[

31/
03,
23:
20]+27747280238:
37

QONDI
SIWE

Itgotbettereventual
ly,especi
all
ywhen Ical l
ed Khabo aftereveryper
iod.Itwas
l
unchti
menowandIwassi tt
ingalone,mostgirl
swer esit
ti
ngt oget
herandsower et
he
boys.Iwascarryi
ngal unchbox,t
oav oidlooki
ngf orshopsonmyf ir
stday
.Yesaf ew
eyeswereonme, Idon'tknowwhenI '
m goingtogetusedt othat.
.AsIwassitt
ingsome
gir
lwalkeduptome, sheevenlookedabi tscar
ed..

Her
:Hi

Ismi
l
ed.
.

Me:
Hel
l
o

Shesmi
l
edback.
.

Her
:CanIsi
tnextt
oyou?

Inodded.
.

Her
:Akhona

Me:
Qondi
siwe

Weshookhands.
.

Her
:Yazi
Iwasscar
edt
ocomet
oyou

Me:
Why
?

Her
:Youv
erybeaut
if
ulandmostgi
rl
swhoar
ebeaut
if
ular
eful
loft
hemsel
ves

Il
aughed.
.

Her
:Youbel
ongt
her
eint
hat"
cool
crew"

Me:
Iwon'
tfi
tin

Shetookoutal
unchboxt
oo,weexchangedsandwi
ches.
.Akhonaseemssmar
t,Idon'
t
knowwhatshe'
sdoi
ngher
einthi
sschool.
.

Her
:Hav
eyout
houghtaboutbei
ngamodel
?

Me:
Awhat
?
Shet
ookoutherphoneandshowedmeaf
ewpi
ctur
es.
.

Me:Angi
cabanginjeukut
hat
haizit
hombengi
ncunusof
orabant
ubonke(
Idon'
tthi
nkI
cant
akehalfnakedpi
ctur
esforpeopl
e)

Webothl aughed.ThankGodI
'
vemadeaf
ri
end.
.Wesaw MrSodl
akawal
ki
ngwi
th
anot
herTeacher.
.

Akhona:
Ithi
nkI
'
m goi
ngt
oenj
oymat
hs,
hei
shandsomeandhi
svoi
cegi
rl

Me:
Hai
wenahei
sourt
eacher

Her
:Wepr
act
ical
l
yinhi
ghschool
.
.Asi
phi
l
ekancane(
Let
'sl
i
veal
i
ttl
e)

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
Hai
changi
yabonga(
Not
hanky
ou)

Anot
hergi
rlj
oinedus.
.

Her
:Kudl
i
wani
?(Whatar
eweeat
ing)

Webothlookedathershocked,shedi
dn'
tev
engr
eetus.
.Shet
ookmyl
unchboxand
st
art
edeati
ng,Il
ookedatAkhona.
.

Gi
rl
:Yi
nimanj
e?(
What
'swr
ongnow)

Akhona:
I'
m sor
rybutwhoar
eyou?

Gi
rl
:Nesi
zul
uungasi
khul
umasi
ngaphandl
e(YoucanspeakZul
uweout
side)

Shet
henl
ookedatme.
.

Her
:Yaziyouarewhattheycal
l"I
ndoni
"ngesi
zul
u..Umuhl
eQ nj
engendoniy
amanzi
(
Youbeaut
iful
Q,l
ikeaGuardi
an)

Akhona:
Butwhoar
eyou?

Her
:Mynamei
sHappy

Somethinginmyheartmov ed,forsomereasonshedidremindmeofHappy .They

mightnotlookal
i
kebutherpersonal
i
tyandhowshetal
ks,
it'
sexact
lyl
i
keHappy
..

Akhona:
Akhona

Ismi
l
edather
..
Me:
Qondi
siwe

Happy
:IknowNdoni
yamanzi

Akhona:
Ndoni
yamanzi
?

Happy
:Uhl
alaphi
?(Wher
edoy
oust
ay)

Me:
Indoni
Yamanzi
isav
erybeaut
if
ulgi
rl

Akhona:
Ohhi
tmakessense

Happy
:Yazit
hosegi
rl
sar
egossi
ngabouty
ou?Uf
unasi
bal
ande?(
doy
ouwantust
oget
t
hem)

Me:
Cha.
.Asi
bay
eke(
let
'
sleav
ethem)

Happy
:Asi
dleni
ke(
Let
'scont
inueeat
ing)

Nowmydaywasget
ti
ngbet
ter
..

_
___
___
___

SI
NDI
SIWE

Ihavebeenst r
uggli
ngfort hepast2mont hs.Mymi nist
eroff i
nancej ustleftme
hangingbecausehiswifefoundoutaboutus,ImeanIhav eal i
fetomai nt ai
n.Renti
s
expensi
veandf i
ndinganothermini
steroff
inanceisgoi
ngtobev erydif
ficult.
.Ihear
d
someoneknocking,Ifr
eakedout.
.Iwenttoopen,i
twasMrsBi y
ela..Shewal kedin.
.

Her
:Isi
tdone?

Inodded.
.

Her
:Di
dyour
ecor
d?

It
ookoutmyphoneandshowedher
..

Her
:Good

Me:
Mymoney
?

Shet
ookoutanenv
elopeandhandedi
ttome.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Her
:Younotpr
egnantar
eyou?
Me:
NoMam'

Her
:Good.
.Onedown,
onemor
etogo

Ihatedoingthistomysi sterbut,Iwasdesper ate.Qondi

siwehasabi gheart,and
honestl
yIdon'
tli
keI baforher.Yesthiswi
llbreakherbutshewil
lev
entual
l
yf or
giv
eme,
I
'm prov
ingtoheralsothatIbaisnottobet r
usted.I
fhecansleepwit
hme, hecansleep
wit
hany oneel
se..Qondisi
wedeser vessomeonebet ter

_
___
___
__

LUNGI
SA

IlookedaroundandmyMot herwasn'
tanywher
etobeseen,t
hismakesherlookmore
guil
ty.Thi
swholeshitwasbori
ng,peopl
eweretal
ki
ngabouthim asifl
ikehewasthe
bestpersonwhil
sthewasshit
.It
ookoutmyphoneandwentonWhat sApp.

*
***
***
***
**What
sApp*
***
***
**

Me:
Thi
sthi
ngi
sbor
ing,
can'
tIski
pitandcomehav
efunwi
thy
ou?

Khabo:
Lol
noucan'
tski
p

Me:
It'
sbor
ing

Khabo:
Yout
heCEO,
uyakhumbul
a?(
doy
our
emember
)

Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Khabo:
Shoppi
ngwi
thBet
ty

Me:
Buysomet
hingsexyf
ort
oni
ght

*
***
***
***
***
***

Speaker
:Nowwegoi
ngt
owel
comet
heCEO,
MrLungi
saBi
yel
a

Thatcaughtmeoffguar
d,Idi
dn'tknow thattheyputmei ntheprogr
am.Isaidmy
goodbyestoKhaboandt
henwalkedtothef ront
,Idon'
tevenknow whatI
'
m goi
ngto
sayaboutthi
smanwhomademyl i
fedif
fi
cult.Howabout"Goodri
ddi
ncetor
ubbi
sh"

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Myphoner
angaswewer
egoi
ngt
ocl
ass,
itwasI
ba.
.
Me:
I'
ll
cat
chupwi
thy
ouguy
s,i
t'
smyboy
fri
end

Akhona:
Youhav
eaboy
fri
end?

Happy
:Ar
eyouser
iousl
ysur
pri
sed?Iwast
hinki
ngshehasboy
fri
ends

Me:
I'
ll
bet
her
eguy
s

Akhona:
I'
ll
sav
eyouaseat

Happy
:Ki
ssi
ngassar
ewe?

Theywal
kedaway
..

Akhona:
Isawherf
ir
stsoshe'
smybest
y

Happy
:Tr
yme

Ianswer
edmyphone.
.

Me:
Iba

Hi
m:Myl
ove

Me:
Arey
ouokay
?Bengi
khat
hazeki
l
engawe(
Iwaswor
ri
edabouty
ou)

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryl
ove,
Ijusthadt
oomuchf
un

Me:
Asl
ongasy
ouokay

Hi
m:Howdi
dyougett
oschool
?

Me:
Taxi

Hi
m:I'
m nothappyaboutt
hat
,I'
m sur
ethet
axidr
iver
swer
ethi
rst
ingy
ou.
.Wheni
syour
l
astcl
assI
'l
lfet
chyou

Me:
At14-

Voi
ce:
Langa

If
reakedout
..It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m al
mostdr
oppi
ngmyphone.
.

Hi
m:Wenzani
ntoni
ngaphandl
eshoul
dn'
tyoubei
ncl
ass?

Me:
I..Uhm
Hi
m:Wer
eyoucr
ying?

I
ba:
Whoi
sthat
?

Sodl
aka:
Yourey
est
heyshowt
haty
ou'
vebeencr
ying

Me:
NoI
..Iwasn'
treal
l
ycr
ying

I
ba:
Qondi
??

Ihungup.
..

Sodl
aka:
Gobackt
ocl
ass

Me:
YesSi
r

Imademybackt oclass,I
bacal
l
edagainbutIignoredhi
scal
l
..Ir
ushedbackt
ocl
ass,
Akhonar
aisedupherhandandIwentt
ositwit
ht hem..

Happy
:Thatwasaqui
ckcal
l

Theot
hergi
rl
slookedatus,
oneoft
hem st
art
edt
alki
ng.Looksl
i
keshei
sthel
eader
..

Gi
rl
:Phel
awegonnawal
kinl
atet
oev
erycl
asssowecanadv
ert
iseourbeaut
y

Wel
ookedatt
hem.
.

Gi
rl
:Wehav
eal
readyseent
haty
oubeaut
if
ulsopl
easegi
veusabr
eat
herMogur
l

Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngt
oher
..

Happy
:Whyi
sitt
hatt
hemostugl
i
estgi
rlal
way
shasabi
gmout
h?

Thecl
assl
aughed.
.

Gi
rl
:Bet
weeny
ouandmegi
rlIt
hinkI
'
m bet
terl
ooki
ng

Happy
:ForamomentIal
mostf
ellf
rom mychai
r,atl
easty
ousai
d"Bet
ter
"andnot
"
Beauti
ful
"

Thecl
assl
aughedagai
n..

Gi
rl
:It
hinkI
'
m goi
ngt
ohav
esomuchf
uni
nthi
scl
ass

Happy
:Met
ooheyi
t'
snotev
ery
dayIseeUgl
y

Il
ookedatAkhonaandwebot
hlaughed.
.
Gi
rl
:I
'dr
atherbe"
Bet
ter
"thant
osuckass

Happy
:I'
drat
hersuckasst
hant
obeadv
ert
isi
ngf
ort
heBi
g5

Akhona:
Any
onewi
thanal
oev
erapl
ease?becausecl
assgi
rlr
ightt
her
ejustgotbur
ned

Ev
ery
onel
aughed,
shedi
dn'
thav
eacomeback.
.Il
ookatHappyshel
ookedatmet
oo.
.

Her
:I'
l
lal
way
shav
eyourbackNdoni

Ismi
l
ed.
.

Me:
Iknow

Thet
eacherwal
kedi
n..It
hinkI
'
m goi
ngt
oenj
oybei
ngi
nthi
sschool

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
20]+27747280238:
38

KHABONI
NA

Itwasmyf ir
stt
imebeinginLungi'
scompany ,heshowedmearound.Itwasapr et
ty
smallworkenvi
ronment
,theynotav er
ybigf amil
ythought
heyhandl
ingaprettybig
proj
ect
..Iwassi
tti
ngont
opofhim andhelookedli
kehehadsomet
hingonhismind.

Me:
What
'swr
ong?

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:I
t'
snot
hingser
ious

Buthest
il
lseemedbot
her
ed.
.

Me:
Khul
umanami
(Tal
ktome)

Hi
m:Thi
sisnoneofourbusi
nessandIt
hinkweshoul
dleav
eitt
oQondi
andI
ba

Me:
Kwenzakal
ani
ngoQondi
?(What
'swr
ongwi
thQondi
)

Hekeptqui
et.
.

Me:
Lungi

Hi
m:I
basl
eptwi
thSi
ndi
Il
aughed.
.

Me:
That
'snotf
unny

Hedi
dn'
tl
augh,
hest
il
lmai
ntai
nedhi
sser
iousf
ace.Sohewasn'
tj
oki
ng.Igotof
fhi
m..
.

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Babel
et'
sthem handl
eit

Il
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:TheyAdul
ts

Inodded.
.

Me:
Okaywewi
l
llett
hem handl
eit

Hegotupf
rom hi
schai
randmadehi
swayt
ome.
.

Hi
m:Iwasaboutt
ohav
elunchmay
bey
oucanj
oinme

Ismi
l
ed.
.

Me:
I'
dlov
etookodwauBet
tyungi
mel
e(Bet
tyi
swai
ti
ngf
orme)

Hi
m:Ohw

Me:
I'
ll
seey
oul
ater

Heki
ssedme.
.

Hi
m:Lat
eri
tis

_
___
___
___

QONDI
SIWE

Schoolwasfi
nall
yout,honest
lyIdi
dn'
twannaleave.Iwashav
ingsomuchfunwit
h
HappyandAkhonabutthenwenowhaveawhatsappgroup,
wewill
bechat
ti
ngmor
e.

I
baf
etchedme,
hewasr
ightont
ime.
.Hehuggedme.
.

Hi
m:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul

Me:
Thanky
ou
Heopenedt
hedoorf
ormeandIgoti
n..

Itookoutmyphoneandstar
tedchatt
ing,t
heywerebusyt
alki
ngaboutMrSodlaka.I
t
seemsli
kemostfemal
est
udentsweretakenbyhi
m,hedoeslookhandsomeIwon'
tli
e.

I
bast
art
eddr
ivi
ng.
.

Hi
m:Howwasschool
?

Me:
School
wasni
ce(
Smi
l
ing)

Iwentbackt
ochat
ti
ng.
..

*
***
***
***
**What
sApp*
***
***
***
**

Happy
:Mat
hsi
sal
way
sthef
ir
stper
iod,
it'
sgoodt
oseeacut
efacef
ir
sti
nthemor
ning

Akhona:
Hei
sourt
eacher
,I'
m sur
eheseesusasnot
hingbut"
student
s"

Me:
Lol

Happy
:St
udent
sdat
eteacher
stheseday
s

Me:
Idoubthe'
ssi
ngl
e

Akhona:
Exact
ly!

*
***
***
***
*

Imust'vebeent
akenbyt
hechat
ssomuchthatIdi
dn'
thearIbatal
ki
ngt
ome,Iwasonly
broughtbackwhenhesnat
chedmyphonefrom me.
.Her oll
eddownthewi
ndow and
threwitout
..

Me:
Iba!
!!

Hepul
l
edov
erandst
opped.
.

Hi
m:I
'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyouandy
oubusyony
ourphone!

Iopenedthedoorandgotout
,togoandgetit
.Thatwasver
yunnecessar
y..Idi
dn'tev
en
noti
cethathewasf ol
l
owingme,Ipickedupmyphoneandt ur
nedaround,onlytobe
metbyhi m sl
appi
ngmeacr osstheface.Il
ookedathi
m shocked,I
bajustrai
sedhi s
handonme? ??

Hi
m:I
nthecarr
ightnow!
!!
Hewasmad,hewasv erymad.Whydidn'
theaskmewhoIwast
alki
ngt
oot
han
r
esor
ti
ngt
othat
?Thatwasuncal
l
edf
or.
.

_
___
_

SI
NDI

Ihadaf ew missedcall
sfrom Qondi
siwe,Idon'
tknow whatI'
m goi
ngtosaytoher.I
can'
tfaceheraft
erthi
s,Iwon'
tevenbeabletolookather
.Ihear
daknockatthedoor
..

Me:
I'
m comi
ng

Ihopei
t'
snotMr
sBi
yel
a,shehasbor
edmeenought
oday

Iopenedt
hedoorandi
twasKhabo,
shewaswi
thsomeot
herwoman.
.

Me:
Khabo

Shemadeherwayi
n,Icl
osedt
hedoor
..

Woman:
Hi,
I'
m Bet
ty.
.Khabo'
sfr
iend

Me:
I'
m Si
ndi
..I
'
m hersi
ster

Bet
ty:
OhwIcanseet
her
esembl
ancenow

Il
ookedatKhabo.
.

Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
ecomi
ng,
youshoul
d'
vecal
l
ed

Shepunchedmei
nthef
ace.
.

Me:
Awwww!
!!

Her
:Howcoul
dyou?

Me:
Howcoul
dIwhat
?

Her
:Sl
eepwi
thuI
ba?

Me:
Whot
oldy
ou?

Her
:Soi
qini
so?

Shedidn'
twai
tformet
orespond,sheslappedmeandt henpull
edmywi g.Itf
ellonthe
fl
oor
.Khaboisgoodwhenitcomest ofight
ing,def
endi
ngmy sel
frightnow willonl
y
makehermoremadandshewillbeatmemor e.Bett
ypull
edherback.
.
Bet
ty:
Khabowai
t,she'
sbl
eedi
ng

Khabo:
Howcoul
dyou?
?WhySi
ndi
?Why
?

Me:
Idi
dn'
tmeant
oo(
cry
ing)

Her:She'
syoursist
er!Wedon'tdothatt
ofamily
!!
!!!
!What
'sgoi
ngt
ohappennext
?
Uzolal
anoLungi
?(Areyougoi
ngtosl
eepwi
thLungitoo)

Me:
Ngi
yaxol
i
sa(
I'
m sosor
ry)

Her
:Idon'
tev
erwannaseey
ou,
youdeadt
ome!
!!
!

Me:
KhaboI
'
m sor
ry

Her
:Andst
ayawayf
rom Qondi
too!
!!

Bet
ty:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dleav
e

Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongue.
.

Me:
Khabowai
t.
.

It
ri
edt
otouchherbutshepushedme.
.

Her
:Ungangi
bambi
Sindi
!!(
don'
ttouchme)

Shel
ookedatmel
i
keIdi
sgust
edher
..

Her
:West
il
lrecov
eri
ngf
rom l
osi
nguMaandt
heny
oudot
his?

Me:
KhaboI
'
m sor
ry

Sheshookherhead.
.

Her
:Youdoi
ngt
othi
stoy
ourownsi
ster
?

Iknel
tdown.
.

Me:
I'
m sor
ry(
Cry
ing)

Her
:Idon'
tknowy
ouany
mor
e

Bet
ty:
Khabol
et'
sgo

Thel
ookshegav
eme,
I'
ll
nev
erf
orgeti
t.
.
_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Whenwegothome,
Iwentst
rai
ghtt
othebedr
oom.
.

I
ba:
Qondi
wai
t

Ihaveneverhadaguyr
aiseuphi
shandonme,ev
er!
!Hegr
abbedmyar
m andIf
roze.
.
Heletgo.
.

Hi
m:BabyI
'
m sor
ry.
.Ij
ustdi
dn'
thav
eagoodday

Sot
hatmeansev
ery
timewhenhedoesn'
thav
eagooddayhei
sgoi
ngt
ohi
tme?

Idi
dn'
tev
enknowwhatt
osayt
ohi
m..Tear
sjustst
reameddown.
.

Hi
m:Ishoul
dn'
thav
e..I
'
mtr
ulysor
ry

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s,het
ri
edt
otouchmeagai
nbutIst
eppedback.
.

Hi
m:I
'
mver
ysor
ry

Helookedatmeonel
astt
imeandt
henwal
kedoutoft
hebedr
oom,Isatdownont
he
bed.
.

_
___
__

SI
NDI

Isatonthecouchcr
ying,Khaboisver
yevil
.Mysist
erhasadar
kheart
,whenshesai
d
I
'm deadtoher.Shemeanti t,shewil
lneverf
orgi
vemef ort
his.Myphonest
art
ed
ri
ngi
ng.

I
twasMr
sBi
yel
a..Whatdoesshewant
?

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Her
:That
'snott
hewayt
otal
ktosomet
hingwhoj
ustpai
dyourr
ent
?

Isni
ff
ed.
.

Her
:OhhSi
ndi
please,
itwi
l
lbl
owov
er.Qondi
siwegoi
ngt
ofor
giv
eyoushe'
syoursi
ster

Me:
Idon'
twantany
thi
ngt
odowi
thy
ou

Her
:Real
l
y?
Me:
Mysi
sterwasher
e,sheat
tackedme

Her
:Qondi
siwe?

Me:
Khabo!

Her
:What
?

Me:
Idon'
twantany
thi
ngt
odowi
thy
ou

Her
:Not
hat
'sact
ual
l
ygood,
youcanhav
eherar
rest
ed

Me:
got
ohel
l
!!!

Ihunguponher
..

_
___
___
__

LUNGI
SA

Iwasdi
stur
bedbyI
banat
hi'
sphonecal
l
..

Me:
Bro

Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.

Me:
Iba

Hi
m:Ihi
ther
?

Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Hi
m:Qondi
Ihi
ther

Me:
Whathappened?

Hi
m:Iwast
alki
ngt
oherandshewasbusyonherphone,smi
l
ingandl
aughi
ng.Ij
ust
l
osti
t

Me:
Iba!

Hi
m:Idon'
tknowwhat
'shappeni
ngt
ome

Me:
Howbadi
sit
?

Hi
m:Ij
ustsl
appedher
Me:
Unt
ilnextt
imewheny
oubeatherup

Hedi
dn'
trespond.
.

Me:
Ibay
ouneedt
ogeti
ttoget
her
,youneedt
ofi
xyourl
i
fe!Youcan'
tcar
ryonl
i
ket
his

Hi
m:Thi
sisamessIdon'
tknowhowt
ofi
xit

Me:
Let
'smeetupandt
alk

Hi
m:Cool
I'
ll
beatt
hebar

Me:
Don'
tdr
ink.
.I'
m onmyway

I
banat
hii
slosi
ngi
tnow,i
fhedoesn'
tgeti
ttoget
herhewi
l
lfi
ndhi
msel
finav
erybi
g
mess.
.

_
___
___
___
_

KHABONI
NA

Iputmybagont
hecount
er.
.

Me:
Youshoul
d'
vel
etmebeatherup!
!

Bet
ty:
Youcan'
ttal
kthi
ngsoutwi
thv
iol
ence

Me:
Ican!
!

Her
:I'
l
lgety
ouagl
assofwat
er

Me:Iknowt
hatSi
ndii
snotgoodbutt
his?uMai
stossi
ngandt
urni
ngi
nhergr
aver
ight
now!
!

Shegav
emeagl
assofwat
er.
.

Her
:Her
ethi
swi
l
lcal
myoudown

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Iwasst
il
lsi
tt
ingont
hebed,Ihaven'
tmovedatal
l
.Ist
il
lcoul
dn'
tbel
i
evei
tthatI
banat
hi
hi
tme..
.It
ookmyphone,
theskinhadcr
acked.

Voi
ce:
Qondi
si
we
Iputmyphonenextt
ome.
.

Voi
ce:
Qondi
si
we

It
urnedandsomemanwasst
andi
ngont
heot
hersi
deoft
hebed,
I'
veseenhi
m bef
ore.
.

Hi
m:Youneedt
ohel
pmySon

Igotup.
.

Me:
Youar
eIbanat
hi'
sfat
her

Henodded.
.

Hi
m:Youneedt
ohel
phi
m,bef
orei
t'
stool
ate

Me:
How?Andwhatdoy
oumeanby"
Bef
orei
t'
stool
ate"

Hi
m:Pl
ease

Iwalkedovert
ohissideandhet
urnedi
ntoasnake,bl
ack,r
ed&whi
tesnakei
ncol
our
.
Thenthesnakedi
sappear
ed..

_
___
___
___
__

KHABONI
NA

Iwascooki
ng,
Bet
tysuggest
edt
hatIhav
eagl
assofwi
net
orel
ax.Ihat
ewi
ne,
itt
ast
es
bi
tt
er.
..

Bet
ty:
Ishoul
dleav
e

Me:
Okay

Bet
ty:
Itr
ustt
haty
ouwi
l
lbehav
e

Ichuckl
ed,
wehear
dthedoorbel
lri
ngi
ng.
.

Me:
I'
ll
gett
hat

Iwentt
oopen,
andi
twasapol
i
ceof
fi
cer
..

Hi
m:GooddayMam

Me:
Hel
l
o

Hi
m:I
'
mlooki
ngf
oraKhaboni
naLanga
Me:
Iam Khabo

Hi
m:Khaboni
na.
.Youar
eunderar
restMam'

Me:
Huh?

Hi
m:Fort
heassaul
tofSi
ndi
siweLanga

Bet
ty:
What
?

Het
ookouthandcuf
fs.
.

Whathasgot
teni
ntoSi
ndi
??

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
20]+27747280238:
39

QONDI
SIWE

Ineededtogetanexpl anati
on,Ineededtohav ethismant el
lmemor e.Ican'thelp
someoneifIdon' treal
lyknowwhat '
sgoingon.Isetofftomypr ayerr oom,Il i
tupt he
i
ncenseandt henl i
tafewcandl es.Ihadonmyr edclot
har oundmyshoul ders,
theoneI
usewhenIhav et oconnectwi ththeancest
ors.Isprinkl
edt hesnuf fabi tonthet he
i
ncenseandst artedclapping,Icall
edouttheBiyel
aclannames.Iknowt hem,Ibahad
tol
dmei si
thakazelosakuboawhi l
ebackwhenwewer erandoml ytalking.Icontinued
doi
ngthatuntilheshowedup, Il
ookedathim..
.

Me:
"Nt
shangase,

Menzi
wa,

Nj
ezi
kaXhoko!

Ndabezi
tha!

Mv
undl
anewasoKhabeni
,

Mbeng'
osi
ndaabosi
,

Mgazi
!"

Hi
m:Qondi
siwe
Me:Ngizocel
aungi
chazel
ekonkef
uthiungi
boni
sekonke(
Pleaseexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngt
o
me,andshowmeev er
ythi
ng)

Hel ookedatthewat er,Igotupandwentt otakeabottl

eandt hebasi n.Ipour
edt he
wat eri
nt hebasinandst i
rredt
hroughthenIsawsomet hi
ng.Isawhi m andMrsBiyela
arguing,itwasabi gar gumentbutIdi dn'
thearwhattheywer esay i
ngthenanother
scenepl ayedthrough.Isaw Mr sBiyel
aputti
ngpoisoninhi swhi skey,soever
ytime
whenhedr ankthewhi skeyhewassl owlyi
ngesti
ngthepoison.Ilookedathim,Iknow
Mr sBiyel
aisadiffi
cultwoman, butt
his.
.Thi
swasbey ondthewor d"Evil
".
..

Il
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:Mywi
fewashav
inganaf
fai
rwi
thAl
fr
ed

Whoi
sAl
fr
ed?Hecl
ear
edt
heconf
usi
onf
orme.
.

Him:AlfredistheFat herofmyS. .OfLungi'

sexf i
ancéNokut hul
a.Theyhadbeen
conspi
ringtotakemycompanyf rom meri
ghtafterIhaddonesomeDNAt est
s,and
foundoutthatLungiwasnotmi ne.HewasAl f
red'
sson,that'
swhenIsignedever
ythi
ng
tomySonI banathi
.Ididn'twantthosetwot
ogetany thi
ng.WhenLorrai
nemywi fehad
foundoutaboutt hat,sheknew t hatIwasgoingt odivorceherandleaveherwith
nothi
ng.That'
swhenshepoi sonedmeandf akedeveryt
hingwit
hmyl awyertomakei t
seem l
ikeIhadsignedev ery
thi
ngtoher..

Me:
Howl
onghav
eyouknownaboutLungi
?

Hi
m:Ihadmysuspici
ons,t
hat'
swhyInev
erhadacloser
elat
ionshi
pwithhi
m.Whent
he
af
fai
rcont
inuedt
hat
'swhenIconf
ir
medever
ythi
ngwitht
heDNAt est.
.

Thi
swast
oomucht
otakei
n..

Him:Youneedt
ohel
phim,youandI
bametf
orar
eason.Ipushedhi
mtoy
oubecauseI
knewthaty
ouweret
heonl
yonewhocoul
dhel
phi
m

Me:
Ibawi
l
lnev
erbel
i
eveme

Him:MyWi femadesuret
hatIbadoesn'
tconnectnoracknowl
edgetheexi
stenceof
ancestor
sbymakinghi
mli
vel
ikehewasawhi teaperson.Hi
sschool
sandhisfri
ends
theynotmuchbel
i
evers

Isatdownont
hegr
assmat
..

Hi
m:I
baneedst
otakebackwhatr
ight
ful
l
ybel
ongst
ohi
m
Me:
AndLor
rai
ne?ImeanMr
sBi
yel
a

Hi
m:Ican'tdoanyt
hingtoher
,bef
oreIwasburiedsheputanai
ldeepi
nmyhandone
t
hatshegotfr
om herwit
chdoct
or,
sothatIdon'
tcomeaft
erher

Inodded.
.

Hi
m:Shewil
lbedealtwit
hlat
er,butf
ornowI
baneedst
oknowt
het
rut
h..Idon'
tknow
whymyLawyerbet
rayedmeli
kethat

Me:
Ift
hiswor
ks,
Lungi
isgoi
ngt
oloseev
ery
thi
ng

Hi
m:Idon'
tcar
e,Ij
ustwantmySont
ogetwhatr
ight
ful
l
ybel
ongst
ohi
m

Me:
Ibawon'
tl
ist
ent
ome

Hi
m:I
'
llhel
pyou

Me:
How?

Hi
m:Justt
rustme

Inodded.
.

Me:
Okay

Him:Youar etheonl yonewhocanhel pdest

roymywife,youareIndoniyamanzi
.Your
ancestor
sar estrongert hananything.Mywi f
eusesast rongherbIdon'tseeany
tr
aditi
onalheal
erwi nni
ngt hi
swar,that'
swhyIcametoy ou.Youdon'tknowhowstrong
youare,youveryblessed.Itwon'
tbeeasybutIbeli
evei
ny ou..Pl
easehelpmySon,heis
goingastr
ay,heneedshel p

_
___
___
___
___

KHABONI
NA

Theof
fi
cerl
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Doy
ouknowhowser
ioust
hisi
s?

Me:ThenIsuggestningi
val
ele,ngobaumangi
phumal
a..Ngi
zombul
ala(
Isuggesty
ou
l
ockmeup,ifIgofreeI'
m goi
ngt okil
lher
)

Hi
m:Youcan'
tsaysucht
hingsMam'
,any
thi
ngy
ousaycanandwi
l
lbeusedagai
nsty
ou

Wehear
daknock,
hewentt
oopenwhi
l
eshaki
nghi
shead.Anot
herof
fi
cerwal
kedi
n,he
whi
sper
edsomet
hingt
ohi
mthenhel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Ngi
yabuy
a(I
'
m comi
ng)

Theybot
hwentout
.Sindibett
erpraythatt
heylockmeupbecauseIswear
,ift
heydon'
t.
I
'm goi
ngtokil
lher
,I'mr eal
lygoingtokillher.
.Theof
fi
cercamebackaf terafew
minut
es.
.

Hi
m:Youf
reet
ogo

Heuncuf
fedme.
.

Me:
Uyenzai
phut
ha(
Youmaki
ngabi
gmi
stake)

Hi
m:I
fyoumur
derhert
henIwi
l
lcomebackandar
resty
ouf
ormur
der
..Let
'sgo

Igotupandhewal kedmeout,wepassedtherecept
ionar
eaandwentout
side.Isaw
Lungist
andi
ngnexttohi
scar
,wewenttohim..

Lungi
:Thanky
ou

Of
fi
cer
:Youneedt
otal
ktoher
,orI
'
llbear
rest
ingherf
orpr
emadi
tat
edmur
dersoon

Lungi
:Iwi
l
l,andt
hanky
ou

Hewal
kedaway
,Lungi
lookedatme.
.

Lungi
:It
houghtweagr
eedt
hatI
baandQondi
wil
lwor
kthi
ngsoutasadul
ts

Iam sur
eBet
tycal
l
edhi
m..

Lungi
:IfIdi
dn'
tbr
ibehi
m,y
ou'
l
lbegoi
ngt
ojai
l

Me:
Iwashopi
ngt
heywoul
dtakemet
her
ebecauseI
'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lher

Hi
m:Khabol
ett
hisgo!
!

Me:Si
ndidoesn'
tdoany
thi
ngwi
thoutar
eason,i
fshet
ell
smewhyshedi
dthi
sthenI
mi
ghtj
ustnotkil
lher
!

Hi
m:Kh-

Me:Lungist
ayoutofi
t,I
'
m sur
eyouandI
baf
ightandy
oudon'
tseemeget
ti
ngi
n
bet
ween

Her
aisedupbot
hhi
shands.
.
Hi
m:I
t'
syourcal
l

Me:
Thanky
ou

_
___
___
___

QONDI
SIWE

Ihear
dthedooropening,Igotupfr
om t
hecouch.Iwasner
vous.Hi
sfat
herwassit
ti
ng
ontheothercouch,Il
ookedathim.Henodded.
.Hemadehiswayintothel
oungeand
thenl
ookedatme..

I
ba:
Hey

Me:
Hey

Hi
m:I
..

Icoul
dseet
hathewasashamed,
ashamedofwhathedi
d.Hi
sfacesai
dital
l
..

Hi
m:Qondi
I'
m..I
'
mtr
ulysor
ry

Inodded.
.

Hi
m:Ishoul
dhav
enev
erhi
tyou

Me:
Ngi
yazi
(Iknow)

Hel
ookedatme.
.

MrBi
yel
a:Now

Me:
IbaIneedt
otal
ktoy
ou

Hi
m:Okay
?

Me:
It'
saser
iousi
ssue

Hi
m:I
'
mli
steni
ng

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h..

Me:
YourFat
heri
sher
eandhewant
stot
alkt
oyou

Hel
ookedatmewi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng,
thenhewal
kedt
othest
air
case.
.

Me:
Iba
Hi
m:Iknowt
hatwhatIdi
dwaswr
ong,
butdon'
tdot
hispl
ease

Hewal
kedupt
hest
air
s,Il
ookedathi
sfat
her
..

MrBi
yel
a:Bungee

Me:
Bungee

I
bast
opped,
het
urnedandandl
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?

Hemadehi
swayt
ome.
.

Hi
m:Whohav
eyoubeent
alki
ngt
oo?MyMot
her
?

Me:
YourMot
herhat
esme,
whywoul
dIt
alkt
oher
?

Hi
m:Thenhowdi
dyouknowt
hatname?I
sitLungi
?Di
dhet
ell
yoursi
ster
?

Me:
NoI
ba

Hehel
dmet
ightont
hesi
desofmyar
msandshookme.
.

Hi
m:Thenhowdi
dyouknowt
hatname?
?

Hewasmad.
.

MrB:Tel
lhi
mt hathev
omitedt
hatdaywhenhewassupposedt
obungeej
ump,
noone
knowst
hatbutmeandhim

Me:
Youv
omi
tedt
hatday

Hel
etgoofme.
.

MrB:
Tel
lhi
mthatIwast
her
ewhenhet
ri
edt
oleapof
fthebal
cony

Me:
Hewast
her
ewheny
out
ri
edt
oleapof
fthebal
cony

MrB:
Hewashur
tandhehadbeendr
inki
ng

Me:
Youwer
ehur
t,andy
ouhadbeendr
inki
ng

MrB:
Hef
oundi
thar
dtodeal
wit
hmydeat
h

Me:
Youf
oundi
thar
dtodeal
wit
hhi
sdeat
h
Isawt
ear
sfor
mingi
nhi
sey
es.
.

MrB:
Hewasmadt
hatIl
efthi
m

Iswal
l
owed.
.

Me:
Youwer
emadt
hathel
efty
ou

MrB:
Heal
sohadt
akenaf
ewpi
l
ls

Me:
Youal
sohadt
akenaf
ewpi
l
ls

MrB:
That
'swhent
heangeri
ssuesst
art
ed

Me:
That
'swhent
heAngeri
ss-

I
ba:
Stop!
!Justst
op!
!

Heputhi
shandov
erhi
smout
hast
ear
sfel
l
..

Hi
m:Justst
opQondi

Ikeptqui
et.
.Hel
ookedar
ound.
..

I
ba:
Why
?Whathappened?Whydi
dyou.
.

MrB:
I'
m sor
ry

Me:
Hesay
she'
ssor
ry

MrB:
Tel
lhi
m aboutt
hewi
l
l

Me:
Hehadsi
gnedof
fev
ery
thi
ngt
oyou

I
ba:
Idon'
tunder
stand

Me:
YourMom f
akedt
hewi
l
l

Hest
eppedbackandt
henwentt
osi
tont
hest
ir
..

Me:
Ever
ythi
ngbel
ongst
oyou

Het
ri
edt
ofi
ghtbackhi
stear
sbuthecoul
dn'
t.
.

Me:YourFathercan'tmov eonnorresti
npeaceunt
ily
ougetwhat'
syours.Hetried
communicat
ingwithy ou,t
hesnake.I
twashi
m.Hehasbeenprot
ecti
ngyou,f
rom your
Mother
,fr
om herevi
l.Hehasalwaysbeenher
ewit
hyouevenwhenyoudi
dn'
tbeli
eve
Hewi
pedhi
stear
s..

MrB:
Thewhi
skeybot
tl
enotbei
ngi
nit
'
spl
aceal
lthet
ime,
thatwasme

Me:
Thewhi
skeybot
tl
e..

I
bal
aughedt
hroughhi
stear
s..

I
ba:
Thatwasy
ou?

MrB:
Yes

Me:
Itwashi
m

Mor
etear
sfel
l
,Icoul
dn'
thol
dbackmi
net
oo.
.Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m..

Me:
Hei
sher
etohel
pyou,
youj
ustneedt
obel
i
eve.Bel
i
evet
hathei
sher
e

Il
aidhi
sheadonmyt
highs.
.

Me:
Yourf
atherl
ovesy
ouv
erymuchandhecoul
dn'
tgo,
hecoul
dn'
tl
eav
ejusty
et

Hesqueezedmyt
highsandIf
eltsomewet
nessandmoi
stonmyt
highs.
.

MrB:Ilov
eyouwi
thal
lmyhear
tmySon,andI
'
m sor
ryf
orev
ery
thi
ngt
haty
ou'
vebeen
t
hrough

Icoul
dn'
tgoonwi
tht
hecommuni
cat
ion,
seei
nghi
m br
eaki
ngl
i
ket
hat
.Itbr
okemet
oo

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
20]+27747280238:
40

QONDI
SIWE

ItoldIbaev erythi
ngt hathi sfat
hertol
dme,It oldhi
m aboutthepoison,Lungi,Alf
red,
andNokut hula.Ididn'
tl eav eanydetai
lout,andhewasshocked,sowasI .Hehar dly
evensl ept,thiswholet hi nggott ohimv erybad.Iwasreli
evedthathebel i
ev edme,
there'
st hi
ngst hathisfat herment i
onedthatwereonl
yknownbyt hem whichmadehi m
tobelievemeev enmor e.Thenex tmorni
ngIwokeupandhewasst andi
ngov eratthe
balcony, l
ostinhisthought s.Iwentt
ohim..

Me:
Iba
Hedi
dn'
tev
ent
urnt
olookatme.Iwentandst
oodnextt
ohi
m,Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.

Hi
m:I
t'
smyMot
herQondi
,she'
smyMot
her

YourownMot
herdoi
ngt
hist
oyou,
shehasr
uinedherki
ds.
.

Him:How doy ouenf or

cear el
ati
onshi
pbetweenSibl
ings,Lungiwasverycl
oseto
marryi
ngNokut
hulahisownSisterandshesai
dnothi
ng.Theysleptt
oget
herQondi
,I'
m
beyondthewor
d"disgust
ed"

I
twasdi
ff
icul
ttodi
gest
..

Hi
m:Shekill
edmyFather
,shetookevery
thi
ngt
hatbel
ongedt
ome.
.Shewant
edt
o
st
eal
thev
il
lagef
rom y
ouandyourpeopl
e

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Ishoul
d'
vet
oldy
ouIknow

Me:
Ushoukut
hini
?(Whatdoy
oumean)

Him:Lorr
ainewasgoi
ngtohavetheKi
ngsi
gnoverhi
sland,t
henev
ery
onewasgoi
ngt
o
beevi
ctedsoshecanusethewholel
andf
orthef
amil
ybusiness

Me:Umhl
abawethuubuzothat
hwawenawat hul
awangangi
tshel
a(Ourv
il
lagewas
goi
ngt
obest
olenf
rom us,
youkeptqui
etanddi
dn'
ttel
lme)

Hi
m:Honest
lyIdi
dn'
tcar
ebecauseIwant
edy
ouher
ewi
thme

Ishookmyheadandwentbackt
othebedr
oom,
hef
oll
owedme.
.

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry

Me:
Ineedt
opr
epar
eforschool

Hi
m:I
'
lldr
ivey
ou

Me:
I'
ll
cat
chat
axi

Hi
m:Qondi
.
.

Me:
IneedsomespaceI
ba.
.Pl
ease

Hi
m:Okay
,I'
l
lgi
vey
ousomespace
Me:
Thanky
ou

Iwal
kedt
othebat
hroom.
..

_
___
___
___
_

KHABONI
NA

Il
ookedather
,herey
eswer
ewonder
ingar
ound.
.

Si
ndi
:Ididn'
tpr
essanychar
gesKhabo,whenLungical
l
edmel
astni
ghtandaskedme
whyIhadyouarr
est
edIwasshocked

Me:
Ify
oudi
dn'
tthenwhodi
d?

Her
:ItwasMr
sBi
yel
a

Me:
Kanj
ani
?(How)

Her:Khabothehonestt
rut
hi sthatI'
vebeenst r
uggl
ingfinanci
all
yforthepastf
ew
months,Iwascl
osetobei
ngev i
ctedwhenMr sBiy
elacal
ledmeandaskedt omeetup
wit
hme.Shemademeanof ferthati
fIhelpher
,shewouldpayme.Att hatti
meIonly
t
houghtaboutt
hemoneyandIjustwentforit

Me:
Wey
ourSi
ster
sSi
ndi
,i
fyouwer
est
ruggl
i
ngy
oucoul
d'
vecal
l
edmeorQondi
siwe

Her
:I'
m sor
ry.
.Ukut
hinj
e(I
t'
sjustt
hat
)

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h..

Her:YouandQondisi
wear edoingbett
erforyour
sel
ves,honestl
yspeaki
ngI
'v
ealways
beenthebet
tersi
ster
,pr
idejusttookov
er.Idi
dn'
tseemyselfbeggingy
ouandQondif
or
hel
p

Me:
Thi
swomani
str
yingt
odest
royusandy
ouhel
pedher

Her:I
'
mt r
ulysor
ry,Idi
ditbecauseIknowthatQondi
hasagoodhear
t.Iknowt
hatshe'
s
ver
yforgi
vi
ngthat'
swhyitwaseasyf ormetodoit

Me:Sowhatwasgoi
ngt
ohappennext
?Ubuzol
alanoLungi
?(Wer
eyougoi
ngt
osl
eep
wi
thLungi
)

Her
:Cha.
.Shesai
dshehadt
hatcov
ered

Me:
You'
l
lhav
etot
ell
Qondi
siwewhathappened,
bef
oreshet
ell
sher
Her
:Ican'
t

Me:
Sindi

Her
:Can'
ti
tjustendupbet
weenus?

Me:
She'
sgoi
ngt
otel
lher

Her
:Ibai
sgoi
ngt
oki
l
lmei
fIsayany
thi
ngt
ouQondi
siweaboutt
his

Me:
Idon'
tcar
e!!uI
banat
hiakamt
handi
uQondi
(Ibanat
hidoesn'
tl
oveQondi
siwe)

Her
:Hedoes

Me:
Hedoesn'
t,
ifhedi
dhewoul
d'
vesl
eptwi
thy
ou.Hewoul
dn'
tbeent
ert
aini
ngy
ou

Her
:Ican'
ttel
luQondi
si
weI
'
m sor
ry

Ist
oodup.
.

Me:
Thengetoutofmyhouse,
anddon'
tev
ercomebackher
e

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
HambaSi
ndi
,angi
funi
nokukubona(
Leav
eSi
ndi
,Idon'
tev
erwannaseey
ouagai
n)

Shegotupandt
ookherbag,
Iaccompani
edhert
othedoor
..

_
___
___
___
___

NOKUTHULA

Iwentt
othel
iv
ingr
oom wher
eweseeourv
isi
tor
s.I
twasLungi
'
sMot
her
,shest
oodup
whenImademywaytoher
..

Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Shesatdown.
.

Her
:Iam her
etoseehowy
ouhol
dingup

Me:
It'
snotv
isi
ti
nghour
s,i
t'
stooear
lyf
ort
hat

Her
:Iaskedi
fIcoul
dseey
ounowandt
heyagr
eed

(
Sil
ence)
Her
:I'
mtr
ulysor
ryabouty
ourf
ather
,hewasav
erygoodman.
.Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?

Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..

Me:
Iwannaat
tendhi
sfuner
al,
Iwannabeoutofher
e

Her
:I'
l
lmaket
hathappen,
don'
twor
ry

Me:
Howi
she?

Her
:Lungi
?

Inodded.
.

Her
:He'
sokay

Me:
Hei
sst
il
lwi
thher
?

Shel
ookeddown.
.

It
ookoutt
hepr
egnancyt
estandt
ossedi
tather
..

Me:
Tel
lhi
m congr
atul
ati
ons,
he'
sgoi
ngt
obeaFat
her

Shet
ookt
hepr
egnancyt
estandl
ookedati
t.

Her
:Howf
arl
ongar
eyou?

Me:
3/4mont
hs

Herey
eswi
dened.
..

Her
:Younev
ert
oldus

Me:
Idi
dn'
tknow,
onl
yfoundoutl
astmont
h

Her
:WowI
..Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay

Ist
oodup.
.

Me:
Goodby
eLor
rai
ne

Her
:I'
l
lcomeandseey
ouagai
n

Iwal
kedawayl
eav
inghert
her
e..
.

_
___
___
__
LUNGI
SA

Iwaspr
epar
ingmy
sel
fforameet
ingwhenI
bawal
kedi
n..

Me:
Hey
..Sor
ryaboutl
astni
ght
,Ihadanemer
gency

Hi
m:I
t'
scool

Hesatdown.
..

Me:
Yougood?

Hi
m:Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepl
astni
ght

Me:
Howi
sQondi
si
we?Di
dyouguy
stal
kthi
ngsout
?

Hi
m:Sor
tof
f

Inodded.
.

Me:
That
'sgood

Hi
m:CanIasky
ousomet
hing?

Me:
Yeahsur
e

Hi
m:Whoar
eyoul
oyal
too?Bet
weenMeandMom?

Il
ookedathi
m..
.

Me:
Wher
eist
hatcomi
ngf
rom now?

Hi
m:I
'
mjustaski
ng

Me:
Iknowt
hatMom i
sdi
ff
icul
tatt
imesbutwef
ami
l
yBr
o,myl
oyal
tyl
i
eswi
thf
ami
l
y

Hi
m:Isee

Hegotup.
.

Me:
May
bewecanmeetupl
aterf
ordr
inks

Hi
m:Yeahsur
e

Me:
Orbet
tery
et,
youandQondi
cancomeov
erf
ordi
nner

Hi
m:I
'
llt
alkt
oher
Me:
I'
ll
hearf
rom y
out
hen

Hi
m:Cool

Hel
eft
..
.

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
20]+27747280238:
41

I
BANATHI

Iwassur pr
isedwhenSi ndical
l
edmeandsai dshehassomethingi
mportantt
odiscuss
withme.It houghtweagr eedt onevercal
lnorseeeachotheragai
n,sheassur
edme
thati
t'
sveryimportant
.SoIagr eedthatshecancomeoveratmyplacesothatwecould
"Tal
k".
..

Her
:IsQondi
siweatschool
?

Me:
Yousai
dit
'si
mpor
tant

Her
:Yesi
tis

Me:
I'
m al
lear
s

Her
:Yourmot
herpai
dmet
osl
eepwi
thy
ou

Me:
Excuseme?

Her
:It
'snosecr
ett
hatshehat
esQondi
siweandKhabo,she'
str
yingt
odoawaywi
th
t
hem

If
oldedmyar
ms.
..
Shet
ookoutanenv
elopef
rom herbag.
.

Her
:Thi
sissomeoft
hemoneyt
hatshepai
dme

Me:
Whydi
dyouagr
eet
odoi
t?

Her
:Iwasdesper
ate,
Ineededmoney

Me:Moneywasmor
eimpor
tantt
oyou?Somucht
haty
oudeci
dedt
obet
rayy
oursi
ster
l
iket
hat
?

Her
:I'
m nother
efory
out
ojudgeme
Sheal
sot
ookoutherphone.
.

Her:Imadesur
ey ouweredoseduponcoke,andthenItookavi
deo.Shewasgoi
ngt
o
senditt
oQondibutIhav
en'
tsenti
ttoherasy
et .
.I'
m goi
ngtodel
etei
t

Me:
Youdosedmeuponcoke?Youcoul
d'
veki
l
ledme

Her
:I'
m sor
ry,
Ishoul
d'
vebeenupf
rontwi
thy
ouaboutt
his

Me:
Ther
e'snouseget
ti
ngmadaboutt
his,
del
etet
hev
ideo

Shedel
etedi
t.
.

Her
:Whatabouty
ourmom?

Me:
Don'
twor
ryabouther
,thanky
ouf
orcomi
ngcl
eant
ome

Her
:It
'st
hel
eastIcoul
ddo

Me:
Justdon'
ttel
lQondi
aboutt
his

Shenodded.
.

Me:
Thanky
ouagai
n

Her
:Youwel
come

I
'
mtr
yingt
ounder
standmyMot
herbutI
'
mfai
l
ingt
oo,
she'
smor
evi
cioust
hanIt
hought
.

_
___
___
___
__

KHABONI
NA

Isaw hermaki
ngherwayt
omyt able,myfi
rstt
houghtwastomeetherhal
fwayand
st
rangl
ehertodeat
h.Mr
sBi
yel
aisthedevi
li
nheels.
.Shel
ookedatme.
.

Her
:Iwassur
pri
sedt
ohearf
rom y
ou

Me:
Pleasehav
easeat

Shel
ookedatt
hechai
r,andt
henshesatdown.
.

Me:
Woul
dyoul
i
kesomet
hingt
odr
ink?

Her
:No.
.I'
m good

Sheputherbagont
het
abl
e..
Her
:Sowhatam Idoi
ngher
e?Idoubtt
hisi
samot
heranddaught
eri
nlawmoment

Me:
Sindi
tol
dmet
haty
oupai
dhert
osl
eepwi
thI
ba

Shegav
emeaconni
vi
ngsmi
l
e..

Her
:So?

Me:
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?Whati
sthi
sobsessi
onwi
thy
ourboy
s?

Her:Ideci
dewhocar
ri
est
heBi
yel
asur
name,
youandy
oursi
sterar
enotwor
thyf
ormy
Sons

Me:
Shoul
dn'
ttheydeci
det
hatf
ort
hemsel
ves?

Her
:Amot
herknowsbest

Me:
Ther
e'smor
etot
hisst
ory
,ther
e'sar
easonwhyy
oukeepi
ngusaway

Her:LookDear
,justpackup.Takey
oursi
sterwi
thy
ouandgobackt
othatusel
ess
vi
l
lage

Me:
Iwoul
d,butt
hepr
obl
em i
sthaty
ourSonl
ovesmet
odeat
h

Shenoddedr
epeat
edl
y.
.

Her
:Nokut
hul
aiscomi
ngback

Me:
Goodf
orher

Shel
eanedov
er.
.

Her
:Idon'
tthi
nky
ouunder
stand,
she'
spr
egnant

Myhear
tal
mostst
opped.
.

Her:It
houghtasmuch.Soyoureal
lyt
hinkthatLungiwouldst
il
lwannabewi
thy
ou
whenhisf
iancéi
spr
egnant
?He'
sgoingt
ol eav
eyou..Shehasanupperhand

Me:
Youl
yi
ng

Her
:Am I
?

Idon'
tthi
nkshewasl
yi
ng.
.

Her
:It
houghti
twoul
dbedi
ff
icul
tget
ti
ngr
idofy
oubut
..Fat
ejusti
nter
vened
Shet
ookherbag.
..

Her
:Wal
kawayDear

Thi
swasn'
thappeni
ng.
.

Shet
ookoutsomecashf
rom herpur
se.
.

Her
:Enj
oyl
unch,
it'
sonme

Shepl
acedi
tont
het
abl
eandwal
kedaway
..

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Iwasver
yquiett
odayatschool
,Ihadalotoft
hingsr
unningi
nmymi
nd.
.Iwassi
tt
ing
wit
hHappy,
Akhonahadgonetogetussomethi
ngtoeat.
.

Her
:Outwi
thi
t

Me:
Hmmmmm?

Her
:What
'sbot
her
ingy
ou?

Me:
It'
snot
hing

Her
:Qondi
tal
ktome

Me:
Justt
hatt
hingsbet
weenmeandmyboy
fri
endar
eabi
tmessy

Her
:Ishecheat
ing?

Me:
What
?

Her
:Whent
hingsgetmessyi
nar
elat
ionshi
ptheguyi
stheonet
hat
'scheat
ing

Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkt
hathe'
scheat
ing,
wej
ust
..Wef
ightal
otandi
t'
sexhaust
ing

Her
:Rel
ati
onshi
pscandr
ainy
ourbl
oodandy
oursoul

Me:
Imean.
.Idol
ovehi
m butIdon'
tknowi
fwemeantt
obe

Her
:Thenwal
kaway

Me:
Ican'
twal
kaway
Her:Yesyoucan..I
fyounothappywal
kawayt
hant
obei
nar
elat
ionshi
pwher
eyou
unhappy,
it'
snotf
air

Me:
Iwi
shi
twast
hateasy
,Ibawoul
dki
l
lme

Her
:Iba?

Me:
Ibanat
hi

Her
:Bi
yel
a?

Me:
Yes.
.Youknowhi
m?

Her
:Ev
ery
oneknowsI
banat
hi.
.Youdat
ingt
hatspoi
l
edr
ott
enpr
ick

Me:
WowIcant
ell
thathe'
snoty
ourf
avor
it
eper
son

Her:If
oll
owhi
m onsoci
almedi
a,hei
sasel
fcent
eredbast
ardwhoonl
yknowshowt
o
bl
owhisfami
ly
'smoney

Me:
Wel
lhei
snott
hatbad

Her
:Nott
hatbad,
letmeshowy
ou

Shetookoutherphoneandshowedmeaf
ewv
ideosofI
bai
nacl
ub.Thev
ideoswer
e
ol
dthough

Her
:Her
oll
swi
thsl
ayqueens

IswearthatIsawmySi st
erSi
ndii
noneofthevi
deos,shewassi
tt
ingonhi
slapwi
th
somepipeinhishandt
hatshewasdrawi
ngsmokefr
om it
..

Happy
:Thati
sSi
ndi
,she'
sal
way
swi
thhi
m..Ibetmymoneyt
hatt
heset
woar
efucki
ng

Me:
Yout
hink?

Her
:Pshhhhgi
rlcomeon!

Il
ookedatt
hev
ideoagai
n..

Her
:Iam sor
rybutIdon'
tl
iket
hisguy
,atal
l

_
___
___
_

LUNGI
SA

Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Khabo.
.
Her
:Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?

Me:
Tel
lyouwhat
?

Her
:Ar
eyouseri
ousLungi?Fir
styoudi
dn'
ttel
lmet hatyouhadafi
ancénow y
ounot
t
ell
i
ngmethatshe'
spregnantIhadtoheari
tfrom yourMother
!It
houghtwewer
ea
t
eam

Me:
Wai
t!Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?Whatdoy
oumeant
hatNokut
hul
aispr
egnant

Me:
Ohhsonowy
ougoi
ngt
oactasi
fli
key
oudi
dn'
tknow?

Hi
m:Ididn'
tknow!LookI
'
llcal
lyouback,
clear
lyt
her
e'sal
ott
hatIhav
etodi
scusswi
th
myMother!
!!

Ihungup.
..

_
___
___
___
_

I
BANATHI

Iknockedathi
sdoor
..

Hi
m:Comei
n

Iwal
kedi
n..

Hi
m:I
ba,
it'
ssoni
cet
oseey
ou

Icl
osedt
hedoor
..

Hi
m:Howar
eyouhol
dingup?

Iwentandsatdown.
.

Me:
I'
m hol
dingupgood

Hi
m:WhatcanIdof
ory
ou?Yourmom i
sthr
eat
eni
ngt
ost
opy
ourt
rustf
undagai
n?

Me:
Whydi
dyoudoi
t?

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry?

Me:
Thewi
l
l.
.Whydi
dyouchangei
t?

Hi
m:Idon'
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ngabout
Me:Don't
..Don'
tdot
hat
..Myf
atherhadsi
gnedof
fev
ery
thi
ngt
omeandt
heny
ou
changedt
hewill

Hel
oosenedhi
sti
e..

Me:
Wher
eist
heor
igi
nal
wil
l
?

Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.

Me:Doy ouknowthatyougoi
ngt ogetar
rest
edforwhaty
oudi
d?Ev
ery
thi
ngt
haty
ou'
ve
workedhardfori
sgoi
ngtodisappeari
ntothi
nai
r

Hi
m:Youcan'
tpr
oveany
thi
ng

Me:Ican'
t?Whydon'ty
ouasky our
selfhowIf
oundout
?Your
eal
l
ywannat
aket
hisup
wi
thme?Becauseitwon'tendwel
lforyou

Hi
m:Li
stenIdi
dn'
twannabeapar
toft
hisbuty
ourMom.
.

Me:
Whathol
ddoesshehav
eony
ou?

Hi
m:Heknowsal
otoft
hingsaboutme,
thi
ngst
hatcanr
uinmeandmyf
ami
l
y

Me:
Wel
lthenI
'
m af
rai
dI'
m goi
ngt
orui
nyourl
i
femor
e,unl
ess.
.

Hi
m:unl
ess?
?

Me:
Unl
essy
our
etai
ntheor
igi
nal
wil
landdest
royt
hef
akeone

Hi
m:I
ba.
.

Me:
MyFat
hert
rust
edy
ou,
het
rust
edt
hatmyi
nher
it
ancewasgoi
ngt
obesaf
ewi
thy
ou

Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tmeanf
oranyoft
hist
ohappen

Me:Wel lt
hen,y
ougoi ngtodest
royt
hatfakewil
landt
hengi
vemeacopyoftheori
ginal
wil
l.Donotsayany thingtomymot her
,fornow wegoi
ngtomakehert
hinkthatshe
possessesever
ythi
ng

Hi
m:I
'
mtr
ulysor
ryI
ba,
Idi
dn'
tmeant
o..

Me:
Ineedt
hecopyoft
heor
igi
nal
wil
l
..Now!

Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts

[
31/
03,
23:
20]+27747280238:
42

QONDI
SIWE

Thepossibil
it
yofmySi stersl
eepingwi
thmyboy f
ri
endmademesi cktomyst omach,i
s
thi
st hereasonwhyuSi ndihasbeenav oi
dingme?Forhow longhast histhingbeen
goingonbet weenthem?Howcoul dSi
ndidothi
stome?She'smysi st
er!!
..Schoolwas
fi
nall
yout,Itookataxistrai
ghthome.Iwantedtoconfr
ontI
baaboutthi
s,Ineededhim
tolookmei nt heeyeandt ellmethetr
uth.
.Luckyformehewashome,hewasev en
dressedup..

Hi
m:I
'
m gl
ady
ouhome,
Iwantt
otakey
ouout

Ithr
ewmybagont hebed,Il
ookedathim andmyhear
tjustbr
okeint
oamill
i
onpi
eces.
I
bahasnotbeengoodtome,t helastt
imeIwashappywi t
hhim waswhenwest
art
ed
dati
ng.Nowal
lhedoesishur
tmeandmakemecr y.
.

Hi
m:Qondi
Iknowt
hatt
hingsbet
weeny
ouand-

Me:
Arey
ousl
eepi
ngwi
thmysi
ster
?

Hi
sey
eswi
dened.
.

Hi
m:Angi
zwanga?(
Par
don)

Me:
Arey
ousl
eepi
ngwi
thSi
ndi
?

Her
ubbedhi
sey
es.
.

Hi
m:Qondi

Me:
Soi
t'
str
ue?

Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tmeanf
ori
ttohappen

Me:
She'
smysi
ster
!!
!(Shout
ing)

Hi
m:I
twasat
err
ibl
emi
stake

Me:
Whatdi
dIev
erdot
oyou?Ngi
kwenzeni
?

Hi
m:Babenodon'
tdot
hat
,it
'
sal
lmyf
aul
t

Me:
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
ome?WhyI
ba?Al
lIev
erdi
dwast
olov
eyou!
!
Hi
m:Iknow.
.

Me:Youhavehur
tmebef
ore,
butt
his.
.Wi
thmyownsi
ster
?Coul
dn'
tyouf
indsomeone
el
seatl
east
?

Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.

Me:
Why
?Isi
tbecauseIdon'
tknowmuchaboutsex?Doy
ouev
enl
oveher
?

Hewal
kedupt
ome.
.

Hi
m:No.
.Ofcour
senot
,Idon'
tl
oveher
..Il
ovey
ou

Ishookmyhead.
.

Me:
Noy
oudon'
t

Het
ri
edt
ouchi
ngme.
.

Me:Youdon'
tlov
emeanddon'
tevent
ouchmer
ightnow,
Idon'
twanty
out
otouchme
andIhat
ebei
ngundert
hesamer
oofasyou

Hi
m:Okay
..
Okay
..Okay
,tel
lmewhatt
odosot
hatIcanf
ixt
his,
sot
hatIcanf
ixus

Me:
Idon'
twannabewi
thy
ou

Hi
m:Don'
tsayt
hat

Me:
Ihat
eyouandy
oudi
sgustme!
!Ij
ustwannabef
ar.
..Ver
yfarawayf
rom y
ou

Hegotdownonhi
sknees.
.

Hi
m:Qondi
siweIam sor
ry

Me:
Youcanhav
eheri
t'
sfi
ne,
I'
mleav
ing

Iwal
kedt
othecl
oset
..

Hi
m:Leav
ingi
snotanopt
ion

Me:
Ijustwannabef
arawayf
rom y
ou

Hest
oodatt
hedoor
..

Hi
m:Qondi

Me:
Ihat
eyouandIwannago!
!(cr
ying)
Hi
m:Uzoy
aphi
?

Me:
Idon'
tknow!
!Angazi
kodwawhatIknowi
sthatIwannabef
arawayf
rom y
ou

Hi
m:Okayt
hisi
smadness,
Iknowy
oumadbuty
ounotl
eav
ing

Tookoutmycl
othesf
rom t
hecl
osetandt
hrewt
hem ont
hef
loor
..

Hi
m:Hav
eyouf
oundsomeone?

Ii
gnor
edhi
m..

Hi
m:Qondi
siwe!
!!(
Shout
ing)

Myhear
tjumped.
.

