“
Your60secondswas1hourandf
ivemi
nut
es.
”

At
angsmiledt
henstar
tedf
eedinghisdaught
er.Lomoswall
owed
pi
ckingmorer
icewi
thhert
inyhand.Sheopenedhermoutheat
ing
more.

At
angchuckl
ed.“
Am Isl
owsweet
y?”

Hequickenedhispacefeedi
ngher.Afewminutesl
aterheputher
emptyplatedown.Lomogotdownt hem pi
ckedherbott
leofj
uice
onthefl
oorandl ookedathi
m dr
inki
ng.

Hesmi
l
edmaki
nghersmi
l
eback.At
angl
ookedatBat
ang.

“
Howi
sschool
?”

“Fi
ne.Iwant
edtoj
oint
hedebatecl
ubbutIcoul
dn’
t.Thet
eacher
sai
dIspeaktoosl
ow.Ir
eal
lyl
ikedi
t.
”

“Hehasapoi ntbuti
tmakesy ouf eelbett
er,
thedebat
eclubisto
tr
ainyoutoonhowt othinkcrit
icall
y,i
tboostsyouconfi
dence
especi
all
yforpubli
cspeaking.Your eal
lydon’
tneedaclubtohel
p
y
ouwi
tht
hat
.”

Bat
angsmi
l
ed.“
Ist
haty
ourwayt
omakemef
eel
bet
ter
?’”

At
angl
aughed.“
It
’st
het
rut
h.AndLebo?
”

“
Iki
ssedher
.”

Atangsmi led.“
That’smyboy .Don’thavesext
hough.Shewi l
lget
pregnant.Pregnancyisr
eal.Youar etooyoungforsex.Justwait
forabit.Butwheny oudoori fyoudecideto…useacondom.I
knowy ourhor monesareragingandasmuchasi twil
lbeni ce,i
f
youdon’ tuseacondom itwillnotbenice…notatall
.Otherpeople
arebornwi thHIV.Imagi
neget ti
ngHI Vwhil
eontopofi tshe’s
pregnant.”

Bat
angsmi
l
edshy
ly.“
Iam notgoi
ngt
odoi
t.
”

“
Good.
”

“
Arey
ouget
ti
ngbackwi
thThabi
?”

“
That
’sgoi
ngt
otakeawhi
l
e.Ihav
etowi
nherbackf
ir
st.
”

“May
beifyoudosomethi
ngnicef
orhershewi
l
ltakey
ouback.
Somethi
ngshereal
l
yli
kes…”

“
Likewhat
?”

Bat
angsmi
l
ed.“
Myi
deasdon’
tcomecheap.Iam v
eryexpensi
ve.
”

*
**
I
nBotswana,l
atert
hatday,
Zazatri
edopeni
ngAgang’
sgat
ewi
th
herr
emotebutherremotewasn’
tworki
ng.

Shet
ookoutherphoneandcal
l
edhi
m.

“
What
?”

Sheswall
owedathi
scol
dtone.“
Uhhi
…Iam aty
ourhouse.The
doorwon’
topen.
”

“
Becausey
ouar
enol
ongerwel
come.
”

“
Iam her
eformycl
othes.Youar
ebei
ngpet
ty.
”

“
Iwi
l
lpacky
ourcl
othesandbr
ingt
hem.Iam nothome.
”

“Wherear eyou?WaitseIf
inditfunnyhowy oucanjustjumpto
anotherpussy.Youaresuchaj okeAgang.Ihavenev ermet
anyonelikeyou.Youprobablyneverl
ovedme.Koor ey oual
ways
havetobeont opofpeopl
e’skidswithyourdi
ckinsidethem.You
aredisgusti
ng.”

“Youknowwhat ,Iprobabl
ynev erl
ovedy ouZachari
a.Maybeit
wasjustgri
efthatmademest aywi
thyou.Andwhyar ey
ouhung
uponwhatIdowi thmydi ck?Imean,aren’tyougett
ingmar
ri
ed?I
am bl
ockingyou,youar egett
ingonmyner ves.Nxl
a!”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#68

Agangst
oodneartheChoppi esentrancelooki
ngathi
swatch.
Kel
lywal
kedoutwithacolleaguelaughingatsomethi
ngi
nher
j
eansandtheworkt-shi
rt
.

Kel
lyl
ookedathim andlaughedwalki
ngpasthi
m wi
thherf
ri
end.
Thefr
iendlookedathi
m smili
ngthenwaved.Hesmi
ledpol
it
ely
andgrabbedKell
y’
shand.

“
Ianher
efory
ou…”

Sheturnedtohim andsmi
l
ed.“
Ok…whati
sthi
s?Youfol
l
owme
aroundti
lly
ougetme?Iknowmenputgoodef
for
tint
ogett
ing
you.Theydo..
”

Herf
ri
endsmi
l
ed.“
Bye…”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
edather
.“By
e.”

Thef
ri
endwal
kedawayt
henKel
l
ytur
nedt
oAgang.

“Cam youjustleav
eme?Iknowy oucangetanyot her
…itdoesn’
t
havetobeme.Thi sdoesn’thavetobeachal lengetoyou.I
t
doesn’thavetobeachal l
engeofmepl ayinghardtogetandyou
try
ingtogetmebyal ltr
ickspossi
ble.Itdoesn’thavet
obelike
that…”Shesmiledthenlaughed.“
Please…”

“I
t’
snot.Iam l
ooki
ngf
orf
ri
endshi
p.That
’sal
l
.It
’snota
chal
lenge.
”
Shesighed.“
Ok…isthatatryadiffer
entanglethingyyoujustdi
d?
Agangit’
snotgoi
ngt owork.Iam notstupi
d.Iam agr own
womanwho’ sbeentherebefor
e.Nothingyouar edoingisnewto
me.Pleasedon’
tdothis…it
’sexhausti
ng.Iam tir
ed.Ijustwantto
gett
hroughmyday .Gohome, takecareofmymot her,watchTV
andsl
eep.”

“
Iam nottr
yingany t
hing.Ij
ustwanttobey ourfri
end.Youseem
l
ikeacoolperson.Ijustwantustobefriends.Notevery
oneis
t
ryi
ngtogetiny ourpants.Iam nott
ryi
ngt ogetinthem.Ij
ust
wantustobef r
iends.Andt r
ustme,Iwon’ttryanythi
ng.
”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
ed.“
Ok.Ihav
etogo.By
e.”

“
Icandr
opy
ouof
fathome.
”

“
No.Iam f
ine.
”

“
Asaf
ri
end.
”

“
Idon’twanttobeyourf
ri
end.Ihav
eenoughf
ri
ends.
”She
l
aughed.“Icant
akeacombi.”

“What
’swrongwi
thusbr
ingf
ri
ends?Iam goodf
ri
end.Icanbea
goodfr
iend.
”

Kel
lytur
nedandstar
tedwal
ki
ng.Hewal
kedwi
thhert
hen
unl
ockedhiscar
.

“Canwegof ormoviestoget
he?.Idon’
twantt ogoal
one.Peopl
e
wil
llookatmeebebant seba.Therei
samov i
ethatj
ustcameout.
Ihavebeenwanti
ngt ogobutnotalone.Ican’
taskPri
nceor
Phefo,t
heyarebusygapeasmaj it
awej ustdon’
tgotomovies
t
oget
her
.Gogayny
ana.Andmybr
otheri
snother
e.Canwego
t
oget
her
…?”

Heopenedt
hecardoorf
orher
.Kel
l
ylookedathi
m.

“I
fyouthinkyouandIaregoi
ngtobeat hi
ng,
youar
egoingtobe
sodisappoint
edbecausei
fther
eisanyonewhoisl
evel
headed,
i
t’
sme.Iknowr edf
lagswhenIseethem.”

“
Idon’twantust
obeat hi
ng.Iwantyouasafri
endbecause
i
ndeed,youarel
evel
headed.Idoneedalev
elheadedsomebody
i
nmycor ner.
”

Shesmiledandgotinthecar
.Agangsmi
l
edcl
osi
ngherdoort
hen
rushedt
ot hedr
iver
’sdoor
.

*
**

Zazaparkedhercaratherhouseandsati
nsi
deforawhil
e.Tear
s
stunghereyes,
shetookadeepbr eat
hunabl
etounder
standwhy
shewassobot her
edandhur t
.

Herphonestart
edri
nging.Sheopenedherhandbagandtooki
t
out.Shel
ookedatherboyfri
endcal
li
ng,nowtheexci
tementand
thr
il
lofhear
inghisv
oicegone.

Shebl
inkedt
henwai
tedf
ort
hecal
ltoendbef
oret
ypi
nga
message.

Zaza:
IknowallaboutPear
l.Thenur
se.It
ouchedyourphone
aft
ert
hefuner
alandIsawt hemessagesi
ny ourgr
oupwithyour
fri
endsandbr other.Itbotheredmesomucht haty ouwoul dev en
havethreesomesdur ingourson’sburial.Notonl ythatbuti t
provedtomet hatyouwer enotser
iousorj ustincapabl eofbei ng
seri
ous.Youonl ycamebackbecauseofoursonandwhenhe
diedIfeltt
hatconnect i
onfadeaway .Iact uall
yhadhopes…hopes
forus.Ithoughtfinall
ywedowoul dhav esomet hingreal butyou
werejustnotintoi t
.Iam happyy ousai dy oudon’ tl ov
eme, thati
t
wasonl ygri
ef.NowIcangetmar ri
edwi t houthav ingt ofeelguilt
y
aboutthewayweended.

Shesentthemessageandsni
ff
edsteppi
ngoutofhercar
.She
cal
ledbackherboyf
ri
endunl
ocki
ngherdoorandwalki
nginsi
de
herhouse.

*
**

I
nOr apa,
mmagweKaelolai
donthehospi
tal
bed,
thedoctor
wal
kedov erput
ti
ngamaskonov
erhisnosetoav
oidthesmell
of
r
ott
ingmeat .

Hel ookedather.“
Wear egoi
ngt ohav
etot akeofft
heother
breasttoo.Theinf
ecti
onhasgottenworse.Ihaveneverseen
anythingli
keyourcasebefor
e.”

“
Am Igoi
ngt
odi
e?”

“
No.Youar
enotgoi
ngt
odi
e.”

Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.“
It
sLel
omohaunt
ingmebecauseofwhatI
di
dtoherson.Idi
dev
ery
thi
ngbutshewon’
tleav
emeal
one.She
want
stokil
lme.”

Thedoct
orsi
ghed.“
Ithinkwear
egoingtohavetor
ecommend
someonetot
alktoyou.Wherei
syourhusband?
”

“
Att
hef
arm.Hedoesn’
tst
ayathomeany
mor
ebecauseIsmel
l
.”

“
Iam sor
ryt
oheart
hat
.”

Shewi
pedawayhertear
s.“
Ineedt
otal
ktoRet
habi
l
e.Shehast
o
hel
pmebefor
eIdie.
”

*
**

InBost on,
Thabi openedhereyeswaki ngup.Shet ookadeep
breathgetti
ngof fbedassemenr andownheri nnert hi
gh.She
pickedherdressandwi pedher selfandputonmyanot herdress
thinki
ngofgettingemer gencypil
ls.Shewasal readyon
cont r
acepti
onbutLomohadbeenconcei vedwhileshewason
cont r
acepti
on,Atang’ssemencoul dn’tbet r
ust
ed.

Sheputonanot
herdressandwal
kedoutofherr
oom.Bat
ang
tookof
fhi
searphonesseat
edonthef
loorwit
hthel
apt
oponhis
l
ap.

Thabi
lookedatAtangsleepi
ngonthecouch,
Lomosleepi
ngon
hi
sbroadchest.Hi
sbigbodycouldn’
tfi
tonhersmal
lcouch,
his
l
egswereonthef l
oor.

“
Whatt
imedi
dhesl
eep?
”
“
Anhourback.
”

“
Didy
ouguy
seat
?”

“
Yes,
Icooked.
”

Thabi
slowl
ypi
ckedLomot
henshookhi
m.

“
Atang…”

Hewokeupandl
ookedatherl
azi
l
y.

“
Comeanduset
hebed.
”

Heslowlygotup.Shel
edhi
mtoherbedr
oom t
henl
aidhi
s
daught
erdown.

“
Youcanl
i
edownwi
thher
.”

Hel
ookedathershor
tdr
esssi
tt
ingont
hebed.

“
Liedownwi
thus.
”

“
Iam notsl
eepy
.Notany
mor
e.”

“
Please…”

Shelookedathim andsi
ghedthengotinthemiddl
e.Shel
aidon
hersi
det henhespoonedherholdi
ngherclose.

“
Howi
sschool
?”

“
Har
d.Ver
yhar
d.ButIam goi
ngt
ogetmydegr
ee.
”

“
Youwi
l
l.Iknowy
ouwi
l
l.Youar
eabr
il
li
antst
udentDr
.Dani
el.
”

“
Iam nott
aki
ngy
ouback.
”
“
DidIsayy
ouar
e?”

Hetur
nedherar
oundandpul
l
edhercl
oser
.“Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng
MrsDani
el.
”

“
Iam nott
aki
ngy
ouback.
.”

“
Yourbodyi
ssof
t…y
ousmel
lgood.Yousmel
ll
ikeus.
”

Sheputherheadonhi
schestandcl
osedherey
es.

“Ar
eyoucomingbackhomeafteryouaredonewi
thschool
oram
Imovi
ngher
et oyouandourdaughter
?”

Thabil
aughed.“
Iam nott
aki
ngy
ouback.Youar
enotgoi
ng
anywher
e.”

“Whenareweof
fi
cial
i
zingourmar
ri
age?Orshoul
dImar
ryy
ou
agai
n?Icandot
hat…”

Thabi
putherar
m ar
oundhi
m.“
Sleep.
”

“Whendoyouthi
nkwewil
lhaveoursecondbor
n?Aft
eryouare
donewit
hSchool
?Iwi
ll
takeanyt
hingaslongasIam wi
thyou.
”

“
Wit
hmewher
e?”

“
Withy ou…l
ovi
ngy
ou.Imi
ssedy
ou…Imi
ssedy
ousomuch.Il
i
ke
t
hisfeeli
ng.
”

“
Whatf
eel
i
ng?
”

“Thi
sf eel
ing.If
eel
happy.Iam happy
.Wi
thy
ou,
ourdaught
erand
Batang.Itfeel
sper
fect
.”

Thabi
giggl
ed.“
Idon’
tfeel
any
thi
ng.
”
Atangputhi shandi nsi
deherdr essandt ouchedhersli
ckp* ssy.
Hemov edslight
lythenkissedher .Hesqueezedherbr eastand
unzippedhispant stakingitout.Heturnedheraroundt henpull
ed
herwaistclosercurv i
nghisbody .Hekissedherneckpushi ng
thr
oughherpussyl i
ps.Hi sdicpartedherswollenfol
dssi nki
ng
fur
therinsi
deherwet nesswi t
hal owgr unti
nherear.

Batangf
ini
shedanepi
sodeofaseri
esi
nhi
ssi
ster
’sl
apt
opand
tappedt
henextepi
sodecur
iousl
y.

Aknockonthedoorint
err
upt
edhi
m.Hestoodupandwal
kedt
o
t
hedoorthenopened.Awhit
emansmi
ledathi
m.

“
Hi,
youmustbeThabi
’
sbr
other
,fi
nal
l
ymeet
ingy
ou.
”

Bat
angf
rownedashespokef
ast
.Themansmi
l
ed.

“
Iam Chri
s.Yoursi
ster
’sboyf
ri
end.Ihav
ebeent
ryi
ngcal
lherbutI
t
hinkshe’
sdeepinherbooks.CanIcomein?
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#69

Bat
angl
ookedathi
m andsmi
l
ed.

“
Youar
eThabi
’
sboy
fri
end?
”

Chr
issmi
l
ed.“
Yes.
”

“
Hebanna!Lekgowal
ame,
war
eomangkana?
”

Chr
isl
ookedathi
m conf
used.“
What
?”

“
Ehsorr
y.UhIdi
dn’
tknowThabi
hadaboy
fri
endbecauseshei
s
mar
ri
ed.”

Chr
isf
rowned.“
What
?”

“Yes.Uhmagadi waspaidf orher.Whatdoy oucal li

tinEngli
sh?
Uhh…br i
depr i
ce!Yes.InBot swana,wheny oumar r
yawoman, we,
thebri
de’sfami l
ydon’tgiv
ey ouourdaughterforfree.Soy ou
bri
ngy ourunclesandy ouraunt stoourfamilythenwenegot iate
thepri
cey ouwi l
lmarryherf or.Theamounti stoappr eci
ateusf or
rai
singherandal sotouniteourf amil
iestogether.Aft
erthat,you
havetradi
tionall
ymarriedher .”

“
Ok?
”

“Yes.SouhLomo’
sfat
her
…youknowherr
ight
?Iam sur
eyou
do…”

“
IknowLomo.
”
“Good.Lomo’sfatherpai
dt hatmoney
.Andmarri
edThabi
.So
Thabiistr
adit
ional
lymarri
edt oLomo’
sfat
hersoyoucan’
tbeher
boyfr
iend.Youarehernyatsi.
”

“
Hernat
si?
”

“
Nyat
si…sayny
a…”

“
Nya…”

Batangsmil
ed.“
Yes.Youarehernyat
si.I
not
herwor ds,
youare
her…sidepi
ece.Yes.Meani
ngy ouar
esmallhouse.Small
house
i
sy ou.Bi
ghouseisLomo’sfat
her.
”

“
Theybr
okeup.
”

“Theyhadbr
okenup.Youar eri
ght
.Buttheybr
okeupont heirown.
Usthefamil
i
es…wedon’ tknowanythi
ngsotheyhadseparated.I
thi
nksepar
atedi
sri
ghtfulter
m.Now…t herei
sasmallproblem on
yoursi
de…”

“
Whatpr
obl
em?I
sshei
n?Ineedt
otal
ktoher
.”

“Emapel elekgowa…wai t.Youcan’ tgetinbecauseLomo’ sfather

i
sher e.Hei sheref orhisdaught erandforhi swi f
e.Thei r
..
.ij
o,
sekgowabanna. .uht heyarebondi ngasaf ami l
ysoIcan’ tl
ety ou
i
n.I nBot swana, i
fy oumar riedsomeonet hensomeoneel se
sleepswi t
ht hatpersony ouar emar ri
edt o,youwho’ sbeensl ept
withwi llbesuedt henwewi ll
takey outot hechief’
swher ey oulie
downnakedandt heybeaty ournakedbut twithabigf atsti
ck.
Thosepeopl ecanbeat .Youwon’ tseatforamont h…y ourskinwill
peel off.Yourbut twillbl
eed.Wecanst i
lldot hat,
youwi llbe
summonedt oBot swanat hent heywillbeaty ou.Hei sstil
lhere,
youseem li
keaniceguysoyouwi
l
ljusthavet
ocal
lher
.Hecan’
t
seeyou.Iam doi
ngthi
sfory
ouChri
stoff
er.
”

Chr
issi
ghed.“
Whati
sshedoi
ngwi
thhi
m?”

“
Idon’
tknow..buttheyarei
nt hebedr
oom toget
her
.Wi
thLomo
t
oo.It
hinkt
heyar etal
kingaboutthef
utur
e.”

“
Pleasecal
lher
…Ineedt
otal
ktoher
.It
’si
mpor
tant
.”

“
Iam sor
rybutIcan’
tlety
oui
n.Cal
lher
.By
eChr
ist
off
er.
”

I
t’
sjustChr
is!
”

Bat
angputhi
shandonhi schest.“I
jowee!Youareyel
li
ngatme?
DoyouknowthatsinceThabidoesn’thav
eaf at
her
,Iherbr
other
makesmeherfather.Youj
ustyell
edatme…”

“
Idi
dn’
tyel
l
…Ij
ust
…Ir
eal
l
yneedt
otal
ktoher
.Pl
ease…”

“Iam sor
ry.Cal
lher
…r emember.
.smallhouse.
.bi
ghouse.You
call
fir
stwhenyouar esmal
lhouselekgowa..y
ouknowthese
thi
ngsakere?Okby e."

Batanggotbacki
nthehouseandl
ockedt
hedoor
.Hesi
ghed
conti
nui
ngwithhi
sshow.

OutsideChri
stookouthi
sphoneandcal l
edThabi.Herphone
st
artedri
nging.Mosawalkedoutofherhousedressedup.She
l
ookedov eratChr
issmil
i
ng.
“
Hi…”

“
Hey
,howar
eyou?
”

“
Iam f
ine.Looki
ngf
orThabi
?”

“Shei
snotpickingandherbr
otherwon’
tletmei
nbecause
Lomo’
sfatherishere.
”

Mosaf
rowned.“
Lomo’
sfat
her
?”

“
Yes.
”

“Thabiandt
hatmanlongbrokeup.Shewon’
tev
ent
akehi
scal
l
s
orrespondt
ohismessages.”

“
Appar
ent
lyhei
sher
e.”

“Nope.ThewayThabihat
eshi
m, shewouldneverl
ethi
m
anywherecl
osetoher
.Ithi
nkshejustdoesn’
twantt
oseey
ou.
”

“
Shecal
l
edmeearl
ieronsay
ingsheisbri
ngi
ngLomot
odoDNA
t
est
sandshewant
smet ogiveherf
alser
esul
ts.
”

“
Whywoul
dshewantf
alser
esul
ts?
”

“
Idon’
tknow.Butsher
eal
l
yneededt
hehel
p.SoIbr
oughtt
he
t
est
ingki
t.
”

“
Uh…ok.Idon’
tunder
standwhoshe’
sly
ingt
othough…”

“
Ijustneedt
otal
ktoher
.Letmecal
lheragai
n.”

Hecal
ledheragai
nthenl
i
stenedt
oherphoner
ingi
ngt
il
li
t
st
opped.

“
Shei
snotpi
cki
ng.
”
Mosasighed.“
Iam sorry
.Idon’tt
hinkyoushouldberunni
ngaf
ter
someoneli
kethis.Justl
etherbe.I
t’senoughbeggi
ngnow.”

“
Ireal
l
ylov
eher
.Iam notsur
ewhatIdi
dwr
ong.
”

“
Idon’
tthi
nki
t’
syou.I
t’
sher
.Shehat
esev
erymen.Shei
sjusta
t
oxi
cball.
”

Chr
issi
ghed.“Iknowshe’sbeenhurtbef
ore.Iwantt
obet
her
efor
her
.Iwanthertoseethatnotever
yoneisli
keherex.
”

“
Shewon’
tseeit
.Sheisinv
estedinherbi
tt
ernessandhat
red.I
f
earf
orLomo.Sheisnotafitpar
ent
.”

Chr
issi
ghed.“
Iwi
l
lcomebackl
ater
.”

“
Letmewal
kwi
thy
ou.
”

Henoddedandwal
kedoutoft
hecompl
exwi
thher
.

*
**

Attheci
nema,themovi
ecamet
oanendasKel
l
yfi
nishedher
popcor
n.Agangsmil
ed.

“
Ilov
ethi
smov
ie.
”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
edi
ttoo.I
twasr
eal
l
yni
ce.
”

Theygotupandwal
kedout
.

“
Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ngwi
th.
”
“
Youar
ewel
come.
”

“
Shoul
dwegetsomet
hingt
oeat
?”

“
No.Ir
eal
l
yneedt
ogethome.
”

“
Ok.
”

Theywal
kedout
sideandgotint
hecar.Agangstar
tedthecarand
drov
eoff
.Awhil
elaterhepar
kedacr
osstheroad,hisl
i
ghtsoff.

Kel
l
ysmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ouf
ort
aki
ngmet
her
e.”

“
No,
thanky
ouf
orescor
ti
nganol
dmant
her
e.”

“
Ihav
etogo.
”

“
Wher
eisy
ourchur
ch?Iwil
lcomeandpi
cky
ouguy
satchur
ch
t
omor
rowt
hengotothehospit
al.
”

“
Iwi
l
lsendy
out
hedi
rect
ionswi
thMama’
sphone.
”

Agangsmi
l
ed.“
That
’sst
il
lfi
ne.Al
sowhatt
imedoeschur
chend?
”

“
Itdepends.Iwi
l
lsendy
ouamessagewheni
t’
sal
mostov
er.
”

“
Ok.
”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou…f
oral
lyouar
edoi
ng.Formama…”

“
It
’sok.Iseemymot
heri
nher
.”

Kel
l
yleanedov
erandhuggedhi
mthenmov
edback.“
Bye…”

Shesteppedoutt
hecarandranovert
othegat
e.Agangsmi
led
watchi
nghergeti
nthehousethenhedrov
ehomesmi l
i
ng.
*
**

Thatsameevening,Zazasati
nfr
ontofherTVt
hent
hought
ful
l
y
cal
ledhermother.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Mama…”Zazapausedl
i
steni
ngt
oanambul
ancesi
rent
hrough
t
hephone.

“
Mama,
arey
ouok?
”

“No.Iwasatwork.Ijustcamebackandf oundyourfatherbei
ng
beatenbynei
ghbors.Hewascaughtr api
ngafouryearoldwho
mightbedeadri
ght.Iam soscar ed.Thepol
icear
eev erywher
e.
Thereisbl
oodeverywher e.Zazamyhusbandisnotmov ingand
hehasbloodall
over…j eso…”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#70

Zazasatupr
ight
,herhear
tpoundi
ng.

“
Hedi
dwhat
?”

“
Noonei
sgi
vi
nghi
m at
tent
ion.Hei
sdy
ing.
”

“
Ihopehedi
es!
”

“
Youwantmyhusbandt
odi
e?”

“Howdoy ousti
l
lcal
lthatmonst
erahusband?Heisamonst
er!
Hejustrapeda4yearold!Howdoyoust
il
lcal
lhi
my our
husband?”

“
Soy
ouwantmet
orej
oicet
hatmyhusbandmaybedead?
”

“
Yesbecausehei
samonst
erandhedeser
vest
odi
e!”

“
MmagweOmpi’
schil
dwondersar
oundnaked.Iam sur
eot
her
menhav
esexwi
thher.Shewasal
readybei
ngused.
”

“
Whatki
ndofawomanar
eyou?
”

“
MmagweOmpi wantedherchi
l
dtobeusedthat
’swhyshel
ether
wonderar
oundnaked.Nomanwi l
lev
ersl
eepwit
hanyoneunl
ess
t
hepersonwant
edit.
”

“
Soy
ouar
esay
inga4y
earol
dwant
edi
t?”

“Iam sayi
nghermotherwant
edit
.Sheenjoy
edherdaught
er
beingused.Shewassell
i
ngherdaught
er.
”
“
Youarethemostevi
lpersononear
th.Youknewhewasrapi
ng
meand…Idon’
tbeli
eveyouaremymot her
.Youcan’
tbemy
mot
her.
”

“
Youwant
edt
osl
eepwi
thhi
m.Il
ong-
“

“Iwasonl
y10!”Tearsfi
ll
edZaza’seyes.“Youwatchedhimv i
olet
me!Youwatchedhimt akeawaymyi nnocence…y ouwatchedhim
abusemeev eryday
…Idi dn’
twanti
t.Ididn’
twanttosleepwith
him.Iwasonlyachil
d!”

“I
fyoudidn’
twanti
t,y
oucoul
dhav
erepor
tedi
t.Idi
dn’
thol
dyou
down.”

“
Ihopet
heyki
l
lyout
oo!Youar
egoi
ngt
oroti
nhel
lyouev
il
woman!
”

Zazahungupbreat
hingheav
il
y.Shebi
therl
owerl
i
p,t
he
memoriesf
il
li
ngherhead.

Atearroll
eddown,
shequi
ckl
ywipeditassomeoneknockedon
herdoor.Shest
oodupt
henopened.Aganglookedatherr
eddi
sh
eyes.

“
Arey
ouok?
”

“
Iam f
ine.
”

“
Ok.Ibr
oughty
ourcl
othes.
”

Hehandedhert
hebag.“
Ipackedev
ery
thi
ng.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Ok,
shar
p.”
“
Youar
enotgoi
ngt
osayany
thi
ngaboutPear
l?”

“
Webr
okeup.
.Idon’
tthi
nkIowey
ouanyexpl
anat
ion.
”

“
Whati
sitt
hatIdon’
thav
e?Whati
sitt
hatwon’
tmakey
oul
ove
me?
”

“
Zaza,
can’
tyouj
ustf
ocusony
ourweddi
ng?
”

“Youcouldn’tevenrespectyourson’
sfuner
al.Youdon’ tr
espect
yoursel
f.Toy oueveryt
hingisaboutsecandy ourdic.Youwil
l
neversettl
edown, youwi l
lj
ustconti
nuetobet hi
sjokeofaman
fortherestofyourli
febecausey ouareadi
sappoi ntment.
”

“
Iam notgoi
ngtoexchangewordswi
thy
ou.Iam l
eavi
ngbecause
youdeci
dedIwasn’
tgoodenoughandwasal
readypl
anni
ngyour
weddi
ng.”

Het
urnedandwal
kedt
ohi
scar
.Zazaangr
il
ylookedathi
m.

“
Youar
epat
het
ic!
”

Hegotinhiscaranddr
oveof
f.Zazawal
kedbacki
nherhouse
andputherhandsonherf
acecryi
ng.

*
**

Laterthatni
ght
,Kell
ysmi ledasthemov i
eshewatchingended.
Shey awnedswitchi
ngof ftheTVthenwalkedtoherroom wher
e
herphonewaschar ging.Shegotitfr
om herdr
essingtabl
eand
l
aidonherbedl ooki
ngatt hethr
eemi ssedcal
l
sfrom anunsaved
number
.

Sheignor
edthem andwentonherFacebookandscroll
eddown
hert
imeli
nelaughi
ngatmemes.Herphonestartedri
nging,
she
l
ookedattheunsavednumbercal
li
ngandhesitant
lypi
cked.

“KenneteWit
chcraf
thel
lo?Press1ify
ouwantt
ojoi
nsat
ani
sm,
press2ifyouwanttogetathokol
oshi
,pr
ess3i
fyouwantt
ogo
tothelandofthedead,
press4tohangup.”

Agangbursti
ntol
aught
er.Kel
l
ysi
ghed.“
Wher
edi
dyougetmy
number.
”

“
Thammakebat
anumber1.HowmuchmoneydoIget
?”

“
Iam ser
ious.Wher
edi
dyougetmynumber
?”

“
Yourmom.Ist
il
lwantopt
ion1.
”

“
Youar
edi
stur
bingme.Iam sl
eepi
ng.
”

“
Youdon’
tsoundl
i
kesomeonewho’
ssl
eepi
ng.
”

“
Agangwhati
sit
?”

“Imissedmynewf
ri
endsoIt
houghtIwoul
dcal
landsay
goodnight
.”

“
Ok,
goodni
ght
.By
e.”

“
Wai
t…Iwantt
ocomet
ochur
cht
oot
omor
row.
”

“
What
?”

“
Iwantt
ocomet
ochur
ch.Toy
ourchur
ch.Tomor
row.
”

“
Why
?”
“
Topr
ay.Whatel
sedopeopl
edoatchur
ch?
”

“
Ok.
”

“
Ist
her
eadr
esscode?
”

“
Just
…”Shesi
ghed.“
Beappr
opr
iat
e.”

“
Jeansandat
-shi
rt
?”

“
That
’sst
il
lfi
ne.
”

“
Orshoul
dIwearIsui
t?Idon’
twantt
obet
heoddoneout
.”

Shecl
osedherey
es.“
Ajeanandat
-shi
rti
sfi
ne.
”

“
Ok.
.canwegot
oget
hert
hen?Idon’
twantt
ofi
ndmy
sel
flost
.”

“
Isenty
oudi
rect
ions.
”

“
Iwantsi
twi
thy
ouguy
s.”

“
Agang-
“

“
IneedGod…pl
ease.
”

“
Ok.
”

“
Thanky
ou.Idon’
thav
eaBi
ble.Wewi
l
lshar
eyour
saker
e?”

“
You…y
es.
”

“
DoIannoyy
ou?
”

“
Yes.No…ai
iAgang!
”

“
Didy
oueat
?”

“
No.
”
“
Why
?”

“
Iwasn’
thungr
y.”

“
Wher
ehady
oueat
en?
”

“
Nowher
e.Iwasj
ustnothungr
y.”

“
Shoul
dIgety
ouf
oodnow?
”

Shel
aidonhersi
de.“
No.Iam f
ine.
”

“
Chi
psandrussi
an?Icangett
hosebyaf
il
li
ngst
ati
on.Iwi
l
lbe
t
her
eint
hir
tyminut
es.”

“
AgangIsai
d-“

Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.Kel
l
ycl
osedherey
esf
rust
rat
ed.

THI
RTYMI
NUTESLATER…

Agangwalkedinsi
dethegateandwenttoherwindow.He
knockedsoft
lyandwait
ed.Kel
lyopenedhercur
tai
nsli
ght
lyt
hen
hesmi l
edhol
dingthepl
asti
c.

Sheopenedherwi
ndowandwhi
sper
ed.“
Isai
dIam nothungr
y.”

“
Iaskedt
hem t
ohi
tthef
ood.
”

Hegaveherthepl
ast
ic.Kel
lyopenedi
tandl
ookedatt
hef
ood
t
oget
herwithacol
ddr i
nk.

“
Agangst
opt
his…t
her
ragoanddeal
wit
hyourhear
tbr
eakal
one.
”
“Iam notheartbr
oken.Iam goingtosoundheartl
esssay i
ngthis
butitwasn’tl
ovewithZaza.Wel ostourchi
ld.If
eltIneededtobe
withher.I
twasn’tl
ove.Iam gladshefoundamant olove…she
deservesi
t.Iam happyIdon’thavetotrysohardtoshowIl ove
her.
”

Shesighed.“
Chur
chstar
tsat9.Weleaveat8becauseIam an
usheratchur
chsoIneedtohel
pthem setup.
”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Iwi
l
lbeher
eat8.
”

Sheclosedherwindowandcl
osedt
hecur
tai
n.Agangsmi
l
edt
hen
walkedoutoftheyard.

Inherr
oom, Kell
yopenedherdr
inkandt
ookasi
pthenst
art
ed
eati
ngthechipsandrussi
an.

*
**

I
nBoston,
Ret
habi
l
efi
nishedcooki
ngwhi
l
eAt
angt
ookoutt
he
pl
ates.

Hel
ookedatherbodyandsmi
l
ed.“
Ili
key
ourt
att
oo.
”

“
Thanks.
”

Shet
urnedcat
chi
nghi
mlooki
ngatheri
nacer
tai
nway
.

“
What
?”

“
Ilov
eyou.
”
“
Youar
egoi
ngt
ost
opatsomepoi
nt.
”

Atangputhi
shandsonherwai
standpi
ckedheruppl
aci
ngheron
thecount
ertop.

“
Idon’
tthi
nkso.
”

“Iam notgoingtot akeyouback.Idon’tthinkIwi l

levergetov er
whathappened.Il i
ket hi
s..butIam notgoi ngt ogivey ou
everyt
hingsoy outramplei tandthrowitonmyf ace.Itoldyou
whatwoul dhappeni fyoucheat .Youcheated.Nowt hesearet he
resul
tsofy ouracti
ons.Ili
kehav ingsexwithy ou.I t
’snice…may be
apartofmemayst il
ll
ovey ou.Mat t
eroffact,Iknowapar tofme
sti
lll
oveyou.Butt hat’
sit…y ouhurtme.Youbr okeme.Idon’ t
thi
nkit’
sfixable.
”

Atangcuppedherface.“I
tsfixabl
e.Ij
ustneedachance.Iloveyou.
ImessedupbutIlovey ou.IknowIwasn’tthebestprevi
ouslybut
Icangiv
ey ouever
ythi
ng.Ilov eyou…Iam notaccept
ingdefeat.
.
youaremine.”

Hekissedherwr
appinghisar
msar oundherwai
st.“
Iam not
giv
inguponus…onourf amil
y.Idon’
tcar
ehowlongitt
akesme…
Iam notgi
vi
ngup.”

THREEWEEKSLATER…

.
Your
sTr
uly

#71

THREEWEEKSLATER

Zazal
ookedatt
hepol
i
ceof
fi
cer
.

“It
hinkev er
yonehatedher.Especial
lywiththewayshewas
defendingherhusband.Itcoul
dhav ebeent heenti
recommunity
whopl annedherdeath.Mamanev erleav
est hegasopenandshe
wouldnev erki
ll
hersel
f.Atleastnotbybur ni
nghersel
finher
house.”Zazasniff
ed.“Someonewant edherdeadtogetherwi
th
herhusband.”

Thepoliceof
fi
cersi
ghed.“Ithinksotoo,t
hecommunitywas
upsetespeci
all
yaft
erherstatements.Iam sor
ryf
ory
ourloss.
”

Zazawi
pedawayherat
eart
hathadr
oll
eddownhercheek.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Zazawal
kedoutoft
hepol
i
cest
ati
onandgoti
nhercarpi
ckupher
uncl
e’
scal
l.

“
Mal
ome…”

“
Zaza,
howar
eyout
oday
?”

“
Iam f
ine.
”

“
Ifeel
li
kespi
ri
tofdeat
hisr
oami
ngar
oundmyf
ami
l
y.Ihav
elost
bot
hmysi
ster
sandIdon’
tknowwhatt
odo.
”

“Thereisnobody.Wewi llbur
rywhatthef
orensi
csmanagedto
get.Theashes.Idon’
tthinkweshouldhaveabiggat
her
ing.Just
somet hi
ngsmall,bur
rytheashesandmov eon.”

“
Weneedacof
fi
n.”

“Wewillgetonefr
om mazezur
uorjustbur
ryheri
naplast
ic.Tot
a
Idon’
tthinkweshoul
dbewastingmoneyonashes.GapeIheard
mmagweKael oi
snotwell
.Iam sur
eyouneedmoney.”

“
Idon’
tthi
nki
t’
sri
ghtt
ojustbur
yheri
napl
ast
ic.
”

“Butwhatcanwedo?It
’sj
ustashes.AndIdon’tt
hinkal
otof
peopl
ewi l
lcomeknowi
ngthetypeofpersonshewas.”

“
Mydaught
er-
“

“Idon’
thav emoneytoo.Herhusband’
sfami l
ycanbuythecoff
in
butIdon’thavemoney .Weshoul
djustputherashesinaplast
ic
andmov eon.Idon’tunder
standwhyweneedt ospendalotof
moneyonherasi fshemadeagooddi ff
erencetotheworl
d.The
devili
srejoi
cingr
ightnowwithhisevi
ldaughter
.That’
senough.
”

“
Mychi
l
d,Iknowy
ouar
esoangr
y-“

“Iam notangry.Idon’
thav
emoney.Iam notbuy
ingacof
fi
nnor
am Ibuyingfood.Weshouldj
ustdumpherashesinahol
eandgo
home.”

“
Youar
etooangr
yri
ghtnow.Iwi
l
lcal
lyout
omor
row.Goodby
e.”

Zazaputawayherphoneanddrov
etoherhouse.Afor
eign
numbercal
ledherasshewalkedi
nsi
deherhouse.
“
Zachar
iaspeaki
ng,
hel
l
o?”

“
Zaza.
.”

Zazasmi
l
ed.“
Thabi
…”

“
Iam sor
ry.I
-“

“
Don’
tbe.She’
swher
eshebel
ongs.
”

“
Ihear
dthewhol
est
ory
.”

“
Iam pr
ayi
ngshedi
edcr
yingi
npai
n.”

“Iam sorr
ythatwasyourreal
it
y.Youdi
dn’
tdeser
vei
t.Noone
deservedit
.Theywer
ej ustki
ds.”

Tear
sfi
l
ledZaza’
sey
es.“
Thanky
ouf
orcal
l
ing.
”

“
It
’sok.Howar
eyou?
”

“
Iam f
ine.
”

“
Ihear
dyouar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.Congr
atul
ati
ons.
”

“
Ithoughtwewer
egoi
ngt
omar
ryi
nthesamef
ami
l
y.”

“
It
’st
ri
cky
.”

“Hedidn’
tlov
eme.IheardAtangisther
e.Iam sur
pri
sedy ou
nevertol
dmeaboutthereasonyouandAt angact
uall
ybrokeup.I
knowwear enotcl
osebutIjustt
houghtsi
ncewear erel
atedyou
wouldtel
lme.”

“
Wel
luh…I
..
.youwer
edeal
i
ngwi
thy
ourson’
ssi
tuat
ion.
”

“
Iwi
shy
out
oldme.Iwoul
dhav
epr
otect
edmyhear
tfr
om Agang
t
hen.Buti
t’
sok.Iam happynow.
”

“
Iam happyy
ouar
e.Ihav
etogo.By
e.”

“
Bye.
”

Zazaputdownthephoneandki
ckedof
fhershoeswonder
ingi
f
fi
rehadbeent
ooeasy.

*
**

Kel
lywal
kedoutofChoppi
esSuper
mar
ketandf
oundhi
m wai
ti
ng.
Shesmil
ed.

“
Don’
tyouhav
emeet
ings?
”

Agangshookhi
shead.“
Ipost
ponedev
ery
thi
ng.
”

“
Why
?”

“
Iwantt
otakey
ousomewher
e.”

Kel
l
yfol
dedherar
ms.“
Agang-
“

“
Youwi
l
llov
eitt
her
e.Youneedi
t.Idot
oo.Pl
ease…”

Shetur
nedandwal
kedoutoft
hemallwi
thhi
m.“Ican’
t.My
motherneedsmet
obether
eforher
.Themedi
cati
onmakesher
drowsy.
”

Aganggrabbedherhandandsmi l
ed.“Youaregoi
ngtoseewi l
d
ani
mals…gof oradvent
ures…youaregoingtohavef
un.Takelots
ofpi
ctur
es.Eatnicealr
eadycookedfood.Enj
oyaserenepeaceful
envi
ronment
.Youwon’tr
egr
eti
t.Andy
ourmom hasanur
se.She
wil
lbefi
ne.Pl
ease…”

“
Agang-
“

“Iam notdoi
ngittosleepwit
hyou.Havesomefait
hinme.I
actual
lyl
ikeourfr
iendshi
p.Iam happywi
thwhatweare.Iam
happywiththi
s.”

Kel
l
ysl
owl
ysmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”

Agangsmi
l
ed.“
Real
l
y?”

Shegi
ggl
edst
ari
ngathi
swi
fesmi
l
e.“
Yes.
”

Hehuggedherpi
cki
ngherupt
henputherdownandhuggedher
agai
n.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Shel
aughed.“
Youar
ewel
come.
”

Hemov edbackthentookherhandandledhert
othecar.He
openedthedoorforher
.Fr
om adistance,
Yaonespot
tedhim and
walkedoversmi
li
ng.

“
Hi…”

Agangt
urnedandsmi
l
ed.“
Hi…what
’sup?
”

Yaonesmi
l
ed.“
Iam good.Ihav
en’
tseey
oui
nawhi
l
e.”

“
Yeah,
it’
sbeenami
nut
e.”

“
Yeah…”

“
UhKel
l
y,t
hisi
sAt
ang’
sex
,Yaone.Yaonet
hisi
smybestf
ri
end,
Kel
l
y.”

Kel
lysmil
edandwav
ed.Yaonewav
edbacksmi
l
ingt
henl
ookedat
Agang.

“
Niceseei
ngy
ou.By
e…”

“
Yeahy
out
oo.
”

Shewalkedawayinherf
ormal
wear
.Kel
l
ysmi
l
edashecl
osedher
doorf
orherandjumpedin.

“
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
”

Hel
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.“
Youwi
l
lsee.
”

*
**

I
nBost on,
att
heairport
,Thabisatwi
thBat
angandAtang,her
handholdi
ngBatang’who’sheadwasonThabi
’
slap.Thabirest
ed
herheadonAtang’schestwhil
eLomorest
edontheotherside.

Shesi
ghedsadl
yast
hei
rpl
anegotcal
l
edout
.At
angki
ssedher
andsmil
ed.

“
Iam notgoi
ngf
orgood.Il
ovey
ou.
”

“
She’
sgoi
ngt
ocr
y.Seet
hewayshe’
shol
dingy
oual
ready
.”

“
Youar
emygi
rl
s…”

“
Iam st
il
lnott
aki
ngy
ouback.
”
At
angl
aughed.“
Ilov
eyou.
”

Thabi
sighedget
ti
ngcl
oseri
nhi
sar
ms.Bat
angmov
edt
oo.

At
angki
ssedher
.“Wehav
etogo.Iwi
l
lcal
lyouwhenwear
ri
ve.
”

Theyal
lst
oodup.Thabiwrappedherarmsaroundhi
m smi
l
ing
thent
ookherdaught
er.Lomolookedatherf
ather
.

“
Iam goi
ngmama.
.”

“
Nohun…wear
est
ayi
ng.
”

At
angpi
ckedt
hebagsasBat
anghuggedhi
ssi
stert
henhi
sni
ece.

Lomol
ookedathi
mtear
ful
l
ythenl
ookedatherf
atherr
aisi
ngher
l
it
tl
emearms.

“
Daddy
..
”

At
angki
ssedher
.“Il
ovey
ou.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Lov
eyou…”

Thabi
wat chedastheywavedt
hent
heex.Lomolookedathim
andstart
edcryi
ngfight
ingt
ogowit
hhi
m.At angt
urnedadist
ant
awayfrom herandwaved.

Lomoscr eamedmor ecry

ingforhi
m.Thabir
ubbedherey es
taki
ngadeepbr eathget
ti
ngreadytocomfor
therdaughter.She
rubbedherowney eswit
hasighassadnessandempt i
nesst ook
over.

.
Iknowit
’sshortbutIam notwel
l.Idr
ankmypi l
l
s,theymakeme
extr
emel
ydr owsy.Pl
easeforgi
vetheshor
tinsert
.Keepli
ki
ngand
commenting.Il
oveyoulots!

.
Your
sTr
uly

#72and#73

Thabicar
ri
edherdaughterinsi
dethenewst udi
oapart
ment.She
cl
osedthedoorwi t
hherfootandwalkedtoherroom.Shelaid
Lomodownwhot ookasaddeepbr eathinhersl
eep.Thabi
si
ghedandwal kedout
,thenewhousedi dn’
tfeelasni
ce
anymore…itf
eltsoemptyandf or
eign.

ShepickedBat ang’
scapandlaughedknowinghewasgoingtobe
sohurttofindouthehadf or
gott
enit.Sheputi
tdownandpicked
upAtang’sjacket.Shel
ookedatitt
henpickedi
tupandputiton
bef
orelyingonhercouchinhali
nghisscent.

Shepickedherphoneandunlockedit.SheopenedherCamer a
fol
derandlookedatthedozenpict
urest heyhadtaken.Tear
s
burntherey
esasshewonder edwhyherhear twassogulli
ble.
Shecouldn’
tseem torememberthehur tanymore.

Shesnif
fedandswipedthescreenstari
ngattheirpicturetogether
.
Shewipedatearthenpl
ayedav ideotheyhadtakent ogether.She
l
ookedathissmile.
.att
hewayhehadbeenl ookingather .She
pl
ayedanothervi
deoofhim andLomoashet ri
edt ost y
leherhair.
Shesi
ghedwi t
hasmi l
e,Bat
angappear edonthev ideohol di
ng
hai
rpi
ns.

Thabi
watchedasBatangtr
iedtokeepLomost
il
lwhi
l
eshedr
ew
onherbook.Shet
urnedherhead.

“
Daddy
…”
Atanglookedatherdrawingandsmiled.I
talr
eadylookedli
kehe
hadalwaysbeenthere.Thabisi
ghed,shehadalreadyseenthat
shewasnol ongerthefavor
it
eparenttheseconddayaf t
er
Atang’
sarriv
al.

Shewatchedtherestoft
hevi
deossmi
li
ngandlaughi
ng.Her
phoner
ang,shelookedatPul
ecal
li
ngandpi
cked.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hey
,ishet
her
ewi
thy
ou?
”

“
No.Theyl
eft
.”

“
Incl
udi
ngy
ourbr
other
?”

“
Yes.
”

“
Soy
ouar
ebackwi
thhi
m?”

Thabi
lookedatt
hewal
l
.“Hei
sLomo’
sdad.
”

“
Iknow.Ar
eyoubackwi
thhi
m?”

“
No…notr
eal
l
y.”

“
Doy
oul
ovehi
m?”

Thabi
sighed.“
Mr.
-“

“
Pul
e.Doy
oul
ovehi
m?Behonest
.”

“
Yes.Hei
smydaughter’
sfather
.Hewasmyf
ir
st.Rr
agweLomo
wasmyfi
rsti
nev
ery
thing.”

“
Doy
oul
ovehi
mtoapoi
ntoft
aki
nghi
m back?
”
“
I-
“

“
Arey
out
aki
nghi
m back?
”

“
Idon’
tknow.
”

“
Washef
ucki
ngy
ouonhi
sst
ayt
her
e?”

Thabi
remai
nedi
nsi
l
enceunsur
eoft
her
ight
ful
wayt
oanswer
hi
m.

Pulesi ghed.“ Tal

kt ome?Wher eyousl eepingwi thhim?…You
knowwhat ?Myguessi sthaty ouwer e.Af teralltheyearswi t
hout
seeinghi m, Iam sur ey oulethim bet weeny ourlegs.Youpr obably
thi
nky oucanf i
xthingsnowt hatheseemst ohav ecomebackt o
hissenses…y ouaret hinkingt oraiseyourdaught ertogetherwith
him.Beapr operfami ly.Ibety ouar ethinkingassoonasy ouget
yourdegr ee, yougohomet ohim…sexhasnev erbeenlove
Rethabi l
e.Sexwi l
lnev erbel ove.Under standt his…doy ouact ual
ly
thi
nkhel ov esyou?Don’ tyout hinkifhedi d,hewoul dhav enev er
hurty ourightf r
om thebegi nning?Menactr ightforthewomen
theylov e.Ifyouar ethatwomant ohim, hewoul dhavenev erhurt
yout hewayhedi d.”

Thabi
swal
l
owedi
nsi
l
ence.

“Cheat i
ngisachoice,hewasn’tevensorrythenbecausehedi dn’t
expecty outoleave.Heprobabl
yjustthoughthewoul dgetaway
withit.Hisegowasbr ui
sedbecausey oulefthi
m.I fhelovedyou,
hewoul dhav enevercal
ledhernamewhi leont opofy ou.He
didn’
tlov eyouenoughorrespectyouenoughbackt hen.What’s
diff
erentthi
st i
me?Yourdaught er
?Menl eavetheirwiveswho
theyhav ebeenmar ri
edtofor20plusyears,t
heyl eav ethei
rki
ds
forthepeopletheyt r
ulyl
ove.Areyouthatpersonf orhim?That
oneper sonhewi l
lstophisenti
reworl
df ort
ogi vey ouwhaty ou
need.Don’tgethurtagainbecauseyouthinkhe’sinl ove…that
he’schanged.Ther eisnochange…hejusthasn’tmethi sonet r
ue
l
ov e.Youwillseeitwhenhemeet sher.”

“Idi
dn’
ttakehi
m back.
”

“Iwasj
ustmakingyousee.I
fyouwantt
ogivei
tachachancege,
doso.Youneverknow.Maybeheact
ual
lyl
ovesyouandjust
madeami st
ake”

Thabi
lookedupbl
i
nki
ng.“
Howi
swor
k?”

“
Tir
ingbutsav
ingli
vesi
smycar
eer
.Il
ovesav
ingl
i
ves.Whenar
e
t
heresul
tscomingup?”

“
Nextweek.Iam ner
vous.
”

“
Youdi
dwell.Youar
eabril
l
iantdoctorThabi
.Youar
eahar
d
wor
ker
,youaresmart
.St
opwor r
yingsomuch. ”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Wher
ear
eyout
hinki
ngt
odoy
ourr
esi
dence?
”

“
Thereisahospit
ali
nLA.
.Iwast
hinki
ngoft
hatort
heoneher
ein
Massachuset
ts.
”

“
LAi
sagoodpl
acet
olear
n.”

“
Iti
s…”

“
Idi
dmyr
esi
dencei
nAust
ral
i
a.Ihav
ebeent
hinki
ngofgoi
ngback
t
oschool
.Il
ovebei
ngaf
ami
l
ydoct
orbutIt
hinkIwantmor
e.”

Thabi
lookedatherani
ncomi
ngcal
lcomi
ngi
n.

“
Ihav
etot
akeanot
hercal
l
.Iwi
l
lcal
lyouback.
”

Shedr
oppedt
hecal
landpi
ckedheruncl
e’
scal
l
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Thabi
,Idon’
thav
emuchai
rt
ime.Howar
eyou?
”

“
Iam f
ine,
howi
saunt
y?”

“
It
s-“

Thecal
lcut
.Thabi
cal
l
edhi
m back.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Howi
saunt
y?”

Hesighed.“
Sheisal
ive.Butit’
snotlooki
nggood.Shei
sal
way
sin
pai
n.Wehav et
ri
edever yt
hing.Goi
ngt ochurch,
goi
ngt
o
heal
ers…goi
ngtohospital
s.It’
snotworking.
”

“
Eish…Ihav
eaf
ri
endi
nGabor
one.Icanaskhi
mtol
ookather
.”

“Thatwi
llbesohel
pful
.Thankyou.Idon’
tthi
nkher
etheywantt
o
helpher
.Youknowhowi ti
s.”

“
Iknow.Iam sor
ry.
”

“
It
sok.UhIspoket
oNt
atemogol
o…hesai
dBat
angi
sther
ewi
th
y
ou.”

“
Hewasv
isi
ti
ng.He’
sonhi
swayback.
”
“
Iam happyy
oul
ovey
ourbr
othert
hewayy
oudo.Lomot
aught
y
ouwell.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Shedi
d.”

“
Iwantedtotalktoy
ouaboutAt
ang.Hisf
athercal
ledtoday.They
wantt
oknowwhati sgoi
ngon.I
fyoutwodon’twantabi g
weddi
ng,i
t’
sfine.Wecanj
ustgotothemolaodi
’soff
ice.
”

“
Att
ieandIar
enotbackt
oget
her
.”

“Hi
sf at
hert
ol dmeAt angistherewi
thyouandthatther
eisa
chi
ld.Thabi
le,Idon’tthinki
t’
sr i
ghtt
ohaveyourelder
sheari
ng
thi
ngsfrom neighbors.Idon’
tknowwhyy outhi
nky oudon’
tneed
us…wear ey ourfamilymydaught er
.”

Thabi
swal
l
owed.“
Iwasgoi
ngt
otel
lyou.
”

“Youhadachi l
dandkeptherasecretf
orthr
eeyears,
thir
i!No…I
don’
tlikethi
s.Thenyousayyouarenotbackwi
thhim whenhei s
ther
ewi thyou,t
her
eisnothi
ngli
kethat
.Stopmakingusfools!We
aregrownups.Youneedtocomebackanddealwi t
hthisissue.
”

“
Atang-
“

“At
angisyourhusband.Youandthatboyshoul
ddot heright
thi
ng.Iam t
ir
edofbeingaskedquesti
onsIcantanswer.Today
youhavebeenkeepingpeopl
e’
sgrandchil
drenf
rom them.We
needtoseethatchi
ld.
”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“Ihopeso.Wecan’
tcont
inuet
reati
ngy
oul
i
keababy
.Youcan
havesex..
youar
ecl
earl
ygrown.”
Shekeptqui
et.Hewentonr
epr
imandi
ngherf
ormor
emi
nut
es
thensi
ghed.

“
Ihopey
ouhear
dme.
”

“
Idi
d.”

“
Good.Whenar
eyouf
ini
shi
ng?
”

“Iam doi
ngmyM. Dri
ghtnowt
henIwi
l
ldomyf
oundat
iont
rai
ning
andcoretrai
ningand-
“

“
Howmanyy
ear
s?Youar
egoi
ngt
ocomebackol
d.”

Thabil
aughed.“
No.Medi
cinet
akesal
ongt
ime.ButIwon’
tbe
ol
d.”

Hesi ghed.“
Thabi
…y ouaregr
owi
ngmychi ld.Iknowwhatyou
kidsoftodaysay…thatt
herei
snor ushf
orany thi
ngandi
ndeed
thereisnorushbutyouneedtot
hinkofthedirecti
onofy
ourli
fe.
Ok?”

“
Eer
ra.
”

“Good.Iam gi
vi
ngy
out
il
ltomor
rowt
otel
lmey
ourdeci
sionwi
th
Atang.
”

“
Eer
ra.
”

Hehungup.Thabi
sighedandcl
osedherey
est
hinki
ng.

*
**
I
nBotswana,El
angfini
shedcookingherf
atcakesout
sideonthe
f
ir
ethenputthem i
nabucket.Shepackedherstocki
nherplast
ic
t
hencarr
iedherthi
ngsoutsi
defrom t
hebackroom.Hermother
l
ookedatherwalki
ngoutsi
de.

“Iknowt hi
sisnotwhaty
ouexpect edt
ocomehomet obutyour
fathersaysyouneedtol
earntostandonyourown.Il
i
keyour
determinati
on.Thabi
managed,youwil
lmanageto.
”

“
Iam goi
ng.
”

Shewalkedoutheadedtotheschool
.MmagweElangwal
ked
backi
nherhouse.Shelookedatherhusband.

“
Ithi
nkweshoul
dlethercookont
hest
ove.
”

RragweElanglookedathiswifeindisbelief.“I
sthatwhatwe
agreedon?Youwantt ospoilthischil
dtoomuch.Lethercookon
thefir
e.Wear enotgoingtospoonf eedagr ownwoman.El ang
needst ol
earnthatsometi
mesl ifei
sunf air.Sheneedstowor k.I
am notgivi
nghermyhar dearnedmoney .Shemustwor kforhers.
Thabimanagedj ustfi
ne.What’sthediff
er encebetweensheand
Thabi?”

Hest
oodupandwal
kedout
.

*
**

El
angsatyouatthepri
maryschoolandputonhercapt
oprotect
her
sel
ffr
om theharshsun.Shel
ookedattheti
meknowingthe
st
udentswereaboutt
oknockof
fthenmessagedThabi
on
WhatsApp.

El
ang:
Magwi
nyakeP1.

Thabi
readt
hemessageandst
art
edt
ypi
ng.

Thabi
:Wear
ebackati
t?It
houghty
ousai
ditwasn’
tfory
ou.

El
ang:
Iwantt
ober
ich.Iwi
shIknewhowt
osew

Thabi
:sell
ingtoschoolki
dswillbr
inginmoneytoo.Doitwi
th
posi
ti
vi
ty.Iknowy ou’
redoubtf
ulbutyouneedtobedetermi
nedt
o
doit
.May beyouar enotmeanttoworkforot
herpeopl
e

El
angsmi
l
ed.

El
ang:
,Youmustber
ightwai
tse.

Thabi
:Keeppushi
ng

El
ang:
Ican’
twai
ttoseey
ou.
”

“
Hi…”

Elangrai
sedherheadandlookedatFar
ai.Shesmil
ednoti
cingt
he
changes.Hewasabi tl
i
ghtincomplexi
on.Heactual
lyl
ooked
goodwi t
hhiscl
eanhair
cut.

Shel
ookedathi
scl
eanj
eansandat
-shi
rt
.“Far
ai!
”

“
Ifi
tai
n’
ttheGabsci
tyr
eject
.”

El
angl
aughed.“
Mxm.
.wai
tseGabor
onel
i
fei
snotf
orev
ery
one.
”

“
It
scal
l
edsi
nci
tyf
orar
eason.
”
“
Sat
anst
ayst
her
e.Youl
ook…di
ff
erent
.”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
InagoodwayIhope.
”

Shel
ookedbehi
ndhi
m andsmi
l
edatt
heMazdaAxel
abehi
ndhi
m.

“
Yes.I
sthaty
our
s?”

“
Yeah…Ideci
dedt
ogetar
eal
job.
”

El
angl
aughed.“
Wher
e?Ther
raIal
soneedaj
ob?
.”

“
Att
heSaf
ari
.Ar
iskyj
obbutwor
thi
t.Whi
tepeopl
eti
pyougood.
”

“Wai
tseIhav
eal
way
sfear
edt
hosej
obs.Idon’
twantt
obeeat
en
byaLion.
”

“I
t’sariskyj
ob.Butpay
sbi
l
ls.Iwantt
orai
seenoughmoneyand
startsomethi
ng.”

“
Somet
hingl
i
kewhat
?”

“
Iam notsur
eyetbutIhav
eapl
an.
”

“Af
teryoustartt
heplan,cal
lme.Icanbeyourrecept
ioni
storPA.
Iam goodli
stener,
aquicklear
ner.Icanmult
it
ask.”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Iwi
l
lkeept
hati
nmi
nd.Youl
ookgood.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.
”

Het
ookoutaP20not
efr
om hi
spocketandhandedhert
hent
ook
t
wosweet
s.

“
Niceseei
ngy
ou.
”

Het
urnedandj
umpedi
nhi
scarwhi
l
eshesmi
l
ed.I
twashar
dto
beli
evethatthesameguywhomadecoff
inswasnowt hi
sman
thatdr
ovesuchacarandlooked…l
i
kethat.Shel
ookedattheP20
withasmi l
e.

*
**

I
nGaborone,
Kell
yfini
shedpacki
ngherbagthenwal
kedtoher
mot
her’
sbedroom wherehermotherwasbusyonherphone.

“
Mama.
.”

MmagweKqui
ckl
yputawayherphone.Kel
l
ylookedatherand
l
aughed.

“
Andt
hen?
”

“
What
?”

Kell
yshookherheadandsmi
l
ed.“
Not
hing.Iam goi
ngt
oFi
fi
’s
house.
”

“
Ok.Becar
eful
.”

“
Emma.
”

Shehuggedhermot
herandwalkedout
.Shewal
keddownt he
st
reetwher
eAgangwasparkedthenj
umpedinhi
scar.Agang
smil
ed.

“
Hey
…”

Kel
l
ylookedathi
m.“
Whenam Ibei
ngr
etur
ned?
”
“
Inacoupl
eofday
s.”

“
Itookf
ourday
sleav
eatwor
k.”

Agangst
art
edt
hecar
.“Per
fect
.”

Kel
lyputonherseat
beltashedr
oveoff
.Shel
ookedathi
shand
andlookedoutt
hewindowsmili
ngal
one.

Unabl
etocont
ainher
sel
f,shet
urnedt
ohi
m.“
Pleaset
ell
me…”

Agangl
aughedst
ari
ngatherf
ace.“
Bepat
ient
.”

“
Iam goi
ngt
odi
efr
om cur
iosi
ty.
”

Hepi
nchedhercheek.“
Ket
adi
ramout
htomout
hmna.
”

Shel
aughed.“
Youar
ecr
azy
.”

“
Youar
ebeaut
if
ul.
”

Shetur
nedtohim andsmil
ed.Agangsmi
ledbackthentur
nedto
ther
oadreachi
ngforherhand.Hehel
dherhandanddrovewit
h
one.

Sherel
axedonthepassengerseatashedrove.Kell
y’
shear
t
begunpoundi
ngashet ookthetur
ntotheair
port.Sheswal
lowed.

“
Agang…”

“
Rel
ax.Wear
ecol
l
ect
ingsomet
hingf
rom t
heai
rpor
tthenwego.
”

Shel
ookedathi
m.“
Ial
mostwast
edmyhappi
ness.
”

“
Yout
houghtIam f
lyi
ngy
ououtoft
hecount
ry?
”

“
Mxm.
.”
Agangl
aughed.“
Fli
ghtt
ri
psar
enotf
orf
ri
ends.
”

“
Ihat
eyou.Ihadpackedmypasspor
tjusti
ncase.
”

Hel
aughedpar
kingatt
heai
rpor
t.

“
Let
’sgoi
ntoget
her
.”

Kel
lygotoutwit
hherhandbag.Agangt
hrewhi
scarkey
sat
someone.Kel
lylooked.

“
Whyar
eyougi
vi
nghi
mthekey
s?”

“
Tol
ookaf
tert
hecar
.Let
’shur
ryupandgo.
”

Theywal
kedinsi
detheai
rpor
t.Kel
l
y’shear
tski
ppedashel
edt
he
wayhol
dingherhand.

Theycheckedi
n,t
hemanhehadgi
venhi
skey
stof
oll
owi
ngwi
th
thei
rbagsbehi
nd.

Tear
sfi
l
ledKel
l
y’sey
es.“
Agang…”

Helookedather.“
Ithoughty
ouwouldhel
pmefindaTanzani
an
gir
lf
ri
endmaybewhenwegot oZanzi
barormay
beatKil
imanj
aro.
Ineedanexoti
csomeonei nmyli
fe.
”

Kel
l
yhuggedhi
m.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Agangwr
appedhi
sar
msar oundher
.Theyhel
deachot
herf
or
minut
est
henAgangl
etgo.

“
Let
sgoandgetmygi
rl
fr
iend…”

Kel
l
ylaughedwi
pingawayat
ear
.“Ay
eAy
ecapt
ain!
”

Agangpi
ckedherupandt
hrewherov
erhi
sshoul
dert
henwal
ked
t
othei
rboar
dinggat
ewhi
l
eshel
aughed.

*
**

I
nMaun, RragweElangwalkedtowardsmmagweThabi’sgrave.
Helookedaroundthenstart
edplucki
ngoutthegr
assaroundthe
grav
elikehedideverymonth.Heputthefl
owershehadjust
gott
enont opandsighedtearf
ull
y.

“Ibroughty ourfav
orit
e.Imi ssy ou.Imi ssyousomuch.Ihear d
Thabi hadt akenBatangforhi sholiday.Sheloveshim somuch.
She’sdoi ngagoodj ob.Shet akesaf teryou.Ihearsheisdoi ng
well.Ireadabouthersomet imebacki nthenewspaper .Shei s
appar entl
ytheonlyMot swanast udentatthatschool.Our
daught eris…smar t
.Bri
lli
ant…t heysai dsheisbril
li
ant.Sheis
goingt obet hebestdoctor.Iwi shIcanpl aymypar tbutIam
l
imited.Iwi shIcanbet here…”Hesi ghedsadly.“Il
ovey ou.Ihave
togo. ”

Het
urnedandwal
kedaway
.

MmagweEl
angl
ookedathi
m ashewal
kedi
nthehouse.

“
Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?
”
“
Iwentt
oseemyf
ather
’sgr
ave.
”

Hewal
kedpasthergoi
ngt ot
hebedroom wher
ehelocked
hi
msel
fint
hebathroom andputhi
shandsonhisf
acecr y
ing.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#74

Laterthatday ,
Elangpackedther
emaini
ngstockshehadand
start
edwal kinghomemuchsl owly
.Shecouldn’tseem t
othi
nkof
adifferentbusinessi
deathatwoul
dhelpherleavehome.

Theconstantcompar i
sontoThabi br
oughtbackj usthowshe
grewup.Itdidn’
tseem tohavechanged.Thir
tymi nutesl
atershe
slowlyopenedthegatethenclosedit
.Sheti
pt oppedt ot
heback
room andunlockedthedoor.Shewalkedinandl ookedatthe
darkness.

Swit
chingontheli
ghtwouldbringhermothert
ot heroom, sheput
hert
hingsdownandl i
therphone’stor
ch.Shesatont hebedand
wenttoajobvacancygrouponFacebook.Shescr ol
l
eddown
l
ookingforsomethi
ngbutallshewasseeingwasmai dj obs.

Tear
sfil
ledherey
esasshet houghtofworki
ngforsomeone.I
t
di
dn’
tfeelberi
ght.Notaf
tergi
vingfoury
earstovarsi
ty.

Shel
ookedatoneadv
ert
.

‘
Looki
ngf orsomeonet oassistmy6y earol
ddaughterandIin
Maun.Mustbeofbet ween26- 35,year
s.Mustbegoodwi t
hkids,
shoul
dbeabl etospeakfluentEngli
shandSetswana.Shoul
dbe
abl
etohelpmydaught erwi t
hhomewor k.Mustbeagoodcl eaner
andbeablet owashandironbutmosti mportant
ly,
shoul
dbeabl e
tocl
ean.SalaryP2800.Call745**
**’
Shelookedatt
hesalar
yreal
izi
ngt
hattheposthadj
ustbeen
post
ed.Shequickl
ycopi
edthenumberandcall
ed.

I
trangt
wicet
hent
hemanpi
cked.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hel
l
o?”

“Ij
ustsawy ourpostonFacebookt haty
ouneedahel per.My
nameisElang,Iam aUBgr aduat
e,Iam ver
yfl
uenti
nEngl i
shand
onSetswana.Iam 24y earsoldbutIam ahardworker.Iam good
wit
hkids.Icancook,clean,washandi r
on.”

“
Cany
oucomef
orani
nter
viewt
omor
row?
”

El
angsi
ghedl
i
steni
ngt
ohi
sfor
eignaccentnowquest
ioni
nghi
m.

“
IcancomebutIam comi
ngf
rom Shakawe.Icant
aket
he
morni
ngbust
here.
”

“
Youar
etoof
ar.Ineedsomeonecl
oseby
.”

“
Iam goodwi
thki
ds,
Iam whaty
ouneed.Iam ahar
dwor
ker
.”

“Idon’twanttowastey ourt
imeincasey oudon’
tmeetthe
requir
ement s.I
fmychi l
ddoesn’
tli
key ou,Iwon’
ttakeyou.You
aretoof ar
,Idon’twanttohavet
or et
urny ouaft
eryouhave
trav
eledallthewayhere.”

Shesi
gheddi
sappoi
nted.“
Ok,
thanky
ou.
”

Shehungupandcont
inuedscr
oll
i
ngt
hroughthegr
oup.She
sl
owlygav
eupandlai
donherbedexhausted.
*

I
nthemainhouse,mmagweElangcar
riedt
hef
oodtother
oom
t
henslowl
yopenedthedoor
.Sheswit
chedont
heli
ghtand
l
ookedatherdaught
er.

“
Elang.
.wakeup.Food.
”

El
angopenedhersl
eepyey
esandl
ookedathermot
her
.

Hermot
hersmi
l
ed.“
Eat
.Howdi
ditgot
oday
?”

“
Itwasf
ine.
”

“Maybeyoushoul
dst
artmaki
ngsomet
ypeofj
ewel
ry.For
sel
li
ng.
”

“
LikeThabi
?”

“
Yes.I
twor
kedf
orThabi
.”

“
Whyshoul
dIdowhatThabi
wasdoi
ng?Iam notThabi
!”

“
Whoareyour ai
singyourvoi
ceat?Wearejusttr
yingt
omot i
vat
e
y
ouhere.Weal l
knowy ouarenotThabi
butsincesheisyour
f
ri
end,
wet houghtshewouldbeenoughmot i
vati
onforyou.
”

El
angt
earful
lyl
ookedathermot
her
.“Idon’
tknowhowt
omake
j
ewel
ry.Shoul
dIalsosew?”

“
Elang,
arey
oupl
anni
ngt
osel
lmagwi
nyaf
ort
her
estofy
ourl
i
fe?
”

“
Iwi
l
lcomeuponwi
thsomet
hing.
”

“
Good.
”
Hermotherputt
hefooddownandwal
kedout
.El
angt
ear
ful
l
ylai
d
herheadonherpi
ll
ow.

*
**

Hourslaterthatevening,AgangledKell
yinsi
detheirr
oom ata
hotelal
ongt heIndianoceaninTanzania,Zanzi
bar.Kel
lysmil
ed
l
ookingar oundthebigbeaut i
fulr
oom holdi
nghercompl i
mentar
y
gl
assofwi ne.Shewal kedtothesl
idi
ngdoorsthatledoutsi
deand
opened.

Shesmil
edst
ari
ngatthewat
ersasacol
dbr
eezebr
ushedher
ski
n.Shewal
kedbackint
heroom.

“
It
’sbeaut
if
ul.
.”

Agangputdownthei
rbagsthenpi
ckedther
oom phone.Kel
l
y
tookof
fhershoesasheorderedf
ood.Heputdownthephone
andsmil
ed.

“
Shoul
dIbat
hfi
rstory
ouwi
l
l?”

“
Letmebat
hfi
rst
.”

“
Ok.
”

Shepi
ckedherbagandwalkedwit
hittotheensui
te.Shel
ooked
att
hehugeovalshapedt
ubsmili
ngfrom eart
oear.

*
I
nt heroom,Agangswitchedoffhi
sphonetogetherwit
hher
sand
putthem away.Awhil
elatert
hehotelbr
oughttheirf
oodasKel
l
y
walkedoutinherpy
jamasal r
eady.

Aganglookedatheri
ntheshor
tsandt
het
op,
herni
ppl
esshowi
ng.
Hetookadeepbr eat
handsmil
ed.

“
Foodi
sher
e.”

“
Final
l
y.Iam hungr
y.”

“
Youcanst
arteat
ing.Iam goi
ngt
oshower
.”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thet
ubi
sni
ce.
”

“
Tubebat
ameandmyex
oti
cgi
rl
fr
iend.Af
terIgether
,Iwi
l
lbat
h
i
nthet
ub.
”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
ed.“
Arey
our
eal
l
yher
etol
ookf
oragi
rl
fr
iend?
”

“
Yes.Iam notl
eav
ingwi
thoutagi
rl
fr
iend.
”

Hewal kedtothebathroom.Kel l
ylookedathi m andsi ghed.She
l
ookedatt hefood,herstomachgr umbl i
ng.Shepi ckedapi eceof
meatandst ar
tedeating.Mi nut
eslaterAgangwal kedout ,atowel
aroundhiswaist.Shelookedathischestgoi ngdownhi sfaintabs
thenhisV-li
ne.Shelookedawayandcont i
nuedeat ing.He
openedhisbagandt ookoutsweat pantsandwal kedbacki nt he
bathroom.Kell
ylookedar oundsearchingforherphone.

Agangwal
kedoutnowi
nonl
ysweat
pant
s.Shel
ookedathi
m.

“
Hav
eyouseenmyphone?
”
“Iputi
taway
.Noonei
sgoi
ngt
obeusi
ngt
hei
rphoneswhi
l
ewe
arehere.
”

“
Pict
ures?
”

“
Wear
egoi
ngt
oenj
oyt
hiswi
thoutphones.
”

Kel
lysmil
ed, hereyeswentdown.Shet ookadeepbreathst
ari
ng
ati
tandlookedaway .Hesatdownwi t
hherandate.Hehadno
si
nglet
attooonhi sskin,i
twasf unnyhowshecouldn’ti
magine
hi
stwinbrotherwithoutal
lhistattoosandsti
l
lcouldn’
timagi
ne
Agangwiththem.

Hecaughtherst
ari
ng.“
What
?”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
ed.“
Not
hing.
”

“Byt
heway ,
accommodat
ioni
sexpensi
veher
e.Wewi
l
lbe
shar
ingt
hisbed.
”

Shenodded.“
Ok.Thanky
ou…f
orbr
ingi
ngme.
”

Hel
ookedi
nherey
esandsmi
l
ed.“
Don’
tfor
getwhywear
eher
e.”

Kel
l
ysi
ppedherdr
ink.“
Whyl
ookf
oragi
rl
fr
iendsof
ar?
”

“
Freshbl
ood.Gapet
hel
adi
esher
ear
ebeaut
if
ul.
”

“
Ithoughty
ouwer
ejoki
ng.
”

“No.Iam si
ngl
e.Ineedtoset
tl
edown, getmarri
ed,
haveki
ds.I
am gett
ingol
d.ThepersonIwantdoesn’twantmesobett
erIf
ind
someoneelse.
”

Kel
l
ynoddedandat
einsi
l
ence.
*
**

Thefoll
owingmor ninginBotswana, TheBotswanaair
li
nesfl
i
ght
l
andedatSSKI nternati
onalAir
port.Batangsmil
edast hey
checkedoutandwal kedoutoft heairpor
t.Hebreat
hedinthe
Botswanaairandlaughed.

“Backtounpur
if
iedai
r,wai
tseRonaboBat
angr
agoswaka
nnete.
”

At
angl
aughed.“
Youar
ecr
azy
.”

“
Amer
icaomonat
e.Ican’
twai
ttogoback.
”

Pr
incehoppedoffthebonnetasAt
angwal
kedov
erwi
thBat
ang.
Hehelduphisf
istsatBatang.

“
Showmewhaty
ougot
!”

Batangputdownhisbagput
ti
nguphisfi
sts.Pr
incet
hrewa
punch,Bat
angdodgedandpunchedhi
sri
bs.Pri
ncejumpedback.

“
Youwantt
oki
l
lme?
”

Bat
angl
aughed.“
Oldage.
”

Pr
incel
aughedt
henpi
ckedhi
m upput
ti
nghi
m ov
erhi
sshoul
der
.

“
Want
wael
awena.
”

At
anglaughedasBat
anggotdown.Theygoti
nthecar.Pr
ince
st
art
edthecaranddr
ovetoAtang’
shouse.At
anghandedBatang
t
hekey
sasPr
incepar
kednextt
ohi
scar
.

Batangst
eppedoutandwal
kedt
othedoor
.Pr
incel
ookedat
Atang.

“
Whatdi
dshesay
?”

“
Ihur
ther,shehast
rusti
ssues.Icausedal
lthatandIam goi
ngto
t
akeresponsi
bil
i
tyf
ormyactions.I
t’
sgoingtotakeusti
met obe
wher
ewewer e.”

“
Asl
ongasy
ouar
efi
xi
ngt
hings.
.“

At
anggotoutoft
hecar
.“Wher
eisAgang?
”

“
Sti
l
ltr
yingt
owi
nKel
l
yov
er.Het
ookhert
oZanzi
bar
.”

At
angl
aughedwal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
hedoor
.“Sur
eboy
!”

Pri
ncerever
sedanddr
oveof
f.At
angwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehousej
ust
ashisphonerang.

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Iassaboutt
ocal
l
.Wej
ustar
ri
ved.
”

“
Youwer
etaki
ngt
ool
ong.Tr
avel
l
edsaf
ely
?”

“
Yes.Iwi
l
ldr
opBat
angof
ftomor
row.Iam f
lyi
ng.
”

“Thankyou.Byt
heway…Isuspecthehasagir
lfr
iend.Ihear
dhim
tal
kingtosomeonet
heot
herday.Heobviousl
ynowknowsal ot
.
Cany outal
ktohi
m?”

“
Yeah…”

“
Ican’
taff
ordanot
herchi
l
d.He’
stooy
oungt
oo.Iwanthi
mto
f
ini
shschool
.”
“
Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m.”

“
Thanks.
”

“
Howi
sLomo?
”

“Shewokeupandcr i
edsomemor ebefor
esleepi
ngagai
n.She
willbefi
netomorrow.Iwasthi
nki
ngwhenIst ar
tmyresi
dence
program yout
akeherbecauseIwon’thavet
imet ogi
veheral
lthe
attent
ionsheneeds.”

“
Yes.Icant
akeher
.”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

“Ithinky oushoul dmov eon.I t’

sgoi ngt obey earstill
Iam done
wi t
hschool .Youaregrowingol d.Youshoul dn’thav et owai tfor
mewheny oucanmov eon.Idon’ tthinkIwantanot herchild.I
don’ tt hi
nkIwantt ogetmar ried.Thoset hi
ngsar enoti nmy
futurepl ans.AndIcan’ tfull
yt rusty ou.Ican’tbeher ewor r
iedi f
youar echeat i
ngornot.Ifyoucoul dcheati nmypr esence, it
meansi nmyabsencei twillbewor se.Ican’
tbewi t
hamanIcan’ t
trust.Idon’ tseeourf utur
et oget herexpectusco- parent i
ngLomo.
Idon’ tev ent hinkIwil
lgetov erwhathappened.Idon’ tthi
nky ou
reallyl oveme.Iknowamanact srightforawomanhel oves.I f
yout rulyl ovedmey ouwouldhav enev ercheatedonme.Idon’ t
believ echeat ingisami st
ake.Youmadeachoi ceandcheat edon
me.IknowIdeser v
ebet t
erthant obey oursecondbest .Either
way , Ilongt oldyouIwoul dnev erf orgiveyouifyoucheat ed.That
hasn’ tchanged.Youshoul dmov eonbecausey ouandIar e
done.
”

“
Whodi
dyout
alkt
o?”

“
Rra?
”

“
Whodi
dyout
alkt
o?”

“
Noone,
Ijusthadt
imet
othi
nkt
hingst
hrough.
”

“
Someonefi
ll
edyourheadwit
hallyouar
esay
ing.I
tdoesn’
tsound
l
i
keyou.I
sitt
hatl
ectureofy
ours?
”

“
No,
Atang-
“

“Tellhim kareot si
legony elaomar ete.Ilovey ou.IfIdi dn’ty ou
wouldknow.YouknowIl ovey ou.Iwoul dgiv eany thingf ory ou.I
knowy oudeser vebet terandIam goi ngtogi vey out hat.Ar ey ou
goingt oletsomeonewhoobv i
ouslywanty out odeci deourf ut ure?
Ofcausebecauseheknowswher eIf uckedup, hewi l
lknow
exactlywhatt osay .Idon’ tevenliket hatguy .Koor ehe’st aking
advant ageoft hi
s.Whyar eweev enl etti
nghi mi nourbusi ness.I
messedupbutIdi dn’tdoi tbecauseIdon’ tlov eyou.Ihav elov ed
youf orthelongestt i
menow.Il earntf r
om mymi stakes…don’ tlet
someonedeci def orusbabe.Iwanty outot ellmey oudon’ tlov e
me…t ellmey oudon’ tlovemeandIpr omisey ou, Iwillstopt rying
tofixus.Sayy oudon’ tloveme…”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#75

At
angwal
kedt
ohi
sbedr
oom hol
dinghi
sphone.

“
Tal
ktome.War
eng?
”

“
Idon’
ttr
usty
ouespeci
all
ywheny
ouar
ether
edoi
ngGodknows
what
?”

“
Whatwoul
dmaket
hingseasi
erf
ory
ou?
”

“
Iam her
eandy
ouar
ether
e,At
ang-
“

“
Distancei
snotexcuse,
tell
mewhatyouneedfr
om metomake
t
hingsbett
erf
oryou.Av i
si
tever
ymonth?Doyouwantt
hat
?”

Shesni
ff
ed.“
It
’stooexpensiv
e.Youar
ealr
eadyspendi
ngal
otof
moneyonus.Youdon’thavetocomeever
ymonth.”

“
Ok,
thenwhatdoy
ouwant
?”

“Iwanttobeabletot
rustyouenoughnottowor r
yaboutwhatyou
aredoingwit
hwho.Iwantt oabl
etot r
ustyouenoughtoknow
youwon’truntoanot
hervaginabecauseyouarenothappywit
h
me.”

“
Icanwor
kont
hat
.”

“
Ial
sodon’
tli
kehowy
oumakedeci
sionsony
ourownwi
thout
i
ncl
udi
ngme.”

“
Iwi
l
lwor
koni
t.
”
“Idon’
twantanot
herchi
l
d.Notnowanyway
s.Idon’twantt
obe
anabsentmother
.Iwanttobet
heref
ormychil
dren.”

“Youcansti
l
lbether
efort
hem, ev
eni fi
t’
snotful
lti
me.That’
s
whenco-par
ent
ingcomesin.I
t’
sallabouthel
pingeachot
her,
backi
ngeachother
.Youar
enotalone.Iam notaabsentf
ather.
”

“
Iknowbutschool
isdemandi
ng.May
bei
n6y
ear
sorso.
”

“
Lomowi
l
lbe9.
”

“
Iwas9whenBat
angwasbor
n.Wecanhav
etheot
heroneaf
ter
t
hat
.”

“
Babe…youknowhowlonel
yyouwer
eal
one.9y
ear
sisal
ot.She
i
sgoingt
ogetbor
ed.
”

“
Itur
nedoutf
ine.
”

“Canwecompr omiseabi
t?Idon’
tmindsteppi
ngupandhel
ping
withthebaby.Icantakel
eaveandhelp.Iwon’
tbot
hery
ouabout
babiesheref
orth.”

“
Wenar r
ayouarenott
obetrusted.I
fitdoesn’
twor
kout
,Idon’
t
wantt
obel ef
twi
thtwoki
ds.Othermendon’ tl
i
kewomenwitha
l
otofki
ds.”

“
MaybeIam aski
ngfort
oomuchr
ightnow.Howaboutwer
evi
sit
t
hisi
ssuei
nay ear
?”

“
Ok.
”

“
Iam nothappyabouty
ourf
ri
endshi
pwi
thy
ourl
ect
ure.
”

“
Hei
smyment
or.
”
“
Ment
oramentaramasepay
aana?Whathasourr
elat
ionshi
pgot
t
odowit
hyourdegr
ee?”

“
He’
sal
soaf
ri
end.WhenIhadnoonei
nmycor
nerhewast
her
e.”

“
Idon’
tli
kesuchf
ri
endshi
ps.
”

“Pul
eisagoodfriend.Agoodment or
.Agoodl ect
ure.Hehelps
meal ot
.Hehashel pedmealotmor e.Ineedhiminmycor ner.
Hehasadegreeinmedi ci
ne.HeknowswhatIam t alki
ngwhenI
askhimtohelpme.Iam notgoingtogetr i
dofhim becauseyou
i
nsecureandj
ealous.Youdon’tev
enknowhi m.Heisagoodguy .
Idon’
tcheati
nrelati
onshi
ps.
”

At
angsi
ghed.“
Iam notcomf
ort
abl
ewi
thy
ourf
ri
endshi
pwi
th
hi
m.”

“
Youwil
lgetusedt
ohim.Myunclecal
l
ed.Hewantstoknowt he
wayf
orwardwit
hus.Idon’
twantt
ogetmarr
ied.Notnow.Iwant
t
ogetmydegreefi
rst
.”

“Iwoul
dnev
erst
opyouf
rom goi
ngaf
terwhaty
ouwant
.You
knowmebynow.”

“
Iknow.Iwanty
out
omar
ryadoct
or.
”

“
Arey
our
eal
l
ygi
vi
ngusashor
t?”

“
Thi
sist
hel
astchance.
”

“
Ilov
eyou,
Ilov
eyousomuch.
”

“
Ilov
eyout
oo.Younev
ersl
eptwi
thPear
l?Yousai
dyoudi
dn’
t
whenweweret
oget
her
.Oryoudi
daft
erwebrokeup?
”
“
Babe,
canwej
ustmov
eonf
rom t
his?
”

“
Yes.Af
tery
ouanswerme.
”

“
Whatar
ewegai
ningf
rom t
his?
”

“
Kengosabat
egonkar
aba?(
Whydon’
tyouwantt
oanswer
me?)
”

“
Ijustdon’
twantust
okeepbr
ingi
ngheri
ntoourconv
ersat
ions.
”

“
Didy
ousl
eepwi
thheraf
terwebr
okeup?
”

“
Ididn’
tsl
eepwit
hher.Babecanshej
ustr
emai
nint
hepast
whereshebel
ongs?
”

“
Ijustwantt
oknow.Youdi
dn’
tsl
eepwi
thher
?”

“
Idi
dn’
t.
”

“
Soy
ounev
ersl
eptwi
thher
?”

Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Inev
ersl
eptwi
thher
.”

“
Whatdi
dyoudot
hen?
”

“Iam notansweri
nganyt
hingthathast
hepot
ent
ial
tohur
tyou
andtakeust enst
epsback.”

“Ijustwantt
oknowwhaty
oudi
d?I
fyouki
ssed,
justsaywe
kissed.”

“
Iam notanswer
ingt
hat
.”

“
Thatni
ght
…herper
fumewasal
lov
ery
ou.Whatdi
dshedot
o
y
ou?”
“Isai
dIam notansweri
nganyofthat
.Canwestopthi
s?WhatI
didordi
dn’
tdodoesn’tmatt
er.I
twasami st
ake.Onet
hatIr
egr
et.
.
MmagweLomo…pl ease.
”

“Di
dthefactt
hatIwasf atbotheryou?Youknowwhat …it
’sf
ine.I
havel
ostweight
.Ibeli
evey ou.Iam goi
ngtobeli
eveyou.You
don’
thaveanyreasontolienow.Wear estar
ti
ngov er
.”

Hesatonhi
sbedthought
ful
l
ybutt
henagai
ntel
l
ingherwoul
d
meanmoredoubtandhur
t…

“Therewasnothi
ngwr ongwit
hyou.I
twasn’
tyourbodyor
anythi
ngofthatsor
t.Imessedup.I
twasall
me.”

Thabi
sni
ff
ed.“
Ok.
”

“
Imi
ssy
ou.
”

Shey
awnedsl
eepy
.“Imi
ssy
out
oo.
.Pl
easedon’
tcheatonme.
”

“
Iwon’
t.Ihav
elear
ntmyl
esson.Thammakeagor
ata.
”

“
Ng…”

“Babe…sowhat’
sthenameofy
ourl
ect
ure.Atl
eastl
etmegett
o
knowhimtoo.
”

“
Pul
eKgosi
.He’
sni
ce.
”

“
Ober
ekakae?
”

“
GPH.
”

“
Doy
ouknowwher
ehest
ays?
”

“
Phase4.
”
“
Wher
einPhase4?
”

“
Iam notsur
e.Idon’
tknow.Why
?”

“
No…justcuri
ous.Maybewecanal
lbef
ri
ends…It
hinkIneeda
f
ri
endl
ikehim.Adoctorfr
iend.
”

“
Ng…”

Heheldt
hephonetoherearl
ist
eni
ngtoherf
allasl
eep.He
l
ist
enedt
oherforawhil
ethenhangupandcall
edhisfather
.

“
Atang…di
dyougether
?”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Yes.
”

“
Atl
east
,sowhatnow?Idon’
tli
kewhat
’shappeni
ng.
”

“Imessedup,Idon’
tthi
nkourf amilyshouldbehavel
ikethesai nt
s.
Thabidi
dwhatshet houghtwasbestconsi deri
nghowweended.I
don’
twantherbeingputagainstthewal l
toanswerquestionsshe
can’
tanswer.Wehav eadaught er
.NowIknowandIwi ll
st epup
asafatherandasherman.Idon’ ttopressureheri
ntoanyt hi
ng.”

RragweAtangsighed.“
Iunderstandbutther
earewaysthi
ngsare
done.Wejustcan’ti
gnor
et hefactther
eisachi
ldthatwaskept
awayfrom us.Iknowyouloveherandy ouwantyourfami
lyback
butwhathappenedshouldbeaddr essed.
”

“
IknowbutIdon’
twantherat
tacked.
”

“Nooneisgoi
ngt
oat
tackher
.Yourmot
herdoesn’
tli
keher
anymor
e.”

“
Ilov
eherandshei
sgoi
ngt
ohav
etomakepeacewi
thi
t.
Every
oneisgoingt ohav
etomakepeacewi
thi
t.Ihav
etot
ake
careofsomething.Wewill
tal
k.”

“
Shar
p.”

Atanghungupt hentookashowerandputonbl ackclothes.He

openedhiswardrobeandunlockedhissafethentookourhisgun.
Heslidi
tintheinnerpocketofhi
sblackleat
herjacketandwalked
out.HelookedatBatangwhowaspr essinghisphoneinthe
si
tti
ngroom.

“
Buddy
,Iam goi
ngt
oseesomeone.Iwi
l
lbebackl
ater
.”

“
Yahsur
e…”

Atangwalkedoutthenjumpedinhi
sbrandnewbl
ackmodi
fi
ed
FordRangerRaptorandrever
sedout
.

Heputonhi
scapanddr
oveof
fheadedt
oGPH.

*
**

InTanzani
a,Kell
ywalkedwithAgangalongthebeachsmi li
ng
whil
ehehel dherhand.Thewindblewherdressov erandover
exposi
ngherthighs.Shesmil
edast heyapproachedthei
rbeach
l
aungeloungechair
s.Shelai
ddownonher sunderthebigyel
low
umbrell
a.

Agangl
ookedatt
hecurl
yhai
redl
adyhehadseenatt
hehot
elas
shewal
kedpastt
hem i
napinkbi
ki
ni.
“
Doy
our
emembert
hisl
ady
?”

Kel
l
ylookedandf
rowned.“
No.Whoi
sshe?
”

“Wewer
eint
heel
evat
orwi
thher
.Iam goi
ngt
otal
ktoher
.Iam
comi
ng.
”

Hegotupandfol
lowedher .Kel
lywatchedashecaughtupwi t
h
herandsai
dsomethi
ngt hatmadeherl augh.Heconti
nued
walki
ngbywit
hhertal
ki
ng.Kel l
ylai
ddownwai t
ingf
orhimto
comeback.Al
mostthi
rtymi nut
eslat
erhewal kedbacksmil
ing.

“
Shei
sbeaut
if
ulr
ight
?”

Kel
l
ynodded.“
Shei
s.Shei
spr
ett
y.Wher
eisshef
rom?
”

“Shei
sSouthAf
ri
can.Iam t
aki
ngheroutonadatel
ateron.She’
s
sobeaut
if
ul,
okarePearl
Thusi
.”Hesmil
edly
ingdown.

Kell
ysmil
ed.“
Iam happyyouf
oundsomeone.Ihopey
ouar
e
readyf
orarel
ati
onshi
p.”

Agangl
ookedathersur
pri
sedatherr
eact
ion.“
YouknowIam.
”

“
Ihopeshe’
sokwi
thmypr
esence.
”

“
Itol
dhery
ouar
emysi
ster
.”

Kel
l
ylaughed.“
Youshar
eabedwi
thy
oursi
ster
?”

“
MaybeIam sl
eepi
ngont
hecouch.Shedoesn’
tknowweshar
e
t
hebed.
”

Kel
lyl
ookedathi
m andlaughedmore.“
Youar ef
ull
ofjokes.
”She
gotof
fherl
oungerandgotontopofhim si
tt
ingonhisstomach.
Agangswal
l
owedput
ti
nghi
shandsonherwai
stasshel
ookedat
hi
m.

