~i

nser
t1~

°
Minenhl
e(Candy
)°

I
tisoft
ensaidthat"
Yourhardestti
mesoftenleadt
o
thegr
eatestmomentsofyourli
fe.Keepgoing.
Toughsit
uati
onsbuil
dstr
ongpeopl ei
ntheend"

RightnowI'mthose" har
destti
mes"If eel l
ikel
if
e
hasbeensuckedoutofme, If
eellikethere'sapartof
memi ssi
ng,I'
mt r
yingtothi
nkoft hegreatest
moment sthatthi
shar dti
meI'm atcouldl ead,
butmy
mindisblankIcan'tseem tot
hinkst r
aightorev en
thi
nkanythingri
ghtnow.

"Hey"It
urnmyheadandmyt
ear
yey
esmeethi
sred
eyes,
hashebeencr
ying?
?

¶Fewhour
sear
li
er¶
Mom:
I'
m sor
ryy
ou'
rewhat
???
??

Iopenmymout
htoanswerherbutwor
dsf
ail
me.

Mom: youar
epregnant
??*shest
andsupandt
akea
fewstepswalki
ngtowardsmeandgivemeahot
slap*

OkIguessIshoul dhaveexpectedthat
,Il
ookather
withmyhandonmycheekIseeanot herslap
comi ngIquicklyshutmyey esandsoonf eel apunch
ont heothercheekIscr eam openingmyey esbutthe
screamingdoesn' thel
pshepushesmebackwi t
hso
muchf orceIhi tthewallandfal
l downwithtears
streamingdownwhyar en'
ttheystoppi
ngher !
?She
thenstartskickingmeonmyst omach.

Me:
*cr
ying*
pleasest
op!
Her
:Youar
eadi
sappoi
ntment
!!
!!
Me:
I'
m sor
ryj
ustst
oppl
ease.

Atthi
spointIdon'tknowwhatI '
m apologi
zingf
or,
I'
m 23yearsol
df orcryi
ngoutloud,Ij
ustplacemy
armsaroundmyst omachtr
yingtoprotectmy
baby,
shethenkicksmeal l
overtil
lIblackout.

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•••
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Iopenmyey esbutshutthem causetheli

ghti
s
bli
ndi
ng,Iopent hem agai
nslowlyandlookatmy
surr
oundingitlooksli
keI'
m atthehospit
alhowdidI
gether
e?Whathappened?Isi tupwhichisqui
tea
missi
onsi ncemyent i
rebodyfeelsnumb,aminut
e
l
ateranursewal ksin.

Nur
se:*
smi
l
es*y
ou'
reawake,
ohImeangood
morni
ngMi
ssGwal
a.
Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*mor
ning?
Her
:yeahy
ou'
vebeenoutofi
tsi
ncey
est
erday
.

Il
ookdownandt
ouchmyst
omachasy
est
erday
's
ev
entcomefl
owi
nginmymind.

Nurse:
I'
m sor
rywecoul
dn'
tsav
ethebaby
,I
'm do
sor
ry.

Ican'tscream, Ican'tmov e,
Ican'tevent al
ksomy
tearsjustdoev er
y t
hingforme....I
'
m angr yatmom
noact uall
yI'm angryatmyent i
ref amilythey
could'vestoppedherbutt heydidn't,
theyj ustsat
thereandwat chedherbeatme.Thabi soisgoi ngto
besocr ushedaboutt hi
s,hewassoexci t
edwhenI
toldhim aboutmypr egnancy,t
henur seexi tthe
war dleavingmei nmymi ser
y..
.Icryti
llIfallasl
eep.
LaterI
'
m wokenupbyar i
ngi
ngphone, Il
ookbesi
des
thebedandseemyphonei t
'sacall
from mycousin
Zamohel eaveswi
thusbuthelef
taf ewdaysago
forvar
sit
y//
Me:
*scr
atchyv
oice*
low.
Hi
m:heywhat
'swr
ong?Youdon'
tsoundgood.
Me:t
hat'
sbecauseI'
m notgoodandIdon'
twantt
o
t
alkaboutt
hisovert
hephone.
Hi
m:i
sthi
saboutt
hemeet
ing?Di
dyouagr
ee?
Me:
*conf
used*
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Hi
m:themeetingabouty
ouget
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
hatt
ook
pl
aceyest
erday.
What
?
Me:
me?Get
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
Him:oht
heyhaven'
ttol
dyouyet
,yourpar
ent
s
seemedtohavefoundyouaspouse.
Me:What
?NoIwil
lnotagreet
othat
,Ial
readyhav
ea
boy
fri
endwhoIr
eall
ylovesononono.
Hi
m:Igett
hatandI'
m wit
hyouont
hisonet
heycan'
t
t
akesuchahugedecisi
onfory
ou*
someonetal
ksin
t
hebackgr
ound*Ihavet
ogoCuzbye.
Me:
bye.
/
/hehangsup.
Somyf amilygat
heredthei
rstupidheadst osetupa
marri
agef orme?Imeany eahI'
m gratefult
othem
forev
er yt
hingthey'
vedonef ormebutt hatdoesn'
t
meant heyshouldmakesuchar r
angement sfor.
..
.

"Hey"
Itur
nmyheadandmytear
yey
esmeethi
sred
eyes,
hashebeencr
ying?
?

Me:
hey
.
Hi
m:t
ell
mei
t'
snott
rue.

Fr
om hist
oneIpi
ckupthathe'
stal
ki
ngaboutt
he
pr
egnancy
,Ij
ustsi
ghnotsayi
nganythi
ng.

Hi
m:whathappened?
Hedoesn'
tevenaskmei fI
'mfi
neanywayInar
rat
e
t
hewholestoryforhi
m andhej
ustst
andsther
ewith
r
ageinhiseyes.
Hi
m:whenyoulookatmedoy ousee"
Fool
"wr
it
ten
onmyfor
ehead?*f
ir
mv oi
ce*
Me:
*shocked*
excuseme?
Him:youki
ll
edmychildonpurpose,nowyou'r
e
makinganexcusebyblamingyourmotheryou
shoul
dbeashamedofy oursel
f.Youeventol
dme
nottotel
lmyparent
saboutthepregnancybecause
youwantedtokil
lmychil
d!
Tear
spl
ayt
hei
rpar
t.
Him:
stopwi
ththef
aketear
s,Inev
erwantt
oseey
ou
agai
n*hemar
chesout
*

Icr
ymy sel
fbackt osleep,
howcoul dhesaythatt
o
me?Howcoul dhesayIkill
edmybaby ?PlusInever
sai
dheshoul dn'
ttel
lhisparentsIsai
dIwanttotell
myfamilyf
irstcauseIsawt hatastheri
ghtthi
ngto
do.Howcoul dhe?ThemanIl oveseesmeasa
murder
er.
.
Igetdi
schar
gedaf
ter2day
smysocal
l
edf
ami
l
y
didn'tevenbot hertocomecheckuponmewhi leI
wasst i
llatthehospi t
al neitherdi
dtheycomet o
fetchme, whenIgethomeIgost rai
ghttomyr oom I
don'twantt oseenort alktomyf amily,
Ihavetosee
Ay andaIknowonceI 'veseenhi m mysoul willbeat
ease,hei sSnenhl anhla's4y earoldson(Snenhlanhl
a
i
smybestf r
iend)Ilovehi m somuch.Any wayIwake
upt henextdayandt akeabat hthenleave,
Ihav en'
t
atesi ncey esterdayandt r
ulyIhavenoappet i
te.

AssoonasIopent
hegat
eAy
andar
unst
ome.
Hi
m:Mommy
!!
*het
hrowshi
msel
ftome*
Yeahhecall
smeMommyandcal lhi
smom by
name,Ial
waystel
lhi
mtoat
leastcall
hermom buthe
doesn'
twantto.

Me:heybaby
,howar
eyou*
Isayt
hatput
ti
nghi
m
down*
Hi
m:awesome*hesmil
esmaki
ngmesmi
l
etoo,
see
whatIwast
alki
ngabout
*
Sne:
Hey
!!
!!Letmychi
l
dgo!
!

Il
ookatherandshe'
sfumi
ngwi
thangerookaywhat
di
dIdo?

Sne:
Ayandacomeher
e!

Ayandadoesn'tbudgeinst
eadher aiseshisar
msfor
met opickhim upandIdojustthatthenwalk
towardsSneandSi ndimyotherfr
iend,assoonasI
gettothem SnesnatchesAyandaf r
om me.Whatis
wrongwi t
hher?

Her
:Idon'
twanty
ounearmybabyany
mor
e!
Me:
What
!?Whatdi
dIdo?
Her
:youknowexact
lywhaty
oudi
dory
ouwantt
oki
l
l
mybabytoo?
WhatThe?
?Ij
ustl
ookatherwi
thnoemot
ions.
Her
:yeahThabi
sotoldme,Ican'
t.
.nowe*poi
ntsat
Si
ndithenher
self
*donotbeli
evethaty
oudidthatto
ani
nnocentchil
d.
Me:
soser
iousl
yyoubel
i
evedwhatThabi
sot
oldy
ou?
Si
ndi
:
whywoul
dhel
i
e?
Me:
howam Isupposet
oknow?
Sne:
youknowwhat
?Gett
hef
uckoutofher
e.
Me:
don'
tsweari
nfr
ontofachi
l
d.
Her
:don'
ttel
lmewhatt
odowi
th"
My"chi
l
d.

Ij
ustwal
ktowar
dsherandki
ssAy
anda'
sfor
ehead.
Me:
I'
l
lseey
out
omor
rowokay
?*henodswi
tht
ear
sin
hi
sey
es*

Ihateleav
inghiml i
kethi
sbutIwal kawaywi t
hout
sayinganyt
hingtomysocal ledfri
endsImeanwhat
am Isupposetosayt othem causeitseemslike
theyhaveconcludedthatI'
m amur dererj
ustl
ike
Thabisodi
dahhhhht
hinki
ngoft
hedev
ilher
ehe
walkstowar
dsme.

Iopenmymout
htosaysomet
hingbutwor
dsf
ail
me.
Him:t
hat'
srightkeepwal
ki
ng,
don'
tsayawor
d*he
saysthatwalki
ngpastme*

Nxxyouknowwhat
??It
urnaroundandgrabhis
ar
m,hetur
nsar
oundandlooksatmepissed.
Hi
m:Whatd.
..
..
Me:
SHUTUP!
!!
?

Helooksatmeshocked,
hedidn'
tthi
nkIhadi
tinme
andhonest
lyIdi
dn'
tthi
nkIhaditi
nmeei t
her
.
~i
nser
t2~

°
Minenhl
e(Candy
)°

Me:
doy
ouknowhowst
upi
dIf
eel
?
Hi
m:*
smi
rks*
wel
lthat
'sgood.
Me: *
shakingmyhead* Iguess,butyoudi dn' tletme
fi
nish..
..
Ifeel
sostupidthatIlovey ouev enaf ter
whaty ousaidIsti
lll
oveyou,howcoul dy out hinkI
ki
ll
edmyownbaby ?Isthathowl owy out hinkofme?
Ican'tevenwalkproperl
ydoy outhinkI '
mf aki ngit?
Thepai n,
doyouthinkI'
mf akingit?Thebr uises, how
doy ouexplai
nthat?Aretheyf ake?*tearsf all
* Il
ove
yousomuchbutIal sohatey ouforaccusi ngmeof
ki
ll
ingmyownbaby ,
andIwillneverf orgi
v ey ouf or
accusingmef orsuch.

Iwipemyt
ear
sandwal
kawayl
eav
inghi
m st
andi
ng
ther
e.
WhenIgethomeIf
indmom st
andi
ngi
nfr
ontoft
he
doorwi
thherhandsonherwai
st.
Her
:wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
Ilookathersayi
ngnothi
ngthenIkeepwal
ki
ng
towardsthedoorbutshebl
ocksme.
Her
:hey
!Mi
ssi
eIj
ustaskedy
ouaquest
ion.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
arey
ougoi
ngt
omov
eorwhat
?
ShelooksatmeshockedandIuset
heoppor
tuni
ty
topassthr
oughandgostrai
ghtt
omyroom maki
ng
sur
eIlockthedoor
.

Me:
okMi
nenhl
e,whatnow?

Ihav
en'tevenmournedmybabyandwi t
hthisaura
fl
owingaroundher
eIcan'
tmournproperl
y,Itakeout
myphoneandcal l
anoldf
ri
endofmi ne//

Nt
oko:
am Idr
eami
ng?
?Di
dyouj
ustcal
l
?
Me:
*rol
l
ingmyey
es*
Ntokozohey
.
Her
:howar
eyoust
ranger
?
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
I'
m notgood,
Ineedapl
acet
ost
ay.
Her:
ohmygod,whathappened?I
'
mrent
ingaf
lati
t
hasahugespaceyoucancome.
Me:
thanky
ou,
I'
ll
tel
lyouev
ery
thi
ngwhenwemeet
.
Her
:ok,
sowhenar
eyoucomi
ng?Nowor
?
Me:
I'
m packi
ngnow,
I
'l
lpr
obabl
ygeti
nDur
banl
ate.
Her
:okbubbajustt
ell
mewheny
ou'
renearsoIcan
gobythetaxi
rank.
Me:
Iwi
l
l,
byef
ornow.
Her
:by
e.
/
/
Ist
artpacki
ngev
ery
thi
ngandmyi
mpor
tant
documents.
Mymot
herknocksont
hedoor
,It
otal
l
yignor
eher
.
Her
:I'
mleavi
ngintwohour
sformynightshi
ftsoy
ou
bet
teropent
hisdoorsowecantal
k.
Gr
eatIguessI
'
mleav
ingi
ntwohour
s.
Okit'
sal
mosttime,
IhavetosaygoodbyetoAyanda
buthowam IsupposetodothatcauseSnewil
l
chasemeoutorevenletmegetnearhim..
.ohl
etme
cal
lSne'
smother,
Ical
lherandshepicksupaft
era
fewri
ngs//

Her:
heybabyIwasjustabouttocall
y ou,
youraunt
tol
dmeev eryt
hingI
'
m sosorryforwhatyouare
goi
ngthrough,
Icoul
dneverimaginethepainof
l
osingachil
d.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
thanksmah.
Her
:i
tshal
lal
lpass.
Me:
mahcoul
dyousendAy
andaher
eit
'sur
gent
.
Her
:okbaby
.
Me:
thanks.
/
/
Aft
eraf
ewmi nutesIhearasof
tknockonmy
bedr
oom door
,Ist
andupandopenupf orhi
m.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
heybaby
.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
ing*
mommy
.
Me:*
sighing*
Ical
l
edy ouher
etosaygoodby
e*Il
ook
upbli
nkingmytearsaway*
Hi
m:goodby
e?
Me:
yeah,
I
'm goi
ngaway
.
Hi
m:whenwi
l
lcomeback?
Me:
Idon'
tknowbutnotsoon.
Hi
m:*
tear
ingup*
Iwantt
ogowi
thy
ou.
Ohgod.
Me:
babyIcan'
ttakey
ouf
rom y
ourmot
her
.
Hi
m:*
cry
ing*
youar
emymot
her
.
Me:
I'
mtal
ki
ngaboutSne.
Heshakeshi
sheadrepeatedl
ywi
thtear
sfal
li
ng
downhiscut
eli
tt
lef
ace.Igodowntohishei
ghtand
hughi
m.
Me:Iwi
llcal
lgr
andmaev
ery
daysoIcant
alkwi
thy
ou
ok*
breakingt
hehug*
Henodswi
pinghi
stear
s.
Hi
m:pr
omi
se?
Me:*
smil
ing*
Ipr
omi
se,
nowgohomeandbeagood
boytogr
andma.
Ikisshim cheekandhesl owlywalksout ,
If i
nall
ylet
myt earsfal
l.
.Ilookatmybagsandsi ght aki
ngt hem
andwal kout..
.nomat t
erhowmuchi tbreaksmy
hearttoleaveAy andali
kethatIhavet oleave
becausei fmymom i scapableofdoingwhatshedi d
tomet henshemi ghtf
orcemet omar r
ywhoev er
theyarrangedformet ogetmar ri
edto.Wel lIguess
thi
sisit.

°
Nqubeko°

Me:
justletmegosoIcanpr
epar
emybr
other
's
f
uneralandmournhi
m.
Mom:don'
twor
rywe'
veal
readybur
iedhi
m att
he
backy
ard.
Me:
*shocked*
whatki
ndoft
wist
edpar
ent
sar
eyou?
Mom:
theki
ndt
hatgav
eyoul
i
fe,
sobeadearand
enj
oyyourst
ayher
eti
l
lwef
igur
eoutwhatwedo
wit
hyou.

Theywalkoutl
eavi
ngmet
iedupt
oachai
r,
it
's
off
ici
alt
heyaredeadt
ome.
Howcant heyki
llmybr ot
herandbecool asa
cucumberasifnothinghappened.
..
waitaret
hey
usedtothi
s?Kil
li
ng?Butt hemainquesti
onis-Why
didtheyki
l
lmybr other
?
Ift
heywereablet
okil
lhi
m andshownor emorsefor
kil
l
inghi
mt henwhatwoul
dstopthem f
rom ki
l
ling
me?

I'
m NqubekoGabuza, I
'
m 27y ear soldIlostmy
youngerbrother2daysagohewas24y earsold,
we
wereinseparable,
itwasasifwear etwins,hi
sdeath
hasn'
tregister
edwellinmymi ndsincehewaski l
l
ed
bynoneot herthanourparents.Ifeelli
kemyt ime
ali
veisli
mi t
edsoIdon'tknowi fIshouldsaythisi
s
myst or
y.
~i
nser
t3~

°
Minenhl
e(Candy
)°

Me:
thanky
ousomuchNt
oko.
Her
:don'
tsweati
tandI
'
m sosor
ryf
ory
ourl
oss.
Me:
thanks.

Iarr
ivedhereinDurbanaboutanhouragomyf amil
y
havebeenfloodingmyphonewi t
hcall
swhi chIwil
l
notanswerIjustneedtochangemynumber ,
the
atmospherehereisrel
axi
ngunli
kebackhomei n
PMBandNt oko'
sflati
squit
ebigIdi
dn'texpectitt
o
bethisbi
g.

Me:
thi
spl
acei
shuge.
Her:
*giggl
es*thepr
iceisal
sohuge,whenIstart
rent
inghereItwasn'
tjustmealonetherewas
anothergi
rlwhowasmyf r
iendbackthen,
long
stor
y ,
wetookthi
splaceknowi
ngthatwe'
l
lspl
itt
he
rent
,butaf
ter3monthssomethi
nghappenedandit
l
edtomer ent
ingi
talone.
Me:y
ucks,
Iguesst
her
e'snoti
mef
ormet
omop
ar
oundIneedtofi
ndajob.
Her:
*smi
l
es*
it'
sokayCandybutt
heyar
eki
ndof
hi
ri
ngatwor
k.
Me:
dudedon'
tpl
aywi
thme.
Her:
I'm not
,I
'
m seri
ous..
.f
ewnur
sest
ransf
erredt
o
EasternCapeopeningsomenewspaces,
didyou
bri
ngy ourC.Vwit
hy ou?
Me:y
eahyeahy
eah,
wowGodi
sgoodl
et'
shopet
hey
hi
reme.
Her:
Iknowtheywil
l,
j
usttakei
toutandIwi
lll
eav
e
wit
hittomorr
owmor ni
nguhhlookIhavet
ogo
somewhereareyougoi
ngt obeokay?
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
comeonI
'
m abi
ggi
rl
.
Her
:*gi
ggl
i
ng*
Ijustwant
edt
omakesur
e.
Ismi l
eatherandshewal ksout ,
wi t
ht hewayshe' s
dressedIbetshe' sgoi ngt oacl ubshehasal way s
beenawi ldgi rl
..
someandhermetatt heNur sing
school ,wecl i
ckedont hedaywef irstmetand
becamef ri
endsf rom t her e,af
t ergr aduat i
ngIwent
backhomeandappl iedf oraj obt herewhi leshe
appl iedher e,Godwaswi thbot hofushegr antedus
bot hj obs,
thenr ecentlyabout5mont hsagoher
fri
endssentmeav ideooft hem ( excl udingNt oko)
theywer et ell
ingmehowbor ingIam, thatt heydo
notev enknowwhyNt okobef riendedme, Idon' t
hav ecl assbl ahbl aht heysai dal otoft hingswhi ch
l
ef tmequest ioningmy selfandhonest lyIdon'tl i
ke
talkingmuchandIdon' tlikedr ama, Ididn'ttellNtoko
aboutt hev ideoi nfactIdi dn'tsayany thingt oher
sincet henmecal l
inghert odaywast hef i
rstti
mei n
5mont hs..
.IknowIknowI '
m abadf r
iendbutIwas
j
ustav oi
dingdr amawhi chIguesswi llstartsinceI
l
iveher enow.
#Nar
rat
ed

¶Fewday
slat
er¶

MrandMrsGabuzaar
eintheloungehav
ing
br
eakf
astov
erali
ghtconv
ersati
on.
MrG:
sowhat
'st
hewayf
orwar
d?
MrsG:Ithi
nkweshoul
dint
roducehi
mtoour
busi
ness.
MrG:ahhgeezwhatawonder
ful
plan*
bei
ng
sar
casti
c*.
MrsG:
*rol
l
sherey
es*
Ithi
nki
twi
l
lbedi
ff
erentwi
th
hi
m.
MrG:howexactl
y?Whatwedoisverydangerous
andi
t'
sforpeoplewi
thnoconsci
ence,wethought
Mnqobiwasthatper
sonbutwhathappened?
Mr
sG:
wel
li
t'
sdi
ff
erentt
hist
ime*
smi
rks*
MrG:
how?
Mr
sG:
wecanbl
ackmai
lhi
mtoj
oini
ngus.
MrG:
ser
iousl
yyouwantmet
oaskhowagai
n?
MrsG:wemakehim hol
dthegunt
hatweusedt
oki
l
l
Mnqobiandt
hreat
enhim.
MrG:
*gi
vesanev
ilsmi
l
e*I
'
mli
steni
ng.
MrsG:i
fherefusestojoi
nuswewi llt
ell
himthatwe
wil
lgotothepoli
cewiththegunthathashi
s
fi
nger
pri
ntsonitclai
mingthathe'
stheonewho
ki
ll
edMnqobi.
MrG:
*smi
l
es*
I'
m pr
oudt
ocal
lyoumywi
fe.
MrsG:Iknowyouar
e,nowyouhav
etogobef
orey
ou
getl
atefory
ourmeeti
ng.

MrGstandsupandki
sseshi
swi
fet
hent
akehi
s
t
hings.

MrG:ohyoursonsti
nksheneedsabath,
i
teit
hery
ou
bat
hhim oryougetsomeonetodoi
tforyou.
Mr
sG:
ewwI
'
m nott
ouchi
nghi
m.
MrG:*
chuckl
es*he'
syourson*
rol
l
shisey
es*buti
f
youwon'
tdoitt
hengetsomeonetodoit
,by
el ov
e.
Mr
sG:
bye.

MrGwal ksoutleav
ingMrsGt hi
nkinghowshe's
goingtogetsomeonei nsuchashor tnoti
cebutthen
shet hi
nksonemor edaywon'thurtanyone.She
dishesupbreakfastforhi
m andheadst othe
basementbutt hesmellmakeshert ur
n.

MrsG:*
disgust
ed*
IguessI
'l
lhav
etobat
hhi
m,ur
ghI
bet
terf
indsomeonesoon.

°
Nqubeko°

Ihaven'thadabathinaweekand3day sandIdon't
l
ikethewayIsmel l
,
mymom j ustrushedoutIthi
nk
i
t'sthesmel lt
hatmadeherdosoandsur pr
isi
nglyI
don'tcare.Iwonderwhytheydon'tj
ustki
llme
alr
eady ,
whyaretheyevensti
llkeepi
ngmeher e?
"
Yousmel
lter
ri
bledoy
ouknowt
hat
?"

Il
ookupt oherandshe'scarryingabasinwit
hwater
wit
hfoam insi
de,ohshe'sgoingtoletmebathwow
okayt
hisismyt imetoescape. .
.whenshahasunti
ed
meIneedt ohitherheadwi t
hsomet hingsoshecan
passout
,nowwhatwi llIuse?..
.wai
t..
.wai
t.

Me:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Her
:ar
eyout
hatst
upi
d?I
'
m gi
vi
ngy
ouabat
h.
Me:
*shocked*
What
??No!Thati
sjustu.
.No!
!

I
t'
sinappr
opr
iat
e.

Her:
*chuckles*
Igav
ebir
thtoyou,
Irai
sedyouIknow
younaked,nowshutuporel
seIwil
l l
eav
eyou
sti
nki
ngher e.
Me:
j
ustr
atherl
eav
emest
inki
ng.
Shetotall
yignoresmeandst artswi
thwashi
ngmy
face,
aft
erwi pingitsheunbut
tonsmyshir
tand
clear
shert hroatwhileIgi
veheradeadst
areGod
thisi
sinappropriate,i
t'
ssoweir
dandvery
uncomf or
table.

Her
:i
tseemsli
key
ou'
vechangedal
otsi
nceIl
ast
bat
hedyou.

Isti
llmaintai
nmydeadgaze, sheusesascissorto
cutmyshi rt,
Ij
ustchuckl
eIwonderhowshe' sgoing
toclothemewhi leti
ed..
.shewashesmyent i
reupper
bodyt hengoesonherkneesandst artstounti
emy
belt
,Ishif
tshegivesmeadeadst ar
e,Isi
tst
il
lshe
thencontinuesbutIshif
tagain.

Her
:FUCK!
!I'
m hel
pingy
ouher
e!!
Me:Idi
dn'
taskyoutoo!
!!Justl
eav
emeandmy
st
inki
ngsel
falone.
Her
:*chuckl
es*
arey
ouaf
rai
dthatI
'
llseey
ourl
i
ttl
e
Mr
?Don'
twor
ryI
'
veseenhi
m bef
ore.

Sheremov esthebeltr
oughlyandremov esmypants
al
ongwi t
ht hebri
efs,
Ij
ustlooktheotherwaywith
myey escl
osed...
sheclear
shert hr
oatagainbat
hing
mylowerbody ..
.

°
Minenhl
e°

Youwon' tbeli
evet hi
s,Igott hejob!!
!Iam so
happy,
aftertheinterviewIt houghttheywillnev
ercal
l
meIev enst ar
tedjobhunt i
ngev enonlineforever
y
ki
ndofj obthatisav ailabl
ear oundherecauseI
coul
dn'tjuststayher ewi t
houthel pi
ngoutbutGodi s
al
wayswi t
hme, hegr antedmeanot herjobandI'm
gl
adthati t
'sajobIl ov e.
Iam st
il
lkeepi
ngmypr omise,
Ical
lAyandaeveryday
well
behindSne'
sbacksinceshedoesn'twanthim
toevental
ktomeandIchangedmynumbert oget
myfamilyoffmyback.Ntoko'
sfri
endscameov er2
daysagoandt heysti
lldon'tl
ikeme,
IgetitIdon'
tfi
t
withthem,wit
hthei
rli
festyl
ebutIdon'tcarereal
l
y
andtheonl yr
easonI'
mt olerati
ngt
hem isNtokoand
Ithi
nkt heyar
ealsotol
eratingmebecauseofNt oko
too.

"
Candy
!!Yourphonei
sri
ngi
ng!
!!
"-
that
'sNt
oko.

Irunt
othedinni
ngroom wher
eIlef
tmyphoneand
answert
hisunknownnumber//

Me:
Minenhl
ehel
l
o.
"
Minenhl
ehi
,
thi
sisThul
i
sil
eGabuza"
Me:
uhhm ookay
yy.
Her:
ohy eahI
'm cal
l
ingyouaboutajob,Ibumpedi
nto
yourappli
cat
iononli
neandsawthaty ouarel
ooki
ng
f
oraj ob,
andI'
m cal
li
ngyoutoofferyouone.
Me:*
smi l
ing*
ohI '
m sorr
ymam Iforgottoremovemy
appl
icat
ions,I
'v
ealreadyfoundajobthankyou.
Her
:ohokaythen,
buti
fther
e'sany
onewhoneedsa
j
obpleasedogivemeacallsoon.
Me:
Iwi
l
lmam,
hav
eagr
eatni
ght
.
Her
:yout
oo/
/

Nt
oko:
Ikeepr
emi
ndi
ngy
out
otakedowny
our
..
.
Me:y
eahyeahl
etmedoi
tnowbefor
eIforgetand
someoneel
secal
l
smeoffer
ingmeajob.
Ntoko:
butappl
yi
ngonli
newasagreati
dea
t
oo,imagi
neify
oudidn'
tgett
hej
obatthehospi
tal
.
Me:y
eahandmyonlineappl
i
cat
ionswoul
dbe
comingi
nhandynow.

Isi
tnextt
oherr
emov
ingmyappl
i
cat
ions.
~i
nser
t4~

°
Minenhl
e°

'
Whatisthedif
fer
encebet
weenanobst
acl
eandan
oppor
tuni
ty?Our
att
it
udetowardit
.Ever
yoppor
tuni
tyhasadi
ff
icul
t,
andever
ydiff
icul
ty
hasanoppor
tuni
ty.
'

I
'mr eallyenjoy i
ngt hewor kenvi
ronment
here,everyonei swel comi ngandni ceandi fsomeone
doesn'tlikeyout hent heydon'ttheyjustmi ndt hei
r
businessandst ayoutofy ourway .
..
thi
siswhatIcal l
aheal t
hywor kingenv i
ronment ,
rightnowI '
m hav i
ng
l
unchatt hecaf et eri
aallaloneNt okoisn'
twor king
todayandIhav en'texactlymadef r
iendplusI '
m not
l
ookingf orfr
iends, notafterwhathappenedwi th
me,SneandSi ndi I'
m notr eadytotrustanot her
person...wit
hNt okoi t
'sdiffer
entItrustherbutnot
completel
yImeanwhatifitgett
oastagewher
eshe
hastochosebetweenmeandherf r
iendsI
'
m sosur
e
thatshewil
lchoseherf
ri
ends.

"Whyi
sabeaut
if
ull
adysi
tt
ingal
lal
one?
"-say
sa
deepl
owvoi
ce.

Ilookuponl ytofindMlamel istandi

nginfrontofthe
tablel
ookingatmewi thhisbeaut i
fulsmi
le.He'sa
surgeon,eversinceIstartedwor ki
nghereIlearnt
thatheloveschangi ngladiesli
kesockswel lIguess
heuseshi slookscausehel ooksdamngood.

Me:
Iusual
l
ysi
twi
thNt
okobutshei
sn'
twor
king
t
oday.
Hi
m:doy
oumi
ndi
fIj
oiny
ou?
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
no.

Hepl
aceshi
sfoodont
het
abl
eandt
akesaseat
opposi
tet
ome.
Hi
m:soCandyr
ight
?
Me:
yeah.
Hi
m:howdoy
ouf
indi
twor
kingher
esof
ar?
Me:sofarIhav
enot
hingt
ocompl
ainabout
,I
'
mlov
ing
i
there.
Him:*smil
es*I
'
m gl
adtoheart
hatandlet'
shopet
hey
haven'tf
il
ledy
ourheadwi
thnonsense.
Me:
meani
ng?
Hi
m:*chuckl
es*
uhwheny
oul
ookatme,
doIl
ookl
i
ke
apl
ayer?
Me:
yes.
Ianswerhi
m wi
thouthesi
tat
ion.
Hi
m:wowouch.
Me:I
'm sor
ryi
fthatof
fendedy
oubutI
'
m bei
ng
honest
.
Hi
m:i
t'
sokay
,Iki
ndofgetthatalotIdon'
tknowwhy
i
thur
tsnowthati
t'
scomingfrom you.
Icl
earmyt
hroatf
ocusi
ngonmyf
ood.

Hi
m:y
ouchewbeaut
if
ull
ydoy
ouknowt
hat
?

Ooookay
Me:
that
'scr
eepyy
ouknow.
Hi
m:*cl
ear
shisthr
oat*ohI'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
o
makeyouuncomfort
able.

Ijustsmil
enotknowingwhatt
osay
,butIdoknow
thatI'
m nolongereat
ing.

Hi
m:sowhatdi
dtheyt
ell
youaboutme?
Me:
uhm not
hing.
Hi
m:areyousure?Di
dn'
ttheytel
lyousomet
hingl
i
ke
"
Mlaloveschangi
ngl
adiesli
kesocks"
?

Wow.
Me:
uhhuhm wel
ldon'
tyou?
Him:*chuckles*wellIguesstheydi
d,t
heyarethe
oneswhot hrowt hemselvesatmeandwhenIr ej
ect
them theyspr eadli
esaboutme.AndIhav etosay
you'
redifferent.
Il
ookathi
m wi
thmyey
eshal
fcl
osed.
Him:
*smi
les*di
ff
erenti
nagoodway,
you'
ret
hef
ir
st
onewhohaven'
ttri
edachancewi
thme.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
whywoul
dI?
Him:
*toucheshischest
*ouchagai
n,
youl
i
ker
oast
ing
hear
tsorisitj
ustmine.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
agai
nsor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
oof
fendy
ou.

Hesmil
esatmeandopenhismouthtosay
somet
hingbuthi
sphonedi
stur
bhi
m,hesighsand
pi
cksi
tup//

Hi
m:sur
e.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Hi
m:sowhatdi
dyouget
?
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Him:*si
ghsi
nfr
ust
rat
ion*
thi
sdoesn'
tmakeany
sense.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Hi
m:pl
easedoso.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Hi
m:shar
p.
/
/
Hehangsupandl ookatmewi t
hhist i
redeyesI
wonderwhatthecallwasabout,
i
tlookslikeit
drai
nedhim butIwon'
tdareaskhim Idon'twantt
o
seem noi
sy.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
youcanasky
ouknow.
Il
ookathi
m say
ingnot
hing,
noIwon'
t.
Hi
m:welll
etmesav eyouf
rom whateveri
srunni
ng
onyourmind,
thatwasaP.
IIhi
redlastweekc...
Me:
your
eal
l
ydon'
thav
etoy
ouknow.
Him:
theysaytal
ki
nghel
psandwhoknowsmay
be
youmighthav
esomethi
ngthatcoul
dhel
p.
Me:
youdoknowt
hatIj
ustr
ecent
lymov
edher
eri
ght
?
Hi
m:ooohIdi
dn'
tknow,
i
nthatcasenev
ermi
nd.

Aghnowmymindwantst
oknow,hedoesn'
tseem or
soundsl
i
keaj
erkt
heypor
tray
edhimtobe.

Me:
aghbutnowIwantt
oknow.
Hi
m:*
laughs*
youl
ookcut
e.
Ibl
ushl
ooki
ngaway
.
Hi
m:myf
ri
endshav
ebeenmi
ssi
ngf
or2weeksnow.
Il
ookathi
m wi
thmyey
ebr
owr
aised.
Me:
whatmakesy
out
hinkt
heyar
emi
ssi
ng?
Hi
m:well2weeksagowewer esupposet omeetup
f
orguysnightoutasusualbuttheynevershowedup
whi
chwasoddcauset heynevermissthatni
ght,
I
t
ri
edcall
i
ngbot hofthem butIneverr
eachedthem,a
fewhourst urnedint
oadayandadaywentt odaysI
star
tedgettingwor r
ied,
eventheirparentssai
dthey
haven'
tseent hem for2weeksIwentt orepor
ttothe
poli
ceforami ssi
ngcasebutt heyaren'tmakingany
anyprogresst hat
'swhyIhiredaP. I
.
Me:
wai
twai
twai
tsot
he4par
ent
sd.
..
Hi
m:2,
theyar
ebr
other
s.
Me:ok,sot
heirpar
entsdi
dn'
tbot hert
ogotothe
pol
icestat
iontofi
leinamissingcasefort
hei
rki
ds?
Aretheyevenworri
edaboutthem?
Hi
m:t
hey.
.wel
l
..I
..
uhh.
Me:
*l
ookingatmywrist
watch*Ihav
etogobackto
wor
k*st
andingup*
Ihopeyou'l
lfi
ndyourf
ri
ends.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
thanks.

IwalkawayIr eal
l
yhopehedoesf
indhi
s
fr
iends,
casesofmalesmissi
ngar
ereal
l
yrar
eit
's
most l
yfemale.
.
¶Cont
inuat
ion¶

Ij
ustgotbackt owork,
andthel
adi
esinthi
sfl
oorI'
m
worki
ngont odayaregivi
ngmeanevill
ookIwonder
whythough.Itotal
l
yignoret
hei
rcol
dvibeandfocus
onthepati
ents.

#Nar
rat
ed

Ntokozoi
schil
li
ngwit
hher2friends,
tal
ki
ngabout
whatthey
'l
lwearwhentheyhi
ttheclub.

Fiki
l
e:I
'mtel
l
ingy
ouguy
s,Redandbl
ackwoul
dgo
real
lygoodt
oget
her
.
Ntoko:
okywe'l
ltr
yitoutbutifIdon'
tfeeli
tIwi
ll
changeitandwearsomethingI'
llf
eelli
kewear
ing.
Fi
kil
e:okayfai
renough,
sowher
e'sy
ouruhm whati
s
shetoy ouagai
n?
Nt
oko:
she'
smyf
ri
end.
Mawande:
whyar
eyouevenhangi
ngoutwi
thher
?
Worsest
ayi
ngwi
thher
?
Nt
oko:
*conf
used*
whati
swr
ongwi
tht
hat
?
Mawande:
she'sdi
ffer
entwayt odif
ferentfr
om
us,
she'
sbor
ingshehasnot ast
einfashioninf
act
shehasnotastei
nany t
hingsh..
..
Nt
oko:wai
tIsti
lldon'
tgety
ourpoint
,sowhati
fshe'
s
di
ff
erentf
rom us?She'
smyf r
iendnotyour
sri
ght?
Fi
ki
le:
whatisthestor
ywit
hher ?Weusedtosayt
hat
wewillnev
erhangoutwit
hbor i
ngpeopl
ewhoare
di
ff
erentfr
om us,
whatchanged?
Ntoko:
*si
ghs*whatwasthereasonforust
onot
hangoutwit
h" bor
ingdi
ff
erent
"people?
Mawande&Fi
ki
le:
Theyj
udgeus.
Ntoko:
exactly,Candyhasneverj
udgedme, when
somegi rl
sbacki nNursi
ngschooljudgedmef or
beingrebell
i
ousshedef endedme,afterwardsIasked
herwhydi dshe?Shesai dIquot
e"Whoar et heyto
j
udge?Weal lhaveourfl
awsandIdef endedy ou
becausey ouaremyf r
iendandit'
swhatf r
iendsdo"
andatthatti
meItookherasapersonIjustst
udy
withnothi
ngmorebutaft
erthati
nci
dentIstar
ted
seeingherasaf
ri
end.
Mawande:*sighs*r
emembert hatl
astwehadf ri
ends
l
ikeheri
tdidn'tendwell,
whenevertheywereasked
aboutustheywoul ddenybeingfr
iendswit
hus, t
hey
wereashamedofus, whatifshe'
salsoashamedof
yououtthere?
Ntoko:*chuckles*she'
snot,t
heyaskedherabout
me,andaskedherwhyshehangsoutwi t
hsomeone
who'sanopposi t
eofher,shesmiledandsaid"itwas
provenal ongt i
meagot hatoppositeat
tract
s"
*smiles*guysshe'sbeenwi thmet hr
ough
shit
,supportedmet hr
oughital
l,
youwon'tgetitso
l
et'sjustdropit.

MawandeandFiki
l
enodsti
l
lnotget
ti
ngt
hepoi
nton
whyNtokobef
ri
endedMi
nenhl
e.

#Back_
in_
PMB.
Minenhle'
smot herj
ustknockedof ff
rom herday
-
shi
ft,
thewayshe' st
ir
edshej ustwanttogethome
andhitthepi
l
lowbutal ltheti
rednessgoesawayas
sheseesMrSi biyawait
ingforheroutsi
deherwor k
l
eaningonhiscar .
MrSi
biy
a:ar
eyouav
oidi
ngme?
Zanel
e:*
fakesasmi
l
e*whywoul
dI?
MrS:Idon'
tknowyout
ell
me,
whyar
en'
tyou
answeri
ngmycall
s?
Zanel
e:i
tjustt
hatI
'
vebeensobusyl
atel
y.
MrS:*chuckl
esbi
tt
erl
y*okt
hent
ell
me,
wher
e'sy
our
daughter
?
Zanel
e:*
swal
l
ows*
uhm I
..
..
MrS:Ihear
dthatshe'
snoti
ntown,
well
shebetter
comebacksooncausebytheendofnextweekshe
mustbemar r
iedtomyson.
Zanel
e:buty
..
.
MrS: but
??Don'
tshi
tmeZanel
e,
Ipai
dal
otofmoney
foryourdaught
ert
omarr
ymysonsodon'
tshi
tme
givi
ngmebut .
Zanel
e:Iknow,itj
ustt
hatuhhsher
unawayf
rom
homeIdon' tknowwhereshewent.
MrSi
biy
afr
owngi
vi
ngheradeadl
ylook.
MrS:youbett
erf
indherandify
oucan'
ttheny
ou
bet
terst
il
lhavemymoney .

Hewearshisgl assesandget sinsi

dethecarthen
dri
vesawayl eavi
ngMi nenhl
e'smom notknowi ng
howshe'l
lfi
ndMi nenhl
eandi fshecan'tf
indhershe
wonderswher etheheckshe'sgonnaf i
ndt hemoney
especi
all
ysinceshehasusedhal fofi
t.Shesighs
walki
ngtothet axirankbatt
li
ngwi t
hherthoughts.

°
Minenhl
e°

Nt
oko:
howwaswor
ktoday
?
Me:
*shr
uggi
ng*
itwasgoodIdon'
tknow.
Her
:di
dsomet
hinghappen?
Me:
thel
adi
eswer
egi
vi
ngmeacol
dshoul
der
.
Her
:di
dyoudosomet
hing?
Me:notanythi
ngIknowof
,Imeanever
ythi
ngwas
okaywhenIgott owor
kti
l
l l
unchandaft
erlunch
wit
hMl atheys..
.
Her
:Ml
amel
i
?
Me:
yeah.
Her
:t
hent
hati
swhyt
heywer
egi
vi
ngy
oucol
dvi
bes.
Me:
becauseofMl
a?
Her:y
eah,
Ml aistheCasanovaoft
hehospit
alever
y
gir
lwantsapi eceofhi
m,whenhehassleptwit
h
them hemov esonsaying"y
ouwantedapieceof
me,nowy ougotit"
Me:
wow,
wai
tyout
alkl
i
key
oual
soh.
..
Her
:yeahy
eahIal
sosl
eptwi
thhi
m.
Me:Iwasst
art
ingt
othi
nkthatt
her
umor
sar
eli
es,
I
bet
terst
ayawayfr
om hi
m.
Her
:thefactthatyoutwohadl uncht
ogetheri
san
i
mprovement ,may behereal
lyli
kesyou.
..
healway
s
hav
ehi slunchinhisoff
ice.
Me:
aiIdon'
tknow.
Her
:l
etmegetgoi
ng.

Sheki
ssesmycheekandwal
ksout
,Ist
andupgoi
ng
tomyroom.
~i
nser
t05~

¶Fewday
slat
er¶

Att
heGabuzaHousehol
d.

MrG:
sti
l
lcan'
tfi
ndsomeonet
odot
hat
?
MrsG:I
'
veal
readyf
oundher
,shewi
l
lst
artnext
Monday.
MrG:
sot
hegun?
Mr
sG:
done,
i
t'
sint
hesaf
e.
MrG:
hav
eyout
alkedt
ohi
m?
MrsG:notyet,
whichbr
ingsmetowhatIwantedt
o
tel
lyou.
..
yoursonisweakhedoesn'
twantt
oeator
dri
nkanythi
ng.
MrG:
i
shepl
anni
ngonki
l
li
nghi
msel
fwi
thhunger
?
MrsG:Idon'
tknow,
andwithhi
m bei
ngweakl
i
ket
his
It
hinkheneedsahospi
tal
.
MrG:
ahospi
tal
isoutoft
hepi
ctur
e,wecan'
tri
ski
t.
MrsG:weneedadoctorthenoranur
se,
wewil
lhav
e
t
othreat
enwhoeverwef i
ndcausewecan'
tdr
ug
Nqubekosi
ncehe'
salreadyweak.
MrG:okbutIdon'
tl
iket
hiswear
enowi
nvol
vi
ngt
oo
manypeople.
MrsG:
i
ftheybecomeapr
obl
em wewi
l
lel
i
minat
e
t
hem.
MrG:
wel
ll
etmegocheckony
ourbr
at.

Hestandsupandwal
kstothebasementwher
ehe
f
indsNqubekoweakasever
.

MrG:wel
lwell
wel
l
,soy
ouar
eref
usi
ngt
oeat
,doy
ou
wantt
odie?

Nqubekol
ooksupt
ohi
m sl
owl
ywi
thhi
sey
eshal
f
cl
osed.
MrG:
youl
ookl
i
kehel
l
.
Nqubeko:
Fuc.
..
Fucky
ou.
MrG:*chuckl
es*
youaresodamnst
ubbor
n,j
ustl
i
ke
yourdamnweakf at
her
.

Halfcl
osedeyestur
nint
oful
l
yopenedey
esas
shocktakesover
.

°
Minenhl
e°

I
'm av oidi
ngMl
a,I
'v
ebeenavoi
dinghi
m ev
ersi
nce
thatlastwetal
ked,
Idon'
tknowwhyhekeeps
pesteringmecauseIam nott
hrowi
ngmysel
ftohi
m.

Ml
a:Mi
nenhl
ecomeon.
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Hi
m:okayatl
easttel
lmewhatIdi
dtodeser
vet
his
si
l
enttr
eatment.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
Mlamel
iI'
mtr
yingt
owor
kher
e.
Hi
m:Ml
amel
i
??Ai
bo.

Isuppr
essmyl
aught
eratt
hewayhesay
sthat
.

Me:
i
sn'
tthaty
ourname?
Hi
m:pl
easej
oinmef
orl
uncht
oday
.
Me:
arey
out
ryi
ngt
ogetbet
weenmyl
egs?
Him:uhm wowuhm Idi
dn'
texpectt
hatwow,
andto
answeryounoI'
m nott
ryi
ngtogetbet
weenyour
l
egswellnotyet
.
Me:
excuseme?Whatdoy
oumeannoty
et?
Him:Imi
ghtexpl
aini
tyousomeot
herday
,Ij
ustwant
ustobefri
ends.
Me:
wh.
..
Hi
m:pl
ease*
smi
l
es*
Me:*
rol
li
ngmyey es*f
ineI
'
llhav
elunchwi t
hyouand
seei
fIacceptt
his"
beingf
ri
ends"proposal
.
Hi
m:t
hanky
ousomuch.
Me:
yeahy
eahnowgobackt
owor
k.

Hewal
ksawaysmi
l
ing.
.
Af
teraf
ewhour
sIknockonhi
sof
fi
ce.

"
Comei
n"heshout
sfr
om t
hei
nsi
de.

IopenthedoorandwalkIsi
decl
osi
ngthedoor
behi
ndme,heraiseshi
sheadandsmil
eleani
ngback
onhischai
r.

Hi
m:y
ouact
ual
l
ycame,
pleasesi
tdown.
Ismi
l
esi
tt
ingdownwi
thmyl
unch.
Hi
m:Iwasinsuchar
ushinthi
smorni
ngIdi
dn'
tget
t
omalelunch,
l
etmejustor
deri
t.
Me:
orwecoul
djustshar
emi
ne,
itwi
l
lbeenoughf
or
t
hebot
hofus.

Hesmil
esstandi
ngupandcomestosi
tnexttome
andwestar
teati
ngoveracomf
ort
abl
esil
ence.

Me:
soanypr
ogr
essonf
indi
ngy
ourf
ri
ends?
Him:
* wipeshismouth*t
heP.Ikeepshi
tt
ingadead
end,
thisdoesn'tmakeanysensewhywouldtheyj
ust
di
sappearlikethi
s?
Me:
wer
etheyi
nvol
vedi
nil
l
egal
thi
ngs?
Hi
m:no.
Me:t
heP.Ishoul
dkeepsear
chi
ngmay
behe'
l
lfi
nd
somethi
ng.
Him:yeahohear l
ierIwantedtoasky ou
somet hi
ng,somyf ri
ends'motheraskedaf av
our
from me...
itseemsl ikeshe'
snott aki
ngthe
disappearanceofhersonswel l
,sheneedsadoctor
oranur setocomecheckuponherev erynowand
thenli
keonceort wiceaweekandIdon' tr
eall
ytr
ust
thedoctorsar oundher esoo.
Me:
so?Getheranur
sey
out
rustt
hen.
Hi
m:t
hat
'swhyI
'
mtal
ki
ngaboutt
hist
oyou.
Me:
uhwhat
?Nononoway
.
Hi
m:comeonwhynot
?
Me:
ther
ear
esomanynur
sesi
nthi
shospi
tal
,why
me?
Him:
Idon'
ttr
ustt
hem,
thi
sismyfri
ends'mot
hershe
l
ikeamothert
ometoosoIcan'
tri
skit.
Me:
you'
veonlyknownmef
orav
eryshor
tti
me,
why
doy
outrustmesomuch.
Him:*
sighs*you'
redi
ff
erentIhav
etol
dyout
his
befor
e,pl
ease.
Me:
whydon'
tyoudoi
t?
Hi
m:I
'
m swampy
ouknowt
hat
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
Idon'
tknowMl
a.
Hi
m: di
dImentionthatshewi
l
lbepay
ingy
ou?You
wi
llearnext
racash.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
whydi
dn'
tyousayso.
Hi
m:*
laughs*
gir
lsandmoney
.
Me:*l
aughi
ng*comeonwearenotthatbadplus
boysalsol
ovemoneyandIt
hinktheylov
eitway
morethangir
lsImeanwhywouldtheybesti
ngy
wit
hit?
Hi
m:what
ever
,soy
ou'
l
ldoi
t?
Me:
yeahsur
e.
Him:greatI
'
llt
alkt
oherandf
orwar
dyoual
lthe
detai
ls.
Me:
alr
ight
.

¶Lat
eratt
heSi
biy
ahousehol
d¶

Ml
a:What
!!
!!
!!
!?No!
MrS:
yes,
Ihav
eal
readypai
dev
ery
thi
ng.
Ml
a:dadnoIwon'
tdoi
t.
MrS:
i
tseemsli
key oudidn'
thearmecorr
ect
ly,
let
mecl
eart
heconfusion.
..
..
Iwasn'
taski
ngyouI'
m
tel
li
ngyou,i
tist
imetomanupy ou'vebeenchanging
gir
lsasift
heyarerunni
ngoutfashi
onandnowI 'm
putti
ngall
ofthatt
oanend,Ihaveworkedhardto
buil
dthi
sempi r
eforitt
ovani
shintothi
nair
.
Mla:
okdadIgetityouhavetoldmet hestor
yso
manytimes,
youwentthroughshitIgeti
tbutIdonot
wanttogetmarr
iedyetandwor setosomeoneIdo
notknowplusI
'minter
estedinsomeone*smiles*
MrS:
wai
tar
eyoubl
ushi
ng?
Ml
a:*
chuckl
es*
no.
MrS: *si
ghs* okayIgetyourpoi
nt,
Ishouldhav e
talkedtoyoubef oret
akingadeci
sion,
ifyoudonot
wantt ogetmar ri
edyetthengi
vemeagr andchil
dto
assuremet hatal lmyhardworki
snotgonna
disappearintot hinai
r.
Mla:
*si
ghs*butdadI'
m si
ngle,
I
'm st
il
ltaki
ngt
hings
sl
owwiththisladyI
'
mi nt
erest
edin.
MrS:
taki
ngt
hingssl
ow?Boywhosesonar
eyou?
Ml
a:*
laughi
ng*
your
sduh.
MrS:
hav
eyouev
erhear
dmesay
ingIt
ookt
hings
sl
owl
ywi
thy
ourmot
her
?
Mla:nobutIwi
shshewasher
etot
ell
meherv
ersi
on
ofthestor
y.
MrS:
*smi
l
ing*
herst
oryi
ssameasmi
ne.
Ml
a:*
sighs*
Imi
ssher
.
MrS:metoo*
sighs*ei
shIguessIshoul
dgot
oPMB
andgetmymoneyback.
Ml
a:i
fyout
alkedt
omef
ir
stwew.
..
MrS: Iwasj usttryi
ngtodowhat '
sbestforyou,Iget
thatyoust i
llenj
oywor kingatthehospi
talbutsooner
orlaterIwillret
ireatthecompanyandy ou'l
lhaveto
takeov er
,andkeepi ngt hisempir
egoingwasy our
mot her'
slastwi sh.
Ml
a:j
ustgi
vemet
ime,
thati
sal
lIask.

MrSi
biy
anodswi
thasmi
l
e.

°
Minenhl
e°
Iam notwor kingtodayitismydayof fandrightnow
I'
m actuall
yonmywayt ot hi
saddressMl agav e
me, si
ncehesai dthemot herisn'
ttaki
ngt he
disappearanceofhersonswel lIj
ustassumedt hat
herbloodsugarl evelorbloodpressureishighbutto
besur eIboughtt hi
ngstomeasur eitandal so
boughtpill
sf orher.Ohher eMlacall,
hecall
smea
l
otl at
ely
..
.any wayIanswerhi scal
l//

Me:
shoul
dn'
tyoubewor
king?
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
Imi
ssy
out
oo.
Me:
Id.
..
Hi
m:sowi
l
lIseey
out
oday
?
Me:
no.
Hi
m:whynot
?
Me:
MlaI
'
m noty
ourgi
rl
fr
iend.
Hi
m:y
oucoul
dbe.
Me:
*rol
li
ngmyeyes*
letmedr
opt
hecal
lbef
oret
his
f
ri
endshi
pends.
Hel
aughsandIdr
opt
hecal
lsmi
l
ing.

Ihavear
riv
edatmydest i
nati
on,thi
shouseishuge
andwhit
et hegr
eengrassissoneatit
'sper
fectohI
can'
twaitt
oseet hei
nsi
de.Istandinfr
ontofthe
doorandri
ngthedoorbellwi
thmyey essti
ll
wonderi
ngaround.
~i
nser
t6~

°
Minenhl
e°

Thedooropensandav
erybeaut
if
ulcl
assymi
ddl
e
agedwomenshowsup.

Her
:uhm hi
.
Me:*
smili
ng*
mor ni
ngmam,I'
m Mi
nenhl
ethe
nur
se..
Mlameli
Sibi
yasentmeher
e.
Her
:ohhwpl
easecomei
n*smi
l
es*

I
'mthi
nkingthatsheisnotthemot hercauseshe
l
ooksperfect
lyfi
netome,Iwalkinsidefoll
owi
ngher
t
otheloungeandIcan'tstopmyey esfr
om
wonder
ingaroundthi
sbeaut i
ful
house.

Her
:woul
dyoul
i
keany
thi
ngt
odr
ink?
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
not
hanky
oumam.
Her:
okayt
henIassumeMl
amel
itol
dyouwhaty
ou
ar
eherefor
?
Me:
yeshedi
d.
Her
:*st
andsup*
okt
henf
oll
owme.

Ist andupwi thmyt hingsandf ollowherwal ki

ng
throught hepassage, insteadofwal kingi nsidein
oneoft her oomsshekeepsgoi ngandwal kdown
thest ai
rswhi chIthinkleadt othebasement .She
openst hedoorandst andst her
el ooki ngatmef ora
whi leIjustlookbackatherandsmi l
egodknows
howmuchIl ovesmi li
ng.Shechuckl esandst epsout
oft hewaymaki ngawayf orme, Ikeepsmi ling
wal kinginsidedespi teofhowcr eepyt hisisImean
whyt hebasementr eal l
y?Iinstant l
yf reezeatt he
viewi nf r
ontofme, ohgodwhati st his?Idr op
ev erythi
ngandsl owlywal kbacknott akingmyey es
offf rom thisguyi nfrontofme.
Ihearthedoorshutbri
ngingmebackt
oeart
hI
quickl
ytur
nlookingatthi
sladywi
thaguni
nher
hand,
Il
it
eral
l
yshakebr
eat
hingheav
y.

Her
:*r
oll
shereyes*chi
ll
Iwon'
tdoany
thi
ng,
thi
sis
onl
yforamotiv
ation.
Me:
p.pl
easem.
..
Her
:nodearcal
m downIwon'tdoanyt
hingt
oyouas
l
ongasyoudoexactlyasIsayokay
?

Inodr
epeat
edl
y.

Her :
good,
nowally
ouhav etodoi sdosomecheck
uponhi m makesurehe'
sokay ,
givehi
m medicat
ion
thatheneedshemustnotdi eIrepeathemustnot
die..
.ohhandnoonemustknowaboutt hi
snotev en
Ml ameli
..
..
doImakemy sel
fclear?

Ikeepnoddi
ng,
wit
hwor
dsf
ail
i
ngme.
Her
:gr
eatnowl
etmegi
vey
ouspace.

Shewalksoutclosi
ngthedoor,
mykneesf
ail
me
makingmedr optothefl
oorGodwhathav
eIgot
ten
myselfi
nto.

"
Pleasedon'
tdoany
thi
ng,
j
ustl
etmedi
e"-
hesay
s
f
aintl
y.

Ipi
ckmysel
fupandtakedeepbr
eat
hst
henIget
cl
osert
otheguyt
ieduptoachai
r.

Hi
m:pl
easej
ustl
etmedi
e.
Me:
Ican'
tdot
hat
.

Isaythatobservi
nghi
m,Icanseethathe'
sawell-
buil
tguybutitseemsli
kehehaslostweighthi
s
enti
rebodyisweak.
Me:
youneedahospi
tal
.
Hi
m:t
heyknowt
hat
,thati
swhyt
heygoty
ouher
e.
Me:
they
?

Isayt
hatcr
unchi
ngdownI
'
m st
il
lobser
vinghi
m.

Hi
m:l
ookatme.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
Iam*t
ouchi
nghi
sar
m*y
ou'
rehoty
ou
r
eal
l
yneedahospi
tal
.
Hi
m:nol
ookmei
ntheey
es.

Ir
aisemyheadandl
ookathi
slazyey
es.

Him:
pleasej
ustl
etmediei
fyoucan'
tdot
hatt
hen
hel
pmeescapethispl
ace.
Woah.
Me:*
smi
li
ng*
whyareyouev
ent
iedupdownher
e?
Andwhoi
sthatl
ady
?
Him:becauseIsawsomethi
ngwhi
chIassumeI
shouldn'
thaveseenandt
hatwasmymot her
.
Me:*shocked*
yourmother
?andIt
houghtmymot
her
wast heevi
lone,
howcansheti
euphersoni
na
basement.

Hejustsi
ghsheavi
ly,
Iwanttoaskhi
m whati
tist
hat
hesawbutIwon'tcausei
tseemsli
kewhatev
erhe
sawissti
ll
weighi
ngonhim.

Me:whereisuhm Iactuall
ydon'
tknowhernamebut
Ibel
iev
ehersonsar emi ssi
ngandshe'snot
copi
ng,i
t'
sherthatI'
m supposetocheck.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
youhaven'
tfi
gur
editout?Thatst
ory
wasmadeup,
Iam t
hesonthatwentmissi
ng.
Me:
wai
tWhat
!?
Hecl
oseshi
sey
esf
rowni
ng.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
oshout
.
Hi
m:i
t'
sokay
.
Me:wher
e'sy
ourbrot
her
?Isheal
sot
iedup
somewherei
nhere?
Hi
m:Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouthi
m.
Me:*st
andi
ngup*
God,Ml
ameli
hasbeenwor
ri
edsi
ck
aboutyouguy
sheevenhi
redaP.
Iandnowhegot
meintothi
s.
Hi
m:*
breat
hsheav
y*Ml
a?Youknowhi
m?
Me:
yeah.
Hi
m:y
o*coughs*y
ouh*
coughs*
Me:woahwoahwoahcalm down,
i
'm sor
ryIshoul
dn'
t
bemakingyout
alkt
hismuchwheny ouarethi
s
weak.

Hekeepscoughi nggetti
ngev enmor eweakIpanick
andt ouchhi sneckfeeli
nghispulsehestops
coughing,thankgodt hepulseisther
eitisnotweak
butitisalsonotstrong..
.hetil
tshisheadmakingmy
handtouchhisf
ace,
Il
ookathi
m andmyeyeslands
onhislazyey
esmyheartst
art
sbeati
ngf
ast.

ThedooropensIqui
ckl
yremov
emyhandf
rom hi
s
face,
faci
nghi
smom.

Her
:and?
Me:
mam I
'
m af
rai
dheneedsahospi
tal
.
Her:
whati
sitt
haty
ouneedt
hatt
hehospi
tal
has,
I
'l
l
geti
t.
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkt
haty
ouwi
l
lgett
het
hingst
hatar
e
needed.
Her
:j
ustt
ell
mewhatt
heyar
e.
Me:
wel
ladr
ip,
w..
Her:
youknowwhatl
etmegogety
ouapenanda
paper
.

Shewal
ksoutagai
n,
Il
ett
hebr
eat
hIwashol
dinggo.
Ishoul
dhavenev
erletMlat
alkmeintothi
sIgett
hat
hedoesn'
tknowabouti
tbutIshoul
dn'
thave.

°
Nqubeko°

Shelooksatmeandsmi les,
shelovessmi l
ingplusit
sui
tsher,herdarkskinlooksflawlessandit'
s
soft
...
.whenshet ouchedmyneckIf el
telectri
cit
y
fl
owingt hroughmyent ir
ebody ,
herhandwassosof t
Icouldn'
thel pbutti
ltmyheadt ofeeli
tonmyf ace
andIdon' tknowi fwhatI'
m abouttosaywi ll
sound
normal f
oragut ,whenherhandmadecont actwi t
h
myf aceIgotgoosebumps.

Anywayenoughaboutt hat,
Ithi
nkthisl
adyandMl a
couldhelpmeandifIev ergetoutofherethefir
st
thi
ngI'm doi
ngist
oav engemybr otherImaynot
knowhowbutIwi l
l.It
hinkIwi l
lhavetolearnhowt o
shootandownagunt henmaket hem meett he
samef atemybrot
hermett henI'l
lgi
vemybr ot
hera
properfuner
al.
"
God,
whyme?
"-shesay
slooki
ngup.

Sher
eal
l
yisbeaut
if
ul.

"Andwhydidy ougiveussuchev i
lpar
ents?
"-she
sighsaf
tersayingthat
,Iwonderwhathermotherdid
toherbutI'
m prett
ysurethathermotherdi
dn'tki
ll
anyone.

IwanttoaskhernamebutI '
m weaktoev enopen
mymout handmyt hroati
shotIthi
nkI'
m catching
fl
usincemy" mot her"hasbeenbathi
ngmeasi fI'
m
acar..
yer
psheput sont hepi
peinthesinkandt hen
watersmet henleav esmesoakingwetf r
eezing
tel
l
ingmet hatI'
l
l dryast i
megoesby .

"Ohgod,wher
edoesi
sithurt?Whyar
ey oucr
ying?
"-
shelooksatmepani
cki
ng,shecar
estoomuch.
Islowlylookupbl
i
nki
ngawaymytear
sthatIdi
dn'
t
feelfal
li
ngoutofmyeyes,
mymot
herwalksbacki
n
andhandsherapi
eceofpaperandapen.

Mom:li
keIsai
d,nooneshoulddareknowaboutthi
s
orel
sethatf
ri
endofy ourst
hatyoustaywithwi
l
l
di
sappearj
ustl
ikethat*
snapsherfi
ngers*

Shet
rembl
esnotsay
ingany
thi
ng.
Mom:anddon'
tyoudaretryt
obehi
sgodcausei
won'
thesi
tat
etoeli
minateyou*
smi
rks*
nowhurr
yup
Ihav
etobesomewher e.

Shetri
estowri
tebutherhandsareshaki
ngli
ke
crazy
,gr
eatnowitwi
llbehardtoconvi
nceherto
helpme.
~i
nser
t7~

°
Minenhl
e°

Sot heladygoteveryt
hingIwroteontheli
stand
turnedoneoft hespareroomsi nt
oami nihospi
tal
war dthenti
eduphersonont hebed.Imadesur eto
setupev eryt
hingbefor
eIleft
,i
thasbeen4day s
sinceIlastcheckeduponhi m Iwil
lgocheckupon
himt omorrow.

"
Heeel
l
oo"
Me:
mmmh.
Ml
a:wher
eyouat
?
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
I'
mjustt
hinki
ngaboutsomet
hing.
Hi
m:doy
ouwantt
otal
kabouti
t?
Me:
notr
eal
l
y.
Hi
m:*
nods*
sohow'
sMr
sGabuza?
Me:
who?
?
Hi
m:t
hewomeny
ouhadt
ocheckupon.
Me:ohhhitj
ustthatshedi
dn'
tpr
oper
lyi
ntr
oduce
her
self*
chuckl
ing*she'
sfi
ne.
Hi
m: good,
meani
ngy
oudon'
thav
etogot
her
emor
e
of
ten.
Me:Ihav
et ogocheckuponhi..
hertomorr
ow.
..
uh
pl
easetell
memor eaboutyourfr
iends.
Him:*smil
es* t
here'
ssomucht ot el
l,
itwouldbe
easi
eriftheywer ehere.
.t
here'sMnqobi he'
sthe
youngeronehe' sanicepersonwhol ovessmi l
i
ng
j
ustli
key ou,hehardl
ygetsmadbutwhenhedoesi t
meansher eal
lyispi
ssedof fhe'stheonl yonewho
hasagirl
friendinoursquad* chuckles*hisgi
rl
fr
iend
i
sgoingcr azywithhim missing.
Me:
ncooh.
Hi
m:*
rol
l
shi
sey
es*
ladi
es.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
cont
inue.
Him:t
henthere'
sNqubekotheolderonei
nour
squad,
hehardlyev
ersmil
esinfacthedoesn'
t
smi
l
e,hedoeschuckl
eoncei
nawhi
l
eh.
.
Me:
why
?Di
dsomet
hinghappent
ohi
m?
Him:wel
lagi
rlbr
okehi
shear
tandi
thi
thi
mreal
good.
Me:
andt
heysaygi
rl
sar
edr
amat
ic.
Hi
m: *
laughs*
wellNqubekomayalway shavea
st
rai
ghtfacebuthehasakindheartandhe'sal
so
ni
cejustli
keMnqobiIthi
nktheygotthatfr
om t
hei
r
mother.

Yeahr
ight
.

Hi
m:Icoul
dgoonandonaboutt
hem.
Igi
vehi
m asmi
l
e.
Hi
m:whil
eyouarest
il
lsmi
l
ing,
mayIt
akey
ououtt
o
di
nneronFr
iday
?
Me:
uhm uhhh.
..
..
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
asf
ri
ends,
not
hingmor
e.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
okt
hen.

"
MayIj
oiny
ouguy
s?"

Il
ookatNt
okoandf
lashherasmi
l
e.

Me:
pleasedo.

Shetakesaseatnex ttomeandwet al
kabout
somethingelse,
thewayshe'
ssonicetomeshe' s
l
ikeasisterIneverhadIwoul
dn'
twantany t
hing
happeni
ngt oherwhichiswhyI'
m notsayi
ng
anyt
hingabout "
MrsGabuza"andhershenanigans.

Her
:ohandt
odayIwon'
tl
eav
ewi
thy
ou.
Me:
why
?
Her:
someonewil
lcomepi
ckmeupandI '
l
lbe
sl
eepingov
eratt
hatsomeone'
spl
ace.
Me:
okI
'
llcal
ltocheckupony
ou.
Her
:*smi
l
es*
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
Ilov
eyou.
Ml
a:whataboutme?
Me:
&Nt
oko:
whatabouty
ou?
Hi
m:ouch.

Weal
ll
augh.

Ntoko:
soMl
awher
e'sMnqobi
it'
sbeenawhi
l
esi
nce
Il
astsawhi
m.
Hi
m:y
oudoknowt
hatMnqobi
hasagi
rl
fr
iendr
ight
?
Her
:*r
oll
sherey
es*
gir
lf
ri
endy
es,
wif
eno.
Him:
*laughs*youaresomethi
ngelse,
wel
lIdonot
knowhim alongwi t
hNqubekoit
'sbeenawhil
esi
nce
Il
astsawt hem too.
Ntoko:
IpreferMnqobi
thany
ouandNqubeko,
you
t
woar ejerks.
Him:ouch*chuckl
es*theguyy
oupref
erhasa
gir
lf
ri
endwhowoul dn'tmi
ndwipi
ngt
hefloorwi
th
yourface.
Her
:shewoul
dn'
tdar
e,Ihav
eCandyt
ohel
pme.
Me:
saywhatnow?
Her
:woul
dyouwat
chsomeonemopt
hef
loorwi
th
myface?
Me:Idon'
tthi
nki
twi
l
lgett
othat
,especi
all
ywi
thy
our
kar
ate.
Her
:*l
aughs*
comeon.
Ml
a:sheknowshowt
ofi
ght
?
Me:
shecanki
cky
ourass.
Ml
a:what
?Li
es.
Me:
okayl
et'
smakeabet
.
Mla:
*l
aughs*yer
rMi
nenhl
eyoul
ovemoney
,but
deal
..
.uhh1k.
Me:ohgodNtokoyoubet
terki
ckhi
sasscauseI
'
m
notwil
l
ingt
olosesomuchmoney .
Nt
oko:
what
'si
nforme?
Me:
wewi
l
lshar
ethemoney
.
Her:
*smil
es*
okt
hen,
Mrgety
ourassr
eadyt
obe
ki
cked.
Mla:
*smi
rks*conf
identmuch,
wel
lal
lIcansayt
oyou
Candyi
sthatgetreadytol
osesomemoola.
Me:
i
t'
sabet
.
Wef
istbumpchuckl
i
ng.

°
Nqubeko°

Mom:
I'
mti
redofkeepi
ngy
ouher
e.
Me:
thenl
etmego.
Her
:Iwi
l
lonl
yify
ouj
oinmeandy
ourdad.
Me:
whosedad?
Her
:*r
oll
sherey
es*
wear
enott
alki
ngaboutt
hat
.
Me:whynot
?You'
vekepti
tfr
om meandMnqobi
our
ent
ir
eli
ves,
Why?
Her:
Isaidwearenott
alki
ngaboutt
hat
,nowasIwas
say
ing*exhal
es*
..
.
Me:noneedtosayi
tagai
n,
whati
sitt
hatIhav
eto
j
oinyouto?
Her
:wel
lwedoal
otoft
hings.
Me:
i
t '
snotl
i
keI'
m goi
ngany wher
e,Ihav
eal
lthet
ime
I
'mtheworl
dsonamet hosethi
ngs.
Her:
smuggli
ngdrugs,
rhinopoachi
ng,
elephant
poachi
ng,
prost
it
uti
onring,s.
..
..
.
Me:
what
!?

Ihal
fshoutthat,
ifIwasful
l
yokayandhadener
gyI
wouldshoutthatwithev
erythi
ngi
nme.

Her
:Iwasn'
tdone.
Me:ar
eyousur
ethatyou'
remymot her?May
bet
hey
gav
ey out
hewrongchil
datthehospit
al.
Her
:don'
ttal
kbul
l
shi
t.
Me:ser
iousl
yhowdoyousl
eepatni
ght
?Knowi
ng
ver
ywel l
thatt
hemoneyy
..
..
Her:Isaiddon'ttalkbull
shit
,t
hesamemoneyy ouare
tal
kingaboutboughty ounappieswheny ouwer e
young, i
tboughty ouclot
hest owear,i
tboughty ou
food,itsentyoutoschool andpaidy ourfucken
studies,itboughtthishousethatkepty ousafeall
thesey earswhileotherkidsareinthest r
eethaving
nothingt oeat,
nothingtowearsodonott alkbull
shit
.
Me:knowingri
ghtnowwherethatmoneycomes
fr
om IwishIwasoneofthosekidswholi
veinthe
str
eetscausewhoknowsImightnotbehereinthi
s
curr
entsit
uati
onri
ghtnow.
Her:
*shocked*
wow*
clear
shert
hroat
*wel
lwhati
sit
gonnabe?
Me:j
ustki
ll
mel i
keyoudidwit
hmybr
other
,Iwi
l
lnot
j
oinyouandyourhusband.
Her:
ki
ll
ingyouwi
l
lbeal
oteasi
er,
letmel
eav
eyout
o
t
hinkaboutit
.
Shetur
nsandwal
kout
,r
ightasshewal
ksoutFi
ki
le
walksi
nohgod.

Her
:*smil
es*
wel
lhel
l
ohandsome,
iti
sthatt
imeof
t
heday .

Shewalkstowardsthi
sbedI'
mtiedupi
ntowit
ha
basinwi
thwater,
atthi
spoi
ntIpr
efermymother
bathi
ngmeasi fI'
m acari
nst
eadofher
..
..
shehas
beenfor
cinghersel
fonme.
Theysayguysalwaysenjoysext
hat
'sal
i
e,f
orced
sexispai
nful
..
.i
t'
srape.
~i
nser
t8~

#Nar
rat
ed

Nt
oko:
whati
sitt
haty
oudoagai
n?
Fi
ki
le:
*smi
l
es*
I'
mjustahousekeeper
.
Ntoko:
thenyoumustr
eal
lylov
ethi
shousekeepi
ng
j
obofy our
s,t
hewayyouaresohappyt
hesedays.
Mawande:*
chuckl
es*y
ouwouldsweart
hatshe's
get
ti
ngsome*winks*
youknowinthi
shousekeepi
ng
j
obofhers.
Fi
kile:
*l
aughs&bl
ush*
aghy ouguysar
e
crazy*
stands*Nt
okobabesthanksf
orbr
eakf
astI
havetogo.
Ntoko:*smi
les*noneedt
othankme,nowgotot
he
j
obt hatist
akingyouawayfr
om us*
laughs*

Fi
ki
lesmi
l
eswal
ki
ngout
.
Mawande'
sphonev
ibr
ates.
Mawande:wel
lmyr
idei
sher
e,Ihav
etogoI
'
llseey
ou
l
atebabe.
Nt
oko:
*smi
l
es*
okay
.
Mawande:
*st
andsup*
thanksf
orbr
eakf
ast
.

Sheal
sowal
ksout
.

Mi
nenhl
erocksupi
nthel
oungei
nahur
ry.

Ntoko:
woahladywhat'
stherushandwhyarey oui
n
youruni
for
m, It
houghty
ourshif
tstar
tsat10h00.
Minenhl
e:i
tdoes,
i
tjustthatIhavetopassby
somewhereandI'
ml ate..
Iover
slept
.
Nt
oko:
well
letmealsogetr
eadyf
orwor
k,y
our
br
eakf
asti
sinthemicr
owave.
Mi
nenhl
e:t
hanksl
ovebutIhav
enot
imet
oeat
,I
'
llsee
y
ouatwor
k..
lov
eyou.

Sher
ushesout
.

Ntoko:
*smi
l
es*
loveyoutoo.
(shesaystoher
sel
f
answeri
ngt
healr
eadygoneMi nenhl
e)

°
Att
heGabuzaHousehol
d°

Minenhl
ewal
ksi
nsi
deaf
terMr
sGabuzaopensup
f
orher.

Mi
nenhl
e:*
ner
vous*
I'
m sosor
rymam f
orbei
ngl
ate.
Mr sG:i
t'
sokay,j
ustgivehi
m somet hi
ngforhi
s
stomachbugt odayandy ourcheckups*
looksather
wrist
watch*Ihavetodash,myhusbandisstil
lar
ound
you'l
lgi
vehimt hefeedback.
MrsGrushesoutl
eavingMinenhl
eexhal
ingandshe
wal
kstotheroom wheret
heyarekeepi
nghim,shei
s
r
eall
yshockedtof
indFiki
l
ethereundr
essing
Mnqobi
/Nqubekoshe'sst
il
lnotsur
ewhohei s.

Mi
nenhl
e:*
clear
shert
hroat
*Fi
ki
le?

Fi
ki
let
urnsstar
tl
edandshef
rownsseei
ngMi
nenhl
e
whi
leNqubekoexhal
esi
nrel
i
ef.

Fi
ki
le:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Mi
nenhl
e:Iwasaboutt
oasky
out
hesamequest
ion.
Fiki
l
e:Iworkher
e,nowanswermebef
oreIcal
lthe
securi
ty.
Minenhle:
*rol
l
shereyes*I
'
m her
etocheckupon
uhm him hi
smotherhir
edme.
Fi
kil
e:ohhhyou'
ret
helat
enurse,
l
etmegi
vey
ou
spacethensoIcanbathhi
m aft
er.
..
Mi
nenhl
e:*
looksatherwr
ist
wat
ch*
itcool
youcan
bat
hhi
mfi
rst
.
Fiki
l
e:noi
ttakesti
metobat
hhi
m Iwoul
dn'
twant
youtobelateforwor
k.
Mi
nenhl
e:okt
hen.
Fi
ki
le:
I'
l
lgi
vey
ouspace.

Fi
ki
lewalksoutandMinenhlepl
acesherbagont
op
oft
hetableandtakehert
hingsout.

Mi
nenhl
e:goodmor
ning.
Nqubeko:
what
'sgoodaboutt
hismor
ning.
Minenhle:
youaresti
ll
breat
hing,
godgav
eyou
anotherday.
..
other
sdidn'
tseethi
sday.
Nqubeko:
Iwi
shIwast
hose"
other
s"
Minenhl
e:*
sighs*
yourmot
hert
ell
smet
haty
ouhav
e
astomachbug.
Nqubeko:
yeahi
tmustbesomet
hingt
hatt
heymade
meeat.
Shecheckshi
sdr
ip.
Minenhl
e:seemsl
i
key
ou'
rebet
ter
,j
ustt
hest
omach
bug.
Nqubeko:
meani
ng?
Mi
nenhl
e:meani
ngt
hismi
ghtbet
hel
astt
imeI
'
llb.
.
Nqubeko:
No.
Mi
nenhl
e:uh?
Nqubeko:
uhm what
'sy
ourname?
Mi
nenhl
e:Mi
nenhl
e.
Nqubeko:
Minenhl
eyouhav
etohel
pmeI
..
Mi
nenhl
e:uhm whati
syourname?
Nqubeko:
Nqubeko.
Minenhl
e:NqubekoIcan'
tdothat,
i
fIev
ent
ryt
ohel
p
youyourmotherwil
lkil
lmyfr
iend.
Nqubeko:
mymot herdoesn'
thav
etoknowt
hati
t'
s
youwhohelpedmepl ease.
Mi
nenhl
e:Nqubeko.
Shesay
ssl
owl
ymaki
ngNqubeko'
sbodyv
ibr
ate.

Nqubeko:
*cl
oseshi
seyesandopensthem*at
least
tel
lMlamel
iaboutt
hisI
'
m sur
ehe'l
lfi
guresomethi
ng
outpl
ease.
Minenhl
e:*
cur
ious*
whyi
syourmot
herkeepi
ngy
ou
here?
Nqubeko:
*si
ghs*wel
li
fIwanty
ourhel
pIguessI
shoul
dtel
lyou.

Hesi ghsagaintry
ingtoblockhi
semot i
onsasthe
eventt hatl
andedhim her
ecomesf l
ashingbackin
hi
smi nd,henar
rat
esittoherandwhil
eMi nenhl
eis
sti
llshockedaboutMnqobi '
sdeat
hshegasps
hearingaboutwhatMr sGabuzaandherhusband
does.

Nqubeko:
pleasewi
pemyt
ear
s.
Minenhl
ewipesherowntearsfi
rstt
henwipes
Nqubeko'
stear
susingherthumbsandtheirey
es
l
ock.

Nqubeko:
damnIf
eel
weak.
Minenhl
e:uhhuhm okayI
'
llt
alkt
oMl
a,
Ihav
etogo
nowletmecallFi
kil
e.
Nqubeko:
No,
pleasedon'
tl
eav
e.
Mi
nenhl
e:i
fIst
ayI
'
llbel
atef
orwor
kI.
.
Nqubeko:
okayat
leastcany
oubet
heonet
obat
hme.

Mi
nenhl
echocksonhersal
i
vashocked.

Mi
nenhl
e:okaynowy
ouar
easki
ngf
ort
oomuch.
Nqubeko:
*swal
l
ows*
please.
Minenhl
e:*
packi
ngup*
Ihavet
ogo,
I
'l
lgi
veFi
ki
let
he
pi
l
lsforyourst
omachbug.
Shet
akesherbagandwal
ktowar
dst
hedoor
.

"
Fiki
l
eforceshersel
fonmeever
yti
meshebat
hes
me"-
hesaysthatandlookt
heot
herway
.

°
Minenhl
e°

Islowlyturnfacinghim buthe'
slooki
ngtheother
way ,
howcanonegot hroughsomuchi nsucha
shortperiodoft i
me...
heshouldbemour ni
nghis
brotherwhoshoul dhaveneverdi
edbutinst
eadhe's
goingthrought his.

"
Ohy
ouar
edone"
Iqui
ckl
ywi
pemyt
ear
sandf
aceher
.
Me:
yeahI
'
m done.
Her
:okshoul
dIwal
kyououtf
ir
st?Ir
eal
l
yshoul
d
bat
hhim now.
Itur
nt ol
ookatNqubekoIcan'
treadhisf
aceIhav
e
neverbeenabl
etoreadhi
sface,
het ur
nsandl
ook
theotherwayagai
n.

Me:
I'
l
lbat
hhi
m don'
twor
ry.
Her
:what
??don'
tyouhav
etogot
owor
know?
Me:
tur
nsoutImi
xedupmyshi
ft
s,Ihav
eani
ghtshi
ft
t
oday.
Her
:ohokay
,bat
hinghi
mismyj
obso.
.
Thi
nkt
hinkt
hinkt
hinkt
hink.
Me:wellIj
ustgavehim someshot
ssoIhavet
o
observehi
m closel
y,
youcanbathhi
m butI
'
m not
l
eavingthi
sroom.

Itur
nandgot akeaseatinthecor
nerl
ooki
ngather
.
Shesmi lesnervousl
yandstart
sdoi
ngwhatsheget
s
paidtodo, wel
lI'
m notaboutt
owatchNqubeko
naked..
.Itakeoutmyphoneandgoonline.
What
sAppChat
√

Mla:
yourcut
eassispr
obabl
yoni
twayt owor
k
now,
makesur ey
oupassbymyof
fice.
Me:
youknowmyshi
ft
s?
Ml
a:duh.
Me: ,
any
wayIam nol
ongercomi
ngt
owor
k.
Ml
a:what
?Why
?Ar
eyousi
ck?
Me:
Ican'
tsayov
ert
hephone,
canwemeetupl
ater
.
Mla:
youarefr
eaki
ngmeoutat
leastt
ell
mewhet
her
youareokay
?Safe?
Me:
I'
m okayj
eezst
opwor
ryi
ng.
Mla:
Ican'
thel
pit
,canIv
ideocal
lyouy
ouknowI
'
m
vi
deocall
i
ngyou.
.
Me:nodon'
t,
Ml af
orrealI
'
m okayI'
l
lexplain
ev
erythi
ngt
oy oulat
er,
Ij
usthopeIwon'tlosemyj
ob.
Mla:
I'
l
l cov
erupforyou,Ihav
etogowe'l
ltal
k
l
ater
..
.butI'
l
lkeepcheckinguponyouok.
Me:
ok.

Thatmessagegetsaoneti
ck,
Igooff
lineandputt
he
phoneaway,
Iprayandhopenoonediesinthi
spat
h
I
'mtaki
ng.
~i
nser
t9~

°
Minenhl
e~

"
Thanky
ou"
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*nobi
ggi
eIjustcan'
tbel
i
evet
hatFi
ki
le
i
scapabl
eofsuchI
..
..

ThedooropensIsl
owlyturnandahugebuf
fman
wal
ksinwearingasui
tlookingscar
yAF.

Him:y
oumustbet
henur
se,
aren'
tyousupposet
obe
doneher
e?
Il
ookdownbecausehe'
sint
imi
dat
ing
Me:
I'
m donesi
rIwasj
ustpacki
ngup.

Hedoesn'
tanswerbutIcanfeelhiseyesonme,i
t'
s
t
rul
ymakingmeuncomf ort
able.Islowlyl
ookupto
hi
m andf
indhi
m st
ari
ngatmel
i
cki
nghi
sli
ps.
.t
he
ner
ve.

Nqubeko:
*cl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
*per
ver
t,Mi
nenhl
eleav
e.

It
akemythi
ngsandr
usht
othedoorbuthegr
abs
myarm.

Him:*smir
ks*
youhav
en'
tgavemeanyf
eedback
concerni
ngmysonyouknow.
Nqubeko:
Iam noty
ourson.
Hi
m:shutup!

If
li
nchsi
ncehet
ight
enedmyar
m whenheshout
ed.
Nqubeko:
youar
ehur
ti
ngher
!!
Hi
m:whatdoesthathav
etodowi
thy
ou?Ionl
ywant
f
eedbackf
rom her.
Nqubeko:
thenI
'
llgi
vei
ttoy
oumy
sel
f.
Hi
m:*
smi
rks*
ohhIsee.

Helooksatmeandr
unhi
sot
herhandonmyf
ace
makingmewanttov
omit
.

Hi
m:woul
dyoul
i
keust
ohav
eal
i
ttl
ebi
toff
un.
Ishakemyheadr
epeat
edl
ywhi
l
eshaki
ngl
i
keal
eaf
.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
usey
ourwor
ds.
Me:
pleasej
ustl
etmego.

Nqubekokeepsmov ingroughl
ytryi
ngtogetofthe
bedbuttheropesaren'
tmakingiteasi
erforhi
m,Mr
Gabuzapull
smeoutoft hisroom l
eavi
ngNqubeko
shout
ing"No!!
!!
!!
!"
.

Me:
*cr
ying*
pleaseMrGabuza.
Him:okwhydon'
tyouj
ustgi
vemeal
i
ttl
eshowt
hen
I
'l
llety
ouleav
e.
Noonotheonlythi
ngIwasaf rai
dofwasthat
someonemightdienott
his.
.howdidi
tgettothi
s?

"
Honey
!!
!!
"
MrG:
shit
!Thi
swi
feofminehasbad
t
imi
ng*si
ghs*
wel
lIguesswe'
l
lhavet
hisanot
her
t
ime.

Heletmego, Ir
undownt hepassagethatleadsme
totheloungeIseeMr sGwalkingupthestair
s..
I
keeprunningoutti
llI
'
m outsi
dethegate.Iam never
comingbackher e.

#Nar
rat
ed.

LaterMinenhl
emeet
supwi
thMl
amel
iatsome
restaur
ant.

Ml
a:y
oudon'
tl
ookokay
.
Minenhl
e:I
'
mf i
nejustal
itt
leshakenupby
somethi
ng.AnywayIaskedust omeetupbecauseI
wantustotal
kaboutyourmissingfr
iends.
Ml
a:*
conf
used*
oooky
.
Minenhl
e:*si
ghs*whentheirmot
hercal
ledy
ou
sayi
ngshewant ssomeonet ocheckuponhershe
waslyi
ng,she'
sperfect
lyfi
ne.
Mla:*
evenmoreconf
used*
what
?Thenwhower
eyou
checki
ngup?
Mi
nenhl
e:uuhhNqubeko.
Ml
a:WHAT!
!!
?
Ev
ery
onel
ooksatt
hem.
Mi
nenhl
e:j
eezl
owery
ourv
oice.
Ml
amel
itakesaf
ewdeepbr
eat
hs.
Ml
a:I
'
m sor
ry,
cont
inue.
Minenhl
e:hi
smot
herhasbeenkeepi
nghi
mti
edupi
n
t
hebasementb..
.
Mla:woahwoahwoahsl
owdown,i
nfactbackupa
l
it
tle.
.whywoul
dMrsGkeepherownsontiedupi
na
basement
?
Minenhl
e:becauseNqubekowi
tnessedherandhi
s
f
atherki
ll
ingMnqobi.
Mlamel
il
ooksatMinenhl
easi
fhehasseenaghost
f
oragoodminute.
Ml
a:WHAT!
!!
?

Ev
ery
onet
urnst
olookatt
hem agai
n.

Mla:
MINDYOUROWNBUSI
NESS!
!!
!*
breat
hing
heav
y*
Ev
ery
onet
urnsbackt
othei
rbusi
ness.
Mi
nenhl
e:*
shocked*
okyMl
acal
m down.
Mla:
whydidn'
tyout
ellme?YouknowthatIhave
beenworri
edsi
ckaboutthem,
whydi
dn'tyousay
anyt
hing?
Minenhl
e:I
'
m sor
rybutMr
sGt
hreat
enedt
oki
l
lme
andNtoko.
Ml
a:Nt
okoknowsaboutt
his?Wow.
Minenhl
e:noshedoesn'
t,
Idonotevenknowhowshe
knowsher.Nqubekobeggedmet otel
lyout
his
so*si
ghs*wecanhelphi
m escape.
Ml
a:*
standsupf
umi
ng*
nxxIam goi
ngt
her
e.
Mi
nenhl
e:What
?Ar
eyououtofy
ourmi
nd?
Mla:i
fwanti
ngtotakemyfri
endoutofthathell
hole
befor
etheykil
lhi
mt oomakesmeseem cr azythenI
guessyeahIam outofmymind*marchesout*.

Minenhl
etakesoutaR200not eandpl
aceitonthe
tabl
ethenrunsaft
erMla,sheget
stohimjustashe'
s
abouttoopenthedoor
..shepusheshi
m awayfrom
thecar.
Minenhl
e:Ar
eyoul
oosi
ngy
ourmi
ndMl
amel
i
?Doy
ou
wanttodie?
Ml
a:CandyI
..
Mi
nenhl
e:Doy
ouwantmet
odi
e?
Ml
a:*
sof
teni
ngup*
no.
Mi nenhl e:t
hendonotgot herenow,weneedapl an,
a
plant hatwon' tleadbacktome,thosepeopleare
gangst ers.
..
..
ift
heycouldkil
lthei
rownchildwhat
woul dst opt hem fr
om ki
ll
i
ngme?Ml ameliplease
thinkt histhrough.
Ml
a:*
sighs*
ok,
I
'l
ltal
ktomydadhecanhel
pus.
Mi
nenhl
e:t
hanky
ou.
Ml
a:l
etmedr
ivey
ouhome.

Theybot
hgeti
nsi
dethecarandMl
amelit
ri
esto
st
artt
hecarwi
thhi
sshaki
nghandsbutf
ail
s.
Mi
nenhl
e:okayl
et'
sswapI
'
lldr
ive.

Mlanodsandtheyexchangeseat
s,Minenhl
easks
MlatoputonhisGPSsoshecandr iv
ehi m home
shewil
ltakeacabback.
~
Mi
nenhl
epar
ksi
nfr
ontofahugehouse.
Ml
a:t
hanky
ou.
Minenhl
e:nobi
ggi
e,
thati
smyr
idebehi
ndus.
..
letme
dr
iveyouin.

Shedoessoandt
heybot
hgetof
fthecar
.
Mi
nenhl
e:I
'
llseey
out
omor
row.
Ml
a:I
'
llcal
lyoubef
oregoi
ngt
obed.
Mi
nenhl
e:*
smi
l
es*
Iknowy
ouwi
l
l.
Ml
a:i
sther
esomet
hingy
ou'
renott
ell
i
ngme?
Mi
nenhl
e:*
frowns*
whatdoy
oumean?
Mla:Ij
ustf
eel
li
ket
here'
ssomet
hingyouar
enot
t
ell
ingmeaboutNqubeko,
i
sheful
lyoky
?
Mi
nenhl
e:*
sighs*
phy
sical
l
yyes.
Ml
a:okyand?
Minenhl
e:l
et'
sfocusonget
ti
nghi
m outt
her
ehewi
l
l
t
ellyout
her est
.
Ml
a:okay
,comeher
e.*
openi
nghi
sar
ms*
Minenhlesmil
esandhugshim,Ml
ahugsherti
ght
ly
andkissesherfor
eheadbef
orebei
nghergo.
Mi
nenhl
e:*
smi
l
es*
bye.
Ml
a:*
smi
l
esback*
byeCandyCr
ush*
laughs*
.
Mi
nenhl
e:nott
hatnameagai
n*l
aughs*

Sheshakesherheadandwal kawayf
rom hi
mt ot
he
cabwhil
eMlasighsandwal kinsi
det
hentothe
studyt
olookforhi
sfather
.
.
.
Thecabdr
opsMi
nenhl
eof
fanddr
ivesaway
.

Minenhl
e:Godcant
hisbethebi
ggestdr
eam t
hatI
'
ll
soonwakeupf r
om pl
ease.

"
Miss"

Minenhl
etur
nshol
dingherchestst
art
ledbysome
l
ightguy
.
Guy
:sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
oscar
eyou.
Mi
nenhl
e:*
sighs*
it'
sokay
.
Guy
:ar
eyouMi
nenhl
eGwal
a?
Mi
nenhl
e:who'
saski
ng?
Guy
:Ineeday
esorano.
Mi
nenhl
e:y
ouar
east
rangerI
..
Guy
:okay
.

Theguyt
akesouthisphoneandlookf
orapi
ctur
e,he
l
ooksati
tthenbackatMinenhl
e.

Guy
:okyMi
ssI
'
m gonnaneedy
out
ocomewi
thme.
Mi
nenhl
e:*
scar
ed*
what
?No!
Guy:
missIam bei
ngverypol
iteandnicer
ightnow,
I
donotwantustogettoapointwhereIhavetohur
t
yousopleasej
ustcomewithme.

Mi
nenhl
elooksar
oundt
hinki
ngofr
unni
ngf
ori
t.The
guyshowsheragunmaki
nghert
obemor
escar
ed.

Guy
:nowcomewi
thme.

Shenodsandwal
kswi
tht
heguyt
othecar
.

Guy
:I
'm gonnaneedy
ourphone.
Shet
akesoutherphonewi
thhershaki
nghands,
the
guyt
akesherphoneandswi
tchesi
toff.
Guy:
nowI'
m goi
ngt
opl
acet
hiscl
othony
ousoy
ou
canpassout
.
Mi
nenhl
e:pl
easedon'
t
.
Guy:
I'
m afr
aidIhav
etocauseI
'
m supposet
odel
i
ver
youunconsci
ous.

Theguyplacest heclothonherface,
Minenhl
e
doesn'
tevenfightsit
...
aft
eradewsecondsshe
passesoutthent heguystar
tstheigni
ti
on.
°
Minenhl
e°

Mmmmm myheadi sbangi

ngj
eez,
Isl
owl
ysi
tup
hol
dingmyheadIev
enfeel
abi
tdizy
.
Isl
owlyopenmyey esev
ery
thingi
sblur
,Ir
ubem I
am st
il
linmyunif
ormlordit
henscanmy
sur
roundings.
THEFUCKAM IDOI
NGHERE?
?
~i
nser
t10~

#Nar
rat
ed

MrS:ok,
I'
ll
gett
hem outoft
hehouseandy
ou'
l
lwor
k
ongetti
ngNqubeko.
Ml
a:ok,
whataboutt
hesecur
it
y?
MrS:drughi
m,donotf
orgett
odeact
ivat
ethe
cameras.
Ml
a:It
hinkIcandot
hat
.
MrS:youknowIunderst
andthatweasparentstend
todostupi
dthingsl
i
kemear rangi
ngamar r
iagefor
youbutkil
l
ingoneofyourki
dsandkeepingone
host
ageiswayt oext
reme,
justi
cemustbeserved.
Ml
a:y
esi
tmust
,l
etmecal
lMi
nenhl
e.
MrS:
*smi
l
es*
your
eal
l
yli
ket
hisgi
rldon'
tyou?
Ml
a:*
smiles*wearejustf
ri
ends,
Idon'
twantt
oraise
myhopeshighsinceIdonotknowhowshefeels.
MrS:
butI
'
m st
il
lgonnagetgr
andki
dsr
ight
?
Ml
a:*
laughs*
chi
l
lol
dman.
MrS:
whoar
eyoucal
l
ingol
d.
Ml
a:hav
en'
tyouseeny
ourwhi
tehai
r.
MrS:
*chuckl
es*
nxx.

Mlastandsupandwalkstohisroom call
ing
Minenhl
ebutitt
akeshim st
rai
ghttovoicemail
,he
si
ghsandplacesitonthebedandwal kstohis
bathr
oom.

°
Nqubeko°

Dad:
youl
i
keherdon'
tyou?
Igi
vehi
m adeadst
are.
Hi
m:*smirks*
Fucky
oudo,
thi
sshoul
dber
eal
l
y
i
nter
est
ing.
Me:
stayawayf
rom her
.
Hi
m: andifIdon'
t,
whaty
ougonnado?Uhh?Not
hing.
Meandy ourmom havegiv
enyoualotoft
imet
o
t
hinkw...
Me:
Isai
dIwantnot
hingt
odowi
thy
out
wo.
Hi
m: al
ri
ghtt
hen*
standsup*
remembert
heguny
our
mothermadeyouhold?

Ij
ustl
ookathi
m wi
thabor
edf
ace.

Hi
m:*chuckl
es*wel
lthatguni
sthesamegunt
hat
ki
l
ledyourbrot
her.

Oooky
y.

Him:t
hesamegunt hatki
l
ledy
ourbr
othernowhas
yourf
inger
pri
ntsonit
.
Me:
Noy
ouwoul
dn'
t.
Hi
m:Bi
ngo!
!!
!!
*smi
rks*
soi
'
mmal
ety
ousl
eeponi
t
okaywhi
l
eIgol
ookf
ort
hatsexyl
i
ttl
ethi
ngofy
our
s.

Nothisisnothappeni ng,thisisnotf ucken

happening.Sot heyar egoi ngt osayIki ll
edmy
brot
herifIdon' tagreet ojoint hem?YouknowwhatI
don'
tcar e,Iam notjoiningthem. .
..andt her e'
s
MinenhlegodIdonotknowwhathappenst ome
whenIt hinkofherIdonotev enknowwhyIt hinkof
her,
she'ssobeaut iful
,hasanangel icv oiceandt he
wayherl ipsmov eswhenshespeaksdr iv
esmenut s.
Everyt
hingabouthermakesmegoddamnweakand
ri
ghtnowIf eelsousel ess, knowi ngt hatt hemanI
grewupcal l
ingdadi spr y
ingonherandIcan' tdo
anythi
ngabouti t
.Itisallmyf aultifonl yIdi dn'task
hertostayear li
erhewoul dhav enev ersawhernow
whoknowswhathe' l
ldo.

Me:*si
ghi
ng*Bigguyy ouknowthatIdon'
tusual
l
y
tal
ktoyou,
whenev erItal
ktoyouit
'sal
waysme
aski
ngforsomet hi
ngt oyouandi
t'
salwaysusel
ess
thi
ngsli
kelastyearwhenIaskedyoutoblessme
withacutegi
rlwithahugeboot yandy oudelivered
andthatti
meI..
..
argnevermi ndbigguyt hepointisI
knowthatyoualwaysdeliv
erandr ightnowbi gguyI
begyoutoprotectMinenhlepleasesendy ourangels
ofli
ghtIdon'
tknowsendsomet hing,warri
orsplease
bigguyI'
l
lbeforevergr
atefultoyou*sighs*Amen.

°
Minenhl
e°

Ineverthoughtt
hatI'
ll
bebackher
e,t
hisr
oom l
ooks
exactl
yhowIl ef
titwhenIr
anaway.

Mom:
wel
lhel
l
obaby
.

Br
eat
hgi
rlj
ustbr
eat
h.

Mom:
howhav
eyoubeen?
Me:
**si
l
ence*
*
Mom:
Ican'
tbel
i
evey
our
anawayf
rom home.
Me:
whatam Idoi
ngher
e?
Her
:r
unni
ngawayser
iousl
y,Whywoul
dyoudot
hat
?
Me:
*exhal
i
ng*fir
stl
yIl
ostmybabybecauseofy
ou
nonoIam notsayi
ngi
tri
ghty
oukil
ledmybaby.
Her
:*gaspi
nadr
amat
icmanner
*Idi
dnot
.
Me:
secondlyyouar
rangedamar
ri
agef
ormewi
thout
myconcern.
Her
:*shocked*
wai
twhot
oldy
out
hat
?
Me:
*chuckl
i
ngbi
tter
ly*
Iam goi
ngt
oasky
ouagai
n
mot
herwhatam Idoi
nghere.
Her
:wel
lyourweddi
ngi
sappr
oachi
ngso.
.
Me:Iam notget
ti
ngmarr
ied,
wher
e'sgr
annydoes
sheknowal l
ofthi
smadness?
Her:
*smir
ks*
ohhsheknowsandshecan' twaitf
or
youtogetmarr
iedandgetoutofherhouse.
Me:whatl
iesar
ey ouf
eedingher?Gr
annyl
ovesme
evenmorethanyoueverdidshewoul
dn'
tagr
eeto
thi
smadness.
Her:
ohhbutshedi
d,honeyy
ouwil
lgetmar
ri
ednow
excusemeIhaveacallt
omake.

Shewal
ksoutandlockmeinsi
de,gr
eatnowI'
mthe
onewhoisbei
ngkepthost
agejustwonder
ful
.

#Nar
rat
ed.

Theplani
saboutt
obei
nmot
ion,
Mlaandhi
sdad
arebothr
eady
.

MrSi
biy
acall
edtheGabuzasandaskedtomeetup
wi
tht
hem hehasabusinesspr
oposalf
orthem.

MrS:
arey
ouokay
?
Mla:*
sighs*y
eahjustthatI
'm wor
ri
edabout
Minenhle,
Ist
il
lcan'
tgetholdofherandherf r
iend
saysshelastsawhery est
erdaymorning.
..
Ihave
askedsomeonet olookforherIwoulddoitmy sel
f
butIwantt
ogetNqubekof
ir
st.
MrS:
*si
ghs*
uhm Ier
r.
Ml
a:what
?
MrS:soaboutt
hearr
angedmar
ri
agethedaught
er'
s
motherwantst
oconti
nuewi
tht
heprepar
ati
ons.
Ml
a:DAD!It
houghtwe'
vebeent
hrought
his.
MrS: don'
twor r
yI'l
ltel
lherthatwearenolonger
i
nterestedandt hatshecankeept hemoneycause
thatisherreasonf orwanti
ngt hi
smarr
iagetogo
on,sheatemymoney .
Mla:
*chuckl
es*
andy
ouwantmet
ogetmar
ri
edt
o
t
hatfamily.
MrS:
*l
aughs*
butherdaught
erl
ooksnot
hingl
i
keher
.
Ml
a:pshhhowwoul
dyouknow?
MrS:
shesentmeherpi
ctur
eyest
erday
.

MrStakesouthi
sphoneandgot
oGal
l
erywi
thMl
a
gl
uedtothescr
een.
Ml
a:Ibetshehasnot
hingonMi
n..
..
..
*shocked*
d..
dad.
MrS:
*chuckl
es*
what
'swr
ongson?
Ml
a:t
hat
'sher
.
MrS:
yeah.
Ml
a:no,
thati
sMi
nenhl
e.
MrS:
wai
twai
tthi
sist
hegi
rly
oul
i
ket
heoney
ou
al
way
stal
kabout
?

Ml
anodsl
i
keaf
ivey
earol
d.

MrS:wowsmal lworl
d,wel
lIguessyoushouldn'
tbe
worr
iedaboutheranymoresinceitl
ooksl
ikeshe
wentbackhome.
Ml
a:*
sti
l
lshocked*
yeah.
MrS:sowhatmustIdo?Youli
ket
hisgi
rlandy
ou
hav
eanopportuni
tyt
omar r
yherw.
..
Ml
a:wecan'
tfor
ceherdadcomeon.
MrS:
*si
ghs*
okayI
'
llcal
lhermot
herl
ater
,l
et'
sgo.
Ml amelimanagest ogeti
nsidethehouse,hedidn'
t
knowt hatsomeoneel sewasgoi ngtobetherethat
someonebei ngFikil
ebutheendedupdr uggi
ngher
also,
hewentupt ot hesurvei
ll
anceroom toerasethe
footageofhim enteri
ngthehouseandt henshut
downt heenti
recamer asthenhewentNqubeko
hunting.

Hefi
nall
ygetst
heroom he'
sin,
hebudgesi
nmaki
ng
Nqubekotur
nhisheadf
asttolookatt
hedoor
.

Ml
a:damnmany
ou'
vel
ostwei
ght
.
Nqubeko:
*smi
l
es*
dudedudedude.
.
Ml
a:*
chuckl
es*
shutup.
Nqubeko:
unt
iemeIwanttohugyou,
godknowst
hat
Ihav
eneverbeent
hishappyt
oseeyourf
ace.
Ml
a:y
eahy
eahI
'
m handsomeIknowIknow.

Heunt
ieshi
m andhel
phi
m of
fthebedt
hent
heybr
o
hugf
oranent
ir
emi
nut
e.

Ml
a:I
'
m sor
ryaboutMnqobi
.
Nqubeko:
*si
ghs*
theyhav
etopay
.
Mla:t
heywil
lbutf
ornowwehav
etogetoutofher
e
befor
etheycomeback.
Nqubeko:
y.
..
wai
thel
pmegett
othei
rroom.
Ml
a:why
?
Nqubeko:
j
usthel
pme.

Mlameli
helpshim getuptohi
spar
ent
'sr
oom,
he
getst
hereandlooksaround.

Ml
a:whatar
eyoul
ooki
ngf
or?
Nqubeko:
fort
hei
rsaf
e,i
thast
obesomewher
eher
e.
Mla:
Ihav
eal
otofmov
iesIbeti
t'
sbehi
ndt
hat
pai
nti
ng.
Nqubekoremovesthepainti
ngandBingo!
!!Hetr
ies
3ti
mest oopenitbutf
ail
s,helooksdownthi
nki
ng.

Ml
a:whati
sitt
haty
ouwantt
her
eany
way
?
Hegetssomethingandtri
esandl
uckyforhimit
opens,
hetakesoutthegunandcl
oseitthenput
backthepai
nti
ng.

Nqubeko:
okl
et'
sgo.
.
°
AtNqubeko'
shouse°

Nqubeko:
homesweethome,t
hanksmany oudon'
t
knowhowgrat
eful
Iam toyouforal
loft
his.
Mla:Ican'tt
akeal
lthecredit
,dadalsohel
pedpl
ust
he
persony ouhavet
ot hankisMi nenhl
e.
Nqubeko:
FuckMi
nenhl
e!Wehav
etof
indher
.
Ml
a:what
?
Nqubeko:
mydadwaspr
yingonhermanw.
.
Ml
a:chi
l
lshe'
sbackatherhomeshe'
ssaf
e.
Nqubeko:*
sighsi
nr el
ief*ohthankgodIwoul
dhave
neverf
orgiv
enmy selfifanyt
hinghappenedt
oher
.
Ml
a:mmmmmmmmh.
Nqubeko:
Ihav
etoseeher
.
Mla:
whydon'tyougot akeabat
horashowerthen
we'l
ltal
kaboutyourparent
sbef
oret
alki
ngabout
Minenhl
e.
Nqubeko:
ok,pl
easeor
dersomet
hingIam
st
arvi
ng.*
standsup*

Nqubekosl
owl
ymakeshi
swayt
ohi
sroom whi
l
e
Mlameli
makesacal
l
//

MrS:
son.
Ml
a:daduhh.
..
MrS:
what
?Di
dyouf
indhi
m?I
sheokay
?
Ml
a:y
eahy
eahhe'
sfi
net
hati
snotwhyIcal
l
edy
ou.
MrS:
okt
henwhydi
dyoucal
lme?
Ml
a:I
..
.Iwantt
hemar
ri
agepr
epar
ati
ont
opr
oceed.
MrS:
*st
unned*
arey
ouser
ious?

Ml
amel
ithi
nksonce,
het
hinkst
wicehet
hinkst
hri
ce.

Ml
a:y
es.
~i
nser
t11~

#Nar
rat
ed

Nqubeko:
just
icehast
obeservedbutIdon'
tknow
howsinceIhavenoevi
denceagai
nstthem.
Ml
a:t
henwhatwast
hegunf
or?
Nqubeko:
*si
ghs*mymothermademehol
ditsomy
f
inger
pri
ntswil
lbeal
lov
erit.
Ml
a:uh?
?
Nqubeko:
i
t'
sagunt
hatki
l
ledMnqobi
.
Ml
a:*
shocked*
Thef
uck!
!!
!!
Nqubeko:
yeahsomepar
ent
sIhav
e.
Ml
a:y
uckssowhatnow?
Nqubeko:*
shrugs*Idon'
tknowmanbutIhavet
odi
g
upmybr otherandgivehi
m apr
operf
uneral
.
Mla:
don'
tyouthi
nkt
hatnowy
ou'
veescapedwon'
t
t
heymov ehi
sbody?
Nqubeko:
Idi
dn'
tthi
nkoft
hat
,fuck.
Ml
a:I
'
llt
alkt
odadmay
behe'
l
lhel
p.
Nqubeko:
*si
ghs*
any
way
,Mi
nenhl
eI.
..
.
Mla:
y eahaboutthatman,
meandMi
nenhl
ear
e
gett
ingmar r
iedsoon.
Nqubeko:
*di
sappoi
nted*
owwhuhm wai twhendid
youtwomeetcausethelastt
imeIcheckedyourass
wassingl
eandIwaskepthostageforafewweeks.
Mla:
*chuckl
es*wecantal
kaboutt
hatonourwayt
o
PMBl et
'sgo*st
andsup*
Nqubeko:
PMB?
?Todowhat
?
Ml
a:t
oseemyf
iance*
smi
l
es*
Nqubeko:
*nods*
aytl
et'
sgo.
.
.
Nt
oko:
thi
sdoesn'
tmakeanysense.
Mawande:
what
'swr
ingwi
thMi
nenhl
egoi
ngt
oher
home?
Ntoko:
shet
oldmet
hatshewoul
dnev
ergoback
t
here.
Mawande:
why
?
Nt
oko:
*st
andsup*
I'
m goi
ngdownt
her
e.
Mawande:
wai
twhat
?
Nt
oko:
I'
m goi
ngt
oPi
eter
mar
it
zbur
g.
Mawande:
*si
ghs*
okI
'
m comi
ngwi
thy
ou.
Nt
oko:
*smi
l
es*
thankswher
e'sFi
ki
lebyt
heway
?
Mawande:
Ihav
enoi
dea.
Nt
oko:
we'
l
ldeal
wit
hthatl
ater
,l
et'
sgo.
.
.
MrsGabuzai
spassi
ngupanddownwi
thheranger
br
ewingup.
Mr
sG:
Howdi
dthi
shappen?How!
!!
!!
MrG:
stopshout
ingwomen,
I
'mt
ryi
ngt
othi
nkher
e.
Mr
sG:
heev
ent
ookt
hegun.
MrG:
wai
twhati
fthenur
sehadahandi
nthi
s?
Mr
sG:
shewoul
dn'
t,
Ithr
eat
enedhershe'
sweak.