Hi
m:Whati
sthi
s?Hav
eyouf
oundsomeone

Icont
inuedt
aki
ngmycl
othesf
rom t
hecl
oset
,hewal
kedupt
omeandgr
abbedmyar
m..

Hi
m:Hav
eyouf
oundsomeone?

Me:
Ngi
yekeI
ba!
!(Letgoofme)

Heshookme.
.

Me:
Ngi
theNgi
yeke!
!(Isai
dleav
emeal
one)

Idon'
tknowwhatgottomebutIsl
appedhi
m,Isl
appedhi
m acr
osst
hef
ace.Het
hrew
medownonthefloor
..

Hi
m:Youwi
l
lnev
erev
err
aisey
ourhandonmedoy
ouunder
stand?

Il
ookedatme.
.

Me:
I'
m st
il
ll
eav
ing

Hel
ookedatmef
oraf
ewseconds.
.

Hi
m:Okayi
fyouwannal
eav
eyoucanl
eav
e,butl
etmeshow y
ouhow y
ougoi
ngt
o
l
eave!
!

Hewal
kedupt
omeandgr
abbedmebymyhai
r.
.Hedr
aggedmeout
..

Me:
Ibauy
angi
l
imaza(
Ibay
ouhur
ti
ngme)

Hedr
aggedal
lthewayt
othebal
cony
..
Hi
m:Thi
sisy
ourwayout
!!

Me:
Iba!
!!
!!

Hel
etgoofmyhai
randopenedt
hesl
i
dingdoor
,It
ri
edcr
awl
i
ngbuthegr
abbedmeby
myhai
ragai
n..

Me:
Ibast
op!
!!

Hi
m:Thi
sisy
ouronl
ywayout

Ihel
dont
otheedgeoft
hesl
i
dingdoor
,hest
art
edki
cki
ngmeonmyback.
.

Hi
m:Youwannal
eav
emef
orwho?

Hecont
inuedki
cki
ngme,
Ifel
tev
eryki
ck.
.

Me:
Ibay
ouar
egoi
ngt
oki
l
lme!
!(scr
eami
ng)

Hewentonandon,unt
ilmygripl
oosened,t
henhepi
ckedmeupandwentst
rai
ghtt
o
t
hebal
conywit
hme.Igrabbedhi
sshi
rt.
.

Hi
m:Youst
il
lwannal
eav
eme?
??

Me:
Ibapl
ease(
cry
ing)

Idon'
tt hinkI '
veeverbeenthisscaredinmyl i
febefore.
.Hewast ryi
ngtothr
owmeof f
thebalcony ,thiswasnott hemant hatIfel
linlov
ewi th.Idon'
tknow hi
m anymore,I
don'
tknowt hi
sstranger.
.Isawmyneckl aceglowi
ng,thensomethi
nghappened.Isaw
Nowisa, shest oodatthedoorwayjustnexttothesl
idi
ngdoor .
.

Her
:Ibanat
hi

I
banat
hiputmedown,
het
urnedandIt
hinkheal
sosawher
..

Her
:Ay
enzwanj
aloI
ndoni
yamanzi
(Youcan'
tdot
hatt
oaGuar
dian)

I
ba:
Whot
hehel
lar
eyou?

Nowi
sar
aisedherhandup.
.

Me:
Nowi
sa!
!

Iknewshewasgoi
ngt
osendhi
mfl
yi
ng,
shewasgoi
ngt
oleaphi
m of
fthebal
cony
..

Shel
ookedatme.
.
I
nst
eadshel
ookedathi
m,t
henIsawI
bar
ubbi
nghi
sey
es.
.

I
ba:
Ican'
tseeany
thi
ng!
!!

Nowi
salookedatmeandthenmadeherwayt
ome,shest
ret
chedoutherhandt
ome
t
henshehelpedmet
ogetup..

Me:
Awww.
..

Her
:Aski
essi
si

Shehel
pedmet
owal
kbacki
ntot
hebedr
oom,
thenshel
ockedhi
m out
..

Shehel
pedmet
osi
tont
hebed.
.

Me:
Nowi
sa?
??

Shesatnextt
ome.
.

Her
:Phephi
sasi
si

Shehuggedme,
andIj
ustcr
ied.
..

Her
:Phephi
sa

_
___
___
__

LUNGI
SA

Isatther
easshemadeherwayt ome,Ineededanswer
s.Whydidn'
tNokst
ellmeabout
thi
s?Whydi dn'
tshecallmeorsomethi
ng???Shesatdownnexttome,Iwassit
ti
ngon
thecouch.Shedidn'
tsayany
thi
ng..

Me:
Isi
ttr
ue?

(
Sil
ence)

Il
ookedather
..

Me:
Isi
ttr
ue?

Her
:What
'st
rue?

Me:
Don'
t.
.Don'
tdot
hat

Shesi
ghed.
.
Her
:YesI
'
m pr
egnant

Me:
Dammi
ntNoks!
!Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?

Her
:Telly
ou?Wer
en'
tyoutheonewhowasbusyt
ell
i
ngmet
haty
ouhav
emov
edon?
Di
dn'
tyoutel
lmet
haty
oufoundsomeoneel
se?
?

Me:
Don'
tpl
ayt
hatcar
dwi
thme,
Ihadt
her
ightt
oknow!
!

Her
:Nowy
ouknow.
.Sowhat
?

Me:
Itdoesn'
tchangeany
thi
ng

Shechuckl
ed.
..

Her
:By
eLungi

Me:
No.
.No.
.Youwon'
tdot
hat

Her
:I'
m goi
ngt
orai
semychi
l
dal
one,
youcangobackwho.
..What
'shernameagai
n?

Shegotupf
rom t
hecouch.
..

Her
:Pl
easedon'
tcomebackher
eev
eragai
n!

Shewal
kedaway
..

Me:
NoksI
'
m notdonet
alki
ngt
oyou

Shecont
inuedwal
ki
ngaway
..
.

Me:
Noks!
!!
!(shout
ing)

Oneoft
hest
affl
ookedatme.
.Ican'
tbel
i
eveNoksi
sdoi
ngt
his.
.

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Nowisast
ayedwit
hmeunt i
lKhaboshowedup,shewaswi thaf r
iendIhadcal
ledher
.
NowisakeptI
balockedupt hewhol etime,hewasj ustbangingont hesl
idi
ngdoor
coul
dn'
topenit
.Nowisakeptitl
ockedlikethat.I
mmedi at
elywhent heywal
kedint
othe
bedr
oom,Nowisar
eturnedbackIbanat
hi'sv
isionthenshedisappeared.
.

Khabo:
Qondi
??

Shewal
kedupt
omeandhuggedme.
.
Me:
Ouch.
..

Shebr
oket
hehugandl
ookedatme.
.

Her
:What
?Whatdi
dyoumeant
hathebeaty
ouup?

Il
if
tedmyt -
shi
rt
,andthenshecheckedmyback.Ibaopenedt
hesl
i
dingdoorand
wal
kedi
n.Khabopul
leddownmyt
-shi
rtandchar
gedathi
m..
.

Khabo:
Ujway
elaabant
ukabi
,hay
ingenganekaMa!
!!
!

Khabothrewbackt obackclapsathi
m,somuchthatI
bacoul
dn'
tdefendhimsel
f.The
l
astsl
aphet r
ippedandfell
becausehewaswal
ki
ngbackwar
ds,Khabogotontopofhi
m
andconti
nuedslappi
nghim..

Khabo:Ngi
zokubul
alangenganekaMauy
ezwa?
?(I
'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lyouwi
thmyMot
her
's
chi
ld)

Theclapstur
nedi
ntopunches,
giv
inghi
m nochancet
oret
urnt
het
reat
ment
.Khabogot
offhi
m...

Shelookedar
ound,I
baal
sot
ri
edt
ogetup.Icoul
dtel
lthathewasbl
eedi
ngf
rom hi
s
noseandmouth.
.

Me:
Khabomy
eke(
Khabol
eav
ehi
m)

IbastaggeredaroundandwenttoKhabo,wi thal
lthest
rengthhehadhepunchedmy
sist
er.ThatonlypissedKhabomore..Khaboputherhandsaroundhisneck,t
henshe
broughthisfacedownwhi chcameincont actwi
thherknee,heletgoofhim andI
ba
fell
.
.Khaboputherf ootonhi
sthr
oat.
.

Khabo:
Ngi
zokuny
athel
auy
ezwa?(
I'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lyou)

I
bahadnocomeback,
hewasdone.
.

Meandthefr
iendl
ookedateachot
her
,Iwasscar
edt
osaysomet
hing,shewasal
so
scar
edt
osaysomethi
ng.
.

Khabo:
Bet
tygogetQondi
'
sthi
ngsbef
orengi
mbul
alal
o!!
!!

Sheglanced downathi m whil

ebr eathi
ng heavy,I
bawascoughi ng bl
ood and no
str
engthlef
tinhim.Ithi
nkthekneesituati
onfi
nishedhi
m..Khabopull
edherskir
tali
ttl
e
andpressedharder
,Ibatr
iedtogetherfootof
ff r
om hi
sthroatbuthecoul
dn'
t.
.

Khabo:Ngi
zokubul
alany
a,kokhal
auMawakhol
aakhonamf
ana(
I'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lyou,
y
ourmom wi
l
lcr
ywher
evershei
s)

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
20]+27747280238:
43

QONDI
SIWE

Khabo'sfrienddr oveusstrai
ghttoLungi'
shouse,Ihadtakenmostofmyt hi
ngsandwe
l
eftIbat hereont hefl
oor.Idon'tevenknow ifhewasokayornot ,Ididn'
tev endare
checkuponhi m.Wheni tcomest ofi
ght
ingKhaboisgood, sheusedtokickassbackat
ourv i
l
lageandal mostevery
onewasscar edofher.Shewasmor eofaMot hertous
thanaSi ster,sheusedt ostr
aightenuswhenwewer enaught y
.Ithinkthat'
sanother
reasonwhySi ndilef
tandwentt oJohannesburg,
Khabowast oomuch..Whenwegott o
thehouse, sheputawar m cl
othonmyback.Iwast oomuchi npainthatIcouldn'
teven
walkproper l
y..

Her
:Uy
aqal
aukukushay
a?(
Wast
hist
hef
ir
stt
imehebeaty
ouup)

Me:
Cha.
.(No)

Her
:Wat
hul
aQondi
si
we(
Youkeptqui
et)

Tear
swer
est
reami
ngdown,
Iimagi
nedt
hatbal
conyscene.Hecoul
d'
veki
l
ledme.
.

Shepr
essedabi
thar
der
..

Me:
OuchKhabo

Her
:Thul
aQondi!Azangeushoukut
hil
omf
anauy
akshay
a(Keepqui
et,y
oudi
dn'
ttel
l
methatt
hisboyi
sbeati
ngyou)

Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongue,
nowIwon'
ttel
lhert
hewhol
est
ory
.She'
sgoi
ngt
obemor
emad.

Her
:Qondii
ndondai
kshayakany
enj
e,i
zophi
ndaf
uthi(
Ifamanbeat
syouonce,he'
s
goi
ngt
obeatyouupagai
n)

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..

Her
:Younotgoi
ngbackt
her
eagai
n!

Icl
osedmyey
es.
.
_
___
___
_

LUNGI
SA

Ibahadcalledmeandt ol
dmet hathewasat
tacked,hewasi
nbadshapethatIhadt
o
takehimt othehospit
al.
.Whenhet ol
dmethewhol est
oryt
hatKhabobeathi
m up,I
couldn'
thel
pbutlaugh.
.

Doct
or:
Yougoi
ngt
oneedami
norsur
ger
y,y
ournosei
sbr
oken

I
ba:
Dowhaty
ougot
tado!
!

Me:
Idon'
tunder
stand,
whydi
dKhabobeaty
ouup?

Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.

Me:
Iba

I
ba:Leavemeal
oneLungi
,whaty
oushoul
dknowi
sthaty
ourgi
rl
fr
iendi
sgoi
ngt
opay
f
orthi
s!!

Me:
Real
l
y?Af
terhowshebat
ter
edy
ou,
your
eal
l
ywannagoatheragai
n?

Hi
m:Iai
n'
tnotpunk!
!!
!

Doct
or:
Keepst
il
l

I
ba:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
obedoneany
timesoon?

I
bawasal
lwor
kedup.
.

MyMot
hercamer
ushi
ngi
n..

Ma:
Ohhmywor
d!!

Shedr
oppedherbag.
.

Ma:
Bungeewhodi
dthi
stoy
ou?

I
ba:
Youcal
l
edher
?

Me:
Wel
lIdi
dn'
tknowwhoat
tackedy
ouso.
.

Ma:
Babydi
dyouseewhodi
dthi
stoy
ou?

Ichuckl
ed.
.
Ma:
Whodi
dthi
stoy
ou?

I
ba:
It'
snot
hingMa

Ma:
Whatdoy
oumeani
t'
snot
hing?Di
dyoul
ookaty
our
sel
f?

I
ba:
I'
mfi
ne!
!Younotsupposedt
obeher
e

Ma:
Lungi
whodi
dthi
s?

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..

Me:
Khabo(
lowv
oice)

Ma:
Who?

Iscr
atchedmyf
orehead.
.

Me:
Khabo

Ma:
What
??

Shel
ookedatI
ba.
.

Ma:Whot hehel
ldoesshet
hinkshei
s?I
bai
smyson!Shehasnor
ightbeat
ingmySon
akamzal
anga

Me:
Ibay
enawenzeni
?(Whatdi
dIbado)

Ma:
Yabonal
amasi
mbawent
ombi
yakhoLungi
?(Youseet
hisbl
oodygi
rl
fr
iendofy
our
s)

I
ba:
Mal
eti
tgo

Ma:
I'
m cal
l
ingt
hecops,
wegoi
ngt
olaychar
ges

Me:
Ma.
..No

Mymom wentandgotherbag,
Iwal
kedupt
oher
..

Me:
Younotcal
l
ingt
hecops

Shehi
tmewi
thherbag.
.

Ma:
Sheal
mostki
l
ledmychi
l
d!Lookathi
m!!

I
ba:
Lungi
isr
ight
,youcan'
tcal
lthecops
Ma:
Ibashedeser
vest
obeputaway
,cl
ear
lyshe'
sanani
mal

I
ba:
Ify
ouhav
eherar
rest
ed,
I'
m al
sogoi
ngt
ojai
l

Me:
Why
?

Hekeptqui
et.
.

Me:
Iba?

I
ba:
IbeatQondi
si
weup

Me:
Ther
eyougo.
.I'
mleav
ing

Ma:
Sowhat
?Thatdoesn'
tgi
vehert
her
ightt
obeatmyson!
!

Iwal
kedaway
,myMot
hergr
abbedmyar
m..

Ma:
Tel
lthathool
i
ganI
'
m comi
ngf
orher
!!Ngi
zomuny
isa

Me:
What
everMa

Shel
etgoofmyar
m andt
henwal
kedaway
..

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Khabo:
Beni
l
wel
ani
(Whywer
eyouguy
sfi
ght
ing)

Shegav
emet
hepai
nki
l
ler
sandt
hegl
assofwat
er.
.

Me:
Iconf
ront
edhi
m aboutsl
eepi
ngwi
thSi
ndi
,thenhel
osti
t

Her
:Youconf
ront
edhi
m aboutSi
ndi
?

Me:
Hewassl
eepi
ngwi
thher

Her
:Ohw

Il
ookedather
..

Me:
Younotshocked

Her
:Inmydef
enceIbeatherupt
oo

Me:
Youknew!
!?(
shout
ing)
Sher
aisedherey
ebr
ow.
.

Her
:Ngi
thengi
mshay
il
eangi
thi
(Isai
dIbeatherup)

Me:
YouknewKhabo.
.Wat
hul
a(Youkeptqui
et)

Her
:Itwasnotmypl
acet
osayany
thi
ng

Idr
ankt
hepi
l
ls.
.

Khabo:
Justf
ocusonget
ti
ngbet
terubay
eke(
leav
ethem al
one)

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
.

Her
:Manakengokudel
ela(
Don'
tdi
srespectme)

Shet
ookt
hegl
ass.
.

Her
:Tr
yandgetsomer
est

Me:
Thanky
ou

_
___
___
___

I
BANATHI

Dr
:Tomor
rowmor
ningy
ou'
l
lgof
orsur
ger
y

Ma:
Thanky
ouDr

Hi
m:TheNur
sewi
l
lcomeandbooky
ouawor
d

Hewal
kedaway
..

Ma:
Ngi
khat
hel
engal
amant
ombazana(
I'
mti
redoft
hisgi
rl
s)

Me:
Macany
oupl
easel
eav
e?

Her
:I'
m notl
eav
ing

Shewentandsatont
hechai
r,It
ookmyphoneandt
ext
edQondi
siwe.
..

"
Thi
sisnotov
er,
ify
out
hinky
ougoi
ngt
oleav
eme.Thi
nkagai
n"

_
___
___
___
_

KHABONI
NA
Iwasnowatthekitchenwashingdi
sheswhenLungi
wal
kedi
n..Idi
dn'
tev
enl
ookathi
m,
Icont
inuedwashi
ngdi sheswhil
esi
ngi
ng.
.

Me:
"Qal
aaphakum,
uzeendodeni
"

Hest
oodnextt
omeandf
oldedhi
sar
ms,
hekepthi
sey
esonme.
.

Me:
"Qal
aaphakum,
uzeendoneni
"

Hesti
lldi
dn'
tsayany
thing,buthi
sl ookwasget
ti
ngt
ome.Ist
oppedwashi
ngdi
shes
andl
ookedathi
m,helookedatmet oo..

Me:
Uyakhul
umay
ini
?(Doy
ouhav
esomet
hingt
osay
)

Iwentbackt
owashi
ngdi
shes.
.

Hi
m:I
'
mjustwonder
ingi
fI'
m saf
ebei
ngar
oundy
our
ightnow

Me:
Whywoul
dn'
tyouf
eel
saf
e?

Hi
m:Idon'
tknow.
.May
bei
t'
sbecausey
oubr
okemybr
other
'snose

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
Ohw.
.

Hi
m:Your
oughedhi
m up

Me:
Shame.
..

Him:Doyouknow how ser

ioust
hisi
s?Whati
fyoubeatupsomeoneonedayand
act
ual
lyki
l
lthatper
son?

Me:
Kuy
obekuy
ibhadi
lakhel
oyomunt
u(Thatwoul
dbet
heper
son'
sbadl
uck)

Hi
m:Thi
sisser
iousKhabo

Me:
Kant
iubani
ohl
ekay
o?(
Who'
slaughi
ng)

Hi
m:Phel
aangi
suI
bami
na(
I'
m notI
banat
hi)

Me:
Ang'
di
deki
l
e(I
'
m notconf
used)

Het
ri
edt
ouchi
ngmyar
m butIspr
inkl
edt
hesoapywat
eronhi
sface.
.

Me:
Don'
tst
artLungi
Heheldbothmyhandsandpushedmebackwar
dsunt
ilIwasagai
nstt
hef
ri
dge,he
pi
nnedbot
hmyhandsonmychest..

Hi
m:Lookatme!
!!

Il
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:Justbecausey
oubeatupSi
ndi
andI
bat
hatdoesn'
tmeany
ouaboxi
ngchampi
on

It
ri
edt
ogetawayf
rom hi
sgr
ipbutIcoul
dn'
t,
hewasal
otst
ronger
..

Me:
Awungi
yekeLungi
(letgoofme)

Hi
m:Ngi
zokushay
aKhaboandy
ouwon'
tbel
i
evei
t!
!!

Ist
oppedf
orci
ngt
obr
eakawayf
rom hi
sti
ghtgr
ipbecauseIwasn'
twi
nni
ng.
.

Hi
m:Whyar
eyousoomad?

Me:
I'
m notmadLungi

Hi
m:Youmadaboutsomet
hing,
andI
'
m notgoi
ngt
orel
easey
ouunt
ily
out
ell
mewhat
's
wr
ong

Me:
Hebeatupmyl
i
ttl
esi
ster
!!

Hi
m:That
'snott
her
eal
reasonwhyy
oumad

Ikeptqui
et.
.

Hi
m:Thenwegoi
ngt
ost
andher
efor
ever

Af
ewsecondspassed,
thenami
nut
e.Hedi
dn'
tmov
e,hewasser
ious.
.

Me:
Letgoofmeandt
henwe'
l
ltal
k

Her
eleasedme,
Itr
iedsl
appi
nghi
m buthehel
dmyar
m andt
wist
edi
tabi
t.
.

Hi
m:Ang'
dl
ali
nawe(
I'
m notpl
ayi
ngwi
thy
ou)

Me:
Eishmaanokayt
hen

Hel
etgo.
.

Hi
m:Tal
ktome

Il
ookedatmyar
m..
Hi
m:Whati
sit
?

Me:
I'
mjustt
ir
ed

Hi
m:Ti
redofwhat
?

Me:
I'
mti
redoft
alki
ng,
I'
mti
redoff
eel
i
ngdr
ained.
.I'
mjustt
ir
ed.
..

Hi
m:Ti
redofwhat
?

Me:Ofev er
ythi
ng,yourMot
her
'shat
etowardsmeandmysi ster
s.I'
m wonder
ingwhat
shehasinstoreforusandi
fwegoingtosurv
ivei
t?LookatwhatshedidtoQondi
siwe
andIba?

Hehuggedmet
hight
..

Me:
Aft
erev
ery
thi
ngI
'
vebeenI
'
vebeent
hrough,
losi
ngy
ouwoul
dshat
terme

Hi
m:That
'snotgoi
ngt
ohappen,
I'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Ir
eadI
banat
hi'
smessage,
Ikeptonr
eadi
ngi
tunt
ilt
ear
sst
art
edf
ormi
ngi
nmyey
es.
.

Nowi
sa:
Qondi
si
we

Isl
owl
ytur
nedandl
ookedather
..

Shecameandl
ookedandsatnextt
ome.
.

Me:
Ngi
yabonga(
thanky
ou)

Her:uyi
ndoniy
amanzingekesakuy
ekel
ela(
Youar
eIndoniy
amanzi
,wewoul
dnev
er
negl
ectyou)

Me:
Nowi
sanaweci
shewangbul
ala(
Youal
mostki
l
ledme)

Her
:Bongekeuzeuf
e(Youwer
enev
ergoi
ngt
odi
e)

(
Sil
ence)

Her
:Uy
indoni
yamanzi
umf
ulauy
akuhl
oni
pha(
Ther
iverr
espect
syou)

(
Sil
ence)
Her:Qondi
siwengil
i
bheki
lei
ksasalakhonoI
banat
hi,
akakul
ungel
e(I
'
veseeny
ourf
utur
e
wit
hIbanat
hi,he'
snotgoodf
ory ou)

Me:
Ngekengabuy
elaesgodi
ningay
ohl
alaemf
uleni
(Iwoul
dnev
ergobackt
other
iver
)

Shesmi
l
ed.
.

Her
:Ngi
yakwazi
lokho(
Iknowt
hat
)

She'
snotpr
otest
ing,
that
'
saf
ir
st.
.

Her
:Kodwangi
l
iboni
l
eiksasal
akhonomuny
e(I
'
veseeny
ourf
utur
ewi
thsomeoneel
se)

Me:
Nowi
sa

Her
:Ukul
ungel
eQondi
si
we(
he'
sgoodf
ory
ou)

Me:I
'm notgoi
ngt
omar
rysomeonef
rom t
hev
il
lage,someonet
haty
ouwannabenef
it
f
rom

Her
:Nt
sikay
ezweSodl
aka

Me:
Huh?

Her
:Ukubakhonakwakhokul
esasikolonokubakhonakwakheakusi
yi
phut
ha(
Him bei
ng
att
hatschoolandy
oubeingther
e,it
'snotamistake)

Me:
Nowi
saut
hini
(whatar
eyousay
ing)

Shedi
sappear
ed.
.

Me:
Nowi
sa?
??

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
20]+27747280238:
44

QONDI
SIWE

[
ONEMONTHLATER]

Iwal
kedi
nonLungi
andKhaboar
gui
ng.
.

Lungi
:Ithi
nkitwaswayt ooear
lyforQondi
siwetost
artdat
ingagain.Shesti
llhast
o
healf
rom herrel
ati
onshi
pwit
hIba,sheshoul
dn'tbej
umpingfrom onerel
ati
onshipt
o
anot
heronel
i
ket
his

Khabo:Qondi
si
wedoesn'
thavemuchexperi
encewhenitcomestodat
ing,
sheneedsto
dateali
tt
leandseehowrel
ati
onshi
psaresothatnextt
ime,shecant
ellt
hedi
ffer
ence
fr
om agoodandatoxi
crel
ati
onshi
p

Hi
m:Thi
sguyi
swhati
nhi
s30s?

Her
:Al
lthemor
ereasonwhyIl
i
kehi
m,hei
samanheknowswhathewant
s

Hi
m:Youdon'
tev
enknowhi
m

Me:
WhydoIhav
eaf
eel
i
ngt
haty
ouwantI
baandQondi
siwet
odat
eagai
n?

Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tsayt
hat

Khabonot
icedt
hatIwasst
andi
ngt
her
e..

Khabo:
Ther
eshei
s

Hi
m:He'
shert
eacherf
orf
uckssake

Khabor
oll
edherey
esathi
m..

Khabo:
Wowy
oul
ookni
ceNana

Me:
Thanky
ou

Idon'tknowhowi thappenedbutIhav ebeendoingext

raafternoonclasseswi t
hNt si
ka
atschool becausemat hswasachallengeforme, t
henonethingledtoanot herandhere
wear et odayinar elati
onshi
p.Takingthingsslow,Idon'tknow how sl ow wetaking
them becausehei scomi ngoverfordinner,Khabowantedtomeethi m. .Wehear dthe
bell
ringi
ng..

Me:
Ithi
nkt
hat
'
shi
m

Khabo:
I'
ll
geti
t

Lungi
:It
'smyhouseI
'
llgeti
t

Ihav
esi
ncebeenl
i
vingwi
thLungi
andKhabo.
.

Lungi
wentandopenedt
hedoor
..

Nt
sika:
Goodev
eni
ng
Lungi
:CanIhel
pyou?

Hi
m:Idon'
tknowi
fIhav
ether
ightaddr
essbutI
'
m her
ebecauseIwasi
nvi
tedf
ordi
nner

Lungi
:Di
nner
?

Hi
m:Qondi
siwel
i
vesher
eri
ght
?

Lungi
:Idon'
tknowi
fyouaski
ngort
ell
i
ngme

Khabo:
Lungi
!

Lungi
steppedbackandNt
sikawal
kedi
n..

Khabo:
Woow

Hewashol
dingt
wobouquet
soff
lower
s,andagi
ftbag.
.Hehandedt
hegi
ftbagt
o
Lungi
.
.

Hi
m:I
'
m guessi
ngy
ouar
eQondi
siwe'
sbr
otheri
nlaw,
thi
sisf
ory
ou

Lungi
tooki
tandopenedi
t,het
ookoutaboxofwhi
skey
..

Lungi
:Gl
enmor
angi
epr
ide1978Si
ngl
emal
tscot
chwhi
sky

Lungi
lookedathi
m shocked.
.

Lungi
:Thi
sisv
eryexpensi
ve,
Ithoughty
ouwer
ejustat
eacherhowdi
dyouaf
for
dthi
s?

Nt
sika:
Itwasagi
ft
,butI
'
m notmuchofadr
inker

Hemov
edonandcamet
oKhabo.
.

Hi
m:YoumustbeKhabo?

Khabo:
YesIam

Hehandedhert
hebouquetofl
i
li
es.
.

Khabo:
Thanky
ou

Thenhehandedmet
hebouquetofr
oses.
..Me:
Thanky
ou

Hi
m:Youl
ookl
ovel
y

Me:
Thanky
ou
Hel
ookedatmeandIl
ookedathi
m..

Khabo:I
'l
lputt
heflower
sont
hecount
er,I
'
llsor
tthem l
ater
.Pl
easey
oucanmakey
our
waytotheli
vi
ngroom

Hef
oll
owedmet
odi
ningt
abl
e..

Nt
sika:
Thi
sishousei
sbeaut
if
ul

Me:
Iti
s

LungiandKhaboj
oinedus.
.Nt
sikat
ookt
henapki
nandputi
tonmyt
highs,
hei
ssucha
gentl
eman..

Lungi
:Howdi
dyoubuysuchanexpensi
vewhi
sky
?It
'swor
thwhat
?80-
100k

Khabo:
Awhat
?

Nt
sika:
Itol
dyou,
itwasagi
ft

Lungi:Agi
ftfr
om who?I'
mr i
chbutIhav eneverboughtmy
sel
fsuchanexpensi
ve
whisky,
whocanbuysomeonesuchanexpensi
vewhi
sky?

Khabo:
Hesai
ditwasagi
ftLungi

Khabof
akedasmi
l
e..

Nt
sika:
Thi
sisal
ovel
yhouse,
thanky
ouf
ori
nvi
ti
ngme

Khabo:
Youwel
come

Lungi
:Youseem l
i
keasmar
tguy
,whyt
eachi
ng?

Me:
Lungi

Lungi
:It
'sj
ustani
nnocentquest
ion

Nt
sika:
Ijustl
ovei
t

Lungi
:Youl
ovei
t?

Nt
sika:
YesIdo

Lungi
:Wher
edoy
oul
i
ve?

Nt
sika:
Around
Lungi
:Ar
oundwher
e?

Nt
sika:
Aroundt
own

Khabo:
Canwest
arteat
ing?

Me:
Ithi
nkt
hat
'
sagoodi
dea

Lungi
:Soy
oudat
est
udent
s?

Khabo:
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ryNt
sika

Lungi
:Youcanl
osey
ourj
obi
fthedepar
tmentf
indsout

Me:
Kant
iwhoi
sgoi
ngt
otel
l
?

Lungi
:I'
mjustsay
ing

Khabo:
Pleaseexcuseusf
oraf
ewseconds

Nt
sika:
Ofcour
se

Khabo:
Lungi
kit
chenpl
ease.
.

Theybot
hst
oodupandwentt
otheki
tchen.
.

Me:
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ry

Nt
sika.
.

Nt
sika:
It'
sokay
..Hei
sjustbei
ngpr
otect
iveIunder
stand

Me:
He'
sbei
ngaj
erk

Hechuckl
ed.
.

Hi
m:Idon'
trememberget
ti
ngaki
ss

Hel
eanedov
erandki
ssedme.
.

_
___
___
___
__

NOKUTHULA

Mr
sB:
Her
eyougo

Me:
Thanky
ou
It
ookt
hebowl
ofi
cecr
eam f
rom her
..

Her
:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngt
oday
?

Me:
Themor
ningsi
cknesssi
tuat
ioni
sreal
l
ydr
aini
ng

Eversi
nceIwasrel
easedI
'
vebeenl
i
vingwi
thMr
sBi
yel
a,Iwasr
eleasedbef
oremy
fat
her'
sbur
ial
..

Mr
sB:
Lungi
shoul
dbet
her
eony
ournextappoi
ntment

Me:
Lungi
ishappywi
thhi
snewwoman,
hedoesn'
tcar
eaboutus

Mr
sB:
don'
tsayt
hat
,hehast
otaker
esponsi
bil
i
tyandmanup

Me:
Idon'
tknow.
.I'
l
lcal
lhi
m

Her
:I'
l
ltal
ktohi
m

Me:
Thanky
ou

_
___
___
___
_

I
BANATHI

Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
..

Me:
Comi
ng

Iwentt
oopen,
itwasSi
pho.Hewal
kedi
n..

Me:
Youl
ate

Hi
m:I
'
m her
enow

Hehandedmet
hef
il
e,Il
ookedati
t.
.

Me:
He'
scl
ean

Hi
m:Ther
e'snot
hingont
hisguy

Me:
Ther
ehast
obesomet
hing

Hi
m:He'
scl
eanert
hant
hesnow,
nocr
imal
recor
d,nobadpast

Me:
No.
..Ther
ehast
obesomet
hing
Hi
m:Wel
lther
e'snot
hingonNt
sikay
ezweSodl
aka

Me:
Ther
ehast
obesomet
hing

Hi
m:Ther
eonl
ythi
ngt
haty
oucangethi
m oni
sdat
ingast
udent

Me:
He'
sgonnal
osehi
sjobt
hat
'
snot
hing

Hi
m:Hewon'
tbehi
redany
wher
eel
sewi
thsuchar
ecor
d

Me:
Howi
sthatgoi
ngt
omakeQondi
siwel
eav
ehi
m?

Hi
m:I
fhev
alueshi
sjobt
henhewi
l
lleav
eher

Me:
That
'saweakt
hreat

Hi
m:I
t'
stheonl
ythi
ngy
oucanuseagai
nsthi
m

It
ossedt
hef
il
eont
hecount
er.
..

Me:
Ther
ehast
obesomet
hing,
hecannotbet
hiscl
ean

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Di
nnerwasn'
tthatni
cewi
thLungi
act
ingl
i
keaj
erk.
.

Nt
sika:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch,
thef
oodwasdel
i
cious

Khabo:
Youwel
come

Me:
I'
ll
wal
kyouout

Nt
sika:
Goodni
ghtMsLanga

Khabo:
Goodni
ght

Iwal
kedhi
m outt
ohi
sRunx.
.

Me:
I'
m sor
ryagai
naboutLungi

Hi
m:Atl
easthedi
dn'
tat
tackmesoi
t'
sal
lgood

Me:
Hei
sIbanat
hi'
sBr
otherso.
.

Hi
m:NowIunder
stand
Hepul
l
edmecl
osert
ohi
mforahug.
.

Hi
m:May
bet
omor
rowIcant
akey
ouout
,tomyj
oint

Me:
I'
dli
ket
hat

Heki
ssedme.
.

Hi
m:Ishoul
dgetgoi
ngbef
orehecomesout

Ichuckl
ed.
..

Hi
m:I
'
llcal
lyoubef
orey
ousl
eep

Me:
I'
dli
ket
hat

Hi
m:Goodni
ghtNdoni

TheNdoni
namei
snowpopul
aratschool
becauseofHappy
..

Me:
Night

Iwat
chedhi
m ashegoti
ntohi
scar
..

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
45

QONDI
SIWE

Iwasv
eryupsetwi
thLungi
,whathedi
dwasuncal
l
edf
or.
.Iwal
kedbacki
ntot
hehouse.
.

Lungi
:I'
mjustl
ooki
ngoutf
ory
ou

Me:
Thatwasuncal
l
edf
or,
ist
hisaboutI
ba?

Hi
m:Notatal
l
..Qondi
siwehegavemet
hemostexpensi
vewhi
sky
,whowoul
dgi
fthi
m
wi
tht
hemostexpensi
vewhisky
?

Ikeptqui
et.
.

Lungi
:Justfi
ndoutwhereheli
vesatleastandf
indoutwhohei
s,Idon'
twanty
oubei
ng
i
nanotherIbanat
hiki
ndofrel
ati
onshi
p

Hewasmaki
ngsenset
hough,Nt
sikaandIhav
ebeendat
ingf
oramont
hnow.Idon'
t
knowwher
ehel
i
ves,
weal
way
smeeti
npubl
i
cpl
acesi
t'
snotgood

Iwentt
omybedr
oom andr
anghi
m..

Hi
m:Mi
ssme?

Icoul
dtel
lthathewasst
il
ldr
ivi
ng.
.

Me:
Arey
ouser
iouswi
thme?

Hi
m:YesIam

Me:
ThenIneedt
oknowmor
eabouty
ou

Hi
m:Okay
?

Me:
Tomor
rowi
nst
eadofgoi
ngoutcanwehav
elunchordi
nneraty
ourpl
ace?

Hi
m:Er
rr

Me:
Ntsi
kaI
'
mfr
om abadr
elat
ionshi
p

Hi
m:I
'
m nothi
m

Me:
Howwoul
dIknowwheny
oudon'
tev
enwantt
otel
lmeany
thi
ngabouty
our
sel
f?

Hi
m:Qondi

Me:
Ify
oudon'
twantmet
oknowabouty
our
sel
fthenmay
beweshoul
dcal
lthi
squi
ts

Him:Okaytheny
oucancomeov eratmyplacetomorr
ow morning,I
'
llt
exty
out
he
addr
essint
hemorni
ng.Iwon'
tbeabl
etopi
ckupthoughbecauseI
'
llbeti
dyi
ngup

Me:
It'
sokay

Hi
m:Don'
tcomewi
thLungi

Me:
I'
ll
askaf
ri
end

Hi
m:Seey
out
hen

Me:
Goodni
ght

Iimmediat
elywenttothewhat sappgroupandtext
edthem,HappyandAkhonaknow
abouthim.Akhona agreed t
o dr i
ve me,she wi
llbor
row hermom'scar.Atleast
tomorr
owI'l
lfi
ndoutwhoNt si
kais..
_
___
___
___
__

NOKUTHULA

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ningIwokeupandcal
l
edLungi
,hepi
ckedup.
.

Hi
m:Noks

Me:
MondayI
'
m goi
ngt
otheDr
,waswonder
ingi
fyouwantt
ocome?

Hi
m:Thoughty
ouwant
ednot
hingt
odowi
thme

Me:
Doy
ouwantt
ocomeornot
?

Hi
m:Tel
lmet
het
imeandwhi
chDr

Me:
I'
ll
texty
ouMondaymor
ning

(
Sil
ence)

Hi
m:Howar
eyouhol
dingup?

Me:
I'
m goodj
ustmor
ningsi
ckness

Hi
m:Di
dyout
ell
yourDrabouti
t?

Me:
I'
ll
tel
lhi
m onMonday
,It
houghti
twasnor
mal

Hi
m:Icangot
othephar
macyandgety
ousomet
hing

Me:
Idon'
twannabur
deny
ou

Hi
m:Youpr
egnantwi
thmychi
l
d,y
ounotbot
her
ingme

Me:
Iwoul
dreal
l
yappr
eci
atet
hat

Hi
m:Wher
ear
eyoust
ayi
ng?

Me:
Wit
hyourMot
her

Hi
m:I
'
m notsur
pri
sed

Me:Ineedsomeoneandshe'
stheonl
yper
sonwhoact
ual
l
ycar
esaboutmeandt
he
baby

Hi
m:Iwasn'
tcompl
aini
ng,
itwasj
ustagenui
nequest
ion
Me:
I'
ll
wai
tfory
ou

Ihear
dav
oiceofawomanatt
hebackgr
ound.
.Icl
enchedmyJaws

Hi
m:I
'
llcomeov
erabi
tlat
er

Me:
Seey
out
hen

Ihopet
hisbabywil
lbr
ingmeandLungit
oget
her
,thehonestt
rut
hist
hatIst
il
llov
ehi
m
wit
hall
myheart.
..

_
___
___
___

I
BANATHI

"
Squadgoi
n'up,
nobodyf
li
ppi
n'packsnow

Ij
ustdi
d3i
nar
ow,
them showsi
sback-
to-
backt
obacknow

Putthe worl
d on oursound,y ou know PARTY and The Weekend..Ai
n'
tgotno
motherf
ucki
n't
imetopart
yont heweekend.TellGel
o,"Br
ingthej
uice,weaboutt
oget
l
itFi
ll
theroom upwi
thsometings,onenightof
fandthi
sisit
"

Iwasl ayi
nginbedgoi ngt hroughNt si
ka'saccountonFacebook,butIdi dn'
tf i
nd
anythingsuspicious.Hewasj ustanot
herdude,li
vinganor
dinar
yli
fe.Ishookmyhead,
hispicswer en'
timpr essi
ve.Teachersdon'tear
nthatmuchI'
m guessi
ng..Lungi
'sphone
camet hrough.
.

Me:
Bro

Hi
m:Howar
eyouhol
dingup?

Me:
I'
m good

Hi
m:Wasj
ustchecki
ngupony
ou

Me:
Howi
sQondi
si
we?

Hi
m:She'
sgood.
.She'
sver
ygood

Me:
She'
sdat
ingf
orr
eal
?

Hi
m:Yeah.
.Heev
encamel
astni
ghtf
ordi
nner

Me:
I'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ogetsomet
hingonhi
m buthi
scl
ean
Hi
m:YeahIdon'
tthi
nkso

Me:
I'
mli
steni
ng

Hi
m:Hegi
ft
edmewi
thabot
tl
eofGl
enmor
angi
ewhi
skyt
hemostexpensi
veone

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
Howcanat
eacheraf
for
dthat
?

Hi
m:Myt
hought
sexact
ly

Me:Imeanhedr i
vesaRunx,theydon'
tevenmaket
hem any
mor
e.Ar
eyousur
ehe
di
dn'
tputacheapwhi
skyi
nanexpensi
vebot
tle?

Hi
m:Hav
en'
ttast
edi
t

Me:
Youshoul
d,ort
hrowi
tawaybef
orey
ougetsi
ck

Hi
m:Idon'
ttr
ustt
hisguy

Me:
Whatdoesheev
enbuyQondi
?I'
m sur
ethei
rfi
rstdat
ewasatKFC

Hel
aughedt
oo.
.

Hi
m:Hedoesn'
tl
ookr
icht
hough

Me:
Icant
ri
plehi
ssal
aryf
ort
henext5y
ear
s

Hi
m:May
beweshoul
dgi
fthi
m anexpensi
vewhi
sky

Me:
Oranewcar

Webot
hlaughed.
.

Me:Hemustst
epbackbecauseI
'
m getti
ngmygi
rlsoon,t
henI
'
llgi
fthi
m acarj
ustf
or
bei
ngt
her
ewhenQondisi
wewasconfused

Hi
m:I
'
llputi
nhal
foft
hemoney

Wel
aughedagai
n..

Me:
Hedoesn'
tknowaboutusdoeshe?Hedoesn'
tknowhowr
ichwear
e?

Hi
m:Idon'
tthi
nkso,
het
ri
edf
lashi
ngwi
thf
lower
sandwhi
sky

Me:
He'
sget
ti
ngcocky
,hewon'
tknowwhathi
thi
m
Hi
m:Goeasyonhi
m

Me:I
'
llt
ry.
.ThoughI
'
llbedegr
adi
ngmy
sel
fgoi
ngagai
nstat
eacher
,Ipr
obabl
ywoul
dbuy
apai
rofsneaker
swit
hhissal
ary

Hi
m:Iwonderwhathe'
sgoi
ngt
odowhent
heaf
fai
rsecr
etcomesout

Me:
Hewi
l
llear
nbecauseaf
tert
hathewon'
tgetanot
herj
ob

Hi
m:mel
easukeemabhozeni

Me:
Thi
sisgoi
ngt
obeeasy
,It
houghty
ouupgr
adef
rom y
ourex.Qondi
downgr
aded

Hi
m:Qondi
siwei
sinexper
ienced

Me:
Wel
lI'
m aboutt
oschool
him,
wat
chandl
ear
n

Hi
m:Iwi
l
lbewat
chi
ngal
ri
ght

Thi
sisgoi
ngt
obev
eryeasy
..
.

_
___
___
___

QONDI
SIWE

Akhona:
Arey
ousur
ethi
sist
her
ightaddr
ess?

Me:
Yes.
.Look

Igav
ehermyphone.
.

Me:
Het
ext
edmet
hismor
ning

Happy
:Guy
sweshoul
dgo,
Idon'
tthi
nkweatt
her
ighthouse

Akhona:
It'
sapr
ivat
eest
ate,
may
bewear
elosti
ndeed

Ntsi
kadi
dtextmetheaddr
essandalsogavemedi
recti
ons,wherewewer epar
kedr
ight
nowdoesn'
tlookl
i
keit
'shi
shouse.I
tcan'
tbehi
shouse,he'
sonlyateacher.
.

Happy
:May
beweshoul
dcheck

Happyopenedt
hedoor
..

Akhona:
Happywai
t,y
ougoi
ngt
ogetusar
rest
edf
ort
respassi
ng

Happy
:Wej
ustaski
ng
Weallgotoutofthecarandmadeourwaytot
hegate.Thehousewasinbet
weenJhb
andPta,j
ustonebighouseandabigyar
d.Nonei
ghbours.
.Wegottothegat
eandthe
secur
it
yguardapproachedus.
.

Happy
:Uhm goodmor
ningSi
r

Hi
m:Mor
ning

Happy
:It
hinkwel
ost
..Wel
ooki
ngf
orMrNt
sikaSodl
aka?

Hel
ookedatus.
.

Hi
m:Ar
eyouQondi
si
we?

Weal
ll
ookedateachot
her
..

Me:
I'
m Qondi
si
we

Hi
m:Doy
ouhav
eanI
Dwi
thy
ou?

Me:
Uhm no

Hi
m:Excuseme

Het
ookouthiswalki
e-t
alki
ewhi
lewalki
ngaway
,hewasoni
tforawhi
l
ethenhecame
t
ousandopenedthegate.Wewalkedi
n..

Hehadagunwithhi
m,hewasbuf f
edandwear
ingabul
letpr
oofv
est
.Hewalkedback
t
othesmal
lhousesi
tuat
ednextt
othegat
eandcamebackwit
hapadandapen..

Hi
m:Pl
easesi
gn

Weal
lsi
gned.
.

Hi
m:Ar
eyoul
adi
escar
ryi
nganyweapons?

Akhona:
Huh?

Hi
m:Hai
rpi
ns?

Akhona:
No.
.

Hi
m:Pl
easegi
vemey
ourphones

Happy
:Why
?

Hegav
eHappyaser
iousl
ook,
wegav
ehi
m ourbags.
.
Hi
m:Fol
l
owmel
adi
es

Wefol
l
owedhim.Therewer
eabou3expensi
vecar
sparkedinthedr
ivewayandabi
ke.
Wewereal
lver
yconf
used.
.Wegott
othedoorandheopened.
.

Hi
m:Pl
easecomei
n

Wemadeourwayi
n..

Happy
:Woow!

Akhona:
Wher
ear
ewe?
?

Nt
sikawal
kedi
n..

Nt
sika:
Ladi
es

Noonegr
eet
edhi
m back.
.Hel
ookedatt
heguar
d..

Nt
sika:
Thanky
ou

Hebowedal
i
ttl
eandwal
kedout
..

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Ntsi
kawhati
sgoi
ngon?

Hescr
atchedhi
shead.
.

Somewomanwal kedi
n,shel
ookedl
i
keamai
d.Wel
lshewasamai
d,shewaswear
ing
theuni
for
m.Shewasholdi
ngt
woshir
ts.
.

Her
:Si
rwhi
chshi
rtar
eyougoi
ngt
oweart
oday
?

Nt
sikal
ookedatt
hem.
.Theshi
rt
slookedi
dent
ical
.
..

Nt
sika:
Thi
sisat
oughone

Akhona:
Theybot
hlookt
hesame

Themai
dlookedather
..

Mai
d:Yest
heyar
ebutt
heyf
rom di
ff
erentdesi
gner
s

Akhona:
Youbuyt
hesamecl
othesf
rom di
ff
erentdesi
gner
s?

Nt
sika:
Yes
Akhona:
Wow

mai
d:I
t'
sal
laboutt
hedesi
gnernott
hepi
eceofcl
othi
ng

Happy
:Tal
kaboutwast
ingmoney

Theybot
hlookedather
..

Happy
:Sor
ry

Ntsi
ka:YouknowwhatMar
ia,Iwon'
tbegoi
ngany
wher
etodaysomysweatpant
swi
l
l
befi
ne

Her
:ver
ywel
lSi
r

Me:
I'
m sor
rybutI
'
m conf
usedher
e.Ar
eyour
ich?

Nt
sika:
Fil
thy

Akhona:
What
?(l
owv
oice)

Nt
sika:
Cany
oupl
easegett
hel
adi
essomet
hingt
odr
ink?

Mar
ia:
That
'snotmyr
esponsi
bil
i
tySi
r

Nt
sika:
Iknowbutpl
ease

Shel
ookedatus.
.

Mar
ia:
Whatwoul
dyoul
adi
esl
i
ket
odr
ink?

Happy
:Pl
easegi
veusy
ourmostexpensi
vebot
tl
eofchampagne

Akhona:
Happy
!

Happy
:Whathesai
dhi
sfi
l
thyr
ich

Nt
sikaputhi
shandonMar
ia'
sshoul
der
..

Nt
sika:
Pleaseshowhert
othebar
..Theexcl
usi
vebar

Mar
ia:
ButSi
r.
.

Nt
sika:
It'
sal
ri
ght

Mar
ia:
Pleasef
oll
owme
Happyf
oll
owedherandsodi
dAkhona.
.

Mar
ia:
Doy
ouhav
eanyphonesony
ou?

Happy
:Not
heyt
ookourbags

Mar
ia:
Ver
ywel
l

Theybot
hlef
twi
thher
..Il
ookedatNt
sika.
.

Hi
m:Looksl
i
keIhav
eal
otofexpl
aini
ngt
odo

Me:
Ithi
nky
oudo

Hi
m:Let
'sgot
othegar
den

Nt
sikay
ezweSodl
aka,
whoar
eyou?
?

Tobecont
inued

Tomor
rowI
'
llbev
isi
ti
ngt
he"
TrophyWi
fe"Bel
oved

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
46

QONDI
SIWE

Ithoughttheguar
dsi t
uat
ionendedatthegat e,butev
eninthegar
denIsaw afew
guardswonderi
ngaroundwi t
hguns.Thegar denwashuge,aswewentindeeperI
thoughtt
hatwewon'tbeablet
ofindourwaybackt ot
hehouse.
.

Me:
Whati
sal
loft
hisNt
sika?

Him:Myprevi
ousrel
ati
onshi
pst
hewomenwi t
hmebecauseofmyst at
us,theygott oo
hookedupinmymoneyandwhoIwas.Theyst artedworshi
ppingme,t heydidn'
tsee
menorlovemef orwhoIwas.Youdon'tknow how bori
ngthatbecame,I '
vealway s
wantedt
obeinarelat
ionshi
pwi
thsomeonewhowasgoi ngtofallf
orme, wit
houtallof
thi
s

Me:
Isy
ourr
eal
nameNt
sika?

Hi
m:Yes

Me:
IfIGoogl
eyou,
wil
lIf
indany
thi
ngabouty
ou?
Hi
m:I
'
m usi
ngmyMot
her
'ssur
name

Me:
Howdi
dyougett
obet
hisr
ich?

Hi
m:Act
ual
l
ymyf
ami
l
yisv
eryr
ich,
wehav
ebusi
nessesbot
hinSAandov
erseas

Me:
Geuni
ner
iches?

Him:Yes.
.MyBr ot
her'
sareinvol
vedi
nthef
ami
l
ybusi
nesses,I
'
m onl
ytheonewho
deci
dedtotakeadi
ff
erentr
out
e

Me:
Howmanysi
bli
ngsdoy
ouhav
e?

Hi
m:5br
other
sandonesi
ster

Me:
Soev
eni
fyouwer
etogetf
ir
ed,
youcov
ered?

Hest
oppedandsmi
l
edal
i
ttl
e..

Hi
m:Techni
cal
l
yyoucan'
tfi
resomeonewhoownst
heschool

Myey
eswi
dened.
.

Me:
Youownt
heschool
?

Hi
m:Yes.
.WhenIwasy
oungIhadal
ear
ningdi
sabi
l
itysot
heschool
meansmor
etome

Me:
Youdon'
tl
ookl
i
kesomeonewhowasasl
owl
ear
ner

Hi
m:Thatt
ermi
scondescendi
ng,
it'
sa"
Speci
alschool
"

Me:
Theschool
feesmoneydoy
oupocketi
t?

Hi
m:No.
.Itgoest
ochar
it
y

Me:
Whati
syourf
ather
'ssur
name?

Hi
m:ThatIcan'
ttel
lyou

Me:
Ntsi
kay
ousai
dyougoi
ngt
obehonestwi
thme

Him:Iknow.
.LookI
'
llt
elly
ouaboutmyf
ami
l
yast
imegoeson,
whenourr
elat
ionshi
pis
atl
eastayearol
d

Me:
Fai
renough

Hi
m:I
'
mtr
ulysor
ryaboutnotbei
ngupf
rontwi
thy
ou
Me:Iunder
stand,butpl
easedon'
tkeepanysecr
etsf
rom meany
mor
e..Di
dyout
ellme
ev
eryt
hing?

Hehel
dbot
hmyhands.
.

Hi
m:I
'
vet
oldy
ouev
ery
thi
ng

Il
ookedar
ound.
.

Me:
All
thi
swal
ki
nghast
ir
edme,
canwer
est
?

Hi
m:ComeI
'
llcar
ryy
oubackt
othehouse

It
ookof
fmyshoesandhoppedonhi
sback

_
___
___
___

I
BANATHI

IhadaskedmyMom tomeetupwi
thmesowecoul
ddi
scusssomet
hing,somet
hing
that
'sv
eryi
mpor
tantt
ome.
.

Me:
Ineedy
out
otakeast
epbackwheni
tcomest
oQondi
siwe

Her
:Ther
e'snor
easonf
ormet
obedi
ff
icul
tbecauseshebr
okeupwi
thy
ou,
didn'
tshe?

Me:
I'
mtr
yingt
ogetherbackandIwanty
out
obackof
f

Her
:What
'swi
tht
hisgi
rl
?Isn'
tshedat
ingsomeoneel
se?

Me:
Yesat
eacher

Her:Soyougoi
ngt odegradey oursel
fbygoingagainstateacher?Ibanathithat
'svery
l
ow..Doyouknowwhowear e?Wecannotdegr adeoursel
vesli
ket hat!ThisQondisi
we
i
snotgood.Shemov edonl ikenothinghappened,herandhersi stersarenotgood.
Theyusementotheirf
inanci
al adv
antage,
she'sdati
ngherownt eacherimagine!

Me:
Ilov
eQondi
si
weMa,
andI
'
m goi
ngt
ogetherback

Her:Mor eli
key ouobsessedwi t
hher.Seet hesegi
rl
sarever
yf ami
l
iarwithwit
chcr
aft,
thei
rbeautyisenhancedt opossesswealthymen!Howcomeal loft
hem arenotdati
ng
someoneor dinary?Howcomet heynotselfmade?ThisQondisiwetopstheli
stngobu
febe,soonshewi llbedumpingtheteacherforsomeonewhoisloaded.Theydon'
thave
anydirect
ioninlif
e,theydependonmen!
Me:
Eit
herwayIwanty
out
ost
ayoutofmybusi
ness,
I'
m notachi
l
dany
mor
e

Sheshookherhead.
.

Her
:Idon'tknow what'
swit
hy ouandyourbrother,y
oushoul
dbeconcent
rat
ingon
get
ti
ngyourl
if
eright
.Younotdoi
nganyt
hingconstr
ucti
veI
banat
hi

Me:
Idi
dn'
tcal
lyouher
etogobackandf
ort
hwi
thy
ou

Her:Godmustr
eall
yhel
pmewi
tht
hisonebecauseIr
eal
l
ydon'
tli
ket
heseLangagi
rl
s!
Theygol
ddi
ggers

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Heputmedown.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Hi
m:Howwel
ldoy
ouknowy
ourf
ri
ends?Anddoy
out
rustt
hem?

Me:
Theygoodpeopl
e,andy
esIdot
rusthi
m

Henodded.
.

Me:
Why
?

Hi
m:I
'
mjustaski
ng

Speaki
ngofthedev
il
s,HappyandAkhonashowedup.Happywashol
dingabot
tl
eof
champagne.
.

Happy
:Ihopey
oudon'
tmi
nd,
I'
mtaki
ngt
hisasmysouv
eni
r

Nt
sika:
Byal
lmeans

Akhona:
Weshoul
dpr
obabl
yleav
e,y
ourhousei
sver
ybeaut
if
ul

Nt
sika:
Thanky
ou

Happy
:Imi
ghtshowupev
eryweekendf
ort
hischampagne

Nt
sika:
Noneed.Icanhav
ethem del
i
ver
edf
ory
ou,
amont
h'ssuppl
y

Happy
:Justoutofcur
iosi
ty,
howmuchi
sthi
schampagne?
Nt
sika:
1500

Happy
:It
'st
heonl
ycheapestt
hingi
nyourhouseIsuppose?

Nt
sika:
Dol
l
ars

Happy
:Hesai
ddol
l
ars

Akhona:
That
'sappr
oxi
mat
elyR22000

Happy
:SoI
'
m get
ti
ngdr
unki
nthemostexpensi
veway
?

Akhona:
Isupposeso

Happy
:Thi
sisi
nappr
opr
iat
ehe'
sourt
eacher

Nt
sika:
I'
m pr
obabl
ygoi
ngt
obest
eppi
ngdownf
rom t
hat

Happy
:Why
?

Nt
sikal
ookedatme.
..

Hi
m:Dat
ingast
udentt
hat
'sgoi
ngt
obeabadr
eput
ati
onf
ort
heschool

Akhona:
That
'snotgoi
ngt
omakey
ousuf
fert
hough,
I'
m sur
eyoudon'
tneedt
hesal
ary

Me:
Heact
ual
l
yownst
heschool

Happy
:Doy
oual
soownt
hemal
lofAf
ri
ca?

Nt
sikachuckl
ed.
..

Nt
sika:
Unf
ort
unat
elynot

Akhona:
Butwewon'
ttel
l

Me:
Lungi
knows,
heal
sopr
obabl
ytol
dIbanat
hi

Happy
:Thatgoodf
ornot
hingwomanbeat
er,
wheni
shedy
ing?

Me:
Happy
!

Happy
:What
?Hebeaty
ouup

Nt
sikagav
emeaser
iousl
ook.
.

Hi
m:Hebeaty
ouup?
It
oldhi
mthatIwasi
nabadr
elat
ionshi
p,nev
ert
oldhi
m aboutt
heabuse.
.

Me:
It'
snott
hatdeep

Happy:Heal
mostt
hrew y
ouof
fthebal
cony
,heki
ckedy
ouony
ourback.Youal
most
becameapar
apl
egi
c

Nt
sikaf
oldedhi
sar
msandgav
emeaser
iousl
ook.
.

Happy
:Het
hreat
ensy
ou!Hesendsy
out
hreat
eni
ngt
extmessages

Hi
m:Whyam Ionl
yhear
ingaboutt
hisnow?

Theyal
ll
ookedatme.
..

Me:
Ibanat
hii
smypast
,that
'
swhyIdon'
tev
enent
ert
ainhi
m

Akhona:
Guy
sweshoul
dgetgoi
ng

Happy
:Whydi
dtheyt
akeourphones?

Nt
sika:
Pri
vacypur
poses

Happy
:OhhIsee

Akhona:
Mymom needst
hecarguy
s,weshoul
dgo

Happy
:Okayl
et'
sgo

Nt
sikawal
kedusout
..
.

_
___
___
___
__

NOKUTHULA

Iopenedt
hedoorf
orhi
m,webot
hlookedateachot
herwi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ngatf
ir
st.
.

Me:
Hey

Hi
m:Hi

Il
ethi
min.
.

Hi
m:Howar
eyou?

Icl
osedt
hedoor
..
Me:
I'
m bet
ter

Hi
m:Goty
ousomet
hingf
rom t
hephar
macy

Me:
Thanky
ou

(
Sil
ence)

Hi
m:Yourt
ummyi
sst
art
ingt
oshow

Me:
YeahIknow,
I'
ll
bev
erybi
gsoon

Hi
m:Youal
one?

Me:
Yes.
.Iwasact
ual
l
ypl
anni
ngondoi
ngsomeshoppi
ngl
ater
,forbabycl
othes

Hi
m:Icandr
ivey
out
othemal
l

Me:
Youdon'
thav
etoo

Hi
m:Iwantt
oo

Me:
I'
ll
goandbat
hthen

Hi
m:I
'
llbewai
ti
ngr
ighther
e

Me:
Thanky
ouagai
nforget
ti
ngmesomet
hing

Hi
m:Youwel
come

Thi
smi
ghtj
ustwor
k..

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
47

QONDI
SIWE

Thef i
rstthi
ngIdi dwhenIgothomewast oGoogl eNtsi
kayezweSodlaka.Igotno
resul
ts,Isear
ched" Ntsi
kay
ezweSodlakawhoownsaschool "sti
l
lIgotnor esul
ts.My
l
astsearchwas" Ntsikay
ezweandhisbrot
hers",sti
l
lnothi
ng.Thi
swasf ust
rat
ing,Ireal
l
y
wanttoknowmor eabouthim andhe'
sfamil
y..Iheardaknockatthedoor.
.

Me:
Comei
n
Khabomadeherwayi
n..

Her
:Kuhambenj
ani
?(Howdi
ditgo)

Khaboi
smysi
ster
,she'
sli
kemybestf
ri
endt
oo.I
'
m usedt
otel
l
ingherev
ery
thi
ng.
.

Shecameandl
aidnextt
ome.
.

Me:
WhatI
'
m aboutt
otel
lyoupl
easedon'
tLungi

Her
:Uy
angi
thusamanj
e(y
ouscar
ingme)

Me:
Pleasepr
omi
se

Her
:Ipr
omi
se

Il
ookedather
..

Me:
Hei
sri
chKhabo,
noFi
l
thyRi
ch!

Khabo:
Wai
t.
.What
?

Me:
Ntsi
kai
sri
ch

Khabo:
IthoughthewasaTeacher

Me:
Yeahheownst
heschool

Khabo:
Whyi
shehi
dingt
hathe'
sri
ch?

Me:
I'
m notsur
ebuthesai
dhe'
sfami
l
yisv
eryr
ich

Khabo:
Didy
ouGoogl
ethem?

Me:
Hei
susi
nghe'
smot
her
'ssur
name,
Ican'
tfi
ndhi
m

Her:QondiI
'
m st
art
ingtofeelsomehowaboutthi
s,whati
fhei
sdangerous?Whywould
helieaboutwhohei s.MaybeLungiwasrightabouthi
m,I'
m concernedabouty
our
saf
etynow

Me:
Hei
sani
ceguy

Her
:Theyal
lst
artl
i
ket
hat
,fort
hef
actt
hathe'
shi
dingwhohei
sbot
her
smeal
ot

Me:
Hewi
l
ltel
lmemor
eabouthi
msel
fast
imegoeson

Her
:Mi
naIt
hinky
oushoul
dleav
ehi
m,hesoundsl
i
kehei
sbadnews
Me:
That
'sext
remeKhabo

Her:Doyourememberwhathappenedwit
hIbanat
hi?Whati
fNtsi
kai
smor edangerous
thanhi
m..I
'm get
ti
ngbadvibesabouthi
m now,Ithi
nkyoushoul
dwalkawaywhileit'
s
sti
ll
earl
y

_
___
___
___
___

NOKUTHULA

WewenttoAcker
manstocheckaf
ewbabycl
othes,
Lungiwast
akensoomucht
hathe
sai
dweshoul
dbuysome..

Me:
Wedon'
tknowi
fit
'sagi
rloraboy

Hi
m:We'
l
lbuybot
h

Me:
That
'swast
ingmoney(
laughi
ng)

Hi
m:It
'sgoodt
ost
artbuy
ingnowt
hanl
aterwheny
ouaboutt
ogi
vebi
rt
h,wewon'
thav
e
t
ime

"
We"Il
i
kedt
hesoundoft
hat
..

Hi
m:Youst
il
ldon'
tknowi
fit
'
sagi
rlorboy
?