“Ineedy outounder standsomet hing…nnar raIam l

over.WhenI
l
ov e,Igivei
tmyal l.May bethat’
sal waysbeenmyweaknessbutI
am lover.Il
ove.Imakesur etolov ewithmyal l
.Igi
veiteveryt
hing.
Iwantt obelovedt oo.Tobeshownl ove.Tobecherished.Beput
fi
rst.
.Iwanttor eceivethesamel oveIgive.Forsomepeopl ei
t’
s
toomuch… Idon’ tchall
enget hem enoughIguess.Somepeopl e
areaf t
erhal
fbakedl ovethatkeepst hem chasi
ng.Iam notthat.I
getcaughtandIgi veitall
up.”

Henoddedmut
e.

“Iknowy oubr oughtmeheret omakemej ealousbecause

obviouslyIfeelacert
ainwayabouty ounow.Iam nott hatper
son
whowi l
lgiv
ey outhereacti
ony ouarehopingtoget.Megoing
crazy.
.i t
’snotgoingtohappen.Iwanty outoprovetomet hat
youar edeservingofmyl ov
e.”Sheleanedcloserandrubbedher
l
ipsonhi s.Hisdicksti
rredinhispants.

“Showmewhyithastobeyou.
”Shemov
edherbut tbackandsat
onhisdi
ckt
henmov edherwai
stf
eel
i
ngitgethar
der.

“Orbett
ery et
,let
’sjustf
uckandmoveon.Youtookusf ort
esting
l
astweek, i
sitbecausey ouwant
edtohavesex?Noneedt olieto
meaboutany t
hing.Icangiv
eyouwhatyouaft
er…atthispointI
wantittoo.Youhav ebeenshowi
ngmey ourdi
ck,Iam curi
ous
now.”

“Iwanty
out obemygi r
l.Iam f
all
i
nginlovewithyou…wit
ht he
personyouare.Iwantt
obei naproperr
elat
ionshi
pwit
hy ou.I
t’
s
notj
ustsex.Idowantt
ohav
esexbutIwantmor
ethant
hat
.”

Shelookedi
nhiseyesandt ouchedhisf
acethenkissedhim.She
touchedhi
schestashisheartpounded,
hisdickgett
ingharder.
Hesqueezedherwaistfeel
i
ngherwar m pussyri
ghtonhisdick.
Thebeachshort
shehadondi dn’
thel
p.

Shepausedandlookedathi
m hel
plessf
ace.Shemovedherwai
st
agai
nrubbi
nghernowt hr
obbi
ngp*ssyonhim.Hegrunt
edclosi
ng
hi
seyessli
ghtl
y.

Shemov
edherwai
stagai
n.Heshi
ver
edgr
unt
ingagai
n.

“
Fuck!
”

Hisshor
tsrodeoverexposi
nghi
sdick.Shef
elti
tonhermoi
st
panti
esandmov edagainmoani
ng.

Sheloweredt hei
rumbrel
l
at ohi
dethem.At
angmovedhi shands
toherbreast.Herpussyt
hrobbedmoreasshecont
inuedrubbi
ng
her
selfonit.Thesoundshekeptmakingmadeherdri
pev en
more.

Sheputherhandbet weenherlegsandshift
edherpantyt
ot he
si
dethenr ubbedherfl
eshonhis.Sheclosedhereyesatthe
pl
easure.Shecouldn’
tremembert hel
astti
meshehaddonet hi
s..
i
thadbeenmor ethanayearandherbodycouldn’thel
pit
.

Theycont
inuedhumpingmoaningandgr
unt
ingundert
hei
r
umbrel
ladri
vingeachot
heri
nsane.

Aganggr
oanedli
ft
ingherup,shehel
dhisdi
ckupr
ightandslowl
y
l
oweredher
sel
foni t
,shepausedhal
fwayashest
retchedher
wal
ls.Agangclosedhi
sey espushi
nghimselfi
ngrunti
ngasthe
pl
easureweakenedhim more.Kell
ylookedathi
mf eel
i
ngbitdeep
i
nsi
de,herpussysqueezinghim.

Hesqueezedherwai stharder
.Hi
sdickjerkedinsi
deher,Kel
ly
gaspedthenclosedhereyesspasming,herp*ssyclampinghi
s
weapon.Hehel dherhipseasi
nghi
sweaponoutt hensli
dbackin.
Shemoanedi nhisearcreaminghi
sdick.

Agangcursedgiv
ingheronemorestr
okethenhel
dherinplace
cumming.Weeksofhiscum f
il
ledhercanal
whil
eheletouta
rest
rai
nedgroan.

Kel
lyl
aidherheadonhi
schestwi
thasi
gh.Agangwr
appedhi
s
ar
msar oundher.

“
Iwantmor
e…mor
ethant
his.Iwanty
ou.It
hinkIam i
nlov
ewi
th
y
ou.
”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
edr
emai
ningst
il
lont
opofhi
m.

*
**

AtGPH,
Atangsmi
l
edatt
her
ecept
ioni
st.

“
Hi…”

Shel
ookedathi
m andsmi
l
edback.
”Dumel
ang…”

“Iam heret
oseeDr.Kgosi
…Ihav
eadel
i
ver
yfr
om hi
m..f
rom
Rethabil
eDani
el.
”
“
Letmei
nfor
m hi
m.”

Shepi
ckedt
hephoneandcal
l
edhi
m.Shel
ookedatAt
ang.

“
Youknowwher
ehi
sof
fi
cei
s?”

“
No.
”

Shedir
ectedhim smil
ing.At
angsmil
edbackandwalkedaway
headedtohisoff
ice.Heopenedthedoorandwal
kedin.

Pul
elookedathi
m.“
Hi.
.”

At
angclosedt
hedoorandl
ookedar
oundt
heof
fi
ce.“
Yourof
fi
ce
i
snice.
”

Pul
efr
owned.“
Whoar
eyou?
”

Atangsmil
ed.“Sor
ry,
Ifor
gott
ointr
oducemy
sel
f.Iam At
ang
Daniel
.Youaremywife’
snewfri
end.”

Pul
esmi
rked.“
Youar
eher
etot
hreat
enme?
”

At
angtookouthi
sgunthencockedi
tandpoint
editathi
m.“No.I
am her
etobui
ldf
ri
endshi
p.Di
dshetell
youthatIki
llf
orali
vi
ng?”

Pul
elookedatt
hesilenceront
hegunandswal
l
owedkeepi
nga
br
aveface.“
Am Isupposedtobescar
ed?”

Atangpul
ledt
hetr
iggerandf
ir
ed.Pule'
sheartski
ppedasthe
bull
etgr
azedhi
scoatgoingt
hroughhischai
rtothewall
.

“
No.Idon’
tthi
nkso.Idon’
tmi
ss.Iam t
rai
nedt
onev
ermi
ss.
”

Atangwalkedoverandl
ookedatt
hehol
eont
hewal
l
.Het
urned
andlookedatKgosi.
“Iam notabadper
son.Ithi
nkyouaregoodpersont
oo.Ihat
e
shooti
nggoodpeople.Seeyouar
oundfri
end.
”

At
angsalutedhim andwalkedoutputt
inghi
sgunbacki
nhis
i
nnerpocket.Heunlockedhiscarandj
umpedinasanurse
wal
kedinfrontofthecarsmili
ng.

Atangsi
ghedt
henst
art
edhi
scaranddr
oveof
fli
kehedi
dn’
tsee
her.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#76

InShakawe,Elangserv
edthel
astfatcaketoast udentandsmil
ed.
Itseemedfatcakesandfr
eshchipsweresell
i
ngmor ethan
anythi
ngel
se.Shepackedupev eryt
hingt
hathadr emainedand
stoodupfrom bri
cksshehadpil
edintoastool.

Far
aipar
kednextt
oherr
oll
i
ngdownhi
swi
ndow.

“
Hey
,canIdr
opy
ouof
fathome?
”

“
Yes.Pl
ease.
”

Shegoti
nthecarandputherbagonherl
ap.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Far
aismi
l
eddr
ivi
ngof
f.“
Howwasi
ttoday
?”

“Bet
tert
hatyesterday.Studentsl
ikef
atcakesandf r
eshchi
psalot
more.TomorrowIam goi ngt ocomeinthemor ni
ngandlater
duri
ngtheday.Ithinktheybuymor ei
nt hemorning.”

“
Theydo.Youar
edoi
ngwel
l
.”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Helookedatherandsmi
l
ed.“
Whoknewy
ouwoul
dev
ersel
lfat
cakes.
”

El
angl
aughed.“Li
fe…ij
o.It
houghtaft
ervar
sit
yIwoul
d
i
mmediat
elygetajob.Gett
owor k…Ihadsomuchhope.
”

“
Unempl
oymenti
sev
ery
wher
e.It
hinkweal
lthi
nkaf
terv
arsi
ty,
we
willgetj obsandenj oylif
e.Af terIgotmydegr eeIt houghtthi
sisit.
Iam goi ngt ogetmyof fi
cej obandwearsui ts…wher e?Iwasin
Zimt hen.Lif
egotsohar dt hat’swhenmybr othercamet o
Bot swana.Heusedt obeagar dener.Iremainedbehi nd,Iwas
stay i
ngwi thmyuncl e.I
twashar dforhimtoosoIbecamea
conduct orattherank.You’dbar elygetanything…It urnedtoa
thief.Ipickpocketed, Iwasatast agewher eIf i
nanciall
y
under stoodwhypeopl esteal .Iraisedenoughmoneyt ogethere.I
didn’thav eapasspor t
.AllIknewwast hatIam goi ngt oGaborone.
Mybr otherstayedinat inyr oom wi thfourothermenandhewas
sleepi ngont hefl
oor .That’
swhenIl earntt
hatbr i
nghungr yisa
l
uxur y .Wewoul dwal kfrom Mogodi t
shanetoBusr ank.”

“
Youar
ely
ing!
”

Farai
laughed.“
Iam tel
l
ingyou.I
twashar
d.That
’swhat
unemploymentdoesbutyoukeepgoi
ngbecausethewor
ldnev
er
promisedyouanyt
hing.
”

“
Atl
easty
oumadei
tnow.Wher
eisy
ourbr
other
?”

“
Maki
ngcof
fi
ns.He’
sdoi
ngwel
l
.Hemakesot
hert
hingst
oo.
”

“
Iam happyf
oryou.Ir
ememberwheny
ouusedt
olookdi
rt
yin
y
ourfl
ipfl
opsdr
ivi
ngthatol
dcar
.”

Far
aismi
l
ed.“
Lif
e…”Hepar
kedt
hegat
e.“
That
’sj
ustl
i
fe.
”

“
Somet
imesIwi
shIchosemedi
cinel
i
keThabi
.,
”

“
Why
?”

“
Shemadeagoodchoi
ce.Shewi
l
lnev
erbeunempl
oyed.AndI
wouldnevergetcomparedtoherev
erywhereItur
n.Nowimagi
ne
Iam unemployed,notadoct
orandIam backinm par
ent
’s
house.
”

“Wear
edi
ffer
ent
.Thabi
isThabi
.Youar
eyou.Yoursuccesswi
l
l
nev
erbet
hesame.”

“
Yeah…t
hanky
ouf
ordr
oppi
ngmeof
f.
”

Hesmil
edandnodded.Shest
eppedoutandwalkedi
nsi
det
he
gat
e.El
angt
urnedandwaved.Hewavedbackthendr
oveof
f.

*
**

Zazasteppedoutofhercarst
ari
ngatthepicturesBatanghad
postedonFacebook.Shepausedatt
heselfiehet ookwit
hThabi,
Atangandalit
tl
egirl
.Shezoomedinthepictureandlookedatthe
chil
d.

Sheunlockedherdoorandwal
kedi
ngoi
ngtoherWhat
sApp.She
cal
ledThabiwit
hv oi
cecal
lcl
osi
ngt
hedoor
.

“
Zaza…”

“
Youhav
eachi
l
d?”

Thabi
laughed.“
Yes.
”

“
Wow!Andy
ouhi
dher
?”

“
Aii
mma…”
Zazal
aughed.“
Atangmustbehappy
.”

“
Hei
s.”

“
Soy
ouguy
sar
ebackt
oget
her
?”

“
Yes.
”

“
Atl
easthel
ovesy
ou.Iam happyf
ory
ou.What
’shername?
”

“
Lel
omo.
”

“That’
snice.Iam happyforyou.Hopeful
lytherewon’tbeany
cheati
ngscandalsagain.Iam sti
l
l di
sgustedthattheyallsl
ept
withherthoughIhadf or
givenAgang.Iknewaf terthethr
eesome.
Ididn’
taskhim anythi
ng.Ij
ustforgaveit
.Ishouldhav easked.
”

“
Thr
eesome?
”

“Theonewi t
hPearl.Whathurtsmeisthattheysl
eptwithher
whi l
eImour nedmyson.Thedayhewasbur i
ed.Ialwaysthought
Princewast hebetteronebuthewaspar tofit
.Theyallhadsex
witht hatwoman.Ifyouhadreadthosemessagesi ntheirgroup,
youwoul dhavedi
edIam tell
ingyou.Iwi
shy outoldme.Why
didn’tyoutell
me?”

“
Idon’
tknowwhaty
ouar
etal
ki
ngabout
.At
angsl
eptwi
thher
?”

Zazapaused.“
Yes,
isn’
tthatwhyy
oubr
okeup?
”

“
Iti
sbuthedeni
edsl
eepi
ngwi
thher
.”

“
Waaka!Hedeni
edi
t?”

“Yes,
Isawhi
m ki
ssi
ngheratt
hemall
.Hetol
dmeshewashis
cousi
nandsai
dIwascrazy
.Lat
ert
hatdayhecomesback
smel
l
ingl
i
keher
.Buti
twasbef
orey
ourson’
sdeat
h.”

“At
angistheonewhof oundher
.Hewassl eepi
ngwi
thherbef
ore
AgangandPrincetheni
tseemstheyall
metupandfuckedher.
Toget
her.Anditwentonforadayortwo.”

“
Ij
o,kemat
hat
a.(
It
’sapr
obl
em.
)”

“
Sohe’
sbeendeny
ingi
t?”

“
Yes.Ai
ii
t’
sapr
obl
em.Iam sor
ryy
ouwentt
hrought
hat
.”

“Yeahbutatl
eastAtanglov
esyou.He’sbeensi
ngleal
lthi
sti
me.
Enemmaher egret
sit
.Andnowy ouhaveachil
dtoget
her.You
twohav eareasontofi
xthi
ngs.
”

“
Howar
ethef
uner
alar
rangement
sgoi
ng?
”

“
Well.Weareget
tingwhat
everashesofhert
heygot.NnaIam
j
ustgoingt
odigaholeandthr
owheri nsi
det
henmov eonwith
myli
fe.Koor
ethatwomandoesn’tdeserv
eadigni
fi
edfuner
al.
”

Thabi
laughed.“
Don’
tsayt
hat
.”

Zazalaughed.“
Iam tel
li
ngyou.Iam notpayi
ngf orasinglethi
ng.
Iam putt
ingherinaplast
icandthrowi
ngherinahol e.Iam
prayi
ngsheisburni
ngi nhel
l.Atl
eastshelef
tthatplot.Iam
sell
i
ngitkerekekoloi
.”

“
Mydaught
eri
sawake,
Iwi
l
lcal
lyoubackl
ater
.”

“
Ok.
”

Thabi
hungup.Zazat
ookoffhershoesthengoi
ngt
hrought
he
weddi
nggownsherfr
iendhadsenther
.
*
**

I
nBost
on,
Thabi
gav
eLomoabot
tl
eofj
uice.

“
Sitdown.
”

“
Iwantdaddy
…”

Thabil
ookedatherandsi
ghedthenvideocal
l
edAt
ang.Hi
sphone
rangf
orawhilethenhepi
ckedsmili
ng.

“
Hey
…”

“
Hi,
Lomowant
stot
alkt
oyou.
”

Shehandedt hephonetoher.Lomosmi l
edstari
ngatherfather
onthescreen.Thabiwalkedawayastheystart
edchatt
ing.She
satonherbedt henopenedherlapt
opthoughtf
ull
y.

Awhi
leLomowal kedov
erwit
hthephonesmi
l
ing.Shehandedher
mot
herthephoneandcli
mbedonthebed.

ThabilookedatAt angandsi
ghedcalmly.“
Ispoket oZazaand
sheaskedmewhyInev ert
oldheraboutPearlwhenIfoundout.I
am notsureifIreall
ywantyoubackanymor e.Youareali
ar.I
gaveyouachancet obeopenwithme.Tobehonestbuty ousti
ll
choset ol
ie.Idon’
tknowwhaty outhi
nkofmeAt angbutIam not
stupi
d.”

“
Iam sor
ryIl
i
edbutIj
ustwantust
omov
epastt
hat
.”

“
Youwantust
omov
eonwi
thy
ourl
i
es?
”
“Babedidn’
tIpayenoughf
ormysins?Idi
dn’
twantt
osayi
t
becauseIknewwhatitwoulddo.
”

“
I’
dratheryouki
ll
mewiththetr
utht
hanli
etomet
opr
otectme.I
j
ustcan’tbel
i
eveyoual
lsl
eptwit
hher.
”

“Isl
eptwit
hheronce.Ididn’
tsl
eepwit
hhert
hatni
ght
.Iswear.I
t
didn’
tmeananythi
ng.Pleasedon’
tbr
eakupwit
hme.That’
sthe
onlyIl
iedabout
.”

Thabisi
ghed.“
Pleasegoandshav
e.Youl
ookf
unnywi
thal
lthat
bear
d.”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Eemma.
”

“
Ist
her
eany
thi
ngel
sey
out
hinkIshoul
dknow?
”

“
No.Ipr
omi
se.That
’sal
l
.”

“
Ok.Iwi
l
llett
hissl
i
p.”

“
Thanky
ou.Il
ovey
ou.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Lomosmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyou.
”

“
Ilov
eyout
oopr
incess.
”

Lomot
ookt
hephonet
aki
ngov
ert
heconv
ersat
ion.

*
**
I
nZanzibar,
lateri
ntheeveni
ng,Agangwal kedoutofthe
bathr
oom aft
ertaki
ngashowert henlookedatKell
ywhowas
l
yingonthebedholdingherphone.Shesenthermot hera
messagethenswitchedi
toff.

Agangl
ookedather
.“Youspoket
oher
.”

“
Yes.Ihav
esentamessage.
”

Hetookthephonefrom herandputitawayt
hengotont opofher
.
Hekissedherget
ti
ngbet weenherthi
ghs.Agangtookoffher
ni
ghtdressandki
ssedhersqueezinghersmallbr
easts.

Shechuckl
ed.“
Ammeot
lakgona?
”

Hel
aughed.“
Oncewehav
eachi
l
dtheywi
l
lgr
ow.
”

Kel
l
ylaughed.“
Ift
heydon’
tgr
owt
henwear
egoi
ngt
ofi
ght
.”

Hesmi ledthenki
ssedhernecktaki
ngof fhi
stowel
.Hemov edhi
s
waistsli
dingupanddownherwetsl i
t.Shemov edherwaist
underneathhimimpati
ent
ly,Agangsl
idhishandunderneathher
waistand#r emoved.

*
**

Thatsameni ghtEl
anglai
donherbedl ooki
ngatBatang’s
Facebookpi ctur
es.Shestar
edatthechil
dinthepictur
es
i
mmedi at
elyconnecti
ngthedots.Shelookedatal
lthei
rhappyt
o
faces.Herfacegotsourasshescr ol
l
edt hr
ough.Shewentonher
What sappandt ext
edThabi.
Elang:Ican’tbeli
evey
outookbackthemanwhocheat edonyou.
Hei sgoingtocheatagai
nthengiv
ey ouanot
herchi
l
d.I t
’sgoi
ng
toendi ntears.Youar
eyetgoi
ngtocryIam t
ell
ingyou.

Herphoner
ang,
shel
ookedatt
heunsav
ednumbercal
l
ingand
pi
cked.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi…i
t’
sFar
ai…”

El
angsmi
l
ed.“
Hi.Wher
edi
dyougetmynumber
?”

“
Ilonghadi
t.Iam sur
pri
sedy
oust
il
lhav
ethesamenumber
.”

Shel
aughed.“
Inev
erchanged.
”

“CanIcomepi
ckyouup.Themooni
sout
,it
’sbeaut
if
ulatt
her
iver
onnight
swhenthemoonisout
.”

El
angsmi
l
ed.“
Yesy
oucan.
”

“
Iam comi
ng.
”

Hehungup.Shegotoffthebedandquickl
yputonadressand
fl
ipfl
ops.Herphonevi
brat
edmi nut
esl
ater
.Shetooki
toutand
hurr
iedoutusi
ngthesmallgat
e.

Shej
umpedi
nhi
scarsmi
l
ing.

“
Hi…”

Far
ail
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.“
Hey
…Igotussomesnacks.
”

Hedroveof
fheadedt
obetheri
vert
henpar
kedunder
neat
hwhat
usedtobeThabi
’
sfav
ori
tespot
.
Far
ait
ookoutt
hesnacks.El
angsmi
l
edst
ari
ngatt
her
iver
.

“
Thanky
ouf
orbr
ingi
ngme.
”

Far
ail
ookedathersmi
l
ing.“
Youar
ewel
come.
”

*
**

InBoston,
Thabi’
sheartpoundedasshewait
edf orherf
irstyear
M.Dresult
st ol
oad.Theysl
owlycover
edherlaptop’
sscreen.She
swall
owedt henl
ookedather4.0GPA.Shescreamedhappi l
y
j
umpingupanddown.

FI
VEYEARSLATER.
.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#77

FI
VEYEARSLATER

I
nGaborone,
Atangtri
edontheweddi
ngsli
mf itt
uxedost
andi
ng
i
nfr
ontofthemirr
or.Hefi
xedhi
sti
ethensighed.

Bot
hoknockedonhi
sdoorandspokesof
tl
y.“
Atang…”

At
angwal
kedt
othedoorandopened.Hel
ookedather
.

“
Yeah?
”

“
Lomohasstar
ted.Shei
snott
alki
ngt
ome.Shesay
sshewant
s
t
otal
ktohermom. ”

At
angsi
ghed.“
It
’sok.Iwi
l
lhandl
eit
.Youcanpacj
herbag.
”

“
Ok.
”

Bothowalkedtotheki
tchen.Atangwal
kedtohisdaught
er’
sroom
thenknockedbefor
ewalkingin.Hel
ookedathersi
tti
ngonher
bedinonlyherpant
y.

Hecl
osedt
hedoorandsatbesi
desheront
hebed.

“
Heypr
incess…”

Shet
ear
ful
l
ylookedathi
m.“
Whywon’
tyoucal
lmama?
”

“
Youknowshei
satwor
kri
ght
?Shei
sint
hemi
ddl
eofsav
ing
l
ivesri
ghtnow.Shei
sdoinganoperat
ionandyouknowsheisnot
al
lowedtobeonherphone.Buti
fyouwantthepersonshei
s
tr
yingt
osav et
odie,
Icancall
her
.ShouldIcal
lher
? ”

Atearrol
leddownhercheek.Atangwipeditt
henreachedf
orher
ni
ghtgownandcoveredherwithit.Hepi
ckedherupandplaced
heronhislap.

“Iknowyoumissher.Iam notrefusi
ngtocallher,Iwouldcall
her
foryouever
ysecondbutrightnowshei sworkingsohar dsoshe
cancomeandl i
vehere.Shemi ssesyoutoo.Shemi ssesyouso
much.Assoonasshei sdone, Iwil
lcal
lherforyou.Ilov
ey ou.
”

Shesnif
fedinhi
sarms,herarmsaroundhim.Atangkissedher
for
eheadthenpl
acedheronthebedandt ookherschooldress.
Hedressedherupandzippedherdress.

Hetookoutherwhi
tesoaksandhel
pedheroutt
hem onbef
ore
put
ti
ngonherschoolshoesonhi
sfoot
.

Hetookacombandherhairoil
s.Atangputt
heoil
sinhai
rand
combedthelonghai
rgent
ly.Heti
edthebunonthemiddl
eofher
headsmi
ling.

Lomogotoffthebedandlookedathersel
fonthemir
ror.Herbun
wasnotstr
aightbutwhoknewthat!At
anglookedati
t,i
tcouldbe
asidepuf
f.Thatworkedt
oo.

“
Doy
oul
i
kei
t?*

Shetoucheditsmi
l
ing.“
Yes.Butmybabyhai
rsDaddy
…do
ever
ythi
ng.”
“
Lomo,
youknowIdon’
tknowt
hat
.Aunt
yBot
ho-
“

“
Idon’
tli
keher
.Shewant
stobemymom.It
oldmama.
”

At
angpausedhol
dingt
hesmal
lbr
ush.“
Yout
oldy
ourmom
what
?”

“ThatAuntyBot
howant
stobemymom andt
hatshel
i
kest
oget
closetoyou.
”

“
Andwhatdi
dmamasay
?”

“
Shesai
dokandt
hatIshoul
djustl
i
stent
oyou.
”

Atangsighed.“AuntyBothoisnother et oreplacey ourmom

Lomo.Ther eisnoneedt odisli
keherwhenshei sonlyt
ryi
ngt o
helpyou.Shewant stomaket hingseasi erforyoubyhel pi
ngy ou.
Ihaveseenhowy out r
eather,youaregr ownnowLomo.I fyou
don’tli
keAuntyBot hothenit
’sjustgoingt obej ustyouandI .You
wil
lhav et
ostartreall
ywor ki
ngar oundthehouseandcookt oo.I
can’tdoeveryt
hingsowehav etoshar ethedut ies.Youwillhave
tostartal
sowashi ngandironingtohel pme. ”

“
ButIcan’
twash.
”

“
Youdon’twantAunt
yBothowhodoesitf
orusmeani
ngyoudon’t
minddoi
ngwhatshedoes..y
ouar
egoingtohav
etostar
tcooki
ng
t
oo.”

“
ButIdon’
tknowhowt
ocook.
”

“
Idon’
tknowwhaty
ouwil
ldobuty ouwil
lneedtocook.Youdon’
t
l
i
keAuntyBot
howhodoesthatr
ight?Youwill
havetodoit.
”

Tear
sfi
l
ledLomo’
sey
es.“
Idon’
tknowhowt
ocook.
”
“Theny ouaregoingtost
opwithyourat
ti
tude.Idon’tl
i
kei t.You
aregoingtorespectAunt
yBothoassomeonewho’ shelpingus.I
don’tknowwher eyougettot
elly
ourmotherthethingsy outell
herbutmay bethat’
swhyshewon’tcomet hi
sside.
”

Lomosni
ff
edast
ear
srol
l
eddown.

“AuntyBothoi sjustdoi ngherj ob,shei snottryi

ngtobey our
mot her,
sheist r
y ingt ohelpy oubutf eelfreetostar
twashing
yourowncl othes, ironi
ngy ourowncl othes,cookyourownf ood,
cleanandev erythingel se.Ifnotyouar egoi ngtoshowBot hothe
respectsheneeds.Youar egoingtobeagoodgi rl
,awell
manner edgirl
.IfIcat chy oubei ngdisrespectfult
oher,youare
goingtostarthel pingy ourself
.Ireal
lydon’ tli
keyourbehavior
.
Youar erudeanddi srespect f
ul.Idon’tknowwhot aughtyouthat
behav i
orbutIdon’ tl i
keit.
”

Lomoputherhandsonherf
acecr
ying.“
Ijustwantmama.
”

Atangtookadeepbr eat
hinthenwalkedtoherwit
ht hebrushand
gel.Hedidherbabyhair
sthenputeveryt
hingaway.Helookedat
herfacethengrabbedasmalltowel
andwi pedhetearsaway.

“
Youar
erunni
ngl
atet
oschool
.Comeandeat
.”

Hepickedherupandwalkedt
othesit
ti
ngroom wit
hher.Heput
heronthedini
ngtabl
e.Bot
howalkedoverwi
thherpl
ateandputi
t
befor
eher.

“
Herbagi
spacked.
”

At
angl
ookedathi
sdaught
erassher
eachedf
ort
hespoon.
“
Whyar
eyounotsay
ingt
hanky
ou?
”

Bot
hol
ookedathi
mthensmi
l
ed.“
It
sok-
“

“
Lel
omo!
”

Herl
i
psshookasherl
i
pscur
vedt
ear
ful
l
y.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Botholookedathersadl
yasLomo’ stear
sroll
eddown.Shewiped
them awaywiththebackofherhand.Herli
tt
lehandshookasshe
reachedfort
hespoon.

“
Letmehel
phereat
.”

At
angangr
il
ylookedather
.“Youwantt
ofeedanei
ghty
earol
d?”

Bot
hoswal
l
owedathi
sangr
ytone.“
Ijustwantt
ohel
p.”

“
Shei
sfi
ne.Shecaneat
,shehashands.
”

Lel
omoslowlyat
ewhi l
ewipi
ngawayhert
ear
s.Mi
nut
esl
atershe
gotupandgotherpackedbag.

At
angl
ookedather
.“Youdi
dn’
tpackt
hatbagy
our
sel
f.
”

Lomot
ear
ful
l
ylookedatBot
ho.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Bot
hosmi
l
ed.“
Youar
ewel
come.
”

Atangwalkedtohi sbedroom andcamebackwi t

hhiscarkeys.
Theywalkedoutt ogether.Shegoti natt
hebackasAt angjumped
i
nont hedriver
’sseat.Bot hopressedthegateremotekeys,t
he
gatesl
idopent henAt angr ev
ersedout.Hejoinedther
oadand
droveoffheadedt otheschool .

Hel
ookedathi
sdaught
ert
hrought
her
ear
viewmi
rr
or.Her
r
eddi
shey
esmadehi
m sad.Hepar
kedt
hecaratherschool
.

“
Begood.
”

Shesni
ff
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

“Lomoy oucan’thav eeveryt

hingy ouwantbecausey ouwanti t
pri
ncess.”Heturnedt oher.“Iam disappointedi nyourbehavior
towardsauntyBot ho.Ididn’
tev enknowt hatyoucoul dbemean
andrude.Notev eryonewant stobey ourmom.Weknowy ouhav e
onemot her.Butthesepeopl ear eonl
ytryinghel pyou.Aunty
Bothoisjustli
keAunt yKelly.Youdon’ttreataunt yKellyr
udely,
why?Bot hoisonlyhelpingjustlikeauntyKelly.Iwanty outothink
ofyourbehav i
ortoday.Wheny oucomebackf rom school,y
our
rudeatt
itudeshouldnotbet here.Am Iclear?”

Shesni
ff
ednoddi
ng.Hert
eacherwal
kedov
ersmi
l
ing.

“
Hel
l
o…”

Atangsmil
edasLomogotoutoft hecarwit
hherbagwhi
l
e
snif
fi
ng.Hert
eacherl
ookedatherthenatherf
ather
.

“
Isev
ery
thi
ngok?
”

“
Yes.By
epr
incess…Il
ovey
ou.
”

Herl
i
ttl
evoi
cebr
okeasshespoke.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Shegreet
edhert
eacherandwal
kedt
ohercl
ass.Thet
eacher
smil
ed.

“
Shoul
dIbeawar
eofsomet
hing?
”

“
No.She’
sfi
ne.Howi
sshedoi
ng?
”
“Sheisabri
l
li
antst
udent.Ver
ysmartandfr
iendly
.ButIhav
ebeen
picki
ngsometinyt
hingsfr
om her
.Ishermotherther
e?”

“
Yes.Butshei
snother
ewi
thus.Shel
i
vesabr
oad.
”

“It
hinkherabsencei
shav i
ngsomeeffect
sonher.Wedi
dan
exerci
seafewday sback.Somet
hingaboutmoms.Andshe
ref
usedbecauseshesaidhermom doesn’tl
i
keher.
”

Atangswal l
owed.“Hermotheri
sstudyi
ngmedicinei
nHar v
ard.
She’salwaysunderpressur
eandbusy.Wedogett ovisi
tever
y
holidaybutbecauseofhershi
ft
s,shedoesn’
tgettoseeheras
oftenasshewant sandwhenshedoes, i
t’
sbri
efbutwewi l
lwork
oni t.
”

“Ok…butwecanwor ktogether.AsmuchasIam onlyateacher

,I
am Lomo’
sparentatschool.Icangi v
eyouahand.Tryf
indways
wecanrai
seabeautifulni
cegir l
.Ihavet
ogo.Bye!
”

Sheturnedandhurri
edt
ohercl
assi
nherheel
s.Atangdroveof
f
thenlookedatthet
imeandcal
l
edher
.Hi
sheartskippedasthe
call
wentt hr
ough.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hey
…ar
eyouhome?
”

“
Noty
etbutIam knocki
ngof
f.
”

“
Soy
ouar
est
il
lnotcomi
ng?
”

“
It
salr
eadytool
at eAt
ang.Theweddi
ngi
stomor
row.Whatt
ime
woul
dIhavearr
ived?”

“
Youdon’
thav
etoj
ustcomef
ort
heweddi
ng.Youcancomef
or
us.Wemi ssyou.Lomomi ssesy
ou.
”Hetookadeepbr
eat
h.“
I
needyou.Ourdaughterneedsamom.”

“AtangwhatshouldIdo?Ij
ustcan’
tupandl
eav
e.Iam doi
ngmy
secondyearresi
dent.I
t’
shar
d.Iwanttobet
her
ebut
cir
cumstanceswon’tal
lowit
.”

“Lomowantsyourattenti
on.Sheneedsyourlov
eandIcansee
she’
sdoingever
ythi
ngt otryandgetwhatev
ershecan.Iam not
evensur
eifIam rai
singherright
.If
eell
ikeIam fai
l
ingher
.”

Thabisighed.“
ThisiswhyIdi dn’twanttohav eki
dsbackt hen.
YouseenowIseem l i
keani ncompet entparent?Sheprobably
thi
nksIdon’tcareabouther.Iwor ktir
elessl
y.Iam alway soncall
.
Ican’
taf f
ordtomissany t
hing.That’swhyIhadsai di
fy ouwant
tomov eon, moveon.Ididn’texpectittowor k.Idon’
tsof eelf
ree
tofi
ndsomeoneel sewhocanl oveyouandgi veyoueverythi
ng
youneed.Becauseit’snotmeatt hemoment .”

“
WhataboutLomo?Shoul
dsheal
sof
indamom?
”

“Si
ngleparent
snev ercomplain.Theydoeveryt
hing.Whycan’
tyou
behermom?Inev erfel
tmyf ather’
sabsencebecausemama
workedhardtoalsobeaf at
hertome.Youar enoteventry
ing
Atang.Youarejustleavi
ngthatgapopenknowi ngthatIam
unabletofi
lli
tatthemoment .Yousaidparenti
ngwasabout
assist
ingeachother.Assi
stme.Ineedy ourassist
ance.
”

“Acallwon’
thurtyou.Justacal
ltocheckonher.I
fIdon’tmatt
er
toyou,fi
ndbutdon’tyouthi
nkLomodeservesalitt
lefr
om you
becauseyouarethereandsheknowsi t
…asimpleVNsoshe
hearsyourv
oicewon’ tt
akeanyt
hingfr
om you.Justyouchecki
ng
uponher.Iam suresheiswi
ll
lovei
t.Anyt
hing…asl
i
ttl
easi
tcan
be.May
bej ustyousayi
ngyoulov
eher.”

“
Isshet
her
e?”

“
Shei
satschool
.”

“
Ok…Iwi
l
ldoaVN.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“Il
oveyou.It’
snott hatIdon’t
.Ido.ButIam fail
i
ngy ou.Iknowi
t’
s
notfai
r.Iwanty outobehappy .Evenifi
t’
snotwi thme.The
hospit
alIam wor ki
ngati sagoodhospital.Theypaywel l
once
youarenowar ealdoctor.Iwasthi
nkingof…set t
li
ngonceIam
done.May bethenIcant akeLomo.She- ”

At
angcutt
hecal
landswal
l
owed.
.

Apol
ogi
es,
Idosed
Your
sTr
uly

#78

I
nL.A,Thabiwalkedoutofthel
ockerroom al
readychanged
hol
dingherhandbag.Anursewalkedpasthersmili
ng.

“
ByeDr
.K!
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Bye.
”

Shewal
keddownt
hecor
ri
dorgoi
ngt
other
ecept
ion.

“
Thabi
…”

Thabit
urnedandl
ookedatheratt
endi
ngwalki
ngover
.Shet
ooka
deepbreat
hasheapproachedandwalkedwi
thher
.

“Youaredoi
ngv
erywell
.Iam act
uall
yhappyIgotoneofthebest
resi
dentsi
nmyteam.Youaredefi
nit
elyswi
mmi ngwi
ththe
sharks.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ouDr
.O’
Nei
l
l.
”

“Youdidmar velouslyontheoper ati

ony oudidtoday ,wehav e
beenobser v
ingy ouandy ouhav eitinyouDr .Harvard.Youhav e
ever
ythinginyout ogetthis.Youar estarti
ngthi
rdy earsoon,
meaningy ouar enowaseni orresident,youaregoingt ohav ethe
newinternsshadowy ou.Andno, Iam notsay i
ngy ouar enowt he
bestt
hingaf t
erslicedbread.”Het urnedtoherandsmi led.“
But
youcouldbe.Youwi ll
sti
llhavemewi thyoubuty ouar egoingto
beaforceony ourown.Congr atulat
ions,Dr.Harvard.”
Thabi
smi
l
edhappi
l
y.“
Thanky
ousomuchDr
.O’
Nei
l
l.Thanky
ou.
”

“No.Thankyourhardwork.Youhavebeengeari
ngt he48hrs
shi
ftsthepastweeks,youneedtorest
.Gohome, got oyour
daughter
.Wheny oucomeback,youareaseniorresident
.Ineed
youreadyDr.Harvar
d.Ineedyoureadytot
akeover.”

Hewal kedpasttherecepti
ongoi
ngtot her
ightwingoft
he
hospit
al.Thabiputherhandsonherfacehappil
y.Oneofher
col
leaguesrushedov erandsmil
ed.

“
Whatdi
dtoughguysay
?”

Thabismi
l
ed.“
Igett
obewi
thmydaught
er.Iam goi
nghome.See
you.
”

Sherushedouttakingoutherphone.Shewentonl
inechecki
ng
forl
atenightf
li
ghts.Shetwist
edherli
psstar
ingatthe23:
05fli
ght
l
.Shehaileddownacabandj umpedin.

Thabi t
ookoffhershoesandwalkedtoherbedroom alr
eady
bookingherfl
ight
s.Shewentont heai
rBotswanafli
ghtsand
sighednotfi
ndinganythi
ngfl
yi
ngt oMaunfrom Gaborone
tomorrow.

Shesmiledt
hencal
ledAtangbutt
hecal
ldi
dn’
tgot
hrough.She
exci
tedl
ycal
ledBat
ang.

“
Thabi
…”

“
Hey
,ar
eyouguy
sgoi
ngt
oget
hert
otheweddi
ng?
”

“
Iwanttobutit
’si
nKasaneandIhaveagr
oupassignment
t
omorrow.Idon’
twantt
odelayUncl
eA.He’
sleav
ingtoni
ghtandI
don’
twanthi
mtospendmoremoneyonme.Hepai
dmyr
entl
ast
weekandhel
pedmebuyfood.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Hepai
dyourr
ent
?”

“Yes.Whenar
eyoucomi
ng?Hemi
ssesy
ou.Weal
ldoespeci
all
y
Lomo.”

“Iam get
ti
ngi
nthef
li
ghtt
oni
ght
.Iwi
l
lar
ri
vet
omor
rowi
nthe
after
noon.
”

“
Yes!
”

Thabismi
led.“
Iwi
ll
cal
lyou.May
bewecangot
oget
her
.Iwi
l
ltal
k
toZazasoshecanbor
rowmehercar
.”

“
Ok,
Iwi
l
ltr
yandpusht
hegr
oupwor
kint
hemor
ning.
”

“
Shar
p.Don’
ttel
lthem.
”

“
Cool
.”

Thabihungupandcal
l
edZazaget
ti
ngoffbed.Sheopenedher
cl
osetandthr
ewsomeclot
hesonthebed.

“
Dr.Kai
sar
a…”

Thabismil
ed.“
Hey
,thammaIam comi
nghome.Ineedacart
o
Kasane.
”

“
Youar
ecomi
ng?
”

“
Yes.Myattendi
ngj
ustr
eleasedme.It
houghtIwi
l
lbewor
king
t
hroughout
.”

“
Ican’
twai
ttoseey
ou.I
t’
sbeeny
ear
s.Bat
hongwher
everAt
ang
i
shecan’
tcont
ainhi
msel
f.
”

“Idi
dn’ttellhi
m.Kanat hingshav ebeent ensebetweenuslately
.I
havebeent el
l
inghimt oreplacemebecauseIdon’ tseehim bei
ng
pati
entf ormuchl onger.Ibarel
ygett imeforanythi
ng,youwould
thi
nkt hatmay beIcanspar etenmi nut
esbutifIam notatthe
hospital
, Iam casestudyingorIam att heli
brar
y.OrIam oncal l
.
I
t’shard.WhenIgett hattenmi nutesofmyt i
me…Idoseof f
becauseIam soexhaust ed.Itgiveshimt hei
mpr essi
onthatI
don’tcareandi t’
snotfaironhim. ”

“
Eish,
Igety
ouwai
tse.Medi
cinei
sdemandi
ng.
”

“Ithoughtitwouldbeawal kinthepark.But…nextyearismyt hi
rd
yearasr esi
dent.Iwil
lbeaseniorresi
dent.Andmay beaf t
erthat
,I
canf i
nishoffathome.Iam sur ei
fIapplytofini
shoffmy
program atoneoft hehospit
alsbackhome, theywil
lagree.Iam a
general sur
geon,Iam notspecial
i
zingsoitshouldbefine.”

“Iam sureAtangwouldlikethat.Menl i
kehim aredi ff
icultt
of i
nd
Thabi.
.oncey oul
osehim, getti
nghi m agai
ni sdif
ficult
.Totawe
fal
linloveonceinourli
feti
me. .properpurelove.Idon’ twantto
l
ietoy ou,asmuchasy ouwantt ogetthisdegreewi thev er
ythi
ng
i
ny ou,don’tl
oseever
athingelsewhi lestit
.Findy ourbalance.”

“Iam comi nghome.Iwon’tbeabl

etostartt
heweddingwit
h
them butIwi l
lfi
nishwi
ththem.Il
oveAt
tie…someti
mesIgetdo
frust
rat
edt oo.IsaywhatIdon’
tmean.He’sbeensopati
ent
.Af
ter
nextyear,ketamonnelaJunior
.”

Zazal
aughed.“
May
bemar
ryhi
mfi
rst
.Secur
etheman.
”
Thabi
smil
ed.“
Getmarri
ed…wearehal
fwaymarr
ied.Of
fi
cial
i
zing
i
tisagoodi
dea.Pear
lotokaat
sayamonnawame.”

“Mxm, haveyouseent hatKell

yi spregnantagain?Ebil
eshe’s
getti
ngmar r
iedl
ookinglikeahi ppo.KooreIwonderwhatshe’ s
thi
nking.Whoonear t
hget smar r
iedlooki
nglikethat?Hernose
takesmostspaceonherf ace,she’sfatanddar k.Koor
e
everyt
hingisal
loverthenshedeci deydtogetmar ri
ed.
”

Thabi
laughed.“
Youneedt
oheal
.”

“Iam f
inewit
hmyunheal edhear t
.Ihat
ethem somuch.Ipr ay
theydi
v or
ce,
totaIcan’
twai tt
il
lshefi
ndshim cheat
ing.Kana
Agangisaseniorcheat
ist!IhopehehasAIDs.”

“
Wedon’
tsayt
hatany
mor
e.”

“
Mxm…any
who,
Ihopet
heydi
vor
ce.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Wil
lyoubor
rowmey
ourcart
omor
row?
”

“
YesMr
sDani
el.
”

Thabi
massagedhert
empl
esasherheadachest
art
ed.

“
Iwi
l
lcal
lyouonceIl
and.Myheadhasst
art
ed.
”

“Ir
eadsomewheret
hatheadachesar
esy
mpt
omsofbr
aint
umor
.
Am Ipar
anoi
d?”

Thabilaughed.“Yes.Notev
ery
thi
ngiscancer
.Iam notr
esti
ng
enoughanddr inki
ngenoughwater
,Iam al
waysstr
essed.That
contr
ibutestoit.
”

Zazal
aughedt
oo.“
Iam cr
azy
.Buty
oushoul
djustgetchecked.
”
“
It
snotcancer
.Ial
way
scheck.
”

“
ThankGod.
”

“
Letmepack.By
e.”

Thabiputdownthephoneandgr abbedhermedi cat

ion.She
fr
ownedl ooki
ngattheal mostemptycontai
nerthendr anktwo,
shethoughtofZaza’
st heory,
shebrusheditoff,
itwast he48hr
shi
ftski
ll
ingherbutthen,itwaspartofsuccess.Shetooktwo
moretosi l
encei
tandst art
edpacking.

*
**

InKasane,l
aterthatday
,Kell
ylookedatherbi
gnoseont
hemi
rr
or
andsighedtearf
ully
.Hercousi
nsmi l
ed.

“
Yournosei
sfi
ne.
”

“I
tsbig.Iwi
shIcanpost
ponet
heweddi
ng.Bat
hobat
sil
ego
ntsega.
”

“
Theywon’
t,make-
upwi
l
lcov
eri
t.
”

“
Ilookugl
y.
”

Thecousinlookedatthebigf l
arednoset hatl
ookedlikei twas
taki
ngsomuchoxy genleavingnothingforevery
oneel se.Kell
y’
s
swolleneyesmadeev er
y t
hingwor seespecial
lythatl
ay erof
darknessonherface.Shetookadeepbr eathtryi
ngnott olaugh
andsmi l
ed.
“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.Youar
egl
owi
ng.Pr
egnancyl
ooksgoodon
y
ou.
”

Kell
ylookedather
selfont hemirr
or,thebignosebeingt hefi
rst
thi
ngshewasseei ng.Tearsfi
ll
edherey esasshet houghtof
Agang’sbachel
orpartythatwastonight.Hewasobv iouslygoing
toseebetterl
ooki
ngwomen.At earroll
eddown, shewi pedaway
wit
ht hebackofherhandt hencal
ledhim.

“
Babe…”

“
Arey
oust
il
lgoi
ngt
oyourbachel
orpar
ty?
”

“
Yes,
why
?”

“
Doy outhi
nkit
’samatur
edecisi
ont
ogot obachel
orpar
ti
es
whentomorrowyouar
egett
ingmarr
ied?
”

“
Didn’
tyouhav
eabr
idal
shower
?”

“
Iwasn’tl
ooki
ngatnakedmenati
t.Gapesomet
hingi
swr
ong
wi
ththebaby.Cany
oucome?”

“Iwill
calladoct
orforyou.Iam goi
ngtoenj
oymysel
fli
key
ou
enjoyedy our
sel
f.Il
oveyou.Iwi
llseey
outomorr
ow.Iam
switchingoffmyphone.”

“
Ify
ougot
othatst
upi
dpar
ty,
wear
edone.
”

“
Ilov
eyout
oo.By
e.”

Hehungup.Kell
ybr okedowncry
ing,
hergetti
ngevenmoreugli
er.
Hercousi
npressedherlipst
oget
herstar
ingatherf
ight
ingnot
bur
stint
olaughter
.
Herphoner
ang,
shequi
ckl
ypi
ckedsni
ff
ing.

“
Hel
l
o?”

Kell
y’sbestfri
endspoke.“
Kellymma, Imi
ssedthe5p.m bus.Ijust
arr
ivedfrom Jwaneng.Iam atthehi
ki
ngspotbuteish…thamma
don’tyouhaveanyonecomi ngther
etoassistme?Iam stranded
now.”

“
Uh…l
etmet
alkt
oAgang’
sbr
other
.”

“
Mydanci
ngpar
tner
?He’
sst
il
lher
e?”

“
Yes.I
fhehasn’
tlef
tyet
,hecanhel
pyou.
”

Thef
ri
endgi
ggl
ed.“
Ok.
”

“
Hehassomeonei
nhi
sli
fe.Don’
ttr
yany
thi
ng.Hei
sfai
thf
ul.
”

“
Idon’
ttr
yany
thi
ng.Thanky
ou.
”

“
Wai
tther
e,i
fhehasn’
tlef
t,hewi
l
lcomeandpi
cky
ouup.
”

“
Ok.
”

*
**

I
nGaborone,
atTaunghi
ki
ngspot,
Atangstoppedt
hecar.Kel
l
y’s
bestf
ri
endwalkedov
erwi
thherov
erni
ghtbagandopenedthe
backdoor
.

At
angturnedtoherasBot
hoandLomowhower
eatt
hebackseat
l
ookedather.
“
Jumpi
nont
hef
rontpassengerseat
.”

“
Ok.
”

Sheclosedthedoorandgotinatt
hef
rontseat
.Shesmi
l
edand
spokequiet
lyasshelookedathi
m.

“
Dumel
ang…”

At
angl
ookedatherandsmi
l
edback.“
Ekaebasi
?”

Let
tyl
aughed.“
Imi
ssedi
t.Iknockedof
fabi
tlat
e,Iwasi
na
meeti
ng.
”

“
Byt
heway
,that
’smydaught
er,
Lomoandhernanny
.”

Let
tyt
urnedt
othem.“
Higuy
s!”

Lomol
ookedatherwi
thaf
rown.Bot
hosmi
l
ed.

“
Hi.
”

Let
tyt
urnedbackt
oroadasAt
angj
oinedt
her
oad.

“
Thanky
ou.Idon’
tknowwhatIwasgoi
ngt
odo.
,
.”

“I
t’
sok.Whoknewy
ouwoul
dev
ergetst
randedwi
tht
hewayy
ou
aresol
oud.
”

Let
tyl
aughed.“
Iam notl
oud.
”

“
Omodumo.(
Youar
enoi
sy.
)”

Atangdrovethr
oughthefil
l
ingst
ati
onandparkedthecar.His
phonerangthenhesteppedouthol
dingit
.Thefuelat
tendant
walkedoverasthef
oreignnumbercall
edhim.
“
Ful
ltank.
”

Thef
uel
att
endantnodded.“
YesBoss.
”

At
angwal
kedr
oundt
hecarl
ooki
ngathi
swheel
sthenpi
cked.

“
Yah?
”

“
Hey
…uhIbor
rowedaphone.Iam i
nLondon.
”

“
So?
”

“I
…Iam sorr
yforhowIspoket
oyourhour
sback.Iwasoutofl
i
ne
andj
ustti
red-
“

“
Youknowwhat?Iam si
ckandti
redofyoual
way sbei
ngthe
v
ict
im!Weal
lgetti
red,
Igett
ir
edtoobutIdon’
ttalkt
oyouli
ke
t
hat.
”

“
Babe-
“

“Idon’
tthi
nkIcanconti
nuewi t
hthi
snonsenseany more.Clear
lyI
am for
cingmysel
fint
oy ourli
feandIam ti
redofalwaysbegging.I
am fedupofalwayschasingaft
eryou.Idon’
tthi
nkthereis
anythi
nglef
ttofi
ghtfor
.”

“IknowIhavebeendi f
fi
cul
t.Butit
’snotbecauseIdon’tl
oveyou.I
l
ov eyou,
Iam justunderpr
essure.Iwanttobethereforyouand
ourdaughterbuti
t’
shard.Youdon’twanttounderstand-
“

“Ihavebeennothi
ngbutunder
standing.Youdon’tseethe
i
mpor tanceofdoi
ngthesmall
thingsforyourdaughter
.Youdon’
t
seetheneedoflovingy
ourowndaught er.
”

“
Ican’
tbef
ull
yinherl
i
fenowbecauseofci
rcumst
ances.At
ti
eit
’s
hard.Thi
swasoneoft hereasonsIdi
dn’
twantki
dst
hen.Buti
t
doesn’tmeanIdon’
tloveher.
”

“Youarev er
yimmat ureormay bey oujustdon’ tunderstandwhat
beingamot heris.Youarenoti nherl if
eatal l.Asimplephonecal l
shouldn’
thurtyou.Thisisyourdaught er.Thisisyourchi l
d.ButI
guessthisistheresul
tsofgr owi ngupwi t
houtaf ather.Ijust
thoughtyouwoul dwantbet terfory ourdaught erbutthent hi
sis
you.Youar eall
abouty ou.Iam donewi thy ou.Iwillgl
adlyf i
nd
someoneel sebecauset here’snof utureiny ou.Therenev erwas.”

Hehungupandgotbacki nhiscarasthef
uelat
tendantf
ini
shed
up.Atangopenedhiswall
etandhandedhi
m mult
ipl
eP200not es
thendroveof
f.Hisphonerangagai
n.Hepi
ckedannoyed.

“
Youareangry.Iunder
stand.Iwantbet
terformydaught
ert
hat
’s
whyIworkhard.Andmay bethi
sistheresult
sofgr
owingup
wi
thoutafat
herbutItr
y.Iloveyou,Iwi
shy ouwoul
dwalkamil
e
i
nmy -
“

“
Wandist
urber
.Iam dri
vi
ng.St
opcal
l
ingme,
thewor
lddoesn’
t
r
evol
vear
oundy ou.
.”

Atanghungupandswi tchedoffhisphone.Heleanedbackonhis
seat,
hishandont hest
eeringwheel.Helookedathisphone
wonderi
ngifhehadbeent oohushbutt henhowmuchbeggi ng
andchasingwashesupposedt odo?Whatkindofar el
ati
onshi
p
wasthat?Let
tylookedathispissedfaceandquietl
ylookedout
thr
oughthewindow.

.
.
Your
sTr
uly

#79

Thefol
lowi
ngdayearlyi
nthemor ning,Atangdr oveinKasane.He
l
ookedattheti
measl i
ghtdropletsofr ai
nf ellonthewindshi
eld.
HelookedatLet
tywhowassl eepingt hentur nedtothebackand
l
ookedathisdaught
eralsosleeping.Hesi ghedt hendrovetothe
l
odgewhereKellywas.Hepar kedbyt hegat e.

“
Let
ty…”

Shesl
owl
ywokeupt
henl
ookedar
ound.Shesmi
l
ed.

“
Wehav
ear
ri
ved?
”

“
Yeah…”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Yeahsur
e…”

“
Seey
oul
ater
.”

Henoddedandwat chedherstepout
.At
angrever
sedanddr
ove
tohisparentshouse.Hedrovethr
oughi
nsi
dethatgat
eand
parkedbesideshisbrot
her
.

Hest
eppedoutoft
hecart
henopenedt
hebackdoorandpi
cked
hi
sdaught
er.

“
Bot
ho!
”

Bot
hosnappedherey
esopent
heny
awned.Shegott
hei
rbags
andfoll
owedhi
minsi
det
hehouseast
heshower
sofr
ain
cont
inued.

MmagweAt
angsmi
l
edasAt
angputLomowhowasawakenow
down.

“Mybaby…”Shehuggedher
.Atangki
ssedhismother
’scheekand
wal
kedtoAgang’sroom.Heopenedi
tandlookedathim sl
eepi
ng
acr
ossthebed.

“
Agang!
”

Agangj
umpedwaki
ngup.Het
ouchedhi
shead.

“
Fuck!
”

“
Wakeup,
wany
alami
ster
!”

Aganggotof
fthebed.“
Whatt
imedi
dyouar
ri
ve?
”

“
Now.Youneedt
obat
h.Youar
est
inki
ng.
”

Agangnoddedr
ubbi
nghi
sey
es.“
Didy
out
alkt
oThabi
?”

“Iam donewit
hher.Iam movingon.Ihav
ebeenwasti
ngmyt i
me.
Ithoughti
fIwasbeingpati
entwit
hherbutIam i
ntherel
ati
onshi
p
alone.
”

Thei
rfat
herwal
kedi
nandl
ookedatAt
ang.“
Itol
dyou.
”

At
angsi
ghed.“
Yeah.
”

“Yourpr
oblem isyouarepushy.Shedoesn’
tloveyou,notenough
foranyt
hing.Maybeifyouwerenotpushy,youcouldhaveseen
that
.Youhav ewastedeighty
earsoverawomanwhodoesn’ t
evenloveyou.Sometimesloveisnotever
ythi
ngAtang.Alotof
thi
ngshav etomakei twork.Nowaty ourstage,thegoal i
stofi
nd
someonewhounder standsyouhav eadaught er
,someonewho
canlovey ourdaughterandt akecareofher.Yourgoal i
stofind
someonewhocanl ov eandrespectyou.Whocanhel pyou
conquer.Weal lhavebeeni nlove,cr
azyinloveli
key oubutwhen
youunder st
andt hatloveisnoteveryt
hing,
y ouwillknowjustri
ght
womanf oryou.
”

“
Eer
ra.
”

Agangsi
ghed.“
Ireal
l
yli
kedThabi
.”

RragweAtangnodded.“Ididtoo.Butwecan’tal
way
shav ewhat
wewant.Goandbat h.Obat agoredia.Youhi
redayachtsowe
canenj
oytheweddinginside..Idon’
twanttobedel
ayed.”

Agangl
aughedwal
ki
ngout
.Rr
agweAt
angl
ookedatAt
angand
smil
ed.

“Youtri
ed.It
’st
imet oletgo.Lomoneedsapr esentmother.You
needar ealwomanbyy oursi
de.Youneedanotherchil
d.Lomois
l
onely.Iknowwher eyourhearti
s…loveisafunnythingmyboy
butsomet i
mesy ouneedt ouselogi
c.”

“
Youar
eri
ght
.”

“
Good.Wear
egoi
ngt
oenj
oyt
odayandcel
ebr
atey
ourbr
other
.”

Rr
agweAt
anghuggedhi
mtot
henwal
kedout
.

*
**
Themake-
upar
ti
stfini
shedwor
kingonKell
y’
sf ace.Kel
l
yslowly
tur
nedt
othemi
rrorandsmil
edstar
ingathersnatchednose.

“
Ilookbet
ter
.”

Themake-
upart
ist
.“It
oldy
ounott
owor
ry.Il
ookedwor
sewhenI
waspr
egnant
.”

Kell
ysmi
l
ed.“
Idi
dn’
tgetl
i
ket
hatwhenIwascar
ryi
ngmyol
der
son.”

“
Thi
sonei
sagi
rl
?”

Kel
l
ylaughed.“
No.I
t’
saboy
.Thanky
ou.
”

Let
tywalkedoutoft
hebathr
oom al
readydr
essedi
nherbest
l
ady’
sdress.Shesmil
ed.

Kel
l
ysmi
l
edback.“
Youl
ooksobeaut
if
ul.
”

“
Thanks.
”

Kell
ylookedatherbestf
ri
end’
sbodyandsmi
l
ed.“
Ican’
twai
tto
getmybodyback.”

“
Soon.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Let
tygott
hewhit
egownandhel
pedherputi
ton.Kel
l
y’smot
her
wal
kedinandsmil
ed.

“
Wow…”

Let
tyfi
xedthedressescapesmili
ng.Shetooktheveil
andpinned
i
tinherbeaut
if
ull
ystyledhai
r.Kel
lyputontheblockheel
sand
t
ear
ful
l
ysmi
l
ed.

“
Ilookbeaut
if
ul.
”

Hermot
herhuggedherf
rom behi
nd.“
Youar
e.”

*
**

Agangwalkedoutofthehousewit
hhi
sbrotheral
mostov
eran
l
ater
,bot
hoft hem i
nthei
rsli
mfit
ti
ngt
uxedos.

Oneoftheiraunt’
sulul
ated.Rr
agweAtangwal
kedoutandstood
betweentheboy si
nhistuxedosmi
li
ngasthephot
ographer
snappedpictur
es.

Pri
ncedr
oveinandwal
kedoverinhi
ssuit
.Hebumpedf
ist
swi
th
Agangsmil
i
ngandjoi
nedthem f
orpi
ctur
es.

RragweAt
angsmiled.“
Let
sgot
othechur
chandgetmar
ri
ed.The
yachti
swai
ti
ngforus.”

Theywalkedtothei
rcars,At
anggoti
nont hedr i
ver
’sseati
n
Agang’
scar.Pri
ncewal kedt
ohiscar
.Ever
y onejumpedinthei
rs
car
sanddr oveoffheadedtochur
chwheret heyweregoingt
o
meettherestofthegroomsmen.

*
Atchurch,At
angandAgangsteppedoutofthecarandwal
ked
i
nsidethechurchwi
thever
yoneelse.Theywal
kedtotheal
terand
waitedwit
htheRever
end.

At
ang’
sphonev
ibr
ated,
het
ooki
toutandpi
cked

“
Bat
ang…”

“
HiUncl
eA!
”

“
What
sup?
”

“
Wher
eist
heweddi
ngbei
nghel
d?”

“
Aft
erchur
ch,
wear
egoi
ngt
oay
acht
.Why
?Ar
eyouher
e?”

“
No.Ij
ustget
ti
ngr
eadyt
obr
ag.
”

“
Iwi
shy
oucame.
”

Bat anglaughed.“Assi
gnment
shavemebr
eat
hingt
hroughthe
strollebi
leIhavebeenchecki
nghowmuchmalepr
osti
tut
esearn.
It
’snott hatbad.”

At
angl
aughed.“
Obuamasepa.
”

“
It
’shar
dbutIam happyt
hisi
shappeni
ng.
”

“Yeah,
metoo.Uh,Iam comi
ngbackt
omor
row.Iwantust
otal
k
aboutsomet
hing.
”

“
What
?”

“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.Doy
ourassi
gnment
.”

“
Ohok.
”
“
Shar
p.”

Hehungupandputthephoneonsi l
entj
ustasLet t
ywalkedinthe
l
ongbodyhuggi
ngdress.Shelookedathim andsmiledl
ooking
down.At
angsmil
edandl ookedbackatthechurch’
sentranceas
Kel
lywal
kedinwi
thhermot her.

Agangswallowedstar
ing,
hishear
traci
ng.Sheslowlyadvanced
thenhermotherhandedherover
.Hesmi l
edshaking.Kel
l
ylooked
athim andwhisper
ed.

“
Youl
ooksohandsome…”

Atangst
eppedbackandsatdownwithPri
nce.Hewat
chedas
Lett
ygotKel
ly’
sfl
owersandsatdown.Henoti
cedacoupl
eof
eyesonherandsi
ghedleani
ngbackonhischai
r.

*
**

I
nGabor
one,Zazal
ookedattheweddingpi
ctur
esl
atert
hatday.
Shet
ookadeepbreat
hthenputdownherphoneasherhusband
wal
kedf
rom t
hekit
chenhol
dinglunch.

Zazasmi
l
ed.“
Final
l
y!”

Herhusbandsmi
l
ed.“
ChefThusoi
nthehouse“

Shesmi
l
ed.Herphoner
ang,
shet
ooki
toutandpi
ckedBat
ang’
s
cal
l.

“
Bat
ang…”
“Hi
…Iam doneatschool.CanIcomeandpi ckt
hecar?Thabiis
onherwayher efr
om SA.Iwassti
l
ldoingmyassignment
,Ijust
sawt hemessageshesent30minutesbacksayi
ngshewas
checkingi
ntoflyt
hissi
de.”

Zazasmi
l
ed.“
Ok.Youcancome.
”

“
Iwi
l
lbet
her
einacoupl
eofmi
nut
es.
”

“
Ok.
”

ZazahungupandlookedatThuso.“
Thabii
scoming,
sheasked
formycarsoshecangotoKasane.She’
sabridetot
hatf
amily
.”

Thusonodded.“
That
’sok.
”

*
**

Twent
ymi nut
esl
ater
,Batangr
eversedoutofZaza’
syar
dinher
Por
sche.Hedrov
eoffpicki
ngLebo’scal
l
.

“
Hi,
arey
oust
il
lcomi
ng?
”

“
Yes.Iam goi
ngt
opi
ckmysi
ster
’sf
rom t
heai
rpor
t.
”

“
Ok,
Imi
ssy
ou.
”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Imi
ssy
out
oo.
”

“
Ok,
Ihav
etogo.Iam st
il
latt
hef
uner
al.
”

“
Cool
,Il
ovey
ou.
”
“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Hehungupandcal
l
edhi
sot
hergi
rl
fr
iend.

“
Bat
ang.
.”

“
Hey
,Iam l
eav
ingnow.
.”

Shesi
ghed.“
Ok.
”

“
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
”

“
Iam i
npai
n.Buti
tshoul
dbeov
ersoon.
”

“
Iam sor
ry.Buty
ouknowwhywedeci
dedonabor
ti
onaker
e?”

Shegr
unt
ed.“
Ng.
.”

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Hedroppedt hecall
.Overtwentyminutesl at
erheparkedatthe
ai
rportthenhurr
iedinsi
de.Hishear
tski ppedashissisterwalked
overdraggi
ngherbagi nhersize38jeansandaj acket.Thabi
fi
xedhercapasherl ongshinyweavef ellonhershoulders.

Shehuggedherbr
other
.“Hey
!”

Helookedathersmi
l
ing.“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.Okar
eaHol
l
ywood
act
resses.
”

Thabi
laughed.“
Let
sgo.
”

Theywalkedoutt
oZaza’scar.Thabismi
ledstar
ingatthePorche
thenj
umpedinont hedri
ver
’sseat.Sher
oll
eddownt hewindow
breat
hingi
n…tear
sf i
ll
edhereyesasshethoughtofthedayshe
hadlastbeenhere.Howmanyy
ear
swast
hatago.
..
?Shesmi
l
ed
thenlookedatBatang.

“
Ihav
en’
tbeenher
ein-
“

“
Eighty
ear
s.”

Shel
aughedt
ear
ful
l
y.“
Shoul
dwego?
”

“
Yes.
”

Shest
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.Shel
ookedatt
het
ime.

“
Mymemor
yisabi
tjagged.
”

“
Igoty
ou.
”

“
Cal
lAt
ti
e.”

Batangcall
edAtangasThabidr
ove.Shesl
oweddownbyt he
tr
affi
cli
ghtandlookedonhersi
de.Acombidr
iverl
ookedathert
o
andswallowed.

“
Tlhammaomont
le.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Hesmi
l
edatheraccentt
hencl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

“
OMot
swana?
”

Thabi
laughedt
aki
ngof
f.“
Eer
ra.
”

Bat
anglookedatherandsmi
l
ed.“
Youdon’
tlookl
ocal
wai
tse.
He’
snotpicki
ng.
”

“
It
’sok.Wewi
l
lar
ri
ver
eal
l
ylat
eatni
ght
.”
“
Yes…”Hesmi
l
ed.“
Happi
nessi
sgoi
ngt
oki
l
lhi
m.

Thabismil
eddr i
vi
ngoutofGaborone,herhear
tpounding.She
l
ookedatherengagementr i
ngonherf i
ngerasexcit
ementof
tel
l
inghim shewasr eadyf
oraweddingrushedthroughputher
body.Hersmilegrewasshethoughtofherdaughter.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#80

I
nKasane,lat
ert
hatday
,Bot
hohandedLomoagl
assofj
uice.
Lomolookedather
.

“
Cany
oupl
easecal
lmymom.
”

Bothosatdown.“
Idon’
thav
eyourmom’
snumberLomo.Youwi
l
l
askyourdad.
”

Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.“
Hewon’
tcal
lher
.”

“
Hewi
l
l.Don’
tcr
y.”

Lomolookeddown,t
earsf
il
li
nghereyes.Bot
hosatwi
thheri
nthe
carasthemarr
iedl
adi
esadvisedKel
l
yinthehousewhi
let
he
marri
edmenspoketoAgang.

At
angwalkedov
erpr
essi
nghi
sphoneandgoti
nthecar
.He
l
ookedatLomo.

“
Arey
ouokpr
incess?
”

Lomoputherhandonherfacecr
ying.Bot
hotooktheglassof
j
uicef
rom her
.Atangputhi
sphonedownt henhuggedher.“

“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”

“
Iwantmama.
”

Atangsi
ghedthentookhi
sphoneandtriedcal
li
ngthenumber
shehadcall
edhim wit
hyest
erdaybuti
tdidn’
tgothrough.He
wentt
oherWhatsappandl
ookedatheronli
nest
atus.Het
apped
t
hecalli
conandputt
hephoneonhisear.

“
Att
ie.
.”

“
Hey
,pl
easet
alkt
oyourdaught
er.
”

“
Ok.
”

At
anghandedLomot
hephone.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Heybaby
..“

Lomocr
iedmor
ehol
dingt
hephone.

“
Lomo…“

“
Iwantt
ocomet
her
e.”

“
Iam comi
ngt
oyou.I
t’
sok…”

“
Iwantt
ocomet
her
e.Youwon’
tcome.
”

“
Ok.Ok…y
ouwi
l
lcome.Tomor
rowwewi
l
lbet
oget
herIpr
omi
se.
”

“
Youar
ebuy
ingt
hef
li
ghtt
icketf
ormeanddaddy
?”

“
Yes.Tomor
rowwewi
l
lbet
oget
her
.Don’
tcr
y.”

Shesni
ff
edpant
ing.“
Wear
egoi
ngt
ost
aywi
thy
ou?
”

“
Yes.Yes.Youwi
l
lst
aywi
thme.
”

“
Ok.Youpr
omi
se?
”

“
Yes.Ipr
omi
se.Il
ovey
ousomuch.
”
“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Lett
ywal
kedovert
oAtangsmi
l
ing.“
Hi…t
her
racany
oupl
ease
dropmeoffatt
hel
odge.”

At
angmov
edf
rom hi
sdaught
er.

“
Yeah.
.”

Ont
hephone,
Thabi
sighed.“
Who’
sdaddyt
alki
ngt
o?”

“
Idon’
tknowher
,wecamewi
thhert
otheweddi
ng.
”

“
Ok.Gi
vedaddyt
hephone.
”

Lomoj
umpedoutoft
hecarandhandedherf
athert
hephone.

At
angsi
ghedput
ti
ngt
hephoneonhi
sear
.“What
?”

“
Whoar
eyoudr
oppi
ngatt
hel
odge?
”

“
Arey
oudonet
alki
ngt
oLomo?
”

“
Yes,
I-“

“
Besi
desourdaught
er,
youandIhav
enot
hingt
otal
kabout
.By
e.”

Hehungupandl
ookedatLet
ty.“
Yeah,
Icandr
opy
ouof
f.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

At
angl
ookedatLomowhowassmi
l
ing.“
Youhappy
?”

“
Yes.
”

Hel
ookedatBot
ho.“
Goi
nsi
de.Iam dr
oppi
ngherof
f.
”

“
Eer
ra.
”
Bothost
eppedoutoft
hecarandl
edLomoi
nsi
det
hehouse.Let
ty
gotint
hecarwit
hAtang.

“
Theweddi
ngwasbeaut
if
ul.
”

Atanglookedatherwi
thasmi
l
e.Let
tycaughthi
m st
ari
ngat
smiledshyl
y.

“
What
’swr
ong?
”

Heshookhi
sheadwi
thasmi
l
eanddr
oveoutoft
hey
ard.

*
**

I
nFranci
stown,Thabi
waitedforBatangwhohadwenttothe
t
oil
etatt
hef i
l
li
ngstat
ion.Shecall
edAtang,
herhear
tpoundi
ng.

Hecutthecall
.Tearsit
chedhereyes.Shecall
edhim agai
nbuti
t
j
ustrangunanswered.Sheswall
owedscroll
ingthr
oughher
cont
actsandcall
edAgang.

“
Hel
l
o?”

Thabisi
ghedl
i
steni
ngt
ohi
m pant
ing.“
Iam sor
ry.Iknowy
ouar
e
busyand-“

“
It
sok.Iwasn’
tdoi
ngany
thi
ng.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ohemahemaengy
aanong?
”

“
Iwasdr
inki
ngwat
er.
”

Shel
aughed.“
Ok.I
syourbr
otherany
wher
ecl
oseby
?”
“
Uh…wai
t.Letmel
ookf
orhi
m.Iwi
l
lcal
lyounow.
”

Hehung.Mi
nut
esl
aterhecal
l
edherback.

“
Ithi
nkhewentt
ogetsomet
hing.Lomoi
sathome.
”

“Pl
easecal lhi
m.Tel lhim Iam leavingFranci
stown,Iwi
llbethere
possiblybymi dni ght.Canhenotsl eepwi t
hthatgir
lhe’
sdr oppi
ng
offatthel odge?Iwantust ofi
xthings.Ongadi l
ebutcanhenot
bri
nganot herwomani ntot hi
s,Il
ovehi m.Wecanwor kout
somet hing.Iam t hinkingofcomi ngbackhomeandf i
nishi
ngof f
thi
sside.Il ovehi m.Canwenothur teachotherbybri
ngingthir
d
part
iesintoourr elati
onshi p?Iam wi ll
i
ngt ocompromise.IknowI
havebeenunf aironhi m.”

“
Letmecal
lhi
m.Youar
eher
e?”

“Yes.Cal
lhi
m.IknowIhav
ebeensl
acki
ngonmypar
tbutIam
herenow.”

“
Ok.
”

Thabi
hungupj
ustasBat
anggoti
nthecar
.

“
Wecango.
”

Thabi
star
tedt
hecarandj
oinedt
her
oadheadedt
oKasane.

*
**

Agangdial
edAt
ang’
snumberbuthi
sphonewasof
f.Hecal
l
ed
Bothoagai
n
“
Whodi
dhel
eav
ewi
th?
”

“
MmagweLoapi
’
sfr
iend.Theonewasdi
hips.
”

Agangwalkedbacki
nsidethehot
elr
oom andl
ookedathi
swi
fe
sl
eepi
ng.Hekissedhercheek.

“
Babe…wakeup.
”

Kel
l
yopenedhersl
eepyey
es.“
What
?”

“
Cal
lyourf
ri
end.Iwantt
ospeakwi
thAt
ang.He’
swi
thher
.”

Hehandedherthephone.Kel
l
ysi
ghedandcal
l
edherbutt
he
phonewasoff
.

“
It
’snotgoi
ngt
hrough.
”

“
Thabi
iscomi
ng.
”

Kel
l
ysi
ghed.“
Shewon’
tsl
eepwi
thhi
m.SheknowsaboutThabi
.”

Agangt
ookadeepbr
eat
hthensenthi
sbr
otheramessage.

Agang: Thabij
ustcalledme.She’sonherwayher e,shesai dshe’
s
i
nFr ancist
ownnow.Sheshoul darri
velatetonight
.Pleasedon’ t
sleepwithKell
y’sfri
endanddest r
oywhat everthatisleftbetween
youandThabi .Iknowy oul
oveher,osekawar eetsaPapa.Ther e
i
ssadderaboutmar ryingsomeoney ouknowy oudon’tlove
especiall
ywhent hereissomeoney oualreadylove.She’shere
meaningy ouguy scannowdi scussway stodot hings.That
womanl ovesyou.Shemi ghtnotbeexcellentatshowi ngitbut
shelovesy ou.

Hesentt
hemessageandsi
ghedhopef
ul.
*
**

Justaf
tert
wel
vemi
dnight
,Thabi
lookedatt
heboar
dwr
it
ten
Maunandsmil
eddr
ivi
ng.

“
Atl
ast
!Iam dot
ir
ed.
”

Bat
angsmi
l
ed.“
Shoul
dIl
ookf
oraLodgeorwhat
?”

“Yeah.Iwi
ll
callAganginthemorni
ng.I
t’slat
erightni
ght
.Peopl
e
arealr
eadysleepi
ng.Idon’
twanttodi
sturbthem.”

“
Ok.
”

Bat
angtookouthi
sphoneandsear
chedf
orl
odgeswhi
l
ehi
s
si
sterdr
ove.

“
Ther
eist
hisone.Theyhav
etwor
oomsav
ail
abl
e.”

“
Ok.Cal
lthem.Tel
lthem wear
ecomi
ng.Al
sogetdi
rect
ions.
”

Att
helodge,
Thabi
parkedhercarandl
eanedbackbey
ondt
ir
ed.
Bat
angswall
owedstar
ingatt
heFordRanger.

Thabi
lookedathi
m.“
What
?”

“
Uncl
eAt
ang’
scar
.”
Thabi
lookedatt
heFor
dRanger
.“Car
slookal
i
ke.
”

“
No.That
’shi
s.That
’shi
snumberpl
ate.He’
sher
e“Hesmi
l
ed.
“
Heisher
e!”

Thabi
swallowedthenst
eppedouti
fthecar
,herhear
tpounding.
Shewalkedinsi
dethel
odgeandsmil
edattherecept
ioni
st.

“
Hi.Wecal
l
edy
ouawhi
l
eback.Fort
het
wor
ooms.
”

Therecept
ioni
stcl
ear
edhert
hroatgoi
ngt
hroughherEngl
i
shi
n
herhead.

“
Yesmam.Theyar
est
il
lav
ail
abl
e.”

Thabiopenedherwall
etandtookoutt
hemoneypayi
ng.The
recept
ioni
stsgavet
hem thekeyst
henledt
hem t
othei
rrooms.
Batangwalkedinhi
s.

“
Goodni
ghtsi
s!”

Shenoddedthenlookedatt
herecept
ioni
stasBat
angcl
osedhi
s
door.Sheopenedherpur
seandtookouta$100notet
hengavei
t
toher.

“
TheFor
dRangerout
side…wher
eist
heowner
?”

Therecept
ionistquickl
yputthemoneyinherbr
eastandpoi
nted
att
her oom besidesThabi
’s.Shesmi
led.

“
Isi
tacoupl
e?”

“
Yesmam.
”

“
Thanks.
”
Therecept
ioni
stwal
kedaway.Thabitookadeepbreathand
knockedonthedoor
.Sheknockedlouder,
herhear
tracing.

Sheswall
owedasaladyopened,
atowel
aroundherbodywi
thher
hai
rfaci
ngal
ldi
rect
ionsasi
fshewasacartoon.

“
Hi.
.”

Thabi
pushedheroutofherwayandwal
kedi
nther
oom.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#81

I
nKasane,Thabi
pushedheroutoft
hewaywal
ki
ngi
n.Let
ty
l
ookedather.

“
Excuseme,
whoar
eyou?
”

Thabilookedaroundtheroom thenlookedathi
scum dr
ippi
ng
downherl eg.Shelookedaround,herhear
tpoundi
ngsomuch,it
fel
tli
keitwasv ibr
ati
ng.

Let
tyf
ixedhert
owel
.“Whoar
eyou?
”

Thabi
lookedather
.“Wher
eishe?
”

“
Who?
”

“
Wher
eisAt
ang?
”

“
Whoi
sAt
ang?
”

“Lov
e,wedon’
thavetodothi
s…i
t’
sunnecessar
y.Wher
eishe?I
am her
eforhi
m noty
ou.”

“
Obuakaeng?Idon’
tknowwhoAt
angi
s.”

Thabil
ookedar
oundbutther
ewasnothingt
houghshecould
smell
thesexandhi
scologne.Thecol
ogneshehadboughthi
m.

“
Icansmel
lhi
scol
ogne.
”

“Yourmanisnott
heonlyonewiththatcologne.Youar
e
harassi
ngme.Iam cal
l
ingsecur
it
y.Thisismyr oom.Getout
.”
“Honey,t
hatper
fumei
slimit
ededit
ion,
doyouhearme?Hei
sthe
onlyonewit
hitmoBotswana.I
t’
sanewbrand.Wherei
she?
”

Let
tyswal
l
owed,
herhear
tpoundi
ng.“
Idon’
tknowanyAt
ang.
”

“
Wher
eisy
ourmant
hen?
”

“
Hel
eft
.Pl
easel
eav
emyr
oom.
”

Thabiwalkedtotheclosetandopened.Sheswall
owedt hen
mov edt
hecur t
ains.Ever
ypartofherbei
ngtoldherhewasi nthat
room.Tearsfi
ll
edherey esasshewalkedtothebathroom but
ther
ewasnoone.Shewal kedbackintheroom andtearful
l
y
l
ookedather .

“
Wher
eismyhusband?
”

“
Mma,
ther
eisnoAt
angher
e.Pl
easel
eav
e!”

Thabi’
seyesmovedaroundasherhear
tpoundedsomuchi
tfel
t
l
ikeitwasaboutt
oleapoutandrunoff
.

“
Iam notf
ight
ing.Wher
eishe?
”

Shelookedatthebedthenknel
tlooki
ngunder
neat
h.Shesl
owl
y
gotuplaughi
ngasat earr
oll
eddown.

“Rr
aetsho,comeout
.Kant
ekengont
ir
asemat
a?Comeout
.Iam
notfi
ghti
ng.”

Let
tyl
ookedatherandswal
lowedholdi
nghertowel
.At
angsl
owl
y
cameoutfr
om undert
hebed.Thabi
lookedathim.

“
Gawaapar
abor
okgwesent
e.(
Yourpant
sar
einsi
deout
.”

Hel
ookedathi
spant
sandsl
owl
ytookt
hem of
fandwor
ethem
pr
oper
ly.

“
Whyar
eyouhi
ding?DoIbeaty
ou?
”

“
It
snotwhaty
out
hink.
”

“
Isshey
ourcousi
n?”

Heswal
l
owedbyshaki
ng.

“
RragweLel
omo,
isshey
ourcousi
n?”

Heshookhishead.Let
tymov
edt
othebat
hroom doorst
ari
ngat
Thabi
readytohide.

“
Iam t
alki
ngt
oyouAt
ang.
”

Hel
ookedathert
ear
ful
l
y.“
Youbr
okeupwi
thme.
”

“
Whyar
eyouhi
dingt
hen?Whyar
eyouhi
ding?
”

Heremainedqui
et.Thabil
ookedathi
m,herhear
tbr
eaki
ng.She
swal
lowedholdi
nghertears.

“Whyar
eyouhidi
ngAtang?Aker
ewebr
okeup?Whatar
eyou
doi
ngundert
hebed?”

Thabi
lookedatLet
ty.“
Int
roduceusr
ra.
”

HelookedatLet
ty.“
Thi
sismywi
fe.
”Het
urnedbackt
oThabi
.“I
don’
tknowher.”

“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eify
oudon’
tknowher
?”

Tear
srol
l
eddownhercheeksast
hepai
nweekendher
.

“
Wher
ear
ethecondomsy
ouwer
eusi
ng?
”
“
Idi
dn’
tsl
eepwi
thher
.”

“Iam notstupi
dAt
ang!Tsi
sadicondom!
”Sheangr
il
ylookedat
Lett
y.“Didheuseacondom?”

Sheshookherhead.“
No.
”

“
Youdi
dn’
tusecondoms?
”

Heswal
lowedlooki
ngdown.Sheangri
l
ypi
ckedt
hesi
del
ampi
n
t
heroom andt
hrewitathi
m angr
il
y.

“
Kebual
ewenadammi
t!(
Iam t
alki
ngt
oyoudammi
t!
)”

Heputhi
sarmsonhi sfaceasitcrushedbr
eaki
ngonhim.Let
ty
goti
nthebat
hroom andlockedthedoorshaki
ngwit
hfear
.

Shel
ookedathi
m.“
Whydi
dn’
tyouusecondoms?
”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“
Whydi
dn’
tyouusecondoms?
”

Heputhisbleedi
ngarmsdown.“
Iwasn’
tthi
nki
ngst
rai
ght
.Iam
sor
ry.I
tdoesn’tmeanany
thi
ng.
”

“
Ist
hatal
lyouhav
etosay
?”

“Babeont swer
e,obat
aker eng?(Youcaughtme, whatdoy
ou
wantmet osay?)Iam sor
ry.Iwasstr
essed.Ineededa
dist
ract
ion.Yousai
dIshouldrepl
aceyou.”

“
Soy
our
epl
acedme?
”

Herubbedhisey
es.“
Ilov
eyoubuty
ouwer
ebr
eaki
ngupwi
thme
yest
erday
.”
“
Iam aski
ngy
oui
fyouhav
erepl
acedme!Bua!
(Tal
k!)
”

“
Youbrokeupwit
hme.Iwasgoi
ngthr
oughalot.Af
ter8y
ear
s
y
outel
lmey ouwantt
oset
tl
einL.
A.Iwasst
ressed.
”

“
Isshey
ourgi
rl
fr
iend?
”

“
Shei
sanobody
.”

Herhear
tracedsomuchaspai
nchokedher
.

Helookedathert earf
ull
y.“Iam sorry.Youwerebr eakingupwith
me.Ihav ebeennot hi
ngbutpatient.Ihavedonenot hingbutlove
youthebestwayIcan.Ihav egi
v enyouev er
ythi
ngandhav ebeen
fai
thful
.Iwasfrustrat
ed.Ij
ustwant edt ofor
get.Ihavenomor e
excuses.Itwasjustsex,i
tmeantnot hing.Il
ovey oubuti fy
ou
wantt odumpmef orher,i
t’
sok.Youhav ebeenwant ingtodoit
forawhilenow.”

Shenodded.“
Ok.Goodni
ght
.”

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

Shetur
nedandopenedthedoorj
ustast
hel
odgesecur
it
ywal
ked
over
.Helookedather
.

“
Iwascal
l
edt
othi
sroom.
”

Shewalkedpasthim andgotinherroom.Shesatonthebedfor
minutesasherbrai
nprocessed.Sheputherhandsonherface
cry
ing.Herhear
tachedsomuch, shegaspedasasharpst
ruck
herchest.

Thabiputherhandonherchestcry
ing,herchestt
ight
eni
ng.She
sl
owlysli
dtothefloorgaspi
ng,
tearsrol
li
ngdown.Shegrabbed
t
hesheetsfight
ingt
obreathe,
thesharpgett
ingmoreworse.She
weaklyl
aiddownmakingsounds,herhandonherchestt
hen
f
inal
lyst
opped,herbodyremaini
ngsti
llwi
thnomovement .

*
**

I
nthenextr
oom,
Atangpi
ckedhi
sthi
ngswhi
l
eLet
tywat
ched.

“
Isshegoi
ngt
osueme?
”

Atangwal
kedoutandputhist
hingsi
nhi
scar.Heswi
tchedonhi
s
phoneandopenedAgang’
smessage.Hecl
osedhi
seyesfeel
i
ng
evenmoreweak.

Helookedatherr
oom t
hensl owl
ywalkedovert
henpaused
hal
fway.Shewastooangry.Hesentbackt
ohiscarandsatdown.
Sheneededti
metocalm down.Hisphonerang,
hepickedwit
ha
si
gh.

“
Yah?
”

“
Didy
ouseemymessage?Thabi
iscomi
ng.Mi
ster
,wher
ear
e
y
ou?”

“
Shecaughtme.
”

“Soyousl
eptwi
tht hatwhor
ebecauseshehashi
ps?Ihopey
ou
usedacondom becauseshehasHIV!
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#82

“
Soyouwentaheadandsleptwi
ththatwhorewi
thhi
ps?Ihope
y
ouusedacondom becauseshehasHIV.”

At
ang’
shear
tski
pped.“
What
?”

“
Didy
ouuseacondom?
”

“
Ithappenedi
nther
ushoft
hemoment
.”

“KanawaakaAt ang.Youknewyouweregoingtofuckher.Why
can’tyoujustl
oveThabiri
ght
?Whatdoesittakefrom y
out ol
ove
herright
?Isithardfory
outoloveherr
ight
?Ijustdon’
tbeli
evei
t
shouldbehar dfory
outolovesuchawoman. ”

“
Agangy
ouwoul
dn’
tunder
stand.
”

“Iunder
standyouareapieceofshit.Ihopeshedoesn’
ttakey
ou
backandy ouli
vet
owat chanothermanl oveherri
ght
.Wabora,
shewaswi ll
i
ngtomov eforyou.All
t hatwasneededwas
pati
ence.Youdon’
tdeserveher.Younev erdi
d.”

“
IknowIf
uckedup-
“

“Fuckingupisy ourspeci
alt
y.Nxlamsunu!Ihopeshedoesn’ ttake
youback.Soonenoughshewon’ tjustbeThabi ,
shewillbeDr .
Kaisara,asurgeon.Butyouwon’tenjoythefeeli
ngofhav inga
smar twomanwho’ scapableonyourside,wenay oucan’trelate
tothat,aker
ewenay ourty
peislowcl assHIVinfest
edvagi nas.”
“
Oramangor
emsunu?
”

“
Whoel
seam It
alki
ngt
oifnoty
ou.Omar
etegape.Nxl
a!Di
thal
a!”

Hehungup.Atangsteppedoutoft
hecarandwal
kedbackt
o
Lett
y’sr
oom.Hepausedaboutknock,
nowhewouldseem l
i
kehe
wasbackformore.Heturnedandwal
kedbackt
ohiscarwi
thout
shoes.

Hegrabbedhi
sphoneisabouttocal
lhert
hensighedreal
i
zinghe
di
dn’
tevenhavehernumber.Heonhishandsonhisfacefeel
i
ng
asi
fhisworl
dwascr umbl
ingdown.

*
**

Thatsamenight,r
ragweAtang’
sphonerangwaki
nghi
m upf
rom
hi
ssleep.Hereachedfori
tonhissi
de.

“
Agang?
”

“
Doy
oul
ovemama?
”

“What?Boyyoucal
ledmeinthemiddl
eofthenightf
orsuch
nonsense?Whyareyounothav
ingsexri
ghtnow?”

“
Answerme.
”

“
Yes,
Ilov
eyourmot
herAgang.What
’sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
”

“YouknowAtanglov
edRet
habi
l
e,whydi
dyouf
il
lhi
sheadwi
th
nonsenseear
li
eron?”
“
Boy
-“

“
Whyar
eyour
obbi
nghi
mthechancet
oal
somar
ryf
orl
ove?
”

“
Isai
dlov
eisnotenough.8y
ear
sisenought
ime-
“

“
Whyi
shi
s8y
ear
sbot
her
ingy
ou?Ar
eyout
heonewai
ti
ng?
”

“
Boywhodoy
out
hinky
ouar
etal
ki
ngt
o?”

“Iam t
alki
ngtoy ou.Youjustr
uinedAtang’
smar
ri
age.Ihopey
ou
arehappythatnowhecangoandl ookforawomanhedoesn’
t
l
ov eandsett
leforthesakeofsettl
ing.
”

“Agang…youar
eangryatmebutIam l
ost
.Iam y
ourf
ather
,I
don’tl
ikey
ourt
one.
”

Agangdroppedt
hecal
l
.MmagweAt
angl
ookedatherhusband.
“Whati
sit?”

“Nowthathehasar
ingonhi
sfi
ngerhet
hinkshecant
alkt
ome
anyhow.
”

*
**

Let
tysati
nthebat
hroom hol
dingt
hephone.

“
Soy
ousl
eptwi
thhi
m wi
thoutacondom knowi
ngy
ourst
atus?
”

Let
tysni
ff
ed.“
Ital
lhappenedtoofast.Onemomenthewas
ki
ssi
ngmeandt henextheispushinginhisbi
gdi
ck.Idi
dn’
tev
en
enj
oyit
.Hewassor ough.I
twaspai nf
ul.
”
Kell
yangri
l
yshout
ed.“Whydi
dy ousl
eepwi
thhim?Didherape
you??Nowitl
ooksli
keIbr
oughtmywhori
ngfr
iendtorui
nhis
marri
age.Why?
”

Let
tysni
ff
ed.“
Itwasami
stake.Iam scar
edshei
sgoi
ngt
osue.
”

“Sheshould.Kooreot samekel
amomanyalongar
ona.This
peopl
ehav ebeent ogetherf
ortennoy
ear
sandyoujustcame
withyoursmelli
ngv agina“

Let
tybr
okedowncr
yingadKel
l
yhungup.

*
**

Atthelodge,thefol
lowi
ngmorning,Batangyawnedwalki
ngoutof
hi
sr oom.Hepausedst ar
ingatAtang’
scarthenwalkedover
.He
smiledlooki
ngatAtanginhiscarshir
tl
ess.Heknockedonthe
windowconf used.

At
angwokeupandl
ookedathi
m.Her
oll
eddownt
hewi
ndow.

“
Buddy
…”

“
Isawy
ourcary
est
erday
.Ihav
easur
pri
sef
ory
ou.
”

At
angswal
l
owed.“
Yeah?
”

“
Yes.Wai
tint
hecar
.Iam comi
ng.
”

Batanghurr
iedtohissi
ster
’sdoort
henknocked.Hewait
eda
coupleofsecondsandopenedthedoorknowingshewas
probabl
ystil
lsl
eepi
ng.
“
Thabi
,It
oldy
ou.I
twasuncl
e…”

Hisvoi
cetrail
edashel
ookedatThabi
ont
hef
loor
.Heswal
l
owed
atherposi
tion.

“
Thabi
!
”

Hisheartpoundedasbel
ookedather
.Hesl
owl
yknel
tbef
oreher
andtouchedherface.

“
Thabi
…”

Sher
emai
nedst
il
l.Heshookherasacol
dchi
l
lrandownhi
sspi
ne.

At
angslowl
yopenedt
hedoorandl
ookedather
.Hi
shear
t
dr
opped.

“
Thabi
!
”

Bat
angl
ookedathi
m cr
ying.“
Shei
snotwaki
ngup!
”

Hewal
kedov
erandt
ouchedherunconsci
ousbody
.

“
Babe…”

Atanggotupandpickedherup.Bat
angr ushedt
othecarand
openedthedoor.At
angputherinsi
dethenjumpedin.Bat
ang
j
umpedi natthepassengerseat
.At
angst ar
tedt
hecaranddrov
e
off.

*
**

Att
hehospi
tal
,Bat
ang’
shear
tpoundedashewai
tedwi
thAt
ang.
Somehowsi tt
ingt
herejustremindedhi
m ofhismother
.Henever
seem t
of or
getthefear
…t hefearwheneverhevi
sit
edhismot
her
atthehospi
tal.

At
angl
ookedathi
m.“
She’
sok.
”

Bat
angnodded.“
Iam j
ustscar
ed.Igetscar
ed.
”

“
It
’sokt
obescar
ed.
”

Heforcedasmile.“
Shesaidsheiscomingback.Andthatshe
wantstomarryyou.Actsur
pri
sedwhenshet ell
syou.Iam so
happy.I
tfeel
sli
keeachpuzzlei
sfindi
ngit
’splace.
”

At
angbl
i
nked.“
Shewant
stogetmar
ri
ed?
”

“
Yes.Shei
scomingback.Lomoi
sgoi
ngt
obedohappy
.Sheget
s
t
ogrowupwithbot
hparents.
”

At
angnodded.“
Yeah…”

Thedoct
ort
owal
kedov
ert
othem mi
nut
esl
ater
.