MrGabuzat hi
nksforawhil
eandthi
nkofwhat
happenedtheprev
iousday,
"shei
sweak,
nahi
t'
snot
her"
-hethi
nkstohimsel
f.

MrG:
thenwhot
hehecki
sbehi
ndt
his?
Mr
sG:
l
et'
sjustki
dnaphi
m.
MrG: ar
ey ououtofy
ourmindwomen?Whoever
helpedNqubekooutofher
eknowsitwasuswho
kepthim host
agehere,
i
fwekidnaphi
m wewi
llbe
thenumberonesuspects.
Mr
sG:
Fuck!
!
MrG:
thebody
.
Mr
sG:
what
?
MrG:
wehav
etomov
eMnqobi
'
sbody
.
Mr
sG:
why
?
MrG:*
sighs*doIhavet
oexpl
ainever
ythi
ngtoyou?
Whati
fy oursongoest
othepoli
ceandrepor
tusfor
ki
l
li
ngMnqobi .
Mr
sG:
buthehasnoev
idence.
MrG:whathappenedtoyourbr
aintoday?Didyou
l
eav
ei tbackatt
herestaur
antwit
hZot hani
Sibi
ya?
Mr
sG:
ser
iousl
y?
MrG:youweretheonewhotoldNqubekot
hatwe
bur
iedhisbr
otheri
nthebackgr
ound.

MrsGabuzasighssi
tt
ingdownandgul
psherwi
ne
t
hinki
ngofthi
smess.

°
Minenhl
e°

Ihaven'tcall
edAyandai n2daysI'm sur
ehe'
s
worri
ednow.Ihav en'
tthoughtofanywayof
escapingherecausei fmymot herwasabletof
ind
mei nDur banthenshecanf i
ndmeany wher
eIgo
pl
uswher
eel
sewoul
dIgo.

Ahht
hinki
ngoft
hedev
il
.

Her:
wearpropercl
othes,
yourhusbandi
sheretosee
you.
..
you'
llmeethi
m bythegateanddon'ty
oudar e
t
hinkofrunni
ngawaycausey ouknowthatI'
ll
find
you.
*shewalksout
*

WaitmaybeIcant al
kwit
hthe"husband"andhe'l
l
under
standthatIdonotwanttogetmar ri
ed,
yeahoh
andIam notchangingmyclot
hesf oratotal
str
anger.

Isi
ghandsayashortsi
l
entpr
ayerthenwalkoutbut
whenIgettothegat
eImeetMlaandwaiti
t's
Nqubekodoesthi
smeanMlamanagedt ogethi
m
out
?Wow.
Me:
ohmygodNqubekoy
ouar
eoutoft
hathel
l
hol
e.
Hi
m:al
lthankst
oyou.
Me:
*smi
li
ng*comeonIdidn'tdoany
thi
ngIj
ustt
old
Ml
aaboutyourwher
eabouts.
Hi
m:andwi
thoutt
hatIwoul
dn'
tbeher
e,t
hanky
ouso
much.
Me:
nobi
ggi
e,
any
wayf
orgi
vemehowar
eyouguy
s.
Mla:
fi
nal
l
y*chuckl
es*
wel
lwear
egoodwhatabout
you?
Me:*r
oll
i
ngmyeyes*
wellit
'scompl
icat
ed,
waitwhy
areyouguy
sher
einfacthowdidyouknowthatI
'
m
here?
Nqubeko:
*conf
used*
whatdoy
oumean?Howc.
..
Mla:
*cl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
*Nqubekobr
ahcoul
dyougi
ve
usasec?

Nqubekol
ooksatmeconfusedbutIthi
nkIam mor
e
conf
usedt
hanhim,henodsandwalkstothecar
.
Me:
whydoeshehav
etol
eav
e?
Ml
a:*
smi
l
es*
causeIwantust
otal
k.
Me:
nowe'l
ltal
ksomeot
hert
imer
ightnowy
ouhav
e
t
oanswerme.
Hi
m:f
ory
out
ogetanswer
sisust
alki
ng.
Me:*si
ghi
ng*
okj
ustgi
vemeaf ewminut
esI'
m
supposet
obemeeti
ngsomeoneri
ghther
e.

Ist
epawayfr
om hi
ml ooki
ngar
oundt
her
e'snoone
her
ebesi
deswai
t..
..
Itur
n.

Me:
Mlamel
iwhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Him:*smi
l
es*I'
m her
etoseey
ou,
appar
ent
lywear
e
gett
ingmarr
iedsoon.

No,
no,
noway
.

Me:
*shocked*
howcoul
dyou?W.
.
Mla:
lookI
'
m alsoi
nyourshoesher
e,ourpar
ent
s
ar
rangedthi
smarr
iageforuswi
thoutusknowi
ng.
Me:*
smili
ng*ohthankgod,
thi
sisahugerel
iefal
lyou
hav
et odoisref
usethi
smar r
iaget
hingi
e.
Her
emai
nssi
l
entf
orawhi
l
e.

Me:
Mla.
Hi
m:why
?
Me:
whywhat
?
Hi
m:whyshoul
dIr
efusei
t?
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
youar
eki
ddi
ngr
ight
?
Hi
m:Mi
nenhl
eIl
ovey
ou.

Myheadspr
ingsupf
astasl
i
ght
ning,
he'
sser
ious.

Me:
Mlano,youcan'
tdothi
stomepl ease*
tear
sfal
l
*
amarri
ageissupposet
obeat wowayst r
eetwher
e
wearesupposetomeeteachotherhal
fway.
Ml
a:ar
eyousay
ingt
haty
oudon'
tl
ikeme?
Me:
Ili
keyoubutasafri
endMl
a,
youwoul
dn'
twantt
o
bei
nal ov
elessmar
ri
age.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
you'
l
llear
ntol
oveme.
Me:*
shaki
ngmyheadr
epeat
edl
y*don'
tdot
his
pl
ease.

Il
ookatthecarandseeNqubekol
ookingatmewit
h
pi
ty,
doesheknowsaboutthi
s?Aft
erhelpi
nghi
sass
heagreest
osuch.

Mla:
atl
eastyou'
reget
ti
ngmar r
iedtosomeoney
ou
knowthatshoul
dcountforsomethi
ngri
ght?

Me:noitdoesn'
tcountforanyt
hing,
youaresucha
hy
pocriteMlameliandatthi
spointIrat
herget
marri
edt oastr
angerthangett
ingmar r
iedt
oy ou.
Hi
m:*
frowns*
youdon'
tmeant
hat
.
Me:
I
"Mkhweny ana,kunent
oebi
ngif
isaukuthisikhul
ume
ngay o,ngi
sacelaungenengaphakathi
"(soninlaw,
there'ssomet hingIwoul
dli
keust otal
kabout ,
pleasecomei nside)-
mymotherrocksupoutof
nowher e.
Ml
a:*
smi
l
es*
leadt
heway
.

Mymot herwal ksbackt

othehousewi thMl a
fol
lowingherl eavi
ngmest andingher
elikeaf ool
.I
godownonmykneesandl etmyt ear
sfallhowcan
Mlainal lpeopledomel i
kethis?WhydoIt rustso
easil
y?

"
Arey
ouokay
?"

Ilookupandmyt ear
yeyesmeethi
sandpi
tyi
sst
il
l
there,
Idon'
tneedhi
spit
y.

Me:
doIl
ookokayt
oyou?
Him:
I'
m sor
ryt
hatwasast
upi
dquest
ion,
letmehel
p
youup.
Me:no!!Don'
ttouchme!Ihopey
ouandy
ourf
ri
end
bur
ni nhell
.
Him:*
shocked*what ?Why ?MinenhlewhateverMla
sai
dordidIhadnot hi
ngtodowi thitI
nfactIdonot
knowanythi
ng,Ijustcameoutoft hatroom wher
e
myparentskeptmehost ageintodayandthenext
thi
ngIknowist hatI'm dr
ivi
ngdownher ewithMlat
o
seeyouhis"f
iance".

Waiti
fhedoesn'tknowaboutt hisar
rangedmarr
iage
maybehecant al
kMl aoutofthis.Iwipemytear
s
andstandupl
ikeamadper son.

Me:
okokt
henpl
easet
alkt
oMl
a.
Hi
m:aboutwhat
?
Me:
an.
..
"
Minenhl
e"
Iturnmyheadandmyey esmeetNt okozo,
Irunint
o
herarmsandcr ymyl ungsoutwhi l
eshekeeps
brushingmyback.I'
vebeenwant ingtocrymyl ungs
outwhi l
esomeoneconsol esmeandt el
lmet hatt
his
i
sal labaddream butMlaj ustmademybaddr eam
terr
ibl
e.
~i
nser
t12~

°
Minenhl
e°

Nt
oko:
i
t'
sokaybabyI
'
m her
e.

She'
sbeensayi
ngthatwhi
l
ebr
ushi
ngmybacksi
nce
It
hrewmyselft
oherarms.
Iwi
peoutmyt
ear
sandgetof
ffr
om herembr
ace.

Me:
*sni
ff
ing*
thanky
ou.
Her
:*wor
ri
ed*
tal
ktomeCandy
.

Iexhaleandstar
ttel
l
ingherever
ythi
ngfr
om when
thatmanorderedmet ocomewithhimthenhe
druggedme, t
otheMlasagaandIcan'tt
ell
ifshe
feel
ssorryformeorifshe'
sangry.
Her:
*br
eat
hingheavi
l
y*howcanMladot
his?
?How
canheagr
eewiththi
sbogusshi
t.
Me:*
shruggi
ng*Idon'
tknowandIdon'
tknowwhatt
o
doIcan'
trunaway,maybeIshoul
dki
ll
my sel
f.
Her
:AREYOUOUTOFYOURFLI
PPI
NMI
ND!
Me:I'
m outofideasNt oko,
todayit'
slikeMl ai
st ot
al
di
ffer
entpersonandwhati fthisdi
fferentper
soni s
whoher eall
yis.Idi
dlikehim butonl yasaf r
iendI
wasf arf
rom lovi
nghim andf rom howhei st
odayI
doubtthatIwill
everlovehim.
Her:
Ihearyoubabebutkil
l
ingyoursel
fist
oo
ext
remey .
..
waiti
sthatNqubeko?

It
urnmyheadf
oll
owi
ngherey
es.

Me:
yeah,
youknowhi
m?
Her
:yeahbutnott
hatmuchIknowhi m asMla'
s
f
ri
endandMnqobi '
sbrot
her.Iam mor
ecloseto
Mnqobicausehe'
stal
kati
veandlessscary
.
Ichuckl
eatt
hat
.
Her
:*smi
l
es*
achuckl
eisani
mpr
ovement
.

Iremi
nisceofthetimehi
sdadwaspr
yingonhi
m
andhowher eacted.

Me:*
smil
ing*hei
snotscar yhedoesn'tl
ookevena
bi
tscar
y,hedoestal
kev enthoughIhaveneverseen
hi
m smil
ehe'scar
ing..
.i
not herwor
dshe'sni
ceand
cool
.
Her
:*gr
inni
ng*
niceandcool
?Ar
eyout
wodat
ing?
Me:
What
???No.
Her:
thewayyouar
eexpl
aini
nghi
miti
slikeyoutwo
ar
edat i
ngpl
usyou2coul
dmakeagreatcoupl
e.
Me:
h..
..
.
Her
:*f
rowns*
her
ecomest
hedev
ilhi
msel
f.

Idon'
tev
ent
urnIj
ustf
rownashi
scol
ognehi
tsmy
nost
ri
ls.

Hi
m:Nt
okozo.
Nt
oko:
Ihat
eyou.
Him:Idon'
tcar
ereal
l
y,nowdoy
oumi
ndgi
vi
ngus
space.
Her
:Iai
n'
tgoi
ngnowher
e.
Hi
m:*
sighs*
okt
hen,
Minenhl
e.

Idonott
urnnorsayany
thi
ng.

Him:youdoknowthaty
oucan'
ti
gnoremef or
ever
.
Especial
l
ysi
nceourweddi
ngist
hisSat
urday.

Itur
ntolookathi
m shockedIswearmyneckal
most
snapped.

Hi
m:*
smi
rks*
I'
m gl
adt
hatcaughty
ourat
tent
ion,
don'
tworryaboutanyt
hingokayI'
ll
payfor
ever
ythi
ng...
yourdr
esswil
larr
iveonFri
dayift
her
e's
anyt
hingelseyouneedcall
me.

Hekissesmycheekandwalksaway
,Il
ookat
Nqubekofrom af
ardi
stancewi
thmytear
splay
ing
t
heirpart
.
Me:
Ntoko.
Her
:I
'l
lcomeupwi
thapl
anbabeIpr
omi
se.
Me:
wheny
ougett
oDur
banc.
..
Her
:what
??Iam notl
eav
ingy
ou.

Nqubekomov eshiseyesfrom mineandfocuson

hisfr
iendwhoisapproachinghi
m. .
Mlamov estothe
othersideoft
hecarandwi nksatmethenopenst he
door,
Nqubekolooksatmeagai nandopent hedoor
toothentheybothgeti
nsidethecaranddri
v eaway,
I
turnandlookbacktoNtoko.
Me:Iwon'tkil
lmy selfi
fyouareworri
edaboutthat
,I
j
ustneedy outot alktoNqubeko,
askhimtoconv i
nce
hi
sf r
iendthatheshoul dn'
tdothi
s.Thiswi
llsound
wei
rdbutIf eell
ikehecoul dhel
pmeIdon'tknow
howbuthav eplease.
Her:
okforyouI
'l
ldot
hateventhoughI
'm scar
edof
hi
m,butIhavet
woquesti
onsforyou.

Ikeepl
ooki
ngather
.

Her
:howdi
dyouandNqubekomeet
?
Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*that
'sast
oryf
oranot
herday
.
Her
:oookay
y,Doy
oul
i
kehi
m?
Me:
what
?Ibar
elyev
enknowhi
m.
Her:
weren'
tyoutheonewhowasgoi ngonabout
howcaringheis,
howni ceheispl
usy oudon'thave
toknowsomeonet hatmuchtoli
kethem..
..
.haven'
t
youeverhear
dof" Loveatfi
rstsi
ght
"?
Me:
woahwoahLov
e??Nowy
ouar
ewayt
odeep.
Her
:*chuckl
es*
ify
ousayso,
l
etmel
eav
eMawandei
s
wai
ti
ngf orme.
Me:
Mawande?
Her
:yeahshedrovemehere,t
urnsoutshe'
sal
so
f
rom aroundher
e*smi
les*
Iloveyou.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Wehug.
Her
:Ipr
omi
se,
Iwon'
trestt
il
lIgety
ououtofher
e.

Ibr
eakthehugandnodthenshesmil
eswal
ki
ng
away,
somehowIbel
iev
eandt r
ustt
hepromi
seshe
j
ustmade.
AndsomehowI '
m st
il
lstucki
nfrontofthegate,
I
tur
nandlookatthehouseIcal
lhome,Isighand
walki
nsi
de.

°
Nqubeko°
Herbeauti
fulf
ace,
hertearsarest
uckinmy
mind,
hercri
esaresti
l
lechoinginmyhead.Thelook
shegavemebef oremeandMl al
efti
t'
sli
keshewas
si
lent
lyaski
ngformyhel pbutIhavenoideaof
what'
sgoingon.

Ml
a:what
'sony
ourmi
ndman,
youar
esoqui
et.
Me:
Idon'
ttal
kmuchmany
ouknowt
hat
.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
Ial
mostf
orgot
.
Me:
dudeIknowthatwhatI
'
m aboutt
oaski snoneof
mybusi
nessbutwhatdi
dyoudotoMi nenhl
e?
Hi
m:not
hing.
Me:
whatdoy
oumeannot
hing?
Hi
m:Imeanexact
lyt
hat
.
Me:i
fyoudidn'
tdoany
thi
ngthanwhythefuckwas
shecry
ing?Shewascryi
ngasifsomeonedied.
Hi
m:youwereri
ghti
tisnoneofy
ourbusi
ness
maybeyoushoul
ddropit
.
Me:
arey
oucheat
ingonher
?
Hi
m:whyar
eyouaski
ngmeal
loft
hisuhh?
Me:
becauseIcar
eabouther
.
Him:
you'veonl
yknownherf orl
i
keaf
ewday
sand
youal
readycareabouther
.
Me:yeahIcareabouther,
Iwoul
dn'
tbeherei
fit
weren'
tforherandunli
keyou,
you'
veonl
yknownher
forafewweeksnotev en1monthsandyouare
alr
eadymarryi
ngher.
Hi
m:ar
eyouj
eal
ous?
Me:
j
eal
ousofwhat
?You?
Hi
m:oft
hef
actt
hatt
hegi
rli
smi
ne.
Me:
wer
eweonacompet
it
ionmay
be?
Him:
* chuckl
es*Iwantyoutogett
hisNqu,
Minenhl
e
i
smi nesost ayinyourl
aneandbugoutofour
busi
ness.
Me:
youdon'
tgett
otel
lmewhatt
odo.
Hi
m:wel
lguesswhat
?Ij
ustdi
d.
Me:
all
Iaskedwaswhaty
oudi
dtoher
.
Him:*
pissed*
andIt
oldyounot
hingnowst
opt
alki
ng
befor
eIcauseanacci
dent!
Me:okI'
l
ldosojustgivemehernumbersoIcanask
herwhatwasbotheri
ngher
.
Hi
m:y
ouhav
egut
sdude,
shedoesn'
thav
eaphone.
Me:
hermomst
hen.

Hest
opst
hecarpi
ssed.

Hi
m:Ij
ustt
oldy
out
obugoutdi
dn'
tI.
Me:andIr
espectthatt
rustmeIj
ustdon'
tl
iket
he
st
ateweleftheri
n.
Hi
m:thenl
etme,
hersoont
obehusbandwor
ryabout
t
hat.
Me:butyoudon'
tseem t
ogiv
eashi
tabouthert
ear
s
whentheyarehur.
.*
Ishutmymout
h*
Him:whentheyarewhat ?Hurt
ingyou?Yazi
(you
know)youaredisrespectf
ulasfuck,
youhaveaner
ve
tosaythatt
ome, Mi nenhl
e'sf
iancé.
..
tel
lmethi
s
man,
doy
oul
oveher
?
Me:woahwoahhowdi
dwegett
othat
?Isai
dIcar
e
abouther
.
Him:Iwi
shyourpar
ent
ski
ll
edyouinst
eadofMnqobi
causeMnqobiwoul
dbesuppor
ti
ngmer i
ghtnownot
pryi
ngovermywomen.

That'
slow,ithurt
s,didhehav etoincl
udemybr ot
her
i
ntothis.Minenhlehelpedme, sheri
skedherownlife
tohelpme, MrGabuzaal mosthadhi swaywithher
becauseshebai l
edherwor ktobetheref
ormeIj ust
feell
i
keIowehert oomuchpl usshemakesmef eel
thi
ngsIshoul dn'
tfeelri
ghtnowbutwhatMl ajust
saidi
t'
sf ucki
nhur tI
fher eal
lywantsmet obugout
thenfi
neI '
m buggingout.
~i
nser
t13~

°
Minenhl
e°

Keepy ourf
acetot
hesunshineandyoucannotseea
shadow.Onceyourepl
acenegat
ivet
houghtswit
h
posit
iveones,
you'
l
l st
art
hav
ingposi
ti
ver
esul
ts.

Onemor edaytot heweddingwhi chI'

m notreall
y
l
ookingf orwardtobutNt okopromisedmeandI '
m
holdi
ngont oherpromisebyhav ingposit
ive
thoughts.Everyoneisupanddownespeci all
ymom
youwoul dit'
sherweddi ng,
Iwonderwher eIwent
wrongwi thher..
whatexact l
ysisIdothatmadeher
thi
spersonshei sri
ghtnowhowcanshej ustsel
loff
heronlychildtoast r
angery eahIdoknowMl abut
shedoesn' t
.Ialsowonderwhatshet ol
dtheent i
re
famil
yincludingdad'sfamilyaboutmet hatmade
them agreetothis.
Zamo:
youcan'
tl
iv
eli
ket
hiscomeon,
youhav
etoeat
.

Remembermycousin?Theonethatt
oldmeabout
thi
sarrangedmar
ri
agewhenIwassti
llatt
he
hospi
tal.

Me:Ihav
enoappet
it
eIdon'
tthi
nkI
'
llhav
eone
any
timesoon.
Hi
m:i
sther
eany
thi
ngIcandot
ohel
pyou?
Me:i
fyoucan'
tmakemedi
sappeart
henIdon'
tthi
nk
so.
Him:
*si
ghs*
let
'st
akeawal
kat
leastsoy
oucanget
someair
.
Me:
andgowher
e?
Him:howaboutwegowaitf
orAyandabyhi
sschool
Iknowhealwayscheer
syouup.

Il
etoutaf
aintsmi
l
eandgetof
fthebed.
Me:
l
et'
sdoso.

Hesmi l
esandwewal koutofthehousenooneev en
not
icesustheyaremindi
ngwhat ev
eriti
stheyare
doi
ng.Wegett oourdest
inat
ionandwaitforAyanda
byt
hegat ei
tisal
mostt i
meforthem tocomeout .

Me:
sot
hisi
syourl
asty
ear
,howi
sitgoi
ngsof
ar?
Hi
m:i
t'
sgoi
ngpr
ett
ywel
lsof
arIai
n'
tcompl
aini
ng.
Me:*
smili
ng*
whatar
ethepl
ansaf
tery
our
gr
aduat
ion?
Hi
m:getaj
ob,
mov
eoutandnev
ercomebackher
e.
Me:
*gaspung*
why
?
Him:let
'sfaceitMinenhl
ey ourmot herdoesn'tli
ke
mei nfactshehatesmet heonlyreasonI'm stil
l
holdi
ngonandst i
llcomingbackher eisyou,youar e
theonewhohasal waysbeenni cet ome,youar ethe
onewhocar esaboutmeandmyst udies.
..
.onmy
fi
rstyearIdidn'
tgetfundingandt heydidn'
tgi v
ea
damnaboutmebuty out ookcareofev er
ything,y
ou
werenotear ningmuchbuty oustillpai
dmyf eesand
sentmemoneyf orgroceryandcl ot hesandkept
checkinguponme.Iknowt hatgr andmawoul dhave
donesomet hi
ngify ourmot herwasn' therebutshe
washer eshemani pulatedgrandmaandmademe
thebadguysay i
ngI '
m ondr ugsandal coholanda
thi
ef*sighs*nowthaty ou'l
lbel eavingthere'
snothi
ng
l
eftformeher eandI '
llbewor kingf oryou.
Me:
forme?
Hi
m:yestomakesur
ethatIgety
ououtoft
his
marr
iage.
*smi
l
es*
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
I'
m sor
ryonmymot
her
'sbehal
f.
Hi
m:i
t'
scool
,
itnol
ongerhur
ts.

Mymot her'
ssist
erZamo'smotherpassedaway
f
rom cancerwhenZamowasonl y3y earsol
d,my
motherpromisedtotakeofhi
m buti
nsteadshedi
d
t
heopposi t
eofthat.

"
Mommy
"
It
urnandlookathi
ssmallador
abl
efaceIdi
dn'
t
ev
enreal
izethatt
heschooli
sout.

Me:
baby
.

Her
unst
omyar
mssheddi
ngt
ear
s.
Me:I
'm sor
rybabyfornotkeepingmypr
omi
se,
my
phonediedandIcouldn'
treachyou.
Webr
eakt
hehug.
Hi
m:ar
eyougoi
ngt
oleav
eagai
n?*
tear
yey
es*
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
unf
ort
unat
elyy
es.
Hi
m:wi
l
lyoucal
l
?
Me:
aft
erIhav
eboughtanewphoneIwi
l
lokay
.
Hi
m:okay
.
Me:
nowl
et'
swal
kyouhome.

Hesmi l
esgi
vingmehisbagandstar
tstel
li
ngus
abouthi
sday.Iam smi
li
ngfr
om eartoearZamo
wasri
ghtheal
wayscheer
smeup,wegettohi
s
homeandbidgoodby
ethenwewalkbackhome.

Zamo:
*smi
l
es*
seeIwasr
ight
.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
yeahy
eahwel
lI.
.

"
Wel
lwel
lwel
l
"

Mysmilesuddenl
ydisappear
sasmyeyesl
andson
Thabi
so,
I'
m sonotinthemoodforhi
m.

Me:
Zamol
et'
skeepwal
ki
ng.

Wekeepwalki
ngl
eav
inghi
m st
andi
ngi
nthemi
ddl
e
oft
heroad.

Hi
m:Ibel
i
evedy
ou,
youknow.
If
reezeandt
urnsl
owl
ytol
ookathi
m.

Him:Ibel i
ev edy ou,ev erythi
ngy ousaidt omet hat
daywel astsaweachot hermadesense. ..
Igothome
andst artedt hinkingaboutev er
ythingyousai dandI
bel
ievedi t.NextdayIcamel ookingfory oubuty ou
weregone, Ihel donhopi ngt hatyou'l
lcomebacksoI
canapol ogi zebuty oucamebackal r
eadyengaged
tosomeoneel se,you' vebeengonef orli
keone
mont handy ouar eal readyengaged* exhal es*I
shouldhav enev erbel i
evedwhaty outoldme, you
sai
dy oul ov emei fy our eall
ydidt henitwoul dhav e
nevert akeny ousuchshor ttimetogetov erme.How
cany ouheal andmov eoni nonemont hwor seget
engaged?Di dy oureal lylovemet hewayy ousaid
youdi d?

Iwi
pemynowf
all
i
ngt
ear
s.

Me:
yesThabi
soIdi
dlovey
ou,whenIlost
my*
pause*whenIl
ostmybabyIexpect
edyout
obe
ther
ef orme,toholdmeandt ellmet hatev er
ythingis
gonnabef inebutyoudi dn'
ti
nst eady ouaccusedme
ofkil
l
ingmybabyandwentar oundtel l
i
ngpeopl e
that
.Ifyouwer ethereformeImi ghthav enev erleft
becauser i
ghtnowIwoul dbewi thyou,youcoul dbe
prot
ect i
ngmef rom all
thatishappeni ng.*cry
ing* i
f
youwer ethereformeIwoul dhav enev ermetMl a,i
f
youwer ethereformeI .
...
Him:I'
m sorr
yMi nenhl
e,
Idi
dyouwrongIadmitand
thepainisvisi
bleonyourf
aceanditi
sallmyfaul
t
pleaseforgi
veme* wal
kstomewithapleadi
nglook*

Iwi
peoutmyt
ear
sandsmi
l
e,godmeandsmi
l
ing.

Me:t
hati
sal
lIev
erwant
edt
ohear
*exhal
i
ng*
Ifor
giv
e
you.
Hecr
ushesmewi
thahugandl
etgo.
Him:
thanky
ou,Iknowt hatIam tool
atenowbutI
cansti
l
lbether
ef ory
ou,asaf r
iend*
smiles*
Me:
*noddi
ng*
Iwoul
dli
ket
hat
,wehav
etogonow.
Henodssmili
ngthenwalksawayandthenextthi
nI
knowisZamocrushi
ngmewi thanunexpect
edhug
ookay
,hel
etsmegoaf t
erawhilesheddi
ngatear.

Me:
*smi
l
ing*
whatwast
hatf
or?
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tknowt
haty
oumi
scar
ri
edI
'
m sor
ry.
Me:
i
t'
sokay
.
Him:y
ouareast
rongwomeny ouknow*smil
es*
andI
bel
ievet
haty
ouwill
alsopul
lthr
oughthi
s.

Ij
ustsmi
l
enotanswer
ingt
hat
.

°
Nqubeko°

I
'vebeenlocki
ngmy sel
fupi
nmyhouse, Idon'tknow
whattodof r
om her
emyf ol
ksaretooquietformy
l
iki
ng.Il
astsawandt al
kedtoMlathedaywewer e
dri
vi
ngbackf r
om PMBIwonderhowMi nenhl eis
now,maybeMl ar
eachedouttoher
.Mnqobi '
s
gir
lfr
iendshowedupy esterdaylookingli
keshe' s
beenhi tbyat r
uckshewasl ookingforMnqobi and
turnsoutshe' spregnantgodIcan' timagi newhat
she'sgoi ngthrough,
may beshet hi
nksthatMnqobi
ranfort hehill
sbutIknowt hatifhewasher ehewas
goingtobehappyespeci al
lysincehedi dsuspect
thatshe'spr egnant.
..
.Ididn'texactl
ytellherthat
Mnqobi isdeadIjusttoldhert hathewentt osome
businesst ri
p,Ihavetogethi sbodybef or
et ell
ingher
he'sgone.

Seemsl i
keIhaveav i
sit
or,
Ist
andupandwalk
towardsthedoor,
Iopenandit'
sthegi
rlwhowas
alsobackinPMB.

Her
:oht
hankgod,
mayIcomei
n?
Me:
uhm y
eahsur
e.

Imakewayf
orher
,andl
eadhert
othel
ounge.
Her:
I'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ofi
ndyoufort
helast3day
sI
hadtohir
eaP.It
ogety
ouraddr
ess.
Me:
*shocked*
what
?Why
?
Her
:Candyaskedmet
otal
ktoy
oua.
..
Me:
who'
sCandy
?
Her
:Mi
nenhl
e.

Myhear
tjumps.

Her:
shesaidt
oasky
out
opl
easet
alkMl
aoutoft
his
wedding.
Me:
shedoesn'
twantt
ogetmar
ri
ed?
Her
:ofcour
seshedoesn'
t.
Me:*
confused*
whydi
dsheagr
eet
ogetmar
ri
edi
f
shedoesn'
t.
Her:
ohhsoyoudon'
tknowwhaty
oursocal
l
edf
ri
end
di
dwell.
..
Shenar r
atest heenti
rethingwhichleavesme
hot,
thisexpl
ai nseveryt
hingitexpl
ainsal ot.Iknow
thatMlaisadi ckbutIdi
dn'tthi
nkhei sthisbadandI
alsounderstandnowwhyshesai d"andIt houghtmy
mot herwast heev i
lone"
Her:
youhavetotalktohi
mf astther
e'snotenough
ti
meleftandi
ftalki
ngtohim doesn'
thelpIalr
eady
havepl
anB.
Me:*si
ghi
ng*wi t
ht hest
atehewasi
nthelastt
imeI
sawhim Idon'tthinkt
alki
ngwi
ll
do,
Idon'
teventhi
nk
thatheal
lli
stent ome.
Her:
Idi
dn'
twantt
hingst
ogett
opl
anB*
sighs*butI
guesspl
anBiti
s.
~i
nser
t14~

#Nar
rat
ed

Ml
a:Thi
sisi
t.
*smi
l
es*
MrS:
yessont
hisi
sit
,i
sn'
tNqubekocomi
ng?
Ml
a:*
frowns*
Idon'
tthi
nkso.
MrS:Idon'
tevenwantt
oaskwhy
,butIdohav
ea
quest
ionthough.
Ml
a:whi
chi
s?
MrS: whatmadey ouchangey ourmindaboutt
his
wholething?CausethisMinenhlecoul
dn'
thavejust
agreedtobey ourgir
lf
ri
endandwi featt
hesame
ti
mei nsuchashor tnoti
ce.
Ml
a:*
clear
shi
sthr
oat
*whyar
eyouaski
ngt
hatnow?
MrS:*
sighs*
sointhesef
ewday
sIki
ndamet
someoneshe..
..
Ml
a:wai
tyouar
erepl
aci
ngmom?
MrS:noofcour
senot
,Icoul
dnev
errepl
aceherI
'
m
j
uststar
ti
nganewchapteri
nmylif
e.
Ml
a:andy
oudi
dn'
tbot
hert
otal
ktome.
MrS: Iwasjustnotyetandlet
'snotchanget
he
subject,
soshemademer eali
zethatarr
angi
nga
mar r
iageisabitextr
emecauseIdonotknowhow
thatmightaffecty
oubuty ouseemedsohappy
aboutthiswedding.
Ml
a:Iam.
MrS:
whi
chi
swhyIdi
dn'
tcal
li
tof
fbut
..
Ml
a:but
..
.?
MrS:Iwaswonderi
ngifMi
nenhlefeel
sthesame
wayasyou,
itwoul
dn'tbef
airi
fyougetity
ourway
whi
leshedoesn'
t.
Ml
a:shedoes.
MrS:*
smil
es*wel
lint
hatcase,
l
et'
sgety
out
oyour
weddi
ng*
standsup°

°
Att
heGabuzahousehol
d°
MrG:shouldn'
twebegoi
ngt
oZot
hani
'
sson'
s
wedding?
MrsG:wearef
aci
ngani
mpor
tanti
ssue,
ther
e'sno
t
imeforweddi
ngs.
MrG:
*si
ghs*
b..
Mr
sG:
Ial
readyhav
eani
dea.
MrG:
l
etmeheari
t.
MrsG:wetakeMnqobi
'sbodyandbur
yitat
Nqubeko'
sbacky
ard*
smilesevi
l
ly*
MrG:
*smi
l
es*
youar
ever
yev
ildearwi
fe.
MrsG:
IknowIknow,
wejustneedt
ofindt
her
ight
t
imetodothat
,i
tmustbeatni
ghtt
hough.
MrG:
wel
lobv
iousl
y.
Mr
sG:
butonaser
iousnot
edoy
our
eal
l
ywantout
?
MrG:
*si
ghs*
yeahsol
et'
shopet
hatt
hispl
anwor
ks.
Mr
sG:
fi
nger
scr
ossed.

°
Minenhl
e°
Nt
okobabewher ear
ey ou?I
'
m aboutt
oget
marr
ied.
..
Idon'
twanttogetmarr
iedat
leastnoty
et.

Mom:*smil
i
ng*Minenhl
ebabyyoul
ookbeauti
ful
,
I
can'
tbel
i
evethatthi
sdayhasf
inal
l
yarr
ived.
Ij
ustr
oll
myey
esnotmi
ndi
ngher
.

Her:t
hef amil
yi salreadygonef orchur
chIshould
too,y
oursoont obehusbandhi r
edthebestcarfor
yout otakeyout ochur chI'
m surethati
twill
gethere
soon,you'l
lberidingwi t
hZamo* r
oll
shereyes*t
he
neighborswillsingy ouout,yourdadwill
bewai t
ing
foryouout si
det hechur ch,
IhavetogonowIcan' t
waittoseey ouwal kdownt heaisl
e*smil
esthen
walkout *

Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
IguessIhav
enochoi
ce.

Ist
andupandtakeal
ookatmysel
finthe
mir
ror
,whoev
erhel
pedMlaatpi
cki
ngthisdr
ess
she/hehasfancysty
lethedr
essisbeauti
ful
..
..
Iget
thatIdonotwanttogetmarr
iedbutIcan'
tdissa
beauti
ful
dress.

"
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"
Il
ookbythedoorandseeZamol
eani
ngont
hedoor
wear
ingshor
tsandavest.

Me:
aren'
tyoucomi
ngt
otheweddi
ng?
Hi
m:Iam why
?
Me:
*gi
ggl
i
ng*
wear
ingt
hat
?
Hi
m:what
'swr
ongwi
thwhatI
'
m wear
ing?
Me:nothi
ngbutuhhhowdoIputthi
s,
thatisnothow
youwearwheny ou'
reat
tendi
ngaweddingespeci
all
y
yourcousi
n'
swedding.
Hi
m:*chuckl
es*i
fitwasaweddingyouwer
ereal
ly
l
ooki
ngforwardto,Iwouldhav
espentmyl
astcent
t
ogetthebestsuitbutker*
shr
ugs*
Wehearacarhoot
ingandl
adi
essi
ngi
ng,
wel
lIguess
t
hisi
sit
.

Zamo:whatki
ndofweddi
ngthatdoesn'
thav
e
bri
desmaidsandgr
oomsmen?
Me:t
hiski
ndofweddi
ng*chuckl
i
ng*
let
'sgoandget
t
hisdoneandoverwi
th.

Webot hwalkouttothesingingladi
es,
theykeep
si
ngingtil
lwereachthecarphewgl adthati
s
over
...
thedri
verst
art
sthei gnit
ion.

Zamo:
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?Ar
eyouner
vous?
Me:
no.
Hi
m:butt
hati
showy
oushoul
dfeel
*chuckl
es*
Me:
Zamodon'
tst
art
.
Hi
m:okoksowher
ewoul
dyoul
i
ket
ogo?
Me:
*gi
ggl
i
ng*
you'
recr
azydoy
ouknowt
hat
.
Him:myf
riendshaveal
readyt
oldmet
hat
,maybe
onceort
wi cebutI
'
m seri
ouswher
ewoul
dyouli
ket
o
go?
Me:*
rol
li
ngmyey
es*
somewher
efarawayf
rom her
e
obv
iousl
y.
Hi
m:t
heny
ourwi
shi
smycommand.
Me:
what
?*conf
used*
Hi
m:dr
iverpl
easet
akeusst
rai
ghtt
oDur
banci
ty.

Thedr
ivernodsandchangesdi
rect
ion.

Me:Zamoarelosi
ngi t
?Shewillfi
ndme,
shedi
dthe
fi
rstt
imesoitwon'tstophert
odosoagainandwho
knowswhatshe'l
ldotomeI ..
..
.
Hi
m: woahcal
m down,
dri
verst
opt
hecarandl
etme
dr
ive.

Thecarst
ops,t
hisdri
veri
ssogonnagetfi
redhe
get
soutgoingtothedri
ver'
sseatwhi
l
ethedri
ver
walksaroundtowhereZamowasseat ed,
Zamo
doesn'tgeti
tIfmom wascapableofki
cki
ngmetil
lI
l
ostmybabywhoknowswhatshe' scapabl
e
of.
..
.shealmostki
ll
edmewhati fshefi
ndsmeagai
n
andkill
smet hist
ime.
"
Youwor
ryt
oomuch,
that
'sy
ourpr
obl
em"

Me:
*shocked*
Ntoko?
?Ohmygody
ouy
ou.
..
Her
:*smil
es*Imadeapromisedi
dn'
tI?Nowstop
wor
ryingIhaveaplan,
Zamodri
veusoutofhere.

Shecamethr
oughf
orme.
..
deargodshecame
thr
oughf
orme.

#Nar
rat
ed

Mlahaswentf r
om beingsuperexci
tedandnervous
t
obei ngsuperangr
y,hehasbeenwai t
ingf
or
Minenhleforal
most2hoursnowhet r
iedcal
l
ingher
dr
iverbuti
ttakeshi
m st
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l
.
Everyonewhocamet otheweddi ngi sstart
ingto
gossi pamongt hemsel vestheyar esay i
ngt hebr ide
i
snol ongercomi ngsomesaymay besomet hi
ng
happenedt oher .Minenhle'smom i ssweat inglike
crazyherf eari scomi ngtolif
e,shedi dthreatenher
daught ertel
linghert hatifsher unsawayshe' l
lfind
herlikeshedi dthefirstti
mebutt r
uthissheonl y
saidt hattomakesur eshedoesn' trunaway
especi al
lysincesheusedt hel astmoneyshehadt o
hireaP. ItogetherMi nenhle'
sl ocati
onandt hen
hiredahi tmant oki
dnapher .
..
bothwer ev ery
expensi vesoal lofthisismaki ngherr eall
yner vous.
Meanwhi
leoutsi
det
hechurchMl
ameli
ispaci
ngup
anddowntr
yingtot
hinkt
henhi
sdadshowsup.

Hi
m:Idon'
tthi
nkshe'
scomi
ng.
Ml
a:SHEHASTO!
!!
Hi
m:sonar
eyousur
eMi
nenhl
ewant
sthi
s?
Ml
a:y
eahmay
besomet
hinghappenedt
oher
,whati
f
shewasi
nvol
vedi
nanacci
dentorsomet
hing.
Hi
m:*si
ghs*okayl
et'
stel
ltheguestt
oleav
ethen
we'
l
lgofindher.
Ml
a:oki
am r
ightbehi
ndy
ou.

Hi
sdadnodsandwal
ksi
nsi
del
eav
ingMl
aboi
l
ing
wi
thanger
.

Hi
m:godt
hisembarr
assi
ng,
IswearMinenhl
eifyou
r
anawayIwil
lmakeyoupaydearl
yforembarr
assi
ng
meMlamel
ili
ket
his.

.
Lat
ert
hatdayinDurban,Minenhl
e,Nt
okozo,
Zamo
andNqubekoareatthebusstati
on.

Ntoko:
mycousinwil
lbewai
ti
ngforyouatthebus
st
opok,I'
l
lcal
lhernowtot
ell
herthebusjustt
ook
of
fsoshecansetat i
merandIhaveal
sopacked
y
ousomet
hingt
oeatal
ongt
hewayi
tisal
ongway
t
oLi
mpopo.
Mi
nenhl
e:*
smi
l
es*
thanky
ou.
Zamo:
I'
m gonnami
ssy
ou,
butIwi
l
lkeepi
ntouch.
Mi
nenhl
e:*
chuckl
es*
onwhatcauseIhav
enophone.
Zamo:
I'
l
ltakeNt
oko'
scousi
n'
snumber
,t
hebusi
s
her
ecomegivemeahug.

Mi
nenhl
egi
ggl
esandhugZamot
henNt
oko.

Nt
oko:
Ilov
eyouokay
.
Mi
nenhl
e:Il
ovey
out
oot
hanky
ousomuchf
ort
his.
Nt
oko:
nobi
ggi
e.

Theybot
hgi
ggl
eatt
hat
,Nqubekocl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
.

Ntoko:
Zamocomeher
eIwantust
otal
kabout
somethi
ng.
Nt
okoandZamowal
kaway
.

Mi
nenhl
e:t
hanky
ousomuchf
ort
his*
smi
l
es*
Shekeepssmi
l
ingmaki
ngNqubekoweaki
nthe
knees.

Nqubeko:
doy
our
eal
l
yhav
etogo?
Mi
nenhl
e:whatdoy
oumean?
Nqubeko:
Icanpr
otecty
ou.
Mi
nenhl
e:*
shocked*
how?
Nqubeko:
idonotknowy
etbuty
oudon'
thav
etogo.
Mi
nenhl
e:*
sighs*
Ihav
eto.

NqubekotakesMinenhl
e'
shandst
ohi
sandbot
h
t
heirbodi
esshiv
er.

Nqubeko:
youf
eltt
hat
?
Minenhleslowlyr
emovesherhandsfrom
Nqubeko's,
shehasnoi
deawhatt hefeel
ingshehas
meany etbutshehast
oleaveforthesakeofherl
if
e
andfut
ure.

Minenhle:
Ihavetogo,
goodbyeIhopet
haty
ouwi
l
l
gi
vey ourbrot
heradescentf
uneral
.

Sheslowlytur
nsbackandcli
mbinsi
dethebuswi
th
hersuit
cases,shet
urnsandl
ookathi
m onemore
ti
meandsmi l
esathi
m.

Her:
youshoul
dputasmileonthatf
aceof
your
s*smil
es*
itwoul
dlookgoodony ou.

Shetur
nsandgotakeaseatt
henexhal
essmil
i
ng
whil
eNqubekosi
ghsandwalkbackt
ohiscart
hen
dri
vesoff
.
~i
nser
t15~

°
Backi
nPMB°

Mlamel
ikeepspaci
ngupanddownt
ryi
ngt
othi
nk
st
rai
ght
.

"
Wheredi
dsherunto?Di
dshegobacktoDur
ban?"
-
t
hosear
ethequest
ionsr
oami
ngaroundhi
smind.
Hei
sdi
stur
bedbyhi
sfat
herwhowal
kst
ohi
m.

MrS:Ij
ustspokewi
thhermother
,shesai
dMi
nenhl
e
di
sappear
edwi t
hhercousi
n.
Ml
a:sot
hiscousi
nist
heonewhohel
pedher
?
MrS:
Idon'
tthi
nksocausetheneighborssai
dthat
t
heybot
hgotinsi
dethecaryourented.
Mla:
weshoul
dleaveforDurbannowsoIcangoto
t
hestor
eIrent
edthiscarI
'm sur
eithasat
racker
.
MrS:tel
lmethi
sson,whydi
dyouli
etomeabout
Minenhl
ewanti
ngtogetmarri
ed?Causei
fshedi
d
shewouldhavenev
erranaway.
Mla:
ohboohoosparemethatshi
t,
you'
ret heone
whoarr
angedt
hisenti
ret
hing,
i
fyoudidn'tmeetthi
s
"
someone"ofy
oursyouwouldn'
tbeaskingmet hat
.
MrS:
*shocked*
what
'
shappeni
ngt
oyou?
Ml
a:NOTHI
NG!*
exhal
es*Ij
ustneedt
ofi
ndher
.
MrS:Idon'
tl
ikewhoyouar
etur
ningt
o*si
ghs*
may
be
shewentbacktoDur
ban.
Mla:Iam nottur
ningtoanyt
hing*
sighs*yeahmay
be
andifshewentt heret
henshe'sdefi
nit
elywit
h
Ntokozocausesheonl yknowsNtokozoand
Nq..
* pauses*
MrS:
whyar
eyoupausi
ng?What
'swr
ong?
Mla:
noshewoul
dn'
t,
he.
.hewoul
dn'
ti
nfactt
hey
woul
dn'
t.
MrS:okayIam conf
usedandIam donewi
tht
his
conv
ersati
on.
Hewalkstohi
scarwhil
eMl
ast
andst
her
easa
miser
abl
eangryst
atue.

°
Backi
nDur
ban°

Zamo:Ij
ustdroppedofft
herent
edcarbackatt
he
st
ore,
Ishouldalsogetgoi
ng.
Nt
oko:
thanksf
ory
ourhel
pki
ddo.
Zamo:
ki
ddo?Real
l
y?y
ouar
eonl
y5y
ear
sol
dert
han
me.
Nt
oko:
*chuckl
es*
sti
l
laki
d,nowher
e.
Shehandshi
m abust
icket
.
Zamo:
abust
icket
?Youpr
omi
sedmeapl
anet
icket
.
Ntoko:*
laughs*Idi
dnotanddoy
ouknowhow
expensiveaplaneti
cketi
s?
Zamo:
*rol
l
shi
sey
es*
it'
snotl
i
key
oucan'
taf
for
dit
.
Ntoko:Iwon'
targuewi
thy
outher
enowgoorel
se
you'
llmissthebuswhi
chwil
ll
eadtoy
oumissi
ng
y
ourcl
asst
omor
row.
Zamo:
i
t'
sanaf
ter
nooncl
ass.
Nt
oko:
doy
ouknowhowsl
owl
ythebusmov
es?
Zamo:yeahIshouldgo,
thanksagai
nforcomi
ng
thr
oughforMinnie.
Nt
oko:
*smi
l
es*
any
time,
nowgomakeherpr
oud.

Zamonodswi t
hasmil
eandwal
ksout,
whi
l
e
Ntokozot
hrowsher
sel
font
hecouch.

Nt
oko:
whatal
ongday
.

¶Fol
l
owi
ngday
¶

°
Minenhl
e°

Nowthatwast
helongestr
ideofmyli
fe,
10hour
sis
noj
okemybutevenhurtsnowyeahwehad
bat
hroom st
opsbutst
il
lmybuthur
ts.
Ahhhthelandbreezei ssorefr
eshingmaybeitis
alwaysli
kethi
sint hemor ni
ngs,
Idragmysuitcases
steppi
ngawayf r
om t hebusIhavef i
nal
lyr
eached
thecapit
alci
tyofLi mpopo,Pol
okwanelet'
shopeIdo
notinvi
tetr
oubl
et hissidecauseitseemsli
keitli
kes
foll
owingme.

Okwhatnow?Nt okosaidhercousi
nwillbewait
ing
formeher e,
yeahtherear
epeopleherebutwhich
oneisher?Idon'tevenknowhername,Ishouldhave
askedforhernamet oavoidwhatI'
m doi
ngr i
ght
nowwhi chiswonder i
ngaroundl
ikeafool.

"
Lumel
a"

Istopwonderingaroundandlookatthi
sgir
l who'
s
nexttome,she'ssobeauti
fulandsoli
ghtwellnot
thatl
ightbutshe'
sbeauti
ful.
..
.shemustbethe
cousin.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
hey
.
Her
:*smi
l
ing*
uphel
ajoang(
howar
eyou)
.

Ij
ustsmi
leathersi
mpl
ycauseIdonotunder
stand
her
,Nt
okoshoul
dhavegi
venmeaheadsupat l
east.

Her:
ooookay
,l
ebi
tsol
akakeNyakal
lo,
otl
amehao
beMinenhl
e(mynameisNy
akal
lo,y
oumustbe
Minenhl
e)

Wel
lIhear
dNyakal
l
owhi chmustbehername,
and
mynamemeaningshe'
st hecousi
n.

Me:yeahuhm nottooffendyouinanywaybutIdo
notunderst
andy ourl
anguageandIam wil
l
ingto
l
earnitaslongasIam herebutfornowdoy oumind
speaki
ngEnglish?
Her:
*confused*uhhhakeuutloi
sisi,haket
sebeho
buasenyesemane(Idonotunder
st andyou,
Ican'
t
speakEngl
i
sh)
.

OhmygodIdon'
tthi
nkshecanspeakEngl
i
shokay
okayt
hink.

Me:
uhm whataboutI
sizul
u?
Her:
*smil
es*i
sizul
ungiyasazi
mar
ahany
ane(
Ido
knowisi
zulubutalit
tl
e)
Me:
hany
ane?
Her
:kancane.
Me:
ohokkul
ungi
l
e(i
t'
sokay
)*smi
l
ing*

Shegr
absoneofmysui
tcase.

Her
:har
eee(
let
'sgo)
*st
art
swal
ki
ng*

Idragtheothersui
tcase,
wel
lthi
sshoul
dbe
i
nterest
ing.
#Nar
rat
ed.

Ml
a:whatdoy
oumean?
*conf
used*
Cardeal
ershi
p:Imeanthatexactl
yMrSi bi
ya,
thecar
wasbroughtbackl
astnight
,Iknowy ousaidthatit
wil
lbebacktodaybuti
twasbr oughtbackyesterday
andwedon'tmind.
Ml
a:whobr
oughti
tback?
Cardeal
er:
I'
m assumingit'
sthedri
verwhowas
goi
ngtobringitbacktodayli
keyousai
d.
Mla:noyoudon'tunderst
and,It
houghtthecarwas
stol
enwhi chiswhyIam hereaskingabouttr
acker
s
andallthati
shnowy ouar
etell
ingmet hatt
hecar
wasbr oughtbacklastni
ght,
i
tdoesn'tmakeany
sense*fr
ustrat
ed*
Cardeal
er:
welli
fIwereinyourshoesIwouldbe
thr
il
ledt
hatthecarwasbroughtbackorelseyou
wouldbepayingalotofmoneyrightnow.
Mla:
nomanIdon'tcar
eaboutt
hat
,mayIseel
ast
ni
ght'
sfoot
age?
Cardeal
er:
I'
m sor
ryMrSi
biy
abutIcan'
tdot
hat
?
Mla:whynot
?Ij
ustwantt
oseewhobr
oughtt
hecar
back?
Cardealer
:i
fyouwe'reapoli
ceIwouldtakeyouto
thesurv
eil
lance'
sroom wit
houthesi
tat
ionbutyou
arenotonesoI '
m sor
ryIcan'
t,
Icoul
dlosemyj ob.

Mlabr
usheshi
sheadi
nfr
ust
rat
iont
ryi
ngt
othi
nkof
somet
hing.

Ml
a:howmuchdoy
ougetpai
damont
hher
e?
Cardeal
er:
*gasps*
excuseme?
?
Mla:
ifyoushowmelastni
ght
'sf
ootageIwil
lpayy
ou
doublethemoneyy
ougetpai
dherepleaseman.

Thecardeal
ert
hinksf
orawhi
l
e,t
hemoneycanhel
p
hi
m alot
.
Cardeal
er:
*st
andsup*
fol
l
owme.

Ml al
etoutanev i
lsmilestandi
ngupandfoll
owsthe
cardeal
erallthewayt othecameracontr
ol
room,l
uckyforthem thesecuri
tyseemstobeoutof
sight
.Theyplaythefootageoftheexactt
imethecar
wasdeliver
ed.

Cardeal
er:
wel
lthi
sishi
m.
Mla:
*l
ookscloser
*Idon'
tev
enknowt
hisguy
,pausei
t
soIcantakehispi
ctur
e.

HedoessoandMl
atakest
hepi
ctur
e.

Mla:*
sighs*
okgi
vemey
oursal
aryamountandy
our
accountnumber
.

HedoesandMlat
ransf
ershi
mt hemoneyandthe
cardeal
ersmi
l
esal
onehekindagavehi
m abigger
sal
aryamountandMl
adoubl
edt
hepay
.

Ml
awal
ksoutf
eel
i
ngsof
rust
rat
edandsoconf
used.
~i
nser
t16~

Ntokozodr
agsherfeety
awningtot
hedoor,
she
opensthedoorwi
thhereyeshal
fcl
osed.

Ml
a:wher
eisshe?
Nt
oko:
*yawns*
it'
s5am i
nthemor
ningMl
a.
Ml
a:doIl
ookl
i
keIcar
e?
Nt
oko:
whathappenedt
oyou?
Ml
a:whatdoy
oumean?
Ntoko:
Igetthatyouwereajerkbackthenbutyou
seemeddiffer
entaroundMinenhl
eIthoughtther
e
washopef orthejer
kyou,
butitt
urnsoutyouare
worsethanajerkitmakesmewonderwhat
happenedtoyou.
Ml
a:*
sighs*
I'
m gonnaaskagai
n,
wher
eisshe?
Nt
oko:
whoar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Ml
a:y
ouknowt
hatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
Mi
nenhl
e.*
pissed*
Ntoko:y
outwoweregett
ingmarri
edy
ester
day,how
shouldIknow?Wai
tareyoutel
l
ingmethatshe'
s
missi
ng?Whatdidyoudo?
Mla:st
opgi
vi
ngmet
hatf
akeact
,ar
eyoukeepi
ngher
here.

HepushesNt
okooutoft
hewayandmar
chesi
nsi
de.

Ml
a:Mi
nenhl
e!!
!!Mi
nenhl
e!!
!!
!
Ntoko:t
hisi
scal l
edtrespassi
ngyouknow?You
bett
ergetyourassoutofmyapar t
mentandgofind
Minenhlenoy ouknowwhatdon't,I
'l
lfi
ndhermysel
f
you*exhal
es*stayawayf r
om her
,veryf
arawayf
rom
her.
..
nowgetout *fuming*.

"
Thisdoesn'
tl
ookli
keaper
sonwhoi
sact
ingi
t"
-Ml
a
t
hinkst
ohimself
.
Ml
a:butNt
okoy
oudon'
tunder
stand,
Ilov
eher
.
Ntoko:woaht hosear esuchbi gwordscomi ngfrom
aguyl i
key ou,
ify oureall
ylovehertheny ouwoul d
havenev erforcedt hi
ngsbutI'm act
uall
ygl adthat
youshowedupy ourt r
uecolourssoonorel sewho
knowsmay beMi nenhlemightshavefall
eni nlove
wit
hy ouanddi scoveredatalaterstagethaty ouare
afreak..
.nowpl easeleavebeforeIcallthepol i
ce.

Hesi
ghsandwal
kout
.

Nt
oko:
*smi
rks*
jer
k-ass.

Meanwhi l
eMi nenhle'
smot herwakesupgaspi ngfor
air,
whenshewentt obedshewassogl adthatMr
Sibiyadidn'twanthismoneybackshedi dn'
tev en
careaboutMi nenhleandherwher eaboutsbutnow
thathappinessj ustvanishedinthi
nairfr
om the
terr
ibledream shej usthad..
.sheissosurethather
pastiscat chi
ngupt oher..
..
shetakessomedeep
breathst henopensherey
esbutqui ckl
yshutt
hem
screami ngassheseeswhatl ooksl
ikeashadowby
thewi ndow...
.hermot
herrushesinherroom.

Her
:Zanel
e,
kwenzenj
ani
?(Zanel
e,
what
'sgoi
ngon)
.

Shesl
owlyopensherey
eswi
thhercheckgoi
ngup
anddown.

Zanel
e:mahkukhonai
ntoebi
l
ana(
mom somet
hing
washere)
*fr
eaki
ngout*.
Hermom: *
looksar
ound*
ukhulumangani
?Akukho
l
utholana(
whatareyout
alki
ngabout
?There'
s
nothi
nghere)

Shecl
osesherey
est
aki
nganot
herdeepbr
eat
hs.

°
Nqubeko°
Godwhy ?
!Ihatebei
ngwokenupespeci al
lysi
nceI
hardl
yslept,
Minenhl
ewasal l
overmyheadIdon't
knowi ft
hisisLoveI
'mf eel
ingforherorwhatbuti
t
feel
ssogoodandatt hesamet imeithurt
ssobad
nowt hatshe'
sfarawayf r
om hereandgodknowsI
alr
eadymi ssher.

Me:
*shocked*
Mla?Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Hi
m:*
fur
ious*
itwasy
ouwasn'
ti
t?
Me:
i
twasmewhodi
dwhat
?

Hepushesmeoutoft hewayandwalksupstai
rsI
bethe'sl
ooki
ngforMi
nenhle,
wel
lIguessIshould
star
tmydayanyway.Icloset
hedoorandheadto
thekit
chentomakemy sel
fsomecoff
ee.
.
..
Asthewat eri
sboi
li
ng,myphoner
ingsf
rom my
hand.
..
Ilooktowar
dsthest
air
sandansweri
t//
Me:
hi.
Nt
oko:
goodmor
ning.
Me:
what
'sgoodaboutt
hismor
ning?
Ntoko:wheneverI'
mi nadul lmoodandsayt hat
Minenhleusuallysay
s" youar esti
ll
breat
hing,god
gaveyouanot herday..
.othersdidn'
tseethi
s
day"*
chuckles*soIguessy oushouldbegrateful
.

Ibit
emylowerl
i
premember
ingt
hatdayshesai
d
thattome.

Nt
oko:
hel
l
ooo.
.ar
eyoust
il
lther
e?
Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*yeah.
Her:
anywayIcall
edtol
etyouknowthatMinenhl
e
hasarr
ivedinLi
mpopo,
she'swel
landsor
taangry
wit
hmeal i
tt
lebi
t.
Me:
why
?
Her
:wel
lIdi
dn'
ttel
lhert
hatNyakal
lomycousi
nthat
wasgoi
ngtopickherupdoesn'
tspeak
Engli
sh*chuckl
es*
shesaidIpl
acedheronareal
l
y
toughpositi
onbutat
leastmyothercousi
nMosa
doesspeakandunder st
andEngli
sh.

Wel
lIdon'
tknowwhyshe'
stel
l
ingmeal
loft
his.

Me:
cool
.

"
Iknowy
ouhadahandi
nthi
s,
wher
eisshe?
"

JustasI
'mturni
ngt
olookatt
hef
uri
ousMl
a,
the
doorbel
lri
ngs.

Me:
thanky
ouf
orl
ett
ingmeknow.
Her
:i
sthatMl
amel
i
??
Me:
yeahIhav
etogo,
shar
p//

Ihangup,
wal
ki
ngpassMl
atoopent
hedoor
.Ohgod
i
t'
ssoear l
yforthi
s..
..
.j
ustasI'm maki
ngwayforMr
GabuzaMlamar chesout,Isi
ghwatchinghi
m gett
ing
i
nhiscar..
.t
hingsmightbebadl i
kethi
sbutIsti
ll
consi
derhim asmyf r
iend..
..
Icl
osethedoorand
headtothelounge.

Hi
m:Goodmor
ning.

Whydopeopl
ekeepsay
ingt
hat
,Ij
ustl
ookathi
m
bl
ankl
y.

Hi
m:looky
oudon'
thav
etogot
ojai
lj
ustacceptt
he
of
fer
.
Me:whywouldIgotoj
ail
?Causethel
astt
imeI
checkedIt
ookthegunandfort
hemil
li
ont
hti
meNo.
Him:
*smi
rks*
thegunisn'
ttheonl
ythi
ngt
hatcanget
yout
ojai
lwehaveotherpl
ans.
Me:*si
ghi
ng*okbutf
ir
stcanyougi
vememy
brot
her'
sbodysoIcanlayhi
mtorestpeacef
ull
y
thenyouandyourwi
fecansendmetojail
.
Hi
m:*
shocked*
justl
i
ket
hat
?
Me:whatdoy ouwantitt
obel i
ke?Iam drai
ned,you
don'
tknowwhatIwentt hroughi nyourhouseallthat
washappeningwashappeni ngundery ournoseI'm
al
sogoingthroughsomethingev ennowandy ou
knowwhat'sironi
caboutallthi
s?ItthatIdi
dn'tdo
shi
tbutyethereweare.

Idon'
ti
fthelookhe'
sgi
vi
ngmei
spi
tyorwhatbutI
hatei
t,
hestandsup.

Him:pr
isoni
snotf
orsomeonel
i
key
ousor
ethi
nkal
l
ofthi
s.

Het
urnsandwal
ks.

Me:
who'
smyf
ather
??

Hef
reezes,
wel
lIdoneedt
oknow.
#Nar
rrat
ed

Nt
oko:
sowher
eyoubeen?
Fi
ki
le:
Ijustwentt
ovi
si
tmymom f
orawhi
l
e.
Mawande:
whatabouty
ourj
ob?
Fi
ki
le:
uhm Ir
esi
gned.
Nt
oko&Mawande:
*shocked*
What
?
Fi
ki
le:
i
t'
snotabi
gdeal
I'
ll
findanot
herj
ob.
Mawande:
aimi
naIgi
veupwit
hy oumyfr
iend,
any
wayNtokohowwasthewedding?
Nt
oko:
whatweddi
ng?
Mawande:
Minenhl
eandMl
amel
i
'sweddi
ngduh.
Fi
ki
le:
wai
twhat
?
Nt
oko:
ther
ewasnoweddi
ng.
Mawande:
buti
twasal
lov
erMl
a'
ssoci
almedi
a.
Ntoko:
it
'sal
ongst
orybutt
heweddi
ngendedupnot
happeni
ng.
Mawande:
yuckssowher
e'sMi
nenhl
e?Wheni
sshe
comi
ngbacktothi
ssi
de?
Ntoko:
*cl
ear
shert
hroat
*It
hinkshe'
sstil
lbackin
PMBIdon'tknowwhenshe'
llbecomingbackthis
si
de.
Mawande: heeeeonmywayher eIbumpedint
o
Mnqobi '
sgirl
fr
iendshel
ooksli
keatotal
messdo
youthinkherandMnqobi br
okeup*smil
es*
I'
ve
alwayswant edMnqobi.
Ntoko:waitnowthatyou'
vej
ustmenti
onedMnqobi,
I
haven'tseenhimforquit
eawhil
ehim andNqubeko
areinseparabl
e.
Fi
ki
le:
wel
lmay
bet
hey
'r
etoget
herwher
evert
heyar
e.
Ntoko:
no,
IsawNqubekoyest
erdayandMnqobi
was
nowheretobeenseen.
Fi
ki
le:
*shocked*
yousawNqubeko?
Nt
oko:
uhm y
eahwhyar
eyouaski
ngl
i
ket
hat
?
Fi
ki
le:
*gul
ps*
nor
eason.
Shelooksatherphonet oavoi
deyecont act
,yesshe
doesn'tknowanythi
ngaboutMnqobi andhis
whereaboutsbutheari
ngthatNqubekoisnol onger
kepthostagej
ustfreakedheroutanditalso
expl
ainswhyshegotf ir
ed.
~i
nser
t17~

°
Minenhl
e°

Wel l
It houghtIwoul dhav eapr obl
em st ayi
ngher e
sinceIdonotunder standt heirlanguagebutMosa
knowsEngl i
shwhi chmakest hingsal oteasier.
Mosai sNyakallo'
sy oungersi stershe'sdoingher
grade12andNy akallouhm Mosasai dshenev er
wentt oschool duet osomeci r
cumst ances,theyl i
v e
i
na6r oom housei t
'sjustthet wooft hem wel lnow
thatIlivewiththem thatmakesus3.Ny akal
lowor ks
atsomemansi onasamai dshesai di t'
stheonl yjob
shecoul dgetsi nceshedi dn'thav eany
quali
ficati
onsandsher eal
lyneededaj obtot ake
careofher selfandhersi sterIjustador eher.

SoI'mintownhandinginmyCVsIcan' tjustst
ay
theref
reeofcharge.ThereisaladythatIwassitt
ing
nexttoatthet
axi onmywayher eshet oldmet o
alsohandthem i
natpr i
vatehospit
als,r
umor ssai
d
thatpatient
sinprivat
ehospital
sar erude,
arr
ogant
j
ustbecauset heycanaf for
dprivatehospi
talsunl
ike
poorpeopl ebutsinceI'
m desparateforajobIguess
I
'llhav
et oconsiderworkingwiththosepeopleonlyi
f
theyhireme.

Me:
uhhhi
.
Recept
ioni
st:
hi.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
howar
eyou?
Her
:*l
ooksatmebor
ed*
howmayIhel
pyou?
Me:owuhm I
'
m her
etodropoffmyCVIdon'
texact
ly
knowwher
eorwhot ogi
veitt
osoIw..
..
..
Her
:youdr
opi
tof
fher
e*r
oll
sherey
es*

Ismil
eandhandhermyCV, sheplacesitonapil
eof
ofpaper
swhichIthi
nkareotherpeople'
sCV..
..
I
don'
tthi
nkI
'
llgetajobher
e.

Me:
*smi
l
ing*
thanky
ou.
Shejustfocusesont hecomputer,Isi
ghandslowl
y
turnbackthenstartwalki
ngout.
...
oklet'
ssayIdo
getajobheream Iwi ll
i
ngtowor kinsuchan
unhealt
hyenv i
ronment?Imeanl ookatthe
recept
ioni
stplusIdoubtthatt
hey '
llhi
reme.

"
Shi
t"
Me:
ohmygodI
'
m sosor
ry.

Idr
opmybagpicki
ngupt
hepaper
sthatscat
ter
ed
onthegr
ound.

Hi
m:i
t'
sokaymi
ss.

Hesay st
hatalsopicki
ngupthepapers,
wet hen
standupatthesamet i
me..
..
Ihandhimt hepapers
l
ookingathim,somewombsar eblessedtogivebi
rth
tosuchhandsomenessandt hewhitecoathe's
wearingi
sisis..
..
noIneedJesusi
nmyl i
fe.Icl
ose
myey est
henopent hem.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
agai
nI'
m sor
ry.
Hi
m:agai
nit
'sokay
*smi
l
es*

Whatabeaut
if
ulsmi
l
eonabeaut
if
ulf
aceuhm I
meanh.
.

Hi
m:ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*yeahy
eahIshoul
dgetgoi
ng.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
Iwasn'
tchasi
ngy
ouawayy
ouknow.
Me:noIr
eal
lyhavet
ogetgoi
nganddr
opmyCVsi
n
ot
herhospi
tal
s.
Hi
m:y
ouwer
eher
efort
hat
?
Inodpi
cki
ngupmybag.
Hi
m:what
'sy
ourname,
soIcanl
ooki
ntoy
ourCV.
Me:
*shocked*
youar
enotpl
ayi
ngwi
thmear
en'
tyou?
Hi
m: *
chuckl
es*
wel
li
fyoudon'
tgi
vemey
ourname
I
..
..
.
Me:
j
ustt
aket
hisone.
(Ihandhi
m myCV)
Him:*
looksathi
swri
stwatch*
Ihav
et ogetgoi
ng,
it
wasnicebumpingi
ntoyouandtal
kingtoyouMiss
uh*l
ooksatmyCV*Mi nenhl
e.

Ij
ustsi
mplysmil
eathim,her
eturnsthesmi l
eand
walksi
nsi
dethehospi
tal
wellf
ingerscrossed.

°
Nqubeko°

Still
todayIdon' tunderstandwhyhej ustwal kedout
anddi dn'ttellmewhomyr ealfat
heris?But
hopef ull
yonedayhe' l
ltellme.Mlahasbeengoi ng
crazyl at
elyhecan' tseem tof i
ndMinenhle
any where,whycan' thejustletthi
swholet hinggo?
Mi nenhledoesn' tev enlovehim soIdon'tgetwhy
he'slikethis,
Iwoul dsayt hati
t'
stheforbi
ddenf rui
t
thatisdr i
vinghi mt hisinsanebutIdon'tthink
Mi nenhlelethimt asteitshedoesn'tseem likethat
kindaagi rl.Mlaj ustneedst ochil
loutandf inds
himsel fagi r
lf
riendsoMi nenhlecancomeback.
"
SirIhavef
oundsuitabl
ecandi
dat
esf
ort
hej
ob,
what
i
slefti
stheint
erv
iews".

Me:okbutIwon'
tbeabletohandl
ethattask,
I'
m
gi
vi
ngthatjobtoyou.
..
I'
m sur
eyouwon'tdisappoi
nt
me.
Her
:*smi
l
es*
Iwon'
tsi
r.
Me:
oki
sther
eany
thi
ngel
se?
Her
:not
hati
sal
l
.

Idon'tanswerherIgobackt omywor kwhileshe

standsupandwal ksout,
wellIam inneedofanew
PAIcan' thandl
eallt
hisworkonmyownand
hopefull
ytheint
ervi
ewswillbesuccessful,
Ihope
shepickssomeonewhoknowsev ery
thingcauseI
am notint hemoodoftrai
ninganyone.

°
Att
heGabuzahousehol
d°
MrGi si
nhisst
udysit
ti
ngonhischai
rwit
hhishead
buri
edinhi
shands,
aft
erhi
slastv
isi
ttoNqubeko'
s
househe'
sbeenthi
nki
ngalot.

Mr
sG:
honey
(shesay
sthatwal
ki
ngi
n)

MrGr
aiseshi
sheadandl
ooksathi
swi
fe.

Mr
sG:
arey
ouokay
?
MrG:
yeah.
MrsG:
well
Iwast
hinki
ng,
wehav
egi
venNqubekoa
l
otoft
ime.

MrGsi
ghsr
est
ingbackonhi
schai
r.

MrsG:Isay,
weshoul
dgethi
m outofhi
shouset
oday
andt
aket hebodyt
here.
MrGj
ustl
ooksatherbor
ed.

Mr
sG:
uhm di
dIper
hapssaysomet
hingwr
ong?
MrG:Itol
dy outhatyoursondoesn'
tcareaboutall
ofthi
s,hedoesn'tcarei
fwesendhi mt oj
ail
he
doesn'
tcareall
hecar esaboutisgi
vinghi
sbrothera
descentf
uneral
* si
ghs*I
'm get
ti
ngti
redofrunni
ng
backandforthwi t
hhimjustgivehi
m whatheneeds.
Mr
sG:
*shocked*
what
?Justl
i
ket
hat
?
MrG:
yesThul
i
sil
ejustl
i
ket
hat
.
Mr sG:noy oucan'
tbailoutnowuhuhletmet hink
uh*pacesupanddown* waityousai
dtheonlything
hecar esaboutisgivi
nghisbrot
heradescent
funeralri
ght?Thenlet'
susethatasanadvantage,i
f
hejoinsinwegi vehim Mnqobi.

MrGt
hinksf
orawhi
l
e.

MrG:
Ithi
nki
tmi
ghtwor
kbut
..
Mr
sG:
but
?
MrG:
I'
vebeent
hinki
ng.
Mr
sG:
don'
ttel
lmey
ouar
ebacki
ngout
.
MrG:Nqubekowant
stoknowhi
sfat
herandbyt
hatI
meanhisreal
fat
her
.
Mr
sG:
*ey
esal
lout
*what
?ButI
..
I.
.how?I
..
MrG: *
sighs*nowt hatheknowsthatI
'm nothisr
eal
fat
her,ifhejoinsin..
.i
nwhatwedohewi ll
have
accesst oalotoft hi
ngshewil
levent
ual
lyfindout
whohi sfatherisandwhokill
edhim.
MrsG:
nonono,t
hisisally
ourfaul
tifonl
yyoudi
dn'
t
t
ell
himthaty
ouaren'thi
sfat
her.
MrG:*
roll
shi
seyes* sothati
swhatwegonnado?
Poi
ntoutwhoistobl ame?Well
whokil
l
edhisfat
her
?
Whokil
ledhi
sbrother?
MrsG:okokIgeti
t,
ifhet
ri
est
ofi
ndoutwhohi
sdad
i
sthenI'
ll
eli
minat
ehim.
MrG:
*si
ghs*
andI
'
llbel
eftt
ocl
eanupy
ourmessas
al
way
s.
Mr
sG:
whati
sthatsupposet
omean?
MrG:exactl
ythat,
itdoesn'
tneedany
expl
anati
on*standsup*Ihaveameetingt
ogett
o.

Hedoesn'
twai
tforhertorespond,
hej
ustwal
ksout
l
eavi
ngherst
andingther
e.
~i
nser
t18~

¶2WeeksLat
er¶

°
Minenhl
e°

Isti
llcan'
tgetusedtosi
tti
ngar oundthehouseand
watcht hewall
stheenti
reday.Noneoft hehospi
tal
s
IdroppedmyCVsathav ecal
l
ed, Idonothavea
phonebutIwr oteMosa'
snumberandshe' sbeen
l
eav i
ngherphonewithmewhenshegoest oschool
yeahitdoeshelpsmechatwit hNt okot
hough.

Mosa:
aft
ernoonMi
neh(
wal
ki
ngi
n)
Me:
howar
eyoubaby
.
Mosa:
notababy
.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
what
ever
.
Her
:I
'm sot
ir
ed,
didt
heycal
lyout
oday
?
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
nopeandI
'
m st
art
ingt
olosehope.
Her:
comeondon'
ttal
kli
ket
hat
,t
heywi
l
lcal
lI
pr
omi se*
smi
l
es*

Idon'
tknowwhybuthersmi
l
egi
vesmeassur
ance,
I
can'
thel
pbutsmi
letoo.

Her
:soIhav
ethi
smat
hemat
icsassi
gnment
.
Me:ohnomat hsneverl
ovedmebackwhenIwasi
n
schoolt
rustmeItri
edlovi
ngi
tbuti
tnev
erlov
edme
back.

Shel
aughsatmesheev
enhol
dshert
ummy
.

Her
:nowi
nEngl
i
sht
hati
swhatwecal
lahy
per
bol
e.
Me:*laughi
ng*mcm gochangeI'
vealr
eadycooked
thencomebacksowecant akealookatthi
s
assignment.
Her
:Inol
ongert
rusty
ou(
shel
aughsr
unni
ngt
oher
r
oom)

Iwasn'tl
yi
ngy esIdi
dn'
tfai
li
tbutIdi
dn'
tpassi
tthat
wel
l,
Ijusttr
iedmybest.

#Nar
rat
ed

Zanel ewakesupscreami
ngpant i
ngf
orair
,her
mot hersi
ghsgoingtoherroom shef
indsher
rockinghersel
fbackandfort
h.

Hermom:
Zanel
emychi
l
d.
*
*si
l
ence*
*
Hermom: *si
ghs*
thi
shasbeengoi
ngonforwayt
oo
l
ong,Ithi
nkweshouldspeakt
osomeoneyou
know,consul
t.
Zanel
e:NO!
!
hermom:*shocked*
what
?Whynot
?Youneedhel
p
can'
tyousee?
Zanel
e:noIdonotneedanyhelp,t
hesearej
ust
ter
ri
bleni
ghtmareswhi
chwill
ev entual
l
ygoaway.
Hermom:
buty
..
.
Zanel
e:Isai
dI'
mfi
ne!
!!
!

Hermot
herr
aisesherhandsi
nsur
renderandwal
ks
out
.

°
Att
heGabuzahousehol
d°

"Iknowt hatyoudon'tl
ikemebutIal soknowt hat
youdon'that emesowhyar ey oudoingal
lofthisuh?
Rememberwhyy ouevenbecameagangst er?You
wer ebui
ldinganempi r
e,forthem butnowlookwhat
hashappened. .
..
..
tel
lNqubekot het
ruthst
art
afresh,
youmaybehar dcorebutIknowt hatdeep
downt here'sst
il
lgoodiny oujustli
kether
e'sgoodin
NqubekoandIhav etosayf orsomeonewhoi snot
yoursonhe' slikey ouinsomanyway sandMnqobi
tookaf t
erme* chuckles*Idi
dy ouwrongandI
apologize,Ididn'tsayt hi
swhileIwassti
ll
ali
vebut
pleaseforgivemeI ..
.seemslikemyt i
meisup..
do
therightthingy .
...
..
"
I
tallf
adesawayandMrGopenshi seyeswhi
chare
fi
l
ledwit
hconf usi
on,
"t
hatwasn'
tadr
eam"hesay
sto
hi
mself"
itf
eltsoreal
".

Heturnshisheadandl ooksathi
swife,
hesi
ghsand
getof
ft hebedheadingtothebathr
oom,het
akesof
f
hi
sclothesandgetinsidetheshower.

¶Fl
ashback¶

Mnqobi
runst
ohi
m smi
l
ingf
rom eart
oear
.
Mnqobi
:
dadl
ookhowgoodIdi
dincl
asst
oday
.
MrG:
*smi
l
es*
wowy
ouev
engotast
ar.
Mnqobi
:
yes!
!becauseIdi
dgr
eat
*smi
l
ing*
Nqubekoal
sowal
ksi
nwi
thahugesmi
l
e.

MrG:
l
ookatt
hatsmi
l
e,di
dyoual
sodogr
eati
ncl
ass?
Nqubeko:
yes,
l
ook.
MrG:
wowmyboy
sar
esmar
tjustl
i
ket
hei
rdaddy
.
Nqubeko&Mnqobi
:
yes!
!!
MrG:*smil
es*I
'
m pr
oudofyou,
keepitup
okay
..
.daddyhast
orushsomewherenow.
Nqubeko:
don'
tfor
gett
ocomebackwi
th
t
oys*smil
i
ng*
MrG:
*l
aughs*
Iwon'
t
,daddyl
ovesy
oubot
hokay
?
Nqubeko&Mnqobi
:
*smi
l
ing*
wel
ovey
out
oo.

¶Endoff
lashback¶

Heplacesbothhi
shandsagai
nstt
hewall
withthe
wat
errunningdownhi
sbodyandhisey
esclosed.
Hi
m:Howdi
ditgett
othi
s?Howdi
dIgether
e?

Hesay
sthatsl
owlyandopenshisey
es,
het
hesi
ghs
r
emovi
nghishandsonthewall
.

°
Nqubeko°

Fort hesepastweeksIhav ebeent ryi

ngtoforget
aboutMi nenhl ebuti tseemst obequi t
eharderthan
Ithought, Ineedadest ructionorelseI'
m gonnago
crazy .MrandMr sGabuzahav ebeenqui etl
atelyI
'm
thi
nki ngthattheyar ebr ainstor
mi nganideaof
gettingmet ojointhem i nwhatt heydo,whatever
they'regoingt ocomewi t
hIam st i
l
lnotagreei
ngto
theirproposal andt heyneedt ogivemeMnqobi '
s
bodysoIcant ellhi
sgi rl
friendthathe'sdeadcause
thepoorgi r
lisevenl osingwei ghtwhichI'm
assumi ngi snotgoodsi nceshe' spregnant.
Somehow,Ial
sodon'
tknowhowbutIf
indmysel
f
di
ali
ngNtoko'
scousi
n'
snumbert
hatNt
okogave
me/
/

Nqubekodr
opt
hecal
l
,whatar
eyoudoi
ng?Dr
opi
t.

Voi
ce:
unknownnumberhel
l
o.

Goodnowy ouseewhaty
ou'
vedone?Dr
opi
twhi
l
e
youst
il
lcan.

Me:
hi,
mayIspeakwi
thMi
nenhl
e.
Voi
ce:
okhangonf
orasec.

GodInev
erl
i
stent
omy
sel
f.

Her
:Hel
l
o.
Hersweetv
oicemakesmybl
oodr
elax.
Me:
heyi
t'
sNqubeko.
Her
:owh.

Ouch,
whydoesi
tsoundsli
keshe'
sdi
sappoi
ntedt
o
heart
hati
t'
sme,
ouchithur
ts.

Me:
Ouchokay
.
Her:
noi
t*si
ghs*
itj
ustthatIwasthi
nki
ngy
ouwer
e
oneoft
hehospit
alsIappli
edto.

Oht
hankgod.
Me:
ohwhendi
dyouappl
y?
Her
:2weeksago.
Me:
hav
eyoubeenpr
ayi
ng?
Her
:no.
Me:t
henthat
'swher
eyouar
edoi
ngwr
ong,
prayand
godwil
ldel
iv
er.
*
*si
l
ence*
*
Ir
emov
ethephonef
rom myearandl
ookati
tthen
puti
tback.
Me:
hel
l
o?ar
eyoust
il
lther
e?
Her
:yeahyeah,wowt hanky
ouIwil
lpr
ayassoonas
wearedonet al
king,
sohowareyou?
Me:
I'
m uhnohowar
eyou?
Her
:*chuckl
es*
I'
m good,
soy
ouwon'
tanswermev
ele?
Me:
nope,
sowhenar
eyoupl
anni
ngoncomi
ngback?
Her
:uhm Idon'
tknowmay
beaf
teraf
ewy
ear
s.
Me:I
'
m sorr
yIdi
dn'
theart
hel
astpar
t,
didy
ouj
ust
sayyear
s?
Her
:yeah.
Wow.
Me:owhuhm Ihav
etogo,
i
twasni
cet
alki
ngt
o
you.
//

IhangupIdi
dn'
tevenletherrespond,
year
s??Not
evenafewmonths.
...
doesn'
tsheseesorgetthatI
l
ikeher
?YeahIreal
lyneedadest r
ucti
on.
.
.
.
Iwalkinsidethecl
ubandl uckyformei ti
spacked
hopefull
yI'l
lgetmyselfanicebootytodestr
uctme
fort
heni ght,
asmyey esarewonder i
ngaroundthey
l
andonsomeoneIwasn' tr
eall
ylookingfor
wardto
seeandsoonangert akesover.

#Nar
rat
ed

Mlameligul
psthewhiskeydownandcont
inues
l
ookingatMinenhl
e'
spictur
e.

Him:
*bur
ps*wher
everyouar
eIam goi
ngt
of i
nd
you,
youwil
lbemywifeandthati
sapr
omise.

Heput
shisphonedownandref
il
lhi
sgl
assthen
gul
psi
tdowntoo,
heref
il
lsi
tagai
nandj
ustashe's
aboutt
ogulpsi
tdownhi
sphoner
ings.
..
he
answer
s./
/

Hi
m:t
alk.
Guy:
Ifoundtheguy,
hisnameisZamokuhl
e
Khoza.
..
heisastudentatWi
ts.
Hi
m:*
smi
rks*
Idon'
tcar
eaboutt
hatj
ustgethi
m her
e.
Guy:
what
??Ihav
egi
veny
out
hei
nfor
mat
iony
ou
want
ed.
Ml
a:I
'
llpayy
ouj
eez.
Guy
:*si
ghs*
okay
.
Ml
a:makei
tsnappy
.
/
/
Hehangsupwi
thasmi
leonhi
sfaceandgulpsthe
whi
skeydownt
henmakest
hat"
ahhhhh"soundsti
l
l
smi
li
ng.
~i
nser
t19~

°
Nqubeko°

TherestandsNtokozoandherfr
iends,
onebei
ng
Fiki
l
e.Shelaughingherl
ungsout,l
if
emustbegreat
forher
.
Ichuckl
eandwalktothei
rtabl
e,
Iseeherbodyf
reeze
withshockasIappr
oachthem..
great
.

Me:
l
adi
es.
*taki
ngaseat
*
Nt
oko:
ohl
ookwhatt
hecatdr
aggedi
n.
Fi
kil
e:t
hisisst
range*smil
es*youshowi
ngupina
cl
uballalone,
where'
sthatsexybrot
herofy
ours?

Ij
ustlookatherwi
thastrai
ghtf
ace,
mybrot
herisa
sensi
ti
vetopi
ctotouchsoIhopesheget
sahintthat
sheshouldst
optalki
ng.
Nt
oko:
*cl
ear
shert
hroat
*sowher
eisheany
way
?
Me:
canItalkt
oy ourfri
endher
e.(
Isayt
hati
gnor
ing
t
hem,l
ookingst
raightatFi
ki
le)
Fiki
l
e:*
sweati
ng*
act
uall
yIjustr
emember
edt hatI
havetobesomewhere*
standsup*
guy
sI'
llseeyou
tomorr
ow.

Sher
ushesof
fanddi
sappear
sint
othecr
owd.

Mawande:
whatwast
hatal
labout
?
Nt
oko:
beat
sme.Whenl
astdi
dyouspeakt
o
Mi
nenhl
e?
Me:
today
.
Ntoko:*
smil
es*
whydon'
tyoutwojustdat
ealr
eady,
plusyoutwowoul
dmakear eal
l
ygreatcoupl
eyou
know.
Me:*
standi
ngup*t
hat
'smycue,
I
'l
lseey
oul
adi
es
ar
ound*noddi
ng*
.
It
urnandwal
kaway
.

°
Minenhl
e°

Nqubekoadv i
singmet opraycamei nhandy ,
cause
thepriv
atehospitalwit
hther uderecepti
onistcal
led
meandIj uststartedworkingtoday.Thewor ki
ng
envir
onmenther eiswayt odiff
erent,i
t'
s
unhealt
hy..
..
Ithi
nkt heywerewr ongaboutt he
pati
entsbeingrudecausei tactual
lythestaffwho's
rude.

"
Heynewbi
e"

Ist
oponmytracksandsighbeforetur
ningt
olook
ather
,t
her
ecepti
oni
st.
..
Ilookathersmili
ng.

Her:
i
t'
sy ourfi
rstdayandy
ouar
eal
readyi
n
t
rouble*
smirks*
Me:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?Idi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng
wr
ong.
Her
:wel
lthebosswant
syoui
nhi
sof
fi
ceasi
nnow.
Ist
andst
il
ll
ooki
ngatherst
il
lsmi
l
ing.
Her:
Ididmakemy sel
fcl
earr
ight
?Isai
dasi
n
now..
.di
dn'
tyougetthat
?
Me:ohIgotthatl
oudandclearbutasyouknowthat
I
'm anewbieIhavenoideawhot hebossi
sorwhere
hi
soffi
ceis*smil
i
ng*.
Her
:*r
oll
sherey
es*
topf
loor
,bl
ackdoor
.

Iwalktowardstheel
ev atorandwai tfori
ttocome
down,itdoesandIwalkin...
thenitdownst omeitis
myf i
rstdayhereandI'
m al r
eadycal l
edtotheboss'
s
off
icebutIswearIdidn'tdoany t
hing.

Theel
evatorstopsandopens,
Istepoutwalki
ng
st
rai
ghtthepassageti
ll
Ifindablackdoorwri
ttenDr
Maputl
a.Itakeadeepbreathandknock.
"
Comei
n"t
hatv
oicesoundsf
ami
l
iar
.

Iopenthedoorwithmyner v
eshi
tt
ingther
oof
top,
myey esexpandseeingt
heguyIbumpedi
nto
thedayIwasjobseeking.

Hi
m:Nur
sepl
easet
akeaseat
.*wi
thast
rai
ghtf
ace*

Icl
earmyt
hroatt
hent
akeaseat
.

Me:
uhm af
ter
noonSi
r.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
pleasecal
lmeMl
amel
i
.
Mysmi
l
edi
sappear
s.
Hi
m:di
dIsaysomet
hingof
fensi
ve?
Me:
*for
cingasmi
l
e*notatal
l
.
Hi
m:*
smiles*
wellIcal
l
edy
ouher
ecausey
ouowe
meathankyou.
Me:
uhm f
or.
..
?
Hi
m:y
oudi
dseet
hepi
l
eofCVsr
ight
?
Ohhe'
sther
easonwhyI
'
m hi
red.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
oht
hanky
ousomuch.
Hi
m:don'
tsweati
t*chuckl
es*
sohowar
eyouf
indi
ng
wor
kingher
esofar?
Me:uhm nott
oberudeoranyt
hingbutdoy
oudo
t
hiswit
hev er
yoneyouhi
re?
Him:
*toucheshi
schest
*ouch,
hear
tbr
okenal
ready
awwww.
Ican'
thel
pbutgi
ggl
e.
Him:toansweryouI'm nottheonewhohirespeopl
e
aroundherebutwhenIdohi r
esomeoneIdo,do
thi
s..
..
.seeIhaveateam thatItr
ustt
hatIdo
operati
onswithheresoIdon'twanttheHR
departmenttopickateam formewhi chi
swhyIpick
i
tmy self.
Me:
wai
twhatar
eyousay
ingt
ome?
Hi
m:t
haty
ouar
eapar
tofmyt
eam.
Ohmygodt
hisi
shuge,
real
l
yhuge.

Me:
ohSi
rI.
..
Hi
m:Ml
amel
i
.
Mysmi
l
edi
sappear
sagai
n.
Hi
m:whydoesy
oursmi
l
edi
sappear
swhenIment
ion
myname?
Me:
Longst
orybutt
hanky
ousomuchf
ort
his.
Him:
longst
oryyousay,
well
Ihi
redotherfourpeopl
e
youwil
lmeetthem t
omorr
owforourtrai
ning.
Inod.
Hi
m:t
hat
'sal
lyoucanr
etur
ntoy
ourwor
k.

Ismi
l
est
andi
ngup.
Me:
agai
nthanky
ou.
Iwal
koutf
eeli
ngextremel
yhappy
,godI
'
m sogl
adI
bumpedi
ntohi
mt hatday.
°
Mlamel
i
°

Thenamei
sMl
amel
iMaput
la.

There'ssomet hi
ngaboutMi nenhlethatIcan' tput
myf ingeraroundi t
,shel ooksl i
kesomeoneIknow
butIcan' tseem t othinkwho. .
..
that'
stheot her
reasonwhyIhi r
edhersoIcanobser veher ,
thef i
rst
reasoni swel lshehasanamazi ngexper i
encei n
Nursingshe' sgood.Ir eallywantt ohearthel ong
storyofher sbutIguessI 'l
lhavet oearnhert rust
fi
rstev enthoughIt hinkt hattherewasaMl amel i
guyinherl ifewhomay bepassedawaywhi chwi ll
explainwhyhersmi ledi sappearswhenIment ionmy
name. ..
.wellthat'
smyt heory.
...
Igetdisturbedby
someoneknocki ngont hedoor .

Me:
Comei
n.

Nur
seSt
acywal
ksi
n.
Her
:DrM t
heoper
ati
onst
art
sin3mi
nut
es.
Me:
alr
ightI
'
mri
ghtbehi
ndy
ou.

Shesmi
lesandwal
ksout
,Icl
osemyl
apt
opand
st
andupfol
lowi
ngher
.

#Nar
rat
ed

Mla:
youknowwher
eshei
sandIsuggestt
haty
ou
t
ellme.
Zamo:
got
ohel
l
.
Mla:
*smi
rks*
youdoknowt
hatIdon'
tmi
ndki
l
li
ng
youri
ght
?
Zamo:*
smi
rksback*
andhowi
sthatgoi
ngt
ohel
p
you?
Mlaf
rownsandpuncheshi
m onthestomach,
Zamo
want
stopunchhi
m backbuttwoguysarehol
ding
hi
m.
Ml
a:wecoul
ddothi
sal
ldaylongy
ouknow.Justt
ell
mewhereshei
sthenI
'
lll
ety
ougo.
Zamo:l
i
keIsai
dgotohell,
Minenhledoesn'
tev
en
l
oveyouandbywhatyoudidIthinkyoumadeher
hat
eyousowhydon'tyoujustl
ethergouh.
Mla:*cl
enchi
nghisj
aw* y
outalkt
omuchandyout
alk
rubbishMinenhl
edoesn'
thatemeyeahshemi
ght
notlovemebutshecoul dl
earnt
o.
Zamo:
I'
m pr
ett
ysurewher
esheisshehasfound
her
sel
fasaneguynotacr
azyassli
keyou.

Ml
apuncheshi
m agai
nandagai
n.

Ml
a:Shutup!
!!Shutt
hef
uckup.
Zamo:
*coughs*
youdon'tgett
otel
lmethat
,t
hisi
s
mymouththatmyparentsgavemewhentheywere
maki
nglove.

Oneoft
heguy
shol
dinghi
mtr
iest
ohol
dinHus
l
aughbutendsupcr
acki
ngmaki
ngt
heot
herdude
cr
ackupto.

Ml
a:*
pissedof
f*ohsoy
out
wof
indt
hatf
unnyuh?

Theygomut
elooki
ngaway
.

Mla:
andy
ou*
poi
ntsatZamo*
yout
hinky
ouar
efunny
uh?
Zamo:
Iwasn'
ttr
yingt
o*pout
s*

Mlaf
eel
sasifener
gyisbei
ngdr
ainedoutofhi
m,he
j
ustwal
ksoutpi
ssed.

Zamo:
*shout
ing*
I'
mthi
rst
ybyt
heway
!!
!!
!
Guy
1:*
chuckl
es*
you'
rel
ooki
ngf
ort
roubl
eyouknow.
Zamo:*
rol
l
shiseyes*sof
orhowl
ongar
eyougoi
ng
tohol
dmel i
ket
his?
Guy
2:wear
ejustdoi
ngwhatwegetpai
dfor
.
Hesi
ghscl
osi
nghi
sey
es.
Zamo:
*openshi
sey
esi
nter
ror
*Shi
t!
!!
Guy
2:*
pani
cks*
what
??
Zamo:
I'
m gonnami
ssmydat
etoni
ght
.
Theyl
ookathi
mindi
sbel
i
ef.
Guy
1:I
'
m sor
rybutar
eyouokayupst
air
s?
Zamo:youhav
enoideahowl ongi
ttookmet oget
thener
vetoaskt
hisgi
rloutandyourcrazyboss
deci
destobemygod..
justwonderf
ul.
Guy
2:y
erphe'
scr
azy
.
~i
nser
t20~

°
Minenhl
e°

Mosa:
sohowwasy
ourf
ir
stday
?
Me:
l
ongandamazi
ng*
smi
l
ing*
I'
m par
tofat
eam.
Her
:ony
ourf
ir
stday
??ar
eyout
hatgood?
Me:
Idon'
tknowbabeIguessi
tjustl
uck.
Her:t
hefir
stt
hingwearedoi
ngwhenyougetyour
fi
rstpaymenti
sbuymesomenewcl ot
hes*
clappi
ng
herhandswhil
esmil
ing*
Me:
woahwoahwoahsl
owdownt
her
e.
Mosa:*l
aughs*
I'
mjoki
ngwel
last
imegoesbyIwi
l
l
bankr
uptyou.
Me:
gir
lyouar
esonotget
ti
ngmycar
d.

Justaswear
elaughi
ngNy
akal
l
owal
ksi
ndr
aggi
ng
herfeet
s.
Her
:*y
awns*
hel
l
oguy
s.
Me&Mosa:
hey
.

We'
vebeenteachi
ngeachot
herEngl
i
shandt
hei
r
l
anguage.

Me:
let
satsil
ahaulenelel
ejoangmosebet
sing(
how
wasyourdayatwork)
?

I
'
m st
il
lcount
ingwor
dst
houghbutI
'
mtr
ying.

Her
:eneel
etel
eleebi
l
eet
ena(
itwasl
ongandt
ir
ing)
Me:
Icant
ell
.
Her:
*smil
es*Kempaket l
ahl
apaebeker
obal
aka
kot
lol
oho(I
'mjustgonnat
akeabat
handgostr
aight
tobed)
Me:
hot
hoe'
ngkal
i
jo(
whataboutf
ood)
?
Her
:mof
umahal
ioneal
ehant
lehahol
okaj
eno,
ke
j
elemosebetsingmmekent
sekekgot
she(
the
madam wasi naver
ygoodmoodt
oday,
Iat
eatwor
k
andI
'm st
il
lfull
)
Me:okaythat
'swhereIdrawthel
i
necauseIdi
dn'
t
getasingl
ewordfrom ther
e.
Mosa:
*l
aughs*
don'
twor
ry,
you'
l
lgett
her
e.

°
Nqubeko°

Iopenthedoorandj
ustl
ookathi
m wi
thav
ery
boredf
ace.

Hi
m:mayIcomei
n?

Isi
ghwal
ki
ngbackt
othel
oungewi
thhi
mfol
l
owi
ng
me.

Hi
m:sohowar
eyou?
Me:
l
ist
en,
fort
hel
astt
ime.
..
Iwi
l
lnotj
oi.
..
..
.
Hi
m:t
hat
'snotwhyI
'
m her
e.
That
'st
hef
ir
st.
Hi
m:I
'
m her
etogi
vey
ouanswer
s,y
oudeser
vet
hem.
Ir
aisemyey
ebr
ow,
thi
sshoul
dbei
nter
est
ing.
Hi
m:*
exhal
es*
remembermybr
other
?
Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*uncl
eV?
Hi
m:y
eah.
Me:Ido,
hepassedawaywhenmeandMnqobi
wer
e
young.
Him:
hewaski ll
edact
ual
l
y,butwewill
gettothat
uhm t
helasttimewesaweachotheryouaskedme
whoyourfatheri
s.
Me:yeahIdi
dbutwhatdoesuncleVhast
odowi
th
t
h..
.waitar
eyousay
inguncl
eVi s..
.
Hi
m:y
ourf
ather
,al
ongwi
thMnqobi
.

Ast
oni
shed,
appal
l
ed,
ast
ounded,
amazed.
..
yeah
thesewor dsmeanshockedIj
utdon'
tknowwhi ch
wor dtousesowhynotalloft
hem...
.Iabsol
utel
y
didn'tseethi
sonecoming.

Me:
buthow?causewhenIwasbornbot
hyouand
mom wereal
readymarr
iedsohow?
Him: whenmeandy ourmot hergotmar ri
edwe
decidedthatwef i
nall
ywantachi ldbutaf tertwo
yearsoft r
y i
ngf orababywecoul dn'tgetpr egnant,
wewentt oadoct orandt hatdayIdi scov eredthatI
can'thaveki ds*sighs*Ifeltmywhol ewor l
d
crumbl i
ngdowncauseIhaddr eamsandIwasr eall
y
l
ooki ngforwar dtohav ingki dsbutIguessf atehad
otherplansf orme, yourmot hercameupwi thideas
l
ikeadopt ionbuti fIagr eedt othatIknewt hatI
woul dcomeoutassel fishsi nceIknewt hatshe
want edtogot hrought hemor ningsi cknesses, t
he
cravings,
themoodswi ngsy ouknowal l
oft hat
stuff.
..
..
Ididn'tknowwhatt odosoIwentt ot al
kt o
myf atheraski ngforadv i
cehe' st heonewhocame
upwi ththeideaofmybr othersl eepi ngwi t
hmywi fe
Iwasagai nsti tatfir
stbutseei ngy ourmot her'
sface
ever
ytimewepassbyt hebabyshopmademe
consi
derit,
Ispoketoherfi
rstandshewasn't
comfortabl
ewithittoobutsi
nceshewantedababy
sheagreed*si
ghs*thedayyouweremadeIf el
tli
keI
waslosingmymi ndImeanwhowoul dn'
t.
Me:wai
twaitwaitsouncl
eVj
ustagr
eedt
oal
loft
hat
wi
thoutanyconcerns?
Him:surpri
singlyy eah,t
heonlycatchwast hathe
wantedt obei ny ourlif
easan" uncle"Ididn'
thavea
problem wit
ht hat ,
Ithoughtt
hataf t
ery ou'
rebornI
woulddespisey oubutnoIl ovedy ouasi fyouwere
myown, Ijoi
nedt hegangsterli
fewheny ouwer etwo
yearsoldIwasdoi ngthatt
obui l
danempi refor
you..
.
Me:
anempi
ret
hroughgangst
eri
sm?Real
l
y.
Him:Idon'
thaveanydegreeIdon'
tevenhave
mat r
ic,
wit
hthejobthatIwasdoi
ngbackthenIwas
earni
ngpeanutsIhadtodosomet hi
ngtosecur
e
yourfutur
e.

Isi
ghnoddi
ng,
Iwi
l
ltal
kaf
terhe'
sdone.
Him:somehowy ourmotherfoundoutIexpectedher
tobeangr ywithmebutshesur pri
sedmebysay i
ng
shewant sin,
Itol
dhernocauset hi
slineofjobis
dangerousandbyj oi
ningitIhadalr
eadyplacedyour
l
ivesindangersoIdi dn'
twanttomakei t
worse..
..
.uhm let
'sj
ustsayshemanagedt omake
meagr eewi t
hherjoi
ningin.
Me:
wow.
Him:atfir
sti twasgr eatwor ki
ngwithheritwas
ki
ndasexyy ouknowbutt hensheslowlychanged
shehadl esst i
mef orusandmor eti
mef or
missions,Ithinkt hemoneygott oherrealgood.
Wheny out urned3y ourmot herwasactingfunny
andsuspi ciousl ongstoryshortshecheatedonme
wit
hmybr otherandt hat'
showMnqobi wasmade
andthenIknewIhadl ostyourmother,
Iforgaveher
butnothingwasev erthesameagai nIalsoloved
Mnqobi asi fhewasmyown.
Me:thenwhathappeneduh?Howdidwegethere?I
f
youlovedhi
m hewoul dst
il
lbeher
e,i
fyoulov
edme
youwouldn'
thavekeptmehostageinaplaceI
cal
ledhomeandt hreat
enedme.
Him:itallstart
edwhent hingswentsout hformy
brother ,
whenhel osthi sf amilyhel ostithecamef or
youguy shecamet omesay i
nghewant shiskids
blahbl ahwegoti ntoaf ightthatbot hy ouand
Mnqobi witnessed,aftert hefighty ouguy sr anto
himi nsteadofmet hatbr okemeal i
ttl
eItried
runningawayf rom thet ruthbutt heuni ver
se
remindedmet hatyouguy swerenev ermine, my
angerdev el
opedf r
om t her eItoldy ourmot hert o
givey ouguy sbackt oy ourf atherbuty ourmot her
decidedt obegodandki l
l mybr other.
Me:
What
!?
Him: shesaidshewasel iminatingt hepr oblem soI
canbehappywi thy ouguy s,Icleanedupy our
mot her'
smessmaki ngsurei tdoesn' tleadbackt o
herandst i
ll
afterthatIwant ednot hingt odowi th
youguy sandIwant edoutoft hegangst erworldI
didn'tcareaboutt heempi r
eany mor e.Thewayout
wasei theroneofy ouj oi
nsandt akemypl aceorI
die,
yourmot herdidn'twantmet odi esoshewas
gladt ohelpmei nget ti
ngoneofy out akemy
place...
.Ihadtowai ty ears*closeshi sey es*wet r
ied
manipulat
ingMnqobi buthewashav i
ngnoneof
whatwewer et el
li
nghi m,het
hreat
enedtorepor
tus
andIdidn'
tcar esincehedidn'
thaveanyevi
dence
butyourmot herwi t
hpanicki
ngdecidedt
oplaygod
onceagainand. .
..
.
Me:
don'
tfi
nishi
t.
Him:youandMnqobiar
emysonsyesnotbyblood
butyouaremysonsandmyangerr
esul
tedint
o
l
osingoneofyoub..
.
Me:actual
lythat'
swhereyou'
rewr ong,y
ouranger
resul
tedintolosi
ngbothofus*standingup*wewer e
kidsforcryi
ngoutloud!Wewer eusedt orunningt
o
him whenhev i
si
ts,
weweren'
tthinking,
wedi dn'
t
knowany thi
ngandy ether
ewear e.
Hi
m:Nqubekomys.
..
Me:
getout
.*Isayv
erycal
mly
*
Hi
m:pl
..
.
Me:
ISAI
DGETOUT!
!!
!!
!
Hesi
ghsst
andi
ngup.
Hi
m:I
'
llhav
eMnqobi
'
sbodydel
i
ver
edt
oyouassoon
asIgethome*
hewal
ksout
*

Ifal
ldownont hecouchandbur ymyheadt omy
handsthenfinal
lyleti
tallout
,Icryf
orbeingkept
hostage,
Icr
yf orbeingrapedandmost l
yIcryfor
l
osingmybr other.
~i
nser
t21~

°
Nqubeko°

I
tfel
tgoodlet
ti
ngal
lthepai
noutevent
houghi
tf el
t
weir
dcryi
ng,
Imeanwhenwasthelastt
imeIcr
ied?

"
Nqubeko"

Me:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngbackher
e?
Hi
m:Icamet
odel
i
verMnqobi
'
sbody
.
Me:
yourwi
fei
scool
wit
hal
loft
his?
Him:*
chuckl
es*
shedoesn'
tknowbutdon'
twor
ryI
'
ll
handl
eher.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
thanks.
Hi
m:lookNquI 'm sor
ryaboutthi
senti
rething,i
t'
sall
myfaultIshouldhaveneverjoi
nedgangsterism or
l
etyourmot herjoi
ntoo.Ist
il
lwanttobeiny our
l
if
e,betherewhenmygrandki
dsar
ebor
n,bet
her
e
ony ourweddi
ngday
..
..
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
li
ket
hat
'sev
ergoi
ngt
ohappen.
Hi
m:*smil
e*ni
cetoseeyousmil
e,
whathappenedt
o
t
hatnur
sethatyouseem t
oli
ke.
Me:
youmeant
heoney
ouwer
epr
yingon?
Him:
youdon'
tser
iousl
ythi
nkt
hatIwoul
d'
vedone
somethi
ngt
oherdoy ou?
Me:
wel
l
...
Him:*chuckl
es*Idi
dthatt
omotiv
ateyouandto
scareherIwouldn'
tdosomet
hingthatwi
ckedtomy
fut
uredaughterinl
aw.
Me:
what
?
Hi
m:comeon,
webot
hknowy
oul
i
keher
.
Me:y
eahIdobutwecan'
tbet
oget
her,
she'
sallt
he
wayinLi
mpopoanditmi
ghtt
akeyear
sforherto
comeback.
Him:
i
fyouli
keher,
whynotgotoher?Imeanwi
th
howbeaut
if
ull
yyourbusi
nessi
sgrowingy
oucan
st
artanot
herbr
ancht
her
e.

Whydi
dn'
tIt
hinkoft
hat
?

Hi
m:*
sighs*I'
m goi
ngawayforawhil
e,Ineedsome
t
imet
omy sel
ftothi
nkaboutal
loft
his.

Heseemssosi ncereokIguessI'
m bei ngal it
tl
e
self
ishforbl
aminghim aboutal
lofthis,af
terallhe
j
oinedgangster
ism f
ormet osecuremyf utureand
I'
m successf
ult
odaybecauseoft hat
,Ishoul dbereal
grat
eful.

Him:I
'
llt
akeMnqobi'
sbodyt ot
hemor t
uaryandt r
yto
expl
ainthegunwoundt omakesurei
tdoesn'tl
ead
backtoyourmother
,Ihopeonedayyou'
ll
forgiv
e
me..
.Goodbyeson.

Het
urnsandwal
kout
.
#Nar
rat
ed.

Zamoisnowtiedupt
oachai
randMl
aseemst
obe
get
ti
ngimpat
ient.

Ml
a:*
fur
ious*
I'
m get
ti
ngoft
his.
Zamo:
thatmakest
hebot
hofusmanj
ustl
etmego.
Ml
a:notunt
ily
out
ell
mewher
eMi
nenhl
eis.
Zamo:Godyoublessedthi
sguywi
thear
sbuthe
doesn'
tseem t
ouset hem.

Oneoftheguyswal
ksi
nwi
thZamo'
sphoneand
handsi
ttoMla.

Ml
a:*
smi
rks*
wel
ll
et'
sseewhaty
ourphonesay
s.

Zamojustr
oll
shiseyesshowingnocare,
aft
era
minut
eorsoMl a'
ssmirkt
urnsint
oafrownsincehe
can'
tseem t
ofindany
thi
ngt
hathasMi
nenhl
eort
hat
stat
eswhereshecoul
dbe.

Zamo: letmet el
l yousomet hingman, I
'mv erysmart
yesIpl annedthiswhol ethi
ngcauseIsawt hat
Mi nenhledidn'
twantt ogetmar r
iedtoy ourdumb
assandIpl annedi twiththatphoney ouareholding
butunf ort
unatelyf oryouIerasedev ery
thingcauseI
didt hi
nky oumi ghtdosomet hi
nglikethis.Nonot
kidnapmeIdi dn'tthinkthatbutIshouldhav e,I
thoughty ouwoul dt racemeandgot hroughmy
phone.
Mla:
*l
ooksathimindi
sbel
i
ef*
evenaf
ool
cant
ell
t
hatyou'
rel
ying.
Zamo:
*shr
ugs*
wel
lwhat
evermakesy
ousl
eepat
ni
ght
.
Mla:someonehelpedyour
ight
?Youcoul
dn'
thav
e
pul
ledthi
sony ourown.
Zamo:
noIt
akeal
lthecr
edi
t.
Mlal
ooksupdef
eat
edbutqui
ckl
ythi
nksof
somet
hing.

Mla:l
ookslikeyour"
dat
e"i
sfur
iousforl
eav
ingher
hanginghowaboutIbri
ngherheresoshecanbe
yourmotivati
on.

Zamo'
shear
tbeat
stwi
ce.

Zamo:whatifItel
lyout
hatI
,
mysel
fdon'
tknow
wher
eMi nenhleis.
Ml
a:*
rol
l
shi
sey
es*
youknow.
Zamo:Idon't
,whydoyouthi
nkI'
m sorel
axedabout
thi
skidnappi
ngshit
?CauseIknowthatIhaveno
i
nformationtogi
veyou.

Mlalooksathi
m wit
hhiseyeshal
fclosedthen
standsupandwalksoutf
rust
rat
ed,l
eav i
ngZamo
exhali
nghopi
nghebuyswhathetoldhim.
°
Mbal
enhl
e°

Ml
a:okt
hatwoul
dbeal
lfort
odayt
hanky
ou.