Me:
No.
.Ij
ustwantt
obesur
pri
sed

Hi
m:I
'
mvouchi
ngf
oraboy

Me:
Iknowy
oudo

(
Sil
ence)

Me:
HowdoesKhabof
eel
aboutt
his?

Themoodchanged.
.

Hi
m:Hav
en'
ttal
kedt
oherabouti
t,atl
eastnoti
ndet
ail

Me:
Idon'
twantt
ocauset
roubl
esbet
weeny
ouguy
s

Hi
m:Youcar
ryi
ngmychi
l
d,t
her
ewon'
tbeanyt
roubl
ethaty
oucausi
ng

Me:
YouknowwhatImean

Hi
m:Khabowi
l
lhav
etoaccept
,thi
shappenedbef
oreshecamei
ntot
hepi
ctur
e
Me:
Whati
fshedoesn'
taccept
?

Hei
gnor
edt
hatquest
ion.
.

Hi
m:Il
i
ket
his

Il
ookedatt
hei
tem.
.

Me:
Ili
kei
ttoo.
.We'
l
ltakei
t

Thi
sseemseasy,get
ti
ngLungibackwon'
tbeapr
obl
em atal
l
.Thi
sKhaboofaper
son
bet
terwat
chout
..

_
___
___
___
___
_

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Iscannedthearea,Isaw hi
m si
tti
ngatsometableal
one.Imademywayt ohim,
fol
lowedbymy3gi r
ls.
.Ist
oodatthetabl
eandl
ookedathi
m,hemovedhi
sey
esfrom
hisphoneandt
henlookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Andwhatdoy
ouknow?Ar
emyey
esdecei
vi
ngme?

Me:
Ibanat
hi?I
banat
hiBi
yel
a?

Hi
m:Whowant
stoknow?

Iexpect
edhi
mtobet
hiscocky
..

Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
otel
lyout
hisonce,
Stayawayf
rom Qondi
siwe!

Hel
aughed.
..

Him:Youhav esomener veshowinguphereanddi st

urbi
ngmylunch,Iguessthe
r
estaurantdoesn'
trespectt
heircode ofconductanymore"Ri
ghts ofadmissi
on
r
eserved"Peopl
eli
keyoucan'
taffordt
hispl
ace,andi
t'
sadamnshamel ooki
ngatyou
r
ightnow!

Oneoft
hegi
rl
swal
kedcl
osert
ohi
m..

Her
:Youcannotaddr
esshi
mli
ket
hat

Hel
aughedagai
n..

I
ba:Youbroughty
oursi
ster
stof
ighty
ourbat
tl
esnow?Dudego,y
ouembar
rassi
ng
y
oursel
f!
Me:Iwast
rai
nedtofightandkil
lwaybefor
eyoucoul
duttert
hewor
d"Mama"AndIonl
y
chal
l
engeworthyopponents!Realman!andnotali
tt
legir
lwhogoesar
oundhi
tt
inga
womanbecausehecan'tdealwit
hhisl
it
tl
etemper
!!

Hest
oodup.
.

Hi
m:I'
m gi
vi
ngy
ouanotherchancet
owalkawaybefor
eyouembar
rassy
our
sel
f!Doy
ou
ev
enknowwhoIam?Icanmakey ourl
i
femiser
abl
e

Hewal
kedupt
ome.
.

Him:Thi
sli
tt
lejobofy oursyougonnaloseitandthenI'l
lmakesurethatyoudon'
tget
hi
redanywhere!Theny ou'
l
lbeabeggar ,awor t
hlesspieceofshi
t!!Yougotballs
showi
ngupinheref acingmewi t
hy ourli
tt
lepeanutsofasalar
y,wal
kawaynoworI 'l
l
makeyouremembert hesurname"Bi
y el
a"

Iwal
kedcl
osert
ohi
m..

Me:May beyoushouldaskwhoIam,y oursurnamet omi nemeansshi t

!Iam afucken
pri
nce!Iam roy
alt
yyoubitch!Thi
sli
tt
lecentsthatyougetf r
om y
ourcompanyi smoney
Iuseonmydogsev er
ymont h!Wit
hwhatI 'm worth,Icanbuyy ourli
fetoget
herwith
yourfamilyandthatpennil
esscompanyofy our
sandi twouldst i
llnothurtmybank
balance!

It
ookof
fmyj
acketandt
henr
oll
edupmyshi
rtsl
eev
e..

Me:IhavetheMkhizer
oyalsealtat
tooedonme!Nextt i
mewheny oucomeatme,y
ou
bet
tercomecor
rectandi
nclude"Yourhighness"bef
orey
oust
arty
oursent
ence!
!

It
ookt
hesav
iet
tef
rom t
het
abl
eandhi
thi
m wi
thi
tonhi
schest
..

Me:
Nextt
imeaskaboutNt
sikay
ezweMkhi
ze.
.Wi
pey
our
sel
f,y
oudr
ool
i
ng!

Il
ookedatt
hel
adi
es.
..

Me:Thisi
showmuchIrespecty
ou,youwannaactl i
keali
tt
legi
rlt
henI
'
lldegr
adey
ou
t
oone..Nextt
imewheny
oucomef orQondi
siwe,
it'
l
lbeyourl
ast
!!

Oneoft
hel
adi
esgav
ememyj
acket
..
.

Her
:Yourhi
ghness

Me:
Thanky
ou

Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:
Lunchi
sonme

Il
ookedatt
hel
adi
es.
.

Me:Seetoitthatyoubuyev
eryi
tem onthemenuforhim,mat t
eroffactI
'
llf
uckenbuy
youthi
srest
auranttoshowyout
hatyourli
tt
lecent
sarejustcentst
ome! !
!Haveanice
day!
!

Imademywayoutandt
hel
adi
esf
oll
owed.
.

Lady1:
Yourhi
ghnessar
eyougoi
ngt
obuyhi
mthi
srest
aur
ant
?

Me:Ofcour
seIam,itwouldbedi
srespectt
owhoIam ifImakesuchastat
ementand
notdel
i
ver
,Iam r
oyal
tyIhavet
ost
andbymypr omi
ses.Myfat
herwoulddi
swonme

Lady1:
Iunder
standy
ourhi
ghness

Me:
Findoutwhoownst
her
est
aur
ant

Lady1:
Yesy
ourhi
ghness

Idon'
tl
ikef
lashi
ngbutt
hisI
banat
hineededt
obeschool
ed,
ther
ichway
..

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
48

NTSI
KAYEZWE

WhenIgothomeIv
ideocal
l
edmyf
ather
,heanswer
ed.Hewasi
nhi
sst
udy
..

Me:
Pops

Hi
m:Son

Me:
Howar
eyou?

Hi
m:I
'
m wel
landhowar
eyou?

Me:
I'
m good.
.I'
m goi
ngt
obuyar
est
aur
ant

Hi
m:Theschool
isbor
ingy
oual
ready
?

Me:
No.
.I'
m buy
ingi
tforsomeone
Hi
m:Agi
rl
?

Me:
No.
.Ar
ival

Hi
m:Ar
ival
?

Me:
Yes

Hi
m:Whywoul
dyoudot
hat
?

Me:
It'
sonl
ybat
tl
eheunder
stands.
.Fl
ashi
ng

Hi
m:That
'sunl
i
key
ou,
hemust
'
ver
eal
l
ypi
ssedy
ouof
f

Me:
Hedi
d..Buthe'
swayt
oococky
,hewon'
taccept

Hi
m:Hedoesn'
thav
eachoi
ce,
noonecandenyagi
ftf
rom Roy
alt
y.That
'
sdi
srespect
ful
r
ival
ornot

Me:
He'
sjustaboyIev
enr
egr
etwast
ingmybr
eat
honhi
m

Hi
m:Thatdoesn'
tmat
ter
,youral
readygav
einy
ourwor
d.Youwor
disy
ourl
aw

Hewashol
dingacar
dinhi
shands.
..

Me:
What
'st
hat
?

Hi
m:Ani
nvi
tat
ionf
rom t
heKi
ngofSwazi
l
and

Me:
Whati
sitabout
?

Hi
m:Somecer
emonyt
hati
staki
ngpl
acet
oday
?

Me:
Aren'
tyousupposedt
obeony
ourway
?

Him:No..Ir
equest
edt
heguestl
i
sthehasi
nvi
tedKi
ngBhekumuziNgwanet
he5t
h,our
swornenemy

Me:
Her
ewego

Hi
m:Wecut
ti
ngal
lfr
iendshi
pthatwehadwi
tht
heSwazi
land

Me:
Let
'sheart
hespeech,
Iknowy
oudy
ingt
osayi
t

Him:Longagobef or
eIwasev enborn.Warbr okeoutbet
weent heNgwaneandthe
Mkhizet
ribeonwhoshouldowntheland.TheMkhizetr
ibewonthefightt
hatl
ast
edfor
year
s.BhekumuziNgwanethe1stgaveinaft
erhesawthatmorebloodshedwasonhis
tri
bethereforeher et r
eated.Byt henNt sikayezweMkhi zet he1stdidn'
tknow thathi s
onlyBelovedDaught er,hi
spr idehadf allenf orBhekumuziNgwane.Whent heNgwane
tri
beleft
,Nowi saMkhi zeleftwi t
ht hem.Shechoset hem ov erherownPeopl e.Today
theZikhal
iv i
l
lagei swhati tisbecauset heysacr i
fedourgr eatancest
orforthei
rlandt o
beclosetowhatt heMkhi zelandwas, unf ort
unatelyev enwi t
hthattheycoul
dn'tbeatus
withri
ches.Asl ongaswel i
vet heNgwanet ribewillf
or ev erremainourswornenemi es,
theZikhalivi
ll
agei sourbi ggestr ival
.Onoursi de,any onewhoconspi reswi t
ht hem
would'v
ecommi t
tedt r
eason, andt hat'
spuni shablebydeat h.TheKingoftheSwazi land
j
ustmadei tt
ot helistofpeopl ethatwecannott r
ust

Me:
Whydon'
twehav
eany
thi
ngonNowi
sa?Idon'
tknowwhatshel
ooksl
i
ke

Him:Shewassaidt obet hemostbeaut

if
ulwoman,af tert
hebetr
ayalhermemor
ies
peri
shed.Ki
ngNt
sikayezwethe1stev
enburntherpi
ctur
esandherever
ythi
ng

Me:
Thatwast
hebi
ggestbet
ray
al

Him:Indeed.
.Ev
enwhenI'
m goneIwantthenextki
ngt
ocar
ryt
hrought
hebet
ray
alwe
shal
lnevermakepeacewi
tht
heZikhal
ivi
l
lage

Me:
Whydi
dyouguy
snev
erwentf
ort
hem?

Him:Thedamnr
iver
!Nowi
sai
sthei
rgr
eat
estancest
or,
wedon'
thav
eany
thi
ngl
i
ket
hat
here

Me:
Iunder
stand

Il
ookedatt
het
ime.
.

Me:
PopsIhav
etogo,
Ihav
eadat
e

Hi
m:Nev erf
orgett
haty
ouaPr
inceandsoony
ouwi
l
lbeaKi
ng,r
oyalbl
oodmar
ri
es
r
oyal
blood

Me:
Idon'
tknowaboutt
heKi
ngpar
t

Him:I
t'
syourdest
inyyoucan'
tkeeponrunni
ngawayfr
om that.Outofal
lyourbrot
her
s,
youweretheonebornwithabirthmar
k.Youwerechosenfrom yourMother'
swomb.
Youcan'
tkeeponrunni
ngawayfrom t
hat

Me:
Idon'
twannabeaKi
ng,
Iwantanor
mal
li
fe

Hi
m:Unf
ort
unat
elyf
ory
ou,
younotnor
mal
Me:
Ihav
etogo.
.Sendmyl
ovet
oMom

Hi
m:Wewi
l
lseey
ounex
tweekend

Me:
Umemul
oforBusi
si
we,
Ial
mostf
orgot

Him:Shewoul
dbesodi
sappoi
ntedi
fshecoul
dheart
hat
,outofev
ery
oneshewant
s
youtobet
here

Me:
I'
ll
comewi
thmygi
rl
fr
iend

Hi
m:Thedi
srespect

Me:
ThenI
'
m notcomi
ng,
ifIcan'
tbr
ingherwi
tht
henI
'
m notcomi
ng

Hi
m:By
eNt
sikabef
oret
hist
urnsi
ntoanar
gument

Me:
Byef
ather

_
___
___
___

I
BANATHI

TheMkhi zef ami lyisv er

yr ich,theyf i
lthyr ich.Theywor thabi ll
ionev eryy ear,Inev er
knewt hatr oyaltycanbet hisr i
ch.Theynotl istedwi tht heot herr i
chf ami li
esbecause
theyRoy al,t
heyst andont heirown.Ir eadt hr oughont heirhi stor yandt heNgwanet ri
be
i
st heirswor nenemi es.Theydi dn'
tstatemuchaboutt heirf eud, Iwonder edwhysucha
poort ribet heNgwanet r
ibewoul dber ivalsofsuchaweal thyf amily.What ev erwent
downbet weent hem i sbi g.Isatandt houghtf orawhi l
e,ifNt sikayezweandhi sf ami l
y
areswor nenemi eswi ththeNgwanet ribet hatmeansNt sikaandQondi siwecannotbe
sinceQondi siwei sf rom t heZi khalitr
ibe.Theyenemi es,ift hi sget soutNt sikawi llbe
accusedof" treason" .TheKi ngwi llhavenochoi cebutbef orcedt oputhi sownsont o
death,t hiswasi nt
er esti
ng.I twasv eryi nter esting.Theygonnaki llbothoft hem,I
wonderi fNt sikaknowst hatQondi siwei sf r
om t heZi khal iv i
ll
age?I fhedoes,t henwhy
wouldheputhi sl if
el ikethatont hel i
nef orf orbiddenl ov e?Iwasbl ownawayt hisguy
should'v ebeencar ef ulwheni tcomest opi ckinghi sbat tl
es.It ookmyphoneand
checkedwhat sapp,Qondi siwehadupdat edherst atusmessagewi tht hesong" Best
thingInev erhad_ Bey once" .Iknew v erywel lt hesongwasf orme,shehasn' tblocked
meonwhat sappandt houghwedon' ttalk,butweusual lycommuni catewi theachot her
viaourwhat sappst atusmessages.I '
m notgoi ngt ouset hisi nf ormat i
onr i
ghtaway , f
or
nowI 'm goi ngbackt ot het able.I'
m goingt ot akewhat '
sr i
ght fullymi ne,Nt si
kaf lashing
l
iket hatr eallygott ome.Ineedt ogetmyshi ttogetherandt aket hecompanynextt o
thelevel ,butint hemeant imeI '
m goingt obr eakherhear tandt henwhenI 'm donewi th
her
.I'
m goi
ngtobreakhisheartandcrushhissoul,t
heygoi
ngt
oregr
etev
ermessi
ng
wit
hme.Iunbl
ockedSindiandsentheratextmessage:

"
It
'sSat
urday
,wannagooutcl
ubbi
ng"

Si
ndiisi nafinanci
alcr
isi
s,af
terev
eryt
hing thathashappened bot
h hersi
ster
s
di
sownedher.She'
sonherown,whatbestrevengethant
ousehert obreakherown
si
ster
s..

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Ntsi
kahadtext
edmet hathewouldli
ketotakemeout ,soIwaspr epar
ingmy sel
f.I
knowwhatKhabosai
d,butIt
rusthi
m.Itr
usthim al
ot.Il
ookedatmy sel
finthemirror
,
thenbehi
ndmeIsawtheGuardi
ans,
all
3ofthem.Nowisa,Thabi
sil
e,andNonhlanhl
a..

It
urnedandl
ookedatt
hem,
Iwasshocked.Al
l3oft
hem t
oget
her
?That
'
saf
ir
st.
.

Nowi
sasmi
l
ed.
.

Nowi
sa:
Indoni
yamanzi

Ist
oodupf
rom t
hedr
essi
ngchai
r.
.

Nowi
samadeherwayt
ome.
.

Her
:Wazewamuhl
e(Youbeaut
if
ul)

Me:
Ngi
yabonga(
Thanky
ou)

Shehuggedme,t henwhenshebr okethehug.Myneckl

aceglowed.Nonhl
anhl
aand
Thabi
sil
elookedati
t,Ihel
dthependant
.Itwasgl
owi
ng,
morethanitev
ergl
owedbefor
e.
Nowisawasst i
l
lst
andingbefor
eme.

Nowi
sahel
dit
,itgl
owedmor
e..

Her
:Igci
neni
niukukhany
isa?(
Whenwast
hel
astt
imei
tgl
owed)

Thatshockedme,sheisI
ndoniyamanzisheissupposedt
oseei
tgl
owi
ng.Il
ookedat
Nonhlanhl
aandThabi
si
le,
theydi
dn'
tlookthatshock.
.

Me:Ngicabangaukut
hiakukhookubikudalayagci
naukukhany
a(I
'
m suspect
ingt
her
e's
nodanger,t
hat'
swhyit'
sbeenawhilesinceitgl
owed)
Shest
eppedbackandwentbackt
otheot
herGuar
dians.
.

Her:Qondisi
wengi
funawaziukut
hisonkesesi
zwanakahl
e(Iwanty
out
oknowt
hatwe
al
lgetalongver
ywellnow)

Me:
Isee

Nowisa:Ukul
wasisodwabekungal
unganga,si
yi
zondi
nizamanzi(
Fight
ingdi
dn'
tgetus
nowhere,weal
lGuardi
ans)

Inodded.
.

Nowisa:Sonke si
kupha i
sibusiso ngobudl
elwane bakho no Nt
sikay
ezwe (
We hav
e
bl
essedyouruni
onwi t
hNtsikayezwe)

Me:
Ngi
yabonga(
Thanky
ou)

Nonhl
anhl
acamet
ohugme.
.Thenshewhi
sper
ednextt
omyear
..

Her
:Ungamut
hembi
uNowi
sa(
Don'
ttr
ustNowi
sa)

Thenaf
terThabi
sil
ecamet
ohugmet
oo.
.

Her
:Si
zozamai
ndl
elay
okuxhumananawe(
Wewi
l
lfi
ndawayt
ocommuni
cat
ewi
thy
ou)

Shest
eppedbackt
oo.
.

Nowi
sa:
Sesi
yahamba(
Wel
eav
ing)

Me:
Bye

Theydi
sappear
ed.
.

_
___
___
__

LUNGI
SA

IpassedbyatI
banat
hi'
spl
ace,
hehadcal
l
edmet
ocome.Sai
dit
'si
mpor
tant
..
.

Me:
What
'sup?

Hi
m:Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ouaboutsomet
hing,
somet
hingv
eryi
mpor
tant

Me:
I'
mli
steni
ng

Hi
m:Wher
edoesy
ourl
oyal
tyl
i
e?
Me:
Weal
readyspoket
hatI
banat
hi

Hi
m:I
fitcomest
omeandmom,
whodoy
oust
andwi
th?

Me:
You,
myl
oyal
tywi
l
lal
way
sli
ewi
thy
oui
fitev
ercomest
othat

Hi
m:I
'
m gl
adbecauseIneedy
our
ightnowmor
ethanev
er

Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Hi
m:Iknowt
hatMom changedt
hewi
l
l

Myj
awal
mostdr
oppedt
othef
loor
..

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Imanagedt
ogethol
doft
heol
dwi
l
lbutshedoesn'
tknowt
hat

Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
..

Hi
m:Iam al
soawar
ethaty
ouknowaboutt
his

Il
ookedathi
m..

Him:YouareMom' spuppet ,there'snowayt haty oudon'tknowaboutt his.HencewhyI

neededtoknow whoy oust andwi th.Letmet elly ousomet hi
ng,Mom i snotwhoy ou
thi
nksheis.Mom onl ythinksabouther sel
f,shehasusedy ouinthemosthor r
ibleway
andifyourloyaltytr
ulylieswithmet henI'
l
lt el
lyousomet hingbig,somethingthatwill
defi
nit
elybreaky ou.Ifyoubet raymeandst andwi thher,y ougoingt oloseeverythi
ng
andinthepr ocessoft hatyouwi llfi
ndoutaboutt hissecretandi t'
sgoingtobr eakyou
I
'm evenseeingsuicide

Me:
Ibanat
hiwhatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Hi
m:Al
lthaty
ouneedt
oknowi
sthatIneedy
oui
nthi
sfi
ghtt
hatI
'
mini
ti
ati
ng

Hest
ret
chedhi
shand.
.

Hi
m:l
et'
sshakeoni
t

Il
ookedathi
shand,
thenIwentandshooki
t.

Hi
m:Thi
sisonl
ythebegi
nni
ng.
.Br
other
sforl
i
fe?

Me:
Brot
her
sforl
i
fe
.

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
49

QONDI
SIWE

Iwalkedoutoft hehouset othegat e,Khabowascooki ngandLungi sawasnotar ound.

Aft
erev er
ythingthatKhabosai dtomeear l
ieron,I
'm gladshedi dn'twalkmeoutmy
si
sterhasnof i
lt
er.Shemi ghtjustsayunnecessar ythi
ngst oNtsika.
..WhenIgotcl oser
tothegate,Ihear dacer t
ainsongpl ayi
ng.WhenIwascl oseenought oseewhatwas
goingon,Nt sikawasl eaningagai nstabl ackcar.FunnyenoughIdi dn'
tseet hiscar
parkedathi shouse,i twasmyf i
rsttimeseei ngit.Hewasdr essedup,hewasn' t
wearingtheusualsui t
st hathewear s,I'
m guessingnow he' sgoingt ostartli
vinghi s
ri
ches.Ili
kedhi m morewhenhewasst il
lkeepingever
ythingundert hecarpet,
I'
veseen
peoplewithmoneybei ngunnecessar yandar r
ogantli
keI ba.Iknowt hatIshouldn'tbe
comparingthem, butmoneydoeschangeaper soninaway .
.

"
Letmeser
vey
ouup

Lemmel
emmeser
vey
ouup

Seey
oucanhav
eity
ourway

You'
ret
hecost
umer

I
fyouwantmesuper
sizedwi
thsomel
ovi
ngont
hesi
de

Justaskf
orwhaty
ouwantcausey
ourt
hecost
umer
"

Hemov edhiseyesf
rom hi
sphoneandl
ookedatme,
li
kehewasseei
ngmef
ort
hef
ir
st
t
ime.Iwalkeduptohim.
.

Me:
Goodev
eni
ng

Her
anhi
sey
esdownatmet
henbackup,
hebi
thi
slowerl
i
p..

Hi
m:Goodev
eni
ng

Me:
Thi
sisani
-

Heinter
rupt
edmewi thakiss,adeepkisswit
hhisonear
m aroundmywai
standthe
ot
herarm placedgentl
yonmyhi p.Iputmyhandsonchest,webotht
heki
sswit
hhis
warm br
eathhitt
ingagai
nstmywetlip.Hest
arr
eddeepi
nmyey es.
.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou

Ismi
l
edathi
m..

Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo

Thi
swast
hev
eryf
ir
stt
imesay
ingt
hewor
ds"
Ilov
eyou"
.

Hi
sphonei
nter
rupt
eduswheni
trang,
Idon'
tthi
nkheev
ennot
iced.
.

Me:
Yourphone?

Hi
m:Whatabouti
t?

Me:
It'
sri
ngi
ng

Hi
m:Yaa.
.Myphonei
sri
ngi
ng

Hel
ookedati
t.
.

Hi
m:I
t'
sMyMot
her
,Ihav
etot
aket
his

Hepatmeabitonmyhi pandwalkedawayt oanswer.Iwal

kedaroundadmiri
ngthecar
,
whatIsawpri
ntedonthebonnetsur
prisedme.ItwasaRoyalseal,
Itouchedi
tandthen
l
ookedathi
m...Il
ookedatt
heroyalsealagai
n..

_
___
___
___
__

SI
NDI
SIWE

Ev er
y oneseemedt obehavi
ngfunexceptf
orme.Ibawasdanci
ngwithhi
sfri
ends,
and
singingalongtot hesong.Iwasholdi
ngmychampagneglass,I'
veonl
ytakenmay be
twosi psfrom i
t.Heseemedhappytoni
ght,
I'
venev
erseenI
banat
hithi
shappy.
.

"
Squadgoi
n'up,
nobodyf
li
ppi
n'packsnow

Ij
ustdi
d3i
nar
ow,
them showsi
sback-
to-
backt
obacknow

Putt
hewor
ldonoursound,
youknowPARTYandTheWeeknd

Ai
n'
tgotnomot
her
fucki
n't
imet
opar
tyont
heweekend

Tel
lGel
o,"
Bri
ngt
hej
uice,
weaboutt
ogetl
i
t"

Fi
l
lther
oom upwi
thsomet
ings,
oneni
ghtof
fandt
hisi
sit

Al
way
swor
kin'
OT,
over
ti
meandout
tat
own
Shi
tiscr
azybackhome,
itki
l
lsmet
hatI
'
m notar
ound

It
hinkweget
ti
n't
oodeep;
shi
tI'
mtal
ki
n'mi
ghtbet
oot
rue

Upst
air
sIgotxan'
sinanAdv
ilbot
tl
e,Idon'
ttaket
hem shi
ts

Buty
oudo,
soIgot'
em f
ory
ou"

Iwasn'thavi
nganyf un, Iwasnoti nthemood.Al otwasrunni
ngthroughmymi nd, ev
er
sincethecheat
ingscandalmySi ster
swantnot hi
ngtodowi t
hme, t
heyt heirownf amil
y
now.TheLangaf amil
y ,withoutmei ncl
uded.Nottoment i
onmyf inancialstat
e,Iwas
stil
lst
ruggl
ingwiththat .
.Ibanot icedthatIwasn'tokay
,hecamet ot hecouchandsat
nexttome.Wi t
houtsay i
ngany thing,hemov edsomeoft hehairt
hatwascr owdingmy
faceandtuckeditbehindmyear ..

Hi
m:What
'swr
ong?

Ismi
l
ed.
.

Me:
It'
snot
hing

Idr
ankmychampagne.
.

Me:
Ithoughtwewer
en'
tsupposedt
oseeeachot
herany
mor
e

Hi
m:Il
i
kespendi
ngt
imewi
thy
ou

Heputhi
shandonmyt
high.
..

Me:
I'
vehadal
otofdr
amal
atel
y,Idon'
twantmor
e

Him:Youoncetol
dmethatyouwer etaki
ngcareofyourfami
lybackatt
hevil
l
age,
today
youstr
uggli
ngandwhereareyoursist
erstohelp?Khaboisv
eryhappywit
hmyBr ot
her
she'
sgoingtohav
earestaur
antsoon.Qondisi
weisdatingaf
il
thyri
chguy

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
She'
sdat
ingar
ichguy
?

Hi
m:Letmer
ephr
asear
ichpr
ince

Me:
Wow

Hi
m:Theyl i
vi
ngthei
rbestli
fe,youst
il
lwantanappr
ovalfr
om t
hem?Theygivezero
f
ucks aboutyou.Forgotevery
thi
ng thaty
ou di
df orthem,you guy
s hav
ey our
di
ff
erencesyesbuttheyy
oursi
ster
sandt heysupposetohav
eyourbacki
ngoodand
badti
mes.LungiandIwehav
eourdiff
erences,
butatal
lti
meshehasmyback

Her
anhi
shandonmyt
high.
.

Him:It'
stimenow todoy ou,fuckthem!!FuckQondisiwet hatbitchgoesar oundand
makesev ery
onebel
ievethatshe'st
hisinnocent,ki
nd,andhumbl egirl.Iexpect
edthi
s
fr
om KhaboandnotQondi siwe,Qondisi
wei samal i
ciousper son.Kindl ooki
ngpeopl
e
aretheworsttr
ustme,underneathi
tallt
heyv er
yev i
lbuttheyhi dtheirevilwi
tha"Ki
nd
personal
it
y"

_
___
___
___
__

MRSBI
YELA

Iwenttomysecr etroom,Inoti
cedthattheblackcandl
ewasnol ongerbur
ning.Iwent
andkneltbefor
ei t
,Ilookedatitbefor
el i
ght
ingitupagain.Somethi
ngisnotr ight
,it
usual
lyburnstoit'
sl astpi
ece.Forittojuststopburni
ngi tmeansmyenemi esare
comingforme..

Noks:
Lor
rai
newher
ear
eyou?

Il
i
titupagai
nnextt
othebl
ackwool
thatt
ookashapeofadol
lwi
thneedl
esal
lov
eri
t.

Noks:
Lor
rai
ne?
?

Igotupandt
henwal
kedout
..

_
___
___
___
_

KHABONI
NA

Lungi
wal
kedi
n..

Me:
Youj
ustmi
ssedQondi
siwe

Hi
m:Wher
eisshe?

Me:
Shewentoutwi
thNt
sika

Hi
m:Ohhokay

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Nopi
cki
ngonhi
m?That
'
saf
ir
st
Hi
m:Ihav
eal
otonmymi
nd,
Ntsi
kai
snoti
mpor
tantr
ightnow

Me:
What
'swr
ong?

Hecameandhel
dbot
hmyhands.
.

Hi
m:Let
'sgetmar
ri
ed

Me:
Huh?

Hi
m:Aqui
ckandpr
ivat
ecer
emony
,may
benextweekend

Get
ti
ngmarr
iedhasnev
err
eal
l
ycr
ossedmymi
nd,
andwe'
venev
erspokenabouti
t.Thi
s
wasnew.
.

_
___
___
___
_

SI
NDI
SIWE

Iwassit
ti
ngont opofIbanathiandwewerekissi
ng,i
nmymi ndIwast hinki
ngabout
whathesaid,andhewasr i
ght.KhaboandQondi
siwearebeingself
ish,Iknow t
hatI
messedupbutIthoughtfamilywouldal
way
shaveyourback.Fuckt
hem, I'
m donel
ivi
ng
myli
fetogetonthei
rgoodbooks. .

Me:
Let
'sdoi
t,t
hisdat
ingt
hingl
et'
str
yitout

Hesmi
l
edatme,
Ismi
l
edbackathi
m..

I
ba:
Let
'sdest
royt
hem!
!

Wewentbackt
oki
ssi
ng.
.

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
50

QONDI
SIWE

Ntsi
kaandIdrovetosome" Jazzclub".Not
hingf
ancy
,itwasevensi
tuat
edatt
hemost
unpopul
arandundercl
assneighborhood.Whenwewalkedini
twasn'
tful
l,t
hel
i
ghtwas
evenfai
nt.
.Wewalkedtothebar..

Nt
sika:
BraJack
Theol
dmanl
ookedathi
m..

Jack:
Ntsi
kay
ezwe

Nt
sika:
Howar
eyou?

Hi
m:I
'
m good.
.Howar
eyou?

Nt
sika:
I'
m wel
l

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Nt
sika:
Thi
sismyl
ady
,Qondi
siwe

Hi
m:Ni
cemeet
ingy
ou

Me:
Met
oo

Nt
sika:
Qui
etni
ght
?

Jack:
Younol
ongercomet
osi
ngpeopl
erel
ocat
ed

Nt
sika:
I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
,I'
vebeenbusyl
atel
y

Jack:
Atl
easty
ouher
etoni
ght
,youmi
ghtaswel
lgr
aceuswi
thasongort
wo

Somel
adywal
kedupt
othebar
..

Her
:Ar
emyey
esdecei
vi
ngme?

Nt
sikachuckl
ed.
.

Nt
sika:
Whydon'
tyouf
ixuswi
thsomedr
inks

Her
:Notunt
ily
ougetont
hatst
age,
youki
l
li
ngus.Youki
l
li
ngourbusi
ness

Jack:
Itol
dhi
m

Nt
sikapul
l
edachai
rforme.
.

Hi
m:I
'
m comi
ng

Hewal
kedt
othest
age.
.

Jack:
Whatwoul
dyoul
i
ket
odr
ink?

Me:
Acool
dri
nkpl
ease
Jack:
Nocockt
ail
?

Me:
Idon'
tdr
inkal
cohol

Thel
adyl
ookedatme.
.

Her
:Youakeeper

Sheext
endedherhandt
ome.
.

Her
:Mer
cy

Me:
Qondi
siwe

Nt
sika:
Goodev
eni
ngl
adi
esandgent
lemen

Wel
ookedathi
m..

Nt
sika:
I'
m goi
ngt
osi
ngasong

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:I
'
m dedi
cat
ingi
ttosomeonespeci
al

Thesmal
laudi
encest
art
edcl
appi
ng.
.

_
___
___
___

SI
NDI
SIWE

Iknowt hatI
banathii
sselfi
sh,Iknowthatthi
srelat
ionshipofoursi
sbenefici
alforboth
part
ies.I'
m gett
inghismoney ,andhe'sgetti
nghisr evenge.That
'
sallthereistot he
si
tuati
on..Whenwest eppedintothehousewewer ealreadytaki
ngeachother'
sclothes
off
,wel ef
tatrai
lfrom t
hekit
chent ot
helounge..

Hi
m:Wai
t,Ineedt
ogetacondom f
rom mypocket

I
'm notsayingI'
mthebestthingt hathasev erhappenedtosex,butIknowt hattokeep
whateveritist
hatwehav ealreadystarted.Ineedt omakesur ethatthesexi sgood.I
don'
twanthi m wonderi
ngaroundandl ookingf ori
tsomewher eelse,thatcanj ustget
mear eplacement.
.Aft
erhehadt akenof fhisjeans,
Ipushedhim backandhel andedon
thecouch.Iknel
tdownandt ookof fhi
sbr i
efs,hewashar dal
ready.[REMOVED]

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE
Nt
sika:
"

Wi
ndi
nyourhai
r,sunony
ourski
n

You'
rel
ooki
nggood,
gir
l,al
lov
eragai
n

Heyt
her
e,Mi
ssBr
own

Iwanty
out
oknowIl
ovey
ou

Br
ownast
hesand,
you'
resof
tast
heshor
e

You'
rel
eav
ingmehungr
y,I
'
m cr
yingf
ormor
e

Ooh,
we,
baby
,gi
rl
,you'
resuchascor
e

AndIwanty
out
oknowt
hat
,youknowwhat
,gi
rl
"

Itri
edtoholdbackonblushingbutIcouldn't
,Idon'tknowwhatwasget ti
ngmor etome.
Hisbeautif
ulvoi
ceort
hesong, itwasabeaut ifulmomentt hatgav emebutter
fl
iesinmy
tummyandgoosebumps.Thel i
ghti
ngatt hest agewasv erybr i
ght,mor
ebr i
ghterthan
therestofthepl
acesoIcoul dseehim clear
ly.Hisbeauti
fuley es,hi
smelt
ingsmi l
ethat
broughtabouthi
sdimples.Icouldn'
tevenkeepst i
l
lonmychai r,hewasverysexywhi l
e
doingthatnumberatt
hatstageandoccasi onallysteal
i
nggl ancesatme..

Theguywhowaspl
ayi
ngt
hegui
tarhadami
ctooi
nfr
ontofhi
m..

Hi
m:Tel
lhi
m howy
ouf
eel
bro

Nt
sikawentbackt
othemi
c..

Nt
sika:
"Li
pssof
tandt
ender
,readyt
ospeak

Herv
oicesay
s,'
Il
ovey
ou'
.
.

Theguyplaci
ngthegui
tarchangedhi
svoi
cet
oaaf
emi
ninet
oneasher
epeat
edt
he
wordsaf
terhi
m..

Guy
:{Il
ovey
ou}

Nt
sika:
"Andi
t'
smaki
ngmeweak

Heyt
her
e,l
i
ttl
egi
rl
,mayIj
ustsayIl
ovey
ou.
.

Lov
eist
hebr
ownski
ngi
rli
nmyey
es
Thi
nki
t'
sti
met
hatIt
oldy
ou,
don'
tyour
eal
i
ze

You'
resuchaqueen,
woman,
you'
resuchapr
ize

AndIwanty
out
oknowt
hat
,youknowwhat
,gi
rl
..
.

Il
ovey
ou

AndIbety
oudi
dn'
tknowt
hat
,gi
rl

Youdi
dn'
tknowt
hat

Ineedy
ou

Ri
ghtnow,
baby
,ri
ghtnow,
baby

AndIbety
oudi
dn'
tknowt
hatebonyey
es"

Icoveredmyf
acewi
thbot
hmyhandst
opr
eventev
ery
oneseei
ngt
hatIwasgoi
ngt
o
bl
ushing.
.

_
___
___
___
__

NOKUTHULA

Wewer
eeat
ingdi
nner
,Lor
rai
newasawf
ull
yqui
et.
.

Me:
Arey
ouokay
?

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Her
:If
eel
li
kemyenemi
esar
ecomi
ngf
orme

Me:
TheLangasi
ster
s?

Her
:Theydon'
tscar
eexceptf
orQondi
siwe

Me:
Qondi
siwe?

Her
:She'
sgi
ft
edt
radi
ti
onal
l
yI'
vecheckedherev
enhersoci
almedi
ast
atesi
t

Me:
Ithoughtshebr
okeupwi
thI
ba

Her
:He'
str
yingt
ogetherback,
Ican'
tl
ett
hathappen.He'
sobsessedwi
thher

Me:
I'
m notsur
pri
sed,
she'
sbeaut
if
ulnol
i
e
Her
:Ican'
tl
ethergetcl
oset
omyson

Me:
Kil
lher

Shesi
ghed.
.

Me:
It'
snotsomet
hingdi
ff
icul
tforsomeonel
i
key
ou

Her
:Ican'
tki
l
lher
,Idon'
twantanywarwi
thherancest
ors

Me:
Ithoughty
oudi
dn'
tbel
i
evei
nthat

Her
:Ido.
.Ij
ustneedt
ofi
ndawayt
okeepherawayf
rom myson

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Iwasaboutt ouploadsomet hi
ngonI nstagram whenIsaw thatI
bahadupl oadeda
vi
deoaf ew minut
esago.Icheckedi t.I
twasav ideoofhimsel
fandSindi
,theywere
l
ayingonthecouchhalfnakeditseems.Si
ndi waslayi
ngherheadonhi
schest,shewas
asl
eep.Hekissedherf
orehead,andthecaptionwas:

"
MynewBabe "

Allofasuddennothi
ngseemedt omakesenseany
more,
theroom st
art
edspi
nning.My
heartbeati
ncr
eased,If
elthotanddi
zzyatt
hesameti
me.If
reakedoutwhenNtsi
kaput
hi
shandonmyshoul der..

Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay
?

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Ineedt
omakeaphonecal
l

Igotdownf
rom t
hechai
randwal
kedoutt
ocal
lKhabo.
.

Khabo:
Qondi
si
we

Me:
Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ou

Her
:Want
edt
otal
ktoy
out
oo.
.Lungi
askedmet
omar
ryhi
m

Me:
And?

Her
:Ther
e'sal
ott
hat
'sgoi
ngonbet
weenusr
ightnow,t
hisbabysi
tuat
ioni
t'
snotev
en
sor
ted

Me:
Him andNokut
hul
awon'
tgoany
wher
e,I
'
veseent
hei
rfut
uret
rustme.He'
sdoomed

Her
:Ar
eyousur
e

Me:
SayYes.
.She'
snotat
hreat

Her
:She'
spr
egnant

Me:
All
themor
ereasont
osayYes

Her
:What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou

Me:
Ibaupl
oadedav
ideoonI
nst
agr
am,
him andSi
ndi
areof
fi
cial
now

Her
:I'
m notsur
pri
sed,
that
'
sexact
lyl
i
keI
ba

Me:
HowcanSi
ndi
dot
hist
ome?

Her:Si
ndii
sjustadesperat
egolddi
gger,she'
sdoi
ngt
hisoutofspi
te.
.Bot
hoft
hem!
Youshoul
dn'
tevenbegivi
ngthem at
hought

IsawNt
sikaappr
oachi
ngme.
.

Me:
Ihav
etogo

Her
:OkayNanaseey
oul
ater

Me:
Bye

Nt
sika:
Arey
ouokay
?

Me:
MySi
sterandmyexar
edat
ing

Henodded.
..

Hi
m:Yousur
pri
sed?

Me:
Act
ual
l
yIam

Hi
m:Idon'
tknowy
oursi
stert
ospeaki
l
lofherbuty
ourexi
sbei
ngspi
tef
ul

Me:
Isupposeso

Hi
m:Ar
eyouov
erhi
m?
Me:
Iam

Hi
m:I
fwhathedoesbot
her
syout
hent
hatmeansy
ounot

Me:
It'
smysi
ster

Him:Hedi ditbecauseheknewt hatitwouldgett

oy ou,anditseemsl
ikeit'
sworking.
Thelastthi
ngIwanti sanyal
ter
cationswit
hthisboyandi fyouwanthim back,i
fyou
notoverhim It
hinkit
'sbestwedon'tdothi
sitwon'
tendwel l

Me:
It'
snotl
i
ket
hat

Hi
m:I
'
llt
akey
ouhome,
comeon

Nt
sikai
sbei
ngunr
easonabl
e..

_
___
___
___
__

KHABONI
NA

Il
ookedatLungi
,hewasi
nhi
sst
udy
.Il
eanedagai
nstt
hedoorwi
thmyar
msf
olded

Me:
Yes

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
I'
ll
mar
ryy
ou

Hesmi
l
edandgotupf
rom t
hechai
r.
.

Hi
m:Ar
eyousur
e?Idon'
twantt
opr
essur
eyou

Hewal
kedupt
ome.
.

Me:
It'
sokay
,younotpr
essur
ingme

Heputhi
shandonmychi
nandki
ssedme.
..Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou

Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo

Weki
ssedagai
nandheputhi
sst
rongar
m ar
oundmywai
st,
thenhepul
l
edmei
nsi
de.

Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou

Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
e

Heunt
iedmygownandIdr
oppedi
tont
hef
loor
,Iwasl
eftwi
thmysi
l
kni
ghtdr
ess.He
pickedmeupandsatmeont hetable.Iunbut
tonedhisshi
rt,andtooki
toffthent he
restofhisclot
hesfol
l
owed.Itookoffmyni ghtdress,
Iwasn'tweari
nganyunderwear.I
usuallydon'
twearanunderwearatnight.Herai
sedmyl egssoIcouldputbot
hmyf eet
ont hetabl
e,andIwasexposed.[
REMOVED]

Tobecont
inued

Please r
ead the expl
i
citr
emoved contenti
nthe cl
ose gr
oup,oralter
nat
ivel
ythe
completeinser
tonVisi
onar
ywr
it
ings,
withther
emovedcont
entincl
uded.

ht
tps:
//v
isi
onar
ywr
it
ings.
com/
aut
hor
/Pr
eci
ous%20Mol
oi/
id/
9

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
51

KHABONI
NA

[
2WEEKSLATER]

Theweddi
ngplanswerecomingt
ogetherper
fect
ly,i
twasdi
ffi
cul
tatfir
st.Pl
anni
nga
weddi
nginashortspaceoft
imeisnotPapandv lei
s.I
'
m happythatBett
yisher
eto
hel
pme..

Bet
ty:
Her
ear
eyourpi
l
ls

Me:
Thanky
ou

I'
vesi
ncebeentakingtri
phasi
lpil
ls,Idon'
twantababyany t
imesoon.Isti
llhav
e
somet
hingbi
gtofocuson,l
ikeget
ti
ngmyr est
aur
antupandr
unni
ngaf
tertheweddi
ng.

Bet
ty:
Isn'
tLungi
supposedt
obeher
e?

Me:
He'
sbeenbusyatwor
k,buthesai
dhe'
sokaywi
thanyf
lav
our

Bet
ty:
Isee

Wewer
edoi
ngcaket
ast
ing.
.

Me:
Ithi
nkt
hev
elv
etandt
hef
rui
tcakewi
l
ldof
ornow

Bet
ty:
Didy
out
ast
ethechocol
atecakeandt
hev
ani
l
lacake?

Me:
Vani
l
lai
stoosweetf
orme
Bett
y:Whydon'tyoudodr
opt
hef
rui
tcake,may
ber
edv
elv
etandv
ani
l
laorv
ani
l
laand
chocol
ate.I
t'
sagoodbl
end

Me:
Youmi
ghtbeont
osomet
hing

Bet
ty:
Budgetoft
heweddi
ng?

Me:
R500000

Shewhi
stl
ed.
.

Me:ButIdon'
tthi
nki
t'
l
lov
ert
hatamountbecausei
t'
sapr
ivat
eweddi
ng.Onl
yfami
l
yand
cl
osefr
iends

Bet
ty:
That
'sgood,
that
'sv
erygood

_
___
___
___

LUNGI
SA

Si
ndi
wal
kedi
n..

Her
:Hey

Il
ookedather
..

Her
:Thef
il
ethaty
ouaskedf
or

Ist
ret
chedoutmyhandt
oherandshebr
oughti
ttome.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Her
:Boar
droom hasbeenpr
epar
edf
ort
henextmeet
ing

Ilookedatherasshet r
iedtopul lhershor
tskirtdown.Pull
ingitwon'tmakeitl
ong.I
ba
mademef i
reSl
oaneandhi rehi sgir
lf
ri
endasmynewassi stant
,it
'shi
scompanysoI
foll
owedt hr
ough.Wecoul dn'
tjustf i
rehim,wehadt osethim upandt hreat
enedhi
m
thatifhedoesn'
tresi
gnwe'llt
urnhi minfor"sell
ing"i
nformati
onaboutourcli
entst
oour
compet i
ti
on,sohechoset or esignthangoi ngt oj
ail.Wegav ehim al otofmoney
thoughandgoodr ecommendat ion..

Me:
Thanky
ouSi
ndi

Shegavemeanodandthenwal
kedaway
.I'
mv er
yuncomf
ort
abl
eworki
ngwit
hSi
ndi
,
theper
sont
hatshei
s.Getst
ome,butIdon'
thaveachoi
ceandIhaven'
tev
ent
old
Khaboaboutt
his.
.

_
___
___
_

NTSI
KA

Qondi
siweandIwehaven'tt
alkedeversi
ncet
hatni
ght
.I'
m gi
vi
nghersomespaceand
t
imetothi
nkaboutwhatshereall
ywants.
.

Mar
iah:
Sir

Me:
Yes?

Idi
dn'
tev
ent
urnt
olookather
..

Her
:Youhav
eav
isi
tor

Noonecall
edtotel
lmethatt
hey'
llbevisi
ti
ngme,It
urnedandIt
hinkmyey
eswer
e
decei
vi
ngme.I
twasmybabybrot
her,Manqoba.
.

Hi
m:Baf
o

Ishookmyheadwhi
l
elaughi
ng.
.Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m..

Me:
Lookaty
ou

Igavehim ahug.Ihaven'
tspokentoManqobaforyear
s,eversi
ncehewenttothe
Zi
khal
ivil
lage"
Undercov
er"orasaspytofi
shinf
ormati
onforus.Wecoul
dn'
tcont
act
hi
m becausewedidn'
twanthi
scoverbl
own.

Me:
Mar
iahpl
easebr
ingust
hemostexpensi
vebot
tl
eofwhi
skey

Il
ookedathi
m..
.

Me:
Youst
il
ldr
inkr
ight
?

Hi
m:Ihaven'
tfory
ear
s,TheZi
khal
ivi
l
lagei
snotsof
ort
unat
ebutIr
eal
l
ydot
hir
stf
or
whi
skey

Mar
iah:
I'
ll
geti
t.
.Shoul
dIbr
ingasodaf
ory
ou?

Me:
I'
ll
makeanexcept
iont
oday
,it
'
sacel
ebr
ati
onbr
ingt
wogl
asses

Manqoba:
Andi
cepl
ease

Mar
iah:
Ver
ywel
lSi
r
Me:
Youneedt
oshav
eandcuty
ourhai
r

Hi
m:I
'
lldot
hat

Me:
Soar
eyoubackf
orr
eal
?

Him:YesIl
eftt
hev
il
lagef
orgood,
ther
e'snot
hingkeepi
ngmet
her
eany
mor
e.I
ndoni
lef
t
so.
.

Me:
Shecandot
hat
?

Hi
m:Shedi
dbutt
her
iveri
sst
il
lfi
ne,
ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne

Me:Athometheygoingtobehappytoseeyou,t
hisweekendwegoingforBusi
siwe'
s
Memulo.I
twassupposedtobel
astweekendbutt
heweatherdi
dn'
tagr
ee

Hi
m:Ican'
twai
ttoseeev
ery
one

Me:
I'
m sur
etheycan'
twai
ttoseey
out
oo

Hi
m:Sohav
eyouf
oundsomeone?Ar
eyougoi
ngt
obeshowi
ngupwi
thadat
e?

Me:
Idon'
tknowMan

Hi
m:Howcome?

Me:Iwasdat
ingt
hisot
hergi
rlbutshe'
sst
il
lconf
used,shehadj
ustbr
okenupwi
thher
boy
fri
end

Hi
m:Yat
hat
'sachal
l
enge

Me:
Idon'
tunder
standt
hough,
thatni
ggai
sabi
tchassni
gga.Heal
mostki
l
ledher

Hi
m:Womenl
ovet
hoseki
ndofMen,
Menwhot
reatt
hem l
i
ket
rash

Me:
Whatabouty
ou?Anyl
ady
?Fr
om t
hev
il
lage?SoDadcanbeheady
ou

Hel
aughed.
.

Hi
m:Ther
ewasal
mostsomeone

Me:
And?

Hi
m:I
t'
stheNdoni
,butshel
eftso.
.

Me:
Youf
ell
inl
ovewi
tht
heGuar
dian?
Hi
m:She'
sver
ybeaut
if
ul,av
eryni
cegi
rl
..Shel
ooksexact
lyl
i
keourGr
eatancest
or,
Nowi
sa

Me:
You'
veseenNowi
sa?

Hi
m:Theyhav
eherpi
ctur
ether
e

Me:
Iwi
sht
oseeher

Hi
m:I
fIhadaphone,
Iwoul
d'
vet
akenapi
ctur
e

Me:
Yeahmay
be

Mar
iahcamebackwi
tht
hewhi
skey
..

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

It
ookadeepbr eathandthenranghi
sdoorbel l
,Qondi
siwewhatareyoudoi
nghere?
Whatexact
lyam Idoi
ng?Thisi
sabadi dea.Ishoul
dn'
tbeher
e.JustasIwasaboutto
wal
kaway ,
heopenedthedoor.
.Hewasshirtl
ess.
.

Hi
m:Qondi

Il
ookedathi
m andal
lthehur
tcameback.
.

Hi
m:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Ipushedhi
m andwal
kedi
n..

Hi
m:Ohwy
es,
pleasecomei
n

Hecl
osedt
hedoor
..

Me:
Ibawhatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Whatdoy
oumean?

Me:
Wit
hSi
ndi
?Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?Iknowt
haty
oudon'
tl
oveher

Hi
m:Youcameal
lthewayher
efort
hat
?

Me:
Iwannaknowwhaty
oudoi
ngwi
thher
!!
Him:Sindii
smygirl
fri
end,wedat
ing.
.That
'swhatwedoi
ng,andy
ouhav
enobusi
ness
cominghereandquesti
oni
ngmeaboutmypr i
vat
eli
fe

Me:
Bul
l
shi
t!
!Iknowy
oudoi
ngt
hist
ogetbackatme,
tohur
tme!
!

Him:Qondi
siweLangayouthinkIsitdownandthi
nkofway
stohur
tyou?Sweet
hear
t
befor
eyouther
ewasSindi
.SindiandIgowayback

Me:
Sindi
isnotme!She'
l
lnev
erbeme

Him:IfIwantedyouIwoul
dbewithyou,I
'
m dat
ingherbecauseIdon'
twantt
obewi
th
you.
.Nowpl easel
eav
ebefor
ethi
stur
nsugly

Me:
Youabast
ard!
!

Hi
m:Don'
tyouhav
eaboy
fri
end?Whati
sthi
snow?

Ikeptqui
et.
.

Him:Ilov
eSindi,
I'
m happywi
thher
.Geti
tthr
oughy
ourheadandgetoutofmyhouse,
becausethi
sispathet
ic!
!

Hewal
kedt
othedoorandopenedi
t.
.

Hi
m:Gett
hest
eppi
ng!

Iwal
kedt
othedoorbutIdi
dn'
twal
kout
.Ist
art
edhi
tt
inghi
m wi
thmybag.
.

Me:
Youar
eabast
ard!
!Howcany
oudot
hist
ome!
!Youl
yi
ngsayi
t!
!Youdon'
tl
oveher

Hehel
dbot
hmyhandst
ightandIdr
oppedt
hebagont
hef
loor
..

Ishookmyheadwi t
htear
sfor
minginmyey
es.
.Hecl
osedt
hedoorandt
henpi
nnedme
agai
nsti
t.
.Helookedmeintheeye.
.

Hi
m:Il
oveSi
ndi

Me:
Noy
oudon'
t!
!Youonl
yusi
nghert
ogett
ome!
!

Hi
m:Il
oveher
,I'
veal
way
slov
edher
..Iwasonl
yusi
ngy
ouasar
ebound

It
ri
est
oescapef
rom hi
sgr
ipbutIcoul
dn'
t.
.

Me:
Letgoofme!
!

Hi
m:Cal
mthef
uckdown!
!
Me:
Shecoul
dnev
erbeme!
!

Hi
m:Idon'
twanty
ou,
that
'
swhyIwentf
orher

Tear
sst
reameddown.
.

Hi
m:Inol
ongerl
ovey
ou

Me:
Youdol
oveme

Hi
m:NotIdon'
t

Me:
Yesy
oudo

Hegotv
erycl
oset
ome,
hisl
i
pswer
ever
ycl
oset
omi
ne.
..

Hi
m:Idon'
tl
ovey
ouany
mor
e

Me:
Yesy
oudo

Heki
ssedmewhi l
esti
llpi
nni
ngmyhandsagai
nstt
hedoor
,hef
urt
heronki
ssedmy
t
ear
sthenpl
acedhi
sli
psnextt
omyear.
.

Hi
m:Idon'
tl
ovey
ou

Me:
Yesy
oudo

Her
eleasedme.
.

Me:
Yesy
oudol
oveme.
.Iknowy
oudo

Heranhi
shandonmythi
ghal
lthewayup,
Itri
edtost
ophi
m andthenhel
ookedatme.
Il
etgoofhi
shand,
heki
ssedmeagai
nandthenlower
edmyunder
wear.
.

Hi
m:Idon'
tl
ovey
ouQondi
siwe

Me:
Youdol
oveme

Hepi
ckedmeupandthenpl
acedmeontopoft
heki
tchencount
er.Het
ookof
fmydr
ess
andt
ri
edtospr
eadmylegswi
deopen.
.

Me:
Iba.
.

Hegav
emeaser
iousl
ook.
.

Hi
m:St
opi
t!
!
Het
ookof
fhi
sshor
tsandt
henhegoti
nbet
weenmyl
egs.
.[REMOVED]

Tobecont
inued

Noedi
ts

Expl
ici
tcont
enti
sf oundbothinthecl
osedgroup"TTEOPM"youfindal
lther
emov
ed
part
sunder"
Announcements"
.Visi
onar
ywri
ti
ngsthei
nserti
snotcut

ht
tps:
//v
isi
onar
ywr
it
ings.
com/
aut
hor
/Pr
eci
ous%20Mol
oi/
id/
9

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
52

I
BANATHI

Lat
eronmybestf
ri
endCJandIdecidedtotakeLungioutt
oaloungefordri
nks.Hi
s
weddi
ngi
scl
oseandwi
thhi
sbusyschedul
e,hemightnothav
eabachel
orpart
y..

CJ:
SomehowIknewt
hatLungi
wasgoi
ngt
ogetmar
ri
edf
ir
st

Me:
It'
sobv
ious,
I'
m nev
erget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.I
t'
sat
rap

Theybot
hlaughed.
.

CJ:
Ithoughty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
omar
ryNoks

Me:
That
'snev
ergoi
ngt
ohappen

I
'
m pl
anni
ngont
ell
i
ngLungi
aboutNoksbutnotnow,
atl
eastwhenhe'
sset
tl
ed.
.

Lungi
:CJIal
sowanty
out
omybestman

CJ:
I'
ll
behonour
ed

Me:
Thami
?

Lungi
:Thami
isov
erseasbutI
'
vecont
act
edhi
m,Ihopehewi
l
lbeabl
etomakei
t

Me:
He'
syourbestf
ri
end,
hehast
omakei
t

Aswewer
echi
l
led,
notf
arf
rom us.Isawaf
ami
l
iarf
ace.
.

Me:
Lungi

Lungi
:Yeah?
Me:
Doesn'
tthatguyl
ookl
i
keManqobat
heonef
rom t
hev
il
lage?

Lungi
:Wowhel
ooksdi
ff
erent

Me:
Whati
shedoi
ngher
e?

Lungi
:I'
m wonder
ingt
hesamet
hing

Themusi
cchanged.
.

CJ:
Wtf
?Thoughtwesubmi
tt
edourpl
ayl
i
st

Me:
I'
m comi
ng

Igotupandwentt
oenqui
reatt
hecount
er.
.

Me:
Hey

Bar
man:
Sir

Me:
Wesubmi
tt
edaPl
ayl
i
sty
ousupposedt
opl
ayi
tunt
ilwel
eav
e

Bar
man:
Thosecat
sov
ert
her
erequest
edachange

Hepoi
ntedatManqobaandhi
sfr
iend.
.

Me:
Thi
sisr
idi
cul
ous!

Imademywayt
othem.
.

Me:
What
'sup?

Theybot
hlookedatme.
.

Me:
Thi
sismyt
err
it
ory
,youdon'
tcomei
nmyt
err
it
oryandchangehowwedot
hings

Manqoba:
Iba,
andwemeetagai
n

Me:
Whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Manqoba:
It'
sapubl
i
cpl
ace

Ihear
dLungi
tal
ki
ngbehi
ndme.
.

Lungi
:Manqoba

Manqoba:
Andanot
herBi
yel
a
Lungi
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Hel
ookedathi
sfr
iendandt
heyl
aughed.
.

Manqoba:
Ithoughtt
hisi
sapubl
i
cpl
ace,
thoughi
twasopenf
orev
ery
one

Lungi
:Howcany
ouev
enaf
for
dsuchapl
ace?

Manqoba:It
hinky
out
woshoul
dgobackt
oyourpl
aceandl
et'
skeept
hepeace
bet
weenus

Lungi
:Howdi
dyoumakei
toutoft
hev
il
lage?

Me:Theci
tyshoul
dn'
tbeopengat
esf
orev
eryv
il
lageboyt
ocomeandt
akechances
her
e

Manqoba:
AsI
'
vesai
d,l
et'
skeept
hepeacebet
weenus

Lungi
:Orwhat
?

Manqobal
aughedagai
n..

Wehear
danot
herf
ami
l
iarv
oicebehi
ndus.
.

Voi
ce:
Bro

It
urned,
itwasNt
sika.
.

Manqobast
oodup.
.

Manqoba:
Bro

Lungi
:Andwhatdoy
ouknow,
thet
eacherj
ustj
oinedus

Nt
sikapushedt
hroughi
nbet
weenusmaki
nghi
swayt
oManqoba.
.

Lungi
:Wf
t?

Nt
sika:
I'
m sor
ryar
eyousay
ingsomet
hing?

Lungi
wal
kedupt
ohi
m butIhel
dhi
m back.

Lungi
:I'
m aboutt
ocat
chacasef
orav
il
lageboyandhi
sTeacher

Nt
sika:
Youl
ookl
i
keawor
thyopponent

Me:
Let
'sgo
Nt
sika:
Yeahl
i
stent
oyourbr
other
,go

Nt
sikal
ookedatme.
.

Nt
sika:
Youst
il
lhav
en'
taccept
edmygi
ft

Me:
Idon'
twanti
t

Nt
sika:
Youdon'
thav
eachoi
ce,
you'
l
ltakei
t

Lungi
:Ent
lekngat
hisi
yadel
elwal
a

Me:
Lungi
let
'sgo

Igr
abbedhi
sar
m..

Lungi
:NoI
-

Me:
I'
ll
expl
aint
oyoul
ater

Wewal
kedawayandIsi
gnal
edt
oCJt
hatwel
eav
ing.
.

Lungi
:Wt
fwast
hat
?

Me:
Weneedt
obeoutofher
ebef
oret
heyembar
rassusandbuyust
hisLounget
oo

Lungi
:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Me:
Ntsi
kai
saf
il
thyr
ichPr
ince,
ifManqobai
shi
sBr
other
.He'
sri
cht
oo

Lungi
:What
?Idon'
tunder
stand

Me:
Ntsi
kay
ezweMkhi
ze,
youshoul
dGoogl
ehi
m

Lungi
:Howi
sthatpossi
ble?He'
sat
eacher
!

Me:Iwoul
dn'
tbesurpr
isedi
fhef
uckenownst
heschool
,butdon'
twor
ry.I
'
m goi
ngt
o
bur
sthi
sbubbl
esoon!

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

"
Ever
ybody
'sl
i
ke

He'
snoi
tem
Pl
easedon'
tl
ikeem

Hedon'
twi
feem

Heoneni
ght
sem

Inev
erl
i
stened

No

Ishoul
daf
igur
edt
hough

Al
lthatshi
tyouwasspi
tt
in'

Sounor
igi
nal

Buti
twasy
ou

SoIwaswi
thi
t

Thent
ell
yout
het
rut
h

Wi
shwenev
erdi
dit

CauseIusual
l
ydo

St
ickt
othebusi
ness

Buty
oucameoutt
hebl
ue

Andt
heny
ouj
ustf
li
ppedi
t

Goddamnbaby

Mymi
nd'
sbl
own

Bef
orget
ti
n'

Youl
i
vei
nadi
ff
erentt
imezone

Thi
nkIknowwhatt
hisi
s

I
t'
sjustt
het
ime'
swr
ong

YeahIknowwhaty
oudi
d

ButbabyI
'
m gr
own
Andmyl
ovei
spat
ient

Andki
nd,
andshi
t

Thi
sisr
eal
wecanbui
l
d

Thr
oughdi
ff
erentt
ypesofshi
t

I
fyouwasr
eal
l
yther
eal
est

Woul
dn'
tbef
ight
in'
it

It
hinky
ourpr
idei
sjust

I
ntheway
"

Ilookedatmyselfinthemir
rorasthesongkeptonpl aying.Tear swer est
reami ngdown,
Icouldn'
tgetoverwhathappenedear l
iertoday.Itouchedmyneckwi thmyey esclosed,
therewayheki ssedandgr abbedmyneckt hatpict
urepl ayedi nmymi nd.Ev ery
thing
thathappenedplayedinmymi nd,andt houghtheactwasf i
l
thy,Ihatedmy selfmor efor
enjoyi
ngit.Myhandwentdownt omycooki e,IthinkIst i
llhav
et racesofhi ssemeni n
myunder wear.Thisisnothappening,Ishouldhav enev ergottenitdownl iket hatwith
Iba.WhenIopenedmyey es,IsawNowi sastandingbehi ndmedr i
ppingwet .Shedi dn'
t
l
ookhappy ,It
urnedandlookedather .
.

_
___
___
___
___

NOKUTHULA

Me:How canLungifi
reSloane?I'
veknownhimf ory
ear
shewoul dneverbet
raythe
companyl
iket
hat!Hepract
ical
lyl
i
vedfori
t,hei
sthemostl
oyalper
sonoutofever
yone
ther
e!!

