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ze2020

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sreser
ved

2020

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i
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oduced,tr
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ed,orstor
edinaret
riev
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stem,inany
for
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ng,recor
dingorot
herwise,wit
houtthe
permi
ssi
onofthepubl
isher
.
~Unexpect
edl
y~

PROLOGUE

Thesir
ensandt
hepoli
cecarstot
heambul ancest
hatar
einf
rontofusaswearewatchingthe
whol
esceneastheyputhi
m onastr
etcherandint
otheambulanceandi
tal
lendsl
i
ket hatonce
agai
n.

I
nter
viewer:
"Howdi
dyour
eal
l
yfeel
li
kewheny
ouopenedy
ourey
es?"

Sandi
l
e:"itwasawakeupcal
l,t
hatImadeal
otofmi
stakesi
nmyl
i
feandcausi
ngmet
o
al
mostloosethewomanIl
ove"

'
Ncooh'
.Youcanheari
tfr
om t
hecr
owd,
Iti
l
tmyheadt
othesi
dej
ustt
ogetabet
terv
iew.

I
nter
viewer
:"Andy
ouMr
sVazi
-Zuma?Iam sur
eyouwer
edev
ist
ated."

Mercy:"i
twashar
d, t
heDrssaidt
hathewasn'tsupposedt
omakeitaf
tert
hose5bull
etsonhi
s
chestbuther
eweare.ThewaitwaslongbutIam happyhei
sokandfi
nall
ygotbackt
olif
e"

I
nter
viewer:
"youhear
dity
oursel
fpeopl
e..
..
..
."

Thet
vswi
tchedof
f,weal
ltur
ned.

Super
int
endent:
"Unat
hi"

Ilookedatmyfr
iend'sbef
orefol
lowi
ngher.IknowIdi
dnot
hingwrongandIcan'
tbepuni
shed
forsomethi
ngIdon'tknow.I
sitaboutmyleav
ingaswel
l?Mystaywil
lbeext
ended?Wegotin
heroffi
ceandshewentbehindherdesk.

Me:
"What
everi
tisi
twasn'
tmyf
aul
t"

Shel
ooksatmethendownt
ot hepaper
sinf
rontofherandstoodupstrai
ghtl
ooki
ngatmeand
gi
vi
ngmeasharplook.Myeyeswonderaswellt
hroughherf
iercest
are.

Super
int
endent:
"Iknowy
oudi
dnot
hingwr
ong"

Thenwhyam Iher
e.

Me:
"oh"

Shecutme.

Superi
ntendent:
"Ij
ustwant
edtosayy
ourst
aywoul
dhav
ebeenext
endedhencet
hewhol
e
ordeal
thathappened5year
sago."
Ikeepqui
et.

Me:
"itwasami
stake"

Super
int
endent:
"Iknow.Youhav
ebeenwel
lbehav
edaf
terRazorl
eft"

Inodded.

Super
int
endent:
"Youmaygobackt
oyourcel
l,t
vti
mei
sdone"

Inodded.

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Shenoddedandsatdownonherchai r.Iwalkedoutofheroff
iceandalreadyawardenwas
wait
ingf orme.Shet ookmyarm andledmebackt omycel l
.It'
shasbeent ough.Iwentint
o
sol
itaryforayear,awholeyearaf
tergiv
ingbirt
htoAnele.Ihaveneversawmybaby 'sface
aft
erbirthastheytookmychildaway.Wegott omycellandthewardenopenedandIwal ked
i
nbef oresheclosed,IwenttomybedandIsatdown.Nel l
ycameandsatnextt ome.

Nel
l
y:"Whatdi
dshewant?"

Me:
"Not
hingmuch"

Nell
y:"y
ouar
eluckyy
ouar
eget
ti
ngoutt
omor
row.Thi
na(us)whoar
eser
ving30y
ear
sin
pr
ison"

Shel
ookeddown.

Me:
"Youmi
ghtgetpar
ole"

Nel
l
y:"Idoubt
."

Shel
ookeddown.

Me:"Nel
l
ywhatyoudidwasyousav
ingyour
sel
ffr
om themonster
.Heabusedyoutoomuch
andi
twasei
therhi
m ory
ou.Iam gl
adyouchoseyour
selfandgav
eyoursonabett
erli
fe"

Nel
l
y:"(si
gh)y
eah.At
leasthei
snotangr
yatmebutunder
standsnowt
hathehasgr
own"

Me:
"yousee"

Nel
l
y:'
Iam gonnami
ssy
ouBar
biegal
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"youar
efor
war
dyouknow"

Wel
aughedandsatbackandt
alkedl
i
kei
twast
hel
astdayonear
th,
Ireal
l
yfoundaf
ri
endi
nher
.
SomeoneIcoul
dtal
ktoaboutany
thi
ngandheraswel
l
.

Iam Unathi
Khumalobutori
ginal
l
yaNgema,Ihav
en'tchangedmymarit
alnamebutonceIam
outIwil
l.Asingl
emotheroftwoandy
ettodi
scoverwhatthewor
ldhasin-
stor
eformebeyond
thesepr
isonwall
s.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t1

Ifel
tli
keIwasbeingaki d,achi l
dtakenoutsi
def ort
hef i
rstti
me.Iheldont omydr essquiet
ti
ghtl
ybyit
sbot t
om ends."Idon' teverwanttoseey ouhereagainUnathi"thesuperi
ntendent
saidtomebef or
eIdeparted.Iwi shtogobacki nsi
de,Iam scaredthatt
hewor ldwillswal
low
me.Iwalkedupt ohim andhesmi l
edandIst ar
tedrelaxi
ngagain.Iwill
foreverbeindebtt o
thi
sman, hehasbeenspot tingmet hroughmyt oughestti
me.Heengul fsmei nahugandt he
Sunisnottheonlywarmt hingaroundher eIt
akeawi ffofhisCologneandithitsmynost r
ils
andIknowt hatt
hisi
sreal.Ir eal
lyam outofpri
son.

Dad:
"howar
eyou?"

Me:
"Iam ok.If
eel
okandscar
ed."

Dad:
"Don'
tbe,
ther
eisnot
hingt
obescar
edof
f"

Heopensthecardoorf
ormeandIt
hankhi
m andgeti
nandheget
sinhi
ssi
deaswel
landhe
dr
ivesof
f.

Me:
"Howi
smom ?
"
Il
ookathim andhei ssi
lent.Iwon'
tli
eIsawitcomi
ng,mymot herwasn'tmuchofagood
per
sonandsowasIbutshewentbey ondandhurtmyf
atherintheprocess.Yestheyar
enot
di
vorcedbuttheyareseperate.Shehasn'
tvi
sit
edmeal
lthoseyearsIwasi njai
l
.Itwasonl
ydad
andQamowhoev erdid.

Dad:
"Shemov
edt
oEast
erncape"

Inodded.

Me:
"At
leasty
oudon'
tl
iv
eal
onei
nthatbi
ghouse"

Hechuckl
ed.

Me:
"wel
lfr
om nowony
ouwon'
t"

Dad:
"YesIwon'
t.Anel
eisnotathomet
hough"

Me:
"wher
eishe?"

Dad:
"Andi
swat
ookhi
m wi
thLet
ho,
theyar
eatt
hei
rhousef
ort
heweekend."

Md:
"Let
ho?Howi
sshe?"

Iaskal
otofquest
ions.Icoul
dfeel
ateari
nmyey
e.Forsur
eshepr
obabl
ythi
nksAndi
swai
s
hermother.

Dad:
"shei
sgr
owi
ngwel
l
.Ver
ymuchbubbl
y,shedoesv
isi
t."

Hel
ooksatmef
orasecondt
henbackt
other
oad.

Dad:
"Sheknowsy
ouar
ehermot
herandAnel
eherl
i
ttl
ebr
other
.Andi
swamadesur
esheknows
"

Me:
"oh"

Therewassil
ence.Itur
nedtheradi
oabitandthenl
aidbacktomyseatandl
ookedoutthe
window.Ev
erythi
ngissti
l
lthesamejustal
it
tl
echangeshereandt
hereaswel
l.If
eell
ikeIj
ust
cameoutofmyownshel l
.

Dad:
"Wewi
l
lgoandhav
eLunchbef
orewegohome"

Me:
"Idon'
twantt
obei
nacr
owdt
oday
.May
bet
omor
row"

Dad:
"Ok"

Il
ookbackoutt
hewi
ndow.

.
.

*
ANDI
SWA*

"
Zikhal
i!"

Icar
ryonl
ooki
ngt
hrought
hewar
drobeandst
il
lnoanswer
.

Me:
"Hai
bot
hischi
l
d"

Iwalkoutofourbedr
oom andIwentt
othei
rroom andIcoul
dher
egi
ggl
esandsomeone
hushi
ngthem.

Me:
"Iwon'
tbuyahappyameal
fory
ou"

Let
hogotoutf
ir
stf
rom herhi
dingpl
acewhi
chwast
hewar
drobe.

Let
ho:
",MommyIam her
e."

Me:
"Getdr
essedLet
howher
ear
eyourbr
other
s?"

Let
ho:
"Anel
egetouti
fyouwantahappymeal
"

Hegotoutf
rom undert
hebed.

Me:
"youar
egonnadi
rt
yyour
sel
f,hav
eyouf
ini
shedeat
ing?"

Henodded.

Me:
"Zi
khal
i!
"

Hegotoutf
rom behi
ndt
hedoor
.

Me:
"You"

Zi
khal
i
:"mahwewer
ejustpl
ayi
ng"

Me:"t
imeforpl
ayi
ngl
ater
.Youneedt
ogetdr
essedandIhav
etodr
ivey
oubot
htoy
our
gr
andf
ather
's"

Anel
e:"Butwesawhi
myest
erday"

Me:
"Fr
idaybaby"

Iwi
pedhi
sface.

Me:
"nowgochange"
Theyal
lrushedout
.Iwal
kedoutofthebedr
oom andwenttoourbedr
oom andIbentdownand
tookt
heshoesandworethem bef
oreIwal
kedoutandwentdownthestai
rs.

Me:
"hel
l
omah.Hav
eyouseenmyhusband?
"

MaRose:
"Hei
sinhi
sst
udy"

Me:
"okt
hanky
ou"

Iwal
kedt
ohi
sst
udyandIknockedbef
oreopeni
ngandhewasont
hephone.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"canwet
alkl
ater,
mywi
feneedsme"

Ismi
l
edb

Nt
ethel
elo:
"yeahsur
e."

Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.

Me:
"Iam j
usther
etot
ell
youwear
eleav
ing"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"for?"

Me:
"Iam t
aki
ngLet
hoandAnel
etobabuNgema"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"It
'sbeenaweekendsugarpl
um "

Me:
"Unat
hii
sout"

Hel
ookedatme.Hej
ustchuckl
ed.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Andi
swa"

Me:"nomatt
erwhatNt
ethel
eloshewi
l
lal
way
sbet
hei
rmot
her,
shewasev
ent
ual
l
ygoi
ngt
o
comeout"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iam comi
ngwi
thy
ou.Ican'
tl
ett
hatwomanhar
m mywi
feandChi
l
dren"

Me:
"ok"

Ij
ustlethi
m bebecauseheisal
waysstubbor
nabouttheUnat
hisi
tuat
ion.Hetookhiscarkey
s
andIwalkedoutandwalkedupthest
air
s.Igoti
nthei
rroomsandtheywereal
lreadyand
packed.

Me:
"comedaddyi
swai
ti
ngdownst
air
s"

Theywalkedoutandwentdownt hest
air
s.Ifi
t'
snotmyschoolki
dsit'
smykids,i
t'
squiet
drai
ningsometi
mes.Wesai dourgoodbyestoMaRoseandNtethel
elowasalr
eadyreadyi
nthe
carandsoasthekids.Igoti
nandhestartedt
hecaranddr
oveoff.
Me:
"soy
ouar
eangr
yatme?"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"iam not"

Me:
"mmmh"

Let
ho:
"mommyourBi
gMacs"

Me:
"Happymeal
pri
ncess"

Zi
khal
i:
"Iam bi
gli
key
ou"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"youar
eonl
y4"

Anel
e:"Iam 4daddy
"

Hel
i
ftedhi
s4f
inger
s.

Let
ho:
"yesyouar
e4andwear
e4andy
ouar
esmal
landwear
ebi
g,wewi
l
lbe5sooni
sn'
ti
t
mommy? "

Me:
"yesbaby"

Isankont
heseat
.

*
UNATHI*

WegothomeandDadparkedhi
scarandwegotout
.Wewal
kedi
nsi
deandIwasst
art
ledbya
sur
pri
se!Bei
ngshout
ed.

Dad:
"what
'sgoi
ngon?"

Qamo:
"Iknewy
ouwoul
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngsoMi
nasmal
lsi
sterdi
dthi
sformybi
gone"

Wehugged.

Qamo:
"wel
comehome"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Zama:
"Imi
ssedy
ou,
Yho"

Wehugged.Londi
ewasev
ent
her
eandIcoul
dseeherf
akesmi
l
edbutIdi
dn'
tcar
e.Notal
otof
peopl
ewerether
e.
Me:
"thanky
ouev
ery
one"

Qamo:
"Dad?
"

Dad:
"youcanpar
tyonbutdon'
tbr
eakany
thi
ng"

Wel
aughed.

Qamo:
"wear
eol
denough.Comel
et'
sgety
ouchangedup."

Shepul
ledmeupthest
air
s.Wegotinmyoldbedroom andi
twassti
ll
thesame.Al
lpi
nkand
puf
fedoutj
ustl
i
kehowIlefti
twhenIwentt
ovar
sity.
iranmyfi
nger
sonthestudyt
abl
e.

Qamo:"Iam sohappyy
ouar
eout
.Theki
dshav
ebeenaski
ngabouty
ouev
enandmyhusband
aswel
l"

Me:
"oh"

Qamo:
"sodet
ail
s.Tel
lmewhoi
sthef
atherofAnel
eandhowdi
dyoumeethi
m"

Me:
"someguyi
njai
l"

Qamo:
"hei
sst
il
li
nther
e?"

Shef
inal
l
ytookoutsomecl
othes.Jeanwi
that
opandsandal
s.

Me:
"no,
hel
eftbef
oreIgav
ebi
rt
htoAnel
e"

Qamo:
"doesheknow?"

Me:
"no,
Ineedt
obat
hagai
n"

Iwalkedtomybat hroom andclosedthedoorandclosedmyey esbr

eathi
nginandoutbef or
eI
wenttotakeashower, Istayedinthereforsometi
mebef or
eIcameoutandcosmet i
cswere
al
readyplaced.Il
oti
onedandgotdr essedandcombi ngmyafro.Iwalkedoutaft
erthatand
wentdownt hestair
stojointheothers,Iwasn'
ti
nal adymoodbutIjusthavetosuckitup.

Zama:
"youl
ookbeaut
if
ul,
Ihav
enev
erseeny
ounat
ural
"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Londi
e:"t
hisi
snoty
ou,
itst
oosi
mpl
eandbor
ing"

Me:
"Pr
isonchangedme"

Shel
aughedabi
t,Il
ookedather.

Me:
"any
thi
ngf
unny
?"
Londi
e:"notmuchf
ri
end.Wej
ustneedt
ogoshoppi
ngandgety
ouback"

Zama:"so...y
oursonhei
ssoeverador
abl
e.It
hinkhi
m andCebowoul
dmakeagoodcoupl
e
uthi
niml
ingani(whatdoy
ousay?)"

Il
aughandt
akeagl
assof
fwi
ne.

Me:
"thatwoul
dbewonder
ful
.Ican'
twai
ttoseey
ourdaught
er"

Londi
ejustkeptqui
et.Wecar
ri
edonwi
thourpar
tyandt
hedoorbel
lrangandQamowentt
o
open.

Qamo:
"ohheyguy
s."

Sheopenedt
hedoorwi
derandNt
ethel
elowi
thAndi
swaandt
heki
dswal
kedi
n.Iputmywi
ne
gl
assdowntheywal
kedt
owardsme.

Let
ho:
"OursecondmommyAnel
e!"

If
eltt
ear
sinmyt
heyengul
fedmyl
egs.

Andi
swa:
"hi
"

Nt
ethel
eloj
ustgav
emeast
are.

Me:
"Hi
"

Iwentdowntothei
rlevel
.Itouchedherf
aceandshehasabi
tofmeandal
otofNt
ethel
elobut
Anel
elooksj
ustli
kehisfather
.

Anel
e:"hel
l
omommy"

Ihuggedt
hem bot
h.Myki
ds.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Isai
dwi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ngdownal
ley
esnowonus.

Tobecont
inued
~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t2

Ibr
okethehugandtheywi
pedmyt
ear
s.Iwassohappyt
ofi
nal
l
yseet
hem andt
heyl
ookso
ver
ygrownaswell.

Let
ho:
"whyar
eyoucr
ying?
"

Andi
swa:
"Mommyi
shappyt
oseeherbabi
es"

Anel
e:"wear
en'
tyourbabi
est
oo?"

Andi
swa:
"youar
e"

Me:
"(sni
ff
)Thanky
ou"

Andi
swa:
"youar
ewel
come"

Ihuggedthem again.Thi
sisav er
yov erwhelmingday.Ididn'tcarr
yonwit
ht hepart
ying,
AndiswaandNt et
helelol
eftandIwaswi t
hmyki dsinthei
rr oomshelpi
ngthem unpack.They
l
ookador abl
ewithLethoinstr
ucti
ngAnel ewher et
oputwhatandhowt oputi t
.Aneleseems
l
ikethequietonethanLethoaswel l
.Ifeelveryhappyandr elaxedaswel
l,thi
sallf
eelsso
surr
eal.

Let
ho:
"NoNel
edon'
tputt
heshoesl
i
ket
hat,
li
ket
his"

Anel
e:"ok"

Shebendsandput
sthem t
hewayshewant
sthem.Igocl
osert
othem andsi
tont
hef
loor
.

Me:
"canIhel
p?"

Let
ho:
"Mommycany
ouhangt
hispr
incessdr
essf
orme.Car
eful
wit
hit"

Igi
ggl
e

Me:
"ok"
,

It
akeherdr
essandhangi
tni
cel
yforherandwegetdone.

Anel
e:"
,Iam t
ir
ed"

Let
ho:
"Mommycanwehav
eicecr
eam "
Me:
"uhm l
et'
sseei
fwehav
esome"

Theysqueel
a"y
ay!
"Bet
weeneachot
herandIshakemyhead.

Me:
"st
ayher
eIwi
l
lbr
ingi
tup"

TheynoddedandIwentdownt hestai
rsandstil
lQamoisentert
aini
ngsomepeople.Iwal
kpast
them andgotot
heki
tchen.Thereisahelperandshei
scleaningupnothi
ngIguessbecausei
t
l
ookscl eant
ome.

Me:
"hel
l
omah"

Shesmi
l
edl
ooki
ngatme.

Her:
"hi
"

Me:
"Iam Unat
hi"

Her:
"Iknow.Yourf
atheral
way
stal
ksabouty
ou,
i
t'
sni
cet
ofi
nal
l
ymeety
ou"

Me:
",
yout
oo.Uhm i
sther
eicecr
eam "

Shechuckl
ed.

Her:
"theyusedy
ouhuh?"

Me:
"Usedme?"

Her:
"Let
hoi
stheoneIknowwhoi
sbehi
ndt
hei
cecr
eam "

Shegoest
othef
ri
dgeandt
akesi
tout.

Her:
"Icecr
eam i
sbannedf
ort
hem af
ter14h00,
Theybecomet
oohy
perandi
t'
shar
dtoget
t
hem tosl
eep"

Me:
"Yhoi
nthatcase"

Shel
aughed.

Me:
"'
Thanky
ou"

Her:
",y
ouar
ewel
come"

Inoddedbef
oremaki
ngmywayupt
hest
air
sandIcoul
dhearLet
hot
alki
ng.

Let
ho:
"yousi
pAnel
esi
pnotdr
ag.Thi
sisahi
ghcl
asst
ea."

Igoti
nther
oom.

Me:
"Ther
eisnoi
cecr
eam "
Let
ho:
"ther
eis,
Grandpaal
way
sbuy
sicecr
eam "

Me:
"wel
lnott
hist
ime"

Hermout
hwasOshapedandshehadaf
rown.

Me:
"Iwi
l
ltakey
ououtf
ori
cecr
eam t
omor
row"

Anel
e:"andmeat
?"

Igotcl
osert
ohi
m.

Me:
"Andmeatboyboy"

Hesmi
l
ed.

Anel
e:"Mommysai
dIhav
etwomommi
esanddaddi
es,
wher
eismyot
herdaddy?"

Me:
"I
..
.I
"

Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
.

Me:
"l
et'
sgowat
chTVi
nmyr
oom "

Theygotof
fthei
rchai
rsandr
anout
.Isi
ghed.

*
ANDI
SWA*

Nt
ethel
elohas-
beenawf
ull
yqui
etsi
ncewel
eft.Il
ookbackatZi
khal
iandheseemsdepr
essed.

Me:
"Doy
ouwantt
ovi
sitSi
yanda?
"

Il
ookathi
mthenNt
ethel
elo.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iwi
l
ldr
ophi
m of
f"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Hewassi
l
entagai
n.Iwi
l
ljustl
ethi
m bef
ornow.

.
*
UNATHI*

Theystart
edget t
ingsl
eepyandIbathedthem beforet heywentt osl
eepaft
ereating.Thyare
verywellmanneredandIreall
yhavetothankAndiswaf orthat
.Shereal
lysteppedupandi sa
tr
uewoman.Iki ssedthei
rcheeksandlookedatthem sl eepingforanhourorsobef or
eIwentto
myr oom.IsmiledasIsatont hebedandlai
donit .Ifeelli
ghterandok,Iam goingtotryandbe
sbetterper
sonf ormykidsifnotme.Theydeservet hat.

Iwokeupi nthemorni
nganditwasabout10am ,
ItsbeenlongsinceIsleptonav er
y
comfortabl
ebed,notbei
ngwokenupandsl eepi
ngwi t
honeey eopenoutoff earaswell
.If
eel
wellr
ested.Igotof
fthebedandIwenttowashmyf aceandbrushedmyt eet
hbeforeIwal
ked
outofmybedr oom.If
ir
ststar
tedwi
ththeki
dsbutt heyweren'
tinthei
rroom.Iwentdownt he
stai
rsrunni
ngandlooki
ngforthem.

Me:
"Anel
e!Let
hokuhl
e!"

"I
ntheki
tchen!"

Ir
ushedt
otheki
tchenandt
heywer
eeat
ing.Dadwasf
eedi
ngt
hem cer
eal
sandIsmi
l
ed.

Dad:
"Mor
ning"

Me:
"mor
ning"

Let
ho:
"gobat
hmommyweneedt
ogobef
oreourcur
few"

Me:
"ok"

Dad:
"cal
m down.Theyar
enotgonnal
eav
eyou"

Ibr
eat
hedout
.

Me:
"ok"

Iki
ssedt
hei
rcheeks.

Me:
"weneedmoneyf
ori
cecr
eam "

Isai
dlooki
ngatdad.

Dad:
"andy
ouar
eback"

Ichuckl
ed.
Dad:
"Iwi
l
lgi
vey
oumoney"

Me:
"ok"

Iwenttomakesomecer ealsandateaswellbeforeIwenttotakeabathbecauseLet howas

i
mpat i
ent
.AfteroneItookoutoneofmyol dclothesandIgotdressedinthem ,
adr esswit
h
sandal
s.Icombedmyhai randtookasmallbagandIwal kedout.Iwentdownt hestai
rsand
theki
dswereready.Iguesstheycandresst
hemsel vesordadhelpedthem.Ithi
nk.

Me:
"youar
eready?"

Theynodded.

Dad:
"iwi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
fatt
hemal
l",

Me:
"thanky
ou.Come"

It
ookthei
rhandsandwewal
kedout.Thi
sisgoi
ngt
obeaf
unday
.Wegoti
nthecarand
ev
ery
onewasbuckledupbef
oredaddroveof
f.

Dad:
"Iseey
ouar
eembr
aci
ngy
ournat
ural
sel
f"

Me:
"Pr
isonf
orcedme"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"butIl
i
kei
t.I
t'
sli
keIam abor
nagai
n"

Dad:
"May
bey
oushoul
djoi
nchur
ch"

Me:
"Ishoul
dconsi
dert
hat"

Let
ho:
"mommyhowol
dar
eyou?"

Me:
"ol
denough"

Let
ho:
"Iam 5"

Me:
"Iknow"

Anel
e:"y
oul
i
eyou4"

Me:
"don'
tfi
ght"

Theybecamesil
ent
.Wer eachTheGrovemallandtheki
dsgotatadbitexci
ted.Iwasexcit
edas
well.Dadgavemehiscardandwarnedmeaboutthelimi
tbutIassur
edhimt heoldUnathii
s
gone.Ispendwi
sel
ynow, hegavemeal ookbefor
enodding.Wegotoutandsaidourgood
byesandwewentinsidet
hemall.Iwasholdi
ngLethowhowashol di
ngAnelesonoonecoul d
getl
ost.
Me:
"wher
edowest
art?"

Let
ho:
"Bar
bie"

Me:
"mov
iesi
tist
hen"

Wewal kedt othecinema.If el

tover whelmedbeinginacr owd.Iwant edustot urnbackbutthe
exci
tementont hei
rf aceswouldn'tletme.Wewentandor deredt i
cketstogoandwat ch
anot
herani matedmov i
ebecauseBar bi
ewasn'ti
n-stor
eforLet ho.Themov iestartsinanhour
sowewentar oundt hemal landalsogotachancet obuyaphoneaswel l
.Wewentt obuy
somecl othesforusandIboughtanewduv et
sbecauset hepinki nmyr oom andpur pl
eis
scar
ingme.Iam ol dnowandmyr oom shouldn'
tbel i
kethat.Afterthatwewentt owat chthe
movies.Itwasr eal
lyf unandpricelesstohearmyki dslaugh.Whowoul dhavet houghtme,
Unathiwouldlov ekidst hi
smuch.Themov i
efini
shedandwewal kedoutoftheci nema.They
coul
dn'tstopgiggling.

Me:
"youhungr
y?"

Let
ho:
"icecr
eam !
"

Me:
"okl
et'
sgogeti
cecr
eam "

Theysqueel
ed,wegotat r
oll
eyandtheywer
einsi
deandIpushedt
hem ar
ound.Wewentt
oget
someicecream andwenttogoandeat.

Anel
e:"mommyLet
hospi
l
ledi
cecr
eam onme"

Me:
"Let
hosaysor
ry"

Let
ho;
"sor
ry"

Ibumpedi
ntosomeone.

Me:
"oopsIam sor
ry"

Theladyt
urned.Shewaswearingfor
mall
y,hai
rti
edupandheel
s,r
edl
i
pst
ickandal
lwi
th
gl
asses.I
tlooksfaket
ome, notinabadwaybutsheseemsoff
.

Lady
:"You.
..
..
"

Someonecamet
oher
.Aguyi
nasui
thol
dingabr
iefcase.

"Wehav
etogo"

Il
ookedathi
m pr
oper
lyandIj
ustf
roze.Hedi
daswel
landl
ookedi
nsi
det
het
rol
l
ey.Ij
ust
st
art
edpushi
ngit
.

"Unat
hi"
Lady:
"Mj
i
taasambe(manl
et'
sgo)
"

Icarr
yonpushi
ngandgotothesideandItur
naroundandtheyar
eoutofsi
ght
.Securi
tyguy
s
andpeopl
efrom t
hebankgetoutandtheyl
ookaround.Ihol
dmychestandmyhearti
sbeati
ng
fast
.

Let
ho:
"mommyar
eyouok?"

Shel
i
ckst
hei
cecr
eam of
fherhands.

Me:
"yesbaby
.Let
'sgobuysomef
oodandgohome"

Theynodded.Ipushedt
het
rol
l
ey.I
fdi
dn'
twantt
obeher
eany
mor
e..

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t3

Wearri
vedhomeandt heki
dsraninsi
de.Dadwasonhisl
aptopwhil
ewatchi
ngsomeTVas
wel
landIhaven'
tseenthehel
perasyettoday
.Iwal
kedpasthi
m andwentupthest
air
sbuthe
cal
l
edme.

Dad:
"Am Iast
atue?"

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Dad:
"ar
eyouok?"

Me:
"Me?YesIam "

If
akedasmi
l
e.

Dad:
"mmhok"
Me:
"Whenar
etheyl
eav
ing?"

Dad:
"youwantt
hem f
or?"

Me:
"No.Iam j
ustaski
ng"

Dad:
"Let
hol
i
veswi
thherf
atherandAnel
ewi
thme"

Me:
"okgoodt
hen"

Dad:
"youdon'
tmi
ndt
hatLet
hokuhl
eli
ves.
..
."

Me:
"shegr
ewupt
her
eandsheknowsherf
athermor
e."

Dad:
"ify
ouar
eokwi
thi
t."

Me:
"Iam.Letmegoandputt
heset
henr
estabi
t"

Henoddedandwentbackt
ohi
slapt
op.It
ookast
epf
urt
her
.

Dad:
"Unat
hi"

It
urned.

Dad:
",
nowt
haty
ouar
eoutwhatar
eyougonnado?"

Me:
"Ihav
ebeent
hinki
ngaboutt
hat
.Iwantt
ost
artabusi
ness.Abeaut
ybusi
ness"

Dad:
"Ifi
t'
sgoodenoughIwi
l
linv
esti
nit
."

Me:
"Iwi
l
lst
artwi
thmybusi
nesspl
ant
hen"

Dad:
"keepupt
hatat
ti
tude"

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Letmego"

Iwalkedupt hestair
sandwentt omybedr oom.Ithrewt heplasticsandpaperbagsont hebed
andIsatont hefl
oor .Itookmynewphoneandl aidoni t.Iinstall
edsomef ewappsand
start
ednewaccount sonsoci almedia.IwenttoI nstagram andsearchedf orhim usingthe
surnamebutIcoul dn'tfi
ndhi m atal
l, what'
shisname.GodUnat hiyousleptwi t
hsomeoney ou
hardlyknewhisname.Iwentt oFacebookandsear chedusinghi ssurnameaswel landnothi
ng
Ithenusesedhis'name' andIf oundtheladythatIsawt oday.Ipressedonherpage.Mmh
Wendyi sthenameoft hel ady.Iscroll
edtoherfriendsandt herehewas.Icl ickedandgoton
hi
spageandhi snamei sdi splayed.

Me:
"Li
ndani
Ngomane"
Iwasdi
stur
bedbyaknock.

Me:
"yes?"

Isatup.

Dad:
"ar
eyouok?"

Me:
"Iam f
ine.Iwi
l
lbet
her
ewi
tht
heki
ds."

Dad:
"Ij
ustcheckedt
hem.Theyar
easl
eep."

Me:
"oh"

Ikeptquietandaf ewmoment shel eft.Ilaidbackdownandscrol

ledthroughhispage.Nothing
muchi sdisplayedandseemsl i
kehei stightwiththi
sWendywomanaswel l.If
oundmy sel
f
bit
ti
ngmybot t
om l
ipj
ustinthoughtsofwhatusedt ogodowninprison.Thosewer egreat
moment .Icheckedhi sr
elat
ionshipstatusandi tsai
dInarel
ati
onship.Hehasbeenf orthe
past5y ears.Ifel
tbummedandIj ustlockedmyphoneandsi ghedwhi l
elooki
ngupt otheroof.
Itwasjustf unandgamesUnat hidon'tthinkaboutit
.Ital
kedmyself.

-
--
--

Wewalkedi
ntheRDPhouseandIt
hrewt
hebr
iefcaseont
hecouchandt
ookof
fthebl
azerand
unt
iedt
heti
e.

Wendy:
"Youal
mostgotuscaught"

Me:
"butIdi
dn'
t"

Wendy:
"Nx"

Ithr
ewtheti
eont
hecouchandopenedt
hebr
iefcase.It
ookoutaf
ewhundr
edsandshedi
d
thesame.

Wendy:
"(smi
l
ing)Ey
iwena(y
ou)
"

Me:
"Iknowmygame"

Wendy:
"Whatdi
dyoudoaf
terIl
eft
?"

Iputt
hemoneybackandIcl
osedt
hebr
iefcase.

Me:
"that
'smyownt
ri
ck"
Herphonerangandshet ooki
tgoi
ngtothebedroom ar
ea.Wehadt ol
aylowabitbefor
ewe
candoanythi
ngelse.R400000betweenthetwoofus. Isatonthecouchandputmyhandson
mylegs.Idon'
tknowi fmyimagi
nati
onwasplayingwit
hmewhenIsawawomanl i
keUnathi
wit
htwokids,thelastti
meIrememberUnathihadadaught ersot
hatcan'
tbeher.Orisit?
Wendycomesbackout .

Wendy:
"Thehei
stI
sgonnabedonet
oni
ght"

Me:
"meandy
ouar
elay
ingl
ow"

Wendy:
"yeahAxewi
l
ltakecar
eofi
t"

Inoddedasshet
ypedonherphone.

Wendy
:"Ugr
and?(Ar
eyouok?)
"

Me:
"yeah"

Sheputherphonedownandsatonme.

Wendy:
"Webaggedsomemoney
.Let
'scel
ebr
ate"

Sheki
ssedmyl
i
psandIhel
dherwai
st.

Me:
"whatdoy
ouhav
einmi
nd?"

Wendy:
"thi
s"

Shestoodupandsatonmewhi
l
efaci
ngmeandIki
ssedherassheki
ssedme.Isl
i
ght
ly
pushedherof
f.

Me:
"Iam noti
nthemoodt
oday"

Wendy:
"youal
way
sint
hemood."

Me:
"wel
lnott
oday"

Igotupandt
ookt
hecarkey
s.

Wendy:
"wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?"

Me:
"Ineedt
ocl
earmyhead.Iwi
l
lbeback"

Iwal
kedout
.

Mynamei sLi
ndaniNgomanebutsomeknowmeasRazor, ImetUnathii
npri
son.Whatwehad
wassupposedtobejustf
unandgamesbutf ormei tdi
dn'
tendthatway,Idon'
tknowhow
manyti
mesIhav est
oppedmy selff
rom vi
sit
ingbeforeorcommitt
ingcri
meswi t
hevi
denceand
j
ustgetmysel
fbackinpri
son.CrazyIknow.IjustneedtoknowifwhatIsawI swhatIsaw.
.

*
UNATHI
*

Theki dswerer eall

ytiredbecauset heyaresleepi
ng.DadandIat ethenhewentt ohisst udyto
dosomewor k.Ialsogotabi tbusywithdoingabusi nessplan.Ikeptonstoppi
ngmy selffrom
sendingaf r
iendr equestt oRazor .Reall
yIam tryi
ng, whatam Igonnasay?Ij ustclosedmy
eyesandsentt hatrequestandputmyphoneawayandcar r
iedonwi t
hwhatIwasdoi ng.Igot
upandwentt ot hekitchent ogetsomewat erandcamebackandt ri
edt owor
kbutmymi nd
wasn'tther
e.Icheckedmyphoneandhej ustinboxme.Idon' tknowwhybutIj ustsqueel ed
andtriedtocont ainmy sel
f.Unathithi
smani sinar elat
ionship,t
heinnergoodmesai dbutt he
otherbadmesai dumunt uuyagudluzwasisi(youremov eapersonsister)
.Iopenedit.

Razor:
"Hi
"

It
yped.

Me."hi
"

Ihel
dmyphonecl
oset
omeandi
tpi
nged.Il
ookedati
tandheanswer
edsoqui
ckl
y.

Razor:
"CanIgety
ournumber?"

Isi
ghedandhesit
ated.Shoul
dIgiv
eitt
ohi
m ?Ov
erev
ery
thi
ngheneedst
oknowhehasason
Unathi
,thei
nnermesaidagain.

Me:
"Ok"

Isenti
tandhehasseenthemessage.Idr i
nkthewat
erandstartt
ostandupandpaceupand
downnervous.Hewon'tcal
lortextmetodayr
ight?Myphoneranganditwasanunknown
number.I
twashim .Myhandswer eshaki
ngandIwastooner
v oustoanswer
.Idi
dn'
tanswert
il
l
i
tstoppedandthenIbr
eathedout.Whatam Igonnasayev
en?

Me:
"Ohhi
,yesi
tsbeeny
ear
s.Youhav
eason"

Isaidwhilewalki
ngupanddown.That '
sstupidtothel
east.I
trangagainandIl
ookedati
t
beforebr
eat hi
ngoutandIansweredit.Ikeptqui
etbecauseIdidn'
tknowwhattosaybutIcan
hearhim breat
hattheotherendofthephone.

"
Unat
hi"

If
eltsuf
focat
edandner
vous.Isatdownont
hecouch.

Me:
"h.
..
Hi"
Hebr
eat
hsout,
it'
ssosi
mpl
eyeti
tdoest
hingst
ome.

Razor:
"Whathappened?"

Ikeptqui
et.Idon'
tev
enknowhowt
oanswert
hat.

Razor:
"Iwantt
oseey
ou"

Me:
"Mshi
ka"

Hechuckl
edandIj
oinedhi
m.

Razor:
"youst
il
lremember?"

Me:
"(sof
tl
y)howcanIf
orget?"

Razor:
"Unat
hi"

Me:
"yes"

Razor:
"canIpl
easeseey
ou?"

Me:
"youdi
dtoday"

Razor:
"Iwantt
opr
oper
ly,
Imi
ssy
ou"

Hemi
ssesme?Asaf
ri
endorwhat?Whoam Iki
ddi
ngcauseIwantt
oseehi
m aswel
l
.

Me:
"ok.Iwi
l
lsendt
headdr
ess"

Razor:
"ok.Ihav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyou"

Me:
"met
oo"

Razor:
"Iwi
l
lseey
ou"

Hehungup.Il
ookedatt
henumberandsav
edhi
snumbersosweet
ly.

Me:
"ohmyGod"

Il
aidbackont
hecouch.If
eel
li
keat
eenageral
lov
eragai
n.

Tobecont
inued
~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t4

Isatupf
rom t
hecouchandcont
ainedmy
sel
f.Isentt
headdr
ess.

Me:
"Unat
hiconcer
ntr
ateabi
t."

IbreathedoutandIstart
eddoi ngworkagain.Iwasget
ti
ngabitoft
hisbusi
nesspl
anthingand
i
fdadl ovesitt
henhewi l
linvestinme.Ican'twai
ttodosomet
hingandmakingpeopl
elook
prett
yandf eelgoodaboutthemselves.Timewentbyandmyphonerang.Itooki
tandlooked
atitabitanditwashim.Ibr eathedoutbefor
eIanswer
ed.

Me:
"Hi
"

Razor:
"Iam out
sidet
hegat
e"

Me:
"Iam comi
ng"

Razor:
"ok"

IhungupandIstoodupandst ar
tedcleani
ngup.Ir anupthest ai
rsandIsni
ff
edmyar mpit
s
andIwenttothebathroom andwett hetowelwi
thsoapandwi pedmyPr i
vat
earea.Heyyou
wouldn'
tknowifi
t'
ssmel l
sornoteventhoughIbathedwhenwecameback.Iwi pedmy
armpit
sandIputrol
l onandIchangedt osummerpy jamasandIspr ay
edsmallperf
umeonme
j
usttosmellni
ceandonmyneck.Ir oughenedbutmadei tneat.Myhairt
obeexactandthen
Vaseli
newasthefi
nal touch.

Me:
"per
fect"

Isai
dlookingatmyr efl
ecti
on.It ookthesi
l
kgownandwor eitbeforerunni
ngdownt hestair
s.I
checkedthecoastandIr anoutandopenedt hegatewithmyr emoteandIt henst
artedwalki
ng
sl
owlycatchingmybr eathjustsothathewon'tseethatIwasr unning.Hewasst andingbya
carwhil
esmoki ngandi tsmelledli
keweed.Istoodabout3met er
sawayf rom hi
m andhet hrew
i
tawayandputhi shandsi nhispocketashel eanedagainstt
hecar .

Razor:
"Hi
"

Ibr
eat
hedout
.
Me:
"Hi
"

Helookedatmebeforesmil
i
ng.Idon'
tknowifi
t'
stheni
ghtt
imeormyey
esbuthel
ooksqui
et
handsomethanbef
ore.Gr
ownIshouldsay.

Razor:
"Icanseey
ouhav
egr
ownani
ncht
all
er"

Me:
"ani
nchi
ssmal
l"

Razor:
"justani
nch"

Hemadeahandgest
ureofhowt
all
Iam nowandputi
tbacki
nsi
de.Ismi
l
ed.

Razor:
"CanI
..
."

Hest eppedcloserandengul
fedmei nahugandIwastakenabackbeforeIhuggedhim back.It
fel
twar m andwelcomedaswel l
.Irest
edmyheadonhischest,Ever
ythi
ngjustever
ykindof
feel
ingIhadf orhim cameovermebutt het
houghtt
hatheisi
nar el
ati
onshipmademequi et
sadIwon' tl
ie.It
'sthesadtr
uththough,hei
sjustmybaby'
sfat
her.

Me:
"youcanl
etgonow"

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"Sor
ry"

Webroket
hehugandl
ookedateachot
her
,her
anhi
sfi
nger
sonmycheekbef
oreheputhi
s
handsi
nhi
spocket
s.

Razor:
"canwet
akeadr
ive?Weneedt
otal
k"

Il
ookedback.

Me:
"uhm sur
e"

Heopenedthedoortohi
scarandIgotin.HowIusedt
olovethi
ski
ndofcaryear
sago,
Vol
kswagenbutIguessi
twasmost l
ybecauseIwasmarri
edtoamanwhohadshar esatt
Vol
kswagenandownedsomebr anches.HegotinandIbuckl
edupbef
orehedroveoff
.Musi
c
pl
ayedsof
tl
yinthecarbutIcoul
dhearthewords.

"
Somet
imesIwi
shy
ouknew

ButIdi
sgui
set
het
rut
h

IsayI
'
m happybut,

I
'
m st
il
lst
uckonus,
Mmhmmmhmmh

Doesy
ourmi
ndpl
ayt
hisgamet
o?
Thi
nk'
boutmeandy
ou

IguessI
'
llj
ustpr
etend

Unt
ili
tal
lmakessense,
mmhmmmhmmhmmmmmh

Seey
ouf
acet
oface

I
'
mthi
nki
n'boutt
heday
sweusedt
obe

ButIcan'
tmakei
tseem

ButIcan'
tmakei
tseem

Seey
ouf
acet
oface

I
'
mthi
nki
n'boutt
heday
sweusedt
obe

ButIcan'
tmakei
tseem

ButIcan'
tmakei
tseem

Li
keIwanty
ou,
you

Ev
eni
fit
'st
rue

Ev
eni
fit
'st
rue

Iguessi
t'
sov
erdue.
..
..
..
"

Il
ookedathi
mthenf
ocusedonther
oad.Thi
ssongont
her
adi
oisr
eal
l
yget
ti
ngt
ome.I
t'
sli
ke
i
t'
ssayi
ngwhat'
sonmymi ndatt
hemoment.

Razor:
"whendi
dyougetout?"

Hel
ooksatmet
enbackont
other
oad.Iam qui
et.

Me:
"yest
erday
"

Henodsandf
rownsl
i
kehei
sthi
nki
ng.Canwegobackt
othepr
isonmoment
s?

Me:
"whyam Iher
e?"

Ineedt
ogett
ohi
sint
ent
ionaboutt
his.

Razor:
"Iwantt
oseey
ou,
youf
orbi
dmef
rom comi
ngt
oseey
ouwhi
l
eyouwer
einsi
de."

Me:"wehadastr
ictr
elat
ionshi
pbackt
henanditwasnotmentt
obecar
ri
edonwheny
ouwer
e
out
.Thatwoul
dhavemadeuscaughtfeel
i
ngs"
Razor:
"woul
dn'
tyouwantt
ocat
chf
eel
i
ngsf
orme"

Me:
"Pl
ease"

Asi
nli
kepl
easest
opbecauseIwi
l
ljustbl
urtouthowIam f
eel
i
ngabouty
ou.

Razor:
"ok"

Ther
eissi
lenceandhekeepsondr
ivi
ng.Hedr
ivesi
ntoahoodaf
tersomet
imeandIsatup
al
armed.

Razor:
"rel
axpr
incess"

Ihi
thi
sar
m pl
ayf
ull
yandhechuckl
es.

Razor:
"Ineedt
odosomet
hingaboutt
hathai
r"

Me:
"pl
ease"

Hesmi l
ed.Wegottoadescentl ooki
nghouse,sopeopleli
veli
kethi
s.Notal
lhousesarethe
samesomear edescentandsomear egoodaswell.Iguessifyouhaveagoodhouseinthe
townshi
pareasyouhavemoney .Hepar kedhi
scarandgotoutandcamet oopenedthedoor
formeandIgotoutandt hankedhim.Iheldmygownclosertome.Wi shIdi
dn'
tchangeifI
knewIwouldbehere.

Razor:
"let
'sgot
otheshops."

Me:
"won'
twegetr
obbedatni
ght?"

Razor:
"No.Letmegochangef
ir
st"

Ilookedathim andhewasst il
l f
ormalshirtandall
.Inoddedandhepul l
edmyhandandwe
wentinside.I
twascol djustl
i
kehomesi ncemom l ef
tandsomef emini
netouchbutbadcolour
combo.Isatont hecouchashewentt owher ethebedroomsareandIjustl
ookedar
ound, I
sawonef r
amedpi ct
ureanditwasofawomanandaboychi l
d.Istoodupandwentt oitandI
tookitandlooksatit.Iknewt heli
tt
leboywasRazorbecausei t
'sli
keIam seei
ngami niAnel
e
i
fIcouldputitthatway .

"Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?"

It
urnedandputt
hephot
oaway
.

Me:
"Iwasj
ustl
ooki
ng."

Razor:
"comel
et'
sgo"

Iwentt
ohi
m andwewal
kedout
.
Me:
"Iam i
nmypy
jamas"

Razor:
"it
'sgoodt
oseey
ououtoft
heor
angeuni
for
mforachange"

Me:
"hahay
ouar
eful
lofj
okest
oday"

Hechuckl
edandt
ookmyhandandIl
ookedati
t.West
art
edwal
ki
ng.

Razor:
"thi
sismyhome"

Hesai
dpoi
nti
ngar
ound.

"EkseTa'
Razor!
"

Hewhist
ledbackattheguy
swhower
esi
tt
ingonabi
grockwhi
l
esmoki
ngsomet
hing.Hi
sey
es
ar
esexywhil
esmal l
.

Me:
"Wher
ewewer
e?"

Razor:
"mymot
her
'shouse.Ibui
l
titf
orherbef
oreshecoul
dev
enl
i
vei
nit"

Iwassi
l
ent
.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Razor:
"youseet
hatpl
acewher
ether
ear
etwomenout
side?
"

Isawahouseandther
ewer etwooldmenandt
hedoori
sopen.Youcanev
enseewhati
s
play
ingont
vinsi
dethehouse.Theygr
eet
edandweal
sodid.

Me:
"yeah"

Razor:
"Iusedtogoever
ydayt
owat
chsomeTVt
her
e.I
tusedt
obet
he3r
dhouset
hathadat
v
i
ntheneighbor
hood"

AndIusedt
owat
chTVwhenev
erIwant
ed.HeckIhav
etvi
nmyr
oom si
nceIwas14.

Razor:
"Youseet
hatt
aver
n?"

Me:
"yes"

Razor:"Iusedtogoandst
ealwal
letsf
rom any
onewhoIcanpi
ckpocketsot
hatmymom
wouldn'tworr
yaboutt
henextmeal.Iwas11backt
hen"

Me:
"wer
en'
tyoucaught?"

Razor:
"No"

Inodded.
Razor:
"andt
hatbi
ghouse"

I
twasadoubl
est
oryhousewi
thawoodengar
ageandbeaut
if
ull
i
ght
sont
heout
side.

Razor:
"Themanandwomanf r
om t
her
ewer
efor
mert
eacherandnur
se.Theybui
l
tthat
beaut
if
ulhouseaf
terr
eti
rement"

Me:
"what
'st
hei
rst
ory?"

Razor:"Iwoul
dneverforgethowgener
oust
heywer
e.Theyboughtt
hef
ir
stcomf
ort
abl
ebedf
or
us,itwasli
kethebestthingever"

Ial
wayshaditsi
mpl
e.Thef
ir
stuncomf
ort
abl
ebedIhav
esl
eptonwasi
npr
isonei
thert
hant
hat
Ihavenev
er.

Me:
"youhadi
thar
d"

Iwast
ryi
ngt
ost
opmy
sel
ffr
om f
eel
i
ngpi
tyorsor
ryf
orhi
m.

Razor:
"itwasbuty
ouknowwhatt
heysay"

Me:
"what?"

Razor:
"incommuni
ti
esl
i
ket
hese.I
ttakesav
il
laget
orai
seachi
l
dandIwoul
dsayt
hisv
ery
hoodrai
sedme"

Ikeptqui
et

Me:
"itsur
edi
d"

Wegott
oashopandther
ewer
est i
l
lguyssi
tt
ingt
her
eandsmoki
ngatni
ght
.Heboughta
l
oll
i
popandgav
eitt
omeandIlaughed.

Me:
"wow"

Razor:
"Othi
Amaskopaslaphongif
unaukuf
akal
oml
onguekasi(br
ingsomeKi
pki
psaswel
l,I
wanttoputt
hiscoconuti
nthehood.)
"

Me:
"ungangij
way
eli
angi
yenaumunt
u(don'
tbef
orwar
d.Iam notacoconut
)"

Razor:
"Iam amazedy
oucanspeakZul
usoni
cel
y"

Me:
"Howdi
dIbecomeUnat
hii
fIcan'
t?"

Hechuckl
edandsoast
hesel
l
erandhegotwhatheneeded.Hegav
emeonepackofcol
our
ful
popcor
n.

Me:
"Thi
shasf
oodcol
our
ing"
Razor:
"justeatUnat
hi"

Iopenedt
hepl
ast
icandst
art
edeat
ing.Wekeptonwal
ki
ngar
ound.Thi
sisni
ce.

Me:
"thesear
eni
ce,
butt
heykeepget
ti
ngst
ucki
nmyt
eet
h"

Razor:
"Ihav
etoot
hpi
ckatt
hehouse"

Me:
"ok,
sowhatdi
dyouwantt
otal
ktomeabout?"

Razor:
"If
orgot"

Hel
ookedatmeandInodded.

Razor:
"you?"

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"Idon'
tknowwher
etost
art"

Razor:
"justsayy
ouwantme"

Il
aughed

Me:
"don'
tgett
ooaheadofy
our
sel
fpl
ease"

Razor:
"okser
iousl
ywhatdi
dyouwantt
osay"

Ist
oppedwal
ki
ngandsodi
dhe.

Me:
"youar
eaf
ather"

For
giv
emebutIdi
dn'
twantt
ogoar
oundt
hebushandAl
loft
hatandIdi
dn'
tknowhowt
oputi
t.

Razor:
"wow"

Me:
"Ij
ustdi
dn'
tknowhowt
oputi
t"

Razor:
"soy
ouar
emeani
ng?"

Me:
"wehav
easont
oget
her
.Thel
astt
imey
ouhi
tit,
youl
eftasper
minmedude"

Ipl
ayf
ull
ypunchedhi
schest.Hesmi
l
ed.

Razor:
"DamnIam st
rong"

Hepi
ckedmeupandIwassur
pri
sed.

Razor:
"Iam madaty
ou"
Me:
"youdon'
tseem l
i
kei
t"

Razor:
"Unat
hiy
oushoul
dhav
etol
dmet
hemi
nut
eyouknewy
ouwer
ecar
ryi
ngl
i
ttl
eNgomane
i
ny ou"

Me:"Iwasscar
edandyouar
einarel
ati
onshi
p.Iknowhowfuckedupi
tisf
orsomewomant
o
comeandhaveachi
ldf
oryourmanandthatdamnhurt
sso.
.."

Razor:
"butt
hef
actr
emai
ns"

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Razor:
"Imi
ssed?
"

Me:
"webot
hmi
ssed4y
ear
s"

Razor:
"Ihav
etogety
oupr
egnantasadoov
er"

Me:"no,pl
easeputmedown.Idon'
twanty
ourgi
rl
fr
iendst
abbi
ngmeal
readyIcansenseshe
i
sfr
om thehood"

Hechuckl
edandoutmedown.

Razor:
"soonIwi
l
lhav
eawi
feyandshei
scr
azyandwi
l
d"

Myheartwasform.Hewil
lbeof
fthemarketsoon.Wherear
ethosepeopl
ewhogiveyoulove
pot
ions.Iam j
ustki
ddi
ngbutt
hethoughtofhi
m marry
inganot
herwoman.Ij
usthavetoaccept
Iwasmenttobeababymama.

Me:
"(f
akesmi
l
e)Iam happyy
ouwi
l
lgetmar
ri
ednowt
hatIam out
.Iwoul
dn'
tmi
ssi
t."

Razor:
"andnoobj
ect
ion"

Me:
"(l
aughi
ng)ohIam doi
ngt
hatf
orcont
rol
"

Hechuckl
edandsmi
l
ed.

Razor:
"ther
ewoul
dn'
tbeaneedf
ort
hat"

Heki
ssedmyf
oreheadandwekeptonwal
ki
ngar
oundt
hehood.

Tobecont
inued
~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t5

Iwasalmostdonewi t
hthese"Skopas"thatRazorsai
dtheywer
eandtheyar
er eal
lyni
ce.My
l
oll
i
popwasi nmygownpocket .Wewer edi
stur
bedbyhisphoneri
ngi
ngandIjustknewitmust
behisgi
rl
.Hel ookedatmet henputitaway.

Me:
"youcanansweri
t"

Razor:
"it
'snoti
mpor
tant"

Me:
"agai
nIdon'
twantt
obest
rangl
ed,
shotorst
abbedbyy
ourgi
rl
fr
iend"

Razor:
"buty
ouseem t
ohandl
ethekni
fepr
ett
ygood."

Ist
oppedwal
ki
ng.

Me:
"it
'snotf
unny
.Ir
egr
etdoi
ngt
hat"

Razor:"Soyoumeany our
egr
etget
ti
ngarrest
ed,youregr
etl
oosi
ngy
ourhusbandbecauseof
that,
youregretmeet
ingmeandmostlyr
egrethav
ingourson"

Me:
"youar
eput
ti
ngwor
dsi
nmymout
h.Ir
egr
etst
abbi
ngAndi
swat
hat
'sal
l
."

Razor:
"doy
our
egr
etmeet
ingme?"

Me:
"Li
ndani
sayr
egr
etonemor
eti
meandIwi
l
lst
rangl
eyou"

Razor:
"howdoy
ouknowt
hatname?
"

Hef
rowned.

Me:
"ony
ourFacebookpage.Ineedt
ogethome.I
t'
sget
ti
ngl
ate"

Razor:
"canIseey
out
omor
row?"

Mw: "Idon'
tknow.IfyouwanttoseeAneleIcoul
dtal
ktohi
m butmeandy
ouj
ustkeepast
ri
ct
co-
parenti
ngrel
ati
onshipf
rom nowonwards"

Razor:
"whydoy
oul
i
ker
ules?"

Me:
"ithel
pswi
thor
der
"
Razor:
"ist
her
ear
ulet
hatIcanhel
pmybabymamaout?"

Me:
"li
kewhathel
p?"

Hel
ookeddownandIal
sodi
d.

Me:
"Nogety
ourheadoutoft
her
e!Wear
epastt
hat"

Razor:
"real
l
y?"

Me:
"real
l
y"

Hehookedhi
sar
m ar
oundme.

Razor:
"rememberwhatIsai
d"

Me:
"What?"

Razor:
"thatIwi
l
lvi
sity
ouatwor
kandf
ucky
oui
nyourof
fi
cet
il
lyourcl
i
ent
sknowmyname"

Me:
"Iwi
l
llocky
ouout
."

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"Sat
urdayIwi
l
ltakey
out
oThembi
saatsomechi
sany
ama"

Me:
"hai
bo"

Razor:
"fet
chy
ouat11am "

Me:
"weshal
lsee"

Wecar
ri
edonwal
ki
ngt
ohi
shouse.

*
WENDY*

Itr
iedtocal
lRazorandhei snotpickingup, hehasbeengonef orhoursandIhopehei snot
bl
owingusov erwher everhei s.Icalledmyf ri
endThabisaandshewi l
lbear oundthear eaina
bi
t.Ihidthemoneyar oundbef oreIwal kedoutl ocki
ngandt r
iedRazoragai n.Ihav ebeen
workingwit
hhi m si
ncehi ghschool andgr ownt olovehim.Hehasnev ersaidhedoesl oveme
buthewouldn'tjustbewi thmei fhedi dn'tandInallthoseyearsofusbei ngonandof fwithout
namingourrelati
onshipfinall
yhemadei tknownhei si none5y earsagoandIwassohappy .
Nextupisthecowst henr i
ngandwecoul dgett hi
sgangsterli
feroll
ingforever.Thabi
sat exted
meandt
oldmewher
eshei
sandIwal
kedt
othatsi
deandgoti
nherTazzandwef
istbumped.

Thabi
sa:
"howar
eyou?"

Me:
"Iam good"

Thabi
sa:
"wher
eisr
azor
?"

Me:
"wentonsomeer
rands"

Shenodded.

Thabi
sa:
"wher
ear
eweheadi
ng?"

Me:
"Hi
shome"

Shej
ustnoddedandIt
urnedupt
hemusi
cint
hecar
.

*
RAZOR*

IhavejustdroppedUnat hioff.Itwasreal l
ygoodt oseeher, reall
ywasgood.Idon' tknowi fI
l
ikehersomuchori sitlovebutIt hi
nki t
'sli
ke.Thedifferencebet weenWendyandUnat hii
s
thatWendyisy ourheistri
deordi ebulletdodgingkindofgi r
lf
riend.Kasiy
ouknow, noteIsaid
gir
lfr
iendandUnat hi
isusedt ot heQueenl ife,Ij
ustwantt oseehowshei sfrom t
hewayshe
wast onowifshehaschangedbutshei sy ourhaveafami l
ywi thkindofpersonhenceIhav ea
sonwi thher
.Letypeyokumi thisa(thathet oimpregnat
e) .
Ichuckled.Wendyknowsmet he
hoodi nmebutUnat hijustenteredmywor ldwor l
dofLi ndaniwhichnoonehasev erenter
ed
withme .Ikeptont hinkingandmyphoner anganditwasWendy .It
ookit.

Wendy:"Andt
henwhyUngangi
bhel
eliaf
teramami
ssedcal
lamangaka(andt
henwhydon'
t
youcal
lmeaft
ersomanymissedcal
ls?)"

Me:
"ei
shhadent
oyakhebengi
busy(Sor
ry,
Iwasbusy)
"

Wendy:
"si
ncewhen?"

Me:
"wher
edoy
out
hinkt
hemoneywegetcomesf
rom ?"

Wendy
:"Aski
es,
ungakwat
ike(sor
ry,
don'
tbemad)
"

Me:
"ngi
zokushay
elal
ater(Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater)
"

Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.Iputmyphonedownandcar
ri
edondr
ivi
ng,
sheshoul
dn'
tgetonmyner
ves
causeIwi
l
lcutherqui
ckl
y.May
beIshoul
d?

*
UNATHI*

IgothomeandIhadagoodt imeaswel landsoev ersi

mpl e.Shoppingandexpensi v
ecarsand
rest
aurant
sarenottheonlythingthaty
oucanbehappyandhav efunin.Myheadhur t
sabit,
yesRazordidmyhairbefor
ewel ef
t.Il
ookgoodshame.Iwentt odrinkwat erbef
oresneaki
ng
upthestai
rsandIgotinmyr oom andlockedt hedoorbef orelayingont hebed.Iopenedmy
phoneandlookedatmyphoneandIwentt oWhat sappandscr ol
ledthroughdad'sstatusand
i
t'sall
aboutbusi
ness.Isawr azorpostedjustnow.Icl i
ckedandIsawt hatWendygirli
nmake
up.

Me:
"thatf
oundat
ioni
snott
her
ightcol
our"

Talkaboutjeal
ousy
.Hi
scapti
onwasagun, wei
rdshouldbeahear
t.Ikeptonl
ookingandsome
arehispi
ctureswhi
char
etwoandhereal
lydoeslookl
ikeAnel
e.Iwenttomygalleryandsenta
pi
ctureofmeandAnelethatwet
ookearl
i
eronatt hemallt
ohi
m.

Me:
"cr
opmeoutbuthel
ooksj
ustl
i
key
ou"

It
ext
edhi
m.Hewasof
fl
ine.Icl
osedmyphoneandj
ustr
oll
edi
nthebedt
il
lIf
ell
asl
eep.

Iwaswokenupbyt hesunpenetr
ati
nginmyeyes.,
Igotofft
hebedandwentt
obath.I
tlooked
hotout
sideandIworeashortandtop.Imademybed.FunnyIl
ear
nthowtomakeabedi n
pri
son.AfterIwasdoneIt
ookmyphoneandIwentt ot
hekidsr
oom andt
heywer
en'tt
here.I
wentdownandIsawmahagai n.Igreet
edandt
heywereincost
umes.

Me:
"mor
ning"

Let
ho:
"mommyal
adydoesn'
tsl
eept
il
l11am "

Me:
"Yhooksor
rynana"

Mahl
aughed.

Mah:
"br
eakf
asti
sready"

Me:
"ar
etheygonnaswi
m al
one?"
Mah:
"Iwi
l
llookaf
tert
hem "

Me:
"ohok."

Anel
e:"comel
et'
sgo.Iam done"

Theygotofft
hehighchai
randoutt
heirdi
shesi
nthesi
nk.Theywal
kedout.Iwenttogetmy
foodandIatebef
oreIwashedt
hedishesandwentt
ojoi
nthem ont
heoutside.At
leastt
heyhad
fl
oatson.

Let
ho:
"Bukamama(l
ookmommy)
"

Shesai
dpaddl
i
ngherl
i
ttl
efeet
.Thej
oyt
hatwasi
nmet
oseet
hat
.

Me:
"Don'
tdr
own"

Let
ho:
"Iwon'
t"

Shecarri
esonpaddli
ng.Itakeavideoofthem andsomephotostogetheri
nt hepooland
i
ndivi
dualaswell
.IsentAnele'
storazor
.MaybeIam beingfor
warddon'tyout hi
nk?Hev iews
them andIgetabl
uet i
ck.Ouch!OkIdeservethatmaybeIshoul
dn'tsendthesekindofthings.
Whatwi l
lWendysay?

Anel
e:"Gogol
ook"

Hewasr
efer
ri
ngt
oMah.heswam j
ustl
i
keLet
ho

Mah:
"haf
ana(wowboy)
"

Wecl appedourhands.Iwentt omyWhat sApp.Damni t'

sdr yshame.Iscr oll
edt hroughdad's
stat
usandsameol dbusinessandseemsl i
kehegothi mselfanewcont r
act,Icongr at
ulat
ed
him anditwentt orazor.Aht hi
sWendyf acekodwaandi t
'sasmal lvideo.Ohshemusthav e
tookit.Shei stalki
ngtor azorwhi l
eheisunseenandt al
kingaswel l ,
mycl itt
hrobsatt hesound
ofhismor ningv oice.Ikeepongoi ngandapi ct
ureofmewast here.From yesterdayafterhe
didmyhai randIwasf r
owni ng."It'
sbeensolongsinceIsawt hi
sugl yface"that'shiscapti
on.I
comment edt hatheisugl yaswel l
.Thenanotheraswell.It
'sifusatt hemal l
theoneIsent"a
wholewor l
dinonecent er"andt heonesIjustsentnowaswel lofAnele.

Anel
e:"mommy"

Me:
"yesbaby"

Anel
e:"angeni
l
eamanzi
endl
ebe(wat
erent
eredmyear)
"

Me:
"sor
rybabyt
il
tyourheadt
othesi
dei
twi
l
lcomeout"

Henoddedanddi
dasIt
oldhi
m.
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t6

AweekpassedandLet howil
lonl
ycomeont heweekends.Thatmyowndeci si
onsbutIdon't
knowboutNtethel
elo.Iwastaki
ngherbackandItookacab.Idon'tknowifIcansti
ll
driv
eor
not,
,wegottothei
rplaceandit'
sbeaut
if
ul.Pret
ori
aEast.Wer angthedoorbellandthedoor
opened,Andi
swawashol di
ngaredpenandIswallowed.

Let
ho:
"Mommy"

Shehuggedherl
egs.

Andi
swa:
"heybabyhowwast
imewi
thy
ourMom ?"

Let
ho:
"itwasf
unmommy"

Andi
swa:
"Iam happy
.Hi
"

Me:
"hi
"

Andi
swa:
"comei
n"

Shewalkedi
nandwef
oll
owed.Iwasscared,thelastencount
erwehadIst
abbedherwhenI
shoul
dhaveact
ual
l
yst
abbedNtethel
elobutIam pastthat
.

Andi
swa:
"don'
tmi
ndt
hepaper
s.Iam doi
ngsomemar
king"

Let
ho:
"Iam goi
ngt
oputmybagmommy"

Andi
swa:
"ok"

Shewal
kedupt
hest
air
s.

Me:
"Andi
swaIam sor
ry."
Shel
ookedatme.

Me:
"can.
..
canwesi
tdown?"

Shenoddedandwesatopposi
teeachot
her
.Iwasscar
ed.

Me:
"Iam sor
ryf
orwhathappenedbackt
hen"

Andi
swa:
"whathappened?"

Me:
"(br
eat
hedout)Forst
abbi
ngy
ou,
itwasn'
tyourf
aul
t..
..
."

Andi
swa:
"Youdamnr
ighti
twasn'
t"

Me:
"IknowandIam sor
ryf
ort
hat,
Ishoul
dhav
enev
erdonei
t."

Andi
swa:
"Buti
t'
sdone."

Shel
i
ftedhert
opupandst
oodup.

Andi
swa:"Nt
ethel
elowanteditr
emov edbutIdi
dn'
t.Youseet
hisscar?Iwantedy
out
oseei
t
onedayandt
hinktwicebef
oreputt
inganotherwomanwhatyouputmethrough"

Me:
"I.
..
."

Shepul
l
edhert
opdown.

Andi
swa:"youwrongedmeandnotyourki
dsthat
'swhyIlovethem ef
for
tl
esslyaswell
.You
don'
tknowhowmanyni ght
sIhavecr
iedmysel
ftosl
eepjustbecauseNtethel
elowant
susto
'
tr
yagain'Iwasgoodasbarren"

Shewi
pedhert
ear
sandIf
eltr
eal
l
ybad.Regr
etwashedov
erme.

Andi
swa:
"But,
thr
oughpr
ayi
ngandcr
yingGodsawmet
hrough"

Me:
"Real
l
y?"

Iwasconf
usedabi
t.Shesmi
l
ed.

Andi
swa:
"yes,
Iam pr
egnantbutdon'
ttel
lany
oneasy
et.Iwanti
ttobeasur
pri
se"

Me:
"oht
hat
'swonder
ful
"

Andiswa:"i
tis.Unathi
Ifor
giv
ey ou.If
orgaveyoualongtimeago.Ievenmadepeacet
hatyou
wil
lneverapologi
sebutIwaswrong, y
oujustdid.Icanseeyouaretr
y i
ngt
ochangeIj
usthope
youkeepupt hatnewsski
n"

Me:
"Iwi
l
l"
Let
hocamedown.Ist
oodup.

Andi
swa:
"saygoodby
eLet
ho"

Let
ho:
"by
emommy"

ShehuggedmeandIki
ssedher
.

Me:
"by
ebabygi
rl"

Ist
oodup.

Me:
"canIgetheront
heweekends.?
"

Andi
swa:
"Iwi
l
lspeakt
oNt
ethel
elobutIam sur
ewecanwor
kwi
tht
hat"

Me:
"thanky
ousomuch,
youar
ever
yki
nd"

Andi
swa:
"mypl
easur
e"

Shesmi
l
edandwal
kedmeout
.

Igottother
est
aurant,
Iwasmeeti
ngwi
thZamaandLondi
easIsaidIwi
ll
afterIhav
edropped
Letho.Iwal
kedi
nandZamawav edwehandi
ntheai
randIwentt
owardsthem andsatdown.

Zama:
"Youar
esl
ayi
ngt
hishai
r."

Shet
ouchedmyhai
r.

Zama:
"andv
eryneat,
whodi
dit?
"

Me:
"Someol
dpr
isonf
ri
endwhogotoutf
ir
st"

Londi
e:"usuhl
alaneboshwamanj
e?(Youhangoutwi
thexpr
isoner
snow?
)"

Me:
"Iam oneaswel
lthatmeanswebot
hhangoutar
oundt
hem "

Zama:
"wel
lIl
i
kei
t"

Icl
i
ckedmyt
ongue.Thewai
tercameandweor
der
edandhewal
kedof
f.

Zama:
"Socat
chupt
imemyl
adi
es"

Londi
erol
l
edherey
es.

Zama:
"Babydaddyf
orAnel
ewewantt
oknow,
ishenot?"
Londi
e:"f
orsurei
t'
ssomest
reetguyfrom pr
isonwhowassent
encedf
orr
obbi
ngaPaki
stan
shop,Imeanyoucoul
ddoanyt
hingfordi
ckinprison"

Ist
oodupandst
rangl
edher,
Zamat
ri
edt
oseper
ateusandshesucceeded.

Londi
e:"Iam gonnacal
lthepol
i
ceony
ouandy
ouwi
l
lgobacki
njai
lforassaul
t."

Me:
"Cal
lthem i
dar
eyou!
'

Iwasangr
y,mybl
oodwasboi
l
ing.

Zama:
"cal
m down."

Me:
"Idon'
tev
erwantt
oseey
ouagai
n"

Londi
e:"sameher
eyeahgot
oyourl
owl
i
fef
ri
ends."

Me:
"at
leastt
heyar
enotf
ake"

It
ookmybagandwal
kedout
.It
ookoutmyphoneandmadeacal
l
.Isatbyt
her
oaddown.

Razor:
"hel
l
o"

Me:
"cany
ouf
etchme?
"

Razor:
"uhm ,
eishwher
ear
eyou?
"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lsendt
headdr
ess"

Razor:
"Ok"

IhungupandIsentit
.Isatthereandplayedsomegames.That
'showdrymyphoneis.After
somelongminutesacarpull
edupinf r
ontofmeandhecameoutoft hecarwear
ingal
lbl
ack
l
eather,
leat
herpant
s, j
acketbutablackt
-shi
rtMar
sitsui
tedhi
m.

Razor:
"youok?
"

It
hrewmy
sel
finhi
sar
msandhej
usthel
dme.

Me:
"Ial
mostki
l
ledsomeone"

Razor:
"wedon'
twanty
ougoi
ngbacknowdowe?
"

Ishookmyhead.

Razor:
"nowcomel
et'
sgo"

Heki
ssedmyf
oreheadandwegoti
nthecarbef
orehedr
oveof
f.

Me:
"what
'supwi
tht
hel
eat
her?"
Razor:
"Iwasi
nthemi
ddl
eofsomet
hing"

Me:
"Iam sor
ry.I
twasv
eryst
upi
dofmet
ocal
lyou"

Razor:
"it
'snev
erst
upi
dtocal
lmeDon'
tsayt
hat"

Me:
"it
'si
nappr
opr
iat
e"

Razor:
"i
t'
snot
"

Il
ookedout
sideandwewer
enotgoi
ngi
nthedi
rect
ionofhome.

Me:
"'
wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?"

Razor:
"Thembi
sa,
youdodgedmel
astweek."

Me:
"Buty
ousai
dyouwer
eint
hemi
ddl
eofsomet
hing"

Razor:
"itcanwai
t.Ineedt
ouset
hisoppor
tuni
ty"

Me:
"ar
ghy
ouar
eannoy
ing"

Hechuckl
ed.Ir
est
edont
heseat
.

*
WENDY*

Razorwasi naqui
ckrushof
faf
terwej
ustpul
ledoffanamazi
nghei
sti
nahousei
nPr
etor
ia
East.Thoseri
chpeopl
ekeepmoneyev
eninthei
rsafes.

Axe:
"chunekani
?(What
'sgoi
ngon?)
"

Me:"angi
cav
iyazi
,Iwonderubani
obhel
elay
oKangaka(Idon'
tknow,
Iwonderwhocal
l
shi
m
t
hismuch)"

Axel
aughed.

Axe:"ayi
MinaIam j
ustgl
adhel
eftaf
tert
hehei
stwasdoneot
her
wisewewoul
dhav
ebeen
donefor"

Me:
"pl
easedomeaf
avour"

Axe:
"what?
"

Me:
"i
nvest
igat
eforme"
Axe:
"(l
aughi
ng)don'
tmakemel
augh.Let
'sgoanhav
emeatwena"

Me:
"mxm "

Shepackedupt
hemoneyandwesoonl
eftheadi
ngt
oThembi
sa.

*
UNATHI*

Anotherone.Wel
lIhav
eneverbeentoachisanyamabefor
esothi
sisanexper
ience.Seemsl
ike
ever
ywhereRazorgoheisknown.Hewasgr eet
edwhereweareatthemoment.Hehel dmy
handandIheldhi
sandhelookedatmyfingersthenf
ornail
s.

Razor:
"Ni
cenai
l
s"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Ishapedt
hem ni
cel
yandpai
ntedmynai
l
sandt
oesnai
l
s.

Iwaswear i
ngayel
l
owbobtubejumpsuitthatwasshor
twithbl
acksandalsaswel
l,hewentt
o
ordert
hemeatandaskedi
ftheycouldbraaii
tbef
oreWegotaplacetositdownandwedid.
he
wassitt
ingacr
ossme.Themusi ci
sniceaswellandsoot
hingt
oo.

"Uy
abazi
abant
uabahambangamaGTI?

Baf
ananabant
wanaabangenaeCr
echnj
e..
..
."

Il
aughedwhi
l
elooki
ngatRazor
.

Razor:
"Don'
tl
ookatmel
i
ket
hat
"

Icoul
dfeel
themusi
candv
ibeandal
l

"Baf
ikaFi
ka,
umdob'
uphel
i
le

Baf
ikaf
ikaumdob'
uphel
i
le

Baf
ikaf
ikaumdob'
uphdl
i
le

Baf
ikaf
ikaumdob'
uphel
i
le

Asi
thi
onef
igur
elady.
..
..
"

Me:
"thi
sisani
ceenv
ironment"
Razor:
"Iam gl
ady
oul
i
kei
t."

Me:
"it
's.Di
ff
erentr
eal
l
y.Youeatandl
i
stent
omusi
caswel
l
.Ni
cemusi
c"

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor;
",
ist
hatUnat
hi?"

Me:
"yessi
r"

Ibobbl
edmyheadal
i
ttl
e.

Razor:
"Unat
hi"

Me:
"mmh?
"

Hestoodupandheldmycheekbeforer
esti
ngaperkonmyl i
ps.Shi
ver
swental
lovermybody
.
HelookedatmeandIlookedathi
m bef
orehewentinagai
nandkissedme,Ir
espondedt
othe
ki
ss.OuuhGoditf
eltgoodtoki
sshim,somuch.

"Woahwoahwoah!
!"

Webr
okei
tandacarst
oppedandIsawAxeandWendy
.Ist
oodup.

Me:
"Ihav
etol
eav
e"

Wendycamef
lyi
ngoutoft
hecar
.Sher
oughl
ypushedme.

Wendy:
"uzomanqazabani
?(Whoar
eyouki
ssi
ng?
)"

Razor:
"Wendy"

Me:
"Ihav
etol
eav
e"

Wendy:
"Iam t
alki
ngt
oyou!
"

Shehel
dmyar
m andIy
ankedi
t.

Me:
"don'
tdar
etouchme"

Wendy:
"orwhat?"

Razor:
"Wendycal
m downandIam st
il
lhav
ingl
unchwi
thUnat
hiIwi
l
lseey
oul
ater"

Wendy:
"razor!
"

Razor:
"Ihav
esai
dmyf
inal
wor
d.Ei
thery
ouj
oinusi
npeaceorl
eav
e"

SomehowIf
eltsuper
ior
.
Me:"Nomaungaf
aki
pent
yenel
acey
imi
star
ri
ng(ev
eni
fyouputonal
acepant
yIam t
he
mi
stress)
"

Isangal
ongt
othesong.

Wendy:
"whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
odo?Youwon'
twi
nint
hisgame"

Razor:
"Nanacomesi
tnextt
ome"

Ishookmyheadandsatnextt
oWendy
.Shewaspi
ssedof
f.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t7

Razorst
oodupandwenttogetthemeatl
eav
ingusbot
hsit
ti
ngt
oget
her.Iam nott
hatmuch
scar
ed.Ihav
esurv
ivedpr
isonwhosai
dIcan'
tsur
viv
ethi
swomannextt
ome?

Wendy:
"mmmh"

Me:
"somet
hingwr
ong?"

Wendy:
"youdon'
tknowme"

Me:
"soasI
.Let
'snotunder
est
imat
eeachot
herhal
lwe?"

Wendy:
"razori
smyman"

Me:
"OhIknowt
hat"

Wendy:
"sowhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eki
ssi
nghi
m?"

Shehel
dmyar
mti
ght.

Me:
"heki
ssedme"

Iy
ankedmyar
m agai
n.
Me:
"gety
ourf
act
sst
rai
ghtnextt
ime"

Wendy:
"Nx"

Razorcamebackwi
tht
hemeatandawai
terf
oll
owedhi
m wi
thabucketf
ull
offdr
inks.

Razor:
"Ar
eweget
ti
ngal
ong?"

If
akedasmi
l
e.Wendyr
oll
edherey
es

Wendy:
"what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?"

Razor:
"wear
ehav
ingl
unch"

Me:
"Ishoul
dleav
e.Anel
eispr
obabl
ywonder
ingwher
eIam "

Ist
oodup.

Razor
:"Unat
hihl
alaphansi
(Unat
hisi
tdown)
"

Me:
"but.
..
"

Razor:"Uf
ikenami
lahandUzohambanami
.(Youcamewi
thmeher
eandy
ouwi
l
lleav
ewi
th
me) "

Wendy:
"Youar
ereal
l
ysay
ingt
heset
hingsI
nfr
ontofme?"

Razor:
"youar
eher
eisn'
ti
t?"

Shegav
emeadeat
hst
are.

Me:
"Razor
..
."

Razor:
"si
tdown"

Isatbackdown.

Razor:"kuphel
elephi
ukut
hiuwei
star
ri
ng?(Wher
edi
ditendwheny
ousai
dyouar
ethe
mistr
ess?)"

Me:
"yaphaphay
azi
(youar
efor
war
dyouknow?
)"

Hechuckl
ed.Hebr
oket
hemeatandat
eit
.

Razor:
"Iam j
ustaski
ng."

Me:
"Iwassi
ngi
ng"

Wendy:
"Ist
arr
ingsakho?Heehay
iKadengangi
bona(i
t'
syourmi
str
ess?HeehIhav
eseen
t
hings)
"
Shecl
appedheronehand.

Razor:
"Uf
unangi
thi
ust
arrwakho?(Youwantmet
otel
lyout
haty
oushar
eme?)
"

Me:
"woahst
opIam notshar
ingany
oneher
e"

Wendy
:"Ihadhi
mfi
rstsodon'
tcomeandt
ell
met
hatwena"

Me:
"youseer
azory
ouar
ecausi
ngconf
li
ct."

Razor:
"behav
eWendybecausey
ouwon'
tl
iket
heout
come"

"Ineedt
obeal
onenow

Ri
ghtnow,
righther
ewi
thy
ou

Wi
thy
ou

Ineedt
ospeakt
oChar
lot
te

Ineedt
ocal
lChar
lot
te

Ineedt
otel
lchar
lot
te

Youdon'
tneedChar
lot
te.
..
."

Webot
hkeptqui
et.

Razor:
"Unat
hieat"

Hecutt
hemeatf
ormeandgav
emeonepi
nkbot
tl
eofal
cohol
.

Me:
"Ihav
enev
erhadadr
inkl
i
ket
hisbef
ore"

Wendyl
aughed.

Wendy:
"Pr
incessDi
ana"

Shecutt
hemeat
.

Razor:
"fi
rstt
imef
orev
ery
thi
ng"

Ber
nini
Blush.Lovet
hepi
nkwon'tl
i
e.Igavehi
mthebot
tl
eandheopenedi
twi
thhi
sfi
nger
s
andgavethebot
tl
etome.Itookasipandi
twasni
ce.

Me:
"Il
i
kei
t"

Hesmi
l
ed.

Razor:
"ther
eismor
ewher
ethatcamef
rom "
Wendy:
"youar
ebot
hsi
ckeni
ng"

Shet
ookt
hemeat
sandst
oodup.

Wendy:
"Iwi
l
lseey
ou.Don'
tthi
nkIwon'
tcat
chy
ou"

Razor:
"Don'
ttestmeWendy"

Shel
ookedathi
m bef
orewal
ki
ngt
owher
eAxedi
sappear
ed.

Me:
"wewer
enotsupposedt
omakeherf
eel
uncomf
ort
abl
e"

Razor:
"Youst
art
edi
tbyy
our'
si
ngi
ng'
."

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.Hecameandsatbymysi
dehet
ookt
hemeatandbr
okei
tandf
edme.

Me:
"Iam notachi
l
d"

Razor:
"Myboo"

Hesangt
hatandIchuckl
ed.

Me:
"Iev
enf
orgoty
oucansi
ng"

Razor:
"Youhav
eent
eredmywor
ldf
art
oomuch"

Me:
"Iam st
il
ll
ovi
ngt
hej
our
ney"

Idr
ankmydr
inkandheheper
kedmyl
i
ps.

Me:
"Razor"

Razor:
"youar
ebeaut
if
ul"

Whatam Igonnadowi t
hhim.AsmuchasIwanthi
m butWendyi
sint
hepi
ctur
eandshewi
l
l
comewit
hgunsbl azi
ngtowar
dsme.

*
WENDY*

IgottoAxeandshewasbythecarwashsect
ionhavi
ngadrinkandchat
tingwit
htheguysas
well
.Igott
oherandpushedmywayandsatinfr
ontofheri
nt hecaront
hedriv
er'
sseat.

Axe:
"Smoko?(Pr
obl
em ?)
"
Me:"Razorhasneverdi
srespect
edmel
i
ket
hatbef
ore.MeWendyandt
hatgi
rlj
ustcomesand
hei
sgoingcrazy.Nx"

Axe:
"whoi
sthegi
rl?Isawt
hem ki
ssi
ng"

Me:
"hecal
l
sherUnat
hisoIassumei
t'
sUnat
hi"

Shechockedonherdr
inkandwhi
stl
ed.

Axe:
"yho"

Me:
"youknowher?"

Axe:
"don'
tunder
est
imat
eher
.Shei
spsy
chot
hatone.Letmegochecki
fit
'st
heUnat
hiIt
hink
i
tis"

Shewal
kedaway
.It
urnedupsomemusi
candt
ext
edThabi
sa

Me:
"weneedt
osor
tabugout
."

Il
ockedmyphoneandt
henwai
tedf
orAxewhocamer
ushi
ngt
ome.

Axe:
"YhoYhoYhoUy
ena(i
t'
sher)
"

Me:
"howdoy
ouknowher?"

Axe:
"meti
npr
ison"

Me:
"razory
ena(andr
azor?)
"

Axer
ubbedherhead.

Axe:"ei
shSan,Uyakhumbul
angi
phuma?(YourememberwhenIcameout?
)YeahIasked
razortokeepal
ookoutonherIt
hinkt
hat
'show"

Me:
"Nx."

Axe:
"hadeMaWenz(sor
ryWendy)
"

Me:
"Iwon'
tl
ethi
m sl
i
p."

Shej
ustnodded.

-
--
-

Me:
"R950!"
Ichuckl
edwhi
l
ewal
ki
ngupanddown.

Me:
"R950t
housandAl
lgone.That
'sami
l
li
onAy
andawhydoy
oukeepaMi
l
li
oni
nthehouse?"

Ay
anda:
"Iam f
rust
rat
edasi
tisSi
yamt
handa"

Me:
"Ij
ustdon'
tunder
stand.Thi
spl
aceshoul
dbepr
otect
ed."

Ay
anda:
"whoev
erdi
dthi
sisapr
ofessi
onal
"

Me:
"950Nkosi
Iam goi
ngt
ofai
nt"

Ay
anda:
"Si
yamt
handa"

Me:
"ther
ear
emanybanksi
nSout
hAf
ri
ca"

Ay
anda:
"Iwi
l
lgett
othebot
tom oft
his"

Me:
"Ij
ustwonderwhyy
oukeept
hatchunkofmoneyi
nthehouse"

Ay
anda:
"peopl
ehackot
herpeopl
e'
saccount
s"

Me:
"whati
fthehousewast
obur
ndownwi
tht
hatmi
l
li
on?That
sli
kecl
oset
oR30mi
l
li
onRand
"

Ay
anda:
"Idon'
tpayi
nsur
ancef
ornot
hing"

Me:
"doy
ouhav
einsur
ancef
ort
hest
olenmi
l
li
on?"

Ay
anda:
"Si
yamt
handa"

Hesai
dfr
ust
rat
ed.

Me:
"Letmej
ustgo"

Iwalkedouthi
sstudy
.Thesepeopl emayknowusbecause.Howcant heyknowt her
eisasaf
e
i
nast udybehi
ndabigpi
ctur
e.Ifeelfr
ustr
ated,Iwal
kint
othel
ounge.Afterworkhisi
swhat
facebutgoodthi
ngweweren'
tinsidethehouseandthatmamBal
uwasn' thar
med.

Si
yanda:
"Mom "

Me:
"yesboy"

Si
yanda:
"wewantchi
ps."

Me:
"ask"

Zi
khal
i:
"canwepl
easehav
echi
ps?
"

Me:
"sur
ecome"
Wewal
kedt
otheki
tchen.

*
UNATHI*

Me:
"Soi
not
herwor
dsy
ouar
esay
ingy
ouar
eapl
ayer?
"

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"coul
dbe,
butIam l
ovedbecauseofwhoIam "

Me:
"doy
ouchar
m gi
rl
sli
ket
his?"

Razor:
"am Ichar
mingy
ou?"

Ibl
ushed.

Me:
"no,
Iam j
ustsay
ing"

Razor:
"ther
eisaspi
nfesti
nSowet
oTomor
row.Wantt
ogo?"

Me:
"Gangst
err
elat
ed,
li
keIdon'
twantt
obeshot"
,

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"don'
twor
ry.Igoty
ou"

Me:
"sur
ethen"

Razor:
"let
'sgo.I
t'
sget
ti
ngl
ate"

Me:
"yeah.Dadmustbewor
ri
ednow"

West
oodup.

Razor:
"i
t'
sreal
l
ygoodspendi
ngt
imewi
thy
ou"

Me:
"sameher
e"

CanIspi
nki
ckWendyoutoft
hisr
elat
ionshi
p?CanIdot
hat?

.
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t8

★WENDY★

Axetookmebackt
oRazor
'spl
aceandIwi
l
lwaitf
orhi
m.Heneedsal
otofexpl
aini
ngt
odo
real
l
y.Hegoti
nandhel
ookedatmeandIl
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"usudl
ali
saamacheesegal
manj
e?(Youar
ehi
tt
ingoncheesegi
rl
snow?
)"

Razor:
"Pho?(So)
"

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:"Iam yourgi
rl
fr
iend!Youshoul
dn'
tbedoi
ngmel
i
ket
hat
.Yazi
Uyadel
ela(y
ouar
e
di
srespect
ful)
"

Razor:
"woahwoahuy
ithat
hephi
lehyokut
hiuy
int
ombi
yam ?(woahwoahwher
edi
dyouget
thei
deathaty
ouar
emygi r
lf
ri
end?)"

Me:
"Youar
einar
elat
ionshi
p,y
ouev
enwr
otei
tonFacebook"

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:"di
dIeverst
atewhoIam i
narelat
ionshi
pwi
th?WendyIt
oldy
out
hatwhatwehav
eis
j
ustplainsex,
youknewfrom t
hestar
t"

Myhear
tbr
oke.

Me:
"ButRazori
t'
sbeeny
ear
ssi
nceIhav
ebeenbyy
oursi
de"

Razor:
"Iknow"

Me:
"sowhydon'
tyoul
oveme?!
"
Ishout
ed.

Razor:
"youdon'tmakemefeelanydif
fer
ent.Youdon'tmakemefeelcomf
ort
ableandhappyor
youbei
ngstuckinmybrai
nalldayorwanti
ngt odocrazythi
ngsj
ustt
obewithyou.Youdon't
movemyhear tandi
t'
snotbeati
ngforyou"

Icr
iedi
nmyhands.

Me:
"itmov
esf
orher?Heh?Af
ewni
ght
sinpr
isonwi
thherandy
oul
oveher"

Razor:
"Yeah,
Ihav
easonwi
thher"

Icl
appedmyhands.

Me:
"ukudl
i
sil
ewena(y
ouar
eunderal
ovespel
l)"

Razor:
"sowhateversexrel
ati
onshi
pwehadweshoul
dcuti
t.Iam i
nar
elat
ionshi
pwi
thUnat
hi
,shemightnotknowitbutIam "

Ist
oodup.

Me:
"Iam comi
ngf
ory
ouandher
.Iwon'
trestt
il
lwhat
evert
haty
ouat
e,y
ouv
omi
tit
."

Razor:
"youdon'
twannacr
ossmeWendy,
youdon'
twantt
oendupi
nadi
tchl
i
key
ouknow
who"

Me:
"mxm "

Ipushedhi
m andhehel
dmyar
mti
ght
ly.

Razor:
"Shej
ustusedabor
ti
onpi
l
lst
oki
l
lmyunbor
nchi
l
dthatInev
ersaw.I
magi
newhatI
woulddotoy
ouforher"

Me:
"letgoofmyar
m"

Razor:
"bewar
ned"

Hel
etgoofmeandIwal
kedout
.Iwon'
tl
ett
hisgoshame.

*
UNATHI*

Dad:
"Il
ovey
ourbusi
nessconcept,
youseem t
oknowwhaty
ouwant"
Me:
"yesandIam sel
l
ingt
heol
dhouset
hatNt
ethel
elogav
etome"

Dad:
"rat
herr
enti
tout,
proper
tybusi
nessi
sgr
eat
.Al
i
fet
imei
nvest
ment"

Inodded.Wewereinhi
sstudyi
nthemorni
ng.Hewaswor
kingf
rom homet
oday.Heputt
he
papersdownandint
ert
winedhi
sfi
nger
s.

Dad:
"Iwi
l
linv
esti
nyourbusi
ness"

Me:
"Thanky
ousomuch"

Dad:
"Iseey
ouev
enhav
eapl
ace"

Me:"Idi
dmyresear
chonv acantar
easherei
nPret
ori
aandi f
oundt
heper
fectone.Iwi
l
ljust
hav
etogoandveiwitsoonbecauseIcont
act
edt
heagent."

Dad:
"Iam i
mpr
essed"

Ismi
l
ed.

"Mommy!"

ThedooropenedandAnel
eappear
ed.

Anel
e:"Mommy"

Dad:
"gooutandknock"

Hecl
osedt
hedoorwhi
l
egoi
ngonhi
stoesandt
henat
inyknockcamef
rom t
hedoor
.

Dad:
"comei
n"

Heopenedandl
etgooft
hehandl
ebef
orepushi
ngt
hedooropenandwal
kedi
n.

Anel
e:"Hel
l
o"

Us:
"Hi
"

Anel
e:"Mommy"

Me:
"yesbaby"

Iwentt
ohi
m.

Anel
e:"wheni
sZi
khal
iandLet
hocomi
ng?
"

Me:
"Ont
heweekendy
ouwi
l
lgot
othem ok?
"

HenoddedandIki
ssedhi
scheek.
Anel
e:"canIhav
emi
l
kandcooki
es?"

Me:
"come"

Dad:
"Iwi
l
lcont
actmybanki
nthemeant
ime"

Me:
"ok,
thanky
ou"

Iwalkedoutwit
hAneleandwewenttotheki
tchen.It
ookoutt
hemi
l
kandwar
medi
tupandso
asthecookiesf
rom ajar,
Igav
eitt
ohim.

Anel
e:"t
hanky
ou"

Me:
"Ar
eyoui
nschool
?"

Anel
e:"cr
eche"

Me:
"oh,
aren'
tyousupposedt
obet
her
e"

Anel
e:"i
hoy
idi
Mama(i
t'
sthehol
i
day
s)"

Me:
"oh"

Heeathi
scooki
eandof
fer
edsomet
omeandIbi
tsome.

Anel
e:"(gi
ggl
i
ng)y
ouhav
ebi
gteet
h"

Me:
"That
'snotni
ce"

Anel
e:"t
hisonewi
l
lcomeout"

Hepoi
ntsatmybi
gteet
h

Me:
"it
'sf
arf
rom comi
ngout
."

Anel
e:"CanIgoandwat
chat
v?"

Me:
"come"

Iputhi
m downandtookhi
sfoodandwewentt ot hel
ounge,Ipr
epar
edafl
eeceforhi
m and
openedananimatedmovi
eforhim andhest
artedwatchi
ng.Thedoorbel
lrangandIwentt
o
thedoor
.Iopeneditandr
azorwasstandi
ngthere.

Me:
"howdi
dyougeti
n?"

Razor:
"Ij
ustsai
dyouar
eexpect
ingmeandsi
nceIl
ookl
i
keourson"

"Whoi
satt
hedoorUnat
hi?"

Thatwasdad.
Me:
"youshoul
dhav
ecal
l
ed"

Razor:
"whatdi
ff
erencedoesi
tmakebecauseIam her
eal
ready"

Me:
"hai
bo,
daddoesn'
tknowwhot
hef
atheri
s"

Razor:
"heshoul
dknowandIhavebeenst
andi
ngher
efor5mi
nut
es,
bynowav
isi
tori
sinsi
de
si
tti
ngonthecouchsi
ppi
ngonsomethi
ng"

Me:
"youcameunannounced"

Razor:
"Idi
dsayIam comi
ngt
ofet
chy
ouf
oraspi
nfesti
nSowet
o"

Thedoorwaspul
l
edf
rom behi
ndme.

Dad:
"Unat
hiwhoi
sthi
s?"

Razorwassmi
l
ingsomuch.

Me:
"dadI
..
.I.
..
.ohmyGod"

Icov
eredmyf
ace

Dad:
"what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?"

Me:
"uhm dadt
hisi
sRa.
..
.ImeanLi
ndani
Ngomane"

Razor:
"ni
cet
omeety
ousi
r"

Dad:
"doy
ouhav
eanyr
elat
iont
oAnel
e?"

Razor:
"Ibel
i
evei
twassai
dhei
smyson."

Dadl
ookedatme,
hel
ookedatr
azorf
rom headt
otoe.

Me:
"Hecamet
oseeAnel
e"

Dad:
"howdi
dyougeti
n?"

Me:
"il
ethi
min"

Dad:
"lat
erweneedt
otal
k"

Hewal
kedi
nsi
de.

Me:
"comei
n"

Razor
.:"Daddyhat
esme"

Me:
"Wi
thy
oudr
essedl
i
ket
hat"
Razor:
"li
kewhat?Il
i
kei
t"

Me:
"it
'sni
cebutdadhasadi
ff
erentey
e"

Razor:
"uy
angi
fent
samanj
e(y
ouar
efl
i
rti
ngwi
thmenow)
"

Me:
"cany
oubeser
ious?
"

Razor:
"Iam "

Hespankedmybut
t.It
urnedt
ohi
m wegott
odadandAnel
e.

Me:
"Anel
e"

Anel
e:"hei
sgonnawi
nMommy"

Me:
"Anel
e"

Hel
ookedatme.

Anel
e:"Hi
"

Razor:
"Hi
"

Me:
"youcansi
tdown.Any
thi
ngt
odr
ink?"

Razor:
"Not
hanky
ou"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lbebacknow"

Henoddedanddadwasf
ocusi
ngont
het
v.Ir
anupt
hest
air
stomybedr
oom t
ogetr
eady
.

★RAZOR★

Iwaswai ti
ngforUnathitocomebackdownsowecoul dleav
e.Mysonl ooksexactl
yli
keme.I
am nervousifIwil
lbeagoodf atherornot.Iam ev
enscar
edtoaskanyquest i
onsbuthedoes
resembleme.Hewoul dlookatmeandsmi leandIwoul
ddothesame.Iwi shIcoul
dholdyou
andteachy oualotoft
hingsIwishmyf atherdi
dbutthi
smanI nf
rontofusisstoppi
ngme.

MrNgema:
"Sowhoar
eyou?"

Me:
"li
ndani
Ngomane"

MrNgema:
"Wher
ear
eyouf
rom ?"
Me:
"Pr
etor
ia"

MrNgema:
"whatdoy
ouown?"

Me:
"ahouse,
carandChi
sany
ama&Car
washi
nThembi
sa"

Hef
rowned.

MrNgema:
"soy
ouar
efr
om at
ownshi
p?"

Me:
"yes"

MrNgema:
"wher
edi
dyoumeetmydaught
er?"

Me:
"pr
ison

Anel
e:"ha,
babophaamaphoy
isa?
(Thecopsar
rest
edy
ou?)
"

Inodded.

Hi
sey
eswi
denedi
namazement
.

Anel
e:"Iwantt
obeapol
i
ce"

Me:
"that
'sgood"

MrNgema:
"Thi
sisunaccept
abl
e"

Me:
"whati
s?"

MeNgena:
"youar
enotsui
tabl
eformydaught
er"

Me:
"Isn'
tshet
heonet
ochoose?"

MrNgema:
"Iwi
l
lmakei
tcl
ear,
Idon'
tl
ikey
ou"

Me:
"itok.I
fyourdaught
erdoesi
t'
sfi
net
hen"

Hecl
i
ckedhi
stongueandUnat
hicamedownt
hest
air
sdr
essedi
ntr
acksui
ts.

Unat
hi:
"wecanl
eav
e."

MrNgema:
"don'
tcomebackpr
egnant"

Unat
hi:
"dad"

Hekeptqui
et.

Unat
hi:
"by
eAnel
e"
Anel
e:"by
e"

Hewav edhi
shandandwentbacktothetv
.Wewal
kedoutoft
hehouse,
Ipul
l
edhert
omeand
Iki
ssedherl
ipsandsher
esponded,Ibr
okeit
.

Me:
"Unat
hiI
..
..
"

Shewentonhert
oesandhel
dmyf
acebef
oreki
ssi
ngmeandIr
espondedt
otheki
ss.Shebr
oke
i
t.

Unat
hi:
"Iknowt
hisi
swr
ongasi
tisbutIj
ustcan'
thel
pit
."

Sheki
ssedmeagai
nandwebr
okei
tup.Ibi
tmybot
tom l
i
p.

Me:
"Unat
hiy
ouj
ustdot
hingst
ome,
eveny
ear
sagoy
oudi
dandst
il
ldo.
..
.Ij
ustdon'
tknowhow
t
osayi
t"

Isi
ghed.

Me:
"let
'sgo"

Unat
hi:
"saywhaty
ouwantt
osay"

Me:
"it
'snoti
mpor
tant"

It
ookherhandandwewal
kedt
omycar.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t9

I
thasbeensil
enti
nthecarsi
ncewelef
thomeandhehasn'tsai
danyt
hingandIhav
en'
tsai
da
t
hingaswel
l.Iwonderi
fhefeel
sthewayIf
eel
,thoughhehasstat
edbefor
ewhathewants,
thatkissfel
tgoodIwon' tl
ie.Razortakesmei nt
oanewwor ldInev erunderstoodandmakesi t
seem l i
keit
'sthefir
stt i
mest eppi
ngoutintotheworld.Ilookathim andhedoest hesameandI
l
ookaway.Whycan' tIjusttellhi
m howIf eel
?IsitbecauseIam scar edthathewi l
lrej
ectme
ort el
lmemypl ace.Ishouldknowmypl aceasababymamabut. .
.Isigh.Wegett oSowet o
aftersomet imeandhepar ksandwegetoutoft hecar.Het akesmyhandandwewal k
towar dshi
sot hermat es.IseeAxeandWendyandWendywhi spersinherf r
iend'
searandt hey
bothlookatme.

Axe:
"Unat
hi"

Me:
"Hi
"

Guy:
"or
ightor
ightngwanangi
yabonauv
ukengoy
ell
owmat
hambo(y
esmyman.Iseey
ouhav
e
ayel
l
owbone)"

Razor:
"ungaphaphi
(don'
tbef
orwar
d)"

Axechuckl
ed.

Axe:
"Ot
hingi
ri
ngenawe(l
etmet
alkt
oyou)
"

Razor:
"Ax
e..
."

Axe:
"real
ax,
Not
hingwi
l
lhappen"

Razornodded.Car
swer
espi
nni
ngar
oundandAxet
ookmyhandandwewal
kedabi
taway
fr
om them.

Axe:
"Andt
heny
ouandTaRazor?"

Me:
"wemeti
npr
ison"

Axe:
"keacav
aMar
akuchunekeni
daar(Iknowbutwhathappenedi
nther
e?)
"

Me:
"si
mpl
epl
easesi
mpl
e"

Axe:
"whatwentdown?"

Me:
"al
otwel
lnotal
otbutwehav
eachi
l
dtoget
heri
nthepr
ocessof
fhav
ingf
un"

Shewhi
stl
ed.

Axe:
"ahahahYhi
ukur
uzawedwa,
icwaneUnat
hi(Ahahahy
hiy
ouar
ethatf
ast
,achi
l
d
Unat
hi)
"

Me:
"hest
atedourr
ulesbutnowIam cat
chi
ng.IcaughtAxe"

Axe:
"Ei
shSany
eahneh"
Shewhi
stl
ed.

Axe:
"Mar
alookher
e,r
azorhasal
way
sar
oundmaWenzandnoot
hergi
rluy
acav
a?(Youknow
)"

Me:
"Soy
ouar
etr
yingt
orubt
hei
rrel
ati
onshi
ponmyf
ace."

Shet
ookasi
pof
fherbeer
.

Axe:"nomanlist
en.WhatIam say
ingisRazorhasshowny
ouhi
swor
ld,
woul
dheshowhi
s
worl
dt osomeonehedoesn'
thaveathi
ngfor?"

Me:
"wear
efr
iendsandwehav
easont
oget
her"

Axe:
"(l
aughi
ng)Bar
biegal
"

Me:
"Ihat
ethatname"

Axe:
"openy
ourey
es."

If
rownedandWendycamewi
thherf
ri
endst
owar
dsus.

Wendy:
"Axe"

Axe:
"Wendy"

Shel
ookedatme.

Wendy:
"whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"

Me:
"whatev
ery
bodyel
sei
sdoi
ngher
e."

Shechuckl
edandpushedAxeasi
deandshespi
l
ledal
cohol
onhershi
rt
.

Axe:
"andNouMaWenz?(AndnowMaWenz?
)"

Shegr
abbedmyshoul
der
sandherf
ri
endshadbat
s.

Wendy:
"iwoul
dn'
tl
etRazorgowi
thoutaf
ight
.Notev
ent
oyou"

Shewhi
stl
ed,
Iki
ckedherst
omachandshel
etgoofmyshoul
der
s.

Wendy:
"aahh"

Ir
anof
f.

"Unat
hi"

Wendy:
"Phezukwakhe!
(Af
terher!)
"
Thel
adieswer
eaftermewit
hbatsandIhear
dgunshot
sandIj
umped.Yhot
heyar
eshoot
ingat
me,Iknewcomingherewon'
tendgood.Idi
dn'
tev
enwantt
olookback.

Gunshot!"

Iscr
eamedwhi
l
ecl
osi
ngmyear
s,Idon'
tev
enknowwher
eIam r
unni
ngof
fto.

★RAZOR★

Iwasn'
tgoi
ngtospint
oday,
Ijustcametosupportmyboysandbr
ingUnat
hiher
easwel
l
.
Someonecall
edoutmynameandIt ur
nedanditwasAxe.

Axe:"Baphezukwakhe.OWendybadrayi
sau-Unat
hii
Sowet
oyonkengebhamu(Theyar
eaf
ter
her
.Wendy, theyar
echasi
ngUnathiaroundSowetowit
hguns)"

Me:
"theywi
l
lki
l
lher,
howcoul
dyoul
ett
hem go?"

Igav
ehert
hebeer.

Kau:
"Andy
ou?
"

Axe:
"Thabi
saandt
hem ar
echasi
nghi
sgi
rlwi
thguns"

Kau:
"Let
'sgo"

Wewenttoourcar sandgotinandhedr oveaseper

atewayandIdroveanotherwayaswell.I
coul
dseethem runni
ngafterherandtheyhadsomebats.Agunshotwasr el
easedandItook
outmineandtookmyar m outofthewindowandshottheai
randtheystopped.Igotoutofmy
carandUnat
hidroppedonherkneesbr eathi
ngandIwentt
oWendyandIpul ledherbyherhai
r.

Me:
"Di
dn'
tIwar
nyou?
"

Wendy:
"Iwi
l
lki
l
lherf
ory
ou"

Me:
"voet
sekWendy"

Ibacksl
appedherandshewentt
othegr
ound.

Thabi
sa:
"notwi
thmyf
ri
end"

Kaucamewi
tht
hecarandhegotout
.

Kau:
"let
'sgo.Al
lofy
ou"
Thabi
sa:
"Nokau"

Kau:
"Thabi
sai
nthecarnow"

Unat
hist
oodupandcamet
oWendyandsl
appedher
.

Unat
hi:
"youwantt
oki
l
lmef
oradi
ckwena"

Theyst
art
edf
istf
ight
ing.

Kau:
"dosomet
hing"

Unat
hi:
"Iwi
l
lshowy
ouwena,
Iwon'
tdodgeabul
l
etandnothi
tyou"

Shewasont
opofWendy

Wendy:
"Yey
iyouPussygetof
fme"

Unat
hi:
"Youcanpl
aywi
thbul
l
etsl
et'
sseei
fyoucanpl
aywi
thf
ist
s"

It
ookUnathioffWendy,
manshehi
therbadbecauseshehadabl
eedi
ngnoseandherhai
r
wasroughenedup.

Wendy:
"youbr
okemynose"

Unat
hi:
"that
'sf
orshoot
ingatme"

Wendyt
ri
edt
ochar
get
owar
dsUnat
hibutIst
oodbet
weent
hem.

Wendy:
"Iwi
l
lki
l
lyouwena!
"

Unat
hi:
"come,
come"

Me:
"Unat
hi,
cal
m down"

Unat
hi:
"don'
ttel
lmet
ocal
m downwhenIal
mostdi
ed"

Kaut
akesWendyawaywhi
l
eshewasscr
eami
ng.Unat
hiwasbr
eat
hingheav
il
y.

Me:
"br
eat
h"

Unat
hi:
"Nxt
akemehome.Idon'
twantt
oseey
ouagai
nLi
ndani
!"

Shewal
kedt
othecar
.

Me:
"Unat
hi"

Shebangedt
hedoor
.Isi
ghedandwentt
othecarandgoti
n.Shel
ookedout
sidet
hewi
ndow
andshewasmad.
Me:
"Unat
hi"

Unat
hi:
"don'
tev
ent
alk"

Ikeptqui
etasst
art
edt
hecarbef
oredr
ivi
ngof
f.

*
UNATHI
*

Idon'tevenwannastartonwhathappenedt her
e,okthebat
swereexpectedbutt
heguns.I
di
dn'texpecthertost
artshoot
ingatme, itmeansIshoul
dhavemyownaswel l
.Calm down
Unathiyouareali
veyoushouldbegratef
ul ,
Iwon'tl
etnoonetr
ytoresur
facetheol
dme.Ihav e
workedsohar dfort
hisnewimage.

Hedoesn'
tdr
ivemehomebutgoesi
nanotherr
out
e.Igi
vehi
m adeat
hst
arebuthedoesn'
t
not
iceme,Il
ookoutt
hewindowandchuckl
e.

Me:
"angi
khumbul
ingi
hlal
angal
a(Idon'
trememberl
i
vingt
hissi
de)
"

Razor:
"zi
ningi
indl
ela(t
her
ear
emanyway
s)"

Ichuckl
edandlookedout
.Hegott
ohi
shomeandhepar
kedt
hecarout
sideandgotout
.I
stay
edinthecarandhecamet
omyside.