Ohgodt hi
sissoex ci
ti
ng,Ihav eneverbeenpar
tofa
team beforemyt eam seem tobedi f
fer
entfr
om the
staffofthi
shospitalt
heyar eniceandfri
endl
y.
Mosa' sphoneringsasI'm walkingoutwit
hthe
others,
it
'sNtoko//

Me:
heybabe
Her
:heyl
ovehowar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m awesomey
our
sel
f?
Her
:Imi
ssy
oubutI
'
m al
socool
.
Me:
ncohImi
ssy
out
oo.
Her:
Iwasj
ustcheckinguponyou,
youneedt
obuya
phonewi
thyourfi
rstpayment
.
Me:
*gi
ggl
i
ng*
wel
lthatgoeswi
thoutsay
ingofcour
se.
Her:
*chuckl
es*
wel
lonmysi
demyshi
fti
saboutt
o
st
art
,byebabe.
Me:by
el.
.ohcoul
dy ousendmeZamo'
snumberI
hav
etocallhi
m andcheckuponhi
mit
'sbeena
whi
le.
Her
:wi
l
ldo,
Ihav
etogol
ovey
ou.
Me:
l
ovey
out
oo.
/
/
.
.
.
Sor
ryfort
heshor
tness,
I'
ll
trygi
vi
ngy
ouguy
sdoubl
e
i
nsert
stomor
row
¶Cont
inuat
ion¶

"
Minenhl
e"

It
urnt
olookathi
m.

Hi
m:canwet
alkf
orasec?
Me:
sur
e.
Him:
Idon'
tmeantobeforwardorany
thi
ngbutdo
youmindj
oini
ngmeforlunch?
Me:
uhm Si
rI.
..
Hi
m:Mlamel
iandi
twi
l
lbeahar
mlessl
unchI
pr
omise.
Me:
yeahuhI
'
m sor
rybutIcan'
t.

Wit
hMl amelibacki
nDurbanitstar
tedwi t
hlunch
andthenitwenttof
ri
endsthenitwentt omeleavi
ng
soIdon'twanttomakethesamemi st
ake
twi
ce,
yeaht
hisMlameli
mightbedi
ff
erentf
rom t
he
oneIknowbuti
tbett
ersaf
ethansor
ry.

Him:
*disappoint
ed*
owIj
ustwantt
ogett
oknowy
ou
buti
t'
sokay .
Me:
may
besomeot
hert
ime.
*smi
l
ing*

Hesmi l
esthennod.Iwal kawaysi ghinggoi
ngtothe
cafet
eri
a,Iseatatanempt ytableIwantt omake
somecalls.Iscr
olldownl ookingforNqubeko's
number,l
astti
mewet alkedhedi dn'tsoundgoodand
Ihaven'
tgottimetocal lhim backandt hank
hi
m. .
.wel
lhisnumberi sn'tsavedbutIt hi
nkthi
sis
i
t..
.i
tri
ngsacouplet i
mesbef orehepi cksup//

Hi
m:hel
l
o.
Me:
Nqubekoheyt
hisi
sMi
nenhl
e.
Hi
m:*
clear
shi
sthr
oat
*Mi
nenhl
ehi
,
howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goodt
hanks,
your
sel
f?
Hi
m:sameher
e.
Me:
Ijustwantt
osayt
hanky
ouf
ory
ouradv
ice,
Igot
t
hejob*smil
i
ng*
Hi
m:wowt
hat
'sawesomecongr
atul
ati
ons.
Me:t
hanks,
sohowar ethi
ngsgoi
ngt
hatsi
de?
you
knowwithyourpar
ents.
Hi
m:it
'salongstor
ybutdadgavemeMnqobi'sbody
Ij
uststar
tedwit
hthefuner
alar
rangement
s.
Me:byl
ongstor
yIhopey
oudon'
tmeant
haty
ou
j
oinedw..
..
.
Hi
m:nonoIdi
dn'
t.
Me:*exhali
nginreli
ef*
good,Iwouldli
ketocomeand
helpyouwi t
hthearrangement sandalsoat
tendt
he
funer
aljustforsupportbutIcan'
t.
Him:
Minenhl
eIcanpr
otectyou,
Idon'
thowuhorI
coul
dhir
eabodyguar
dforyou.
Me:
why
?
Hi
m:Idon'
tfol
l
ow.
Me:
whydoy
ouwantt
opr
otectme?Uhwhy
?
Hi
m:*
sighs*
Ican'
ttel
lyouwhyov
ert
hephone.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
wheni
sthef
uner
al?
Hi
m:t
hiscomi
ngSat
urday
.
Me:I'
llbeknocki
ngoffear
lythi
scomingFriday
,I'
l
l
catchabust oDurbansopleasehi
rethatbodyguar
d
fortheweekend.
Hi
m:weekend?
Me:
yeahSundayI'
m comi
ngback,Ican'
tl
iv
emyl
i
fe
wi
thabodyguar
dalwaysfol
l
owingme.
Hi
m:y
oud.
..
*si
ghs*
I'
ll
bookaf
li
ghtf
ory
ou.
Me:
ohy
oudon'
thav
eto.
Hi
m:Iwantt
oI.
..

"Igotyourt
ext,
tel
lmei t
'snott
rue"
afemal
e'
svoi
ce
saysinthebackground.

Hi
m:l
ookIhav
etogo.
//
Hedropsthecall
,Iwonderwhothati
sany
wayit
's
l
ooksli
keNt okohasalr
eadysentmeZamo's
numberletmecal l
him.

"
Hey
"
Il
ookupt
othi
sladyst
andi
ngnextt
othet
abl
e.

Me:
*smi
l
ing*
hi.
Her
:doy
oumi
ndi
fIj
oiny
ou?
Me:
notatal
l
.
Her:
*taki
ngaseat
*thanks,
I'
m St
habi
l
ebyt
heway
butyoucancal
lmeSt ha.
Me:
nicet
omeety
ouI
'
m Mi
nenhl
e.
Her
:*smil
es*nicet
omeetyout
oo,
i
t'
sact
ual
l
ymy
f
ir
sttimeseeingyouher
earey
ounew?
Me:
yeahIam.
Her
:h.
..
.
IguessI
'
llcal
lZamol
ater
.
~i
nser
t22~

°
Nqubeko°

I'
vebeenconsolingBuhl e,Mnqobi'
sgi r
lf
riendforthe
l
astpast2hour sshedi dn'tt
aket henewswel lbut
whocanbl ameher ?She' spregnantandbef oreshe
coul
devent ell
Mnqobi aboutthepr egnancyshe
fi
ndsoutthatMnqobi i
snomor e...
Ican'timagine
whatshe'
sf eel
ingrightnow.

Me:Iknowi t
'shardt r
ustmeIknow, beforeMnqobi
di.
..
beforeheleftforabusi nesstr
iphesuspected
thatyouarepregnantandhewaspl anningon
proposingtoyousi ncehedi dn'
twanthi schi
ldtobe
bornoutofwedl ock...Buhl
emybr ot herl
ovedyouso
muchIhopey ouknowt hatandIknowi t
'sgoi
ngto
behar dtohealandmov eon.
Her
:*sni
ff
s*r
eal
l
?Hewasgoi
ngt
opr
opose?
Igrabmyt abfrom thetabl
eandshowhi m avi
deo
me,Mnqobi andMl atookweeksago...
whereMnqobi
wasbl abberingabouthowmuchhel ovesBuhl
eand
thathe'sreadyt omakeherhi swi
feandstarta
fami l
ywithher.It'
sli
kethevideoopenedatapof
tears.

Her:
*cr
ying*howcouldbhedot
histome?Howcan
heleav
emeal l
alone?Howam Isupposet
orai
se
ourchi
ldaloneh..
.
Me:pleasestopcryi
ng,
andI'
l
l hel
pyouwit
hmyni ece
ornephewi fyouneedanyt
hingdon'
tbeafrai
dtotel
l
me.Mnqobi 'schi
l
disli
kemychi l
dsoI'
ll
alwaysbe
ther
ef orhi
m orher.

Shewi
peshert
ear
slooki
ngatmeshocked.

Her
:It
akebackal
lthemeant
hingsIsai
dabouty
ou.
Me:
i
t'
sokay
.
Her
:*sni
ff
s*okIam cal
m now,
tel
lmewhatexact
ly
happened?Whoshothi
m,why
?
Me:Ial
sodonotknow,
mydadhast
hatki
ndof
i
nformati
on.
Her:
Ijustdon'
tgetwhowoul dwanttoki
ll
Mnqobi
he'
sthenicestpersonIhav
eev ermetandIdon'
t
thi
nkhehadanenemy .
Me:*sighi
ng*
may behewasinawrongplaceatt
he
wrongt i
me..
.any
wayenoughaboutt
hatnow..
uhhow
f
arar eyou?
Her:
*smil
es*
tomorr
owI'
l
lbe3mont hs,y
oudon'
t
mindcomingwit
hmeinthenextdoctor
's
appoi
ntment
?
Me:
uhm er
rnotatal
l
.

Isti
l
lhavet
ocomeupwi t
hanideaofconvinci
ng
Minehtost
aycauseIjustr
ecent
lyfoundoutthat
star
ti
nganot
herbranchwil
lbeabitimpossibl
eat
themomentespecial
lyi
nMpumalanga.

Buhl
e:t
hanks,
Ishoul
dgetgoi
ngnowmymot
her
mustbewor
ri
ed.
Me:okl
etmedr
ivey
oubackhomet
hen*
standi
ng
up*
Her
:*st
andsup*
whyar
eyousoni
ce?
Me:I'
veal
waysbeennice,
youjustdi
dn'
ttakea
chancetogettoknowmey oujustj
udgedme..
.t
hey
saydonotjudgeabookbyitcoverbutyoudi
d.
Her
:Idi
dandI
'
m sor
ry.
Me:
i
t'
sokay
,l
et'
sgo.

Webot
hwal
kout
.

°
Att
heGabuzahousehol
d°

Mr
sG:
*fumi
ng*
YOUDI
DWHAT?
??!
MrG:Don'tyoufuckindareraisey
ourvoiceatme
women,youhavedi srespect
edmel ongenoughand
i
tst
opst oday.
Mr
sG:
*embar
rassed*
I'
m sor
ry,
Iwon'
tdoi
tagai
n.
MrG:I
'mthesor
ryoneandnoy
ouwon'
tbecauseI
wantout
.
Mr
sG:
*conf
used*
out
?Outofwhat
?
MrG:
oft
hismar
ri
age.
Mr
sG:
*shocked*
what
?Why
?
MrG: why ?*chuckles*youthinkIdon' tknowt hatyou
arecheat ingonme?Ther easonwhyIdi dn'
tsay
anythingi st hatIhadhopedt hatNqubekowasgoi ng
totakemypl acethenIcangof arawayf rom here
awayf r om y oubutmyey eswer eopened, andI
real
izedt hatIcan'tputNqubekot hroughwhatI 'v
e
beent hr oughev ersinceIjoinedthisl i
neofwor khe
deserv essomuchnott hi
s.Insteadofbei ngawi fe
andamot hersupporti
ngandpr otectingherkidsy ou
suppor tedmyev i
lway sandkeptencour aging
them....Ilostmybr ot
herbecauseofy ouI.
.
Her
:yout
wohat
edeachot
hersoId.
..
..
MrG:j
ustbecausewef oughtdoesn'tmeanwehated
eachot
her,
brother
'sf
ightaft
erallyeahhebet
ray
ed
meandsl eptwit
hmywi febehindmybackbutI
di
dn'that
ehim Imeanhowcoul dIhat
esomeone
whogav emet wobeauti
fulsons*smil
es*and
becauseofyouIlostoneofthem andmyselfi
sh
waysmademel osetheotherone.
Her
:*cryi
ng*
okBenIgeti
tandI'
m sor
ry,
l
etmer
ight
mywr ongsbygi
vi
ngyouanot
herchil
d.
MrG: *chuckl i
ng* arey ouhear i
ngyourself
?Let'
sput
thefactthatIcan' thav ekidsaside,
whywoul dIwant
ababywi thy ou?Wear esool dyouknowwe
shouldn'tbet alkingaboutcheat i
ngandt hat
stuff
..
.youar eamar ri
edwomenf orf
ucksakesy ou
shouldn'tbegoi ngaroundsl eepi
ngwithkids..
..
I'
l
lbe
l
y i
ngifIsayIj ustlostbecauseIl ostyoumanyy ear
s
agoIt ri
edf indingy oubuti tisn'
tmewhol ostyou
fi
rst,
youl osty ourselff i
rstandIhopet hatoneday
you'l
lfindy ourself..
..
.nowexcusemeIhav epacking
todoandst ayfarawayf r
om Nqubekoorhel pme
god..
...

Hewal
ksawayf
rom hernotbel
i
evi
ngt
hatBen
want
stodi
vor
ceher
.

Meanwhi
l
eatMl
a'
s

Ml
apacesupanddownt
hinki
ng.

Guy
1:j
ustl
ett
heki
dgohedoesn'
tknowany
thi
ng.
Ml
a:SHUTUP!I
'
mtr
yingt
othi
nk.

Hekeepspacingupanddownbuti tseemsl
i
keheis
outofidea,
hestopsandsighsbef
oregoi
ngt
othe
room where'
she'skeepi
ngZamo.

Hefindshim asl
eep,helooksathi
mforav er
ylong
ti
mebef or
esighingagai
nandwal kst
owardshimto
unti
ehim butheisdist
urbedbyoneoftheguys.

Ml
a:what
?
Guy
:hi
sphonei
sri
ngi
ng,
i
t'
sanunknownnumber
.
Mla:
*si
ghs*answeri
tandputi
tonloudspeakert
hen
t
ellwhoeveri
tist
oleaveamessage.

Theguynodsanddoashesay
s//

Guy
:Zamo'
sphonehel
l
o.
Voi
ce:
uhm hi
,
isZamocl
oset
oyou?

Ml
a'
sneckal
mostsnapsduet
otur
ningi
tsoqui
ckl
y.

Guy:
he'
snothereatthemomenthe'
sver
ybusy
t
hesedaysbutI'
m hi
sfri
endy
oucanleavea
messageI
'l
lpassitt
ohim.
Voice:
okuht ellhim Idon'thaveaphoney etI
borrowedthisoneandi townerwi l
lbeneedingit
backtoday*giggles*j
eezeMosa* cl
earsher
thr
oat*sor
ryaboutt hatalsot el
lhimthatI'
ll
flydown
toDurbanonFr idayf orMnqobi'sfuneral
ifhealso
want
stocomeI
'
llbuyhi
mthebust
icket
.
Guy
:okIwi
l
landwhomustIsayl
eftt
hemessage?
Voi
ce:
Minenhl
e.
Guy
:al
ri
ght
.

Zamowakesuphear
ingv
oicesandt
heguydr
ops
thecal
l
.

/
/

Ml
amel
il
etoutasl
ysmi
l
e.

Ml
a:guesswhoj
ustcal
l
ed?
Zamo:
*yawns*
I'
m hungr
y.
Mla:
*rol
l
shi seyes*Mi
nenhl ej
ustcal
ledandaskedt
o
t
elly
out hatshe'
llbef
lyingdownherFr i
dayfor
Mnqobi'
sf uner
al*smi
l
es* damnIbettergobuyoneof
t
hebestsui tsf
ormyfriend'sf
uneral
.
Zamo:
*shockedandt
err
if
ied*
what
?W.
.w.
.wh.
..
Mla:wha.
..
..
wha..
what?HaveKevinHar
tranoutof
j
okes?ohpoorthi
ng,toobadcauseyouwon'
tbe
att
endingthef
uneral
wewoul dn'
twantyour
uini
ng
thi
ngsformenowwoul dwe?
Zamo:
*swal
l
ows*
stayawayf
rom her
.
Ml
a:orel
sewhat
?
Zamo:
I'
m gonnaki
l
lyou.

Mlal
aughshi
sassoutbuthi
slaughsubsi
desashe
t
hought
srunwil
d.

Mla:
wait,
Idi
dn'
tknowthatitwil
lbeMnqobi'
sfuneral
andalr
eadyMinenhl
eknowsaboutitwhichmeans
Nqubekohasbeenincontactwit
hMinenhl
e,f
uck!!

Zamodoesn'
tcar
eaboutall
ofthathei
ssaying,
all
hecar
esabouti
sMinenhl
ewhodoesn'thav
eacl ue
onwhatawai
tsheri
nDurban.
~i
nser
t23~

°
Minenhl
e°

Ididn'
tthi
nkthatI
'l
lbebackher
esosoonbutat
least
I'
l
lbesaf et
histi
mearound.

Idr
agmyl i
tt
lesuit
caset
owar
dsNqubekowhois
l
eaningonhiscarwit
hhi
shandsonhi
spocket
s.

Me:
*smi
l
ing*
hey
.
Him:*
clear
shi
sthr
oat
*uhm hi
,
youl
ookbeaut
if
uly
ou
know.
Me:
*bl
ushi
ng*
thanky
ou.

Henodsandpi
cksupmysui
tcaseandputi
tatt
he
backofhi
scar
.
Hi
m:l
et'
sgo.
Me:whathasasmi
l
eev
erdonet
oyou?Justsmi
l
ea
l
it
tl
e.
Hi
m:Idon'
tl
ikesmil
ingbecausepeopl
ewon'
ttake
meseri
ous.
(opensadoorforme)
Me:*
gett
inginsi
de*
Ml aoncesaidagi
rlbr
okey
our
hear
tanditgottoyourealgood.
Hi
m:hesai
dthat
?
Me:
yer
p.

Hegoesaroundandgetsi
nthenst
art
sthei
gni
ti
on
wi
thablackcarf
oll
owingus.

Hi
m:Idon'
tknowwher
ehegott
hatcausemyhear
t
i
sperf
ectl
yfi
ne.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
ifyousayso.
..
.j
ustt
obesur
eyouar
e
t
aki
ngmet oNtoko'
sri
ght
?
Hi
m:no.
*focusi
ngont
her
oad*
Me:
thenw.
..
Him:
myhouse,ify
oufeel
li
keyouwon'tbe
comf
ort
ablethentakemyphoneandcall
Ntokot
o
comeovert
omyhouset okeepyoucompany.
Me:
okI
'
llcal
lherl
ater
.

Wesettl
eint
oacomf
ort
abl
esi
l
encef
oracoupl
e
mi
nutes.

Him:
*clear
shist
hroat
*nott
oscarey
ouoranythi
ng
butMlamelimi
ghtcometothef
uneral
tomor
row.

Myhear
tbeat
stwi
ce.

Me:
doy
out
hinkhe'
sgonnat
rysomet
hing?
Him:*sighs*
Idon'
tknowbutdon'
twor
ryIwon'
tl
eav
e
yourside.
Idon'
tknowwhybutt
hatj
ustmademyhear
tmel
t.

Me:IdonotknowwhatMl aiscapableofsi nceI

haven'
tknownhi mthatmuch.Oneoft hemai n
reasonwhyIlefti
smymot herIwasn'tthinki
ngt hat
muchaboutMl a*si
ghing*Iwast hinki
ngt hatsince
shehiredsomeonetobr ingmebackhomewhat
wouldstopherfrom doingitagain.
Him:wait
,whatyou'
retr
yingt
osayist
haty
ouarenot
thatmuchwor r
iedaboutMlabuty
ouarewor
ri
ed
aboutyourmother.
Me:
yeah.
Hi
m:wellIt
hinky
oushouldbemoreworr
iedabout
Ml
ameli,
hehastotal
l
ychangedi
ntosomethi
ngI
mysel
fdon'
tknow.
Me:
oky
ou'
rescar
ingme.
Him:sor
ry,ohwhil
ey ou'
reherewil
lyoueducat
eme
aboutpregnancyyouknowwhatoneshoul ddoto
makesur ethatapregnantpersoni
shealt
hyatal
l
ti
mes.
Me:
owuhokay
.

Sohe'
sgonnabeaf
athersoon,
whati
sgoi
ngonwi
th
me.

Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouhadababyont
heway
.
Him:Idon'
t,
mybrot
her
'sgi
rl
fr
iendi
spregnantand
sinceMnqobii
snomoreIhavetot
akeofherand
thebaby.
Me:*si
ghi
nginreli
ef*
yucksshemustbegoi
ng
t
hroughhell
rightnow.
Hi
m:y
ouhav
enoi
dea.
Me:ohdoyouhaveZamo'snumber?Ir
eal
l
yhav
eto
cal
lhi
mI '
mreal
lyworr
iedabouthi
m.
Hi
m:yeahIhav
eity
oucancal
lbutwhyar
eyou
wor
ri
ed?
Me:
Icall
edhi
m 3day sagoandhi
sfri
endanswer
ed
t
hephonesayinghe'
sbeenbusyl
atel
yhe'
llt
aket
he
message,
heusual
lygetbackt
omeassoonashe
get
sthemessage.

Itakehi
sphoneandswi
tchi
tonandgot
ohi
s
contact
s.

Hi
m:may
bet
hef
ri
enddi
dn'
tdel
i
vert
hemessage.
Me:unl
esshehasanewf ri
endcauset
heonewho
usual
lyanswer
shisphonealway
sdeli
ver
,whydoy
ou
haveonly4cont
acts.

I
t'
sonl
yNt
oko,
Zamo,
Buhl
eandMosa.

Hi
m:that'
sanewphonet
hatIboughtaf
tert
he
ki
dnapthing.
Me:
owy
eah.
Ical
lZamobuti
ttakesmest
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l
.
Me:
*conf
used*
voi
cemai
l
?
Hedri
vesi
nsi
detowhatIt
hinki
shi
shouse/
home,
he
par
ksandl
ooksatme.

Hi
m:whydoest
hatseem t
oconf
usey
ou?

Hehasl
ookedatmebeforesowhyi
shi
slook
maki
ngfeel
sohotr
ightnow?

Me:*cl
osi
ngmyey es*Zamo'sphonenev
erswi
tches
off
,hi
sbatt
erydoesn'
tgetbelow20%hemakessure
ofi
t.
Hi
m:i
sther
esomet
hingwr
ongwi
thi
t?
Me:
no.
Hi
m:whyar
eyourey
escl
osed?Am It
hatugl
y.
Me:
no.

Iexhal
eopeni
ngem,
he'
sst
il
ll
ooki
ngatme.
Hi
m:doIhav
esomet
hingonmyf
ace?

I
fhandsomenessisasomet
hingt
henIguessthat
's
whatyouhav
e..
..
ohmygodwhatiswrongwithme?

Hi
m:wel
ldoI
?
Me:
*bl
i
nki
ng*
no,
not
her
e'snot
hingchi
l
l.
Hi
m:*
tur
nsandopent
hedoor
*al
ri
ght
.

Heget
sout
.

Me:
deargodwhati
shappeni
ngt
ome?

Ial
sot
urnsi
deway
sopeni
ngt
hedoor
.
#Nar
rat
ed

Ml
a:sowhatdi
dyouget
?
Guy:
Iwai
tedathi
sgat
eli
key
ousai
dandhei
ndeed
camebackwit
halady
.
Ml
a:*
smi
l
es*
hej
ustmademypl
anmor
eeasi
er.
Guy
:wel
lIdon'
tthi
nkso.
Ml
a:whatdoy
oumean?
Guy
:heseemedt
ohav
ehi
redbody
guar
dsf
orher
.
Mla:
What?No!!
*st
andsup*Shi
t,
okayokayI
'
m sur
eI
canthi
nkofsomethi
ng.
Guy:
thi
sguymusthav
eknewt
haty
ouwi
l
ltr
y
somethi
ngandhi
redt
hem.
Mla:
meaningheonl
yhi
redt
hem t
opr
otectherwhi
l
e
she'
sher
e.
Guy
:uhm y
eahIguess.
Mla:
whi
chmeanwher
evershe'
shidi
ngorst
ayi
ng
t
herear
enobody
guar
dsprotect
ingher
.
Guy
:ookayI
'
mthi
nki
ngt
haty
ouj
ustgotanewpl
an.
Mla:y
eah,wej
ustfi
ndwhereshestaysexact
lyand
thi
ngswil
lbealoteasi
ercauset
here'
l
lbeno
bodyguar
dsnoNqubeko.
Guy
:andhowar
eyoupl
anni
ngonf
indi
ngt
hat
?
Mla:
wel
lwenowknowt
hatZamoact
ual
l
yknowsa
l
otsohe'
ll
tel
lus.
Guy
:heseemspr
otect
iveov
ert
hisMi
nenhl
eper
son.
Mla:
ther
e'saNi
colegi
rlsav
edonhisphone,
char
ge
i
t,
gethernumber
s,fi
ndherandbr
ingherher
e.

Theguynodsandwal
ksaway
.

°
Mlamel
iM°

Mom:
I'
m get
ti
ngol
dyouknow.
Me:*chuckl
i
ng*
don'
twor
rymom y
ou'
l
lgetgr
andki
ds
soon.
Her
:soon?
Me:
whenmeandZamahav
egot
tenmar
ri
ed.
Her:
whenisthatcauseyout
woseem t
obet
aki
ng
yoursweett
ime*smiles*
Me:don'
twor
rytheweddingi
nvit
ati
onswil
lbeout
soonsoyoucanstar
tprepar
ingyourl
ongspeech.
Mom:
*l
aughs*
andt
rustmei
twi
l
lbel
ong.

GodIlovethi
swomen, she'
sbeenwithmet hr
ough
thi
ckandthinsherai
sedmeasasi ngl
eparentmy
fat
herwasinvolv
einsomeshootingonthedayIwas
bornyeahsoIonlyknowhim ont
hepictur
es.

Mom:y
ourauntwi
l
lbej
oini
ngust
oday
,sheshoul
dbe
her
ebynow.
Me:*
smili
ng*I
'
m sosur
ethatsheboughtme
somethi
nginCapeTown.
Her:
*giggl
es*youar
eagrownassman,
youcan'
t
expecthertobri
ngyousomet
hing.
Me:ohmyauntl
ovesmeIknowshe'
l
lbr
ingme
somethi
ng.

Myaunt ,
mom' ssi st erli
v esi nCapeTownwi t
hher
husbandwel lhowdoIexpl ainthei rstory?Theywer e
bot hinv olvedi nanacci dentt heysomehowhi ta
tree,herhusbandwasdr i
vingi nhi ghspeedt ryingt o
gett ot hehospi tal sinceauntwasduet hatdayand
bygod' sgr acet heysur v i
vedbutt heywer e
i
nj ured...
..auntmanagedt ogetoutoft hecar
scr eami ngf orhel pandsomel adyshowedup, aunt
askedt hel adyt ocal lanambul ancecauseherbaby
wasont heway ,thel adysai dt here'snot i
meshe' l
l
hel phergi vebi rtht hencal ltheambul ance. .Why
didn'tthel adycal ltheambul ancet henhel ped?
That 'swhatauntshoul d'vet houghtbutIguessshe
wasabi ttraumat izedandherhusbandwasawf ul
ly
weak. .
.oht hel adydi dhel phergi vebirthandt hen
ranawaywi tht hebaby ..eiIdon' tev enwantt ot alk
aboutt hepai nauntandherhusbandwent
through, theycoul dn' ttr
yf oranot herbabysi ncet he
acci dentdi ddamaget obot hoft hem.Theyspoi l
me,
theyt
reatmeli
kethei
rchi
l
dIknowI'
llnevert
ake
t
hei
rbaby'
splacebutIt
ryt
omakeithur
tless.
"
Fami
l
yI'
m home!
!"

Ismi
lest
andingupr unni
ngtowardsherbutst
ops
andmysmileturnsintoafr
own,whydoesshelooks
somuchli
keMi nenhle?
~i
nser
t24~

°
Mlamel
i
°

"
Hel
l
o!!Ear
tht
oM.
L"

Me:
mmh.
Aunt
:wher
eyouat
?
Iqui
ckl
ysnapoutofi
t.
Me:
uhh?
?
Aunt:
what'
swrong?I
t'
sli
key
ouj
ustsawa
ghost
.*gi
ggl
es*

Icl
earmyt
hroatandf
akeasmi
l
ethengi
veherahug.

Her
:nowt
her
eiti
s,
Iwaswonder
ingwhenI
'
llgeti
t.
Me:
sowhatdi
dyoubr
ingme?
Her
:ohheysi
s*av
oidi
ngey
esi
ght
*
Me:
youdi
dn'
tbr
ingany
thi
ngf
ormedi
dyou?
Her
:Idi
dn'
tcomef
ory
ouso*
shr
ugs*
Me:
*gaspi
ngdr
amat
ical
l
y*ohInev
er.
Her:
*l
aughs*
whatdoesy
ourmot
herkeepf
eedi
ng
you?
Mom:*giggl
es*
he'
sdr
amat
ical
l
ybynatur
ethi
soneI
don'
tknowhowZamaputupwithhi
m.

Irol
lmyeyesaswetakeaseatafterauntgives
mom ahug.Weenjoysupperoveralight
conver
sat
ionfi
l
ledwi
thlaught
erandIser i
ouslydo
notknowhowtobri
ngthelookal
ikethingi
eup.

Aunt:
*smi
les*
someandmyhusbandhav
edeci
ded
thatwear
egoingt
oadopt
.
Mom:*
smiles*
ohmygod,
that
'swonder
fulsoar
eyou
goi
ngtoadoptagi
rl
?WuuIhopeit
'sagir
l.
Aunt
:*smi
l
es*
Ial
sowantagi
rlbutZacwant
saboy
.
Mom:
ohboy
.
Aunt
:exact
ly,
soM.
Lwhatdoy
out
hink?
Me:
uhm Iuhh.
..
Aunt
:uhm y
ouuhh.
.what
?
Mom:
Ibethe'
sgonnasayaboy
.
Aunt
:hi
m andZact
hinkal
i
ket
oomuch.

Okyher
eitgoes.

Mom:
somyboyw.
..
Me:
*gr
oani
ng*
Mom!
!!
!
Mom:
what
?*gi
ggl
es*
Me:
I'
m notaboyany
mor
e.
Aunt
:buty
ou'
l
lal
way
sbeourboy
(shebabyt
alkst
hat
)
Me:
*rol
l
ingmyey
es*
mov
ingon.
..

Theybot
hlaughatme.
Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*soaunt
,uhhsoIhav
eanew
t
eam.
Aunt
:mmmokay
.
Me:
oneoft
hem er
rsheuhh.
..
Mom:she?
?Zamawi
l
lmopt
hatugl
yfaceofy
our
s
andI
'
llhel
pher
.
Aunt
:met
oo.
Me:l
etmefinisht
uu,
thi
sgir
l.
.hernameisMinenhl
e
shesor
takindanosheexactl
ylooks.
..
whatI
'mtry
ing
tosayi
sthatshe'
saphotocopy..
..
Aunt
:M.
Lboyw.
..
Me:
notaboy
.
Aunt:okokIgett
hatbutyougonnahavetogett
o
thepoint
..
.shel
ooksexactl
yli
kewho?She'
sa
photocopyofwho?
Me:
ofy
ou.

*
*si
l
ence*
*
Me:shehasy
oursmil
e,
yourwal
kshe'
syoubutshe
hasuncl
eZac'
seyes.

*
*si
l
ence*
*

Bothmymot
herandauntatl
ooki
ngatmewi
tht
ear
s
thr
eat
eni
ngt
ofal
l.

Me:Iknowwhatyougonnasay
,thatpeopl
edolook
al
ikebutshel
ookstoomuchli
key ouforal
loft
hist
o
beacoinci
dence.
Aunt
:*st
andsup*
excuseme.

Shewal
ksawaydi
sappeari
ngi
nthepassage,
Ist
and
upwant
ingt
ogoafterher
.

Mom:
nol
etherbef
orawhi
l
e.
Me:
butmom sh.
..
.
Mom:Mlamel
iyou'
vejustt
ouchedasensi
ti
vet
opi
c,
pl
easel
etherbeformaybeanhour.

Isi
tbackdownst
il
ll
ooki
ngt
owar
dst
hepassage.

#Nar
rat
ed

Mlamel
iwal
ksint
heloungefi
xi
nghi
scof
fi
ns,
he
f
indshi
sguyswai
ti
ngforhi
m.

Ml
a:okso?
Guy
1:wefoundt
hegirl
,
wet
iedherupi
nthesame
r
oom wi
ththedude.
Ml
a:al
ri
ght,
wellIhaveaf uner
alt
ogett
ooI
'
lldeal
wi
ththem whenI'm back.

Theguy
snodwhi
l
eMl
agr
abshi
scarkey
sandwal
k
out
.
Meanwhilei
ntheot
herr
oom Zamol
ooksatNi
col
e
hel
plessl
y.

Ni
col
e:okZamot
ell
whatt
hef
ucki
sgoi
ngoneher
e?
Zamo:
*shocked*
didy
ouj
ustswear
?
Ni
col
e:*
rol
l
sherey
es*
Zamo.
Zamo:
sor
ryI
'
mjustshockedy
ouseem soi
nnocent
.
Ni
col
e:ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ochanget
hesubj
ect
?
Zamo:no,
soy
our
emembermycousi
nthatIt
oldy
ou
about
?
Ni
col
e:y
eah.
Zamo:yeahwell
thepsychoguyi
stryi
ngtogether
buthehasnoideawheresheli
ves*
sighs*
somehow
Minenhl
ecall
edandtheyhadmyphonesh. .
.
Ni
col
e:ohno,
theyf
oundher
?
Zamo:somet
hingli
kethat,
andI'
mt hi
nki
ngthatthey
somehowcan'tgetherandthat
'swhytheybrought
youhere.
Ni
col
e:wai
tyousai
dshecal
l
edr
ight
?
Zamo:
yeah.
Ni
col
e:t
henwhydi
dn'
ttheyj
ustt
rackher
?
Zamo:
they
..
..
I.
..
wel
lIt
hinkt
heyar
edumb.
Ni
col
egi
ggl
esmaki
ngZamosmi
l
es.
Zamo:oknowyourt
urn,
youar
ekidnapped,y
ouare
fr
om homeandyouseem per
fect
lyfi
ne.
..Whyar
en't
youscar
ed?
Ni
col
e:mydadwi
l
lfi
ndme.
Zamo:
whydoy
ousoundsosur
e?
Ni
col
e:causeIam sur
e.
Zamo:
ooookay
,andI
'
mreal
l
ysor
ryf
ordr
aggi
ngy
ou
i
ntot
his.
Ni
col
e:*
sighs*
it'
sokay
.
Zamo:
socanIst
il
ltakey
ououtonadat
e*smi
l
es*
Ni
col
e:*
laughst
hrowi
ngherheadback*
may
be.
Zamo:
I'
l
ltaket
hatasay
es.
.
.
#In_
Jo'
bur
g

Nicol
e'
smom pacesupanddownwithherphoneon
herear,
soonNi
col
e'
sfat
heranswer
s//

Hi
m:hey
.
Her
:i
sNi
col
ether
ewi
thy
ou?
Hi
m:nowhy
?
Her:
Ican'
tgetahol dofherwewer esupposedto
spendtodaytogether
,herf
ri
endshaven'tseenher
si
nceyesterday.
..
.t
hisisnotl
ikeher*
cri
es*
Hi
m:okokcal
m downI
'
llbet
her
einaf
ewmi
nut
es.

/
/

Hehangsup,andshewi
pesouthert
ear
sandcal
l
s
herhusband/
/
Hi
m:babeI
'
m al
mostt
her
eokay
.

Shenodsasi
fhecansherandhangsup.

Aft
erawhi
leherhusbandrushesi
nsi
deandshe
thr
owsher
sel
fathim cry
ingherey
esout.

Hi
m: honeyi
t'
sokayI
'm sureshe'
ssafewhereshe'
s
at
,I
'
llfi
ndherIpr
omise.
* ki
ssesherf
orehead*

Ni
col
e'
sfatheral
sor
ushesi
nbutstopsandt
het
wo
manmurdereachot
herwi
ththei
reyes.

Lev
i:
what
'shedoi
ngher
e?
Khay
a:ai
bot
hisi
smyhouse.

Lev
icloseshi
sey
esr
eal
i
zingt
hatwhathej
ustasked
i
sstupid.
Lev
i:
oknowgi
veusspace.
Khaya:excuseme?Firstofally
oudon'
tgett
oruni
n
wesi fit
'syourf
ather
'skraalandt
hendemandmeto
gi
vey ouspacewithMYwi f
einmyowngoddamn
house.
Tasha:
guy
spl
ease.
Levi
:I
'
m her
etotal
kwitht
hemotherofMYchil
d
aboutMYchil
dsothi
sdoesn'
tconcer
nyou.
Khaya:
Nicol
eisal
somychil
dyesnotbybloodbut
herandhermothercameasapackagedealso.
..
Lev
i:
packagedeal
myl
eftf
oot
!
Tasha:
SHUTUP! !Bot
hofyouj
ustshutup,
mybabyi
s
nowheretobefoundsoj
ustputasi
deyour
di
ffer
encesasi
deandgofindmybaby.
Khaya:
Ilov
ey oubabeyouknowthatbutIain'
tgoi
ng
nowherewithhi
m orel
seIam goi
ngt oki
llhim.
Tasha:
Khay
apl
ease,
doi
tforNi
col
e.
Khay
a:*
sighs*
okI
'
lldoi
tformydaught
er.
Lev
i:
yourdaught
er?Thel
astt
imeIcheckedIwas
t
heonewhowasont
opofTashamak.
..
..
.
Tasha:
Lev
i!
!!
Lev
i:
WhatTeeuh?
Khay
a:andy
ouexpectmet
ogowi
tht
his?
Tasha:
okt
henIguessI
'
m goi
ngt
olookf
ormybaby
myself
.

Shemar
chesoutwi
thKhay
acal
l
inghername.

Khay
a:wenawhyar
eyoust
il
lher
e?
Lev
i:
ohhhw.
..
.
Khaya:
weLeviawuphumekwami ngi
ngaze
ngi
kugxobe(
Levigetoutofmyhousebef
oreIst
ep
onyou)
Lev
i:
*chuckl
es*
Iwasl
eav
ingany
way
.
Hewalksoutl
eavi
ngKhayapissedoff
..
.soonaf
ter
t
hathecall
stheguysandaf
terthecal
lhechecks
Ni
cole'
str
acker
.
~i
nser
t25~

°
Minenhl
e°

Nqubekohasbeenbymysi deeversinceMl agot

here,
he'
sbeingextracauset he2body guardsare
ri
ghtbehi
ndmewel l"us"
.I'
mr eal
lygetti
ngwor r
ied
aboutZamonow, hehasn'tgottenbackt omehi s
phonesti
ll
takesmet ovoicemailandwor seheis
milesawayfrom here.

Me:
youhav
etogot
othest
agesoony
ouknow?
Hi
m:*
sighs*
wil
lyoubeokay
?
Me:
wit
hthem her
eIwi
l
lnowgo.

Hesi ghsagainandwal kst othepodium..

...
..
ther
e
arenotal otofpeopleher ebuttheyarealsonot
few..
justrel
ati
vessincet heparentsarenot
present,
Mnqobi'sgir
lfr
iendandherf amily
,
col
l
eaguesanditseemsl
i
ket
heydi
dn'
thav
efr
iends
i
twasjustMlameli
.

Nqubeko:gr eeti
ngst oallofyou*exhales*wheredoI
star
t?Mybr otherwast hedef i
nit
ionof
fun,
loud,
talkativ
eandal way slaughingev enon
seri
ousev entnott oment ionfunerals,heal
waysgot
usintroublebot hhim and* pause*bothhim andMla
alwaysgoti sintotroubleandIal way shavetogetus
outoftroubl e*
chuckles*

Ohmygodhej ustchuckl
ed,hejustli
ter
all
ychuckl
ed
anditl
ookscuteonhim..
.what
'slefti
sforhimto
smil
emor eof
tenandlaugh.

Him:alotofpeoplethoughtofusast winsbecause
wewer ealwaystogether ,
wedideverythingtogether
hewasmybestf ri
end,thebestbrotherany onewould
wishforhewasev erythingIeverwant edhimt o
be,heannoyedmef rom t i
metot i
me,madef unofme
sometimebutIlovedhi m despit
etheannoy i
ng
thingshedid...nowt hathe'sgoneIfeelsoempty
andsol onely(hel ooksupbl i
nki
ngrepeatedl
y
blockinghistear s)yourtimecamet ooear l
ybutwhat
canwesay *shr ugs*I '
ll
foreverl
oveyoubr o,
mayyour
soul r
estinpeace.

Hewal ksof fthepodi um. ..

.i
mmedi atelysomeol d
l
adyst ar tssingingwhi leNquwal kstowar dsme, I'
ma
messr ightnowIcan' tstopmyt ears.
..hegetst ome
butdoesn' tstopwal king,hewal ksst r
aighttot hecar.
Iwipeoutmyt earsandf oll
owhi m wi ththeguar ds
foll
owingme. .
.Ifindhi ml eaningont hecarwi thhis
front
,onehandonhi sheadandt heot heront he
car..
.okaywhatdoIdonow?Hehasnooner ight
now,he' sgoi ngthroughsomuchandy ethecan' t
speakt oany oneabouti tIcan'timagi newhathe' s
goingt hrough. .
.Ij
ustat tackhi m withabi gfrom
behindandIf eelhisbodyf reezi
ngbutsoonr elaxesI
guessIt ookhi m bysur prise.

Me:
i
t'
sokayt
ocr
yyouknow.
Hedoesn'
tmov
enorsayany
thi
ng.

Me:
cryi
ngwi l
lrel
easeall
thatpaini
nsi
deandtr
ying
t
obestrongwon' tdoanyt
hingthepai
nwil
lj
ust
r
emaininthere.

Hestill
doesn' tsayanythi
ng,Idon'tknowwhatel seI
shoul
ddo. .
.f
rom afardist
ancenott ofarIsee
Mlameli walkingtohiscar,
beforeheget sinhegives
measl ysmi ley ouknowthatsidesmi lethatmakes
yourentirebodyshiverbutIjustlooktheot herway
i
gnoringhi m,aft
erami nut
eorsoIsi ghgetti
ngmy
armsof fhim.

Hi
m:don'
tl
etgo,
pleasej
ustkeephol
dingme.

Ihughi
m ev
enmor
eti
ght
er.

°
Mlamel
i
°
Aunt
:Ml
ameliIdon'
twantttorai
semyhopehi
gh
onl
ytof
indoutthati
t'
sjustacoi
nci
dence.
Me:
butwhati
fit
'snot
.
Aunt:
itjustt
hataf
terthateventfulni
ghtIhavebeen
pray
ingaskinggodtol eadmybabybackhome, look
nowit'sbeen23years*snif
fs*Ievent
uall
ylosthope.
Me:
whydi
dn'
tyoul
ookf
orher
?
Her:andstartwher
e?Idon'
tknowwhet herIgave
bir
thtoababyboyorababygi rlwherewasIgoi ng
tostart?Yesonthenewbornbabybagt hatl
adyt ook
Iwrotet wonamesMinenhl
eifthebabycameoutas
agirlandMpi l
wenhl
eifi
tcameasaboyandIwas
sosur ethatshewoul
dchangehis/hername...
..
..
Me:
andt
hisphot
ocopyofy
oui
sMi
nenhl
e.
Her:
Iwanttobel
i
eveyouImeansomepar tofme
al
readybel
i
evesyoubutt
heotherdoesn'twantto
havetomuchhopecauseImi
ghtbedi sappoint
ed.
Me:IunderstandandIguessI
'
llal
sofeelt
hesamei
f
Iwasiny ourshoes,
butonMondaypleasecomewi
th
met owor kIwantyoutoseethi
sgir
lI'
mt al
ki
ng
about.
..
.wewil
lnotapproachherwewouldn'twant
tofr
eakheroutIjustwantyoutoseeherfi
rstthen
you'
ll
takeitf
rom ther
e.
Her:
*smi
les*okayl
etmecall
Zacandt el
lhimtofly
downthi
ssidesoIcantel
lhim aboutal
loft
his.
Me:*
chuckl
i
ng*
soyouwillj
usttel
lhi
mtocomeher
e
andhe'
l
ldosowit
houtanyreason?
Her
:wat
chnol
i
stenandl
ear
n.

Shecl
ear
sherthroatandcal
luncl
ethenpl
acet
he
cal
lonl
oudspeaker//

Uncl
e:l
oveofmyl
i
fe.
Aunt
:*f
akesacr
y*b.
..
bbabe.
.Iuh.
.*
wai
l
s*
Uncl
e:*
pani
cki
ngvoi
ce*
what'
swrong?Areyouokay
?
Areyouhur
t?Tal
ktome,
whathappened?
Aunt
:Iwa.
..
was.
.t
ryi
ngt
otot
o..
g..
*fakesahi
ccup*I
..
.
Uncl
e:i
can'
thearyoul
ove,
I
'm onmywayI
'
llbet
her
e
i
nafewhourspleasecomedownokay
?
Aunt
:okay
.
Uncl
e:Il
ovey
ou.
Aunt
:Il
ovey
ou.
/
/shehangsup.

Wow.
Her:
*smil
es*i
fonlyy
ouareagirlIwoul
dbesay
ing
"
that
'showy oudoit
"butyoudecidedt
owel
l
t
his*
mov esherhandupanddown*
Me:*st
andi
ngup*ouch,
l
etmejustgotomyfi
ance
whoactual
lyl
ovesandappr
eci
atethi
s*mov
ingmy
handupanddown*

Shejustlaughsatmef ocusi ngonherphone,Ijust

prayandhopet hatwhatIt hinki
st r
ueyeahithas
been23y earsandtheycan' tgobackintimet ofix
upforthelosttimebutifMi nenhleist
heirdaughterI
am absolutel
ysurethatshewi llbri
ngl
ightand
unendingsmi l
esontheirfaces.
GodIpr
ay.

#Nar
rat
ed.

Mlameliwalksintheroom wherehe'skeepi
ngZamo
andNicolepissed,t
hesightofMinenhl
ehugging
Nqubekopissedt heshi
toutofhim.

Ml
a:Iam noti
nthemoodso.
..
Zamo:
wedi
dn'
task.
Mla:
justshuty
ourst
upi
dmout
hbef
orei
tmeet
smy
f
ist.

Zamojustr
oll
shi
sey
esonhi
m maki
ngNi
col
e
chuckl
e.

Ml
a:asIwassay
ingIj
ustneedyoutotel
lmewher
e
Mi
nenhlei
sorel
seyourgi
rl
fri
endgetsit
.
Zamo:
get
swhat
?
Ni
col
e:I
'
m al
soconf
usedmy
sel
f.
Ml
a:Idonothav
eti
mef
orgames.
Nicol
e:Igett
hatbuti havet
owarny out
hough,see
yourgoonskidnappedmey ester
dayandbroughtme
hereandlookingatthatwatchonthewall
ithas
beenmor ethan24hour swithmenowheretobe
seen.
..
..
Ml
a:*
bor
ed*
so?I
nfactwher
ear
eyougoi
ngwi
tht
his?
Ni
col
e:don'
trushme.
Zamo:
*chuckl
es*
yeahdon'
trushher
.
Ni
col
e:mydadwi
l
lfi
ndmeanymi
nut
eandh.
..
.
Mla:
lookkidi
fyouwanttoscar
emethenyoushould
t
ryhardercauset
hatwon'twor
kandl
et'
sseei
fthis
wi
llwork?

Hewal
kst
owar
dsNi
col
ewi
thasi
desmi
l
e.
Meanwhi l
eKhayaandTom maket hei
rwayi nsi
de
thehousewithoutevenknocki
ng,t
heygotthrough
thegateeasi
lysincethesecur
it
ysyst
em iswack.
Thetwoguy sareshockedtoseethem causethey
didn'
tknock.

Guy
1:heyheyheyy
..
.
Tom:
voet
sek!
!
Theybot
hlookathi
m shocked.
Khaya:
nowitsay
sher
eonmyphonet hatmy
daught
eri
sheresoIwoul
dli
kei
tify
oucouldgoget
her.
Guy
2:I
'
m sor
ryb.
..
Khaya:t
rustmeIdonotwanttol
eav
et hi
shouse
fl
oodingwithdeadbodi
essobecar
efulofwhaty
ou
say.

Guy
2gul
psnotknowi
ngwhatt
osay
.
"
Gety
ourhandsof
fher
!!
!"
aloudmal
evoi
cecomes
t
hrought
hepassageal
ert
ingev
ery
one.

Khay
a:whoi
sthat
?
Guy
1:t
hatuhm t
h..
.
Tom:Ishouldbeshaggi
ngmywi f
er i
ghtnow*t
akes
outhisgun*butnosomepeopledeci
dedtobe
stupi
d,Khayagocheckt
hatoutI'
l
lkeeptheset
wo
company .

Khay anodstakingoutagunt oothenwalkstowards

thepassage,hehear ssomenoi secomingthr
ough
thedooronhi srighthewal ksinsi
deandanger
brewsupseei ngamal erunninghishandsonhis
daughter'sf
acewhi lehisdaughteristi
eduptoa
chair.
..
..
.hedoesn'tsayany t
hinghejustfi
rest
hegun
twice.
~i
nser
t26~

Zamoslowlyopenshi
seyesandtheyi
mmediat
ely
l
andonMl awho'sonthef
loorl
ayi
ngonapoolof
bl
ood.

Ni
col
e:dad!
!

Khayawalkst
oherandunt
iehert
henNi
col
ethr
ows
her
selft
ohim.

Khaya:*
brushingherback*
it'
sokay
,hedi
dn'
tdo
anyt
hingtoy ouri
ght?
Ni
col
e:*
breakst
hehug*
no.
Khaya:
goodnowtel
lmewhyy
ouwer
eti
edupt
oa
chai
r?Whoisthi
sguy?

Ni
col
elooksatZamowhoi
sst
il
li
nshockwi
thhi
s
ey
esst
il
lst
uckonMl
awhoi
sn'
tmov
ing.

Ni
col
e:*cl
ear
shert
hroat
*uhhi
snamei
sZamohe'
s
myfr
iend.
Khay
a:f
ri
endy
ousay
??mmmmm okayand.
..
?
Ni
col
e:and?
?
Khay
a:whywer
eyout
iedupt
oachai
r?
Ni
col
e:I
'
llt
ell
youwhenwegethome.
Khay
a:okayunt
iey
ourf
ri
end.

Khayawal
kstowar
dsMlaandcheckshi
spulsehe
exhal
eswal
ki
ngoutoft
heroom andbackt
ot he
l
ounge.

Ni
col
e:Zamo*
unt
yinghi
m*dude.
Zamo:
didhej
ustki
l
lhi
m?I
shedead?Whyi
sn'
the
movi
ng?Wh..
.
Ni
col
e:*
sighs*
cal
m down.
Zamo:*st
andsup*howcanIcal
m down?Yourdad
wai
tthatisnoty
ourdad,
whoisthat
?D..
.
Ni
col
e:woahyou'
ret
alki
ngreal
lyfast
,f
ir
stl
ythat'
smy
st
epdadsecondl
ywehav etogetoutofhere.
Zamo:youhav
en'
tanswer
edme,
whyar
en'
tyou
fr
eaki
ngoutli
keme?
Nicol
e:l
etj
ustsayI'v
eseenital
l
,yesIam waytoo
youngbutapersonbeingshoti
snottobecompar ed
towhatI'
veseeninmyl i
fenowyouhavet ocal
m
downmydadwi l
ltakecar
eofthis.
Zamo:*cal
mingdown*si
nceI'
mtaki
ngy
ouonadat
e
yourdadwon'tshootmeri
ght
?
Nicole:
*gi
ggl
es*I'
m sor
ryIcannotanswert
hatsi
nce
he'ssuperpr
otecti
veofme,l
et'
sgoImi ssmymother
now.
Zamo:wellIhopey ouguysdon'tminddroppi
ngme
offatNtokozo'sfl
atIhavetoseeMi nenhl
eI'
m sur
e
she'
swor ri
ednowbutf ir
stIneedmyphonesoIcan
callNt
okof ordir
ecti
onsfrom her
etoherflat
.
Ni
col
e:Iwoul
dlov
etomeett
hisMi
nenhl
e
someday
,youal
way
sspeakhi
ghl
yofher
*smi
l
es*

"
What'
staki
ngy
ousol
ong?
"-Khay
asay
sst
andi
ngby
t
hedoor.
Zamoget
sst
art
ledandNi
col
elaughsathi
m ast
hey
maket
hei
rwayout.

°
Minenhl
e°

Iam soti
redIneedaf
ootmassageandabody
massage,
butfornowIneedar
eall
ylongnap.

Nqu:
youl
ookdogti
redyoushoul
dtakeaseatnow
pl
usever
yonei
sgone.
Me:IknowIjustwanttogotosl
eepknowi
ngt
hat
ever
ythingi
sdonecauseassoonasthesunr
ises
I'
mtakingabustoJo'burg.
Nqu:
*fr
owns*
Jo'
bur
g?
Me:yeahIhavetocheckuponZamoIhavethi
s
unsett
li
ngfeel
ingandwit
hhim MI
AIcan'
thelpbut
worry.
Hi
m:owsof
rom Jo'
bur
gyou'
regoi
ngback?
Me:
yeahIhav
ewor
konMondayso*
shr
ugs*
yeah.
Hi
m:Mi
nenhl
epl
..
..
Me:
Nqupl
easedon'
t,
Ican'
tst
ayher
ewebot
hknow
t
hat
.
Hi
m: y
eswebot
hknowthatbutIal
soknowthatIcan
pr
otecty
ouonl
yify
oual
lowmepl easeMi
nenhle.
Me:
*gul
ping*
I.
..

"
AhhhCandy
"

It
urnandl
ookatNt
okowho'
slooki
ngatherphone.

Me:
yeah.
Her
:*l
ooksatme*
Ijustgotacal
lfr
om Zamo.
Me:
ohmygodisheokay
?Ishefi
ne?What'
shis
r
easonf
orgoi
ngAWOLforsuchalongt
ime.
Ntoko:*
shrugs*
Idon'
tknowbuty
oucanaskhi
m al
l
ofthatcausehe'
sonhiswayher
e.
Me:
*conf
used*
asi
nDur
ban?
Her:
noasinherehere,
Nqubeko'
shouseIj
ustgav
e
hi
mt hedi
rect
ions.
Me:
he'
sal
readyi
nDur
ban?Whendi
dhegether
e?
Her
:Idon'
tknowbutcanIt
alkt
oyouf
orasec?
Nqu:
l
etmegi
vey
ousomesp.
..
.
Nt
oko:
noi
tcool
we'
l
luseoneoft
her
ooms.

Ilookathersuspici
ousl
ybef
oref
oll
owinghertot
he
room I
'm usi
ng,Igeti
nandcl
osethedoorbehi
ndme.

Me:
uhm what
'sup?
Her:
sor
ryIki
ndahear
dabi
tofy
ourconv
ersat
ion
wit
hNqubeko.
Me:
mmmokay
.
Her:
CandybabeNqubekoli
kesyouevenaf
ool
can
seethatandIknowt
hatyouknowitt
oo.

Iexhal
eloudl
ysi
tt
ingont
hebed.

Her:f
orthel astweeksorshoul dIsaymont hy ou'
ve
beenthroughsomuchandIt hi
nky oudeser vea
somehappi nessiny ourli
feI
'm notsayingI'm sur
e
thathe'l
lgiveittoyoubutwi ththewayhel ooksat
you*smile*Iguaranteethathe'l
ltr
yhi sbestandI
knowt hatthisisprobablyweirdcomi ngfrom me, a
personwhodoesn' tdor el
ati
onships*chuckles*wel
l
thereasonwhyIdon' tdor el
ati
onshipsisIhav en'
t
foundsomeonewhol ooksatmet hewayNqubeko
l
ooksaty ou.Minenhl eyoudeservetobehappy .
Me:
*bl
ownaway
*wowIj
..
.wow.
Nt
oko:
*gi
ggl
es*
IknowIknowI
'
m good.
Me:*
chuckl
ing*
ego,uhhbabeIhearyouandhonest
ly
somewhereinbet
weenallofthi
sIfell
forNquIdon'
t
knowhowbutIdi
d.
Her:t
henwhat'sholdi
ngyouback?Let'sputtheMla
andy ourmom issueasi
decauseifthat'
syour
reasonI'
m goingtoaskyouwhathappenedt otaki
ng
aleapoffait
hl i
keyoual
wayssay,sowhat '
sholdi
ng
youuh?
Me:
Ihav
en'
theal
ed.
Her
:*conf
used*uh?BabeI
'
m gonnaneedy
out
obe
morespecif
ic.
Me: Ihaven'theal edf rom mypr evi
ousr elati
onshi p
yeahI '
m ov erThabi sobutIhav en'
thealedcauseI
l
ov edhi m somuch, *sighi
ng*mymot herbeatmeup
sobadt hatIlostmybabyandIst il
lhav ebruisesf or
thatev entf
ul day ,Ihav en'
theal
edf rom that,Ihav en'
t
gotachancet obeal onesot hatitcanal lsi
nki nand
thi
nkaboutal l ofthatandcr ymyl ungsoutandl et
gooft hepaini nside...whenIgother eIthoughtIwi ll
gett hatchancebutMl agotmei ntheGabuzadr ama
andj ustast hingswer ecomi ngalongIwasf orcedt o
gobackhomesoIcangetmar ri
edandf rom thatt o
runningawayf ear ingofwhatmi ghthappen. ..
.Ijust
needmoretimebabeandIf eelli
kewi
thmei n
Mpumalangaawayf r
om hereIcanhealcauset her
e
Iknowthatmymot herwon'tgettome,
thereIknow
Mlawon'tfi
ndmeIneedsomet imetomy sel
fIneed
toheal
beforeIcommi tmyselft
oanewr elat
ionshi
p.
Her
:*l
ooksatmewi
thpi
ty*
Iunder
standandI
..
..

Wegetdist
urbedbysomeoneknocki ngonthedoor .
I
wipeoutmytear
sfir
stbeforeshouti
ng"Comei n".
NqubekoandZamowal ksinandZamohast hi
s
i
nnocentsmil
ewhichmakesmeal sosmil
egetting
uptohughim.

Me:
ewwy
oudon'
tsmel
lsogr
eat
.
Him:IknowIdon'
tremembert
hel
astt
imeI
showered.
Me:
whendi
dyougether
e?
Hi
m:f
ewday
sago.
Me:
*shocked*
what
?W.
..
Hi
m:Iwaski
dnapped.
Me:
*gaspi
ng*
bywho?Youbet
ternotbej
oki
ng.
Hi
m:I'
m not
,t
heMlamel
iguyhadguy
skidnapme
f
rom Jo'
bur
gtohereI
'
vebeenheref
oralmosta
weeknow.

Ihol
dmymout
hcr
ying.
Nqu:okayhe'
staki
ngt hi
ngswaytoof arnow,It
hinkI
needtospeaktohisf at
hermaybehecando
somethingli
kemay beoffer
inghi
m helpcausehe
seri
ouslyhasaproblem.
Zamo:
uhm souhht
her
e'snoneedf
ort
hat
*scr
atches
hi
schi
n*
Bqu:
*conf
used*
why
?
Zamo:
he'
ssor
taki
ndadead.
Me&Nt
oko:
Youki
l
ledhi
m!!
!!
!!
!.
?
Me:
noy
ou'
rej
oki
ngr
ight
.
Zamo:
noIdi
dn'
tki
l
lhi
m comeon.
Me:
thenwhathappened?

Het
akesaseatandst
art
snar
rat
ingt
hewhol
est
ory
.
~i
nser
t27~

°
Minenhl
e°

Isti
llcan'
tbeliev
et hatMlameli wentthr
oughallof
thatjusttoknowwher eIwassohecanki dnap
me,I'
m alsogladthatitwasn'tZamowhoshothi m
deadIdon' tknowwhybutI '
mj ustglad.
..
..
ofi
t
happensonedayt hatImeett hese" 2ol
dman"t hat
rescuedZamoandherf ri
endIr eal
lyneedtothank
them.
Nt
oko:
babe.
Me:
uhhy
eah.
Her
:hav
eyout
alkedt
oNqubeko?
Me:
no*
sighi
ng*
noty
et.
Her
:wel
lyouleav
ei n3hourssoyouhaveto,
Zamois
wai
ti
ngformewef i
rst
lygonnagoshoppi
ngthenI
'
ll
t
akehim att
heairport
.
Me:
air
por
t?I
sn'
thet
aki
ngt
hebust
hat
'ssupposet
o
l
eav
einanhour
.
Her
:ohhedi
dn'
ttel
lyou,
Nqubekobookedhi
ma
f
li
ght.
Me:
*faki
ngasmi
l
e*ohgr
eat
.
Her:
Imightnotcat
chyouwhenIcomebackso
goodby
e*kissesmycheek*
Me:
bye,
l
ovey
ou.
Her
:*smi
l
es*
lov
eyou.

Shewal ksout,ohkNquisoverdoi
ngitnowdi dhe
real
lyhavetobookZamoaf li
ght?Aplanet i
cketi
s
real
lyexpensivehebookedmeapl aneticketon
Fri
dayformet ofl
ydownnowhe' sdoingitagainfor
Zamo...
her eall
ydoesn'
thavetooohht herehewalks
i
n,hethrowst hekeysonthetableandtakesaseat
opposit
et ome.

Me:
hey
.
Hi
m:hi
.
Me:
soo.
..
Hi
m:soo
Me:
I'
mleav
ingi
n3hour
s.
Hi
m:*
frowns*
okayt
hen*
standsup*
Me:
atl
eastl
i
stent
omej
usthearmeout
.
Him:
what'
sther
etohear?Damni
tMi
nenhl
eIl
ove
youwhycan'
tyouseethat
?

Myjawdrops,di
dhesayhelov
esme?Nt
okosai
dhe
l
ikesmenotlove.
..
ohGod.

Him:
ify
oustil
lwantt
oleav
ethenf
ineIwon'
tst
op
you*
walksupthest
air
s*

Ohkthi
sist
oomucht ot
akei
n,
whatdoIdonow?
Uhm okher
eitgoes.

Ist
andupf
oll
owi
nghi
m,whenIgett
ohi
sdoorhe
shut
sitt
omyf
aceandIhearhi
mlocki
ngi
twow
okay
.

Me:*
leani
ngonthedoor
*Iwantt
osayIgeti
twhy
youaredoi
ngthi
sbutIdon'
ti
fonl
yyoucoul
djustl
et
meinsowecant al
k.
Him:
t al
kaboutwhatMi nenhle,
talkabouthowIj ust
madeaf ooloutofmy sel
fIjustliterall
ytoldy outhat
Il
ovey ouandwhatdidy ousay ?Not hi
nginf actyour
expr
essionexplai
neditallIgetity oudon'tfeel t
he
samewayasmesot here'
snot hingt otalkabouty ou
canleaveandgobackt oy ournewl i
fe.

Hesoundsl
ikehe'
sal
sol
eani
ngont
hedooront
he
ot
hersi
de.
Me:
arey
oudone?
Hi
m:excuseme?
?
Me:Iwanttosaysomet
hingtoo,
you'
vesaidyourpart
andIli
stenednowmayItal
kandy ou'
l
lli
stenthat
's
al
l.
Ihearhim exhal
eandt
hensi
l
entt
akesov
er,
Iguess
he'
lll
ist
en.

Me:I
'
m notf
rom aroundhere,
byhereImeanin
Dur
banI'
mfr om Pi
eter
marit
zbur
g,Iranawayfr
om
homeandIrecentl
ybrokeupwithmynowex
boyf
ri
endwellhebrokeupwithmeseelastmonthi
di
scover
edthatIwaspregnantI
..
Hi
m:y
ou'
repr
egnant
??
Me:
j
ustl
i
stenpl
ease.
*
*si
l
ence*
*
Me:It ol
dhim mynowext hatIwaspr egnanthewas
overt hemoonwel lIdidexpectt hatcauseIknew
thathel ov
eski ds,
afterthatIwenthomet otel
l t
hem
aboutmypr egnancyIf oundt hem holdingameet i
ng
whichIl at
erhear dfrom Zamot hattheywer etalki
ng
aboutt hemar r
iaget heyar r
angedf or
me* exhali
ng*mymot herdidn'
ttakethenewsofmy
pregnancyv erywell shebeatmeupt i
llIpassed
out*tearsfal
ldownmycheeks* Iwokeupona
hospitalbedwi thnot hi
ngbutbr uisesandal otof
paint hat '
si tt
hati sal lIwokeupwi th,
mybabywas
nomor esheki lledmybabyandwhenmyexcamet o
seemeheaccusedmeofki ll
ingmybabymy sel fand
blamei tonmom* sni ffi
ng* ev ent hepeopl eIcal l
ed
fri
endsbel i
evedt hatIki lledmyownbaby *sni f
f i
ng*I
nev ergotanysuppor tf r
om any oneaf terlosi ngmy
babyInev ergott omour nmybabyandseei ngt he
per sonmom wasIhadt or unawayandNt okowas
myonl yhope. .
.whenIgother et hingsmov edf ast
causeIhadt ofindaj obandhel poutIcoul dn'tbr ing
my selft ost ayforf ree, afterget ti
ngaj obIt houghtI
woul dgetapeaceofmi ndandl eti tall si
nki nbut
thenImetMl awhoi ntroducedmet oy ourf ami l
y
scandal s*sighi
ng* aft ert alkingt oMl at hatdayIl ast
camet ocheckupony ouIsawt hatt hingsar e
comi ngal ongwel l Ithoughtt hatsooni twi llbeov er
butnoIwasf orcedbackhomewel lther esty ou
alreadyknowi t.Thepoi nti sIhav en'tgott imet osi t
downbymy sel
fandcr yf ormybaby ,cr yforbei ng
dumped, cryforbei ngaccusedofki ll
ingmybabycr y
theangeroutandl etmyexgobef oreIent eranew
relati
onshi pandIcan' tdoal loft hather e,amont h
agoIt houghther ewast hesui tabl epl acef ort hatbut
si
ncemymot herwasabl
etof i
ndmet hefi
rstt
ime
whatwil
lst
opherthi
sti
mey eahMl ai
sdeadbutIno
l
ongerknowmymot her
*si
ghing*i
t'
sbett
ersafethan
sor
ry.

Imov
eawayf
rom t
hedoor
.

Me:
andf
orwhati
t'
swor
thIl
ovey
ou.
Iwal
kawayf
rom hi
sdoort
other
oom I
'
m usi
ng.

°
Nqubeko°

Isl
owl ymov eawayf rom t
hedoorhear i
ngherwal k
away,Ican'tsayIunder st
andherpai ny eahwebot h
l
ostourl ov edonesexceptf orthfactthatIdidn'tfeel
anyphy sical pai
nwhenMnqobi di
edjustemot ional
pai
nandshef el
tbothphysi
cal andemot ionaland
shehasbr uisesli
keshesaidt heywillbear eminder
ofthatev entfuldaysoIcannoti magi
newhatshe' s
goi
ngt hrough.I nst
eadofheal i
ngandmour ni
ngshe
wasstucksavingmyassandshedi di
tal
lwit
ha
smil
edespiteall
ofwhatshej ustt
oldmeshesti
l
l
smil
es.Ithi
nkhearinghersayshelovemeis
ever
ythi
ngIwant edtohear.

Iwalkoutgoi
ngtoherroom andIfi
ndherst
andi
ng
bythewindowshereal
l
yi sbeaut
if
ul.

Me:
Iunder
stand.

Shequi
ckl
ytur
nsIt
hinkIst
art
ledher
.
Her
:*wi
pesouthert
eat
s*y
ouunder
standwhat
?
Me:whyy ouhav etogo,Iunderst
andI '
m sorr
ythat
youwentt hroughallofthatandyouwentt hroughal
l
ofitalone,
butnowI '
m hereifyouneedsomeonet o
tal
kt oandletital
loutjustknowt hatI
'm onl
yone
cal
l away*smili
ng*
Shesmil
esandthrowsher
selfonmeandIgl
adl
y
cat
chherhol
dinghert
ight
ly.
Her
:you'
vef
inal
l
ysmi
l
ed.
Me:
wowaf
terev
ery
thi
ngI
'
vej
ustsai
d.
Shebr
eakst
hehug.
Her
:*smil
i
ng*Ihear
ditbutseei
ngy
ousmi
l
emeans
morethanwhatyoujustsai
d.

Ican'
thel
pbutsmi
l
eagai
n.

Her
:t
hanky
ou.
Me:
I'
l
lwai
tfory
ou.
Her:*smiles*t
hankyouandi fy
ouhappentofallfor
someoneel sewhil
eI'm awayi
t'
sokayIgiv
ey oumy
blessings*chuckl
es*af
terwhatyou'
vebeenthrough
youdeser velove.
Me:
andIwanty
ousoI
'
llwai
t.
Her
:butt
henagai
nify
..
Me:
okayl
et'
sdr
opi
t.Abouty
ourbabyI
'
mreal
l
ysor
ry.
Her
:i
t'
sokay
.
Me: noMi nenhleit'
snot ,
weal ll
oseourl ovedones
somedayandi t'
sokayt onotbeokaycauset hat's
thef i
rstst epofheal ingIl earntthatf r
om y ou...yes
thi
si sourt ought i
meIl ostmybr otherandy oul ost
yourbabybutt ought imesdon' tlast ,t
oughpeopl e
doandIknowt hatyou'ret oughy ou'vebeenpr ov ing
i
tt omesi ncethedaywemet .Losi ngal ovedone
doesn' tmeant hatit'
st heendoft hewor l
di tmeans
youshoul dstandupaf tercr yi
ngandwor khar der
thanbef oret omaket hem pr ouddoev erythingy ou
dof ort hem t hethingst hatt hey'
ll seeandact ual l
y
smi l
edownaty ouI '
m say ingal loft hi
sbecausey ou
aregoi ngi naf ewhour sandnooneknows
what you'llthinkwheni tact uall
ysi nksint haty oul ost
yourbabyt rustmet hought sdogowi ldwheny ou've
l
ostal ov edonesoIwanty outot hinkofmywor ds
whent heygowi l
d.
Herey
esspar
kleandt
ear
sfol
l
ow,
Ihol
dhercl
oser
.
~i
nser
t28~

°
Minenhl
e°
¶Monday
¶

Thiscomi ngweekendIwantt obealoneandt hink

thi
ngsthr oughforthesakeofmyr el
ati
onshipwi t
h
Nqubekowel li
t'
snotar elati
onshi
pyetsincewear e
mil
esapar tandsinceIhav etohealf
ir
st.
...
.but
beforegoingbackt oDur banIhavetoapplyonl i
ne
andleav ewhenI '
vealr
eadyf oundajobormay bedo
atransferorsomet hi
ng.

Mosa:
you'
rest
il
lher
e?
Me:
I'
mleav
ing.

It
akemybagandr
ushouty
ell
i
ng"
Goodby
e"
Soy ester
dayIendedupt akingaf li
ghtbackher
e
sinceIwaschi ll
ingwit
hNqu, gett
ingtoknoweach
otherandst uffandhewassmi li
ngal ot
yesterday.
..
hehasabeaut i
ful charmingsmil
eIwish
hecoul dsmi l
emor eoft
enitsuitshim.

°
Mlamel
i
°

Me:
ser
iousl
yguy
scal
m downy
ourner
ves.
Uncl
eZ: i
t'
snotaseasyasyouputi
tson,
thefactt
hat
wemi ghtact
ual
lymeetourdaught
ert
odayit
's
over
whelming.

UncleZacissoner vousandalsoexcit
edt osee
Minenhleunl
ikemyauntwhoi salsoexcit
edbutshe
doesn'
twantt oshowi tcauseshethi
nksMi nenhl
e
mightjustl
ooklikeherqhanothingmor etoit
.

Me:andl
i
keIsaidshemustnotseeyouwedonot
wanttof
reakheroutwecanfr
eakheroutl
ateroh
her
eshecomes.
..
newspaper
sup.

Thepretendasi
ftheyar
ereadi
ngnewspaperswhi
le
thei
reyesarest
uckonMinenhl
e..
..
..
Ist
il
lsayt
hat
ther
e'snoDNAneededhereshesolookli
keaunt
.

Me:
Minenhl
e!!

Sheturnst
olookatmeandt henfl
ashesasmile
walki
ngtowardsme,Imeetherhal
fwayavoi
dingthe
chancesofherseei
ngauntanduncl
e.

Her
:*smi
l
es*
hey
.
Me:
howar
eyou?
Her
:I
'm okayt
hanksy
our
sel
f?
Me:
I'
m notokay
.
Her
:*f
rowns*
what
'swr
ong?
Me:
you,
youdon'
twantt
obemyf
ri
end.
Her :
*si
ghs* it
'snott
hatIdon'twantto,i
tjustt
hatI
'
m
goingthr oughsomet hi
ngatthemomentmay be
afterI'
mt hr
oughitthenwecouldgr abl
unchor
somet hingasl ongasitendsatbeing
fr
iends*smi les*
Me:*
smi l
ing*
don'twor
ryIhaveaf i
anceI'
m not
l
ooki
ngf oranythi
ngel
seorel seshewouldmurder
mealiv
e.*makingascaryface*
Her
:*l
aughs*
good,
uhl
etmegetst
art
ed.
Me:
okdon'
tfor
gett
hatwehav
etr
aini
ngat1pm.
Her
:*nods*
Iwon'
t.

Ismil
eatherandsheret
urnsi
twal
kingaway
,It
urn
tol
ookatthem andhol
ycrapt
hey'
rebot
hcry
ing.

Me:
whathappenedt
obei
ngpr
ofessi
onal
?

Auntshakesherheadr
epeat
edlywi
tht
ears
st
reamingdownanduncledropst
henewspaper
,
wi
pesouthi
stear
sandconfr
onther
..
.gr
eatnow
t
hey'
remaki
ngmeemotionalt
oo.

Uncl
e:shel
ookssomuchl
i
key
ou.
Auntj
ustkeepscr
ying.
Me:
*wi
pingmyf
orehead*
excuseme.

Iwalkawayfrom them goi

ngoutside,ithasnever
beenniceseeinghercr
yi t
'shear
tbreaking,
ifIkept
standi
ngthereIwould'
veendedupcr y
ingtoo.

#I
n_PMB

Zanelekeepsr ocki
ngherselfbackandforthwithher
eyesalloutithasbeenwhi l
esinceshestarted
acti
ngli
ket his.Hermotherandbr ot
herwalkinand
si
ghlookingather ,
ithur
tsthem seeingherli
kethi
s.
Vusi
:mahwehavet
odosomet hi
ng,
l
ookather
maybethey
'r
ebewi
tchi
ngher
.
Thei
rmom: *
sighs*I
'
vebeenthi
nki
ngofthatt
ooor
maybeshewentt hr
oughsometraumawhen
Minenhl
er anawayandembar r
assedt
hewhole
famil
yinthiscommunity.
Vusi
:butItol
dal
lofyout
oletMinehdeci
defor
her
selfbutnouncl
eVusii
salwayswrongandstupi
d.
Her
:comeonsondon'
tputi
tli
ket
hat
.

Vusi
rol
l
shi
sey
esandwal
kst
ohi
ssi
ster
.

Vusi
:
mtakamah,
tal
ktome.
Zanel
e:shhhy
ou'
remaki
ngnoi
se.
Vusi
:
okI'
m sorr
y,butpl
easetel
lmewhat'
swr
ong?
Areyoui
npain?Doy ouseeanythi
ng?
Zanel
e:*
sti
l
lrocki
ngbackandf
ort
h*t
heysayIhav
e
topay.
Vusi
:
*conf
used*
what
?
Zanel
e:t
heysayIhav
etopay
.
Vusi
:
pay
?Paywho?Howmuch?Andwhoi
s"t
hey
"?
Zanel
e:t
heysayIhav
etopayf
orwhatIdi
d,t
heysayI
havet
opay .
Thei
rmom:
forwhaty
oudi
d?Whatdi
dyoudo?
Vusi
:
*fr
ust
rat
ed*
andwhoi
s"t
hey
"?
Zanel
e:t
heysayIhav
etopay
.

Vusimovesawayf
rom hersighi
ngindefeatnot
knowi
ngwhat'
shappeni
ngt ohissi
sterandhowhe'
l
l
hel
pher.

#Meanwhi
l
e

MrSibiyawalksinNqubeko'sof
fi
cewit
hout
knockingandNqubekoraiseshi
sheadwit
hhis
eyebrowraised.
Nqu:
MrS.
MrS:
son.
Nqu:
howmayIhel
pyou,
pleasesi
tdown.
MrS:
Ineedwi
nef
ir
stIneedsomet
hingst
rong.

Nqubekosi
ghsst
andi
nguptopourhi
m somewi
ne
andhandsi
ttohi
m,hesi
tdowni
nonego.

MrS:
someoneki
l
ledmyson.

Nqubekolooksathi
m wit
hhiseyebr
owraisednot
shockedatall
,
hedoesn'
tevenpr
etendst
obe
shocked.

MrS:
*obser
vinghi
m*whyar
en'
tyoushocked?
Nqu:
whyshoul
dI?Hehadi
tcomi
ng.
MrS:*si
ghs*
Iknowhewasn'
thimselfl
atel
ybutal
lhe
neededwashelpnott
obeki
ll
ed,Ineedt
ogettothe
bot
tom oft
his.
Nqu:MrSy oursonwasonahunt ,
hunti
ngdown
Minenhleandonahunttherear
ewi l
danimal
s
i
nvolvedhegothimsel
finthehuntknowi
ngthe
consequences.
MrS:
whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay
?
Nqu:
someanimal
sdonotjustat
tackt
heyat
tack
whentheyar
ebei
ngpr
ovoked.
MrS:
I'
m st
il
lnotget
ti
ngy
ourpoi
nt.
Nqu:
I'
m sayi
ngt hatiti
spossiblet
hattheperson
whokil
ledMlawaspr ovokedbyhim soIj
usthope
t
hatyoudon'thurtinnocentpeopl
e.
MrS:
sondoy
ouknowsomet
hingt
hatIdonotknow.
Nqu:
yes,
thatIf
ell
forMinenhl
ebeforeknowi
ngshe
wasarr
angedforMlaandMl aunf
riendedme.
MrS:
didy
ouki
l
lhi
m?
Nqu:
whywoul
dIdot
hat
?
MrS:
*si
ghs*
sor
rybutIneedt
ogett
othebot
tom of
t
his.
Nqubekosi
ghsgoi
ngar
oundhi
stabl
eandt
akesa
si
t.

Nqu:
mydeepestcondol
encest
oyou,
mayhi
ssoul
r
esti
npeace.
MrS:Iwast
hinki
ngt
haty
ou'
l
lhel
pmef
indoutwho
ki
l
ledhim.
Nqu:
Imeanthi
sint
heni
cestwayMrS,
Idonotwant
t
ogetinv
olv
ed.

MrSnodsandwalksoutdet
erminedtof
indoutwho
ki
ll
edhi
ssoneventhoughNqubeko'
swordskeep
ri
ngi
ngi
nhishead.

¶1WeekLat
er¶
~i
nser
t29~

¶1WeekLat
er¶

°
Minenhl
e°

"I
nsteadofworry
ingaboutwhatyoucannotcont
rol
,
shi
ftyourener
gytowhaty oucancreat
e."

Thathasbeenmymai nfocusf orthispastweek, i

t
helpedmegett hroughthepai nIwentt hroughI
didn'
tknowt hatlosi
ngababywast hatpainful,
ial
so
reali
zedwhyIf el
tsoempt yandaf t
erlockingmy self
upandcr yingmyey esoutonapi l
lowIf el
tfreethe
wor l
dstart edbei
ngbr i
ght.
..
andIbel ievethatmy
smi l
ejustgotmor ebri
ghterIthinkithast odowi th
want i
ngt obehappycausei fIwantt obehappy ,
i
shouldnotdwel l
inthepast,Ishoul dnotwor ryabout
thefuture,Ishoul
df ocusonl i
vi
ngf ull
yinthepr esent.
Pat
ient
:*wor
ri
ed*
wil
li
tbeokay
?
Me:* smil
ing*don'
tworrymam y ourkneewil
lbe
perfectl
yf i
neyoujustneedtonotputt oomuch
pressureony ourlegsoyourkneecanheal ,
soIwi
ll
needy out obeonbedr estforaweeky oucanwalk
butnott oomuch. .
.j
ustatl
eastafteri
thasheal
ed.
Her
:*smi
l
es*
thanky
ou.
Me:
i
sther
eany
onewho'
sgoi
ngt
opi
cky
ouup?
Her
:yeahI
'
llcal
lmysi
ster
.
Me:
*smil
ing*
okaypleaset
ellhert
ogotothe
r
ecept
iontosign.
..
nowIguessthi
sisgoodby
e.
Her
:*smi
l
es*
Iguessso,
thanky
ou.
Me:
j
ustdoi
ngmyj
ob.

"
Nur
seGwal
amayIhav
eawor
d"

It
urnandseeMl
amel
ibyt
hedoor
.
Me:Iwi
shy
ouspeedr
ecov
ery
,enj
oyt
her
estofy
our
day
.

Shenodssmi
l
ingwhi
l
eIwal
koutofherwar
d.

Me:DrM,howar eyoutoday?Dowehav
ean
operat
iontodaythatIf
orgotabout
?
Him:I
'mfineandnowedon'
thav
eanoperati
on
today
,Ij
ustreal
l
yneedt
otal
ktoyouabout
somethi
ng.
Me:*
looki
ngatmywr i
stwat
ch*wel
li
t'
sal
readymy
l
unchbreaksoIguessIhavet
ime.
Hi
m:gr
eatcausether
earepeopl
ewhoareinmy
of
fi
ceri
ghtnowwhor eal
l
ywanttomeetyouImean
whowanttotal
ktoyou.
Me:
uhmm ookay
y.

Heleadst
hewayt
otheel
evat
orandwemakeour
wayin.
Him:
butf
ir
stIneedt
oasky
ousomet
hing,
wher
ear
e
youf
rom?
Me:
uhhPMBwhy
?
Hi
m:*
conf
used*
wer
eyoubor
ninPMB?
Me:nomygrandmasaidmymot
herwasi
nDur
ban
whenshegavebir
tht
ome.
Hi
m:hmmmm t
hedot
sar
econnect
ing.
Me:okayyou'
rebei
ngcr
eepy
,whyar
eyouaski
ngme
al
lofthi
s?
Hi
m:coul
dyout
ell
meabouty
ourmom.
Me:
why
?
Hi
m:l
i
keuhwer
eyouadopt
edorsomet
hing.
Me:
what
?Ij
ustt
oldy
out
hatmymot
hergav
ebi
rt
hto
me.
Hi
m:ohhy
eahsor
ry.
Me:
ser
iousl
ywhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Her emainssi
lentti
llt
heelev at
orstopsandweex it
walkingtowardshisoffi
ce..
..
waithewasj ustaski
ng
meaboutmymot hercoulditbethatmymot herisin
here?Ili
ter
all
ystopwal ki
ngbat t
li
ngwithmy
thoughts.

Ml
a:what
'swr
ong?
Me:youwer
ejustaski
ngaboutmymom,
i
sshei
n
her
e?
Hi
m:uhht
hat'
saver
ytr
ickyquest
ionuhm y
eahshe'
s
i
nther
ebutn.
..
.
Me:*
wal
ki
ngbackwar
ds*
what?What
'sshedoi
ng
her
e?Howdoyouknowher
?
Hi
m:okaycal
m downj
..
.
Me:No!
!!Whatdoy
ouwantfrom me?Ar
eyoual
so
goi
ngtoforcemetogetmar
riedt
oyou?
Hi
m:*shocked&conf
used*
What??Whatar
ey ou
t
alki
ngabout?Whof or
cedyout
ogetmarri
ed?
Nononot
hisi
snothappeni
ngagai
nt.
..
.

Hi
m:l
ookj
ustl
etmeexpl
ain.

Ilookathim wi
thmychestgoi
ngupanddownno
thisi
snothappeni
ng,howdidshefi
ndme?Whatthe
heckdoesshewantsfrom me?Ineedt
ogetoutof
here,
Itur
ntowalkawaybutMlaholdsmyhand.

Me:
*fr
eaki
ngout
*letmego!
!
Him:Minenhl
epleasecalm downandl etmeexplai
n,
Ihavenoideawhaty ou'
vebeent hr
oughbutt he
motherthati
sinthereisnotthemot hery
ouknowi t
themotheryoudon'tknowt heonewhoact uall
y
gavebirt
htoyou.
Me:
what
?Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Him:
waitwaitwai
tdi
dyousayy
ouwer
efor
cedt
o
getmar
ried?
Me:
Whatwer
eyousay
ing?Mot
herIdon'
tknow?
Whatt
heheckdoest
hatmean?
Hi
m: *si
ghs*
Iguesswe'l
lgetbackt
othat
,uhj
ust
f
ollowmeandpl easet
rustmeandkeepanopen
mind.

Heopenst hedoorandwalksin,
Irel
uctant
lyfol
low
hi
m andfindawomanandamanst andingbythe
wi
ndowwi ththei
rbacksfaci
ngus.Ml amelicl
ears
hi
sthroatandtheytur
n..
..
wait
...
.

°
Mlamel
i
°

Shecl
osesherey
esandopent
hem agai
n.

Mineh:
what
'sgoi
ngon?Whoar
eyou?Whydoy
ou
l
ooksomuchl i
keme?

Auntl
ooksupbli
nki
ngawayhert
ear
swhileuncl
e
l
ooksatMinenhl
ewit
habeamingsmil
e.
Mi
neh:
Mlamel
iwhat
'sgoi
ngon?

Hereyeshav
en'
tmov
edf
rom t
hem It
hinkshe'
s
shocked.

Me:
thi
sisthemot
herIwast
ell
i
ngy
ouaboutandt
his
i
syourfat
her.
Her
:*f
rowns*
what
?Mypar
ent
sar
ebacki
nPMB.
Aunt
:nobabywear
eyourr
eal
par
ent
s.

Minenhl
elooksatherasi
fshe'
sspeaki
ngaf
orei
gn
l
anguage.

Uncle:
beforey
out hi
nkt
hatwelef
tyouoranythi
ng
pleasetakeaseatsowecanexpl
ainev
eryt
hingto
you.

Sheal
sol
ooksathi
m asi
fhe'
sal
sospeaki
nga
f
orei
gnl
anguage.

°
Nqubeko°

Ist
il
lremi
niscethel
astdayIspentwit
hEnhlethe
wayshewasl aughi
nggodjustt
hinki
ngabouther
smil
emakesmesmi let
oo.

"
Nqubeko!
!"
Ohboyher
ewego.
Me:
Kit
chen!
!!
Shewal
ksi
ntheki
tchensmi
l
ing.
Me:
heyy
ou'
reback.
Her
:yeahandIhopeIdi
dn'tuset
oomuch
money*handsmethecard*
Me:
noandkeepi
tbutonl
yusei
tfori
mpor
tantt
hings.
Her
:*shocked*
arey
ouser
ious?
Inodfini
shi ngupmysandwi chsoBuhl eshowedup
here3day sagosay ingshef oughtwithhermom
andit'
snotgoodf orthebabyandaskedt ostayher
e
forawhile,sinceIdon' twanthertolosethebabyI
tol
dhershecoul dst ayforaslongasshe
wants.
...
.yerrrpregnantwomencaneatIt el
lyou.

Her
:wowt
hanks*
smi
l
es*
doy
ouhav
echi
ckenwr
aps?
Me:
what
'st
hat
?
Her:
it
'sa.
.nev
ermi
ndI
'
llbuyt
hem t
omor
rowaf
ter
knocki
ngoff.
Me:ohhI
'vebeenmeani
ngt
oask,
wheny
ouar
e
pr
egnantareyoual
l
owedtowor
k?
Her
:yeah.
Me:
okayt
hen.

Igr
ababot
tl
eofwat
er.
Her
:andI'
vebeenmeaningtoaskt
oo,
whydi
dn'
tyour
par
entscometothefuner
al?
Me:
i
t'
sfami
l
yrel
ated.
Her
:butI
..
.
Me:butnot
hing,
nowexcusemeIhav
etof
ini
shof
f
somepaperwork.

Iexittheki
tchengoi ngtomyst udy,
Idon'
twantt
o
i
nv olv
emanypeopl einthisi
ssueandIhopethatshe
knowst hatjustbecauseshe'spregnantwi
thmy
brother'
schilditdoesn'
tmakeusf ri
endsandImean
thatinthepossi bl
enicestway.
OhhandMl awaslaidtorestwi thdi
gnityIknowt hat
becauseIwentt ohisfuneral,
I'
m notaper sonthat
holdsgrudgesandIbel i
evet hatMlajusthada
problem andneededhelppl ushegotmyassoutof
thatroom Iwaslockedupi n...
Ishal
lforeverbe
grateful
forthat
.

°
Minenhl
e°

Shockedcan'
tev
enexpl
ainhowIam r
ightnowbutI
am most lyhurtthatthepersonIgr ewupknowi ngas
mymot herstolemef r
om mybi ologicalmotherri
ght
aftershegav ebirt
ht ome. .
.yeahgrowi ngupshe
didn'tabusemebutshenev erlovedmeIt hi
nkshe
tr
iedbutf ai
ledwhi chiswhyshet houghtsheshould
sellmeof fwellIthink.MlatookmyDNAf rom acup
Iusedl astweekanddi datestwi t
hmenotnot i
cing
andt her esult
scamey est
erdaywhi chiswhyMrand
Mr sHl ongwanear eher et
oday .

Her:
we'
vepr
ayedf
ort
hisday,wehopeditwould
comesoonandev
ent
uall
ylosthopebutithasf
inal
l
y
came.
Him:
*smil
ing*andIdon'tt
hinkIwil
leversl
eep
agai
n,
causethisisadream Ineverwanttowakeup
fr
om.

Okayi
t'
sof
fi
cial
Ial
readyl
ovet
hem.

Hi
m:canIgetahug?
Inodwhil
esmili
ngwi
thtear
srol
ldown,t
het
hreeof
usstandupanddoagrouphugitf
eel
stounusual
sowelcomingsowar
m...
itf
eel
sgreat
.

Ml
a:okayokaynowcanIpr
operi
ntr
oducemy
sel
f.
Webr
eakt
hehugl
aughi
ng.
Her
:ai
youknowhowt
orui
nagr
eatmoment
.
Mla:
*chuckl
es*
wellI
'
myourcousi
nbutI
'
llpl
ayt
he
br
otherrol
eokay.
Inodsmi
l
ing.
Mla:
godyoulovesmil
ing,butsi
nceweareallhappy
nowlet
'stal
kaboutt
hef orcedmarr
iaget
hingiewho
for
cedyou?

MrandMrsHlongwanegoli
ke"WHAT!!
?"Itgoi
ngto
takeawhi
l
etogetusedtocal
li
ngthem mom and
dad.
Me:*si
ghi
ng*
it'
salongst
orywhichwill
requir
eus
si
tt
ingdownagainbutmylunchbreakisoversoon.
..
.
Ml
a:I
'
mthebossr
emember
.

Isi
ghsit
ti
ngbackdownandst
art
snar
rat
ingt
he
marri
agethi
ngtot
hem.
~i
nser
t30~

°
Minenhl
e°

Ithasbeen2day ssi nceImetmyr eal par entsI

seri
ouslythoughtt hisisalladr eam butnoi t'
sreal
andi tf
eelssogr eat,myuhm mydadi sst illf
umi ng
aboutwhatIt oldthem 2day sagoanduhmom i s
tryi
ngherbestt ocal m him downev ent houghhe
calmsdownandsmi l
ewhenI '
m aroundbutMl asay s
heisst i
l
lverymuchangr y.IknowIshoul dn'tbe
encouraginghisangerbutIj ustfi
ndi tcut e.They
askedmet omov einwi t
ht hem af t
ert heyar edone
withsomedeal whi chwi l
lbei nacoupl eof
mont hs,
they3mont hsbutt hemaxi mum i s4and
guesswher etheyl i
v e??Dur ban!YerpIcan' twaitand
atthemomentt heyaskedmet omov ei nwi thMl a's
mom myaunt ..
..
thingsseem t obemov i
ngr eal
lyf ast
butthiswarmt hfeel i
ngI'm get t
ingfrom t hem is
somet hi
ngIhav enev ergotgr owingup, whenIt old
MosaandNy akal l
oaboutal lofthistheywer etr
uly
happyformeIthi
nkIfoundmysel
fsist
ers,I
promisedt
okeepintouchwi
ththem ever
ychanceI
getpl
usonSaturday
swhenweai n'
tbusywewi l
l
hangout.

Ml
a:l
i
ttl
esi
s.
Me:
pshhI
'
m onl
y3y
ear
syoungert
hany
ou.
Hi
m: whi
chmakesyouy
oung*
winks*
sowhatareyou
t
hinki
ngaboutt
hati
smaki
ngyousmilet
hismuch?
Me:*smili
ng*I
'mjustthinki
ngofhowthingstur
ned
out,
Iknewt hatwithsomuchIbeent hroughI'
l
lfi
nd
happinessbutIdidn'
tthinki
twouldbesosoonI
di
dn'tthi
nksuchanamazi ngthi
ngwil
lhappenthi
s
soon.
Hi
m: well
I'
mj ustgl
adt
hatIhav
eal
i
ttl
e
si
ster*
smiles*
Me:
ali
tt
lesi
stert
hatwi
l
lbel
eav
ingi
nacoupl
eof
mont
hs.
Hi
m:*
sul
ks*
don'
tremi
ndme.
Igi
ggl
eshaki
ngmyhead.

"
Baby
"
Il
ookt
owar
dst
hedoorwher
euhm dadi
sleani
ng.
Hi
m:comet
akeawal
kwi
thme.

Ismil
estandi
ngupandwal
ktohimthenweexi
tthe
housewalki
ngdownorupt
heroadI
'
m notsur
e.

Hi
m:sohowar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m happybutalsoscar
edt
hatImi
ghtwakeup
andfi
ndoutthatt
hisisal
ladr
eam.
Hi
m:meandbothbaby
,andbesidesbei
nghappyhow
doyouf
eel
aroundmeandy ourmother?
Me:
*i
nhali
ngdeeplyt
henexhal
e*If
eell
ikeIbel
ong,
I
f
eelt
hewar mthI
'v
ebeenlongi
ngfori
nsuchal ong
t
ime,
Ifeel
safeandfr
ee.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
I'
m gl
ady
ouf
eel
li
ket
hat
,we'
vel
ost23
year
sofbeinginyourl
i
feandIknowthaty
ou'
reol
d
nowbutI'
m sti
l
l goi
ngtot
reaty
ouli
keababyIhope
youdon'
tmind.
Me:
*gi
ggli
ng*nopeIdon'
tmi
ndasl
ongasy
ou'
l
lspoi
l
meI'
m good.
Him:pshhpieceofcakeohandI '
mtrul
ysorryabout
yourbaby,
Iknowthatpainv er
ywell
,
notexactl
yli
ke
youbutaft
erallIfel
tgreatpai
nwhenIlostyou.
Me:
thanky
out
hatr
eal
l
ymeansal
ot.
Hi
m: andthel
adywhostol
eyouhastopay
*cl
enches
hi
sjaws*shewil
lpayf
orever
ythi
ng.
Me:woahcalm down*si
ghi
ng*
asmuchasIwoul
d
l
ikethatbutIsayl
etkar
madealwi
thher
.
Him:Cont
rar
ytopopul
armisconcept
ion,
kar
mahas
nothi
ngtodowit
hpunishment
andreward.I
texist
saspar
tofourhol
ogr
aphi
c
uni
verse'
sbinar
yor
duali
sti
coperati
ngsyst
em onl
ytot
eachus
responsi
bil
i
tyforour
cr
eat
ions-
andal
lthi
ngsweexper
iencear
eour
cr
eat
ions.
Me:
*bey
ondconf
used*
uh?What
?
Hi
m:*chuckl
es*not
hing,
nowt
ell
memor
eaboutt
his
Nqubekoboy.

Ibl
ushl
ooki
ngt
heot
herway
.
Hi
m:hmmm you'r
eblushi
ng,
Ihavet
omeethi
mfi
rst
t
hingwhenweretur
ntoDurban.
Me:
butdadwear
enotev
endat
ing,
wel
lnoty
etI
meanw..
.

Ir
eal
izethatI
'
m nowwal
ki
ngalone,
Itur
nandl
ookat
hi
m standi
ngsti
l
lsmi
l
ingfr
om eart
oear.

Me:
*fr
owni
ng*
what
'
swr
ong?
Hi
m:y
oucal
l
edmedad.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
yesIdi
d.
Hewal
kstomeandcr
ushesmewi
thahugt
henl
et
megoaft
eraf
ewseconds.

Hi
m:GodI
'
m sohappy
*smi
l
es*
Me:
notashappyasmet
hough.
Hi
m:*
gaspdr
amat
ical
l
y*i
mpossi
ble.
Me:
*gi
ggl
i
ng*
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
Hi
m:l
adyI
'
mthehappyone,
l
ist
ent
othi
s.

Il
ookathi
m conf
usedashest
andsont
opofar
ock.

Hi
m:IAM SOHAPPY!
!!
!

Ohmygod.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
ist
hatachal
l
engeol
dman?
Him:Idon'
thaveonesingl
egreyhai
rsowhoar
eyou
cal
li
ngold?andcanyouhanglethat
chal
lenge?*
rai
seshiseyebr
ow*
Me:nowthatI
'
m her
eI '
l
lmakesur
eyougetgr
eyhai
r
andchal
l
engeaccepted.

Ial
socl
imbther
ockgi
ggl
i
ngandshoutont
opofmy
voi
ce"I
'
M THEONEWHO'SHAPPY!
!"

Hi
m:pshy
oushoutl
i
keagi
rl
.
Me:
Iam agi
rl
:*
laughi
ng*

Welaughandcont
inueshout
ingont
opofourv
oices
wi
thpeopl
elooki
ngatusasifwearecr
azy
.

Me:
IAm...
.*
coughi
ng*dad*
thatcomeoutasa
whi
sper
*
Hi
m:*
laughs*
wher
edi
dyourv
oicego?
Me:
dadt
hisi
snotf
unny
,myv
oicei
sgone.
Hi
m:IguessIwi
n.
Il
ookathi
m def
eat
edandendupl
aughi
ng.

Hi
m:ohy ourmotheri
scall
i
ng,
donott
alkwewouldn'
t
wantherhear
ingyoutal
ki
ngli
keaghostwhi
sper
er.

Ohmygodmydadiscrazy
...
.Il
ovehi
m...
heanswer
s
mom'
scal
landpl
aceitonloudspeaker
.

Hi
m:wi
fey
.
Her:
hubby,
wherear
eyouguy
sat?It
'smyti
met
o
bondwithhernowbri
ngmybabyback.
Him:butl
oveI
'
m st
il
lbondi
ngwi
thherpl
usshe'
smy
babytoo.
Her
:weZacHl
ongwaneIs.
..
Hi
m:okayokaywear
eonourwayback*
sul
ks*
Her
:goodIl
ovey
out
oo.
/
/
Hehangsup,
okayt
hisi
scut
e.
Him:
okayweshoul
ddosomet
hingabouty
ourv
oice
orel
seyourmot
herwi
l
lki
ll
me.

Igivehim anevilsmi
l
eandjumpdownf rom t
her
ock
thenstartrunni
ngbackwi
thhim chasi
ngmewhil
e
call
i
ngmyname.
.
.
I
t'
sshor
t
~i
nser
t31~

°
Minenhl
e°

Mom:ohmypoorbaby
,Zacl
ookwhaty
oudi
d*gi
vi
ng
hi
m anev
iley
e*
Dad:
buthoneyshei
st.
..
Her
:notanot
herwor
d,y
ou'
resl
eepi
ngont
hef
loor
t
oday.
Hi
m:*
shocked*
but
..
yoursi
sterhascouches.
Her:
younotleav
ingourr
oom,
ni
ggaI
'
m notgoi
ngt
o
sl
eepalone.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
didy
ouj
ustcal
lhi
m ni
gga?
Dad:
uh?
?SpeakupIcan'
theary
ou.
Me:
Mooomm.
Mom:
Zac!
!
Dad:
Minenhl
e!!
Me:
what
?
Dad:
uhnothi
ngIt
houghtwewer
ecal
l
ingouteach
ot
her'
snames.
Mom:
*si
ghs*
andImar
ri
edt
hisguy
.
Dad:
*smi
rks*
yesy
oudi
d.

Honestl
yI'mlov i
ngthi
s,Iwishthi
swasthe
envir
onmentIgr ewupinandt heatt
enti
onthey
'r
e
gi
vingmei spricel
ess.
..
.Itakebackevery
thi
ngIsai
d
aboutparent
s,parent
sar el
ov i
ng,
car
ingandmostof
al
ltheyareawesome! !.

°
Nqubeko°

Lookingatherpictur
esthatIsecret
lycapt
uredi
sn'
t
helpi
ngatall
,al
li
t '
sdoingi
smaki ngmemi ssher
evenmor e.

"OhMi nenhl
ewhatar
eyoudoi
ngt
ome?
"-Isayt
hat
sighi
ngoutloud.
"Whoareyout
alki
ngtoo?
"-Buhl
e'
svoi
ceechoesas
sheent
ersmystudy.

Ipl
acemyphoneont
het
abl
eandl
ookather
.
Me:
aren'
tyousupposet
obeatwor
k?
Her
:Idi
dn'
tl
eav
e,Ical
l
edi
nsi
ck.
Me:
you'
resi
ck?What
'swr
ong?I
sthebabyokay
?
Her
:yeaht
hebabyi
sokay
.
Me:
arey
ousi
ck?
Her
:no.
Me:
thenwhydi
dyoul
i
e?
Her
:wel
lIcan'
tcope,
I
'mf
rust
rat
ed.

Il
ookatherwi
thabor
edf
ace,
wai
ti
ngf
orhert
o
cont
inue.
Her:
well
youknowabouthowwepr
egnantwomen
cr
aveforcer
tai
nthi
ngs.
Me:yeaht
hat'swhyIgaveyouoneofmycar dsso
youcanbuyy ourcr
avi
ngs,
waitareyout
ryi
ngtotel
l
methatyourcravi
ngsaremakingyoufr
ustr
ated?
Howdoest hatevenmakessense?
Her:
nowellyesjustt
hatt
hiscer
tai
ncr
avi
ngi
t'
s
di
ff
erentIcan'
tbuyit
.

Iwanttoaskwhati
tissoIcangetitf
orhersoshe
canleav
emealonebutanotherpar
tofmedoesn't
wanttoask.

Me:
what
'si
sit
,I
'
m sur
ewecangeti
tsomewher
e.
Her
:sex.

Ichokeonmysali
va,
Idi
dn'
tseet
hatone
coming.
..
whydi
dIask?OkaywhatdoIsayt
oher
?
Me:
*coughi
ng*
Iuhm*
cough*
I.
.
Her:
youdon'
thav
etosayany
thi
ng,
j
usthel
pmeout
youknow*wi
nks*
Me:
*gett
inguncomfor
tabl
e*uhm whydon'
tyoubuy
t
hatt
hingieuhadil
doorsomething.
Her:
*shocked*
what
?Whyshoul
dIwheny
ouar
eher
e
wit
htherealt.
.
Me:
stoppl
easej
ustst
op.

Shewalkstomeunbut t
oningherT-shi
rtexposi
ng
herf
ir
m breast
s,i
t'
sgett
inghothereIshiftonmy
chai
runcomfort
ably.

Her
:pl
ease,
j
ustt
hisonce.

Shesit
sonmyl aplookingatmylips,
Islowlymov e
myhandst oherwai stasourheadsmeethal fway
andourli
pscolli
de.Thisfeel
ssowr ong,theseli
ps
wereusedtokissingmyownbr ot
her.
..
.Ibreakthe
ki
ssmov
inghergent
lyof
fme.

Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Her
:b.
..
Me:*st
andi
ngup*
agai
nI'
m sor
ry,
pleasebut
tonup
yourshi
rt
.
Her
:Idon'
twantt
o.

Isightaki
ngmycarkeysandphonet
henwal
koutof
thestudygoi
ngout
side,
shehastol
eave.

#Nar
rat
ed

I
nJo'
bur
g.

Zamoi
shav
ingapi
cni
cdat
ewi
thNi
col
eatt
hepar
k.
Zamo:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
Ni
col
e:*
laughs*
youar
ely
ingZamot
hat
'si
mpossi
ble.
Zamo:
event
hatwor
dsay
sI'
m possi
blesobel
i
eve
me.
Ni
col
e:wuuuhdi
dyouj
ustuset
hatl
i
ne?
Zamo:
IguessIdi
d.
Ni
col
e:st
il
lyou'
rel
yi
ng*
laughs*
Zamo:
*shr
ugs*wel
latl
eastI
'
m makingyousmil
e
andl
aughget
ti
ngtoseeyourext
remebeauty
.
Ni
col
ebl
ushesl
ooki
ngt
heot
herway
.
Zamo:andI'
m al
somaki
ngy
oubl
ush,
gody
oul
ook
beaut
if
ul.
Her
:*bl
ushes*
thanky
ou.
Him:
youknowwhatI'
m goingtoyourmothert
otel
l
hert
hatI
'
m marr
yingyourcutefacesoon.
Her
:*l
aughs*
youwoul
dn'
t.
Hi
m:Iwoul
d.
Her
:you'
recr
azy
,doy
ouwantmymom t
oki
l
lmenot
t
oment
ionbot
hmydadsanduncl
esnonono.
Him:
*l
aughs*
whywoul
dthyki
l
lyou?Don'
ttheywant
cows?
Her:
I'
m onl
y18duhany
waybef
oreIf
orgetmydad
s.
..
Hi
m:whi
chone?
*chuckl
es*
Her:
*rol
lshereyes*
stepdad,hesaidif"Ihappent
o
seeyou"Ishoul
dtel
lyoutotellyourfr
iendstotel
l
thei
rfri
endtostopwhateverheisdiggingcauseit
mightturnoutt
obehi sgr
av e.
Hi
m:uh?
?Whi
chf
ri
endsar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Her:
I'
m guessi
ngyourcousi
norwhoeverandthe
onediggi
ngmustbesomehowr el
atedtothatguy
whokeptushostage.
Him:owwwbutwhatdoesy
ourdadmeanwhenhe
saysitmi
ghtt
urnoutt
obehisgr
ave?Thatdoesn'
t
makeanysense.

"
What
'sgoi
ngonher
e?"
Ni
colej
umpst andi
ngupwit
hherheart
beatbeat
ing
f
astandherpalmssweati
nstant
ly.

Ni
col
e:uhm uhKy
leIc.
..
Cal
:
it'
sCal
.
Ni
col
e:y
eahCal
vi
nIcanexpl
ain.
Cal
:
wel
lI'
mli
steni
ng.

Zamoalsostandsuplooki
ngatthi
shugedudei
n
fr
ontofthem whohasaninti
midat
ingl
ook.

Nicol
e:uhm t
hisi
smyf
ri
endZamowear
ejust
chil
li
ng*smi
les*
Cal
:
tryagai
n.
Her
:I
'm ser
ious.
Zamo:
y.
..

"
YohCal
!"
-Ky
lesay
swal
ki
ngt
othem andgi
vest
hem
a"
What
'sgoi
ngonher
e"f
ace.

Meanwhi
l
eZamol
ooksatt
het
wophot
ocopi
esi
n
hor
ror
.
Cal
:Idon'
tknowbutNi
col
eher
ewasaboutt
otel
l
me.
Ky
le:
andwhoar
eyou?
Zamo:
uhhZamo.
Ni
col
e:guy
scomeon.
Cal
:
don'
tcomeonus,
l
et'
sgo.
Ni
col
e:but
..
Cal
:
Iwi
l
lnotr
epeatmy
sel
f.
*wal
kst
ohi
scar
*
Kyle:
welli
twasni
cemeetingyouZamo,
bytheway
I'
m Kyle.
..
you*
poi
ntsatNi
cole*
int
hecarnow*wal
ks
awayt oo*
Ni
col
e:ohgodI
'
m sosor
ry.
Zamo:
uhm *cl
earshist
hroat
*youdi
dn'
ttel
lmey
ou
hav
eolderbr
others.
Nicole:*
signs*
theyaremyst epdad'sbrot
her'solder
twins,t
heybasicall
yplaytheroleofol
derbrothers
andt heyaresuperprotecti
ve.
.Ishoul
dhavet ol
d
you,Ihavetogot hankyouforthepicni
cI'
llcally
ou
l
ater.

Sher
unst
othecar
.
Zamo:
Wowmyassi
sgonnagetbeat
enupher
e.
.
.
Meanwhi
l
e..
.

MrGopensthedoorandsomeladywal
ksi
nthen
headst
owar
dstheloungei
nafoulmood.

Hi
m:hey,
Ithoughty
ousaidthatyouwon'
tcome
t
odaycausey ouai
n'
tfeel
i
nggr eat
.
*
*si
l
ence*
*
Hi
m:*
snapshi
sfi
nger
s*hel
l
o.
Her
:*bl
i
nks*
ohhey
.
Hi
m:what
'swr
ong?Ar
eyouokay
?
Her
:Idon'
tknow,
I'
m sl
eepi
ngwi
thamar
ri
edaman
so.
.
Him:
comeondon'
tputi
tli
ket
haty
ouknowIl
ove
youpl
us.
..
Her
:you'
vebeensay
ingt
hatf
ormont
hsb.
Hi
m:shesi
gnedt
hepaper
s.
Her
:*dumbst
ruck*
arey
ouser
ious?

Hesmi
l
esnoddi
ngmaki
nghersmi
l
etoo.
Her:
wowIwasn'
texpect
ingt
his,
i
sthi
swhaty
ousai
d
youwer
egoi
ngtotellmewhenyouseeme?
Him:yeahandnowwedon'
thav
et osneak
around,
andisthi
swhyy
ouwereinafoulmoodwhen
yougothere?
Her
:*hersmi
l
edi
sappear
s*no.
Hi
m:*
frowns*
thenwhat
'swr
ong?
Her
:youl
i
edt
ome.
Hi
m:*
conf
used*
aboutwhat
?
Her
:aboutnotbei
ngabl
etohav
eki
ds.
Him:what
??Ididn'
tl
ieaboutthatwhywoul
dIl
i
e
aboutsomet
hingsoserious?
Her
:okayt
hent
ell
me,
howt
hef
uckdi
dIf
all
pregnant
?
Hi
m:*
laughs*
yeahr
ight
.

Shetakesoutthe3posit
ivepr
egnancyt
estsand
thr
owt hem athi
m,hel
ooksatthem f
oraveryl
ong
ti
me.
Him:*walksar
oundsti
lll
ooki
ngatt
het
est
s*t
his
doesn'tmakeanysense,
how?
Her
:*conf
used*
soy
ouwer
en'
tl
yi
ng.
Hi
m:NO!
!!
Howi
sthi
spossi
ble?
Hest
andsst
il
lnott
hinki
ngst
rai
ght
.
~i
nser
t32~
°
Nqubeko°

Ishouldn'thav ekissedher ,whydi dIkissher?She

real
lyhast ol eaveshehast ofixthingswi thher
mom andi fshecan' tthenI'mt akinghert oMnqobi's
fl
at,
Iknowshe' shisbabymommabutI 'm defi
nit
ely
nottakinghert ohishousehehadj ustrecentl
y
boughti tIwi l
lnotjustgiveitupt osomegi rl
.Ihave
aquest i
on. .
.IknowmeandMi nenhlear en'
tina
rel
ati
onshi porany t
hing..
.y
et*wi nk*butdoeswhatI
didconsi derascheat ingsinceIl oveher ?