Hel
ookedatbot
hoft
hem.

“
Iwoul
dli
ket
ospeakt
othef
ami
l
y.”

At
angstoodup.“
Iam herhusband.Thi
sisherbr
other
.Is
ev
ery
thi
ngok?”

Thedoct
orl
ookedatbot
hoft
hem.

“
Unf
ort
unat
elyshesuf
fer
edamaj
orhear
tat
tack.
”

At
angswal
l
owed.“
And?I
ssheok?
”

Thedoct
orswal
l
owedunsur
eofhowt
oexpl
aint
othem.
Your
sTr
uly

#83

Att
hehospi
tal
,thedoct
orsatwi
tht
hem i
nhi
sof
fi
ce.

“
Rethabi
l
ehadahear
tat
tack,
asev
erehear
tat
tack.I
sthi
sher
f
ir
stti
me?”

Batangshookhishead.“
No.Sheoncehadaheartat
tackbef
ore.
Butitwasmild.I
twasduetoint
ensepai
n.What’
sgoingto
happenthen?
”

“Herhear tstopped.Compl etel

y.Shehadsuddencar diacarrest
.
ButitstartedagainIassumei nseconds.Somet i
mesift heheart
stopscompl etely,i
twil
lrestarti
tsel
fwithinafewsecondsand
returntoanor mal el
ectri
calpatter
n.Butwear enotsur ehow
manysecondsormi nutesThabi wentonwi thoutoxy
gent oher
brainandt hi
smeanst hereisapossibil
ityofbrai
ndamage.And
wewi l
lonlyknowj usthowsev ereiti
swhenshewakesup.The
goodt hingisthatsheisnotbr aindead.Thereishope.”

At
angswal
l
owed.“
Andwhenwi
l
lshewakeup?
”

“
Idon’
tknow.I
tmightbetoday
.Itmi
ghtbet
omor
row.Nextweek.
Nextmont
h…itdependsonher.
”

Batangl
ookeddownt
henputhi
shandsonhi
sface.At
ang
huggedhi
m.

“
Shei
sgoi
ngt
obeok.
”

“
Ishoul
dhav
ebecheckeduponher
.”
“
Youwoul
dn’
thav
eknown.Shewi
l
lbef
ine.
”

Thedoct
orsadl
ylookedatt
hem.“
Iam sor
ry.
”

At
angnodded.“
Canweseeher
?”

“
Yes.
”

AtThabi’
sroom,Batangheldhissi
ster
’shandtear
full
y.He
openedhismouthtosaysomet hi
ngnot hi
ngcameout ,r
ather
tear
sroll
eddown.Hewi pedthenwit
ht hebackofhishandunabl
e
tobeli
evethatt
hiswashappening.

Hewal
kedoutmi
nut
esl
atersni
ff
ing.At
angl
ookedathi
m.

“
Youcanwai
tint
hecar
.Iam comi
ng.
”

Henoddedgetti
ngt hecarkeysandwalkedaway.Atangwalkedi
n
theroom.Heslowlywalkedovertobed,kneesweak.Hetouched
herhand,t
ear
sf i
l
li
nghisey es.

“
Hi.
..“

Sheremainedst
il
l.Heswal
l
owed,
gui
l
tymaki
ngi
thar
dforhi
mto
breat
he.

“Iam sorr
y.Forev
erythi
ngIhav eev
erputyouthrough.Idon’
t
deserveyou.Youareheretodaybecauseofme.Youdeser ve
bett
er.Youdeservethebest.Youarenotper
fectbutyoudeserv
e
bett
er.Iam sosorr
y.”
Atearfel
lonherhead.Hewipeditawaythenki
ssedherhand.“
I
l
oveyou.Iloveyoumorethananythi
ng.Iam havi
ngyou
t
ransfer
red.Youwil
lgetbet
terhel
p.”

Hesni
ff
edkiddi
ngherfor
eheadt
henwal kedout
.Hi
sphoner
ang
ashewalkedt
ohiscar
,hi
sheadslouched.

“
Papa…”

“
Whati
sgoi
ngon?
”

“
Imessedup.She’
snev
ergoi
ngt
otakemebl
ack.
”

“Whatdidy
oudo?Agangcal
ledmelastni
ght
.Hewasangryhe
spoketomeli
keIwashi
sfri
end.Hewasdisr
espect
ful
.”

“
Iam sor
ry.Iam t
hepr
obl
em.
”

“
Whathappened?
”

At
angt
ookadeepbr
eat
handbr
ief
lyexpl
ained.

“
Soshe’
satt
hehospi
tal
rightnow?
”

“Yes.Shewasgoingtocompromiseandmoveher
e.Shewanted
ustogetmarri
ed.Ifonl
yIhadbeenjustal
i
ttl
emorepat
ient
.Just
abitmorepati
ent
.”

“
Iam sor
rymyboy.Iwast
hei
nfl
uencer
.Ij
ustt
houghtIwas
l
ooki
ngaftery
ou.“

“
Ihavelosther
.Ihavelostherf
orgood.WhatdoIdo?She’
son
t
hathospit
albedbecauseofme. ”

“
Dowhatyouf
eel
isr
ight
.What
everdeci
siony
out
ake,
Iwi
l
lst
and
wi
thy
ou.”
*
**

Kel
lyl
ookedatAgangwal
ki
ngoutoft
hebat
hroom af
tert
aki
nga
bat
h.

“
Babe,
arey
ouok?
”

“
Yeah…”

“
Whyarey
ouupset
?IswearIdi
dn’
tknowLet
tywasgoi
ngt
odo
t
hat
.”

“Buty
ouknewy
ourf
ri
endi
sawhor
e.Youknewshehadacr
ush
onAtang.
”

“
Agang-
“

Hedroppedthetowel.Shel
ookedathisweaponandputher
t
highstoget
her.Justst
ari
ngatithadhersoaki
ng.

Hedressedupandsi
ghed.“
Iam goi
ngt
oseeThabi
.Shehada
hear
tattack.
”

Kel
l
ylookedathi
m.“
BecauseofLet
ty?
”

Hepickedhi
scarkeys.“
Iwil
lcomeandpicky ouupthenwecan
go.”Heki
ssedhercheekandsighed.“
Iam notangr
yatyou.Il
ove
you.”

Shehel
dhi
shand.“
Keakopa.(
CanIpl
easehav
e.)
”

Hest
aredatherbumpt
hensi
ghed.“
Iam notcomf
ort
abl
edoi
ngi
t
wheny
ouar
ethi
sfar
.If
eel
li
keIam poki
ngt
hebaby
.”

“
Youar
enotpoki
ngt
hebaby
.”

Heswal
l
owed.“
Canwej
ustdoi
taf
tery
ougi
vebi
rt
h?”

“
Iwi
l
lbegoi
ngonmat
erni
tyl
eav
ethen.Wewon’
tbehav
ingsex.
”

“
Iknow.Iwi
l
lwai
t.By
e.”

Hehur
ri
edout
.Tear
sfi
l
ledKel
l
y’sey
esasherp*
ssyt
hrobbed.

*
**

Zazahel
dherphonet
alki
ngt
oBat
ang.

“
Whatar
ethedoct
orssay
ing?
”

“Hesaidhewon’
tknowjusthowdamagedherbrai
nisifiti
s
becausehe’
snotsur
eifaft
erhowlongdi
dherheartr
estarti
tsel
f.
”

“
AndAt
ang?
”

“
Hespokewi
thhi
sfr
iendi
nGabor
one.She’
sget
ti
ngt
ransf
err
ed
t
her
e.”

“Ihavereadabouttheheartrest
art
ingit
self
.Ittakesafew
secondsf ori
ttohappen.Lessthanten.Iam surethat
’snott
oo
muchf orhertohavebraindamagesodon’ twor r
y.Shewil
lbeok.
Atangisont opofthi
s.”

“
Wear
egoi
nghomet
oseeLomo.
”
Zazasmi
led.“
Youwhat
?Thabihear
ingLomo’
svoi
cewi
l
lbet
he
moti
vesheneedst
owakeup.”

“
Ihopeso.
”

“
Ok,
wewi
l
ltal
k.”

“
Bye.
”

Shehungupandcontinuedwateri
ngherplants.Shel
ookedather
handshakingt
henpausedthi
nkingofThabi.Shegotevenmore
worr
iedthenwalkedt
ohergardenchair
sandsatdown.

*
**

Atthehospi
tal
inKasane,Agangwal
kedi
nThabi’
sroom and
si
ghedstari
ngatherconnect
edtomachi
nes.Hestoodonthebe
si
deofherbedstari
ngather.

Hestoodbyj
uststar
ingatherformi
nutest
hensl
owlyr
eached
f
orherhandunsur
eofwhatt oevensay
…wheretobegi
n.

Hi
sphonev i
brat
ed.Hetooki
toutandl
ookedathi
sfat
hercal
l
ing.
HeletgoofThabi
’shandpi
cki
ng.

“
Rra?
”

“Canyoucomehomesowecant
alk.Yourbr
otheri
sonhi
sway
here.
”

“
Ihav
enot
hingt
osayt
oAt
ang.
”
“
Agang…come.Beher
eint
went
ymi
nut
es.
”

Hedroppedthecal
lthenl
ookedatThabi
formi
nut
eshol
dingher
handthenf
inal
lywal
kedout.

*
**

Bothof
inishedbathi
nginthebathr
oom thentur
nedofft
hewater
i
ntheshower .Shequickl
ydri
edhersel
fthenputonhercl
othes
andwalkedout.Atanglookedatheraswalkedover
.

“
Wher
eisLomo?
”

“
Int
her
oom.
”

Hewalkedoverandopenedt
hedoor
.Hel
ookedatheral
ready
dr
essedup.

Shejumpedoffthebedsmili
ng.“
Wear
egoi
ngt
omamanow?She
sai
dwewi l
lbetogethert
oday.
”

Atangt
ookadeepbr eat
h.“Yes.Butnotr
ightnow.Ihav
etobat
h
andchange.Butuncl
eBatangishere.
”

Shegasped.“
Hei
sal
sogoi
ng?
”

“
Yes.Bot
hopl
easet
akeherout
sidet
oBat
ang.
”

“
Eer
ra.
”

Hewal
kedoutpressi
nghi
sphoneandwentt
ohisfat
her’
sstudy
r
oom.Heknockedandwalkedi
n.Theol
dmanlookedathi
m.
“
Sitdown.Wher
eisy
ourbr
other
?”

Agangopenedt
hedoorwalki
ngi
n.Thei
rfat
hersi
ghedst
ari
ngat
twogrownmen,tal
landbi
g.Het
ookadeepbreat
h.

“
Arey
ouj
ustgoi
ngt
ost
and?Si
tdown.
”

Theybot
hsatdown.

“MaybeIam toblame.Iknowyouar elookingf orsomeonet o

blameAgang,andmay beIam toblame.WhenIsai dAt
ang
shouldfi
ndsomeonewhowi lll
ovehi m andrespecthim, Isai
dit
l
ookingatthesi
tuati
on.MaybeifIalsoknewt hatmmagweLomo
wascomi ngIwouldnothavesaidany t
hing.Iwasl ooki
ngoutf or
yourbrot
herbutIunderst
andyourfrustrat
ion.Whathappened
hashappenedand-“

“
Whathappenedshoul
dnothav
ehappened.Doy
ouf
all
outof
l
ovet
hatquickl
y?”

At
anglookedatAgang.“
Whatexact
lyi
syourpr
obl
em?Doy
ou
wantThabi
le?Ar
eyouaftermywif
e?”

Agangpausedthensmil
edsadl
y.“
Soyouthi
nkIwantmmagwe
Lomo?ThatIwantthewomanyoulov
e?Kooreyoujustcan’
tsee
yourf
aul
ts,youwantt
oturni
tonsomeone.”

At
angsi
ghed.“
Iam hav
inghert
ransf
err
edt
omyGabor
one.
”

“Idon’twantyourwife.Icareaboutherbecausey oul
oveher.I
j
ustwanty out obehappy .Iknowy ouloveher,nonor
mal human
beingcanstay5y earsgettingbearmi ni
mum unlessyouarereall
y
i
nl ove.Iam sadinst
eadofput ti
ngy ourfootdownwit
hRet habi
le,
y
ouwentt
oanewv
agi
na.Howdoy
ouunl
oveaper
sonsof
ast
?”

“
Itwasami
stake.AndIl
oveher
.Itwasj
ustsex.
”

“Youfuckedherr
oundaft
erround.Andyouar edi
srespectf
ult
o
thel
evelofnotusi
ngacondom.Youdon’ tdeserv
eThabi l
e.When
shewakesupIhopesher eal
i
zesy oucan’
ttameawi ldanimal
….It
wil
lal
way sgobacktot
hewi l
derness.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#84

Thei
rfat
herl
ookedatt
hem.

“
Agang,
wegett
haty
ouar
eangr
y-“

“Iam tal
ki
ngtoAgang.Didyougetthetreat
ments?Arey
emister
,
atleastl
et’
sdeal
withyourunfai
thf
ulnessonly
.Didsheseey
ou
didn’
tuseacondom? ”

“
Yeah…”

“
Ojeleerr
or.Youhav
elosther
.Af
tert
hisdon’
tev
enbot
her
y
oursel
f.Justst
ayaway.
”

“
KanaThabi dumpedmealr
eady
.She’
sbeenwant
ingt
oendour
r
elat
ionshi
pforawhil
enow.”

“Shet houghtshewasdoi ngwhatwasbestf oryou.Butshewas

comi ngforyou.Travel
edt housandmilesforyou.Thendrovefor
ov ertenhoursforyou.Nowi maginesomeoneenj oyingher
…and
trustme…someonei sgoingt oenjoyher.Let
’sgo.”

Thei
rfat
hersi
ghedst
andi
ngup.“
Let
aisot
aaker
e?”

Thebr
other
swal
keddi
scussi
ngget
ti
ngt
est
ed.MmagweAt
ang
wal
kedin.

“
Whatwer
eyout
alki
ngt
othem about
?”

“Theyweret
alki
ngbet
weent
hemsel
ves.Iwasj
usther
efor
displ
ay.
”
“Il
ongtol
dy outostopinvol
vingyoursel
finthei
rissues.They
alway
ssortitout.Theyhavebeenlikethatsi
ncet heywereborn.
Nowy ouaretheonet hatl
ooksli
keani di
otbonebai le.
”

*
**

Agangsmil
edathi
sni
ecewhowasst
andi
ngbesi
desBat
ang
hol
dinghi
shand.

“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.Il
ovey
ourhai
r.
”

Lomosmil
ed.“
Wear
efl
yi
ngt
oAmer
ica.Wear
egoi
ngt
osee
mama.”

AganglookedatBatang.“Al
lwil
lbewel
l.Youknowy
oursi
steri
s
str
ong.Shejumpstartedherownheart
.Howmanypeopl
edoy ou
knowdot hat
?”

Bat
angsmil
ed.“
Shei sst
rong.Maybei
twasexhaust
ion.She
di
dn’
tletmedr
ive.Shedroveal
lal
oneforhour
s.”

Atangwalkedoutoft
hehousenowcl ean.Bot
hofol
l
owedbehi
nd
hi
m holdi
ngherandLomo’smallbag.Aganggotint
hecarwi
th
LomothenBothosatatt
hefrontpassengerseat
.

Aganglookedathisbrot
her
.“Iam behi
ndyou.Ial
readyspoket
o
someonetoassistyouassoonaswear ri
ve.
”

“
Ok.Thanks.
”

Agangnoddedandwal
kedt
ohi
scar
.Hedi
aledLet
tyashi
s
br
otherdr
oveout
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hey
,it
’sAgang.Wher
ear
eyou?
”

“Iam waiti
ngfort
hebustoMaun.Iam sor
ryforwhathappened.
Pleasetel
lhimthatmyvi
ral
loadi
sundetectabl
e.Buthecango
andgett r
eatmenti
fhehasdoubt
s.”

“No…wai
t.Don’
tgoyet
.CanIcomeandpi
cky
ouup?Iwantt
o
giv
eyousomethi
ng.
”

“
DoesKel
l
yknowaboutt
his?
”

“
Wai
tforme.Orgobackt
othel
odge.Iwi
l
lcomeandgi
vei
tto
y
out
here.
”

“
AgangKel
l
yismyf
ri
end-
“

“Iwi
l
lmeetyouatthehot
eli
nmay
beanhour
.Iam st
il
ldoi
ng
somethi
ngr
ightnow.”

Hehungupanddr
ovebehi
ndhi
sbr
other
.

*
**

Atthehospit
al,
Atangwalkedwithhi
sdaught
eri
nThabi
’sroom.
Lomolookedathermot herl
yingst
il
lont
hehospi
tal
bed.She
wal
kedov erandheldherhand.

“
Mama…”
Atangswall
owedandwalkedov
er.“
Lomo…r ememberwhatIsai
d?
Shewon’tbeabl
etotal
ktoyoubackbutshecanheary
ou.”

Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.“
Isshegoi
ngt
odi
e.”

“No.Sheisnotgoingtodie.Shei
snotdy
ing.Shewon’
tdi
e
becauseshelovesyou.”

Lomosni
ff
edt
hent
urnedt
ohermot
herandt
ouchedherhand.

“
Mama…”

Shecl
imbedont hebedandtouchedhermother’
sface.Shel
aid
onhersi
de,herhandoverhermother
.Atangsatdownandheld
Thabi
’
shand.

Lomol
ookedatherf
ather
.“Ar
ewegoi
ngt
oAmer
ica?
”

“
Notnow.Shewant
edt
osur
pri
seussoshecamet
ous.
”

“
Whenshewakesupwear
egoi
nghomer
ight
?”

“
Yes.
”

“
Ican’
twai
ttoshowhermyr
oom.Andourhouse.I
sshegoi
ngt
o
l
eave?
”

“Yesbutonedaysheisgoi
ngtotakey
ouandy
ouwi
l
lli
vei
n
Americawit
hher.Youwil
ll
oveit
.”

Lomosmiledhappil
y.At
angl
ookedatThabiandsi
ghedsadl
y.He
ki
ssedherhand,shemovedherhandsl
i
ghtl
y.

At
ang’shear
tski
pped,hest
aredatherhandwonderi
ngifhehad
i
maginedit
.Hewaitedst
ari
ngatherhandbutnothi
nghappened.
Hetookadeepbreathmovi
ngcloserhol
dingher
.
*
**

Agangwal
kedinsi
dether
oom andl
ookedatLet
ty.Shest
oodup
put
ti
ngherhandsbehi
ndher
.

Agangt ookoutt
heemer
gencypi
l
ls.“
Igoty
out
hese.Dr
inkt
he
fi
rstone.”

“
Iwasgoi
ngt
obuyt
hem.
”

“
Goodt
hingIhav
esav
edy
oumoney
.”

Hehandedhert
hebot
tl
eofwat
er.Shedr
ankt
hef
ir
stoneand
si
ghed.

“
Iwi
l
ldr
inkt
heot
herone.Ihav
etogo.
”

“
Openy
ourmout
h.”

Let
tyopenedhermout
h.Agangl
ooked.

“
Lif
tyourt
ongue.Iwantt
oseeunder
neat
h.”

Sheli
ft
edhertonguet
henmov
edi
tar
oundsohecoul
dcheck
ever
ycorner
.

“
Iswal
l
owed.Idon’
twantachi
l
d.Shewi
l
lsueme.
”

“Youwi l
lgotomorr
ow.Iwillcomelatersoy oucantaketheot
her
one.Idon’tt
rusty
ou.Ifyoucouldopeny ourlegsandlethi
mfuck
withoutacondom, whatwil
lstopyoufrom wantingtokeephi
s
chil
d?”
“
Idon’
thav
emoneyt
opayf
oraccommodat
ionher
e.”

“
Iwil
lpayfori
t.I
fIdon’
tfi
ndy
ouher
e,Iwi
l
lhunty
oudownand
f
indyou.
”

Hewalkedout
.Let
tysl
owl
ywal
kedt
othebat
hroom andpul
l
ed
downherpant
ytopee.

“Ahh!
”Shefli
nchedasherwar m peebur
ntheralr
eadyburni
ng
soremeat.Tearsfi
l
ledhereyesasheldherpee.Shetookadeep
breat
handletitout
.Thepainhadhertearsrol
li
ngdownher
cheeksasshesatont hetoi
l
etseat.

*
**

Aganggoti
nhi
scarpi
cki
ngKel
l
y’scal
l
.

“
Babe…”

Shest
art
edcr
ying.

“
Hey
…what
’swr
ong?
”

Sheconti
nuedcryi
ng.Agangstart
edthecaranddr
oveoffheaded
backtothehot
el.Herushedinsi
deandknockedonthedoor.Kel
l
y
openednakedwhil
esniff
ing.

Agangwal
kedi
nsi
dehuggi
nghert
hencl
osedt
hedoorwi
thhi
s
foot
.

“
Hey
…whathappened?
”
“
HowwasThabi
?”

“
Shei
snotr
esponsi
veatt
hemomentbutshewi
l
lbef
ine.
”

“
Am It
oougl
y?”

Hesi
ghedknowi
ngwher
eitwasgoi
ng.

“Kell
y…t
hedoct
orsai
dweshoul
dtakei
teasy
.Wehadsexl
ast
night
.”

“Ifeel
li
keyoudon’
tlov
e.Thi
sisyourchi
l
d.Idi
dn’
tmakemy
sel
f
pregnant
.WhydoIhavetosuff
er?”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Iam suf
fer
ingwi
thy
ou.
”

Sheputherhandinsi
dehispantsandtouchedit.Aganglai
dher
onthebedstari
ngatherbell
y.Helai
dheront hesi deandl
aid
behi
ndhertaki
ngitout.Shestuckoutherbut
tbr eathi
ngheavi
ly
.

Hepart
edherbuttst
roki
nghi
mselfandpushedi
n.Hepaused
wi
thonlyhaddi
ckinandgent
lyt
appedhercaref
ulnott
hegoin
waydeeper.

*
**

Thenur
sesmi
l
edathi
m handi
nghi
m hi
sPEPmedi
cat
ion.

“
Youhavetogettest
edagai
naf
tert
hreemont
hssomakesur
e
y
outestagai
n.”

“
Yeaht
hanks.
”
At
angstoodupandwal
kedoutgoi
ngt
ot hecarwher
eBat
ang
wasal
readywai
ti
ngwit
hLomoandBotho.

“
Mr.Dani
el!
”

At
angt
urnedandl
ookedatThabi
’
snur
sewhowasr
unni
ngov
er.

“
Youneedt
ocomeback.
”

Hef
rowned.“
Whathappened?
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#85

Thenurseopenedt
hedoortoThabi
’
sroom.Atangwalkedinand
foundthedoct
orwi
thThabiwhowasawake.Hishear
tracedas
herushedovert
ohersi
de.

“
Babe…”Hel
ookedatt
hedoct
or.“
Issheok?
”

Thedoctorsmil
ed.“
Yes.I
tmeansitt
ookherhear
tjustseconds
befor
eitrest
art
edit
sel
f.I
tdoesn’
tal
way
shappen,itbarel
y
happens.
”

Het
ouchedherhandandsmi
l
ed.“
Hey
…”

Thedoct
ort
ouchedhershoul
der
.“Youhav
etot
akei
teasy
.Keep
cal
m.”

Hesmi
l
edandwal
kedout
.At
angt
ouchedhercheek.

“
Youscar
edt
heshi
toutofme.
”

Shel
ookedathi
m andsi
ghed.“
Wher
eismydaught
er?
”

“
Theyar
eout
sidei
nthecar
.Iam sor
ry.
”

Shesmi l
ed,tear
sfi
ll
inghereyes.“Buthowisiteasyforyou?You
alwayssayy oul
oveme…howi siteasyforyoutohurtsomeone
youlove?Itcomesnatural
lyt
oy ouorwhat ?Howisiteasyforyou
tohurtme?Idon’tunderst
and.”

Heswall
owed.“Iam notgoi
ngtomakeexcuses.Iwasf r
ust
rat
ed.
Iwasangry
.Angryandfrust
rat
edbecauseyoudon’tseem t
osee
myef f
ortsifyouf inditeasytosayt hewayt hi
ngsy ousay
somet imesorj ustt hewayy ousayi t.AndIt ookitallbecauseI
messedupt hi
ngst obeginwit h.Itoldmy selfIwouldbepat i
ent
wi t
hus.Takei tdaybydaybutsomet imesy oudon’ tseem t obe
ont hesamepagewi thme.Nkar ekagof or caandmay beIam
andi twasal lbecauseIl ovey ou.Youar eal wayst el
li
ngmet o
replacey ou…doy our eal
izethatev eryar gumentwehav ehad…i t
endedwi thyout el
lingmet or eplacey ou?Idon’ tthinkit’sfairt
hat
afterIgivey oumyal l
,yougett othrowt hatonmyf ace.Iknew
yourpr ogram woul dbedemandi ng.Weal lknewi twoul dbe
demandi ngbabe…wedi scussedt his…”Hesmi l
edt earfull
y.“And
wehadapl aninpl ace.Butjustacal lseemst otakesomuch
from you.Justat ext…ittakesawaysomuchf r
om y ou.”

Herubbedhiseyes.“
Iwasangr y,f
rustr
atedandhur t
.BecauseI
al
sogethurt…Iam human.Imi ghtnotshowi tbutIgethurt .She
wasadistr
acti
on.Andy oucaughtme.Iam sor ry.Iam sorr
yf or
al
lthehur
t.Iam sorr
yforLomo.Iam sor ryt
hatIgoty oupregnant
andnowitmakesy oulookli
keani ncompetentpar ent.
”

Hesi ghed.“Iam sorr

yt haty ouhavehadt oputupwi thmeand
mynonsense.Iam sor r
yf ortheheartat
tack.Iknowi t
’sbecause
ofme.I t’
snoteasyf ormet ohur ty
ou.IloveyoubutIdon’ tt
hinkI
am lovingyouther i
ght f
ul way .
.Youdeservebetterbabe.
..Il
ov e
yousomuchbutt here’sjusttoomucht hathappened.Al othas
happened.Iwantt omaket hisworkbutIcan’tli
vewiththefact
thatIhurtyoutoapoi ntofy oualmostdy i
ng.Idon’tt
hinkthi
ngs
willeverbethesame.Ibel ieveinusbut…may bewemetatt he
wrongt ime.
”
Shelookedatt
het
ear
sinhi
sey
es.Hehel
dherhand.“
Youl
ookso
beauti
ful
…”

Thabi’
stear
sfel
lont
hepi
l
low.Hewi
pedt
hem awaywi
thhi
s
hands.

“
Andy ouaregoi
ngt
obet
hebestsur
geon.Icanseei
t.
”Hesmi
l
ed.
“
Ilov
ey ou.
”

Sheputherar
m overherf
oreheadandl
etoutaloudcry
.Atang
pull
edherupandhuggedher.Hehel
dti
ghtl
ywipingawayhisown
tear
.

Hel
etgomi
nut
esl
aterandki
ssedher
.

“Iwi
llgoandt el
lBatangtocomewit
hLomo.She’
sgoingt obeso
happyt ohaveyourespondi
ngtoher
.Ihadmycousi
ncollect
Zaza’
scar .Iwil
laskhimtodropi
tof
fincasey
ouneedit.Shoul
dI
booky ouintoahotel?
”

Shesni
ff
edandnodded.

“
Iwi
l
ldot
hat
.Theywi
l
lbeher
einmi
nut
es.
”

Hel
aidherdown.“
Takei
teasy
.”

Hewalkedoutandwentt
othepar
king.At
angsmi
l
edl
ooki
ngat
Bat
ang.

“
Thabi
isawake.Lomo,
mommywant
stoseey
ou.
”

“
Shei
sawake?
”

“
Yes…Bat
ang,
goi
nwi
thher
.Iam goi
ngt
obookahot
elr
oom f
or
y
ouguys.
”
“
Ok.
”

Batangwalkedinsi
det
hehospi
tal
wit
hLomo.Bot
hor
emai
nedi
n
thecarst
aringathi
m.

“MmagweLomowil
lbewi
thherwhil
esheisher
e.Youcango
home.Iwi
l
lgety
ouabust
icketf
rom her
etoGabs.Or
….”

At
angt
ookouthi
sphoneandcal
l
edPr
ince.

“
Atang…”

“
Hav
eyoul
efty
et?
”

“
Wear
eaboutt
o.Why
?”

“
Themonnacany
ougi
veBot
hoal
i
ft.
.”

“
Yeah.
.whataboutLomo?
”

“
Hermom i
sher
e.”

“
Thabi
isher
e?”

“
Yes.Wher
eshoul
dIbr
ingBot
ho?
”

“
Letmesendy
oumyl
ocat
ion.
”

At
anghungupst
art
ingt
hecar
.Heopenedt
hel
ocat
iont
hendr
ove
of
f.

*
**

I
nthehospi
tal
,Thabi
tight
lyhuggedherdaught
er.
“
Heybaby
..“

“
Imi
ssedy
ou.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Imi
ssedy
ousomucht
oo.
”

Lomowi
pedhermot
her
’st
ear
s.“
Youdi
dn’
ttel
lmey
ouwer
e
comi
ngher
e…”

“
Iwant
edt
osur
pri
sey
ou.
”

Bat
angl
ookedather
.“Iwassoscar
ed.
”

“
Iam f
ine.
”

Hesighed.“
Somet
hingi
sgoi
ngonbet
weeny
ouandAt
ang.What
i
sit
?”

Thabi
lookedatLomoandsmi
l
ed.“
Not
hing.
”

Bat
ang’
sphoner
ang.Het
ooki
toutandl
ookedatLebocal
l
ing.

Hewal
kedoutanswer
ing.

“
Heybabe…”

“
Hi.Howi
syoursi
ster
?”

“
Shei
sawakenow.
”

“ThankGod.Ipassedbyyourgr
andf
ather
’sf
armt
odayandhel
ped
him cl
ean.Icookedf
orhi
mt oo.
”

Batangsmiled.“
Thanky
ou.He’
sgoi
ngt
otel
lmeal
labouti
twhen
Icallhi
m.”

“
Yeah…Il
ovey
ou.Idon’
thav
emuchai
rt
ime.
.Ican’
twai
ttosee
y
ou.
.”

“
Ifsheget
sdi
schar
gedt
oday
,Iwi
l
lcomet
omor
row.
”

“
Ok.By
e.”

Shehungup.Bat
angtransf
err
edthelastai
rt
imeonhi
sphonet
o
hert
hentur
nedgett
ingbackinther
oom.

Helookedupput
ti
nghisphoneawayandwal
kedbackinthe
r
oom.Hesmi l
edstar
ingatThabi
andLomowhisper
ingwhil
e
l
aughing.

Bat
angt
ookouthi
sri
ngi
ngphoneandpi
cked.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hey
,letmet
alkt
oThabi
..
”

Bat
angwal
kedwi
tht
hephonet
oThabi
.Thabi
puti
tonherear
.

“
Atang…”

“Ibookedyouguysi
ntoapr
esi
dent
ial
sui
te.Ar
eyouget
ti
ng
dischar
gedtoday
?”

“
Yes,
butl
ater
.”

“Ok.Call
meifyouneedany
thi
ng.Iwi
l
lpassbybef
oreIl
eav
e.I
am goingtoGabor
one.
”

“
Ok.
”

Therewassil
enceasnoonehungup.Ami
nut
ewentbyt
hen
Atangsi
ghed.

“
Youwi
l
lcal
lmewheny
ouneedsomet
hing.
”
“
Ok.
”

Hehungupthencal
l
edbacki
mmedi
atel
ybuthungupbef
oreshe
coul
dpi
ck.

Bat
angshookhi
shead.“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#86

Lat
ert
hatdayi
nKasane,
Thabi
lookedatherdoct
orandsi
ghed.

“
Iwantt
obedi
schar
ged.
”

Thedoct
orsighed.“
Thabi
l
e,Iam keepi
ngy
ouher
efor
obser
vat
ions.
”

“Youarenotgoi
ngt okeepmehere.Mychi
ldcan’
tsleepher
e.
Eit
herway,youhavebeenobser
vingmethewhole.Iam adoct
or.
Asurgeon.Iam f
ine.”

“Goodthi
ngyouar eadoct
or,
thereisnoonewhocanunderstand
whyy ouhav
etor emai
nhereotherthanyou.Pl
easef
indsomeone
t
ocomeandcol lectt
hem.Iwil
ldischargeyout
omorr
owmor ning.
Doy ouwantaphone?”

“
Ifeel
fine.
”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Ineedy
ouf
eel
i
ngmor
ethanf
ine.
.”

Bat
angnodded.“
Iagr
ee.Pl
easel
i
stent
othedoct
or.
”

Thedoctorsmil
ed.“See?Heagr
ees.Thabiahear
tatt
ackisnota
panicatt
ack.
.Iwanttomonit
oryoumeaningyouaresl
eeping
heretoni
ght.
”

Shel
aiddowndef
eat
ed.Bat
angsmi
l
ed.“
Iwi
l
lcal
luncl
eAt
ang.
”

“
May
behel
eft
.Hesai
dhei
sgoi
ngbackt
oGabor
one.
”
Batangdial
edhisnumberandputthephoneonhi
sear
.The
phonerangthr
icethenAt
angpicked.

“
Buddy
…”

“
Arey
oust
il
lar
ound?Thedoct
ori
snotdi
schar
gingThabi
today
.”

“
Yes.Doy
ouwantmet
opi
cky
ouguy
snow?
”

“
Yes.Thanky
ou.
”

“
Iwi
l
lbet
her
eon15mi
nut
es.
”

Bat
angsmi
l
eddr
oppi
ngt
hecal
l
.“Hei
scomi
ng.
”

Thabi nodded.“
Ok.Iwil
lseeyouguystomorr
owthen.Wewill
go
totheChober iv
erthenmaybegohome.Elangsai
dourhouseis
theonl yhousewhi
chstil
ll
ooksthesame.Iwantt
oextendand
renovateit.
”

“
HasFar
aimar
ri
edhery
et?
”

Thabishookherhead.“
Noty
et.Gat
wehe’
ssay
inghei
snoty
et
ready
.”

“
Howmanyki
dsdot
heyhav
e?”

“
Two.
”

“
Sot
heyar
est
ayi
ngt
oget
her
?”

“Yes,IhavetocallherorelseIwi l
lbeaccusedofbei
ngf ake.I
don’tthi
nkFarail
ov esher.Ifeelshepressur
edhimtobewi thher
.
Faraineverl
i
kedher .Heact uall
yneverwantedthefi
rstbabybut
youknowhowEl angis.”
“Shewon’tl
eav
ehim evenifsheknew.Ial
way
sseeherf
ami
l
y
goalspi
ctur
esonFacebook.”

Thabi
laughed.“
Byt
heway
,howi
sLebo?
”

“
Shei
sfi
ne.
”

“
Iam happyf
ory
ou.Don’
thur
ther
.”

“
Iwon’
t.
”

“
Iam ser
ious.I
fyour
eal
l
ylov
eher
,don’
tbr
eakherhear
t.
”

Henodded.

“
Andpl
easeusecondoms!
”

Bat
anglaughed.“
Whydoy
oual
way
sthr
owt
hisi
nwhenev
erwe
di
scussLebo?”

“Idon’
twantyoutohavekidswhenyouarest
il
latschool.You
cannotaff
ordababy.Iwantyoutogety
ourdegrees,
getaj ob
thengetmarri
edandhavekidswit
honewoman.Iam l ookingout
foryou.
”

“
Iknow…ar
eyoubr
eaki
ngupwi
th…y
ouknowwho?
”

Theybothl
ookedatLomowhowast
aki
ngpi
ctur
eswi
thher
mother
’sphone.Thabi
sighed.

“
Youandhim canremai
nclose.
.Usparti
ngwaysdoesnotmean
youarei
nvol
ved.Hewil
lst
il
lbether
e.Justnotwi
thme.I
t’
snot
worki
ng.
”

“
Whyi
sitnotwor
king?
”
“
Alotofr
easonsBat
ang.
”

“
Youjustcan’
tsayalotofr
easonswhenyouhavealsoputmei
n
t
hisr
elat
ionshi
p.Ideser
vet
oknowt hoser
easons.
”

“
Thedi
stancei
staki
ngal
otf
rom us.
”

Thedooropenedt
henAt
angwal
kedi
n.Bat
angl
ookedathi
mthen
atThabi
.

“Whatdiddist
ancedo?Youar ealmostdone.Can’tyoujustbe
pati
ent?Soonyouarecomi ngbackhome.It houghtyousaidyou
weregoingtocompromiseandgetmar ri
ed.Whathappened?You
sai
dy ouweregoingtofi
nishoffyourr
esidencyhere.What
happenedtothat?Toeverythi
ngyouwereplanningonourway
here.Whathappenedtothat?”

“
Bat
ang,
Lomoi
sst
ari
ng.Pl
easego.Wewi
l
ltal
k.”

“
Iwantt
oknow.
”

Atangl
ookedathi
m.“
Buddy
…wewi
l
ltal
k.Let
’snotdot
hisi
n
fr
ontofthechi
l
d.”

Het
ear
ful
l
ylookedatAt
angt
henf
orcedasmi
l
etur
ningt
oLomo.

“
Lomo,
giv
emamaherphone.
”

Lomowalkedov
erandhandedt
hephonet
ohermot
her
.Thabi
smil
edhuggi
ngher
.

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Bat
anghel
dLomo’
shandandwal
kedout
.
Lomot
urned.“
Byemama…”

“
Byebaby
…seey
out
omor
row.
”

Shewalkedout
.At
anghav
eBat
angt
hecarkey
sthenwal
ked
i
nsideThabi
’
sroom.

“
Bri
ngthem backi
nthemorning.Iwi
l
lbeget
ti
ngdi
schar
ged…I
wantt
otakeforaroadt
ri
p.”

“Ok.Doyouneedabi
ggercar
?Iam sur
eZazaneedshercar
back.”

“
Shenev
ersai
dany
thi
ngbutIcanhi
re-
“

“
Youcanuset
heFor
d.Iwi
l
ltakeZaz
a’scarback.
”

Shesi
ghed.“
Ok.Thanky
ou.
”

“
Doy
ouneedany
thi
ngel
se?
”

“
No.Iam f
ine.JustLomo’
scl
othes.
”

“
Shehadn’
tbr
oughtal
ot.Wewer
esupposedt
ohav
ewentback
y
est
erday.
”

“
It
’sok.Iwi
l
lbuysome.
”

“
Icangi
vey
oumycar
d.”

“
Youdon’
tneedt
o.Iam f
ine.
”

Helookedather ,
Thabitur
nedtohi
m.“ Whati
sit?Pleasego.They
arewait
ingforyou.Isawyourmedici
neinthemorning.Ihope
youtakethem fai
thf
ull
y.Youhaveachil
d.Ij
ustwishy ouused
condoms.Dot heyir
ri
tat
ey ou?Dot
heymakey ourdickitchthat
youcan’ twearone?Oryoudon’tknowhowt ouseone? ”Herhear
t
asr acedasherangerrose.“Oryouwantchil
dren?Youare
disgusti
ng!Youev enl
eftourchi
ldwit
hanannysoy oucango
stickyourdicki
nwhateverwholeyoufind,
aslongasi thastwo
l
egsandav agi
na!
”

Tear
sfil
ledherey
es.“
Yougoar oundcoll
ect
ingdir
t!Kooreorata
l
esweakere?Youdon’
tcareaboutanythi
ngbutyourdick.The
l
eastyoucandoisthi
nkforyourchi
ldi
fyoucan’tdoitforyou.
Getout!
”

Heslowlytur
nedandwalkedout
.Thabi
tookadeepbreat
hand
rel
eased.Herhear
tachedsomuchsheputherhandsonherf
ace
cry
ing.

Minut
eslat
ershepul
l
edher
sel
ftoget
herandl
aidonhersi
de,
her
ey
esclosed.

*
**

Overanhourl
ater
,Pul
ewalkedinsi
det
hehospi
tal
.Hi
sfr
iend
smil
edastheybumpedshoulder
s.

“
Wher
eisshe?
”

“Come.Youowemef
orkeepi
ngherher
e.Shewant
edt
obe
dischar
ged.
”

“
Thanks.
”

Hel
edhert
oThabi
’
sroom.
“
Inher
e.”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Thabi’
sdoct
ornoddedthenwal
kedaway
.Pul
eknockedt
hen
openedthedoorwal
kingin.

HelookedatThabi
whowasf
aci
ngt
heot
hersi
det
hencl
osedt
he
door.

“
Hey
…”

Thabi
tur
ned.Pul
esmi
l
ed.“
Sur
pri
se!
”

Shesmi
l
edshocked.“
Hi!
”

“
Soy
oucomeandy
oudon’
ttel
lus?
”

Hewal
kedov
ert
oher
.Pul
elookedatherbeaut
if
ulf
acesmi
l
ing.

“
Youl
ook…wow.
.”

Thabi
laughed.“
Yout
oo.Howdi
dyouknowIwasher
e?”

“
Connect
ions.Ican’
tbel
i
eveIam seei
ngy
ou.
”

“
Mer
oom”

Pul
elookedatherr
eddi
shey
es.“
Arey
ouok?
”

Thabi
nodded.“
Iam f
ine.
”

“
Yourey
esar
epuf
fyandr
ed.
”

Awaywar
dtearr
oll
eddown.Shequi
ckl
ywi
pedi
tawayl
ooki
ng
down.

“
Tal
ktome…what
’swr
ong?
”
Het
ouchedhercheek,hi
scol
dweddi
ngr
ingt
ouchi
ngherski
n.
“
What’
swrong?Talktome.”

Herli
pstr
embled,
sheputherhandonherf
acet
ear
ful
l
y.Pul
e
cuppedherf
ace.

“
Tal
ktome…”

Moret
ear
srol
l
eddown,
Pul
ehuggedherhur
ryi
ngheri
nhi
swar
m
ar
ms.

Her
ubbedherbackt
henwi
pedawayhert
ear
s.

“
Whathappened?
”

“
Icaughthi
m cheat
ing.
”

Pulelookedi
nhereyes.“Hedoesn’
tdeserveyou.Hedoesn’
tlov
e
you.YouseewhatImeant ?Hewill
neverstop.Maybeheonce
l
ovedy oubutIdon’
tthi
nkthatl
oveissti
ll
there.Iwi
shyoucan
seeit…”

Hewi
pedawayat
eart
hathadr
oll
eddownandsmi
l
ed.

“
Youdeser
vef
armuchbet
ter
.”

Hemov
edcl
oser
.“Youdeser
vewaybet
ter
…”

Puleti
l
tedherchi
nandki
ssedherasanot
hert
earr
oll
eddownher
eye.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#87

Thabicl
osedhereyesr
eceivi
ngtheki
ds.Hekissedhermor
e
owninghermouth.Hepausedthenpul
ledawaysmili
ng.

“
IcameassoonasIhear
dyouwer
eher
e.”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Idi
dn’
tknowy
ouar
emar
ri
ed.
”

Pul
elaughedthent
ooki
tof
f.“
Ladi
esl
ovet
her
ing.It
oldy
ouIwas
get
ti
ngone.”

Thabi
laughed.“
Isi
twor
king?
”

“
Notreall
y.
”Pul
esmi
l
ed.“
Itshoul
dnotbel
i
ket
his…Iwi
shy
oucan
l
eav
ehi m.”

“
Wear
edone.
”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Youendedi
t?”

“
Ther
eisnot
hingl
eft
.Hedidn’
tevenuseacondom andIsuspect
t
hegi
rli
sHIVposi
ti
vebecausehehadPEPinthemor ni
ng.
”

“
Iam happyy
ouar
ewal
ki
ngaway
.Whenar
eyougoi
ngback?
”

“
Int
woweeks.Iam goi
ngt
obeaseni
orr
esi
dent
.

Pul
esmil
ed.“
Itol
dyou…y
ouar
edest
inedt
obeabr
ightst
ar.And
Lomo?
”

“Hewil
lst
aywit
hherwhileIf
ini
shof
f.Ican’
ttakeherwi
thme.
Sheneedspr
operat
tent
ion.
”
Pul
etouchedherhandt
henr
ubbedherl
i
ps.“
Whatar
eyour
pl
ans?”

“
Iwantt
otakeBat
angandLomof
oraboatr
idet
henmay
bef
rom
t
her
egohome.ToShakawe.
”

Pulel
ookedatherlipsasshespoke,
hel
eanedoverandki
ssed
heragain.Thedooropenedf
oll
owedbyAgangwalki
nginhol
ding
afastfoodpaperbag.

PulemovedasThabir
ubbedherli
ps.Agangst
aredatbot
hof
them t
henl
ookedatPule.Heangr
il
ywalkedov
erandpunched
him.

“
Agang!
”

Pul
est
agger
edbackt
henst
oodupr
ight
.

“
Bonami
ster
,Idon’
twantt
ofi
ghtwi
thy
ou.
”

“
Wat
wael
awena?
”

Agangpunchedhim agai
n,Pul
ethrewapunchback.Thabi
scr
eamedpr essi
ngtheemergencybut
ton.

Twonursescamer
ushi
ngi
nasPul
epunchedAgangagai
n.Thabi
gotof
fthebed.

“
Pul
e!”

Themal
enur
sepul
l
edPul
ebackj
ustassecur
it
ywal
kedi
nand
hel
dbot
hmen.

Agangl
ookedatPul
ebr
eat
hing.“
Otsi
l
egony
elawena!
”

Thenur
sel
ookedatThabi
andhel
pedherbackont
hebed.
Oneofthesecur
it
yguar
dssi
ghedf
igur
ingwhatt
hef
ightpr
obabl
y
wasabout.

“Gentl
emen,t
hisisnotaboxi
ngcent
er.I
t’
sahospi
tal
andy
ouar
e
disr
upti
ngthepeace.
”

Pul
esighed.“
Hest
art
edi
t.Idon’
tevenknowwhyhei
sfi
ght
ing.I
washereandhewal
kedi
nf i
ghti
ng.
”

Thesecur
it
yguar
dlookedatThabi
.

“
Doy
ouknowhi
m?”

Thabi
swal
l
owed.“
Yes.Hei
smyex’
sbr
other
.Agangpl
easego.
”

Aganglookedather
.“Youar
ehur
ti
ng.Pl
easedon’
tlety
ouranger
i
nfl
uencey ou.
”

“Not
hingisi
nfl
uencingme.YourbrotherandIaredone.Idon’
t
appr
eciat
ethev i
olenceyouarebri
ngi
nghere.Pulei
smyguest .
Youfoundhim here.Pl
easeleav
e.Idon’
twantdrama.”

Agangl
ookedatPul
ethenwalkedr
ubbi
nghisbleedi
ngl
ip.The
nur
seandsecur
it
yguardsf
oll
owed.Pul
etouchedThabi
’
shand.

“
Arey
ouok?Iam sor
ryaboutt
hat
.”

“
Iam fi
ne.I
t’
sok.Iam sor
ry.He’
snev
erbeenav
iol
entper
son…at
l
eastnoti
nmyey es.
”

“
It
sok.Let
’sf
orgeti
t.
”

Pul
e’
sphoner
angi
nhi
spocket
.Het
ooki
toutt
henswi
tchedi
tof
f.

“
It
’swor
k.Doy
ouwantmet
ost
ay?
”
Shenodded.Hesatdownhol
dingherhand.

*
**

Att
heparki
nglot
,Aganggoti
nhiscarandsatst
il
lfi
rawhil
e
bef
orest
art
inghi
scaranddri
vi
ngoffdial
i
nghernumber.

Herphoner
angf
orawhi
l
e.“
Agang…”

“
Iwantt
otel
lyouhel
ovesy
oubecauseIknowhedoes.
”

“
Iam donewi
thy
ourbr
otherAgang.Hemov
edon.Ihopeshei
s
wor
thit
.”

“Idon’
tknowwhatt
otel
lyou…orhowt
otel
lyouj
usthowmuch
helovesyou.
”

“Ican’tbewithamanwhor unstot henearestvagi

nawhent hi
ngs
gosout hintherel
ati
onship.Nowhe’ sgoingaroundcollect
ing
diseases.Hedoesn’tusecondoms, koor
ehe’ssocarelesshe
want stogiv
emehi sv i
ruses.Iam notgoingtostayforthat.I
forgavehim once,
notagain.”

Heswall
owedthenputawayhi
sphone.Hepar
kedhiscaratt
he
hot
el’
sparki
ngl
otandwenttohi
sroom.Kel
lyl
ookedathim
hol
dingt
heremotecont
roli
nherhands.

“
Whathappened?
”

“
Not
hing.
”

Hewal
kedt
othebat
hroom t
henwal
kedoutmi
nut
esl
ater
.Hel
aid
ont
hebedwi
thher
.Kel
l
ywor
ri
edl
ytouchedhi
sli
p.

“
Whathappened?
”

“
Thabi
hasal
readymov
edon.Il
osti
t.
”

“
Youf
oughthernewboy
fri
end?
”

“
Hei
sthatoneguywho’
sal
way
sbeent
her
e.”

“ButThabi i
snoty ourbusi ness.Idon’tli
kehowy ouarejumping
aroundf orher.Iunderstandshei syourbr ot
her ’
sbabymamabut
l
etAt angdeal withhisownmess.Pl ease…thewayy ouare
behav i
ngonewoul dthinky ouaretheboy fri
end.Stop.Idon’tthi
nk
Ievenlikeherany mor e.Helaf r
om thedayshecal l
edyouatni ght
.
Whydoesshet hi
nki t
’sokt ocallyouaf t
ermi dni
ght?Sheknows
yougotmar r
ied.Ididn’tl
ikeit.Idon’
tt hi
nkIst i
l
lli
keher.Please
stop.
”

Aganglookedathi
swife.“Ther
eisnoneedtodisl
i
keher
.Iam
sor
ryIhav ebeenj
umpingaroundforher
.Iwi
ll
keepmydist
ance
andletAtangdeal
wit
hhi sbusi
ness.
”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

“Butwhomov esoninoneday ?Idon’ tthinkshe’sev erl

ovedy our
brother.It hi
nkatfir
stshewaswi t
hhi mf orst
abilit
y.Shelovedt he
thi
ngshedi dforher
.Thecar ,thehouse…ev er
ything.Thenwhen
shemov edtot hest
ates,shedi dn’
treallyneedhim any moreand
nowsher eall
ydoesn’t
.She’sadoct orandwhatnoti nHarvard.
Atangshoul djustmov eon.Youshoul dstopencour aginghimt o
fi
ghtf orsomeonewhocan’ tcompr omi seforherman.Someone
whohol dsgr udgesforyears.Abandonsherdaught er.Weknow
sheisatschool butf
rom whatyoutel
lmeitseemsl
i
keshewi l
l
chooseherselfoverever
ythi
ng.She’
ssel
fi
shandsel
fcent
ered.
Atangdeservesmuchmor ebett
er.
”

“
Youdon’
tknowThabi
-“

“Iknowenought oknowt heki

ndofper
sonsheis.Sheexpect
s
everyonearoundhertoli
ckthegr
oundshewalkson.It
’sherway
ornoot herwayatall
.”

“Canwest optalki
ngabouther ?Shedoesn’tknowy ouexist
,you
don’tev
enknowhert hatmuchexceptf rom seei
ngheron
weekendst hedaysshewasst il
lar
ound.BesidesthatandwhatI
tel
lyou,youdon’tknowher .Iam notgoingtotal
kaboutherand
tel
lyouaboutt hepersonshei sbecauseitwil
lmakei tl
ookli
keI
am beli
tt
li
ngy ou.Let
’sstop.”

*
**

Thefol
l
owi
ngmorni
ng,Atangpar
kedthecarandlookedat
Bat
angwhowasnottal
ki
ngtohim si
ncel
astnight
.

“
Iwi
l
lgoandgether
.Youguy
swi
l
lbegoi
ngwi
tht
hecar
.”

At
ang’
sphoner
angj
ustashest
eppedoutoft
hecar
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“Hi
,pl
easebr
ingmybrot
heranddaught
er.Iwon’
tbet
aki
ngy
our
car
.Ihavemadeapl
an.”
“
Iam her
e,wher
ear
eyou?
”

“
Iam comi
ng.
”

Shehungup.Minut
esl
atershewalkedoutl
aughi
ngholdi
ngPul
e’
s
hand.Heswall
owedwat
chingthem l
aughi
ng,hi
shear
tbeati
ng
uncontr
oll
abl
y.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#88

Atangwat chedasThabiwalkedoveri
nanor angef
lar
edshort
dressthatshowedherthi
ckt hi
ghs.Herbuttl
if
tedt
hedresswhil
e
thewindbl ewitmor
e.SheletgoofPule’shavewhostoodbyhis
carwhileshewalkedover.

Shehadt
akenofft
hewigandhadti
edherhairi
ntoabun.She
wal
kedoveri
nherheel
sandsmil
edstar
ingatBatangandLomo.

“
Heyguy
s,l
et’
sgo.
”

Bat
angl
ookedatPul
ethenbackathersi
ster
.At
angsi
ghed.

“
Canwet
alk?
”

“
CanIpl
easehav
emydaught
er.Bat
ang,
let
’sgo.
”

Lomol
ookedatherconf
used.“
Whataboutdaddy
?”

“Lelomopl
easelet’
sgo.Wearegoi
ngt
ori
deaspeedboat
.It
’s
goingtobefun.Let
’sgobaby
…”

“
Iwantt
ocomewi
thdaddyt
oo.
”

Thabi
lookedatAt
ang.

“
Didy
out
ell
them?
”

At
angcl
osedt
hecardoorandpul
l
edhert
othesi
de.

“Canyounotdot
hist
othekids?It
’st
oosoon.Theyar
etr
yingt
o
acceptt
hatwear
enolongertoget
her.
”
“
Whatam Idoi
ngt ot
hem?Idi
dn’
tdoany
thi
ng.That
’sPul
e.My
f
ri
end.Whatam Idoi
ng?
”

At
anglookedatPulet
henather
.“Agangt
oldme.Don’
tyout
hink
i
t’
stoosoonfortheki
ds?
”

“Youdidn’
tthi
nkofLomowhenyouwer
eri
dingy
ourgirl
fr
iend
withoutacondom.Batangi
sagr
ownman,hewi
llunder
stand.
Puleisonl
yaf r
iend.
”

“
Soy
ouki
ssy
ourf
ri
endsnow?
”

“
Samewayy
ouki
ssy
ourcousi
ns.Atl
easthei
snotmyr
elat
ive.
”

At
angsmi
l
edsadl
y.“
Younev
erf
orgav
emef
orPear
l,di
dyou?
”

“
Atang-
“

“
No.I
fyouresentedmedeepdowni nyourheart
,whydidyoutake
meback?Orwher eyouwai
ti
ngfortheri
ght
fuloppor
tuni
tytohurt
meback?Becausethatwasyourpl
an.”

“
Idon’
that
eyou.
”

“Youdo.Deepdowny ouknowy ouhatemef orhurti

ngy ou.Deep
downy ouknowy ouhatemef orourdaughter.That’
swhyi t’
seasy
foryounottocallmeory ourdaughter
.Youhat eme.Whydi dy ou
agreetotakemebacki fyoudidn’tl
oveme?IknowIwas
persist
entbutyoucouldhavereject
edmeal lthoseti
mes.Iwas
goingtogiveupattheend.Youdi dn’
thavetolieunderneathme
whileyouhatedme.”

“Idi
dn’
thatey
ou.Ilov
edyou.Al
lthatwasneededwaspatience.
Youfai
ledati
t.Pul
eisonl
yafri
end.Lomowillgetusedt
ohim.
Batangunderstandswhat’sgoingon.YouandIar edone.WhoI
am friendswit
horwhoIki ssisnoty ourbusiness.Tel
lyour
brothertokeephisdi
stance.Idon’tappreciat
ewhathedi dlast
ni
ght .Whycan’thepunchy ouforsleepingwiththatwoman?I
di
dn’ tcomeherefordrama.Givememyki ds.”

Helookedathershr
inki
nghisey
es.Thabit
ookadeepbr
eat
h
knowinghewasgoingtocauseascene.

“
Doyouthi
nkit’
sfai
rtomov
eonwi
tht
hesameguyy
out
oldme
y
ouwerefr
iendswit
h?”

“
Yes.
”

Hetookadeepbr
eathasablockpai
nful
l
ysatonhi
sthr
oat
.She
l
ookedathi
m wai
ti
ngfori
t.

“Il
oveyou.Idon’tknowwhatel
setosay.Kefelet
swe.Ilov
ey ou
somuch.”Her ubbedhist
earf
uley
es.“Butifi
t’
shimy ouwant,i
t’
s
ok.Iwon’
tmakey ourl
i
feali
vi
nghell
.Ifai
l
edt ocher
ishyou.”

Atangt
urnedandwal
kedbackt
ohi
scar
.Heopenedt
hedoorf
or
Lomo.

“Princess…It ol
dyouthatmamaandIar enol ongerboyfri
endand
girl
fri
endr i
ght?Meaningmeandmamacan’ talwaysbet ogether
l
ikeweusedt obetogether
.ButIwill
stil
lbeyourdadandmama
willsti
llbeyourmom.Webot hl
oveyout hesameway .BatangI
knowy ouareangry.Iknowy ouaredisappoi
nted.Icouldhav e
beenbet t
er,coul
dhavedonebet t
erorIshouldhav enevermade
thedeci si
onsImade.ButIam human.Imessupsomet imes.But
Ilearn.Iwill
learnandbebetternextti
me.Yoursi st
erishereto
spendti
mewi
thy
ouandLomo.Pleasegowi
thher
.Iam goi
ngt
o
Gabs.Wewi
ll
meett
her
e.Lomo,Iwil
lmeety
ouathome.”

Heki
ssedhi
sdaught
er’
sfor
eheadandhuggedher
.Shesni
ff
ed.

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Heletgoandputherdown.Thabi
hel
dherhand.Bat
angal
so
st
eppedoutofthecar.At
angbumpedfi
stswi
thhim.

“Beni
cetohim.She’
syoursi
ster
’sf
ri
end.Idon’
twanthert
hinki
ng
Iam i
nfl
uenci
ngyou.
”

Bat
angnodded.At
angl
ookedatThabi
.

“
Tel
lmewheny
ouar
ebr
ingi
ngt
hem.Hav
efun.
”

Hegotinhiscaranddrov
eoff.Thabiwatchedashewentaway
wi
thoutevenatt
emptingtof
ightforher
.Sheturnedaway
di
sappoi
nted.

“
Let
sgo.
”

Shel
edt
hem t
othecar
.Pul
esmi
l
ed.

“
Hi…”

Bat
anggl
aredathi
mthenl
ookedaway
.Thabi
openedt
hedoorf
or
Lomo.

“
Geti
n.”

“
Iwantdaddy
.”

“
Lel
omo,
youhear
dyourf
atheraker
e?Geti
nthecar
.”
“
Iwantust
obeaf
ami
l
y.Ij
ustwantt
ohav
eanor
mal
fami
l
y.”

“
Wellthati
snotgoi
ngtohappen.Yourf
atherandIar
enoti
na
r
elat
ionshi
panymor
e.”

Tear
srol
l
eddownLomo’
sey
es“
Whydoy
ouhat
eussomuch?
”

“
Whosai
dIhat
eyou?
”

“Ihear
dyoutheotherdayont
hephonewi
thdaddy
.Yousai
dyou
didn’
twantme.”

Thabi
swal
l
owed.“
Yourf
athermadey
oul
i
stent
othat
?”

“
Iov
erhear
dyou.Iknowy
ouhat
eus.Idon’
twantt
ogowi
thy
ou.
”

“
Idon’
that
eyou.Il
ovey
ou.Lomopl
ease…”

Pul
esmi
l
ed.“
Lomo-
“

“
Don’
ttal
ktome,
Idon’
tli
key
ou!
”

Thabi
angr
il
ysmi
rkedherf
ace.“
Stopi
t!Geti
nthecar
!Now!
”

Lomotur
nedtoBat
anginshock.Sheslowl
ycur
vedherl
i
pscr
ying.
Bat
angopenedt
hecardoorandhelpedheri
nsi
de.

“
It
’sok.Don’
tcr
y.”

“
Iwantmydad.
”

“Af
terthi
s,shei
sgoi
ngbackandy
ouwi
l
lgobackt
oyourdad.
Don’tt
alkorshewi
ll
beaty
ou.”

Thabi
lookedatherhandshaki
ng.Bat
angcl
osedt
hedoorand
l
ookedather.
“MaybeIt oowouldn’tst aywi t
hawomanwhodon’ tlov emeas
muchasIl oveher.Who’ snotcommi tt
edandwhoi sunf orgiving
butpretendst obe.Het oldmeev erything.Andy es,hewaswr ong
tohavecheat edony out hefir
stt i
mebutt hesecondt imenotso
much…y out oldsomeonewho’ sbeenchasi ngyou,tr y
ingt olov e
youfory ear stofi
ndsomeoneel se.Youhadnohopef orthe
rel
ati
onshi p.Yousai dt hat.Hedi dn’tcheatony ou,foritt obe
cheat
ingheshoul dhav ebeeni nar elationshi
pbuthewasnot .He
wasallal one.Lomoi sr i
ght.Youhat ethem.Iwonderwhyy ou
eventrytobegi nwit
h.Ihopehemakesy ougood.St opbeat ing
herbecausey ouwanthert oli
key ournewboy fr
iend.Idon’ tlike
himtoo.Youcan’ tforceust olikehi m.Iam goi ngtocat chabus
toMaun.Iam notgoi ngwi t
hy ou.Iam goi ngtoseeNt atemogol o
thengobackt oGabor one. ”

“
Youdon’
tunder
stand-
“

“
NoIdounder
stand.Iunder
standper
fect
ly.Behappy
.By
e.”

Heturnedandwal
kedaway
.Tear
sfi
l
ledThabi
’
sey
es.Pul
e
huggedher.

“
It
’sok.
”

“
Ican’
tbel
i
eveIbeatmydaught
er.
”

“
Apol
ogi
ze.Bat
angi
sri
ght
.Youcan’
tfor
cet
hem t
oli
keme.
”

Shesni
ff
edcr
ying.Theyf
inal
l
ygoti
nthecar
.Thabi
tur
nedt
o
Lomo.

“
Iam sor
ryf
orhi
tt
ingy
ou.
”
Sheremainedqui
etlooki
ngoutt
hrought
hewi
ndow.Thabi
sighed
thentur
nedahead.

Pul
est
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveaway
.

*
**

Att
heChober i
ver
,Thabi
smi
l
edget
ti
ngint
hespeedboat
.She
smi
ledhel
pingLomowhohadal
ongfacei
nandsmil
ed.

“
Youar
egoi
ngt
olov
eitLomo.
”

“
CanIgohomeaf
terwear
efi
nishedt
heny
oucangoback?
”

“Wearegoi
ngtospendti
met
oget
herLomo.Wor
kony
our
att
it
udeandst
opsulki
ng.
”

Lomosatdownandf
oldedherar
ms,
airi
nherchubbycheeks.
Pul
esmil
ed.

“
Letherbe.I
t’
sok.She’
sachi
l
d.”

Thabi
sighed.“
Idon’
tknowhowt
ohandl
eher
….”

“
Itwi
l
ltaket
ime…t
akei
teasywi
thher
.”

Pul
estart
edtheboat
.Thabi
wat
chedashest
ruggl
edt
omaneuv
er
i
tfur
theri
ntothewat
er.

“
Youknowhowt
osai
l
?”

“
Yes,
it’
sbeenawhi
l
e.”
Sheslowlysatdownandwat chedast heboatmov ed.Shecaught
hersel
frecal
l
ingtheti
meAt anghadt akenthem foraboatr i
dein
Shakawe.Hehadbeeni ncontroltheenti
reti
me.Pulel ookedat
herashesailedtheboat
.Hepi ckedupspeed, Thabismiledthen
l
ookedatLomowhowasnowsmi l
ingholdi
ngonwhi lestari
ngat
thewater.

Thabi
lookedatPul
esmi
l
ing.“
CanIt
ryt
oo?
”

“
Come.
”

Shest oodupandwal kedov erthenheldthewheel excitedly.She

tookashar pt
urnlaughing,Lomol ostherbal anceslidingt othe
side.Herheartpounded, sheslowlygotupt owal kov ertoher
mot her.Losti
nexci t
ement ,Thabitur
nedt hewheel maki ngahuge
splash.Lomoscr eamedf all
ingonherside, herheadhi t
tingthe
corneroft hespeedboatt henfelli
ntothewat er
.

Ar
ewest
il
lawakef
oranot
herone?
Your
sTr
uly

#89

Thabi
laughedandl
ookedatPul
e.

“
Ilov
ethi
s.”

Hehuggedherf
rom behi
nd.“
Ther
e’st
hist
ri
ckknow.
”

Heincreasedt
hespeedgoingdowntheri
verwit
hherst
andingin
fr
ontwhileshesmil
ed.Minut
eslat
ershel
aughedasPul
efinished
showingherhisol
dtri
ck.

Hequi
ckl
yst
oleaki
ss.“
Youar
eanat
ural
.”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Sheturnedsmi
li
ng,hersmil
eslowl
ydissol
ved,
feartr
ickl
i
ngdown
herspi
ne.Herhear
tskippedasshel
ookedatthebloodonthe
boat.

“
Lomo!
”

Shel
etgooft
hewheel
.Pul
esl
owl
yst
oppedt
heboat
.

“
Lomo!
”

Thabi
lookedi
nthewat
erscr
eami
ng.“
Lomo!
”

Pul
elookedatt
hewat
ert
oo.“
Fuck!It
hinkshef
ell
int
hewat
er.
”

Thabi
shookherheadpani
cki
ng.“
No…Lomo!
”

“
Lel
omo!
”
Pul
equi
ckl
ytookouthi
sphone.“
Letmecal
lhel
p…”

“
Ther
eisbl
ood.She’
sint
hewat
er…she…Lomo!
”

Thabil
ookedar
oundt
henst
art
edt
aki
ngof
fhershoesasher
hear
tpounded.

“
Ther
ear
epr
edat
orsi
nthewat
er.
”

“
Mydaught
eri
sint
hewat
er!
”

“Youdon’tknowwher
eshef
ell
int
hewat
er.Iam cal
l
ingf
orhel
p.
Babeli
sten-“

“
Mydaught
eri
sint
hewat
er!She’
sint
hewat
er!
”

“
Thabi
-“

Shepushedhim ashetouchedher.“
Mydaught
erisdy
ing!She’
s
drowni
ng!Iam notwai
tingfornogoddamnhel
p!”

“
Ther
ear
ecr
ocodi
l
esi
nthewat
erRet
habi
l
e.”

“
Andshei
nsi
de!Shei
sinsi
dewi
tht
hecr
ocodi
l
es!
”

Shejumpedi ninsidewit
houtthinkingtwice.Thecoldwaterhad
herinst
antl
yfreezingasbodyt empor ar
il
ygotpar al
ysed.She
swam aroundgoi ngdownt hewat erwhil
el ooki
ngaround.She
swam evenmor efurt
herbuttheunclearwat ermadeitdiff
icul
tto
see.Sheswam upandcoughedgaspi ng.

Pul
elookedatherst
il
li
nt heboat.“
Helpi
scoming.Ther
ear
e
cr
ocodil
esint
hewater..
letpr
ofessi
onal
slookf
orher.
”

Thabi di
ppedunderthewateragainsti
l
lsear
chi
ngforthepi
nk
dress.Shewentfurt
herdowni nt
ot hewat
erfi
ght
ingtosee.
Somet hi
ngtouchedherlegs,shet
urned,herheartbeati
ngway
fast
er .Sheopenedhermout handswal l
owedt hewat er
.She
panickedevenmor etryi
ngt oswim upbutthewat erfel
tmore
heaviertoswimt hr
ough.Shepushedherbodyup, fearandpani
c
exhaust i
ngher.

Handstouchedherthenhel
pedherupassheslowl
ylost
consci
ousness.Pul
eswall
owedastherescueguar
dswam up
wit
hThabi.

“
Isawcr
ocodi
l
eandi
t’
scomi
ng.Hel
pus.
”

Therescueboatgotclosert
henhel
pedbothofthem i
nsi
de.The
manlookedatThabithenstart
eddoi
ngchestcompressi
onswhil
e
Pul
ewat chedfr
om hisboat.

“
Issheok?Iam adoct
or,
Icanhel
p.”

Ther escuet
eam gotcl
osert
ohisboatandt
hemanwhohad
rescuedThabipi
ckedherupandjumpedtoPul
e’
sboat
.

“
Let
’sgo!Sheneedshel
p.Mycol
l
eagueswil
lcont
inuesear
chi
ng
f
ort
hechild.Whatdr
essdi
dyousayshehadonagain?”

Pul
elookedatt
hem t
ryi
ngt
oremember
.“Uh…r
ed.Or
ange.
”

“
Ok.
”

Themanconti
nueddoi
ngchestcompr
essi
onsasPul
espedof
f
headedt
othedork.

Thabigaspedthencoughedoutwater
.Shecont
inuedcoughi
ng
outthewaterjustasPul
epull
edtheboatt
oastop.Theman
pi
ckedThabi andgotoutwit
hher.Hehurr
iedwi
thhertooneof
t
heambul
ancest
hatwasal
readyonst
andby
.

Thabi
openedherey
esandl
ookedathi
m.

“
Mydaught
er!Mydaught
er!
”Shescr
eamed.“
Mydaught
er.
”

Themanputheront
hest
ret
cheri
nfr
ontoft
heambul
anceand
hel
dherdown.

“Myteam i
sint
hewaterl
ooki
ngforher
.Ineedy
outocalm
down…wewi l
lfi
ndher
.Wewon’tstopl
ooki
ngti
llwef
indher
.”

Tear
srol
leddownhercheeks.“Iwantmydaughter
.Takemeback!
Somethi
ngtouchedmyl egint
hewater.I
t’
sinthewat
erandshe
i
sinsi
dethewater.Ineedtogetmydaughter
.”

Pulestoodbyandheldherhand.“Babelett
hem dothei
rjob.
Theywi l
lfi
ndher
.Theambulanceisalr
eadyher
et ogethertothe
hospi
talassoonastheygetherout.
”

Thabishookherheadcr
ying.“
Somet
hingi
sint
hewat
er!I
t’
sgoi
ng
toatt
ackher.

Themanheldherhand.“
Iam goi
ngback.Wewi
llf
indherI
promi
se.MynameisTeko..what
’sy
ourname?”

“
Ret
habi
l
e.”

“OkThabi l
e.Youarer i
ght.Thereissomethinginthewat er.There
areal otoft hi
ngsinthewat er
.Ican’
tnamet hem all
.It
’swat er
afterall.Iwanttogety ouy ourdaught
erbutIcannotdot hatify
ou
wantt ogobacki ntherebecausemyconcer nwon’tbey our
daught eronly.Iwanthert ohav emyful
latt
ention.Iwantt olook
forher…l etmedot hatandwai tformehere.Iam goingt odo
ev
ery
thi
ngIcant
ogety
ouy
ourdaught
er.
”

Thabinoddedcry
ing.Tekowal
kedbackt
othespeedboatand
spedbacktohisteam.

Pul
elookedatThabi
.“Theyar
egoi
ngt
ofi
ndher
.”

Shegotoffthestretcherastearsr
oll
eddown.“Shemi ghtdi
e…I
wasn’
tlooki
ng.Ishoul dhavebeenlooki
ngafterher
.May beifshe
hadonal i
fejacket.Idi
dn’tevenbot
hergiv
ingheralif
ejacket.
HowcouldIbesocar eless.
”

“
Youj
ustwant
edt
ofor
gety
ourst
resses.Theywi
l
lfi
ndher
.”

“She’
sbeeni nthereformaybemorethantwentyminutesnow..
sheswal l
owedal otofwatert
henstoppedbreat
hing.Herhear
t
stopped.She-“

“
Don’
tthi
nkabouti
t.Shei
sfi
ne.She’
sfi
ne.
”

Hehuggedherasshecr
iedscar
ed.Herphoner
angi
nhi
spocket
,
het
ookitoutandl
ookedat‘
Husbae’cal
l
ing.

“
He’
scal
l
ing.
”

Thabi
lookedatherphone,
herhear
tbeat
ingev
enmor
e.

“
Hei
sgoi
ngt
obesoangr
y.”

“
Don’
ttel
lhi
mthen.Atl
eastt
il
lshe’
sfound.
”

“
Heknowspeopl
e.May
bet
hencanhel
p.Theycanhel
plooki
ng.
”

Shegr
abbedt
hephoneandpi
cked.

“
Atang…”
“Hi.Isentyoual i
stofherall
ergi
esincasey ouforgot
.Youwanted
totakeherf oraboatri
de,it
’sabitcloudy.Shehassinusesand
thewi ndcanmaket hem start
.Pleasejustbewithher.Shef
orgot
herpresentf ory
ouinthecar.CanIt al
ktoher?”

Thabi
swal
l
owedshaki
ng.“
Somet
hinghappened.
”

“
What
?”

“Pulegotusaspeedboat.Wewer eri
dingi
ntheChoberiver
.I
thoughtIwoul
djusttakethewheelf
oracoupleofseconds.When
Iturnedshewasn’
tthere.
”

“
Whatdoy
oumeanshewasn’
tther
e?”

“
Shef
ell
int
othewat
er.
”

“
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?”

“
Shef
ell
int
hewat
er.
”

“
Howwhensomeonewaswi
thher
?Di
dhepushmydaught
er?
”

“
No.Pul
ewashol
dingt
hewheel
wit
hme.Shewasseat
edal
one.
”

“
Shewasal
one?Whatdoy
oumeanshewasal
one?
!”

“
Iwasj
ustgoi
ngt
otakeacoupl
eofsecondst
hen-
”

“
Butshei
sonl
y8!
”

“
Imadeami
stake…Idi
dn’
tthi
nkshewoul
dfal
l
.”

“Sheisei
ghty
ear
sold.Whywoul
dleav
eheral
one?I
nherspeed
boat?She’
sachi
l
d.”

Thabi
putherhandov
erhermout
hcr
ying.“
Itwasami
stake…”
“
Letmetal
ktoher.Ihopeyouar
est
il
lnoti
nthewat
er.Letmet
alk
t
oher.Wher
eisBatang?”

“
Her
efusedt
ocomewi
th.
”

“
Letmet
alkt
omydaught
er.I
ssheok?
”

Thabi
pressedherl
i
pst
oget
hercr
ying.

“
Ret
habi
l
e,gi
vehert
hephone.Iwantt
ospeakwi
thher
.”

“Ij
umpedintol
ookbutIcoul
dn’
tfi
ndher
.Ther
escuet
eam i
sst
il
l
searchi
ng.
”

Hi
svoicegotfaint
.“Thabi
…babepleasest
oppl
ayi
ngl
i
ket
his.
Pl
easestop.Letmespeakt oher
.”

Shest
art
edcr
ying.“
Theyar
elooki
ngf
orher
.”

“Thabipl
ease…pleasest
op.Comeonbabe…whendidwest art
putt
ingki
dsintoourfi
ghts?Letmespeakt
omydaught
er.Thisis
notfunny.
”

“
Theysai
dtheyar
egoi
ngt
ofi
ndher
.”

“
Ret
habi
l
e…wher
eismydaught
er?
”

“
Theyar
elooki
ngf
orher
…hesai
dtheywi
l
lfi
ndher
.Iam sor
ry.
”

*
**

Atangtookashar
pU-
tur
nspeedi
ngback.Thabi
cri
edt
hrought
he
car’
sspeaker
s.
“
Theyar
elooki
ngf
orher
…”

Hehungupandst
eppedont
heaccel
erat
orspeedi
ng.Hi
sphone
r
angagai
n.

“
Agang…”

“
Iam i
nGabor
one.Iam goi
ng.Iwi
l
lbebacki
naweek.
”

“ThabitookLomoi nthemorni
ngwithherboyf
ri
endandnow
she’stel
li
ngmet heywentforaboatri
deandLomof elli
nthe
water.Theycan’
tfindher
…”Heswal l
owed,hi
sheartraci
ng.“
My
daughterisst
il
li
nt hewater
…”

“
Fuck!
”

“Shewasseat
edaloneintheboatwhi
let
heyhadfun.Iknowhow
shegetswhenexci
ted.Shefor
getsev
ery
thi
ng.I
t’
sonlybeenan
hour…”

“
Shoul
dIcomeback?Iam comi
ngback.
”

“Iwil
lneverf
orgi
v eheri
fshedi
dsomet
hingt
omydaught
er.Iwi
l
l
kil
lher.Iwi
ll
kil
lthem bot
h.”

*
**

I
nGabor
one,
Kel
lyf
oldedherarmsasAgangspokeont
hephone.
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
landlookedather
.

“
Lomoi
smi
ssi
ng.Shef
ell
int
hewat
eri
naspeedboati
nKasane.
”
“
Ok.So?
”

“
Atangi
sal
one-
“

Herbignosefl
aredasshookherhead.“Youar
enotgoi
ngback
Agang.Yourbr
otherwi
llsor
titoutal
one.”

“
Kel
l
y-“

“No.Youar enotgoingbackAgang.Wear egoingforour

honeymoon.Youar enotgoingtorui
nitbecauseofawomanwho
probablykil
ledherownchildtofocusonherdegr ee.Howdoesa
chil
dfallinthewaterwhil
eundersuper v
isi
on?Lewenacan’ tyou
j
ustseei t’
saf i
shystor
y.Onlyacoupleofhour safterAtanggives
herthechi l
dshedoesn’tcareaboutthenthatchi
ldi snowmi ssing.
Itdoesn’tmakesense.”

Aganglookedather.“Mybrot
herneedsme.Iam notgoingto
enj
oymy sel
fwhilehisdaught
erismissi
ng,pr
obablydead.Thi
sis
notaboutThabi
le.I
t’
saboutLelomo,myniece.Iam goi
ngback.”

*
**

At
angpar
kedthemodi
fi
edFordRangerwi
thbigwheel
sand
wal
kedov
ertowher
eThabiwasstandi
ngwit
hherboyfr
iend.

“
Wher
eisshe?
”

Thabil
ookedathi
m sti
llcr
ying.“
Onemomentshewasther
eand
theot
hershewasn’t
.Ihadbeenwi t
hhert
heenti
ret
ime.
”
Ther
escuet
eam wal
kedov
er.Thabi
rushedov
er

“
Wher
eisshe?
”

“Wehav ebeenlookingforanhournowandwecan’ tseem tof i

nd
her.Wehaveaskedf orhel
ptosearchf orherbutatthisstage,we
arelooki
ngforthebody .She’
sdeadi fshe’ssti
lli
nthewat er.
Chancesofalsofindingherbodyar eslim becausethereare
crocodil
esi
nthewat ermeaningtheycoul dhav eeatenherbynow.
Iam sosorry.
”

Thabi
shookherheadcr
ying.“
No…no…pl
easemo.
.“

Tekosighed.“
Iam sor
ry.May
beifshehadonal
i
fejacket
,
l
ocati
ngherwouldhavebeeneasybutnowwearel
ookingfora
reddr
ess-“

“
Pink!I
t’
sPi
nk.Api
nkdr
ess.PI
NK!
”

“Yourboyf
riendissai
dredororangebutitdoesn’
tmat
ter.Weare
goingtokeepsearchi
ngfort
hebody .Andwear enowinv
olvi
ng
thepoli
cemaki ngi
tapoli
cecase.There’
sadeadpersoninvol
ved
now.”

Atangsl owlyl ookedatherf eeli

ngweak.“Thabil
ewhathappened
tomydaught er?Thereisnowayachi l
dcanjustdisappearli
ke
that.Idon’tbel i
evethat.Idon’tbeli
eveyouwouldgeti nthewater
withherwi thoutherhav ingal i
fejacketonbecausey ouknow
she’snotagoodswi mmer .She’sscaredofwater
.Ther eisnoway
youwoul dleav eherunattended.”Tearsfi
ll
edhisey es.“
Thereis
nowayy ouwoul ddot hatbabe.Comeon…cal loffthisj
oke.
Wher eismychi l
d?”
Your
sTr
uly

#90

At
angt
ear
ful
l
ylookedatherbeggi
ngherwi
thhi
sey
es.

“
Comeonbabe…”

“I…Ihadbeenwit
hher.Ij
ustl
ookedawayf orasecond.
.she’
sin
ther
e.”Shel
ookedatTeko.“
Sheisinther
e…she’snotabody…
she’si
nthewater
.Weneedt ogether
.”

Shet
ri
edt
owal
ktot
hewat
erbutTekopul
l
edherback.

“
Thabi
l
e…”

Atangshookhi
shead.“
Stopcr
yingandt
ell
mewher
emy
daught
eris!
”

Pul
elookedathi
m.“
Stopshout
ingather
,she’
s-“

Atangangr
il
ypunchedhi
m sohar
dthathef
ell
thencr
ushedhi
s
ball
swit
hhisshoe.

“
Obual
emangomar
ete!(
Whot
hef
*ckar
eyout
alki
ngt
o?)

Pul
egr
oanedatt
hepai
n.TekopushedAt
angback.

“
Atang…-
“

“
TK,Iwantmydaught
er.Bathobabat
samekelamogonna!
(
Thesepeopl
earepl
ayi
ng.)Iwantmydaught
er!
”

Thabi
cri
edmor
e.At
angbr
eat
hedheav
il
y.
“
Wat
hodi
a!(
Youar
emaki
ngnoi
se!
)Wher
eismydaught
er?
”

TekopushedAt
angback.“
Atang-
“

“Iwantmydaught
er!Takemewhereshef
ell
.Let
’sgoback.Le
enewamareteoate..
letsi
l
egonnel
amgwanake.”

Theywalkedbacktotheboatandj
umpedi
n.Thabi
putherhand
overhermouthcry
ing.

Theywentbackt
owher et
heotherr
escuet
eam wasst
il
l
sear
chi
ng.Thabi
lookedar
ound.

“
Itwassomewher
eher
e…”

Atangl
ookedather
.“Somewher
eher
e?Poi
ntusexact
lywher
e
shefel
l
!”

“
Iam notsur
e.I
t’
ssomewher
eher
e.”

“
Yiudon’
tev
enknowwher
eshef
ell
!Whatki
ndofofamot
herar
e
y
ou?”

At
anglookedatPul
ewhowasseat
edgr
unt
ingi
npai
n.Tekost
ood
i
nfrontofAt
ang.

“
Atang…t
hegoal
isf
indi
ngy
ourgi
rlr
ight
?Ri
ght
?Notf
ight
ing.
”

“Shedoesn’tev
enknowwheremychil
dfel
l
!”Atangputhi
shands
i
nhi sheadastear
sfi
ll
edhi
seyes.“
Youcan’
ttell
met hat
Rethabi
le!
”

Shecr
iedev
enmor
e.“
Itwasher
e..
.itwasher
e…”

At
angt
ookof
fhi
sshoes.Tekopushedhi
m back.
“Youar
enotgoi
ngi
nthewat
er.Ther
e’sacr
ocodi
l
eher
e.I
t’
sal
ert
.
Letmyteam-
“

“Foraf
ullf
uckenhoury
oudi
dn’
tfi
ndher
!Iam get
ti
ngmy
daught
er.
”

“
Atang,
li
stent
ome…bynowwear
ejustl
ooki
ngf
orabody
.”

Atearrol
leddownhi
scheek.“
Stopr
efer
ri
ngt
omydaught
erasa
bodythemonnaTK…”

“
That
’st
her
eal
i
ty!She’
sdead!
”

At
angshookhi
sheadt
henj
umpedi
nthewat
er.TKcur
sed.

“
Fuck!
”

*
**

InGabor
one,avandr
oppedKell
yatAgang’
shouse.Thecabguy
hel
pedherwit
hherbagsinsi
dethehousewhi
l
eshespoketoher
cousi
nonthephone.

“Hegoti
naf
li
ghttoMaun.Ahhmmannay aanongIdon’
tknow.
Koor
ewehadalr
eadycheckedi
ntof
lyoutthenhej
usttookoff
.”

“
Idon’
tunder
stand.War
ewhathappened?
”

“Atang’
sbabymamaki ll
edthei
rdaughter
.Ther
eisnoot
her
explanat
iont
othisbecauseshegotthatchi
ldt
odayt
henal
lofa
suddenshefell
inthewaterandshe’
smi ssi
ng.
”
“
Wai
t…eng?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Waaka!(
Youar
ely
ing!
)”

“Iam t
ell
i
ngy ou.YaanongAganghasranov
ertothem l
ikehe
usual
lydoes.Onewoul dsweart
hiswomanishi
sgirl
fr
iend.
”

“
Aowmma,
hisni
ecei
smi
ssi
ng.
”

“I
tsnotaboutt
henieceonl
y.I
t’
showheal waysj
umptohelpher
.
I
t’
snotfair
.Idon’
tevenunder
stand,
it’
sli
keshehasahol
donhim
orsomethi
ng.”

“
Ij
o…Idon’
tknowwai
tse.
”

“
Shef eel
sit
’soktocallhi
m atmi dni
ghtknowingv er
ywellhe’
sa
marr
iedwoman.It’
sl i
keshethinksbecauseshei sAtang’
sbaby
mama, ever
yonearoundhim shouldbowt oher.Ihopeshegoes
t
ojai
l.”

“Ican’
tbel
i
evethi
s.Iam dr
ivi
nghome,
letmecal
lyoubackas
soonasIarri
ve.
”

“
Ok.
”

Kel
l
yhungupt
hencal
l
edAgang.

“
Thi
sisaf
reeannouncementf
rom-
“

Shehungupt
hensatdownhol
dinghert
ears.Shesni
ff
ed
swi
tchi
ngont
heTVandwaitedforhi
scall
.
*
**

Zazamoanedsoft
lyasherhusbandgaveherthelastst
rokeand
st
il
ledf
il
li
ngherwi
thhisinf
ert
il
eseeds.Heslowlygotoffherand
ki
ssedher.

Zazasmi
l
ed.“
Thatwasamazi
ng.
”

Thusosmi
l
ed.“
Yeah…doy
ouwantsomet
hingt
odr
ink?
”

Shenodded.Heputonhi spantsashisdickshr unkget ti

ng
small
er.Hewal kedoutthenshesighedput tingherhandbet ween
herpussylips.Sherubbedhercli
tknowingsheonl yhadami nut
e
ti
l
lhewal kedbackin.Shelaiddownimagi ningat hi
ckl ong
weaponfill
inghercanal,st
ret
chingherwallsbey ond..shebither
l
ipgoingfasterimagini
ngthosedeepfastt hrusts.

GodAgang…shesqueezedherbr eastst
uckinherwil
dthoughts,
thatdickgoinginandoutwhi l
ehemer ci
lessl
yfucksher
.Herlegs
start
edshaki ng,
sheletoutaslightmoanput ti
ngherthi
ghs
togetherspasming.Shesighedt hentookoffherhandbreat
hing
heavil
y.

Thusowal
kedbacki
nhol
dinghi
sgl
ass.

“
Ther
e…”

Shesmi
l
edt
aki
nghergl
ass.“
Didy
out
hinkaboutwhatIt
oldy
ou?
”

Thusosighed.“Iam happywit
houtkidsbabe.TotaIdon’
tsee
myselfr
aisingachil
dt hati
snotmine.Idon’
twantust obri
ng
homeat otalst
rangerandsaywear erai
singhim orher
.Can’twe
j
ustst
ayl
i
ket
his?
”

“Iwantachild.Iam lonel
y.Andsheorhedon’ twon’
tbetotal
str
angerifwebot hloveher.Comeon…Idon’ twanttohavemy
ownkidsbecauseIknowheorshewi llprobablydi
eofcancer
.
Youcan’thav eki
ds,Iam goodwitht
hat.Butwecanadopt …I
wantachi l
d.Iwantust ohaveachil
d.Please..
”

“Iam notcomf
ort
ablewit
hthei
dea.Gapeachil
disalotofwork,
toomuchexpenses.Andwearehappy.Canwenotr
uinitwit
ha
chil
d?”

Zazasi
ghedt
hendr
ankherj
uicedef
eat
ed.“
Letmecal
lThabi
…”

Shegotoffbedthenputonherdr
essandwal
kedoutoft
he
bedr
oom dial
inghercousi
n.

“
Hel
l
o?”

Zazaf
rownedl
i
steni
ngt
ohercousi
nsbr
eaki
ngv
oice.

“
Thabi
…”

“
Lomoi smissing.Wewer
eint
hespeedboat
,shef
ell
andshe’
s
missi
ng.Iam scared.
”

“
Thabi
.
.whatar
eyousay
ing?
”

“
Wecan’
tfi
ndher
.”

“
Thabi
l
e..Idon’
tunder
stand…”

Thabi
star
tedcr
yingont
hephone.

Zazaf
eltherkneesget
ti
ngcol
d,shel
eanedagai
nstt
hewal
l
.
“
Thabi
…whatdoy
oumean?
”

“
Shef
ell
int
hewat
erandwecan’
tfi
ndher
…”

“
OhmyGod…”

*
**

I
nKasane,At
angswam backt
otheboatandcl
i
mbedi
n,hi
sbody
f
reezi
ng.

Hel
ookedatThabi
whowasst
il
lcr
ying.Tekosi
ghedr
eli
eved.

“Wearegoingt
otakealookfur
therdownt
hereal
ongther
iver
.If
anyt
hing,
weshouldbeablet
ogetsomethi
ng.Maybesomethi
ng
shehadon.”

“
TK!
”

Oneofther
escueguar
dsi
ntheot
herboatshout
ed.“
Wegot
somet
hing!
”

Thabil
ookedov
er,
herhear
traci
ng.TKsway
edt
heboatgoi
ng
over
.

“
What
?”

Atangl
ookedast
heyshowedt
hem awetpi
nksneaker
.Hesl
owl
y
satdown.

“
That
’sher
s…”

TKsi
ghed.“
Iam sor
ryAt
ang.Iam cal
l
ingt
hepol
i
ce.Wecan
assumeshehasbeeneat
en.Fuck…”

Thabi
shookherheaddr
oppi
ngt
oherknees.“
No!No!Lomo!
”

At
angputhi
shandsonhi
sfacecr
yingsi
l
ent
ly.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#91

Tekosi
ghedsadl
ythenwentbackt
othedor
k.Thabi
shookher
headcr
ying.

“
She’
sinsi
de…wecan’
tleav
eher
.Wecan’
tleav
eher
!Lomo!
”

Tekohel
dher
.“Thabi
l
e,i
t’
stool
atenow.
”

Sheshookherhead.“
No…i
t’
snot
.Wecannotl
eav
eher
…go
back!
”

Pul
eswal
l
owedasshecr
iedhy
ster
ical
l
y.

“Goback.Wecan’
tleav
eher
…wecan’
tleav
eher
.Wecan’
t!
Lomo!”

Tekohel
dherti
ght
lyst
oppi
ngherf
rom j
umpi
ngi
nthewat
er.She
pushedof
fhi
shand.

“
Lomo!Lel
omo!
”

Tekost
oppedt
heboat
.Thabi
lookedatt
hewat
er.

“
Wecan’
tleav
eher
…pl
easewecan’
tleav
eher
.”Shewal
kedov
er
t
oAt
ang.

“Att
ie…t
ell
him.She’
sint
hewat
er…wecan’
tleav
eher
…pl
easet
ell
him.”

Helookedather.Somehowhesti
llhopeditwasonebadjoke.
Shekneltbef
orehim.“
Please…t
alktohim.She’
sinsi
de.
.wecan’t
l
eav
eher
.”

Helookedi
nhereyesasshecr
iedthenhegotuppi
cki
ngherup
andgotoutoft
heboatwit
hher.Shescr
eamedcryi
ng.

“
No!Iam notl
eav
ingher
!”

Hepl
acedherdown.“
Thabi
-“

“
Att
ti
e…pl
ease….
”Shecuppedhi
sface.“
Please…”

“
Lett
hem dot
hei
rjob.
”

“Sheisal
i
ve.Weneedt
ogether
.At
angpl
ease…wecan’
tleav
e
her.
.”

Sheknel
tbef
orehi
mtouchi
nghi
slegs.“
Atangpl
ease…”

Pul
eslowl
ywalkedt
ohiscarandputhi
shandsonhisface.He
swi
tchedonhi
sphone.Hesighedashi
swif
estar
tedcall
ing.

“
Heybabe…”

“
Hi,
whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
”

“
Iam notsur
e.May
bet
omor
row.Theyst
il
lneedmet
hissi
de.
”

“
Ok…Imi
ssy
ou.
”

“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.Letmehandl
esomet
hingher
e.”

“
Ok.
”

Hehungupt henl
ookedt
hroughhisrear
viewmi
rr
orasAt
ang
huggedThabiwhowassti
llcr
ying.
*

Atangpi
ckedherupandwalkedwithhert
othecar
.Tekosi
ghed
fol
lowi
ngbehi
ndwiththei
rshoes.

“
Ihavecall
edt
hepoli
ce.Theyar
ecomi
ng.Youmi
ghtwantt
oget
y
ourstor
iesst
rai
ght
.”

At
angnodded.“
Thanks.
”

“
Wear
egoi
ngt
okeepl
ooki
ng.
”

At
angsadl
ynodded.“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Justdoi
ngmyj
ob.I
twasgoodseei
ngy
ou.
”

At
angnoddedt
henTekowal
kedaway
.Thabi
lookedathi
m.

“
Iki
l
ledmychi
l
d…”

Hesi
ghed.“
Let
swai
tfort
hepol
i
ce.
”

“
Iki
l
ledmychi
l
d….Iki
l
ledmydaught
er…”

“Whydidy
ouleaveheralone?
”Atangsi
ghed.“
Idon’
tunder
stand
Thabi
.Whywouldyouleaveheral
one?”

Sheputherhandsonherfacecry
ing.Hesatont
hegr
ound
l
eani
ngagainstthecarhopel
ess.