Razor:
"Unat
hicome"

Me:
"anddowhat?
"

Razor:
"theat
ti
tudedoesn'
tsui
tyou"

Me:
"woul
dyoubel
aughi
ngaf
tert
hatbei
ngdonet
oyou?
"

Razor:
"okIgety
oubutl
et'
scool
offi
nsi
de"

Igotoutoft
hecarandhecl
osedt
hedoor
.

Razor:
"youshoul
ddr
opi
tqui
cker"

Ir
oll
edmyey
esandwewal
kedi
nsi
de.Isatont
hecouch.

Razor
:"ar
eyouhungr
y?"
Me:
"no"

Hewentt
otheki
tchenandcamebackdr
inki
ngwat
erandsatont
heot
hercouchandheputt
he
gl
assont
hetabl
e.

Razor:
"comeher
e"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Razor:
"pl
ease"

Ist
oodupandwentt
ohi
m andhepul
l
edmei
ntohi
slap.

Razor:
"Iam sor
ryf
orwhathappenedt
oday,
Iwi
l
lsor
titout"

Me:
"justt
akemehomeandl
etnotcont
acteachot
herunl
essi
t'
saboutAnel
e"

Heki
ssedmyneck.

Razor:
"ifi
tdoesn'
ti
nvol
vey
out
henIcan'
t"

Me:
"youwantt
oki
l
lme?"

Hi
shandswentt
omywai
stundermyj
acketandt
op.

Razor:
"No,
Idon'
twantt
o."

Hel
ooksatmeandt
henheki
ssesme.

Me:
"razor"

Hest
andsupandIdoandhepi
cksmeupandgoest
otheki
tchenandpl
acesmeont
hecount
er.
Hi
shomelooksni
ce,al
ot.

Razor:
"Ial
way
simagi
nedhi
tt
ingi
tonacount
er"

Me:
"Iam noty
ourpussy"

Razor:
"no"

Heki
ssesmyneckandpul
l
smypant
slowert
omyankl
esandt
akesof
fmyshoesandt
hepant
s.

Razor:
"youar
emor
ethant
hat"

Heunzi
psmyj
acketandr
emov
esmyt
opaswel
landIam l
efti
nmyt
hong.

Me:
"Razor"

Het
akesi
tof
fandIam naked,
goodt
hingIshav
edt
woday
sago.Hegi
vesmeaki
ss..
Razor:
"Il
ovey
ouUnat
hi"

Hegoest
omyneckandshoul
der
sandshi
ver
sgodownmyspi
ne.

Razor:
"Ial
way
slov
edy
ou"

Idi
dn'tknowwhatt
osay.Shoul
dIscr
eam andj
umporshoul
dIbewor
ri
ed?Het
akesoneofmy
ni
pplesinhi
smouthandsucksandImoan.

Hepart
smyl egsandhestartsgoingdownonmeandIcouldf eel
histongueonmycl i
tandI
moanashesuckedandpl ayedaroundit.Myhandwenttohishairandheldafi
stful
l,I
moanedandhel i
ft
edhisheadandpul l
edmeovertheedgeandwentonhi skneeandhishead
bur
iedwit
hingmyt hi
ghs.

Me:
"Mmmh"

Imoanedbi
ti
ngmybot tom li
pandhistonguewaswar m andmadeit
swaytomyVi rgi
naandhe
wentdownanditthr
ustedslowl
y.Hisl
ongt onguecamet oaver
yadvant
agetodayaswel
l.He
thr
ust
eddeeperandfasterandIcoul
dfeelthepleasur
eincr
easi
ngbyeachthr
ust.

Me:
"AhRazor"

Hepul
l
edoutandwenti
ntosucki
ngmycl
i
tandIhel
dhi
sheadaswel
lpushi
ngi
ttodomor
e.He
pul
l
edback.

Razor:
"babey
ouwi
l
lki
l
lme"

Hechuckl
ed.

Me:
"mxm "

Het
ookof
fhi
stopandunbuckl
edhi
sjeansandhepul
l
edachai
randsatdown.

Razor:
"come."

Iwal keduptohi m andheputmei navery,wellunknownposi

ti
on.Mywhol eassandVirgi
na
wasonhi sfaceandIbal ancedwithmyar msandwentt osucki
nghi m whilehesuckedonme.
Hisar msrunt hroughmybut tandhespankedi tabitandIl
ovedthepl easuremixedwit
hpainat
thesamet i
me, heputhisarmsar oundmybut tandheldmewhilehebur r
iedhisheaddeeper.I
alsodeept hroatedhim butthethi
ngshewasdoi ngtomedownt herewer eenoughtosendme
ov ertheedge.Icoul df
eel myorgasimreachi
ngandImoanedi npl easure.

Me:
"Ahhr
azor!"

Mymusclesst
art
edtor el
axasIf
eltli
ghterthanIwasbef
ore,
musthav
ebeenthesexual
t
ensionIhadf
oratl
eastcl
oseto5y ear
s.Hel etsgoofmeandget
smedownf rom hi
m andI
wentonmykneesinfr
ontofhi
m andIstartedsucki
ngmeandmore.Herest
edhisheadback
andhi
sbreathi
ngwasi
ncr
easi
ng,
het
il
tedi
tbackt
othef
rontandbuthi
sbot
tom l
i
pasIswi
rl
ed
mytongueit
.

Razor:
"fuckUnat
hi"

Igavehi
m ahandjobaswell
andspitonhi
sdi
ckbef
oreIdeept
hroat
edandhet
it
ledhi
shead
backandIi
ncreasedmypaceinsucki
nghi
m.

Razor:
"OhShi
tIt
hinkIam aboutt
ocum "

Istoppedsuckinghim butcarr
iedonplayingwit
hhi sdi
ckandhi sspermsst
artedshooti
ngout
andIsmudgedt hem onmy sel
fandhithisdickbetweenmybr easts.Hepul
ledmet ohim and
weshar edakiss.Iremov edhispantsandhepulledmebymywai tst
obeontopofhim andI
rubbedmyNooki eagai
nsthisdick.Iwasgr i
ndi
ngonhi m andsoftmoanswer ecomingfrom
mymout h.

Razor:
"Il
ovey
ouUnat
hi"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
ooRazor"

Heput
shi
shandonthebackofmeandIki
sshi
m st
oppi
ngmef
rom gr
indi
ngonhi
m.If
eel
his
di
cksl
i
pinmebutIpul
ledi
tout.

Me:
"condom ?
"

Razor:
"real
l
yUnat
hi?
"

Me:
"yes"

Razor:
"youar
etheonl
yoneIhav
ehi
titr
awwi
th"

Me:
"andy
ouwantmet
obel
i
evet
hat?
"

Hepi
ckedmeupandhepl
acedmeont
hecount
eronmyknees.

Razor:
"youunder
est
imat
eme"

Hespankedmybut
tIcr
ied.

Razor:
"Iam cl
ean."

If
elthi
sdi
cksl
i
pindeepi
nmeandImoanedandhepul
l
edi
tout
..

Razor:
"fuckt
hisi
smi
nesoIhi
titr
aw"

Hesl
i
ppedi
tinagai
nandhel
dmywai
stt
ight
lybef
orehei
ncr
easedhi
space.
Me:
"OhmyGodLi
ndani
"

Razor:
"hay
iangenzi
kahl
emawut
hil
i
ndani
(Iam notdoi
ngi
tri
ghti
fyousayl
i
ndani
)"

Onl
yifheknewhewashi
tt
ingt
hosespot
s.

Razor:
"let
'sst
artagai
n"

Hepull
edoutthenhesl
ammedi
nmeagai
nandImoaned.Heputhi
sonehandov
ermybut
t
andhethr
ustedinme.

Razor:
"Shi
t!"

Me:
"ahNgomane!"

Hewast
aki
ngmet
oanot
herwor
ld.Hepul
l
edoutandhehi
thi
sdi
ckonme.

Razor:
"wear
eget
ti
ngt
her
e"

Me:
"whatdoy
ouwant?"

Ibi
tmybot
tom l
i
p.

Razor:
"IknowwhatIwant"

Herubbedhisdi
ckonmeandIbi tmybottom l
i
pbeforehesl
ammeddeeperandthenhe
thr
ust
edslowlyandkeptonkissi
ngmyback.Thatf
eltsogoodandsosweet,hei
ncreasedhi
s
paceabitandhehitmyg-spotsoper
fect
ly.

Me:
"ahf
uckMshi
ka!"

Razor:
"ther
ewego"

Hepul
l
soutandsucksonmeandImoan.

Me:
"Ohmy"

Hest
opsandhet
hrust
sinmeagai
nandIam hol
dingont
othecount
erf
ordearl
i
fe.

Me:
"yes,
don'
tst
op!
"

Heki
ssesmybackandsl
i
ght
lyhol
dsmyneck.I
tfel
tsoamazi
ng.

.
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t10

Therewassilence,wewer ei
nthought
sandtaki
ngi
nwhathashappenedjustafewmi nutes
ago.Itfel
tgoodandst r
angeli
kethefi
rstt
ime,mai
nlybecausethi
sti
mefeeli
ngswereinvol
ved.
Hesplashesthewat eri
ntomybreast
sanditr
unsdownmyst omach.Weareinthebat
htub
i
ntendingtocleanseourbodi
esyetwehaven'
tmadeanymov ement.

Razor:
"Iwantt
ofor
mal
l
yknowAnel
e"

Me:
"Ok"

Hesqueez
esmybr
east
sandki
ssesmyneck.

Razor:
"sowhatdoest
hisal
lmeannow?"

Idon'
tknow,
arewedat
ingorwej
ustconf
essedhowwef
eel
andl
efti
tli
ket
hat?

Me:
"Idon'
tknow"

Razor:
"Al
lIknowi
sthatIl
ovey
ou,
consi
dery
our
sel
fluckyt
ohav
ewonmyhear
t"

Me:
"Awut
hanky
ouev
ent
houghIwasal
mostki
l
ledf
ori
t"

Hechuckl
edandt
ouchedmyst
omach.

Razor:
"sobabynumbert
woi
sont
heway"

Me:
"no"

Isatup.

Me:
"Iam onacont
racept
ive,
3year
sone.Super
int
endentputmeoni
taf
terAnel
e"

Razor:
"Ok"

Me:
"let
'sbat
handgetout
."
Webat
hedandt
henaf
terwegotout
.

*
WENDY*

Isatbyt
hecaratt
hespinfest
.Hel
eftwi
thherandreal
l
ychoseherov
erme.If
eel
athousand
t
imeshurtf
orr
eal,hebet
rayedmei
notherwords.

"Whyi
sagi
rll
i
key
oucr
yingi
nthi
sfest
iveev
ent?"

Me:
"pi
ssof
f"

Hechuckl
ed.

"Iwon'
tpi
ssof
f"

Iwi
pedmyey
esandl
ookedathi
m.

Hi
m:"andweseet
hef
acet
houghi
t'
sst
ent
ched"

Me:
"don'
tyouhav
epeopl
etobot
her?"

Hi
m:"Idon'
t.Isawhowy
ouandt
hosel
adi
eschasedt
hatgi
rl,
si
dechi
ck?
"

Me:
"mor
eli
kemai
nnow."

Hechuckl
ed.

Hi
m:"her
eisadr
inkandenj
oyt
heshow"

Hegav
emeaSav
annahandIt
ooki
tandgul
pedi
tdown.Iam notev
enf
eel
i
ngt
heshow.

*
RAZOR*

Me:
"Iam sur
eyoucan'
tev
encook"

Unat
hi:
"toobadIdo.Idi
dhospi
tal
i
tyi
nhi
ghschool
."

Me:
"andt
hatwas?"
Unat
hi:
"don'
taskmehowmanyy
ear
sagoi
twas"

Weweremaki
ngsomesandwi
ches,
Idon'
tl
ikebr
eadbutsi
ncet
her
eismeatwhatchoi
cedoI
hav
eatthemoment
.

Me:
"comeher
e"

Ihol
dherwai
st,
Ifeel
goosebumpsEv
ery
timeIseeherori
nherpr
esence.

Unat
hi:
"Li
ndani
Iwon'
tfi
nishi
fyoukeepont
ouchi
ngme."

Shegi
ggl
ed.

Me:
"Ican'
thol
dmywomannow?"

Unat
hi:
"thati
sWendy"

If
rownedandshet
urnedandl
aughed.

Unat
hi:
"aski
eske(sor
ryt
hen)
"

Sheper
kedmyl
i
psgoi
ngonhert
oes.Ihel
dherwai
standki
ssedhert
il
lwebr
okei
t.

Unat
hi:
"Il
ovey
ouNgomane,
Ipr
ayIdon'
tmesst
hisup."

Me:
"youwon'
tbaby"

Ihel
dherhand.

Unat
hi:
"Idon'
twantt
ogobackt
ohowIwas,
don'
tl
etmeok?"

Inodded,
shel
ookedwor
ri
edandscar
ed.

Me:
"rel
axIhav
eyou"

Shenoddedandper
kedmyl
i
ps.Ther
ewasaknockont
hedoor
.

Me:
"letmegogeti
t."

Unat
hi:
"ok"

Il
etgoofherandIwentt
othedoorandIopenedi
tandheappear
ed.

"Ahugwoul
dev
endogood"

Me:
"whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Whendi
dyougetout?"

Hepushedmeoutoft
hewayandmadehi
swayi
nsi
de.

Me:
"Nt
ambo"
Het
urned

Nt
ambo:
"Igotoutanhouragoandy
ounev
erv
isi
tedmei
nsi
de."

Me:
"Youshoul
dleav
e"

Ntambo:"hal
fbro,
ngekeungi
chunekanj
esengi
kuf
orgi
vi
le(hal
fbr
o,y
oucan'
tdomel
i
ket
hat
af
terIf
orgaveyou)
"

Unat
hi:
"Razorev
ery
thi
ngi
soknow!
"

Shewal
ksi
ntot
hel
ounge

Me:
"Cany
ougoandchange?
"

Ntambo: "Aahsmokemysmokenessbabygal ngizwainhl

izi
yoy am i
Ecceler
aterengathi
i
accelerator,myspankos,putsununumysofaslahlanesengi
zwangi j
ulukaumt si
ntsi
l
auwena
nalobuhleobukhazi
mulayo(Aahsmokemysmokenessbabygal If
eelmyhear taccel
erati
ng
l
ikeanaccel er
ator,myspankos, put
sununh,
myr ideordie.Ifeelmybut tcr
acksweat i
ng
becauseofy ourbeaut
y.)"

Unat
hif
rowned.

Unat
hi:
"Iwi
l
lgoandchange"

Shewal
kedof
f.

Me:
"shei
sof
fli
mit
s."

Nt
ambo:
"Umt
hat
haphi
?(Wher
edi
dyougether?
)"

Me:
"wher
eyoucomef
rom ,
whyar
eyouher
e?"

Nt
ambo:
"pr
ison.Ihav
ebeeni
nther
eforsol
ongandIcoul
dn'
tgetmy
sel
fsuchcr
eam "

Hemadeasucki
ngsound.

Me:
"Fezi
l
e!"

Nt
ambo:
"okoksur
eIunder
standandy
ouknowt
hebr
ocode."

Inodded.

Nt
ambo:
"yeahsoi
sther
efood?"

Hewenttot
hekit
chen.Iwalkedt
othebedr
oom andUnat
hiwassear
chi
ngf
orsomet
hing.I
cl
osedt
hedoorandsheturned.

Unat
hi:
"whoi
sthatcr
eepyguy?"
Me:
"mycousi
n."

Unat
hi:
"oh"

Inodded.

Unat
hi:
"wel
lIneedt
oleav
esoon."

Me:
"Iwi
shy
oucoul
dst
ay"

Unat
hi:
"met
oo,
may
beIshoul
dmov
eoutf
rom home,
Ial
readyhav
eapl
ace"

Me:
"youshoul
ddot
hat"

Ipi
ckedherupandki
ssedhert
henl
aidheront
hebedandshegi
ggl
ed.

Me:
"round?
"

Unat
hi:
"Idon'
tknow."

Me:
"butIam l
acki
ngsomeVi
tami
nU"

Unat
hi:
"oouuuhni
cel
i
ne"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"Iam good"

Shegi
ggl
ed.

*
UNATHI*

l
eavi
ngwasami ssi
ononitsownbutevent
ual
l
yIdid,whataday.Reall
ywhataday,
fr
om
al
mostdyi
ngtobeingexci
tedandhappyi
twastr
ulyamazing.Igoti
nsi
det
hehouseanddad
wasint
heloungewit
hQamoandherhusband.

Me:
"hel
l
o"

Qamo:
"hey,
wher
edoy
oucomef
rom ?"

Me:
"oh,
Iwentt
oaspi
nfesti
nSowet
o"

Qamo:
"wow,
your
eal
l
yexpl
ori
ngi
tal
l"
Dad:
"it
'st
hatboywhof
ather
'sherson"

Ikeptqui
et.

Qamo:
"wai
tthef
atherwasher
eandIwasn'
ttol
d?"

Dad:
"begl
adbecauseal
lIsawwaswal
ki
ngpov
ert
y"

Me:"daddon'
tsayt
hat,
youdon'
tknowLi
ndani
'
supbr
ingi
ng.I
t'
stoughandt
obewhohei
s
t
odaywasofhardwork"

Dad:
"acr
imi
nal
?"

Me:
"hei
smor
ethananexpr
isonguy"

Dad:
"Idon'
tseet
hedi
ff
erence."

Qamo:
"dadbei
ngopenmi
ndeddoeshur
tyouknow"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Dad:
"Idi
dn'
twor
kfory
out
oli
veher
eal
lfory
out
ocr
awl
topov
ert
y"

Me:
"Iam goi
ngt
oseemyson"

Dad:
"don'
tbot
herhi
m hei
sasl
eep"

Iwal
kedupt
hest
air
sint
omyr
oom andcl
osedt
hedoor.

*
RAZOR*

Igotbackfrom dr
oppi ngUnathif
rom herhouse.It
hinkhermovi
ngoutwouldbereal
lyagreat
i
deabecauseherf atherdoesn'tl
i
kemeandi tdoesn'tbot
herme,aslongasmywomandoes
thenIam ok.Iparkedmycarandgotoutandmademywayi nsi
dethehouseandtherewas
someoneshouting.

Wendy:
"ey
iwher
eisr
azory
ouar
emaki
ngnoi
se!"

Nt
ambohel
dherneckf
astandputakni
feoni
t.

Nt
ambo:
"iwi
l
lsl
i
tyourt
hroatl
i
keagoat"

Wendy:
"letgoofme"
Nt
ambo:
"that
'sy
ourwar
ning"

Hel
etgoofher
.

Me:
"Wendywhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"

Wendy:
"sosi
ncey
oudumpedmewhataboutuswor
kingt
oget
her"

Me:
"youknowt
hedoorandi
t'
satni
ght"

Wendy:
"razor"

Nt
ambo:
"Yey
iout!"

Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongueandwal
kedout
.

Nt
ambo:
"umt
hat
hephi
kel
oh?(Wher
edi
dyougett
hisone?
)"

Me:
"her
e"

Heshookhi
sheadandwentt
otheki
tchen.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t11

Thenextmor ni
ngIwasupandr unni
ngaroundthehousehel
pingmahcleananditwasr
eal
ly
acti
ve.Thatwomancant al
kfordaysonendifshewantstoandknowsalotofgossi
par
ound
thehouse,sheisagreatwomanov er
ral
l
.Anelecamei nt
hekitcheni
nhispyj
amaswhil
ewe
weremakingbreakf
ast.

Anel
e:"Mor
ninggogoandMommy"

Ipi
ckedhi
m upandputhi
m ont
hecount
er.

Me:
"mor
ningbaby"
Dadwal
kedi
ntheki
tchenwear
ingasui
t.

Dad:
"goodmor
ning"

Wegr
eet
edandMahpl
acedhi
slunch.Iguessheget
slunchaswel
l
.

Dad:
"youneedt
ogetacarUnat
hibef
orey
oust
artwor
king"

Me:
"Uhm ,
I.
..
"

Hepl
acedhi
scar
d.

Dad:
"Don'
tspendmymoneyonunecessar
ythi
ngs."

Me:
"Iwon'
tthanky
ou"

Dad:
"MaMt
hombeni
"

Wai
tthat
'shersur
name?Idi
dn'
tknow.

Ma:
"hav
eagooddaysi
r"

Henoddedandt
henhet
ookhi
sthi
ngsbef
orehewal
kedout.

Me:
"eatbabywear
egoi
ngshoppi
ng.Mahshoul
dIbr
ingany
thi
ngf
ory
ou?"

Ma:
"noi
t'
sfi
nemychi
l
d"

Anel
e:"wewi
l
lbuyi
cecr
eam ?"

Me:
"yes,
let
'seatt
henwecanbat
hthenl
eav
e."

Anel
e:"y
ay!"

Imadecereal
sforhi
m andfedhim.Aft
erhewasdonemahtookhi
m upthestai
rstogoget
readywhi
l
eIstayedandate.Ihear
dmyphoneri
ngfrom t
hel
oungeandIwentther
eand
swall
owedmyf oodbef
oreIanswered.

Me:
"hel
l
o"

Razor:
"it
'sl
i
key
ouar
eanswer
ingani
nsur
ancecal
l"

Me:
"Li
ndani
"

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"Howar
eyou?
"

Hey
awned.
Me:
"Iam good.

Razor:
"sor
ryIj
ustwokeupbabe"

Thatbabesatsomewher
edeepi
nmyst
omachwher
eIf
elti
t.I
t'
sli
keI
tsmyf
ir
stt
imehear
ing
someonecallmethat
.

Me:
"youar
elazy"

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"Iam not
.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
oday?"

Me:
"iam goi
ngcarsear
chi
ng,
you?"

Razor:
"Iwasgoi
ngt
ogot
omybusi
nessandseehowt
hingsar
egoi
ngandspendt
hedaywi
th
mycousin"

Me:
"That
'sni
ce"

Razor:
"wewil
lfet
chy
oui
naf
ew.Iwantt
ospendt
imewi
thmysonandwoman.Ti
mef
or
hi
dingi
sgone"

Me:
"okt
hiswomani
sgoi
ngt
ogogetr
eadyt
hen"

Razor:
"'
Wearni
ce"

Me:
"Iwi
l
l"

"awuy
ekeukuphaphat
hekai
dlat
hiuy
indoda(st
opbl
ushi
ngy
ouar
eaman)
"

Thatwashi
scousi
nIassume.Il
aughed.

Razor:
"Nt
ambo!"

Me:
"Iwi
shIsawt
hat"

Razor:
"youwon'
tl
etmegot
hen."

Me:
"okby
e"

Razor:
"andam Iy
ourf
ri
end?"

Me:
"ahNgomane"

Razor:
"Iam wai
ti
ng"

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouMshi
ka"

Razor:
"Iam i
nlov
ewi
thy
ou"
Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"letmego"

Razor:
"ok."

WehungupandIputmyphoneinthechar
gerandIwentupt
hest
air
s,Igoti
nmybedr
oom and
Iwentt
oopent
heshower
.Istr
ipped.

Me:
"andI,
lov
eyouandIneedy
ou.I
tdon'
tmat
terwhatIdo,
all
Ithi
nkabouti
syou"

Ifeely
oung.IgotintheshowerandIt
ookashower.Af
terIwasdoneIgotoutandIwentt
odry
mybodyandt henloti
onedandgotdr
essed.Hesai
dIshouldwearni
ceri
ght?Iworesimpl
ebut
veryni
ceandbrightcol
our.Ther
ewasaknockonmydoor.

Me:
"comei
n"

Macamei nandsheclosedt
hedoorandwal kedst
rai
ghtuptomeandheldmyhandsand
st
art
edprayi
ngandIlookedatherconfusedandworr
ied.Ideci
dedi
t'
srudet
oopenyourey
es
whensomeoneisprayi
ngsoIclosedthem.

Ma:
"ohLor
dputy
ourchi
l
dundery
ourwi
ngi
nthenameofJesusChr
istAmen"

Me:
"amen"

Weopenedourey
es.

Me:
"ar
eyouokma?
"

Ma:
"YesIam ,
Ijusthadav
isi
onofy
ou"

Me:
"whatwasIdoi
ng?"

Ma:
"itwasj
ustGodr
eveal
i
nghi
sst
uff
."

Me:
"whatwasi
t?"

Shel
aughed.

Ma:
"it
'sok.Youhav
efoundy
ourr
ightonet
hist
ime"

Me:
"ri
ght
..
..
"

Ma:
"Unat
hist
opact
ingl
i
key
oudon'
tknow.Anel
e'sf
ather"

Me:
"oh"

Idon'
tbel
i
evei
nthi
sbutsomet
hingi
nmej
ustsai
dli
stent
oher
.
Me:
"youar
easangoma?"

Ma:
"Pr
ophetmybaby"

Me:
"ohIsee"

Ma(holdi
ngmyhandsti
ght
ly)Ever
ythi
ngGodhasdi
spl
ayed.Wedon'tquest
ionbutfol
low.You
andt
hatboywer
ebroughtt
oget
herbyGodandonlyGodwil
lseper
ateyouandthatisdeath"

Me:
"li
kev
ows"

Shenodded.

Ma:
"Iseegoodt
hingsbet
weeny
out
wo."

Shesmi
l
ed.

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Ma:
"oky
oucango"

Me:
"ok"

ItookmybagandIwentdownt hest
air
s.Anel
ewassit
ti
ngandwatchi
ngTVal
lready
.Iwentt
o
tekit
chenandtookthecardandwenttojoi
nhi
m ont
hecouchjustt
opasst
imeaswell.My
phonerangandIanswered.

Me:
"hi
"

Razor:
"wear
eout
side"

Me:
"okwear
ecomi
ng"

Hehungup.Iputmyphonei
nmybag.

Me:
"comeAnel
elet
'sgo"

Anel
e:"whoar
ewegoi
ngwi
th?"

Me:
"Comemommywi
l
lshowy
ou"

Henodded.

Me:
"by
ema"

Ihopeshehear
dme.Wewal
kedoutandIopenedt
hegat
eandRazorwasout
sidet
hecarwi
th
hi
scousin.

Anel
e:"Whoi
sthat?"
Me:
"Youwi
l
lsee"

Wegott
othem.

Nt
ambo:
"(whi
stl
e)Youmakemyhear
tski
pabeat"

Igi
ggl
edandr
azorcamet
ous.

Razor:
"Youl
ookni
ce"

Me:
"it
'sbeaut
if
ul"

Razor:
"that"

Het
urnedt
oAnel
eandcr
oucheddowni
nfr
ontofhi
m.

Razor:
"Heyboy"

Anel
e:"Hi
"

Razor:
"doy
ouknowwhoIam ?"

Anel
e:"y
oucamet
otakemommyy
est
erday"

Razorchuckl
ed.

Razor:
"yeah,
andy
ouknowwhyIt
ookmommyy
est
erdayandt
oday?"

Anel
e:"no"

Razor:
"becauseIl
oveherandIwannaseeherf
ace"

Anel
e:"ohsoy
ouar
emommy
'sboy
fri
end,
Let
hohasone"

Me:
"what?"

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Nt
ambo:
"RazorHur
ryy
ouar
ewast
ingt
imeandhav
ingJam att
hismomenti
sdel
ayi
ng"

Razor:
"yeahIam mommy
'sboy
fri
endandy
ourdaddy"

Anel
elookedatme.

Anel
e:"myseconddaddy?
"

Razorl
ookedatme.

Me:
"Iam asecondMom ,
Andi
swaandNt
ethel
elo"
Het
urnedbackt
oAnel
e.

Razor:
"yeah"

Anel
eletgoofmyhandandhuggedr
azorandhehuggedherback.

Ntambo:"oRazorsebaphi
laamasoupi
e,i
Movi
e,Sekwabaukut
himawubonai
mbewuyakho
sekuy
isi
lungu(Razorarenowli
vi
ngaSoupie,
Amov ie.I
tnowli
kewhenyouseey
ourseedyou
actwhit
e)"

Razor:
"cany
oust
opt
alki
ng"

Hel
i
ftedhi
shandsupi
ntheai
r.

Anel
e:"wehav
eicecr
eam t
oget"

Wel
aughedandgoti
nthecarbef
oreRazordr
oveof
f.

Nt
ambo;
"sot
ell
me,
thi
sonei
saPr
isonbaby?
"

Razor:
"Yazwena.

Nt
ambo:
"Iam aski
ng"

Thi
scousi
naskst
oomanyquest
ions.

Razor:
"whi
chcarar
eyougonnaget?
"

Me:
"sameasy
our
sbutdi
ff
erentcol
our"

Razor:
"that
'shi
ghj
ackcal
l
ing"

Me:
'
"theywon'
t"

Nt
ambo:
"youhav
eal
i
verwi
thoni
onsont
hesi
de"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Razor:
"Idon'
tl
iket
his"

Me:
"sor
ry"

Therewassil
enceandmusicwasplay
ing.Ijustkeptonlooki
ngatAnel
eandchecki
ngifheisok
andheseemedok.Iguessmay beheistr
yingt oprocesshavi
ngtwomom'sandanotherdad
poppingup.WereachedVol
kswagenandr azorparkedhiscarandweal
lgotout
.Ihel
dAnele.

Nt
ambo:
"Thatwhi
teonewi
l
lsui
tyou"

Hewaspoi
nti
ngataWhi
teGTI.
Me:
"bl
ackwi
l
lbebeaut
if
ul"

Razor:
"Iam get
ti
ngwor
ri
ed.

Me:
"don'
tbe"

Wewal
kedi
nandt
hesal
esper
soncamet
ous.

Hi
m:"Hi
wel
comet
oVol
kswagenIam Kagi
so,
howmayIbeofassi
stance?
"

Nt
ambo:
"wewantt
ocheckoutt
hebl
ackGTI"

Hi
m:"ohok"

Hedirect
edusandopenedthedoorf
ori
tandi
twasbeaut
if
ul,
Igoti
nandsatdownwhi
l
ehe
expl
ainedal
otoft
hingsAboutt
hecar
.

Me:
"Il
ovei
t"

Kagi
so:
"that
'swonder
ful
.Weal
sohav
eincol
ourr
ed"

Me:
"oouh"

Razor:
",Redmeansbl
oodanddanger"

Me:
"woul
dyour
elax"

Heshowedust
heonei
nredcol
our

Me:
"whi
chonedoy
oul
i
keNel
e?"

Anel
e:"r
ed"

Me:
"redi
tismybaby,
highf
ive"

Wehi
ghf
ived.

Kagi
so:
"canwecomet
hiswayt
omyof
fi
ceandf
ixupanydocument
ati
on"

Me:
"uhm sur
e"

Wef
oll
owedhi
m.

"Kagi
sowher
eisTr
ist
an?"

Wet
urnedandNt
ethel
elol
ookedatus.

Anel
e:"daddy"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Hi
champ"
Anel
erant
ohi
m andt
heyhugged.

Kagi
so:
"hi
swi
fei
ssi
ck,
shewasadmi
tt
edl
astni
ght"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"ohok"

Razorhel
dmyhand.

Nt
ambo:
"It
hinkwewer
einapr
ocessofdi
scussi
ngt
hecar"

Kagi
so:
"ri
ght
."

Wet
urned.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Cany
oupassbymyof
fi
cewheny
ouar
edoneUnat
hi?
"

Razor"shewon'
tbedoi
ngt
hat"

Me:
"cal
m down"

Al
readyhel
ookedi
rr
it
ated.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"WhatIwantt
odi
scusswi
thmyexwi
fei
snonofy
ourbusi
ness"

Me:
"Nt
ethel
elot
hat
'sunecessar
y"

Razor:
"Idon'
tcar
eifshei
syourmot
hershewon'
tbedoi
ngt
hat"

Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwannadi
scuss?"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"thet
it
ledeedoft
hehouse,
youneedt
ofet
chi
t"

Me:
"ohok.Thanky
ou"

Nt
ambi
:"l
et'
sleav
ebef
oreRazormakessomeoneasacr
if
ice"

Wet
unedandr
azorwasst
il
lpi
ssedof
f.Wewal
kedi
nkagi
so'
sof
fi
ceandsatdown.

Tobecont
inued

.
~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t12

Wedidthenecessar
ywithKagi
soandRazordemandedt hatbytomor
rowevery
thi
ngshouldbe
sor
ted.Thedr
amat hi
smannextt omehasi sbeyondatt
histi
me.Wewalkedoutoftheoffi
ce
andhadtoassurehi
mt hatIwi
l
l bef
inebeforegoi
ngtoknockonNtet
hel
elo'
sdoorandIhearda
comeinbefor
eIwalkedinsi
detheoffi
ce.

Me:
"Hi
"

Hegest
uredachai
r.Hehasn'
tgr
eet
edmey
etbutIunder
stand.Het
henopenedt
hedr
awi
nhi
s
of
fi
ceandtookoutpaper
s.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Thi
sist
hecopyoft
heori
ginal
one.Si
ncey
ouareoutIwi
ll
hav
etosendt
he
or
igi
nalt
oyourl
awyerandt
hedi
vor
cepaperswhi
chZamani
wil
lsend."

Hesl
i
dtheCopyt
omeandt
ookoutt
hekey
saswel
l
.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"it
'sst
il
lfur
nished,
idi
dn'
twantol
dmemor
ieswi
thme"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

HenoddedandIst
oodupandst
opped.

Me:
"Nt
ethel
elo"

Hel
ookedupt
ome.

Me: "Iam sor

ryforever
ythi
ngIputy
out hrough,ireal
lyam andIonedayhopey
ouf
indi
tin
yourhearttof
orgivemesowecanco- parentproperl
yonLetho"

Hekeptqui
etandIwal
kedoutofhi
sof
fi
ceandIwentt
othecar
.Igoti
nandsi
ghed.

Me:
"Ihav
eahouse,
IguessIam mov
ingout"

Razor:
"Hegav
eyouahouse?"

Me:
"it
'swhatIgotaf
terwedi
vor
ced."

Nt
ambo:
"RazorHol
dyourgr
eenmonst
erpl
ease."

Razor:
"Iam j
ustaski
ng"
Anel
e:"canwegonow?"

Me:
"sur
ebaby"

Razorstar
tedthecarandhedroveoffitwassi l
ent.Wel
lal
most,Ntambowastal
kingt
oAnel e
andIdon'tevenwanttoengagei
nt hatconversati
on.WegottoThembisaandRazordrov
et o
thatChi
sanyamaagain,apartofmegotabi texci
tedwhenseei
ngaplacel
iket
his.Heparked
hiscarbythecarwashandweal lgotout.IheldAnelecl
osetome.

Razor:
"washmycar"

Hegav
ethekey
stosomeguywhonoddedandwewentt
ogoandsi
tdown.

Nt
ambo:
"Iseet
hel
adi
es,
Iwi
l
lseey
oul
ater"

Hewal
kedof
f.

Me:
"isheawomani
zer?"

Razor:
"Iguess"

Anel
e:"am Igonnageti
cecr
eam ?"

Razorsmi
l
ed.

Razor:
"youwi
l
lgetal
otofi
cecr
eam "

Me:
"notaf
ter14h00"

Theyconver
sat
eamoungstthemsel
ves.Thewai
tercameandtookourdr
inkordersandr
azor
order
edthemeatandbunnychowforAnele,
wonderwhatt
hatis.Weshallsee.

Me:
"soy
ouar
emadatme?"

Razorl
ookedatme.

Razor:
"Unat
hi"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tj
umpont
het
abl
eandhav
eitwi
thhi
m orf
ell
inl
ovewi
thhi
m"

Razor:
"Let
'snotdoi
ther
e"

Me:
"mmh"

Il
ookedawayandjustli
stenedt
ot hemusi
c.Ourf
oodcameandsoasourdri
nks.Thebunny
chowlookedabi
tbigforAnelebutheseemedt
obeenjoy
ingmessi
ngwi
thfood.

Anel
e:"Mommyt
hisi
sni
ce."
Me:
"ri
ght?"

Henodded.

Razor:
"wecanbuymor
elat
erf
ory
ou"

Hesmil
ed.Myphoner
angandIt
ooki
toutandr
azorwasl
ooki
ngatme.Ii
gnor
edhi
m andI
answer
ed.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"

"Unat
hi"

Me:
"Masahi
,what
'sup"

Masa,
alsooneoft
hepeopl
eIusedt
ogetal
ongwi
thi
npr
isonsi
ncet
het
imeRazorl
eft
.

Masa:
"ei
shi
t'
sal
ot"

Me:
"what
'sal
ot?"

Masa:
"Nel
l
ydi
ed."

Me:
"what!
?"

Peopl
ear
oundusl
ookedatme.

Me:
"No,
don'
tsayt
hat!Shecan'
tdi
e"

Tear
sst
reameddownmycheeks.

Masa:
"Ihadt
olety
ouknow.Igoty
ournumber
sfr
om Axe,
Icont
act
edher.LookIhav
etogo"

Me:
"Wha.
..
..
whatki
l
ledher
.?"

Masa:
"sui
cide,
they
ear
swer
etoomuchonherIguesssi
ncey
oul
eftshewasn'
tfunct
ional
"

Me:
"OhmyGod"

Masa:
"Ihav
etogo"

Shehungupandi putmyphonedownandlai
dmyheadont hetabl
eandcried,Iwasplani
ngon
vi
sitingNellyt
hisweekendandnowt hi
s,wetr
eatedeachotherl
ikesi
ster
s.Ithoughtt
he
progr am washelpi
ngusbebetter,
thatwewerebett
erbutIwasclear
lywrong.Shewasn't
better,shewasn'tokandcopi
ng.

Anel
e:"whyi
smommycr
ying?
"

Razor:
"Uhm .
..
"
Ihear
dsomeonecomeandIguesst
heyt
alkedandaf
terawhi
l
ehet
ouchedmyback.

Razor:
"Unat
hi"

Isobbed.

Razor:
"Babet
ell
mewhat
'swr
ong.Iam pani
cki
ng,
Idon'
tknowwhatt
odo"

Ikeptoncr
ying.Hepul
l
edmeof
fthet
abl
eandhel
dme.

Razor:
"i
t'
sok.I
t'
sal
way
sok"

Me:
"whyher?"

Hekeptqui
et.

★WENDY★

Iwokeupf rom mybedandwal kedoutofmybedr oom andmademywaytot hekit

chen.Mama
wasmoppi ngthekit
chen.Istaywit
hmymot heronly,
Idohaveot
hersi
bli
ngsbutt heyar
e
worki
ngandsomemar ri
ed,thereareonl
yjustthe3ofusandconsi
dermet heblacksheep
becauseIdidn'
tevenfi
nishmymat r
ic.

Ma:
"13h45!Youwakeup,
QueenEl
i
zabet
hhaswoken."

Me:
"MamaIhav
eaheadache"

Mama:
"Idon'
tknowanymoreWendy,
Ij
ustwashmyhandswithyou.Ev
ersi
ncey
oui
nter
act
ed
wi
tht
hatboyyoubecameahugemessandmessedupyourf
utur
e"

Me:
"MahIl
ovehi
m"

Shel
aughed

Mama:
"Thi
sisadi
ff
erentt
ypeofl
oveWendy,
goandbat
handst
opmessi
ngmyf
loor
s"

Shecar
ri
esonmoppi
ngandIgot
otakeabat
hint
hebat
hroom.Ij
ustcan'
tunl
over
azor
,it
's
har
d.

.
*RAZOR*

Wegott omyhouseandIl eftAneleintheloungewatchi

ngTV.Unat hihascalmeddownabit
andIam gladbecauseseeingawomancr yisabigmess.Idon'
tknowwher etost
art
comforti
ng.Shoul
dIsaysor r
yaftershehascr i
edorkeeponutt
eri
ngmot ivati
onalwor
dsI
myselfdon'
tunderst
andandt he"kanjani
,Nini?(How, when?)Questi
onsIcan'tanswer
.Thi
s
i
samessr eal
ly.

Me:
"Nana"

Shet
urnedandl
ookedatme.

Me:
"youok?"

St
upi
dquest
ionbecauseshei
snotok.

Unat
hi:
"pl
easehol
dme"

Igeti
nbedandIpul
lhercl
oset
ome.

Unathi
:"i
twasr
ightaf
tery
oul
eft,
Ifel
lpr
egnantwi
thAnel
eandaf
terIwasputi
ntoSol
i
tar
yfor
ayear"

Iguessshei
stel
l
ingmeandIshoul
dli
sten.Shesni
ff
ed.

Unat
hi:
"ri
ghtaf
terbei
ngi
nSol
i
tar
yIwaschangedcel
l
s,meandMasa"

Me:
"Iknowher"

Shenodded.

Unathi:
"that'
swhenImetNel l
y,shehadbeeni nprisonforayearandshewasamessav ery
bigone.Ihelpedherandshetoldmeherst ory,astoryofhowshewasabusedbyherhusband
andonedayhewasaboutt oki
llherbutshedidthatinordert
osav eher
sel
f.Shewassent
enced
to30y ears.Witht
imeshebecameok.Li velyandbubblyandnowshei sdead.Shehung
hersel
f"

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Ipull
hercl
osert
ome.Idon'
tevenknowwhatsheusedt
ohangher
sel
fwi
thbutt
her
ear
eal
ot
ofthi
ngsyoucanusei
npr
ison.

Me:
"Iwoul
dn'
ti
magi
nei
fIhadl
osty
ou"

Shechuckl
ed.
Unat
hi:
"youwoul
dhav
ebeenmi
ser
abl
e"

Me:
"ver
yandwi
thWendynaggi
ng"

Shel
aughedabi
t..

Me:
"itwi
l
lbeokNana"

Shenodded.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t13

Myphoner angaf
terIwasinsleep.I
twokemeupf r
om thatsl
eep,Igotof
fthebedandIl
ooked
aroundanditwasnightt
ime,verydark.Itst
oppedandVibrat
edonceagainandIl
ookoveri
t
anditwasdad.OhgodIam i nbigtr
ouble.Ianswerit
.

Me:
"hel
l
o"

Dad:
"Youar
eal
i
ve.Woul
dn'
tknowwhatt
hatboyhaddonet
oyou"

Me:
"Dad.
..
..
"

Dad:
"Unat
hiwhatev
ery
oudoIdon'
twantAnel
ebei
nghar
med.

Me:
"Ra.
.l
indani
woul
dn'
thar
m hi
sownson"

Dad:
"yetsomedo.I
t'
smi
dni
ght
.Sl
eep."

Me:
"ohw"

hehungup.Iputmyphonedownandlookedatmysi
deandrazorwasnowhere.Igotof
fthe
bedandmademywayoutoft hebedr
oom ,hewassi
tt
ingonthecouchwi
ththeli
ghtsonin
boxer
swi
thbooksi
nfr
ontofhi
m.

Me:
"it
'smi
dni
ght"

Het
urnedt
ome.

Razor:
"Iknow.Ar
eyouok?"

Me:
"Iam f
eel
i
ngbet
ter
."

Razor:
"that
'sgood."

Iwenttosi
tnextt
ohi
m andhet
ookapenandwr
oteonabunchofnumber
sandt
henhecl
osed
thebook.

Razor:
"ar
eyouhungr
y?"

Me:
"Uhm no.What
'st
hatabout?"

Razor:
"thebooksf
rom myeat
ery"

Me:
"oh."

Razor:
"Ij
ustneedt
omakehal
fami
l
li
onmor
ebef
oreIcanopenanot
her"

Me:
"Youseem passi
onat
eaboutmaki
ngmoney"

Razor:
"Idi
dn'
tgr
owupar
oundi
tsoIal
way
smakesur
eIal
way
shav
emoney"

Me:
"mmmh"

Razor:
"howi
syourhai
rsal
oni
deagoi
ng?"

Me:
"dadi
sgonnasponsermesoi
t'
sgoi
ng,
wher
eisAnel
e?"

Razor:
"asl
eep"

Me:
"ok."

Hepul
l
edmet
ohi
m.

Razor:
"Unat
hi"

Me:
"Yes"

Razor:"Isy
ourl
ovef
ormest
rongenought
owi
thst
andgoi
ngt
hroughofwhoIam.Mypastand
ever
ything"

Me:"Iam her
ebecausey
ourpastofhowy
ougr
ewupdoesn'
tscar
eme.I
tshoul
dn'
ti
nthef
ir
st
pl
ace"
Razor:
"it
'sj
ustwecomef
rom t
wodi
ff
erentwor
lds"

Me:
"andt
hosewor
ld'
sar
ecol
l
idi
ngandmer
gingt
oone"

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"Comel
et'
sgosl
eep"

West
oodupandswi
tchedof
fthel
i
ght
sgoi
ngt
ohi
sroom.

*
WENDY*

Thabi
sa:
"Razordoesn'
tappr
eci
atey
ouchomi
"

Me:
"Iknow,
butheusedt
obef
oret
hatwomancame"

Thanksa:
"youhav
etor
emov
eher
.Youj
ustneedsi
mpl
epl
ani
ng."

Shepassedt
heci
gar
ett
etomeandIt
ookapuf
fandl
etoutt
hesmoke.

Me:
"Iam Wendy"

Thabi
sa:
"youar
eWendyandnot
hingget
spasty
ou"

Me:
"youar
eri
ght!Not
hingchomi
"

It
akeanot
herpuf
fandpasst
heci
gar
ett
etoherandshepuf
fs.

Thabi
sa:
"Idon'
tknowwhatIwoul
ddoi
fKaudi
dthatt
ome"

Me:
"makesur
enooner
emov
esy
ou"

Thabi
sa:
"theywoul
dn'
tdar
etr
yme"

Shetur
nedupthevol
umeinhercar
.Ineededherandsheal
way
spul
l
sthr
oughf
orme,
I
dodgedmom t
hismorni
ngsoshewouldn'
tkeeponnaggi
ng.

Thabi
sa:
"Ehchomi
theGal
isper
for
mingwi
fel
ydut
iesal
ready"

It
urnandl
ookatRazor
'shouseandshei
ssweepi
ngi
nsi
det
henshegoesbacki
n.

Me:
"Nx.Let
'
sgo"

Wegetoutoft
hecarandshet
hrowst
heci
gar
ett
eandwemakeourwayi
n.
.

*
UNATHI*

Iam notusedtocleaningbuti
thel
pst
hatIdi
dn'
tdoi
tal
one.Thought
hishousei
snotasbi
g
ashome, t
hatalsohelped.

Nt
ambo:
"thi
sismal
eabuse"

Me:
"whowi
l
lmar
ryy
oui
fyouar
elazy"

Nt
ambo:
"Iam Nt
amboandanywomanwi
l
lwantme."

Razor:
"andt
hat
'swhyy
ouar
eher
ewi
thoutone"

Nt
ambo:
"yety
ouar
etheonewhowi
l
lcook"

Me:
".Gott
hatr
ight"

Razor:
"butIcan'
t"

Anel
e:"wewi
l
lgett
hatbur
gerf
rom y
est
erday!
"

Razor:
"that
'sr
easonabl
eboy"

Me:
"ahnoi
t'
sjunk.Nowehav
etohav
eapr
opermeal
"

Nt
ambo:
"Ay
irazorni
yaqoma(y
'al
ldat
erazor)
"'

Razor:
"Nt
ambo"

Me:
"t
hat
'snotni
ce"

Ther
ewasaknockont
hedoor
.

Me:
"babygoputt
hisaway"

Anel
etookt
hebroom andwal
kedof
.IwentandopenedthedoorandWendywi
thherf
ri
end
werest
andi
ngt
here.Shepushedmeof
fandwalkedin.

Me:
",Heeh"

Thabi
sa:
"youar
eadogr
azor"

Ntambo:"you,
didn'
tIt
ell
yout
hatIwi
l
lsl
i
tyourt
hroat?
Iseemyancest
orsar
ebr
ingi
ngi
na
sacr
if
ice,i
t'
sasign"
Hest
eppedcl
osert
oherf
li
cki
nghi
skni
feoutofnowher
e.

Me:
"Razordosomet
hing"

Thabi
sa:
"wear
enotscar
ed"

Razor:
"youshoul
dbe"

Nt
ambo:
"mmmeeehhhmmeeehhht
hat
'showt
hesacr
if
icest
art
sbef
orei
tget
ssl
aught
ered"

Icoul
dn'
thol
dmy
sel
f.

Wendy:
"Justbewar
ned."

Razor:
"Wendyv
oet
sekoutofmyhouse"

Shel
ookedatme.

Wendy:
"youwi
l
lreepwhaty
ousow"

Me:
"Sameasy
our
sel
f"

Shewal
kedoutoft
hehouse.Il
ookedatr
azorandwal
kedt
othebedr
oom.Hef
oll
owed.

Razor:
"Don'
tbemadatmeUnat
hi"
,

Me:
"Iam not"

Razor:
"thenwhydi
dyouwal
kawayandl
ookatmel
i
ket
hat?"

Me:
"it
snot
hing"

Razor:
"don'
twor
ryaboutWendy
.Iwi
l
lsor
therout"

Me:
"youbet
ter"

Hecameandpi
ckedmeupt
henwentt
ocl
oset
hedoorl
ocki
ngi
t.

Razor:
"howaboutIsor
tyouout"

Me:
"whydi
dyoucl
oset
hedoor?"

Razor:
"Iam sor
ti
ngusout"

Hepl
acedmeont
hebedandgotont
opofme.

Me:
",hai
bo"

Heki
ssedmyl
i
psandr
esponded.
Razor
:"Ar
ewesor
ti
ngt
hisout?
"

Igi
ggl
edthennodded.Heki
ssedmeneckandwentdownput
ti
nghi
shandsundert
het
-shi
rtI
am wearofwhi
chheownsandsqueezesmybr
easts.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t14

Ikeptonhummi ngwhi lemakingasandwi ch,i

t'
sbeenaf ewdaysandIalsogotmycarasper
demandf r
om Razor.Idi dgoandcheckoutt heoldhouseandonceIstartmaki
ngmoney, Iwil
l
makesomechanges.I tdoesholdoldmemor i
esandbadonesofwhi chIputNtet
helel
omost l
y
throughev enbefor
eAndi swacamei ntotheirl
ives.Anel
ewenttothei
rhouseasshemi ssedhi
s
othersibl
ings.Ididn'tmi ndatal
l andittookRazorawhol el
otofPussytogethimtoagreeand
l
ett hekidbe, Imeant heydidbasicall
yraisehim wit
hthehel
pofmyf atheraswell
.Mawal ksi
n
andshesmi l
edwhilelooki ngatme.

Ma:
"MmmhSomeone'
shappy"

Me:
"whenev
ery
thi
ngi
sgoi
ngok,
whywoul
dn'
tIbe?"

Ma:
"it
'st
hatboy"

Me:
"pr
eci
sel
y"

Shel
aughedabi
t.

Ma:
"OhmyGod"

Me:
"Suk'
emabozeni
"

Ist
uff
edt
hesandwi
chi
nmymout
h.
Ma:
"Iwasn'
tsi
ngi
ngy
oursi
l
lysong"

Igi
ggl
edandcl
osedmymout
h.

Me:
"Youknowma"

Iswal
l
owedandshesatdownont
hehi
ghchai
r.

Me:
"Ihav
enev
erf
eltt
hisway,
it'
sli
keIam newatt
hisy
etIhav
ebeenmar
ri
edbef
ore"

Ma:
"itwi
l
lal
way
sbenewwi
thadi
ff
erentper
sonhast
hesamei
ntent
ions"

Me:"Ihavenev
erseenl
i
fei
nRazor
'sey
es.I
t'
ssad,
it'
sal
ear
ningexper
ienceandal
soi
t'
s
enj
oyabl
easwell."

Ma:
"it
'spar
tofl
ove.Youl
ear
nthedeepestt
hingsabouty
ourpar
tner"

Me:
"Iguess."

It
akeanot
herbi
teandt
henputt
hesandwi
chdown.

Me:
"shoul
dIt
ell
him aboutLet
habo?Idi
dtel
lhi
m aboutmyment
ali
l
lness"

Ma:
"what
everf
eel
sri
ghtwi
thy
out
heny
oushoul
d"

Inodded.

Me:
"thanksma"

Ma:
"any
time.Letmegoandcar
ryonwi
thmywor
k."

Inoddedandshewal
kedof
f.Ir
eal
l
yam l
ovi
ngt
hisnewexper
ience.

*
SIYAMTHANDA*

Andi
swa:
"it
'shar
dreal
l
y.Howi
sthei
nvest
igat
iongoi
ng?"

Me:"i
t'
sgoi
ng,t
het
hugsarebeingsket
chedasMamBal udescr
ibedt
hem buti
t'
snotcl
ear
.
Ay
andawantshi
smoneybackandheisreal
lyangr
yabouti
t."

Andi
swa:
"Ij
usthopei
t'
snotaf
fect
ingy
ouguy
s"

Me:
"itwon'
t"
It
ookasi
pfr
om myj
uiceandl
ookedatDi
nawhowasv
eryqui
et.

Me:
"Di
neki
l
e"

Shel
ookedatme.

Di
na:
"ohy
ouwer
esay
ing?"

Andi
swa:
"wher
eisy
ourmi
ndatgi
rl?"

Shesi
ghed.

Me:
"what
'swr
ong?"

Di
na:
"ienv
yyouguy
s"

Shesi
ghsagai
n.

Andi
swa:
"why?Youseehowourl
i
vesar
emi
ser
abl
eatt
imes"

Me:
"yeahl
ookatMyhusbandwhol
ostcl
oset
oami
l
li
onr
and'
sandnowi
sst
ressi
ngus"

Andi
swa:
"andt
her
etur
nofmyhusband'
sexwi
fe"

Di
na:
"Iwoul
dhandl
ethat"

Me:
"what
'st
hepr
obl
em r
eal
l
y?"

Di
na:
"Il
oveZamani
but.
.."

Andi
swa:
"ther
eshoul
dn'
tbeabut"

Di
na:"noIr
eal
lydobutbeinghi
sgir
lfr
iendf
orsol
ongIt
hinki
t'
sawast
e.Iwantust
obecl
ear
wi
theachot
hernow,ifIshoul
dleav
eorwhat?Youknow"

Me:
"ohy
eahwesee"

Di
na:
"ar
ghl
etmenotbemoppy"

Shewi
pedat
earaswel
l
.

Me:
"okwhat
'sr
eal
l
ywr
ongDi
na?"

Shet
hensobbedandwewentt
oherandwehuggedher
.

Di
na:
"Ican'
t,Ican'
tmakehi
m happy"

Andi
swa:
"youal
way
smakehi
m happy"

Sheshookherheadandkeptoncr
ying.
.

*
RAZOR*

wewer ebyanopenf i
eldwit
hNtambo.Heistheonlyf
amilymemberwhohashadmybackand
soasIhaveaswel l
.Thoughwecangetoneachot her
'st
hroat
sbutwealwaysgoteachother
.
Hefi
nishesSmokingandt hr
owshisci
gar
ett
eaway.Idon'
tsmoke,Ionl
ydrink.Inev
erli
ked
smoki
ngIguess.

Ntambo: "ngi
mci
meumpukane?Ngat
hiusebai
scef
e(shoul
dIki
l
lthef
ly?Sheseemst
obea
nuisance)"

Me:
"Itwi
l
lbeobv
iousf
ornow"

Henodded.

Nt
ambo:
"Unat
hi"

Me:
"whatabouther?"

Nt
ambo:
"whatmadey
oui
nter
est
edi
nher,
shei
sacheesegi
rlbyt
hel
ooks"

Me:
"shei
s"

Nt
ambo:
"ngi
yakhat
hal
aisi
ngi
sibohNam (Igett
ir
edofEngl
i
shaswel
l)"

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tmeant
o"

Wel
ookedatt
heki
dspl
aysoccer
.

Nt
ambo:
"meant
owhat?"

Me:
"fal
lforher
.Ij
ustwant
edsomeoneIcanr
eleasemysexual
tensi
onont
o"

Nt
ambo:
"whathappenedt
othatnur
sef
rom pr
ison.Shej
ustdi
sappear
ed"

Me:
"Iki
l
ledher"

Nt
ambo:
"Iknewi
t,j
ustdi
dn'
tknowwhy"

Me:
"shef
edUnat
hiabor
ti
onpi
l
lst
hatki
l
ledourchi
l
d"

Nt
ambo:
"Iwoul
dhav
etal
kedt
otheancest
orsf
ir
standt
ell
them t
hatt
hei
rmeal
iscomi
ng
bef
oreki
l
li
ngher
."

Me:
"youst
il
lweart
hatgr
eenst
ri
ng?
"

Hel
i
ftedhi
st-
shi
rt
.

Nt
ambo:
"ri
ghther
e.Madoesn'
tmakei
taf
ail
.It
'sl
i
kesheseseswhenIhav
etakeni
tof
f.

Me:
"(l
aughi
ng)wher
eissheany
way?"

Nt
ambo:
"Wor
kingasamai
dsomewher
e"

Me:
"shest
il
lwant
stoseey
ou?"

Nt
ambo:
"Idon'
tknow.Shewast
ornt
hedayIwasar
rest
ed"

Me:
"shei
syourpar
ent
.Shedoesn'
twantbadony
ou"

Nt
ambo:
"Idi
dherbadsomanyt
imesy
etsheal
way
sremai
nedt
otel
lmehowmuchshel
oves
me"

Ther
ewassi
l
ence.

Me:
"ohIsawFezekaaf
ewweeksago"

Nt
ambo:
"nxx.Ishoul
dhav
est
abbedt
hatbi
tcht
hedayIhel
dheri
nmyar
ms."

Ne:
"thewor
ldhi
thersomuch"

Nt
ambo:
"good."

Me:
"let
'sgo"

Wewentt
othecarandgoti
nandhedr
oveof
f.

*
DINA*

Iwentdownonmykneesandst art
edpray
ingthatIhav
et hestrengthtotel
lhi
m whateverthatI
needtotell
him.I
tshat
ter
edmewhenIhear dthenewsandwhatwi l
li
tdot ohim ?Iam scared.
Ij
ustrecentl
ymovedi
nhishouseaf ewmonthsagoafteryear
sofaski ngmet omov ein.
MaybeSinaandmom arepuni
shingmewher evert
heyare.Ifinishedmypr ayerandsatonthe
bed.
"
Babe!
"

Ihear
dhim shoutf
rom downthest
air
sandIwipedmytears.Heishomeearl
y,t
hesedayshe
wouldcomehomeat19h00.Ibreat
hedoutandwalkeddownt hest
air
sandmethim att
he
l
oungeashewaschangi ngt
hetv.Hetur
nedtomeandsmi l
edbefor
eleav
ingaki
ssonmy
for
ehead.

Zamani
:"howwasy
ourday?"

Ne:
"itwasok.Youar
ehomeear
ly"

Zamani
:"y
eah,
Icl
ear
edandcancel
edmeet
ingmycl
i
ent
sbecauseImi
ssedy
ou"

Ismi
l
edandi
tfadedabi
t.

Me:
"Icookedbutweneedt
otal
kfi
rst"

Hel
ookswor
ri
ed.

Zamani
:"ar
eyouok?"

Ms:
"uhm y
es.
..
.noIam not
.Let
'ssi
tdown"

Wewal
kov
ert
othecouchandheswi
tchedof
fthet
v.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouZamani
"

Zamani
:"Il
ovey
out
ooDi
na"

Me:
"uhm l
etmef
ini
sh"

Zamani
:"Di
nai
fyoucheat
edIwi
l
lbur
ryt
hatmanandI.
..
."

Me:
"Iam bar
ren"

Hei
ssi
l
ent
.

Me:"Iwantedt
ogoof fthecontr
acept
ivebecausei
tst
artedtoaf
fectmeandIf
oundoutt
hatI
can'
thavebabi
es.Ihavenofert
il
eenougheggs.Sli
ghtchangesofmehavi
ngachil
dis0,
001%
andthat
'scl
osetonon"

Isni
ff
.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Hei
ssi
l
entandIt
ryt
owi
pemyt
ear
sbutt
heykeeponf
all
i
ng.

Zamani
:"comeher
e"
Hepul
l
edmet
ohi
m andIcr
ied.

Zamani
:"i
t'
shar
dtosi
nki
n."

Isni
ff
.

Zamani:"butt
hereareopt
ionsoutt
her
e.Sur
rogacyisoneandadopt
ionIdon'
tknowbabybutI
won'
tletyougoforsomethingy
ouhaveanddon'thavecont
rol
over"

Isobbed.

Zamani
:"shh.Lookatme."

Il
ookedathi
m.

Zamani
:"Il
ovey
ouok?"

Inodded.

Zamani
:"Ihav
etobet
rut
hful
aswel
l"

Iwasscar
ed.

Zamani:
"Ihav
ebeenaf
rai
d,ofmarr
iageagai
nandthat'
swhyIhaven'
tbeenbr
ingi
ngi
tupbutI
real
l
ydoloveyouDi
na,
youbri
ngoutmanypersonal
i
tiest
hatInev
erknewIhad"

Heki
ssedmyhands.

Zamani
:"Ihav
ewor
kedonmyf
earandTher
eisnot
hingt
obeaf
rai
dof
f.Iwantt
omar
ryy
ou"

Idi
dn'
texpectt
hat
.Real
l
yIdi
dn'
t.

Me:
"what?"

Zamani
:"whenwear
ebot
hreadyIwantust
obeamar
ri
edcoupl
eoneday"

Ihuggedhi
m.

Me:
Ilov
eyouMnt
ungwa"

Zamani
:"Il
ovey
ouMpel
e"

Tobecont
inued
~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t15

*
WENDY*

Ihaven'
tbeenhomet hedaysandIam sur
emamai sworr
iedaswel
lbutIj
ustneededsome
ti
meof ff
rom anyst
ressthati
sabouttocomemyway .Il
ookedoutt
hewindowandl ooked
backatThabisawhowassmoki ngherci
garet
te.

Thabi
sa:
"gohomeandr
estnow,
for
getaboutr
azor"

Me:
"yeahneh.Thanksf
ri
end"

Thabi
sa:
"pl
easur
ebabes."

Li
kehel
lIwoul
d.Iopenedthedoorandgotoutandcl
osedthedoorbefor
eshedroveoffasI
wal
kedinsi
detheyar
dandknockedonceandopenedthedoor.Shet
urnedherheadandlooked
atmebefor
efocusi
ngonthetvagai
n.

Me:
"hel
l
o"

Ma:
"MmhWendymmh"

Iwal
kedt
owar
dsmybedr
oom.

Ma:
"ify
ouwantt
odoasy
oupl
easei
nmyhouseIsuggesty
oumov
eout"

Me:
"Iwon'
t"

Shecl
appedherhandsandf
oldedherar
msandst
aredatt
het
vagai
n.

*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Iwaswi
pingt
hecount
eri
ntheki
tchenj
ustaf
terIwasdonecooki
ng.Unat
hihadwentoutabi
t
t
oi don'
tknowwher ebutshehadlef
t.Thehousewasquietandjustasusual.Ihav
ebeen
worki
nghereforyearsaswellandi
t'
sagoodjobIhaveevergott
enbutday sdon'
tpassby
wi
thoutthi
nki
ngifmychi l
disok.Ihaven'
tgot
tenacal
labouthisdeathsothat'
sagoodsignso
f
ar.ThedooropensandMrNgemaannounceshi sarr
ivalbutt
hereissi
lenceandIgoand
washtheclot
handhewal ksintheki
tchen.

MrNgema:
"ohMaMt
hobeni
,wher
eisUnat
hi?"

Me:
"shewentoutabi
tsi
r"

Hechuckl
ed.

MrNgema:
"howmanyt
imeshav
eIt
oldy
out
ocal
lmeSmi
so"

Me:
"manyt
imes"

MrNgema:
"sowhydon'
tyouf
oll
owi
nst
ruct
ions?"

Me:
"Iam r
espect
ingy
ouasmyboss"

Hewal
ksar
oundt
hecount
erandt
akest
hecl
othoutofmyhandsandpl
acesi
tint
hesi
nk.

MeNgena:
"youov
erwor
kyour
sel
fandappr
eci
atey
ourser
vicesMaDumabutt
akeamoment
t
orel
ax"

Me:
"youdon'
trel
axwheny
ouar
eatwor
k,andi
tkeepsmebusy"

MrNgema:
"gof
reshenup.Iam t
aki
ngy
ouout"

Hewal
ksoutoft
heki
tchenandIseehi
m wal
kupt
hest
air
sbef
oredi
sappear
ing.Isi
gh.

Me:
"ohmyGod"

Icl
osemyey
es.

*
UNATHI*

Iwasplanningongoingt
othemal landjustbrowsingaroundwithoutact
uall
ydoi
nganyt
hing
butZamahadt ocall
meandi nvi
temet oherhousesoIopt edtodriv
ethereatt
hismoment.
WhenIarriv
edKwandowasn'tthere,it
'
sj ustherandhertwinsathome.

Me:
"thepl
acel
ookswonder
ful
thanbef
ore"
Zama:
"Idi
ddosomer
enov
ati
onsher
eandt
her
e"

Ismi
l
edandwesatdownont
hecouch.

Zama:
"dr
ink?"

Me:
"not
hanky
ou"

Shesmi
l
ed.

Zama:
"so,
howi
sli
feoutofpr
isongoi
ng?"

Me:
"qui
etgood,
Iam wor
kingonmy
sel
fandr
ightmywr
ongs"

Zama:
"that
'swonder
ful
.Iam v
erypr
oudofy
ouanddi
dn'
tl
etLondi
ecor
rupty
ouf
urt
her"

Me:
"don'
tst
artmewi
tht
hatone"

Zama:
"andy
ouwer
ebestbuddi
es"

Me:
"Iwasbl
i
ndandst
upi
dbutnowIknowmuchbet
ter
."

Zama:
"that
'sgood"

Myphoner
angandIt
ooki
toutofmybagandt
henIanswer
edi
t.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"

Razor:
"Iam her
etoseey
ou"

Me:
"Iam nothome"

Razor:
"That
'sbadbecauseImi
ssandwantt
oseey
ou"

Me:
"wear
eobsessedIsee"

Hechuckl
es.

Razor:
"sl
eepov
er?"

Me:
"Mostdef
ini
tel
y.Ihav
etogo"

Razor:
"okNana"

Il
ookedatZamawhowasl
ooki
ngatmeandIgi
ggl
ed.

Me:
"aht
hatname.I
t'
sli
keIam achi
l
d"

Razor:
"Unat
hi,
nana.SoIl
i
kei
t"
Me:
"by
e.Seey
oul
ater"

IhungupandZamal
ookedatme.

Me:
"what?"

Zama:
"thet
abl
e,spi
l
lthem "

Me:
"it
'sj
ustt
hings"

Zama:
"andy
ouar
eev
enbl
ushi
ngf
ort
heset
hings.Youar
efastMogal
anddon'
tpl
ay"

Me:
"atal
l"

Wel
aughandkeeponchat
ti
ng.

*
DINA*

AfterwhatZamanisaidIfeltateaseandabi tcal
merthanbeforebuti
nal ongruni
twi l
lbe
affect
ingandIam scared.Wehadj ustfi
nishedeati
ngandwewer ewatchingamovie.Ithas
beenlongsincewedidt hi
ngslikethese.Wat chmov i
esoranythi
ng,asthemov i
efi
nishedhe
tooktheremoteandheopenedt hestati
onandswi t
chedofft
het vandhewentt oi
tandt hen
turnedtomewhenasongwaspl aying.

Zamani
:"mayIhav
ethi
sdance?"

Isl
owl
ynoddedandher
emov
edt
hef
leeceof
fmeandpul
l
edmeupandhel
dmywai
standI
hel
dhi
sshoulder
s.

Zamani
:"r
elax"

Iwasn'
treal
l
y.

"Al
lthi
slov
eisf
ory
ou

Ev
erynot
ethatImay

Ev
erywor
dImi
ghtsay

Ev
erymel
odyIf
eel

Ar
eonl
yfory
ouandy
ourappeal
Ev
erypaget
hatIwr
it
e

Ev
ery
dayofmyl
i
fe

Woul
dnotbef
il
ledwi
thoutt
het
hings

Thatmyl
ovef
ory
ounowbr
ings

Fory
ouImakeapr
omi
seoff
erdi
l
ity

Nowandf
oret
erni
ty

Noonecoul
drepl
acet
hisl
ove

Fory
ouIt
akey
ourhandandhear
tandev
ery
thi
ng

Andaf
tert
hem aweddi
ngr
ing

Causet
hisl
i
fei
snogoodunknown

Si
ncewe'
vebecomeone,
youal
lIknow.

I
fthi
sfeel
i
ngshoul
dleav
e,Iwoul
ddi
e

Andher
eiswhy,
all
Iam i
sfory
ou.
..
..
."

Zamani
:"cany
ouheart
hat?"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"what?"

Zamani
:"t
hesong"

Inoddedandheki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Zamani
:"Il
ovey
ouDinaandlovi
ngyoumeansl
ovi
ngev
ery
thi
ngabouty
oubadorgood,
leav
ing
youi
snotanopt
ionnei
theri
slet
ti
ngyougo"

Tear
spr
ickl
edmyey
esandt
heyj
ustf
ell
andhewi
pedt
hem.

Me:
"Zamani
:"

Zamani
:"Il
ovey
ouok?Wewi
l
lbeok"

Inoddedandhegav
easof
tper
k.

.
*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Isatont
hebedi
nagownnotsur
eifIshoul
dgoornot
.Thi
sismybossandbesi
dest
hatf
acthe
i
sstil
lamar
ri
edman.Aknockonthedoordi
stur
bsmefr
om mythought
s.

MrNgema:
"Phi
l
isi
we"

Me:
"Iam si
ck!
"

IsayandIhearhi
mlaugh.

MrNgema:
"Iwanty
ououti
nthenex
tmi
nut
e"

Isi
ghandtaket
hedressandIweari
twit
hsandal
sandt
akemybagandmyheadi
st i
edina
doekasal
ways.Iwalkt
othedoorandopenandhei
sst
andi
ngl
eani
ngbyt
hewall
.Icough.

Me:
"Iam notwel
lMrNgema"

Heshotmeal
ook.

MrNgema:
"youseem f
ineandt
akeof
fthedoekSi
wewear
ebei
ngy
oungt
oni
ght"

Me:
"whati
fUnat
hicomeshome.Sheneedst
ohav
esomeonehome"

MrNgema:
"shei
sgoi
ngt
oherboy
fri
end'
shouse"

Me:
"ohIsee."

Het
akesof
fmydoekandl
ooksatme.

MrNgema:
"nowgocomby
ouraf
ropr
oper
ly."

It
akeoutacombf
rom mybagandIcombi
tandi
t'
ssor
eti
l
lIgetdoneandshov
eev
ery
thi
ngi
n
mybag.

MrNgema:
"let
'sgo"

Me:
"ah.
..
"

Heshookhi
sheadandIf
eltdef
eat
ed.Wewal
kedof
ftohi
scar,
heopenedt
hedoorf
orme.

MeNgema:
"youl
ookwonder
ful
"

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Igoti
nandhecl
osedt
hedoorandwentt
ohi
ssi
de.
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t16

WhenIgothomei tseemedliketherewasnoonebutIam sureMai sinhercot

tageattheback.
Ipackedanov er
loadingbag.Idon'tknowwhatoccasi
onthatwewi l
lhavetogototomorrow
andIam justdoi
ngt hatsosomeofmycl ot
hescanbether
eforjustincase.If
ini
shedupandI
cal
ledAndiswaandsheanswer edinamat t
eroft
ime.Shegavemehernumbersoi ft
hekidsare
byherIcancallwhenIwantt o.

Andi
swa:
"hel
l
o",

Me:
"hi
Andi
swahowar
eyou?"

Andi
swa:
",,
Iam good."

Me:
"canIspeakt
othechi
l
dren?"

Andi
swa:
"hol
donasecond"

Idi
dandIhear
dsomeshuf
fl
ingandt
henLet
ho'
svoi
cecamef
ir
st.

Let
ho:
"hel
l
omommy"

Me:
"hel
l
opr
incesshowar
eyou?
"

Let
ho:
"Iam ok,
Iam pl
ayi
ng"

Me:
"don'
tgethur
t"

Let
ho:
"Iwon'
t"

Anel
e:"mommy"

Me:
"heyboy"
Anel
e:",
,
Ilov
eyoumommy"

Myhear
twar
med.If
eltl
i
kecr
ying.

Me:
"Il
ovey
oual
lboy
.Somuch."

Let
ho:
"okl
et'
sgopl
ay"

Me:
"butImi
ssy
ou"

Let
ho:
"by
emommy"

Shehunguponme.Hebana.It ookmysui t
caseandbagandIwentdownt hestair
s.Ilocked
upandwentt omycarandl oadedeveryt
hinginsi
debef or
eIgotinthedri
ver
'sseatandIstarted
mycaranddr ov
eof f.Imademyf ir
ststopatthemal l
andIwentt obuysomesmal lstuffwit
h
snacksandbeveragesandCakeaswel l,Iwenttopayaf t
erthatandImademywayt omycar
befor
eIstar
teddrivi
ngoff.Myphoner angandIt ookitandansweredit
.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"

Razor:
"Thi
shabbi
tofy
our
snana"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tchecksor
ryIam dr
ivi
ng"

Razor:
"youshoul
dhav
etol
dmet
ofet
chy
ou"

Me:
"noIam ok"

Razor:
"ok.Iwi
l
lbedel
ayedsomewher
e."

Md:
"isi
topen?"

Razor:
"mycousi
nist
her
e"

Me:
"ok.Iwi
l
lseey
ou"

Razor:
"sur
e"

Webot
hhungupandIf
ocusedont
her
oad.

*
RAZOR*

Me:
"asIwassay
ing.Iwasl
ooki
ngatt
hebooksf
ort
hechi
sany
amaadi
thasmadeahuge
pr
ofi
tthi
smont
h,wel
ldonet
oev
ery
one.

Theycl
appedt
hei
rhands.

Me:
"themeet
ingi
sov
ery
oucangoandwor
k"

Thest
uffdi
smissedandwentt
hei
rseper
ateway
s.Iwal
kedt
omyof
fi
ceandIgoti
nandIsat
downandtookmybook.

Me:
"Hal
fami
l
li
on,
mmmh"

Ihavebeensnoopi
ngaroundandIheardwearebeingwantedf
orsteal
i
ngthatmoneywit
h
WendyinPretor
iaEast
.NowIhav etotakecar
eofthatmessbecausei
tseemsli
kethese
peopl
edoknowUnat hiandIdon'
twantherdaught
erupinmymess.

*
UNATHI*

i
gotoutoft
hecarandt
ookmybagoutandt
hepl
ast
icsandwal
kedi
nsi
dewi
thsome.

Me:
"Nt
ambo!"

Nt
ambo:
"yi
ni?(What?)
"

Me:
"hel
pmepl
ease"

Hegr
oanedandwal
kedout
.

Me:
"thanky
ou!"

Nt
ambo:
"yeahy
eah"

Iwentt
otheki
tchenandunl
oadedt
hepl
ast
ic.

Nt
ambo:
"ar
eyoumov
ingi
n?"

Me:
"noi
am not
."

Hewal
kedi
nsi
det
heki
tchen.

Nt
ambo:
"seemsl
i
kei
t"

Me:
",,
Iam anundeci
dedper
son"

Nt
ambo:
"your
eal
l
yar
echeese"
Me:
"mywor
ddon'
tcal
lmet
hat"

Nt
ambo:
",,
buty
ouar
e"

Me:
"mxm "

Nt
ambo:
"cookt
her
eMakot
i,weneedt
oknowwhatwewi
l
lbesendi
ngmoneyf
or"

Me:
"(l
aughi
ng)Iam t
est
ed."

It
ookoutsomei
ngr
edi
ent
stocook.

Nt
ambo:
"andIdon'
tdosushi
andwhatnot
.Idor
eal
food"

Me:
"spaghet
tii
sfood"
,

Nt
ambo:
"Idon'
teatr
opes."

Me:
"toobadke"

Iwal
kedar
ound

*
MAMTHOMBENI
*

Wear r
ivedatanicer
est
aurant
.Ihavenev erbeenseatedi
nsuchaplaceandIam underdressed
fort
heoccasionandsoasMrNgema. .ImeanSmi soaswell.Thewait
erbr
ingsi
nthemenus
andwalksoff.Il
ookati
tandIdon'tevenknowwhat '
shappeni
nghereandIpeakoverhi
m and
heseemedt oknowwhat'
shappening.Isighedbefor
eputti
ngthemenudown.

Smi
so:
"what
'swr
ong?"

Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhat
'swr
it
tenher
e"

Smi
so:
"don'
twor
ry.Iwi
l
lor
derf
ory
ou,
any
thi
ngy
ouar
eal
l
ergi
cto?"

Me:
"fi
sh"

Henodded.Thewai
tersooncame.

Wai
ter:
"canIt
akey
ouror
der?"

Smiso:"y
es.Iwil
lhav
eaBruschet
ta.
chi
ckenandt
hel
adywi
l
lhav
eaPanzenel
l
a.Andf
ordeser
t
Cr
oustadeauxpommes."
Howcoul
dIpr
onouncet
hat?

Wai
ter:
"yessi
r"

Smi
so:
"andmakesur
ether
eisnof
ishdet
ect
ed"

Thewai
ternoddedandwal
kedof
f.

Me:
"what
'saPanzenel
l
a?"

Smi
so:
"it
'
sasal
ad"

Igav
ehi
m al
ookandr
aisedmyhandf
ort
hewai
terandt
hewai
tercame.

Me:
"Hemadeami
stake,
Ican'
thav
eaPanzel
l
awhat
everi
tis."

Smi
sochuckl
ed.

Wai
ter
:"whatcanIgety
ou?"

Me:
"meat
yfood.Iam notonadi
et"

Smi
sol
aughed.

Smi
so:
"ABr
uschet
ta.
chi
ckeni
sgoodandt
hesal
ad"

Wai
ter:
"yessi
r"

Hewal
kedaway
.If
oldedmyar
ms.

Smi
so:
"youar
emad"

Me:
"youal
mostst
arv
edmei
nar
est
urantf
ull
ofGr
eekwor
ds"

Hechuckl
ed.

Smi
so:
"it
'
sIt
ali
anandf
rench"

Me:
"yeaht
hat"

Smi
so:
"Iam gl
ady
ouar
elooseni
ngup"

Igott
oocomf
ort
abl
e.Thi
sismyboss.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Smi
so:
"it
'
sok"

Il
ookedaway
.
.

*
UNATHI*

Ifi
nishedcooki
ngandIdi
shedupformeandNtamboandweat
e.Razorwasnotbackt
il
lIwent
tobedandIf el
titmov
eandIopenedmyeyes.

Razor:
"rel
axi
t'
sme"

Igotcl
osert
ohi
m andhehel
dme.

Razor:
"howwasy
ourday?"

Me:
"ok."

Razor:
"Ihear
dyouar
emov
ingi
n"

Hechuckl
ed.

Me:
"Iam not
.Ij
ustwant
edsomeofmycl
othesher
e"

Razor:
"that
'sagoodi
dea"

Hepul
l
edmyl
egup.

Me:
"Li
ndani
"

Razor:
"Justoner
ound"

Me:
"i
twi
l
ltur
ntot
wo"

Heki
ssedmyneck.

Razor:
"ok.CanIsl
eepi
nsi
dey
ou?
"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Razor:
"that
'sal
l"

Hepul
l
edmypy
jamapant
sdown.

Me:
"Ngomane"

Razor:
"tur
nar
ound"

Il
aidwi
thmybackf
aci
nghi
m andher
ubbedmycl
i
tandIMoanedandhesl
i
dinhi
sfi
nger
Me:
"razort
hisi
snotwhatwet
alkedabout
."

Razor:
"ok,
Iam sor
ry"

Het
akesouthi
shandandheshuf
fl
esbef
orehei
nser
tshi
msel
f

Me:
"nowsl
eep"

Razor:
"ok"

Icl
osedmyey
esandIf
elthi
m mov
einsi
deofme.

Me:
"Razor!
"

Hepushediti
ndeeperl
ett
ingmeletoutamoan.Hetookapi
l
lowandlaidi
tInf
rontofmeand
hepul
ledoutandr
estedmeonitandhegotbehi
nd.Meandheldmybuttbef
orehesli
ppedi
n
andouncesme.

Me:
"youar
esodea.
..
.ah"

Razor:
"Iam sor
rybaby"

Heki
ssedmyneckandt
hewayhewaspoundi
ngmehewascl
aimi
ngi
tforSur
e.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
NSERT17

Iwaswokenupbyt hesunpenetr
ati
ngmyey essharpl
yIwasdeadtir
edaswel landlazygo
wakeup.Ishookr azorwhohadhi sheavyleghookedintomineandhegroanedbutdi dn'
twake
up.Ishookhim againandhedidthesameagai n.Ishookhi
m andli
ghtl
yslappedhischeeks
andhegroanedandopenedhi seyesatlast
.

Razor:
"whyar
eyouwaki
ngmeup?"
Me:
"Idi
dn'
twantt
owakeupal
one"

Razor:
"forsomeonewhoi
sasol
dasy
ou,
youcanactannoy
ing"

Me:
"yety
oul
i
ket
hisannoy
inggi
rl"

Hehookedhi
sar
m ar
oundmybody
.

Razor:
"sl
eepUnat
hi"

Me:
"thesuni
sup"

Razor:
"andy
ouar
enotmar
ri
edsosl
eep"

Il
aidonhi
schestandheki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Razor:
"Ishoul
dIhav
edonemor
eandmadey
out
ir
ed."

Me:
"nah"

Il
ookedathi
m ashesl
eptagai
nandj
ustst
ared.Yesgi
rl
scanst
areatsomeonewhent
hey
sl
eep.

*
DINA*

Iwokeupinthemorni
ngearlyandIwenttopreparemysel
fforthedaybeforeImadebreakfast
.
Iwasfeel
i
ngmuchl i
ght
erthanyester
dayandZamani endeditqui
etsweetl
yandtastyi
fyou
knowwhatImean.Imadeagoodbr eakf
astf
orhim andwhenIwasj ustsqueezi
ngtheorange
j
uicehewalkedi
ntheki
tchenalldr
essedupforhisdayandcamet okissmycheek.

Zamani
:"mor
ningBaby"

Me:
"mor
ningmyAbut
iwaMzul
u"

Hechuckl
edandper
kedmyl
i
ps.

Zamani
:"howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?"

Me:
"bet
ter"

Zamani
:"y
oushoul
dal
way
s.Il
ovey
ouandt
hatwon'
tbechangedbyany
thi
ng"

Me:
'met
oo"
Iki
ssedhi
sli
ps.

Me:
.Nowsi
tdownandhav
eagoodbr
eakf
astbef
orewor
k"

Zamani
:"mmmh.Icanal
readyt
ast
eitI
nmymout
h"

Igi
ggl
edandpr
epar
edhi
spl
ateandhandedi
tov
ert
ohi
m andhet
ooki
tandst
art
edeat
ing.

Me:
"Iwi
l
lbr
ingIsomet
reat
sfr
om wor
k"

Zamani
:"Iwi
l
lfet
chy
oudur
ingy
ourl
unch"

Me:
"okt
hen,
Ilov
eyou"

Hesmi
l
ed.

Zamani
:"Il
ovey
oumor
eandbey
ond"

Ismi
l
ed.Howmuchi
t'
ssogoodt
ohearhi
m sayt
hat
.

*
MAMTHOMBENI
*

Iwasi nt
hekitchendoi
ngmyusual workrouti
ne.MrNgemahasn' tent
eredthekit
chenasy et
whichwasn'tl
ikehim.Healwaysenteredthekit
chenroundabout7andwoul dinf
orm meifhe
i
sgoi ngt
owor kornot.Ilookedatthedigi
tal
wat cht
hatisdi
splay
edont hefr
idgeandit'
sover
7am now.Iwi pemyhandsandIpr eparethefoodontoatrayandImademywayupt hestai
rs
tohisbedroom.Iknockedonceandwai t
edandt hedoorwasopened.Hewasst i
lli
nhis
pyj
amas.

Me:
"goodmor
ningsi
r"

Smi
so:
"Phi
l
isi
we.Thi
ssi
rthi
ng"

Me:"myapologi
es,
Iwaswonder
ingshoul
dIpr
epar
eyouf
orwor
kasi
tseemsl
i
key
ouhav
e
ov
ersleptt
oday"

Smi
so:
"no.Iam notgoi
ngt
owor
k.Takeadayof
f"

Ms:
"thehouseneedst
obemai
ntai
ned"

Smi
so:
"ther
eisnoonewhowasmessi
ngupy
est
erday
"
Hewal
kedi
nsi
dehi
sbedr
oom.

Smi
so:
"NgenaMaMt
hombeni
(geti
n)"

Iwalkedinsl
owlywiththetr
ayhol
dingitcl
osetomybody .Thisismyfir
stti
mebeinginhi
s
bedroom andi
tisveryspaci
ous.Morethanthattwor oom Iusedtohave.Iputt
hetr
ayonthe
dresserandIt
urnaroundtowalkoutandIam stoppedbyhisv oi
ce.

Smi
so:
"Ihadawonder
ful
timel
astni
ghtSi
we"

It
urnedt
ohi
m.

Me:
"met
oo"

Hesmi
l
ed.

Smi
so:
"weshoul
ddoi
tagai
n"

Me:
"Idon'
tknowaboutt
hat"

Smi
so:
"Fr
idayni
ghti
sset
tl
edf
or"

Isi
ghedandt
hennoddedandmademywayoutoft
hebedr
oom andwentt
ocl
ean.

*
UNATHI*

wewokeuppr et
tyl
ate.13h00wasr oundaboutt
het
imewewokeupandcleanedupon
our
sel
ves.Ntambowasn'tinthehouseandweguessedhewentsomewher
e.Imadeus
somet
hingt
oeatandwewentt owatchsomeTV.

Razor:
"BabyImadeami
stake"

Il
ookedathi
m andhesi
ghed.

Me:
"whati
sit?"

Razor:
"Ican'
ttel
lyoubutIwi
l
lfi
xit"

Me:
"youbet
terl
i
ndani
"

Henodded.

Razor:
"comel
et'
sgoandt
akeawal
k"

Wegotof
fthecouchandIwentt
owasht
hedi
shesandaf
terIwentt
owearmyshoesandhe
tookthehousekeysandhel
ockedaswewal
kedouthol
dinghandsandmadeourwaydownt
he
street
sofhishood.

Me:
"sowhatar
ewegonnabuyt
hist
ime?"

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"youneedt
ocomemor
eof
tensoIcanshowy
oual
otoft
hings"

Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Don'
twor
ry"

Wewal kedar
oundandwewentt
otheshop.Theexci
tementonmyf
acewaspr
icel
ess.He
chuckl
ed.

Razor:
"youl
ooksohappy"

Me:
"Iam "

Sal
esper
son:
"ShoshoRazor"
,

Razor:
"sho,
asi
khi
pheezi
khal
akamnandi
eml
ony
eni
(,br
inggoodi
es)
"

Thesal
esper
sonnoddedandwal
kedof
f.

Me:
"whati
sthatr
oundt
hingkonj
e?I
gwi
nyar
ight?(Fat
koekr
ight?)
"

Razor
:"y
esat
leasty
ouknowt
hings"

Me:
"dot
heyhav
ethat?
"

Razor:
"youwanti
t?"

Inoddedandherequest
edf
orthem andf
riedchi
psaswel l
butsi
ncet
hefr
iesar
efi
nishedwe
hadtowaitandwedidn'
tmi
nd.Razorhel
dmef rom behi
ndandki
ssedmyneck.

Razor:
"Il
ovet
hisUnat
hi"

Me:
"Il
ovehert
oo"

Razor:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Idon'
twannacopyy
ousoSameher
e"

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"(whi
sper
ingi
nmyear)NoIwanty
out
osayi
t"

Ibi
tmybot
tom l
i
p.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouNgomane"
Razor:
"that
'si
t."

Hehuggedmef
rom behi
ndandwest
oodt
her
ewai
ti
ngf
orourt
hingst
obebr
ought
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t18

Wegotwhatweneededandwewer eonourwaybackt
othehouse,hehookedhi
sar
m around
myshoulderandwecar r
iedonwalki
ngwhi
let
alki
ngatt
hesametime.Iwassucki
ngonthe
l
oll
ipopatthesametime,Ihavej
ustl
ear
ntt
oenjoyit
.Mom woul
dn'
twanttoseeusev
ereating
aloll
i
popsay i
ngit
'sunl
adylike.

Razorn:
"thewayy
ouar
esucki
ngt
hatl
oll
i
pop"

Me:
"ay
igety
ourmi
ndoutoft
her
e"

Razor:
"Butmymi
ndshoul
dbeev
ery
wher
ewi
thy
ou"

Me:
"wear
eint
hest
reet
.Itshoul
dn'
tbet
her
e."

Razor:
"real
l
yit
'st
her
ewi
thy
ourt
onguedoi
ngt
hat"

Me:
"si
esy
azi
sies"

Hechuckl
edandki
ssedmycheek.

Razor:
"Mybabymama"

Me:
"andgi
rl
fr
iend."

Razor:
"andGi
rl
fr
iendkahl
ekahl
emyYonki
ntoatt
hemoment(act
ual
l
ymyev
ery
thi
ngatt
he
moment)"

Il
aughed.
Me:
"andwhent
hemomenti
sov
er?"

Razor:
",
itwi
l
lnev
erbe"

Inodded.

Razor:
"comeIwantt
oshow y
ousomet
hing"

Wet akeashor tl
eftandwecarryonwalkingwhil
etal
king, i
t'
sactuall
yni cethi
swalking.Ihave
beenlockedupi npri
sonforsolongi
tjustfeel
snicetotakeupal lt
hef reedom andjustuseit
beforeanythi
ngelseaswell.Wecarr
iedont al
kingandIt ol
dhim Iwil
l begoingtoveiwt he
buil
dingthatIwil
lbeusingformySal
on.Wear ri
vedatapl aceanditlookedl i
kesomeki ndof
church.Wewentt hereandheheldmyhandandwewal kedinandtherewer epeoplesinging
aroundandoneguyseemedt obedir
ectingthem.

"Hai
lhol
yQueenandt
hrownabov
e

OhMar
iah,
hai
lmot
herofMer
cy

Andofl
ove,
ohMar
iah.
..
."

Theyst
oppedandt
urnedt
ousandt
hechoi
rdi
rect
orcamet
owar
dsus,
mor
eli
kechar
gingatus.

Hi
m:"whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"

Razor:
"It
houghtev
ery
onei
swel
comedher
e"

Theguyl
ookedatme.

Hi
m:"t
hisi
snotapl
acef
orsomeonel
i
key
ouRazor"

Me:
"ist
hisachur
ch?"

Razor:
"yes"

OhIsee.

Hi
m:"nowt
haty
ouknow,
thewayouti
sther
e"

Razor:
"foraChr
ist
iany
ouar
ebei
ngj
udgement
al"

Hel
etsgoofmyhandandt
hekeyboar
dguymov
esandhesi
tsdown.

Razor:
"Godsay
scomet
omemychi
l
drenorcomef
ort
h"

Hest
art
stopl
ay.Razori
sful
lofsur
pri
ses.

Razor:
"whatar
ewedoi
ng?"
Guy:
"Hi
ghj
acki
ngourpr
act
ice"

Razor:
"No,
wear
eli
steni
ngt
othewor
d."

Hecar
ri
esonpl
ayi
ng.

Razor
:"Unat
hi"

Me:
"mmh"

Razor:
"comewi
thasong"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow"

Razor:
"any
thi
ng"

Me:
"ei
shIdon'
tknowmuchgospel
songs"

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"I'
vehadmyshar
esofupsanddowns

Ti
meswhent
her
ewasnoonear
ound.

Godcameandspoket
hesewor
dst
ome

Pr
aisewi
l
lconf
uset
heenemy.
..
..
"

Hel
ookedatme

Razor:
"doy
ouknowt
hatone?"

Inodded.

Razor:
"comeon."

Me:
"I'
vehadmyshar
esofupsanddowns,

Ti
meswhent
her
ewasnoonear
ound.

Godcameandspoket
hesewor
dst
ome

Pr
aisewi
l
lconf
uset
heenemy

SoIst
art
edsi
ngi
ng

Ist
art
edcl
appi
ng

Ist
art
eddanci
ng,
peopl
ewer
elaughi
ng
Theyknewmypr
obl
ems,
theyknewmypai
n

ButIknewGodwi
l
ltaket
henaway.
..
."

Therestoft
hepeopl
estart
edjoi
ningi
nandsoasRazor .I
twasqui
etfunact
uall
yver
y,Idi
dn'
t
knowIcouldev
ensingproperi
nfr
ontofpeopl
eletal
onewhenIam al
onebutt
hiswasfun.

Ev
ery
one:
"Ohohpr
aiseHi
m

Whent
hingsar
egood(
prai
seHi
m)

Pr
aiseHi
m(pr
aise)

Tr
oubl
eonev
erysi
de(
prai
se)

AndwhenI
'
m br
oke(
whenI
'
m br
oken)

Iwi
l
lpr
aiseHi
m

Pr
aiseHi
minadv
ance,
ohoh.
..
..
"

Weendedt
hesongandev
ery
onecl
appedt
hei
rhandsandsoasI
.Itwasr
eal
l
yexci
ti
ng.

Razor:
"youar
eanat
ural
"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tev
enknowIcanhol
dasi
ngl
enot
e"

Hechuckl
ed.

"Youf
indy
ourGodgi
vent
alent
sinhi
shouse"

Weal
ltur
nedandi
tlookedl
i
keapast
orwi
tht
hatwhi
tecol
ort
hingt
hatIdon'
tknowandaBi
ble.

Razor:
"wewer
ejustl
eav
ingMf
undi
si"

Het
ookmyhand.

Guy:
"yesMyPast
or,
theywer
eanddi
srupt
edourdi
srupt
ion.

Past
or:
"Not
heydi
dn'
t.Theybr
oughti
nsomet
hingnew,
Lindani
"

Razorl
ookeddown.

Past
or:
"It
'
sgoodt
oseey
ou"

Razor:
"Yout
oo"

Thent
hepast
orl
ookedatmeandIhel
dont
omyf
ood.

Past
or:
"Iam Past
orRhadebe"
Hel
etouthi
shandandIshooki
t.

Me:
"Unat
hiNgema"

Hesmi
l
ed.

Past
or:
"Wel
comet
oourchur
ch.Wi
l
lyoubev
isi
ti
ngust
hisSunday?"

Il
ookedatRazor.

Razor:
"Idon'
tthi
nk.
..
."

Me:
"Iwi
l
lcomev
isi
t"

Razorl
ookedatme.

Past
or:"andy
out
ooLi
ndani
.Youwer
eal
way
sachur
chgoerwi
thy
ourmot
herwheny
ouwer
e
st
il
lyoung"

Hesi
ghed.

Razor
:"Iwi
l
lcome"

Past
or:
"that
'swonder
ful
"

Razor:
"butwehav
etogonow"

Hegr
ipsmyhand.

Past
or:"sur
e.Youmaybedi
smi
ssed,
itwaswonder
ful
seei
ngy
oupar
ti
cipat
einchur
ch
act
ivi
ti
es"

Razornoddedandwewal
kedout
.

Me:
"'
sowear
egoi
ngt
ochur
chonSunday
?"

Razor:
"youagr
eed"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
twantt
odi
sappoi
ntt
heman"

Hechuckl
ed.

Me:
"thatwasf
un"

Razor:
"Iam gl
ady
oul
i
kedi
t"

Me:
"what
'supwi
thy
ouandt
hatguy?
"

Razor:
"weusedtobef
riendswhenwewer
eyoungandIt
ookt
heot
herr
out
eandher
emai
ned
i
nhisbutwejustgr
ewapart"
Me:
"letmeguess.Hi
smot
herhadani
nfl
uence"

Razor:
"yeah"

Me:
"youhav
eyourcousi
n"

Hel
aughed.

Razor:
"Wai
twef
orgotabouthi
m"

Il
aughedaswer
anbackhome.

*
MAMTHOBENI*

MrNgemawal
kedi
ntheki
tchenandIt
ookhi
sdi
shest
owash.

Smi
so:
"thanky
ouf
ort
hebr
eakf
astSi
we"

Me:
"youar
ewel
comesi
r.I
sUnat
hicomi
ngback?"

MrNgema:
"Ihi
ghl
ydoubt"

Inodded.

MrNgema:
"ify
ouneedmey
ouwi
l
lfi
ndmei
nmyst
udy"

Inoddedandhewal
kedof
f.

*
UNATHI*

wegothomelaughingandNtambowasi
tt
ingi
naboxwi
thanot
herl
adybyt
hehousewho
seemedtobeplay
inghardt
oget.

Ntambo:"youseet
hem.Iwoul
dhav
elobol
ayoubutnaweuy
angi
bhampel
a(buty
ouar
etr
ying
t
oplayhardtoget)
"

Lady:
"Hai
boIam her
eandt
alki
ngt
oyounow"
Nt
ambo:
"Idon'
thav
eti
me.Iam hungr
yby
e"

Thel
adycl
i
ckedhert
ongueandwal
kedof
f.

Nt
ambo:
"ey
inawe!
(Yout
oo)
"

Hegotof
ftheel
ect
ri
ctr
ansf
ormerboxandcamet
owar
dsus.

Nt
ambo:
"It
hinki
am i
nneedofmyownspar
ekey"

Me:
"Sundaywear
egoi
ngt
ochur
ch"

Wegoti
nthegat
e.

Ntambi:
"razorwhyar
eyoudat
ingChur
chgoer
s?Wear
efor
cednowBukaj
ustf
ort
hesaket
hat
yougetsome"

Razorpunchedhi
sshoul
der
.

Razor:
"theMr
shasspoken"

Iopenedt
hedoor
.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Nt
ambo:
"Ihav
en'
tfor
giv
eny
ouf
orf
eedi
ngmer
opesy
est
erday"

Me:
"takeachi
l
lpi
l
landhav
eaf
atkoek"

Hecl
i
ckedhi
stongue.

Me:
"Iwi
l
ltr
ycookf
ory
ou.Justneedmyphone"

Heopenedmychi
ps.

Nt
ambo:
"Qomanir
azorasi
namona(dat
erazorwear
enotj
eal
ous)
"

Razor:
"seemsl
i
kei
t"

Me:
"babecanIhav
emyphone?
"

Razor:
"Iwi
l
lgeti
t.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Iper
kedhi
sli
psandhewentof
fNt
ambol
ookedatme.

Me:
"what?"

Nt
ambo:
"Ubabawami
uyaj
olaenextdoor"
Het
ookmyf
ri
esandwal
kedof
f.

Me:
"myf
ood"

Nt
ambo:
"thehandt
hatgi
vesi
sthathandt
hatwi
l
lbebl
essed"

Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkt
heysayt
hat"

Ihearhi
m swi
tchont
het
v"

Nt
ambo:
"yourbl
essi
ngwi
l
lcomej
ustwai
t.Mi
naIwi
l
leat"

YhoMar
athi
sguyi
sabul
l
ypeopl
e.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t19

Nt
ambo:
"yourbr
eakf
astwasn'
tbad!"

Heshout edandIlookedatRazorwhoshr uggedhisshouldersasIl ookedathismi r

rorimage.I
fi
nishedupfixi
ngmywat chandIlookatmy sel
fthr
ought hemi r
rorbeforeturni
ngar oundandhe
gotof ft
hebedandt ookhiscarkeysandphone.Wewer eal l
dressedup, it'
sgoodt ooverpack
becauseIdidn'tev
enthinkIwouldbegoingt oChurchduringmyv isit
.Idoanddon' tmisshome
atthesamet imebutIdomi ssmymunchi esandi t
'snextweekendi swhenIwi llseethem
togetherbef
oreschoolopens.

Razor
:"Comel
et'
sgo"

It
ookmybagandwewal
kedoutofhi
sbedr
oom andi
ntot
hel
ounge.

Razor:
"Yesboi
"
Nt
ambo:
"youknowmeMudl
ikot
ini
theeat
erofcot
tont
hecot
tonmast
er"

Me:
"that
'st
oomuchf
orj
ustf
it
ti
ngi
nchi
nosandashi
rt"

Nt
ambo:
"af
terIj
ustcompl
i
ment
edy
ouony
ourf
ood"

Me:
",
youdi
dn'
tsayi
t'
sgood"

Nt
tambo:
"it
'snotbadei
ther"

Razor:
"wehav
etol
eav
e."

Wewalkedoutoft
hehouseandl
ockedupbef
oreget
ti
nginsi
det
hecarandhest
art
edt
hecar
anddr
oveoff.I
twascl
osesothi
sisreal
l
yawasteofpet
rol
.

Me:
"youar
ewast
ingpet
rol
youknow"

Nt
ambo:
"hav
eyouseent
hepr
esi
dentent
erPar
li
mentbar
efoot
edwal
ki
ngonconcr
ete?"

Me:
"Wear
egoi
ngt
oachur
cht
hat
'scl
oseby"

Razor:
"'
youwi
l
llooset
rustmeNana"

Me:
"Iwi
l
ltakemychances."

Nt
ambo:
"hai
bohei
swar
ning"

Ikeptquiet
.Wegott ochur
chandwecoul dheart
hemusic.HaveIev ersetmyf ootinchur
ch
befor
eonaSunday?May beIj
ustdon'tr
emember.Nt
ethel
elocamef rom atraditi
onal
backgroundandRazorcomefrom whatseemsli
keaChri
stiani
tybackground.Idon'tknow
aboutNt ambobutyougetwhatImean.

Nt
ambo:
"Let
'sgo"

Razornoddedandweal l
gotoutofthecarandIhel
donmybagwhi lehetookmyhand.We
walkedi
nsidethechur
chandanusherwasst andi
ngbythedoorgi
vingusawar m welcome.We
walkedi
nsideandthechoirwasonstagesi
nging,justl
i
kehowtheywe'repracti
cingtheot
her
day.WegottoourseatsandIputmybagdownandwej ustst
oodtherebrowsingaround

Nt
ambo:
"youbr
oughtust
ochur
ch,
sosi
ngy
ourhear
toutl
i
ket
hesegr
anni
es."

Me:
"Idon'
tev
enknowt
hesong"

Nt
ambo:
"mxm "

Razor:
"Nt
ambol
eav
eheral
one"

Her
aisedhi
shandsupandf
inal
l
ywecoul
dsi
tdown.
.

*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Ikeptonlooki
ngatthestove,yesmybodyisher
ebutwhatmysist
erpotr
ayedformedist
urbed
meal ot
.ShouldIt
ellUnathiorshoul
dIl
etever
ythi
ngt
akeit
'scour
se.Iam conf
usedand
scaredaswell
.

Me:
"Iwi
l
ljustl
eav
eitl
i
ket
hat"

It
hensnappedoutofmyt
hought
sandIcar
ri
edoncl
eani
ng.

*
UNATHI*

Past
or:
"Aswereadint
oRomans5:13onceagainbefor
ewegetint
oworship.Therewassi
n
i
ntheworl
dbef
oretheLawwasgi
ven;butwher
ethereisnol
aw,noaccounti
skeptofsi
ns.
"

Nt
ambo:
"nakhokesebeqal
i
le(t
her
etheyhav
est
art
ed)
"

Razorhi
tshi
schest
.

Me:
"youshoul
dhav
est
ayedhome"

Nt
ambo:
"It
houghtIneededdel
i
ver
ance"

Me:
"don'
tthi
nk.Youdo"

Thewomani
nfr
ontofust
urnedandl
ookedatus.

Nt
ambo:
"Canwehel
pyou?"

Shet
urnedbackt
othef
ront
.

Nt
ambo:
"mmh"

Il
ookedatRazor

Razor:
"don'
ti
nvol
vemei
nyoursquabbl
es"

Me:
"Ok"
Thent
hechoi
rst
oodupandt
heyst
art
edsi
ngi
ng.

Me:
"weshoul
dcomemor
eof
ten"

Razorl
ookedatme.

Nt
ambo:
"countmeout"

Me:
"hawu"

Westoodupaswel
landj
oinedi
n.Chur
chwasov
ersoonenoughandal
readywewer
emaki
ng
ourwayout
.

"Li
ndani
!"

Wet
urnedandi
t'
sthepast
or.

Nt
ambo:
"fi
rstdayandal
readyy
ouar
eappoi
ntedaj
nrpast
or"

Me:
"don'
tyoukeepqui
et"

Hechuckl
ed.Thepast
orgott
ousandwepl
ast
eredsmi
l
ed.

Past
or:
",
Iwassogl
adt
oseey
out
oday,
real
l
yGodbl
essedus"

Razor:
"Real
l
y"

Past
or:
"Iam hoppi
ngwewi
l
lseemor
eofy
ou"

Nt
ambo:
"wehav
ebusyschedul
es"

Iki
ckedhi
m onhi
sshoe.

Me:
"wewi
l
lhav
etoputGodf
ir
st"

Pastor:
"well
spokenmychi l
d, hesaysi
nJob22:
26,
Thenyouwil
lal
wayst
rusti
nGodandfind
thatheist
hesourceofyourj
oy .Psal
ms62:
8,Tr
usti
nGodatal
lti
mes,mypeopl
e.Tel
lhi
m all
yourtr
oubl
es,forheisourrefuge."

Nt
ambo:
"seku'
kni
ngi
mfundi
si(t
hat
'
sal
otpast
or)
"

Me:
"'
Amen,
prai
set
heLor
d"

Pastor:
"al
lthet
ime,Ihav
eascr
ipt
uret
hatGodshowedmeaf
ewday
sagoandIt
houghtI
shouldshar
eitwit
hyou"

Heopenshi
sBi
ble.

Past
or:
"ahy
es,
Exodus18:
21i
tsay
sButi
naddi
ti
on,
youshoul
dchoosesomecapabl
emen
andappoi
ntt
hem asleader
soft
hepeopl
e:l
eadersofthousands,
hundr
eds,fi
ft
ies,
andt
ens.
TheymustbeGod-f
eari
ngmenwhocanbetrustedandwhocannotbebr i
bed.
"

Hecl
osedt
heBi
bleandl
ookedatRzor
.

Past
or:
"Ihopey
ouhear
dwhatt
hegoodLor
dhassai
dli
ndani
"

Nt
ambo:
"yho"

Ipi
nchhi
m.

Razor:
"Idi
d"

Past
or:
"re-
readi
t,i
twasgoodseei
ngy
ou"

Het
akesoutapamphl
et.

Past
or:
"oury
out
hBi
blecounci
l,i
twoul
dbewonder
ful
fory
out
ojoi
n"

Me:
"wewi
l
lsl
eeponi
t"

It
ookt
hepamphl
et.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Past
or:
"mayt
heLor
dcov
ery
ouwi
thhi
shandwhi
l
eyout
rav
elhome"

Me:
"yout
oo"

Hesmi
l
edandwentt
oat
tendot
her
s.Nt
ambol
aughed.

Nt
ambo:"Awuboni
ukut
hiuf
unaubeucol
l
orboywakhe(don'
tyouseet
hathewant
syout
obe
hi
scol
l
arboy)"

Me:
"Yazawucazi
shame(y
ouar
enotf
unnyatal
l)"

Razor:
"youandt
hepast
orar
ebestf
ri
endsnow"

Me:
"hawuIam t
ryi
ngsomet
hingnew"

Nt
ambo:
"youar
egoi
ngt
ofarsl
owdown"

Wegoti
nthecar
.

Me:
"Iam hungr
y"

Razor:
"don'
ttheshoeshur
tyou?"

Me:
"not
heydon'
t"
Ishookmyheadandhenodded.

Nt
ambo:
"I.
..
"

Me:
"shh"

Razorchuckl
edandnt
ambocl
i
ckedhi
stongue,
wehav
ehadenoughofhi
mtoday
.Ican'
t
anymoreshame.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t20

WewereattheChi
sanyamaandasalway
sIam enj
oyi
ngtheenv
ironment.Nt
ambowent
somewher
esoitwasjustt
hetwoofusaboutt
ohaveagoodeataftergoi
ngt
ochur
ch.

Me:
"Sohowdi
dyouf
indchur
ch?"

Razor
:"y
ouact
ingl
i
kemom ,
your
emi
ndmeofher"

Me:
"doesshehav
eanysi
bli
ngs?"