Lor
rai
ne:
Cal
m down

Me:How canIcal
m down?Thisisabsur
dandt henhehir
esthatwhore?What'
swit
h
t
hesesi
ster
s?What'
sthi
sobsessi
onandpossessi
onthatt
heyhaveontheBi
yel
aboys?

Lor
rai
ne:
I'
ll
gett
othebot
tom ofi
t

Me:
Youbet
ter
!!
!

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE
Me:
Nowi
sa

Shewal
kedupt
ome.
.

Her
:Umoshey
onkei
nto(
Youhav
erui
nedev
ery
thi
ng)

It
ookaf
ewst
epsbackunt
ilt
hedr
essi
ngt
abl
ebl
ockedme.
.

Nowi
sa:Kubengi
yacedangawenyaa!Uyisi
phukuphukusent
ombazana(Ishoul
dfi
nish
wi
thyounow,youareastupi
dgir
l)sheraisedherhandandsentmef l
yi
ngacrossthe
r
oom,Icameincont
actwit
hthewallbef
oreIfel
l.
..

Me:
Ahhhhhh!

Nowi
sa:
Ngi
zokubul
alaQondi
siweuy
ezwa?(
I'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lyou)

Shemadeherwayt
ome.
..

Me:
Nowi
sa!
!

Bef
oreshecoul
dgett
ome,
thedooropened.Khabowal
kedi
n..

Khabo:
Qondi
si
we?

Shecamet
omeandhel
pedmet
ogetup,
Ithoughtt
hinkt
hatshecoul
dseeNowi
sa.

Khabo:
Kwenzakal
eni
?(Whathappened)

Nowi
sa:
Usuqal
eimpi
engekey
aphel
a(Youhav
ejustdecl
aredwar
)

Shet
hendi
sappear
ed.
.

Khabo:
What
'swr
ong?

Me:
Nowi
sawasher
e

Khabo:
What
?

Me:
she'
scomi
ngf
ormyl
i
fe!

_
___
___
___
_

SI
NDI
SIWE

Ihadanunwant
edguest
,itwasLor
rai
ne.
.

Her
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Me:
Pleasecomei
n

Shemadeherwayi
n..

Her
:Wher
eismyson?

Me:
He'
sout

Her
:Whyar
eyouher
e?

Me:
Ibanat
hiandIwedat
ing

Her
:Ut
hini
?(Whatar
eyousay
ing)

Me:
Rel
ax.
.I'
m ony
oursi
de

Her
:Onmysi
de?

Me:
Yes.
.Iwantr
evengeonmysi
ster
s,bot
hoft
hem

Shel
ookedatmef
oral
ongt
ime.
.

Her
:HowcanIt
rusty
ou?

Me:Qondisi
weisaGuardi
an,she'
shighl
yprotect
ed.Togettoher
,y oumustfi
rst
el
iminat
ethesour
ceofpr
otect
ionandI'
veknownmysi st
eral
lmyli
fe.Yougoi
ngt o
needme

Ist
ret
chedmyhandoutt
oher
..

Me:
All
i
ances?

Her
:Anenemyofmyenemyi
saf
ri
end

Shest
ret
chedher
soutt
omet
oo.
.

Her
:Ify
oudar
edoubl
ecr
ossme,
youwi
l
lbev
erysor
ry

Me:
Rel
ax.
.Iwantt
odest
roymysi
ster
sasmuchasy
oudo

Her
:Wel
comet
othet
eam

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.Letmegetussomewi
nesowecant
alkmor
e

Her
:Dot
hat

.
Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
53

QONDI
SIWE

Keepi
ngt
hingsfrom Khaboi
shard,shecanseeri
ghtthr
oughme.Idecidedtosither
downaft
erdinnerand tol
d herexact
lywhathappened bet
weenmeand I banathi
.
Knowi
ngKhabo,shedidwhatshedoesbest
,shesl
appedmeacrosst
heface.
.

Her:Whatiswr
ongwithyou?Di
dyouseewhatthatboydidtoyou?Hebeaty
ouup
sensel
essandItooki
tuponmysel
ftoat
tackhi
m!Attackhi
m onl
yfory
outogoand
openyourl
egsf
orhim?

Me:
Ngi
yaxol
i
sa(
I'
m sor
ry)

Her:Ibanathidoesn'
tcar
eaboutyou!Heisdoingthi
swithSi
nditospi
tey ouandyou
pl
ayingr i
ghtaheadinhistr
ap!I
fIbanat
hilov
edy ou,hewoul
dn'
thavesleptwit
hyour
si
ster!

Shest
oodup.
.

Her:Iknowi t'
sdiff
icul
ttogetov eryourex,we'veallbeendownt hi
sroadbutyoucr y
,be
madabouti thealandt henmov eon!Qondi siwey oucameher etomakesomet hingof
yoursel
f,nottogoar oundopeni ngy ourl
egs!I tseemsl ikeyouhav eforgot
tenabout
whatbr oughtyouher e!Di dn'
ty oulearnanythingfrom uSindi?Menusey ouandwhen
t
heydonet heyleav eyou!I fNtsikaiswhaty ousayhei s,thenhei snotsomeoney ou
wannamesswi t
hlikethis!Heisapr inceandr i
ghtnowy ouhav eshamedhi m morethan
youthink!!
!

Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
..

Her
:Youneedtot
hinkaboutwhaty
ouwant,doyouwantt
obeI
banat
hisomeonewhoi
s
goi
ngtot
reaty
ouli
kecrashfort
herestofy
ourl
i
fe??

Me:
No

Her
:Thenwhatdoy
ouwant
?

Me:
Iwantt
obewi
thNt
sika

Her:Thenbewithhim andstopthisnonsense!I'
m sodi
sappoint
edinyouri
ghtnow,we
haveenemiesright
,lef
t,andinthemiddletheny ougoandplayinthei
rter
ri
tor
ywhat'
s
wrongwithyou?YouareaGuar dianwhydon'tyouseekgui
dancefrom t
hem?
Me:
Nowi
sai
snotagoodguar
dian

Her:Nowisai
snotagoodguar di
anbecauseyoufuckingup!Shebroughty
ouNt
sika
di
dn'tshe?She'
sy ourguar
dianwhywoul dshesety ouup?May beLungiwasr
ight
!
Get
tingbacki
ntothedati
nggamewaswayt oosoonfory ou

Me:
I'
m donewi
thI
banat
hinow

Her
:Ihopesobecausei
fyounot
,I'
m ki
cki
ngy
ouout
!I'
m cut
ti
ngal
lti
eswi
thy
ou

(
Sil
ence)

Her
:Andi
fyougobackt
oNt
sikay
ouneedt
otel
lhi
mthet
rut
h

Ist
oodup.
.

Me:
No

Her:Whatdoy
out
hinki
t'
sgoi
ngt
ohappen?Hewi
l
lfi
ndout
!!
..Di
dyouev
enusea
condom?

Isl
owl
ynodded.
.

Her
:Justl
eav
emypr
esencer
ightnowbef
oreIdoany
thi
ngst
upi
d

Idi
dn'
tsaynomor
e,Iwentupst
air
stomybedr
oom.
.

_
___
___
__

LORRAI
NE

Iconsulttoahi ghpr i
estessknownas" Somandlakazi
",t
hepr evi
ousonediedand
anotheronetookover.She'sahi
ghpriest
essoft heunderworl
d,canonl
ycommunicat
e
wit
hheri nthewater.Ihaveabasininmysecr etroom,that
'showIcommunicatewit
h
her.
..Il
ookedatthewaterasherfaceshowedup. .

Me:
Yourhi
ghness

Her
:Whati
sitt
haty
ousummonedmef
or?

Me:
Somet
hingi
snotr
ight

Her
:Somet
hingi
sdef
ini
tel
ynotr
ight

Me:
Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Her
:Yourenemi
eshav
ecomef
ory
ou,
andt
heyar
eal
readyher
e

Me:
Who?

Her:I
tisuncl
earbutIf
eelgreatpower,powert
hatI'
venev
erf
eltbef
ore.Whoev
ershei
s,
she'
spowerfulwaymorethanthedarknessIpossess

Me:
HowdoIgoabouti
nel
i
minat
ingt
hisper
son?

Her
:Itwon'
tbeeasy
,wegoi
ngt
oneedabl
oodsacr
if
ice

Me:
I'
veal
readysacr
if
icedmyhusband

Her
:Abloodsacr
if
icef
rom y
ourenemy
,ifwehav
eapor
ti
onofherbl
oodi
twi
l
lhel
pus
t
odest
royher

Me:
Whoi
sshe?

Her
:You'
veal
readymether
,theGuar
dian

Me:
Qondi
siwe?

Her
:She'
sver
ypower
ful

Me:
Qondi
siweandmysonar
enott
oget
her

Her
:Theydon'
thav
etobet
oget
her
,she'
sal
readydonehal
foft
hewor
k

Me:
HowdoIpl
ayi
t?

Her
:It
oldy
ou,
weneedherbl
ood

Me:
Howam Isupposedt
ogett
hat
?

Her
:Pat
ience.
.Pat
ience

Idon'
tthi
nkIhav
ethePat
ience.
.

_
___
___
___
_

SI
NDI
SIWE

Me:
Yougoagai
n

Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.

Me:
Babe?
Hel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
It'
syourt
urn

Hel
ookedatt
heboar
d..

Hi
m:Youwi
nagai
n

Hekissedmeonmyshoulder
.Weweresit
ti
ngont
hef
loorpl
ayi
ngagame,orshoul
dI
sayIwaspl
ayi
ngal
one.Heseemeddi
str
act
ed..

Me:
Arey
ouokay
?

Hi
m:Ij
usthav
eal
otonmymi
nd

Me:
Wannat
alkabouti
t?

Hi
m:Noi
t'
sfi
ne

Hegotup.
.

Hi
m:I
'
llber
ightback

Hewal kedupst ai
rs.I'
vebeeninthi
sgamef ort
oolongt
oknow whenamanhashis
eyeswander ingaround.Iputevery
thi
ngaway,whenIpi
ckeduptheboar
dIsaw hi
s
phone.Ilookedatitforawhil
e,t
henItooki
t.

WellI'
m goingt oneedhi sfi
ngerpr
inttoopeni toratleastapassword.Ili
titup,
amazinglyhi
swal l
paperitwasQondisiwe.Itri
edafewpasswordsandIcoul
dn'
topenit
,
thenItr
ied"Qondisi
we".Iwasabl etogetin.Iwentst
rai
ghttohi
swhatsapp,
hesti
llhad
herasacont actbutIcouldn'
tfi
ndanychats.Iputi
tonthetabl
e..

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Il
ookedathi
sphonecal
l
,It
ookadeepbr
eat
handanswer
ed.
.

Me:
Ntsi
ka

He'
sbeencal
li
ngmetodayandI
'
vebeeni
gnor
inghi
scal
l
s,ImeanwhatdoIsayt
o
hi
m???Hest
art
edsi
ngi
ng.
.

Him:"Yaziang'
under
standibabywhyuval
eIphone,manj
engibuy
akubokodwabathi
abamboni.Ende ngi
qiqa emacl
ubbi
nisti
l
lang'mthol
i
,mhlambe uBabyuy
ang'
shay
a
shay
awat
hiakaj
oli
.Ngi
cel
ani
ngi
funi
seni
int
ombi
,mi
nangi
funai
ntombi
yami
"

Il
aughed.
.

Hi
m:Ar
eyougood?

Me:
I'
m good.
.Howar
eyou?

Hi
m:I
'
m good.
.Wasj
ustchecki
ngupony
ou

Me:
Thanky
ou

Ther
ewassomeawkwar
dsi
l
ence.
.

Me:
Ntsi
ka

Hi
m:Tal
ktome

Me:
Iwannat
ryagai
n..Us.
.Iwannat
ryagai
n

Ihear
dhi
m exhal
i
ng.
.

Me:
I'
m sor
ryaboutt
heot
herni
ght

Hi
m:I
fwegoi
ngt
odot
his,
Idon'
twantanyt
rai
l
sofI
banat
hiBi
yel
a

Iswal
l
owed.
.

Me:
I'
m donewi
thhi
m..Ipr
omi
se

Hi
m:Ihopeso,
becauseI
'
m notgoi
ngt
ohav
eanyi
ssueswi
tht
hatboy

Me:
Youwon'
t

Hi
m:Yout
ool
atet
hough,
Ihav
efoundsomeone

Ichuckl
ed.
.

Me:
Ohhpl
ease

Hi
m:I
'
m ser
ious

Me:
Wel
lshewi
l
lhav
etomeetmei
ntheboxi
ngr
ingf
ir
st

Hi
m:I
'
m scar
ed

Il
aughed.
.
Hi
m:Br
eakf
astt
omor
row?

Me:
I'
dli
ket
hatv
erymuch

Hi
m:I
'
llcomeandgety
ou

Me:
Okay

Hi
m:Goodni
ght

Me:
Ntsi
ka

Hi
m:Qondi

Me:
Ilov
eyou

Hi
m:Il
ovey
out
oo

Me:
Goodni
ght

Hi
m:Ni
ght

Ihungupt henwentst
rai
ghtonwhat
sapp.Ibl
ockedIbanat
hi,Ial
sobl
ockedhim on
Facebook,I
nst
a,andTwit
ter
.Asfr
om toni
ght
,I'
m donewi t
hhi m.
.Now i
t'
sjustme,
school
,andmygif
t.
.

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
54

QONDI
SIWE

Thefol
l
owingmorni
ngNt si
kakeptt
otheendofhispromise,hecametogetmesowe
coul
dgohavebr
eakfast
.Itwasahol
iday
,sowedidn'
thaveschooltoday
..

Khabo:
Ntsi
kahowar
eyou?

Nt
sika:
I'
m wel
landhowar
eyou?

Khabo:
I'
m good

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Nt
sika:
Arey
our
eadyt
ogo?
Me:
YesIam

Khabo:
Ntsi
kacany
oupl
easegi
veussomef
ewseconds?

Nt
sika:
Nopr
obl
em.
.I'
l
lbei
nthecar

Whenhehadwal
kedout
,Il
ookedatKhabo.
.

Khabo:
Youneedt
otel
lhi
m

Me:
Ican'
t

Her:Youst
art
ingonacl
eanslat
ewithhi
m, thi
sli
ewi
l
lcat
chwi
thy
ou.Doy
ouwanti
tto
cat
chupwithyouwhenyouguysar
emarried?

It
houghtf
orawhi
l
e..

Her:I
fyoudon'
ttel
lhi
m,I
banat
hiwi
l
l.Youwi
l
lsav
ehi
m al
ltheembar
rassmenti
fit
comesoutf
rom y
ou

Shewasr
ight
,Ibanat
hii
sannoy
inghewi
l
ltel
lNt
sikaaboutt
his.
.

Hecamewi t
hther
oyalsealcar,Ineedtoaskhim aboutthat
.Ifwegoingtostar
tour
rel
ati
onshiponacl
eanslate,ever
ythi
nghast ocomeout..Inthecarhetr
iedt
ohol da
smalltal
kbutmymindwasf araway,thi
sthi
ngwithI
banathiwaseati
ngmeup..
..

Wear
ri
vedatt
her
est
aur
ant
,andIt
hinkhel
ongnot
icedt
hatsomet
hingwasof
fwi
thme

Hi
m:Outwi
thi
t.
.What
'swr
ong?

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Arey
our
oyal
ty?

Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.

Me:
Ifwegoi
ngt
otr
yagai
n,Idon'
twantanysecr
etsbet
weenus

Hi
m:I
'
m aPr
ince,
buti
t'
snotsomet
hingt
hatIl
i
ket
oadv
ert
ise

Me:
Whynot
?Bei
ngaPr
incei
snotsomet
hingt
obeashamedof

Hi
m:I'
m notashamed,Ij
ustwantt
obenor
mal
.Peopl
etr
eaty
oudi
ff
erent
lywheny
ou
r
oyal
ty

Me:
Iunder
stand
Hi
m:ThisweekendI
'm goi
nghomet
oat
tendmysi
ster
'sMemul
o,I
'
dli
key
out
ocome
wi
th.It
hinki
t'
sti
me

Me:
Ntsi
kaIneedt
otel
lyousomet
hing

Hi
m:Okay
?

Me:
Whenwewer
etaki
ngabr
eakI
..Idi
dsomet
hing

Hi
m:Somet
hingl
i
kewhat
?

Me:
Thi
siswayhar
dert
hanIt
hought

Hi
m:Whatdi
dyoudo?

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h..

Me:
Isl
eptwi
thI
banat
hi

Hel
aughed.
.

Hi
m:Noy
oudi
dn'
t

Inoddedal
i
ttl
e..

Me:
Idi
d

Helookedatmeforav
eryl
ongt
imewi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng,
thenhegotupandwal
ked
out
.Ifol
lowedhi
m..

Me:
Ntsi
ka

Igr
abbedhi
sar
m bef
orehecoul
dgeti
nthecar
..Hel
ookedatmygr
ip.
.

Me:
Wewer
etaki
ngabr
eakandI
..Iwasconf
used

Hi
m:Ng'
del
eleQondi
si
we(
letmyar
m go)

Me:
Ican'
tl
ety
oul
eav
e,becausei
fyougeti
nthatcart
heny
ougone.
.Iwoul
d'
vel
osty
ou

Hi
m:Ngi
theNg'
del
ele(
Isai
dletmego)

Me:
Ntsi
kapl
ease

Heyankedmyhandof fandthent
hedri
veropenedt
hedoor
,hegoti
nandImademy
waytohim.Thedr
iverbl
ockedmewhi
l
eclosi
ngthedoor
..
Me:
Ntsi
kapl
ease

Dr
iver
:Pl
easemov
ebackal
i
ttl
e

Ist
eppedback.
..

Dr
iver
:Thanky
ou

Thedr
ivergoti
nthecart
oo,
thent
heydr
oveof
f.
..

_
___
___
__

LUNGI
SA

Iwasatt
heof
fi
cet
ryi
ngt
osor
tsomet
hingoutwhenI
banat
hiwal
kedi
n..

I
ba:
Youshoul
dbei
nbed,
hav
ingcr
azysexwi
thy
oursoont
obewi
fe

Me:
Goodmor
ningt
oyout
ooBr
other

Hewal
kedupt
othewi
ndowandIcont
inuedwi
thwhatIwasdoi
ng.
..

Hi
m:Qondi
siwebl
ockedmef
rom herev
ery
thi
ng

Me:
So?

Hi
m:It
houghtwewer
egoi
ngt
omakepr
ogr
ess

Me:
Arey
our
eal
l
yInl
ovewi
thQondi
siweorar
eyouj
ustobsessedwi
thher
?

Hi
m:Doesi
tmat
ter
?

Me:She'
swi
thsomeoneel
se,don'
tfi
ghtf
orawomant
hatdoesn'
twanty
ou.I
tnev
er
endswel
l

Hi
m:Ntsi
kaand Qondi
siwear
enotgoi
ng any
wher
e,t
hei
rrel
ati
onshi
pisgoi
ng t
o
cr
umbl
everysoon

Me:
Yousoundconf
ident

Hi
m:Iam

Me:
Wel
lgoodl
uckt
hen

(
Sil
ence)

Me:
Sowhatar
ewegoi
ngt
odoaboutMom?
Hi
m:Idon'
tknow

Me:
I'
m sor
ryMan,
Ishoul
d'
vet
oldy
ou

Hi
m:I
t'
sokay
..Iknowwhyy
oudi
dit

Me:
Youdo?

Hi
m:YeahIknowandI
'
m st
il
lgoi
ngt
otel
lyouabouty
ourMot
her
'ssecr
et

Me:
Whyy
ounott
ell
i
ngmenow?

Hi
m:Yougetti
ngmar r
ied,youcan'
tbeupsetwheny
ouget
ti
ngmar
ri
edbutaf
tert
he
weddi
ngI
'
lll
etyouknow..Ipromi
se

Me:
I'
ll
hol
dyout
oyourpr
omi
set
hen

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Ihadcal
l
edAkhonat
ocomeandf
etchme,
sheshowedupwi
thherMot
her
'scar
..

Her
:Yousai
ditwasanemer
gency

Me:
Iti
s,I
'
m st
randed

Her
:Howdi
dyougether
eint
hef
ir
stpl
ace?

Me:
Ntsi
ka

Her
:Andt
henwhathappened?

Me:
Hel
eftme

Her
:Why
?

Me:
Wehadanar
gument

Her
:Hedoesn'
tsoundl
i
keaguywhowoul
dleav
eyoust
randedev
enaf
teranar
gument

Me:
Icheat
edonhi
m andIconf
essed

Her
:Youwhat
?

Me:
Iknow
Her
:Youcheat
edonNt
sika?
?

Me:
Itwasat
err
ibl
emi
stake

Her
:Cheat
ingi
snotami
stake,
it'
sachoi
ce

Me:
Thanky
ouf
ri
endf
ort
hev
oteofconf
idence

Her
:I'
m notj
udgi
ng,
I'
mjustsay
ing

Me:
Ineedt
ogetmymanback

Her
:I'
vehear
dmendon'
treal
l
yfor
giv
echeat
ing

Me:
I'
ll
findaway

Akhona:
Wowy
oucheat
edonawhol
eent
ir
eNt
sika

_
___
___
___
__

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Iwasbey ondtheword"Upset"
.Iwentf
orQondi
siwebecausesheseemedl
ikeawoman
thatcoul
dhel pmebui l
daf amil
yoneday,awomant hatIcoul
dtaketomyfather
's
house.Thisbetr
ayal
,especi
all
ywit
hsomeoneli
keIbanat
hi?
??

Myphoner
ang,
itwasManqoba.
.

Me:
Yeah?

Hi
m:Whathappened?

Me:
Idon'
twannat
alkabouti
t

Hi
m:Youhav
etocomet
othehospi
tal

Me:
Why
?

Hi
m:I
t'
sVukani
,hegotshot

Isi
ghed.
.

Me:
Whathappenedt
hist
imear
ound?

Hi
m:Commot
ionbet
weenhi
m andt
axi
dri
ver
s

Me:
Whati
shedoi
ngst
art
ingshi
twi
tht
axi
dri
ver
s?
Hi
m:YouknowVukani
,andt
het
axi
dri
ver
sar
enotgoi
ngt
olett
hisgo

Me:
Didy
oucal
lManzi
niandMbongeni
?

Hi
m:Yes

Me:
I'
m onmyway

Ihungup.
.

Me:
Mar
iah!
!!

Sheshowedup.
.

Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
oneedmygun

Her
:Yourgun?

Me:
Yespl
ease

Her
:Si
r.
.

Me:
Pleasegetmemygun

Her
:Yessi
r.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou

_
___
___
___
_

KHABONI
NA

Iopenedt
hedoor
,itwasLor
rai
ne.
.

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Her
:Thel
astt
imeIcheckedt
hiswasmySon'
shouse

Me:
CanIhel
pyou?I
nyourson'
shousebecausehei
snother
e?

Her
:Your
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
omar
rymysonwi
thababyoni
t'
sway
?

Me:
Yout
rav
eledal
lthewayt
otel
lmet
hat
?

Her
:I'
vet
rav
eledal
lthewayt
otel
lyout
owal
kaway

Me:
ThenI
'
mtel
l
ingy
ounowt
owal
kaway
Her
:Whoar
eyouagai
n?

Me:
Awomant
haty
oudon'
twannamesswi
th,
awomanwhoknowsy
oursecr
et

Her
:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Me:
NoksandLungi
aresi
bli
ngs

Qondi
siweendedupt
ell
i
ngmeaboutt
hat
..

Lor
rai
nel
ookedatmewi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.
.

Me:
Youokay
?Youl
ookl
i
key
ouaboutt
ohav
eahear
tat
tack

Shehel
dherbagt
ight
..

Me:You sickeni
ng!Hav
ing y
ourson sl
eep wi
th hi
s si
sterf
ory
ourown per
sonal
sel
fi
shness!
!

Shesl
appedmeacr
ossmyf
ace.
.

Her:St
ayoutofi
ssuesthatyoudon'
tunder
stand.
.Doy ouhearme?I
'
m war
ningy
ou!I
f
youkeepon,
youwon'tevenatt
endyourownwedding.
.Tryme!

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
55

QONDI
SIWE

Akhonadroppedmeoffathome,Ithankedherforcomi
ngtof
etchme.Iknow most
peoplewi
l
lcallmeafoolforcheat
ingonNtsika,i
twasnotmyint
ent
ion.Notev
ena
l
it
tle.
..

Khabo:
Heyhowdi
ditgo?

Me:
Hedumpedme

Her
:Hedi
d?

Me:
Hej
ustwal
kedoutwi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng

Lungi
:Whathappened?

Khabo:
Qondi
si
wecheat
edonNt
sikawi
thI
banat
hi.Shet
hencamecl
eant
ohi
m,andshe
gotdumped

Me:
Khabo!
!

Lungi
:NowonderwhyI
banat
hiwasabi
tof
ftoday

Me:
Whatdi
dhesay
?

Lungi
:He'
sjustnothappyt
haty
oubl
ockedhi
m

Me:
Idon'
twantany
thi
ngt
odowi
thI
banat
hiagai
n

Lungi
lookedatt
het
ime.
.

Lungi
:Wehav
etogo

Khabo:
Qondi
si
wedoy
ouwannacome?Wegoi
ngt
ocheckoutt
hev
enue

Me:
NoI
'
m okayt
hanks

Khabo:
Seey
oul
atert
hen

Me:
Lat
eri
tis

_
___
___
___
___
__

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Iwalkedin,al
lmybrother
swer esur
roundi
nghi
sbedexceptf
orMbongeni
.Hewasat
thewindow.Il
ookedatVukil
e..

Me:
Whathappened?Howar
eyou?

Vuki
l
e:I
t'
snotf
atal
,I
'l
lsur
viv
e

Me:
Howdi
dyouendupst
art
ingwarwi
tht
axi
dri
ver
s?

Vuki
l
e:Ihadt
hesemi
nipr
ivat
ebusest
hatIputatt
het
axi
rank

Manqoba:
Youdi
dwhat
?

Vuki
l
e:I
'
mint
het
ranspor
tbusi
ness

Me:
Your
unt
heMkhi
zel
i
nerbuses,
youhav
enobusi
nessst
art
ingshi
twi
tht
axi
dri
ver
s

Mbongeni
:Sowhatar
ewegoi
ngt
odonow?
Manzi
ni:
Wegoi
ngt
ogot
her
eandapol
ogi
ze

Vuki
l
eshookhi
shead.
.

Vuki
l
e:Wenotapol
ogi
zi
ng

Mazi
niwal
kedupt
ohi
m andputhi
shandonVuki
l
e'st
hroat
..

Manzi
ni:Li
stenher
ey ouswi
ne!Someofushav
efami
l
ies,bef
orey
oupul
lshi
tli
ket
his!
Makesureyoudon'
tincl
udeus

Heletgo.Manzinii
st hef
ir
stborn,f
oll
owedbyVuki
l
e,t
henMbongeni
,Me,andt
hen
Manqoba.Notcount
ingmysist
er.
.

Mbongeni
:Youreal
l
yhadtodothi
s,knowi
ngv
erywel
lthatt
hisweekendi
sBusi
siwe'
s
Memulo.Whatar
ewegoi
ngtotel
lDad?

Vuki
l
e:I
t'
snotl
i
kehedoesn'
tknowt
hatI
'
mtr
oubl
e

Manzi
ni:
Ucabangaukut
hikuy
adl
alwal
a(Yout
hinkt
hisi
sagame)

Me:Vuki
l
eyouhav
etogett
hosemi
nibusesf
rom t
het
axi
rank,
you'
l
lal
soputt
hedr
iver
s
i
ndanger

Vuki
l
e:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
odot
hat

Manqoba:
Whynot
?

Vuki
l
e:I
'
m nott
hateasi
l
yint
imi
dat
ed

Mbongeni
:Yougotshot
!

Manzi
ni:
I'
m goi
ngoutf
orasmoke!

Manzi
niwal
kedout
..

Mbongeni
:Vuki
l
est
opbei
ngsel
fi
sh,
thi
sisnotabouty
ouonl
y

Vuki
l
e:Idi
dn'
taskf
ory
ourhel
p,Icanhandl
emybusi
ness

Mbongeni
:Theyshoul
d'
veki
l
ledy
ou!
!

Heal
sowal
kedout
..

Me:
Vuki
l
e..

Hi
m:I
'
m notbacki
ngdownNt
sika,
for
geti
t!
Manqoba:
I'
m cal
l
ingDad

Vuki
l
e:Sendmyl
ove

Manqoba:
Hei
sgoi
ngt
odi
sowny
ourass!

Il
ookedatVuki
l
e..

Hi
m:What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?

Me:
Why
?

Hi
m:Youcamei
nwi
thagun,
looksl
i
key
ouwer
epr
epar
edt
ogot
owar

Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
oexpect

Hi
m:What
'sbot
her
ingy
ou?

Me:
It'
snot
hingIcan'
thandl
e

Hi
m:Don'
tgety
ourhandsdi
rt
y,y
ounotl
i
keus

Me:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
ore-

Hi
m:NoI
'
m not

Me:
Vuki
l
ethi
sisdanger
ous

Hi
m:Doy
oudol
i
ttl
ebr
o,andl
etmehandl
emyown

Me:
Can'
tl
ety
ougot
owaral
one

Hi
m:Ineedt
ocont
actpeopl
e

Me:
Manzi
niandt
hem wi
l
lcomear
ounddon'
twor
ry

Hi
m:Youneedt
osi
tthi
soneout

Me:
I'
m notsi
tt
ingany
thi
ngout

Him:Youthefut
ureki
ng,youver
yimpor
tant
.Not
hingcanhappent
oyou,
yousi
tt
ingt
his
oneout.Dadwil
lnev
erfor
giveme

_
___
___
___

QONDI
SIWE
Iwascat chinguponmyschoolwor k.Lungiist
heonepay i
ngformyschoolfeesnow
andpr ov
idingforme.I twoul
dbeashamei fIlethi
m down,andletmyselfdown..I
recei
vedacal lf
rom someoneIdi
dn'
texpecttogetacal
lfr
om..

Hi
m:Qondi
siwe

Me:
Nkosi
uNgwane

Hi
m:Unj
ani
?(Howar
eyou)

Me:
Ngi
yaphi
l
a(I
'
m wel
l
)

(
Sil
ence)

Me:
Kungabekonkekuhambakahl
e?(
Isev
ery
thi
nggoi
ngwel
l
)

Hi
m:Nonkosi
yaphi
l
a(Wear
ewel
l
)

Me:
Ngi
yabonga(
Thanky
ou)

Hi
m:Kuy
akanj
ani
egol
i
?(Howi
sev
ery
thi
ng)

Me:
Chakusahambakahl
ekonke(
Ever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngwel
l
)

Hi
m:Si
bonganj
euMausaphi
l
il
e(I
t'
sgoodknowi
ngt
haty
ouwel
l
)

Me:
Ngi
zozauMangi
thol
aiskhat
hi(
I'
ll
comewhenIgett
ime)

Him:Kuhl
elokhongobangi
funaukuxoxanawe(
That
'
sgoodbecauseIwantt
otal
kto
you)

Me:
Kuzwakal
akubal
uleki
l
e(I
tsoundsi
mpor
tant
)

Hi
m:Konakubal
uleki
l
e(I
tisi
mpor
tant
)

Me:
Ngi
zozaNkosi
yam (
I'
ll
come)

Iwonderwhat
'ssoi
mpor
tant
..

_
___
___
___
___

NOKUTHULA

Lorr
aine:Iwantyoutokidnapheronherweddingday
,wel
lbef
oret
hecer
emony
..I
underst
and.
..I
'
llgi
vey
outhedetai
ls.
.Thanky
ou.
.Bye

Shet
urnedar
oundandsawmest
andi
ngt
her
e..
Her
:Don'
tcr
eepuponmel
i
ket
hat

Me:
Whatar
eyoupl
anni
ng?

Her
:I'
mfi
nal
l
yput
ti
nganendt
omypr
obl
em

Me:
Yougoi
ngt
ohav
eKhaboki
dnapped?

Her
:Doy
oucar
e?

Me:
NoIdon'
t

Her
:Good!
!I'
m goi
ngt
ohav
eherki
dnapped,
andt
henki
l
led

Me:
Andy
out
hinkt
haty
ouwon'
tbet
hef
ir
stsuspect
?

Her
:Iwi
l
lbeatt
hechur
chwai
ti
ngonourbr
idet
owal
kdownt
heai
sle

Me:
Ohwwhatat
ightal
i
bi

Her
:Ar
eyoudoubt
ingme?

Me:
No.
.Ij
usthopet
hatev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lpl
ayoutwel
l

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Iwasi nKhabo'sroom looki ngforherfoam bath,Ihavebeenmeani ngtobuyonebutI

keeponf orgett
ing.AsIwasbusysear chi
ngt hroughheri nherbathr
oom,Isawbl ood
comi ngfrom thecloset.Thatwasst r
ange,thatwasv erystr
ange.Iwalkedoutand
checked,herweddi ngdr esswasbl oody.Itouchedi tandt henIdon'tknow what
happenedbutIhadav ision.Inmyv isi
onIsawKhaboget ti
ngshotonherweddingday ,
I
couldn'
tseet heperson'sf acehewaswear ingabalaclava.Hekeptonshoot i
ng,Ican
almostest i
mate6bullets.Iletgooft hedress,t
hismeanst hatKhaboisgoingtodi
eon
herweddi ngday.Iusuallygetdr eamsaboutsi t
uati
ons,I'
veneverhadav i
sioninbroad
dayl
ight.Thiswasthef i
rst..

Tobecont
inued[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
56

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Iam cl
osewi
thManqobat
hanIam wi
tht
her
estofmyBr
other
s,whenhewentaway
undercoveri
tcreat
edsomedi stanceinourBrot
her
hood,butI'
m hopingnowt hatwecan
reconnect.Wewerebackatmyhousehav ingami nibr
aai,al
lmybr other
swer ehere.
Manqobanot icedthatIwasn'tmy sel
fsohekeptonf orci
nguntilItol
dhim whatwas
eati
ngmeup. ..

Him:Forhert
otel
lyouthetrut
hsheseemsl
i
keanhonestper
son.Howmanygi
rl
scan
comeoutandsaythey
'vecheat
ed

Me:Seewi t
husguys,wecansl eepwith5womenwhi l
eweinar el
ati
onshi
pandf eel
not
hing,womenaredi
ff
erent.Theycat
chfeel
ingsandt
hisi
sherexsoit'
stri
cky
.Idon't
wanthergoi
ngbackandfort
hf r
om metohim

Hi
m:Iunder
stand,
wheni
t'
sanexi
t'
sdi
ff
erent

Me:
May
beIshoul
dlety
ourf
atherdoanar
rangemar
ri
agef
orme

Hel
aughed.
.

Hi
m:May
beapr
incessf
rom anot
herv
il
lage

Me:
Ormay
beoneoft
hegi
rl
sthatar
egoi
ngt
oat
tendt
heMemul
o

Hi
m:Goodt
hinki
ngal
loft
hem wi
l
lbev
irgi
ns,
you'
l
lgety
our
sel
faf
ait
hful
andl
oyal
wif
e

Me:Theygoi
ngtoworshi
pmet hat
'
swhatIhat e,Idon'twannabei
nar el
ati
onshi
pwi
th
someonewhoisgoi
ngtotakeever
ythinganddon'tevenquesti
onme.Someonewhois
goi
ngtoli
vef
ormeandt r
ytobeperfect

Hi
m:Yougoi
ngt
obeaf
utur
eki
ng,
obv
iousl
ythosegi
rl
swi
l
lwor
shi
pyou

Me:
Ihat
ethat

Hi
m:Whatcany
ousay
?

Manzi
nimadehi
swayt
ous.
.

Hi
m:Thebr
aai
isov
ert
her
e,nother
e

Manqoba:
Ntsi
kai
sinhi
sfeel
i
ngs

Me:
Manqoba

Manqoba:
Hisgi
rl
fr
iendcheat
edonhi
m

Manzi
nil
ookedatme.
.
Manzi
ni:
Ulahl
eiSi
de?(
Shecheat
edony
ou)

Me:
Ya

Het
urnedandl
ookedatMbongeni
.
.

Manzi
ni:
Bongz

Hewal
kedupt
ous.
.

Manzi
ni:
Sesi
yohl
asel
a(Wegoi
ngt
owar
)

Me:
Ther
e'snotgoi
ngt
obeanywar
,shecheat
edwi
l
li
ngl
yshewasn'
tfor
ced

Bongz:
Kwenzakal
ani
?(What
'sgoi
ngon)

Manzi
ni:
Sebemphul
eleI
qol
o(Hi
sgi
rl
fr
iendcheat
edonher
)

Bongz:
Manj
esi
sahl
eli
?(Whatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
or)

Me:
Wenotgoi
ngt
oki
l
lherexandat
tackher

Manzini
:Mel
euqi
nisei
sandl
a.Wenameleudl
ale,hay
iukut
hibakudl
ale(
Youneedt
obe
st
ri
ct.Yout
heonewhoshoul
dbecheat
ingnotgetcheat
edon)

Theyal
ll
aughed.
.

Me:
Wenotgoi
ngt
owar

Bongz:Mygirl
fr
iendubewenzalododi
,manjengi
shonomaeyaeToil
etuy
abi
ka(
My
gi
rl
fri
endusedtodothi
s,butnowev
enwhenshegoest
othet
oil
etshet
ell
sme)

Ishookmyhead.
.

Me:
I'
m notgoi
ngt
obeather

Manzi
ni:
Thenf
uckhercr
azyf
orawhol
eweek,
ngi
nembi
za

Il
ookedathi
m..

Manqoba:
That
'snotabadi
dea

Manzi
ni:
aft
ert
hatshewi
l
lrespecty
ou

Bongz:
Bestwayt
opuni
shawomanumaungenasandl
a

Igotupf
rom mychai
r.
..
Me:
Let
'st
akeawal
kint
hegar
denandt
alk

Manqoba:
He'
sin

Bongz:
I'
ll
prov
idecondoms

Manzi
ni:Cha..I
fNt
sikal
oveshert
hensi
yasi
beka(
IfNt
sikal
oveher
,she'
sgoi
ngt
o
i
mpregnateher)

Bongz:
Weeeengakashadi
(Whi
l
ehe'
snotmar
ri
ed)

Manzi
ni:
don'
tbenegat
ive

Manzi
niandIt
ookawal
k..

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

IsummonedNowi
sai
nmybedr
oom.
.

Me:
Ngi
cel
ausi
zol
wakho(
Ineedy
ourhel
p)

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Please

Her
:Uf
unani
?(Whatdoy
ouwant
)

Me:
uKhabouzof
angomshadowakho(
Khaboi
sgoi
ngt
odi
e)

Her
:Phomi
nangi
ngenaphi
?(Whatdoest
hathav
etodowi
thme)

Me:
Angekengi
khoneukumbukaef
a(Iwon'
tl
etherdi
e)

Her:UKhabonamiasi
hlangani
,akusi
yiNdoniy
amanzi(
Khaboi
snotmyr
esponsi
bil
i
ty,
she'
snotaguardi
an)

Me:
Udadewet
hu,
umndeni
wami
wokugci
na(
She'
smysi
ster
,myonl
yfami
l
y)

Shet
houghtf
orawhi
l
e..
.

Her
:Ngi
zokusi
zauManaweungangi
siza(
I'
m goi
ngt
ohel
pyou,
onl
yify
ouhel
pmet
oo)

Me:
Ngi
l
alel
e(I
'
mli
steni
ng)

Her
:Kumel
eubuy
elekuNt
sika(
Youneedt
ogobackt
oNt
sika)
Me:
Akaf
uni
nokungi
bona(
Hedoesn'
twantt
oseeme)

Her
:uNt
sikay
indodabonkebay
afana(
Ntsi
kai
saman,
theyal
lthesame)

Me:
Kungani
lokhukubal
uleki
l
ekuwe?(
Whyi
sthi
simpor
tantt
oyou)

Her:NgizamaukwenzauXol ophakat
hikwesizwesakwaMkhi zenesakwaNgwane,
nguwekphelanoNt si
kaeni
ngalet
hauXol
ouMani hl
angana(I
'mtr
yingtocr
eat
epeace
betweentheMkhi zetri
beandtheNgwanetr
ibe,youandNt si
kaar
et heonl
yonest
hat
canmaket hathappen)

Me:
Chaza(
Expl
ain)

Her
:Okokuqal
aphuzal
a(dr
inkher
e)

Shehandedmeasmal
lbot
tl
ewi
thsomebl
ackl
i
qui
dinsi
de.
.

Me:
Okwani
?(Whati
sitf
or)

Her:Ukubul
alal
okhuokumel
ekukhul
eesi
bel
ethwenisakho(
It
'smeantt
oki
l
lwhat
shoul
dgrowinyourwomb)

It
ooki
tandl
ookedather
..

Her
:Umabengif
unaukukubul
alakubekudal
angakubul
ala(
IfIwant
edt
oki
l
lyou,I
woul
d'
vel
ongdonei
t)

Iopenedt
hebot
tl
eanddr
ankf
rom i
t.
.

Me:Ngichaz
elengendabayakwaMkhizeneyakwaNgwane(
Expl
aint
omet
hewar
bet
weentheMkhizet
ri
beandtheNgwanetr
ibe)

Shesatnextt
ome.
.

_
___
___
___
___
__

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Manzi
niandIdr
ovet
othi
sot
hert
radi
ti
onal
man,
thi
swasr
idi
cul
ous.
.

Me:
Thi
sisr
idi
cul
ous,
Idon'
thav
esexual
probl
ems

Him:Ididn'
tsayyoudo,t
hisherbwillhel
pyouper f
ormt wi
cethanhow y
ouusual
ly
perf
orm.Fuckawomancrazyoutofhermindthatsheli
ter
all
ybegsf
oryoutof
uckher
agai
n
Ishookmyhead. .Wearr
ivedandpar
kedonthestr
eet
,itwast helow si
deofJozi.I
foll
owedManziniasheledtheway,thi
str
adi
ti
onheal
erwassi t
uatedinanisol
ated
place.
.Wewalkedinandthewhol
eroom wassmel
l
ingofincense,Isawalotofherbs
around.
.

Ol
dman:
Haungi
bonway
ini
?(Whoam Iseei
ng)

Manzi
ni:
Bhubesi

Bhubesi
:Kunj
ani
mfanawami
?(Howar
eyou)

Manzi
ni:
Ngi
yaphi
l
a(I
'
m good)

Bhubesi
:Nami
ngi
yaphi
l
a(I
'
m good)

Manzi
ni:
Ngi
funausi
zeumf
anal
a(Iwanty
out
ohel
pmybr
other
)

Theol
dmanl
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Ntsi
kay
ezwe

Ist
ret
chedmyhandouttohi
m. .Inst
eadofshaki
ngmyhand,heknel
tbef
oremeand
sai
dallt
heMkhi
zecl
annames.IlookedatManzi
ni.
.

Me:
Yout
oldhi
m aboutme?

Manzi
ni:
Nev
er

Theol
dmangotup.
.

Bhubesi:Amadl
oziwamianami
,ukuv
akashel
way
iNkosi(
Myancest
orsar
ewi
thme,t
o
bevisi
tedbyaKing)

Me:
ChaBabaangi
kakabi
yiNksoi
(I'
m notaKi
ngy
et)

Hi
m:Mf
anami
nangi
bonaIksasa(
Iseet
hef
utur
e)

Inodded.
.

Bhubesi
:Ngi
ncedangani
?(howcanIhel
p)

Manzi
ni:
Umf
anauy
adl
elwal
a(Hi
sgi
rl
fr
iendi
scheat
ing)

Bhubesi
:Awubonakalinj
engomuntuongakwaziukushay
ainduku(
Youdon'
tlookl
i
kea
per
sonthatdoesn'
tknowhissexgame)
Manzini
:Chasi
funanj
eukut
hiunt
ombazanaahl
alenj
eazi
phut
he(
Wewantt
hegi
rlt
o
behav
e)

Theol
dmennodded.
.

Bhubesi
:Ngi
l
andel
e(Fol
l
owme)

Il
ookedatManzi
ni.
.Henodded,
Ifol
dedt
heol
dman.
.

_
___
___
___

SI
NDI
SIWE

Iknowthatourr
elati
onshi
pisfakebutIbanathii
sbei
ngunr
easonable,wehav
en'
tev
en
hadsex.That
'sunli
keus,wehav esexeveryday.Hewasl
ayi
ngont hecouchwat
chi
ng
TV,Imademywayt ohim.Ilai
dontopofhim..

Me:
Arey
ouokay
?

Hi
m:Yeah.
.Why
?

Me:
Not
hing

Il
ower
edmyhandt
ohi
scr
otch.
.

Me:
Iwast
hinki
ngt
hatmay
bewecanpl
ayal
i
ttl
e

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Isl
eptwi
thQondi
siwe

Me:
Iknow

Hi
m:Nonotonl
ywhenwewer
edat
ing,
shecamet
hisot
hert
imeandy
ouwer
eatwor
k

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Wedi
dn'
tuseacondom,
shemi
ghtbepr
egnant

Igotof
f.
.

Me:
Uthi
ni?(
Whatar
eyousay
ing)

Hi
m:Youdi
dn'
tcat
chf
eel
i
ngsnowwi
tht
hiswhol
esi
tuat
iondi
dyou?

Me:
Youabast
arddoy
ouknowt
hat
?
Hi
m:Apr
oudone

Hegotupandki
ssedmeonmycheek.
.

Hi
m:Goodni
ght

Hewal
kedupst
air
s,Iwentandt
ookmyphonef
rom t
het
abl
eandcal
l
edQondi
siwe.
.

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Iwastossi
ngandt urningont hebed, Iwasbleedi
ngprofusel
yandi nsomuchpai nthatI
can'
tevenexplain.Isatupst raightandthewholebedwasbl oody ,evenapadwoul dn'
t
haveworkedher e.Iwasf eel
inghot ,anddi
zzytoo.Myphoner ang, Igotitnexttome.It
wasSindi
,Icancel edhercal l
.Act ual
lyIbl
ockedhercall
s.Ical
ledNt sika,
hisphonet ook
mestrai
ghttov oicemai l.IcalledKhabo,herphonewasal soonv oicemai l
.Itossedmy
phoneawayandcont inuedt otaket hepaini
n..

_
___
___
___
___
_

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Thisol
dmandidn'
tgivemeanyherb.Hecutmeal it
tl
eandthenputsomemedici
neon
thecut,i
twasburni
ngli
kecrazysomucht hatIstr
uggl
edtowalk..Thepai
nwasn'
t
dif
fer
entfr
om t
heaft
eref
fect
sofci
rcumcisi
on..

Me:
Howdi
dIgety
out
otal
kmei
ntodoi
ngt
hisagai
n?

Hechuckl
ed.
.

Hi
m:Uzobar
ight
,don'
tfor
gety
ounotsupposedt
obat
htoday

Heopenedt
hedoorforme.
.Theol
dmant ol
dmet hatt
hisisgoi
ngtobeaper
manent
t
hing,
mysexual
hungeri
sgoi
ngtobet
wicewhati
twas.Islowl
ygoti
n..

Manzi
ni:
uri
ght
?

Me:
HowdoIknowt
hatIwon'
tgetanyi
nfect
ion?

Heclosedt
hedoor
..I
'
m al
sonotsupposedt
obesl
eepi
ngwi
thawomanf
oratl
east3
day
s..

_
___
___
___
__
KHABONI
NA

Me:
Ili
kedt
hef
ir
stv
enue

Lungi
:It
'sbet
tert
hant
heot
her
s

Icheckedmyphoneaswewal
kedi
n..
.Ihadmi
ssedcal
l
sfr
om Qondi
siwe.
.

Me:
Missedcal
l
sfr
om Qondi
siwe,
Iwonderi
fshe'
sar
ound

Hi
m:Cal
lher

Ical
l
edherbutherphoner
anganswer
ed.
.

Me:
I'
ll
goandcheckheri
nherbedr
oom

Lungitookmybag,Iwalkedupst
air
stocheckonQondisiwe.WhenIopenedt
hedoor,I
waswel comedbyagr uesomescene.Shelookedpassedoutonthebed,inherown
poolofblood.
.

Me:
Lungi
!!
!!
!!
!!
!

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
57

QONDI
SIWE

[
AFEW DAYS]

Iwasf eeli
ngmuchbet t ert hatt heDrdi schargedmet hi
smor ni
ng.Thebl eedi ngwasn' t
sosev ereanymor e,andt hepai nswer en'tterr
ible.TheDraskedwhyIdr ankmedi cine
thatcoul dpossi bl
ycauseabor t
ioni fIwasn' tsur ewhet herIwaspr egnantornot ,he
saidt hemedi cineshedt hel i
ningoft heut er
usi ncaseimpl antati
onwaspossi ble.Not
onlydi ditdot hat ,buti tal socl eanedev ery
thingoutf r
om myf all
opi antubes.Ihad
calledKhabot ocomef etchmebutshewasmad, shewasmadt hatIli
edaboutusi nga
condom whi l
eIdi dn't
.Theyal sot estedmef orSTI s,andhi v.Thehivr esultswillcome
afteraf ewday s.Iendedupcal lingNt sika,hetoldmehecan' tgetmebuthewasgoi ng
tosendsomeone.IwasamazedwhenManqobawal kedin.Hel ookedsodi f
ferent,his
bear dwaswel ltri
mmedsowashi shai r
.Hewasal sowear ingdiff
erentf rom how he
usedt owearbacki nt hev i
llage.Bl uej eans,abl ackni keyt -
shirt
,andbl ackni key
sneaker s.Thewat chonhi swr i
st ,itlookedexpensi ve..
Hi
m:Qondi
siwe?

Me:
Manqoba?Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Hi
m:Wai
t?Ar
eyoudat
ingNt
sika?

Me:
Uhm sor
tof

Hi
m:Ican'
tbel
i
evet
his!

Me:
Whatar
eyouonabout
?What
'
sgoi
ngon?

Hecl
osedhi
sey
es.
.

Hi
m:Nt
sikai
smybr
other
,Idi
dn'
tknowhewast
alki
ngabouty
ou

Me:Nt
sikai
syourwhat
?Thatcannotbet
rue.Youar
ether
ighthandboyt
otheZi
khal
i
Ki
ng

Hi
m:I
t'
sal
ongst
ory

Me:
Ihav
eti
me

Hi
m:Iwentt
her
eunder
cov
erf
ormyf
ami
l
y

Me:
Manqobawhoar
eyou?

Hi
m:Nowhoareyou?Youcheat
edonmybr ot
heront
opoft
hatyoufr
om t
heZi
khal
i
vi
l
lage,
doy
ouknowthatmyf
amil
yandt
hatf
amilyar
eswor
nenemi
es?

Nowi
sahadt
oldmeev
ery
thi
ng.
.

Me:
Iknow

Hi
m:Andy
oust
il
lwentaheadwi
tht
his?

Me:
Look.
.Nowi
sai
str
yingt
obr
ingpeacebet
weent
het
wof
ami
l
ies

Hi
m:Thatwi l
lneverhappen,t
hehi
stor
yther
egoesdeep.I
fmyf
ami
l
yfi
ndsoutabout
t
his.
.Youdead,youandNtsika

Me:
Thatwon'
thappenwhenNt
sikai
sKi
ng,
hewi
l
lbr
ingaboutpeace

Hi
m:Myfat
heri
sasst
rongasabul
l
,youcan'
tkeept
hisunt
ilNt
sikai
sKi
ng.Thatmi
ght
t
akel
ong

Me:
Wegoi
ngt
okeept
hisbet
weenus
Hi
m:Qondi
siwecuty
ourl
osesandl
eav
emyBr
otheral
one!
!

Me:
Ican'
t!
!Il
ovehi
m!!

Hi
m:Qondi
siwe!
!

Me:
I'
m notgi
vi
ngup,
eveni
fitmeansl
ayi
ngdownmyl
i
fe

Heshookhi
shead.
.

Hi
m:Idon'
twantt
obeapar
toft
his

Me:Youalreadyar e,i
fyourfat
herknowsaboutt hishewi l
lal
sohavey ouki
lledf
or
knowi
ng!Andrightnowdoy oureall
ywannabetr
ayy ourbr
otherl
i
kethatandsni
tch?Do
youwantyourBrother'
sbl
oodony ourhands?Wi
lly
oubeabl etol
ivewi
thyour
sel
f?

Hi
m:I
fyoul
oveNt
sikay
ouwi
l
lleav
ehi
m

Me:
Iwon'
t!
!

Hesatdownont
hebed.
.

Me:
Wher
eishe?

Hi
m:Hel
efty
est
erdayf
ormySi
ster
'sMemul
o,I
'
mleav
ingt
odayaf
terdr
oppi
ngy
ouof
f

Me:
GoodI
'
m comi
ngwi
th

Him:Noyounot
,you'
l
lbehandi
ngy
our
sel
finasi
l
verpl
att
er.
.Myf
ami
l
ywoul
dwantt
o
knowwherey
oufrom?

Me:
Wegoi
ngt
oli
e

Hi
m:Youdon'
tunder
standdoy
ou?Wer
oyal
ty!Theygoi
ngt
ocal
lourt
radi
ti
onalheal
er
t
oscanyou

Me:
Manqobawej
usthav
etogi
vei
tat
ry

Him:I
'v
eal way
sknownt haty
ounaïv
eandst upi
d,Ij
ustdi
dn'
tknow t
haty
ouwer
e
sui
ci
dalandyouwantt
otakeusdownwit
hyou!

Me:
Manqobapl
ease.
.

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Fi
ne.
.Let
'
sgo
Me:
Thanky
ou

_
___
___
___
___

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Il
ookedatmy
sel
fint
hemi
rr
orwhenIhear
daknock.
.

Me:
I'
m comi
ng

Iwalkedoutoftheensui
tbat
hroom andwentt
oopent
hedoor
,itwasoneoft
her
oyal
femaleser
vant
s..Shebowed.
.

Her
:Pr
inceNt
sika

Me:
Goodmor
ning

Her
:TheKingsentmet ochecki
fyouar
edone?Hewant
syout
ojoi
nhi
mforbr
eakf
ast
bef
oregoi
ngtothefi
elds

Shewasl ooki
ngdown,t
heynotall
owedtol
ookmei nt
heey ewhent
heytal
ki
ngt ome.
Shewaswear ingashor
tski
rtmadeoutofbeads,shedidn'
thav
enothi
ngcover
ingher
upperbody.Herbr
eat
swereabitsmall
andpoi
nty.
.

Me:
Tel
lhi
mthatI
'
llbet
her
e

Her
:I'
l
ltel
lhi
mthat

ShewalkedawayandIlookather,t
heski
rtwascov
eringhal
fofherbehi
nd.Itooka
deepbr
eat handwal
kedbacki
n,I
'm goi
ngt
ohavetotakeashoweragai
nbefor
egoing
downst
airs.
.

_
___
___
___

LORRAI
NE

WhenIwasdonebat hingIwentt ot heclosettopickoutandout f

itfortheday.I
scannedthr
oughafewdr esseswhenIhear daweirdsoundbehi
ndme.I twasasound
ofwaterdri
ppi
ng,t
henIf el
tthisheav ypresencestandi
ngbehi
ndme.Thehai r
satthe
backofmyneckstoodup.Islowlyturnedandt her
ewasnoonest andi
ngbehindme,but
Isawwateronthefl
oor.Thiswasstrange..

_
___
___
__

LUNGI
SA
Theweddingi
snextweekTuesday
,si
ncewewantapri
vat
et hi
ngwedeci
dedtodoit
nextweekTuesday
.Notever
yoneisgoi
ngt
obeavai
labl
e..Nokut
hul
awalkedi
n,she
seemedupset
..

Her
:Lungi
whatt
hehel
l
??

Il
ookedather
..

Me:
Pleasecomei
n

Her
:Whydi
dyousackSl
o?

Me:
Hecommi
tt
edacr
ime

Her
:That
'sbul
l
shi
tandwebot
hknowi
t!

Icl
osedt
hef
il
e..

Me:
Yourbestf
ri
endcommi
tt
edacr
ime,
ther
e'snot
hingIcandoabouti
t

Il
ookedatt
hedoor
..

Me:
Please.
.I'
m busy

Khabowal
kedi
n..

Khabo:
Lov
eI.
.

Shel
ookedatNokut
hul
a,Igotupf
rom mychai
r.
.

Khabo:
Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouhadcompany

Knowi
ngKhabot
hiswhol
esi
tuat
ionmi
ghtj
ustt
urnsour
..

Me:
Shewasj
ustl
eav
ing

Iwal
kedupt
othem.
.

Nokut
hul
alookedatKhabof
rom headt
otoe.

Iputmyar
m ar
oundKhabo'
sshoul
der
s..

Noks:
Fixt
his!
!Sl
ohasbeennot
hingbutl
oyal
tot
hiscompany

Khabo:
Fixwhat
?

Noks:
Itdoesn'
tconcer
nyou
Khabol
ookedatme.
.

Khabo:
Isshet
alki
ngt
ome?

Me:
Justl
eti
tgo

Il
ookedatNokut
hul
a..

Me:
Pleasel
eav
e

Shepoi
ntedatme.
..

Noks:
Fixi
t!
!

Shet
henwal
kedt
othedoor
..

Me:
Nicemeet
ingy
ouNokul
unga

Shest
oppedandl
ookedatus.
.

Her
:It
'sNokut
hul
a

Khabo:
OhwI
'
m sor
ry.
.Nokut
hul
a

Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongueandwal
kedout
,Khabol
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Shecamet
ofi
ghtherf
ri
end'
sbat
tl
e

Khabo:
Ihopeso

_
___
___
___
__

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Iwentdowntojoi
nmyf
atherf
orbr
eakf
ast
,Theser
vantwasbusysor
ti
ngev
ery
thi
ngout
onthetabl
e..

Me:
Goodmor
ningf
ather

Dad:
Ntsi
ka.
.Pl
easesi
tdown

Ipul
l
edachai
randsatdown.
.

Shecamet
ome.
.

Her
:Cof
fee?
Me:
I'
ll
ser
vemy
sel
f.
.Thanky
ou

Dad:
Thanky
ouNombul
elo,
I'
ll
cal
lyouwhenweneedsomet
hingel
se

Shebowedandwal
kedaway
,Il
ookedather
..

Dad:
Youcansl
eepwi
thanyser
vanty
ouwant

Il
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:Sol
ongi
twi
l
lonl
ybeaboutsexandnot
hingmor
e

Hepour
edhi
msel
fjui
ce.
.

Hi
m:I
'
vedonei
tinmyday
s,t
heycanmakey
ourbl
oodboi
l

Me:
I'
m notgoi
ngt
osl
eepwi
thher

Dad:Nombul
elois20year
sol dandshe'
sst
il
lav
irgi
n.I
t'
llbeanhonourt
oherandher
fami
lyi
fherv
irgi
nit
ycanbetakenbyaPri
nce

Me:
Wel
lI.
.

Mom:
Cer
tai
nlynot
!

Wet
urnedandl
ookedather
..

Mom:
Don'
tteachmySony
ourFi
l
thyway
s

Myf
athershr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s,Igotupandwentt
oher
..

Me:
Mot
her

Shesmi
l
edandputherhandsonmycheeks.

Me:
Youwer
eal
readyasl
eepwhenIar
ri
vedl
astni
ght

Mom:
Wasy
ourf
li
ghtgood?

Me:
Asal
way
s

Mom:
I'
m happyt
haty
ouher
e

Iki
ssedheronhercheek.
.

Me:
Met
oo
Her
:Letmel
ookaty
ou

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Her
:Johannesbur
gfoodi
snotdoi
ngy
ougood

Me:
I'
m get
ti
ngbyokay

Her
:Youneedt
ogetawi
fe,
soshecancookf
ory
ou

Me:
Icancookf
ormy
sel
f

Dad:
Youhav
echef
s

Me:
Dad.
..

Mom:
Theynotdoi
ngagoodj
ob,
bef
orey
oul
eav
eyoumustt
akeaf
ewofmyr
eci
pes

Me:
I'
ll
doso

Mom:
Car
etot
akey
ourQueenoutf
oradr
ive?

Dad:
Wewer
egoi
ngt
othef
iel
ds

Mom:
Youcandot
hatt
omor
row,
it'
sThur
sdayt
oday

Me:
Let
'sgo

Sheputherhandundermyar
m..

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

KhabowasnotaroundwhenIar r
ivedhometopackaf ewt hi
ngs,soIleftheranot e.I
tookoffmyneckl
aceandputitundermypil
low.IfIgowit
hi t
,theywil
lknowt hatI'
ma
Guardi
an.Ihopet
hatmegoingtotheMkhizevil
l
agewillbr
ingNtsikabacktome, Ihope
i
t'sgoi
ngtobeaworthyt
ri
p..

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
58

QONDI
SIWE
Wewer eont heroadf oralmostthewholeday,Ididn'
treali
zeitwast hatf
ar.Imadea
dealwit
hNowi sa,shesav esmysi st
erandI'
llhel
pherbr ingaboutpeacebetweenthi
s
twotri
bes.Icannotlosekhabo,she'stheonl
yfamil
yt hatIhavelef
tnow.Iwentbackto
thecar
,I'
veusedsomehot elr
oom tochange.Tolookmor epresentabl
e..

Manqoba:
Youl
ookgood,
mymot
hermi
ghtj
ustbei
mpr
essed

Me:
Thanky
ou

Wehi
tther
oadagai
n..

Hi
m:Your
eal
l
yar
edoi
ngt
his?

Me:
YesIam,
Ican'
tj
ustgi
veuponhi
m

Henodded.
.

Hi
m:Ihopey
ourpl
anwor
ks

Me:
Met
oo

_
___
___
___

LUNGI
SA

I
banat
hiwal
kedi
n..

Hi
m:Shoul
dn'
tyoubeathome?

Me:
I'
m get
ti
ngev
ery
thi
ngdone,
todayi
t'
smyl
astday

Hi
m:I
'
llhol
dther
opeswhi
l
eyouaway

I
banat
hihasnev
err
ant
hiscompanybef
ore,
Ihopehewon'
truni
ttot
hegr
ound.
.

Hi
m:Howar
etheweddi
ngpl
anscomi
ngal
ong?

Me:
Theycomi
ngal
ongwel
l
,Idon'
tknowi
fQondi
siwei
sst
il
lgoi
ngt
obeabr
ide'
smai
d

Hi
m:Why
?

Me:
She'
shav
ingi
ssueswi
thKhabo

Hi
m:Whathappened?

Me:
Qondi
siweabor
ted
Hi
m:Qondi
siwedi
dwhat
?

Me:
Ithoughty
ouguy
susedacondom

Hi
m:Wedi
dn'
t

Hest
art
edget
ti
ngupset
..

Hi
m:Dammi
tQondi
si
we!
!!

Me:
Justl
eti
tgo

Hi
m:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
olett
hisgo,
she'
sgoi
ngt
opayf
ort
his!
!

Hemadehi
swayt
othedoorpunchi
ngi
tonhi
swayout
..