*
**
Zazacall
edThabi
agai
nbutshest
il
lwasn’
tpi
cki
ng.Shedi
aled
Batang.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hey
,letmespeakt
oThabi
?Hav
eyouf
oundhery
et?
”

“
Iam notwi
thThabi
.Iam onmybewayt
oMaun.Foundwho?
”

“
Oh.
.letmecal
lher
.By
e.”

Shequickl
yhungupandcall
edThabi
agai
nbutt
her
ewasno
answersti
ll
.Thusol
ookedather
.

“
Ther
ear
ecr
ocodi
l
esi
ntheChober
iver
.”

Shel
ookedathi
m.“
Don’
ttal
kli
ket
hat
.”

“
Sor
rybutchancesar
ethatshe’
sdeadandeat
en.
”

Zazat
ri
edcal
l
ingagai
nbutt
her
ewasst
il
lnoanswer
.

*
**

AtAgang’
shouse,
Kel
l
ysi
ghedt
hent
ext
edAgang.

Kell
y:Idon’tknowwhyy oumarriedmet orunafteryourbrot
her’
s
babymamal ikeaheadl
esschicken.It
hinkit’
sveryquesti
oning
onhowy ouwoul dmov emountainsforher.Iam beginni
ngto
thi
nkmay bey ouhavealway
swant edher.Iam start
ingtodoubt
ourmar r
iage.Iam r
eall
ynothappy .

Shesentt
hemessaget
hencal
l
edAt
ang.Shequi
ckl
yhungup
befor
ehecouldanswer
.Thel
astt
hingshewantedwasthem
fi
ghti
ng.Shecal
l
edAgangagai
nthesatupr
ightashi
sphonerang.

“Ij
ustsawy
ourmessage.Canwet
alkwhenIgetback?Il
ovey
ou.
Bye.”

Hehungupt
henKel
l
ytear
ful
l
ymessagedhermot
heri
n-l
aw.

*
**

At
ang’
sphoner
angi
nhi
spocket
.Hesl
owl
ytooki
toutandpi
cked.

“
Agang.
.”

“
Any
thi
ng?
”

“
Wef oundhershoe.She’
sdead.Wear
ewai
ti
ngf
ort
hepol
i
ceso
i
tcanbeanof f
ici
alsear
ch.”

“
Fuck.
.”

“
Ist
il
lcan’
tbel
i
evet
hisi
shappeni
ng.Iwaswi
thheri
nthe
mor
ning…”

“
Iam i
nMaun.Iam comi
ng.
”

“
Wher
eisKel
l
y?”

“
Wehadt
opost
pone.
.Iam comi
ng.
”

“
Ok.
”

Aganghungup.At
angputt
hephonedownwhi
l
eThabi
satst
il
li
n
thecarst
ari
ngatthewater.Sheslowl
ywentoverthosespl
ashes
shekeptmaking…herdaughterhadpr
obabl
yfall
ent her
ewhil
e
shehadfun.

Shekepthereyesatt
hewaterasifwishi
ngLomowouldjust
swim out
.Herdaught
er’
scri
esfrom earl
i
err
anginherhead.She
hadn’
twantedtocome…shehadbeenangr y.Anot
hert
earroll
ed
downhercheekasshethoughtofhowLomohadaskedherwhy
shehatedher
.

Shelookedaroundthecart
hensmi l
edst
ari
ngatt
heBar
bie
ski
ppingropebehindthedr
iver
’sseat
.

Sheslowlypickeditupandgotoutoft hecar.Shewalkedthe
opposit
edirecti
ongoingtothebushwi thslowquietst
eps.
Minuteswentbyt henthepoli
cearr
ived.AtanggotupasTeko
walkedoverwi t
hthepoli
cetalki
ngtothem brief
lyexpl
aini
ng
wheretheyhadl ookedsofar.

Thepol
i
ceof
fi
cerl
ookedatAt
ang.

“Kaisar
aJuni
or…Iam sorr
yfory
ourloss.Iam sur
eitmustbe
painful
.Sowhowaswi t
hthechi
ld.
”

Tekoanswer
ed.“
Hermot
herwas.
”

“
Ok,
wher
eisshe?
”

Atangtur
nedt
othecar
.“Shewasher
emi
nut
esback.It
hink…
Thabi!
”

Teko’
sphoner
ang.

“
Sur
e?.
..What
?..
.Ar
eyousur
e?Gat
wehowol
disshe?Ok…Iam
comi
ng.
”

Hehungupandl
ookedatAt
ang.

“Afri
endofmi nejustcal
l
ed.Hesay stwof i
shermenareatthe
hospit
al.Theybroughtachil
dwhowasdr owning.Hethi
nksit
mightbeLomo.Shef i
tsthedescr
ipt
ion.Eventhedress.
”

At
ang’
shear
tst
art
edpoundi
ngwi
thhope.“
Let
’sgo.Thabi
!”

Hel
ookedar
ound.“
Thabi
l
e!”

Hewalkedar
oundt
hecar
.“Thabi
l
e!Di
dshegobackt
othe
wat
er?
”

Tekoshookhi
shead.“
No.Someonewoul
dhav
eseenher
.”

At
angwal
kedar
ound.“
Thabi
!”

Hewalkedbacktot
hecarandl
ookedinside.Hepausedstar
ing
behi
ndhisseatt
henhel
ookedatTeko,panicinhi
seyes.

“
Lomo’
sski
ppi
ngr
opei
snother
e.”

“
Shi
t!
”

Oneofrescueguardswal
kedover
.“Isawherwal
ki
ngt
hat
di
rect
ion.It
houghtshewasgoi
ngtopee.”

At
angr
anov
ert
hedi
rect
ion.“
Thabi
!Thabi
l
e!”

Hel
ookedatt
het
all
treesl
ooki
ngf
orher
.

“
Thabi
l
e!Thabi
!”
*

Pul
est
eppedoutofhi
scarandwal
kedov
ert
oTeko.

“
What
’shappeni
ng?
”

Tekoignoredhi
ml ookingathi
scoll
eagues.“Let
’ahel
phimlook.I
don’
tthinkshe’
sfar.Sheprobabl
ylookedforthecl
osestt
ree.
”

Theyallwal
kedtowardsthebushincl
udi
ngt
hepol
i
ce.Pul
e
cl
uelessl
yfol
lowedbehindthem.

Sweatr
oll
eddownAt
ang’
sbackashescr
eamedhername.

“Thabi
!Thabile!I
fyoucanhearme…pl
easedon’
tdot hi
s.Teko
saystwofishermenfoundachil
dwhowasdrowning.It
hinkit
’s
Lomo.Thabile!”

Hetookacoupl
emoresteps.Heswal
l
owedst
ari
ngather
dangl
ingl
egsfr
om at
ree.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#92

From behi
nd, Teko’
seyesalsof
ellonThabil
e’
sdangl
inglegs.
Atangranov erjumpedonthebranchgrabbi
ngitwi
thbothhis
handsasi fhewasaboutt odopull
-ups.Hi
sextr
aweightonthe
branchbrokef r
om thet
ree.

Thabi’
sbodyfell
toget
herwithbranchasAtanglandedonhistwo
feet
.Hekneltbefor
eherlooseni
ngt her
opearoundherneck.

From herstr
uggl
edbreat
hingpat
ter
n,hecoul
dtel
lshehadonl
y
doneit.Tekosi
ghed.

“
Justi
nti
me…”

Atangtookofft
heropethr
oughherheadandpi
ckedherupas
sheslowlygai
nedconsci
ousness.

Hewalkedwithherbacktothecar
,Pul
elookedatherandsighed
sl
ight
lydi
sappoi
ntedthatshehadact
ual
lytr
iedtotakeherown
l
if
e.

“
Issheok?CanIt
akeal
ookather
?”

At
anglookedathim.“Yourfami
lywil
ltakeagoodl
ookatyou
whi
ley
oul i
einyourcoffi
nifIev
erseey ouany
wher
enearheror
mychi
ld.
”

Atangtur
nedgoingtohiscar.Heputheri
nsideandpickedhis
phoneonthegroundbeforehejumpedinthendroveoffheaded
tothehospi
tal
.Helookedatherasshenlaidatthebackseati
n
si
l
ence,
tear
srol
l
ingdown.

“Twofisher
menf
oundagi
rl
.It
hinki
t’
sher
.Sheal
sohasapi
nk
dress.
”

Sher emai
nedsti
ll
.Atang’
sphonerang,
helookedatherscr
een
stari
ngatBatangcall
i
ng.Heignor
edthecal
l.Minut
eslat
erhe
parkedatthehospi
talandgotout
.

Hehel
pedThabi
outandl
ookedi
nherey
eswi
pingawayhert
ear
s.

“
Let
’sgo.
”

Hehel
dherhandandledheri
nsi
det
hehospi
tal
.Hi
sheartr
aci
ng.
Hebri
efl
yspoket
othenursebyt
her
ecept
ionwhodir
ect
edhimto
t
hechil
dren’
swar
d.

Theybothwalkedover
.Thabil
etgoofAtang’
shand,
herey
es
ski
mmi ngt
hroughthekidsi
ntheward.

Sheswallowedstar
ingatthedoct
orat
tendi
ngherdaught
er,
her
feetsur
gedherforward.

“
Lomo!
”

Lomoturned,
herl
i
ttl
ehear
tskippi
ngabit.Thabi
ranoverand
pul
ledheri
nherar
mst i
ght
lyholdi
ngherwhil
ecryi
ng.

“
OhGod…ohGod…”

Lomosni
ff
edhugginghermot
her.At
angpull
edthem bot
hinhis
armsasr
eli
evecool
eddownhisbody.Thabi
lookedathi
m cr
ying.

“
Shei
sok…shei
sok…ohGodt
hanky
ou…”

Lomosmi
l
edi
nherpar
ent
sar
ms.Thabi
cuppedherf
acet
hen
l
ookedatt
hebandageonherf
orehead.Thedoct
orwal
kedov
er.

“
YoumustbeMsDani
el’
spar
ent
s.”

AtangandThabi
turnedt
othedoct
or.Thabi
lookedatKat
loi
n
surpr
iseandsmi
led.

“
Hey
…”

Kat
losmi
l
edt
henhuggedThabi
.“JesusThabi
!”

Thabi
laughed.“
Ahhmma,
youar
eher
e.”

“
Iam her
e…y
oul
ook…l
i
keamom whohadami
ssi
ngchi
l
d.”

Thabi
laughedsni
ff
ing.“
Youdon’
thowmanyt
imesIhav
edi
ed
andwokeupinthelastt
wohours.
”

At
angl
ookedatt
hem hol
dingLomo’
shand.Thabi
smi
l
ed.

“
UhKat
lo…r
ememberAt
ang?
”

Kat
lonodded.“
Ial
way
ssawhi
mfr
om adi
stancebutIr
emember
.”

“
Hei
sLomo’
sfat
her
.At
angt
hisi
sKat
lo.Wewer
eatUBt
oget
her
.”

At
angnodded.“
Nicemeet
ingy
ou.
”

Thabi
sighed.“
Howi
sshe?
”

“She’
sf i
ne,thecutonherforeheadisnotthatserious.Themen
saytheysawy ouandAtangspinwi t
hthespeedboatandt hat
’s
whent hechildfel
l,
theywereabi tf
ar,y
out wodidn’tseethem
andthat ’
swhenoneoft hem divedinandgotherout .They
i
mmedi atel
ybroughtherher
ebecauseshewasn’ tmov i
ng.”

At
angl
ookedatThabi
.“Youwer
edoi
ngspi
ns?
”
Thabi
lookeddown.“
Thanky
ouKat
lo.
”

“
It
sok.She’
sfi
ne.Tr
aumat
izedbutf
ine.
”

AtanglookedatKatl
o.“
Didyouwrit
eareport.Ineedi
tforthe
poli
ce.Theyneedtohaveanair
ti
ghtcaseforchil
dnegli
gence.”

Thabi
tur
nedt
ohi
m.At
angnodded.

“GoodthingTekoi sther
e.Hewi l
ltell
thepolicejusthow
dangerousitistogetinaspeedboatwi t
hami norwhodoesn’t
evenhaveal i
fejacketonhert heny oudospi nswithyour
boyfr
iendleavingherunatt
ended.Doc, Ineedthatrepor
t.Tot
awe
can’
tstaywi t
hpotential
mur derersamongstus. ”

Thabi
swal
l
owed.Kat
lol
ookedatThabi
thenatAt
ang.

“
Ok.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Lomosmi
l
ed.“
Areweal
lgoi
nghomenow?
”

Thabisadl
ylookedather
.“Iam sor
ry.Iwasn’
tlooki
ng.Iam
sorr
y…”

“
Ifor
giv
eyou.Butmyf
orgi
venessi
sexpensi
ve.
”

Thabi
chuckl
edt
ear
ful
l
y.“
Iwi
l
lpaywhat
everamount
.”

Lomosmi
l
ed.Thabi
touchedt
hebandaget
hensmi
l
ed.

“
Wear
efi
nished.Youcannowgohomewi
thdaddy
.”

“
Yout
oor
ight
?”

“
No.Iwi
l
lgoback.
”
Lomo’
ssmi
l
eddi
sappear
ed.“
ButIdon’
twanty
out
ogo.
”

“
Daddyi
sgoi
ngt
otakegoodcar
eofy
ou.
”

Shest
art
edcr
ying.“
Idon’
twanty
out
ogo.Pl
easedon’
tleav
eme.
”

Thabi
sighedhuggingher
.Thepol
i
cewal
kedi
n.Theyl
ookedat
Thabi
andAt ang.

“
Canwenowasky
oubot
haf
ewquest
ions?
”

ThabilookedatAtang.“Iam st ar
ti
ngmyseni orresi
denceint
wo
weeks.Iam sorr
y.Iwascar elessandi r
responsi
ble.Shecoul
d
havediedandIam r esponsiblefori
t.Iam sorr
y.Iwassocaught
upinmyownbubbl eIdidn’treali
zethedamageIwascausi ng.I
t
won’thappenagain.Youcant akeher.
”

Atangl
ookedatherthent
urnedtothepoli
ce.“Shehadourchi
ld.
Talkt
oher,t
hedoctorwil
lgi
veyouar epor
t.Chil
dnegl
igencei
s
i
ll
egalri
ght
?Pleasedotheri
ghtt
hing.
”

Thabi
tear
ful
l
ylookedathi
m.“
Atang-
“

Atangki
ssedLomo’scheek.“Hey…wear
ecomi
ng.Wear
egoi
ng
total
ktothepol
i
ce.Il
ovey ou.”

Lomowatchedastheybot
hwalkedawaywi
tht
hepol
i
ce.The
pol
iceof
fi
cerl
ookedatThabi
.

“
Youcanst
artt
alki
ngorwecant
akei
ttot
hepol
i
cest
ati
on.
”

Thabil
ookedatAt
angwhohadhi
sar
msf
oldedwai
ti
ngf
orhert
o
tal
k.

“
Iwentf
orar
idei
naspeedboatwi
thher
.Iwassoexci
tedIf
orgot
every
thi
ngelse.Istar
tedspinni
ngtheboat.Shelostbalanceand
fel
li
ntothewater.Iwascarelessandirr
esponsi
ble.Iwaswr ong
andIam sor
ry.Itwon’thappenagain.Imadeami stake.
”

Thepol
iceoff
icersighed.“
Whaty oudidi
schildnegli
genceand
at
temptedmur der
.Nomot herbehavesli
kethis.Shecouldhav
e
di
edandy ouwouldhav ebeenresponsi
blef
ori t
.Otherwomenare
cr
yingf
orbabieswhi l
eothersat
tempttokil
ltheir
s.”

Thabi
swal
l
owed.“
Iwaswr
ong.I
twon’
thappenagai
n.”

“
Itwon’
tbecausewear
elocki
ngy
ouup.
”

Thabi
lookedatAt
ang.“
Atang-
“

“
Iam begi
nni
ngtothi
nkyouwant
edt
oki
l
lmychi
l
d.Younev
er
want
edherinthef
ir
stpl
ace.
”

Thabishookherheadcryi
ng.“
IfIdi
dn’
twantherIwoul
dhav
e
neverkepther
.Iwouldnevert
rytoki
ll
mychil
d.”

Oneoft
hepol
i
ceof
fi
cer
stookoutt
hehandcuf
fs.

“
Wearearr
esti
ngyou.Youwil
ltel
lusexact
lywhaty
ouwer
etr
ying
t
odoatthepol
icest
ati
on.”

Theydraggedheraway.Hesi
ghedandwal
kedt
owar
dshi
s
daught
er.Lomolookedbehi
ndhim.

“
Wher
eismama?
”

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
Thepol
i
cet
ookhert
oaskhermor
equest
ions.
.”

“
Ok…”

At
angl
ookedatherunabl
etobel
i
evehehadal
mostl
osther
.
*
**

AwhilelaterAgangwalkedtowar
dsthechi
ldren’
sward.Hi
sey
es
i
mmedi atelyfel
lonhi
sbr ot
herwhowasseatedbesi
desLomo’
s
bed.

Hewal
kedov
erandsmi
l
edst
ari
ngatLomowhowassl
eepi
ng.

“
Shei
sok?
”

“
Yeah…j
ustt
raumat
ized.
”

“
Wher
eisThabi
?”

“
Att
hepol
i
ce.
”

“
Shewasar
rest
ed?
”

“
Right
ful
l
yso.
”

Agangl ookedathim.“Iam sureshedidn’tdoitonpurpose.

Somet i
meswegetov erexci
tedandf or
getsamewayweget
fr
ustratedandf i
ndourselv
escheatingwithoutcondomsget t
ing
diseases.Youbot hmessedup.Ifthisi
snotawakeupcal l,
Idon’t
knowwhati s.Canyoujustgetyourwifeandstopthis?”

“Iam notsur
eabouttherelat
ionshipanymorebutshe’
sgoi
ngt
o
sleepinacell
toni
ght.Sheneedst ounderst
andthe
consequencesofheracti
ons.May betwonight
s.Twonight
sar
e
perfectf
orher.
”

“
Whati
fthatdoct
orguygoest
o-“
“I
fhehasadeathwishhewi llt
ryit.Mmeeneot sil
egonyela.
Thabii
syetgoi
ngtopayf orwhatshedi dt
oday,wasntwaela.I
am goi
ngtoputherinherplace,afterIam done,shei
sgoingto
hatemebutshewill
bebacki nline.”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#93

Atthepol
i
cestati
on,
Pul
esati
nthei
nter
rogat
ionr
oom and
si
ghedexhaust
ed.

“
Idi
dn’
tseet
hechi
l
dfal
l
.Suchmi
stakeshappen.Comeon…”

“Ormaybey
oupushedt
oel
i
minat
eany
thi
ngconnect
inghert
o
Atang.
”

Pulel
ookedathim andfr
owned.“
Whywoul
dIt
ryandki
l
lherj
oy?
Areyououtofyourmind?”

“Thisisanatt
emptedmur dercase.Wear enotplayi
nggames
here.Youtwoalmostkil
ledachildthroughreckl
essnessor
may beitwasonpurpose.Youar egoingtotalkonewayorthe
other.Youar
egoingtotalk.Youthinkthi
sisagame? ”

Pul
elookedatt
heti
me,i
twasnowtwohour
sofbei
ngaskedt
he
samequesti
onsov
erandov
eragai
n.

“Iwantt
ocall
lawy
er.Iam notsay
ingany
thi
ngel
set
il
lmyl
awy
er
getsher
e.”

“Thiscasei snotgoingtof avoryou.Youwer ewit

hawoman
who’spr obablybi
tterbecauseshewashur t
.Maybey outoo
plannedt hi
stogether.
.mat teroffact
, Ibel
i
eveyoutwopl anned
thistogethersoyoucangetr idofthi
schi l
dbecauset her
eisno
wayany onewoul dleaveachi ldunattended,wi
thnolifejacket
.
Callyourlawyer,youwillneedhim becausey ouarelookingatjai
l
t
ime.
”

I
nt heotherr
oom,
anot
herpol
i
ceof
fi
cergr
il
ledThabi
wit
h
questi
ons.

“
Sowhatwast
hepl
an?Togetr
idofher
?”

Thabi
tear
ful
l
ysni
ff
ed.“
Iwoul
dnev
erki
l
lmychi
l
d.Il
oveher
.”

“Idon’
tbel
i
evethat.Yourboyfr
iendi
ssay
inganot
herst
ory
.You
aregoi
ngtojai
lforaverylongtime.
”

Shenodded.“Ok.Iwouldnevertryandmur dermyownchi ld.I

workhardsothatIcanbethepar entsheneeds.”Tearsfi
ll
edher
eyes.“
Iwasjusttr
yingtohavesomef un.Iwasr eckl
essnessand
carel
essbutIl
ovemydaught er.Ihavenothingelset
osay .My
chesthur
tsandmyheadi saching.Pleasejusttakemet omycell
.
Ihavenothi
ngmor etosay.
”

Thepol
i
ceof
fi
cerl
ookedatherasshecr
iedsi
l
ent
ly.

“
Shecoul
dhav
edi
ed.
”

Thabileanedbackont hechai
r.“Idon’
tdeservetobehermother
.
Atangwi l
ltakegoodcareofher.Shecouldhav edi
edbecauseof
mycar el
essness.Pleaset
akemet omycell.Iam t
ir
ed.Lockme
up.Ihavenof ightl
efti
nme.”

“
Whenwer
eyousupposedt
ogoback?
”
“
Nextweek.
”

“Mistakeshappen, Iknowt hatbetterthanany one.Butmi st

akes
thathappensbecauseofsi ll
ythingsgetust hemost .Whatmakes
i
twor seisthef actt hatyouchosef uninsteadofy ourdaughter
.
Thel eastyoucoul dhav edonewasl etherwearal if
ejacket
.I
knowy ouwoul dn’tki l
lyourownchi ldbuti fshedied,noone
wouldl ist
ent othat .Shewasy ourresponsi bil
it
yinthatboat.
Imagi neifi
thadbeenAt anginyourpl acewi thhisgir
lf
ri
end.Him
spinningwi ththeboatandy ourchilddr owning.Whatwasgoi ng
tobey ourreaction? ”

“Ihavenoexcuse.Myheadi
sreall
yachi
ng.Pl
easet
akemetomy
cellandl
ockmeup.Ihavenothi
ngtosay.Myheadi
sachi
ng.
”

Henoddedt henstoodup.Thabi
stoodupandfoll
owedhimtothe
cel
l.Heletheri
n,shewalkedtowornoutf
orm andlai
ddown
cl
osinghereyesasherachedsomuchi tf
eltl
i
keitwasaboutt
o
explode.

Thepol
i
ceof
fi
cerwal
kedt
ohi
sof
fi
ceandcal
l
edAt
ang.

“
Yah?
”

“
Yourgirl
fr
iendlookssi
ck.Iam keepi
ngherher
etoni
ghtbut
t
omorrowi fshe’
sworse,Iam goi
nghavetoinv
olv
emybosses.
Walwala.(She’ssi
ck.
)”

“
Whati
sshef
eel
i
ng?
”

“She’
sbeensayi
ngheadache.Mymotherdi
edthesameway.Tota
Ishoul
dhavehertakent
othehospi
talbutf
ory
ouIwill
keepher.
”
“Shejustwantstober el
eased.Letherst
ayt
her
e.Iwi
l
lseeher
aftert
woday s.Don’
tlethergettoyou.”

“
Atang,
Iknowasi
ckper
sonwhenIseeone.
”

“Shewillbefi
netomorr
ow.Gapehel
ahowcanherheadnotache
afteral
lthecr
yingshedi
dtoday
.”

“
Shedi
dn’
tmeani
t.
”

“
Iwi
l
lseeheraf
tert
woday
s.Andherboy
fri
end?
”

“Enewedon’ thaveacasetot
a.Wear egoi
ngtohavetorel
ease
him becausehe’ssay
ingshedidn’
tseeherfal
l
.Anditcomesback
toThabile,
sheisthemother.
”

“
Ok,
wewi
l
ltal
k.”

“
Shar
p.”

*
**

Latert
hatni
ght,
Atangl
aidhi
sdaughteront
hebedatt
hehot
el
aft
ershehadfal
lenasl
eepwatchi
ngTV.

Hewal
kedtot
hesi
tt
ingroom i
nthePresi
denti
alsui
teandsat
downt
aki
nghi
sphone.Heleanedbackcal
li
ngBatang.

Hi
sphoner
angf
orawhi
l
e,Bat
angpi
ckedj
ustbef
orei
tcoul
dst
op.

“
Hel
l
o?”

At
angf
rownedatt
hehur
ri
edbr
eat
hing.“
Wher
eat
eyou?
”
“
Att
hef
arm.
”

“
Letmespeakt
otheol
dmant
hen.
”

“
Orobet
si.(
He’
ssl
eepi
ng.
)”

“
Bat
ang,
didy
ouuseacondom?
”

“
Iam att
he-
“

“Isendsomeonetothef
armrightnow!Osekawabat
ago
nkaketsa.Di
dyouuseacondom? ”

“
Yes.
”

“Youbet t
erhavebecausei
fyouhav
eachi l
dtheny oubet
terst
art
maki ngplanonwaystotakecar
eofthatchi
ld.Youareonly
twent y
!Youaretooyoungtobeababydaddyort obegett
ing
diseases.
”

“
Iusedacondom.
”

At
angsi
ghed.“
Sincewhendowel
i
etoeachot
her
?*

“
IknowIwentagai
nstt
her
ules-
“

“
Ther ul
esarether
etopr
otecty
ou.It
oldyout
ocarryacondom
wherevery
ougo.Youshouldal
wayshaveacondom t
oavoid
mist
akesbeingdone.
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Good.Youar
eatherhouse?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Don’
tgetcaught
.Herf
atherwi
l
lhat
eyouf
ort
her
estofy
ourl
i
fe.
Emonat
ekukubutdon’
tleti
tgett
oyourhead.

“
Yes.Ihav
ebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lThabi
.”

“
Aninci
denthappenedt
oday
.Wear
etr
yingt
ofi
ndway
stodeal
wi
ththematter
.”

“
Idon’
tli
kehowy
oual
way
shur
tmysi
ster
.”

“
Iknow.Iam sor
ry.Iknowt
hisaf
fect
syout
wo.
”

“
Whatnow?
”

“
Wear
egoi
ngt
ohav
etoacceptt
henew ar
rangement
s.”

“
Iam r
eal
l
ysad.
”

“
Soam I
.Af
tery
ouar
edone,
leav
e.”

“
Ok.
”

Atanghungupthenlookedatt
hepoli
ceof
fi
cer’
snumberthinki
ng
ofThabi
’sheadache.Hesi
ghedget
ti
ngupthenlookedatt
het i
me
walki
ngovertoLomo.

Heshookhergent
ly.“
Hey
,Iam y
out
ogetsomet
hingdownst
air
s.
Iam comi
ngnow.”

Shenoddedsl
eepythem cl
osedhereyestur
ningwhi
l
esnor
ing
wit
hhermouthopen.Atangpickedhi
scarkeysandwal
l
ett
hen
hur
riedout
.

*
**
InGabor one,
Agangwal
kedinhi
sbedroom andfoundher
sleepinghuggingt
hepi
l
low.Heundr
essedthelai
dbehindher
holdingher.

“
Hey
…”

Kel
l
yopenedherey
est
hensi
ghed.“
Hi…”

“Il
ov ey ou.Mor ethany outhink.TherewasnowayIwoul dhave
celebratedi npeacewi t
hLomomi ssi
ng.Lomoi smyni ece,my
brother’sonlydaught er
.Iwasboundt ogetwor r
ied.Isawy ou
post edwhat ’sgoingononsomeFacebookpage.Pr i
nce’swife
sawi t
.Iam di sappoi
ntedy ouwoul dtakeourper sonmat ter
sto
thepubl ic.
.Iam sadofev erythi
ngy ousaidaboutThabi .You
mighthav enotst at
ednamesandr emainedanony mousbuti t
’s
quiteclearwhom wear etalki
ngabout .Tocallheramur dererwas
extremeconsi deri
nghowshel ikesyou.Iwi shyoutooky ourti
me
tounder standherbutIwon’ tsaymuchi nfearofmypr ivate
mat tersbeingbr oadcastedonFacebook. ”

Hesl
owlyl
if
tedherbut
tst
roki
nghi
msel
fandpushedhi
sweapon
i
nsi
deherwetness.

*
**

Att
hepoli
cest
ati
on,
Atanghandedt
hemedi
cat
iont
othepol
i
ce
of
fi
cer
..

“
Thabi
’
smedi
cat
ionf
orherheadache.
.pl
easekeepaney
eonher
.
I
ncaseshet
ri
eski
l
li
ngher
sel
f.
”

“
Ok.Ar
eyousur
eyouwantust
okeepher
?”

“
Yes.Iwi
l
lgetheraf
tert
woday
s.”

“
Ok.
”

Hewalkedoutoft
hepoli
cest
ati
on,
afemalepol
iceoff
icerl
ooked
athi
mt henl
ookedawaysmil
i
ngwhil
epressi
ngherphone.

At
anggoti
nhi
scarandpi
ckedhi
sfat
her
’scal
l
.

“At
ang,
whatist
hiswearehear
ingaboutLomodr
owni
ng?I
bumpedint
oMolefe…”

“Papa,
letmedealwit
hmyfami
l
yissuesal
one.Idon’
tneedy
ouor
anyonegett
ingi
nvol
ved.
”

“Atang,
Ikeepl
oosi
ngmor ehopeint
hiswoman.She’sgoingto
kil
lyouoneday
.Mightnotbephysi
cal
lybutshewi
lldrai
ny ouso
mucht i
lly
oudi
e.”

“Thatwon’ thappen.Thiswasthel
aststrol
l.Lomoisgoi
ngto
havet hemot hersheneedsanddeserves.Hermotherwi
llbet
hat
mot her.Sheneedsst r
aight
eni
ngup.”

“Idon’
tkknowmyboy .Obviouslyyouwon’ tli
stentome.Do
what’sri
ghtfory ouandt hatchild.Somet i
meswehav et oaccept
thatsomet hi
ngsar ej
ustnotmeantt obe…Ihopey ourealizethat
soonbef or
ey oulosey ourselfbecauseIsweart oyou,youare
goingtoendupki ll
i
nghert heny ourself
.Thinkcareful
l
yabout
whaty ouwant .LikeIt
oldy ou,somet imesloveisnotenough. ”
TWODAYSLATER…

Your
sTr
uly

#94

TWODAYSLATER…

Atangparkedhiscaratpol
icestat
ionear
lymor
ningthenstepped
outofthecar.Helookedathisdaught
eratt
hebackseat.

“
Iam comi
ng.Twomi
nut
es.
”

Shenodded.At
angwalkedinsi
dethepoli
cestati
onandlookedat
Thabi
whohadal r
eadybeenrel
eased.Shelookedathi
m and
si
gnedadocument.

Shegotherphoneback.At
anggav
ethepol
i
ceof
fi
ceranodt
hen
l
ookedather.

“
Let
’sgo.
”

Shewal
kedbehi
ndhi
m bar
efoot
.Heopenedt
hedoorf
orher
.She
l
ookedathi
m.

“
Iwantt
ogohome.Youcant
akeLomo.
”

At
angcl
osedt
hedoorst
ari
ngather
.

“
Didn’
tyoucomeal
lthewayher
eforher
?”
Tearsf
il
ledherey
es.“
Idon’twanttotryandmurdermyown
daught
eragainwhom Igav
ebirt
ht oandkept.Myowndaught
er
whoIjustdeci
dedtowaitt
il
lsheiseightyear
sol
dtokil
l
.”

“Didy ouwantmet opr

aiseyouf
orwhaty oudid?Whatdidyou
expect ?Ar oundofapplause?Whatyoudidwasst upi
dand
recklessandi talmostcostusourdaughter
.Youdeservedtobei
n
prisonf ormor ethantwodaysbecauseIdon’tevenknowwhat
youwer ethinki
ng..ormaybeyouwerejustthi
nkingofyour
sel
f
andy ourownenj oyment.”

Shesni
ff
edashespokeget t
ingpi
ssed.“That
’swhyIam say
ing
youcantakeher
.It
’sf
ine.Pl
easest
opy el
li
ngatme.”

Hesighedandspokecal mlyyetfi
rmly.“
Youcameher eforher
andyouar egoingt ospendtimewi t
hher.Ihaveal
lowedyoutodo
asyoupl easefortoolong,youaregoingtodowhat ’
sneeded
fr
om you.Sheexpect syourattent
ionandy ouaregoi
ngtogiveit
toher,Idon’tcar
eifIhavetof or
cey ouorwhat,t
senamo
kol
oing.”

Heopenedthedooragai
n.Sheslowl
ygotinthecaratsatonf
ront
seat
.Hestr
appedtheseatbel
tonherthencl
osedherdoor.

Lomosmi
l
edhappi
l
y.

“Imi
ssedy
ou.Didyouheal
thepeopl
einthepoli
cestati
on?Daddy
sai
dyouwerehel
pingt
hepoli
ce.Imi
ssedyou.Ithoughtyoul
eft
.”

Thabi
smil
edt
urni
ngt
oher
.“Imi
ssedy
out
oo.Imi
ssedy
ouso
much.”

At
angwal
kedr
oundt
hecarandj
umpedi
nthecarasLomot
ook
of
fherseat
bel
tandhuggedher
.Thabi
smi
l
edt
ear
ful
l
y.

“
Ilov
eyou…”

Lomogi
ggl
ed.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.Idon’
twanty
out
oev
ergo.
”

Thabi
touchedherf
aceandki
ssedher
.At
angt
urnedt
oLomo.

“
Pri
ncess,
let
’ssi
t.Andputony
ourseat
bel
t.
”

Lomomovedbackandputonherseatbel
t.Hest
art
edthecarand
drov
etot
hehotel
.Heparkedt
hecarthentheyst
eppedout
.

Theywal
kedt
othei
rsui
te.At
angl
ookedatThabi
.

“
Freshenupwhi
l
eIor
derf
ood.Wear
egoi
ngf
orar
oadt
ri
p..
”

Shenoddedthenpull
edherbaginsidethebat
hroom.Lomo
walkedbehi
ndher.Thabi
closedthedoorandfil
ledwateri
nthe
bathtubwhi
leLomotookouthermot her’
sbat
hingthi
ngs.She
tookoutThabi
’sper
fumeandsprayedi t
.

Thabiundr
essedandsl
owl
ygoti
nthewat
erwhi
l
eLomosmi
l
ed
st
ari
ngather.

“
Youhav
etat
toos.Sasa’
smot
hersai
dit
’sev
il
.”

Thabi
chuckl
ed.“
Shei
sly
ing.
”

“
Yourbr
eastar
ebi
g.Bi
ggert
hanauntBot
ho’
s.
”

Lomotouchedhermot
her
’sbr
eastt
hensmi
l
ed.“
Iwantt
obat
h
wit
hyou.
”

“
Ok.
”

Shequi
ckl
yundr
essed,
Thabi
smi
l
edasshegoti
nthewat
er.She
l
aughed.

“
Hot
!”

Thabi
laughed.“
Come…”

Shemov
edcl
oserandoutherheadonhermot
her
’schest
.

At
angknockedont
hedoor
.Thabi
sighed.

“
Come….
”

Heopenedt
hedoorandl
ookedathi
sgi
rl
s.

“
Iam goi
ngdownst
air
s.Doy
ouguy
swantany
thi
ng?
”

Thabi
shookherhead.Lomoshookherheadt
oosmi
l
ing.

“
Ok.Iwi
l
lbebackj
ustnow.
”

Heclosedthedoorandwalkedout.Awhilel
aterThabistepped
outofthebatht
ubwithLomo.Thabigotthewhitetowelsand
dri
edLomo.Shehelpedherlot
ionthenLomoputonhercl ot
hes
andsmi l
edwalki
ngoutofthebathr
oom smell
ingli
kehermot her
.

Lomosmi
l
edasherf
atherwal
kedbacki
n.

“
Ismel
ll
ikemama.
.”

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
That
’sni
ce.Foodi
scomi
ng.Wher
eisshe?
”

“
Int
hebat
hroom.
”

Henodded.Atangopenedthedoorassomeoneknockedont he
door
.Lomosmi ledasthei
rfoodgotpushedi
n.Thehotell
ady
qui
ckl
yputitont het
ablet
henwalkedout.Al
mosttwentyminut
es
wentby,
Atanglookedatthebathr
oom doort
hengotup.
Hewalkedtothedoorandknockedwal
ki
ngin.Thabi
tur
ned
hol
dingthel
it
tl
ebrushshewasusingtol
aydownherbabyhai
rs.

Atangl
ookedatherbaggyt
-shi
rtt
henhershor
tst
hatexposedher
smooththi
ghs.Heswall
owedputt
inghi
shandinhi
spocket.

“
Wear egoingwayinsidethebush.Ther
ear
ethi
ngst
hatbi
te.You
mightwanttoputonjeans.”

“
Iwi
l
lputonj
eanswhenwear
ri
ve.
”

Helookedatherthi
ghsagainhisdicksti
rr
inginhispant
s.She
tur
nedbacktothemi rr
orandfi
nishedup.Shebendedput t
ingher
thi
ngsbackinhertoi
letr
ybag.Shet i
edhershoelacesandlooked
athim.

“
Iam done.
”

Hest
oodbythedoorst
ari
ngather
.“Don’
tyout
hinky
ourshor
ts
ar
ewaytooshor
t?”

“
Ili
ket
hem.Theyar
enott
ooshor
t.
”

Shewalkedpasthi
m dr
aggingherbag.Heturnedandl
ookedat
herthi
ckbuttt
hathadf
il
ledtheshor
ts.Shesatdownandreached
foramuffi
n.

Shequi
ckl
yat
ethenst
oodup.

“
Wecango.Iam done.
”

Atangtookherbagandwalkedoutwi
thi
twhil
eThabifol
lowed
behindwit
hLomo.Theyall
gotinthecar
,At
anglookedather
thi
ghsassheputonherseatbel
t.
Unbothered,sheputonhersungl
assesr
olli
ngdownthewindow.
Atangstartedcaranddroveof
f.Hi
seyeslandedonhert
highs
againthenhet ookaU-t
urn.

Thabi
lookedathi
m.“
Youf
orgotsomet
hing?
”

“
Yes.Lomo,
stayi
nthecar
.Thabi
l
e,come.
”

Shelookedathim confusedashesteppedout.Heopenedthe
boot.Thabit
ookof ft
heseatbel
tandgotoutofthecar.She
walkedoverandlookedathimrampagingthroughherbag.He
grabbedapairofjeansthencl
osedherbag.

“
Atangwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
”

Hecl
osedt
hebootandpul
l
edherbackt
othei
rroom.

“
Wear
enotgoi
ngwi
thy
oul
ooki
ngl
i
ket
hat
.Pl
easechange.
”

“
Iam notchangi
ng.Il
i
kemyshor
ts.
”

“
Thabi
l
eIdon’
twantt
oar
guewi
thy
ou.
”

“
Iam notchangi
ng!
”

“
Soy
ouwantt
owal
kar
oundl
ooki
ngl
i
keapr
ost
it
ute?
”

“
Iam notl
ooki
ngl
i
keapr
ost
it
ute.Il
ookgood.
”

“
Youl
ookhal
fnaked!Icanseey
ourbut
tcheeks.
”

“
Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmybut
t?”

“EvenifIdon’twantt
olookati
t,i
tisouti
ntheopent obeseen.If
Icanseei t
,itmeansever
yoneel
sei sgoi
ngtosee.Isthatt
hekind
ofattent
iony ouwantwhenwearewi t
hourdaughter
?”
“
Whyar
eyoubr
ingi
ngLomoi
ntot
his?
”

At
angsi
ghed.“
Thabi
please…”

“
Ili
kemyshor
ts.
”

Atangpi
ckedherupandpl
acedheront
hebed.Thabi
laughed
pushi
nghim of
f.

“Atang…y
ouareover
reacti
ng.Mybuttcheeksar
enotout
.Just
becauseyouar
eimagini
ngthem outdoesn’
tmeant
heyareout
.
Otherwomenwearshort
s-“

Hesi ghed.“Iam human.Ihavef eeli

ngstoo.Itdoesn’thelpthatI
stil
ll
ov eyouandt hati
nmyhear tyouarestil
l mygirl
.IwantLomo
toenjoythis.Iwanttoenjoythiswithherwi t
houthav i
ngt othi
nk
aboutmenl ooki
ngaty ourbuttandthighs.Igetthatyoulikeyour
shorts,andthattherei
snot hi
ngwr ongwi t
ht hem butplease…
pleasemeetmehal fway.”

Shel
ookedi
nhi
sey
es.“
Ok.
”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.Iwi
l
lhel
pyouchange.
”

Heuntiedhershoelaces.Thabi l
aidback.Heunbuttonedher
shir
tsthenpull
edthem downherl egs.Helookedatherlace
thongthentookadeepbr eath.Heswal l
owedgotthejeans.Thabi
gotoffthebedandputont hejeanbef oreput
ti
ngonhershoes.
Shelookedatthetentinhispant s.

“
Gasegor
eofounel
eyournewgir
lf
ri
end.Youhaveasi
tuat
ion
t
her
e.Youmi
ghtwanthersor
ti
ngyououtbefor
ewego.”

“
Idon’
thav
eagi
rl
fr
iend.Iam si
ngl
e.”
Thabiwalkedoutwithhershor
tsnowinjeans.Shethr
ewthe
short
sbacki nherbagandgotinthecar
.Minuteslat
erAt
anggot
i
nandst art
edthecar.

Hereversedanddr
oveoff.Heconti
nuousl
yst
olegl
ancesather
asshelookedoutt
hroughthewindow.

*
**

Pul
eparkedt
hecaratthepol
i
cest
ati
onandwal
kedi
nsi
de.He
wentt
othefr
ontdesk.

“
Dumel
ang,
Iwantt
oseeRet
habi
l
eKai
sar
a.”

“
Shewasr
eleasedi
nthemor
ning.She’
snother
e.”

“
Shewasr
eleased?
”

“
Yes.
”

Hef
rownedt
aki
ngouthi
sphoneandcal
l
edher
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hey
,wher
ear
eyou?
”

“
Iam wi
thLomoandherf
ather
.Wear
egoi
ngf
orar
oadt
ri
p.”

“Youaregoi
ngwiththesamemanthatcheat
edony ou?Why
wouldyougobacktosomeonewhoobv i
ousl
ydoesn’tl
oveyou
andjustwant
stohurtyou?Whatar
eyouhopingt
ogetf r
om that
?
Howdoy ourepeat
edlygobackt
osomeonewhoal wayscheats
ony
ou?
”

“Thisisaboutmydaught er
.He’scomi ngwi tht omakesur esheis
safeatallti
mes.Icameher eforher.Myr elationshi
pwi thher
fat
herhasnot hingtodowi thher.Andsheal soget stoenjoyour
att
entionatthesamet i
me.Don’tt al
ktomeasi fIcan’tthi
nkfor
my self
.Iam doingwhat ’
sbestformydaught er.Shealmostdied
withyouandI .Iam notgoingtor epeatthesamemi stakeagai
n.
JustbecauseIl etyoukissmedoesn’ tgivey out herightto
i
nterrogatemel ikeyourgir
lf
ri
end.Iam not .Knowy ourplace.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#95

Thabi hungupstari
ngatAtangashest oodbesidetheroad
buyingMor et
lwa(Wildber
ri
es)fr
om ahawker .Shesi
ghed
recall
i
ngt hedaysshehadstoodbesidetheroadsell
ingundert
he
hotsun.Thesunhadn’ tmatt
eredbackthen.I
thadnev ermatt
ered
tohermot hertoo.

Pulestar
tedcal
li
ngagai
n,Thabicutt
hecall
andswit
chedoffher
phone.Atanggotbacki
nthecarandhandedThabi
aplast
icful
l
ofMoretl
wa.

“
Thanks.Ihav
en’
teat
ent
hissi
ncehi
ghschool
.”

“
Kanakeal
ebal
agor
eov
il
lagegi
rl
.”

Thabismil
ed.“
Shakaweatouri
stat
tract
ionar
ea.Wehavet
he
Okavangori
verpassi
ngt
hroughus.Gonacheeseboyke
mathata.
”

“
Cheeseboykemang?Kegolet
simoKasane.Iusedt
oswi
min
t
heri
verwher
eyoualmostki
l
ledmydaughter
.”

Shel
ookedathi
m andl
aughed.“
Ij
a..
”

“Papausedtobeatusevery
daybecauseofget
ti
nginthewat
er
ebil
eattheendIwouldn’
tevenf
eelpainy
agobitswa.
”

Thabi
laughed.“Doingthingsy
oushoul
dn’
tbedoi
ngst
art
edway
backf
ory ouakere?Itstart
swhenyouar
esmall
.”
Hesmiledthenchuckl
edstart
ingthecar.Thabi
openedher
pl
asti
candst ar
tedeat
ing.Shelookedbackatherdaught
er
st
ruggl
ing.

“
Lomo,
doy
ouneedhel
p?”

“
No.Iam f
ine.
”

“
Ok.
”

Atangt
ookatur
nfur
therint
othebushes.Thabisatupri
ght
wonderi
ngwher
ehewast aki
ngthem.Hedr ov
ef oranot
herhour
thensl
oweddownastheyapproachedaSafar
iCamp.

Thabisatupr
ight
.Hesloweddownandpar
ked.Thabi
lookedat
hi
mt henbackatthecamp.

Fr
om adi
stanceshecaughtey
eoft
hreeZebr
as.

“
Wear
eher
e…l
et’
sgo.
”

Hejumpedoutofthecar.Thabif
oll
owedandheldLomo’
shand.
Anelder
lymanwalkedov ert
othem wear
ingj
eansanalong
sl
eevedshi
rtt
uckedin.

“
Mr.andMr s.Dani
el,
welcome.Youcancomethr
ough,myname
i
sEdward.Iam theover
seerher
e.Iwil
lhel
pyouwit
hyourbags.
”

At
angshookhishand.“
Thanks.Iwi
l
lcar
ryt
hebags.I
t’
sok.Thi
s
i
sourdaught
er.Lomo.”

Edwardsmi l
ed.Hisaccentwasdiff
erent
,hesoundedverymuch
for
eign.Heledthem tothei
rthat
chedroofchal
et.Heunlocked
thedoorandletthem i
n.Theywalkedin,Thabi
smiledatthe
woodenf l
oorthenthebed.
Shet
ookoutherphoneandswi
tchedon.I
tcompl
ainedofbat
ter
y
l
owat5%.

“
Wher
ear
ethepl
ugs?
”

Edwardsmi led.“Li
keIhadexplai
nedtoMr .Daniel
,her
ewedon’t
haveelectr
icit
y.Wear eal
labouttaki
ngyouawayf rom theci
tyl
i
fe
andjustenjoyingnatur
e.Ther
ear ecandl
est hr
oughoutt her
oom
tol
ightitupatni ght
.”

Thabi
lookedatAt
angwhoseemedunbot
her
ed.

“Wealsodon’tofferfood.Si
nceyouareourguest
satthemoment
,
thefi
replaceisyoursalone.Ther
iveri
sdowntherebutav
oid
goingthereatni
ght.”

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Edwar
dsmil
edandwal
kedout
.At
angt
urnedandf
oundt
hegi
rl
s
l
ooki
ngathi
m.

“What?Wearegoi
ngtoenj oythi
swit
houtl
if
eout
side.Sono
phones.Wewil
lwor
kt ogethertomakesur
eweeat.Ibroughtus
somemeat.Wewillbefine.”

“
ButIwant
edt
owat
chmymov
ie.
”

At
angl
ookedathi
sdaught
ert
hent
ookt
het
abl
etf
rom her
.

“
Youwil
lwat
chitwhenwegohomebaby
.Ri
ghtnowwear
egoi
ng
t
owatchour
sel
ves.
”

Thabi
lookedatherphoneasAt
angopenedhi
shand.Shesl
owl
y
gavei
ttohim andsi
ghed.
“Ihopeyouarenotexpect
ingmetocook.Iam notcooki
ng.You
broughtushereknowingt
hesit
uat
ion.Iam sur
eyouhadapl ani
n
place.
”

Heputawayt
hegadgetsandsmi
l
ed.“
LomoandIwi
l
lbr
aai
.We
ar
egoingt
ohavefun.
”

Thabiwal
kedoutandt
urnedt
oAt
ang.Heputhi
shandsonher
waist
.

“
Wedon’
tneedel
ect
ri
cit
yandourphonest
ohav
efun.
”

“
IsawaZebr
a.Whati
fther
ear
eLi
onst
oo?
”

“
Ther
ear
enoLi
ons.Rel
ax.Wantt
oseet
her
iver
?”

“
NO!
”

Hesmil
ed.“
Ok…thereani
cegazeboout
side.I
t’
shoti
nher
e.We
cangoandsi
tout
side.
”

“LomoandIaregoi
ngtositbytheGazebo.Wear egoingtotakea
showert
henputonourbiki
niswhileyoubr
ingcoldjui
ce.Il
ike
minewit
hice.Andwearehungry.Lunchwon’thur
t.Ri
ghtLomo? ”

Lomonodded.“
Yes.Iwantor
angej
uice.Noi
cei
nmyj
uice.But
col
d.”

At
angsi
ghed.“
Guy
s,wear
ewor
kingt
oget
her
-“

Thabi
wal
kedt
oherbag.“
Ther
eisnowe.I
t’
sonl
yyou.
”

Sheopenedherbagandtookoutherbl
uebi
ki
ni.Sheal
sot
ookout
thepi
nkbiki
nisshehadboughtf
orLomo.

“
Lomo,
come…l
et’
sgi
vedaddyachancet
ogetourf
ood.Canwe
pl
easefindoutjui
cesready
?Ili
kemi
newi
thi
ceandnonf
orMs
Dani
el.Makeitcoldt
hough.”

Hewatchedthem ast
heywalkedinsidethebathr
oom.Minutes
l
atert
heywalkedouti
nthei
rbiki
nis.Thabiopenedthedoorand
l
ookedoutsi
de.

“
ComeLomo.
.”

Theywalkedtot hegazebowhereThabismil
edlookedatt
heir
dri
nksindisposablecups.At
anglookedatherandtookadeep
breat
h.

“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”

“Shameyouhadtorepl
aceme.”Shewhisper
ed.“
Thi
sli
ttl
e
getawaywoul
dhavebeenoursyouknow…andnowinsteady
ou
aretr
eati
ngpot
enti
aldi
seases.
”

Sher
eachedf
orhercupandt
ookasi
p.“
Thanky
ouf
ort
hej
uice.
”

Shesatdownandcl
osedherey
esenj
oyi
ngt
hecool
breeze.

*
**

I
nMaun, ElangopenedThabi’
sprof
il
epictur
e.Shezoomedi nthe
pict
urestar
ingherandLelomo.SheopenedThabi’sst
atusand
l
ookedatal lt
hepict
uresshehadpostedofhersel
fandher
daughter
.Shepausedatthelastpi
ctur
eofAt ang’
shandholdi
ng
thesteer
ingwheel.
Shewentt
oThabi’
sinboxandst
art
edt
ypi
ng,
herhear
tget
ti
ng
heav
ierwi
theachword.

El
ang:Hi,Iseeyouarearound.I t’
sfunnyhowourfr
iendshiphas
sl
owlydiedinthepastyears,IthoughtIwasimagi
ningthi
ngsbut
i
fyoucancomebackwi t
houtt el
li
ngmet oapointt
hatIhav eto
fi
ndoutthroughyourstatusitsay salot
.Ij
ustdon’
tunderstand
whathappened..i
sitsomet hingIdidnemma?

Shesentthemessagebutitt
ickedonce.Shesi
ghedtearf
ull
yal
l
al
oneinthehouse.Wit
hherchildrengone,t
hel
onel
inessgotev
en
moreworse.Farai
’
scardrovein.Elangst
oodupandputthe
cushi
onsnicel
y.
.

Hewal
kedi
nmi
nut
esl
atert
henhel
ookedather
.

“
What
?”

“Youarehomeear
li
ert
hanIt
hought
.”Shesmi
l
ed.“
Nott
hatIam
complai
ning.
”

Hewal
kedpasthergoi
ngt
othebedr
oom.Shef
oll
owedbehi
nd
hi
m.

“
Icameher
etochangemyt
-shi
rt
.”

El
angl
ookedathi
st-
shi
rt
.“Whati
swr
ongwi
thi
t?”

Hechangedi
ntoanot
hert
-shi
rtandsi
ghed.“
Not
hing.
”

“
Youseem of
f.I
sitbecauseoft
hepr
egnancy
?”

Far
aitookadeepbr eat
h.“
Ijustdon’
tunderstandwhywekeep
hav
ingkids?Didn’
tweagreethat…”Hesighed.“It
’sexhaust
ing.A
l
otofkidsareexpensiv
eespecial
lyi
ftheotherpersoninthe
r
elat
ionshi
pisnotbr
ingi
nganyi
ncome.
”

“
Far
aiwhatdoy
ouwantmet
odosi
nceIcan’
tgetaj
ob?
”

“Youhav etwohandsandf eet !Youcansurelydosomet hi

ng.I
don’twantt hi
sbabyandy ouar enotgoingtokeepit.Youcan’t
keepget t
ingpregnantli
key ouarepaidto.Idon’
tevenbelieveyou
forgotyourshot.Youjustwant edanotherachil
d.Anotherchil
dis
notgoingt osavethi
ssinkingship.”

Hewal
kedout
.El
angf
oll
owedhi
m sni
ff
ing.“
Far
ai-
“

“Bytheway, mymot
heriscoming.Shedoesn’
tknowaboutus
cohabit
ingsomakesurebytomorrowyoushouldbebackatyour
house.Sharp.”

Hewalkedoutandgoti
nhiscarthendrov
eof f
.Atearrol
l
eddown
El
ang’
scheeks.Sheputherhandsonherfacecry
ing.

*
**

Meanwhi
l
einGabor
one,
Pul
e’
swi
fegotanenv
elopef
rom herPI
.

“
Itookpi
ctur
es.Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sint
her
e.”

Shetookoutthepict
uresandstar
edathi
m ki
ssinghissocall
ed
st
udent.Shehaslongsuspect
edsomethi
ngwasgoi ng.She
swal
lowedstari
ngatallthepi
ctur
est
henshelookedatthePI.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Henoddedandwal
kedout
.Pul
e’
swi
fet
ookherphoneandcal
l
ed
herl
awy
er.

“
Tsame.
.”

“
Ihav
eev
idence.Iwantt
osuef
orhomewr
eckage.
”

Your
sTr
uly

#95

Thabi hungupstari
ngatAtangashest oodbesidetheroad
buyingMor et
lwa(Wildber
ri
es)fr
om ahawker .Shesi
ghed
recall
i
ngt hedaysshehadstoodbesidetheroadsell
ingundert
he
hotsun.Thesunhadn’ tmatt
eredbackthen.I
thadnev ermatt
ered
tohermot hertoo.

Pulestar
tedcal
li
ngagai
n,Thabicutt
hecall
andswit
chedoffher
phone.Atanggotbacki
nthecarandhandedThabi
aplast
icful
l
ofMoretl
wa.

“
Thanks.Ihav
en’
teat
ent
hissi
ncehi
ghschool
.”

“
Kanakeal
ebal
agor
eov
il
lagegi
rl
.”

Thabismil
ed.“
Shakaweatouri
stat
tract
ionar
ea.Wehavet
he
Okavangori
verpassi
ngt
hroughus.Gonacheeseboyke
mat
hat
a.”

“
Cheeseboykemang?Kegolet
simoKasane.Iusedt
oswi
min
t
heri
verwher
eyoualmostki
l
ledmydaughter
.”

Shel
ookedathi
m andl
aughed.“
Ij
a..
”

“Papausedtobeatusevery
daybecauseofget
ti
nginthewat
er
ebil
eattheendIwouldn’
tevenf
eelpainy
agobitswa.
”

Thabi
laughed.“Doingthingsy
oushoul
dn’
tbedoi
ngst
art
edway
backf
ory ouakere?Itstart
swhenyouar
esmall
.”

Hesmiledthenchuckl
edstart
ingthecar.Thabi
openedher
pl
asti
candst ar
tedeat
ing.Shelookedbackatherdaught
er
st
ruggl
ing.

“
Lomo,
doy
ouneedhel
p?”

“
No.Iam f
ine.
”

“
Ok.
”

Atangt
ookatur
nfur
therint
othebushes.Thabisatupri
ght
wonderi
ngwher
ehewast aki
ngthem.Hedr ov
ef oranot
herhour
thensl
oweddownastheyapproachedaSafar
iCamp.

Thabisatupr
ight
.Hesloweddownandpar
ked.Thabi
lookedat
hi
mt henbackatthecamp.

Fr
om adi
stanceshecaughtey
eoft
hreeZebr
as.

“
Wear
eher
e…l
et’
sgo.
”

Hejumpedoutoft
hecar
.Thabif
oll
owedandheldLomo’
shand.
Anelder
lymanwal
kedovert
othem wear
ingj
eansanalong
sl
eev
edshi
rtt
uckedi
n.

“
Mr.andMr s.Dani
el,
welcome.Youcancomethr
ough,myname
i
sEdward.Iam theover
seerher
e.Iwil
lhel
pyouwit
hyourbags.
”

At
angshookhishand.“
Thanks.Iwi
l
lcar
ryt
hebags.I
t’
sok.Thi
s
i
sourdaught
er.Lomo.”

Edwardsmi l
ed.Hisaccentwasdiff
erent
,hesoundedverymuch
for
eign.Heledthem tothei
rthat
chedroofchal
et.Heunlocked
thedoorandletthem i
n.Theywalkedin,Thabi
smiledatthe
woodenf l
oorthenthebed.

Shet
ookoutherphoneandswi
tchedon.I
tcompl
ainedofbat
ter
y
l
owat5%.

“
Wher
ear
ethepl
ugs?
”

Edwardsmi led.“Li
keIhadexplai
nedtoMr .Daniel
,her
ewedon’t
haveelectr
icit
y.Wear eal
labouttaki
ngyouawayf rom theci
tyl
i
fe
andjustenjoyingnatur
e.Ther
ear ecandl
est hr
oughoutt her
oom
tol
ightitupatni ght
.”

Thabi
lookedatAt
angwhoseemedunbot
her
ed.

“Wealsodon’tofferfood.Si
nceyouareourguest
satthemoment
,
thefi
replaceisyoursalone.Ther
iveri
sdowntherebutav
oid
goingthereatni
ght.”

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Edwar
dsmil
edandwal
kedout
.At
angt
urnedandf
oundt
hegi
rl
s
l
ooki
ngathi
m.

“
What
?Wear
egoi
ngt
oenj
oyt
hiswi
thoutl
i
feout
side.Sono
phones.Wewi
l
lwor
ktogethert
omakesur
eweeat
.Ibr
oughtus
somemeat.Wewi
ll
befine.”

“
ButIwant
edt
owat
chmymov
ie.
”

At
angl
ookedathi
sdaught
ert
hent
ookt
het
abl
etf
rom her
.

“
Youwil
lwat
chitwhenwegohomebaby
.Ri
ghtnowwear
egoi
ng
t
owatchour
sel
ves.
”

Thabi
lookedatherphoneasAt
angopenedhi
shand.Shesl
owl
y
gavei
ttohim andsi
ghed.

“Ihopeyouarenotexpect
ingmetocook.Iam notcooki
ng.You
broughtushereknowingt
hesit
uat
ion.Iam sur
eyouhadapl ani
n
place.
”

Heputawayt
hegadgetsandsmi
l
ed.“
LomoandIwi
l
lbr
aai
.We
ar
egoingt
ohavefun.
”

Thabiwal
kedoutandt
urnedt
oAt
ang.Heputhi
shandsonher
waist
.

“
Wedon’
tneedel
ect
ri
cit
yandourphonest
ohav
efun.
”

“
IsawaZebr
a.Whati
fther
ear
eLi
onst
oo?
”

“
Ther
ear
enoLi
ons.Rel
ax.Wantt
oseet
her
iver
?”

“
NO!
”

Hesmil
ed.“
Ok…thereani
cegazeboout
side.I
t’
shoti
nher
e.We
cangoandsi
tout
side.
”

“LomoandIar
egoingtosi
tbytheGazebo.Wearegoingtotakea
showert
henputonourbi
ki
niswhil
eyoubringcol
djui
ce.Il
ike
mi
newi
thi
ce.Andwear
ehungr
y.Lunchwon’
thur
t.Ri
ghtLomo?
”

Lomonodded.“
Yes.Iwantor
angej
uice.Noi
cei
nmyj
uice.But
col
d.”

At
angsi
ghed.“
Guy
s,wear
ewor
kingt
oget
her
-“

Thabi
wal
kedt
oherbag.“
Ther
eisnowe.I
t’
sonl
yyou.
”

Sheopenedherbagandtookoutherbl
uebi
ki
ni.Sheal
sot
ookout
thepi
nkbiki
nisshehadboughtf
orLomo.

“Lomo,come…let’
sgivedaddyachancet
ogetourf
ood.Canwe
pleasefi
ndoutjui
cesready
?Ili
keminewi
thi
ceandnonforMs
Daniel
.Makeitcoldt
hough.”

Hewatchedthem ast
heywalkedinsidethebathr
oom.Minutes
l
atert
heywalkedouti
nthei
rbiki
nis.Thabiopenedthedoorand
l
ookedoutsi
de.

“
ComeLomo.
.”

Theywalkedtot hegazebowhereThabismil
edlookedatt
heir
dri
nksindisposablecups.At
anglookedatherandtookadeep
breat
h.

“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”

“Shameyouhadtorepl
aceme.”Shewhisper
ed.“
Thi
sli
ttl
e
getawaywoul
dhavebeenoursyouknow…andnowinsteady
ou
aretr
eati
ngpot
enti
aldi
seases.
”

Sher
eachedf
orhercupandt
ookasi
p.“
Thanky
ouf
ort
hej
uice.
”

Shesatdownandcl
osedherey
esenj
oyi
ngt
hecool
breeze.
*
**

I
nMaun, ElangopenedThabi’
sprof
il
epictur
e.Shezoomedi nthe
pict
urestar
ingherandLelomo.SheopenedThabi’sst
atusand
l
ookedatal lt
hepict
uresshehadpostedofhersel
fandher
daughter
.Shepausedatthelastpi
ctur
eofAt ang’
shandholdi
ng
thesteer
ingwheel.

Shewentt
oThabi’
sinboxandst
art
edt
ypi
ng,
herhear
tget
ti
ng
heav
ierwi
theachword.

El
ang:Hi,Iseeyouarearound.I t’
sfunnyhowourfr
iendshiphas
sl
owlydiedinthepastyears,IthoughtIwasimagi
ningthi
ngsbut
i
fyoucancomebackwi t
houtt el
li
ngmet oapointt
hatIhav eto
fi
ndoutthroughyourstatusitsay salot
.Ij
ustdon’
tunderstand
whathappened..i
sitsomet hingIdidnemma?

Shesentthemessagebutitt
ickedonce.Shesi
ghedtearf
ull
yal
l
al
oneinthehouse.Wit
hherchildrengone,t
hel
onel
inessgotev
en
moreworse.Farai
’
scardrovein.Elangst
oodupandputthe
cushi
onsnicel
y.
.

Hewal
kedi
nmi
nut
esl
atert
henhel
ookedather
.

“
What
?”

“Youarehomeear
li
ert
hanIt
hought
.”Shesmi
l
ed.“
Nott
hatIam
complai
ning.
”

Hewal
kedpasthergoi
ngt
othebedr
oom.Shef
oll
owedbehi
nd
hi
m.

“
Icameher
etochangemyt
-shi
rt
.”

El
angl
ookedathi
st-
shi
rt
.“Whati
swr
ongwi
thi
t?”

Hechangedi
ntoanot
hert
-shi
rtandsi
ghed.“
Not
hing.
”

“
Youseem of
f.I
sitbecauseoft
hepr
egnancy
?”

Faraitookadeepbr eath.“Ij
ustdon’
tunderstandwhywekeep
havingkids?Didn’
tweagr eethat…”Hesighed.“It
’sexhaust
ing.A
l
otofki dsareexpensiveespecial
lyi
ftheotherpersoninthe
rel
ationshi
pisnotbringinganyincome.”

“
Far
aiwhatdoy
ouwantmet
odosi
nceIcan’
tgetaj
ob?
”

“Youhav etwohandsandf eet !Youcansurelydosomet hi

ng.I
don’twantt hi
sbabyandy ouar enotgoingtokeepit.Youcan’t
keepget t
ingpregnantli
key ouarepaidto.Idon’
tevenbelieveyou
forgotyourshot.Youjustwant edanotherachil
d.Anotherchil
dis
notgoingt osavethi
ssinkingship.”

Hewal
kedout
.El
angf
oll
owedhi
m sni
ff
ing.“
Far
ai-
“

“Bytheway, mymot
heriscoming.Shedoesn’
tknowaboutus
cohabit
ingsomakesurebytomorrowyoushouldbebackatyour
house.Sharp.”

Hewalkedoutandgoti
nhiscarthendrov
eof f
.Atearrol
l
eddown
El
ang’
scheeks.Sheputherhandsonherfacecry
ing.

*
**
Meanwhi
l
einGabor
one,
Pul
e’
swi
fegotanenv
elopef
rom herPI
.

“
Itookpi
ctur
es.Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sint
her
e.”

Shetookoutthepict
uresandstar
edathi
m ki
ssinghissocall
ed
st
udent.Shehaslongsuspect
edsomethi
ngwasgoi ng.She
swal
lowedstari
ngatallthepi
ctur
est
henshelookedatthePI.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Henoddedandwal
kedout
.Pul
e’
swi
fet
ookherphoneandcal
l
ed
herl
awyer
.

“
Tsame.
.”

“
Ihav
eev
idence.Iwantt
osuef
orhomewr
eckage.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#96

AttheSafar
iCamp,l
aterthatdayjustaft
erdusk,Thabisatbythe
fi
reinhersweat
pant
sandal ongsleev
edt opwhileAt
angbr aai
ed
themeetwithLomonarrati
ngsomet hi
ngt hathadhappenedat
school
.

Shescratchedherneckl
ookingatt
hedarknesssurroundingthem.
Atanglaughedwithhi
sdeepv oi
cemaki
nghersmi lerel
axing.She
tr
iedtoli
stentotheconv
ersati
onbutf
oundherselfstari
ngathi m.

Ther ewasj ustsomet hingaboutthi

sman.Hewasn’ tyourusual
typeofmen, no…At angwasdi ff
erent.Ormay beshej
ustloved
him.Hel if
tedt hecornerofhisli
pssmi li
ng.Sheswall
owed
thinkingofhi m undert hebedhidi
ngf rom her
.Thecum dri
pping
from t hatwoman’ sinnert hi
gh.

Tearsi
tchedhereyesasshest ar
edathim wonder
ingjusthowhe
managedt ocheat…shethoughtofChr
is…shehadnev erful
ly
openedtohim becauseshekeptcompari
nghimt oAtang.

Shelookedatthegr
oundasatearrol
l
eddown.Shetookadeep
breat
hhuggingherl
egssi
tt
ingonthestool
.Somehowshefel
tas
i
faheav yl
oadwasonhershoulder
s.

“
Mama!
”

Thabi
r ai
sedherheadandlookedatLomowhowashol di
nga
pl
atefull
withmeat.Thabi
smi l
edandlookedatAt
ang.
“
Thanks.
”

“
Arey
ouok?
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Yes.Thanky
ou.Smel
l
sni
ce.
”

Shepickedthemeatandst ar
tedeati
ng.Lomogotherplateand
satdown.Atanglookedatherassheateinsil
ence.Lomo
conti
nuedtalki
ngloudl
y.Thabil
ookedatherandsmi l
ed.

“
Mama,
arey
oul
i
steni
ng?
”

Thabi
nodded.“
YesMsDani
el.Iam l
i
steni
ng.Whatdi
dteacher
sayaf
tery
ousaidt
hat
?”

Shesi
ghedthenwentont
alki
ng.Theyf
ini
shedeat
ingt
henLomo
l
ookedatherfat
her
.

“
Daddytel
lusfor
ktal
es.Don’
trepeatt
heonesy
oual
readyt
old
me.Anddon’
tmakeanyup.”

At
angl
aughed.“
Ok,
comecl
oser
.”

Lomomov
edcl
oser
.At
angl
ookedatThabi
.“Yout
oobabe…”

Thabi
mov
edcl
oser
.Hel
ookedatt
hem andsmi
l
ed.

“
Eneeri
legonal
emgwany anaomontlemont
le…(
Onceupona
t
imether
ewasav er
ybeauti
ful
gir
l.
)”

Lomol
ookedathi
mli
steni
ngcur
iousl
y.

“Shewassobeauti
ful
..mor
ethanthestars.Shehadthemost
beauti
fulsmi
l
eandshewasv eryi
ntel
l
igent…likey
ou.Shest
ayed
i
nt hevil
l
agewit
hhermotherandbrot
her.Onedayshe-“
“
Daddywhatwashername?
”

At
angsi
ghed.“
UhMet
si.
”

“
Daddyt
hat
’snotar
eal
name?
”

“I
tis,j
ustbecausey
ouhav
enev
erhear
dofi
tdoesn’
tmakei
t
unreal
.”

“
Oookay
..
”

“
Shoul
dIcont
inue?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Ok.Onedaywhenshewaswal
ki
ng,
shesawanol
dugl
ywoman.
”

“
Daddy
,no.Wher
ewasshegoi
ng?Di
dhermot
hersendher
?”

“
Lomo,
can’
tshej
ustwal
kwi
thoutbei
ngsent
?”

“
Yousoundl
i
key
ouar
emaki
ngi
tup.
”

Thabismi
ledast heycontinuedargui
ngwit
heachsentencehe
sai
d.Shefinall
ykeptquietleani
ngonhim.Atangcont
inuedas
shesi
lent
lylist
enedti
llhewasdone.

At
angl
ookedatherandsi
ghed.

“AndhereIt
houghtshewasact
ual
l
yli
steni
ng.Or
obet
si.(
She’
s
asleep.
)Iwi
l
lputherdown.
”

Hepickedherupandwal
kedtot
hechaletwit
hher.Thabi
looked
ar
oundr eadyt
oruni
fany
thi
ngcamefrom thedar
kness.

At
angwal
kedbackov
ert
oherandsatdownst
ari
ngather
.
“
Tal
ktome…”

Shesmi
l
ed,
herheadonherknees.“
Whatdoy
ouwantmet
o
say
?”

“
Any
thi
ng…”

Shebli
nked.Atangwalkedtot
hecarandcamebackwit
ha
campingairmattr
esstoget
herwi
ththepump.Hequi
ckl
ypumped
i
tthenlookedather.

“
Come….
”

Shegotupandwalkedov
er.Shetookof
fhershoesandlai
ddown
wit
hhim.Theyl
ookedatthest
ars.At
angtur
nedtoher.

“Iam happyy
ouar eher
e.Ihav
enev
erseenourdaught
ert
his
happyinawhile.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Ihav
ebeenashi
tt
ypar
ent
.Iknow.
”

“
Notshi
tt
ybutbet
tercoul
dbeachi
eved.
”

Shelookedathi
m andsmi
l
ed.“
Youar
eamazi
ngatt
hisDad
busi
ness.”

Hesmi
l
edshy
ly.“
Thanks.
”

Ther
ewassi
l
enceasshel
ookedatt
hest
ars.

“Il
oveyou.Idon’texpectyoutobeliev
emewhenIsayIl ov
eyou
morethananything.Atthi
spointIknowwehav ereachedtheT-
j
uncti
onofwhet herwekeept ryi
ngorj ustendit
.”Heturnedand
l
ookedinhereyes.“ Iknowyouar ehurti
ng.Ihavecaughtyou
cry
ingtwi
cesincewegother e.IhatethatIam t
hereason.Not
t
hatIam excusi
ngitbuti
tdidn’
tmeananythi
ng.I
twasjusta
momentinfl
uencedwithangerandpai
n.Youdeserv
ebetter
-“

“No..”Tear sfill
edherey es.“ Youar etheonewhodeser vesbetter
.
Youwer epat ientlongenough.Youar ehumanaf terall.Ihav e
beent hewor st..Ihav et akenoutmyf r
ustrationsony ou…onus.
Youar er i
ght .Icanaf fordacal leveryday.Ididn’tcal l
onpur pose
somet imesbecauseI …kepthopi ngy oujustf i
ndsomeoneel se.
Someonewhowi llbether e.Someonewhoi spr esent.Someone
whowi ll
lovey oujustr i
ght …someoney oucandependon.I t
’s
hardf ormet obet hatper sonr i
ghtnow.Iam goi ngback…Ihav e
wor kedsohar df orthis..andIdon’ tthinky oushoul dev enputup
withit.Iwantt osety ouf r
eebecauseIcan’ tpromi seany t
hing.
Youar egr owi ngol d.Youcan’ tkeepchasi ngme.Il ov ey oubutI
can’thelpbutf eelwemetatt hewr ongt i
me.Idon’ twantust o
keephur tingeachot her.Ial sodon’ twantt okeepcr ying.It’
s
painful…Ial sodon’ twanty out okeepbeggi ng.Ilov ey ouenough
tolety ougo. ”

Hel
ookedatherashert
ear
sfel
l
.At
angwi
pedawayhert
ear
s.

“
Youwantt
oendt
hisf
orgood?
”

Thabi
smiled.“
Iknowtherei
sawomanoutt heref
ory ou.
Someonewhowi l
llov
eyouandputy
ouf i
rst.Youwon’thavet
o
begortocompromisealotmor
eandreceiv
ewayl ess.”

“I
fthat’
swhatyouwantok.Iam notfi
ght
ingt
hist
imear
ound
babe.Ithi
nkwearepastt
hat.Iam goi
ngtogi
veyouwhatyou
want.”

Shel
ookedathi
m noddi
ngandbur
iedherheadonhi
schest
cry
ing.At
anghuggedherkissi
ngherneck.Heclosedhiseyes
holdi
nghert
ight
ly.Shefi
nal
lykeptqui
etandbreathedheav
ily
panti
ngwhil
esnif
fing.Hemovedherheadsli
ghtlyandsmil
ed.

“
CanIki
ssy
ou?
”

Shelaughedwi
pingat
ear
.“Makei
tgood.I
twon’
tbehappeni
ng
agai
n…”

Hel eanedoverandkissedher
.Thabicl
osedherey
esashi sli
ps
touchedhers,hefrenchki
ssedweakeni
ngherasherheartraced.
Hesl owlygotontopofher,hi
sdickget
ti
nghardasshetouched
hischest.

Atangopenedherlegswit
hherkneebreathi
ngheavi
l
yontopof
her.Thabipul
l
edouthist-
shir
t.Het
ookitoffqui
ckl
yandki
ssed
heragainassheranherhandsonhisbroadchest
.

Hesl
i
dhishandunderneat
hherwai
stpul
l
ingherupandgr
inded
hi
ser
ect
ionagai
nsther.

Thabimoanedsof tl
ytouchingthebackofhi sheadwit
hherother
handonhi sback.Hegr i
ndedhiser ecti
ononheragai
nletti
ngout
agrunt.Hemov edhislipsfrom herli
psgoingtoherneck.She
rubbedhisheadmoani ng,herp*ssyt hr
obbi
ng.

Atangmov edhisl
ipsf
urt
herdownsuckedherni
ppl
esont
opof
herthi
ntextur
elongsl
eevedtop.

Thabi
thr
ewherheadback.“
Ataang….
”

Heslowlyl
if
tedhertopandt
ooki tof
f.Hebr
eathedheav
il
y
t
ouchingherbreast
sandsqueezedthem.Hesuckedherni
ppl
es
agai
ngoingabitharder
.Shecriedouti
npainmixedwi
thpl
easur
e.
Hesuckedevenharderthatherp*ssyt
hrobbedev
enmoreasher
pant
iesgotevenwetter
.

Hekissedhergoi
ngdownherbel
l
ybut
tonandpul
l
edouther
sweatpant
s.

Thabislowl
yopenedherey
esandlookedathi
m weakl
y.Het
ook
offherpant
iesandl
ookedathercl
eanthi
ckp*ssy
.

Hel eanedov erandpartedherp*ssyli

pswithhistongueand
grazedherswol l
encl
itwithhi
stongue.Thabi l
etoutamour n,her
eyescl osed.Atangsuckedhereatingherp*ssy.Thabisqueezed
herbr eastmoaning.Hermoansgotl oudergetti
ngcloser.

Helif
tedhisheadandkissedher.Thabi
sli
dherhandinsi
dehis
pantsthenshetouchedhishar
dweapon.Shetookitoutand
str
okedhim.

“
Didy
oubr
ingcondoms?
”

Hepausedandl
ookedat
.“Uhy
es.I
nthecar
.”

Thabi
puthi
sdi
cbacki
nhi
spant
s.“
Goandt
aket
hem.
”

Hequi ckl
ygotupnotwant ingtonegoti
ateanyt
hingandrant ot
he
car.Hequicklyconnectedhisphonetothecarandplayedasong
tokil
lanysoundst hatcoul
dwakeuphi schil
d.Khoisan’
s
Sethubegeplayedasher ushedbacktoher.Hetookouta
condom andqui ckl
yopenedi twi
thhi
steethwhil
eThabi tookout
hisharddic.Heslidthecondom onhisweaponandpushedher
downpul l
inghercloser.
Thabicl
osedhereyesashepushedhimsel
finsi
de.Shecl
osed
herey
esf eel
i
nghim st
ret
chherwall
s.

“
Lookatmebabe…”

Sheopenedherey esandl ookedathim ashesl owl

ypushed
hi
mselfinside..Heleanedov erki
ssinghersli
dingoutthenhe
pushedbacki nagain.Shebi thi
sli
pmoani ng.Hemov edhi
swaist
fi
ll
i
ngherupi neveryangle.Sheclosedhereyesatt he
unexpl
ainablepleasure.Shepusheddownhi spant swi t
hhert
oes.

Thabimovedbeneathhi
m moani
ng.Herp*
ssynarrowedonhim,
shesankhernai
lsint
ohisski
nwhil
eheconti
nuouslydr
il
ledher
.

Shet hrewherheadbackasast rongurgetopeecameov erher.

Shet ightenedhermuscl estryi
ngtoholditin.Atanggr unt
edat
thef eel
ingofherpussycl ampinghardonhi m.Fucki twast oo
soonbuti tfeltwaytoogoodhecoul dn’
tstopt ogivehimselfa
second.Shecoul dbar
elyfeelt
hecondom, itfel
tlikeitwashis
meatonher sandeachdeepst r
okehegav ehert ouchedhersoul.
Itgotwaysweet er,
Thabirol
ledhereyes,
theirsweat ybodies
grindingagai nsteachother.

Hisdickpushedwaydeeperintohert
hathet
appedatenderspot
thatsentherbodyi
ntomult
ipleexpl
osi
onsasshesquat
ted,her
p*ssyspasming.

“
Ataaang!OhhIl
ovey
ou….
”

Herp*ssygri
ppedhi
sdickti
ghtl
yashepushedbacki
nside,
he
groanedsqueezi
ngherwai
staspleasur
ehadhimvi
brat
ingont op
ofher.Hegaveanot
herthr
ustpushi
ngdeepinsi
det
henflat
tened
hi
mselfi
nherpumpi
ngouthi
scum.Hest
il
ledont
opofher
dr
ained.

Thabiwrappedherarmsaroundhim.Minuteswentbythenhe
slowl
ysli
dout.Thabiweaklyl
if
tedherheadandlookedashesli
d
out,t
hecondom sti
ll
int
act.Shesighedandrel
axed.Hetookof
f
thecondom andpull
edherinhisarms.

Heki
ssedher
.“Il
ovey
ou,
Iwi
l
lnev
erst
opl
ovi
ngy
ou.
.”

Shesmi
l
edexhaust
edt
hent
ouchedhi
sbear
d.“
Ilov
eyoumor
e…”

Shel
aidherheadonhischest
.Theyhel
deachot
herwhi
l
ethe
fl
ameslowl
ydieddown.Hesighedcl
osi
nghisey
eswonder
ingi
f
hi
sheartwasreadyt
oacceptreal
i
ty.

Khoi
san’
sSet
hubegepl
ayedonr
epeatast
heyhel
deachot
her
.

‘
Ntunt
uset
hubege

Set
hubege

Nt
unt
uset
hubege

Lef
aekanaset
hubege

Nt
unt
uset
hubege

Set
hubege

Nt
unt
uset
hubege

Lef
aekanaset
hubege

Bor
okobonebol
ethat
abosego
Gobegol
ethat
aosey
o

Ompi
thet
sikeshel
eket
a

Waphamor
it
iwasnt
shi
rel
etsa

Wamphal
esedi

If
eel
bet
ter

Kenal
ewenagoy
agoi
l
eng

Ej
aser
ati

KennaLewena

AososeLer
ato

Sososenal
erat
o’

Thesongcont
inuedpl
ayi
ngt
il
ltheybot
hfel
lasl
eep.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#97

AWEEKLATER…

I
nShakawe, Atangdr
ovethrought
hegateatThabi’
shouseand
drovethr
oughtheshortgr
ass.Shetookadeepbreat
hlooki
ngat
thehouse.Lomolooked.

“
Thi
sisy
ourhousemama?
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Yes.
”

“
Itl
ooksol
d.”

Thabi
smi
l
edst
eppi
ngoutoft
hecar
.

“
Iti
s.”

MmagweMav isl
ookedoverseat
edbyherver
andaandf
ixedher
l
ongexpi
redspect
aclesst
ari
ngatRet
habi
le.

Shesquint
edhereyesasThabilookedaroundt
hey ar
dsmi l
i
ng,
a
manandachildalsosteppedout.Shesl
owlyputherplat
eof
Tsabanadownthenstoodupandwal kedovert
hefence.

“
Ret
habi
l
e!”

Thabit
urnedandsmi
l
edt
yingherl
ongbr
aidsshehadpl
ait
eda
dayback.

“
MmagweMav
is,
howar
eyou?
”
MmagweMav i
ssmil
ed.“
Iam f
ine…i
t’
sbeeny
ear
s.Youl
ongl
eft
anddeci
dedt
oabandonus.
”

Thabi
laughed.“
Iwasatschool
.”

Shef
rowned.“
All
thesey
ear
s?”

“
Yes.Iam st
udy
ingt
obeadoct
or.
”

“Wooow!I
fMavi
scoul
dseewhatotherchi
l
drenaredoingmaybe
shewil
lst
ophav
ingki
dsev
eryyear
.Youlookbeauti
ful
mygirl
.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Ist
haty
ourhusbandanddaught
er?
”

Thabi
noddedknowingshewasgi
vingt
heent
ir
ecommuni
ty
somethi
ngtot
alkabout
.“Emma.”

“
That
’sgood.Iam happyt
oseey
ou.
”

“
Met
oo.
”

ThabiwalkedtothedoorasmmagweMav iswalkedbacktoher
ver
anda.Shesatdownwat chi
ngclosel
yasthemanof f
loaded
bagsthenlastt
heplasti
csofgr
oceri
es.

Thabiunl
ockedthehouseandwalkedin.Shelookedather
mother’
spict
urefr
ameont hewall
.Shetearful
lysmil
edli
keshe
coul
dactuall
yseeherstandi
ngr
ightthere.

Shel ookedattheiroldgreencouchesthenthesmallCRTTv .She

smiled,itwasdust ybuteveryt
hingwasinpl
ace.TrustBatangto
vi
sitandnotmov eany t
hing.Sheslowl
ywalkedtothekit
chenand
l
ookedatt hei
rgreenkitchenunit.
Shewalkedoverandopenedi
t.Hermot
her
’sfavor
it
eglasses
weresti
ll
ther
e.Atearrol
l
eddownasshetouchedthegreen
breadbi
n.

Atangwal
kedoverhol
dingthei
rgrocer
ies.Heputev
ery
thi
ng
downandtouchedherwaist
.“Ar
ey ouok?”

Shelaughedtear
ful
l
y.“
Itf
eel
sli
kehome.Imi
ssher
.Thewound
neverheal
s.”

“
Shei
swat
chi
ngov
ery
ou.
”

Thabismil
ed.“Ihopesheispr
oud.Sheal
wayswant
edmeto
ei
therbealawy erordoct
or…t
houghshel
ovedthei
deaofa
l
awy ermore.WhereisLomo?”

“
Taki
ngagr
andt
our
.”

Thabisi
ghed.“
Canshepl
easest
aybehi
ndwi
thme?Iwi
l
ldr
opher
offwhenIcome.”

At
angnodded.“
Yes.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Lomowalkedint
hekit
chenandsmi
l
ed.“
Ther
eisaswi
ngatt
he
back.Wasi
tyour
s?”

“
Nobaby
..i
twasBat
ang’
s.Don’
tgetoni
t.I
t’
sol
d.”

Atangsmil
edmovi
nghishandsf
rom Thabi
.“Icanf
ixy
ouguy
s
somethi
ngbef
oreIgo.
”

Lomosmi
l
ed.“
Yes.
”

Hewal
kedout
sidewi
thLomo.Thabi
wal
kedt
othebedr
ooms.She
openedhermother’
sroom andtookadeepbr
eat
h.Shesl
owl
y
walkedinandstoodbythedoorwatchi
ngAt
angl
aughwit
hLomo
whil
einspect
ingtheswi
ng.

Shesmi l
edthenwalkedoutgoi
ngtoherroom.Mi
nut
esl
atershe
start
edcleani
ngwipingof
fthedust
.Atangwal
kedi
nasshe
fi
nishedup.

“
Imadeanewswi
ng.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
BythewayIhavebeenthi
nkingofgetti
ngBatangasmallcar
,
maybeaGol
f.He’
sreal
lydoingwellatschool
.Ithi
nkhedeser
ves
i
t.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.Hewi
l
llov
eit
.”

“
He’
smyboy
.”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ouf
orbei
ngaf
atherf
igur
etohi
m.”

Atangtouchedherchi
n.“
Ther
eisnoneedt
othankme.Wemet
forareasonLorr
aine.
”

Thabi
laughed.“
Ij
a.”

“
Ihav
etogo.Iam f
lyi
ngt
omor
rowmor
ning.Iwi
l
lseey
ouwhen
y
oucome.
”

“
Yes.
”

Lomowal
kedi
nthehouse.Hel
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.

“
Iam goi
ngnow.Seey
ouwhenmamadr
opsy
ouof
f.
”
“
Ok.
”

Hekissedhercheekandputherdown.Thabiwal
kedhimtohis
carandstoodbysmi l
i
ngashejumpedin.Hestar
tedtheengi
ne
thenwinkedatherbefor
erev
ersi
nganddrivi
ngof
fputti
ngonhis
cap.

Thabi
wal
kedi
nthehouset
hent
ookherphoneandcal
l
edEl
ang.

“
Thabi
…”

“
Hi,
Iam athome.Youcancomeov
er.
”

“
Arey
ousur
e?”

Thabismil
ed.“
Yes.ThammaIam sorr
y.Iknowyoufeel
abandonedbuti
t’
snotonl
yyou.YouknowIloveyou.Come…”

El
angl
aughed.“
Iam comi
ng.
”

*
**

AtEl
ang’
shouse, El
anglookedatherki
dswat chi
ngTVthen
pi
ckedherphoneputti
ngonherf l
i
pflops.Hermotherwal
ked
fr
om t
hekitchen.

“
MmagweMav isj
ustpassedby
.Shesay
sThabi
isbackandshe
i
sthi
nli
keshehasHIV.
”

El
anglaughed.“Shehadal
readyar
riv
ed?Wai
tset
hisol
dhagi
j
a.I
am coming.Iam goi
ngtoseeher.
*
“Tellhersheshoul dcomebysomet ime.Iwi llcookamar v
elous
meal justforthedoctor.Hermot hermustbesopr oud.Awhol e
surgeon.Imagi ne…somepeopl ear eblessed.Ij ustl
ovehowshe
i
sf ocused.Ishoul dcallt
hepr i
ncipalatt heseniorschool.Thabi
shouldgoandmot iv
atethoseki ds.Theyshoul dknowt hatyour
sit
uat i
ondoesn’ tdefi
ney ou.Andt hefactt hatshehasonl yone
chil
dandi sf ocusedonherf ut
ureislov ely
.Imeanshe’ snot
having100ki dscohabi t
inglikeotherpeopl e…”

El
angsi ghedashermotherwentonprai
singRethabi
leshami
ng
heratthesamet i
me.Shewalkedtoherroom andopenedher
handbagt hent
ookoutsomepill
s.Sheputthem inherbr
aand
walkedout .

Minutesl
atershewal
kedt
hrought
hegat
eandwal
kedi
nsi
det
he
house.

Thabismil
edandhuggedher
.El
angl
aughedwr
appi
ngherar
ms
aroundher
.

“
Fri
end!
”

Thabi
laughed.“
Wow…y
ou…ar
eyoupr
egnant
?”

El
angsmi
l
ed.“
Far
aiwant
edt
hel
astone.
”

“
Hedi
d?”

“
Yeshedi
d.”

“
That
’sni
ce.
”

Lomowal
kedf
rom t
hebedr
oom hol
dinghert
abl
et.

“
Mama,
ist
her
eWi
Fi?
”
“
Nobaby
.”

El
angl
ookedatThabi
’
sbeaut
if
uldaught
er.Lomosmi
l
ed.

“
Hel
l
o..
”

El
angsmi
l
ed.“
Hi.
.”

Lomolookedathermot
her
.“Shoul
dIcal
ldaddyandaskhi
mto
getusone?”

“No.Wewil
lmanagewi
thoutWi
Fi.Goandt
akeouty
ourdi
rt
y
clot
hessoIwasht
hem.
”

Sheturnedandwalkedbackt
othebedroom.Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Sit
.I
haven’
tcooked.Letmepouryouj
uice.
”

Thabiwal
kedtotheki
tchenandcamebackwithtwoglassesof
j
uice.Shepl
acedthem onthet
able.
Elangt
ookoutherphone.

“
Cany
oupl
easechar
gemyphonef
orme?
”

“
Yes.
”

Thabistoodupandtookherphonetothebedr
oom.Shepaused
star
ingatLomotal
kingtothephonewithalowv oi
ce.Sheput
El
ang’sphoneonthechargerandwalkedoutl
ikesheisdidn’
t
hearhertal
ki
ngtoherfat
her.

El
angl
ookedatheral
readydr
inki
ngherj
uice.

“
Sohowi
sschool
?”

Thabi
satdownr
eachi
ngf
orherj
uicet
hent
ookasi
pchat
ti
ng.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#98

Thabi
catchi
ngasmel
lfr
om thej
uice,t
hetast
eitsel
fmaki
ngher
spi
toutt
hejuicei
mmedi
atel
y.El
anglookedather.

“
What
’swr
ong?
”

“
Itt
ast
esf
unny
.”

“
What
?”

“I
thasf
unnytasteandsmell
.Itdoesn’
tsmel
ll
ikeOr
angej
uice.
Ther
esomethingonthi
sjui
ce.”

“
Minei
sfi
ne.Checkt
heexpi
rydat
e.”

“
NgNg,itdoesn’
tsmel
lspoi
l
t.I
tsmel
l
sli
kesomet
hingwasput
i
nsi
de.
”

El
ang’
sheartpounded.Thabit
ookasmallsipthem abouti
tout
get
ti
ngup.“Ther
eissomet hi
ngint
hisj
uice.Letmet ast
eyours.
Maybeit
’sme.”

Thani
tookEl
ang’
sgl
assandsi
ppedj
ustabi
t.“
Your
sisf
ine.
.
somethi
ngi
sonmyjuice.
”

Thabiwalkedt
othekit
chenwi
thhergl
assandopenedt
hebot
tl
e
ofj
uicethensi
pped.El
ang’
shear
tpoundedsomuchasshest
ood
up.

Thabiwal
kedbackf
rom t
heki
tchen.“
Didy
ouputsomet
hingi
nmy
j
uice?
”
“
What
?”

“
Tourjui
cetast
esf
ineam soi
stheonef
rom t
hebot
tl
e.Whyi
s
minedif
fer
ent?
”

“
May
bei
t’
syourcup.
”

“
Mycupt
hatdi
dwhat
?Iwashedt
hesecups.
”

El
angswal
lowedsweat
ing.“
Nnemmawhatar
eyouaccusi
ngme
of
?Didyoucal
lmeheretofi
ghtwi
thme?
”

“
Whoi
sfi
ght
ingwi
thy
ou?
”

“
Iam goi
ng.
”

“
Youar
enotgoi
ngany
wher
eEl
ang.Whatdi
dyououti
nmyj
uice?
”

El
angwal
kedt
othedoor
.Thani
pul
l
edherbag.

“
Whatdi
dyouputi
nmyj
uice?Kebual
ewena!
”

“
Leav
weal
oneThabi
l
e.”

“
Notti
l
lyoutel
lmewhaty
ououti
nmyj
uice.Whatar
eyouhopi
ng
t
oachi
eve?”

“
Leav
emeal
one.
”

Thabilockedherdoorandputt
hekeysinherj
eanpocket
.She
walkedtot heki
tchenwher
eshewalkedbackhol
dingakni
fe.
El
angst eppedback.

“
Ify
ouhur
tmybabyandIy
ouar
egoi
ngt
ojai
l
.”

Thaniwal
kedoverthentoreherdresswit
hthekni
fe.Thesachet
ofpil
l
simmediat
elyfel
l.Thabipi
ckedthem upandtookthem out
.
Shel
ookedatt
hem car
eful
l
yandl
ookedatEl
ang.

“
Elangwhati
sthi
s?”

“
Thosear
emybl
oodpr
essur
epi
l
ls.
”

Thabi
tookadeepbr
eat
handhandedhert
wo.“
Thent
aket
hem.
Dri
nkyourpi
l
ls.
”

El
ang’
shear
tpoundedsomuchassweatwentdownbet
weenher
br
east
s.

“
Youcan’
t-
“

“
Putt
hosepi
l
lsi
nyourmout
h.”

El
ang’
svoi
cebr
okeasshecr
ied.“
Idon’
twantt
o.Opent
hedoor
.”