"
Toughday
?"
Il
ookatthisguynextt
omewhoi
sgul
pingdownhi
s
beer
,Igul
pdownmi ne.

Me:
youcoul
dsayt
hat
.
Hi
m:y
eahmet
oo.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
butIdi
dn'
task.
Hi
m:*chuckl
es*
IknowdudebutIwasn'
taboutt
o
wai
tforyoutoask.
Me:
Ili
key
ou.
Hi
m:ewwwwdudel
i
keewww.
*maki
ngadi
sgust
ed
f
ace*
Me:what?Imeanl
ookatmeI'
m handsomedon'
tyou
thi
nk?*r
aisi
ngmyeyebr
owsupandanddownwhile
smirki
ng*
Him:
dudeyoudoknowt
hatt
wocanpl
ayatt
hat
gameri
ght
?

Her
unshi
sfi
nger
sonmychesti
naseduct
iveway
.

Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
okayokayst
opt
hati
sdi
sgust
ing.
Hi
m:IknowI
..
Me:
youseem t
o"know"al
ot.
Hi
m:*
laughs*
yesIknow.
Some2ladiespur
posel
ybumponusmaki
ngme
al
mostdropmyglass.

Me:
*i
rr
it
ated*
geez.
1stgi
rl
:ohmygoshwear
esosor
ry.
Theguynextt
ome:
*sighs*okaybutpleaseexcuse
weareki
ndofinamiddleofaconversationher
e.
2ndgi
rl
:may
bew.
..
Hi
m:*
fli
rt
ingwi
thme*
sobabeasIwassay
ingy
..
.
Them:
babe!
!!
1stgir
l:
yout
woar egay
s?Suchawast
eof
handsomeness.
Hi
m:oht
hanky
ouf
ort
hecompl
i
mentdar
li
ng.

Theybot
hwal
kawayi
nar
ushpi
ssed.

Me:andher
eIwast
hinki
ngt
hatIwi
l
lgetmy
sel
fa
ni
cebooty.
Hi
m:*
laughs*
I'
m Si
mphi
webyt
heway
.
Me:
I'
m Nqubeko.

Webr ohugwhi
l
echuckl
i
ngandcont
inuewi
thour
dr
inks.

#Nar
rat
ed

MrGisatthedoctor'
soff
icewit
hhi
sladybesi
des
hi
m,aft
eracoupleofminutest
hedoct
orwalksback
i
nwiththeresul
ts.

Doc:
i
fIt
ookt
olongf
orgi
veme.
MrG:
notatal
l
.
Doc:
okayI
'
vegoty
ourr
esul
tsr
ighther
e.

MrGnodswhi
l
eexhal
i
ngl
oudl
y.
Doc:
youl
ookner
vous,
doy
ouwantsomewat
er?
MrG:
noI
'
m goodpl
easepr
oceed.
Doc:
alr
ightt
hen.

Thedoctort
akesaseatandopensupt
hef
il
e
cont
aini
ngtheresul
ts.

Doc:wellmam itl
ooksl
ikey
ouar eonemonth
pregnantandsiryouar
enotinf
erti
l
ey ouar
ever
y
muchf ert
il
esoIguesscongrat
ulat
ionstot
heboth
ofyou*smiles*

I
tgoessil
enti
ntheof
fi
ceunt
ilMrG'
sladybr
eaks
t
hesil
ence.

Her:
thanksdoctorbutwear ev
erymuchconfused
causeheoncedi dthet est
sandwhentheycame
backtheysai
dhe' sinfert
il
esoIspeakf
orthebothof
uswhenIsayt hisisreall
yshocki
ng.
Doc:
ohhwhendi
dyoudot
hoset
est
s?
Hi
m:*
clear
shi
sthr
oat
*27y
ear
sago.
Doc:
okayaft
erseei
ngthatdoctorwhosayyouwere
i
nfer
ti
le,
soyouseeanotherdoctorImeanhow
manydoctor
sdidyousee?Orr at
hershoul
dIask
howmanyt i
mesdidyoudot hetest
s?
Hi
m:once.
Doc:wellIthi
nkthatwast hepr oblem sir,
mistakesi n
thelaborator
yhappensmor eof tenwhichi swhyI
doubledcheckedi fIdidn'tswapy ourresultsand
whyIal sodidthet est
stwi cej ustt obesur e..
..y
our
fi
rstresult
swi t
hy ourfi
rstdoct ormi ghthav enot
beeny oursorthedoct orsint hel abmi ghthav e
madeami stake..
.andasadoct orIadvicey outosee
anotherdoctortogett heiropini onjustincaseI
madeami stakebutwhatIdon' tgeti sifyout hink
you'r
einferti
l
ehowwoul dy ourwi f
ebepr egnant ?
Hi
m:*
sighs*
sother
e'sahi
ghpossi
bil
i
tyt
hatIgott
he
wr
ongresul
ts?
Doc:
yeah.
..
Icoul
dref
ery
out
oanot
herdoct
ori
fy.
..
Him:
not
hanky
ouandt
hanksweshoul
dgetgoi
ng
now.

Thecoupl
est
andupandbi
dgoodby
etot
hedoct
or
thenwal
ktot
hecar
.

Her:
whydi
dn'
tyouwantt
ober
efer
redt
oanot
her
doct
or?
Hi
m:causeI
'm cer
tai
nthatIgotthewrongr
esul
ts
pl
usyou'
repr
egnantunlessthat
'snotmychi
ld.
Her
:what
?Howc.
..
Hi
m:*si
ghs*
sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
hati
nanof
fensi
ve
way.
Her:
okaybutwhati
fthedoct
oral
somadeami
stake
wit
hmyr esul
ts?
Hi
m:buty
oual
readyknewt
haty
ou'
repr
egnant
.
Her:
Ididahomepr
egnancyt
estandtheyar
en'
t
100%accurat
ewhoknowsmaybeit'
sastomach
bug*shr
ugs*
Him:noIt
hinkt
hatyouar
ereal
l
ypr
egnantcauseal
l
ofthi
smakessense.
Her
:how?
Him:
itexpl
ainswhyNqubekol
ookssomuchl
i
keme
andactsalotli
keme.
Her
:don'
tyouandy
ourbr
otherl
ookal
i
ke?
Hi
m:*
sighs*
wedobutnott
hatmuch.
Her
:okayy
ougonnahav
etogi
vememor
ethant
hat
.

Hel
ooksupexhal
i
ngl
oudl
ythi
nki
ngr
eal
l
yhar
d.

Him:*si
tsstrai
ght
*wai tNqubekocameoutamont h
earl
yandt hedoct
or skeptsay i
nghewasn'ta
prematuresowej ustassumedt hattheymadea
mistakeandwedi dn'tfightt
hem si
ncehewas
perf
ectl
yf i
neandheal thy.
Her
:wowokaysowhatar
eyousay
ing?
Hi
m:Idon'
tknow,t
hatther
e'sal
soahi
ghpossi
bil
i
ty
t
hatNqubekoismine.
Theybot
hlookateachot
herasi
ftheyar
ethi
nki
ng
thesamethi
ng.

°
Nqubeko°

Me:t
heyar
edonecleani
ngupt
hef
lat
,youshoul
d
pr
obabl
ystar
tpacki
ng.
Her
:wai
tyouwer
eser
ious?
Me:
giv
emeoner
easonwhyIwoul
d'
vej
okedabout
t
hat
.
Her:
Idon'
tknowIjustdidn'
tthi
nkt
hatyouwer
e
ser
ious,
whatifsomethi
nghappenstomether
e?
Whatift
herearerobber
s?
Me:youhavemynumbersoifther
e'sanemergency
you'
l
l cal
lmeandyou'
l
lbeperf
ectl
ysafether
ecause
t
here'ssecur
it
y.
Her
:i
sthi
saboutwhatalmosthappenedcausei
fso
t
henI'
m sor
ryIwasjustf
rust
rat
edp...
.
Myphoneringsi
tanunknownnumber
,Ir
ubmy
f
oreheadanswer
ingi
t//

Me:
sho.
"
Hey
"

Mystrai
ghtfacemeltasasmilefor
msandIsee
Buhl
e'
sey eswideni
nginshock.

Me:
hey
.
Her
:howar
eyou?
Me:I
'm doi
nggr
eatespeci
all
ynowsi
ncey
ouj
ust
cal
l
ed.
Her
:ohmygody
oual
sohav
eacockysi
de.
Me:well
youcoul
dsayt
hat
,howabouty
ouar
eyou
okay?
Her
:I
'm gr
eatt
hanks.
Me:
yourv
oicei
sfi
l
ledwi
thsomuchexci
tementdoI
needt
of l
yther
eandhav
eaf
istconv
ersat
ionwi
th
someone?
Her
:*gi
ggl
i
ng*
nochi
l
l,
iti
ski
ndofal
ongst
ory
.
Me:
Idon'
tmindcancel
i
ngmymeet
ingsj
ustt
ohear
t
hatst
oryyouknow.
Her:
*chuckl
es*I
'
m atwor
ksonextt
imebutstor
y
short
,uhm i
n3mont hsI
'
m movi
ngbackther
e
permanentl
y.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
don'
tmesswi
thme.
Her
:I
'm notohhIhav
etogoIwasj
ustchecki
ngup
onyou.
Me:
i
sthisyournumber
?SoIcancheckupony
ou
t
oolat
er.
Her:
*l
aughs*
yeahi
t'
smynumber
,by
enowhav
ea
gr
eatday.
Me:
Icer
tai
nlywi
l
l,
hav
eagr
eatdayt
oo.
Her
:t
hanks,
that
'swhaty
oushoul
d'
vesai
dtoo.
Ichuckl
easshehangsup.
//
Ir
emov
ethephonef
rom myearst
il
lsmi
l
ing.

Buhl
e:whowast
hat
?Ihav
enev
erseeny
ousmi
l
ing
l
iket
hat.

Il
ookatherf
rowni
ng.

Me:ar
eyougoi
ngt
opacksoIcantakeyoutot
hefl
at
bef
oreIgot
oworkorar
eyougoi
ngt ocat
chacab?
Her
:youhav
en'
tanswer
edme.
Me:
okayy
ouar
etaki
ngacab.
It
akemybagandcarkeysandwalkoutl
eavi
ngher
st
andi
ngther
eIwi
llnotl
etherr
uinmygreat
mood.
..
can3monthsendalr
eady.
~i
nser
t33~

¶3mont
hsl
ater
¶

°
Minenhl
e°

Theweeksmov edbywayt of ast

,Ireal
lyenjoyed
my selfinMpumal angaI'm sogonnami sstheonesI
gotcloset o.
..
.l
ikeNyakallo,Mosa, Mlamel i
andhi s
mot herandZamahi swife...
theytiedtheknotl ast
mont hi twasabeaut i
fulweddi ngtheyr eal
lydol ov
e
eachot herandZamai sghet tosanaheri nnocent
selfwoul dn'
tgivei
tawaybutspendi ngmor etime
withpr ovedtomet hatshe'sghet to.Rightnowwe
areonourwayt oPMB, by" we"Imeanme, mom and
dadt heysaidwehav et opaymy" mot her"av i
sitto
makesur ethatshestaysf arawayf rom me.
NtokoandNqudon' tknowt hatI
'm back,
weactuall
y
arri
vedyest
erdayni
ghti nDurbanandwokeupear ly
forour"
tri
p"IguessI'
llsur
priset
hem later
..
..
theonly
thi
ngI'
mlooki
ngf orwardtoi
nPMBisAyandawellI
dosti
ll
keepintouchwi t
hhimI'
vemi
ssedhim al
ot
i
nthesepastmont hs.
.
Aft
eraf ewhour
swear r
iveatourdest
inat
ion,
the
l
asttimeIwashereitwasmyweddi ngdayand
thi
nkingoft
hatdaymakesmechuckl eespeci
all
y
l
ookingwhereIam now.

Me:dadareyousuret
hatyou'
l
lbeabl
etokeepyour
temperat-10causey
oulookl
ikey
ou'
rereadyt
okil
l
someone.
Hi
m:I
'
llbef
inedon'
twor
ry.

Meandmom l ookateachot herthenthe3ofus

walkinsi
detheyardandsurpri
singlyI'
m notscared
atall
,wi
thmyparentsbesi
desmeIf eelsafe.
..
.weget
tothedoorandknockthenwai tforsomeonet o
respondoropenthedoor.
Thedooropensupanduncl
eVusi
showsup.
Him:ohmygodMinny
(that
'showhecal
l
sme)
wher
e
haveyoubeenI
..
.
Dad:
youdon'
tgett
oaskhert
hat
.*pi
ssed*

UncleVl ooksatt hem andhi sexpressioni sthe

sameasmi newhenIf ir
stsawt hem,uncleVhas
beennot hingbutgoodt omeandZamoourwhol e
l
iveshel i
terall
yplay edtheparentroleinmyl i
fe,
he'
s
theonewhoat t
endedschool meetings,defendedme
from my" mot her
"y eahhewashar dlytheresincehe
hashi sownf ami l
ybutI 'mreall
ygratefulfor
ev er
ythi
nghehasdonef ormeandZamobutI '
m st
il
l
madathi mf ornotdoi nganythi
ngwhen" mom"beat
meupt i
llIpassedoutt hatday.

Hi
m:Minnywhoar
ethesepeopl
eandwhydot
hey
l
ookl
ikeyou?
Dad:
w..
.
Me:
dadi
t'
sokaypl
easecal
m down.
Uncl
e:*
shocked*
dad?
??
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
letusi
nsoweno,
sot
heycanexpl
ain.

Hesi ghsmaki ngwayforus,wewalkinsideandwe

aregr eet
edbyanunpl easi
ngsightofmy" mot her"
i
t'
sl i
keshe'sinherownwor ld.
..
wear eli
ter
allysit
ting
acrossherbutshehasn' tr
eali
zeditandIcan't
exactlyexplai
nmygr andmother'
sexpression..
Idon't
knowwhet hershe'
sshockedorangryIjustdon' t
know.

Me:
uncl
eVwhat
'swr
ongwi
thher
?
Him:
*sighs*
eimshanaIdon'tknow,af
teraf
ewday
s
youl
eftshestar
tedact
ingl
ikethis.
Gr
anny
:*f
umi
ng*
she'
sli
ket
hisbecauseofy
ou!
Me:
*shocked*
me?
?
Her
:Idi
dn'
tst
art
er.
..
Uncl
e:mom pl
ease.
Her:
nomarnVusit
hisspoi
l
tbr
atshamedourfamily
anditdi
dagr
eatdamagetomydaughter
,she'
sli
ke
t
hisbecauseofher
.
Mom:okayt
hat
'si
t,
youwi
l
lnott
alkaboutmychi
l
d
l
iket
hat.
Gr
anny
:*ey
esal
lout
*yourchi
l
d?
Mom:Idi
dn'
tstar
ter
*pi
ssedoff
*nowar
eyour
eady
f
orustotal
kli
keadult
sthatwear
e.
Granny
:youwi
llnottal
ktomel
i
ket
hat
,t
hisi
smy
houseIwon'
ttoler
ateit
.

I
'
m st
ill
shockedbyt
hewaygrannyspoket
omeand
most
lywhatshesai
daboutt
hisbei
ngmyfaul
t.

Dad:yourdaughteri
stheonewhost ol
eourbabygirl
fr
om us,soifit
'sanyonewhowon'ttol
erat
eanythi
ng
hereisus..
..
yourexcuseofadaughteri
sprobably
l
ikethisbecauseherdeedsarecatchi
ngupwithher.

Thei
rfaceexpr
essi
onsarepri
celessI
'
m sur
ethey
di
dn'
tseethatbombblastcoming.
Uncl
e:*
sti
l
lshocked*
what
?Shedi
d..
what
?
Mom:sodoest
hatmeanbot
hofy
ouar
ewi
l
li
ngt
o
l
ist
en?

Onlyuncl
eVnods, thenmom st art
snarrati
ngthe
stor
ytothem anditv isi
blethatsheishav i
nga
fl
ashbackcausehert earsarepl ay
ingtheir
part
..
..
..
..
.whenshe'sdonebot hgrannyandunclear
e
sheddi
ngt ear
sIalsowi peoutmyt ear
s...
seei
ngmy
mothercryisnotapl easingsight.

Uncle:
*wi
pesouthi
stear
s*i
tallmakessense
now,whenshesai
dtheysayshehastopayshewas
tal
ki
ngaboutthi
s.
Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*they
?

Hev
ent
saboutwhathappened.

Dad:
wel
lshedeser
vesi
t.
Me:
dad!
Him:nobabyshedeservesit,
nooneknowst hepain
meandy ourmotherwentthroughwhenwel ostyou
becauseofthi
sself
ishperson*br
eat
hingheavil
y*
Mom:
honeycal
m downpl
ease.
Uncle:
asmuchasitpai
nsmet osaythi
sbutMinny
yourfat
heri
sri
ght,
whatmysist
erdidwasver
y
i
nhumanaf t
eral
lIam afat
hert
oo.
Gr
anny
:Vusi
s..
.
Uncle:
nomom admi
titwhaty
ourdaught
erdi
dwas
awful.
Gr
anny
:may
beshehasav
ali
dreasonwhyshedi
dit
.
Uncle:areyouhear ingy our
self?JustwhenIt hink
youcoul dn'
tlovey ourdaught ermor e.
..
justadmitit
yourfavorit
epr eciousdaught erdeserveswhat '
s
happeningt oher..
.Mi nnymychi l
df orgi
v emef ornot
protecti
ngy oufrom y ourmot herthatdayIdidn't
thi
nkt hatshe'dbeaty outi
l
lyoupassoutandaf ter
thatIwast heonewhohadt orushy out othe
hospitalcauseev eryonewasbusynotcar i
ng..
.your
parent
sseem lovi
ngandI'm happyf
ory ou.
..
agai
n
pl
easef or
giv
eme, now*standsup*excusemeI
needtobewi thmykids.

Hebowshi
sheadandwal
ksout
.

Gr
anny
:Ist
il
lsayt
hatm.
..
Dad:ohshutupyouoldwrinkl
edlady,
ther
easonwe
cameherewastot el
lyourdaughtert
ostayfaraway
fr
om ourdaught
erbutIguesskarmadecidedt odeal
wit
hherfirst
.
Gr
anny
:getout
.
Dad:
*st
andsup*
wit
hpl
easur
e.

Meandmom st
anduptoo.
...
mindyoumy"mot
her"
hasn'
tmov
edorsai
danyt
hingorev
ennoti
ceus.

The3ofuswal koutwit
houtev
enbiddi
ng
goodby
e..
..
.bef
oredri
vi
ngbackIwenttoseeAy
anda
Icoul
dn'
tpossi
blyl
eav
ewi
thoutseei
nghi
m.
.
.
¶Fewhour
slat
er¶

RightnowI'm atNqubeko'
sdoorstepwithahuge
smilewait
ingforhimt oopenup.Thedooropensup
andunfort
unat el
yiti
snotNquit'
sal adyI'
m pret
ty
sureI'
veseensomewher eandshe'sdefini
tel
ynotin
themood.

Me:
hi,
uhm Buhl
eri
ght
?
Her
:uhm y
eahhowdoy
ouknowme?
Me:
wemetatMnqobi
'
sfuner
al,
i
sNqubekoher
e?
Her
:*r
aisesherey
ebr
ow*
why
?

Oookaywhati
supwi
thher
?
Me:
whatdoy
oumeanwhy
?

"
Ladi
es"
It
urnf
indi
ngacaramel
guyfocusedonhi
sphone,
he
l
ooksuptous.
..
whenhi
seyesmeetBuhlehef
rowns.

Hi
m:Buhl
e?Whatt
heheckar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Her
:hel
l
otoy
out
ooSi
mphi
we.
Me:
uhm sor
rybuti
sNqubekoher
eornot
?
Guy
:*si
ghs*
sor
ryhi
.
Me:
hey
.
Hi
m:y
ouar
e..
.?
Me:
Minenhl
e.
Him:*smil
es*ohhhsoy ou'r
eMinenhl
e,
don'
twor
ry
Nqubekoisjustparki
ngt hecarhe'
l
lberi
ght
here.
..
I'
m Si
mphi webyt heway.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
nicet
omeety
ou.
Hi
m:l
i
kewi
se,
andy
ou*
poi
nti
ngatBuhl
e*y
oudo
knowt
hatNquwi
l
lbepi
ssedf
indi
ngy
ouher
e.
Buhl
e:andy
oudoknowt
hatnoneoft
hatconcer
ns
you.

I
'
mjustgonnatakeahi
ntandsayt
heset
wodon'
t
l
i
keeachother
.
Heshowsupwhi st
li
ngsof t
lyandoureyesmeet,his
facesoftenupandsmi l
eslowlyfor
msmaki ngme
blushIdon'tthi
nkI'
llevergetusedtohowbeautiful
hissmileis..
..
hewalkstowar dsusandstandsin
frontofme. .
.t
omei t'
slikeevery
thi
ngishappeni
ngi n
slowmot ion.

Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
you'
reback.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
sinceI
'
mri
ghti
nfr
ontofy
ouIguessso.
Hi
m:*chuckl
es*
asi
mpl
eyeswoul
dhav
edonet
he
t
ri
ck.
Me:
Iknow.
Buhl
e:what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Noonecoul
dmi
sst
hei
rr
it
ati
oni
nherv
oice.

Simphi
we:doyouperhapsneedglasses?Can'
tyou
seewhat'
sgoingon,
andy oujusthavetor
uini
twit
h
yourir
ri
tat
ingst
upidvoicegaah.
Buhl
e:Iwasn'
ttal
ki
ngt
oyou!
!!
Si
m:andI
'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou.
Her
:Si
mphi
weshutt
hef
uckup.
Hi
m:y
oudon'
tgett
otel
lmet
hat
.
Her
:guesswhatIj
ustdi
d,Iwasj
ustaski
ngmy
..
.
Hi
m:y
ourwhat
?Youwer
easki
ng"
your
"what
?

Nqubekowhisper
stomyear"
let
'stakeadr
ivecause
Iknowthatt
hesetwocoul
dgolikethi
sfor
ever
"

Igi
gglenoddi
ngandIt
akehi
shandwalki
ngaway
fr
om BuhleandSi
mphi
webutIwonderwhat
'sgoi
ng
onthough.
~i
nser
t34~

°
Minenhl
e°

Hi
m:wow,
peopl
ear
ecr
uel
outt
her
e.
Me:*
shruggi
ng*y
eahbutI'
m nolongert
her
eI'
m
enj
oyi
ngeachandeverysecondwithmy
par
ents*smi
li
ng*
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
I'
m happyf
ory
ou.
Me:
thankssohowhav
eyoubeen?
Hi
m:I'
vebeengoodI
'
m notcompl
aini
ng,
lastweekI
metupwithmydad*
sighs*
howdoIsaythi
suhm
t
urnsouthe'
smydad.
Me:
thatmakeszer
osense.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
letmebr
eaki
tdownt
oyou.

Hetell
smeev ery
thi
ngabouthisf
athert
ell
i
nghim
he'
sinfer
ti
leandhowhisbrot
herwasinvol
vei
nhis
marr
iage..
..
tot
her ecentev
entofhi
sdad
i
mpregnatingaladyandlastl
ytot
hem meet
ingup
anddoingaDNAt est
.

Me:
sohowdoy
ouf
eel
aboutal
loft
hat
?
Him:honestl
yIcan'tblamehimf orever
y t
hingt
hat
happened,Ican'
tblamehi m ent
irel
yforMnqobi'
s
deathcauseIunder st
andhowhar di
thasbeenf or
hi
m,Icansayt hatIfeelokaywit
hhowt hi
ngsare
pl
ayingout.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
how'
syourr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thhi
m?
Hi
m:i
t'
sokay
,wear
etaki
ngbabyst
eps.
Me:
I'
m al
sohappyf
oryou,butwhatabouty
ourmom?
What
'shersayi
nal
loft
his?
Him:
Idon'
tknow,
Ihav
en'
tseenheri
nmont
hsandI
don'
tcar
e.

Isensesomepainfr
om that"
Idon'
tcar
e"butf
or
nowIwon'tsayany
thing.
Him:enoughaboutourf
ami
l
ies,
whendi
dyouget
here?
Me:yest
erdayuhm IknowwhatI'
m aboutt
oaskis
noneofmyconcernbutwhat '
supwithBuhl
e?She
seemsrude,ormaybeit'
sthehor
mones.
Him:
*frowns*
nowt hatyou'
vementionedher,
howthe
hel
ldidshegeti
ntomyhouse?Iki ckedherout3
monthsagotogost ayatherbabydaddy'
sflatbut
she'
sbeenbother
ingmeal ot.
Me:
youki
ckedherout
?Wasshest
ayi
ngwi
thy
ou?
Him:notexactl
y*si
ghs* shewasn't,
justbecauseI
tol
dherthatI'
llbetheref orherandmybr other'
s
babyshet hi
nksI'm herboy f
ri
endorsomet hing.
Me:
*rai
singmyey
ebr
ow*
owww.
Hi
m:*
smi
rks*
owww?
?
Me:
what
?
Hi
m:ohnothi
ng,sonowthatyou'
rebackandI'
m st
il
l
si
ngl
e..
whathappensbetweenmeandy ou?
Hesay sthatleaningtowardsmewi t
hav er
ysexy
l
ookwhi chmakesmebl ushandlookdownbuthe
useshisfingertolif
tmyf aceandmakesmel ookat
him..
..
.helooksdeepi ntomyey eswit
hhiseyebr
ow
rai
sedwhi l
ebi t
inghislowerli
p.

Hi
m:am Igoi
ngt
ogetananswer
?

Thi
xoonofef
e,Ihav
enoi
deawher
emyv
oicewent
,I
j
ustnod.

Him:*
chuckl
es*whatdoesthatsupposetomean?I
askedwhathappensbetweenmeandy ou.
..
andy
ou
giv
emeanod* chuckl
es*

Hisfacemov esclosert
omi neIcl
osemyeyesas
ourforeheadstouchbuttheysoonopenwhenmy
phoner i
ngsdistur
bingt
hismoment .
°
Nqubeko°

Momentr
uined!Myli
pswer
ejustani
nchf
rom
col
l
idi
ngwi
thhers.

Her
:dad.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Her
:I
'mj
ustar
oundt
hecor
ner
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Her
:butI
..
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Her
:okayf
ineI
'
m onmyway
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Her
:Il
ovey
out
oo.
/
/

Shehangsupandl
ooksatmewi
thherbeaut
if
ul
dr
eamyey
es.
Her
:Ihav
etogo.
Me:
okl
etmedr
ivey
ouback.

Iopenthedoorforher,
waitforhert
oenterthenI
cl
oseitandgoar oundtoalsoenter
..
..
Ifi
rstl
ookat
herwit
hasmi l
et henIst
arttheigni
ti
on.

Aft
ersomecoupl
eofmi nutesIpar
kthecaraf
ew
housesawayf
rom herhouse.

Her:
*smil
es*
thanky
ou,
Iguesswe'
l
ltal
kov
ert
he
phone.

Shesway
staki
ngof
ftheseat
bel
t.

Me:Mi
nenhl
ey ouhaven'
tanswer
edme,youal
ready
knowhowIfeelaboutyouandmyfeel
i
ngshav en'
t
changedatal
lIr
..
..

Sheshut
smeupwi thanunexpectedkiss,
Isl
owly
cl
osemyey esenj
oy i
nghercol
d,softl
i
psImean
enj
oyi
ngthekiss.
..
.af
terafewsecondsshebr eaksi
t.

Her:
*smil
es*andmyf eel
i
ngsfory
ouhav
en'
t
changedei
ther,
Ihopetheki
ssgavey
ouananswer
youwereseeking.

Sheopenst
hedoorandst
epsout
.
Her
:goodby
ewe'
l
ltal
klat
er.

Shecl
osesthedoorandwalksawayl
eav
ingme
dumbst
ruck.
..
.doest
hismeanIhaveagi
rl
fr
iendnow?

Icomebackt omysenseswhensheent
erst
he
gate,
Ishakemyheadchuckl
ingwhi
l
ebit
ingmy
l
owerlipthenst
artt
hecar.
—·
—·—·
—·—·
Iwalki
nsi
deandf
indSi
mphi
wegul
pingdownabeer
watchi
ngTV.

Me:
mat
e.(
Isayt
hatj
oini
nghi
m ont
hecouch)
Hi
m:howzi
tlad.
Me:
i
tgood.
Hi
m:wel
lonmysideit
'snotgood,
howcoul
dyou
l
eavemewit
hthatpsycho?
Me:
dudeseeingMi
nenhl
elightenedupmymoodsoI
wasi
ntendi
ngonkeepi
ngitthatway,i
fIst
ayedI
..
.
Hi
m:yeahy
eahIgeti
tso?(
hesay
sthatl
astpar
t
pl
ayi
ngwit
hhi
seyebrows)
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
so?
?
Hi
m:comeon, wher
edi
dyout
wodi
sappeart
o?and
whathappened?
Me:
l
et'
sjustsayIt
hinkInowhav
eagi
rl
fr
iend.
Hi
m:y
out
hink?What
'st
hatsupposet
omean?
Me:
exact
lyt
hatl
ad,
Imy
sel
fam st
il
lconf
used.
Him:*
laughs*
wel
ll
adi
esdoconf
useussoIwon'
tsay
anyt
hing.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
wher
e'sBuhl
e?
Hi
m:*rol
lshi
seyes*"
taki
nganap"nxxwhydon'tyou
j
ustputheri
nherplacecauseshet
hinksshe'
sthe
Mrsofthehouse.
Me:putheri
nherpl
acehow?She'
spr
egnantIcan'
t
beharshtoher
.
Him:ncncncy ou'
regoi
ngt
oloset
hisMi
nenhl
e
beforeshe'
syours.
Myhear
tbeat
stwi
ce.
Me:
comeondon'
tsayt
hat
.
Him:I'v
ealreadysai
di t
,allI
'
m sayingi
st hatBuhle
shouldknowherpl aceshe' snotevenyourgirlf
ri
end
orev enyourexgirl
fr
iendbutshe' sal
readybringing
thebabymammadr ama, i
fy oukeeptol
erati
ngi t
she'sgonnakeepbr i
ngi ngitevenaft
ershehasgi v
en
bir
th.
"
OhNqubekoy
ou'
reback"

Si
m:y
ony
ubekony
uback(
imi
tat
ingher
)
Me:Buhl
ewhatarey
oudoi
ngher
e?Howdi
dyou
ev
engetinsi
de?
Her
:Iwasn'
tfeel
i
ngwel
lsoIcoul
dn'
tbeal
one.
Me:
i
sthebabyokay
?
Her
:It
hinkso.
Sim:youhaveaphoneyoucoul
d'
v ecal
l
edhim and
toldhimyouarenotwel
l,
ify
oudidn'
twantt
obe
aloneyouhaveahomer emember?ahomethathas
peopleini
t.
Buhle:
*br
eat
hesi nandout*Si
mphiweforoncemi
nd
yourownbusiness,t
hisdoesn'
tconcer
nyou.
Si
m:ohan.
..
Me:
guy
scomeonnotnow.
Her
:t
hanky
ou.
Me:
Simphi
wehasapoi
nt,
whydi
dn'
tyougohome?
Buhl
eIam noty
ourboy
fri
end.
Si
m:y
eahhei
snot
.
Me:
youhav
etol
eav
e.
Si
m:y
eahl
eav
e.
Me:
i
fany
thi
nghappensgi
vemeacal
l
.
Si
m:y
eahgi
vehi
m acal
l
.
Me:andSi
mphiweIsweari
fyousayonemor
ethi
ng
youarel
eavi
ngwit
hher.
Si
m:y
eahheswear
sh.
..
.wai
twhat
?
Buhl
e:what
?You'r
ekicki
ngmeoutaf
terIj
ustt
old
yout
hatI'
m notokay
.
Me:*st
andi
ngup*
okayI'
m of
ftotakeashower
,when
Icomebackyoubet
terbegone.

Iwal
kawayl
eav
inghershocked.
°
Att
heGabuzaHousehol
d°

Nqubeko'
smom gul
psdownherwi
nel
ooki
ngatt
he
pi
ctur
esscat
ter
edallov
ert
hetable,
shepl
acest
he
gl
assasi
deandgrabsonepi
ctur
e.

Her:
*chuckl
es*i
tobvi
oust haty
oudon'
tknowme, you
can'
ttakemymanMYman!andexpectmet obe
coolwit
hit,
Benismine..
.Imayhavesi
gnedthose
papersbuthe'
smine,he'
l
l al
waysbesoyoubetter
watchout.

Shethenplacet
hepictur
ebackwi
tht
heot
her
sand
ref
il
lhergl
asswithwine.
~i
nser
t35~

°
Minenhl
e°

Acoupl eofday shav et urnedi ntoacoupl eof

weeks,acoupl eofweeksf il
ledwi thl ove,laughterand
nothingbuthappi ness.Reuni t
ingwi thNt okohas
beenabl ast,
meandNqubekoar eof ficiall
yacoupl e
yeahal linalleverythingisgoi ngni ceexceptf or
Buhleei Idon' tknowwhatIdi dt ot hatgi rlcauseshe
hatesmeandsheseemst ohat eSi mphi wet oo, wel
l
bothoft hem donotl ikeeachot herbutIdon' tbl ame
hermay bei t
'sthehor moneswhoknows.Att he
momentI '
m stil
lbeingt rainedsoIcanj ointhef amily
businessmypar entshav ereallydonegr eatfor
themsel ves..
..speakingofpar ent stheyhav ebeen
runningar oundt hehousel i
keheadl esschi ckens
preparingf ortonight...
theyar ehost i
ngasmal l
party
thei
rf r
iendsandbusi nesspar tner swi llbeher e,Iwas
tol
dt oal soinv i
temyf ri
endssoNt oko, Simphi weand
Nquwi llbeher etoo.
"
Honeyy
ourphonei
sri
ngi
ng!
!!
"-
mom shout
s.

Ist
andupr
unni
ngt
otheki
tchenwher
eIl
efti
tand
i
t'
sZamo.
/
/
Me:
buddy
.
Hi
m:what
'sup?
Me:
ther
oof
*gi
ggl
i
ng*
Hi
m:hahaIshoul
d'
veexpect
edt
hatsohowar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goodt
hanks,
your
sel
f?
Hi
m:*
sighs*
I'
m good.
Me:youdon'
tsoundgoodt
ome,youonl
ylef
t3day
s
agoandyouarealr
eadysi
ghi
ngsosadl
y,
what'
s
wrong?
Hi
m:r
emembert
hatgi
rlIt
oldy
ouabout
?
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
whi
chone?Bemor
especi
fi
c.
Hi
m:t
heoneIl
i
kej
eezy
ouandy
ourmi
nd.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
yeahIr
ememberher
.
Him:
soshehasov erpr
otect
ivebrot
hersanduncl
e
andfathersbasi
call
yherenti
refamil
yis
over
protecti
veofher.
Me:
okay
.
Him:
Ili
keherIr
eal
lydoandfrom whatshet
oldme
shel
ikesmetoobutshecan'
taff
ordtogoagainst
herf
ather
sword.
Me:
whi
chi
s?
Him:tostar
tdati
ngatleastwhenshe's20, herfamil
y
sai
dt heyareonl
ylookingoutf orher
..
.seehercousin
Nosiphostart
eddati
ngwhenshewasst i
l
l youngand
thi
ngsdidn'
tturnoutsogr eatsotheyareaf rai
dthat
shemi ghtmeetthesamef at
e.
Me:wowokayIt
'stot
all
yunderst
andabl
etheyare
onl
ylooki
ngoutfort
heirl
i
ttl
egir
l,
howoldisshe?
Hi
m:18.
Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*2y
ear
sofwai
ti
ng.
Him:2yearsisav erylongt
ime,i
fshewast ur
ning20
nextyearIwouldn'thavehadaproblem wi
thwaiti
ng
butwear etal
ki
ngabout2y ear
shere.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
Iheary
a,sowhatdi
dyousayt
oher
?
Hi
m:not
hingIj
ustsai
dthatIunder
stand.
Me:
sowhatwi
l
lyoudo?
Him:Idon'
tknowthatiswhyIcal
l
edcauseIr
eal
l
y
l
ikeherIjustdon'
tknowwhattodo.
Me:well
sinceyouar
estil
lusi
ngt hewor
d" l
i
ke"I'
m
gonnasayy ouar
egoingtobejustfi
neIcan'
ttel
lyou
whattodobutwitht
imey ou'
l
lfigur
eoutwhattodo.
Hi
m:wel
lthanky
ouv
erymucht
hatdi
dn'
thel
pmeat
al
l
.
Me:*
giggl
ing*
that
'sal
lIcansay
,nowgost
udyordo
somethi
ngIhavetohelpmom.
Hi
m:okayby
e,l
ovey
ou.
Me:
l
ovey
out
oo.
/
/

Iwi
shIcouldtalkwit
hthegirl
'sfami
ly
,Iknowthey
ar
etry
ingtokeepherf r
om getti
nghurtbuti
tdoesn'
t
workl
iket
hat.
.theyneedtoletherbesoshecan
knowhowi tfeelsli
kebeinghur tandbei nginpai
n,so
she'l
lber eadyt ofacethehur tshemi ghtcome
acrossinf uture..
..
ift
heygetusedt oal way s
shiel
dinghershewi l
lal
sogetusedt onotf eel
ing
pain,
whathappenswhent heydeci det hatshe'
s
ready?Shewi llal
way squitcauseshewi ll
notbe
usedtof eelingpainbutheyi t'
st heirchild.

°
Nqubeko°

Me:
dudey
ouneedt
ogetagi
rl
fr
iend.
Hi
m:It
oldy
oumost
hatshedumpedme.
Me:
thatwasmont
hsago.
Hi
m:wel
lI'
m st
il
lmendi
ngmybr
okenhear
t.
Me:
howl
ongdoesi
ttakest
omendy
ourhear
t.
Hi
m:forasl
ongasIwantphel
amyhear
tispr
eci
ous
i
tismadeofgol
deni
ce.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
gol
deni
ce?
Hi
m:*
ast
oni
shed*
mat
eyouj
ustl
aughed.
Me:
so?
Hi
m:it
'sthef
ir
stt
imeI'm seei
ngorhear
ingyoulaugh
If
eell
ikedoi
ngami ni
dancecausemaki ngyou
l
aughissuchanaccomplishment
.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
gol
deni
ceboyy
ouar
ecr
azy
.
Hi
m:mxm sowhenar
eweseei
ngourbae*
smi
l
es*
Me:
we'
l
lbeseei
ngMybaet
oni
ght
.
Hi
m:comeonshar
ingi
scar
ing.
Me:
okayweneedt
ogety
ourwhi
teassagi
rl
fr
iend.

Hel aughsatmet hr
owinghi sheadbackwar ds,
I'
m
reall
ygl adthatthiscrazyniggaispartofmy
l
ife..
.honestlyafterMnqobi'sdeathIaccept edthatit
wi l
lbemeandMl abutthenMl adidwhathedi d
sendinghi mselft oaneardeat h.
..
.af
terthatIdidn'
t
thinkI'l
lfi
ndaf ri
endl i
keseriouslyhowdoy oumake
fri
endsatt heageof27especi al
lysi
nceI '
m aguy ,
for
girl
sitiseasybutheyl ookatmenow. ..
.myt houghts
aredi st
urbedbyamessageal ertonmyphone. .i
t'
s
from Buhle.
"Pleasecomeov erhereatMnqobi
'
sfl
ati
tisan
emer gencyandpleasedon'
tcomewit
hSimphi
weor
elseIwillki
l
lhi
m"

Idon'
tknowwhybutIchuckl
eatt
hatl
astpar
toft
he
message.

Si
m:wuuuhi
sthatbae?
maki
ngy
ouchuckl
eal
one.
Ishakemyheadhandi
nghi
m myphoneandIsee
himfrown.

Hi
m:*
stands*
let
'sgo.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
gowher
e?Doy
ouwantt
odi
e?
Him:
Ihaveafeel
ingthatshe'
sgoi
ngt
opul
l
somethi
ngsolet
'sgo.

Igr
abmykey
sandwewal
koutofmyof
fi
ce.
Me:pl
easepost
poneal
lmymeetingst
otomorrow
andhandl
ethestaf
fmeet
ingal
onecauseIdon'
t
thi
nkI'
l
lbeback.
Her
:al
ri
ghtsi
r.

Wet aketheelev
atordownandwal koutoft
he
bui
ldingtothecaranddr i
vestrai
ghttothef
lat
,when
wegett othedoorItemptt oopenthedoorbut
Si
mphi weknocksinstead.

"
Whoi
sit
?"-
Buhl
eshout
sfr
om i
nsi
de.

Me:
Nqubeko.
Her
:Comei
n!

Simphi
weopensthedoorandwal
ksinf
ir
stwi
thme
fol
lowi
nghi
m andIwasneverr
eady.
Shequickl
ycl
oseherl
egsandgrabagownnextt
o
herandweari
twit
hembarrassmentwr
it
tenal
lov
er
her.

Si
m:Idon'
tknowi
fIshoul
dscr
eam orcussorwal
k
out
.
Buhl
e:howaboutwal
ki
ngout
,NqubekoIt
oldy
out
o
comealone.

Thesi
ghtIcamet
oodr
ainedmyener
gy.

Me:weBuhleentl
ekwhatdoyouwantfrom me?
We'vebeenovert
hissomanyti
mes..
.Idonotwant
you.
Her
:i
sitbecauseofmyhuget
ummy
?Why
?
Sim:
uyahlanya?Uy
ahl
any
ayi
nil
o?(
arey
oucr
azy
?Is
shecrazy
? )
Her
:l
ikey ouoncesai
d,yourbr
other
'sbabyi
syour
s
sobasicall
ythi
sisourbaby.
Si
m:ai
uhl
any
angempel
a(noshe'
sreal
l
ycr
azy
)
Me:*taki
ngadeepbr eath*
I'
m goingtosaythisfor
thelastt
ime,Idonotwanty oui
tisnotbecauseof
yourappearanceoranythi
ngI'mjustnotwherey ou
areIwill
neverbethereandgetthisthroughyour
thi
ckskullIhaveawomenandy ouar edisr
especti
ng
herbyactingli
kethi
s*exhali
ng*matelet'
sgo.
Si
m:nxxsi
es.

Wewalkbackt
omycarandSi mphi
westart
spat
ti
ng
ev
ery
whereasifhe'
slooki
ngf
orsomet
hing.
Me:
whatar
eyoul
ooki
ngf
or?
Hi
m:myphone.
Hef i
ndsitandgetsbusywit
hit
,t
hescreeni
ndicat
es
thathe'
sonGoogl e.
..
hepr
essesther
ecordthi
ngie
andbringhisphonetowar
dshismouth.
Hi
m:*clear
shist
hroat
*howt omakemybrai
nforget
whathappenedf
orthelast2minut
esofmyli
fe.
Il
aughmyassoutf
orget
ti
ngt
hatIam pi
ssedof
f.
~i
nser
t36~

°
Simphi
we°

IlookatNqubekobl ushi ngpi ckingupMi nenhle'scal

l
whilehewal ksupt ohi sr oom. ..
mostpeopl ewho
hav ecameacr osshi m sayhe' sar rogant,
rudey ou
knowal lthatbadst uffjustbecausehedoesn' tsmile
witht hem, whatdoIsee?Iseesomeonewhoi s
caref r
ee,crazyasmeandnott of orgetbeingni ce
withav erybi ghear t
..
.thewayhe' ssoni cet o
Buhl e..
somet i
mesIwi shIcoul dki ckhisass
becausehei rri
tatesmewhenhet akesthings
i
nv olvingBuhl el i
ghtly
.Hi m andMi nenhlel oveeach
othert here'snodoubtt her ebuti fhecont inues
takingt hi
ngsl i
ghtlyhe'sgoi ngtol oseheri nthe
nameof" I'
m doi ngalloft hi
sf ormybr otherIgetthat
hel ovedhi sbr otherbutt hisistoomuch. .
..
myphone
alsor i
ngs, Ir
ol l
myey esseei ngt hatit'
smyuncl e.
/
/
Me:
uncl
e.
Hi
m:nephew,
howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m good,
your
sel
f?
Hi
m:sameher
esohow'
sitgoi
ng?Anypr
ogr
ess?
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
I.
..
uhm I
..
.
Hi
m:what
?Don'
ttel
lmey
ou'
rechi
ckeni
ngout
.
Me:
*exhal
i
ngl
oudl
y*IwantoutIcan'
tdot
his.
Hi
m:WHAT!
!?noy
oucan'
tdot
hatt
ome.
Me:
uncl
eI'
m sor
ryIj
ustcan'
t,
het
rust
sme.
Him:*breat
hingheav
il
y*t
hatwasthepl aninthefi
rst
place.
..
theplanwasforyoutogetclosetohim sohe
cant r
ustyou,sowhati
st hepr
oblem real
l
y ?
Me:
Idon'
tknowIj
ustcan'
t.
Hi
m:wel
ltoughl
ucknephewcausey
oucanandy
ou
wi
ll
.
Me:
b..
.

"Mat
eIwasthi
nki
ngt
hatwegoshopforagif
t,
we
can'
tshowupatmyi
n-l
awsempt
yhanded"
-hesay
s
wal
ki
ngbackdown.

Me:
uncl
eIgot
tago.
Hi
m:don'
tyoudar
edr
opt
..
/
/

Idr
opt
hecal
landl
ookatNqu.

Me:
whatdoy
ouhav
einmi
nd?
Him:Idon'
tknowbuti thastobethebesty ouknow
tomakeani mpr essi
oncausefir
stimpressionl
ast
s,I
don'
tknowi fIsaiditr
ightbuti
tgoesli
ke
that
*chuckl
es*

Theyar etel
l
ingt
hetruthwhent heysayhedoesn'
t
smi l
eorlaughbutheactual
lysmi l
esandlaughwhen
he'saroundmeoraroundMi nenhle,
howcanIbetray
someonewho' ssofreearoundmeunl i
kearound
othersandwhot r
ustsmeatt hat.
Hi
m:mat
e*snapshi
sfi
nger
s*wher
edi
dyougo?
Me:sor
rymateIwasjustt
hinki
ngaboutwhatmy
uncl
esaidanywayIal
sohav enoi
deaonwhatwe'l
l
buyandbyweImeany ou.
Him:
*laughs*
wel
lthatgoeswithoutsayi
ng,you
al
waysmakemepayf orever
ythingIshoul
dbe
spoi
li
ngmywomenbutnoIhav etospoily
ourcrazy
ass.
Me:
*st
andi
ngup*
arey
oucompl
aini
ng.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
notatal
l
.

Heleadsthewayout ,
Ial
way sj
okeabouthi m payi
ng
butdeepdownI '
m notwellsi
mpl ybecauseIcan' t
aff
ordhisli
fey'
al
lcansayI '
m poornotr eall
yreall
y
poorI'
mjustpoorbuthedoesn' tknowt hat,
notthatI
l
iedtohim Ij
ustalwaysavoidtopicst
hati nvol
ve
whereIstay,
whereIworkyouknowal lofthatstuff
.

Byt
hewayI'
m Si
mphiweMusawenkosi
MbamboI'
m
26year
sol
d,I
'
mfrom ar
oundher
einDurbanat
KwaMashu. .
.Igrewupget ti
ngeverythingIwant,
both
meandmyl it
tlesisterfr
om ourpar entswelli
twent
l
ikethatupunt i
ltheFire,
bot hmypar entsandmy
l
itt
lesist
erburnedt odeat hourhousemyhome
burneddownwi t
ht hem trappedinsideIwasoutwith
myusedt obef riendsandIsomet i
meswi shIdi
ed
withthem sosincet henI'vebeenleavingwithmy
unclethat
'sallIcanshar e.

°
Minenhl
e°

Me:Ihaven'
tseenyourf
ri
endsev
ersi
nceIgotback
her
e,wherearethey
?
Ntoko:
Mawandei saroundwehangoutev erynow
andthenbutasforFiki
leshesaidshe'
sinCape
Townwi t
hherBlesserwehav enoideawhenshe' l
l
comeback,andthewayshel efti
t'
sli
keshe'
sr unni
ng
awayfrom somethi
ngormay beI'mjustl
ookingtoo
mucht oi
t.
Me:
mmmmhIheary
ou.
Bloodybi
tchisr
unni
ngawayf
rom Nqubekof
orwhat
shedidtohim.

Her:
besidesyourparent
'sfri
endsandbusi
ness
associ
atesandusi ncl
udingNquandSim whoelse
i
sgoingt obeattheparty?
Me:thebusi
nessassociatesandfr
iendswil
lbri
ng
t
heirkidssodon'tworr
ywewon' tbeboredift
hat'
s
whatyou'r
easking*l
augji
ng*
Her
:*l
aughs*
Ihadt
oknow.

"
Minenhl
e"
Me:
*conf
usedandshocked*Thabi
so.
Hi
m:wowsmal
lwor
ldhowar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goody
our
sel
f?
Hi
m:Ial
sogood.
Me:owuhm Thabi
sot
hisi
sNtokozomyfr
iend,
Ntoko
t
hisisThabi
souhmyuhm babydaddy
.
Ntoko:
ohhsowemeetatl
astI
'
vehear
dsomuch
aboutyou.
Him:
andIknowi
t'
sonl
ybadt
hingsbutni
cet
omeet
youNtoko.
Her
:Iwi
shIcoul
dsayt
hesamet
hing.
Me:*
chuckl
i
ng*
any
waywhatbr
ingsy
oui
nthi
ssi
de
ofKZN?
Him:work,
Ij
ustrecent
lyst
artedanewjobherei
n
Durbansowemi ghtbumpi ntoeachot
herev
erynow
andthen*smi
les*

"
Woahwoahwoah"

Ismi
l
ebef
oret
urni
ngt
olookathi
sangr
yface.
Hi
m:manwhoar ey
outell
ingmywomeny
ou'
l
lbump
i
ntoherev
erynowandthen?
Thabi
so:
yourwomen?Owwhsor
rymanI
..
.
Sim:
nodon'
tsayany
thi
ngdudeImysel
fhavenever
seenhi
mthi
sangrysoIadv
iseyout
oleave.
.no
of
fense.
Me:
guy
scomeon.
Thabi
so:
noi
t'
scool
,
itwasni
ceseei
ngy
ouagai
n.

Hegr
abshi
sdoggybagandwal
kout
.

Ntoko:
Iwantt
ofeel
sor
ryf
orhi
m butt
heot
herpar
t
ofmedoesn't
.
Nqu:
MinenhlemayIt
alkt
oyou?(
hesay
sthat
wal
ki
ngout si
de,
weareatRocamammasbytheway
)

Doy ouknowt hatsuddenchangeofmoodwhen

yourboyfr
iendcall
sy oubynamebutei
therIexcuse
my sel
ffol
lowinghim.

Hi
m:whatwast
hat
?*pi
ssedof
f*
Me:
whatwaswhat
?
Hi
m:y
ouknowwhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
,whowast
hat
?
Me:whh*smi
l
ing*
owwwt hatwasThabisomyexthe
oneItol
dyouabout
..
.mybabydaddyremember?
Hi
m:what
'shedoi
ngher
e?andwhyw.
.
Me:youknowthatyouar
emadov ersomest
upi
d
thi
ng?butIhavetosayi
t'
schar
mingcausey
ouMr
arejeal
ous.
Hi
m:am not
.
Me:*
smili
ng*
ohy
esy
ouar
eandl
i
keIsai
dit
's
char
ming.
Hi
m:babepl
easeI
'
mtr
yingt
obemadher
e,cooper
ate
wi
thme.

Okayhe'
scal
l
ingmebabe,
hemustbecal
mingdown.

Me:ther
e'snoneedf
oryoutobemad,
hewon'tt
ry
anythi
ngheknowsI'
m overhi
m pl
uswhatar
ethe
chancesofmebumpingintohi
m?Durbani
shuge.
Him:
okaybutIdon'
tli
kehim,
hemademybabycr
y
sohebett
erstayawayfr
om you.
Me:
*bl
ushi
ng*
uhI
..
Hi
m:comeher
e.

Hesay
sthatpul
l
ingmebymywai
stt
ohi
m.

Hi
m:y
oul
ookev
enmor
ebeaut
if
ult
hany
est
erday
.
Me:
*bl
ushi
ng*
thanks,
youdon'
tl
ookbady
our
sel
f.
Hi
m:y
eahy
eahIknow.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
Simphi
wei
srubbi
ngof
fony
ou.

Helaughsthrowi
nghi
sheadbackahhgodyoutook
yoursweetti
mecreat
ingt
hismaninf
rontofme.

Hi
m:i
sthatagoodt
hing?
Me:
Idon'
tknowmay
be.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
andIl
ovey
ou*
smi
l
ing*
Iam st
art
ledbysomepeoplesayi
ng"ncooh".
..
oh
yeahwearestandi
ngbytheentr
ance,Ihadal
ready
for
gott
en.
~i
nser
t37~

°
Minenhl
e°

Theguest shav estartedarrivi

ngandboyt heyarea
l
ot ,
Ithoughtthatitwoul dbe20peopl eexcludingthe
kidsbutnopeIwasj ustly
ingtomy sel
fthere's50+
peopleexcludingtheki ds..
.speaki
ngofkidsuhm t he
youngeronesar epl ayingintheotherroom that
mom pr eparedandt heolderkidsarewithusi nfact
i
ti snotappropriatetocallthem ki
dstheyar e
adults,
mostoft hem ar egrumpybecauset heywer e
farcedtocomeher e.

Zed:
doesanyoneknowswhatt
hispar
tyi
s
about
?*t
ickedof
f*

Zedseemstobet
heonewhoi
sthemostpi
ssedof
f
per
sonher
e.
Me:thecompanywant st
ointroduceanewproject
thatwil
lbebenefi
cialtoalotofpeopleeventhose
whoar ecur
rent
lyunempl oyed,Idon'
tknowthe
detai
lsbutt
heywillletusknow.
Hi
m:andwhot
heheckar
eyou?
Me:
*exhal
ing*
ther
e'snoneedt
ober
udedude,
I
'm
Mi
nenhle.
Him:okMinenhl
esinceitseemslikeyou'r
e"Miss
knowital
l
"Igetthatthere'
sanewpr ojectbutwhy
arewehere?Whywer ewef orcedtocome?
Me:fi
rst
lyI
'm notmissknowi tal
lsecondl
ynoone
sai
dy oushouldbeforcedtocomeher ebecauseus
"ki
ds"weareonlyvolunteer
ingwewi l
lonl
yhelp
wherewear eneededtohelp.
Hi
m:gr
eatt
hisi
sat
otal
wast
eoft
ime.
Ntoko:t
oy ouitis,y
oudidheart
hatthi
spr
ojectwi
ll
hel
pal otofpeopl eri
ght
?Tosomeofushel pi
ng
peoplewhoar ei nneedofhel
piti
snotawasteof
ti
measy outhink.
Her
oll
shi
sey
est
aki
ngouthi
sphone.

Anaya:i
fyoudon'
tmindmeaskingwhoar eyour
par
ent scausewear
eusedt
ot hesekindsof
meetingsandweall
knoweachot herbesi
desyou
guys.
Ntoko:
ohmyparent
sdon'
twor
kfort
hiscompany
I
'mjustMi
nenhl
e'sf
ri
end.
Zed:
*chuckl
es*
Iwouldn'
tbesur
pri
sedi
ftheyar
e
domecharit
ycase.
Nonhl
e:y
eahmet ooplustheOwnersofthi
s
companyli
keent
ertai
ningchar
it
ycases.
Zed:
butIst
il
ll
ookupt
othem,
theyar
erol
emodel
s.
Anay
a:Isecondt
hat
.
Nt
oko:
wel
ldoy
ouknowt
hatMi
nenhl
eist
..

Ist
eponherf
oott
oshutherup
Her
:ouch,
whatwast
hatf
or?
Igetcl
osertoherandwhi sper"I'
m ki
ndofenj oyi
ng
thi
ssoletthem be"
..
.shechucklesandf ocusonher
snackthenIseemom wal kingtowardsusf oll
owed
byNqubekoandSi mphiweai theylooksmar tand
handsome.

Mom:
*smi
l
es*
heyguy
s.
Us:
himam.

Thesmi l
eontheother'
sfaceswowy ouwouldswear
thatmom issomesortofcelebri
ty,
itjustt
hatmy
parent
sareinvol
vedinalotofthi
ngst hathappen
aroundS.A.

Her:sor
ryforexcl
udi
ngyouguysonthebig
meet i
ng,j
ustgett
oknoweachotherandaft
ert
he
presentat
ionswearecur
rent
lydoi
ngwe'l
li
nvol
ve
you.

Someofusnodandsomeofussayokay
.
Her:
andi
fy ouneedany t
hingdon'tbeaf
rai
dtoask
mydaughterhereI
'm sureshe'
llbehappyt
o
hel
p*smi
lesatme*

Ismi
lebackandthecor
nerofmyeyelandsonZed
whohashismouthopened,
mymotherwalksaway
andthetwogent
lemanjoi
nuswi
thNqubekorushi
ng
tosi
tnextt
ome.

Zed:
youar
eherdaught
er?
Me:dudeIl
ookexact
lyl
i
keherl
ookatme,
whatki
nd
ofquest
ioni
sthat
?
Nqu:Idon'
tknowwhatyoutwoareonaboutbut
dudedon'tl
ookathershedi
dn'
tmeanit
.
Zed:
Iwasn'
ttal
ki
ngt
oyouman.
Nqu:
*gi
vi
ngZedadeadst
are*
excuseme?
Zed:
you'
reexcusedanddudei
fyou'
ret
ryi
ngtoscare
mewiththatpathet
icl
ookofy
oursi
tai
n'twor
king.
Nqubekost andsupquickasli
ght
ningandlucki
l
y
Simphiwest opshi
mfrom punchi
ngZedandhe
whisperssomet hi
ngt
ohi mthenNqulooksatme
andsitsbackdown.
OkayIt
hinkIdon'
tl
ikeZed.
Ntoko:
guy
sy oudoknowt
hatI
'
m st
il
lwai
ti
ngf
or
yourgr
eet
ing.
Si
m:*
laugh*
ohhowcanwef
orget
,gr
eet
ings
ev
ery
one.

MeandNt okogi ggleandgr eetbackwhil

et heother
gi
r l
sbl ushyerr.IlookatNqubekoandIseet hathe's
sti
llv erymuchangr y,
Igetcl osertohi
mt osay
somet hingbutIam di sturbedbysomegi r
lwho' s
si
ttingont het ablenextt oour s,
shewalksst r
aightto
Nqubekoandwhi sperssomet hi
ngtohimt henwi nk
befor ewal kingaway .
..
yahnehsomegi rlsaresav age
Itelly ou..
..
Iturnbackt olookatNqubekowi tha
straightf ace.
Him:
Ithi
nkcomingherewasamist
akecauseI
'
m
goi
ngtobeatupalotofpeopl
e.
Si
m:don'
twor
rymat
eI'
l
lhel
pyou.

Nt
okozoget
scl
osert
owhi
spersomet
hingt
ome.
Her
:you'
regoi
ngtolethergetawaywithwhatshe
j
ustdid?Gi
rlweneedtoteachheralesson.
Me:
comeonNt
okoy
ouknowI
'
m notl
i
ket
hat
.
Her
:I
'l
lteachy
oudon'
twor
ry*
smi
l
es*
Anaya:
soMinenhl
ewher
ehaveyourparent
sbeen
hi
dingyou?Whyareweonl
ymeeti
ngy ounow?
Me:i
t'
sav
eryl
ongst
orywhi
chIdon'
tl
iket
alki
ng
about
.
Anay
a:buty
..
.
Nqu:shesai
dshedoesn'
tl
iket
alki
ngabout
i
t*snappi
ng*
Me:*
shocked*woahwoahwoahwhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Ther
e'snoneedtosnap.
Hi
m:pl
easedi
rectmet
othebat
hroom.
Me:
uhupst
air
s,seconddoorony
ourr
ight
.
Hest
andsuppi
ssedasf
uckwal
ki
ngupt
hest
air
s.

Me:
Simphi
wewhat
'sgoi
ngonwi
thhi
m?
Si
m:*si
ghs*
let
'sj
ustsayBuhl
eisshowi
nghi
m
fl
ames.
Me:
*fr
owni
ng*
Buhl
e?Whatdi
dshedot
ohi
m?
Si
m: al
otbutwhatshedi dbefor
ewecameher eis
whatpissedhi
m of
f ,
shekindaspraypai
ntedhi
scarI
swearsomethi
ngismi ssingonthatgi
rl
'
sheadher
brai
nneedssomer ewiri
ng.

Ntokol
aughswhi
lemymouthhangsopen,
mygod
whywouldshedosuchat
hing.

Zed:thati
snotani
cet
hingt
osayaboutanot
her
person.
Sim:Igav
eNquar easont
onotbeaty
ouupbut
ther
e'snoreasonf
ormetonotbeatyouupy
ou
know.
Me:
*standi
ngup*
excusemef
orasecandSi
mphi
we
nof
ighti
ng.

Iwal
kupstai
rsandIf
indhi
mleani
ngont
hedoorhe
di
dn'
tevengoin.

Me:
babe.

Heslowl
ytur
nshi
sheadtolookatmehet
hensi
ghs
shi
ft
inghi
swhol
ebodytofaceme.

Him:beforeyousayanythi
ngI'
m sorr
yformy
behaviorIknowthatIshoul
drespectyourpar
ent
s
andtheirhouse.
Me:
Simphi
wej
ustt
oldmewhatBuhl
edi
d.
Hi
m:pl
easel
et'
snott
alkaboutBuhl
e.
Me:okayNqubekoI
'
m gett
ingt
ir
edofy
oual
way
s
say
ingthatwhenIment
ionBuhl
e.
Hi
m:ser
iousl
yar
ewegoi
ngt
ofi
ghtr
ightnow?
Me:noI
'm notl
ooki
ngforafi
ghtI
'
m onl
ylooki
ngf
or
answer
s,whydoesBuhlehat
esmesomuch?
Hi
m:canwet
alkaboutt
hissomeot
hert
ime?

#Nar
ated

Minenhl
ejustl
osesener
gyshecompl
etel
yrunoutof
words,
shenodsslowl
yandtur
ntowal
kback.

Nqu:
babe.

Sheblanklyi
gnoreshim andcont i
nue
walki
ng,Nqubekosighslowlyandf ol
l
owsher..
..
when
theygetdownstair
stheyarebot hshockedt
osee
Nqubeko'sfat
herwithhisgirl
fr
iend.

Nqu:
dad*
conf
used*
MrG:
*al
soconf
used*
son,
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Nqu:
Minenhl
einv
itedme
MrG:
sh.
..Owwhwell
Ididn'
tev
enaskyoutocome
wi
thmecauseIt
houghtyouwoul
dn'
tagr
ee.

"
Maywegetev er
yone'sat
tenti
on"
-say
sMi nenhl
e'
s
f
atherhi
tt
ingonaglassofwinewithaspoon.

Ever
yoneshiftt
heiratt
ent
iontothem and
Nqu&Minenhlealsojoi
nevery
one,si
nceit'
snow
cr
owdedt heystandnextt
oMrGandhi sgir
lf
ri
end.
Nqubekobendshi sheaddowntoMi nenhl
e.

Him:i
t'
smyf i
rstti
meseeingyoul
i
kethisandi
thur
t
seei
ngy oul
i
ket hi
s,Ipr
omiset
ogivey
ouanswers
tomorr
owokay .

Doyouknowthatfeel
i
ngyougetwhenyour
boy
fri
endwhi
sperstoyourearwel
lMi
nenhl
efeel
sit
maki
nghersmi
l
e,shel
ooksupt
ohi
m andnod.
Nqu:
godknowshowmuchIwantt
oki
ssy
our
ight
now.

MrGcl ear
shisthroatandNqubekochuckl e
focusingonMi nenhle'sparents..
..
.t
hensuddenlyt
he
dooropensupmaki ngMi nenhl e'
sparentgosil
ent
l
ooki ngatthedoorlikeev ery
bodyel se.
..
Nqubeko'
s
mot hershowsupwi thagunonherhandal ert
ing
everyone.

MrG:
*shocked*
Thul
i
sil
e?
Her:
don'
twor
ryev
ery
oneIj
ustcamet
ogetwhat
'
s
mine.

Shepoi
ntst
hegunatMrG'
sgi
rl
fr
iend.
MrG:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Her
:get
ti
ngbackwhat
'smi
ne.
WhenMrGseeshermov eherf ingertopullthe
tri
ggerhequi cklymoveshi sgirl
fri
endoutoft heway
shieldi
ngherandbymi stakehepushesMi nenhl e
whilethegungoesof f
..
.everyonescr eam getting
downont hefloor,
aft
eraf ewsecondst heyopen
theireyesandt heyseethatt heonlypersonwhoi s
sti
llstandi
ngi sMinenhl
e...herparentsquicklyr ush
tohert hi
nkingthatsheisatshock. ..
Thulisi
ler eali
ze
thatshemi ssedshecussandr unout .

Zac:
babyi
t'
sokayshe'
sgonepl
easebl
i
nkf
ordaddy
.

Inst
eadshefal
lsdownandt
heyonlynot
icet
henthat
shegotshotonherst
omach.
..
..
Nqubekoist
hefi
rst
onetorushtoher.

Zac:
nonononosheshotmybaby
.

Minenhl
e'
smom fal
lsdownonherkneestouchi
ng
herbabyever
ywher
ewitht
ear
sstreamingdown.
Her:
*cr
ying*
babypleasedon'
tcloseyoureyes,
Zac
cal
lanambulance!!
!noi
twil
ltaketoolonglet
'stake
hert
hereoursel
ves.Whyareyoustil
lstandi
ng!!
!!
!
Nqu:
*swal
l
owst hel
umponhi
sthr
oat
*IswearI
'
m
goi
ngtoki
llt
hatwomen.
.
Zac:
*pi
cki
nguphi
sdaught
ercar
eful
l
y*noti
fIki
l
lher
fi
rst
.
~i
nser
t38~

#Nar
rat
ed

Ever
yoneissil
entt
heycanli
ter
all
yhearoneonether
br
eathi
ng,Minenhl
e'
smom isstil
lsheddi
ngtear
s
whil
eherhusbandkeepsconsol
ingherwhil
e
br
eathi
ngfir
e.

Zac:
i
thasbeen3hour swhat
'st
aki
ngt
hem so
l
ong?*speaki
ngt
hroughhi
steet
h*
Nt
oko:
*st
andsup*
letmegogetussomecof
fee.

Theynodandshewal
ksout
.

Ben:
I'
m sur
eshe'
l
lpul
lthr
ough.
Zac:
ohshebet
ter
,you'
ret
heonewhopushedher
!
Nqubeko'
sheadsnapsup.

Ben:
I'
m sor
ryi
twasami
stake.
Nqu:
youpushedher
??
Ben:
notonpur
poseIwasonl
ytr
yingt
oshi
eldZoe.
Nqu:
*fumi
ng*bypushi
ngMi
nenhl
etowher
ethegun
i
sbeingfi
red!
?!
Si
m:okaymat
ecal
m down,
hej
ustsai
dthati
twasa
mist
ake.
Zac:amist
aket hatmightcostmea.
..
no
no*exhal
es*Ishouldn'
tthi
nkli
ket
hat
.

I
tgoessil
entagai
n,
Simphiwe' sphoner i
ngshetakes
i
tout.
..
whenhenoticesthatithisuncleheignor
esit
t
il
lhi
suncledropsthecallbutcallagai
n.

Nqu:
*l
ooksatSim'sphone*
dudewhyar
eyou
i
gnor
ingyouruncl
e?
Si
m:uhr
ightnowi
sn'
tthegr
eatt
ime.
Nqu:
maybehewantstoknowwher
eyouar
e,i
tis
ki
ndofl
ater
ightnow.
Si
m:Idost
ayoutlat
esomet
imessoI
'
llgetbackt
o
hi
m whenweleav
e.

"
Minenhl
eHl
ongwane!
"

Ever
yonestandsupi
mpat
ient
lywai
ti
ngf
ort
he
doct
ortospeak.

Doc:
wemanagedt
ogett
hebul
l
etoutandshe'
sout
ofdanger
.

Ev
ery
onesi
ghsi
nrel
i
ef.

Doc:
*si
ghs*
butt
henexthour
sar
est
il
lcr
it
ical
.
Zac:
doy
ouknowwhat"
outofdanger
"means?Ar
e
y
ouev
enadoct
or?
Doc:
I'
m sor
rysi
rbutt
..
.
Zac:
youknowwhat
?Leav
eitj
ustdi
rectust
oher
ward.
Doc:
I'
m af
rai
dIcan'
t,
pleasecomebackt
omor
row
morni
ng.
Zac:
youhav
egott
obeshi
tt
ingmer
ightnow.
Ti
na:honeycal
m downat
leastshe'
soutofdanger
wejusthavetopray
.
Zac:
nxbet
terthankmywi
feandy
oubet
terl
ookaf
ter
mybabygi
rl.

Het
akeshi
swi
fe'
shandandwal
kout
.

°
Nqubeko°

Whydoesn'
tany
thi
nggori
ghtf
orawhi
l
e?Iswear
t
hewomenIcallmymotherwi
l
lpay
.
Si
m:okaymat
eI'
l
lseey
out
omor
row.
Me:
Icandr
opy
ouof
f.
Hi
m:nahit'
scool
,
I'
veal
readycal
l
eduncl
etopi
ckme
upsoit
'scool
.

Idon'
tknowbutIgett
hev ibethathedoesn'twant
met oseewherehest
ays,healwaysdismissme
whenIwanttodrophi
m of fbyhiscri
bbutIdon'tpay
tomuchattent
iont
oitcauseI'm al
readydist
ract
ed.

Me:
ohbef
orey
ougouhm.
.
Hi
m:what
?
Me:
tomor
rowI
'
mthi
nki
ngoft
aki
ngsomel
essons.
Hi
m:f
orwhat
?
Me:
shoot
ing.
Hi
m:*
conf
used*
shoot
ing?Uhhbi
rdshoot
ing?
?
Me:
bir
dshoot
ing?
?Ser
iousl
y?
Hi
m:t
henwhatki
ndofshoot
ingar
eyout
alki
ngabout
causeIm.
..
.no,
mat
eno.
Me:
yes.
Hi
m:nomat
eyouhav
etot
hinkt
hist
hrough.
Me:ohyeahy ou'
reri
ght
,l
etmet hi
nkit
t
hrough*pausing*
done.
.I
'm doi
ngit.
Hi
m:*
sighs*
okaywhatt
ime?
Me:
nomat
eyoudon'
thav
etocomewi
thme.
Hi
m:Iknowbutsti
l
li'
m comingwithyou,
justt
o
wat
chy out
hough.
*chuckl
es*Igot
tago.

Heturnsanddisappearint
ot hedarknessofthe
ni
ght,
heisjustsomethingelse.
..
Itr
ulyappreci
atehi
s
pr
esenceinmyl i
fe.

Me:* si
ghi
ng*bi
gguyi t
'smeagai nIknowt hatyou
arethereandthatyouar eli
steni
ng,befor
easking
anythingf
rom youIjustwantt oaskwhatki ndof
mot herdi
dyougiveme?Iknowy ouhav eyour
reasonsbutwhyher ?*exhal
ingloudly*
whilewait
ing
foryouranswermay bethr
oughadr eam or
somet hi
ngpleasebewithMinenhleinthi
stimeof
needifyoumustt akemylegtosav eherthendoso
andpleasebewi t
hherparentsthey'
vejustfoundher
bigguysoIbegy ouwi t
heveryfi
breinme. .
.anddo
forgi
vemef orwhatI'mthi
nki
ngt odo..
amen.

°
Simphi
we°

Uncl
e:ar
eyouav
oidi
ngme?
Me:yes,
no.
.maybeIj
ustdon'
twantt
odot
his
any
mor eItol
dyouthi
s.
Hi
m:Iwoul
dbev eryunder
standi
ngi
fthi
sinv
olv
eda
womenbutn.
.waitareyougay?

Ewwwheser
iousl
ythi
nkI
'
m gay
?..
wai
t.
..

Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*yeah,
yesI
'
m gay
.
Hi
m:what
?Youdoknowt
hati
fyou'
rel
yi
ngt
omei
tis
goi
ngt
obackf
ir
e.
Me:
okI
'
m notgaybutIst
il
lwantoutoft
hispl
an.
Him:i
t'
snotf
oryout
odecide*
smi
rks*
nowthatyou'
re
ver
yclosewi
thhimi
tist
imetomovetophase2.

WhatdidIgetmyselfi
nto?Asmal l
thingIt
hought
wasgoingtobefunandear nsmesomemoneyhas
tur
nedtoanightmare.
..
..
Iwastoldthathe'
san
arr
ogantspoi
ltbr
atgodIhat et
hosekindofpeople
whichi
swhyIagr eedt
ot hi
swithi
nahear t
beatbut
l
ookatmenow.

#Nar
rat
ed

Zoe:BenIr
eal
l
yfeel
sor r
yforthatgir
l,
itshould'
ve
beenmebutnowani nnocentchil
disf i
ghti
ngforher
l
ife.
Ben:
Ihavetotakecar
eofThul
isi
l
ewhoknowswhat
she'
sbrai
nstor
mingri
ghtnow,
Ican'
taf
for
dtol
ose
youandourchil
d.
Zoelaysdownonthebedst
il
lthinki
ngofhow
Minenhl
efel
lonthefl
oorwi
thbloodgushi
ngout
.

¶Fol
l
owi
ngday
¶

#I
n_Jo'
bur
g.

Ml
amel
i
'sdad:
you!You'
ret
heonewhoki
l
ledmyson!
!
Khay
a:y
est
hat
'sme,
i
twassuchanhonour
*bows*
Hi
m:y
ou'
regoi
ngt
opay
,I
'm gonnamakey
oupay
.
Khaya:
wowiti
squit
echarmi
nghowyout
hinkt
hat
youaregoi
ngt
oleavet
hispl
aceal
i
ve.
Hi
m:*
shakenalit
tl
e*what
?Isthatsupposet
oscar
e
meorsomethi
ng?Youwouldn'tki
l
lme.
Khaya:whatwouldstopme?Af teral
lIdidkil
lyour
sonright.
..
yoursonkidnappedmyl i
tt
legir
landy ou
expectedmet obecool wit
hit.
Hi
m:y
ouar
enotgod,
youdon'
tgett
odeci
depeopl
e'
s
f
ates.
..
youcoul
dhav
erepor
tedhi
m a.
..
Khaya:
blahblahblahIhavetospeedthisupIhav eto
fet
chmynephews' i
ncl
udi
ngmybr ot
her '
sgif
tsI
can'
tbeli
evethatmynephewsar eturning26today
yahnehit'
struewhentheysaytimef l
iesbywhen
you'
rehavingfun*t
akesouthisgun*hopey oujoin
yoursoninhellandmakesuretosav e8seat sthere
formeandmybr os.

Hef
ir
est
hegunr
ightathi
shead.

#Back_
in_
Dur
ban.

Minenhle'
sparentswalkintherecepti
onandf ind
NqubekoandNt okozoalreadytherewelltheykindof
alr
eadyknowabouthi m dati
ngtheirdaughterbut
theyarewaiti
ngforMinenhletoproperl
yintroduce
him sotheycanroasthim.Theygett othem and
exchangegreeti
ngsthenwai tf
orthedoct or,
aft
era
coupleofminutesthesamedoct orshowsup.
Zac:
noty
ourf
aceagai
n.
Tina:
Zac,
I'
m sor
rydoct
or.
..
howi
sshet
oday
?Maywe
seeher?
Doc:she'
srespondi
ngver
ywellandt
her
e'sa96%
chanceofherwakinguptoday
.

The4oft
hem smi
l
ewi
del
yhear
ingt
hat
.

Zac:
atl
easty
ouhav
egoodnews.
Doc:
but
..
Zac:
Ispoket
osoon.
Ti
na:
butwhat
?
Doc:I
'm af
rai
dthebul
letdi
dsomegreatdamage,wi
th
thefor
ceitwenttoherbodyi
twassupposedto
comeoutatherbackbutitgotst
ucki
nthespinal
cord.
Nqu:
whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay
?
Doc:
I'
m say
ingt
hatMi
nenhl
elostherabi
l
ityt
owal
k.
NtokoandTi nagaspinshockwit
htearsacti
ng
quickly
,Zacopensuphismout hbutnot
hingcomes
outinsteadhejustwal
ksout.Nqubekolooksup
fi
ghtinghistear
sandasktobeexcused.
~i
nser
t39~

°
Minenhl
e°

Islowlyopenmyey esandscanmysur r
oundings,
greatI'
minahospitalagai
n..
.Ishoul
djustpackmy
thi
ngsandcomel iveheresi
ncet hi
splacelovesme,I
can'tsayIhat
eitcauseIactuall
yworkinhospital
butitdoesn'
tmeanIwantt obet hepati
ent.

"
Ohbabyyou'
reawake,
thanky
ougod"
-saysmy
mot
herwalki
ngi
nfoll
owedbyNtokowit
htear
yey
es.

Il
ookatbot
hoft hem andgi
vet
hem abr
ight
smil
e,
mom rushesandhugme.

Me:
*fl
i
nchi
ng*
oww.
Her
:sor
rybabyI
'
mjustgl
adt
oseey
ouawake.
Ismil
etryi
ngt
osi
tupandInot
icet
hatmyl
ower
bodyfeel
snumb.

Mom:
l
etmehel
pyou.

Shef
ixest
hepi
l
lowf
ormeandhel
pmesi
tpr
oper
ly.

Nt
oko:
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:t
hepaininmyst omachi
sn'
tthatmuch,myl
egsI
act
uall
ycan'
tfeelthem y
etmaybetheyar
ejust
numbI'l
lgi
vethem afewminut
estokickinsoIcan
dosomeexercises.

Theybot
hsay"
oww"l
ooki
ngdowni
nal
owv
oice.

Me:
what
'swr
ong?
Mom:
ohhbabyhowdoIt
ell
yout
his?
Me:
tel
lmewhat
?

Thepai
ninmystomachst
art
sget
ti
ngwor
seIt
ryt
o
shi
ftmyent
ir
ebody.

Me:
that
'sodd*
groani
ng*
Mom:
what
?What
'swr
ong?
Me:
Ist
il
lcan'
tfeel
myl
egs.

It
ryt
oli
ftmyl
egupbuti
tdoesn'
tbugde.

Me:
mom whycan'
tImov
emyl
egs?Whycan'
tIev
en
f
eelt
hem?

Mybr
eat
hingchangesasIst
artt
opani
ck.

Me:
Mom?Nt
oko.
Mom:*sheddi
ngtears*
thedoct
orsai
dwhent hey
remov
edt hebul
l
etitwasstuckonyourspi
nalcor
d
s..
.
Me:
*shocked*
what
?(t
hatcomesoutasawhi
sper
)
Her
:honeyI
'
m sosor
ryy
..
.
Me:
*exhal
i
ng*
canIbeal
one?
Her
:what
?Honeyw.
.
Me:
pleasemom*
looki
ngaway
*
Ntoko:
mahl
et'
sgi
vehersomespacewe'
l
lcheckher
l
ater.

Ihearmom exhal ethensheki ssesmyf oreheadand

theywalkout .
..
themomentt hedoorcl osesItryto
swall
owt helumpi nmyt hroatwhicht urnsintoasob
andfrom theretocryingoutloud..
..Idi
dn'tevenneed
them t
oexpl ai
nf ur
thercauseI'm anur seIknow
theseki
ndoft hings..
..
Iknowt hatthere's40%t hatI
mightwalkagai nsomedaybutwhatIf all
ont he60%.
Justwhenever
ythi
ngwasgoingsoperfectj
ust
whenIfoundhappi
nessj
ustwhenIthought
everyt
hingwasgoi ngsosmoot hthi
sj usthadto
happen.Iwonderwhatwi l
lhappennow, t
heysay
peopleshowt hei
rtruecolorswheny ouhavea
downfallIwonderifNqubekowi l
lst
illwanttobe
withmenowt hatIcan'
twal k,whatwillhedowith
someonewhocan' twalk?Ican'texpectmypar ents
toleavethei
rjobstolookaf terme..
.Fatherdon'
tI
deservetobehappy ?Whyam Iexper ienci
ngpain
aft
erpain?Whenwi l
li
tstop?

Icr
yti
l
lIr
unoutoft
ear
sandIev
ent
ual
l
ydozeof
f.

°
Nqubeko°

Me:dudeshecannolongerwal
k,
justbecauseofmy
mother,
she'
sbeent
hroughalotwhenwi l
lshegeta
br
eak.

"
Whi
ch1"
Me:
I'
l
ltaket
hepi
stol
.
Si
m:Ican'
ti
magi
newhatshe'
sgoi
ngt
hrough.

Theyhandmet hegun, Iputontheheadphonesand

aim att
hetargetthenf ir
e,Imoveontothenext
tar
getandfir
eagai n.Idot hi
sfi
vetimesandtakeoff
theheadsetsthenl ookatSi m whohashismouth
wideopen.

Me:
Ial
socan'
ti
magi
nei
tmat
e.
Sim:*bl
i
nks*
arey
ousur
ethi
sist
hef
ir
stt
imey
ouar
e
usingagun?
Me:
yeahwhy
?
Hi
m:af
ir
stt
imeri
sn'
tsupposet
obet
hatgood.
Me:
real
l
y?Wel
lIdon'
tcar
eIj
ustneedt
odot
his.
Him:
anywayhowdidshereactwhenshereal
i
zedor
whenshewastoldt
hatshewon'tbeabl
etomove
herl
owerbody.
Me:*si
gji
ng*
Idon'tknowmanIdidn'
tgointoseeher
Iaskedtobeexcusedwhenthedoctorgav
eusthe
f
eedbackandIcameher
e.
Him:thefuckdude?Youshouldbewi t
hhertell
ing
herthatevery
thi
ngwill
bealr
ightnothere,
whati fshe
thi
nksthatyouranforthehi
l
lsafterhear
ingthatshe
can'
twalk?

Myhear
tbeat
stwi
ce.

Me:
comeonshewoul
dn'
tthi
nkl
i
ket
hat
.
Hi
m:y
oudon'
tknowt
hat
.

Whatifshe'sr
eal
lyt
hinkingthat
?Itwi
llhurtherand
she'
salreadygoi
ngthroughsomuch,Iplacethegun
andheadphonesonthet abl
e.

Me:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dgo.

HenodsandIf
ir
stsi
gnt
henwewal
koutt
omycar
..
I
st
artt
hei
gni
ti
on.

Si
m:*
clear
shi
sthr
oat
*mat
e.
Me:
*focusi
ngont
her
oad*
yeah.
Hi
m:*si
ghs*Ihavesomet
hingt
otel
lyoubutIwon'
t
t
ell
youjustyet
.
Me:
What
?Why
?
Him:y
ou'r
esti
llgoi
ngt
hroughal
otofemotions
Buhl
e,yourmother
,Mi
nenhl
esocanItel
lyouthi
s
af
terever
ythi
nghascool
eddown.
Me:
shoul
dthi
sscar
eme?
Him:
*chuckl
es*
uhnahbuty
ouknowt
hatIl
ovey
ou
r
ight
?
Me:
ewwwdudedon'
tdomel
i
ket
hat
.
Hi
m:nxxI
'
m ser
ious.
Me:owi nt
hatcaseyeahIknowwaitmandon'tt
ell
mey ou'
redyi
ng,comeonmanIlostmybrotherI
can'
tloseyoutoo.
Hi
m:*
clear
shi
sthr
oat
*noy
ouwon'
tl
osemechi
l
l.
Me:i
nthatcaset
henokaybuttobefai
ryouwi
l
ltel
l
mewhat ev
eryouwantt
otell
meaf t
eraweek.
..
no
di
scussi
on.
Hi
m:*
sighs*
okay
.

Wethenfal
l i
ntoacomf ort
ablesil
ence,Il
ookathim
wi
ththecornerofmyey e..
.physi
cal
lyhe'sher
ebutin
t
houghtshe'
sf arfarawayIwonderwhati ti
sthathe
want
stotellmet hatismakinghimthinkli
kethi
s.

#Nar
rat
ed

Back_
at_
the_
cent
er.

Guy
1:di
dyouseet
hat
?
Guy
2:Idi
d,he'
sgood.
Guy
1:butwhatdoesaguysogoodi
nshoot
ingdoi
ng
i
napl
acel
i
ket
his?
Guy
2:he'
staki
ngl
essons.
Guy
1:owthatexplai
nsit
,sohowl
onghashebeen
t
aki
ngtheselessons?Letmeguess3months?
Guy2:
*chuckl
es*
Iwentt
hrought
heregi
stert
hatI
sawhim si
gnonhiswayout,
soyou'
rewr
ongit'
snot
3months.
Guy
1:6?
Guy
2:i
t'
shi
sfi
rstday
.
Guy
1:*
li
pspar
tfor
mingahugeO*
you'
rej
oki
ngr
ight
?
Guy
2:y
ouknowIdon'
thav
eti
mef
orj
okesman.
Guy1:Ihopeyougotall
hisdetai
lssowecancont
act
him andwell
y ouknow..
.bef
oresomeoneel
seget
s
tohim.
Guy2:al
readydi
dthat,
youknowI
'm al
way sastep
aheadandIwast hi
nkingt
hatwealsorecrui
tthat
otherguyhewaswi t
hsohecanbecomf ort
ablewel
l
youknow.
Guy
1:soundsgoodwi
thme,
wheni
sthedel
i
ver
y
ar
ri
vi
ng?
Guy
2:*
looksathi
swr
ist
wat
ch*
in2hour
s.
Guy
1:l
et'
sleav
ethi
sdumppl
ace.

Guy2chuckl
eswhi
l
eshaki
nghi
sheadt
hent
heybot
h
exi
tthecent
er.

Guy1:
sendthosedetai
lstoQueandtel
lhi
mtoget
ever
ysingl
einfoaboutthatdude.
Guy
2:consi
dert
hatdone.

Theygeti
ndi
ff
erentcar
sanddr
iveof
f.
~i
nser
t40~

°
Nqubeko°

RightnowI 'm onmywayt oMi nenhl

e'swar d,
Simphi wehadt ogohome. .apparentl
yhisuncl e
needssomehel pwit
hsomet hing.Isti
llcan'tstop
thinki
ngaboutwhathe' l
l t
ellmeespeci all
ysi nceI
sawi tinhisfacethatwhateveritisthathe'lltel
lme
i
sser ious.
..
.anywayhalfwayt omydest inati
onI
bumpi nt
oMi nenhle'
sparentstheymustbecomi ng
from Enhle'
sr oom andtheylookdev astated.

Me:
uhm i
ssheawake?
Herdad:y
eahsheisbutshe' snothandl
ingher
si
tuat
ionverywel
l..
.andgoodl ucki
nthere,
wehave
tr
iedever
ythi
ngbutal l
shewant sist
obeal oneI
haveevenaskedthenur sestokeepaney eonher
whoknowswhatshemi ghtdo.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
letmegi
vei
tat
ry.
Hi
m:okwemi
ghtbumpi
ntoy
oul
ater
,l
et'
sgohun.

Theybot
hcont
inuewal
ki
ngandImy
sel
fcont
inue
walki
ngt
oherward.

Itakeadeepbr eathandwal ki
n,Ifindheri nherown
wor l
dshe'sfarinthought s..
..
Iwalkt owar dsherbed
cl
ear i
ngmyt hroat.
...
shet urnsherheadl ookingat
mewi thtear
yey es,Ij
ustsi tont hesi deedgeoft he
bedandhughert i
ght l
ywhi leshel ethert ear
sf all
.
Wer emaininthatposi t
ionf oracoupl eofmi nutes
andaf t
ershe'sdonecr yingIbr eakt hehugandwi pe
hertears.

Me:
hey
.
Her
:wher
ewer
eyou?
Me:*si
ghing*
I'm sor
ryf
ornotbeingherewheny ou
wokeup, whenthedoctorsai
dyoulosty ourabi
li
ty
towalkIcouldn'
tholdmytearsIaskedtobe
excused,
Iwalkedouttogetsomeai rbutIfound
mysel
fatthecent
ert
aki
ngshoot
ingl
essons,
Iwas
f
ooli
sht.
..
Her
:*f
rowns*
shoot
ingl
essons?
?
Me:yeahmymot herhastopaynow,shestar
tedwi
th
uncl
et henmybrothernowyouwhoknowswhat
she'
spl anni
ngr
ightnowshehastobestoppedand
shehast opay.
Her
:Nquy
ou'
renotaki
l
lerdon'
ttur
nint
oone.
Me:
ifpr
otect
ingyoumeansIhav
etot
urni
ntoone
t
henI'
ll
turni
ntoone.

Sheshakesherheadr
epeat
edl
yshowi
ng
di
sapproval
.

Me:whyareyoudi
sapprov
ing?Whatifnextt
imeshe
tr
ieswhatshedi
dsheendsupshoot i
ngyouagai
n
andnextti
mewhatifyoudon'tmakeit
?
Her:
theni
twil
lbeGod'spl
an,
all
alongyourmother
hasbeenplay
inggodandall
ofherdeedswil
lcatch
uptoherj
ustli
ketheydi
dwiththewomenwhost ol
e
mef
rom mypar
ent
s.
Me:Igetthati
t'
sKarmabutsometimesKarmatakes
tol
ongt ogettoitdesti
nat
ion,
whati
fbythet
imeit
get
st ohershewoul d'
veki
ll
edsomeone.
Her:
thenitwasmeantt obelikethat,
youtaki
ng
l
essons,want
ingtokil
lyourownmot herbecauseof
herdeedsisplay
inggodsot ellmeifyoudot hat
howdiffer
entwouldyoubef rom yourmother?

Mymouthdr
iesup,notbei
ngabl
etoanswert
hat
..
.I
di
dn'
tl
ookatiti
nthatway.

Her:
soinsteadwhydon'
tyoujustsendhert
ojai
lI'
m
sur
ey ou'
l
lfigur
eoutsomethi
ng.

Ij
ustnod,
nott
hinki
ngst
rai
ghtany
mor
e.

Me:any
wayl
ookwearetalki
ngaboutmeIhav
en'
t
ev
enaskedyouhowar
ey ou.
Her:
it
'sni
cenott
alki
ngaboutmecauseI
'
llendup
cr
yingandchasi
ngyouout.
Me:
comeonbabey
oucan'
ti
gnor
eity
ouknowt
hat
.
Her:
*si
ghs*Iknowitj
ustt
hatIendupthinkingthat
al
lofyouwillr
unfort
hehill
scauseyou'
llseemeas
abaggageandIseeitbesttochasey'
al
l outfi
rstso
i
twon'thur
tmuch.
Me:what ?Lov ecomeondon' tthi
nkli
kethat,y
ou
knowt hatwel ovey ou,yourpar ent
sloveyoumor e
thanev ery t
hinginthewor l
dI '
veseenitmy sel
fand
there'
sme, there'
scompl icatedme. .
..
ascompl i
cated
asIam Il ovey ouwithev ery
t hi
nginmeandl i
sten
carefullyIam notgoi ngany wher eandifyouneed
anythingI '
m alway shereokay .
Her
:*t
ear
yey
es*
youmeant
hat
?
Me:
Icanev
ent
akeanoat
h.
Her:
*gi
ggl
esthr
oughhertear
s*t
hanky
ouandj
ustso
youknowyouarenotcompli
cat
ed.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
yout
hinkso?
Shenodswi
thasmi
l
ethatj
ustbr
ight
ensupt
he
room.

Me:
we'
vebeendat
ingf
or2mont
hsnow.
Her
:yeah.
Me:
Iwasn'
taski
ng.
Her
:*l
aughsandhol
dsherchest
*ouch.
Me: *chuckl
ing*anywayasIwassay i
ng,uhi
nmy
historyofrelat
ionshi
pst hi
sisthelongest
relati
onshipIhav eeverbeeninto.
Her
:*ey
esal
lout
*you'
rej
oki
ngr
ight
?
Me:
nopeI
'
m ser
ious.
Her
:butwhydoy
ouonl
ydateforashor
tperiodof
t
imeandhowdoIknowthaty
ouwon'tleav
eme?
Me:I
'm nottheonewhowal kedawayi t'
sthem they
sai
dI'
mt oocompl icat
edjustbecauseIdidn'
tsmi l
e
norl
aught heythoughtIwasjustplay
ingwiththem.
Her
:whydoy
ousmi
l
eorl
aughwheny
ou'
rewi
thme?
Me:Idon'
tknowi tjusthappens, youmal emeweak
wit
houtevennot icing..
.everynowandt henIfind
myselfbl
ushi ngbyj ustgettingy ourtext,Il
ovethe
wayy oucar eaboutme, thewayy ourespectme, t
he
wayy ousmi le,
thewayy oulaugh, thewayy ouwal kI
j
ustloveev erythingabouty ou..
.Iguessi nmypast
rel
ati
onshipsl ovewasmi ssingcauseI 'llbely
ingifI
sayIhaveev erfeltli
ket hi
saboutaper son.
Her:*
smi l
es*I'
m sogl adt hatI '
m darkorelsemyf ace
wouldber edduet obl ushi ngandt hanky oufor
l
ov i
ngme, onmysi deI'
m usedt obeingi n
r
elati
onshipst hatlastforal ongt i
mebutIknowt hat
youar especialcausewi t
hj ustyoursmi l
ey oumake
mef eelli
keI'mt heonlygi rlintheentir
ewor ld,
the
f
actt hatI
'my ouar eonlysmi li
ngnowt haty ou'
reina
r
elati
onshipwi thmemakesmewi shyouwer emy
f
irstlovebutIguessal l alongIwasbei ngprepared
f
ory ou*smiles*
Me:
*smil
ing*
andIguessIwasal
sobei
ngpr
epar
ed
f
oryou.
Her:
*bl
ushes*
ohbef
oreIf
orgetwheni
sBuhl
egi
vi
ng
bi
rt
h?
Me:
nextmont
h.
Her:
Ithi
nknowi
sagr
eatt
imet
otel
lmewhat
'sher
deal
.

Isi
ghnotknowi
ngwher
etost
art
.

°
Simphi
we°

Me:
nowthatI
'v
et ol
dyout
hatIam outofthi
swhat
wi
lly
oudo?Kil
lme?Goaheadandl et
'sseehow'
s
t
hatgoi
ngtohelp.
Him:*chuckl
es*Iwon'
tki
lly
ou,t
hatwoul
dbeaneasy
t
icketoutsoI'm goi
ngtohurty
ouwhereithur
ts
mostf orbet
rayi
ngme.
Me:uncleyoudoknowt hatall
thi
sisnotnecessar
il
y
Iwouldunderst
andifyouwer emaybepay i
ngmeor
somethingbutIwasn'
tgetti
nganythi
ngy ouwere
goi
ngt ogivememoneyaf terIwasdonebutnowI '
m
outIhavenothi
ngthatbelongstoyoujustl
eaveme
al
one.
Him:whatareyoutal
kingabout?Afterthedeat
hof
yourfami
lyI'
mt heonewhot ookyoui nwhen
ever
yonedidn'
twanty ou,
youwer eleavingi
nmy
houseeati
ngmyf ood,weari
ngclothesthatwer
e
boughtbymymoney .

Ilookdownnotevenwantingtothi
nkaboutal
lof
thosethi
ngscausethey
'l
lonlybr
ingtear
s.

Hi
m:li
keI'
vesai
dI'm goi
ngt
ohur
tyouwher
eithur
ts
mostforbet
ray
ingme.
Me:*si
ghi
ng*andbyt
hatIdon'
tknowwhaty oumean
causeIhavenofami
l
y,Ihav
enogirl
fr
iendso..
Him:buty
oudohav
eafri
endwhoy
ouseem t
ocar
e
aboutsomuch*
smir
ks*
Me:
youwoul
dn'
t.
Hi
m:si
nceyouareoutthi
smeanI '
ll
havetodothi
s
mysel
fandifIdoi
tmyselfI
'
llhav
et oel
i
minatehi
m
t
omaket hi
ngseasi
er.
Me:
uncl
epl
easecan'
tyoudot
hispl
anofy
our
sto
someoneel
sepl
ease.
Hi
m:andwhoar
eyout
otel
lmet
hat
.
Me:
okj
ustdon'
tki
l
lhi
m pl
ease.
Him:y
ououtofal
lpeopl
eknowhowIwor
ksoIdon'
t
getwhyy
ou'r
eevenaski
ngthat
.
Me:
okayt
henI
'
lldoi
t,
justl
eav
ehi
m outofi
t.
Him:t
hat'
sal
lIwant
edt
ohear
,nowl
et'
ssetupt
he
nextpl
an.

Hestandsupandwalkst
othel
ounge,
Isi
ghal
so
st
andingupandfol
l
owinghi
m.
~i
nser
t41~

°
Nqubeko°

Af ewday shav epassednot hi

ngmuchhas
happenedj ustt hef actthatMi nenhlehasst art
ed
withphy si
ot herapyori sitosteopat hy?Herdoct or
saidal otofr i
chwor dsohhspeaki ngofa
doct or,
Enhl e'sdadgotheranewdoct orandhesai d
alotoft hi
ngst hattheot herdoctordidn'ttell
usbut
eit
herwayEnhl ewillwal kagaininnot i
me.Then
there'sSi mphi wewear esupposet omeetupt oday
he'sbeenact i
ngabi tstrangelatel
yi t
'sli
kehe'sno
l
ongercomf ortabl
ear oundmeIwi shhecoul djust
tal
kt ome, any wayatt hemomentI '
m att heoffi
ceI
hav eal otofmeet ingst odayI'
llonlybef reeduring
l
unchwhenI 'l
lbemeet i
ngSi mphi we.
#Nar
rat
ed

Que:
ever
ythi
ngi
sher
e(pl
aci
ngt
hef
il
eont
het
abl
e)
St
one:
whatdi
dyouget
?
Que:
j
ustt
hebasi
cs,
theguyi
sneat
.

St
onegr
abst
hef
il
eopeni
ngi
t.

Hi
m:hehashi
sowncompany
?
Que:apparentl
yyeahandasy oucanseei
t'
sdoing
great,
i
fitcouldkeepthepaceit
'sgoi
ngat.
..
int
he
next3or4y ear
sthatcompanycouldbeoneofthe
bi
ggestcompani esinAfr
ica.
Stone:
*si
ghs*thi
sguymustbel
oadedhowwi
l
lwebe
abletoconvi
ncehimtoj
oinus?
Que:
tur
ntopage7(stonedoesthat
)hismot
her
r
ecentl
yshothi
sgirl
fr
iendIdon'
tknowwhy,
butif
youwantmetofindoutIcould.
St
one:
we'
l
lgetbackt
othat
,what
'sy
ourpoi
nther
e?
Que:Idi
dsomer esearchonthemot herandher
profi
lehasfi
rewalls,
fi
rewall
sthatarealmostsimi
lar
toourswhichmeansshe' sdangerous.
..
.wecanuse
thatwecansayt hatwecant r
ainhimtoprotecthi
s
l
ov edonesfr
om hismot her
.
St
one:*
brusheshi
schi
n*mmmm Iheary
ou,
i
tcoul
d
workbutwehavetohavepl
anB.
Que:
andknowi
ngy
ou,
youal
readyhav
epl
anB.
St
one:
*smi
rks*
youknowme, i
fthatdoesn'
tworkwe
makehiml
oseaf ewcli
entsj
usttodri
vehim cr
azya
l
it
tl
ebi
ttomanipulat
eh..
Que:
youar
esoev
il
.
St
one:
*laughs*I
'
vebeent
oldany
waywhataboutt
he
ot
herguy.
Que:ohhtheint
erest
ingf
ell
a,
he'
sbeeni
nalotof
mischief
sthatoneandwecanmanipul
atehi
mv er
y
easi
ly,gotopage9.

Hedoessoandsmi
l
esr
eadi
ngt
hegi
veni
nfo.
St
one:
l
ooksl
i
kehe'
l
lbl
endi
nper
fect
ly.
Que:
exact
lymyt
hought
s.
St
one:
wel
lIhavetimeatthemomentsol
et'
sgett
o
i
t,
gett
hei
rlocat
ionfi
rst
.

Quewal
ksoutgoi
ngt
ohi
scont
rol
room.

°
Minenhl
e°

Istil
lhaven'tfel
tanychangey etbutthenagainit
'
s
stil
learl
yt orecover,
I'
m sti
llatthehospit
albythe
way .
..
..j
ustinadi ff
erenthospitalt
hedoctorsaidhe'
l
l
dischargemebyt heendoft heweekwhi chisin4
days,yesterdayZamowasher etocheckuponme
hebunkedhi sclassesjusttocomeseemegodI
feelsospeci aleventhoughIdi dn'
tli
ketheideaof
bunkingcl asses.

"
KnockKnockKnock"
Me:
ohmygod!
*smi
l
ing*

Zama:
sur
pri
se*
smi
l
es*
Ml
a:y
oul
ookt
err
ibl
e.
Zama:
*hi
tt
inghi
m*Ml
amel
i
.
Me:
thanky
ouZama.
Her
:*l
aughs*
howar
eyou?Wehear
dwhathappened.
Me:welll
et'
sjustsayI
'
mt aki
ngitdayatat
ime,
Ihav
e
hopethatI'
l
lbeonmyf eetsooner.
Mla:
theyshouldhavej
ustcall
edmetooper
ateon
youmy sel
f,I
'
mt el
li
ngyou.
.youwoul
dbewalki
ngas
wespeak.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
ohr
eal
l
ynow?
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
yeahIdon'
ttel
ll
ies.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
whendi
dyouguy
sgether
e?
Hi
m: 3hoursagoandIhavet
osaythi
sisabeaut
if
ul
ci
tyIwouldn'
tmindcomingt
oli
vehere.
Zama:
*smi
l
ingf
rom eart
oear
*ar
eyouser
ious?
Mla:
IsaidIwoul
dn'
tmi
ndt
hatdoesn'
tmean
anyt
hing.
Zama:
mcm buzzki
l
l.
Ml
a:andIl
ovey
out
oodearwi
fe.
Zamo:
any
wayMi
nenhl
eIbought
..
.
Ml
a:we.
Zama:agai
nIboughty
ousomegoodi
es(
handi
ngme
thepaperbag)
Me:*giggl
ing*t
hankyousomuchI'
llmakesur
ethatI
hi
det hese,t
hedoctorpl
acedmeonastri
ctdi
etI
havebeencr avi
ngforsomegoodi
es.
Ml
a:ohhi
nthatcasegi
vet
hem back.
Me:
*cl
i
ngi
ngont
othebag*
no.
Hi
m:Mi
nenhl
e.
Me:
uhuh.

Iopenthebaglooki
ngi
nsi
deandf
rownl
ooki
ngatal
l
thethi
ngsi
nside.
Zama:
what
'swr
ong?Youdon'
tl
iket
hem?
Me:
str
awberr
ies?Str
awber
rycake?St
rawber
..
.so
muchstr
awberryf
lavor
edt
hings.
Zama:wel
lwegi
rl
slov
est
rawber
ryt
hingssoI
fi
gur
edwhynot.
Me:
I'
m al
l
ergi
ctost
rawber
ry.
Ml
a:awesomenowgi
vei
tback.

Imakeasadf
acegi
vi
ngi
ttohi
m.

Zama:Idi
dn'
tknowIshoul
dhaveaskedbutdon't
worr
yI'l
lgobackt
othemallI
'
llseewhatI
'l
lgetget
you.
Mla:
noy
ouwon't
,andMinehhowcanyoubeal
l
ergi
c
t
osomethi
ngsodeli
ci
ous?*l
aughs*

Nxxthisfool,
Iknowit
'sdel
i
cious.
..
Isti
l
lremember
t
hef i
rstt
imeIt ast
edit,
i
twassosweetandso
water
ybuti tl
andedmei nahospi
talsononono.
Me:Iwon'
tevenanswery
ou,
sot
ell
meabouty
our
honeymoon*
smili
ng*
Mla:
*groans*
letmejustgomakeconversat
ionwit
h
thedoctor
sthat'
sbett
erthant
hisconv
ersati
onyou
areabouttospeak.
Zama:buthoneywhat
'swr
ongwi
thspeaki
ngabout
ourhoneymoon?
Ml
a:i
t'
sgi
rl
ie(
maki
ngacr
eepyf
acemaki
ngusl
augh)

HewalksoutandZamastar
tst
ell
ingmeaboutthei
r
honeymoon,
youcanseei
tfr
om herfacet
hatshe
enj
oyedit
.

°
Nqubeko°

Me:
mat
ewhat
'swr
ong?Youdon'
tl
ookokay
.
Sim:
*si
ghs*
Ithi
nki
tist
imeIt
ell
yout
hatt
hingy
ou
know.
Me:
i
sitt
hesamet
hingt
hati
smaki
ngy
out
hissour
.
Hi
m:sourr
eal
l
y,comeonIl
ooksweet
.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
ofcour
sey
ouwoul
dsayt
hat
.
Him: uhm wher edoIst ar
tuhm af ewy ear sagomy
mot her,
fatherandl it
tlesisterburntt odeat hl eavi
ng
met obet akencar ebymyuncl e,
thewayhedi d
thi
ngsIt houghti twashi swayoft eachingmet obe
amanaf t
erallpeoplehav ediff
erentt echni csof
teaching..
..Il
aterfoundoutt hather obspeopl enot
asinhepoi ntsagunatt hem andf orcet hem t ogive
himt heirwalletsnohedeal swi thrichpeopl ecause
theyhav eal otofmoney ,
st upi
dmeaskedhi mt ojoi
n
him soIcanal soear nsomemoneysoIcoul dst op
beingdependentonhi m onl ytofindoutt hat
somet imest ogethi sway sheki l
ls.
Me:
youm.
..
Him:Ihavenev erki
l
ledanyoneIsweary esIknow
howt ouseagunbutIhav enevershotanyoneinmy
l
ife*
sighs*Idowhat ev
erhewant smet odoandat
theendoft hedayhepay smepeanut sto
summar izethatIam poor
,myunclegetsal otof
moneyf rom thepeopleherobsbutIdon'tknow
whathedoest oit,anywayafewmont hsagomy
unclewor ehisbestsuitsayi
nghe' sgoingtosome
"gala"sayi
nghe'st i
redofrobbingpeoplehewants
mor e*exhal
es*hecamebacksay inghef oundhi
s
baitIquote"i
t'ssomeonewho' syoungandhasa
companywhi chisdoingwell,
ifonlyIcanfindaway
i
nsidesoIcanf i
ndt hepapersofhi scompanythenI
candr aftacontractandmakehi m signhiscompany
tome" .

Howcanpeoplebesocr uel
?IswearIcoul
dloseiti
f
mycompanyistakenawayf r
om me.Ikeeplooki
ng
atSi
m withast
rai
ghtfacewaiti
ngforhi
mt o
cont
inue.

Him:thefoll
owingdayhewokeupsay inghehasa
plan,
hewant edmet odohal fofhi
splanforhim..
he
wantedmet ogetcl
osetot hebaitear
nhistrustsoit
canbeeasyt omov etothenextphaseoft heplan,
he
saidwhent hecompanyishi sIcanbehispartner
meani ngI'
l
lbeearni
ngal otofmoney ,
Iagreedtoit
.
Idon'twantt
ojumpintoconcl
usi
onswhi
chi
swhy
I'
m keepi
ngmy sel
fcal
m.

Hi
m:*
looksatmeandl
ooksdown*
thebai
tisy
ou.

Myhandssl
owl
yfor
msf
ist
sasIf
eel
alotofanger
consumi
ngme.

Me:getoutbef
oreIdosomet
hingImi
ghtnotr
egr
et
l
ater.
Hi
m:mat
epl
easej
ustl
i
s..
.
Me:
Isai
dgetout
(Ispeakt
hroughmyt
eet
hcount
ing
t
hosewords)

Heslowlyst
andsupwal kingtothedoor,I
'
m notev en
l
ooki
ngathim,I'
mjustthinki
ngaboutt hefactthatI
al
mostlostmycompanyal lmyhardwor kbecauseI
tr
ust
edsomebody .Sohe'sbeenpr et
endingallthi
s
ti
me?himtel
li
ngmehi suncle'splandoesn'tchange
t
hef
actt
hatIam madathi
m..
.

"
Sirsome2menar
eher
etoseey
ou"

Me:
tel
lthem t
ocomet omor
rowandal
socancel
the
r
estofmymeet i
ngs.

Ican'
tstopthi
nki
ngaboutwhatwoul
dhav
e
happenedifIl
ostmycompany.
~i
nser
t42~

°
Nqubeko°

"
SirIknowthaty
ousai
dIshoul
dcanceltherestof
y
ourmeet i
ngsbutMrHl
ongwanei
salreadyhere"

OhIhavecomplet
elyf
orgot
tenaboutmymeet
ing
wi
thEnhle'
sdad.

Me:
i
t'
sokayl
ethi
min.

Shenodsandwal kout,Isl
owlyclosemyeyesr est
ing
backonmychai randt akedeepbr eat
hs.
..
.myphone
vi
brat
esindicati
ngt hatIhaveamessageIr eachout
myhandt akingitfr
om t hetabl
eonlytof
indthatit
's
fr
om Simphiwe.Itreadsl i
kethi
s:-
"Mat eIknowy ouaremadatmeIunder standcause
i
fIwasi ny ourshoesI '
llal
sobemadashel lbuty ou
hav etobel i
evemewhenIsayy eswhenIf i
rstmet
youatt hecl ubIwasj usttryi
ngt ogetcloset oy ou
sinceIwasf oll
owingt heplanbutasIgott oknow
youmor eIwasnol ongerinterestedint
hepl any ou
hav etobel i
eveme, Ihavenev erhadamat el i
key ou
dudet her easonwhyIcameoutandt ol
dy outhe
tr
uthi s..
.Ial
sodon'twantt olosey ouei
not hat
soundsgi r
li
euhm Idon' twantt oloseaf ri
end
actuallyabr ot
herthaty ouare.Nquzetpl easef orgive
me "

Il
i
ter
all
ychuckl
eatt
hatl
astpar
t.

"
Thatbet
terbemydaught
er"

Igetst
art
ledbyhi
sdeepv
oicey
erral
mostmademe
dropmyphone.
Me:
*st
andi
ngup*
MrH,
pleaset
akeaseat
.

Hesi
tsandIal
sodoso.

Hi
m:y
ourPAsai
dyoucancel
edy
ourmeet
ings.
Me:
yeahIdi
d.
Hi
m:why
?
Me:
l
ongst
ory
.
Him:*
raiseshi
sey
ebr
ow*youdoknowt
hatIknow
aboutyouandmydaught
er?
Me:consi
der
ingthef
actaboutwhaty
ousai
dwhen
youwalkedi
n..
.y
eah.
Hi
m:t
henconsi
dermeasy
ourdad.