_
___
___
___
_

LORRAI
NE

Iwassleepi
ngont hecouchandthi
sdri
ppingsoundofwat erwokemeup.Iopenedmy
eyesandlookedaround,
Isawsomewomanst andingnotfarfr
om me.Shewaswearing
atradi
ti
onalatt
ir
e,shewasdri
ppi
ngwetandhadabi gpythonaroundher
.Il
ookedather
andshelookedexactl
yli
keQondi
siwe,
Ifr
eakedout..

Me:
Whoar
eyou?Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?

Sheputthesnakedown,anditcr
awl
edupt
ome.It
ri
edt
ogetupbutIcoul
dn'
t,
myl
egs
woul
dn'tmove.Theywer
ef r
ozen.
.

Me:
Whoar
eyouandwhatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?
?

Thesnakegotundert heblanket
,itcoiledi
tsel
faroundmylegsfi
rstmovi
ngupt omy
upperbody.I
tpressedverytight
,breakingmybones.Thatwasthemostpainfulthi
ng
thatIhadtoendure.I
tcamef acetof acewithme,theni
topenedit'
smout
hv erywide,
abouttoswal
lowmewhenIst art
edscr eami
ng..
..
..
..

Noks:
Lor
rai
ne!
!!(
Shout
ing)

Iopenedmyey
esandl
ookedar
ound,
Nokswasst
andi
ngov
ermewi
thherar
msf
olded.

Ir
eal
i
zedt
hatIhadbeendr
eami
ng.
.

Noks:
Youneedt
otal
ktoLungi
!

Il
ookedather
..
Me:
Whatdi
dhedonow?

Her
:Hef
ir
edSl
oane

Me:
Ihear
dhecommi
tt
edcr
ime

Her
:That
'snonsense!Sl
owoul
dn'
tdot
hat

Igotupf
rom t
hecouch,
mywhol
ebodywasachi
ng.
.

Me:
I'
ll
seewhatIcando

Her
:Thanky
ou

Ihel
dont
othear
mrestoft
hechai
rasIt
ri
edt
owal
k..

Her
:Ar
eyouokay
?

Me:
Idon'
tknow,
mywhol
ebodyi
sachi
ng

Her
:Whathappened?

Me:
Idon'
tknow,
Ireal
l
ydon'
tknow

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Wef i
nall
yar r
ived and t
hisv
il
lagel
ooked not
hing l
i
kemi
ne.I
twasbeaut
if
ul,and
sophi
sti
cated.
.

Me:
Wow

Hi
m:Wel
comehome

Wedr
ovei
natt
hePal
ace.
.

Me:
Youguy
sar
ereal
l
yri
ch

Hi
m:Yeah,
somet
hingl
i
ket
hat

Wegotoutoft
hecarandmademywayt
othedoor
..

Manqoba:
Thi
sisi
t

Inodded.
.
Me:
Thi
sisi
t

Heopenedthedoorandwewalkedi n,af
ewservant
swereatt
heki
tchen.I
mmediatel
y
whentheysawManqobatheystart
edulul
ati
ngandboweddownathisfeet
,wepassed
t
hem.Wemadeourwayt otheli
vingroom..

Me:
Howmanyr
oomsdoy
ouguy
shav
e?

Hi
m:Al
ot

Hepoi
ntedupst
air
s..

Him:
ThatisNtsi
ka'
sroom.
.Hei
stheonewhohast
oint
roducey
out
omypar
ent
s,I
'
llgo
andl
ookfort
hem

Me:
Thanky
ouManqoba,
thanky
ousoomuch

Henoddedandwal kedaway ,
Imademywayt oNt si
ka'sroom.
.Iwasner v
ous,Ihaven'
t
seenhiminawhi l
eIwonderhowhei sgoi ngtorespondtomeaf terev
erythi
ngthathas
happenedbetweenus.It
ookadeepbr eathandopenedt hedoor,
Imademywayi nand
whatIsawi ssomethi
ngthatIdidn'
texpecttosee.Nt si
kawasont opofsomegi r
l,t
hey
werekissi
ng.Hewasshirt
less,onl
yhadhi sjeanson.Istoodther
eandl ookedatthem,
thegi
rlscr
eamedwhenshesawme.Nt sikal
ookedatme. .

Hi
m:Qondi
?

Iwal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
..

_
___
___
___
_

KHABONI
NA

Ireadt henoteagain,Idon'tknow what'

swr ongwithQondisi
we.She'
sact i
nglikea
teenager,i
t'
sli
ketheadolescentst
agejustgottohernow.Iheardsomeoneringi
ngt he
doorbell,
Iwenttoopen.ItwasSindi.It
ri
edclosi
ngthedooragai
nbutsheblockedit.
.

Her
:Khabopl
ease

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Her
:I'
m her
etot
alkt
oyou

Me:
Wehav
enot
hingt
otal
kabout

Her
:Pl
easej
ustf
or5mi
nut
es,
that
'
sal
lI'
m aski
ngf
or
Il
etheri
nandcl
osedt
hedoor
..

Me:
Makei
tqui
ck!

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
59

KHABONI
NA

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Her:I
banat
hihasapl
usonefort
heweddi
ng,Iwantedtoknowthatther
ewon'tbeany
probl
emswhenIshowup,i
fyougoi
ngt
obeat t
acki
nginawhitedressImightj
ustsi
tit
out

Me:
Youhav
ethener
veshowi
ngupi
nmyhouseandspeaki
ngsuchnonsense!

Her
:Ij
ustwant
edt
oknow

Me:Getout
!!
!.
..Getoutandnev
ersety
ourf
oother
eev
eragai
norIwi
l
lcat
chacase
bef
oremyweddingday!

Her
:Kha.
..

Me:
Ngi
thePhuma!
!!(
Isai
dgetout
)

Ipushedheroutandt
henIcl
osedt
hedoor
..

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Iwasinthepresenceoft
heKingandQueen.Theywer
ebot
hsi
tt
ingont
hei
rchai
rswi
th
thei
rcounci
lar
ound.Ntsi
kawasalsopr
esent

Me:I'
m Qondisi
we,I
'
mfrom Johannesbur
g.Ihav
et wosi
ster
s,I
'
mthel
astbor
n.Idon'
t
knowmyf at
herandmymotherpassedonnotsolongago

Ki
ng:
Seer

Thei
rMakhosi
wal
kedupt
ome.
.

Hi
m:Yourhandpl
ease
Iext
endedmyhandt ohim,hehel dit
.Iwasner v
ousbutIneededt okeepmycool .I
fI
show anysi
gnsofbeingscar edtheywillknow t
hatsomet hi
ngiswrong.Ilookedat
Makhosiashelookedatmet oo,Isawhisey eswideni
ng.Iswall
owed.Heletgoofmy
handandtur
nedtotheKingandQueen. .

Seer
:She'
stel
l
ingt
het
rut
haboutheri
dent
it
yyourhi
ghness

Isawt
heQueensmi
l
ing,
shest
oodup.
.

Queen:
Int
hatcase,
wel
comet
otheMkhi
zepal
aceQondi
siwe.Nombul
elo

Nombul
elo:
Hermaj
est
y?

Queen:Please show Qondi

siwe t
othe guestr
oom and make sur
ethatshe'
s
comfor
tabl
e

Nombul
elo:
Yeshermaj
est
y

If
oll
owedNombulel
oassheledtheway.Thesamegi
rlt
hatNtsikawasaboutt
osl
eep
wi
th.Whenwegott othecorri
dorIfel
tahandbeingwr appedaroundmywaist
,I
st
opped.Het
urnedmear
ound..

Nt
sika:
Bul
ipl
easegi
veussomespace

Bul
i
:YesmyPr
ince

Shebowedal
i
ttl
eandt
henwal
kedaway
..

Nt
sika:
Whyar
eyouher
e?

Me:
Youoncei
nvi
tedmet
oyourSi
ster
'sMemul
o,t
hisi
smehonour
ingmyi
nvi
tat
ion

Hi
m:Youshoul
d'
vet
oldmet
haty
oucomi
ng

Me:Welli
twasthespar
eofamomentt hi
ng,whenManqobacamet
ofet
chmehe
hi
ntedt
hathei
scomi
nghere,
soIaskedt
ocomeal ong

Hi
m:Ij
ustwi
shy
oucoul
d'
vet
oldme

Me:Youdon'thavetoworryaboutany
t hi
ng,eventhoughyoui
ntr
oducedmeasy
our
gi
rl
fr
iendbutI
'
mj usther
etohonourmyinvi
tat
ionthat
'sall

Voi
ce:
MyPr
ince

I
twast
heseer
..
Nt
sika:
Seer

Seer
:I'
veprepar
edsomesl
eepi
ngher
bforMadam Qondi
siwesoshecangetagood
ni
ghtsl
eep

Nt
sika:
I'
ll
giv
eyout
wosomespace

Seer
:Thanky
oumyPr
ince

Ntsi
kal
ookedatmeashewal kedaway
,theSeerpul
l
edmei
ntot
heguestr
oom.He
cl
osedt
hedoorandl
ookedatme..

Hi
m:Qondi
siwef
rom t
heZi
khal
ivi
l
lage,
aGuar
dian

Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.

Hi
m:Doy
ouknowt
hedangery
ouhav
ejustputy
our
sel
fin?

Me:
Whydi
dyoucov
erupf
orme?

Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tdoitforyou,Idi
ditbecausemyGr
eatGr
andFat
herf
oundf
avouri
nyour
Gr
andmot
herandMother

Me:
Wai
twhat
?

Hi
m:I'
mt hedescendentofthegreatMakhosithatonceli
vedi
ntheZi
khal
ivi
l
lageand
wasbani
shedaft
ershehelpedyourMotherwit
hy ourbi
rt
h

Hebowedbef
oreme.
.

Hi
m:TheGr
eatI
ndoni
yamanzi
,i
t'
sanhonourt
obei
nyourpr
esence

Me:
TheKi
ngcannev
erf
indoutaboutme

Hi
m:Yoursecr
eti
ssaf
ewi
thme,
Icoul
dn'
ttel
lhi
m ev
eni
fIwant
edt
oo

Me:
Whyi
sthat
?

Him:Yourint
enti
onsarepur
e,yout
ryi
ngtobr
ingpeacebetweent
hetwot r
ibesthatcan
onl
yhappenwhenNt si
kabecomesKing.
.Youluckytheydon'
tknow how theQueen
Nowisalooksl
ike

Me:
Youknowher
?

Hi
m:Yes
Me:
Imeannohar
m

Hi
m:Iknow

Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch

Hi
m:Yourneckl
ace

Me:
Ilef
tit

Hi
m:That
'sgood

Me:
Thanky
ouagai
n

_
___
___
___
_

LORRAI
NE

Il
ookedatt
hepond,
Somandl
akaz
iwasn'
tappear
ing.
.

Me:
Dammi
tSom,
wher
ear
eyou?

Voi
ce:
Ngi
mubophi
l
e(Ihav
eti
edherup)

It
urnedandshewasst
andi
ngt
her
e,wi
thoutasnaket
hist
imear
ound.
.

Me:
Whoar
eyou?

Her
:Ngi
yi
phuphoel
i
bi(
I'
myourwor
stni
ght
mar
e)

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?

Her
:Angi
funi
lut
ho(
Idon'
twantany
thi
ng)

Shest
eppedasi
de,
thenIsawmyhusband.
.

Hi
m:Hel
l
oLor
aine

If
ell
andhi
tthebasi
n,myv
isi
ongotbl
urr
y..

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Iwasfrom bat
hing,Iputonmysil
kgownwhil
eImademywayt othebedr
oom.My
bl
eedi
ngwasn'tt
hatbadanymor
e,Ihadat
emponon.
.Ihear
daknockonthedoor
..
Me:
Comei
n

Nt
sikawal
kedi
n..

Me:
Youshoul
dn'
tbeher
e,wegotsepar
ater
oomsf
orar
eason

It
ookt
hebodyl
oti
onf
rom mybed.
.

Hi
m:Qondi
whaty
ousaw

Me:
Itwasnoneofmybusi
ness

It
ookof
fthegownandst
art
edappl
yi
ngt
hebodyl
oti
ononmybody
..

Hi
m:CanIhel
pyouwi
tht
hat
?

Me:
Whynot
?

Hecameandt
ookt
hel
oti
onf
rom me.
.

Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tsl
eepwi
thher

Me:
Youwer
eaboutt
oo

Hest
art
edwi
thmybr
east
s..

Me:Wenotinar elat
ionshi
psoy
oucandowhatev
eryouwant ,
thoughIfeel
sor
ryf
ort
he
gi
rl
.She'
sjustgoingtobeasexser
vantt
oapr
incethat
'snotevengoingtomar
-

Hepl
acedhi
sar
m ar
oundmysmal
lwai
standpul
l
edmet
ohi
m..

Hi
m:Let'
sgetonethingst
rai
ght
..I
'
m goi
ngt
ofucky
out
oni
ght
,tomor
rowni
ght
,thenext
ni
ghtandt
henextnight

Me:Iam notgoi
ngt
osl
eepwi
thanot
herexofmi
ne,
Imadet
hatmi
stakebef
ore.Iwon'
t
doi
tagai
n

Hepi
ckedmeupandt
hrewmeont
hebed.
.

Me:
I'
m onmyper
iodsNt
sika

Hi
m:That
'sgood,
youwon'
tfal
lpr
egnant

Hepul
l
edmyl
egandpul
l
edmet
otheedgeoft
hebed.
..

Me:
Ser
iousl
yNt
s-
Hetookoffhi
st-
shi
rt,
foll
owedbyhi
sjeans.Het
ookof
fev
ery
thi
ngunt
ilhewasl
eftwi
th
hi
sCalvi
nKlei
nbri
efs.
..[
REMOVED]

Tobecont
inued

Pleasef
indtheremovedexpl
i
citparti
nthecl
osedgr
oupordi
rect
lyt
hef
ulli
nser
twi
th
theremovedpar
tincl
udedonVisi
onary
wri
ti
ngs

ht
tps:
//v
isi
onar
ywr
it
ings.
com/
aut
hor
/Pr
eci
ous%20Mol
oi/
id/
9

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
60

QONDI
SIWE

Iwaswokenupbyt hesunhit
ti
ngmeonmyf ace,Ir
ubbedmyey
esandr
oseupf
rom
thepi
l
low.Nt
sikawasn'
tsl
eepi
ngnextt
ome.
.

Bul
i
:Madam,
I'
m sor
ryf
orwaki
ngy
ouup

Me:
It'
sokay

Shewal
kedtothebat
hroom andcamebackwi
that
oil
etpaper
,sheusedi
ttopi
ckup
mytamponf
rom t
hefl
oor..
.

Me:
Your
eal
l
ydi
dn'
thav
etodot
hat

Her
:Iwi
l
lpr
epar
eyourbat
h

Me:
Thanky
ouBul
ibutIcanpr
epar
emyownbat
h

Shewal
kedt
othebat
hroom t
ofl
ushmyt
ampon,
thenshewal
kedbacki
n..

Her
:Any
thi
ngel
set
haty
ouwoul
dli
kemet
odof
ory
ou?

Me:
From her
eonI
'
llbeat
tendi
ngt
othepr
ince

Shebowed.
.

Her
:YesMadam

Shemadeherwayout.Isl
owlygotoutofbedIwasi
npain.Lastni
ghtwasepi
c,one
roundl
edt
oanot
hert
henanother
.Idon'
tevenr
ememberwhenandhowIpassesout
.
Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
,it
'
spr
obabl
yNt
sika.
.Iwasoutofbedbynow.
.

Me:
Comei
n

Tomysur
pri
set
heQueenwal
kedi
n,Iqui
ckl
ypul
l
edt
heduv
etandcov
eredmynaked
body
.

Me:
HerMaj
est
y

Her
:OhwIdi
dn'
tseeany
thi
ng

Il
ookeddown,
youdon'
tl
ookatQueenr
ighti
ntheey
e..

Her
:Howdi
dyousl
eep?

Me:
Isl
eptgood,
thanky
ou

Ibowedal
i
ttl
e..

Her
:Icanseet
hat

Thatwasembar
rassi
ng.
..

Her
:Pl
easej
oinmef
orbr
eakf
ast

Me:
I'
ll
behonor
edy
ourmaj
est
y

Her
:Bul
iwi
l
lcomewheny
ouar
edone

Me:
YesherMaj
est
y

Shewal
kedt
othedoor
..

Her
:OhwandQondi
si
we

Me:
HerMaj
est
y?

Her
:Ihear
dthaty
oudon'
twantBul
itoat
tendt
othepr
inceany
mor
e?

Me:
Imeantnodi
srespect

Her
:Youknowwhat
?

Il
ookedather
..

Her
:It
hinkIl
i
key
ouQondi
siwe
Shesmi
l
edatme,
Ismi
l
edbackather
.Thenshewal
kedout
..

_
___
___
___
__

KHABONI
NA

Someonewasbusyr i
ngingthedoorbel
lthati
twasir
ri
tat
ing.Iwentdownt
oopen,Iwas
sleepi
ngpeacefull
yandt hi
spersonhasjustwokenmeupf rom agoodsl
eep.Ihopei
t
wasnotSi ndiagainbecauseI'
m goingtolosemycool.
.Iopenedthedooranditwas
Ibanat
hi.
.Hewal kedi
n..

Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Hi
m:Qondi
hadanabor
ti
on?

Me:
Wher
edi
dyougett
hatf
rom?

Hi
m:Sowhywasshei
nhospi
tal
?

Me:Qondisi
wedranksomethi
ngthatt
ri
gger
edherper
iodsandmadeherbl
eedal
ot,
she
waslosi
ngalotofbl
oodthat'
swhyshewasadmitt
ed

Hi
m:Idon'tbuyt
hat
!Whydr
inksomet
hingt
otr
iggery
ourper
iodsi
fyounotal
ready
pr
egnant
?

Me:
Whyam Iev
enexpl
aini
ngmy
sel
ftoy
ou?Pl
easel
eav
e

Hi
m:Wher
eisshe?

Me:She'snother
e,shewentdownt
otheMkhi
zev
il
lagewi
thherboy
fri
endf
ort
he
weekend

Hi
m:Sosheabor
tedt
ogoandf
uckherboy
fri
end?

Me:
Ibanat
hipl
easel
eav
e

Iopenedt
hedoorf
orhi
m..

Hi
m:Tel
lhert
hatt
hisi
snotov
er,
I'
m comi
ngf
orher
!

Me:
I'
ll
passt
hemessaget
hanky
ou

Hewal
kedoutandIcl
osedt
hedoor
..

_
___
___
___
__
QONDI
SIWE

Iknockedfir
stbef
oremakingmywayi
n,Idi
dn'
tgetar
esponse.Iopenedthedoorand
walkedin,pray
ingthatIwon'
tbewelcomedbyanot
herscenei dent
icalt
otheone
yester
day.Hewasn'tonhi
sbed,
andhi
sbedwasnotmade.Musicwaspl ayi
ng,
butnot
tooloud.
.

"
Kul
elekunye,akwabekubi
l
ingabekuy
avusana.WeMkhi
zewekhabazel
a,t
shel
ami
na
wat
atazel
a.Kul
elekuny
e"

Me:
Ntsi
ka?
?

Heshowedupfr
om thebat
hroom,heleaned att
hedoorwaywi t
hhisar
msfolded.He
l
ookedatmeandIl
ookedathim,Ionl
ybroket
heey econt
actaf
teraf
ewseconds.
.

Me:
Goodmor
ning

Hesmi
l
ed.
.

Hi
m:Goodmor
ningt
oo

Ist
art
edmaki
nghi
sbed.
.

Me:
Itol
dBul
itost
opat
tendi
ngt
oyou,
I'
ll
dot
hatf
ory
ou.Ihopey
oudon'
tmi
nd

Hewalkeduptomeandstoodbehi
ndme,her
anhi
shandonmybut
tandbentmy
kneesabi
t.
.Hewhi
sper
ednextt
omyear
..

Hi
m:Idon'
tmi
nd

Ibl
ushedal
i
ttl
e..

Me:
Ishoul
dgetdonewi
tht
his,
I'
m hav
ingbr
eakf
astwi
thy
ourMot
her

Het
urnedmear
oundsot
hatIcoul
dfacehi
m

Hi
m:Sowehav
ewhat
?5mi
nut
esmaMkhi
ze?

Me:
MaMkhi
ze?

Hi
m:Idon'
tknowmymot
heri
spr
obabl
ygoi
ngt
osuggestmar
ri
age

HepushedmebackandIfel
lont
hebed.Hemov edmyl
ongt
radi
ti
onaldr
esswayhi
gh
upt
omychest.Hegotont
opofmeandlookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Ngi
yakt
handant
okazi
yakwaLanga(
Ilov
eyou)
Me:
Nami
Ngi
yakt
handankosanay
akwaMkhi
ze(
Ilov
eyout
oo)

Heki
ssedme.
.

_
___
___
___
_

LORRAI
NE

Thedooropenedandsomeonewal
kedi
n..

Voi
ce:
Lor
rai
ne?

Il
ookedupandi
twasNokut
hul
a..

Her
:Ar
eyouokay
?

Il
ookedar
ound.
.

Me:
Pleaset
ell
himt
ost
op

Her
:Tel
lwhot
ost
op?Whati
sgoi
ngon?

Me:
Hei
sher
e,he.
.Het
orment
edmet
hewhol
eni
ght
..Pl
easemakehi
m goaway

Shehel
pedmet
ogetup.
.

Her
:Ohhmywor
dyoucol
dandshaki
ng,
Lor
rai
ney
ouscar
ingme

Me:
Justmakehi
m goaway
..Tel
lhi
mtost
op

Shel
ookedar
ound.
.

Her
:Whati
sgoi
ngonher
e?Lor
rai
newhathav
eyougot
teny
our
sel
fint
o??
?

_
___
___
___
___
_

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Iwasnowhav
ingbr
eakf
astdownst
air
swi
thmyFat
herandManqoba.
.

Dad:
Thi
sQondi
si
wegi
rl
,howwel
ldoy
ouknowher
?

Me:
All
thatshesai
dlastni
ghtwast
rue

Heshookhi
shead.
.

Hi
m:I
'
m goi
ngt
ohav
esomeonel
ooki
ntoher
Manqoba:
Why
?TheSeeral
readyconf
ir
medt
hatshewast
ell
i
nghert
rut
h

Me:
Nosomet
hingt
her
e'ssomet
hingabouthert
hatj
ustdoesn'
tgi
vemepeace

Me:
Shei
sagoodgi
rlpops

Manqoba:
Shedoesseem l
i
keagoodgi
rl

Dad:
That
'st
het
hing,
she'
swayt
ooper
fectf
ormyl
i
king

Me:Wouldyourat
herIcamewi
thagi
rlf
rom Johannesbur
gthati
sdi
srespect
full
i
ke
Mbongeni
'
sfi
ancé?

Dad:
Idi
dnotsayt
hat

Me:
Sol
eti
tgo,
Qondi
si
wei
sagoodgi
rl

Dad:
Speaki
ngofMbongeni
wher
eishe?

Manqoba:
Hesai
dtheywi
l
lar
ri
vet
hismor
ning

Dadl
ookedatt
het
ime.
.

Dad:
AndManzi
ni?

Manqoba:
Alsohi
m..He'
sonhi
swaywi
thhi
swi
fe

Me:
Rel
ax,
theywi
l
lbeher
e

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

I
ttookmeli
kef
orev
ert
osi
tdown,Iwasi
npai
nandi
twasbur
ning.
.Ishoul
dn'
thav
e
ur
inat
ed.
.

Queen:
Roughni
ght
?

Me:
I'
m onmyper
iodssoper
iodpai
nst
roubl
eme

Her:IseeI
'
llt
ellBul
itogi
vey
ousomebat
hingsal
t,i
thel
pswi
thper
iodsi
fyouknow
whatImean

Il
ookeddownal
lshamed,
aconv
ersat
ionIcan'
thav
ewi
tht
hiswomanaboutherson.
.

Me:
Thanky
ouf
ort
hebr
eakf
asti
nvi
tat
ionhermaj
est
y
Her
:Thanky
ouf
orj
oini
ngme

(
Sil
ence)

Her
:Forhowl
onghav
eyoubeendat
ingmyson?

Me:
Ithasn'
tbeent
hatl
ong

Her
:Youknowbet weenyouandme,IthoughtthatNt
sikawasgoi
ngtobri
ngmeoneof
t
hoseJohannesburggi
rl
s.Inev
ert
houghtthathewouldbri
ngsomeonel
ikeyou

Me:
Someonel
i
keme?

Her :Youaredi f
fer
ent.Bylooki
ngatyouIcanseet hatyouknowal otaboutcul
tur
eand
tradit
ion,notonlythatbutyouv al
uethem.Therewayy oupr esentyoursel
f,i
t'
sbeena
whi l
esinceIhadadaught erinlawwhoshowedmet hatkindofrespect.Youhaveall
thequal i
ti
estomakeagoodQueenoneday ,thi
smightbet oosoonbutIt hi
nkIli
keyou.
Ilikeyoual otandI'
m happythatmySonf oundyou.Gir
lsl
ikey ouaready i
ngbreed

Me:WowI .
.Nevert
houghtt
hatmymot heri
nlawwouldoncesaythosewor
dst
ome.
Don'
tgetmewrongIknowMotheri
nlawstobeabi
tscaryanddi
ff
icul
t

Her:Ihav
enoreasont
ohateyouort
reaty
oubad.Ihav
enor
easont
othi
nkt
haty
ounot
goodenoughf
ormyson,unl
essIwannamarr
yhim

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Her
:Iwoul
dli
key
out
ost
aywi
thusf
orawhi
l
e

Me:Iwoul dli
kethattoobutunf
ort
unat
elymysi
steri
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ednextweek
TuesdayandIhav
eschool

Her
:That
'ssad

Me:
Icancomebacknextweekend

Her
:I'
m notsadt
haty
oul
eav
ing,
I'
m sadIwasn'
ti
nvi
tedt
otheweddi
ng

Me:
Youwoul
dcome?

Her
:Whywoul
dn'
tI?Il
oveweddi
ngs

Me:
I'
m notsur
eifwehav
einv
itat
ionsl
eftbuty
oucancome
Her
:I'
l
lbehonour
ed

Me:
Ithi
nkwet
heoneswhowoul
dbehonour
ed

Wehear
dav
oicescr
eami
ng"
Mot
her
"

TheQueenrol
ledherey
es.Somewomanshowedup,
shewaswear
ingaJean,
heel
sand
acropt
op..Il
i
kedherweaveitwasv
eryl
ong.
.

Her
:Ther
eshei
s

Shehuggedt
hequeenandki
ssedher
..

Queen:
Lindi
wesoni
ceofy
out
ocome

Shepul
l
edachai
randsatdown.
.Shesatonherweav
ethat
'showl
ongi
twas.
.

Her
:Youhappyt
hatI
'
m her
eri
ght
?

TheQueensmi
l
ed.
.

Queen:
Whywoul
dn'
tIbe?

Herbi
gdi
amondr
inggott
ome.
.

Queen:Li
ndi
wemeetQondi
siwe,
shei
sNt
sika'
sgi
rl
fr
iend.Qondi
siwemeetLi
ndi
we,
she
i
sMbongeni'
sfi
ancé

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Her
:Wowy
oudi
ff
erentf
rom al
lthegi
rl
shehasbeenwi
th,
Zikhonai
sgoi
ngt
olov
eyou

Me:
Zikhona?

Queen:
Manzi
ni'
swi
fe

Li
ndi
we:
She'
sjustl
i
key
ouwi
thal
lthet
radi
ti
onal
dressesanddoek

TheQueengotup.
.

Queen:
Excuseme

Shewal
kedaway
..

Li
ndi
we:
Wher
eist
hechampagne?
?

Shesnappedherf
inger
s..
Li
ndi
we:
Heyy
ouser
vantgi
rl

Bul
iwal
kedcl
oser
..

Li
ndi
we:
Abot
tl
eofChampagneandor
angej
uicepl
ease

Bul
ibowedandwal
kedout
..

Li
ndi
we:
Gir
lcanIpl
easest
yley
ou

Me:
Ili
kemyst
yle

Lindi
we:Wayt
ooy
oungf
orsuchcl
othes,Nt
sikami
ghtj
ustl
eav
eyou.Youl
ookt
wice
yourage

Me:
Ohhh

TheKi
ngwal
kedi
n..

Li
ndi
we:
DaddyDear
est

Li
ndi
wegotupf
rom herchai
randwentt
ohi
m..

Hi
m:YourSonhasbeenabusi
ngmef
inanci
all
y

Ki
ng:
Inwhatway
?

Her
:Hedoesn'
twantmet
obuymeaRanger
over

Ki
ng:
Heboughty
ouaG63

Her:Seeafriendofmi
nehasaRangeRover
,Ineedtot
opthatIneedt
obeabov emy
fr
iendsI'
vehadtheG63for2y
ear
snow.Ineedtoshowhert
hatIcandr
iveanycart
hat
shedriv
es

Ki
ng:
Qondi
siwewhatki
ndofcardoy
oudr
ive?

Me:
Idon'
tdr
ive

Ki
ng:
Youhav
eachauf
feur

Me:
Itaket
axi
s

Li
ndi
we:
AnUberr
ight
?

Me:
Not
axi
s..Nor
mal
taxi
s
Shel
ookedatt
heKi
ng.
.

Her
:Inev
erknewNt
sikawasst
ingy

Ki
ng:
Excuseme

Hewal
kedout
,Li
ndi
wesatdown.
.

Her
:Howmuchal
l
owancedoy
ougetamont
h?

Me:
IgetR3000f
rom myBr
otheri
nlaw

Her
:Tobuywhatexact
ly?

Me:
Howmuchdoy
ougetamont
h?

Her
:R500000

Me:
Excuseme50what
?Doy
ouwor
k?

Her:No..Iam anI
nstagram i
nfl
uencer
.Il
i
vemyl
i
feandpeopl
ejustadmi
reanddi
ein
peace.
.Trustmeit
'sajobonit'
sown

Me:
Isee

Her
:Wher
eist
hatdamnchampagne?
?

Obv
iousl
yI'
vebeensur
viv
ing,
peopl
eoutt
her
ear
eli
vi
ng.
.

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
61

I
BANATHI

Nokscalledmeandt ol
dmet hatsomet hi
ngiswrongwithmyMot her
,Idrovedownto
herhouseandcalledLungi saont heway .
.WhenIarriv
edthereshewasl ayi
ngonthe
couch,shewasn'
tr espondingtoany t
hing.Shewasinshock,asifli
keshehasseena
ghostorsomethi
ngt hatfr
ightenedhertoapointwhereshewenti
ntoshock..

Me:
Forhowl
onghasshebeenl
i
ket
his?

Noks:
Thi
smor
ningIf
oundheri
ntheot
herr
oom,
shewasshaken

Me:
She'
sbeenl
i
ket
hist
hewhol
eday
?
Noks:
Yes.
.It
ri
edev
ery
thi
ngbut
,It
houghtshewasgoi
ngt
osnapoutofi
tbut
..

Icr
ouchednextt
othecouchandhel
dherhand.
..

Me:
Ma,
it'
sme

Iputmyot
herhandonherf
orehead.
.

Me:
Lol
o?

Shewasj
ustl
aidt
her
est
arr
ingi
nonedi
rect
ion.Shewoul
djustbl
i
nkaf
ewt
imes.
.

Lungiwalkedi
n,hewasal one.I
t'
sgoodt
hathewasal
one,don'
tneedt
hedr
ama
betweenNoksandKhabo.
.

Lungi
:Whathappened?

Me:
Idon'
tknow

Lungi
crouchednextt
ome.
.

Lungi
:Ma?
?

Shest
il
ldi
dn'
trespond.
.

Lungi
:It
'smeMa,
Ibai
sal
soher
e

St
il
lnot
hing.
..

Noks:
IbaIneedt
oshowy
ousomet
hing

Igotup.
.

Lungi
:I'
l
lcal
ltheDr

Shetookmetosomer oom,It
ri
edswi
tchi
ngont
hel
i
ghtbutt
hebul
bdi
dn'
tbudge.I
wal
kedinandl
ookedar
ound.
.

Noks:
YourMot
heri
sdoi
ngsomeser
iousVoodoo

Me:
Wehav
etogetr
idofev
ery
thi
ng,
probabl
ybur
nev
ery
thi
ng

Her
:Ist
hatwi
se?Imeant
hisi
sser
iousVoodoo

Me:Idon'
tcar
ewhati
tis,we'
l
lhav
esomeonecomecl
eant
hisupf
ir
stt
hingt
omor
row
morni
ng
Her:Okaythenbuti
fyougetcur
seddon'
tsayIdi
dn'
twar
nyou,y
oucan'
tjustt
hrow
awayevery
thingl
i
ket
hat

Il
ookedather
..

Me:
Iwi
l
l

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

IenjoysexwithNt si
ka, orI'
veenj
oyedsexwi t
hNtsikabutt hiswast oomuchnow.Iwas
ti
red,verymuchi npai nandhej ustwant edmor eandmor e.Idon'tknow how many
ti
meswehav ebeensneaki ngupstair
sintot heGuestr oom thatwasal l
ocatedtome,I
thi
nkpeopl ewer est art
ingtonot i
cenow t hatsomet hingwasup.Iwasdeadt i
red,I
neededt orest.
.Iwassi tti
ngont hebathroom count er,nextt othebasi n.Thef i
rstfew
minutesitwasni ce,butnowi twasstart
ingtobepai nf ul.Verypainf
ul andIcouldn'twait
forhimtocome, buthewast aki
ngabitlonger.Thisi sjustcr azy
,noonecanhav esuch
anappetiteit
'stoomuch.Ihadmyhandsonhi swaist, shitwasgettinguncomf ortableI
pushedhim backabi t.
..

Me:
Ntsi
kauy
ang'
l
imaza(
Youhur
ti
ngme)

Hi
m:Ngi
yaqeda(
I'
ll
bedone)

That
'swhathesai
dabout5mi
nago.
.

Het
ryt
ocal
m medownwi
thaki
ssbutIwasn'
thav
ingi
t,Ij
ustwant
edhi
mtof
ini
sh.

It
ri
edt
opushhi
m backagai
nbuthehel
dbot
hmyhands.
.

Me:
Ang'
saf
uni
(Idon'
twantany
mor
e)

Hi
m:I
sthatwhaty
out
oldhi
mtoo?Ungang'
j
way
eli
kabi
Qondi

Ohhsot hi
sisaboutt
heI
banat
hisi
tuat
ion,
Ithoughtwewereovert
hat
..Hewentonunti
l
hefinal
l
ycame,hedidn'
tpul
loutt
houghhest ayedinsi
deofmeforawhil
e..Hepul
l
ed
outandpickedupmyunder
wearfr
om thefl
oor,hehandedi
ttome.
.

Hi
m:Youcanputi
ton

Me:
Ihav
etobat
hfi
rst

Hi
m:Noy
ounotbat
hing
Hest
art
edt
odr
essup.
.

Me:Ican'
tgodownst
air
sint
hepr
esenceofal
lthosewomenwi
thsper
msonmy
under
wear

Hi
m:That
'sexact
lywhaty
ougoi
ngt
odo

Igotdown.
.Hegav
emeaser
iousl
ook.
.

Hi
m:Putony
ourunder
wearandt
hengodownst
air
s,I
'
m sur
ethey
'vel
ongbeenwai
ti
ng
f
oryou

Iputi
tonandt
henl
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Ist
haty
ourpl
an?Toembar
rassmei
nfr
ontofy
ourwhol
efami
l
y?

If
ixedmydr
ess.
.

Hi
m:Howam Iembar
rassi
ngy
ou?

Me:
Tohav
esexwi
thmesomucht
hatev
ery
onei
sgoi
ngt
onot
ice?

Hi
m:No.
..

Ki
ssedmeont
hecheek.
.

Hi
m:Don'
tov
erwor
kyour
sel
f,west
il
lhav
emor
ebusi
nesst
otakecar
eofl
atert
oni
ght

Me:
No.
.

Hi
m:No?
?

Me:I'
m notgoingtosleepwit
hy oulateron,noteventomorrownight
,notevent
henext
ni
ght!
!IsleptwithI
banathi
Idi
dn'tdoitonpur pose,
Ididn'
tcheatonyou.Weweretaki
ng
abreak!I
fitbother
syouregothatmuch, dealwithi
tandleavemeoutofit!
!

It
urnedar
oundandwalkedaway
,Ididn'tevenreacht
hedoorwhenIf
elthi
m gr
abbi
ng
mebymyhairandpul
l
ingmeback..If
elthisli
psnextt
omyear.
.

Hi
m:Youwi
l
lnev
ert
alkt
omel
i
ket
hatev
eragai
n..Doy
ouhearme?

Idi
dn'
trespond.
.

Hi
m:Isai
ddi
dyouhearme?
?

Hi
svoi
cewasf
ir
mthi
sti
mear
ound.
.
Me:
Iheary
ou

Hi
m:Good

Heletgoandthenwalkedtot
hedoor
,het
ookoutt
hekeyandwal
kedoutcl
osi
ngt
he
door
.Helockedmeinsi
de..

Me:
Ntsi
kano!
!!

_
___
___
__

I
BANATHI

TheDrsuggestedt
hatmyMot herneedstobeputonl ockdownimmediatel
y.Shewas
i
ndeedinshock,LungiandIfoll
owedt heambulance.Lungiwasdri
ving..Itookmy
phoneandcall
edQondisi
we,i
trangunti
lIcancel
edt hecal
l.Ical
l
edagain,Ntsi
kawas
theonewhoanswered.
.

Nt
sika:
MfanakaBi
yel
a

Me:
Wher
eisQondi
si
we?

Hi
m:uQondi
siwei
sabi
tbusyr
ightnow

Me:
Whyar
eyouanswer
ingherphone?

Hi
m:It
houghtmyst
atementanswer
edt
hat

Me:
Wher
ethef
ucki
sQondi
siwe?

Hi
m:I
'
m goi
ngt
ohangupnow,
don'
tev
ercal
lmhgi
rl
fr
iendagai
n

Me:
Meandt
hatsl
utwehav
eunf
ini
shedbusi
ness!
!

Hi
m:Ohwandaboutt
hat
..
.Thatwast
hel
astt
imey
ouf
uckedher
!!

Me:
Shet
oldy
ou?

Him:Idi
dn'tevenhavetobeatthet
rut
houtofhernort hr
eatentot hr
ow herofft
he
bal
cony,
Ijusthadt
ofuckthet
rut
houtofher
.Thatwasi
t,sheconfessedever
ythi
ng

Myhear
tbeatst
art
edt
oincr
ease.
..

Hi
m:St
ayawayf
rom mygi
rl
fr
iend,
Idon'
twannasayi
tagai
n

Hehungup.Ipunchedt
hedashboar
d..
Me:
Fuck!
!!
!

Lungi
:Hey
!!Easy
..
.

Me:
IswearwhenIgett
oQondi
siwe.
.

Lungi:Thi
sobsessionyouhavewiththi
sgi
rly
ouneedt
oleti
tgo,Idon'
twannabe
gett
ingyoual
awy erforamur
dercase!

Me:
Shei
sfucki
ngsomeoneel
ser
ightaf
tersheabor
tedmybaby

Lungi
:Sowhat
?It
'sherl
i
fe

Me:
Sowhor
ingi
sli
fenow?

Him:Qondisi
weisnotyourr
esponsi
bil
i
tyany
more,i
fshewant
stof
ucksomeoneel
se
shecanit
'sherl
i
fe!I
thasnot
hingtodowit
hyou!

Iam notgoi
ngt
olett
hisgo.
.

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
swhenNowi
saappear
ed.
.

Me:
I'
m noti
nthemood

Shedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.

Me:
Youneedt
ogo,
Ntsi
kami
ghtcomei
nanymi
nut
e

Her
:He'
sdownst
air
s

It
urnedandl
ookedather
..

Me:
"He'
sdownst
air
s"I
'
m sor
rywhoar
eyou?

Shesmi
l
edal
i
ttl
e..

Her
:Qondi
si
weIwenttoschool
,befor
eIlef
twit
hmyhusbandIhadatt
endedschool
.
Myvil
l
agei
sbet
tert
hanyour
s,t
hat'
swhytheNgwaneswant
edi
tsobad

Isi
ghed.
.

Her
:Khaboi
ssaf
e
Me:
Whatdi
dyoudot
oLor
rai
ne?

Her
:Not
hing.
.Ij
ustl
ethersi
nsgett
oher

Me:
TheQueenwant
stoat
tendKhabo'
sweddi
ng

Her
:No.
.Shecan'
t

Il
ookedather
..

Her
:Ibanat
hii
sgoi
ngt
obet
her
e

Me:
So?Youcant
amehi
m orsomet
hing

Her
:NoIcannot
..Ican'
ttouchI
banat
hiany
mor
e

Me:
Why
?

Her
:Ihadtoremovet
hatnailfr
om hi
sfat
her
'shandsohecangoaf
terLor
rai
ne,
hewi
l
l
beprot
ect
inghi
ssonf
rom hereon

Me:
Hescar
esy
ou?

Her
:Ican'
tprot
ectKhabo,t
henfi
ghtof
fIbanat
hi'
sfat
heratthesamet i
meandIcan'
t
r
eal
lyf
ighthi
m what
everIdohei
sheret
ostayunti
lheget
shisrevenge

Me:
Thi
sismessed

Her
:Youj
ustneedt
ofi
ndawayt
ouni
nvi
tet
heQueen

Me:
Itdoesn'
tmat
terany
mor
e,Nt
sikaandIwehav
ingpr
obl
ems

Her
:Hei
sjustmadt
haty
ousl
eptwi
thsomeoneel
se,
hewi
l
lcomear
ound

Me:
He'
sfucki
ngmeouti
fmymi
ndNowi
sa!

Her
:Wel
li
t'
l
lbeov
ersoon,
Ipr
omi
se

Isatdownandshesatnextt
ome.
.

Her
:Wemakeagoodt
eam woul
dn'
tyousay
?

Me:
Wel
l
..

Sheputherar
m ar
oundmyshoul
der
..

Her
:Comeonsayi
t.
.Iknowy
ouwant
Webot
hlaughed.
.

Me:
Yeahwhat
ever

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
63

QONDI
SIWE

Ididn'tattendt heactualcer
emony.Iwasbusyhel pi
ngaround,Ifel
tsobadf ornot
helpingyest erday.Li
ndiwedidn'
tgotoo,shehungarounddr
inki
ngherchampagneand
eating.Ntsika'sParentsaregoodpeopl
etoacceptsomeonesodiff
erentandaccepther
forwhoshei s,f
orroyalt
ytheybr
ave.
.

Lat
eronIdeci
dedt
ogot
otheguestr
oom andr
elax,
Iwasdeadt
ir
edandmyf
eetwer
e
ki
ll
i
ngme..

Nt
sikawal
kedi
n,hecl
osedt
hedoor
..

Hi
m:Hear
dyouwer
ebusyt
oday

Me:
Iwasandmyf
eetar
eki
l
li
ngme

Hesatont
hebedandst
art
edmassagi
ngmyf
eet
..

Hi
m:I
'
m pr
oudofy
ou

Me:
Didev
ery
thi
nggowel
l
?

Him:Yesev er
ythi
ngwentwel
l
..Wewil
lbel
eavi
ngtomorrowmorni
ng,youneedtohelp
yoursi
sterwit
hherweddi
ngandcat
chuponyourschool
work.
.Howisschoolgoi
ng?

Me:
It'
snotbadany
mor
e

Hi
m:That
'sgood

Icheckedmyphone,
Ihadal
otofmi
ssedcal
l
sandt
extmessagesf
rom I
banat
hi.
.

Me:
Ineedt
ochangemynumber

Hi
m:Why
?

Me:
Ibanat
hii
sati
t
Hi
m:Thatboyi
sobsessedwi
thy
ou,
youneedt
owat
choutanobsessi
oncanbedeadl
y

Me:
Hedar
est
ouchmeagai
nI'
m goi
ngt
ohav
ehi
m ar
rest
ed

Hi
m:Hedar
est
ouchy
ouagai
n,I
'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lhi
m

Hegotont
hebedandl
aidbehi
ndme.
.

Me:
Ntsi
ka

Hi
m:Yes?

Me:
Ilov
eyou

Hi
m:Il
ovey
out
oo.
.Getsomer
est

_
___
___
___

KHABONI
NA

Iwal
keddownst
air
stoNoksandLungipl
ayi
ngahappyf
ami
l
y.Hehadhi
shandonher
tummy,
thi
swasdisgust
ing.
.

Lungi
stoodupasImademywaydown.
.

Noks:
Her
eitgoes

Me:
Ithoughtshewasgone

Lungi
:She'
slooki
ngf
oranapar
tmentt
orest

Me:
Whathappenedt
oLor
rai
ne'
shouse?

Lungi
:Ther
e'sal
ott
hat
'sgoi
ngont
her
e

Noksgotupf
rom t
hecouchwi
tht
hehel
pofLungi
..

Noks:
I'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e,Ican'
tst
ayal
onei
nthi
sst
ate

Me:
Younotsi
cky
oupr
egnant

Shel
ookedatLungi
..

Lungi
:It
hinksheshoul
dst
aywi
thus,
justunt
ilshegi
vesbi
rt
h

Me:
I'
ll
bedamned!
!
Noks:
Ithi
nkwehav
esor
tedt
hisout

Shel
ookedatLungi
..

Noks:
Weshoul
dgo

Me:
Wher
etoo?

Lungi
:Shewant
stogooutf
oradr
ive

Noksbal
ancedher
sel
fwi
thLungi
'
sar
m..

Me:
Weshoul
dbef
inal
i
zingaf
ewt
hingswi
thr
egar
dst
otheweddi
ng

Lungi
:Thoughty
ouhadt
hatcov
ered

Noks:
Ithi
nkt
hebabyi
swayi
mpor
tantf
ornow

Me:
Iwasn'
ttal
ki
ngt
oyou

Noks:Iwast
alki
ngtoy
ou..Thi
sishisfi
rstchi
ld,lethi
m betheref
orhischi
l
d..Iknow
t
hatyouhadprobl
emsi
nyourli
fe,
yourbabydaddiesweren'
tther
eevenatt
hefuneral

Me:
Don'
ttal
kaboutt
hingsy
oudon'
tknow!
!

Il
ookedatLungi
..

Me:
Yout
oldher
?

Her
:Hi
sMom t
oldme

Il
ookedatt
hem.
.

Me:
May
bedogetaDNAt
estwhi
l
eyouati
t

Lungi
:What
?

Me:
Ohwshe'
syoursi
ster

Noksl
aughed.
.

Noks:
Yourj
eal
ousyi
sonanot
herl
evel

Lungi
:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Me:
Noksi
syourSi
ster
,ya'
l
lhav
ethesamef
ather
..Youj
ustknockedupy
oursi
ster
Il
ookedatNoks.
.

Me:
Can'
tspeakany
mor
e?

Lungi
:Iknowy
oudon'
tl
ikeNoksbutt
ost
artsuchanaccusat
ion?

Me:
AskI
ba,
heshal
lconf
ir
m!!

Il
eftt
hem t
her
eandmademywayupst
air
s..

_
___
___
___

I
BANATHI

Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Lungi
.
.

Me:
Bro?

Hi
m:Khabosai
dsomet
hingt
ome

Me:
Somet
hingl
i
kewhat
?

Hi
m:Shesay
sNoksi
smySi
ster
,shesai
dyouknows

Me:
Iwasgoi
ngt
otel
lyouaf
tery
out
heweddi
ng

Hi
m:What
'sgoi
ngon?Whywasn'
tIt
oldaboutt
his?

Me:
Yeahi
t'
sshi
tBr
o

Hi
m:Mom woul
dnev
-

Me:Mom madeyouengagey oursi

ster
,Mom wasgoi
ngt
omar
ryy
ouof
ftoy
ourSi
ster
.
Mom di
dtheset
hingsbecauseshe'
sself
ish

Lungi
:Thi
scannotbet
rue

Me:
DoaDNAt
estwi
thNoks,
itshal
lconf
ir
m

Hi
m:SoDadi
snotmyDad?

Me:
No.
.

Hi
m:Nowi
tal
lmakessensewhyhehat
edme,
soI
'
m notaBi
yel
a

Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
..
Me:
YoumyBr
otherandt
hat
'
sthat

Lungi
:Thanky
ouf
ort
ell
i
ngme!

Me:
Lungi

Hehungup.
..

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

IwaswokenupbyBul i
,shet ol
dmet hatt
hewhol efamil
ywashav i
ngdinnerdownst airs
andthatIwast heonlyonemi ssi
ng.Igotupandbat he,Iwasstil
ldeadt i
red.Ijust
wantedtosleepandnot hingmor e..WhenIwasdonepr epari
ngmy sel
f,Imademyway
downstai
rs.Indeed everyone was gathered ar
ound the di
ning t
able,incl
uding the
Pri
ncess.
.Igreetedeveryonest art
edwiththeKing,thenIwentandsatnextt oNt sika.
Heputanapki nonmyt highs..
.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Queen:Busi
,thi
sisQondi
siwe.Nt
sika'
sgi
rl
fr
iend.Qondi
siwet
hisi
smyBusi
siwe,t
he
Pri
ncess

Me:
It'
sni
cet
omeety
ou

Her
:Youbeaut
if
ul

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.Youbeaut
if
ult
oo

Her
:Thanky
ou

Queen:
Thi
sisni
ce,
Idon'
tremembert
hel
astt
imeweal
lhaddi
nnert
oget
herasaf
ami
l
y

TheKi
ngwasl
ooki
ngatme.
.

Ki
ng:
Manqoba

Manqobal
ookedathi
m..

Ki
ng:
Didy
oubr
inganypi
ctur
eofNowi
sa

If
roze,
Manqobal
ookedatme.Thenhel
ookedatt
heKi
ng.
.

Manqoba:
Theyonl
yhav
eonepi
ctur
eandt
heyguar
dit
Queen:
Whydoy
ouwantherpi
ctur
eal
lofasudden?

Ki
ng:
She'
sfami
l
yitwoul
dbegoodknowi
nghowourt
rai
torl
ookedl
i
ke

Queen:
Wehav
ingagoodt
ime,
pleasedon'
trui
nit

Ki
ng:
Qondi
siwedoy
ouknowaboutourhi
stor
y?

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..

Me:
Ntsi
kat
oldme

Nt
sikal
ookedatme.
.

Ki
ng:
OurGr
eatancest
orbet
ray
edus

Queen:
Notatt
hedi
nnert
abl
e

Ki
ng:
Idon'
ttakeki
ndl
ytot
reason

Me:
Iwoul
dn'
tcommi
ttr
eason

Ki
ng:Iexpectyounott
oo.
.Ifwegoi
ngt
oconsi
dery
ouasf
ami
l
yknow t
hatwehav
e
swor
nenemi est
heNgwanetr
ibe

Inodded.
.

Li
ndi
we:
Iwoul
dli
ket
omeett
heot
hert
ri
be

Ev
ery
onel
ookedather
..

Li
ndi
we:
Justt
oseei
ftheyi
nourl
eague

Ki
ng:
Theynotexceptf
ort
hei
rmagi
cal
riv
er

Li
ndi
we:
Riv
er?

Ki
ng:Theysacr
if
icedourAncest
or,bur
iedherundert
hatr
iversoi
tcangi
vel
i
fet
othei
r
l
and

Li
ndi
we:
Wow.
.That
'ssomeser
iousshi
t

Queen:
Language

ManqobaandIkeptonl
ooki
ngateachot
her
..

Ki
ng:
Iwi
l
ldi
eoneday
,Nt
sikaIwanty
out
okeept
hison
Nt
sika:
Ofcour
se

Il
ookedathi
m..

Ntsi
ka:Thet
radi
ti
onwil
lgoon,
TheZi
khal
ivi
l
lagewi
l
lnev
erbeourf
ri
endsnoral
l
iances
Iwil
lal
somakesureoft
hat

Ki
ng:
Nowwecaneat

Iglanceddownatmyplat
e,thi
sisgoi
ngtobehar
derthanIt
hought
.WhenIr
aisedmy
headup, Nowi
sawasst
andingi
nthemiddl
eoft
heroom.Shel
ookedatt
heKi
ng.
.

Nowisa:Youhav enoi
deawhathappened,y
oui
nher
it
edhat
ethaty
ouknow not
hing
about!
!!
!(Shout
ing)

Shel
i
ter
all
yfl
i
ppedt
hedi
nnert
abl
e,af
ewofusscr
eamed.
.

Manqoba:
Whatt
hehel
l
?

_
___
___
___
_

KHABONI
NA

Nokswassi
tt
ingont
hecouchcr
ying.
.

Me:
Wher
eisLungi
?

Shei
gnor
edme.
.

Me:
Okay

Iwal
kedaway
..

Noks:
Whywoul
dyoudot
hat
?

Me:
Dowhat
?Tel
lhi
mthet
rut
h?

Noks:
Youdi
ditf
ory
ourownsel
fi
shness,
youcoul
dn'
tcomeatmef
air
ly

Il
ookedather
..

Me:
Younotcr
yingbecausey
ouhur
t,y
oucr
yingbecauset
het
rut
hcameout
.Youknew!

Shekeptqui
et.
.

Me:Youknewaboutt
hisandy
ouwentaheadwi
thi
t,whatki
ndofadev
ilar
eyou?You
si
ckeni
ng!
!!
It
ri
edt
owal
kawaybutshehel
dmyar
m..

Me:
Don'
ttouchme

Her
:Youdon'
tunder
stand

Me:
Isai
ddon'
ttouchme!
!!

Ipushedherandshefel
l
,herheadhi
tthet
abl
ebef
oreshef
ell
.IswearIcoul
dhear
somethi
ngcracki
ng.
.

Me:
Noks?
??

Ist
oodt
her
eandl
ookedather
..

Me:
Noks?

Iwentdownt
otouchher
,Isawbl
oodcomi
ngoutf
rom t
hebackofherneck

Me:
Shi
t!
!!
!!

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
62

QONDI
SIWE

Ntsi
kaunlockedthedooraft
eral ongt i
me,Iwasst
il
lsit
ti
ngonthefl
oor.Atl
east
Nowisakeptmecompany ,
Iwasn'
ttotal
l
yboredwi
thmythought
sonl
y.
.Hest
oodatthe
doorandglanceddownatme.
.

Hi
m:I
'
vebr
oughty
ousomet
hingt
oeat

Igotupandwal
kedt
othedoor
,hebl
ockedmyway
.Il
ookedathi
m,hemov
edandI
walkedout
..

Hi
m:Nodi
vat
endenci
esany
mor
e?

Ii
gnor
edhi
m..Thet
raywasont
hebed.
.

Hegent
lygr
abbedmyar
m andt
urnedmesot
hatIcoul
dlookathi
m..

Hi
m:Ngi
yaxol
i
sa(
I'
m sor
ry)

Me:
Wher
eyougoi
ngt
ohi
tme?
Hi
m:What
?I'
dnev
err
aisemyhandony
ou

Me:
Yougr
abbedmyhai
r

Hi
m:Youweretal
ki
ngt
omeasi
fli
key
ouwer
etal
ki
ngt
othatboy
!Ij
ustl
efty
ouf
ora
whi
let
ocal
m down

Ilookeddown,heputhishandonmychin.
..Hi
m:Iwi l
lnev
erhity
ou,thatwasascar
e
tacti
cyoucan'ttal
kt omeasifli
keyoutalki
ngt ooneofyourfri
ends.
.Ineededt
o
remindyouthatIst
il
lweart
hepant
sint
hisr
elat
ionshi
p

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Rel
ati
onshi
p?

Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tfucky
out
opassy
ouonl
i
key
ousomel
oosewoman,
thi
swasnotf
orf
un

Me:
Soy
oust
il
lwannabei
nar
elat
ionshi
pwi
thme?

Hi
m:Sol
ongy
oust
ayawayf
rom t
hatboyt
henwegood

Me:
I'
veal
readybur
iedhi
m

Hesmi
l
edandki
ssedme.
.

Hi
m:I
'
lll
ayof
fony
ourcooki
eforawhi
l
e

Me:
Please.
.Idon'
tthi
nkIl
i
kesexany
mor
e,I
'
vehadt
oomuchofi
tnow

Hechuckl
ed.
.

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Ij
usthopey
ouwon'
ttheonesneaki
ngi
nmyr
oom t
omor
row

Me:
Thatwon'
thappen

Hehel
dmyhandandl
edmet
othebed.
.

Hi
m:SomyDadgav
emeamout
hfulabouty
ounothav
ingacar
,Idi
dn'
tthi
nky
ou
want
edacar

Me:
Idon'
twantacar
..
.It
'sLi
ndi
we

Hi
m:Ohwy
athatone,
buti
fyoudowantonedon'
tbescar
edt
oask

Me:
Ili
keusi
ngt
axi
s,Il
i
kemysi
mpl
eli
fe
Hi
m:Youdon'
tev
enwantachauf
feur
?

Me:
NoI
'
m okay
,Il
i
kehowt
hingsar
ebet
weenusnomoneyi
nvol
ved

Him:I
'
mjustsay
ingi
fyoudoneedf
inanci
alassi
stanceatsomepoi
ntdon'
tbescar
edt
o
ask

Me:
I'
ll
keept
hati
nmi
nd

Ist
art
edeat
ing.
.

Hi
m:Ar
eyousur
e?Notev
enacart
hat
'
satl
eastR300000?

Me:
I'
m sur
e

Hi
m:Okay

Me:
Itget
stoy
out
hatIdon'
twanty
out
odot
hingsf
orme?

Him:Too much.
.Imean itwould be somehow i
fyou go outshoppi
ng and see
somet
hingt
hatyoul
i
kebutcan'
tbuyi
tbecauseyoudon'
thaveenoughmoney

Me:
I'
mfi
neNt
sika

Hi
m:I
'
llt
akey
ourwor
dfori
t

Me:
Ohhmywor
dIshoul
dbedownst
air
shel
ping

Hi
m:Mom t
oldt
hem t
haty
ounotf
eel
i
ngwel
l

Me:
YourMom.
.She'
sav
eryl
ovel
ywoman

Hi
m:Toomuch. .She'
snotaQueent hatsi
tsal
ldayandgiv
eouti nst
ruct
ions.Shegoes
t
othehospit
alandhelpbat
hthecri
ti
call
yil
l,
hel
pchangebeds,feedthem,takethem out
f
orawalk.Shealsogoesandhel
pwiththecooki
ngattheoprhanage

Me:
Wow.
.Iwi
sht
obehal
foft
hewomant
hatshei
s

Hi
m:Youcan

Me:
Ihopeso

Wehear
daknockatt
hedoor
..

Hi
m:I
'
llgett
hat

Hewentt
oopen.
.
Nt
sika:
Ma?
?

Myhear
tst
oppedbeat
ing.
.

Her
:IsQondi
siwear
ound?

Nt
sika:
Yespl
easecomei
n

Shemadeherwayi
nthenshel
ookedatNt
sika.
.

Nt
sika:
I'
ll
goand.
.Uhm.
.I'
l
ljustl
eav
eyout
wo

Hewal
kedoutandshecl
osedt
hedoor
..

Shet
urnedt
ome.
.

Her
:Thesal
tIpr
omi
sedy
ou

Me:
Thanky
ou

Her:I
t'
ssodi
sappoi
nti
ngt
omet
haty
ouandNt
sikacamet
ovi
sitmyhousej
ustt
ohav
e
sex

Ist
art
edcoughi
ng.
.

Her
:Imeany
ouhav
en'
tev
enmett
hePr
incess

Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
,shecameandputt
hesal
tont
hebed.
.

Her
:Ihopet
omor
rowy
ouwi
l
lbef
eel
i
ngabi
tbet
ter
,Iwanty
out
oat
tendt
hecer
emony

Me:
Iwi
l
l.
.Thanky
ouv
erymuch

Her
:I'
l
lleav
eyout
orest

Me:
Thanky
ouhermaj
est
y

Her
:Thanky
ouMa.
.

Me:
Thanky
ouMa

Her
:Goodni
ghtSi
si

Me:
Goodni
ght

Her
:Andst
opl
ett
inghi
miny
ourbedr
oom
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
olock

Her
:Ihopeso

Shewal
kedout
..

_
___
___
___
___

SI
NDI
SIWE

I
banat
himadehi
swayi
n,Iwassowor
ri
edabouthi
m..

Me:
Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?Iwaswor
ri
edabouty
ou

Hi
m:Hadanemer
gencyt
oat
tendt
oo,
mymom gotadmi
tt
ed

Me:
I'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hat
,Ihopesher
ecov
ers.
.Whathappened?

Hi
m:Idon'
twannat
alkaboutt
hatf
ornow,
I'
drat
hernott
alkabouti
t

Me:
Iunder
stand.
.I'
m sor
ry

Hemadehi
swayt
ome.
.

Hi
m:Ij
ustwannaf
ucky
ou,
probabl
yfort
hewhol
eni
ghtar
eyoudownwi
tht
hat
?

Me:
I'
m downwi
tht
hat

Hepoi
ntedatt
hest
air
case.
.

Hi
m:Af
tery
ouMaLady

Hef
oll
owedmeupst
air
s..
.

_
___
___
___
__

THEQUEEN

Me:
Thanky
ouBul
i

Peoplewerej ustgoi
ngupanddownt ry
ingt opreparefort
omorr
ow.Thegi r
lswere
outsi
desinginganddanci ngnexttothef i
re,tomorrow i
sgoingtobeabeaut i
ful
cer
emony .Ican'twai
t.
.It
ooktheteatomyhusband, hewasinhi
sstudy
..Thedoorwas
open,Imademywayi nandputt
hetrayonthetable.
.

Me:
What
'sony
ourmi
nd?
Imademywayt
ohi
m,hepul
l
edt
hechai
rabi
tandmademesi
tonhi
slap.
.

Me:
What
'swr
ong?

Hi
m:Doy
out
rustt
hisQondi
siwe?

Me:
Ido.
.She'
sav
eryni
cegi
rl
,agi
rlt
hatIwant
edNt
sikat
obr
inghome

Heshookhi
shead.
.

Me:
What
'sony
ourmi
nd?

Hi
m:She'
sjusttooperfect
.Ther
ewayshecarri
esherself
,howshedr esses.Shesmel
l
s
r
oyal
tyt
ome, she'
srespectf
ulasi
fli
keshehasl
ivedwithroyal
tybef
ore

Me:
May
beNt
sikat
oldherhowt
ohandl
eher
sel
f

Hi
m:Noshewasn'
ttaught
,it
'
sinherbl
ood

Me:
Thatgi
rli
sany
thi
ngbutr
oyal
ty,
shewoul
dn'
tl
iet
ous

Him:Herbeaut
yit'
s.
.Idon'
tknow somet
hingt
her
e'sj
ustsomet
hingabouthert
hat
doesn'
tgi
vemepeace

Me:Sheisi
ndeedbeaut
if
ul,
thi
siswhyNt
sikamustkeepher
.She'
l
lmakeagoodQueen
oneday

Hi
m:Shedi
dn'
tgr
owupi
ntheci
tyt
hatone,
that
'
swhyI
'
m goi
ngt
ohav
eheri
nvest
igat
ed

Me:Youwannastarti
twi
thyourson?Suchgi
rl
sexi
standshemakeshi
m happy
.Can'
t
weconsi
derour
selv
esfor
tunat
eandleavei
tatt
hat
?