“
Youaregoi
ngt
odr
inky
ourpi
l
ls.Iwi
l
lmakey
ouswal
l
owt
hem
mysel
f.
”

Thani
pul
l
edEl
ang’
sar
m.El
angscr
eamed.

“Youar
enotgoingwit
houtt
ell
i
ngmewhatt
hesepi
l
lsar
efor
!You
aregoi
ngt
odrinkthem.”

Elangangr
il
ylookedathercryi
ng.“Ihat
ey ou!Ihat
eyoudomuchI
wishyoucandiejustli
keyourmotherdied.Iprayf
ornot
hingbut
yourmiser
yeverynightRet
habil
e.Ihateyou.”

Thabi
laughed.“
Youar
ecr
azy
.”

“
Maybe…may beIam crazyRethabi
lebutdon’
tyouthi
nkyou
woul
dbei fyougrewupal ly
ourlif
ebeingcomparedtosomeone?
Wasitschooloranyt
hing,I
’dgetcomparedtoyou.Ihavenev
er
l
iv
edmyl if
einpeacebecauseofy ou.Every
thi
ngIdogets
compar edtowhatRet habi
lewoul
dhavedone.Ev ennow!Ihave
nopeace.Myboy f
ri
endhasacr ushonyou.Imaginehowthatis.
EverywhereItur
nit’
sRet habi
l
ethatRet
habil
ethis!SoyesIam
crazy!Iam cr
azybecauseIam nothappy.Ihaveneverenj
oyed
myl i
febecauseofy ou.”

Thabist
eppedbackt
ear
sfi
l
li
ngherey
es.“
Sowhat
?Youwant
ed
toki
ll
me? ”

“
YesIwantedtokill
you.Youweregoingt
odieanditwasgoingt
o
l
ookl
ikesuici
de.Iboughtt
hem onmywayher efr
om Shakawe
j
ustf
oryoubecauseIam sickandti
redofyou.
”

“
Ifeel
sor
ryf
ory
ou.
”

Thsnithrewthepil
l
sonherface.“
AndFaraidoesn’
tlov
ey ou.He
neverdid.Youtr
appedhi
m withki
dshopinghewill
loveyou.It
’sa
shamet hatyouwouldt
hinkchi
ldr
enkeepaman.Getoutofmy
house…”

Thabiunl
ockedthedoor.El
angpickedherpi
l
lssni
ff
ingand
walkedout
.Thabilookedathersadl
y.

“
Gethel
p.Youneedhel
p.”

Sheconti
nuedwalki
ng.Thabicl
osedherey
esandst
oodagai
nst
thedoor
,herhandsonherface.

*
**

I
nNami
bia,
Kel
l
ysati
nthe5st
arhot
elr
oom t
aki
ngpi
ctur
es.She
uploadedt
hem onherFacebookandI
nst
agram.Agangwal
ked
fr
om thebathr
oom andreachedf
orhi
sphone.

“
Wear
egoi
nghomet
omor
rowmor
ning.
”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
ed.“
Thi
swasni
ce.
”

Heki
ssedher
.“Il
ovey
ou.
”

Kel
lysmil
ed.“
Iam sorr
yaboutmybehav i
or.Ij
ustdi
dn’
tli
ket
hat
youwerej
umpingaroundforyourbr
other
’swifefor
get
ti
ngme.”

Agangsighed.“I
t’
sok.SomehowIfeelyouhady ourf
ri
endsl
eep
wit
hmybr otheronpurposebuti
tdoesn’
tmatternowbecause
ThabiandAtangbrokeup.”

“
IswearIdi
dn’
ttel
lLet
tyt
odot
hat
.”

“
Itdoesn’
tmat
ter
.”

Kel
lylookedathi
mtear
ful
l
y.“
Ihadt
oldhert
ost
ayawayf
rom hi
m
Iswear.”

“
Ok.
”

Hekissedhert
hendr
essedup.Kel
l
yputherphonedownandl
aid
besi
deshim.

“Iwoul
dneverpl
anforyourbrot
her
’smarri
aget
ofai
l
.Idon’
that
e
Thabi,
itwasj
ustj
ealoustal
ki
ng.Il
oveyou.
”

Agangsmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Shesmi l
edrel
ievedbutthenguil
tyweighedherdownasshe
thoughtoft
hef actt
hatherbestfri
endwasthereasonAt
angand
Thabihadbrokenup.
*
**

InMaunhourslater
,Atangstoppedatthefil
l
ingstat
ionthen
roll
eddownhiswindowslookingaround.Hecaughtsightofthe
Audi ont
heothersi
dewi t
htwol adi
esinsi
de.Theonedr i
vi
ng
steppedouti
nherwhiteformalpantsandawhi t
eblazer.

Atangwatchedassheki ckedhert i
reswi
thherlongst i
l
ettos,
her
l
onghairoverhershoulders.Sheturnedl
ooki
ngov erwhil
e
holdi
ngherphoneandwhat eversheseemedtobesay i
ngseemed
seri
ous.
.shewalkedinsidethef i
l
li
ngstat
ionstore.Atangsighed
andlookedatthefuelatt
endantwhohadbeenst aringtoo.

“
Lai
taj
a,t
seny
aful
ltankt
henwi
pemywi
ndshi
eld.Iam comi
ng.
”

Hesteppedoutandwal
kedinsi
dethestor
e.Hepickedtwocans
ofener
gydri
nksandqueuedbehindherwhi
lesheconti
nued
tal
ki
ngonthephone.

“I
tseitheryoutakeitoryoudon’t.Whaty oudoisnotmybusi ness
buttrustme,youdon’twantt hi
st akentocourt
.Ifyout
hinkj
ust
becausey ouareaman, youwi l
loppr essmethesamewayy ou
probablydotoy ourwif
et henyouhav eanothert
hingcomingf or
you.Mynamei sRebantleMosweu, don’
tfor
getmyname. ”

Shedroppedthecall
andpushedthechocol
atetot
hecashi
er.
Atangpushedhisenergydr
inkst
othecashi
er.

“
Iwi
l
lpayf
orev
ery
thi
ng.
”
Shet
urned.“
Icanpayf
ormyownchocol
ate.
”

“
Thammakeagot
shaba,
don’
tki
l
lme.
”

Shepausedt
henchuckl
ed,
herf
acesof
teni
ng.“
Icanpayf
ori
t.
”

Atangsmil
ed.“
Iwon’
tfor
gety
ourname.Youcant
rustmeon
that
.”At
angpai
d.

Shet
ookherchocol
ate.“
Thanks.
”

Hewal
kedoutwi
thher
.“Iam At
ang.
”

Shesmil
ed.“
Thanky
ouf
ort
hechocol
atet
hatIcoul
dhav
epai
d
formy
self
.”

Hewalkedwithhertohersil
verRS7.Heopenedthedoorforher
,
shegotin.At
angreachedforherbusi
nesscardonherdashboar
d
andsmil
edstari
ngathernameandherj obposit
ion.

“
Makessense.
”

Rebantl
elaughedst
art
inghercarthendr
oveoff
.Atangl
ookedat
herbusi
nesscardagai
nandwal kedtohi
scarsmil
i
ng.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#99

Latert
hatsamedayaft
erdi
nner,
Thabif
aceLomothelapt
opin
thebedroom t
henwal
kedoutandwentt
othesi
tt
ingroom i
nher
pyj
amashor t
sandshi
rt.

Shesatdowndial
i
ngAt
ang.Shel
i
stenedt
oitr
ingf
orawhi
l
ethen
hefi
nal
lypi
cked.

“
Hey
…”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Hi,
IhopeIam notdi
str
act
ingy
ou?
”

“
No.What
’sup?Howar
eyouguy
sset
tl
ing?
”

Thabileanedbackont
hecouch.“
Ihear
dhert
alki
ngt
oyouabout
Wifi
.”

“
Shewil
lgetusedt
oit
.Ther
eisWi
Fiathomebutshedoesn’
tuse
i
tev
ery
day.”

“
Shei
swat
chi
ngmov
iesnow.Wemi
ssy
oual
ready
.”

“
Isawabeaut
if
ulsomeone.
”

Thabi
pausedt
hensmi
l
ed.“
Sosoon?
”

“
Myey
esar
enotcl
osed.
”

“
What
’shername?
”

“
Rebant
le.
”
“
Onascal
eoft
en,
howbeaut
if
uli
sshe?
”

“
She’
sbeaut
if
ul.Shei
saj
udge.
”

“
Uhu…el
egor
ehowol
disshe?
”

“
Shei
sol
dert
hany
ou.
”

“
Soshe’snowyournewChi
cken?Hopef
ull
yyoucat
chhert
his
t
imearound.
”

Atanglaughed.“
Ithi
nkIwanttogot
hinksdi
ff
erent
ly.
.ifIchoose
tochaseher.Olebegaalebodi
panyana.
”

Thabi
lai
dont
hecoucht
henputherl
egsup.

“
Don’
tsl
eepwi
thhert
hef
ir
stni
ght
.”

“Iwon’t
.Iwanttodothingsdif
fer
entl
yinmynextrel
ati
onshi
p.
Fir
stthi
ngisaccept
ingt heendofyouandI
.Ithi
nkthatwil
lmake
thi
ngseasierf
ormei fIhavenohopethaty
ouandIcanev erbe.
ToacceptthatyouareonlyLomo’smother
.”

“Ok.That
’sagoodf i
rstst
ep.Nnat ot
arightnowIdon’tthi
nkgo
j
olakepriori
ty.Iwantmydegr eedobadsomet i
mesIdon’tsee
anythi
ngbutthat.Ialmostthere.Iwant
edt ostayt
hereforawhil
e
aft
ermyr esi
dency…whenIbecomeanat t
endi
ngbutIwantto
comebackhome.Iwantt oopenapr i
vatecli
nicaf
terIworkabit
toseehowwedot hi
ngs.”

“Iam proudofyou.Ihav
enev erseenahar
dwor kerl
i
keyou.Ago
gett
er.Ilov
ethataboutyou.Wheny ouwantsomethi
ng,
yougo
fori
t.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
Ihavebeenthi
nki
ngaboutt
hepl
otweweregoingt
oget
.AndI
t
hinkIshoul
dputi
tinLomo’
sname.Maybebui
l
dahousether
e.
NotasbigasIwant
edbut…somet
hing.
”

“Orgi
veittome.KanaAtangyoumar
ri
edme.IknowIwal
kedi
n
thatmar
riagewit
hnothi
ngandnowIam goi
ngtowal
koutwi
th
nothi
ngagain?
”

Hel
aughed.“
Youhav
est
art
ed.
”

“
Atangwee…dother i
ghtthing.GapeifIam st
ayi
ngther
eit
meansLomowillal
sobest ayingther
e.Igavebackt
hecar.Gi
ve
metheplot
.Pl
ease…thinkaboutit.Wewi l
ltal
kwhenIcomeback
t
oBots.
”

Thabi
’sphonev i
brat
edringi
ng.Shelookedatt
heunsav
ednumber
cal
li
ngthensighedcutt
ingthecall
.

“El
angwantedtokil
lme.”Sheputherl
egsdownnarrat
ingwhat
hadhappened.“
Ithi
nkthatti
meIwentcrazyshehadput
somethi
nginthedri
nkshegav emebecauseitwast
heonlythi
ng
Iconsumedthatday.
”

“
Ilongt
oldy
ouIdon’
tli
ket
hatper
son.
”

“Iknow.Butyouknowwheny ougrewupwithsomeone,
completel
ycutt
ingthem of
fishar
d.Iam gl
adthi
shappened.Now
Icancloseofft
hischapt
erforgood.
”

“
Ihopey
oumeani
t.
”

“
Ido.
”

Herphoner
angagai
n.“
Att
iel
etmecal
lyouback.Someonei
s
cal
l
ing.
”

Shehungupandpi
ckedt
hecal
l
.

“
Ret
habi
l
eKai
sar
aspeaki
ng,
hel
l
o?”

“Hi.Youar etal
kingtoKaoneTaol e,
Mr sKgosi’
slawy er
.Mr s.
Kgosi i
ssui ngforhomewr eckageaftershegotev i
denceofy ou
andherhusbandki ssi
ng.Wear egoingtohavedocument s
deliver
edtoy ou.Ireal
i
zeyouar eanaspi r
ingdoctorwhohasa
reputati
onandIam sur ethisisnotthekindofpublici
tyyouwant
toy ourname.Iwantust osettlethi
soutofcourt.Noonehadt o
gethumi l
iated.
”

“
Iam sor
ry,
youl
ostme.Iam bei
ngsuedf
orwhat
?”

“
Homewr
eckage.Youar
ehav
inganaf
fai
rwi
thPukeKgosi
.”

Thabi
laughed.“
Iam nothav
inganaffai
rwi
thPul
e..Idi
dn’
tev
en
knowhewasmar ri
ed.Hesaidther
ingwasforf
un.
”

“Soi
nyourbrainyoubeli
evedheisjustwear i
ngari
ngforfun?
Howstupi
dar eyou?Doesamanl ikehiml ookli
kehewouldjust
wearari
ngforfun?Shewant sP100k.Eitherwesorti
toutof
cour
tordragyoutocourt…yourchoice.Youhaveunti
ltomorrow
morni
ngtogiveusy ourr
esponse.
”

Thelawyerhungup.Thabi
star
edatherphonef
orawhi
l
ein
shockthencall
edPul
e.

“
Thabi
-“

“
Ijustgotacal
lfr
om y
ourwi
fe’
slawy
er.
”

“
Iam sor
ti
ngi
tout
.Don’
twor
ryabouti
t.
”
“
Sor
titoutandst
ayawayf
rom me.
”

Thabihungupandblockedhi
m.Shesi
ghedst
il
li
nshockt
hen
cal
ledAtangagai
nly
ingonhersi
derel
axi
ngherbody
.

*
**

AtElang’shouse,El
angsatonherbedatthebackr
oom whi
leher
chi
ldrenplayedonthefl
oor.Shesubmit
tedherCVthr
oughemail
toacompanyt hatwasl
ookingforsomeonewit
hher
quali
ficat
ions.

Meanwhi
l
eherol
destdaught
eropenedhermother
’shandbagand
t
ooksomepi
ll
s.Shesmil
edwalki
ngtoheryoungersi
ster
.

“
Let
spl
ay…wasl
wal
aandIam adoct
or.Dr
inky
ourmedi
cat
ion.
”

Shegav
eherbrot
heronemedici
nel
aughi
ng.Theycont
inued
pl
ayi
ngwhi
leeati
ngthepi
l
ls.

Elangscroll
edthroughherFacebookt
imeli
nepassi
ngpeopl
e
celebrat
ingthei
rachievement
s.Sheswal
lowedtaki
ngadeep
breaththencall
edFar ai
.Hi
sphonerangacoupleofti
mesbefor
e
hef i
nall
ypicked.

“
Elang…”

“
Hey
,howar
eyou?
”

“
Fine.Whati
sit
?”

“
Ijustcal
l
edt
ocheckupony
ou.
”
“
Iam f
ine.Ihav
esomet
hingIneedt
otel
lyou.
”

“
Ok,
what
?”

“Ihadawifebackhomeandshe’
soffi
cial
l
ymov edthi
ssi
de.Iwi
ll
bestayi
ngwithherandourki
dsmeani
ngy oucan’
tcomebackto
thehouse.
”

El
angf
rowned.“
What
?”

“
Mywi
feandIwi
l
lbest
ayi
ngt
oget
her
.”

“
Whatwi
feFar
ai?
”

“
YouandIar
edone.Pl
easedon’
tbot
herus.
”

El
angsl
owl
ygotup.“
Far
ai,
whatwi
fe?
”

“HernameMoni caandshe’sal
readyhere.She’sbeaut
iful
and
alsoahardworker.Shewil
lbehelpi
ngmef i
nancial
l
y.Sheis
carry
ingoursecondchil
dandIdon’twanthert ohaveadiff
icul
t
pregnancy
.Soy oucan’
tcomeback.Alsopl easegetajob.
”

“
Wehaveki
dsFar
ai!Iam comi
ngt
her
e.Doy
out
hinkt
hisi
sa
j
oke?
”

“
Don’
tbot
hercomi
ngbecausenoonewill
openfory
ou.Iam done
wi
thy
ou.Wearedone.Getaj
obbecauseyouar
egoingtoneed
i
t.
”

*
**
Thatsameni ghti
nMaun, Bat
angjumpedthroughthewal
lat
Lebo’shouse.HewalkedtothebackdoorwhereLebowas
standi
ng.Shequickl
ylethi
mi nandledhert
oherroom.

Hesmi ledki
ssi
ngher.Hegent
lyl
aidherdownget t
ingontopof
her.Lebotookoutacondom f
rom under
neathherpil
low.Bat
ang
tookoffherni
ghtdressandt
ouchedherbreast
.

From t
henextroom,mmagweLebobewokeuppr essed.Shegot
upleavi
ngherhusbandsleepingthenwalkedoutofthebedroom.
Shewalkeddownthepassagepassi ngLebo’sroom.Shesighed
st
aringatLebo’
sbedroom li
ghtthatwasstil
lon.

“
Godt
hisgi
rl
…”

Sheopenedt
hedoorwal
ki
ngi
n.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#100

MmagweLeboscr
eamedasBatangj
umpedoffherdaught
er.He
qui
ckl
ypul
l
eduphispant
sput
ti
ngawayhi
sdic.

MmagweLebost
agger
edbackt
henwal
kedt
oherbedr
oom.

“
RragweLebo!Wakeup!
”

Lebo’sj
umpedoffbedput
ti
ngonherni
ghtdr
esst
hent
hrew
Batang’
sshoesathi
m.

“
Run!Run!
”

Bat
angr
anoutt
hrought
hebackdoorasr
ragweLebowokeup.

“
Ther
eisamani
nthehouse!
”

Helookedathiswi f
eandquickl
ygotup.Heranouti
nhi
sblue
andwhiteboxers,hi
sbigbel
lyshaki
ng.Heswall
owedasBatang
j
umpedoutt hroughthewall
.

“Kel
egodu?(
Wasi
tat
hief
?)Howdi
dheev
engeti
n?Di
dhet
ake
anyt
hing?
”

MmagweLeboshookherhead.“
Hewasi
nLebo’
sroom.
”

“
Doi
ngwhat
?Lebo!
”

Herushedtoherroom andl
ookedathi
sdaught
er.“
Didhedo
any
thingt
oy ou?Wearecall
i
ngt hepol
i
ce.
”

Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
esasshel
ookedathermot
herbeggi
ngherwi
th
herey
esnotsaynot
hing.

“
No.May
behewasaboutt
otakemyphone.
”

Herfat
hersi
ghed.“
Howdidhegeti
n?Wher
eal
lthedoor
slocked?
Lebodidyoul
ockallt
hedoor
s?”

Lebonodded.Herfat hersi
ghedwalki
ngtothedoorbutther
ewas
nosignofastruggle.Itwasprobabl
yoneofthosethi
eveswho
real
l
yknewt hei
rjobs.Hesi ghedworr
iedl
yandtur
nedtohiswif
e
anddaughter.

“Let
’sl
ock.Wewil
ldeal
wit
hthi
sint
hemor
ning.
.Iwi
l
lsl
eepi
nthe
sit
ti
ngroom t
oni
ght.
”

MmagweLebol
ookedatherdaught
ert
hensi
ghed.

“
Ithi
nky
oushoul
dsetf
reeBobbyf
ree.
”

RragweLebonoddedt henwalkedoutsi
deandsett heirdog
bull
dogloose.Hel ookedaroundtheyardandwalkedbacki nthe
houselockingbehindhim..Lebowalkedbacktoherbedr oom and
ki
ckedBat ang’
st-shir
tunderthebed.Hermotherwal kedinand
l
ookedatherangr ily
.

“
Lebogang-
“

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

Shewal
kedoverandsl
appedheracr
osst
hef
ace.Lebopr
essed
herl
i
pstoget
heri
nsil
ence.

“
Youbri
ngmenwi
thani
mal
thi
ngsi
nmyhouse!Undermyr
oof
!
Huh?
”
Leboswal
l
owedst
ari
ngathermot
her
’sangr
yface.

“
Doy
oupayr
enther
e?”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

Hermothersl
appedheragai
nandbangedherheadont
hewal
l
mult
ipl
eti
mes.

“
Youbr
ingmeni
nmyhouse?
!”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

Hermothersteppedbackthenwal
kedout
.Lebot
ouchedherhead
i
nsil
encestandingagai
nstthewal
l
.

*
**

Batangl i
mpedasacr ampweakenedhisri
ghtl
eg.Itgotsopai
nful
hest oppedtryi
ngt
ohandlethepainbuti
twassomuchhesat
downl eaningagai
nstawall
.Heclosedhi
seyesbreathi
ngheavi
ly
sti
l
l shaking.
.

Hi
sphoner
ang,
het
ooki
toutandpi
cked.

“
Hi,
wher
ear
eyou?
”

“
Igotacr
amp.Iam cl
oseby
.What
’sgoi
ngon?
”

“
Papat
hinksi
t’
sat
hief
.Mamai
sangr
ybuti
t’
sok.Shoul
dIcal
l
y
ouacab?”

“
Yes.Thanks.
”
“Iam sor
ry.Iwi
ll
cometothefar
m kamoso.Ihav
etodr
opof
fa
coupl
eoft hi
ngsatmyaunt’
shouse.
”

“
Ok.
”

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

“
Ilov
eyout
oo.Iam cal
l
ingacab.Wher
eexact
lyar
eyou?
”

*
**

I
nGabor
onePul
e’
swi
feangr
il
ylookedathi
m,f
umi
ng.

“
Soy
oucheatonmeandt
hreat
ent
odi
vor
ceme?
”

“
Isai
dify
ousuehert
henwemi
ghtaswel
lgetdi
vor
ced.
”

“
Youar
enotev
ensor
ry.
”

“Whosai dIam notsorr

y?Ionlysai
difyousueThabi t
henwewi l
l
meeti ncourtf
inali
zi
ngourdivor
ce..
Iam sor
ryIki
ssedher.But
that’
sallIdi
d.Ididn’
tsl
eepwithher.Il
oveyoubutifyouwantto
walkaway ,goahead.Wear emarri
edoutofcommuni tyof
propertysoeveryonewalksawaywithwhat’
sthei
rs.Iam
sleepi
ng.”

Tearsfi
ll
edhereyesashetur
nedsl eepi
ng.Shegotoffbed
holdi
nghertear
sfil
l
ingdef
eated.I
twasn’tjustt
hathehad
cheatedbutal
sotheamountofarroganceandpridei
nhisvoi
ce.

I
t’
sli
kehedidn’
tevencare.Hepressedherphoneandcal
l
edher
number
.Itr
agtwicethenshepicked.
“
Hel
l
o?”

“Pl
easest
ayawayfr
om myhusband.Wehav
eki
ds.Cany
ounot
dest
roymyfami
ly…keagokopa.
”

“Hi.Idi
dn’tknowyourhusbandwasmarri
ed.Hegoesaround
sayingheissingl
e.Idon’
tevenwanthi
m.Ihaveneversl
eptwit
h
him.Tellhimtonevercal
lmeagain.
”

Ret
habi
l
ehungup

*
**

Atangdr
oveinsi
dehishousethatsameeveni
ngandwalked
i
nsidehi
shouse.Rebantl
e’
sbusinesscar
dfel
linhi
shands.He
bendedt
henpickeditupknowingobvi
ousl
yacallwoul
dannoy
her.

Hesmil
edwal
kingtohisbedr
oom di
ali
nghernumber
.Herphone
r
angforawhi
l
et hensheanswer
ed.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Yourhonor
…”

Rebapausedf
orasecondandsi
ghed.“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?”

Hesmi
l
edpi
cki
ngt
heunf
il
ter
edannoy
ancef
rom herf
eist
yvoi
ce.

“Ihav
eaf r
iendwhoisi
nneedofal awyersoIthoughtsi
nceI
haveajudgeifaf
ri
end,youcouldhookusupwi t
hagoodl awy
er.
Hisbabymamawon’ tl
ethim seehi
sdaughter
.It’
sbeentwo
y
ear
sofr
unni
ngar
ound.
”

“
Youneedmet
ogetagoodl
awy
er.
”

“
Buty
oucanhel
p.”

“Ican’
thel
py ou.Youl
ookl
i
keacri
minal
.Idon’tknowwhatmakes
youthi
nky oucancall
meandst
ri
keaconversati
onwit
hmeasi fI
am inyourleague.
”

Atanglaughed.“Rebant
leweeh,
cal
m down.Youwil
ldi
eal
one
witht
hatatti
tude.Youaretoool
dtobepicky
.Youneedadi
ck.A
goodone.”

“
You-
“

“Calm down…breathe.Nooneisfi
ghti
ngy ou.Iam notathi
ef…I
am justagunman.Legal one.Sor
elax…Iam notoutther
e
steal
ing.Justki
l
li
ng.”

“
What
?”

“
S.W.
AT.
”

“
Oh.
.sor
ry.Ij
ust
-“

“
Youneedadi
ck.
”

Thabi
’si
ncomi
ngcal l
camethrough,hedr
oppedi
tandcont
inued
tal
ki
ngtoRabi
.“Idon’
t…Iam hangi
ngup.”

“
Wait
.Nextweeki
stheMantshwabi
sideser
trace…l
et’
sgo
t
oget
her
.Unwind…havef
un.Youneedit.
”

“
Youmustt
hink-
“
“Iam nott
hinki
nganyt
hingothert
hanfun.Comewi t
hme.Let’s
havefun.Iwanttohav
ef un.Noexpect
ati
ons.Justi
nnocentf
un.”

“
Iam av
erybusywoman-
“

“
Wher
edoy
oust
ay?
”

“Ihaveresponsi
bil
i
ties.Ican’
tjustupandl
eav
eli
keaheadl
ess
chicken.Fi
ndsomeoneel se.
”

“
Iwanty
ou.St
opf
ight
ing.I
t’
sjustf
un.I
nnocentf
un.
”

“
Bye!
”

Shehungup.Hesmi
l
edt
henr
ecei
vedamessagef
rom ‘
Babe’
.

Babe:
Hey
,justchecki
ngi
fyouhav
ear
ri
ved.

At
ang:
YesIhav
e.Iam t
ir
ed,
Iam goi
ngt
osl
eep,
goodni
ght
.

Hesentthemessagethent
hought
ful
l
ychangedhernamef
rom
‘
babe’t
o‘Ret
habil
eK’.

*
**

AtElang’shouse,El
angwokeupi nthemiddl
eofthenighttot
ake
herkidstothetoi
let
.Sheshookt hem.Shepausedst
aringatt
he
whit
ef oam comingfrom herchi
l
dren’
smouth.

“
No…wakeup!
”

Sheshookt
hem thenoffbedsteppi
ngontheemptysachetof
pi
ll
s.Shel
ookedatherkidsthenscr
eamedforhel
p.
Your
sTr
uly

#101

Rethabi
lerushedthrought
othegateholdi
ngatElang’
shouse
wheretheywer eal
readyput
ti
ngthekidsinthecar.El
angl
ooked
athercryi
ng.

“
Theydr
ankt
hepi
l
ls.Idi
dn’
tseet
hem,
theywer
epl
ayi
ng.
”

Thabi
putherf
inger
sov
erherdaught
er’
sneckf
eel
i
ngf
orher
pul
se.

“
Whati
sthenameoft
hosepi
l
ls?
”

El
angshr
uggedcr
ying.MmagweEl
angsmi
l
ed.

“Thabi,Iam sohappytoseeyou.Youlookbeaut
if
ul.Iwas
disappoint
edearli
eronwheny ouhadsomeonesentov erwi
th
Elang’
sphone.Buty ouareher
enow.”

“
Mama,
weneedt
ogetmyki
dst
othehospi
tal
!Theyar
edy
ing!
”

“That’si
ftheyarenotalreadydead.Idon’tknowwhyy ouare
maki ngsomuchnoi sebecausethesekidsdy i
ngwillbeofmuch
help.Theyeatal otandareexpensive.Youcan’tkeephavingki
ds
andexpectot herpeopletotaketheburdeny oubroughtupon
yourself
.LookatThabi …herdaughterdoesnotl i
veonhandouts
becausesheact uall
ywor ks.
”

Rr
agweEl
angwal
kedoutandsmi
l
edst
ari
ngatThabi
l
e.

“
Thabi
howar
eyou?
”
“
Iam f
ine.Weshoul
dgot
othehospi
tal
.”

Theyallgoti
nthecarthenrr
agweEl
angstar
tedthecaranddrove
offheadedtothehospi
tal
.Minut
esl
atert
heysteppedoutwi
ththe
ki
dsandhur r
iedinsi
de.

Thabi
satwi
thEl
angont
hebenchwai
ti
ngf
ort
hedoct
or.

“
Didy
ouwantt
oki
l
lyourki
ds?
”

El
angt
urnedt
oher
.“Whywoul
dIwantt
oki
l
lmychi
l
dren?
”

“
Idon’
tknowEl
ang…”

“Iwouldnev erhur
tmychil
dren.Theyaretheonlypeopl
eIhavei
n
myl i
fe.Faraidumpedme.Hesai dhiswifenowstayswit
hhim
andIshoul dstayawayfr
om himt oget
herwithmykids.My
parentsprefermyfri
endothert
heirowndaughtersowhywouldI
kil
ltheonlypeoplewholovemeRet habil
e?”

Thabi sighedt henst oodup.“ Whattheki dsdrankisnotpoi son.

Justmedi cationforpatientswithschizophrenia.Icouldsmel li
t
fr
om myj uice.I
twasnotgoi ngtokillmesoy ouwer escammed.
I
tdef init
elywon’ tkil
lthekids.Theyobv iousl
yov erdosedbuti twil
l
bepumpedout .Theywi l
lprobablybeher eforadayort wobut
nothingi ntense.Iam sor r
yy ouhav etur
nedi ntothepersony ou
are.Ihear dwhaty ourmot hersaid.Iam sorrythatthishasbeen
yourlife.Iwi shIknew, i
fIdidIwoul dhav estayedaway .Just
becauseyoucan’ tgetanof f
icejobdoesn’ tmakey oui ncapable.
Youareagoodcook.Youcangeti ntothatl
i
ne.Star tsomet hi
ng.
Sell
magwi nyaatschool s.Atther ank.Youcangof ar.AndFar ai
won’tabandonhi skidsbecausey ouar enotgoingt olethi m.Go
tocourtsothatheget stopayacer t
ainamountofmai ntenance.
Heisnowabusi nessownersot rustme, hewon’tbepay ing
anythi
nglessthan1. 5k.Andhewoul dn’twantt
ododget hecourt.
”

Thabit
ookoutsomemoneyf rom herpocket.“Take.I
t’
snotmuch
butagoodkickst
art
.Youneedbeahust l
erElang.Youneedto
sweatfory
ourmoney .Iam going.Goodluck.”

Thabit
urnedandwalkedout
.Elangsni
ffedcounti
ngthenotesof
money.Tearsr
olleddownasshecountedtheladyP200ofthe
P2600.Sheputthemoneyawayandoutherhandsov erherface
cr
ying.

*
**

Zazalai
donherbedthatev
eningunabl
etosl
eep.Shereachedf
or
herphoneandwentonFacebookwhereoneofherol
dfri
ends
hadpostedapi
ctur
eofherandherbaby.

Zazasmi l
edthenreactedwithaheart.Shemovedonscrolli
ng
downt odist
racthersel
f.ShepausedatAgang’
spictur
esofhi m
andhiswifeattheirhoneymoon.Sher ol
l
edhereyesopeningall
thepict
ures.ShelookedatKell
y’shugenoseandlaughed.She
senthim amessage.
Zaza:
Congr
atul
ati
ons!

Shelookedt
hrought
her
estoft
hepi
ctur
esandcar
ri
edon
scr
oll
ingdownherti
mel
i
ne.

Themessengernot
if
icat
ionpi
nged.Shecl
i
ckedonhi
smessage.

Agang:
Thanks.

Zaza:
Kemaaka,
nnakebi
tt
er(
Iam l
yi
ng.Iam bi
tt
er.
)

Her
epl
i
edt
henputherphoneonsi
l
ent
.

Agang:
Bit
terf
orwhat
?

Zaza:
alotoft
hings.Iam st
il
lwai
ti
ngf
ory
ourkar
ma.

Agang: Sat
ankewena

Zaza: mxm, l
eswal engtot
a?(
Wheny oudy
ing?
)Yourwi
fei
s
fi
nishi
ngoxy
gen.Ican’tbr
eat
heproper
ly.

Agang: waai
i
i

Zaza:
Arey
oubacki
nGabs?

Agang:
Yes,
why
?

Zaza:IthoughtIwoul
dwi
shy
ouanunsaf
ejour
ney
.Tot
annal
a
ntena(Youannoyme.)

Agang:
Calm down…gapewhatkar
ma?Youcheat
edonme
remember
?

Zaza:Icheat
edbecauseyouwerenotser i
ousaboutmenordid
youloveme.Itfel
tfor
cedfort
hreey ear
s.Youwerenothappy
.
AndIwasst i
llhur
tovert
hefactthatwhenIcri
edformyson,you
wer
ebusyhav
ingsex.ButIhav
egat
her
edy
ouar
eGod’
sfav
.

Agang:
Ok…y
oudohav
eapoi
ntt
her
e.Di
dIev
erapol
ogi
ze?

Zaza:No.Nev
er.AndIam goodwi
tht
hat
.Iwantt
ohol
dont
omy
bi
tter
ness☠

Agang:
Wher
eisy
ourhusband?

Zaza:
Sleepi
ng.

Agang: Iam sor r

y.Iam sor ryInev erapologizedf orwhatIputy ou
i
nt hef i
rstplace.Ihur tyoual ot,Iknowourson’ sdeathstil
lhurt
you.Iknowi thurt
sy outhatIwasnott heremostofhi sli
fe.I
knowy outhinkhisdeat hdidn’thur tmeasmuchasi thurtyou.
Buti tdi
d.Ithurtmeandi tsti
lldoesbecausei fIhadbeena
presentpar ent,may behewoul dn’thav edied.Iam sor ryforPearl
.
Itwasdi srespectful.Toy ouandourson.Iam sor ryIneverhad
theconf i
dencet ot ellyouthatIdi dn’tloveyou, notthatthere
anythingwr ongwi thy oubutIj ustdi dn’tl
ovey ou.Youar ean
amazi ngwoman.Iam happyy ouar ehappynow.Andy es,youcan
holdont oy ourbitterness.Idon’ tev enblamey ou.Ideser veyou
hatingme.

Tear
sfil
l
edZaza’
seyes.Shesni
ff
edthenswi
tchedof
fherphone
andl
aidonhersi
decryi
ngsil
ent
ly.

AWEEKLATER…

I
nGabor
one,
Atangpar
kedhi
scari
nfr
ontofhergat
eandst
epped
out.Hepressedtheinter
com.Thegat esli
dopen.Hej umpedback
i
nhi scarnotseeinganyonethendrovein.Heparkedbehindher
Audi t
henjumpedout .Hepausedhearinglaught
ercomi ngfr
om
thebackyardHewal kedtothebackandpausedst ar
ingata
groupofladi
eswear i
ngt-shi
rtspr
intedBRIDEMAI DS,onlyone
l
adywasi nadr ess.

Theyall
lookedathi
m.Atangsmil
edtaki
ngof
fhiscapandlooked
atRebawhowasal soweari
ngaBRIDEMAIDpri
ntedt-
shi
rt
hol
dingaglassofwinei
nherhand.

Withoutt
heformalcl
othes,
shel
ookedactual
lysi
mpl
eand
beauti
ful
.Sheslowl
ygotupandwalkovertohim.

“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”

Shepushedhi
mint
hehouseast
hel
adi
esst
aredi
nsi
l
ence.
Atangsmil
ed.

“
Hi…”

“
Howdi
dyouf
indmyhouse?
”

“
Ihav
emyway
s.Youl
ookcut
eyourhonor
.”

“
Arey
oust
alki
ngme?
”

“
No.Ipl
eadnotgui
l
tyt
othat
.Youbl
ockedme.
”

“
Forar
eason.
”

Atanglookedi
nhereyes.“Let
sgot othedesertrace.Let
’sgoand
havefun.Youarenotdoinganyt
hingthisweekend.Youdon’t
havetodateme.Idon’twantarelat
ionshi
ptoo.”
“
Idon’
tev
enknowy
ou.
”

Atangsmi led.“Mynamei sAt ang.Youknowwher eIwor k.Ihave

onechi ld.Adaught er.Sheis8.Hermot herandIbr okeupbutI
thinkshehadbeendonewi t
ht herelationshipforacoupl eof
year snow.Shest ay sinL.Awher eshei sstudyi
ng.Istaywi thmy
daught erher e.Ihaveat winbr ot
her.Hedoesn’ thavetattoosandI
don’ thaveaf r
iendwhoneedsal awy er.Ili
edaboutt hat.Iknow
youar eoneofy oungestjudgesi nBot swana.Youhav etwo
sisters.Youhav enochi l
d.Youar ebeaut i
fulandsmar t.Youar ea
l
awabi dingci ti
zen.Iam notmuchoft hatbutIhav eal egal j
ob.
Look, wedon’ thavet odatetogot ot hedeser trace.Idon’teven
hav etof ucky ou.It
’sjustfun.Innocentf un.”

“
Iam busy
.”

“
Ok.Iwi
l
lgoal
one.By
e!Byt
heway
,youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”

Hewal
kedoutt
hensmi
l
ed.

“
Byel
adi
es!
”

“
Byeeee!
”

Hewalkedt
ohi
scarandj
umpedi
n.Reba’
sol
dersi
sterwal
kedi
n
t
heki
tchen.

“
Isthaty
ournewboy
fri
end?He’ssohot
.Heel
ang!Ineverknew
wehadthatt
ypemoBotswana.Wait
seonalethatt
hing!Yeeer
rr
man!”

Rebal
aughed.“
Hei
snotmyboy
fri
end.
”

“
What
?”
“
Hei
sthatguyIt
oldy
ouabout
.S.
W.A.T.
”

“
Ser
ious?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
IfIwer
ey ouIwoul
dhavelongsaidy
es.Heist
hetypeofman
y
oubarelyfi
nd.I
maginehavingki
dswit
hhim.Gi
rl
!”

“
Hehasachi
l
d.”

“
Sowhat
?”

“
Ijustdon’
tli
kehi
m.”

“Youare32yearsol
dReba.Yourtypei
shim.Atthi
sage, most
peoplehaveki
ds.Most
lythreeort
wo.Thegoalwouldbet ofind
onewhodoesn’thaveacrazybabymama..youarenotgoingt o
fi
ndamanwhodoesn’ thaveachil
d.Maybeifyouwerei nyour
twenti
esbutnowwaaaii
.Andy oul
ow-keyfi
ndhim at
tracti
ve.He
hasthisaur
awithhi
m…Iwoul dchestwit
hhim.”

Rebal
aughed.“
Wenakana.
”

“I
fyoupl
ayhardtoget,hewi
lll
eav
e.Thesedayst
heydon’tchase
aft
erusf
ortoolong.Theyl
etgoandlookf
orsomeoneelse.
What’
shi
sname? ”

“
Atang.
”

“
Whatwashesay
ing?
”

“
Hewant
sust
ogot
othedeser
trace.
”

“
Go.
”
“
Ican’
t.I
t’
sD’
sbr
idal
shower
.Ican’
tjust
-“

“
Cal
lhi
m.Go.Goandhav
efun.Heseemsl
i
keaf
unman.Youonl
y
l
i
veonceReba…”

*
**

Thabihel
dLomo’
shandwal ki
ngoutofSSKai
rpor
t.Zazasmi
l
ed
thenhuggedt
hem bot
h.Thabismi
led.

“
Hi…”

Zazal
ookedather
.“Youl
ookwow…”

Thabi
laughed.“
Thanks.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ult
oo.
”

“
Mxm.
.wher
e?”

Theywal
kedtoZaza’scar
.Zazaputt
hebagsi
nthebootwhi
l
e
Thabi
cal
ledAtang.

“
Thabi
…”

“Iam comi
ngt
oyourhouse.Zazai
sdr
oppi
ngusof
f.Wej
ust
arri
ved.
”

“
UhIam nothome.Dr
opof
fLomoatAgang’
shouse.
”

“
Ohok…wher
ear
eyou?
”

“
Iam goi
ngt
othedeser
trace.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Lomocangot
oo.
”
“
Ihav
ecompany
.”

“
Oh…”

“
Yeah.
”

“
Soy
ouar
enotgoi
ngt
oseemebef
oreIgo?Iam goi
ngt
oday
.”

“
Iam sor
rybutshej
ustcal
l
edmet
ocomeandpi
ckherup.
”

“
Arey
ouwi
thhernow?
”

“
No.Iam onmywayt
opi
ckherup.
”

“
Can’
tyouj
ustcomesoy
oucanseemeof
f?”

“No.It
hinki
t’
sbestthisway.Seei
ngyouwill
maket hi
ngshar
der
forme.Iwil
lpr
obablyfuckyouandst
artgett
inghopeful
agai
n.
Akereweagreedthatourshi
psank?Right
?”

Sheswal
l
owed.“
Yes.
”

“
Ok.Wewill
tal
k.Thankyouforcomingandspendi
ngsomet
ime
wi
thLomo.Goodluckonyourseni
oryear.
”

“
Yeah.
..
”

“
Bye.
”

“
Bye.
”

Hehungup.Thabi
tookadeepbr
eat
handgoti
nthecar
.

*
**
AtReba’shouse,
Rebawalkedouthol
dingatr
avel
i
ngbag.At
ang
steppedoutandsmil
edt
aki ngi
tst
ari
ngather
.Shehadoneti
ed
gethair
.Heputherbagi
nt heboot
.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“Bef
orey
ouhavehi
ghhopesandgetwayaheadofy
our
sel
f,I
needtot
ell
yousomet
hing.
”

“
What
?”

Shesi
ghedst
ari
ngathi
m.“
Iam HI
Vposi
ti
ve.Iwasbor
nwi
thi
t.
”

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
Ok.Canwegonow?
”

Heopenedt
hedoorf
orher
.“Shal
lwe?
”

Rebasmiledt
hengoti
nt hecar
..At angcl
osedthedoorand
walkedr
oundthecar
.Hisphoner ang,helookedatRet
habi
le
cal
li
ngthencutt
hecall
getti
ngint hecar.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#102

I
nGabor
one,
Thabi
l
esi
ghedasZazapar
kedatAgang’
shouse.

“
Letmet
akeheri
n.”

“
Ok.Iwi
l
lwai
ther
e.”

Thabi
steppedoutoft
hecarwithLomowhowasqui
et.Thabi
l
ookedathercheekswi
thai
rthensmil
ed.

“
Heybaby
…ar
eweok?
”

“
Iwantt
ogowi
thy
ou.
”

“
Gowi
thmet
oschool
?”

At
earr
oll
eddown.“
Yes.
.”

“
Lomo…”

Lomoputherhandsonfacecr
ying.Thabi
huggedher
.Lomocr
ied
forawhi
l
e.Thabismil
edwipi
ngawayherdaughter
’st
ears.

“I
t’
sok.Iam goingtobecal l
ingy
oual ot
.Ever
yday
.Youcan’
t
comewi thatschoolbecauseIam alway
sbusyandnoonewillbe
wit
hy ou.ButIam comingbackafterayear
.Wewillst
ayt
ogether
for
ever.Il
oveyousomuch. ”

Lomosni
ff
ed.“
Idon’
twantt
obeawayf
rom y
ou.
”

“
Youwon’
tbe.Iwi
l
lcal
lev
ery
day
.”
Thabi
gotherdaught
er’
sbagandr angthei
nter
com t
oAgang’s
bi
ghouse.Thegatesl
idopenthenThabiwal
kedtothedoorwi
th
LomojustasKel
lyopenedthedoor.

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
MrsDani
el…hi
!”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
edst
ari
ngatThabi
’
ssmi
l
e.“
Dr.Kai
sar
a.”

Thabi
laughed.“
Waai
!For
getmebei
ngDr
.Kai
sar
amma.
”

Thabi
huggedhert
henst
eppedback.“
Youl
ook.
.-
“

“
Likehi
ppo.
”

Thabi
laughed.“
Youl
ookl
i
keav
erybeaut
if
ulwhal
e.”

Thebot
hlaughed.Kel
l
ylookedatLomo.

“
HeyLomo…”

Lomosni
ff
edhol
dinghermot
her
’sdr
ess.Kel
l
ylookedatThabi
.

“
Youar
egoi
ngt
ohav
eapr
obl
em t
oday
.”

“
Iknow.I
twoul
dhav
ebeeneasi
eri
fAt
angwast
aki
ngher
.”

“
Iknow.Youl
ookgor
geous.Isawy
ourpi
ctur
esonFacebook.
”

Thabismi
led.
.“Thanks.Congr
atul
ati
onsont
hatr
ing.Iam happy
Aganggotyou.Ial
way sli
kedyou.
”

“
Youl
i
kedmeormycl
eani
ng?
”

Thabil
aughed.
.”
ThammaIador
edy
ou.Youknowt
hat
.Howf
ar
arewe?”

“
8mont
hs.
”
“
Almostt
her
e.Iam happyf
ory
ouand-
“

“
MrsD!
”

Thabi
lookedatAgangandl
aughed.“
Mar
ri
edman!
”

Hewav
edhi
sri
ngsmi
l
ing.“
Ssup?
”

“
Ibr
oughty
ourdaught
er.
”

Aganghuggedhert
henpi
ckedLomo.

“
Heybaby
!”

Lomosni
ff
ed.Agangpaused.“
Tal
ktodaddy
..
”

Lomobur
iedherheadonhi
sshoul
dercr
ying.Thabi
sighed.

“Iwantedtotel
lAtangthati
tseemswear egoi
ngtohavea
probl
em today,
hedi dn’
tpi
ckmycall
.Kotenghethi
nksIam t
ryi
ng
torui
nhishappinesswithhi
snewgirl
fr
iend.
”

Agangsi
ghed.“
Idon’
tthi
nkt
hat
’sar
eal
thi
ng.Hej
ust
-“

“
It
sok.
.wegoty
ouatl
east
.Lethi
m be.
”

AganghuggedLomothenwalkedint
hehousewi
thher
.Kel
l
y
l
ookedatThabiandsi
ghedguil
ti
ly
.

“Iknowyoumustbet
hinki
ngIbr
oughtLet
tysoshecansl
eepwi
th
Atang.
”

“
Let
ty?
”

“
Thel
adywhoAt
ang-
“

“
Oh!Hernamei
sLet
ty?
”
“Yes.Isweart
oyou,
Ididn’tevenknowthatthat
’swhatshewas
planni
ng.Iwoul
dneverdestroyyourmar
riageofpur
pose.”

“I
tsok.I
t’
snoty ou.I
fAtangdidn’twantt
osleepwit
hher,he
wouldnothave.Hewant edherasmuchasshepr obabl
ywant ed
hi
m.It’
sinthepast.Ofwear emeantt obe,wewi
llbe.I
fnotthen
i
tmeanst her
ear epeopl
eoutt heref
orus.”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“
Don’
tbe.Youhav
enot
hingt
obesor
ryabout
.”

Kel
lysmil
edj
ustAgangwal
kedbackwi
thLomowhowasnow
l
aughing.

“
Ok,
let
’ssayby
etomom.
”

Lomowal
kedov
erandhuggedhermot
her
.“By
e.Il
ovey
ou.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyoumor
e.Il
ovey
ou.
”

“
Cal
lmeev
ery
day
.”

“
Iwi
l
l.
”

Thabi
smil
ed.Lomol
etgoandst
oodbesi
deAt
angsmi
l
ing.Thabi
movedback.

“
Ok.
.by
e!”

Agangsmi
l
ed.“
Bri
ngi
thome.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
It
’scomi
ng.By
eKel
l
y.”

Thabitur
nedandwalkedbacktohercousi
n’
scar.Kel
l
ysi
ghed
smil
ing.Agangki
ssedherneckandwhisper
ed.
“
See?
”

“
Ifeel
gui
l
ty.
”

Agangsmilednoddingt
henwat
chedasZazar
ever
sedher
PorscheCayenneanddrov
eoff
.

Thabi
lookedattheti
measZazadrov
eherbacktotheai
rpor
t.
Thabi
lookedoutthr
ought
hewindowinsi
l
ence.Zazasmil
ed.

“
Arey
ouok?
”

“Imissmydaughteral
ready.Iwi
shIcantakeherwi
th.Iwi
shmy
brot
herwashere.Idi
dn’tev
engettospendtimewit
hhim.”

“
Youknowhel
ovesy
our
ight
.”

“
Iknowbut
…GodIneedt
ofi
nishandcomehome.
”

“
Youaredone.Youar
eappr
oachi
ngthef
ini
shl
i
ne.Whi
chi
swhyI
t
hinky
oushouldhol
dontoyourman.
”

“
Ithi
nkAt
angandIar
edone.He’
smov
edont
oo.
”

“
Hesti
l
llov
esyou.Ther
e’sst
il
lti
met
osayIl
ovey
ou.Iwantust
o
maket
hiswor
k.”

“
It
’sunf
aironhimtokeepholdi
ngonl i
ket hi
s.Wewantdi
ffer
ent
t
hingsr
ightnow.Hedeserv
esbetter
.Ilovehim somuch,
Iwon’t
l
i
eandsayIdon’tbecauseIdo.Buti
t’
sj ustunf
airt
owanthimto
keephol
dingon.Hekeepsgi
vi
ngandnev
ergetsomet
hingback.
”

“
Hewi
l
lsoongetback.
”

Thabi
lookedather
.“I
fIgetagr
eencar
dmaybeIwill
takeLomo
andBatang.Wecanal
lstayi
nAmeri
ca.I
t’
sanopt
ion.”

“
Idon’
twanty
oul
osi
ngagoodman.
”

“Idon’
twantt
okeept
aki
ngadv
ant
ageofhi
slov
e.Hedeser
ves
better
.”

Zazaparkedt
hecaratt
heai
rport
.“Hey…somet
imesabitof
sel
fi
shnesswon’
tki
ll
.NnaIwil
lneverl
i
keanygi
rlhedat
es.”

Thabi
laughed.“
Zaza!
”

“
Iam t
ell
i
ngy
ou.
”

Theysteppedoutoft
hecar
.Thabi
draggedherbagi
nsi
det
he
ai
rpor
tandhuggedZaza.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Zazahuggedherback.“
Onl
yapl
easur
e.By
e…”

“
Bye.
”

Zazawalkedout.Thabitur
nedanddraggedherbagwal
kingaway.
Tearsfi
l
ledhereyes.Shetookadeepbreathchecki
ngi
n.Awhil
e
l
atershegotintheplaneheadedt
oSout hAfr
ica.

Tearsburnthereyesasshel ookedatherphone.Somehowshe
foundherheartbreaking,notthatshewasagainsthi
m movi
ngon
but…itst
ill
fel
tli
ket hetimeshehadl eft
.
Shesnif
fedthencal
l
edherbr
other
.Hi
sphoner
angf
orawhi
l
e
thenhepicked.

“
Thabs,
Iam onmyt
her
enow.
”

Shesni
ff
ed.“
Iam l
eav
ing.Thepl
anei
saboutt
otakeof
f.
”

“
Shi
t!Iam i
nthecab.
”

“
It
sok.Iloveyou.Pleasetakecar
eofyoursel
f.Iam proudofyour
marks.Iam sohappyy ouaret
aki
ngyourschool t
hingsser
iousl
y.
”

“
Iam sor
ry.Ishoul
dhav
elef
tear
li
erony
est
erday
.“

“
It
sok.I
t’
sok.
”

“
Ilov
eyout
oo.Il
ovey
ou.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Ok.Ihav
etogo.Iwi
l
lcal
lyouwhenIar
ri
ve.
”

Bat
angsni
ff
ed.“
Ok.
”

“
Bye…”

Shehungupandt hought
ful
l
ylookedatAtang’snumber.She
tappeditandstar
tedtypi
ngamessage.Shei spausedhalf
way
andputdownherphonenotwant i
ngtoseem jeal
ousor…
perhapsbitt
er.

Tearsf
il
ledherey
esagai
n.Shesni
ff
edt
her
ewasnoonenextt
o
her.

Thef
li
ghtat
tendantst
art
edt
alki
ng.

“Ladi
esandgentl
emen,wear
eaboutt
otakeof
fbutourf
li
ghti
s
goingtobedel
ayedwit
honl
ytwominut
es..
”
Thabisi
ghedl
eani
ngagai
nsthersi
t.Af
li
ghtat
tendantwal
ked
overt
oher.

“
MsRet
habi
l
eKai
sar
a?”

Thabinodded.ShemovedthenAtangwal
kedov
er.Thabi
hel
dher
breat
hinsurpri
se.At
angsmiled.

“
Hey
…”

Atearrol
leddownhercheek.Hepul
ledherupandhuggedher
ti
ghtl
y.Thabiwrappedherar
msaroundhim cr
ying.Atangki
ssed
hernecksqueezingherbody
.Hepull
edawayandl ookedinher
eyes.

“
Idon’
tthi
nkIcanev
ergetov
erhowbeaut
if
uly
ouar
e.”

Shechuckledblushi
ng.Hewi pedhertearsawayandkissedher.
Thabiclosedhereyesrecei
vi
ngt hesoftgentl
ekissi
nfrontof
otherpassenger
s.Hepul l
edawayandbi thislowerl
i
p.

“
Chaseaf
tery
ourdr
eams.Youar
eal
mostt
her
e.”

Shenoddedsmi
li
ng.At
angrubbedhersof
tli
pswi
thhi
sthumb
thendr
oppedababyki
ssonherli
ps.

“
Bye.
.”

Shenodded,
herhandsonhi
swai
st.“
Bye.
”

Heletgoandwalkedaway.Thabisl
owl
ysatdown.Minut
esl
ater
thepl
anetookof
f.Thabiputonherear
phonesl
i
steni
ngtoAl
ici
a
Keys.
‘
Hav
eyouev
ert
ri
edsl
eepi
ngwi
thabr
okenhear
t?

Wel
lyoucoul
dtr
ysl
eepi
ngi
nmybed

Lonel
y,ownme,
nobodyev
ershuti
tdownl
i
key
ou

Youwor
ethecr
own,
youmademybodyf
eel
Heav
en-
bound

Whydon’
tyouhol
dme?Needme

It
houghty
out
oldme,
you’
dnev
erl
eav
eme

Looki
ngi
ntheskyIcoul
dseey
ourf
ace

ThenIknewr
ightwher
eIf
iti
n

Takeme,
makeme

Youknowt
hatI
’
llal
way
sbei
nlov
ewi
thy
ou

Ri
ght
,‘
ti
ltheend,
ohh

Sot
oni
ght
,I’
m gonnaf
indawayt
omakei
twi
thouty
ou

Toni
ght
,I’
m gonnaf
indawayt
omakei
twi
thouty
ou

I
’
m gonnahol
dont
othet
imest
hatwehad

Toni
ght
,I’
m gonnaf
indawayt
omakei
twi
thout'

*
**

At
angwal
kedt
othepar
kingl
otwher
eTev
awaswai
ti
ngi
nthecar
.
Hej
umpedi
nandl
ookedather
.

“
Ok… wecangonow.
”

Rebanoddedsmi
l
ing.“
Ok.
”

Hesmi
l
edst
art
inghi
scaranddr
oveof
f.

*
**

I
nMaun, El
angwalkedinthet
inyroom shehadrentedthen
l
ookedatherki
dssleepi
ngont hesmallmattr
ess.Sheturnedand
l
ookedatever
ythi
ngshehadboughtf orherbusi
ness.Shetooka
deepbr
eath.

“
OkEl
ang…t
imet
omakemoney
.”

Shesatdownjot
ti
ngdownhertar
getmarketandhowshewas
goi
ngtoschedul
eher
selfbet
weentheschool
s,r
anksandt
he
bar
s.

*
**

Meanwhil
einGaborone,
Princegoti
nhiscaratt
heBDFcamp,hi
s
phoner
ang.Helookedattheunsavednumberandpi
ckedwi
tha
fr
own.

“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hi.I
t’
sPear
l.Weneedt
otal
k.”

“
Who?
”

“
Pear
l.Thenur
se.Weneedt
otal
k.”

“
Thef
uck?Aboutwhat
?Iam happi
l
ymar
ri
ed.
”

“
Iknow.Ihaveachi
l
d.Iam notsur
ewhosheisforbutIam not
wel
landther
eisnooneinmyf ami
lywhocan-
“

“Nev ercal
lmeagai n.Ihavenochildwit
hyou.Iusedacondom.I f
youcoul dletthreemenf uckyou,whoknowshowmanyot her
meny ouletfucky ou.Idon’thaveachil
dwithaprost
it
ute.Ify
ou
callmeagai n,Iwillpersonall
ytakeyoutoyourmakerbeforeyour
sicknessdoes. ”

Princehungup,hi
shear
tpoundi
ng.Hequickl
yblockedherand
tookadeepbr eat
h.Het
ookaminutetocalm downanddroveoff
.

TWOYEARSLATER…

Let
'squi
ckl
ypar
ti
cipat
eandgetmor
e

.
Your
sTr
uly

#103

TWOYEARSLATER…

Agangf i
nisheduphi
smeet ingwit
hthesharehol
der
satAG
I
nsurance.Hewalkedtalki
ngoftheboardr
oom andoutoft
he
bui
ldi
nglooseninghi
stiethenjumpedinhi
scar.Hetookouthi
s
phoneandcal l
edhi
swife.

Kel
l
ypi
ckedt
hecal
laf
teracoupl
eofr
ings.“
Heybabe…”

“Iam donewit
hthemeet i
ng.Iam onmywayhometotakethe
kidst
oy ourmother
’shouse.Shoul
dIpi
ckyouf
rom t
here?
”

“
Yeah.Thanks.Cany
oupassbycol
l
ect
ingmydr
essf
rom Hel
l
en?
”

“
Shewasst
il
lnotdone?
”

“
NgNg,
shewasf
ixi
ngacoupl
eoft
hings.
”

“
Ok.Iwi
l
lgeti
t.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Hehungupandst art
edthecardriv
ingoffheadedhome.About
hal
fanhourlater
,Agangparkedthecarathishouset
henwalked
i
nsidethehousewherehiskidswherebusyplayi
ngwit
hthe
nanny.

Hi
sol
derdaught
erst
oodup,
herf
acebr
ight
eni
ng.Agangsmi
l
ed
pi
cki
ngherup.

“
Hey
..
”

Hi
syoungerdaught
erscr
eamedr
unni
ngov
er.Hepi
ckedherup
t
oo.

“
Ladi
es…ar
ewer
eadyt
ogot
oGr
anny
’shouse?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Let
stakeourbags.
”

Heputt
hem downt
hentheyr
anovertothei
rrooms.Mi
nutesl
ater
t
heywal
kedouthol
dingt
hei
rbags,
thei
rnannybehindt
hem.

“
Mr.Dani
el…”

“
HiTsi
tsi
.Ev
ery
thi
ngi
spackedf
ort
hei
rweekend?
”

“
Yessi
r.
”

“
Thanks.Youcancomewi
thussoIdr
opy
ouof
faty
ourhouse
t
oo.
”

“
Ok.
”

Tsit
sigr
abbedherbagandwal
kedoutwi
thherboss.Shesatat
thebackwit
hthekids

Aganggotinthecarandlookedatthet
imebef
oredri
vi
ngoff
.He
droppedt
henannyfi
rstt
hent heki
dsinatt
hei
rgrandmot
her
’s
house.

MmagweKel
l
ysmi
l
ed.“
Son.
.”

“
Mama,
Ibr
oughty
ouf
ri
ends.
”
MmagweKel
l
ylaughed.“
Imi
ssedt
hem.
”

Shehuggedhergr
andki
ds.Agangputt
hei
rbagsdown.

“
Iwi
l
lpi
ckt
hem upl
ateSunday
.”

“
Ok.Ihear
dyourbr
otherwant
stogot
her
ightt
hing.
”

Agangsmi
l
ed.“
Hedoes.I
t’
sbeenl
ongov
erdue.
”

“
Iam happyhe’
sget
ti
nghi
shappyendi
ng.
”

“
Met
oo.
”

Theychar
tedf
orabitt
henAgangwal
kedoutanddrov
etothe
tai
l
ortopi
ckhiswi
fe’
seveni
nggownbef
oregoingt
opickherup.

*
**

AtKell
y’sPr
inter
s,Kell
yhelpedhert eam packthepri
ntedbooksi
n
thei
rboxesforshippi
ng.Theyf i
nishedupt henshesmiledpr
oud.
Sheturnedt
ot hedoorandl ockedey eswit
hAgang.Shesmi l
edas
hewalkedoverwithoutati
e.

Hewr appedhi
sarmsar
oundherki
ssi
nghert
hent
urnedt
othe
boxesofbooks.
.

“
The5kbooks?
”

Kel
l
ynodded.“
4kar
eal
readygone.Onl
yonet
housandi
slef
t.
”

Agangsmi
l
ed.“
Iam happyf
ory
ouguy
s.”
Kel
l
ygi
ggl
ed.“
Wecanal
lknockof
f.
”

Herwor
ker
sscr
eamedhappi
l
y.

“
Thanky
oubossl
ady
.”

Theyallt
oolthei
rbelongingsandwalkedout.Aganglookedat
Kel
lyinhershir
tformal bodyhuggi
ngdress.Hepickedherupand
putherontopoft herecepti
oni
sttabl
egetti
ngbetweenherlegs.

“Babe…weneedt
ogoandpr
epar
e.Ist
il
lhav
etodomymake-
up
anditt
akesl
ong.
”

Agangki
ssedherunzi
ppi
nghi
spant
s.Heshi
ft
edherpant
ytot
he
si
detaki
ngouthi
sdic.

Kel
l
yswal
l
owedashe…

Agangsl
idouthi
swetdi
caf
tert
hequi
ckst
eamysessi
onand
ki
ssedher.

“
Let
’sgo.
”

Hepickedherupthr
owingheroverhi
sshoulderandwal
kedout
car
ryi
ngherandherhandbag.Helockedthedoorsandwal
ked
wit
hhertothecarwherebeplacedheri
nside.

Kel
l
ysi
ghed.“
Ifeel
gui
l
ty.If
eel
li
keIshoul
dtel
lThabi
.”

“
Itol
dyout
ost
opt
alki
ngt
oher
.Yout
alki
ngt
oheri
swhyy
ouf
eel
t
hewayy
ouar
efeel
i
ng.
”

“SheisLomo’smother
.Idon’
tthi
nki
t’
spossi
blet
ost
opt
alki
ngt
o
her.Herdaught
eri
salwaysher
eundermycare.
”

“Herdaughterbei
ngheredoesn’
tmeanyounowtel
lherAt
ang’
s
busi
ness.Ifther
eisany
thingsheneedst
oknow,
Atangwil
ltel
l
herpersonal
ly.
”

Kel
l
yputonherseat
bel
tandnodded.Agangki
ssedherl
i
pst
hen
wal
kroundhi
scarandj
umpedin.

*
**

I
nMaun, Lebopackedherbagi nherr
oom t
hencall
edBatang.
Hi
sphoner angunansweredthenshel
ookedatherphone
wonder
ingwhyhewasn’ tansweri
ng.

Hermot
herwal
kedi
nandl
ookedather
.“Ihopey
ougett
hej
ob.
”

Lebosmil
ed.“Metoo.Ihavedonemyr
esear
chont
hecompany
.I
j
usthopeit
’snotanorali
nter
view.
”

“
Eveni
fiti
s,y
ouwi
l
lbef
ine.
”

Lebosmi
l
edt
henhuggedhermot
her
.“Il
ovey
ou.Thanky
ou.
”

MmagweLebosmil
ed.“
Ihopet herei
sreal
lyaj
obi
nter
viewand
t
haty
ouarenotgoi
ngtothatboy’shouse.
”

Lebosmi
led.“Iam goi
ngt
othei
nter
viewandIwi
l
lbeatmmagwe
Neo’
shouse.”
Hermot
hersmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”

Lebotookherbagandwal
kedoutoft
hehousegoi
ngt
othebus
rank.

*
**

AtEl
ang’
skitchenhut,Elangdishedforhercustomer
sinthelate
l
unchhour.Thear omaofherf oodcall
edeveryonewhopassed
near
.Shecontinuedsell
i
ngf orawhileti
llev
erythi
ngwasfini
shed.

Sheputhermoneyinherbreastt
henclearedever
ythi
ngputt
ingi
t
i
nt hecar
.Shegotinanddrovetoherhouse.Shestoppedi
n
tr
affi
candleanedbacksi
ngingwit
hherradio.

Elangt urnedherheadasaf amil

i
arvoicespoke.Shelookedathis
threekidsatt hebackthenhiswif
eont hepassengerseat.She
wat chedast heylaughedatsomethi
ng,asomehowabur ning
urget ojustyellathi
mt r
yingt
ooverpowerher.

Shetookadeepbr eathwonder i
nghowhecoul djustl
ovehis
otherkidsyetwouldn’tevenseehisot
herkids…ithadnowbeen
twoy earssi
ncehel astsawt hem.Hedroveoffassoonast he
tr
affi
clightchangedtogr een.El
angdr
ov eofft
ooheadedt oher
house.

*
**
I
nCourt
,Rebalist
enedtothelawy erwhowentontal
ki
ngf ora
whi
l
e.Sheli
stenedtohim keepinganeutral
lookt
henlookedat
t
heaccusedwhilej
ournal
i
stst ookpict
ures.

Rebafinal
l
ygaveherv er
dictt
henwalkedoutofcour
t.Shegoti
n
hercarandsmiledtaki
ngherphonebutther
ewasstill
no
messagefrom Atangtosayhappybi
rthdayorsomethi
ng.

Shecal
l
edhisnumberbuti twasoff
.Shegotonhercaranddr
ove
tohi
shouse.Shepressedthegat
eremot eanddrov
einknowi
ng
shewasabouttodealwithhi
sspoil
tbratdaught
er.

Herphonerangasshepar
kedhercar
.Shesmi
l
edpi
cki
ngher
youngersi
ster
’scal
l
.

“
Hi…”

“
Reba,
wher
ear
eyou?
”

“
AtAt
ang’
shouse.
”

“
Doi
ngwhat
?Canwegoout
?”

“
Wher
e?”

“
Somewher
equi
etandni
ce.I
t’
syourbi
rt
hdayt
oday
.”

“
Ok.Iam comi
ngt
opi
cky
ouup.
”

“
Iam get
ti
ngi
nAt
ang’
shouset
odeal
wit
hhi
sspoi
l
tbr
at.
”

“
Reba…”

“What
?Waitsemmathischi
ldi
sjustasetbackandAt angspoi
l
s
hert
oomuch.Idon’
tsayanyt
hingbutIfeelsomet
hingsaretoo
much.Il
ovethi
smanbuthisdaughtergetsint
heway.Iam j
ust
wai
ti
ngforhermot hertot akehersoshecanstaywithher
wher
eversheissot hatlennaIgettoenjoythi
sman.Ihav eno
pr
obl
em withkidsbutthisonei ssomethingel
seaii
….koore
what
evershecriesfor,shegets.Ther
enol imi
ttoanythi
ng.”

Hersi
sterl
aughed.“
Ify
ouandAt angevergetmar
ri
ed,
youshoul
d
havehersentt
ohermotheri
fit
’sli
kethat.
”

“Iam t
ell
ingyou.Letmecheckonhert hencome.Iguesst hi
swhy
Ineverwantedamanwi t
hkids.It
’sj
ustal otofwork.I
t’
shard
motheri
ngachi l
dwhoi snoty our
s.Ij
ustdon’tconnectwit
hher.I
j
ustdon’thavethestepmot herboneinmybody .Ithi
nkit’
s
becauseIwantmyownki ds.Anyways,Iam coming.Bye.”

Shehungupandwal
kedi
nthehouse.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#104

Rebawalkedinsi
deAtang’
shouse.Lomowal
kedfrom theki
tchen
hol
dingaglassofjui
ceinshor
tsandandaBarbi
et op.

Shel
ookedatRebaal
mostdroppi
nghergl
ass.Shest
oodst
il
lj
ust
st
ari
ngbethenRebasi
ghed.

“
Hi,
wher
eisy
ournanny
?”

“
Bat
hing.Daddyi
snother
e.”

“Iknow.”Rebalookedatheroi l
yfr
eshchipsonthecouchthen
backatherfatbody .Shelookedsofarshecoul
dn’tunder
stand
whyAt angkeptfeedingherjunk.

Bot
howal
kedov
ert
hensmi
l
edst
ari
ngatReba.

“
Dumel
ang…”

“
Whyar
eyouf
eedi
ngheroi
l
ychi
ps?
”

“
Shewant
edt
hem.
”

“Sowhat?Can’
tyouseehowfatshenowi
s?Shedoesn’
teven
l
ookherageandIbetwit
hthatbodyshei
snotev
enbathi
ng
proper
ly.
”

Lomolookedatherbodyhol
dinghergl
asst
ight
lyasdaddy
’s
fr
iendy
ell
ed.

“
Pleaset
akeawayt
hosechi
ps.Lethereatheal
thLananotatal
l
.
Thi
seat
ingi
snotnor
mal
kanammagweoj
ahel
ayaana?
”

Bot
hosl
owl
ywal
kedov
ert
othechi
psandpi
ckedt
hem up.

Rebal
ookedatLomoagai
n.Herf
atbodymaki
ngherj
ustwonder
howmuchshewaseati
ng.

“Pleasemakeherasaladorsomethi
ngelse.St
opgivi
ngherjunk
food.It
’snotheal
thyf
orngwana.She’
soversi
zed.Ki
dsherage
arenotasbig.She’sj
ustf
atandit
’snotevencut
e.”

Shetur
nedandwalkedbackt
ohercar.Lomowalkedtot
hecouch
andsatdownqui
etl
y.Bothol
ookedatherandsmil
ed.

“
Lomo…r
ememberwhatt
odayi
s?Don’
tcr
y.I
t’
sal
mostt
ime.
”

Lomosmi
l
edr
emember
ingt
henj
umpedof
fthecouch.

“
Shoul
dIgoandchange?
”

“
Yes.
”

Lomor
ushedt
oherr
oom exci
tedl
y.

*
**

Rebaparkedthecaratheryoungersist
er’
shouset henwal
ked
i
nsidethehousesti
ll
inherheels.Heryoungersi
stersmil
edinan
eveni
ngdress.

“
Igoty
ouadr
esst
oo.
”

Rebasmi
l
ed.“
Uhu…”
“Yes.Wearegoi
ngsomewhereni
ce.Themake-
upart
isti
salmost
here.Comeandfr
eshenup.Howdi
ditgowit
hhisdaught
er?
”

“
Fine.
”

“
What
’shappeni
ngwi
thAt
ang’
sdaught
er?
”

Rebaturnedasheroldersi
sterwalkedin.“Ij
ustdon’tconnect
wit
hher.Apparentl
yhermotherhadsaidshewoul dtakingher
somet i
mebackbutshenev erdid.Iam notfull
yenjoyingmy
rel
ati
onship.At
anglet’
sthi
schil
dcont r
ol hi
m.Hei sanamazi ng
manandIl ovehim butt
hewayheput sherf i
rsti
nev erythi
ng
makesmef eel
li
kehewouldchooseherov erme.”

Abal
englookedatReba.“
Kanammeyouknewhehadachi
l
d
whenyoustart
edseeingt
hisman.
”

“Idi
dn’texpectittobel i
kethis.That
’swhyInev erli
kedmenwi t
h
chil
drenbecausei fnott hefactthattheyarebusysneaki ngwit
h
thei
rbabymamas, t
hei rchil
drenjusttaketoomuchat tenti
on.It
’s
hardtorelat
eiflennaIdon’ thaveachi l
dofmyown.My
expectati
onsoft herel at
ionshiparenotfull
ymet .Ihavetomost
ofthetimecompr omi seforhisdaught er
.NotthatIhatehischil
d
butshemakesi tdif
ficultformet oenjoytherel
at i
onshipbecause
ofhowherf athertreat sher.”

Abalengputherhandbagdownandl ookedathersister.“Such
i
ssuesar esensi
tiv
eReba.Rai si
ngt hem wil
lmakei tlooklikeyou
can’taccepthischildandmakehi m questi
ontherelati
onshi pall
together.Igetyourpoint,t
otatherearepeoplewhoj ustfindi t
hardtoacceptt heirpart
nerschil
drenandi tdoesn’
tmakey oua
badper sonbuty ourapproachov ersuchissuescanbev erytri
cky.
It
’sbeenov eray earwiththisman.Youhadenought imet olearn
him beforeyoust art
eddatinghim.Hegav ey ouachancet oknow
thetypeofmanhewasbef orehavingy oudecide.Youhad
alr
eadyf al
lenforhim bythenbuty ouknewt hatbesidesjustbeing
Atang,he’sRragweLel omo.Youknewandmethi sdaught er
mont hsafterstarti
ngtherelati
onship.Youshoul dbecareful.
Don’tmessupagoodt hi
ng.Youhav eagoodmanwhol ovesy ou,
spoil
sy ouanddoesev eryt
hingamancanpossi blydofora
woman.Youknowhi sgoalsinli
feandy ouknowwhathewant s.
Don’tbey ourownwi t
chReba. ”

“Youareri
ght.Idon’
twanttoseparatehi
mf r
om hischi l
dbut
againIam f
ail
ingtoaccepther.I
feverwegetmar r
ied,Iwantto
staywithmymanandmyki dsalonebecauseIam tell
ingyou,I
won’tbeabletoloveLel
omobecauseal r
eadyIdon’t.Idon’
thate
heratthesamet i
me.Iam justhopi
nghermot hert
akesher .
”

They
oungersi
sterl
ookedatReba.“
Wher
eisshe?
”

“
Shewasi
nNewYor
korsomet
hingIdon’
tknow.
”

“Kemathat
a.Whost
ayssofarandf
orget
saboutherdaught
er?
Thensheexpect
sot
herwomentodoherjob?Basadi
!(Women!)
”

Abalengsmi l
ed.“
Enoughaboutabsentmot
her
’s.Rebaneedst
o
getdressed.I
ssabir
thday
!”

Thesi
ster
slaughedwal
ki
ngt
othebedr
oom.

*
**
Ear
lieri
ntheev eni
ng,
Princewalkedi
natthebeauti
fuldecor
ated
hal
l.Lonesmiledgett
ingaglassofchampagnefrom anusher.
Shelookedaroundandsmi l
edimpressed.

“
Atangi
sser
iousaboutt
his.
”

Pr
incenodded.“
Hei
s.”

Lonesmi
led.“
Idon’
twantt
oseeThabi
comi
ngbackandcl
aimi
ng
hermanback.
”

“At
angi
soverRethabi
l
e.Thatshipl
ongsankandnnaIlikeReba.
Onalet
hatthi
ng.Gapeshe’
ssmar tandf
ocused.That
’stheki
nd
ofwomanAtangneedsbyhisside.
”

Agangwalkedinwit
hKel
l
y.Theybumpedshoul
der
sast
hel
adi
es
huggedwhisper
ing.

MoreofKel
ly
’sf
ri
endsandcol
leagueswal
kedin.Agang’
sphone
vi
brat
edinhi
spockett
henhepickedAbal
eng’
scall
.

“
Hey
…”

“
Hi,
wear
ecomi
ng.Shei
sst
il
li
nthedar
k.I
sAt
angt
her
eal
ready
?”

Agangl
ookedatt
het
ime.“
Almosther
e.”

“
Ok.
”

*
**
Outsi
det
hebui
ldi
ng,
Atangsati
nhi
scart
alki
ngt
ohi
sfat
her
weari
nghi
ssui
t.

“Youruncl
esar
eont
hest
andbyj
ustwai
ti
ngf
ory
out
ogi
veust
he
goahead.”

“
Eer
ra.
”

“
Arey
ouok?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Tal
ktomeAt
ang.
”

“Rebaisamazing.She’
ssmar t,
intel
li
gent
.Whent heysaidbehind
av er
ysuccessfulman,t
hereisawoman, t
heywer eri
ght.She’
s
thatki
ndofwoman.She’ sfinancial
l
ystable,
shebr i
ngsalotto
thetabl
eotherthanbeauty
.Shei sajudgebutrespectsmeasher
man.WhenIf ir
stsawherIthoughtshewoul dbet heopposit
e.I
canseeshet r
ieswithLomobut …”

“
Butwhat
?”

Atanglookedatther
ing.“
Deepdowni tdoesn’
tfeelr
ight
.Iknow
yousaidlovei
snoteveryt
hingbutIf
eelli
keIam justset
tli
ng
becauseIhaveto.Il
oveherbutIdon’
tthinki
t’
senoughf or
marri
age.”

“At
ang,t
hati swhatgr owingupmeans, youneedtoacceptt
hat
youwon’thav eev erythi
ng.She’sever
ythi
ngyouneedinawoman.
She’
sdri
v en.Ilikethiswoman.She’ sonthesamepageasy ou.
Lovewil
lfindy oual ongway .Loveisnotever
ythi
ngbutyouwil
l
l
earntol
ov eherev enmor ewi t
htime.Don’tl
oseher
.Youwon’t
getany
onel
i
keheragai
n.”

“
Youar
eri
ght
.”

“
Dot
her
ightt
hing.Iam i
nful
lsuppor
toft
his.
”

“
Eer
ra.
”

Atanghungupandtookadeepbr
eat
hst
eppi
ngoutsl
i
dingt
he
ri
nginhispocket
.

Hewalkedi
nsi
det
hehot
elgoi
ngt
othebi
gconf
erencer
oom.
Agangsmil
ed.

“
Theyj
ustar
ri
ved.
”

“
Ok.
”

“
Yougood?
”

“
Yeah…”

Aganggr
abbedt
hemi
c.

“
Shei
sher
e.Wear
eswi
tchi
ngof
fthel
i
ght
s.Ler
eady
?”

Thecrowdcheered.Secondslat
ertheyswitchedofftheli
ghts.
Atangtookadeepbreathwaiti
ngsomehowt ryi
ngtor emember
howpeopleusuall
yproposed.Minutesl
atertheladieswalkedi
n
thedarkconf
erenceroom,theli
ghtsimmedi at
elycameonand
every
onescreamed.

‘
SURPRI
SE!
’

Atang’
sphonerangfr
om hi
spocketasRebawal
kedinweari
nga
beauti
ful
spar
kli
ngreddr
ess.Helookedatt
henumberand
di
sappear
edtot
her
estr
oomsast
heysangf
orRebawhowas
st
il
li
nshock.

“
Hel
l
o..
?”

“
Hi,
it’
sThabi
.Canwet
alk?Di
dIcat
chy
ouatt
her
ightt
ime?
”

“
Yes,
whati
sit
?”

“Ineedtotel
lyousomethi
ng.Iam ar
ound.Ij
ustspoket
oBot
ho.I
am outsi
deatthehotel
.Canwetalk?”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#105

At
angswal
l
owed.“
Wher
ear
eyou?
”

“
Out
sideatt
hepar
king.
”

Heputhishandonhischest,hi
sheartpoundi
ng.“
Iam aboutt
o
pr
opose.Kebatagonyala.Andsett
ledown.Rebaisagood
woman.Iloveher
.”

“
Ineveraskedyouaboutt
hatbutgoodfory
ou.Iam happyy
ou
l
oveherandy ouwantt
odorightbyher
.”

“
Youar
ehappy
?”

Thabi
laughed.“
Comeher
e.”

“
Youar
ehappyt
hatIam get
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
”

Shelaughedev
enmor
e.“
Yes.Ther
rat
akwano.(
Pleasecome
her
e.)”

“
Whatmakesy
ouhappyaboutmeget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
”

“
Atang,
keng?
”

“
Ijustwantt
oknow.
”

“
Iam happyy
ouf
oundt
her
ightwomanf
ory
ou.Obat
aeng?
”

“
What
’smaki
ngy
ouhappyaboutt
hat
?”

“
Pleasecome.Iwi
l
ltel
lyou.
”
“
Iam comi
ng.
”

Hehungupandwal kedouttherest
room t
henwal
kedt
otheot
her
exi
tdoorasReba’
sf r
iendshuggedher.

From adi
stancePri
ncewatchedashi
sfr
iendwalkedouti
na
hurr
y.HekissedLone’
scheekandfol
l
owedafterhim.

*
**

Outsideattheparkingl
ot,Thabif
lashedherwhit
eMaserati
l
evant etrof
eoonce.Atangswall
owedst ar
ingatthecar
.Heslowl
y
walkedt oherwindow.Thabirol
l
edi tdownandsmi l
edpushi
ng
hercur l
edhairbehi
nd.

Shelookedathi
minasui
tandsmi
l
ed.Heswal
l
owedst
ari
ngat
her
.

“
Geti
n.”

Het
ookadeepbr
eat
handgoti
nthecar
.Shet
urnedt
ohi
m.

“
Whyar
eyousoscar
ed?
”

“
Iam notscar
ed.
”

“
Thenwhat
’swr
ong?
”

“
Iam get
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.Iam goi
ngt
ogetmar
ri
ed.
”

“
Goodf
ory
ou.Youdeser
vet
obehappy
.”

“
Yousai
dyouar
ehappyf
orme.
”
“
Iam happyy
ouar
ehappy
.Ir
eal
l
yam.Youdeser
venot
hingbut
l
ove.
”

“
Youar
eback?
”

Shenodded.“
Yes.Iam back.Youl
ookhandsome.
”

Hesmi
l
edshy
ly.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Sheleanedoverandfi
xedhisti
e.Atang’
sheartpoundedsomuch
asshetouchedhim.Shelookedathim andsmil
ed.

“
Youkeepy
ourbear
dnow?
”

“
Ihav
en’
thadt
imet
ogot
othebar
ber
.”

Shetouchedhisbear
d,hishear
tracedsomucht
hathegasped.
Thabil
ockedthedoorsthensmil
ed.

“
Lomot
oldmeshei
sscar
edofy
ourgi
rl
fr
iend.
”

“
Hadyouaskedher
?Ify
ouaskchi
l
drensucht
hingswant
ingt
obe
l
owkeyspi
es-“

“Shhh…Iam notfi
ght
ing.
”Thabismi
led.“Iam notf
ight
ing.Iam
notheretorui
nyourl
ifeory
ourhappiness.Noneedtobe
defensi
ve.
”

Hesi
ghed.“
Iam notbei
ngdef
ensi
ve.
”

“Youshoul
dbehappyt
oknowt hatonedayIwil
lprobabl
ybedead
andthenyouwon’
thav
eanyt
hingtowor r
yabout.
”

Hel
ookedather
.“Youl
ookni
ce.
”

“
Igotaj
obatGI
PS.Theyappr
oachedmemont
hsback.Iwantt
o
t
akeLomo.Andst
aywi
thher
.”

Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Youar
ereal
l
ymov
ing?
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Yes.I
twasaboutt
ime.
”

“
Yourr
esi
dence?
”

“
Iam nowanat
tendi
ngsur
geon.Iam gr
aduat
ingl
atert
hisy
ear
.”

“
Youmadei
t.
”

Thabi
smi l
ed.“
Idi
d.Iwantt
ostar
tacli
nicwhil
eIwor
k.I
twi
l
lbei
n
Maun.It
’scl
osert
ohome.Iwanttobeclosert
ohome.
”

“
That
’sagoodpl
an.
”

Shel
ookedi
nhi
sey
esandsmi
l
ed.“
Ijustwant
edt
oseey
ou.
”

Hel
i
ckedhi
sli
ps.“
Why
?”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Imi
ssedy
ou.CanIt
akeLomot
omor
row?
”

“
Yeah.
”

“
Goandaskhert
omar
ryy
ou.Andgoodl
uck.
”

Sheunlockedherdoors.Helookedatherf
orawhi
l
ethenst
epped
outandwal kedbacki
nt hehot
el.

Thabi
staredatherstar
ingwheelf
orawhi
l
ethenst
art
edhercar
anddrov
eof fhol
dinghertear
s.

Atearrol
leddown,shewipedi
tof
fthenlookedatt
hehot
el.She
di
aledhim agai
n.I
trangoncet
henhepicked.

“
Thabi
.
.”
“
Iwantababy.Lomoi
slonel
y.Sheneedsasi
bli
ng.Oneshecan
f
ull
yrel
atet
o.”

Ther
ewassi
l
encef
oracoupl
eofseconds.“
What
?”

“Canwegi
veourdaught
erasi
bli
ng?Shei
slonel
y.Sheneeds
someonet
oplaywit
h.”

“
Iam get
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.Youwantmet
ocheat
?”

“Iwantyoutogiveyourdaught
erasibl
ing..someoneshecan
rel
atetoful
l
y.Youdon’tknowwherelifewillt
akeusAtang.She
needsasibl
ing.Iwanthertohaveasibli
ng.Iwantustohavea
baby.Wewillt
alktomorrow.Thi
nkaboutit.”

Shedroppedt hecal
landsigheddriv
ingtothehotelshewas
stay
ingat.Shewalkedinsidegoingtogetr
oom thensatonthe
bedtaki
ngof fhershoes.Shetookadeepbr eat
hthencall
eda
number.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi.
.it
’sThabi
…”

Dr
.O’
Nealchuckl
ed.“
Hey
,Ihav
ebeent
ryi
ngt
ogethol
dofy
ou.
Ar
eyouhome? ”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Yes.Uh…ar
emyr
esul
tsbacky
et?
”

“
No.Notyet
.Butmyguessi
sthateveni
fit
’sbr
aintumor,
it’
snot
t
hatbi
g.I
t’
smanageabl
e.I
t’
snothi
ngwecan’tdeal
with.
”

Thabi
nodded.“
Yeah.Youar
eri
ght
.It
’spr
obabl
ynot
hing.
”

“
Exact
ly.Youhav
enot
hingt
owor
ryaboutThabi
.”
“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Howi
sit
?”

“
Ijustarr
ived.Iam goingtoseemydaught
ert
omor
row.Her
f
atherisgetti
ngmar ri
ed.”

“
Arey
ouok?
”

Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.“
Yes.Iam happyf
orhi
m.”

“
Ok.Wewi
l
ltal
k.”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Shehungupandl
aidont
hebedcl
osi
ngherey
es.

*
**

At
anghuggedRebaatt
hepar
ty.

“
Happybi
rt
hdaybabe…”

Rebasmi
l
ed.“
Hi,
thanky
ou.Foral
lthi
s.It
houghty
ouf
orgot
.”

At
angki
ssedher
.“Iwoul
dnev
erf
orget
.”

“
It
sbeaut
if
ul.
”

Hel
ookedi
nhereyesasshesmiled.Shewasperf
ect
,pr
obabl
y
t
heri
ghtwomantowife.Hi
sfat
herwasr i
ght
,hecoul
dn’
tgeti
tal
l
.
Hehadtoj
ust
…settl
e.

Butt
henThabi
wasf
inal
l
yback.Asecondchi
l
dwoul
djustper
fect
everyt
hing.Theywil
lbeper
fect
.Him,
her,
Lomoandthei
rsecond
chil
d.Hisfamilydi
dn’
tli
keherany
morebutt
heydi
dn’
tmatter
.

AndmaybeMaunwouldn’
tbesuchabadpl
acetomovet
o..away
fr
om t
heci
tyandever
ythi
ngel
se.Afr
eshst
artf
orbot
hofthem.
Hecoul
dalr
eadyseei
t.

Rebagi
ggl
ed.“
What
?”

Hesnappedoutofi tandlockedeyeswi
thReba.Ithadtakenher
ti
met ogivei
n.Andshel ovedhim.Hehadseenitandbr
eaking
herheartwasn’tsomethi
nghewaswi l
li
ngtodo.Notaft
ershe
hadgivenhim herall
.

EdSheeran’
sThi nki
ngoutloudstart
edpl aying.Hi
sheartr
acedas
helookedather.FuckAtang…justdoi t.Don’tmessupagood
thi
ngbecauseofawomanwhowi l
lprobablydecidetomoveback
i
fshewant sto.Youtri
edwithThabi…i tdidn’twor
kout.Ti
meto
off
ici
all
ymoveon.

Ei
therway,hefi
gur
edit
’dmakeev
ery
onehappy
.Andhewi
l
lst
op
gett
ingaskedwhenhewoul
dgetmarri
ed.

Heslowlywentdownonhi
skneegoi
ngthr
oughhiswords.Reba
fr
ozestari
ngathi
m onhi
sknee.
.het
ookoutari
ng.Shelookedat
hi
m.

“
Att
ie…”

Atangtookadeepbr
eat
h.Heopenedhi
smout
htot
alkbut
nothi
ngcameout.

Rebascr
eamed.“
Yes!Yes!OhmyGod!Yes!
”
Shekneltdownhuggi
nghim.Atanglookedathisfr
iendt
henhi
s
brot
herastheyj
ustst
ared.Thecaughtsightoft
hecameraon
hi
m andf or
cedasmil
ehuggingherback.

Let
squi
ckl
ypar
ti
cipat
eforanot
herbonus
Your
sTr
uly

#106

Theygotupf
rom t
hefl
oorhuggi
ng.Atangsli
dther
ingonher
fi
nger
.Rebashowedev
eryoneherr
ingcryi
nghappi
lywhi
lethey
cl
apped.

At
angki
ssedher
.“Il
ovey
ou.
”

“
Ilov
eyoumor
e.Il
ovey
ou.
”

Abal
engrushedoverandhuggedhersi
ster
.Agangwal
kedt
ohi
s
br
otherandhuggedhim smi
li
ng.

“
Thabi
isher
e?”

Atangnodded.Agangmov
edbacksmi
l
ingast
hecamer
aguy
conti
nuedshooti
ng.

Bot
howalkedint
heconf
erencehal
lwi
thLomo.At
angsmi
l
ed
wal
kingovert
ohi
sdaughter
.

“
Hey
!”

Lomohuggedherf
ather
.“Imi
ssedy
ou.
”

At
angsmi
l
ed.
.“Imi
ssedy
out
oo.
”

RebalookedoveratLomoandherf at
her.Shelookedaway
huggi
ngherfri
endsandcolleagues.Atangpickedhisdaught
erup
andpl
acedheront hechai
r.Hel ookedatBotho.

“
Hey
…”
“
Hel
l
o.”

“
Youl
ookni
ce.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

At
angsatwi
thLomo.“
It
saunt
yReba’
sbi
rt
hdayt
oday
.”

Lomonodded.At
anghel
dhisdaught
er’shand.“
AuntyRebaandI
aregoi
ngt
ogetmarri
ed.Andshe’
sgoingtostaywit
hus.”

Tear
sfi
l
ledLomo’
sey
est
henshenodded.

“
Hey
…lookatme.
”Het
il
tedherchi
n.“
What
’swr
ong?
”

“
Whycan’
twebear
eal
fami
l
ywi
thmama?
”

Atangsi
ghed.“
MamaandIloveeachotherbutnotasboy
fri
end
andgir
lf
ri
endanymor
e.It
oldy
out hi
sLomo.”

“
Idon’
twanty
out
omar
ryaunt
yReba.Shei
sscar
y.”

“Sheisnotscary
,it’sbecauseyoujustdon’
tli
keher.She’
sagood
person.Andshelikesy ou.Shei
snotgoingtobey ournewmom..
yourmom willst
il
l beyourmom. ”

“Iwantustost
aywi
thmama.Whydon’
tyoul
i
kemama
anymore?”

From adi
stanceRebawatchedasLomocr
ied.Shesi
ghedsi
ppi
ng
herwinet
henshewal kedoversmi
l
ing.

“
Heyguy
s,Lomo,
arey
ouoksweet
y?”

Shebur i
edherheadonherf
ather
’sshoul
dercr
ying.At
angsi
ghed.
“Iam sorr
ybabe.”
“
It
’sok.Maybeweshouldgo.Iat
ethecake.Iam goodnow.
MaybeAgangcantakeher
.”

Thabi
hel
dherf
athert
ight
lycr
ying.Hel
ookedatBot
ho.

“
Gotothecar
.Iam comingt
ogether
.Lomo,
wear
egoi
ng.Got
o
t
hecarwit
hauntyBotho.
”

Bot
hogotherf
rom At
angt
henwal
kedoutwi
thher
.At
angsi
ghed.

“
Iam sor
ry.She’
sabi
temot
ional
.”

“
Shewant
smommyanddaddyt
oget
herr
ight
?”

“
Babe-
“

“
Sheisachi
ldAtt
ie…wecan’
texpecthert
ojustacceptr
eal
it
y.
May
besheshouldstaywi
thhermom.Youknow, sheneedsher
mom.Idon’
twanttomakeherunconfi
rmedi
nherownhome. ”

Atanglookedather
.“Uhhermom ar
ri
v edher
e.May
beIcandr
op
heroffatthehot
elwherehermot
heris.”

Rebanodded.“
Ok.Wecangot
oget
hert
henwecangohomeand
cel
ebr
ate.
”

“Wecan’
tbot
hleaveourguest
s.Theygat
heredheref
orus.Let
medropherof
f.Hermotherwil
lmakeherunder
standbet
ter.Iwi
l
l
comeback.
”

“
Ok.Il
ovey
ousomuch.Il
ovemyr
ing.
”

Hesmi
l
edandki
ssedher
.“Ok,
Iwi
l
lbeback.
”

Hetur
nedandwalkedoutf
oll
owi
ngBot
ho.HelookedatBot
ho
st
andi
ngbyhiscarwit
hLomo.At
angunl
ockedthecarandputhi
s
daught
eri
nsi
de.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

Bot
hosmi
l
ed.“
Congr
atul
ati
ons.
”

Hesi
ghed.“
Thanks.
”

Hewalkedroundhiscarandjumpedin.Hel
ookedatLomowho
wassti
llsni
ff
ing.At
angsighedst
art
ingtheengi
neanddrov
eof
f
cal
l
ingher.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Whi
chhot
elar
eyouat
?”

*
**

Att
hepar
ty,
Rebasmi
l
edst
ari
ngatherr
ing.Abal
engsmi
l
ed.