Il
ookathi
m shocked.

Him:
justbecauseI
'
m beingnicedoesn'
tmeanI
'l
ll
et
youbreakmybaby'sheartt
rustmeifyouev
en
att
emptt
oopenthatzi
pforanotherski
rtbesi
desher
I'
l
lmakeyousi
ngthenati
onalanthem i
nPortuguese.
Me:*
gulpi
ngsal
iv
a*youdon'
thav
etowor r
yabout
any
thingsi
rIr
eal
lydolov
eyourdaught
er.
Hi
m:Iknowsowhat
'
sbot
her
ingy
ou?

Isi
ght
ell
i
nghi
m ev
ery
thi
ng.

Hi
m:wowher
eal
l
yisadef
ini
ti
onofat
ruef
ri
end.
Me:
*fr
owni
ng*
uh?
Him:hecamecl eandi
dn'the?Hechoset
he
f
riendshipbot
hy ouhaveovermoney,
hereal
l
yval
ues
yourfri
endshi
p.
Me:
**si
l
ence*
*
Hi
m: y
ouhav
et heri
ghttobeangrybutatt
heendof
t
hedayhecamecl ean*shr
ugs*any
waydidyouho
t
hrought
heproposal?
Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*yeahIdi
dandIt
..
.
I'
m dist
urbedbyt
hedooropeni
ngandtwodar
k
skinnedguyswal
kinwit
hstrai
ghtf
aces.

MyPA:
I'
m sor
rysi
rIt
ri
edt
ost
opt
hem.
Me:
i
t'
sokay
.

Sheexhalesandwalkbacktoherdesk.MrHtur
ns
hisheadandfrownsandI'
m confusedseei
ngt
he
twoguysalsofrowni
ngwhentheyseeMrH.

Me:gent
lemanwear
ehav
ingani
mpor
tantmeet
ing
her
e.
MrH:
youknowt
hem?
*st
il
lfr
owni
ng*
Me:
no.
MrH:
okayt
hen,
bot
hofy
ougetout
.
Guy
1:what
?Wear
enother
efory
ou.
MrH:
Iknowt
hatdon'
tI?
Guy
1:t
henw.
.
Guy
2:Que.

Guy
1whoI
'
m assumi
ngi
sQuer
emai
nsqui
et.

Guy
2:Zac.
MrH:
Stone.

Theyknoweachot
her
?Okaywhat
'sgoi
ngonher
e?

Stone:
lookmaneventodayIst
il
lfeel
usel
ess
becauseIcoul
dn'
tkeepmyendoft hedealand
especi
allymypr
omise.
MrH:
okgoodnowl
eav
e.
St
one:
butyouhavetounderst
andt
hatsomet
hings
ar
eimpossi
bleyoucan'
tblameme.
MrH:*
sighs*noIdon'
tbl
amey ou,youarealways
t
her
eforotherpeoplewhent
heyneedy oubutyou
wer
en'
ttherewhenIneededyou,Ical
ledyouasking
youtobr i
ngmycont actlensesASAPcausey ouout
ofall
peopl eknowwhatgl assesdot omyey esbut
whatdidy oudo?Ihadt odr ivewit
hmygl asseson
andIendedupcausi nganacci dentthatalmost
mademel osemyf amilythent othinkthatwas
worsem daught erwasst olenandIcoul dn'
tdoshit
aboutit
...
sodon'tworryIdon' tbl
amey ouIblame
myselfforthi
nkingthatforoncey ouwer egoi ngto
bethereforme.

WowIam soconf
used.

Que:
wai
twai
twai
t,
yout
woknoweachot
her
?
MrH:*
chuckl
i
ngbi
tt
erl
y*wowy
our
eal
l
ydon'
tl
ikeme
uh?
St
one:
comeondon'
tsayt
hat
.
MrH:Iknowwhyy ou'r
ehere,
y ouaregoingtosel
l
hi
m dreamstel
l
inghimy ou'l
lalwaysbet her
ewhen
heneedsyoublahblahonlyifhejoinsyouguysboo
hoojustl
eav
eandgobackt owher everyou'
vebeen.
St
one:
Zac.
.
MrH: *st
andsup*don'
tZacmeEr ni
eyouaremy
brotherf
orcry
ingoutloudyoushoul
d'
vecame
throughformeb..bu.
.*
pauses*

Br
other
??Wai
tisheget
ti
ngemot
ional
?Het
urnst
o
l
ookatme.

MrH:
canwehav
ethi
smeet
ingt
omor
row?
Me:
yeahy
eahsur
e.

HelooksatStoneonemoreti
meandwal ks
out
,St
oneturnswanti
ngt
of ol
l
owhim butQuehol
ds
hi
m backbyhisarm.

Que:
youhav
eabr
other
?
St
one:
*pi
ssed*
noIhav
easi
ster
,l
etgoofme.
Que:
*l
ett
inghi
m go*
whataboutwhywear
eher
e?
Me:
theansweri
sno,
what
everi
tisy
ouwantNO.
St
one:
youhear
dhi
mlet
'sgo.
Que:
ButI
..
St
one:
QueIwi
l
lnotr
epeatmy
sel
f.
*hewal
ksout
*

Quesighsfol
l
owi
nghi
m,okaywhatt
hef
uckj
ust
happened?

°
Minenhl
e°

Me:
mom Inol
ongerwantt
obeher
e.
Her
:buthoneyt
hedoct
orI
..
Me:
thedoct
orsai
dI'
mfi
ne,
I
'l
lheal
athomes.
..

Dadwal
ksi
nlooki
ngl
i
kehe'
saboutt
oexpl
ode.

Mom:
*fr
owns*
woahwhathappenedt
oyou?
Hi
m:y
ouwon'
tbel
i
evewhoIsawt
oday
.
Her
:who?
Hi
m:Er
nie.
Her:
*shocked*
what
?Wow.
..
expl
ainswhyy
ouar
eli
ke
t
his.
Me:
Erni
e?Who'
sEr
nie?
Her
:hi
sbr
other
.
M:
*smi
l
ing*
Ihav
eanuncl
e?
Her
:yeahbutt
heydonotgetal
ong,
i
t'
sal
ongst
oryI
'
ll
t
ell
ittoyousomeothert
ime.
Me:
okay
.
Her:
babedon'
tyout
hinkt
haty
ou'
vebeenmadf
ora
ver
ylongti
menow?
Dad:honeyyoudon'
tunder
stand,he'
snotj
ustany
per
sonhe' smybrot
her(
thelastpar
tcomesoutasa
whisper)
Her
:Igett
hatbuty
..
Hi
m:No,
nobut
s..
..
I'
m angr
yathi
m andI
'
llf
orev
erwi
l
l
becasecl
osednowbabyhowar
eyoudoi
ngt
oday
?
Me:
uhm IuhI
'
m good?
Hi
m:whyar
eyousay
ingi
tasaquest
ion?
Me:
ImeanI
'
m good.
Hi
m:doy
ouneedany
thi
ng?
Me:yeahIneedt
ogohomeInol
ongerwantt
obe
her
e.
Hi
m:*ki
ssi
ngmyfor
ehead*
okaybabyl
etmegot
alk
t
oyourdoctor
.

Hesmi
l
esatmet
henwal
kout
.

Me:
wowIhaveneverseenhi
m bei
ngangr
yand
emot
ional
att
hesamet i
me.
Her
:ev
eryt
opict
hatconcer
nshi
sbr
otheral
way
s
makeshi
mliket
hat.
Me:i
fmyuncl
emakesmydadl
i
ket
hatt
henIdon'
t
l
ikehi
m.
Her:
*giggl
es*
thewayyoutwol
oveeachot
herai
I
evenfeelj
eal
oussometi
mes.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*noneedtobej
ealousdearmother
,I
l
oveyoubot
hequall
yanddadlovesusbothequal
ly.
Her
:*smi
l
es*
andIl
ovebot
hofy
ouequal
l
y.
Me:seeevery
thi
ngi
sequal
,doesdadhavefr
iends?I
haveneverhear
dhi
m sayi
nghe'
sgoingoutwith
fr
iends.
Her :
aft
erhisfightwit
hhisbrotherheneverwanted
tohav efr
iendscausehet houghtthati
fhisown
bloodcouldn'tbetheref
orhim howcoul dhetr
usta
stranger.

OookayIreal
lyneedt
ohearwhathappenedbet
ween
t
he2br ot
hers.
~i
nser
t43~

°
Minenhl
e°

/
/
Hi
m:Imi
ssy
oul
i
kecr
azyr
ightnow.
Me:
*bl
ushi
ng*
notasmuchasImi
ssy
ou.
Hi
m:y
ourpar
ent
swoul
dn'
tmi
ndi
fIt
akey
ouout
?
Me:Idon'
tknowIwi
l
lhavetoaskt
hem wai
tyou
wanttotakemeout
?*smi
li
ng*
Him:yeahIcan'
tbel
i
ev et
hateversi
ncewestar
ted
dati
ngIhavenevertookyououtonadate.
Me:i
twasn'
tevenonmymindpr
obabl
ybecauseI
hav
eneverbeenonadat
ebefor
e.
Hi
m:y
ourexesar
edumbassni
ggas.
Me:*l
aughi
ng*
papapapay
ouhav
en'
ttakenmeout
yet
.
Hi
m:t
alkt
oyourpar
ent
sandI
'
llr
ocky
ourwor
ld.
Me:
whati
ftheydon'
tagr
ee?
Hi
m:I
'
llki
dnapy
ouandr
etur
nyoui
nthemor
ning.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
hav
eyoumetZac?
Hi
m:*
laughs*eidon'
tment
ioni
t,
hemightmakeme
si
ngt
henat i
onalant
hem i
nPort
uguese.
Me:
hesai
dthat
?
Hi
m:y
eahbutwear
enotdi
scussi
ngi
t.
Me:
*gi
ggl
i
ng*
yousoundf
ri
ght
ened.
Hi
m:Isai
dwear
enotdi
scussi
ngi
t.

Il
aught
il
lmyst
omachhur
ts.

Hi
m:i
'
mmagety
ouf
orl
aughi
ngatmet
hismuch.
Me:
*gi
ggl
i
ng*
any
wayhav
eyout
alkedt
oSi
mphi
we?
Hi
m:*
sighs*
no.
Me:
babecomeoni
t'
sbeenaweek.
Hi
m:Ical
l
edhi
m he'
sonhi
swayher
esowe'
l
ltal
k.
Me:
fi
nal
l
y..
.

"
You'
vebeenont
hephonef
orov
eranhoury
oung
l
ady!
!!
"

Me:
seemsl
i
kemydadmi
ssesmenow.
Him:*
chuckl
es*It
hinkmeandy
ourdadaregonna
havesometroubl
ewhenImarr
yyourbeaut
if
ulass.
Me:
*bl
ushi
ng*
Ihav
etogo.
Hi
m:okayIl
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
*smi
l
ing*

/
/
Idr
opt
hecal
landwheel
mysel
ftot
hel
ounge.

Dad:
ohf
inal
l
yyou'
redone,
comesi
ther
e*pat
snextt
o
hi
m*
Me:
hahahav
eryf
unny
.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
okayI
'
llpi
cky
ouupdon'
twor
ry.
Me:pl
easedo,t
hiswheel
chai
rissuper
uncomfor
tabl
e.
Hi
m:*
standsup*
don'
twor
rydaddy
'sher
e.

Igi
gglewhi
l
ehepi
cksmeupandpl
acesmeont
he
couch.

Hi
m:needany
thi
ngel
se?
Me:
asmoot
hie*
smi
l
ing*
Hi
m:comi
ngr
ightup.

I
'
mjustgonnasayi
t,
Il
ovemydad.

Mom:honeyImadey ourl
unchandevery
thi
ngyou
gonnaneed,
I
'm of
ftobuyyourpil
l
sloveyou.
Me:
l
ovey
oumor
e.
Mypar
ent
s,ahhIj
ustl
ovet
hem.

#Nar
rat
ed

Si
mphi
we'
suncl
ewal
ksi
nSt
one'
sof
fi
ce.

Hi
m:St
onemyman!
.
St
one:
whatdoy
ouwant
?
Hi
m:Ineedy
ourhel
pandI
'
m wi
l
li
ngt
opay
.
St
one:*si
ghs*
okayst
artt
alki
ngy
ouhav
eexact
ly5
minut
es.

Hestart
stel
li
nghim aboutt
hecompanyhewant
s
andhowhe'splanni
ngongetti
ngi
tthenmovest
o
seeki
ngthei
rhelp.

St
one:
okayIheary
oubutwhatIdon'
tgetishowar
e
wesupposet
ohelpyoucauseIdon'
trememberus
pr
omot
ingy
ourshenani
gans.
Him:
noIknowthat
,whatIwanty
out
odoi
sgett
he
bai
toutoft
heway.
St
one:
i
nwhatway
?
Hi
m:t
heonl
yway
,Ij
ustneedapr
ofessi
onal
todoi
t
f
orme.
Stone:
*rai
seshi
sey
ebr
ow*
what
'st
henameoft
he
bait
?
Hi
m:NqubekoGabuz
a.

St
oneal
mostchokesonhi
ssal
i
va.

St
one:
Nqubekoi
ssomehowconnectedtoZac
Hl
ongwaneandIdon'
tdoZac'
speople.
Him:
noIdidmyr esear
chhe'snotinanywaycl
oset
o
Zache'
sjustdat
ingZac'sdaught
er.
St
one:
Hisdaught
er?Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Hi
m:uhhwhatdoy
oumeanwhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
?
I
'
mtal
ki
ngaboutuhhwhat
'shernameagai
n?Uhh
St
one:
Minenhl
e?(
thatcomeoutaswhi
sper
)
Hi
m:y
eahMi
nenhl
e.
St
one:
l
ookIcan'
thel
pyoupl
easel
eav
e.
Hi
m:butI
..
St
one:
ISAI
DLEAVE!
!
Hi
m:okayokay
.

Hestandsupandwal ksaway ,
leavi
ngStone
ast
onishedandhappyt hatZacdidfi
ndhisdaughter
butal
sof eel
sli
keajerkthathedidn'
tknowthat.

°
Nqubeko°

Iopent
hedoorf
orhi
m,heseemsr
eal
l
yner
vous.

Me:
comei
n.
Webot
hwal
kInsi
de.

Me:
howzi
t.
Hi
m:l
i
fei
ski
ndabor
ingwi
thouty
oumat
e.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
Iknow,
I
'm pr
ett
yawesome.
Hi
m:*chuckl
es*
Iwanttof
ightt
hatst
atementbutI
'
m
st
il
lner
vousasfuck.
Me:i
t'
sokaycal
m downy
ourt
it
s,*
sighi
ng*
I'
veal
ready
f
orgi
venyou.
Him:*
holdshi
schesti
nrel
i
ef*
oht
hankgodmat
ecan
Ihugyou.
Me:*
laugj
i
ng*
notyet,
west
il
lneedt
otal
kandy
ou
hav
et ost
opact
inggayman.

Hel
aughsshaki
nghi
shead.

Me:*
exhali
ng*
younotwant
ingtocont
inuewit
hyour
uncl
e'
splandoesn'
tmeanhe'
sgonnadropthi
s.
Him:
*si
ghs*that
'swhatI'
vebeent r
yingtot el
lyou,yes
hewon'
tdripalloft
hiswhenhewant ssomet hinghe
makessurethathegetsitandr
ightnowher eal l
y
wantsy
ourcompanyhe' snotgoingt orestti
llhehas
i
teveni
fitmeansget t
ingyououtoft heway .
Me:
whatdoy
oumeangetmeoutoft
heway
?
Hi
m:el
i
minat
eyou.

Okayt
hisi
smor
edanger
oust
hanIt
hought
.

Me:
wowhe'
sreal
l
ythatdet
ermi
ned?
Hi
m:y
eahbutIsayl
et'
sbeathi
m athi
sowngame.
Me:
how?Can'
twegethi
m ar
rest
edorsomet
hing?
Hi
m: t
hatwouldbeaddingfuelonfi
re,
i
fwehavehi
m
ar
restedhe'
ll
comeoutt henextdayandmakesur
e
wedon'tseethesunl
i
ght .
Me:
okayt
hisi
sfr
ust
rat
ing.
Hi
m:li
keIsai
dweshoul
dbeathim athi
sowngame,
I
mysel
fdon'
tknowhowyetbutt
ogetherwecan
f
igur
esomet
hingout
.

Il
ookathi m wi
thast rai
ghtface,
onl
ybecauseI'
m
havi
ngmi xedfeeli
ngsr i
ghtnow..
.I
'mfr
ustr
atedI'
m
scaredt
hatImi ghtlosebothmycompanyandmy
l
ife.

Him:
wi t
hthatstr
aightfaceofyoursIcan'tt
ellwhat
you'
rethi
nki
ng,orisitbecauseyousti
lldon'
ttrust
melikeyoudid?Ifit
'sthati
t'
scoolIunderstand.
Me:*
chuckl
i
ng*you'
redramati
cforadudey
ouknow
ar
eyousureyou'
restr
aight
?
Hi
m:*laughs*
jeezI
'
m st
rai
ghthowmanyt
imesmust
It
ell
you.
Me: *
shakingmyheadwi
thasmil
e*okaywecanstar
t
planninganyt
imepl
uswhoknowsyouruncl
ebet
ter
thany ou.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
nobody
.
Me:exact
lyandyougonnahav
etomov
eoutofy
our
uncl
e'shouse.
Hi
m:owww*
looksdown*
mat
eIt
oldy
out
h..
.
Me:Iknowy oudon'
twantt
osayi
tandi
t'
scool
don'
t
sayitcauseyouaremovi
nginwi
thme.

Hi
sjawdr
opsandhi
sey
esopenal
lout
.

Hi
m:dudedon'
tj
okel
i
ket
hat
.
Me:Iam notj
oki
ngplusyoualr
eadyhavemyspear
keysandyouareal
way sher
e*chuckl
i
ng*basi
cal
l
y
thi
sisyourhometoo.
Hi
m:Iknowy
ousai
dIshoul
dn'
thugy
ouy
etbutmat
e
f
uckthat
.

Heat
tacksmewi
thahugandIhughi
m back.

Me:okayokayletgonow,
I'
m sur
eMi nenhlewoul
dn'
t
appreci
ateyoucrushi
nghermanli
ket hi
s.
Hemov
esof
fmechuckl
i
ng.

Me:
wai
tmat
ear
eyoucr
ying?
Hi
m:*
wipesouthi
stear
s*not
hel
i
ghtj
ustgoti
ntomy
ey
eabitt
oomuch.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*y
eahri
ght
,onedaywhenIcat
chy
ou
wi
thanot
hermanIwon'
tbesurpr
ised.
Him:andwheny
oucat
chmewi
thawomendon'
tbe
surpr
ised.

Weconti
nuetalki
ngyouknowcat
chi
ngup.
..
honest
ly
Imi
ssedhiscrazyass.

Me:
ohhmateIneedsomehelp,
Iwantt
otake
Mi
nenhl
eoutonadatebutI
..
.
Him:buty
ou'r
ecluel
esswheni
tcomest
othati
t'
s
okayIgotyou.
Me:
*gaspi
ng*
whosai
dIwasaboutt
osaycl
uel
ess?
Him*fol
dshi
sar
ms*
okaywhatwer
eyouaboutt
o
say?
Me:
thatIhav
enoi
deawher
eI'
l
ltakeherorw.
.
Hi
m:i
sn'
tthatbei
ngcl
uel
ess.
Me:
i
t'
suhhahhl
eav
emeal
one.
~i
nser
t44~

°
Minenhl
e°

Bytheendoft heweekI 'm goingonmyf i

rstoffi
cial
date,
mypar entssai
dt hatthere'snoproblem cause
theytr
ustNqubeko...
Iwonderi fNqubekoknowst hat
butIwon'tdaretel
lhi
m orel sehe' l
lgetabighead.
Ntokozowasn'tworkingy esterday,shespenther
enti
redaywi t
hmei twasagr eatdayIenjoyedi t
.

Mom:
honeywheni
syourappoi
ntment
?
Me:
at2pm.
Her:
i
fyourdadasktel
lhi
mit
'sat4pm I
'
mti
redof
hi
m hij
acki
ngwhatshoul
dbedonebyme.
Me:
*gi
ggl
i
ng*
don'
twor
rymom Ishal
ldoasy
ousay
.

"
Dowhat
?"-
dadasksent
eri
ngmyr
oom.
Mom:
noneofy
ourbusi
ness.
Him:
noneofmybusi
ness?
?Pumpki
npi
eyou'
re
goi
ngtotel
lmer
ight
?
Mom:
don'
tfal
lfori
tMi
nenhl
e.
Me:
thi
sseemsl
i
keanar
gumentt
hatdoesn'
ti
nvol
ve
me.
Dad:
*chuckl
es*
any
waybabey
ourf
ri
endi
sint
he
l
ounge.
Mom:
alr
eady
?Wowokayr
ememberbaby
..
.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
don'
twor
ry.

Shesmi
l
esandki
ssmyf
oreheadt
henki
ssdad.

Me:
whydi
dn'
tIgetaki
ssonmyl
i
ps?
Mom:
*l
aughs*
jeal
ousmuch.

Shel
eansont
oki
ssme.
Me:
ewwwy
ou'
veal
readyki
sseddadwi
tht
hosel
i
ps.
Dad:
so?What
'swr
ongwi
thmyl
i
ps?
Mom:
Iwasj
ustaboutt
oaskt
hesamequest
ion.
Me:
*gi
ggl
i
ng*
yourf
ri
endi
swai
ti
ng.

Shechuckl
esshaki
ngherheadt
henwal
ksout
.

Dad:
wantsomecompany
?
Me:
comeher
e*pat
ti
ngnextt
ome*

Het akesoffhisshoesandjoinsmei nbed,

Ilaymy
headonhi sshoulderthenwef al
lintoacomf ort
abl
e
si
lence.Iwantt oi
ntroducethetopicofhim andhis
brot
herbutI '
m afr
aidhe'l
lgetangry.

Hi
m:what
'sony
ourmi
nd?
Me:
promi
sey
ouwon'
tgetmad.
Hi
m:wel
li
tdepends,
Ican'
tj
ustpr
om.
..
Me:
dadpl
ease.
Hi
m:*
sighs*
okayIpr
omi
se.
Me:
whydon'
tyouwantt
ofor
giv
eyourbr
other
?
*
*si
l
ence*
*
Me:
dad.
Him:letmest ar titfrom whenwewer ey oung,ever
heardof "
everypar entslov ealltheirkidsequal l
y"wel l
tomet hatdidn' tappl y.
..
asay oungerki dIt houghtI
wouldgetmor eat tenti
onf rom mypar entsbutnoI
waswr ongEr niegoti tall
,hewentt ot hebest
expensi veschool swhi l
eIgotst ucki npubl i
c
school s..
.WasIj ealousofhi m?NoIwashappyf or
him butal sohur tbymypar entsfornott reati
ngus
equal,Igrewupt hehar dwaybot tl
ingmyf eel
ing
i
nside. *exhales* wheni twast i
mef ormet ogot o
varsi
tyEr niecamet omyr oom aski ngmeaboutmy
day,l
ife,excit
ementf orstarti
ngv arsityy ouknowal l
thatstuf f
...
Iwasdumbst ruckIdi dn'tknowhowt o
respondIwasshockedbecauset hatwast hefi
rst
ti
mehewasi nter estedinme. .
.i
nst eadofanswer ing
him Iaskedhi m whyhewasaski ngal l ofthose
thi
ngshesai dhej ustwant edt obondwi t
hhis"li
ttl
e
brother"healsosaidIshoul dbehappyt hatthe
parentsaren'tpest
eringme. ...
.t
urnsouthrnev er
want edtogot oexpensiv eschoolshej ustwant edto
bewi thmebuthewast heirlapdogi fImaycal l
him
l
iket hathewasdoi ngev erythi
ngt hattheywant ed
himt odo.From therewest art
edget ti
ngal onglike
reall
ycloseev enourpar entsdidn'tl
ikeitbutitwas
toobadf orthem causebyt henmybr otherstart
ed
l
ivinghisownl if
ethel i
feheal way swant ed.
Me:
thenwher
edi
dital
lgowr
ong?
Him:*si
ghs*hest ar
t edsomesor tofcampai gnfor
hel
pingthosei nneeds, bythatI'
m nott al
kingabout
shel
ters,
food,clothesandal lt
hoset hings..
.I'm
tal
ki
ngaboutmi ssionsseri
ousmi ssions,mor e
seri
ousmi ssi
onst hant hemissi
onst hatar edoneby
sol
diersI'
mt alkingabouti mpossiblemi ssions.
Me:
i
sn'
tthatdanger
ous?
Him:itis,
aft
ermyv ar
sit
yyearshebeggedmet ojoi
n
him Itoldhi
m IwasscaredthatImightlosemyli
fe
especiall
ysinceIhadmetyourmother,hevowedand
promisedtoalwaysprotectmeandal waysbether
e
whenIneedhi m.Itr
ustedhim soIagreed.
..
.soonwe
recei
vedami ssi
onwher ewehadt orescuesome
famil
yfrom somegangst ert
ycoon,
Iwast r
ained
abouteveryt
hingsoIthoughtIwasreadybutwhen
wegott her
e*pause*
Me:
arey
ouokay
?
Hi
m:yeah,
whatdoy
ousaywhenMl
aory
ourmot
her
t
ell
youthaty
ouhavemyeyes?
Me:*chuckl
i
ng*
thattheyarel
yi
ngImeanser
iousl
y
oureyesdonotlookthesame.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
act
ual
l
ytheydo.
Me:
not
heydonot
.
Hi
m:Iwearcont
act
s.

Imovemyheadf
rom hi
sshoul
derl
ooki
ngathi
m
wit
hafr
own.

Me:
youwearcont
act
s?Why
?
Him:y eah,
thatmi ssiondamagedhal fofmy
eyesight..
.whenIwasdownIcal ledoutt oEr ni
eto
helpmecauseatt hatmomentIwasbl indIcoul dn'
t
seeany t
hing,
hesai dt hemi ssionhadt obe
compl etedIshoul dhangi nt here..
.Iwasi npain,in
needofahospi talbuthecoul dn'tbet her eformehe
hadt osav esomeot herpeopl einst eadofhi sown
brotherev enafterthemi ssionhedi dn' tcomef or
me...someguyf rom hi screwcamef ormeandt ook
met ot hehospital i
nst eadofhi m* sighs* let
'sjustsay
heapol ogizedandIf orgav ehim butnot hing
changedost i
llcamel asttohi m, hedi dn' tevenmake
i
ttomyweddi ng.

Hekeepsl
ooki
ngatmef
aki
ngasmi
l
ewhi
chmeans
t
hishur
thi
m deepl
y.

Him:theeventthattookthecupisthedayyouwere
takenfrom us,
thatsamedayIhadanappoi nt
ment
withmydoct ortogetnewcont act
sbutIalso
couldn'
tleaveyourmot heral
onecauseIhadagut
feeli
ngt hatshewasduet hatday ,
Iaskedhi mt o
fetchthem f ormeandi fhecan' theshoul dsayso, so
thatIcanf igureoutsomet hi
ngel sebuthesai dhe'll
doi t
..
..Iwai tedt heent ir
edayf orhi m andwheny our
mot herur gent lyneededt hehospi t alIcall
edhim, he
saidhehadal astmi nutemi ssionhecoul dn'tgot o
thedoct or, att hatmomentIcoul dhav ecal l
edacab
butIwasn' tt hi
nki ngst r
aightIt ookmygl asses
knowi ngv er ywel l t
hattheycauser ashar oundmy
eyesbutIhadt otakey ourmot hert othe
hospital*sighs* withi
naf ewmi nut esmyey eswer e
swol l
enupIcoul dn'tseet heroadpr operlywellthe
restyoual r eadyknowi t.Afterthathepr omisedt o
fi
ndy oubutnev erdid,he'ssousedt ofindingpeopl e,
helpfami liesf indt heirl
ostf ami l
ymember sbut
couldn'tfindy ou.
Me:
wowuhm wow.
Hi
m:y
eah.
Me:
soy
ouar
enotangr
yathi
myouar
ejusthur
t.
Him:yeahyoucoul
dsaythat
,I'
m al
way
sgi
vi
nghi
m
chancesI'
mjustti
red.
Me:
whataboutgi
vi
nghi
m al
astchance*
smi
l
ing*
Him:soIcanbehur tagai
n?NoI'm ol
dnowIdon'
t
needhim,Ihav
ey ouandy ourmom I'
m
complet
e* smi
les*
Me:dadwehav
eknowneachf
orashor
tti
mebutI
knowyou.
Him:okayIt
hinkIshoul
dcally
ourmothersoshecan
helpyougetreadyfory
ourappoi
ntment
.*get
soff
thebed*
Me:
dad.
Him:noI'm donet al
ki
ngaboutthi
s,youwantedto
knowwhyIdon' twanttofor
giv
eEr nie,
nowyouknow
thatt
here'snothingtofor
giv
eI'mjustdonewithhim
I'
mt i
redofalway sbeingt
hereforhim whi
lehe'
s
neverthereforme.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
wher
ear
eyourpar
ent
s?
I
'm af
raidthatt
heexpressionhehaswill
huntmefor
averylongtime,
it
'sl
i
keIt ouchedasensi
tiv
etopi
c.
Hi
m:l
etmegocal
lyourmot
her
.
Heki
ssesmycheekandwal
kout
.
~i
nser
t45~

#Nar
rat
ed

Mi
nenhl
e'
sdadsmil
esasoneofthesuccessf
ulman,
MrMkhi
ze(
MJ)si
gnsthecont
ract
.

MJ:
wellnowthat
'sdoneIdohopedoi
ngbusi
ness
wi
thyouwil
lbegood.
Zac:i
twil
lbe,
asl
ongasbot
hofuskeept
otheend
ofthedeal
.
MJ:ohhandImi
ghtnotmakei
ttoothermeet
ings
butoneofmysonswil
lbei
nmyplace.
Zac:
alr
ightnowenoughaboutbusi
nessMrM.
..
MJ:
cal
lmeMJ.
Zac:
alr
ightandcal
lmeZac,
wheny
ousaysonshow
manydoy ouhave?
MJ:
4and2gi
rl
s.
Zac:6ki
ds??Yer
rmany
ourwi
fedi
dn'
thav
ea
problem?
MJ:*
laughs*nahpl
ussheonlygotpregnant4
t
imes,1stt
imeshegavebir
thtotwins,
2ndt i
meal
so
t
wins,
3rdtimeaboyandlastti
meagi rl
.
Zac:*chuckl
es*
ifIwasyourwif
eIwoul
dhave
blockedthefal
lopi
antubesaf
tert
he2ndpai
rof
twins.
MJ:
*laughs*
blockwhoseki
dsf
rom comi
ngt
othi
s
wor
ld??
Zac:
*l
aughs*
Irestmycase.
MJ:
whatabouty
ou?Howmanyki
dsdoy
ouhav
e?
Zac:
*smi
l
es*
Ihav
eonebeaut
if
ulbabygi
rl
.
MJ:
ahhl
ookaty
oubl
ushi
ngatt
hisage.
Zac:*
laughs*I
'm st
il
lyoungf
ory
ouri
nfor
mat
ion
thankyouv er
ymuch.
MJ:
*chuckl
es*
howol
disshe?
Zac:
23.
MJ:
aiboy
ousai
dyouhav
eababygi
rl
.
Zac:
she'
sst
il
lmybabygi
rl
.
MJ:23?
*chuckl
es*
don'tbeshockedwhenshet
ell
s
youshewantstogetmarri
ed.
Zac:Iwon'
tbe,asl
ongasit
'snott
hisy
earornext
yearbutevensoshewil
lal
waysbemybaby
gir
l*smi
les*
MJ:
*smi
l
es*
itunder
standabl
ethoughIm.
..
..

Heget
sdi
stur
bedbyhi
sphoner
ingi
ng.

MJ:
sor
ryIhav
etot
aket
his.

/
/
MJ:
Khay
a.
Khay
a:*
sni
ff
s*br
owher
eyouat
?
MJ:
*fr
owns*
what
'swr
ong?Ar
eyouokay
?
Khay
a:noIswearI
'
m goi
ngt
omur
derTasha.
MJ:
*shocked*
what
?Whathappened?Wher
ear
eyou?
Khaya:
I'
m goingtoki
llheral
ongwithLev
iIswear
theni
'mmaf ucki
nkil
lmy sel
ftoo.
MJ:br
odon'ttal
kli
kethat,
youhaveki
dsr
emember
?
Pl
easejustdon'
tdoanythi
ngstupi
d.

/
/
Thel
inegoesoffal
ert
ingMJ,
hequickl
ydi
alsSi
pho
andheanswersaft
erafewri
ngs.

Si
pho:
MJ.
MJ:dudeI
'm gonnaneedyoutopleasegooverat
Khaya'
shouseASAP,Iwil
ltaket
henextfl
ightback.
Si
pho:
what
,whatgoi
ngon?
MJ:
j
ustgot
her
ewe'
l
ltal
kwhenIgett
her
e.
Si
pho:
ayt
.
/
/

MJst
art
spacki
ngup.
MJ:
I'
m sor
rybutIhav
etogo.
Zac:
i
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
MJ:I
'
m notsurebutmybrotherneedsme,Idon'
t
knowifI
'
llcat
chafli
ghtbacktoJo'bur
g.*
standsup*

Zaclooksathi
minawe,
hi
sownbr
otherwoul
dn'
t
evenpickuphi
scal
li
fhe'
sonameet
ing.

Zac:
waitIcanaskmypi
l
ott
ofl
yyoubackwi
tht
he
company'
sjet.
MJ:
Iwoul
dreal
l
yappr
eci
atet
hat
.
Zac:
l
etmecal
lhi
m.

Zactakesouthi
sphonet
omakeacallwhil
eMJsit
s
backdownandrubshisf
oreheadi
nfr
ust
rat
ion.

°
Mlamel
i
°
Durbanisreallybeaut ifulthere'
snodoubtt hereandI
wouldlovetol i
v eher ebutmywhol elif
ei si
n
Mpumal anga,Imeani fImov eherethatmeansI 'l
l
onlygettoseemymot heronceamont horoncei n2
monthsIjustcan' t..
.she'sallalonesoIcan't.Iwould
askhertomov edownher et oobutIdoubtt hatshe
wouldagree,shel ovesherhousedear lyshesay sit
makesherf eel closet odadsoIwoul dn'twantto
takethatawayf rom her .

Me:babeI
'
m goi
ngtot
hemal
lacr
osst
hest
reetdo
youwantany
thi
ng?
Her
:Iwantust
omov
eher
e.
Me:
Zamawe'
vebeenov
ert
his.
Her:
babedon'
tyouthi
nkthaty
oushoul
dconv
ince
yourmothert
oletgoofy
ourdadandmoveon.
Me:
I'
l
ltaket
hatasi
fyoudon'
twantany
thi
ng.

It
urnopeni
ngthedoorandwalkout
,Idon'
tknow
whatshewant
smet osayser
iousl
y.
...
ohbytheway
wecurrentl
ystayi
nahot elAuntandUncl
edidsay
weareallowedtostaywiththem whi
l
ewear eher
e
butwecouldn'
tImeanwhataboutwhenmeand
Zamaar ebusymakingnoiseewwnoIwoul dn'
twant
togetnastyst
aresfrom t
hem.
.
Iwalkinsidepicknpayandgr abthesmalltr
oll
ey
thenstartwheelingitt
akingthingsIneed,
asI'
m
pushi
ngt hetrolleywhi
lefocusingonmyphoneI
bumpi ntoanothertrol
ley
,thankgodt heownerisnot
here.
..
Imov ear oundit
.

"
Isawt
hat
"

Iturntolookbehindmewithaninnocentsmi
l
e
plaster
edonmyf acewhi
chtur
nintoablownaway
face,mothernat
urewow.

Her
:hel
l
o.
Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*uhm hey
,I
'm sor
ryaboutt
hat
.
Her
:*smil
es*nohar
m doneat
leasty
oubumpedon
t
hetrol
leynotonme.
Me:
yeaht
hanksGod*
smi
l
ing*
Her:
wellmyadvisetoyou,
ist
hatyoushoul
dfocus
onyoursurr
oundingscausenotal
lofusar
enice
andunderst
andi
ng.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
yeaht
hanky
ou.

Ipl
acemyphonebacki nmypocketandconti
nue
wit
hmyshopping,
thatl
adycan'
tseem togetoutof
myheadbutI
'm sureIwon'
tseeheragainpl
usI'
ma
marri
edman.

°
Minenhl
e°

Welli
nsteadoft aki
ngmet oarestaur
antNqubeko
or
ganizedapi cnicatthebackyardofhishouse,
it
's
sosimple,
elegantandmost l
ybeauti
ful
.Heplaced
medownont hesof tpil
lowsandsatoppositeto
me,we'v
ebeent al
kingforthepasthouryouknow
maki
ngj
okest
her
eandt
her
eandst
eal
i
ngki
sses.

Hi
m:so*
smi
l
es*
howar
eyoul
i
kingy
ourf
ir
stdat
e?
Me:I'
mlovi
ngi t
,pluswhenIsai
dIdidn'
twanta
crowdedplacey ourespect
edt
hat
*chuckl
i
ng*Il
ovei
t
thankyou*
smi l
ing*
Hi
m:I
'm gl
adthatyoulovei
tcausey
ou'
ret
aki
ngme
t
othenextdate*
smirks*
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
what
?
Hi
m:li
kewhoev
ersaidtaki
ngsomeoneoutonadat
e
i
salwaysmen'
sresponsi
bil
it
y?
Me:
noonebuti
t'
smor
echar
mingt
hatway
.
Him:*l
aughs*
mor echarmi
ng?WowbutI
'
m sti
ll
standi
ngmygr oundsyouaret
aki
ngmeoutonthe
nextdate.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
asl
ongasy
ou'
repay
ing.
Hi
m:*
gasps*
thener
ve.
Il
aughathi
sreact
ionandwhilel
aughi
nghi
sphone
ri
ngs.
..
hel
ooksatitt
henlooksatme.

Me:
i
t'
sokayt
akei
t.

Hesmi
l
esanswer
ingi
t.
/
/
Hi
m:hel
l
o.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Hi
m:t
hisi
shi
m speaki
ng.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Hi
m:what
?Whi
chhospi
tal
?
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Hi
m:okayI
'
llbet
her
e.

/
/
Hedr
opst
hecal
l
.
Hi
m:Ihopeyoudon'tmindi
fIcutourdat
eshort
,t
hat
wasthehospi
tal
theysayBuhl
ejusthavebi
rt
h.
Me:
noIdon'
tmi
nd,
justdr
opmeof
fathome.
Hi
m:home?Iwashopi
ngy
ou'
l
lcomewi
th.
Me:
nahBuhl
edoesn'
tl
ikemesowhyshoul
dIbe
t
her
e.
Hi
m:ar
eyousur
e?
Me:
yeahI
'
m sur
e*smi
l
es*
.

Hesmilespicki
ngmeupandpl
acesmeont
he
wheel
chair
.

#Nar
rat
ed

Nqubekodr
opsof
fMi
nenhl
eandr
ushest
othe
hospi
tal
.

Whi
l
eBuhl
eweakl
ysi
ghsf
eedi
ngherbaby
.Her
:di
d
y
oucal
lmymom?
Nurse:
yesbutwecoul
dn'
treachhersowecal l
ed
NqubekoGabuzasi
ncehewast heothernextofki
n.
Her
:*t
err
if
ied*
what
?Whydi
dyoucal
lhi
m?It
oldy
ou
t
ocallmymom.
Nur
se:
mam Ij
ustexpl
ainedt
oyout
..
.
Buhl
e:Idon'
twantNqubekoher
e.

"Why?
"-Nqubekoaskswi
thcur
iosi
tywal
ki
ngi
n
Buhl
e'
swar d.

Buhl
e'
shear
tst
opsbeat
ingf
orf
ewseconds.

Her
:Nqu.
Nqubeko.
Nqu:yeahthat
'smyname,whydon'
ty ouwantme
here?It
'snotl
ikeI
'
m her
et oyouI
'm heref
orthe
baby.
Buhl
elooksatt
henur
senotknowi
ngwhatt
osay
.

Nqu:
youknowwhatletmeseemynepheworniece
andpayf
orwhatneedstobepai
dthenI
'l
ll
eav
e.

HewalkstoBuhl
ebutthecl
oserhegetstoherthe
mor
ehi sf
acehardensasafr
ownf orms,
Buhlel
ooks
t
heotherwaywhil
eNqubekoisfocusedonthebaby.

Nqu:
*pi
ssed*
Buhl
ewhati
sthi
s?

Thenur
segaspsi
nshock.

Nqu:
I'
m aski
ngyouaquest
ion,
Idon'
tremembermy
br
otherhavi
ngbl
ondehai
randbeingawhit
e.
Buhl
e:I
'
m sor
ry(
thatcomesoutasawhi
sper
)
Nqu:
*chuckles*
you'
resor
ry?Youf
uckencheat
edon
mybrotherandhadthenervet
osaythebabyi
shi
s.
Buhl
e:i
twasami
stakeIwaso.
..
Nqu:nosavei
t,
Ihopeyouhavefi
xedyourthi
ngswith
yourmom causeInev
erwanttoseeyounearmy
brot
her'
sapart
mentnxx*t
urnsandwalkoutbeyond
thewordangry
*

Thenur
sel
ooksatBuhl
eindi
sbel
i
ef.

Buhl
e:what
?Mi
ndy
ourownbusi
ness!
!

Thenur
sechuckl
esandcont
inuedoi
ngherj
ob.
~i
nser
t46~

°
Nqubeko°

She'
sbeenspendi ngmymoneyonsomeoneel se's
baby,
I
'vebeengivingheramont hlyal
l
owance,I
've
been.
..
noinfactI'
v ebeenwastingmymoneyona
twoti
mingbitch.Ihadt ocancelmydatef
orthatshit
.

"Yourdat
e'salr
eadyov
er,
Ithoughtyoutwowoul
d
chil
lal
lday"-
Simphi
wesayswalkingin.

It
urnt
ofacehi
m.

Hi
m:woahwhat
'swr
ong?Di
dMi
nenhl
edumpy
ou?
Me:
*fr
owni
ng*
whywoul
dyout
hinkt
hat
?
Him:
*shr
ugs*you'
vebeenher
ewithheral
ldayand
nowyou'
rel
ikethi
sordidyoutwohaveafi
ght?
Me:
mat
emeandEnhl
ear
eper
fect
lyf
ine.
Hi
m:*
sit
ti
ngnextt
ome*
thenwhat
'swr
ong.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
it'
sBuhl
e.
Him:
ohgoodlordIshoul
dhav
eknown*
sighs*
what
hasshedonethi
sti
me?

Isitproper
lyt
ell
i
nghi
mthest
orywhi
changer
sme
all
ov eragai
n.

Si
m:*f
umi ng*
what
?!Shemustpayal
lyour
money,
fuckshemistpay
.
Me:nahodon'twantdr
amawebothknowshewon'
t
payitandatt
hemomentIwantt
of ocusonmy
rel
ati
onshi
p.
Hi
m:buts.
.
Me:
Simphi
we.
Him:
okaybutdon'
tstopmewhenIgi
vehertwo
sl
apsormoreplusshe'
snol
ongerpr
egnantsowhat
I'
l
lst
opme?
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
doy
ouwantt
ogot
ojai
l
?
Hi
m:Idon'
tcar
eyou'
l
lbai
lmeout
.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
bai
lyou?For
geti
t.
Hi
m:we'l
lseewhenIgetar
rested.
..
.any
wayIbumped
i
ntosomedudetodaywell
Ithinkhewasfoll
owing
mecausehelef
tamessagef ormet odel
i
vertoyou.
Me:
*fr
owni
ng*
forme?
Hi
m:y
eaht
hisguy
s'namei
sSt
one.
Me:dudethat
'st
hesamedudeIt
oldy
ouabout,
the
onethatcametomyoff
icewi
thsomeot
herguy.
Him:
* whist
les*
wellhewant
stowarnaboutmy
uncl
e,apparent
lyhecametohi
m aski
nghimto
el
iminateyou.
Me:
THEFUCK!
!
Hi
m:heal
sosai
dhecanpr
otecty
oui
fyouj
oint
hem.
Me:
noI
'
m notj
oini
ngany
one.
Hi
m:uhm Iwast
hinki
ngt
hatmay
bew.
..
Me:
*gi
vi
nghi
m adeadst
are*
don'
tfuckwi
thme
Si
mphi
we.
Simphiwe:aibongathukwamanje,ngi
l
alel
e(whyare
youswear i
ngatme, li
stentome)Isor
takindadid
somer esearchontheguybecausewhenhet al
ked
abouteli
mi nati
onIfiguredt
hathe'
sdangerousandI
foundoutt hathe'
ssomehowconnect edtoyour
fatheri
nlaw.
Me:
theyar
ebr
other
s.
Hi
m:wowf
asci
nat
ing.
Me:entl
ekSi
mphiwewher
edi
dyougett
hat
i
nformati
oncauseI
'
m damnsur
eGoogl
edi
dn'
tgi
ve
youthat.
Him:Ihavemysources,
anywayiftheset
woare
connectedthatmeansMinenhl
e'sdadmustal
sobe
dangeroussomehow.
Me:
wher
ear
eyougoi
ngwi
tht
his?
Hi
m:Iwast
hinkingthatmay
beweaskhi
mtohel
p
wi
thmyuncl
ei ssue.

Il
ookathi
mforabout15seconds.
Me:
hav
eyoul
osty
ourmi
nd?

Hebr
eathesi
nbutendsupl
aughi
ng,
nxxt
hisf
ool
i
sh
f
ri
endofmine.

Him: doyour
eal
l
yhavetoaskitt
hatway
?You'
re
drainingmemate,
I
'mtr
yingt
ocomeupwi t
ha
solution.
Me:*chuckl
ing*
andyout
hinkt
hatMi
nenhl
e'
sdadi
s
dangerous?Dudecomeon.
Hi
m:butmat
eI.
.
Me:
nonopeI
'
m donel
i
steni
ng*
standsup*
Hi
m:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
tocl
eanupt
hepi
cni
catt
hebacky
ard.
Hi
m:hav
eyoucooked?
Me:
what
?It
'sy
ourt
urnt
oday
.
Hi
m:nodon'
tdomel
i
ket
hati
t'
syourt
urnt
oday
.
Me:
nor
ememberw.
..
Hi
m:noIdon'
trememberany
thing,
al
lIr
ememberi
s
t
hatyouar
etheonewhohast ocook.
Me:
butIhav
en'
tev
enr
emi
ndedy
ouany
thi
ngy
et.
Hi
m:*
standsup*
noIdon'
twantt
oheari
t.

Hebana.

#Nar
rat
ed

Zacparkshi
scarinthegaragethenheadstothe
housebutstopsonhist
racksseeinghi
sbrotheron
hi
sdoorstep.

Zac:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Er
nie:
weneedt
otal
kbr
o.
Zac:
not
her
e'snot
hingt
otal
kaboutpl
easel
eav
e.
Erni
e:okayl
et'
splaceouri
ssuesasi
deI
'
m her
eabout
thatNqubekokid.
Zac:
IthoughtImadei
tcl
eart
haty
oushoul
dst
ay
awayfrom hi
m.
Er
nie:
j
usthearmeout
.
Zac:
noEr
nieI
'
mt i
redokay,
ri
ghtnowIwantt
obe
wit
hmydaughterandwife.
Er
nie:
*smi
l
es*
mayImeether
?
Zac:
*si
ghs*
E..
Er
nie:
Zacpl
ease.
Zac:
*exhal
es*
you'
redr
aini
ngy
ouknowt
hat
?
Er
nie:
*chuckl
es*
noIdon'
t.

Zacopenst hedoorandt
heybot
hwalkin
together
,Ti
nastandsupr
ushi
ngtoherhusbandbut
frownsseeingErni
e.

Ti
na:
Erni
e?
Er
nie:
*smi
l
es*
ahhTi
na,
i
t'
sbeenqui
teal
ongt
ime.
Ti
na:
*smi
rks*
exact
ly10y
ear
s.
Er
nie:
wowy
ouguy
shav
ebeencount
ing.

Zacr
oll
shi
sey
esandki
sseshi
swi
fe.

Zac:
howar
eyou?
*smi
l
es*
Ti
na:
*smi
l
es*
I'
m goodhowabouty
ou?
Zac:
I'
m uhgoodIt
hink,
l
etmechatwi
tht
hisguyf
ir
st.
Ti
na:
doy
oumean.
..
Zac:
noi
tdoesn'
tmeanany
thi
ng,
wher
e'smybaby
?

"What
'sgoi
ngont
her
e?!
!Ar
eyouguy
sst
il
l
smoochi
ng!!
!!
"

Ti
na:
*gi
ggl
es*
doest
hatanswery
ourquest
ion?
Zac:
*l
aughs*
ver
ymuchy
es.
Er
nie:
i
sthather
?
Zac:
*si
ghs*
fol
l
owme.
The3ofthem wal
ktothel
oungewher
etheyf
inda
bor
edMinenhl
ebusyonherphone.

Mi
nenhl
e:f
inal
l
y.

Sheput
sherphoneawaytofocusonherparents.
Erni
esmil
esseei
nghi
sniecefort
heveryfi
rstti
me.

Zacsit
snextt
ohi
sdaught
erandgi
vesheraki
sson
hercheek.

Zac:
howwasy
ourdat
e?
Mi
neh:
*smi
l
es*
itwasgr
eatt
hanksf
oraski
ng.
Zac:
*cl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
*uht
hisi
sEr
niey
ouruhuncl
e.
Mi
neh:
*shocked*
theoney
ouwer
etel
l
ingmeabout
?
Zac:
yeahandEr
niet
hisi
smydaught
er.
Er
nie:
wowy
oul
ookj
ustl
i
key
ourmot
her
.
Mi
neh:
*smi
l
es*
uht
hanks.
Er
nie:
I'
m sor
ryt
hatIdi
dn'
ttr
yhar
dert
ofi
ndy
ou.
Mi
neh:
i
t'
sokay
.
Zac:okaynowy
ou'
vemether
,shal
lwegot
omy
off
ice.
Er
nie:
Idon'
ti
fI'
l
lbepushi
ngi
tifIaskf
orahug.
Zac:
you'
repushi
ngi
t.
Mi
neh&Ti
na:
Dad/
Zac.
Zac:
what
?
Erni
e:noi
t'
sokay
*st
andsup*whosewheel
chai
ris
thi
s?
Zac:
noneofy
ourbusi
ness.

Erni
eputst
woandt wotoget
herandsoonfi
gur
eit
out,
hel
ooksatMinenhl
ewithpi
tyheopensuphis
mouthtosaysomethi
ng.

Zac:
don'
tsayawor
d.
Hesi
ghsandZacl
eadst
hewayt
ohi
sof
fi
ce.

Mineh:
wowokayt
hingsmi
ghtbewor
set
hanI
t
hought.
Tina:wellt
hef actthatt
heyareint
hesamehouse
andt hatyourfatheragreedt
ointr
oduci
nghi
mto
you,provesthatthere'
ssomei mpr
ovement
.
Mi
neh:
yout
hinkso?
Ti
na:
yeah.
Mineh:
inthatcaseweshoul
dfindawayt osof
ten
dadupsohecangi veuncl
eonel astchancebut
befor
ethatIneedtotal
ktouncle.
Ti
na:
yourf
atherwoul
dn'
tl
iket
hat
.
Mi
neh:
hedoesn'
thav
etoknow*
smi
l
es*
Ti
na:
nonono.
Mineh:comeonmom,
doy
oul
i
ket
hist
ensi
on
betweenthem?
Ti
na:
nobutI
..
.
Mi
neh:
please*
bli
nki
ngf
ast
*
Ti
na:
*l
aughs*
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Mi
neh:
*l
aughs*
I'
mtr
yingt
omaket
hepuppyey
es.
Ti
na:
wel
lyou'
redoi
ngt
hem wr
ongandf
ine.
Mi
neh:
yayt
hanky
out
hanky
out
hanky
ou.

Meanwhi
l
eint
heof
fi
ce.

Zac:
sowhydi
dyoucomeal
lthi
swayt
otel
lmet
hat
?
Er
nie:
Ithoughtt
hatmaybeyouwouldwanttohelp
hi
m,youknowpr ot
ecthi
m ordeal
witht
hethreat
.
Zac:
l
ookifNqubekowant
shel
phewi
l
lcomeand
askfori
t.
Erni
e:how?Whent
hepoorki
ddoesn'
tknowabout
yourotherl
i
fe.
Zac:
whatot herl
i
fe?Iqui
tedt
hatl
i
neofwor
kaf
ter
our*
sighs*
issue.
Er
nie:
evensobutwebot
hknowy
oust
il
lhav
e
power
ful
cont
act
sandi
sthatwhaty
oucal
li
t"i
ssue"
"?
Zac:
okayl
eav
e.
Er
nie:
Zacwhenwil
lyoueverst
opbei
ngangr
yatme?
Whenwill
youev
erforgi
veme?It'
sbeen23y
ear
s.
Zac:
youst
il
ldon'
tgeti
tdoy
ou?
Er
nie:
getwhat
?
Zac:
not
hingj
ustl
eav
eandst
ayawayf
rom Nqubeko.

"Nqubeko??Whydoesheneedtostayawayfrom
Nqubeko?Howdoesheev enknowhim?Noi nf act
what'sgoi
ngon?"
-Minenhl
epushesher
sel
finside
confusedandcur
ious.
~i
nser
t47~

°
Minenhl
e°

Iwasn'
texactl
yheadi
ngtodad'sof
fi
cebutasIwas
passi
ngbythedoorwasn'
tclosedandIhappenedt
o
hearNqubeko'
sname.

Dad:
honeywer
eyoueav
esdr
oppi
ng?
Me:
noIwasn'
t,
Iwaspassi
ngbya.
.
Dad:
*si
ghs*okay,
pleasegotoy
ourr
oom I
'
llcomet
o
youandexplai
neverythi
ng.
Me:
*smi
l
inh*
okay
,hav
eyouguy
sfi
xedt
hings?
Dad:
Minenhl
e.
Me:
okayokay
,i
twasni
cemeet
ingy
ouuncl
e.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
itwasni
cemeet
ingy
out
oo.

Ismi
l
eandwheel
mysel
foutt
omyr
oom,
ser
iousl
yI
am socur
iousonhowuncl
eknowsNqubekoand
whydoesdadwanthimtostayawayf
rom hi
m.
.
Afterafewminut
esdadwalksi
nwithastr
aight
face,
hegrabsachai
randsi
tsopposi
tet
omest il
l
holdingast
rai
ghtf
ace.

Me:
uhar
eyoumadatmef
orsomet
hing?
Hi
m:*
exhal
es*
no.
Me:
thenwhyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
?
Him:honeylookIgett
haty
ouwantmeandEr
niet
o
getalongagainbutI
..
Me:
pleasedoi
tforme.
Him: y
ouknowt hatIloveyouandI'
lldoany t
hingfor
youbutthisoneist oomuch,seewhent r
ustis
brokenit
'sreal
lyhardtofi
xit.
..
Ican'
tjustforgetand
pretendt
hateverythingi
sokay ,
onl
yhecanr epairthe
tr
usthebr okesopleasej.
..
Me:
i
t'
sokayIunder
stand*
smi
l
ing*
I'
ll
buzzoutandI
pr
ayt
hatonedayy
out
wof
ixt
hings.
Hi
m:yeahmet
oo,
nowaboutNqubekoIdon'
tthi
nk
t
haty
oushoul
dheart
hisf
rom me.
Me:
buty
..
Him:nosweet
ieNqubekoisy
ourboyfr
iendy
ou'
l
l
havetowaitf
orhi
mt oopenuptoyou.

Isi
ghoutl
oudl
y.

Hi
m:andrememberyoudon'
tmenti
onany
thi
ngt
o
hi
mjustl
ethi
mtelli
ttoyoufr
eel
y.
Me:
okay
.

#Nar
rat
ed

¶TheFol
l
owi
ngDay
¶

"
Buhl
emychi
l
d,why
?Uhwhy
?
Buhl
e:whatdoy
oumean?
Her
:youandMnqobi
hav
ebeendat
ingforav
eryl
ong
t
ime,
helovedy
ousomuchsowhycheatonhim?
Buhl
e:i
twasami
stakemom,
i
twasj
ustasi
mpl
e
mist
ake.
Her
:well
youshoul
dbegrat
eful
thatMnqobii
sno
l
ongeral
ivewhatwoul
dyouhavesai
dtohim.

Buhl
elooksatherbabyandexhal
esl
oudl
y.

Hermom:
*si
ghs*
wher
eishi
sfat
her
?
Buhl
e:uhm uh.
.
Her
:Nobuhl
e.
Buhl
e:I
tal
y.
Her
:WHAT!
!?
Buhl
e:mom.
Her
:don'
tmom me,
what
'shedoi
ngi
nIt
aly
?
Buhl
e:hest
ayst
her
ewi
thhi
swi
fe.
Her
:i
tget
swor
se*
thr
owsherar
msi
ntheai
r*
Buhl
e:Idi
dn'
tknowal
loft
hat
,IonlyknewwhenI
wokeupinhisarmsi
nthemorningit.
..
Her
:nosaveitIdon'
twanttohearnomor
e,y
ou'
ve
embarr
assedmef orfart
oolong.
Buhl
e:whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?
Her:
thatwheny
ougetdi
schargedher
el at
erondo
notcometomyhousewit
hy ourabominati
on.
Buhl
e:*
gasps*
Mom.
Her:
Imeani t
,I
'
mt i
redofpeopl
ebadt al
kingme
becauseofyouiti
stimeyoustandupony our
own*sighs*
Idon'
tknowhowy ou'l
ldoitbutyoumust
fi
ndthebabydaddy .
.Iwi
shall
thebest.

Shet
urnandwal
koutwi
thoutl
ooki
ngback.

Buhlesobssil
ent
lyandtakesherphonegoi
ng
thr
oughhercontact
s,shefi
ndsMatteo'
snumberand
cal
lsit
..
.i
tri
ngsforacoupleti
mebef or
eheanswers
ont
heot
hersi
de.

/
/
Hi
m:Mat
teoWei
szspeaki
ng.
Her
:*sni
ff
s*Mat
teohey
.
Hi
m:uhm whoi
sthi
s?
Her
:Buhl
efr
om Dur
ban.

Thel
iner
emainsqui
etf
orawhi
l
eandBuhl
ehear
s
someshuf
fl
ing.

Mat:
*whisper
ing*
whyareyoucall
i
ngme?It hought
weagreedthatwe'l
lnev
ercont
acteachot
herev er
agai
n.
Her
:Iknowbutt
hisi
simpor
tant
.
Hi
m:Idon'
tcar
ejustd.
.
Her
:af
tert
heni ghtwespentt
oget
herIdi
dn'
ttaket
he
morni
ngafterpil
l.
Hi
m:wha.
.wha.
.whatar
eyousay
ing?
Her
:Igav
ebi
rt
hyest
erdayandi
tyour
s.
*
*si
l
enceont
heot
hersi
de*
*
Her
:hel
l
o.
*
*si
l
ence*
*
Her
:Mat
teo.

/
/
Thel
i
negoesdeadl
eav
ingBuhl
eshocked.

"
Mam it'
sti
mefory
out
ochangeandl
eav
e,doy
ou
wantanyhel
p?"

Buhl
e:*
drai
ned*
noI
'
llbef
ine.

Thenur
senodsandwalksout,
Buhlegetsof
fthebed
andsl
owlywalkst
othebabycot
..
shelooksather
babywi
thtear
sstr
eamingdown.
Her
:Iam sosor
ry,
Ihopeonedayy
ou'
l
lfor
giv
eme.

°
Minenhl
e°

Mom:
honeyar
eyousur
eyou'
l
lbeokay
?
Me:
mom don'
twor
ryI
'
llbef
ine.
Dad:
may
beweshoul
dpost
ponet
..
.
Me:
noguyscomeonI'
ll
bef i
ne,
plusy
ou'
llbegone
f
or3hour
sandbythenI'
ll
beasleepj
ustgo.
Mom:
okaywel
ovey
ouokay
.
Me:
Ilov
eyouguy
stoo.

Mom ki ssesmycheekwhi ledadki ssesmyf or

ehead
thentheywal koutofmyr oom closingt hedoor
behindthem.Theyar egoingonadat e,earl
i
erthey
wer etal
kingaboutt hefactthati
t'sbeenal ongt i
me
sincetheyl astwentonadat esoIsuggest edthat
theyshoul dgooutt oni
ght..
.ofcourset heydidn'
tjust
giveinithadt otakealotofconv incingbutI
managedt
ogett
hem t
oagr
eet
oit
.

Myphoneri
ngsandasmil
efor
msseei
nghi
spi
ctur
e
popsup,
i
t'
savideocal
l
.
/
/

Me:
Nqubeko.
Him:ohboy,
okaybef
orewesaysomet
hingel
seI
'
m
sorr
ythatIdi
dn'
tcal
ltoday
.
Me:
noneedt
oapol
ogi
zeIj
ustmi
ssedy
ou.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
Imi
ssedy
out
oo,
howwasy
ourday
?
Me:
i
twasuhm goodwhatabouty
our
s?
Him:
ti
ri
ng,Iwashavi
ngbackt
obackmeet
ingst
oday
Idi
dn'
tevenhavelunch.
Me:
hav
eyouat
ethough?
Him:yeah,
whenIgothomeSi
mphi
wehadal
ready
cooked.
Me:
ncoh*
smi
l
ing*
Him:*
chuckles*anywayyester
daynighty
outal
ked
abouthav
inganuncl eorsomet hi
ngIwasreal
l
y
sl
eepyIdidn'thearyouproper
ly.
Me:ohyeah,
uhyeahtur
nsoutdadhasabrotherthat
hedoesn'
tgetal
ongwit
hbutImethimyesterday
.
Hi
m:owwwwhat
'shi
sname?
Me:
Erni
ewhy
?
Hi
m:soIki
ndaknowhi
m.
Me:
hmmm r
eal
l
y?
Him:
*si
gns*y
eahit
'sadr
aini
ngst
oryi
tincl
udesmy
companyandSi
mphiwe'
sunclet
henyouruncl
e.
Me:
wowuhm howabouty
out
ell
meal
labouti
t
t
omorr
owonourmeetup.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
sur
ethi
ng.

Wekeeptal
kingaboutsomeotherrandom
t
hings,
smi
li
ngandblushingt
hereandt her
e.
#Nar
rat
ed

ZacandTi naexi tt
herestauranthol
dinghandswith
smil
espl asteredontheirfaces,
Zacopensupt hecar
doorforhiswi feandclosesitaft
ersheisseated
comfortablythengoesar oundtothedriv
ersseat
andstartsthei gni
ti
on.

Ti
na:
*smi
l
es*
Ihadagr
eatt
imet
oday
.
Zac:
*smi
l
es*
notasmuchasIdi
d.
Ti
na:
*chuckl
es*
I'
m gl
adt
hatMi
nehconv
incedust
o
goout
.
Zac:
*chuckl
es*
youmeanf
orcedus.
Ti
na:
*gi
ggl
es*
wel
lyouknowwhatImean.

Zacsmil
esfocusi
ngontheroadwhilest
eal
ing
gl
aresathi
swifewit
hthecornerofhi
seye.
Ti
na:
*chuckl
es*
sti
l
lst
eal
i
nggl
aresl
i
ket
hef
ir
stt
ime
wemet.
Zac:
*smi
l
es*
Ijustcan'
thel
pity
..
.
Ti
na:
whati
sthat
?
Zac:
whati
swhat
?
Ti
na:
stopt
hecar
.

Zacst
opsthecaront
hesi
deoftheroad,
Tina
qui
ckl
yget
soutandZacal
sogetoutfoll
owinghi
s
wif
e.

Ti
na:
*gaspsi
nshock*
ohmywor
ld.
~i
nser
t48~

°
Minenhl
e°

Ij
usthadt helongestni
ghtinhist
ory,
Iwouldn'
tsayI
wasdr eamingcauseev er
ythi
ngwasbl ankall
Icoul
d
hearwaspi er
cingcryofababy .
..
.wai
tIdon'tt
hinkI
wasdr eamingcauseIcanst i
l
lhearcri
es,ahhmy
wheelchai
rissof aruhm.

Me:
Mom!
!!Dad!
!!

IusemyhandstosupportmylowerbodysoIcansi
t
upandaf
teraboutaminuteDadrocksupinmy
room.

Hi
m:ohhoneyy
ou'
reawake,
goodmor
ning.
Me:
mor
ningdad,
i
sitmeori
sther
eababyher
e?
Hi
m:t
her
e'sababyher
e.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
owdowehav
evi
sit
ors?
Him:no,
meandyourmom foundt
hebabylef
tont he
busstopbenchwi
thnot
hingbutabl
anketwrapped
aroundhi
m.
Me:
*gaspi
ng*
ohmygodwhowoul
ddosuchat
hing?
Him:*
sighs*Idonotknoweit
her,
letmehelpy
out
o
yourwheelchai
rthenI
'l
lcal
lyourmothert
ocome
helpyoubath.
Me:
okay
.

Hepicksmeupandpl acemeont hewheel chairthen

walksoutl
eavingmef arawaywit
hmyt houghts,
the
pai
noflosingababyisr eal
andunbearableI'
vefelti
t
bef
oresoI'm wonder
ingwhatkindofat wisted
womenl ef
therbabyatthebusstop..
itobviousthat
shelef
tthebabyther
esohecanbef oundby
someone.
.
.
Mom:hewon'tst
opcry
ing,
I
'vef
edhi
m andbur
ped
hi
m andchangedhi
snappy.
Me:
bri
nghi
m her
e.

Mom handsmet hebabyandf athergodhe' ssocute

nohe'sador able,
he'swhite.
..
whowoul dn'twantthi
s
adorablepickl
e...
Ilayhim gentl
yonmychestand
softl
ybrushhi sbeckwhi l
esingingEndl essLoveby
KennyGt ohi m...
hiscryslowlysubsidesandaf tera
fewmi nuteshef al
lsasleep.Ilookathi sadorabl
e
l
itt
lefaceandasmi l
eformsi nmyf ace.

"
Wow"

Icomebackt
oli
feandl
ookatmypar
ent
swhol
ook
shocked.

Me:*
clear
ingmyt
hroat
*youcant
akehi
m andl
ayhi
m
down.
Mom:howdi
dyoudothat
?I'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ogethi
m
t
osleepf
ort
heent
ir
enight.
Dad:
i
t'
sli
key
ouar
eexper
ienced*
chuckl
es*
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
welly
oucouldsayt
hat
,t
hisi
showIgot
Ay
andat
osleepever
yti
mewhenhecan'tsl
eep.
Mom:
Ayanda?Theki
dyoual
way
stal
kto?
Me:
yeah.
Her:
*smi
les*
atl
eastwehav
esomeonewhoknows
babi
es.

Shesaysthatt
aki
ngthebabyf
rom meandwal
k
towar
dsthepassage.

Dad:
sot
ell
meaboutt
hatsong.
Me:*
giggl
i
ng*notel
lmeaboutyournextmovefr
om
her
e,t
hebabydoesn'
thaveanyt
hing,
nocard,
no
name..
not
hing,
sowhat'
syournextmove?
Hi
m:*exhalesl
oudl
y*Ihav
enoidea,
Iwast
hinki
ng
t
hatmay bemeandy ourmot
hercoul
dadopthi
mI
knowt hatI
'
m mov i
ngwayt of
astl
ikewejustfound
him andI'
m al
readythi
nki
ngofadopti
ngbut*shr
ugs*
Me:howarey
ougoi
ngt
oadopthi
m wi
thoutany
papers?
Hi
m:uhm j
ustl
eav
ethatt
ome.
Me:
Dad.
Hi
m:l
etmegomakebr
eakf
ast
.

Hest
andsupandr
ushest
otheki
tchen.

°
Mlamel
i
°

Ithi
nkaf t
erourvi
sitt
oseeMi nenhl
etodaywe
shouldleave,
Isor
takindabumpedi ntothetr
oll
ey
l
adyagai nandIhavenoi deawhat '
shappeni
ngwi t
h
me...
.Iwouldn'
twanttohur tZamacauseIreall
ylove
herandst ayi
nghereImightcheat.
"
What
'sony
ourmi
nd?
"

"
Somebeautif
ulwomenImetthatdayIwentt
othe
mal
l
"-Isayt
hatinmymindofcourse.

Me:
I'
mthi
ngabouthowmuchImi
sswor
k.
Her:
*rol
l
shereyes*
ofcour
sethatissoli
ke
you.
*smiles*
sohav
eyouthoughtabouti
t.
Me:
noZamawear
enotmov
ingher
e.
Her
:but
..
Me:
butnothing,
nowareyoudonesowecangosee
Mi
nenhl
e,I
'
v ealr
eadybookedusafl
ightbackhome.
Her
:what
?andy
oudi
dn'
tev
ent
ell
me.
Me:
whatdi
ff
erencewasi
tgoi
ngt
omake?
Her:
wasn'tityouwhowasbusyt el
li
ngmethatwe
shoul
dt el
leachbotherevery
thi
ngnomat
terhow
smallandnoti mpor
tanti
tis.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
okayI
'
m sor
ryIshoul
dhav
etol
dyou
butwear
eleav
ingt
oni
ght
.
Her
:okaypl
usi
t'
snotl
i
keIhav
easayi
nthi
s.
Me:
comeondon'
tbel
i
ket
hat
.
Her
:l
et'
sgo.

°
Nqubeko°

Ithi
nkI'm sl
owlylosi
ngmymi nd,
someonegotinsi
de
myof fi
ceandf oundmysaf eandt ookmycompany
papers.
..
thishasSimphi we'
suncle'snamewr i
tt
enall
overit
..
..
butwhatIdon' tgetishowt heheckdohe
getinthefuckinbuil
dingunlesshehassomeone
who'swor ki
ngforhim, someonef r
om the
i
nside..
.t
hequest i
onisWho? ?

Thedoorbur
stopenandSi
mphi
wer
unsi
n.

Hi
m:IcameassoonasIcoul
d,what
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:someonegotinher
eandt
ookt
hepaper
sthat
youruncl
eneed.
Hi
m:*shocked*
what
?How?Whatdot
hecamer
as
r
eveal
?
Me:*f
rust
rated* t
heyr
eveal
not
hing,
theyare
bl
ank..
.mateIt hi
nkI'
mlosi
ngmymi ndI'
mfucki
n
l
osingmymi nd.
Him:
Ihat et
osaythisbutIt
hinkweshoul
dseekf
or
hel
p,ei
therf
rom St
oneorMi nenhl
e'
sdad.
Me:i
nthisposit
ionI'm atI
'
m will
i
ngtoaskforhelpto
thebot
hoft hem manIwor kedhardtobuil
dthi
s
companyIcan'tjustlosei
tasifI'
vedonesomething
wrong.
Him:*
sighs*Ihearyou,
soIguessy ouhavetocancel
all
yourmeet i
ngsandy ourplansfort
odaywehav e
togettothebottom ofthi
s..
.youcancal
lMinenhl
e's
dadwhileItrytofi
ndStone'snumber*si
tsopposi
te
tome*
Me:
*conf
used*
howt
heheckwi
l
lyouf
indhi
snumber
?
Hi
m:j
ustbor
rowmey
ourl
apt
op.
Me:
*handi
nghi
mthel
apt
op*
mat
e.
Hi
m:al
lIcansayi
sthatIhav
etal
ent
.

Okayt
her
e'snoti
metoaskforquest
ions,
Itakeout
myphonecal
li
ngMinenhl
e'
sdad.

°
Minenhl
e°

Ithasonlybeenaf ewhoursandbothmeandmy
parentsareget
ti
ngat t
achedtothebaby,
he'
sjustso
adorablewecan'thel
pbutfall
inlovewit
hhi
mI 'm
sti
llwonderi
ngwhywoul donejustgiv
eupaninfant
.

"
OkladiesIhav
etorushsomewher
e"-
dadr
ocksup
wi
thhiscarkeysandhi
sphone.

Mom:
somewher
e?Wher
e?
Dad:
we'
l
ltal
kwhenIcomeback,
Il
ovey
ouguy
s.
Hedashesout .
..
oookay.BythewayIt r
iedtocall
NqubekobutIcouldn'
tgethim Iwantedtotel
l hi
m
thatIcan'
tseehimtodaybutIdidsendat ext
,Ihope
he'l
lunder
standwhenIexplainever
ythingtohim
l
ater.

Mom:
canIhol
dhi
m now*
smi
l
es*
Me:
butI'
vebeenonl
yhol
dinghi
mforabout2
mi
nutes.
Her
:noi
thasbeenwayt
ool
ong.
Me:
butmom I
..
.
"
Fami
l
y!"

Me:greatyournephewandhi
swif
earehereI'
m sur
e
theyarehungrywhynotgomakethem somet
hingto
eat*smil
ing*
Mom:*l
aughs*
notgoi
ngtowor
kyoungl
ady
,Ml
amel
i
knowshi
swayaroundher
e.
Igi
vehert
hepuppyey
esbutt
heydon'
twor
k.

#Nar
rat
ed

I
nIt
alyatt
heWEI
SZhousehol
d.

Hei
de:
*tear
sfal
ldownhercheeks*
howcoul
dyoudo
t
hist
omeMat t
eo?Uh?
Mat:
HeidebabeI
'
m sor
rypl
ease,
i
twasamomentof
weakness.
Her
:andy
oudi
dn'
tev
enuseacondom.

Mat
teol
ooksdowni
nshame.

Hei
de:*wipesouthertear
s*nousecryi
ngov erspl
it
mil
k,t
hanky oufort
ell
i
ngme. ..
youcangogety our
chi
l
dordor i
ghtwit
hthiswomenbutt hatdoesn't
meanIf orgi
veyou,
Ij
ustdon'twanttokeepy ouaway
f
rom y
ourchi
l
d.
Met
:babe.
.
Heide:
nodon'
tsayanyt
hingandy
ouwil
lhavetot
ell
yourki
dswhatyoudidwhenyoucomeback.

Sheturnsherbacktowal
kaway,
Mat t
eoholdsher
arm andtear
sfall
downaginonhercheeks.

Hei
de:
Mat
teoAr
nol
dWei
szl
etmego.
Mat
:Hei
depl
ease.
Her
:Isai
dletmego*
shesnat
chesherar
m*

Sherunst
ot hemai
nroom wi
thtearsgushi
ngout
whil
eMatteofal
l
sbackonthechairandburi
eshi
s
headinhi
shands.
~i
nser
t49~

°
Nqubeko°

Thetwomenhav earri
vedhere,
Stonegothereabout
anhourago..
.Zacjustgothereandbythelookon
Minenhl
e'sdad'
sfacehei sn'
tpl
easedtoseehis
brot
her.

Hi
m:what
'shedoi
ngher
e?
Me:
wecal
l
edhi
m.
Hi
m:why
?
Me:
causeIneedal
lthehel
pIcanget
.
Hi
m:he'
l
lexpectsomet
hingi
nret
urnar
eyouwi
l
li
ng
t
opay?
Me:
yes.
Hi
m:I
'
m nott
alki
ngaboutmoney
.
Me:
Iknow.
Hi
m:wowokayfi
rstofal
lhowdoy
ouknowhe'
snot
t
heonewhotookyourpaper
s?
St
one:
whywoul
dIt
aket
hem?
Zac:
*chuckl
es*
wel
ll
et'
ssee,
togethi
mtoj
oiny
ou.
Stone:
I'
m nott
hatdesper
ate,yeahhehasski
ll
slotof
them i
fImayaddbutI'm nott
hatdesper
ate.
Me:
ski
l
ls?Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
St
one:
whydoy
out
hinkIwanty
out
ojoi
nmyt
eam?
Me:Idon'
tknow,Idon'
tev
enknowwhaty
ourt
eam
doesIdon'
tevenwannaknow.
St
one:
thenwhat
'st
heuseoft
ell
i
ngy
ouy
ourski
l
ls?
Zac:
I'
m st
il
lnotbuy
ingt
his"
notdesper
ate"excuse
ofyour
s.
Stone:
*si
ghs*
okayZaci fIt
ookhiscompanypaper
s
whywouldIbehere?Whywoul dn'
tIbeusi
ngthem
tolur
ehim?Ididn'
ttakethegoddamnpapers.
Zac:
okayokaycal
m downy
ourt
it
sman.
Me:
okaynowt
hati
soutoft
heway
,wi
l
lyouhel
pme?
Zac:
that
'swhyweareher
e,I
'
mj ustnotsur
ewher
e
we'l
lst
artsi
ncewehavenot
hingoncamer a.
St
one:Simphi
wemustbeonhi
swaybackwi
th
Que,
he'smymaster
mind.

"Bet
tert
elly
ourmastermindtocoolof
forel
seI
'
m
gonnahurthi
m"-
Sim saysthatwal
ki
nginwit
hQue.

Que:
*chuckl
es*
hur
tme?Dudey
oudon'
tknowme.
Si
m:andy
oudon'
tknowme.
Que:
wannabetont
hat
?*r
aiseshi
sey
ebr
ow*
Si
m: j
ustbecauseyouhaveaf
il
ewi
thmyi
nfor
mat
ion
doesn'
tmeanany t
hing.
Que:
*cl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
*howdoy
ouknowt
hat
?
Si
m:*
smi
rks*
li
keIsai
dyoudon'
tknowme.
Zac:
*smiles*
wowI '
mimpressed,
youj
ustoutsmarted
themastermind*chuckl
es*
anyway"master
mi nd"
haveyoubeenf i
l
ledin?
Que:mynamei sQue,
andNqubekopleasetel
lme
this.
..
wearei nt
he21stcentur
ywehav e
technology
,youcoul
dhav esavedev
eryt
hingona
USB...whykeepitonpaper?
Me: bef
oreIwaskepth. .
Imeanbeforemybr other
died*si
ghing*okayletmejustputi
tli
ket
his.
..Idid
i
nst al
leveryt
hingonaUSBbutt heUSBdrivecame
acrossanencount er.
Que:
okyou'
renotmaki
nganysense,
doessomeone
hast
hei
rhandsonyourUSB?
Me:
no.
Que:
thenwhatt
hef
uckar
eyousay
ing?
Si
m:itmeanstheUSBgotdestr
oyedort
hef
il
esi
nit
goterasedy
oubrai
nlesscat
.
Que:
whoar
eyoucal
l
ingabr
ainl
esscat
?
Si
m:y
ouduh.
Que:
I'
m gonnaf
uc.
..
Me:
okayt
hat
'senoughshal
lwegett
other
eason
whywear
ehere?
Que:I
'm sti
l
lgoi ngt omurderhim,okayf i
rstweneed
aplan.
..
y '
al
lthinkt hatthi
shair
lesschicken'suncl
eis
theonebehi ndal lofthi
ssoweneedt ogett ohim
befor
eheusest hosepapers.
Sim:foryouri
nformati
onIlookhandsomewit
hout
hairunli
keyou,it
'sl
i
key ourheadi
sholdi
ngabrai
ia
hotoneIm. .
Zac:
okaysomeofushav
efami
l
iest
ogett
osol
et'
s
comeupwi t
hapl
an.
St
one:
thi
smani
sdanger
ous,
theywi
l
lneedt
rai
ning.
Me:
tr
aini
ng?Ther
e'snot
imeIneedt
hosepaper
s.
Zac:
*si
ghs*
he'
sri
ghtt
her
e'snoti
me,soIguessi
twi
l
l
bethe3ofuswhohavet
ogetthepaper
sback.
Si
m:4ofus.
Que:
amat
eury
ouwer
en'
tcount
edf
orar
eason.
Sim:ok"mastermind"l
et'
ssee,
whoknowmyuncl e
bett
erthanme?Whoknowshi sweakness?Who
knowswher ehekeepshisimportantthi
ngs?I
fyour
answerdoesn'thavemei ni
tthenitfi
nethe3ofyou
canembar konthismissi
onwi t
houtme.
Zac:
okayi
t'
sof
fi
cial
Ili
key
ou.

Si
mphi
wel
ooksatmepl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
sey
ebr
ows,
nxx.

Me:Ican'
tl
ety
'al
lgoal
onewhi
l
eIj
ustsi
tanddo
not
hing.
St
one:
youdonothav
emuchofachoi
ce.
Me:
it
'smycompany,
it'
smypaper
sifsomeonei
s
meantt
ogethur
thereit
'sme.
Zac:okaycanwegett
ot hepl
analr
eadyIhavet
o
rushbackhomewiththebabythi
ngsthatar
e
needed?
St
one&I
:baby
?

°
Minenhl
e°

Me:
Mlamel
iyoucannotbeser
ious.
Hi
m:IknowIshoul
dn'
tbef
eel
i
ngt
hiswayaboutt
his
l
adybutIcan'
thel
pit
.
Me:
you'
remar
ri
edf
orcr
yingoutl
oud.
Hi
m:*
sighs*
whi
chi
swhywear
eleav
ingt
oday
.
Me:
howwi
l
lrunni
ngawayhel
pyou?
Him:I
'l
lbef
arawayf
rom her
e,t
here'
l
lbe0,
000001%
chanceofmebumpi
ngintoher.
Me:i
fyoulov
ethi
swomenwhydon'
tyout
ell
Zama
abouther
?
Hi
m:woahwoahsl
owdownInev
erment
ionedl
ove.
Me:okaythenIguessy
ouar
ebl
owi
ngt
hingsoutof
pr
oporti
onhere.
Hi
m:*
sighs*
youdon'
tgeti
t.
Me:y
eahIser
iousl
ydon't
,youandZamagotmar r
ied
afewmonthsagobutyoualreadyhav
eyourey
eson
someoneel
sebesidesher.
Him:nowthaty
ouputitl
i
ket
hat
,you'
remaki
ngme
soundli
keabadperson.
"
Ohhi
mychi
l
d"
"
Aft
ernoonmah,
i
sMi
nenhl
ehome"
"
Yeah,
she'
sint
hel
ounge"
"
Thanky
ou"

Ml
a:t
hatv
oicesoundsf
ami
l
iar
.

Nt
okozowal
kst
owar
dsusf
lashi
ngasmi
l
e.

Me:Iwasstar
ti
ngtothi
nky
ouf
orgot
aboutme.
*smil
ing*
Her
:*gi
ggl
es*
ser
iousl
y,howcanI
?

Iseehergett
ingconfusedwhenherey
esl
andson
MlaandMl alooksshocked.

Me:Thi
sisMlamel
imycousi
nthatItol
dyou
about,
Mlat
hisi
smyfri
endNtokozo.
Theyl
ookateachotherasi
fI'
m nother
e,kant
i
what'
sgoi
ngonhere?

Me:
uhhguy
shel
l
o.
Ntoko:*
clear
shert
hroat
*ni
cet
omeetyouorshoul
dI
saynicetoknowyournamesi
nceI
'
vealr
eadymet
you.
Me:
wai
tyout
wohav
emetbef
ore?
Ntoko:
yeahaf
ewday
sagowhenhebumpedi
ntomy
t
roll
ey.
Me:
wai
tyou'
ret
hel
adyh.
..
Ml
a:Mi
nenhl
e.
Me:
wow.
Nt
oko:
am Imi
ssi
ngsomet
hing?
Ml
a:no,
uhm ni
cet
oseey
ouagai
n.
Her
:*smi
l
es*
li
kewi
se.

"
Babewhendi
dyousayt
hef
li
ghtt
akesof
f?"
-Zama
askswal
ki
ngi
nwhi
l
efocusi
ngonherphone.

Il
ookbackatMl
a,
ishesweat
ing?

Zama:
ohy
ouguy
shav
ecompany
,heyI
'
m Zama.
Nt
oko:
*smi
l
es*
I'
m Nt
okozo.
Zama:
*nods*
soMl
amel
i
?

Ml
a:*
swal
l
ows*
7pm or8pm I
'
m notsur
e.
Zama:
cany
ouconf
ir
m sowecangost
artpacki
ng.
Hi
m:al
ri
ght
.

Shesmil
esandwalkoutbacktotheki
tchenwhere
she'
scooki
ngwit
hmom, thebabyissl
eepinghef
ell
asl
eepagai
nabout15minutesago.
#Nar
rat
ed

¶Lat
eratni
ght
¶

The3menf
oll
owSi
mphi
wei
ntoi
suncl
e'
shouse.

Si
m:somet
hingi
snotr
ighther
e.
St
one:
whydoy
ousayso?
Si
m:therear
enoguar
ds,
whywouldn'
theget
pr
otecti
onaft
erst
eal
i
ngsomet
hingwort
hmill
ions?
Zac:
may
behedi
dn'
tthi
nkwe'
l
lsuspecthi
m.
Que:t
heli
ght
sarest
il
lonmay betheguar
dsar
e
i
nside,
maybehe'
sst
il
lbri
efi
ngthem.

Si
mphiwesi
ghsandconti
nueleadi
ngt heway,
Que
wal
ksovert
othewindowstoseeifthere'
sany
movementi
nsi
de.
Que:
Idon'
tseeanymov
ement
s.
Si
m:nosomet
hingi
sdef
ini
tel
yup,
thedoori
sn'
t
cl
osed.
Nqu:
whati
fthi
sisat
rap?
Si
m:t
hat
'swhatI
'
mthi
nki
ngt
oo.
Que:
okaywhatdowedonow?Dowecont
inuewi
th
t
heplan?
Zac:
whateverweneedtodowemustdoi tf
ast,
this
nei
ghborhoodhasalotofpeoplewalki
ngaround..so
weneedt ohur
ryupbeforetheysuspectsomething
i
swr ongandcall
thecopsthenwe'llbechargedfor
tr
espassi
ng.
St
one:
*takesouthi
sgun*
I'
m goi
ngi
n?
Zac:
arey
ououtofy
ourmi
nd?
St
one:
no.

Stoneslowl
yopensthedoorandwalksin,
Zact
ri
es
tothi
nkofsomethi
ngbutnothingcomesto
mind..
.hesi
ghsandtakesouthisgunt
ooandfoll
ow
hi
sbr
other
.

Nqu:
shoul
dweal
sogoi
n?

QueandSi
mphi
wel
ookateachanddonotanswer
hi
m.

Nqu:
argwhat
ever
.

Hesay
sthatalsowal
ki
ngi
nsi
de,
event
ual
l
yQueand
Si
mphiwefol
l
owhi m.

Zac:
i
tseemsl
i
kenoonei
sher
e.
St
one:
yeah,
wai
tletmecheckt
hatbedr
oom.

Heopensthemai
nbedr
oom andshocki
mmedi
atel
y
t
akesover
.
Que:
Stonei
sther
eany
oneorany
thi
ngt
her
e?
St
one:
Ithi
nky
ouneedt
oseet
his.

Theyall
walkt
ot hemainr
oom andt heyr
eactthe
samewayasSt onewhentheyseetheuncle'
s
l
ifel
essbodyl
ayingonapoolofbl
ood.
i
nser
t50~

°
Nqubeko°

Ihav
eneverseensomuchbloodi
nmyl
i
fe,
even
Mnqobi
didn'
tbleedt
hismuch.

Me:
i
shedead?
Zac:
D.E.
A.Ddead.
Me:
may
beweshoul
dfeel
hispul
sea.
..
Si
m:t
hef
uck?Ar
eyououtofy
ourf
li
ppi
ngmi
nd?
Me:
no,
yeahIdon'
tknowIt
hinkI
'
mlosi
ngi
t.
Que:
weneedt
ogett
hehel
loutofher
e.
Si
m:whataboutourf
inger
pri
ntst
hatar
eal
lov
ert
his
pl
ace?
Que:
*pacingupanddown*weshouldn'
thavecame
her
e,whatift
hisi
satrap?Whati
fthepoli
cer.
.
Weal
lpani
ckhear
ingpol
i
cesi
rens.

Me:
nonononot
hisi
snothappeni
ng.
St
one:
fuckweneedt
ogetoutofher
efast
.
Zac:
whot
hef
uckwoul
ddot
his?
Que:
ourf
inger
pri
ntsguy
s.
Si
m:okayy
'al
luset
hebackdoorandrundon'
teven
l
ookback,
you'
ll
comebackforthecart
omorrow..
.
Me:
whatdoy
oumean"
y'
al
l"
?Whatabouty
ou?
Si
m:I
'
llst
aybehi
nd.
Me:
youar
eoutofy
ourmi
nd.
Si
m:mat
eyouhav
etogo.
Que:
guy
sthesi
rensar
eget
ti
ngl
ouder
,t
hepol
i
cear
e
al
mosther
e.
Me:
mat
eIam notl
eav
ingwi
thouty
ou.
Si
m:Nqubekost
opbei
ngst
ubbor
nandl
eav
e.
Me:
Isai
dIam notl
eav
ingwi
thouty
ourbl
ackass.
St
one:
guy
s.
Sim:
atl
easti
fIstaybehi
ndnot hingwil
ll
eadbackt o
youguys,
he'
smyuncl eI
'l
ljusttell
them Il
i
v eher
e..
.I
wasoutwithyouguysandy oucamet odropmeof f
andassoonasy ouguysleftIfoundhimlikethi
s
j
ustgo.
Que:
okayt
hat
'scl
ean,
l
et'
sgo.

Quei
sthef
ir
stonet
oexi
tfol
l
owedbySt
one.

Zac:
sonl
et'
sgo.
Me:
whati
ftheyd.
.
Si
m:mat
ejustgookaygo.

Zacpullsmeoutandwest ar
trunningandjumpthe
fencethencont
inuerunni
ng.
..
..
it
'sonl
ymybodyt hat
i
sr unni
ng,mysoulandmyheadi sl
eftbackatt
hat
house.
°
Minenhl
e°

Dadisn'
tbacky et,hel
eftint
hemor ningasaper son
whowi l
lbebacksoonandnowi t22h00he'sstil
l
haven'
tret
urned,towor senthesit
uationheisn'
t
taki
ngourcalls.Mom isnotpacingupanddown,
she'
snotfreakingoutshe'sjustfr
ozenatleastbaby
Keit
hisasleep..
.yeahmom namedhi m.

Igoonlinet
ocheckmymessages, Nqubekohasn't
answeredmey ethe'
sbeenoffl
inetheent
ir
edayas
amatteroffacthe'
salsonott
akingmycalls.
.okay
l
etmet rySi
mphi we.

Idi
alhi
scontactandi
tri
ngsunanswer
ed,
godwhat
i
sgoingon?

°
Simphi
we°
Off
icer
1:si
rpl
easet
ell
uswhatexact
lyhappened
her
e?
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhathappened?
Offi
cer2:
whatdoyoumeanyoudon'
tknowwhat
happened?Wejustf
oundyouher
ewithadeadbody
.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
Iwasoutwi
thmyf
ri
endsand.
..
Of
fi
cer
2:wai
tyoul
i
veher
e?
Me:
yeaht
hati
smyuncl
e.
Of
fi
cer
2:ohhokaycont
inue.
Me:asIwassayingIwasoutwithmyf r
iendst
hen
wecameher etochil
lout
,wedidn'
tevenknowt hat
hewashere..
.af
tert
heylef
tIwenttohisroom t
o
l
ookf ormyshoesthatweshar
eandt hat'
swhenI
foundhimly
ingontheground.
Off
icer
1:whydi
dn'
tyoucal
lanambul
anceort
he
pol
ice?
Me:Iwassti
llatshockandbef
oreIcoul
ddo
any
thingIheardthesir
ens.
Of
fi
cer
1:*
sighs*
doy
oumi
ndi
fwel
ookar
oundand
t
akesampl
es?
Me:
nonotatal
l
.

Theyenterthehouset oconti
nuedoingtheirj
ob,
I
tr
iedwipingoutthefinger
pri
ntsthatweleftwhenwe
werelookingforthepapersbutIdon'
tthi
nkI
cl
eanedupal lofthem.
.
"
Sirexcuseme"

Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*yeah.
Hi
m:doy
ouknowwhoQuei
s?
Me:
*fr
owni
ng*
whyar
eyouaski
ng?
Him:
Ifoundthi
sbandanaat
tachedt
othisr
ingt
hati
s
engr
aved"Que"oni
tbythebackdoor.
Me:
ohhyeaht
hat
'smi
ne,
Imusthav
edr
oppedi
tby
mi
stake.
Hi
m:hmmm okay
,her
eyougot
hen.
Hehandsi
ttome,
godt
hatwasacl
oseone.

°
Nqubeko°

Zac:
ohgodsomanymissedcal
ls,
Iswearmyassis
goi
ngtogetasi
l
entt
reat
mentforanenti
remonth.
Me:Minenhl
ehasbeencal
l
ingmet
oo,
weneedt
o
checkuponSimphiwe.
Que:whatweneedtodoist
ofindoutwho'
sbehi
nd
thi
s,
wecan'tcal
lSi
m he'
swit
ht hepol
i
ceyoudumb
ass.

Idonothav
etheenergytoanswerhim,Ij
ustdialmy
babe'
snumberwhi
lewalkingawayf r
om these
men..
shepi
cksupjustasI'm aboutt
odropt hecal
l
.
/
/

Her
:Mi
nenhl
ehel
l
o.
Me:
babe.
Her
:ohI
'
m sor
rywho'
sthi
s?
Me:
comeonbabeI
'
m sor
ry.
Her
:agai
n,whoi
sthi
s?
Me:
okayEnhl
eyoudonotknowwhatIwentthr
ough
t
oday,
youdonotknowwhatIam goi
ngt
hroughy.
..
Her:howwi l
lIknowwheny oudidn'tt
ell
meany thi
ng?
Notev enasingletextNqubeko,evenashortoneli
ke
"Ihaveabusyday ,
talklat
er"noteventhat,
doy ou
knowt hatIam sti
l
l upworriedaboutyouanddad.
Me:am Inott
alki
ngtoyour
ightnowt
ell
i
ngy
out
hat
I
'm sor
ry?Sopleaset
hrowmeabone.
Her:
okayhiNqubekoIhopeyou'
redoingf
ine,
i
t'
s
okayIfor
giv
ey oubecauseI
'
m notal
lowedtobe
angry
,happy?
Me:t
hat'
snotwhatImeant,Ical
ledyoubecauseI
sawyourcal
lsIt
houghtIshouldgetbacktoyou.
Her:
wow,
sowhati
fIdi
dn'
tcal
l
?Youwoul
dn'
thav
e
cal
l
ed?
Me:okaythi
sisn'
tgoi
nganywher
e,It
houghttalking
toyoumightcalm medownbuti
t'
snot..
.y
ourdadi s
herewit
hmedon' tworr
ygotosl
eep*si
ghing*Ilove
you.

/
/
Idropt
hecal
lwipi
ngmyfor
eheadi
nfr
ust
rat
ionand
headbackt
otheguys.

Que:
doest
hismeanhedi
dn'
ttaket
hepaper
s?
Zac:
Idon'
tknow,
whoki
l
ledhi
m andwhy
?
Que:
wai
twhataboutt
hesur
vei
l
lancesoft
hebui
l
ding
acr
osst
hisone.
Me:
yeahyeahmanmay
bewecoul
dgetsomet
hing
f
rom t
her
e.
St
one:
didy
ouseet
het
ime?Thesecur
it
ieswon'
tl
et
usi
n.
Me:
Iknowt
heowneroft
hatbui
l
dingl
etmecal
lhi
m.
Icall
hi m,Idon'
ttel
lhi
mt heent
irest
oryIjusttell
him
thattherewasabr eakinandIdidn'
tgetanything
from mycamer asandf ort
unat
elyhedoesn'thave
anypr obl
em.
Weheadt othebuil
dingacrossmine,t
hesecuri
ti
es
giveusahar dti
mebutaf terthei
rbossconfi
rms
theyletusinandleadust othesurvei
ll
ancesyst
em
room.

Secur
it
y:okaywhi
chf
oot
agedoy
ouwantt
osee?
Que:
getoutwe'
l
lhandl
ethi
sour
sel
ves.
Secur
it
y:what
?Not
hisI
..
Me:
ebabaebabaawuphumeusi
chi
thel
aiskhat
hi
r
haa(
manjustgetouty
ouarewast
ingourti
me
r
haa!
!)

Hestandsupandleaves,
thenQuet akesaseat.
.hi
s
handtr
avel
stohisbackpocket,Iseehimfreezi
ng.
Hi
m:mybandana.
Stone:
eiy
ouandt
hisbandanaofy
our
s,j
ustf
ocuson
thi
s.
Que:
noSt
one,
Idon'
thav
emybandanawi
thme.
St
one:
yeahr
ight
.
Que:
I'
m ser
ious.
St
one:
nomandon'
ttel
lmey
oul
osti
t,y
oucan'
t.
Que:
Ihaditwit
hmewhenwelef
tforohno,
Ithi
nkI
dr
oppeditatSi
mphi
we'
suncl
eshouse.
St
one:
*fr
eaki
ngout*butt
hatpl
acei
scr
awl
i
ng
ar
oundwithpol
i
ces.
Me:ser
iousl
ysowear
egoi
ngt
ofocusonabandana
r
ightnow?
Zac:
wasaboutt
oaskt
hesamequest
ion.
Que:
youguysdon'
tgeti
t,
thatbandanaisat
tachedt
o
ari
ng.
..
ari
ngthatcoul
dpracti
call
yrui
nourli
ves.
Zac:
j
ustt
obecl
ear
,byoury
oumeany
ouandwho?
Que:
meSt
oneandt
her
estoft
hecr
ew.
Zac:
butIwasoncepar
toft
hatcr
ew.
Que:
thenIguessy
our
stoo.
Zac:*
exhalest
ryi
ngtocalm himselfdown*okayone
probl
em atati
me,let
'sst
artwiththefoot
agesthen
we'l
lfocusonthebandana,
ringyeah.

Quecloseshisey esanddohi sthi

ngthenwestar
t
watchi
ngt hefootageswhileStonepacesupand
downnotf ocusingont hescr
eens..
.wewatcht
he
foot
agesf orabout6t i
mesandst i
l
lnotget
anythi
ng,
justsecuri
tieswalki
ngaround.

Me:
playi
tagai
n.

Hepl
aysi
tagai
nandt
hist
imeSt
onepar
ti
cipat
e.

St
one:
wai
tpause.
Quepausest
hef
oot
age.

St
one:
zoom.

Hezoomsi
n.

Stone:
okayI'
m conf
used,
thati
sSi
mphiwe'
suncl
e(he
point
sattheguyweari
ngasecuri
tyuni
for
m)
Zac:
I'
m al
soconf
used.
Me:
sothi
smeanshe'
stheonewhobr
okei
nand
t
ookthepaper
s.
Que:pr
ett
ymuchy eahcauseseeher
e(hef
ast
for
ward)he'
scar
inganenv el
ope.
Me:
hemusthav
etakeni
tbackt
ohi
shouse.
Zac:
andsomeonemusthav
ebeenf
oll
owi
nghi
mto
hi
shouse.
Stone:
sowhenhegott
her
ethatper
sonki
l
ledhi
m
andtookt
heenvel
ope.
Que:andt
hatpersonmusthavebeenkeepi
ngt
abs
onus,heorshemi ghthav
eseenuswhenwegot
ther
eandcalledthecopsonus.
Me:
thequest
ioni
swhoi
sthatper
son?
~i
nser
t51~

°
Minenhl
e°

Dad:
honeyat
leastl
i
stent
ome.
Mom:noZacl
eav
emeal
oneokayj
ustl
eav
eme
al
one.
Dad:
Tinababepl
easel
etmeexpl
ain.

Theyareintheki
tchenbytheway,
I'
mjustsi
tt
ingon
thecouchfeedi
ng/giv
ingKei
thhi
smi l
k.

Me:*
smili
ng*i
fyoukeepdr
inki
ngyourmilkl
iket
his
youaregoi
ngtogrowupstrongandy.
.ahhh.

Ifr
ownf eel
ingsomeabdomi nalpain,
Itr
ytoignor
eit
butitkeepscoming2×stronger.
..
Iremovethebot
tle
fr
om Keith'
smout handcalloutf
ormom whi l
e
screamingi
npai
n..
.wi
thi
n5secondsmom anddad
gethere.

Dad:
what
'swr
ong?Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
*gr
oani
ng*
takeKei
th.

Mom qui
cklyt
akesKeithfr
om mewhil
elookingat
mewithapanicki
ngface.Bot
hmyhandst r
av el
to
mywaistonbothsidesasItr
ytoneut
ral
i
zet hepai
n.

Mom:
babywhat
'swr
ong?
Me:
pai
n,
sss.
.ahhhhI*
groani
ng*

Daddoesn'tsayanythi
nghejustscoopsme
up,
rushi
ngoutwi t
hmet othecar..
.Icanfeelmyl
egs
get
tingheavi
erbythesecond..
.waitIcanfeelmy
l
egsgetti
ngheav i
er.
°
Nqubeko°

Ihavebeencal lingEnhlebuthernumberr i
ngs
unanswered, Ithoughtthatmay beshehascooled
downsoIwant edust otalk.Ourlitt
lear
gumentlast
nightisst
illnotsitt
ingwell wit
hme, IknowthatI
shouldhav eatl
eastsai dsomet hingbutIwasn't
exactl
ythinkingstraightyesterdayifonl
yshejust
l
istenedtomesoshecanunder stand.

Que:
dudeIneedal
apt
op.
Me:
todowhat
?
Hi
m:t
otr
acemyr
ing.
Me:*
rai
singmyey ebrow*
ift
hepol
i
cehav
eyourr
ing
won'
tthatbedangerous.
Hi
m:*
frust
rat
ed*
Inx
xshutup.
Me:
whatdi
dIsay
?

Hecont
inuespaci
ngupanddown,
thebot
hofusar
e
atmyhouse.
..
Stonelef
taboutanhourandahal
f
agot
ofetcht
hecar ,
he'
llcomebackwit
hSimphi
we.

Me:dudedon'
tyouhaveafamil
yoragi
rl
fr
iend?I
meany ouhav
en'tcal
l
edanyonetol
ett
hem know
youain'
tcomi
ngbackanyti
mesoon.
Hi
m:I'
llcal
lmom l
aterandnoIdonothav
ea
gi
rl
fr
iend.
Me:
why
?
Him:wi
ththi
sli
neofworkI
'
m doi
ng,
Idon'
tgetal
ot
offr
eeti
meandy ouknowwomenwanttoalway
s
spendt
imewi t
hus.
Me:
Iheary
ou,
whydon'
tyoudosomet
hingel
set
hen?
Hi
m:Il
ovet
hisj
obI
'
m doi
ng.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
wowokay
.

Idon'
tthi
nkIwouldli
ketodothi
ski
ndofjobbut
whatifi
nret
urnforhel
pingme,t
heywantmetojoi
n
them?
Justaswearehol
dingal
i
ghtconver
sat
ion,
Sim and
Stonewal
kin.
..
Ist
anduplooki
ngatt
hem.

Si
m:chi
llmantheydon'
tsuspectanyt
hing,
wel
lfor
nowcausetheyarest
il
li
nvesti
gati
ng.
Me:t
hanky
oumanandI
'
m gl
ady
oudi
dn'
tgeti
nto
t
roubl
e.
Hi
m:nahdon'
tsweati
t.
.oht
hepol
i
cef
oundt
his.

Het
akesoutabandanaandhandsi
ttoQuewho
i
mmediat
elyexhal
esi
nrel
ief
.

Que:
oht
hankgod.
Sim:*
confused*
you'
reexci
tedt
hatt
heyf
oundy
our
cheapri
ng?
Que:
i
tisnotcheap.
Sim:ai
boNqul ookatt
hisri
ng,
i
tlooksf
akeI
'
m sur
e
thatheboughtitf
rom aChi
neseshop.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
nodon'
ti
nvol
veme.
Stone:
okayenoughaboutthat
,I
'
m gladt
hatthe
bandanaisbackhere,
nowshallwegetstar
tedto
fi
guri
ngoutwhot ookthepaper
sfrom y
ouruncle.

Weheadt omystudy,
Iwonderwherewe'
llst
art.
..i
n
mydef enseIdon'
thaveanyenemiessoIdon'tknow
whowoul dwantt
otakemycompanyawayf r
om me
causeev enSimphi
we'suncl
ewasn'tmyenemy .
..so
whatifthepersonwhotookthepapersi
salso
someoneIdonotknowandhast hesamemi ssion
asSimphi we'
suncl
e?

¶2mont
hsl
ater
¶

°
InI
tal
y°

Hei
de:
shoul
dn'
tyoubei
nS.
A.
Mat
:I
'v
ebeent
ryi
ngt
ogethol
dofBeebutIcan'
t
seem t
ogethol
dofher
.

Hecal
l
sherBeebecausehecan'
tpr
onounceBuhl
e.

Heide:
sodoesthatmeanyoushoul
dn'
tgotomeet
yourchi
ld?I
thasbeen2monthsMatteo,
andbel
i
eve
mewhenIsayIhav efor
giv
enyou.
Mat
:pl
easecomewi
thme.
Hei
de:whataboutt
heki
ds?
Mat
:we'
l
ltaket
hem t
omy
mom's.
Hei
de:*
sighs*okayf
inebuty
ourbabymommabet
ter
st
ayinherlane.
Mat
:*smi
l
es*
you'
real
somybabymomma.
Hei
de:
*gi
ggl
es*
theoney
ouact
ual
l
ymar
ri
ed.
Mat
:exact
ly.

Hei
desmi
l
esandMat
teopul
l
shercl
oserbyher
wai
st.
Mat
:t
hanky
ou.
Hei
de:
ifyoudarecheatagai
nIswearI
'l
ltakemyki
ds
andl
eavemakingsureIneverl
ookback.
Mat:
IpromiseIwil
lnevercheatagai
n,
losi
ngy
ouand
mykidswil
l bet
hedeathofme, Il
oveyouHei
deand
not
hingwil
lchangethat.
Hei
de:
*bl
ushes*
Ilov
eyout
ooMat
teo.

°
Minenhl
e°

I'
m happyt osaymyl egsar emakingsomepr ogress,
yesIst illcan'
twalkbutI'
llgetther
e.Keit
hisgrowing
reall
yf ast,mom anddadf inal
lyadoptedhim..
.t
he
papersgother elastweek,thewaywel ovehim Ij
ust
praythathi smotherdoesn'twakeuponedayand
decidest hatshe'sgonnagol ookf
orhim causeI
thinkitgonnabehar dtoletgoofhim.Meand
Nqubekoar eal
sodoi nggreateventhoughhe's
slowlyl osinghismind,het ol
dmeaboutSi mphiwe's
uncleandt heystil
lcan'
tfi
ndhi spapers.
..
it
'sbeena
whilesi
ncewelastsaweachotherduetothisissue
butdadsaidhe'
slosi
ngweight
,Iwishandhopet hat
theyfi
ndhispaper
sandthepersonbehindthissoon.

Mom:*si
ghs*honeyst
opwor
ryi
ngI'
m sur
eyourdad
andyouruncl
eandtheot
her
swill
helpNqubeko
savehi
scompany .
Me:Ireal
lyhopesomom, Imeanever
yonecantel
l
thathereal
lylov
eshiscompanyIdon'
tevenknow
howhe' l
lbeli
keifhel
oseit.
Her
:l
etushav
eposi
ti
vet
hought
sbaby
.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
youar
eri
ghtIshoul
dthi
nkposi
ti
vel
y.

°
Nqubeko°

Me:
not
hiscan'
tber
ight
.
St
one:
Ithi
nki
t'
spossi
ble.
Me:whywouldmymot
herdot
his?Whatwoul
dshe
gai
nfrom t
his?
Zac:
thosequest
ionscanonl
ybeanswer
edbyher
.
Me:
andmost
lywhyhasn'
tshedoneany
thi
ngy
et?

Fr
om ther
esear
chwe'vebeendoi
ngandquesti
ons
we'
vebeenaski
ngaroundSimphi
we'snei
ghbor
hood
wefounddot
sthatl
eadtomymot her.

Que:
okayl
et'
sgot
hen.
Si
m:r
ememberwhathappenedl
astt
ime?
Que:
comeonr eal
ly
?Howwi llsheknowt
hatwe
knowthatshe'
sbehindt
his?
Stone:
yeahhe'
sri
ghtplusthi
sinvest
igat
ionhas
takenaveryl
ongti
me,Ithi
nkit'
sti
mewecompl etei
t.
Zac:
Isecondt
hat
,i
t'
sbeenawhi
l
esi
nceIl
astspent
ti
mewi t
hmyfamil
y.
Me:
how'
sKei
thgr
owi
ng?
Zac:
*smi
l
es*
he'
sgr
owi
ngper
fect
ly.
Me:
l
et'
sgett
hepaper
sbacksoIcanof
fi
cial
l
ymeet
hi
m.
Zac:
l
et'
sgett
hem back.
.
.
Wear
enowout
sidet
hepl
aceIusedt
ocal
lhome.

Si
m:okaysowhat
'st
hepl
an?
Me:
I'
m gonnagoi
nsi
deal
oneandt
alkt
oher
.
St
one:
whati
fshedoessomet
hing?
Me:apartofmebeliev
esthatshewon'thur
t
me*sighi
ng*Ij
ustneedtogetanswersandthen
at
leasttr
ytofi
shoutwhereshe'skeepi
ngthepaper
s.
Si
m:goodl
uckmat
e.
Me:
thanksmat
e.

Igetofffr
om thecarwalki
ngtothehousewhile
makingashortpr ay
erf
orthelor
dtobewi thme,I
praythathehelpsmecontrol
myanger .
..
thi
slady
ki
ll
edmybrother
,keptmehost
age,
shotmy
women,
tri
edtoframemeandnowshehas
somet
hingval
uabletome.

Iri
ngt hedoorbellandwai tf
orhertocomeopenup
forme. .
..
okayshe'snotopeni ng,
Ij
ustopenthedoor
andwal kinsi
de..
.Iam invi
tedbyanunpleasantsmell
godjeez,Iusemyar mt ocoverupmynose. .
Ifi
rst
l
ookf orherinthel ounge,
she'snother
e..
.Iwalkto
theki
tchenst i
ll
cov eri
ngmynose.

If
indherunpl
easi
ngbodyl
yi
ngonwhatl ooksl
i
ke
bl
ood,
Ijustf
eeldi
zyl
osi
ngalotofener
gy .
~i
nser
t52~

°
Simphi
we°

Nqubekohasbeeni
nther
eforf
art
olongI
'
m st
art
ing
t
ogetworri
ednow.

Me:
may
beIshoul
dgocheckuponhi
m.
Que:
arey
ousur
e?
Me:
yeah,
I
'm goi
ngi
n.
St
one:
atl
eastt
akeagunwi
thy
ou.
Me:
nahI
'
m good.