Razor:
"yeahshehadsi
bli
ngs,
asi
sterbutshegotmar
ri
edanddi
vor
ced.That
'sFezi
l
e'smot
her
"

Me:
"Fezi
l
e?"

Razor:
"Nt
ambo"

Me:
"ohIsee."

Henoddedandpl
ayedwi
thmyhandsandourf
oodcameandIt
hankedt
hewai
ter
.

Me:
"Ir
eal
l
ydon'
twantt
ogohomebutIhav
eto"

Razor:
"met
ooBabe"

It
ookabi
teoft
hemeatandhi
sphoner
ang.
Razor:
"canIt
aket
his?"

Hestoodupandwal
kedof
f.Iwat
chedhi
m,hebet
ternotbeupt
oanycheat
ing.
hecameback
af
tersometi
meandhesatdownagai
n.

Razor:
"Sor
ryaboutt
hat"

Me:
"Noi
t'
sfi
ne"

Wecarri
edoneat i
ngandchat
ti
ngandhi
sphoner
angoncemor
eandhest
oodupandwentt
o
answeri
t.Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"Unat
hidon'
tl
ety
ourt
hought
srunwi
l
d."

Isel
ftal
kedmy
sel
fandcar
ri
edoneat
ing.Hecamebackandhesatdown.

Razor:
"it
'sabi
tbusy"

Me:
"ver
y"

Hel
ookedatmeandchuckl
e.

Razor:
"Youl
ookl
i
key
ouar
eaboutt
omur
derme"

Me:
"yourey
esar
edecei
vi
ngbabe"

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"ok."

Wecar
ri
edoneat
ing.

*
RAZOR*

Il
ookatherbobbl
eherheadabi
tandeatt
hesamet
ime.Idon'
tknowwhati
tisbuti
t'
sjust
pul
li
ngmealottoher
.Verymuchaswel
l.

Unat
hi:
"whenwegethomeweneedt
otal
k"

Me:
"aboutwhatnana?
"

Unat
hi:
"whenwegethome"

Me:
"home?"
Ir
aisedmybr
ow.

Unat
hi:
"(
giggl
i
ng)y
eahhomer
azorhawu"

Me:
"Iheary
ou"

Ismi
l
eandl
ookatherandshedoest
hesame.

Unat
hi:
"Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatme?"

Me:
"Ican'
tl
ookaty
ounow?"

Unat
hi:
",i
t'
scr
eepy"

Me:
"it
'snot"

Sheshakesherheadandf
ocusesonherf
oodoncemor
e.

*
UNATHI*

Razor
:"Sowheni
syourbusi
nessgonnabeupandr
unni
ng?"

Me:
"soon.Thatal
lIknow"

Razor:
"thatgoodt
oher"

Hi
sey
esar
enowonhi
sphone.

Me:
"somet
hingi
mpor
tant?
"

Razor:
"huh?"

Hel
ooksatme.Isnat
chhi
sphoneandhesnt
achesi
tfr
om myhands.

Me:
"ar
eyouhi
dingsomet
hing?"

Razor:
"notatal
l"

Me:
"thenIcanhol
dyourphonef
ort
her
estoft
heday"

Razor:
"Idi
dn'
taskf
ory
our
s"

Me:
"Icangi
vey
oumi
ne"
Hi
sphoner
ingsandIgi
vehi
m av
eryshar
pst
are.

Razor:
"Iam sor
ry"

Hest
andsupandgoest
oanswer
.

Me:
"mxm."

ItakemyphoneandbagandIst
andupandIst
artt
owal
kawayf
rom t
hechi
sany
amaandI
don'tseehi
m.

Me:
"hey"

Ist
opsomel
ady
.

Me:
"uhm hav
eyouseenRazor?"

Lady:
"Hewentt
osomecarwi
thal
adyi
nit
."

Me:
"thanks"

Il
ethergo.YhoIshoul
djustgohome, sohei
sbackwi
thWendy.Whoam Iki
ddi
ng.?Ishoul
d
haveseenthatcomi
ng.Iwalkedoutoft
hechi
sany
amaandIgetont
hest
reetandtheseheel
s
arenowirr
it
ati
ngme.

"Unat
hi"

Iseehi
m getoutoft
hatcar
.

Me:
"Pl
easeIj
ustwantt
ogohome."

Razor:
"Iwi
l
ltakey
ouhomebaby"

Me:
"myhome.Wher
ether
eismydadi
nit"

Razor:
"canwet
alkaboutt
hisandl
etmeexpl
ain?
"

Ishookmyheadandst
art
edwal
ki
ng,
hef
oll
owed.

Razor:
"Unat
hi"

Me:
"razorgoback.Iam notst
oppi
ngy
ouf
rom si
tt
ingwi
thher"

Razor:
"ButIwassi
tt
ingwi
thy
ou"

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sandcar
ri
edonwal
ki
ngandhehel
dmyupperar
m.

Razor:
"gi
vemeapl
atf
ormt
ospeak"

Hest
oodI
nfr
ontofmeandwentononekneeandmyhear
twasr
aci
ng.Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sandI
coul
dhearwhist
lesandpeoplecheer
ing.Hetookoutavel
vetboxandopenedi
t.Myhear
twas
beat
ingl
ikeadrum f
rom angerIdon'
tknowbutitwast
hereandmymout hwasdryaswel
l
.

Razor:
"Iwasgetti
ngthi
sfory
ou,
thecal
l
sandev
ery
thi
ng.Iam sor
ryf
ormaki
ngi
tseem l
i
keI
wasdisr
espect
ingyouNana."

Il
ookedathi
m andsni
ff
ed.

Razor:
"cany
ouj
ustt
aket
hisr
ing?,
"

Me:
"anddowhatwi
thi
t"

Het
akesmyl
efthandandt
akesi
tout
.

Razor:
"andt
akei
tasmyaskf
ory
out
omar
ryme"

Me:
"Iam angr
yaty
ou"

Hest
andsupandsl
i
psi
tinmyf
ingerandcl
osest
hebox.

Razor:
"IknowandIknowi
t'
snotper
fectandconf
usi
ngandal
l"

Heki
ssedmyl
i
ps.

Razor:
"butIl
ovey
ou"

Hehel
dmywai
standki
ssedmyl
i
psandr
etur
nedi
twhi
l
epeopl
echeer
ed,
Ibr
okei
tandgi
ggl
ed.

Razor
:"Wi
l
lyoumar
ryme?"

Inoddedwhil
egi
ggli
ngandhekissedmyl i
psandmorecheer
ssurroundedt
hepl
aceandst
reet
aswell,hi
sli
psi
nter
twi
ningwi
thmi nef
eltsogoodandIl
ovehim surel
y.

wel
lthenextdayIwenthome.Iwasexci
tedandj
usthappyaboutev
ery
thi
ng.Iwast
alki
ngt
o
QamowhileIam dri
vi
nghomeonmyphone.

Qamo:
"Yhot
hatwasr
eal
l
yfast
.Ar
eyousur
e?"

Me:"QamoIam old,
Iam 37yearol
dwomanwit
htwoki
dsf
rom di
ff
erentf
ather
's,
ament
al
cr
ackandaj
ail
bird.Whowill
wanttomar
ryt
hat?"

Qamo:
"hai
boy
ouar
emor
ethant
hat,
Iam j
ustaski
ng"

Me:
"Iam sur
e.Hecanhandl
emepr
ett
ywel
landIhav
echanged."
Qamo:
"wel
lIam happyf
ory
ou,
Iam t
hemat
ron"

Me:
"mostdef
ini
tel
y.Tal
klat
erIam ent
eri
nghome"

Qamo:
"sur
e"

IhungupandIopenedthegat
eanddr
ovei
nandpar
kednextt
odad'
scarandIt
ookoutmybag
andImademywayi nsi
de.

Me:
"Iam backf
ami
l
y!"

If
oundmaanddadki ssi
ng,YhoIdi
dn'
texpectt
hatone.Ir
antowar
dst
hepor chtr
yingtorun
awayf
rom whatIsawbutIhi
tthesl
i
dingdoorgl
assandIfell
onmyback.Iheldmyf or
ehead.

Me:
"ohmyGod"

Dadcr
ouchedov
erme.

Dad:
"ar
eyouok?"

Me:
"ah!
"

Hesatmeupandmacamei
nwi
thi
ceandwasscar
edt
oev
enl
ookatme.

Me:
"Iam f
ine.Iam f
ine"

Dad:
"don'
tev
erdot
hatagai
n"

Me:
"ok"

Il
ookedathi
m andt
henma,
theawkwar
dness.

Me:
"It
hinkIneedpai
nki
l
ler
s.

Ma:
"Iwi
l
lgett
hem "

Sher
ushedof
f.

Me:
"what
'sgoi
ngon?"

Dad:
"whaty
ousawy
oushoul
dn'
thav
eseen"

Me:
"butIdi
d"

Dad:"Iknowy
oul
i
key
ourmot
herbutIdon'
t.Il
i
keMaMt
hombeni
andIam t
heonewhoi
nit
iat
ed
theki
ss"

Me:
"buty
ouj
udgemyman"

Dad:
"Unat
hi"
Me:
"Iam j
ustshocked"

Dad:
"Iam sor
rybaby"

Heki
ssedmyfor
eheadandmacamebackwithpai
nki
ll
ersandwat
er.Shewasshaki
ngaswel
l
.
It
ooki
tandt
hankedherandt
henIdr
ankbef
oredadhel
pedmeupt omyroom.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t21

Iwokeupandmyheadwasabi tbet
ter.Thosepi
l
lsreal
l
ydruggedmegood.Igotofthebed
andImademywayt othebat
hroom andtookabathandworepyj
amasbefor
eIwalkeddown
thest
air
s.Ifounddadwatchi
ngTVandMahaswel l
.Mmmht hisi
sreal
l
ycosyIam not
complai
ningthough.

Me:
"Whatar
ewewat
chi
ng?"

Theyt
urnedt
ome.

Me:
"nodon'
tst
oponmyaccount
"

Ismi
l
ed.

Dad:
"how'
syourhead?"

Me:
"bet
ter"

Dad:
"good.Wehav
eeat
en.Yourf
oodi
sint
heov
en."

Me:
"thanky
ou.,
Weneedt
otal
k"

Henoddedandi wenttot
hekit
chentowarm myfoodinthemicr
owav
eandl ookedatmy
ref
lect
ionthr
oughi
tandtouchi
ngmyf ace,
itf
eltwei
rdandIsawmyring.Ismile,af
ter
everyt
hingwhowouldhav
ethoughtsomeonewouldl
ovemesobeautiful
l
yasRazordoes.I
takeoutmyfoodandIpourwat
erandmakemywaytotheloungeareaandIsi
tonthecouch
oppositet
hei
rsideandst
art
eddevour
ingmyf
oodwhi
lelooki
ngatthem anddadbei
ngsil
ly
charmingMa, mmmhIkissNgomanenow.

Dad:
"youwant
edt
otal
ktous"

Me:
"ohy
eah.
..
."

Dad:
"swal
l
ow"

Idi
d.

Me:
"sor
ry.Uhm y
eahIwant
edust
otal
k"

Dad:
"wel
l?"

Me:
"ok(si
gh)Ra.
..
.Li
ndani
"

Dad:
"yourboy
fri
end"

Me:
"yest
hat
,askedf
ormyhandi
nmar
ri
age"

Ma:
"wow"

Dad:
"isn'
tthi
sal
lrushed?Youdon'
tknowt
heguy"

Me:
"dadl
i
fei
stooshor
tandunpr
edi
ctabl
eandbesi
desIl
ovehi
m"

Dad:
"Unat
hi.
..
."

Mahhel
dhi
shand.

Ma:
"letherbe,
shei
sol
dtomakeherownmi
stakes."

Me:
"Il
ovey
oust
epmom "

Dad:
"Unat
hi"

Me:
"sor
ry.Thecousi
nrubbedof
fhi
ssi
l
lness"

Dad:
"Iwi
l
lagr
eet
othi
sbecauseIwantt
oseey
ouhappy"

Igetupf
rom t
hecouchandsi
tonhi
slap.

Dad:
"Unat
hi"

Me:
"Thanky
oudad"

Iki
ssedhi
scheek.
Me:
"ohsor
ry"

Igotof
fhi
m.

Dad:
"real
l
yIam nothappybutwhoam It
ost
opy
ou"

Me:
"exact
ly"

Hegav
emeast
are.

Me:
"uhm sor
ryl
etmel
eav
e"

Ist
oodupandIwentt
otheki
tchenandwashedmydi
shes.

Af ewweekspassedandev eryt
hingisgoingv er
ywonder f
ullyandaccordingly,If
inal
lygotto
openmysal onandIam happywi theveryt
hingaswell.Yescl i
entsweren'
tthatmuchl inedup
butaftercat
eringarichhousewifeshei nvi
tedherfri
endswhoi nvi
tedherfri
endsandt hey
start
edcomi ng.Ihav eamanagerwhohernamei sKhensani ,sheiswellav er
yinter
esting
characteri
fImaysay .Iwasi nmyof fi
ceatt hebackcountingonpr oduct
st hatneedtobe
boughtbecauset heyarerunni
ngout .

Me:"okCondit
ioner
,ar
ti
fi
cial
gel
nai
l
s..
..
.Damnt
hesewi
vesar
egonnamakemer
unoutof
st
ocksoquickl
y."

Thedoprbust
sopen.

Me:
"Iam st
il
lbusyKhensani
"

"Mommy!
"

Il
if
tmyheadupandt
heyr
unt
owar
dsme.Ohmybabi
es,
Itur
nmychai
randIcr
usht
hem i
na
hug.

Let
ho:
"Hel
l
omommy"

Me:
"mommymi
ssedy
ourcut
efaces"

Iki
ssedt
hem al
lov
erast
heygi
ggl
ed.

Me:
"whyi
syouruni
for
m whi
te?
"

I
t'
snav
yt-
shi
rtandshor
tswi
thahati
ncl
udedbutt
heyar
enotwear
ingt
hatatt
hemoment
.

Anel
e:"Daddygotusi
cecr
eam "
Me:
"it
'saf
tert
wo,
wher
eishe?"

Let
ho:
"outwi
thuncl
e"

Me:
"ok.St
ayandpl
aywi
thmommi
esphone"

Theyj
umpont hel
i
ttl
ecouchwithmyphoneandIwalkoutsi
deandNt
amboi
sst
andi
ngbyt
he
count
ert
alki
ngwhi
leKhensani
isrol
l
ingherey
esinannoyance.

Nt
ambo:
"Theycal
lmer
ope,
Ihav
ebeensear
chi
ngandIt
hinkIf
oundmycat
ch"

Il
augh.

Khensani
:"pl
easeIam busy'
Rope'
"

Razort
urnst
omeandweshar
eahug.

Me:
"thanky
ouf
orf
etchi
ngt
hem.It
otal
l
yfor
got,
Ihopet
heydi
dn'
tgi
vey
out
roubl
eatschool
"

Razor:
"notatal
l"

Nt
ambo:
"Khenst
handwaSam Iam t
ryi
ngt
oday"

Khensani
:"nothar
denough."

Shemov
edf
rom t
hecount
erandwel
ookedatt
hem whi
l
eNt
ambohel
dherar
m.

Nt
ambo:
"Khensani
(swal
l
ow)"

Khensani
:"Youar
eawast
eofgoodl
ooks."

Shewal
kedof
fandwel
aughedandhel
ookedatusandIst
oppedandhi
trazoronhi
schest
.

Me:
"babyno"

Razor
:"keepont
ryi
ng"

Mey
ouar
en'
tshowi
ngt
haty
ouar
eser
ious"

Nt
ambo:
"mxm."

Me:
"sor
ry"

Nt
ambo:
"youwi
l
lfi
ndmeout
side"

Hewal
kedout
.

Khensani
:"weneedt
ogetgel
ssoon"

Me:
"sur
e"
Razor:
"wal
kmeout"

It
ookhi
shandandwewal
kedoutoft
hebui
l
ding.

Razor:
"Ihav
esental
ett
er.Hopey
ourf
ami
l
yaccept
sit"

Me:
"dowear
ereal
l
ydoi
ngt
his?"

Ist
andI
nfr
ontofhi
m andhehol
dsmyhands.

Razor:
"Iam doi
ngt
his"

Heper
ksmyl
i
pswhi
cht
urnedt
oapassi
onat
eki
ssandwebr
okei
t.

Razor:
"Il
ovey
ouNana"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Nt
ambo:
"let
'sgo!"

Heshout
sout
.

Me:
"impat
ientmuch."

Razor:
"Iwi
l
lseey
ouandcal
lyou,
"

Me:
"youbet
terandweneedt
odi
scussl
i
vingar
rangement
s"

Razor:
"wewi
l
ltal
kaboutt
hatl
ater"

Herper
ksmyl
i
ps.

Razor:
"by
e"

Hewal
ksof
fandIwat
chhi
m wal
kof
f.

*
KHENSANI*

Meme:
"yout
urnedhi
m downt
hough"

Shewasf
oldi
ngt
het
owel
sandIwashel
pingher
.

Me:
"ify
ouwantt
hisy
ouhav
etocomewi
thsomet
hing"
Meme:"t
heywi
l
lsnat
chhi
m andt
hatwast
eof
fgoodl
ooksandj
okesf
lyi
ngi
ntheai
rwi
l
lbe
gone"

Me:
"ka'
nael
ehant
leba(mi
ghtaswel
lbe.
..
..
)"

Shei
nter
rupt
ed

Meme:
"Ngumzul
uMi
na,
Mel
okuhl
e(Iam Zul
u,Mel
okuhl
e)"

Il
aughed.

Me:
'aski
esMngani
,ngamaneangi
phut
heshame(sor
ryf
ri
end,
hemi
ghtaswel
lpassme)

Meme:
"canIt
akehi
m ?"

Me:
"unt
ilhecour
sey
ouno"

Shegi
ggl
edandi
tookt
het
owel
sandIwentt
oputt
hem away
.

*
RAZOR*

Nt
ambo:
"soy
ouar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
edf
orr
eal
?"

Me:
"yeah"

Nt
ambo:
"Lov
esi
cknessi
sreal
"

Me:
"justl
i
kekhensani
"

Il
ookedathi
m ashesatup.

Ntambo: "wabonanjayam ,
Khensanii
ncwai
izabohardtogetyang'
thol
aandil
eyont
oengenza
ngigcwalei
str
adingaye(youseemyman.Khensani i
sthosehardtogetchi
cksyougetme?
Andt hat
'swhatmakesmel i
keher)"

Razor:
"car
ry-
ont
ryi
ng"

Nt
ambo:
"hay
iIgi
veup.3weeksandnot
hing"

Ne:
"whatdoy
ouwant
?"

Ntambo:
"Iwantt
ohol
dher,
pleaseherandshowandmakeherf
eel
myDumamshi
ni(
machi
ne
gun)"
Il
aughed.

Me:
"that
'si
nter
est
ing"

Nt
ambo:
"youdon'
tgetme"

Me:"Ido.AsUnathi
sai
d.Tr
ytobeser
iousf
orni
ce.ThoseDumamshi
nij
okeshav
etogo,
just
don'
tpopthem t
oomuch"

Her
oll
edt
hewi
ndowandt
urnedupt
hemusi
c.Ikeptqui
etaswel
l
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t22

"
Mommymommyl
ook"

Il
i
ftmyheadup.Sheshowsmeacar
toonf
il
terf
rom snapchat
.

Me:
"yesbabyi
t'
spr
ett
y"

Igobacktowhat
'si
nfr
ontofmeandIheart
hem gi
ggl
e.Ther
eisaknockont
hedoorand
Khensani
ent
erst
hedoor.

Khensani
:"Sor
ryboss"

Me:
"it
'sok.Whatdoy
ouneed?
"

Khensani
:"i
t'
sknockof
fti
meal
ready
"

Me:
"ohmyGod.,
Todaymymi
ndhast
otal
l
ysl
i
pped"

Khensani
:"Mr
sMahl
anguhasbookedt
hemakeupandhai
rforherdi
nnerpar
tyf
ort
omor
row"

Me:
"Ihopet
hesel
ect
edst
affi
sready"
Khensani
:"pr
eci
sel
y"

Me:
"Ki
dswher
ear
eyourbags"

It
akemyscarf
rom mychai
randcarkey
swhi
l
etr
yingt
oti
dyupandt
akemybag.

Anel
e:"wi
thdaddy"

Me:
"ok"

Khensani
:"doy
ouneedanyhel
p?"

Me:
"cany
oul
ockup?"

Khensani
:"ok"

Me:
"comel
et'
sgo"

Theygetof
fthecouchandt
heywal
koutf
ir
stwi
thKhensani
andIf
oll
ow.Thepl
acei
scl
eanas
well
.

Me:
"by
eKhensani
"

Khensani
:"by
e"

Wewal
koutandt
heki
dskeepgi
ggl
i
ngandpl
ayi
ng.

Me:
"Mommyshoul
dcookoror
der"

Let
ho:
"Mommyathomecooks,
somet
imes"

Me:
"cooki
ngi
tist
hen."

Iopenthecarandbackdoorandgetthem i
nsi
deandthenbuckl
ethem upbef
orecl
osi
ngt
he
doorandgett
ingi
nthefrontandIdr
oveoffheadi
ngtothemall.

*WENDY*

It
akeapuf
fandbl
owi
tof
fandl
ookar
oundt
heenv
ironment
.

Axe:
"ourl
asthei
stwasgood"

Igi
vehert
heci
gar
ett
e.
Me:
"wher
eisr
azor?Hewassupposedt
odoi
twi
thus"

Axe:
"hedi
d.Hepl
annedt
hewhol
ethi
ng"

Igotof
ftheopenbootoft
hecarandst
oodi
nfr
ontofher
.

Me:
"soheownsachi
sany
amaandwehav
enot
hingandj
ustdohei
sts"

Axet
hrewhi
sst
udont
hef
loor
.

Axe:
"youhav
enot
hing,
Ist
art
edbui
l
dingma2r
oom f
lat
sbykodl
adl
en(byhome)
"

Me:
"wow"

Axe:
"udom wai
tsi
?(Youar
est
upi
dyouknow)
"

Me:
"Nx.Li
key
ou"

It
ookt
hebeerandwal
kedof
f.

Axe:
"that
'swhyr
azornev
ercaughtf
eel
i
ngs.Hesawaheav
ywei
ghtl
ongt
imeago"

Idr
inkt
hebeerandi
gnor
eher.

*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Ihadjustfini
shedpreparingsupperandMrNgemahadarri
vedjustanhouragobutwasinhi
s
study
.Ir eall
ydon'
tknowwhatt hi
sshoul
dbebutweareoldandseekingwhatweareseeki
ngat
ourage?Thedoorbel l
ringsandIgoandIopenandstoodthesecuri
tyguar
dwithanenvel
ope.

Me:
"Hi
"

Hehandsi
ttome.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

HenodsandIcl
osedt
hedoor.

"Whowasi
t?"

Ij
umpedoutoff
ri
ght.

Me:
"oh,
itwast
hesecur
it
yman.Thi
sisf
ory
ouIpr
esume"
Het
akesi
tandl
ooksati
tthenopensi
tandIst
andt
her
eli
keaf
ool

Smi
so:
"It
'sal
ett
er"

Me:
"for?
"

Smi
so:
"Unat
hi'
shandi
nmar
ri
age.Thi
sboyi
sser
ious."

Me:
Iwi
sht
omeethi
m"

Smi
so:
"Tr
ustme,
youdon'
twantt
o"

Heshov
edt
hel
ett
er.

Me:
"why?"

Smi
so:
"tr
oubl
emaker"

I
nodded.

Me:
"st
orageheseesv
aluei
nyourdaught
er"

Hesmi
l
edandst
eppedcl
oser
.

Smi
so:
"doy
ouhav
eki
ds?"

Me:
"ihav
easonbutIl
astsawhi
myear
sago"

Smi
so:
"Ohhemov
ed?
"

Me: "no,hewasar rest

ed,t
heenvi
ronmentwel i
vedi
ni t
'sei
theryousonisacri
minalt
hatgoes
tojai
lordoesn'tajobbeatinghi
m.Andy ourdaught
erbeingay ounggi
rlwi
thnofutur
eandhas
alotofbabiesorshesellshersel
fint
helavishl
if
esty
le"

Smi
so:
",hect
ic"

Me:
"it
'showi
tis.Youj
ustgott
olov
ethem i
ntheend"

Heki
ssesmyf
orehead

Me:
"hai
bo"

Hespi
nsmear
oundandIchuckl
e.

Smi
so:
"Ar
en'
tyoushy?"

Me:
"Iam "

Hehol
dsmywai
standmov
esmet
oanobestr
hyt
hm andImov
eal
ong.
Smi
so:
"doy
ouknowt
hesongby
..
..
."

Me:
"Yhodon'
tgof
ar,
Iknowweekendspeci
al"

Hechuckl
ed.

Smi
so:
"si
ngi
tforme"

Me:
"ican'
twi
thoutmusi
c"

Hechuckl
ed

Smi
so:
"wewi
l
lsoon"

Heper
ksmyl
i
psandmakesmer
estmyheadonhi
sshoul
deraswemov
e.

*
UNATHI*

"
(Si
ngi
ng)Eakyst
ickl
yli
ckyst
ickybubbl
egum ,
bubbl
egum ,
bubbl
egum

Eakyst
ickyl
i
ckyst
ickybubbl
egum t
hat
'sst
uckont
omyhai
r,cany
oupul
li
t?Cany
oupul
li
t?"
,

Me:
"Let
hokuhl
eyouar
emaki
ngnoi
se"

Shef
rowns,
Ipusht
het
rol
l
yal
ongt
hei
sleandmyphoner
ingsi
nthei
rhands.

Anel
e:"whoi
sBabe?"

Me:
"br
ingmemyphone"

It
akei
tfr
om t
hei
rhands.

Let
ho:"mommyandbabesit
ti
ngonatr
ee,K.
I.
S.S.
I.
N.G,
fir
stcomesl
ove,
thencomes
marri
age,
thencomesababywit
habi
gfathead"

Me:"Iwil
ltel
lyourf
athert
haty
ouar
esi
ngi
ngt
hiski
ssi
ngr
ubbi
sh,
wher
edi
dyoul
ear
nitand
yougotabighead"

Shegasped.Ianswer
edandpushedt
het
rol
l
ey.

Razor:
"Nana"

Me:
"Iam dr
ained"
Razor:
"youknockedof
f?"

Me:
"yesandIam doi
ngabi
tofshoppi
ng"
,

Razor:
"Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
aterIhav
esomet
hingt
oat
tend.Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
ooNgomane"

WehangupandLet
hoi
ssni
ff
ing.

Anel
e:"mommyLet
hoi
scr
ying"

Me:
"whyar
eyoucr
ying?"

Let
ho:
"yousai
dIhav
eabi
ghead"

Shesul
ked.

Me:
"sor
ry.Mommywasj
oki
ngok?"

Shenodded.

Me:
"l
et'
sgogetsnacksandwi
neandt
henl
otsofmeatt
henwepay"

Anel
e:"andI
cecr
eam ?"

Il
ookedatt
hem.

Me:
"justf
ort
hisonet
ime.I
cecr
eam "

Them :
"yay
!"

Iwentt
odot
her
estoft
heshoppi
ngbef
oreIwentt
opay
.

*
RAZOR*

Iwal
kedi
naf
tert
alki
ngt
oUnat
hiandt
heywer
eal
lwai
ti
ngf
orme.

Kau:
"It
'sbeenl
ongsi
ncewemi
ssedy
oursi
l
li
ness"

Wendy:
yetwedon'
tknowy
ou"
Nt
ambo:
"that
'sbecausey
ouar
eanewwast
e,y
ouar
eWhat?Ther
ott
ingmeati
nthehotsun"

Axe:
"youar
eroast
inghernow"

Theyl
aughed.

Me:
"ey
ibackt
obusi
ness.Howmuchwasbaggedatt
hel
asthei
st?
"

Kaut
ookt
hebagandputi
tont
het
abl
eandi
openedi
t.

Me:
"mmmh"

Axe:
"5mi
l
li
on"

Me:
"soami
l
li
oneach"

Wendy:
"wewentont
hehei
stwegetbi
ggercut"

Me:
"west
rat
egi
zed"

Ntambo:"somet
hingy
oudon'
tmay
beknowf
rom school
.Insi
mpl
eEngl
i
shwepl
anned
ev
eryt
hing"

Wendy:
"Iknowwhatt
hatwor
dmeans"

Me:
"any
oneagr
eeswi
thWendy?"

Ther
ewassi
l
ence

Me:
"Iguessi
t'
sset
tl
ed.

Nt
ambo:
"Iwi
l
ldeductR500t
housandf
rom y
ourmoneyj
ustbecauseofy
oursourat
ti
tude"

Wendy:
"youwoul
dn'
t"

Nt
ambo:
"Yey
iYey
i!"

Hemadeanecksl
i
tsi
gn.

Me:
"leav
eher
."

Nt
ambo:
"Iam wat
chi
ngy
ou"

Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongue.

*UNATHI*
IgottohishouseandIwalkedi
nsi de.Thekidsdon'ttotheloungeandst artedwat chingTV
whil
eIunpacked.Imadesnacksf orthem andmy selfwhil
eIgoogl edagoodt r
aditionalr
ecipe
anddumpl i
ngswit
hLambst ewwasper fect
lyfi
newi thme.Ist art
edsl av
ingawayi nthekit
chen
anddoingwhatIdon'tdomostbutagi r
lhasgottopr epar
ef orthesecondt ime.Af ter
ever
ythi
ngwassetandi nt
hepot si washedthedishesIusedandcl eanedthekitchen.Iheard
thecarpull
upandsomeonecur singout si
de.

"Shi
t!Theki
dsf
orgott
hei
rbags"

Theki
thendooropenedwhil
etheywal
kedinandrazordr
oppedhi
scal
lwhi
l
ecar
ryi
ngt
hebags.
Ntambowentst
rai
ghtfort
hepotsandchecked.

Nt
ambo:
"mmmhweshal
lsee"

Hewal
kedof
fandIper
kedRazor
'sl
i
ps.

Razor
:"t
hisi
sani
cesur
pri
se.Iwasaboutt
osul
kandbeababyt
hewhol
eweekend"

Me:
"wehav
etogetusedt
othi
senv
ironmentbef
orei
t'
sper
manent"

Razor:
"mmmht
hatsoundsni
ce"

Me:
"itl
ooksev
enBet
ter"
,

Ibi
tmybot
tom l
i
pandper
kedhi
m agai
nandweshar
edaki
ss.

Me:
"cany
oubat
hAnel
eIwi
l
ltakecar
eofLet
ho"

Razor:
"sur
e"

Heki
ssesmycheekbef
orewal
ki
ngof
fandIcar
ryoncooki
ng.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~
I
nser
t23

Theki
dsar
eallbat
hedandreadyint
hei
rpyjamasandthat
'sgood.FoodisreadyandIam
di
shi
ngupforever
yonewhi
letheyar
ewatchingTVatt
helounge.Igot otheloungeaf
ter
di
shi
ngupandIstandbyt
hepassage.

Me:
"foodi
sready"

Nt
ambo:
"youhav
etogetusedt
oat
rayandkneeont
hef
loor"

Me:
"Yoh.Hect
icIt
ell
you,
weneedadi
ningr
oom t
abl
ethatcoul
dwor
k"

Nt
ambo:
"Letmegoandseei
fyoucookedi
tper
fect
ly"

Me:
"it
'sgood"

Theywal
kedintheki
tchenandev
ery
onetookthei
rfood.Itookf
ort
hekidsandthenIf
oll
owed
outt
otheloungeandwesatdownandtheyst
oodInfrontofmewhi
leIf
eedthem.

Let
ho:
"Gogoal
way
scookst
hisf
orus"

Me:
"whatbaby?"

Shepoi
ntsatt
hedumpl
i
ng"

Me:
"that
'swonder
ful
."

If
eedhert
henIf
eedAnel
e.

Nt
ambo:
"Ay
iyour
eget
ti
ngv
eryt
her
ewi
thy
ourcooki
ng"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Nt
ambo:
"Hol
dhermananddon'
tl
etgo"

Razor:
"Idon'
ti
ntendt
o"

Let
ho:
"Daddyaf
tert
hisar
eweget
ti
ngi
cecr
eam ?
"

Me:
"it
'sl
ate"

Razor:
"Mommyhast
alkedpr
incess"

Shesul
ked

Me:
"youar
esuchadi
va"

Razor:
"ki
ndal
i
key
oubackt
hen"
Me:
"Yho"

Theyl
aughed.

Me:
"Iam notadi
va"

Let
ho:
"youar
eadi
va"

Shegi
ggl
ed.

Me:
"openy
ourmout
h"

ShedidandIfedherandAneleti
ll
theyweref
ullandthenIatemysel
f.RazorandNtambosaid
theywil
lwashdishesandtheki
dswatchedabitoftvbefor
etheyst
art
edgetti
ngdrowsy.It
ook
them t
obedandwentt ojoi
ntheboys.

Nt
ambo:
"Iam goi
ngout
."

Me:
"it
'sl
ate"

Nt
ambo:
"Iknow.Iwi
l
lbebacki
nthemor
ning"

Razor:
"Xap(shar
p)"

Theyf
istbumpedandhewal
kedoutandIl
ookedatr
azor
.

Razor:
"mi
dni
ghtwal
k"

Me:
"Iam wor
ri
ed."

Razor:
"don'
tbe,
now"

Hel
ockedt
hedoorandpi
cksmeup.

Razor
:"canIhav
emydeser
t?"

Igi
ggl
edandhel
dhi
sshoul
der
s.

Me:
"whatt
ypeofser
ving?"

Hewal
ksi
nthebedr
oom andpl
acesmeont
hebedandki
ssesmyl
i
ps.

Razor:
"thi
scr
eamyki
ndofser
ving."

Me:
"mi
xedwi
thy
ou?"

Razor:
"mi
xedwi
thal
otofme"

Il
aughed.
Me:
"Mmmhsoundsdel
i
cious"

Razor:
"letmet
akecar
eoft
hedoor"

Hewentt
othedoorandcl
osedi
tlocki
ngi
tbef
orecomi
ngt
ome.

*
KHENSANI*

Hewalkedi
nast hedoorbustedopenandIsatupf
rom t
hebedandhelooksatmeandIstand
upaswelli
nallwhil
etyi
ngmygown.Mykneesandhandswer eshaki
ngoutoffear
.Thateye,
I
for
seebadthi
ngsthatwil
lhappenfrom i
t.

Me:
"Uhm .
..y
ou'
reback,
Icooked"

Hel
ooksathi
sri
ghtandhi
sey
esl
andont
het
wopl
atest
oveont
opoft
hecount
eri
nthi
sone
r
oom.

Hi
m:"Iheary
ouar
ewor
king"

Hedr
opshi
slunchbagandf
earcr
eepsi
n,hest
epscl
oserandImov
ebackabi
t.

Hi
m:"kei
tseKhensani
?(whatdi
dIsayKhensani
?)"

Hi
sbighandi
snowopenwavi
ngi
ntheai
rwhi
leheist
alki
ngandheisnotpl
eased.
ihol
dont
o
mygownasifi
twi
ll
prot
ectme.Howdidhef
indout?Thosenei
ghbor
s.

Me:
"ui
tseumonna'
meut
lauf
a.(y
ousai
dyouar
ethemanandy
ouwi
l
lpr
ovi
de)
"

Hi
m:"hobanengkesahl
omphuoe?(sowhyam Idi
srespect
ed?)
"

HeslappedmeandIcri
edwhi
l
efall
i
ngont hebed.Ibi
tmy sel
ffrom i
nsi
decausi
ngmet obl
eed.
Heisontopofmehi
tti
ngmeli
keneverbef
ore.Iam cr
yingtr
yingtoprot
ectmyfacei
nthe
pr
ocess.

Hi
m:"uf
eli
l
eul
eli
tši
l
a!(y
ouar
eful
lofr
ubbi
sh!)
"

Me:
"Kekopat
s'oar
elo!
(Iam sor
ry!
)"

Ikeeponshout
ingt
hatjustf
orhi
mt ost
op.Ishoul
dn'
thav
eranhome,
Itwasbet
terbei
ng
star
vedbymyfamil
ythanbeinghi
tbyastr
anger
.

Me:
"Bakangpl
ease!"
Bakang:
"youneedt
obeputi
nli
ne."

Ikeptoncr
yingf
eel
i
ngev
erysl
apandpunchaswel
l
.

*
RAZOR*

Me:
"MmmhNana"

Sheki
ssesmychestandIwantt
ohol
dherbutshehasmestuckont
hebedandIcan'
tmove
myhandsjustt
ohol
dher.Shesmil
eslooki
ngatmeandt
hiswomanhasatri
ckonhersl
eeve.

Unat
hi:
"Iam i
nchar
get
oday
"

Me:
"Icanseebuty
ouar
etor
tur
ingme,
Iwantt
otouchy
ou"

Unat
hi:
"Nobaby
"

Sheki
ssesmeev ery
wher
eandIfeelti
ngl
esandshethencomestomyli
psandper
ksthem
bef
oreshekissesmeandIdothesame.Shebreaksitandshesmi
l
esandshet
akesmydick
i
ntoherhandandsheposi
ti
onshersel
fandr
ubstheti
ponher .

Me:
"Babe"

Unat
hi:
"mmmh"

Shel
ooksatmebef
oreshef
inal
l
ysl
i
psi
nandt
hewar
mthnessIf
elt
.

Me:
"kepuŝobonas(t
hatpussyi
sgood)
"

Unat
hi:
"Babyar
eyouspeaki
ngi
ntongues?"

Me:
"yougotmespeaki
ngt
ongues"

Shel
aughs.

Unat
hi:
"let
'seaty
ouMr"

Sheplacesheronehandonmychestandshet
henbouncesonmeandswi
rvi
ngherwai
sti
nthe
process.FuckIam i
tchi
ngt
ohol
dher

Me:
"Shi
t!NanaIwantt
ohol
dyou"

Sheshakesherheadwhi
l
eitr
oll
sback.
Unat
hi:
"Ah"

Shebi
tesherbot
tom l
i
pandi
t'
sdr
ivi
ngmecr
azy
.

*
UNATHI*

Iwokeupinthemorni
ng.Iwon'tbegoingt
oworktoday,Khensaniwi
l
lbet
hough,
Itouchedmy
si
deandrazorwasn'
tther
e.Igotofft
hebedandworejustt-
shir
tandmygownandImademy
wayoutandtheki
dsareupeati
ngporri
dgewatchi
ngTV.

Me:
"mor
ningmunchi
es."

Them :
"mor
ningMommy"

Me:
"wher
eisdaddy?"

Anel
e:"ki
tchen"

Iwentt
otheki
tchenandhei
smov
ingawayi
nther
e.

Me:
"youar
eanat
ural
"

Het
urnsandki
ssesmyf
orehead.

Razor:
"youshowedmef
lamesy
est
erday,
Iwi
l
lpuni
shy
ouf
ort
hat
"

Me:
"Iwasgi
vi
ngy
ouat
ast
eofsomet
hingnew"

Razor:
"def
ini
tel
y.Comeeatt
henwewi
l
lbat
htheki
dsandy
ouandwewi
l
lgot
othepar
k.(Yawn
)"

It
urnedt
ohi
m.

Me:
"thatwoul
dbewonder
ful
.Youl
ookl
i
key
oudi
dn'
tgetsl
eep"

Razor:
"noIam f
ine."

Me:
"ok."

Hewal
ksof
f.

.
*
KHENSANI*

Hehasal readyl ef
tforhi susual routineofgoingtodohis" Jobs".Mybodywasi npai nbutI
wasdet er
mi nedt hatIwi l
lgotowor k.Itwi
llpaymewel landIthankGodf ormywi lltodoa
businesscour sebecauseIwoul dn'thavethisgoodjobev enthoughIwantedtodosomet hing
el
sebutIam gr ateful.7y earssincewecameher e,Iwasat eenagerbackthen.Stupidand
naï
ve, dr
unki nloveaswel lbutwhenmywi shesseemedt obef adi
ngIhadtost andupf or
myself.Iwentandappl iedt odoacour seandIgotbeati
ngsof fmyl i
fetostopgoingbutIdi dn'
t
Ipushed.Iwal koutoft hisoneroom shackandgocat chat axitoworkandgott here.Thesalon
opensat9am andIar ri
v edjustintime.Iopenedandwepr eparedforwhenourcl i
entswill
comeandsomeoft hest affmember swenttoMr sMahlangu'shouseasshebookedt hewhole
day.Thisplacer eall
yj ustmakesmoney .

Me:
"Ineedt
hebat
hroom.Iwi
l
lbeback"

Iwenttot hebathroom andstoodi

nfrontoft
hemirrorandli
ft
edmyt -shir
tupandtear
sdrop
andIwipet hem.Ipul l
itdownandtouchmyev er
ywhereandit'
sstil
lpainful
butGr
andpawi l
l
hadtofixthat.Iwalkedoutandwecar ri
edonwit
hourdai l
yrout
ineti
lll
uncht i
mewhenNt ambo
akaRopeaswel l
camei ntothest
ore.TheguyisfunnyyenaIwon'tli
e.Todayhelooksaround
andgreetsmebef or
epassingandInodandhegoesandsi tsdownandasksourBar bert
ocut
hi
shair.Iwat chthem ,Memecomest ome.

Meme:
"canICour
thi
m ?"

Ishr
uggedandcarr
iedonwi
thworksoonhewasdoneandhecomesandpay
sbyt
hecount
er
whereIam st
andi
ngwithmycol
l
eagueaswell
.

Nt
ambo:
"namanj
eawungi
boni
(ev
ennowy
oust
il
ldon'
tseeme)
"

Ikeptqui
et.Hechuckl
es.

Nt
ambo:
"Cany
ouwal
kmeout?"

Hel
ooksatt
hel
adynextt
omeandshest
andsup.

Me:
"si
tdownt
her
eiswor
ktodo"

Nt
ambo:
"comekebecausey
oudon'
twanthert
owal
kmeout"

Il
ookedathi
m andmyf
eetar
etaki
ngmet
ohi
ssi
deandwal
ki
nghi
m out
.

Me:
"ther
eyougo"

Nt
ambo:
"come"
Isi
gh,
Idon'
thav
eener
gyf
orhi
mtoday
.

Nt
ambo:
"Whatam Idoi
ngwr
ong?"

Il
ookathi
mthenaway
.

Me:
"not
hing"

Nt
ambo:
"youknowmonamour,
.
..
"

Ii
nter
rupt
edhi
m.

Me;
"whatdoest
hatmean?"

Nt
ambo:
"it
'sf
renchf
ormyl
ove"

Ibl
ushedandhechuckl
ed.

Nt
ambo:
"at
leastshebl
ushedt
oday"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
t"

Hehel
dmywai
standIf
li
nched.

Nt
ambo:
"lookatme"

Hel
i
ftedmyheadupt
ohi
slev
elofey
es.

Nt
ambo:
"Il
i
key
ou,
Ireal
l
yli
key
ou,
I.
..
."

Me:
"Ican'
tbewi
thanyman,
eveni
fIwantt
o"

Nt
ambo:
"Iwon'
tbr
eaky
ourhear
t,Iwi
l
ltr
eaty
our
ight"

Me:
"menar
egoodatsel
l
ingdr
eams"

Nt
ambo:
"Iam notKhen"

Hekissesmyli
psandf
ool
i
shmer
espondsandhehel
dmef
rom t
hebackpul
l
ingmeandI
f
li
nchedbreaki
ngi
t.

Me:
"Ihav
etogo"

Itur
nedbuthehel
dmyar
m andbr
oughtmebackt
ohi
m andt
ouchedmywai
stt
omyr
ibsandI
fl
i
nchedandmoanedi
npain.

Nt
ambo:
"what
'swr
ong?"

Me:
"not
hingIhav
etogo"
Hehol
dsmet
ight
lysot
hatIwoul
dn'
tescapeandpul
l
edmyt
opupsl
owl
yandIl
ookeddown.

Nt
ambo:
"soy
ouwer
egonnahi
det
hisf
rom me?"

Me:
"letmego!Youdon'
tknowme"

Nt
ambo:
"ey
ikeepqui
etabouty
oudon'
tknowmenonsenseKhensani
whodi
dthi
stoy
ou?"

Me:
"leav
eitandl
eav
eme"

Nt
ambo:
"Isweary
oudon'
twantt
oseemybadsi
dei
fyoudon'
ttal
kri
ghtnow!"

Me:
"cal
m down"

Nt
ambo:
"tal
k"

Me:
"myboy
fri
end"

Hel
etgoofmeandwal
kedof
f.

Me:
"Fezi
l
e!"

Hegoti
nhi
scarAndIt
urnedandwal
kedbackt
othesal
oncr
ying.

*
UNATHI*

Weweredoneeatingandcl
eaningandbathi
ngaswel l,
evengett
ingdressed.Nowwear eon
ourwayoutt
ogobuyf oodbecausewehav esnacksandthenheadtotheparktoenjoysome
fami
lyt
ime.Itookmybagandr azoropenedthedoorwhil
ethekidsr
ushedt othecar.

Me:
"letmeopenf
ory
ou"

Iopenedt
hecarandt
heygoti
nsi
de.Acarpul
l
edupbyt
hegat
eandnt
ambogotout
.

Me:
"wow"

Hewal
kedst
rai
ghtupt
ousl
ooki
ngnothi
susual
sel
f.

Nt
ambo:
"Idon'
tknowi
fIshoul
dcr
yorbeangr
yorwhat?"

Razor:
"what
'swr
ong?"

Hesatdownont
hef
loorandj
ustsni
ff
ed.
Nt
ambo:
"it
'skhen"

Me:
"ar
eyoucr
ying?"

Nt
ambo:
"herboy
fri
endi
shi
tt
ingher
.Justt
het
houghtofhercr
yingandbeggi
nghi
mtost
op."

Razor:
"iam sor
ryman"

Nt
ambo:
"Iwi
l
lsl
aught
erhi
sbal
l
s"

Me:
"thi
sishect
ic.I
ssheok?"

Nt
ambo:
"Il
eftheratwor
k.Icoul
dn'
tcr
yinf
rontofher"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouar
ethi
ssweet"

Nt
ambo:
"Ial
way
sam ,
whoar
eyout
aki
ngmef
or?"

Me:
"ok"

Nt
ambo:
"Iam goi
ngbackl
aterandIwi
l
lfet
chher
."

Me:
"andt
akeherwher
e?"

Ntambo:
"Ij
ustneedt
osearchf
orapl
aceIwi
l
lkeepher
.Can'
tl
etanot
hermant
ouchmy
womanandgetawaywit
hit
."

Me:
"Iam scar
ednow"

Razor:
"Don'
tbe"

Let
ho:
"ar
ewegoi
ng?"

Razor:
"wear
ecomi
ng"

Nt
ambo:
"gowi
thy
oul
i
ttl
edest
roy
ers."

Me:
"don'
tcal
lourki
dst
hat"

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"youhav
egott
his"

Nt
ambonodded.Wegoti
nthecarandhwenti
nsi
det
hehouse.

.
Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t24

Me:
"iam abi
twor
ri
edaboutNt
ambo.
"

Razor:
"don'
tbe."

Hehel
dmyhand.Ikeptqui
etashedr
ove,
wer
eachedt
hepar
kandt
henweal
lgotout
.

Let
ho:
"Mommy,
youwi
l
lpl
aywi
thme?"

Me:
"sur
e"

Shesqueel
edandRazort
ookAneleonhi
sshoulder
sandwet
ookev
ery
thi
ngweneededoutand
wenttofi
ndasit
ti
ngspotonabenchandtabl
e.

Me:
"ohIf
orgotmyphone"

Razor:
"usemi
ne"

Me:
"ar
en'
tyouscar
edIwi
l
lseesomet
hing?"

Razor:
"idon'
thav
eany
thi
ngt
ohi
de"

Het
akesi
tout
.

Let
ho:
"youar
egonnat
akeaphot
oofus?"

Me:
"yesbaby"

Razor:
"comepr
incess"

Ismil
eashet r
iestogetherononeshoul
derandAnel
eontheot
her
.Theygiggl
eandismi
led
l
ookingatthem ,
Il
ovehowLethoandRazorareget
ti
ngal
ongsover
ywell
.Itmakesmehappy.I
tookapict
ureofthem andmoreaswell
.

.
*
KHENSANI*

Iwasput
ti
ngawaythenewhai
ror
der
sthatwehav
ejustgot
tenandMemeGoti
nthest
orer
oom
asIwasunpacki
ng.

Meme:
"Iseey
ouandMrt
her
e..
.youl
i
kehi
m now?
"

Me:
"memeIam noti
nthemoodf
ort
alkst
oday"

Meme:
"fi
rstdayandal
readyhemadey
ouangr
y"

Me:
"goaf
terhi
m,Idon'
tcar
ereal
l
y.Iam nother
eforhi
m butt
owor
k"

Meme:
"sur
ethenIwi
l
lshootmyshot"

ShewalkedoutandIstoppedwhatIwasdoingandsi ghed.Itouchedmyri
bareaandi
t'
sabit
pai
nful
butthepainisbearabl
esinceIdr
ankpainrel
ief.If
ini
shupandmyphoner i
ngsandIt
ake
i
toutofmypant sandit
'sBakang.MyheartbeatsfastandIanswershaki
ng.

Me:
"hel
l
o"

Bakang:
"whyar
eyounothome?"

Me:
"I.
..
"

Bakang:"don'
teventhi
nkoflyi
ngbecauseIam her
e.Iam comi
ngt
ofet
chy
ouandy
ouwi
l
lbe
ki
ckingandscreamingyourl
ungout"

Hecli
ckedhi
stongueandhungup.Il
ookedatmyphoneandbi
tmybot
tom l
i
p.Iam r
eal
l
y
scar
ed,.

"Khensani
weneedy
ou,
arey
ouok?"

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
.

Me:
"yeahIam l
et'
sgo"

Shelookedatmeandwewal
kedout
.Iam scar
ed.Her
eal
l
ywi
l
ldot
hat
,Bakangi
snotscar
edof
anyt
hing.

*
RAZOR*
Unat
hi:
"WoahbabyIam j
ustsi
tt
ingdontpushme."

Me:
"justabi
tnana"

Unat
hi:
"no,
nono!"

Let
ho:
"yesdaddypushmommy"

Theywaymyheartj
ustwarmswhenhear
ingthat
.Especi
all
yfr
om heri
tssopr
icel
ess.Ipush
Unathi
andt
hekidskeepswingi
ngt
hemselv
esont heswi
ng.

Unat
hi:
"IswearwhenIgetdownIwi
l
lki
l
lyouLi
ndani
Ngomane"

Me:
"t
henwhowi
l
lgi
vei
ttoy
oul
i
keIdoi
fIam dead"

Theki
dsl
augh,
dot
heyknowwhatIam t
alki
ngabout?

Unat
hi:
"pl
ease"

Ipushherandl
etgoandshei
scl
osi
ngherey
edandscr
eami
ng.

Me:
"dr
ama!
"

Theki
dsl
augh"

Unat
hi:
"Iwantt
ogetdown"

Ihel
dherswi
ngwheni
twascomi
ngmywayandsl
owedi
tdownandshegotof
fandcamet
o
meandImovedback.

Me:
"Iam sor
rynana"

Shehitmyshoul
derandIchuckl
edandhel
dherwai
standshecl
i
ckedhert
ongue.Iki
ssedher
neck.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Unat
hi:
"Idon'
tfor
giv
eyou"

Anel
e:"pushmemommy"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lpushy
ou"

Unat
hi:
"hai
youwi
l
lsendoursoni
ntheai
r"

Ichuckledandshewentt
opusht
hem.Il
ookedatt
hem andIsawaf
igur
eofmymt
heri
nfr
ont
ofAnele'sswi
ng.

Anel
e:"Hi
gogo"
Woah.

Me:
"woahy
ou.
..
yousawt
hat?"

Unat
hi:
"sawwhat?"

Anelekeptonpushi
nghi
mselfafterunat
higav
ehim aboost
.ShewavedatAnel
ewhowav ed
backsmili
ngandIwasstunned.Shelooksmydir
ect
ionandshehol
dsherhandstoget
her
befor
eshedisappear
s.

*
KHENSANI*

Well
todaywemadev er
ygoodmoney,Unat
hiwil
lbever
yimpressed.Iwastel
l
ingLif
athatIwi
l
l
cl
osethebl
indsshecangoandshewal
kedoutandBakangcamei ncl
appi
nghishands.

Bakang:
"thi
siswher
eyoushowhowunappr
eci
atedy
ouar
e?"

Me:
"Bakang"

Bakang:
"shutup!"

Hesteppedcl
oserandimovedbackwar
dsandhekeptoncomi
ngtil
lIr
eachedt
hewal
landhe
sl
appedmeandi cri
edandhepull
edmebymyhairdraggi
ngmeli
kehesaid.

Me:
"Bakang!"

Bakang:
"ShutupKhensani
"

Hest
oppedt
oki
ckmeandIcoughedbef
orehepul
l
edmeonceagai
n.

"Voet
seknj
angowabani
umf
azi
(Voet
sekdog,
wit
hwho'
swi
fe?)
"

Bakang:
"mov
eoutofmywayorIwi
l
lhi
tyou"

Nt
ambochuckl
edandhepoundedonbakangwhoi
mmedi
atel
ylef
tmyhai
r.

Me:
"Fezi
l
e!"

Nt
ambo:
"youneedsomeonewhoi
sol
dert
hany
ou"

Bakang:
"ist
hiswhaty
oudo?Af
terev
ery
thi
ng"

HepouncesatNt
amboandt
heyf
ight
.
Me:
"guy
sst
op!"

Ihel
dmychest
,theywer
ebot
hequallyst
rong.Ntambot
ookoutakni
fe,
Twost
absandBakang
wasonhi
skneesandoneonhisneck..Icover
edmymouthi
nshock.

Me:
"ohmyGod"

Nt
ambo:
"youshi
t!"

Me:
"Ohmygod"

Ist
oodupf
rom t
hef
loorandImov
edback.Het
urnedt
omeandl
ookedathi
shand.

Nt
ambo:
"Khensani
"

Me:
"St
ay.
..
stayt
her
e"

Iwasshaki
ng.

Nt
ambo:
"Iwon'
thur
tyou"

Me:
"youki
l
ledhi
m"

Nt
ambo:
"IknowbutIwon'
thur
tyou"

Icr
ied.

Nt
ambo:
"Iwon'
thur
tyou"

Hegott
omeandhuggedme.

Nt
ambo:
"ar
eyouok?"

Me:
"Iam scar
ed"

Nt
ambo:
"Iam sor
ry"

Isni
ff
ed.

Nt
ambo:
"weneedt
ogethi
mtot
hecar
."

Inodded.

Nt
ambo:
"Iwi
l
lbeback."

Hewashedhi
shandsbef
orewal
ki
ngoutandIl
ookedatBakangl
ayi
ngt
her
e.Hecamebackand
hecr
ouchednextt
ohi
m.

Nt
ambo:
"let
'scar
ryhi
m"
Webothassi st
edeachother,mypai
nwastheleastofmyprobl
emsatt
hemoment .Thecar
wasverycloseandthebootwasopen.Wethr
ewhi minandwentbacki
nsi
deandcleanedup
thewholeplacetennt
ambot ookcar
eoft
hesecurit
yfoot
agebefor
ewewalkedoutl
ockingand
goti
nthecar .

*
UNATHI*

Me:
"thanky
ouf
ort
hesuggest
iont
ocomeher
e"

Razor:
"mypl
easur
e"

Me:
"ar
eyouok?Youhav
en'
tbeenoksi
ncet
heswi
ngi
nci
dent"

Razor:
"Iam.Iam mor
ethanok"

Me:
"ify
ousayso"

Razor:
"wear
edone?"

Me:
"yepl
et'
sgohome"

Let
ho:
"Mommy"

Me:
"noLet
hokuhl
eKhumal
olet
'sgo"

Shesul
ked.Thi
sdi
vaMar
a.Wepackedup.

*
KHENSANI
*

wearri
vedatanaboundedpl
ace.Moreli
keabushtypeofpl
aceandIam wear
ingNtambo'
s
hoodi
ebecauseofthecol
dbreeze.Weboughtashoveonourwayher
eandhei sdi
ggi
ngahol
e.
HegetsdoneandthenhedragsBakangini
tandIlookaway"
.

Me:
"tel
lmewheny
ouar
edone"
Ikeepont
helookoutandt
henIhearhi
m cur
singbef
orehebur
ri
edhi
m wi
tht
hesoi
landget
s
doneaswell
.

Nt
ambo:
"youar
esaf
e"

Inodded.

Me:
"Ihopewewon'
tbecaught
."

Nt
ambo:
"wear
eint
hist
oget
hernow"

Me:
"yeah"

Inoddedandheper
kedmyf
orehead.

Nt
ambo:
"comewewi
l
lgot
oaBNBandl
ookf
orapl
acet
omor
rowok.?
"

Me:
"ok"

Am ireall
ytr
ust
inganot
hermanher
e?Wewal
kedbackt
othecarandgoti
nandIwasl
osti
n
thoughts.

Nt
ambo:
"Iwon'
thur
tev
er"

Inodded.Godt
hisi
samess.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t25

WegothomeandRazorwascar ryi
ngtheki
dsinside.Theywer
esoundasl
eepi
nhisar
msandI
wentt
othekit
chen.Thel
eftoverfoodIpackeditawayandthr
ewawaywhatneededt
obe
t
hrownaway.Hegotint
hekitchenandassist
edmeandwewer edone.

Me:
"thanky
ouf
ort
oday"
Razor:
"it
'st
imeIst
art
edact
ingl
i
keaf
ami
l
yman"

Me:
"Il
ovebot
hsi
des"

Heper
ksmyl
i
ps.

Me:
"shoul
dIcook?"

Razor:
"ifwegethungr
ywewi
l
ljustor
der"
,

Me:
"ok,
Ineedt
obat
h"

Razor:
"canIwashy
ourbody
?",

Me:
"youandmei
nabat
htubnaked?Yho"

Hepi
ckedmeup.

Razor:
"itwi
l
lbef
un"

Me:
"real
l
y?"

Razor:
"Iwi
l
lteachy
ou"

Me:
"Iwoul
dli
ket
oseet
hat"

Razor:
"bepr
epar
ed"

Iki
ssedhi
sli
psandwewentt
othebat
hroom andgoti
n.

*
KHENSANI*

Iwassi t
tinginthecarwhi leHewentoutt osorttheaccommodat i
onissuefort
heni
ght.Iam
scared,Iam f r
ightenedandpr ay
ingt
hatIam reall
ysaf e,Idon'
ttr
ustmy sel
faswel
lthatIt
rust
Ntambot hateasil
y, Iam scaredthepoli
cewil
lcat chusthatwekill
edBakang.Whatahecti
c
Saturday.Iseehim comi ngt othecarandhegoti nside.

Nt
ambo:
"wear
esor
ted"

Inoddedandsi
ghed.

Nt
ambo:
"don'
twor
ry.Igotev
ery
thi
ng"

Me:
"Iknow"
Whatdoy
ouknowKhensani
?

Nt
ambo:
"ar
eyouwor
kingt
omor
row?
"

Me:
"no"

Nt
ambo:
"that
'sgood."

Hedrovei
nsi
det
hepl
aceandwegotoutandmadeourwayi
nsi
de.Ther
oom wasneatandt
idy
aswell
.

Nt
ambo:
"Iwi
l
lsl
eepont
hecouchandy
out
aket
hebed"

Ibr
eat
hedout
.

Nt
ambo:
"letmeseet
hebr
uises"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Nt
ambo:
"ify
oudon'
twantt
oit
'sf
ine"

It
ookoffhishoodi
eandmytopandIwaslef
twi
thmyboobs.Theyar
esmal lsotheydon'
tneed
abraandtheyareupr
ight
.Hegoesar
oundmeandtouchest
hearea'
sthathurt.

Me:
"mmh"

Nt
ambo:
"Iwi
l
ltakey
out
otheDr"

Me:
"noi
tfi
ne.Youhav
edoneenough"

Nt
ambo:
"Iam st
ubbor
nsol
etmebe"

Inodded.

Nt
ambo:
"ar
eyouhungr
y?"

Me:
"yes"

Hewal
kedoutAndi
satont
hebed.

*
UNATHI
*

Me:
"Iam nev
erdoi
ngt
hatagai
n"
Razor:
"wear
eexpl
ores"

Me:
"youexpl
oret
oomuch"

Il
ookathi
m andhechuckl
es.

Razor:
"comet
obedal
ready"

Me:
"wai
t"

Igotdr
essedandIgotont
hebedandsatbet
weenhi
m.

Razor:
"thi
shai
rsui
tsy
ou"

Me:
"it
'saweav
ebabe"

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"ar
en'
tyout
aki
ngi
tof
f"

Me:
"hai
boNgomane"

Razor:
"Iam aski
ng"

Me:
"it
'sgl
ued"

Razor:
"ohIsee"

Hepl
ayswi
thmyf
inger
s.

Razor:
"Youar
echangi
ngal
otoft
hings"

Me:
"li
ke?"

Razor:
"Ican'
twai
ttoseey
ouwal
kdownt
heal
terandsayIdo,
somet
hingInev
eri
magi
ned"

Me:
"thanky
ouf
orgi
vi
ngmeasecondchance"

Heki
ssedmuchcheek.

Razor:
"youdeser
vei
t"

Il
aidonhi
schest
.

Razor:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"

Hewrappedhisar
msaroundme.Ilookedatmyr
ingandsmi
l
ed,
Iam goi
ngt
otr
ymybestt
o
bebet
terthi
sti
mearound.Waybet
ter
.
.

*
KHENSANI
*

Igott
imet
obat
handwhenhecamebackIwasdoneanddr
essed.Hepl
acedt
hef
oodont
he
bed.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Nt
ambo:
"youar
ewel
come"

Hepul
l
edachai
randsati
nfr
ontofme.

Nt
ambo:
"soKhenv
elev
eley
oudon'
tl
ikeme?"

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
"Ithoughty
ouwer
egonnacomeasl
i
ke,
grandgr
andawungi
mat
ch?
(Real
l
yyoudon'
tl
ike
me?)"

Hechuckl
ed.Hei
sscar
ybutgoodl
ooki
ngi
fyouj
ustst
areathi
m.

Nt
ambo:
"Souy
angi
mat
ch?(Youl
i
keme?)
"

Me:
"whydoy
ouwantmet
oli
key
ou?"

Nt
ambo:
"whynot?"

Me:
"youar
epl
ayf
ul"

Nt
ambo:
"that
'sme,
butIcanbeser
iousi
fIwantt
o"

Hemov
edcl
oser
.

Nt
ambo:
"youwantmet
obehonest?
"

Me:
"pl
ease"

Ntambo:"Iam anexcon,IhaveBeeni
nandoutofprison,Idi
sappoint
edmymot herandIhave
neverhadanyt
hingsoli
dinmylif
ebutIam t
ryi
ngtomakesomechangei nmyli
fe.OnethingI
wouldneverdoinmylifei
sbeatawomanuporev enholdheragressi
vel
ybecauseiwouldn'
t
wantanothermandoingthatt
omymot her,i
fyoulov
ehery oul
ov eher"

Il
ookedathi
m andhegotupandki
ssedmyli
pslayi
ngmedownandIr
espondedaswel
l
.I
cl
osedmyeyesasmyheartwasbeati
ngandhebrokei
t.
Nt
ambo:
"eatt
henr
est"

InoddedandwesatupandIat
e.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t26

Ireal
lywasti
redfr
om yest
erdaybutasIhavemadeapr omisetot
hepastorthatIwil
lcome
oncemor et
henIhavetokeepthatpromise.Ihav
ebeenavoidi
nggoingtochurchbecauseIwas
stari
ngmybusinessandnowIhav etogoandmay begi
vet
hanksforever
ythi
ng.Igotoffthe
bedandRazorgroanedinannoyance.

Razor:
"whyar
eyouwaki
ngupear
ly?"

Me:
wear
egoi
ngt
ochur
ch"

Het
urnedt
heot
herway
.

Me:
"Awubabe"

Razor:
"keepmei
nyourpr
ayer
sNana"

Me:
"Ar
en'
tyoucomi
ng?"

Hepret
endedheisasleep.Ihuf
fedandki
ssedhi
scheekbef
oreget
ti
ngofft
hebedandIwentt
o
goandbath.Af
terIwasdoneIwor eagownandwenttowakeuptheki
ds.

Let
ho:
"Mommy"

Shesai
dst
ret
chi
nghersel
fandy
oucoul
dseeAnel
eisst
il
lsl
eepyl
i
kehi
sfat
her
.

Me:
"comel
et'
sgobat
hsowecangot
ochur
ch"

Let
ho:
"ther
eisi
cecr
eam i
nchur
ch"
Me:
"ifwegoIwi
l
lbuyahappymeal
andi
cecr
eam "

Shesmi
l
ed.Thi
sKi
d.

Let
ho:
"ok.Anel
ecome"

Theygotoffthebed.ImadethebedandItookoutcl
othesfort
hem andthenwenttobat
hthem
both,af
terthatigott
hem outandwentt
oloti
onthem andgett
hem inunderwearbef
oreIwent
toi
ronthei
rclothesandgotthem bot
hdr
essedandwrappedagownar oundthem.

Me:
"comel
et'
sgomakesomef
ood"

Theyfol
l
owedmeandwewenttotheki
tchenandImadesomecer
ealsforthem andf
edthem
ti
ll
theywer
edoneandIat
esomet
hingaswellbef
oregoi
ngt
ogetdressed.Razorwasst
il
l
asl
eep.

Me:
"Baby"

Igotonhi
m.

Razor:
"Mmmh"

Me:
"don'
tyouwannacome?"

Razor:
"mmhmmh"

Iwhi
sper
edi
nhi
sear
.

Me:
"Iwi
l
lst
ayawhi
l
eweekher
e."

Heopenedhi
sey
es.

Me:
"come"

Heshookhisheadandcl
osedhiseyes.Okthatfai
l
edIguess.Igotoffhi
m andIgotdressedi
n
asemifor
mal out
fi
tandhishoes.Ididmyhairwellandsomemakeupher eandther
etoWake
upthef
aceandIthengotdoneandt ookmybagandIki ssedhi
scheekandwalkedout.

Me:
"comel
et'
sleav
e"

Theyjumpofft
hecouchandItakethei
rhandsandwewalkout
.Iwonderwher
eNtamboi
sat,
atthemoment.Iopenedt
hedoorandgotthem i
nandbuckl
edbef
oreIgoti
nmysi
deandI
droveofft
ochurch.

Let
ho:
"ar
ewet
her
eyet?"

Me:
"pat
ience.Wewi
l
lgett
her
e"

Shenoddedandmyphoner
ang,
Itooki
tandanswer
edi
t.
Me:
"hel
l
o"

Razor:
"Youar
est
ayi
ngt
hewhol
eweekNana"

Me:
"buty
ouar
enother
e"

Razor:
"youwi
l
lfi
ndmeher
e.Enj
oy"

Me:
"thehusbandy
ouwi
l
lbe"

Razor:
"andt
heBl
ackmai
l
ingwi
fey
ouar
e"

Ichuckl
ed.

Razor:
"youf
orgott
osayILov
eyou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouLi
ndani
"

Razor
:"Il
ovey
out
ooNana"

Me:
"Iam dr
ivi
ngIhav
etogo"

Razor:
"sur
e"

Ihungupandputmyphonedownandconcer
ntr
ateont
her
oad.

*
MAMTHOBENI*

Iwokeupabi tlatethanusual andImightloosemyjobf orthat.Ihaveneverwokenupl

ateandI
don'tknowwhyIwokeupl at
ebecauseIsl eptear
ly,Ihadaheadachey est
erdayandmi
ghtbe
thosepill
sMrNgemaof f
eredformet otakethathadsuchanef f
ect.Itwasasunnydayaswell
andbr i
ghtert
hanever .Howcoul dImissthesun?Iwal kinsidethehouseandst opmytr
acks
whenIhearhi m cal
lmeandIam i ntr
ouble.

Me:
"Mnumzane(Si
r)"

Hechuckl
ed.

Smi
so:
"Pl
easef
oll
owme"

Iwasnervousandshaki
ngandscaredatthesamet i
me.Ifol
lowedhim andhel
edmet ot
he
dini
ngareaanditwasdi
spl
ayedwithbreakfastt
reat
sandf
oodaswel l,whomadethi
sbecause
Iam sur
ehecan't.Noti
nanoffensi
veway .Hehandsfl
owersthatwer
eont het
abl
etomet hen
opensachai
rforme.Iam f
ami
shedandst
il
lamazedwi
thwhat
'suponme.

Smi
so:
"Howi
syourheadache?
"

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
"muchbet
tert
hanky
ou"

Henoddedandki
ssedmycheekbef
oregoi
ngt
osi
tnextt
ome,
faci
ngt
hewhol
efeastandme
aswel
l.

Me:
"Si
r.
..
"

Hel
ooksatme.

Me:
"Smi
sowhati
sthi
sal
labout?"

Smi
so:
"doesn'
tamanspoi
lhi
swomanoncei
nawhi
l
e"

Me:
"youmadet
his?"

Smi
so:
"no,
Ihi
redsomeonet
odoev
ery
thi
ngf
ort
heday"

Me:
"oh"

Het
akesmyhand.

Smi
so:
"asol
dasIam,
Ist
il
lromant
icatt
hisage"

Me:
"youdon'
tl
ookol
d"

Hechuckl
ed.

Smi
so:
"youdon'
taswel
l
.Howol
dar
eyoumyl
ady?"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"55"

Smi
so:
"St
il
lyoungandy
oungert
hanme."

Me:
"Isee"

Het
akesbr
eadandbr
eaksitandbut
ter
sitt
henf
eedsmei
t.Ishyawaybecauset
hisexper
ience
i
sal
lnew.Ichewont
hebread.

Me:
"it
'sni
ce."

Smi
so:
"it
'
s-"
Me:
"don'
tsayi
tbecauseIwi
l
lfor
get
"

Hechuckl
ed.Hest
andsupandl
eansmysi
deandgi
vesmeaki
ss.

Smi
so:
"Iam t
oool
dtochasear
oundSi
we"

Smi
so:
"Al
lmyyear
sitf
eltl
i
keIhadonl
yafewyear
sofaseri
ousr
elat
ionshi
p,Iwantsomeone
Iwi
l
ldi
ewi
thnow.Idon'
twantustowast
eeachot
her
'st
imes"

Me:
"whatar
eyoumeani
ng?"

Smi
so:
"CanIf
indwhatIam l
ooki
ngf
ori
nyou?"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"Idon'
tknow.Iam scar
ed"

Smi
so:
"don'
tbe"

Sl
owj
azzst
art
stopl
ayandi
t'
sjusti
nst
rument
als

Smi
so:
"let
'seat"

Hesi
tsbackdown.Whydi
dhi
swi
feandhi
m notwor
kout
.Hei
sagent
leman.

*
KHENSANI*

"
Khenar
eyoudone?"

Itaket
heclothesoffthebedandIfol
dthem andlookedatmyself.Thi
soutfi
tit
'sok.Igoopen
thedoorbeforehebreaksitdownandhelooksatmef r
om thebottom t
othetop.

Nt
ambo:
"Iam uncomf
ort
abl
e"

Il
ookatmy
sel
f.

Me:
"why?I
t'
sref
reshi
ng"

Nt
ambo:
"it
'sr
eveal
i
ng"

Me:
"it
'sashor
tonl
yFezi
l
eandy
ouboughti
t"

Nt
ambo:
"It
houghti
treachedt
heknees"
Me:
"so.
..
"

Nt
ambo:
"ify
ouf
eel
okt
heni
t'
sfi
ne"

Isi
ghed.Bakangwoul
dhav
esmashedmewi
tht
hiswal
l.

Nt
ambo:
"Ipr
omi
sey
out
haty
ouar
eok"

Me:
"ok"

Heper
kedmyli
ps.Secondtimehekissesmyli
psandIdon'
tknowhowt
ojudget
hat
.Hegoes
i
nsi
deandt
akestherestofourst
uffandkey
s.

Nt
ambo:
"let
'sgo"

Hetakesmyhandandwewal
kout
.Wegett
othecarandgeti
nbef
orehedr
ivesof
f.Hepl
ays
somemusicwhil
eati
t.

Me:
"am Igoi
nghome?"

Nt
ambo:
"no,
wear
egonnaf
indapr
oper2bedr
oom apar
tmentandwewi
l
lshar
eit"

Me:
"ohw"

Nt
ambo:
"Iwantt
okeepy
ousaf
e"

Idon'
tknowaboutt
hat.West ar
tedatt
heDranhecheckedmeandgi vemeoi lstocaressmy
bodywit
handmedicati
onandwet henwenttoeatbefor
egoi
ngapartmenthunting.Thefir
st
onewemetawhi t
eladyanditwasbyPret
ori
awest .Wegotther
eandIwasr eall
yscared,my
i
nsti
nctsay
srel
ax.Youaregoodbutmybrainsaysthat'
showit'
sst
art
edwithBakang
remember?SoIdon'
tknow.

Nt
ambo:
"come"

Wemadeourwayoutoft hecarandmett hesaleswomanIguess.Shesmi ledandsai

dwe
wereri
ghtonti
me,yest
erdaysheviewedittoacoupleandtheyhaven'
tgot
tenbacktoher
.She
wastal
kingnonst
opaboutt hepreviousviewer'
sandal
l.Wefinal
l
ygettotheapart
mentand
sheopensthenwewalkinsi
de.I
t'
sbeaut i
fulandver
yspaci
ous.

Nt
ambo:
"Howmuch?"

Her:
"R5400permont
h"

Henoddedt
hat
'sal
ot.

Her
:"i
thast
wobedr
oomsandonebat
hroom andal
soapar
kingspace"

Nt
ambo:
"isi
tsaf
eforher?"
Her:
"def
ini
tel
y"

Henodded.Iwassi
l
entandhet
ookmyhandandwewal
kedt
othebedr
oom si
de,
itwasr
eal
l
y
wonder
ful
.

Nt
ambo:
"ut
hini
?(Whatdoy
ousay?)
"

Me:
"it
'sni
ce,
ver
yni
cebuty
ouar
etheonebuy
ing"

Nt
ambo:
"Monamour
"

Ismi
l
ed.Thatname,
hechuckl
ed

Nt
ambo:
"youshoul
dseey
ourf
ace"

Me:
"it
'sf
ine"

Henoddedandt
ookmyhandandwewal
kedout
.

Lady:
"sohowi
sit?"

Nt
ambo:
"wear
etaki
ngi
t."

Her:
"wonder
ful
"

Nt
ambo:
"wecanmov
eint
oday?"

Lady:
"yesof
cause.Justneedt
odosomepaper
wor
kandi
t'
syour
s"

Nt
ambo:
"wonder
ful
"

Wewal
kal
loutandf
oll
owt
othecar
sbef
oref
oll
owi
nghert
oherof
fi
ce.

*
UNATHI*

Wegottochur
ch.Ishoul
dhav
eleftt
hesetwoathomebecauset
heykeeponfi
dgi
ti
ng.The
pr
aiseandwor
shipfi
ll
edmyhear
ttodayandIr
eall
yam st
art
ingt
olov
echurchaswell
.

Past
or:
"Mat
thew16:
16Si
monPet
eranswer
ed,
“Youar
etheMessi
ah,
theSonoft
hel
i
ving
God.
”

Congr
egat
ion:
"Amen!
"

Past
or:
"hesai
d-?
"
Congr
egat
ion:
"“Youar
etheMessi
ah,
theSonoft
hel
i
vingGod.
”

Past
or:
"mayUnat
hiNgemacomeher
etot
hef
ront"

Me:
"whatdi
dIdo?"

Iquest
ionmy
sel
f.

Let
ho:
"that
'
syoumommy"

Past
or:
"comemychi
l
d.Maywecl
aphandsf
orher"

Ir
ise.Andmakemywayt
ohi
m whi
l
eev
ery
onecl
apst
hei
rhands,
Iwasner
vousandev
ery
onei
s
l
ookingatme.

Past
or:
"seet
hiswonder
ful
woman"

congr
egat
ion:
"yes!"

Past
or:
"Youseet
hoseki
dsnextt
oher
?"

Theyagr
ee.

Past
or:
"Godbl
essedt
hatboyKwaNgomanewi
tht
hem at
housandt
imes"

Congr
egat
ion:
"mmmh"

Pastor:
"Uy azi
uNkulunkul
umeseet
hiuy
abonakal
isauy
abonakal
i
sangawe
kubangakubhekanga(WhenGodshowshimsel
f.Heshowshimselft
hroughy
ou,
theonet
hey
didn'
texpect)"

Hepoi
ntsatt
hecongr
egat
ion.Wel
ookatt
hedoorandRazorwal
kedi
n.

Past
or:
"myGod.Comeher
emyson,
cl
aphandsf
orhi
m"

Theywer
eli
ght
ert
hanmi
ne.Hecamef
ort
h

Let
ho:
"Anel
ethat
'sdaddy!"

Igav
ethem adeat
hst
arebutshegi
ggl
ed.

Past
or:
"youar
ereal
l
ybl
essedmyson."

RazornoddedandIl
ookedathi
m.

Pastor:"AsIwassayi
ng.Heblessedhim andi
nhisblessi
ngsheshall
receive.Hay i
ni
sazomkhulumamakhol wangiyaziomamDlamini
bedlaamakhekhenetiy
ebedi kidana(youwi
l
l
st
il
lgossipabouthi
m Fel
lowChristi
an'
s,IknowMr sDlaminiandtheotherseatingbiscui
ts
wit
ht eagossi
ping)
"
Thechur
chl
aughedhest
art
edwal
ki
ngar
ound.Razorhel
dmyhand.

Past
or:
"youheart
hem sayheheheWho'
sdaught
eri
sthi
s,hehehewho'
ssoni
sthat"

Hest
ops.

Past
or:
"ar
eyouachi
l
dofGodcont
ent
lybei
ngaj
udgeJudy?"

Congr
egat
ion:
"no!
"

Her
aisedhi
shandsandcamebackt
ous.

Past
or:
"yourmar
ri
agewi
l
lbebl
essed.Kneel
bef
orememyki
ds."

al
soembar rassedWeturnedtohim andkneeledbeforehim hol
dinghands.Hest
art
stopray
overourheads.Iwonderwhot oldhi
m wear egetti
ngmar r
ied.MaybeRazorment
ionedt
hat
detai
ltohi
m .Whenhewasdonet hecongregati
onclappedthehandsandwewentt osi
tdown
andsomet urnedtocongrat
ulateus.Nicebunch.

Razor:
"IfIknewt
hiswasgoi
ngonIwoul
dn'
thav
ecame."

Me:
"youmi
ssedus"

Razor:
"Idi
d"

Let
hol
aidherheadonhi
schestasshewassi
tt
ingonhi
slap.Anel
ejustr
est
edhi
sheadonmy
l
ap.

*
KHENSANI*

afterwhatwasnecessarywasdonewewentt othemal l
andheboughtt wobeds, Fri
dgeandall
that'
simpor t
antandneededanditwil
lbedeli
vered.Ij
ustthinkheisdoi
ngt oomuchandt hen
afterli
keweneedsomebl anketsoweboughtt woandaf l
eeceandalsoclothesforbothofus.
Nott oomuch.Nowi twasl
ikeIam spendi
ngandi tseemst oamusehim.Wewentt ogo
groceryshoppingandboughtmissi
ngappli
ances, l
ikeakettleandir
onandwhatnotaswel l
andi twasalldone.Iwasti
redwhenwewer edone.Wet henloadedthi
ngsint hecarandhe
droveof f.

Nt
ambo:
"wewi
l
ldr
opt
heseof
fandgof
etchy
ourt
hings"

Isi
ghed.
Nt
ambo:
"don'
twor
ry"

Inodded.Wegott otheapart
mentandweoffl
oadedfr
om thecarandwhadanhourbefor
ethe
del
iver
ytruckisher
ewiththebigSt
uff
.Wewentbacktothecarandhedroveof
ftowher
eI
usedtoli
ve.ManwasIscar edandner
vousaswel
l.Wegottothesett
lement
sandhepar
kedthe
carneart
her oadsi
deandlockedit
.

Nt
ambo:
"let
'sgo"

Me:
"youst
ayher
e"

Nt
ambo:
"Khensani
wewon'
tar
gue"

Inoddedandwewalkedt
hroughthehousesandgott
oourshackandt
henei
ghbourwasout
.
OhhowIhateherf
oralwaysrepor
ti
ngtoBakang.

Her:
"ehKhensani,
otl
isabanna,
Bakangakekeat
habel
ahout
loaseo(
youbr
ingmen,
Bakang
won'
tbehappytohearthat)
"

Nt
ambo:
"Y-

Me:
"don'
t"

Her:
"unt
ebet
seempaut
seba'
net
e(i
gnor
emebuty
ouknowIam t
ell
i
ngt
het
rut
h)"

Iopenedt
hedoor
.

Me:
"st
ayher
e.

HenoddedandIgoti
nandli
ft
edthebedandt
ookt
heenv
elopet
hatcont
ainedmydocument
s
andcheckedi
nsi
debefor
eIwal
kedout.

Nt
ambo:
"gotev
ery
thi
ng?"

Inodded.

Nt
ambo:
"okl
et'
sgo"

Wewal
kedof
f

Tobecont
inued
~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
NSERT27

Afterchurchwemetwi tht
hePastorandheshar edaf ewversesandsai dthatAneleandRazor
arespecialpeople.Razorwellhedoesn'tbel
i
evethatbutIbelievethatt
heyar ereal
ly
.Wealllef
t
i
ndi ff
erentcarsandIwentt odropthecaratthehousebef or
eweal l
lef
tforMcDonal dasI
havepr omisedtothekids.Wegott hereandIorderedforeveryoneandIpai d,i
t'
snotacri
me
topaysomet i
mesl adi
esri
ght?Theki dswenttoplayabit.

Me:
"youl
ookannoy
ed."

Razor:
"Iwasn'
tpl
anni
ngongoi
ngt
ochur
cht
oday"

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Iper
kedhi
sli
ps.

Razor:
"it
'sok"

Me:
"Iam wor
ri
edaboutNt
amboi
sheok?"

Razor:
"yeshei
sok"

Me:
"okt
hat
'sf
inet
hen."

Razor:
"soy
ouar
egonnast
ayt
hewhol
eweek?"

Me:
"yesIwi
l
l,apr
omi
sei
sapr
omi
se"

Razor:
"Ineedt
osendmyuncl
e'
sfastsowecangetmar
ri
edandl
i
vet
oget
herwi
thourson"

Me:
"Ican'
twai
tfort
hat
.Iwi
l
lpl
ant
hingswi
thy
oui
nvol
vedaswel
l"

Razor:
"Iam badatmaki
nggi
rl
ydeci
si
ons"

Me:
"Ihav
ebeent
hinki
ngl
ove"

Razor:
"yesNana"

Me:
"ThatIwantustohaveyouknowaniceconv
eni
entweddi
nganditshoul
dbeinthe
t
ownshi
pandalsothet
radi
ti
onalweddi
ngsamedaysowecangetitoveranddonewit
h."

Razor:
"Ify
oul
i
kei
t"
Me:"Il
oveit.That
'swhyIhav
ebeent
hinki
ng.Wegetmar
ri
edi
nchur
chandThepast
orbl
esses
ourmar
riage"

Razor:
"If
eel
li
ket
hepast
ori
sst
eal
i
ngy
oul
i
ttl
ebyl
i
ttl
e"

Il
aughed

Me:
"no.Hei
snot
.Chur
chi
sni
ceandIwantt
oconst
ant
lygowi
tht
heki
ds."

Razor:
"youment
ionedt
heki
dsandnotme"

Me:
"andy
out
oo"

Razor:
"Noy
ousai
dit"

Me:
"Wear
enotgoi
ngt
ofi
ghtt
hisNgomane"

Razor:
"sayt
hatagai
n"

Me:
"Mshi
ka,
Ngomane"

Heki
ssedmyl
i
ps.

Razor:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Ngi
kut
handamor
eSt
handwaSam (Il
ovey
oumor
emyl
ove)
"

Ir
est
edmyheadonhi
schestaswewai
tedf
orouror
der
.

*
KHENSANI*

wewentpasttheSteersdri
vethr
uandboughtsomet akeawaybeforegoingtot
heflatandt he
del
iv
erypeopl
ewer ether
e.Theygotthethi
ngsinsi
deandwet hankedthem.Nt ambot ookoff
hi
stopandshoesandhewasl ef
tinhi
sjeans.Iexpectedal
otoft
attoosorsomethi
ngbutj ust
oneonhisri
ghtupperchestandheseemsl i
keanactiv
epersonaswel l
.

Nt
ambo:
"ar
ewegonnaeatf
ir
st?"

Me:
"wecanunpackandy
oucaneat"

Nt
ambo:
"Iwi
l
lhel
pyou"

Me:
"ok"
Westart
edunpacki
ng.Westart
edwitht
hebedr
oomsandsetupt
hebedsandthenIr
insedt
he
l
inenAndNtambowouldputitandhewasf
rust
rat
edbyt
hesheet
.Il
aughed.

Nt
ambo:
"laughatme"

Me:
"letmehel
p"

Ihel
pedhi
m byt
hesi
det
hatwasget
ti
ngt
ohi
m.

Me:
"Youwer
epul
l
ingagr
essi
vel
y,comesee"

Hestoodbehi
ndme,t
hesidei
smor
evi
sibl
esoIdon'
tknow.IgotdoneandIwasaboutt
otur
n
andhehel
dmywaist
.Ifr
oze.

Nt
ambo:
"becar
eful
bef
orey
oubumpy
our
sel
fint
ome."

Me:
"sor
ry"

Wemadet hebedtohi
sroom anditwasdoneandt henwewenttotheroom Iwil
lbeusingand
wegotdone.Wedidotherplacessepar
atel
yaswellandIwasti
red.Ipackedthefoodaway
atl
eastt
henther
estwewillcarr
yontomor r
oworanotherday
.Wet ookourfoodandwar medi
t
befor
ewesatdowntoeat.

Nt
ambo:
"howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?"

Me:
"Iam good"

Nt
ambo:
"Mmmh"

Weat
ethenaf
terIwentt
othr
owawayt
her
estoft
hecont
ainer
sandt
hencl
eanedup.

"If
eel
tir
ed.Ineedknewmov
ingi
sthi
sti
ri
ng"

Me:
"yeahi
tis"

Nt
ambo:
"don'
twor
ryy
ouar
esaf
e"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

*
MAMTHOBENI*

aft
erthebr
eakfastwehad,wewentt
olunchandwouldsi
toutsi
deandenj
oythev i
ewofthi
s
house.I
twasrelaxi
ngandal
soni
ceaswewoul dt
alkandgett
oknowbitsoffeachother
.He
wentont
ogoandanswerhi
phomeandIsatther
ebyt
hepoolsi
dej
ustt
hinki
ngofwhathesai
d
andwhathement
.Hegotbackandsatnextt
omeandki
ssedmyhand.

Smi
so:
"Iwast
alki
ngt
omybr
other
saboutt
henegot
iat
ions."

Me:
"whenar
etheyhappeni
ng?"

Smi
so:
"thef
oll
owi
ngweekend."

Me:
"that
'swonder
ful
forUnat
hi"

Smi
so:
"Iguess"

Ther
ewassi
l
ence.

Smi
so:
"icecr
eam ?"

Me:
"thatwoul
dbewonder
ful
"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"Ihopei
t'
snotsomeI
tal
i
ani
cecr
eam "

Hel
aughed.

Smi
so:
"noi
t'
sjustVani
l
la.Come"

Het
ookmyhandandheki
ssedmyf
oreheadandwest
oodupandwenti
nsi
de.

*
UNATHI*

OurorderscameandIcal
l
edt
heki
dst
ocomeandeatandweal
lat
e.Thi
ssi
ghtwasexci
ti
ng
andheartwarmi
ngaswell
.

Anel
e:"Mommyi
don'
tl
iket
hisgr
eent
hing"

Het
ookoutt
hepi
ckl
esf
rom hi
sbur
ger
.

Me:
"ok"
Hecar
ri
edoneat
ing.

Razor:
"Thi
sissmal
l
"

Me:
"haahbabewhatdoy
ouwantmor
e"

Razor:
"somedeser
twoul
dhav
ebeenni
ce"

Me:
"si
es"

Hechuckl
ed.

Let
ho:
"yay
!Icecr
eam !
"

Me:
"no"

Let
ho:
"buti
t'
snott
wel
vemommy"

Me:
"it
'sone"

Shesul
ked.

Razor
:"y
ourt
imel
i
mithasn'
tcomesoIwi
l
lbuyi
t"

Let
ho:
"thanky
oudaddy"

Il
ookedathi
m andheshr
ugged.

Me:
"wheny
ouar
edonewewi
l
lleav
e"

Let
ho:
"Ok"

Theykeptoneat
ing.

*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Wefel
tyoungf
oramomentt
odayandalsomatur
edaswel
l
.Thedoorbel
lrangashehadmy
f
eetonhisl
apandt
hent
hedooropenedandIr
emovedmylegsandhest
oodup.

Smi
so:
"Bul
elwa"

Hi
sexwi
fel
ookedatme.

Bul
elwa:
"Ihadt
oheari
tfr
om mybr
othert
hatUnat
hii
sout"
Smi
so:
"youl
eftherhi
ghanddr
y"

Bul
elwa:
"shei
smydaught
erandwhatar
eyoudoi
ngonmycouch!
"

Smi
so:
"wear
edi
vor
cedandgetoutofmyhouse.Don'
tbar
gel
i
key
ouowni
t."

Ist
oodupandwor
emyshoesl
eav
ingt
hem ar
gui
ngt
her
e.Iam t
oool
dfort
hisbehav
iour
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t28

*
MERCY*

Iwasr ushi
ngaroundtheki
tchen.Theyreall
ymeanbusinessthosewomenwhogi veus
mar r
iageadvi
ces.I
t'
snotawal ki
ntheparkanddefi
nit
elywasn'tovert
hepastf
ewy ear
saswel
l
especial
lyourf
ir
sttwoyear
sofmar ri
age.Itwasal
so.Ipataroundmybodyandt akeofft
he
apronandIam start
ledbyashortfi
gurenexttome.Hesmi l
esandIdothesame.

Me:
"mor
ning"

Hel
i
ftshi
slunchbagt
ome.Ihav
ebeenl
ooki
ngf
ori
t.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Phi
l
a:"Daddydr
essedmeup"

Me:
"Icansee.Wher
eisYol
anda?"

Shecomesdownt
hest
air
sandherhai
risdone.Shei
sgr
ownaswel
l.

Yol
anda:
"Mor
ningMom andBl
ueber
ry"
Phil
afrowsandItakehi
mi nmyar msandpl
acehiminthecount
erandIf
eedhim andSandil
e
walksinwhenIam aboutfi
nishedf
eedi
ngPhi
la,heki
ssesmycheekandreachesfort
hefrui
t
basketinf
rontofmeandtakesapeachandappl
e.

Me:
"Si
tdowny
ouar
enotgoi
ngt
owor
kwi
thouteat
ing"

Sandi
l
e:"babeal
otofwor
kiswai
ti
ngf
orme"

Ishookmyhead.

Yol
anda:
"daddywasl
eav
ingus"

Me:
"Isee"

Shecar
riesoneat
ingandIgi
veSandi
l
ehi
sfoodandwi
pePhi
l
asande'
sfaceandgethi
m down
togori
nsehismouth.

Me:
"di
dhebr
ushhi
steet
h?"

Sandi
l
e:"i
brushedhi
m"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Iki
sshi
scheek.

Me:
"youhav
eameet
ingt
oday?"

Sandi
l
e:"at10h45"

Helookedathi
swatch.Ilookathim.Iam scared,IAlmostlosthim andIal
mostmiscarr
ied
Phil
aaswell
.Itwastoughforme.AsmuchasIwant edtoleavehim butthewhol
eaccidenthe
neededme.Thet hought
sofseeinghimlayingther
ewi t
hmul ti
plemachinesar
oundhim sti
ll
scaresmeevenwhenheisasleepnexttome.

Sandi
l
e:"Mer
cy!
"

Me:
"lov
e"

Sandi
l
e:"Iwascal
l
ingy
ou,
"

Me:
"ohIam Sor
ry"

Hestandsupwi
thhisf
ini
shedpl
ateandhe'
stot
hesi
nkanddr
inkswat
erandt
urnst
omeand
hecomesandholdsmywaist
.

Sandi
l
e:"i
twas5y
ear
sago"

Me:
"Iam notateaset
hatt
hosepeopl
ewer
enotf
oundandputbehi
ndbar
s."
Sandi
l
e:"don'
twor
ry.Yourbodydoesn'
tneedst
ress"

Heki
ssesme.

Sandi
l
e:"ok?
"

Me:
"ok"

Sandi
l
e:"howaboutwegety
oupr
egnant?
"

Me:
"got
owor
k"

Hechuckl
ed.

Sandi
l
e:"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Weki
ssed

"
Ewwumommyi
ski
ssi
ngaboy
"

Webr
okei
t.

Sandi
l
e:"andmommyi
stheonl
yoneal
l
owedt
oki
ssaboy"

Yol
anda:
",howmanyboy
s?"

Me:
"twoboy
s"

Sandi
l
e:"whoi
sthesecondone?
"

Me:
"phi
l
acome"

Phi
l
a:"nomommyIdon'
twant"

Hewal
kedof
fandYol
andat
ookt
hei
rlunchbagsandwal
kedof
f.

Sandi
l
e:"Iwi
l
lseey
oubaby"

Me:
"hav
eagoodday"

Theywalkedout
.Ifini
shedst
udy
ingangotmydegreeandalsodi
dmyhonoursandnowIam
doi
ngmyMast ersandwhy?BecauseIam ahousewi
fe,sandi
lewoul
drat
herhavemest
udy
butnotwork.

.
*
KHENSANI*

Imov
edt
heseal
edboxesofsomeappl
i
ancesandIcoul
dn'
tfi
ndt
heket
tl
e.

"Youar
elooki
ngf
orsomet
hing"

It
urnedandhewal
kedi
nwear
inghi
st-
shi
rt
.Iswal
l
owed.

Me:
"Iam l
ooki
ngf
ort
heket
tl
e.Ineedsomecof
fee"

Nt
ambo:
"mor
ning"

Me:
"goodmor
ning"

Nt
ambo:
"howdi
dyousl
eep?"

Wel
lunt
ilt
hef
earofBakanghaunt
edme.

Me:
"good"

Nt
ambo:
"good"

Heper
kedmyl
i
pshol
dingmywai
standt
henwentt
oopent
hecupboar
dsandsear
ched.

Nt
ambo:
"Idon'
tseei
t"

Me:
"meei
ther"

It
ouchedmyl
i
ps.Hi
sli
pssmel
tofmi
nt,
Itouchedmywai
st.

Nt
ambo:
"ohher
e"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Nt
ambo:
"pouri
tinat
rav
eli
ngmugbecausey
ouwi
l
lbel
ate"

Inodded.

Nt
ambo:
"Iam goi
ngt
owearshoes"

Hewalkedoff
.Waiti
shet akingmetowork?Ideci
dedtokeepqui
etandmadet
hecoff
eeand
thenIwasdoneandpour
edi tinatr
avel
i
ngmugandt ookmybagofft
hetvst
andandmyphone
andhecamebackwithcarkey s.

Nt
ambo:
"let
'sgo"

Inodded.Iwon'
t.Askany
thi
ng,
wewal
kedoutoft
hebui
l
dingandWegoti
nthecarandhe
star
tedanddroveoff
.
Ntambo:"(si
ngi
ng)phezukomuntuwomunt
u,phezukomunt
uamal
obol
o,phezukomunt
u
oshadi
l
ebamnandiabant
ubabantu"

Hekeptonsi
ngi
ngandbobbl
i
nghi
shead.

Nt
ambo:
"Letmeputsomemusi
con"

Hedi
d.

Nt
ambo:
"sot
ell
mehowy
ouendedupwi
thhi
m"

Me:
"thi
ngswer
en'
tokathomesower
ant
oget
herher
e"

Henodded.

Me:
"hav
eyouseeny
ourmot
her?"

Hewasqui
et.

Nt
ambo:
"no"

Inodded.Hehel
dmyhand,
Ilookedati
tandl
ookedaway
.

Me:
"Il
ovet
hissong"

Het
urnedi
tupandsmi
l
ed.

Nt
ambo:
"si
ngi
t"

Me:
"ha"

Hechuckl
ed.

Nt
ambo:
"comeon"

Me:
"it
'sal
readyatt
heend"

Nt
ambo:
"Iam sur
eyouhav
eitony
ourphone"

Me:
"Ido"

Nt
ambo:
"connecti
t.Iwantt
ohearwhati
smyf
utur
ewi
fe'
sfav
our
it
esong"

Me:
"wi
fe?"

Nt
ambo:
"Mr
sDuma.MamuMt
hombeni
"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"li
stent
othi
ssong"
Itookoutmyphoneandconnect
edandst
art
edpl
ayi
ngi
t.Wel
i
stenedt
oitandhewassi
l
ent
andIsawasmi l
e.Isangal
ong.

"NguwenaOwami
,

akhekhoengi
mbonay
ongaphandl
ekwakho

I
nhl
i
ziy
oicul
'ul
ozol
o

Makengabonal
ent
sizwa

NguwenaOwami

Akekhoengi
mbonay
ongaphandl
ekwakho

I
nhl
i
ziy
oicul
'ul
ozol
o

Makengabonal
ent
sizwa

Nomakanj
ani
,aweDal
iwami

Nomakanj
ani
,aweDal
iwami
...
..
."

Nt
ambo:
"AweDal
i"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"youar
efor
war
d"

Nt
ambo:
"si
ngi
tformeonourweddi
ngday"

Me:
"Pl
ease"

Hehadast
rai
ghtf
ace.

Nt
ambo:
"Iwi
l
lmar
ryy
oukhensani
.Justwai
tandsee"

I
sheser
ious?Il
ookedathi
mthenbackatmyphoneandt
hesongchanged.

*
UNATHI*

it
ookt
heki
dstoschoolandRazorrushedsomewher
eaf
terwor
kIwentt
ofet
cht
hem soIcan
dr
opLet
hooffatNt
ethel
elo'
shouse.
Let
ho:
"canIpl
ayagamemommy
?"

Shesai
dfrom t
hebackseatandIgav
ethem myphoneandIdr
oveof
f.I
trangandgoodt
hingi
t
wasconnect
edsoIanswered

Me:
"hel
l
o"

Qamo:
"hel
l
oMr
s,y
ouf
orgotaboutme"

Me:
"it
'sbeenhect
icl
atel
y.Howar
eyou?
"

Qamo:
"guesswhoi
sback"

Me:
"who?
"

Qamo:
"thedev
ili
nawoman'
sbody"

Me:
"Iam l
ost
"

Qamo:
"Yourmot
her"

Me:
"hai
bodon'
tsayshe'
smot
her
.

Qamo:
"what
ever,
shei
sher
efory
ourl
obol
a"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lgoal
lwhat
everonheri
fsher
uinsany
thi
ng"

Qamo:
"youknowher
.AndIgoty
ouadr
essf
ort
heday"

Me:
"wowt
hanks.Ihav
ewr
it
tenamenuaswel
l
"

Qamo:
"fory
ouri
nlaws?
"

Me:
"yes.Iam ner
vous"

Qamo:
"that
'ssocut
e.LookIhav
etogo.Lov
eyou"

Me:
"lov
eyour
sel
faswel
l
"

Wehungup.

Let
ho:
thedev
ili
sback?
"

Me:
"no"

Shewassilent,
thi
schi
ldtal
kstoomuchanditwor r
iesmesometi
mes.Wegott oAndiswa'
s
houseandthegatewasopenedformeandIdroveinandthenunbuckl
edt
hem andItook
Letho'
sbagsandwewalkedinsi
de.ThedooropenedbyZikhal
i

Me:
"hi
"
Hehuggedt
hem andt
heyr
ushedi
nsi
deandj
umpedonNt
ethel
elo.

Me:
"Hi
"

Andi
swast
oodupandhuggedme.Iwast
aken.

Me:
"icanf
eel
it"

Shel
aughed.

Andi
swa:
"howar
eyou?"

Me:
"Iam wel
l
"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Imi
ssedy
ouguy
s"

Zi
khal
i:
"wemi
ssedy
ou"

Wel
ookedatt
hem.

Let
ho:
"daddydaddy"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"yesbaby"

Let
ho:
"mommyi
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
odaddy2.Iam gonnahav
etwomommi
esandt
wodaddi
es"

Anel
e:"y
ay!
"

Zi
khal
i:
"yay!
"

Theyj
umpedonhi
m.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"don'
tj
umpt
oomuch"

Andi
swa:
"youar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?"

Me:
"yes.ToAnel
e'
sFat
her
"

Andi
swa:
"wowcongr
ats"

Me:
"thanks"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"youshoul
dbr
inghi
mfordi
nner"

Me:
"to?
"

Andi
swa:
"uhm y
es,
sowecanknowhi
m si
nceweal
lrev
olv
ear
oundt
heki
dsandgett
oknow
hi
m"

Me:
"Iwi
l
llethi
m know,
wehav
etogo"
Anel
e:"ar
h"

Andi
swa:
"youwi
l
lcomesoonbaby"

Me:
"yes,
comeby
eev
ery
one"

Wewav
edandwal
kedoutget
ti
ngi
nthecar
.Ist
art
edi
tanddr
oveof
ftowor
k.

*
MAMTHOMBENI
*

Bul
elwa:
"gomakesomet
eaf
ormeandst
opsi
tt
ingdown"

Il
ookedather
.

Bul
elwa:
didn'
tyouhearme?
"

Iat
emychocol
atecoat
edst
rawber
ri
es.

Bul
elwa:
"Isai
d..
..
."

"Youwi
l
lnotdot
hati
nmyhouse.Youwi
l
lnott
alkt
oDi
edl
i
ket
hat"

Hecamef
ort
h.

Bul
elwa:
"shei
sawor
kersheshoul
dbedoi
ngherwor
k"

Smi
so:
"that
'swher
eyouar
ewr
ong.Shei
smypar
tnerandnoty
ourmai
d"

Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongue

Bul
elwa:
"noonewi
l
lmakey
ouashappyasme"

Shewal
kedof
fandIl
aughedbymi
stake.Smi
so.Hi
kids.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Hesatdownnextt
ome.

Smi
so:
"Iseey
ougotmygi
ft"

Me:
"yes.Thanky
ou"

Smi
so:
"Iam sor
ryaboutal
loft
his"
Me:
"it
'sok.Icanhandl
eher"

Smi
so:
"shewi
l
lbegonesoon"

Me:
it'
syourhouse"

Heki
ssedmycheek.

Me:
"howwasy
ourday?"

Smiso:"Iam r
eti
ri
ngsoon.Anel
eisyoungandIneedsomeonet
oheadt
hecompanyt
hat
'
smy
l
it
tl
eissuebutIgotsomeonetoday"

Me:
"that
'swonder
ful
"

Smi
so:
"Iwantt
ocuddl
e"

Me:
"wear
eol
dforsex"

Hel
aughed.

Smi
so:
"Ist
il
lhav
eener
gy.Howaboutwesee?
"

Me:
"tr
icks"

Smi
so:
"youar
ever
ylov
abl
ePhi
l
isi
we"

Me:
"thanky
ou”

Heki
ssedmyl
i
psandhel
dmyhand.

Smi
so:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Smi
so:
"thatcuddl
e"

Me:
"wecancuddl
e"

Hechuckl
edAndwegotupfr
om thegar
denbenchandhel
dhandswal
ki
ngi
nsi
de.Bul
elwa
l
ookedatuswhi
leshewaswatchi
ngTVandwewalkedupthest
air
s.

*
RAZOR*
Thisisamess.Areal
lybi
gone.Hepunchesmyst
omachandIcoughandbloodcameoutas
theotherswer
eholdi
ngme.It'
sbecauset
her
ear
e3ofthem andonl
yoneofmeandcaughtme
offguard.

Guy:
"doy
ouknowwhowear
e?"

Me:
"Khumal
obr
other
s"

Ay
anda:
"Iwantt
oteachy
oual
esson"

ThedooropenedandWendywaspushedi
n.

Wendy:
"Idi
dn'
tst
eal
anymoney
"

Thel
o:"shutup!"

Hesl
appedher
.

Zamani
:"y
ouknowher?"

Me:"no, whywoul
dImesswi
thmyst
epdaught
er'
sfami
l
y?That
'sl
i
keki
l
li
ngherandmyf
iance
notseei
ngheragai
n"

Wendy:
"heknowsme"

Me:"i
fitwasmet hent
aket
hegunandpul
lthet
ri
gger
.Il
oveUnat
hit
odoherl
i
ket
hat
.Ido
cl
eanstuf
f.Ihav
emyonebusiness"

Zamani
:"Unat
hi?That
..
..
"

Me:
"don'
tyouev
encal
lherabi
t

Me:
"wewi
l
ltal
kaboutt
hatl
ater
.

Wendy:
"het
ooki
t"

Mbongeni
:"butwet
racedi
tinheraccount"

Wendy:
"no"

Ay
anda:
"wear
esor
ryman"

Me:
"Yeah,
Iwoul
dn'
tri
sknotseei
ngmysonagai
n"

Thel
o:"ohy
ouar
ethef
atheroft
hatsi
l
entt
hing"

Me:
"thewor
dsagai
n"
Theyl
etmego"

Zamani
:"wewi
l
lteachy
ou,
"

Ist
oodupandwal
kedout

Wendy:
"Iwi
l
lgety
ou!"

Theytai
zor
edherandIcarri
edonwal
king.Thatwascl
oseandpai
nful
.Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hey
bel
iev
edthatsi
l
lyst
ory.Ical
lednt
ambo.

Nt
ambo:
"Iam notcomi
ngback,
Iam l
i
vingwi
thmywoman"

Me:"wewil
ltal
kaboutthatl
ater.Ineedy
outotakemoneyf
rom Wendy
'saccountandouti
tin
anot
hert
hat
'suntr
aceableandthenwespliti
t."

Nt
ambo:
"it
'sdone"

Me:
"sur
e"

Ihungup.Igotat
extf
rom Unat
hi"

*
*"weneedt
otal
kbabe"
***

OhmyGod.Ihopei
t'
snot
hingser
ious.

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t29

Iwasdoi
ngsomeone'
snai
l
s.YesImayownthepl
acebutIal
sodonai
lsher
eandt her
eand
appl
i
cati
onoft
heweaveaswell
aspeopl
ewhocomejusttoappl
ymakeup.It
'ssurpr
isi
nghow
muchr eall
ywomenspendj usttofil
luptheirf
acesandlookpr et
ty.Foragoodweav ewear e
talki
ngt housandthatcoul
dhav eboughtsomet hi
ngneededforsomewher eelse.That
'shai
r.
Nai l
s, l
ashes, makeupkitallj
ustsumsupt obigmoneyt hatcanbewashedawayaf t
erafew
hour s.Don'tgetmestart
edont hewaterproofmakeup.Thesewomensi t
tingherewantquali
ty
andwepr ov i
dequali
tyandtheydon'tmi
ndpay ing.Wedon'tonlyaccommodat eri
chwomenand
trophywi vesbutanyonewhoi swelcome,ital
ldependsonwhaty ouwant
.

Lady:
"thesel
ookwonder
ful
wit
hmynewhai
r.Ican'
twai
ttodi
gsomet
hingont
hem "

Me:
"di
gaback"

Lady:
"sur
ewi
l
l"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"Iwi
l
lber
ightback."

Il
efthersot
henai
l
sandgel
coul
dset
tl
ewel
l
.Iwentt
oKhensani
.

Me:
"Ihear
dmybr
otheri
nlawwasher
edur
ingl
unch"

Shej
umped.

Khensani
:"ohFezi
l
e?Yes"

Me:
"spi
l
lit"

Shesi
ghed.

Khensani
:"okIwast
hinki
ngofgi
vi
nghi
m achance"

Isqueel
ed.