“
Wher
edi
dhego?
”

“
MmagweLomoi
sback.Shej
ustar
ri
ved.Hei
sdr
oppi
ngLomo
t
her
e.”

“
Ok.
”

“
Hesai
dyest
oLomost
ayi
ngwi
thhermot
her
.”

“Good.Butlewenadon’
tactl
i
key
ouwant
edt
ogetr
idofhi
s
daughter
.”

“
Iwon’
t.
”
“
Iam happyf
ory
ou.
”

Rebasmi
l
edhappi
l
y.

Fr
om adi
stanceAgangl
ookedatPr
ince.

“
Ican’
tbel
i
eveThabi
isback.
”

“
Shei
sdr
ivi
ngaMaser
ati
lev
ant
etr
ofeo!
”

Agangwhi
stl
ed.“
Ser
ious?
”

“Yeah.Shewasdefini
tel
ymakinglotsofmoney.Isawhert
ouch
hisbeard.She’
sbacktocauseconfusi
oninhi
slife.
”

“Helovesher
.Ifonl
ylov
ehadamanual t
henhewoul
dknowhow
tounloveher
.Heisnothappybutpapai
sput
ti
nghi
m under
pressur
e.”

“Nnatot
aasmuchasIlikeThabi
le,Idon’
tthinkshe’
stheri
ght
womanf orhi
m.She’
snotmarri
agemat er
ial.Shecanjustl
eav
e
himifi
tsuit
sher
.Lookhowfarhe’scomewi t
hReba..
”

Pri
nce’
sphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng.Het
ooki
toutandl
ookedatt
he
cal
ler
.

“
Iam comi
ng…”

Hest
eppedbackpi
cki
ngPear
l’
scal
l
.

“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
,ar
eyoust
il
lcomi
ngt
omor
row?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Ok.Iam packi
ngourt
hings.
”

“
Wher
eisshe?
”

“
Eat
ing.
”

“
Iwi
l
lcal
lyouguy
slat
er.
”

“
ByeDaddy
!”

Pr
incesmi
l
ed.“
Youhav
est
art
ed.
”

Pear
lgi
ggl
ed.“
Sor
ry.Ican’
twai
ttoseey
ou.
”

“
Met
oo.
”

“
Ilov
eyou.By
e.”

Shehungupt
henhewal
kedbackt
oAgang.

*
**

Atangparkedatthehot elwhereThabiwas.Hesteppedoutofthe
carandopenedt hedoorf orLomo.Hehelpedheroutthenlocked
hiscarandwalkedinside.Hebr i
efl
yspoketotherecept
ioni
st
thentheywentupt othesecondf l
ooratthehotel
.

Atangt
ookadeepbreat
htocalm hi
mselfdownbuti
tdi
dn’tseem
tohel
p.Hel
ookedatthedoorNumbersandfinal
l
yappr
oached19.
Hegent
lyknocked.

Hesteppedbackholdi
nghisdaughter
’shand.Footst
eps
appr
oached.Sheopenedthedoor.Lomoscr eamedlett
inggoof
herf
ather’
shandandthrewhersel
finhermot her
’sarms.Thabi
l
aughedhuggingherback.

“
Imi
ssedy
ou.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Imi
ssedy
out
oo.
”

Shewi
pedawayherdaught
er’
stear
ssmi
l
ing.“
Ilov
eyourdr
ess.
”

Lomosmi
l
ed.Thabi
lookedatAt
angwi
thherr
eddi
shey
es.

“
Thanky
ouf
orbr
ingi
ngher
.”

“
Arey
ouok?
”

Thabi
nodded.“
Yes.If
eel
muchbet
ternowt
hatshe’
sher
e.”

“
Ok.UhIam goi
ngback.Shewascr
ying.Shesai
dyes.
”

Thabi
smi
l
edt
henl
ookedatLomo.“
Geti
nsi
desweet
y.”

Lomol
ookedatherf
ather
.“Daddycome…”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Lomo…l
etmet
alkt
odaddy
.”

Shenoddedandwalkedinsi
dether
oom.Thabi
smi
l
edl
eani
ng
agai
nstt
hewall
.“Iam happyshedi
d“

Atangl
ookedather
.“Iwoul
dn’
tbehappyi
fIwasy
ou.Iwoul
dbe
angryr
ightnow.
”

Thabi
laughed.“Youneedsomeonebyy
oursi
de.I
t’
snotme.I
knowthat.Ihav
eacceptedit
.”
At
angnodded.“
Iam goi
ng.
”

Shel
ookedathi
m..“
Atang-
“

“I
…”Heputhishandsonhisf
acethentur
ned.Hel
ookedbackat
her.“
Yourey
esarered.Whywer
ey oucry
ing?
”

“
Iwasn’
t-
“

“
Canwebehonest
?Pl
ease…why
?”

“WhatdoyouwantmetosayAt
ang?Webr
okeupt
woy
ear
sback
sothatwecanmoveon.
”

“Iwantyoutotel
lmeyouloveme!
”Heroaredangr
il
y.“Dammit
Thabil
e!Iwantyout
ell
mey ouwantme,youwantus!Iwanty
ou
tobestrai
ghtfor
war
dwi t
hme!”

Shetear
ful
lyl
ookedathi
m,heremot
ionsr
isi
ng.“
Iwantt
oa
baby
….Please…”

Shet
ouchedhi
m.Hest
eppedback.

“
Unt
ily
ouar
ehonestaboutus,
for
gett
hebaby
.”

Het
urnedandwal
kedaway
.

“
AtangIl
ovey
ou…Il
ovey
ou.
”

Het
urnedandl
ookedatherasshecr
ied.

“
ButIdon’
twanty
out
oleav
eher
.Come.
.comet
ome.
”

“
Ican’
tdivi
demy
sel
fbet
weent
wopeopl
e.St
oppl
ayi
ngwi
thmy
f
eel
ings!
”

Shesni
ff
ed.“
Youwon’
thav
eto.Att
heendi
twi
l
ljustbeher
.St
op
f
ight
ingme.Come…r
ragweLomo…comet
ome…”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#107

Atthepart
y,Rebalookedattheti
met hencall
edAtang.Hi
sphone
rangunanswered.Shecal
ledhim agai
nbutitj
ustconti
nued
ri
nging.

Shesighedf
iguri
nghewaspr
obabl
ydr
ivi
ngback.Kel
l
ywal
ked
overt
ohersmi l
i
ng.

“
Hey
…”

Rebasmi
l
ed.“
Hi.
.”

“
Happybi
rt
hdayandcongr
atul
ati
ons!
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“Luckyyoudidn’
thav
etowai
tfort
hatl
ongf
ormar
ri
age.Someof
uswai t
edyears.
”

Rebal
aughed.“
Iguessi
fyouknowy
ouknow.
”

“
Yes.Iam happyAt
angf
inal
l
yfoundt
her
ight
ful
woman.
”

Lonewal
kedov
er.“
Hi…congr
atul
ati
ons!
”

Rebasmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

Lonesmil
ed.“
Lomocansleepoveratmyhouse.Iam sur
eyou
twowil
lbebusyt
oni
ghtcelebr
ati
ng.
”

“
Atangwentt
odr
opof
fLomot
ohermot
her
.”
Kel
l
ypaused.“
Thabi
isar
ound?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
AndAt
angi
swi
thThabi
?”

Rebashookherhead.“
No.Hewentt
odr
opof
fLomo.Hei
sjust
droppi
ngherof
f.
”

“
Oh.
.wel
lcongr
atul
ati
onsnonet
hel
ess.
”

Thel
adi
est
urnedandwal
kedaway
.Lonesi
ppedherwi
ne.

“
Thef
utur
eisbl
urr
y.”

Kell
ylaughed.“
NnaIwantt
hem t
ogetbackt
oget
her
.Idon’
tli
ke
thi
swoman.Bot hosay
sLomofearsher
.”

“Enesheisf
ier
cebutnotbad.She’
sni
ceandsmar
t.She
i
ntimidat
esmebecauseofthewomansheis,
nott
hatIdisl
i
keher
anyhow.”

“
Sheshoul
dbeget
ti
ngcl
osewi
thLomo.
”

“Notev
eryonecl
i
cksatf
ir
stsi
ghtwi
thki
ds.I
twi
l
lpr
obabl
ytake
herawhil
e.”

“
Thabishoul
djustt
akebackherf
ami
l
y.Theyshoul
drai
set
hei
r
t
ogether
.”

*
**

Thabi
smi
l
edst
ari
ngatAt
ang.Theunsur
enessanddoubti
nhi
s
eyesmadehersad,
nott
hatshebl
amedhi
m.Hewal
kedov
erand
cuppedherf
ace.

“
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
ome?
”

“
Lomoneedsei
therasi
sterorbr
other
.”

Hel eanedov erandkissedherli

ps.Thabicl
osedherey
es,her
eyest hudding.Hekissedhermor e,
sheputherhandsonhis
waistr ecei
vingthekiss.Hi
shandswentdownherbodyashe
caressedherbr eaststhenherstomach.

Hisphonestart
edringingagainj
usthesl
ippedhi
shandinsideher
pyjamapantsandinsideherstomach.Hegrunt
edonherlips
touchi
ngherwetness, hi
sdickgr
ewdohar dinhi
spant
st hen
mor eheconti
nued.

Sheletoutasl i
ghtmoanashi spr
ecum wethi
sbri
efs.Hisphone
star
tedagain.Het ookouthi
shandfrom i
nsi
deherpantyand
peel
edhimsel ffr
om her.Hetookouthi
sphoneandlookedat
Rebacall
ing.

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Bye,
thanky
ouf
orbr
ingi
ngourdaught
er.
”

Hewat
chedhergeti
nther
oom andcl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndher
.

At
angpi
ckedt
hecal
lwal
ki
ngt
ohi
scar
.

“
Iam comi
ng.
”

“
It
sbeenanhour
.Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
”

“
Dri
vi
ng.Iam comi
ng.
”

Hedr
oppedt
hecal
lget
ti
ngi
nthecart
henhedr
oveof
f.
*
**

Rebawait
edforhi
m atthepar
kinglothol
dingherphone.Mi
nut
es
l
aterhepar
kedhiscar
.Shebewal kedoverandgotin.

“
Hey
…”

At
angl
ookedather
.“Youwantt
ogohome?
”

“
Ng…Iam t
ir
ed.
”

Hest art
edtheengineagainanddrovehome.Renat ookoffher
heelsandputherf eetonthedashboard.Shel
ookedatherring
thensmi l
ed.Hepar kedathi
shouseandwal kedi
nsidewithher.
Rebat ookoffherdressandbraremainingwit
hherG-str
ing.

Shest
oodonhert
oesandki
ssedhi
m.At
angt
ouchedherwai
st.

“
Iam t
ir
ed.Ineedt
orest
.Canwedot
hist
omor
row?
”

Rebal
aughed.“
Sincewhendoy
ousayno?
”

“Ihav
en’
tbeenrest
ingproper
ly.Iam soexhaust
ed.Ij
ustneedt
o
bathandsl
eep.Iam sor
ry.
”

Heturnedandwalkedi
nsidet
hebat
hroom.Rebasl
owl
ysatdown.
Hisphonerang,
shereachedf
ori
tandansweredt
heunsav
ed
number.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi.Thi
sisRet
habi
l
e,canIpl
easespeakt
orr
agweLomo.
”
“
Hei
sbat
hing.CanIpassonamessage?
”

“Yesplease.Iam comi
ngbyt
omor
rowmor
ningt
ocol
l
ectLomo’
s
clot
hes.”

“
Ok.
”

“
Thanks.
”

Mi
nut
esl
aterAt
angwal
kedoutoft
hebat
hroom.Rebasmi
l
ed.

“Rethabi
l
ecal
led.Shesaysshe’
scomi
ngbyt
omor
rowmor
ningt
o
coll
ectLomo’
sclothes.
”

“
Ok.Any
thi
ngel
seshesai
d?”

“
No.That
’sal
l
.”

Henoddedthenputonhi
ssweat
pant
sbef
oreget
ti
ngundert
he
cov
ers.Rebaj
oinedhi
m.

“
Arey
ouok?
”

Henodded.“
Justexhaust
ed.
”

Rebal
aiddownput
ti
ngherar
m ar
oundhi
m.

*
**

Thef ol
l
owi ngmorning,Rebawalkedf
rom t
hebedroom i
nher
blacksuitandheels.Herfor
malwearalwaysgavetheconfi
dence
sheneeded.Shel ookedatAtangwhowaspr essi
nghisphone.
“
Iam done.
.let
’sgo.
”

Theywalkedout
,Atangsl
i
dinghi
sphonei
nhispocket
.He
pressedt
heremotethent
hegatesl
i
dopen.

Rebasteppedbackast hewhi
teMaser atidr
ovei
n.Atangwat ched
asThabipar kedherbeastofacar .Sheopenedthedoorand
steppedout .Atanglookedatherhipsinthatwhi
teslack.Thabi
walkedov erinheels,hermakeupslight
lydonebutshelooked
beauti
fulasev er.
.

Rebal
ookedathercart
henather
.Thabi
smi
l
ed.

“
Hi,
youmustbeReba.
”

Rebast
retchedherhandshookThabi
’
s.“
JudgeRebant
le
Mosweu.”

Thabishookherhand.“
Iam Thabi
.Lomo’
smot
her
.Il
i
key
our
sui
t.
”

Rebasmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.
”

Thabi
noddedt
hent
urnedt
oAt
ang.“
Hi…”

“
Hey
.”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Iam her
efort
hecl
othes.
”

Hewalkedbacki
nthehouseandcamebackwiththebag.He
wal
kedtohercarandputi
tatt
hebackseatt
henlookedatLomo.

“
Hey
…”

Lomosmi
l
ed.“
MommyandIar
egoi
ngt
oournewhouse.
”
“
That
’sni
ce.
”

Thabi
goti
nthecarandl
ookedatAt
angsmi
l
ing.“
Shei
spr
ett
y.”

Hel
ookedatherandsmi
l
edback.“
Want
wael
awena.
”

Thabi
star
tedherengi
ne.“
Youl
ookhot
.By
e.”

Sher
ever
sedanddr
oveof
f.Rebasi
ghed.

“
Iam r
unni
ngl
ate,
canwego?
”

Henoddedt
henunl
ockedt
hecarandj
umpedi
n.Rebal
ookedat
hi
m get
ti
ngi
nthecar
.

“
Whatwer
eyouguy
ssmi
l
ingabout
?”

“
What
?”

“Isawyouguy
ssmi
l
ingateachot
her
.Whatwer
eyousmi
l
ing
about?
”

“
Shesai
dyouar
ebeaut
if
ul.
”

Rebal
ookedathi
m ashedr
ovet
hensi
ghed.“
Dost
il
ll
oveher
?”

Hel
ookedather
,Rebasmi
l
ed.

“
Iam sor
ry.
.Ij
ust
…Il
ovey
ou.
”

“
Ilov
eyout
oo.Youhav
enot
hingt
owor
ryabout
.”

Rebanoddedassur
ed.

“Thoughy
oudi
dn’
thav
etoint
roduceyour
sel
fli
ket
hat
.You
soundedi
mmatur
eandchi
l
dish.Idi
dn’
tli
kei
t.
”

“
Iam sor
ry.Idi
dn’
texpecthert
ocomedr
ivi
ngt
hat
.Il
owkeyf
elt
i
nti
midat
ed.I
twaschi
l
dish.
”

Hedr
ovef
orawhi
l
eandf
inal
l
ypar
kedhi
scaratherwor
kpl
ace.

“
Bye.
”

Rebal
eanedov
erandki
ssedher
.“Il
ovey
ou.
”

“
Met
oo.
”

Shest
eppedoutofthecarandwal
kedaway
.At
angdr
oveof
f
pi
cki
nghisf
ather
’scall
.

“
Papa.
.”

“
Congrat
ulati
onsmyboy.Iam sohappy
.Ij
ustspoket
oyouruncl
e.
Hewil
lcal
l r
ragweRebasowecansetadate.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#108

At
angsi
ghed.

“
Papawee,
didy
ouev
ert
ell
bomal
omet
ogot
heKai
sar
afami
l
y?”

“
No.Idi
dcal
lheruncl
ethough.
”

“
Sonot
hingof
fi
cial
wasdone?
”

“
Not
hingof
fi
cial
li
kewhat
?”

“
KanaThabi
andIdi
dn’
tpr
oper
lybr
eakup.Aker
ekeduet
si
magadi
.”

“
Didy
ouwanty
our90kbackf
rom t
hatf
ami
l
y?”

“
No.Iam j
ustaski
ng.
”

“
No.Butwecansor
titout
.”

“
No.I
t’
sok.
”

“
Howmuchdoy
ouhav
esav
edf
orReba?
”

“
Notmuch.
.It
hinkweshoul
dwai
tabi
tsoIcanputmor
emoney
i
ntoi
t.
”

“
Elegor
ehowmuchdoy
ouhav
e?”

“
Notmuch.
”

“
Howmuchdoy
ouhav
e?”
“
Ionl
yhave10k.Ij
ustfi
nishedthef
lat
ssoIam bi
tbr
okegape
wi
thLomo’
sfees,Iam l
eftwithonl
y10k.
”

“
Iunderstand.Doy
ouneedhelp?Icansel
lacoupl
eofcowsthen
y
ouwi l
lrefundmeonceyougetthemoney.I
t’
snothi
ngbi
g.”

“
No.Iwantt
omarrywithownmoney
.Itwon’
tfeel
properi
fIt
ake
y
ourmoney.Canwejustwai
t?”

“At
ang,
kanayouruncl
e’sar
eready.Iknowyouhavebeenbuy
ing
andbui
ldi
ngalotofpr
opert
y.Iwanttoassi
styouasmyson.”

“Iknow.Givemeaweek.I
fIdon’
tgetany
thi
ngbyt
hen,
Iwi
l
l
acceptyourmoney
.”

“
Ok.
”

Atanghungupdr i
vi
ngtohisflatswherethecontract
orwas
waiti
ngforhim.Hedroveinthroughthegatestari
ngatthr
ee
bl
ocksoff l
ats,
eachwith18twobedsapar t
ments.Hestepped
outofhi
scarandwal kedovertothecontractor
.

“
Moy
o,ev
ery
thi
ngi
sdone?
”

“
Yes.Wear
egoodt
ogo.Thepar
kingspacesar
eal
sodone.
”

Atangl
ookedoveratt
hem.“Il
i
keit
.Iwil
laskmyguy stocome
andhavealookthenwear
egoodtogo.Iwillf
ini
shofft
herestof
thepay
mentassoonasIgetrepor
tfr
om thoseguysbutgood
j
ob.”

Moy
osmi
l
ed.“
Youknowy
oucanal
way
scountonme.
”

“
Iknow.Iwantt
obui
l
dmyhousebutIwantmywi f
etobepartof
i
torever
ythi
ngwewi
llbedoi
ngsol
et’
stal
knextweekaboutt
hat
sowecanmakeapl
an.
”

“
Ok,
Iwi
l
lber
eady
.”

Theywalkedtothefir
stblockandwal
kedi nsi
detheapart
ment .
Atanglookedattheti
lest
hem thecei
li
ng.Het ookalookatthe
bi
gsi t
ti
ngroom thentheopenplanki
tchentogetherwi
ththetwo
bedrooms.

“
Ili
ket
his.I
t’
sneat
.LetmegoMoy
o.Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.
”

“
Ok.
”

At
angwalkedt
ohiscart
aki
ngouthi
sri
ngi
ngphonet
henhe
pi
ckedhi
sbrot
her
’scal
l.

“
Agang…”

“
Papaj
ustcal
l
edme.
.hesay
syouar
einaf
inanci
alsi
tuat
ion.
”

At
angl
aughed.“
Ignor
ethatone.
”

“
Whati
sThabi
say
ing?
”

“
Shewant
sust
ohav
eababy
.”

“
Ababy
?”

“
Yes.Shesay
sLomoi
slonel
yandneedsasi
bli
ng.
”

“
Soshewant
syouback?
”

“Shesaysshej
ustwant
sababy.KanaThabiwasntwael
a.It
hinkI
gavehertoomuchpowershet
hinksshecanj
ustcommandme
around.
”

“
Neel
angwanaseasebat
angMi
ster
.Osekawamosokodi
sa.
(Gi
vet
hechil
dwhatshewants.Don’tbehardonher
.(Ebi
l
ennaI
agr
eewit
hher.Lomoget
slonely,
everwonderedwhyshelikesi
t
her
e?Shegetstopl
aywi
ththegirl
sthissi
de.”

“
Kant
eot
hol
aosuppot
aeng?
”

Agangl
aughed.“
Nnakesuppot
aThabi
rraet
sho.
”

“Ij
ustcan’
tdropever
ythi
ngbecauseThabi
decidedtocomeback.
Ican’
thurtRebal
ikethi
s.AsmuchasIloveThabiIwon’t
embarrassReba.
”

“Iam sureshewouldn’
twanttobeyoursecondbestleene.
Misteryouhaveachanceofgetti
ngyourfamil
yback.Asecond
chil
diswhaty ouneedatt
hisstagei
nli
fe.Yourgi
rli
sback.Reba
will
bef i
ne.”

“Shewon’tbe.Whaty ouneedtoknowi sthatbehindthatfeist

y
womany ousee, t
hef i
ercej
udge…t hereisactual
lyafragil
e
womanbeneat h.She’sbeenhurtbefore.Shehasbeent hr
oughso
much.IpromisedIwoul dbediff
erent.IpromisedIwoul dloveher
.
Sheopenedherhear tandletmein.Andt oacer tainl
evelIlove
her.NotasmuchasThabi butIl
ov ehertoacer tainl
evel.
”

“Soy ouwouldsacrif
icei
tal
lforawomany oudon’
tevenl
ovethat
much?Youar emakingamistake.I
uarefinenowbecauseThabi
l
eenei sstil
lsingl
e.Themomentshef i
ndssomeoney ouare
goingtodie.Heartbr
eakisareali
ll
nessmister.Wedon’
twantto
burryyouafteryouhavecol
lapsedanddied.”

“
Iam dr
ivi
ng.Wewi
l
ltal
k.”

At
anghungupt
hent
appedhi
sphonesl
owi
ngdownatar
ed
tr
aff
icli
ght
.Hewenttot
heGPSphonetracki
ngappt
henont
he
connect
eddevi
cesandl
ookedatLomo’
sGPS.

*
**

Pr
inceputhi
sbagsi
ntheboott
hent
urnedt
ohi
swi
fe.

“
Iwi
l
lseey
oui
naweek.
”

Lonesi
ghed.“
Imi
ssy
oual
ready
.”

Heki
ssedherandsmi
l
ed.“
Onl
yaweekandI
’
m back.Il
ovey
ou.
”

Lonest
eppedbackashegoti nhi
scarthenherev
ersedand
drov
eoff.Shewalkedbacki
nthehouseandsatonthecouch
sadl
ycal
lingKel
l
y.

“
Hey
…”

“
Inev
ert
houghtnothav
ingki
dswoul
dbot
hermebuti
t’
sget
ti
ng
t
omeKell
y.
”

“
Youhav
eanunder
standi
ngman.
”

“Pri
nceseeshisfri
endshavekids.Obatabana.Ourmar r
iagei
s
nolongerthewayitusedtobe.Thingsaredi
ffer
ent.Andhe’s
alwaystr
aveli
ng.Okaretherei
ssomet hi
ngoutther
ef orhim
becausehe’salwaystr
avel
ing.
”

“
Don’
tthi
nkl
i
ket
hat
.Hel
ovesy
ou.
”

Lonesni
ff
ed.“
Hedoesn’
tlookatmet
hesameany
mor
e.Icanf
eel
hi
m pul
l
ingawayandIam scar
ed.
”

“
Comeoverandlet
’sdi
str
essnyana.Thekidsar
enother
e.Ebi
l
eI
f
eel
li
keswimming.Comelet
’sskinnydi
p.”

“
Iam comi
ng.
”

Lonehungupandwal kedtot
hebedr
oom whereshechangedi
nto
ashirtbacklessdr
essthenwal
kedouthol
dingt
hekeystoherr
ed
converti
ble.

*
**

Lomosmil
edastheyvi
ewedthehouse.Lomol
ookedatt
hebi
g
pool
att
hebacky
ard.Thabi
walkedover.

“
Doy
oul
i
kei
tLomo?
”

Lomosmi
l
ed.“
Arewegoi
ngt
ost
ayher
emama?
”

Thabi
nodded.“
Yes.
”

“
It
shuge!
”

Thabi
’sheel
sechoedasshewal
kedoutanswer
ingani
ncomi
ng
cal
l.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
HiThabi
…”

Thabi
swal
l
owed.“
Ihav
eitr
ight
?”
Dr
.O’Neal
sighed.“
It
snottheendofthewor
ld.I
t’
sjustahump
al
ongway….Ahumpy oucanover
come.”

Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.“
Mymot
herhadi
t.I
t’
sher
edi
tar
y.Howbadi
s
i
t?”

“
Stage3.Asur
ger
yandchemo,
may
ber
adi
other
apyal
sowi
l
lsor
t
i
tout.
”

At
earr
andown.“
Howf
arhasi
tspr
ead?
”

“
It
smanageabl
e.Wehav
edet
ect
edabi
tear
ly.Youhav
enot
hing
t
owor
ryabout…”

“
Thanks…”

“
Youneedt
ost
artt
het
reat
mentorel
sei
twi
l
lkeepspr
eadi
ng.
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.St
ayst
rong.
”

Hehungup.Acardroveinout
side.Shequickl
ywi
pedhert
ears
andwalkedout
sideput
ti
ngonhersunglassestohi
deherr
eddi
sh
eyes.

Shewat
chedasAtangpar
kedbesi
deshercart
henst
eppedout
andwal
kedover
.

Thabi
lookedathi
m ashecl
osedt
hedi
stancebet
weent
hem.

“
Howdi
dyoubuyt
hat
?”

Shel
ookedathi
m andsmi
l
ed.“
Iwentt
othecardeal
ershi
pand
goti
t.
”
“I
tsexpensi
ve.
”Hestoodbefor
eherandtookoffhersunglasses.
Thabil
ookeddown.Hetil
tedherchi
nandlookedi
nherey es,his
eyessoft
eni
ng.

“
Hey
…what
’swr
ong?
”

Sheshookherhead.“
Not
hing…”

“
Tal
ktome…”

At
earr
oll
eddownasshel
ookedathi
m.Shesmi
l
edt
ear
ful
l
y.

“
Not
hing…Iam j
usthappyt
obeback.
”

“
It
snotnot
hing.Tal
ktome.
”

Herl
ipsqui
ver
edasshelookedathim.Shel
ookeddownand
br
okedowncrying.At
angworr
iedl
yhuggedherasshecr
iedev
en
l
ouder.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#109

At
angwi
pedawayhert
ear
sandhel
dherwai
st.

“
Pleaset
alkt
ome.
”

Shesni
ffed.“Iwantyoutoenj
oyy
ourl
i
fewi
thoutmehol
dingy
ou
backev
er ychanceIget.
”

“
Whosai
dyouar
ehol
dingmeback?
”

“I
fitweren’
tformey ouwouldhav
ethefamil
yy ou’veal
ways
wanted.Maybey ouwouldhavemetRebant
leinstead.Youwoul
d
havealotofkidsri
ghtnow.”

At
angwipedawayat
eart
hathadr
oll
eddownhercheek.She
l
aughedcr
ying.

“
Youcoul
dhav
ehadi
tal
l
…ev
ery
thi
ng…”

“Ihaveev er
ythingIneed.MaybeIwoul dhavehadal otofkidsbut
may bethenIwoul dnotbewher eIam today.Iam happywi t
hmy
daughter.Iam content.Asecondchildwouldjustperf
ectital
lbut
Iwouldn’tchangeat hingevenifIcoul
d.”Hecuppedherf ace.“
I
madet hischildwithsomeoneIl ove…Ilov
emydaught ersomuch
becauseshei sar esul
toflove.Ifi
tweren’
tforyou,Iwouldnot
haveLomo.Iam happywi thwher eIam.”

Hel
eanedov
erandki
ssedat
eart
hathadr
oll
eddown.

“
Ilov
eyou.Idon’
tregr
ety
ou.Idon’
tregr
etus.Tal
ktome…”
Shetearfull
ylookedathi m.“Whenmamagotdi agnosedwi th
cancer,Iwasscar edbutshe…shesai ditwasnot hing.Shet old
met hedoct or
scoul dheal herandev ent houghIhadbeent her
e
whent hedoctorbr oket henewst hatitwasnowatst age4, I
bel
ievedi t
.Iwasdesper atetobeli
ev eit
.EachdayIwat chedas
shesuccumbedt othepai nandtorture.Someday swer ewor se
andsomewer ebet ter.Thebet t
er…wer et hebest.Itwoul dfeel
normal.Wewoul dlaugh…wewoul dplay.Andonday si twas
worse,itwasunbear able.BatangandIwoul dsleepatt he
hospit
al wit
hher .Iwoul dnotsleeptheent i
reni
ghtbutj ustwatch
herbecauseIwasscar edt osl
eepandwakeupt omydead
mother..”Hertearsrolleddowngoi ngdownt oherneck.

“Somet i
mest heygav eherstrongmedi cation, shewoul dsl
eep
l
ikeshewasdead.Iwoul dcrysomuchbutIcoul dnev erdoi ti
n
frontofBatang.Hewasj ustachildthen.Whenshedi ed…she
saidshewascomi nghome.Shesai dshewascomi nghome…”
Thabi l
ookedathi m cryi
ng.“Idon’
twantt oleav emydaught er.
Shei ssti
llyoung…sheneedsme.Idon’ twantt odie.Iam so
scared.Idon’twantt ogohome….Nott hewaymamawenthome.
Idon’twantt odie…”Shepausedt henl aughed.Shel aughedso
mucht il
lherlaught ur
nedintoacr y.“I
sn’titjustridi
cul ousjust
howIwor kedhar donlytohavestage3br aincancer ?I sn’
titjust
crazyhowIl imitedmy sel
ffrom enjoyi
ngany thingandt ol
dmy sel
f
i
twasgoi ngtobedi ff
erent…isn’
titjustcrazyAt t
iejusthowIgav e
myal ltoabadgeIwi l
lneverevengett oenj oy…If eelst upi
d…I
shouldhav ejustbeenadr unkard.
.”

Atanghel
dheri
nhisarmsasshecri
ed.Hebli
nkedhol
dingher
ti
ghtl
ywhil
eshesobbed.Hel
ookedupbli
nki
ngawayhisown
t
ear
s.

Hepickedherupandwalkedwi t
hhertothecar.Heputherat
backseatandsatbesi
desherbeforepl
aci
ngheronhislap.She
putherheadonhischestpanti
ng,hert
earsj
ustrol
li
ngdown.
Atangwrappedhisarmsaroundherandremainedsti
ll
.

Theyr
emai
nedst
il
lforawhi
l
ethenheki
ssedherneck.

“
Youar
enotgoi
ngt
odi
e.Iwon’
tlety
ou.
”

Sheremai
nedst
il
lst
raddl
i
nghi
m.“Don’
tletme…don’
tletmedi
e…
Idon’
twantt
odi
e…don’tl
etmedi
e.”

Lomowalkedouthol
dinghert
abl
et.Shel
ookedatherf
ather
’scar
thenr
ushedover
.

“
Itookal
otofpi
ctur
esofournewhouse.
”

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
Youwi
l
lshowme.Di
dyout
aket
hebedr
ooms?
”

“
No.Shoul
dI?
”

“
Yes.Iwantt
oseeev
ery
thi
ng.
”

“
Mama-
“

“
Shei
ssl
eepi
ng.Wear
ecomi
ng.
”

Lomot ur
nedwi
ththet
ablet
.At
angr
ubbedherback.Hemov
ed
herheadandl
ookedather.

“
Ilov
eyou.Youar
enotgoi
ngt
obeal
one.
”

“Youar
eget t
ingmarri
ed.Iam happywepar
tedway s.I
magi
ne
aft
erwait
ingforyear
sthenIhappentodi
e…t hatwouldbet
ragi
c.”
“Youarenotdyi
ng.Youarenotdy i
ngwhenIam her
e.Iam not
God…butIam notlet
ti
ngy oudie.Il
ovey
ou.Il
oveyousomuch…
Andtherecanonlybeoney ou…Iwill
makethi
ngsri
ght…Iwill
makeitri
ght.
”

“
Youcan’
tleav
eher
…whati
f-
“

“Idon’
tcare.Iam choosingyou.Iam choosi
ngus.Il
ow-keyt
hank
cancer…becauset hat
’sgoingtobemyexcuset ogetthewomanI
l
ov eback.
”

“Thechemoisgoi
ngtakeawaymyhai
r.Iam goi
ngt
obebal
d.
Andinconst
antpai
n.”

“
Youwoul
dlookbeaut
if
ulbal
d.Andy
oudon’
tbeal
one.
”

“
Iwon’
tbeabl
etohav
esex.
”

“
Icansur
viv
e…”

Hel
aidherdownandpushedherhai
rfr
om herf
ace.

“
Ilov
eyou…”

Thabismi
l
edashegotont
opofher
.“Il
ovey
out
oo…Il
ovey
ou
more…”

Heleanedoverandfr
enchkiss.Hekissedherharder
,hi
sheart
raci
ngashisdickhar
denedinhispants.Shetouchedhi
sbackas
heopenedherlegswit
hhiskneecaressingherontopofher
clot
hes.

*
**
Rebawal kedoutofcour
tpressi
ngherphone.Shedi
aledAtang
andputt hephoneonherearsmili
ng.I
trangforawhi
lethen
stopped.Shecall
edhim agai
nbutther
ewasnoanswerst i
ll
.

Shesenthi
m amessage.

Reba: Hey
,justfini
shedwi ththet r
ial.Shouldwedol unch?Wher e
arey ou?Imi ssy oualready.Ilov
ey ou.Ican’tstoplookingatmy
ri
ngbyt heway .Ifeelli
ketelli
ngthewor l
dthatIhav efi
nall
y
gottenmyhappi lyeverafter.I
tcoul donlybey ouwhocoul dlove
met hewayIam andmor e.Youhav ebeennot hingbutamazingt o
me.Ican’ twaitt obey oursforever.Iam sorryaboutt hismorning.
Ifeel soembar rassed.Itwaschi l
dish, y
ouwer erightanditwil
l
nothappenagai n.Itrustyouandl ov eyouwi thev eryt
hinginme.

ShesmiledthenwalkedtohercargladherPAhadbroughtit
.She
star
tedtheenginecal
li
nghim agai
n.Hisphoneconti
nuedtori
ng
unanswered.Sheputdownthephoneanddr ovetohi
shouse.

*
**

AtBatang’sapartment,Lebowalkedthrought
hegatethen
towardsthegateholdingherhandbag.Shesmiledpassi
nghi
s
whit
eGol fthatwaspar kedbyt
hebedr oom wi
ndow.Sheopened
thedoorandwal kedin.

Awomanwal
kedf
rom t
heki
tcheni
nonl
yhi
sshi
rthol
dingamet
al
spoon.

“
Uhu?Whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nmyhouse?
”

Lebo’sheartpoundedsomuchasshelookedatt
hegirl
inher
man’sshirt
.Sheputherhandonherchestt
henwalkedtot
he
bedroom.Thegi r
lfol
lowedbehi
ndher

“Heel
aausinyana,whatdoyouthi
nkyouar
edoingparadi
nginmy
house?Iam cal
li
ngthepoli
ce,
areyoumental
l
ydist
urbed?”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#110

Lebotur
nedtothegi
rlwhowassti
l
l l
ooki
ngather.Angert
ook
overasshest
oodinthemiddl
eofthebedroom.

“
Thi
sismyman’
shouse.OkaeBat
ang?(
Wher
eisBat
ang?
”

“
Excuseme?
”

“
Heywenammagowasl
ebel
ete!OkaeBat
ang?
”

Thegir
llookedather.Lebowal
kedt
otheki
tchenbeandgoti
n
thej
ugofhotwat er
.

“
OkaeBat
ang?(
Wher
eisBat
ang?
)”

Batangwal
kedi
nsidet
hehouseholdi
ngasmallpl
ast
ic.Hi
shear
t
ski
ppedasshel
ockedeyeswi
thLebo.Hi
skneeswentweak.

Thegi
rll
ookedathi
m.“
Babe-
“

“
Youhav
etogo.
”

Leboshookherhead.“Gowher
e?Wherei
sshegoi
ng?Noonei
s
goingany
whereti
llyoutel
lmewhat
’sgoi
ngonher
e!”

Bat
angputdownt
hepl
ast
ic.“
Babe-
“

“
Don’
tcal
lmebabe.Tal
k!”

Heswall
owed.Thegi
rll
ookedatBat
angwhowaspani
cki
ng.She
f
oldedherar
ms.
“
Bat
ang,
what
’sgoi
ngon?
”

“
What
’sgoi
ngonisyousl
eepi
ngwi
thmyman,
Iam goi
ngt
ocook
y
ouwi
ththi
swatert
oday!
”

Batangswal
l
owedwet
ti
nghi
sdr
ythr
oat
.“Babe…I
…it
’snotwhat
youthi
nk.
”

Lebowalkedov
ertohim,hemov
edtheopposit
edi
rect
ion.Lebo
l
ockedthedoor
.“Iam goi
ngt
ocookbot
hofy ouwi
ththiswater
.”

“
Lebo,
let
’st
alkaboutt
his.Lethergo.Pl
ease.
.”

Leboopenedt
hel
i
dreadyt
ospl
ashhi
m wi
thhotwat
er.

“
Hernamei
sMaduo.
.”

LebolookedatMaduowhonowl
ookedt
err
if
ied.Sheopenedt
he
door.

“
Out
!”

“
Mycl
othes-
“

“
Out
!”

Shehurr
iedout
.Lebocl
osedt
hedoorandl
ookedatBat
ang.She
si
lent
lyl
ookedathi
m.

“
Iam sor
ry…pl
easeputdownt
hewat
er…l
et’
stal
k.”

“
Whatmakesy
out
hinky
oucancheatonme?
”

“
Babe,
can-
“

“
Whatmakesy
oucheat
?”
“
Iam sor
ry.Pl
easeputt
hewat
erdown.Il
ovey
ou-
“

Lebospl
ashedhal
fthewat
erbur
ninghi
shands.

“
Fuck!
”

“I
tsthosehandst
hatmakey
oubehav
eli
key
ouhav
edi
csf
or
brai
ns.”
.

Shet
hrewdownhi
sel
ect
ri
cket
tl
ebr
eaki
ngi
tthenwal
kedout
.

*
**

At
angparkedt
hecaratt
hehot
elt
henpi
ckedThabi
whowas
sl
eepi
ngandwalkedi
nsi
det
hehotel
wit
hher.

Hegent l
yplacedheronthebedandt ookof
fherheels.Helooked
atherbeautif
ulfaceanddroppedakissatt
hecornerofherlips.
Atanglookedatherhipstr
appedinthosepant
sthent ookhist-
shir
t.

Hegotont opofherandki
ssedherli
pswhil
eshelaidst
il
l
sl
eeping.Hetookoffhert
opandkissedhert
ouchingherbreast
.
Thabislowl
ywokeupasher ubbedhi
mselfonherwhil
ekissing
herneck.

Sheweaklylai
dunderhi
m,hekissedherl
i
psuncli
ppingherbr
a
thenhesqueezedherbr
east
s.Hisphonestar
tedr
inging.

“
Answeri
t.
.”

“
It
snott
hati
mpor
tant
.”
“
Ngngansweri
t.She’
sbeencal
l
ing.
”

Hepul
l
edoutherpantsandherpant
iest
oget
her
.Herubbed
hi
msel
fonhergrunt
ing.Het
ookouthisdi
cand#removed.

Thabi
vibrat
edwithherbackagainstthewal
landherl
egsaround
hi
swaistconvul
sing.Atangrammedhi msel
fdeepi
nhergrunti
ng
andoff
loadedmor eofhiscum i
nsideher
.

Hewal kedwithhertothebedandl
aiddownt henhesl
i
doutfrom
herpussyleavi
ngat r
ailofhi
scum behi
nd.Thelai
donhersi
de
exhaustedthenfel
lasl
eep.

Atangpickedhisphonefrom thefl
oorandlookedatt
he6mi ssed
call
sfrom Rebaandtwof rom hi
suncle.Heputonhisbr
iefand
walkedouttothebalconycall
inghisuncl
eback.

“
Atang…”

“
Mal
ome.
”

“
Howar
eyoumyboy
?”

“
Iam f
ine.Let
eng?
”

“Yes,Iam f
ine.Igotacall
f r
om yourfat
herandhe’st
ell
ingmey ou
don’thaveenoughmoneyf ormagadi.Idon’
tbeli
evethat.You
wouldnothav eproposedifyoudidn’
thaveenoughmoney .”

“
Iwasexpect
ingsomemoney
.It
houghtIwoul
dhav
egot
tent
hat
moneybynow.”
“At
ang,t
alkt
ome.Doyoureal
l
ywantt
ogetmar ri
edbecausei
t
soundsl
ikey
ouar
etry
ingt
odelayt
heprocess.
”

“
MmagweLomoi
snotwel
l
.She’
sbeendi
agnosedwi
thcancer
.”

“
Andhowi
shercancery
ourbusi
ness?Youst
il
ll
oveherdon’
t
y
ou?”

“
Shegav
emeachi
l
d.“

“
Soy
ouwantt
ost
opt
henegot
iat
ionsbecauseshe’
ssi
ck?
”

“Iwantt
otakecar
eofher
.Andourdaught
er.Iwon’
tfr
eel
ydoi
tif
Ihavepai
dmagadi.
”

Hisunclelaughed.“Yourfatherisnotgoingtobuythat
.St
art
workingonabet terexcuse.Her eal
lyl
ikesthi
sgirl
.Hewantsher
f
ory ou.I
fit’
smmagweLomoy ouwant,that
’sfi
nebutdoi
t
r
ightful
ly
.What everthi
sgirlfedyouisdangerous.”

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
Shedi
dn’
tfeedmeany
thi
ng.
”

“
Waaka,
shef
edy
ousomet
hing.
”

At
angl
aughed.“
Iwi
l
lcal
lyouwhent
hemoneyi
sready
.”

“
Ok.Bytheway,ify
ouareal
readymar
ri
edl
awf
ull
y,noonecan
f
orcey
out ogetpaymagadi
becausenowi
twi
l
lbeunlawful
.”

“
Rra?
”

“
Iam t
alki
ngt
omy
sel
f.By
e.”

Hehungup.At
angt
hought
ful
l
ylookedatThabi
thenmadeacal
l
.
*
**

Latert
hatdayRebaparkedhercaratAtang’shousethenst
epped
outwithherfi
l
esandlaptopbag.Sheunlockedthedoorand
walkedintheempt
yhouse.

Rebaputherthi
ngsdownanddial
edhi
m agai
nnowwor
ri
ed.She
sl
owlysatdownashepicked.

“
Hey
…”

“
Hi.Ihav
ebeencal
l
ingt
hewhol
eday
.”

“
Iam sor
ry.Iwasbusy
.”

“
Ok.Wher
ear
eyounow?Iam athome.
”

“
Iam comi
ng.
”

“
Ok.Il
ovey
ou.
”

“
Met
oo.
”

“
Met
ookengy
aanong?Sayi
tpr
oper
ly.
”

Hel
aughed.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Rebasmi
l
ed.“
IsLomost
il
lwi
thhermot
her
?”

“Ihadtodr
opherof fatmmagweKell
y’
shousewher
ehercousi
ns
are.Hermotherhadtodosomet
hing.
”

“
Soshet
ookt
hischi
l
dtogi
veherback?
”

“
Shegotbusy
.Ifsheknewshewoul
dhav
etakenher
.”
“
Ok.Soshei
sgoi
ngt
obest
ayi
ngwi
thherf
ull
timer
ight
?”

Thegat
eopened.Rebahungupashedr
ovei
n.Secondsl
aterhe
wal
kedinsi
det
hehouse.

“
Whatdoy
oumeanst
aywi
thherf
ull
time?
”

“
Imeanwi
l
lLomobenowl
i
vingwi
thhermot
her
?”

“
Yesbuti
t’
saf
lexi
blesi
tuat
ion.
”

“
Ithinky
oushoul
dhaveaproperar
rangementf
orher
.Li
keus
t
akingholi
day
sandhert
aki
ngschooldays.
”

“Thatwi
llonl
yapplyifThabimovessomewheref
ar.Ri
ghtnow
shestay
si nGaborone,wecaneasil
ymovethechi
ldar
ound
dependi
ngont hesit
uati
on.”

“Howmuchwasshepay
ingf
ormai
ntenance?Wassheev
en
payi
ngany
thi
ng?
”

“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”

“Ij
ustwanttoknow.Si
ncewear egett
ingmarr
iedIthi
nkwe
shoul
dbet r
anspar
entaboutev
erythi
ng.Thati
ncludesRet
habi
l
e
andLomo.”

“
Therei
snoexactamount .Shesentwhatshecoul daff
ordeach
t
ime.AsmuchasIheary ourpointabouttr
ansparency
,Ial
sothi
nk
i
t’
stoosoon.Wewill
discusseverythi
ngonceIpaymagadi and
i
t’
snotnow.Iam goi
ngthroughaf i
nancialst
rai
n.Iam goi
ngto
wai
tti
ll
Ihaveenoughforpropermagadi.”

“
Howmuchdoy
ouhav
e?”
“
Ihave8k.I
twas10butIusedt
he2konpay
ingt
heexpenses
f
rom t
heparty
.”

“
Howmuchdi
dyouwantt
obudgetf
ormagadi
?”

“Maybe100k.Youdeservemore.Idon’
thavethatki
ndofmoney
now.Wewi l
lneedmor efort
heweddingit
selft
oo.Thatcangoup
to200kcosts.Iam st
il
lpayi
ngthatl
oanItookfrom t
hebank.I
t’
s
har
dr i
ghtnow.”

“Icanlendy ousomemoneyf ormagadi .Icangivey outhe100k.I

knowy ouhav ebeenputti
ngally ourmoneyi ntopropert
y .Soon
youwi l
lgety ourret
urnsandev enmor e.Theweddi ngcanwai t
.
Myf amilyisexpectingacallf
rom y ourf amil
y.Idon’twanttobe
thatpersonwhoget sengagedf oryearsbef or
emagadi i
spai d.I
am nott r
yingt or
ushy oubutIwanty out oknowy oucancounton
mef orbackup.Icanbeat eam pl ayer
.Idon’tevenmi ndasmal l
wedding.Ilov eyou…that’
swhatmat t
ers.“

.
Your
sTr
uly

#111

At
angf
rownedst
ari
ngather
.

“
Youwantmetopaymagadi
wit
hyourmoney
?Ishoul
dmar
ryy
ou
wi
thy
ourmoney?
”

“
No.Iam l
endi
ngi
ttoy
ouandy
ouwi
l
llat
err
etur
nit
.”

“Iam notgoi ngtomar r

yyouwithy ourmoney,youmightaswell
mar r
yy ourself
.Iam notbroke,
justgoingthr
oughaf i
nancial
sit
uati
on.AssoonasIhav erai
sedt hemoney,Iwil
lpaymagadi.
Gapet hereisnor ush.I
t’
snotli
keIwaspl anni
ngtodoi tnext
week..Iwillsendmyuncl estoyourf ami
lywhenIam ready.”

Rebal
ookedathi
m sadl
y.“
Ok.Iam sor
ryf
orsuggest
ingi
t.
”

“Babecanyoujustl
etmebethemanhere?Youar
enotgoingto
beengagedfordonkeyy
ear
sbutri
ghtnowisnotafi
nanci
all
y
goodti
mef orme.”

“
Iunder
stand.Iam sor
ry.
”

Heki
ssedhercheek.“
It
sok.
”

Shelookedathim.“Ihavebeenthi
nkingofki
ds.Iwantustost
art
tr
yingforababy.Ifeell
i
keIam gett
ingtoool
dandIstil
ldon’
t
haveachild.Iwantone.”

“Ok.Canwedothataf
terwegetmar
ri
ed?Idon’
twantt
ohav
e
anymoreki
dsoutsi
demarri
age.
”
Rebanodded.“
Iwi
l
lst
artcooki
ng.
”

“
Iam goi
ngt
ofr
eshenup.
”

Hewal kedawayt aki

ngof fhisshir
t.Shelookedathi sbroadsexy
backashedi sappeareddownt hepassage.Ithadbeenawhi l
e
sincehehadt ouchedher,thelastti
mewasbef orehehad
tr
av el
l
edoutandherper iodwhi chwasappr oachi
ngmadeher
hormonesrageev enmor e.Shet ookoffherheelsandpi ckedher
handbagthenwal kedaft
erhi m.Sheundr essedli
steningas
l
isteni
ngtotheshoweri nt heensuit
e.

Withhertippytoes,Rebawal kedinsidethebathroom andlooked

athim undertheshower .Sheslidtheshowergl assdooropenand
walkedin.Herbodyshi veredasthecol dwaterthrashedherbody.
Shehuggedhi mf rom behind,herbreastagai
nsthi sback.

At
angt
urned.“
I-
“

“
Imi
ssy
ou.
”

“
Canwedot
hisl
ater
?Ineedt
omakeaphonecal
l
.”

“
Babe…pl
ease…”

“
Ihav
eal
otonmypl
ate.Canwedoi
tlat
er?
”

“
Atangwhat
’swr
ong?Di
dIdosomet
hingy
est
erday
?”

“
No.Ij
ustdon’
tfeel
li
kesexr
ightnow.I
thasnot
hingt
odowi
th
y
ou.
”

“Youhavebeenoff
ishsinceyoudroppedof
fyourdaught
eratt
he
hotel
yester
day.Whathappened?”
Hel
ookedather
.“Whatdoy
oumean?
”

“
Somet
hingwasdi
ff
erent
.Ar
eyouhav
ingsecondt
hought
s?”

“
Reba-
“

“
Ebi
l
eIam Reba.
”

Hesi
ghed.“
Babe…”

“Somet hinghappened.Icant ellf

rom y ourbehav i
or.Wehav e
beent ogetherformor et hanay earandnotoncehav eyouever
wentt heentir
edaywi thoutt alki
ngtomenomat t
erhowbusyy ou
canbe.Younev ersay‘met oo’ .I
twast hef i
rstti
mey ouever
respondedt omel i
ket hat.Thesadt hingi sthatIhavebeenhere
before.Iknowhowi tgoes.Shei sback.Thi ngswer efi
newhile
shewasaway .Iaskedy oui fy ouwer er eall
yoverherandy ou
l
ookedmei ntheey esandsai dy es.
”Shet ookadeepbr eathas
tearsfil
ledherey es.Shel ookeddownnotwant i
nghimtoseet he
tearsinherey es.

Atangl
ookedathergui
l
til
y.Shesmi
l
edl
i
keabi
ggi
rlt
aki
nghi
s
showergel
.

“
It
’sok.Goandmakey
ourcal
l
.”

“Iam sor
ry.Iam j
ustwor
ri
edaboutLomo.Ket
aipakany
a.Iam
sorr
y.”

“
Hav
eyouchangedy
ourmi
nd?
”

“
Ijustneedt
ime.
”

Shest
oodonhert
ippyt
oesandkissedhi
mt ouchi
nghisweapon.
Shest
rokedhi
sdi
ckasherpussythr
obbed.Hepushedher
againstt
hegl
asswal
l
ski
ssi
ngherbackashi
sdi
cksl
owl
ygoti
t’
s
erecti
on.

Hesl
idhi
shandbet
weenherp*ssyli
psthenr
ubbedhercl
i
t.Reba
moanedwit
hhi
sbigbodyagai
nsther.

Hepushedinafingerandtappedherg-
sport
.Rebasankhernai
ls
i
ntohisski
nthr
owi ngherheadback.Hepushedinanot
herfi
nger
andconti
nuedf
ingeringherasshemoanedpushedupagainstthe
mall
.

“
Att
ie…”

Atangpickedherlegcurvi
nghisbackandpushedinwi
thhi
ssemi
harderecti
on.Hegentlyeasedhi
sweaponoutandpushedback
i
nagai n.HethoughtofThabi,hi
sdickgotsof
tthemor
ehe
thoughtofher,i
tfel
tli
kehewascheat i
ngonher.

Hest
oppedandsl
i
doutput
ti
nghi
shandsonhi
sface.

“Iam sorr
y…Iam hav i
ngerecti
onswi
thmydi ck.It
hinkIhav
e
erect
il
edy sf
unction.I
tstar
tedawhi
leback.Ihavebeentaki
ng
Viagr
at ogetitup.Iam sorr
y.”

“
Howl
onghasi
tbeenhappeni
ng?
”

“
Amont
hnow.
”

Shetouchedhi
ssoftweaponandl
ookedathi
m nowf
eel
i
nggui
l
ty
ofcorner
inghi
mli
kethat.

“
Iam sor
ry.Youshoul
dhav
etol
dme.Di
dyouseeadoct
or?
”

“
Iam embar
rassed.
”
“
Iwil
lgowi
thy
oui
fyouwant
.Iam her
e.Don’
tbeaty
our
sel
fupf
or
i
t.
”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ouf
orunder
standi
ng.
”

Rebasmi
l
edt
henwat
chedhi
m wal
koutwhi
l
eherpussyt
hrobbed
st
il
l.

*
**

AtMoremiGameReserve,
Okavango,
Pri
ncegavePearl
thel
ast
thr
ustandst
il
leddeepi
nherf
il
li
ngherhotpanpussywi
thhi
s
cum.

“
Fuck!
”

Heslidoutandst
aredathersweetpussy.Hecouldneverget
enoughofher.Hel
eanedoverandkissedherthentouchedher
bump.

“
Arey
ouok?
”

Shesl
owl
yopenedherey
esexhaust
ed,
herpussybur
ning.

“
Ng…”

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

Pear
lsmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Het
ouchedherbr
east
.Pear
lgotof
fbed.

“
Iam t
ir
ed.Thebabyi
sti
redt
oo.
”
Pr
incel
aughed.“
Didhet
ell
yout
hat
?”

“
Yes.WhatwasLonedoi
ngal
lal
ong?
”

Shewrappedat
owel
aroundbody
.Pr
incel
ookedatherand
smil
ed.

“
Wear
enotdi
scussi
ngher
.”

Pear
lsatdown.“
Ifeel
youarenevergoi
ngtol
eav
eherandatt
he
endIam t
heonewhoi sgoi
ngtosuffer
.”

“LoneandIaremarr
iedi
ncommunityofpr
oper
ty.I
fwegeta
divor
ce,sheget
shal
fofever
ythi
ng.
”

“Di
dn’
tyouthinkofthatbefor
ey oustartedgiv
ingmekids?We
haveki
dsPr i
nce.Withthi
sone,three!Iam themotherofyour
chi
ldr
en.Ideservebett
erthantobehi ddenonjelamoplasti
ki
ng.
”

“Canyoucal
m down?Thedoct
orsai
dyourbl
oodpr
essur
eis
high.
”

“
Howcani
tnotbehi
ghwhenIam al
one?
”

“
Babe,
pleaseunder
standwher
eIam comi
ngf
rom.
”

“Iunder
standthatyouloveyourwif
eandyouwon’
tleav
eherfor
anythi
ng,notevenyoursons!Aft
erIgi
vebi
rt
htothi
sone,Iam
breaki
ngupwi thyou.
”

“Babe…lookatme…Il ov
ey ou.Il
ovey
ousomuch.AndIwoul d
giveanythi
ngtobewithyou.YouknowwhatIst
andtoloseifI
takethedivor
cerout
e.Iam worki
ngonitwi
thmylawyer.Iam not
j
ustsitt
ing.
”
Pearl
lookedathi
m.“
Isai
dwhatIsai
d.Iam fourmonthspr
egnant
ri
ghtnow.Youhavef
ivemont
hstosett
hingsstrai
ght
.”

Pr
inceki
ssedher
.“Ok.
”

“
Pleasegoandseewhatt
heki
dsar
edoi
ng.
”

Hegotupandputonhi
spantsthenwalkedout
.Pear
lst
oodup
andl
ockedher
sel
fint
hebathr
oom cry
ing.

*
**

Thefoll
owingmorni
ng,Thabisl
owlyopenedhereyesasAtang
fi
ll
edherpathwaywit
hhisharddic.Hepressedherdownki
ssi
ng
herneckandtookhertotheheavens.

Hegruntedasherpussyspasmedclampingdi
ck.Hepushed
deeperi
ntoherpussyashiscum camerushi
ngthr
ough.

Hekissedherbacklet
ti
ngthel
astdropi
nthenheeasedoutand
t
urnedheraround.Hesmil
edkissi
ngher
.

“
Heybeaut
if
ul…”

Thabi
touchedhischestsmi
l
ing.“
Youshoul
dbeaty
ourhouse
wit
hyourperson.
”

Thabi
’
sphonerangfrom herbedsi
de.Sher
eachedf
ori
tand
pi
ckedwhi
lehekissedherneck.

“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hi,i
t’
sReba.Iam sor
ryt
ocal
lsoear
lyi
nthemor
ningbutIneed
t
otalktoy
ou.”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#112

Thabi
’
shear
tski
ppedasshehel
dthephonepr
oper
ly.

“
HiReba.
”

At
angl
ookedather
.

“Uh…IwantedtoapologizeforthewayIcameacr ossyest
erday
.
TobehonestIhavebeenexpect i
ngabitterbabymamaor
somethingal
ongthoselines.Ihavebeenf eel
ingsoashamed
aboutthewayIint
roducedmy sel
f.Kefeelabochi l
dishhel
a,
worsewheny oudi
dn’trespondwi thsameat t
itude.”

“
Ididn’tt
akeoffense.Lennai
fIwer
eaj
udge,
Iwoul
dint
roduce
myselfli
kethat
.”

Rebalaughed.“
Nevert
hel
ess,Idon’
twanty
out
hinki
ngIam t
hat
personbecausetot
aIam not
.”

“
It
sok.
”

“Ihopewenev
erst
eponeachot
her
’st
oes.That
’sal
l
.Hav
ea
goodday.
”

“
Yout
oo.
”

Shedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.At
angki
ssedher
.Thabi
touchedhi
sbear
d.

“
She’
sni
ce.
”

“
Don’
tdot
hat
.Pl
easedon’
tdot
hat
.”
“
Whatdi
dIdo?
”

“
Canwef
ocusonuswhi
l
eIwor
konl
ett
inghergogent
ly?
”

“
Canceri
str
icky
.Idon’
tthi
nk-
“

“IknowwhatIwant.Andit
’sy
ou.Alsoyougetti
ngbett
er.Iam not
walkingawayfr
om you.Fr
om us…Iam notl
ett
ingusdown.Iwill
bedeal wi
thReba.
”

“
Sheisgoingtobehear tbr
oken.It’
sgoi
ngtobreakher.Shehas
l
ovedyou,acceptedyourchi
ld.Letyoui
nherheart
.All
oft hatt
o
j
ustbebroken.Ithur
ts.
”

Hel
aidbesi
desherandpul
l
edheri
nhi
sar
ms.

“Il
ovey ou.Iam notgoi ngnowhere.Iknowsheisgoingt obe
broken,Iam awar eofthatbutifImarryherwear ebothgoingto
bemi serable.She’
sever y
thi
ngbutnotf orme.It
’snothingt
odo
withyou, i
t’
sev er
ythi
ngt odowi t
hme.Don’ tf
eelguil
ty.Marry
ing
herwasal readyquestionabl
e.”

Thabi
rel
axedi
nhi
sar
ms.

“
Therei
sadoct
orinSouthAfr
ica.Hewant
stodi
agnosey
ouso
wecanstar
twi
thy
ourtreat
mentplan.
”

“
Ok.
”

“
Wewi
l
lgonextweek.
.”

Thabi
mov
edcl
osert
ohi
m byl
aidherheheadonhi
schest
.

*
**
I
nKasane,
rragweAt
angcal
l
edhi
syoungerbr
other

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Didy
out
alkt
oAt
ang?
”

“Idi
d.Heissay
ingt
hesamet hi
ng.It
hinkweshouldj
ustgi
vehi
m
space.Whenhehasthemoney,hewil
ltal
ktous.
”

“Iam t
hinki
ngtolendhi
m somemoney
.Iwi
l
lsel
lacoupl
eof
cowstor ai
sesomethi
ng.”

“Hesaysheisgoingt
ogetsomemoneysoon.Lethi
m doi
tathi
s
onpace.Let
’snotcor
nerhi
m.”

“Noonei
scorneri
nghi
m.Atangi
sagrownman,
it’
stimehe
set
tl
esdown.Hisagemat
eshavebeenmar
ri
edforyear
snow.
”

“
LetAtangdothi
ngsathi
sownspeed.Gapeaski
ngthatgi
rlifshe
want
st omarr
yhim di
dn’
tmeanhewantedtodoini
ttomorrow.
Hewil
lcall
all
uswhenhei sr
eady
.Obvi
ousl
yit’
snotnow.”

“
Hei
sgoi
ngt
ost
artdel
ayi
ng.
”

“I
fhedelaysi
tthenwewillt
alkt
ohim.Fornowi
t’
swaytooearl
y.
Let’
sjustwai
ttohearf
rom hi
m.Ical
ledhi
m.Whenheisreadyhe
wil
ltal
ktous.Fornowlet
’swait
.”

Hehungup.Rr
agweAt
angcal
l
edhi
sson.Hi
sphoner
angf
ora
whi
le.

“
Papa…”

“
Iwast
hinki
ngmay
beweshoul
dgot
otheKai
aar
assot
hatl
e
wenawheny
oumarr
yReba,t
her
ewon’
tbeanypr
evi
ous
commit
ment
syouar
einv
olv
edin.
”

“
Justl
eav
eit
.Idon’
tmi
nd.
”

“
It
’st
her
ightt
hingt
odo.
”

“Papa,l
etthem be.Gapeaker
eev
ery
oneknowst
hatThabi
andI
brokeup.”

“
Ok.Howi
sLomo?Youshoul
dbr
inghersomet
ime.
”

“
Shei
sfi
ne.Iwi
l
lmakeapl
an.
”

“Ok.Ihopeyoudon’
tthi
nkIam put
ti
ngyouyouunderpr
essur
e.I
j
ustgotexcitedt
oknowthaty
ouhav ef
oundsomeonetofi
nall
y
sett
lewith.
”

“
Iam goi
ngt
omarrythewomanIlov
e,youdon’
thav
etowor
ry.I
wi
ll
seether
estaf
terIhav
emarr
iedher
.”

Rr
agweAt
angsmi
l
ed.“
Ok.Wewi
l
lwai
tfory
ou.
”

*
**

Lat
ert
hatdayBat
angwat
chedast
henur
sebandagedhi
shands.

“
Youwi
l
lbef
ineonaweekort
wo.
”

“
Thanky
ou.Youar
ebeaut
if
ul.
”

Thenur
sel
ookedathi
m andl
aughed.“
Thanky
ouson.
”
Batangsmil
ednaught
il
y.“
Osekawast
hol
aompi
tsason,
otar
e
kgolega.
”

“
Youar
eol
denought
obeson.
”

“
Andyouareoldenoughtogetbendedont
hist
abl
ethenget
f
uckedt
il
lyoucan’
twalk.
”

Shelookedathim speechlessl
yashest ar
edatherasifdar
ing
her.Hest oodupandwal kedoutwithasmi l
e.Thenur
seouther
handoverchestasherhear tpounded.Shestoodupandwalked
tothebathroom t
ochangeherpant yli
ner.

Bat
angpi
ckedAt
ang’
scal
lget
ti
ngi
nhi
scar
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Ijustgi
tacal
lfr
om Lebo.Oi
rangy
angy
aanongMi
ster
?”

“
Itdi
dn’
tmeanany
thi
ng.Butnnat
otadi
stancey
ampol
aya.
”

“
Ithoughty
oul
ovedt
hisgi
rl
?”

“
Idobutdistancei
ssl
owlyki
l
li
ngev
eryt
hing.Longdi
stance
r
elat
ionshi
psarenotf
orme.Il
ongt
oldherthi
s.“

“
Iam comi
ngt
her
e.Wewi
llt
alkwhenIgett
her
e.Thabi
isher
e
wi
thme.Wear
ehavi
ngdi
nnerther
e.”

“
Thabi
isher
e?”

“
Yes.Wear
ecomi
ng.
’

Batangputdownhi
sherphoneandst
art
edt
heengi
neanddr
ove
off
.
*
**

Thatevening,
Rebaf i
nishedherdi
nnersetupthenli
tupthe
candlesbefor
eswi t
chingoffthel
ight
s.Shetookadeepbreath
star
ingattheromanticsetup.Shesatdownwai t
ingpat
ient
lyi
n
herredli
ngeri
e..Thi
rtyminuteswentbythenshecall
edhim.

“
Thi
sisaf
reeannouncement
-“
.

Shecutthecal
landt
extedhim.Anhourwentbyasshesatal
one.
Shecal
ledagai
nbuttherewasnoanswerthenshecal
l
edAgang.

“
Hey
…”

“
Hi.Ar
eyouwi
thy
ourbr
other
?Ihav
ebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lhi
m.”

“
Hei
sher
e,wear
ewat
chi
ngamat
ch.
”

Oh,
letmet
alkt
ohi
mthen.
”

“
Rightnowhewentt
het
oil
et.Iwi
l
laskhi
mtocal
lyounow“

“
Ok,
thanks.
”

Hehungup.Mi
nut
eswentbyt
henshecal
l
edKel
l
yinst
ead.

“
Hi.
.”

“
Hey
,hasAt
angar
ri
vedt
her
e?”

“
Arr
ivedher
e?No.Noty
et.Hei
scomi
ng?
”

“
Yes.ToseeAgang.
”
“
Ngng,
he’
snother
eyet
.”

“
Ok,
thanks.
”

Shedroppedt
hecal
landtookadeepbreat
hwaiti
ng.Hernose
fl
aredwit
heachbr
eathshetookwhi
leherhear
traced.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#113

AtBatang’shouse,
thatev
eni
ngThabiwatchedasBat angand
Atangwatchedasoccermatch.Wi
thbothifthem supporti
ngthe
samet eam,theymadesomuchnoiseshefoundher sel
flaughi
ng.

“
Thi
sguydoesn’
tknowwhathe’
sdoi
ng.He’
ssel
fi
sh!
”

Theyconti
nuedwatching,Thabilookedar
oundBatang’
shouse.
Onthewallwasapictureofframeofhi m wi
thLomo.Shenibbl
ed
onherfoodgett
inglostinherthoughtswhil
ely
ingonacouch.

From t
heothercouchAtangl
ookedov
eratThabi
whowasstari
ng
atthenothi
ng.Thematchwentonhal
fti
me.Hestoodupandsat
withher
.

“
Hey
…”

Thabi
slowl
ylookedathi
m.Shesmi
l
ed.“
Hi…”

Heki
ssedher.Bat
angl
ookedatt
hem t
henst
oodupandwal
ked
t
othekit
chen.

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Theyar
eonhal
ft
ime?
”

“
Yes.Ar
eyouok?
”

Thabi
nodded.“
Yes.Justt
ir
ed.Myheadi
sachi
ngt
oo.
”

“
Shoul
dIgoandgety
ousomet
hingatt
hephar
macy
?”

“
No.I
t’
sok.Wat
chy
ourmat
ch.
”
“
Iwon’
ttakel
ong.Iam comi
ng.Iwi
l
lgowi
thBat
ang.
”

“
Att
ie…i
t’
sok.
”

Heki
ssedher
.“Wear
ecomi
ng.
”

Hewal
kedt
otheki
tchen.“
Let
sgo.
”

Bat
angl
ookedathi
m.“
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
”

“
Youwi
l
lsee.Let
’sgo.
”

Theywal kedout
.Thabilai
donthecushi
ononthecouchstar
ing
attheTV.Herv i
siongotbl
urr
edthemoreshestar
ed,shesni
ffed
tearf
ull
y.

Herphoner
angf
rom t
hesmal
ltabl
e.Hesl
owl
yreachedf
ori
t.

“
Zaza…”

“
Hi,
wher
ear
eyou?Iam bor
ed.
”

“
Iam wi
thBat
angandAt
ti
e.Theyar
ewat
chi
ngsoccer
.”

“
Atang?Youguy
s…i
sn’
theengagednow?
”

“
Hei
s.”

“Whatareyouguysdoingthen?Didn’
tyoubreakupwi t
hhi
m?
Kantemmegonewhydoy oudothistopeople?Youtwoended
thi
ngsunderthepr
etextoftherel
ati
onshipnotworki
ngoutand
nowy ouar
ebackatitagainhurti
ngotherpeoplei
nthemix.
”

“
Myheadi
sachi
ng.Iam hangi
ngup.
”

“
Iam j
ustconcer
ned.
”
“
Thanky
ou.ButIam f
ine.
”

“
What
’sgoi
ngt
ohappennow?
”

“
Idon’
tknowZaza.ButIam sur
eshewi
l
lhav
ehi
m att
heend.
”

“
Idon’
tsuppor
tthi
s.It
’sunnecessar
y.Idon’
tevenunderst
andwhy
y
outwobrokeupifitwastogetbacktogetheragai
n.”

“
Youarethel
astpersontojudgeany oneZaza.Youhav
edone
wor
serthi
ngsinli
fe.Wewil
l t
alk.Ihaveenoughonmypl at
etobe
l
ect
uredandjudged.Goodnight.
”

*
**

Rebat
ear
ful
l
yspoket
ohersi
ster
.

“
Hehaschanged.
”

“Yousai
dhehader
ect
il
edy
sfunct
ion.Whati
fthat
’swhat
str
essi
nghi
m?”

“
Itst
art
edt
heni
ghthedr
oppedof
fhi
sdaught
eratt
hehot
el.
”

“
Reba…”

Rebasni
ff
ed.“
Ithi
nkhe’
schangedhi
smi
ndorsomet
hing.
”

“
Idoubti
t.Notaf
terwhathewentt
hrought
oev
enpr
oposet
o
y
ou.”

“
Iwi
l
lki
l
lmy
sel
fthi
sti
mear
ound.
”
“
Cany
ouni
ttal
kli
ket
hat
.”

Shesni
ff
ed.“
Ifhepl
aysmeIam goi
ngt
oki
l
lhi
mthenmy
sel
f.
”

“
Idon’
tli
kewhaty
ouar
esay
ing.
”

“Iam t
ell
i
ngyou.Atangi
snotgoi
ngtol
eav
eme.Notaf
ter
ever
ythi
ng.Notaf
terwast
ingmyti
me.

“
Yousoundcr
azy
.Idon’
tli
kei
t.
”

*
**

Ont
hewayt
omal
l
,At
angl
ookedatBat
angwhi
l
edr
ivi
ng.

“
Whathappened?
”

“
Idon’
tthinkIcanmanagealongdist
ancer
elat
ionshi
ps.Ifind
mysel
flooki
ngf orsomeonewhoisther
ewhenIneedher .Lebo
i
snotalwaysavailabl
e.”

“
Didy
out
ell
hert
hat
?Don’
tyout
hinkshedeser
vest
oknow?
”

“
Iwi
l
ltal
ktoher
.”

“Dothat.Bewiththewomany oul ove.Gaboroneist r

ickyBat ang.
Don’tl
eavethewomanwhowaswi thyouwheny ouhadnot hi ng.
Shesawsomet hi
nginyou.Lov edy ou.Everygir
lhasadi fferent
kindofp*ssy.Theydon’
ttast
et hesame.Youwi l
l neverfi
nishal l
thewomen.Leboi stheoney oul ove.Don’tloseher.”

“
Ok.
”
Henodded.At
angpar
kedatt
hemal
l
.

“
Iam comi
ng.
”

Hest
eppedoutofthecarandwal
kedi
nsidethemall.Het
ookout
hi
sphoneandswit
cheditonget
ti
ngThabi’
sheadachemedicat
ion.

Hel
ookedatt
het
womessagesf
rom Rebaandcal
l
edherback.

“
Hey
..
.”

“Whereareyou?Pleasedon’
tsaywi
thAgangbecauseIknowyou
arenott
hereneit
herareyouwithPr
ince.Don’
tli
etome.Wher
e
areyou?”

“
Iam wi
thBat
ang.
”

“
Yourex’
sbr
other
?”

“
Heneededhel
p.”

“
Whyar
eyoust
il
li
ncont
actwi
thRet
habi
l
e’sf
ami
l
y?”

“
BecauseIhav
eadaught
ert
her
e.”

“Ihav
ebeencal
l
ingy
ou.Yourphonehasbeenof
f.What
’sgoi
ng
onAgang?”

“
Iwasbusy
.Iam sor
ry.
”

“
Wher
edoesBat
angst
ay?
”

“
Reba-
“

“Iam notcomfor
tabl
ewitht
hesetup.I
tfeel
sli
key
ouar
est
il
l
holdi
ngont oRet
habil
e.”
“
Iam hi
sfat
her
.Ir
aisedhi
m.”

“Sowhatifyourai
sedhim?Iam notcomfort
abl
ewiththesetup.I
haveneverbeen.Youpayhisr
ent,y
ouboughthi
m acar ,
yousend
him moneyeverymonth.I
t’
salot
.Iam notcomfor
tabl
ewi t
hit
.”

“Ir
aisedthi
sboy.Ican’
tjustdr
ophi
m becausey
ouar
enot
comf or
tabl
ewit
hit.”

“Wouldy oul
ikei
tifIwer
est
il
ltaki
ngcar
eofmyex’sbrot
her
?
Pleasecomehome.Ihavebeenwaiti
ngf
oryou.Kekopaotl
e
l
apeng.(Pleasecomehome.)
”

“
Reba-
“

“At
angplease…”Hershookasshespokel
i
kesomeonewhowas
cry
ing.“
Pleasecomehome. ”

“
Ok.
”

Hehungupandpai
d.At
angwal
kedbackgohi
scarandj
umpedi
n.

Hest
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
fhol
dingt
hemedi
cat
ion.

AtBat
ang’
shouse,
Atanghel
pedThabi
dri
nkherpi
l
ls.

“
Letmedr
opy
ouof
f.
”

Thabi
huggedherbr
other
.“Il
i
key
ourhouse.
”

“
Thanks.Iam happyy
ouar
eback.
”

Theywalkedoutandgotinthecar.Thabil
ookedathim and
smiledbeforel
ooki
ngoutthewindowwhi l
ebedrove.Heparked
atthehotelandwal
kedtoherroom withher.
“
Iam mov
ingt
omyhouset
omor
row.
”

Heki
ssedher
.“Ok.
”

“Cany
ougohomeandgiveyourf
iancésomeat
tent
ion?Don’
t
comeint
hemorni
ng.St
ayathome.”

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

Thabi
satdownashewal
kedout
.

*
**

AtAtang’
shouse,Rebapacedupanddownhol
dingherphone
thenshecal
l
edhim.

“
Iam comi
ng.
”

“
Wher
ear
eyou?
”

“
Iam dr
ivi
nghome.Iam al
mostt
her
e.”

“
Otsamay
ahakaeAt
ang!
”

“
Iam t
enmi
nut
esaway
.”

Rebahungupandlookedatt
heti
me..Exact
lyt
wel
veminut
es
l
aterhedr
ovei
n.Shetookadeepbreat
hashewalkedi
n.

“
Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?
”

“
Itol
dyouwher
eIwas.
”

“
Thewhol
edaywher
ewer
eyou?
”
“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”

“Answerme!
”Shey
ell
edl
osi
ngi
t.“
Wher
ewer
eyout
hewhol
eday
Atang?”

“
Iwasv
iewi
ngt
hef
lat
s.”

“Thatyouforgoty
ouhavesomeoneinyourli
fe?
”Tear
sfil
ledher
eyes.Shelookeduptokeept
hem atbaybutonest
il
lrol
l
eddown.
“What’sgoi
ngon? ”

“
Don’
ttal
ktomeasi
fIam y
ourchi
l
d.”

“Iwi
ll
talktoyouhoweverIwantwhenyoubehaveli
keachil
d!You
havechanged.Wherei
smyAt ang?Becauset
hisisnothi
m.”

“
Babe-
“

Anot
hertearr
oll
eddown.“
Whathappenedtomyman?Whyar
e
youhurt
ingmeneerr
a?Whatdi
dIdo?Pleaset
ell
mewhatIdi
d.I
s
i
tyourex?”

“
No.Iam sor
ry-
“

“
Thi
ngswer
eper
fectbef
oreshecamet
henshecameback…”

“
Canwecal
m down?

“I
fy outhinkyoucanplaymeAt angy ouar ewrong.Notaf t
er
everythi
ng.Iwillki
l
lyout henmy sel
f.Ipromisey ouIwil
l ki
lly
ou.
Afteryouar edeadthenIwi l
lkil
lmy sel
f.Trustmeont his.You
won’ tpl
aywi t
hmyf eeli
ngsandgetawaywi thit
.Everyt
hingwas
fi
net il
lshecameback.Ihav edonenot hingbutloveyou.Youwi l
l
nothumi li
atemeAt ang..youwillnotembar r
assme.Iwi l
lki
llbot
h
ofusi fyoutryit
.Isweart oyou.Shewi ll
burryyou.Iswearonmy
mother
’sgrav
e.I
fyouhaveal
waysgot
tenawaywit
hhurti
ng
peopl
e,t
histi
meyouwil
lgetawaywi
thiti
nyourgr
ave.
”

“
Arey
out
hreat
eni
ngme?
”

“
No.Iam t
ell
i
ngy
ou.I
t’
sapr
omi
se.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#114

Atangl
ookedatherasshebr
eat
hedheavi
lyt
ryi
ngt
ohol
dher
tear
sback.Heputhi
shandsonherwai
st.

“
Hey
…”

Shel
ookedathi
mtear
ful
l
y.

“
It
’sok.Cal
m down.
”

“Youarehur
ti
ngme.Idi
dn’
tany
thi
ng.
”Herv
oicebr
okeasshe
spoke.

Atangwrappedhi
sarmsar
oundher
.Shesni
ff
edinhi
sar ms.
Atangpi
ckedherupandwal
kedt
othecouchwit
hherthensat
down,heronhisl
ap.

“
Iwantt
obehonestwi
thy
ou.CanI
?”

Shenodded.“ WhenImety ouIhadbr okenupwi t

hThabi.Iwas
readyforaf reshstartbecausemyr elati
onshipwi t
hherhadf ai
l
ed.
Iknowi ttookt i
mef ory outoletdowny ourwallsandletmein.I
knowi ttooky ouawhi l
etoloveme.Iwaspat i
entenoughwi t
hy ou
butIrealizedsomet hingthelastcoupleofmont hs.You’drat
herI
l
eav eLomowi thAgangsowecanbet ogether.Whichisnot
wrongwhenwewantt ospendqualit
ytimet ogetherbuti
t
happensal lthetime.Youdon’ twantmydaught eraroundandI
don’tbeev enknowwhy .Twomont hsbacky ouaskedmewhyI
can’tgiv
emydaught ertostaywithmymot her.Iaskedyouwhy
andy ousaidsoi tmakest hi
ngseasierformey etyouf oundme
withachild.Iknowmydaught erbutsheisalsonotfreear ound
you.Younev ertrytoconnectwi thher.Youaredistant.You’ d
rat
herplayagameony ourphonet hantal
ktoher .I
tdoesn’ thav
e
tobehect i
cconv ersation.Justasimpletal
kt ogethert oloosen
up.Exactl
yf i
vemont hsago, Iwassureitwasy ouIwasgoi ngto
mar r
y.Ispoket omyf atheraboutandItooky outoKasanet o
meetmypar ents.NowIam notsur ebecauseal r
eadyy ouwant
Lomot ost aywithhermot herundersomelousyexcuse. ”

“
Younev
ert
oldmeIhadt
opl
ayst
epmot
hert
oyourdaught
er.
”

“
Idi
dn’texpecty
out opl
aystepmot hertomydaughter,
I.
.eit
her
way,
ifIam marryi
ngyou,Iexpectyouto.I
fyouneverconnect
ed
wi
thher,howareyougoingtodoi tnow?”

“
Youar
ejustl
ooki
ngf
orr
easonst
oshi
ftbl
ame.
”

“
Iam t
ryi
ngt
olety
ouseewher
ewear
ehav
ingaf
all
out
.”

“Youarelyi
ng!Youwantt osayitist
her easonyouhavebeen
acti
ngfunny.Youaretryi
ngt obl
amemef ory
ouract
ions.You
wantmet oapologi
zef oryourbehavi
orbecausenowal lofa
suddenit
’smyf aul
tthatyouactdiff
erent.Otswakae?(Wherear
e
youcomingf r
om? )
”

“
Iwaswi
thBat
ang.
”

Shegotupandl
ookedathi
m.“
Youar
ely
ing!
”

“
Cal
lhi
m andaskhi
m..
”

“
Iwantt
oseey
ourbankbal
ance…y
ouar
ely
ingt
omeaboutt
he
8k.Ret
habi
l
eist
her
easony
ouar
enotsur
eany
mor
e.”

“YouarethereasonIhav en’tbeensureanymor e.Rethabil

edid
nothi
ngbuty ouknowwhat ?Iwouldrathermar ryherthanyou
becauseIknowshel ovesmydaught er.Mydaught erwill
always
comef ir
sttome.Ifyoucan’ trel
atewithherthenwemi ghtaswell
endit.Iam ti
redofwalki
ngoneggshel l
swithy ou.Iam notanyof
yourex,Iconstant
lyhavetopr ovemy sel
ftoy ouandget
thr
eatened.Iam sickofit.Youneedt oreali
zet hatnotevery
one
i
sy ourex.”

“
Sonowy
ou’
drat
hermar
ryher
?”

“Yesbecauseshel ovesmydaught er
.Ifyoucan’tacceptamen’
s
chil
dt henforgett
herelati
onshi
p.Mydaught erwil
lbewhereIam.
Iwillneverpartwi
thher.Beitwegetmar ri
ed,shewillbest
ayi
ng
withus.That’sonethingthatyouwon’teverchangesoifyou
can’tlovehernow,forgeti
t.”

“
SonowLomoisyourexcusef
ornotcal
l
ingandbei
ngGodknows
wher
e?Shei
stheexcuse?
”

“Iwaswi t
hBatang.Bat
angisnotgoi
ngany
wher
e.He’
sbeenin
mylif
el ongbefor
eyou.Youfoundhi
mther
eandbewil
lfor
ever
bethere.”

“
Thi
ngswer
efi
nebef
oreshecame.Doy
oust
il
ll
oveher
?”

“
Iam notanswer
ingt
hat
.”

“Youarenotgoingt
ohur tmeandgetawaywi t
hit.
”Shesnif
fed
cryi
ng.“
Youarenotgoingt ogetawaywi
thit
.Youcameaf t
erme.
Youmademel oveyou.Ihavebeennot
hingbutgoodtoyou.If
youhadaprobl
em wi
thhowIwasi nteract
ingwit
hy ourdaught
er
youcoul
dhavesai
dsomething.I
’
dr atherbedeadthanget
humil
iat
edandembar
rassedbyyou.”

“Thenlet
’senditnowbeforewegof ar
.Let
’sbreakup.Andtobe
honestIdon’tt
hinkwearerightf
oreachot
her.MydaughterandI
arenotforyou.Let’
sendit
.”

Hewal
kedtot
hebedroom l
eav
ingsherst
andi
ngi
nthemi
ddl
eof
t
hesi
tt
ingr
oom cr
ying.

*
**

Thef
oll
owingmorni
ng,Lonef
ini
shedwit
hheryogaexer
cisesand
st
oodupfrom t
hemat.Shepi
ckedherphoneandst
oppedt he
musi
cthencal
ledPr
ince.

“
Thenumbery
ouhav
e-“

Shedr
oppedt
hecall
andwalkedtotheki
tchenwher
eshemade
her
sel
fasmoothi
egoingt
hroughsomepictur
eswit
hherhusband.

Shesmil
edatt
heirweddi
ngpi
ctur
ethenchangedhersoci
al
mediapr
ofi
l
epict
ures.

Shequicklybl
endedheri
ngr
edientsthensatdownscr ol
li
ng
thr
oughherFacebook.Shepausedcomi ngacrossapostona
pagethatpostedpeopl
e’
sproblems.Shesatuprightseei
ngthati
t
hadonlybeenposted30minutesbackbutalreadyithad3.5k
comment s.
‘
Hi admi n,pleasepostmeanony mous.Ihav eapr obl em, Imett he
manIam wi tht woy ear sback.Iam someonewho’ sbeenhur ta
l
otint hepast .Whent hismanappr oachedIr eject edhi mf or
mont hsandf inall
ygav ei nthoughIhadexpl ainedt ohi m whyI
wouldr atherbesi ngle.Iam someonewho’ sdat edbabydaddi es
andhav et horoughl ybeenhur tsoIdon’ tl
ikemenwi thkids.
Unfortunatelyt hisonehasachi l
dhest aysf ulltimewi th.Ihav e
neverconnect edwi thhi schi ld,Itri
edbutf ai leduponr ealizi
ngt hat
thi
schi l
dl ooksexact lylikehermot herandInowst artedf eeli
ng
l
ikeIwascompet i
ng.Ihav eal way skeptdi stancebet weenmy self
andt hi
schi ld.Idon’ that eherbutaf t
ermypastexper i
ences, Ijust
wantt obesaf er athert hansor ry.AndIalsoj ustwantt ogi vemy
fi
rstlovet omychi l
dren.Ist ay edwi thhim notconcer nedabout
thechildbecausehehadsai dt hechi l
d’smot herwasgoi ngto
takeherchi ldandl i
v ewi thher ,
themot herwasbasedout si
de
Botswana.Al lalongev ery t
hinghasbeenf i
net illtheexcameback.
Guyhasbeenact ingf unny .Heusedt ocall meort extmedur i
ng
theday .Nowhedoesn’ tany mor e.Iam atast agewher eIhav e
reachedt heedge.Hesay sweshoul dbreakupbecauseIdon’ t
connectwi t
hhi schi ldbutIcanseehewant shi sexback.Ihad
askedhi mi fhewasov erhi sexbef orewest arteddat i
ng, hesai d
yesbuthi sact ionsayot herwi senow.Myhear tisbr eaking.Idon’ t
knowwhatt odo, Ifeelpl ayedandused.Iam t hi nkingofki l
li
ng
thebot hofus.Il ovehi m somuch, Iam notpsy cho, ifhewasn’ t
overhisex, Iwant edhi mt ojustt ellmeinst eadofl yi
ngt ome,
mindy ou, wear eengaged. ’

Lonet
ookscr
eenshotandsentt
oKel
l
y.
Kel
l
yresponded.

Kel
l
y:Heee

Lone:
Itsoundsf
ami
l
iar

Kell
y:Idoubtt
hough,kanaRebaisawomanofclass.Idoubtshe
evenhasFacebookgapehelawomanl i
keherdon’
ttal
kabout
ki
ll
ingthemsel
ves.I
t’
sr ar
etot
a.Shehasever
yoneshecanev er
need.

Lone:
Youar
eri
ghtt
hough.Butf
orasecondt
her
eIwasgone

Kel
l
y:No.I
t’
snother
.

Lone:
Pri
nce’
snumberi
sst
il
lnotgoi
ngt
hrough.

Kell
y:Heiswor
king.He’
sasoldier.Idoubthehadt
imef
orhi
s
phone.Thammacany oujustwaitforyourman?

Lone:
Eishok.Iam doi
ngav
logt
odayf
ormyYouTubechannel
.
Wanttofeat
ure?”

Kel
l
y:Yes.Countmei
n.

Lone:
may
bewecangof
orshoppi
ngf
orcont
ent
.

Kel
l
y:Ok.LetaskAgangt
osendmesomemoney
.

Lone:BythewayIhavebeenthi
nki
ngifgoingbackt
oschool.
.nna
mmaIam bor edhereathome.MaybeifIhadki
dsli
keyouit
wouldn’
tbesoboring.

Kell
y:What
’stheuseofgoingtoschooli
fyouwon’tgetaj
ob?It
’s
beenyear
sebilennaIgaveup.Iam goodbeingahousewife
becauseAgangprovi
desformeandhel ovesme.Youwill
waste
y
ourt
imeatschool
onl
ytobeunempl
oyed.

Lone:Ij
ustwantsomethingt
odo.Eveni
fIdon’
tworkatl
eastI’
d
havesomething.Iwasinmythi
rdy
eararvar
sit
ywhenIdropped
out.Iwantt
ocont i
nue.

Kel
l
y:Youwi
l
lbewast
ingy
ourownt
imebut

Lone:
Comel
et’
sst
artshoot
ing.

Kel
l
y:Comi
ng.

*
**

Thabif
ini
shedt
y pi
ngherbusi
nessplanf
orthecl
i
nict
hensmi
l
ed
goi
ngthroughi
t.Shefi
xedacoupleofer
ror
sandsavedt
he
document.

Herphoner
angasshecl
osedherl
apt
op.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Goodmor
ningMsKai
sar
a.Yourf
urni
tur
eisr
eadyf
ordel
i
ver
y.”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Ok.Iam sendi
ngy
out
headdr
ess.
”

“
Eemma.
”

Shesentthem t
headdr
esstoherhouset
hengotof fbedandput
onhershoesbefor
ewalki
ngoutholdi
ngherhandbagandcar
key
s.

Shegoti
nhercaranddr
oveof
fpi
cki
ngAt
ang’
scal
l
.
“
Hey
..“

“
Doy
ouhav
epl
anst
oday
?Iwantt
otakey
ousomewher
e.”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Somewher
ewher
e?”

“
Somewher
eal
one.
”

Shesmil
ed.“
Ok.Iam onmywayt
ohousenow.Thef
urni
tur
eis
bei
ngdel
iver
ed.
”

“Ok.Iam comi
ngther
e.Byt
heway
,Ihav
eputupournamesatt
he
DC’soffi
ce.By
e.”

Hedroppedt
hecall
.Thabil
ookedatherphonei
nshocksl
owi
ng
downtothemor
ningtraf
fi
c.

*
**

AtAtang’
shouse,Rebatearful
l
ylai
donthebedhuggingthepil
l
ow.
Hersist
ercont
inuousl
ycalledherwhi
l
eshelai
dsti
llcry
ing.She
sl
owlygotupawhi l
elaterandmadeacall
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi,
Iwantant
i-
fr
eeze.HowsooncanIgeti
t?”

“
Ant
i-
fr
eeze?
”

“
Yes.HowsooncanIgeti
t?”

“
Today
.”
“
Thanky
ou.CanIpassbycol
l
ect
ingi
t?”

“
Yes.
”

“
Ok,
Iam comi
ng.
”

Sheputonhercl
othest
henwal
kedout
.Shedr
oveof
flooki
ngat
thet
ime.

Mor
ning,
thi
sisourmor
ningi
nser
t.
Your
sTr
uly

#115

Thabi
smi
ledstari
ngathernewfurni
tur
einherhouse.Themen
fr
om t
hef
urni
tureshopsmiledather
.

“
Wear
edone.
”

“
Thanky
ou.Il
ovei
t.
”

“
Eemma.
”

Shewalkedoutwit
hthem.Herphonevi
brat
edinherpocketas
shest
oodbyt hedoorwat
chi
ngthem dr
iveoff
.

Shet
ooki
toutandpi
ckedt
hel
andl
i
ne.

“
Dr.Kai
sar
a,hel
l
o?”

“
Hi.
”

Thabi
pausedt
henl
aughed.“
Itol
dyout
onev
ercal
lme.
”

Pul
echuckl
ed.“
Idon’
tbl
amey
ou.
”

“
Wher
edi
dyougetmynumber
?”

“
Isawyoulistedundermoti
vat
ionalspeaker
swhoaresupposed
t
ospeaktof i
rsty
earmedici
nestudentsatUB..y
ournumberwas
l
i
stedunderyourname.”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?”

“
Iwantt
oseey
ou.Iam asi
ngl
efat
her
.”
“
Idon’
tbel
i
evey
ou.Youwanty
ourwi
fet
osueme.
”

“Ourdi
vor
cewasfi
nal
izedthr
eemont
hsback.I
t’
sov
er.Isawy
our
exisnowdat
ingaj
udge.”

“
Goodf
orhi
m.Iam sor
ryabouty
ourdi
vor
ce.
”

“
Iam ov
eri
t.I
twasnotmeantt
obe.
”

Atang’scardrov
einthrought
heopengat
e.Hepar
kednextt
oher
carthensteppedoutfi
xinghi
scap.

Hewasmor ebuffedup,shewonderedifitwasworkorhimjust
goi
ngtothegym.Shel ookedathi
st-shi
rtwhichwasholdi
ngon
tohi
smusclesthenthatbroadchest
..thatchestshel
aidunder
whil
ehebreat
hedheav il
yontopofher.

Hewal kedwit
hintenti
on, shetookadeepbr eat
hashecl osedt
he
di
stancebetweent hem li
keaj aguarcomingforit
’sprey
.Herey
es
wentdownt othatzip,shet ookadeepbr eat
hstari
ngatthat
bump.Babydaddywasn’ tjustanordinar
yman…no, hewasway
pastj
ustbeingordinar
y .

Helookedinherey
esapproachi
ng,hi
sv ei
nedt
attooedarms
al
readyopen.Hewrappedthem ar
oundherpul
li
ngherinhisarms
andsqueezedhert
hatsheletoutasl
ightmoan.Yeeerr
r!Whata
machoman.

Heki
ssedhernecklett
inghi
sbear
dcaressherskin.Goosebumps
er
upt
edfrom herski
nassheputherhandoverhisbicepsfeel
i
ng
hi
sweapononherst omach.

“
Hey
…”
“
Hel
l
o?Thabi
?”Pul
espokeov
ert
hephone.

“
Hi,
Ihav
etogo.By
e.”

Shehungupandsighedi
nAtang’
sarms.Hel
etgoandki
ssedher
l
ips,het
urnedt
hekissi
ntoafr
enchki
ssashi
shandswenttoget
butt
.

Herphonestart
edri
ngingagai
n.Heseal
edt
heki
sswi
thababy
ki
ssthenlookedatherscr
een.

“
Who’
sthat
?”