Hest
il
lshookhi
shead.
.

Hi
m:Somet
hingi
snotr
ight

_
___
___
___

KHABONI
NA

Iopenedt
hedoor
,itwasNokut
hul
a.Shehadonabagwi
thher
,al
uggagebag.
.

Me:
CanIhel
pyou?

Shepushedmeoutoft
hewayandwal
kedi
n.Icl
osedt
hedoor
..

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Her
:I'
m mov
ingi
n

Me:
Noy
ounot

Her
:YesIam

Me:
Younotmov
ingi
n

Her:Thelastt
imeIremembert
hiswasLungi
'
shouse.Hewon'
tlett
hemot
herofhi
s
chi
l
dt obehomeless

Sheputherhandonhert
ummy
..

Me:
Wena?Youhomel
ess?

Her
:Wher
eishebyt
heway
?

Me:
Youcan'
tst
ayher
e,y
ouneedt
oleav
e"Byt
heway
"

Her
:I'
m notgoi
ngt
osayany
thi
ngt
oyouany
mor
e,t
hisi
snoty
ourhouse

Me:
List
enher
emay
bet
heyl
ety
oudi
srespectt
hem but
..Iwon'
tl
ety
oudi
srespectme

Her
:Whaty
ougoi
ngt
odo?Hi
tapr
egnantwoman?

Il
ookedather
..
.

Her
:Idi
dn'
tthi
nkso

Lungi
wal
kedi
n..

Lungi
:What
'sgoi
ngon?

Me:
Fixi
t!
!OrIwi
l
l

Iwal
kedaway
..
.

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
64

KHABONI
NA

Nooneisgoingt
oseethi
sasanaccident
.Itwoul
dbepr
ett
yobv
ioust
hatIat
tackedmy
f
iancé'
sbabyMamabecauseofJeal
ousy.
Ihadt othink,andIhadt ot hi
nkf astbef oreLungicomesbackorel semyl if
ei sover.I
rushedt othekitchenandt ookacl eanwr appl astic,youknowt heonet hattheyusually
uset ocov ermeati nat ray.Ikneltdownandcov eredherf acewi thit
,toprobablystop
thebl eeding.Iusedal otofi t
,Icov eredherf acewi t
hherey eshalfopen.Itwaspr etty
cleart hatshewasnomor e.WhenIwasdoneIdr aggedherupst ai
rs,withmyar ms
underherar mpits.Shewasal otheav i
ert hanIt hought.Thepl ast
icaroundherf ace
prev entedmef r
om l eavi
ngat r
ailofbl ood,Idr aggedhert otheguestr oom.It ookout
thel uggagebagsf rom thewar drobeandst uffedheri nthere, t
henIputt hebagsont op
ofher .Thiswasav er
ytraumat i
cexper i
encef orme,Iki ll
edsomeoneandI '
m aboutto
cov erupt hemur der.Irusheddownst airstocl eanupt hebl ood,Iuseddomest oes
mi xedwi thbleacht ocleanupt hebl oodnextt ot hetable.Ialsowipedt hetable.
.

_
___
___
___

QONDI
SIWE

Wewer eallsur
roundi
nghim,theKi
nghadcall
edt heSeertocomeandt el
luswhat
happened.Myphonerang,
ever
yonel
ookedatme.Icheckedandi
twasKhabo.
.

Me:
It'
smysi
ster
,excuseme

Imov
edabi
tfart
oanswer
..

Me:
Khabo

Shewasbr
eat
hingheav
y..

Me:
Khabo?

Her
:Youneedt
ocomehomenow!

Me:
Why
?Ar
eyouokay
?

Her
:Idi
dsomet
hingt
err
ibl
e

Me:
Whatdi
dyoudo?

Shest
art
edbr
eaki
ngdown.
.

Me:
Whatdi
dyoudo?

Her
:Iki
l
ledher

Me:
Youki
l
ledwho?Khabowhatdi
dyoudo?
Her
:NoksIki
l
ledher

Me:
What
?

Her
:Ipushedherandshef
ell
,herheadhi
tthet
abl
e

Me:
Itwasanacci
dent

Her
:Theywon'
tseeitl
ikethat,i
twasj
ustt
het
woofusand.Wewer
ear
gui
ng,t
hey
goi
ngt
osayIdi
ditonpurpose

Me:
Wher
eisLungi
?

Her
:He'
snotar
ound

Me:
Wher
eisNoks?

Her
:Iputheri
nthecl
oset
,int
heguestr
oom

Me:
OkayI
'
llbehomet
omor
row,
don'
tbr
eat
hawor
dtoany
oneaboutt
his

Seer
:Nowi
sawasher
e

It
urnedar
oundandl
ookedatt
hem.
.

Me:
Ihav
etogoj
ustst
aycal
m

Ihungupandwal
kedupt
othem.
.

Queen:
Seerwhatdoy
oumean?

Seer
:Shei
stheonewhof
li
ppedt
het
abl
e

Tal
kabouthi
dingmyt
ruei
dent
it
y..

Ki
ng:
That
'si
t!
!Gett
heSer
vant
stocl
eanup,
wear
egoi
ngt
ohav
eaSèance

Manqoba:
Dadar
en'
tyouov
err
eact
ing?

King:Wearegoi
ngt
omeether
eexact
lyi
n10mi
nti
me,Seergat
herev
ery
thi
ngt
haty
ou
goingtoneed

ThaKi
nghel
dtheQueen'
shandandt
heywal
kedaway
,It
urnedt
oNt
sika.
.

Me:
Whati
saSi
ames?

Nt
sika:
ASèance,
wegoi
ngt
osummonNowi
sa
Myhear
tal
mostst
opped.
.

Li
ndi
we:
Thi
sisgoi
ngt
obegr
eat
,let
'
sgopr
epar
efort
heSèance

TheSeerwal
kedaway
..

Me:
Excuseme

Iwentt
ohi
m..

Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Hi
m:Sav
ingy
ou

Me:Bysummoni
ngNowi
sa?Ify
oudidn'
tnot
iceshel
ooksexact
lyl
i
keme!Youhandi
ng
myheadtot
heki
ngonasi
lv
erplat
ter

Him:Ki
ngNgwanemightbefool
ish,
KingMkhi
zei
snot
.HadIl
i
edhewasgoi
ngtoseei t
t
hroughmeandsendforanot
herSeerwhowasgoi
ngt
ohandyoui
nasi
lv
erplat
ter
,just
t
rustme!

Nt
sikawal
kedupt
ous.
.

Nt
sika:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?

Seer:Madam Qondi
si
wewast
ell
i
ngmet
ogi
vehersomet
hingf
orhersi
ster
,hersi
steri
s
gett
ingcol
dfeet

Iswal
l
owed.
.

TheSeerl
eft
..

Nt
sika:
I'
m sor
ry,
myf
atheri
sav
erypar
anoi
dper
son

Me:
Youcan'
tl
ett
hishappen

Hi
m:Idon'
tusual
l
ygowi
thwhathesay
sbuti
fNowi
sawasher
e,Iwantt
oseeher

Heki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
.

Hi
m:I
'
llmakey
ouacupoft
eat
ocal
myoudown,
hel
pyour
elaxabi
t

Thi
sisnotgood.
.

_
___
___
___

I
BANATHI
Il
ookedatSi
ndi
..

Me:
Giv
eussomepr
ivacy

Si
ndi
noddedandwal
kedupst
air
s,Il
ookedatLungi
..
.

Me:
Somet
hingt
odr
ink?

Hi
m:Idr
ankbef
oreIcameher
e

Me:Iwaswait
ingf
oryout
ogetmar
ri
edf
ir
st,Idi
dn'
twannat
elly
oubecauset
hiswas
goi
ngtomessyouup

Hi
m:How?Howdi
dyouf
indout
?

Me:
Qondi
siwe

Hi
m:Qondi
siwe?
?

Me:
Dadshowedupt
oherandt
oldherev
ery
thi
ng

Hi
m:Whenwast
his?

Me:
Alongt
imeago

Him:Ican'tbeliev
et his.
.DadisnotmyDadhow canMom dot histome?Af t
er
everythi
ngI
'vedoneforhershewas..Shewasgoingtoletmemar
rymy..Shewasgoi
ng
toletmemar ryHer.I
'vesleptwi
thherIba,
she'
spregnantwi
thmychi
ld!MyownSist
er
i
sgoi ngtohaveababybyme

Me:Mom isevilLungi
,sherobbedmeof fmycompanyandt
hensheusedy
ou!She
ki
l
ledPopsbecausePopsknewthetr
uth,
shepoi
sonedhi
m

Hesl
i
ddownagai
nstt
hef
ri
dge.
.

Hi
m:Ev
ery
thi
ngI
'
veknownhasbeenal
i
e

Iwentandsatnextt
ohi
m..

Hi
m:Daddi
dn'
tl
eav
emeany
thi
ngbecauseheknew,
heknewt
hatIwasn'
thi
sbl
ood

Me:Youar emybl oodandt hi

sist
her easonwhyI'
m keepi
ngy ouinthecompany,don'
t
l
etthisruinyourli
fe.Youhaveeverythi
nggoingwellf
oryou.Youget t
ingmarri
ednext
weekt otheloveofy ourl
i
fe,youstil
lgoingtobetheCEOunt ily
ourdy i
ngdayorunti
l
youreti
re.Don'
tletMom win,don'
tletherrui
never
ythi
ngforyou.Every
thingt
hatyou'
ve
wor
kedhar
dfor

Isawt
ear
sinhi
sey
es.
.

Hi
m:MyownMot
herdi
dthi
stome!

Iputmyar
m ar
oundhi
sshoul
der
s..

Me:
It'
sgoi
ngt
obeokayBr
o

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Weallcamebackdownstai
rs.Thetabl
eandchai
rswer
eshi
ft
ed,
Isawt
heSeerdr
ewt
he
dev
il
'str
iangl
eandputcr
yst
alsaroundit
..

Ki
ng:
Arey
our
eady
?

Seer
:I'
mreadyy
ourhi
ghness

Ki
ng:
Ify
ouany
onei
snotf
ort
his,
pleasel
eav
e

I
fIl
eav
enow,
thi
swoul
dlookbadonme

Li
ndi
we:
Wai
t,i
sn'
tthi
sthedev
il
'st
ri
angl
e?Ar
ewer
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
opl
aywi
tht
hedev
il
?

Seer
:Thepent
agr
am wasat
ri
angl
eforgood,
unt
ili
twasst
olenbyt
heunder
wor
ld

Nt
sika:
Howi
sthi
sgoi
ngt
owor
k?

Seer
:Nowisai
sundert
hewater
,she'
sint
heunderwor
ldandnowI
'
m aboutt
oopent
he
doort
otheunder
worl
dandsummonherfrom i
t

Me:
Isn'
tthatdanger
ous?

Ey
eswer
eonme.
.

Me:
Openi
ngt
hedoort
otheunder
wor
ldmi
ghtj
ustbr
ingot
herspi
ri
tsnotonl
yher
s

Seer
:Ver
ywel
l
...ButIwi
l
lonl
ysummonherandcal
lheroutandt
rapt
heot
herspi
ri
ts

Inodded.
.

Li
ndi
wehel
dti
ghtt
oMbongeni
'
sar
m..

Ki
ng:
Lindi
wey
oucanbeexcusedi
fyouscar
ed,
eveny
ouQondi
siweandZi
khona
Manzi
niki
ssedhi
swi
feont
hecheek.
.

Hi
m:I
'
llj
oiny
ousoon

Mbongeni
:I'
l
laccompanyy
ouupst
air
s

Busi
:CanIal
sogo?

Queen:
Ofcour
se

Nt
sika:
May
best
aywi
thBusi
ify
ouscar
ed

Il
ookedatManqoba.
.

Manqobanodded.Ihel
dBusi
'
shandandwewal
kedupst
air
s,Mbongeni
lef
tushal
fway
..

Li
ndi
we:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dal
lst
ayt
oget
her

Busi
:Goodi
dea.
.Myr
oom

Weal
lwentt
oherbedr
oom,
itwasbeaut
if
ul.

Li
ndi
we:
Wegoi
ngt
oneedChampagne,
Daddyhasl
osti
t!

Wesatonherbed.
.

Li
ndi
we:
I'
m comi
ng

Weallsatt
herei
nsil
ence,Busiwashuggi
ngherpil
l
ow.IwasnervousbutItr
iedv
ery
hardtocont
ainmysel
f.Aswewer esit
ti
ngther
esi l
ent
lyIsomehow hear
dagat e
openi
ng.

Ilookedaroundandev er
yoneel
sewasont hei
rphone.Ihear
dthegateopeni
ngagain
andIgotup,t henallofasuddenIfel
tcol
d.Verycold.
.WhathappenednextIwasn'
t
preparedfori
t,Isawawomanwearingablackdresst
hatwastor
nup.Shewasholding
astick..

Il
ookedar
ound,
itseemsl
i
keIam t
heonl
yonewhowasseei
ngher
..

Il
ookedather
,sher
aisedupherheadandl
ookedatme.
.

Her
:Qondi
siwe

Herv
oicemademeshi
ver
..

Me:
Whoar
eyou?
Befor
eshecouldanswerIf
eltweak,l
i
kemyst
rengt
hwasdr
ainedf
rom me.Bef
oreI
knewit,
Ifel
lont
hefl
oor.
.

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
65

KHABONI
NA

Lungiwal
kedinandfoundmecleani
ngtheki
tchen,Ihadt
okeepbusybef
oreIl
ostmy
mind.Hecl
osedthedoorandl
ookedatme,Il
ookedathimtoo.
.

Me:
I'
m sor
ry,
Ishoul
dn'
thav
etol
dyou.I
twasnotmypl
ace

Him:I'm gl
ady outoldme,noonewasev
ergoi
ngt
otelme.I
banat
hit
oldmeonl
y
becauseI'
veal
readyfoundout

Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngaboutev
ery
thi
ng?

Hi
m:Idon'
tknowhowt
ofeel
,honest
lyI
'
mver
yconf
used

(
Sil
ence)

Hi
m:Wher
eisNoks?

Myhear
tjumped.
.

Me:
Shewentoutf
orawal
k,shewasal
soupset

Henodded.
.

Hi
m:Sol
ongI
'
llgetherapl
acet
ost
ay,
Idon'
tthi
nkIwannaseeherf
ornow

Me:
Iunder
standi
tcan'
tbeeasy

Hi
m:Theweddi
ngi
sst
il
lon

Me:
Youst
il
lwannagoaheadwi
tht
heweddi
ng?

Hi
m:Whywouldn'
tI?Theweddingi
scur
rent
lyt
heonl
ybestt
hingt
hati
sgoi
ngwel
lfor
meri
ghtnow,
Isti
l
lwannamarryyou

Me:
Thanky
ou

Hecameandhuggedme.
.
Hi
m:Not
hanky
ouf
orbei
ngher
eforme.
.Il
ovey
ousomuch

Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo

_
___
___
___

QONDI
SIWE

Iwokeupi
ntheguestr
oom wit
htheMkhi
zef
ami
l
ysur
roundi
ngme,Nt
sikawassi
tt
ing
nextt
omehol
dingmyhand.
..

Nt
sika:
Hey
..
.Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?

Heputhi
shandonmyf
orehead,
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
..

Seer
:Ithinktheroom isover
crowded,Iwoul
dli
ket
ohav
eamomentwi
thMadam
Qondi
siwejustt
oseeifshe'
sokay

Ki
ng:
Whathappened?

Queen:
Busi
alr
eadysai
dshef
aint
ed

Seer
:Pl
ease

Queen:
Ihopey
ougetwel
lDear

Me:
Thanky
ou

Theyal
lwal
kedoutwi
tht
heKi
nggi
vi
ngmeawei
rdl
ook.
.

Seer
:Yout
ooPr
inceNt
sika

Nt
sika:
I'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e

Me:
Please.
.

Heki
ssedmyhand.
.

Nt
sika:
I'
ll
comebackl
ater

Ismi
l
edathi
m ashewal
kedout
.TheSeerl
ockedt
hedoor
..

Seer
:Di
dyouseeher
?

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:Isawawoman,
shewaswear
ingabl
ackdr
esst
hatwast
orn,
shewasal
sohol
ding
ast
ick.WhenIl
ookedatherIf
eltcol
dandempt
y,shei
sver
ycol
d

Seer
:Icannotbel
i
evet
his.
.Yousawt
heAker

Me:
Thewhat
?

Seer
:It
houghti
twasonl
yal
egend.
.Somypl
anwor
ked

Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Hi
m:TheAkeri
ssai
dtobet
hegat
ekeeperofsoul
s

Me:
I'
m conf
used

Him:Iwasn'tgoingtosummonNowi sa.Nowi sai

snoti ntheunderwor l
d,Nowisais
undertheZikhal
iriv
er.Whenyousummonaspi rit
,itcannotbereleasedfrom the
under
wor l
dyouneedt omeett
heAkerf i
rst,negot
iat
ewi t
hher.Qondisi
wet heAkeris
onl
yseenbyt hosewhoarespi
ri
tual
l
ygi ft
edandnotj ustanyspi
ri
tualgif
tedindi
vidual
butastrongone

Me:
Whatar
eyousay
ingt
ome?

Him:Iopenedt
hegatebutIneverthoughtshewasgoi
ngtocome,Idi
dthati
nst
eadof
summoningNowisat
okeepy oursecretandnowI
'mver
yhonored

Heknel
tbef
oreme.
.

Hi
m:I
'
m honour
edt
obei
nthepr
esenceofagr
eatsor
cer
er

Me:
Iam awhat
?

Him:MyGr andfatherwasastrongseer,sowasmyf ather.Noneofthem eversawt he

Akerbutyoudi d,shecamet oyoubecausey outwoar ethecreat
uresofsor cer
yshe
somewhatfelttheconnecti
onwithyou.TheAkerisnotonlyagatekeeper,shewast he
mostpower f
ulsor cer
ertoeverwalkonear t
handshet oowasaGuar di
an.Youj ust
connect
edwi thsomeonewhoownedt heZikhal
ivi
ll
agewi thherpeoplebef or
et he
Ngwanetri
beoccupi edit

Me:
Whathappenedi
nther
e?I
nthel
ounge

Hi
m:A chandeli
erfel
lwhenthegateopened,webrokethesèancejustwhent
he
pr
incessr
andowntotel
lust
haty
oufai
ntedandyouwer
eshaki
ngviol
ent
ly

Me:
Whoam Iexact
ly?
Him:Ithi
nkast i
megoesony
ouwi
l
lfi
ndt
heanswer
smor
eespeci
all
ynow si
ncey
ou
haveseentheAker

Me:
Nowi
sahasnev
ert
oldmeaboutt
heAker

Hi
m:Ther
e'sal
ott
haty
ouneedt
oknowandt
heanswer
sli
eint
hatv
il
lage

Hegotup.
.

Hi
m:Qondi
siwe

Me:
Yes?

Him:You'
vejustbr
ushedy ourshoul
derwit
hdeath,becar
efult
heAkeri
snotwhatshe
seems.She'
sful
loftr
icksatti
mes,she'
sneverhonest

Me:
Thanky
ou

Hi
m:I
'
llgety
ousomeher
bst
ohel
pyousl
eep

Me:
Thanky
ou

_
___
___
___
_

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Me:
Youwant
edt
oseeme?

Pops:
Geti
n

Iwal
kedi
n..Hewasst
andi
ngatt
hebookshel
f.
.

Me:
What
'swr
ong?

Hi
m:Youneedt
oendi
twi
tht
hisgi
rl

Me:
Why
?

Het
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Somet
hingi
snotr
ightwi
thher
,doy
our
eal
l
yknowwhoshei
s?

Me:
Didshedoany
thi
ngt
oof
fendy
ou?

Hi
m:No

Me:
Sowedoneher
e
Hi
m:Youwi
l
lendi
twi
tht
hisgi
rl

Me:I'
drathergi
veupthet
hronethantogi
veupmyrel
ati
onshi
pwi
thQondi
siwe.Il
ove
her
,I'
venevermetany
onel
ikeher
..Youj
usthav
etol
i
vewithi
t

Him:You'
venev erspokenaboutgivi
ngupthet
hronef
oranyoneoranyt
hing,
nowIhave
anot
herreasont onottrusther
.I'
l
lbelooki
ngint
oher,andyouwil
lseethatthi
sgi
rli
s
notwhoyout hi
nkshei s

Me:
Goodl
uckwi
tht
hat

Hi
m:Goodni
ghtSon

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
66

QONDI
SIWE

Iwaswokenbyanunusualsound, l
ikesomet hingwashi tti
ngagai nstthefl
oor.Igotup
andl ookedatNt si
ka,hewassl eepingsoundl ess.Ilookedar oundi twasst il
ldar k,I
l
ookedatt imeitwas3am.If ellbackont hepi ll
ow againunt i
lIhear dacertainv oice
call
ingout" Dall
a".Iroseupf rom t hepi l
lowagai n,thebangingsoundwasst il
lgoingon
andt hev oi
cest i
llcontinued"Dal la"
.IshookNt si
kabuthedi dn'
twakeup,Igotoutof
bedandf ol
lowedt hesound.I tledmeout sidet ot hepool.Ilookedatt he2guar dswho
weremeantt obest andi ngbyt hesl i
dingdoor ,theywer eont hefloorpassedout .I
l
ookedatt hepoolandt hereshewasst anding,bangi ngherst i
ckagai nstt
hegr ound.I
mademywayt oher, Ididn'
tgot oherexact ly,Istoodont heot hersideofthepool .She
stoppedbangi ngherst ick.Istoodt hereshi vering, t
hewat erinthepoolhadt urnedi nto
i
ce.Ther e'
ssomuchcol dsurroundi ngthiswoman. .

Her
:Dal
l
a

Me:
Mynamei
sQondi
si
we

Her
:Youar
etheDal
l
a

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?Ihear
dyoucannotbet
rust
ed

Her:
YouandIwearethecr
eatur
esandsl
avest
osor
cer
y,y
ouar
etheDal
l
a(good)i
nme
andIam t
heAker(
evi
l
)inyou
Me:
Whyar
eyoust
il
lher
e?Shoul
dn'
tyoubeatt
hegat
e?

Her:Iwasbr
oughtint
othiswor
ld,Ishoul
d'
venev
erbeenbroughtintoyourworl
d.You
andIcanneveroccupythesamespace,Goodandevilcannotexistal
ongsideeach
other

Me:
Howdowegety
ouback?

Her
:Onehast
obowdownt
otheot
her
,bal
ancehast
ober
est
ored

Me:
I'
ll
nev
erbowdownt
oyou

Her
:AndI
,nev
ert
oyout
oo

Me:
Ihear
dyouaGuar
diant
oo

Her
:ThatIam,
Iam al
otoft
hingsDal
l
a

Me:
Stopaddr
essi
ngmel
i
ket
hat

Her
:Buty
ouar
eTheDal
l
a

Me:
Whati
sitt
haty
ouwant
?

Her
:Thesoul
soft
heexi
sti
ngGuar
diansundert
heVi
l
lager
iver
,wi
l
lcomet
ome

Me:
No!
!Leav
ethem al
one

Her
:Whenyourpeopl
eoccupi
edt
hatl
andal
readyi
twascur
sedbyme,t
hecur
sehas
f
all
enony
outoo

Me:
HowdoIl
i
ftt
hecur
se?

Her:Agreatsacr
if
iceneedst
ocomef
ort
h,asoulf
orasoul
.Int
hisi
nst
ant
,agoodsoul
.
TheDall
a

Nowi
sashowedup.
.

Nowi
sa:
Younott
aki
ngher

Aker
:TheQueenNowi
saher
sel
f,Iwaswonder
ingwheny
ouwi
l
lshowup

Nowi
sal
ookedatme.
.

Nowisa:Qondi
siweIknowyouandIhadourdif
fer
ences,
buty
oucannott
rustt
heAker
.
Youareverypowerf
ulandy
oucandefeather
Aker
:Asacr
if
icei
swhatIexpect

Shehi
tthest
ickandt
hei
cet
urnedi
ntowat
er.
.

Nowi
sa:
Itr
ustandbel
i
evei
nyou

Shel
ookedatt
heAker
..

Nowi
sa:
Takeme

Me:
What
?No!

Aker
:Ver
ywel
l

Me:
Nowi
saNo!
!!

Nowi
sa:
It'
sokay

TheAkerst
ret
chedherhand.
.

Me:
Nowi
say
oucan'
tdot
his,
you'
vesai
dyour
sel
fthatwecannott
rusther
!

Nowi
sa:
Whent
her
eseemst
obenoway
,awi
ndowal
way
spr
ovi
desaway

Nowi
sahuggedme.
.

Her
:Whenyougethomeputony
ourneckl
ace,
thewat
eri
nthependentwi
l
lpr
otecty
ou
f
rom t
heAker

Shesepar
atedf
rom me.
.

Me:
Nowi
sa!
!

Shewalkedtot
heedgeoft
hepool
,It
ri
edt
ogoaf
terherbutNowi
saf
rozemyf
eett
o
thegr
ound..

Nowi
sa:
ByeQondi
si
we

Me:
No!
!!

Shej
umpedt
othepool
,Il
ookedatt
heAker
..

Me:
I'
m comi
ngf
ory
ou!
!

TheAkerjumpedi
ntothepoolal
so,thatwaswhenIwasabl
etonowmov
emyl
egs.I
knel
tatt
heedgeofthepool
andlookedatthewat
er.
..
Me:
Nowi
sa!
!!
!!

_
___
___
___

LUNGI
SA

Iwokeupt othesoundofsomeonecr
ying,Il
ookedbesidemeandKhabowasnot
sl
eepi
ngnextt
ome.Igotupandshewassit
ti
ngatthecor
nerhuggi
ngherknees.
.

Iwal
kedupt
oher
..

Me:
Khabo

Iwentandswi
tchedont
hel
i
ght
,thenwentbackt
oher
..

Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngont
hef
loor
?

Sheshookherhead,
Isatnextt
oher
..

Me:
What
'swr
ong?

Her
:Ican'
tdot
his

Me:
Can'
tdowhat
?Theweddi
ng?

Her
:Ican'
tdot
his,
it'
snotr
ight

Ihuggedher
..

Me:
It'
sokay
,it
'sgoi
ngt
obeokay

_
___
___
___
___

KI
NGMKHI
ZE

Ilookedatthetapeagain.Qondisiwewasst andi
ngbythepoolandsheseemedtobe
tal
kingtosomeone,t henanotherpersontoo.Lookedli
keshewastal
kingto2people
thatwerenotv i
si
ble.Thenafterthatthewat eri
nthepoolst
art
edsplashi
ngasi
flike
someonehadj umpedi n,
li
ketwopeopl ehadjumpedin

Me:
Gett
heSeer

Secur
it
y:YesSi
r

It
urnedandl
ookedatt
heguar
ds.
.

Me:
Youdi
dn'
tseeher
?
Guar
d:Wewokeupont
hef
loorYouhi
ghness,
wedon'
tknowhowwepassedout

Me:
Isee

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Nt
sikaputhi
shandsonmycheek.
.

Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay
?

Inodded.
.

Hi
m:Di
dyougetanysl
eepl
astni
ght
?

Me:
Notexact
ly

Hi
m:Whydi
dn'
tyouwakemeup?

Me:
Idi
dbuty
our
efusedt
owakeup

Hechuckl
ed.
.

Hi
m:That
'ssounl
i
keme

Me:
Wel
lyouwer
edeadasl
eep

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryt
hatt
hisweekendwastt
hatamazi
ng

Me:
Itwas.
.YourMot
heri
sver
ysweet

Hi
m:I
'
m gl
ady
ouandhergetal
ongv
erywel
l

Me:
She'
sanamazi
ngwoman

Hi
m:Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogo?

Me:
YesI
'
mready

Hi
m:Let
'sgo

_
___
___
___

LORRAI
NE

Iwassi
tt
ingont
hebedandst
arr
ingatt
hewal
l
,whenawomanwear
ingabl
ackdr
ess
appear
ed.
.Il
ookedar
ound.
.

Me:
Who.
.Whoar
eyou?

Shewal
kedupt
ome.
.

Me:
Whoar
eyou?

Her
:Yourhel
p

Shest
oodnextt
othebed,
Ist
oodup.
.

Me:
Whyar
eyouher
e?

Shespr
eadoutherar
ms.
.

Her
:comet
omechi
l
d

AsmuchasIf orcedmyl egsnott

ogotoher,butt
heydi
dn'tobey
.Imovedt owardsher
.
Shehuggedme, andIstartedf
eel
ingr
eal
lycol
d.Shehuggedmeandgoti nsideofme,I
st
art
edshiver
ingverybadasshetookoveri
nsidemybody.It
henfel
lonthef l
oor
..

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
67

QONDI
SIWE

Veryearlyinthemor ningwewer eont her oadbackt oJohannesburg,TheQueenand

thePrincessgavemeawar m goodby e.Can'treal
l
ysaymuchaboutt heKing,heisnot
veryfondofmebutt henIhopethatonedayhewi l
lcomearound.Ihav ebeensleepi
ng
i
nt hecarwi thNt si
kaholdingmyhand,Idi dn'
tgetanygoodsl eeplastnight
.With
every
thingthathasbeenhappening,Icouldn'tsl
eepanymore.

_
___
___
___
___
___
_

LORRAI
NE(
AKER)

Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuchDr

Dr
:IhopeInev
erseey
ouher
eagai
n,i
nmyI
nst
it
uti
on

Me:
YourI
nst
it
uti
on?
Dr
:MyI
nst
it
uti
on!

Me:
Doc,
I'
m di
sappoi
nted.

Dr
:Youbl
ackmai
l
edme

Me:Di dI?Imainlytoldy outhatIhavepr ooft hatyouhavebeent aki

ngadvantageof
yourfemaleunstablepat i
ent
s.Youhav ebeenhi t
ti
ngt hem wit
hhighdosestost abl
e
them enoughsothaty oucouldrapethem, ifthatgetsoutnotonlyar
eyougoingtolose
yourjobbutthat
'sjailti
meandshamet oy ourkidsandwi fe,whoseethei
rfat
herasa
hero.Nott o mention the worl
d atl arge,itwoul d be a shame.A good certi
fi
ed
psychiat
ri
stbei
ngar apisthowdev ast
ating!

Hi
m:AsI
'
vesai
d,pl
easedon'
tcomebackher
e

Shemadeherwayi
nandgr
eet
edus.
.

Si
ndi
:Uhm ar
eyour
eadyt
ogo?

Dr
:Pl
easet
akeher
!

TheDrwal
kedaway
..

Me:
Nicewor
kDoc

Sindi
:Idi
dn'
tevenknowy ouwer
eher
eunt
ilIr
ecei
vedy
ourcal
l
,wassur
pri
sedget
ti
nga
callf
rom amental
inst
it
uti
on

Me:
Alotofpeopl
edi
dn'
tknow

Her
:Whathappened?

Wewal
kedoutt
ohercar
..

Her
:I'
m sor
ryIknowt
hati
t'
snoneofmybusi
ness

Me:
It'
sokayDear
,that
'st
hest
oryf
oranot
herday

Wegoti
nsi
det
hecar
..

Me:
Iwoul
d'
vecal
l
edoneofmysonsbut
..
.I'
m nott
hei
rfav
ori
teper
sonr
ightnow

Her
:It
'sokay
,I'
m happyt
ohel
p

Shest
art
eddr
ivi
ng.
.Il
ookedather
..
Me:
YouknowIcanhel
pyouwi
tht
heI
banat
hisi
tuat
ion

Her
:Huh?

Me:Iknowyoulov
ehi
m deepl
yandunfort
unat
elyhei
sinl
ovewit
hsomeoneel
se.Lov
e!
I
tcanbecruel
atti
mesIdon'
tunder
standwhyi
t'
sconsi
der
ed"Pur
e"

Her
:Idon'
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ngabout

Me:
Icoul
dfi
xyouupapor
ti
on

Her
:Apor
ti
on?

Me:
Yes,
sot
hathecanl
ovey
oubackt
hewayy
ouwant

Her
:I'
m sor
ryMr
sB-

Me:
Lor
rai
nepl
ease

Her:I
'
m sorr
yLorrai
nebutI'
m notgoi
ngtouseapor
ti
ononhi
m sot
hathecanl
oveme
back,
thosethi
ngstheywearof
fastimegoeson

Me:Notmine.
..Seebytheti
meitwear
soffhe'
sgoingtodi
eandbyt heny
ougoingto
i
nher
itev
eryt
hingofhi
sbecauseyouwouldbehi
swi f
eandprobabl
ytheMotherofhi
s
ki
d,y
ougoingtogetever
ythi
ngi
ncl
udi
ngtheCompany

Sheal
mostl
ostcont
rol
oft
hecar
..

Her
:Wha?
..Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Me:
Ibanat
hi.
.Hi
sDadl
eftt
hecompanyf
orhi
m,i
t'
shi
s..

Her
:WowIdi
dn'
tknow

Me:Thi nkaboutit.YourSistersar ehappy ,Khaboi saboutt omar ryaweal thyCEO.

Qondi si
wei sbusywithaFilt
hyr i
chPr i
nce,iftheymakei tshe'sgoi
ngt obeaQueenand
Khaboi sworkingonowni ngar estaurant
.Whatabouty ou?TheSi ndiwhowasabov e
hersi ster
s,y oursi
ster
swor shipedt hegr oundy ouwal kedononce,andt odayy ou
nothingt othem.Itissounf airandt rustmei fyoudon'tactsoon,I banathii
sgoingt o
l
eav ey ouandwhat '
sgoingt obecomeofy ou?Youwi l
lhavetogobackt ohustl
ing.I
knowhowmuchy ouhatedoi ngt hat,thethingsy ouhadt odot okeept hatgoodli
feof
yours..Thisisaneasygateway ,andi t'
sforasmal lpr
ice.
.Thinkaboutit

_
___
___
___
___
_
KI
NGMKHI
ZE

Manqoba:
Popsy
ouaskedt
oseeme?

Me:
Yespl
ease

Ipoi
ntedatt
hechai
r.
.

Hi
m:Thi
ssoundsser
ious,
I'
drat
herst
and

Me:Ver
ywel
l
..Ineedy
out
ogobackt
oJohannesbur
gandspyont
hisgi
rlQondi
siwef
or
me

Hi
m:Why
?

Me:
Idon'
ttr
usther
,somet
hingi
snotr
ight
.

Hi
m:Popssheseemsl
i
keagoodper
son

Me:
Idon'
tdi
sput
ethatbut
..

Isatdown.
.

Me:Qondi
siwecomeshereandthenallofasuddenNowisashowsup,Nowi
sahas
nev
ershownupeversi
nceshewasbani
shedf
rom t
hispl
ace

Hi
m:Yout
hinkQondi
siwehassomet
hingt
odowi
thi
t?

Me:
Ver
ymuch

Hi
m:WhataboutNt
sika?

Me:
Ntsi
kat
hinkswi
thhi
shear
tandhi
sgeni
tal
s

Hi
m:I
fIdof
indsomet
hingonher
,whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?

Me:
Leav
ethatupt
ome

Hi
m:I
'
mver
yuncomf
ort
abl
ewi
tht
his,
Ntsi
kai
smyBr
other

Me:Andhei smySon,thefut
ureKi
ng!IwouldhaveManzinibeaKingri
ghtnow but
unfortunat
elyNtsi
kawaschosenf r
om bir
th.WhatI'
m doingismywayoft r
yingto
protecthim bef
orehef
allshar
dandlosehi
ssani
tyovert
hisgir
lI'
m al
sopr
otect
ingthe
throne

Henodded.
.
Me:
Andkeept
hisbet
weenuswi
l
lyou?

Hi
m:I
'
m goi
ngt
okeepi
tbet
weenus

Me:
Thanky
ouSon

Itr
ustManqoba,he'sver
yloyal
.Heisthesamesont hatIsentt
ogetusi
nfor
mat
ion
aboutt
heZi
khaliv
il
lageyear
sago.Iknowthathewi
l
lneverdi
sappoi
nt

_
___
___
___
___
___
_

LORRAI
NE(
AKER)

Si
ndi
:Her
ewear
e

Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuchDear

Her
:Youwel
come

Me:Youshoul
dtextmeyourbanki
ngdet
ail
ssoIcant
ransf
ersomemoney
,it
'smyway
ofsay
ingt
hankyouandwelcometothef
amil
y

Her
:Uhm.
.I'
l
ldot
hat

Me:
Thanky
ouagai
n

Shenodded.
.

Her
:Ishoul
dgo

Me:
I'
ll
cal
lyouassoonasIf
indmyphone

Her
:Nopr
obl
em

Ihuggedher
..

Me:
ByeDear

Her
:Youv
erycol
d,ar
eyouokay
?

Me:
I'
m okayj
ustt
hedamni
nst
it
uti
on,
Iusedt
osl
eepont
hef
loorwi
thoutabl
anket

Her
:Youshoul
dsue,
that
'
scr
uel
ty

Me:
I'
ll
thi
nkabouti
t

Her
:Okay
..I
'
llt
exty
ou
Me:
Goodby
eChi
l
d

Her
:By
eLor
rai
ne

Me:
Howabouty
oucal
lMeMom

Her
:Excuseme?

Me:Iknowthatyoulostyourmotheri
naveryt
err
ibl
eway ,I
'
m nott
ryi
ngtor epl
aceher
butwi
thyoursi
ster
sactingupIdon'
twanty
outoeverthi
nkthaty
oualone.
.I'
m here

Her
:Wowuhm.
.Thanky
ou

Me:
Don'
tev
enment
ioni
t

Shemadeherwayt
othedoorandwal
kedout
,It
urnedandwal
kedar
oundt
hehouse.
.

Voi
ce:
Lor
rai
ne?

It
urnedback,
IsawNokut
hul
aorherspi
ri
t.

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Her
:YounotLor
rai
ne

Me:
Ofcour
senotmyDear

Her
:You.
.Youar
e..You.
.

Me:
I'
mthegat
ekeeper

Her
:Yout
akesoul
snoy
oust
eal
soul
s

Me:
That
'st
rue

Her
:What
'shappeni
ngt
ome?Whycan'
tIgett
hrought
oany
one?If
eelsuf
focat
ed,
Ifeel
col
d

Me:That'sbecauseyoudead!Thef al
l?Yourememberit?Youdi
dn'tdi
eyouweremai
nly
unconsci
ousbutt hatstupidgir
lknowsnothingaboutsuchthi
ngs,shesuf
focat
edy
ou
andkil
ledyouwi t
hthatplasti
c

Her
:I'
m dead?

Sheshookherhead.
.

Her
:Thi
sisnotr
ight
,Ican'
tbedead!
Me:
Ali
fet
hatwasst
olen.
.Itwasn'
tyourt
ime

Her
:Ican'
tbedead,
Ist
il
lhav
esomeunf
ini
shedbusi
ness

Me:
Ofcour
sey
oudot
hat
'
swhyy
ouwonder
ingar
ound

Her
:Mybaby
?Thi
sissowr
ong

Me:Deathi
sv erypainf
ulandyounotreadyt
ocr
ossov
er,
soast
hegat
ekeeperofsoul
s
I
'm goi
ngtoreturnyoursoul
backtoyou

Her
:Youcandot
hat
?

Me:
Yesy
oual
ostsoul
,Icandot
hat

Her
:I'
l
lbeal
i
veagai
n?

Me:
Wel
lsor
tofbutt
hatwi
l
lrequi
real
i
fef
oral
i
fe

Il
ookedathert
ummy
..

Me:
Hewi
l
lgoony
ourbehal
f

Her
:Yougoi
ngt
otakemybaby
?

Me:
Ther
emustbebal
ance

Her
:I.
.Ican'
tdot
hat

Me:
Theny
ouwi
l
lremai
ndeadandy
ouwon'
tgety
ourr
evenge

Shel
ookeddown.
.

Me:
Nowi
fyouwi
l
lexcusemeIha-

Her
:Okayi
t'
sfi
ne.
.I'
l
ltaket
hedeal

Me:
Notadi
ff
icul
tnegot
iat
or

Her
:Sowhenam Iget
ti
ngbackt
omybody
?

Me:
All
induet
ime,
all
induet
ime

Iwal
kedupt
othest
air
case,
seemsl
i
keI
'
m goi
ngt
oenj
oybei
ngher
e..

Her
:Whatam It
odoi
nthemeant
ime?
Me:You'l
lbemyguest
,you'
l
lkeepmecompanyt hi
shouseistoobi
gforoneper
sonbut
Iassur
eyou,whent
heti
meisrightI
'
llgety
oubacktoyourbody

Her
:Thanky
ou

Me:
Youwel
come

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
68

LORRAI
NE(
AKER)

Iwashav
ingdi
nnerwhi
l
stNokswasmov
ingar
ound.
.

Me:
Doy
oumi
nd?

Her
:I'
m dead,
whatcanIdo?

Me:
Isai
dI'
l
lhel
pyou

Her:
IthoughtGodi
stheonewhogi
vesandt
akesl
i
fe,
howcomey
ougi
vi
ngmebackmy
l
if
e?

Me:
Godgi
vesl
i
febuthedoesn'
ttakeawayl
i
fe,
deat
htakesl
i
fe

Her
:Howcomey
ougi
vi
ngmemyl
i
feback?

Me:
Youar
eal
ostsoul
andIam anAker
,Icangi
vey
oubacky
oursoul
foranot
hersoul

Her
:Mybaby
?Howar
eyougoi
ngt
otakehi
m?

Me:
You'
l
lsee

Her
:Wheny
ougi
vemebackmyl
i
fe,
wil
lyou.
.Wi
l
lIst
il
lhav
emybabyi
nsi
deofme?

Me:
Yesbutnotf
orl
ong

Her
:Why
?

Me:
Weseeki
ngr
evenger
emember
?Andf
oral
i
feanot
herl
i
femustbet
aken

Wehear
dthedoorbel
lri
ngi
ng.
..

Me:
I'
ll
beback
Her
:I'
m comi
ngwi
th

Il
ookedather
..

Her
:It
'snotl
i
ket
hePer
soni
sgoi
ngt
oseeme

Wewal
kedt
othedoor
..

Her
:Sowher
eisLor
rai
ne?

Me:
Soundasl
eepdeepi
nsi
deofme

_
___
___
___
_

SI
NDI
SIWE

I
ba:
Wher
ewer
eyou?

Me:
Iwentt
ofet
chy
ourMom t
henIwentf
oradr
ive

Hi
m:Youdi
dwhat
?

Me:
Ifet
chedy
ourMom f
rom t
hei
nst
it
uti
on,
shecal
l
edmet
ocomeandf
etchher

Hi
m:Andy
ouonl
ytel
l
ingmet
hisnow?

Me:
Idi
dn'
tthi
nki
twasgoi
ngt
obeani
ssue

Hi
m:Ofcour
sei
t'
sani
ssue!
!(Shout
ing)

Okayt
hatwasaf
ir
st.
.

Hi
m:Don'
tyout
hinkshewasi
nther
eforar
eason?

Ikeptqui
et,
hecl
i
ckedhert
ongue.
.

Hi
m:Idon'
tknowwhyIkeepy
ouher
ewheny
ouobv
iousl
yusel
ess!
!!
!

Me:
Excuseme?

Hegotup.
.

Hi
m:I
'
m comi
ngback

Me:
Wow!
!

_
___
___
___
__
QONDI
SIWE

Ntsi
kadidn'
tcomei
n.Hewast i
redandhedi
dn'
twantt
ofi
ghtwi
thLungi
sa.Imademy
wayinandbumpedi
ntoLungi
.
.

Hi
m:Qondi
siwe

Me:
Hey

Hi
m:Gl
ady
ouback,
Iwasaboutt
ogooutbutIdi
dn'
twannal
eav
eyoursi
steral
one

Me:
Wher
eisshe?

Hi
m:Upst
air
s,she'
snotf
eel
i
ngwel
l

Me:
I'
ll
checkuponher
..Thanky
ou

Hi
m:I
'
llber
ightback,
ther
e'saf
ami
l
yemer
gency

Me:
Okay

Hi
m:Ihopey
ouenj
oyedy
ourt
ri
p

Me:
Idi
dthanky
ou

Hi
m:Seey
oul
ater

Ilef
tmybagintheki
tchenandwal
kedupst
air
stot
hei
rbedr
oom,Khabowasl
ayi
ngon
thebedst
ari
ngatt
hewall.
.

Me:
Khabo

Shedi
dn'
trespond.
.

Iwentt
oher
..

Me:
Khabo?

Her
:Ican'
tst
opt
hinki
ngabouther
,Ican'
tgetheroutofmyhead

Me:
Iknow.
.LookKhabot
hisi
snott
het
imet
obesul
ki
ng,
weneedt
oactf
ast

Her
:Ishoul
dtur
nmy
sel
fin

Me:
No!
..Wegoi
ngt
ogetr
idoft
hebody

Shegotupandl
ookedatme.
.
Her
:What
?

Me:
Wegoi
ngt
ogetr
idofherbody

Her
:Qondi
siweIcan'
tgetheroutofmyhead,
lastni
ghtIcoul
dn'
tev
ensl
eep

Me:Snapoutofi
t!
!!I
fwedon'
tdothi
syougoi
ngtoloseLungi
.Wehavenoone,
wehav
e
not
hing.Doyouwannabehomel
ess?Doyouwannagobacktothev
il
lage?

Her
:No

Me:
Sol
et'
sdot
his

Her
:Howar
ewegoi
ngt
odoi
t?

Me:Wear
egoi
ngt
odr
ivet
omor
row mor
ningt
othev
il
lageandt
hrow herbodyi
nthe
r
iver

Her
:What
?

Me:
Wecan'
tj
ustdumpherany
wher
e

Her
:Qondi
siwewedon'
tdr
ive

Me:
Iwi
l
lcal
lNt
sikat
osendhi
sdr
iver

Her
:Weact
ual
l
ydoi
ngt
his?

Me:
It'
stheonl
yway
..Weneedt
ost
uffherbodyi
nsi
det
hebi
gluggagebag

Her
:Whati
fshedoesn'
tfi
t?

Me:
Shehast
oo.
.Wewi
l
lbr
eakher

Her
:Qondi
siwe!

Me:I'
m notreadytoloseyouokay?I'm notreadyt
ohav ey
ougodownf ormurder,I
'
ve
al
readyl
ostonesist
er..Thi
sisoursecret
,youhaven'
ttol
danyoneaboutt
hisri
ght?

Her
:No

Me:
Good.
.Whenwegett
other
iverI
'
m goi
ngt
ocl
eansey
ou,
ukususai
sit
hunzi
sakhe

Her
:Okay

Shewi
pedherf
acewi
thherhands.
.
Her
:Let
'sdot
his

Me:
Let
'shur
rybef
oreLungi
get
sback

_
___
___
___
___
___

LORRAI
NE(
AKER)

Hi
m:Idon'
tunder
stand

Me:
Younotgoi
ngt
oshootherany
mor
eonherweddi
ngday

Hi
m:But
..

Me:
I'
ll
sti
l
lpayy
ouf
ort
hej
oby
ouwer
emeantt
odo

Hi
m:That
'sbet
ter

Me:
Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng

Hi
m:Youwel
come

Iwal
kedhi
mtot
hedoor
,andcl
osedi
tforhi
m..

Noks:
Whatwast
hatal
labout
?

Me:
Not
hingmuch

Her
:Thanky
ouf
orhel
pingmeoutwi
thmysi
tuat
ion

Me:
Youwel
come,
nowl
et'
sseewhatt
hesi
ster
sar
egoi
ngt
odowi
thy
ourbody

Ipour
edwat
eri
nthej
ugandt
henwewentupst
air
stoLor
rai
ne'
ssecr
etr
oom.
.

Noks:
Thi
sissomepr
ett
ybadsi
tuat
ion

Me:
Standher
edon'
tcomei
n

Her
:Why
?

Me:
Youcan'
tseet
his

Her
:I'
m dead

Me:
Iknowbutt
rustme,
standher
e

Her
:Fi
ne
Iwalkedinandpour
edwat
eri
ntot
hebasi
n,Ist
ir
redi
tunt
ili
tshowedmeQondi
siweand
herSist
er.
..

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Il
ookedatKhabo.
.

Me:
She'
sher
e?

Shenodded.
.Iopenedthecl
osetandt
ookoutt
hebags,Isawherbody
.Khabot
urned
andf
acedtheotherway
..

Me:
Khabo

Her
:I'
m sor
ry.
.Ican'
tdot
his

Me:
Thi
sist
hel
astt
imey
ouseei
ngher
,Ipr
omi
se

Shet
urnedback.
.

Me:
Youneedt
odot
his

Shenoddedr
epeat
edl
y.
.

Sheunzi
ppedt
hebagwhi
l
eIdr
aggedNoksout
,shewasheav
ythatIf
ell
wit
hher
..

Me:
She'
sver
yheav
y

Her
:Iknow

Igotup.
.

Me:
Okayl
et'
sdot
his

Shecamet
omeandwebot
hpi
ckedherup.
.

Me:
Hol
dheront
hel
egssoy
oudon'
tseeherf
ace

Her
:Okay

_
___
___
___
___
___
__

LORRAI
NE(
AKER)

Me:
OhhmyIunder
est
imat
edy
ougi
rl
s
Theyst
uff
edheri
nsi
dewhi
l
stbr
eaki
ngherbones,
Icoul
dhearherbonescr
ushi
ng.
.

Noks:
What
'sgoi
ngon?

Me:
Standt
her
e

Noks:
Whatar
etheydoi
ng?

Shet
ri
edt
owal
kin,
Itur
nedandr
aisedmyhandather
..

Me:
Takeanot
herst
epandI
'
llsendy
oursoul
faraway

Shest
eppedback.
..

Me:
Goodgi
rl

Il
ookedatt
hem agai
n..

Me:
Ihav
enev
erseensuchl
oyal
ty

Ihear
dtwov
oicesscr
eami
ngLor
rai
ne'
sname.
.

Noks:
Seemsl
i
key
ourboy
sar
ehomemommy

Me:
Whatf
reshhel
li
sthi
snow?

Igotupandwal
kedout
,Icl
osedt
hedoor
..

Me:
Let
'sgo

Wemadeourwaydownst
air
s,t
heywer
est
andi
ngatt
heki
tchen.
.

Me:
Lungi
..I
banat
hi.
.

Lungi
char
gedatme,
Ibanat
hist
oppedhi
m..

Lungi
:I'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lyou!
!!

I
banat
hi:
Brost
op!
!

Me:
Pleasel
ethi
m,i
fhi
tt
ingmei
sgoi
ngt
omakehi
mfeel
bet
tert
henl
ethi
m

Lungi
:St
ayoutoft
hisI
banat
hi!
!

I
banat
hi:
Stopi
t,t
hat
'swhatshewant
s!!

Lungi
col
l
ect
edhi
msel
f.
.
I
banat
hi:
Howt
hehel
ldi
dyougetout
?

Me:
Myownboy
s,t
heysentmet
oament
ali
nst
it
uti
on

Lungi
:Hel
li
smor
efi
tt
ing!

Me:
Ivacat
iont
her
ebabydon'
twor
ry

Iwal
kedupt
oIbanat
hi,
hisf
athershowedupbehi
ndhi
m.It
ookast
epback.
.

Me:
Anuni
nvi
tedguest

Hi
m:St
epbackf
rom mySon,
Stepbackf
rom bot
hoft
hem!

Ir
aisedmyhandsupandst
eppedback.
.

I
banat
hi:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Me:
I'
m sur
render
ing

Lungi
:Ar
eyouser
ious?

Iknel
tdown.
.

Me:
Weaponsdown,
I'
m sur
render
ing

Thi
smanmi
ghtmessupmypl
ans.
..

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
69

QONDI
SIWE

Ifoundmy selfi
ntheNdoniyamanzir
iverdr
owning,TheAkerwasstandi
ngontherock
glanci
ngatmeasIsankt othebott
om oft heri
ver,whi
lstshewashitt
inghersti
ck
againstt
her ock.Isensedt
hatwasmydeat h,t
hatwaspr obabl
ytheendofme.Itfel
t
l
iketheendofme. ..
..
..
.

Iwokeupcoughi
ng,t
omysurpr
iseIwascoughi
ngoutwat er
.Ilookedatmyneckl
ace
ar
oundmyneck,i
twasgl
owi
ng.Itookmyphoneandcheckedtheti
me,itwas22:
00.

Igotoutofbed and wentdownst

air
s,Iwas shaken byt
he ni
ght
mar
e.I
'
ve had
ni
ght
maresbef
ore,
butt
hisone.
.Coul
dthi
sbeaboutmydeat
h?Wi
l
ltheAkerbet
heend
ofme??

ThedooropenedandLungi
wal
kedi
n..

Hi
m:Hey

Me:
Hey

Hi
m:Youokay
?

Me:
I'
m okay

Hi
m:Howi
sshe?

Me:
She'
ssl
eepi
ng,
Igav
ehersomesl
eepi
ngt
abl
ets

Hi
m:That
'sbet
ter

Me:
CanIbot
hery
ouwi
thsomet
hing?

Hi
m:Whati
sit
?

Me:Khaboi
supsett
hatMom andherki
dswon'
tbet
her
etoseeherwal
ki
ngdownt
he
ai
sl
e

Hi
m:Sher
elapsed?

Me:
Sor
tof

Hi
m:Sheshoul
dn'
thav
equi
tther
apyi
twast
ooear
ly

Me:
Tomor
rowmor
ningI
'
mtaki
ngherdownt
othev
il
lage,
foracl
eansi
ng

Hi
m:Theweddi
ngi
sonTuesday

Me:
Wewi
l
lbebackl
ater
,Ipr
omi
se

Hi
m:I
t'
sokayIsuppose

Me:
Iwoul
dappr
eci
atei
tifoneoft
hecompanydr
iver
scanaccompanyus

Hi
m:I
'
llmaket
hecal
l

Me:
Wel
eav
ingat3am

Hi
m:That
'sv
eryear
ly
Me:
Sucht
hingsar
edoneear
ly

Hi
m:I
t'
sokay
,I'
l
lmaket
hecal
l

Me:
Thanky
ou

Hi
m:Goodni
ght

Me:
Night

_
___
___
___
___
___

LORRAI
NE(
AKER)

Wewer
eint
hesecr
etr
oom,
Ilookedathi
m.

Me:
Ihav
enobadbl
oodwi
thy
ou

Hi
m:I
'
m her
etopr
otectmySon,
act
ual
l
ymySons

Theunfor
tunateparti
st hatIcan'
tdoanythi
ngtothisman, hi
ssoulispur e.Nowt hathe
i
sopeningupt ohisill
egiti
mateSoni tmakesthesituati
onwor se.I
fheper si
sts,heis
goingt
owakeLor rai
ne'sspiri
tdeepinsi
deofme.IfLorrai
newakesup, Iwillbeexpell
ed
fr
om herbody.Thatcannothappen,notunti
lwhatIcameher eforisachieved..

Me:Iwon'
tharmyoursons,Igi
veyoumywor d.I
'mjusther
eformyownreasons,
when
I
'm doneI
'
llgi
vey
ourexwifebackherbodyandthenyoucanhavey
ourr
evenge

Hi
m:I
fyouhar
mthem i
nanyway
,I'
m comi
ngf
orLor
rai
ne

Me:
Iunder
stand

Hi
m:Whatdi
dyoucomeher
efor
?

Me:
Nowt
hati
smybusi
ness,
Igi
vey
oumywor
dyoursonswi
l
lbeunhar
med

Hi
m:Ihopeso,
fory
oursake

Me:
I'
m gl
adweunder
standeachot
her

Hedi
sappear
ed.
..

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Ver
year
lyi
nthemor
ningwewokeupandpr
epar
edour
sel
ves,It
ookev
ery
thi
ngt
hatI
wasgoingtoneedforthecl
eansi
ng.Aski
ngNt
sikawasabadi
dea,hi
sdr
iverwoul
d'
ve
t
oldhi
mt hatIam f
rom t
heZi
khali
vil
l
age.

Il
ookedatKhabo.
.

Me:
Arey
our
eady
?

Shenodded.
.

Dr
iver
:Thi
sbagi
sheav
y

Me:
Iknow,
Ihav
eal
otoft
hingsi
nther
eancest
ral
thi
ngs.Becar
eful

Ihel
pedhi
mtoputiti
nthet
runk,t
henwegoti
nthecar
.I'
m gl
adLungii
sst
il
lsl
eepi
ng,
hedi
dn'
tseet
hebag..
.

_
___
___
___
___
___
_

LORRAI
NE(
AKER)

Il
ookedatt
hecarasi
tlef
tthr
ought
hewat
er.

Noks:
So?

Me:I
'm wai
ti
ngf
ort
hem t
oar
ri
vet
her
eandt
hrowy
ourbodyi
nthewat
er,
thenI
'
llt
akei
t
f
rom t
here

Noks:
Arey
ousur
eaboutt
his?

Me:
Arey
oudoubt
ingme?

Sher
aisedbot
hofherhandsup.
.

Noks:
Sowhat
'st
hepl
an?

Me:
Togety
out
otheweddi
ng,
you'
l
lbet
hebestgi
ftt
hatKhabodi
dn'
texpect

Noks:
That
'sbr
il
li
ant
,Ihopesheget
sahear
tat
tack

Me:
Thatwoul
dbeaneasydeat
h

Noks:
Eit
herway
,Ican'
twai
t!

Il
ookedatt
hewat
eragai
n..
.

_
___
___
___
I
BANATHI

Lat
eronthatmor
ning,Lungimetmeatt
heCemet
ery
.Wehadpl
annedt
ogot
omy
Fat
her
'sgr
ave.
.

Lungi
:Feel
ssodif
fer
ent
,thel
astt
imeIwasher
e.HewasmyFat
her
,now.
.Idon'
tev
en
knowwhattosay

Me:Despit
eeveryt
hingy
ouwer
est
il
lhi
sSon,
ifDadwasn'
tfondofy
ouhewoul
d'
veput
yououtbutherai
sedyou

Thismangav emeever
ythi
ngthatIwantedandNeeded.Bestpr
ivateschool
,hedid
everyt
hingformebutweneverhadt
hatSonandFat
herrel
ati
onshi
p.Itgotworsewhen
Ibanat
hi wasbor
n..

Me:
Whatar
ewegoi
ngt
odowi
thLor
rai
ne?

Hi
m:It
hinkweshoul
djustcutal
lti
eswi
thher
,asf
arasIknowwedon'
thav
epar
ent
s

Me:
That
'sagoodi
dea

Hi
m:Sheshoul
dn'
tev
enst
epf
ootatt
hecompany

Me:
May
bef
reezeal
lheraccount
s,sueherf
orev
erypenny
.Justmakeherl
i
femi
ser
abl
e

Hi
m:That
'st
hepl
anj
ustnotsur
eaboutherdar
kmagi
c

Me:
Wehav
eQondi
si
we

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Yout
hinkQondi
siwewoul
dst
il
lwannahel
paf
terev
ery
thi
ng?

Me:I
t'
shercall
ing,shecan'
tchoosewhoshewant
stohel
p.Idon'
tknowmuchabout
t
hesethi
ngsbutshehastohelp

Hi
m:Ihopeshewi
l
l

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Wear r
ivedatthevi
l
lage,i
twas7am.Befor
egoi ngt
otheKi ngwedr ovestr
aightt
othe
ri
ver.I
t'
sbeenawhi lesinceIl
astsetmyf oother
e,itbroughtbackmemor i
es.
.The
dri
verhelpedustogetthebagfrom t
hetr
unkandev ery
thingelsethatIwasgoingto
need.
..

Me:
Pleasegi
veussomepr
ivacy

Hegoti
nthecaranddr
oveof
f.
.

Me:
Let
'sdot
his

Wecar r
iedthebagt other
ock,thenweleti
tgoanditfel
lint
heriv
er.Welookedatthe
ri
verforaf ew minut
es,It
hinkitwassinki
ngdeeptothebottom oft
heriver
.Istood
ther
eandt houghtaboutmynightmar
e,coul
ditbet
hatsoonI'
l
lbetheonesinki
ngtothe
bott
om oftheriver
?

Khabo:
Qondi
si
we

Il
ookedather
..

Her
:Thecl
eansi
ng

Me:
Takeof
fyourcl
othes,
I'
ll
gett
heher
bsf
rom t
hesmal
lbag

_
___
___
___
___
___
__

LORRAI
NE(
AKER)

Me:
Per
fect
!

Itookmyst i
ckandwalkedoutofthesecr
etroom,Imademyt otheback.Ist
oodnext
tothepool.Ihi
tmysti
ck3t i
mesagainstthebri
cks,t
henIwal
kedovertothepooland
putiti
nsi
denotfari
nthough.Ist
art
edsti
ri
ng..

Isti
rr
edt hepool3t i
mes,thenthebagpoppedup.Ithenmademywayi nt
ot her
iverto
unzi
pit.Iunzippeditandtookherout,
herbodyfelli
nthewat er.It
ossedt hebagout.I
gotunderthewat erandunwrappedtheplast
icf
rom herhead, Noksmustbeoutoft he
waterthesamet imewhenKhaboget soutoft heri
verafterhercleansing.Khabo's
cl
eansing,andDalla'
spray
erwil
l bot
hbri
ngabouttherebi
rt
hofNokut hula..
.

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

AsKhabowasbat hi
ngwi ththeherbsthatIhav egi
venher,Ist
oodont herockand
startedsayi
ngtheNgwanecl annames.Iraisedbothmyhandsup,thei
ncensewasjust
ri
ghtatmyf eettogetherwiththecandles.Iwascalli
ngupontheancestorsofthis
vi
llage,theGuardi
anstof or
giveandcleanseher.Whenshegetsoutofthewater
,she
woul
dber
idofhersi
n..

Iwaspl
eadingwi
ththeancest
orstoblessherandstil
lgui
deandpr ot
ecther.AsIwas
goi
ngonandon,Ifel
tsomebr eezet
hatputthecandlesoutt
ogetherwit
hthei ncense.
Thi
swasnotgood,Il
ookedatKhaboandbehi ndherIsawablackshadow.Isit
hunzela,
i
mmediat
elymypowerlef
tme.Mykneesgotweak. .

Me:
Khabo!

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Getoutoft
hewat
err
ightnow!
!!
!!
!

Her
:Why
?Ar
ewedone?

Me:
Now!
!

Isankdowntomykneesasshegotoutoft
hewat er,t
heshadowfol
lowedherandgot
outofthewat
ert
hesamet i
measher.Itdi
sappearedthoughasshemadeherwayt o
me

Her
:Qondi
siwear
eyouokay
?

Me:
Somet
hingi
snotr
ight

Shegr
abbedt
het
owel
..

Her
:Whatdoy
oumean?

Me:Somet
hingi
sjustnotr
ight
,it
'
sli
kewebr
oughtsomet
hingbackt
oli
fe.Somet
hing
dar
k

_
___
___
___
___
___
__

LORRAI
NE(
AKER)

Sher
oseupf
rom undert
hewat
er,
Ilookedather
..