Igetof
fthecargoi
ngt
othehouse,
Iri
ngt
hedoor
bel
l
andwait.
Ami nuteends,
noonei sopeni
ngthedoorIst
art
pani
cking..
..
whatifshedidsomethi
ngtohim?Iri
ng
thedoorbell
againandstil
lnoanswer,
Iqui
ckl
yrush
backt
othecar
.

Zac:
andnow?
Me:
Ineedagun.
Que:
*si
tspr
oper
ly*
what
'swr
ong?I
sNqubekookay
?
Me:Idon'
tknow,I'
vebeenri
ngi
ngthebell
andno
one'
sansweringIthi
nkhismot
herdidsomethi
ng.
St
one:
okayl
et'
sgo.

Theyallt
akeoutt hei
rgunsgett
ingoutofthecarand
l
eadt hewaytothehousewhi l
eIwal kbehi
ndt hem.
Whenwegett otheentr
ancetheyleanwiththeir
backonthewal l
whi l
eholdi
ngthegunswi thboth
thei
rhands,
Ifeelli
keI'
mi nsomeact i
onmov i
e.

St
one:
I'
l
lgoi
nfi
rst
.

Hef
ir
stchecksi
fthedoori
sopent
henuseshi
sleg
toopenitandwalksi
n,
bef
orewef
oll
owhi
m wesee
him cov
eri
nghisnose.

Que:
what
'swr
ong?I
sther
eachemi
cal
exposedor
gas?

Stoneshakeshi
sheadwal
ki
ngf ur
ther
,wefol
l
owi n
andwef i
ndoutwhyhecov
eredhisnoseyerr
rit
's
l
ikether
e'sadeaddogi
nhere.

St
one:
Hol
yShi
t.

Wer
unt
otheki
tchenandIwasnev
err
eady
.

Que:
ahhnotagai
n.
Me:
Nqu.
Hi
m:mhh.
He'
sli
keast
atue.

Me:
arey
ouokay
?
Hi
m:*
bli
nkst
henexhal
es*
noI
'
mti
red.
Que:
maybeweshoul
dleav
e,whati
fthepol
i
ceshow
upagai
n?
Me:
ser
iousl
y?She'
sbeendeadf
orsomet
imenow
whywouldt
heyshowupnow?
Que:*
rol
l
shiseyes*
let
'sseewhati
ftheper
sonwho
ki
ll
edherhasbeenkeepi
ngtabsonus?
Zac:
hehasapoi
ntweshoul
dleav
e.
Nqu:
whyi
sthi
shappeni
ngt
ome?Uhh?Whyme?
Whymycompany?
Me:
mat
elet
'sgobef
oret
hepastr
epeati
tsel
f.

Hel
ooksatmewi
thadr
ainedl
ook,
her
eal
l
yhasl
ost
al
otofwei
ght
.
¶2mont
hsago¶

Si
mphi
we'
suncl
ewal
ksi
nsi
deexMr
sG'
sof
fi
ce.

Hi
m:ev
eni
ng.
Her
:owhi
,
pleaset
akeaseat
.

Hesi
tsonachai
ropposi
tet
oher
s.

Hi
m:howar
eyou?
Her
:I
'm gr
eatt
hanks,
your
sel
f?
Hi
m:I
'
m good.
Her
:okayl
et'
sgettoi
t,Idonothavemucht
imeI
hav
eanappointmentt
hatIhavetogett
o.
Him:well
ther e'
sthi
scompany,
aver
ysuccessful
companyt hatIwantandafri
endofaf
riendtoldme
thatyoumi ghtbeablet
ohelpme.
Her
:i
tgoi
ngt
ocosty
oual
ot.
Hi
m: Iknow,
theydi
dsaythaty
oucomeatav er
yhi
gh
pr
iceandIdon'tmindcauset
hiscompanyi
swort
hit
.
Her
:al
ri
ghtwhatdoy
ouneedmet
odo?
Hi
m:Iwasthi
nkingthaty
ouel
i
minat
etheownert
o
makethi
ngseasier
.
Her
:t
hatwil
lonl
ymaket
hingdi
ff
icul
tandal
most
i
mpossibl
e.
Hi
m:*
sighs*
okayuhm.
..
Her:
l
ookgivemetheowner'
snameorthecompany '
s
namesoIcanstartmyr
esearcht
henI
'l
lfi
ndout
wherehe/
sheinst
all
edt
hecompany'
scontractand
you'
l
lgogetit
.
Hi
m:I
'
llgogeti
t?Whati
fIgetcaught
?
Her:
that
'swhyyouareher
eri
ght?Tomakesureyou
don'
tgetcaughtsot
rustmeI
'l
lhavey
ourback,
now
gi
vemet hename.
Hi
m:NqubekoGabuz
a.

Shet
il
tsherheadt
ryi
ngt
onotshowhowshocked
sheis,
mindyoutheuncl
ehasnoi
deahe'
sseeki
ng
hel
pf r
om Nqubeko'
smother
.

Her:
mmmhI
'
vehear
dofhi
m,i
shi
scompanyt
hat
good?
Hi
m:v
ery
,i
t'
swor
thmi
l
li
ons.

Theguyeavesdr
oppi
ngbyt
hedoorchokesonhi
s
sal
iv
aheari
ngsuch.

Mr
sG:
didy
ouhearsomet
hing?
Hi
m:no,
wher
e?
Her:
maybeit
'saf
alsealar
m IthoughtIheard
somethi
ng,
okayI
'
lldotheresearchthengetbackt
o
you.
Hi
m:*
standsup*
I'
ll
wai
tfory
ourcal
l
.

Theguybyt
hedoorqui
ckl
yrushest
otheel
evat
or
headi
ngdownt ot
hesecondfl
oor,
whent
heel
evat
or
opensherushest
ohi
ssmal l
offi
ce.
..

Meanwhi l
eexMr sGopensupherl aptopand
sear chesNqubeko'scompany ,
sheiscomplet
ely
shockedt oseehowgoodhi scompanyi sdoi
ngshe
thinksofhowr ichandinv
incibl
eshewoul dbeifshe
ownsi t
..
..
soonshesidessmi l
ethi
nkingofanev i
l
planwhi chistaki
ngthecontractf
rom themanwho
camef orhel
pt oher.

Her:
youandy ourf at
herturnedyourbacksagainst
mesonowI 'm goingtomakebot hyourstupi
dlives
ali
vi
nghell,
I'm goingtomakesur ethatbothofyou
l
osethethingsy oulove..
.st
art
ingwithyouboyboy ,
I'
l
l
st
artbytakingy ourcompanyt henyour
gi
rl
fri
end..
..
afterthatI'
m deali
ngwithyourfat
her
whothoughtdi vorci
ngmewasagoodi dea.
.
___
___
___
___
___
__.
Assoonast heguyent
ershi
ssmallof
fi
cehet akesa
seatandconnect
stothecompany
'sWI-FIusi
ngt he
comput erandsear chesfor"
NqubekoGabuza" ,
when
Nqubeko'sfewpi cturesshowuphei mmediatel
y
remember shim andwher ehesawhi m...
befor
e
thi
nkingtoomuchaboutNquher eadsmor eabout
hiscompanyandi ndeedit'
swort
hmi ll
i
ons.

¶Pr
esentDay
¶

°
Simphi
we°

Me:
mat
eyouhav
etoeat
.
Hi
m:I
'
m good.
Me:
youdon'
thavetof
ini
shi
t,
justeatal
i
ttl
ebi
tjust
t
oregai
nyourener
gy.
Hi
m:Idon'
twantf
oodSi
mphi
we,
j
ustdr
ivemet
o
Mi
nenhle'
shome.
Me:
what
?
Him:shesai
dshe'
scurr
ent
lyal
onewi
thKei
th,
her
parent
swentshoppi
ng.
Isi
ghput
ti
ngthef
oodi
ntheov
ent
hengr
abhi
scar
key
sandfol
lowhi
m.
Wit
hin30minut
eswegetatMinenhle'
shome,Iri
ng
t
hedoorbel
landMinenhl
eshout
sf r
om thei
nside
t
hatweshouldcomein.

°
Minenhl
e°

Godhereall
ylostalotofweight
,t
hecl
otheshe'
s
wear
ingarenowt oobigforhim.

Hi
m:babepleasedon'
tl
ookatmel
i
ket
hat
,pi
tyi
sthe
l
astt
hingIneed.
Me:*
sni
ff
ing*
Iknowbabebutl
ookaty
ou,
doy
ou
ev
eneat?
Sim:herefusest
oeat,may
bey
oucanknocksome
senseintohishead.
Nqu:
IdonoteatbecauseIhav
enoappet
it
e,I
'
lleat
whenIhav
eit.
Si
m: okayIgi
veup*
sighs*
itwasni
ceseei
ngy
ou
Mineh,I'
l
lwaitf
ory
oui nt
hecar.

Hewal
ksoutbef
oreIcoul
drespond.

Me:
babepl
easeeat,
evenifi
t'
safewspoonspl
ease
doi
tformecauseIam notr
eadytol
oseyoupl
ease.
Hi
m:y
ouwon'
tl
oseme.
Me:Nqubekoifyoudonoteatyougetsi
ckandit
's
onlyamatterofti
mebefor
ey ougetsi
cksotoavoi
d
thatpl
easeeat.
Hi
m:*
sighs*
okayI
'
llt
ry.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
thati
sal
lI'
m aski
ngf
or.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
Imi
ssedt
hatbeaut
if
ulsmi
l
eofy
our
s.
Me:*
blushi
ng*
andImi
ssedy
our
stoo,
howi
s
ev
erythi
nggoi
ng?
Him:
canwenott
alkaboutthecompanythi
ngier
ight
now,
canwej
ustenjoyeachother
'scompany
?
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
okayt
hen.

Kei
thcr
iesnextt
omewaki
ngup.

Nqu:fi
nal
lyI'
l
lgettomeetthechampyourf
ather
can'
tstoptal
kingabout
,i
t'
salwaysMi
nenhl
eand
Keit
hthisMinenhl
eandKeiththat
.
Me:*
chuckl
i
ng*
comeandt
akehi
m soy
oucanf
eed
hi
m.

Hesmi l
esstandingupt otakeKei
thbutal
lofa
suddenhissmiledisappears.

Me:
what
'swr
ong?
Hi
m:y
ousai
dwher
edi
dyourpar
ent
sfi
ndKei
th?
Me:
atabusst
opbenchwhy
?Whyar
eyouf
rowni
ng?
Him:r
ememberwhatIt
oldy
ouaboutBuhl
e?Theday
ofourdat
e.
Me:uhy
eah,
thatshegav
ebi
rt
htoawhi
te.
..
wher
ear
e
yougoi
ngwi
t hthi
s?
Hi
m:t
hisbabyl
ooksl
i
keBuhl
e'
sbaby
.

Myey
esexpands.

Me:
what
?

Het
akesKei
thandgr
abst
hebot
tl
e.

Hi
m:y
eahhel
ooksexact
lyl
i
ket
hebaby
.
Me:
youmeanBuhl
el.
..
howc.
..
Imeansh.
..
ohmygod.
~i
nser
t53~

°
Nqubeko°

Tal kaboutr ealcruelt

y,howcoul dBuhl
edosucha
thing?Sheknewexact lywhatshewasdoi ng,
shelef
t
Kei thont hebusst opbenchbecausepeopl eare
alway sther
e.Whati fonedayshewakesupandi t
act uallysi
nksint hatsheleftherbabyonabencht o
bet akenbyast ranger?Howdoesshesl eepsat
night ?Doest hereal f
atherofherbabyknowsallof
this?

Si
m:y
ohmat
e.
Me:
wassup?
Him:wasabouttoasky outhesamet hi
ng,
whendid
youcomebacky est
erday
?Causeaf t
erIdr
oppedyou
offatyourbrot
her'
shouseIthoughtyouweregoi
ng
tosleepther
e.
Me:
Isl
eptt
her
e,Ij
ustgother
e..
.why
,di
dyoumi
ssme?
Hi
m:*chuckles*
nxxnoIdi
dn'
t,any
waydi
dyouf
ind
t
hepeacey ouwereseeki
ng?

Soaftermyvisi
tatt
heHl ongwanehouseholdI
askedSimphiwetodri
vemet oMnqobi'shouse
causeIwantedtobealone,Iwant
edtot hi
nk,I
wantedsomepeace.

Me:
yeahy
oucoul
dsayt
hat
.
Him:
sowhat'
sthewayf
orwar
d?Imeanf
rom t
his
poi
ntwher
edowego?
Me:
nowher
e.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
I'
m bei
ngser
ious.
Me:
met
oo.
Hi
m:*
conf
used*
what
?Whatdoy
oumeannowher
e?
Me:
Imeanexact
lyt
hat
,I
'
mti
redI
'
m dr
ained.
Hi
m: nononoy oudon'
tmeant
hat
,Nquar
eyou
t
hinkingst
rai
ghtri
ghtnow?
Me:Idon'
tknowbutwhatIknowi sthatI'
m done,
I
'm
goingtofocusmor eonmyr elat
ionshipatthe
moment .
.l
aterIwillst
artaf
resh,
startanewcompany
fr
om scratch*
sighing*i
fwecontinuewi t
hthiswe
mightfi
ndanot herdeadbody.
Hi
m:andwhati
fwedon'
t,
don'
tgi
veupnow.
Me:yeahapartofmebel ievesthatweareaf ew
stepsawayfrom getti
ngt hepaper sbackbutthe
otherpar
tofmebel ievest hatbythetimewegett he
papersbackyou,
me, Stone,ZacorQuemi ghtdi
eand
Iwouldreal
lyhat
emy selfifoneofy oudiebecause
ofmesoi t'
scool
* shrugging*Iguesswhoev erhas
thepaperswonhimsel f/hersel
fajackpot.
Hi
m:mat
e..
Me:nowpleaseexcusemeIhavetotakeabathsoI
cantakeEnhlet
othedoct
orforherappoi
ntment.

Il
eav
ehi
m st
andi
ngt
her
e.

°
Simphi
we°
Fir
sttimemeet i
ngNqubekoIhadmyownagenda, at
thatti
meher eall
yneededaf ri
endbecausehewas
goingt hroughal otofpai naft
erhi sbrother'sdeath
butIdi dn'tcar eIjustcameasaf akef r
iendwi t
hmy
agenda. ...
afteraf ewweeksofget t
ingt oknowhi m
betterandknowi ngwhathewentt hroughbui l
ding
hiscompanyt hatmyuncl ewant edIr eali
zedthatI
wasnol ongerpl ayi
ngt herol
eofaf akef ri
endbuta
roleofar eal f
riend,
knowi ngtheper sonIam Iwoul d
hav enev erf orgavehi mifhedidwhatIdi dt ohim
buthef orgav eme. .
..andhenev erlookeddownat
mej ustbecauseI '
m poor ,
hetookmei nafterwhatI
didhedi dn'tthinktwice.Iam goingt omakesur e
thatallhi shar dwor k,bui
l
dinghiscompanydoesn' t
got owast e,I'
m goingt ofi
ndthosepaper smy selfi
fI
hav etoo.

°
Minenhl
e°

MeandNqubekojustcamef
rom t
hedoctor
,helooks
l
esst
enseIdon'
tknowwhathedidbuti
t'
swor ki
ng
forhi
m..
.att
hemomentwear
ehav
ingl
unch,
I
'mj
ust
gladt
hathe'
seat
ing.

Hi
m: t
hedoctorsai
dyou'
l
lbewalki
nginnot
ime,
so
what'
sthefi
rstthi
ngwearedoi
ng?*smi
l
es*
Iwas
t
hinki
ngskydivi
ng.
Me:
youmustbeoutofy
ourmi
nd,
I
'm wayt
oyoung
t
odie.
Hi
m:*
laughs*
comeony
ouwon'
tdi
e.
Me:*
smil
ing*
Idon'
trememberthelastti
mey
ou
l
aughed,
you'
rei
nagr eatmoodtoday.
Him:*smi
les*Iam,I
'
m spendingmydaywi
tht
hemost
beauti
ful
ladyI'
veeverlai
dmyey est
oandwho
happenstobemi ne,
I'
m happy.
Me:
*bl
ushi
ng*
wowI
'
m gl
ady
ou'
rehappy
.
Him:nowthatIhav
emadey
oubl
ush,
maywegof
or
skydi
vingpl
ease?
Me:
no.
Iwantt
oaskhim abouttheprogressont
he
document
sbutI'
m afr
aidthathismoodwill
drop.

Him:please,
Ipr
omiseI'
ll
holdy
out
ight
lyt
omake
surethatnothi
nghappens.
Me:
mmm l
etmet
hinkabouti
t,uhno.
Hi
m:youar
enof
uny
ouknowt
hat
?*makesasad
f
ace*
Me:
*gi
ggl
i
ng*
youl
ookcut
ewheny
oumaket
hatf
ace.

Hef
rownsbutendsupsmi
l
ingmaki
ngmebl
ush.

Him:aboutKei
th,
whati
fonedayBuhl
edeci
desshe'
s
gonnalookforhi
m?Whatwilly
ouandyourpar
ent
s
do?
Me: Ial
way saskmy sel
fthatquesti
onwhenever
Keithsmi l
es,
inaspaceof2mont hswe'v
edeeply
fal
leninlovewi t
hhim...
.myparentsar
egetti
ngthe
exper i
encethattheynevergotwit
hme,it
'spr
icel
ess
andamazing..
.bet
weenthethreeofusmom wi l
lbe
themostbrokenpersoni
fBuhl esomedayshowsup
wantingKei
th.Toansweryourquesti
on,
wedonot
knowwhatwe' l
ldobutmyf i
rstopti
onwouldbe
taki
nghertocourt.

Hetakesbot
hmyhandst
ohi
sandl
ooksatmewi
th
asmile.

Hi
m:i
fthatdayev
ercomesI
'
llbe100%behi
ndy
oual
l
t
heway.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
comeher
e.

Hechucklesandleanf
orakiss,
Iclosemyeyesas
ourli
pscoll
ideandenj
oythemomentIwi shnev
er
ends.
..
.af
terafewsecondshebreakstheki
ss.

Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
e.
Si
mphi
we°

I'
m backatNqu' smom' shouseandy esshe'sst i
ll
in
thekitchen,
Iwonderifshedoesn' thav ef
ri
endsora
familywhoshoul dbewor riedaboutherorat l
east
havecamet ocheckuponher .
...
anywayI'm atthe
surveil
lancesystem r
oom, togetinher et
herewasa
codeneededar eal
lyhardcodesoIdoubtt hatthe
personwhoki l
ledhercr ackeditorelseIwoul dhave
foundt hedoorunlocked(thedoortot hesurveil
l
ance
system room).

Okaywher
edoIst
art
?Ohwai
tletmestar
tonthe
daymyuncl
edi
ed,
godIpr
ayt
hatIfi
ndsomethi
ng.

Well
hereitgoes#cam10shecomesincarry
ingthe
sameenvelopemyuncl
ewascarryi
ng,sheopensit
andsmil
ebr i
ght
lyt
henwalkwi
thtothekit
chen.

Iswi
tcht
o#cam12,
wai
twhot
hehecki
she?He
shootsherthemomentsheent erst
hekitchenand
takestheenvel
ope,hefi
rstchecksi
tinsi
deand
smilesthenwalkoutt
hroughthekit
chendoor
wear i
nghishoodi
e.

Irepeat#cam12agai n,
I
'm pr
ett
ysuret
hatI'
veseen
thi
sguybef orebutthequest
ionremai
ns,
whois
he?andwher edidIoncesawhim?

°
Minenhl
e°

Ihadawonder
ful
dayt
oday
,Iwi
shIcoul
dspendi
tal
l
overagai
n.

Mom:
wel
lKei
thi
sal
lyour
sfort
heni
ght
.
Me:
butI
..
Her
:nobut
s,goodni
ghtl
ovey
ouguy
s.
Sheki
ssesbot
hourcheeksandwalksout
,Ishake
myheadwithasmi
leplast
eredonmyface.
Me:wel
ll
it
tl
eguy,i
t'
sjusty
ouandmet
odaypl
ease
sl
eeppeacef
ull
yokay.
Hej ustsmi l
esatme..okayIthi
nkIwillnotbe
sleepingany t
imesoon.Myphonef l
ashesindi
cat
ing
amessage, Ir
eachforitandreadthemessagealong
withtheMMSwhi chleavesme..
.Idonotknowhow
toexpl ai
nthewayI '
mf eeli
ngri
ghtnow. .
.t
he
messager eadsli
kethis:
-

"Minenhlehowar eyou?Hopey ou'

redoi nggreat
,so
tocuttot hechaseIhaveyourboy fr
iend's
document sast heMMSbel owshows.I 'v
ebeen
thi
nking,t
heycanmakemer eall
yweal thybuthaving
youcoul dbemor eworthit
..
.soifyour eal
lywantme
totakethepaper sback,
you'
regoingt obreakupwi t
h
him..
.I'
l
lwaitpati
entl
yforyourresponse"
Whot
hehecki
sthi
s?
~i
nser
t54~
°
Minenhl
e°

Itr
ycall
i
ngt
henumberbuti
tsay
sthati
tdoesn'
t
exi
st.

"
Ohy ouguysaresti
l
lawake"
-say
sdadpeepi
ng
t
hroughthedoor.

Il
ookatKei
thwho'
sst
il
lawake.

Dad:
*wal
ki
ngin*
arey
ouokay
?Youl
ookl
i
key
ouj
ust
sawaghost
.
Me:
*ai
ghi
ng*
I.
..

Igetdi
sturbedbymyphonefl
ashi
ngagain,
this
messagecomesf r
om adif
fer
entnumberitreads
l
ikethi
s:-
L"Don'tbot hertryi
ngt ocal
lmesweet heartI'
m
unreachabl e,I
'l
lbet heonecont acti
ngy ouohI
al
mostf orgot..
.don'tyoudaretellanyoneaboutthi
s
orelsethatNqubekoofy ourswi l
ldiejustli
kehi
s
mot her.
..nowsl eept i
ghtpr
incess,sweetdr eams "

Nqubeko'
smom i
sdead?
?

Dad:
honeywhat
'swr
ong?who'
sthat
?
Me:
uhm uhnoonej
ustadi
stur
bingt
extf
rom
Nt
okozo.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
ohsohowwasy
ourday
?
Me:
i
twasgood.
Hi
m:j
ustgood?
*rai
seshi
sey
ebr
ow*

Ihadawonder
fuldaybutnowIcan'
tbehappyabout
i
t,
Ican'
tev
enfakeasmi l
e.
Me:
i
twasgr
eat
.
Hi
m:*
frowns*
okaywhatdi
dhedo?
Me:
who?
Hi
m:Nqubeko,
whatdi
dhedo?Youhaven'
tsmi
l
ed
ev
enonce,
somethi
ngisdef
ini
tel
yup.
Me:hedidn'
tdoanyt
hing,
I
'mj
ustt
hinki
ngabouthi
m
andhiscompany.
Him:
ohsohet
oldy
out
hathe'
sgi
vi
nguponhi
s
company
?
Me:
he'
swhat
!?
Hi
m:wai
thedi
dn'
ttel
lyou?
Me:
no,
howcanhej
ustgi
veup?
Him:he'ssti
llt
ryi
ngtoconvi
ncehimselft
hathe'
s
gi
vingupbutwheni tactual
l
ysinksinhewon't
cope,hejustneedssomemot i
vati
on.
Me:
whywouldhewantt
ogi
veuponsomet
hinghe
wor
kedhar
dfor?
Hi
m: okayl
etmet el
lyousomethi
ngthatev
enyour
motherdoesn'
tknow*sighs*
Nqubeko'
smotheri
s
dead.
Me:
*act
ingsur
pri
sed*
what
?
Him: y
eah,
whent hepaperswerestolenwefoundout
thatSimphiwe'
suncletookthem sowewentt oget
them backonlytofi
ndhimlyingdeadi napoolof
bloodandthepaperswer egone,
ittookus2mont hs
tofindoutthatNqubeko'
smom ist heonewhokilled
him andtookthepapers.
.
Me:
butwhywoul
dshet
aket
hepaper
s?
Him:t
hatwhatwewantedtofi
ndoutwhenwewent
toherhouse2daysagobutwhenwegott her
ewe
foundheral
sodeadandIthi
nkshedied2mont hs
agocauseherent
ir
ehousesti
nksrealbad.
Me:
whoki
l
ledher
?
Him:wedon'tknowandt hat
'swhyNqubekoisgi
vi
ng
up,
becausehe'safr
aidthatoneofusmightendup
dyi
ngsinceitseemslikewealwaysfi
nddeadbodies
i
nsteadofthepapers.

Kei
thcr
iesl
owl
y,
Ithi
nkhe'
ssl
eepy
.
Me:
wel
lthel
i
ttl
eguywant
sust
osl
eepnow.

Mydadl ooksatmeforaveryl
ongtimebef
ore
standi
ngupandkissesourfor
eheadst
henwalkst
o
thedoor,
hestopswit
hhisbackfaci
ngme.

Hi
m:Mi
nenhl
e.
Me:
Dad.
Hi
m:y
ouwoul
dn'
thi
deany
thi
ngf
rom mer
ight
?

Mymouthdr
iesuplikeaSahar
aDeser
t,
wor
dsget
s
st
uckonmythroat
.

Him:Icanseet hatt
here'
ssomet
hingy ou'
r enot
t
ell
ingme, Iknowy ouyou'
remychildyeahIwasn' t
t
herewheny ougrewupbutIknowy ou..
.soI'm goi
ng
t
oaskagai n,youwouldn'
thi
deanythi
ngf rom me
r
ight?
It
akeKei
tht
omyar
ms,
rocki
nghi
m backandf
ort
h.

Hi
m:ar
eyougoi
ngt
oanswerme?
Me:
whati
f,
whati
f.
..
Hi
m:okayy
ouknowwhat
?Got
osl
eep.

Hewal ksoutclosingthedoorbehindhim,Icould
hearthehurti
nhi sv oi
cewhichslowlybreaksmy
heart
.Iconti
nuer ockingKei
tht i
l
lhefall
sasleep,I
thenplacehim ont hebedandsl i
detomy
wheelchai
rnextt othebed..
.Ipushitoutoftheroom
tothei
rroom,Isighbef or
eknocking.

Heopenst
hedoor
,Icanseet
hehur
tonhi
sface.

Hi
m:It
ho.
..
Me:
whati
fIhav
enochoi
cebutt
ohi
desomet
hing
f
rom y
ou?
Hest
epsoutcl
osi
ngt
hedoor
.

Hi
m:what
?
Me:
whatifhi
dingsomet
hingfr
om y
oui
stheonl
y
wayIcoul
dsavesomeone'sl
i
fe?
Hi
m:Mi
nenhl
ew.
.
Me:youknowthatIdon'
tli
kehi
dingt
hingsf
rom
you,
sowhatifIdon'
thaveachoi
ce?

Hesighsandgoesar oundmethenpushesmy
wheelchai
rtothedi
nningroom,heswitchesont
he
l
ightt
hengr absachairt
ositi
nfrontofme.

Him:li
sten,ever
yonehasachoi ce,
youalwayshavea
choiceIt'
sy ourl
ifeyoudon'tneedsomeone's
permissiont ol
ivetheli
feyouwant.Bebravetoli
ve
fr
om y ourheartsowhatI '
mt ry
ingtosayi
sy ou
makey ourownchoi cesandhowcany ousav e
someoneebysay ingnothi
ng?
Me:i
nthi
scaseI
'
llbesav
ingsomeonebysay
ing
not
hing.
Hi
m:t
hent
hatmeanst
her
e'sapr
icey
ou'
repay
ing.
Me:
asl
..
Him:wearenotjustf
atheranddaught err
ight?We
areal
sofri
ends,sotell
mewhat '
sgoingont henwe'
l
l
helpwhoevert
hispersonistogether
.
Me:
whati
f.
.
Hi
m:whati
fthi
spersondi
esev
eni
fyoust
il
lhi
de
what
everi
tisf
rom me?
Me:
Idi
dn'
tthi
nkaboutt
hat
.
Hi
m:nowtel
lmewhat
'sgoi
ngon?I
sitZamoor
Nt
okozo?

Iunlockmyphoneandhanditt
ohi
m, heshi
ft
shi
s
focustoit
..
Isoonseev
einsi
nhisf
orehead,
he
standsupandpacesupanddown.

Hi
m:howcoul
dyounott
ell
meaboutt
his?Uh?Do
y
ouunder
standhowser
ioust
hisi
s?
Me:
I.
..
Hi
m:whati
fthispersonki
dnapsy
ou?Wher
ewoul
d
west
artl
ookingforyou?
Me:
I.
.
Him:Igett
hatyoul
oveNqubeko,
butdoesi
tmean
youshouldgi
veawayyour
selft
osomeoney oudon'
t
know?

Hegiv
esmebackmyphoneandwal kstothei
rroom
l
eavi
ngmehereal
lalone,
Ihav
eneverseenhimthis
mad.
..
anot
hermessagecomesin.
..
:-

"Didn'
tItel
lyounottotell
any oneaboutthi
s?You'r
e
notav erygoodli
stenerareyou?Welltoshowy ou
thatIwasn'tbl
uff
ing,I
'
m goingtopayy ourboy
fri
end
av isi
t"

Nonono.
Me:
DAD!
!DAD!
!

#Nar
rat
ed

Simphiwefi
nall
ygetsdonecopy i
ngt hefootagest o
hisUSBwhichhe'sgladthathecamewi thit.He
standsupandchecksifeveryt
hingisthewayi twas
thenwalksoutl
ocki
ngt hesurvei
ll
ancesy stem room
andheadsdownstair
swher eheget stheshockof
hisli
feseei
ngsomeoneseat edonthechai rfreel
y
whiledri
nki
ngsomewi ne.

Guy
:*smi
rks*
alr
eadyony
ourwayout
?
Si
m:ho.
.w.
.
Guy:Icoul
dn'
thackintothatr
oom butitseemsli
ke
youdidwhichmeansy ousawt hingsyoushoul
dn'
t
haveseenandI'm afr
aidIcan'
tletyouexposemy
part
ner.
Simphi
werunshiseyesar
oundt
ryi
ngt
ofi
gur
ehow
he'
sgonnagetout.

Guy
:don'
tev
ent
hinkabouti
t.
Si
m:orel
sewhat
?
Guy
:runandy
ou'
l
lsee.

Theguypi
cksupt hewinebott
letoref
il
lhis
gl
ass,
Simphi
weseest hatasanopportunit
ytorun
butt
heguyquickl
ytakesouthisgunandshoot s
Si
mphiweonhisleg,hefal
l
sdowngr oaninginpai
n.

Si
m:*
groans*
fuck,
arey
ououtofy
ourmi
nd?
Guy
:*chuckles*
Iwarnedy
oudidn'
tI?Letmef
ini
sh
mywinet henwe'l
lgoonali
tt
levacat
ion.
.
Meanwhi
l
eMinenhl
ekeepscall
ingNqubekowho
i
sn'
tpi
cki
nguphisphonedr
ivi
nghercrazy.
~i
nser
t55~

°
Nqubeko°

Ihearsomeonecl
ear
ingt
hei
rthr
oat
.

"
MrGabuza"

Am Idr
eami
ng?Whyi
sev
ery
thi
ngsodar
k?

"
MrGabuzaSi
r"

Me:
mmmh

Isl
owl
yopenmyey
esr
aisi
ngmyhead.

"
Sirar
eyouokay
?Shoul
dIcal
lanambul
ance"
Me:
*yawni
ng*
mmm noI
'
m good.

GodIt
hinkIf
ell
asl
eepi
nmyof
fi
cel
astni
ght
.

MyP.
A:di
dyousl
eepher
e?
Me:
seemsl
i
kei
t.
Her
:shoul
dImakey
oucof
feeort
ea?
Me:no*standi
ngup*
Ihav
etorushhometobathand
change,howmanymeeti
ngsdoIhavet
oday?
Her:
youhavemorethan8meet
ingsSirespeci
all
y
si
nceyou'
vebeencancel
i
ngandpostponingyour
meeti
ngs.
Me:
okaywe'
l
lseewhatwecandowhenIcomeback.
Her
:okay
.

Igr
abmycarkeysandmyphone,somanymissed
cal
l
sgod.Ii
mmediatel
ycal
lEnhl
ewhil
ewalki
ngout
oft
hebui
ldi
ng.
//
Her
:Nqubekoi
sthaty
ou?
Me:
yeahi
t'
sme,
whyi
syourv
oicef
il
ledwi
thpani
ck?
Her
:*si
ghsi
nrel
i
ef*
oht
hankgod.
Me:
babewhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Her
:pl
easecomeov
ersoIcanexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ng.
Me:
okaygi
vemeanhour
.
Her
:okayi
lov
eyou.
Me:
andIl
ovey
oumor
e.
Her
:i
mpossi
ble.
Me:*
chuckl
i
ng*
don'twor
rymyact
ionswi
l
lspeak
l
oudert
hanwords.
Her
:I
'l
lseey
ousoon.
Me:Icant
ell
thaty
ou'
rebl
ushi
ng*
smi
l
ing*
I'
ll
seey
ou
soon.

/
/
Idr
opthecal
lent
eri
ngthecar
,wei
rdSimphi
wedidn'
t
cal
lmeatall
healwayscal
lwhenIdon'
tgethomein
t
ime.
..
.Iknowi
t'
swei
rdr
ightbutI
'
m usedt
oit
.
.
Igethomeandgost rai
ghttomyroom t
hentakea
shower,
Ithi
nkmay beSi
mphi wei
ssti
l
lasleepthat
oneisaheavysleeperI
'
mt heonewhousually
wakeshim up.
Aftertakingashowerandchangi ngIgot ohisroom
andnotf indhi m whichi
soddcausehi sroom l
ooks
exactl
yt hewayIl eftity
esterday,It
akeoutmy
phoneandcal l
him buti
ttakesmest raightt
o
voicemai l
..
..Idon'tknowifi
t'
st oosoonbutI'm
alr
eadypani cki
ng.

#Nar
rar
ed

TheWeiszf
inal
l
ylandinDur
ban,t
heytakeanuber
st
rai
ghttot
hehotelt
heybookedovert
hephone.

Hei
de:
*i
nhal
esdeepl
y*mmmm I
'
mlov
ingt
hesea
br
eezeoft
hispl
ace.
Matt
eo:r
eall
y?Thennextti
mewecancomeback
wi
ththekids,i
twi
llbeafamil
yvacat
ion.
Her
:*smi
l
es*
Iwoul
dlov
ethat
.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
any
thi
ngf
ory
oul
ove.
Her
:*bl
ushes*
sowher
etof
rom her
e?
Him:*
shrugs*
Ihavenoideaespeci
all
ysi
nceIst
il
l
can'
tgetBeeonthephone.
Her:
ther
e'sgot
tabesomewher
ewecanst
art
,I
al
readymissmybabies.
Him:*chuckl
es*y
ou'
vebeensayi
ngthatsi
nceweleft
It
aly
,anywayIthi
nkIknowsomeonewhomi ght
knowBuhl el
etmecheckifIst
il
lhav
ehiscontact
.

Het
akesouthi
sphonegoi
ngt
hroughhi
scont
actl
i
st.

°
Minenhl
e°

Nqu:
Whot
hef
ucki
sthi
s??
Me:
Ial
sohav
enoi
dea.
Him:soi
fIwasinmyhousetheent
irenightIwould
bedeadaswespeak?WaitSimphi
we,Ican'tgethi
m
onthephoneandohnowhatifwhoeverthispsycho
i
sdidsomethi
ngtohi
m.
Me:
Simphi
wei
smi
ssi
ng?
?
Hi
m:I
'
m notsur
eyetbuti
t'
spossi
ble.
Me:
may
beweshoul
dnowi
nvol
vet
hepol
i
ce.
Him:andhowwillweexpl
ainthet
wodeadbodi
es?
Theywouldneverbel
i
evethatwedidn'
tkil
l
them,wher
e'sy
ourdadmay behecanhelp.
Me:
he'
sinhi
sst
udy
,he'
ski
ndanott
alki
ngt
ome.
Hi
m:di
dyoudosomet
hing?
Me:
sor
ta,
I
'l
ltel
lyoul
ater
.
Him:okayI
'
llseey oubef
oreIgoandthanky
oufor
showingmet hi
s,Iwil
lmakesur
ethatnoonehur
ts
youinanyway .
Me:
*bl
ushi
ng*
Itr
usty
ou.
Hebabyki
ssesmeandwalkst
owar
dsthepassage.I
f
ocusonmyphonechat
ti
ngwithNt
okozoandZamo.

"Yourdadtol
dmeev er
ythi
ng"-
mom sayswal
ki
ngin
theloungecar
ryi
ngKei
th.Isi
ghpl
acingmyphone
aside.

Her
:Iunder
standwhyyoudidn'
twantt
otel
lhi
m,y
ou
t
houghtyouwereprot
ecti
ngNqubeko.
Me:
Icannol
ongert
aket
hesi
l
entt
reat
ment
.
Her:
don'tworr
yhe'l
lcooldown,he'sj
ustthi
nki
ngof
whathewoul ddoifhelosesyouhe'snotmador
any
thinghejustdoesn'
twanttol oseyouagai
nwe
bot
hdon' twantt
hat.
Me:
Ipr
omi
set
onothesi
tat
enextt
ime.
Her
:*smi
l
es*
Iknowy
ouwon'
t
,sohowar
eyourl
egs?
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
ther
e'spr
ogr
essev
eryday
.
Her
:you'
l
lbewal
ki
ngi
nnot
ime.
Me:
Ican'
twai
t.
°
Nqubeko°

Zac:
l
etmet r
ytr
acki
nghi
snumbert
oat
leastgethi
s
l
astl
ocat
ion.
Me:
alr
ight
.

Hegetsbusywi
tht
hecomput
erf
oracoupl
eof
minut
es.

Hi
m:wel
lthi
sisst
range.
Me:
what
?Whatdoy
ouf
ind?
Him:i
tsay
sher
ehi
slastl
ocat
ionwasaty
ourmom'
s
house.
Me:
whywoul
dhegobackt
her
e?
Him:
beatsme,I
'm get
ti
ngti
redofr
unninginci
rcl
es
l
iket
his.
..
wereall
yneedtofi
ndthepaperstof
ini
sh
t
hisonceandforall
.
WehearMinenhl
escreaming,wedon'
task
quest
ionswerunoutgoi
ngt oher
.

Zac:
honeywhat
'swr
ong?

Shehandsherphonet
ohi
m wi
thherhands
tr
embli
ng.

Zac:
*shocked*
hol
ychr
ist
.
Me:
what
'swr
ong?

Hehandsmethephonewi t
houtevenlooki
ngatme,I
f
eelmybloodboil
i
ngandmysoul l
eavingmybodyat
t
hesamet i
me..
..
it
'sapi
ctur
eofSi mphiwebeat
enup
t
oalmostapumpandacapt ionthatsays:
-

"
Thi
sisonl
ythebegi
nni
ng"
Zac:
thi
sisget
ti
ngwor
se,
thi
sisgoi
ngwayt
ofar
.
Me:whowoul
ddosuchat
hingt
oanot
herhuman
bei
ng.

Ican'tseem t
omov emyeyesawayfrom t
he
screen,t
hisi
swhatIwasafrai
dof.Myphoneri
ngsi
n
mypocketIt akei
toutandansweri
t//

Me:
hel
l
o.

"Si
ryourfi
rstmeet
ingst
art
sin3mi
nut
es,
howf
ar
areyou?"

Il
ongf
orgotaboutt
hatdeargod.

°
Simphi
we°

Ihav
efel
tpai
nbef
orei
nmyl
i
febuti
t'
snot
compar
edt
owhatI
'
mfeel
i
ngnow.

"
Wel
lwel
lwel
l
,Mrt
oughguyhowar
eyou?
"

Il
ookathi
m wi
thmyhal
fcl
osedey
e.

Him:yerrtheymessedyouup,
Iwastol
daboutt
he
stuntyoupulled.
..
anywayr
emembermeorshouldI
rei
ntroducemy sel
f?

Ij
ustl
ookathi
m noti
nter
est
ingi
nwhathe'
ssay
ing.

Hi
m:It
hinkIshoul
d,t
henamei
sZed.
Me:
youwon'
tgetawaywi
tht
his.

I
'
m notsur
eifhehear
dmecauseIcanhar
dlyopen
mymouth.
Him:*smi
rks*
incaseyouhav
en'
tnot
iced,
I'
m al
ready
gett
ingawaywit
hit.

Thepai
nonmyl egi
sget
ti
ngworsey
err
r,
ohandher
e
comestheper
sonwhoshotme.

Zed:
ohandIbel
ievethatyouhaveal
readymetmy
part
nerher
eQhubekanibutyouknowhim asQue.

IfIgetoutofher
eal
i
veQuebet
terbedeadorel
seI
'
ll
kil
lhim mysel
f.
~i
nser
t56~

°
Nqubeko°

I
'
vebeenpaci
ngupanddownf
ort
hepast2hour
s.

Me:
Wher
ethehel
li
she!
???
Zac:
woahwoahcal
m down.
Me:HowcanI?Thispersonisnolongerjustaf
termy
companybutaft
erMinenhleandatthemomenthe
hasSimphi
wesohowcanIcal m down!!Wherethe
fucki
sQue??!
!!
Stone:
hejustt
ext
edme,
hesay
she'
s3mi
nut
es
awayfrom her
e.

IswearIam losi
ngmymi nd.Whati ft
hisper
son
comesf orMinenhl
et oo?IpraythatSi
mphiwe
forgi
vesmef orputt
inghimt hr
oughallofthi
sand
forthatt
helordprot
ect shi
m.
Af
terf
ewmi
nut
esQuewal
ksi
n.

Me:
dudewe'
vebeenwai
ti
ngf
ory
ouf
or2hour
s.
Que:sor
ryIwentt
ocheckonmymot
hershe'
snot
feel
i
ngwel l
.
Stone:
dudeI'v
eknowny ouforl
ike7yearsandIdo
notknowy ourmother
,Ihavet
omeether
someday..
.hopef
ull
ythatdayyouwon'tmake
excuses.
Zac:
okaycanwecomebacktot
hatl
ater
?Att
he
momentweneedtofi
ndSimphi
we.
Que:
Simphi
we?Fi
ndhi
minwhatway
?

Zacstartsfi
lli
nghiminandIdon'
tknowifI'
m
str
essingtoomuchorwhatbutt her
e'st
hisbadaur
a
andvibeI'm gett
ingf
rom hi
m.

Que:
wai
tsoSi
mphi
wewentbackt
othehouse?
Zac:
seemsl
i
kei
t,
nowcany
out
ryt
raci
ngt
his
number
?
Que:Idoubtt
hatIcancausethi
spersonkeeps
changi
ngthem,heismakingsur
ethatwedon'tget
hi
m.
St
one:*
cusses*
sowhatdowedo?Wher
edowe
st
art
?
Que:
youknowI
'm abi
tconf
usedher
e,whydi
d
Si
mphiwegobacktot
hathouse?
Me:
whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay
?
Que:
*clear
shi
sthr
oat*whati
fhe'snotr
eall
ymissi
ng?
Whatifhewasworki
ngwithhisuncl
eallal
ong?
Whatif.
..
.
Me:nostop*brushingmyf or
ehead*
Itrusthi
m andI
knowthathe'smi ssingsowearegoingtofi
ndhim
andthepersonbehi ndthi
s.
Que:
okayifyousayyoutr
usthi
mthenIwon'
tsay
anyt
hingbutthi
nkabouti
t,
sohowarey
ouplanni
ng
onfi
ndinghim?
St
one:
yeahImeanwear
eal
loutofi
deas.
Me:
Ithi
nkmydadmi
ghthel
p.
#Nar
rat
ed.

Zac:
yourdad?How?
Nqu:
Idon'
tknowbutIknowt
hathecan.
St
one:
i
shesomesor
tofspeci
alopsagent
?
Nqu:
notexact
ly.
Que:comeonNqubekoarey oureall
ysurethathe
canhelpus?I
fthi
spersonhashi ghconnecti
ons
thenIknowhi
m sowhat '
syourdad'sname?
Nqu:
Ben,
Benj
ami
nGabuza.

Queal
mostchokesonhi
ssal
i
va.

St
one:
*shocked*
Ben?Beni
syourf
ather
?
Zac&Nqu:
youknowhi
m?
Stone:
yeahIdoandIguesst
heski
l
lsy
ouhav
e,y
ou
getthem f
rom hi
m?
Nqu:
Ihav
enoi
deawhaty
ouar
etal
ki
ngabout
.
Zac:
yeahwhatareyoutal
ki
ngaboutcauseIknow
Ben,
he'
sabusinessman.
Stone:
*chuckl
es*
nev
ermi
ndsowhatar
eyouwai
ti
ng
forcal
lhim.
Nqu:
Que.
Que:
**si
l
ence*
*
Nqu:
Que!
!
Que:
*snapsoutofi
t*
yeahy
eah.
Nqu:what'
sup?Itseemsl
i
key
ou'
vej
ustseena
ghost.
..
areyouokay?
Que:
yeahy
eahI
'
mfi
ne,
Ihav
etomakeaqui
ckcal
l
.
Nqu:
mmmhokay
,l
etmecal
ldad.

Quewalksoutoft
hestudyt
othebathr
oom,
hefi
rst
checksi
fnooneisar
oundandthenmakesacal
lto
Zedwhoanswersaft
erafewri
ngs//

Zed:
tal
ktome.
Que:
weneedt
ofi
nisht
his.
Zed:
what
?Why
?
Que:
everhear
doft
heDar
kHawk(
D.H)
?
Zed:
yeahbutI
'
venev
erseenhi
m,why
?
Que:
he'
sNqubeko'sf
atherandwhenheget
sher
e
he'
sgonnabustuswit
hin24hours.
Zed:
fuck!Uhhwhatshoul
dwedonow?
Que:IsaytakeMinenhl
eandgett
hehel
loutoft
he
countryandIwil
lalsodot
hesame.
Zed:
What?Whataboutt
hisSi
mphi
weguy
?Ort
he
company
?
Que:f
orgett
hecompanyj
eez,
andjustki
l
lSi
mphi
we
causeheknowsussothat
'sr
isky
.
Zed:butthereasonwhyIwantMi nenhleisIwant
sharesofherpar ent'
scompanyandhav ethesame
respecttheyhavey ouknowIwantev er
ythi
ngthey
have..
..
andy eahshei sbeaut
if
ulbutIonl
ywantto
smashhernot hi
ngmor e.
Que:
what
?Dudey
oudi
dn'
ttel
lmeal
loft
hiswhen
wef
ir
stt
alked.
Zed:
ther
ewasnoneedsomypoi
nti
showwi
l
l
l
eavi
ngthecount
ryhel
pme?
Que:
itwi
l
lsav
eyourasscauseD.
Hwon'
tspar
eyour
ass.
Zed:wai
tifD.
HisNqubeko'
sfatherthenwhydi dn'
t
Nqubekogotohiminthefi
rstplace?Itdoesn'
tmake
sense.
Que:
youact
ual
l
yhav
eapoi
ntt
her
e.
Zed:
maybeNqubekoi
salr
eadysuspect
ingy
ouand
onl
ysai
dthatt
oseeyourr
eacti
on.
Que:
butwhati
fyou'
rewr
ong?
Zed:l
ookI'
m goi
ngt
osendanot hermessageto
Minenhl
eanddonotinfectt
hecard,
youaregoingt
o
tr
aceitt
oearnNqubeko'str
ust
...
att
hemomentIwi l
l
mov eSi
mphiwe.
Que:
*si
ghs*
okayandIpr
ayt
haty
ou'
rer
ight
.
Zed:
chi
l
lwoul
dyou,
Igot
tago.
Hedr opst
hecal
landQuefl
ushest
hetoi
l
etjustsoi
t
canlookli
kehewasbusyi
ntheret
henhegoesback
totheguys.

Nqu:
arey
oudonewi
thy
ourcal
l
?Wasi
tyourmot
her
?
Que:noitwasn'
therandthecall
didn'
ttaket
hat
muchl ongIwasjusti
nthebathroom,
sowhatdid
yourdadsay?
Nqu:he'
sabitti
ckedofft
hatIdi
dn'tt
ell
him when
t
hisentir
ethi
ngstart
edbuthe'
ll
flydowntomorrow
morning.
Que:
wher
eishe?
Nqu:
Jo'
bur
g.
Que:whydi
dn'
tyouaskf
orhi
shel
pint
hef
ir
stpl
ace
vel
e?
Nqu:i
t'
salongst
ory
*si
ghs*
I'
m gonnat
akeawal
k
excuseme.

Hewal
ksout
.
#Meanwhi
l
e

MatteoandHeidewaitpat
ient
lyf
orsomeonet
o
openthedoor
,andsoonBuhle'
smom opensupthe
door
.

Her
:uhm hi
.
Mat:
himam uhm Idon'tknowifweareintheri
ght
pl
aceisthi
stheNgul..
.*cl
ear
shisthr
oat*f
orgi
vemeI
don'
tknowhowtopr onouncethi
ssurname.
Her
:*smi
l
es*
thi
sist
heNgqul
ungahousehol
d.
Mat
:*smil
es*y
esj
ustexact
lywher
eweneed,
doy
ou
mi
ndi fwecomei
n?
Her
:nonotatal
lpl
easecomei
n.
Mat
:t
hanky
ou.

Theyallwal
kinsi
deandheadt ot
heloungebut
befor
etheycouldsayany
thingBuhl
e'smom goest
o
theki
tchenandmakesajuiceandtakesoutt
he
muf
fi
nst
hatsher
ecent
lybakedt
hent
akesi
ttot
hem.

Hei
de:
*smi
l
es*
ohy
oudi
dn'
thav
etoo.
Her
:ohyou'
rev
isi
tor
sandt
hesuni
sbl
azi
nghot
out
side.
Hei
de:
andy
ourmuf
fi
nsdol
ookt
empt
ing*
smi
l
es*
Her
:sohowcanIhel
pyou?
Mat:
fi
rst
lyI
'
m MatteoWeiszandt
hisi
smywi
fe
Hei
dewear ef
rom It
aly
.

Hersmi
l
edi
sappear
s.

Mat
:wear
elooki
ngf
orBeea.
..
Her
:*conf
used*
Bee?Who'
sthat
?
Mat:
Ial
sodon'
tknowhowt
opr
onouncehernamei
t
spel
l
sasB.U.
H.L.
E.
Her
:Buhl
e?
Mat
:yeah.
Her
:oww.
Mat
:doy
ouper
hapsknowhermam?
Her
:yeahshe'
smydaught
er.
Mat:*smil
es*y
ourdaughtercal
ledme2mont hsago
tel
li
ngmet hatshehadjustgiv
enbirt
htomy
baby,
shenevertoldmethatshewaspr egnantsoI'
m
heretoconfi
rmifitr
eal
lyismychildsoIcando
ri
ghtwithmychild.
Her:
*si
ghs*
shelastcal
l
edmeont hedaythechil
d
wasbornaft
erIhadlef
tthehospi
tal
tel
l
ingmet hat
shewil
lbemovingtoCapeTownandIhav en'
thear
d
fr
om hersi
nce.
Mat
:doy
ouknowwher
einCapeTowni
sshe?
Her
:Ihav
enoi
dea.

°
Minenhl
e°

Si
mphiwe'
sblood,
swol
lenupfacewon'
tseem t
oget
outofmymindandIcan'
tseem t
othi
nkwhowould
dosuchat
hing.

"
Pennyoft
hought
s"

Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
yeah.

Hesi
ghstooandsi
tsnextt
ome,
I
'mi
nthepor
chby
t
heway.

Nqu:
Iknowthaty
oumustbeabi tt
raumati
zedby
whatyousawandIwouldn'
tbl
amey oubutdon'
t
worr
ywe'l
lfi
ndhi
m babe.
Me:
may
beIshoul
daccepthi
spr
oposal
,ma.
..
Hi
m:ar
eyououtofy
ourmi
nd?Ar
eyoul
osi
ngi
t?
Me:babeSi
mphiwemi
ghtdi
eandy
oumi
ghtl
ose
yourcompanys.
..
.
Him:*
fuming*Shutupokayy
ouarenotaccept
ing
anyt
hing,
overmydeadbodyMinenhl
edoy ouhear
me?Overmyfuckendeadbody.You'
retheonewho
oncet
oldmenottoplaygodsodon'tyoudare.

Il
ookathi
sfumi
ngf
aceandendupsmi
l
ing.

Hi
m:Mi
nenhl
eI'
m notj
oki
ng.
Me:Iknowitjustt
haty
our
eal
l
ydol
ookcut
ewhen
you'
reangr
y .

Helooksatmei
ndi
sbel
i
efandendsupsi
ghi
ngi
n
sur
render
.
Hi
m:y
ou'
redr
aini
ngy
ouknow?
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Hechuckl
esget
ti
ngcl
osert
omeandt
akesmet
o
hi
sarms.

Hi
m:Imeani
tbabeIdon'
twantt
olosey
ou.
Me:
*exhal
es*
okayIunder
stand,
justf
indSi
mphi
we.
Hi
m:Iwon'
trestt
il
lIf
indhim andtheper
sonbehi
nd
t
his,
promi
semey ouwon'taccepti
t.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
Ipr
omi
se.
Hi
m:*
exhal
es*
Ilov
eyouokay
?
Me:
andIl
ovey
ou.

.
~i
nser
t57~

°
Nqubeko°

Dad:
Idon'tunder
standwhyIwasonl
ytol
daboutt
his
yest
erday
.
Me:
doy
our
eal
l
ywannagodownt
hatr
oad?
Him:
IgetthatI
'
veputyout
hroughshi
tbutyoual
so
knowthatIwantust
ofixt
hingspl
usyou'
remyson.
Me:
*si
ghing*
okay
,dof
orgi
veme.
..
nowcanwef
ocus
onget
ti
ngSimphi
weback.

Minenhl
e'
sphonev
ibr
atef
rom mypocket
,It
akei
t
out.

Me:
thi
sguyj
ustsentanot
hermessage.
Zac:
whatdoesi
tsay
?
Me:
thatweshoul
dst
opwast
ingt
imecausewe
won'
tfi
ndhi
m.
Que:
l
etmet
ryt
otr
acehi
m.
Me:how?Yousai
dsoy our
sel
fthatt
raci
nghi
mis
usel
esssowhat'
stheuse?
Que:
may
bew.
.
Dad:
sor
ryt
odi
stur
byoubutwhoar
eyou?
Que:
I'
m Que.
Dad:
j
ustQue?Ar
eyouNqubeko'
sfr
iendor
?
Que:
noI
'
mjustacomput
erguy
.
Dad:
ohhsoy ou'
ret
heonewhosaidt
raci
ngt
hisguy
i
suseless?Whydoy out
hinky
ou'
l
lbeabl
etotr
ace
hi
m now?
Que:
nott
hatI
'
llbeabl
etodosoIj
ustwannat
ry.
Dad:
ohkNqubekohandhi
mthephone.

IhandQuet
hephone,
ifhet
r acest
hatnumberthen
somethi
ngi
sdef
ini
tel
yup..
.Inolongert
rusthi
m.
★Af
teraFewMi
nut
es★

Que:
gothi
m.
St
one:
real
l
y,gr
eatt
henl
et'
smov
e.

Meanddadlookateachot
herwi
thal
ookt
hatsay
s
al
otofwor
ds.

Me:
arey
ousur
e?
Que:
yeahandi
t'
s2hour
sawayf
rom her
e.
St
one:
whatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
orl
et'
sgo.

Bot
hSt
oneandQueexi
ttheof
fi
cef
ir
st.

Zac:
somet
hingdoesn'
taddupher
e.
Dad:
youtookthewor dsrightoutofmymouth,
I
knowthatIj
ustmethi m andit'
ssti
ll
tooear
lyt
o
j
udgebutIdon'tt
rusthim. .
Imeanwhyisheablet
o
t
racet
heguynow?
Me:t
heguy '
smessagewas" st
opwast i
ngti
mecause
youwon'tfi
ndme"i tl
ikeheknowswhatwear eupt
o
andisitacoincidencethatt
hedurationtogetto
wheretheguyi s,
isthesamedur at
ionhetooktoget
her
ey est
erdaycl ai
mingthathewentt oseehis
mother.
Dad:
Icanbetmyev
ery
thi
ngthatwewon'
tfi
nd
Si
mphiwewherewear
egoing.
Zac:
l
et'
sjustgot
her
etof
indcl
ues.

I
sQuepl
ayi
ngadoubl
erol
e?

#Nar
rat
ed

Theygett
othepl
aceexact
lyi
n2hour
s.

St
one:
*conf
used*
itl
ooksl
i
ket
her
e'snooneher
e.
Nqu:
*si
ghs*
let
'schecki
nsi
de.

Ever
yonetakesoutt
hei
rgunsexceptf
orNqubeko
whodoesn'thav
eone.

Ben:
youhaveacompanysohowcomedon'
tyou
haveagun?
Nqu:
*rol
l
shi
sey
es*
Idon'
tneedone.

Benchuckl
esleadi
ngt
hewayinsi
deandast
hey
expect
edtheydonotf
indSi
mphiwe.

Stone:
Icant
ell
thatt
heywer
eher
esowher
edi
dthey
go?

Benwalksaroundobservi
ngtheenti
rehouse,he
stepsonsomethi
ngher emoveshisfootandlook
down..
.heseesaUSBdr i
veandpicksitupthen
conti
nuelooki
ngaround.
Nqu:
thi
sisusel
essweshoul
dgobackandl
etdad
t
akeover.

Que'
sbodycr
ingeswi
thf
ear
.

Zac:
yeahplusIpromi
sedMi
nenhl
ethatI
'
llgof
etch
hermedicat
ion.
St
one:
mayIgowi
thy
ou?

Zacl
ooksathi
m.

St
one:
please.
Zac:
*si
ghs*
Erni
e..
.
St
one:
Zacpl
ease.
Zac:
fi
nel
et'
sgo.

Ben:
Quer
ight
?
Que:
yeah.
Ben:
youcanal
sogo,
we'
l
lcont
acty
ouwhenwef
ind
somethi
ng.

Henodsandal
soent
ershi
scar
.

Ben:
didy
ouf
indany
thi
ng?
Nqu:
no,
whatabouty
ou?

Benr
eachesi
nhi
spocket
.

Hi
m:If
oundt
hisUSB.
Nqu:
wai
tletmeseet
hat
.

Hehandshi
mtheUSB.

Nqu:
thi
sisSi
mphi
we'
sUSB.
Ben:
arey
ousur
e?CauseUSBsdol
ookal
i
ke.
Nqu:
I'
m sure,
seei
t'schewedher
ehel
i
kesdoi
ngt
hat
wheneverhehol
dingsomethi
ng.
Ben:
lucki
lymyl
apt
opi
sal
way
sinmycarInev
er
l
eaveitbehi
nd.
Nqu:
yout
hinkt
her
e'ssomet
hingwecanf
indi
nit
?
Ben:
whyel
sewoul
ditbeher
e?Doesheof
tencar
ri
es
i
twit
hhim?
Nqu:
nah.
Ben:
thenI
'
m cer
tai
nthatt
her
e'ssomet
hingher
e.

Theyheadt
oBen'
scarandt
akeouthi
slapt
opt
hen
i
nsertt
heUSB.

Ben:
yer
rsomanyf
older
s,It
hinkt
hisneedsust
osi
t
down.

Thegetatt
hebackoft
hcarandst
artopeni
ngf
older
byfol
dersearchi
ngf
oranythi
ngsuspi
cious,
theydo
thatt
il
ltheyf
ini
shupal
lthefol
der
s.

Ben:
noIcan'
tbewr
ong,
ther
e'sgott
obesomet
hing
usef
uli
nthi
sUSB.
Nqu:
waitgobacktot
hepr
evi
ousf
olderIj
ust
r
eali
zedsomethi
ng.

BendoessoandNqubekopr
essesabunchof
but
tonst
henafol
dernamed"foot
ages"appear
s.

Ben:
*shocked*
howt
heheckdi
dyoudot
hat
?
Nqu:
justali
tt
lesomethi
ngonl
ymeandSi mphi
we
knowhowt odoandnoIwon'ttel
lyouhowwedo
i
t,
nowpl ayt
hosefoot
ages.

Benchucklesanddoubl
etapsent
er.Thef
ir
st
foot
ageplays.
Nqu:ohhsot
hisi
swhyhewentbackt
oyourwi
fe'
s
houseghaahe'
sstubbor
n.
Ben:
DADADADADAex,
arey
ouhear
ingme.
..
EX-
WIFE.
Nqu:
*chuckl
es*
Iheary
ou,
playt
hesecondf
oot
age.

Hedoessoandi
tleav
est
hem wi
thal
otof
quest
ions.

Nqu:
I'
veseent
hisguybef
ore.
Ben:*chuckl
es*i
sitmeorarebothQueandthi
sguy
obsessedwi t
hbandanas,
ImeanIsawabandanain
Que'sbackpocketontheri
ghtanditt
hesamewith
thi
sguyj ustdi
ff
erenti
ncol
our.
Nqu:mmmmh, whati
fmom didn'tkil
lSi
mphiwe'
s
uncle?Whati
fwhenshegottohi shousehewas
alr
eadyki
ll
edandshefoughtforthepaper
sthen
that
'swhenQue'
sbandanawasl eftbackt
here.
Ben:i
'
mmaneedy outotel
lmetheenti
rethingcause
Idon'
tunder
standhal
fofwhatyouj
usttoldme.
Nqu:
*snapshi
sfi
ngers*
I'
vegotit
,t
hisistheguywho
wasatthepar
tyonthedayMinenhlegotshot.
Ben:
thenthatmeansZacknowshim andi
fheknows
hi
mitwill
maket hi
ngsaloteasi
er.
Nqu:
how?Causewest
il
ldon'
tknowwher
ehei
s.
Ben:wecangethi
m usingmanystr
ategi
es,
we'l
lgo
toZacandaskforhi
snameandsur namewiththatI
cangethisf
amily
'si
nformat
ion,
peoplewhoare
closet
ohim.
Nqu:
andhowi
sthatgoi
ngt
ohel
p?
Ben:t
here'
ssti
l
lal
otIneedt
oteachy
ou,
wecanuse
thesepeopl
easbai
t.
Nqu:what?No!Idon'
twantushur
ti
ngi
nnocent
people.
Ben:
you'
reweakmarn,
lookwewon'
thurtt
hem but
we'l
lmakehi
m bel
i
evethatwear
ehurt
ingthem.
Nqu:
ohi
nthatcasel
et'
sgett
oit
.
Ben:
whataboutQue?
Nqu:
eish,
wewon'
tcal
lhi
m.
Ben:
andi
fSt
onecal
l
shi
m?
Nqu:
thenweexcludebot
hofthem buthowwi
l
lwe
cont
actthi
sguycausehe'
sunreachabl
e.
Ben:t
hat
'swhenwe'l
lneedQue'
sphone,
ifhe's
worki
ngwiththi
sguythent
heyaredef
init
elykeepi
ng
i
ntouch.
Nqu:
howwi
l
lwegethi
sphone?
Ben:
youaskal
otofquest
ionsl
et'
sgo.
~i
nser
t58~

#Nar
rat
ed

MrandMrsWeiszareatt
heflat
sinCapeTown
wher
etheP.
Isaidt
hey'
llf
indBuhl
eat.

Heide:
areyousur
ewear eintheri
ghtplace?Thi
sis
notasuitabl
eenv
ironmentforachi
ld.
Mat
:Iknowbutwear
enother
etoj
udgeokay
?
Hei
de:
I'
m notj
udgi
ngMat
teoIwasj
ustaski
ng.
Mat
:*si
ghs*
okayl
et'
sgett
hisov
eranddonewi
th.

Theywal
kinsi
deandheadt
other
ecept
iondesk.

Mat
:*cl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
*ev
eni
ngmam.
Lady
:*smi
l
es*
eveni
nghowmayIassi
sty
ou?
Matt
eotakesoutapi
ctur
eofBuhl
ethathermot
her
gav
ehimt omakethi
ngseasi
erf
orhi
m.

Mat:
wearel
ooki
ngf
ort
hiswomen,
i
t'
ssai
dthat
she'
sher
e.
Lady
:ohy
eahBuhl
eNgqul
unga,
she'
sher
e.
Hei
de:
coul
dyoupl
easet
ell
usherr
oom number
.
Lady
:15.
Mat
:t
hanky
ou.

Theywalkawayf rom t
hel
adytowardsthepassage
l
ookingforroom 15andfi
nall
ytheyfi
ndit.They
knockandwai tf
orsomeonetoopenorr espond,
somey el
lowskinnydudeopensupwear i
ngonlyhis
short
s.

Hi
m:*
frowns*
uhhi
.
Matt
eolooksatt
heski
nnyguyi
nfr
ontofhi
m wi
tha
pi
ssedoffl
ook.

Mat
:hi
.
Guy
:uhhhowmayIhel
pyou?
Mat
:*t
akesoutt
hepi
ctur
e*wear
elooki
ngf
orher
.
Guy
:whatdoy
ouneedf
rom her
?
Mat:
thati
snoneofy
ourbusi
ness,
nowmaywe
comein?
Guy
:no.
Mat
:excuseme!
?

"Babe,
who'satt
hedoor
"-
Buhlesayst
hatappear
ing
atthedoorandhersmi
l
eturnsint
oafrownwhil
e
shocked.

Her
:Mat
teo?
?
Mat
:Bee.
HeidelooksatBuhl
eupanddownthenfi
ndsher
sel
f
chuckl
ing,
aski
nghersel
fwhatt
heheckdi
dher
husbandseeinher.

Buhl
e:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Howdi
dyouev
en
fi
ndme?
Mat:
itdoesn'
tmatt
erhowIfoundyou,
nowtel
lthi
s
t
hingofyourstomoveoutofthewayIwantt
omeet
mychild.

Buhl
efeel
sherspi
ri
texi
ti
ngherbody
.

Buhl
e:*
clear
shert
hroat
*youruhhm y
ourchi
l
d?
Mat
:Idi
dn'
tst
art
er.
Guy
:chi
l
d?Whatchi
l
d?
Buhl
e:Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouar
etal
ki
ngabout
.
Mat:
weren'
tyout
heonewhocall
edme2months
backt
ell
ingmeyouhadj
ustgi
venbi
rt
htomychi
ld?
Buhle:
Ijustwant
edmoneynot
hingel
se,
Iwasnev
er
pregnant.
Hei
de:
*chuckl
es*
wow.
Mat
:doy
out
hinkI
'
m af
ool
?
Buhl
e:t
hef
actt
hatyoujustf
lewallt
hewayfr
om
I
tal
ytomeetachi
ldthatwasnevert
her
eprovesi
t.
Mat:
lookIdon'
thavet
imeforgames,
Christ
masi s
approachi
ngandIhavet
obebackinIt
alytospendit
wit
hmyki dssoletmeseemychil
dsowec. .
.
Buhl
e:Ij
ustf
reaki
ntol
dyout
hatt
her
e'snochi
l
d!!
Mat
:*si
ghs*
whyar
eyoul
yi
ngt
ome?
Buhl
e:whywoul
dIl
i
e?
Mat
:Idon'
tknow,
yout
ell
me.
Buhl
e:okayy
ou'
rewast
ingmyt
ime.
Mat
:mayIcomei
ntocheckf
ormy
sel
f.
Buhl
e:f
eel
free.

Mat
teoandHei
def
rownwal
ki
ngi
nthesmal
lfl
atand
l
ookar
ound,
theyseenobabynorbabyst
ufft
o
i
ndi
cat
ethatther
e'sachi
l
dhere.

Mat
:*f
rowni
ng*
wher
e'smychi
l
d?
Buhl
e:okayIt
hinky
oul
osty
ourhear
ingabi
l
ity
.
Mat:
wewer einDurban,
wewentt oyourhome..
.your
motherconfir
medt hatyouwerepregnantandthat
yougavebirthtoahalfIt
ali
anboysodon'tmakeme
l
osemymi ndmor ethanIalr
eadyam.

Buhl
erunsoutofl
i
est
otel
l
.

Guy
:soy
ouhaveachi
l
dandy
ounev
erbot
her
edt
o
l
etmeknow?
Buhl
e:i
t'
snotl
i
ket
hat
.
Guy
:fr
om wher
eI'
m st
andi
ngi
tseemsexact
lyl
i
ke
t
hat.
Mat:
okayyoutwocanf
ightl
aterIwantt
oseemy
sonwhereishe?
Buhl
e:*
sweat
ing*
uhhe'
snother
e.
Mat
:wher
eishe?andt
hinkt
wicebef
orey
oul
i
eagai
n.
Buhl
e:Idon'
tknowwher
ehei
s*l
ooksdown*
Mat:*
confused*howtheheckdon'tyouknowwher e
heis?He'syourchi
ld,heprobabl
ysti
ll
dri
nksfrom
yourbreastsowhatdoy oumeany oudon'
tknow
wherehei s.

Buhl
ekeepsl
ooki
ngatt
hef
loornotsay
ingany
thi
ng.

Mat
:SPEAKDAMNI
T!!

Bot
hBuhl
eandHei
dej
umpal
i
ttl
einf
ri
ght
.

Hei
de:
woahbabecal
m down.
Mat
:Beewher
e'smyson?
Buhl
e:*
fri
ght
ened*aft
eryoudroppedt
hecal
lthatday
Ical
l
edy out
otell
y ouaboutt
hechil
dIwasdevasted
Ihadnowher etogohonest l
yIhadnopl an,
aft
erI
gotdischar
gedIsatatthebusst opst
il
lwi t
hno
plan.
..
whenIreali
zedthatthebuswasf ewmi nut
es
awayf r
om arr
ivi
ngI*pause*I.
..
uhm I
..
.
Mat
:youwhat
???
?
Buhl
e:Ipl
acedthebabynicel
yont
hebenchthen
st
oodupand* cri
es*
walkedawaynotl
ooki
ngback.

Heidegaspswit
htear
squickl
yr ol
l
ingdownher
cheeks.Matt
eoandherboyfr
iendlookatheri
n
shock.

Mat:
*bli
nksr
epeat
edly
*you.
..
you.
.y
oudidwhat?
(that
comesoutasawhisperandyoucoul
dhearpai
nin
hi
svoice)
Buhle:
*cr
ying*
I'
m sor
rybutIhadnomoney ,
whenI
wenttothemat er
nal
leaveIhadn'
thadsavedup
becauseIhadhopedthatitwasMnqobi'
schil
d.
Mat
:who'
sthat
?Noy ouknowwhatdon'tanswer
me,
i
fyoudidn'
thav
emoneyt henhowtheheckdid
yougethere?Youcouldhavet al
kedtoyour
fr
iends,
yourmotherorbett
er..
youcouldhave
answeredmycalls.
.Ical
l
edy outhefol
lowingdaybut
youneveranswered.
Buhl
e:*
sni
ff
s*It
houghty
..
.
Mat:
youthought,yout
houghtwhat?Li
stenIwantmy
chi
l
dy ouhearme?Youar egoingtogobacki n
Dur
banandl ookforhi
m,Di
o,perchémihai l
asciat
o
dor
mireconlei(
godwhydidy ouletmesleepwith
her
?)

Hei
dechuckl
eswipi
ngouthert
ears,
whi
l
ebot
hBuhl
e
andherguyl
ookathi
m conf
used.

¶TheFol
l
owi
ngDay
¶

°
Nqubeko°

Zac:
Ist
il
ldon'
tgetwhyZedwoul
ddoal
loft
his?Yes
hi
m andhisf
ami
lyaren'
tri
chbutthatdoesn'
tmean
heshoul
ddosomethingl
iket
his.
Dad:
yeahneh,somethi
ngscomefrom t
hosewhowe
l
eastexpectt
hem t
ocomef rom.
Zed:
*si
ghs*sohowi
sitgoi
ngt
her
ear
eyouf
indi
ng
hi
slocat
ion?
Dad:Icouldfi
ndhi
slocati
onwithi
nabli
nkofaneye
butIcan'tcausei
tsaysheret
hatIst
artt
racki
nghi
m
i
twillreportt
ohimthatsomeone'
str
ackinghi
m.
Zed:
smar
tassbast
ard.
Me:
wai
tcanhedot
hat
?
Dad:
aft
ernewy ear
'sev
eI'
mt aki
ngyou
somewhere,
youhavealott
olearn.
Me:
*rol
l
ingmyey
es*
sowher
etof
rom her
e?
Dad:
Ithoughtthatwit
hhi
snumber
sitwoul
dbe
easi
er*si
ghs*Iguesswear
eusi
ngthebai
tst
rat
egy
.
Zac:
i
twilldr
agusbutitwi
l
lhel
pusgetSi
mphi
we
andthepapersback.
Me:
uhm dadcoul
dyoudosomer
esear
chonQue.
Hi
m: alr
eadydid,
hisrealnamei
sQhubekani .
.he'
s
or
iginal
lyfr
om EastLondon,hi
smot herandlit
tl
e
si
sterstayther
ehisf at
heri
saPilothehardl
ysees
hi
m hehasagi r
lf
ri
endnamedBi ancah..
.
Me:
hehasagi
rl
fr
iend?
Hi
m:yeahandsi
dechi
cksi
nfactwhydoy
ouneed
hi
sinf
ormati
on?
Me:howaboutwecal
lhimtocomehereand
thr
eatenhi
mt ot
akeustowheret
heyarekeepi
ng
Simphiweusi
ngthei
nfor
mati
onyoujustt
oldus.
Dad:
*smil
es*mmm wouldy
oul
ookatt
hat
,you'
re
smartaf
teral
l
...
cal
lhi
m.

Ichuckl
ecal
l
ingQue.

Heget
sher
ewi
thi
nanhour
.

Que:
sur
e.
Me:
howzi
tman.
Hi
m:I
'
m good,
sodi
dyouf
indsomet
hing.
Me:
yeahwedi
d.
Dad:wit
houtwast ingtime,youar egoingt otakeust o
wherebothy ouandZedar ekeepingSi mphiwe...
I
havetogobackt oJo' bur
gt omyl ady,she'spregnant
i
ncasey oudonotknowherhor monesar ehitti
ng
therooft
op..
.lastnightIcouldn'tsl
eep,shekept
call
i
ngmey elli
ng,
cr y
ing,l
aughingsobef or
eIget
dumpedf orsomet hi
ngIdon' tknowshal lwego?
Que:
Zed?Whoi
sZed?
Dad:
heerhel
pmyom ni
eukindt
ever
moorni
e(l
ord
hel
pmenotmurdery
ourchi
l
d)

Iremembermysel
fal
ongwithMnqobil
aughi
ngat
dadwhenheshoutsatusi
nAfri
kaans.

Het
akesouthi
sphoneandscr
oll
s.

Dad:
thi
sisy
ourmot
herandsi
sterr
ight
?Theywer
e
outshoppingforChri
stmas.
..
I'
m sur
eyouwoul
dn'
t
wantanythinghappeni
ngtothem.
Que:
what
?Howd.
.
Dad:
wit
hjustonecal
l
,twobul
l
etscoul
dgoof
f.

Howdi
dhegett
hesepi
ctur
es?

Dad:
Iknowthaty
ouknowmeandwhatI'm capabl
e
ofsodon'
tmakemecall
myguycauseonceIdi al
hi
snumberIwon'tdr
opt
hecal
lev
enifyoust opme.
Que:
*gulps*okayokayI'
ll
takeyouwhereSimphi
we
i
s,
pleasejusttel
lyourguystostopf
oll
owingmy
motherandsister
.
Dad:gr
eatshal l
wegonow, anddon'
tthi
nkthatjust
becauseI'm beingni
cerightnowwewon' thavea
tal
klateral
ongwi thyourfri
end.

WowIhav
enowor
ds.
.
Zac:
howmanymanar
eher
e?
Que:
1he'
sinsi
dewi
thZed.
Zac:
i
nthatcasewear
esaf
e.

Queleadsthewayinsidewhi
l
ewefol
l
owsbehi nd
hi
ml i
kelostsoul
s..
.t
hemomentweenterZed'
sbody
fr
eezesupwi t
hfr
ight.

Que:
for
giv
emebr
obutt
heyi
nvol
vedmyf
ami
l
yin
t
his.
Dad:
gof
indSi
mphi
weI
'
llhandl
ethesef
ool
s.
Me:don'
tfor
getmypaper
s.(
Isayt
hatwal
ki
ngt
othe
ot
herroom)

If
indSi
mphiwelay
ingont
hef
loorshi
ver
ing,
Irusht
o
hi
m hel
pinghi
m si
tup.

Me:
mat
e.
Him:*groans*
hel
pmeupIwanttokickt
hat
shapelesshead'
sassf
orpour
ingcol
dwateronme.
Me:*chuckl
i
ng*
you'
rehur
tIshoul
dgety
out
othe
hospit
al.
Hi
m:hel
pmeup.

Ihel
phi
m upandIcanseet
hathe'
singr
eatpai
n.

Hi
m:youhav
en'
ttol
dmehowhappyy
ouar
etosee
me.

Il
aughhooki
ngmyar
m ar
oundhi
swai
st.

Me:I
'
m happyt
oseey
oual
i
vemat
e,Iwaswor
ri
ed
si
ck.
Hi
m:youshouldhav
ebeenheeeeIal
mostdi
edi
n
f
actwhattookyousol
ongtogetmeeh?
Yeahhe'
sback,
thankgodwegott
ohi
m al
i
ve.
~i
nser
t59~

°
Minenhl
e°

IthinkIspeakf orev ery

onewhenIsaywear e
rel
iev edt hatSi mphi weisf oundal ongwi tht he
paper sandt hatZedandQuear etakencar eof ,I
hav enoi deawhatt hatmeansbuti t
'swhatIwas
told.IwasshockedwhenIhear dQuewasal so
i
nv olvedi nal loft hi
s.Todayi sChristmasand
mir acleshav eal r
eadyst artedpour ingin,I
'm sl owly
get ti
ngbackt omyol dsel f
...
whenIwokeupIt ooka
fewst epswi thoutast i
ckorany thingforsuppor t,I
j
ustcan' twal kf ortoolongcausemyspi nal cor disn'
t
heal edper f
ectlyy et
.Ml amel i
,Zama, Zamo,Ml a's
mom, Nt okozo, Simphiwe, Nqubekowi llbejoiningus
todayIdon' taboutuncl eEr nie.
..
.him andDad
seemedsocl osedwhent heywer ehelpingNqubeko
andnowt hatit'
sov erIdon' tknowhowt hi
ngsar eor
willbe, Idon'tev enwantt oaskcauseIdon' twanti t
toseem l ikeI'm meddl i
ngi nt hei
rbusi ness.
Att
hemomentI
'm wi
thmom att
heki
tchen,
Ihav
eno
i
deawher
edadandKeit
har
e.

Mom: nowthatyou'
regetti
ngyourst
eppi
ngbacky ou
shoul
dwalkmor eregularl
ysoyourl
egsandfeetcan
getusedtowalkingagain.
Me:
ever
ymor
ningsandaf
ter
noonsIwi
l
l.
Her
:hav
eyoucal
l
edAy
anda?
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
yer
p,Ir
eal
l
ymi
sshi
m.
Her
:whydi
dn'
tyoui
nvi
tehi
m ov
er?
Me:Idi
dbuthismotheri
shav
ingnoneofthat,
she
st
il
lbel
ievest
hatIki
ll
edmychil
d..
..
shedoesn'
twant
Ayandanearme.
Her:
ifso,
thenwhydoesshel
ety
ouspeakwi
th
Ayanda?
Me:shedoesn'
tknowthatIspeaktohim,Ial
ways
cal
lAyanda'
sgrandmothersoIcouldspeaktohi
m.
Her
:hai
she'
sjustdr
amat
icnj
r.
Igi
ggl
efocusi
ngont
hegr
eensal
adI
'
m maki
ng.

Her
:sohowar
ethi
ngsgoi
ngbet
weeny
ouandNqu?
Me:
*bl
ushi
ng*
theyar
egoi
ngper
fect
ly.
Her:
*smil
es*Icant
ell
let
'sj
usthopehewon'
ttake
youfrom i
ssoon.
Me:eveni
fhedoesI'
l
lbev
isi
ti
ngy
ouguy
s
ev
eryday*
smil
ing*
Her:*
chuckl
es* samet hi
ngIsai
dt omyparent
sandI
didn'
tcauseoncey ouareawi f
e..
itmeansyouhave
anewf amil
yt oworryaboutyoucanonlykeepin
touchwiththeonet hatrai
sedyou.
Me:
i
nthatcaseI
'
m nev
erget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed*
smi
l
ing*
Her
:*gi
ggl
es*
what
?Noway
swewantcowshebana.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
nowy
ou'
reconf
usi
ngme.
Her
:I
'm notsay
ingdonotgetmar
ri
edI
'
m say
ingnot
j
ustyet
.
"
YeahIagreewit
hyourmother
,may
beaft
er10-
15
y
ears"
-Dadsayswal
kingi
nholdi
ngKei
th.

Me:
15!
!?
Him:yessweetheartandift
hatboysendshi
suncl
es
befor
et hatIwi
llnotlett
hem i
nmyhouse.
Me:
Mom.
Her
:I
'm wi
thy
ourf
athert
her
e*gi
ggl
es*
Me:
Kei
th?Whatdoy
ousaymyl
i
ttl
eni
nja.

Hej
ustgi
vesmeadashi
ngsmi
l
e.

Dad:
see,
he'
sonmysi
de.
Me:
nohe'
sonmi
ne.
Hi
m:nohe'
snot
.

"
Fami
l
y!!
!"
Mom:
Kit
chen!
!

Ml
aandhi
swiferocksinlookingf
lywowIguess
mar
ri
agei
str
eati
ngt hem real
l
ygood.

Mom:
ahhl
ookaty
out
wo.
Ml
a:we'
rebeaut
if
ulweknow.
Dad:Ithi
nkshewasgoingtosayy
oumakeagr
eat
coupleIdon'
tknowaboutbei
ngbeaut
if
ul.
Mom:
exact
lyl
ove*
smi
l
es*
wher
e'smysi
ster
?
Mla:Iknowthatwearebeauti
ful
*sti
ckouthi
s
tongue*shewenttothemallshesai
dshehastoget
somet hi
ngfi
rstbef
orecominghere..
.l
it
tl
esi
show
areyou?
Me:f
inal
l
y,Iwaswonder
ingwhenI
'
llbenot
iced.
..
how
ar
eyouZama.
Her
:*smi
l
es*
I'
m awesomet
hanksandy
our
sel
f?
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
I'
m good.
Ml
a:I
'
mtheonewhogr
eet
edy
ouy
az.
Me:
Iknow.

Hepout
sfol
dinghi
m ar
msmaki
ngi
slaughathi
m.

¶I
nIt
aly
¶

Heide:
honey
,wedi
dn'
tev
enenj
oyt
odaybecauseof
yourmood.
Mat
:*si
ghs*
for
giv
emel
oveIj
..
.
Hei
de:
Iunder
standnoneedtoexplai
nbutpl
ease
st
opstr
essi
ngwe'll
findhi
m okay
.
Hi
m:whati
ftheper
sonwhofoundhi
misdoi
ngor
pr
act
ici
ngnast
ythi
ngswi
thhim?Whati
fw..
.
Her:
nostopthi
nki
ngl
i
ket
hat
,we'
l
lfi
ndhi
mingood
heal
thandshape.
Hi
m:*si
ghs*andwhenwedowearecomingback
wi
thhim,I
'l
lmakeitmymissi
ont
hatBeenev
ersees
hi
m ev
eragai
n.
Her
:*si
ghs*
Igett
hatwhatshed.
..
.
Hi
m:noj ust
*cl
oseshiseyes*
no*openstgem*I
'
m
st
andingmygr oundsdon'
ttr
ytoconvinceme
ot
herwise.
Her
:okayokay
.
Hi
m:andI
'
m sor
ryf
orr
uini
ngChr
ist
masf
ory
ou.
Her:
*smil
es*y
oudi dn'tr
uinitf ormebutIt hi
nkyou
rui
neditf
oryourkids,eversincewecamebackf rom
SouthAfr
icayouwer einaf oul moody oudidn'
thave
ti
mef ort
hem...
thatthoughtt hatsi
ncet odaywas
Chri
stmasyou'l
lhavet i
mef ort hem butyouwereli
ke
thi
s.
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
treal
i
ze,
wher
ear
etheynow?
Her
:asl
eep,
you'
l
lspendt
imewi
tht
hem t
omor
row.
Hi
m:hopet
hey
'l
lfor
giv
eme.
Her
:t
heywi
l
ldon'
twor
ry*
smi
l
es*
Him:
doy out
hinkIshoul
dcal
lBeeandaskheri
fshe
hasal
readyf
oundhim?
Her:
*si
ghs*
Matdon'
tdothi
spl
ease,
plusi
nSout
h
Afr
icat
hedayj
ustst
art
edshemightbebusy
.
Hi
m:y
ou'
rer
ight
,l
etmehel
pyouwi
tht
hedi
shes.

°
Simphi
we°

Me:
Nqubeko!
!!
!!

Yer
rIswearIwi
l
lleav
ehi
sassbehi
nd.

Hi
m:ayayayI
'
m her
enow.
Me:onemor
eminut
eIwasgoingt
oleav
eyou,
you
spendti
mei
nyourr
oom asi
fyouareawomenyerr
.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
Ihav
etol
ookgood.
Me:
forwho?
Him:f
ormyl
adyandmyi
n-l
aws,phelamina
ngaqony
wangi
nent
ombi
(I
'mtaken,Ihav
eagir
lf
ri
end)
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
nxxl
et'
sgoi
t'
sal
ready11am andI
'
m
st
il
lsober
.
Hi
m:t
hat
'sagoodt
hing(
taki
ngt
hecarkey
s)
Me:f
orwho?*r
aisingmyeyebrow*
Iwannagetdr
unk
t
il
lIcan'
tev
encr awlf
rom poi
ntAtoB.
Him:
*laughi
ng*
andwhot
hef
ucki
sgoi
ngt
ocar
ry
you?
Me:
someonewhol
ovesme.
Hi
m:Iguessyou'
l
lbel
ayi
ngonthef
loort
il
lmor
ning
si
nceyourbl
ackassi
ssi
ngl
e.
Me:
weshal
lsee*
laughi
ng*

°
Nqubeko°

Thepastfewday shav ebeengr eat,

nooneknows
whathappenedtoZedandQueexceptf orDadandI
real
lydon'
tcareI'
mj ustgl
adt hatSimphiweisback
safeeventhoughhe'slimping,Ialsohotbackmy
papersandEnhleisalsosaf e.
..
everythi
ngisfal
l
ing
i
ntoplace.Idosti
llwonderwhenwi llsomeonegoto
mymot her'
shouseandreali
zet hatshe'
sdead.My
dadsaidhecan'tmakeitheretodaybutonNew
Year
'sEv et
hey'
llbeher
e,healsosaidhehas
somethingtoshowme.

Si
mphi
wer
ingst
hedoor
bel
l
.

Hi
m:Icanhearthemeatandt
heal
cohol
scr
eami
ng
mynameinside.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
what
'si
tsay
ing?
Hi
m:"
hur
ryupSi
mphi
we,
hur
ryup"

Il
aughandfocusont
hedoorthati
sopening,
her
beaut
if
ulf
acemakesmyheartmeltfort
hethousand
ti
me..
.wai
t.
.

Me:
babe.
Her
:*smi
l
es*
lov
e.
Me:
you'
reony
ourf
eet
,youar
eact
ual
l
yst
andi
ng.
Her
:sur
pri
se.
Me*smi
li
ng*wow,
thi
smeansIcanfi
nall
yhol
dyou
cl
osebyyourwai
stwhenI
'
m ki
ssingyou.
Si
m:ningacabuzani
phambi kwami
ngy
ani
cel
a(don'
t
ki
ssinfrontofmeplease)

Wel
aughourheadsout
.

Enhl
e:hel
l
otoy
out
ooSi
mphi
we.
Hi
m:babehowar
eyou?
Her
:*smi
l
es*
I'
m..
..
Me:
maywecomei
n?
Her
:*gi
ggl
es*y eahandpleasehel
pmewalkbackto
mywheelchairI'
vebeenstandi
ngforal
ongti
me,my
l
egsaregett
ingwobbl y
.

Il
ookatSi
mphi
wewi
nki
ngathi
m andher
oll
shi
s
ey
esonme.

°
Minenhl
e°

Everyt
hingseemst obegoi ngperfectl
yandeveryone
i
sher eorshouldIsayaround,theyplacedmeon
babysit
tingdutyandKei
thi sreall
yhypertodaybut
heiskeepingmecompanyev enthoughNqubeko
keepscomi ngtocheckuponme. .
even
Simphiwe,thewayhe'
sdr unkgody er
r.Zamowalks
tome.

Hi
m:*
bur
ps*
arey
ousur
eyoudon'
twantsome.
Me:
andbel
i
key
ou,
not
hanks*
laughi
ng*
Him:youknowthatI'
m notadrunkardsiswami(
my
si
ster)butt
odayisthedaytobehappyandbest ress
fr
ee,andthi
sli
ttl
ef r
iendher
e(poi
ntshisbot
tl
e)i
s
heretoassi
stinthat.
Il
aughshaki
ngmyhead.

Hi
m:byt
hewayhavey
ouseenNt
okozo?Sheowes
meacel
lphone.
Me:no,
thelastt
imeIsawhershewasgoi
ngt
othe
bat
hroom andI..
..
..
Hi
m:woahhhhhht
hat
'
smyj
am.

andj
ustl
i
ket
hathel
eav
esmewow.

"
Skwi
za"

Me:
*smi
l
ing*
Zamahey
.
Her
:whyar
eyousi
tt
ingbyy
oursel
f?
Me:
I'
m baby
sit
ti
ngbutmom wi
l
ltakeov
erany
mi
nutenow.
Her
:hav
eyouseenMl
a?Ican'
tseem t
ofi
ndhi
m.
Mysmi
l
edi
sappear
sfor
mingaf
rown.

Me:
noIhav
en'
tseenhi
m,pl
easekeepecompanyat
t
hemomentandtel
lmehowy out
womet .

Shesmilestaki
ngaseatnextt
omeandbef or
eshe
couldst
artsayi
nganythi
ngwehearSi
mphiwe
screami
ngandt henhejumpsi
nthepool
.

Hi
m:Nqubekomar
n.
Nqu:
*l
aughi
nghol
dinghi
sst
omach*
what
?
Si
m:youknowt
hatIhat
esnakesmar
ntaket
hat
away
.
Nqu:
thi
sisar
opey
ouf
ool
.
Si
m:noi
t'
snotIknowasnakewhenIseeone.
Nqu:
it'
saropeher
ecat
chsoy
oucanseef
or
your
self
.
Nquthr
owsitt
ohi
m andSi
m scr
eamst
ryi
ngt
o
swi
m away
.

Si
m: i
'
mmafuckenmur
dery
ou,
shi
tmyphonei
sinmy
pocket.
~i
nser
t60~

#Nar
rat
ed

Nt
okozobr
eakst
heki
ssandpushMl
aaway
.

Her
:*si
ghs*
thi
sissowr
ong.
Hi
m:Iknow,Iam bet
rayi
ngmywi
febydoi
ngt
hisso
pl
easeacceptmyproposal
.
Her
:noMlameli
Iwil
lnotbeasecondbest,
thi
ski
ss
wasamistakei
tshoul
dn'
thavehappened.
Hi
m:y
oudon'
tmeant
hat
.
Her:
Ido,
nowmoveIhavetogobackoutt
her
ebef
ore
someonereal
i
zewearebothmi
ssing.
Hi
m: okayt
ellmeyoudon'
tl
ikemenotev
enal
i
ttl
e
bi
tthenI'
ll
letyougo.
Her:
Mlameliy
ou'
redrunky
ouhav
enoi
deawhat
you'
retal
ki
ngabout
.
Him:don'
tusethatonme,I
'mful
lyawar
eofwhatI
'
m
sayi
ngsot el
lmey oudon'
tl
ikeme.
Her
:*av
oidsey
econt
act
*Idon'
tl
ikey
ou.
Hi
m:nol
ookatme.
Her
:mov
e.
Hi
m:at
leastt
hinkaboutt
his.
Her
:Isai
dmov
e.

Mlasi
ghsmovi
ngoutoft
heway
,Nt
okomov
epast
hi
m andst
opsbyt
hedoor.

Her
:andIwi
l
lnotbey
oursecondwi
fe.

Shet
henwal
ksout
.

°
Minenhl
e°
Me:
wher
ewer
eyou?
Her
:i
nthebat
hroom It
oldy
oumos.
Me:babeyoudi
sappear
edandMlamel
idisappear
ed
anddon'ty
ouevensayI'
mimagi
ningt
hings.
Her
:*exhal
es*
canwet
alkaboutt
hisl
ater
.
Me:
hmmm okay
.
Her
:sowhatdi
dImi
ss?

¶TheFol
l
owi
ngDay
¶

Everyoneleftt
hismorningexceptforZamo,t
hey
couldn'
tdriv
etot hei
rhomesbecauset heywereall
waistedespecial
lySi
mphi we.
..
Nqubekowasal so
drunkbutnotasmuchIal sodranktwocupsand
endedt her
e.

"Honey,
Ineedastr
ongcupofcof
fee"
-Dadsay
s
enter
ingthel
ounge,
rubbi
nghi
shead.
Hi
m:IswearIam nev
erdr
inki
ngev
eragai
n.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
yeahr
ight
.
Hi
m:Kei
thboycomeher
esoy
oursi
stercangomake
mesomecoffee.
Me:notel
lhimthatyoudon'
twanthi
mtotakeyou
becauseyest
erdaywhenhewasdrunkhealmost
droppedyou.

Thet
rai
tort
hatI
'
m car
ryi
ngr
aiseshi
sli
tt
lear
msf
ro
dadt
otakehim.

Dad:
*l
aughs*
yescomet
odaddy
.
Me:Kei
thy
ouar
esuchat
rai
tor
,I
'
m gonnagety
ouf
or
t
his.

Hejustsmi
l
esatmeei
,
Ist
andwal
ki
ngsl
owl
ytot
he
ki
tchen.
#Nar
rat
ed

Buhle'
smom:Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
iev
ethatyoujustl
eft
yourownchi
l
dt obetakenbyatot
alstr
anger.
Buhl
e:mom pl
easeIal
readyf
eel
badenoughsost
op
maki
ngitworse.
Her:*chuckl
es*youf
eel badenough?Youdoknow
thatifyouhappentofindy ourchil
d,t
hatMatt
eoguy
willt
akehi m awayf
rom y ouwithoutahesi
tat
ionand
Isweart ogodIwon'thelpy oustophim.
Buhl
e:t
henI
'
llt
akehi
mtocour
t.
Her:*
laughs*
arey ouheari
ngyourself
?Youwilll
ose
thatcasebefor
eitevenbegins,
youdesertedyour
ownchi l
dnotcaringifsomeonefindshi
m ornotand
tel
lmet hi
swhyt hesuddenchangeofhear t
?
Buhl
e:causeIr
eal
i
zemymi
stake.
Her:
mistake?Buhl
emychil
dwehav edi
ff
erent
defi
nit
ionsofmist
akes,
wereyoudrunkwheny ou
l
efthimt her
e?Noyouweresober
,youknewexactl
y
whatyouwer edoi
ng.
Buhl
e:y
esIgetthatbutnowI'
vedeci
dedt
hatIwant
hi
m back,
i
sthattoomucht oask?
Her:
actual
lyy
es,
thati
stoomucht oaskbutt
his
doesn'
tinv
olvemeIwill
justbugout
.
Buhle:
yeahl
i
keyoual
waysdo,mamayouarenever
ther
eformesoIdon'
texpecty
outobether
eforme
now.

Hermom showshernoemot
ionsbutdeepdown
t
hathi
thome.

°
Simphi
we°

FuckmyheadissoheavyIf
eel
li
kether
e'sareal
l
y
heavyt
hingont
opofit,
andhowdidIgether
e?

"
Simphi
we!
!!
"
Me:
*fr
owni
ng*
shhhhh.

Hewalksi
nmyr oom car
ryi
ngasmal
lpl
ast
icwi
th
penni
esandapot.

Me:
Nqubekodon'
tdoi
t.
Hi
m:*smir
ks*
Icar
ri
edy
ourdr
unkasst
hismor
ningt
o
t
hecar.
Me:
wegother
eint
hemor
ning?

Hel
aughsshaki
nghi
sheadandopensupt
hepot
.

Me:
Nqu.

Hepoursi
nthepenni
eswhi chmakest
oomuch
noi
se,
Icov
ermyearsirr
it
ated.

Me:
I'
m sogonnagety
ouf
ort
his.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
I'
m notdone.

Heclosesthepotandst ar
tsshakingi
t,IswearIf
eel
l
ikeI'
m dyi
ng..
.Ir
oll
ont hebedwhi l
ecov er
ingmy
ears,
thatIendupfall
i
ngont hefloor.

Hi
m:*
laughs*
alr
ightI
'
m done.
-hewal
ksout
.

Heissogonnapayfort
his,
Itryst
andi
ngupbutIt
ri
p
andfal
lbackdownshi
t.
.where'smyphone?
.
.
Me:
mat
e.
Hi
m:uh?
Me:
hav
eyouseenmyphone?
Hi
m:*chuckl
es*
youdr
ownedi
tyest
erdayhav
eyou
f
orgot
?
Me:
what
?Idr
ownedi
t?
Hi
m:y
oudi
vedi
ntoapool
wit
hitony
ou.
Me:
shi
t,
soI
'
m phonel
ess?
Hi
m:*
laughs*
seemsl
i
kei
t.
Me:
*hol
dingmyhead*
whatt
imei
sit
?
Hi
m:16h45.
Me:
aibowher
edi
dthedaygo?
Him:*chuckl
es*
Isavedyouar
emedyf
ory
our
headacheinthefr
idge.
Me:
ohhel
lnoIai
n'
tdr
inki
ngt
hatshi
t.
Hi
m:andwhenthatheadacheofy
our
slandsy
oui
n
t
hehospi
tal
don'tcomplai
n.
Me:
nxx,
whatar
ethepl
ansf
ort
oday
?

Heshi
ft
shi
supperbodyf
aci
ngme.

Hi
m:y
ouwantt
odr
ink?Agai
n?
Me:
alcohol
causedt
hisheadacheandi
tcancur
eit
.
Hi
m:sdakwa(
drunkar
d)
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
so?
Him:
wel
lI'
m wai
ti
ngf
ordadandt
he"
sur
pri
se"he
hasf
orme.
Me:
he'
scomi
ngt
oday
?
Hi
m:y
eahhe'
l
lgether
einl
esst
han30mi
nut
es.
Me:
ojah*
standi
ngup*
didy
oucook?

Helooksatmef
oraf
ewsecondsandendsup
l
aughing.

°
Nqubeko°

Me:y
ousti
ll
hav
en'
ttol
duswhathappenedt
oZed
andQue.
Hi
m:andi
fyou'
resti
l
lwait
ingformetot
ell
youguy
s
t
henyou'
ret
otal
lywast
ingyourti
me.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
wher
e'sst
epmom?
Hi
m:shewentt
ovi
sitherf
ami
l
y.
Me:
doessher
eal
l
ymakesy
ouhappy
?
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
mor
ethany
ou'
l
lev
erknow.
Me:t
henwhyar
en'
tyoumar
ryi
ngher
?You'
reol
d
popsy.
..
Hi
m:Idon'
tl
ookol
dst
opt
alki
ngnonsense.
Me:
thatgr
ayhai
risn'
tther
eforj
ustdecor
ati
ng.
Hi
m:t
hisgr
ayhai
riswhatdr
iveswomencr
azy
.
Sim:
*l
aughi
ng*t
henIguessIshoul
dgr
owuphai
r
anddyei
tgray
.
Dad:*l
aughs*
yesdot
hatandy
ou'
l
lseet
hatInev
er
tel
ll
ies.
Me:
*shaki
ngmyhead*
any
way
,I
'm ser
ioust
hough.
Hi
m:don'
twor
ryIpl
anonmar
ryi
ngherbef
oreshe
gi
vesbi
rt
h.
Me:
goodsowher
e'smysur
pri
se?
Hi
m:*
clear
shi
sthr
oat
*letmet
ell
itt
ocomei
n.
Het
akesouthi
sphoneandmakesaphonecal
l
//
Dad:
yeahcomeoni
n.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..

/
/
Hehangsupt henweal lf
ocusonthedoor,
Idon'
t
evenwantt oguesswhoitiscausedadi
sgoodat
surpri
ses.Thedooropensupandmyey esexpands
whileItakeafewstepsbacknonowhatisthis?

Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
Lad.
Me:
*st
il
lnotbl
i
nki
ng*
Mnqobi
??
~i
nser
t61~

°
Nqubeko°

NoI
tmustbedr
eam,
yesIam def
ini
tel
ydr
eami
ng.

Mnqobi
:
woahbr
odon'
tfai
ntonme,
i
t'
sme.
Me:nonono,Ibur
iedyoui
nfactIsawyourdead
bodythedaydadtookyoutothemort
uaryandon
yourf
uneralsono.
Hi
m:okaycal
m downandl
etdadexpl
ain.
Me:expl
ainwhat?Mom shotyouri
ghtdad,
andyou
dadtookcareofitri
ght
?Right
?Iam notcr
azysotel
l
mewhatt hefuckisgoi
ngonhere!
!!
Si
m:woahmat
ecal
m down,
l
ety
ourdadexpl
ain.

Icl
osemyey est
akingadeepbreat
hIswearIf
eel
l
ikeI'
m goi
ngtofai
ntanysecondnow.
Mnqobi
:
andwhoar
eyou?
Si
m:I
'
m Si
mphi
we.
Dad:
maywesi
tdownandt
ell
youhowIt
ookcar
eof
i
t.

Ist
umbl
ebackf
all
i
ngont
hecouchwi
thmybut
.
Theyal
ltakeaseatl
ooki
ngatme.

Si
m:ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
*exhal
i
ng*
Ithi
nkso.
Dad:soasy oucanseey ourbrot
herisv er
ymuch
ali
ve,yesy ourmot herdi
dshoothim butt hatbullet
didn'tki
llhim...
.whenItoldyourmot herIwoul dtake
careof" i
t"Itookhi mtomycarandcal ledVict o
comeandf etchhim andtakehim somewher e" safe"
causeIf elthispulseyesitwasweakbuti twas
there,Ir
olledacar petandbur i
edittomakey our
mot herbel i
eveitwasact ual
lyMnqobi .
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
Isawhi
sdeadbodywi
thmyt
wonaked
ey
es.
Dad:
thatwasaclone,
seeinthisli
neofwor
kI'
m
doi
ngthere'
snot
hingimpossible.
Me:
butwhy
?Uh?Why
?
Dad: atfi
rstIwantedt omanipul
at ehimt otakingmy
placel i
kewewer edoingtoyou,ifIi
nv ol
vedy our
mot hershewoul dhav ewantedhi m deadi nstant
ly
causeshet endstopanickal ot
..butthenIhada
dream itwasmor eli
keav isi
onofmy
brother*sighs*f
rom ther
eIstartedchangi ngmy
way scauseIwant edthi
ngstogobackt owher ethey
wer e.
Me:y
oumeant
otel
lmeIcr
iedandmour
nedf
ora
cl
one?

Simphi
wechucklesnextt
ome, t
rustmymat
eto
chuckl
eatser
iousmoment s.

Me:
whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?Whydi
dyoushutmeout
?
Dad:
seehewasi
nav
erycr
it
ical
stat
eheonl
ywoke
upafewweeksagohewasinacomaal
lal
ong,
I
di
dn'
twantt
ogiveyouf
alsehope.
Me:
youar
esuchaf
uckengoodact
ory
ouknowt
hat
.
Him:*chuckl
es*
wel
lIgoonmi
ssi
onsqui
teal
ot
so*shrugs*.
Mnqobi
:
nowthatyou'
vecool
eddown,
canIgetahug
Imi
ssedyoubr
o.*
standsup*

Ichuckl
estandi
ngupt henwemeethal
fwayhuggi
ng
eachother
,IswearIfeell
i
keI'
m dr
eami
ng.
..
aft
era
fewsecondswebr eakthehug.

Dad:*
clear
shi
sthr
oat
*NqubekomayIt
alkt
oyou
pr
ivat
ely.
Me:
uhsur
elet
'susemyst
udy
.

Weheadt
omyst udyandI'
m al
armedseei
ngdad
cl
oset
hedoorandacti
vat
ethesoundpr
oof.
Me:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Him:*
sighs*y
ourememberthestor
yIt
oldy
ou
about
,theoneaboutmybr
other.
Me:y
eahthatyout
houghty
oucoul
dn'
thav
eki
dsand
t
urnsoutyoucan.
Him:
*chuckl
es*yeahthatone,whenMnqobi wokeup
hewasterri
fi
edofmesi ncethelastt
hingsaw
was.
.well
youknow. .
Iexpl
ainedevery
thingtohi
m
andt
oldhim Ichangedandal soapol
ogized.
Me:
oookay
.
Hi
m:aft
erthetest
sprov
edthatyouaremyson,
Ial
so
di
dthem wit
hhim andt
urnsouthe'
snotmysonhe'
s
mybrot
her'
s.
Me:
ohhmygoodness,
howdi
dhet
aket
hosenews?

Shi
t.

Him:whenIwastel
l
inghimthestor
yIdi
dn'
ttel
lhi
m
aboutmybrot
herandthatst
uff
.
Me:
whatar
eyousay
ing?
Hi
m:hedoesn'
tknowI
'
m nothi
sfat
her
.

°
Simphi
we°

Hi
m:soy
ou'
remybr
other
'sf
ri
end.
Me:
yeah.
Hi
m:soy
..
.
Me:anot
herso??Areyout
ryi
ngt
omakeupa
conver
sati
on?*
chuckl
i
ng*
Him:*
laughs*yeahIcanseet
haty
ou'
re
uncomfortabl
esoI'mtry
ingt
omakeyou
comfortabl
e.
Me:I'
m si
tt
ingwit
haper
sonwhooncedi
edofcour
se
I
'm uncomfort
abl
e.
Hi
m:y
oudi
dheardadexpl
aini
ngr
ight
?
Me:t
omyunderstandi
ngyoudi
ed,
Idi
dhearhi
m
t
alki
ngaboutcl
onesbuty
oudied.
Hi
m:*
laughs*
Idi
dn'
tdi
e.
Me:youdid,
youwer
einacomasoy
ou
di
d*chuckli
ng*
Hi
m:mnc,ist
her
eany
thi
ngeat
abl
eher
eIam
st
arv
ing.
Me:
nahwewer
epl
anni
ngondoi
ngsomeshoppi
ng
t
oday.

Lookatmel
yi
ng,
wewer
egoi
ngt
oeatt
akeaway
s
today
.

Him:wel
l si
nceitseemsl
ikedadandBekoar
est
il
l
busylet
'sgo.*
standsup*
Me:
*st
andi
ngupt
oo*
you'
repay
ingt
hough.
Hi
m:*
laughs*
aibo.
Me:
Nquwasn'
tly
ingwhenhesai
dyoul
ovedwel
l
l
ovel
aughi
ng.
Hi
m:ohsoyout
wohav
ebeent
alki
ngaboutme?
Wher
e'sMl
a?
Me:
dead.
Hi
m:dudedon'
tj
okel
i
ket
hat
?
Me:I
'
mt el
li
ngyou,Idon'
tev
enknowt
hedudebutI
knowthathe'
sdead.
Hi
m:whathappened?

Weent
ert
hecarandIst
artt
ell
i
nghi
m whatNqut
old
me.

°
Minenhl
e°

TodayI'
m spendi
ngmydaywithZamo,
weareatt
he
mallspoi
li
ngoursel
veswi
thdad'
smoney.

Hi
m:yesterdaywast
hebestdayev
er,
Iwi
shIcoul
d
doi
talloveragai
n.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
incl
udi
ngt
hehangov
er?
Hi
m:t
hat
'st
oday
.
Me:
*l
aughing*
Ithi
nkI
'
veat
eenoughnow,
l
et'
sgot
o
t
hepark.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
your
eadmymi
nd.

Weaskf
ort
hebi
l
landpayt
henl
eav
efort
hepar
k.

Hi
m: Iknowt hatIwassortadr
unkyest
erdaybutwas
i
tmeort her
e'ssomethinggoi
ngonbetween
NtokozoandMl amel
i.
Me:*sighi
ng*Ihadatalkwit
hMl
aaf
ewweeks
back,hereal
l
ylikesNtoko.
Hi
m:what
?buthe'
smar
ri
edmos.
Me:
tur
nsouthewantt
otakeherasasecondwi
fe.
Him:*
whi st
les*
wowandwhatdoesNt
okosay
s
aboutthat?
Me:*shr
ugging*Idon'
tknow,Ihaven'
ttalkedto
her,
Ntokoisn'
tthedati
ngoracommi t
tedt o
rel
ati
onshipspersonandI'
m kindofafraidthather
wall
smi ghtbreakdownforMla.
Hi
m:woul
dthatbeabadt
hing?
Me:seeNt
okoisn'
tgoodatshar
ingsot
her
ewi
l
lbe
pr
oblemsift
hisgoeson.
Hi
m:y
ahnehandwhataboutZama?
Me:shedoesn'
tknowany
thi
ng,
andatt
hatmoment
shereal
l
ylovesMla.
Hi
m:l
ovei
scompl
i
cat
edshame.
Me:*
laughing*act
ual
l
yit'
sthepeopl
ewhoare
compli
cated,Ihopeyouwon'tmi
ndbutIhav
etocal
l
myperson.
Hi
m:*smil
es*
yourper
son?Youtwoar
eshowof
fs,
he
r
eal
lylov
esyouandyoudeser
veit
.
Me:
*bl
ushi
ng*
howwoul
dyouknow?
Him:thewayhebehav eswhenhe' sar oundy ou,how
healway stalkaboutyouwi t
halmostabl ushonhi s
face,
howhel ooksaty oulet'
snott alkaboutt hefact
thathedidn'thesi
tatet ostayafterhear i
ngy oucan't
walkifitwassomeoneel set heymi ghthav eleft
withoutahesi t
ati
onbecauset heymi ghthav eseen
youasausel esspersonbuthe' sstil
l hereandv ery
muchsuppor
ti
ve.

Iam l
uckyar
en'
tI?

Hi
m:nowcal
lyourper
son,
l
etmegogetussomei
ce
cr
eam.

Hestandsupanddisappearsi
ntothesmall
crowd,
he'
snolongertheyoungkidIusetoworry
aboutal
lthet
ime,
thekidIusetoprotect
..
..
he'
sonly
19buthe'
ssomat ur
ed,he'
sagrownman.