Thabi
lookedatherscr
een.“
Pul
e.”

“
Youst
il
ltal
ktohi
m?”

“
No.
”

“
Whyi
shecal
l
ing?
”

“
Idon’
tknow.Hesay
shegotmynumberatUB.
”

Thabi
picked.“
Hi.Iwoul
dappreci
atei
tify
ouandIdon’t
communicateatall
.Pl
easer
espectmyspaceandthankyou.
”

Shedr
oppedt
hecal
landsmi
l
edl
ooki
ngathi
sannoy
edf
ace.

“
Ongadi
l
e?(
Arey
ouupset
?)”

Hepinchedhercheekt
henki
ssedher
.“Canhebeoutofl
i
vesf
or
good?”

Thabi
nodded.“
Yes.Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?
”

“
Wenev
erwentt
oVi
cFal
l
s.Iwantt
otakey
out
her
e.”
Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Dot
heydobunj
eej
umpi
ng?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Arewegoi
ngt
oday
?”

Hesqueezedherbr
east
s.“
Yes.Wear
edr
ivi
ng.
”

“
Younev
ersai
dany
thi
ngaboutt
hebaby
…”

“Ir
eadaboutChemo.It’
snotgoodforthebabyandIdon’
twant
anythi
ngt
hatcanjeopardi
zeyougett
ingthehel
pyouneedtoget
.”

“Wecanfi
ndasurr
ogate.Someonet
ocar
ryourbaby
.Al
lthey
needi
syoursemenandmyeggs.”

“
Babecanwejusthaveourbabyoncey
ouar
ewel
l
?CanIj
ust
wor
ryabouty
ouonly?
”

“
Wedon’
thavetowor
ryaboutany
thi
ng.Wej
ustneedsomeone
whoi
sheal
thy
.”

“Iwanttobeabletoconnectwi
thmychil
dfr
eel
y.Canwej ust
deal
withthecancerf
ornow?Assoonaswear edonewit
hy our
tr
eat
mentandy ouarecancerfr
ee,
Iwi
llgi
veyouthebaby
.”

“I
tmightt
akey
ear
sti
l
lIam cancerf
ree.Ordon’
tyouwanta
chi
ld?
”

“YouknowIdo.Ri
ghtnowisnott
heri
ghtti
ming.Youar
enot
dying.West
il
lhav
eti
met omakethebaby
.”

At
earr
oll
eddown.At
angwi
pedi
tawaywi
thhi
sthumb.

“
Babe…”
“Youdon’
tknowhowt hiswill
go.St
age3cancerisnochildplay
.
It
’saggr
essi
ve.I
tcantakemet woy
earstowinthebatt
le.Idon’
t
evenunder
standyourreasoni
nganymore.I
fyoudon’twantto
haveachil
dwithmesayso. ”

“
Ok.
.it
’sok.Wecanhav
ethebaby
.”

Thabi
sni
ff
edsmi
l
ing.“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Olel
elang?(
Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
)”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Youar
emaki
ngmecr
y.”

Heki
ssedher
.“Sor
ryaut
wa?
”

Thabi
blushedandspokesof
tl
y.“
Eer
ra.
”

Atang’
sphonerangi
nhispocket
.Hetookitout
,Thabil
ookedat
Rebacall
i
ngthentur
nedandwalkedi
nsidethehouse.

At
anganswer
ed.

“
Yah?
”

Rebasni f
fed.“Iam sor ryIwasdi stanttoLomo.Iguessl ovi
ngy ou
meansl ovingev er
ythingt hatcomeswi thyou.Ishoul dhavet ri
ed
harder.Idon’ thateLomo.Ij ustfearlovingsomeone’ schil
dt hen
havehert akenawayf rom me.If earbeingl abel
edbyt hechild’
s
mot her.Icoul dhavebeenbet t
er,Iagree.Icouldhav edoneal ot
better.Ishoul dhavecommuni catedmyf earswithy ou.Kei pona
posoandIwantt ofi
xi t.Idon’twantt osepar at
ey ouf r
om your
chi
ld.Youar eagoodf at her,Idofeelli
key ouspoil hertoomuch
somet imesbutIt hi
nki t’sbecauseIdon’ thav eachi l
dsoIcan’ t
j
udgey ouorbeopi nionat ed.Iam sorry.Icanf i
xit
.I t
’snothi
ngI
can’
tfi
x.”

“Wewillt
alk.Iam goi
ngf
orawor
ktr
ipupnor
th.Iwi
l
lbeback
nextweek“

“Ok.CanIseeyoubef or
ey ougothen?Idon’twantyougoing
feel
ingthewayIfeel.Ifeelli
keIam l
osingyou.Iam scar
ed.Iam
soscared.If
eelsuicidal
.Idon’tknowbutmay beit
’sbecauseI
havelovedyouwithev eryt
hinginme.”

“
Iam l
eav
ingnow.Wewi
l
ldi
scussev
ery
thi
ngonceIcomeback.
”

“
Ifeel
li
key
ouar
ely
ing.Ar
eyout
aki
ngherwi
thy
ou?
”

“
Don’ty
out hi
nkit
’sbestwej
ustbr
eakupbecauset
hisbackand
f
ort
hbusinessisstar
ti
ngtobor
eme.”

Rebasni
ff
ed.“
Iam sor
ry.I
t’
sok.Iam sor
ry.
”

“Iam goi
ngwit
hRaps.Youcancal
lhi
mifyouwantbutbecar
eful
ofhiswif
e.Shedoesn’
tli
kewomenwhocal
lherman.”

“
No.I
t’
sok.
”

“
Ok.Shar
p.”

“Il
oveyouAtang.
”Shepausedcr
ying.“Il
oveyousomuch.Ke
i
rengneerr
a?(Whatshoul
dIdo?)
Iwi l
ldoanyt
hing.Whatshoul
dI
do?”

“
Wewi
l
ltal
kwhenIcomeback.Il
ovey
out
oo.
.”

Hehungupandwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehouse.
*
**

Rebasatinhercarcryinghol
dingherphone.Shelookedatt he
anti
-f
reezeinhercarthensnif
fedtaki
ngi t
.Sheopenedt hebott
le
oforangejui
cethem pouredanti
fr
eezei nsi
de.Shecl
osedt he
bott
lethem shookitbefor
elooki
ngar oundthestr
eet.Shelooked
atLomopl ayi
ngwithhercousinsoutsidemmagweKel l
y’sgat
e.

Aschool
kidwal
kedpasther
.

“
Hey
..come…”

Theschool
kidtur
nedandwal
kedbackcar
ryi
ngherheav
ybag
fi
l
ledwit
hbooks.

“
Dumel
ang.
.”

“
Hi,doyouseethatchi
ldinthebluedress?Shei
smydaught
er
v
isi
tinghergr
andmother.Idon’
twanthertoseeme,
shewill
cry
f
ormei fshedoes.Gi
vehert hi
sjui
ce.
”

Shehandedi
tov
ert
oget
herwi
thaP10not
e.

“
Gety
our
sel
fmagwi
nya.
”

Theschool
kidsmi
l
ed.“
Eemma.Shoul
dIt
ell
heri
t’
sfr
om her
mother
?”

“
Yes.
”

“
Ok.
”

Theschoolkidwal
kedawayandwentov
ert
oLomo.Rebast
art
ed
ther
entalcaranddr
oveof
f.
Abal
engst
art
edcal
l
ing.Rebapi
cked.“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi.Okae?
”

“
Iam goi
nghome.
”

“
Whatdi
dhesay
?”

“
Hei
sgoi
ngonawor
ktr
ip.Iapol
ogi
zed.
”

“
Good.Nowy
ouhav
etol
ear
nlov
inghi
sdaught
er.“

“
Yes.
”

“
It
snothar
d.Justopenupy
ourhear
ttoi
t.
”

“
Thanks.
”

“
Ihav
etogo.Wewi
l
ltal
k.”

“
Ok.
”

Rebaj
oinedt
heA1r
oaddr
ivi
ngbackhome.

*
**

Lomogott
hej
uiceandspokewi
thherEngl
i
shmedi
um Engl
i
sh.

“
Mymom washer
e?”

Theschoolki
dnodded.“
Butshel
eft
.Shesai
dIshoul
dgi
vey
ou
that
.Bye.
”

Lomosmi
l
edopeni
ngt
hecol
djui
cewhi
l
ehercousi
nsal
sowai
ted
t
odr
ink.

Your
sTr
uly

#116

Lomoopenedt
hej
uiceandsi
ppedsmi
l
ing.Hercousi
ns
swal
l
owedassheswall
owed.

“
Youcandr
inkt
oo.
”

MmagweKel
l
ywal
kedov
er.

“
Lomo,
whatar
eyout
hreedr
inki
ngt
her
e?”

“
Mamaboughtmej
uice.
”

“
Wher
eisshe?
”

“
Shewent
.”

“
Givemethat
.Iwi
l
lpourforyouingl
asses.Howcany
ourmot
her
j
ustcomeandgowit
houtgreet
ingpeopl
e?”

Shetookt
hejui
ceandwalkedi
nsi
dethehousewitht
heki
ds
fol
l
owingbehi
ndher.Shet
ookoutherphoneandcal
l
edAtang.

“
Mama.
.”

“
Kant
eyaanongmmagweLomocomesanddoesn’
tgr
eet
peopl
e?”

“
MmagweLomo?
”

“Yes.Shejustdr
oppedasmal
lbot
tl
eofjui
cef
orLomo.Ijustdon’
t
understandwhyshewoul
dcomeandleavewi
thoutgr
eet
ing
peoplekanakedilot
sagoAmeri
ca?”

“
Mamawee,
mmagweLomokemangy
aanong?
”

“
Ret
habi
l
e.”

“
Ret
habi
l
eisher
ewi
thme.
”

“Thenwhocamei fnother
.KanaLomoi
sher
ewi
thj
uicet
hatwas
broughtbyhermother
.”

“
Iam her
ewi
thThabi
.Di
dLomoseet
hisper
son?
”

MmagweKel
l
ylookedatLomo.“
Lomo,
didy
ouseemama?
”

“
No.Sheaskedachi
l
dtogi
vei
ttome.Ionl
ysawacar
.”

“
Whatcar
?”

“
Onel
i
kemmagweO’
s.
”

MmagweKel
l
yspokeont
hephone.
.“AHondaFi
t.
”

“
Idon’
tknowwhot
hati
s.Di
dshedr
ink?
”

“
Judtasi
p.Notmuch.
”

“Hermotheri
shere.Idon’
tknowwhodr
ivesaHondaFi
t.Pl
ease
don’
tlett
hem dr
inkit.
”

“
Ok.Letmet
hrowi
taway
.Kanat
her
eisaHondaFi
tthatki
dnaps
ki
ds.It
hinkshewastryi
ngtolur
ethekidswi
thj
uice.Iam not
l
ett
ingthem outofmysi
ghtanymore.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Soi
fThabi
iswi
thy
ou,
wher
eist
hatot
herwoman?
”

“
Mamaby
e.”

Hehungupbef oreshecoul
dsayanyt
hing.Sheshookherhead
andspil
ledthej
uiceint
hesinkt
henpouredthem afi
zzydri
nk
fr
om thefri
dge.
”

*
**

Rebawal
kedi
nsidethehouse,herhear
tpoundi
ng.Shewonder
ed
i
fLomohaddrankthejui
ce.Herguil
tmadeherstandupandpace
ar
ound.

Herhear
tpoundedsomuchthatshef
eltabi
tdi
zzyt
hem she
sl
owlysatdown.Sheswal
l
owedshaki
ng.Whenhadshebecome
amurdere?

Sheswallowedthenstooduppaci
ngagai
n.Whatifthey
quest
ionedthatstudent
?Obvi
ousl
yhewoulddescri
behert
othe
pol
icethenshewoul dgotoj
ail
formur
der.

Rebaunlockedherphonethi
nki
ngofcall
ingKel
lyt
oaskforher
mother
’snumber .Buti
fLomodoes,herphonecal
lwoul
dmake
thi
ngssuspici
ous.
Sheputherphonedownandputherhandsonherf
ace

Tear
sfi
l
ledhereyes.Wast
hist
hepersonshewasnow?Shetr
ies
t
othi
nkoftheper
sonshewasbefor
eAt ang…at
earr
oll
eddown.

Sheshoul
dhav eknownthatithadbeent oogoodtobet r
ue.She
wasjustmeanttogethurtfr
om ti
met otimeagain.Thatwashow
i
talwayswent.Shewouldloveuncondit
ional
lyandhaveherlove
thr
ownonherf ace.

Shest
oodupandpacedtear
ful
l
y.Shejustcoul
dn’
tunder
stand
whyhehadmadehertast
ehappinessonl
ytosnat
chitaway.

Shehadbeendi f
ferentt
hist
imearound.Shehadgiveni
tall
.Mor
e
tear
srol
leddownt henshepausedunlocki
ngherphone.She
l
ockedthescreenandsatdown.

Shesatst
il
lformi
nut
est
hencal
l
edKel
l
y.

“
Reba.
.”

“HI
.Cany
oupleasef
orwardmeyourmot
her
’snumber
..Igot
Lomosomet
hingshemightl
i
ke.
”

“
Ok.Ij
ustspoket
ohernow.
”

“
Oh.
.di
syout
alkt
otheki
dst
oo?
”

“
Yes.Theyar
ehappy.Mamawasjustt
ell
ingmesomeonet
ri
est
o
l
uret
hekidswit
hjui
ce.Thi
swor
ldmma. ”

“
Jui
ce?Di
dtheydr
ink?
”

“
Gat
weLomot
ookat
inysi
p.Mamat
hrewi
taway
.”

Rebabr
eat
hedoutr
eli
eved.“
Good.Ei
shwej
ustneedt
obeext
ra
car
eful
.”

“
Wedo.
.any
way
sletmef
orwar
dthenumber
.”

“
Yeah.Thanks.
”

“
Goodni
ght
.”

Rebahungupandputherhandsonherf
acer
eli
eved.

*
**

I
nMaun,l
atert
hatdayEl
angf
ini
shedcount
ingt
hemoneyshehad
madet
hatday.

Sheputawaythe2kunderthebedandsmiledtaki
ngherphone.
ShewentonherFacebook,shepausedcomingacrossThabi
’
s
newprofi
l
epictur
e.Itwasherfeetont
hedashboard.El
ang
smil
edatthecapti
on.

‘
Ther
eissomet
hingaboutr
oadt
ri
pswi
tht
her
ightpeopl
e…'

Shel
i
kedt
hepi
ctur
eandcomment
ed.

El
ang:
it’
sev
ery
thi
ng!

Shecontinuedscr oll
ingdonherti
meline.Shepausedcoming
acrossagov er
nment1mi l
l
iontenderpostneedi
ngacat er
ing
company .Sher eadt hr
oughthedetai
lsandjumpedoffthebed
almostfall
ing.Shegotherl apt
opfrom thewardr
obeandsaton
thebedswi tchingitontosendherapplicat
iongl
adshehad
regi
sterherbusi ness.
Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
hthencl
osedherey
es.

“GodIknowi nthepastIwasn’tt
hegreat
estper
son…butIneed
thi
s.Ihavethreeki
ds.Iwantthem t
ohaveevery
thi
ngtheymay
everneed.Pleasehel
pme…”

Sheopenedherey
esanddentherappl
i
cat
iont
otheemai
l
addr
ess.

Shecl
osedherl
apt
opandl
aidont
hebedcont
inui
ngonFacebook.

Shecameacr ossoneofhermal eFacebookf ri

end.Healways
postedpictur
eswi t
hhist wokids.Shesmiledli
kinghisnew
prof
ilepict
ure.Sheleanedbackgoi ngthr
oughhi sti
meli
ne.She
hadn’tdonethatinawhi le.Hewasoneoft hosehandsome
maturemeni nt hei
rfort
ies.Hejusthadthatthi
nginhim…t hat
…
El
angsmi l
edliki
ngthepictureofhistwokids.

Hewasaney ecandy
.Shewentbackgohert
imel
i
neand
cont
inuedscr
oll
i
ngdown.

Hermessengernot
if
icat
ionpinged.Sheopenedhermessages.
Herhear
tski
ppedasshel ookedathismessageri
ghtatthetop.

Sheopenedi
t.

LeatsoAtsoZaba: Goodev eni

ng,mynamei sLeatsoZaba.Iam a
busi
nessowner ,IownZabaLogi sti
cs.Iam 45y earsol
dandI
havetwoki ds.Adaughter
,8y ear
sol dandaboy5y ear
s.Ihave
beenfoll
owi ngyouforawhi l
enowandIt hi
nky ouareavery
beauti
fulselfdr
ivenwoman.Iam interestedingetti
ngtoknow
youbetter.Iwouldli
ketotakeyououtf ordinnersometimeand
maybewecanbet oknoweachbet ter.That’
sifit
’sokwit
hy ou.
Elang’smout
hdr oppedopen.Shepi
nchedher
sel
fwonderi
ngi
f
reall
yitwashappening.Shet
ookadeepbreat
hthent
yped.

Elang:Ev
eni
ng,mynameisElang,al
soabusinessowner.Iruna
cateri
ngcompany
.Ihavet
hreekids,
thef
atherisabsent
.Ithink
dinnerwoul
dbenice.

Hest
art
edt
ypi
ng.

Leatso:Per
fect
.Howaboutt
omor
row?Wecanmeetatthe
rest
aurantorIcanpi
cky
ouup.What
everwor
ksf
oryou.

El
ang:
Tomor
rowi
sfi
ne.Wecanmeett
her
e.

Leat
so:
Ok.Goodni
ght
.Thanky
ou.

Elangbl
ushedt
hent
hrewherheadbackont
hebedl
i
keshewasa
chil
d.

*
**

Laterthatnight,
At anghel
dThaniagainstt
hecarthatwasparked
ont heside.Hegr untedi
nherearfucki
ngher.Thabicl
osedher
eyesconv ulsi
ngmoani ng.

Atangconti
nuedhammeri
ngherthengr
oanedashi
sdi
cjer
ked
spurt
ingouthi
scum i
nsi
deher.

Heki
ssedhert
hensl
i
doutandputherl
egdownf
ixi
ngherpant
y.

“
Let
sgo.
”
Heopenedt hedoorf orherasacarspedpastt hem.Shesl owl
y
got.Heclosedthedoorandwentt ohissideandj umpedi n.He
start
edthecarandr ejoi
nedther oad.Thabicl
osedherey es
regai
ningherenergy.Atanglookedatherandsmi led.Shewas
beautif
ul,
evenmor ebeautif
ulfrom thefir
stti
mehehadmether .

Thabi
openedherey
esandsmi
l
ed.

“
What
?”

“
Keagor
ata…(
Ilov
eyou.
)”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

AlwaysbyGav
inJamesplay
edonYar
onaFM.Thabi
incr
eased
thevol
umeandsmil
edsingi
ngal
ong.

‘
You’
rei
nmyhead

Al
way
s,al
way
s

Ij
ustgotscar
ed

Away
,away

I
’
drat
herchokeonmybaddeci
sions

Thanj
ustcar
ryt
hem t
omygr
ave

You’
rei
nmyhead

Al
way
s,al
way
s,al
way
s’

At
angl
ookedatherandsmi
l
eddr
ivi
ng.Hi
shear
tcont
ent
.
AWEEKLATER…

Qui
ckl
ypar
ti
cipat
eandl
et'
sgett
henextbonusat2240hr
s.
Your
sTr
uly

#117

TwoWeeksLat
er…

Att
heDist
ri
ctCommi ssi
oner
’sOff
ice,Thabismiledi
nalong
whi
tegownthathuggedhercur
ves,herhairst
yledbeaut
if
ull
y.

Shef acedAtangwhowasi nhiswhiteformalsui

t.Hesqueezed
herhands,shetear
ful
lysmiled,herhear
traci
ngasAt ang
repeatedaft
ertheoff
icer
.

“I
,AtangDaniel
,takey ouRethabi
leKai
saratobemylawful
weddedwi f
e,tohav eandtoholdfrom t
hisdayfor
ward,f
orbet
ter
orforworse,f
orricher,f
orpoorer,i
nsi
cknessandinheal
th,
to
l
oveandt ocheri
sh, unti
ldeathdouspart.
”

Agangsmi ledwatchi
ngashi sbr
ot hermarrythewomanhel ov ed.
Kellywhowasseat ednexttohermanwat chedrecall
ingthet i
me
shehadst oodwhereThabi wasstandingsay i
ngthosev ows.She
smi l
edasThabi bl
ushedwhileAtangpr omisedtolovehert i
llhe
died.Pri
nceandLonewat chedsitt
ingbehind.Theot hersidewas
Thabi'sunclewhocouldn’
tstopsmi l
ingseatedwithAt ang’
s
younguncl e,hi
swif
ebesideshim.Bat angtookpicturesseated
nexttoLomowhowasi nherwhitedresstoo.

Thabi
repeat
edaf
tert
hecommi
ssi
onert
oo.Hesmi
l
edatt
hem.

“
Nowt
haty
ouar
ehusbandandwi
fe,
youmayki
sst
hebr
ide…”
At
angsmil
edthenleanedoverandki
ssedher
,hi
sweddi
ngr
ingon
hi
sfi
nger
.Atang’
sunclest
oodup.

“
That
’smyboy
!”

Thabishyl
ybrokethekissl
ookeddown.Awhi l
elat
ert
heywal
ked
outastheladi
essangweddingsongs.Thabil
aughedasAt
ang’
s
auntsangevenloudercel
ebrat
ingt
hesecretweddi
ng.

“
Arur
ilebol
elet
eimal
ome

Ar
uri
lebol
elet
eimal
omemoj
adi
thogo

Gor
eset
logol
oseany
alwa

Gor
eset
logol
oseany
alwamol
apeng’

Theyall
joi
nedi
nsinginggoi
ngtothei
rcar
s.Thabigotinthecar
withAt
anginherwhit
egownt hensmi
ledstar
ingatherri
ng.
Atanggoti
nandkissedher.

“
Arey
ouok?
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Iam y
ourwi
fe.Legal
l
y.”

“
Atl
eastt
hat
’snowoutoft
heway
.”

“
Doy
out
hinkt
her
estofy
ourf
ami
l
ywi
l
lacceptme?
”

“Idon’
tcarewhattheydo.Youaremywifeandt
hat’
sit
.Ther
eis
nochangingthat
.IwouldchooseyouandLomoifIhav
eto.”

Hekissedhert
henst
art
edthecaranddr
ovet
owher
etheywer
e
goi
ngt ohavet
hei
rmini
recept
ion.
*
**

I
nPr
ince’
scar
,Lonesmi
l
edasPr
incedr
ovebehi
ndAt
ang.

“
Thatwasbeaut
if
ul.
”

“
Yeah.
.”

“
Ifeel
sor
ryf
orRebat
hough.Noonedeser
vest
his.
”

“
Shewi
l
lbef
ine.
”

“Therei
snorecoveri
ngfrom thi
s.If
eelforher
..i
maginebeing
playedf
orafool.ShepostedAtangyester
daytal
kingabouthow
muchsheloveshim.Imagi nenowfi
ndingoutthatheisamarried
manandy oustandachancet obesued.”

“
Lif
eisnotf
air
.”

“
Kemat
hat
a.”

“
Yeah.
.”

Lonelookedathi
m andsmi
l
ed.“
May
bei
t’
sti
mewegotmar
ri
ed
agai
n.”

Pri
ncelookedathert
henbackatt
her
oad.“
Ineedt
otel
lyou
something.
”

Shet
urnedt
ohi
m.“
What
?”

“Iam notblamingyouf
orthi
s.Iloveyou.Iam happywi
thy
ou.But
thei
ssueofusunabl etohavechil
drenbother
edme.OfcauseI
understandthatt
herei
snothi
ngy oucandobuty ouknowmy
dr
eam i
stohav
eki
ds.
”

Lonest
oppedsmi
l
ing.“
Arey
oudi
vor
cingme?
”

“
No.Il
ovey
ou.Idon’
twantt
oleav
eyou.
”

“
Thenwhat
?”

“Iknowt hisisgoingt ohurtmebutIhadnochoi ce.Ihav ekids

withanot herwoman.Shei s…Il ov eherandourkidsasmuchasI
l
ov ey ou.Idon’
twantt ohavetochoosebet weeny ouandher
becauseIl ovey oubot hthesameway .Wehav etwoki dsandnow
expect i
ngourt hir
d.Idon’twantt okeeplyi
ngany mor eormaki ng
upst ori
esev er
yt i
meIhav etoseemychi ldr
en.Iwantt ol ove
them intheopen.Youcoul dn’tgi vemewhatIwant edsoIgot
someonewhocoul d.Iam sor
r yf ordoi
ngitbehindy ourbackbut
i
tiswhati ti
s.Idon’ twantadiv orce.Il
oveyou.Iwanty ou.But
she’snowal sopar toft hepi
ctur e.”

Lonel
ookedathi
minsi
l
ence.Hermi
ndsl
owl
ytr
yingt
opr
ocess
butf
ail
i
ng.

“
What
?”

“Therei
ssomeoneelse.AndIwanther.Ialsowantyou.Weare
goingtofi
ndway st
omakei twor
k,it
’sgoingtohavetowork
becauseIdon’
twanttochoosebetweenyouandher .Youar
emy
wifeandsheisthemotherofmychil
dren.
”

Lone’
skneeswentcol
dashespokewi
thouthesi
tat
ion.

*
**
Behi
ndthem,Kel
l
ypostedapictur
eofher
sel
finhert
radi
ti
onal
wearonherWhatsappst
atus.

“
Babywee,
isPr
incecheat
ing?
”

Agangl
ookedather
.“No.Why
?”

“
Ther
rat
ell
me.Iknowy
ouknow.
”

“
Idon’
tknowt
houghheact
sfunnysomet
imes.
”

“
KanaLonesuspect
shei
scheat
ing.
”

“
Idon’
tknow.Ev
eni
fIknewIwoul
dn’
ttel
lyou.
”

“
Why
?”

“
Babey
oushar
eev
ery
thi
ngwi
thLone.Yout
woar
eli
ket
wins.
”

“
Iwoul
dn’
ttel
lhert
hat
.”

“
Youhav
eal
oudmout
h.”
Aobabyr
ra!
”

Agangsmi
l
ed.“
It
’st
het
rut
h.Youcan’
tkeepasecr
et.
”

“
Ican!
”

“
Youar
eal
oudmout
h.Youal
way
stel
lLone.ButIdon’
tknow.
”

“
Idon’
tbel
i
evey
ou.
”

Agangl
aughed.“
Iam ser
iousbuti
fhei
s,may
behe’
sbor
ed.
”

“
Bor
edofwhat
?”

“
Nospar
k.Kanai
tcanbeabi
tbor
ingt
ohav
esomeonewhodoes
nothi
ngbutwait
sfory
outhewholeday
.Whoofferst
hesame
thi
ngeveryni
ght
.Whodoesn’
tputmuchef
for
tintomaki
ngthe
rel
ati
onshi
pfun.
”

“
Whatdoy
oumean?
”

“Kanababysomet i
mesgobat aPri
nceatsenamol apengandfind
herwearingsomethi
ngsexythatshowsskin.Idon’
tknowwho
tol
dmar ri
edwomant haty
oudon’ tweart
hongsandl acepanti
es
whenar emarri
edwhenIfell
inlovewit
hyouwhi leyouworethose.
Totait
’sbori
ng.”

“
Lonedoest
hat
?”

Heshrugged.“Iwasjustgivi
nganexampleofwhyPr
incecan
possi
blycheat
.Mightbet hat.Mi
ghtbeshehasnowturnedint
oa
bori
ngwife.I
t’
sat ur
nof fcominghometosomeonewhoj ust
doesn’
tcareanymore.”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Baby
…doy
oumeanme?
”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Arey
out
hat
?”

“Ihavestretchmar ks.Theymakemeuncomf ortable.Iam t r

ying
tolosewei ghtbutmyst omachi ssti
l
lbig.Mybr east shavef all
en,
theyaresaggy ,Ilookl ikeIbreastf
ed100ki ds.Iam nothappy
withthewayIl ookandt hat
’swhyIpr efermyf ullpantiesinstead
ofat hong.Ili
ket uckingi nmyst omachi nmypant y.Idon’twear
shortthi
ngsany morebecauseIdon’ twantpeopl et oseet hedar k
pigmentbet weenbymyt hi
ghsbecauseoft hethighsr ubbing
againsteachot her.Ilikesexi nthedark,i
tmakesmef eelbetter
thatyouar enotseei ngt hewayIam now. ”
“Iknowy ouhav eaf l
abbyt ummy .Mychil
drendidthat.It
’snot
thatbad.Idon’ thav eaproblem withyourstomach.Yourst ret
ch
mar ksmakey oul ooksex i
erespecial
l
ytheonesony ourass.Your
i
nnert highsdon’ tbotherme.Youdi dn’
tcauseitonpur pose.Isti
l
l
l
ov eyoul iket
hat .Youst i
l
l l
ookbeautif
ulandsexy.Ihatesexi n
thedar k.Iwantt oseemydi ckdeepinthatp*ssy.Iwantt owatch
p*ssyt akeitt
henwat chy oucum.Iwantt olookatyourbr east
whiletheybounce.Iwantt oseeeverypartofyou.Il
ikey ouon
thongsandot hersexyt hi
ngs.”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
ed.“
Iam sor
ryIwasnowbor
ing.
”

“
Don’
tbe..wewi
l
lwor
koni
t.Wecanst
artgoi
ngt
othegy
m
t
oget
her.
”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
ed.“
Iwoul
dlov
ethat
.IsPr
incecheat
ing?
”

“
Idon’
tknow.
”

“
Youshoul
daskhi
m.”

“
Hei
ssecr
eti
vet
heseday
s.Iwi
l
laskAt
ti
ebutIwon’
ttel
lyou.
”

“
Babydon’
tdot
hat
.Iam cur
ious.Theyseemedof
fhel
a.”

Agangdrov
ebehi
ndPr
incewhi
l
ehi
swi
fet
ruedf
ishi
nggossi
p
fr
om hi
m.

*
**

AtAt
ang’
shouse,
Rebaf
ini
shedset
ti
ngupf
irt
hei
rout
doorpi
cni
c
onhi
sgr
eenl
awnt
henshet
ookapi
ctur
esmi
l
ing.

Shegotherphoneandsenthi mt hepi cture.Shewalkedbackin

thehousegetti
ngt hem theti
cketstoPar i
s.Shelookedatt het
ime,
hehadleftearl
ymor ni
ngtodealwithal eakageatoneoft hefl
ats.
Hewasobv i
ouslyalmostback.Sher ushedt othebedroom and
changedintoasummerdr essandl etdownherhai r
.Sheopened
herWhatsappthenv i
ewedKelly’
sst atuses.Rebasmi l
edthen
repl
iedt
ot hepicture.

Reba:
Thatdr
ess!Who’
sweddi
ngi
sit
?

Kel
l
yresponded.

Kel
l
y:Thanks,
it’
smyf
ri
end’
sweddi
ng

Rebaopenedmor eoft
hepict
uresandsmil
edatt
hedécoroft
he
recept
ion.Shet
ookscr
eenshotssav
ingt
hem f
orherown
wedding.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#118

Attheweddingrecept
ion,At
angswi
tchedonhisphonei
nthe
toi
l
et.HelookedatReba’spi
ctur
eandsighedcal
l
ingher
.

“
Hey
…”

“
Canwenotdot
his?
”

“
Atang…”

“
Itol
dyouIneedabr
eak.Youwon’
tleav
emyhouseandy
ouar
e
i
nmyspace.”

“At angyouar ehurti

ngme. .Whaty ouar edoingtomei snotfai
r.
Ev eny oumaysayi t
’sbecauseofy ourissuewithLomo, it
’snot
fair.Youar ehurt
ing.Youar ebreaki
ngme.Amont hagowewer e
fi
neandi nloveandt odayyouar etreati
ngmeasi fIcheatedon
you.Youar edestroyi
ngmeAt ang.IfIhaddonesomet hi
ng,I
woul dunder st
and.TotaIjustdon’tunder st
andwhyIam bei ng
treatedlikeyourenemy .”

At
angt
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Ijustneedspace.
”

“WhatdidIdotomakey
ouwantspace?Pleasegi
vemear eason.
Atangwehavehadti
meswegotangryateachotherbuti
t’
snever
beenli
kethi
s.”

“
Wewi
l
ltal
ktoni
ght
.Ther
ear
ethi
ngsIneedt
otel
lyou.
”

“
Tel
lmenow.
”
“
Ineedusseat
ed.Iwi
l
lseey
out
oni
ght
.”

“
Ok.
”

Hehungupt
hencal
l
edanumber
.

“
Atang…”

“
ThemonnaIwanttogiv
ethoseot
herf
lat
stoRebatogetherwi
th
myhouseand500k.Howsooncanwemakethathappen?”

“
Whydoy
ouwantt
ogi
vehert
hoset
hings?
”

“Iwantt
ooffi
cial
lybreakupwithher
.Shedeservesmore.I
fshe
demandsformor etotaIam r
eadytogi
veital
ltoherf
orwasting
herti
me.Ormay beinsteadofmyhouseIcangethertheG-wagon
she’
sbeenwant i
ng.”

Hi
slawy
erwhi
stl
ed.“
Bashi
money
!”

Atangl
aughed.“ Tsek!Themonnacanthishappenasear
lyas
possi
ble.Ebi
l
el etmecal lsomeonewhocangetmet heG-wagon.
Icangetherthat,300kandt heapar
tmentsi
nsteadoft
heflat
s.”

“
Ok.Letmewor
kont
heowner
shi
pdocument
s.”

“
Thanks.
”

“
Congr
atul
ati
onsbyt
heway
!It
’sbeenl
ongov
erdue.
”

“
Thanksmyman.Wewi
l
ltal
klat
er.
.l
etmegoandbewi
thmy
wi
fe.
”

“
Sur
e…”

Hehungupt
hent
hought
ful
l
ytext
edReba.
Atang:Pl
easeremai
nathome.Iwil
lbetherear
ound5sowecan
tal
k.Iam swi
tchi
ngoffmyphone,
Iam doingsomet
hing.

Heswit
chedof
fhisphonethenwentbacktohisrecept
ion.He
l
ookedathi
swif
ewalkingover
,Thabismil
edlocki
ngeyeswi t
h
hi
m.Hesatdownnexttoherandkissedherl
i
ps.

*
**

Aroundlunchhour,Elangserv
edhercust omersi
nhermov able
shopinherunifor
m.Herwor kershelpedherontheotherside
tr
yingtoreducethelongqueueofcust omerswhopatient
lystood
underthesunwai t
ingforherfoodonlythoughfr
om acornerther
e
wassomeonewhocookedt oo.

Thi
rtymi
nut
eslat
erthequeuehadreduced,sheconti
nued
worki
ngt
il
ll
unchhourwasoverthenshesighedsit
ti
ng.

Herwor
ker
slookedatherwi
thasmi
l
e.

“
Thatonl
ywasov
er3k.
”

El
angl
aughed.“
Iam sot
ir
ed.
”

“
Met
oo.
”

Theworkerlookedatthebi
gJeeppar
kingneart
heshop.The
dri
verst
eppedoutinjeansandat-
shi
rt
.Shesmiledashewalked
overl
ookingathiswatch.

“
Dumel
ang…”
Themansmil
ed.Hewasnotthatgoodl
ooki
ngbutwi
thhi
s
cl
eanl
i
nessy
oucouldhar
dlyt
ell.

“
Hi…canIhav
etwohot
dogsandt
wocansofcoke.
”

Thewor
kernodded.El
angopenedherey
esatt
hev
oicet
hen
st
oodup.

At
sol
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.“
Hey
…”

El
angsmi
l
edandqui
ckl
ytookof
fherapr
onandhai
rcap.

“
Hi…”

“
Ifi
guredifIcoul
dn’
ttakey
ouf
orl
uncht
henIwoul
dcomet
oyou
f
orlunch.Arehot
dogsok?”

Shel
aughed.“
Theyar
efi
ne.
”

Shesteppedoutofhermovabl
eshop.At
soputhi
sar
m ar
ound
herwaistandki
ssedher.

Theworkergav
et hem t
hehot
dogsthenwal
kedtohiscar
.Elang
l
ookedathiswatch,shehadnev
erseenawatchlooksosexyon
aman.

“
Icameear
li
eronandf
oundt
hel
ongestqueueev
erher
e.”

“
It
smont
hend.Peopl
ehav
emoney
.Itget
sreal
l
ybusy
.”

“
Ihaveatri
ptoGabstomorr
ow.Iknowyouar
ebusybutIwas
wonder
ingi
fwecouldgototoget
her.
”

Elangsmil
ed.“Yes.Iwouldl
iket
hat.Ihaven’
tbeentoGabor
onei
n
yearsnow.EversinceIl
eftt
hatpl
ace,Ineverwentback.
”
“
Why
?”

“Gabor
oneisnotf
orever
yone.Gapebyt
hatt
imeIwas
unemploy
ed.Iwasst
ruggl
ing.
”

Atsol
aughed.“
NnaIl
eftGaboroneaf
tert
heyhur
tme.I
t’
s
beaut
if
ulmmehelakebit
tergore.
”

El
angl
aughed.“
Whatdi
dtheydot
oyou?
”

“Iusedtodat ethi
sgi r
lwasl ayqueen.Ithoughtherf amil
ywas
ri
ch.Shedr oveCRV, bytheni twasahugecar .Shewoul ddropme
offtowor kwi t
hthatcar.Iusedtowasht hatcatev erydaymaking
surekoloiy agababyeskoon.Shei nt
roducedmet oherf at
her.
Kei ponakeset sikenyetsi
.Iwouldwasht hefather’scar
whenev erwev isi
tedhim.Hewoul dgivemesomemoneyt othank
me.Iwoul dgetsentar oundandi nmyheadIam t hinkingIam
doingitformyf atheri
n-l
awkant eIdon’tknow.Iwal kedi non
them fucking.Kautwankar ekeaswa, kesahemi sent e…”

El
angt
hrewherheadbackl
aughi
ng.

“
Heel
s,koor
eIdi
edandr
esur
rect
ed.Thepai
nwasunbear
abl
e.”

“
Yousawi
tal
l
.”

“
Thef
oll
owi
ngdayIgoti
nthebusandcamehome.
”

“
Wher
eisshenow?
”

“Mar r
iedtoheroldman.Theyarerichandtheyareal
way s
tr
av el
ing.Theyhavetwokidsandtheyarehappy.Ipr
ayedfort
heir
karmaf oryearsandit’
sli
keGodkeptblessi
ngthem evenmore.
Afterawhi l
eIreal
izedthatIwast
hepr obl
em.”
“
Nnababydaddydumpedmesay i
nghi swifehasmov edin
t
oget
herwiththeirki
ds.Al
lalongIthoughtIwast heone.Hel
eft
t
hekidsandI.Hehasnev erseenthem.Hej ustsendsmadia
mai
ntai
nanceandt hat’
sall
..
theki
dsdon’tevenknowhi m.Andhe
i
shappy.Hi
sot herki
dsarehappy.”

“
That
’sl
i
fe.
”

“Ihav
ebeenthroughsomuchinmyli
fe.Iam notal
li
nnocenti
t
eit
herbutIam happywi
thwher
eIam i
nlif
e.”

“Nooneisi
nnocent
.It
hinkweal
lhav
eapast
.Sosi
ncey
ourbaby
daddy
,youhavebeensi
ngle?
”

“Yes.Andf ocusi
ngonmybusi nessandmyki ds.AndalsoIwas
l
ooki ngforsomeonewhocanacceptandl ovemyki ds.It
’shard
theseday s.Ihavetwogirl
sandaboy .IneedsomeonewhoIcan
trusttolovemyki ds.Totr
eatthem wit
hcareandl ovebecauseI
believelovi
ngmemeansl ovi
ngmychi l
drensamewayasl ov
ing
youmeansl ovi
ngy ourchi
ldr
en.Theyarepartofyou.Theycome
wi t
hy ou.”

Atsol
ookedatheri nadmirati
on.Damnwher ehadthismat
ure
beaut
yhidi
ng?Shecont inuedtalki
ngstari
ngathi
m,shewasso
beaut
if
ulandlookedy oungerthanherage.Thewayshespokeso
muchsenseitturnedhim on.Rightther
ewashiswife.

“
Youar
eri
ght
.”

Shesi
ppedherdr
ink.“
Soy
ourex?
”

“
Webr
okeupmont
hsback.
.shewasmar
ri
ed.
”
El
angl
aughed.“
Sor
ry.
”

“
It
sok.Ley
ondchemi
str
yyat
engwasweak.
”

“
Yourbabymama?
”

“Shei smarri
ed.Webrokeupwhenoursecondchi
ldwasborn.We
arev eryci
vi
li
zedandwer ai
set
hekidst
ogether
.Herhusbandisa
verygoodman.Iam happyshemetsomeonel i
kehim.Totahela
there’snobadbloodbetweenmeandher.
”

Elangnoddedeatinghotdog.Theyconti
nuedchatti
ngforawhil
e
thenfi
nall
ysteppedoutofthecarlaughi
ng.Hewasn’ tt
all
,abi
t
belowtheaverageheightofaman.Shef oundhersel
fstar
ingat
hiszi
ptryi
ngtolocateitbutthen,
shewasj ustt
oooldtobe
j
udgingdics.

Whatev
erhehad,asl
ongashewasagoodman.At
socaughther
st
ari
ngthenl
aughed.

“
Youcant
ouchi
tandseei
fitwi
l
lwor
kfory
ou.
”

El
angl
aughedembar
rassed.“
Iwasn’
t-
“

Hekissedherpushingheragai
nstthecart
henoutherhandonit.
Elangunbuckl
edhisbeltandunzi
ppedhispantsthenputher
handinsi
detouchi
ngi t
.Itgr
ewinherhands,sheswall
owedthen
tookoutherhand.

“
Isi
tokf
ory
ou?
”

Shel
aughed.“
Yes.
”

“
Whenam Iseei
ngy
ourp*
ssy
.”
Shesmi
l
edwal
ki
ngbackgoherst
ore.“
InGabor
one!
”

At
sosmi
l
edf
ixi
nghi
spant
sst
ari
ngatherasshewal
kedaway
.

*
**

Attheweddingr
ecept
ion,
lat
erthatday
,Lonewal
kedoutoft
he
toi
l
etsni
ffi
ng.Kel
lyl
ookedather.

“
Arey
ouok?
”

“
Ng…why
?”

“
Youhav
ebeenl
ooki
ngsadt
hewhol
eday
.Whathappened?
”

“
Hei
scheat
ingandhast
hreeki
dsout
side.
”

“
What
?”

“
Hesay
shewant
shersonowhewi
l
lbeseei
ngheri
ntheopen.
”

“
Iam sor
ry.
.”

“
Let
snotr
uinThabi
’
sweddi
ng.Let
’sgoback.
”

“
Iwantt
opee.Iam sor
ry.Idi
dn’
texpectt
hisf
rom Pr
ince.
”

Lonenoddedandwal kedoutsni
ffi
ng.Kel
lygotint
hetoi
letand
wipedtheseatthenpull
edherpanti
esduesitt
ingonthetoi
let
seat.Sheunl
ockedherphonereply
ingherWhatsappmessages.

Sheeopenedhercousi
n’
smessage.

Rer
e:Heywena,
whoi
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
Kel
l
y:Af
ri
end

Rer
e:Waaka,
Isawy
oul
eav
ethemol
aodi
’
sof
fi
ce

Kel
l
y:I
jo

Rer
e: af
terGod,
fearmen!I
sn’
thedat
ingt
hej
udge?

Kel
l
y:Obat
agonkol
egawena

Rer
e:Ar
en’
ttheyengaged?

Kel
l
y:pel
oej
asar
ati

Rer
e:FEARMEN Notanent
ir
ejudgebei
ngpl
ayed

Kel
l
y:By
e!

Rer
e:andy
oual
lsmi
l
ewi
thher
?Wai
tsey
’al
lar
esnakes

Kel
l
y: I
jo,
shar
pmma

*
**

Kel
ly’
scousi
ntookscreenshot
soft
hemessagesandsentt
hem
tooneofherfr
iends.

Rer
e:Mmarememberthathandsomeguywadiapar
tment
stsel
e
i
nPhakal
ane?Hej
ustgotmarriedt
oanot
herwoman,men!
”

Fr
iend:
Waaka!

Rere:
Kanahe’
sengagedt
oJudgeMosweu,
thatl
adyokar
e
JudgeFai
thFr
enki
ns
Fr
iend:
Hegotmar
ri
edbehi
ndherback?

Rere: gomaswe, wait

semenaremadet oembar
rassus.
Kanamoghelpostedalongthi
ngonFacebookaboutt
hei
r
rel
ati
onshi
pandloveyest
erday.FEARTHATOTHERGENDER!

Fr
iend:
Whenar
etheydy
ing?

*
**

Rere’
sfri
endst
ookscr
eenshotsofhermessagesandwentonher
Facebookandpost
edthem i
ncludi
ngRer
e'sscreenshot
swi
th
Kell
y.

Fr
iend:
Aft
erGod,
fearmen!Haai

Comment
sst
art
edr
oll
i
ngi
naspeopl
eshar
edt
hepost
.

Comment
:Waaka!

Comment
:Thi
sot
hergenderi
sev
il

Comment
:Ij
oweee!

Comment
:Gat
wet
heyar
echeat
ingonj
udgeJudy
?

Comment
: i
fjudgescangetpl
ayed,
WHOMSTAREWE?

Comment
:What
?

Comment
:AsIbr
ingmypopcor
n

Comment
:Mj
olot
hedat
ing
Mor
ecomment
scamet
hroughwhi
l
epeopl
eshar
edt
hepost
.

*
**

OneofReba’scousinscameacrosst hesharedpostt
hatwas
tr
endi
ng.Shereadthroughthescreenshotsandreadthroughthe
comments,herheartpoundi
ng.Shement i
onedhersisterint
he
commentsection.

Cousi
n:I
sither
?

Hersi
sterr
epl
i
edt
othecomment
.

Repl
y:MODI
MO!

Thecousi
nthoughtful
l
ysav
edt
hescr
eenshot
sandsentt
hem t
o
RebaoverWhatsapp.

Cousin:Hi
,thi
sist
rendi
ngonFacebook.Ar
etheynott
alki
ng
aboutyou?

Themessaget
ickedoncet
hensecondsl
atert
wice.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#119

El
angpar
kedhercarandwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehousecal
l
ingFar
ai.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi.Canwet
alkaboutt
heki
ds?
”

“
Iam wi
thmyf
ami
l
y.”

“
Theyneedmoret hanjustmoney
.Theyneedyourpresencei
n
t
hei
rli
ves.Youcan’tj
ustsendmoneyandexpecteveryt
hingt
obe
wel
l
.”

“Look,
Iam wi
thmyfamily.Iam notgoi
ngt
ojeopardi
zemy
famil
y’
shappi
nessbecauseofyou.Youwantedthoseki
dsdoy
ou
bethei
rfat
her
.”

Hehungup.Elangtookadeepbreathcl
osi
ngthedoorthen
smi
ledatherchil
drenwatchi
ngt
heirfav
ori
tesoap.Thenanny
wal
kedfrom t
hekitchen

Goodev
eni
ng.
”

“
HiRose.Hav
etheydonet
hei
rschool
wor
k?”

“
Yesmadam.
”

El
angsmil
ed.“
Rose,
it’
sEl
ang.St
opcal
l
ingmemadam.Youmake
mefeel
old.
”

Rosel
aughed.“
Iam sor
rymmagweBenah.
”
El
angwal kedtoherbedroom andsatont
hebedpr
essi
ngher
phone.Shethoughtf
ull
ycall
edThabismil
i
ng.

“
Thenumber
-“

El
angcutt hecal
l.Shewoul dj
ustt
alkt
ohertomorrowand
apologi
zeforeveryt
hing.Shesmil
edgett
ingupandstar
ted
packingforhert
riptomorrow.

*
**

I
nKasane,
rragweAt
angcal
l
edhi
sbr
otherst
ari
ngathi
scows.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hel
l
o,hav
eyouspokent
oAt
ang?
”

“
Yes.Iam comi
ngt
her
etomor
rowsowecant
alk“

“
Hashef
oundt
hemoney
?”

“
Iam comi
ngt
her
e.”

“
Ok.
”

Hehungupandl ookedathi
scowsget
ti
ngrebr
anded.Hest
epped
backandopenedhismessagefr
om af
orm 5st
udent.

Her:Hibaby
,Iam onmywayhome.Wher
eshoul
dwemeet
?I
hopeyougotmemyphone.

Hesmi
l
edexci
tedl
ythencal
l
edher
.
“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi.Wher
eam Imeet
ingy
ou?
”

“Iam att
hef
arm.Goandwai
tatt
hel
odge.Iam dr
ivi
ngbackr
ight
now.”

“
Okdaddy
.”

Shehungup.Justhi
m cal
l
inghi
m daddyhadhi
sdi
ckget
ti
nghar
d
i
nhispant
s.

*
**

Atsowalkedi
nhi
shousel
atert
hatdayt
alki
ngt
ohi
sbr
otheron
thephone.

“
Iwantt
oseet
hiswoman.
”

Atsosmiled.“
She’
sbeauti
ful
,pet
it
etoo.She’
samazing.Weare
goingtoGaboronet
ogethert
omorrow.Iwanttoi
ntr
oducehert
o
thegir
lswhenwecomeback. ”

“Iam happyforyou.Lov eherr

ight.Most
lysinglemother
’swant
seri
ousmeni ntheirl
ives.Theyknowwhatt heywant.Theyare
notconfused.Imeansi nglemother’
sesengdi babymama.”

At
solaughed.“
Iknow.Shei
sspeci
al.Shei
ssmar
tand
i
ntel
l
igent
.”

“
She’
stheone.Ican’
twai
ttomeether
.Ihopey
oudon’
twai
ttoo
l
ongl
ewenamonna. ”
“
Iwon’
t.Look,
wewi
l
ltal
k.Letmecal
lmyper
son.
”

Hi
sbr
otherl
aughedt
henhehungupandcal
l
edEl
ang.

*
**

I
nGabor
onelat
erthatday
,Atangpar
kedt
hecaratThabi
’
shouse
t
henl
ookedather
.Shesmi l
ed.

“
Todaywasbeaut
if
ul.
”

“I
twas.Iam goi
ngt
omyhouse.Iwantt
otal
ktoRebat
henIwi
l
l
comeback.”

Thabi
nodded.“
Ok.
”

“Iam t
hinki
ngofcompensati
ngherforwast
inghert
ime.She’
s
beenwant i
ngaG-wagonforawhil
enow.”

“
Youwantt
obuyheraG-
wagon?
”

“
Tocompensat
eher
.Whatdoy
out
hink?
”

“It
hinkaG-wagonisextr
eme.Sheisnotthef i
rstwomant ohave
herheartbr
oken.Att
hesamet imeIunderstand.Sheopened
hersel
fuptoyouandy oubrokeher
.Ify
ouf eelaG-wagonwill
soothherhear
tthendoit.
”

“
Iwast
hinki
ngt
heG-
wagonandsomemoney
.”

“
No.AG-
wagoni
sfi
ne.Not
hingel
se.
”

“
Ok.Ihav
esor
tedoutourf
li
ght
stoCapet
ownf
ory
oursur
ger
y
t
omor
row.
”

Thabiki
ssedhim.“Canwenott hinkaboutanythi
ngel
seexcept
thatt
oni
ghtisourweddingnight.Therestwil
lcometomorrow.
Goandsor touty
ourfi
ance.Iwillwai
tforyouhere.Il
oveyou.
”

Thabist
eppedoutofthecarandli
ft
edherdresswal
kingt
owards
thedoor
.Sheunlockedandwalkedinsi
deasherev
ersedand
droveof
f.

*
**

Lanawalkedi
nsidet
hehousewit
hPrinceandtookoffhershoes.
Shesi
lentl
ywalkedt
othebedr
oom andundressed.

Pr
incel
ookedather
.

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“Youar
enotsor
ry.Don’
tapol
ogi
zef
ort
het
hingsy
ouar
enotsor
ry
about
.”

Shewal
kedtothebat
hroom andtookashower
.Awhi
l
elat
ershe
wal
kedoutwit
hatowelaroundherbody
.

Pr
incest
oodupandt
ri
edt
ouchi
ngherbutsheback.

“
Pleasedon’
ttouchme.
”

“
Arey
ouangr
y?”

“
No.Iam happy
.Thanky
ouf
oraski
ng.
”
“Ihopeyouar
enott
hinki
ngofdi
vor
cebecausenoonewi
l
lwanta
barrenwoman.
”

“
Iam t
hinki
ngofi t.Tobehonestyouhaveneverr
eal
lybeeni
nto
t
hismarri
agerightfrom t
hestar
t.Iwonderwhoyoucameaft
er
meint
hef i
rstplace.”

“
Idi
dyouaf
avor
-“

“Whatf avorwenadogdi ck?Ont wael amogomaswe, y oudi dwho

afavorwi thasmal ldick?Howdoy ouf eelbeingbet weent wo
menwi thmachi negunsi nthei
rpant s?Menwhoshoul dbe
cheati
ngar et helikesofAt ang.Hav eyout akenagoodl ookat
Atang?Whi l
ey ougetpai dpeanut shei nv estedhi smoney .Buys
property.Bui ldsproper t
y.Hehasbi gdickener gyandi tsui t
shim.
Youwi tht hedi sabili
tyyouar etheonewhoi sbusyy ety ouhav e
nothi
ngt oy ourname.Il ongsawt hatyout reatmedi f
fer entl
y,
havey ouseenhowKel l
yistreated?Youembar rassmeandy esI
am divorcingy out ojustshowy out haty ouai n’tshit
.Iam goi ng
tomar ryanol dmanwhodoesn’ twantki ds.Ther raIam beaut i
ful
andsexy .I twon’ ttakemel ongt or epl
acey ouandy ouknow
what’stheni cethingaboutt hi
sis?Iam wal kingawaywi thhalfof
everyt
hingy ouown. ”

Shegrabbedherbagandwalkedoutthenjumpedinhercar
.She
st
art
edt heengi
neanddrov
eof f
,herheartpoundi
ng.

Pai
nbl
ockedhert
hroatast
ear
sbl
urr
edherv
isi
on.S

*
**
AtAt
ang’
shouse,Rebatookadeepbr
eathaft
ersetti
ngupdi
nner.
Shel
ookedatev
erythi
ngandsi
ghedfi
xingherengagementr
ing.

Shelookedatt
hetimethenl
ookedatherphone.Shehadn’
t
toucheditt
oavoi
dcall
i
nghimtoannoyhimf ur
ther
.

Moreminuteswentby.Shestoodupandtookitthenswit
chedi
t
on.Shesatdownastonsofmessagescamet hrough.She
openedherWhatsappthenopenedAbal
eng’smessage.

Abal
eng:
Reba,
wher
ear
eyou?

Abal
eng:Reba,ar
ey ouhome.Pl
easest
ayt
her
e.Iam dr
ivi
ngf
rom
Ghanzi
rightnow.Iam comi
ng.

Abal
eng:yournumberi
snotgoi
ngthrough.Iknowt
hismustbe
pai
nful
.Ican’
tbel
iev
eAtangwoulddothis.

Abal
eng:
Iam comi
ng.Il
ovey
ou.Henev
erdeser
vedy
ou

Rebaf
rownedconf
usedandopenedhercousi
n’
smessage.

Cousi
n:Ar
etheyt
alki
ngabouty
ou?

Rebaopenedt hescreenshot
s.Herhear tst
oppedassheread
thr
ought hescreenshot
s.Shesatuprightasherhear
tbeatway
toofastsheputherhandov erherchest.Herphonest
art
ed
ri
nging.

“
Aba…”

“
Hey
,hedoesn’
tdeser
vey
ou.
”

“
Whatmakesy
out
hinki
t’
shi
m?”
“
It
’snot
?”

“I
tsnot
.Kell
yisat
tendi
ngafri
end’
sweddi
ng.Idon’tev
en
under
standwhypeoplewoul
ddragmynamelikethat.
”

“
Reba….Someonesawhi
m att
heDC’
sof
fi
ce.
”

“Mymanisnotmar
ri
ed!Abaleng,
Atangisonhi
swayhomer
ight
nowandwearegoi
ngtodiscussever
ythi
ng.
”

“
Ok…It
hought
…GodIwassoscar
ed.
”

“
Att
iewoul
dnev
erdot
hat
.”

“
Iguess.Ok…Iam sor
ryf
orassumi
ng.
”

“
It
sok.Iam cal
l
ingKel
l
ysoshecanputt
hesel
i
est
orest
.”

“
Yahbecausei
t’
str
endi
ng.
”

“
Ok.
”

Rebahungupandcal
l
edKel
l
y.

“
Reba…”

“
Hi.Cany oupl
easeputthoseli
estorestthatar
etr
endi
ng.Ihav
e
areputat
ionandIdon’twantmymemi xedtoget
herwi
thsuch
t
hings.Kanaeveryoneisassumingi
t’
sAt ang.
”

“
Oh…uhok.
”

“
Cany
oudot
hatnow?
”

Kel
l
ysi
ghed.“
Ineedt
otel
lyousomet
hing.
”

.
.

Thi
sourmor ni
nginser
t,sor
ryIam l
ate,
let
'squi
ckl
ypar
ti
cipat
e
andgetourbonuses.
:
Your
sTr
uly

#120

Kel
l
ycl
osedt
hedoori
nthebat
hroom andt
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

“I
twasAt ang.Hewasmarryi
ngThabi
.Theyarenowlegal
l
y
marri
ed.Iam sorry
.Noonedeserv
esthi
sbutiti
swhatiti
s.They
haveti
edt heknotandt
heyarenowhusbandandwif
e.”

Ther
ewassi
l
encef
oracoupl
eofseconds.Rebast
art
edl
aughi
ng.

“Ok.Nicet
ry.Thammapleaseaddresst
hesel
i
es.Ihav
eamajor
caseinmyhandsr i
ghtnow.Idon’
tneedmynamedraggedl
i
ke
thi
s.”

“Iam sor
ry.Iknowit
’shardtobeli
evebutIwil
lsendy outhe
weddingpictur
es.It
hinkyoushouldjustl
eavebecausenowThabi
cansuey ouforseei
ngherman.Youar eaJudge,youknowhow
thi
sgoes.Theyar et
ogetheratThabi
’shouserightnow.”

“
Youar
ely
ing.
”

“
Iam t
ryi
ngt
ohel
pyouher
e.”

“
Youar
ely
ing.
”

“Ok,got
oThabi’
shousei
nPhakalane.
”Kel
lydi
rect
edhert
othe
house.“
That
’swher
etheyar
e.Look,savey
oursel
fthet
ear
s.”

“
Stopi
t.
”

Kel
lyhungupandforwar
dedtheweddi
ngpi
ctur
esandv
ideost
o
her
.Agangknockedonthedoor
.
“
Babe.
.”

Kel
l
yfl
ashedt
het
oil
etandwal
kedout
.Agangki
ssedhercheek.

“
Theki
dsar
esl
eepi
ng.
”

“
Evenmadam bestgi
rl
?”

Shewastir
ed.Havey
ouseenmycharger
.KanaLomoneverst
ops
taki
ngpi
ctur
eseveni
fsheseest
hatt
hebatter
yisdy
ing.
”

Kel
l
yt ookhisphoneandwalkedwit
hittot
hebedr
oom andputi
t
onthecharger
.ShelookedatAgangknowi
ngthescr
eenshot
s
wer
egoi ngtofi
ndthei
rwaytohim.

“It
hinkImadeami st
akepostingmypict
ures.Rer
etiedtofi
sh
gossipfr
om me.Ij
ustbrushedherof
fbutsheconnectedthedots
andshesaysshesawusl eavingt
hecommi ssi
oner’
soffi
ce.She
sentourmessagestoherfri
endandnowit’sal
loversoci
al
media.”

“
Yout
oldsomeone?
”

“
No!Whywoul
dI?Idi
dn’
t.
”

“
Kel
l
y-“

“
Ijustbr
ushedof
fnotwant
ingt
osayany
thi
ng.
”

“
Idon’
tli
ket
hisbehav
iorofy
our
s.”

“
Agang-
“

“
Iam t
alki
ng!
”

Shekeptqui
et.
“Idon’tli
kehowy oucan’ tkeepany thi
ngt oyourself
.Yourmout h
j
ustcan’ tkeepqui et.Youal wayshav et obespr eadingpeople’
s
pri
vatemat t
ersstickingy ournoseont hingsthathav enot
hingto
dowi thyou.Youar eagossi per,everyoneknowst hatmywi feisa
chatterbox.It
’snotcut e.Idon’tl
ikeit.Mi ndyourownbusi ness!
Stayoutofpeopl e’st hi
ngs.Knowi ngy ou, youalreadytol
dLone’ s
businesst opeople.”

Shel
ookeddown.“
Idi
dn’
t.
”

“I
tsonlyamatterofti
me.Canyoust opandj ustbehavel
ike
mot her
…li
keawi f
e.Idon’
tli
keyourratchetbehavior
.Iam not
goingtohaveawifewho’sagossiperandlikesspreadi
ng
people’
sbusi
ness.”

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“
Stayawayf
rom peopl
e’si
ssues.Focusonourbusi
ness.Take
t
hatener
gyandputint
oourfamily.
”

“
Yes.
”

Hesi
ghed.
.“Let
’sgoandbat
h.”

Shefol
lowedhiml i
keawetpuppy .Shegotundert
heshowerwit
h
hi
m.Agangki ssedherpi
ckingherup.Heheldheri
ntheai
rhisdi
c
poi
nti
ngrightatherent
rancethenhe…

*
**

AtAt
ang’
shouse,
Rebast
aredatt
hepi
ctur
esi
nsi
l
ence.Tear
s
droppedokherscreenasthevideooft
hem kissi
ngplayed.Hi
min
hi
st uxedoandherinawhitegown.Nottheusualweddinggown…
i
tlookedmor el
ikeaneveni
nggownbuti thuggedhercurvesand
butt.

Shewatchedastheyhugged,
herhear
tslowlybreaki
ngintoa
mil
li
onpieces.
.Tear
sroll
eddownhercheeks.Sheunlockedher
phoneandcall
edhim.

“
Hey
,Iam f
il
li
ngupmyt
ank.Iwi
l
lbet
her
eint
enmi
nut
es.
”

“
Youmar
ri
edher
?”

Ther
ewasapause.“
Iam comi
ng.
”

Shewhi
sper
ed.“
Youmar
ri
edher
…”

“
Canwedi
scusst
hisonceIgett
her
e?”

“Youmarri
edher
…y oumarr
iedher.
”Shegaspedt
henputher
handoverhermout
h.“Youmarr
iedher?
”

“
CanIpl
easeexpl
ainwhenIgett
oyou?
”

“
Youmar
ri
edher
..Isawt
hev
ideo…y
oumar
ri
edher
.”

“
Ilov
eher
.”

Hert
earsrol
l
eddown.“Youl
oveher
?Youl
oveher?Whatabout
me?Areyoualsogoi
ngtomarr
yme?Whataboutme?”

“
Iam sorr
yforwast
ingyourt
ime.Iknowanapologywon’tmakei
t
r
ightbuti
fIhadmarri
edyouIwouldhavebeenunhappy
.”

“
Why
?”
“Youareanamazi ngwomanReba.Youar ebeautiful,
selfdriv
en.
Youar eeveryt
hinganymanwant sandmar ry
ingy ouwoul dhav e
hurtyoumor ebecauseIwasi nlovewi thsomeoneel se.Ireal
ly
thoughtIwasov erher
.Iam sor r
y.Iloveyout oobutnotasmuch.
Iam inlovewithThabi.It
’sal
way sbeenher .Therei snothi
ng
wrongwi t
hy ou.Youareper f
ectbuty ouarejustnotf orme.I
wouldnothav emadey ouhappyifImar ri
edy ou.Youhav ea
chanceoff i
ndingsomeonewhol ovesy outhewayy oudeser veto
beloved.”

“Youwer eaft
ermeformont hs,
youmademef
allf
ory
ouandIdi
d.
Ilov
ey ou.Whatam Isupposedtodowi
thmyl
ove?Whatdi
dIdo
todeservethi
s?Tel
lmewhatIdi d!
”

“
Iam sor
ry…”

Shebrokedowncrying.“
AtangIl
oveyou.Eadedon’tdothi
sto
me…At angpl
ease…y oucanmarrybot
hofusundercust omary
marri
age.Iam sor
ry…Ipushedyoutoher.BabyIam sor
ry.I
tcan
work…”

“Youdeserv
ebettert
hanbeingasecondbestandThabi
would
neveragr
eetothat.Wearealr
eadymarri
edsother
eisnotur
ning
backnow.Youwillfi
ndsomeone-“

“
Iwanty
ou!Iwantyou.At
angyouar
ebreaki
ngme…Godhel
p
me…Godpleasehel
pme.Ilov
ehim…”

“
Iam sor
ry.
.”

“
Atang…peoplearegoi
ngt
olaughatme…Iam goi
ngt
obea
l
aughi
ngstock.”
“
Iwi
l
ltakeal
lthebl
ame.Idi
dthi
s.”

“
Myhear
t…At
angpl
ease…whycan’
tyoul
ovemet
oo?
”

“
Iam comi
ngt
her
e.Wewi
l
ltal
k.”

“Youwon’
tgetawaywit
hthisAt
ang.Youwon’tl
ivehappyaf
ter
hurt
ingme.Iwon’
tal
l
owi t
…I’dr
atherbedead.
.”

“
Reba–“

Shecutthecal
landwenttothebedroom, t
ear
srol
li
ngdownher
cheeks.Shel
ookedathissafethenunl
ockedi
tandtookouthi
s
gun.Shetookadeepbreathstari
ngati
tthenwal
kedout.Shegot
i
nhercaranddroveoff.

*
**

AbalengpassedJwanengi
nhercarwhi
l
eli
steni
ngt
ogospel
songs.

Herphonevi
brat
ed.Shesl
owl
yreachedf
ori
tandopenedReba’
s
message.

Reba: AbaAt anghashur tme.Idon’ tthi

nkIwi l
leverrecov erfr
om
thi
s..Iam alreadyalaughi ngstock.Hegotmar riedaf t
erasking
met omar r
yhimi nfrontofpeopl e.Idi
dnothingbutl ovehi m…
wher edidIgowr ongAba?I tcan’tbebecauseofLomo.I tcan’tbe.
Hemar r
iedhisexafterIf ait
hful
lylovedhim.Am Icr azytof eelt
he
wayIf eel?Ihavereachedabr eakingpoint
.Ican’tdot his
anymor e.Ican’tbethatonewomanmenuseanddumpt omar r
y
woment heyl
ove.Ican’tcarryonwi t
hsuchbadl uck.Iwon’
tbe
abletofaceanyonet omorrow.I ’
dr atherbedeadthanhave
peoplelaughatmewhi leAt angliveshappilyeveraft
er.Hehasto
feelwhatIam feel
ing.Ilovey ou.Alway sandForever.

Abal
engswallowedthencall
edhersi
sterbuti
tdi
dn’
tgothr
ough.
Shesteppedontheaccel
eratormor
espeedingwhil
ecal
l
ingAtang.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“Mysisteri
ski
l
li
ngher
sel
f.Pl
easesav
eher
.It
hinkshei
saty
our
house.”

“
Iam al
mostt
her
e.”

“
Letmet
alkt
oherwheny
ougett
her
e.”

Abal
engov
ert
ookat
ruckheadedt
oGabor
one.

*
**

AtThabi
’
shouse,Thabifi
nishedwi
thherr
omant
icsetup.She
tur
nedonherspeakerandstart
edpl
ayi
ngaromant
icsong.

Herphonerangassheputt
hebot
tl
eofwi
nei
nicei
nherl
i
nger
ie.
ShepickedZaza’
scal
l
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Youmar
ri
edhi
m?”

“
Huh?
”
“
It
sal
lov
erFacebook.Sowhywasn’
tIi
nvi
ted?
”

“
Ther
eisani
ncomi
ngcal
l
.Wai
t.
”

Thabi
hungupandpi
ckedt
hecal
l
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“Hi
.Uhit
’sReba.Icamet odropoffLomo’
sdol
l
.Uhshef
orgoti
t
athome.It
’sherf
avori
te.Iam att
hegate.
”

“
Ok.
”

Thabipr
essedthegater
emot
eandopenedhergat
equi
ckl
y
putt
ingonhersil
kygown.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#121

Shewal
kedt
othesi
tt
ingr
oom cal
l
ingAt
ang.

“
Hey
…”

“
Hibabe,
howdi
dtheconv
ersat
iongowi
thReba?
”

“
Sheknows.Ihav
en’
tseenher
.Iam athomeandshe’
snother
e.”

“
Shei
sher
e.She’
sbr
ingi
ngLomo’
sdol
l
.She-
“

“Mygunismissi
ngdon’
topenf
orher
.Pr
esst
heemer
gency
but
ton!Shi
t!
”

Thedooropenedthenshewalkedinhol
dingt
heguy
.Thabi
swal
lowed,herphoneonherear.

“
She’
sher
e.”

“
Iam comi
ng.Iam onmyway
.”

Rebasmi
l
edt
ear
ful
l
y.“
Pleasehangupandputt
hephonedown.
”

Thabi
hungupandputt
hephonedown.Rebasmi
l
edt
ear
ful
l
y.

“Youarebeauti
ful
.Iseewhyhewoul
drunaf
tery
ouagai
n…Idi
dn’
t
evenknowy ouwereadoctor
…”

Thabiwatchedasshespokecal
mly
.Tear
srol
l
eddownReba’
s
cheeks.

“
WhenImetAt
ti
e…It
oldhi
m Ihadbeenhur
tbef
ore.
.t
hatIhad
givenuponl ove.Itoldhi mt hatIhadpl ay edami l
li
ont imes.I
wasn’tevenlying..
Iwasf ocusedonmyj ob.Hekeptcomi ngaf ter
me.Youknowhowhei sdon’ tyou?Howcoul dInotf allforhi m
Thabi?”Shesni f
fed.“Howcoul dInot ?If ellharderthanIt hought .
AndIgav eitmyal l.Ididn’tholdback.Ishoul dhav e.Ishoul dhav e
heldbackbuthemademebel i
eveinlov e.Iwashappy .Fort he
fi
rstti
meIwashappy .Hepr oposedt ome.Inev ersaidany thing
aboutmar ri
age.Wehav enev erhadconv ersati
onsaboutusbei ng
mar r
iedthoughhehadl ongsai dhewant st ogetmar riedoneday .
Ithoughtmay beitwoul daf ter5or7y ears.Youknowhowi tgoes.
Theny oucameback. .ev ery
thingchangedt hatnight.
.whenhe
cameback, hewasn’ tAtangany more.Nowy oumar riedhi m. ”

Thabi
lookedatt
heguni
nherhandsandt
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

“
Iam sor
ryf
ort
hehur
tyouar
egoi
ngt
hrough.Pl
easeputaway
t
hegun.”

Rebalaughedcrying.“Iam notputt
ingthegundownbecauseI
am goingtokil
lyout oday.Iam goi
ngt oki
ll
youandkil
lmy self
.
Youarenotgoingt olivehappi
lyafterwit
hthemanIlove.Iam
goi
ngt omakehi mf eelwhatI’
mf eeli
ng.He’
sgoingt
obur rythe
l
oveofhi sl
if
e.”

“I
tsnotwor t
hit.Youhaveal
ottolovefor.Youareaver
y
successful
woman.Youhav ebrokenrecords.Youar
estrong.I
t
doesn’thavetoendthi
sway.”

“I
tsgoingtoendlikethi
s.Youdon’ tgoaroundhur
ti
ngpeopleand
expectustojustbestrong.”Tearsrol
leddownashervoicebr
oke.
“Heshouldhaveleftmeal one.Buthewentandmar r
iedbehi
nd
myback.Iam t
heonewhonowhast opi
ckupt
hepi
eceswhi
l
e
youenj
oyhappi
ly.I
tdoesn’
twor
kli
kethi
s.”

“
Rebapl
ease…y
oucanhav
ehi
m.Iwi
l
ldi
vor
cehi
m.”

“Yousaidyourvowsandsaidt
il
ldeat
hdouspart.Youwi l
lhonor
thosevows.Imaginef
indi
ngoutt
hatyourmanismarriedthr
ough
socialmedi
a.Hesaidhewasgoingtodealwi
thaleakageinthe
mor ni
ng.
”

Thabi
’sphonest
art
edtori
ngi
ng.Rebacockedt
hegunwal
ki
ng
over
.Thabist
eppedback,
herhear
tpoundi
ng.

Rebapi
ckedt
hephoneandanswer
ed.

“
Hi…”

At
angsighed.“
Pleasedon’
tdot
his.Shedi
dn’
tdoany
thi
ng.I
twas
al
lme.Dealwit
hme. ”

“
Iam deal
ingwit
hy ou.Throughher.Youwil
lcryf
orherf
ort
he
r
estofyourl
if
e,youwillbemi ser
ableandatt
heendyouwil
lki
l
l
y
oursel
f.
”

“Pl
ease…Iknowyouangr
y..y
ouar
ejust
if
iedbutt
hisi
snotwor
th
goi
ngtojai
lfor
.”

“
Iam ki
l
li
ngbot
hofust
oni
ght
.”

“
Iwi
l
lmar
ryy
oubot
h.Icandot
hat
.Wecanmakeapl
an.
”

“
Lies!Youar
ejustsay
ingi
tbecausey
ouar
escar
ed.
”

“
Whatdoy
ouwantmet
odo?BecauseIwi
l
ldoany
thi
ng.
”

“
Star
tpr
epar
ingf
oraf
uner
al.
”
Thabi
lookedather
.“Letmespeakt
ohi
m.Pl
ease.
.”

Rebagav
ehert
hephone.Thabi
hel
ditwi
thbot
hhands.

“
Hey
…”

“Hey,Iam ami
nut
eaway
.Ther
ear
epeopl
ecomi
ng.I
t’
sok.Just
delayher
.”

Thabil
ookedatRebatear
full
y.“Il
oveyou.Iwantt
otel
lyouIl
ove
youincaseInev
ergetanotherchanceto.
”

“
Ilov
eyout
oo.Youwi
l
lgeti
tanot
herchance.
”

“
Pleaseusemyeggs.
”

“
Babe-
“

“
Tel
lLomoIl
ovehersomuchandIwi
l
lfor
everdo.
”

“
Thabi
-“

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

Sheputt
hephonedown.Rebasni
ff
ed.

“
Tomorr
owwewill
beheadl
i
nesbutnonofi
twi
l
lmat
terbecause
wewi
ll
bedead.
”

Thabil
ookedattheguninherhands,
herheartpounded.Wit
hout
thi
nki
ngtwiceshereachedf
orguntryi
ngtotakeitfr
om Reba.

*
**
Atangdroveintheopengatespeedi
ngandparkedbehi
ndReba’s
car.Hesteppedoutthenf
rozeasagunshotwentofffr
om insi
de
thehouse.Hiskneeswentweekjusthi
scol
leaguesvandrove
thr
ough.Thesecondgunshotwentoff.Her
angot hedoorand
openedrunningin.

HiseyeslandedRebawhowashol di
ngthegunonherhandsin
shock.AtanglookedoveratThabiwhowasonthefl
oorly
ingina
poolofblood.Hergowncov er
edonblood.Hesl
owlyst
aggered
towardsherandpulledherbodyinhi
sarmsweakly
.

“
Babe…”

Hel
ookedatherf
aceshaki
ng.Hi
stear
sfel
lonherf
ace.

“
Babe…comeon…babe…y
ouar
eal
ri
ght
.“

Hebithi
slowerli
pst
andingwithherinhi
sarms.Hiscol
leagues
wal
kedinholdi
ngguns.Atangstagger
edoutwit
hherandputher
i
nthecar.

Hejumpedont
hedr
iver
’sseatanddr
oveof
fheadedt
othe
hospi
tal
.

Rebadroppedt
hegunandknel
tst
ari
ngattheblood.Herhands
shaki
ng.OneoftheS.
W.A.
Tguysst
aredather
.

“
Youshoul
dhaveki
l
ledyoursel
ftoobecausehe’
sdef
ini
tel
ygoi
ng
t
ofi
nishwhaty
oustar
ted.
Shel
ookedathi
m emot
ionl
ess.

*
**

Atthehospi
tal
,At
angsatwai
ti
ngf
ort
hedoct
or.Agangr
ushed
over.

“
Issheok?
”

“
Theyhav
enotsai
dany
thi
ng.
”

Thedoctorwalkedover
.Atangquickl
yst
oodupandl
ookedathi
m,
tear
sinhiseyeswhil
ehisheartt
hudded.

“
Issheok?
”

Thedoct
orl
ookedatt
het
winsandsi
ghedsadl
y.

FI
VEYEARSLATER…

.
Your
sTr
uly

#122

Fi
veYear
sLat
er…

Kell
ywalkedinsideherof
fi
ceearl
yinthemorni
nginashor
tfl
ared
dressandheels.Shesatdowntal
kingtoacl
i
ent.

“Kel
ly’
sdécorcomeswithdif
fer
entpackages.Wecangiveyouthe
Full
packagethatcomeswithever
ythi
ng,al
lyouwil
lneedusjust
theguest
sandy ourcat
eri
ngcompany.”

“Ok,
IthinkIwoul
dli
ket
hatpackage.Idon’
twantt
ost
ressov
er
anyt
hing.”

“Ok,youcansendmeaf ewideasyouhavedowecanwor kon

somet hi
ng.Thefullpackagenever
thel
essgoesforP6800.That
i
ncludesthetenttoo.Youdeposit4kint
oouraccount.
”

“
Eemma,
shoul
dIdoi
tnow?
”

“
Yes.Wewi
l
lsendy
ouourbankdet
ail
s.”

“
Ok,
thanky
ou.
”

Kel
l
yhungupsi
tt
ingandcal
l
edoneofherempl
oyees.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Oli
vi
a,howi
sitgoi
ng?
”

“
Wear
eal
mostdonewi
tht
hesetup.
”
“
Ok.Pl
easef
ini
shupev
ery
thi
ng.Wear
etr
yingt
osel
lourbusi
ness
t
her
e.”

“
Yesmam.
”

Kellyhungupandsatopeningherlapt
optowatchthecourttr
ial
I
twasf unnyhowthi
swomancoul deventhi
nkt
oappl yforpar
ole
afterwhatshehaddone.Shelookedatthet
imethenwentonher
Facebookandopenedt hepagewher ethel
i
vewasbei ng
broadcastedatcour
t.

Shesmi l
edstari
ngathermanonthescr
eensi
tt
ingnextt
oAtang
i
nt heirsuit
s.Shelookedatt
heper
ver
tedcommentsasthel
i
ve
continued.

Comment
:shnak

Comment
:bat
hong

Comment
:Thesemeny
oweee!

Comment
:At
angkesoulmat
eyamebat
hong.Godhadapl
anf
or
mewhenhemadethatman

Comment :
Waitsethi
swomam deservestorotinj
ail
.Whatshe
di
dwasmor et
hanevil
.Shedeser
veseveryt
hingcomingherway
andmore.Shewasnott hef
ir
stwomant ohaveherheartbroken
nei
theri
sshethelast
.Ihopesheissent
encedtodeathafterthi
s
att
empt

Comment :
Heebathong!I
sthi
swomanser
ious?Shecan’
tbe
ser
ious.Af
terwhatshedi
d?

Comment
:ki
l
lher
!Lett
hem hangher
.Shedoesn’
tdeser
vepar
ole.
Shei
sdanger
oust
othecount
ry

Comment :Menwil
l makeusdot heunt hinkable,it
’ssadtowatch.
Thiswomanwasf i
nebef oreshemett hisguy .Hewentaf terher
,
brokeherwal
ls.Madeherbeliev
ehel ov edher .Ihavebeenthere
befor
e.Iknowthehurt.Theconfusi
on.Cheat ingi sonethi
ngbut
togoandgetmar r
ied?No!

Comment
:She’
sbeaut
if
ul.Shecoul
dhav
efoundanot
herman.

Comment
: wi
l
lmakey
oudot
heunt
hinkabl
eIt
ell
you

Comment
:Lockherupf
orgood.Ev
ilwoman.

Morecomment sr
oll
edin.Kell
ycontinuedwatchi
ng,
shetookof
f
herheel
sleani
ngbackagainstherchairl
ist
eni
ngasherl
awyer
star
tedt
alki
ng.

*
**

Att
hehi
ghCour
t,Li
nast
oodi
nfr
ontoft
hej
udget
alki
ng.

“Befor
eanyofusar eany thi
ngwear e,somebr inglawyers,j
udges,
doctor
s,businessowner sandsof ourt
h,wear ehuman.Wel i
veto
makemi stakesandl earn.Idon’tbel
ievetherei
sany onewhowas
bornevil
.From theti
meRebant lewasbor n,shewasbor ni
nto
rej
ecti
on.Hermot herhat edher.Sheblamedherf orthepovert
y
theywereintoapoi ntwher esheaabandonedherathersi st
er’
s
house.Thesisterwhohadt wodaught ersalr
eady .Rebantl
ewas
hatedbytheauntandt heaunt’swifetookthatt ohisad
advant ageandst artedrapinghersi ncewasonl ytwoy earsold.
Andt hat’showshegotHI V.Fr om t her
eitwast herape,theabuse,
bothemot ionall
yandphy sicall
y .Whenshewas12, shegot
pregnantandwasf orcedt oabor t.Sheonlyescapedt hiswhen
shewentt ouni versity.Herf ir
stweeki nGabor oneshewasr aped
byat axi driv
er.Shehadi tr oughf rom thebeginni
ng.Thenshe
meet samanwhocl aimst ol oveheronl yf
orhi mtohumi li
ateand
embar rassheri nf rontoft henat ion.Myclientwasnoti nther i
ght
stateofmi ndwhenshei nci denthappened.Shewasangr y
,hurt
anddamaged.Emot ionshadbeenbui l
dingup.Shedi dn’
twakeup
andpl anshoot ingMr sDani el.Ithappenedduet oemot ions.Due
toal otofemot i
ons. ”Lunacont inuedtalki
ngturningtofacet he
courtwhi lethemedi ahousest ookv i
deos.

Rebasnif
fedinherorangejumpsuit
.Sheslowlyt
urnedandl ooked
athersi
ster
s.Abalengtearf
ull
ysmil
edstari
ngathersi ster
.At ear
rol
l
eddown, thi
swasonceapowerhousewoman.Af orce.Now
shewasjustanotherconvi
ctinanorangeunif
orm.Shehadl ost
weight
,shewassot hinitl
ookedl
ikethewindcouldjustblowher
away.

Rebat urnedandlookedatAtangandAgangseatedbesideseach
other.Shet ur
nedbacktothejudget
ryi
ngtohol
dhert earsbut
theystil
lroll
eddown.Shelookeddownandsnif
fed,herhands
chainedt oget
her.

Li
nasatdownawhi
l
elat
ert
henl
ookedatReba.

“
It
sok.Wehav
eaf
airshot
.”

Thej
udgel
ookedatev
ery
one.“
Thi
scour
tisadj
our
nedaswego
i
ntodel
i
ber
ati
on.Cour
tresumesat1100hr
s.Cour
tadj
our
ned!
”

Out
sidet
hecour
t,Agangsi
ghed.

“
Ihopeshe’
snotl
etout
.”

“
Ifshei
sIam goi
ngt
oki
l
lher
.”

At
angouthi
sri
ngi
ngphoneandpi
ckedBat
ang’
scal
l
.

“
Champ…”

“
Iam aman.
”

Theybot
hlaughed.

“
Iam wat
chi
ngt
hecase.Ihopeshedi
est
her
e.”

“
Yeah.
”

“
Iwant
edt
otel
lyousomet
hing.
”

“
What
?”

“
Leboi
spr
egnant
.”

At
angt
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Ok.What
’sy
ourpl
an?
”

“
Iwantt
omar
ryher
.”

“Doyouhav
emoneyt ogetmarr
ied?Imeanmoneyf
ormagadi
.
Fort
heweddingandever
ythi
ngelse.
”
“
Eer
ra.
”

“
Howmuchdoy
ouhav
e?”

“
200k.
”

“Ok.Wecanmakei
twor
k.Iwi
l
ltal
ktoy
ouruncl
esowegett
he
ballr
oll
i
ng.
”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Iam proudofyou.Idi
dn’
tthi
nky ouwoul
dbagthetender
.Iwas
t
hinki
ngmay beyoucanstar
trunningt
hebusi
ness.
”

“
Real
l
y?”

“Yes,
youhavewhati
ttakes.Iam pr
oudofyou.Anyway
sf r
om
herewearegoi
ngtothevenue.Areyouatt
heairpor
tal
ready?
”

“
Yes.Ican’
twaittoseeher.She’
sgoi
ngt
olov
ewhaty
oupl
anned
f
orher.She’
sgoingtocry
.”

Atangsmil
ed.“Yeah.Themonnabr
ingmygi
rl
sinonepi
eceorke
tagogatamolala.
”

Bat
angl
aughed.“
Yescommander
!”

At
anghungupsmi
l
ing.

I
ncourtat1100hr
s,ev
ery
onel
ookedatt
hej
udgeast
hehegav
e
outt
heverdi
ct.
“Thedef endantcommi t
t edacr i
me, abigcr i
mewecan’ tj
ust
ov er
lookbecauseshewasemot i
onal .Ev eryoneget semot ional
becauseatt heend, i
ndeedwear ehuman.Buti feveryoneact ed
outofemot i
on, wecouldbedead.Thedef endanty esgasar ough
andbedi f
fi
cul tupbr i
ngingbutonceol dershecoul dhav esought
forhel p.Shecoul dhav eseensomeone.Yes, shewasdecei ved,
l
iedt o, heartbr okenbutt hatdidn’tmeanshehadt odowhatshe
did.Thef i
rstgunshotasi ntheevidencewasar esultofast ruggl
e.
Thesecondonce, thevi
ct i
m wasont hef loorandsheshother
again.Howev erwedounder standt hatsomet i
meswedoact
i
mpul sivel
ybutMsMosweut ooka25mi nut esdr ivetoMr s.
Dani el’
shouse.Shehadenought imet ot hinkt hingst hroughand
sot hecour tst il
l f
indshergui l
toft hechar gesasshehadev ery
i
nt entiontoki llandendl i
fe.Therei snoexcusef orheract ions.
Andbecauseoft hat,wet ookasecondl ooki ntohersent enceand
therefor ewesent encehert odeatht hroughhangi ng.Cour tcase
closed!

Ev
ery
onegaspedi
nshockast
hej
udgegav
eahar
shsent
ence.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#123

Li
nagaspedi
nshockast
hej
udgest
oodupandwal
kedout
.Reba
l
ookedatLi
na.

Linashookherhead.“
Don’
twor
ry.Idon’
tlett
hathappen.Iwi
l
l
takeitf
urt
her.
”

Tear
sfi
l
ledReba’
sey
est
henr
oll
eddown.

“
All
Idi
dwasl
ovehi
m.That
’sal
l
.That
’sal
l
.”

Thepri
songuardscameanddr aggedheroutasshecri
ed.The
mediahousescont
inuedt
akingpictur
esaeshecri
ed.Atang
remai
nedstil
l
.Whathadjusthappened?

Zazagotupf
rom behi
ndt
hem.

“
Shedeser
vesi
t.
”

Atanggotupandwal kedout.Hegoti
nhiscarandputhi
shands
onhisface.Hisphonestar
tedri
ngi
ng.Heslowl
ytooki
toutand
pi
ckedhisfather
’scall
.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Whatdi
dthej
udgesay
?”

“
Theyf
oundhergui
l
ty.Theyar
egoi
ngt
oki
l
lher
.”

“
Youmustbehappyt
hen.
”

At
angswal
l
owed.“
No.
”
“
Youwant
edj
ust
ice.
”

“
Notl
i
ket
hat
.”

“Youhurther
.Ofcauseshewoul dreact
.May benott
oanextent
ofshoot
ingmmagweLomobuty ouneverknowwhatsomeone
wil
ldointhemidstofpain.Iam notsay
ingmmagweLomo
deser
veditbutyoucausedt hi
s.”

At
angr
emai
nedqui
et.

“
Youcausedherheartache.Youhurther
.Youcoul
dhav
elef
ther
wheny
ousawt hatyoudidn’tl
oveher.
”

“
Idi
dn’
twantt
obr
eakherhear
t“

“
Wel
lyoust
il
ldi
d.Nowy
ouknow.Iam sor
ry.
”

“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.”

“
Hav
etheyar
ri
vedy
et?
”

“
Batangi
spi
cki
ngt
hem up.Theyshoul
dbel
andi
ngi
nthi
rt
y
minut
es.
”

“
Shei
sgoi
ngt
olov
eev
ery
thi
ng.
”

“
Ihopeso.
”

“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.”

“
Howi
smama?
”

“
Busyi
nhergar
den.
”

“
Ok.
.”
Agangwal
kedov
ert
ohi
scar
.

“
Yougood?
”

“
Yeah.
”

“Shedidthistohersel
f.I
magineifwewer etoki
lleveryonewho
hurtus…othershav ebeent
hroughwor set hanher.Iam tal
ki
ng
aboutkidswhower esol
dtobesexwor kersandnev erhavean
escape.Theironl
yescapeisdeath.Yesshewentt hroughso
muchburi tdoesn’
tgiveyoutherightt
ogoshoot i
ngpeopl e.
”

“Ineverknewshewasr aped.Shetol
dmeshewasbor nwit
hHI V.
Ididn’
tknowthatsideofhers.Idi
dn’
tknowhermot heri
sactuall
y
herauntorthathertosi
stersareact
ual
lycousi
ns.Shenevertol
d
meal li
nthat.
”

“
Don’
tthi
nkabouther
.Focusont
oday
.”

At
angnodded.Agangwalkedtohi
scaranddr
oveoff.At
angal
so
st
art
edhi
scarandr ev
ersedfr
om t
heparki
ngspace.

Zazar
ushedov
erandknockedont
hewi
ndow.At
angr
oll
eddown
thewi
ndowandlookedather
.

“Hi
,Iam sor
ry.Idi
dn’
tbr
ingmycar
.Cany
oupl
easedr
opmeof
fat
homesoIcangetmycar .”

“
Yeah.Jumpi
n.”

Zazagotinthecar,herbagonherlap.Atangtur
nedontheradi
o
tokil
lthesil
ence.Al
way spl
ayed,
hetookadeepbr eat
hrecal
li
ng
thatf
aithf
uldayontheirwaytoVicFall
swi t
hhersi
ngi
ngalong

Hei
ncr
easedt
hev
olume.
‘
Whatam Isupposedt
odowi
thouty
ou?

I
sitt
ool
atet
opi
ckt
hepi
ecesup?

Toosoont
olett
hem go?

Doy
ouf
eel
damagedj
ustl
i
keIdo?

Yourf
ace,
itmakesmybodyache

I
twon’
tleav
emeal
one

Andt
hisf
eel
sli
kedr
owni
ng

Tr
oubl
esl
eepi
ng

Rest
lessdr
eami
ng.

You’
rei
nmyhead

Al
way
s,al
way
s

Ij
ustgotscar
ed

Away
,away

I
’
drat
herchokeonmybaddeci
sions

Thanj
ustcar
ryt
hem t
omygr
ave

You’
rei
nmyhead

Al
way
s,al
way
s,al
way
s’
Zazalookedathi
m wonderi
nghowhehaddonei tallt
heseyear
s.
Hisbeardhadgrownoutthoughhishai
rcutsti
ll
lookedgood.He
l
ookedhandsome…def i
nit
elymaturi
ngl
ikefinewine.

Shet houghofthepossibi
li
tyt
hatcouldhavearose…him andher
again.ShecouldhavetakencareofThabi’
skids,l
ovedthem l
i
ke
hers.Shecouldhavetakencareofhim.Ormay beitcoul
dhappen.

Shet
ouchedhi
shand…

“
Youar
est
rong.
”

At
angl
ookedather
..“
Thanks.
”

“
Iam happyj
ust
icewi
l
lfi
nal
l
ybeser
ved.
”

“
Yeah…”

“
Youneedahai
rcut
.Youl
ookwayt
oool
d.”

At
angpul
l
edawayhi
shandandscr
atchedhi
sbear
d.

“
Ili
kemyl
ook.
”

Zazasmi
l
ed.“
Itdoesl
ookgood.Youl
ookhandsomeMr
.Dani
el.
”

At
angchuckl
ed.“
Thanks.
”

“
Takey
oursecondr
ight
.”

Shelookedathi
shandsashet ur
nedthesti
rr
ingwheel.Hisnai
l
s
wereshortandcl
ean.Andthosehands…comet ot
hinkofit,
she
hadmetAt angfi
rst
.Shesawhimfirst
.Hehadbeenher s.

Shet
uckedherhai
rbehi
ndhereardi
rect
inghi
m.

Hepar
kedt
hecarbyhergat
e..
“
Thanky
ou.
”

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”

“
Seey
oul
ater
.”

At
angnodded.Zazal
ookedathisl
ipsthenli
ckedherown
st
eppi
ngoutofthecar
.Shewalkedtowardsherdoorashedr
ove
of
f.

*
**

Kel
l
ycal
l
edAgangdr
ivi
ngf
rom wor
k.

“
Babe…”

“
Hey.Iwaswatchi
ng.Idon’tknow,
isi
tfai
rthatshei
ssent
enced
t
odeath?Shemadeami stake-“

“
Ami stake?Thatwasnotami stake.Shehadever
yint
enti
ontodo
whatshedid..
andyouarethelastpersontosaysucht
hingsaf
ter
youdir
ectedhertoThabi
’shouse.*

Kel
l
ysi
ghed.“
Ateweev
ergoi
ngt
omov
eonpastt
hat
?