Me:
Wel
comebackmychi
l
d

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Wow,
thespel
lwor
ked.I
t'
sli
key
ouwer
enev
erhur
tatal
l

Noks:
I'
mfeel
i
ngcol
d
Me:ofcour
se,t
here'
saporti
onIneedyoutodri
nkitwil
lmakeyoust
rongyourbones
ar
esti
ll
abitweak.Thepor
ti
onwil
lal
sobri
ngthebabybackt
oli
fe,
unt
ilhi
sti
mecomes

Il
ookedatheragai
n..

Me:
Idi
dn'
tthi
nki
twasgoi
ngt
owor
k,Thanky
ouDal
l
a

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
70

QONDI
SIWE

Somethi
ngwasnotr i
ght
.Icoul dn'
tconnectwiththeotherGuardi
ansnomat terhow
muchItri
ed.Ithasnev
erhappenedbefore,Icoul
dfeeli
tdeepdownt hatsomet
hingwas
wrong.IwishNowisawasher e,shewouldknow whatt odo..Khabocamet omeand
hel
pedmet ogetup..

Me:Somethi
ngiswrong,
whatcameoutoft
hatwat
erwasdar
kandnowIcan'
tconnect
wi
ththeGuardi
ans

Khaboputbot
hherhandsonmycheek.
.

Her:Qondi
siwegetyourheadst
raight,tomor
row i
t'
smyweddingdayweneedtogo
backandfi
nali
zeevery
thi
ng.Whateverthati
shappeningher
ewewil
lat
tendt
oitl
ater
doyouhearme?

Inoddedmyheadr
epeat
edl
ywhi
l
ewi
pingmyt
ear
s..

Ki
ng:
Qondi
siwe

Wel
ookedathi
m,oneoft
heguar
dsmust
'
vet
oldhi
mthatweher
e..

Khabo:
Gety
ourheadst
rai
ght
!

_
___
___
___
___
___
_

LORRAI
NE(
AKER)

Ilookedatthem.WhenQondi si
weper f
ormedt hatcleansi
ngr it
ualf orhersister,she
forgotonet
hing.Theydumpedt hebodyinthewat erofwhicht heI ndoniYamanzir i
ver
alwayshastoremainpure.Theyhadbloodintheirhands,whichopenedapor t
alforme
togettheGuardiansbecausetheydi
dn'thaveprotecti
onany mor e.Nopr otecti
onf r
om
t
hei
rGr
eatancest
or,
andnopr
otect
ionf
rom t
hewat
ersi
ncei
twast
aint
edwi
thbl
ood.
.

Me:Inev erthoughtthi
swasgoi ngtohappen,lookaty outwo.TheGuardi
ansofthe
generati
onsthatoccupi
edal andthatoncebelongedtomeandmypeopl e.Thatl
and
wascur sedandy ouguy scamewi thyourancestorandt r
iedt
ol i
ftof
fthecurseby
guardingtheri
verandbri
ngi
ngitbacktoli
fe.Al
lthosesacri
fi
cesmade,ar
enowgone..

Nhl
anhla:Qondisi
we uzowaziamandla akhe,mhla ewaziuzoqeda ngawe ny
a!!
(
Qondisiwewi
ll
reali
zeherpower
,whenshedoes.She'
sgoi
ngtoputanendtoyou)

Il
ookedatt
hebowwithar
rowsanditl
avi
tat
ed,Iaimedi
tatt
hem.Ifoneofthem t
ri
est
o
dosomethi
ngst
upi
dthebowwil
lshootanarrow.Thear
rowshav
epoison.
.

Me:
Iwi
l
lseey
ouguy
s..Goodby
efornow

Iwal
kedoutofthesecretr
oom andl
ockedthedoorwhenIhear
dthedoorbel
lri
ngi
ng.I
mademywayt othekit
chentoopen,
itwasLungi
..Hel
ookedatme..

Me:
Doy
ouwantt
ocomei
n?

Hemadehi
swayi
n..
Icl
osedt
hedoor
..

Het
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Why ?Whydidyoudothatt
ome?Iam y ourson!Youmymot
her
,yousupposedt
o
l
oveandprot
ectmeatal
lti
mes!Isn'
tthatwhatmothersdo?

Me:
Ibel
i
eveso

Him:Sowhydidy oudoi t?Imighthaveforgi

veny
ouf orusingmet ogett hecompany
butI
'l
lnev
erforgiv
ey ouforsel
l
ingmet omyownsi st
er!I'
m getti
ngmar r
iedtomorr
ow,I
don'
twannaseey ou.Mat t
eroffactIdon'
twannahearanythingfrom y
ou!Youdeadt o
medoy ouunderstand?Youdeadandbur i
ed

Hethenmadehi
swayt ot hedoor
,hi
slit
tl
etant
rum i
sthel
astt
hingt
owor
ryabout
.I
hav
emoreimpor
tantt
hingstoworr
yabout.

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Khabogav
eussomespace.
.

Hi
m:Kunj
ani
?(Howar
eyou)
Me:
Ngi
yaphi
l
a(I
'
m wel
l
)

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Kwenzenj
ani
?(What
'swr
ong)

Me:
Konkenj
ekuy
amosheka(
Ever
ythi
ngi
snotgoi
ngwel
l
)

Hi
m:Nj
engani
?(Li
kewhat
)

Me:I mpiloy ami

,nginomthwal
o osi
ndayo emahl
ombe amiangi
cabanginj
e ukuthi
ngizokukhonakonke(
Myl i
fe,
Ihaveaheav
yburdensit
ti
ngonmyshoul
ders,
Idon'
tthi
nk
Icanmakei t)

Hi
m:Konakunzima,umthwal
owakhomkhul uf ut
hiusesemncane(
It
'sdi
ff
icul
t,y
our
r
esponsi
bil
i
tyi
sbi
ggert
hanyou.Youst
il
lyoung)

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..

Hi
m:Qondi
siwekukhonaekumel
eSi
khul
umengakho(
Qondi
siwet
her
e'ssomet
hingt
hat
weneedt
otalkabout
)

Myphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng,
Ilookedati
t.Idi
dn'
trecogni
zet
henumber
..

Me:
Ngi
cel
aukuphendul
a(MayIt
aket
hiscal
l
)

Imov
edawayandanswer
ed.
.

Me:
Hel
l
o?

Voi
ce:
I'
m onmywayt
oJohannesbur
g

Ir
ecogni
zet
hisv
oice.
.

Hi
m:TheAkerbei
ngher
eit
'
smyf
aul
t,I
'
m comi
ngdownt
her
etohel
pyou.Hel
pyouget
r
idofher

I
twasMakhosi
..

Me:
Ever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngbad,
Idon'
tknowwhatt
odoi
t'
s.
.

Hi
m:IknowandIunder
stand,
that
'
swhyI
'
m comi
ng

Me:
Howdi
dyougetmynumber
?

Hi
m:Nt
sika,
hecal
l
edmebecausehe'
swor
ri
edabouty
ou.Hef
eel
sli
key
oudi
stantev
er
si
ncey
ouguy
scamebackt
oJohannesbur
g

Icl
osedmyey
es.
.

Me:
Ntsi
ka

Hi
m:Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sgoi
ngt
owor
koutwel
l

Me:
Int
erestme,
howdowegetr
idofher
?

Hi
m:Wear
egoi
ngt
ousewhatshei
smostscar
edof

Me:
She'
sscar
edofsomet
hing?

Him:Theri
ver
,theonl
ywaytofightevi
liswi
thgood.Akeri
stheev i
lthatyoudon'
thav
e,
andyouthegoodthatshedoesn'thav
e.TheIndoniyamanzir
iverispure,t
hat'
sAker'
s
doom

Me:
Ther
iver

Him:Youaret heDal
la,thecreat
ureofnature.Qondisi
wey
ounotonl
yaGuardian,you
aret
her i
ver
.Ifther
iverdies,
youdie.That
'swhyTheAkerwant
stokil
ltheexi
stenceof
ther
ivert
opermanentlygetri
dofy oui
fnotturnitev
il

It
urnedar
oundandl
ookedatt
her
iver
,It
henl
ookedatmypendent
..

Ki
ng:
Qondi
siwe

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Ngi
yaxol
i
sakumel
engi
hambe(
I'
m sor
ry,
Ihav
etogo)

Ihungupandmademywayt
oKhabo.
.

_
___
___
___
___
_

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Iopenedt
hedoor
,itwasmyMot
herandBusi
.Theywer
ewi
thManqoba.
.

Me:
Goodmor
ning

Theygr
eet
edmeback.
..

Me:
Whatar
eyouguy
sdoi
ngher
e?

Ma:Imadeapr
omi
set
oQondi
siwet
hatt
omor
rowI
'
llat
tendherSi
ster
'sweddi
ng,
thi
sis
mekeepi
ngmypr
omi
se

Theywal
kedi
n..

Me:
I..Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay

Ma:
Iwashopi
ngt
haty
oucoul
daccommodat
eus

Me:
Ofcour
se.
.Youguy
sar
ewel
come

Il
ookedatManqoba,
heshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s..

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Khabo:
Sodoy
ouwannat
alkabouti
t?

Il
ookedather
..

Her
:What
everi
tist
hati
sbot
her
ingy
ou,
doy
ouwantt
otal
kabouti
t?

Me:
I'
drat
hernot

(
Sil
ence)

Khabo:Ourliv
eswer
esosi mpl
eonceuponat i
me,how di
dt hi
ngsgetsomessy ?
Ever
ythi
ngisamessand.
.Idon'
tknowbutImi
ssthatsi
mpl
eli
fe.JustYou,Me,Mom,
andthekids

Ihel
dherhand.
..

Me:Imissitt
oobutunf
ort
unat
elyt
hisi
sourlif
enowandweneedt
ofi
xev
ery
thi
ngt
hat
i
sbroken.
.Ever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngtobeokay,Ipr
omise

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
71

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Iwassi
tt
ingout
sideatt
hebackwi
thmyl
i
ttl
ebr
other
..

Hi
m:Thi
ngsgoodbet
weeny
ouandQondi
siwe?
Me:
Notatal
l
..

Hi
m:What
'swr
ong?

Me:She'
sabitdi
stant,al
ltheti
mewhent hathappenssomet
hingi
swr
ong.Ihopet
his
t
imearoundshewon'tbesleepi
ngwi
thherex

Hi
m:Hav
eyout
ri
edt
alki
ngt
oher
?Aski
ngherwhat
'swr
ong?

Me:
NoIhav
en'
t

Hi
m:May
bey
oushoul
dot
hert
hanj
ustbei
ngqui
ett
oo

Me:
Yout
hink?

Hi
m:Yeah..I
'
m noexpertbutwhensomeonei
squi
et,t
heymost
lygoi
ngt
hrought
he
mostwai
ti
ngforsomeonet
oreachout

Me:
I'
ll
tal
ktohert
omor
rowatt
heweddi
ng

Hi
m:That
'sagoodi
dea

Me:
Howcomey
oust
il
lsi
ngl
e?

Hechuckl
ed.
.

Hi
m:I
'
m st
il
ll
ooki
ng

Me:
I'
vebeenmeani
ngt
oasky
ousomet
hing

Hi
m:Yeah?

Me:
Woul
dli
key
out
oteachatmyschool
,Mat
hs

Hi
m:WhendoIst
art
?

Me:
Monday
..Justt
okeepbusy

Hi
m:Howmuchar
eyoupay
ingme?

Me:
Your
ich,
youdon'
tneedt
ogetpai
d

Hi
m:I
'
llbewor
king,
Ineedt
ogetpai
d

Me: I
'
llmakesur
eacontracti
sdr
aft
ed,
ify
ouwannagetpai
dthenI
'
llneedy
out
osubmi
t
yourCVandquali
fi
cat
ions
Hi
m:Youof
fer
edmet
hej
obIdi
dn'
tasky
ouf
ori
t

Me:
I'
mjustj
oki
ngMan

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Iwaspacingupanddownatt hekit
chenwait
ingforhimtocall
,hetoldmehewi llcal
l
whenthetaxii
satthegate.Ihav
en'
tspokentoLungisaaboutMakhosistay
inghere,but
Ihopethathewon'
tmi nd.
.Ifi
nal
lygotanSmsf r
om him,I'
m gl
adthedirect
ionsItexted
him di
dn'
tgethi
mlost.Iopenedthedoorandwalkedouttogethi
m, hewasst andi
ngat
thegatewit
hhisl
uggage..

Me:
Whatdi
dyout
ell
theki
ng?

Iopened.
.

Hi
m:Justal
ongbor
ingst
ory

Me:
I'
m gl
ady
ouher
e

Ihel
pedhi
m wi
thhi
sluggage.
.

Me:
Weneedt
ogett
hist
hingdonesoIcangobackt
omyl
i
fe

Hi
m:I
twon'
tbet
hateasyt
hough,
Akerwon'
tgodownwi
thoutaf
ight

Me:
I'
m pr
epar
ed

Iopenedt
hedoorandwewal
kedi
n..

Me:
Wel
come

Hi
m:Thanky
ou

Wemadeourwayupst
air
sbuthest
oppednextt
othecof
feet
abl
eint
hel
ounge.
.

Hi
m:Somet
hinghappenedher
e

Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.

Hi
m:Al
i
fewast
akeni
nthi
sver
yroom

Isi
ghed,
hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Whathappened?
Me:
It'
sal
ongst
ory

Hi
m:Letmeseey
ourhands

Iputev
ery
thi
ngdown,
hehel
dmyhands.
.

Heshookhi
shead.
.

Me:
What
?

Him:Youhelpedt
ocov
erupamur
der
,yourhandshel
dadeadper
sonadeat
hthatwas
notnat
ural

Me:
It'
sal
ongst
oryt
hatIdon'
twantt
oexpl
ain

Hi
m:Youshoul
dbecauset
hisi
sser
ious,
youshoul
dn'
tbedoi
ngsucht
hingsi
t'
snoty
ou.
I
t'
snotwhoyouar
e..

Hehel
dmypendent
..

Hi
m:Ther
iver
,it
'suncl
ean

Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?

Hi
m:Whatdi
dyoudo?

Khabo:
Qondi
si
we

Wel
ookedather
,shewaswal
ki
ngdownt
hest
air
s..

Me:
Thi
sismyf
ri
endt
hatIwast
ell
i
ngy
ouabout

Khabo:
Hel
ooks.
..

Seer
:I'
m aseer

Khabo:
Likeaseer

Theseerst
ret
chedhi
shandt
oKhabo.
.

Khabo:
Khabo

Khabost
ret
chedhi
shandt
ohi
m..

Hi
m:Thanky
ouf
oral
l
owi
ngmet
ost
ayher
e

Khabo:
Youwel
come
Me:
I'
ll
showy
out
otheguestr
oom

Seer
:Thanky
ou

Wewal
kedupst
air
stot
heguestr
oom.
.

Seer
:Yoursi
ster
,shehasbl
oodi
nherhands

Me:
It'
sal
ongst
oryt
rustme

Seer
:It
'sal
ongst
oryt
hatt
heAkert
ookadv
ant
ageof

Me:
Huh?

Hi
m:Yout
wowentt
other
ivert
hismor
ningf
oracl
eansi
ngr
ight
?

Inodded.
.

Him:Itwasnotdonefortherightr
easons,wheny oucl
eansedhery
ouopenedaport
al
thatconnect
edyout
oAker .Youdidn'
tcleansebutyouhel
pedAkertobr
ingbackt
oli
fe
someonewhohadalreadypassedon

Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Hi
m:Sher eal
l
ydidn'
tcomebacktolif
e,sheisashadow.uyi
sit
hunzela,becauseas
muchasherdeat
hwaspremat
urebutshehaddi
ed.Whatcamebackisjustashadow

Isatont
hebed.
.

Me:
Thi
sisget
ti
ngt
ougher
..Howdowegett
hewat
ert
obepur
eagai
n?

Hi
m:Youneedt
ogot
other
iver
,youneedt
oconnectwi
tht
her
iver

Me:
Wecandot
hat

Hi
m:Idon'
tthi
nkyouunderst
and,youneedtogother
eandbeundert
her
iverf
oratl
east
3day
s.Theriv
erwil
ldet
erminei
fitwil
lbri
ngyoubackort
akeyou

It
houghtabouti
t.
.

Me:
Whyme?Whydi
dithav
etobeme?

Hi
m:Weal lhav
edest
ini
es,ot
her
sthei
rdest
inyi
smuchgr
eat
ert
hat
'show l
i
fehas
i
ntendedi
ttobe

Me:
Ijustwannabedonewi
thev
ery
thi
ng
Hi
m:Youwi
l
lIpr
omi
se

_
___
___
___
___
___
_

LORRAI
NE(
AKER)

Me:
Sindi
?

Her
:IhopeIdi
dn'
tcomeatt
hewr
ongt
ime

Me:
Notatal
l
..Pl
easecomei
n

Shemadeherwayi
n..

Me:
Howar
eyou?

Her
:I'
m wel
landhowar
eyou?

Me:
I'
m wel
ltoo

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h..

Her
:I'
veconsi
der
edy
ourof
fer
,Iwannat
akei
t

Me:
Myof
fer
?

Her
:Thepor
ti
on

Me:
Ohwy
est
hat

Her
:Itst
il
lst
andsr
ight
?

Me:
Wel
l
..Ther
e'saf
ewchanges

Her
:Whatchanges?

Me:
Don'
twor
ryI
'
llsor
tyouout

Her
:Ihopeso

Me:
Don'
twor
ryI
'
llf
indaway

Her
:Thanky
ou

Me:
Car
etoj
oinmef
oradr
ink?

Her
:I'
dlov
etoo,
thanky
ou
Me:
Pleasef
oll
owme

Shef
oll
owedme.
.

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Khabo:
Whati
shappeni
ng?

Me:
Wit
h?

Her
:Yournewf
ri
end?

Me:
He'
sjusther
etohel
pus

Her
:OhwIsee

Me:
Goi
ngsomewher
e?

Her
:YesI
'
m meet
ingLungi
wegoi
ngt
ocheckt
hepl
aceandi
fev
ery
thi
ngi
sgoi
ngwel
l

Me:
Okayt
hat
'sgood

Her
:Usual
l
ypeopl
eshoul
dbegoi
ngupanddownbut
-

Me:
It'
sokayj
ustmakesur
ethatev
ery
thi
ngi
ssetwel
lfort
omor
row

Her
:I'
l
ldot
hat

Ihuggedher
..

Me:
Ever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngt
obef
ine

Her
:Ipr
ayev
ery
thi
nggoeswel
l

Me:
Ipr
omi
se

Myphonebeeped.
.Ibrokethehugandcheckedit
.Itwasamessagef
rom Nt
sikat
ell
i
ng
methathi
sMom arri
vedtoday,Ihadt
otal
l
yforgot
tenaboutt
hat
..

Khabo:
Whati
sit
?

Me:
Ntsi
ka'
smot
herwi
l
lbecomi
ngt
omor
rowf
ort
heweddi
ng

Khabo:
TheQueen?
Me:
Yes

Her
:Wow.
.May
bet
heweddi
ngwon'
tbet
hatbadt
omor
row

Me:
Exact
ly

Her
:Okayl
etmego

Me:
Seey
oul
ater

Her
:By
e

_
___
___
___
___
___
_

LORRAI
NE(
AKER)

Ican'
ttouchIbanathibutIcandosomet hingtoSi
ndi
,Ineedtohel
phersitthatI
banathi
canfal
linlovewi t
hher.Theonl ywaytodot hati
stocomeupwi t
hsomet hingt
hatwi l
l
makehi m seeherinadi f
ferentway,t
hesamewayt hatheseesQondi
siwe.That'
sthe
onlywayhe'sgoingtofalli
nlovewit
hher .
.

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
72

QONDI
SIWE

[
WEDDI
NGDAY]

Iam sogl
adthatAkhonaandHappycametothewedding,
it'
sbeenawhile.Wewer
eal
l
i
nthebedroom hel
pingKhabo,
Bet
tywasher
etoo.Bet
tyandIwear eherBri
de'
smai
ds.
.

Makeupar
ti
st:
Stopt
alki
ng,
wewon'
tfi
nish

Khabo:
Sor
ry

Theweddi
ngwi
l
lbeatt
hegar
den,
justf
ami
l
y,cl
osef
ri
endsandLungi
'
scol
l
eagues.

TheSeerwasatt
hegar
dent
ryi
ngt
opr
otectt
hepl
acef
rom ev
ilandal
sowel
comi
ng
guest
s..

Il
ookedatAkhonaandHappy
..

Me:
Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ngguy
s
Happy
:Nopr
obl
em

Akhona:
Iev
enbr
oughty
ousomeschool
wor
ktocat
chupon

Me:
Iappr
eci
atet
hat
,thanky
ouv
erymuch

Khabo:
Whatt
imei
sit
?

Me:
Wel
eftwi
thahour

Bet
ty:
Weshoul
dpr
aybef
orewel
eav
e

Akhona:
That
'sagoodi
dea

Bet
tyandIwewereready
,wewer
ewearingwhi
tedr
essestoo.Khabowant
edt
ogowi
th
al
lwhit
e,Lungi
andhi
sPeopl
ewe'
llbeweari
ngbl
ackandred.
.

Thedecori
sred&whit
e.Ir
eal
lydi
dn'tt
hinkt
hatweweregoingt
opullt
hisof
finsucha
shor
tspaceoft
ime,
Khabohadaskedmet owal
kherdowntheai
sle.
.

_
___
___
___
_

LUNGI
SA

Me:
Ibanat
hidoy
ouhav
ether
ings?

I
banat
hi:
YesIdo.
..Rel
axBr
o

Mybestfri
endcouldn'tf
lydowntoSAformywedding,hi
sfl
i
ghtwascancel
ed.Butat
l
eastIhav
eIbanat
hi andhisf
ri
endsCJasmybestMen..

I
banat
hi:
IfDadwasher
e,hewoul
dbepr
oud

Me:
Yout
hink?

Hi
m:Iknowhewoul
d

CJ:
Wel
lgent
lemenIt
hinkweshoul
dgodown

Hel
ookedatus.
.

CJ:
Arey
our
eady
?

I
banat
hi:
Wer
eady

CJ:
Let
'sgot
hen,
Isawaf
ewguest
scomi
ngi
n
Me:
Let
'sgoboy
s

Weal
lmadeourwaydownst
air
s.Thewhol
eweddi
ngi
sgoi
ngt
obeatourhouse,ev
en
t
her
ecept
ion.
.

_
___
___
___
___

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Il
ookedatt
het
ime.
.

Iknockedatt
heguestr
oom agai
n..

Me:
Ma?

Mom:
Wecomi
ng

Me:
Wegoi
ngt
obel
ate

Busi
:Weal
mostdone

Manqobamadehi
swayt
ome.
.

Manqoba:
Thecari
sready

Me:
MaandBusi
aredel
ayi
ng

Manqobawasaboutt
oknockwhent
hedooropened.
.

Mom:
Wecangonow

Manqoba:
Wow,
thi
sisacr
imey
oucan'
tout
shi
net
hebr
ide

Mom:
I'
m sur
eshewi
l
llookbeaut
if
ul

Me:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulMa,
andy
oul
i
ttl
esi
s

Ma:
Thanky
ou

Busi
:Let
'sgot
hen

Wemadeourwayt
othecar
..

_
___
___
___
___
___
_

LORRAI
NE(
AKER)
Ihandedheragl
assofwat
er.
.

Me:
Arey
ouokay
?

Si
ndi
nodded.
..

Me:Thest
onet
hatIgav
eyout
oswal
l
ow i
sver
ypower
ful
,I'
m sor
ryy
ouexper
ienci
ng
nasuea

Si
ndi
:Ishoul
dsi
tdown

ImadeSinditoswall
owar edstonethatIhadblessed.Thisstonewillov
ershadowher
Si
ndi
'shearti
twi l
lmakeherpumpt hesamehear tthatI
banathifel
linlovewith.Which
wasQondisi
we's.Hewil
lbebli
ndtoQondisiwe,
andhewi llseeQondisiweinSindi.
..
.

Ihopethiswor
ks,i
ttakesadayt
owor
k.Tomor
rowwhenhewakesuphemi
ghtev
en
askhertomarr
yhim..
.

Nokst
ookof
fhe'
dshoes.
..

Noks:
Imi
ghtaswel
lj
ustundr
ess,
wegoi
ngt
obel
ate

Me:
Pat
ience,
wewi
l
lgett
otheweddi
ng

Noks:
Letmegetmy
sel
fagl
assofwi
ne

Si
ndi
:Shoul
dyoubedr
inki
ngi
nyourst
ate?

Noks:
TrustmeIshoul
d

Shest
oodupandwentt
opourher
sel
fagl
assofwi
ne

_
___
___
___
___

QONDI
SIWE

Happycameback.
.

Happy
:Itseemsl
i
keev
ery
onewhohast
obeher
e,i
sher
e

Khabo:
Howmanyguest
sar
eher
e?

Happy
:May
be25or30

Khabo:
Idi
dn'
texpectsomanypeopl
e

Akhona:
Gir
lthi
sisnot
hing
Happy
:Akhonaweshoul
dgodown

Akhona:
Wewi
l
lseey
ouguy
s

Me:
Okay

Theyl
eft
..

Il
ookedatKhabo.
.

Me:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul

Herdresswaswhite,wi
thsomesi
l
verdecor
ati
onar
oundherbr
eastar
ea.Hershoes
weresil
ver&whi
te.
.

Shel
ookedather
sel
fint
hemi
rr
or.
.

Khabo:
It'
shappeni
ng,
I'
m get
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
oday

Me:
Mom woul
dbepr
oud

Khabonodded.
.

Makeup:
Pleasedon'
tcr
yandr
uinmymakeup

Khabo:
I'
ll
trynott
oo

Me:
Let
'spr
ayagai
nbef
orewego

Ihel
dherhandsandt
henwepr
ayed.
.

_
___
___
___
___
__

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Iwasr
eli
evedt
hatwewer
enott
hatl
ate,
thebr
idehasn'
twal
keddownt
heai
sle.
.

Ma:
Thei
rhousei
sver
ybeaut
if
ul

Busi
:Iti
sindeed

Ma:
Aret
heyr
ich?

Me:
Thesoont
obehusbandi
swel
lfi
nanci
alst
abl
e,hei
saCEOathi
sfami
l
y'scompany

Ma:
Isee.
.Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul
Manqoba:
Seer
?

Ma:
What
?

Hewal
kedupt
ous.
.

Seer
:Ndl
ovukazi

Hebowedal
i
ttl
e..
.

Ma:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Hi
m:Iwasher
etobl
esst
heweddi
ng,
Qondi
siwecal
l
edmet
ocomedown

Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyousay
?

Seer
:It
houghti
twasn'
ti
mpor
tant

Ma:
Whatdi
dtheKi
ngsay
?

Seer
:Idi
dn'ttel
lhi
mt het
rut
h,hewoul
dn'
thav
eletmecome.Ihadt
ocome,
Qondi
siwe
i
sagoodf r
iendofminenow

Ma:
Wel
lwewi
l
lkeepy
oursecr
et

Seer
:Thanky
ou

Manqoba:
Weshoul
dgoandsi
tdown

Wemadeourwayt othegar den,wefoundandemptyrow andsatdown.Il

ookedat
I
banat
hi,hel
ookedatmet oo.Icoul
dtellt
hathewasnotpl
easedwithmebeingher
e,
any
thi
ngtoir
ri
tat
ehimI'
dtakeit.
..
.

_
___
___
___
__

KHABONI
NA

Qondi
siwegav
emet
hebouquetoff
lower
s..

Me:
Thanky
ou

Her
:Let
'sgo

Iputmyhandunderherar
mthenwemadeourwaydownst
air
s.

Il
ikedt
hedecor
ati
on,aredcarpetwaslai
dont hest
air
s.Theladi
esIhi
reddi
dagood
j
ob.Thecar
petext
endedtothegarden,wher
ethemostbeautywas.Whenwestoodat
thedoor,therev
erendinstr
uctedev er
yonetostandup.Ev
ery
onest
oodup.Idi
dn'
t
expectsoomuchguests.Theyall
stucktothet
heme..

Qondi
siwe:
Wowt
heQueenandPr
incessr
eal
l
ycame?

Me:
Wher
ear
ethey
?

Her
:Theysi
tt
ingt
her
e

IsawNt
sikat
henIr
anmyey
esi
nhi
srowandsawhi
sMot
her
.

Me:
She'
sbeaut
if
ul

Her
:Ver
y

Me:
Shemustbef
ondofy
ou,
tol
eav
eherki
ngdom anddut
iest
ocomeher
e

Me:
She'
sav
eryni
ceper
son

Thebandst
art
edwi
tht
hesong"
Her
ecomest
hebr
ide)

Qondi
siweandIst
art
edwal
ki
ngdownt
heAi
sle.
.

Her
:Atl
eastt
hewi
tchi
snother
e

Me:
Theweddi
ngmi
ghtj
ustbeper
fect

Whenwegott
othef
ront
,shehandedmet
oLungi
sa.
.

Lungi
:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul

Me:
Youl
ookhandsome

Iwasn'
twear
ingav
eil
,Bet
tysai
dsi
nceIhav
eki
dsI
'
m notsupposedt
oputonone.
.

Ev
ery
onesatdown.
.

Rev:Wear
eal
lgat
her
edher
eint
hehol
ymat
ri
monyofLungi
saBi
yel
aandKhaboni
na
Langa

Lungi
smi
l
edatme.
.

Rev
:Wewi
l
lopent
hecer
emonywi
thapr
ayer

Weal
lcl
osedourey
esashepr
ayedunt
ilhewasdone.
.

Rev
:WhatGodhasr
euni
ted,
nomanshal
lsepar
ate
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hatwewer
edoi
ngt
his,
wewer
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
..

Rev
:I'
m sur
ethatt
heCoupl
ehasv
owst
osayt
oeachot
her

Theygav
eLungi
themi
c..

Hi
m:Fi
rstofal
lyoul
ookbeaut
if
ul

Ismi
l
ed.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Him:Af ewy earsagoIwasi natoxicrel

ationship,Ihadgivenuponl ove.Ineverknew
thattr
ueloveexisteduntilyoucameintomyl i
fe.Ifelli
nlovewit
hyout heveryf
irstt
ime
whenIsaw y ou,andhonest l
yspeakingInev ert houghtthatwewoul dbeheret oday
.
Thanky ouforrespecti
ngme, l
ovi
ngme, suppor t
ingme, andbeinghonestwithme.Iam
preparedtospendt herestofmylifewit
hy ou,Ilovey ou

Hepassedmet
hemi
c..

Me:
Wow.
.HowdoIt
opt
hat
?

Ev
ery
onel
aughed.
.

Me:WhenIf i
rstmety ou,youhadcomet omyhouse.Whatr eal
lyt ookmewashow
comfortabl
ey ouwerewi thus,Idi
dn'
tunderstandwhysomeonel ikey ouwoul
df i
nd
comfortwithpeopl
eli
keus.Wewer ever
ypoorbutthatdidn'
tmatterinyourey
es.Ihad
twor el
ati
onshipspri
ort othi
soneandt heyneverwor ked.Ihadgi venuponl ove
becauseIthoughtal
lMenwer ethesame,unti
lyouwalkedintomylif
e

If
oughtbackt
ear
s..
.

Me:
Iwasi
nav
erydar
kpl
acean-

Isawhi m mov i
nghisey estothedoor,hi
sey eswi dened.Imov edminetooandIwasn't
preparedf orthis.Lorrai
ne,Noks,andSindiwal kedi n.IdroppedtheMi casmyey es
l
andedonNoksandherbi gtummy .Thewhol egar denst art
edspinni
ng,myhear t
skippedal otofbeat s.Myt hroatcl
osedupandmywhol ebodyst ar
tedtrembli
ng.I
l
ookedatQondi siwe,shelookedatmet oo.Shewasal soshocked.Theysatdownatt he
fr
ontr ow, Nokshadt hissmi r
konherface.Sheputherhandonhert ummy .Howisthis
possible?We. .Sheisdead! !Sheshoul
dn'tbeher e.IlookedatLungi,hewasmumbl ing
somet hing.Icouldn'
thearwhathewassay ing.Mybodybecameweak, ifIdon'
tgetout
ofhere, Imightjustcoll
apse..
Qondisi
wemadeherwayt ome,shest
oodbehindme.Shet ookof
fherneckl
aceand
putitar
oundmyneck,
shetur
nedmearoundandthenputoneofmyMother'
sbracel
ets
aroundmyarm.
.Shehuggedme.
.

Me:
Howi
sthi
spossi
ble?

Qondi:
Myneckl acegi
vesmestrengthwhenIf eel
weak, t
hatbr
acel
etshouldr
emindyou
ofwhoy ouare.YouareBawini
l
e'sdaughter,t
hestrongestwomanever.Youneedtodo
thi
s,wewill
deal wi
tht
helat
terl
ater.Shebrokethehug..

Qondi
:I'
l
lst
andher
enextt
oyou

Shest
oodnextt
ome,
blocki
ngmyv
iewofseei
ngNoks.
.

Lungi
:Ar
eyouokay
?

Inodded.
.Qondi
pickedupt
hemi
c..

Lungi
:I'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
tknowt
heywoul
dcome

I
'
m sur
ethi
sisal
sohar
donhi
m..

Qondi
handedmet
heMi
c..

Me:Al
lthatIwastr
yingtosaywasthat
..Il
oveyouandt
hanky
ouf
orchoosi
ngme,
Iam
pr
epar
edt ospendt
her estofmyl
i
fewit
hy outoo

Rev
:Ri
ngspl
ease

I
banat
hibr
oughtt
her
ings.
.

I
ba:
Shoul
dIescor
tthem out
?

Lungi
:Yespl
ease

Me:
No.
..I
t'
smyweddi
ngday
,Iwon'
tl
ett
hem r
uini
t

TheRevgav
eust
her
ings.
.

Rev:Lungi
saBiy
eladoyoutaket
hiswoman,t
obey ourl
awfulweddedwife.Doy
ou
promisetol
oveheri
ngoodandbadti
mes?Si
cknessandi
nhealt
h?Unti
ldeathdoy
ou
apart
?

Lungi
:Ido

Heputsl
i
dther
ingi
n..
Rev:KhaboninaLangadoyout
aket
hismantobeyourlawf
ulweddedhusband?Doy ou
promisetolovehimingoodandbadti
mes?Insi
cknessandinhealt
h?Untildeat
hdo
youapart
?

Me:
Ido

Isl
i
dther
ingi
n..

Rev
:Inowpr
onouncey
ouhusbandandwi
fe,
youmaynowt
heki
sst
hebr
ide

Hewal
kedcl
osert
omeandputhi
shandsonmycheeks,
het
henki
ssedmeasev
ery
one
st
oodupandst
art
edcl
appi
ng.
.

Tobecont
inued

Noedi
ts

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
73

QONDI
SIWE

[
WEDDI
NGPARTTWO]

Aftertheceremonytheguestswentinsi
detot
her
ecept
ionwhi
l
stthebr
ideandgroom
remainedtot akeafewpict
ures.Khabogav
emebackmyneckl
aceandIworei
t,t
henI
wenttohav eawor dwit
hMakhosi..

Me:
Thatl
adyi
ssupposedt
obedead

Makhosi
:She'
sashadow

Me:
Howi
sitt
hatshecanbeseen?

Hi
m:Wedeal
i
ngwi
thTheAkerher
e,ev
ery
thi
ngi
spossi
ble

Me:
TheAker
?She'
sar
ound?

Hi
m:Ibel
i
eveso,
ift
hatl
adyi
sashadowt
hatmeansAkeri
scl
ose

Me:
Ican'
tseeherany
wher
e

Hi
m:Shei
susi
ngsomeone'
sbodyasav
essel

Me:
Canshedot
hat
Hi
m:AsI
'
vesai
d,she'
stheAker

Me:
Howdowef
indher
?

Hi
m:Youwi
l
lknow

Me:Ineedtogoandgr
eett
heQueen,wewi
l
ltal
klat
er.
.Khabomustnev
erf
indout
aboutt
his

Hi
m:Myl
i
psar
eseal
ed

Iwal
kedov
ert
oNt
sikaandhi
sfami
l
y..

Queen:
Andt
her
eshei
s

Shehuggedme.
.

Her
:Youl
ookni
ce

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.Youl
ookni
cet
oo

Busi
:Hi

Me:
Hey

Shehuggedmet
oo.
.

Me:
Ili
key
ourdr
ess

Busi
:Thanky
ouv
erymuch

Manqoba:
Qondi
si
we

Me:
Manqoba

It
urnedt
oNt
sika.
.

Me:
Youl
ooki
nggood

Hi
m:Yout
oo

Thi
ngsbet
weenusar
en'
tgood,I
'
vebeendeal
i
ngwi
thal
otl
atel
yandIki
ndofpushed
hi
m awayabi
t.
.

Manqoba:
Madon'
tyouwannasi
tdownabi
t?

Queen:
Yespl
ease.
.Let
'sgot
othet
abl
e
ManqobaandBusi
fol
l
owedher
,gi
vi
ngmeandNt
sikasomepr
ivacy
..
.

Me:
Doy
ouwannat
akeawal
kout
side?

Hi
m:Idon'
tseewhyweshoul
dn'
t

Wewal
kedt
othedoorwhenIf
eltsomeonet
ouchi
ngmyar
m,It
urnedandi
twasSi
ndi
..

Her
:Qondi

Me:
Sindi

Her
:Youl
ookgood

Me:
Youl
ookgoodt
oo

Her
:Thanky
ou

(
Sil
ence)

Me:
Iwasgoi
ngoutf
orawal
kdi
dyouwantsomet
hing?

Her
:Nouhm.
.Justwant
edt
ogr
eety
ou

Me:
OhwIsee

Her
:May
besomet
imewecanuhm.
.May
bewec-

Lor
rai
neshowedup.
.

Her
:Si
ndi

Si
ndi
:Lor
rai
ne

Lor
rai
ne:
Qondi
siwe

Me:
Lor
rai
ne

Lor
rai
ne:
Notev
enahug?

Iwentandhuggedher,shefel
tver
ycold.Col
dasi
ce.I
tdawnedonmet
hatt
heonl
y
per
sonwhocanbethiscold,
isTheAker
..

Shebr
oket
hehug,
Ilookedather
..

Me:
Ohhmywor
d
Lor
rai
ne:
Goodseei
ngy
ouagai
n

Sheputherar
m ov
erSi
ndi
'
sshoul
der
sthent
heywal
kedaway
..It
urnedandl
ookedat
Ntsi
ka.
.

Me:
Rai
ncheckont
hatwal
k?

Hi
m:Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?

Me:
Iknowt
hingsar
enotgoodbet
weenusbut
..Ihav
etoat
tendt
osomet
hing

Hechuckl
ed.
.

Hi
m:Yeahwhat
ever

Hewal
kedbackt
ohi
sfami
l
y,Iwentt
oMakhosi
..

_
___
___
___
_

KHABONI
NA

Phot
ogr
apher
:Onel
astpi
ctur
e

Het
ookt
hepi
ctur
e,Nokswassi
tt
ingonachai
rjustcl
oset
ous.
.

Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuchIt
hinkwehav
eenoughpi
ctur
es

Thephot
ogr
aphernoddedandwal
kedaway
,Noksmadeherwayt
ous.
.

Her
:Itwasabeaut
if
ulcer
emony

Webot
hdi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.

Her
:Khaboy
oul
ookni
ce

Me:
Thanky
ou

Noks:
Lungi
coul
dyoupl
easegi
veussomespace?

Lungi
lookedatme,
Inodded.
.

Lungi
:I'
l
lbei
nsi
de

Hewal
kedi
nsi
de.
.

Noks:
Lookaty
ouwi
thawhi
tedr
essandev
ery
thi
ng
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Her
:Don'
twor
ry.
.Yoursecr
eti
ssaf
ewi
thme

Me:
Whatsecr
et?

Her
:Ohhpl
ease.
.Don'
tgi
vemet
hat

Il
ookedather
..

Her:Pushi
ngme,wrappi
ngmewi
thapl
ast
ic.St
uff
ingmybodyi
nal
uggaget
hen
t
hrowingmybodyi
nthatr
iver

Me:
Howar
eyoust
il
lal
i
ve?

Her
:Ihav
emanyl
i
ves,
I'
mli
keacat

Lor
rai
neandSi
ndi
wal
kedupt
ous.
.

Lor
rai
ne:
Khabo.
.Lookaty
ou

Me:
Lor
rai
ne

Her
:Don'
tl
ooksodi
sappoi
nted

Noks:Shegav
emet
hatl
ookt
oo,f
orsomeonewhoj
ustgotmar
ri
edt
hatl
ooki
sver
y
sour

Si
ndi
:Heysi
s

Ir
oll
edmyey
esandwal
kedbackt
othehouse.
.

Si
ndi
:Shest
il
lhat
esme

Noks:
Shehat
esev
ery
one

Lor
rai
ne:
Let
'
sal
lgobacki
nsi
de

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

I
banat
hit
ookt
hemi
c..

I
ba:
Canweal
lset
tl
edown

Seer
:Let
'sgoandsi
tdown,
wewi
l
ltal
kaboutt
hisl
ater
Wewentandj
oinedtheMkhi
zef
ami
l
y,Isatnextt
oNt
sika.
.Hel
eanedov
erand
whi
sper
edi
nmyear.
.

Hi
m:Youspendmor
eti
mewi
tht
heseert
hany
oudowi
thme?

Me:
Jeal
ous?

Hi
m:Abi
t

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
I'
m sor
ry

Hi
m:Ij
ustmi
ssmygi
rl
fr
iend

Me:
Tel
lyouwhat
?May
bel
ateronIcancomef
orasl
eepov
er

Hi
m:Nowwet
alki
ng

Hehel
dmyhand.
.

I
ba:Iwannast
artof
fbysay
ingt
hanky
out
oev
ery
onewhowasabl
etoat
tendt
he
weddi
ng

Nt
sikaki
ssedmeonmyneck.
.

Me:
Behav
eyour
sel
f

Hi
m:Ij
ustwannai
rr
it
atehi
m

Me:
Yourmom i
sher
e,t
hisbehav
iouri
sinappr
opr
iat
e

Hi
m:Sheknowst
hatwedat
ingandt
hatwef
ucki
ng

Il
aughedoutLoud,
ever
yonel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Sor
ry

Iputmyhandov
ermymout
h..

I
banat
hil
ookedatme.
.

Iba:YouknowIwasgoingtof ol
lowi
nmyBr ot
her'
sshoes.Maybegetti
ngmar r
iedtoo
someday .Iwasoncei
nlovewi t
hthi
sothergir
lwhowasi nnocent
.Innocent
,beaut
iful
andv er
yhumble.
.Matt
eroffactIam hervi
rgi
nbreaker
,Iwantedtomar r
yheroneday .
Someday
Me:
Her
ewego

I
ba:Her
e'st
het hi
ngnevertr
usti
nnocentlooki
nggi
rl
s,t
heyaretheworst
.Yeahtheyhi
de
behi
ndt
hatinnocencebutunder
neat
ht heyrot
tent
othecor
e!!Isayf
uckthatshi
t!
!

Queen:
Whosechi
l
dist
his?

Nt
sika:
That
'sLungi
'
sbr
other

Queen:
Nor
espectatal
lwhat
soev
er

I
ba:Itr
ulylov
edher
,yeahIdi
d.Whatdi
dshedowi
tht
hatl
ove?Shewentandhadan
abor
ti
on!!
!

Nt
sikal
etgoofmyhand.
.

Khabogotupandwentt
ohi
m..

I
ba:
Beaut
if
ulandi
nnocent
,shewentandki
l
ledmybabywi
thoutev
ent
ell
i
ngme!
!

Khabo:
That
'senough,
thanky
ouv
erymuchI
banat
hi

Khabot
ri
edt
otaket
hemi
cfr
om hi
m buthepr
otest
ed.
.

Khabo:
Don'
tdot
his.
.

I
ba:Why?Becausei
t'
syoursi
ster
..Youknowher
e'st
het
hingwi
thy
ouLangagi
rl
s,y
ou
ar
edir
tyt
othecore

Lor
rai
ne:
Letmybabyspeak!
!!

Thi
swasget
ti
ngembar
rassi
ng,
Sindi
gotupandwentt
othem.
..

Si
ndi
:Iba.
.

Khabo:
Takey
ourboy
fri
end

Si
ndi
:Let
'sgo

I
banat
hipushedSi
ndi
,Si
ndi
fel
l
..

I
ba:
Don'
tfuckent
ouchme!
!

Queen:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dleav
e,t
hisi
s..Thi
sisget
ti
ngoutofhand

Nt
sika:
Goodi
dea
Theyal
lst
oodup.
.

I
ba:
Ohwwhatdoy
ouknow,
wehav
etheMkhi
zef
ami
l
yher
ewi
thus

Khabo:
Iba!
!

I
ba:IsthatyourMom?Heyguysli
sten.
.Wehav earoyalfamil
yinourmist
,I'
mthinki
ng
that
'stheQueen.
.Howdoyoudoy ourMajesty
,onewoul ddenythaty
ouhav ewhat?5
boys??Howdoy oudoi
t?I
'
m sureyousti
ll
veryti
ghtunderther
e

Nt
sikamadehi
swayt
oIbanat
hi,
theQueenhel
dhi
m back.
.

Queen:
Let
'sgo

Me:
I'
m sosor
ry

I
ba:Ohht her esheis,myex. .Everyonegi
veitupf orQondisi
we,Ihopey ouwi
llcl
eanse
yoursoulf rom kill
i
ngmybaby ..Sheevensl eptwithmewhi l
eshewasst il
lint he
rel
ati
onshipwi ththePrince,that'
show shefellpregnant
.Afterabor
tingshemadeher
wayt otheMkhi zev i
ll
aget osleepwi t
hherPr i
nceaf ewday saft
ertheabort
ion..Iam
notroyal
ty,butQueenI '
m surethat'
sunacceptableri
ght?

TheQueenst
oppedandl
ookedatme,
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
odo.
..

Busi
:Wow!
!!

I
ba:Shemov edf r
om met oapr i
nce,I
'mt el
li
ngyouguy stheLangasister
sar ethe
bi
ggesthoesi nhi story
.Onej ustmar r
iedmybr otherandonewasdat ingmet hen
upgradedanddatedaPr i
nce..
.Ntsi
kawat choutshemightl
eaveyoufory
ourf at
herthe
Kingoryourotherbrothers

Manqobalosti
t,hechar
gedatI
banathiandstar
tedpunchi
nghi
m sensel
ess.
.Theybot
h
f
ell
astheytookturnsi
npunchi
ngeachother.
.

Queen:
Manqoba!
!

Ntsi
kawalkedov
ertogetManqoba,Lungial
sost
oodupandwentt
ogethi
sBr
other
.
Theybot
hbumpedint
oeachother
..

Lungi
:Wat
chwer
eyougoi
ng

Nt
sika:
Youbumpedi
ntomef
ir
st

Lungi
pushedNt
sika.
.
Lungi
:YourPr
incest
atusmi
ghtwor
kathomebuther
e,y
ounot
hing!
!

Nt
sikal
aughedandwentt
ogetManqoba.
..

Nt
sika:
Manqobat
hat
'senough!

Manqoba:I
fyouusedtodisr
espect
ingyourMother,y
ouwi
l
lnotdi
srespectmi
ne!The
nextt
imeyoutal
kaboutmyMother,
it'
l
lbeyourl
astday

I
banat
hil
aughed.
.

Nt
sika:
Let
'sgo!
!

Theywal
kedaway
..

TheQueenl
ookedatmeandsmi
l
edal
i
ttl
e,whi
l
stshaki
ngherhead.
.

Busi
:Woow!
!!

Nt
sika:
Seerwel
eav
ing

Seer
:YesmyPr
ince

Theyal
lwal
kedout
..

Khabo:
Arey
ouser
iousI
banat
hi?Onmyweddi
ngday
??

Il
ookedatIbanat
hi,
heblewmeaki sswhi
lstwi
pingt
hebl
oodf
rom hi
snose.Il
ookedat
Lor
rai
ne,sherai
sedherglassofchampagnetome..

Lor
rai
ne:
Cheer
s

Ipi
ckedupmydr
essal
i
ttl
eandr
anupst
air
s..

Si
ndi
:Qondi
siwewai
t.
.

Khabo:
Thati
sit
!!Ev
ery
onegetout
!!Ther
ecept
ioni
scancel
ed!
!Iwantev
ery
onet
oleav
e
mydamnhouse!
!Getout!
!!

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
74

NTSI
KAYEZWE
Temper
sweref l
ari
ng,Iknew I
banat
hiwasshi
tbutt odisrespectmyMotherli
kethat
?
Tal
ki
ngaboutshehas5boy sshemustbest
ilt
ightunderthere.I
nrev
erseshecal
ledmy
Mom l
oose.
.

Ma:
Ever
yoneshoul
dcal
m down

Manqoba:
I'
m notcal
mingdown!Thenextt
imeIseehi
m,i
t'
l
lbei
nacof
fi
nathi
sfuner
al.
I
'l
lpay
ingmylastr
espectt
ohim!

Ma:Thisboyi
tCl
ear
yshowsthathedoesn'
thav
erespect.Hewasnev ertaughtr
espect
,
beat
inghi
m won'
tmakehi
m wakeuptomorrowandlear
nhowr espectothers

Busi
:I'
m sur
pri
sedQondi
siwedat
edhi
m,shel
ooksl
i
keasmar
tgi
rlt
odat
esuchguy
s

Ma:Peopl
edon'
tcomewi t
hmanual s,youcanbeinarel
ati
onshipwit
hsomeoneandat
f
ir
sttheyl
ookgoodonl
yforthem t
or ev
ealthei
rcol
our
satalaterst
age

Herphoner
ang.
.

Her
:It
'sDad,
Ihav
etot
aket
his

Shewal
kedupst
air
s..

TheSeerpul
l
edmet
othesi
de.
.

Hi
m:Ihopet
hiswon'
tcol
ourQondi
siwebad

Me:Qondisi
weisverydi
shonest
,itwoul
dhav
emadeabi
tofdi
ff
erencei
fshet
oldme
aboutt
his.
.Aboutt
heabort
ion

Hi
m:WhenImetQondi
siweIwoul
d'
vepi
ckedi
tupi
fshehadanabor
ti
on,
shedi
dn'
t

Me:
Whywoul
dhej
ustl
i
eaboutt
hat
,Qondi
siwewasi
nhospi
tal

Hi
m:Thi sboysheseemslikeheisusedt oget
ti
ngwhathewant
s,hecoul
dn'
tget
Qondi
siweandIseet
hisasr
etal
i
ati
onnothi
ngmore

Me:
I'
ll
wai
tforhert
oexpl
ain

Hi
m:Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ouaboutsomet
hing,
butIneedt
otr
usty
ouf
ir
st

Me:
Whati
sit
?

Him:Qondi
siweisapr
incessf
rom t
heZi
khal
ivi
l
lage,shedoesn'
tknow t
hought
hat
she'
sapri
ncess
Il
ookedathi
m andl
aughed.
.

Me:
Qondi
siwewoul
d'
vet
oldme

Hi
m:How canshetel
lyout hatshe'
sfr
om theZikhal
ivi
ll
age?TheMkhizesandt he
Ngwanesar
eswor
nenemies.Wheny oul
ookatQondisi
weshe'
saperf
ectdescr
ipt
ionof
QueenNowi
sa

Me:
Thi
scan'
tbet
rue,
youj
oki
ngr
ight
?

Hi
m:Manqobacanat
testt
othat

Me:
Howcanshel
i
etomel
i
ket
hat
?

Him:Shedi dn'
tli
e,shej
ustdidn'
ttelly
ou.That
'swhyshehasbeendi
stant
,shewas
tr
yingto pushy ouawayt o pr
otectyou.LookNtsi
kaIknow how t
hisseemsbut
Qondisi
wehasnobadi ntenti
ons,youruni
onwi t
hherisjustt
ryi
ngtobri
ngpeace
betweenthetwotri
bes

Il
ookedatManqoba.
.

Me:
Excuseme

Hi
m:I
'
llbegoi
ngbackt
oher
,sheneedsmyhel
p.She'
sfaci
ngav
eryt
oughbat
tl
e

Me:
Whyi
sn'
tshet
heonet
ell
i
ngmeev
ery
thi
ng?

Her
:Thi
sisnotsomet
hingy
ouj
ustt
alkaboutconf
ident
ly

Me:
Thenwhyar
etheonet
ell
i
ngme?

Him:Togiveyouenoughti
metothi
nkabouti
t,makeadeci
sioni
fyouwantt
obewi
th
herornot
.Bei
ngwithhermeansbei
ngy
ourfat
her'
senemy

Me:
I'
m notgoi
ngt
obehi
senemy
,he'
sjustgoi
ngt
oki
l
lusbot
h

Hi
m:Hecan'
tdot
hat

Me:
Yeshecan

Hi
m:Youthefut
ureKi
ng,hecan'tki
l
lyouevenifhewantedt
oo.
.Notonl
yar
eyout
he
f
utur
eKi
ngbutyoual
sohisSon,aSonthathel
ovesdear
ly

Me:Myf at
hernev
ergoesbackonhi
sword,hi
swordi
shislaw.Hewil
lchar
geuswi t
h
t
reasonandputustodeat
handallt
hosewhoknewaboutt
hisandkeptqui
etabouti
t.
Thanky
ouf
ormaki
ngmeanaccompl
i
cei
nthi
swhol
eli
e

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Si
ndi
:I'
m sosor
ryQondi
,I
banat
hihadnor
ightt
odot
hat

Me:
Whatdi
dIev
erdot
ohi
m?Whycan'
thej
ustl
eav
emeal
one?

Si
ndi
:Aki
esSi
si

ThedooropenedandKhabowal
kedi
n..

Khabo:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Si
ndi
:Ij
ustwant
edt
omakesur
ethatQondi
isokay

Khabo:
Noy
ouj
usther
etogl
oat

Si
ndi
:That
'snott
rue

Khabo:I
tist
rue!Youthesamepersonwhosleptwi
thherBoy
fri
endandr
ightnowy
ou
tr
yingt
otel
lmet haty
ouheret
oconsoleher
?

Si
ndi
:Iknowthaty
oudon'
ttr
ustme,IknowthatI'
vedoneal otoft
hingstomakey
ou
nott
otr
ustme.Bel
iev
emeKhabo,Icar
eaboutQondi
siwe.She'
smylit
tlesi
ster

Khabo:Wher
ewast hatcar
ewheny outookI
banat
hi?Don'
tbestandi
ngher eand
chat
ti
ngshi
tSindi
whi
leyout
hesameper
sonwhoisl
aughi
ngwit
hourenemies!

Si
ndi
:May
beIshoul
dleav
e

Me:
Pleasedoanddon'
tev
ercomeback

Sindiwalkedout,Khabocli
ckedhertongue.Shewal
kedt
omycl
osetandt
hencame
backwithmyt r
acksuit
,shet
hrewitatme..

Hi
m:Let
'sgo

Me:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?

Her
:Fory
out
otel
lyoursi
deoft
hest
ory

Me:
Khabo

Her
:Youar
egoi
ngt
otel
lNt
sikat
het
rut
h,not
hingbutt
rut
h.Hewi
l
ldeci
def
orhi
msel
fif
hest
il
lwant
stobewi
thy
ou

Shewal
kedt
othedoor
..

Her
:I'
m goi
ngt
ochanget
oo,
hur
ryup

_
___
___
__

I
BANATHI

Mom:
Her
edr
inkt
his

It
ookt
hegl
assofwat
erf
rom her
,shesatnextt
ome.
..

Her:Whaty
oudidnotwrong,butwherey
oudi
ditwaswr
ong.Thi
sisy
ourBr
other
's
weddi
ngandyout
urnedi
tint
oacircus

Me:Qondisi
wehadt henervetobri
nghim her
eandthenrubbedi
tinmyfacejustl
i
ke
t
hat!Thatwasdi sr
espect
ful
,notevenoncehasshegivenmeanyexpl
anati
onabout
whysheaborted

Ma:
ItwasnotaboutQondi
siwe,
itwasaboutLungi
andKhabo

Lungi
madehi
swayt
ous.
.

Me:
Lungi
..

Hi
m:It
hinky
oushoul
dleav
e

Me:
Idi
dn'
tmeanf
oral
loft
hatt
ohappen

Him:Youneverdo,Iwasgonnaleavemychai randcomet eachyoual essonbutI

respect
edyouenoughnottoembarr
assy oui
nf r
ontofyour"enemies"butnow t
hey
goneandther
e'snot
hingst
opi
ngmefrom ki
cki
ngyourasssoIsuggestyouleav
e!

Iputt
hegl
assdown.
.

Me:
Fine.
.

Mom:
I'
ll
cal
lyou

Igotupandl
eft
..
..

_
___
___
___
_

NOKUTHULA
Iwentupt
oLungi
..

Me:
Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ou

Hi
m:Aboutwhat
?

Me:
Aboutev
ery
thi
ng

Hi
m:Tal
k

Me:Idi
dn'taskf orthi
sokay,
Ial
sodidn'
tknowt haty
ouandIwewer e.
..Al
lI'
m sayi
ngis
t
hatthi
shasaf fectedmetoothesamewayi thasaffect
edy
ou,
sof oryoutobelikethi
s
wi
thmei t'
snotr i
ght.Idi
dn'
tmakethisbabyonmyown,wedi dn'
tknow.Theper son
whodidthis.
..

Il
ookedatLor
rai
ne.
.

Me:Lor
rai
nediditf
orwhateverr
eason,butpl
easedon'
tlookatmeandseemeasan
enemybecauseI
'
m notanenemy,I
'm avi
cti
mtoo!!
!!

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Khabo:
Arey
our
eadyt
ogo?

Me:
Ithi
nkso

Ididn'
tknowhowt ofeelaboutt
his,butKhaboi sri
ght.Ineedtot el
lNtsi
kaevery
thi
ng,
hehast odeci
dethenforhimsel
fi fhest il
lwannabeinar el
ationshi
pwithmeornot .
Evenifhesay sno,it'
sokay.Ther e'stoomuchf orcesagainstourr el
ati
onshi
p,t
he
bi
ggestonebeinghi
sfatherandthet hrone.

Tobecont
inued

Anot
heronel
ater
,thent
omor
rowwev
isi
ti
ngt
heTr
ophyWi
fe

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
75

QONDI
SIWE

Wehadabitofaprobl
em wit
htheguar
dsatthegat
e,t
heyhadtocal
linandaski
fthey
canopenf
orus.It
houghtt
hatNtsi
kawoul
dn'
twantt
oopenforus,
buthedidi
nfor
mt he
guar
dst ol etusi n.Wecameher ewithanUber .Thiswasdi ff
icult
,atsomepoi ntI
wantedtot el
lKhabothatweshoul dtur
nbackandleave,butIneedt odot hi
s.Iowehim
thet
ruth,nothingbutthetruth..Theguardopenedthedoorandl etusi n.Wewal kedto
thel
ivi
ngr oom, t
heyweresi t
tingatthetabl
ehavingdinner
.Theirnicechatseizedwhen
weappear edIlookedatthem. .

Me:
Go.
.Goodev
eni
ng

Nooneanswer
edexceptf
ort
heQueen.
.

Her
:Goodev
eni
ng

Me:
Sor
ryt
ojustbudgei
nli
ket
his,
Iwashopi
ngt
otal
ktoNt
sika

Busi
:Wehav
ingdi
nner

Queen:
Busi
..

Shel
ookedatNt
sika.
.

Nt
sika:
I'
ll
ber
ightback

Queen:
Khabor
ight
?

Khabo:
Yes

Queen:
Pleasej
oinus

Khabo:
Idon'
twannai
m-

Queen:
Iinsi
st

Khabowal
kedupt
othem andsatdown.
.

Nt
sika:
Gar
den?

Wel
eftandwentt
otheGar
den.
.

Me:
Ntsi
kaInev
erhadanabor
ti
on

Hi
m:Whywoul
dhel
i
eony
ou?

Me:Wet al
ki
ngaboutI banat
hiher
e,yeswedi dn'
tuseprotect
ionbutIdranksomet
hing
thatmy
..MyAuntgav emesomet hi
ngt hesamedayandi tmademebl eedsomuchthat
Iwasadmitt
ed.I
fthatiscall
edabort
ionthenIam gui
l
ty
Hi
m:Qondi
.
.

Me:
Pleasel
etmef
ini
sh

Hi
m:Goahead

Me:Il
ovey
ouokay
?Il
ovey
ouv
erymuch.Il
ovey
ousomucht
hatIcan'
tkeeponl
yi
ngt
o
you

Hef
oldedhi
sar
ms.
.

Me:I.
.Iwasbor nandbr
edatt
heZikhal
ivi
ll
age,Iam aGuardi
an.Iam IndoniYamanzi
,
hadIknownt haty
ouwer
eaPri
nceIwould'
vetol
dy oubef
oreourrel
ati
onshipgottot
his
poi
nt.Iam soso-

Hi
m:Qondi
siwe

Me:I'
m sorr
yNtsi
ka,ifyoudon'
twannabewit
hmet
heni
t'
sokayIunder
stand.Ij
ust
wantyoutoknowthatthi
swasneveri
nten-

Hepul
l
edmecl
osert
ohi
m andki
ssedme.
.

Hi
m:Woul
dyoucal
m downandl
etmespeak?

Iputmyhandsonhi
schestwi
thhi
sar
oundmymywai
st.
.

Hi
m:RememberIal
sokepti
tfr
om y
out
hatIwasaPr
ince?Onceuponat
ime?

Me:
Butt
hisi
sdi
ff
erent

Hi
m:I
t'
snotdi
ff
erent
,it
'st
hesame

Me:
Ift
heKi
ngf
indsout
,he'
sgoi
ngt
oki
l
lus

Hi
m:Whati
ftheki
ngdoesn'
tfi
ndout
?

Me:
Huh?

Hi
m:Whati
fwekeepi
tfr
om hi
m unt
ilIbecomeaKi
ng?

Me:
Arewegoi
ngt
obeabl
etokeepi
t?Sucht
hingsy
oucan'
tkeepasecr
et

Hi
m:Thenifhef
indsoutwewi
l
lleav
e,gof
araway
.May
best
artanewl
i
fei
nanI
sland
j
ustt
hetwoofus

Ichuckl
edasmyt
ear
sfel
l
..Hewi
pedt
hem.
.
Hi
m:I
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
,it
'
snotgoi
ngt
obeeasybuti
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
..Ipr
omi
se

Me:
Ilov
eyou

Hi
m:Il
ovey
out
oo

It
ri
edki
ssi
nghi
m buthemov
edbackabi
t.
.

Me:
What
'swr
ong?

Hi
m:Ihear
dyou.
.Ihear
dyoul
ookexact
lyl
i
kemygr
eatancest
orNowi
sa

Me:
Whot
oldy
ou?

Hi
m:Newst
rav
elf
ast

Me:
Wai
t.
.Youal
readyknew?

Hi
m:Sor
tof
f

Me:
Andy
oukeptqui
etandal
mostl
etmehav
eahear
tat
tack?