Me:
"ohmyGodIam sohappyf
ory
ou.Ihav
en'
tknownhi
mforl
ongbutIknowt
hesemenar
e
t
hesweet
est
.

Khensani
:"Iam wor
ri
ed."

Ial
mostbl
urt
edaboutt
heabusei
ssue.

Me:
"don'
tbe.Hel
ovesy
ou.Enj
oyhi
m"

Khensani
:"y
ouar
etal
ki
ngl
i
keIshoul
ddev
ourhi
m"

Me:
"youdi
rt
ymi
nd"

Wel
aughedandshel
ookedatt
hecei
l
ingbi
tt
ingherl
i
p.

Me:
"uhm ear
tht
oyou"
Khensani
:
"sor
ry"

Me:
"letmel
eav
eyoudaydr
eami
ngaboutt
heman"

Khensani
:"mxm"

Wel
aughedandIwal
kedaway
.

*
MERCY*

Thekidswillbebackanyti
mesoonnowsoIwentoncooki ngandIpr epar
edlit
tl
esnacksift
hey
getherebeforeIam done.Mymot herinlawcall
edaf ewmi nutesagoaskingmet ocomevisi
t
withtheki
dssoonandIagr eed.Wel lmyf at
herinlawsti
ll
doesn' tl
ikeme, hehasaccepted
thatSandi
leandIaretogetherbutstil
ldoesn'twantme.Idon' tknowwhyr eal
lyandIwould
enter
taini
tbecauseItri
edint hepast.Ihearfoot
stepsapproaching..

Yol
anda:
"Hel
l
omommy"

Me:
"youar
ebackear
ly"

Yol
anda:
"daddygetf
etchedussay
inghehasaheadache"

Me:
"goundr
essy
ouandy
ourbr
othert
hencomeandeat
.Mommymadesnacks"

Theyranoff.Imovedtot
helounge.Sandi
l
ewal
kedi
nandhet
ookof
fhi
sbl
azerandt
hrewt
he
carkeysonthetabl
eandsatonit
.

Me:
"howwasy
ourday?"

Sandi
l
e:"Ihav
eaheadache.Thenewcl
i
enti
sdemandi
ng.
"

Me:
"Iwi
l
ldi
shupf
ory
out
heny
oucant
akepai
nki
l
ler
s.

Sandi
l
e:"orIcanski
pfood.Lett
heki
dseatanddr
inkpanadoorAl
l
ergext
henIeaty
ou"

Me:
"somuchf
orbei
ngsi
ck"

Hechuckl
edandpul
l
edmet
ohi
m.

Sandi
l
e:"y
ouar
emycur
e"

Me:
"foraheadche?No"
Hechuckl
ed.

Sandi
l
e:"t
heDroncet
oldme"

Me:
"hewaswr
ong"

Thedoorbel
lrang.

Me:
"whomayi
tbe?"

Sandi
l
e:"Iwi
l
lgeti
t"

Igotof
fhi
m andhestoodupandwalkedtothedoor
.Iwentt
otheki
tchenandIt
ookpai
nki
l
ler
s
i
nt het
opcupboar
dforhi
m andgotwaterandhecal
ledme.

Sandi
l
e:"Babe!"

Me:
"Iam comi
ng."

Iwal
kedint
hel
oungeandther
ewasat eenagerboysi
tt
ingi
nthel
i
vingr
oom.Hedi
dn'
tl
ook
good,l
i
kehewasondrugsorsomet
hing.

Me:
"uhm hi
"

Iputev
ery
thi
ngdownandhej
ustst
oodupandcamet
ohugmecr
ying.

Hi
m:"Iam gl
adIf
oundy
ou"

Me:
"uhm.
..
."

Him:"Ican'
tst
aywi
tht
hem.Shemi
str
eat
smeMer
cyIcan'
tany
mor
e.Shef
eedsmedr
ugsI
can'
t"

Ir
emov
edhi
mfr
om meandwi
pedhi
stear
sandl
ookedathi
m,myey
esbecamegl
ossy
.

Me:
"Pel
o"

HenoddedandIhuggedhi
m cr
ying.Ihel
dhi
mfordearl
i
fe.Hel
ookssmal
landt
inyl
i
kehei
s
dy
ing.

Me:
"what
'swr
ong?Youcamef
rom Pr
etor
ia?"

Henoddedf
ast
.

Thapel
o:"Yes.Icoul
dn'
t"

Hescr
atchedhi
msel
f."

Sandi
l
e:"i
thi
nkheneedst
ofr
eshenupandeatbef
oreany
thi
ng.Togethi
m comf
ort
abl
e"
Inoddedt
ryi
ngt
owi
pemyt
ear
s.Wher
eisMom ?Whyi
shel
i
ket
his.

"Mommywear
edone"

Sandi
l
e:"goeatbabi
es"

Theyl
ookedatThapeloandtheynoddedwal
kingof
f.Ihaven'
tseenhi
min8y ear
s.Hewas9
whenIwaspregnantanddisowned.Inev
ersawhim agai
n.Myonlybrot
her
.

*
KHENSANI*

Knockofft
imecameandUnathiwasal
lexci
tedj
usttoseeNt
ambof et
chme.Hecamei
nthe
sal
onall
changedupf
rom whathewaswearingandItookmybag.

Meme:
"mmmhIwonder"

Me:
"Sshhh"

Nt
ambo:
"youar
eready?"

Me:
"yes."

Meme:
"Il
ovechocol
atecakewi
thbr
andy"

Me:
"Mel
okuhl
e!"

Shel
aughed.Het
ookmyhandandwewal
kedout
.

Me:
"west
il
lgotal
otofunpacki
ngt
odo"

Nt
ambo:
"Idi
dthemaj
ort
hings.Justt
hosesmal
lst
uffl
eftandt
het
visset"

Me:
"youshoul
dn'
thav
edonei
tal
one"

Heopenedt
hedoorf
ormeandIt
hankedhi
m andgoti
n.Hewentt
ohi
ssi
deandgoti
n.

Nt
ambo:
"coul
dyour
elax?
"

Inoddedandhechuckledanddr
oveofft
otheapar
tment.Wegott
her
eandhepar
kedandwe
gotoutandwenti
nside.I
twasneatl
i
kenothi
ngwasleft
.

Me:
"wow"

I
twasact
ual
l
ygr
eat"

Nt
ambo:
"youl
i
kei
t?"
If
eltt
ear
yforar
easonandIhuggedhi
m andcr
iedandhehuggedmeback.

Nt
ambo:
"Iam sor
ry"

Igi
ggl
edIcanseei
t'
sawkwar
dforhi
m,Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Nt
ambo:
"noneedt
othankme"

Iki
ssedhi
m andheret
urnedi
tholdi
ngmycheeksanddeepeni
ngt
heki
ss.I
tsgood.MyGodhi
s
l
ipsareni
ce,t
hick,
sof
tandtender.
Ibr
okei
t.

Me:
"uhm .
..
."

Nt
ambo:
"Il
i
ket
hewayy
ousayt
hanky
ou"

Me:
"mxm"

Nt
ambo:
"real
l
y"

Hel
eanedi
nandki
ssedmethist
imeandhel
dmywai
st,
Iputmyhandsar
oundhi
sneck.Hebi
t
mybot
tom l
i
psl
owlyandper
kedmyli
ps.

Nt
ambo:
"Ngi
yazi
fel
angaweKhensani
(Il
ovey
ousomuchKhensani
)"

Il
ookedathi
m andheki
ssedmeagai
n.Hei
aver
ygoodki
sserandmakesoneenj
oyandDon'
t
wanttost
op.

*
MAMTHOMBENI
*

"Thesunrosefr
om thedar
knessashershar
pcr
iesf
il
ledmewhol
e.It
hennamedherPhi
l
isi
we
asshebroughtl
ifei
ntomylif
e."

Smi
so:
"that
'swonder
ful
"

Icl
osedmymot
her
'sdi
ary
.Wewer
einhi
sroom cuddl
i
ngwhi
l
eIwasr
eadi
ng.

Me:
"isUnat
hiok?
"

Smi
so:
"shei
sok"

Me:
"andQamuki
l
e?Shel
eftangr
y"
Smi
so:
"shewi
l
lcal
m down"

Inoddedandaknockwasont
hedoor
.

Smi
so:
"ignor
eit"

Inoddedandheheldme.Sof
tjazzmusi
cwaspl ay
ingaroundthebedroom r
adi
owhi l
eIcl
osed
myey esi
magini
nghowmysoni sli
einj
ail
.Imisshim,Imisshim somuch.Iam gl
adIhaven'
t
heardhei
sdead.Itgi
vesmepeaceaswellbutIwantt
ohol dhi
m againbutwhen?Whenwi ll
I
holdmyFezi
le?

*
SIYAMTHANDA*

Hewalkedi
nandt
hrewal
lhi
sthi
ngsont
hebednextt
omeandIt
ookmyphoneandl
ookedat
t
heti
me.

Ay
anda:
"IknowIam l
ateandIam sor
ry."

Hetookof
fhi
scuff
li
nksandshoesandgotont
hebedandl
aidhi
sheadonmyt
highs.Iputt
he
magazi
neIwasr
eadingaway
.

Me:
"what
'swr
ong?"

Ay
anda:
"wher
eisSi
yanda?"

Me:
"hei
sasl
eep.Hehadal
ongday"

Ay
anda:
"met
oo.Wef
oundt
heper
sonwhost
olef
rom meandi
t'
sawoman"

Me:
"wher
eisshe?"

Ay
anda:
"whatdoy
ouwannado?"

Me:
"beatherbut
tforst
eal
i
ngt
hemoney"

Hechuckl
ed.

Ay
anda:
"don'
tbaby
.Wel
osti
t.I
t'
sal
ostcour
se"

Me:
"repor
ther"

Ay
anda:
"wi
tht
hepol
i
cei
twi
l
lbemessyorcol
d"
Me:
"youar
eok?"

Ay
anda:
"Iam ok"

Iki
ssedhi
sfor
eheadandpl
ayedwi
thhi
shai
r.

Me:
"di
dyoueat?
"

Ay
anda:
"Isawt
hef
ood.Thanky
ou"

Me:
"it
'sok"

Hesatupandbi
thi
sbot
tom l
i
p.

Me:
"whatar
eyout
hinki
ngof
f?"

Ay
anda:
"agame"

Me:
"whatgame?
"

Ir
aisedmybr
owandhepul
l
edmyl
egsandIl
aidonmybackandhegotonmeandki
ssedme
whil
eIhel
dhi
sface.

Ay
anda:
"how(ki
ssi
ngmyl
i
ps)l
oudcany
ouscr
eam f
orMnt
ungwa"

Me:
"Noscr
eami
ng"

Ay
anda:
"butt
her
oom i
ssoundpr
oof
ed"

Me:"whatift
hepersonwhodi
dthehousedidn'
tdot
oowell
andhadagli
tchsomewher
eand
soundpassesthr
oughandt
henMam Baluhearsmescr
eamingy
ourname"

Ay
anda:
"comeon.I
twi
l
lbef
un"

Me:
"Ay
anda"

Heki
ssedmyt
highsr
emov
ingmysi
l
kgown.

Ay
anda:
"rel
axDrKhumal
o"

Me:
"it
'sr
isky"

Ay
anda:
"Il
ovet
hisone"

Hewast
alki
ngaboutmyl
i
nger
ie.

Me:
"Ihav
eal
ott
hatIhav
en'
twor
n"

Ay
anda:
"mmm"
Hetouchedmypri
vatear
eaandwentdownandpart
edmylegsworki
nghisf
inger
s.Igasped
andbitmybot
tom l
ipcl
osi
ngmyeyesasIfeel
thepl
easur
e.Hethenpul
ledi
toutandkissedi
t.

*
UNATHI*

Iwalkedinsidet
hebedr
oom.Icheckedforrazorev
erywher
eandIfoundhiminbedsleepi
ngi
n
boxersonly.Ist
oodbythedoorwayandexaminedhim.Anelewentt
osleepaft
ereat
ing.I
walkedinandIgentl
yyouhe'dhi
m butheheldmyarm.

Razor:
"don'
tdot
hat
.Iwoul
dhav
ebr
okeny
ourhand"

Me:
"sor
ry.What
'swr
ong?"

Razor:
"longday"

Iwentt
oopent
hel
i
ght
sandhi
sjawwasbr
uised.

Me:
"wi
shwhathappened?"

Razor:
"not
hingmaj
or"

Me:
"ev
eny
ourst
omachi
spur
ple"

It
ouchedhi
m andhef
li
nched.

Razor:
"Kasi
probl
ems.Don'
twor
ryok"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Razor:
"Nanadon'
twor
ry"

Hepul
l
edmet
ohi
m andweper
ked.

Me:
"ify
ouar
eok"?
razor:
"Iam."

Me:
"hav
eyoueat
en?
"

Razor:
"Iam nothungr
y"

Inodded.Het
hencl
osedhi
sey
esandl
ookeddownr
ubbi
nghi
sey
est
henopenedt
hem.

Me:
"ar
eyouok?"

Razor:
"yeah.It
houghtIsawsomet
hing"
Me:
"Ihav
epai
nki
l
ler
s.Theywor
kli
keachar
mformyper
iodpai
ns"

Henodded.Igotupandtookt
hem outofmybagandwentt
ogethi
m wat
erandt
hencame
backandhedrank.Hel
aiddownaf
ter.

Me:
"Khensani
andFezi
l
e"

Razor:
"Hewon'
thur
ther"

Me:
"Iknow"

Razor:
"justt
ell
hert
obel
oyal
that
'sal
l
"

Me:
"am Il
oyal
?"

Razor:
"yeah"

Me:
"Nt
ethel
eloandAndi
swai
nvi
tedusf
ordi
nner"

Razor:
"gosh"

Me:
"wear
ecopar
ent
ing"

Razor:
"fi
ne"

Me:
"thanky
oubabe.Sl
eep"

Iki
ssedhi
sli
psandwentt
othebat
hroom.

*
KHENSANI*

Theki ssingwentt othebedroom andendedupbei ngdeeperthanitwas,hetookoffhi

st op
andmyt opandIwasy ear
ningforhi
slipstot
ouchmyski nagai nandmakemeshi v
er.He
unhookedmybr aandheki ssedthespacebetweenmyboobs, Ihel
dhisheadashewentt o
nibbli
ngonmyni ppl
esandIgaspedati tandhekissedmyboobandsuckedonmyni ppleshis
tonguei nter
twinedandt heotherwasbeingsqueezedinhismanl yhand.Heholdsmywai stand
kissesmybel l
yandt akesmypant soffsl
owlyandIall
owhi m beforehebri
ngshisl
i
psf ormet o
dev ouron.[SCI SSORED]

.
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t30

*
ANDI
SWA*

Nt
ethel
elo:
"ther
eisapr
obl
em i
nGer
manyagai
n."

Me:
"youhav
etogo?"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"No,
Kwandoi
sgoi
ngt
hist
ime"

Inoddedandl
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"Mbul
azi
wehav
etot
alk"

Het
urnedf
rom t
hemi
rr
orandl
ookedatme.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"somet
hingwr
ong?"

Igotofft
hebed.Ihav eal
readypr
epar
edthekidsf
orschoolandtheyl
eaveearl
ywi t
hDi na.She
doesn'
tminddri
v i
ngtheki
dsbecauseshedoesn'
tdoanythi
ng.Zamanidoesn'
twanthert owork
soshestudiesi
nherf r
eeti
meandshesayssheenjoysi
tattimesaswell,
Iwasn'tgoingtowork
today.Iwasn'
tfeel
ingok.

Me:
"pl
easesi
tdown."

Hesatdownnextt
omeont
hebedandIl
ookedathi
m.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"ar
eyouok?"

Me:
"yesIam "
Nt
ethel
elo:
"oky
oucant
ell
me"

Me:
"Iwassi
ckal
ongt
imeagoandhav
ingshar
pheadacheswhi
l
eyouwer
einDur
ban"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"di
dyougot
otheDrl
i
keIsai
d?"

Me:
"yesIdi
d"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?"

Me:
"Iam ok.If
eel
ok."

Nt
ethel
elo:
"whatdi
dtheDrsay?
"

Me:
"hecheckedmeandt
est
edandhe.
..
"

Hel
ookedatmeandIsmi
l
edandki
ssedhi
sli
ps.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Hewhat?"

Me:
"wear
egonnabepar
ent
s"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"par
ent
s"

Me:
"Iam pr
egnant"

Hel
ookedatme.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"asi
nli
keal
i
ttl
eMnt
ungwai
sgr
owi
ngi
nyou?"

Me:
"yes"

Heengul
fedmei
nahugandr
oll
edusont
hebedandIgi
ggl
edandweshar
edaki
ss.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"youar
eki
ddi
ngme?
"

Me:
"no"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iam notgoi
ngt
owor
kany
mor
e.Wear
egoi
ngt
otheDrt
oseeourchampi
on"

Me:
"ohMnt
ungwa"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Fucky
oudon'
tknowhowhappyIam baby"

Me:
"met
oo"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
ooMnt
ungwa"
Weshar
edaki
ss.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

*
MERCY*

Icoul
dn'
tsleepl
astnight
.WedecidedtoletThapelor
estbeforeweaskany
thi
ng.Iam wor
ri
ed
abouthi
m andthestatehewasi
ny est
erdaywasn'tpl
easanttome.

"
Youl
eftme"

Hesatont
hehi
ghchai
rnextt
omeandIputmymugdownandsi
ghed.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Sandil
e:"HowaboutIpr
epar
etheki
dsandt
henIt
aket
hem t
oschool
andwor
kfr
om home
today?"

Me:
"youwoul
ddot
hat?"

Sandi
l
e:"y
es"

Iper
kedhi
sli
ps.

Me:
"Iwi
l
lmakeabr
eakf
astf
itf
oraki
ng"

Sandi
l
e:"y
ouhav
eto"

Wel
aughed.

Sandi
l
e:"Iam her
eok?"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Wekissedandhegotupandwalkedoff
.Istar
tedgett
ingofft
hechai
randIstar
tedmaking
br
eakfastasIpr
omisedandpancakesf
ort
hekids.Theycamedownthestai
rsaftersomet
ime.

Yol
anda:
"mor
ningMommy"

Phi
l
agav
emehi
slunchbag.

Me:
"mor
ningbaby"

Phi
l
a:"mor
ningMommy"
Iki
ssedhi
scheekandsathi
m ont
hehi
ghchai
randt
henIf
edhi
m andSandi
l
efedYol
anda.

"Goodmor
ning"

Hest
oodt
her
einadi
stance.Igav
ePhi
l
ahi
spancakeandhef
edhi
msel
fthengotof
f.

Me:
"Heyhowdi
dyousl
eep?"

Myey
eswer
etear
y.

Thapel
o:"ok."

Sandi
l
e:"Let
'sgoki
ds"

Theygotof
f.

Me:
"by
ebabi
es"

Yol
anda:
"by
emommy"

Sandi
l
e:"By
e"

Heki
ssedmycheek.

Me:
"by
e"

Theyl
eft
.

Me:
"comeandeat"

Isathi
m downanddi
shedupf
oodf
orhi
m andhewenti
nfort
heki
l
l.

Me:
"whathappenedThapel
o?"

Hel
ookedatme.

Thapel
o:"Mom di
edt
hey
earaf
tery
oul
eft"

Tear
slef
tmyey
es.

Me:
"I.
..di
dn'
tknow"

Thapel
o:"wemov
edf
rom wher
eweusedt
oli
ve.Andi
swadi
dn'
tknowaswel
l"

Me:
"oh,
it'
smyf
aul
t"

Thapel
o:"whenIwas12dadremarri
edandhiswi
fehaski
dsaswel
l
.West
ayedt
oget
herand
shemistr
eat
edme, f
rom beat
ingst
osleepi
ngout
side"

Me:
"andwher
eisdad?"
Thapel
o:"hei
sther
e"

Hei
sdoneeat
ing.

Me:
"youwantsomemor
e?"

HenodsandIdi
shupf
orhi
m.

Thapel
o:"shedi
dn'
tli
keandwantmet obebet
tert
hanherki
ds.Shef
eltt
hreat
enedsoi
tst
ates
smallwi
thmuffi
nsbutInev
ernot
iced.

Me:
"dr
ugs?
"

Henodded.

Thapelo:
"If
eltt
heur
get
ohav
eanot
herFi
xandi
twasst
range.Shedi
dn'
tmi
ndf
undi
ngmei
n
that"

Me:
"what?"

Thapel
o:"Ist
art
edf
ail
i
ngandIdr
oppedouti
ngr
ade9"

Me:
"ohngwanawamama"

Ihuggedhi
m.Hei
sshaki
ng.

Thapel
o:"Idon'
twantt
ododr
ugsMer
cy,
Ican'
tst
opscr
atchi
ngmy
sel
f.Ineedanot
herf
ix"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lhel
pyoust
opt
hem.Iam her
e"

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s.Ohmybr
other
.

*
UNATHI*

If
ixedmyselff
orworkandlookedatRazor.Hewassoundasl
eepsi
ncey
est
erdayandIam
worri
edabouthi
sbrui
ses.Whatifi
t'
sint
ernalaswel
l.
?

Me:
"baby"

Hegr
oaned.

Me:
"Imadebr
eakf
astf
ory
ou"

Henodded.
Me:
"ar
eyouok?"

Razor:
"Iam ,
don'
twor
ry"

Me:
"ok"

Iki
ssedhi
scheek.

Me:
"Iam of
f.

Razor
:"enj
oyy
ourday"

Me:
"ify
oudon'
tfeel
ok,
cal
lme"

Razor
:"don'
twor
ry"

Me:
"ok"

It
ookmybag.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Razor:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"

Iki
ssedhi
sli
psandwal
kedout
.

Me:
"Anel
elet
'sgo"

Het
ookhi
sbagandj
umpedoft
hecouchandf
oll
owedmeout
.

*
WENDY*

Me:
"ahThabi
sa!"

Thabi
sa:
"Iam sor
ry"

Sheputsev
lonont
hecot
tonwi
l
landdabbedi
tonmybust
uredl
i
p.

Me:
"Thabi
!"

Shest
oodupl
eav
ingmeandIsni
ff
ed.

Me:
"youshoul
dhav
eseenhi
mly
ingt
hroughhi
steet
h."
Thabi
sa:
"hei
saj
erk"

Me:
"Iam gonnagethi
m.Andhewon'
tseei
tcomi
ng"

Shel
ookedatme.

*
KHENSANI*

Mybodywasaching,mypr i
vat
eareawasbur
ningandIf
eltdr
ained.Idon'
tthi
nkIwi
llbeabl
eto
gotoworkt
oday.Icouldn'
tmovebecauseNt
ambo'sl
egwasintertwi
nedwithmineandhis
handwasonmyst omach.

Me:
"Fezi
l
e"

Hegroaned.Ihavenev
erhadsomeonemakel
ovet
omeandf
uckmet
hewayhedi
d.If
elt
somethi
ngthroughi
tal
l.

Me:
"Fezi
l
ewakeuppl
ease"

Nt
ambo:
"Sl
eepkhensani
"

Me:
"remov
eyourl
egt
hensoIcangoandpee"

Her emoveditandIgotoffst
umblingabitthenwenttothebat
hroom.I
twasamissiontopee.I
peedl i
keIam l
ett
inggoofdropl
ets..Ifi
nishedaft
eralongti
meandIopenedwaterint
he
bathtubandIwenttobrushmyteet hbef
oregett
inginsi
deandsoaki
ngmysel
f.Therewasa
knockont hedoor.

Nt
ambo:
"ar
eyouok?"

Me:
"Iam "

Nt
ambo:
"Ok"

Ibathedmy sel
fandgotoutbett
erandwrappedatowelar
oundmeandIwal
kedoutofthe
bathroom andwentt
omyr oom.Iheardhim goi
ngint
hebathr
oom.Iwor
eadr ess.Mypussy
needssomeai rtobr
eathyoh.Iwentt
otakemyphoneandwenttomyroom againandIcal
led
Unathi.

Unat
hi:
"Khensani
wher
ear
eyou?
"

Me:
"Ican'
tmakei
ttowor
kIam si
ck"
Unat
hi:
"ohno"

Me:
"what?"

Unat
hi:
"Iknowt
hatst
unt
.Hef
uckedy
oudi
dn'
the?
"

Me:
"who?"

Unat
hi:
"Oouuhhemusthav
ebeengoodi
fyoucan'
tcome"

Me:
"Iam si
ckadmybodyi
sachi
ng"

Shel
aughed

Me:
"Unat
hi,
youactdi
ff
erent
lyf
rom al
lowner
s"

Unat
hi:
"whyshoul
dIbeupt
ight
.Oouhgi
rlIneedt
oheart
hist
omor
row,
takeadayof
f"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Unat
hi:
"Iwanty
ouatwor
ktomor
row."

Me:
"Iwi
l
lcome"

Shegi
ggl
ed.IhungupmydooropenedandIl
if
tedmyheadandheleanedagai
nstt
hedoor
fr
ame,whati
sthis?If
eel
shyandscaredaswell
.Wej
usthadsexandnow..
?

Nt
ambo:
"howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?"

Me:
"bet
teraf
terbat
hing"

Hesmi
l
ed.

Nt
ambo:
"Weneedt
otal
k"

Me:
"ok"

Isatupandhewal
kedi
nandsatdownnextt
ome"

Nt
ambo:
"Af
tery
est
erdayhowdoy
ouf
eel
aboutus?
"

Me:
"att
hemomenti
tseemsawkwar
d"

Nt
ambo:
"it
'snot"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Nt
ambo:
"Il
ovey
ouok?"

Inodded.
Nt
ambo:
"Soy
ouar
eof
fi
cial
l
ymywoman"

Me:
"youdi
dn'
taskhawu"

Nt
ambo:
"oursoul
sconnect
ed"

Me:
"myGod"

Wel
aughedandheper
kedmyl
i
ps.

Nt
ambo:
"Monamour
"

Ibl
ushed.

Me:
"st
opt
het
ri
cks.Iam notsl
eepi
ngwi
thy
ouany
timesoon"

Nt
ambo:
"youwi
l
lbesur
pri
sedscr
eami
ngmynamei
nasecond"

Me:
"no"

Wel
aughed.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t31

Qamo:
"mmmh,
thatl
ookswonder
ful
!"

Zama:
"youl
ookamazi
ng"

Me:
"i
tlooksbeaut
if
ul"

Zama:
"Real
l
yQamoIcommendy
ou"
Shecl
appedherhandsandIt
ookmyphone.

Me:
"youIhav
etogol
adi
es,
Anel
e"

Zama:
"ohmyGodIf
orgotmypumpki
n"

Sheputt
hewineglassdownandIr
ushedtot
hebedr
oom andIchangedget
ti
ngoutoft
hedr
ess
andworemyclot
hesandheldmyshoes.

Qamo:
"Iwi
l
lcomewi
thi
tnextweek."

Me:
"thanky
ou."

Qamo:
"yourmot
herwant
stoseey
ou"

Me:
"don'
trui
nthi
ngs."

Shel
aughed.

Zama:
"let
'sgo"

Shemadeacal
l
.

Zama:
"baby.
..
."

Iwentt
omycarandIgoti
nandt
henamessagecamei
nmyphone.

Razor:
"If
orgott
osayIf
etchedAnel
e"

Ibr
eat
hedout
.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

IputmyphoneawayandIst
art
edt
hecarandIdr
oveof
f.

*
RAZOR*

Unathi
'spainkil
ler
shelpedmeal ot
.Iev
engottofet
choursonandItookusoutj
usttobond.
Heisav erysi
lentkidbutspeakswhenhewantsto.Iknowit
'snotUnat
hiormyper
sonali
ty
becausewet alkal
ot.Iwentt ocheckmybusi
nessandthenIdrovehome.Myphonerangand
Anelerantohisbedroom.

Me:
"shar
p"
Nt
ambo:
"It
ransf
err
edt
hemoney"

Me:
"good."

Nt
ambo:
"whathappened?"

Me:
"sl
oppyj
obwi
thWendy
"

Nt
ambo:
"whydon'
tyoucutherof
f?"

Me:
"Idi
d."

Nt
ambo:
"ify
oucan'
tIwi
l
ldoi
tfory
ou"

Me:
"nowor
ri
es"

Nt
ambo:
"ok.Iwi
l
lseey
ou"

Me:
"tr
ansf
erhal
fint
omyaccount"

Nt
ambo:
"Iwi
l
l"

Me:
"sur
e"

Ihungupandsentat
extt
oUnat
hi.

*
MERCY*

Thapelosl
eptforsometi
menow.Iwoul dgoandcheckonhim hereandthereunt
ilhewokeup
andatelunch.Iwentt
oSandil
e'
sstudyashehadlockedhi
mselfinther
esincemorning.I
knockedli
ghtl
yanhesignal
edIcameinandiwalkedin.

Sandi
l
e:"baby"

Me:
"youhav
ebeencooki
ngy
our
sel
finher
eev
enaf
tery
ouf
etchedt
heki
ds."

Sandi
l
e:"i
am sor
ti
ngt
heThapel
oissue"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Sandi
l
e:"comeseet
his"

Iwal
kednextt
ohi
m andheshowedmehi
slapt
op.
Me:
"what?I
t'
sar
ehabi
l
itat
ionf
aci
l
ity
"

Sandil
e:"yes.Wewi llt
akehi
mther
eforrehabi
l
itat
ionandthenenr
oll
himi
ntheschool
sar
ound
Durban.Ialreadysenti
nanappl
i
cati
ontotwoschoolsalr
eady."

Me:
"uhm "

Het
urnedt
ome.

Sandi
l
e:"baby"

Ihuggedhi
m andki
ssedhi
sfaceandhechuckl
ed.

Sandi
l
e:"ki
sst
hel
i
ps"

Iki
ssedhi
sli
psandhehel
dmywai
st.Ibr
okei
t.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Sandi
l
e:"Il
ovey
oumor
ebaby
.Igoty
ou"

Ihuggedhi
m.Thi
smant
hough.

*
THAPELO*

Iopenedmyey esandlookedaroundthi
sbi groom.Isi
tupfrom t
hebedandit
'sget
ti
ngdar
k
outsi
de.Igetof ft
hebedandgot othebathroom andist
art
edvomit
ing.Mystomachwas
crampingandithurt.Ivomitedagai
ngreensubstancescameout.Igotfr
ight
enedandIst
ood
upandmyv i
sionwasbl urr
y.

_
___
_(f
lashback)

Kel
e:"
(st
epmom )EatNx,Youshoul
dleav
ethishousebecausey
oust
eal
andbuydr
ugs.What
ar
eyoudoingwi
thyourl
if
eheehThapelo!?"

Me:
"Mom "

I
thasbeen4day
swi
thouteat
ing.Dadwasnothomehewasatwor
k.Iscr
atchedmy
sel
f.

Kel
e:"eat
.Youshoul
ddi
ebecausey
ouar
eusel
ess!Yourmot
heri
snother
e,t
hisi
smyhouse!"
SheturnedherheelsandIstr
etchedmyhandandt
ookaf
inger
sful
lofpapandIat
ewi
th
cabbage.Itf
eltl
ikeheaven.Ichewedsl
owly
.

Kel
e:"Iam goi
ngnextdoor
.Tel
lTshegot
olockt
heki
tchencupboar
ds"

Shewalkedoutf orherusual gossipsessi

onnextdoor.Asshewentoutofsi ghtIstoodupand
wenttotheirbedroom andsear chedformoneyandIfoundi tontopofthewardrobe.Itwasn'
t
muchbutIknewsomehowi thast ogetmeinDurban.Ineededt ofindMercy,Isawa
newspaperondad' sdresserandi thadherpi
ctur
e.Icriedtears.ShelookshappywhileIam i
n
miser
y.Itookitandrushedoutandgoti nataxianddidn'
tl
ookback

_
___

Iwalkedoutoft
hebedr
oom andt
ri
edcaref
ull
ycal
cul
atingmyst
epsbutIkeptst
umbl
i
ng.Ihel
d
onthewallandImi
ssedast
epandIrol
leddownthestair
s.

"
Mommy,
daddy!
!"

Thepai
nwasexcr
uci
ati
ngi
nmyst
omach.Igr
oaned.

"ohmyGod.Sandi
l
e!"

Shehel
dme.

Mer
cy:
"Thapel
ocany
ouseeme?Cany
ouhearme?
"

Sheshout
edf
orherhusbandagai
nandIhear
dfoot
stepsappr
oachi
ngandi
wasl
i
ftedup.

Mer
cy:
"comeki
ds"

Ir
elaxedmybodybecausewhatIam f
ight
ingi
sal
oosi
ngbat
tl
e.

*
UNATHI*

Igoti
nsi
det
hehouseandAnel
eisl
ayi
ngonRazorwhi
l
etheyar
ewat
chi
ngTV.Razort
urnshi
s
head.

Me:
"Iam sor
ryIl
ostt
rackoft
imewi
thZamaandQamo"

Iki
ssedhi
sli
ps.
Me:
"thanky
ou"

Razor:
"hei
smysonaswel
l"

Me:
"your
emi
ndedmey
ouknow"

Razor:
"about?"

Me:
"it
'sapi
l
lowt
alk"

Hesmi
rked.

Razor:
"hei
sasl
eep.Let
'sgo"

Me:
"ay
iNgomane,
howar
eyou?"

Razor:
"Iam f
eel
i
ngbet
terNanat
hanky
ou"

Me:
"Ineedt
obat
h"

Iwal
kedtothebedroom andthr
ewmyshoesont hefloorandputmybagdownandwenttothe
bat
hroom t
obath.AfterIwasdoneIgotoutandwenttothebedr
oom andRazori
sinbed.

Me:
"it
'ssoear
ly"

Razor:
"it
'snev
erear
ly,
comeher
e"

Igotonhi
m andweshar
edaki
ss.Hepl
acedhi
shandsonmybut
t.

Razor:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"letmeshowy
ouhowmuchIl
ovey
ou"

Razor:
"Real
l
y?"

Igothi
m of
fhi
sbest
.

Me:
",,
yesr
eal
l
y"

Razor:
"Il
i
ke"

Me:
"mmh"

Iki
ssedhi
m andhewenttomyneckandki
ssedi
tandr
oll
edmeov
erandgotonmeandki
ssed
myneckbit
ti
ngitsl
i
ght
ly.

.
Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t32

*
MERCY*

i
am worr
ied.TheDrshav
en'tcameouttoi
nform mewhat'swr
ongwit
hThapel
o.Sandi
l
e
r
ushedt
odr optheki
dsoffathispar
ent
sbecausetheycan'
tst
ayher
ewit
hus.

Me:
"Lor
dpl
ease"

Il
ookedupj
ustt
opusht
het
ear
sbackandt
henIl
ookeddownandaDrcame.Ir
ushedt
ohi
m.

Me:
"Drhowi
smybr
other?"

Dr:
"Hei
shangi
ngt
her
e."

Me:
"what
sthemat
ter?
"

Dr:
"wedidsomet
estsandsomewi
l
lcomebackt
omor
rowbutwef
oundanamountofcocai
ne
andRat
exinhi
sbl
oodsample."

Me:
"what?"

Dr:
"wearegonnabemonit
oringhi
mforawhi
l
e,hi
sli
ver
sar
eshut
ti
ngdownbutwewi
l
lbe
sur
ewhati
scausingt
hatbytomorr
ow"

Isobbed.

Sandi
l
e:"Mer
cy"

Ir
ushedt
ohi
m andhuggedhi
m.

Me:
"It
'samess"
Dr:
"Wewi
l
ldoal
lthatwecan"

Sandi
l
e:"canweseehi
m ?"

Dr:
"Sur
e.

Iremovedmysel
ffr
om Sandil
eandwef ol
lowedtheDr
.Wegoti
nhi
swar
dandhehadapi
pe
goingi
nhismouthandothermachi
nes.Icri
nged.

Me:
"Pel
o"

Iwentonmykneesandcr
iedi
nfr
ontofhi
m.

Sandi
l
e:"babyhewi
l
lbeok"

Me:
"it
'sdad'
sfaul
t.I
t'
smyf
aul
t"

Sandi
l
e:"i
t'
snoty
ourf
aul
t.Hewi
l
lbeok"

Me:
"hei
ssmal
l"

Sandi
l
e:"shhh."

Hecomf
ort
edme.

*
WENDY*

Itookagul
pof
fmybev
erageandputmygl
assdownandl
ookedbackatAxewhoi
senj
oyi
ng
themeat.

Axe:
"Zi
yakhi
phal
ah(Thi
sisgood)
"

Me:
"What
'
swi
thy
ourf
ri
endSni
tchi
ngonme?
"

Axe:
"youar
enotr
elev
antany
mor
e"

Me:
"twomi
nut
esny
anawi
thsnowwhi
tehei
sbr
eaki
ngt
her
ules"

Axe:
"year
swi
thhi
myethenev
erputar
ingi
nit
."

Thabi
sa:
"whatdoy
oumean?"
Axe:
"yadumai
kasi
lonkel
endaba(i
twast
hebi
ggestneedar
oundher
e)"

Me:
"whatnews?"

Wel
ookedateachot
herandshedr
ankherbeer
.

Axe:
"Razorpr
oposed"

Il
aughedandt
heyl
ookedatme.

Axe:
"yout
hinkIam pl
ayi
ng"

Shet
ookoutherphoneandscr
oll
edoni
tandIsawav
ideo.

Me:
"whot
ooki
t?"

Axe:
"me,
Isawi
t"

Me:
"thi
sisami
stake.Thatr
ingi
smi
ne.Nx"

Axe:
"aswespeakhei
spay
ingl
obol
ainaf
ewday
s"

Me:
"What?!
"

Thabi
sa:
"cal
m downchomi
"

Iwasf
umi
ng.Iwantt
ost
rangl
esomeone.

*
UNATHI*

SinceIhear
dthatmom isback.Idon'tevenwanttothi
nkofgoingbackhome.Iwi
ll
got hrday
beforei
fneededthenaf
terIam leav
ing.Iwon'
tstandher.Khensaniwal
ksint
omyoff
iceandI
smi l
e.

Khensani
:"t
hatsmi
l
e"

Me:
"youar
egl
owi
ng."

Khensani
:"i
t'
sthel
i
ght
ing."

Me:
"Nt
ambodi
ckmi
ti
sesy
ouwel
l"

Khensani
:"t
hisi
swei
rd"
Me:
"ar
eyoucomi
ngwi
thusnextweek?"

Khensani
:"Nt
ambodi
dment
iont
haty
ouar
eget
ti
ngpai
dfor"

Me:
"yep,
Iwanty
out
ocome.Idon'
thav
efr
iends"

Khensani
:"Iwoul
dbehonor
ed,
newwi
gshav
ear
ri
ved."

Me:
"ohl
etmeseet
hem."

Ist
oodupandIf
oll
owedaf
terher.

*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Bul
elwa:
"wheni
sUnat
hicomi
ngback?"

Il
ookedatherandcar
ri
edonst
ir
ri
ngt
hepot
s.

Bul
elwa:
"li
stenher
e.Iam t
heonl
yMr
sNgemay
ouhear
.

Me:
"Wat
er?
"

Bul
elwa:
",
forwhat?"

Me:
"toocool
down.Youar
eboi
l
ingt
oomuch"

Bul
elwa:
"youwomanIwi
..
..
"

"Si
we!"

Smi
sowal
kedi
ntheki
tchenwi
thhi
slapt
op.

Smi
so:
"Iwasl
ooki
ngatt
hisandIor
der
edi
t"

Me:
"whati
sit?
"

Smi
so:
"youwi
l
lseei
twheni
tar
ri
ves"

Inodded.

Bul
elwa:
"thi
sisdi
srespect
ful
.Whatar
etheki
dssay
ing!?
"

Smi
so:
"Canwet
alkl
ater
.Ineedt
ocal
lmybr
other
s."
Me:
"Sur
e"

Heper
ksmyl
i
ps.

Smi
so:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
",
Il
ovey
out
oo"

Hewal
kedof
f.Bul
elwacl
i
ckedhert
ongue.

Bul
elwa:
"Youwon'
twi
n"

Me:
"It
hinkIdi
dsndbey
ondwi
thoutanyef
for
t.Umdal
afort
his(y
ouar
eol
dfort
his)
"

Icl
osedt
hepotandwentt
othesi
nk.

*
RAZOR*

Nt
ambo:
"iam sur
ether
ewi
l
lbeol
dmen."

Kau:
"iwi
l
lbr
ingmyf
atheral
ong.I
twi
l
lbej
ustt
het
hreeofusatt
henegot
iat
ions"

Me:
"wher
eisy
ourmot
herf
ezi
l
e?"

Nt
ambo:
"Idon'
tknowt
heexactl
ocat
ion"

Ishookmyheadandl
aidbackont
hecouchandoutmyf
eetont
het
abl
e.

Nt
ambo:
"youwi
l
ldot
hataty
ourhouse.If
uckkhenont
hatt
abl
e"

Ir
emov
edmyl
egs.

Kau:
"Iputmyf
oodont
hatt
abl
e."

Nt
ambo:
"Wel
i
veal
onesowher
edoy
ouexpectust
odoi
t?"

Me:
"ev
enont
hecouch?"

Nt
ambo:
"No,
noty
et.Shei
srunni
ngaway
.Mt
hombeni
ist
oomucht
ohandl
eforher"

Wel
aughed.
Kau:
"youar
edoi
ngi
tri
ght,
keepi
tup.Ei
shIam cheat
ing"

Me:
"Ial
way
stol
dyout
oleav
ethatThabi
sa"

Nt
ambo:
"wear
eaboutt
oset
tl
edownandy
ouar
echasi
ngski
rt
sli
keaheadl
esschi
cken."

Kau:
"Iwi
l
lleav
eThabi
saf
ort
hisone"

Me:
"doweknowher?"

Kau:
"Ihav
eapi
ctur
eofher"

Het
ookouthi
sphone.Wet
ooki
tandl
ookedatt
hegi
rl
.

Nt
ambo:
"Damn.Mywomani
sfi
ne"

Ihi
thi
m.

Me:
"thi
sisav
erybi
gupgr
ade"

Nt
ambo:
"ver
y.Li
kef
rom SABCt
oNet
fl
ix"

Kau:
"whatdoy
oumean?
"

Il
aughed

Nt
ambo:
"letmesayf
rom Tazzt
oLambor
ghi
ni"

Me:
"whoi
sat
azz?"

Nt
ambo:
"obv
iousTr
isha"

Me:
"Thabi
sa"

Nt
ambo:
"i
t'
sst
il
lthesamel
i
key
ourWi
nni
e"

Me:
"it
'sWendyandnotmywendy
.ihav
enana"

Kau:
"backt
omyNet
fl
ix"

Nt
ambo:
"shel
ookswel
lof
f"

Kau:
"Shei
saDrandengaged"

Me:
"hav
eyoushaggedher?"

Kau:
"noty
et."

Ntambo:"j
ustgi
veup.Twoday
swi
thMywomant
hir
ddayMt
hombeni
gothersi
ngi
ngl
ove
songs"
Me:
"Iwai
tedmont
hsonUnat
hiandt
hathasnev
erhappened."

Nt
ambo:
"mont
hs.?"

Kau:
"yoh!
"

Me:",
shegotar
rest
edaf
terbi
rt
hingLet
hokuhl
esoIhadt
owai
tforhert
oheal
andt
hewai
twas
wor
thcausedamnsheshowedme"

Kau:
"justgi
vemesomet
imeandmywomanwi
l
lbej
umpi
ngonmybed"

Nt
ambo:
"that
'swhatIwantt
ohear
.Bet
ternotgobackt
oTr
isha"

Ishookmyhead.

*
SESETHU*

Me:
"tomor
rowy
ouwi
l
lbegoi
nghome."

Ismiledandt
ookmythi
ngsandIwalkedoutofthewar
d.Myfeethur
tandIhavebeenfunny
aroundthewhol
eday
.Igotomyoff
iceandt akemyphoneandIgotamessagefr
om Lukhanyo.

"
babeIwon'
tbeabl
etof
etchy
ou.Meet
ing"

Igr
oaned.

Me:
"myGod."

Itext
edDrNtombelaandshesaidshewi
ll
giv
emewl if
tbutwewill
passsomewhere.I
fHejust
broughtmycarher
ebeforegoi
ngtohismeet
ing.Ichangedouti
fmyscrubsandIam l
azyt
o
cooktoni
ght
.Oluhl
ewalkedin.

Ol
uhl
e:"l
et'
sgo"

Me:
"thanky
ou.Hedi
ditagai
n."

Ol
uhl
e:"
youshoul
djustdr
ivey
our
sel
f"

Me:
"it
'sni
cet
obedr
iven"

Ipout
edandshel
aughed.Wewal
kedoutt
alki
ngandgoti
nhercar
.

Ol
uhl
e:"canwepassatt
hischi
sany
amai
nThembi
sa.Theyhav
eni
cemeat"
Me:
"It
hinkIwi
l
lbuyaswel
lbecauseIam l
azyt
ocookt
oday"

Ol
uhl
e:"
it
's.Gr
eat"

Wet al
kaboutgeneralstuf
fandat extfrom Lukhany
ocomesandIi gnoreit
.Wegett oThembi sa
.Wegett othechisanyamaandgoodt hingwear eabi tcasualaswell,t
hev i
bei sni
ceandt he
wholecarwashtheme.Thel adieshereenv yusandt heguy slookatus.Tr ustme, Iam no
bett
erbecauseIexchangedmy sel
ft obewher eIam formoneyt ostudyandf ood.Ever
ythi
ng.I
cutofft
hatli
feaft
ergraduati
ng.Wef i
ndaseatandsi tdown.

Ol
uhl
e:"whatar
eyougonnabuy?"

Me:
"adr
inkwoul
dbegoodnowandwhat
evermeaty
ouwi
l
lbuy"

Ol
uhl
e:"f
orhowmuch?"

Me:
"R200i
sfi
ne"

Ihav
ehert
hemoneyandt
ookoutmyphoneandshewal
kedof
f.

Lukhany
o:*
**"
'
BabyIam sor
ry*
*"

Me:
"*
**i
t'
sfi
ne*
**"

Igotof
fourchatwal
landManl
yscent
sinv
adedmynost
ri
ls.Il
ookup.

Guy1:"i
t'
sourl
uckydaywegettomeett
heMr
s,Iam Nt
amboal
soRopei
nyourEngl
i
shor
Fezi
l
esinceyouarepar
toft
hefamil
y"

Me:
"fami
l
y"

Guy2:
"let
'sgo.Sor
ryf
ort
hat
.Youwi
l
lseeusbr
o"

Hi
m:"sur
eRazor"

Guy1:
"br
ingherat.
..
."

Guy2:
"asambe(
let
'sgo)
"

Hesatopposi
temeandsmi
l
ed.

Hi
m:"Skat"

Me:
"you'
ddon'
tbackof
f?"

It
il
tedmyhead.

Hi
m:"Iwast
aughtt
onev
ergi
veupt
il
li
t'
syour
s"
Me:
"don'
tyouseet
his?"

Ir
aisedmyhand.

Hi
m:"i
t'
sjustanobst
acl
e.Ami
norone."

Il
ookedathim andhebithisbott
om l
i
pandhi
sonedi
mpl
ecameoutt
opl
ay.Hehadascaron
hi
sothercheekbutwasn'tscar
yatal
l.

Hi
m:"Kau"

Me:
"mmh"

Kau:
"Seset
huwhy
..
..
."

Me:
"howdoy
ouknowmyname?
"

Kau:
"Idi
dmyr
esear
ch."

Me:
"youst
alki
ngme?"

Het
ookouthi
sphoneandshowedmemyI
nst
agr
am."

Me:
"oh.Wei
rd"

Mydr
inkcameandIt
hankedt
hewsi
ter
."

Me:
"wher
eist
heper
sonIcamewi
th?"

Wai
ter:
"shei
sst
il
li
nsi
de"

Me:
"oh"

Kau:
"br
ingy
ourdr
inkher
e"

Me:
"why?"

Kau:
"fr
iendsanddr
inksdon'
tmi
x.Letmet
ast
e"

Il
ethi
m beandhedi
d.

Kau:
"ifwedi
e..
."

Me:
"wewon'
tdi
e"

Idr
ankmydr
ink.

Kau:
"Iwi
l
lgety
ou.Justsee"

Me:
"Iam j
ustgonnal
aughatt
hat
."
Kau:
"soam Igonnagety
ournumberorIam gonnasweatf
ori
t?"

Me:
"sweat"

Hechuckl
edandt
ookmyphonef
rom t
het
abl
eandt
ypedt
henpl
acedi
tandst
oodup.

Kau:
"seey
ouMr
sMokoena"

Me:
"Heeh"

Hesmi l
edandwal
kedof
f.Hi
ssmi
l
eissoni
ce.Makeshi
mlook.
..
.seset
hust
op.Ol
uhl
ecame
back.

Ol
uhl
e:"
mycar
ddi
dn'
twantt
oswi
pe.Hadt
ocal
lmyhusband"

Me:
"i
t'
ssor
ted?"

Ol
uhl
e:"
yep"

Inodded.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t33

TodayIam goi ngbackhomewi t

houtAnel
e.Hedidn'
twantt oleavehisf
athersoIlef
thi
m with
razor, Ireal
lydidn'
twanttol eavebuttomor
rowtheyarecomi nghomesoIhav etogohomeand
ber eadyf oreveryt
hing.Iam soexci t
edandAskedAndiswaifLethocancomeandshecan
comeaswel li
fshehasnot hingtodo.Shewasexcitedmor ethanIwas.WellIhavetothank
herf orthisbecausei ft
heydidn'tar
restmeIwouldhavebeent oomuchandnev ermettheman
Ilovesomuch.Themi nuteIparkedmycarafterworkkhensanilookedatme.Il aughandshe
j
oi nsin.
Khensani
:"Ihopey
ourmot
herdoesn'
tki
l
lme."

Me:
"myst
epmot
herwoul
dn'
t"

Khensani
:"ohmyGod.Youhav
east
epmom "

Me:"wel
ltechni
cal
l
ydadl
i
kesourhel
perandi
oncef
oundt
hem ki
ssi
ngandhet
oldmehel
i
kes
her
."

Khensani
:"ncooht
hat
'ssweetandgr
osswat
chi
ngol
dpeopl
eki
ss"

Me:
"yest
heyar
eol
dbutf
resh,
comel
et'
sgo."

Wegotoutofthecarandwewenttot
akeourbags.Itwasevenhar
dtogetKhensaniher
ewith
Ntambonotwanti
ngtolethi
sboogobutIst
oleher
e.Hewil
lseewhathewil
ldo.Iclosedthe
boott
aki
ngmysmal lbagandwemadeourwayinsi
de.

Me:
"Iam home!"

Ihadmyey
escl
osed.

"
Openy
ourey
eswena"

Iopenedt
hem andhuggedmyaunti
esandwewentt
ouncl
esandt
henwentt
opl
aceourbags
andQamowasi nmyroom sl
eepi
ng.Ishookher
.

Qamo:
"mmmh"

Me:
"whathappenedt
oyourr
oom ?"

Qamo:
"cal
lmewhenmyhusbandi
sher
e"

Me:
"youar
esl
eepi
ngov
er?"

Qamo:
"no. "

Me:
"thi
sisKhensani
"

Qamo:
"Iwoul
dgi
vey
ouahugbutIam t
ir
ed"

Me:
"okcomel
et'
sgo"

Wewor
edoeksandwentdownt
hest
air
stot
hest
udyandIknockedandf
ounddadi
nsi
de.

Me:
"hel
l
odad"

Dad:
"Iwasn'
tthi
nki
ngy
ouwer
ecomi
ngback."

Me:
"Qamot
oldmeaboutmom so.
..
."
Hechuckl
ed.

Me:
"thi
sismyf
ri
endKhensani
"

Shebowed.

Khensani
:"Sawubona(gr
eet
ings)
"

Dad:
"howar
eyoumychi
l
d?"

Khensani
:"Iam goodsi
randy
our
sel
f.?
"

Dad:
"Iam good.Thanky
ouandcal
lmedad"

Shenodded.

Me:
"wewi
l
lseey
ou"

Dad:
"Iwi
l
lcomeoutbef
orey
ourmot
herhar
assesmySi
we"

Me:
"ncoh.Iwi
l
lkeepal
ookout"

Henoddedandwewal
kedoutandwentt
otheki
tchen.

"
Unat
hiohmybabyi
sher
e"

Idon'
tthi
nkIwast
heonl
yonewhor
oll
edt
hei
rey
esi
ntheki
tchen.

Me:
"Ma"

Iwentt
oMaMt
hombeni
andweshar
edahug

Ma:
"howar
eyou?Wemi
ssedy
ou."

Me:
"Imi
ssedhomet
oobutIam goi
ngt
omor
row"

Bul
elwa:
"youi
gnor
emeandgot
oher
.Andwenawhoar
eyoul
ooki
ngcheap?
"

Shesai
dtoKhensani
.

Me:"Idon'
tknowwhoinvit
edyoubutpl
easet
urnandwal
koutoft
hatki
tchenandpacky
our
bagsbecauseyouwon'
trui
nanyofthi
sformeBul
elwa"

Bul
elwa:
"iam mom"

Me:
"wear
epastt
hatst
age"

Dad:
"what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?"

Me:
"cal
lmyf
ri
endcheapandi
don'
tmi
ndspendi
ngni
ght
sinj
ail
fory
ou.NX"
Ma:
"Unat
hidon'
tsayt
hat"

Me:
"comeKhen"

Wewal
kedof
f.Shei
smaki
ngmeangr
y,Idon'
twantt
oseeherf
aceher
e.

*
MERCY*

EversinceThapelohasbeenadmi tt
edIcoul
dn'tgohome.Iwoul dsleepher
einthehospit
alnext
tohimj ustwaiti
ngforhimtowakeupandhedi d.nitr
obenzenewasalsofoundinhisbl
ood
test
sandi tissaidthatwit
hin12hoursofdi
gestingt
hepoisonhecouldhavedied,Iwasscared
thathewoul dn'
twakeupandIwoul dhavel
osthi m.Iwipemyt ear
sAsheopenshi seyesand
swallowslookingattheceil
ing.

Me:
"Pel
o"

Igav
ehi
m somewat
ert
odr
inkandsatnextt
ohi
m hol
dinghi
shand.

Me:
"it
'sok.Youar
esaf
enow.Youar
eok"

Tear
sst
ream downhi
scheeksandi
tpai
nsmet
oseehi
mli
ket
his.I
treal
l
ypai
nsme.

Me:"wheny ougetbet
tery
ouwi
l
lgot
orehabandgetbet
tert
hent
akey
out
oschool
.Iam her
e
ok?Iam notleav
ing"

Henodded.Ihel
dhimt
omeandwebot
hcr
iedt
oget
her
.Godwhyputhi
minsuchaposi
ti
on.
Whyarepeopl
eevil
?

*
SANDI
LE*

Kwando:
"Doesy
ourwi
feknowy
ouar
eher
e?"

Me:
"no,
andshedoesn'
tneedt
oknow"

Kwando:
"ok.Wewi
l
ltal
klat
er.Hear
dUnat
hii
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed"

Me:
"shei
sback?"
Kwando:
"yeahshei
s"

Me:
"tr
oubl
e"

Kwando:
"Zamasay
sshei
sgood"

Me:
"hopeso.Ihav
etogo"

Kwando:
"shar
p"

HehangsupandIdri
veofftotheaddr
essandIstopinfr
ontoft
hehouseandgetoutofthecar
andfi
xmyhoodieandhat..ThewayMercylooksthesedaysandseei
ngmywi f
ehurt,hur
tsme
.Ify
ouhurtmywifeyouarehurt
ingme.Iwalkedinsi
detheyar
dandIknockedonthedoorand
i
topened.

Gi
rl:
"mamasomemani
satt
hedoor"

Shel
ookedatme,
Icoul
dheart
hebabycr
ies.

Gi
rl:
"hel
l
o"

Ishov
edherasideandwal
kedi
nsi
dethehousepull
ingoutmygunandanol
dwomancame
fr
om theki
tchendr
oppedt
hepl
ateshewascarr
ying.

Me:
"goshutt
hatbabyup"

Thegi
rlr
ant
othebedr
ooms.

Woman:
"whoar
eyou?"

Me:
"wor
stni
ghtmar
e"

Woman:
"Yey
igetout
!Youcr
imi
nal
"

Me:
"RememberThapel
owhent
hisbul
l
etpenet
rat
esy
ou"

Ishothertwi
ceandthegir
lscr
eamedandIwentt
ohersi
deandopenedt
hedoorandshewas
cryi
ngholdi
ngthebaby.

Gi
rl:
"pleaseIam knownothi
ng.Mamausedt
oabuseThapel
oandshef
orcedust
osl
eep
t
ogether.Thi
sishisbaby"

Shesobbed.

Me:
"fuck!"

Shehel
dont
oherbaby
.

Me:
"Ihopey
ouar
etel
l
ingt
het
rut
h"
Gi
rl:
"Iam.Shewouldbuydr
ugsformeandhi
m buthi
mthemostorsomet
imesf
eedhi
m mor
e
t
hroughhi
sfoodandhewoul
dblackout
."

Me:
"howdi
dyousl
eepwi
theachot
her?"

Shebr
okedown"

Gir
l:"Iam t
heonl
ygi
rlchi
ldfr
om mymotherandshedoesn'
tli
kemyf
ather.Shefor
cedusand
watcheduswit
habeltnextt
oherandasjambok.I
fwedon'tsl
eepwi
theachothershewoul
d
beatus"

Me:
"come,
don'
ttel
lasoul
aboutt
his"

Shenodded.Shest ooduptaki
ngthenewbabyandIoutmygunawayandwewal kedout.Igot
them i
nthecarcheckingt
hecoastanditwasquieti
nthest
reetbef
oreIgoti
nanddroveoff
.
Thebabykeptoncry i
ngatthebackandshekepthushi
ngher.

Me:
"what
'swr
ong?"

Gi
rl:
"herdi
aper
sfi
nished"

Me:
"what
syourname?
"

Gi
rl:
"Bahumi
"

Inodded.

*
KHENSANI*

Wehel pedwiththecookingofsupperatnightandit'
ssai
dwewoul dn'tcooktomorr
owbecause
Unathi'
sfat
herhiredcateri
ngandt herewasatentoutsi
de.Thi
sisimpor t
anttoUnathisovery
muchaswel l.Herdressfortomorrowi swonder
fulandshesaidshegotmeoneaswel li
t'
s
exci
ting.Wearegonnasl eeptogetherbutf
ornowshewentt oherfather.Thebedr
oom door
openedandMaMt hombeni walkedin.Thewomanhasani cewarm personal
it
yandf unnytoo.

Ma:
"Idon'
tknowbutsomet
hingdr
awsmet
oyou"

Me:
"oh"

Ma:
"hav
eyoueat
en?"

Me:
"yesma"
Shenodded.

Ma:
"ev
ery
thi
nghappensf
orar
easonbuty
ournewl
ovei
spur
eandwon'
thur
t"

Whatdoesshemean,
Unat
hidi
dtel
lmeshei
saseer
.

Ma:
"Youar
ebl
essed"

Me:
"real
l
y?"

Shenodded.

Ma:
"WhatIseei
sthaty
ouf
oundy
ourmat
ch.Yourbl
essi
ngwi
l
lber
eleased"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Ma:
"Iwi
l
lseey
oul
ater
."

Me:
"thi
nky
ou"

Shewal
kedout
.Myphoner
ang.Ianswer
edi
t.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"

Nt
ambo:
"Amour"

Me:
"howar
eyou?"

Nt
ambo:
"Iam nothappy"

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Nt
ambo:
"comeout
sideIwantt
oseey
ou"

Me:
"Hai
bo"

Nt
ambo:
"come,
Imi
ssy
ou"

Me:
"youwi
l
lgetmei
ntr
oubl
e"

Nt
ambo:
"Icancomei
nsi
de"

Me:
"noIam comi
ng"

Ihungupandworemyshoesbefor
eIwal
kedoutofthebedroom andwentdownt hestai
rs.I
checkedt
hecoastandi
twascl
ear.Ir
anfort
hedooranddownt hedriveway
.Luckil
ythegate
wasopensoIranoutandsawhi
scarandgoti
nsi
det hecarandhekissedme.

Me:
"yoh"
Nt
ambo:
"thewayy
our
an"

Me:
"mxm "

Nt
ambo:
"Imi
ssedy
ou"

Me:
"justaf
ewhour
s"

Nt
ambo:
"wecoul
dbet
urni
ngourf
latupsi
dedownatt
hemoment
.

Me:
"Iam gl
ad."

Hel
aidhi
sseatdown.

Nt
ambo:
"KhenIl
ovey
ou"

Ismil
ed.Thewayhesaysi
t,i
t'
sli
kethef
ir
stt
imeIam hear
ingi
t.Il
eanedi
ntokisshi
m andhe
pul
ledmeintohi
m andhel
dmybuttandwecarr
iedonki
ssi
ngandIlaidmyheadonhim.

Me:
"Iam al
way
sscar
ed"

Nt
ambo:
"don'
tbe."

Ir
emember
edwhatMaMt
hombeni
sai
d.

Me:
"Iwantt
olov
eyou"

Nt
ambo:
"Lov
eme"

Hebi
thi
sbot
tom l
i
p.Ihel
donhi
m.Sof
arhehasbeenagr
eatboy
fri
end.

*
SESETHU*

Iam l
ayi
ngonhi
schestandhehashi
sar
m ar
oundmewhi
l
ewewat
chsomeTV.

Me:
"babel
ookatt
hatcol
our,
itwoul
dbeni
ceatourweddi
ngI
'
dweusei
t"

Lukhany
o:"mmh"

Isatupandl
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"Real
l
y?"

Lukhany
o:"i
tswor
kbaby"
Me:
"canwej
usthav
easecondwi
thoutwor
kint
erf
eri
ng"

Lukhany
o:"wheny
ouwor
kIdon'
tsayany
thi
ng"

Me:
"Imaket
ime.Ev
ery
timeIam f
reeIt
ryt
ospendi
twi
thy
ou"

Lukhany
o:"wel
lIam notf
ree."

Me:
"wow"

Igr
abbedhi
sphoneandhej
umped.

Me:
"youar
esl
eepi
ngwi
thy
ourPA?"

Lukhany
o:"set
hu"

Ishookmyheadandthrewhi
sphoneathi
m andr
anupt
hest
air
s.Her
anaf
terme.Il
ockedt
he
doorassoonasIgoti
nandhebangedonit
.

Lukhany
o:"babeIam sor
ry"

Isobbed.It
ookmyphoneanddi
aledt
henumber
.

Lukhany
o:"seset
hu!
"

Bangbang

Lukhany
o:"pl
easeopenupsowecoul
dtal
k"

Hekeptonbangi
ng.

Lukhany
o:"babyIam sor
ry,
itwasonet
ime."

Si
ya:
"hel
l
o"

Me:
"If
eel
wor
thl
ess"

Si
ya:
"heywhat
'swr
ong?"

Me:
"youwer
eri
ght,
hei
scheat
ingonme"

Si
ya:
"ohbabe.Iam comi
ngt
ofet
chy
ou,
youcan'
tst
aywi
thhi
m."

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Si
ya:
"Iam y
ourbestf
ri
end"

Me:
"thanks"

Shehungup.Sheal
way
ssai
d,amannev
ermakest
oomanyexcusest
obewi
thhi
swoman.
WhenIexcusedmy
sel
fit
'sbecauseofwor
korIam atwor
k.Inev
ert
houghtofcheat
ingonhi
m
ev
er.

*
SANDI
LE*

Wepasst
het
raf
fi
ckl
i
ghtandIl
ookatt
hebackandt
heyar
ebot
hasl
eep.It
ookoutmyphone
hecal
l
edMer
cy.

Mer
cy:
"baby"

Me:
"howi
she?
"

Mer
cy:
"hei
sget
ti
ngdi
schar
gedt
omor
row"

Me:
"that
'sgood"

Mer
cy:
"ver
y"

Me:
"li
stenbabe.Wehav
eapr
obl
em "

Mer
cy:
"what
'swr
ong?"

Me:
"Thapel
ohasababy"

Mer
cy:
"what?"

Me:
"hi
m andt
hebabymamawer
efor
cedt
osl
eept
oget
her"

Mer
cy:
"whatam Igoi
ngt
odoaboutt
his?
"

Me:
"wewi
l
lhav
etot
aket
hem i
n"

Mer
cy:
"that
'sal
otSandi
l
e"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lhandl
eit
.Justl
etmebe"

Mer
cy:
"babear
eyousur
e?"

Me:
"Iam.Iknowi
fitwasmey
ouwoul
dhav
edonet
hesame"

Shesni
ff
ed.

Me:
"Don'
tcr
y"
Mer
cy:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Ihungupandl
ookedatt
hem.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t34

*
RAZOR*

Me:
"howar
eyou?"

Unat
hi:
"ner
vousandf
rust
rat
edbymom "

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Shesi
ghed.

Unat
hi:
"Imi
ssy
ou"

Il
eanbyt
hewal
lout
sidet
hehouse.

Me:
"Imi
ssy
out
oo.Somuch"

Unat
hi:
"Ihav
etocomebackwi
thabang"

Me:
"av
erybi
gone"

Wel
aughed.
Me:
"can'
twai
tfort
omor
row"

Unat
hi:
"met
oo.Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"

Unat
hi:
"thanky
ouf
orl
ovi
ngme"

Me:
"Ishoul
dbet
heonewhoi
sthankf
ul"

Unat
hi:
"Ihav
etogol
ove.By
e"

Me:
"by
e"

ShehungupandIsi
ghed.Iwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehouse.

Kau:
"wher
eisNt
ambo?"

Me:
"idon'
tknow"

Kau:
"lecher
rydl
alahar
dtoget(t
hisgi
rli
spl
ayi
nghar
dtoget,
)"

Me:
"Thabi
sa?"

Kau:
"shenagsmeabouty
out
il
lIl
eft
"

Me:
"whataboutme?"

Kau:
"Wendy"

Me:
"Mxm"

Kau:
"Il
i
vewi
thWendyt
hisandWendyt
hat"

Me:
"youshoul
dcutherof
f"

Kau:
"Iwi
l
l."

Hel
aidbackont
hecouch.Anel
erest
edear
lyt
oni
ghtandwant
edt
ober
eadyf
ort
omor
row.

*
SESETHU*

Ipackedmybagsandaf terthatIsatont
hebed.Hekeptonknocki
ngandsai
dhewouldn'
tl
eav
e
thedoorunt
ilIopen.Ij
ustignoredhim.Hedoesn'
tval
uemet hatmucht
hen.Ihear
dsomeone
cal
l
ingmynameandIopenedthedoorandhewasn'tther
e.Itookmysui
tcasesbagsandI
wal
keddownthest
air
sanditwasSiyamthandaandherhusband.

Lukhany
o:"t
hisi
sbusi
nessbet
weenMeandnyf
iance."

It
ookof
fther
ing.

Me:
"puti
tony
ourpa"

Ay
andat
ookmybags.

Lukhany
o:"babydon'
tl
eav
emepl
ease"

Me:
"Lukhany
oIneedt
ogo"

I
t'
shar
dbecauseIl
ovehi
m.

Si
ya:
"let
'sgo"

Itookmybagandwewalkedout
.Igoti
nmycarwi
thherandshedr
ovet
oherhouse.I
twas
verysi
l
enti
nsi
dethecar
.

Si
ya:
"Iwi
shIwaswr
ong"

Met
oo.Il
ookedoutoft
hewi
ndow.Wegott
oherhouseandgotoutandwal
kedi
nsi
de.

Si
ya:
"needsomet
hingt
oeat?
"

Me:
"noIam good.Ij
ustneedt
orest"

Shenodded.Sheshowedmear
oom andi
thadmybags.

Me:
"Iwi
l
lleav
etomor
row"

Si
ya:
"nost
ayunt
ily
ouar
egood"

Me:
"Imademydeci
sion.Thanky
ou"

Shenodded.

Si
ya:
"cal
lmei
fyouneedany
thi
ng"

Inoddedandshewal kedout
.Iclosedthedoorandlockedbef
oreIsatonthebedcryi
ng.Iwi
sh
tocal
lhim buthehurtme.Itookmyphoneandscr oll
eddownt ohisnameanditst
oppedathi
s
name.Ipresseditanditr
angaf ewtimesbeforeI
twasanswer ed.

Hi
m:"Hel
l
o"

Me:
"Hi
,it
'
sSeset
hu"
Ihungup.Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?Isi
ghedandt
ookof
fmycl
othesandgoti
nbed.Myphoner
ang.

Me:
"Hi
"

Hi
m:"Skat"

Ibl
ushed.

Kau:
"Iwai
ted"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tknowIhady
ourphonenumberandIam engaged"

Kau:
"It
oldy
oui
t'
sasmal
lobst
acl
e"

Me:
"oh,
Ijustcal
l
ed"

Kau:
"Iam gl
ady
oudi
d"

Me:
"whenwi
l
lIseey
ou?"

If
eltl
i
kebashi
ngmy
sel
f.Hechuckl
ed.

Kau:
"whendoy
ouwantt
oseeme?"

Ne:
"idon'
tknow"

Kau:
"Iwi
l
lcal
lyou"

Me:
"ok"

Hehungupandt
henaf
ewmi
nut
esl
aterhev
ideocal
l
edme.

Kau:
"Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Kau:
"wher
eishubby?"

Me:
"Idon'
twantt
otal
kaboutt
hat"

Henodded.Goddamnhei shandsome,r
eall
yhandsomedefini
ti
onofhot.Hel
i
ckedhi
sli
ps
andhi
sdimpleappear
ed.Imel
ted.Hewasinacarbythebackground

Kau:
"whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat?"

Me:
"youar
emaki
ngagi
rlwet"

Hechuckl
ed.

Me:
'Iam bei
nghonest"
Kau:
"Letmesee"

Me:
"what?"

Kau:
"howwety
ouar
e"

Il
aidonmybackandfixedmypil
lowandt
henmov
edt
hephonedownasIt
ookof
fmy
under
wearandopenedmylegs.

Kau:
"damn,
touchy
our
sel
fforme"

Iposi
tionedmyphoneont
hedr
esserandchangedposi
ti
ons.It
ouchedmyboobsand
squeezedthem.

Kau:
"Nowcl
osey
ourey
es"

Icl
osedmyey
es.

Kau:
"imagi
nemyf
ace"

Idi
dimagi
nehi
m.

Kau:
"ki
ssi
ngy
ousof
tl
y,car
essi
ngy
oucar
eful
l
y"

Icoul
dimagi
nehi
m.Mybr
eat
hingescal
ated.

Kau:
"movey ourfi
nger
ssl
owl
ythr
oughy
ourbodyasIki
ssy
ouandgodownt
oyourVi
rgi
naand
sl
ipi
nyourf
ingers"

Idi
dthat
.

Kau:
"thr
ustsl
owl
ytot
hesoundofmyv
oice."

Me:
"ah!"

Ikeptont
hrust
ingandt
hepl
easur
ekeptonki
cki
ng.

Kau:
"fucky
ouar
edoi
ngagoodj
ob."

Ikeptonbl
essi
ngmy
sel
f.

Me:
"AhKaui
am cummi
ng"

Kau:
"shi
t!cum f
orme"

Ibi
tmyl
i
pandcame.Ibr
eat
hedi
nandoutandhear
dhi
m gr
oan.

Kau:
"fuckset
hu"

Iopenedmyey
esandhewashel
pinghi
msel
fandhecameaf
ter
.
Kau:
"shi
t!"

*
BAHUMI*

IwokeupwithLesedinextt
ome.Il ookedaroundandIwasi nt
hisbigroom.Ithoughtmama
wouldcomeinandsplashwaterovermeandLesedi .Ipul
l
edherclosetomeandt herewasa
knockonthedoorandabeautif
ulwomanwal kedin.Itwasnoonlookingbyhowfarthesunhas
cameout.Shesmiledandreal
l
yisbeauti
ful
.

Her:
"Bahumi
right?"

Inodded.

Her:
"iam Mer
cy.Thapel
oImybr
other
"

Inodded.

Her:
"canIt
akeher?"

Il
ookedatmybabyandher
.

Her:
"don'
twor
ryy
ouar
esaf
e"

Inoddedandshet
ookLesedi
.

Her:
"youcangoandbat
h"

Inoddedandstoodupandmadet hebedbeforegoi
ngtobath.Igotchangi
ngclothesand
walkedoutofthebedr
oom.Itr
iedtofi
ndmywayandIdi d.Igotdownt hestai
rsandIfound
Thapelosi
tt
ingonthecouchwi
thablanketoverhi
m andIst
oppedmyt r
acks.Myhear twas
beati
ngfast
.

_
__(
fl
ashback)
___

Me:
"runawayThapel
o.Ourbabycan'
tgr
owupknowi
ngy
ouar
edead"

Thapel
o:"Whydoesshehat
eme?"
Me:
"thi
nkabouti
t."

Iwipedmyt
ear
s.Helai
dhi
sheadonmeandIf edhi
m myf
ood.Hel
ooksweak.Yesmom
mistr
eat
smeaswell
butIgetf
edandhedoesn't
.

Me:
"Shh"

Wewereatthebacky
ardout
sidet
hehouseatnight
.Itwasjustaf
tersupperandshechased
hi
m outsi
nceaweekago.Hisfat
herdoesnot
hingandIthi
nkshehasahandi ni
t.

Thapel
o:"Iam gonnadi
eHumi
"

Me:
"(cr
ying)don'
tsayt
hat
.Lesedi
needsy
ou.Weneedy
ou"

Hecl
oseshi
sey
essl
owl
yandIki
sshi
sfor
eheadandhol
dhi
m cl
oset
ome.

_
___
___

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sandhet
urnedhi
sheadandIt
urned.

Thapel
o:"Bahumi
"

Ikeptqui
et.Hest
oodupandcamet
omel
i
mpi
ngandi
wentt
ohi
m andhuggedhi
m.Webot
h
cri
ed.

Me:
"youar
eok"

Thapel
o:"Ial
mostdi
ed"

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Webr
oket
hehug.

Me:
"wher
eisLesedi
?"

Thapel
o:"Isawmysi
sterandherhusbandwal
koutwi
thababy
.It
hinkt
heyl
eftwi
thher"

Hewi
pesmyt
ear
s.

Me:
"Iam scar
ed"

Thapel
o:"wewi
l
lbeok.Wear
esaf
e"

Inoddedandhehuggedmeandhushedme.

Thapel
o:"i
t'
sok"

Inodded.Iam gl
adhei
sok.
.

*
SESETHU*

Siy
amt handawokemeupi nt hemorni
ngandsai dwearegoingsomewher etorel
iev
eourminds.
Apparentl
yislobolanegoti
ati
onsforherCousin'shusband'sexwif
ewhot heyshareababywith
andtheywer einvi
ted.MaybeIshouldgoandcl earmymi ndsinceIam onleave.Igotdr
essed
i
nat r
aditi
onal dr
essthatIfoundinmysuitcaseandIl ookedwonderf
ulaswel l
.Makeupdone
andmyhai rti
edni cel
y.LukhanyohasbeencallingandIam ignori
nghiscall
s.

Si
ya:
"comebabesl
et'
sgo,
may
bey
ouwi
l
lscor
eyour
sel
faman"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"may
be"

Icoul
dn'
tstopthinki
ngaboutwhatwentdownlastni
ghtwit
hmeandkau.If i
ndmy sel
fbei
ng
shyandembar r
assed.IhopeIdon'
tbumpintohi
m soon.Wewal kedoutandsai
dgoodbyest o
AyandaandIloadedmybagsi nmycar.Iwil
lgotoahotel
afterandfi
ndaplacet
omov eintoo..

*
UNATHI*

Wewokeupni ceandear
lyandIcall
edrazorandwechattedabi
twiththeboysaswell
.Iam
veryexci
tedaboutal
loft
hisandnothingcankil
lmyjoyatthi
smoment .Iwenttobat
handgot
dressedwit
hKhensaniandshelookedwonderful
.Fezil
ewill
def
ini
tel
yputaringonthi
ssoonI
tel
lyou.

Tobecont
inued
~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t35

Khensani
:"Dr
inksomewat
er."

Qamo:
"br
eat
h"

Ma:
"doy
ouwantmet
ost
aywi
thy
ou?"

Inoddedandshesatnextt
omeandhuggedme.Ther
ewasaknockont
hedoorandQamo
wenttoopen.

Zama:
"Sani
bonani
(hel
l
o)"

Wegr
eet
edandt
heywal
kedi
n.

Andi
swa:
"howar
eyou?"

Me:
"iam ner
vous"

Ma:
"shehasbeenv
omi
ti
ngsi
ncemor
ning"

Andi
swa:
"sor
ryf
orbei
ngr
udeMa.That
'sSeset
huandmycousi
nSi
yamt
handa"

Them :
"hel
l
o"

Ma:
"youar
eal
lbeaut
if
ul.Youmi
ghtt
akeUnat
hi'
shusband"

Me:
"Iwoul
ddi
e"

Theyl
aughedandsatdown.

Ma:
"sowear
ejustgonnasi
ther
e?"

"Madlokovu,Ntusi
yenkomo,Wenawasengweni,Mngadi,
Nene,St
henj
wa,Muji
,Sabel
'uy
abi
zwa
enkonjeni
,ubizwaabamhlopheukuzokhul
umangomhlabathi
waki
nikamal
andel
a,!"

Khensani
:"i
tsoundsl
i
ket
heyar
einsi
de"

Me:
"Ineedt
ovomi
t"
Ir
ant
othebat
hroom andMahwasbehi
ndme.Khensani
handedwat
ert
omeandIdr
anksome.

Ma:
"comedon'
tst
ress"

Me:
"Ihopet
heydon'
trui
nthi
sforme"

Ma:
"wewon'
tl
ett
hathappen"

Ist
oodupandf
lushedt
het
oil
et

Khensani
:"cal
m down"

Inoddedandt
henIwentt
obr
ushmyt
eet
handt
henwewal
kedbackout
.

Andi
swa:
"ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lgowel
l"

Zama:
"yeahdon'
twor
ry"

Me:
"Il
ovehi
m Fr
iend"

Khensani
:"andhel
ovesy
ou"

Seset
hu:
"Yeahi
fhehasn'
tdonet
heshi
tmi
nedi
dthendon'
tst
ress"

Weal
ll
ookather
.

Seset
hu:
"okweneedwi
nef
ort
his.Sor
rymah"

Ma:
"Qamogetsomewi
newear
edr
inki
ng"

Qamo:
"yes.Cool
estmom "

Shet
ooki
tfr
om undermypi
l
lowandanot
heraswel
l
.

Andi
swa:
"thi
sisnotf
air
."

Me:
"Ei
sh."

Qamo:
"youdon'
tdr
ink?"

Andi
swa:
"Iam pr
egnant"

Qamo:
"Iwi
l
lgogetsomenonal
cohol
i
cwi
ne.It
hinkIhav
e"

ShegotupandSeset
huopenedt
hebot
tl
e.

Ma:
"Thegl
assesar
enother
e"

Wel
aughed.
Si
ya:
"Thi
siswei
rdatt
hesamet
ime"

Me:
"Yeahi
tis"

Qamocamebackr
ushi
nghol
dingaboxandwi
neont
op.

Khensani
:"y
ouev
enboughtgl
asses?
"

Qamo:
"yes"

Weopenedt
hebot
tl
esandt
oldAndi
swat
ohol
dher
'scl
ose.Wepour
edanddr
ank.

Ma:
"Iam st
art
ing"

Wenodded,
thi
swi
l
lbev
eryi
nter
est
ing.

*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Thesel
adi
esar
etaki
ngmebackt
oev
ery
thi
ng.Iwashol
dingmyownwi
negl
ass.

Me:"I
twasyearsback.Ov
er30YearsagoImetaman.Youknowwheny oumeetamanand
hei
sniceandgenui
nebutther
ewerewhatyoucal
lthesef
lagst
heseday
s"

Seset
hu:
"redf
lags"

Ma: "yes.Inourear l
yrelat
ionshiphehadangeri ssuesifImaysay, wouldsaythi
ngsthatput
medownv erbal
lyabusedmebutIwasbl indedbylove.Ilovedhimti
llwegotmar r
iedandhad
ourownchi l
d.Hest art
edtobeokaf teroursonwasbor n,astimegrewthi
ngsgotwor sewhen
Ithoughttheywer egetti
ngok.Hest artedcheati
ngandbeat ingmeupaswel lbutinhi
s
cheati
nghegotHI V, backthenwewer enotwel l
informedwi t
hitsohediedfr
om it.Onethi
ngI
am gratef
ul foratthi
smomenti sthatwhenhecheat edheseemeddi sgust
edofme.Icoul d
haveHI Vaswel landdiedfrom itifhesleptwithme."

Si
ya:
"nowi
t'
sjusty
ouandy
ourson"

Me:"Iwasasingl
eparenttoaboyanditwashar
dint
hesi
tuat
ionwel
ivedin.Icoul
dn'tt
urn
homebecauseourhousewasburntdownwhenwewereyoungandmymot herhel
pedmeand
mysist
erescapet
hroughthesmall
windowandsoasourl
it
tl
ebabybr
otherandwer anoffas
ther
estbur
nt.Mysongrewi nt
oali
feofcri
me.Sohei
sinpri
son"

Ther
ewassi
l
ence.
Qamo:
"that
'shect
ic."

Si
ya:
"mi
neseemspet
ty"

Me:
"Not
hingi
spet
ty"

Khensani:
"Iranawayfrom homewi t
hhim.Hepr omisedmethewor l
dandt hi
ngsathome
werenotok.EvenifIst
ayedIwouldn'
thavesurv
ived.Wecameher eandthingschanged.He
abusedmeeachandev er
ychancehegot.Theneighbourwoul
dr epor
ttohim.Iwantedtodo
bett
erandtri
edmybestbuthewi l
l al
waysbeatmesay i
ngIam ungrat
eful
.Iendureditasmy
dai
lypain"

Shewi
pedhert
ear
s.

Siya:
"Hewassweet .Iwaschar medbyhisgreeneyes.Wef ellf
oreachot her,Iwasst
il
li
n
varsi
tyandwehadapr ogram wewer esupposedtoattend.Sesethuwar nedmeaboutred
fl
agsandIignor
edthem.Hedi dn'
tli
kethewayIdressedattimesandstar t
edbeingcont
rol
li
ng.
Thedayhebestme, Ididn'texpecti
t.Ial
mostdiedandhel eftmethereafterbeat
ingme.I
fI
didn'
tcal
lmyhusbandIt hi
nkIwoul dhavedi
ed.Her eal
lyi
smysav inggrace"

Unat
hi:
"HewasmyBestfr
iend.Myf i
rsteverfr
iend.Wewenttohi
ghschoolt
ogetherandhe
woul
dprot
ectmefr
om bul
lyi
ng.Iwasn'tt
histhi
nwhi l
egr
owingup.If
ell
forhi
mt hewayhewas
andwhenIwas21,onmybirthday.I
twast hedayheburntt
odeathbymymot her"

Icr
ingedandt
ear
sescapedherey
esandQamohuggedher
.Ther
ewassi
l
ence.

Andiswa:"myf i
rstev
erboyf
ri
end,Hewassowonder f
ul,wemetatwork.Iwasacleanerback
thenandhewasanowner.Hegav emeal i
ftthefi
rstt
imewemet.Iaskedhi
mi fheismarri
ed
andhedenieditandwhenIwasdeepforhi
m Ifi
ndouthewasmarri
ed.Webr okeuplit
tl
edidI
knowIwaspr egnant,nowwearemarr
ied"

Seset
hu:"allofy
ourst
oriesi
t'
slikemi necombi
ned.SiyamthandaknowsIwoul
ddi sappear
daysandweeks.mymot heri
sadr unkenwhodoesn'
tknowwhatgoesoni nmylif
eorwhatI
wouldeatnextsoagir
lhustl
edtill
Iam whoIam.Ev eryti
meIgetbeatenIwoul
dalway sthi
nkof
homeandwhatIwantandgof orthef ut
ure"

Me:
"youar
eal
lyoungf
ort
his"

Si
ya:"Ithi
nkIspeakforever
yonewhenIsaynowi
t'
swor
thi
tbecausewehav
efoundour
matches.Menwhol oveusself
lessl
y"

Seset
hu:
"countmeout"

Me:
"youhav
efoundy
our
s"

Wedr
ankourwi
ne.
Me:
"nowbedr
oom t
alk"

Andi
swa:
"It
hinkIhav
etopee"

Si
ya:
"Ihav
en'
tcal
l
edmyhusband"

Seset
hu:
"It
hinkIwi
l
lst
ickt
othewi
ne"

Me:
"khensani
"

Khensani
:"Iam goi
ngt
ohel
puhm"

Wehear
dul
ulat
ing.Unat
hisatup.

Me:
",ev
ery
thi
ngwentwel
l"

Shecr
iedandhuggedme.

Me:
"don'
tcr
y"

Unat
hi:
"Iam happy"

*
RAZOR*

Iwasint
hecarwit
hAnelej
ustoutsi
de,
Iam ner
vousandscar
edaswel
l
..Ihopeev
ery
thi
ng
goeswel
l,myphoner
ingsandit
'sUnat
hi.

Unat
hi:
"Ngomane"

Me:
"nana"

Unat
hi:
"Iwantt
oseey
ou"

Me:
"youwi
l
l"

"Unat
hi!
"

Unat
hi:
"Ihav
etogo.Iwi
l
ltal
ktoy
oul
ater"

Me:
"sur
ebaby"

Theguy
scameoutt
ofi
xi
ngt
hemsel
ves.
igotout
.
Nt
ambo:
"ev
ery
thi
ngwentwel
l"

Me:
"Sur
eboy"

Webr
ohugged.

Me:
"thanky
ousomuch"

Kau:
"wegoty
ourbacksandl
ooksl
i
ket
heywental
lout"

Nt
ambo:
"wher
eisAxe?
"

Me:
"onherway
.,Comeboy"

Anel
egotout"

Kau:
"Ishoul
dearasui
tmor
eof
ten"

Hesai
drunni
nghi
sfi
nger
sonMar
oonsui
tandf
ixi
nghi
sti
e.

Nt
ambo:
"youknow.I
t'
sasi
gn"

Me:
"of?"

Kau:
"thatweshoul
dgetmar
ri
ed"

Me:
"pl
ease.Thabi
sawi
l
ldr
ivey
oucr
azy"

Kau:
"mxm"

Welockedt
hecarsandmadeourwayi
nsi
de.Kaur
eal
l
ypull
edthroughformewithhi
sfat
her
anduncl
e.Thi
sismyguyfor
ever.Wewer
eledtoani
cel
ydecoratedst
retcht
entandIgr
eet
ed.

MrNgena:
"Iwi
l
lki
l
lyoui
fshecr
ies"

Me:
'
"shewon'
t"

Themenconver
satewhi
lewedidthesameandIsawmywomanbyt hesl
i
dingdoor
.Shel
ooks
amazi
ng.Shestar
tedwal
ki
ngoutholdi
ngatrayf
oll
owedbyot
herwomentoobutmyeyeswer
e
onher
.Shecameandkneelednexttome.

Unat
hi:
"Mshi
ka"

Ihear
dul
ulat
ing.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Shenoddednotl
ooki
ngatmet
henshegotupandwal
kedof
f.

Nt
ambo:
"ser
vedbymywoman.Mmmh"
Ibi
tmybot
tom l
i
pasIl
ookedather
.

Me:
"Ineedt
hebat
hroom "

Ist
oodupandwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehouseandsawawomanwhol
ookedav
ail
abl
e.

Me:
"sor
rymaIam l
ooki
ngf
orabat
hroom "

Shet
urnedanddr
oppedt
hegl
ass.

Me:
"Mamkhul
u"

Shehuggedme,
Ihuggedherback

Mamkhul
u:ohMnt
akasi
si.(Mysi
ster
'schi
l
d.)OhLi
ndani
"

Thi
swasshocki
ngandquest
ionsr
oamedi
nmyhead.

Shegotof
fandwi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Mamkhul
u:"y
ouar
ebackhome.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Howi
smysoni
nther
e?"

Me:"y
es,Icameouty
earsagoMamkhul
u.Iam her
eforUnat
hi,
Ipai
dlobol
aforher
.Fezi
l
eis
ok,
hecameoutweeksago.Heisher
e"

Shecr
iedandIhel
dher
.Peopl
ewer
ewat
chi
ngus.

Mamkhul
u:"t
akemet
ohi
m."

Shewasshaki
ng.Inodded,
Iam st
il
lshocked.Wewal
kedout
sideandnt
ambowasmaki
ng
j
okesasal
waysandthemenwerelaughi
ng.Shewasshaki
ngmore

MrNgema:
"Si
wear
eyouok?
"

Mamkhul
u:"Fezi
l
e"

Nt
ambost
oppedl
aughi
ngandt
urnedt
ous.Hest
oodup.

Nt
ambo:
"O'
l
ady
"

Sher
ushedi
ntohi
sar
msandt
heyhugged.Shekeptont
ouchi
nghi
m.

Mamkhul
u:"y
ouar
eher
e.Myonl
ychi
l
d"

Nt
ambo:
"Iam sor
rymah"

Hewasemot
ional
aswel
l
.Theybr
oket
hehugandshel
ookedathi
m andkeptoncr
ying.

MrNgema:
"what
'sgoi
ngonher
e"
Shewasshaki
ng.Shehel
dherchest

Me:
"wat
er"

shefai
ntedandNtambohel
dherqui
ckl
ybef
oreshehi
tthegr
ound.MrNgemar
ushedt
oherand
Idi
daswel l
.Itwasamess.

*
SESETHU*

Thatembarr
assi
ngmomentwhenIsawKau.It ur
nedbackwi
ththef
oodandgavei
tto
Si
yamthandaandshewentt
oservethem.DramahappenedandMafai
nted.Wewerewat
chi
ng
astheyt
ookherinsi
det
hehouse.Khensani
rushedof
faswellt
ocomfor
therman.

Unat
hi'
smom :
"yest
hat
'sf
orl
ovi
ngol
dhags"

I
sn'
tsheol
dfort
his?"

Si
ya:
"It
hinkweshoul
dst
ayabi
t"

Andi
swa:
"Nt
ethel
eloi
scomi
ngt
ofet
chme.Iam t
ir
ed"

Me:
"ok"

Wewereeat
ingatt
hedini
ngroom.Theywal
kedoutal
loft
hem andMahseemedbet
terweal
l
st
oodupandwenttohughershameandshegi
ggled.

Ma:
"Iam ok"

Zama:
"wewer
ejustwor
ri
ed"

Ma:
"thi
sismyson"

Shel
ookedt
ear
ysmi
l
ing.

Me:
"Rope!"

Icl
osedmymout
h.

Nt
ambo:
"oht
hesi
steri
nlaw"

Ma:
"Iam conf
usedandwon'
task"

Andi
swa:
"wemadef
oodf
ory
ou"
Ma:
"thanky
ou"

Unat
hi'
sdad:
"wi
l
lyoubeok?"

Shenoddedhet
ookherhandandt
heywal
kedof
f.

Nt
ambo:
"am Imi
ssi
ngsomet
hing?
"

Unat
hi:
"Qamot
hisi
sMyl
i
ndani
'
scousi
n.Khensani
'
sbooandIguessourst
epbr
other"

Guy
s:"what?"

Nt
ambo:
"ohhel
lnawt
hatai
n'
thappeni
ng"

Hewasr
eadyt
ofol
l
owt
hem.Unat
hist
oppedhi
m."

Khensani
:"cal
m down"

Het
ookherhandandwal
kedof
f.

Unat
hi:
"yourcousi
nhasdr
ama"

Theywal
kedof
f.

Me:
"Ineedt
ofr
eshenup"

Iwal
kedof
f.

"
Sor
ry"

Ist
oppedmyt
rackshest
oodI
nfr
ontofme.

Guy:
"Icoul
dn'
thel
pmy
sel
f"

Me:
"Iam notav
ail
abl
e"

Guy:
"Iam r
eadyf
orachal
l
enge,
Ihav
eal
way
sseeny
ouonI
nst
agr
am "

Igav
ehi
m al
ook.Iam notani
nfl
uencerorany
thi
ng.

Me:
"uhm.
..
"

Guy:
"youar
ebeaut
if
uli
nper
son"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Someonehel
dmywai
standt
hescenthi
tmynost
ri
lsandasof
tki
sswasonmyneck.

"
Ihav
ebeenl
ooki
ngf
ory
ouskat"
Iswal
l
owed.

Guy:
"youar
etoget
her?"

Kau:
"yes,
come"

Me:
"I.
.I
..
"

Il
ostwor
ds.

Me:
"Ineedt
ofr
eshenup"

Kau:
"Iwi
l
laccompanyy
ou"

Guy:
"ov
erpr
otect
ivemuch"

Kau:
"shei
smydi
amondcome"

Hepul
l
edmeaway
.

Kau:
"rel
ax"

Ibr
eat
hedout
.Wegott
othebat
hroom andhegoti
nandl
ockedt
hedoor
.

Me:
"uhm .
..
."

Kau:
"lastni
ghtIcoul
dn'
tst
opt
hinki
ngabouty
ou"

Me:
"itwasami
stake"

Imovedf
rom him andhesatont
het
oil
etseatasIf
ixedmyhai
r.Ist
olegl
ancesofhi
mfr
om t
he
mir
ror
.Damnt hisguy.

Kau:
"Youl
ookamazi
ngskat
"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Il
ookedathi
sjunkandi
t'
spr
int
edt
her
e.Ibi
tmybot
tom l
i
p

Me:
"cany
ougetout"

Kau:
"why?"

Me:
"Iam notcomf
ort
abl
ewi
thy
ouher
e"

Kau:
"youknow.
..
"

Hest
oodupandcamet
owar
dsmeandhel
dmef
rom behi
nd.Icoul
dfeel
it.

Kau:
"Iwi
shedy
ouwer
einmyar
msy
est
erday"
Heki
ssedmyneck.

Kau:
"imagi
nemedoi
ngal
lthaty
oudi
dlastni
ghtandmor
e"

Me:
"mmmh"

Icl
osedmyey
esasshi
ver
swentdownmyspi
ne.Heunzi
ppedmydr
ess.

Kau:
"Iwi
l
lgent
lyl
ovey
ou"

I
twentdownt
omykneesandheki
ssedmyshoul
der
sandhel
dmybr
east
scar
essi
ngmeso
wonder
ful
l
ymaki
ngmemorewet.

Kau:
"fuck!"

Me:
"mmmh"

Kau:
"Iwi
l
lsnat
chy
ouf
rom hi
m andr
epl
acet
hatr
ingwi
thaper
manentsur
name"

Me:
"whatsur
name?"

Kau:
"Mokoena"

Hi
shandst
rai
ltomybel
l
yandhewr
appedhi
sar
ms.

Kau:
"imagi
nemeandy
ouasIr
uby
ourswol
l
enst
omach"

Thi
simage.Iopenedmyey
esandl
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"st
opIam dr
ippi
ng"

Hecr
ouchedandtookoffmyladyunder
wear.Il
ookeddownonhim andheputi
tinhi
spocket.
Heki
ssedmybuttandli
ftedmyonelegandsli
ppedinhi
sfi
nger
sbef or
epul
li
ngoutandl
ickedit
.

Kau:
"yout
ast
eamazi
ng"

Me:
"wear
einahousef
ull
offel
der
s"

Kau:
"that
'st
hef
unskat"

Histonguecameincontactwit
hmyVi
rgi
naandImoanedhol
dingmymout h.Ihel
dont
hesi
nk.
Hethrustedandgri
ndedbit
ti
ngmyki
tt
ensof
tlyandi
tdr
ovemecr azy
.Ther
ewasaknockonthe
doorbuthedidn'
tstop.

Si
ya:
"Set
huar
eyouoki
nther
e?"

Me:
"yes"

Ibi
tmybot
tom l
i
p.
Si
ya:
"Lukhany
ocal
l
ed.Ar
eyougoi
ngwi
thmeor?
"

Kau:
"(whi
sper)y
ouar
eleav
ingwi
thme"

Me:
"Iam not"

Kau:
"wantt
obet"

Hewentback.

Me:
"no!"

Thi
sguy
.

Si
ya:
"ok.Iwi
l
lbegoi
ngsoon."

Heputi
nhi
sfi
ngergoi
ngdeep.

Me:
"iwi
l
lgetacab"

Si
ya:
"cal
lme"

Me:
"ok"

Ihear
dfoot
stepsf
adi
ng.

Kau:
"goodgi
rl"

Me:
"Iam cummi
ng"

Hel
etmecum andIbr
eat
hedout
.

Kau:
"ther
eisal
otwher
ethatcamef
rom "

Me:
"ishoul
dn'
tbedoi
ngt
his"

Kau:
"Iwol
dhav
ehady
ouont
hesi
nkbutIwanty
ouonmi
ne"

Hecl
eanedmeupwit
hat owelandwef i
xedour
sel
vesandIgotdr
essedhedidn'
tgi
vemeback
myunderwear
Thi
smanthough.Hekissesmyli
psandGoddamnt heyar
esoftandappet
izi
ng
aswel
l.Hehel
dmywaistandthesqueezedmybut
t,Imoanedandhebrokei
t.

Kau:
"onceIt
api
t.Youar
emi
nef
orev
er"

Me:
"andIwoul
dlety
ou"

Kau:
"wewi
l
lseet
oni
ght"

Heki
ssedmeandIki
ssedhi
m back.DamnIam get
ti
ngwet
.
.

*
BAHUMI*

IGott
oeatandt
heycamebackwi
thLesedi
andIwaswor
ri
ed.Theygotusst
uffaswel
landI
cri
ed.

Mer
cy:
"youwi
l
lst
artschool
nextt
erm.Thebot
hofy
ou.Iwi
l
lst
aywi
thLesedi
."

Sandi
l
e:"t
omor
rowIam t
aki
ngy
out
otheDrf
orat
hree-
yearcont
racept
ive."

Mer
cy:
"wewantA'
sandB'
s"

Wenodded.

Mer
cy:
"whatgr
adewi
l
lyoubedoi
ngBahumi
?"

Sandi
l
e:"gr
ade9wi
thThapel
o"

Wenodded.

Mer
cy:
"wear
egoi
ngt
ofet
chmyki
dsbehav
e"

Thapel
o:"
Yes"

Theyst
oodupandt
ookt
hei
rbagsandkey
sandwal
kedout
.Iam sogr
atef
ul.Lesedi
was
asl
eepi
nmyarms.

Me:
"letmeputherdown"

Thapel
o:"br
ingherher
e"

Igavehertohim andwewalkedupt
hest
air
sandwegoti
nther
oom Iwi
l
lbeusi
ngandi
thasa
l
itt
lebedforher.Heputherdown

Me:
"mayy
oursi
sterandhusbandbebl
essed"

Thapel
o:"wear
eoknow"

Inodded.

Thapel
o:"t
hanky
ouHumi
,Idi
dn'
tdeser
vey
ourki
ndness"

Me:
"it
'sok"

HehuggedmeandIhuggedhi
m back.Heki
ssedmycheekandIbl
ushed.Il
ookedathi
m,I
don'
tknowwhatIam feel
i
ngbutIli
kehim.Idevel
opedali
keforhi
m.Iwi shwegr
owupol
dand
getmarr
iedandst
aytogetherwi
thourchi
l
dlikehi
ssist
erandhusband.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t36

i
twashar dleavi
ng.Reallyhar
dbutwemadeapr omisethatthe4ofuswi l
lvisi
ttomorr
owj ust
tohavelunch.Madidn'twantustoleav
ebutwewi l
lall
bet oget
hertomorrow.Ntambodi dn'
t
off
erforhertocomev isi
tandIaskedmy sel
fandRazoraswel l
.WowsoNt amboi sr
eal
lygoing
tobemyst epbrot
herinlaw.Idi
dn'
tseethatonecoming.Anel eisstay
ingthough.Wegot
outsi
debyt hecar
s.

Razor:
"mywoman"

Weshar
edaper
k

Nt
ambo:
"wher
eisKau?"

Razor:
"Idon'
tknow.Iwi
l
lseehi
mlat
er."

Me:
"whydi
dn'
tyouof
fert
ogowi
thmah?"

Nt
ambo:
"Il
ovemymot
herbutIneedKhenal
lov
ermypl
ace"

Khensani
:"Fezi
l
e!"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"ok"

Wehuggedwit
hKhensani
andsai
dourgoodby
esl
eav
ing.Wegoti
nthecarandIbuckl
edup
andr
azordr
oveof
f.
Me:
"Iwi
l
lfet
chmycart
omor
row"

Hehel
dmyhand.

Razor
:"Iam happyev
ery
thi
ngwentwel
l"

Me:
"met
oo"

Razor
:"nowi
t'
stheweddi
ng"

Me:
"it
'sgonnabest
yli
shandchi
l
led"

Razor:
"youar
eexci
ted."

Me:
"AKasi
weddi
ng.What
'snott
obeexci
tedabout?"

Razor:
"Ican'
twai
tfory
out
obeMr
sNgomanel
awf
ull
y"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Razor:
"what?
"

Me:
"not
hing"

Il
aughed.Heshookhi
shead.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouLi
ndani
"

Razor:
"Il
ovey
ouMr
s"

It
urnedupsomemusi
c.

*
ANDI
SWA*

Me:
"Icoul
duseawar
m bat
h"

Isatont
hebedandNt
ethel
elowentonhi
skneesandt
ookofmyheel
sandr
ubbedmyf
eet
.

Me:
"mmht
hatf
eel
sgood."

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Ihopey
ouwer
en'
tupanddown"

Me:
"Iwasn'
t.Iwasaccommodat
edwel
l
.Iam happyf
orUnat
hi,
Iunder
stoodhert
oday"
Nt
ethel
elo:
"under
stoodher?"

Me:
"whyshewast
hewayshewasbef
ore"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"andt
hati
s?"

Me:"Shei
saf
rai
dofl
oosi
ngsomeoneshel
ostbecauseofat
raumat
icexper
iencef
rom t
he
past"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"shewasconsi
der
edment
all
ydi
stur
bed"

Me:
"It
hinkunderal
lthatshewasagoodper
sonal
lal
ong."

Nt
ethel
elo:
"youar
eli
ki
nghert
oomuch"

Me:
"'
whati
fIam ?
"

Iremov
edmyl
egsandst
oodupwal
ki
ngt
othebat
hroom.Hef
oll
owedmeandIopenedt
hebat
h
tub.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Andi
swa"

Me:
"Nt
ethel
elo"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Idon'
tl
iket
his"

Me:
"gi
veherachance."

Nt
ethel
elo:
"No"

Me:
"Ay
iMnt
ungwa"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"ifmychi
l
ddoesn'
tgethar
med"

Me:
"thatwon'
thappen"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Idon'
ttr
usther"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lpr
ovet
oyoushehaschanged.Youshoul
dhav
eseent
hegl
owi
nherey
es"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"li
key
our
s?"

Hesmi
rked.

Me:
"yesl
i
kemi
ne"

Hecamecl
oseandki
ssedme.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Il
ovey
ou"
Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"

*
SESETHU*

Heopenedthedoorandheopenedthel
ight
sleadi
ngthewayinwhi
leholdi
ngmywai sthe
l
ockedthedoorandnolookedar
oundandturnedandhet
ookoffhi
sblazerandpul
l
eduphi s
sl
eevesandlookedatmebiti
nghi
sbott
om li
pandthewonderdi
mplefl
ashed.

Kau:
"youar
ebeaut
if
ul"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Hecamecl
osertomeandheheldmywaistandki
ssedmeandmyhandswentt
ohi
sneck.He
ki
ssedmyneckandmykneeswereweak.

Kau:
"Iwi
l
lwor
shi
pev
erycor
nerandcel
lony
ourski
n."

Heunzippedmydr essandhepickedmeupandIwr appedmylegsaroundhi

swaistandhe
wentupt hest
air
s.Hishousei
sbeautif
ulinaKasi env
ironment
.Heismoderni
zed.Hestopsby
thepassageandhepinsmeont hecoldwal l
kissi
ngmeandcar essi
ngme.Weki ssedandhe
squeezedmybut t.Hi
sphonerangdist
urbingus.

Me:
"takei
t"

Het
ooki
toutandIsawt
henamet
hatf
lashed.Myhear
tbr
oket
hatsecond.

Me:
"answeri
t"

Kau:
"Idon'
twantt
o"

Iwi
ggl
eddownandt
ri
edt
owal
kawaybuthehel
dmyar
m.

Kau:
"Iwi
l
lbr
eakupwi
thhernow"

Ikeptqui
et.

Kau:
"don'
twal
kaway"

Hest
oodI
nfr
ontofme.

Kau:
"okSkat"
Inodded.Het
hencal
l
edherandputi
tonspeaker
.

Gi
rl:
"BabeIhav
ebeencal
l
ing"

Kau:"Iknow.Thabi
saThi
sisn'
twor
kingf
ormeandhasn'
tbeen.Youar
enott
heoneIwoul
d
set
tl
ewi t
honeday"

Gi
rl:
"whatdoy
oumean?"

Kau:
"it
'sov
er"

Gi
rl:
"no.
.no.
.no.
"

Hehungupandgav
emet
hephone.Shecal
l
ed.

Kau:
"yourt
urn.Iwon'
tbeasi
deni
gga"

Me:
"HowdoIknowy
ou.
..
"

Kau:
"Seset
hu"

Isi
ghedandcal
l
edLukhany
oandheanswer
ed.

Lukhany
o:"hel
l
o"

Me:
"it
'sSet
hu"

Lukhany
o:"babyi
am sor
ry,
wecanf
ixt
his"

Me:
"wecan'
t,i
tendsher
e"

Lukhany
o:"don'
tsayt
hat
.Ial
readyhav
ethel
ett
er.Wear
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed."

Me:
"mar
ryhernotme"

Ihungupandhav
ehi
m hi
sphoneandheswi
tchedi
tof
f.Iki
ssedhi
m.

Kau:
"wear
edoi
ngt
his?"

Inoddedandwentonmykneesandwasl
ooki
ngathi
str
unk.It
ookof
fhi
spant
sandi
tspr
ung
out.Iswal
lowed.

Me:
"doeshebi
te?"

Kau:
"(chuckl
i
ng)No"

Inoddedandl
i
ckedhi
sti
pbef
oref
ull
yput
ti
ngi
tinmymout
handhet
ookof
fhi
stopand
ever
ythi
ng
Iswirledmytonguear
oundhisdickanddeepthroati
ngwhil
eplayingwit
hhisbal
lscaressi
ng
them.Hei spackedandIdon'
tknowwher eIgottheguytoevenputsuchashaftint
omymout h
, don'
tquesti
onme.Iam hornyanddroppingbetweenmythighs.Iholdhisdi
ckandsuckl i
ke
i
t's.Loli
popandheholdsmyheadasIt hr
ustmymout hi
nsl
owl yandfastaswel
l.Ipl
ay edwit
h
myboobasIsuckedandspi tandsuckedagain.

Kau:
"Set
huIdon'
twannacum "

Ibi
thisdi
cksof
tl
yandthatdr
ovehim cr
azyint
orel
easi
ng.Ididn'
tswal
lowhi
scum buti
tspi
ll
ed
anddri
ppeddownhi
sleg.Iwipedmymout handhel
dhisdickandsuckedsl
owl
ybit
ingsof
tl
yas
well
.

Kau:
"Fuck!
"

Il
etgoofhim andst
oodupandtur
nedaroundandputmyhandsonthewallandli
ft
edmyl ega
bi
tandplacedmyonehandforbal
anceandtheot
herIsl
i
ppedint
omyVi rgi
naandstar
ted
pl
easur
ingmy sel
fwhi
lel
ooki
ngathim.Hewashardeni
ng.Heundressedhimsel
fmoreand
gavehi
mselfahand.

Me:
"Ah!
"

Imoanedcl
osi
ngmyey
es.

Kau:
"Fuck,
thr
ustf
ast
er"

Idi
dthatandbi
tmybott
om l
ip.Mysexual
desiresf
orhi
m wer eescal
ati
ng.Il
ookedathi
m and
Iam dr
ippi
ngandcr
avi
ngtohaveayummyt ast
eofhim.Justbylooki
ngatthi
smanIcum andit
dri
ps.