“
WehavebutIcan’thel
pbutthi
nkt
hatmay
bei
fyoudi
dn’
tThabi
’
s
r
esi
dent
ial
addresstoher.“

“Iknowyoublamemeforwhathappened.IknowIgav
eReba
Thabi’
saddr
essbutIdi
dn’
twantwhathappenedtohappen.
”

“
Youwant
eddr
ama.
”
Kel
l
ysadl
ysi
ghed.“
Ihav
echanged.
”

“Haveyour
eal
i
zedt
hatnoonel
i
keshangi
ngoutwi
thy
oubecause
ofthat
?”

“
Ido.Iam goi
nghome.Iwi
l
lseey
ouwheny
oucomeback.
”

Shehungupandcont i
nueddri
vi
nghomehol di
nghertear
s.I
twas
enoughpeopl
eblamedherforwhathappenedbuttohaveher
husbandremindheral
lthet
imealwaysdrai
nedherthat
sometimesshewonderedwhyshewasst il
lmarr
iedtohi
m.

*
**

El
angpassedthel
adyv i
ll
agebefor
eGaboronedriving.Sheleaned
backt
henlookedatherhusbandnexttohersl
eepingandsmi l
ed.
Shehummedt oanoldschoolsong.Thesongreachedi t
’speak
asshesangloudwakinghim.

“
Iam wal
ki
ngonsunshi
ne!Iam wal
ki
ngonsunshi
ne!Iam
wal
ki
ngonsunshi
ne!
”

At
sol
ookedatherasshesanghor
ri
blywhi
l
esmi
l
ing.

“
It
sti
met
ofeel
good!
”

Shehi
tthest
eer
ingwheel
mov
ingherupperbody
.At
sol
aughed.
El
angl
ookedather.

“
Iam wal
ki
ngonsunshi
ne!
”

Het
ookouthi
sphoneandt
ookav
ideot
osendt
otheki
dsasshe
conti
nuedsingi
ngwhil
edri
vi
nganddanci
ng.Shecl
appedher
hands,herr
ingspar
kli
ng.

Thesongendedassheov er
tookasmall
cari
nthei
rhugeLand
Crui
ser
.Shelaughedhappi
ly
.Atsosav
edthevi
deo.

“
Doy
ouknowwher
ethev
enuei
s?”

El
angnodded.“Yes.ButIwantustochecki
ntoalodgeand
fr
eshenup.Kanaalmostevery
onewi l
lbet
here.Iwantt
olook
good.Bat
angalreadysentt
helocat
ion.
”

At
sonodded.“
Ok.
”

El
angt
ookat
urndr
ivi
ngt
oal
odge.

*
**

I
nPrison,
Rebal
aidonherbedcr
yingi
nsi
l
ence.Herf
ri
endsadl
y
l
ookedather
.

“
Iam sor
ry.
”

“
Ilov
edhi
m.That
’sal
l
.WasIwr
ongt
olov
ehi
m?”

“No.Youjustl
ovedthewrongman.Whathappenedhappened.
Hopefull
yyourl
awyeratleastgetsyouli
fesent
encet
handeath.
TotannaIwouldrat
herbeher ethanoutther
e.Theworl
disunfai
r
Reba.Noonewi l
leverseethatyouwerepushedtodowhatyou
did.Theonewhowasshoti sthev i
cti
m andyouaret
hebad
person.
”
Rebal
ookedathercr
ying.Thef
ri
endhuggedhert
ight
ly.

“
It
’sok.
”

Rebacr
iedsomucht
il
lherbodyached.

*
**

Attheairpor
t,Batangwait
edpati
entlywai
ti
ngf ort
hem.Hecaught
sightofLowalkingoveri
nherjeansandat opwhil
eholdi
ngher
youngersist
er’
shand.Theylookedsomuchl ikehi
ssist
eri
twas
l
ikehewasst ari
ngatay oungervi
sionofThabi.

Theyspot
tedhimtooandrushedov
er.Bat
anghuggedt
hem
ti
ght
lyastheyscr
eamed.

“
Hey
!”

Lomosmi
l
ed.“
Wear
eback!
”

Bat
angl
aughed.“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”

Lomopul l
eduphersi
ze32j eanst
hatherhi
psbeandbut
thad
fi
ll
ed.Batangl
ookedatRi
yawhowasj ustsmil
i
ng.Hepi
ckedhi
s
thr
eey ear
soldnei
cesmil
ing.

“
Heysweet
y…”

Riyasmiled,Batangl
ookedatherdimplesassheshy l
ylooked
down.Unl i
keheroldersi
ster,
shewasquietandshy.Hesmi led
thenlookedasshewal kedoversl
owlydraggi
ngtheirbags.A
hugesmi lebrokeonhisface,t
ear
sfil
l
inghiseyes.Heslowlyput
Riy
adownandwal kedov
erthenhuggedher,
tear
sroll
ingdown.
Shewrappedherarmsar
oundhsmi l
ingassi
lent
lycr
iedholdi
ng
her.
.hi
sgrownmandemeanorlostinemoti
ons.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#124

Atherl
awf
ir
m,Li
naspokeont
hephone.

“
Deat
hsent
encewast
oomuch.Wewantanot
hert
ri
al.
”

“
Lina-
“

“Thatwoman…deat hsentence?
”Shesighed.“
Shedi
dn’
tdoi
ton
purpose.Thetwentyminutesdr
ivecoul
dhavebeent
heti
meshe
gotevenmor eupset.
”

Herfri
endsighed.“Look,goandpleadgui l
tyunderinsani
ty.I
knowsomeonewhocanhel p.Iwil
lconnectyouwi thhim.Thiswi l
l
betheladychance.TheJudgewashar sh.Mor ethanjustharsh.
Ofcauseabi gcri
mewascommi tt
edbyi twasacr imeofpassi on.
Iknowthiswoman.Lov i
ngthewrongper soncosthersomuch
butshedoesn’tdeservethedeathsentence.It
’stoomuch. ”

“
Connectmewi
tht
heper
sony
ouknow.
”

“
Ok.
”

Li
nahungupf
rust
rat
edf
eel
i
ngl
i
keshehadf
ail
ed.

*
**

Lonepar
kedhercaratt
hemal
landst
eppedouti
nherhotpant
s
andfli
pfl
ops.Sheputonhergl
asseslocki
nghercar.Sheturned
asthecarbesi
dehergotunl
ockedthenPri
ncewalkedov er
hol
dingpl
asti
cs.

Hel
ockedeyeswit
hherandswal
l
owedasshest
aredpushi
ngher
l
ongBrazi
l
ianweavebehi
nd.

Lonesmi
l
ed.“
Hi…”

Pri
ncesmi
l
edbackner
vousl
yst
ari
ngathersexybodyouti
nthe
open.

“
Hi.
”

“
Howar
eyou?
”

“
Iam f
ine.
”

“
Youar
enotatcour
t?”

“
Onl
yami
nimum numberwasneededt
her
e.”

“
OhIsee.Youl
ookgood.
”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.
”

“
Shar
p!”

Shewalkedaway,
herbuttcheeksshowi
ng.Shewalked
conf
ident
lywi
thnocareofwhowasst ar
ingornot
.

Heputt
heplasti
csi
nhiscart
hengoti
n.Heunlockedthescreen
andl
ookedatthemi
ssedcall
sfr
om Pear
l.Hecall
edherback.

“
Babe…”

“
Hey
,Ij
ustwant
edt
oaski
fyouar
etaki
ngt
heki
ds?
”
“
Yes.Iam onmywayhomenow.
”

“
Ok.Iam t
heonl
yonenotwant
ed?
”

“
Canwenotdot
his?Youknowexact
lywhyt
heydon’
twanty
ou.
”

“
Thei
rwi
veshat
eme.
”

“
Noonehatesbutyousleptwi
thal
lmyf
ri
ends.Idon’
twantt
hem
f
eel
i
nguncomfortabl
e.”

“
Ij
ook.
”

“
Iam dr
ivi
ngbackhomenow.
”

“
Ok.
”

Hehungupanddr
oveof
f.

*
**

El
angfi
nishedherfl
awlessmakeupthengotupandputonher
dr
ess.At
sowal kedfr
om thebat
hroom t
henpausedsmil
ing.

“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”

El
angbl
ushed.“
Thanky
ou.
”

El
ang’
sphoner
angf
rom t
hebed.Shewal
kedov
erandpi
cked.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi.It
’sFarai
.Look,
Ineedsomemoney.Ineedtogobackt
oZi
m
t
onight.Thepoli
cei
saftermyassov
erthati
ssue.
”
“
Whati
ssue?
”

“The5mi l
lionfr
om theinsurancecompany
.Iam under
i
nv esti
gat
ionforscam andtheftbutIpr
omiseyou,someoneis
framingme.Theyhav efrozenallmymoney.Ineedtoescape.
.
pleasehelpme.”

“
Hel
pyou?WenaFar
ai?
”

“
IjustneedathousandsoIcangeti
nthebus.Mucarshav
ebeen
t
aken..Deal
i
ngwi t
hitoncei
nZimisbett
erthanher
e.”

“Ihavenor
easontohel
pyouconsider
ingi
t’
sbeent
hreey
ear
s
sinceyoul
astpai
dmaint
enance.
”

“
Iknow.Iwi
l
lpayi
tal
lonceIgeti
t.
”

“
Letmedi
scussi
twi
thmyhusbandf
ir
st.
”

Shehungupandl
ookedatAt
so.

“
Far
aineedshel
p.He’
saski
ngf
or1k.
”

“
No.Lethi
mf indotherpeopl
etobor
rowhi
m moneybecauseher
e
i
t’
snothappening.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”

Hekissedhert
henpi
ckedhershoesandpl
acedt
hem i
nfr
ontof
her.
shesli
ppedherf
ooti
nsidesmil
ing.

*
**
I
nOr apa,mmagweKael ol
aidundert
hetreewithherf
latchestas
thecoolbreezecar
essedherski
n.Herhusbandspokeont he
phonesmi l
ing.

“
Ifhei
sready
,Iwi
l
lgetev
ery
oner
eadyt
oo.
”

“
Thanky
ou.Butt
hegi
rli
sal
readypr
egnant
.”

“
It
sok.Hewi
l
lhav
ehi
swi
feassoonashei
sready
.”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“Iwantyout
obepresent
.Iwanty
outobet
hereashi
sfat
her.You
haverai
sedthi
sboyandtur
nedhi
mintoaman.MayGodbless
youmyboy .
”

“
Thanky
ou.Wewi
l
ltal
k.”

Hehungupandsmi
l
ingst
ari
ngathi
swi
fe.

“
Bat
angwant
stomar
ry.
”

Shelookedathi
m andnoddedunablet
ot alk.Hesadl
ylookedat
hersti
l
lwonderi
ngwhathappened.Hedidn’tunder
standhowshe
hadnowgonef r
om twonobreastsandstrokeandcrippl
ed.

Heki
ssedhercheekt
hensatdownhappi
l
y.

*
**

Atangparkedhi
scarandwalkedaroundatthevenue.I
tlookedso
beauti
ful
.Hetookouthi
sphonepickingZaza’
scall
.
“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Hi.Ar
etheyher
e?”

“Yes.UhIwasthi
nki
ngifyouneedanyhel
p,Icanhel
pyou.Wi
th
housechores.Wi
thcooki
ngandcleani
ng.
”

“
Ok?
”

“
Event
ohel
pwi
tht
heki
ds.
”

“
Iwi
l
lkeept
hati
nmi
nd.
”

“Youdon’thav etodeal
wi t
hital
lalone.Youhavebeenst r
ongf or
fartoolong.Youneedsomeonet ohelpyouwiththeload.Iknow
theyarecomi ngbutIam sureyouwi l
lst
il
lbeexpectedtodo
everyt
hing.Youdeservebettert
hanthat.Iknowthesituat
ionbut
youalsodeser vetobetakencareof.”

“
Iam doi
ngf
ine.
”

“
Hav
eyoueat
eny
et?
”

“Zaza,IthinkIam f
ine.Thankyouforcarr
ying.Youar
eThabi
’
s
cousin.Ithinkyouarecrossi
ngtheli
ne.”

“
Ithi
nky
ouneedhel
p.”

“
Iam f
ine.By
e.”

Hehungupl
aughedcal
l
ingBat
ang.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Howf
arar
eyouguy
s?”

“
Wear
ecomi
ng.
”
“
Ok.Mostpeopl
ehav
ear
ri
ved.
”

“
Almostt
her
e.”

At
angswal
l
owed.“
Howi
sshe?
”

“Beaut
if
ul.Shel
ookst
ir
ed.Shehasn’
tsai
daword.
.”Hi
svoi
ce
shook.“
Didwelosehersomewhereal
ongthel
i
ne?”

“
No.I
t’
stheef
fect
.It
’sok.Justbr
ingt
hem.
”

“
Ok.
”

At
angsl
i
dhi
sphonei
nhi
seart
aki
ngadeepbr
eat
h.

*
**

Bat
anggotbacki nt
hecarandjoinedt
heroad.HelookedatLomo
andRiy
awat chi
ngvideosatt
hebackseatthentur
nedtoher.She
sl
owlylookedawayfrom t
hewindowandlookedathim,asmile
sl
owlycoveredherf
acethensheopenedhermouthandspoke
sof
tl
y.

“
Youl
ookgr
own…”

Batangsmil
edasatearr
oll
eddown.Hel
ookedawaywi
pingi
tof
f
thentur
nedtoher
.

“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”

Shesmi
l
edt
henl
ookedoutt
hrought
hewi
ndowagai
nwi
thadeep
si
gh.
Your
sTr
uly

#125

AtPr
ison,
Rebal
ookedatAbal
engandsmi
l
ed.

“
Hi.
”

Abal
engsmi
l
edback.“
Hey
,howar
eyou?
”

Rebasmi
l
ed.“
Fine.Iam f
ine.
”

“IspoketoLi
na.Thatj
udgementisgoingtober
eversed.She’
s
workingonthi
s.Shewon’tl
etyoudie.Shei
snotgoi
ngt oleti
t
happen.She’
sgoingtoappeal
again.Thatwomanisjustevi
l.
”

“No.Somet imesi t
’stosetanexampl e.Ir
eall
ywantedtokillher.
Thefir
sttimeIshot ,
shewant edtot akethegunfrom me.Ther e
wasast ruggle.Ipull
edthetri
gger .Myhandhadbeenoni t.ThenI
sawherbr eathingstil
laf
terIshother ,shewasmov ingsl
ightlyso
Ishotagainaimi ngforherchest.Ihadev eryi
ntenti
ontokill
her .I
f
Atangdidn’twal ki
nwhenhedi d,Iwasgoi ngtoshootheragai n.I
wantedtoendher .”

Abal
engsi
ghed.“
Itwasi
nfl
uencedbyemot
ions.
”

“
Atangmustbehappy
.”

“
Idon’
tknowbuty
ouar
enotdy
ingher
e.”

“Iam her
eandheget stoli
vehappi
lyev
erafter
.”Tear
sfil
l
ed
Reba’
sey es.“
Iam suddenl
ythebadpersonbuthepushedmet
o
mylimit.
”
“
Kar
mawi
l
ldeal
wit
hhi
m.”

Tear
sfel
ldownhercheeks.“
Whi
l
eIgethanged.
”

“
It
snotgoi
ngt
ohappen.Li
nai
sgood.
”

“
Theydon’
tdeser
vet
obehappyAba…”

“
Ther
eisnot
hingwecando.
”

“
Ther
eis.Shecanst
il
ldi
e.”

“
Reba-
“

“Youcanbef
ri
endherandpoi
sonhert
odeat
horbur
nthem i
nthe
house.
”

“
Reba!
”

“
Allyouneedustolocki
nsi
deandst
artt
hef
ir
e.Nobodyev
er
i
nvesti
gat
esfi
res.
”

“
Youwantmet
obecaughtoncamer
as.
”

“Thenyoucanpoi sonhertodeath.Youmi xiti

naf rui
tbl
endor
smoothie.Maybesmoot hi
e.Mi xalotofthi
ngsincludi
nggarli
c
thenputArseni
cchemi cali
nside.I
t’
scolorl
essandhasami ld
garl
icodorbutthat’
sifyoureall
ysnif
fit
,nosmel lortast
e.”

“
IfIgi
vei
ttohert
henpeopl
ewi
l
lknowi
twasme.
”

“Youmonitorhermovementssoyoucatchheraloneorf
indaway
tomakeitseem li
keit
’sf
rom someonesheknows.Makesur eyou
putalott
ogetherwit
hsomethingsedat
ivesothatheshepasses
outanddiesinhersl
eep.
”
Abal
engt
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Ihav
enev
erki
l
ledsomeone.
”

“
Atangdeser
vest
obur
ryher
.Notaf
terev
ery
thi
nghehasdone.
”

“
Theyhavesomet
hinggoi
ngont
oday
.May
beIcanbr
ibet
he
wai
ter
.”

“
Exact
ly.Youcanhav
eitputi
nherj
uice.
”

“
Ok.Sowher
edoIgeti
t?”

“
Iknowsomeonewhocanhel
p.”

Abal
engwal
kedourandgoti
nhercarcal
l
ingLi
na.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Whatar
eherchances?
”

“Wayup.She’snotgoi
ngtobehanged.Wear etaki
ngitwayupso
wecanappeal agai
nwithadif
fer
entjudge.She’sobvi
ousl
ynot
goingtocomeoutinacoupleofyears.I
t’
sgoingt obesometi
me
buttheyaretr
yingt
osetatonethesamewayt heydoformen.I
am justgoi
ngtogetherof
fthedeathsentence.Maybeifshe
behavesinpri
son…”

“
Ifi
thappenst
hat
…”

“
Thatwhat
?”

Abashookherhead.“
It
sok.Pl
easekeepmei
nfor
med.
”
“
Ok.
”

Abal
enghungupandr
ever
sedcal
l
inghery
ouhersi
ster
.

“
Aba.
.”

“
Rebawant
stof
ini
shof
fwhatshest
art
ed.
”

“
Shewant
stoki
l
l…-
*

“Yes.Wit
hAr seni
cpoison.Iam goi
ngt
ocol
l
ecti
tnow.I
twi
l
lbe
putinherjui
cethenshewi l
ldi
e.”

“
Andwhowi
l
ldoi
t?”

“
Me.ButIneedhel
p.”

“
Andwher
ear
eyouget
ti
ngt
hispoi
sonf
rom?
”

“
Someguysheknows.
”

“
Ican’
tbel
i
evey
ouar
eev
enconsi
der
ingt
his.
”

“
Theyhur
ther
!”

“Weal lhavebeenhur t.AndIdon’tev enthinkhelovedher.I

twas
alltoogoodt obetrue.Het oldhermul ti
pletimesthathewas
donewi thherbutshest il
lstayed.Kantewhydon’ tweliketaking
responsibil
i
tyforouract i
ons?Ofcauseshewashur tandbr oken
buti sshethefir
stpersont obehear tbroken?Shedeser v
est obe
i
nj aili
fshecanst i
l
lplanmur der
s.Iam ashamedy ouarepar tof
thi
s.Don’ tyouknowt hatjai
lisreal
.LookatReba…t hatshouldtell
yout hatpri
sonain’
tyourmot her’
shouse. ”

“
Iam goi
ngt
ohel
pmysi
ster
.At
angdeser
vesi
tandmor
e.”
“
Ok.Pl
easenev
ercal
lmet
oinv
olv
emei
nyourmur
derpl
ans.
”

Theyoungersi
sterhungup.Abal
engputdownherphonedr
ivi
ng
tot
heguy ’
shouse.

*
**

Atthepoli
cestat
ion,
theyoungersi
sterwal
kedi
nsi
det
hepol
i
ce
st
ationhol
dingherphone.

“
Dumel
ang,
Iam her
etor
epor
tpeopl
ewhoar
etr
yingt
ocommi
t
mur
der
.”

Thepoli
ceof f
icerlookedatherasshepl
ayedtherecordedcal
l
betweenherselfandAbaleng.Sheal
sopl
ay edt
heonet hathad
beenrecor
dedmont hsbackofRebabegginghert
oki dnapLomo.

Thepol
i
ceof
fi
cerl
ookedather
.

“
Comet
hissi
de.
”

Shehel
dherbagpr
oper
lyandf
oll
owedt
hepol
i
ceof
fi
cer
.

*
**

AtLi
na’
sof
fi
ce,
sher
ecei
vedacal
l
.

“
Yeah?
”
“Hey,yourcl
i
ent’
ssisterisher
ewithrecor
dingsofyourcli
entst
il
l
tr
y i
ngtoconti
nueandf i
nishoffwhatshestart
edthroughher
sist
ers.I
t’
snotlooki
nggoodf oryou.Thej
udge’sdecisi
onmay
getapassconsideri
ngt hatev
entodayshe’ssti
ll
try
ingtokil
l
people.
”

Li
naswal
l
owed.“
Whatr
ecor
ding?
”

“
Herhasr
ecor
dingsf
rom phonecal
l
s.”

“
Whati
fshemadet
hem up.I
t’
snotv
iabl
eev
idence.
”

“
Herv
oicecanbehear
dloudandcl
ear
ly.
”

“
Thanks.
”

Li
nasl
owl
ysatdownexhaust
edf
rom Reba.

*
**

Agangwalkedinsi
dehishouseandf
oundKell
ycooki
nginthe
ki
tchen.Behuggedherfr
om behi
ndrubbi
nghi
sdickonherbutt
.

“
Hey
…”

“
Hi…”

Shemov edf
rom thestoveandwenttothesi
nkthenstar
ted
washi
ngdishes.Agangli
ftedherdr
essandpull
edherherpant
yto
thesi
de.Hecurvedhisbackandpushedhisdi
cinsi
de.

Kel
l
ycl
osedt
het
apandcl
osedherey
esashe…
.

Aganggr
unt
edf
il
li
nghercanal
.Hesl
i
ditoutandt
urnedher
ar
ound.

Hel
eanedov
erandki
ssedher
.

“
Hey
…”

Kel
l
ysmi
l
ed.“
Hi.
”

“
Ithoughtwewer
egoi
ngt
oget
her
.”

“Noonel i
kesbei ngar oundmeandy ouareal sogoingtoleaveme
busywithy ourpeopl e.Everyti
mewegooutt oget
hertojoinot her
peopl
e,Iendupal onewhi l
eyouchatwithpeopl ewhodon’ tli
ke
mepossi blylabel i
ngmebad.Younev erdefendinpubl i
candI
havereali
zedt hatdeepdowny ouhavethi
shat egrowing.You
hateme, Ihav etriedt oignorei
tbutnowIseeIam nothappy .Yes,
Iwaswr ongf ort ell
i
ngReba.YesIt akethebl amefornotbeing
ablet
okeepqui et.Butsomet imesIneedy ouonmysi de.Itnev er
happensandIj ustt hinkifyoucan’tbewit
hmeany mor e,may be
thenl
et’sgetadi vorce.Let’spartwaysandj ustcoparent.
”

Agangl
ookedather
.“Idon’
that
eyou.Il
ovey
ou.
”

“
Itdoesn’
tfeel
li
kei
tAgang.I
tfeel
sdi
ff
erent
.”

“Iam guil
tyf
orteasingy ouabouty oubeingacharterboxbutI
l
ov eyou.Idodefendy ou, mostoft het
imey ouarenotthereto
witnessit
.Iam sorr
yf orabandoni ngyouwhenwegooutbutI
neverlabely
ou.Youar ewi fe.It
hinkIcandobet t
erasahusband.
Yesy ouwerewr ongfort el
li
ngRebaandev ery
thi
ngelse.Itget
sto
mestil
lthaty
oudidi
tbuti
tdoesn’
tmakemehat
eyou.Il
ovey
ou.
Iwanttobewithy
ou.
”

Kell
ysighed.“
Wheny
ouwantadi
vor
cej
ustsayso.Iwi
l
lgl
adl
y
fr
eey ou.
”

Agangpi
ckedherupandputheront
opoft
heki
tchencount
ers.

“
Ilov
eyou.Nooneisgett
ingadivorce.Wedon’
tmenti
ondiv
orce
i
nthi
shouse…ever
.Ifyouareunhappyaboutsomet
hing,
sayitso
wecanfi
ndawaytof i
xit
.”

Heki
ssedheropeni
ngherl
egs.

“
Weshoul
dgo.Mybr
otheri
swai
ti
ngf
orme.
”

*
**

Bat
angpar
kedatabui
l
ding.Hel
ookedather
.

“
Stayher
e.Iam comi
ng.
”

“
Bat
ang-
“

“
Justt
womi
nut
es.Lomo,
Riy
a.Let
’sgo!
”

Thegirl
ssteppedoutofthecar
.Hewal kedi
nsi
dethebui
l
ding
witht
hem.At angsmil
edashiskidsr anovert
ohim.Hepicked
them upatthesametime.Lomol aughed.

“
Daddyputmedown.
”

Heputt
hem downt
henhel
ookedatLomo.
“
Ili
key
ourhai
r.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Awhi
tel
adydi
dit
.”

Hechuckl
ed.“
Nice.
”

“
Daddymyhai
rtoo…”

Hel
ookedatRi
ya’
shai
randpi
ckedherup.“
It
sbeaut
if
ul.Il
ovei
t.
”

Ri
yasmi
l
ed.“
Ist
hisourhouse?
”

“
It
’snotahousebutaf
terher
e,wear
egoi
ngt
oourhouse.
”

Heki
ssedcheekandputherdownst ar
ingatBatangwhonowhad
t
hesameheightashi
m.Hisgy m bodylookedgood.

“
Taket
hem wher
eev
ery
onei
s..
”

“
Ok.She’
sint
hecar
.”

“
Ok.Oi
sakaekodut
hemonna?
”

Batanglaughedpicki
ngRiy
athenhewalkedawaywit
hthegir
ls.
Atangtookadeepbr eat
hstar
ingathi
sdaught
ers.Tr
ustGodto
gi
v ehi
m girl
sonlysohecanjustl
ivei
nfear
.

Hesighedandwal
kedout.Hi
sheartracedasheappr
oachedt
he
car
.Heopenedthedr
iver
’sdoorandgotin.

Sheslowlyturnedthehim, herweightl
osswassov isi
bleit
broughttear
st ohiseyes.Theylookedateachotherinsil
ence,
shefinal
l
ysmi ledfixi
ngherdoekt hathadcov
eredherbaldhead.
Shesmi l
edtear f
ull
y.Tearsrol
leddownhercheeksthenshe
l
aughed.
“
Hav
eIev
ert
oldy
out
hatIl
ovey
ou?
”

At
angnoddedsmili
ngemoti
onal
l
y.“Yes.Il
oveyoutoo.Il
ovey
ou
moret
hananyt
hing.Il
ovey
oumor ethanli
fei
tsel
f.
”

Shesmiledandtouchedhi sbear
d.“36roundsofchemolat
er,
so
manysur ger
iesl
ater…roundsofradi
other
apysessi
onsl
ater
…Iam
ti
red.At
angIam tired.Iwanttobehappy.”

“
Babe-
“

“Iwanttobehappy.Idon’twanttoli
vei
npai nanymore.Thekids
don’tdeserv
eallt
his.It
’st
raumati
zi
ng.Idon’twantyoutoliv
elike
thi
sany more.SometimesIwishIhaddiedthatday.Atleastyou
wouldhav ecri
edandmov edon.Iam holdi
ngy oubackandIam
sorr
y .
”

Heshookhi sheadt henpulledheronhi slapasshecr i

ed.“ I’
dl ose
i
tal l
fory ou.I ’
dloseev eryt
hi ngf ory ou.Don’tbesor ry…whenI
saidinsi cknessandi nheal th,Imeanti t
.Imeantev er
ywor d.
Don’tbesor ry,youhav enot hingt obesor ryaboutbecauseI
woul dnothav eitanyot herway .Iwoul dst i
llstandbyy oursi de
eveni fwer ewi ndt heti
me.Iwoul dst andbyy ouandhol dy our
hand.Iwoul dst i
llstayupatni ghtandmakesur eyouar e
breathingbecauseIam par anoidabouty ou.Iwoul dwal kon
glassesf ory oubecauseIl ov ey ou.Ther eisnoAt angwi thout
Rethabi l
e.Iwoul dchoosey oubabe…Iwoul dchoosey ouov er
anythingbecauseIam t rul
yonl yy ours.AndIwon’ tst
opf ighting
forus.Andi fany onehasapr oblem wi thit,t
heycangoandhang
themsel ves.Iam honor edtoact uallybet heonet olovey oubabe. .
Iwoul dn’thav eitanyot herway .Ilovey ou.”
Thabi
bur
iedherheadi
nhi
sneckcr
ying.

*
**

Abal
enggotthel
i
ttl
ebott
lef
rom Reba’
spersonthengotinher
car
.Shest
art
edherengi
neanddroveoffheadedtothevenue.

.
Your
sTr
uly

#126

At
angki
ssedherneck,
hisar
msar
oundher
.

“
Ipl
annedsomet
hingf
ory
ou.
”

Thabi
breat
hedout
,herhotbr
eat
hhi
tt
inghi
sneck.

“
It
’si
nsi
de.
”

Sheopenedherey
esandl
ookedathi
mthent
ouchedhi
sbear
d.

“
Youneedapr
operhai
rcutandal
soy
ouneedshav
e.”

Hesmi
l
ed.“
Eemma.
”

“
Bat
angi
ssobi
g.”

“
Hewant
stogetmar
ri
ed.
”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Towho?Lebo?
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Shei
sagoodgi
rl
.Abi
tcr
azybutgood.
”

“
Hei
stheonewhodr
iveshercr
azy
.”

“
What
’swai
ti
ngf
ormei
nsi
de?
”

“
Peopl
e.Whol
ovey
ou.AndwhatIgotf
ory
ou.
”

“
Cany
out
akemehomeaf
tert
his?Iwantt
osl
eep.Iam t
ir
ed.
”

“
Yes.
”
Theysteppedoutofthecar,Thabii
nalongdr esswit
hlong
sleev
es.Shetookherscafffr
om thecarandputaroundherneck
tocoverbones.Thedarkcir
clesunder
neathhereyesweremuch
vi
sibl
e.

Atangtookof
fthedoekfr
om herheadtofixi
t,shel
ookedathi
m,
herseemingwaytoobi
gandheav yforher
.

“
Ilookhi
deous.Iknow.
”

At
angki
ssedher
.“Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.Youl
ookl
i
keaf
ight
er.
”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Noneedt
oli
etome.
”

Atangwr
appedthedoekaroundherheadandsmi
l
ed.“
Idon’
t
needgotol
iet
oy ou.Youarebeaut
if
ul.
”

“
Letmeappl
yli
pst
ick.
”

“
Ekae?
”

“
Inmyhandbag.
”

At
angt
ookoutt
hel
i
pst
ickf
rom herhandbagandr
ani
tonherl
i
ps.

“
Dothi
s..
”Her
ubbedhi
sli
pst
oget
her
.Thabi
smi
l
edr
ubbi
ngher
l
i
ps.

Atangputbagtheli
psti
ckthenwal kedinsi
dethebuiawit
hher
.
Thabil
ookedattherecepti
on.Itl
ookedl i
keahospit
al,
thewhi
te
madeitfeell
i
keahospi t
althoughtherewasnothing.

Theywal
kedpastt
heel
evat
orheadedtothebackdoor
.Hehel
d
hi
shandandopenedt
hedoorandwalkedoutwithher
.

Thabi
gaspedst
ari
ngatherf
ami
l
yandf
ri
ends,
eachhol
dinga
paperboar
dwi
thasweetmessagewr
it
tenoni
t.

Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
esassher
eadAgang’
sboar
d.

‘
Team Thabi
All
TheWay
!’

Shel
ookedatPr
ince’
s.

‘
Cancerai
n’
tsh*
tify
ouar
eThabi
’
.

Shelaughedandr
eadev
ery
one’
sshor
tmessageandpausedat
Kel
ly
’s.

‘
Iam sor
ry.
’

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Youdi
dnot
hingwr
ong.
”

Kel
l
yshookherheadt
ear
ful
l
ythenwal
kedov
erandhugged.

“
Iam sosor
ry.
”

“
Don’
tbe.Youdi
dnot
hingwr
ong.
”

“
Idi
d.May
bei
f-
“

“
Whathappenedhappened.I
t’
sal
lthepast
.Let
’smov
eon.
”

Kel
l
yst
eppedbacksni
ff
ing.

Thabil
ookedatev
eryoneel
se,
tear
sr ol
leddownthenshesni
ffed.
Shelookeddownwipi
ngawayhertearswit
hthebackofherhead.

At
angputhi
sar
m ar
oundher
.Shet
ear
ful
l
ylookedathi
m.

“
Thanky
ou.
”

At
angki
ssedher
.“Il
ovey
ou.
”
Shetur
nedtoevery
one.“
Thankyou.Ever
yone.Forthesuppor
t
andlov
e.Isawally
ourmessagesAgang.”Thabil
aughed.“
Andal
l
yourmemesElang.
”

El
angl
aughed.“
All
foragoodl
augh.
”

“Youkeptmecrackedup.Iappreci
ateever
yoneher
e.Youhave
beenamazing.ThankyouLomo…f ortaki
nggoodcareofmeon
mylastchemo,fordoi
ngmymakeupandmaki ngsureIl
ooked
beaut
iful
.ThankyouRi
y af
oralsohelpi
ngme.”

Ri
yasmi
l
ed.Thahi
lookedatherbr
other
.

“Thankyouforbeingther
e,f
oral
lthemot
ivat
ional
emot
ional
blackmai
li
ngvideos.”

Bat
angsmi
l
ed.Thabi
lookedatAt
ang.

“Andthankyouforlov
ingme.Idon’tdeserveit.Idon’tknowwhat
youseebutthankyouf orstayi
ngbymysi de.Forpayingmy
medicalbi
ll
stoo.Thanky ouforev
ery
thing.Icannev erthanky
ou
enough.”

“Iam theluckyone.”Hehel dherhands.“Iknowy ourdream was

tostartyourownpr act
ice.Yourownl i
tt
leclinic.AndIknowt hat
cancerhasdel ayedeverythi
ngbutitdoesn’tmeani tshouldn’
t
happen.Iknowy ouareleftwit
haf ewmor er oundsofchemoand
Ibeli
evethataf t
erthi
swear edonebecausewear edefini
tely
winners.SoIthoughtwhynotst ar
tsett
ingupf oryousot hat
wheny ouar ewell…yout akeoff
.”

Thabi
lookedathi
m conf
used.
“
Bat
angandIt
hendeci
dedt
obui
l
dyout
his…“

Hepoint
edatthebui
l
ding.Thabil
ookedastwomenbr
oughtouta
banneri
nwri
tt
en‘LOMOPREMI UM CENTER'
.

Thabi
swal
l
owedst
ari
ngi
nshock.

“Ir
eadyourbusi
nessplan.Iknowyoudr
eamtoft
his.May
benot
exact
lyl
iket
hisbutsi
mi l
ar.Wheny
ougetmywell
,wecanalway
s
makeitwhatyouwant.
”

Zazawatchedast earsrol
leddownThabi ’
scheeks.Shel
ooked
morethanjustsick, morelikeawalki
ngskelet
on.Shewassothin
shecouldbarelyrecognizet het
hickgi
rlsheonceknew.Tal
k
aboutt
healmi ghtyfall
ing.

Morechemor oundsmeantthecancerwassti
llt
here.Zazasighed,
i
twaslikewatchi
ngdeathri
ghtinfr
ontofyoureyes.Herpresence
sur
pri
singl
ydidn’
tbot
herherthatmuch.Poorthi
ngwasonher
waytohergrave.

Andthathead…shelookedl
ikethatcar
tooncharact
er…thatone
Lomolikedwhenev
ershev i
sit
ed.ThecockroachinMonstersvs
Ali
ens.

Shesighedholdingherglassofwi neasAt anghuggedher.

Somehowt herelati
onshi
pl ookedf or
ced.Itwaslikehewasjust
tr
yingtoohard.Shepausedf eeli
nggui l
tyofherthought
sbut
Thabihadn’
tcaredwhenhersonwasdy ing.Shehadnoteven
vi
sitedher
,notev enoncetoseehi m.

Andhonest
lyherdeat
hwouldjustsetev
ery
onef
reef
rom t
he
const
antworr
y.Whatdidsheevenhavenow?St
age4canceror
what?Whateveri
tiswasjusttaki
ngl
ongt
oendher.Shewast
ir
ed
ofi
tall
.Ei
therway,whywastemoneygett
ingsomeonewhowas
dyi
nganentir
eprivat
epracti
ce?

Sheal
mostr
oll
edherey
esast
heyki
ssed.

From t
heothersi
deElangstar
edsni
ffi
ngf eel
ingemot i
onal.Her
husbandputhisar
m aroundher.Wi
theveryonewiththeirpart
ner
s,
theyei
therhel
dhandsorhuggedexpectthekids,Bat
angand
Zaza.

Pr
ince’
sphoner
ang.Het
ooki
toutandpi
ckedwal
ki
ngaway
.

“
Pear
l.
”

“
Iwi
shIwast
her
e.Iam seei
ngt
hatBat
angi
staki
ngav
ideo.
”

“
Yousl
eptwi
thherhusband.
”

“
Arey
ouembar
rassedofme?
”

“Iam notbutIam notgoingtotakeyoutomyf r

iendswhom y
ou
havefuckedbefor
e.Theyt ooarenotcomfort
ablewitht
hesetup.
Idon’
twantt omaket hem uncomfor
tabl
e.”

“
Whenar
eweget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
”

“It
oldIdon’
twantt ogetmar
riednotaf
terev
ery
thi
ngIlostinmy
div
orcesett
lement.Canwejustbeli
kethi
sandnotcomplicat
e
thi
ngs?Iwil
l seey
oulater
.Bye.”

Hehungupandsmi
l
edasThabi
gott
hekey
ssmi
l
ing.

*
**
Abal
enghandedt
hewai
termoneyandt
hepoi
son.

“
Youputi
tinherj
uice.
”

“
Wil
lshedi
e?”

Abalengf
rownedt
hent
hewai
tersmi
l
edhol
dingt
he1ki
nher
hands.

“
Ok.
”

Thewai
terst
eppedoutofthecarandwalkedi
nsi
det
hecl
i
nic
goi
ngtothebackdoorwher
eeveryonewas.

Shewal kedtothejuicesandpour edaglassforThabiqui

ckly
pouredthecont ent
sf acingawayfrom ever
yone.Sheputtheli
tt
le
bott
leinherpockett henputthejuiceonat r
aytoget
herwiththr
ee
moreglasses.Shewal kedovertoThabiandgaveheraglass.She
passedt heothertwot othekids.

Thabi
smi
l
edasev
ery
onewal
kedov
ert
oherhuggi
ngher
.

Zazawal
kedov
erandhuggedhert
oosmi
l
ing.“
Cuzy
…”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Thammat
hanky
ouf
orcomi
ng.
”

Zazalaughed.“
Nowt
hatIam di
vor
cedIhav
elot
’soft
imei
nmy
hands.”

“
Asl
ongasy
ouar
ehappy
.”

“Iam.Iknowthismustbehar
dony ou.I
fyouneedanyhelp,
you
knowIalwaysther
e.Beitwi
ththeki
dsorthehouse.Iwi
l
lalway
s
bethere.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”

“Iknowt hecanceriswayt ooaggressive.AndIam happyy ouare

fi
ghtingbutdon’tyout hinkit
’staki
ngev eryt
hingfr
om you
becausest i
l
lyouar enotget ti
ngbetter.Youshouldbeenj oy i
ng
yourlif
enotgoingt hr
oughsomuchpai n.Youshouldbet r
av eli
ng.
Spendingtimewi thyourkidsbecauseweal l
knowhowt hisends.
Andal soIwanty outoknowt hatyoudon’ thavet
owor ryabout
Lomo, RiyaorevenAt ang.Iam heret ohelpthem withevery t
hing
theyneed.Youshoul dl eti
tbeandj ustenjoy.”

Thabilookedatherinsil
encet
hensighed.“
Ifeeldi
zzy.Youcan
havethis.
.”Shehandedherthej
uicesit
ti
ng.ZazalookedatAtang
walki
ngov erthenwalkedawaysi
ppingthecoldj
uice.

*
**

I
nPr
isonRebahel
dthephoneasLi
nay
ell
ed.

“
Howcoul
dy oudothi
s?Whyar
eyousabot
agi
ngy
our
sel
fand
maki
ngmelookstupi
d?”

“
Youdon’
tunder
stand-
“

“Idon’tunderst
andwhat ?Iwasoncemar ri
edtoamanwhohur t
mecount l
essti
mes.Idi dn’
tdiebecausehebrokemyhear t
.He
sleptwithmysi st
er.Yes…Ididn’tdi
e.Theworlddoesnotowey ou
shit!Weal l
havebeent hroughsomuch.Howdoy ouholda
grudgef oryear
s?F* ckenmov eon!Youaregoingtoroti
nprison.
Wear egoingbacktocourtagainwit
hadiffer
entj
udge.Youwon’t
getdeathsentencebuty
ouar egoingtospendtherestofy
ourl
i
fe
ther
e.Youhaver ui
nedeveryt
hing.
”

Rebarubbedhereyescr
ying.“He’
shappyenj
oyi
nghisli
fewhi
l
eI
suff
er.Hedeser
vestocrytoo.Hiskar
maiscoming.Andhewil
l
cryt
oo.Hedeservestol
iveaunhappyandsad.”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#127

Thewait
erswall
owedst
ari
ngatZazawi
tht
hej
uice.Herphone
rangi
nherpocket.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Didshedr
ink?
”

“
Yes.What
’sgoi
ngt
ohappent
oher
?”

“
Not
hing.By
e.Nev
ercal
lme.
”

Abal enghungup.Thewait
erst
aredatZaza.Herheartpounded
ast hethoughtofbei
ngarr
est
edformurdercrossedhermind
thenhav i
ngherdaughterr
emai
nwi t
hhergrandmotherwhowasa
witch.

Tearsfil
ledhereyes,herdaughterwasonlyt
wo.Hergrandmother
won’tlethergotoschool thesamewayshehaddonet oher.She
walkedtoZazahol dingatrayandint
enti
onal
lybumpedintoher.
Zazascr eamedast heglasssli
ppedfr
om herhandandfell
spi
lli
ngt hej
uiceonher .

“
Iam sosor
ry…”

Zazamovedbackwipi
ngherwhi
tedr
essi
nshock.Theor
ange
st
ainonherdr
ess.

“
Iam sor
rymam.
”

“
Youhav
erui
nedmybedr
ess!
”
“
Iam sor
ry.Iam sor
ry.
”

Kel
l
ywalkedover
.“Let
sgot
othebat
hroom andtr
ytocl
eani
t.
Kel
l
ytookZaza’
shandandl
edhert
othebathrooms.

“
Takeof
fthedr
ess.
”

Zazatookof
fthedressannoy
ed.Kel
l
ygott
hedr
esst
henwentby
thesi
nkwashingonlyt
hestai
n.

“
Iov
erhear
dyout
alki
ngt
obeThabi
.”

Zazal
ookedather
.

Kell
yconti
nuedtal
ki
ngcal
mly.“Ihear
dwhatyout
oldherandI
fi
nditsadthaty
ouwouldtel
lyourowncousi
ntost
opfight
ingf
or
herli
fesoyoucantakeov
erherfamil
y.”

“
Didy
ouhearmesayt
hat
?”

“Yes.Weal lknowwhaty oumeanwheny ousayy ouwi l

l takecare
ofherfami l
yonceshei sdead.Al lalongIthoughty ouwer e
Thabi’
sf r
iendasmuchasy oubear ehercousi n.Buttoheary ou
besayt hethingsy ousai
d, youdef eatedme.Youar ev er yev i
l
.I
don’tknowwhaty ouaret hinkingwillhappeniny ourtwi stedhead
butitwon’thappen.Noti nt hislif
eti
me.At angwi l
lnev ergi veyou
asecondgl ancey oubitt
erwi tch.IpraiseGody oursondi ed,
i
magi neifIhadtodeal wi thyourbi t
ternessfortherestofmyl if
e.
Youar edisgusti
ng.Ifyoudi vorcedy ourhusbandt hinkingThabi i
s
dyingtheny ouhav eanothert hingcomi ng.
”

Kel
l
yfini
sheduphandedthedr
ess.“
Youcanwai tf
oritt
odryor
gohome.IfIwer
eyouI’
dchoosethelat
terbef
oreyouembarr
ass
y
our
sel
fev
enf
urt
her
.”

Kel
l
ydri
edherhandsandwal
kedoutherheelscl
acki
ngonthe
whi
tet
il
esasshewalkedmovi
ngherhipsfr
om sidet
oside.

Zazatookherdressandputi
ton.Shewalkedoutgoi
ngt
othe
parki
nglott
hengotinhercar
.Shetookherphoneandst
art
ed
ty
pingThabialongmessage.

Zaza:Kel
l
ywashar
assingme.Shesai
daf ewoffendi
ngt
hingsso
Iam goi
nghomebecauseIcancl
ear
lyseeIam notwant
edhere.

Thabi
openedt
hemessaget
henst
art
edt
ypi
ng.

Thabi
:Ok.Tr
avel
saf
ely
..

Zazastar
tedtypi
ngthenst
oppedandr
eadt
hemessageagai
n
anddroveoffangr
il
y.

*
**

AtPrince’
shouse,
Pear
lmi
xedhersol
uti
onwhi
l
etal
ki
ngt
oher
fr
iendonthephone.

“Hedoesn’
ttakemeany
wher
eany more.Thi
ngsj
ustchanged
bet
weenus.Ekareal
lwedoi
sfuck.”

“
Youst
il
ldr
inky
oursol
uti
on?
”

Pear
lsi
ghed.“
Ifeari
fIdon’
thewi
l
lleav
eme.
”

“
Buty
ouknowsexi
ndoesn’
tkeepamanr
ight
?Idon’
tthi
nkhe
everlovedy ou.Heprobabl
yjustwant
edsomeonewhowoul dgi
ve
him kidssincehiswif
ecouldn’
t.Youwer
ejustababymaking
machi ne.That’
sall
.Nowt hatyougav
ehimthekids,
hedoesn’
t
seey ouasawi f
ebutassomeonehecanf uck.
”

“
Hewoul
dn’
thav
elef
tLonei
fhedi
dn’
tlov
eme.
”

“
Hedi
dnotl
eav
eLone.Shel
efthi
m.”

“
Ifeel
youar
enegat
ive.
”

“
Iam notgoingtoli
et oy
ouifthat
’swhatyouar
ehopingfor
.You
l
ethi
m usey outhi
nkinghel
ovedy ou.Menli
kePri
ncear
enotthe
t
ypethatcouldbeunsureofyou.I
fhewantedhewouldhave
marr
iedyoubynow. ”

“
Youar
ejustnegat
ive.
”

“Pearl
, i
tdi
dn’
ttakemyhusbandf i
v ey
earstomar r
yme.Prince
sti
lldoesn’
twanttobeseenwithy oubecauseyouarethat
womanwhosl eptwi
thhi
smyf riendsgetti
ngfuckedev
erycorner
.
Aftertheywer
edonewithyou,theyspityououtli
keaused
condom.Whatmakesy outhinkhewoul dloveyou?”

“
Hel
ovesme.Iknowmyman.
”

“I
jomma, conti
nuedr
inki
ngthi
ngs.MyhusbandandIam ar
e
goingoutforsomefr
eshair
.Wewi l
ltal
k.

Thefriendhungup.Pearlt
ookadeepbr eat
handgulpedher
sol
ution.Shetookouttheplainy oghur
tandquickl
yateit
.She
walkedt ot
hesitt
ingr
oom andl aidonthecouchholdi
ngher
phonewhi l
edoingkegelexercises.
*
**

Abalengparkedhercari
nhergat
ejustasapoli
cecardr
ovein
behindher
.Herheartbeati
ncr
easedasherkneesgotweak.Two
poli
ceoffi
cersst
eppedoutandwalkedovert
oher.

Theyknockedonherwi
ndow.Shesl
owl
yrol
l
edi
tdown.

“
Dumel
ang.
.”

“Mr
sThari
,canyoupleasecomewit
huscomewi
thust
othe
pol
i
cestat
ionforsomequesti
oni
ng.
”

Abal
engl
ookedatt
hem shaki
ngwi
thf
ear
.

*
**

Lat
erthatdayAtangopenedt
hedoorf
orThabi
thenshegoti
n.
Sheleanedbackfeel
i
ngweak.

“
Mama,
Ihavetaggedy
ouonmyFacebookpost
.Iwantust
ost
art
t
hel
i
vevi
deo.
”

“
Lomo,
Idon’
twantt
obeonFacebook.
”

“
Buty
ouhav
efans.
”

“
Youar
etheonewi
thf
ansnotme.
”
At
anggoti
nthecart
henst
art
edt
heengi
neandr
ever
sed.

“Ok,
thencanwedoaphotoshoott
omor
row.Daddycanmommy
andIdoaphotoshoot
?”

Thabi
shookherhead.“
Lomo.
.”

“
Itwi
l
ljustbeaphot
o-“

“
Lel
omoIsai
dno!
”

“
But
-“

At
angl
ookedathert
hrought
hemi
rr
or.“
Lomo…”

Shekeptquietandsadlylookedoutt
hrought
hewi
ndow.Thabi
rubbedhereyesinsi
lence.

At
angsmi
l
ed.“
Wewi
l
lhav
eaphot
oshootsomeday
.Notnow.
”

Ri
yasmi
l
ed.“
Iwi
l
ltakepi
ctur
est
oodaddy
?”

“
Yes.Wewi
l
lal
ltakepi
ctur
es.
”

Hehel
dThabi
’
shand.“
It
sok.
”

Shenoddedsni ffi
ng.At angturnedbyt hefil
l
ingstat
ionstepped
outtalki
ngtothef uelattendant.Thabitookadeepbr eat
h
watchinghim speak.Shesl owlysmi l
edt henpausedashisphone
rang.Shelookedati tthenreachedf orit
.Shelookedatunsav ed
numbercal l
i
ngt henpickedt hecall.

“Heybabe,
Ijustl
anded,
IknowyousaidIshoul
dn’
tIneedal
i
ft
home.Mysistercoul
dn’
tcome.Shegotbusy.
”

.
Your
sTr
uly

#128

“
Hi,
youar
espeaki
ngt
oMr
s.Dani
el.What
’sy
ourname?
”

Ther
ewassi
l
encef
orasecondt
henshespoke.“
Ihav
etogo.
Bye.
”

“Yourhel
pwasappreciat
ed,Icanseehepr obabl
ygotsomeone
whocanhelphimreli
efthefrust
rati
onbutIam backnowandy ou
canbackoff
.Kebualewenasent ewithr
espectaker
ennaka.
Yaanongkekopaontsutelekeagelelapalaaka.
”

“
Tel
lAt
angt
ocal
lme.KeMamo.
”

Shehungup.Thabitookadeepbreat
hholdinghisphone,her
handsshaki
ng.Atangwalkedi
nsi
dethefi
ll
ingstati
onstoreand
walkedoutminut
eslater
.Hegotbackint
hecarandki ssedher
cheek.

“
Igoty
ouchocol
ate.Ourf
li
ghtl
eav
esont
hir
tymi
nut
es.
”

“
Idon’
twantt
ogot
oMaun.Let
’sgot
othehouse.
””

At
angl
ookedather
.“Babeourf
li
ght
s-“

“
Takemet
othehouse.Iam t
ir
ed.
”

Atangstart
edthecaralr
eadysensingsomet
hingwasoff.He
drovet
ot hei
rhouseinGaborone.Hedrovei
nthrought
hegate
andparkedinthegaragenexttohercar.

Het
urnedt
ohi
ski
dswhower
eal
readysl
eepi
ngt
hencar
ri
edt
hem
onebyonei
nsi
det
hehousebef
oref
inal
l
ycomi
ngbackf
orThabi
.

“
Let
sgoi
nsi
de.
”

“
Whoi
sMamo?
”

At
abgf
rowned.“
Who?
”

“
Mamo.Whoi
sMamo?
”

“
Idon’
tknow.Whoi
sshe?
”

“
Atang,
don’
tyouthi
nkwear
etoogr
ownf
orl
i
es?Don’
tyout
hink
weshoul
dpastt
hat?”

“
Iam l
ost
.Babewhat
’sgoi
ngon?
”

Tearsfi
l
ledherey
es.“
Whoi
sMamo?Ther
eisnoneedt
oli
e
Atang.
”

“
BabeIdon’
tknowwhot
hati
s.”

“
Waaka!Whyar
eyoul
yi
ng?Ol
dhabi
tsdodi
ehar
ddon’
tthey
?”

“
Thabi
-“

“
Youcan’teventel
lmet
het
rut
h.”Tear
srol
l
eddown.“
Canty
ou
j
ustbehonest?”

“
Idon’
tknowwhot
hati
s.”

“
Shecal
l
edy
ou.Ispoket
oher
.”

At
angl
ookedatherf
urt
herconf
used.“
Shecal
l
edme?
”

“St
opmakingmefeelst
upi
d.Ijustneedt
het r
uth.Iam not
div
orci
ngy
oufort
hat.Ij
ustneedtoknowt hetrut
h.”
“Idon’
tknowwhot hati
sRet
habile.Idon’tknowwhyshewould
callme.
”Hetookhisphoneandunl ockedhisscr
een.Hel
ookedat
thenumberthencall
edit
.Helookedather .

“I
t’
snotgoingthroughbutIdon’tknowwhot hati
s.Iam not
cheat
ingony ou.Iwishyoucoul
dhav eali
ttl
efait
hinme..Ihave
beennothi
ngbutf ai
thful
toyou.Ihavelov
edy ouandyouonl y
.
Whywoul dIcheatwhenIhappywi thyou.
”

“Youbeinghappywithmehasnev erstoppedy ouinthepast.She

call
edwantingtobepickedfortheairport.Iknowitsheisyour
side.Iwasi
nSouthAf r
icafortwomont hs.Iknowy ouar
eseei ng
someoneconsideri
ngitwear enothav i
ngt osex.”

“
Ist
hatwhaty
out
hinkofme?
”

Shesnif
fed.“
Ijustwanty
out
obehonestwi
thme.Howl
onghav
e
youbeenseeingher?”

“
Iam notcheatingonyou.BecauseIl
oveyou.Iam sady ou
woul
dst i
l
lment ionmypastmist
akesevenaf
tereveryt
hing.Iam
morethanjustsadthatyouwoul
dactual
lyt
hinkIwouldcheat .
”

“Youarenotgoi
ngtoemot i
onall
ybl
ackmail
met ogetawaywit
h
thi
s.Iknowyouandthepersonyoubeare.I
t’
sf*cki
ingl
i
esthat
gettomebutIam surpr
ised.Thi
siswhoyouare.”

“
Iam goi
ngt
osl
eep.
”

“
Yes!Wal
kawayl
i
keacowar
dyouar
e.”

Atangtookherbagsandwal
kedinsi
dethehouseleav
ingherwi
th
thephone.Hetookashowerandputonhisbr
ief
sjustasshe
wal
kedi
nwi
thr
eddi
shey
es.

Hegotinbedbyandlai
donmyhisside.Thabi
sadl
ybewal
kedt
o
t
hebathroom t
ryi
ngt
oholdhert
ear
s.

*
**

Zazadrankmoreoft
hest
rongpai
nki
l
ler
sasherst
omachached.
ShelookedatMamo.

“
Youwi
l
lcal
lhert
omor
row.Butdoi
twhi
l
eIam t
her
e.”

Mamonodded.“
Ok.Ar
eyouok?
”

“
Yes.Thanky
ouf
orwhaty
oudi
d.”

Mamosmi
l
ed.“
Any
time.
”

Mamost eppedoutoft hecarwi t

hherhandbagandwalkedin
thr
ought hegat e.Zazat ookadeepbr eat
hsweati
nganddrove
homei nexcr uci
atingpain.Sheslowlywalkedi
nsidet
hehouse
andboileddonewat er.Shemi xedacoupleofthi
ngsanddranki
t
all
beforelyingdownont hecouchgrunti
nginpai
n.

Shecl
osedherey
esast
hepai
nincr
eased.

*
**

Lat
ert
hatni
ghtPr
incel
aidawakegoi
ngt
hroughputLone’
s
Facebookpict
uresandshelookedl
i
keshewast
rav
elingalot
thoughther
ewasnopi ct
ureofaman.I
tmadehi
mf eelbet
ter
.

Shelookedbeaut
if
ulandherbodyl
ookedevenmor
etoned.He
cont
inuedsavi
ngherpict
uresi
nhisphone.

Pearl
tur
nedinhersl
eep.Pr
incet
urnedandcont
inuedscr
oll
i
ng
thr
oughthepi
ctur
es.

Hewenttohermessengerandsentheramessaget
hrough
messenger
.

Pr
ince:
Hey
…”

Hewait
edforherreplywhil
ePearlsnowedl
oudl
y.Hegotupand
wal
kedtot
hebat hroom hol
dinghi
sphone.

Pr
ince:
Imi
ssy
ou.

Hei
ssenti
tsi
tt
ingont
het
oil
etseat
.

*
**

Atthepoli
cestati
on,Abel
engsatinjai
lcel
l
.Shetookadeep
breat
hasshet houghtofbei
nglockedinpr
isonf
orbeingan
accompli
ce.I
fany t
hinghappenedtoThabishewouldnowgot
o
pri
sonformurder.

Shesnif
fedthinki
ngofherhusband.Hewasobvi
ousl
ygoingto
repl
aceher.Shesnif
fedagai
nseatedwit
hotherl
awoffender
s.
*
**

AtAt
ang’
shouse,Thabiwalkedoutinagownandsatdown
st
ari
ngathi
m sl
eeping.Shereachedforherphoneanddi
aled
Momoasherheartraced.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Momo?
”

“
Yes.Whoi
sthi
s?”

Thabit
ookadeepbreat
h.Shepr
essedherl
i
pst
oget
herand
wipedawayhert
ear
s.

“
Hel
l
o?Whoi
sthi
s?”

“Youar espeaki
ngtoAt ang’
swife.Idon’
tknowwhatarrangement
youhav ewithAtangbutIdon’thavetheenergytofi
ght
.Ihav e
cancerandmychancesofsur vi
valarecl
oset ozer
o.Wehav etwo
kids.Iwantmyki dsexperi
encewhatahappyf amil
yfeelsli
ke.
Nnakakeagokopa. .
.”Thabit
ookabr eat
hwi pi
ngawayhert ear
s.
“Pleasejustgi
vemeamomentwi thmyhusbandandki ds.You
willtakeoveronceIam dead.Iam beggi
ngy ou.
”

Mamosi ghed.“Iam sorry.Ididn’

tknow.TotatobehonestIdon’t
evenknowy ourhusband.Iam j ustacleaner
,mybossaskedme
todothat.Pl
easedon’ tconfronther.Ist
il
lwantmyjob.Iam nota
homewr ecker.Iam sorryforthepainandconfusi
on.”

“
Who’
syourboss.
”

“
Zaza.Iam sor
ry.
”
Thabi
closedherey
es.“
Thanky
ou.Forbei
nghonest
.”

“
Eemma.Goodni
ght
.”

Shehungup.Thabiwal
kedoutofthebathr
oom andl
ookedat
Atangwhowassleepi
ngasguil
tychokedher.

Shesl
owl
ywal
kedt
owar
dst
hebedandgotonbedt
hent
ouched
hi
m.

“
Babe…”

Her
emai
nedsl
eepi
ng.Sheshookhi
m gent
ly.

“
Att
ie…r
ragweLomo…”

Sheshookhi
m.Hewokeupandl
ookedather
.“Ret
habi
l
eIdon’
t
wanttofi
ght
-“

“Iam sorr
y …Iwaswrongandoutofl
ine.Iam sor
ryf
orcal
li
ngy ou
namesandaccusi ngyou.Idohav
efait
hinyoubut…Iam sorr
y.
Pleaseforgiv
eme..”

Dopar
ti
cipat
equi
ckl
ysowecansqueezei
nanot
herbonus.
Your
sTr
uly

#129

At
angsi
l
ent
lyl
ookedather
.

“Iam sorry.Ijust…It hought…i

t’
shardnott othinkaboutit
.It’
s
nothi
ngt odowi t
ht rust.I
t’
severyt
hingt odowi thme.Iam the
problem.It hink…Iwantt hebestfory oubutIam scaredof
watchingithappenwhenIknowIam nott hebest .Iam…Iam not
makingexcuses.Iam sor r
y,Iwaswr ongbut…someonej ust
call
edy ourphoneandspokel i
kethat…Igoti tscaredandwent
outofline.It rustyou.Ido.AndIl onggotov erthepast.Idid.I
…”
Shebl i
nked. .“Butsomet i
mesIam onl yhuman.Kegot hokgetsi
maitseo.Iam sor r
y .Pleaseforgi
veme. ”

“
Youwer
esosur
eIam cheat
ing.Whathappened?
”

“
Ithoughtt
hingst
hroughcal
mly
.Iam sor
ry.
”

“Letitbethelastti
meyoutalktomel i
kerekostrateng.Idon’t
knowwhoMi mikanaMoll
yis.Idon’
tevenknowt hatnumber .I
knowi t’
snaturalt
oassumeaf t
erthephonecallbuttocallme
namesi ssomet hi
ngIwon’tenter
tai
n.Ihavenevergiveyoua
reasontot hi
nkIwouldhur
ty ouli
kethatagai
n.”

“
Iam sor
ry.I
twon’
thappenagai
n.Iam sor
ry.
”

“
It
sok.
.let
’smov
epasti
t.
”

Hepul
l
edherl
i
ghtbodyont
opofhi
m.Thabi
smi
l
ed.

“
Thanky
ouf
orbei
ngmat
ureenought
owal
kaway
.”
Hepull
edhercl
oserandkissedher
.Hefl
ippedthem gent
ly
get
ti
ngontopofhim get
ti
ngbetweenherlegscaressi
ngherbody
.

“
Att
ie…”Shel
ookedathi
m under
neat
hhi
m.

Hel
ookedi
nherey
es.“
It
’sok.Rel
ax.Iam nott
aki
ngi
tfar
.”

Hetookoffhernightdressandkissedhermore.Hekissedher
neckthenherl
ips.Thabi’shear
tpoundedashet ookoffhi
sshi
rt
andpull
edoutherpant y.Helookedatp*ssy
,hi
sheartraci
ngas
hi
sdicgrewevenhar derinhispants.

Hegent l
ymassagedherbr east
sthenunzi
ppedhispantsand
tookitout.Shef
earf
ullyputherhandonhi
schestasher ubbed
himselfonherbreat
hingheavil
ytry
ingt
okeephimselfunder
check.

Hisdickgotevenharderasprecum oozedout .Hesmearediton

herasandpar tedherp*
ssyli
ps.Hecoul dbarelybeseehersweet
hole.Hepressedtheti
pathertenderentrance…

“
Att
ie…”

Hel ookedatherti
nyholealreadyimaginingthepleasureofbei
ng
buri
eddeepi nsi
de…fuckhemi sseditthatmuch.Hel eanedover
andsuckedherdelicat
ely.Thabi sl
owlyrelaxedsl
owlygetti
ng
aroused.

Atangconti
nuedworki
nghist
ongueinhermuff
ingherl
i
keapr
o.
Sheletoutasli
ghtmoan,
hernippl
eshar
deni
ng.

Heli
ft
edhi
sheadandherl
ipsr
unninghi
sdicupanddownher
nowwetsl
i
t.Hesl
owlyr
eachedforthel
ubeonhi
ssideoft
hebed.
Thabilookedathim asherubbedhi
slubr
icat
eddickonher.She
tookadeepbr eathasfearhadhert
ensi
ng.Atangki
ssedherneck
gentl
ymassagi nghercli
twit
hhisdi
ck.

Sherel
axed,herhandsonhi
sbi
ceps.At
angsl
i
ddownandpushed
atherent
rance.

“
Att
ie-
“

“
It
sjustt
het
ip.
.Ipr
omi
se.
.”

“
Att
iei
t’
s.
.awww.
.”

He#r
emov
ed

Your
sTr
uly

#129

#r
emov
ed

-
Hepushedt
het
ipf
orcef
ull
yst
ret
chi
nghert
inyhol
e.

“
Atangi
t’
s…ohhh…”

Hegav
eitanot
herpusht
hent
het
ippopped.Shepi
nchedhi
m.

“
Babei
t’
spai
nful
!”

Atangclosedhi
sey
esashert
ightwal
lsgr
ippedhi
sweapon
ti
ghtl
y.Thefeel
i
ngcoul
dal
mostparal
yzehim.
Atangki
ssedherci
rcl
ingtheti
pinsi
de.Helookedatherand
pushedi
njustabit
,hervagi
nalmusclesgr
ipi
nghim somuchhe
grunt
ed.

Tearsfi
l
ledThabi’seyesasthepainfel
tli
kehewasrippingher
apart
.Hekissedherneckgentlyj
ustusinganinchofhisdick
tappi
ngherwalls.Helookedathertear
ssomehowf eeli
ngguilt
y
buthecouldn’
tbringhimsel
ftostop…notwhenshef el
tliket
his.

Heslidoutandrubbedhercl
itbef
oretur
ninghertoherside.He
spoonedherstroki
nghimsel
fthensli
dhisweaponbet weenher
thi
ghs.Hefuckedherthi
ghs,hi
sdickgentl
ytappi
ngherclit
.He
grunt
edbehindher,shecl
osedhereyesrel
axingf
urther.

Hercl
itgotmor
eandmor
esensi
ti
vet
hemor
eher
ubbedhi
s
weapononher.

Thabiletoutasl
i
ghtmoan, herpussythr
obbingatthepleasur
e.
Sheslowlygotevenwett
erthemor ehecontinuedt
appinghercli
t.
Heheldherwaisthol
dinginplaceandpartedherpussyli
pswith
hi
sdickandpushedslidi
nginquarterofhi
sdi c.

Shehelpedt
ryi
ngtomov eawaybutAtangheldheri
nplace.He
sl
idoutandpushedbackinagai
ntappingherg-
spor
t.

“
Atang!
”

Heconti
nuedtappinghergroani
ngathert
ightness,thepl
easur
e
dri
vi
nghiminsane.Hecouldn’tr
ememberthelastt i
mehehad
hadsexandhewasn’ tev
esur ei
fhewasev engoingt ol
astmore
twominut
es.Heignoredherscreamsunabletoev enhearaword
shewassaying.
Thepleasur eincr
easedwi
theachthrustpul
l
inghi
mt otheedge
ashegr unteddr i
l
li
ngherl
i
ttl
ehole.Hepussytwit
chedasshe
sl
owlyadj usted.

Hepushedinal
mosthal
fhi
sdi
ckandst
il
ledgr
oani
ng,
hisj
uices
f
il
li
ngherup.

Hesl
idoutandwat
chedashermeatclosedupwhil
ehiscum ran
downherbut
t.Het
urnedherar
oundandlookedathert
ears.

Heki
ssedher
.“Iam sor
rybabe…”

Shesni
ff
ednoddi
ng.Hepul
l
edheri
nhi
sar
msandsi
ghed.
“
Thanky
ou.
.”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Iam happyIcoul
dhel
p.”

“Bytheway,Zazaoff
eredtohelpmeandtheki
ds.I
tsortof
soundedl
ikeshewasal sooff
eri
ngtohel
pmeininappr
opri
ate
ways.Maybey oucantalkt
oher.”

“Ihavenot
hingt
otalktoZachari
ahabout.Iwantt
ocutherof
f.
Pleasebl
ockherbecauseIam al
sogoingtoblockher
.”

“
Ok.Consi
deri
tdone.
”

*
**

AtZaza’shouse,Zazaconti
nuedsweat ingsl
owlywalki
ngoutof
herhouseholdinghercarkeys.Shelockedthedoor.Her
i
ntest
inesturnedasshewal kedtowardshercar,shepausedand
vomit
edbloodont heground.

Hernei
ghborwhowassmoki ngoutsi
delookedov
erasshe
st
ruggl
edgett
ingi
nhercar.Thepaintwist
edheri
ntest
ines,
she
sl
owlyknel
tdownaspaincri
ppledher.

Thenei
ghborj
umpedov
ert
hef
encet
hrowi
ngherci
gar
ett
e.

“
Hi…ar
eyouok?
”

Shel
ookedathi
m cr
ying.

“
Myst
omach….
”
Hepickedherupandputheratt
hebackseatt
henj
umpedhercar
anddroveoutthr
ought
heopengate.

Hel
ookedather
.“Hey
…whathappened?
”

Shecoil
edherbodyintoaball,
pai
nweakeni ngherfurt
her
.He
drov
eev enf
asterheadedtothehospit
al.Hepulledupatt
he
emergencyr
oom andcar r
iedheri
nsidescreamingforhel
p.

Atthehospit
al,
theneighborpar
kedhercarpr
oper
lythenwal
ked
backinthehospit
alandsatdown.Hetookadeepbreathpi
cki
ng
hi
sf r
iend’
scall
.

“
Lai
taka…”

“
Lef
ikawehav
ear
ri
ved.Wher
ear
eyou?
”

“
Remembermynei
ghbor
?”

“
Whi
chone?TessaThompson?
”

Lef
ikal
aughed.“
Yeah,
she’snotwel
l
.Irushedhert
othehospi
tal
.
Gongweaft
erthi
sIwil
lshootmyshot.
”

Hisf
ri
endlaughed.“
Youhav
enotbeeni
nthegamef
orawhi
l
e,o
i
tsegoposha?”

“
Want
wael
awena.
”

Anur
sewal
kedov
ert
ohi
m.“
Dumel
ang,
thedoct
orwoul
dli
ket
o
seey
ou.
”

Hefol
l
owedaf
terhert
othedoct
or’
sof
fi
cehangi
ngupt
hensat
down.

“
Isev
ery
thi
ngok?
”

“
Yes,
whoar
eyout
oher
?”

“
Her
…herboy
fri
end.I
ssheok?
”

“Wear esuspect ingy ourgi rl

friendi ngestedar senicchemi cal.I
t’
s
verydanger ouspoi sont hatcausest hecr amps, di
ar r
hea, vomiti
ng,
sweat ingandj ustexcr uciati
ngpai n.Wear egoi ngt oper f
orm
bowel i
rr
igat i
on.Aspeci alsolutioni spassedt hrought he
gastrointest i
naltract,flushingoutt hecont ents.Thei r
rigati
on
remov est racesofar seni candpr eventsitf r
om bei ngabsor bed
i
nt othegut .Wear eal sogoi ngt odot hechel at i
ont herapy.This
treatmentusescer tainchemi cals,includi
ngdi mer captosuccini
c
acidanddi mer caprol,toi solatet hearseni cfrom thebl ood
proteins.”

“
Eishdoct
or,
thosebi
gwor
dsar
eforme.I
sshegoi
ngt
obeok
t
hough?”

“Yes.Buti
nawhi l
e.Shewil
lrecover
,it
’sgoodyoubroughtherin.
Wewi llmonit
orherhear
tandkidneyfunct
ionbecausearseni
c
affect
sthose.”

“
Thanky
ou.
”

“
Youcangoandseeher
.”
*

I
nZaza’
sroom,
Lef
ikast
oodbesi
desher
.Hehel
dherhand.

“
Hi….
”

Zazasl
owl
yopenedherey
esandl
ookedathi
m.Lef
ikasmi
l
ed.

“
Hi.Youar
egoi
ngt
obef
ine.
”

Zazaspokeweakl
y.“
Iwaspoi
sonedatt
hepar
ty…”

“
Bywho?
”

“
Mycousi
n.Shegav
emeherj
uice…shewant
stohur
tme.
”

“
Doy
ouwantt
orepor
thert
othepol
i
ce?
”

Zazatearf
ulshookherhead.“
It
sfi
ne.Cany
oupl
easebor
rowme
yourphone.”

Lefi
kahandedhert
hephone.Zazadi
aledAt
ang’
snumberandput
thephoneonherear
.

Thabi
pickedt
hecal
lmeasLef
ikawal
kedoutgi
vi
ngherspace.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Soy
oupoi
sonedmeaty
ourpar
ty”

“
Excuseme?
”

“Iam atthehospi
tal
.Ist
art
edget
ti
ngsi
ckaf
terIdr
anky
ourj
uice.
Youar eevi
l.
”

“
Idi
dn’
tpoi
sony
ou.Idon’
tev
enhav
ear
easont
obutgoahead
andbel i
evewhateveryouwantt obel
ieve.Iam ver
ydisappoint
ed
thatyouaretry
ingbyal lmeanstogetr i
dofmet oapoi ntof
havingyourmaidcal l
towr eckmymar ri
age.Notthatit
’senough
youwantmet odieandt akeovermyf amil
y.Iam goi
ngt okeep
fi
ghtingti
llmyverylastbreathandev
eni fIweretodie,youwil
l
neverbewi t
hAtang.”

“Eveni f?Youar egoingt odie.Youwon’ tbet herebutIwi llbe.

WhenIsai dal lt
hatIwasj ustt r
yingtoeasey ourstresssot hatat
l
easty ouknowi t’smewi thAt angandt hekids.Aftery oudie, Iwil
l
bet heret ocomf ortAtangforhi slossandIwi ll
makesur eyouar e
forgotten.Thatl i
ttl
eperfectfami l
yofyourswi llbemi ne.Imet
Atangf irst.Hewasmi nefir
st.Goaheadandenj oyyourl ast
moment sbecauseIcanal r
eadyheary ourdeat hcalli
ngf ory ou.
Don’ twor r
y ,
Ishallsingandcr ywhi l
ewel owery ourcof f
in.Iwi l
l
takegoodcar eofhim andtheki dswhiley ourbodyr ots.
”

AYEARLATER….

.
Your
sTr
uly

#130

AYEARLATER…

Atangsil
entl
ystar
edatt hegrave.I
thadonl ybeen8mont hssi
nce
herdeathbuthesti
llcouldn’
tseem tofullgr
aspthatshewas
gone.Hekneltandpluckedoutthegr assaroundhergrave
cleani
ngitup.Hefi
xedt hefr
eshf l
ower shehadgottenandsaton
topofthegrave.

Hecouldsti
llhearhervoi
ceinhi
shead.St i
llhearherlaughorcal
l
hisname.Het r
iedtorememberthelastthi
nghehadsai dtoher.
Theyhadbeenl aughi
ngathowcrazyinlovehewas.Whatwas
thatshehadsaid…somet hi
ngaboutbeingwi t
htherightful
personwasthebestgiftGodcouldevergiv
eany one.

Tear
sbur nthi
seyes.Hehadn’
tseeni tcoming.I
thadt
akenhim
byshock.Somehowhej ustdi
dn’tunderst
andhowGodwor ked
someti
me.Shehadbeensopr eci
ous…

Hest
aredathernameimpri
ntedont
heglossyt
ombst
one.He
st
oodupminuteslat
erandr
ubbedhi
seyessadl
y.

“
Ilov
eyou…”

Hebli
nkedastear
sfil
ledhi
sey es.Hetookadeepbreaththen
t
urnedandwalkedbacktohiscar.Hejumpedinandlookedatthe
t
imethenjoi
nedtheroaddri
vingoff.
Hi
sphoner
ang,
her
eachedf
ori
tandpi
cked.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Okae?(
Wher
ear
eyou?
)”

“
Iam onmyway
.Ihadt
oseeherf
ir
st.
”

Agangsi
ghed.“
Ihopey
oupassedmyl
ovet
oher
.”

At
angl
aughed.“
Sheknows.
”

“
Didy
out
ell
herIl
oveher
?”

“
Yeah.It
oldheri
nmyhear
t.
”

“
Howf
arar
eyou?
”

“
Ijustl
eftt
hegr
avey
ard.Iwi
l
lbet
her
elat
eatni
ght
.”

“
Ok.Asl
ongasy
ouar
ri
vebef
oresi
xint
hemor
ning.
”

“
YeahIwi
l
lbet
her
e.”

“
Sur
e,y
ouhav
eyoursui
taker
e?”

“
Yes.Ker
eady
.”

“
Hav
eyouspokent
oPr
ince?
”

“
Yah,
he’
sonhi
sway
.Ishecomi
ngwi
thhi
snewgi
rl
fr
iend?
”

“
Hewon’
tleav
eher
.She’
stoobeaut
if
ulf
orhi
m.Hecan’
tbr
eat
he.
”

“
Iam happyhebr
okeupwi
thPear
l.
”

“Heneverlovedher.OrLonetoo.Kegor
ehel
amyboyopeki
siwa
kekuku.(P*ssydri
veshim cr
azy.)
”
Agangl
aughed.“
MmekanaPear
leneomonat
e.(
Pear
lissweet
.)
”

At
angl
aughedtoo.“Exact
lywhyhewentaf
terher
.Iam happyshe
di
dgi
vebeaut
if
ulkids.”

“
Isawt
hatLonei
sdat
ingsomeNi
ger
iandude.
”

“
Ihear
d.Oj
olal
ebowhot
sdoy
ouwont
sbaby
.”

Theybur
sti
ntol
aught
er.

“
Andhei
sri
ch.
”

“Yes.ButIl
iket
henewgi
rl
..she’
syoungandpr
ett
y.It
hinkhe
actual
lyl
ovesher.
”

“
Yeahkanashe’
sshy
.”

“
Ihav
eani
ncomi
ngcal
l
.Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.
”

“
Sur
e.”

At
anghungupandpi
ckedani
ncomi
ngcal
l
.

“
Heysweet
ie.
.”

“Daddy,
cany
oupl
easer
echar
gemyphone?Ther
eisnoWi
Fi
here.
”

“Lomo,yourot
hercousi
nsar
eal
lther
e.Putawayy
ourphoneand
playwi
ththem.”

“
Butt
heydon’
tli
keme.
”

“Youdon’
tknowthat
.Youjustassumetheydon’
tbecausey
ou
don’
ttal
ktothem.Wherei
sChr i
ssie?
”
“
Aunt
yKel
l
yisonherwaywi
tht
hem.
”

“
Ok.Justwai
tfort
hem.Putt
hephoneaway
.”

“Daddy,youarekil
l
ingmyvi
bet
obehonest.Isortoff
eel
abused
consider
ingIdidn’
tbri
ngmy
sel
fonear
th.Iam your
responsi
bil
it
y.”

Atanglaughed.“
Andasmyresponsi
bil
i
ty,
Iam say
ingputaway
thephone.WhereisRi
ya?
”

“
Play
ing.
”

“
See.
”

“
Ok.By
e.”

“
Ilov
eyou.
”

“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”

Shehungup.At
angi
ncr
easedt
hespeedheadedt
oMaun.

*
**

I
nMaun,
Lomopr
essedherphonesmi
l
ingasMaxt
yped.

Max:
Iam dr
ivi
ngov
er.Iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
row.

Lomo:
Ok.Imi
ssy
ou

Max:
Met
oo.ButIcan’
tmeety
oui
npubl
i
c

Lomo:
Iknow.
Max:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Lomo:
Not
hing.Keemet
simycl
osecousi
nst
ocome

Max:
Ok.Myphonei
sal
mostof
f.Wewi
l
ltal
kwhenIar
ri
vet
her
e.

Kel
l
ysnatchedthephonefr
om Lomolaughi
ng.Shel
ookedatt
he
messagesthenLomotookherphone.

“
Aunt
y!”

Kel
l
ylookedathert
hencl
osedLomo’
sdoor
.

“
Hi.
”

Lomol
ockedherphone.

Kel
l
ysmi
l
edst
ari
ngather
.“It
houghtwewer
ebestf
ri
ends…”

“
Wear
e.”

“
Who’
sMaxt
hen?
”

“
Noone.
”

“
Comeon…”

“
Youwi
l
ltel
luncl
ethenhewi
l
ltel
ldaddy
.”

“
Iwon’
t.Ipr
omi
se.
”

Lomosmi
l
edshy
ly.“
He’
smyboy
fri
end.
”

“
Isawt
hathedr
ives…ni
ce,
howol
dishe?
”

“
22y
ear
sol
d.”

“
Isn’
theal
i
ttl
eol
dfory
ou?
”
“
Ilov
ehi
m.”

“
Iknowbuty
ouknowwhatol
derguy
swantr
ight
?”

“
MaxknowsIam notr
eadyf
orsex.
”

“
Whati
fhewant
sit
?”

“Idon’
twantt
ohav
esex.Iam st
il
lyoung.AndIwantt
obea
doctor
.”

Kel
l
ysmiled.“
Good.I
fyouwantt
obeadoct
ort
heny
ouhav
eto
workhar
d.Andbecaref
ul.
”

“
Yes.
”

“
Buti
f.
.wheny
ouhav
esex,
tel
lmeok?Don’
tbescar
ed.
”

Lomosmil
ed.Kel
l
yhuggedher
.“Ial
sowantt
oseehi
m
tomor
row.
”

Lomonodded.“
Ok.
”

“
Chr
ist
iei
slooki
ngf
ory
ou.
”

Theywal
kedoutt
omeethercousi
ns.

*
**

Bat
angsmi
l
edstar
ingathi
ssonatt
hebackseatt
henl
ookedat
hi
swif
ewhi
ledr
ivi
ng.

“
He’
shandsome.
”
Lebol
aughed.“
Baby
,yousayt
hisal
mostev
ery
day
.”

“
Becausehel
ooksl
i
keme.
”

Lebol
aughed.“
Iny
ourdr
eams.
”

“
Hedoes.Lookathi
sface.
”

Lebot
urnedandl
ookedathi
m.Hedi
dlookl
i
kehi
sfat
herbut
…

“
No.Hedoesn’
t.
”

“
Hedoes.
”

Lebol
aughed.“
Ok.
.youwi
n.”

Batang’
sphoner
ang.Leboanswer
edi
tforhi
m put
ti
ngi
tonl
oud
speaker
.

“
Bat
ang.
.”

“
Rra?
”

“
Howf
arar
eyou?
”

“
Iam i
nRakopsnow.
”

“
Ok.Iwi
l
lar
ri
vel
ateatni
ghtbutIam comi
ng.
”

“
Ok.Di
dyouseeher
?”

“
Yes.
”

Bat
angsi
ghedsadl
y.“
Ok.
”

“
It
sok.Wewi
l
ltal
k.”

“
Ok.
”
At
anghungup.Lebosmi
l
ed.

“
Ilov
ether
elat
ionshi
pyouhav
ewi
thhi
m.”

Bat
angsmil
ed.“Hei
smyf
ather
.Justt
hatonef
atherIdon’
tcal
l
dadbuthei
s.”

Lebonoddedsmi
l
ingasBat
angdr
ove.

(
(Copy
right@2022byFezMat
siki
ti
.+26775447725

Allr
ightsr eserved:Nopar tofthisbookshallbereproduced,
di
stri
buted, orusedi nanyf orm orbyanymeans, electr
onic,
photocopy ing,mechani cal
lyorotherwise,wi
thoutthepriorwri
tt
en
permissionoft heaut hor.Anyper sonwhodoesunaut horized
worksinr elati
ont othispubli
cationwil
l beli
abl
etocr i
minal
prosecution.))

*
**

El
angf i
nishedwithhermakeupear
li
ert
hatnightwhi
l
eAt
so
watchedsadly.Shegotupandputonherheels.

“
Babe…”

“
Ifeel
li
key
ouar
egoi
ngt
odot
hingst
haty
oushoul
dn’
tbedoi
ng.
”

“
Whywoul
dIdot
hat
?”

“
It
sjustaf
eel
i
ng.
”
“
Tel
lthatfeeli
ngtogoaway.BecauseIl
ovey
ou.Iam goi
ngt
obe
wi
tht
hel adies.I
t’
sladi
esni
ghtout.
”

Hel
ookedatherdr
ess.“
Youl
ookt
oobeaut
if
ul.
”

“
Becauseot
herl
adi
eswi
l
lbel
ooki
ngbeaut
if
ul.
”

“
Can’
tyouj
ustt
ell
them y
oucan’
t?”

“
No.Goodni
ght
.”

Sheki
ssedhi
mleav
ingherr
edl
i
pst
icki
mpr
int
edonhi
sli
ps.

El
angtookherbagandwalkedout
.Shewalkedt
othepl
ayr
oom
wher
ethekidswherepl
ayi
ngwiththebaby
.

Shesmiledt
hent
ookapi
ctur
eandwal
kedoutcal
l
ingherbest
fr
iend.

“
Hel
l
o?”

“
Iam comi
ng.
”Shegoti
nhercar
.“Hel
ooksl
i
kehe’
saboutt
ocr
y.”

Herfr
iendl
aughed.“
Ij
omma,hubbyj
ustcal
led.Besay
sbef
orehe
goeshomehe’scomingt
oseewhatwear edoing.
”

Elangstar
tedt
hecar
.“Ai
imma,
Iam comi
ng.I
sMmaDal
ready
there?
”

“
Shei
sonherway
.”

“
Ok.Iwi
l
lbet
her
eont
went
ymi
nut
es.
”

“
Far
aical
l
edmey
est
erday
.”

“
Andwhatdi
dhewant
?”
“
He’
saski
ngf
orsomemoney
.Hesay
sthi
ngsar
ebad.
”

“
Ist
il
lcan’
tbel
i
evet
hatt
hisguywasaf
raudst
er.
”

“
Ilongsawaf
terheboughtt
hathouse.
”

Herf
ri
endl
aughed.“
Wenamma,
goshar
p.”

“
Bye.
”

Sher
ever
sedanddr
oveof
fheadedt
othehot
elwher
ethepar
ty
wasgoi
ngtobehel
d.

*
**

Thefol
lowingmorni
ng,att
heRiver
sidelodge,Pr
incepar
kedhi
s
carandlookedathi
syoungbeauti
fulgi
rl
fri
end.

“
Ready
?”

“
Yesj
ustt
haty
ourf
ri
endsscar
eme.
”

“
Don’
tmi
ndt
hem.Theydon’
tbi
te.
”

Tseosmil
ed,Pri
ncel
ookedatherdi
mpl
es.Shewassobeaut
if
ul,
it
madehim uneasy
.

Hel eanedov erandki

ssedherthensteppedout ,
Princei
nasui t
andTseoi nabeauti
fulbodyhuggingdress.Theywalkedinsi
de
ther i
verl
odgewher etheredcarpethadbeenr ol
leddown.They
fol
lowedi ttothebackofthelodgewher etheOkavangori
v er
passedby .
Pr
incesmiledatt
hebeautif
ulsetupwit
hwhiteandgol
d..t
he
walkedtot
heweddi ngcer
emonysetup.Tseosatdownwhile
Pr
incejoi
nedhisfr
iendsattheai
sle.

From theguestswhower ealr

eadyseat ed,somewat chedPri
nce
walkedadmi ri
ng.Tseol ookedathi m,tall
,buffandhandsome.
Wasi tasoldiert
hingorwasi tonlyhim?Het ur
nedtoherand
winkedmaki ngherbl ushlookingdown.Shehadmeet
understoodthe‘Agei sjustanumber ’statementti
llshemethi
m.
Beingwi t
hhim washeav en,hi
sdement edbabymamawasn’ tan
i
ssue, shewasst i
l
l goingtoputt hatoldieinherpl
ace.Momma
di
dn’traiseaweakl i
ng.

*
**

Kell
ydrov
eint
hrought
hegateatt
heRiv
ersi
delodgeandpar
ked
hercar
.Shest
eppedoutoft
hecarwi
ththeki
ds.

Lomopul l
eddownherdr essthathuggedhercurv
es.Talkabout
bei
ngbuiltl
ikemama.Shel ookedsobeautif
ulandgrown.Elang
parkedbesi
dehercarandal sosteppedouti
namat chi
ngdr ess
l
ikeKell
y’
s.Elang’
shusbandwav edatherthenwalkedthroughthe
l
odge.

Kel
l
ylookedatLomo.

“
Lomo,
goi
nsi
de.
”

Shewal
kedi
nsi
dewi
thhercousi
ns.Kel
l
ylookedatEl
ang.
“
Wher
eisshe?
”

“
Shesai
dshehadr
unr
usht
owor
k.Somet
hingt
hatneededher
.”

El
ang’
sphonev
ibr
ated.Shet
ookoutf
rom herpur
seandsmi
l
ed.

“
She’
sher
e.Let
’sgoi
n.”

Theywal kedinhol di
ngtheirl
itt
lebouquet s.Theywal kedin
throughtheRi ver
sidelodge.Kell
ysmi l
edcat chi
ngAgangst ari
ng
standingwithPr i
nceandAt ang.Shesl owlywal keddownt heaisl
e
withElang.Itactuall
ywassur pri
singthatAt angwasget ting
mar ri
edconsideringhowhi smot her’
sdeat hhadhi thim.Poor
l
adywasj ustfounddead.Shehaddi edinhersl eepf r
om nat ur
al
causes.Shel ookedatr r
agweAt angseat edatt hefrontrole
smi l
ingproudly.

Theystoodattheothersi
deofthepriest
.Minut
esl at
erKenny
Lat
timore,
Fory oupl
ayedthenBatangwalkedoverholdi
nghis
si
ster’
shand.I
nherwhi t
egown, Thabisl
owlywalkedwithhi
m
hol
dingherbouquetwithherot
herhand.

Atangsmiledwat chi
ngherwal kover
.Hershor thai
rhadbeen
styl
edint
owav ystyl
e.Shelookedsobeautiful
.Hehadmether
whenshewasonl y18andshewasmat uri
nglikefi
newi ne.They
haddefeatedthecancer ,
theyhaddefeatedev er
yotherchallenge
andbabygi r
lwasst i
llher
s.Tearsfi
ll
edherey es,helookeddown
rubbi
nghisey es.

Her
aisedhi
sheadasheadandsmil
ed.Thabi
lookedatt
het
ear
s
i
nhi
sey est
henshesmil
edemoti
onal
ly.

Hehel
dherhandst
hecuppedherf
aceandki
ssedher
.
“
Ilov
eyou…”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyoumor
e…Il
ovey
ousomuch.
”

Thepr i
estsmil
edwit
hever
yoneel
se.Thepr
iestst
art
edt
he
processtorenewt
heirv
ows.

*
**

ZazasatinLefa’shouselat
erthatdaygoingthr
oughThabi ’s
weddingpictur
es.Shelookedatthepict
uresbeingwel comedint
o
theDaniel
’sfamily
.ShelookedatThabi’
sGer manpr i
ntdressand
aherblanketblanketar
oundhershouldersshowingthatshewas
nowamar ri
edwoman.Zazar oll
edhereyes,wasitnecessary
thoughconsideri
ngtheywerealreadyl
egall
ymar r
ied.

ShelookedatThabi
’
swavedthenherbody.Sheseemedt obe
gai
ningalot
.Zazazoomedinthepi
ctur
e.Shewaspr obablyback
tosi
ze34.

Sheswipedthroughlooki
ngatt
hepict
uresofherwit
hAt
angand
thei
rki
ds.ShelookedatLomo’sgrownupfigur
e,t
hemor
eshe
grew,t
hemor eshelookedli
kehermother
.

Zazasighedthenconti
nuedscrol
l
ingdown.Onsecondthought
andunfri
endedThabi.Shepausedcomingacrossanar
ti
cleabout
Reba.Zazareadthr
oughjustasLefi
kawalkedbackhol
dingthei
r
gl
assesofjuice.

“
Babycany
oubel
i
eveRebahasbeensent
encedt
oli
fe?Andher
si
stert
ofi
vey
ear
sfort
ryi
ngt
oki
l
lme.
”

“
Theydeser
vei
t.
”

“
Ifeel
theyar
eli
tt
lehar
shonReba.Any
onewoul
dhav
ereact
ed
t
hesame.”

Lef
ikashookherhead.“
Youdon’tgoshooti
ngpeopl
ebecause
someonebrokeyourheart
.Shedeser
vesthatandmore.
”

“
Soy
out
hinki
twasr
ightf
orAt
angt
opl
ayher
?”

“
Nobutshewaswr
ongt
oshootsomeonei
nanat
temptt
oki
l
l.
”

“
Butl
i
fe?
”

“
Yes.I
fitwer
eamanwhatwoul
dyoubesay
ing?
”

Zazasi
ghed.“
Iwantt
ohav
eki
ds.
”

Lef
ikasmi
l
ed.“
Canwest
artt
ryi
ngnow?
”

Zazal
aughed.“
Yes.
”

Heki
ssedherget
ti
ngont
opofher
.Zazal
ookedathi
m.

“
Doy
ouseeusev
erget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
”

“
Yes.May
bei
ntwot
othr
eey
ear
s.”

Shesmi
l
edt
henpul
l
edhi
mforaki
ss.

*
**
RragweAt
angwalkedinsidethelodgewher
ehi
sy ounggi
rl
fr
iend
wasandsmil
edtakingoffhisjacketwhi
l
eshel
aidonthebed
nude.

Hequi
ckl
yundr
essedexci
tedl
yget
ti
ngont
opofher
.

Shegiggl
edastheoldmankissedherpar
ti
nggetti
ngreadyto
pushinhi
sdic.Shemoanedsoftl
yashepushedingrunti
ng.Now
thathi
swifewasdead,
hedidn’thav
etofeelgui
l
ty.

*
**

I
nMaun,lat
ert
hateveni
ngAt anggrunt
edont
opofThabi
of
fl
oadi
nghist
hickwarm seedsinsi
de.

Hel
ookedather
.

“
Hey
…”

Thabi
smi
l
ed.“
Iam pr
egnant
.It
hinki
t’
saboy
.”

At
angsl
i
doutandl
ookedather
,ahugesmi
l
eonhi
sface.

“
Real
l
y?”

Shesmi
l
ed.“
Yes.
”

“
Fucky
es!Yes!
”

Thabil
aughed.At
angt
ouchedherbel
l
y.“
Canwenamehi
m
Juni
or?”

Shenodded.“
Yes.
”
“
FuckIl
ovey
ou!
”

Hehuggedher
.Thabi
wrappedherar
oundhi
mlaughi
ng.

“
Ilov
eyout
oo…”

.
.THEEND.
.

Iknowit’
spainf
ulbutallgoodt hi
ngsconet oanend.Iwouldli
ke
tothankever
yonefortheirsupport
, t
iyguyswereamazing.Thank
youtoourbreadwinner
s,wecan’ tthankyouenoughforwhaty ou
didforus.Dokeepaney eont hepage.Til
lnext