Hi
m:Iwant edtoheari
tfr
om y
ou.WhatIl
oveabouty
oui
sthaty
oual
way
shonestwi
th
me,Iappr
eciat
ethatal
ot

Me:Whydon'
twepr
etendasi
fli
key
oudi
dn'
tknowt
hatIl
ookl
i
ket
heGr
eatAncest
or
Nowi
sa?

Hi
m:Idon'
tknow.
.Idon'
tknowhowIf
-

Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m andki
ssedhi
m..

Hi
m:Okaywecanpr
etendt
hatIdi
dn'
theart
hat

Weki
ssedagai
n..
.

_
___
___
___
___

KHABONI
NA

Me:
Thanky
ou,
thef
oodt
ast
esgood

Queen:
It'
saf
ami
l
yreci
pe

Me:
ThenIcan'
taskf
ori
t

Queen:Youdon'
thav
etoo.
.AssoonasQondi
siwemar
ri
esmySon,
shewi
l
lhav
eitandI
hopeshewon'
tgi
vei
ttoy
ou

Me:
MySi
ster
,youv
eryf
ondofher
,ev
enaf
terwhathappenedt
oday

Queen:Weal lhaveapast,apastt hatwenotpr oudof.YourSi sterlovesmySon,My

Sonishappywi thherandthat'
sallthatmatterstome.Icanscr eam myl ungsoutand
tel
lNtsi
katol eaveherbutI'
llonl
ybepushi nghi m away.Ntsi
kai snotachi l
d,heisa
grownmanandhecandeci dehowt olivehi
slife.WhetherQondisiwehadanabor ti
onor
not,t
hat
'snoneofmybusi ness.Shehadherr easonsandIwi l
lnev erjudge

Me:Wowuhm. .Shenev
erhadanabor
ti
onbyt
heway
,justt
hatI
banat
hi.
.He'
sobsessed
wi
thQondi
siwe,hedi
dthatonpur
pose

Queen:
Whowoul
dn'
tbe?Yoursi
steri
sver
ybeaut
if
ul

Qondi
siweandNt
sikawal
kedi
n,t
heywer
ehol
dinghandsandshewasal
lsmi
l
es.
.

Queen:
Seemsl
i
ket
het
alkwentwel
l

Nt
sikaopenedt
hechai
rforQondi
siwe.
.

Qondi
siwe:
I'
mver
ysor
ryMa,
Ibanat
hiwaswr
ong

Queen:Iam moredi sappoint

edathi
smot
her
,achi
l
ddoesn'
twakeuponedayand
deci
detodi
srespecthiselders

Manqoba:
I'
m st
il
lgoi
ngt
odeal
wit
hhi
m

Queen:
Awuy
ekeNqoba(
leav
eit
)

Nt
sika:
MaIhav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyou

Shel
ookedathi
m..

Nt
sika:
Qondi
si
wei
sfr
om t
heZi
khal
ivi
l
lage,
shei
saGuar
dian.I
ndoni
yamanzi

Thet
abl
ewentqui
et.
.

Khabo:
Weor
igi
nal
l
yfr
om t
heZi
khal
ivi
l
lage

Nt
sika:
Iwashopi
ngwekeept
hisasecr
etf
rom Dad

Busi
:Ar
eyouhear
ingy
our
sel
fri
ghtnow?

Nt
sika:
Ilov
eQondi
si
we,
ifi
tmeansmegi
vi
ngupt
het
hroneIwi
l
l
Queen:
Ineedsomeai
r

Shet
ri
edt
ost
andupbutf
ell
backonherchai
r.
.

Nt
sika:
Ma

Queen:
Ijustneedsomef
reshai
r

Shest
oodup.
.

Manqoba:
Shoul
dIaccompanyy
ou?

Queen:
I'
ll
bef
ine

Shewal
kedaway
..

Busi
:Justl
eav
emyBr
otheral
one

Nt
sika:
Busi

Busi
:No!
!Dadisgoi
ngtochargeyouwitht
reason,heisgoingt
ohavey
ouki
l
led!I
'
m not
goi
ngtowatchyoudi
e,Iwon'
tli
veever
ydayknowingthatyougone

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Busi:I
fyoutrul
ylov
emybr ot
herl
i
keyousayyoudo,pl
easeleavehim.Gobewi
thy
our
exifit
'smoneyyouaft
erhehasmoneyj
ustl
eavemybrot
heralone!

Nt
sika:
Busi
!

Busi
:Youchoosi
ngherov
erus?

Shel
ookedatManqoba.
.

Busi
:Saysomet
hing!
!

Manqobakeptqui
et.
.

Busi
lookedatNt
sikawi
tht
ear
sinherey
es.
.

Her
:Youchoosi
ngher
?

Hert
ear
sfel
l
..

Busi
:Wow!
!

Shegotupandr
anupst
air
s..
Manqoba:
I'
ll
got
alkt
oher

Nt
sika:
Iwi
l
l

Nt
sikaki
ssedmeonmycheekandwal
kedupst
air
stot
alkt
ohi
sSi
ster

Khabo:
Wow!
!

_
___
___
___
__

NOKUTHULA

Webot
hlaughed.
.

Lungi
:Thosewer
etheday
s

Me:
Fort
hef
ir
stt
imeev
er,
Iwaspapdr
unk

Lungi
:Youv
omi
tedi
nthepool

Me:
Nooneknew

Lungi
:Itwasamessedupni
ght

(
Sil
ence)

Me:
Ishoul
dpr
obabl
yleav
e

Lungi
:It
'sl
atewhydon'
tyousl
eepov
er?

Me:
Idon'
twannacauseanyt
roubl
e

Lungi
:Ii
nsi
st

Me:
Okayt
henIshoul
dpr
obabl
yli
edown

Wewer
eint
heguestr
oom.
.

Me:
Goodni
ght

Hi
m:Ni
ght

Sheknel
tdownandt
ookof
fmyshoes.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Hef
ixedt
hepi
l
lowsandIl
aiddown.
.
Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch

Hi
m:Goodni
ght

Me:
Night

JustwhenIwasaboutt
ocl
osemyey
es,
het
ookof
fhi
sshoes.
.

Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Hegoti
nbedandl
aidbehi
ndme,
heputhi
sar
m ov
erme.
.

Me:
Lungi
weshoul
dn'
tdot
his

Hi
m:Wenotdoi
ngany
thi
ng,
wej
ustl
ayi
ngdown

(
Sil
ence)

Hi
m:Doesheev
ermov
eorki
ck?

Me:
Alot
,youj
ustcaughthi
m atabadt
ime

Hi
m:I
twasast
ressf
ulday

Me:
Indeed

_
___
___
___
_

SI
NDI
SIWE

I
banat
hiwal
kedi
nonmepacki
ng.
.

Hi
m:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Me:
Whatdoesi
tlookl
i
keI
'
m doi
ng?

Hi
m:Youl
eav
ingt
oo?Wecan'
ttal
kaboutt
his?

Ichuckl
ed.
.

Me:
Ibanat
hipl
ease

Hi
m:Noonel
eav
esme

Me:
I'
m notQondi
si
we,
ifIwannal
eav
eI'
l
lleav
e

Hewal
kedupt
ome.
.
Hi
m:Si
ndi
comeon

Me:
Comeof
fIbanat
hi,
I'
mleav
ing!

Hi
m:Noy
ounot

Het
ookoutmycl
othesandt
hrewt
hem ont
hef
loor
..

Me:
Okay
..I
'
llcomeandpi
ckt
hem upwheny
oucal
m..Goodby
eIbanat
hi

Iwal
kedaway
.Idi
dn'
tev
enmakei
ttot
hedoor
,hegr
abbedmyweav
e..

Hi
m:Noonel
eav
esme!
!

Me:
Ibanat
hi!
!

Hedr
aggedmet
othesl
i
dingdoor
..

Hi
m:Ther
e'sonl
yonewayy
ougoi
ngt
oleav
e

Heopenedt
hesl
i
dingdoor
..

Me:
Arey
oui
nsane?
?

Het
ri
edt
opi
ckmeupf
rom t
hef
loorbutIf
oughthi
m..

Me:
Ibanat
hist
opi
t!
!

Hi
m:Al
lofy
ouar
ethesame,
Ihat
ethedayIcr
ossedpat
hswi
tht
heLangaSi
ster
s!!

Hewasabi
tdr
unk.
.

West
art
edf
ight
ingeachot
herunt
ilwewer
ever
ycl
oset
othebal
cony
..

Me:
Ibanat
hi!
!!
!

Hetri
edgrabbi
ngmyhairagainbutIpushedhi
m,helostbal
anceandwentov
erthe
bal
cony.I
twassomet
hingthathappenedi
nabli
nkofaneye,Il
eanedov
erandl
ooked
athi
m..

Me:
Ibanat
hi!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
76
NTSI
KAYEZWE

Thenextmor
ningIwal
kedi
ntomysi
stermaki
ngpancakesi
ntheki
tchen.
.

Me:
Yout
aki
ngmewaybackwhenweusedt
omakepancakesathomeev
erymor
ning

Shei
gnor
edme.
.

Me:Iknow t
hisishardf
ory ou,butonedayy
ouwi
l
lal
sof
allf
orsomeone.May
bewe
won'
tl
ikehi
m, andyouwi
llknowhowi tf
eel
s

Shest
il
li
gnor
edme.
.

MyMom wal
kedi
n..

Ma:
Ntsi
ka

Me:
Ma?

Ma:
Weneedt
otal
kbef
oreIl
eav
e

Wemadeourwayt
othel
i
vingr
oom.
.

Me:
Howar
eyou?

Her
:Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepl
astni
ght

Me:
I'
m sor
ry

Her:Ihav
ealway
stol
dmy
sel
fthatIwoul
dnev
eri
nter
fer
eint
heaf
fai
rsofmychi
l
dren,
butthi
sNtsi
ka

Me:
You'
veal
way
stol
dmet
hatIshoul
dal
way
sst
ayt
ruet
omy
sel
f

Ma:
Wheny
ourf
atherf
indsoutaboutt
his,
hei
sgoi
ngt
ochar
geuswi
tht
reason

Me:
Hewon'
tputhi
sownwi
fet
odeat
h

Her:Hiskingdom andhist
hronemeansal
ott
ohi
m,hewoul
dnev
erbr
eakt
hel
awhe
putoutforhispeopl
eforus

Me:
Ifweal
lkeepi
ttoour
sel
vest
henDadwon'
tfi
ndout

Her
:Hei
smyhusband,
howdoIkeept
hisf
rom hi
m?

Me:
PleaseMa
Sheexhal
ed.
.

Ma:
Inev
ert
houghtt
hatonedayIwasgoi
ngt
odi
eforoneofmychi
l
dren

Me:
Noonei
sgoi
ngt
odi
e

Ma:
Weshoul
dgetgoi
ng,
don'
twor
ryI
'
llt
alkt
oBusi

Me:
Thanky
ou

Shehuggedme.
.

Ma:
Takecar
eofy
our
sel
f.
.Il
ovey
ousoomuch

Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
e

_
___
___
___
__

KHABONI
NA

Il
ookedar
oundandsaw him si
tt
ingatt
hewai
ti
ngar
ea,Imademywayt
ohi
m..He
st
oodupandIhuggedhi
m..

Me:
I'
m sosor
ry

Ibr
oket
hehug.
.

Me:
Howi
she?

Hi
m:Ihav
en'
thear
dany
thi
ng

Webot
hsatdown.
.

Me:
Howdi
dithappen?

Hi
m:Si
ndi
,shepushedhi
m andhef
ell
outoft
hebal
cony

Me:
What
?Why
?

Hi
m:Idon'
tknowwhathappened,
shewast
akenbyt
hepol
i
ce

Me:
Iknowt
hatSi
ndi
isahandf
ulbutt
hisi
snotl
i
keher
,she'
snotv
iol
ent

Hi
m:Shebet
terpr
ayt
hathemakesi
t

Me:
Thi
sdoesn'
tmakesense
Hi
m:Yoursi
steral
mostki
l
ledmybr
other
,whatdoesn'
tmakesenset
her
e?

Me:
Sindi
isnotl
i
ket
hat

Hi
m:Doy oureall
yknow y
oursi
ster
?Imeanwet al
ki
ngaboutt
hesameper
sonwho
sl
eptwi
thI
banathiwhi
l
sthewasst
ill
dat
ingQondi
siwe

Me:
Ibanat
hii
snotasai
ntLungi

Hi
m:Yethei
stheonewhoi
sinhospi
tal

TheDrmadehi
swayt
ous,
webot
hst
oodup.
.

Lungi
:Howi
smyBr
other
?

Dr
:Iam DrMar
kson,
I'
m aneur
ologi
st

Lungi
:Howi
she?

Dr:YourBrot
hersustained t
rauma t
ot he head which br
oughtabouti
ntr
acr
anial
hemorr
hageandcerebraledema.Pati
ent
swhopr esentwithsuchacasedon'
teven
makeitt
otheoper
ati
ngt abl
e,t
hosewhodousual l
ydiemoment sl
ater

Lungi
:I'
m notf
oll
owi
ng

Hi
m:Wemanagedt odothesurger
ybutevenwiththatunf
ortunat
elyt
here'
snotell
ingif
hecanpullt
hroughfr
om thi
s,hi
sinaverycri
ti
calstat
eanythingcanhappenespecial
l
y
i
nthenextcoming24hours

Me:
Ther
e'sapossi
bil
i
tyt
hathemi
ghtmakei
t?

Dr
:It
'sv
eryr
ear
,thepr
ognosi
sisnotgood

Hel
ookedatus.
.

Dr
:I'
m sor
ry

Lungi
:CanIseehi
m?

Dr
:He'
sinI
CU,
itwoul
dbeadv
isabl
eifonl
yoneofy
ougoesi
nfornow

Me:
Thanky
ouDr

Henoddedandwal
kedaway
..

Me:
I'
ll
gohome
Hi
m:I
'
llcal
lyou

Me:
I'
mtr
ulysor
ryLungi

Hi
m:Iknow

Ihuggedhi
m agai
n,andt
henmademywayout
..
.

_
___
___
___
_

SI
NDI
SIWE

Of
fi
cer
:Yousai
dhewast
ryi
ngt
opushy
ouof
fthebal
cony
?

Me:
Yes

Hi
m:Buti
nst
eadofy
ouf
all
i
ng,
hewast
heonewhowentov
ert
hebal
cony
?

Me:
Hewasdr
unkandhel
osthi
sbal
ancewhenIwast
ryi
ngt
ofi
ghthi
m of
f

Henodded.
.

Me:
Am Iunderar
rest
?

Hi
m:No.
.Atl
eastnoty
et,
wewant
edy
ourst
atement

Me:
Soam If
reet
ogo?

Hi
m:Fornowbutwewi
l
lbev
isi
ti
ngy
ousoon

Me:
Youdon'
tbel
i
eveme?

Him:Genderbasedv i
olenceisthebiggestcri
mei nourcountryr
ightnow,womensuff
er
themostbutwecannott ur
nabl indey ethatmenar ealsov i
ctimsofGBV.Hei sin
hospit
alandy ougotawaywi thoutanyscr atchtoprovet hatyouactedoutofself
defense.There'
snowitnesses,
andunt ilwegethissideofthestoryit
'snotl
ooki
ngtoo
goodf oryou

Me:Sohehadt omessmeupf ory

ouguystobelievethathethreat
enedtothrowme
outoft hebalcony
?Ibanat
hihasangeri
ssues,hi
sv er
yaggressiv
eandv iol
ent.I
'm not
thefi
rstpersonhe'
sdonethist
oo,heal
sobeatuphisexandt hr
eatenedtothr
owherof f
thebalcony

Hi
m:Di
dshel
ayachar
geonhi
m?

Me:
No
Hi
m:Isee

Me:
Youcangoandquest
ionher
,shewi
l
ltel
lthet
rut
h

Hi
m:Wewi
l
llooki
ntot
hat

Me:
Hernamei
sQondi
siwe,
I'
ll
giv
eyouhernumber

Hi
m:Youcl
osewi
thhi
sex?

Me:
She'
smysi
ster

Hi
m:OhwIsee

Me:
Whatdoest
hatmean?

Hi
m:Not
hing

Il
ookedathi
m..

Him:Wewil
lbelooki
ngintot
hismat
ter
,Iwoul
dadv
isey
out
ovol
unt
eert
otakeaa
pol
ygr
apht
esti
tmighthel
p

Me:
Ihav
enot
hingt
ohi
de,
I'
ll
dot
hat

Him:Wedonefornow,butpl
easeknow t
hatwewillbekeepingi
ntouchwi
thy
ouas
soonaswegethi
ssideoft
hestor
yandhaveal
soquesti
onedtheex

Me:
It'
sokay

Hi
m:Pl
easesi
gnher
etheny
ouf
reet
ogo

It
ookt
hepenandsi
gned.
.

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Il
ookedatt
hepr
inci
pal
,Iwaswi
tht
heSeer
.

Pr
inci
pal
:Whydoy
ouwantt
oder
egi
ster
?

Me:
Fami
l
yandper
sonal
probl
emst
hatneedmyundi
vi
dedat
tent
ion

Pri
ncipal
:Wecangety
ousuppor
t,t
heschoolpr
ovi
descounsel
i
ngf
orst
udent
swhoar
e
underpressur
e
Me:
Unf
ort
unat
elyt
heschool
cannotdoany
thi
ngt
ohel
pme

Pr
inci
pal
:Hav
eyout
ri
ed?

Me:
No

Hi
m:May
bey
oushoul
dtr
ytoseekhel
pfi
rstbef
orer
esor
ti
ngt
othi
sbi
gdeci
sion

Me:PleaseSi
rit
'smydeci
sion,
I'
llcomebacknex
tyear
.WhatI
'
m deal
i
ngwi
th,
youwon'
t
under
stand

Hesi
ghed.
.

Hi
m:Unf
ort
unat
elyy
ourr
egi
str
ati
onf
eewon'
tber
efunded

Me:
It'
sokay
..Iunder
stand

Hi
m:I
'
llgety
ouaf
orm soy
oucansi
gn

Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch

Wit
hevery
thi
ngt hat
'shappeni
ng,Ithi
nkit'
sbestt
otakeabr
eakf rom schoolfornow.
AssoonasI'
m donewiththeAkerthenI'
l
lcomebackandr
egi
steragai
nnexty ear.
.

_
___
___
__

LUNGI
SA

Il
ookedathim,hehadabandagewr appedar oundhishead.Thebeepi
ngsoundthatthe
machinemadewasdi st
urbing.I
t'
sdiff
icul
tt oseehiminthisst
ate,l
ookingathi
mr i
ght
now i
t'
slikehewouldjustwakeupandst arttal
ki
ngshi
t.Iyawned,I'
vebeenherefor
hour
s.Sincefr
om 2am whenIgott hecall,Ilookedatt
hetime.Itwasnow9am. .
Iheld
hi
shandandt houghtaboutthegoodt imeswehadwhenwewer eki
ds.Wewer every
cl
osethen,morecl
oserthanwear enow..

AsIwassit
ti
ngthereIheardacert
ainsound,Icouldn'
tignorethesound.I
tsoundedli
ke
asnakehi
ssing.Igotupf r
om mychairandl ookedaround,indeedIsaw ar ed,whi
te,
andbl
acksnakeallcur
ledupint
hecorner.Notfarfrom hisbed..

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
77
QONDI
SIWE

[
ONEMONTHLATER]

TheSeerandIwewer edri
vingtot
heZikhal
ivi
ll
age,
Nt sikahadborrowedusoneofhi s
cars.TheSeerwast heonedri
vi
ng.Wewer egoi
ngtocl eansethewater,
eversi
ncethis
whol et
hingwiththeAkerI'
vebeengett
ingni
ghtmares.Ihardlysl
eep.Iam happythat
Ntsikaknowsev ery
thi
ng,i
tmakesi tsoeasi
erformet ocarryoutmydut i
eswithout
havingtohidenorli
etohi
m.Myphonebeeped, i
twasat extfr
om him:

"
kickherassandshowherwhoy
ouar
e"

Ichuckl
ed.
.

Seer
:Ki
ndl
ypl
easeshar
ethej
oke

Me:
It'
snot
hingser
ious

Seer
:Ify
ousayso

Iputt
hephoneawayandcl
osedmyey
est
ogetsomesl
eep,
wel
eftv
eryear
ly.
.

_
___
___
___
_

KHABONI
NA

Themoneyt hatwasmeantt obef ormyLobol aandthemoneyt hatwasmeantf orour

honeymoon,Lungi gavei
ttomesot hatIcouldst
artmyrest
aurant.Itwasn'tgoi
ngtobe
somethingbig,eventhebuil
dingwassmal l.It
houghtmarr
iagewasgoi ngt obri
ngus
cl
oser,butwehav ebeensodist
ant.I
t'sli
kewest r
anger
sandIdon' tknowhowt hings
gottot hatpoint.Maybesomer elat
ionshi
psaregoodt hewayt heyar e,someti
mes
marri
agecanr uinwhatwasagoodt hi
ng..

Bet
ty:
Seemsl
i
ket
heywi
l
lbef
ini
shi
ngsoon

Me:
Justt
hepai
nti
ngl
eft

Bet
ty:
Weshoul
dst
artwor
kingont
hemenu

Me:
Yal
et'
sdot
hat

Bet
ty:
Arey
ouokay
?

Me:
Idon'
tknow
Her
:What
'swr
ong?

Me:
Myhusbandi
sver
ydi
stantl
atel
y,Idon'
tknowwhathappened

Her
:May
bei
t'
sjustwor
k

Me:
Yeah.
.May
be

Her
:Ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbef
ine

Me:
Ihopeso.
.Imi
sshi
myouknow

Her
:Tal
ktohi
m

Me:
I'
ll
dot
hatt
oni
ght

Her
:Okayl
et'
swor
kont
hismenu

_
___
___
___

LUNGI
SA

Noks:
Howi
she?

Me:Iheardhewokeupaweekago,Ihav
en'
tfoundt
imet
ogoandseehi
m butonmy
l
unchbreakI
'l
lgoandseehi
m

Noks:I
banathiisl
uckytohavesur
viv
edt
his,somepeopl
etakemont
hst
owakeup.
Somedon'tevenwakeupatal
l

Me:Heisindeedl
ucky,Ihopehewillt
akethi
sasal essonandstar
tfi
xi
nghi
slif
e.This
washi
sbrushwithdeath,
ifthi
sdoesn'
tgi
vehim awakeupcall
.Idon'
tknowwhatwil
l

Noks:
Youneedt
otal
ktohi
m

Me:
Iwi
l
l

(
Sil
ence)

Me:
Whatwi
l
lyoubedoi
ngt
oni
ght
?

Her
:Not
hingmuch,
justf
oodandNet
fl
ix

Me:
Doy
ouwantt
ogoout
?

Her
:I'
dli
ket
hatv
erymuch
Me:
I'
ll
pickupl
aterwhenIknockof
f

Her
:I'
l
lbewai
ti
ng

Me:
Okaygoodby
e

Her
:By
e

Ihungup.
.

_
___
___
___
__

KHABONI
NA

Qondi
siwepi
ckedup.
.

Her
:Hel
l
o(Sl
eepyv
oice)

Me:
Youguy
sar
est
il
lont
her
oad?

Her
:Yesbutweal
mostt
her
e

Me:
Okay

Her
:Howi
sitgoi
ngt
her
e?

Me:
Theypai
nti
ng

Her
:Okayt
hatsoundsgood

Shesi
ghed.
.

Me:
What
'swr
ong?

Her
:I'
m hav
ingpr
obl
emswi
thLungi

Me:
Whatpr
obl
ems?

Her
:Whenmyf
ir
stbabydaddyst
art
edcheat
ing,
heact
edexact
lyl
i
keLungi

Me:
Lungi
?cheat
ing?

Her
:Icanf
eel
it,
he'
snott
hesameany
mor
e

Me:
Whoi
shecheat
ingony
ouwi
th?

Her
:May
besomeski
rtatwor
k
Shechuckl
ed.
.

Her
:Thatdoesn'
tsoundl
i
keLungi

Me:Wewi
llseeasti
megoeson, al
lIknowist
hatIwantmyr
est
aur
antt
oopensoonso
t
hati
fhei
sindeedcheat
ingIcanwalkaway

Her
:Youar
egoi
ngt
owal
kawayf
rom y
ourmar
ri
age?

Me:
Ilef
tmyExesf
orcheat
ing,
ifhei
sI'
m goi
ngt
oleav
ehi
mtoo

Her
:Yaat
hisi
sal
lamess

Me:
Any
waycal
lmewheny
ougett
her
e

Her
:I'
l
ldot
hat

Me:
Okayby
eIl
ovey
ou

Her
:By
eIl
ovey
out
oo

_
___
___
___
___

NOKUTHULA

Me:
Lor
rai
ne?
?

Shewal
kedoutf
rom t
hesecr
etr
oom.
.

Me:
DidIdi
stur
byou?

Her
:Noy
oudi
dn'
t

Me:
Guesswhat
?

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Lungi
andIwegoi
ngoutt
oni
ght

Her
:Heseemst
obespendi
ngmor
eti
mewi
thy
out
hanhedoeswi
thhi
swi
fe

Me:
Thatwast
hewhol
epoi
nt,
wasn'
ti
t?

Her
:Youdoknow t
hati
fTheDal
l
awi
ns,y
ougoi
ngdownwi
thme.Thi
sper
fectl
i
fei
s
goi
ngt
ocomedowncrashi
ng

Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Her:
Youar
eashadowNoks,
ifIgobackt
obei
ngagat
ekeeperI
'
m goi
ngbackwi
thy
our
soul

Me:
Wow.
.I.
.

Her
:Yout
houghtt
haty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
oli
vef
orev
er?I
tdoesn'
twor
kli
ket
hat

Me:
Ithoughty
ousai
dal
i
fef
oral
i
fe

Her
:Al
i
fef
oral
i
feonl
ywhenI
'
m st
il
lher
e,i
fIgoy
oucomi
ngwi
th.That
'
showi
twor
ks

Me:
It'
snotl
i
key
ougoi
ngt
oloser
ight
?

Her
:Whenar
oom i
sdar
kandy
ouswi
tchont
hel
i
ghtwhathappens?

Me:
Thedar
knessgoesaway

Her
:Li
ghtov
erpower
sdar
kness

Me:
Youcan'
tl
ose,
youneedt
ofi
ndawayt
odef
eather

Her
:I'
l
ltr
y..I
'
m wor
kinghar
d

Me:
Pleasedo

_
___
___
__

LUNGI
SA

Onmylunchbr eakIwenttoseeIbanathi
,Ibroughtal
onghi
sf avori
temeal
.Hewasn'ti
n
I
CUanymor e,Istoodatthedoorandlookedathim.Hewassi tt
ingonthebedbal
anci
ng
hi
sbackagainstt hebigpi
l
low.TheTVwasonbuthewasr eadinganewspaper
.Hesti
ll
hadabandagewr appedar
oundhishead,anotheroneonhi
sar m..

Iwal
kedi
n..

Me:
Youcheat
eddeat
h,doy
ouknowt
hat
?

Hel
ookedatme,
Ismi
l
edathi
m..

Me:
Wel
comebackl
i
ttl
ebr
o

Heputt
henewspaperdownandst
il
ll
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
rywhoar
eyou?
Il
aughed.
.

Me:
Yeahni
ceone

Si
ndi
wal
kedi
n..

Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Her
:Gooddayt
oyout
oo

Hegav
eIbanat
hiabot
tl
eofwat
er.
.Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Arey
ouser
ious?

Si
ndi
:Hedoesn'
tremembery
ou,
hehasamnesi
a

Me:
Hehaswhat
?

Si
ndi
:Ify
oucameaf
ewday
sagot
heDrwoul
d'
vet
oldy
ou

Me:
Andy
ouusi
ngt
hist
oyouradv
ant
age?

Si
ndi
:Youdon'
tknowwhathappenedt
hatni
ghtLungi

Me:
All
Iknowi
sthatmyBr
otheral
mostdi
ed

I
banat
hi:
Enoughpl
ease,
yougi
vi
ngmeaheadache

Lungi
:Pl
easegi
vemeandmybr
othersomepr
ivacy

Sheki
ssedI
banat
hionhi
sfor
ehead.
.

Si
ndi
:I'
l
lber
ightback

Shewal
kedout
..

Me:
Youdon'
trememberany
thi
ng?

Hesl
owl
yshookhi
shead.
.

Hi
m:ButSi
ndi
isal
way
sher
e,she'
str
yingt
ohel
pmer
emember

Me:
Isee

Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m andputt
het
akeawaydown,
Ipul
l
edt
hechai
randsatdown.
.

Me:
Shepushedy
ouandy
ouf
ell
outoft
hebal
cony
Hi
m:Shet
oldme

Me:
Andy
oust
il
lwannabewi
thher
?

Hi
m:Shet
oldmet
hewhol
etr
uth

Ikeptqui
et.
.

Hi
m:Wer
ewecl
ose?YouandI
?

Me:
Ver
y

Hi
m:Idon'
tfeel
theconnect
ionatal
landy
ouract
ionsr
ightnowt
heysayot
her
wise

It
ookoutmyphoneandwentt
oQondi
siwe'
sInst
agr
am.Ishowedhi
m herpi
ctur
e

Me:
Youdon'
trememberher
?

Hel
ookedather
..

Hi
m:No.
.Wasshei
mpor
tantt
ome?

Me:
Ver
y

Si
ndi
:Lungi
enough!

Me:
IthoughtIsai
d"Gi
veussomepr
ivacy
"

Si
ndi
:It
hinky
oushoul
dleav
e

Shewal
kedi
n..

Shel
ookedatI
banat
hi.
.

Si
ndi
:Di
dhet
ell
youabouty
ourcompany
?Hei
saCEOi
nyourcompany
!

I
banat
hil
ookedatme.
.

I
ba:
Ihav
eacompany
?

Si
ndi
:Ohwy
ouf
orgott
otel
lhi
mthat
?

Me:
Sindi
canIt
alkt
oyoui
nthecor
ri
dor
?

Si
ndi
:Ofcour
se

Wewal
kedout
..
Me:
Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
opl
ayat
?

Si
ndi
:Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
opl
ayat
?St
ayoutofmywayandI
'
llst
ayoutofy
our
s

Me:
Qondi
siwei
sIbanat
hi'
str
uel
ove

Shel
ookedar
ound.
.

Her
:Wher
eissher
ightnow?

Me:
Iwi
l
lappl
yforowner
shi
pofI
banat
hi'
sasser
tsunt
ilher
ecov
ers

Her
:Goodl
uckwi
tht
hat

Shewal
kedbacki
n..

TheLangasi
ster
s!

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
78

KHABONI
NA

Atleasthal
fofthewor kwasdonei nthebuil
ding,t
hepainti
ngfinishedtoday
.Ialsohad
abuildi
nginspectortocomeandcheckt hepl aceawhileback,sof arsogood.What '
s
l
eftnowi stopurchaseal ltheequipmentsI'
m goingtoneed, whenal li
sdoneI '
m goi
ng
togetmy sel
fadr iver
'slicense.Iwassoexci t
ed,onceuponat imeIwasmaki ngends
meetbysel l
ingv egetablesint hisci
tyandsoonI '
m goingtobeowi ngar estaur
ant.
Makingmyownmoney ,star
tingmyownl egacy.I'
m pr
oudofmy self
..Iwalkedinon
Lungisit
ti
ngont hecouchwat chingTV..

Me:
Goodev
eni
ng

Hi
m:Ev
eni
ng

Me:
Whatdi
dyoueat
?

Hi
m:Igotmy
sel
fat
akeaway

Me:
Okay

Him:Ar
eyoupl
anni
ngonst
ayi
ngoutl
ateev
ent
omor
row?Sot
hatIcangetmy
sel
fa
chef
Me:
I'
ll
cookbef
oreIl
eav
e

Hechuckl
ed.
..

Me:
Howi
sIbanat
hi?

Hi
m:Youcar
e?

Me:
OkayI
'
mjustgoi
ngt
otakeashowerandsl
eep,
I'
mti
red

Hi
m:Si
ndi
isgoi
ngt
otakeadv
ant
ageofhi
m,hehasamnesi
a

Me:
How?

Hi
m:It
hinkshehashi
sey
esont
hecompany

Me:
That
'sexact
lyl
i
keSi
ndi

Hi
m:What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ouandy
oursi
ster
s?

Me:
I'
m sor
ry?

Him:Inst
eadofSindigett
inghershi ttoget
hershe'
smi l
kingmybr ot
her.Qondisi
we
doesn'
thavedi
rect
ionshedoesn'tknowwhethershe'
scomingorgoi
ng.Shequitschool
butthenwhyshouldwewor ry,she'sdati
ngar i
chpri
nceandsheisgoi ngtobewel l
takencar
eof

Me:Si
ndiisherownPerson,
Qondi
siwei
snotwi
thNt
sikaf
ormoneyandmyl
i
ttl
esi
ster
hasagreatr
esponsi
bil
i
ty

Hi
m:Ofcour
sewhatam It
hinki
ng?

Me:
Somet
hingony
ourmi
ndLungi
?

Hi
m:Notatal lotherthanthatt
heLangaSi st
ersaret
oxic!Qondi
siweal
mostdrovemy
Br
othercr
azy.Ibanathil
ovedher,hest
il
ldoesandwhatdi dshedo?Sheplay
edhim and
wal
kedinthehandsofapr i
ncel
ikemyBr ot
herdoesn'
texist

Me:
Ibanat
hial
mostki
l
ledQondi
siwe

Hi
m:Peopl
emakemi
stakes

Me:
Whataboutme?Gotsomet
hingt
osay
?

Him:Othert
hant
hef
actt
haty
ouusedt
hisNokut
hul
asi
tuat
iont
ocausehav
ocIhav
e
nothi
ngtosay
Me:
Howdi
dIdot
hat
?

Hi
m:I
twasn'
tyourpl
acet
otel
lme

Il
aughed.
.

Me:Wow,Idoapol ogi
zef orthatandpleaseknow thatfrom hereonIwon'tcause
tr
oublebet weeny ouandy ourSist
er.AsforQondisi
wei fshe'
sbecomi ngaburdent o
you,don'tworryshewi l
lmov eoutsoonandasformeIwon' tbotheryouany
moret hatI
promise.I'
l
l ev
ensl eepintheguestroom

Hi
m:Ishoul
dn'
thav
emar
ri
edy
ourass

Me:
Thenwhydi
dyou?

Hi
m:Justbecausey
ougoi
ngtoownar est
aurantsoondoesn'
tgi
vey
outher
ightt
otal
k
t
omelikethat
!!Wemar
ri
ed,weshoul
dbefocusingonstar
ti
ngafami
ly

Me:
Iwon'
thav
eki
dsunt
ilIhav
eachi
evedwhatIwantt
oachi
eve

Hi
m:Justsayi
t,y
ouwer
eusi
ngmet
ogety
ourway

Me:
Howdi
dIusey
ou?

Him:Thi
siswhyy
ouwant
edt
heLobol
amoney
,thi
siswhyy
oudi
dn'
twannagoon
honeymoon

Me:
Lungi
I'
ll
payy
ouy
ourmoneywi
thi
nter
est

Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tsayt
hat

Me:
Thenwhatar
eyousay
ing?

Hekeptqui
et.
.

Me:
I'
m notgoi
ngt
odot
hiswi
thy
ou,
goodni
ghtLungi

_
___
___
___
_

QONDI
SIWE

Wefi
nal
lyar
ri
vedattheZikhal
ivi
l
lage.TheKi
ngwasst
andi
ngatt
hegat
ewi
thoneof
t
heGuar
ds.Wegotoutandmadeourwayt ohi
m..

Hi
m:Qondi
siwe
Hesai
dthatwi
thabi
gsmi
l
e..

Hi
m:Kuhl
eukukubona(
It
'sgoodseei
ngy
ou)

Me:
Nami
fut
hi(
Met
oo)

Hel
ookedatt
hecar
..

Hi
m:Sowazewat
henganemot
o(Youev
enboughtacar
)

Me:
Cha.
.(No)

Hewal
kedoutandst
art
edsur
roundi
ngt
hecar
..

Me:
Isokal
ami
li
ngi
bol
eki
l
e(Myboy
fri
endbor
rowedme)

Hi
m:SekukhonaI
soka(
Ther
e'saboy
fri
end)

Me:
Nkosi
yam,
ngi
cel
aukukwazi
saKumakhosi
(Myki
ng,
pleasemeett
heseer
)

TheSeerboweddownandst
art
edcal
l
ingoutt
heNgwanecl
annames.
.

TheKi
ngputhi
shandont
hebonnet
..

Ki
ng:
Isokal
eli
yiNkosana?(
Thi
sBoy
fri
end,
isheaPr
ince)

Me:
Yebo(
Yes)

Hi
m:Yakuphi
?(Fr
om wher
e)

Il
ookedatt
heSeer
..

Me:
Mkhi
zev
il
lage

TheKi
ngl
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:I
ni?(
What
)

Hemadehi
swayt
ome.
.

Me:
Igamal
akhenguNt
sikay
ezweMkhi
ze(
Hisnamei
sNt
sikay
ezweMkhi
ze)

Hi
m:Qondi
siwe

Me:
Ngi
yamt
handakakhul
u(Il
ovehi
m)

Hi
m:Qondi
siweangekewakwazi
ukuqhubekanay
e(Youcan'
tgoonwi
thhi
m)
Me:
Iknowukut
hit
her
e'sbadbl
oodki
thi
nabakubokodwa

Hi
m:Qondi

Me:
It'
snotf
airt
hatNt
sikaandIshoul
dsuf
ferbecauseo-

Hi
m:Qondi
siwel
alel
a(Li
stent
ome)

Him:Akukhoozokushookuy
ongi
shi
ntshaumqondo(
Ther
e'snot
hingy
oucansayt
hat
's
goi
ngtochangemymi nd)

Hi
m:Qondi
siwengekewaqhubekanay
e(Youcan'
tgoonwi
thhi
m)

Me:
uNt
sikawumu-

Hi
m:Uy
indodakazi
yami
,uy
iNkosazana(
Youar
emyDaught
er,
youar
eapr
incess)

Ist
oppedt
alki
ngandl
ookedatme.
.

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Uy
indodakazi
yam (
Youar
emydaught
er)

_
___
___
___
___

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Iwentt
ovi
sitVuki
l
eatt
hehospi
tal
.
.

Me:
Howar
eyou?

Hi
m:Youdi
dn'
tbr
ingany
thi
ngst
rong?

Me:
No.
.Howar
eyou?

Hi
m:I
'
m get
ti
ngdi
schar
gedt
omor
row

Me:
That
'sgood,
I'
m sur
eyoucan'
twai
ttogetoutofher
e

Hi
m:Exact
ly!

Vuki
l
eiscur
rent
lynotseei
ngany
one.Hei
smor
efocusedonhi
sbusi
nessest
handat
ing.

Hi
m:Howi
sev
ery
thi
ng?

Me:
Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne
Hi
m:Howi
syourDad?

Me:
Dadi
sfi
ne

Hi
m:Hedi
dn'
tbi
tchaboutmenotat
tendi
nguMemul
o

Me:
YouknowDad

Henodded.
.

Hi
m:Manqobat
oldmeabouty
ourgi
rl
fr
iend

Me:
Itr
ustManqobat
oputmybusi
nessoutt
her
e

Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tknowi
twasasecr
et

Me:
It'
snot

Hi
m:Whenam Imeet
ingher
?

Me:
Soon.
.Lemeshowy
ouherpi
ctur
e

Ishowedhi
m herpi
ctur
e,hewhi
stl
ed.
.

Hi
m:Doesshehav
esi
ster
s?

Me:
2..Onei
smar
ri
edandonei
sinar
elat
ionshi
p

Hi
m:That
'sbad,
aret
heyal
sobeaut
if
ul?

Me:
Theyar
e,goodgenesr
uni
nthei
rfami
l
y

Hi
m:Shei
sver
ybeaut
if
ul

Me:
Toomuch

_
___
___
___
__

QONDI
SIWE

Il
ookedatNowi
sa'
spi
ctur
e..

Ki
ng:
Qondi
siwe

(
Sil
ence)

Me:
uMawat
hiuBabausegol
i(Mymom sai
dmyf
atheri
satt
heci
ty)
Hi
m:Ngiyazi
,sasi
kukhusel
a.UMauNdl ukul
uebet
hol
i
lengabewakubul
ala(
Iknow,we
wer
etr
yingtoprot
ectyou.I
ftheQueenknewshewasgoi
ngtoki
ll
you)

Me:
Yikoebesi
zonda?(
Ist
hatwhyshehat
edus)

Hi
m:Wakuzondangal
ent
oyeNdoni
yamanzi
(Shehat
edy
ouf
orbei
ngaGuar
dian)

It
urnedar
oundandl
ookedathi
m..

Me:Impil
oy amiyonkengangi
sogola kant
ingi
yiNkosazana (
Allmyl
i
feI
'
vebeen
suf
fer
ingnotknowi
ngthatI
'
m apr
incess)

Hi
m:Ngi
yaxol
i
sakakhul
uQondi
siwe(
I'
m sor
ry)

Idi
dn'
tknowhowt
ofeel
,Iwasmor
eshockedt
hanangr
y..

Him:Ngingathandaukut
himinanawesazanekangconof uthiuMauvumangi
kwazi
sela
esgodi
ninjengeNdondakaziyamiezobawuNdl unkul
umhlangahambalaemhl
abeni(
I
wouldl
ikeust ogettoknoweachot her
,wit
hy ourpermi
ssionIwoul
dli
ketoi
ntr
oduce
youtothevil
lageasmydaught erandthefut
ureQueenshouldIdi
e)

Thisi
sal lmessedup,whenwil
lIcat
chabr
eak?I
t'
sasecr
etaf
teranot
hersecr
et.I
'
m
ti
red,
Ijustwantmyli
fetobenor
mal

_
___
___
___
___

KHABONI
NA

Il
ookedatmyr i
ngcrying.Onmyweddi ngday,whenweexchangedourv owsi twast he
bestdayofmyl i
fe.Nokut hulacameback,Idon' tevenknow how shecameback
becauseshe'
ssupposedt obedeadandev er
ythi
ngi sjustfal
l
ingapart.I'
m notr eadyto
fi
ghtforamanwhocl ear l
yhashisheartembeddedsomewher eelse,Idon'tthinkLungi
i
sov erNoks.What '
ssi ckeningaboutthi
ssi t
uationist hatit
'shisSi st
er,buthei s
i
gnoringthat
.Al
lIwantt odoi stofocusonmy self
,I'
m notgoingtol etanot herman
bri
ngmedownagai n..

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
79

TheDor
ahour
QONDI
SIWE

By2am wewer ealreadyup,wewer epreparingf ormet ogotother i

ver.Iwillbeunder
therefor3day s.Ihav etocleansei t
,communi catewi thit
,andconnectwi thit
.Iwas
nervous,thi
sisbyf arthebiggestresponsibil
i
tyf acingme.Whati fIdrown?Whati fI
won'tbeablet ocleanseit?WhatifIdon'tcomeback? .Iwasli
ter
all
yshaki ng.Lastnight
Iexplai
nedev erythi
ngt otheKing,ImeanmyFat her.Iexpectedhim nott ounder stand
anythi
ng buthe di d,hence he suggest ed thatwe go t ot he kr
aaland he wi l
l
communi catewi ththeancestor
s.TheNgwaneancest orst
obewi thmeandpr otectme.
Atexactly3am, thewi t
chf
ulhour.Ineedt obeget t
ingi nthewater.Makhosihadj oined
us,theguardshadsl aughter
dacow l astnightsot hatIcanbat hwi t
ht hegal l
bladder
(Iny
ongo).Thei ncensewasbur ni
ng,agoatwast iedwi tharope..

King:NgwanekaNgwadi .Sicel
aki nibokhokhoukuthinikhany
isel
eumnt wanawenu,
uQondi siweLanga-Ngwane.Umnt wanaunegaziemi thanj
weniyakhe,igaziloKhokho
aboNgwane.Kuhambol wakheuf unaukuzaziukuthiungubani
,ngicel
aahl angabezwe
yi
niemf uleni
.Mbonisenii
ndlel
a,Inganiwakhethel
wal omsebenziesesiswinisikaNina.
Ngicelabeseni yayi
bonel
elaIngane,ni ngayi
l
ahli
.Uyigazil
enu.(TheKi ngaski ngthe
Ngwaneancest or
st owelcome,pr otect,andguideQondisiweasshei st akingthis
j
our neytor eal
izewhoshetrulyi
s)

Seer:Si
celanakuwedloziel
ikhululakwaLanga.Bawi nil
eLanga,I nganey ancel
akuwe.
UkufaakushoukuthiungasayibhekiIngani.Laphoukhona,v el
a.Vel elaInganeyakho.
Wawuziqhenyangayousaphil
a,makubenj alongishonasekufeni(Weal sopleadwit
ht he
greatLangaancestor.Bawi
nileLanga,t hischildbreast
fedf rom you.Deat hdoesn't
meany oushouldabandonher .Wher eyouar e,show yoursel
f.Youwer eproudofher
whenshewasst il
lal
iv
e,dosoev enindeat h)

Weal lclappedourhands.Oneoft heoldfemal

eeldersofthevi
l
lagewalkedin,shewas
fol
lowedbymysi sterNomasontowhowashol di
ngabasi nandawhi teclot
h.Sheput
thebasi ndown.TheSeerand t heKingwalked outoft hekraal
.Theol d woman
i
nstructedmet oundr ess,Idi
d.Igotinthewaterthatwasmixedwi t
ht hegall
bladder
.
Shest artedbat
hingmeandt ol
dmet osaytheNgwanecl annames,togetherwiththe
Langacl annames.AsIwasbat hingtheGoatst
artedmakingnoi
se..

Ol
dwoman:
Amadl
ozi
aki
nianawe(
Yourancest
orsar
ewi
thy
ou)

Nomasont
olookedatme,
thenshewal
kedout
..

_
___
___
___
_
NOKUTHULA

Il
ookedatt
hepor
ti
onbef
oreIdr
anki
t.I
twasv
erybi
tt
er,
Lor
rai
newal
kedi
n..

Her
:Don'
tyouhav
eanyshame?

Me:
Shame?

Her
:Youar
etr
yingt
ogetbackwi
thy
ourownbr
otherbyusi
ngt
hepor
ti
on

Me:If oundoutaboutLungiwhenwer eal

readyengaged.Ideci
dedt okeepquiet
becauseallmylov
eInev
errecei
vedl
ove.Mom diedwhenshewasy oungandDadwas
al
way sbusy.Hewast
heonlyper
sonwhoshowedmel ove,andNo.Idon'
tseehi
m asa
Brot
her

Shenodded.
.

Me:
Thepor
ti
oni
swor
king,
hedoesn'
tseemeasaSi
ster
.Hei
sbl
i
nded

Her
:Nokut
hul
aIam l
eav
ing

Me:
Leav
ing?

Her
:I'
m goi
ngbackt
otheunder
wor
ld

Me:
What
?Why
?

Her:TheDal
lahasstart
edwit
hherj
our
ney
,Ineedtost
artwi
thminet
oo.Thesametime
shegetsint
othewat er
,ist
hesameti
meI'm meantt
obetrav
eli
ngtotheunderworl
d
too.TheDor
ahourisuponus

Me:
TheDor
ahour
?

Her:Thelastandgreatestf
ightbet
weenmeandtheDal
la.Imustgoandfi
ndstrengt
h
t
oo,whenIcomebackIam goi ngtorel
easemyl
astar
row onher.Anar
row t
hatshe
mightnotrecoverf
rom

Me:
Ist
hatl
i
ter
al?

Her
:No.
.Itmeansthi
sisi
t,t
hel
astweapont
hatIwassav
ingf
orher
.I'
l
lber
eleasi
ngi
t
t
opossi
blydef
eather

Me:
Car
etoshar
e?

Her
:No.
.Concent
rat
eonget
ti
ngbackwi
thy
ourBr
other
,Babydaddy
,exf
iancéwhat
ever
hei
stoy
ou

Inodded.
.

Her
:Comewi
thme

Shewashol
dingast
ick,
wewal
kedoutt
othepool
..

Her:Iam goingtotempor ar
il
yleavethi
sbody,Ineedtogohomeasmyt r
ueself
.When
I'
m gonetaket hebodyt othesecr etr
oom.There'
sabl ackporti
onintheroom,ever
y
morningmakehert odr i
nkitsothatshecanstaysoundasleepunti
lIcancomebackto
herbodyaf t
er3 day s.Ifanyoneaskswher eIam,t ellthem I'
vetaken atri
pto
somewher e.NotthatanyoneisgoingtoaskaboutLor
rai
ne

Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssy
ou

Her
:I'
l
lbeback

Shel
ookedatt
hesky
..

Me:
Whatdowedonow?

Her
:Iwi
l
lpr
ayt
otheunder
wor
ld,
tot
hegodoft
heunder
wor
ld

Me:
Okay

Shel
ookedatt
heskyagai
n..

Aker:NiAker ra naiz. Aitort

ui ezadazu etxerai tzul
tzen nai
zen hei
nean. Indarra,
i
luntasunaet abot ereaeskatzenditut.Ot oi
tzegi t
endi zutBaphomet,l
urpekojai
nkoa.
Zurez erbi
tzari
anai z,hemennagozer bi
tzatzeko.(Iam theAker.Recogni
zeme, asItake
myjour neybackhome.Iaskf orstr
ength,darknessandpower .Ipr
aytoy ouBaphomet ,
thegodoft heunder worl
d.Iam yourservant,I
'm heretoserve)

_
___
___
___
___

QONDI
SIWE

Whenwewer edone,wemadeourwayt otheI

ndoni YamanziRiver
.ItwascoldandIf el
t
coldIwasweari
ngthewhitecl
othonly.I
twasMe, TheSeer,TheKing,Nomasont o,and
theoldwoman.Whenwegott otheRiv
er,theSeerburnedtheincense.Hestar
tedt ocal
l
outtheNgwaneandtheLangaclannamesagain.Hewal kedaroundwi t
htheIncense.

It
urnedandl
ookedatev
ery
one.
.
Me:Umangi ngabuyi
,uKhabonoNtsi
kangi cel
abaziukut
hingi
yabat
handa(
IfIdon'
t
comeback.LetKhaboandNtsi
kaknowthatIlov
ethem)

Ki
ng:
Uzobuy
aNdondakazi
(Youwi
l
lcomebackmyDaught
er)

TheSeercameback,
wesawdov
esf
lyi
ngar
oundt
her
iver
..

Seer
:It
'st
ime

Iswal
l
owedandnodded.
.

Seer
:Hav
efai
th,
youar
ether
iver
.Ther
iverhast
oobeyandl
i
stent
oyou

Inodded.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Hesmi
l
ed.
.

It
urnedandl
ookedatt
her
iver
,thenImademywayi
n..
.

Me:Ngwane,kaNgwadi .Masupa,MasengaSil
eka.Ndukuzinobulongwe,Ninabesi zwe
sikaMat i
wane.Usozisel
akaMasumpanoTshani ,Ni
nabebut holi
kaSangweni .UZikhali
ezingali
nganinezamaxhegwana,Sangwel i
banziolungawelwa abantukazana ngoba
l
uv alel
we ngezi
hlangu zamadoda.Luwelwa yi
zi
nkonjane ngoba zi
hambel a phezulu!
(clanprai
ses)

I
nthemi ddleoft
hewaterIst
art
edseei
ngal
ltheNgwanepr
evi
ousQueenst
hatar
eno
more.Exceptf
orNowi
sa.

Me:MuziNqot heni
.Sothole,sodumase,Madevuangqabulainkomishi.Phokophalal
a
mnikol
usha ngoba oludal
al umbangelaisil
ungul
elo.Shi
y'
bantu,Ny ongo yendlovu,
Madl'
umlenze adel
eisidumbu.Madubandl el
a,Ngwane,Mcway i
,Gubhaza,Ml indeli
,
Somaphunga,Mdlaka!

IsawmyMotherandherMotheral
sost
andi
ngwit
htheNgwaneQueens.Shesmil
edat
me,Iheldmysel
fback.Tr
yingnottobeemot
ional
,itwasover
whelmingtoseeher
agai
n..

_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___

LORRAI
NE(
THEAKER)

Wesawcr
owsf
lyi
ngar
oundi
nthesky
.
Shel
ookedatme.
.

Aker
:Iti
sti
me

Shehi therstickontheground3ti
mes,thewaterstar
tedspinningaroundli
keablack
hol
e.Shet ookoutablackporti
onanddranki
t,af
teraf ewsecondsshef ell
.Isawthe
Akerget t
ingoutofLorrai
ne'
sbody,shemadeherwayi nsi
det hewater.Whenshewas
under,thewat ercal
meddownagain.Iwassti
l
lstarr
ingatthewat er
,shockedbutwhat
j
usttookpl ace.

Tobecont
inued

[
31/
03,
23:
21]+27747280238:
80

TheDor
ahour

NOMASONTO

Myf
atherwassi
tt
ingout
sideandr
eadi
ngt
hel
ocal
newspaper
,Imademywayt
ohi
m.

Me:
Baba

Hel
ower
edt
henewspaperandl
ookedatme.

Me:
Bengi
sacel
aukukhul
umanawe(
MayIpl
easehav
eawor
dwi
thy
ou)

Henodded.
.

Me:Kukokonkel okhuokwenzekil
e,ngi
shonokufakukaMa.Bengibonaukuthinami
sekuyi
sikhat
himanj e sokuthingi
shi
ntshe i
mpil
oy am.(With ev
eryt
hing t
hathas
happened,especi
all
ywiththedeat
hofmyMot her
.Ithi
nki
t'
sti
menowIgetanewst ar
t)

Hi
m:Qhubeka(
cont
inue)

Me:
Bengi
ngat
handaukuy
ohl
alaeGol
i(Iwoul
dli
ket
omov
etot
heCi
ty)

Hi
m:Ngoba?(
why
)

Me:I
ndawoentl
e,ngi
ngathol
aumsebenzingi
zakhel
eimpi
l
o(I
t'
sagoodpl
ace,
Icanget
aj
obandstar
tanewlife)

Hi
m:Nomasont
oiGol
iay
iyi
ntl
engal
endl
elaocabangangay
o.Fut
hiwenauy
iNkosazana
angekewamanewahambanj e(Nomasonto,t
heci
tyi
snotasgoodasy
out
hinki
tis.
YouareaPri
ncess,
youcan'
tj
ustupandleave)

Me:InganiuQondi
siweukwenzi
lel
okho,nay
euy
iNkosazana(
ButQondi
siwemadei
t
happened,
she'
salsoaPri
ncess)

Hi
m:I
ndabakaQondi
si
wei
hluki
l
e(Qondi
siwe'
sissuei
sdi
ff
erent
)

Me:
Njani
?(How)

Hi
m:Nomasont
oawuy
ieGol
i(Younotmov
ingt
otheCi
ty)

Me:
KodwaBaba(
ButDad)

Hi
m:Sengi
khul
umi
l
enj
alo(
Ihav
eal
readyspoken)

Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngel
se,
Iwal
kedbacki
nsi
det
hehouse.
.

_
___
___
___
_

KHABONI
NA

Todaytheyweredeliveri
ngt heappli
ancesandever
ythi
ngelsethatwasgoi
ngt
obe
needed.Thi
sishappening,Ican'
tbel
i
evethati
t'
sfi
nal
l
yhappening.
.

Bet
ty:
I'
veputt
hev
acancyl
astni
ghton"
JobsI
ndeedandGumt
ree"sof
arwehav
e5Cv
s

Me:
That
'sgood

Her
:Howmanyl
adi
esdoy
ouwant
?

Me:
May
be2or3,
weneedpeopl
ewhoar
egoodwi
thAf
ri
candi
shes

Her
:Okayt
hat
'
sgood

Il
ookedar
ound.
.

Me:
Doy
out
hinkt
hispl
acei
sgoodf
orbusi
ness?

Her
:Wenott
hatf
arf
rom t
het
axi
rank,
taxi
dri
ver
swi
l
lbeourr
egul
arcust
omer
s

Me:
Ihopeso

Her
:TheMenui
sal
sodone:

-
Pap&t
ri
pe=R30
-
Pap/
Rice&Chi
ckenst
ew=R25

-
Pap/
Rice&Beefst
ew=R35

Al
lthedishescomewit
haVege.Coul
dbecabbage,
orMashpot
atoes.Toaddasal
adi
t
wi
llcostandextr
aR10

-
Cool
dri
nks(
Cans)=R15

-
Cool
dri
nks(
2li
tr
e)=R20

BREAKFAST

-
Vet
koeks=R1each

-
Muf
fi
ns=R5each

-
Sconss=R5each

-
Sandwi
ches=R12each

-
cof
fee=R10

-
Tea=R10

Me:
Ili
kei
tsof
arsogood

Her
:Thi
sisgoi
ngt
owor
kdon'
twor
ry

Me:
Ihopei
tdoes

Her
:OhwI
'
llal
sogetatl
east3peopl
etodi
str
ubepamphl
etsf
orus

Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuchBet
ty,
Idon'
tknowwhatIwoul
d'
vedonewi
thouty
ou

Her
:I'
m get
ti
ngpai
dsoi
t'
snot
hing

Bet
tywi
l
lwor
kher
eforashor
twhi
l
eunt
ilsheget
saj
ob.

_
___
___
___
___
_

NTSI
KAYEZWE

Iwasont
hephonewi
tht
heSeer
..

Me:
Howdi
ditgo?
Hi
m:Shewenti
nthi
smor
ning

Me:
It'
ssupposedt
otake3day
sri
ght
?

Hi
m:Yes

Me:
Ithi
nkIshoul
dcomedownt
her
eont
he3r
dday

Hi
m:Idon'
tthinkthat
'sagoodidea,wi
thever
ythi
ngthat
'shappeni
ngbet
weeny
our
f
amil
yandher
s.Theycanl
ockyouupandhaveyoukil
led

Me:
Iunder
stand

Hi
m:I
'
m sur
eshewi
l
lcal
lyouwhenshecomesback

Me:
Ihopeshedoescomeback

Hi
m:Shewi
l
l,weneedt
ohav
efai
th

Me:
Thanky
ouf
orcont
act
ingme,
andt
hanky
ouf
orbei
ngt
her
e

Hi
m:I
t'
smycal
l
ing

Me:
Wewi
l
ltal
kagai
n

Hi
m:Goodby
e

Ihungupandt
henmyBr
otherwhi
stl
edatme.
.Iwentbackt
ohi
swar
d..

Me:
Youcan'
twhi
stl
e,t
hisi
sahospi
tal
.Notat
axi
rank

Hi
m:I
'
mreadyt
ogo

Me:
Mom say
syoushoul
dgohomef
oraf
ewday
s

Hi
m:Why
?

Me:
Shej
ustwant
stoseey
ou

Hi
m:Ihav
eal
ott
odo,
I'
ll
cal
lher

Het
ri
edt
ofi
xhi
sar
m sl
i
ngbuthecoul
dn'
t,
het
ooki
tof
fandt
hrewi
tont
hebed.
.

Hi
m:I
yang'
casul
alent
o(Thi
sthi
ngi
sir
ri
tat
ingme)

Me:
Youhav
etoputi
tonatal
lti
mes
Hi
m:Ngi
rightNt
sika,
thi
sisnott
hef
ir
stt
imengi
phukai
sandl
a

Me:
Thesamear
mthaty
ouhadanacci
dentwi
thaf
ewy
ear
sago

Iwentandt
ooki
t.
.

Me:
Letmehel
pyou

Hepushedmeback.
.

Hi
m:Ungang'
dakel
imf
anaangi
siy
enaumf
azi
(Don'
tdi
srespectme,
I'
m notawoman)

If
oldedi
t.
.Vuki
l
eisv
eryhar
dheaded.Hi
sjustl
i
kemyFat
her
..

Me:
Wewi
l
ltakei
twi
tht
hen

Hi
m:Asambe(
let
'sgo)

_
___
___
___

I
BANATHI

Icl
osedmyey
esandt
ri
edt
osear
chdeepf
oranymemor
ybutIcamebackwi
thnot
hing.

Thi
swasFust
rat
ing.TheDrwal
kedi
n..

Hi
m:Goodmor
ning

Me:
Mor
ning

Hi
m:Howar
eyou?

Me:
I'
m good

Hewashol
dingmyscans.
.

Me:
Anygoodnews?

Hi
m:I
'
m af
rai
dnot
,theAmnesi
aisper
manent

Isi
ghed.
.

Him:Lookonthebri
ghtsi
de.Yousur
vivedat r
agi
cfal
l
,yougotawaywit
hafewbr
oken
bonesandamnesia.Youshoul
dbegr atef
ul,pl
usyouhaveyourl
ovedonest
ocreat
e
newmemor i
eswit
h

Me:
Howcant
hathappenwhenIdon'
tev
enr
ememberwhot
heyar
e
Him:Wheny ougetdischar
gedy
oumustspendt
imewi
tht
hem sot
haty
oucangett
o
knowthem al
loveragai
n

Me:
YaaIguessso

Hi
m:TheNur
sewi
l
lbewi
thy
oushor
tl
y

Me:
Thanky
ou

Hewal
kedout
..

_
___
___
__

LUNGI
SA

Nokut
hul
aKnocked.
.

Me:
Hey

Shewal
kedi
n..

Her
:Hey

Me:
Howar
eyou?

Her
:I'
m goodandy
ou

Me:
I'
m good

Her
:Ihopey
ouhav
en'
tor
der
edsomet
hing,I
'
vebr
oughty
ousomet
hingf
orl
unch.You
f
avori
te

Sheputt
heTupper
war
eont
het
abl
e..

Me:
ThenIwon'
tor
derany
thi
ng,
thanky
ou

Shasatdown.
.

Her
:Ar
eyouokay
?

Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
.Justpr
obl
emsi
nmymar
ri
age

Her
:Can'
tyouguy
sgethel
p?

Ichuckl
ed.
.

Me:
Act
ual
l
yIt
hinkIwantadi
vor
ce
Her
:That
'sext
remeLungi
,yout
wogotmar
ri
ednotsol
ongago

Me:
That
'st
het
hing,
Idon'
trememberhowi
tgott
othat

Her
:Whatar
eyousay
ing?

Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkIl
ovemywi
feany
mor
e

Herey
eswi
dened.
.

Me:Ever
ythi
ngaboutherirr
it
atesme.Iam sur
eshemarr
iedmetogetbenef
it
s,I'
m gl
ad
Imadehertosi
gnapr enup.HerandherSi
ster
saret
oxi
cgolddi
gger
s,t
heydisgustme

Her
:That
'samout
hful

Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
oni
ght
?

Her
:Lor
rai
nei
snotar
ound,
soI
'
m al
lal
onebutNet
fl
ixwi
l
lkeepmecompany

Me:
Goodmay
beIcanmov
einf
oracoupl
eofday
sjustt
ocl
earmyhead

Her
:Ar
eyousur
e?

Me:
I'
drat
herbewi
thy
out
hansomeonet
hatIdon'
tl
ove

Shenodded.
.

Her
:Okay
,youwel
come

Me:
Thanky
ou

Tobecont
inued