Me:
"Kau"

Hewal
kstomeandl i
ft
smylegupanditgoeshi
gher.Thankst
oflexi
bil
i
ty,
hekissesmeandI
ki
sshi
m back.Her
ubbedmycli
tor
isandImoaned.Hebitmybott
om youngersof
tly
.

Kau:
"Doy
ouwantmet
omakel
ovet
oyouorf
ucky
ouMr
sMokoena?
"

Me:
"Sl
i
piti
nIwi
l
ltel
lyou"

Heposi
ti
onedhi
msel
fandsl
i
ppedi
n.

Me:
"Ohmygosh,
youar
etoomuch"

Kau:
"Nev
erbeenwi
thaMaskdi
ckbef
ore"

Hesmi
rked.Hest
art
edmov
ing.

Me:
"deeper"
Hewentdeeper
.

Me:
"Ahbabe"

Kau:
"Fuckset
hu!
"

Hei
ncr
easedhi
space.

Me:
"Mmmh"

Hepul
l
edoutandIputmyl
egdownandhepl
ayedar
oundmyf
oldsandwentdownt
oMuf
fi
ng
meandIbi
tmyli
p.

Me:
"yes"

Icl
osedmyey
es.Hest
oppedandhet
hrust
edi
nmeandhel
dmywai
st.

Kau:
"Shi
t"

Me:
"ohy
eah"

Hel
i
ftedmeupandt
ookmet
othebedr
oom andl
aidmeont
hebed.

Kau:
"layony
ourback"

Il
aidonmybackandhegotonmeandhet
hrust
edwi
thoutwar
ning.Ihel
donhi
m.

Kau:
"Ican'
tgetenoughofy
ou."

Me:
"Fuckmeal
ready"

Heoutmylegonhi
sshoulderandthrust
edinme.Mybodywasshi ver
ingandshaki
ngunt
ilI
cameandhethr
ust
edthroughmyor gasi
m 3timesandCameaft
ert
he4t honewit
hme.Igot
offt
hebedandhel
aidonitandIgotonhi m andsl
i
ppedinhi
sdi
ckandr odehi
m.

Me:
"yourdi
cki
ssodeepandbi
g"

Kau:
"bounceoni
t"

Ipl
acedmyhandonhi
schestandbouncedandgr
indedoni
t.I
tfeel
ssogood.

Me:
"Yes!
"

Kau:
"Il
ovey
ouandy
ourpussy"

Hehel
dmef
rom under
neat
handhi
titf
rom t
henqui
ckeni
nghi
space.

Me:
"Ohy
esy
es!Il
ovey
ouandy
ourdi
ck"

Kau:
"Iam y
our
sbaby"
Me:
"mmhkauy
ouar
emi
ne"

Myheadrol
l
edbackandIpi
ckedmy
sel
fwhi
l
ebi
tt
ingmyl
i
p.Iam get
ti
ngwett
hrought
he
pl
easur
e.

*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Iwant
edtohol
dhimtillt
heni
ghtfal
l
sandmor ni
ngcomesbutIguesshei
sal
lgr
own.Smi
so
cameint
hebedroom andhecl
osedthedoorandcametomeandhuggedme.

Me:
"Iam sohappyt
oseehi
m"

Smi
so:
"that
'sgood"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tseet
hisonecomi
ng"

Smi
so:
"whi
chone?"

Me:
"Unat
hibei
ngmydaught
eri
nlaw"

Hechuckl
ed

Smi
so:
"it
'
sasmal
lwor
ld"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Smi
so:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Wehel
deachot
her

.
*
THABI
SA*

Wendy:
"ohbabeIam sor
ry"

Me:
"hej
ustbr
okeof
fwi
thMe"

Wewer
eint
hecarKauboughtf
orme.

Wendy:
"gogety
ourman.Wecan'
tbot
hlooset
hem "

Me:
"youar
eri
ght"

Wendy:
"wi
l
lyoudr
ive?
"

Me:
"Iwi
l
l"

Iwi
pedmyt ear
sandstar
tedthecardri
vi
ngof f
.Ican'tl
oosehi
m, nohecan'
tj
ustbr
eakupwit
h
me.ThatIwon'tt
ake.Wegottohishouseandwel ookedati
tandIcoul
dn'
tmakeouti
fitwas
dar
korthel
ightsareoni
nsi
de.Iparkedthecaronthedri
veway.

Wendy:
"Iwi
l
lwai
ther
e"

Inoddedandgotoutoft
hecarandmademywaytothedoor.It
ookoutmykeyandopened
whil
ewalki
nginsi
deandIcoul
dhearhi
svoi
ceandgi
ggles.

Me:
"Ohno"

Iwentt
otheki
tchenandgotakni
feandwal
kedupt
hest
air
s.Icoul
dheart
hem abi
tnow.

"
Ah!Fuck!
"

Thebi
tchmoaned.

Kau:
"fuckIl
ovey
ou"

Theywer
eki
ssi
ngasIwal
kedi
n.

Me:
"ohsot
hisi
swhaty
ouar
eleav
ingmef
or?
"

Kau:
"Thabi
sagetout"

Me:
"Iam her
eforher"

Ij
umpedont
hebedandsher
oll
edof
fandIpl
ungedt
hekni
fei
nthebedandshepul
l
edmyhai
r.

Kau:
"ladi
es!Skat
!"

Me:
"leav
emeal
oneIwantt
ohi
tyou!"
Gi
rl:
"Iwon'
t"

Kaut
riedt
ohol
dherbutshepushedhim onthebedandletgoofme.It
urnedar
oundandshe
wassucki
nghi
sdi
ck.Ichar
gedtowardsherandsheducked.

Gi
rl:
"Iwon'
tshame."

Me:
"myman,
mydi
ck!
?Youwi
l
lknowme

Igotonheraswefoughtandsheroll
edmeov
erandshehi
tme.Imeanf
ist
sandt
heywer
e
str
ong.KautookherandIwasbleedi
ng.

Kau:
"leav
eThabi
sa"

Icr
ied.

Me:
"Iwi
l
lcomeback"

Hepi
ckedmeupandt
hrewmeoutbef
oreIhear
dthi
ngsbr
eaki
ngandWendycamet
ome.

*
SESETHU*

Iwal
kedupt
omydr
essandhegott
ome.

Kau:
"skat"

Me:
"don'
t.JustbecauseIpul
l
edt
hatst
untdoesn'
tmeanIam st
ayi
ng"

Igotmyshi
tandhepi
ckedmeup.

Me:
"putmedown.

Kau:
"youar
enotl
eav
ingandIwon'
tl
ett
hathappen."

Heki
ssedme.Ihat
ehowweakIam ar
oundhi
m.

Kau:
"don'
tl
eav
eme"

Al
lmyangerv
ani
shed.

Kau:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Hebi
tmybot
tom l
i
pandl
aidmeont
hecouchandt
ookmyt
hings,
putt
henont
hesi
deandgot
onme.
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t37

*
SESETHU*

IWokeupandIl ookedatmysur r
oundi
ngs,myki t
tenneedsTLCbecausewowi t
'sbur
ning.I
gotupandgotof ft
hebed.Itakeatopfr
om thewar dr
obeandIwalkedoutoft
hebedroom and
wentdownt hestai
rsandmusicwasplayi
ng.It
'scl
eanev en.Il
ookedaroundandKaucameout
fr
om theki
tchenwearingboxers.

Kau:
"(smi
l
ing)Iwascomi
ngt
ocheckony
ou"

Me:
"Iam up"

Kau:
"Imadebr
eakf
ast
"

Me:
"Iwasgoi
ngt
ohel
pwi
tht
hecl
eani
ngbuti
seet
hati
t'
sdone"

Kau:
"excuseme.Iam amor
ningper
son"

Me:
"onet
rai
tsIdon'
thav
e"

Hebi
thi
sbot
tom l
i
p.

Kau:
"Thatl
ooksgoodony
ou"

Me:
"ohy
eahIneedt
hingssoIcanf
reshenup"

Hewal
kedcl
osert
omeandBur
naboywaspl
ayi
ng.Hehel
dmywai
st.

Kau:
"Youshowedmeanot
herwor
ldy
est
erday"

Me:
"doy
oul
i
kemaki
ngt
hingsawkwar
d?"
Kau:
"it
'snotawkwar
dsi
ncewear
etoget
her"

Me:
"that
'sf
ast"

Hechuckl
edandwhi
sper
edi
nmyearbehi
ndmeashemov
edmywai
standbodywi
thhi
m and
t
herhyt
hm.

Kau:
"It
oldy
out
hat,
thatr
ingwasj
ustasmal
lobst
acl
e."

Ikeptqui
et.

Kau:
"Mov
ewi
thme"

Me:
"Ican'
tdance"

Kau:
"rel
axandmov
ewi
thme"

Ibr
eat
houtandmov
edwi
thhi
m.

Kau:
"yeahl
i
ket
hat"

Heki
ssedmyneck.

"
OhmyAngel
i
,Angel
i
na

Ohno

SheywhenIwandeycomot
,makeIsi
gnal
you

Whyy
ouwantt
odeyquest
ionmel
i
keani
nter
view(
yeah)

I
'
mtr
ynaputt
her
ingony
ourf
ingert
oo

Andbeabet
terguy
,guy

Beabet
terguyguy

Ont
hel
ow

Ont
hel
ow

Ont
hel
ow.
..
."

Kau:
"Iam notgoi
ngany
wher
eSeset
hu"

Me:
"don'
thur
tme.I
twi
l
ldomor
edamaget
hany
out
hink"

Kau:
"Iwon'
t"

Fr
om oner
elat
ionshi
ptoanot
her
.Itf
eel
sni
ceandbeaut
if
ul,
Ist
artt
orel
ax.
.

*
UNATHI*

Razor:
"thi
sisdayl
i
ghtrobber
y.Whyshouldwebuysomet
hingl
i
kewi
newheny
ourf
ather
shoul
dbuythefl
owersandwineforusguest
s"

Il
aughed.Hewasr
ed

Me:
"it
'showi
t'
sdone"

Razor:
"justhopet
heywi
l
ldr
inkal
lthi
sup"

Me:
"wewi
l
ldr
inki
tup."

Wegothomeandhepar
kedt
hecarbehi
ndt
her
estandwesatabi
tinsi
de.

Me:
"let
'sgoi
n"

Razor:
"ok"

Me:
"rel
ax"

Wegotoutofthecarandheldhandsandwalkedi
nsi
de.Wecoul
dhearl
aught
erandpeopl
e
chat
ti
ng.Dadseemsrelaxedasweapproach.

Qamo:
"wi
ne"

Me:
"Hel
l
oev
ery
one"

Mast
oodupandcamet
ohugus.

Nt
ambo:
"shet
houghtwewoul
dn'
tcome"

Ma:
"youki
dschangey
ourmi
ndsal
ot"

Me:
"webr
oughtwi
neandf
lower
s."

Ma:
"oht
hat
'sni
ce.IknowLi
ndani
didn'
tthi
nkofi
t"

Razor:
"thi
siswhi
te"

Hemumbl
ed.

Ma:
"Ihav
ebeenupsi
mcemor
ningandcooki
ng."
Nt
ambo:
"soy
ouar
ereal
l
ydat
ing?"

Ma:
"Fezi
l
eyes,
comel
et'
sgot
othet
abl
e"

DadandMahheldhandsandwewalkedtothedi
ningr
oom andweal
lsatdown.Qamo
i
ntr
oducedherhusbandandwegr
eetedback.

Me:
"wher
eisMom ?"

Qamo:
"inEast
erncape.Ispr
ayedhol
ywat
erandupshewent"

Ma:
"Qamuki
l
e"

Qamo:
"sor
ry"

Ma:
"canwepr
ay?"

Weal
lcl
osedourey
es.

Ma: "DearGodwet hankyouforthej

oyy ouhavebroughti
nourli
v eandtheunionyouunfolded
i
ny ourchil
dren'
sli
vesandblessi
ngs.Wet hankyouforever
ythi
ngt hati
sinf
rontofusandt he
peoplewhol oveusuncondi
ti
onall
yandyourunconditi
onall
ovesincewewer eformedinour
mother'
swombs.Gr aceuswit
hyourpresenceinourli
veseachandev er
yday .Inyourhol
y
nameAmen"

Ev
ery
one:
"Amen"

Westart
eddishingup.ShelookedatRazorandsmil
edthenatNtambowhoi sf
il
li
ngaround
wi
thKhensaniforabowelful
lofchi
cken.Thisi
sjoy
ful,
wehav eneversatl
i
kethi
stogetherand
i
tfeel
snice.

*
MERCY*

Iwalkeddownthestair
saf t
ergoi
ngtoshower
.Sandil
ekeptmeupy ester
daythatIdi
dn'
tgetto
wakeupear l
yanddoev eryt
hingpr
oper
.Sandil
eandthekidswenttoUshaka.Iwanttogoout
toGatewaymallandjustdosomeshoppingandrel
ax.Ithasbeenhect
icplust
hehusbandgave
memoney .Tospoi
leveryone.Bahumiwassi
tti
ngwithThapeloandshewasfeedingherbaby
daughter
.

Me:
"mor
ning"
Them :
"mor
ningsi
si"

Me:
"hav
eyoueat
en?
"

Theynod

Me:
"wel
lwear
egoi
ngoutt
orel
ax.Thapel
oar
eyouf
ine?"

Thapel
o:"Iam f
ine.

Me:
"okl
etmegetmybagandt
hennwecanal
ll
eav
e"

Ir
ushedupt
hest
air
sandmyphoner
ang.It
ooki
tandanswer
ed.

Sandi
l
e:"Babyhowar
eyou?"

Me:
"Iam f
resh."

Sandi
l
e:howar
etheot
her
s?"

Me:
"theyar
eok.Wear
egoi
ngoutnow"

Sandi
l
e:"ok.Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Hehungup.It
ookmyt
hingsandcal
l
edAndi
swaandsheanswer
ed.

Andi
swa:
"andIt
houghty
ouel
oped"

Me:
"pl
easey
ouar
etheonewhodoesn'
tcal
lany
mor
e"

Andi
swa:"i
t'
sal
ott
hat
'sbeengoi
ngon.Mymar
king,
kids,
Ntet
hel
eloandnowt
hisbabyi
s
st
rai
ningme"

Me:
"baby?
"

Andi
swa:
"Iam pr
egnant"

Me:
"Iam pl
ani
ngababyshower"

Andi
swa:
"wai
tti
l
lIam 8mont
hs"

Me:
"buti
am st
il
lpl
ani
ng.Iam sohappy"

Andi
swa:
"met
oo.Iwi
l
lcal
ll
aterNt
ethel
eloi
sbei
ngababy"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"by
e"
Ihungupandt
heywer
eready
.

Me:
"let
'sgo"

Wewal kedoutl ocki

ngandwentt ot
hecar .Theysatatt hebackandIgotinthefr
ont.Theyar
e
tooyoungf orallofthi
sbei
ngparentsintheprocess.Atl
eastIhadsandil
eandhewasgr own
andIwasanadul tat18butIknowit'
st oughatti
mesbeingapar ent.17and15isyoung,my
hear
tjustbr eakswhenIlookatthem .Howwoul dthei
rfuturehadtur
nedoutifev
eryt
hing
wasn'tasitis.Wej usthav
etomakesur eit
'sbet
tert
hant hesi
tuat
ionathand.

*
UNATHI*

Ma:
"Sowheni
stheweddi
ng?"

MeandRazorl
ookedateachot
her.

Razor:
"Idon'
twantt
owai
tlongsot
woweeks?
"

Me:
"twoweeks?"

Razor:
"yeah"

Inodded.

Dad:
"whatweddi
ngwoul
dbepl
annedni
cel
yint
woweeks?"

Me:
"wear
ehav
ingourweddi
ngataTownshi
p"

Hechoked.

Ma:
"Youl
i
kei
t?"

Me:
"Il
oveit.Iam t
heonewhosuggest
edandwealr
eadyhav
eapast
ort
obl
essourmar
ri
age
f
ort
heday.Nothi
ngbigj
ustsi
mpl
eandmemor abl
e"

Qamo:
"ist
hatUnat
hi?"

Me:
"peopl
eChange"

Nt
ambo:
"Iam sur
pri
sedl
i
key
ousi
s"

Me:
"youdon'
tknowme"
Ma:
"it
'sav
eryl
ovel
yideaandt
henei
ghbor
swi
l
lhel
pyouenj
oyt
hedaybybei
ngj
oyf
ul."

Me:
"ri
ght?SoIwast
hinki
ng.
..
."

Dad:
"youbot
hagr
eedt
oit?
"

Me:
"Isuggest
edandl
i
ndani
wasokwi
tht
hei
dea"

Razor:
"what
evermakesherhappy"

Ma:
"youngl
ove"

Nt
ambo:
"Iam st
il
ltr
aumat
izedbyt
hisone"

Khensani
:"Fezi
l
e"

Dad:
"wear
eal
lher
etost
ayr
ight?"

Razor:
"Iwi
l
ldr
inkt
othat"

Weal
ltookourgl
assesandsi
ppedonourbev
erages.

Nt
ambo:
"it
'st
il
lthesame"

Khensani
:"Fezi
l
e"

Hel
ookedatherandi
t'
sli
ket
heywer
espeaki
ngwi
tht
hei
rey
es.

Nt
ambo:
"Iam sor
ry"

Ma:
"youknowhowt
ohol
dhi
minpl
ace"

Khensani
smi
l
ed.

Khensani
:"hei
sst
art
ingt
obehav
e"

Nt
ambo:
"Iam her
e"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"tamehi
m.Heneedsmor
eoft
hat"

*
BAHUMI*
Thi
sisnicewhatsisMer
cyisdoi
ngforus.Thapel
olookshappyandi am happyt
oo.She
boughtal
otoft
hingsandschool
suppl
iesforuswhenwestartschool
soon.

Me:
"thanky
ousi
sMer
cy"

Mer
cy:
"cal
lmeMer
cyandwear
efami
l
y"

Wenodded.

Mer
cy:
"let
'sgoeatIam hungr
y"

Thi
sisr
elaxi
ng,
justgoi
ngoutandhav
ingnot
hingt
owor
ryaboutatal
l
.

Thapel
o:"canIt
akeher?"

Ihandedov
erl
esedi
tohi
m asshewasasl
eepandhecr
adl
edher
.

Thapel
o:"shel
ovest
osl
eep."

Me:
"al
ot"

Ther
ewassi
l
ence.Mer
cywasaheadofusbyt
het
il
lwhi
l
ewewai
ti
ngf
orhert
ofi
nisht
henwe
go.

Thapel
o:"ar
eyouok?"

Inodded.Awomanpasseduslooki
ngatusandshookherhead.Il
ookedawayandf
iddl
edwi
th
myf i
ngerst
il
lwehadt
oleave.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t38
Aweekpassedbyv eryquicklyandIwouldsayIam ev engl owingandgaini
ng.Ilovemysmal l
famil
yandcontentwithitaswel l.Wendy, Icrossedpathswi t
hherandIdidn'thaveti
mef orher
butshedidmakesomet hreatsnotthatImi ndedthem alot
.Razorsai dhewillt
akecareofit.
Honestl
yIdon'
twantdr ama.Thi sweekendwear egett
ingmar ri
edandIam soexci t
edand
happy.Icanal
readyseeev eryt
hingyouknow, thist
imeIdi dn'
tgoov erj
ustsi
mpl eandelegant
atthesameti
me.MyMat ronisgoingtobeKhensani andmybr idesmaidisQamo.Mahi sso
happy.Wetol
dt hepastorandhewashappyf orusandwi l
lwedusnsot hi
ngsarecomi ng
toget
herwonderful
l
y .Ididn'tgototheSalont odayandsoasRazor .Anel
eisathomeandLet ho.

Me:
"Baby"

Razor:
"Mmmh"

Igett
ohi
m att
hel
oungeandhet
il
tshi
sheadf
ormet
oseehi
m.

Me:
"Thecakei
sapr
obl
em."

Razor:
"Iknowal
adywhocandoi
t.Howdoy
ouwanti
t?"

Me:
"Justsi
mpl
ewhi
tet
wol
ayer
swi
thagol
dbandoneachbot
tom

Hef
rownsl
ooki
ngatme.

Me:
"what?"

Razor:
"youj
ustsur
pri
seme"

Me:
"wel
lIam mast
erofsur
pri
ses"

Igotonhi
m.

Razor:
"real
l
y?RememberhowIpr
oposed?"

Ihi
thi
schest
.

Me:
"Ial
mostbr
okeupwi
thy
ou"

Razor:
"Youl
ovemet
oomuch."

Me:
"Ido"

Razor:
"Iwantababywhenwegetmar
ri
ed"

Me:
"mycont
racept
ivei
slef
twi
th1andahal
fyearbef
orei
twear
sof
f."

Razor:
"Thesuper
int
endentwasf
orwar
d"

Il
aughed.
Me:
"Idon'
twantt
obef
atnow"

Razor:
"buty
ouwi
l
lbe?"

Me:
"yes"

Razor:
"okl
et'
sgopr
act
icet
il
li
twear
sof
f"

Me:
"ohno"

Hesatupandpi
ckedmeup.Il
aughedandweshar
edaki
ssgoi
ngt
othebedr
oom.

*
BAHUMI*

Wegotsqueezedintoschoolbutweareverybehi
ndtheothergrade9's.Iwonderi
fmeand
Thapeloarei
nthesameclassornot.Ifi
xmyuni f
orm andlookatmy sel
fthr
oughthemi
rr
orand
IhearLesedi
cryi
ngandIrushtogetherfr
om thebedandIhushher .

Me:
"Shhshh"

Itakeherbot
tl
eandIfeedhersomemi l
kandshest
art
stocalm down.Ther
eisaknockont
he
doorandItel
ltheper
sonontheothersidet
ocomeinandThapelowalksi
n. Hesmil
esandI
smileaswell
andheletshi
sarmsout .

Thapel
o:"whyar
eyouawakesoear
ly?
"

Me:
"Shekeptmeup"

Thapel
o:"Iwi
l
lsl
eepher
ewi
thy
ouguy
ssoIcanwat
chheraswel
l
."

Me:
"thanky
ou"

"OhIseey
ouar
ebot
hready"

Wet
urnandSi
sMer
cywasbyt
hedoor
.

Mer
cy:
"hi
pri
ncess.Yourpar
ent
sar
egoi
ngt
oschool
"

Shet
ookLesedi
.

Me:
"Ifshebot
her
sIdon'
tmi
ndst
ayi
ng"

Mer
cy:
"noi
t'
sfi
ne.Youneedt
ogot
oschool
.Comeandeat"
Me:
thanky
ou"

Mer
cy:
"comebaby"

Thapel
o:"meety
oudownst
air
s"

Inoddedandhewal
kedout,Itookmyschool bagandbl
azerandIwal
kedoutoft
hebedr
oom
andwentdownthest
air
s.Igreetedandsatdown.

Sandi
l
e:"Youar
einseper
atecl
asses"

Wenoddedandcar
ri
edoneat
ingt
il
lwewer
edone.

Sandi
l
e:"l
et'
sgoguy
s."

Mer
cy:
"enj
oyy
ourf
ir
stday"

Us:
"thanky
ou"

Wet
ookourbagsandwewalkedout
.Wegoti
nthecart
he5ofusandof
fthecarwentt
odr
op
t
hel
i
ttl
eonesfi
rstt
henus.

Sandi
l
e:"Ipayal
otofmoneydon'
tpl
aywi
thi
t.Thapel
o"

Thapel
o:"y
essi
r"

Sandi
l
e:"good"

Wewalkedoutandclosedthedoorbef
oremaki
ngourwayI
n.Iwasscar
edwhenwesawwhi
te
peopl
e,Ihav
eneverbeeninaschoolwit
hwhit
epeopl
ewit
hitandIwasner
vous.

Me:
"Iam scar
ed"

Thapel
o:"met
oo"

Thebel
lrang.
hegav
emeapaper
.

Thapel
o:"t
hisi
syour
sfory
ourcl
asses."

Me:
"uhm ok"

Twowhi
tegi
rl
scamet
ous.

Them :
"hi
,youneedt
ogot
ocl
ass."

Thapel
o:"wear
enewsowear
elost"

Icoul
dn'
tut
terany
thi
ngbecauseEngl
i
shwasgoi
ngt
ofai
lme.

Gi
rl:
"letmehel
pyou"
Shet
ookmysheetandhandandwewal
kedof
fseper
atel
ywi
thThapel
o

*
SESETHU*

Ihaveoneweekbeforemyleaveendsnextweekt
henIgobacktowork.Iam insearchofaflat
atthemomentandi hav
en'
tfoundoneatthemomentaswell,
Idon'
tl
ikel
iv i
ngwithKau.It
's
j
ustwrong.HejustwentoutandIwassitt
ingont
hecouchwatchi
ngTV, Icookedjustt
opass
sometime.Therewasaknockont hedoorandIwentt
oopenanditwast hatThabi
sawoman.
Ifol
dedmyarms.

Me:
"Hi
"

Thabi
sa:
"thi
sispur
ewi
tchcr
aft"

Me:
"Doesmymanknowy
ouar
eher
e?"

Thabi
sa:
"Heehmany
isht
woday
sny
anaandi
t'
syourman"

Me:
"YesIsai
dthatandi
t'
snotj
ustt
woday
s,y
ouwer
ejustwar
mingupf
orme."

Thabi
sa:
"Iam gonn.
..
"

Me:
"what?Andher
ehecomes"

Kaupar
kshi
scarandIpushThabi
saoutoft
hewayandwal
kupt
ohi
scarandheget
sout
.

Kau:
"Thabi
sawhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?!
"

Me:
"cal
m down."

Kau:
"No,
Iam t
ir
edoft
his"

Thabi
sa:
"youar
eti
redoft
hisbecauseofnewpussy?
"

Me:
"it
'sbet
tert
hany
our
s."

Thabi
sa:
"you.
..
"

Kauwal
kspastmeandpul
l
sherhai
r.

Kau:
"IfIev
erseey
ouher
eagai
nThabi
say
ouknowme"

Heki
ckedheroutoft
hegat
eandcamebacki
n.Hewasf
umi
ng,
Ist
eepedbackashel
ockedhi
s
carandat
tackedmewi
thaki
ss.

Kau:
"thi
swi
l
lresul
tinapuni
shmentoneday"

Me:
"what
?"

Hel
ookedatmeandIl
ookedatmy
sel
f.

Me:
"it
'sl
i
keadr
ess"

Kau:
"tur
nandwal
kinsi
de.Idon'
twantt
heseKasi
dogsseei
ngmybuns"

Igi
ggl
edandt
urnedashewal
kedbehi
ndmeandwegoti
nsi
det
hehouse.

Kau:
"smel
l
sni
ce"

Me:
"Icooked"

Kau:
"Theboxesar
ejustt
icki
ng"

Ishookmyhead.

Me:
"shoul
dIdi
shup?"

Kau:
"pl
ease"

Iwentt
otheki
tchent
odi
shup.

*
BAHUMI*

Thebel lr
angandIam doi ngZul
uclass.Afri
kaansseemedt oomuchformeandIwoul dn'
t
copeatal l
.Sof arit
'sgoingokit
'sj
ustthatIam notusedt okidsl
earni
ngwiththatwhit
escreen
thi
ng, Iam usedt oablackboardsoit'
sallnew.It ookmybagandwentoutf orbr
eak.Iam
searchingforThapeloatourareaandIseehi m standi
ngwi t
hagr oupofboy
sandgi rl
s.Wow
hehasmadef r
iendssofastandIam sitt
ingaloneinclassexceptMathswhereIsitwit
hthi
s
colouredgirl
.Shei sscaryaswell
.Iapproacht hem asnervousasIam andIgettothem.

Thapel
o:"ohHumi
"

Het
ookmyhand.

Guy:
"hi
Iam Fani
sa"
Gi
rl:
"St
opt
hat
."

Sher
oll
edherey
es.

Gi
rl2:
"Youar
esocut
eThapel
o"

Hechuckl
ed.Ij
ustf
elthear
tbr
okenwhenshesai
dthat
.

Thapel
o:"t
hanky
ou"

Gi
rl3:
"soshei
syourbabysi
ster?
"

Thapel
o:"Nomygi
rl
fr
iend"

Guy:
"wai
tyoul
i
vewi
thy
ourgi
rl?Damnt
hatni
ce"

Gi
rl:
"mxm uzomi
thabhekasi
mbukanesi
sunextt
erm (shewi
l
lgetpr
egnantl
et'
swai
tfornext
t
erm)"

Me:
"Igott
ogo"

Igotoutoft
hei
rci
rcl
e.

"Bahumi
!"

Itr
iedwippi
ngmyt
ear
sandhest
oodI
nfr
ontofmebr
eat
hingandheembr
acedmei
nahugand
Icri
ed.

Thapel
o:"Iam sor
ry"

Isobbed.Hekeptonapol
ogi
zi
ngf
orsomet
hingwebot
hhadnohol
dov
er.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry.Iov
err
eact
ed"

Thapel
o:"ar
eyouok?"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lgot
ocl
ass.Seey
ouaf
terschool
"

Iwal
kedof
f.

Tobecont
inued
~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t39

*
RAZOR*

Iki
ssedhershoulderandtr
ial
edmyf i
nger
salloverherski
nandcouldher
eherbreat
hingpace.
Icoul
df eel
howmyhear ti
saccel
erati
ng.Ipullheri
nahugandshewr apsherar
msar oundme
andIkissherf
orehead.Iseeasmileonherfaceandt heaut
omati
call
ymakesmesmi leaswell
.

Me:
"whyar
eyousmi
l
ing?
"

Unat
hi:
"isi
tacr
met
odosonow?"

Me:
"No"

Sheadj
ust
edher
sel
fandhel
dont
ome.

Unat
hi:
"Iam t
hinki
ngt
hat
'swhyIam smi
l
ing"

Me:
"about?"

Unat
hi:
"you"

Me:
"whatdi
dIdo?"

Unat
hi:
"thewaywemeti
t'
swei
rdbutt
hewaywel
oveeachot
heri
s..
..
"

Me:
"Ihav
eal
way
slov
edy
ou.I
t'
sJustIwasscar
edt
otel
lyou"

Shel
aughs.

Unat
hi:
"youbei
ngscar
ed.Wowt
hat
'snew"

Me:
"It
'snotnew.Youj
ustmakemener
vous"

Unat
hi:
"OhNgomane"

Me:
"Iwantt
ovi
sitmom'
sgr
ave"

Shewassi
l
entandl
ookedupatme.

Unat
hi:
"weshoul
dgot
oget
herandAnel
e"
Inodded.

Me:
"Thatwoul
dbegr
eat"

Unat
hi:
"Iwantt
oseet
hisamazi
ngwoman'
sfi
nal
rest
ingpl
ace"

Me:
"shewasamazi
ng.Shewasmyever
ythi
ng,i
tsabummershedi
edwi
thoutseei
ngherson
t
hewayshewant
edandseemegetmarr
ied."

Unat
hisatupandhel
dmyf
ace.

Unat
hi:"Hey,
shel
ovedy
ouandsti
l
llov
esy
ouwher
evershei
sandshewi
l
lseey
ougetmar
ri
ed.
Iam pr
oudtomarr
yamanli
keyou"

Sheper
kedmyl
i
ps.

Unat
hi:
"youar
emyt
ypeofman"

Ichuckl
edandhel
dherbut
t.

Me:
"Shewoul
dhav
elov
edy
ou"

Unat
hi:
"Il
oveher"

Il
ookedatherandsmil
edandwesharedaki
ss,Ifeel
li
ketheseday
sIthi
nkaboutmymot her
al
ot.Iguessitwoul
dhavereal
l
ybeenni
cei
fshewasal i
vetoseemegetmarr
iedandmyson
aswell
.Iwishshewasheretoseet
hewomanIlov
esomuchandwoul ddoany t
hingf
orher.I
j
ustwish..

*
WENDY*

Mom :
"Int
ooy
azi
yonj
eukuhl
alaungenzi
lut
ho(whaty
ouknowi
stoj
ustsi
tanddonot
hing)
"

Me:
"Mahpl
ease"

Ichanget
hechannel
andshecl
apsherhands.Ir
oll
myey
esast
her
eisaknockont
hedoor
.

"
Makhel
wane!
(Nei
ghbour!
)"

Mom :
"EwuungangenaSi
si!
(Youcancomei
n)"

Thedooropens.OhMaMshenguisher
ewi
tht
het
ownshi
pgossi
p.Mi
ndy
ouIhav
ebeent
he
topi
cgthei
rgosspi
sessi
onbef
ore.
MaMshengu:
"Hai
boNt
ombi
iti
ye(Gogetmesomet
ea)
"

Me:
"youdon'
tl
iv
eher
eandy
oucomei
ndemandi
ngt
hings"

Mom :
"Wendy!"

MaMshengu:
"it
'st
heseboy
sthatar
eteachi
ngy
out
obedi
srespect
ful
li
ket
hist
oyourel
der
s.

Mom :
"mmmhy
es.ThatNgomaneboy
.Youwoul
dnotsayhi
smot
herwasaChr
ist
ian"

MaMshengu:
"youcan'
thav
eital
l
.HeehIhav
enews."

ShesatdownandIt
urnedupt
hev
olumeandMom t
ookt
her
emot
efr
om myhandsandt
urned
i
tdown.

Me:
"butIam wat
chi
ng."

Mom :
"thi
sismyhouseWendy"

YetIpat
chedi
t.

MaMshengu:
"Theseday
sthatNgomaneboyi
sal
way
supanddownwi
tht
hisy
ell
owbeaut
y"

Mom :
"yes.Ioncesawt
hewomancl
eani
ngout
side."

MaMshengu:
"Lal
elaphel
a,Loy
amf
anauy
ashadamanj
e(Li
stenher
e,t
hatboyi
sget
ti
ng
mar
ri
ed)"

Mom :
"unamanga(y
oul
i
e)"

MaMshengu:
"ubaba(t
rue)"

Mom :
"Wher
edi
dyouheart
his?
"

MaMshengu:
"Ihav
emyear
sont
her
oad."

Icanf
eel
mybl
oodboi
l
ing.

Me:
"Hei
sgonnal
eav
eher
.That
'swhathedoesany
waysodon'
tbesur
pri
sed"

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.

MaMshengu:"Hepaidf
ull
cowsatthegi
rl
'
shouseaweekagoatt
hewhi
tear
ea ,
thi
sweek
Sat
urdayt
heyaret
yingt
heknother
e"

Mom :"yohWazewayenzaint
wenhlelomfana.Kadeephoxaboh(y
oht
hisboyhasdonea
wonderf
ulthi
ng.Hehasbeendisappoi
nti
ngalot)"

MaMshengu:
"ei
,ar
eyougoi
ng?"
Mom :
"yesof
cause"

Me:
"nx"

Ist
oodup.

Mom :
"andt
hen?"

Iignor
edherandwal
kedout
.Ican'
tbel
i
eveRazori
sreal
l
ydoingthi
stome.Iam goi
ngt
ost
op
thatweddi
ng.Hehast
omarrymenother.That
'snev
ersupposedt
ohappen.

*
BAHUMI*

WegothomeandSi
sMer
cywassi
tt
ingont
hecouchwat
chi
ngTV.

Mer
cy:
"heyguy
showwasy
ourf
ir
stday?"

Thapel
o:"Good"

Ikeptqui
et.

Mer
cy:
"youBahumi
?"

Me:
"It
sfi
ne"

Mer
cy:
"Madeanyf
ri
ends?
"

Me:
"Ihav
egothomewor
k.Iwi
l
lseey
ou"

Iwalkedupt
hestai
rsandgotinmyroom andLesedi
isl
ayi
ngi
nherbed.It
ouchhercheek
sl
ightl
yandt
ear
sstream downmycheeks.

_
___

Mom :
"St
ri
pthebot
hofy
ou"

Me:
"MamaIam sor
ryIwentout
side"

Mom :
"isn'
ti
tyouLov
ehi
m andy
oual
way
shi
ssav
inggr
acegoi
ngagai
nstmyor
der
s."

Thapel
o:"Hi
tmei
t'
smyf
aul
t"

Me:
"no,
Iwaswr
ong"

Mom :
"Yey
i!St
ri
p!"
Webot
htookof
fourcl
othesasshewashol
dingasj
ambok,
Iwaswai
ti
ngf
oranyst
ri
ke.

Mom :
"Bahumi
getont
hebedandl
ayony
ourback."

Igotont
hebedandl
aidonmyback.

Mom :
"Thapel
ogetonher"

Thapel
o:"Aunt
y..
"

Shestr
ikedhimt hreetimesandhisski
nwast ear
ing.Iwasscaredandmyeyeswer
eglossy
.
WhydoesMom t reatThapel
oli
kethisMara,
ImeanKat l
egoisthesameageasThapel
obutshe
doesn'
ttreathi
ml ikethi
s,hi
sfather.Whydoesn'
theaddressthisi
ssue.

Mom :
"Getonher!"

Hegotonthebedandshehi
thi
m.Shewasshoutingandshegott
omeandhi tmet
oo.Myt
high
bl
edandtear
srol
leddownmyeyes.Shei
ntsr
uct
edwhatneededtobedone.

Mom :
"Aker
eyoul
oveeachot
her
"

Me:
"MamaWear
esor
ry"

Mom :
"Sor
rymyf
ootBahumi
!"

ShehitusandIwasscaredl
ooki
ngatThapel
o.Hewastooaswell
,thi
swasgoi
ngt
obemy
fi
rstt
ime.Hepenetrat
edmeandIscreamed.Mom hi
tusandIhel
dinmgsobs.

Thapel
o:"Iam sor
ry"

Tear
slef
thi
sey
es.Shekeptonhi
tt
ingusi
fwewentagai
nstheror
der
s.

_
___

Ihel
dLesedi
inmyar
mst
ight
lyhuggi
ngher
.

Me:
"Shh,
shhnoonewi
l
lhur
tyou"

"Bahumi
arey
ouok?"

Si
sMer
cywal
kedi
nandt
ear
slef
tmyey
es.Shecameandhuggedme.

Mer
cy:
"it
'sok"

Isobbed.

Mer
cy:
"It
'sok.Youar
egoi
ngt
obeok"

Me:
"Idon'
twantt
ogot
oschool
any
mor
e"
Mer
cy:
"youhav
eto.SoLesedi
canhav
eabet
terchi
l
dhood.Fory
our
sel
f"

Me:
"it
'shar
d"

Mer
cy:
"it
'sgoi
ngt
obeal
ri
ght"

Isobbedandshehuggedus.

*
KHENSANI*

Thef oll
owingdaytheSalonwascl osedsonowork.Wewi l
lbegoingdr essfi
tt
ingIthinktoday
butweneedt oconfir
m withUnathi
.Iwaswokenupbysomeone' stoungeonmyKi ttenandI
moanedhol di
ngthesheets.Myt oescurl
edinpl
easureandmybodyt ingled.Heholdsmyl egs
andput sthem inhisshoul
derandhisfaceisbur
ri
eddeepbetweenmyt hi
ghs.Ifeellike
crossingmyl egsaroundhisneckbutIbit
emybot t
om li
pandl ett
hepleasurewasht hroughme.
Icum andhet henputsmyl egsdownandgetsbetweenthem andcomest oki
ssmyf or ehead.

Nt
ambo:
"Mor
ningSunshi
ne"

Ismi
l
ed.Heget
sof
fme

Me:
"Goodmor
ning.Whatawayt
owakeup?"

Nt
ambo:
"somet
imesy
ouj
ustneedt
oputi
nnewf
lav
oureachmor
ning"

Il
aughedandgotof ft
hebedandpickedupmypy j
amashort
.Iwonderhowhet ooki
toffme
wit
houtfeel
inganyt
hing.Imadet
hebedt henwenttot
hebathr
oom andbrushedmyteethand
hewalkedinandlookedatme.

Me:
"uhm somepr
ivacy?
"

Nt
ambo:
"wear
egonnaTakeabat
htoget
her"

Me:
"thatwon'
tbequi
ck"

Hecomescl
oseandhol
dmywai
st.

Nt
ambo:
"Ihav
ebeent
hinki
ng"

Me:
"mmmh"

Nt
ambo:
"HowaboutIpl
antababyi
nyou?"
Me:
"don'
tev
ent
hinkaboutt
hat
.Ababyi
sal
otofwor
k"

Nt
ambo:
"Imagi
ne"

Me:
"nahgett
hatoutofy
ourhead."

Hechuckl
edandi
tur
nedar
oundandweshar
edaki
ss.

Nt
ambo:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
ooMt
hombeni
"

Nt
ambo:
"Soy
oul
ear
ned?"

Me:
"Ihadt
o"

Heper
kedmyl
i
ps.

Nt
ambo:
"howmuchdoy
oul
oveme?"

Me:
"Inf
ini
ty"

Hepi
ckedmeupandpl
acedmeont
hesi
nk.Hepar
tedmyl
egsandhel
done

Nt
ambo:
"Idi
dn'
tgett
hat"

Me:
"Inf
ini
ty"

Heki
ssedmycheekandwhi
sper
edi
nmyear.

Nt
ambo:
"let
'sheari
tagai
n."

Me:
"Il
ovey
oui
nfi
nit
y,Mmh"

Het
hrust
edi
nme.

Nt
ambo:
"Doy
ouwantababy?
"

Me:
"No"

Nt
ambo:
"Justone"

Me:
"AhFezi
l
eit
's.
..
."

Hehel
donmesoIcanbebal
anced.Weshar
edaki
ss.

.
*
UNATHI
*

RazorleftandIam athome, thedr

essf i
tt
ingwon'thappentodaybecauseofthedesignerof
thedressesi sabi
tbusyt odaybuttheyaredone.Weboughtt hem doneit
'sj
ustwewantt osee
whohasgai nedwei ghtornot.Iam inthekitchenandItakeoutsomeingredi
entsforcooking.I
am getti
ngt hehangofget t
ingbett
ermeal s.Myphoner i
ngsandIanswerit.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"

Andi
swa:
"Hi
,Iwantt
oseey
out
odayaf
terwor
k"

Me:
"uhm Iam atmyFi
ance'
shousey
oucanswi
ngbyaf
terwor
k"

Andi
swa:
"okIwi
l
l"

Me:
"isi
taboutLet
ho?"

Andi
swa:
"No.Ij
ustneedust
otal
k"

Me:
"ok.That
'sf
inet
hen.Seey
out
hen"

Andi
swa:
"ok"

Shehungup.OkthatIwantt
ohearwhatshehast
osay
.Ther
eisaknockont
hedoorandI
wipemyhandsandgotothedoor
.

Me:
"Whoi
sit?"

Iopenandshwl
ookedatme.

Me:
"Usakhonkot
hanamanj
e?(Youar
ebar
kingev
ennow)
"

Honest
lyt
hiswomandr
ainsme.

Wendy:
"Wher
eisRazor?
"

Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom myhusband?"

Iputmyhandsonmyhi
ps.

Wendy:
"Husbandsi
ncewhen?Pl
easedon'
tmakemel
augh"

Me:
",
whati
sthi
sthen?"

Iwav
edmyr
ingandshecl
enchedherj
aws.

Wendy:
"Razor!"

Me:
"getof
fmypr
oper
tybef
oreIcal
lthepol
i
ceandar
resty
ouf
ort
raspassi
ng"
Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongue.

Wendy:
"Iwi
l
lbeback"

Me:
"nextt
imeIwi
l
lshooty
ou"

She.Laughedandwal
kedof
f.Icl
osedt
hedoor
.YohNxt
hesewomen.

*
ANDI
SWA*

I
tjustbreakti
meandIdoneedt hisbr
eakfrom myLi t
tl
egrade5's.Theyar eangelsbutcanbea
headacheattimes.Itakeoutmylunchandmyphoneaswel landcal l
edUnat hisothatwecan
tal
k.Wer eall
yneedtotal
kandaddresssomei ssues.Nott
hatIam f i
ghti
ngbutj usttomove
pastthi
ngs.Someoneknockedonmycl assroom doorandIlookedupandt hreegrade7
l
earnerswalkedinhol
dingfl
owersandamuf f
inbasketwithafruitbasket
.

Me:
"Hi
"

Lear
ner:
"GoodMor
ningMr
sKhumal
o,wewer
esentf
rom t
heof
fi
cet
hatt
hisi
sfory
ou"

Me:
"Ohputi
tont
het
abl
e"

Thedoj
ustt
hat
.

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Theywal
kedout
.Isear
chedf
oracar
dint
hef
lower
sandIf
oundi
t.Ismi
l
edwhenIsawwhoi
t'
s
fr
om.

"ouuhwear
egonnaeat"

Wenzil
ewal
ksi
n.Hercl
assr
oom i
snextt
omi
ne.Il
aughandshepul
l
sachai
rfr
om t
heki
ds
desk.

Wenzi
l
e:"secr
etadmi
rer?"

Me:
"Husband"

Wenzi
l
e:"Youar
elucky
.Wehav
etobegf
oraCadbur
y"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"hei
ssweet"

Wenzi
l
e:"
youmustbedoi
nghi
m good.Tel
lmey
oursecr
et"
Il
aughed.

Me:
"agi
rldoesn'
tki
ssandt
ell
"

Wenzi
l
e:"Andi
swa"

Ishookmyheadandgav
eheramuf
fi
nfr
om t
hebasket
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t40

*SESETHU*

Il
ookedatmysel
fthr
ought
hemirr
orandappli
edabitofpowderontomyfaceandhegoti
nthe
bedr
oom andl
ookedatmebef
oreshaki
nghisheadandgoingtothedr
esser.

Me:
"somet
hingwr
ong?"

Iwasgoi
ngtohavel
unchwi
thSi
yamthandat odayandcatchuponst
ufft
hat
'sgoi
ngoni
nmy
l
if
e.DoIletheri
nonmeandKauorIjustkeept omysel
f?"

Kau:
"youdon'
tneedt
opai
nty
ourf
acet
olookbeaut
if
ul"

Me:
"it
'scal
l
edmakeup"

Kau:
"st
il
l"

Icl
osedt
hepowderandputmymakeupki
tawayandIwentt
owar
dshi
m andhehel
dmywai
st.

Me:
",
doIl
ookugl
y?"

Kau:
"No,
youar
ejustbeaut
if
ul"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Kau:
"Cani
kissy
ouory
ouhav
ethosei
nvi
sibl
eLi
pst
icks"

Il
aughedandki
ssedhi
sli
psandhehel
dmybut
tandsqueezedi
t.Imoanedandwebr
oket
he
ki
ss.

Kau:
"MaMokoenaNana"

Il
aughed.

Kau:
"doat
urnar
ound?"

It
urnar
ound.

Kau:
"Youl
ookhotIam ev
enscar
edt
olety
ouout"

Me:
"youar
eexagger
ati
ngandIwi
l
llett
hem l
ooknott
ouch"

Kau:
"Iam t
heonl
yoneal
l
owedt
otouch"

Me:
"yessi
r,whatshoul
dIbr
ingback?"

Kau:
"Your
sel
fsaf
ely
.Cal
lmei
fyouneedmeok?
"

Me:
"ok"

Weshar
edaki
ss.

Kau:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"letmego"

Hechuckl
edandItookmybagandt henwal
kedoutwi
thhi
m downthestair
s.Wegotoutand
hesai
dhewill
dri
vemet hereandpi
ckmeup.Wel l
Ihopehedoesn'
tpul
ltheLukhany
ost
unton
mebecauseIwil
lgocrazy
.

*
BAHUMI
*

Iwassi tt
ingatthecor nerattheli
brar
y.Iwashi ddenbyt hebookshel
veswhileIwasdoi ngsoe
school worksit
tingont hefloor
.Ihaven'tmadeanyf r
iendssoIsital
lal
one.Iav oi
dedThapel
o
atallcoststhatIev enskippedbreakf
astthismor ni
ng.Todayi sali
tt
ledi
fferentbecausether
e
willbear ugbyseriessowecameoutear l
y.Iwasal oneandIknowIam al onebecauset he
l
ibrari
anjustlefttowher eeverandtoldmet oclosethewi ndowsandswitchof fthefans.The
Cleaningladywi l
lcomei nhereat15:00.Sot hat
's4hour sfr
om now.Ihearfoot stepsandI
cl
osemytestbookandcrossmylegs.Myhearti
sbeati
ngver
yfastandIam scar
ed.Ipeaked
myheadf
rom thebookshel
vesandhestoppedhi
str
acks.

Thapel
o:"It
houghtnoonewasi
nher
e."

Ij
ustnoddedandwentbackt
omyspotandhecamebyandsatnextt
ome.

Thapel
o:"Idi
dn'
tseey
oual
lday"

Me:
"Iwasbusy"

Thapel
o:"oh.Iwai
tedbr
eakt
imet
osi
twi
thy
ou"

If
eel
bad.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Thapel
o:"
it
'sok"

Me:
"wher
ear
eyourf
ri
ends?"

Thapel
o:"wat
chi
ngt
hemat
ch"

Heopenedhisbagandt
ookouthi
sbooksandWi
negumsandopenedt
hem andof
fer
edsome
t
ome.It ookone.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Icar
ri
edonwi
thmywor
k.

Thapel
o:"Humi
"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Thapel
o:"
,Iam sor
ry,
Iwi
l
lal
way
sbesor
ry"

Me:
"Wedi
dnot
hing.Iam sor
ryaboutKeke"

Henoddedandputawi
negum bet
weenhi
steet
handi
tst
uckout
.

Thapel
o:"Youwantsome"

Me:
"ahThapel
oeati
t"

Thapel
o:"Comet
akei
t"

Iputmybooksdownandl
ear
nedt
otakei
tandIdi
dandwel
aughed.

Me:
"Thi
swassi
l
ly"
Hehel
dmycheekandki
ssedmeandIwasshocked.Thi
sismyf
ir
str
eal
kiss.

Thapel
o:"Iam sor
ry"

Il
eanedinandkissedhim andheki
ssedmeback.Myheartwastwerki
ngandDoingst
ret
ches
ev
erythi
ng.Iheldhisf
aceandhisli
pswereti
nybutdidt
herighgt
ri
ckanditmademeshiver
.
WebrokeitoffandIshyedaway.Heheldmywaistandpul
l
edmet ohim.

Thapel
o:"Iam her
eok?"

Inodded.Don'
tpeopl
esayIl
ovey
ouaf
teraki
ss.Soi
ntense.

Me:
"Thapel
oI.
..
"

Hel
ookedatme.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Hekeptqui
et

Thapel
o:"Humi
"

Wewer
edi
stur
bedbysomeonewal
ki
ngi
n.Iguesshedoesn'
tfeel
thesame

*
UNATHI*

Andi
swacamet hr
oughtothehouseandIl
etheri
n.Al
readyIhav
ecookedandwasdonewi
th
ever
ythi
ngt
hatIneededt
odo.

Andi
swa:
"thanky
ouf
orseei
ngme"

Me:
"it
'sok"

Andiswa:"Fi
rstofal
lIwoul
dliketoCongr
atul
atey
ouagai
nonget
ti
ngmar
ri
edandsecondl
yis
thatIwantustoputourdi
ff
erencesasi
de."

Me:
"met
oo."

Andi
swa:"Honest
lyaf
terThat
'sSat
urdayusbei
ngt
oget
her
.Iki
ndofunder
stoodwher
eyou
camefr
om andyourbehavi
our"

Isi
ghed.
Andi
swa:
"hav
eyouf
eltwi
thi
t?"

Md:
"yes.Myhusbandencour
agedmet
odoso"

Shesmi
l
ed.

Andi
swa:
"Iam gl
adt
hen."

Me:
"Howi
sthepr
egnancygoi
ng?"

Andiswa:"
it
'sstr
aini
ng.TheDrsaidinmylastappoi
ntmentthatIhav
etoabor
tthebaby
becauseIwouldn'
tbeablet
ocarryfull
ter
m orIwouldlooseme"

Me:
"loosey
ou?"

Andi
swa:
"di
eaf
tergi
vi
ngbi
rt
h"

Me:
"hav
eyout
oldNt
ethel
elo?"

Andi
swa:
"NoandIwon'
t.Iam keepi
ngt
hisbaby"

Me:
"butwhataboutZi
khal
iwhowi
l
lloosehi
smot
her,
whataboutNt
ethel
elo?"

Andi
swa:
"Iwi
l
lsee"

Me:
"Justt
ohi
m abouti
t"

Andi
swa:
"ok"

Me:
"letmegoanddi
shup"

ShenoddedandIwal
kedt
otheki
tchen.

*SESETHU*

Kaudroppedmeoffandpr
omisedtof
etchme.Iwenti
nsidetherest
urantandSi
yamt
handai
s
si
tt
ingther
ewhi
leonherphoneandIwentt
oherandsatnexttoher.

Me:
"Gi
rl
ings"

Si
ya:
"babeshowar
eyou?Youar
egl
owi
ng"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Si
ya:
"soy
ousor
tedt
hingswi
thLukhany
o?"
Me:
"noIdi
dn'
t.Webr
okeup"

Si
ya:
"Iam sor
rymyf
ri
end."

Me:
"Iam goodandhappy"

Si
ya:
"ok.Ther
eismor
etot
his.Comet
ell
me"

Il
aughedandcal
l
edt
hewai
ter
.Weor
der
edourf
oodanddr
inksandhewal
kedof
f.

Si
ya:
"NoSet
huf
astso"

Ihav
en'
tsai
dany
thi
ng.

Me:
"mmmh"

Si
ya:
"tal
kman"

Me:
"OkIhav
esomeone"

Si
ya:
"youar
efast
."

Me:
"Wehav
etomov
eonatsomepoi
nt"

Si
ya:
"ok,
sof
arhowi
she?"

Me:
"Hei
sgood."

Si
ya:
"Ar
eyouser
iousorr
ebound?"

Ikeptqui
et.Honest
lyIam conf
used.

Si
ya:
"don'
tmaket
hepoorguyar
eboundset
hu"

Me:
"Iam notsur
e"

Si
ya:
"letgoofhi
mify
ouar
egonnausehi
m"

Me:
"Iwon'
t.Il
oveKau"

Si
ya:
"mmmh"

Iwon'
tusehi
m atal
l
.

*
KAU*
IjustdroppedoffSet huf
rom herfri
endandnowIam goingt omeetRazor .Ihavepropert
ies
thatIrentoutaroundTownshi psandit'
sdoingwellf
orme. Yeswedohei st
sbutyoucan't
alwaysdependont hatmoneyalone.Set hu,mmhthatwomanj ustdri
vesmecrazytotheedge.
Shei sthekindofwomanIwoul dsettl
edownwi t
hamar r
y .Evenknockup, maybeIhav e
knockedherupsi ncewehaven'tbeenusinganycondom .Icanalreadyseeherbigstomach.I
chuckleatmy self,it
'smytur
nt opassthroughandacarspeedoutf r
om nowhereandhitsmy
car.

*SESETHU*

Iam enj
oyedmylunchwi
thSiy
amt
handar
eal
l
y.It
ookoutmyphonet
ocal
lKausohecanf
etch
mebutitwentt
ov oi
cemai
l.

Me:
"damn"

Si
ya:
"ar
eok?

Me:
"cany
out
akemesomewher
e?"

Si
ya:
"sur
e"

Wepai dthebi
l
l.Iam angr
yathimf ordoi
ngthi
stoome, theyarenodiff
erentatal
l
.Wegoti n
hercarandshedroveofftohi
shousewi t
hmedi rect
ingher.Whenwegott hereIt
oldhershe
cangobecausemycari shereandshenoddedandwesai dourgoodbyesandshel ef
t.I
walkedintheyar
dandsawhi sfr
iendRazorcomingoutoft hehouse.

Me:
"Hi
"

Razor:
"OhIwasl
ooki
ngf
ory
ouunf
ort
unat
elyIdon'
thav
eyournumber
s."

Me:
"Oh.What
'swr
ong?"

Razor:
"weneedt
ogot
othehospi
tal
"

Me:
"what
'st
her
e?"

Razor:
"Kaui
sther
e"

Ist
art
edsweat
ing.

Me:
"uhm ok"
Hel ockedt
hehouse.Waithehashousekeys?Whatifhewalksi
nonusnaked.Not hisisnot
onatal l
.Hedroveoffi
twassil
ent.Ij
usthopeit'
saminorthi
ngandnothi
ngreal
lymajorhas
happened.Wegotatt hehospit
alandwentinsi
deandfoundsomeotherpeopl
ether
eandI
greetedandtheyr
esponded.

Me:
"What
'
swr
ongwi
thhi
m ?"

Unat
hi:
"Aspeedi
ngcarcol
l
idedi
nhi
scar"

Icl
osedmyey
es.

Unat
hi:
"don'
twor
ryhewi
l
lbeok"

Inoddedandwesatt
her
e.TheDr
scameandweal
lst
oodup.

Dr:
"Mokoena"

Razor:
",
That
'sus."

Dr:
"Wear
emonit
ori
nghi
m.Wehav eremovedt
heglassest
hatwer
eonhi
sski
nandal
sohi
s
oneey
ewon'
twor
kbecausei
tgotstai
nedbygl
ass."

Me:
"Can.
.I.
.canIseehi
m"

If
eltt
ear
spr
ickl
emyey
es.

Dr:
"sur
e"

Ifol
l
owedafterhi
m andIkeptonwi pi
ngmyt ears.Wereachedhi
swar dandhisheadwas
bandagedaswell
.Machi
nesar oundhim .I
tbrokemyhear t,
andt
ot hi
nkIwasmadf ornot
hing.
Iwalkedi
nandwenttohisside.Oneofhi seyeispat
chedupandt heotheri
sclosed.

Me:
"Kau"

Themachi
neskeptonmaki
ngt
hei
rsoundandIwentonmykneesandcr
ied.

Me:
"Pl
easebeok."

Isni
ff
edandt
ookhi
sbr
ushedhandandIki
ssedi
tgent
lyandst
oodup.Iki
ssedhi
sfor
ehead.

Me:
"IneedyouBabeplease, Iknowourr
elat
ionshi
pisnewbutIf
eell
ikeIhav
eknownyouf
or
t
helongestt
ime.Il
oveyouandwannagr owgr eywithy
ouhaveali
tt
leNgwanawit
hyouand
Mar
ryyouoneday.Sopl ease"

Isobbed.

.
Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t41

Razorwasn'
tokandwhenhei snotfeel
ingok,Idon'
tei
ther.Thef
rustr
ati
onandpai
ninhiseyes
aswesatatthecorr
idorchai
rs,hedoesn'
tknowwhatt odo.Idon'tknowwhattodobutIj
ust
embracehim andwesiti
nsil
ence.Irubhisbackandcr adl
ehiml
ikeababy.Heismybabyat
thi
smomentaswel l
.

Me:
"Hewi
l
lbef
ine.Hei
sst
rong"

Idon'
tknowi
fIam t
ryi
ngt
oconv
incehi
m orGodt
odosomet
hing.

Razor:
"thanky
ouNana"

Me:
"don'
tthankme.Iam her
eal
way
s"

Heper
ksmyl
i
psandNt
ambowi
thKhensani
comeout
.Theysi
tnextt
ous.

Khensani
:"shei
sawf
ul"

Weal
lkeptqui
et.

Me:
"Kau.
?"

Khensani
:"no,
Seset
huIt
hinkIam r
ight
."

Iwoul
dcr
ymyl
ungsouti
fRazorwasi
nthatposi
ti
on.

Me:
"It
hinkweshoul
dpost
poneaweekort
wof
ort
heweddi
ngt
il
lKaui
soutat
least"

Razor:
"wewi
l
ltal
k"

Inoddedandhet
ookmyhand.IhopeKauget
sbet
ter.

Me:
"anyonewhowant
scof
fee?"

Nt
ambo:
"It
hinkweshoul
dal
lgohomeandr
estt
hent
omor
rowwecancomeback.
"

Il
ookedatr
azor.
Razor:
"weshoul
dgetSeset
hu"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lgogether"

HenoddedandIstoodupandwalkedtot
hewar dandIgoti
nandshewashuggi
nghi
sleg
cr
ying.Iwentcl
osertoherandt
ouchedherback.

Me:
"Set
hucomel
et'
sgoi
t'
slat
e.Wewi
l
lcomebackt
omor
row"

Sheshookherheadsni
ff
ing.

Me:
"Seset
hu"

Seset
hu:
"Iam notl
eav
ing.Iam notl
eav
inghi
m"

Me:
"Seset
hubut
..
..
"

Seset
hu:
"No!Iam notgoi
ngany
wher
e,t
hisi
smyboy
fri
endnoty
our
ssol
eav
e!"

Isi
ghedandt
urnedandwal
kedoutoft
hedoor
.Iwentt
oRazor
.

Razor:
"Wher
eisshe?"

Me:
"shedoesn'
twantt
oleav
e"

Razor:
"(si
gh)Vi
sit
inghour
sar
eov
er"

Me:
"let
'sl
etherbe.Iwoul
ddot
hesame"

Razor:
"Ok."

Het
ookmyhandandwewal
kedoutoft
hehospi
tal
.

*
SIYAMTHANDA*

Ican'
thelpbutworr
yaboutSeset
hu,y
esshehasbeeni nthegameofDati
ngsol
ongbut
heart
breaksarer
ealandherj
umpingi
ntoanot
herr
elat
ionshipi
sworr
yingme.Shemightget
hurtt
ryi
ngtomov eon.

"
Mam'
Khumal
o"

Me:
"mmmh"

Ay
andaput
shi
scarkey
sont
hecount
erandcomesmysi
de.Hehol
dsmywai
standper
ksmy
cheek.

Ay
anda:
"whathasgotmywi
fewor
ri
ed."

Me:
"Seset
hu"

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:
"shei
sdat
ingagai
n"

Ay
anda:
"Shewi
l
lgethur
t"

Me:
"Iknowandt
hatwor
ri
esme"

Ay
anda:"butsheisol
dnow.Shecanmakeherowndeci
sions.Youdi
dn'
tgethur
twheny
ou
movedf
rom Tri
stantome,maybeshewon'
t"

Me:
"may
beIam j
ustov
erpr
otect
ivef
ri
end"

Ay
anda:
"Youar
eagoodf
ri
endbaby"

It
urnar
oundandgi
vehi
m aki
ss.

Ay
anda:
"wher
eisSi
yanda?"

Me:
"Andi
swa'
shouse.Theyar
ehav
ingasl
eepov
ert
her
ewi
tht
heot
her
sandMbongeni
'
ski
ds
"

Ay
anda:
"goodl
uckt
oNt
ethel
elobecausehewon'
tsl
eep"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"Idi
shedupf
ory
oul
etmewar
mit"

Iwentt
ot akehi
sfoodfr
om theov
enandIwar
medi ti
nthemicr
owav
eandi
tgotdoneandgav
e
i
ttohim ashesatonthehi
ghchai
r.MyphonerangandItooki
t.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"

Shebr
okei
nacr
y.

Me:
"Set
huar
eyouok?Di
dhehur
tyou"

Seset
hu:
"Comet
othehospi
tal
pleasei
fyoucan"

Myhear
tski
ppedabeat
.

Me:
"ok.Iam onmyway"

Ihungupandr
ushedoutoft
heki
tchenandwentupt
hest
air
sandchangedf
rom mysl
eepwear
i
ntot
racksui
tsandt
ookmycarkey
sandmetAy
andahal
fwaydownt
hest
air
s.

Me:
"Ihav
etogo"

Ay
anda:
"gi
vemet
hekey
s.Youar
enotdr
ivi
ngal
oneatni
ght"

Igav
ehi
mthekey
sandwewal
kedout
.Iwaswor
ri
edal
ot.

Ay
anda:
"wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?"

Me:
"Hospi
tal
"

Henoddedandst
art
edt
hecarbef
oredr
ivi
ngof
f.

*
MERCY*

Iwasreadi
ngaMagazi
newhil
einbedwaiti
ngforSandi
l
etobedonewit
hwhat'
sonhislapt
op,
heknowswedon'
tbri
ngworkinourbedr
oom buthesai
dit
'si
mport
antsoIl
ethi
m be.

Me:
"Iam wor
ri
ed"

Hecl
osesi
t.Fi
nal
l
y,heput
sitawayandpul
l
smet
ohi
m.

Sandi
l
e:"aboutwhat?"

Me:
"Bahumi
,si
nceshest
art
edschool
shei
smor
equi
et."

Sandi
l
e:"may
bei
t'
stheenv
ironment
.Shewi
l
ladj
ust"

Me:
"May
be.OhIwoul
dli
ket
ogot
oPr
etor
ianextweek.Imi
ssDadandAndi
swa"

Sandi
l
e:"Wecango,
Ihav
enoi
mpor
tantmeet
ingnextweek"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Iki
ssedhi
m andheretur
neditpul
l
ingmeont
opofhi
m ,
hishandsr
oamedal
lov
ert
hebackof
mybodyandIbrokethekiss.

Sandi
l
e:"Damn"

Igi
ggl
ed.

Sandi
l
e:"comel
et'
sgoagai
n"
Il
aughedandweshar edaki
ssonceagainandhef l
ippedmeov erandhewasont opofme.He
openedmygownandexposedmysl eepwearfort henight.Her anhishandsont helace
material
andhel
pedmeoutofitandkissedinbetweenmyboobsandsuckedonmyni pples.
Hekissedmystomachandheldmywai stfi
rmlyintoplaceasweshar edakissoncemor e.He
l
eansov ert
othedrawnextt
omeandt akesoutt hecondomsandr ol
lsthem out
.Ihel phi m
undressandputi
tonandheholdsmyl egsapartbeforethrust
inginsideandImoaned.

Me:
"Sandi
l
e"

Heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Sandi
l
e:"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

*
DINA*

Ihel
dontothepi
l
lowast
earsstreameddownmycheeks.Ican' thelpbutant
icipat
et heworst
.
Heisnothomenowandit
'sl
ate.It'
snotthefi
rstt
hisweeki
t'
sbeengoingonsi ncelastweek
anditwor
ri
esme.Maybeherealizedthatl
ovi
ngsomeonewhocan' tgi
vehim kidsl
ikemei s
usel
ess.

"
Baby"

Isni
ffandwipemytearsandcl
osemyey
es.Icoul
dsmel
lhi
sscentashecomest
omysi
de
andtouchesmyface.

Zamani
:"Baby"

Ikeepmyey
escl
osed.

Zamani
:"Di
na"

Iopenmyey
esandwel
ookateachot
her
.

Zamani
:"What
'swr
ong?Whyar
eyoucr
ying?"

Me:
"per
iodpai
ns"

Zamani
:"di
dyoudr
inkpi
l
ls?"

Inodded.
Zamani
:"howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?"

Me:
"ok"

Zamani
:"ok.Come"

Hest
oodupandIsatupandgotof
fthebed.

Me:
"wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?"

Zamani
:"come"

Iworesli
ppersandhetookmyhandandwewal kedoutofthebedr
oom.Wewentdownt he
stai
rsandtherewasabigredhearti
nthemiddlemadeoutofrosepetal
sandIwentt her
eand
ther
ewasacar d,It
ookitanditwasempty.Itur
nedtohim andhewasgonebutt hesli
ding
doorwasopen.Doesheknowhowl at
eiti
sforthesegames.Iwalkedoutofthesli
dingdoor
andsmallcandleswer
ecreati
ngapathwayandIgott otheendandstil
lthesamerosepetals
heart.

Me:
"Zamani
it'
slat
e"

Itur
nedaroundandhewasbehindme.Hescar
edmet hatIhel
dmychest.Hewentdownon
onekneeandmyhear twasr
aci
ngandtear
snear
ingmyey es.Hebr
eathedoutandt
ookouta
smallboxandopeneditt
oari
ng, al
umpwassuff
ocat
ingme.

Zamani
:"Idon'
thav
emucht
osaybutcany
oumar
ryme?"

Inoddedt
ryi
ngt
owi
pemyt
ear
s.Icoul
dn'
tspeakatt
hispoi
nt.

Zamani
:"Idi
dn'
tgett
hat"

Me:
"Yes"

Hechuckl
edandsl
i
ppedi
nther
ingi
nmyf
ingerandst
ooduphel
dmywai
standweshar
eda
ki
ss.

Zamani
:"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouToo"

Heembracedme.Idi
dn'
tthinkhewouldst
il
ll
ovemet
hismuch.It
houghtourr
elat
ionshi
pwas
ov
eraf
terknowi
ngIcan'
treall
yconcei
ve.

*
SESETHU*
Iranmyf i
ngersonhi
sski
nsoftl
y.It
'sscaryhowmuchatt hi
smomentIlovethi
smaninjusta
shortspaceofti
me.Sodeepl
yeven.Iam scaredofbei
nghurtanduam scar
edofl
oosi
nghim
aswel l
.Myphoner i
ngsandit
'sSi
yamthanda.It akei
tandanswerher
.

Me:
"hel
l
o"

Si
ya:
"wher
ear
eyou?"

Me:
"Iam comi
ng"

Ihungupandstoodupandki
ssedhisf
orehead.Iwentoutt
owher
eSi
yamt
handai
sandshe
sawmeandr antohugmeandIbrokedowninherarms.

Si
yamt
handa:
"it
'sok"

Icr
iedunt
ilIwasokandshewi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Si
ya:
"di
dhehur
tyou?Whyar
eyouher
e?"

Me:
"Hegoti
nvol
vedi
nacaracci
dent
."

Ibr
okedown.

Si
ya:
"ohIam sor
ry"

Me:
"it
'smyf
aul
t.Ishoul
dn'
thav
eagr
eedf
orhi
mtot
akeme"

Si
s:"i
tcoul
dhav
ehappenedt
oany
one.I
sheok?"

Me:
"Hi
sey
eisdamagedduet
ogl
ass"

Si
ya:
"at
leasthewi
l
lsur
viv
e.Don'
twor
ryok.Best
rongf
orhi
m"

Inoddedasshecr
addl
esme"

*
UNATHI*

Aft
erbat
hingmy
selfIwentt
oourbedr
oom andRazorwasl
ooki
ngupt
othecei
l
ing.Iwentt
o
l
oti
onandgotdr
essed.

Me:
"baby"
Razor:
"mmmh"

Igoti
nbed.

Me:
"hewi
l
lbeok"

Henodded.

Me:
"comel
ayonmommy"

Hechuckl
edandi
pul
l
edhi
mtol
ayonmychestandpl
ayedwi
thhi
shai
r.

Me:
"Iam her
eok?"

Razor:
"hei
smyBest
fri
end"

Me:
"Iknow.Y'
al
lhadbadqual
i
tyi
nchoosi
ngchi
cks"

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"andy
ouar
egoodqual
i
ty?
"

Me:
"yes,
meandSeset
huar
egoodqual
i
ty"

Razor:
"thanky
ouNana"

Me:
"Iwoul
dal
way
sbet
her
efory
ou"

Razor:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"ILov
eyoumor
e."

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t42
Iwal
kedoutoft hebedroom i
nthemorni
ng.Razorhasn'
tbeenokthesepastf
ewdays,
Ilov
e
comfort
inghim becausehebecomesababy.Igettothel
oungeandheislayi
ngont
hecouch.I
ki
sshisforehead.

Me:
"ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
ochecky
ourbusi
ness?"

Razor:
"Iwi
l
lgomi
dday"

Me:
"theDr
ssai
dhei
sget
ti
ngbet
terandr
espondi
ngt
oany
thi
ngt
heygi
vet
ohi
m"

Razor
:"y
eah"

Me:
"tel
lyouwhat,
let
'sgot
odi
nner
.Af
ancyoneandIwi
l
lpayf
orany
thi
ngy
ouwant"

Het
urnst
ome.

Me:
"whatdoy
ousay?"

Henods.Il
aughandper
khi
sli
ps.

Me:
"Iwi
l
lseey
ouAf
terwor
kok?"

Razor:
"iwi
l
lcomeby"

Me:
"ok.Dut
ycal
l
s"

It
akemybags.

Me:
"By
ebaby"

Razor:
"By
eNana"

Iwalkoutoft
hedoor
.Ihopeheget
scheer
edup.Iwantmymanback,
Igoti
nthecarand
drov
eofftowork.

*
KHENSANI*

Nt
ambo:
"doy
ouhav
etogo?"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"Youboy
sar
eact
ingl
i
kebabi
es."

Hecameandhel
dmef
rom behi
ndandIt
ookmyphonef
rom t
hechar
ger
.
Nt
ambo:
"wear
eyourbabi
es"

Il
aughedandt
urnedar
oundandweshar
edaki
ss.

Nt
ambo:
"Ar
en'
tIy
ourbaby?
"

Me:
"youar
e"

Nt
ambo:
"may
begi
vi
ngmeaki
ssandst
ayi
ngwoul
dmakemef
eel
bet
ter
."

Me:
"Theki
ssi
ngy
es.St
ayi
ngno.JustbecauseIwor
kfory
oursi
steri
nlawIhav
etost
il
lval
ue
myj
ob"

Iki
ssedhi
m andhebr
okei
t.

Nt
ambo:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
ooandt
hanky
ou"

Nt
ambo:
"for?
"

Me:
"lov
ingmeandpr
otect
ingme."

Nt
ambo:
"it
'smymi
ssi
on."

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Ihuggedhi
m.

Nt
ambo:
"ar
eyougonnacr
ybecauseIwi
l
lpani
c"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"no."

Webr
oket
hehug.

Nt
ambo:
"ohok.Don'
tcr
y,If
eart
ear
s"

Il
augh.

Me:
"letmel
eav
ebef
oreIendupont
hef
loor"

Nt
ambo:
"Iam t
ouchedy
ouknowme"

Heput
shi
shandonhi
schestandIl
aughr
oll
i
ngmyey
es.It
akemybag.

.
*
BAHUMI*

School
isNor
mal.Iam gl
adthati
t'
saFri
dayt
odayandnextweekwearewri
tt
ingt
estssoit
's
gonnabeabi
tbusy.SomeoneKnocksonmydoorandIi
nstr
uctthem t
ocomeinandsisMercy
comesin.

Me:
"shei
sasl
eepbutIbat
hedandchangedherandf
edherear
ly"

Mer
cy:
"Howar
eyou?"

Me:
"Iam ok"

Shesatont
hebedandpat
tednextt
oherandIwentt
osi
tnextt
oher
.

Mer
cy:
"Howi
sschool
?"

Me:
"it
'sok"

Mer
cy:
"ar
eyouadj
ust
ingwel
l
.Theenv
ironmentandev
ery
thi
ng?"

Me:
"yes"

Li
es.

Mer
cy:
"youcant
alkt
omeaboutany
thi
ng,
evenboy
s"

Il
ookedaway
.

Mer
cy:
"Ok?
"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Shesmi
l
ed.

Mer
cy:
"it
smypl
easur
e.CanIhav
ethebabymoni
tor?
"

Igav
eitt
oher
.

Mer
cy:
"Iwi
l
lcheckuponher"

Inodded.

Mer
cy:
"come"

Itookmybagandwewalkeddownt hest
air
s.Wegreet
edtheot
her
sandIsatnexttoYol
anda
andweate.Ihav
ebeenavoi
dingThapel
othesesday
sandIwoul
dli
ket
okeepitthatway.V

Thapel
o:"
Iwi
l
lbeout
side"
Het
ookhi
sbagandwal
kedout.

Mer
cy:
"andt
hen?
"

Sandi
l
e:"Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m"

Mer
cy:
"pl
easedo"

Herhusbandnodded.Ij
ustcar
ri
edoneat
ing.

*
KAU*

Icol
dfeel
theheavinessofmybodyl
ikeIwanttobepulledbackbutIr
esi
sted.It
riedt
oopen
myeyesandonesucceedswi t
hastr
uggletokeepopenandt heot
heroneisshut
. Itri
edto
cl
earmythroatbutitseemst
obetheworstmistakeIhaveevermade.Ilookupthecei
li
ngand
Icl
osemyey esagain

*
SESETHU*

Me:
"canIhav
esomecof
feepl
ease"

Thesal
eswomannodsatt
hehospi
tal
caf
eter
iaandIpayandst
andt
her
e.

"
MyDr"

It
urnedar
ound.

DrSokhel
a:"DrKhumal
o'
stwi
n.Camet
ovi
sitory
ouwanty
ourl
eav
etobeshor
tened."

Me:
"No."

DrSokhel
a:"y
oudon'
tl
ookok"

Me:
"per
sonal
issues"

DrSokhel
a:"Ohapol
ogi
es."

Inoddedandgotmycof
fee.
Me:
"seey
ounextweek"

DrSokhel
a:"Iwantmysexypar
tnerbacknotwhatIam seei
ng"

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"Iwi
l
ltr
y"

Iwalkedof f
.Igotint heel
evat
orandpressedthefloorandi
twentup,i
tpingedandIgotoff
sippingmycof feeandwalkedtotheward. IthankUnathif
orbri
ngi
ngstuffformetochangein
yesterday,Ihaven'
thadagoodnightsleepsinceKauwasadmi tt
edandIdon'tthi
nkIwi
ll.I
walkedi nsi
dethewar dandIwenttotakeaseat.Iputmycof f
eedownandst oodupandkissed
hisbustardlipssoft
ly.

Me:
"Whenar
eyouwaki
ngup?Iam wor
ri
ed"

Heopenedhi
sey
eandi
mov
ebackf
ir
stbef
oreIhuggedhi
m andhegr
oaned.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry.Letmegogett
heDr"

Iranouttry
ingtofi
ndhisdrnandIdi
dandwewentbackt
ohiswardandhewasst i
l
lawake.My
heartwasjumpingandtheDrcheckeduponhi
m.Heclearedhi
sthr
oatandpoi
ntedatwater
andIhelpedhim dr
inkwater.

Me:
"ar
eyoucomf
ort
abl
e?Ar
eyouok?
"

Kau:
"canIhav
eaki
ssf
ir
st?
"

Me:
"af
tery
ouhav
erecov
ered"

Kau:
"Set
hu"

Hegr
oaned.Iki
ssedhi
m andhesmi
l
ed.

Kau:
"whycan'
tIopenmyot
herey
e."

Me:
"t
heycov
eredi
t"

Kau:
"cant
heyr
emov
eitbecauseIwantt
oseeal
lofy
ou"

Ibi
tmyl
i
pandt
ear
srandownmycheeks.

Me:
"it
'sdamaged.Youwon'
tseewi
thi
tany
mor
e."

Kauchuckl
edt
henbecamesi
l
entwhenhesawt
hatIwasser
ious.

Kau:
"Fuck!"

Hesmashedmycof
feeof
fthet
abl
etot
hef
loorandi
jumped.
Me:
"cal
m down"

Kau:
"cal
m down.!Set
hu?
!Wher
eismyf
uckeney
e!?
"

Me:
"pl
easebaby"

Iwal
kedt
ohi
m andputmyheadonhi
schest
.

Me:"cal
m down..y
oucanst
il
lsee,
Ilov
eyouandt
hat
'sal
lthatmat
ter
s.Thaty
ouar
ebackt
o
me."

Hi
sbr
eat
hingwasv
eryhi
gh.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou.Don'
tscar
emel
i
ket
hatok?"

Kau:
"Iam sor
ry"

Isni
ff
edandl
i
stenedt
ohi
shear
tbeat
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t43

*
BAHUMI*

Thecarpar
kedi
nfr
ontoft
heschool
gat
eandwebot
hopenedt
hedoor
.

Sandi
l
e:"Hav
eagr
eatday
."

WenoddedandIcl
osedt
hedoorandIst
art
edwal
ki
ngof
fandIf
eltsomeonegr
abmyar
m.I
t
urned.
Thapel
o:"Humi
what
'sgoi
ngon?"

Me:
"wi
th?"

Thapel
o:"Yourat
ti
tudet
owar
dsmel
atel
y,i
sitaboutt
heki
ss?I
fIdi
dsomet
hingwr
ongt
henI
am sor
ry"

Me:
"Thapel
o"

Hel etgoofmyar m andwalkedoff

.Ist oodt her
eandlookedathi
m disappearbefor
eI
fol
lowedaf terhi
m andwenttomyowncl ass.Iam j
ustt
ryi
ngtoavoi
dsi t
uati
ons.Verysti
cky
sit
uationsandThapeloisoneofthem Idon'twanttobecaughtupinandlooklikeIam t
aki
ng
anadv antageofhissi
ster
'ski
ndness.

*
UNATHI*

Me:
"ohmyGod.Vi
hav
en'
thadl
unchasy
ett
oday
."

Khensani
:"Nt
amboboughtl
unchf
orus"

Me:
"That
'sni
ceofmyst
epbr
other"

Shel
aughsasIsi
tdownont
hecouch.

Me:
"heydon'
t"

Khensani
:"y
oudobot
hactl
i
kesi
bli
ngs"

Me:
"soy
oust
ayt
oget
her?"

Shwbecomessi
l
ent
.

Me:
"Don'
ttakemeser
iousl
ythen.Sor
ryf
ori
nvadi
ngy
ourper
sonal
li
fe"

Khensani
:"pl
easedon'
ti
nvadei
t"

Me:
"ok"

Shegotup.

Me:
"andt
hen?"

Khensani
:
"Ihav
esomet
hingt
odo"
Me:
"Khen!
"

Shewal
ksout
.Myphoner
ingsandi
t'
sRazor
.It
aket
hemeatandt
henIanswer
.

Me:
"Myl
ozenge"

Razor:
"don'
tev
ercal
lmet
hatagai
nNana"

Me:
"yousai
dyouwer
ecomi
ngt
hrough"

Razor:
"Iam.Ij
ustgotacal
lfr
om Thehospi
tal
andKaui
sawake"

Me:
"mmhbabyt
hat
'swonder
ful
.Let
'smeetatt
hehospi
tal
."

Razor:
"okandt
hanky
ouf
orev
ery
thi
ng"

Me:
"youar
emybabyandababymustbet
akencar
eofbyi
tsmot
her
"

Razor:
"Youar
emymot
her?"

Me:
"youknowIam amot
herof
fal
lthi
ngs"

Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"Il
ovey
ouNana"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lseey
ou"

Razor:
"ok"

Hehungup.Thi
sisgr
eatnews.Icar
ri
edoneat
ing.Iwi
l
lleav
eaf
terIam done.

*
SESETHU*

If
ixedhi
spi
l
lowpr
oper
lyandhi
ssi
tt
ingposi
ti
on.

Me:
"ar
eyoucomf
ort
abl
e?"

Kau:
"Iam f
ineskat"

Me:
"Ar
eyousur
e?May
beIshoul
dgoandbuyapi
l
lowf
ory
out
hat
'sbet
terandf
luf
fi
er"
Hehel
dmyhand.

Kau:
"rel
ax.Iam ok."

Ibr
eat
hedoutandnodded.

Me:
"doy
ouf
eel
anypai
n?"

Kau:
"No."

Me: "mustbetheIntr
athecalAnalgesiait
'sapainrel
iefmedi cat
ionthatl
astf
orabout12–24
hoursandonceitstar
tstowearof f,
theiniti
alpost
-operat
ivepainshouldhavesett
led.I
tis
str
ongpainrel
i
ev i
ngmedi cat
ionthatisinj
ectedint
oy ourspine,eit
herbef
oreyouroperat
ionor
onceyouareasleep.

Kau:
"Babyy
oul
ostmeatMust"

Il
aughed

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Kau:
"NoIl
i
ket
hatsmar
tbr
ain."

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.

Kau:
"comeher
e."

Igott
ohi
m.

Kau:"Idon'
twantt oloosey ouovert
hesegreatl
yeducat
edguyswhohaveaboutTwodegr ees
mastersandev er
ythi
ng, Ihaveneverbeenscar
edofloosi
ngsomeonebeforeandIam .It
's
worsenowt hatIam l
oosi ngbodypartsbutwhat'
sinher
e.Idon'
tthi
nki
twil
lbelostany
time
soon"

Hepoi
ntedathi
shear
t.Ihav
enev
erseenhi
mthi
semot
ional
andi
thur
tme.Ihel
dhi
scheeks.

Me: "Youwon'
tloosemeoversomet
hingwehadnocont
rol
over
.Il
ovey
ou,
wit
horwi
thout
youreyes.Ist
il
ll
oveyou"

Iki
sshi
m andher
esponds,
webr
okei
t.

Kau:
"ev
eni
fyoul
eav
eIwi
l
lannoyy
oubacki
ntomyl
i
fe"
,

Il
aughed.

Me:
"justl
i
kehowy
ouannoy
edmei
ntoy
ourl
i
fe"

Kau:
"youmeanmysheet
s."
Me:
"Got
osl
eep"

Hechuckl
ed

Kau:
"youar
escar
edbyt
het
rut
h"

Me:
"it
'sl
i
es"

Hel
ooksatme.

Me:
"thewayy
ouar
elooki
ngatmewi
thy
ouroneey
eit
'scr
eepy"

Kau:
"wear
est
uckwi
thi
t"

Igi
ggl
edandhesmi
l
ed.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouok?Don'
twor
ryaboutus"

Kau:
"Iwon'
t."

*
UNATHI*

Igotoutoft
hecarandl
ockedi
tandwal
kedt
owar
dshi
m andweshar
edahug.

Mehav
eyouwenti
nsi
de?"

Razor:
"noIhav
en'
t."

Me:
"ok.Come"

Wewal
kedi
nsi
deandwentt
ofi
ndKauandSet
huandwegoti
n..

Kau:
"thatwasqui
ck"

Me:
"Hi
"

Seset
hu:
"Hi
"

Shesmi
l
ed.

Razor:
"yougav
eusaf
ri
ght"
Hehi
thi
sshoul
der
.

Kau:
"ouch!"

Me:
"Li
ndani
!"

Razor:
"Iam mad"

Me:
"no"

Kaul
aughed.

Me:
"howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?"

Kau:
"wewi
l
lseeast
imepr
ogr
esses"

Inodded.

Razor:
"Iam st
il
lmad"

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t44

[
AMONTH LATER]

"
Lov
ehast
rul
ybeengoodt
ome

Notev
enonesadday

Ormi
nut
eIhadsi
ncey
oucomemyway

Ihopey
ouknowIgl
adl
ygo
Any
wher
eyout
akeme

I
t'
ssoamazi
ngt
obel
oved

I
'
dfol
l
owy
out
othemooni
ntheskyabov
e

Igot
,gott
otel
lyouhowy
out
hri
l
lme

I
'
m happyasIcanbe

Youhav
ecomeandi
thaschangedmywhol
ewor
ld

By
eby
esadness,
hel
l
omel
l
ow

Whatawonder
ful
day

I
t'
ssoamazi
ngt
obel
oved

I
'
dfol
l
owy
out
othemooni
ntheskyabov
e,abov
e

Andi
t'
ssoamazi
ng,
soamazi
ng

Icoul
dst
ayf
orev
er,
for
ever

Her
einl
oveandwoul
dleav
eyounev
er

'
Causewegoamazi
ngl
ove

Tr
ulyi
t'
samazi
ng,
soamaz
ing

Lov
ebr
oughtust
oget
her
,toget
her

Iwoul
dleav
eyounev
erandnev
er

'
Causewegotamazi
ngl
ove.
..
..
..
."

Ihel
dmybr eat
handwantedtobreatheatthesamet i
me.Hesmi ledlooki
ngatmeand
ever
yonejoi
nsinuni
sonasIwalkclosertohi
m .Dadkeepsonpat tingmyar m andIam surehe
canfeel
howner v
ousandscar
edIam.Myhear twantstojumpoutofmyt hroatatthesame
ti
meIwantt or
unout,comebackinandst artal
loveragai
njusttomakesur ethisi
snodr eam
atal
l.Hemeetsushalfwayanddadl ooksathimforami nute.

Dad:
"Iknowwher
eyoul
i
ve.Iwi
l
lki
l
lyou"

Me:
"Dad,
Iam ol
d"

Dad:
"Iam sur
etot
reaty
ourauntt
hesamewayIwantmydaught
ert
obet
reat
ed."

Razor:
"Yessi
r"
Dadunhookedhi
sar
m andheki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Dad:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo."

Hel
etgoofmeandRazort
ookmyhandandki
ssedi
t.

Razor:
"Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Past
or:
"Canwest
art?"

Wenoddedandev er
yoneseat
ed.Theceremonystar
tedwithhim bl
essi
ngusandproceedi
ngto
otherevent
sthroughthewhol
ecer
emony .Hepray
edf orourr
ingsandwemadev owst oeach
otherandpromisetoabidbyt
hem .Soonwewerepronouncedhusbandandwifeandwe
sharedakiss.Every
onewashappyforusandIwasmor ethanhappy.

Razor:
"Idi
dn'
tgetapr
operki
ss"

Me:
"haah"

Thepast
orl
aughed.

Past
or:
"shei
syourwi
fenowy
oucandoany
thi
ng"

Razor:
"youhear
dtheanoi
ntedman"

Heheldmybut tandki
ssedme.Iwassoshyandembarrassedafter
.Wewal kedoutofthe
churchandwegotinthecarsandwearedr
ivi
nghomenowt ochangeint
othetradi
ti
onal
atti
re.
Alli
none.Ilookatmyringandhehol
dsmyhand.

Razor:
"what
'swr
ong?
"

Me:
"Not
hing.Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sper
fect
."

Il
aymyheadonhi
schest
.

Razor:
"Iti
s"

Ilookedathi
m.Wegothomeandaswegotoutt hepeoplesangforusaswewal kedi
nsi
dethe
yardandwewentourseper
atewayst
ochange.It
ookoffmyheelsandtheVailandKhensani
withQamohelpedmeoutofthedr
ess,t
hedooropenedandAndiswawalkedi
n.

Andi
swa:
"Hi
ladi
es."

Us:
"hi
"
Andi
swa:
"Iwant
edt
ocongr
atul
atet
heMr
sbef
oreshedi
sappear
sandi
leav
e."

Me:
"thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng"

Andi
swa:
"Thanky
ouf
ori
nvi
ti
ngmeher
e.Iam happyf
ory
ou"

Me:
"Iam happyf
ormy
sel
f"

Andi
swa:
"Il
efty
ourgi
ftwi
thMah.Ihopey
ouseei
t"

Me:
"thanky
ou.Iwi
l
lcheckl
ater"

Andi
swa:
"ok.Letmel
eav
eyouandgoj
oint
heot
her
s."

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Shewal
kedout.

Me:
"am Idone?
"

Qamo:
"weart
heshoes"

Iwor
etheshoesandIwor
emytr
adi
ti
onaldressandbeadsandabl
anketont
opofmyshoul
der
s.
Imademyhairni
ceoncemor
eandTheyescourt
edmeout .

Qamo:
"isencanel
engane!"

Shemadenoi seandthewomenandmenaccompani edmeoutofthegatewher

eImetRazoral
l
dressedwit
hNt amboandKau.Het ookmyhandandwepar adedthewholet
ownshi
psingi
ng
tr
aditi
onal
songsallaround.Imadethebestdeci
sionbyhav
ingourweddi
ngthi
sway.

*
MERCY*

Me:
"Whi
chf
lav
ourdoy
ouwant?"

Ihol
dthesaucesi
ntheai
r.

Yol
anda:
"Tomat
osauce"

Sandi
l
e:"Buybar
bequesauce"
Yol
anda:
"Daddy"

Sandi
l
e:"onedayandi
t'
sgone"

Me:
"youar
eri
ght,
youwast
e"

Shesul
ked.

Me:
"don'
tgi
vemet
hatf
ace"

Sandi
l
e:"Atal
l"

Me:
"shei
sst
il
lasl
eep"

Il
ookov
eratLesedi
.

Yol
anda:
"Ist
hatournewbabysi
ster
.Whendi
dmommyhav
eabi
gst
omach?
"

Me:
"somemommi
eshav
esmal
lst
omach'
s"

Shenoddednotunder
standi
ng.

Sandi
l
e:"what
'snextont
hel
i
st?
"

Me:
"babyst
uff
.For
mul
a,pamper
s,babyf
ood"

Sandi
l
e:"ok"

Ipushedt
het
rol
l
ey.Shewassi
tt
ingont
hecarseatat
tachedt
othet
rol
l
ey.

*
UNATHI*

"
Yebo!
"

Il
aughedandl
ookeddownbef
oret
urni
ngar
oundandIshookwhatIhav
e.

"
Khul
umaweBozzaYami

Khul
umawes'
thandwasami

Ahh

Yonki
ntooy
'f
unay
omay
enz
iwe
Khul
umaweBozzaYami

Khul
umawemunt
uwami

Ahh

Yonki
ntooy
'f
unay
omay
enz
iwe

Ngi
yazi
ufunai
s'
khat
hi

Sokut
hisi
thi
ukuz'
khi
phakancane(
kancane)

Yonki
ntooy
'f
unay
omay
enz
iwe

Ngobangawengi
wini
l
engi
wini
l
engi
wini
l
e

Ngawenawemi
nangokut
hol
awena

Wehwehweh

Ngazengabambai
Lot
to(
ngabambi
iLot
to).
..
..
..
"

It
urnedar
oundandputmyar
msonhi
sshoul
der
sandweshar
edaki
ss.

Qamo:
"usi
siwami
Kel
owangi
shi
yel
aibel
e(t
hisi
smyol
dersi
ster!
)"

Il
aughed.

Razor:
"dancef
ormeagai
n"

Me:
"ok"

Ist
art
eddanci
ngf
orhi
m whi
l
emi
micki
ngt
hel
yri
cs,
Iwoul
dsayheseemedchar
medbymy
moves.

Me:
"Yonki
ntooy
ifunay
ongi
zoy
enza"

Razor:
"Wozauzoy
enza(
comedoi
t)"

Ihi
thi
sshoul
der

Me:
"Ngomane"

Ev
ery
onel
aughedandhel
aughedt
ooandhel
dmywai
st.

Me:
"Youdon'
tsaysuch"

Razor:
"whatdi
dIsay?"

Ishookmyhead.
.

*
WENDY*

Mom forcedmehere.Mystomachturnedastheydi
spl
ayedhowmucht heyloveeachother.I
wantedtovomi
t.Iwasangr
y,Thewayhel ooksatheri
t'
sli
keheispossessedonsomecl oud.
Li
keshei st
heonlyi
mport
antthingi
ntheworldever
.Theyweredanci
ngnowwhi lepeoplewere
watchi
ngandeati
ng.Iwassit
tingwit
hThabisaandsheisher
eforKau.

Thabi
sa:
"ifhewasst
il
lwi
thmet
her
ewoul
dn'
tbenoacci
dent"

Ikeepqui
etandshet
ouchesmyt
high.

Thabi
sa:
"sor
rychomi
"

Tear
slef
tmyey
es.

Woman:
"Ani
basheshi
sengepl
atebahambel
abosi
si!(Br
ingf
oodqui
ckl
ysot
hesel
adi
escan
l
eav
e)"

Thabi
sa:
"it
'snoty
ourweddi
ng"

Woman:
"andcer
tai
nlynoty
our
s.Imi
ghtst
arv
eyou"

ShewalkedoffandIwi
pedmyt ears.Theycan'
tbehappyl
i
ket
hat,
No!Ibui
l
thi
m andshe
takeshi
m andgetst
hedream wedding!No!

*
SESETHU*

Me:
"Khensani
!"

Shecomest
ome.

Me:
"doesUnat
hineedany
thi
ng?"

Khensani
:"Notasy
et"

Me:
"okt
hanky
ou"
Shesmil
edandwalkedoff
.Ihel
pthel
adiesdishupandsomegoi
ngt
oser
veatthest
ret
cht
ent
.
I
t'
spackedf
orreal
butit
'saver
ybeaut
if
ul busyday
.Someonehol
dsmefr
om behi
nd.

Kau:
"Ihear
dyouar
ethekeyhol
deroft
hecher
ishedr
oom "

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
"Iam "

Kau:
"Ineedsomet
hing"

Me:
"Nobabyy
oucan'
tdr
inkanyal
cohol
youj
ustgotoutoft
hehospi
tal
"

Kau:
"3weeksago"

Me:
"st
il
lyout
akepi
l
ls.Or
der
sfr
om t
heDrt
othepat
ient"

Kau:
"ok,
Iwi
l
lgetsomet
hingf
ort
heboy
s"

Ihandedt
hepl
ateov
erandwi
pedmyhands.

Me:
"comeIwi
l
lopenf
ory
ou,
butt
her
eist
hemobi
l
efr
idgeout
side"

Kau:
"st
ocki
sfi
nished."

Ishookmyheadandwewentt
othebedr
oom andi
openedt
hedoorandwegoti
n.Iwentt
o
l
ookaround.

Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwant?
"

Kau:
"Thi
s"

It
urnedar
oundandheki
ssedmesqueezi
ngmybut
t,Imoanedandwassoakeddownt
her
e.

Me:
"Kaust
opkuzomoshakal
a(i
twi
l
lbemessy)
"

Kau:
"Akumoshakal
e(Leti
tbemessy)
"

HekissedmeandIbr okeit.Hesatont hebedandpull

edmet ohi
slapandwekissed,itwas
passi
onateandnice.IfeltnauseousandIpushedhi
m offandr
antothebat
hroom butIdi
dn'
t
makeittothetoi
l
etsoIv omitedonthefloor
.

Kau:
"shi
t!"

Hewalkedoutrushi
ngandIcrawl
edtothet
oil
etandv
omi
ted.Qamocamebackwi
thhi
m and
cl
eani
ngsuppli
es.Icl
eanedup,wi
pingmymouth.

Qamo:
"di
dyoueatsomet
hingof
f?"
Me:
"Ihav
en'
teat
ent
oday
."

Ifl
ushedthetoi
l
etandfi
nishedcleani
ngup.IstoodupandQamowentoutwi t
hthecleaning
suppl
iesandIwenttot
hesi nkandwashedmyhandsandr i
nsedmymout h.Hecamecl oseto
meandIt ur
nedandhel
dhi sshoulder
sandclosedmyeyes.Isi
gheddeepl
yandlookedathim.

Kau:
"ar
eyouok?
"

Me:
"Iam sor
ry?"

Kau:
"Aboutwhat?"

Me:
"Ihav
ebeensi
ckf
orsomeday
sespeci
all
ywhenIsmel
lyourper
fume"

Kau:
"andIchangedi
ttwi
ce"

Me:
"Iam pr
egnant"

Hel
ookedatme.

Me:
"saysomet
hing"

Kau:
"uhm Damn"

Me:
"Ohw"

Kau:
"Iam goi
ngt
obeaf
ather?
"

Inodded.Het
ouchedmyst
omachandIputmyhandsov
erhi
s.I
twasi
nvi
sibl
e.

Kau:
"Al
i
ttl
eusi
sgr
owi
ngi
nther
e?"

Inodded.Hewi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Kau:
"whyar
eyoucr
ying?
"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow.Iam scar
edbyy
ou"

Kau:
"wear
epr
egnant
.Wear
eexpect
ing,
Gosh"

HehuggedmeandIhel
dont
ohi
m.

Kau:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Kau:
"Me,
Afat
her?
"

Ichuckl
edandsni
ff
ed.
.

*
BAHUMI*

Iwasl
isteningt
omusicthroughmyphonet hatwasboughtf
ormeasIam doi
ngwelli
nschool
.
Si
sMer cyandherhusbandgot oschool
ev erytwoweeksandgetr
epor
tsonhowwear edoi
ng
i
nschool andThapel
oisexcell
i
ngmor ethanme.Aknockcomesf rom t
hedoorandIt
akeoff
myearphonesandgoandopent hedoor.

Me:
"Hi
"

Hewal
ksinsi
demyr oom andIcl
osedt
hedoor .Hehangsar
oundt
hisgi
rlal
oti
ngr
ade11soI
hav
ebeendepressi
ngmyselfi
nbooksever
since.

Thapel
o:"ar
eyouav
oidi
ngme?"

Me:
"yes"

Thapel
o:"whyHumi
?"

Me:
"I.
..
I.
..
"

Whati
sagoodr
easonwi
thoutsoundi
ngj
eal
ous.

Thapel
o:"t
ell
me"

Me:
"it
'snot
hing."

Thapel
o:"shar
p"

Hewal
kspastmeandhel
ooksatme.

Thapel
o:"Bahumi
"

Me:
"mmmh?
"

Hecomesandki
ssedmeandIki
ssedhi
m backandIbr
okei
tof
f.

Thapel
o:"Iwi
l
lseey
ouwheny
ouwantt
oseeme."

Hewal
ksout
.Isi
ghandgetont
hebed

.
.

*
RAZOR*

Me:
"di
dIcompl
i
menty
out
oday?
"

Unat
hi:
"manyt
imes"

Me:
"wel
lIl
ovey
ou"

Unat
hi:
"il
ovey
out
ooNgomane."

Igav
eheraki
ssandr
espondedandbr
okei
t.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t45

*ANDI
SWA*

Wewalkedinsi
det
hehouse.Myfeetwerethr
obbi
ngandswoll
en.Isatonthecouchandbent
t
otakeoffmyshoesandNtet
hel
eloent
eredri
ghtaf
ter
.Theki
dsarevisi
ti
ngAuntyKhul
isi
we.

Me:
"whataday"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"doy
ouneedamassage?
"

Me:
"Justwar
m wat
erbutweneedt
otal
k"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iwi
l
lgett
hewar
m wat
erf
ir
st"

Me:
"pl
easesi
tdowni
t'
simpor
tant
."
Hel
ookedwor
ri
ed.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"isev
ery
thi
ngok?
"

Me:
"It
'saboutt
hepr
egnancy"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"youar
efeel
i
ngcr
amps?"

Me:
"cal
m down.CanIt
alk?"

Henoddedandsati
nfr
ontofmeandIsi
ghed.

Me:
"Baby,
I..
..
"

Ibecamesi
l
entbef
oreIsi
ghed.

Me:
"Iwon'
tbeabl
etocar
ryt
hebabysmoot
hly"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"that
'sunder
standbutDr
scanhel
pwi
tht
hat"

Me:
"Ihav
etochoosebet
weenmeandt
hebabyandIchooset
hebaby"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"whatdoy
oumeanbet
weent
hebaby?Choosi
ngwhat?
"

Me:"theDrtol
dmet hatmywombi snotst
rongenoughandi
t'
sami
racl
ethatIam pr
egnant
butIcan'
tcarr
youtbaby,.Ihav
etoaborti
t."

Hesi
ghed.

Me:
"ifIkeepi
t.Iwon'
tsur
viv
ebecausei
tsar
iskypr
egnancy
."

Nt
ethel
elo:
"wheny
ousai
dyouar
echoosi
ngt
hebabyy
oument?"

Me:
"iwon'
tabor
t.Iwi
l
lkeepi
t"

Ntet
helel
o:"whataboutmelwhataboutZi
khal
iandever
y oneAndi
swadon'
tmakei
rr
ati
onal
deci
sionsasmuchasIhateabort
ionbutIwon'
tl
etyoudie."

Me:
"Nt
ethel
elo"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Ihav
emadeupmymi
nd.Tomor
rowmor
ningwear
egoi
ngt
otheDr"

Me:
"it
'smybody,
youwon'
tj
ustsayany
how!
"

If
rowned.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Yey
iIpai
dfort
hatbody,
youar
ethewi
feandIam t
hehusband.WhatIsaygoes"

Me:
"nowy
ousoundabusi
ve"
Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iam put
ti
ngmyf
ootdown"

Me:
"mxm"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"ev
eni
fyoucanswearatmeIdon'
tcar
e."

Hewal
kedupt
hest
air
s.

Me:
"Ar
ghNt
ethel
elo!
"

It
hrewmyphoneont
heot
hercouch.Iam notabor
ti
ngt
hisbaby
.

*
DINA*

Iwascookinganicemealtoday,Iwantt
ospoilmyfi
ance.Ihaven'
tmadeacal lathomeandI
l
aststoppedcal
l
ingtheti
meIhadt oburymysist
er.Thedoorbellranganditurneddownthe
heatandwipedmyhandsbef or
egoingtoatt
endthedoorandIopeneditandstoodabeauti
ful
womanont hedoorstep.Shesmi l
edshyl
yandIdidt
hesameconf used.

Her:
"hi
"

Me:
"Hi
howar
eyou?"

Her:
"Iam l
ooki
ngf
orMrZamani
Khumal
o"

Me:
"hei
snotcur
rent
lyher
e"

Her:
"whoar
eyou?"

Me:
"hi
sfi
ancee"

Her:
"Ohok"

Ifr
ownedandbentdownonthesi
deandsher
oseupwi
tha1y
earol
dlooki
ngbabyboyandmy
heartst
art
edbeat
ingf
ast.

Her:
"Iwon'
tbeabl
etot
akecar
eoft
hem ,
Pleasedo"

Shehandedtheboyt
omeandt
heshecomeswi
thababygi
rl
.If
eel
tear
spr
ickl
i
ngherey
esand
sheki
ssesthem.

Her:
"mommywi
l
lbeback"
Me:
"uhm putheront
hecouch"

Shetookthei
rbagsandwewalkedi
nsi
de.Sheplacedthem andshesaidgoodby
eandwal ked
out.Il
ookedattheseki
dsandIhav
enodoubtthattheyarehis.If
eelhur
tandbroke. It
ake
offmyri
ngandIcr y.

*
BAHUMI*

Mer
cy:
"Lesedi
issuchanangel
"

Ismi
l
edf
aint
lyandl
ookedov
ert
oThapel
owhowaspl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
sfood.

Mer
cy:
"hav
eyouwr
it
teny
ourt
est
s?"

Me:
"justaf
ewday
slef
tbef
orewest
art"

Mer
cy:
"Ihopey
ouar
ebot
hst
udy
ing"

Ismi
l
edf
aint
lyoncemor
e.

Thapel
o:"Iwi
l
lbei
nthebedr
oom "

Hest
oodup.

Mer
cy:
"yourf
ood"

Hecar
ri
edonwal
ki
ng.

Me:
"Ihav
etogost
udy"

Mer
cy:
"Ok.Youcango,
Lesedi
wil
lsl
eepi
nourr
oom "

Inodded.Iwal
kedupt
hest
air
saf
tert
hat
.

*
MERCY*
Me:
"bedt
ime"

Phi
l
a:"canIsl
eepwi
tht
hebaby?
"

Me:
"Tomor
rowhoney"

Henoddedandi
kissedhi
scheekandYol
anda'
sandthenwentt
othedoorandswitchedof
fthe
l
ight
sbefor
ewal
kingout.Iwentt
oourbedr
oom andSandi
l
ewasplayi
ngwithLesedi'
dfi
ngers.

Sandi
l
e:"Don'
tyouwantust
ohav
eanot
herbaby?
"

Me:
"thi
swi
l
lbeourbabyf
ornow"

Hechuckl
ed.Iwenttothebathr
oom topeeandthenIwalkedoutandchangedi
ntomyni
ght
wearandgi
tinbednexttothem.Lesediwasint
hemi ddl
e.

Sandi
l
e:"Whatdoy
out
hinki
swr
ongwi
tht
hem ?"

Me:
"Iam wonder
ing"

Henodded.Il
aidnextt
othem andwebot
hlookedatLesedi
.

*
UNATHI*

Ifeelti
red.Mybodyf eelswor noutandIjustneedthebedandapi l
l
owandt henIcanrel
axint
o
sleep.Peoplestart
edl eavingalongtimeago.Justt hosesmallpeopl
ewhoar esti
ll
havi
ng
alcohol
.Thewhol efami l
yleftthough.Ij
umpedont hebedandt ookoffmyshoesandcrawled
tothepi l
l
owstil
linmydr essandIclosedmyey es.Ahsl eep,
justwhatIneeded.Someone
kissesmyf or
eheadandIopenmyey es.

Razor
:"sl
eep"

Inodded.

Me:
"comebacksoon"

Razor:
"Iwi
l
l"

Icl
osedmyey
esandIdozedof
ftosl
eep.

.
.

*
DINA*

Iwassi t
tingbythebedroom bal conyatt
hemainbedr oom anddrinkingsomeofhi
swhisky
.I
j
ustdrinkandchuol dabitt hinki
ng.Thekidsarelayi
ngont hebedandi twasn'
tahassl
egett
ing
them t
her e.Ij
ustbathedthem.Fedt hem andgotthem tosleep.ThedooropenedandIknow
heiswal kingi
n.Thel i
ghtsar eoffandonlyt
hemoonshi ningoutside.Thecoldbr
eezei
sdoing
nothi
ngt omyski n,doesn'tfeelascoldasIam atthi
smoment .

Zamani
:"i
thoughty
ouwoul
dbeasl
eep"

Hecomescl
oserandhei
sst
andi
ngnextt
ome.It
akeasi
poncemor
e.