"
Hel
l
other
e"

Isnapoutofmyt
hought
s.

Me:
*smi
l
ing*
hi.
Hi
m:whyi
sabeaut
if
ull
adysi
tt
ingbyher
sel
f?
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
I'
m wi
thmybr
other
.

Hel
ooksl
i
kesomeoneIknow.

Him:i
nt hatcaseI
'
m Mnqobi
,whati
syourname
beaut
ifullady?
Me:
I'
m Mi
nenhl
e.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
you'
resobeaut
if
ul.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
thanky
ou.
Hi
m:befor
eyourbrot
hershowsupandki
ckmyass
mayIhaveyournumber?
Me:*smil
i
ng*Imayknowyournamebuty
ou'
rest
il
la
st
rangerIcan'
tj
ustgi
vey
oumynumber .
Him:
*smil
es*
thenIguessI
'
llst
alky
out
il
lIgety
our
number
s.
Me:
andwhydoy
our
eal
l
yneedmynumber
s?
Hi
m:causeIwoul
dli
keust
obef
ri
ends.
Me:
mydadal
ongwi
thmyboy
fri
endwon'
tl
ike
t
hat
*smi
l
ing*
Him:*l
aughs*wel
ll
et'shopeyourboyf
ri
endisn'
tweak
cause*hi
sphonerings*Igot
tago,
itwasni
cemeeting
youMinenhle.

Hewalksawaypi
cki
nguphi
sphone,
Ishakemyhead
cal
l
ingNqu.
~i
nser
t62~

°
Minenhl
e°

TodayI 'l
lbev isi
tingNqubeko, I'
l
lbegoingtherewit
h
Keith..
.forthef i
rstti
meev erKeit
hwi l
lbegoing
outsidehomet oseepl aces.YesterdayNquspoke
aboutwant ingtoi nt
roducemet osomeone, hesai
d
i
t'sabi tfreakybuthe' l
lexplainwhenIgetthere
today,Iwonderwhati tisandwhoi tisI'
l
lmeet.

Dad:
areyouguysreadysoIcandr
ivey
out
o
wher
everyou'
regoing?
Me:
I'
mreadyj
ustwai
ti
ngf
ormom t
obr
ingKei
th.
Hi
m:don'
tdonast
ythi
ngsi
nfr
ontofKei
th.
Me:
Dad!
!
Hi
m:I
'
m ser
ious.
Me:
ewwnowear
esonothav
ingt
hisconv
ersat
ion.
Him:*
laughs*
comeonI'
my ourbestfr
iendi
fyoudo
nothaveitwi
thmethenwhowillyouhavei
twit
h?
Me:
*gi
ggl
i
ng*
mom duh.

Herol
lshi
sey
eschuckli
ng,
mom showsup
pani
cki
ngwhi
lehol
dingKei
th.

Dad:
honeywhat
'swr
ong?
Her:
i
t'
sKeithhe'sheat
edupIt
hinkweshoul
dtake
hi
mt othedoctor.

Dadwal
ksclosertohert
ofeel
Kei
th'
sheadandI
al
soseehi
m panicktoo.

Dad:
l
et'
shur
ry.

Weallr
ushoutt
othecar,
ofcourseaft
erl
ocki
ng
up.
..
dadst
art
sthei
gni
tion.It
rycal
li
ngNqubekobut
i
tri
ngsunanswer
ed,
Iguesshi
smeet
ingi
sst
il
lon.
..
I
j
ustl
eaveamessageforhi
m.

°
Nqubeko°

Idon'
tknowifI
'
llbeabl
etol
i
etohi
mforl
ongbutofI
tel
lhi
m,i
twil
lbr
eakhim.

Mnqobi
:
yohbr
owher
eyouat
?
Me:*
chuckl
i
ng*
I'
m her
eI'
mjustt
hinki
ngabout
somethi
ng.
Him:okaysohowhav ey
oubeen?Idi
dn'
tgettot
alk
toyouy est
erdaycauseyouanddadwer
eclosed
behi
ndt hatdoor.
Me:I
'v
ebeengoodjustwentthr
oughshi
tfort
hel
ast
coupl
emonthsbutit
'
sallgood.
Hi
m:whatki
ndofshi
t?
Me:madeenemiesthereandther
e,wentcr
azya
l
it
tl
e..
.Si
mphiwegotkidnappedandshot,
Enhl
e'
sli
fe
wasi
ndangersowasmycompany
.
Hi
m:wowsoundsl
i
key
ouguy
shav
ebeent
hrougha
l
ot.

Il
ookatSi
m andsmi
l
e.

Me:
yeahwe'
vebeent
hroughqui
teal
ot.
Hi
m:ohwho'
sEnhl
e?
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
myper
son.
Hi
m:wuuuuhl
ookwho'
sbl
ushi
ng,
howl
onghav
eyou
t
wobeendati
ng?
Me:st
art
edli
ki
ngheraf
ewdaysaft
ery
ou"
died"but
onl
ystar
teddat
ing4mont
hsago.
Hi
m:*
shocked*
you'
vebeenwi
thherf
or4mont
hs?
???
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
yeah.
Him:
wowy outwomustbeseri
ous,
forasl
ongas
I
'v
eknowny ouyoudon'
tl
astamonthina
r
elat
ionshi
p.
Me:
wel
lthi
sti
meIf
oundt
heone.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
whenam Imeet
ingher
?
Me:
herandKei
thmustbeont
hei
rwaynow.
Hi
m:Kei
th?Who'
sthat
?
Me:
Buhl
e'
schi
l
d.
Him:*r
aiseshisey ebr
owi nconfusi
on*Buhlehasa
chi
ld?InfactI'v
ebeenmeani ngtoaskyouabouther
causewhenIwokeupf rom comaIr ememberedthat
Isuspectedthatshewaspr egnantsoIaskeddadt o
dosomer esearchonherandIf oundoutthatshe'
s
i
nCapeTownl i
v i
ngwithanotherdude.
Him:*si
ghing*
wheredoIstar
t?Buhl
ewaspregnant
,I
tookherinbecauseshewasyourgi
rl
fr
iendand
carr
yingyourchi
lda.
..
Hi
m:*
shocked*
shewasr
eal
l
ypr
egnant
?
Me:letmef i
nish,
aft
ersomet i
meIgav eherthekey
toyourapartmentcauseIcouldn'
tcopewithher
behaviorhere*si
ghi
ng*monthswentbyandshegav e
bir
thbutturnsoutshecheatedony ouitwasn'
tyour
baby.
Hi
m:*cl
encheshi
sjaw*
what
?(heaskst
hati
nal
ow
t
one)
Me:i
tgetsworse,
whenshewasdi schargedsheleft
thebabyonthebusstopbenchandr anaway .
..
the
babywasfoundbyEnhle'sparent
s,t
heytookhimin
andshoweredhim wi
thlovethenadoptedhim.
Him:*si
ghsoutloud*howcoul
dBuhl
edosucha
thi
ng?Soev enifIwasher
eshewasgoingtoli
eto
myf acethatt
hebabywasmi ne?Whataboutt
he
baby'sfat
her?
Me:*
shr
uggi
ng*
whatabouthi
m?Wedonotknow
hi
m.
Him:
whatifherocksupt
oBuhlewanti
nghi
schi
l
d
andBuhl
estart
slooki
ngfort
hebaby?
Me:
uhIdon'
tknowInev
ert
houghtaboutt
hef
ather
.
Hi
m:well
let'
shopehedoesn'
tshowupsohowol
dis
t
hechi
ld?Isitagi
rloraboy
?
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
it'
saboyandhe'
s3mont
hsol
d.
Him:
*smi
l
es*
ifBuhl
edidn'
tcheatonmeI '
ll
besayi
ng
Ihav
ea3monthsoldson*smil
es*butheyi
t'
sokay
andIhappenedt
omeetsomeoney
est
erday
.
Me:
buty
ouj
ustgotback*
chuckl
i
ng*
.
Him:*
laughs*
dudethatgir
lisatr
uedef
ini
ti
onof
beaut
ybutsherefusedtogivemehernumber
.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
andwhyi
sthat
?
Him: evenafterItol
dhermynameshesai dI'
ma
stranger,It
oldherIjustwant
edtobefri
endseven
thatwasn' tenti
rel
ytrueshesai
dIquote"mydad
alongwi thmyboy f
ri
endwon'tl
i
kethat"
.Me:
damnI
shoul dteachEnhletosaythatt
oeveryguythatwi
ll
askf orhernumber s.
Hi
m:*
laughs*
butI
'
m sogonnagett
hisgi
rl
.
Me:
whatmakesy
ousosur
e.
Him:dudewhoam I
?Any
waywheni
syourper
son
gett
ingher
e?
Me:
sheshoul
d'
vebeenher
ebynow,
l
etmecal
lher
.

It
akeoutmyphone.
Me:shootsomanymi ssedcal ls,
Imusthav eforgot
toputitbackongener alaftertheonlinemeet i
ngo
hadthismor ni
ng.Wellitseemsl ikeshewon' tmake
i
ttoday,shesaystheyaret akingKeithtothedoct or
heisn'
tfeeli
ngwellandt hatshel ovesme* smili
ng*
Hi
m:nxdi
dyouhav
etoi
ncl
udet
hatpar
t?
Me:*
chuckl
i
ng*matewhyareyousoqui
et?Iswear
i
t'
sli
keyouli
vefr
om t
alki
ng.
Sim:*
chuckl
es*Iwouldhavejustwentt
omyr oom
andlety
ouguy sbondandcat chupbutIfi
gur
edI'
ll
beboredtodeathalonetheresodon'
tmindme
pret
endasifI'
m nothereIlovethi
svi
ew.
Mnqobi:
wel
lIguessI'
l
lmeety
ourpersonsomeot
her
daybutdoexpl
aint
omehowshel ooksli
ke.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
li
keal
i
vingangel
,
s..
.
Hi
m:okayj
ustshowmeherpi
ctur
e.

Ichucklegoingtomygall
erythent
oEnhle'sf
older
,I
thenhandhi mthephone.
..
Iimmediat
elyseehis
smilevanishi
ng.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
what
'swr
ong?Amazedbyherbeaut
y?
Hi
m:*
hal
fsmi
l
es*
wow.
Me:
Iknowr
ight
.
Hi
m:*
clear
shi
sthr
oat
*she'
sbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Iknownowgi
vememyphoneback.

HehandsitbackandIseeSimphi
wesi
tt
ingup
st
rai
ghtl
ookingatMnqobi.

Si
m:i
t'
sheri
sn'
ti
t?
Mnqobi
:
*conf
used*
what
?
Me:
yeahmat
ewhatar
eyouonabout
?
Sim:i
t'
sthegi
rly
ouwer etal
ki
ngabout,
theonewho
ref
usedtogiv
ey ouhernumbersr
ight
,it'
sher
.
Me:
wai
tMnqobi
wer
eyout
alki
ngaboutMi
nenhl
e?
Hi
m:uhh.
..
Me:
wowokaynowthatyouknowshe'
smineplease
dobackof
fandI
'
m sayi
ngthati
nthemostni
cest
possi
bleway
.

Hesi
ghsasi
fIam aski
nghi
mtodot
hei
mpossi
ble.

Me:
Mnqobi
?
~i
nser
t63~

°
Nqubeko°

Me:
Mnqobi
?
Hi
m:*
sighs*
yeah.
Me:y
oudidhearwhatIjustsai
dri
ght?ManIdon'
t
wantust
ofightespeci
all
yforagi
rl
.
Hi
m:Iwi
l
lbackof
f.
Me:
MnqobiIknowthatoncey
ou'
vemadeupy
our
mi
ndyouhardl
ychangeit.
Hi
m:truether
ebutI
'
llr
especty
ouandst
ayaway
f
rom her.
Me:
thanky
ou.

¶TheFol
l
owi
ngDay
¶

°
Minenhl
e°
TurnsoutKei t
hhasami norfl
unot hi
ngseri
ous. .
..
but
thenitwasbet tersaf
et hansor r
y.IguesstodayI '
l
l
bev i
siti
ngNqual one,actual
lyI'
mi nhisdoorst ep
alr
eadyj ustwaiti
ngforhi mtoopent hedoor .He
opensi twithadashingsmi lethatIsti
ll
can'tget
usedt o,itmakesmebl usheveryti
me.

Bef
oreIcoul
dgr
eethi
m hecr
ushesmewi
thahug.

Hi
m:Imi
ssedy
ou.
Me:
i
tonl
ybeenoneday
.
Hi
m:*
breaki
ngt
hehug*
real
l
y?I
tfel
tmor
ethant
hat
.
Me:*chuckl
i
ng*mayIcomein,
Iwantt
osi
tdownmy
kneesaregett
ingwobbl
y.
Him:
ohhy
eah*
maki
ngwayf
orme*
wantmet
ohel
p
you?
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
nodon'
twor
ryI
'
llbef
ine.
Isl
owl
yfol
l
owbehi ndhi
m andbyt
hemomentIsi t
downIf
eell
ikeIwasrunni
ngaver
ylongdi
stance.

Hi
m:ar
eyouokay
?
Me:*
exhal
ingi
nexhaust
ion*
yeah,
sohowar
e
you?
*smil
i
ng*
Hi
m:I
'
m goodt
hanks,
your
sel
f?
Me:
I'
m doi
nggoodmy
sel
f.
Hi
m:howi
sKei
th?Whatdi
dthedoct
orsay
?
Me:
hehasf
lubuthe'
l
lbef
ine.
Hi
m:ahshame.

Il
ookathi
m wi
thast
rangel
ook.

Hi
m:what
?
Me:
*gi
ggl
i
ng*
not
hing.
Ihearvoi
cesappr
oachi
ngf
rom behi
nd,
IseeNqu
si
ghing.

"
OhCandyy
ou'
vear
ri
ved"
-t
hatSi
mphi
we.

It
urnmyheadt othel
eftandmysmil
e
di
sappear
s,whati
sthi
sguydoingher
e.

Me:
yeah,
uhm hi
.
Them:
hey
.
Guy
:Mnqobi
*l
endsmehi
shandf
orashake*
Me:yeahIr
emembery
ou,
fr
om t
hepar
k(Isayt
hat
shaki
nghishand)
Nqu:
*cl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
*babe,
uht
hisi
sMnqobi
my
br
other
.
Me:
hahay
ouar
enotbei
ngf
unnyy
ouknow.
Hi
m:I
'
m ser
ious.
I
nmymi ndI
'mli
kewhatthefuck?YeahIfi
nal
ly
fi
guredwhyhelookedfami
li
arbuthowtheheckis
hehere?Iwenttohi
sfuner
al,
he'
ssupposedtobe
dead.

Nqu:
okayl
etmegi
vey
ouanexpl
anat
ion.

Hestar
tsfr
om t
hebegi
nni
ngtotheend,
andwowMr
Gabuzai
ssomethi
ngel
segod.

Him:
sohereheis,
andIbeli
evey
outwohav eal
ready
metther
ewasnoneedf ormetoint
roducehi
mt o
you*
chuckl
es*
Me:oookay
,wel
lni
cet
omeety
oubyt
heway
..
.god
t
hisisfr
eaky.
Sim:*
laughs*f
inal
lysomebodyget
sit
,sohowi
sKei
th?
Iheardheisn'
tfeeli
ngwell
.
Me:
hehasf
luhe'
l
lbef
ine.
Si
m:andhowar
eyou?Iseey
ouar
eher
ewi
thout
y
ourwheel
chai
r.
Mnqobi
:wai
twhat
?
Nqu:i
t'
ski
ndofal
ongstory
,tomakei
tshor
tshegot
shotandl
ostt
heabi
l
ityt
owal k.
Mnqobi:
wow,I
'v
ebeengoneforafewmont
hsandi
t
soundsl
ikeI
'
vemissedoutalot
.
Si
m:don'
twor
ryy
ou'
l
lcat
chup.
..
Candy
??
Me:Iwonderwhathappenedt oyoucall
ingme
Minenhle*chuckl
ing*anywayI'
m sl
owlyheal
ingyeahi
doneedmywheel chai
rever
ynowandt henbutI
thoughtthattodaywouldbeagr eatdaytoexer
cise.
Nqu:
andhow'
sthatwor
kingoutf
ory
ou?
*smi
l
es*
Me:
good.
Hi
m:r
eal
l
y?
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
yeah.
Hi
m:comeonbabey
ou'
rebr
eat
hingl
i
key
ouwer
e
r
unni
ngamarat
hon.
Si
mphi
wel
aughswhi
l
eIr
oll
myey
es.

Si
m:NewYear'
sEveisar
oundthecor
nerand
ev
eryonewi
l
lbeholdi
ngcloset
hei
rpart
ner
.
Nqu:
obv
iousl
y,whati
syourpoi
nt?
Si
m:mypoi
nti
s,
thatdoesn'
tsi
twel
lwi
thme.
Nqu:
*laughs*
Itol
dyoualongt
imeagot
ofi
nda
gi
rl
fr
iendoraboyfri
end.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
oraboy
fri
end?Si
mphi
wear
eyoubi
s..
..
.
Si
m:noyerr
,yourmanbeli
evest
hatI
'
m gaybutwor
ry
notI
'
llpr
ovehim wrongoneday.

Ichuckleandwecont inuet al
ki
ng,l
aughingther
eand
therebesidesMnqobi...
he'sawfull
yquietIhaveno
i
deawhycausef r
om whatIhear dfrom Ntokoi
sthat
he'stal
kative.
..
anywayafterawhi l
emeandNqubeko
excuseour sel
vesbecauseappar entl
y"Icametovi
sit
him notthem"hiswordsnotmi ne.
Me:
i
syourbr
otheral
way
sthatqui
et?
Hi
m:no,heli
kesyouandhe'sfindi
ngithardtoaccept
t
hefactthatyouar
ehisbrother'
sgir
lfr
iend.
Me:
what
??Hebar
elyknowsme.
Hi
m:hebar
elyknewBuhl
ebuthel
i
kedhert
hef
ir
st
t
imehesawher.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*whati
fIwasn'
tyourgi
rl
fr
iend?What
washegoi
ngtodo?
Him:probabl
ystal
kyout
il
lyougi
vei
n,he'
sa
persi
stentper
sonhedoesn'
tgi
veupeasi
ly.

Wow

Him:
anywayenoughaboutthatheunder
standsthat
you'
remygirl
fri
end,
he'
l
lbehave.Isor
taneedyour
advi
ceconcerni
ngMnqobi
.
Me:
I'
mli
steni
ng.
Him:soasyouknowthatdadthoughhecouldn'
t
havebabi
esbutfoundoutthi
syearthathecanand
t
hatI
'
m hi
s.
Me:
yeah.
Hi
m:hedidt
hetestwithMnqobitooandt
urnsout
Mnqobi
isn'
thi
sson,he'
suncl
e's.
Me:yucksthat
'smessy
,howdoy
ouallf
eel
aboutt
hat
?
Especial
l
yMnqobi,
howdoeshefeel
?
Him:that'
swher et
headv i
cepartcomefrom,Mnqobi
doesn'tknowany t
hingaboutunclesl
eepi
ngwith
mom, dadthinki
nghe'sinf
ert
il
ehedoesn'tknowdad
i
sn'thisfather
.
Me:
evenmor
emessi
er.
Hi
m:*
sighs*
yeah,
whatdoy
out
hinkweshoul
ddo?
Me:Ithi
nkit
'sbesti
fbothy ouandyourdadsitdown
wit
hMnqobi andt
ell
himt heenti
rethi
ngcauseifhe
happenstofindoutt
hetruthhimsel
fitwon'
tend
ni
cely.
Hi
m:butwhati
fbyt
ell
i
nghi
mthet
rut
hwemakehi
m
f
eell
eftout
?
Me:whynotcr
ossthebri
dgewheny ougett
her
e?
Pl
uswhatifhereal
i
zethatyourdadapol
ogi
zed
usi
ngal
i
e.
Him:*
confused*
whatdoy
oumeanheapol
ogi
zed
usi
ngalie?
Me:y
ousaidyourdadapol
ogi
zedt
ohi
m,expl
aini
ng
ev
erythi
ngr
ight
?
Hi
m:y
eah,
wel
lexcl
udi
ngt
hepar
twi
thuncl
e.
Me:exact
ly,t
heenti
reexpl
anati
onevolv
esaround
youruncl
e..
.i
tstar
tswit
hhim andendswithhim
whichmeanst heexpl
anat
ionyourf
athergaveto
Mnqobi i
s..
.
Hi
m:compl
etel
yal
i
e*si
ghs*
whydi
dn'
tIt
hinkoft
hat
?
Me:*
chuckl
i
ng*Iguessyouwerei
nshockthatt
he
per
sonyouassumedy oubur
iedwasnev
erdead.
Him:
*chuckl
ing*
Iguesssot
oo,
thanky
ouf
ort
he
advi
se*smil
es*
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
any
time.

Helooksatmef
orawhi
leandt henoutofnowher
e
heatt
acksmewit
haki
ss..
..
.Idon'tknowhowand
whenbutwef i
ndoursel
vesremovi
ngeachot
her
's
cl
othes,
het henlay
smeni celyont
hebed
worshi
ppingmybody ..
..
.

[
REMOVED]

°
Simphi
we°

Iwillnott
alkaboutt henoi set hati scomingf rom
Nqubeko'sr oom insteadi '
mmat al kaboutMnqobi ,
he
didsayhe'llbackof fbutIdon' ttrusthim Ionotwant
totellNqut hatcauseIf eel likewe' ll
endup
arguing.
..
.hehasknownMnqobi forhi sentir
elif
e
andheonl ymetmet hi
sy earsoi fweal lgodown
thatroadIknowhewi l
lbeliev ehisownbr otherbut
j
ustbecauseIknowhe' l
lpickhi m doesn' tmeanI
can'tdoany thingabouti t
.Nqul ov esMi nenhledearl
y
andhehaspl annedf ut
urepl ansfort hem bothsoif
helosesherhemi ghtgocr azy ,
Mi nenhlealsoloves
Nqudear l
yI 'veseeni tIdon' tthi
nkshewoul djust
l
eav ehimf orhi sbrotherwi l
lingly.AllI'
m gonnadoi s
keepaney
eonMnqobi
att
hemoment
.

#Nar
rat
ed

Buhl
e:I
'
vegoti
tmom.
Her
:you'
vegotwhat
?
Buhl
e:awaytofi
ndoutwhotookmychi
ld,
thebus
st
opIlef
thim oni
stheoneoutsi
det
hehospit
al.
Her
:okayso?
Buhl
e:t
her
ear
ecamer
asar
oundt
her
e.
Her
:*smi
les*ohyeahIt
otal
lyf
orgotaboutt
hem,
we'
l
l
gof
irstt
hingint
hemor ni
ng.

Buhlenodswi
thasmi
l
eknowi
ngt
hatt
her
e's
progress.
~i
nser
t64~

°
Minenhl
e°

Nqu:
may
bey
oushoul
dsl
eepov
er.
Me:
youmustbeoutofy
ourmi
nd.
Hi
m:butbabey
oucanbar
elywal
k.
Me:
andwho'
sfaul
tist
hat
?
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
cer
tai
nlynotmi
ne.

Igi
vehi
m adeadst
are.

Him:
theonl
ythi
ngt
hatst
arei
sdoi
ngi
stur
ningme
on.
Me:
gety
ourf
latassupandt
akemehome.
Hi
m:butIwanty
oual
ltomy
sel
ftheent
ir
e
ni
ght
*pouts*
Me:y
ou'
redrai
ningy
ouknowt
hat
?I'
l
ljustask
Si
mphiwethen.
Him:
*rol
l
shi
sey
eswhi
l
est
andi
ngup*
okayokayl
et'
s
go.

Hewear shisshoesandwalkstowardst
hedoor
,he
stopsandlooksatmestandingleani
ngont
he
headboard.

Hi
m:andnow?
Me:
Ican'
twal
k,
myl
egsar
ewobbl
y.

Hel
aughsatmebef
orewal
ki
ngbackt
opi
ckmeup.

Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
*smi
l
ingback*
you'
renot
.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
Iam.
Ir
oll
myeyesasweentert
hel
oungewher
ewef
ind
Si
mphiweseat
edont
hecouchal
one.

Nqu:
mat
ehav
eyouseenmycarkey
s?
Si
m:*
tur
nshi
shead*
oht
henoi
semaker
s.

Ibur
ymyheadonNqubeko'
sneckf
eel
i
ngmycheeks
heat
ingup.

Nqu:
*l
aughs*
mat
eshutup.
Sim:*
laughs*
okayIwon'
tsayany
thi
ngf
ornowbutI
'
ll
suresaysomethi
nglat
er.
Nqu:
youhav
en'
tanswer
edmey
ouknow,
Ihav
eto
t
akeEnhl
ehome.
Him:ohhyeahy
ourbr
othert
ookt
hem hesai
dhe
neededsomeair.
Nqu:
*fr
owns*butwhenIcameheretomakesnacksI
t
oldhi
mt hatIwasgonnatakeEnhl
ehomearound
t
hist
ime.
Si
mphi
wej
ustshr
ugs.

Me:
i
t'
sokayl
etmecal
lacab.
Nqu:
no,*
sighs*
mat
ecanyoudri
vetheAudioutof
t
hegarageandpar
kiti
nfr
ontofthehouseforme.
Si
m:*
smi
l
es*
absol
utel
y,wher
ear
ethekey
s?
Nqu:
study
.

Si
mphi
west
andsupwal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
hepassage.

Me:
howmanycar
sdoy
ouhav
e?
Hi
m:2.
Me:
I'
venev
erseeny
oudr
ivi
ngt
heAudi
.
Him:Ionl
yuseitonspecialevent
sli
keongala
part
iesordi
nners,
launches..
..
impor
tantdeal
s.
Me:
wowandy
ou'
reaboutt
odr
ivei
toccasi
onal
l
y.
Hi
m:i
tdoesn'
tmat
tercausey
ou'
respeci
aland
i
mport
ant.
Me:
*bl
ushi
ng*
whyar
eyouangr
y?
Hi
m:*si
ghs*I
'
mt ry
ingtofi
gureoutwhyMnqobi
took
t
hecaraft
erIspeci
fi
call
ytol
dhim Iwasgoi
ngt
ouse
i
t.
Me:
maybehe'
l
lbebacksoon.Doesn'
thehav
ehi
s
owncar
?
Him:hehasit,
i
t'
sathomei thasbeent
her
esi
ncethe
dayhef al
sel
ydied.
..
hecan'tgot
heret
ogeti
tyet
well
y ouknowwhy .
Me:*si
ghi
ng*whydon'
tyoupl
acemedownf
ora
sec,
am Inotheav
y?
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
you'
rel
i
ghtasaf
eat
her
.

Ir
ollmyeyesandkeeplooki
ngathim,t
hiscart
hing
i
sreall
ybother
inghi
m IwonderwhyMnqobi t
ook
i
t.
..
may behehasavali
dreasonothert
hanwanting
ai
r.Aft
erawhil
eSimphiwewalkin.
Si
m:canIpl
easecomewi
thy
ouguy
s.
Nqu:
okaybuty
ou'
renotdr
ivi
ng.
Hi
m:butI
..
..
Nqu:
dri
vi
ngi
toutoft
hegaragewast
hef
ir
standl
ast
t
imenowgiv
emet hekey
s.

Hehandshimt
hekey
swhi
l
erol
l
inghi
sey
esmaki
ng
melaugh.
.
.
.
Dad:
*fr
owns*
what
'swr
ong?Whyar
eyoucar
ryi
ng
her
?
Nqu:
shest
oodonherfeetf
orf
art
ool
ongandher
spi
nest
art
edact
ingup.
Dad:
*pani
cki
ng*
mustIt
akey
out
othedoct
or?M.
..
Me:
nodadit'
sokayIj
ustneedtot
akemy
medi
cat
ionandrestf
orawhil
e.
Dad:i
fthat
'swhatyouwant,
butify
oudon'
tgetbet
ter
bytomorrowI'
mt aki
ngyoutothedoct
or.

Ismi
l
enoddi
ngandDadt
akesmef
rom Nqu.

Dad:yourdadt
oldmeabouty
ourbr
other
,howdoy
ou
feel
abouthim bei
ngal
i
ve?
Nqu:
shockedandgr
atef
uli
nfactIst
il
ldon'
tbel
i
evei
t.
Dad:
*chuckl
es*
thanksf
orbr
ingi
ngherhome.

Nqunodswithasmi l
ewhi l
edadturnswalki
ng
towar
dsthepassage,It
urnmyheadl ooki
ngatNqu
whomouths"Il
ovey ou"Iblushmouthi
ng"Il
ovey
ou"
back,
hesmil
esandwal kout .

°
Nqubeko°

Thatwasacl
oseone,
Ij
ustgotov
erboar
dear
li
eri
t
j
ustthatithasbeent
ool ongsinceIlasthadsome
cakeandgodhav emer cyonmecauseIt hi
nkI'
m
al
readyobsessedwit
hEnhl e'
s.I'
m wal ki
ngbackto
mycarrightnowandIst opreali
zingthatmyphone
i
sr i
ngi
ng,it
'sMnqobi
..
.Isighpi
ckingitup.

/
/
Him:
broI'
m sor
ryIwentt
ot heneargar
ageIdi
dn't
knowthatIwasgoi
ngtotakethi
slong,
butI
'm onmy
waybacknow.
Me:
you'
redone?
Hi
m:comeondon'
tbel
i
ket
hat
.
Me:
nxx.
/
/
Idropthecal
l,
he'
sreall
ypressi
ngmybut t
onsthis
crushofhi
sonMi nenhl
ehast oendcauseit'
s
messingwithhi
m andifhecontinuesact
ingl
ikethi
s
wear egoi
ngtohaveapr obl
em.
°
Simphi
we°

Onedayhey ,
onedayI 'l
lri
deabeastli
kethi
sone.I'v
e
alwaysaskedNquwhyhedoesn' tdri
vethi
scarI
meani tal
waysint hegarage,
hetol
dmet hatit
'sonl
y
forimport
anteventsandsoonandr i
ghtnowI'm
kindofnotshockedt hathetooki
toutforMinenhl
e
becausewellI
'l
ljustsayhe'sbewit
ched.

"
Heyheyhey
,not
ouchi
ng"
-hesay
sopeni
ngt
hedoor
.

Me:
I'
mjustf
eel
i
ngi
t.
Him:
it'
sbadenought
haty
ou'
resi
tt
ingoni
tnow
you'
retouchi
ngi
t.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
onedaymanei
oneday
.
Him:*
star
ti
ngthecar*
oht
hatremi
ndsmeIl
ooked
i
ntoyourC.VandI'
mimpr
essedmanwhydi
dn'
tyou
handem out?
Me:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?Youl
ookedi
ntomy
C.
V?Idon'
tremembergi
vi
ngy
oumyC.
V.
Him:youalwaystal
kabouthowbady ouwantto
workandwhenev erIaskyoutogiv
emey ourC.V
youignor
emesoIaskeddadi fhecanfi
nditand
well
nothingisimpossi
bleforhi
m.
Me:*chuckli
ng*ohyeahIonceappl
iedonlinebefor
e
myuncl emadesur ethatnooneemploysme, he
changedi tt
osayingIhaveacri
minalrecordand
al
sobl ockeditsohowdi dt
heheckyourdadf indi
t?
Hi
m:Ijustt
oldy
outhatnothi
ng'
simpossi
blef
or
hi
m,andwhywouldyouruncl
edosuch?
Me:hedi
dn'twantmetoearnmoneyf
ormy sel
f
causeImightseemysel
fbett
ert
hanhi
m andleav
e.
Him:y
ahnehpeoplearet
rul
ywickedoutt
here,
anywayyou'
rehi
redyou'
l
lbest
arti
ngworki
ngfir
st
thi
ngaft
erNewYear.
Me:
*ast
oni
shed*
mat
edon'
tpl
aywi
thme.
Him:i
fpeopleaskt
ell
them t
hei
nter
viewwashel
l
a
hardokay?
Me:
you'
reser
ious?
Hi
m:wantmet
ochangemymi
nd?
Me:
fuckno,
Iwantt
ohugy
ousobadr
ightnow.
Hi
m:ewwnoy
ou'
l
lsmugof
fEnhl
e'
ssmel
l
.

Il
aughanditsi
nksin,
I'
m gonnabeanemploy
eef
uck
I'
mfinal
l
ygoingtowakeuponMonday sand
complai
nli
keotheremployees.

Me:wai
tyousai
dfi
rstt
hingaf
terNewYear
,t
hat
's2
Januar
y.
Hi
m:y
eah.
Me:canitbethe3rdbecauseonthe2ndI'
l
l be
sl
eepingfrom t
hehangoverI'
l
lgetf
rom dr
inki
ngt
oo
muchont he1st.
Hi
m:*l
aughs*
you'
resomet
hingel
sedoy
ouknow
t
hat?
Me:
wel
lcanI
?
Hi
m:no,
Iguessy
oushoul
dn'
tdr
inkont
he1st
.
Me:
butbuti
twi
l
lbeNewYear
.

Hejustchucklesandfocusont
her
oadwel
lIguess
I
'l
lstar
tdri
nkingtoday
.
~i
nser
t65~

#Nar
rat
ed

Buhl
eandhermom ar ewatchi
ngt
hefoot
ageoft
he
dayshel
eftherbabyonthebusst
opbench.

Hermom:whatbuswer
ey outal
kingabout?I
t'
sbeen
30minut
esandnobusjustthebabycryi
nghislungs
out
.
Buhl
e:Imi
ghthav
ecal
cul
atedwr
ongIdon'
tknow.
Her:
calcul
atedwrong?Youdogett
haty
ourbaby
mighthavedied.
Buhl
e:don'
tsayt
hat
!!
Her
:whys.
..
Buhl
e:wai
tlook.

Theyr
emai
nqui
etast
heyf
ocusont
hewomenwho
rushesoutthecartothebabyandsoonaman
rushesouttoo,t
hewoment akesthebabyconsoling
him whil
etheirl
ipsmov et
heycan'texact
lyhear
whattheyaresay i
ng.Whentheyenterbacktothe
carBuhlequickl
ygrabsapenandapaperandwr ites
downt henumberpl at
easthecoupledriv
eaway .

Buhl
e:*
smi
l
es*
nowwe'
reget
ti
ngsomewher
e.
Hermom:
how?Howwi
l
lanumberpl
atehel
pus?
Buhl
e:i
twi
l
lleadusst
rai
ghtt
owher
etheyar
e.
Her:
howcausewecan'
ti
nvol
vet
hepol
i
cey
oumi
ght
geti
ntot
roubl
e.
Buhl
e:noI
'
llaskQui
ntont
otakeoft
his.
Her
:who'
sQui
nton?
Buhl
e:af
ri
endofmi
ne,
l
et'
sgoandf
indmybaby
.

Hermot
hersi
ghsshaki
ngherhead.
°
Nqubeko°

Mnqobi
:
broar
eyoust
il
lmadatme?
Me:Isti
l
ldon'tgetwhyyouhadtogot
othegarage
yest
erdaytheexactti
meItoldy
ouIwasgonnause
t
hecar .
Him:l
ikeIsaidIwasgonnacomebacksoonbutIgot
caughtup,forgi
veme.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*remember3y
earsagowhenIt
oldy
ou
t
hatIwasi
nterest
edi
nNonhl
e?
Hi
m:y
eah.
Me:
andIdat
edherf
oraweekbef
orey
out
ookher
f
rom me.
Hi
m:NqubekoI
..
.
Me:nol
i
sten*
exhali
ng*
Ifor gaveyoufort
hatcausea
goodwomencan'tbestolen,shewasint
oyouthe
momentyoustar
tedfl
ir
tingwi thher
.
Hi
m:Ithoughtwewereovert
hat
,It
houghty
ou
f
orgav
emeIev enl
efther
.
Me:t
hepointi
sMi nenhl
elovesmey ousawitfor
your
sel
fandIhav ecert
ainl
yneverlovedagirl
likeI
l
oveher,
sopleasedearbrotherpl
easeacceptitthi
s
t
imepleaseacceptdefeat.
Hi
m:It
oldy
oumost
hatI
'
llbugout
,Ial
readyhav
e.
Me:you'
remybrot
herIknowy ou,don'
ty outhi
nkthat
Inot
icethi
sbehavi
orofyour
s?Jeezy oujustgot
backweshouldbecelebr
ati
ngy ourreturnnot
fi
ghti
ngli
kethi
s.
Hi
m:I
'
m notf
ight
ingy
ouI
'
mjust
*si
ghs*
Me:
j
ustwhat
?Inl
ove?

Hel
ooksdown.

Me:wow,
okaythenIgi
veyoumypermissi
ont
otel
l
Enhl
eaboutyourundy
ingl
ovef
orher.

Hequi
ckl
yrai
sehi
sheadi
nshock.
Hi
m:ar
eyoubei
ngser
ious?
Me:di
dt hatbull
etmesswi thyouinsomeway ?Ijust
tol
dyout hatIhavecertai
nlyneverl
ovedagir
lli
keI
l
oveEnhl eandy ou'
reactual
lyconsi
deri
ngwhatIjust
sai
d..
.don'tyougiveadamnaboutmyf eel
i
ngs?Y. .
.

I
'm di
stur
bedbymyphoneringi
ngandit
'sthequeen
ofmyheart,
Ical
m my
selfdownbefor
epickingup//

Me:
babe.
Her
:wedi
dn'
tuseacondom.
Me:
what
?
Her
:wedi
dn'
tuset
hef
reaki
ngcondom.

Icanheart
hatshe'
sreal
l
yfr
ust
rat
edandpani
cki
ng.

°
Simphi
we°
Somepeopl ehavenoshamehowcanMnqobi
consi
derdoingthat?Iwasn'texact
lyeavesdroppingI
wasjustpassingbytofetchabot t
leofwi nefrom
Nqubeko'scoll
ecti
on.WhenNqubeko' sphoner i
ngI
conti
nuewalkingli
kenothinghappenedt henIr et
urn
totheki
tchenwi t
hthebottleforaglasswher eIfind
Mnqobigulpingdownwat er,Ii
gnor
ehi m mindingmy
ownbusiness.

Hi
m:youdoknowthati
fNqubekocat
chy
ouwi
th
t
hathe'
sgonnaf
li
p.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
Iknow,
thatwhyhewon'
tcat
chme.
Hi
m:y
ou'
reget
ti
ngwayt
ocomf
ort
abl
eher
eman.

Ist
opwhatI
'
m doi
ngandl
ookathi
m.

Me:
whati
sthatsupposet
omean?
Hi
m:t
ell
met
hisman,
whydoy
oust
ayher
eagai
n?
Me:
andt
ell
met
hisman,
howi
sthatanyofy
our
busi
ness?
Hi
m:*chuckl
es*
youdon'
tknowmeman,
don'
ttal
kto
meli
kethat.
Me:andIsupposey ouknowme,youknowtheway
Nqubekopraisedyournameitwasli
keyou'
resome
godofsortandIwasl i
keIwishImetyoubutnow
seei
ngyou,you'r
enothi
ngbutapieceofshi
t.
Hi
m:wat
chy
ourmout
hdude.
Me:
orel
sewhat
?
Him:*
chuckl
es*Icanmakey
oudi
sappearwi
thj
usta
snapofmyfinger.
Me:you'
rest
il
laki
dyouhavealott
olearn,
Iknow
aboutthewannabegangst
ercr
ewyou'r
epartof
..
.
Hi
m:howdoy
ouknowaboutt
hat
?
Me:
whot
hef
uckam I
?Ohwai
tyoudon'
tknowme.
Him:
j
ustbecausey
ouknowt
hat
,doesn'
tmeany
ou'
re
someishh.
Me:
okgi
vemeasec.
Ipourt
hewineontheglassandgulpitdowninone
gothenpouri
tagain.
.j
ustasI
'm aboutt
ogulpit
downagainNqubekoshowsup.

Hi
m:Ihavetorushtothechemistbefor
eEnhl
ebit
es
myheadoffI'
l
l bebackI
..
.wai
tisthatBell
'
sfr
om my
wi
necoll
ecti
on?
Me:
whydoy
ousayi
tli
kei
t'
saper
son?
Hi
m:Si
mphi
we.
Me:Minenhl
emustbepl
anni
ngy
ourf
uner
alaswe
speak.
Hi
m:I
'
llbeback.

Herushesout
,Ibet
terf
ini
shthi
sbottl
ef ast
.Il
ook
backatMnqobiwhohasal ookIcan'
tread.

Me:ohyeahweweresti
ll
tal
ki
ng,youknowNtokozo
r
ight?Ofcour
seyouknowher.
..
whenshewast el
l
ing
meaboutbothyouandNqubekoshesaidyouare
ki
ndhearted,
freespi ri
tedper son,
niceand
consi
derate.
..
thenshesai dNqui scoldhearted,
arr
ogantandt hi
nkst hewor l
dr evol
vesaroundhim
andri
ghtnowI '
m starti
ngt ot hi
nkyou'r
etheone
whoimplantedt hatintoNt oko'sheadcauseNqui s
noneofthat.
..
butwear enott her
e,youbett
erstay
awayfrom Minenhle.
Hi
m:orel
sewhat
?
Me:
orel
sewear
egoi
ngt
ohav
eapr
obl
em.
Hi
m:shouldn'
ti
tbeNqubeko,
mybr
otherwhoshoul
d
t
ell
met hat?
Me: i
tshouldhav ebeenNqubekomymat ewho
shouldhav etoldmeI '
m get
tingt
oocomfort
ablebut
yether ewear e,
Minenhl
elovesNquyoudon'tknow
shitofwhatt hey'
vebeenthroughsoyoubett
ernot
rui
nwhatt heyhav einfacty
ouwon'trui
nitwhil
eI'
m
sti
llbreat
hing.
Hi
m:*chuckl
es*
areyoudoi
ngal
loft
hist
otakemy
pl
aceinNqu'sl
i
fe?
Il
aughmyassatandcat
chmybr
eat
hbygul
pingt
he
wi
neokayi
t'
sstar
ti
ngtowor
k.

Me:yahnehi sthatwhaty
outhink?IfIwer
eIwoul d
hav
eal readywoncausejudgi
ngbyourbehav iorI
'
m
abetterbrothert
oNqubekothany ouarer
ightnow.

#Nar
rat
ed.

Thosewordshi
thar
dtoMnqobi
buthedoesn'
tshow
anyemoti
on.

Hi
m:i
fyouthi
nkli
kethatt
henhowdoy outhinkhe
woul
dfeel
aboutyoumeddli
nginhi
srelat
ionshi
p?
Sim:meddl
i
ng??Whatarey
out alki
ngabout
?Look
thi
sconver
sat
ioni
soverasyoucanseeIhav ea
dateher
eandyou'
reki
ndofdisturbi
ngus.
Hi
m:ohhIseeitnowy ou'
reonl
yhereformy
br
other
'sweal
th,you'
rebusyact
ingl
ikeyoucar
e
abouthi
m andhi
srel
ati
onshi
psohecankeepy
ou
around.
Sim:ai
bowhatam I?Adog?Acat ?NowIseeexactl
y
whyy ouandBuhledated,
youtwomakeawonderful
coupleinfactwhydon'
tyougolookf
orherandfi
x
thi
ngswi t
hherI'
m sureshe'
l
lgiv
eyouababythi
s
ti
mear ound.

ThewayMnqobi
smi
l
esatt
hati
tli
kehegota
bri
l
li
anti
dea.
~i
nser
t66~

°
Nqubeko°

WhenIgott othechemistt heywer ealr

eadycl
osing
wellbecauseit'sthehol
iday sandthatladyseemed
alit
tl
edr unkIjustprayandhopeshegav emethe
ri
ghtpil
ls,buti
ft heyweren'
tther i
ghtonesEnhle
wouldhav etoldmecauseshe' sanur sesheknows
thesethings.RightnowI '
m backhomeand
Simphiwei sdrunkhenev erlist
enst hi
sone.

Me:mat
edidn'
tIt
ell
younott
ogonearmywi
ne
col
l
ecti
on.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
youdi
dtel
lmebutheyi
t'
sthehol
i
day
s.
Me:
wher
e'sMnqobi
?
Hi
m:It
hinkhewentt
olookf
orhi
sgi
rl
fr
iend*
bur
ps*
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
may
bey
oushoul
dgot
obednow.
Hi
m:y
ourbr
otheri
spl
anni
ngsomet
hinghuge.
Me:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Hi
m:y
ouknowt
hatI
'
m smar
tri
ght
?*bur
ps*
Me:
uh?
Hi
m:I
'
m smar
tri
ght
?
Me:
*rol
l
ingmyey
es*
yeah.
Him:wel
lIt
hink*bur
ps*It
hinkthatyourbrot
herwent
tolookf
orBuhleandhemi ghtconvinceBuhleto
takeKei
thbacktobreakCandycauseheal ready
knowshowf ondsheisofhim alongwithherfamil
y.
Me:*
shocked*what
?Wai thow'
sthatal
lgoi
ngt
ohel
p
hi
m?I twon'
thel
phim atall
.
Him:
true,
unl
ess*
bur
ps*
you'
rer
ightIshoul
dgett
o
bed.
Me:
what
??Unl
esswhat
?
Hi
m:ohy
eahIwasst
il
ltal
ki
ng.
Me:
mat
e.
Him:unlesshepi
nsev er
ythingonyou,
howdoy ou
thi
nkCandywi l
lfeel
knowi ngthaty
outookKei
th
awayf r
om him?
Me:i
twouldn'
tmakesenseImeanwhywoul
dIev
en
wanttot
akeKeit
hawayf r
om t
hem?
Him:mate*burps*itseemslikeyouknowl i
tt
leabout
yourbrother,
Idon'tthi
nkheev erli
kedyouIjustt
hink
hetoler
atedy oujustbecausey ou'
rehi
s
brot
her*shrugs*
Me:
okaygot
obedy
ou'
rest
eppi
ngoutofl
i
ne.
Him:butI
'mtel
li
ngthet
rut
hasiti
s,doy
outhi
nka
brot
herthatl
ovesy
oucoulddosuch?Wor
seit'
snot
thefi
rstt
ime.
Me:
Simphi
we.
Him: wakeupmat e,
thi
sbei ngt ooni cewillcostyou
Mi nenhle..
..
youwer etoni cetoBuhl eevenwhenshe
pushedy ourbuttonsyounot i
cedt hatshepushed
yourbut tonsbuty oustil
lcont i
nuedbei ngni ceto
her ,
aft
erwef i
rstmetIpr etendedt obey ourf r
iend
buty ouwer etoni cetonot i
cei t
..
mat ei
t'
st i
mey ou
placethatni ceheartofy oursasideorel sey ou
mi ghtwakeupt omor r
owwi thoutagi rl
fri
endand
whatwi llyoudoi ntheend?You' ll
f orgi
vehi m,why?
Becausehe' sy ourbrother..
.nxxyazi fut
hi wena
uyangici
ka,
shayalentouyi
tshel
eihl
ukanephansi
nentombi y
akhoy er
rr(
nxxyouknowagain,y
ouirri
tat
e
me,beatthi
st hi
ngupandt el
lhi
mt oleav
ey our
gi
rlf
riendaloneyerr
r).

Hewalksawaytohi
sroom actual
l
yhestumbl
est
o
hi
sroom l
eavi
ngmewi t
hmi xedemot
ions.

"
Idon'tt
hinkheeverli
kedyouijustthi
nkhe
t
oler
atedy ouj
ustbecauseyou'
rehisbrot
her
"

Ican'
tseem t
ogetthatoutofmymi
nd,i
tkeeps
repl
ayi
ngit
self
.WhatdidhemeanbyIknowlit
tl
e
aboutMnqobi?
Alli
nallwhatifMnqobireall
ydowhatSi mphiwe
saidhe'l
ldo?Ican'
taff
ordtol oseMinenhl
enoI
swearI'l
ll
osemymi nd.Isweari ft
hatdaycomesI'l
l
dot heopposi
teofwhatMi nenhleoncesaid,
Iwi
ll
playgodbypainti
ngtheent i
reDurbanwithMnqobi'
s
blood.
¶Fol
l
owi
ngDay
¶

°
Minenhl
e°

Ihaveapr oblem,Ihaveahugepr oblem.Nqubeko

boughtmet heemer gencypill
yester
day.
..
afterhe
l
eftIi
mmedi atel
ytooki tbutmybodyr ej
ecteditI
vomiteditback.Godi fIfall
pregnantIam sodeadin
facti
fIfallpregnantNqubekoi ssodead.

"
Honey
"-mom say
speeki
ngi
nmyr
oom.

Igi
veherahugesmi
l
e.

Her
:Nt
okoi
sher
efory
ou.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
pleasesendherher
e.
Her
:okay
.
Shewal ksaway,yest
erdayIstayedinbedt heenti
re
daycauseIwasst i
ll
soreIhadt omakeadumb
excuse,
IsaidIhadmassi veperiodpainsbutnowI
tr
ulywishIhadt hem.Zamodi dcomet ocheckup
onmet odaybefor eheleft
,hesaidsomet hi
ngabout
hangingoutwiththeguy sfrom thi
sneighborhood
wellt
hat '
sbet
terthanbeingboredi ndoorsal
l day
.

"
Babe"

Me:
*smi
l
ing*
lov
ehey
.

Shetakesoffhershoesandj
oinsmei
nbed,i
t'
schi
l
ly
todaysoIdon'thav
etomakeupanyexcuse.

Her
:howar
eyou?
Me:
str
essedasf
uck,
howabouty
ou?
Her
:yuckssoundsl
i
key
ou'
regoi
ngt
hrought
oo
muchthanIam.
Me:
what
'swr
ong?Ar
eyouokay
?
Her
:yougof
ir
st.
Me: *
sighi
ng*someandNqudi dthedeedandwe
didn'
tuseacondom, heboughtmeanemer gencypi
l
l
yesterday
..
..
.whenIdranki
t,
itdi
dn'tst
aydownI
vomi t
edit.
Her:
what?Thel astti
met hathappenedwewer esti
l
l
i
nNur si
ngSchool butitwasn'tanemergencypil
l
,i
t
wasthatpil
lthatyoursel
fdidn'tknowyourbody
r
eject
sev er
ytimey ouconsumei t.
Me:
yeahi
twast
h..
.ohno.
Her
:what
?
Me:
Ithi
nkNquboughtt
hewr
ongpi
l
l.
Her
:whywoul
dhedot
hat
?
Me:Idon'
tknowbutitmakessensenow,
mybody
doesn'
trej
ectj
ustanypi
ll
.
Her
:*si
ghs*
sowhatnow?
Me:
I'
m doomedI
'
m..
..
wai
t.
It
akemyphoneandcheckt
het
ime.

Me:i
talmost4pm,Ilef
tNqu'
shousearound3pm or
3:
30pm somewher ether
ewhichmeansit'
sbeen
under60hourswe'vehadsexand.
..
Her:
thatmeansyoustil
lhav
et i
me,youcant
aket
he
onethatworksunder72hoursy..
Me:butthechemi
stsarecl
osedbynow,
i
t'
sthe
hol
i
day sremember?*
sighi
ng*
Her
:*smi
l
es*
youhav
emeasaf
ri
endbabecomeon.

Shereachesf
orherbagandt
akesoutsomepi
l
ls
andgivemeone.

Me:
ohmygody
ou'
resuchal
i
fesav
erdoy
ouknow
t
hat
.

Igrabthewat
erbot
tl
enextt
omedr inki
ngt
hepil
l
,I
remainint
hesameposi
ti
onforabout2minut
esand
whatdoy
ouknow?I
tst
aysdown.Ij
ustpr
ayand
hopei
tworks.

Her
:whatIsti
ll
don'
tgeti
s,
whydi
dNqubekobuyy
ou
awrongpil
l?
Me:Idon'tthinki
twasonpur pose,
heknowsI '
ma
nursewell wasanurseheknowst hatIknowt hese
ki
ndoft hingssoIdon'tthi
nkitwasonpur pose,he'
s
j
ustf r
ustratedandshockedbytheretur
nofhi s
brotherMnqobi .
Her:
woahwoahwoahpumpthebr
eaks,
whatt
he
heckar
eyoutal
ki
ngabout
?
Me:owhyeahsoMnqobii
sbacktur
nsouthenever
di
ed,t
hepersonwhowasbur
iedwashi
sclone.
Her
:I
'm gonnaneedal
ongerv
ersi
on.
Me:I
'm sorr
ybabebutit
'snotmyst
oryt
otel
l
,any
way
Iwentfir
stit
'sy
ourtur
n.
Her
:*cl
osesherey
es*
giv
emeami
nut
efi
rst
.
Ichuckl
eandwai
tforhert
ocomebackt
ome.
Her:
okayIthi
nkI'
m good,
sti
l
lver
ymuchshockedbut
I
'm good.SoI
'vebeental
ki
ngwit
hMlaalotl
atel
y.
Me:
ohboy
.
Her
:*chuckl
es*
Ithi
nkI
'
m sl
owl
yfal
l
ingf
orhi
m.
Me:
ohbabe(Isayt
hatasi
fI'
m pi
tyi
ngher
)
Her:
Iknowwhaty ou'
regoi
ngt
osaybuti
tjust
happenedIdon'
tknowhow.
Me:*sighing*you'r
enotsomeonewhof al
l
sinlov
e
andnowt haty ouareit
'swi
thamarri
edman,I
'm gl
ad
thought hatyouar efal
l
ingi
nlov
eitshowsthat
you'r
emor t
al.
Her
:you'
renotgl
adaboutt
he"
mar
ri
edman"par
t.
Me:ofcour seI'
m notglad,
babey ouarenotgoodat
shari
nghowwi llyouworkthisout?Zamai saghetto
persononceMl ameli
tell
sherhewant sasecond
wifeshe'll
fli
pshewon' tbackdownwi thouta
fi
ght..
.areyoureadyforallofthat?Mindyouifyou
agreet oalloft
hisMlawi l
lbey ourf
ir
stboyfri
end
ever,
andnotf orlongsincehewant stomakey ouhis
wi
fe..
.youwon'
tgetthatmuchexper
ienceand
worseyou'
l
lbeshari
nghim.
Her:
ohgod(
shesay
sthatoutl
oudl
ooki
ngatt
he
cei
l
ing)
Me:I
'm nottr
yingt
ochangeyourmi
ndoranythi
ngI
j
ustwanty outoseewhat'
saheadi
fyouagr
eeare
y.
..
.

Myphonevibrat
esonmyt highs,
Itakei
tandreadt
he
messagewhichleavesmymout hdry,
drai
ned.
..
god
notagai
n.I
treadsli
kethi
s:-

"Howmuchdoy out
hinkyouknowy ourboyfr
iend?
Tomorrowyou'
l
lhav
ev i
sit
orswhichyourboyfri
end
convi
ncedt
ocomeby .I
'm notsayi
ngmuchI '
mj ust
aski
nghowmuchdoy outhinkyouknowy our
boyf
ri
end?"
~i
nser
t67~

°
Minenhl
e°

Nt
oko:
what
'sup?I
tseemsl
i
key
ouj
ustsawaghost
.
Me:*si
ghi
ng*
Ijustgotamessagef
rom an
anonymousperson.
Her
:whatdoesi
tsay
?
Me:
i
t'
saski
ngmehowmuchIt
hinkIknowNqubeko.
Her
:woaht
hatsoundsl
i
keabi
tt
erex.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
bit
terex?
?
Her:
*gi
ggles*
I'
mt el
li
ngy
ou,
may
beshewant
shi
m
backorsomething.

I
fit'
sabi
tt
erext
henhowdoesv
isi
tor
sent
eri
nal
lof
t
his?

Me:
l
etmecal
lhi
m*chuckl
i
ng*
Ical
lhi
m buti
tri
ngsunanswer
ed.

Me:hmmm itr
ingsunanswered,
I
'll
callhi
mlat
er.
..
Do
youthi
nkhehassomedar ksecrets?
Her
:Idon'
tknow,
may
beohgodt
hisi
sfasci
nat
ing.
Me:*
laughi
ng*
you'
recr
azy,
whatfasci
nat
ingabout
get
ti
ngsuchkindmessagef
rom ananonymoususer
?
Her
:t
hecuri
osi
tybabei
tmakesev
ery
thi
ng
f
asci
nat
ing.
Me:*
laughi
ng*mcm anywayweweretal
ki
ngabout
youandMla,sowherewerewe?Ohyeah.
..
.

¶Fol
l
owi
ngDay
¶{NewYear
'sEv
e31st
}

°
Nqubeko°

Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepl
astni
ght
,myconv
ersat
ionwi
th
Simphiwekeptmeupallni
ght
...
Mnqobidi
dn'
tret
urn
yest
erdayI'
m notex
act
lyworr
iedcausehehashi
s
owncrib.

"
Nqubeko"
!!

Me:
Gym!

Heent
erswal
ki
ngl
i
keazombi
e.

Me:*chuckl
i
ng*
yucksy
oul
ookl
i
key
ougothi
tbya
t
ruck.
Him:hahahafunny,
hereyourgi
rl
fr
iendi
sworri
ed
aboutyou(
handsmehi sphone)
andbothofy
ouare
gonnapayfordi
stur
bingmysleep.
Me:
*taki
ngt
hephone*
myper
son.
Her:
don'tmyper
sonme,
whyar
en'
tyouanswer
ing
yourphone?
Me:woahbabecalm down,
Ihav
enoideawheremy
phoneisi
t'
saroundthehouset
houghIj
ustdon'
t
rememberwhereIputitl
ast
.
Her
:*si
ghs*
Iwaswor
ri
edabouty
ou.

Ohy
oushoul
dseemebl
ushi
ngr
ightnow.

Me:
*smil
i
ng*
I'
m sor
rybabe,
sowhatar
ethepl
ansf
or
t
oday?
Her
:yourdadi
nvi
tedust
ohi
shousef
ort
oni
ght
.
Me:
*gr
inni
ng*
awesome.
Her:
soIcal
l
edy
est
erdaywant
ingt
oasky
ou
somethi
ng.
Me:
andhereI
'mthi
nkingyoucal
l
edbecauseI
'
m
i
mport
antandyoumissedme.
Her:
*gi
ggl
es*
wel
lyouareimpor
tantandIdomi
ss
youbutIr
eal
l
yhavetoaskyouthi
s.
Me:
okayshoot
.
Her
:doy
ouhav
eabi
tt
erex?
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
that
'si
t?
Her
:I
'm bei
ngser
ious.
Me:
no.
Her
:anenemy
?
Me:
whyar
eyouaski
ngmeal
loft
his?
Her
:doy
ouhav
eanydar
ksecr
etsy
ouhav
en'
ttol
d
me?
Me:
Minenhl
ewhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Her:
youwoul
dn'
thi
deany
thi
ngf
rom mer
ight
?And
youwoul
dn'
thur
tme.
Me:okayy ou'r
escari
ngme,I'
m nothi
dingany
thi
ng
from youandIcertai
nlywouldn'
thur
tyouon
purpose..
..
pleaseEnhl
etel
lmewhat '
sgoingonI'
m
real
lyworriednow.
Her:
*si
ghs*Igotamessageyester
dayfrom an
anonymoususeraskingmehowmuchdoIt hi
nkI
knowyouandt hatt
odayI'
l
lhavevisi
tor
sthatyou
convi
ncedtocomeov erI
..
.
Me:
WHAT!
!?
Her
:awwmyear
.
Me:I
'
m sorr
yI'
m sosorry
,l
ookIthinkImightknow
whomighthavesentyouthatmessageandIt hi
nkI
knowwhothev i
sit
orsmightbe.
.f
uckI'
m goingtoki
l
l
him.
Her
:what
?You'
regoi
ngt
oki
l
lwho?Babewhat
's
goi
ngon.

Iheart
hedoorbel
lri
ngi
ngf
rom hersi
det
henIhear
someshuff
li
ng.

"I
t'
sokayhoneyIgotit
"-
soundsl
i
kehermom,
I
'm
sweat
ingli
kecrazyr
ightnow.

Her
:Babe?
Me:
yeahy
eahI
'
m st
il
lher
e.
Her
:whyar
eyout
alki
ngaboutki
l
li
ng?What
'sgoi
ng
on?
Me:
canIseey
..
.
Her
:l
ookcanIcal
lyouback?
Me:
whatwhat
?What
'sgoi
ngon?

Al
lIheari
sherbr
eat
hingheav
il
y.

Her
:Buhl
e??

Ohshi
tshi
tshi
tshi
t.

Me:babe??Enhl
e?Pl
easedonotl
i
stent
oawor
dshe
say
s,hell
o??

It
hrowt
hephoneagai
nstt
hewal
lfr
ust
rat
ed.

Si
m:*
scr
eams*
thef
uck?Myphone!
!
Itotal
l
yforgotthatIwasusi nghi sphoneandIdon' t
havetimeforthat,
Ijustkeeppaci ngupanddown
tryi
ngtothi
nkst r
aight.Ican'tjustgooverthereyeah
theyknowt hatI
'm datingtheirdaughterbutit
doesn'tmeanIshoul djustrockupwi thoutareason.

Si
m:myphone,
mybeaut
if
ulphone,
why
?Uh?Why
?
Me:
ohst
opwhi
ningI
'
llgety
ouanewphone.
Hi
m:*st
andsup*i
nthatcasetel
lmewhat'
sgoingon?
Whydoyoulookl
ikeyou'
reaboutt
oki
llsomeone?
Me:
becauseI
'
m aboutt
oki
l
lsomeone.
Him:woahwoahwoahwhat
'shappeni
ng?Whatdi
d
Candysay?
Me:appar
entl
yMnqobi sentheramessageaski
ng
herhowmuchdoesshet hi
nksheknowsmeand
thatshewil
lhav
ev i
si
torstodayandBuhl
ejust
showedupatEnhle'
scr i
b.
Hi
m:wait
?Soar
eyousay
ingt
hatIwasr
ight
?DamnI
wasr
ight
.
Ij
ustgiv
ehi
m aboredfacemar
chi
ngoutoft
hegy
m
gr
abbingmycarkeys.

Him:
*cat
chi
ngupt
ome*
wher
edoy
out
hinky
ou'
re
goi
ng?
Me:
tofi
ndMnqobinowmov
eanddon'
tyoudar
etr
y
t
ostopmeore.
..
Him:st
opyou?FuckIwast
heonewhotol
dyouto
beathi
m,j
ustwaitf
ormeIneedt
owearmyshoes.

°
Minenhl
e°

Shock,angerandmost l
yfeariswhati sgoing
throughmybodyr ightnow.Buhlerockedupwi thher
mot hersayi
ngshe'shereforher"baby "gody ou
shouldseet heangeronmymot her'
sf ace..
.thefour
ofusar estari
ngatoneanot heri
nsilencewai t
ingfor
dad,him andZamohadwentoutt o"bond" ..
.ohhere
theyareanddadbi spani
ckingasalway s.
Hi
m:sweet
heartwhat'
swrong?Whogoty
oual
l
wor
kedup?Ijustneedaname.
Mom:*
exhales*
Zac,
Zamopl
easet
akeaseatwe
hav
evisi
tor
s.

Dadfr
ownssi
tt
ingnextt
omom andZamosi
tsnext
tome.

Dad:
uhm hi
.
Buhl
e:uhhhi
.
Dad:
arey
out
wor
esponsi
blef
ormywi
febei
ngt
his
mad?
Mom:
cal
m down,
hearwhatt
heycameher
efor
.

Weal
llookatt
hetwooft
hem andIdon'
tknowi
fit
's
mebutisBuhl
e'
smom dr
ool
ingoverdad?

Mom:
Isweart
ogodi
fyoudon'
tcl
oset
hatmout
hI
wi
l
lwi
pet
hisf
loorwi
thy
ourst
upi
dface.

Il
ookatmom i
namazement
.

B.
moms'
:
*cl
ear
shert
hroat
*ohI
'
m sor
ry.
Mom:
nxx.
Dad:okayl
adyy
ou'
remakingmywifeevenmor
e
angri
ertel
lmewhatt
hefuckbr
ingsyouher
eorel
se
getout.
Buhl
e:wowsoy
ousweari
nthi
shouse?
Dad:
sor
rybutwhoar
eyou?I
sthi
syourhouse?
Buhl
e:l
ookI'
mj usthereforonet
hingandIdon'
t
wantanyfi
ghtsy eahIknowitwi
llbedi
ff
icul
tbut
..
.
Dad:
gett
othepoi
ntandgetout
.
Buhle:*
sighs*3monthsagoImadeabi gmi stakeI
didn'
tknowwhatIwasdoi ngIwasint hedarkest
placeatthatmomentIendedupdoi ngsomet hingI
reall
yregretandIdi
dn'
treal
i
zemymi stakeupunt i
l
Nqubeko, NqubekoGabuzaknockedsomesense
i
ntomyhead.

Ichuckl
ebi
tt
erl
y.

Dad:
l
adywhatar
eyouonabout
?
Her
:Ibel
i
evey
ouSi
randy
ourwi
fef
oundmychi
l
don
t
..
.
Dad:
getout
.
Her
:*shocked*
what
?I.
..
Dad:
Isai
dgetout
.
Her
:No!
!I'
m notl
eav
ingwi
thoutmychi
l
d!!
Dad:
whothef
uckareyoutoshouti
nmyhouse?and
toev
enli
e,
wheredoesNqubekoent
eri
nal
lofthi
s?
Her
:he'
smyboy
fri
end.

If
indmy
sel
flaughi
ngmyassout
.
Dad:
fi
rsty
oumakemywi f
eangryandnowy ou'
re
maki
ngmydaughterl
aughinsuchaser
iousmatter
.
Buhle:
I'
m bei
ngser
ious,
howdoyout
hinkIf
oundout
aboutyouandwhereyouli
ve?

Wellt
hat'
sagreatquesti
on,howdi
dshe?Zamo
handsmehisphonewhi chhasamessagefr
om
Nqubekowhi
chr eadsli
kethis:
-

"Ki
ddopleasemakesureEnhl
ereadsthi
smessage
assoonaspossibl
e,
herphonemighthavedi
edor
somethi
ngIcan'
tgetthr
oughher.

Babepl easedonotbelieveasingl
ewor dshe
says,t
heper sonwhosenty outhemessage
yester
dayi sMnqobiher eall
ywanttobreakusupI'l
l
explai
nev eryt
hingl
aterjustdon'
tbel
iev
eherplease"

Ist
artcal
mingdownIwasr
eal
l
yst
art
ingt
ofr
eakout
.
Me:soBuhleIhear
dyouandMnqobiar
eback
toget
her
,sowhatdoyoumeanyouandNqubekoar
e
dati
ng?
Her
:what
?Wear
enotbackt
oget
herwear
ejust
..
.
Me:
wronganswer
,Mnqobi
isdeadr
emember
?

Sher
unsoutofanswer
s.

°
Simphi
we°

Mnqobiopensupandhe'
swel
comedbyaf
ull
blown
punch.

Hi
m:*
hol
dinghi
sjaw*
thef
uck!
!
Nqu:
*fumi
ng*
you'
repi
eceofshi
tdoy
ouknowt
hat
?

Thi
sisuswal
ki
ngi
n.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
IguessBuhl
edel
i
ver
ed.
Nqu:y
ouser
iouslythi
nkEnhl
ewill
leav
emebecause
oft
hisst
upi
dst untyouj
ustpul
l
ed?Entlekwhathav
e
Iev
erdonet
oy ou?
Hi
m:fi
nal
lyy
ouaskthequest
ionI
'
vebeenpat
ient
ly
wai
ti
ngfory
outoask.

Thenwhysayf
inal
l
y?

Him: gr
owingupwehadt hatbr
otherbondy eahbut
onedayIov erheardmom anddadar gui
ngand
somehowi tcameoutt hatthepersonIknewwasmy
unclewasact ual
lymyf atherwellourfather
,f
rom
thereIstartednoticingthatyoualway sgotwhatyou
wantatt heexactt imey ouwantit,"
dad"alwayspaid
attenti
ontoy oumor ethanme...
isitbecausey ou
wer eplannedandIwasanabomi nati
on?
Nqu:youdon'
tev
enknowtheent
irestor
y,andInev
er
gotanythi
ngonasi
l
verpl
att
erIearnedwhatdad
al
way sgavemeheal sopaidattenti
ontoy out
ooit
j
ustt hatyouneverpaidatt
enti
ont ohim andnowI
knowwhy ,
plusyouwer easpoil
tbratyouexpected
everythi
ngtobedeliverst
oy ouonasi l
verplat
ter
whileIhadt oworkmybutof ftogetwhatIwantbut
netherlessIlov
edy ouanyway.
Him:Iam notaspoil
tbratIneverwasyoujustsaw
met hatwaycausey outhoughtyouhaditall
since
thegir
lsalwaysthr
ewt hemselvesonyou,Iam sick
andtiredofyougett
ingeveryt
hing.
Nqu:wai
twai
twai
tsoall
ofthi
sisaboutt
he
at
tenti
ondad"
nev
er"gavey
ou?
Him: yes!!Theat t
enti
on!!Thelove!
!!Theexpensive
thingsy ougott hatIdi
dn't!
!IfIgotthosethingsI'
ll
alsobesuccessf ulasyouandnotst uckin
gangst erism I
'
llalsogetagirlwhoi snotint
erested
i
ny ouandIwoul dknowwhataf ather'
sloveis!!
Nqu:st
ucki
ngangst
eri
sm?Whatar
eyout
alki
ng
about?

Ther
ewegoagai
nhe'
sbei
ngni
ce,
whydoesn'
the
everl
i
stentome?Mnqobi justhasascrewmi ssi
ng
i
nhishead,he'
sjustj
eal
ousofNqubeko'ssuccess
he'
smaki ngupbunchofexcuses.Imeanifhe'sl
ike
thi
sbecauseofMrGt henwhyt heheckishemaki ng
Nqusuffer?

Mnqobi
:
don'
tIdeser
vet
obehappyf
oroncei
nmy
l
if
e?
Nqu:
*si
ghs*
brodadl
ovesy
ou,
youknowt
hatandI
..
.
Hi
m:no,
neit
herofyoudoImeanI'
vebeengonefora
f
ewmont hsandyou'
veal
readyr
epl
acedmewi t
h
t
hisguy
.

Idon'
twanttosayawordl
ordhelpmenotsay
anyt
hing,
funnyhowIt
houghtIcameher
etowatcha
massivefi
ght.

Hi
m:y
ouser
iousl
ydi
dn'
tl
oveme.
Nqu:
comeo.
..
Me: youknowwhat ?I'm outofher eIwi l
lnotstay
her eandli
stentothisthingy oucal l
abrot herfool
you,Nqubekowhatdi dIsayt oy ouaboutbei ngtoo
nice?Whatar eyougoi ngt odonext ?Givehi m
Mi nenhl
eonasi l
verpl atter?andy oubigheaddon' t
i
nv olvemeinallofthis,Iam notany one'
s
replacementespeciall
ynoty oursIam trustworthy,
l
oy al,
honestandnott of orgetawesomet hany ou'
ll
everbe.Lieinyourbrot her'sfacedon'twor r
yhe'll
believeyoubutdon'tyoudar einvolvemenxx.

Bl
oodyd*
*kheadcal
l
ingmehi
srepl
acement
.
~i
nser
t68~

°
Nqubeko°

I
'm bei
nglikethi
sbecauseMnqobi beli
evesthat
unclei
s"our"fathernothis" only
"ifItell
himt he
tr
uthhe'l
lhavemor er easonst onotlikeme. .
.f
uck
whatam Isaying?Si mphiwe'sr i
ghtIam niceand
tr
uthishiswordshi thard,especial
l
yt helastpartof
hi
swor ds.

Mnqobi
:
nxxIdon'
tl
iket
hatguy
.

Il
ookathi
m sl
owl
ybacki
ngaway
.

Me:
stayawayf
rom Mi
nenhl
e.
Him:*chuckl
es*
youhav
en'tr
eal
i
zedi
tyet
?Ir
eal
l
yli
ke
herIcan'tj
ustl
eav
eher.
Me: Simphiwewasr ight,Iam tooniceandInever
reali
zedi tIdon'towey ouany thi
ng,
Idon'
towey ou
anyexpl anation,Idon'towey ouanypett
inessIdon'
t
owey ounot hing,
ifyou'rereall
ybother
edbywhatdad
didn'tgi
v eyout hent akeallthisshi
ttohi
m notmeI
didn'tdoany thing.
Hi
m:ohreall
y?Okaytel
lmehowcomey oudi
dn't
r
eactshockedorsur
pri
sedbyt
hefactt
hatouruncl
e
i
sourfather
?Uh?Tellme.

Icl
earmyt
hroat
.

Him:youknowwhatIt hi
nk,
Ithi
nk"dad"tol
dyoual
l
aboutit
,dadtoldhi
sperf
ectsoneveryt
hingwhi
leI
theabomi nat
ionwasn'
ttol
danythi
ng.
Me:agai
n,howisthatanyofmyfaul
t?Whoknows
maybedadkepti tawayfr
om y
oucausehethought
i
t'
swhat'sbestforyou.
Him:
what'
sbestf
orme?Themanwhodon'
tgi
vea
damnaboutmethoughtw.
..
Me:themany ou'r
et al
kingaboutr ai
sedy ouwith
warm handsdespi t
eknowi ngy ouaren'thi
sson,he
sentyout othebestschool s,showedy oulove,
made
sureyoudon' tgot obedwi thanempt y
stomach,madeacl onef ory ousomom woul dn'
t
knowy ou'r
eal i
veandki llyou,hepaidt onsofmoney
sotheywoul dn'tswitchof fthemachi nesandwhat
doesheget ?Hat redforsomet hinghei snotaware
of.Nowi '
mmasayt hisfort helastt
imest ayaway
fr
om Mi nenhlecauseI 'm donebei ngni ce.
Hi
m:*
smirks*
wellyeahyou'
resayi
ngt
hatforthel
ast
t
imebutIam notst
ayingawayfr
om Minenhl
e.

Il
ookathim confusedandsoonfeelanunbearabl
e
paincomingfr
om myhead, It
hinksomeonejusthi
t
mewi thsomethi
ngstrongonmyhead...
Istar
t
seeingbl
urr
ywhiletouchi
ngmyhead.

Mnqobi
:
sleept
ightbr
o.
If
all
ont
hef
loorandmyey
esf
ail
me.

#Nar
rat
ed

Mnqobi
:dudewhatt
ooky
ousol
ongt
oreadmyhand
si
gnal
s?
Guy:
wassti
l
lconfusedwellI
'
m sti
llconf
usedonwhy
youwant
edmet ohityourbr
other
.
Mnqobi:
eyyl
ongstor
y,j
usthel
pmet akehi
mt omy
apart
mentcauset
hisi
swher ethey
'l
ll
ookforhi
m
fi
rst
.
Guy:
oookayy
ouhavealotofexplaini
ngtodo,
Imean
youj
ustcamebackandyou'
realreadydoi
ngsome
messedupshitt
oyourownbrother.

°
Minenhl
e°

Mom:
Ibel
i
evemydaught
eraskedy
ouaquest
ion.
B'
smom:andIbel
iev
et hati
snotthereasonwear
e
her
esocanwejustfocusonthechil
dplease.
Dad:
fort
het
hir
dti
megetout
.
Buhle:
andfort
hesecondt
imeIam notgoi
ng
anywherewit
houtmybaby.
Dad:
ohy
esy
ouar
ea.
..
Buhl
e:orel
sewhat
?
Dad:orel
seI'
m call
ingthepoli
ce,aladywhol ef
ther
ownbabyonabusst opbenchi sinmyhouse
demandinghim backohwowdi dn'
ty out
hinkofthe
consequencesofwhatmi ght
'vehappenedt ohim
wheny oulef
thi
mt here?Hecoul d'
vegottensickor
worsediedandnowy ouhavethener vet
owal kin
heredemandinghim back.
Buhle:
welli
twi
llbey
ourwordagai
nstmi
ne,
I
'l
lj
ust
tel
lthem t
haty
oustolehi
mfrom me.
Me:
wow,
Simphi
wewasr
ighty
our
eal
l
yar
ecr
azy
.
Buhle:
ohyoujustshutupIai
n'
ttal
ki
ngt
oyout
his
doesn'
tinv
olv
ey ou.
Me:
ohi
tmostcer
tai
nlydoes,
youcameI
ntomy
homeandmademypar entsangrymypar entswho
hav ehadsl eepl
essnightsraisi
ngthechildyoufai
led
nononor aisingthechil
dy ougaveupear lywaytoo
earlytoraisehimy oursel
f,
li
edt oourfacessayi
ng
thatNqubekoknowsaboutt hiswheny ouand
Mnqobi plannedi tandnowy ouhav ethenerveto
threat
ent hem bysay i
ngy ou'
lll
ietothelaw.
Buhl
e:*
sighs*
formychi
l
dIwi
l
l.
Me:whatchil
d?Whatchildarey
outal
kingabout?
Causeyoulostyourchi
ldthemomenty oulef
thi
m
onthatbenchyoudon'thaveachi
l
djustleavemy
home.
Buhl
e:y
..
Me:gotothepoli
ceandtel
lt hem wekidnappedyour
babythenwe'l
lshowthem thefootageoftheday
youlef
tyourbabyonthebenchandt oday'
sfoot
age
whereyoujustsai
dyou'
lll
i
et ot
helaw.

Hermot
hercl
ear
shert
hroatshi
ft
inguncomf
ort
abl
e.
Her
:Buhl
elet
'sgo.
Me:
Iwoul
dli
stent
oyourmot
heri
fIwer
eyou.
Buhl
e:*
standsup*
thi
sisnotov
er.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
weknow.

Hermotheralsostandsupwi
thherheadbowedand
t
heytur
nwal kingaway.

Zamo:
HappyNewYeari
nadv
ance.

Me,
Mom andDadt
il
tourheadsl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Hi
m:what
?
Mom:
ail
etmegocheckont
hel
i
ttl
eguy
.

Shest
andsupwal
ki
ngaway
.
Zamo:
andI
'
m hungr
yl.
.
Dad:
wai
tther
e'ssomet
hingIwannaasky
ouf
ir
st.
Zamo:
*cl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
*okay
.
Dad:uhm I
'veonl
ytal
kedt
omywi f
eaboutt
hisuhh
*i
nhales*
wewer ewonder
ingify
ouwouldli
ketobe
ourson*exhal
es*wewoul
dliket
oadoptyou.

Ohmygoodness,
thi
sIdi
dn'
texpect
.Ihopehe
agr
ees.

Zamo:
*shocked*
arey
ouser
ious?
Dad:
yeahwe'v
ebeent al
ki
ngaboutthisforawhil
e
now,
youoncesaidMinenhl
eisthereasonwhyy ou
woul
dgobacki nPMBcausetoy oushe'stheonly
fami
l
yy ouhavebutnows..
.
Zamo:y
esIwoul
dlov
ebei
ngy
ourson,
bei
ngt
hepar
t
oft
hisfami
l
y.

Iscr
eam huggi
nghi
m.
Dad:awesomenowther
eisanot
hermalefi
gur
ein
thehouseIcancompl
aint
oaboutthescr
eams.

Weal
ll
augh,
Ithenst
anduphuggi
ngdad.

Me:
thanky
ou.

Zamost
andsupt
ooandj
oint
hebi
g.

Him:no,
thankyouIwasact ual
lygetti
ngworri
edon
whereIwouldgoafterschoolsclosesfort
hemarch
hol
idayscauseIcan'
tjustalwayscomeher easI
pl
ease.
Dad:
well
nowy oucancausethi
sisy
ou'
rehome
st
art
ingf
rom nowti
llf
orever
.

"Wuuhgr
ouphug,
whatdi
dwemi
ss?
*-Mom asks
showi
ngupwit
hKeit
h.
Dad:
heagr
eed.
Mom:
*smi
l
es*
real
l
y?

Weal lnodandt heyj oi

ninthehug.Wel lourday
di
dn'tstar
tof fwellbutthingsseem tobeget t
ing
bett
er.
..al
lthatisleftisforustogetreadysowecan
l
eaveforMrG' shouseIcan' twaitt
oseeNquIsor t
a
misshim now.

°
Simphi
we°

Whati sitthatcouldpossi blytakehim solongt oget

back?Whoknowmay bet heyarehavingani ce
conversationov ersomedr i
nksImeanwi thhisnice
l
ev el
shecandot hat.Oht here'
sacarpul li
ngin
outsi
det hatshoul dbehi m,Iam happyt hathe'sback
sowecanl eav
ef orhisdad' shousebutIam st il
l
verymuchmadathi m.Thedoor bel
lri
ngs,okayitis
nothim...Igotoanswert hedoorandt woofficer
s
standther ewithstraightfaces.
Me:
uhm ev
eni
ngof
fi
cer
s.
Of
fi
cer
1:ev
en,
uhwear
elooki
ngf
orNqubekoGabuza.
Me:
forwhati
fImayask?
Him:wegotacal l
earl
iert
odayfrom aneighborof
hismothertel
li
ngusaboutanalarmt hatwentoff
andwhenwegott her
ewef oundhismot herdeadi
t
seemslikeshe'
sbeendeadf orawhilenow.
Me:
ohmygoodnesshowdi
dtheal
arm goof
f?

Theybot
hlookatmeasi
fI'
m cr
azy
,wel
lIneedt
o
knowduh.

Offi
cer2:
Ibel
ievethatsomeonet
riedt
obreakinnot
knowingt
here'sadeadbodyint.
..
noIhav
et o
ask,
whyaren'
ty oushockedt
hatyourmot
herisdead?
Me:
ohI
'
m notNqubeko,
thenamei
sSi
mphi
we.
Hi
m:you'r
ewast
ingourt
ime,
wher
ecanwef
ind
Nqubeko?
Me:
hel
i
vesher
ebuthe'
snothomeI
'
llpassont
he
badnews.
Hi
m:okayandtellhi
mthebodyisinthehospit
al'
s
mort
uaryandalsosendourdeepestcondol
ences.
Me:
*bowi
ngmyhead*
Iwi
l
l.

Theytur
nwalki
ngawayandIcloset
hedoorwel l
it
wasaboutt
ime,IwonderhowNquwil
lfeelabout
havi
ngtopr
epareafuneralf
orhi
smother.
.
.
Ohki t
'sbeen2hour sandhe'snotbacksti
ll
,
Ihave
tr
iedcalli
nghim butitt
akesmest r
aightt
ov oi
cemail
.
Hisdadi scall
ingme...
thi
sisact
uall
yNqu'sother
phoneal lIdi
dwast ochangetheSim car
dsany way
s
may behe'salreadyt
herewithhi
sbrother
//

Me:
tai
ma.
Hi
m:sonhowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:
I'
m abi
tthi
rst
ybutIbel
i
evemyt
hir
stwi
l
lbe
t
akencar
eofsoon.
Him:*l
aughs*i
fyouandNqugether
esoony
ouwi
l
l
betakencareof.
Me:
*fr
owni
ng*
he'
snott
her
e?
Him:whatdoy oumean?CauseI'
vebeentryi
ngto
reachhi
m butittakesmetovoi
cemailandMnqobi
saidhelastsawhim whenyout
wolefthishouse.

Ohnohedi
dn'
t.

Me:
wel
lhe'
snotwi
thme,
canIcal
lyouback.
Hi
m:okay
.(Isensewor
ryf
rom hi
sti
me)

/
/
Idr
opthecal
ltr
yingt
othi
nkbutsoonMi
nenhl
ecal
l
s
ei
sh//

Me:
Candy
.
Her
:heySi
m,I
'
m sor
ryf
orbot
her
ingy
out
oday
.
Me:
i
t'
sokay
.
Her
:cool
,
ishet
her
ewi
thy
ou?
Me:
notexact
ly.
Her
:ohhwher
eishe?
Me:
Ithi
nkMnqobi
didsomet
hingt
ohi
m.
Her
:What
!?
Me:
cal
m downl
etmeexpl
ain.
..

°
Nqubeko°

Islowl
yopenmyey eswithmyheadbangi
ngl
ike
crazyIt
hinkIwashitbyagunorsomethi
ngy
err
.

"
Ohy
ou'
reawake"

Me:
you'
regonnapayf
ort
his.
Hi
m:*chuckl
es*how?CauseIdon'
tthi
nky
ouwi
l
l
l
eavethi
splaceali
ve.

Il
ookathi
mindi
sgust
.

Hi
m: Ihavetoleav
enowI '
m sur
ethepar
tyhas
st
arted,whentheclockhi
ts00:
00I'
l
lbekissi
ng
Minenhleasweent ert
henewyearandyou'l
lbe
ki
ssingyourli
fegoodbye.

Het
akesoutagun.

Hi
m:Iwantyout
ofeel
thesamepai
nIf
eltwhen
mom shotme.
Me:
arey
..
Hefi
rest
hegun,t
hebul
letgoesst
raightt
hroughmy
st
omach.Igaspi
nshockaspaintakesover.
Hi
m:seey
ouont
heot
hersi
debr
o,gr
eetourf
ather
f
orme.

Heleavesmebreathi
ngheavi
lywit
hanunbear
able
pai
n,Ihaven'
tat
enordrankanyt
hingt
odaysothe
bl
oodI'mlosi
ngisn'
thel
ping.

Me:
Bigguy
*gr
oani
ng*
fuckI
..
.

Wor seI'mti
redonachair
..
.whenev
ery
thi
ngst
art
edI
didn'tknowift
hiswoul
dbemyst or
yandnowI
think..
..
..
.
~i
nser
t69~

°
Minenhl
e°

Mnqobi
:
*smi
l
es*
hey
.

Ican'
tevenfakeasmilewi
ththi
sguy ,
basedonwhat
Simphi
wet oldmeiti
spossi
blethathedid
somethi
ngt oNqubeko.

Me:
hi.
Hi
m:hav
eyouseent
heguy
s?
Me:
noSimphi
wesaidt
hey'
llbeher
ebef or
emidnight
hej
usthav
etofet
chNqubekofrom somewhere.

Heactsuneasy
,thi
spr ov
esmethathe'
skeepi
ng
Nqubekosomewher e.MrGwal
kstowardsus.
Him:anyupdat
efrom NquandSim causeI'
mf ucken
l
osingmymi ndri
ghtnow,Iev
entracedNqubeko's
phoneanditsayshe'
sinyourhouseSimphiwesaid
he'
llcal
lmeback3hour sagoandhehav en'
t.
Mnqobi:
ohy eahIf
orgott
obr
ingthephonewi
thme
hefor
gotitatmyhousewhentheycameoverwi
th
Si
m.

Si
mphi
wecallsme,
Ilookatt
heset
womeni
nfr
ont
ofmeandanswert
hecall
//

Me:
Sim.
Hi
m:y
ou'
resmar
tri
ght
?
Me:
*conf
used*
uh?
?
Hi
m:ar
eyousmar
tornot
?
Me:
yeahIguess.
Him:i
fy ouwer
eMnqobi wher
ewouldyoukeep
Nqubeko?Don'tsayhi
shousecauseIj
ustcame
backfrom t
her
eandhe'snotther
e.
Me:uhhowam Isupposet
oknow?I
'
m notev
en
cl
osetothatper
son.
Hi
m:t
hatper
son?I
shet
her
ewi
thy
ou?
Me:
yeah.
Hi
m:t
hinkSi
mphi
wet
hink!
!
MrG:cany
ouaskhi
m whyhehasn'
tgotbackt
ome
yet
.
Me:
MrGsay
scal
lhi
m.
Hi
m:Ican'
t.
Me:
uh?Why
?
Him:CandyMrGl ovesbothhissonIknowt hat,
i
fhe
fi
ndsoutthatMnqobi keptNqubekohost age
becauseofyou..
.MrGmi ghtthinkt
hatitwoul dbe
bestify
oustayawayf rom bothofthem sinceyou'
re
makingthem f
ight.
..
wouldy ouli
kethat
??
Me:
what
?Whywoul
dhet
hinkl
i
ket
hat
?
Him:becausehedoesn'
twantMnqobi
tof
eell
eftout
especial
l
ysinceMnqobii
sn'
thi
ssonandN..
.
Me:
yeahandIknowhowt
hest
orygoesbutdon'
t
youthi
nkthat'
skindofnotfai
randonmysi deIthi
nk
you'
rej
udgingthewholesit
uati
onwayt oearl
ywhat
i
fhedoesn'tthi
nkli
kethatwhatifhedoesn'
tthi
nkI
shoul
ddot hat?
Hi
m:wel
lyeahhemi
ghtnot
.
Me:
thenc.
..
Hi
m:okayI
'
m abi
tscar
edokay
!!

Il
ookatt
heset
women.

Me:
uhm excuseme.

It
urnwal
ki
ngt
hrought
hepassage.

Me:
whatdoy
oumeany
ou'
rescar
ed?
Him:whenthi
sstar
tedIdidtel
lmysel
fthatIdon'
t
tr
ustMnqobiandthatI
'l
lkeepaneyeonhi m and
honest
lyhe'
ssmartforaguyIthoughti
snaive.I
thoughthewasgoi ngtokeepf ool
ingNquInev er
thoughthewoul dactuall
ykidnaphi m.IfIcall
MrG
andtellhi
m alloft
hishemi ghtbel i
evemebutwhen
hetalkstoMnqobi ,
Mnqobi mi ghtpinev er
ythi
ngon
met hisguyisagangst erhehasconnect i
onshe
mighteraseNqu'smi ndandwi t hNqunot
remember i
ngany t
hingI'l
lbedoomedcauseIwon' t
haveany t
hingtodefendmy selfwith..
.MrGi sthe
DarkHawkhecanmakemedi sappearwi t
hjusta
snapofhisf i
nger.
Me:whyar
eyoubei
ngsodeep?Whyarey
outhi
nki
ng
soafar
?Mnqobimi
ghtnotev
enthi
nkoft
hat
.
Hi
m:hav
eyouev
erhear
dofPr
incessMbal
enhl
e
Mkhi
ze?
Me:y
eahtheonewhogotmarr
iedtoMJMkhi
ze
wherear
eyouexact
lygoi
ngwi
ththis?
Hi
m:doy
ouknowt hei
rst
ory,
especi
all
ythepar
t
wher
eMJlosthi
smemor y?
Me:yesSimphiweIknow,
Zamoalwayst
ell
metheir
storyhe'
sfri
endswit
hakidwho'
ssomehowrel
ated
tothem..
.howdoesmemor yl
osshav
etodowit
h
t
hissi
tuat
ion?
Hi
m:*si
ghs*
okayofyouknowt
hest
oryt
heny
ou
mustknowCynt
hia.
Me:t
heladywhokeptfeedi
ngMJpi l
lst
onotgethis
memoryback,
hear
dt hatwher
evershei
srightnow
she'
sdanger
ousblahblahwhyaren'
twefocusingon
fi
ndi
ngNqubeko?
Hi
m:she'
sthel
eader
.
Me:l
eader?YouknowwhatI'
mjustgonnat
ell
MrG
ev
erythi
ngmy sel
fsohecanfi
ndNqubeko.
Him:
she'stheleaderofthegangthatMnqobi
isi
n,
I
j
ustfoundthatoutyeahIknewhewasi nagangbut
Idi
dn'tt
hinki
nagangl edbyher.

She.
.s.
.h.
..
I'
veheardsomanystor
iesaboutthi
s
womenandl astti
meIcheckedshewasn'ti
nS.A,
i
f
herandMnqobi ar
econnect
edthen.
..

#Nar
rat
ed
Mnqobi
:
excusemet
oodadIhav
etomakeacal
l
.

Hemov
esawaycal
l
inghi
sfr
iend/
/

Mnqobi
:
dude.
Guy
:sur
e.
Hi
m:howi
she?
Guy:
losi
ngal
otofbl
ood,
i
fhedoesn'
tgetmedi
cal
at
tenti
onhewi
ll
die.
Him:
goodi
'
mmaneedy
out
omov
ehi
mfr
om t
her
e
ASAP.
Guy
:towher
e?
Hi
m:Idon'
tknow?May
bey
ourhouseorsomet
hing.
Guy:y
oumustbel
osi
ngi
t,
I'
m nott
aki
nghi
mtomy
house.
Him:*t
hinki
ng*ohthere'
sakeyinmybedroom onthe
secondshelfontheleft
,t
her
e'sacabi
ninthewoods
j
ustoutsi
deDurbant
hatmeandNqubuil
tforsome
shitt
hatdoesn'
tmat
terany
mor
eIwil
lsendyouthe
dir
ecti
ons.
Guy
:youoweme,
Imeanl
i
keal
ot.
Hi
m:y
eahy
eahIknow,
nowhur
ry.
Guy
:shar
p.

/
/

Helooksaroundtoseeifnoonesawhim orhear
s
hi
mt hengoesbacktohisdadandaft
eraf ew
minutesMi
nenhlewalksbacktoo.

°
Simphi
we°

22h13.That'
stheti
meandIhav en'
tfoundNqubeko.
KnowingthatMnqobiisconnectedwi t
hladyCy nt
hia
gi
vesmemor estr
ess.Ishouldhavenev erwalked
outearl
i
erIshouldhavestayedthere,
Iknowt hatI
waspissedof fbutIshouldn'
thav
ewalkedout
l
eavi
nghi m behindnowl ookwhereweare.

ThinkSi mphi wej eez ,whattodo?Whatt odo?Idon' t

knowMnqobi t
hatmuch, wherewoul dhekeep
Nqubeko?Heonl yhasonehouseandanapar t
ment
t.
.f
uckhi sapar tment .Iquickl
ystartt hecar,Nqubeko
wil
l probabl ykillmewhenheseesmedr i
vi
nghi s
Audi buthe' llhavet ounder st
andthatt hisisr eall
y
i
mpor tant.IwonderwhatMnqobi di dtoNqubeko' s
carcausei tisnoti nhi shouse.Iremembert he
dir
ectionst ohisapar tmentverywel lfr
om thel ast
ti
memeandNqucameher etoBuhl eand
unfortunat elythatpi ctur
eisstil
lstucki nmyhead.I
parkt hecarandr usht othedoorwhi chislockedbut
Imakeapl anandwal kin,
Isearcht heentir
e
apartmentandst illdon'tfi
ndNqubeko.Iscr eam i n
fr
ust r
at i
onpunchi ngt hewal l
.

Me:whydidIl
eaveyouwit
hhim knowi
nghehas
exper
iencewhi
leyoudon'
t*
sighi
ng*
Iwalkoutbacktothecaranddriv
eoutbutendup
parki
ngthecarnexttotheroadcauseImightcause
anaccident
.Il
aymyheadont hesteer
ingwheel
tr
yingtothi
nk.

°
Minenhl
e°

Dad:
honeyar
eyouokay
?
Me:
*tear
sfal
l
*no.
Hi
m:*
wor
ri
ed*
what
?What
'swr
ong?
Me:*
cryi
ng*Nqubekosti
llnothere,
nooneknows
whereheis,
Simphiwesti
l
l can'
tfi
ndhim.Whati
fhe'
s
hur
twhereverheis?Whati f
..
if
..
dadIcan'
tl
osehi
mI
j
ustcan'
t*swal
lowingt
hel umpinmyt hr
oat*
whati
f.
..
Hi
m:*hugsme*shhi
tpai
nsmetoseeyoucry
ingl
ike
t
his,
don'
twor
ryyour
sel
fmaybehe'
sonhiswayhere.
Me:
*shaki
ngmyhead*
nohe'
snot
,whati
fheki
l
lshi
m?
W..
Hi
m:*pushi
ngmel
i
ght
ly*
kil
lhi
m?Whatar
eyou
t
alki
ngabout?

Isni
ffwi
pingoutmyt
ear
s.

°
Simphi
we°

23h44,j
ustaf ewmi nut
est oanewy earandI '
m st i
ll
onthesamespotnotknowi ngwhatt odonext .This
morningIwassosur ethatbyt hi
stimeI '
ll
bedr unk
notevenbei ngabletowalkbuther eam I.Isigh
l
ookingat" my "phonewhichhassomanymi ssed
call
sfrom CandyandMrG, Ireachoutf orit
..
.letme
call
MrG. .
Imightendupdy ingwi t
hjustthiscal lbut
thenMnqobi wil
lhavenochoi cebuttobr i
ngNqu
backmyonl ywor r
yist
hathemi ghterasehis
memor yt henofcoursehe'l
lblamei tonmebuti t'
s
okayasl ongasNquwi l
lbebacksaf eandal iveI
don'tmindaboutt heconsequences. .
..
~i
nser
t70~

°
Simphi
we°

MrG:
whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
met
hissooner
??
Me:I
'
m sor
rybuti
fyouwerei
nmyshoesy
ou
woul
dn'
thavesai
danyt
hingy
our
sel
f.
MrG:*si
ghs*
comeov
ermyhousesowecanf
igur
e
t
hisout.
Me:
okay
.

/
/

Idropthecal
landstartthei
gni
ti
onwit
hmyt hought
s
runni
ngwild,
IhopethatwhenMnqobili
esMrG
doesn'
tbeli
evehim becausei
fhedoesI'
m dead.

It
urnont
her
adi
ocausei
fIkeepdr
ivi
ngi
nthi
s
si
l
enceI
'
lll
osemymi
nd.

"
10,
9,
8,
7,
6,
5,
4,
3,
2,
1Ha.
."
..
.

It
urni
tof
f,
ther
e'snot
hingt
obehappyabout
..
..

°
Minenhl
e°

Newyear
,Newbegi
nni
ngbutmyl
ovei
snowher
eto
bef
ound.

Me:*sighing*lordwet hanky ouforev eryt

hingy ou'
ve
donef orus,we'veent eredaNewy earst i
ll
breathing
wethanky ouf orthat,
we' v
ef acedt oomany
obstaclesint hepr evi
ousy earbutweconquer ed
them withy ourgr aceandy ourlove,y
oubr ought
angelsintomyl if
el or
dt omakesur et hatIal
way s
havear easont osmi l
eint hemor ningandIt hank
youfort hat,
theangel sy oubr oughtmi ghtbetoo
manybutIcoul dn'taskf orlesssoIbegy outonot
takeanyoft hoseangelsf rom me,Ibegyoutobe
withyourchildlor
dpr otecthim whereverheisand
pleaseshowusasi gnonwher ewecouldfi
ndhim or
l
eadhi m backhome. ..
iny ournamet heson,
the
fatherandtheholyspi r
it*si
ghing*Amen.

Ihopehe'
ssaf
eandal
i
vewher
ehe'
sat
.

"
MissMi
nenhl
e"

Isnapoutofmiser
abl
et hought
swi
pingoutmyt
ear
s
andfocusonthewait
ress.

Him:
yourf
athersai
dtogi
vey
out
hiswat
ert
ocal
m
youdown.

It
aket
hegl
assofwat
er.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
thanky
ou.

Henodsandwal kawaywhi leIdri

nkwat er
,dadsaid
he'
sgoi ngtot alkwi thNqu'sdad...
Idon'tcarewhat
Mnqobi wi l
lsayasl ongast heydon'tdoany thi
ngt o
Simphiwe.Ipl acet hegl assonthet abl
eandst and
up..
Ifeelli
ket her oom isclosinginIneedai r
...
Iwalk
outsi
debuti t'
sl i
keI 'm seei
ngawhol enewwor l
d,I
l
eanont hewal lfeelingextremelyhotanddi zzywhat
onear t
hi sgoingonwi t
hme?

"
Heyar
eyouokay
?"-
Mnqobi
say
sappr
oachi
ngme.

Me:
yeahI
'
mfi
ne.
Hi
m:buty
oudon'
tl
ookgood.
Me:
j
ustpl
easedi
rectmet
oyourf
ather
'sof
fi
ce.

It
ryt
ostandst
il
lsoIcanwalkbacki
nsi
debutmy
l
egsfai
lmeandhecatchesme.
Hi
m:*
smi
rks*
justr
elaxandcl
osey
ourey
es.
Me:
wha.
..
..wha.
..
.

Wordsfai
lme,
myey esfai
lmeandmybodygi
vesi
n
asever
ythi
ngt
urnsdark.

#Nar
rat
ed

Benwal
kst
ohi
sof
fi
cewi
thZacbehi
ndhi
m.

Zac:
Minenhl
etol
dmeev
ery
thi
ng.
Ben:
*frustr
ated*
Simphi
wealsotol
dme
ever
ything,
howcouldMnqobidosucht
ohi
sown
brot
her?
Zac:
l
et'
snotfocusont
hatr
ightnowl
et'
sfocuson
fi
ndi
ngNqubeko.
Ben:
you'
rer
ight
.
Zac:
IassumeSi
mphi
wet
oldy
ouaboutl
adyC.
Ben:*
chuckl
es*yeah,
Igetwhyt
heki
ddi
dn'
twantt
o
tel
lmeallofthi
s.
Zac:
whichiswhyweshoulddothi
scaref
ull
y,l
adyC
i
snotinvol
vedinal
loft
hissoifwedothi
scareful
l
y
wewillf
indNquwit
houtinv
olv
ingher
.
Ben:
meaningweshouldn'ti
nvol
veMnqobii
nthi
sas
i
nweshoul dn'
ttel
lhi
m anyt
hingcausehemi
ghtrun
toherf
orhelp.
Zac:
exact
ly.
Ben:l
et'
swai
tforSi
mphi
we*
gul
psdownt
hegl
assof
wine*

Meanwhi
l
e..
.

Theguyf
eel
sNqubeko'
spul
seandt
hencal
l
s
Mnqobi
.
/
/

Mnqobi
:
what
'sup?Hav
eyougot
tent
othel
ocat
ion?
Guy
:yeahIgother
eli
ke5mi
nut
esagoandt
hispl
ace
i
screepy.
Hi
m:at
leastt
her
ear
elamps.
Guy
:yeahy
eaht
hat
'snotwhyIcal
l
edy
ou.
Hi
m:okay
,shoot
.
Guy:
hispul
sei
sdr
oppi
ngmanshoul
dIcal
lour
doct
or?
Hi
m:gi
vemeanumberf
rom a100-
1.
Guy
:4.
Hi
m:okaycal
lthedoc.
Guy
:ay
tshar
p.

/
/

#Back_
to_
Ben'
s_house.

Si
mphi
wewal
ksi
nlooki
ngsour
.
Ben:
comeonsonl
ookal
i
ve.
Si
m:Ial
way
slookal
i
vebutr
ightnowIr
eal
l
ycan'
t.
Ben:
Iknowwhaty ou'
reafr
aidofandtrustmeevenif
Mnqobiconvincesmet hatyouarebehindthi
sI
wouldn'
tbeli
evehim causeI'
veseenyouand
Nqubeko..
.y
ouar eabrothertoNqubekothatMnqobi
canneverbe.

Simphi
wel
ooksathi
minshockashi
sbodyst
art
sto
rel
ax.

Ben:nowst
opwor
ryi
ng,y
ouaret
akingthel
eadon
thi
sonecausemeandZacar
ecluel
ess.
Sim:
I'
vebeentr
yingtothi
nkofsomet
hingf
orhour
s
andIcan'
tseem togetanyt
hing.
Zac:
comeony ou'
reasmar
tki
djustr
elaxand
concent
rat
e.
Si
mphiwer
elaxesandst
art
swal
ki
ngar
oundt
he
of
fi
ce.

Si
m:okaybutweneedt
oinv
olv
eMnqobi
.
Zac:
wecan'
t.
Si
m:whynot
?Causehehol
dst
heanswer
s.
Ben:
sonofwei
nvol
vehi
m wei
nvol
vel
adyC.
Sim:*
cuss*ei
shuhm okaymay beweshouldgethi
s
phoneandseeifwecanf i
ndsomet hi
ngfr
om ther
e
causeIthi
nksomeone'shel
pinghim,t
hequesti
onis
howwi l
lwegetit
?
Ben:
that
'seasy
,l
etmecal
lhi
mtocomeher
e.

Bencal
lshim butittakeshi
m st
rai
ghttovoi
cemai
l
.
Oneofhisstaffwalksinwit
hthei
rdri
nks.

Ben:
Seancany
oucal
lMnqobi
forme.
Sean:
ahhsi
rMnqobi
lef
tabout25mi
nut
esagohe
sai
dtotel
lyout
hathehast
odasht
ohi
sfr
iend'
s
par
ty.
Ben:
what
?*exhal
es*
thanky
ouf
ort
hedr
inks.

Seannodsandwal
ksout
.

Sim:
okaynowwecan'tevenfol
l
owhim whoknows
maybehe'
sofftowherehekeptNqu.
..
maybehe
knowsweareint
ohim.

Zac'
sphoner
ings,
heanswer
sit
//

Hi
m:mywi
fe.
Ti
na:honeyIcan'tseem tof
indKeit
h'spaci
fi
erand
MinenhlehaditlastI
'v
ebeencalli
ngherbutitt
akes
mest r
aightt
ov oicemail
isshetherebyyoursi
de?

Ti
nast
ayedbehi
ndt
obaby
sitKei
th.
Hi
m: noshe'
snotbymysi debutlookf
oritint
he
ki
tchenontopofthecounterIl
astsawitther
e.
Her
:okay
,wi
l
lyou3behomesoon.
Hi
m:Ican'
ttel
l
.
Her
:wel
lthel
i
ttl
eguyi
supagai
n,by
e.

/
/

Ben:
wif
eymi
ssesy
oual
ready
?
Zac:
shewasj
ustaski
ngf
orKei
th'
spaci
fi
er.
Ben:
ouchsoshedoesn'
tmi
ssy
ou.
Zac*chuckl
es*
Iknowshemi
ssesmeunli
key
our
fi
ancewho'snottal
ki
ngt
oyouri
ghtnow.
Ben:
nxx.
Zac:
*l
aughs*
okaybackt
othei
ssueathand.
Zamowal
ksi
n.
Zamo: *
clear
shisthr
oat*sor
ryIhopeI
'm not
di
sturbinganyt
hingbuthasanyofyouseen
Minenhle?
Zac:
l
ookf
orheri
nthel
ounge.
Zamo:*shakeshi
shead* she'
snott here,
she'
snotin
anyofthebedrooms,she'snoti
nt hebathroom I
can'
tfi
ndherany whereandI'm st
artingtopani
ck.

Zac'
sey
est
urndar
kimmedi
atel
y.

Si
m:nonono,
hedi
dn'
t.
Zac:
*st
andsup*
herphonehasat
rackerw.
.
Zamo:herhandbagi
sint
hel
ounge,
ever
ythi
ngi
sin
ther
e.
Si
m:*paci
ngupanddown* t
hisi
snotgoodnono
no,
whatifheski
psthecount
ry?I
fhedoeshewil
lki
ll
NqubekocauseheknowsNqubekowon'tr
estt
il
lhe
fi
ndsMinenhl
e.
Zamo:
*conf
used*
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Ben:
you'
rest
il
lyoungsony
..
.
Zamo:thi
sismysi
sterwe'
ret
alki
ngaboutandI'
l
lbe
tur
ning20inaf
ewmont hssodon'tgi
vemethat.
Zac:
Simphiweexpl
aineveryt
hingt
ohi
m,Bent
akeme
toyoursur
vei
ll
ancessystem r
oom.

Benst
andsup.

Zac:
andjustsoyouknow,
Iwon'
tspar
ehisli
feeven
i
fhedoesn'tdoanyt
hingt
omydaughterIst
il
lwon'
t
spar
ehisli
fe.
..
.
~i
nser
t71~

#Nar
rat
ed

Zac:wowsoyoursondruggedmydaught
er(
hesay
s
thatwit
hhi
shandsformingfi
sts)
Ben:*
sighs*unfort
unatel
yhedid,Ij
ustdon't
underst
andwher eIwentwr ongwithhim.Imean
backthenIknewt hattheyweremybr other
'skids
butIsti
llgavethem equall
oveevenwhenIf ound
outhewasn' tmysonIst i
ll
lovedhi
m...Idi
dn'tl
ove
hi
m anyl ess.
Zac:
yadday
addagivemeapenandapapersoIcan
wri
tedownhisnumberpl
ate.

Benhandst
hem t
ohi
m.

°
Simphi
we°
Zamo:youmeant
ot el
lmet
hatheki
dnappedbot
h
Minenhl
eandNqubeko?
Me:
yeahandwehav
enoi
deawher
etost
art
.
Hi
m:nononowehav
etot
hinkofsomet
hing.
Me:
don'
twor
rywe'
l
lfi
ndt
hem Iwon'
trestt
il
lwedo.
Hi
m:*si
ghs*t
hey'v
ebeenthr
oughsomuchwhenwi
l
l
t
heycatchabreak?I
tal
wayshitaf
terhi
t.
Me:thatwhyIsayourci
rcle,
ourfamil
ycircl
eis
enoughnowweshoul dn'
tletanyoneelseincausei
t
seemst obethosewetrustthatbet
rayandhurtus.

MrGandMrHwal kin,wel
lNqubekofai
l
edtot ake
car
eofhisbrot
heritseemsli
keMrHwi lldoitfor
hi
m butIwonderhowwi ll
MrGf eel
aboutall
oft hi
s.

SeeMnqobi saysMrGcar estoomuchabout

Nqubekothathedoesn'tevennoti
cehim..
ifMrGlet
MrHkillMnqobi i
nthenameofsav ingNquwon'tMr
GbeprovingwhatMnqobi isclai
mingImeany eah
MnqobideservestodiebutMrGshoul dn'
tbeaware
ofi
t.

Ben:
wegotthenumberpl
atebutwegonnaneedto
gotomylay
ercausethat
'swher
emyresourcesar
e.
Me:
noi
t'
scool
Igoti
t,
mayIusey
ourl
apt
op?
Ben:
*shocked*
yeahf
eel
free.

It
akeaseatpul
l
ingt
hel
apt
op.

¶5Day
sLat
er¶

°
Nqubeko°

What'sthatbeepi
ngsound?Am Ii
nahospital
?I
sl
owlyopenmyey esandtheymeetsomeoneIdon'
t
know,It
iltmyheadandseewoodwal l
sthi
sis
defi
nit
elynotthehospi
tal
.
Guy
:ohy
ou'
reup,
damny
oucansl
eep.

Icl
osemyey est
ryi
ngtothi
nkhowendedupher
e
andital
lcomesbackbutwher
ethef
uckam I
?

"
Dearbrother
,ohwhatar
eli
ef"
-Mnqobi
say
swal
ki
ng
t
hroughthedoor.

Ifeel
angerbui
ldi
ngupItr
ytosi
tupbutdamnthe
painonmystomach,i
sthi
showy ouf
eelwhenyou
getshot
??Fuck.

Mnqobi:y
oushoul
dbegl adthatIcal
ledadoctorfor
youearl
yunli
kemewhogothel pl
atethatIhadto
sinkst
rai
ghti
ntocomawhi l
ey ouwerebusy
smoochingmygirl
fr
iend.

What
?
Hi
m:ohyouthoughtIwoul
dn'tfi
ndout?Wel
lany
way
wearenott
here,
rememberthisplace?