Zamani
:"y
ouar
edr
inki
ng?"

Me:
"it
'sneeded"

Zamani
:"l
et'
sgety
out
obed"

Me:
"theki
dsar
eont
hebed"

Zamani
:"whatki
ds?"

It
ookt
hel
astgul
pandgroanedbef
orel
ooki
ngathi
m andwal
kedi
nsi
de.Iopenedt
hesi
de
l
ampandi
tli
tupther
oom abit
.

Me:
"yourki
ds,
1yearol
ds"

Zamani
:"canwet
alk?"

Ishookmyheadandt
ear
slef
tmyey
es.

Me:
"Ican'
ttal
ktoy
ou.Iam notgoodenoughIknow"

Zamani
:
"don'
tsayt
hat"

Me:
"it
'st
rue"

Iwal
kedt
ot hedoorandhecameandpul
ledmyarmt ohi
schestandhel
dme.Icoul
dn'
tfi
ght
mybodyoffhi
s.Ithur
ts,If
eel
sohur
tli
keIam st
abbedathousandti
mes.

Zamani
:"i
twasami
stake.Onemi
stakeandIam sor
ry"

Isobbed.

Me:
"Ican'
t.I
thur
ts"
Zamani
:"Iam sor
rybabybutdon'
tl
eav
eme.Pl
easedon'
t"

Ishookmyhead.

Zamani
:"(sof
tl
y)pl
ease"

Hehel
dmet
ight
.Myhear
tisachi
ng.

*
BAHUMI*

EveryonewasalreadyasleepandIwasst i
ll
studyi
ngformyt est.Iam notsmartsoIneedto
studytwiceashard.Itr
yamat hquest
ionbutIgetstuckandendedupnotdoi ngit
.Ithi
nkof
Thapelo.MaybeIshouldaskhi m what
'
swr ongbecauseit
'screatingt
ensionaroundthehouse.I
getoffmybedandIwal kedtohisroom andknockedli
ghtl
yandcheckedt hecoast
.Ijust
openedt hedoorandhissidelampopenedashesatup.

Thapel
o:"Bahumi
"

Uncl
osedt
hedoor
.

Me:
"what
'swr
ong?"

Thapel
o:"aboutwhat?"

Ne:
"ev
ery
thi
ng"

Thapel
o:"i
t'
syouwhoi
sact
ingwei
rd"

Me:
"Iam not
."

Thapel
o:"y
ouar
e"

Me:
"youst
art
edhangi
ngwi
tht
hatgi
rlf
rom gr
ade11andf
orgotwhoIam "

Thapel
o:"t
hat
'sabsur
dBahumi
"

Me:
"lookev
eny
ouev
ensayabsur
bli
kei
t'
sanast
oni
shi
ngwor
d"

Thapel
o:"whati
fit
'sast
oni
shi
ng"

Me:
"youar
enotmaki
ngsense"

Thapel
o:"comeher
e"
Iwentcl
osert
othebedandsatoni
t.

Thapel
o:"Idon'
tbi
teHumi
"

Imov
ecl
oser
.

Thapel
o:"
eversi
ncet
heki
ssy
ouav
oidedme"

Me:
"Idon'
twantt
obei
ntr
oubl
ewi
thy
oursi
ster"

Thapel
o:"wear
enothav
inganot
herbabyBahumi
"

Il
ookedathi
m andhecamel
oser
tomeandhi
sfacewasi
nches.

Thapel
o:"t
ell
mey
oudon'
tfeel
any
thi
ng"

Me:
"Idof
eel
somet
hing"

Heki
ssedmeandIcl
osedmyey
esandr
esponded,
hebr
okei
t.

Thapel
o:"t
henl
etmei
nBahumi
"

Ibi
tmybott
om li
psandnodded.Hepull
edmeinsi
det
hebedandki
ssedmeandIresponded
bef
orehegotont
opofmeandIclosedmyeyesashehel
dmywaist
.Hesepar
atedandgot
bet
weenmylegsandIlockedt
hem onhi
swaist
.

Thapel
o:"Il
ovey
ouBahumi
"

Iopenedmyey
esandheki
ssedmyneck.

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Weshar
edaki
ssagai
n.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t46
*
SESETHU*

Me:"numr
ousnumbersofmodel swer
edevel
opedtohelpassessordescri
bethecur
rentl
evel
ofi
nfor
mati
ontechnol
ogyadopt
ioni
ntheheal
thsect
or.Theyareusef
ulbenchmarkswhen
l
ooki
ngatpati
ent

i
nfor
mat
ionsy
stems."

DrSamuel
s:"
whati
sthat?
"

DrNzama:
"Mat
uri
tyandadopt
ionmodel
s"

Me:
"yes.TheWorl
dheal
thor
gani
zat
ionknownasWHOr
eleasedwasont
othi
ski
ndofheal
th
i
mpr
ovingt
echnol
ogy"

Si
ya:
"wehav
ethati
nhospi
tal
s."

Me:
"Iunder
standt
hat.
..
."

DrNzama:
"Most
lyi
nPr
ivat
ehospi
tal
sthangov
ernmenthospi
tal
s"

Me:
"ort
heydohav
eingov
ernmenti
nhospi
tal
sjustnotasadv
ancedandi
mpr
oved."

DrSmi
th:
"Iheary
ou"

Me:"yes,theseelectr
oni
cpat
ienti
nformati
onsystemshavethebeenseenaspot enti
alt
o
i
mpr ov
ehealthbygivi
ngusandmanymor eheal
thprofessi
onal
simprovedi
nformat i
onabout
ourpati
ent
s.Weal soimpr
ovet
hequal i
tyofheal
thcareandhelpcont
rol
coststhrough
i
mpr ov
edeffi
ciency."

Si
ya:
"whati
sthepoi
ntofal
loft
his?"

Me:"Weareadev
elopi
ngcountr
y.Asonewehav er
esourcesdevel
opedcountr
iesmayhave
andsomewedon'
t,mypointi
sweneedyourhusbandtohelpimproveourHeal
thsyst
em j
ust
l
iket
heAndroi
ds,
it'
sgr
eatbusi
nessf
orhim andhest
artedsmallfr
om Fi
xing.
..
."

Si
ya:
"headphones"

Me:"exact
lytocreat
ingmovingl
i
mbst hatar
enowimpr
ovingpeopl
e'
sheal
thmor
ethanwe
know.Nowt heycanexerci
seandcar
ryonwithl
if
eli
keafull
yli
mbedper
son."

Si
ya:
"Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m"

Me:
"Smi
th?"
Smi
th:
"Ast
heownerIl
i
ket
hei
deaofi
mpr
ovi
ngal
otofourHospi
tal
faci
l
iti
es"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

DrNzama:
"Nev
erwoul
dhav
ethought"

Me:
"goodi
nfopar
tner"

Wehi
ghf
ive.

DrSmi
th:
"Wehav
etoat
tendourpat
ient
s."

Inodded.Wegotr
eadyt
oleav
eandIf
eltt
heneedt
ovomi
t.Ir
ant
othesi
nkandIv
omi
tedandI
ri
nsedmymouth.

Si
yamt
handa:
"ar
eyouok?"

Me:
"yesIam ok"

Shel
ookedatmeasIgotdone,
icl
osedt
hewat
er.

Me:
"Don'
tTel
lany
one"

Si
ya:
"li
keIwoul
d"

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.

Me:
"Iam pr
egnant"

Si
ya:
"woahy
ouar
ehav
ingLukhany
o'schi
l
d?"

Thesmi
l
eonmyf
acedi
sappear
ed.

Me:
"Shi
t!
"

Si
ya:
"what?"

Ipacedupanddown.

Me:
"NowIdon'
tknowwhot
hef
atheri
s"

Si
ya:
"St
hut
hisi
scar
eless."

Isatdown.

Si
ya:
"cal
m down.For
getLukhany
oandcar
ryonwi
thy
ourboo"

Me:
"Whati
fit
'snothi
s?OhmyGodKauwi
l
lgocr
azy"

Si
ya:
"wewi
l
lcr
osst
hatbr
idge"
Me:
"Iam socar
eless."

Si
ya:
"ithappened.Justdon'
tthi
nkt
oomuch"

Isi
ghed.Ihopei
t'
snotLukhany
o's.Kauwi
l
lbecr
ushed.Iam cr
ushed.

*
UNATHI
*

Me:
"Baby!
"

Razor:
"Mmmh?
"

Me:
"whatdoy
ouwantmet
ocook?"

Razor:
"Uhm any
thi
ngt
hatcomesi
ntomi
nd"

Me:
"ok"

Iki
sshi
scheek.

Me:
"shoul
dert
akeAnel
enowornex
tweekorwel
ethi
m choosewhohewant
stol
i
vewi
th"

Razor:
"wecanr
evi
sitt
hatabi
tlat
er,
weneedt
othi
nkt
hist
hrough"

Me:
"Iagr
ee."

It
ookt
hepr
esent
s. Iopenedt
hem andi
twasut
ensi
l
smost
lyandhomeappl
i
ences

Me:
"ther
ear
ethr
eest
eam i
ronsal
ready"

Razor:
"wecoul
dsel
ltwosomewher
e"

Me:
"yeahwedon'
tneedt
hismuch.Oht
hisi
sfr
om Andi
swa"

It
ookt
heboxandl
ookedatt
henot
e.

*
**Af
teral
ongdayofwi
fedut
ies*
**

Iopenedi
tandi
twasaf
ootmassage.

Me:
"ooouh,
wil
ltackl
ethi
swi
fet
hingpr
ett
ygood"

Razor:
"Iam sur
eit
smentf
orme"
Me:
"hay
i"

Iputev
ery
thi
ngt
hatwasscat
ter
edont
hebedbacki
nsi
dei
tsor
igi
nal
placeandst
art
edpacki
ng
away.

Razor:
"comeher
e"

Me:
"mmmh"

Razor:
"comeher
e"

Iwentt
ohi
m andhepul
l
edmet
ohi
slap.

Razor:
"Ihav
ebeenhav
ingdr
eams"

Me:
"what
'sgoi
ngon?"

Razor:"i
t'
susgetti
ngmarr
iedt
henaf
terwearehappy,downthel
i
ney oumeetmymot
herand
shetakesyourhandandmyhandandwalksof
fwithustell
i
ngusit
'salr
ight"

Ikeptqui
et.

Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhatt
hatmeans"

Razor
:"Met
oo"

Me:
"May
bei
tmeansshei
sbl
essi
ngusf
rom t
heot
hersi
de"

Hesmi
l
ed.

Razor:
"thatmeanssomuch"

Me:
"Iknowhowmuchy
ouwi
shedshewasher
ebutshei
slooki
ngdownony
ou"

Razor:
"Iknow"

Iki
ssedhi
m.

Me:
"letmegoandcookf
ormyhusband"

Hesmi
rked.

Razor
:"andt
hedeser
tneedst
obespoton"

Me:
"don'
twor
ryi
twi
l
lbecr
eamy"

Weshar
edachuckl
eandIki
ssedhi
sli
psbef
oregoi
ngoutofourbedr
oom.

.
.

*
KHENSANI
*

Iwasstandi
ngbyt
heki
tchenf
rust
rat
edwi
tht
heket
tl
enott
urni
ngony
eti
tisnew.Ir
eal
l
ydon'
t
under
stand.

Me:
"ar
gh!
"

"Whyar
eyousogr
umpyi
nthemor
ning?
"

It
urnedandhel
ookedatme.

Me:
",
theket
tl
ewon'
ttur
non"

Het
urnedi
tonandi
twor
ked.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Nt
ambo:
"That
'ssexual
frust
rat
ion"

Hest
andsbehi
ndme.

Me:
"No,
Ijustwokeupf
rust
rat
ed."

Nt
ambo:
"mmmh,
let
sseei
fit
'snot"

Heki
ssesmyneck.

Me:
"Iam st
il
lscar
edofy
ou"

Hechuckl
ed.

Nt
ambo:
"butDumamshi
nihasf
oundcomf
orti
nhi
shome"

Me:
"hehast
obest
rong."

Her
unshi
shandsundermysi
l
kni
ghtdr
esst
omybut
tandsqueezedi
t.

Me:
"Fezi
l
e"

Nt
ambo:
"tel
lmey
oudon'
tfeel
that"

Me:
"st
opi
tiam t
ryi
ngt
omakesomet
ea"

It
aket
het
eabagsandpopi
nthecup.

Nt
ambo:
"ort
his"
Hesqueez
esi
tagai
n.

Me:
"st
opi
t."

Isl
appedhi
shandsandwentt
opoursomewat
er.

Nt
ambo:
"ort
his"

Hehel
dmybut
tandspankedi
t.

Me:
"Fezi
l
e!"

Hechuckl
edandi
hithi
schest
.

Me:
"st
opt
hat!
"

Het
akesmycupandput
sitdownandpi
cksmeup.

Nt
ambo:
"ther
ear
est
il
lthi
ngsy
ouneedt
ofeel
"

Me:
"putmedown!
"

Nt
ambo:
"youar
enotr
unni
ngawayt
oday"

Hekissedmyl
i
psandIendeduprespondedtohiskiss.Hegoesandlaysmeont
hecouchand
get
sonmeandweshareakiss.IcNf eel
hisshaftonmythi
ghpokingit
.

Nt
ambo:
"hei
sreadyf
ory
ou"

Me:
"who?"

Nt
ambo:
"Dumamshi
ni"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"heshoul
dhi
deagai
n."

Nt
ambo:
"nah,
Iwantt
oheary
oucr
y"

Me:
"li
ke?"

Nt
ambo:
"ohMt
hombeni
!"

Il
aughedandheki
ssedme.

Nt
ambo:
"woul
dyoudot
hat?
"

Ishookmyheadandhesmi
rked"

Nt
ambo:
"wewi
l
lsee"
Me:
"yeswewi
l
lsee"

Heranhi
sfi
nger
sundermyni
ghtdr
essandhesqueezedmyboobsandki
ssedme,
hewenton
car
essi
ngme.

*
BAHUMI*

Lastnight,not
hinghappened.Weki ssedanddecidedtosl eep,Iam gladwechoset odosoat
thesamet i
meIam scar ed.Thapel
odi dn'
tsaymuchy ouknowsoIam notsur ewhat '
sreal
l
y
happening.MondayIstartwri
tti
ngandIam mor ethanr eady,Ihaven'
tspentmucht i
mewi t
h
Lesedi.Yesshei safewmonthsbutIdol iket
hosemomentwhenIj ustlookather.SisMercy
andherhusbandhav etakenoverherbutIam notcompl aini
ng.Iwal keddownt hestai
rsaf
ter
cleani
nginmyr oom andfoundSisMer cyandtheothersmaki ngbreakfast
.

Yol
anda:
"Iam cov
eredi
nfl
our"

Phi
l
a:"andt
hebabyt
oo"

Mer
cy:
"sor
rybabi
es,
comel
et'
sgobat
hyoual
landgety
ououtoft
hosepy
jamas."

Me:
"goodmor
ning"

Mer
cy:
"mor
ning,
howdi
dyousl
eep?"

Me:
"wel
landy
ou?"

Mer
cy:"shewasanangel
.Letmegobatht
hem andchanget
hem ,
Thapel
ocheckt
her
estof
t
hepancakesandBahumi
helpyour
sel
f"

Inoddedandshet
ookf
rom t
hebabyseatont
hecount
erandt
hel
i
ttl
eonesf
oll
owed.I
twasa
bitofamess.

Me:
"thi
swasmessy"

Thapel
o:"t
ryt
hisone.Madebyme"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"putt
heambul
anceonspeeddi
al"

Thapel
o:"mxm"
Wel
aughedandKat
ethepancake"

Me:
"notbad"

Thapel
o:"i
t'
sawesomeIi
n"

Ir
oll
edmyey
es

Thapel
o:"Iam cov
eredi
nfl
our,
justasi
mpl
ehugandy
ouwi
l
ltoo"

Me:
"no,
aski
es"

Hechuckl
edandwest
art
edcl
eani
ngupt
heki
tchen.

*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Smi
so:
"yest
erdaywaswonder
ful
"

Il
ookedathi
m."

Smi
so:
"what
'swr
ong?"

Hesatont
hecouchnextt
ome.I
sughed.

Me:
"Idon'
tfeel
good"

Smi
so:
"about
?"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"Iwi
l
lbeok"

Ihel
dhi
shand.

Smi
so:
"Iam wor
ri
ed"

Me:
"don'
tbe"

Heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Smi
so:
"ify
ousayso"

Inodded.DeepdownIwant edtotel
lhi
m aboutthedr
eam Ihadoffmysi
ster,hi
sdaught
erand
myniecebutIcan'
t.Idon'
twanttoworr
yhim, Iwil
lj
usthavetopr
ayaboutit
.Itwor
ri
esme
al
ot.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t47

*
DINA*

Iwokeupi ntheguestbedroom andfeeli

ngempty.If eltli
kemyhear twasbl eedi
ngmyandmy
throatwasal sosore.Isniff
edandgotof ft
hebedandmadei tbefor
ewal kingoutofthe
bedroom door .Iwenttothemai nbedroom andIdidn'tseethekidsont hebeandnei ther
Zamani i
nsight.Iwenttowashmyf aceandbrushmyt eethbef
orewalkingoutoft hebedroom
downt hest ai
rsandIheardpeopletalki
ngandsil
encef il
ledtheroom onceIent er
ed,Istopped
myt racksatt hel
astst
epandscannedmyey es.Iam angr ythathecalledhisfamily,Iam angry
thathedoest hi
sandnowhewant shisfami
lytoint
ervenel i
ketheyweret herewhenhecheat ed.

MeKhumal
o:"Mydaught
er"

Il
ookedatZamani
whol
ookeddown."

Me:
"Hi
"

MrKhumal
o:"pl
easet
akeaseat"

Iwasn'
tdressedproper
ly.Iwasst
il
li
nmynightwearbuthedi
dn'
tseem t
omi
nd.It
ookt
he
fl
eeceof
ft hecouchandsatnextt
oTheauntwhosmiledandIr
etur
nedit
.

MrKhumal
o:"wear
esor
ryt
oinv
adey
ourspacel
i
ket
his"

Me:
"it
'sok,
it'
sev
ery
one'
sspace"

Zamani
clear
edhi
sthr
oat
."
Zamani
:
"Baby.
."

MrKhumal
o:"l
etmespeak"

Hekeptqui
et.

MeKhumalo:
"wehav
ebeeni
nfor
medoft
heunf
ait
hful
nessofmyson,
leadi
ngi
ntobr
ingi
ng
t
woli
ves."

Me:
"sor
ryt
oint
err
upt"

Henodded.

Me: "Ifhel
ovedmethewayheusedt oli
etomeal ltheseyearsthenhewoul dn'
thavecheat
ed.
No, it
'snott
hatamanhasneeds.It ri
edmyv er
ybestt oCart
erallhi
sneedsandbey ondwhat
happensbetweenthesheets.Iwasli
kealiv
inginhousewi fewhenIwasn' tevenmarri
edtohim
.Iobey edwhatheputacrossandgavehim aplatf
ormt obeamani nmylifebutIguessIdi
d
thattoomuch.Iwasn'tdoinganygoodforhi!WhenIt houghtIwas..
"

MrKhumal
o:"weheary
ouandwear
edeepl
ysor
ryf
oroursonsmi
stakes."

Ishookmyhead.

Me:"Cheati
ngisnev
erami
stake.Youcheatbecausei
t'
syourchoi
ce.Nei
therar
ethoset
wo
ki
dsami st
ake."

Aunt
y:"
whatdoy
oumean?"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow.Ij
ustdon'
twantt
obeher
eatt
hemomentIam sor
ry"

Ist
oodupandwalkedupt
hestai
rs.Igotint
hebedroom andt
ookoutasui
tcaseandIst
art
ed
thr
owi
ngmyclot
hesin.If
eel
hisarmswr aparoundme.

Zamani
:"pl
easedon'
tl
eav
e.Iam sor
ryLi
neo"

Tear
slef
tmyey
es.

Zamani
:
"BabyIwast
hef
ir
standl
astt
ime."

Il
ov ehim, Il
ovehi
m somuchbutIcan't.Knowi
ngIwon'tbeabletogivehim kidsandthei
r
mothermightcomeback, knowinganot
herwomangavehi m whatIdesi
redtogi vehi
m.WhatI
cannotevergi v
eyohim br
eaksmemor ethanhi
scheat
ing.Ithur
tsmet hathewentoutt her
e
andcamebackwi t
hwhatIdesir
edtogivetohi
m andi
tfeelli
keadaggerisst abbi
ngmei nmy
heartandlungs.Iholdmychestastearsgodownmycheeks.It rytobreathebutprovestobe
dif
fi
cult.

Zamani
:"br
eat
hesl
owl
y,t
ryt
obr
eat
he"
Itr
ytobreat
hbutitgetsmorediff
icul
t.Imakehandsuggesti
ont ohi
m andIgoonmyknees
andherushesof
f.Itrytotakedeepbreat
hsatl
eastbuti
t'
sstil
lthesame.Hecomesbackand
heputsmyheadonhi slapasheput smymedicat
ionnexttohim.

Zamani
:"Iam gonnapumpandy
oui
nhal
e"

Hepumpedmyi
nhal
erasIcl
osedmyey
esandi
nhal
ed.Hekeptongoi
ngandbr
ushi
ngmyhai
r.

Zamani
:"br
eat
he.Youar
eget
ti
ngt
her
e"

It
ri
edt
obreat
heandhedi
dagai
n.Ist
art
edt
ocal
m down.Hebr
ushedmyhead.Ihav
en'
tused
myast
hmapumpinyear
s.

Zamani
:"ar
eyouok?"

It
ookadeepbr
eat
handnoddedsl
owl
y.Heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Zamani
:"y
ouscar
edme"

Il
ookedatt
hecei
l
ingandbl
i
nkedmyey
escl
osed.

*
RAZOR*

Itookmycarkeysoffthebedr
oom tabl
eandIwalkedout.Thear
omacomingfr
om thekit
chen
wasgetti
ngmyst omachgrumbli
ng.Ibitmybottom l
ipwhenIsawhermovearoundthe
ki
tchenandi
tfit
tedtheimageperf
ectl
y.Iwalkedinsi
deandwenttohol
dherwaistandki
ssed
herneck.

Unat
hi:
"Iam busy"

Shesmi
l
ed.

Me:
"whenIcomebackIdon'
twantt
ofi
ndy
oubusy"

Unat
hi:
"youwon'
t.Youwi
l
lfi
nddeser
tbef
oreandaf
terdi
nner"

Me:
"letmest
ayt
hen"

Unat
hi:
"no,
goanddoy
ourst
uff.Iam notgoi
ngany
wher
e"

Ismi
l
edandki
ssedher"

Me:
"ok"
Itur
nedandwal
kedouttomycar.Igoti
nsi
deandIdr
oveof
f,myphoner
angandIsear
ched
fori
tandIf
ounditt
henanswer
ed.

Kau:
"MrHusbandoft
hecent
ury
.Gr
eatweddi
ng"

Me:
"(chuckl
e)howar
eyou?"

Kau:
"good.Ver
ygood"

Me:
"Seset
hut
reat
ingy
ougood?"

Kau:
"somuch"

Ichuckl
ed.

Kau:
"what
'swr
ongy
ousoundof
f"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tsl
eepgood"

Kau:
"fi
rstni
ght
sar
eli
ket
hat"

Me:
"Idr
eamtofMa"

Hekeptqui
et.

Kau:
"andwhatwasshedoi
ng?
"

Me:
"itwasourweddi
ngandaf
teri
tshet
ookourhandsandwal
kedwi
thus"

Kau:
"may
beshei
sbl
essi
ngy
ouguy
s"

Me:
"wet
houghtsot
oo"

Kau:
"theni
tis.I
fyoudon'
tfeel
goodaboutt
hedr
eam ory
ouhav
eitagai
njustconsul
t"

Me:
"sot
heheal
ercanr
eveal
mydi
rt
.Nev
er"

Hechuckl
ed.

Kau:
"Iam pl
ani
ngahei
st"

Me:
"countmei
n"

Kau:
"2mi
l
li
on"

Iwhi
stl
ed.

Me:
"meandy
ou?"

Kau:
"andNt
ambo"
Me:
"weshal
lmeetup"

Kau:
"sho"

Me:
"ok"

HehungupandIputmyphoneaway.That'
sareall
ygoodone.It'
sbeenlongsi
ncewewent
onaheist.Igott
otheChi
sany
amaandgotoutandpeopl
estar
tedwhist
li
ngandclappi
ngl
oudl
y.
Ichuckl
ed

"
Ah!mRay,
usebenzi
l
e(Razody
oudi
dwel
l)"

Ishookmyheadandgav
ethekey
stooneoft
hecarwashi
ngboy
sbef
orewal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
he
i
nsi
de.

*
WENDY*

Thabi
sa:
"Iam gi
vi
nguponKau"

Me:
"hawuandt
hen?
"

Thabi
sa:
"ar
ghi
t'
sawast
eofmyt
ime"

Me:
"yest
erdayy
ouwer
eatt
heweddi
ngf
orhi
mtodayy
oudon'
twanthi
m ?"

Thabi
sa:
"ther
ear
epl
ent
yoff
ishi
nthesea,
Ithi
nkIshoul
dhooky
ouupwi
thsomeone"

Me:
"no,
Iwantr
azor"

Thabi
sa:
"gi
vei
tupf
ri
end"

Ishookmyhead.

Thabi
sa:
"hei
smar
ri
ed"

Me:
"st
opr
emi
ndi
ngme"

Idr
ankmyci
derandIsawRazorget
ti
ngoutofhi
scarandwal
ki
ngt
owar
dsus.

Me:
"Iwon'
tgi
veup"

HewalkedpastusandIl
ookedathi
m.Mmmhabandar
oundhi
sfi
ngerl
ooksgoodonhi
m.I
f
onl
yitwasmine..
.

*
ANDI
SWA*

Iwassi
tt
ingont
hecouchgoi
ngt
hrought
hechannel
sont
vwhi
l
eNt
ethel
elocamedownt
he
st
air
s.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"let
'sgoAndi
swa"

Me:
"Nt
ethel
elo"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"let
'snotf
ightov
ersomet
hingpet
typl
ease"

Me:
"ourchi
l
d'sl
i
vei
spet
tyt
oyou?"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"pl
easedon'
tcauseunecessar
ydr
amaandputwor
dsi
nmymout
h"

Me:
"mxm."

Nt
ethel
elo:
"shoul
dIcar
ryy
ouout?"

Ne:
"noi
wil
lwal
kmy
sel
f.Iwon'
tfor
giv
eyouf
ort
his"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"andIwoul
dn'
thav
efor
giv
enmy
sel
fforl
ett
ingy
oudi
ewhent
her
ewasanopt
ion"

Ii
gnor
edhi
m andwal
kedupt
hest
air
s.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"hur
ry"

AsIdi
sappear
edt
ear
srandownmycheeksandwi
pedt
hem whi
l
etouchi
ngmyst
omach.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Ihel
dmyt
hroatandsni
ff
edbef
oregoi
ngi
ntoourbedr
oom.

*
SESETHU*

Icouldn'
tconcer
ntr
atealotduri
ngthet
imeIwasworkingandIam gladIam notdoingany
operati
onoranythi
ngthatrequi
resmyful
lmi
ndedattent
ion.Ifini
shmyf i
rstroundandIgoto
myof fi
ceandit'
sopen.Iwal ki
nandIfi
ndKausi
tt
ingont hetableandIsmiledandclosedt
he
doorandwal
kedt
ohi
m.

Me:
"whatbr
ingsy
ouher
e?"

Kau:
"camet
oseemywoman"

Ismi
l
edandper
kedhi
sli
ps.

Me:
"ni
cesur
pri
se"

Het
ookmyhandandpl
acedasmal
lCr
ist
aldi
amond."

Me:
"whati
sthi
sfor?"

Kau:
"whati
tsy
mbol
i
zesy
ou"

Me:
"wher
edi
dyougeti
t?"

Kau:
"itdoesn'
tmat
ter
.Keepi
tsaf
e"

Me:
"ok"

Hegotof
.Thet
abl
eandhel
dmywai
st.

Kau:
"howi
smyl
i
ttl
eone?"

Iswal
l
owed.Her
ubbedmyst
omach.

Me:
"good"

Kau:
"tr
eatmommygoodi
nther
e"

If
aintl
ysmil
ed.Ihel
dhi
shand.Ihopethi
sisourbabyandnotLukhany
o,Ihav
etoseea
gynaecol
ogi
standseehowfarIam andt
akei
tfrom t
here.

Me:
"Iam t
hinki
ngofbooki
nganappoi
ntmentwi
thagy
naecol
ogi
st"

Kau:
"Thatwoul
dbewonder
ful
"

Heki
ssedmyl
i
psandIr
esponded.Hebi
tmybot
tom l
i
psof
tl
y.Webr
okei
t.

Me:
"doy
ouhav
etowearsungl
assesl
i
ket
hatbabe?
"

Kau:
"Il
ookcool
"

Igi
ggl
edandr
emov
edhi
ssungl
assesandr
anmyf
ingert
ipsonhi
scheekt
owar
dshi
sri
ght
cl
osedey
e.

Me:
"bendandl
etmeki
ssi
t"
Hebendshi
sheadf
orwar
dandIki
sshi
sey
essof
tl
y.

Me:
Ilov
eitl
i
ket
his."

Kau:
"Idon'
t"

Hesi
ghed.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Henoddedl
i
keachi
l
dandIgi
ggl
edbef
oreki
ssi
nghi
m agai
n..

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t48

*
ANDI
SWA*

wegott otheDrandmyhear twasbeati

ngfast
.Wehoppedoutoft hecarandmadeourway
i
nsidethepractice,
Iwentt ositdownwhil
ehetal
kedtother
ecepti
onist
.It ookamagazi
ne
andtri
edtokeepmy selfbusybutmyheartwasbeat
ingf
astandscared,IhopetheDrwil
lhav
e
adiff
erentoutcomet hatwil
l

Wor
kinmyf
avour,
ourf
avouraswel
l
.Nt
ethel
elocamet
omeandst
oodov
erme.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"wecangoi
nsi
de.TheDoct
ori
swai
ti
ng"

Ist
oodupandoutt
hemagazi
nedownandwewenti
nsi
de.TheDrsmi
l
edandIdi
dn'
tatal
l
.I
l
ookedar
ound.

Dr:
"Pl
easegochanget
othathospi
tal
gownandt
hencomel
ayont
hebed."

Il
ookedatNt
ethel
eloandhel
ookedatme.Iwal
kedof
fandhehel
dmyar
m.
Nt
ethel
elo:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Ikeptqui
etandyankedmyarm offandwi
pemyt
ear
sandwentt
ochange.Af
terIwasdonei
thenwenttolayonthebedandtheDrcame.

Dr:
"Ther
eisst
il
lanopt
ion,
May
bey
ouwoul
dn'
twantt
ogetr
idoft
hebaby"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Wedon'
thav
eachoi
ce"

TheDrnoddedandgav
emepi
l
lsandwat
ert
odr
ink.

Dr:
"Iwi
l
lber
ightback"

Heleftaft
erIwasdonedr i
nkingandIclosedmyeyes.Webothdi
dn'tspeakt
oeachother,
I
hopethisdoesn'
tsucceedinthenameofJesusIhopeitdoesn'
tsucceed.Iopenedmyeyes
andlookedattheceil
i
ng, MinutespassedandIst
art
edfeel
i
ngpaininmyabdomen.

Me:
"Ah!"

Iheldmyst
omachast
hecr
ampsi
ncr
eased.Tear
sst
reameddownmyey
es,
theDrcameback
i
nside.

Dr:
"Al
loft
hiswi
l
lbeov
ersoon."

Itf
eltpai
nful,whatIf
elti
nmyheartfel
tmor
epai
nful
thatwhatIam f
eel
i
ng.I
tfel
ttoomuch,
I
sobbedwhi l
eholdi
ngmyst omach.

*
NTETHELELO*

Iwasmov edoutsi
de.Iwashappywhenshet oldmewewer eexpect
ingbuti
tcamewith
compli
cat
ions.Ican'
tl
ooseher,nei
thert
heki
dscan'tl
ooseheraswel l
.Iscrol
l
edthr
oughmy
phonetocheckanyemail
sImighthaveorany
t hi
ngandIcl
osedmyphoneoncemor e.Thedr
comesoutandi st
andup.

Dr:
"Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sget
ti
ngdone.Sheneedsanhourt
henshecangohome"

Me:
"ok,
thanky
ou"

Henoddedandwal
kedbacki
nsi
de.Isi
ghedandsatdownbur
yingmyheadbet
weenmyhands.

Me:
"Gosh"

Igr
oanedandst
oodupmaki
ngmywayout
sidej
ustf
orsomef
reshai
r.
.

*
UNATHI*

Me:"(singi
ng)Ut
handol
wami
nawe,
Olwet
husobabi
l
i.Umunt
uwesi
that
huakaf
uneki
,indaba
zet
hulezo"

Icombedt hehai
rwhil
elooki
ngatmysel
fthr
oughthemir
ror
.If i
xedmymakeup,
lookedat
my sel
fforthel
astt
imeandIhear
dthedooropeni
ng.Thefr
ontdoor.

"
Mmhi
tsmel
l
sni
ce"

Ist
oodupandwor
emygownandsl
i
pper
sandIwal
kedoutoft
hebedr
oom.

Razor:
"Idon'
tknowwher
etost
art?"

Me:
"Any
wher
e"

Ibi
tmybot
tom l
i
p.

Razor:
"wai
tletmel
ockal
lent
rances"

HerushedoffandIl
aughed.Hewentt ol
ockthef
rontdoorandcamebacktot
heki
tchendoor
andlockedi
taswellandcheckedt
heWindows.Iwenttosi
tonthecouchandt
ookoffthe
gownandIstartedt
ouchi
ngmy sel
fandhecameback.

Razor:
"Damn"

Iranmyfi
nger
sal
lov
ermybodyandl
i
ckedt
hem bef
orepl
ayi
ngwi
thmycl
i
tor
iswhi
l
ebi
ti
ngmy
bott
om l
i
p.

Razor:
"Al
i
ttl
esugarbef
oref
oodwoul
dn'
thur
t"

Ikeptongoi
ngandhecamecl
osert
omeandwentonhi
sknees.

Razor:
"CanIt
akeov
er?"

Ismi
ledandnoddedandhepar
tedmyl
egswi
derandki
ssedmyki
tt
ensof
tl
ybef
oresucki
ngon
i
tandImoaned.

Razor:
"Mmh.Il
ovet
hatsound"

Hewentbackt
oli
cki
ngandsucki
ng.
Me:
"Ahbaby"

Hesucksandlicksmoreroughl
yandki ssesmeatthesamet i
mebr i
ngingi
nmorepleasur
ethan
Iwouldknow.Hetakesoffhi
sjacketandhemov eshisthumbdownmyCl i
tor
isi
ntomyVirgi
na
andhepushesitasdeepasitcangoandt akesi
toutandli
cksof
fmyf l
owi
ngjui
ces.Iam
year
ningandwantinghi
mt ooandallthathedoes,heismakingeveryonel
ooksexyj
ustin
Simpl
ici
ty.

Razor:
"Iwi
l
lbeback"

Inoddedandhest oodupandwal kedtowardstheki

tchen.Ispr
eadmylegsandIstartt
ofi
nger
myselfwhi
lebit
ti
ngmybot tom l
ipandplayingwit
hmyboobs.Imoanaspl easur
estart
stoki
ck
i
nandhecomesbackwi thacanofcr eam andsomei ceandheplacest
hem ontheTableand
l
ooksatmepl easuri
ngmy sel
f.

Razor:
"Fuck"

Me:
"ohy
es"

Icl
osemyey esandmytoescur
lasawaveishi
tt
ingmeandIcum.Het akest
hecr
eam andhe
spr
aysitonmyboobsandhegoesonhiskneesandstart
stosuckitof
fandImoanasheslips
i
naf i
ngeri
nmypr i
vat
eareandhegoesof
ftotheotheranddoesthesame.

Razor:
"Iam aboutt
ogowi
l
dandr
ough"

Het
akesof
fhi
stopandIl
ookathi
m.

Razor:
"andy
ouwon'
tbeabl
etowal
kaf
terIam doneok?"

Inoddedli
keakidandhechuckledandleanedforwardtokissmeandIr espondedt
ohim and
hebrokeitt
hecarri
edonuncl
othing.Ikeptonpleasuri
ngmy selfandheremovedmyhandsand
l
ockedthem ont
opofmyheadandhi sshaftwasupandt hrobbing.Hesmackeditafewt
imes
onmyki t
tenandrubbedi
tonmycl itandthefl
oorgatesoverfl
owed.

Me:
"Baby"

Heignoredmeandkeptongoing.Hedi dthatacoupl
eofti
mesandwhenmycl
i
twas
t
hrobbinghesl
i
ppedindeeperthanant
ici
patedandIcoul
dfeel
it.

Razor:
"Fuck"

Iwant
edt
otouchhi
m,movemyhandsaroundhi
sbodybuthedoesn'tl
etme.Hisgr
ipi
sfir
m
ar
oundmyhands.Hest
art
stomovehar
der,deeperandi
t'
sroughandenj
oyabl
easwell
.

Me:
"Ahh!r
azor!
!"

Razor:
"mmmhhmmm "
Hi
sthr
ustwer
equi
ckeni
ngandIcoul
dn'
tkeepupwi
thhi
sst
rokesatal
lorr
hyt
hm asy
et.

Me:
"babysl
owdown"

Hedi dandtookt
heiceandmyonehandwasf ree.Itouchedhim andhetooktheiceandher
an
i
tonmychestandt hewaterrandownandhel i
ckeditoffandkeptont hr
usti
ngfasterand
harderoncemorebefor
ehepulledoutandheturnedmear oundandher ubbedtheiceonmy
buttanditr
andownandhel i
ckeditoffandhei
nsertedhimselfi
nandout ,i
nandout.Kepton
teasi
ng.

Me:
"razor"

Razor:
"mmmh"

Me:
"Comepl
easePuti
tin"

Heholdsmywaistandsl
amsi nt
omeandImoanout . Iholdontothecouchashet
hrust
s
deeperandIf
eelmykneesshaki
ngandbefor
eIknewit.Icameandkekeptonandpull
edout
andputiti
nagai
nandpull
edoutandpushediti
ndeeperandthr
ustedsl
owly.

Razor:
"keepy
ourener
gyup"

Me:
"Mmmmh"

Ir
oll
edmyheadback.

*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Istar
tedwithcooki
nglunchj
usttogetmymi ndofft
hings.Smisoisst
ayi
ngathomenow,he
i
stoool dt
orunwhateverheusedtorunandnowhest aysher
ealldaywit
hme.Icloset
hepot
andturnandseemysisteri
nthecorneroft
hekit
chenandshesmi l
es.

Me:
"We-
"

Shedi
sappear
sandIcl
oseandopenmyey
es.

"
Arey
ouok?"
It
urned.

Me:
"Ineedt
opr
ay"

Smi
so:
"ohok.I
tsmel
l
sgoodi
nher
e"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Heki
ssedmycheek."

Smi
so:
"letmenotdi
stur
byou.Iwi
l
lbei
nmyst
udy"

Inoddedandhewal
kedof
fandIt
urnedt
owher
eIsawmysi
sterandshei
snott
her
eany
mor
e.

*
SESETHU*

Kau:
"di
dyouhearwhatIsai
d?"

It
urnt
ohi
m.

Me:
"what?"

Kau:
"nev
ermi
nd"

Me:
"Iam sor
ry.I
t'
sjustmymi
ndi
sbusyar
oundwor
k"

Kau:
"Iwi
l
lseey
out
hen"

Hest
oodup.

Me:
"baby"

Ist
oodupaswel
landwenti
nfr
ontofhi
m andst
oppedhi
m.

Me:
"Iam sor
ryok"

Kau:
"Iam notmadorany
thi
ng.Iam j
ustl
ett
ingy
ougobackt
owor
k"

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouok?"

Kau:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Iki
ssedhi
m andher
etur
nedi
t,hehel
dmybut
t.
Me:
"Mmmmh"

Ibi
tmybot
tom l
i
pandr
anmyhandt
ohi
scr
otch.

Me:
"Iam f
eel
i
ngabi
t"

Kau:
"Don'
tst
art"

Me:
"Comeon"

Kau:
"youwi
l
lcr
y"

Me:
"comeon,
wher
eist
hemanIf
ell
for?
"

Hesmi
rkedandhetur
nedmear
oundandhetookof
fmycoatandhet
henpi
nnedmeont
he
t
abl
eandhestoodbehi
ndmewhisper
ingi
nmyear.

Kau:
"youwantt
his?"

Inodded.

Kau:
"Iwi
l
lpuni
shy
ou"

Me:
"pl
easedo"

Helif
tedmydr
essupandhepul
l
edmyt hongdownandki
ssedmybut
tbef
orehesl
i
ppeda
f
ingerinmypr
ivat
ear
eaandImoaned.

Kau:
"youwi
l
lcr
y"

Me:
"makemecr
y"

Ibi
tmybot
tom l
i
pashet
hrust
edi
tinsi
deme.

*
DINA*

Iopenedmyeyesandi wasi
nthe!
Ainbedr
oom.Il
ookedbesi
demeandZamani
wasl
ooki
ngat
me.Igotfri
ghtened.

Me:
"youscar
edme"

Zamani
:"Iam sor
ry"
Me:
"thanky
ou"

Hest
oodupandki
ssedmyf
oreheadandi
gotof
fthebedandhest
oppedme.

Zamani
:"canwet
alk?"

Isi
ghed.Inoddedandsatbackdownont
hebed.Het
ookt
hechai
randsatoni
tandhehel
d
myhands.

Zamani:"Iam sorr
y, Iknowsorr
ywon'tundoanyt
hingbutIam.Il oveyouDinaanditseems
unbel
ievablebutIreall
ydo.Ican'
tseemy sel
fwit
houtyou.Ittookmesomet i
met oadj
ustto
youbeinginmyl i
feassomeoneIwant edt ol
oveandlearnedtolove.I
t'
snotthatyouarenot
enoughf orme.Youar emor
ethanenoughandbey ondthat.Iam sorr
y,Il
ovey ou"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:"Iloveyoutoobuti
thurt
s.Idon'
tknowwher
etost
arti
fIshoul
dfor
giv
eyou.Howwoul
d
youfeeli
fitwasmewhodi dthi
stoyou?"

Hel
ookeddown.

Me:"that
'showIfeelZamani,GoddamnIov
erl
ookedy
ourf
ami
l
ybei
ngi
nvol
vedi
nmysi
ster
's
deat
handI. .
..
Ibet
ray
edherforyou."

Ist
art
edhy
per
vent
il
ati
ng.

Zamani
:"Di
na"

Ishookmyhead.

Zamani
:"br
eat
he"

It
ri
edt
obr
eat
handi
twasbet
tert
hist
ime.

Me:
"(sobbi
ng)i
thur
tsbecauseIwon'
tev
ergi
vey
ouki
ds.Iwon'
t"

Icr
ied.AndhehuggedmeandIsni
ff
edonhi
schest
.

Zamani
:
"Iam sor
rybaby"

*
ANDI
SWA*
Thisfeel
i
ng, i
t'
screepingi
nandi t
'sst
rongert
hananyt
hing.It
'ssuff
ocati
nganddanger
ous.
Thepain,thepainthatIam f
eeli
ngatthismomentcomparestonothing.Idon'
twantt
obei
n
thi
scaranymor e,Iwantmyf at
her'
sarmsatthismoment.Tearsrundownmycheeksandhe
touchesmyshoulder.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"shoul
dwegetany
thi
ng?"

Ikeptqui
etandwi
pedmytear
sbutt
heykeptoncomi
ng. It
ryt
opushmyv oi
ceback.I
tshal
l
neverbehear
dasitwasst
ompedov
er.Thisfeel
i
ngi
stoomuchforoneper
son.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t49

Me:"WowThankyouev
ery
onefort
his,
youdon'
tknowhowhappyandgr
atef
ulIam t
owor
k
wi
thwonder
ful
peopl
eli
keyou"

Khensani
:"wet
hanky
ouf
ort
heoppor
tuni
tyt
owor
kwi
thy
ou"

Ev
ery
oneagr
ees.

Khensani
:"congr
atul
ati
ons.Mr
sNgomane"

Me:
"let
'sdr
inkt
hengetbackt
owor
k"

Ev
ery
onel
aughedandIt
ookmygl
assandwentt
omyof
fi
ce,
Khensani
fol
l
owedbehi
ndme.

Khensani
:"Howar
eyou?"

Me:
"Iam wel
l
.Youwoul
dn'
tsayIhav
ebeenmar
ri
edbef
ore.I
tfeel
snew"
b

Khensani
:"i
tis.,
It'
sdi
ff
erentaswel
l"

Shesatdown.
Me:
"youandFezi
l
e?"

Khensani
:"wear
egoodbutIj
ustf
eel
scar
ed"

Me:
"of
f?"

It
ookasi
pof
fmydr
ink.

Khensani
:"Whatifev
ery
thi
ngchanges,
whati
fwef
all
apar
tonedayandbr
eakup.Iam not
readyandprepar
edfori
t"

Me:
"howf
ardoy
ouseey
our
sel
vest
oget
her?"

Khensani
:"Idon'
tknowbutIam scar
edofi
magi
ningl
i
fewi
thouthi
m"

Me:
"Youhavet
o,notbecauseyouwil
lbreakupwi
thhi
m onedaybutt
omaket
hingsabi
teasy
f
ory
ou.Tal
ktohi
m abouthowyoufeelaswell
."

Khensani
:"Real
l
y?"

Me:
"Yeahdot
hat,
hewi
l
lknowwhaty
ouf
earandi
t'
sokt
ogetl
oosi
ngaman,
wehav
ebeen
t
her
e."

Shel
aughed.

Khensani
:
"Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m"

Me:
"that
'sgood"

*
RAZOR*

Wewer
esi
tt
ingatt
hechi
sany
amawhi
l
ehav
ingsomemeatanddr
inkswi
thNt
amboandKau.

Kau:
"Iam goi
ngt
obeaf
ather"

Nt
ambo:
"Nobl
ankmany
ouwast
enot
ime"

Me:
"congr
atul
ati
onsMan"

Kau:
"Iam soexci
ted."

Me:"Iwi
shIhadthose4moment
sswi
thAnel
e4y
ear
sagobutIam happyt
oknowIhav
ea
chi
l
dwithmywife"
Nt
ambo:
"Howi
smar
ri
age,
Ial
way
saskmy
sel
f"

Kau:
"getmar
ri
edandy
ouwi
l
lknow"

Nt
ambo:
"NoIwi
l
lnev
erdot
hat"

Me:
"andKhensani
?"

Nt
ambo:
"shei
smywoman,
wil
lfor
everbemywoman"

Me:
"Ladi
eswantt
ogetmar
ri
edoneday"

Ntambo:"
thatwi
ll
beapr
obl
em becauseIdon'
twantt
o,Ij
ustwantsomeonet
oset
tl
ewi
thand
haveki
dswith"

Kau:
"theny
oul
eav
e"

Ntambo:
"Iwon'
tdot
hatt
oKhen,
mar
ri
agei
scompl
i
cat
edt
hingt
hatIdon'
twantust
ogo
t
hrough"

Me:
"youar
est
il
ltr
aumat
ized"

Ntambo:"Ifpeoplel
oveeachotherwhygetmarri
edjustt
ohurtt
heper
sony
oucl
aimedt
olov
e,
t
hat'
sjustbull
shit!I
fMarr
iagechangespeopl
ethenIdon'
twantit"

Hest
oodupandwal
kedof
f.

Kau:
"It
houghthi
sangerdi
eddown"

Me:
"Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m."

Hisfat
hermesseduppr ettybad.Hehat
eshur
ti
ngawoman, hehatesseeingawomango
t
hroughanyform ofviol
ati
onbecausehi
smotherwentt
hroughthatinf
rontofhi
m.i
t
t
raumatizedhi
m sincethen.

*
DINA*

Igotofft
hecabandmademywayi nsi
de,Icametodropof ft
hehousekeysandt akesomeof
mystuffthati
slef
t,Ihav
ebeenatthehot
elthesepasttwoday sandIhav
ebeencr yi
ngmy sel
f
ever
ynight.Thewall
l
sofmyhotelr
oom knowmyst orycleart
hananyone.Iknockedandthe
dooropenedandhisauntst
oodbythedoor.

Her:
"OhLi
neoIam sohappyt
oseey
ou,
Ineedhel
p"
Me:
"Iam j
usther
etodr
opof
fthesekey
s"

Her:
"Okdomeaf av
our,Ihavet
ogoanddomyhai randIcamet
ocheckonZamaniandhel
eft
mewitht
heseki
dsbecausehehasacour
tcaseandIhaveahai
rappoi
ntmenti
n10minut
es"

Shepul
l
edmei
nsi
deandt
heki
dswer
ecr
ying.

Me:
"yourhai
risnew"

Her:"Idi
ditt
wodaysagoit
'sol
d.Ineedsomet
hingnew,
thanksy
ouar
eanangel
.Theyhav
e
beencryi
ngsincemor
ning"

Shet
ookherbagandr
anout
.Isi
ghed.Wher
edoIst
art?

Iputmybagdownandsatbet
weent
hem andt
ookt
hebabyboyf
ir
standl
aidhi
m onmychest
andthent
hegir
l.

Me:
"qui
etLi
tt
leMnt
ungwa'
s,Mommyi
sher
enow"

Iwi
pedt
hebabygi
rl
'
sface.

Me:
"shhh"

Theywerejustsl
eepybecausetheyst
art
edcal
mingdownandsl
eptonmychest
.Theyl
ooked
cut
e,looki
ngatthem suckthei
rthumbswaspeacef
ul.

*
MERCY*

Sandi
l
e:"howi
sshef
eel
i
ng?
"

Bahumi
wascr
yingherey
esoutal
lredwetf
rom Lesedi
'
svomi
t.

Me:
"GoandchangeBahumi
andgot
oschool
"

If
eltl
esedi
'
stemper
atur
eandshewasheat
ingup.

Bahumi
:"Ican'
tl
eav
eherl
i
ket
his"

Sandi
l
e:"y
ouar
ewr
it
ti
ng,
gochange"

Shenoddedandwentupt
hest
air
s.

Sandi
l
e:"shef
eel
shot"
Me:
"it
'sf
evermay
be"

Sandi
l
e:"Iwi
l
lcomebackandt
akey
out
othehospi
tal
"

Me:
"ok"

Shewascr
yingnonst
op.

Me:
"shhhbaby"

Ipacedupanddownhol
dingLesedi
.

*
ANDI
SWA*

"
Baby"

Iopenedmyey
esandlookedathim,Isi
ghedandsatuphepl
acedt
hef
oodi
nfr
ontofme.I
di
dn'tgot
oworkt
oday
.Iwasn'tfeel
i
ngok.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iam sor
ryok?Buti
twasf
ort
hebest
"

Me:
"Iunder
stand"

Isi
ghedandheki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Inodded

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

If
aint
lysmi
l
ed.Isni
ff
edandat
emyf
ood.

Me:
"Isetupanappoi
ntmentwi
thaDr"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"for?"

Me:
"remov
ingmywomb.Idon'
twantt
obepr
egnant,
ther
ear
echancesandIdon'
twantt
o"

Il
ookedathi
m wi
thgl
ossyey
es.

Me:
"pl
easedon'
tst
opme"

Tear
srandownmyey
esandhehuggedme. I
tfel
tpai
nful
thatUnat
hidi
dthi
stome,
shehas
t
hewillt
ogiveherhusbandmoreki
dswhileIcan'
t.YesIhav
ef or
giv
enherbutIcan'
tfor
get,
it'
s
apai
nfulscarembeddedinmysoulandcoul
dneverberepai
red.Isobbed.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Shhh"

Ihel
dont
ohi
m.

*
UNATHI*

"
Whatabeaut
if
ulMami
wehav
eher
e"

Ismi
l
edandl
ookedup.

"
Del
i
ver
y"

Me:
"fr
om ?"

Razor:
"MrNgomane"

Me:
"to?"

Hesmi
rkedandwal
kedi
nfur
theri
ntomyof
fi
cecl
osi
ngt
hedoor
.

Razor:
"Mr
sNgomane"

Me:
"del
i
ver
yofwhat?"

Razor
:"MrNgomane"

Il
aughedandhesatont
opofmydeskf
aci
ngme.

Razor:
"Howi
smywi
fe?"

Ist
oodupandst
oodbet
weenhi
slegs.

Me:
"Iam f
eel
i
ngmuchbet
tert
hanaf
ewmi
nut
esago"

Razor:
"youmi
ssedme?"

Me:
"Imi
ssedy
ousomuch"

Ismi
rkedandweshar
edaper
k.

Razor:
"mmmh"
Me:
"howwasy
ourday?"

Razor
:"usual
"

Inoddedandweshar
edahug.

Me:
"Anel
eiscomi
nghomet
hisweekend"

Razor:
"Let
hokuhl
eshoul
dcomet
oo"

Me:
"Iwi
l
ltal
ktoAndi
swa"

Henodded.

*
BAHUMI
*

"
Pensdown!
"

Iwasn'tateasethatLesedi
issick.Iam worri
edmor ethananyt
hing,
thewayshewascryi
ng
andfeeli
ngisbreakingme. Myscr iptgotcol
lectedandIcouldseeThapel
oacrosst
hehal
l,
thet
estwaseasyf orhi
m bythelooks.Iwasv erydistr
acted.

Teacher
:"y
ouar
edi
smi
ssed!
"

West oodupandItookmystati
onar
yandwenttomybag.Iputi nmythingsandthelear
ner'
s
wal
kedoutingroupssayi
ngwhattrywrot
eonwhichquesti
on.Iwalkedoutoft hehal
land
wentdownthestai
rsheari
ngsomecheerandsomewer enothappywit
ht hei
ranswers.Iwas
worr
iedaboutminebutIshoul
dn'
tli
stent
owhatother
ssay.

"
Humi
!"

Ist
oppedmyt
racksandheappr
oachedmeandputhi
sar
m ar
oundmyshoul
der
s.

Thapel
o:"Howar
eyou?"

Me:
"Iam wor
ri
edaboutl
esedi
"

Thapel
o:"Met
oobutMer
cyi
staki
nghert
othehospi
tal
,wewi
l
lfi
ndoutwhenwecomeback
home."

Me:
"Ir
eal
l
yhopeshei
sok"

"Thapel
o!"
Wel
ookedaheadandi
t'
sthatgr
ade11gi
rlhewashangi
ngar
ound.

Me:
"got
oher"

Ir
emov
edhi
shandandhehel
dmyar
m."

Thapel
o:"
andnow?"

Me:
"Idon'
twantmyf
eel
i
ngst
obedr
ibbl
ed."

Thapel
o:"whosai
dIam dr
ibbl
i
ngy
ourf
eel
i
ngs?
"

"
Thapel
ocome!
"

Me:
"justgo"

Iwal
kedawayf
rom hi
m andhef
oll
owedmeandhel
dmyar
m andhel
dmyshoul
der
s.

Thapel
o:"Iam notdr
ibbl
i
ngy
ourf
eel
i
ngsHumi
"

Me:
"ok"

Hesi
ghed.Iwi
l
lnothav
ethatatal
l
.

*
DINA*

Thet wi
nslat
erwokeupandImadesomemashedpot at
oeswithgr
avyt
ogett
hem eat
ingsome
foodthensomef ormul
atodr
inkandt
heyhel
dthei
rbott
les.It
ri
edZamani
'
sauntbuti
twentt
o
voicemai
l.Ishouldbel
onggonenow.

Me:
"dr
inkupsoy
oucangr
ow"

"
Aunt
yIgotdel
ayed,
sor
ryf
ort
hat.Ngi
yet
hembaabakuhl
uphanga(i
hopet
heydi
dn'
tbot
hery
ou
)"

It
urnedar
oundandhest
oppedhi
str
acks.

Zamani
:"Di
na"

Me:
"Aunt
yKhul
i
siwewentt
othehai
rsal
on,
Icamet
oleav
ethehousekey
s"

Zamani
:"shet
ri
ckedy
ou"

Me:
"Ir
eal
i
sedt
hatt
hemi
nut
esher
ushedoutoft
hedoor"
Zamani
:"herol
destt
ri
ck."

Hechuckl
edandi
giggl
edt
henIbi
tmybot
tom l
i
p.

Me:
"Ishoul
dleav
e,wi
l
lyoubef
inewi
tht
hem al
one?"

Zamani
:"no"

Hesai
dwi
thhandsi
nhi
spocket
.

Me:
"weshoul
dtr
yheragai
n"

Zamani
:"I
twi
l
lgot
ovoi
cemai
l
"

Me:
"youar
eri
ght"

Luyanda(
gir
l)t
hrewherempt
ybot
tl
eont
hef
loorandst
art
edcr
ying.Ipi
ckedi
tupandcar
ri
ed
her.

Me:
"shhh"

Shest
art
edt
ocal
m down,
itf
eel
sogr
eatt
ohol
dher
.

Me:
"t
hewayy
oubehav
eyouwi
l
lbel
i
keMommy
."

Luy
anda:
"mmmaa"

Iki
ssedherforeheadandshewiggl
edherwayaroundmyar msandIoutherdownandshe
walkedar
oundt henstumbl
edandwalkedof
f.Igotherbr
otherdownandherushedaf
terhi
s
si
ster.Ioutthebottl
esint
hesi
nk.

Zamani
:"y
ouar
enat
ural
"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Hewal
kscl
oserandget
stohol
dmywai
st.

Zamani
:"Iam sor
ryst
handwasam ,
pleasecomeback"

Me:
"Zamani
"

Zamani
:"Pl
ease.Ican'
tfunct
ionwi
thouty
ouandf
indi
ngy
oust
il
lpar
tofmyl
i
fe"

Me:
"ithasbeent
woday
s"

Zamani
:"i
twaswor
se"

Me:
"Zamani
"
Zamani
:"Di
na"

Hel
eanedintoki
ssmeandi respi
ndedt
ohiski
ssaswell.Iwantt
obemadathim,Iwantto
l
eav
ehim andneverl
ookbackbutheismaki
ngthathar
d,heismakingt
hatsodamnhard.

Zamani
:"Il
ovey
ou"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Heki
ssedme.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t50

*
KHENSANI
*

Fezil
efetchedmefrom wor
kt odayandwehav ebeensil
entsi
ncethen.
wehav en'
ttal
kedtoeach
otherandalotwasgoi
ngthroughmymi nd.Icl
osedthepotasIwascookingandhewas
watchingsomesoccergame, soccer.Oneofthesport
si wi
ll
neverunder
standinlif
e.It
urn
downt hestoveandgotohi
m andsi tnextt
ohim.

Me:
"Babe"

Hei
sst
il
lfocusedont
hegamei
nfr
ontofhi
m.

Me:
"Fezi
l
e"

It
ouchedhi
sshoul
derandhel
ooksatme.
Me:
"canwet
alk?"

Henoddedandsi
ghed.

Nt
ambo:
"Sur
e"

Het
urneddownt
het
vvol
umeandt
urnedt
ome.

Me:
"Ihav
ebeenwant
ingt
osayt
hisbutIwasscar
edofhowy
ouwi
l
lfeel
"

Nt
ambo:
"Ihav
esomet
hingt
osayaswel
l
"

Me:
"letmef
ini
sh"

Henods.

Me:"Il
oveyou, inj
ustashortspaceoft
imeIact
ual
l
ylov
ey ou.Ican'
ti
magineali
fewi
thout
youandit
'spret
tyhardbecauseyouhavemademecomfort
ablesomuchinhavi
ngeachother
i
nourli
ves...
..
."

Nt
ambo:
"Idon'
twantt
ogetmar
ri
ed"

Myhear
tski
ppedabeat
.

Me:
"oh"

Il
ookedathi
m.Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay,
Iwasabi
tdi
sappoi
ntedandhear
tbr
oken.

Ntambo:
"Marri
agesarecompli
catedandtheycomewi
thal
otofchanges.Iwantust
ohav
e
ki
dsyesbutmarr
iageIcan'
tdothatwi
thanyone"

Me:
"Oh"

Ikeptqui
et.

Nt
ambo:
"Ar
eyouok?"

Me:
"yeah,
yeahIam ok.Somuch"

Nt
ambo:
"Ok"

Heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Nt
ambo:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Ifai
ntl
ysmil
ed.Ithur
tthathesawmeashi
sbabymaki
ngmachi
neandnot
hingmor
e.Hedi
dn'
t
seeusbeyondthi
sboundary.

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"
Isai
dtohi
m.

*
DINA*

Ihav
eputt
hekidstor
estandIjustgotoutoft
heshower,
Iwalkedoutofthemai
nbat
hroom
andhewassi
tt
ingonthebed.Helif
tedhi
sheadupandputhi
sphoneont hesi
de.

Me:
"Thewar
m wat
erher
eisal
way
smagi
cal
onmyski
n"

Zamani
:"(cl
earhi
sthr
oat)y
eah,
yeah"

Me:
"youar
eok?Needany
thi
ng?"

Zamani
:"Uhm no"

Hesatatt
heedgeoft
hebed.

Me:
"ok,
goodni
ghtt
hen"

Iwal
kedt
owar
dst
hedoorandopenedi
t.

Zamani
:"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?"

Me:
"tosl
eep"

Zamani
:"t
hebedi
sher
e"

Me:
"That
'sy
ourbed."

Zamani
:"Butbaby"

Me:
"ahno.By
eZamani
don'
tdr
eam ofme"

Iwal
kedout
.

Zamani
:"Di
na!
"

Ii
gnor
edhi
m andmademywayt
omybedr
oom.Wecanhav
esomef
unwhi
l
eati
tri
ght
?

*
SESETHU*
Me:
"Iam maki
ngcof
feeshpul
dImakesomef
ory
ou?"

Kau:
"Youar
emaki
ngwhat?"

Me:
"cof
fee!"

Ihear
dthuddi
ngf
oot
stepsandhewasbehi
ndmei
naf
lash.

Kau:
"no.
..
nonocof
feef
ory
ouDrdon'
tyouknowt
hat?"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"Iknowt
hat,
it'
sjustt
ea.Iwaspl
ayi
ngwi
thy
ou"

Kau:
"don'
tdot
hatagai
n"

Inoddedgi
ggl
i
ngandi
fini
shedupandt
urnedt
ohi
m andper
kedhi
sli
ps.

Me:
"canwet
alk?"

Hwhol
dsmywai
st.

Kau:
"sur
e"

Isi
gh

Kau:
"what
'swr
ong?"

Me:
"Wehav
ebeendat
ingf
oramont
hormor
ethant
hatorsor
ight?"

Kau:
"yeah"

Me:
"Whatar
ethechancest
hebabnotbei
ngy
our
s?"

Ibi
tmybot
tom l
i
p.

Kau:
"woahwai
trepeatagai
n."

Me:
"Iam 4weekspr
egnant"

Kau:
"wai
tdi
dyoucheatonme?"

Il
aughedandputmyhandsonhi
sshoul
der

Me:
"nosi
l
lyIwasj
ustt
est
ingy
ou.I
t'
sourbaby"

Kau:
"Iwasgonnahuntt
hatguyandki
l
lhi
mInf
rontofy
ou"
Me:
"that
'st
raumat
ic"

Kau:
"yeahbar
ethati
nmi
nd"

Me:
"youar
enotaki
l
ler"

Kau:
"Iam mul
ti
tal
ent
ed."

Me:
"jackof
fal
ltr
ades"

Kau:
"youknowme"

Hepi
ckedmeupandputmeont
hecount
er,
Ilaughedandweshar
edaki
ss.

Me:
"thet
eawi
l
lbur
nme"

Kau:
"leti
tbur
n"

Me:
"no"

Igotdownf
rom t
hecount
erandhehel
dmef
rom behi
nd.

Kau:
"mett
hisgi
rlatt
hecl
ubbutIdon'
trememberhername"

Ij
oini
n.

Me:
"she'
ssof
ly,
sobeaut
if
ulbutIdon'
trememberhername"

Kau:
"gi
rlwhat
'sy
ourname?"

Me:
"Gi
rlwhat
'sy
ourname?
"

Kau:
"hai
bowhat
'sy
ourname?"

Me:
"Seset
hu"

Kau:"It'
sDrSeset
huMokoena,
Mot
hert
otheMokoenapr
incessorpr
ince.Kau'
sfor
ever
beauti
fulwi
fe"

Me:
"Iam notoneoft
hoseasy
et"

Kau:
"wecanmakei
thappen."

Heki
ssedmyneck.

*
BAHUMI*
Si
sMer
cyhel
dheri
nherar
msasshehascl
osedherey
esandi
sinhersl
umber
.

Mer
cy:
"yousee?Shei
sok"

Me:
"oh,
whatdi
dtheDrsay?"

Mer
cy:
"justami
l
dfev
er"

Me:
"wi
l
lshebeok?"

Mer
cy:
"yesshegotmedi
cat
ion.Shewi
l
lbef
ine"

Inodded.

Mer
cy:
"letusgo"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lsl
eepwi
thher"

Mer
cy:
"ok"

Shel
aidheri
nhercotandgav
emeherl
i
ttl
ebl
anket
.

Mer
cy:
"cal
lmei
fyouar
eint
roubl
e"

Me:
"Iwi
l
l"

Shewal
kedoutoft
hebedr
oom andi
lookedatLesedi
.

"
Howi
sshef
eel
i
ng?"

Hewal
kedi
nfur
ther.

Me:
"shei
sasl
eepnow.Justaf
ever"

Heputhi
sar
m ar
oundmyshoul
derandki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Me:
"Thapel
o"

Thapel
o:"mmmh"

Me:
"what
'st
his?"

Thapel
o:"Idon'
tknow"

Hekeptqui
etsodi
dI.

Me:
"it
'sget
ti
ngcol
d.Letmesl
eep.
Hebentandki
ssedLesedi
onherf
orehead.

Thapel
o:"Daddyl
ovesy
ou"

Ismiled.Het
henst
oodbehi
ndmeandi
pul
l
edmygownt
oget
her
.Hewr
appedhi
sar
ms
aroundmywaist
.

Me:
"Thapel
o"

Heki
ssedmyneckandIcl
osedmyey
es.

Thapel
o:"Humi
"

Me:
"mmmh?
"

Thapel
o:"Il
ovey
ouandt
hanky
ouf
ort
aki
ngcar
eofmeaf
terev
ery
thi
ng"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Hetur
nedmearoundandki
ssedmyl
i
psandIr
espondedt
oit.Hepi
ckedmeupandCar
ri
edme
t
othebedandl
aidmedown.Hewenttol
ockt
hedoorandtur
nthel
i
ghtsof
f.

Me:
"Thapel
o"

Thapel
o:"I
t'
sokHumi
"

Inoddedandweshar edaki
ssagain.Hi shandsroamedaroundmybodyandheunclothedme
bitbybi
twhileki
ssi
ngmeev erywhereandIret
urnedthefav
our.Hegotonmeandki ssedmy
neck.Idi
dn'tknowwheretotouch.Hisever
ywhere,hefi
nal
lyuncl
othedaswel
landhetookhi
s
pantsandtookoutacondom andwor eit
.

Me:
"wher
edi
dyougett
hat?
"

Thapel
o:"wedon'
twantanot
herbabyBahumi
orget
ti
ngdi
seasesf
rom eachot
her"

Inoddedandheworeitandki
ssedmewhilehol
dingmylegsbeforehepenet
rat
esinmeandI
moaned.Itwaspai
nfulatf
ir
stbutwhenhemoveditbecamepleasurabl
eandpainf
ulatt
he
samet i
me.

*
MAMTHOMBENI*
Ikeptonstar
ingi
ntot
heBi
bler
eadi
ngi
t.Smi
sowal
kedi
ntheki
tchenandIcl
osedt
heBi
ble
andhelookedatme.

Smi
so:
",
iam wor
ri
edabouty
ou"

Me:
"don'
tbe"

Smi
so:
"Iwantt
opayl
obol
aaswel
l
.Wher
ecanIpayi
t?"

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
"Idon'
tknowi
fmysonwi
l
lacceptt
his.Hehat
esmar
ri
ageswi
thpassi
on.

Smi
so:
"Iwi
l
ljustpayl
obol
athen"

Me:
"wear
eol
dfort
hat"

Smi
so:
"it
'
sst
il
ltr
adi
ti
on"

Me:
"okt
hen"

Heper
kedmyl
i
ps.

Smi
so:
"Iwast
hinki
ng"

Me:
"yes"

Smi
so:
"howaboutwehav
easur
rogat
e"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"youwantababy?"

Henodded.

Me:
"oh"

Smi
so:
"justone"

Me:
"weneedt
osi
tthatonedowncl
ear
ly"

Smi
so:
"it
'
sok.Let
'sgot
obed"

Me:
"ok"

Heswit
chedoffthel
ight
sandhel
dmyhandandwewalkedout
.Wear eol
dforababy
.That
Unat
hiandFezi
lewit
hQamowi l
lbel
i
kei
t'
sparent
sbutwewil
lseehowitt
urnsout
.
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t51

Iturnedmyheadandl ookedathim whi lehewassl eeppeacefull

y,Idowakeupatni ghtandjust
takeamomentt olookathim, scaredt hatthi
smi ghtal
lbeadr eam andi am backinjail
.Iam
happyandcont entwithhowmyl i
feislikeatthe!moment .I
t'
sfil
ledwithsomuchpeaceand
assur anceofitlast
ing.Fearsdocr eepi nbutit
'snotasbad. Iki sshi
sper keduplipsandr un
myf ingersonhi schest.Hisphoner ingsbymybedsi deandi t
akeit,t
hecl ocksays0:45l at
eat
nightandi t
'sseemsl i
keani mportantunknownnumber .It r
yt owakehi m up.

Me:
"babywakeup"

Heisconsumedi
nhi
ssl
eep.I
tst
opsandIl
ookati
tandi
tri
ngsonceagai
n.Il
ookathi
m andI
answer
.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"

Guy:
"Hel
l
osi
ster
r,pl
easet
ell
Ta'
Raz
ort
hatt
heChi
sany
amai
sbur
ning"

Me:
"What?"

Guy:
"yes"

Me:
"ok,
wear
eonourway"

Ihungupspr
ingi
ngoutoft
hebedandsl
apr
azorl
i
ght
lyandhegr
oans.

Me:
"wehav
etogo"

Razor:
"geti
nbedUnat
hi"

Iopent
hewar
drobeandt
akeoutsweat
sforusandhoodi
es.

Me:
"Li
ndani
manVuka!I
chi
sany
amai
yasha(l
i
ndani
wakeup!TheChi
sany
amai
sbur
ning)
"
Herol
l
edov er
.Ipul
l
edhi
m andhel
dhi
sfacesl
appi
ngi
tabi
t.I
t'
sli
kehewasdr
uggedor
somet
hing.

Me:
"babyt
heChi
sany
amai
sbur
ningcomel
et'
sgo"

Ipul
lhi
m out.

Razor:
"wai
twhat?"

Ithr
ewclot
hesf
orhim andherubbedhi
sey
esandgotdressed.Iwasdonei
nnotime,hegot
donetooandwerushedout,hewasdownthest
reetwhi
l
eIwasl ocki
ngandwentaf
terhi
m.

*
BAHUMI*

Isi
ghedandtur
nedmyheadtohi
m andhekissedmycheekwhil
erunni
nghi
sfi
ngersonmy
nakedbody
.Ipull
edhecov
ertocov
erusyethisar
mscov er
edpart
sofmynakedness.

Thapel
o:"Humi
"

Me:
"Mmmh?"

Thapel
o:"t
rustme"

Me:
"It
rusty
ou"

Thapel
o:"Doy
our
eal
l
y?"

Me:
"Iam scar
ed"

Thapel
o:"don'
tbe"

Heget
sonme.

Thapel
o:"Il
ovey
ou"

Hel
ooksmei
ntheey
es.

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Weshar
eaki
ssandIcl
osemyey
essav
our
ingev
ery
thi
ng.

.
*
KHENSANI*

Icouldn'tsleep.Aftertryi
ngt oactokIwasn'toktobehonest.Iwenttothebathroom andcri
ed
my self
.Il oveFezil
eal otbutitseemslikeverymanthatIam wi
thdoesn'tseet
hev alueofwhoI
am.May beIam nott hatvaluableandjustsomepawnmencanuse. isobbedwhilepull
i
ngmy
feettogetherast hecol dbathroom t
il
esmakecont actwi
thmyfeet. Iwipemyt earsbutthey
keeponf all
ing.Attimesl i
ketheseIwishmymot herwasathepersonshewasandIwoul dbe
confusingi nheratthismoment .

Knockknock!

"
Khenar
eyouok?"

Iwi
pemyt
ear
.

Me:
"iam f
ine.Per
iodPai
ns"

Nt
ambo:
"Ihav
epai
nki
l
ler
ssomewher
ecome"

Me:
"Iam f
ine"

Nt
ambo:
"comeoutManamour"

Ist
oodupf
rom t
hef
loorandIwentt
othedoorandIopenedi
tandheengul
fedmei
nahug.

Nt
ambo:
"Il
ovey
ouok?"

Inoddedwhi
l
esobbi
ngonhi
schest
.

Nt
ambo:
"Iam sor
ryi
fIhur
tyourf
eel
i
ng"

Ikeptonsni
ff
ingandcr
ying.

*
UNATHI*

Wefi
nall
yreachedt
heChisanyamaandFirefi
ghter
swer enowher
etr
yingt
oputoutt
hefi
re,i
t
wasshatt
eri
ngandhear
tbreakingasever
ythi
ngbrokedownandwentupinfl
ames,ever
yone
waswatchi
ng.Razortr
iedtogot hr
oughbuttheystoppedhi
m.

Razor
:"t
hat
'smypl
aceIneedt
obei
nther
e"
Guy:
"Iam sor
rysi
ryoucanpasst
hrough"

Razor:
"myhar
dwor
k,t
hat
'smyhar
dwor
k!"

I
twashear
tbr
eaki
ngseei
nghi
mli
ket
hat"

Me:
"babycome"

Razor:
"Unat
hi"

Itookhishandaspeopl
eingownsandsomecar
swerear
ound.Watchi
ngasthef
ir
ewasbei
ng
putout.Wewenttoadar kspotwhi
l
ewecoul
dseeev
eryt
hingandIhuggedhi
m.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Ihuggedhi
m andheret
urnedi
tti
ght
erandIcoul
dfeel
myneckget
ti
ngwet
.If
eltemot
ional
as
wellandt
earsr
oll
eddown.

Me:
"Iam sor
rybaby
.Iam r
eal
l
y"

Hesni
ff
ed. Ihel
dhi
m.

Me:
"Iam her
efory
ou. Wear
eint
hist
oget
her"

Hedi
dn'tl
etmego,ift
hesaloncoul
dgoupinfl
amesIknowitwil
lberepl
acedqui
ckl
ybutf
or
hi
m,it
'snott
hateasyforhi
m.Thisishi
sbabythat
'snowi
nflames.

Me:
"Shhh"

Irubbedhi
sback.Hedidn'
tremov
ehi
sheadf
rom t
hecr
ackofmyneckandi
twaswetbutdi
dn'
t
care.Ineedt
obest r
ongforhim.

*
MAMTHOMBENI
*

Me:
"Si
si"

Iwalkeduptoherasshest
oodupfr
om thegreengrassandmadeherwaytome.Shesmiled
herbeauti
ful
smil
e.Shehasal
waysbeenbeauti
ful
thanme, most
lyout
sideshi
nedheri
nsi
de
butshewasamazing.

Her:
"Mnt
akaMah(Mymot
her
'schi
l
d)"
WegohandsandIcanf
eel
her
.Weshar
eabr
iefhugandIsmi
l
e.

Me:
"uy
angi
hlupha(y
ouar
ebot
her
ingme)
"

Her:
"ngi
kul
ethel
ainhl
anhl
aezi
zoj
abul
i
saezi
ntsi
zi
ni(Iam br
ingi
ngl
uckt
hatwi
l
lbr
ingj
oyaf
ter
t
hepain)
"

Me:
"Usekahl
e?(Ar
eyouok?)
"

Shenods.

Her:
"umzukul
uuphi
wenguj
ehov
a,mnakekel
eumboni
se(Anel
eisgi
ft
edbyGod,
gui
dehi
m)"

Me:
"whenhei
sol
der"

Shenodded.

Me:
"Li
ndani
"

Her:
"ohSanal
wam ,
ngi
thokozi
l
engay
e(mybaby,
Iam happybecauseofhi
m)"

Me:
"al
lofus"

Her:
"Ihav
etogo.Yourchi
l
disgoi
ngt
ocome"

Me:
"thr
oughme?"

Shenodded.

Her:
"Genesi
s18:
10-
14"

Me:
"What?"

Her:
"ist
her
eany
thi
ngt
oohar
dfort
heLor
d?"

Me:
"no"

Her
:"hegi
vesandt
akes"

SheturnedandIwasshakenoutofmysl
eep.Iopenedmyey
esandSmi
sohadawor
ri
edl
ook.
Thesidelampwason.

Me:
"Iam ok"

Smi
so:
"yousai
dsomeGenesi
sver
se"

Me:
"Iam ok"

Henoddedandper
kedmyf
oreheadandwel
aidbacki
nbed.
.

*
RAZOR*

Isighandlaybackonthecouch,If
eel
angryandwantt
ogooutther
eandfi
ndtheperson
responsi
bleforal
loft
hisatt
hismoment.Theyhav
ecrossedt
hewrongper
sonthi
sround.

Nt
ambo:
"Thi
sisf
uckedup"

Kau:
"ver
ybad"

Isi
gh.If
eel
def
eat
ed.Ist
andup.

Unat
hi:
"Li
ndani
"

Iwal
kout
sideandsher
unsaf
termeasIopent
hedoort
omycar
.

Unat
hi:
"cal
m down.Don'
tdr
ivei
nast
atel
i
ket
his"

Me:
"Unat
himov
e"

Unat
hi:
"Iknowy
ouar
eangr
y,weal
lar
eandwantt
heper
sonbehi
ndt
his."

Me:
"Iwor
kedhar
dfort
hatpl
ace,
Isweat
edf
ori
t!"

Unat
hi:
"Wecanr
ebui
l
dev
ery
thi
ngagai
n"

Me:"youdon'
tunderst
and. It
'smorethanjustapl
ace.I
twassomethingi
mpor
tant,
somethi
ngIbuil
tformykidssotheywouldnevergotosl
eephungr
yli
keIdi
d!Don'
tyou
under
stand?"

Shest
eppedcl
oserandwr
appedherhandsar
oundmeandIbangedmyf
istont
hecardoor
.

Me:
"Fuck!"

Unat
hi:
"Iunder
stand.Iam sor
ry"

Mybodywasshaki
ng.Iwastr
yingt
opr eventmy
sel
ffr
om f
eel
i
nganyemot
ionespeci
all
y
l
ett
ingt
ear
srundownbutt
heydidontheirown.

Unat
hi:
"Iam sor
ry"

.
.

*
SESETHU*

I
t'smorni
ngandIam notgoingt owor ktoday,Iam havi
ngadayof f.Ijustv
omi tedmywhol e
foodoutsoImadeaheal t
hyshaket hatIcandownt oday.Ichangedintomyspor tcl
othesand
tookamatandi seti
tupont heoutsidegrassatthebackandIsatdownandcl osedmyey es.I
didsomebreatheinandoutsjustt
ocal m down.Thi sbabyisunsettl
i
ngandi t
'sonlyafetus.I
rubmyf l
atst
omachwhi l
ehav i
ngmyey esclosed.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t52

*
WENDY*

iwal
kedi
nsi
detheki
tchenandMom i
shavi
ngsometeawhi
l
eleani
ngbyt
heopenki
tchendoor
.
Shei
swil
dtandImonitorhermov
ementofwhi
chi
ssti
ll
.

Me:
"MahUr
ight?(Maar
eyouok?)
"

Shesi
ghsandt
urnst
ome.

Mom :
"yazi
senguzwei
ndabaezi
buhl
ungu(Ihav
ejusthear
dofsomebadnews)
"

Me:
"what?"

Mom :
"umngani
wakhol
owaushi
sel
wei
stol
osakhe(y
ourf
ri
end'
spl
acehasbeenbur
nt.)"

Me:
"awuShame,
amabhadi
(badl
uck)
"
Mom :
"ey
i,l
etmemakesomef
oodt
hengot
ochur
ch."

Me:
"ok"

Ist
eppedasi
deandkeyhert
hroughandst
oodt
her
e.

Me:
"(mumbl
i
ng)Idon'
tcar
eabouthi
sst
upi
dpl
ace."

*
MERCY*

Iy
awnedandmyeyel
i
dsweref
eel
i
ngv
eryheav
y.Sandi
l
ewasuponhi
sfeetal
readyr
eadyt
o
makehi
swayoutt
owork.

Sandi
l
e:"
arey
ouok?"

Me:
"mybodyf
eel
sti
red."

Hecameandki
ssedmyf
oreheadandl
ookedatme.

Sandi
l
e:"Iwi
l
lcomeandcheckony
ou"

Me:
"Iam notsi
ck"

Sandi
l
e:"Mom i
nvi
tedusf
ordi
nner"

Me:
"oht
hat
'sni
ce"

Ihat
ethesedi
nner
sonl
ybecauseofhi
sfat
her
.Heper
kedmyl
i
psandf
orehead.

Me:
tel
lBahumi
todr
opLesedi
her
e"

Sandi
l
e:"Theyar
enotgoi
ngt
oschool
"

Me:
"ohok"

Sandi
l
e:"Ihav
etogo"

Inoddedandwalkedout
.Igotofft
hebedandwenttothebat
hroom t
obrushmyt eet
hAnd
washmyf acebefor
eIwentoutofmybedr
oom andwenttoBahumi'
sroom andIknocked.

Me:
"Bahumi
"

Thedooropenedandsheopenedt
hedoorandIcoul
dhearLesedi
cry
ing. Il
ookedar
oundand
Thapel
owasholdingher
.
Me:
"goodmor
ning"

Thapel
o:"Mor
ning"

Me:
",,
didy
ousl
eepher
e?"

Thapel
o:"l
esedi
wascr
yingt
hewhol
eni
ghtdoBahumi
cal
l
edme."

Idon'
tthi
nkIl
i
ket
hat
.Il
ookedatBahumi
whowasav
oidi
ngey
econt
act
.

Me:
"ohok.Br
ingherher
e"

Hegav
ethebabyt
ome.

Me:
'heybabygi
rl
.Her
eismommy"

Shest
art
edt
oset
tl
e.

Me:
"Iwi
l
lbat
hher"

TheynoddedandIwal
kedoutwi
thhert
omybedr
oom.

*
BAHUMI*

WhenSi
sMercywasinthebedroom Iwasholdi
ngmybr eat
handfeltgui
l
tyaswel
l
.Thapel
o
canl
i
ethr
oughhi
steeth,shetookLesediandwalkedoutandIcl
osedthedoor
.

Me:
"OhmyGodwewer
eal
mostcaughtout"

Thapel
o:"r
elax"

Me:
"Ican'
t"

HecMet
omeandhel
dmyhands.

Thapel
o:"r
elaxHumi
"

Inoddedandheki
ssedmeandIr
esponded.

Thapel
o:"Iam happyy
ouar
eher
e"

Me:
"met
oo"

Thapel
o:"Di
dIhur
tyou?"
Me:
"no,
itwasni
ce"

Hesmi
l
ed.

Thapel
o:"Iwi
l
lrepl
acet
hatbadmemor
y"

Ismi
l
edandhehel
dmybut
tandki
ssedme.Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
"Thapel
ost
op"

Thapel
o:"
justal
i
ttl
ebi
tofl
ove"

Me:
"whatdoweknowaboutl
ove?"

Thapel
o:"Wel
ear
nabouti
t"

Inoddedhel
edmet ot
hebedandl
aidmeoni
tandki
ssedmeandIr
esponded.Mybody
rel
axedashetouchedme.

*
UNATHI*

wewentbackt
otheChisanyamaanditwasdestr
oyed.Whoeverdi
dthiswasonami
ssi
on.He
cr
oucheddownandhel
dt hepi
ecesofbr
okebott
legl
assesandIlookedathi
m.

Nt
ambo:
"Wewi
l
lfi
ndt
hem "

Kau:
"Yeah"

Razorwasqui
et.Hel
etgooft
hegl
assandst
oodup.

Razor:
"Iwi
l
lbeathome."

Me:
"Iwi
l
ldr
ivey
ou"

Hej
ustnodded.Hef
eel
sdr
ainedatt
hesamet
ime.

Me:
"Wewi
l
lgeti
tupandr
unni
ngagai
n"

HenoddedAndIt ookhishand.Ntamboki
ckedt
hedi
rtandweal
lwal
kedof
f.Peopl
eweresti
l
l
l
ookingandwatchinghowdestr
oyedever
ythi
ngi
s,whywoul
dsomeonedot
hist
oanyoneel
se?
Ij
ustdon'
tunderstand.

.
.

*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Me:
"Hawuy
ini
lehungi
tshel
aYona(whatar
eyout
ell
i
ngme?)
"

Fezi
l
e:"wear
einv
est
igat
ing"

Me:
"Iam comi
ngt
her
e"

Fezi
l
e:"comeaf
ter3hour
s.Lethi
m cool
down"

Me:
"Iam hear
tshat
ter
ed."

Fezi
l
e:"Ihav
etogo"

Me:
ok"

Ihungupont
hephonecal
landsi
ghed.OhLi
ndani
shame.

Smi
so:
"what
swr
ong?"

Hewal
kedi
nsi
det
heki
tchen.

Me:
"Li
ndani
'
sbusi
nessgotbur
ntl
astni
ght"

Smi
so:
"oh"

Me:
"Ihav
etoseehi
m andUnat
hi"

Smi
so:
"Iwi
l
lcomewi
thy
ou"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Heki
ssedmycheek

Smi
so:
"Iam i
nsear
chofasur
rogat
e"

Me:
"ok"

Smi
so:
"Ihopey
ouar
eok"

Me:
"Iam f
inewi
thi
t"

Ismi
l
edandwentt
othef
ri
dget
otakeoutt
hei
ngr
edi
ent
s

.
.

*
SESETHU*

myheadwast hrobbingasIhaveaspli
tti
ngheadache.Iendeduppay i
ngonthemat.Icl
osed
myey estryi
ngtorestbutitwasn'twor
king.Iheldmystomachasmynosest ar
tedt
obe
runni
ngincreasi
ngt heheadacheaswelli t
ouchedmynoseandbl oodwascomingout.Ist
ood
upandr ushedinsi
deandgoat oweldi
ppedincoldwaterandIl
aidonthecouchasthe
headachekeptonhi tti
ngal
langles.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t53

Me:
"Imadef
oodf
ory
ou"

Hesatupfrom t
hebed.Hehasbeenqui
etforsometimeandIaswell
don'tknowwhatt
odo
any
mor ej
usttocomforthi
m.Iplacedt
hefoodinf
rontofhi
m andhej
ustshakeshi
sheadandI
moveitawayandgetinnextt
ohi
m andlayhi
sheadonmychest.

Me:
"It
'sgoi
ngt
obeok"

Razor:
"Ineedt
ofi
ndoutwhodi
dthi
s"

Me:
"andy
ouwi
l
ldon'
twor
ry"

Hewassi
l
enceagai
nandi
twascomf
ort
abl
esi
l
ence.

Me:
"Anel
eiscomi
ngt
odaywi
thLet
ho"

Razor:
"Icoul
duseseei
ngmybabi
es"
Me:
"yourbabi
es?Whataboutme?"

Razor:
"oky
ouar
eal
somybaby"

Me:
"andnev
ermaket
hatmi
stakeMshi
ka"

Iper
kedhi
sli
ps.

Razor:
"comeagai
n"

Igi
ggl
edandki
ssedhi
minst
ead.

"
Mom i
sher
e!"

Me:
"Fezi
l
ehasnot
imi
ng"

Razor:
"atal
l"

Welaughedandgotof
fthebed.It
ookt
hef
oodandwewal
kedout
.Mar
ant
oRazorand
huggedhi
m bef
orepul
li
ngaway.

Ma:
"ohsuchbadl
uck.Iam gl
ady
ouar
eok"

Razor:
"yeahaunt
y"

Me:
"letmegomakesomej
uice"

Theyal
lsatdown.

Kau:
"Il
eftSeset
hual
one"

Nt
ambo:
"Iwi
l
lcal
lKhensani
"

Kau:
"Mr
sNgomane"

Me:
"by
eKau,
greetSet
huf
orme"

Kau:
"Iwi
l
l"

Hewalkedout
.Iwenttotheki
tchenandIwenttothefr
idgeandtookt
heal
readymadej
uice
andt
ookoutthegl
assesandbiscui
tsaswel
lforthem t
obeservedwel
l.

*
MERCY*
Phi
l
a:"Il
i
ket
hey
ell
owone"

Iswit
chthelol
li
popsandgavehi
mtheyel
lowoneandherushedoffandIputt
her
estawayand
wentbacktothestov
etocook.Myphonerangandi
twasAndiswa.Itur
neddownthest
ove
befor
eanswering.

Me:
"myhotbunny"

Andi
swa:
"howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"Iam good,
(si
gh)f
ull
house"

Andi
swa:
"youri
nlawsv
isi
ti
ng?"

Me:
"ohhel
lno.I
t'
sThapel
o"

Andi
swa:
"ohIhav
emi
ssedhi
m,Iam sur
ehei
sgr
own"

Me:
"toogr
own.Iam anaunt"

Andi
swa:
"wear
eaunt
ies?"

Me:"yeah.I
t'
spai
nful
stor
y,wi
l
ltel
lyouonedaybef
orehewal
ksi
nandsay
sIam spi
l
li
nghi
s
busi
ness"

Andi
swa:
"takehi
mtocounci
l
ing.I
tgoesal
ongway"

Me:
"howar
eyou,
yourl
i
fe?
"

Andi
swa:
"Iam good.Not
hingi
sint
erest
ing"

Me:
"ther
ehast
obesomet
hing.Howi
sthel
i
ttl
ebun?
"

Shewassi
l
ent
.

Me:
"Andi
swa?
"

Andi
swa:
"Iam notpr
egnantany
mor
e"

Me:
"ohIam sor
ryhoney,
youwi
l
lhav
emor
eki
ds."

Andi
swa:
Idon'
twantanymor
eabor
ti
ons"

Me:
"Andi
swawhywoul
dyouabor
tachi
l
d?Why?"

Andi
swa:
"itwasn'
tmychoi
ce,
itwasNt
ethel
eloandt
heDrsai
difIkeept
hebabyIwon'
tmake
i
t"

Me:
"oh,
Iam sor
ry"
Andi
swa:
"yeah,
Iam r
emov
ingmywomb"

Me:
"itcan'
tber
epai
red?"

Andi
swa:
"no."

Me:
"ohIsee"

Andi
swa:
"any
wayIwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater"

Me;
"ok,
Ilov
eyou"

Andi
swa:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"

WehungupandIputmyphoneont
hecount
erandcar
ri
edoncooki
ng.Iam wor
ri
edabout
Andi
swaal
otaswell
.

*
SESETHU*

It
ri
edopeni
ngmyey esandtheywerealit
tl
eblur
ry.Thebl
oodhasstoppedbuttheheadache
wasther
est
il
l.It
ri
edtositandifhurt
s.Icoul
dhearthecarpar
kingfr
om theoutsi
deandI
cl
osemyeyesandsoonafterthedooropens

Kau:
"sor
ryIl
eftear
ly.
..
."

Hest
oppedt
alki
ngandcamecl
oser
.

Kau:
"Skat"

Iopenedmyey
esandhecr
ouchedI
nfr
ontofme.

Kau:
"whathappened,
whyi
syourt
opbl
oody?"

Me:
"mynosewasbl
eedi
ng"

Kau:
"let
'st
akey
out
ogetDr"

Me:
"noIf
eel
bet
ter"

Kau:
"ify
ousayso"

InoddedAndheki
ssedme.

Me:
"howar
ethey?"
Kau:
"wear
eal
lj
ust,
weneedt
ofi
ndt
hecul
pri
t"

Me:
"tr
ue.I
twi
l
lwor
kout"

Heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t54

*
SESETHU*

Ibat
hedmybodyandIwasn'
tfeel
i
ngok.If
eltdrai
nedatt
hatmoment,
Igotoutoft
hebat
htub
andIwrappedat
owel
aroundmeandKauwasl ayi
ngonthebed.

Me:
"cany
ougetmyphone?
"

Kau:
"Iam wor
ri
ed."

Me:
"canIgetmyphone?"

Hetookmyphonef
rom t
hedr
esserandhegav
eitt
ome.Isatont
hebedandIcal
l
ed
Si
yamthanda.

Si
ya:
"Babesy
ouok?"

Me:
"wher
ear
eyou?"

Si
ya:
"att
hehospi
tal
"

Me:
"Pl
easesendanambul
ance,I
..
.Iam notf
eel
i
ngwel
l
."

Si
ya:
"ok.Iwi
l
l"
Me:
"thanky
ou"

Ihungupandt
urnedt
oKau.

Me:
"anambul
ancei
scomi
ng"

Kau:
"Wi
l
litar
ri
veont
ime?"

Me:
"itwi
l
l"

Kau:
"let
'sgety
oudr
essed."

Me:
"Iam j
ustdoi
ngt
hist
oeasey
ourmi
nd"

Kau:
"thanky
ou"

Hegotof
fthebedandIt
ouchedmynoseandIwasbl
eedi
ng.Il
aidbackont
hebedandl
ooked
att
hecei
li
ng.

Kau:
"comel
et'
sgety
oudr
essed."

Isatupandbl
oodrandownmynose,hestoodupandwentt
othebat
hroom andcameback
withawetcol
dtowelandputi
tonmyfor
ehead.Helai
dmedownandgotmedr essedwhi
le
l
ayingther
e.Icl
osemyey es.

Kau:
"Don'
tcl
osey
ourey
es."

Me:
"iwon'
t"

Heki
ssedmyf
oreheadashecar
ri
edondr
essi
ngmeup.

*
KAU*

Iam worri
edaboutSeset
hu, Iam tryi
ngtotopanicj
ustt
okeephercal
m andnotstr
essedbutI
am st
ressi
ng.Ihopesomet hingisfoundandwecan'tbegoi
ngthr
oughalloft
hesethi
ngsat
once.Shei sgoi
ngtobefine.Ijustconcl
udedthat.

Me:
"Set
hu"

Shegr
oaned.Isi
ghedofr
eli
efandIhear
dtheambul
ance.

Me:
"theyar
eher
ebaby"
Shewassi l
ent.Iwentdownt hestai
rsandwentt oopenthedoorandthepar
amedi csgotoutof
theambulancewiththestr
etcher
.Idirectedthem i
nsi
deandt heywal
kedupthestair
sand
carri
edherdownandl ai
dheront hestret
cherandweallwalkedout.Myhear
tisthudding
painful
l
yagainstmychest.Ihol
dherhandaswemov e.

Me:
"openy
ourey
es"

Shedi
dbef
oreshecl
osedt
hem. Iwasmor
ewor
ri
ednow.

*
THABI
SA*

Ir
emembercl
osi
ngmybedr
oom wi
ndowyetIfeelcol
d.Iopenedmyeyesandthecur
tai
nis
movi
ngar
oundasthewi
ndbl
ew.Ihear
dacr ocki
ngsound,andapar
tofmefrozeonthespot
.

"Youknowwhaty
ougetf
ormessi
ngwi
thme"

Isatup.

Razor:
"Iam notKau,
wher
eisWendy?"

Me:
"idon'
tknow"

Heshotmypi
l
lowandIj
umped.

Razor:
"Youwi
l
lpayf
orhersi
ns,
ify
oudon'
ttal
k"

Me:
"Idon'
tknowr
eal
l
y"

Razor
:"y
ouknowwhatshedi
d?"

Ishookmyhead.

Razor:
"shebur
nedmyhar
dwor
kandt
houghtshecoul
dgetawaywi
thi
t"

Me:
"Iam sor
ry.I
..
..
"

Razor:
"sor
rywon'
tbr
ingi
tback"

Ikeptqui
et.Razordoesn'
tbl
uffandpl
ay.

Razor
:"Iam gonnaaskonel
astt
ime."

Ne:
"pl
easeIdon'
tknow.Ir
eal
l
ydon'
tknow."
Razor:
"fuck!"

Heshotmywal
landi
almostpeedonmy
sel
f.Hekeepsshoot
ingnearme.Myhear
tisbeat
ing
f
ast.

Razor:
"Iam keepi
ngmyey
eony
ou"

Inoddedandhewal
kedoutthefrontdoor.Il
etoutaheavysighandt
ookmyphoneandtri
ed
cal
li
ngWendybutnot
hing.Whywoul dshedot hat?Sheknowswhatrazori
scapabl
eof
fand
putt
ingmeinthemi
ddleofhershit!

Me:
"damni
tWendy!"

*
KAU*

Wereachedt
hehospi
talandgotout
.Theymovedherinsi
deandshewassi
l
entandt
hat
wor
ri
esmemor e,herfr
iendcametousandshecheckedherhear
tbeat
.

Si
ya:
"let
'sgetheri
ntoawar
d.Pl
easest
ayher
e"

Shesai
dlookingatmebefor
ewalki
ngof
f.If
eltannoy
edbutIhadt
oobey.If
eel
def
eat
edat
thi
spoi
nt,Iam j
usthopi
ngshei
sok.

*
KHENSANI*

Iwasr eadingsuchav eryint

erestingbook.I t'
scal l
TheLov el
ybones, Ihavejuststart
editan
i
t'squietinteresting.Iam alsot r
yingt opasstimeandst ar
tgetti
ngintothehabbi tofr
eading.
Thebooki sabouta14y earoldgir lwhowasr apedandmur deredbyherneighbourandi snow
sharingherheav enlyeventsthroughwhi lewat chingherfamil
ycar r
yonwi t
hlifeandalsothe
i
nv esti
gationsoff i
ndi
ngherbody. .Iwonderifheav enhasally
ourdesiresjustli
kehowi t
'slai
d
outhere.May benot,thedooropensandhewal ksinholdi
ngaplasticandhesi ghs.Icarr
yon
readinginsi l
enceandonl ythekitchenl i
ghtisonandi tal
socanlightuptowher eIam .Hegoes
andput sthepl asti
cawayasIwat chhimt hent urnbacktomybook.

Nt
ambo:
"whatal
ongday"
Hesi
tsnextt
omeandIam consumi
ngmy
sel
fint
hesebi
gwor
dsi
nfr
ontofme.

Nt
ambo:
"Howwasy
ourday?"

Me:
"itwasok"

Ihav
en'
tl
if
tedmyey
esof
fthebook.

Nt
ambo:
"Am Inotget
ti
ngaki
ss?
"

Il
ookathi
m andki
sshi
scheek.

Nt
ambo:
"whatar
eyour
eadi
ng?"

Ishowhi
mthet
it
le.

Nt
ambo:
"isi
tni
ce?"

Me:
"yeah"

Ipaget
othenextpage.

Nt
ambo:
"whyengat
hiawungi
shay
isi
(whyi
sitl
i
keIam i
rr
it
ati
ngy
ou?)
"

Me:
"youar
enot"

Nt
ambo:
"Ngi
bhekemangi
ri
nganaweKhensani
(lookatmewhenIt
alkt
oyou)
"

Hesnt
achedt
hebookf
rom myhandsandcl
osedi
t.

Me:
"Iam st
il
lreadi
ng"

Nt
ambo:
"tal
ktome,
youhav
ebeenv
erysourl
atel
y"

Me:
"youar
eseei
ngt
hings"

Nt
ambo:
"am I?"

Me:
"may
bey
ouar
enot"

Igotof
fthecouchandhepul
l
edmet
ohi
m.

Nt
ambo:
"sowear
egonnahav
east
upi
dfi
ght?"

Me:
"it
'snotst
upi
dwheny
ouseemeasababypr
oduci
ngmachi
ne"

Nt
ambo:
"Inev
ersai
dyouwer
e"

Me:
"noti
nmanywor
dsbuty
oudi
d!Iam nott
hatFezi
l
eIam mor
ethant
hat"
Ntambo:"whyareyoushout
ing?Wearetal
kingher
eandjustbecauseIwantust
ohav
eki
ds
t
ogetherdoesn'
tmeanyouarebabypr
oduci
ngmachine"

Me:
"let
'sj
ustl
eav
eit"

Nt
ambo:
"nowear
enot,
ent
lekuf
unani
Kimi
khensani
(whatdoy
ouwantexact
lykhensani
?)"

Me:
"not
hing."

Iy
ankedmyar
mfr
om hi
sgr
ipandhehel
dmewi
tht
heot
herhand.

Nt
ambo:
"si
ngaxhabani
(let
'snotst
eponeachot
her)
"

Me:
"Iwantt
ogoandl
i
edown"

Nt
ambo:
"don'
ttestmeKhensani
"

Ikeptqui
et"

Nt
ambo:
"wher
ear
eyouget
ti
ngt
hisbabymaki
ngmachi
nenonsensef
rom huh?"

Me:
"whydon'
tyouev
erwantt
ogetmar
ri
ed?
"

Nt
ambo:
"Ij
ustdon'
tev
erwantt
odot
hat"

Inoddedwi
tht
ear
spr
ickl
i
ngmyey
es.

Me:
"Il
ovey
oubutIcan'
tcompr
omi
set
hat"

Nt
ambo:
"whatar
eyousay
ing?"

Me:
"Ineedt
oli
edown.Goodni
ght"

Iwal
kedof
f

*
NTAMBO*

Idon'
tunder
stand.Wejustscr
eamedandshoutedateachotherandst
il
lIdon'
tseewher
eor
whywewer efi
ghti
ng.Isi
ghedandsatonthecouchtaki
ngoutmyphoneandcal l
ingmom.She
i
sawomanandshe! i
ghtunder
standwhyKhensani
isbehavi
ngt hi
sway.Sheanswered.

Mom :
"Fezi
l
ear
eyouok?"

Me:
"yesandnoIam notget
ti
ngar
rest
ed."
Shesi
ghedofr
eli
ef.

Mom :
"what
swr
ong?
"

Me:
"(si
gh)
it
skhensani
"

Mom :
"whathappened?"

Me:
"shehasn'tbeenher
sel
flat
elyandt
odayIwast
ryi
ngt
ofi
ndoutwhati
sthepr
obl
em andI
f
eel
li
keshejustdumpedme."

Mom :
"whatdi
dshesay?"

Me:
"wesai
dal
otf
rom mar
ri
aget
ohersay
ingshecan'
tcompr
omi
set
hat
."

Mom :
"youwantt
ogetmar
ri
edandshedoesn'
t"

Me:
"no,
Idon'
twantt
ogetmar
ri
ed"

Mom :
"whyar
eyoust
il
lwi
thher?"

Me:
"Il
ovehersomuch"

Mom :
"thenwhat
'st
hepr
obl
em ?Whydon'
tyouwantt
ogetmar
ri
ed?"

Me:
"mar
ri
agechangespeopl
e"

Mom :
"whot
oldy
out
hat?"

Me:
"it
'swhatIsaw"

Shesi
ghed.

Mom :"khensani
wantstogetmarri
edbutyoudon't
.Shecan'
tcompromisebei
ngasiti
nbaby
mamaf otyouforherwhol
eli
fe.Bei
ngyourgi
rl
fr
iendforal
lofherl
i
fe.ShewanttobeMrs
someoneaswel l"

Me:
"butmah"

Mom :
"youknowbet
terFezi
l
e.Tal
ktoherabouty
ourf
ear
s.Shei
syourpar
tner"

Ikeptqui
et.

Mom :
"youhearme?"

Me:
"yeah"

Mom :
"good.Goodni
ght"

Me:
"goodni
ght"
ShehungupandIsi
ghed.Ist
oodupandwal
kedt
othesecondbedr
oom andi
knockedont
he
door
.

Me:
Khen"

Shewassi
l
ent
.

Me:
"Khensani
openupandl
et'
stal
kbaby"

St
il
lnot
hing.Isi
ghedl
eani
ngagai
nstt
hedoor
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t55

*
KAU*

Iwasst
il
lroot
edonthecouchi
nthesi
tt
ingr
oom.Ist
andupandoav
eupanddownand
Set
hu'
sfri
endwalksi
nandmakeswaytomeandir
ushtoher
.

Me:
"Howi
sshe?"

Si
ya:
"shewi
l
lbef
ine"

Me:
"fi
ne?What?"

Siy
a: "Headachesandcasesofepist
axis,ornosebl
eeds,arecommon.Nosebleedsoccurduet
o
burstorbrokenbloodv
esselsinthenose.Hav i
ngaheadacheandanosebleedcanbeasi gnof
ami norissue,
suchashayfever,
orsomet hingmoresevere,suchasanemi
a,oralowredblood
cel
l count.
"
Isatdown.

Si
ya:"shemayfindi
thar
dertobr eat
heduringherpregnancy
.Thi
sisbecausethel
ini
ngofher
noseandnasal
passagegetsmor eblood.Theincr
easedamountofbloodtothesmallv
essel
s
i
nhernosecancausenosebleeds."

Me:
"soy
ouar
esay
ingshemi
ghtdi
e?"

Si
ya:
"No.That
snotwhati
am say
ing."

Me:
"thenwhati
sit?"

Siy
a: "sheisjustexperi
enci
nghor monalchanges,ithappensespecial
l
yduri
ngthefir
st
tr
imest er
.Thiscanalsocauseheadaches.A doctorisneededift
heheadachesaresever
eand
don’tgoway .Thismaybeasi gnofpreecl
ampsia,orhighbloodpressur
eandorgandamage.i
n
yourcasey oubroughtherontime."

Me:
"canIseeher?"

Si
ya:
"Yesy
oucancome"

Ist
oodupandf
oll
owedaf
terhert
ogoandseeSet
hu.

*
UNATHI*

Iwassi t
tingonthecouchwai t
ingf orhi
mt oarr
ivefrom whereeverhewentto.Ihavel owered
thetvvolumeandt uckedmy selfunderasmal l
fleecedri
nki
ngsomewar mlemonwat er.Icould
seetheheadl i
ghtsf
rom t hecarappearf r
om outsideandrefl
ecti
ngintheinsi
deaswel l
.Icar r
y
ondrinkingasIsiti
nsilence.Tedoori sbeingfi
ddledwithandheopenst hedoorandcl osesit
thenturnstome.Hef irststopst olookatmeandIdot hesamebutnonofusut terasingle
word.

Razor
:"Whyar
eyoust
il
lawake?"

Me:
"Icoul
dfeel
Iwassl
eepi
ngal
one"

Hesighsandput
shiscarkey
sont
hetableandsit
snextt
ome.Agunappear
sfr
om t
heback
ofhi
spantsashi
stopgoesupabi
treveal
ingi
t.

Me:
"Woahy
ouCar
eyagunar
ound?"

Razor:
"Shi
t!"
Hest
andsupandIdot
hesameaswel
l
.

Razor:
"Iwi
l
lbeback"

Me:
"Expl
ain.I
t'
sdanger
oust
ocar
rygunar
ound"

Razor:
"Iam sor
ry.Youwon'
tev
erseei
tagai
n"

Me:"Ihopey
oudi
dn'
tki
l
lany
onewi
thi
tbecauseIam notpr
epar
edt
ohav
emyhusbandbehi
nd
bar
s"

Razor:
"Youwon'
t"

Hepul
l
shi
stopdown.

Me:
"Cany
ougetr
idfi
t.?I
tcr
eepsmeout"

Razor:
"Iwi
l
l"

Iper
khi
sli
ps.

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

It
ookmycupandwalkedtotheki
tchenandputi
tinthesi
nkandwalkedbackt
othel
oungeand
hewasgone.Isi
ghedandswit
chedoffthet
vbefor
egoingtobed.

*
ANDI
SWA*

Thingshavebeen,howdoIputi t?OkIcansay .Wear ejustst

uckononet hi
ngandit
'sthe
wombi ssue.Idon'
tknowwhyNt et
helel
oisfight
ingmeov ermybody,Ireall
ywanttoremovei
t
andhedoesn'tunder
standthatIdon'twanttogot hr
oughwhatIwentthroughagai
n.Ipacked
myl apt
opinmybagandt ookt heboxf i
l
ledwiththelear
ner'
swrit
ti
ngbooksandIwalkedoutof
thestudyandwenttothelounge.

Let
ho:
"Mommy,
Looky
oudi
dn'
ttaket
hisy
est
erday"

Shegav
emeapaperandi
thadanotsowel
ldonehear
tandupsi
dedownl
ett
ers.

Me:
"Thanky
oubaby"

Iki
ssedhercheek.

Let
ho:
"am Igonnagoseemommyanddaddynumber2?"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lcal
lmommy"

Let
ho:
"canwegowi
thZi
khal
i,hei
sal
way
slef
tout"

Me:
"sur
ewhynot"

"Hewon'
tgo"

Hewal
keddownt
hest
air
s.

Me:
"Goandcal
lhi
m.Wear
eleav
ing"

Let
honoddedandwentt
ocal
lherbr
other
.

Me:
"mor
ning"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"hei
snotgoi
ngAndi
swa"

Me:
"Ij
ustgr
eet
edy
ou"

It
urnedmybackawayf
rom hi
m andpi
ckedupmyt
hings.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Whydon'
tyoust
ayathome?"

Me:
"Pl
easedon'
tst
art"

Nt
ethel
elo.:
"wi
th?"

Me:
"Di
ctat
ingev
ery
thi
ngIdo.Nexty
ouwi
l
ltel
lmehowt
odr
ess"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"that
'sext
remeandy
ouar
est
il
lont
hewombi
ssue"

Me:
"yesIam ,
whydon'
tyouwantmet
oremov
eit?
"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Idon'
twanty
our
egr
ett
ingi
t."

Me:
"Iwon'
tregr
eti
tasmuchast
hatabor
ti
on."

Tearsst
reameddownmyey
esandIsatont
hecouch.Het
ri
edt
omov
ecl
oserbutIshookmy
head.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"sugarpl
um "

Ishookmyheadwhi
l
esobbi
ng.

"I
smommyok?"

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"yesmommyi
sok,
justsad"
Zi
khal
i
:"why
?"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Got
othecar,
Iwi
l
ltakey
out
oschool
"

Hegav
ethem t
hecarkey
sandt
heywal
kedout
.

Ntet
helel
o:"Andiswawecan'
tkeepgoi
ngincircl
es.Iwon'
tapologi
sef
ormaki
ngt
her
ight
deci
sionforourkidsandf
ormeaswellasforevery
one.Iwon't"

Hest
oodup

Nt
ethel
elo:
"takeadayof
f"

Hewal
kedoutandIsobbedaf
tert
hedoorcl
osed.

*
DINA*

Hespl ashesthewateraroundandIpickhim up, gett

inghim outfthewat erandhethrowshis
handsi ntheairandIsmileandagigglesoundescapedhi sli
ps.Il ayhim nexttohissist
erand
Iwi pedhisbodyandtookanappyandputi tonhi m andalsov aseli
neonhi sbodybeforegett
ing
hi
m dr essedinclot
hesandIt ookhi
sbottl
eandgav eittohim andhet ookitandstart
edsucking.
Itookt hebabybathi
ngtubandwentt odiscardthewat erandtheyar ebothlooki
ngatme.Ver y
si
lent l
ywhilesucki
ngthei
rmi l
koutofthatbottl
e.Itouchedmyst omachandl ookedatthem
attenti
vely
.

"
Ther
eyouar
e,It
houghty
our
anaway"

Hewalksi
nandwr apshisar
msaroundmywaist,hi
sperf
umescenthi
tsmynostr
il
sfreshlyand
hewrapshi
sarmsar oundmeandonehandontopofmineandki
ssesmycheek.Iremov emy
handfr
om mystomach.

Me:
"goodmor
ning"

Zamani
:"Howar
eyou?"

Me:
"Iam good"

It
urnedar
oundandgav
ehi
m aper
kbef
oref
ixi
nghi
sti
e.

Me:
"cour
t?"

Zamani
:"y
es,
whyar
eyouupear
ly?"
Me:
"Iam t
aki
ngt
hem t
otheDrf
orav
acci
ne,
Ial
readybooked"

Zamani
:"It
hinkt
heygotone"

Me:
"Ij
ustwantt
obesur
e"

Zamani
:"ok"

Heki
ssesmyl
i
psandIr
espond.Hebr
okei
t.

Zamani
:"di
dyoucal
lyourf
ami
l
y?"

Iswal
l
owedbef
oreshaki
ngmyhead.

Me:
"thel
astt
imewespokeendedonbadt
erms."

Zamani
:"Justt
hisoncet
otol
erat
ethem f
orus"

Me:
"Iam scar
ed"

Hesi
ghed.

Zamani
:"Iwi
l
lnev
ercheatony
ouagai
n."

Me:"Iwanttotr
ustyoubutit
'sdif
fi
cultt
o.Theonl
yreasont
hathasn'
tmademewal
koutt
hat
doorf
oreveri
sbecauseofthekids,andmelovi
ngyoubutmostl
ythekids."

Zamani
:"Iam sor
ry"

Wewer
edi
stur
bedbyacr
y.

Me:
"got
owor
k.Wemi
ghtswi
ngby"

Zamani
:"Ihav
eaopeni
ngbet
ween13h00and14h00"

Me:
"wewi
l
lcome"

Ipi
ckuponeoft
hem.

Zamani
:"Ihav
etor
ush.Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Hewentout
.

*
THABI
SA*
Ihav
etr
iedWendyacoupl
eoft
imesbutst
il
lnot
hing.Iam st
art
ingt
ogetr
eal
l
yir
ri
tat
ed.

Me:
"Wendypi
ckup"

Isayaf
tert
he6thvoi
cemail
Ihavereachedt
hismorning.Igr
oanandputmyphonedown.I
f
shedoesn'
twantt
osurf
acethenIwil
lhavet
ofindheronmyown.

*
SESETHU*

i
openedmyeyesandscannedaroundandIwasi
nahospi
tal
bed.Myt
highsf
eltheav
yandi
t
ri
edtomovet
hem anditgotl
ight
er.

Kau:
"skat"

Heki
ssesmyf
oreheadandhei
sst
il
li
nyest
erday
'scl
othesandl
ookst
ir
ed.

Kau:
"skaty
ouscar
edme"

Iaskedf
orwat
erandhehel
pedmedr
inkup.

Me:
"ist
hebabyok?"

Kau:
"yes,
wegother
eont
ime."

Inodded.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Kau:
"don'
tbe.Iam gl
ady
ouar
eok,
Ilov
eyou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Kau:
"letmegof
indaDrok"

Ichuckl
edandhel
ookedatme.

Me:
"not
hing"

Heshookhi
sheadbef
orewal
ki
ngout
.

.
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t56

*
KHENSANI*

Ifeelnumbandhur tatthesamet ime.Il oveFezile,somuchbuthehashi sownbeliefsand

thingshewon' tcompr omiseonandsoasI .Ican' tf
orcehimt omarrymebecauseIwantt hat.
Ithast obesomet hingwebot hwantandIwoul dlovetogrowol dwi
thhim andhaveki dsbut
kidsal onejustdoesn'tfeel okforme.If eelli
keIwi l
lbehisbabyproducingmachinet hat'sall
.
Igetof fthebedandIsendamessaget oUnat hit
hatIwon' tbecomingi
nt odayandshet ell
s
mesheunder stands.Ishoul dn'tbur denher,alr
eadyshehasherownpr oblemsandher
husbandj ustlosthisbusiness.Whowoul dwantt odot hattosomeone.Honest l
yIdon' t
under standpeopl eandnev erwi l
l Iguess.Imaket hebedandopent hedoorandwal kt othe
bat hr
oom andl ookedatmy sel
ft hroughthemi rr
orandmyey esareSwollenandpuffyaswel l
.
Mynosei sreddishaswel l.Iopent hetapwateront hesinkandIwashmyf acewithcol dwat er
bef or
eIbr ushmyt eeth.

"
Mor
ning"

Icl
osethet
apwaterbutdarednott
olookupt
othemi
rr
orasy
etort
urnar
ound.Isi
ghand
car
ryonwit
hwhatIam doing.

Me:
"Mor
ning"

Si
l
encef
il
lsi
nbet
weenusanonl
ytensi
onst
art
stobui
l
dupbi
tbybi
t.

Nt
ambo:
"Khencanwet
alk?
"

Me:
"It
'sOkFezi
l
ewedon'
tneedt
otal
k"

If
ini
shupandIcl
oset
het
apandt
urnar
oundandhei
sst
andi
ngbyt
hedoor
.Het
ri
est
otouch
mycheekbutImov
emyheadback.

Me:
"CanIpass?"

Nt
ambo:
"Khensani
"

Me:
"Mmmh?
"

Nt
ambo:
"Iknowy
ouwantust
ogetmar
ri
edsomedaybutIam scar
ed."

Me:
"Ofwhat?"

If
rowned.

Nt
ambo:
"Youdon'
tunder
stand"

Me:
"Makemeunder st
and.Thatreall
ywearebot
hwasti
ngeachother
'st
imehere.Wecan'tgo
i
nci
rcl
esFezi
leSi
badalamasibangaka.(Wearet
oool
dfort
hat)Ifwearejustpl
ayi
ngher
e
t
hem l
et'
scal
li
tqui
tsfort
henext"

Nt
ambo:
"Thatwon'
thappen.Wewon'
tcal
li
tqui
tsev
er."

Me:
"Iwantt
ogetmar
ri
edsomedayFezi
l
eandIcan'
tl
ookf
ormar
ri
agei
nthewr
ongpl
ace"

Nt
ambo;
"Coul
dyouj
ustl
etmet
alkwi
thoutf
uel
i
ngup?
"

If
oldedmyar
ms.

Me:
"Ok"

Hesi
ghed.

Ntambo:
"Mypar
entsmar r
iagewasver
ybad.Thewaymydadtreat
ed!ymot her,
Idon'
twishi
t
onanywoman.Iwit
nessedgruesomethi
ngsbei
ngdonet
oherfr
om averyyoungageyetshe
al
waystr
iedt
ohideherpai
nf r
om me.Idon'
twanty
ougoi
ngthr
oughthat"

Myangereasedupabi
t.Ist
eppedcl
osert
ohi
m andhel
dhi
scheeks.

Me:
"whosai
dyouwi
l
lbel
i
key
ourf
ather?"

Nt
ambo:
"Iam myf
ather
'sson"

Me:
"Youar
enot
.Youar
eawonder
ful
guyFezi
l
e,don'
tl
ety
ourpar
ent
smi
stakesaf
fecty
ou"
,

Nt
ambo:
"it
'snott
hateasy"

Me:
"Hav
eyout
oldmahort
akent
her
apybef
ore?"

Heshookhi
shead.
Me:"Youneedto.Youar
etr
aumat
izedandscar
edofcommi
ti
ngy
our
sel
fint
hatbi
glev
eli
na
r
elat
ionshi
p."

Ntambo:"Khensani
Idon'
twantt
ogetmar
ri
ed.Ihav
eaccept
edt
hat
.Idon'
twantt
oloosey
ou
ei
ther"

Iswal
l
owed.

Me:
"Oh"

Ntambo:"Ithi
nkitwoul
dbebestmay
bei
fIpayl
obol
afory
ou.At
leastdoonet
hingr
ight,
Ican
compromisethat"

Inoddedsl
owl
ynotsur
e.

Me:
"Pl
easet
alkt
omahaboutev
ery
thi
ng.Tal
ktomepl
easeIam y
ourpar
tner"

Heper
kedmyl
i
ps.

Nt
ambo:
"Iwi
l
l,Ipr
omi
se.Ar
eyoumadatme?"

Me:
"Iam notmadbuti
sam notsur
eofany
thi
ngr
ightnowei
ther
."

Nt
ambo:
"pl
ease,
pleasedon'
tl
eav
eme.
Ihav
eopenedmy
sel
fupt
olov
ingy
ou"

Hepl
acedhi
sfor
eheadonmi
ne.

Me:
"Comeher
e"

Weshar
edahug.Idon'
tknow,
real
l
yIdon'
tknowatal
l
.

*
SESETHU*

Dr:
"youar
ethepat
ientt
hist
ime"

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"thet
eacherbecomest
hest
udentatt
imes"

Dr:
"Yest
rue."

Kau:
"Whencansheber
eleased?"

Heseemedcl
ear
lyannoy
ed.
Dr:
"Shecanber
eleasedt
hisaf
ter
noon."

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Dr:
"Iwi
l
lcheckupony
oul
ater
."

Kau:
"Iam sur
eDrKhumal
owi
l
lbebackbyt
hen"

Me:
"Babe"

Dr:
"Br
other?
"

Kau:
"Fi
ance"

Henar
rowedhi
sey
es.

Me:
"Ineedsomer
est"

Il
ookedatt
hebot
hoft
hem andt
heDrwal
kedout
.

Me:
"whatwast
hatal
labout?
"

Kau:
"Hewant
syouandIcanseei
t"

Me:
"Thatj
eal
ousywasn'
tcut
eatal
l"

Kau:
"It
'snev
ersupposedt
obecut
eal
lthet
ime.Hei
sdi
srespect
ful
"

Me:
"cal
m down"

Het
ouchedmyst
omach.

Kau:
"Howar
eyout
wo?"

Me:
"wear
efeel
i
ngok,
rightbaby?"

Hechuckl
ed.

Kau:
"Il
ovey
out
wo"

Me:
"wel
oveDaddyt
oor
ightbaby?"

Hechuckl
edandhel
dmyhandandIhel
dhi
saswel
l
.Iki
ssedi
tandhesmi
l
ed.

*
DINA*
WegottotheDr'
sof
fi
ceandtheki
dswereasleepi
nthei
rdoubl
estrol
l
er.Iwasscrol
li
ng
t
hroughmyphonewhil
ewai
ti
ngformyturntogeti
ntheDr'sof
ficewhenaladysatnextt
ome
wi
thatoddler
.

Lady
:"Hi
"

Il
i
ftedmyey
esup.

Me:
"hi
"

Ismi
l
ed.

Lady:
"mustbeni
cehav
ingt
winsl
i
key
our
s"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"yeah"

Lady:
"whenIhel
dmydaught
eri
nmyar
msf
ort
hef
ir
stt
imeIknewt
hatIl
ovedher
."

Ne:
"Met
oo.I
t'
snat
ural
feel
i
ng"

Lady
:"somuch.Youar
emar
ri
ed"

Shel
ookedatmyr
ing."

Me:
"Engaged"

Lady:
"Lucky
.Thef
ather?"

Me:
"Yes."

Lady:
"Howl
onghav
eyoubeent
oget
her?"

Me:
"5y
ear
s"

Lady:
"that
'sl
ongbutat
leasthei
smar
ryi
ngy
ou.Someofusdi
dn'
tgett
hatchance"

Me:
"Mmmh"

Ismi
l
ed.

"Khumal
o!"

Ist
oodup.

Me:
"ni
cemeet
ingy
ou"
Lady:
"sameher
e"

Ist
oodupandwenti
nsi
depushi
ngt
heki
dsst
rol
l
ersandcl
osedt
hedoor
.

*
UNATHI*

Iwokeupveryear
lyt
odayanddeci
dedtodosomel
it
tlecleani
ngbef
orer
azorwakesup.
Iwas
l
ist
eni
ngtosomemusi conmyearphoneswhi
l
esweepingandmyphonerang.I
twasQamo
andIanswer
edthecall
.

Qamo:
"Si
s"

Me:
"Hey,
howar
eyou?"

Qamo:
"Ishoul
dbeaski
ngt
hat,
howar
eyou?"

Isi
ghed.

Qamo:
"Ihear
d"

Me:"Hei
sgoi
ngmad.I
t'
sdr
ivi
nghi
m cr
azyandheshut
sdownanot
hermi
nut
e.Idon'
tknow
whatt
odo"

Qamo:"dothebestt
haty
oucan,suppor
thi
m andcomf
orthi
m.Ev
eni
fyouhav
enot
hingt
osay
i
t'
sok.Holdi
nghishandmeansal
ot"

Me:
"Yeah.(Si
gh)Ihopewef
indt
heper
sonwhodi
dthi
s"

Qamo:
"Youwi
l
l.LookIhav
etogo,
wasj
ustchecki
ngupony
ou"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Qamo:
"Il
ovey
ou,
all
wil
lbeok"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Shehungup. Icar
ri
edonsweepi
ngandIgotdoneandt
urnedar
ound.

Me:
"Ohy
ouar
eup"

Razor:
"Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepany
mor
e"

Heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Razor:
"Howi
smywi
fedoi
ng?"
Me:
"Ver
yfi
ne.YouNgomane?"

Razor:
"Iam good.Iwi
l
lfet
chLet
hoandAnel
eaf
terschool
."

Me:
"ok."

Razor:
"ar
eyougoi
ngi
natwor
k?"

Ne:
'yes,
khensani
isnotcomi
ngsoIhav
eto."

Razor:
"ok.Iwi
l
ltakey
out
owor
k."

Me:
"Thanky
oubabe."

Iki
ssedhi
sli
ps.

Me:
"Letmegomakebr
eakf
ast
."

Iwal
kedt
otheki
tchen.

*
DINA*

Ohmypoormucnhi es.Thei rcriespiercedmyhear tinapai nfulway .It ri

edsoot hingthem one
byoneunt il
theywer eof ftosleep.Wewal kedoutandIt hankedt her eceptionistandsai dmy
goodby est ot heladyIj ustmet .Ipushedt hei
rst rollert omycarandIopenedt hebackandout
them ont heircarseat sandIbuckl edt hem upandcl osedt hedooraf terloadingt hei
rbagsand
putthest roll
erinsidet hecarandgoti nt hef r
ont .Ist art
edt hecaranddr oveof f.Ist i
llhave30
minutesbef or eoneandIam hungr yaswel l
.IpassbyKFCandgetsomef oodt ochewonand
thendriveof ftoZamani 'slawf ir
m.WhenIgott her e, thepr incesswasupandsi l
entlylooki
ngat
hersurroundi ngs.Igott hem outandputt hem int hest roll
erandcov er edi
twi thabl anketsaft
er
l
ockingt hecarandmademywayi nsideandgr eet edt herecept i
onist.Itwasmy3r dti
mebei ng
beinginher ei nal
l these5y ears.Myst omachcr ingedt hatmay bet heymether ebutIpushedi t
atthebackofmymi nd.Igoti ntheelev atorandi twentupaf t
erpressi ngit
'sfloornumber .
Onceitpi ngedIgotoutandmademywayt ohisof fi
ce.Igr eetedhisPawhol ookedatme.She
seemednew.

Me:
"Hi
"

Her:
"Hi
"

Me:
"Isheav
ail
abl
e?"

Her:
"who?MrKhumal
o?"
Me:
"Yes"

Her:
"Lastt
imehewasbusywor
kingonahugei
mpor
tantcase.Hedoesn'
tneeddi
stur
bance"

Il
ookedatt
het
ime.I
t'
s13H00.

Me:
"het
oldmeIshoul
dcomeatt
hist
ime."

Her:
"Idon'
tknowbecausehei
sunav
ail
abl
e"

Ii
gnor
eherandkeeponpushi
ngt
owar
dst
hedoor
.

Her:
"Youcan'
tdot
hat!"

Iopenthedoorandsheisbehi
ndme. Heisconcernt
rat
ingont
hepaper
sinf
rontofhi
m but
l
ift
shisheadandasmileisonhisf
ace.Ismi
l
erightback.

Her:
"Si
r,Iam sor
ryshe.
..
..
"

Zamani
:"I
t'
sok.Cl
eogoandgetmywi
feandki
dswhatt
heyneed."

Cl
eo:
"Wi
fe?"

Zamani
:"Whatdoy
ouneed?"

Ne:
",bot
tl
edwat
er"

Zamani
:"Ihav
einher
e"

Ipl
acemybagont
hesmal
lcouch.Shewal
ksoutcl
osi
ngt
hedoor
.

Zamani
:"Howar
ethey?"

Me:
"theygott
hei
nject
ionandt
heyar
esl
eepi
ng"

Zamani
:"CanIhol
dyou?"

Inoddedandwal
kedt
ohi
m andatonhi
slapandweshar
edahug.Hesi
ghed.

Zamani
:"Youar
eGodsent"

Ibecomesi
l
ent
.

Zamani
:"I
'
m..
..
."

Me:
"Don'
tsaysor
ry"

Iputmyf
inger
sonhi
sli
psandhenods.Ipeekhi
sli
ps.

Me:
"Idon'
twantt
oheari
tany
mor
e"
Zamani
:"y
esmam"

Inodded.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t57(
Shor
tinser
t)

*
DINA*

Igotof
fhi
slapandwal
kedt
osi
tont
hecouchandhej
oinsmei
nit
.

Zamani
:"Whatdi
dyourf
ami
l
ysay?
"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lcal
lthem t
oni
ght,
Iam notr
eadyf
orwhat
evert
heywi
l
lsay"

Hehol
dsmyhand.

Zamani
:
"Iam her
e"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Ilai
dmyheadonhisshoul
derandpul
l
edt
hest
rol
l
erwi
thmyl
egandhel
aughed.Iuncov
ered
thei
rfacesandwel
ookedatt
hem.

Zamani
:
"Theyl
ookl
i
keme"

Me:
"Al
ot"

Hesi
ghs.

Me:
"theywi
l
lbegr
oomedwel
lwi
thusar
ound"
Il
ookedathi
m andhesmi
l
edbef
oreki
ssi
ngmyl
i
ps.

Zamani
:"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Il
aidmyheadonhi
sshoul
der
.

*
KHENSANI*

Afterbathi
ngIworemyslipper
s.FezilewentouttoUnathiandRazor
'shouse, atthispoi
ntI
don'tknowwhattodo.Whet hertostayj
ustforustobehappyandatpeaceorgoandseek
whatIneed.ij
ustdon'
tknow.Igoandmakeaqui cksnackbeforel
ayi
ngmy selfont hecouch.A
knockont hedoordi
stur
bsmef rom havi
ngsomet vti
meanddi str
act
ingmy self.Iputthe
remotedownandst andupandwal ktogoandseewhoi satthedoor
.

Me:
"whoi
sit?
"

Iopent
hedoor
.

"
Khensani
"

Me:
"Mahowar
eyou,
uhm comei
n"

Shewalksin.Shel
ooksbeaut
if
ulandi
sgl
owi
ngt
hant
hel
astt
imewesaweachot
her
.Wego
andset
tleonthecouch.

Me:
"Letmegety
ousomet
hingt
odr
ink"

Ma:
'Nosi
tdown"

Isi
tdown.Shesi
ghsandhol
dsonherbag.

Ma:
"Fezi
l
ecal
l
edmey
est
erday"

Me:
"Oh"

Ma:"Iunderst
andwher
eyouar
ecomi
ngf
rom.Hewasconf
usedbutIt
hinkhenow
under
stands."

Me:
"Hei
str
aumat
ized,
hehasf
earandi
tmi
ghtaf
fectus"

Ma:
"Iunder
stand."
Shesi
ghs.

Ma:"Helovesy
ou,hereal
l
ydoes.Iwill
trygethi
m assi
stancebecauseIshoul
dhav
enot
iced
t
hatgrowi
ngupinsuchanenv
ironmentdiddamagetohim."

Me:
"Hei
sagr
eatman.Ihav
enodoubtt
hathei
snotl
i
kehi
sfat
her
."

Shesmi
l
es.

Ma:
"Thanky
ou"

Thedooropensandhewal
ksi
n.

Nt
ambo:
"Mawhat
'sar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"

Ma:
"Isi
tacr
imet
ost
opby?"

Nt
ambo:
"No,
uhm noi
t'
snot"

Ma:
"Iwi
l
lseey
ouKhensani
"

Nt
ambo:
"wer
en'
tyoust
oppi
ngby?"

Shest
andsupandIdot
hesame.

Ma:
"toseekhensani
"

Nt
ambo:
"oh,
letmet
akey
oubackt
hen"

Ma:
"No,
Smi
soi
swai
ti
ngf
ormeout
side.Ihav
etogo"

Sheki
ssedhi
scheekandhef
rownedbef
oreshewal
kedout
.

*
SESETHU*

Siya:
"yourt
estr
esul
tscamebackcl
ear
.Youcangohomebuti
fyouf
eel
any
thi
ngj
ustcome
rushi
ngback"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lthanky
ou"

Shenoddedandwal
kedout
.Kauwal
kedbacki
nhol
dingpaperbagsandpl
acedt
hem nextt
o
mebeforeki
ssi
ngmyfor
ehead.

Kau:
"howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?"
Me:
"Good.Tomor
rowIam get
ti
ngdi
schar
ged"

Kau:
"That
'sgood.Iwaswor
ri
ed"

Me:
"don'
t.Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sok"

HenodsandIhol
dhi
shandbef
oresi
ghi
ng.

*
WENDY*

"One,
two,
Boom !(Laughi
ng)
"

Ispi
nar
oundt
hechai
randIst
opandl
ookatt
hei
rphot
ost
oget
hert
hatpl
asy
eredont
hisshacks
Wall
.

Me:
"thi
scoul
d'
vebeenus,
yourbusi
nesswoul
dst
il
lbeher
e"

Ist
andupandwal
ktoi
tandt
akeoutmykni
feandIcutt
hei
rfacesgr
oani
ng.

Me:
"Ihat
eyouRazor!Ihat
eyou!"

It
eart
hepaperupandmybr
eat
hingpacequi
ck.Tear
sfal
ldownmycheeksandIcr
y.

Me:
"whyme?"

Isi
tdownandsob.

*
ANDI
SWA*

Istayedathome.Idi
dpackfort
heki
dsandwhent heyret
urntheycoul
dleav
e.Ntethelel
o
camebackmi ddayal
onewhil
eIwasintheki
tchencooki
ngjusttogetmymindof
fthings.He
placeshi
skeysonthecount
erandki
ssesmycheek.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Hi
"

Me:
"hey"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"howwasy
ourday?"
,
Me:
"itwasok"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"(
sigh)Andi
swaIdon'
tl
ikeseei
ngusf
ight"

Hel
ooksatme.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"comeher
e"

Idi
vei
ntohi
sar
msandi
sob.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Il
ovey
ouok,
Idon'
tmeant
ohur
tyou"

Me:
"Iknow ,
Iam sor
ry"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iknowi
t'
smyf
aul
tyouar
eint
hisposi
ti
onandf
eel
i
ngt
hispai
n.Ial
sof
eel
it."

Il
i
ftedmyheadt
olookathi
m.

Me:
"Iam sor
ryf
ort
hewayIact
ed"

Hewi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"it
'sok"

Me:
"It
'sj
ustI.
..
."

Iputmyheadonhi
schestandIsob,
hebr
ushesmyback.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iam sor
rysugarpl
um."

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t58
Ifeelt
ir
ed.Nol etmer ephrase,Iam dr ainedtoday.Ididn'tt
hinkIwouldworkthi
smuchatt he
Salonespecial
l
yont hestockdeliver
y .Ineedt ocheckonKhensani andfi
ndoutwhati
swr ong
thi
stimearound.Iparkmycarandt akemybagandgetoutandcl osedthedoorl
ocki
ngt hecar.
Imakemywayi nsideandIhearsomegi ggli
ngandl aughter.WhenIgeti nIseet
hekidsont op
ofthecounterwithRazorfeedingAnel esomet hing.Iputmybagsdownandmymoodl ightens
thanbefor
e.

Me:
"Hel
l
oev
ery
one"

Them :
"Mommy!
"

Theyshout
.Igi
ggl
eandgr
abLet
hoi
ntoahug.Iseet
hatZi
khal
iwasal
l
owedt
ocomeaswel
l
.

Me:
"Heybabyboy"

Zi
khal
i:
"Hi
aunt
y"

Ihuggedhi
m aswel
landwentont
oAnel
e.

Razor
:"SoIam i
nvi
sibl
e.?
"

Me:
"Iseey
ouev
ery
dayNgomane"

Razor:
"ev
eni
fyouseemeev
erymi
nut
e."

Ihughi
m.

Me:
"Unj
ani
sthandwaSam ?(Howar
eyoumyl
ove?)
"

Razor:
"Iam good.
"

Me:
"Iam t
ir
edbutgood."

Razor:
"howaboutwegooutt
oday?"

Theynodi
nagr
eement
.

Razor
:"l
et'
sgoandgety
ouchanged."

Heget
sthem downf
rom t
hecount
erandt
heyr
ushof
f.If
oll
owbuthest
opsme.

Razor:
"gochanget
osomet
hingcomf
ort
abl
e,Iwi
l
ltakecar
eoft
hem "

Inoddedandheki ssedmyf oreheadbef

orewal
kingoff
.Iwenttodri
nksomewat ert
henIwent
totakeaquickbath.Ineedt ogetri
dofmysweetscentmixedwithmysweat.If
ini
shedandgot
out.Iwenttogetdr essedinjeansandat opwi
thsandal
s.Igotdoneinj
ustafewandwalked
out.Theki
dswer eal soreadyaswel l
.It
ookmybag.
Me:
"wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?"

Razor:
"Mal
l"

Me:
"wecanwat
chmov
iest
heneat,
i
sthatf
ine?"

Razor:
"Yeahi
tis"

Me:
"comeki
dsl
et'
sgo"

Theyr
ushedoutandwef
oll
owedaf
tert
hem.

*
MERCY*

Phi
l
a:"Mommy"

Me:
"Mmmh?"

IputLesedi
inthecotasshewasasl
eepandpul
l
edt
hebl
anketabi
tonherbody
.Phi
l
awas
tappi
ngmyl eg.

Phi
l
a:"mommy"

Me:
"Wai
tPhi
l
a,Iam put
ti
ngy
ourl
i
ttl
esi
stert
orest"

"I
shecausi
ngpr
obl
ems?"

Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhathewant
s."

Sandi
l
ewal
ksi
nandcr
ouchedi
nfr
ontofhi
m.

Sandi
l
e:"Whatdoy
ouneed?"

Phi
l
a:"Yol
andasai
dImustaski
fwecanhav
esomei
cecr
eam ?"

"Ahphi
l
a!"

Sandi
l
echuckl
ed.

Sandi
l
e:"Let
'saskMommy"

Me:
"Let
'sgetoutofher
esowedon'
twakeLesedi
up"

Sandi
l
e:"mommy?
"
Me:
"Okf
ine.Onescoop"

Theyr
ushedof
fout
sidet
hebedr
oom.

Sandi
l
e:"It
alkedt
oThapel
o"

Me:
"Yeah?"

Sandi
l
e:"Somet
hingi
snotok"

Me:
"l
ike?"

If
oldedt
hebl
anket
sandl
ookedathi
m.

Sandi
l
e:"l
i
keDat
ing"

Me:
"Ohno!Ineedt
otal
ktohi
m."

Sandi
l
e:"cal
m down"

Me:
"hewi
l
lendupsl
eepi
ngwi
tht
hatgi
rlt
henhasababy
"

Sandi
l
e:"Iwi
l
lsor
titoutok?"

Ikeptqui
et.Hehel
dmywai
standper
kedmyl
i
ps.

Sandi
l
e:"ok?"

Me:
"ok"

Sandi
l
e:"Nowl
etsgetdeser
t"

Me:
"whi
chone?"

Ismi
rked.

Sandi
l
e:"Theonei
ntheki
tchenf
ir
stt
hent
heonet
hatwegetf
rom her
e"

Me:
"Themenuesoundsappet
isi
ng"

Wechuckl
ed.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouandt
hanky
ou"

Sandi
l
e:"Il
ovey
ou"

.
*
DINA*

Il
ookedatthepaperI
nfr
ontofmeandIbreathedoutbef
oret
aki
ngmyphoneanddial
i
ngthe
numbersandoutthephoneonmyear.ItrangafewtimesandIwashol
dingmybr
eath,
wait
ingforany
thi
ngthat
'saboutt
ocomemyway.

Aunt
y:"
Hel
l
o"

Me:
"Rakgadi
kennal
i
neo(
Aunt
yit
'smeLi
neo)
"

Aunt
y:"ubat
laengho'na?!hakeaujoetsahoreui
kar
olel
elapengl
ee?
!(Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom
me?Didn'
tIt
ellyout
odist
ancey our
sel
ffrom t
hisf
ami
ly?!
)"

Me:
"ee,
empa.
..
.(Yes,
but.
..
.)
"

Aunt
y:"
empaeng?!huhLineo?hakebat
lehout
loahot
soahouena?
!(Butwhat?
!HuhLi
neo?I
don'
twantt
ohearf
rom y
ou? !)
"

Me:
"Keat
sebahor
eont
lhoi
l
eRakgadi
...
..
(Iknowy
ouhat
emeAunt
y..
..
.)
"

Aunty
:"Hakeuhl oee,keauny el
isangoana, j
oalokahaMol imooahaual ahl
i
lemme.kethabi
l
e
haMol i
moabonabat hobasat sotell
engmmeankaqet oeahobankaj oalokammeoahaul e
l
it
hōletseo!!
!(
Idon'thateyou,
Idespisey ouchil
d,justl
i
key ourmother.Iam gladGodsaw
i
rr
elevantpeopl
eanddeci dedtot akethem l
ikeyourmotherandthatrubbish!!
!)"

Mychestwaspai
ningt
ear
swer epr
ickl
ingmyeyes.Icoul
dn'
tstandhert
alki
nganymor
e.Isaw
Zamanist
andi
ngbytheki
tchenent
rance.Isni
ff
edmaki ngsur
emyt ear
sdon'tf
ail
me.

Me:"keauutloa'
mekemasoabi .kenekebatl
afeel
ahorelelapal
ahaKhumal
olebat
laho
ntef
ell
alobol
abekenget
lang.
(IhearyouandIam sor
ry,
Ijustwantedt
osayt
hatt
heKhumalo
famil
ywantstocomeandpaylobolaformenextweek)"

Aunty:"har
ebat
leLobol
aleo.Bakaunka,
reuf
abona!
(wedon'
twantt
hatl
obol
a.Theycan
takeyou,wear
egivi
ngyoutothem !
)"

Me:
"Empakemoet
lo!
(Buti
t'
str
adi
ti
on)
"

Aunty
:"haketsotel
l
eBolel
lahor
ehar ebatl
elet
ho,et
saengkapaeng,
harebat
lehosalal
e
bademonabahau(Idon'tcar
e,tel
lthem wedon'
twantany
thi
ng,dowhat
ever,
wedon'twantt
o
belef
twithyourdemons)"

Me:
"hol
oki
l
e,Kel
ebohanakoeahau(Ok,
thanky
ourf
ory
ourt
ime)
"

ShehungupandIputmyphonedownandlaidmyheadonthet
abl
eandt
ear
sjustcameout
andIwept
.Hishandswer
earoundmehuggingmeasIcri
ed.
Zamani
:"shhh"

Me:
"she.
..
.she.
..
they"

Zamani
:"i
t'
sok"

Me:
"theydon'
twantany
thi
ngt
odowi
thme.Theydon'
tcar
ewhathappens"

Zamani
:"shhh"

Icr
ied.Atti
mesImissmysi
ster
.Imi
ssmymot
heraswel
landIam al
lal
one.I
t'
sal
lther
ethatI
am alonewit
hnoonetot
urnt
o.

*
KHENSANI*

Nt
ambo:
"Khen"

Il
ookathi
m.

Nt
ambo:
"whatdi
dmom say?"

Me:
"shej
ustcameby
"

Iconcer
ntr
atebackt
othet
v.

Nt
ambo:
"Khensani
"

Me:
"Fezi
l
e"

Nt
ambo:
"Iwi
l
ltr
ymakeuswor
k.IknowIam atf
aul
tatt
hemoment"

Me:
"youar
enotatf
aul
t.Wej
ust.
..
Idon'
tknow."

Nt
ambo:
"comeher
e"

Iwentt
ohi
m andhehuggedme.

Nt
ambo:
"Iam notpr
epar
edt
ogi
veup"

Me:
"Fezi
l
e"

Isi
gh.

Nt
ambo:
"notany
timesoonKhensani
,.Il
ovey
ou"
Ij
ustnodded.

*
UNATHI*

Me:
"don'
teatt
oomuchcandy,
Lov
eyouboughtt
oomuchsweet
snowt
heywon'
tsl
eep"

Razor:
"Cal
m down.Theyar
ejustki
ds"

Hehel
dmywai
st.

Razor:
"youar
eangr
y?"

Let
ho:
"mommyangr
y?"

Razor:
"It
hinkso"

Me:
"Iam notangr
yandgi
vemet
hosesweet
s.Wewi
l
leatt
hem t
omor
rowagai
n"

Theyclosethei
rgummybear spacketandgiv
eittometoputi
nmybag.Wegotat
rol
l
eyt
ofi
t
them al
linsi
debecauseIam notprepar
edtochaseki
dsar
oundthemal
l
.

Me:
"wher
eshoul
dweeat?"

Anel
e:"spur
"

Zi
khal
i:
"Yesy
esspur"

Me:
"Ineedt
osi
tdown.Sospuri
tis"

Theygotexci
ted.Il
ookedatr
azorandhewasi
nthought
s.

Me:
"youok?"

Razor:
"yeahy
eahIam "

Me:
"baby"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Razor:
"Iam f
ine"

Me:
"ok"

Icoul
dn'
tshakeof
fthathewast
hinki
ngof
fsomet
hing.
.

*
WENDY*

Howmuchtimedowehave?Howlongwi
l
lIhi
deher
e?Al
loft
hosequest
ionsr
oamedi
nmy
heady
etnotasi
ngl
eanswerasy
et.

Me:
"Razornc.
..
nc.
..nc"

Icr
ushedhi
sphotoandsatdown.Hemademet
hiswayandhewi
l
lpayf
ori
tdear
ly.Hewon'
t
seemecoming.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t59

*
DINA*

icoul
dn'
tlookup,i
t'sembar
rassi
ngenoughwhatoutcomesIgot.Att
hispoi
ntIdon'tknowwhat
todobecauseIonlyknowmyauntandgr andmother
.Idon'
tknowanyrelat
ivesei
therthan
them.Ifi
ddlewit
hmydr esswhil
elooki
ngdown.Myhear ti
sthuddi
ngandZamani hel
dmy
hand.Hisfat
hersighsandIswal
lowthespitandkeepmyeyesdown.

MrKhumal
o:"Ar
eyousur
eaboutt
his?"

Zamani:
"Wedidt
ryspeaki
ngt
otheMpel
eFami
l
ybuti
twasn'
tsuccessf
ul.Theydon'
twant
any
thi
ngatal
l"

Hei
ssi
l
ent
.Zamani
hol
dsmyhandandIst
artt
orel
axabi
t.I
tgi
vesmet
hatsenseofsecur
it
y
t
hathei
sher
eandwon'
tl
eav
eti
l
lev
ery
thi
ngi
sinor
derat
least
.

MrKhumal
o:"wear
ever
ytr
adi
ti
onal
youknowt
hatZamani
,weneedt
odot
hingst
her
ightway
"

Zamani:
"Andwewillbaba,
Okwamanj
engicel
aumf
azi
wami .Ngekesi
l
indeabant
uabazenza
i
ngane(fornowpl
easecanIhavemywif
e.Wecan'
twaitf
orpeopl
ewhobehaveli
keki
ds) "

MrKhumal
o:"Makot
i"

Me:
"babuKhumal
o(MrKhumal
o)"

MrKhumal
o:"Ar
eyousur
eaboutev
ery
thi
ng? "

Il
ookedatZamani
.

Me:
"Yes"

MrKhumal
o:"Umshadel
ani
?(whyar
eyoumar
ryi
nghi
m?)
"

Myhear
tisbeat
ingf
ast
.

Me:"Ngiy
amthanda,
fut
hiabant
wanabadi
ngaabazal
ibobabi
l
i(Il
ovehi
m andt
heki
dsneed
bot
hparents)
"

Ist
eal
agl
anceandhei
ssmi
l
ing.

MrKhumalo:"I
t'
sgoodtohearthat
.Igi
vey oumyblessi
ngandnextmont
h,whi
chwas
supposedt
obey ourl
obol
adatewil
lbeyourtr
adi
ti
onalweddi
ngdate."

Inodded

Me:
"Yebobaba"

Hest
oodupandweal
sodi
d.

MrKhumal
o:"baphi
abazukul
u?(Wher
ear
emygr
andchi
l
dren?
)"

Zamani
:"upst
air
s"

Hewal
kedof
f.Ibr
eat
hedoutandZamani
hel
dmyhands.

Me:
"Iam scar
ed.
"

Zamani
:"don'
tbe.Iam her
e"

Inoddedandheki
ssedmyl
i
ps.

Me:
"Zamani
!"
Hechuckl
ed.

Zamani
:"hei
supst
air
s"

Me:
"St
il
l"

Zamani
:"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"met
oo"

Iam exci
tedandscaredatt
hesamet ime.Itf
eelssodreamyaswel
l.Especi
all
ythechi
l
dren,
I
knowIwon'tbeabletohavethem buthavi
ngthem wi
thnodramasofari
sthebestandIam
prepar
edtogiveoffmybestloveandcare.

*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Thecari
smovingasIam watchingthebuil
dingsandpeoplepassi
ngmebybutmymindisona
st
andsti
ll
.If
eelst
ressedandmysoul i
snotatanyease.Isi ghandhehol
dsmyhandandI
l
ookathi
m andfai
ntl
ysmiledjustforhi
m nottoworryaboutme.

Smi
so:
"youcant
akei
tbuty
ouknowIam her
e?"

Isi
gh.

Me:
"Iknow"

Smi
so:
"Doy
oul
i
kei
t?"

Inodded,
l
ooki
ngatmyr
ing.

Smi
so:
"Il
i
kei
ttoo"

Ichuckl
e.

Me:
"Mmmh"

Smi
so:
"DoIhav
etosendt
hel
ett
ert
oyourson?"

Me:
"Iwi
l
laskhi
m.Idon'
tknowr
eal
l
y"

Smi
so:
"Iwi
l
lsendi
ttohi
m."

Inoddedandheki
ssedmyhand.
Smi
so:
"Thanky
ou"

Me:
"Don'
tthankme,
Iam supposedt
odot
hat"

Hesmi
l
esatme.Iam pr
ayi
ngf
oragl
i
mmerofhope.

*
SESETHU*

Me:
"Kau"

Kau:
"mmmh"

Ipul
l
edt hefl
eece.I
t'
sgoodtobeoutofthatHospi
tal
bed.Ifeel
abi
tbi
tt
er.Hecomesback
fr
om thekit
chencarr
yingapl
atewi
thsandwichesandsi
tsnextt
ome.

Kau:
"ar
eyoucomf
ort
abl
e?"

Me:
"Iam babydon'
twor
ry"

Kau:
"youwer
ecal
l
ingme?
"

Me:
"whatdoesy
ournamemean?"

Heshr
ugged.

Me:
"awu"

Kau:
"Idon'
tknowbaby
.Iwasj
ustgi
vent
hatname"

Me:
"Letmer
esear
chmay
beIcangetsomet
hing"

Kau:
"whi
l
eyouar
edoi
ngt
hatl
et'
sfeedNgwanawar
ona(ourchi
l
d)"

Me:
"mmmh,
suchacar
ryi
ngf
athery
ouhav
euhm.
..
.whatcanIcal
lyou?"

Kau:
"Nana"

Me:
"No,
toocommon,
youar
eSot
hor
ight?
"

Kau:
"Tswanabutcar
ryon"

Me:
"Thenl
et'
snamel
i
kePal
esaorsomet
hing"
Her
ubbedmyst
omach.

Kau:
"Itmustbeakname"

Me:
"whyusakanj
e?(Whydoy
ouwantt
obesmar
twi
thme?)
"

Hechuckl
ed.

Kau:
"Ker
omangorPeobecausey
ouar
emyseed"

Het
ouchesmyst
omach,
Ihi
thi
shand.

Me:
"nott
heseedpar
t,cal
l
ingourbabyaseed"

Kau:
"awuBaby
"

Me:
"Ker
omangsoundsni
cebutl
et'
ssaybabyKer
o"

Kau:
"Ver
ywel
l"

Hef
edme.

Me:
"Mmmmh(cov
eri
ngmymout
h)t
hisi
sni
ce"

Hesmi
l
ed.Ikeptonr
esear
chi
ng.Heputmyl
egsonhi
slap.

Me:"wel
lGoogl
esaysyournameisori
ginat
edfrom Hawaii
anr ootsasaboyandgi
rlname,it
's
spel
tasKau'
iwhi
leyour
sdoesn'
thaveanI.It'
sact
uallyaSurnamei nSout
hAfri
caandother
part
soft
heworld,i
nHawaii
anKau'ii
s“Thebeauty;theyout
hfulness”
.

Kau:
"somynamei
sasur
name?
"

Me:
"pr
obabl
y,y
ourpar
ent
sknow"

It
ookt
hesandwi
chandat
e.

Me:
"mmmh?DaddykaKer
o"

Kau:
"CanJer
i'
sfat
herhav
efunwi
thmommy?"

Me:
"nott
oday"

Igi
ggl
edandki
ssedhi
sli
ps.

Me:
"ngi
yakut
handanehbabakhe(Il
ovey
ou)

Kau:
"KeaO'
rat
aMor
ati
wa(
Ilov
eyoumyl
ove)
"

Ishookmyhead.
Me:
"Isai
diti
nZul
u"

Kau:
"ngi
yakut
handakeSeset
hu(Il
ovey
ouseset
hu)
"

Me:
"washongef
ull
for
ceebuhl
ungukanj
e(somuchf
orcei
nyoursent
ence)
"

Hechuckl
ed.

*
UNATHI
*

Let
ho:
"mommywhatshoul
dIdo?"

Me:
"taket
hej
acketandgi
vei
ttodaddyt
oouti
taway"

Shenoddedandtheyal
lhel
dthej
acketandwentof
finsi
de.Iputt
hecar
petout
sideandwent
i
nsideandRazorcamefr
om thel
ounge.

Razor:
"theyar
ehol
dingonej
ackett
oget
her"

Me:
"theyar
eki
ds"

Hechuckl
ed,
Iper
kedhi
sli
ps.

Me:
"shoul
dIbewor
ri
ed?"

Heshakeshi
shead.

Me:
"YouknowIl
ovey
our
ight?
"

Henodded.

Me:
"ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbeok.Iam her
easy
ourhel
perf
rom Godandagoodwi
fe"

Razor:
"hebl
essedmewi
thy
ou"

Ismi
l
ed.

"Mommycanwepl
ayout
side?"

Me:
"i
nsi
det
hey
ardok?"

Theynodandr
ushedout
.

Razor:
"Imi
ssedy
ou"
Me:
:
"butIwasal
way
sher
e"

Hehol
dsmywai
st.

Razor:
"butImi
ssy
ou"

Me:
"letmegoandcl
eanwhi
l
eyouent
ert
aint
hey
oungones"

It
aphi
sshoul
der
.

Razor:
"west
il
lhav
eti
me"

Me:
"Go"

Razor:
"okj
ustaqui
ckki
ss"

Igi
vehi
m aki
ss.

Me:
"nowgo"

Hewal
ksout
.

*
KHENSANI
*

Mybodyandmi ndfeeldrai
ned.Idon'
tfeel
goodatthismomentandusgoi ngbackandf ort
his
takingatollonmeaswel landmybodyisfeeli
ngi
t.Iyawnaftercl
eani
ngupt heapart
mentand
getting.Iam sogladtheweekendisheresoIcanrelaxandtakeabreak.Idon'tknowwher e
FezileisatandIwon'task.Imakesomecof f
eeandIgetdonefastandItakesomesconeand
goandsi tdown.Hewal ksinandhecl
osesthedoorandIlookathim.Hewal ksinfur
therand
kissesmycheek.

Nt
ambo:
"youok?"

Me:
"yes,
justt
ir
ed,
youwokeupear
ly"

Nt
ambo:
"hadsomet
hingst
otakecar
eof
fandIwentt
ofet
cht
hisatUnat
hi'
shome"

Me:
"whati
sit?"

Heshowedmeanenv
elopeandgav
eitt
omeandIt
ooki
tandopenedi
t.Ir
eadi
tandt
hen
l
ookedathi
m."

Me:
"theywantt
opayl
obol
aforMa"
Nt
ambo:
"shei
snotcheapandwon'
tbef
ree"

Me:
"nott
oomuch"

Nt
ambo:
"shei
sar
arebr
eed.Soshei
sexpensi
ve"

Igi
ggl
e.

Me:
"it
'sgoi
ngt
obeadi
sast
er"

Myhear twastornabi
t.Iwashappyforhismot
herandever
yonebutIcouldn'
thel
pbutfeel
say
atthesamet i
me.Thatwewouldn'tshar
ethi
s.Icoul
dn'
tl
ookathim becauseIwouldcr
y.Iwant
tosett
ledownt oo.

Me:
"hav
eyoueat
en?"

Nt
ambo:
"yeahIhav
e"

Inoddedandsi
ppedonmycof
feeav
oidi
nghi
m.

Nt
ambo:
"Khen"

Me:
"mmmh?"

Nt
ambo:
"lookatme"

Ibr
eat
hedoutgat
her
ingcour
agebef
orel
ooki
ngathi
m.

Nt
ambo:
"Iwi
l
lmar
ryy
ouoneday
.Ifi
tmakesy
ouhappy,
Ijustwanty
ouhappy"

Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
.If
eel
li
kehei
sput
ti
nghi
msel
finanuncomf
ort
abl
eposi
ti
onj
ustt
o
pl
easeme.

Me:
"it
'sok,
Ihav
eaccept
edi
t"

Li
es,
Idi
dn'
t.Ihav
en'
treal
l
y,Ikeptonsi
ppi
ngmycof
fee.

Nt
ambo:
"lookatme"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Nt
ambo:
"Il
ovey
ouok?Nomar
ri
agei
ssuesorany
thi
ngwi
l
lbr
eakusr
ight?"

Ioutmymugdownandst
oodup.Icoul
dfeel
thet
ear
snear
ingandmychestpai
ning,
hest
ood
upaswel
l.

Nt
ambo:
"Khen"

Hehel
dmywai
st.
Nt
ambo:
"wear
egonnabeokr
ight?"

Idon'
twantustobebrokenbyany
thi
ng.Il
ovehi
m andIam i
ntoodeep.That
'swhyi
thur
tsso
much.Hewi pedmyfall
i
ngtear
sandInodded.Hekissedmyfor
ehead.

Nt
ambo:
"Il
ovey
ouandIpr
omi
set
ogetbet
terandgethel
p"

Inodded.HehuggedmeandIhuggedhi
m backsobbi
ng.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t60

*
RAZOR*

Anel
e:"Let
hocanIhav
eat
urn?"

Let
ho:
"Iam agi
rlAnel
e,Ishoul
dbeonDaddi
esback"

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"Becar
eful
thaty
oudon'
tfal
l"

Igetherdownsl
owl
yandshest
andsonherf
eetandIcr
ouchi
nfr
ontoft
hem.

Zi
khal
i:
"Canwehav
eoursweetf
rom y
est
erday?"

Me:
"GoaskMommyi
nsi
de"

Theyrushof
fandIst
andup.Iam searchi
ngforWendybuti
t'
sli
keshevanishedint
othi
nair
.I
don'
tknowwhattodo.If
eelst
ressedaboutever
ythi
ngar
oundmethatIcan'tsol
veorsor
tout.
"Li
ndani
!"

Itur
naroundandit
'sMamkhulu.Shegetsoffthecarwit
hthehelpofUnat hi'
sfat
her.Sot hey
arereal
l
ydoingt
hisdat
ingt
hing?IwonderhowNt ambofeelsaboutall
oft hi
s,it
'squiet
awkwardthatmyaunti
sdati
ngmyf atheri
nlaw.It'st
hesameasmymot herandSt epfat
her
andnowIam marriedt
omyst epsi
ster.Ishakethethoughtastheyreachme.

Mamkhul
u:"Hel
l
o"

Me:
"Sani
bonani
(gr
eet
ings)"

Mamkhul
u:"Howar
eyou?Icamet
ocheckupony
ouandUnat
hi,
wher
eisshe?"

Me:
"Insi
de"

MrNgema:
"Mmmh"

Il
ookatherf
inger
sandshehasar
ing.

Me:
"Andt
heRi
ng?"

Mamkhul
u:"Ohwear
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed"

Me:
"Ohwow"

Iam shocked.Shei
ssmi
l
ing,
heki
ssesherhand.

Mamkhul
u:"Yes"

Me:
"That
'samazi
ngMamkhul
u.Uhm wewoul
dgoi
nsi
de."

Theynodandwemakeourwayi
nsi
de.

Unat
hi:
"Uphi
ubabawakhowena(wher
eisy
ourf
ather?)
"

Anel
e:"Usemny
angomommy(hei
soutsi
demommy)
"

Unat
hi:
"Goandcal
lhi
m"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lgogether"

Theysi
tdownandIgot
otheki
tchen.Theki
dsar
elooki
ngathermov
ear
oundt
heki
tchen.

Me:
"Yourf
atheri
sher
e"

Unat
hi:
"Real
l
y?Al
one?"

Me:
"no,
hei
swi
thy
ourst
epmot
her"

Unat
hi:
"ohok.Ki
dsgogr
eett
heel
der
s"
Theyr
ushof
f.Shewi
pesherhandandt
urnsar
oundt
ome.

Unat
hi:
""
uri
te?(Ar
eyouok?)
"

Inod.

Unat
hi:
"Ok"

Iki
ssherl
i
ps.

Me:
"Let
'sgobef
oret
heysaysomet
hing"

Unat
hi:
"weshoul
dgot
ochur
chSunday,
it'
sbeensol
ong"

Me:
"sur
e."

Wewal
kedoutoft
heki
tchent
othel
ounge.

Unat
hi:
"Dad,
whatawonder
ful
sur
pri
se"

MrNgema:
"youseem t
ohav
egai
nedwei
ght"

Unat
hi:
"'
whatcanIsay?Iam happy"

Hesmi
l
ed.

MrNgema:
"Iam happyt
oheart
hat
."

*
MERCY*

Me:
"Knock!Knock!"

Shel
ooksupf
rom herbooksandt
akesof
fherearphone.

Me:
"MayIcomei
n?"

ShenodsandIwal
kinsi
det
hebedr
oom.Isi
tdownnextt
oherassher
emov
esherbooks.

Me:
"Howar
eyou?"

Bahumi
:"Iam ok"

Me:
"ar
eyousur
e?"
Shenods.

Me:
"Anyboyy
ouar
eint
erest
edi
n.?
"

Shei
ssi
l
entabi
t.

Bahumi
:"Noty
et"

Me:
"Ar
eyousur
eHumi
?"

Shenodssl
owl
y.

Me:
"(si
gh)BabyIhav
ebeennot
ici
ng"

Shel
ooksatme.

Me:
"Pl
easet
ell
met
het
rut
h,i
sther
eanyboy?"

Bahumi
:"Idon'
tknow.Ther
ewasi
guess"

Me:
"youbr
okeup?"

Shenodded.

Me:
"Youknowy oudon'
thavet
obescar
edofme.Iam y
ourol
dersi
ster
.Iwi
l
lsuppor
tyouno
mat
terhowdeepthepi
tis.Iwi
l
lgety
ouout
."

Shewi
peshert
ear
s.

Bahumi
:"Iam sor
ry,
idi
sappoi
ntedy
ou.Ishoul
dleav
e"

Me:
"Noy
oushoul
dn'
t.Youar
efami
l
yandwest
ickt
hroughev
ery
thi
ng."

Shewi
peshert
ear
s.Igot
othedoorandcl
osei
t.

Me:
"Li
edownony
ourback"

Shedoesj
ustt
hatandIl
i
fthert
opupandt
ouchherst
omachandsi
gh.

Bahumi
:"Idon'
twanti
t.Idi
dn'
tmeant
o"

Me:
"It
'sok.Doest
hef
atherknow?"

Sheshookherhead.

Me:
"Ok,
youneedt
otel
lhi
m."

Bahumi
:"Iam sor
ry."

Thi
sisabi
gmess.Hugeone.
.

*
ANDI
SWA*

Af ami
l
ymeet i
ngwascall
edbackathome.Wewerer
ushi
ngther
eandIwonderwhat'
sitabout
.
Iknowthati
haventdoneany
thi
ngasyet.Wepar
kedup-
fr
ontandil
ookedatNt
ethel
eloandhe
l
ookedatme.

Me:
"Ihopei
t'
snot
hingser
ious"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"may
bei
t'
snot"

Inoddedandwegotoutoft hecarandmadeourwayinsi
de.Ov ertheyearsIbui
ltmyf at
hera
beauti
ful
homef orhi
m andhiswife,her
emarri
edagainl
astyearandIwashappyf orhim.
Auntyphil
ii
sav er
yniceper
sonandsheisGodsent.Wewal kedinsidethehouseandev ery
one
wasseatedalr
eady,Siyamt
handaandAyandawereherealr
eady.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Sani
bonani
(gr
eet
ings)
"

Khul
uza:
"Unj
ani
mkhweny
ana(howar
eyou?
)"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iam good"

Me:
"dad"

Wehugged,
Imi
ssedhi
m somucht
hatIdi
dn'
treal
i
zei
t.

Jabul
i
le:
"canwesi
tdown?
"

Wenoddedandwesatdown.Ev
enUncl
eThul
ani
washer
e.Thi
shast
obeaser
iousmat
ter
t
hen.

Dad:
"wear
eher
eonamat
terofMah"

Khul
uzaf
oldedherar
ms.

Khul
uza:
"yazi
angi
kwazi
ukuphumaemunt
wini
(youcan'
tl
etaper
sonl
i
ve)
"

Jabul
i
le:
"whaty
ouar
edoi
ngi
swr
ong!
"

Thul
ani
:"MahIt
hinkweal
lagr
eet
haty
oushoul
dst
opwhaty
ouar
edoi
ng."

Si
ya:
"canwegetont
hepr
ogr
am becausewear
econf
used"
Me:
"yespl
ease"

Dad:
"Khul
uzai
sdat
ingy
ourgr
andf
ather"

Me:
"Mkhul
uLut
hul
i?"

Theynodded.

Me:
"hay
iKhul
uzahei
smar
ri
ed"

Khul
uza:
"so?Hei
sbr
eaki
nghi
sownmar
ri
agenotmi
ne"

Phi
l
i:"mahwear
ejustconcer
ned"

Me:
"It
'swr
ong.Youar
eol
dtobeaMi
str
ess"

Khul
uza:
"Umuntuumtholaemtwi
niangi
ninawenomkhwenyananit
hol
enekanj
alo?(y
ougeta
per
sonfr
om anot
herper
son,i
sn'
ti
tyoufoundNtet
hel
elol
ikethat?
)"

Me:
"Khul
uza"

Nt
ethel
elocl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat.

Jabul
i
le:
"it
'swr
ongandy
ouar
ebehav
ingl
i
keachi
l
d"

Khul
uza:
"Iam t
oool
dfort
his"

*
BAHUMI*

Ireal
l
ymessedup, i
didn'tt
hinkshewoul
dnoticebefor
eIcandoany t
hing.It
ookoutthe
pamphletIwasgi
ventobyNel i
swaatschool
.Sheismynewf r
iendthatIcantal
ktoanyt
ime.I
takemyphoneandcallherandsheanswersaftert
hesecondr
ing.

Nel
i
swa:
"babes"

Me:
"Fr
iend"

Nel
i
swa:
"what
'swr
ong?Yousounddown"

Me:
"shef
oundoutt
hatIam pr
egnantagai
n"

Nel
i
swa:
"ohmyGod.Uhm whatnow?Youst
il
lgoi
ngt
hroughwi
thi
t?"
Inodded.

Me:
"Ican'
tbur
denhersoIhav
eto"

Nel
i
swa:
"ok.Ihav
esomecashonmet
omeety
ouhal
fway"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Nel
i
swa:
"Iwi
l
lsuppor
tyout
hroughany
thi
ngHumi
.Iam sor
ryaboutThapel
oandLee-
ann"

Me:
"it
'sok."

Nel
i
swa:
"Ihav
etogo"

Me:
"by
e"

IputmyphonedownandIwi
pemyt
ear
sandt
akeoutt
hemoneyandIonl
yhav
eaf
ew
hundr
eds.Hopeithel
ps

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t61

*
ANDI
SWA*

Si
ya:
"SongempelaKhul
uzauzi
misel
engokubaumakhwapheni
emdal
aKangaka?(Soser
iousl
y
Khul
uzai
sdeter
minedtobeasidechi
ckatthi
sage?)"

Me:"Mi
naangi
zazi
,messef
akauNt
ethel
elonami
(Idon'
tknowwhenshei
ncl
udedNt
ethel
elo
andme)"

Aunt
yJabul
i
lewal
ksi
ntheki
tchen.

Jabul
i
le:
"Nomaseni
gani
l
enenzakancane?(ev
enwheny
ouar
emar
ri
edy
ouar
est
il
lsl
ow?
)"
Me:
"Thef
oodi
sgonnaber
eady"

Jabul
i
le:
"Hai
boabant
ubal
ambi
l
e(peopl
ear
ehungr
y)"

Si
ya:
"Mahumsi
ndo,
Siy
aqedamanj
e(Mom ,
noi
se.Wear
eget
ti
ngdonenow)
"

Sheshakesherheadandcl
apsherhandonce.

Jabul
i
le:
"fi
nishup"

Me:
"SoKhul
uzai
sser
ious?
"

Jabul
i
le:
"Seemsso"

Aunt
yphi
l
iwal
ksi
ntheki
tchen.

Phi
l
i:"It
hinki
t'
senoughnow.Theyar
ehangi
nguponher"

Jabul
i
le:
"Itnotenough,
sheneedst
oknowwhatshei
sdoi
ngi
swr
ong"

Phi
l
i:"Imar
ri
edy
ourf
atherknowi
ngt
heywer
emar
ri
edwi
thmycousi
n"

Me:
"Mom i
sdead.Mygr
andmot
heri
snotdead."

Jabuli
l
e:"Udingainkukhuemnyamangobaangazi
yini
minal
ent
o(sheneedsabl
ackchi
cken
becauseIdon'tknowwhatthi
sis)"

Si
ya:
"Cany
out
akeoutt
hepl
atesAndi
swa?
"

Me:
"Sur
e"

Imov
edt
ogoandt
aket
hepl
ates.Aunt
yJabul
i
lekeepsont
alki
ng.

*
MERCY*

Ithoughtmay beshewouldl
ear nherlessonbutshedidn't
.Idon'
tknowhowt ogroom a
teenager,
it'
shar dgr
oomingthesey oungonesandi am sti
lll
earni
ngparenti
ngasi ti
s.Idon'
t
knowhowt oturntoatt
hesamet ime.Thi sisaburdent oSandil
easwell.Idon'tknowwhatto
dobutIhav etofigur
esomethingout.Thef et
usisalreadyinherandit
'sgrowingtoababy .
Aborti
onisnev ergoi
ngtobeanopt i
on.Weneedt ovisitt
heboy'shouse(father)Thenwecan
takeadecisionasbothfamil
i
esonwhatt odo.

"Mer
cy!"
Me:
"mmmh?
"

Iam snappedoutofmyt
hought
s.

Thapel
o:"y
ouhav
ebeendr
inki
ngt
hatbot
tl
esi
ncet
wohour
sago"

Me:
"real
l
y?"

Il
ookati
tandi
t'
sal
mostempt
y,i
hol
dmyhead.

Thapel
o:"ar
eyouok?"

Me:
"Yeahy
eahIam.Adul
tpr
obl
ems"

Thapel
o:"Iam al
most18y
ouknow"

Hesi
tsnextt
omeonahi
ghchai
r.

Me:
"That
'snexty
ear"

Thapel
o:"i
t'
slesst
han6mont
hs"

Inod.

Me:
"youhav
egr
own"

Thapel
o:"Yeah"

Ihol
dhi
shand.

Me:
"Iam gl
ady
ouar
eget
ti
ngbet
ter
."

Thapel
o:"
Thanky
ouf
orl
ovi
ngus"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"It
'swhatbi
gsi
ster
'sdo"

Adoorbel
lri
ngsandhest
andsup.

Thapel
o:"Ihav
etogo"

Me:
"Letmeopent
hedoor"

Thapel
o:"No,
youar
efi
neont
hatchai
r.Idon'
twanty
ouembar
rassi
ngme"

Me:
"Hai
bot
hisi
smyhouse.
"

Igetofft
hechairandwalkpasthi
m.Igoandopent
hedoorandt
her
eisacol
our
edgi
rl
standi
nginf
rontofthedoor
.
Her:
"Hi
,Iam Lee-
ann.Iam her
eforThapel
o"

Me:
"Pel
o!"

Hewal
kst
owar
dsus.Idon'
twantst
ressov
erst
ress.

Thapel
o:"Lee"

Shesmi
l
es.

Thapel
o:"Uhm t
hisi
smybi
gsi
sterMer
cy"

Her:
"Ni
cet
omeety
ou"

Me:
"Don'
tsl
eepwi
thhi
m"

Thapel
o:"Mer
cy!"

Me:
"Don'
t"

Lee-
ann:
"Iwon'
t."

Thapel
o:"weshoul
dgo"

Lee-
ann:
"Ni
cemeet
ingy
ou"

Me:
"Sameher
e."

Hetakesherhandandt
heywalkof
f.Icl
oset
hedoorandhearf
oot
steps.It
urnar
oundandI
seeBahumirunni
ngupthest
air
s.

Me:
"Bahumi
!"

I
t'
ssi
l
ent
.Isi
gh.

*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Sheput
sthegl
assesdowni
nfr
ontofus.

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Zi
khal
i
:"Youar
ethei
rgr
anny?"

Hei
ssi
tt
ingonmyl
ap.
Me:
"yesIam ev
ery
one'
sgr
andmot
her"

Zi
khal
i:
"met
oo?"

Me:
"yout
oo"

Hesmi
l
es.

Me:
"Howar
ethi
ngs?"

Li
ndani
:"Konkekur
ytMamkhul
u(ev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
neMamkhul
u)"

Smi
so:
"Whatar
ethepol
i
cesay
ing?"

Li
ndani
:"t
heusual
.Theyar
est
il
li
nvest
igat
ing."

Isi
ghedandl
ookedathi
m andUnat
hit
hent
heki
ds.

Me:
"Kuzol
unga(i
twi
l
lbef
ine.)
"

Unat
hi:
"yeah.Wewi l
lgett
hrought
hisl
i
keany
thi
ng,
justdon'
tunder
standwhysomeonewoul
d
dosuchaharsht
hing"

Me:
"It
'sj
eal
ousy"

Idr
inkt
hej
uice.

Me:
"HasAnel
ebehav
edanydi
ff
erent
lyt
hanusual
?"

Unat
hi:
"nott
hatIhav
enot
iced"

Li
ndani
looksatmet
hencl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
.

Li
ndani
:"y
eah"

Me:
"Hei
sgoi
ngt
obesomet
hingwonder
ful
"

Unat
hismi
l
es.

Unat
hi:
"that
'sgr
eatt
ohear"

Let
ho:
"gogodoy
ouwantsomesweet?"

Me:
"Nomybaby"

Shenods.

Unat
hi:
"letmecheckonmypot
s."

Shest
andsup.Il
ookatAnel
ethenLi
ndani
andIsmi
l
ethoughi
am notatease.
.

*
SESETHU*

Me:
"Kau!
"

Kau:
"baby
?"

Me:
"yourphonehasbeenr
ingi
ng"

Ist
andt
herelooki
ngathi
m andhetur
nsoffthewat
erandopenst
heshowerdoorandget
sout
.
Igi
vehi
m atowelandhewrapsatowelar
oundhiswai
st.

Kau:
"Whoi
sit?"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow."

Igi
vehi
m hi
sphoneandhet
akesi
t.

Kau:
"It
'sDad"

Me:
"oh"

Hewalksoutoft
hebat
hroom andIf
oll
owaf
terhi
m andhemakesacal
l
.Isi
tont
hebedand
l
ookathim.

Kau:
"Dad"

Thereissi
lence.Ikeeponl ooki
ngathi
m st
andi
ngt her
e.Hi supperbodyi
swetandsoaspart
ofhishai
rylegsaswel l
.Itl
ookssexy.Ibi
tmybottom li
p, Iwisht
hisbabyi
sour
s.Iknowit
's
oursandIwi shf
orittobeaboysohecanl ookl
ikehisfather.

Kau:
"Uhm (swal
l
ow)ok.
..
Iam comi
ng"

Hehangsup.

Me:
"ar
eyouok?"

Iam snappedoutofmyf
ant
asyofhi
m byhi
sfaci
alexpr
essi
onandi
t'
snotni
ce.

Kau:
"Mom j
ustpassedaway"

Iwentt
ohi
m.
Me:
"How?Wehav
enev
erhear
dthatshewassi
ck."

Kau:
"shej
ustf
aint
edwhi
l
ecl
eani
ngt
hismor
ningandi
t'
sconf
ir
medt
hatshei
sdeceased"

Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
.Iwr
appedmyar
msar
oundhi
mtocomf
orthi
m.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Hehel
donmet
ight
lysi
ghi
ng.

Me:
"pl
easebeemot
ional
"

Hewassil
ent.Thi
smademet hi
nkofmymot
her,
May
beIshoul
dst
opmyr
esent
mentf
orher
andf
ixt
hings.Fi
xher,
ifshei
sali
ve.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t62

*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Wewerebiddi
ngourgoodbyest
othem.I twasreal
l
ywonderful
seeingthem t
oget
herl
i
kethi
s
andgavemetheeaseIneededy
eti
tbroughtsomesadnessaswell.Il
ookedatAnel
eonce
moreandIsmil
ed.

Unat
hi:
"Wewi
l
lvi
sitaswel
l"

Me:
"Pl
easedo"

Li
ndani
:"Mamkhul
u"

Me:
"Li
ndani
"
Hewant
edt
osaysomet
hingbutt
henhej
ustset
tl
edf
oranod.

Let
ho:
"wear
egonnav
isi
tyougogo"

Zi
khal
i:
"Yesgogo"

Me:
"Gogoi
slonel
yyoushoul
dvi
sit
"

Smi
so:
"Am Ipar
toft
hel
onel
i
ness?"

Wel
aughedandInodded.

Unat
hi:
"By
e"

Smi
sohelpedmeinsi
dethecarandIwavedatt
hem.Isawaf
igur
enextt
oThem andi
twasof
f
mysi
ster
.ShelookedatmeandIsighed.

Me:
"Ohmygod"

Smi
so:
"ar
eyouok?"

Me:
"YesIam "

Henodded.

*
BAHUMI*

Knock!Knock!

"Bahumi
!"

Icoul
dn'tstopmy sel
ffrom cry
ing.Ididn'
tseet
hiscoming,Idi
dn'
tatal
landnowev
eryt
hingi
sa
mess, Ifel
lforhi
swor ds.Ilovehim andheknewthatandbrokemyheart
.Maybei
t'
sbecauseI
am youngerthanhim.

"Bahumi
opent
hedoori
t'
sMer
cy"

Me:
"Iam f
ine!"

Ishoutbackandrol
ledof
fthebed.Itookthepamphl
etandshovedi
tinmybagwitht
hemoney
.
Fir
stthi
ngtomorrowIam goi
ngthere.It
extedNel
i
swathatcansheaccompanymeandshe
agreed.Ineedsomemoralsupport
.Ithenwentonmykneesandstart
edprayi
ng.
Me:
"Godpl
easef
orgi
vemef
orwhatIam aboutt
odo.Ihav
enochoi
ce."

Isni
ff
edandl
aidmyheadont
hebedandsobbed.

*
SESETHU*

Ilookedoutoft
hewi ndowthenbackathim andheissil
entl
ysit
ti
ngnextt ome.Ihav
etr
iedall
thingsIknowaboutcomfort
ingapersonbutnothi
ng.Sinceweleftt
hehousehehasbeensil
ent
.
Itakehishandi
ntomi neandIgi
veitasli
ghtsqueezetoassurehim Iam her
e.

Me:
"Let
'sgoi
nsi
de"

Hesi
ghsbeforenoddingandwegetoutoft hecar.Wewal kedi
nsi
deandwecouldhearpeopl
e
si
ngi
ngalr
eady, Il
ookedathim andheclenchedhi
sjaws.Iknowheispr
event
ingf
eeli
ng
emot
ional
atthismoment .Ihol
dhi shandaswewal ki
nsi
de.

Kau:
"Ineedt
ofi
nddad"

Me:
"doy
ouwantmet
ocomewi
th?"

Henodsandwewal kt
hroughtot
hebedr
ooms.Weseehi
sfat
hersi
tt
ingont
opoft hebedwhi
l
e
st
ari
ngatsomethi
ng,weenter
edther
oom andt
her
ewasf
oodinatr
aywithteanexttohi
sbed
si
de.Il
ookedatKau.

Kau:
"Baba"

Hi
sfat
hert
urnshi
sheadsl
owl
ytous.Isl
i
ght
lysmi
l
enotknowi
ngwhatt
odo.

Hi
sfat
her:
"Mmmh"

Kauwal
ksi
nfur
therandIam behi
ndhi
m,hesi
tsnextt
ohi
sfat
her
.Hel
ooksatme.

Kau:
"Thi
sisSeset
hu"

Me:
"Hi
"

Iam sur
eithasn'
tregi
ster
edi
nhi
mththi
swi
fei
snomor
e.

Hi
sfat
her:
"Iam happyt
omeety
ou"

Me:
"met
oo,
letmel
eav
e"

It
urnedar
oundwal
kedout.Thewhol
eenv
ironmenti
ssomber
.
.

*
THAPELO*

Il
ookedatherandshet
urnedt
omeandputherdr
inkdown.

Lee-
ann:
"what?"

Me:
"(smi
l
ing)Not
hing"

Lee-
ann:
"sowhati
sthi
s?"

It
akeaf
ryf
rom myf
ood.

Me:
"Il
i
key
ou"

Lee-
ann:
"wer
en'
tyoudat
ingBahumi
?"

Me:
"(cl
eart
hroat)y
eahIwas"

Lee-
ann:
"mmmh"

Shet
ookasi
pof
fhercoke"

Me:
"Il
i
key
ou"

Ial
sot
ookmydr
inkanddr
ank.

Lee-
ann:
"I.
..
(Smi
l
ing)Il
i
key
out
oo"

Ismi
l
ed.

Lee-
ann:
"Thapel
o"

Shehel
dmyhandov
ert
het
abl
eandIdi
dthesame.

*
KAU*

wewer
ebot
hsi
tt
ingi
nsi
l
ence.Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Dad:
"Shebakedsomemuf
fi
nst
hismor
ning"

Me:
"Shel
ovesbaki
ng"

Hel
ookedatme.

Dad:
"Shewascomi
ngt
ovi
sity
ou,
that
'swhyshebakedmuf
fi
nssoear
ly"

Tear
sst
reameddownmyey
esandIwi
pedt
hem.Het
ouchedmyshoul
der

Dad:
"It
'sok"

Il
aidbackont
hebedandputhandsov
ermyf
aceandwi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Dad:
"It
'sokkau"

Ishookmyhead.I
t'
snotok.If
ail
edanddi
sappoi
ntedher.
..
.

Dad:
"Mokoena"

Ikeptqui
et.Thel
umponmyt
hroatwaski
l
li
ngme.

*
SESETHU*

Si
ya:
"Iam sor
rybabes"

Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhatt
odoSi
yamt
handa.Idon'
tknowhi
smot
her"

Si
ya:
"lethi
m bebutmakesur
eheknowsy
ouar
ether
eforhi
m nomat
terwhat"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Si
ya:
"howi
sthebaby?"

Me:
"Idon'
twantt
ost
ress"

Si
ya:
"Don'
tst
ress"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lcal
lyou"

Si
ya:
"ok.Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"
ShehungupandandIsi
ghed.Iwentt
hroughmycont
act
s.Iwonderi
fhernumberst
il
lwor
ks.
Ir
ingi
tanditr
ingsaf
ewti
mesandit'
sanswered.

"
Hel
l
o"

Ihungupandbr
eat
hedout
.

*
NTAMBO*

Ist
andbythedoorandleanagai
nsti
tasIwat
chhersleep.Isi
ghandti
ltmyheadtothesi
de
andshesqui
rmsbefor
et ur
ningt
ofaceme.Iwal
kclosertoherandsheopensherey
esand
l
ooksatme.

Me:
"Hey"

Shesi
tsupandr
ubsherey
es.

Khensani
:"Somet
hingwr
ong?"

Me:
"no"

Khensani
:"ok"

Shel
aidbackont
hebed.

Khensani
:"Fezi
l
e"

Me:
"St
handwaSam "

Khensani
:"Iwast
hinki
ng"

Me:
"'
about"

Khensani
:"i
fyou.
..
(swal
l
owed)I
fyoudon'
tl
ikemar
ri
agest
heni
t'
sfi
ne.Iwi
l
lcompr
omi
se"

Me:
"real
l
y?"

Shenodded.

Khensani
:"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouKhen,
thatdoesn'
tchangeany
thi
ng"

Shenodded.
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t63(
ret
ype)

*
BAHUMI*

Iwokeupandwentt ot akeaqui
ckshowerbeforeIstar
tedpacki
ngsomeofmycl othesi
nmy
backpack.Iam ner v
ousbutt hi
shastobedone.It ookthebooksoffmybedasi tri
edtopack
them awaybuttheyfell.Ipi
ckedthem upandshovedthem i
nmybagbef oreshovingtem i
nthe
wardrobe.It
henbr eathedoutandwentoutofthedoorandwentt ogetLesedi,
itwasallcl
ear.
Shewasaasl eep.Itooksomenappi esforherandIwalkedoutandImetbhutisandile.

Sandi
l
e:"goodmor
ning"

Me:
"goodmor
ning"

Sandi
l
e:"howi
sschool
?"

Me:
"school
isgoi
ngwel
l,butImi
ssspendi
ngadaywi
thl
esedi
"

Henodded.

Me:
"canIsl
eepwi
thhert
oni
ght?

Sandi
l
e:"sur
e"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Iwalkedpasthi
m andbreat
hedout.Igoti
nthebedr
oom Andcl
osedthedoor.Iputthenappi
es
i
nmybackpackandt henIt
ooksleepi
ngpi
ll
sandcrushedt
henandwenttofetchsomesmal l
waterint
hebathroom andt
ooklesedi
inmyarms.Iwokeherupabitandshequiver
ed.
Me:
"shhh"

Imadeherl
i
ckt
hepowderanddr
anksomewat
er.Iwi
pedhermout
handcr
adl
edheri
nmy
ar
ms.

Me:
"shh"

Myhear
twast
huddi
ng.

*
UNATHI*

Me:
"ar
eyougoi
ng?"

Razor:
"iam goi
ngt
ocomei
nlat
er"

Me:
"weneedt
ogot
ochur
chLi
ndani
"

Razor:
"andIwi
l
lcome.

It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m.Igotof
fthebedandIt
ookt
het
owel
.

Me:
"don'
tbel
ate.Iam bat
hing,
doy
ouwantt
ojoi
nme?"

Hesatupf
rom t
hebedandt
ookof
fhi
sboxer
s.

Me:
"wear
enotal
one.Ther
ear
eki
ds"

Razor:
"comel
et'
sgo"

Hepi
ckedmeupandIgi
ggl
ed.

Razor:
"Il
ovey
ouMr
sNgomane"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
ooMshi
ka"

Iki
ssedhi
sli
ps.

Razor:
"Iwantawetbat
h"

Me:
"OkMr"

.
*
MERCY*

Me:
"goandcal
lyourf
ather"

Sandi
l
e:"Iam her
e"

Hecomesi
ntheki
tchen.

Sandi
l
e:"ki
ds"

Yol
anda:
"daddy"

"mor
ningev
ery
one"

Us:
"mor
ning."

Sandi
l
e:"Ihear
dyouwentonadat
eyest
erday"

Thapel
o:"wear
ejusthangi
ngout"

Me:
"Ihopei
t'
shangi
ngout"

Thapel
o:"Mer
cy"

Me:
"justsay
ing"

Hesatdownont
hehi
ghchai
randt
ookt
hecer
eal
box.

Phi
l
a:"mmh?"

Hehandedt
hemi
l
ktoThapel
o.Bahumi
camedownt
hest
air
swi
thabackback.

Me:
"mor
ning"

Bahumi
:"goodmor
ning"

Me:
"goi
ngsomewher
e?"

Bahumi:"y
es.Iwantedt
oaskifIcangoandst
udywi
thmyf
ri
endNel
i
swa.Her
eisher
mother
'snumberandhomeaddress"

Me:
"isi
tsaf
e?"

Bahumi
:"y
oucancal
lhermot
her"

Me:
"Iwi
l
ldoso."

Bahumi
:"ok"
Sandi
l
e:"needanymoney?"

Bahumi
:"NoIam f
inet
hanks"

Me:
"bebackat15:
00"

Bahumi
:"y
esmam"

Inodded

Sandi
l
e:"ar
en'
tyoueat
ing?"

Bahumi
:"noIam f
ine,
Ihav
etogo"

Us:
"ok"

Shesmi
l
edmov
ingbackwar
dsbef
oreshet
urnedandwal
kedouthol
dingherbag.

Me:
"shei
sdedi
cat
edt
oherschool
wor
k"

Sandi
l
e:"t
hat
'sgood"

Me:
"shei
sreser
vedandkeepst
hingst
oher
sel
f."

Sandi
l
e:"mmmh"

Me:
"Thapel
oissheal
way
sli
ket
hat?"

Hewassi
l
ent
.

Me:
"Thapel
o!"

Thapel
o:"Mer
cy?"

Me:
"Iam t
alki
ngt
oyou"

Thapel
o:"y
eah"

Hepl
ayedwi
thhi
sfood.

Thapel
o:"Iam goi
ngupst
air
s"

Hegotof
fthehi
ghchai
r.

Me:
"what
swr
ong?"

Il
ookedatThapel
o

.
.

*
DINA*

Zamani
:"Ican'
tchangeanappy"

Me:
"babydon'
thol
dhi
mli
ket
hat"

Zamani
:"It
ri
ed"

Iwi
pedmyhandsandwentcl
oset
ohi
m andt
ookt
hebabyf
rom hi
sar
ms.

Me:
"lookatdaddyhol
dingy
oul
i
keasackofpot
atoes"

Zamani
:"t
heyeatal
ot.Youf
eedt
hem "

Me:
"wewantt
hem t
ogr
owr
ight"

Hest
andsbehi
ndme.

Zamani
:"Thi
sisaper
fecti
mage"

Me:
"whi
chi
s?"

Zamani
:"Thi
sone"

Heki
ssedmycheekandIbl
ushed.

Me:
"Iam al
mostdonecooki
ng"

Igav
ehi
mthebaby"

Zamani
:"mommy"

Me:
"fat
herandsont
ime"

Zamani
:"y
ourmot
heri
snotcool
"

Igi
ggl
edandwentont
owashmyhandsbef
orecooki
ng.If
eel
cont
entwi
thev
ery
thi
ng.

*
BAHUMI*

Icr
adl
edheri
nmyar msandlookedather
.Ikeptonchecki
ngifshewasst
il
lbr
eat
hingandyes
shewasst
il
lbr
eat
hing.Iki
ssedhersmall
knuckl
esandtheladynextt
omeshookherhead.I
swallowedandl ookedoutthewindow.Assoonast hetaxistoppedint
own, Ihoppedoutofthe
taxi
.mybackpackhaddef l
ated.Iwalkedthrought
hecrowdhol di
ngLesedi
closetomybody .I
wasscar edandIam notreallyf
rom here.IgottowhereNel i
swasaidwewi l
lmeetandIlooked
aroundstandingthere.ADarkgreyAudi par
kedinf
rontofme.I twasdi
mmedbutt hedr
iveror
anyonedi dn'
tcomeoutofit.Iwasscar edandIthi
nkabi tparanoid.

"Babes"

It
urnedandi
wassogl
adt
oseeher
.Shecamet
owar
dsme

Nel
i
swa:
"ohmyGodcanIhol
dher?"

Inodded.

Nel
i
swa:
"shel
ookscut
e"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Icoul
dn'
tkeepmyey
esof
ftheAudi
.

Nel
i
swa:
"Ar
eyousur
eaboutt
his?"

Me:
"yes.
..
yesIam "

Shenodded.

Nel
i
swa:
"okt
hen"

Me:
"wecango"

Shenoddedandwest ar
tedwalkingdownthestr
eetandenter
edanally,Iswal
l
owedasner
vous
asIam ti
llwereachedadoorandIknockedoni tandNel
iswaheldLesedicl
osetoher
.The
dooropenedandaFor ei
gnlookingguylookedatmeandNel i
swa.

Me:
"Hi
,uhm Iam l
ooki
ngf
orapl
acewher
eIcangetanabor
ti
onandi
tledusher
e"

Guy:
"yest
hisi
sthepl
ace"

Me:
"oh,
howmuch?"

Hel
ookedatme.

Guy:
"It
'sR3000"

Idon'
thav
ethatmuchi
fmoney
.

Me:
"oh"

Nel
i
swa:
"weshoul
dgoHumi
"
Isi
ghed.

Guy:
"butf
ory
ouIcanmakeanaccept
ionofR1500"

Me:
"Ohr
eal
l
y?"

Henoddedsmi
rki
ng.

Nel
i
swa:
"Idon'
tfeel
okwi
tht
his"

Me:
"I.
..
Iwi
l
ltaket
heof
fer"

Guy:
"Comei
n"

Het
urnedandi
lookedatNel
i
swaandsheshr
ugged.Wef
oll
owed.

"St
op!"

West
oppedandt
urned.

Nel
i
swa:
"Bahumi
"

Theguywal
kedcl
oser
.

Hi
m:"Hana-
esom(t
heyar
ecomi
ngwi
thme)
"

Guy:
"anam azuahi
aebea(Iam r
unni
ngabusi
nessher
e)"

Him:"Achọghị
mịma,
ọna-
abị
am nat
hat
sfi
nal
!(Idon'
tcar
e,shei
scomi
ngwi
thmeandt
hat
's
f
inal
!)"

Nel
i
swa:
"(t
ear
y)saf
aNkosi
(wear
edead)
"

It
ookl
esedi
from herar
ms.

Hi
m:"come"

Ishookmyhead.

Hi
m:"Iwon'
thar
myou"

Hi
saccentscar
esme,
bot
hoft
hem.

Me:
"let
'sgoNel
i"

Shenoddedandhehel
dmyar
m.

Hi
m:"i
fur
umar
amma(beaut
if
ulf
lower)
"

Iswal
l
owed.
*
MERCY*

Icoul
dheargi
ggl
i
ngandt
hem r
unni
ngupanddown.

Me:
"sl
owdown!"

Theychasedaf
tereachot
her.Thapelocl
osedhi
mselfi
nhi
sroom.Sandil
ewenttobuysome
meatthatIwi
ll
cooktoni
ght.IlookedatmywatchandIwasabitwor
ri
edaboutBahumi.

Me:
"Phi
l
asande!Yol
anda!"

Theygi
ggl
ed.

Phi
l
a:"Mommyshewant
smypaper"

Me:
"Gi
vemet
hatpaper"

I
twasanai
rpl
ane.Iwasabouttot
hrowi
tawaybutsomet
hingcapt
uredmyey
es.Iopenedi
t
andi
twasanabor
ti
onpamphlet.

Me:
"OhmygodBahumi
"

Ir
ushedupt
hest
air
stoThapel
o'
sroom.

Me:
"Thapel
o!"

Ibangedonthedoorandwentt
omybedr
oom.It
ookmybagandphoneandcal
l
edsandi
l
e.I
rusheddownthest
air
s.

Me:
"ev
ery
onei
nthecarnow!"

Thapel
o:"what
'sup?
"

Me:
"got
othecar"

Sandi
l
e:"babe"

Me:
"pl
easel
et'
smeeti
ntown.I
t'
sBahumi
"

Sandi
l
e:"ok"

Ihungup.Myhear
twasbeat
ingf
ast
.Ihopeshedoesn'
tdoi
t.

.
Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t64

*
UNATHI*

Pastor:
"Romans8: 38-39.ForIam convi
ncedthatnei
therdeathnorlif
e,nei
therangelsnor
demons,nei
therthepresentnorthefutur
e,noranypower s,
neitherhei
ghtnordepth,nor
anythi
ngel
seinallcreati
on,wil
lbeabletoseparateusfrom theloveofGodt hati
sinChrist
JesusourLord.
"

Congr
egat
ion:
"Amen"

Anel
e:"mommy"

Hepatmyt
high

Me:
"mmmh?"

Anel
e:"Let
hodoesn'
twantust
opl
ay"

Me:
"Let
hokuhl
e"

Isnat
chmyphonef
rom herhandsandgi
vei
ttoAnel
e.Shesul
ks"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ouahi
ding"

Shest
il
lpout
s.

Past
or:
"Nei
theroft
hoset
hingswi
l
lst
opt
hel
ovet
hatexi
stsi
nGodandchr
istf
orus"

Me:
"Amen"

"sor
ryIam l
ate"

Il
ookedathi
m.
Me:
"Di
dyoucook?"

Razor:
"that
'swhyIam l
ate"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"youar
eanangel
"

Razor:
"WhyI
sshel
i
ket
his?"

Me:
"Shei
sabul
l
y"

Razor:
"comet
odaddy"

Shewenttosi
tonhi
slapandl
aidherheadonhischestt
hensuckedhert
humb.Ishookmy
head.Tur
nedbackt
othepast
orandli
stenedt
owhathewassay ing.

*
MERCY*

Ever
yonewassilenti
nthecar
.Iwastr
yingt
odri
veasfastaspossi
blewi
thoutcausi
ngan
acci
dentorget
ti
ngat i
cket
.Myphonerangandianswer
edit
.

Sandi
l
e:"Iam her
e"

Me:
"Justaf
ew"

Sandi
l
e:"Ok"

Isi
ghed.

Sandi
l
e:"cal
m downandconcer
ntr
ate"

Me:
"Ok"

Hehungup.

Thapel
o:"what
'sgoi
ngon?"

Me:
"Doy
ouknowwhoBahumi
wasdat
ing?
"

Hekeptqui
et.

Thapel
o:"(cl
eart
hroat)Shei
ssecr
eti
ve"
Me:
"Ohmygodt
hisi
samess"

Thapel
o:"whydoy
ouask?"

Iseepar
kingspaceandi
par
k.It
akeof
fmyseatbel
t.

Me:
"St
ayi
nher
eandl
ockt
hedoor"

Theynoddedandi
gotoutl
ocki
ngandt
henIr
ushedi
ntheal
l
y.IsawSandi
l
e.

Sandi
l
e:"What
'sup?"

Me:
"Bahumi
ispr
egnantagai
nandsher
ant
odoanabor
ti
on,
lesedi
isnowher
easwel
l
."

Sandi
l
e:"What?
!"

HerusheddownwhileIgavehi
mt hepaper
.Iwasaf
terhi
m andwegott
othepl
aceandhe
knockedonthedoor
.ItopenedandaNigeri
anmanopenedthedoor
.

Hi
m:"HowmayIhel
pyou?"

Sandi
l
e:"Di
dn'
tyouseeal
i
ttl
egi
rlher
ewi
thababy?"

Hi
m:"Sher
anof
f"

Me:
"Wher
e?"

Hi
m:"Idon'
tknow"

Hecl
osedt
hedoor
.If
eltdef
eat
ed.

Me:
"sandi
l
e"

Sandi
l
e:"Iwi
l
lfi
ndherdon'
twor
ry"

Inoddedandhewi
pedmyt
ear
s.Shei
sonl
y15al
onewi
thani
nfant.

Sandi
l
e:"Don'
twor
ry"

*
THAPELO*

Il
ookoutthewindowandturnthevol
umedownont heradi
o.Itookoutmyphoneandwenton
Whatsappandcheckedst
atusesandLee-
annhadposted.ItwasasongbyJusti
nBieber
.
"
Canwe,
wekeep,
keepeachot
hercompany

May
bewe,
canbe,
beeachot
her
'scompany

Ohcompany

Let
'sseteachot
her
'sl
onel
yni
ght
s

Beeachot
her
'spar
adi
se

Needapi
ctur
eformyf
rame

Someonet
oshar
emyr
ing.
..
..
"

Shet
aggedmei
nit
.Ir
epl
i
ed.

Me:
"Iwi
l
lkeepy
oucompany"

Shet
yped.

Lee-
ann:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Ismi
rked,
act
ual
l
yIwasbl
ushi
ng.

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Isent
.

Yol
anda:
"canwel
i
stent
other
adi
o?"

Itur
nedupthev
olumeandwentt
omygal
l
eryandgotapi
ctur
eofherIt
ookf
rom y
est
erdayand
postedi
t.

"
Someone'
sfut
urewi
fe"

Ismi
l
edbi
tt
ingmybot
tom l
i
p.Ir
eal
l
yli
kehersomuch.

*
BAHUMI*

Iwasnervousandscared.Lesedi
wascryingInmyar msandiwasreli
evedshehaswokenup.
Iwassit
ti
ngont hegr
eycouchi nt
hiscl
assylookingr
oom.Hewal ksinbackf r
om hi
scal
land
l
ooksatme.Thechai nsaroundhisneckandt hewayheisdr
essed.Idon'tknowi
fit'
sasty
leto
addchai
nswheny ouarewear i
ngfor
malwear .Heseemsolder,wayolderthanmeandthat
scar
esmet
oo.

Me:
"pl
..
.pl
easedon'
thur
tus"

Hecomesf
ort
handcr
ouchedi
nfr
ontofmeandIhol
dLesedi
.

Hi
m:"Iwon'
t"

Me:
"whatdoy
ouwant?"

Hi
m:"I
sshehungr
y?"

Inoddedsl
owl
ynotsur
e.

Hi
m:"Iwi
l
lgetherf
ood.
"

Me:
'Iwantt
ogohome"

Hi
m:"wewi
l
lbegoi
nghomei
fur
um nma(
mybeaut
if
ulf
lower)
"

Iswal
l
owed.

Me:
"homewher
e?"

Hi
m:"wewi
l
lgot
otheEur
opeanpar
ts"

Me:
"whatar
eyou?"

Hi
m:"Ni
ger
ian"

Me:
"pl
easecanIgohome?
"

Hi
m:"Don'
twor
ey.Youwi
l
lbef
ine."

OhmyGod,
whatdi
dIgetmy
sel
fint
o.?

*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Smi
so:
"Doy
ouwantaweddi
ng?"

Me:
"No,
wecanj
ustgot
ohomeaf
fai
rs"

Idr
anksomet
ea.
Smi
so:
"ift
hatmakesy
ouhappy"

Me:
"Iwoul
dbe"

Ihel
dhi
shand.

Me:
"ev
ery
thi
ngi
sokr
ight?"

Smi
so:
"yeah"

Inodded.

Me:
"thanky
ouf
orl
ovi
ngme"

Heki
ssedmycheek."

Smi
so:
"Il
ovey
ounomat
terwhat"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Isawmysi
sterbyt
hewal
landshet
urnedandwal
kedof
f.

Me:
"If
eel
sleepy"

Smi
so:
"weshoul
dgety
ouchecked"

It
ouchedmyst
omach.

Me:
"ok"

Ismi
l
ed

*
MERCY*

If
eel l
i
keafai
l
ure.Wecan'topenamissi
ngper
sonscase,
wejusthav
etowai t
.Iwasinthe
ki
tchendr
owningmysel
finwinewhensandi
lewal
kedinwi
thagir
lwholookedter
ri
fi
ed.

Sandi
l
e:"If
oundNel
i
swa"

Me:
"Hi
,"

Her:
"hi
..
hi"

Me:
"wher
eisBahumi
?Hav
eyouseenher?"
Shel
ooksdownandf
iddl
edwi
thherf
inger
s.

Neli
swa:"Iwaswi
thherwhenwewer
etakenbyt
hisman.Het
ookmehomebutIdon'
tknow
aboutBahumi"

Me:
"ohmyGod"

Sandi
l
e:"cany
oudescr
ibehi
m ?"

Nel
i
swa:
"hel
ookedathi
slat
e30'
shewasi
nasui
tanddr
oveanAudi
"

Me:
"thenumberpl
ate?"

Nel
i
swa:
"itdi
dn'
thav
eone."

Me:
"ohgod.Shemi
ghtbeshi
ppedof
f"

Sandi
l
e:"Iam goi
ngout
."

Nel
i
swa:
"iam sor
ry"

*
BAHUMI*

Ihushedl
esedi
til
lshewasasl
eep.Hecamebacki
nagai
nandl
ookedatme.

Hi
m:"wewi
l
lbel
eav
ingt
oni
ght
."

Myst
omacht
urned.Hi
sphoner
angandheanswer
ed.

Hi
m:"Hel
l
o"

Hewalkedoutofther
oom.AllIhear
disthatIf
oundoneandIknewt
hatIam bei
ngsol
dfor
somet
hing.IfIdi
dn'
trunawayIwoul
dn'
tbeinthismess.

Tobecont
inued.
~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t65

Me:
"Isshef
inal
l
yasl
eep?"

Razor:
"Yes."

Whatawonder
ful
ser
vice.Can'
tgetov
eri
t,i
twasdef
ini
tel
yneededt
oday.

Me:
"Boy
sar
eyougoi
ngwi
thDaddy?"

Theynod.

Me:
"Theydon'
tpayat
tent
ionwhent
heyar
epl
ayi
nggames"

Razor:
"Inot
icedt
hrought
hewhol
eser
vice"

Isqui
ntedmyey
es.

"Pr
aiset
heLor
d"

Wet
urnandi
t'
sthepast
or.

Me:
"Baba"

Past
or:
"Iam sohappyt
oseey
out
oday
.Li
ndani
howar
eyou?"

Razor:
"Iam f
ineNceku"

Past
or:
"Wonder
ful
,Howi
smar
ri
age?"

Me:
"It
'sgoi
ngwel
lri
ght?"

Razor:
"Def
ini
tel
y"

Past
or:"that
'swonder
ful
.Okubhal
wenguNkul
unkul
uakekhoozokuci
sha(What
'swr
it
tenbyt
he
l
ordshall
notbeerased.)
"

Me:
"Amen."

Past
or:
"Youshoul
dkeepaney
eony
oury
oungone.Godhaspl
ansf
orhi
m."

Il
ookedatAnel
e.
Me:
"Wewi
l
l"

Past
or:
"RememberGodi
sal
way
swi
thy
ou"

Me:
"Hal
l
eluj
ah"

Hesmi
l
edandwal
kedaway
.

Razor:
"Iwonderwher
eyoul
ear
ntt
hat"

Me:
"Mxm.Boy
sgowi
thy
ourf
ather"

Theywal
kof
f.

Razor:
"Iwi
l
lseey
ouathome"

Me:
"Okbaby"

Iki
ssedLet
hogoi
sinhi
sar
msandt
heywal
kedof
f.Ist
oodt
her
elooki
ngatt
hem t
hensmi
l
ed.

*
DINA*

Me:
"Wher
eist
hebaby?"

Iwal
kedi
nthel
ounge.

Zamani
:"Asl
eep"

Me:
"Oh"

Zamani
:"Weneedt
omakeal
i
st"

Me:
"Of
f?"

Zamani
:"t
hegi
ft
sthaty
ouwi
l
lgi
veof
ftomyf
ami
l
y"

Me:
"Youwr
it
ethatl
i
st.It
hinkt
her
ear
emanyofy
ou"

Zamani
:"Yest
her
ear
e"

Me:
"Ok"

Iputmyf
eetonhi
slapandhemassagedt
hem.
Me:
"Mmht
hatf
eel
sni
ce."

Zamani
:"YouknowIl
ovey
ou?
"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"Iknow"

Hehol
dsmychi
nandki
ssesmyl
i
ps

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Hesmiledandmassagedmyfeet
.Icl
osedmyey
esandl
aidbackont
hecouchandheki
ssed
mylegssoft
lywhi
l
eIclosedmyeyes.

Me:
"wakemeupi
ftheki
dswakeup"

Zamani
:"ok"

*
ANDI
SWA*

Me:
"Ican'
tbel
i
evewehav
etogoupanddownont
hismat
ter"

Si
ya:
"Iknowandweshoul
dn'
tbei
nvol
ved."

Ir
eachedmycar
.

Me:
"Iwi
l
lcal
lyou,
wasdoi
ngsomegr
ocer
yshoppi
ng,
Iwi
l
lcal
lyouwhenIam home'
"

Si
yanda:
"Sur
e"

ShehungupandIputt hephoneinmybagandIl oadedthegr ocer

yi nmycar, It
ookoutt he
plasti
cbot t
lesfr
om thebackandaf t
erIwasdoneIcl osedt hebootandwentt owardsthebinto
throwt hebottl
eswhenIhear dababycr y.Ifr
ozeont hespotandl ookedev erywherefi
rstinthi
s
under grownparki
nglotbeforeIputthebottl
esdownandIl ookedinsideandt herewasabl ack
plasti
cbag.It ookitoutoftherubbishbinanditwasal i
ghtbuttherewasmov ement.I
i
mmedi atel
yputitdownandIopenedi tandther
ewasababyboycr yinghislungsout.Myhear t
piercedashewasr edf r
om all
thecry i
ng.Hechokedabi tandtearsrandownmycheeks.

Me:
"ohmyGod"

Hewaswrappedinabl
anketonl
y.Iwr
appedhi
m upandr
ushedt
othecarandIcal
l
edsi
ya
whi
l
etry
ingtohushhi
m.
Si
ya:
"youar
ehome?"

Me:
"No,
Uhm Ineedt
ogetababyt
othehospi
tal
"

Si
ya:
"youhadanunknownbabyagai
n?"

Me:
"NoSi
yamt
handa"

Tear
swer
echoki
ngme.

Si
ya:
"comet
hrough.Myshi
fti
scl
osebyany
way"

Me:
"Ok"

Ihungupandcradl
edthebaby.Whowoul
ddosuchathi
ng,ithurt
sbecauseweyear
ntohave
ababyyetpeopl
ewrapthem upi
npl
ast
icsandl
eav
ethem t
osuf f
er.Iputhi
m onmychest
.

Me:
"Shhh,
Iam her
enow."

Hewaschoki
ngwhi
l
ecr
ying.

*
SESETHU*

Me:
"Babe"

Hewasl
ooki
ngupatt
hecei
l
ing.

Me:
"Let
'sgoandseey
ourf
ather
.Iwi
l
lbegoi
ngbackt
owor
ksoon"

Hei
ssi
l
ent
.Isi
gh.

Me:
"Kau"

Kau:
"mmmh?"

Me:
"Iam her
e"

Kau:
"unt
ilwhen?"

Thatcaughtmeof
fguar
d.

Me:
"Unt
ilf
orev
er.Iam notl
eav
ingy
ou"

Hel
ookedatmeandpul
l
edmecl
oset
ohi
m.May
beIshoul
dtel
lhi
m.
Me:
"Kau"

Kau:
"Mmmh"

Me:
"ther
eisasl
i
ghtchancet
hatt
hebabymi
ghtbemyexf
iance'
s"

Hel
ookedatme.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Hesi
ghedcl
osi
nghi
sey
es.

Me:
"kau"

Kau:
",Skat"

Ismi
l
ed.

Kau:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oobaby"

Iki
ssedhi
sli
ps.

Me:
"Iam notgoi
ngany
wher
e"

Kau:
"meei
ther
."

Ismi
l
ed.Igoti
nbedandl
aidnextt
ohi
m andwr
appedmyar
msar
oundhi
m.

*WENDY*

Iinj
ectedmy sel
fwit
hthemorphi
nebefor
eIlaidmy
selfbackonthechai
rcl
osingmyyes.Ineed
i
tt otakesatthepai
n.Theever
ythi
ng.Iopenedmyeyesandlookedupandheldmygunin
place,itdi
sgustsme.Iam nothur
tanymore.No,it
'
ssomet hi
ngmoredeeperanddar
kerthan
thatnow.

Me:
"nc.
.nc.
..
ncRazor"

Ipoi
ntedt
hegunathi
sphot
o.

Me:
"Phawwhuuu!
!!
(Laughi
ng)Sdabul
aamaf
ungezi
nhl
i
ziy
o(wedi
ewi
thourhear
ts)
"

Il
aidmyheadbackl
aughi
ng.
.

*
ANDI
SWA*

Igottothehospit
alandSiy
ametmehal fway.ShetookthebabyawayandIwait
edinthe
wait
ingroom.Iwant edt
ofoll
owaswel lbutsheassuredmethatshewi
llt
akecareoft
hebaby
.I
saythereimpat
ientl
yandeventual
lyst
oodupandpacedupanddown.Iwasner vousand
wantingtoknowhowhei s.AftersometimeSiyamthandacomesbacktome.

Me:
"Howi
she?"

Si
ya:
"hei
saheal
thybabyboy"

Me:
"ThankGod."

Si
ya:
"thehospi
tal
iscont
act
ingt
heor
phanagesi
ncey
ouf
oundhi
m att
hemal
ldumbst
er"

Me:
"no,
noIwantt
otakehi
m"

Si
ya:
"don'
tyouwantt
otal
ktoNt
ethel
eloaboutadopt
inghi
mfi
rst
ly?
"

Me:
",Iwantt
otakehi
m Si
yamt
handadon'
tyougett
hat
.Iwanthi
m!"

Tear
sst
reameddownmyey
es.Iwasshaki
ng.

Si
ya:
"cal
m down.Iam sor
ryt
oupsety
ou.Iwi
l
lcont
actt
hesoci
alwor
kersoy
oucanhav
ehi
m
l
egal
l
y"

Inodded.

Si
ya:
",y
oucancomeseehi
m"

Iwi
pedmyt ear
sandfol
l
owedher
.Wewentt othenur
ser
yandIwashedmyhandsbef
ore
ent
eri
ng.Hewasasl
eepandl
ookedcl
eanert
histi
me.

Si
ya:
"her
ehei
s."

Me:
"canIt
akehi
m ?"

Shenodded.

It
ookhi
mint
omyar
msandsomet
hingi
nmemov
ed.Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sandski
l
led.

Me:
"Si
mphi
wey
inkosi
"
Si
ya:
"ni
cename."

Ismi
l
edandpl
ayedwi
thhi
ssmal
lhand.Ii
nst
ant
lyf
ell
inl
ovewi
thhi
m andIcoul
dn'
tl
etgo.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t66

*
BAHUMI*

Hi
m:"shei
sasl
eep?"

Inodsl
owly
.Iam swallowi
ng.Hi
sper
fumei
sint
oxi
cat
ingmynose.Noti
nabadwayt
hough
buti
tmakesmedi zzy
.

Me:
"I.
..
pleasecanI"

Het
ouchesmyt
highandi
mov
eit
.

Hi
m:"Rel
ax.Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ouandy
ourbabyabet
terl
i
fe"

Me:
"No"

Hi
m:"mmmh?"

Me:
"i.
..
Iam hav
inganot
herbabysoi
t'
sabur
den"

Hi
m:"Don'
twor
ryIhav
emoneyf
ort
hat"

Me:
"Youar
eol
d."

Hechuckl
ed.

Hi
m:"i
know"
Me;
"letusgo"

Hi
m:"Ican'
twhenChi
nekeewet
awoezi
gbonwuny
e(Godhasbr
oughtabeaut
if
ulwi
fef
orme)
"

Me:
"Huh?"

Ij
usti
magi
nedt
hoseNi
ger
ianMov
ieswhent
heysayChi
nekesol
oud.Iwonderwhati
tmeans.

Hi
m:"Iwon'
thur
tyou"

Iswall
owedandlookedatLesedi
.Il
ookedupandt
hecarstopped.Wewer
eatt
heai
rpor
t.My
nerv
eskickedi
n.WegotoutandIwasholdi
ngt
hebabynexttome.

Hi
m:"Youar
emydaught
er.Don'
tdoany
thi
ng"

Inoddedandfol
l
owedafterhi
m al
lscared.Ihopesomeonenot
ices.Wegoinandhedoesthe
necessar
yandweareall
owedtotravel
.Het akest
hepl
aneti
cketsandsoonwear
einthe
plane.If
eell
i
kecry
ingatthi
smoment .

"
Ever
ythi
ngwi
l
lbeok"

Myhear
tisbeat
ingf
ast
.Wear
esecur
edi
nourseat
sandt
hepl
anest
art
stot
akeof
finaf
ew.

*
RAZOR*

Unat
hi:
"Ev
ery
onekeepsonsay
ingAnel
eisspeci
al"

Me:
"Yeahhei
s"

Shel
ooksatmeandst
opspl
ayi
ngwi
thherf
ood."

Unat
hi:
"Thanky
ouf
ort
hemeal
"

Shet
akesaspoonf
ull

Me:
"Ihadt
ogoal
lout
.

Unat
hi:
"Ev
ent
omor
row"

Me:
"Thepol
i
cecal
l
edandsai
dtheymi
ghthav
eal
ead"

Unat
hi:
"that
'swonder
ful
,at
leastt
heyar
edoi
ngt
hei
rwor
k."

Me:
"yes,
Ihav
etohoandcheckonKaut
omor
row"
Unat
hi:
"what
'swr
ong?"

Me:
"hi
smot
herpassedon"

Unat
hi:
"ohmy,
wasshesi
ck?"

Me:
"noshej
ustf
aint
edandt
hatwasi
t."

Unat
hi:
"thati
shor
ri
ble.Wehav
etobot
hgot
ohi
shouse."

Me:
"yeah"

Unat
hi:
"Ihopehei
sfi
ne"

Ikisshercheekandl
ookatLet
hoandZi
khal
iwhoar
ehol
dingeachot
herwhi
l
elay
ingasl
eepon
thecouch.

Unat
hi:
"let
'sgett
hem t
obed.

Me:
"Sur
e"

Webot
hst
andupandt
aket
hem t
othebedr
oom.

*
MERCY*

Me:
"yourmot
heri
scomi
ng"

Nel
i
swa:
"thanky
ou"

Thapel
owal
keddownt
hest
air
sandNel
i
swar
oll
edherey
es.

Me:
"Thapel
o"

Hel
ookedup.

Thapel
o:"Nel
swhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?I
sn'
tHumi
supposedt
obewi
thy
ou"

Nel
i
swa:
"ifshewaswi
thmeshewoul
dbeher
e"

Thapel
o:"andt
heat
ti
tude?"

Me:
"Thapel
owhat
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?Bahumi
isoutt
her
elostwi
thy
ourchi
l
d"

Nel
i
swa:
"youmeanchi
l
dren"
Me:
"excuseme?"

Thapel
o:"l
esedi
?"

Me:
"woahst
op,
yousai
dChi
l
dren"

Nel
i
swa:
"uhm "

Shel
ookedatThapel
o.

Nel
i
swa:
"It
hinkIhearmymot
her
."

Me:
"Thapel
owhat
'sgoi
ngonbet
weeny
ouandBahumi
?"

Thapel
o:"Not
hing"

Nel
i
swa:
"youar
eadogThapel
oandBahumi
Imi
ssi
ngbecauseofy
ou"

Me:
"someonet
ell
mesomet
hingher
e!"

Iwasf
rust
rat
ed.

Nel
i
swa:
"Thapel
oandBhamui
wer
edat
ing"

Thapel
o:"y
ouar
efor
war
d"

Me:
"amen"

Icl
appedmyhanddef
eat
ed.

Me:
"Soy
ouar
etel
l
ingmeThapel
oimpr
egnat
edBahumi
agai
n?"

Thapel
o:"i
what?
!Idi
dn'
tdot
hat"

Nel
i
swa:
"ohBahumi
suddenl
ybecameMar
ia"

Thapel
o:"Shutup"

Me:
"St
opf
ight
ing.Ineedwi
ne"

Ihel
dmyhead,
thi
sjustbecameahugemess.

*
ANDI
SWA*
Nur
se:
"TheSoci
alwor
keri
sher
e"

Iswal
l
owedandshet
ookt
hebabyf
rom meandputhi
m down

Me:
"Oh"

Sheledthewayandwewal
kedout
.ImetNt
ethel
eloandAy
andawi
thanot
herwomanwi
tht
hem.
IhuggedNtet
hel
elo.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"ar
eyouok?"

Me:
"hewasscr
eami
ngf
orai
r.Howcoul
dsomeonedosomet
hingl
i
ket
hat"

Soci
alwor
ker:
"youar
etheonewhof
oundt
hebaby?"

InoddedandNt
ethel
elowi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Soci
al:
"ok"

Thenur
set
ookheri
nsi
det
hewar
d.Il
ookedatNt
ethel
elo.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"whati
sit?"

Me:
"canweadopthi
m?"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Andi
swa"
,

Me:
"Ngi
yakucel
aMnt
ungwa,
ngi
yakucel
ast
handwaSam (pl
easeMnt
ungwa,
pleasemyl
ove)
"

Ay
anda:
"ther
eisal
ott
oconsi
derAndi
swa"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"yeah,
li
kei
mbel
eko"

Me:
"Baby"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iam af
rai
dwecan'
t.Ourt
radi
ti
onbackgr
ounddoesn'
tal
l
owus."

Tear
sst
reameddownmyey
esandi
gotof
fhi
sgr
ipandr
ushedof
f.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Andi
swa!"

Iwassobbi
ngwhi
l
egoi
ngdownt hest
air
s.Idi
dn'
thav
eti
mef
oranel
evat
or.Hecaughtupt
o
meandpull
edmeinat
ighthug.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"iam sor
ry"

Me:
"(cr
ying)IwantababyNt
ethel
elopl
easepl
ease

Hesi
ghedwhi
l
eIcr
iedonhi
schest
.
.

*
MERCY*

Neli
swalef
tandThapelowentupthestai
rs.Icoul
dn'
tsayanythi
ngtohim att
hismoment.Ij
ust
hopesandi
lef
indsbahumibefor
eit'
stool
ate.HewalksthroughthedoorandIstandup.

Me:
"t
ell
met
heyar
ebehi
ndy
ou"

Sandi
l
e:"Il
ookedf
ort
hem al
lov
erbutnot
hing"

Isankdown.

Me:
"Nosandi
l
e"

Sandi
l
e:"Baby"

Tear
sst
reameddownmyey
es.

Me:
"Pl
ease,
please"

Sandi
l
e:"Iwi
l
ltr
ylooki
ngf
ort
hem baby
.Iwi
l
ltr
yhar
der
.

Godcant
heybef
ound.?

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t67

*
SESETHU*
Kau:
"Doy
our
eal
l
yhav
etogobackt
owor
k?"

It
ookmybag.

Me:
"yes.Ther
ear
epeopl
ewhoneedt
obesav
ed."

Kau:
"Set
hu"

Me:
"mhhh?"

Hwgotof
fthebedandcamet
omeandhel
dmef
rom behi
nd.Heki
ssedmyneckandIsi
ghed.

Kau:
"Not
hingi
sgonnahappent
ous"

Me:
"real
l
y?"
,

Kau:
"real
l
y"

Heki
ssesmycheek.

Me:
"Idon'
tl
ikecheat
ingKau,
Pleasei
fther
eissomet
hingwr
ongt
alkt
ome"

Het
urnsmear
ound.

Kau:
"Iwoul
dnev
erdot
hatSet
hu"

Inoddedandki
ssedhi
sli
ps.

Me:
"Wi
l
lyoubeok?"

Henodded.

Me:
"Iwi
l
ltr
ytocomebackear
ly."

Kau:
"Don'
tov
erwor
kyour
sel
f."

Me:
"Iwon'
t"

Wekissedagai
nandl etgoofeachotherbef
oreItookmybagandIwal
kedoutoft
hebedr
oom.
It
ouchmyst omach.Ireal
lyhopet
hisisKau'chi
l
d.Somuch.

*
UNATHI*
"
Let
hokuhl
e!"

IshoutoutasIpackedt
hei
rlunchesi
nthei
rbags.

Me:
"Ki
ds!"

Theycomer
ushi
ngi
n.Thi
sissomet
hingIwoul
ddef
ini
tel
ytakesomet
imet
ogetusedt
o.

Me:
"Letmeseeal
lyourt
eet
h"

Anel
e:"Daddyhel
pedusbr
ush"

Me:
"That
'swonder
ful
.Yourf
atheri
smysuperher
o."

Zi
khal
i:
"li
kespi
derman?
"

Me:
"Yesbaby
."

"Iam abi
tmuscul
art
hanspi
derman"

Hewal
ksi
nandIl
ookatt
heki
ds.

Me:
"tur
nar
ound"

TheydoandIgi
vehi
m aqui
ckper
k.

Me:
",
thanky
ouf
orhel
ping"

Razor:
"youdon'
thav
etodot
hingsony
ourown"

Let
ho:
"mommycanwet
urn?
"

Razor:
"noty
et"

Hepul
l
edmywai
standweshar
edapassi
onat
eki
ss.Icoul
dfeel
mykneesget
ti
ngweak,
I
br
okei
t.

Me:
"Looky
ouhav
eli
pst
ickony
ourl
i
ps."

Heper
kedmyl
i
psandIgi
ggl
ed.

"Ewwuu"

Me:
"Di
dwesayy
oucant
urn?"

Shet
urnedbackf
ast
.

Me:
"Takey
ourbagsandgoout
side."

Theyt
urnedandt
ookt
hei
rbagsandwal
kedof
f.It
ookt
hecarkey
sof
fthecount
erandwi
ped
Razor
'sl
i
ps.

Razor:
"Justonequi
ckny
ana"

Me:
"No.Ihav
etogo"

Razor:
"Mmmh"

Me:
"St
opsul
ki
ng"

Iper
khi
sli
ps.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Razor:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

It
ookmybagandsai
dmyby esbeforewal
kingout
.Iopenedthedoorfort
heki
dsandgott
hem
i
nandbuckl
edupbef
oreget
ti
nginsideanddri
vi
ngthem of
ftoschool
.

*
KHENSANI*

Ihel
dont
othecount
erasIf
eltaheadachecomi
ngon.Ihel
dmyheadandt
henwentt
odr
ink
somewater
.

Nt
ambo:
"Iam r
eady"

Hewal
kedi
nfr
om t
hebedr
ooms.

Me:
"ok,
wecango"

Nt
ambo:
"ar
eyouf
eel
i
ngok?"

Me:
"justaheadachet
hat
'sal
l"

Het
ouchedmyf
orehead.

Me:
"mmmh"

Nt
ambo:
"Wher
edoesi
thur
t?"

Me:
"Her
e,It
hinkmay
bei
t'
sami
grai
ne.Ij
ustneedpi
l
ls"

Nt
ambo:
"Itcoul
dbeser
ious."
Me:
"Iwi
l
lgot
otheDraf
terwor
k.i
thi
nki
t'
sst
ress"

Nt
ambo:
"About?
"

Me:
"Wor
k"

Hel
ooksatmeandIt
akemybag.

Me:
"wecanl
eav
e"

Nt
ambo:
"What
'sst
ressi
ngy
oukhen?"

Me:
"It
'swor
k.Changesf
rom wor
k.Bei
nganadul
tisst
ressaswel
l
."

Nt
ambo:
"isee"

Me:
"Comebabyl
et'
sgo"

Nt
ambo:
"ok,
canIgetaki
ssbef
orewego?"

Inoddedandgav
ehi
m aki
ssbef
orewewal
kedout,
Isi
ghed.

*
MERCY*

"Mor
ningMommy"

Isl
i
ght
lysmi
l
eanddr
inkmyal
cohol
i
csubst
ancei
nthemug.

Me:
"Imadepancakes"

Theynodsandsi
tdown.Sandi
l
ewal
ksi
naswel
l
.

Sandi
l
e:"Mer
cy"

Me:
"mmmh?
'

Het
akesmygl
ass.

Sandi
l
e:"i
tssoear
lyi
nthemor
ning."

Ipul
lmygownt
oget
herandt
akeagul
p.

Me:
"icoul
dn'
tsl
eeppr
oper
ly"
Sandi
l
e:"Iwi
l
lfi
ndt
hem "

Me:
"I
t'
smyf
aul
t,Ishoul
dhav
etr
iedbet
ter,
not
icedev
ery
thi
ngbet
weent
hem."

Sandi
l
e:"y
oudi
dn'
tandi
t'
sok"

IshookmyheadandThapel
owal
keddownt
hest
air
s.Il
ookedathi
m.

Thapel
o:"goodmor
ning"

Me:
"Ifany
thi
nghappenst
othem .
..
"

Sandi
l
e:'
Mer
cydon'
t,
cal
m down"

Ibr
okedown

Me:
"Fi
ndt
hem Sandi
l
e"

Sandi
l
e:"
Iwi
l
l"

*
NTETHELELO*

Ilookedatherlayi
ngonthebed.Isi ghedsti
llcan'tgethercri
esoutofmyhead.Il oveAndiswa
andIwantt oseeherhappybutit'
stoughsituationsthatputusintoughplaces.Iturned
aroundandIsighedbeforeIcouldhearhersquirmi ngandIturnandsheisholdi
ngt hepil
l
ow
l
ikei t
'sababy.It'
snott
hefir
st.It
'sbeenhappeni ngsincetheabort
ionandIdon'tknowhowt o
helpher.Shehashaunteddr eamsaboutit.Asmuchasi taff
ect
sthebothofusbuti t'
staki
nga
tollonherandi wantmywifeback.Iwalktot hebedandshakeherabi t
.

Me:
"sugarpl
um "

Shesqui
rmsabi
tbef
oreopeni
ngherey
es.

Me:
"ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
owor
k?"

Shesatup.

Andi
swa:
"Idon'
tfeel
ok,
Iwi
l
lcal
li
nsi
ck"

Me:
"Ok"

Shel
ooksatt
hepi
l
lowandput
sitasi
debef
oreget
ti
ngof
fthebed.
Me:
"Andi
swa"

Shest
opshert
racks.

Me:
"wecanadopt
"

Shet
urnst
ome.

Andi
swa:
"real
l
y?"

Inodandshecomesandhugsmesobbi
ng.

Andi
swa:
"thanky
ouMnt
ungwa,
thanky
ouMbul
azi
"

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Iwi
pehert
ear
s.

Andi
swa:
"Il
ovey
out
oo.Letmegobat
hsowecangoandgetSi
phi
we"

Me:
"younamedhi
m?"

Shenoddedt
henwal
kedt
othebat
hroom.

*
BAHUMI*

Wel andedaf
tersomet i
me.Trav
eli
ngthewhol
enight,Iwashol
dingLesseditomeaswe
walkedoutofeairport
.Seei
ngwhit
epeopl
eeverywher
eandotherraci
algroupsandi
t'
s
confir
medthatwear einEur
opebytheweat
her.

Me:
"Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
"

Hi
m:"t
oahot
el"

Ikeptmysi
l
ence.

Hi
m:"l
etmehol
dherf
ory
ou"

Me:
"no"

henodded.Wegotinacabandi
tdr
oveofft
othehot
elaswear
ri
vedwegott
hekeyandwentt
o
ther
oom all
ocat
ed.Thevi
ewwasgloomyandit
scol
dhere,
ver
ycold
Hi
m:'
comeandbat
h"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"Idon'
thav
ecl
othes"

Li
es

Hi
m:"y
ouwi
l
lwearmi
ne"

Iswal
l
owed

Her:
"comeonputherdown"

Me:
"pr
omi
seshewi
l
lbeok"

Hi
m:"Ipr
omi
se"

Iputl
esedionthebedandmadeSur ethatshewon'tfall
,coveredherthenhetookmyhandand
l
edmet ot
heensuitbathr
oom.Itwasbeauti
fulandveryneataswell,expect
edinhotel
s.He
openstheshowerandIam stil
lmemorisedbybeauty.HeclosesthedoorandIturnt
ohim and
heistaki
ngoffhi
sclothes.Iswal
lowedscared.

Me:
"What
'
sgoi
ngon?
"

Hi
m:"wear
etaki
ngashower
."

Me:
"Pl
easeI.
..
"

Hi
m:"comeoni
t'
sjustashower"

Hecamet
omeandundr
essedme.Tear
sst
reameddownmycheeks.

Hi
m:"shhhdon'
tcr
y.Iwon'
thur
tyou"

Iswal
lowed.Hegotmeundressed.Hischestwasscaryandhisar
ms.Hecouldst
rangl
emeon
onegoandIwouldbedead.Hecar essedmycheekthenkissedmyfor
ehead.

Hi
m:"Geti
ntheshower
"

Igeti
ntheshowershaki
ngandheal
soget
sinafewmi
nutesl
ater
.Hecl
osest
heshowerdoor
andmyheartbeat
sfastwhenhehol
dsmywaist
.Heki
ssesmyneck.

Hi
m:"Iam Ucheoma"

Iswal
l
owandhi
shandsmov
edf
rom mywai
stt
omybut
tthenmywai
stagai
n.

Hi
m:"y
ouwi
l
lbeKhandi
bef
rom nowon"
Me:
"howol
dar
eyou?"

Hi
m:"37"

Iswal
l
owedandhet
urnedmear
oundandpi
ckedmeup.

Me:
"pl
easeputmedown.

Hi
m:"Iwon'
thur
tyou"

Hecaressesmyboobandki
ssesmyneckandt
henr
unshi
sthumbonmyf
aceandki
ssesmy
l
ipssoft
ly.

Hi
m:"don'
tbescar
ed.Iwi
l
ltr
eaty
oul
i
keaqueen"

Heki
ssesmeagainandIf
eel
hisshaftpoki
ngmyabdomen.Icoul
dfeel
mywor
ldst
oppi
ng.
Hi
shandsgoest
omynunaandhet ouchesit
.

Hi
m:"canIent
erat
ip"

Me:
"Iwant
edt
obat
h"

Hi
m:"Youar
emywi
fenow,
rel
ax"

Me:
"Ican'
t,t
hisi
suncomf
ort
abl
e"

Heput
sinat
ipandi
bit
emybot
tom l
i
p.

Hi
m:"Iwi
l
lmov
egent
lyi
fyoucan'
ttakehi
m,t
ell
me"

Me:
"pl
easedon'
t"

Hepushediti
ndeeperandIcr
ied.If
eel
hopel
ess.I
t'
sal
lmyf
aul
tIam i
nthi
ssi
tuat
ionand
put
ti
nglesedi
ini
taswell.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~
I
nser
t68

Me:
"Khensani
"

Ical
loutf
orherandshemov
esf
rom t
hel
adi
esandcomesmyway
.Iwal
kinsi
demyof
fi
ceand
Isi
tdownassheenters.

Me:
"pl
easecl
oset
hedoorandsi
tdown."

Shedoest
hatandcomest
osi
tdowni
nfr
ontofme.

Khensani
:"Any
thi
ngwr
ongboss?"

Me:
"Yes"

Sheswal
l
ows.

Me:
"What
'
sgoi
ngoni
nyourl
i
fe?Youdon'
tseem okandIam wor
ri
ed"

Khensani
:"JustMi
norr
elat
ionshi
pissues"

Me:
"isFezi
l
ehi
tt
ingy
ou?"

Khensani
:'No.
.nohewoul
dnev
erdot
hat
.It
'sj
ustmi
sunder
standi
ngsl
i
keanyr
elat
ionshi
p."

Me:"ok,i
fyoudon'
tfeel
okorwanttotal
kaboutwhat
'sbot
her
ingy
ouIam her
e.AsmuchasI
am y
ourboss,Iam y
ourfri
endaswel
l"

Khensani
:"Iknowt
hat
.Thanky
ou,
"

Ismi
l
ed.

Khensani
:"howwasy
ourweekend?
"

Me:
"don'
task.Ki
dsar
ehect
ic"

Shegi
ggl
ed.

Khensani
:"Unat
hi"

Me:
"yes"

Khensani
:"t
hisi
syoursecondmar
ri
ager
ight?"

Inodded.

Khensani
:"Howdoesi
tfeel
?"
Me:
"di
ff
erent,
Ifeel
li
kei
am wi
thmysoul
mat
ethi
sround.If
eel
happyandcont
ent"

Khensani
:"i
fYouandLi
ndani
wer
etost
ayasboy
fri
endandgi
rl
fr
iendwoul
dyoubeok?"

Me:"YesIwouldhav
ebeen.Him wanti
ngt
omar r
ymeisjustmyluck,af
termyf
ir
stmar
ri
ageI
di
dn'
texpectget
ti
ngmarr
iedorwanti
ngmarri
ageaswel
lbutitj
ustcametome"

Shenodded.

Me:
"Khensani
"

Khensani
:"Mmmh?"

Me: "Thi
sismyopini
onbutIthinkwhenapersonhasalr
eadymarr
iedandbrokeof
ftheydon't
necessari
l
yexpectmarr
iageandthat'
sokbutyouhaven'
tgot
tenmarri
edbef
oresoit
'shighl
y
expectedforyout
owantthatexper
ience,
toweararing,hav
eahusbandandkids,dealwit
hin
l
aws.Ev erythi
ng"

Khensani
:"y
eahI
tsni
cebuti
t'
sfi
ne."

Me:
"youdon'
twantmar
ri
age?"

Khensani
:",
Fezi
l
edoesn'
t"

,
Me:
"oh"

Khensani
:"(si
gh)i
t'
sfi
ne"
,

Me:
"hav
eyout
alkedt
ohi
m aboutt
hat?"

Khensani
:"Yesandi
t'
snotget
ti
ngusany
wher
e.Ideci
dedt
ocompr
omi
se"

Me: "don'tgi
v eineasil
y.Makehi m putar i
ngont hatwit
houtt alki
ngtohim.Youknowt he
problem.Findt hesolut
ionandbesi desdon'tmakehimt hinkhehasgoty ouonl ockdown.Goto
themal lwit
hhi m andwi nkatkids.Beony ourphoneinhispresenceandl aughatmemes,
blushingonlov equotes,doy ourhairandnail
s,pampery ourselfinthepr
ocessandhewi l
lthi
nk
youar esli
ppingthenhewi l
lcuffthat"

Khensani
:"y
out
hink?"

Me:"yesandbuyali
nger
ieandcleant
heapar
tmenti
nit,
don'
tl
ethi
mtouchi
tthoughorhav
eit
att
hatti
mebutify
ouguystalkeditwi
l
lwor
k."

Khensani
:"Iwi
l
ltr
ythoset
ri
cks,
thanky
ou"

Me:
"youar
ewel
come."

Khensani
:"Ihav
etogetbackatwor
k"
Me:
"okbabes"

Shest
oodupandwal
kedout
.

*
ANDI
SWA*

Whenwear ri
vedatthehospi
tal
Iwentt
oseeaDrsoIcoul
dgetasicknoteandIdi
dgetone,
aft
erthatIwentt
othenurser
yandNtet
hel
elowasst
andi
ngbythewindowlooki
ngatt
hebabi
es.
Ihel
dhisarm.

Me:
"howl
onghav
eyoubeenst
andi
ngher
e?"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"somet
ime"

Thenur
secameoutandcamet
ous.

Nur
se:
"Youl
ovet
hisbaby"

Ismi
l
ed.

Nur
se:
"youcancomei
n"

Me:
"come"

Iwalkedinsidewithhim andgotourhandscl
eanedbefor
ewewalkedt
ohi
sli
tt
lebed.Hewas
sleepingpeaceful
l
y .Thenursepickedhi
m upandgavethebabyt
omeandIki
ssedhis
foreheadsoftl
y.

Me:
",Heybaby"

Nur
se:
"wegav
ehi
mthatnamey
oument
ionedy
est
erday"

Ismi
l
edandl
ookedatNt
ethel
elo.

Me:
"ist
hesoci
alwor
kercomi
ngt
oday?"

Nurse:
"no,
shesai
dshei
smeet
ingwi
tht
hef
ami
l
ywhowi
l
ladopthi
m,appar
ent
lysome
coupl
ewant
shi
m"

Il
ookatNt
ethel
elo.
,

Nt
ethel
elo:
"whenwi
l
lhebedi
schar
ged?"
Nur
se:
"hei
sfi
ne.Onl
ytheDrknowswhenhewi
l
lbedi
schar
gedbutIt
hinkt
oday
."

Tear
sst
reameddownmyey
es.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Andi
swa.Shhh"

Me:
"theyar
etaki
nghi
m away"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"not
heyar
enot"

Me:
"theyar
eadopt
inghi
m"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Andi
swal
i
sten.Thesoci
alwor
keri
smeet
ingwi
thus"

Me:
"oh"

Heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"cal
m down"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"It
'sok"

Het
ookhi
sti
nyhandi
ntohi
sfi
nger
.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"hei
ssmal
l"

Me:
",y
eah"

Iwashappywi
thev
ery
thi
ng.

*
THAPELO*

Lee-
ann:
"babey
ouok?"

Iwasst
andi
ngbyt
het
uckshopwai
ti
ngf
orher
.

Me:
"yeahy
eahIam f
ine"

Lee-
ann:
"IboughtLay
's"
,
Shegavemeapack.Ihadmywor r
ies,
whywoul
dBahumi
runwi
thourdaught
er?Whydi
dn'
t
shet
ell
mesheispregnantagai
n.

Lee-
ann:
"Iwast
hinki
ng"

Me:
"yeah?
"

Lee-
ann:
",howaboutwegoonabeacht
ri
pwi
thsomeofourf
ri
ends"
,

Me:
"that
'ssoundsok"

Mymi
ndwasn'
ther
eatal
l
.Shekeptonconv
ersat
ing

*
BAHUMI*

Hewi
peshi
shandsandki
ssesmyf
orehead.Ihav
ecr
iedt
il
lIdi
dn'
thav
eanyt
ear
slef
t.

Him:
"Imeet
ingwi
thanagentt
omor
rowf
orani
ceapar
tmentf
orus.Mybr
other
swhatt
omeet
you"

Il
ookathi
m andt
henLesedi
whoi
sont
hebed.

Me:
"whyme?"

Hi
m:"y
ouar
ebeaut
if
ul"

Heki
ssedmyl
i
pssl
owl
y.

Hi
m:"y
oushoul
dst
opcr
yingandt
ryt
opar
ti
cipat
e,nowl
etsdot
his"
,

Hel
eansinandki
ssesmyl
i
psandIr
espond.Hi
shandt
rav
elsundert
hegownIam wear
ingt
o
myt
highs,Ibr
okeit
.

Me:
"pl
ease"

Hesmi
rked.

Hi
m:"t
rustme,
ok?I
fIwant
edy
ouhur
tIwoul
dIhav
esol
dyouandourbabyt
obesexsl
aves."

Me:
"ourbaby?"

Hepoi
ntsatl
esedi
.
Hi
m:"t
heywi
l
lbeourki
dsandmanymor
etocome"
,

Me:
"Iam 15"

Hi
m:",
Mmh"

Hest
andsup.

Hi
m:"needanymor
efood?"

Ishookmyheadandhenoddedbef
oregoi
ngt
othebat
hroom,
.Il
ookedatl
esedi
.

*
MERCY*

Thi
siskil
l
ingmeeverypassi
ngsecondt hatIdon'
thearanyt
hingconcerni
ngthem.Iam
watchi
ngthenewsandscrol
l
ingthroughtheinter
netj
ustincaseanylesscanpopupbut
not
hing.Myphoneringsandit
'sSandil
e.Ij umpandansweri t
.

Me:
"any
thi
ng?
"

Sandi
l
e:"i
t'
ssomet
hing.Shewaswi
thaguywhowassai
dthathel
eftwi
thbot
hoft
hem "

Me:
"towher
e?"

Sandi
l
e:"Idon'
tknowbutt
heywer
eseeny
est
erdayont
hest
reet
s."

Me:
"ohmyGodSandi
l
e"

Sandi
l
e:"Iam st
il
ll
ooki
ng"

Me:
"pl
easebabypl
ease."

Sandi
l
e:",
ok"

Hehungup.Ican'
ti
magi
net
hem bei
ngr
aped.Iwenti
nmykneesandIcr
ied.

Tobecont
inued
~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t69

Igotoutofmysi
deandsoashi
m.Iam car r
yingafr
uitbasket
.Notqui
etsur
ewhaty
oubr
ing
wheny ouar
egoi
ngtosendy
ourcondol
encestosomeone.

Anel
e:"Mama"

Me:
"Baby"

Anel
e:"canIpl
ayagame?"

Igav
ehi
m myphone.It'
sjustaft
erwedroppedLet
hoandZi
khal
iatAndi
swa'
shouse.I
twas
sadl
eav
ingt
hem butt
heywi l
lsurev
isi
tsoon.

Razor:
"Let
'sgo"

Inodandwemakeourwayinsi
dethey ar
d,peoplear
eupanddownandsomewomani
s
barki
ngor
der
s.Shest
andssti
ll
squint
inghereyesandwai
tsf
orustoappr
oach.

Her:
"Hai
boI
t'
syouFezi
l
e?"

RazorChuckl
edshy
ly.Sher
emov
esherhandsf
rom herhi
psandgi
veshi
m abi
ghug.

Her:
"Youhavegr
ownf
rom t
hatnaught
yboyy
ouwer
ewi
thKauchasi
ngeachot
hernaked
ar
oundtheyar
d."

Razor:
"Usukhi
phaamaf
il
esmanj
eRakgadi
(Youar
eexposi
ngmyt
hingsnowAunt
y)"

Her:
"Yes.Ohwhoi
sthi
swoman?"

Razor:
"mywi
feandson"

Her:
"Obuamaka,
heehmunt
le(Youar
ely
ingshei
sbeaut
if
ul)
"

Shel
ooksatAnel
e.

Her:
"Heyboy,
thi
sisy
ourgr
andmot
her"

Anel
elooksup.

Anel
e:"hel
l
oGogo"
Her:
"sayKokoneh?"

Henoddedwi
thasmi
l
e.

Her:
"Ni
cet
omeety
ou.Ican'
tbel
i
eveIwasn'
ti
nvi
ted."

Wechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"Idi
dsendy
ouri
nvi
te"

Her:
"Iam j
oki
ng.Iusedt
obat
handspanky
ourhusband"

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
"Thanky
ouf
orsnappi
nghi
m"

Her:
"yes.Hi
m andKauknowJer
ry"

Iwasconf
used.

Razor:
"let
'sgoi
nsi
debef
oreot
hert
hingscomeoutandr
uinme"

Her:
"thi
sissmal
lst
uff"

Wel
aughed.

Her:
"i
t'
ssowonder
ful
toseey
ou"

Razor:
"Met
ooev
ent
houghi
t'
sinabadsi
tuat
ion"

Her:
"Shewasawonder
ful
woman."

Razornodded.

Razor:
"let
'sgo"

Wewalkedi
nsi
deandwegr eetedt
hewoment her
eandthenlef
tthefr
uitbasket
.Razort
ookmy
handandl
edustothebedroomsandthat
'swherewefoundKauwithanoldmanandNt ambo
aswell
.Theywerehol
dingKau'sfeet
.

Me:
"Gopl
ay"

Hewentt
othel
ounge.

Nt
ambo:
"Kaul
i
sten"

Heshookhi
shead.

Nt
ambo:
"Thi
nkaboutSeset
huandy
ourchi
l
d"
Ol
dman:
"Pl
easet
aket
hisaway"

Hepoi
ntednextt
ohi
m andi
twasagun.Igul
pedandRazort
ooki
t.

Razor:
"CanI?"
,

TheynoddedandgotupandItur
nedaswel
landwel
eftt
hem.Washet
ryi
ngt
oki
l
lhi
msel
f?He
musthavelov
edhismothersodear
ly.

*
ANDI
SWA*

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Weshoul
dgetgoi
ng.Iam sur
etheki
dshav
ear
ri
vedt
oAunt
yKhul
i
siwe"

Me:
"Can'
twet
akehi
m homet
oday?"

Ntet
hel
elo:"No,
theDrhasn'
tsai
dany
thi
ngandt
hesoci
alwor
ker
.Wehav
etot
aket
hel
egal
st
epsAndiswa"

Me:
"Ok"

Iki
ssedhi
sfor
ehead.

Me:
"Mommywi
l
lseey
out
omor
row"

Ntet
helel
ot ookmyhandandweleftt
henur
ser
y.If
eltbet
terandl
i
ghtt
oday
.Iwasev
en
smil
ing.Ntethel
elol
ooksatmeandsmil
ed.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"andt
hesmi
l
e?"

Me:
"Ij
ustf
eel
happy"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iam gl
ady
ouar
ehappy"

Wegeti
ntheel
evat
orandi
tshut
s.Ican'
tgomot
herSi
mphi
we,
Iwon'
tbeabl
etol
ethi
m go.

*
WENDY*

Me:
"Rast
a"

Rast
a:"MaWenz"
Me:
"Howar
eyou?
"

Rast
a:"Razorwant
syouher
e.Hei
supanddownl
ooki
ngf
ory
ou"

Me:
"whatdi
dyousay?"

Rast
a:"t
hatIdon'
tknowy
oubuty
ouknowr
azori
snotaf
ool
"

Me:
"Justal
i
ttl
ebi
tmor
esoIcanhav
econf
idencet
ocomebackandf
acemyconsequences"

Rast
a:"AhWendy"

Me:
"Pl
ease"

Rast
a:"I
fhef
indsy
out
henhef
indsy
ou"

Me:
"Rast
a!"

HehungupandIgr
oanedt
hencl
i
ckedmyt
ongue.

Me:
"usel
ess"

Ithr
ewmyphoneacrosstheroom andlookedatt
hei
rwor
noutpi
ctur
e.Thr
oughev
ery
thi
ngI
havedoneoni
tit
'sst
il
ldi
splayst
heirsmil
esthemost.

Me:
"Ihat
eyouLi
ndani
Ngomane!
"

*
RAZOR*

Me:
"Kau"

Hewassi
l
ent
.

Me:
"Not
hingi
sgonnachanget
hef
actt
haty
ouar
ehur
t.Weal
lar
e,webot
hlostamot
her
."

Kau:
"Ican'
tGr
oot
man"

Me: "Youar
enotalone.Killi
ngyourselfwil
li
nfl
ictmor epai
nony ourf
ather,morepai
nonme,
mor epai
nonSesethuandt hebabymi ghtnotmakei t
.Youhav etothi
nkofalotofpeopl
e.Mom
diedbutIdi
dn'
tki
ll
my self
.Iam thankfulforal
ltheloveshehadformeev enwhenIusedto
makeabadnamef orheri
nt hecommuni ty.Yourmot herl
ovedyouandshewoul dn'
twantto
seey out
herewi
thheranymoment ."
Kau:
"Yeah"

Me:
"it
'sokt
ocr
yoncei
nawhi
l
e.Wear
ehumanGr
oot
man"

Kau:
"Set
huwant
smet
oobutIj
ustcan'
tdoso"

Me:"That
'sawoman.Becomf
ort
abl
eandy
oucanbev
ulner
abl
ear
oundhercausehewant
sto
seet
hatandbether
efory
ou"

Hel
ookedatme.

Kau:
"Hav
eyoucr
iedi
nfr
ontofUnat
hi?
"

Me,
:
"Icr
iedar
iveronherchest"
,

Hechuckl
ed.

Me:
"Butshedi
dn'
tcar
e.Shecomf
ort
edmet
il
lIwasok.I
tdoesn'
tmakey
ouanyl
essofaman
"

Kau:
"Mmmh"

Me:
"Youwon'
tgety
ourgunany
timesoon"

Kau:
"Ok"

Ipat
tedhi
slap.

Me:
"Youwi
l
lbeabl
etol
i
vewi
thi
twi
tht
ime"

Hewassi
l
ent
.

*
SESETHU*

Si
ya:
"GooddayMommy"

Sheput
saf
il
eonmydesk.

Me:
"HeyMr
s"

Si
ya:
"howar
ethi
ngs?"

Me:
"hect
ic.It
oldhi
mthatt
hebabymi
ghtnotbehi
s"
Si
ya:
"whywoul
dyoudot
hatwhenhei
sli
ket
his?"

Me:
"itwaseat
ingmeup."

Si
ya:
"and?"

Me:
"heunder
standsandwon'
tl
eav
eme"

Si
ya:
"Ihopehest
ickst
othat"

Me:
"Yes."

Si
ya:
"Ihav
egotwor
ktodo."

Me:
"ok.Thanksf
ort
hef
il
e"

Shest
andsupandt
her
eisaknockont
hedoor
.Sheopensandl
ooksatme.

"CanIcomei
n?"

Si
ya:
"It
hinky
oushoul
dleav
e"

Myhear
tski
ppedabeat.

"Ij
ustneedt
otal
ktoher"

Si
yal
ookedatmeandmov
edoutoft
hewayandheappear
ed,
Ist
oodup.

Me:
"Lukhany
o"

Lukhany
o:"Set
hu"

Me:
"pl
easel
eav
e"

Lukhany
o:"canwet
alk?"

Si
ya:
"Iwi
l
lseey
ou"

Shewal
kedof
fcl
osi
ngt
hedoor
.

Lukhany
o:"baby"

Me:
"whatar
eyouher
efor?"

Lukhany
o:"IknowImessedupandIam sor
ry"

Me:
"Sor
ry?"

Lukhany
o:"BabyIam sor
ry.Ineedy
ouback"
,
Me:"Iam notgoi
ngany
wher
e.Iam happywher
eIam atmor
ethany
ouhav
egi
venme
happi
ness"

Lukhany
o:"Iwi
l
lbuyt
hatj
ewel
l
eryy
oual
way
swant
ed."

Me:"it
'snotaboutmateri
alsdon'
tyougetit!Thatjeweller
ywon'tsoot
hwhatyoubroke,i
t
won'
tfixanyt
hing.Yesyouusedt obuymegi ft
sjusttomakeev ery
thi
nggobutnotanymore.I
don'
twantanythingt
odowi thyou.Iam ev
enquest i
oningourengagement
.Di
dy oureal
lywant
tomarrymeory ouwantedtosweepsomet hingunder? "

Lukhany
o:"Iam sor
rybaby"

Me:
"Getoutofmyof
fi
cebef
oreIcal
lmyboy
fri
endt
osor
tyouout"

Lukhany
o:"Iam notl
eav
ingt
il
lwesor
tthi
ngsout
."

Icl
i
ckedmyt
ongueandt
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edKau.

Razor:
"Set
hu"

Me:
",,
Wher
eisKau?"

Razor:
"Busy"

Lukhany
ost
andsup.

Razor:
"Somet
hingwr
ong?"

Me:
"someonei
sbot
her
ingme"

Lukhany
o:"Iwi
l
lbeback"

Het
urnedandwal
kedout
.

Razor:
"whoi
sit?
"

Me:
"Myex."

Razor:
"Whenar
eyouknocki
ngof
f?"
,

Me:
"Ihav
eanhourl
eft"

Razor,
:
"okhewi
l
lfet
chy
ou"

Me:
",ok.Howi
she?"

Razor:
"fi
ne"

Me:
"okt
hanks.Tel
lhi
m Il
ovehi
m"
Hechuckl
ed.

Razor:
"Iwi
l
l"

Ihungupandbr
eat
hedout
.Ir
ubbedmyst
omach.

*
ANDI
SWA*

Zi
khal
i:
"mommy"

Her
ushedt
ome.Icaughthi
m.

Me:
"Mybaby
.Howwasv
isi
ti
ng?"

Zi
khal
i:
"Ihav
e4gogo'
snow"

Me:
"Wow"

Khul
i
siwe:
"Theycameher
eexci
ted."

Me:
"Iam sur
etheyhadagr
eatt
ime.Wher
eisLet
ho?"

Khul
i
siwe:
",,
shei
ssl
eepi
ng"

Me:
"ohmustbet
ir
ed"

Zi
khal
i:
"Uncl
ewaspl
ayi
ngwi
thusout
sideMommy"

Me:
"real
l
y"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Idon'
tl
ikehi
mvi
sit
ing"

Me:
"Ser
iousl
yNt
ethel
elo?"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iam j
ustput
ti
ngi
toutt
her
e"

Me:
"goandpl
ay"

Iputhim downandherushesof
f.Thedoorbel
lri
ngsbef
oreIcansayany
thi
ng.Aunt
y
Khuli
siwewenttoopenandcamebackwiththeSoci
alwor
ker.

Soci
alwor
ker:
"Hi
"

Me:
"Howar
eyou?"
Her:
"Iam wel
lthanky
ou,
youmustbe.
..
."

Me:
"Andi
swaandmyhusbandNt
ethel
eloKhumal
o"

Her:
"wonder
ful
"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"mayweal
lgoandsi
tdown"

Wewentt
othel
ounge.Aunt
yKhul
i
siwebr
oughtj
uiceandIt
hankedher.

Her:
"Youar
etheonewhof
oundt
hel
i
ttl
ebabyboy"

Me:
"yesandwewoul
dli
ket
oadopthi
m."

Her:"Ok,Ij
ustneedt
oknowi
fyouwi
l
lbeabl
etot
akecar
eofhi
m,notdr
unkpar
ent
s.Doy
ou
havekids?"

Me:
"Yest
wo"

Soci
alwor
ker:
"Howol
dar
ethey?"

Me:
"5,
year
s."

Shenodded.

Soci
alwor
ker:
"doy
oubot
hwor
k?"

Us:
"yeswedo"

Soci
alwor
ker:
"whatar
eyouMr
s?"

Me:
'Iam at
eacheri
napr
imar
yschool
."

Shel
ooksatNt
ethel
elo.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Shar
ehol
derofVol
kswagenandown3br
anchesi
nSout
hAf
ri
ca"

Shewr
it
est
hatdown.

Soci
alwor
ker:
"nocr
imi
nal
recor
d?"

Weshookourheads..

Social
worker:
"canwet
ouryourhousef
orsaf
etyandassur
ancet
hatt
hebabyi
sgoi
ngt
obe
takencar
eoffi
nwonder
ful
hands."

Me:
"sur
e"

Weal
lst
oodupandIhel
dNt
ethel
elo'
shandaswewal
kedar
ound.
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t70

*
BAHUMI*

Timef l
ewpastv eryquicklyanditwasf ourweekslater.Ialway scheckifLesedi isnotvi
olated
andnoshei snot.Hecr adlesherattimesandthatst r
essesmeout.Hei sani cemanact ually
andhei skeepinghispromi ses.Wemov edoutofthehot elandintoacomf ort
ablespace.Iam
notBahumi anymore.Iam Kandi now, andIam someone' swi f
e, Wearei nthesuper market,
i
t'sverycoldoutsi
deandwear einwarm clot
hes.Jeans, poloneck(t
urtl
eneck) acoatont op
withboots.Ihav echangedmyhai r
.It'
snotnatur
alany morebutmor elikeIwearweav esnow
andabi tofmakeupher eandt here.Iam pushingthestroll
erthatLesedi i
sin, heispushing
thetrol
ley.

Hi
m:"what
'sl
eft?"

Il
ooki
nsi
det
het
rol
l
ey.

Me:
"Mi
l
k?"

Hi
m:"WegotbabyMi
l
k"

Me:
"No,
Mil
k"

Hechuckl
es

Hi
m:"ohIsee"

Her
eacheshi
shandbehi
ndmeandt
akest
hemi
l
kandput
siti
nthet
rol
l
ey.

Hi
m:"Okwecango"
Inoddedandhewentt
opay
.

Cashi
er:
"Iadmi
reAf
ri
canwomenf
orhowt
heyage."

Il
ookedatheri
nherbr
it
ishaccent
.

Her:
"youagesogr
acef
ull
y"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Shesmiles,
heclear
edhi
sthroat
.Whenhewasdonewewalkedouttothecarandhel
oaded
ever
ythi
nginandIputl
esedi
inherseatandt
henwegoti
nandhedroveoff
.

Hi
m:"Mybr
other
sadmi
rey
ou."

Me:
"oh"

Henods.

Me:
"Wi
l
lIgot
oschool
?"

Hi
m:"y
ouwi
l
lhomeschool
ify
ouwantt
ost
udy"

Me:
"Ido"

Hi
m:'
Any
thi
ngy
ouwi
shf
ori
shal
ldo"

Me:
"real
l
y?"

Henoddedt
henl
ookedatme.

Me:
"ok"

Hi
m:"Kandi
Ilov
eyou"

Iswal
l
owed.

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Hesmi
l
edandki
ssedmyhands,
het
ouchedmyst
omachandi
twasgr
owi
ng.

Hi
m:"ar
eyoust
il
lfi
ne?"

Me:
"yesIam "

Hi
m:"Ihopei
t'
saboy"

Ismi
l
eandt
ouchi
t.

Me:
"met
oo."
Il
ookbehi ndmeatLesediandsheseemstobeatapeacef ul st
are.Wegothomeandwegot
out.Iwalkedinwit
hLesediupandputheronherplayingchairwhil
ehewal
kedi
nwiththef
ood.
Itur
nedtheheateronasIwasfreezi
ng.Iam notusedt ot
hiskindofcl
imat
e.Heputs
every
thi
ngdownandcomest omeandholdsmywai standkissesmyneck.

Hi
m:"baby"

Me:
"mmmh"

Hi
m:"i
t'
scol
d"

Me:
"theheat
eri
son"

Hetur
nedmear
oundandki
ssedmehol
dingmywai
stt
henpi
ckedmeup.Iswearhei
son
somepil
l
.

Me:
"Ican'
tl
eav
eheral
one"

Hi
m:"wewi
l
ljustopencar
toonsandgi
vehert
oys"

Me:
"Pl
ease"

Hebrushesmycheekandopenst
hecar
toonsandgiv
esherat
oyt
opl
aywi
thofwhi
chshecan'
t
hol
dproperl
y.Hewalkst
othebedr
oom wi
thmekissi
ngme.

*
ANDI
SWA*

Me:
"wel
comehome"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Fi
nal
l
y"

Hest
opst
hecarandIl
ookathi
m.

Me:
"thanky
ouMnt
ungwa"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"any
thi
ngt
omakey
ouhappy"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Wegotoutoft
hecarandIt
ookhi
mint
omyar
ms.Nt
ethel
elot
ookt
heCarchai
randwewal
ked
i
nsi
de.

"Sur
pri
se!"
Myhear
tal
mostst
oppedandhecr
iedabi
tbutIcal
medhi
m down.

Si
ya:
"Wel
comeHomeMnt
ungwa"

Me:
"Mah"

Shecamef
ort
handwehugged.

Me:
"Wowy
ouar
eher
efr
om Kzn"

Her:
"Icoul
dn'
tmi
ssmeet
ingmynewgr
andson"

Thatwar
medmyhear
thowev
ery
onei
slov
inghi
m.

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Li
sa:
"heyIam her
e"

Me:
'TheCapeMast
er"

Ev
ery
onel
aughed.It
urnedt
oNt
ethel
eloandhuggedhi
m whi
l
ecr
ying.

Ev
ery
one:
"ncooh"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"it
'sok"

Bl
esst
hismanGod.Ihuggedhi
mti
ght
ly.

Ay
anda:
"Canwepar
ty?"

Si
ya:
"awusemdal
anokunkwar
iza(y
ouar
esool
dforpar
tyi
ng)
"

Ev
ery
onel
aughed.Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sandl
aughed.

Unami
:"What
'shi
sname?"

Me:
"Si
mphi
wey
inkosi
"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"NoMbul
azi
"

Baba:
"yes"

Wechuckl
ed.Ihuggedeveryone.Dadt
omom.Ev
ery
onewasher
eandIwashappy
.
Ev
ery
thi
ngiscomingtogether.

.
*
MERCY*

Ithasbeenf
ourweeksandIdon'tfeel
well.Ihavel
osthopeinthem bei
ngf
ound.Iam
standi
ngher
edoi
ngallt
hatIusuall
ydoy eti
tfeel
sli
keIam nother
e.

Thapel
o:"Mer
cy"

Il
ookathi
m.

Thapel
o:"Iam sor
ry"

Me:
"yousor
rywon'
tbr
ingt
hem backnow"

Thapel
o:"Idi
dn'
tknow,
shedi
dn'
ttel
lme"

Me:
"Youar
e17Thapel
o.Youwer
eol
dert
hanherand.
..
.and"

Isobbedandhehuggedme.

Thapel
o:"Iam sor
ry.Ial
sowantt
hem back."

Me:
"theyar
eGone.Theyar
egone."

Thapel
o:"Iam sor
ry."

*DI
NA*

Andi
swa:
"t
heyl
ooksocut
e."

Me:
"Ver
ymuch.Ican'
tgetov
ert
hem "

Si
ya:
"nowIwantababy"

Ay
andacomesandsi
tsnextt
oherandZamani
nextt
ome.

Zamani
:"howar
ethey?"

Me:
"bei
ngbouncedar
ound"

Hechuckl
ed.

Andi
swa:
"soaf
ewmor
eday
sti
l
lweWedy
ouguy
s.Iam soexci
ted."

Unami
:"met
oohey
.Somuch"
Si
ya:
"Ay
anda"

Ay
anda:
"whatdi
dshedr
ink?"

Andi
swa:
"Wi
newi
thabi
tofv
odka"

Ay
anda:
"okt
hat
'senough"

Het
akest
hegl
assf
rom herhands.

Li
sa:
"shecanhol
dher
sel
ftoget
her
."

Si
ya:
"Iwantababy"

Ev
ery
onel
aughs.

Ay
anda:
"wear
egonnahav
eababy"

Sheki
sseshi
sli
ps.

Si
ya:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Ay
anda:
"Il
ovey
out
oobaby"

Ismi
l
eandl
ookatZamani
.

Zamani
:"(whi
sper
ing)Wantsomet
hing?"

Me:
"No"

Andi
swa:
"Iwantmybabynow"

Every
onelaughedandshestoodupandwentof
finsear
chofherson.Il
ookedatev
ery
oneand
heldZamani'shand.Thi
sissomethi
ngtoenj
oy.

*
BAHUMI*

Myheartcoul
dn'
tstopbeati
ngfastashecar essedmyt hi
ghabit.Iam sur
eLesedii
s
wonder
ingwhereIam yetshei
ssilent.Heki ssesmyshoulderandibl
i
nkmyey escl
osed
f
eeli
ngalump.Iwon'tgetusedtothis.Ican'tgetusedtoit
.

Hi
m:"Ar
eyouhungr
y?"

Myst
omachbet
ray
smeandInod.

Me:
"yes"
Hi
m:"l
etmegomakesomef
oodt
hen"

Inoddedandsatupf rom thebedremovingthecovers.Hewear sboxersandwal ksout.Iget

offthebedandgot othebathroom andtear
sstream downmyey es.Iopenthewat erandgetin.
EverydayIscrubmy selfbuthi
sscentseemst obestuckonme.I tal
waysfi
l
lsmynost r
il
s
everywhereIam. Thehotwat erdoesn'
tdoany t
hing,itburnsmebutdoesn'tremov eanythi
ng.
Ifi
ll
incoldwat erandst ar
ttoscrubashardasIcan. Isi tt
hereandtherei
ssilentbeforeIbut
i
ntot ear
s.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t71

*
ANDI
SWA*

Me:
"ohmy,
youmadeamess"

Helookedatme.Hei
ssuchaqui
etbaby
.Il
ovehi
m somuchandGodr
eal
l
ygi
ft
edmewi
th
hi
m.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Hemadeamess?"

Me:
"yes.Cany
our
unwat
erf
orhi
m"

Iwi
pedhi
m.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"may
behehasar
unni
ngt
ummy"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lgetsomemedi
cat
ionf
orhi
m."

Hecomesandst
andsbehi
ndmeandwr
apshi
sar
msar
oundme.
Nt
ethel
elo:
"itmakesmehappyt
oseey
out
hishappy"

Me:
"Iam happy"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iam happyt
oo."

Me:
"thewat
ermyl
ove"

Nt
ethel
elo'
:
"oksugarpl
um."

Me:
"ar
ethebagsi
nthecaral
ready?"

Wear
egoi
ngt
oUMzi
mkhul
uforDi
naandZamani
'st
radi
ti
onal
weddi
ngt
omor
row.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"yes"

Me:
"ok,
l
etmebat
hthi
sone."

It
ookt
hebabyi
ntomyar
msaf
terIwasdonewi
l
li
nghi
m..

*
DINA*

Me:
"wegotev
ery
thi
ng?"

Zamani
:"y
es"

Me:
"Ok"

Ibuckl
edt
heki
dsupatt
hebackandcl
osedt
hedoor
.

Zamani
:"Cal
m downMr
s"

Me:
"Idon'
tknowmuchabouty
ourcul
tur
e"

Zamani
:"wewi
l
ljustgowi
tht
hef
low"

Me:
"ok"

Inoddedandweshar
edaper
kbef
oreIgoti
nthecar
.Myphoner
angandi
twasAndi
swa.

Andi
swa:
"ar
eyouguy
smov
ingsowecoul
dmov
easwel
l?"

Me:
"yes"
Andi
swa:
"okIwi
l
ltel
lNt
ethel
elo.Meety
ouhome"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Shehungup.Zamani
hel
dmyhand.

Zamani
:"Cal
m down.

Me:
"Ij
usthopeev
ery
thi
nggoeswel
l"

Zamani
:"i
twi
l
l"

Inoddedandhest
art
edt
hecar
.Ibuckl
edup.Iwashappyandexci
tedandscar
edatt
hesame
ti
me.

.
*ANDI
SWA*

Let
ho:
"Wher
edi
dthel
i
ttl
ebabycomef
rom ?"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"wher
eyoucamef
rom "

Shenodded.Iopenedapacketofchi
psandgav
eitt
othem .

Me:
"Don'
tfeedt
hebabyany
thi
ng.Eatt
hechi
ps"

Zi
khal
i:
'Whenwi
l
lhegr
owup?"

Me;
"Inay
ear
sti
me"

Theyarethechi
ps.It
urnedbackt
olookatt
hem andIt
henl
ookedatmy
sel
fint
hemi
rr
orand
fi
xedthedoek.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"wear
est
il
labi
tfarf
rom home"

Me:
"Ineedt
opr
epar
e."

Heshookhi
sheadandfocusedontheroad.Iwr
appedmyheadandt
ookmyphoneandwent
ont
oFacebookscr
oll
i
ngthroughmyti
mel i
ne.

Let
ho:
"Mommyt
hebabyhaswhi
test
uff"

It
urnedar
oundandhepukedt
hemi
l
k.
Me:
"gi
vemet
het
owel
"

Shet
akesi
toutoft
hebabybagandIwi
pedhi
m.Hel
ookedatmeandIsmi
l
ed.

Let
ho:
"Hedoesn'
twanthi
sfood?"

Me:
"it
'swhatbabi
esdo."

Shenods.If
ini
shedwi
pinghi
sface.

Mw:
"whoi
sacut
eboy?
"

Zi
khal
i:
"Iam "

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iseej
eal
ousy"

Il
augh.

Me:
"youar
ebot
hcut
e"

Isatbackdownandf
acedt
hef
rontput
ti
ngonmyseatbel
t.

*
SIYAMTHANDA*

Me:
"Si
yanda!
"

Her
ushedt
omef
rom pl
ayi
ngwi
tht
heki
ds.

Ay
anda:
"youpackedt
oomanybags."

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Hehekdmywai
t.Weal
lwai
tedandNt
ethel
elopar
kedt
hecarandAndi
swagotoutwi
tht
heki
ds.

Si
yanda:
"Zi
khal
i!"

Herant
ohi
scousi
nsandwesmi
l
ed.Wewer
ejustwai
ti
ngf
ort
hel
ovel
ycoupl
ethatwecame
her
efor
.

Andi
swa:
"theyhav
en'
tar
ri
ved?"

Me:
"notasy
et."

Li
sa:
'si
zesi
nxanwengempel
a(wewoul
dgett
hir
styr
eal
l
y)"
Me:
"youcansayt
hatagai
n"

Ay
anda:
"youar
eteachi
ngmywi
febadt
hings"

Me:
"yout
aughtme"

Li
sa:
"tel
lhi
m"

Andi
swa:
"Yhocant
heycomet
uu"

Wel
aughed.

Ma:
"nababeza(her
etheycome)"

Thecarcame.Weul ul
atedwai
ti
ngfori
ttopark.I
twasli
keapar
ade.Moneywast
hrownat
Dinawhi
leshegotoutandshesmil
edwhilebl
ushi
ngaswell
.

Unami
:"Kwakuhl
ekwet
hu!"

Welaughed.Thenstart
edsi
ngingwhil
etakingheri
nsidet
otheRondaval.Theyhavet
ostar
t
t
here.Weallst
artedt
her
einf
ormingtheancestor
softheevent
sthatwi
l
l happentommorow.It
waspackedofftheKhumal
ofamilyasweallsatdown.

Baba:
"Goandf
etchagoat"

Theboy
snodded.

Baba:
"Bot
hofy
oukneel
her
ewi
tht
heki
ds"

Theybot
hdi
dtaki
ngofft
hei
rshoes.Thegoatwasbr
oughti
nandul
ulat
ingst
art
ed.I
twast
wo
goat
s.Wesati
nsil
ence.

Baba:
"uphi
u-(wher
eis?)
"

Asangomawal
kedi
nsi
de.

Baba:
"Mf
wet
hu."

Wedon'
tknowhi
m.

Him:"ngekewabatholaabantwanaki
sskuhlawul
ebonkelabaf
anangodadewenu.Ukuvi
mbele
i
sbelet
hongobauthukuthel
e(Youwon' tgetki
dsunt
ilt
heseKhumalomencleanseregar
ding
yoursi
ster,
sheisblocki
ngy ourwombbecausesheisangry)"

Il
ookedatAy
anda.

Mw:
"whatdi
dy'
al
ldo?"

Ev
ery
onewasi
nshock.
Hi
m:"i
fyoudon'
tdot
hat
.Thi
ngswi
l
lgobadbet
weent
hebot
hofy
ou"

Di
nacr
iedandst
oodupwal
ki
ngout
.

Zamani
:"Baby!"

Hehandedt
hebabyt
omeandr
ushedof
f.Wewer
eal
lshocked.

*
DINA*

Soal
lalongIt
houghtIcan'thav
eki dsonl
ytofi
ndoutt
hati
t'
sbecauseSi
nai
sbl
ocki
ngme
somehow.Idon'
tunderstand.Ifeelconf
usedandhur
t.

Zamani
:"Di
na"

Me:
"Thi
sisamess"

Heengul
fsmei
nahug.

Zamani
:"i
t'
sok.Wewi
l
lsor
titout"

Me:
"whyi
sshepuni
shi
ngme.?"

Zamani
:"Idon'
tknowbabybutwewi
l
lfi
xit"

Isni
ff
ed.

Me:
"ithur
ts."

I
tdoes.Thepai
nIwentt
hrough.Shewant
sust
obr
eakupf
rom t
hest
art
.

*
UNATHI*

Me:
"Fi
nishy
ourf
oodsoy
oucanhav
eicecr
eam "

Iwentt
oopent
hedoor
.

Me:
"Ma"

IhuggedherandKhensani
wasbehi
ndher
.
Khensani
:"Iam her
etohel
pwi
tht
hepr
epar
ati
ons"

Me:
"thanky
ou.Ihav
epr
epar
edy
ourr
oom ma"

Anel
e:"Gogo"

Hegotof
fthecouchandr
ant
owar
dsherandshehuggedhi
m.

Ma:
"howi
sgogo'
schi
l
d?"

Anel
e:"good"

Ma:
"wher
eisLi
ndani
?"

Me:
"hewentoutabi
t,hewi
l
lbeback"

Ma:
"ok"

Khensani
:"canwegett
hebedr
oom pl
ease?
"

Me:
"ohsur
ecome."

Ihel
pedt
hem wi
tht
hebagsandwal
kedt
othebedr
oom.

*
NTAMBO*

Ihaven'
tsmokedinawhil
e.It
'sbeenl
ongsi
nceIrel
axedmysel
fwit
hacigar
ett
e,Il
ookati
tas
Itakeapuffandl
eanbackont
hecarandwatcht
hesoccerboyspl
ayi
ngatni
ght.

Razor:
"what
'sup?"

It
ookapuf
fandl
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"KhenandIusedt
obehappy"

Razor:
"whathappened?"

Me:
"Mypar
ent
sissue.Shewant
stogetmar
ri
edoneday"

Razor:
"andy
oudon'
t.Hav
eyout
oldher?"

Me:
"yeah.Bi
ts,
shesai
dshedoesn'
tmi
ndusnotget
ti
ngmar
ri
edbutIknowshewant
sto"

Razor:
"mmmh"

Me:
"shei
sev
enl
aughi
ngwhi
l
elooki
ngatherphone.It
hinkshef
oundanot
hermanwhowoul
d
putar
ingonher"

Razor:
"That
'st
ense"

Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhatt
odo"

Razor:
"Don'
tl
abel
all
mar
ri
agesbad.I
smi
nebad?"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"No"

Razor:
"Ifyouknowwhaty
ouwantiny
ourwomanandt
otr
eatherr
ightshewi
l
ldot
hesame.I
t
wil
lwork.LookatmeandUnat
hi"

It
ookapuf
f.

Me:
"Iheary
ouGazi
(bl
ood)
"

Il
ett
hebr
eezecal
m mei
nthepr
ocess.May
beRazori
sri
ght.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t72

SEASONFI
NALLY

*
SESETHU*

Me:
"ist
her
est
il
labot
tl
eofbot
tl
edwat
er?"

Kau:
"thef
ri
dge"

Hel
ookedatmeashet
ookhi
scarkey
s.Iwentt
otheki
tchenandt
ool
edbot
tl
edwat
er.If
elt
nauseat
ed.

Kau:
"ar
eyouok?"

Mw:
'yesbabyIam."

Kau:
'Ar
eyousur
e?"

Idr
ankt
hewat
erandwentbackt
ohi
m."

Me:
"Iam f
ine.Let
'sgo"

Kau:
'i
fany
thi
ng.
..
"

Me:
"Iam sur
e"

Henodded.It
ookmybagandapr
on.

Me:
"come"

Iwal
kedoutoft
hehousegoi
ngt
othecar

*
DINA*

Iwokeupt ot
hesunpenet
rat
ingmyeyes.IsawSiy
amt
handahol
dingacupofcof
feeandshe
satnextt
ome.Ididn'
tsl
eepwithZamanit
hist
ime.

Si
ya:
"Ibr
oughtcov
er"

Me:
"thanks"

It
ooki
t.

Si
ya:
"howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?"

Me:
"sadandconf
usedandhappy"

Shesmi
l
ed.

Si
ya:
"under
standabl
e.Puty
ourhappyemot
ionf
ir
st.Youar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
othemany
ou
l
ove"

Ismi
l
e.

Si
ya:
"ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbef
ine."
Me:
"Il
ovemyki
dssomuch"

Si
ya:
"Iknowt
hatandseet
hat
.Youar
eawonder
ful
per
sonDi
na"

Me:
"yout
hink?"

Si
ya:
"IknowsoandZamani
Iluckyt
ohav
eyou"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"thanky
ou.Ineededt
oheart
hat"

Si
ya:
"wegoty
ouok?"

Inodded.

Si
ya:
"wel
comet
otheKhumal
oWi
vescl
ub"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"ist
her
eev
enone?"

Si
ya:
"no.Ij
ustmadet
hatup"

Il
aughed.

Si
ya:
"nowputt
hatsmi
l
eon.I
t'
sbeaut
if
ul"

Me:
"Iwi
l
l"

*
UNATHI*

Todayi
sthelobol
anegot
iat
ionsforMah,Iam happyf
orherandhopet
hatev
eryt
hinggoeswell
.
Iwokeupearl
yandKhensanij
oinedmeearlysowecanprepar
eandcookear
ly.Mahslepther
e
aswell
intheguestr
oom.

Me:
"don'
tmessup"

Razor:
"youshoul
dbet
ell
i
ngNt
ambot
hat
"

Me:
"It
oldKhensani
tot
ell
him"
Hehol
dsmywai
st.

Razor:
"thi
sremi
ndsmeofus"

Ismi
l
edandt
ouchedhi
scheek.

Razor:
"Iwoul
dn'
tmi
ndgoi
ngt
hroughev
ery
thi
ngagai
n."

Me:
"met
oo"

Razor:
"(per
ksmyl
i
ps)ourl
ovest
oryi
smyf
avour
it
e"

Ibl
ushed.

Me:
"lookaty
oubei
ngcheesy"

Razor:
"(chuckl
e)Sowear
edoi
ngt
his?"

Me:
"oksor
ry.Thi
sismyf
avour
it
easwel
l"

Weshar
edaki
ss.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouNgomane"

Razor:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Ther
ewasaknockont
hedoor
.Iwentt
oopenandi
twasKhensani
.

Khensani
:"Set
hui
sher
e"

Me:
"ohok"

It
ookt
heapr
onof
fthebedandIwal
kedoutoft
hebedr
oom.

Seset
hu:
"Imi
ghtgetachancet
oday"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"hey"

Weshar
edahug.

Kau:
"Iwi
l
lki
l
lsomeone"

Seset
hu:
"Iam pl
ayi
ngandy
ouknowt
hat"

Nt
ambo:
"Howf
arar
ethey?"

Mawal
kedi
n."
Ma:
"theyar
eaf
ewmi
nut
esaway"

Henodded.

Ma:
"ber
easonabl
epl
ease."

Seset
hu:
"canIgoanddr
inkwat
er?"

Inodded.

Me:
"comet
hisway"

Kau:
"ar
eyouok?"

Seset
hu:
"Ij
ustf
eel
nauseat
ed"

Me:
"come."

It
ookherhandandwewal
kedt
otheki
tchen.Shef
aint
ed.

Me:
"Set
hu!"

Ev
ery
onegoti
ntheki
tchen.Shef
lappedherey
esopenandcl
osed.

Set
hu:
"Iam f
ine"

Kau:
"Iam notr
iski
ng.Come"

Hepi
ckedherup.

Me:
"becar
eful
"

Theywàl
kedout
.

Me:
"Ihopet
hebabyi
sok"

Ma:
"shewi
l
lbef
ine.Kau'
smot
herwentt
hrought
hesamewi
thhi
m"

Me:
"oh"

Wehear
dnoi
secomi
ngf
rom out
side.

Khensani
:"t
heyar
eher
e"

Wemov
edt
othebedr
ooms.

.
.

*
ANDI
SWA*

Whatamessf
rom y
est
erday
.Wear
elef
twi
thquest
ionmar
ks.Iwonderwhatt
heydi
dtoDi
na'
s
si
ster
.

Me:
"Nt
ethel
elo"

Igol
dtheblanket
swhilel
ooki
ngathi
m get
ti
ngdr
essed.They
ardi
sbuzzi
ngandal
ready
nei
ghbour
sar ehere.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"mmmh?"

Mw:
"whathappenedt
oDi
na'
ssi
ster?"

Hest
opswhathei
sdoi
ngt
hencar
ri
eson.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"let
'sl
eav
eit"

Me:
"Iwon'
t.I
t'
squest
ionabl
e"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Andi
swa"

Me:
"Nt
ethel
elo"

Het
urnedt
ome.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Shewaski
l
led"

Me:
"bywho?"

Iputmyhandsonmywai
st.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"youwi
l
lhat
eme"

Me:
"Tal
k"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Zamani
andt
heot
her
sgotr
idofherbody
."

Me:
"ohmyGodwhat!"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Li
sten.I
twascompl
i
cat
ed."

Me:
"how?
!"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Shewasat
hreatt
oSi
yamt
handaandAy
andasowehav
etocut"

Me:
"Yho"
Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iwasn'
tev
ent
her
e"

Me:
"youknewabouti
t.Youal
ldi
d"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Andi
swa"

Me:
"Whati
fshef
indsoutandget
syoual
lar
rest
ed"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"sheknows.Shef
oundoutonherown."

Me:
"let,
letmej
ustgooutandgetsomeai
r."

Nt
ethel
elo:
"ok,
Iwi
l
ltakeSi
mphi
we"

Me:
"Sur
e"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Ki
ssmei
fyoust
il
ll
oveme"

Me:
"youknowIdo"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"butki
ssme"

Isi
ghedandl
eanedi
ntoki
sshi
m.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo."

Iwal
kedout
.Thi
siscl
oudi
ngmyhead.

*
UNATHI*

Ma:
"Ihopet
hoseboy
swon'
tmessup"

Me:
'Theywon'
tmah"

Anel
e:"Mommy"

Me:
"come"

It
ookhi
m andpl
acedhi
m onmyl
ap.Hel
aidhi
sheadonmychest
.

Khensani
:"IhopeSet
hui
sfi
ne"
Me:
"met
oo,
Iwi
l
lcal
lherl
ater"

Ma:
"Kodwai
bhasi
Lani
ngal
oyamnt
wana?
(What
'swi
tht
hebadl
uckwi
tht
hatchi
l
d.)
"

Me:
"It
'spr
egnancycompl
i
cat
ions."

Khensani
:"Shame."

Makeepsonl
ooki
ngoutoft
hewi
ndow.

Me:
"Youl
ookl
i
keat
eenager
."

Khensani
:"Yes"

Welaughed.Iki
ssedAnel
e'sf
orehead.Ther
ewasaknockont
hedoorandi
topened.
Nt
ambowal kedi
nwithRaz
or.

Ma:
"What
'swr
ong?"

Nt
ambo:
'ev
ery
thi
ngwentok"

Khensani
:'y
oudi
dn'
tgohar
dont
hem "

Nt
ambo:
"whoam I?"

Ma:
"Fezi
l
e"

Ipl
acedAnel
eont
hebed.

Me:
"Let
'sgoanddi
shup"

Khensani
:"Ok"

Shest
oodupandwecongr
atul
atedMahbef
orewewal
kedof
ftogoanddi
shup.

*
SESETHU*

"Ther
eist
hel
i
ttl
ebundl
eofhappi
ness"

Ismi
l
edwhi
l
elooki
ngatt
hemoni
tor
.

Kau:
"canwet
ell
thegender?"
Dr:
"Noty
et.Twomont
hst
heny
ouwi
l
lknowt
hegender"

Me:
"Iam exci
ted"

Hechuckl
ed.

Kau:
"yeah"

Dr:
"Ev
ery
thi
ngseemsok,
thebabyi
sgoodsof
ar"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Kau:
"Sousbei
ngi
nti
mat
edoesn'
taf
fectt
hebaby?"

Me:
"Kau!"

Dr:
"No,
youmaycar
ryon"

Kau:
"that
'sgoodt
ohear"

Me:
"ohmyGod."

Her
emov
est
hescannerandKauwi
pest
hegel
andhel
pedmeoutoft
hebed.

Kau:
"Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouseei
namal
eGy
nae"

Me:
"Ial
way
spr
efer
redoneandbesi
deshei
sol
d."

Kau:
"Iam quest
ioni
nghi
spr
ofessi
on.Whywantt
owor
kar
oundVi
rgi
nia'
sal
lthet
ime'

Il
augh.

Me:
"Yhobaby"

Kau:
"ser
iousl
y"

Me:
"it
'st
hel
oveoft
hej
ob"

Kau:
"hay
i."

Ihel
dhi
shandandhegav
ememybag.Wewentt
otheDrandt
henaf
terwewal
kedout
.

Kau:
"Needany
thi
ng?"

Me:
"No"

Kau:
"Doeshest
il
lbot
hery
ou?"

Me:
"No,
aft
ert
hatdayhehasnev
ercameby"
Kau:
"tel
lmei
fhecomes.Iwi
l
lsor
thi
m."

Me:
"Iwi
l
ltel
lyou,
weshoul
dbuyagi
ftf
orUnat
hi'
sfat
herandFezi
l
e'smot
her
."

Kau:
"Whatdoy
ouhav
einmi
nd?"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow.Wewi
l
lsee.May
bel
i
keani
cebl
anket
."

Kau:
"anel
ect
ri
cone"

Hi
sphoner
ingsandheanswer
s.

Kau:
"Shosho"

Hewassi
l
ent
.

Kau:
"wear
eonourwayt
her
e.Ev
ery
thi
ngi
scheckedout"

Iopent
hecardoor
.

Kau:
"wear
eonourway
."

Hehungup.

Me:
"Unat
hi?"

Kau:
"Ev
ery
thi
ngwentwel
l
.

Wegoti
nthecarbef
orehedr
oveof
f.

*
THAPELO*

Iwaslay
ingonmybed.Iam donewr i
tti
ngandi wast
alki
ngtoLee-
annonwhat sapp.Shesai
d
somethi
ngaboutgoingtostudyandIletherbe.Shei
singrade10ofcause.Iwentthroughmy
gal
ler
yandstumbleduponLesedi'
spictur
esandsomeofmypi ctur
eswithBahumi. Imessed
upandshecan'
tbef oundbecauseofme.

_
___
___
_

Me:
"Humi
"

Shel
ookedupatmeandIwal
kedi
nfur
theri
ntoherbedr
oom.Shecl
osedherschool
books.I
satatt
heedge.

Me:
"weneedt
otal
k"

Bahumi
:"Ok"

Shecamecl
oser
.

Me:
"St
ayst
il
l"

Bahumi
:"What
'swr
ong?
"

Il
ookedather
.

Me:
"Wecan'
tdot
hisany
mor
e"

Bahumi
:"whatdoy
oumean?"

Me:
"Il
i
kesomeoneel
se"

Shekeptqui
etf
oramoment
.

Bahumi
:"Thapel
o"

Ist
oodup.

Me:
"Wecan'
tdoMer
cyl
i
ket
hat"

Bahumi
:"Youmademel
ovey
ouThapel
o"

Me:
"Iknow.Iam sor
ry"

Bahumi
:"pl
easel
eav
e"

Me:
"Iam sor
ry"

Iwal
kedoutofherbedr
oom andl
efthersobbi
ng.

_
___
___
___
_

Isi
ghedandl
ookedatherpi
ctur
e.

Me:
"Iam sor
ry.

Ibi
tmybot t
om l
ip.Thengroanedthr
owi
ngmyphoneonthepi
l
low.Thengr
abbedmy
backpackandwalkedoutofmyroom wi
tht
woenvel
opes.

.
Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t73

SEASONFI
NALLY

*
BAHUMI*

Me:
"can'
tIhav
eanysoci
alnet
wor
ks.?"

Iact
ual
l
ywant
edt
ocont
actoneoft
hef
ami
l
ymember
s.

Hi
m:"no"

Me:
"ok."

Helookedatme. Iusedaf akenameandl oggedi

nonI nst
agram andsear chedf
orThapelo.I
foundhim andhisbiobrokeme. Heputher .Ihaveneverbeenputonhi sbio.Iswall
owed
andtri
edpr ev
enti
ngthet ear
sandIsawhepost edapict
ureofthem together.Notonebutthr
ee.
Myhear tj
ustshatt
ered.May behedoesn'
tneedus.Maybei t
'sbestt
ost ayoutofthei
rli
vesand
l
ethim carr
yonwi t
hhi s.

Hi
m:"ar
eyouok?"

Idi
vedt
owar
dshi
m andhehuggedme.Ij
ustcr
ied.

Hi
m:"What
'swr
ong?"

Ikeptoncr
ying.If
eel
sost
upi
dforl
ovi
ngandbel
i
evi
nghi
m.

Hi
m:"i
t'
sokUchei
sher
e"

Icar
ri
edoncr
ying.

.
*
UNATHI*

Me:
"Pl
easecany
oupasst
hatpl
ate"

Shegav
emeapl
ateandIputmyhandsi
nmyapr
onandt
ookoutmyphoneandanswer
ed.

Me:
"BabuNgomane"

Razor:
"Il
i
ket
hesoundoft
hat
."

Me:
"that
'swhoy
ouar
e"

Razor:
"Thepast
ori
saboutt
oleav
e"

Me:
"ar
eyousur
ether
eisnor
elat
ionbet
weeny
ouandt
hepast
or?"

Razor:
"Ishoul
dbeaski
ngy
out
hat"

Me:
"Ok,
okIheary
out
hen.Iam comi
ng"

Ihungup.

Me:
"Iam goi
ngout
sideabi
t."

Khensani
:"ok.Iwi
l
lpackt
hedi
shesaway"

Me:
"per
fect"

IwalkedoutandwenttowhereRazorisst
andingwi
tht
hepast
orandsoasMamt
hombeni
.The
Lobolanegot
iat
ionswentv
erywellandIam happyf
ort
hem.

Past
or:
"'
mydaught
er"

Me:
"Nceku(manofGod)
"

Past
or:
"Iam aboutt
odepar
tur
e.Thanky
ouf
ort
hewonder
ful
food"

Nt
ambo:
"thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng"

Ma:
"yes"

Past
or:
"Iam j
usthel
ping.I
twaswonder
ful
."

Razor:
"wewi
l
lwal
kyout
oyourcar"

Me:
"yes"

Iwi
pedmyhandsandr
azort
ookmyhands.Theysai
dthei
rgoodby
esandwewal
kedhi
m out
.
Past
or:
"thanky
ou"

Wenoddedandhegoti
nhi
scarandwewat
chedhi
m dr
iveof
f.It
urnedt
orazor
.

Me:
"Ihav
en'
tseeny
oual
lday"

Razor:
"Imi
ssedy
ou"

Heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Razor:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo.

*
DINA*

Andi
swa:
"Youl
ookamazi
ng"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Iwasdr
essedinmyZulutradi
tionalat
ti
re.MymakeupwasdoneandIwashappyt
hatIwoul
d
fi
nal
l
ybeMr sKhumal
o, t
radit
ionall
ythenl
awf
ull
y.Li
sawal
kedin.

Li
sa:
"Oouhmakehi
m dr
opsi
s"

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
"Wher
ear
etheki
ds?"

Andi
swa:
"wi
tht
hei
rgr
andmot
her
's."

Li
sa:
"Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?"

Me:
"Iam sadandhappy
.Ican'
tbel
i
eveaper
sonwhohaspassedoncandot
hat"

Andi
swa:
"at
leastacl
eansi
ngcer
emonycanbedonef
ory
out
ohav
eki
ds"

Me:
"yeah"

Li
sa:
"Thenaf
tery
oucanhav
eeachot
herl
i
ker
abbi
ts."

Me:
"Yho"

Welaughed.Wehear
dsi
ngi
ngf
rom out
sideandi
twaswomenwal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
her
oom Iam
i
n.
Me:
"Iam ner
vous"

Andi
swa:
"Goodl
uck"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Ibreat
hedoutandpl ayedwithmyring.Theygoti
nandt ookmeawaytowhereZamani andall
theothersare,Theceremonystar
ted.Iwascluelessbutwithabi
tofgui
dancefrom Andiswa
andSiyamthandat heceremonywasdonewellforme, Iwassupposedtomar kmyspear
Inf
rontofZamani andalsoDanceaswellofwhichIcan'tbuti
twasbeauti
ful
.Iam nowMr s
Khumal otr
adit
ionall
y.

*
MERCY*

"Mer
cy"

It
urnedar
oundandl
ookedathi
m andhewal
kedcl
oseri
nhol
dingt
woenv
elopes.

Thapel
o:"Theschool
sai
dIshoul
dgi
vet
hist
oyou"

Hegav
eitt
ome.

Me:
"whatar
ethey?"

IputthebookIam readi
ngdownandsoasmygl
assofwine. Theki
dshaven'
tar
ri
vedasy
et
andtheywil
larr
ivewithSandi
l
e.Theyar
egoi
ngt
ov i
sitt
hei
rgrandmot
her
.

Thapel
o:"r
epor
ts"

Il
ookedathi
m andopenedt
hem .Ist
art
edwi
thhi
sandl
ookedati
t.Hesatnextt
ome.

Me:
",
Youdi
dwel
l
.62%onMat
hs."

Thapel
o:"i
twaswhi
ppi
ngme.Iam notgoodi
nmat
hs"

Me:
"youcandoMat
hsl
i
tnexty
ear
."

Thapel
o:"ok"

Me:
"It
'swonder
ful
."

Hesmi
l
edl
ooki
ngatme.

Thapel
o:"y
ouknowIl
ovey
ouandi
am sor
ry."
Ihuggedhi
m.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou.Nev
erdoubtt
hat
.Ok?"

Thapel
o:"Ok"

Webr okethehugandItookthesecondoneandi
tbel
ongedtoBahumi
.Iswal
lowedand
openeditandlookedati
t,asmil
eformedonmyfaceandtear
sstr
eameddownmycheek.He
huggedme.

Thapel
o:"Mer
cy"

Isni
ff
ed.

Me:
"shepassed"

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Me:
"Shedi
dn'
tdowel
li
neconomi
cmanagementsci
ence"

Thapel
o:"Shewasgonebef
oreshecoul
dwr
it
ethatexam"

Me:
"Ohgod.Iwi
shIwasmor
evi
gil
antonher
."

Thapel
o:"Iam sor
ry"

Me:
"it
'sok."

Il
ookedatherr
epor
t.Shei
sver
ysmar
t.

Me:
"Icoul
dhav
edonemor
e"

*
BAHUMI*

Hi
m:"Shhh"

Il
ookathi
m hushi
ngLesedi
.

Me:
"her
eist
hemedi
cat
ion"

Hi
m:"shei
sheat
ingup,
it'
sfev
er"

Me:
"wi
l
lshebeok?"
Hi
m:"weshewi
l
lbe"

Me:
"ok"

Ishookthebott
leandthenpouredt
hemedicat
ioni
nalit
tl
eteaspoon.Ifedherandshekepton
cryi
ng.Aft
erIwasdone.Hel ai
dheronhi
schestandhushedher
.Ilookedatthem.

Hi
m:"Ony
emer
enwanebeakwa.

Egbemer
enwanebeakwa.

Wet
auzi
zawet
aose.

Wet
angaj
inkur
uof
e.

Umunnunuar
achay
a.

Eh!Eh!amaghi
m ony
eowu.
(Whomademybabycr
y.

Hawkmademybabycr
y.

Br
ingl
eafandpepper
.

Br
ingspoonl
etmecol
l
ectsoup.

Bi
rdshav
efi
nished.

Eh!Eh!Idon'
tknow)
"

Shecal
meddownwhi
l
ehesangt
hat
.

Hi
m:"Noonei
shur
ti
ngy
ou"

Il
ookedatt
hem.Hel
ookedatmeandIl
ookedaway
.

*
SESETHU*

Weboughtsomet
hingbef
oregoi
ngback.Iwasf
eel
i
ngabi
tok.

Me:
"wesur
edogetf
ri
ght
swi
thhi
m"

Kau:
"yeah"

Hehol
dsmyhand.
Kau:
"Il
ovey
ouok?"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Ismi
led.Wegotbackatt
hehouseandgotout
.Ther
ewasacr
owdbuti
twasdy
ingdown.We
madeourwayi
nsideandKhensani
rushedt
ous.

Khensani
:"howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?"

Me:
"Iam f
eel
i
ngwel
l,ok"

Khensani
:"wewer
esowor
ri
ed."

Me:
"don'
tbe."

Unat
hipeakedherheadf
rom t
heki
tchen.

Unat
hi:
"Set
huar
eyouok?"

Me:
"Iam."

Unat
hi:
"yourf
oodi
sready"

Kau:
"comel
et'
sgety
oueat
ing."

Wewentt
otheki
tchen.

*
WENDY*

"
Angi
hlany
i,Angi
hlany
imi
na(Iam notcr
azy,
Iam notcr
azy)
"

Isai
dpaci
ngupanddown.Igr
oanedandki
ckedt
hechai
randt
ear
slef
tmyey
es.

Me:
'Razor!"

Iopenedthedoorroughl
yandIwalkedout.Ifeel
li
keIam l
oosi
ngi
tandIam bl
owi
ngupnow.
Iwalkedthr
oughtheshackspushi
ngeveryoneonewhowasi nmyway.Ir
andownthemai
n
roadcryi
ng.Thei
rimageofbeingtoget
herwashaunti
ngme.

Me:
"Iam notcr
azy!"

Ikeptonr
unni
ng.

.
.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t74

SEASONFI
NALLY

*
KHENSANI*

Ma:
"t
hanky
ouf
ort
oday"

Me:
"youar
ewel
comemah.Iam happyf
ory
ou"

Shehel
dmyhands.

Ma:
"Canwet
alk?"

Inodded,
shel
edmet
otheki
tchen."

Ma:
"howar
eyouandFezi
l
e?"

Me:
"wear
egood"

Ma:
"Real
l
y?"

Inodded.

Ma:
"Khensani
"

Me:
'Ma"

Ma:
"Icanseei
tiny
ourey
es"

Me:
"Ihav
etr
iedandaccept
ed."

Ma:
"ohNkosi
yam "

"OhKhen"

Il
ookedbehi
ndmah.
Nt
ambo:
"maam Idi
stur
bingsomet
hing?"

Ma:
"No,
Ijustwant
edt
othankher"

Nt
ambo:
"ok"

Ma:
"Iwi
l
lgoandl
ookf
orAnel
einhi
sroom "

Shehel
dmyhandst
henl
ett
he!Gobef
orewaki
ngof
fsmi
l
ing.Nt
ambost
oodi
nfr
ontofme.

Nt
ambo:
"ar
eyouok?"

Me:
"yes"

Ismi
l
ed.Hesi
ghed.

Nt
ambo:
"Khensani
"

Me:
"mmmh?"

Hesi
ghedagai
n.

Nt
ambo:
"It
alkedt
oSomeoney
est
erday
."

Inoddedencour
agi
nghi
mtocar
ryon.Hehel
dmyhands.

Nt
ambo:
"andhemademer
eal
i
zesomet
hing"

Me:
"what?"

Nt
ambo:"t
hatnotal
lmar r
iagesareli
kemymot herandFather
's.Hemademeseehowgood
hi
smar
ri
ageistohim andthatchangedt
hingsandperspecti
vesIhadt
owar
dsmarr
iage."

Me:
"oh"

Nt
ambo:
"RazorandUnat
hi'
smar
ri
agei
ssowonder
ful
andIbel
i
eveour
swoul
dbet
hesame"

Me:
"Huh?"

Nt
ambo:
"Iwoul
dli
vet
omar
ryy
ouwhent
het
imecomes.Whol
ehear
tedl
y"

Me:
"real
l
y?"

Nt
ambo:
"real
l
y,Iam notl
i
kemyf
ather
."

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"Iam gl
ad."

Heper
kedmyl
i
ps.
Nt
ambo:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

*
SESETHU*

Itwasget
tingdarkbutthewarm ai
rdi
dn'
tchaseusawayf r
om t
heoutsi
de.Weweresi
tt
ingat
thebackyardwit
hot hernei
ghbour
swhoweresti
lldr
inki
ng.IfedKausomefoodandhe
chuckl
edandswal l
owed.

Me:
"what?
"

Kau:
"youar
ebaby
ingme"

Me:
"isi
twr
ong?
"

Kau:
"no"

Me:
"comeeatup"

If
edhi
m agai
nandat
easwel
l
.

Kau:
"Iwi
shmom di
edknowi
ngy
ouar
eexpect
ing"

Me:
"Iam sur
esheknowsandshel
ovesy
ousomuch"

Hesi
ghed.

Me:
"Ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbeok"

Kau:
"yeah.Wi
thy
ou,
Iam copi
ng"

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
"Iam gl
ad."

It
ookanot
herspoonf
ull
.

Me:
"comeeat"

Hechuckl
edandIf
edhi
m.

.
*MERCY*

Sandi
l
e:"howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?"

Igoti
nbedandl
aidonhi
schest
.

Me:
"Iam j
ustwonder
ingi
ftheyar
eok,
ift
heyar
efed,
saf
e?"

Sandi
l
e:"Iam sor
ryf
ornotf
indi
ngt
hem sooner
."

Me:
"it
'smyf
aul
t.Ishoul
dn'
thav
elethergo"

Sandi
l
e:"noi
t'
snotbabe.Youdi
dnot
hingwr
ong"

Isi
ghed.

Me:
"Shepassedsowe'
l
l"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"Shehadabr
ightf
utur
eaheadofher
.Now.
..
."

Sandi
l
e:"Shhh"

Isobbedonhi
schest

Sandi
l
e:"
Iam sor
rybaby"

*DI
NA*

"
Uthandol
wami
nawe,
Olwet
husobabi
l
i

Umunt
uwesi
that
huakaf
uneki

I
ndabazet
hul
ezo"

Ir
anmyf
ingert
hroughhi
shai
r.

Me:
"youl
ookhandsome"

Hesmi
l
ed.

Zamani
:"Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"
Herper
kedmyl
i
psaswemov
edt
othesoundoft
hemusi
c.

Zamani
:"Youar
eof
fi
cial
l
yMr
sKhumal
o"

Me:
"It
'ssur
real
"

Zamani
:"Il
ovey
ouDi
na.Wi
thal
lthati
sinmeandIpr
omi
set
obel
oyal
,fai
thf
ulandl
ovi
ngt
il
l
deat
hdousapar
t"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
ooZamani
,thanky
ouf
orl
ovi
ngme"

Zamani
:"Thanky
ouf
orchoosi
ngme"

Weshar
eaki
ssandhearsomeul
ulat
ing.Iwoul
dn'
twanti
tanyot
herway.

*
BAHUMI*

"ar
eyouok?"

It
urnar
oundandLesedi
isl
ayi
ngonhi
schest
.Isi
tupf
rom t
hebed.

Me:
"Iam f
ine"

Hi
m:"y
ougotmewor
ri
ed."

Me:
"Iam f
ine"

Isni
ff
ed.

Me:
"Ij
usthav
eaheadache"

Hi
m:"Dr
inksomewat
er."

Inodded.

Hi
m:"I
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeokKandi
"

Hei
sni
ce,
justt
hewr
ongage.Il
i
ght
lysmi
l
ed.

Me:
"Howi
sshe?"

Hi
m:"shehasbeensl
eepi
ngonmychestf
oranhour"

Inodded.

Me:
"Iwantt
obat
h"
Il
ookedathi
m.

Hi
m:"y
ouwi
l
lfi
ndusi
nthesameposi
ti
ondon'
twor
ry"

Ibreat
hedoutandnodded.Igotof fthebedandwentt othebathr
oom ,Iopenedtheshower
andIstri
ppedbeforegetti
nginsi
deandIbat hedmybody .Ihadlostt
hewillt
oscrubmybody
l
ikebefore.Al
lIknowi sthatIam atoyforeveryonetoplaywit
h.That '
swhatIam desti
nedfor
.
Isl
iddownandIcr i
edmy sel
f,tr
yingtowasht hepainawaybutitkeptoncomi ngstr
onger
.I
sobbedli
keIhavenev ersobbedbefore,i
t'
sli
keIl ostsomeoneclosetomyhear t
.

*
MAMTHOMBENI*

Me:
"Anel
e"

Hei
sst
ari
ngatt
hewal
l
.

Anel
e:"Ugogouy
eza(gr
annyi
scomi
ng)
"

Me:
"huh?"

Het
urnedt
omeandhesatdownont
hebedandhepl
ayedwi
thhi
stoy
s.Ij
ustobser
vedhi
m.

*
UNATHI
*

Wet ookawal
ktot
hetuckshopj
ustforol
dti
messakeandboughtal
oli
popbef
orewewal
ked
back.Ihel
dhi
shandasheheldmine.

Me:
"iam sot
ir
edIneedt
orest"

Razor
:"Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ouamessage"

Wewer
ereachi
nghomeandpeopl
ewer
est
il
lther
e.

Me:
"wear
esl
eepi
ngl
atet
oday"

Razor
:"Iwi
l
lremov
ethem"

Me:
"li
ndani
!"

Razor:
"what?Youneedt
orest"
Me:
"thatdoesn'
tmeanchasepeopl
eaway"

Razor:
"Mywi
feneedssomebeaut
ysl
eep"

Il
aughedshaki
ngmyheadwhi
l
esucki
ngmyl
oli
pop.Ihear
dacr
ocki
ngsound.

"Kumnandiukubai
nina,
cream andchocol
ateneh?
(It
sni
cet
obey
ouguy
s,cr
eam and
chocol
ate)
"

Iwasscar
edt
otur
nbutwebot
hdi
dandi
twasWendy
.

Razor:
"Wendy"

Shewaspoi
nti
ngagunatus.

Wendy:
"don'
tWendyme,
Iam notf
all
i
ngf
iri
tagai
nli
keIf
ell
fory
ou"

Me:
"putt
hegundown"

Wendy:
"ey
iVoet
sek!Fokofwena!"

Iswal
l
owed.

Wendy:"(tear
y)Il
ovedandsuppor
tedy
ouRazorandt
heny
ougoandmar
ryher,
treatmel
i
ke
not
hing!"

Razorst
eppedcl
oser
.

Razor:
"Gi
vemet
hegun"

Iwast
err
if
ied.Sheshookherhead.

Wendy:
"noWendy
.Don'
tl
ist
ent
ohi
m"

I
sshecr
azy
.

Me:
"Ngomanebecar
eful
"

Razor:
"let
'st
alkWendy,
justgi
vemet
hegun"

Shepul
l
edt
het
ri
ggert
hreet
imesandIscr
eamed.

Me:
"Li
ndani
!"

Hewentdown.

Me:
"Baby,
babypl
ease"

Peopl
ewer
enowal
armed.
Wendy:
"ohmyGodl
ookwhaty
oumademedo!
"

"Shi
t!"

Ntambotookouthi
sgunasIheldrazor
.Sheshotmeaswel
l
.Il
aidont
her
oadandal
lIsaw
werebl
urr
yfigur
esofpeopl
erunni
ngoff.

Me:
"li
ndani
"

Icl
osedmyey
es.

Tobecont
inued

~Unexpect
edl
y~

I
nser
t75

SEASONFI
NALLY

[
10YEARSLATER]

*
MERCY*

Me:
"Hai
boi
sany
bodyhome!?
"

Theyal
lcamedownthestai
rs.Yol
andawascar
ryi
ngherhockeyst
ickandt
wobags.Thebal
l
rol
l
edoutofherbaganddownthest
air
s.

Yol
anda:
"oops"

Phi
l
a:"Youshoul
dhav
epl
ayedBasket
bal
ll
ikeme"

Yol
anda:
"ShutupIcanhumi
l
iat
eyouatschool
"

Her
oll
edhi
sey
es.
Me:
"Ey
idon'
thumi
l
iat
eyourbr
other"

Phi
l
a:"pl
easet
ell
her
.Iam j
ustaj
uni
orandshei
sabusi
ngherheadgi
rlst
atus"

Yol
anda:
"Am not"

Me:
"somanybags"

Yol
anda:
"Books,
kit,
hockeyequi
pment"

Me:
"ify
oupassmat
ri
cthat
'sal
l
"

Sandi
l
e:"Yourmot
heri
sri
ght"

Hewal
keddownt
hest
air
sandweshar
edaper
k.

Yol
anda:
"ur
gh"

Me:
"mor
ningbaby"

Phi
l
a:"Iguesswedon'
texi
st"

Yol
anda:
"Ri
ght"

Me:
"Goeat"

Theywal
kedt
otheki
tchen.

Me:
"Thapel
ocal
l
edandsai
dtheyhav
elandedi
ntheUK"

Sandi
l
e:"
Oh,
howar
etheyset
tl
ing?"

Me:
"bet
ter
.It
'sj
ustay
eart
hent
heycomeback"

Sandi
l
e:"r
ight
"

Ther
enev
ergoesadaywi
thoutmi
ssi
ngBahumi
orl
esedi
.

Me:
"Iwonderi
ftheyar
eok"

Sandi
l
e:"Babe"

Me:
"comeeat"

It
ookhislapt
opbagandwewal
kedt
otheki
tchen.Ourf
ami
l
yhasgr
ownsomuch.Ismi
l
ejust
bylooki
ngatthem.

.
*
ANDI
SWA*

"Shh"

If
eel
someonebei
ngont
opofme.Iopenmyey
esandhesmi
l
es.

Si
mphi
we:
"Shei
sawake"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"wher
eishercupcake?
"

Het
ooki
tandIsatupsmi
l
ingandhel
dhi
m.

Me:
"youar
eheav
y"

Si
mphi
we:
"Happybi
rt
hdayMom "

Me:
"ohmybabyboy
.Thanky
ou"

Iki
sshi
m al
lov
erhi
sface.

Si
mphi
we:
"mom,
Iam 10whatwi
l
lBi
ancasay?"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"youhav
eagi
rl
fr
iend?
"

Hebl
ushed.

Me:
"Di
sht
hem out"

Si
mphi
we:
"Wher
eisMom'
spr
esentdad?"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"wear
est
il
lony
ou"

Si
mphi
we:
"shej
ustsi
tsnextt
ome"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"wewi
l
lbuyherchocol
atet
odayandar
ose"

Si
mphi
we:
"why?"

Me:
"yeahwhy?"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"mysonhast
oshoothi
sshotbef
orei
t'
stool
ate"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"ohno"

Si
mphi
we:
ok,
letmegoandgetdr
essedt
hen"
hekissedmycheekandgotofft
hebedandwal
kedoutofourbedr
oom.Nt
ethel
eloki
ssedmy
for
eheadandgavemeagi f
t.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Happybi
rt
hdaySugarpl
um "

Me:
"Thanky
oubaby"

Iopenedi
tandi
twasasetofVol
kswagenkey
s.

Me:
"youdi
dn'
thav
eto"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"Iwant
edt
o"

Me:
"Thanky
oubaby"

Iper
kedhi
sli
ps.

Nt
ethel
elo:
"yoursonchosei
t."

Me:
"Her
eal
l
yist
hebestgi
fty
ouhav
eev
ergi
vent
ome"

Nt
ethel
elo:
"met
oo"

Ismi
l
ed.

*
THAPELO*

IgotaJobintheUKforay ear
.It
'sonl
yay earcont
racti
nbuil
dingadam t
here.Iam aland
Survey
orandbestonerecommendedandt hat
'swhyIam her
e.Theweat herher
eisnotwhatI
am usedtobackathomebutIwi l
lgetusedtoit.Iwipeherl
ipsandshesmilesl
ookingatme.

"Whyar
eyousmi
l
ing?"

Me:
"Shewasf
edbydaddy"

sheki
ssedmycheek.

Lee-
ann:
"TJdoesn'
twantt
oeat"

Me:
"Iwast
hinki
ngt
hatweshoul
dgoandgetgr
ocer
ies"

Lee-ann:
"yesbabyweneedt
hem."

Irecent
lygotmarri
edtoLee-annlastweek.Wehavetwobeaut
if
ul2y
earol
dtwi
nsofwhi
char
e
boyandgirl. Tsogof
atsoAndreaandThapeloAndr
ew.Theyaremypri
deandj
oyandmy
f
ami
l
yseemscompl
ete.

Lee-
ann:
"weary
ourj
acket
s"

Igett
hem dr
essedupandt
henIt
akeTJi
ntomyar
msandwewal
koutl
ocki
ngt
heapar
tment
.

*
BAHUMI*

It
swei r
dhowt hingsstartedoutandf indhappinessatt helastplaceexpect ed.AsIgr ewmy
rel
ati
onshi pwithUcheom st arted,thewayhel ovedandcar edformyki dsliketheywer ehis
ownsof tenedme.IknewIwoul dnevergobackhomesowhynotembr acet helif
eIhavet han
givi
ngmy sel
fahear tache. Idi dn'
tcheckanyofThapel o'
ssocialsandt oldmy sel
ftoforget
abouthim andi thasbeenwor ki
ngquietwellf
orme.Ist udiedandobt ainedmydegr eein
Poli
ti
csatt heUni ver
sityofCambr i
dge.Ihavesaidbef ore.Thosewhohav eknownmeas
Bahumishedi edinSout hAfrica.Iam KandiAudeouson, Aged25, mot herof4andhasa
greathusband.Agei sjustanumber, hetreat
smel ikeaqueenandal way skeepshi spromi ses.
Wer esi
dedt hisside10y earsagoandIl oveli
vingher emor ethananything.Mydaught ershav e
grownsomuchandi tbri
ngsj oystomyhear ttoseet hem gr owi
ng.Lesedi ,shei squietyet
l
ov i
ngandcl oset oUchemor et hanme.

Me:
"Lov
e"

Uche:
"Baby"

Me:
"whatdoy
ouwantmet
ocookt
oni
ght?"

Uche:
"any
thi
ng,
Idon'
tmi
nd"

Samant
ha:
"Canwehav
espaghet
ti?
"

Mysecondbor
n,babygi
rl
.Thenaf
teri
tst
heboy
s.

Uche:
"wear
egonnabuyar
eadymadef
ory
ou"

Igi
ggl
e.Iknowhowmuchhehat
esspaghet
tibutonl
yeat
sitt
opl
easehi
spr
incess.

Me:
'Youhear?"
Shenods. Wegettothesupermarketandhepar
ksthecarandwegetout.Wewalkinsi
de
andIst
artwit
hthef
rui
tandv eget
abl
esandtheydon'
tseem pl
eased.Ri
ghtaf
terwegotandget
themeatandUchebuy
swhatt heywant.

"CanIhav
ethesamet
ypeofmeet?"

It
urnar
oundandi
t'
slee-anni
fIam notmi
staken.

Me:
"Lee-
ann?
"

Shel
ooksatmet
hensqui
ntsherey
esbef
oret
heypopout
.

Lee-
ann:
"Bahumi
ohmyGod.Youl
ookpal
ebutamazi
ng"

Me:
"UKweat
her,
it'
sK.
..
."

"Babehav
eyouf
oundwhaty
ouar
elooki
ngf
or?
"

Iwasn'
tready
.Hehasgr
ownandt
heyhav
eki
ds.Hei
sev
enmar
ri
edbutIpushedev
ery
thi
ng
asi
de.

Lee-
ann:
"yesl
ookwhatIf
ound"

Me:
"Ihav
etogo.I
twasni
ceseei
ngy
ou"

Thapel
o:"Bahumi
"

Me:
"Thapel
o"

"Mommybr
ingt
het
rol
l
ey"

Me:
"By
e"

Hehel
dmyar
m.

Thapel
o:"Wher
eisLesedi
?"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow"

Iy
ankedmyar
m andwal
kedof
ftomyki
ds.Samant
haandLesedi
lookedatt
hem andwav
ed.

Uche:
"whatwast
hat?
"

Me:
"It
'st
hegi
rl
sfat
her"

Uche:
"Shoul
dIbewor
ri
ed?
"

Me:
"no,
Iwantnot
hingt
odowi
thhi
m.Let
'sgo"

"Bahumi
"
Henoddedandwewal
kedof
f,i
gnor
inghi
m.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouUche"

Hi
m:"Il
ovey
out
ooKandi
"

Heki
ssedmyf
oreheadandi
smi
l
edIwoul
dn'
tl
etabi
ggerr
uinmyl
i
feonceagai
n.

*
SESETHU*

Dr
:"j
ustgi
vemeonebi
gpush"

Idi
dandIhear
dababycr
y.Iwast
ir
ed

Dr:
"it
'saboy
"

Kau:
"youdi
dwel
lskat
"

Ismi
l
edandl
ookedathi
m.Iwasf
eel
i
ngt
ir
ed.

Me:
"Iam t
ir
ed"

Kau:"r
est
."

Forthepastfewyearsli
fehadit
supsanddownsbutwest uckbyeachother
.Ourf i
rstbor
n
chi
ldisnotLukhanyo'
s.Hecameoutl ooki
ngli
kekauandwedi daDNAt estanditcameout
posi
tiv
e. Afterayearwegotmar r
iedandithasbeenthateversi
nce.Thisisoursecondbor
n
andIam ti
rednow.Ican' tany
more, nomorekidsti
l
lfurt
hernoti
ce

*
DINA*

Zamani
:"Youwi
l
lfal
l
"

Me:
"Ij
ustneedt
ocl
eant
hatspot"

Hepul
l
smedown.

Me:
"Zamani
Iam notev
enshowi
ngbuty
ouar
efussy"

Zamani
:"Ihav
etobef
ussy"

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.Heki
ssedmyl
i
ps.
Me:
"thi
sisgonnabeal
ongpr
egnancy
.Ar
etheki
dsatschool
?"

Zamani
:"Yes"

Me:
"andy
ou?"

Zamani
:"Iam l
eav
ingi
nanhour"

Me:
"ok"

Iki
ssedhi
sli
ps.

Zamani
:"aqui
ckone?"

Me:
"Sur
emyl
ove"

Hepi
ckedmeupandmov
edt
hechai
rwher
eIwascl
eani
ngt
hegl
assdoorandt
henwal
kedup
t
hest
airs.Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Zamani
:"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Weki
ssed.

*
WENDY*

Icur
ledmy
sel
finacor
ner
.Ihav
ebeeni
sol
atedsi
ncey
est
erdayandi
t'
sdr
ivi
ngmecr
azy
.

Me:
"Iam notcr
azygetmeoutofher
e!"

Iwascaughtandwasdi
agnosedwit
hament
ali
l
lnessandwassai
dtobedangert
osoci
ety
.I
di
dn'
tgetlockedupi
npr
isonbuti
nament
ali
nst
itut
ion.

Me:
"getmeoutofher
e!!
"

Iscr
eam andhearv
oices.Icr
y.Icr
ymy
sel
f.

.
*
KHENSANI*

Thecargetsparkedandwelookoutsidethewi
ndowandwesigh.Il ookatthebackandsmi
l
ed
att
hesleepingangeli
nhercarseatthoughshehasout
grownitbutsti
ll
lovesit
.

Me:
"Comel
et'
sgo"

HenoddedandIki ssedhischeekbef oreget t

ingout .Het ookAsanel ei
nhisarmsandIt ook
thewhiteli
ll
ie'
sandIcl osedthedoor .Hel ockedt hecarandwemetMahandUnat hi'
sfather
withthekidsaswel l
. Let howashol dingAnel e'
shandandNkany eziaswell.NkanyeziisFezil
e
andUnat hi'
syoungerbr other
.Hei s9y earsold.Thi sisami r
aclebabyifIcouldsayandhei s
perfect
lyfi
ne.Smar taswel lbutquiet.Wewal kinfur
therandwest opatourdest i
nati
on.Mah
givesAnelethetwor osesandhecl earshi sthroat.Let
hoistryi
ngtohol dhersel
ftoday, she
takesoneaswel landcr ouchednextt oherbr other.Aneleissurpri
sing,athisagehiswi sdom
i
squest i
onableevenIdon' thavethatwi sdom.

Anel
e:"
Unat
hiNgomane,Adaught
er,
Asi
ster,
Afr
iend,Amot
herandmostofal
lal
ovel
y
wif
e"

Let
ho:"Li
ndani
Ngomane,
ASon,
Abr
other,
Afr
iend,
Afat
herandmostofal
lagr
eathusband,
ahero"

Wechuckl
edatt
hel
astpar
tandt
heyputt
her
osesdown.

Me:
"Comeher
ebaby"

Let
ho:
"Iam goodt
hist
imeaunt
y"

Iputtheli
ll
ie'
sdownaswel l
andNt ambocrouchedi
nfr
ont. Wesighed,
wel ookedatthei
r
tombstones.It'
sst
il
lfeel
sfresh,
wewer ehappyandthenextt
hingwearesad.Ital
lhappened
Unexpectedly.Weal
ljustst
ayinsil
ence.

Anel
e:"Happyanni
ver
sar
ymom anddad"

Ateardroppedfrom myeyesandIwipeditof
fquickly
.Itreal
lywasthei
rti
me.Razorwasshot
onhislef
tsideandthatwasit,Twobull
etspenet
ratedhisheart
.Unathiwast
akentothe
hospi
talbutthenextdayshedi
dn'tmakeit
.Thosewer etheworstnewswehaveeverhear
din
ourli
ves,sti
llar
e.

I
NANUNKNOWNPLACE.
Welooki
nsidet
hewat erbef
oreIl
ookathi
m andhehol
dsmyhand.Iwi
shIcangi
vet
hem one
l
asthugandtel
lthem howmuchIlov
ethem.

"Thel
i
ghti
sshowi
ng.Wecango"

Wetur
nandi
t'
smymot heri
nlaw.Razor
'smot
her,
wecoul
dn'
tgot
otheot
hersi
debecause
Let
howasst
il
lhol
dingusbackandnowshehasletgo.

Me:
"Il
ovey
oubabi
es"

Wet
urnandIhugr
azorandheper
ksmyl
i
psbef
oreIsmi
l
e.

Razor:
"ar
eyour
eady?"

Inod.West artwal
kingtowardsthelight
.Iwi l
lbeagoodangeli
nthei
rli
ves.ThatIpr
omi se.I
am UnathiNgomane, Iwi
llal
waysloveandbemar riedt
omyhusband.Evendeathcouldn'
tdo
usapar t
.Ibel
ieveourpurposeisful
fi
ledyetitwastooearl
ytol
eaveear
thbutwecan'tquestion.
AllIknowisthatIwil
l meetthem ontheothersi
de.Iwil
lmeetmychil
daswel lontheother
si
de.

THEEND