Il
ookathi
m suspi
ciousl
y.

Hi
m:comeonl
ookar
ound,
ref
reshy
ourmemor
y.

Irol
lmyey
eslooki
ngaroundt
hisj
..
wai
tthi
sist
he
cabi
nwebuil
tyear
sago.

Hi
m:thebr
ocave*
chuckl
es*
whoknewt
hatonedayi
t
woul
dcomeinhandy.

Ishoul
dhavebeat
enhim upwhenIhadthechance,
I
shoul
dhavepai
ntedt
hecitywi
thhi
sbloodIshould
havedonei
t.

Hi
m:nowt
haty
ou'
reawakeIhav
easur
pri
sef
or
y
ou,
dude(
looki
ngatt
heguy
)

TheguywalksaroundthebedI'
m sleepingonand
pushesact
uall
yroll
sitoutf
oll
owingMnqobi ,
I
wonderwhyhekeptmeal iv
e.Her ol
lsmei ntot
he
otherr
oom andmyent i
rebodymuscl esfr
eeze.

Mnqobi
:
Sur
pri
se!
!
Enhl
e:Nqubeko(
shel
etoutaf
aintsmi
l
e)

Ifeelmyheartr
aci
ngandt
hisbeepi
ngt
hingi
ebeeps
fasterandl
ouder
.

Guy
:woahwoahwoahdudei
t'
snotsupposet
odo
t
hat.

Me:
Mnqq.
.qqo.
.bi
pll
l
ll
ease.
Hi
m:ohwoul
dyoul
ookatt
hat
,hecant
alk.
.gl
adt
hat
y
oucannowcal
m downcauseIwanty
out
oseet
his.

Hecl
imbsonthebedwher
eMi
nenhl
eist
iedupand
gr
absherchi
n.

Me:
nooopl
ease.
.

It
rymov
ingbutIendupont
hef
loorgr
oani
ngi
npai
n.

Mi
nenhl
e:Nqubeko!
!Mnqobi
please.
Mnqobi
:SHUTUP!!i
fhewantst
odi
ethenl
ethi
m di
e
Iwon'
tcal
lthedoct
oragai
n.

Ihol
dmyst
omachf
eel
i
ngt
hepai
n10×mor
e.

Me:
l
ether
rrggo.
Guy
:Mnqobi
.
Mnqobi
:
WHAT!
!?
Me:
bbabehashhee.
.
Enhl
e:no,
justhangintherestayst
rong
pl
ease*snif
fs*ourdadsincl
udingSimphi
wewi
l
lfi
nd
us.
Mnqobi:
*laughs*
keepdreami
ngtheywil
lnev
erfind
you,
I
'm gonnakeeptor
turi
nghi
mt i
llhedi
esthenwe
movetoCanada.
Enhl
e:Mnqobi
whyar
eyoudoi
ngal
loft
his?
Hi
m:I
'm doi
ngalloft
hisf
oryouforust
obehappy
t
oget
herwithoutany
onebot
heri
ngus.
Her
:whatmakesy
out
hinkt
hatIcoul
dpossi
blyev
er
l
oveyou.
Him:ohyouwi
l
l,
dudegethi
m of
fthegr
oundandout
ofheremeandMinenhl
ehavet
hingst
odo.

Me:
Noo.
.

Ihav
efai
thi
nSi
mphi
we,
Ioncet
oldhi
m aboutt
his
pl
acehewasn'
tpayi
ngat
tenti
ontomet hatdaybutI
pr
ayandhopeheremembersabouti
t.

Guy
:Mnqobi
Ican'
thol
dhi
m upbymy
sel
fjeez.

Irai
semyheadandlookatherf
acet
hati
sfi
l
ledby
tear
s,t
hisi
sal
lmyfaul
t.

°
Simphi
we°

Depr
essed,goingcr
azy,
losi
ngweightt
hel
i
stgoes
onandon.Ireall
yunder
esti
matedMnqobi
.

Zac:
whoknowswhathe'
sdoi
ngt
omybaby
?

Afterf
indingMnqobi'
scarburntMrHbrokedown
thatwast hemostemotional
sceneIhaveever
seen..
.seeinganol
dpersoncryi
ngloudl
yisnota
gr
eatsi
ghtt
oseet
rustme.

Me:
we'
l
lfi
ndt
hem.
Mr
sH:
when?
?

Thecal
mnessi
nthatv
oicemakesmyhear
tbr
eak.

Me:
Idon'
tknowmahbutwe'
llf
indthem,
eveni
fit
t
akesusweeks,
mont
hs,
year
sw. .
.
Her
:year
s!?
?
Me:
nononoI
..
.

Iam sav
edbyt
hedoor
bel
l
.

Zamo:
I'
l
lgeti
t.

Heget
supandwal
kst
othedoort
hencomesback
wi
thawhi
tecoupl
eorsi
bli
ngsIdon'
tknow.

Man:
eveni
ng.
*si
tt
ingdown*
Mr
sH:
eveni
ng.
Man:
wedon'
tknowi
fwearei
nther
ightaddr
essi
s
t
hist
heuhm.
.(
anaccent
?)
Zac:
thi
sist
heHl
ongwanehousehol
d.
Man:
ohy
eswear
eint
her
ightpl
ace.
Zac:
whoar
eyouandhowcanwehel
pyou?
Man:
I'
m Matt
eoandthi
sismywi
feHei
dewear
e
f
rom I
tal
y,
weareher
euhhowdoIsayt
his.
.
Zac:
cany oujustgetst
rai
ghttot
hepoi
ntcausewe
arecur
rentl
yf aci
ngalotatt
hemoment.
Him:ohIbel
i
eveyou'
ret
hefamilyt
hatf
oundmyson
abondenonabusstopbench.
Zac:
ohgodnotagai
n,
lookI'
m gonnasaythi
s
one.
..
stayt
hef
uckawayfrom myf ami
ly
.
Hi
m:l
ooksi
rcanwej
ustt
alkaboutt
hisl
i
keudul
ts
thatweare,
Iwouldreal
l
yli
ket
ohavehim backI
appreci
ateyoutaki
nghimi
nandtaki
ngcareofhi
m
butI'
m hisf
ather.
.
Zac:
okayar
eyoudone?
Hi
m:l
ookdon'
tmaket
hisdi
ff
icul
t.
Zac:
orel
sewhat
?
Him: t
henIguessI '
llcall
myl awyerandtakey outo
courtcausei nmyunder standi
nghi smotheristhe
onewhol efthimthereandIwasn' tawareofthat,
I
wasn'tev enawareoft hefactthathismotherwas
pregnantunt i
lthedayshegav ebirthandI'
vebeen
searchingforhim eversince.
..
I'
m hisfat
herthecourt
willagreewi t
hme.
Zac:
okayar
eyoudonegetout
.

Theyl
ookathim shockedandt
heysl
owl
yst
andup
andwalkout
.

Mr
sH:
Zac.
Zac:
nodon'tsayi
t,
Ij
ustneedtofindmy
daught
er*
standsupanddisappearsi
ntot
heki
tchen*
Zamo:wehavet
ofi
ndMinenhlefastcauseIdon'
t
thi
nkhe'
l
lbeabl
etohandl
eitall
..
.wedon'twanthi
m
havi
ngastr
okesoweneedtowor kharder.

We'vebeenwor kingharderf
rom thestartImeanMr
Ghadhi smensear chtheentir
eDur banandthey
di
dn'tf
indanything,
myconclusionisthattheyare
notinDurbanandweknowt hattheyhav en'
tl
eftthe
countr
ycausewehav epeopleguidi
ngt heair
port
s.

Me:I
'
m goi
ngbackt
oMnqobi
'
shouset
olookf
or
cl
ues.

¶2Weeksl
ater
¶

°
Minenhl
e°
Ihaven'
tseenNqusi ncet
hedaytheybroughthimi n
thi
sroom I'
mi n,
eachandevery
dayIlookstr
aightat
thedoorhopingtoseedadbursti
nginbutallIever
seeisMnqobi walki
nginwit
haninnocentsmi l
elike
ri
ghtnow.

Hi
m:heybabe,
howar
eyoudoi
ng?

All
heev erdoesi
sforcef
ull
yki
ssmeandwhenI
don'
trespondheslapsmeI'mjustgl
adt
hathe
doesn'
trapeme.

Hi
m:heyI
'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou.
Me:
j
ustpl
easel
etmeseeNqu.
Hi
m:*chuckl
es*
don'
twor
ryy
ou'
l
lseehi
m soonf
or
t
helastti
me.
Me:
whatdoy
oumeanf
ort
hel
astt
ime?
Hi
m:It
hinki
t'
sti
mehel
eav
est
hel
andoft
hel
i
ving.
Me:
*shaki
ngmyhead*
nopl
easenod.
.
Hi
m:ewwwhati
sthat
?

If
oll
owhi
sey
eswhi
char
eonmyl
owerbody
,bl
ood?
?

Hi
m:ar
eyouony
ourper
iodsorsomet
hing?

Ikeepl
ooki
ngatthebl
ooddumb,
myper
iodsar
e
2weeksear
li
er.

Me:
mmmmhmm.

Thosear
edef
ini
tel
ynotper
iodpai
ns.

Hi
m:ewwughl etmeseei
fIcanar
rangesomet
hing
f
oryourper
iods.
..
.
~i
nser
t72~

°
Minenhl
e°

Mybreat
hingi
sget
ti
ngheavi
erbythesecond,
the
pai
nonmyabdomenisunexpl
ainabl
e.Mnqobiwalks
backi
n.

Hi
m:don'
twor
rymyguyi
sbr
ingi
ngt
hepadsor
what
ever
.
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
m onmyperi
odsIdon'
tknow
what'
sgoingonwit
hmebutIneedadoctor
.
Him:hahay out
hinkI'
ll
fallf
orthat
?Qui
ttheacti
ng
yourstuf
fisontheway .Nowbeagoodgi r
lIhavet
o
gofini
shoffmybr ot
her.*
walksout*

Ikeeplosi
ngmor
ebloodandworseI
'm st
il
lti
edup,
I
can'
tevenmove.
..
godwhati
shappeni
ngtome?Di d
hepoisonmeorsomethi
ng?
#Nar
rat
ed

Zacstandsbyt hecor nerofBen' soff

icedeepin
thoughts,hehasev enl ostwei ghthehasbeeni nand
outofcour tsincetheWei szr eall
ydidtakehimt o
court,
there'
sapossi bili
tythattheymi ghtloseKei
th.
Hecan' tdealwi t
hMi nenhle'
sdi sappearancesohow
will
hecopei ftheyloseKei t
h.

Zamo:
tai
ma.
Zac:
*si
ghs*
son.
Zamo:
arey
ouokay
?
Zac:
yeahy
eahI
'
m good.
Zamo:
I'
m notconv
inced.
Zac:
ther
e'sapossibi
l
itythatwemi ghtl
oseKeit
h,I
meanhe'shisbi
ologi
cal f
atherandhehasnothingto
dowithBuhl
e,hehasot herkids,
he'sagreatf
ather
.
Zamo:
you'
real
soagr
eatf
ather
.
Zac:noI
'm not
, Minenhl
etoldmewhatMnqobi
was
uptooIshouldn'thavelef
therknowi
nghewas
aroundIshouldn'
tha...
Zamo:
don'
tbeatyour
sel
fup,
nooneknewMnqobi
wasgoi
ngtodrugandki
dnapher
.
Zac:
i
fI'
m agr
eatf
atherIwoul
dhav
efoundherby
now.

Zamol ooksatZacwhol ooksl

i
kehe'
saboutto
breakdown,helooksdowngett
ingemot
ional
himsel
f.

_
___
___
___
___
_att
hehot
el_
___
___
___
___
__

Zama:
wher
ewer
eyou?
Ml
a:Iwasataunt
'st
ocheckupont
hem,
Minenhl
eis
mi
ssing.
Her
:*gasps*
ohmygod,
forhowl
ong?
Him:i
t'
salmost3weeksnow*si
ghs*y
oushoul
dhav
e
seenherpar
entst
heyaresodevast
ated.
Her:
whowouldn'
t,whataboutherboy
fri
endI
'
m sur
e
he'
sgoi
ngcrazytoo.
Him:
he'
smissi
ngtooeii
t'
salongst
oryI
'
llt
ell
itt
o
youwhenIwakeupIwanttot
akeanap.
Her:
forsomereasonyou'
real
way
snother
eand
wheny oucomeback,
youcomebackt
ir
ed.
Hi
m:i
tmustbet
heDur
banweat
her
.
Her
:hmm sowhenar
ewegoi
nghome?
Him:
what?Ij
ustt
oldy
outhatmycousi
nismi
ssi
ng
andyouwantust
oupandleave.
Her:youknowt hat'
snotwhatImeant ,I
'
vebeen
askingyouthisquesti
onsincethe2ndoft hismonth
andy ou'
vebeeni gnor
ingme,nowt hatyouhavea
reasonyou'r
ethrowingitonmyf aceasi fIdon'
tcar
e
aboutMinenhle.
Hi
m:nobabei
t.
.
Her:
what ?Uh?What ?Youknowwhat '
sfunny?I
t'
s
thefactthatI
'
v ebeenbeggi
ngyouf orustomove
thi
ssidebuty oublankl
yref
usedandsuddenlyyou
areavoidingt
ogobackhomeasi fsomethingi
s
keepi
ngy
ouher
e.
Hi
m:okayI
'
m donewi
tht
hisconv
ersat
ion,
I'
m gonna
t
akeanap.

Hetakesoffhisshoesandgeti
nsi
det
he
cov
ers,mi
ndy ouit'
ssti
l
l13h00.

_
___
___
___
__st
il
lhot
el_
___
___
___
___
___
_

Matteotakesaseatacrosshiswifewhoseemst o
bemi l
esawayinthoughts.Heclearshisthr
oatt
o
getheratt
enti
onandshebl i
nksandl ooksathi
m.

Mat
:ar
eyouokay
?

Shegi
vesoutaheav
ysi
gh.

Mat
:ohboy
.
Her
:Ij
ustf
eel
badf
ort
hatf
ami
l
y.
Hi
m:honeyno.
Her:
Mat teoIknowt hatyoualsosawhowt heywere
yest
erdayincour t
,t
heytookKei t
hinandtookcareof
him astheirown.Isawthepai nint
heirey
es
especial
lytheladywhopl ay
edt herol
eofamot her
i
nKei t
h'sli
fe.
Him:lookIgetit,
Iwouldalsobedevastatedi
fIwas
i
nt heirshoesbutwhatarey ousuggesti
ng?ThatI
shouldjustforgetaboutmysonandl etthem beso
theycanpl ayhappyfamil
ywi t
hhim sowhatabout
met hen?Justbecausehe' saproductofcheati
ngI
shouldgivehim up?
Her:
youknowthat'
snotwhatImean, I'
m say
ingwhy
notcomeupwithasol ut
ionf
orthisyouknowmay be
havesomesortofagreement.
..
.i
nsomewaymay be
Kei
thcanbeinourli
vesandsoast hei
rs.

Mat
teol
ooksatherl
i
kehe'
sconsi
der
ingi
t.
Mat:
howwil
lthatwork?Wel
i
vei
nIt
alyandt
heyar
e
her
einSout
hAf r
ica.
Her:si
nceKeithissti
llachildIthi
nkit'
svesthest ay
s
herecausetraveli
ngal otwon'tbegoodf orhim,we
shouldlethi
m growupal it
tl
e..
.wecanal waysv i
deo
chathisparentstoseehi m andsomet i
meswecan
comev isi
thim...
whenhe' sabitolderwecanmeet
upwi t
hhisparentsandar rangewher ehe'l
lschool
andwher ehewi l
lspendhi sholi
daysplusbyt hen
he'
llbeabletochosef orhimself.

Mat
teol
eansbackonhi
schai
rthi
nki
nghar
d.

_
___
___
___
_backatBen'
sof
fi
ce_
___
___
___

Bensi
tsdownsi
ghi
ngi
ndef
eat
.

Ben:
I'
veusedalmostever
yresour
ceIhav
e,howcan
westi
llnotf
indthem?
Sim:butwecan'
tgi
veup,
ther
e'sgot
tabesomet
hing,
ther
eisnowayheisthatgood.
Zamo:
may
beweshoul
dinv
olv
ethepol
i
ce.
Sim:
andhowwi l
lweexpl
aint
othem whywedi
dn'
t
cometothem sooner
?

Zamosi
ghswhil
eSimphiwepacesupanddown,
he
hi
msel
flostabi
tofwei
ght.

Zac:
wellIshouldgobackhome,
Ineedtospend
moreti
mewi t
hKeithbef
oret
heytakehi
m away
fr
om us.

Hemov esfr
om thedar kercor nerandSimphiwe
noti
cessomet hi
ng,hewal kst owardsitslowlywhil
e
theothersl
ookathi m suspiciously.Hereali
zethat
i
t'sapictur
ehetakesi tandl ookati tcl
osely
.

Zac:
son.
Si
m:I
'
veseent
hispi
ctur
ebef
ore.

Hekeepsl
ooki
ngati
tcl
osel
yandher
emember
s.

_
___
¶Fl
ashback¶_
___
_

Nqutakesoutaphotoandshowsitt
oSimphiwe
who'
snotevenfocusi
ngonhim andthepi
ctur
e.

Nqu: meandMnqobi buil

tthi
sourselv
esmanwecal l
i
tt hebrocave,
thi
susedt obeourhideoutf r
om our
par ent
sorwhenweneededsomeai rf r
om Dur ban.
Youknowwhat '
sgreataboutit
?Thef actthatnoone
elsebesidesmeandMnqobi knowsaboutt his
place..
.Simphi
we?Simphi weareyouev enli
stening
tome?
Si
m:*
focusedonhi
sphone*
no.
Nqu:
comeonar
eyoust
il
lmadatme?
Si
m:y
esandI
'
m nott
alki
ngt
oyou.
Nqu:
buty
ouar
e.
Si
m:I
'
m not
.
Nqu:
youjustdi
dagain,
anywayIwast
hinki
ngi
tcoul
d
beourbr
ocav ei
t'
slocat
edj..
.
Si
m:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Nqu:
arey
ouki
ddi
ngme?Youwer
en'
tl
ist
eni
ngwer
e
you?
Si
m:*
yawns*
I'
m sl
eepyl
etmegot
obed.
Nqu:
youar
esuchanassdoy
ouknowt
hat
?
Si
m:*
laughs*
soI
'
vebeent
old.

_
___
_¶EndofFl
ashback¶_
___
_

Zamo:
SIMPHI
WE!
!!
Si
m:y
eah.
Zamo:
wher
edi
dyougo?
Si
m:It
hinkImi
ghtknowwher
ehe'
skeepi
ngt
hem.
Every
onef ocusonhi
m wi
tht
hei
rhear
tsbeat
ing
real
l
yf ast
.

Sim:Nqubekooncetol
dmeaboutthisplace,hesai
d
onlyhim andMnqobiknowsi
tsotheymi ghtbehere
theprobl
em isIdon'
tknowwher
eitis.

Ben:t
hebrocaveofcour
se!
!Whydi
dn'
tIt
hinkofi
t
sooner*
standsup*
Zac:
pleaset
ell
mey
ouknowwher
eiti
s.
Ben:ofcour
seIknowi
thowel
sewoul
dIhav
ethat
pi
cture?
Zac:
askstheguywhohashadt hecl
uei
nhisof
fi
ce
si
ncedayoneofthi
skidnappi
ng.Nowshal
lwe
go*t
akesouthi
sgun,
checkingi
t*

Si
mphi
wet
akesouthi
sgunt
oosodoesBen.
Zamo:woahwoahwoah,
thi
siswher
eIdrawtheli
neI
am notgoi
ngany
wherewit
hyouguyshavi
ngthose.
Si
m:*chuckl
es*
wel
lyou'
reaboutt
omi
sst
heshow,
l
oaded
Zac:
l
oaded.
Ben:
l
oadedl
et'
sgo.

The3oft
hem wal
ksoutandZamol
ooksatt
hem i
n
awe.

Zamo:
wai
tforme!
!.
..
~i
nser
t73~

°
Minenhl
e°

Mnqobi:
what
'swr
ongnow?Igav
eyouy
ourgi
rl
ie
st
uffsowhyarey
oucry
ing?
Me:Ineedadoct
orpl
ease,
Ican'
ttaket
hepai
n
any
mor e.
Hi
m:ohcomeonIhadgi
rl
fr
iendsbef
oreIknow
t
hesethi
ngs.
Me:*
groani
ng*pleaseMnqobiIbegy
ou,
ithasbeen3
hour
snow...
anor malper
sondoesn'
tbl
eedthi
s
mucheveniftheyareonperi
ods.

Hej ustr
oll
shi
seyesandfocusonhi
sphone.If
eel
l
iket her
oom i
sgett
ingdar
kerandasi
ftheroom i
s
closingi
nonme.

°
Simphi
we°
He'
sdef
ini
tel
yher
e.

Zamo:okayweneedapl
anwecan'
tj
ustmar
chi
n
ther
e.
Ben:ofcour
sewecan,
he'
snotexpect
ingusand
ther
e's4ofus.
Zac:Mnqobii
smine,
Iwanttoteachhi
m alesson
beforesendi
nghi
mtojoinhisancest
ors.

Damnnowt
hati
sjustwow.

Aguywal
ksoutandl
eansont
hewal
lsmoki
ng.

Zamo:
whot
hehecki
sthat
?*whi
sper
ing*
Me:
Idon'
tknowbutI
'
mtaki
nghi
m out
.

LuckyIbroughtmysi
l
encer
,Iputi
tonandai
mthe
gunathim.
Zamo:whati
fyoumi
ss,
won'
tthatal
erthi
mthatwe
areher
e.
Me:
yout
alkt
omuchj
ustwat
ch.

If
ocusont
heguyagai
nandf
ir
ethegun.

Me:
boom what
'
smyname?
Zamo:
wowy
oudi
dn'
tmi
ss.
Me:
thati
snotmynamey
ouf
ool
.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
let
'sgo.

Wemov ef r
om behi
ndthebushwe' r
ehi di
ng
behi
nd,t
heywalkinsi
dewhileIcheckont he
guy.
..
wellhe'
snotdeadIjustgothim good.

"
Youpi
eceofshi
t!
!"

FuckI
'
m mi
ssi
ngt
heshow,
Iruni
nsi
deandf
indZac
ontopofMnqobigiv
inghim al
otofpunches.
..
Ihave
aquest
ion,
am Iabadpersonforwant
ingtotakea
vi
deori
ghtnow?

"
Guy
s!!
!!Guy
s!!
!"

Iruntowher
eZamoi
sandIf
reezeatt
hesi
ght
befor
eme.

Him:
*sheddingtears*don'
tj
ustst
andther
edo
somethi
ng,Minenhle*
slapsher
*she'
snotwaki
ngup
whyisn'
tshewaki ngup?

Bl
oodbl
oodbl
oodsomuchbl
ood.

"
IfoundNqubekohav
ey.
..
.ohhol
yshi
t"
#Nar
rat
ed

Zacdr
agst
heki
cki
ngMnqobi
out
side.

Zac:
youmessedwi
tht
hewr
onggi
rl
*spi
ts*
Mnqobi
:
DAD!
!!
!

Heshoutsoutf
orBenwhi
lewiggl
i
nghi
msel
f,Zac
keepspul
li
nghi
mt ot
hecar.

Simphi
wepi cksMinenhleupwhil
eBenpicksNqu
whichi
snotexact l
yeasyhejustput
shim overhi
s
shoul
der,
theywalkoutofthecabinwit
hZamo
makingashor tpr
ayer.

ZacletgoofMnqobi andki ckshi

m onhisst
omach
repeatedl
y,whenheseest hathe'
sweakhestops
andt akesoutt
heli
terbottl
eofpetrol
thenwalks
backt oMnqobiwho'str
yingt ocr
awlaway.
Zac:
*wipeshi
sf or
ehead*Iwasn'
tgonnadoanyt
hing
toyoubutyoujusthadtokidnapmy,MYdaughter.
Mnqobi
:
ddad*
thatcomeoutl
owl
y*

Hepour
spet
rol
all
overhi
mthent
akesoutal
i
ght
er.

Ben:
woahwoahwoah.
Zac:
what
??!
Ben:
Ithi
nki
t'
senoughnow.
Zac:di
dn'
tIt
...
wai
twai
twai
twhyi
smydaught
er
coveredi
nblood.

Her
ushest
oSi
mphi
wewho'
scar
ryi
ngMi
nenhl
e.

Sim:
Idon'
tknowbutwhatIknowi
sthatweshoul
d
gett
hem t
ot hehospi
tal
soon.
Hemarchesbackt
oMnqobi
andst
art
ski
cki
nghi
m
al
lov
eragain.
Zac:
whatdi
dyoudot
omydaught
ery
ouani
mal
!!
!?
Ben:
Zacpl
ease.
Zac:
WHAT?!
!Whatt hefucki
swrongwit
hy ou?Do
youseet
hebloodonmydaughter?It
oldyouIwas
gonnaki
l
lhi
m didn'
tI.
..
Ben:
he'
sst
il
lmyson!
!
Zac:
Idon'
tfuckencare!!Hekidnappedmydaught
er
andnowlookather,Idon'tcar
e!!
Ben:
j
ustl
etmet
akecar
eofhi
m my
sel
f.
Sim:
wereal
l
yneedtogoherpul
sei
sdroppi
ngand
she'
sst
il
lbl
eedi
ngsopl
easecanwego.
Zac:
he'
sri
ght
.

Zacopenst
hel
i
ght
eranddr
opsi
tonMnqobi
.

Ben:
NO!
!!
!!
!!
Zac:
ohf
uckof
flet
'sgo.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Ti
nal
ooksatKei
thwi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ngdown.

Her:
ohbabyy oulooksopeaceful,IwishIwasy ou
ri
ghtnow. .
nostressaboutanythingjustcarefr
ee.
Yoursisteri
sstil
lnowheretobef oundandy ourreal
fat
herwant syou,hewanttotakey ouawayf rom us.
I
'm notreadytoloseyouandmi ssoutev er
ythingon
yourli
fe.

Herphoneri
ngsonherpocket
,shet
akesi
toutand
answersi
t.
//

Her
:*si
ghs*
wherear
eyouguy
sI'
vebeencal
l
ingy
ou
f
orhoursdoy.
.
Zac:
wef
oundt
hem.

ShelooksatKeit
handmov
esawayf
rom hi
m wi
th
herheartj
umping.
Her:
ohmygodaretheyokay
?Wher edi
dyouf
ind
them?How?Whereareyouri
ghtnow?Whenwil
lyou
gether
e?
Hi
m:*
sighs*
wear
eint
hehospi
tal
uhj
ustgether
e.
Her
:what
'swr
ong?You'
rescar
ingme.
Hi
m:j
ustcal
m downandgether
e.

/
/

Shebr
eat
hesi
nandoutt
ryi
ngt
ocal
m her
sel
fdown.

Tina:
Tinaj
ustcal
m downshe'
sfi
ne,
shei
sfi
neokay
babywehav etogo.

_
___
___
___
___
___
_

Aft
erawhil
eTinaget
stothehospi
tal,
themoment
Zacseesherhest
andsupandmeet sthem hal
fway
t
henhugt
hem.

Ti
na:
wher
eisshe?Tel
lmeshe'
sokay
.
Zac:
theyarest
il
lbusywit
hherwear
ewai
ti
ngf
oran
updatedon'
tworr
yshe'l
lbef
ine.
Ti
na:
okayhowwasshewheny
ouf
oundher
?
Zac:
*cl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
*uhm we'
l
ltal
kaboutt
hatl
ater
.

Hesay
sthatt
aki
ngKei
thf
rom hert
henl
eadhert
o
t
akeaseat
.

Aft
erafewmi
nut
esoft
hem si
tt
ingdownadoct
or
showsup.

Doc:
NqubekoGabuza?

Theyst
andupi
ncl
udi
ngBenwhodoesn'
tseem okay
.
Ben:
howi
she?
Doc:*si
ghs*wef ound5gunwoundsonhi sbodyand
i
tseemsl ikeheconsumedi nat oxicchemicaliti
s
doingsomet hingt ohiscellswear estil
ldoi
ngsome
testsanddrainingt hesubst anceout *si
ghs*even
afterwedrainedoutt hatchemi calwewon' tbeable
totelli
fhe'l
lbef ine..
.we'
llj
ustwai tforhisbodyt o
react,
healandf orhimt owakeup. ...nowplease
excuseme.

Heturnsandwal
ksawayl
eav
ingal
loft
hem
shocked.

Ben:
excumemet
ooIneedai
r.

Hewal
ksout
.

Si
m:wai
twai
tsohe'
sincoma?
Zamo:
*si
ghs*
Ithi
nksoman.
Si
mphiwewalksbackwar
dsslowl
yandl
eansont
he
wal
ll
etti
ngdoctor
swordsinki
n.

Zamo:heymanhe'll
bef
ine,
he'
sat
oughguyIknow
he'
l
lpullt
hrough.
Si
m:butwhati
fhedoesn'
tI.
.ohnonono.
Zamo:
what
?
Si
m:Ihav
etogobackt
othecabi
n.
Zac:
what
?Why
?
Si
m:If
orgotaboutt
heguyIshot
.
Zac:
j
ustl
ethi
mrott
her
e.

Ti
nagasps.
Si
m:wel
luhm sot
het
hingi
shedi
dn'
tdi
e.
Zac:
what
??
Si
m:I
'
llbeback.
Her
ushesout
.

Ti
na:
seemsli
kether
e'sal
oty
ou'
regoi
ngt
otel
lme
whenwegethome.

"
Minenhl
eCandi
ceHl
ongwane"

Theytur
nthei
rbodi
esf
aci
ngt
hedoct
or,
adi
ff
erent
doct
or.

Doc:
eveni
ng.
Them:
eveni
ng.
Doc:Ihavegoodnewsandbadnews,
goodnewsi
s
thatMinenhl
eisfi
neshe'
ssl
eepi
ngatthe
moment ,w.
.
Zac&Ti
na:
oht
hankgoodness.
Zamo:
whywasshebl
eedi
ng?
Doc:
that
'swher
ethebadnewsf
all
under
*si
ghs*
she
was3weekspr
egnant
,shemi
scar
ri
ed.

Ti
na'
shandsqui
ckl
ymaket
hei
rwayt
ohermout
h.
~i
nser
t74~

°
Zamo°

Ti
na:
ohmygodnotagai
n.
Doc:
agai
n?
Zac:
yeah*
swal
l
ows*
shehadami
scar
ri
agel
asty
ear
.
Doc:
*sighs*i
fshemi
scarr
iesagai
nshemi
ghtnev
er
beabletohaveki
dsofherown.

Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
mayweseeher
?
Doc:asI
'v
esaidshe'ssti
l
lsl
eepi
ngandwehav en'
t
tol
dherthesenews,i
fyoudon'
tmi ndcoul
dyou
comebackt omorr
owcausev i
sit
inghoursar
e
almostover
.
Me:
okt
hanky
ou.

Shenodsandwal
ksaway
,Il
ookbackt
othe
Hl
ongwanecoupleMrHisbusyconsoli
nghiswi
fe
whoisamesswithtear
srightnow.I
tmaytakea
whi
leformetocall
them mom anddad.

Ti
na:
whenwi
l
lshecat
chabr
eakuh?
Zac:
shhpl
easecal
m down,
seeev
enKei
thwant
sto
cr
ynow.
Me:
l
etmet
akehi
m.

It
akethel
i
ttl
eguyfrom MrHandwal
kar
oundwi
th
hi
mtil
lhefal
l
sasleep.

Me:
weshoul
dgetgoi
ngnow.

°
Simphi
we°

Nqubekobett
erdomeafavourandwakeupsoIcan
ki
ckhisass.Any
wayIf
ini
shedtheguyof
fandtook
car
eofhisbody,
don'taskmehow.Asf orMnqobi
he
bur
nttodeat
h,f
rom nowonIam scar edofMrH.
Remindmenevertocr osshi
m causedamn.

Thedoorbellri
ngs,
I
'm backatt
hehousebythe
way..
.Iwalkt
othedoorandopenitandit
'st
he
off
icersagai
n.

Me:
off
icer
s.
Of
fi
cer
1:y
ou,
agai
n.
Me:
yeahme,
i
t'
s21h30howcanIhel
pyou?
Of
fi
cer
2:maywespeakt
oNqubeko?
Me:
he'snother
eatt
hemomentbuty
oucanl
eav
ea
message.
Off
icer
2:whyi
sitt
haty
ouar
eal
way
sher
ebut
Nqubekoisnot
?
Me:i
sthatt
hemessagey ouwanttol
eav
ecausei
f
i
t'
snotIwil
lcer
tai
nlynotanswert
hat
.
Of
fi
cer
2:andwhynot
?
Me:
causei
t'
snoneofy
ourbusi
ness.
Offi
cer1:
okaylookwhoeveryouare,
wegotacall
fr
om thehospitali
thasbeen3weekssirandthe
bodyissti
llt
hereifNqubekodoesn'
tfet
chitt
he
hospit
alwil
lbef or
cedtocri
minat
eit.
Me:
okayt
henandmynamei
sSi
mphi
we.
Offi
cer2:
youdon'
thav
earightt
omakethat
deci
sion,
wherecanwefi
ndNqubeko?
Me:*
sighing*he'
sal
soint
hehospi
tal
stucki
ncoma
sopleaseleavenow.

Idon'
twai
tfort
hem t
orespondIj
ustshutt
hedoor
.

¶Fol
l
owi
ngday
¶

TheHlongwanesgetreadyt
ogobackt
othehospi
tal
andjustast
heyareabouttoleav
eWei
szknockon
thedoor.
Zamo:
I'
l
lgeti
t.

Hewal
kst
othedoorcar
ryi
ngKei
th.

Zamo:
I'
m nev
ersl
eepi
ngwithy
ouev
eragai
nyoung
mandoyouheart
hat?Nev
er.

Kei
thj
ustputhi
sli
tt
lehandsonhi
sfacesmi
l
ing.

Zamo:*smil
es*okayf
orgetwhatIj
ustsai
dcause
thati
sjustcut
e.

Heopensupthedoormaki
ngbabyfacesbutst
ops
whenheseeswhoareinfr
ontofhi
m.

Zamo:
uhm goodmor
ning.
Hei
de:
*smi
l
es*
goodmor
ning,
maywecomei
n?
Zamo:
yeahsur
e.
Hemakeswayf ort hem withMat teo'
seyesnot
movingfr
om thi
s" almost"spitt
ingimageofhim.Zac
andTinaareshockedt oseet hem inthei
rhouse
si
ncetheyknowt heircourtdateisnotinforanot
her
week.

Ti
na:
uhm goodmor
ning.
Hei
de:
goodmor
ning.
Mat
teo:
mayIhol
dhi
m pl
ease.

Zamol ooksathi
sparents,
Zacsighsandnodathim
thenZamowal kstoMatteoandhandshim Kei
th.
Keit
hbeingabubblychil
dtouchesMatteo
every
wher ehi
shandscanr eachmaki
ngMat t
eo
beam.

Zac:
lookIdon'
tmeant
oberudeoranyt
hingbuthow
maywehel pyouweki
ndofhav
etorushtothe
hospit
al.
Hei
de:
wehav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyou*
clear
sher
t
hroat
*Mat
teo.
Mat
:uhm y
eah.
Hei
de:
mayIhol
dhi
m.

Hegi
vesKei
tht
oher
.

Mat:meandmywi f
ehadaconver
sat
ion,
we've
deci
dedt hatwewi
l
ldr
opthi
scaseononly1
condit
ion.

Theyl
ookathi
m wai
ti
ngf
orhi
mtocont
inue.

Mat:i
fyouletusbeinKeith'
sli
fe,
wewi ll
letyourai
se
hi
m butwewi llbekeepi
ngintouchandsomet imes
we'l
lconetovisit
.Whenhe'sabitolderwecan
deci
detogetherwherehestudiesandwher ehe
spendshisholi
days,al
lIwantistobeinhislif
e.
Zac:
wowuhm* hel
ooksatTinawhosmi
l
esandnod*
weagreet
othatcondi
ti
on.
Ti
na:yeahwedidn'
twanttokeepy
ouawayf
rom hi
m
wejustdidn'
twantt
olosehim.
Heide:
*smi
l
es*
soshal
lwedot
hisonceagai
n?St
art
over?
Ti
na:
*si
ghsi
nrel
i
ef*
yeahl
et'
sst
artov
er.
Zac:
*smi
les*youhearthatbuddyy
ouhav
e2
dads,
howluckyareyou?
Mat
:*smi
l
es*
you'
reonel
uckyguy
.
Tina:
sor
ryf
ornotof
fer
ingy
ouany
thi
ngbutwer
eal
l
y
havetogo.
Hei
de:
ohIhopeI'
m notmeddl
i
ngbutareyoual
lokay
?
Whydoyouneedtorusht
othehospi
tal
?
Ti
na:
mydaught
eri
sther
e,wegoi
ngt
oseeher
.
Heide:
Ididn'
tknowy
ouhav
eadaught
erInev
ersaw
herincourt.
Tina:
*st
andsup*
it'
sal
ongst
ory
,pr
obabl
yforanot
her
day.
Hei
de:
Ipr
ayt
ogodt
hatsheget
sbet
ter
.
Ti
na:
thanky
ou.
Theybidgoodby
ehandi
ngKeit
hbacktothem and
walkoutwit
htheHl
ongwanesalsowal
ki
ngout.

°
Minenhl
e°

Ifeelreal
lyweakbutbeinginthehospitalmakesme
smi l
ecausethatmeansI '
m nolongerMnqobi 's
prisoner,
I'
m notsurewhathappenedaf terIbl
acked
outbutI '
m gl
adthatI'
m her
e.Idon'tknowi fit
's
strangebutIfeelempty.

"
Goodmorni
ngMi
ssMi
nenhl
e"-
say
sadoct
or
wal
ki
ngi
n.

Me:
*smi
l
ing*
goodmor
ningdoc.
Her
:wowI
'
mlov
ingt
hesmi
l
e,I
'
m Doct
orNgcobo.
Me:ni
cetomeety
ouDoc,
Ihav
eaquest
ion,
howdi
dI
gether
e?
Her
:yourf
atherandsomeot
her3menbr
oughty
ou
her
eal
ongwi
thanot
heri
njur
edguy
.

Myhear
tracesf
ast
.

Me:
howi
she?
Her
:*si
ghs*
I'
m sor
rybutIcan'
ttel
lyou.
Me:
pleasedoct
orIneedt
oknowori
fyoucan'
ttel
l
memayIseehim?
Her
:t
hat
'sal
sonotpossi
bley
et.
Me:*
sighi
ng*
okayIunder
stand,
sowhywasI
bl
eeding?
Her:*si
ghs*uhm y ouwere3weekspr egnantbuty ou
l
osty ourbaby,thatbl
eeding.
..
youwer eexper
ienci
ng
ami scarri
age,seemslikeyouwereinunderal otof
pressure,
yourst r
esslevelwastoohigh,
youwer e
dehydrated..
..

ShekeepsgoingbutI
'
m nolongerl
ist
ening,mymi
nd
fr
ozefrom "
youwere3weekspregnant"li
kewhyi
s
thi
sfuckenhappeningtome?Anothermiscarr
iage?I
getthatthepil
lIt
ookdidn'
twor
kbutIwoul dhave
acceptedthatandkeptmybabytheuni
versedidn't
havetotakemybabyf rom me.
.mysecondbaby .

"
Minenhl
e!"

Igaspt
ryi
ngt
ost
opmy
sel
ffr
om scr
eami
ngmy
l
ungsout.

Me:
*smi
l
ing*
mayIbeal
one?
Doc:
yourf
ami
l
yispr
obabl
yher
etoseey
ounow.
Me:
Ijustwantt
obeal
one.
Her:
Ihear
dthatt
hisi
sn'
tyourf
ir
stmi
scar
ri
agesoI
pr
om. .
.
Me:*
breat
hingheavy*
mayIbeal
onepl
easeandI
don'
twantanyvisi
tor
s.
Her
:buty
..
Ij
ustsi
nki
nsi
det
hesheetbackf
aci
ngher
.

Her:
*si ghs*Iunderstandwhaty ouaregoingthrough
andy ouwi lldefi
nit
elyneedsuppor tfrom yourfamil
y
don'
tshutt hem out*sighsagain*wear ejustwaiti
ng
foryourr esult
sfrom thel abconcerningyourspineif
ever
y thingisclearyou'llbedischar
gedt omorrow,I
am sor ryforyourloss.

Ihearherwalki
ngaway,shecan'tpossi
bly
underst
andwhatIam goingt hr
oughshehasnoi dea
whatIam goingthr
ough..
.andrightnowIdon'
tneed
anyoneIjustwantt
obeal one.
~i
nser
t75~

Minenhl eget sdischargedt hefollowingday ,

forthe
fi
rsttimeev erherfami l
yincludingSi mphiweand
Ntokozoseeherwi thast raightface..notsmili
ngat
al
l evenwhenKei t
hr ai
seshi sarmsf orhertotake
hi
m shej ustignoreshim andgost rai
ghttoherr oom.
Shel ocksi t
,cl
osest hewi ndowsandcur t
ainsthen
switchesof fthel i
ghts..
.whensheseest hatiti
s
compl etelydarkshewal kst othecor nerofherroom
andsi tstherehuggi ngherl egswi thherheadbur i
ed
i
nherknees.

¶1weekl
ater¶

Zamowalksinsi
deMinenhle'
sroom,t
hedarknessno
l
ongershockshi
m heclosesthedoorsi
ncehe
knowsMinenhl
edoesn'
twantt oseetheli
ght
.He
walkst
owardsthecor
nerandsitsnexttoher
.
Hi
m:goodmor
ning.

*
*shedoesn'
trespond*
*

Him:*
sighs*
I'
mleavi
ngtoday
,mom,
dadandKeit
hare
dri
vi
ngmet otheair
por
tandIwoul
dreal
l
ylov
eitif
youalsocomewith.
*
*si
l
ence*
*
Him:*sighs*
Mi nenhleithasbeenanentir
eweek, I
knowt hatyouwon' tjustheali
nsuchashor tper
iod
ofti
mebutIbel ievethatthefi
rstst
eptohealingis
wil
li
ngness, y
ouwon' theali
fyoudon'tt
ry.Wemi ss
you,t
her ealyouandwewantt ohel
p.
*
*si
l
ence*
*

Zamosi
ghsst
andi
ngup.

Hi
m:well
Iguesst
hisisgoodbye,
I
'l
lseeyoudur
ing
t
hehol
idaysandI
'
llkeepyouinmypr ay
ers.
Hewal
kst
othedoorandopensi
t.

Him:ohhSi
mphiwesai
dtotell
y out
hatNqubeko
hasn'
twokenupbutvi
sit
orsarenowall
owed.

Sherai
sesherheadbutsoonshuthereyeswhen
sheseesl
ightcomingt
hroughthedoor.

Zamo:
Ilov
eyou,
goodby
e.

Hewalksoutcl
osi
ngt
hedoorandwal
kst
othe
l
ounge.

Ti
na:
and?
?
Zamo:she'
sst
il
lnott
alki
ngnorwantt
ocomeoutof
herr
oom.
Zac:
whatmor
eshoul
dwedo?Al
lIwanti
stoseea
smi
l
eonmybabygi
rl
'
sface.
Zamo:
weal
ldo.
Zac:
may beweshoul
dtakemat
ter
sint
oourown
hands.
Tina:
ohnothatdi
dn'
twor
koutr ememberwhat
happenedwhenwetri
edfor
cinghertol
eaveher
room?
Zac:
*si
ghs*
wellIguesstheyarerightwhentheysay
heal
i
ngcan'tbefor
ced.Letjustgetgoing.

°
Simphi
we°

1weekdownt hedrainandNqubekoi sstil

lnot
waki ngupandont heot hersideMinenhlei
sgoi ng
throughhell,
beingawomeni shardIsomet imes
thankGodt hatIwasbor namanbutknowi ng
Mi nenhl
eshewi l
lpull
thr oughshe'
sav erystrong
womenandshedoesn' tdeserveallt
hatis
happeningt oher.Ont heot hersi
deIthinkImi ghtbe
slowl yf
all
i
ngf orthisDrNgcobobutI '
m notgoi ngto
appr
oachherj
ustyetIj
ustneedNqubekot owake
upsohecanbethereforMinenhle,
si
nceshe'
s
shut
ti
ngal
lusoutmay beshe'
llopenupforNqubeko.

°
Mlamel
i
°

Zama:okayMlawhat'
sgoingonr eal
ly?Ihaveajob
backathomeremember ?I'
m notthebossl i
keyouif
wedonotgobackImohtgetf i
red.Sotellmewhat'
s
goingonanddon'
tyoudaremakeanexcuseabout
Minenhl
ecausewebot hknowthatt hi
shasnothing
todowithher
.
Me:*
sighi
ng*uhm howdoIputt
hisuhhbabey
ou
knowthatIl
oveyouright
?
Her
:*f
rowni
ng*
whatdi
dyoudo?
Me:
IuhhIwantt
otakeasecondwi
fe.
Her
:*shocked*
what
?(t
hatcomesoutasawhi
sper
)
Me:pl
easesi
tdownsoIcanexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngt
o
you.
Her
:no,
no!
!Youwantt
otakeasecondwif
e??Am I
t
hatbadatbei
ngawif
ethaty
ou'dwantanot
herwi
fe?
Me:
nononoi
tisnotl
i
ket
hat
.
Her
:soisthatt
hereasonwhywearesti
ll
her
e?Is
t
hatthereasonwhyyouareal
waysti
redtomake
l
ovewithyourwif
e??

Sheaskst
hatwi
tht
ear
sfor
ming.

Her:
*tearsfal
ls*Mlameliam Inotenoughforyou?
WhatisitthatI'
ml acki
ngat?Uh?Tel lme,
tel
lme
whatitisthatI'
mlackingatthatdroveyouto
anot
herwomen' sbed?
Me:
not
hingbabepl
eases.
..
Her:
thent
ell
mewhyt
hef
uckdoy
ouwantt
otakea
secondwi
fe!!
?
Me:
IIIl
oveherI
..
Her
:wowwhathappenedt
oyourent
ir
ehear
tbel
ongs
t
ome?
Me:
itdoesbel
ongstoy
ouj
ustt
hatt
heot
herpar
tof
i
tbel
ongstoNtokoz
o.
Her
:whatot
herp.
..
wai
tdi
dyouj
ustsayNt
okozo?
??

Il
ookatherwi
thgui
l
tyey
esnotanswer
ingher
.

Her:okay *wipesouthertears*
list
enIhav enever
sharedy ousincewest ar
teddat i
ngandIwi l
l
certainlynotstartnowsoy oubet t
ertakecareof
thatst upidlustofyoursbef
orey oulosemecause
heart hisMl ameliI
-WILL-
NOT-SHARE- YOU.Igiveyou
3day stof i
xthisshenani
gany oucausedt henweare
l
eav ingnxx.

Shegrabsherper
seandwal
ksoutofourhot
elr
oom
uhm..
..
.

#Nar
rat
ed
MrG(Ben)placestheur
nont
het
abl
eandsi
tsont
he
chai
rlooki
ngatit.

Him:*si
ghs*Idon'tknowwher etostart,I
'l
lstar
tfrom
apologi
zingfornott el
li
ngy out hetr
ut h,whaty oudid
toyourbrotherandhi sgirl
fri
endwasr eal
lyterr
ibl
e
butasyourf atherIshouldn'thaveletZacbeaty ou
upandbur ny ouIshouldhav etooky ouhomesat
downwi t
hy ouandt al
kedtoy ouaboutwhaty ou
weregoingt hrough.Ihopeonedayy ou'llf
orgive
me,Ifai
l
edy ouIknowbutpl easeforgiv eme.

I'
m aper sonwhobel i
evesinsecondchancesImean
Igav eZedandQueasecondchancebutIf ail
edto
givemysonasecondchancebecauseIwast oo
focusedonwhathedi dtoNqubeko.Idon'
treall
y
blameZacf orwhathedid,
aswespeakhi sdaughter
i
sgoi ngt hroughar oughti
mebecauseofMnqobi i
fI
wasi nshoesIwoul d'
veprobablydonet
hesame
thing.AllIcandonowi sprayandhopeMnqobi
forgivesme.
°
Simphi
we°

Her:
youhav
eonl
y30mi
nut
esbef
oret
hev
isi
ti
ng
hour
send.
Me:
okayt
hanky
ou.

Shesmi
l
esandwal
kout
.

Me:
damnNquwakeupsoIcangetmy
sel
fsomeof
t
hat
.

Isaythatsi
tt
ingnex
ttot
hebedandst
artt
ell
i
nghi
m
aboutDrNgcobo.

Me:soyouhav etowakeupsoy oucanpaymefor

assumingthatI'
m gay.Ohmaybethi
swil
lwakeyou
upuhm sowhenMnqobi ki
dnappedyouIt
ookyour
AudiI
'm ev
enusi ngitt
oday
.
Hedoesn'
tbudge.

Me:not
hing?Real
l
ywell30minut
esi
salmostov
erI
shoul
dgetgoingI'
l
lcomeagaint
omorr
ow.

Isayt
hatst
andi
ngup.

Me:ohyeahIalmostf or
gotmate,Minenhleneeds
youherparentssaidshehasbeeni nherroom since
shegotdischargedandthatshehasl ostweight
ter
ri
bly
.Turnsouty ouwer egoi
ngtobeaf at
herandI
anunclebutunf or
tunat
elyshemiscarri
edsher .
..

Themachinesst
artsbeepi
ngl
oudandf
ast
,Il
ookat
themachi
nespanicki
ng.

Me:
Nur
se!
!!
!Doct
or!
!!
!Somebody
!!
DrNgcobor
ushesi
n.

Her
:what
'sgoi
ngon?Whathappened?
Me:
Idon'
tknowweImeanIwastal
ki
ngt
ohi
mthen
t
hemachinesst
art
edact
ingl
i
ket
his.
Her
:oki
'
mmaneedy
out
ost
epout
.
Me:
what
?No!What
'
sgoi
ngonwi
thhi
m?
Her
:pl
easej
ustst
epout
.

Shepr essessomebuttonandsoonsome2nur ses

rushinsideandpushmeoutt henret
urntotheroom.
Isli
dedownt hewallnotknowingwhattodo,t
osay
orthink.
~i
nser
t76~

°
Simphi
we°

Ithasbeen3hours,
whyaretheytaki
ngsolongin
there?Whati
sgoingon?Ift
heydon'tgetbacktome
i
n2mi nut
esIam marchi
ngintheredemanding
answers.
_
__
Okayanotherhourdownthedr
aneandsti
l
l no
feedbackIswearthi
sti
meIam marchi
nginther
e.

"
Uhm Si
r"

Itur
nandlookatDrNgcobo,
theyar
eluckyt
hatshe
cameout.

Me:
Dochowi
she?Whatwaswr
ongwi
thhi
m?
Her
:sor
ryf
ort
aki
ngt
ool
ongt
ogetbackt
oyou.
Me:
nodon'
twor
ry,
nowhowi
she?
Her
:*smi
l
es*
he'
sawake.
Me:*
shocked*okayokayokay
,It
hinkIdi
dn'
theary
ou
pr
operl
ydidyoujustsayhe'
sawake?
Her
:*nods*
yeahaboutanhourago.
Me:
wow*
smi
l
ing*
wai
twhydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?
Her
:wewer
est
il
ldoi
ngsomet
est
stomakesur
ehe'
s
l
egi
t.
Me:
okayokaymayIseehi
m.
Her
:sur
eyoumaygoi
n.

Ismil
eatherandwalktowardsNqu'sward.Iwal
kin
andthenur
sesarebusydoingwhatevert
heyare
doi
ngtohim.

Nqu:
j
eezI
'
mfi
ne,
stopt
ouchi
ngme.
Nur
se1:
sirpl
easej
ustl
etusdoourj
ob.
Nqu:
yourj
obi
stot
ouchme?
Me:
ookayl
adi
esheseemsf
inet
omeandDrNgcobo
i
saski
ngfory
outwo.

Theyl
eav
ehi
m andwal
kout
.

Me:
okaywhati
supwi
thy
ou?
Hi
m:*
sighs*
Ijustdon'
tl
ikebei
ngt
ouched.
Me:
yeahIknowt
hatbutt
heywer
ehel
pingy
ou.
Hi
m:canwedr
opt
hiscausei
t'
susel
ess.
Me:
oookayhowar
eyou?
Him:i
nseri
ouspai
nbutI
'
m good,
howl
onghav
eI
beenoutofit
?
Me:
1weekandaf
ewday
s.
Him:yucks,
how'
sEnhl
e?Wher
e'sMnqobi
?What
happenedreal
ly
?
Me:she'
satherhome,
Mnqobi
isdead.
..
yougotshot
5ti
mesbuty ousur
viv
edt
hankthel
ord.
Hi
m:waitMnqobii
sdead?Don'
ttel
lmeyouki
l
led
hi
m causeIwant
edtodothatmysel
f.
Me:noIdi
dn'
tki
l
lhi
m,Enhl
e'
sdeadbur
nthi
mto
ashes.
Hi
m:*
shocked*
what
?
Me:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
Him:wellhedeservedit
,waitbef
oreIwon'tupIheard
youtal
kingy ousaidsomethingaboutEnhleI
'm not
surewhaty ousaidIdon'tr
ememberr eal
lybutI
knowy ouwer etal
kingabouther.
Me:ohuhm* cl
eari
ngmyt hroat*Iwassay ingthat
Candyneedsy oushe'
sbeeni nherr oom sinceshe
gotdi
schargedhere,
she'
snoteat ing,notcomingout
ofherdar
kr oom andnottalki
ngt oany one.
Hi
m:doy
out
hinkMnqobi
uhm r
apedher
?
Me:
no,
she'
scl
eanhedi
dn'
ttouchher
.
Hi
m:*
sighsi
nrel
i
ef*
thenwhat
'swr
ongwi
thher
?
Me:l
i
keIsai
dwhenyouwerestil
loutofit
,t
urnsout
youwer
egoingt
obeaf at
her.
..
thedoctorconf
ir
med
t
hatCandywas3weekspregnantbutshe
mi
scar
ri
ed.

Hel
ooksatmeasi
fhe'
saboutt
obr
eakdown.

Me:*si
ghing*
I'
m sor
rymate,
Iknowthatwon'
tbr
ing
yourchi
ldbackbutI'
mtr
ulysorry
.

Hey
anksof
fthewi
resconnect
edt
ohi
m.

Me:
wai
tNquwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Hi
m:Ineedt
oseeher
,hel
pmegetof
fthi
sbed.
Me:
what
?Ar
eyououtofy
ourmi
nd?St
op!
Him:
sheneedsmel
i
key
ousai
d,Ineedt
oseeher
nowhel
pme.
Me:
nomat
eyouj
ustwokeupt
akei
teasyt
hed.
.

"
What'
sgoi
ngonher
e?MrGabuzawhatdoy
out
hink
y
ou'
redoi
ng?"
Nqu:
don'
tyoudar
etr
ytost
opme.
Doc:
youar
enotful
l
ywel
ltobedi
schar
gedj
ustgi
ve
i
tafewdaysf
ir
st.
Nqu:
mat
ehol
dme.

Isi
ghasIgetcl
osert
ohim,
hehookshi
sarm ar
ound
myneckwhil
eIhookminear
oundhiswai
st.

Doc:
sirMrGabuzai
snot
..
.
Me:
IknowIknowIpr
omi
set
onotl
eav
ehi
ssi
de,
I
'l
l
moni
torhi
m.
Her
:orj
ustconv
incehi
m nott
oleav
e.
Me:Icannotdot
hat,
he'
sstubbornashel
lpl
ushe'
s
goingtosav
esomeone'sli
febuti
fsomethi
ng
happenstohimI
'
llcal
lyou.

Itakeoutmyphoneandgiv
ehermyphone.She
si
ghst y
pingi
nhernumberthengi
vesmebackmy
phone.
°
Nqubeko°

Ifeelnumb,If
eel l
i
kescr eami ngont opofmyv oice.I
hateMnqobi witheverythingi nme,ifhenev ercame
backEnhl ewouldstil
lbepr egnantIdidn'tevengeta
chancet obeexcit
edaboutbei ngaf ather.What
hurtsmemor eist hefactt hatEnhlei sexperienci
ng
hersecondmi scarri
agej ustwhenIt hinkthi
ngscan' t
getwor seandtheyactual l
ydo.

Simphiwetakesoutt
hecarkey sfrom hi
m
pocket.
..
waitwai
thol
dup. .
.Ibli
nkawaymyt ear
s
exhal
ingdeeplywhi
chleadst oalotofpai
ninmy
stomach.

Hi
m:mat
ear
eyouokay
?Shoul
dIt
akey
ouback?
Me:
i
sthatmyAudi
??
Him:ohshi
tIfor
gotaboutt
hat
?Uhm l
et'
sfocuson
Candyri
ghtnow.
He'sri
ghtt
here'
snotimetofocusont
hecart
hing,
Minenhlei
sthepri
ori
tyr
ightnow.
_
___
___
_

Zac:
son?Whendi
dyouwakeup?
Me:
todayaboutaf
ewhour
sago,
Ireal
l
yneedt
osee
Mi
nenhle.
Zac:
youdon'
tl
ookwel
l
,ar
eyousur
eyouar
esuppose
tobeher
e?
Me:
Ireal
l
yneedt
oseeherpl
ease.
Zac:
*si
ghs*okayuhm Ibel
iev
ey ouknowwher
eher
room i
sandgoodluckinthere.
Si
m:wantmet
oconewi
thy
ou?
Me:
nah,
thanky
out
hough.

Hel etgoofmeandIlimpt oEnhl

e'sroom,
Ifir
st
knockandwai tf
orherresponsebutshedoesn't
respondnoropenthedoorIsighopeningthedoor
andwal ki
n..
..
.i
t'
ssodarkinhere,
Ihearsomeone
sni
ffingaroundsomewhereinher emustbeher .My
handswonderar oundthewallsearchi
ngf orthe
switch,If
inditandfl
ipi
tonthent urn.
..
..
thereshei
s
atthecorneroftheroom,j
ustl
ooki ngathermakes
mewannacr y.

Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*babe.

Herheadshootsupbutshequi
ckl
ycov
ersherey
es
mustbetheli
ght.

Me:
howl
onghav
eyoubeeni
nthedar
k?
Her:
pleaset
urnof
fthel
i
ght
(hev
oicesoundsabi
t
scr
atchy)
Me:
no,
pleaseopeny
ourey
esandl
ookatme.

Sheshakesherheadandbur
iesi
tonceagai
ninher
knees.
IlookaroundforachairI
'
m star
ti
ngtogetti
redof
standi
ng,Ifi
rstcl
osethedoorandgrabthechair
thendragitt
ot hecor
nerwhereshe'
sseated,
Itakea
seatandleanbackcatchingmybreath.

Me:babelook,If
inal
l
yknowt hepai
nofl
osi
ngachi
ld
Iknowhowy oufeelandt
rustmeshut
ti
ngusout
won'thel
py ouheal.
Her
:youdon'
tknowhowIf eel
,nobodyknowshowI
f
eelandnoonewill
everknowhowIf eel.
Me:
thebabyy
oul
ostwasmi
net
ooI
..

Sheraisesherheadandthi
sti
meshedoesn'
tshut
hereyes,herf
aceisatot
almess.

Her:
doyouf eelempty?Didyoulosey oursecond
chi
ld?Arethoughtsofhavinganothermiscarri
age
andneverhavingkidsroominginyourmi ndd..
Me:
no,
bysayi
ngIknowhowyoufeell
i
keIdidn'
t
meanwhatI
'
mf eel
i
ngisev
enclosewhaty
ouar e
feeli
ng...
youweretheonecar ry i
ngourchi l
d,youwere
theonewhowentt hr
oughpai nwheny oulosthim or
herandt ohealfrom thepainy ou'regoingt hrough
youhav et ol
etmei n.Yourfir
stmi scarri
agey ou
didn'thaveanyonebutt hist
imeI 'm hereIwantt ogo
throughwhaty ou'r
egoingwi thy ou.Thi si
st hefir
st
childI'
ml osi
ngandIhav eneverf eltl
ikethi
s
before,t
heonlypersonwhocanhel pmet hrought hi
s
i
sy ou.Babeweneedeachot her.
Her:
*fr
owns*y
ouknowev
ersi
nceImety
ouIhadn'
t
hadpeaceinmyl
if
e.
Me:
*fl
ushed*
what
?
Her:f
ir
sti
twasyourf
amil
ysaga,
thenIgotshot
,i
t
camet oy
ourcompanyandsomehowIgottangledi
t
I.
..
Me:
Minenhl
ewhatar
eyousay
ing?Causenoneof
t
hosethi
ngsar
emyfaul
t.
Her:
butifInev
ermety
ouIwoul
dn'
tbeher
eint
his
si
tuat
ion.
Me:
youdon'
tmeant
hat
.
Her
:Imeani
tIwi
shInev
ermety
ou.

Shesay st hatwit
htear
sroll
ingdownhercheeks.
.my
heartbreakshear i
nghersaythosewor
ds,If
eelmy
tear
st hreateni
ngtocomeoutaswel l
.

Me:
Minenhl
etaket
hatbacky
oudon'
tmeani
t.

Shestandsup,
ohmyl ovi
nggodshehaslostalotof
weightsomeofherbonestr
ait
sareevenvi
sibl
e
fr
om herski
n.

Her:
yeahlookatme,Iam l
iket
hisbecauseof
you.
.nowifyoulov
emey ouaregoingtostandup,
walkoutandstayawayfrom me.
Me:
Icannotdot
haty
ouknowt
hat
.
Her:
youcanandyouwi
l
l,
Ihat
eyouNqubekodoy
ou
hearme?Ihat
eyou.
Tear
srol
ldownf
rom myey
es.

Her:
*cryi
ng*
nowgetoutandnev
ercomebackher
e
everagai
n.

Shewal kstowar dsthedoorandswitchofftheli

ght
thencli
mbst oherbed.Ilookupbli
nkingawaymy
tear
swhi l
et appingmyf oot,
Isl
owlystandupand
walktowardst hedoor.
.It
urntol
ookatherfacing
theotherway ,IsighandwalkoutbeforeIcr
yagain.
~i
nser
t77~

°
Nqubeko°

Si
m:t
hatwasf
ast
,di
dyoumanaget
otal
ktoher
?
Zac:
mor
eimpor
tant
,di
dshet
alkl
i
kedi
dsheut
tera
si
ngl
eword?
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
yeah.
Zac:
*smi
l
es*
wellt
hat
'ssomeprogr
ess,di
dyou
managet
oconv
incehertocomeoutofherr
oom?
Me:no,
uhm i
fyoudon'
tmi
ndIr
eal
l
yhav
etogoI
needtorest
.

Si
mphi
wel
ooksatmesuspi
ciousl
ythenst
andsup.

Zac:
i
t'
sokay
,thanky
ou.
Ifor
ceasmi
l
eandl
i
mpmywayoutwal
ki
ngt
othe
car.
WegethomeandIgost
rai
ghtt
omyr
oom.

Si
m:mat
ewai
t.

Isi
ghl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Him:youknowthatI
'
m her
eforyour
ight
?YeahI
neverlostachi
l
dbefor
ebutI
..
.
Me:
Enhl
ehat
esme.
Hi
m:what
?Whatmakesy
ousayt
hat
?
Me:
shet
oldmeher
sel
f,shesai
dshehat
esme.
Hi
m:whywoul
dshesayt
hat
?I'
m sur
eshedi
dn'
t
meani
t.
Me:shesai
dshewishshenevermetmecauseifshe
di
dn'tt
henshewouldn'
tbei
nthismessr
ightnow.
Hi
m:uhhm ohgod.
Me:*
sni
ffi
ng*shenev
erwantstoseemeagai
n,mat
e
Il
oveMinenhlewi
thever
ythi
nginmehowam I
supposet
ost
ayawayf
rom her
?
Hi
m:I
..
Me:y
oushoul
dhav
eseenher
,she'
samessandshe
bl
amesme.
Hi
m:may
..
.
Me:
Idon'
tseeanyf
utur
ewi
thouther
*sni
ff
*
Hi
m:y
ouknowwhat
?Justgoandr
est
.

Inodwipi
ngoutmyt earsandwalkinsidemyr oom,
I
l
ookatmybedandt hedaywemadel oveonthis
bedcomesr unni
nginmymi nd.
..
Iswitchoutthe
l
ight,
nowIthinkIunderstandwhyshel ovest
he
dark,
i
t'
smor ebett
erdar k.

°
Simphi
we°

Ithi
nkthatCandyi
sjusthurt
ing,
shecoul
dn't
possibl
ymeanallt
hosethingsshesaidtoNqubeko.
Thosewor dsar
esl
owlybreakingNqubekoIjust
hopeMi nenhl
er eal
izesthatshedidn'
tmeant osay
all
thatshesaidandapol ogizecauseifshedoesn'
t,
Nqubekomi ghtslowlylosehismind.OhMnqobi I
hopeyou'reburninginhellaswespeakf ort
hismess
youlef
tbehind.

°
Minenhl
e°

Ihearmydooropeni
ng.

"
Honey
"-t
hat
'smom.

Me:
goaway
.
Her :
atleastyou'
retalking,
lookwe'v ebeenpat ient
withy oubecauseweunder st
andwhaty ou'r
egoi ng
throughbutnowi t
'st i
meweputourf ootdown, baby
i
fy oudon' tgetyourselfoutofy ourroom t henwe
callsomeonewhowi lltal
kwit hyousomeone
professional.Nowi'mmal etyour estsinceit'
s
alr
eadyl atebutfir
stt hinginthemor ningIwi llopen
t
hecur
tai
nsandwindowsandyouwi
l
lnotf
ightus.
Wel
oveyouhoneysleepwel
l
.

Ihearthedoorshut .Nqubekoprobablyhat emef or

whatIsaid,ofcour
seIdi dn'
tmeanit..
.f
orwhatI
knowwhatIsai dhur tmemor ethanithur tshi
m,I
onlysaidittopushhim awayhedeser vessomeone
waybet t
erthanme.Ther ewillcomeapoi ntwhere
he'
llneedachi l
dandIam scar edtofallpregnant
againcausewhati fIhaveanothermiscar ri
age?I
l
ovehi m somuch,itwil
lhurtmet oseehi m with
someoneel sebutifhefindssomeoneel seI'
llbe
happyforhim.

¶1weekl
ater
¶

Me:
I'
vebeent
hinki
ng.
Dad:
I'
m Imeanwear
eli
steni
ng.
Me:si
ncemytrainingwasl
ongdoneIwoul
dreal
l
y
l
iketost
artworking.
Mom:
*smi
l
es*
real
l
y?Li
kear
eyouser
ious?
Me:
yeah,
i
fIst
ayhomeI
'
llr
uncr
azy
.
Dad:*smi l
es*wellwecangot oday,
I'
l
l j
ustshowyou
aroundandy ou'
llgettoseeyouroff
iceifyouwantt
o
changei tsomewayy oucandoallofthattodayt
hen
tomor r
owy ou'
ll
startworki
ng.
Me:
soundscl
eant
ome,
l
et'
sgo.
Hi
m:wai
tther
e'sacat
ch.
Me:
hmmm okayI
'
mli
steni
ng.
Hi
m:y
ouwi
l
lbewor
kingwi
thsomeone.
Me:
asi
napar
tner
?
Hi
m:y
eahy
ou'
l
lmeethi
mtoday
.
Me:
him?Hmmm*
sighi
ng*
okay
.

Asl
ongashe'
sni
ceIwon'
thav
eapr
obl
em wi
thhi
m.

°
Nqubeko°
I'
vebeenamesseversi
nceIlastEnhl
e,inst
eadof
stay
ingi
nbedandhealI
'vebeendrowninginal
cohol
.

Si
m:matecomeonyoucan'
tl
iv
eli
kethis,
Ithought
weagr
eedthatt
odaywe'
ll
gotoworktogether.
Me:I
'm notgoi
ng,
Ij
ustwantt
odr
owni
nmyown
sor
row.
Hi
m:andhowi
sthatgoi
ngt
ohel
pyou?
Me:
itwil
lhel
pnumbt
hepai
n,
nowgot
owor
kyou'
re
i
ncharge.
Hi
m:okaygetupandgot
akeabat
h.
Me:
what
?
Hi
m:Isai
dgetup,
wear
ebot
hgoi
ngt
owor
k.
Me:
Isai
dI'
m notgoi
ng.
Hi
m:Iwasn'
taski
ngy
ou.

Hepul
l
smebyt
her
oll
i
ngchai
rI'
m seat
edon.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
whydi
dIsi
tonar
oll
i
ngchai
r?

Her
oll
smet
omyr
oom t
hent
othebat
hroom.

Hi
m:geti
nthatshower
,bedonei
n5.

Hewalksoutwell
Iguesshe'
sri
ghtIshoul
dsuckit
upandacceptt
hatMinenhl
ewantsnothi
ngtodo
wit
hme.

°
Simphi
we°

Ireal
lyneedtof
indawayforNqubekoandMi nenhl
e
total
k,i
tcan'
tbereal
l
yoverbet
weenthem i
tjust
can't
.
Nqu:
okayI
'
m doneshal
lwegonow?
Me:y
eahl
et'
sgo,
I
'm dr
ivi
ngcauseIt
hinky
ou'
rest
il
l
dr
unk.
Idon'
twaitf
orhimtor espondIjustl
eadustothe
carandgeti
nt hedr
iversseat
,healsogeti
nthenI
star
tthei
gnit
ion.

Me:
nomor
eal
cohol
fory
ouf
rom nowon.
Hi
m:what
?You'
rej
oki
ngr
ight
?
Me:
l
ookatmyf
ace,
don'
tIl
ookser
ioust
oyou?
Hi
m:*
sighs*
justl
etmedeal
wit
hmyownpai
nman.
Me:nonono,
youneedt
otal
kwi
thCandyandf
ix
t
hingswit
hher.
Hi
m:shehat
esmeSi
mphi
weshewant
snot
hingt
o
dowit
hme.
Me:doy
oui
nyourr
ightmi
ndt
hinkMi
nenhl
ehat
es
you?
Hi
m:shesai
dit
.
Me:
fuckshedi
dn'
tmeani
t,
shewasj
usthur
t.
Hi
m:wel
li
thur
t.
Me:
ofcour
sei
twasgoi
ngt
ohur
tthatwasherai
m,t
o
pushy
ouaway
.
Hi
m:whywoul
dshewantt
opushmeaway
?
Me:Idon'
tknowy oushoul
daskherthat
,t
hepoi
nti
s
youandMi nenhl
earemeanttobetoget
her.
Him:*si
ghs*ify
ou'r
esayingt
hattomakemef
eel
bett
erjustknowitisnotwor
king.

Okaywhatmor
edoeshewantmet
osay
?

°
Minenhl
e°

Workpl
aceseemsgreat,
myof
fi
cei
snotsmal
land
al
sonothugeit
'sper
fect
.

Dad:
*cl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
*honey
.
Me:
ohboy
.
Him:*si
ghs*
IknowwhatI'
m abouttoaskdoesn'
t
concernmebutwhatexact
lydi
dy ousaytoNqubeko.
Me:
why
?
Hi
m:Si
mphiwetol
dmethathehasbeendr
inki
ngl
i
ke
af
ishl
atel
yandhe'
sworr
iedabouthi
m.
Me:*
sighi
ng*
Isai
dsomehar
shwor
dst
ohi
mthatI
di
dn'
tmean.
Hi
m:wel
lhav
eyouapol
ogi
zed?
Me:
no,yesIdidn'
tmeanthem butIwon'
tbetaki
ng
t
hem backcauseNqubekodeservessomeonebett
er
t
hanme.
Hi
m:wai
twai
twai
tsoy
out
wobr
okeup?
Me:yeahsomet
hingl
i
ket
hatcanwej
ustnott
alk
aboutthi
s.

Aguyappr
oachesusandst
andi
nfr
ontofus.

Dad:
*sighs*okay
,anywaythi
sisLorenzoy ourpar
tner
Lor
enzot hi
sismydaught erMinenhleyournew
par
tneryoucancal l
herCandicesinceIknowy ou
won'
tbeabl etopronounceMinenhle.
Hi
m:*
laughs*
ver
ywel
l
,ni
cet
omeety
ouCandi
ce.
Me:
nicet
omeety
out
oo.

Weshakehands.

Dad:wel
lIdon'
tknowwhaty
ouwantt
odonowbutI
haveameet i
ngtogett
o.
Me:
i
t'sokayI
'l
lj
ustst
artbymaki
ngsome
r
ear
rangingi
nmynewof fi
ce.
Hi
m:okayt
hen.

Heki
ssesmyf
oreheadandwal
ksaway
.

Lor
enzo:
myof f
iceisopposi
tet
oyour
s,i
fyouneed
any
thi
ngjustshoutout.
Me:
thanksIwi
l
l.

Hesmi
l
esandwal
ksaway
,godhowImi
ssmysmi
l
e.
~i
nser
t78~

°
Minenhl
e°

Myfir
stdayatwor kisgoinggr eatsofarIai
n't
complai
ningaboutany thi
ng.Lor enzofil
l
edmei n
andsi
ncei t
'ssti
ll
Januar ythingsarestil
lgoing
smoothandsl ow,Ifindmy selfeverynowandt hen
l
ooki
ngatmypi ctureswithNqubekoIt r
ulydomi ss
hi
m.

"
Hey!Yourphoneisr
ingi
ng"
-say
sLor
enzobr
ingi
ng
mebacktoearth.

Isi
ghpi
cki
ngupSi
mphi
we'
scal
l
.

/
/
Me:
Sim.
Hi
m:Candyheyhowar
eyou?
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
I'
m goodandy
our
sel
f?
Hi
m:Iai
n'
tcompl
aini
ng,
lookIneedt
otal
ktoy
ou.
Me:
okayI
'
mli
steni
ng.
Hi
m:notov
ert
hephone,
arey
ouathome?
Me:
noI
'
m atwor
k,I
'
llj
ustsendy
out
hel
ocat
ion.
Hi
m:okayshar
p.

/
/
Idr
opt
hecal
landsendhi
mthel
ocat
ion.

Lor
enzo:
arey
ouokay
?
Me:
yeahwhy
?
Hi
m:y
ouj
ustseem t
ozoneoutal
ot.
Me:
I'
mfi
neIj
usthav
eal
otonmymi
nd.
Him:okaywel
lsi
ncei
t'
salr
eadyl
uncht
ell
memor
e
aboutCandi
ce,
whoisCandi
ce?
Il
ookathi m asifIdon'
tunderstandwhathe's
askingme.Ireall
ydon'tknowhowt oanswerhimI
meanwhoam I ?Minenhleusedt obea
l
oving,car
ing,
str
ong,ni
ce,honestperson.Nowreal
l
y
whoam I ?

Him:
uhm y
ouzonedoutagai
n,
arey
ousur
eyou'
re
okay
?
Me:
real
l
yI'
m okay
.
Hi
m:y
oudon'
tl
ikesmi
l
ingdoy
ou?

Il
ovesmi
l
ing.

Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
Iuhi
t'
scompl
i
cat
ed.
Hi
m:okayCandi
cei
smy
ster
iousi
nev
eryway
.
Me:
Iwoul
dn'
tputi
tli
ket
hatI
'
mjustcompl
i
cat
ed.
Him:
Idon'
tbeli
evethatpeoplearecompl
icat
edbuti
f
youmeanyourli
fei
scompl icat
edthenit
'ssi
mpl
e
j
ustuncompl
icatei
t.
Me:
how?
Him:*
smil
es*onlyyouknowhowandpl
easedo
uncompl
i
catei tcauseIr
eal
l
ywantt
ogettoknow
whoCandiceis.

Isi
ghresti
ngbackonmychair.
..
wefalli
ntoa
comfort
ablesi
lencewhi
chi
slaterdi
stur
bedbya
knock,
Simphiwewalksi
n.

Him:
uhm hopeI
'
m notdi
stur
bingany
thi
ng.
*si
tt
ing
down*

Tr
ustSi
mphi
wet
odot
hat
.

Lor
enzo:
*cl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
*uhm I
'
llbei
nmyof
fi
ce.

Hest
andsupandwal
ksoutwi
thSi
mphi
we'
sey
eson
hi
m.
Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*hey
.
Hi
m:uhhhi
,
uhm whowast
hat
?
Me:
*rai
singmyey
ebr
ow*
Lor
enzomypar
tner
.
Hi
m:ohuhm any
wayI
..
.
Me:
you'
reher
eaboutNqubekoar
en'
tyou?
Him:l
ookIknowwhat'
sgoi ngonbetweeny outwoi
s
noneofmybusinessbutI'
m onlyher
ecauseI '
m
concer
nedaboutNqu,Idon'tl
i
kethepersonhe's
sl
owlytur
ningt
oo.
Me:
Simp.
.
Him:Igetthatyou'r
egoingt hr
oughhel lyour
sel
fand
thatyouhav eareasonforwhaty ousaidtoNqubeko
butdidy ouactual
lyconsiderhisfeeli
ngswheny ou
tol
dhim whaty out ol
dhim?Mi nenhl eIl
ookupto
youbot hwithNqubeko,you2ar ethestr
ongest
beingsIhaveev ermetbutatt hemomenty ouare
bothdisappointi
ngmebypr ovingmewr ong
especial
lyyou.
Me:
Simphi
weI
..
.
Hi
m:noI
'
m notdonet
alki
ng,
yourf
ir
stmi
scar
ri
age
youdidn'
thaveany onet osupportyouandt hi
stime
Nqubekoisher ebutwhatdoy oudo?Youpushhi m
away,andnowhe' sgoingthroughwor sethanyou
are.
..
helosthisfir
stchil
d,theloveofhi sl
if
etoldhim
shehatedhimt rustmey ouwoul dn'twanttohear
thosewordscomi ngf r
om him causet heywould
breakyoujustli
ket heyarebreakinghim.

Il
ooksidewaynotwant
inghi
mtoseemyey
es
spar
kli
ngwitht
ears.

Him:yousaidy ouwi shyounev ermethi m because

youwoul dn'
tbeher erightnowwhi lehe'
sgladt hat
hemety oubecausehewoul dn'tbeher ei
fitwer en'
t
foryou.
..butyouareact uall
yrightwheny ousayy ou
wouldn'tbeher ecauseifyounev ermetNqubeko
youwoul dprobablybemar ri
edt oMl amel
iright
now...
youseei nmyunder standingbasedonwhat
Nqubekot oldmeMl amelididlikey ouandyoucoul d
havefallenforhimifNquwasnev eri
nthepicture,I
thi
nkMl amel i
feltt
heneedt omakey ouhiswi f
eby
forcebecauseher ealizedNqubekol i
kedy ouandhe
wasaf raidthaty oumi ghtlikeNqubekoi nsteadof
him whichiswhyheact edoutofpr oporti
on...
...
well
that'
sjustmyt heor ysi nceIdon' treallyknow
Mlamel ibutthepoi ntisi fyouendedupwi thMl ameli
youwoul dhavenev erwentt oMpumal angawher e
youmety ourreal par ent s.
..
soy ouar eabsolut el
y
ri
ghtwheny ousayi fy ounev ermetNquy ou
wouldn'tbeher ecausey ouser i
ousl ywoul dn'tbe
hereyouwoul d'venev ermety ourpar entsy ou
wouldn'tevenbei nt hisof fi
ce.*sighs*l ooky ouar e
theonlyper sonIknowwhocoul dt alksomesense
toNqubeko, Iknowv erywel lthaty oust il
ll
ov ehim so
don'tdoi tf
ormedoi tf orhim.*standsup*enj oythe
restofy ourday .

Hewal
ksoutandIl
etmyt
ear
sfal
l
.

°
Mlamel
i
°

Mywi
fenotspeaki
ngt
omei
stor
tur
ewhi
chi
swhy
I'
mf i
xi
ngev eryt
hingt oday,
yeahI'm st
il
li
nDur ban
butZamal eftj
ustlikeshesai dshewoul d.I
'm atmy
hotelr
oom wai t
ingf orNtokozosowecant alk,I
haven'
tfoundawayt otel
lherthatIchoosemywi fe
andIwon'tbet aki
ngherasasecondwi fe..
..
ohI
thi
nkthat'
sheront hedoor ,Iwalktoopenupf orher
shewalksin..i
nav eryfoulmood.

Me:
uhm hey
.
Her
:hi
.
Me:
arey
ouokay
?
Her
:*si
ghs*
Ihav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyou.
Me:
okaybutf
ir
stIhav
etot
alkt
oyou.

Shewal
kst
othecouchandsi
ts,
Isi
ghf
oll
owi
ngher
.

Me:
uhm soIt
alkedt
oZamaaboutus.
Her
:and?
Me:
wel
lthi
ngsdi
dn'
tgor
eal
l
ywel
l
.
Her
:*si
ghs*
assuspect
edbutdi
dyout
wof
inal
l
y
r
eachaconclusi
on?
Me:uhm howdoIputt
his?Shet
hinkswhatIhav
efor
youisnothi
ngbutl
ust
.
Her:
*chuckl
es*
wowokay
,yout
oldhert
hati
tisn'
tl
ust
i
t'
slove.

Icl
earmyt
hroatav
oidi
ngherey
es.

Her
:r
ight
?
Me:
seet
..
Her:
wow*
standsup*i
t'
spr
ett
yobv
iouswher
eI
st
and.

Ist
anduphol
dingherar
m butshey
anksi
t.

Me:
Ntokozo.
..
.
Her:what!
!?Uhwhat !
!?Youar et heonewhocamet o
menott heot herwayar ound,Ididn'twantt obeyour
secondwi f
ebuty oumademef al l
foryou,you
promisedmeheav enandear th,yousaidnomat t
er
whaty ou'
regoi ngtostandupf orusandmakesur e
thatyouconv inceZamat oacceptouruni on*tears
fal
ldownf rom hercheeks* butlooknowy ouare
l
eav i
ngmel ookingli
keaf oolandpr egnant.
Me:
what
?You'
repr
egnant
?
Her:anddon'
tworryy
oudon'thav
etotel
lyour
preciouswi
fecauseI'
l
lrai
semybabyonmyown,I
don'tneedyouandyourli
es.

Shewal
ksoutl
eav
ingmedumbst
ruck.

°
Minenhl
e°

Simphiwe'
swor dsareplayi
nginrepeatonmy
mind,t
hethi
ngt hatmakesmef eelevenworsei
s
thathe'
sri
ght.Ididn'
tthi
nkaboutNqubeko'
s
f
eeli
ngswhenIspoket hosewordstohi
m Iwasonl
y
t
hinki
ngthati
twillpushhi
m awayandthat
'swhatI
want,
Idi
dn'tt
hinkofhowitwil
laff
ecthi
m.
Iqui
ckl
ywi
peoutmyt
ear
sasIseeLor
enzowal
ki
ng
towar
dsmyof
fi
ce.
Hi
m:*
wal
ki
ngi
n*okayt
hatguywashel
l
afi
ne.
Il
ookathi
m conf
usedandshocked.

Me:
what
?
Hi
m:Isai
dt.
..
Me:
nononoIhear
dyouI
'
mjustuhI
..
.
Him:
Ithoughty
ouwoul
dhav
enot
icedbynow,
I
'm
gaybabe.
Me:
*shocked*
buty
..
.
Hi
m: don'tl
ookli
keI'm gay
?Iknow, Ihavet
obe
pr
ofessionalanddressappropri
atelywhenI'
m at
workbutot hert
hanthatIain'
tst
raight.
Wow.
~i
nser
t79~

°
Nqubeko°

Ithoughtgoi ngt owor kwoul ddistr

actmef rom al
l
thatisgoi ngonbuti tain'
thelpi
ngatal l causeIcan't
seem t of ocusonasi nglethi
ng.It
'slikeev eryt
hingis
goingwr ongi nmyl ifeexceptf orSimphi we,now
thereIgotar ealbr otherItrul
yappr eciatehimf or
beinginmyl if e.
..
Idowonderwher emyf atherisI
haven'tseenhi m ev ersinceIcamebackf r
om the
hospitalohhhspeaki ngoft hehospitalmyheal i
ng
processi sgoi ngv erywel lI
'm sti
ll
limpi ngthoughbut
atl
easti tdoesn' thur tthatmuchany mor e.

Si
m:okayI
'
m of
ftowor
k.
Me:
waitt
odayy
ou'
renotgoi
ngt
ofor
cemet
ogot
o
wor
k?
Hi
m:andhav
eyouyel
li
ngatpeopl
efornor
easonno
i
tcooly
oucanst
aybehindpl
usyouwon'
tfi
nda
singl
edropofalcoholhere,
I
'm usingyourcarsoyou
won'tdri
vetot
henear estbarplusImadesur ethat
thebardoesn'
tsellyouanythi
ngsoi t
'sokayyoucan
staybehi
nd.
Me:
wai
twhatdi
dyoudomycol
l
ect
ions?
Him:Ipl
acedthem somewheresafenowjust
chi
ll
,
distr
essandletallt
hepainoutcausebynext
weekI'l
lneedyoufreshforwor
k.

Het
akest
hecarkey
sandwal
kout
.

°
Minenhl
e°

Dad:
comeonpumpki
njustasi
ngl
esmi
l
e.
Me:
daddon'
tyouhav
eameet
ingt
ogett
ori
ghtnow?
Dad:
I'
l
lgoonl
yify
ousmi
l
eforme.
Me:
andi
fIdon'
t?
Hi
m:*
sighs*
okayI
'
m goi
ng.
Heexitsmyoffi
ceandanot i
fi
cati
onpopsuponmy
phonefrom t
hecabIcal
ledearl
ier
..
.i
thasar
ri
ved,
I
standupandgrabmywal l
etandphonethenal
so
exitmyoff
icepassi
ngbyLorenzo'
sfir
st.

Hi
m:ar
eyougoi
ngt
obuyl
unch?
Me:noIj
usthavetor
ushsomewher
eI'
l
lbebackas
soonaspossi
ble.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
okay
.

Itur
nandwal kaway,I
'
m goi
ngt oNqubeko'shouse
I'
m goingtotr
ytotal
ktohim buthemightreall
yhat
e
mef orwhatIsai
dtohim aweekago...
Ijusthopehe
understandswhyIsai
dit
.

°
Simphi
we°

Iam lovi
ngmyfi
rstprof
essionalj
ob,
Iwasafrai
dof
blendi
nginIt
houghtIwouldn'tbl
endonbutheywho
am I
?Iam Si
mphi
weofcour
seIbl
endedi
n.

"
Uhm Si
mphi
wer
ight
?"

Ahhhasmuchasonecanbl endint her

e'sal
ways
thatpersonwhodoesn' tli
key ou,
letmenotsay
"person"there'
salway
st hatfool.
..ev
eryonemeet
Siyandaaf oolwhodoesn'tli
keSimphi wefor
what everreasonhehas.

Me:
yeah.
Him:
yeahuhIhaveaquesti
on,whereisMrGabuza
andwhenishecomingback?Causethelastt
imehe
washerehedi
dn'
tsayawor daboutyoubeingi
n
char
geli
keyouacti
ng.
Me:*
sighi
ng*
lookI
'
minagr
eatmoodsopl
easedon'
t
r
uinitf
orme.
Hi
m:Idon'
tcar
eabouty
ourst
upi
dmood.
Me:
Idon'
tgetwhyy
ou'
react
ingl
i
keabi
tchni
gga
real
l
ycausei
t'
snotl
i
key
ourj
obi
sthr
eat
ened
somehow.
Hi
m:di
dyouj
ustcal
lmeabi
tchni
ggadude?
Me:Isai
dy ou'
react
ingl
ikeonebuti
ftheshoef
it
s
yeahsure.NowpleasedoexcusemeIam worki
ng
here.
hi
m:y
..
Me:makesur
etocountyourwordsl
adcausei
fyou
don'
t,
youmightl
eavethi
sbuil
dingj
obl
essandwake
uptomorr
owinapri
soncell.
Hi
m:*
shocked*
ist
hatat
hreatMrMbambo?
Me: *smi
l
ing*
ohlookatyoumakingmeblushby
call
ingmesonicelybutnoIdon'
tmakethreat
sso
pleasebeagoodguyandexi tt
hisof
fi
ce.

Il
ookatt hedocumentinfrontofmeandf ocusonit,
Si
yandasay ssomethingunderhisbreathexiti
ngthe
off
ice.Niggabejeal
ousofmyr elat
ionshipwiththe
bossy ahneh.
#Nar
rat
ed
Ntokozocr
iesonMawande'
schestwhi
l
espeaki
ng
t
hingsMawandecan'
tunder
stand.

Mawande:
babecal
m downpl
ease,
atl
eastt
hink
abouty
ourbaby
.

Nt
okowi
pesouthert
ear
sbr
eaki
ngt
hehug.

Nt
oko:
Ijustdi
dn'
tthi
nkt
hingswoul
dendupl
i
ket
his.
Mawande:butt
heywer eboundtogosouthatsome
poi
nt,
plusweallexper
ienceourf
ir
sthear
tbr
eak.
Nt
oko:
i
t'
shur
tssobad.
Mawande:Iknowbutt hatdoesn'tmeany oushoul d
focusonthepainandf eelsorr
yfory our
self
, y
eah
youcancryitall
outthenpi ckupy ourheart
,bl
owof f
thedust
,puti
tinacage, l
ockthecageandputt he
keysomewher esaf
ecausey ou'
llneeditinfutur
e.
Nt
oko:
ohmay
beIcoul
djustt
hrowi
taway
.
Mawande:
*smi
l
es*
youhav
eababyont
hewayr
ight
?
Sosav
ethekeyf
orhi
m orher
.
Nt
oko:
*smi
l
es*
thanky
ou.
Mawande:
*st
andsup*
any
timenowst
andupI
'
m
t
aki
ngyouout.
Nt
oko:
ahhf
ri
endIdon'
tfeel
li
kegoi
ngoutt
oday
.
Mawande:Iwasn'
taski
ngy
ounowgett
hatsexy
bodyofy
our sup.

Nt
okosmi
l
esst
andi
ngup.

°
Nqubeko°

Thishasgottobet hemostbor i
ngdayi nhi st
ory
,the
tel
evi
sionisboring,soci
almediasar eboringand
musicjustspeakst omei nahurtfulway .Whatdoes
onedowhent heyar esobored.Ohwai tseemsl ikeI
haveav i
sit
orandt hehousei ssuchamessuhm I
wil
lnotletwhoev erisonthedoori n.
..
.Idragmyf eet
tothedooryawni ngandt heshockonmyf acewhen
Iseeherf
aceI
'
m sur
eit
'spr
icel
ess.

Her
:hi
uhm mayIcomei
n?I
t'
sbl
azi
nghotouther
e.

Ilookbacki
nsideughwhattheheck,
Imakewayfor
herandshe'
sshockedbyt hemess.
..
Icl
osethedoor
roll
ingmyeyesgoingbacktot
heloungewit
hher
foll
owingme.

Me:
sohowmayIhel
pyou?
Her
:I
'mj
..
okayj
ustgi
veme10mi
nut
es.

Il
ookatherconf usedwhil
eshepl
aceherphoneand
wall
etont hetabl
eandstandsupthenstar
tspi
cki
ng
upthepizzaboxesandsomebot t
lesfr
om the
pr
eviousday s.
.
.
Whenshe'
sdoneshesi
tsbackdown.

Her
:*l
ooksatherwr
ist
wat
ch*Idi
dn'
tthi
nkt
hatwoul
d
t
akelongert
han10minut
esnowmyt imei
sli
mit
ed.

Isowanttoaskherwhereshe'
srushi
ngt
obutIj
ust
maint
ainmystrai
ghtf
ace.

Her:
lookNqubekoI'
m her
etoapol
ogizef
or
ever
y t
hingt
hatIsai
dtoyouIr
eall
yshoul
dn'
th.
.
Me:
why
?
Her
:par
don?
Me:why?Whydi dy
ousayallthoset
hings?Don'tsay
i
twast hepai
ncauseifyouspokeoutofhurtyou
wouldhavecall
edmet hef
oll
owingdayapologizi
ng
butyoudidn'
tsowhy?
Her
:t
opushyouaway,
Ifi
guredt
hatbydoi
ngt
hati
t
woul
dbegreatf
orev
eryone.
Me:
arey
ouhear
ingy
our
sel
f?Gr
eatf
orev
ery
one?
From wher
eI'
m st
andi
ngIthi
nkyoufi
guredbydoi
ng
thati
twouldbegr
eatf
oryounotever
yone.
Her
:I
'm scar
edokay
!
Me:
ofwhat
?
Her:
*looksdown*off
all
ingpr
egnantagai
n,whati
fI
miscarryagai
n?Ij
ustcan'
tgothr
oughallofthat
agai
n.
Me:
I'
m st
il
lnotget
ti
ngt
hepoi
ntonwhyy
oupushed
meaway.
Her:atsomepointyouwil
lwantt
ohaveachi
l
dand
atthispoi
ntI
'm afr
aidofhavi
ngachi
l
dsoIdidwhat
Ithoughtwasbestforyou.

Il
ookatherbr
eat
hingheav
y.

Me:howdidwegett othepointwher
eyoumake
deci
sionsf
orme, forus?I'
m agrownassmanIcan
dothatbymy sel
f.Minenhledoy our
eal
l
ybel
iev
eme
whenIsayIlovey ou?
Her
:*nods*
Ido.
Me:theny oushouldhaveknownthatIwoul
dstand
byy ounomat t
erwhatcauseunli
keyouIam not
self
ish,whatIthoughtwasthatwearei
nthi
s
togetherbutitobvi
ousthatIwaswrong.
Her:
*sheddi
ngtears*
I'
m sorr
yIwasn'
tthi
nki
ng
st
rai
ghtIdidn'
tconsi
deryourfeel
i
ngsI
'mtrul
ysor
ry
pl
easeforgi
veme.

Myheartst
il
lbleedswhenIseehercr
y..
.asmuchas
I
'm mad,
angryatherIcan'
thel
pbutst
andupand
t
akehertomyar ms.
~i
nser
t80~

°
Minenhl
e°

Bei
ngi
nhi
sar
msonceagai
nfeel
ssogood.

Him:pleasepromi
semet hatyou'
ll
nev erpushme
away,promisemethatyou'
llnev
erleavemey oucan
dr
ivememadorputal eashonmej ustdon'tl
eave
me.
Me:*
giggl
ing*
Ipr
omiseIwon'teverpushy
ouaway
ev
eragainandtoneverl
eav
ey ou.
Him:goodnowwhatweneedtodoisbookyouan
appoint
mentwi
thpsychol
ogi
storwhat
evert
heyar
e
cal
led.
Me:
forwhat
?
Hi
m:soy
oucanheal
.
Me:
*mov
ingawayf
rom hi
m*I
'
m per
fect
lyf
ine.
Him:yeahandyouexpectmet obeli
evethat,l
ook
babey ouneedtotalktosomeonebecausey eahI
mightunderst
andy ourfear
snowbutt herewi l
lcome
ati
mewher eI
'l
lwantachi l
dImeanIdi dn'tj
ustwork
hardtobuil
danempi r
ejustsoitcanvanishintothi
n
ai
r.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
okayf
ine.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
thanky
ou.
Me:
*bl
ushi
ng*
Ihav
etogetgoi
ng.
Hi
m:ohhIwant
edt
oask,
wher
ear
eyour
ushi
ngt
o?
Me:
backt
owor
k.
Hi
m:ohyeahSimphi
wedidtel
lmethaty
ouar
enow
wor
king,
Iwoul
ddri
veyouther
ebut
..
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
Iknowanddon'
twor
ryabouti
t.
Him:Il
oveyouandnot
hingi
nthi
spl
anetwi
l
lev
er
changethat
.
Me:*bl
ushi
ng*thanky ou,
forlovi
ngme, f
orever
ythi
ng
thankyouforbeinginmyl i
fe..
.t
hispaskweek
provedtomet hatli
fewit
houty ouishorr
ibl
esotrust
meI '
m nev
erletti
nggoofy oul i
keever.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
nei
therwi
l
lI.

Igetcl
osert
ohi
m.

Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Hi
m:*
smi
rks*
Iknow.

Ichuckl
eki
ssi
nghi
m.

°
Simphi
we°

Whatal ongdayIhad,
Ij
ustwanttotakeashower
andsleep.Iwal
kinsi
dethehouseandthefi
rstt
hing
Ihearismusic.

Me:
Nqubeko!
!Nqubeko!
!
Heturnsi
tdownandt
urnst
olookatmewi
tha
dashi
ngsmil
e.

Me:
hmm somethi
ngi
sdi
ff
erenther
edi
dyoucl
ean
upt
hehousewow.
Hi
m:nomygi
rl
fr
ienddi
d.
Me:
*fr
owni ng*
girlf
ri
end?Whatar
ey outalki
ngabout
?
Whoisthisgir
lf
riend?Whendidy'
al
l st
artdati
ng?I
t
houghtynogi vemehernamesIwannadosome
r
esear
ch,howcany .
.
Him:matecal
m downorel
sey
ou'
regonnadi
ebef
ore
yourti
me.
Me:howcanIcal m downcausewhenIlefti
nthe
morningyouwer esti
ll
brokenasfucksohoware
youinarelat
ionshi
psosoon?I .
.
Him:
*laughs*
youstresstomuchaboutmemat
e
you'
l
lmakeagr eatparentoneday
.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
thanky
oubutweai
n'
tther
e.
Hi
m:Enhl
ecameov
erear
li
er.
Me:*si
gni
ngi
nrel
i
ef*
ohhgoodnowl
etmegot
akea
shower.
Hi
m:wai
tyoudon'
twantt
oheart
heent
ir
est
ory
?
Me:
judgi
ngbyy ourf
acey out
womadeupandt
he
wor
ldisatpeaceagain.
Hi
m:y
ou'
reast
rangeki
dyouknowt
hat
?
Me:
wel
lfi
rst
lyIai
n'
taki
dsecondl
yIr
eal
l
yneedt
o
t
akeashower.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
e*okay
,ourt
akeaway
sar
eont
hei
rway
.
Me:ohyeahnowthatyouandCandyhavefi
xed
thi
ngscoul
dwetalkaboutyoutwoget
ti
ngmar r
ied
causeIam t
ir
edofeati
ngtakeaway
severysi
ngle
daynow.
Hi
m:*
laughs*
Simphi
wegetagi
rl
fr
iendpl
ease.

Il
aughwal
ki
ngaway
.

#Nar
rat
ed
Minenhl
eandherfat
herwalkinsi
dethehousewhi
le
tal
ki
ngaboutworkbutZacstopstal
kingwhenhe
seesErni
esi
tt
ingonthecouch.

Zac:
Erni
e.
Er
nie:
Zac,
heypumpki
n.
Minenhl
e:heyuncl
e,
letmegotakeabat
h..
.i
twas
ni
cetoseey ouagainuncl
eE.
Er
nie:
*chuckl
es*
it'
sni
cet
oseey
out
oo.

Mi
nenhl
esmi
l
esandwal
ksaway
.

Zac:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Er
nie:
i
sitmeorhasMi
nenhl
elostal
otofwei
ght
?
Zac:
mustbeyou,
nowI
'
m gonnaaskagai
nwhatar
e
youdoi
ngher
e?
Erni
e:*
sighs*
okayZacj
ustt
ell
mewhatiti
sthatI
havetodosoy oucanf
orgi
veme,
youknow?Letme
backi
nyourl
i
fe.
Zac:
ohgodsot
hati
swhyy
ou'
rei
nmyhouser
ight
now?
Er
nie:
no,I
'
m heretotel
lyout
hatIshutdownt
he
or
ganizat
ion*
sighs*
iti
snomore.

Zacistakenbackalit
tl
e,hej
ustcan'
tbel
i
evei
t
causeheknowst hatt
heorgani
zati
onmeansalott
o
Erni
e.

Ernie:
andtotel
lyout
hatI
'mleav
ing,
Ineedt
ostar
t
afresh,Imi
ghtcomebackherei
nSouthAfr
icaIj
ust
don'tknowwhen.

Er
niest
andsupwi
thZacst
il
lfr
ozenandshocked.

Er
nie:
Iguesst
hisi
sgoodby
e.
Zac:
wai
twhatdoy
oumeany
oushuti
tdown?
Er
nie:Imeanexactl
ythat
,Icleanedupt
hebui
l
ding
wel
l Idi
dn'tcl
eani
tupallaloneanywaywecl
eanedi
t
upandt henIsol
dthebuildi
ng.
Zac:
why?Imeant
hator
gani
zat
ionmeantev
ery
thi
ng
toyousowhy?
Ernie:seewhenwewer ewor kingtogetheronf i
nding
Nqubeko' spaper sIr eali
zedt hatyou'
rest i
ll
disappointedi nme, honestlyspeakingIt houghtthat
afterallthesey earsy ouwoul dhav ecooled
down* si
ghs*Iknowi t
'stoolatebutIreal i
zedthat
youar emor eimpor tantthant heorganizati
on,you
aret heonlyf amilythatIhav e.

Zacr
unsoutofwor
dst
osay
.

Ernie:
wel
lnowthatisoutoft
heway
,Ishoul
dget
goingandstar
tpacking.

Hesmi
l
esandwal
kst
othedoor
.
Zac:
Erni
ewai
t.
Er
nie:
*tur
ns*
yeah.
Zac:
*smi
les*
comebacksoonercausewehav
eal
ot
ofcat
chi
nguptodo.
Erni
e:*
smil
es*
int
hatcaseI
'
llbebackbef
orey
ou
knowit.
Zac:
Iknowy
ouwi
l
l.

Theysmil
eateachot
hert
henEr
niewalksoutwhi
l
e
Zacsit
sdownwithasmil
est
uckonhisface.

°
Mlamel
i
°

I'
m backinMpumal angaIlandedear l
i
erthis
morning,whenIgothomeZamahadal r
eadyleftfor
workandnowshe' l
lbehereanymi nute.
..
howon
eart
hwi l
lItel
lherthatNtokozoispregnant,l
ike
wherewi l
lIst
art.
.NtokosaidIdon'
thav etotell
her
butthat'
sbull
shitshe'
scarryi
ngmybl oodofcour seI
wanttobeinmychi
ld'
sli
feandIcan'
tdot
hat
wi
thouttel
l
ingZamathet
ruth.

"
Babey
ou'
reback"

It
urnst
art
led.

Her
:I
'm sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
ost
art
ley
ou.

If
orceasmi
l
esandhugher
.

Me:
i
t'
sokay
.
Her
:youf
eel
andl
ookt
ense,
arey
ouokay
?
Me:*
sighi
ng*
yeahIj
ustwantust
otal
kabout
somethi
ng.
Her:
wellIhopet
hatsomet
hingdoesn'
tinv
olv
e
NtokozocauseI
'mtryi
ngt
of or
getaboutt
hat.
Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*itki
ndofabouther
.
Her:
ohmodimo(
ohgod)don'
ttel
lmey
ousl
eptwi
th
heragai
n.
Me:
nononoofcour
senot
.
Her:
thenwhatist
hisaboutcauseIthoughtImadei t
cl
earthatIwon'
tshar
ey ou,
i
fyouwantt oconvince
metoagr eet
othesecondwifethi
ngf or
getitokay.
Me:
j
ustl
i
stent
omepl
ease.
Her
:*si
ghs*
okayf
ineI
'
mli
steni
ng.
Me:
uhm sothethi
ngisIt
alkedt
ohertel
l
inghert
hat
wecannolongerbeathi
ngandsheuhm..
Her
:shewhat
?
Me:
shet
oldmet
hatershe'
spr
egnant
.

Herf
acet
urnssouri
nst
ant
ly,
sheseemsbr
oken.

Her
:what
?
Me:
I'
m sosor
ryZamaI
..
Her
:youwer
en'
tev
enusi
ngacondom Ml
amel
i
,you
di
dn'tbothert
hinki
ngaboutmysaf
etyandt
he
consequences.
Me:babeI'
m sor
ryIj
ustdi
dn'
tthi
nkt
hingswoul
dtur
n
outli
kethi
s.
Her:
ofcour
se,thatisally
ouseem t
odo..
.y
oudonot
thi
nk,
ayearhasn'tevenendedwi
thusbei
ngmarr
ied
andalr
eadyI'
m sufferi
ngsomuch.
Me:
I.
..
Her
:nodon'
tsayanot
herwor
d,Idonotwantt
ohear
more.

Shetur
nswit
htear
sstr
eamingdownonhercheeks
thenwal
ksawaygoi
ngtoourroom.
~i
nser
t81~

°
Minenhl
e°

Everyt
hingseemst obegoingbacktonormaland
myr el
ationshi
pisgoingper
fect
ly,
IwonderwhatI
thoughtwhenIwant edtobeawayf r
om Nqubeko.
LorenzoandIseem tobeget t
ingcloseandcl oser
andspendingmor eti
mewi thhim hasreal
lypr oven
tomet hathe'
sgay .
..
.t
odayI'
ll
behangi ngoutwi th
bothIhim andNtokozo,I
'
m alr
eadywi t
hLor enzo
Ntokozohasn'tgothereyet
.

Me:*
laughing*
howmanyti
mesdoyouwantmet
o
t
ell
yout hatSi
mphi
weisst
rai
ght
?
Hi
m:*
sul
ks*
youdon'
tknowt
hat
.
Me:
wel
ltr
yhi
m.
Hi
m:*l
aughs*
noway
,Iwoul
dtot
all
yembar
rass
mysel
f.
Me:wel
ltomor
rowwe'
l
lbejusthangi
ngoutandt
hey
askedmetocomewit
hyou,theywantt
omeetyou.
Hi
m:*
chocks*
what
?Ohmygodwhatwi
l
lIwear
?W.
.
Me:*l
aughi
ng*
woahslowdownt her
ewe'l
lbej
ust
hangi
ngoutnothi
ngmorenot
hingextr
eme.
Hi
m:st
il
lIn.
.

"
Hey
"-Nt
okozosay
sjoi
ningus.

Me:
heybabehowar
eyou?
Her
:*si
ghs*
I'
m good.
Me:
uhm wel
lthi
sisLor
enzo,
Lorenzot
hisi
sNt
okozo
t
heoneIwastel
li
ngyouabout.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
nicet
ofi
nal
l
ymeety
ou.
Her
:l
ikewi
se.
Me:
youdon'
tl
ooknorsoundgr
eat
,what
'sup?
Her
:i
sn'
ti
tyouri
rr
it
ati
ngcousi
n.
Me:
oht
hishast
odowi
thMl
amel
i
,heTodmewhat
happened.
Her
:yeahsowhatar
ey ougoi
ngt
osay?Ar
eyou
goi
ngtosayyouwarnedme?Thaty
outol
dmeso?
Me:comeon,yesIdi
dwarnyoubutyou'
renow
di
sappoint
ingmebyrunni
ngaway,Imadeitcl
earof
what'
saheadofyousotel
lmewhydi dyourunaway
fr
om all
ofit?
Her
:wai
tsoy
ouwi
l
lnotj
udgeme?
*conf
used*
Me: i
t'
sMl amelithatapproachedy
ounott heother
waypl ushewant edtotakeyouasasecondwi feso
whywoul dIjudgeexceptforthef
actthatyoutwo
slepttogetherbeforecomingouttoZamat hatwas
reall
ywr ongofy ouguys.
Her:
you'
reri
ghtIshoul
dn'
thaver
ushedt
hings,
Ij
ust
gotcaughtupi
nthemoment .
Me:i
t'
sokayi
t'
sunder
standabl
e,nowt
oanswermy
quest
ion.
.
Her
:*si
ghs*t
urnsouty
ourcousi
nnev
erl
ovedmei
t
wasalll
ustnothi
ngmore.
Lor
enzo:
wai
twai
thol
dup,
soIdonotknowt
heent
ir
e
st
orybutI'v
epickedupthaty
ouweredati
ng
Candice'
scousinwhoismarri
edwhoalsowantedto
marryyouandintheendhetell
syout
hatitwasall
a
l
ust.
Her
:pr
ett
ymuchy
eah.
Him:Candi
ceforgi
vemeforwhatI'
m aboutt
osay
butyourcousi
nisadogwhichdeserv
estobe
burned.
Me:*chuckl
ing*I'
m actuall
ynotagainstt hatbecause
whenIspoket ohim overthephonehedi dn't
mentionanythingthathast odowi thlust.
..Ntokoi
s
notapersont hatgoesf orloveormay beIshoul d
sayshe'snotar el
ati
onshi ppersonbutMl acamet o
herandmadeherf allf
orhi m andintheendhesay s
i
twasal ll
ustnaht hatisjustlow.
Him:wel
lI'
m gl
adthatyouareonoursi
decausewe
needtostar
tpl
ott
ingrevenge.
Nt
oko:
*smi
l
es*
Isol
i
key
ou.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
Isogett
hatal
ot.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
okaywai
t,Nt
okoy
ou'
repr
egnantand
asmuchasyousayi
twasal
ll
usthest
il
lwant
stobe
i
nthebaby
'sl
if
e.
Lore:
i
tgetworsey ouarepr
egnant
??WellIguess
rev
engeisoffthebookcausewewouldn'
twantt o
dosomet hi
ngthatmightl
eadtoyoust
ressingand
l
osingthebabynowdowe. ?

Icl
earmyt
hroatf
aci
ngdown

Nt
oko:
uhmm It
hinkweshoul
djustdr
opt
his.
Him:noI'
m ser
iousyoushoul
djuststopt
hinki
ng
aboutrev
engeforthesakeofyourbaby.
Her
:yeahyeahIgett
hatuhm babesohowar
ethi
ngs
goi
ngbetweenyouandNqubeko?
Me:
*for
cingasmi
l
e*gr
eat
.
Lor
e:butthatsmi
l
esay
sot
her
wise,
aret
hingsr
eal
l
y
goi
nggr eat
?
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
yeaht
heyar
e.
YeahIam heal
i
ngslowl
ybutthepai
nissti
l
lther
eso
hi
m menti
oningababyand"mightl
osi
ng"t
hebaby
j
ustawokenthebur
iedpai
n.

Hi
m:Candi
cear
eyouokay
?
Me:
yeahy
eahI
'
mfi
ne.
Ntoko:
babeIthi
nkyoushoul
dtel
lhi
mtoav
oidt
his
f
rom happeni
ngagain.
Hi
m:t
ellmewhat
?Areyouli
kethi
sbecauseofme?
Di
dIsaysomet
hingof
fensi
ve?
Me:
no*
exhal
i
ng*
Ijustr
ecent
lyhadami
scar
ri
age.
Him:
ohmygodI '
m sosor
ryohmygoodnessandI
hadtosaywhatIsai
dtomaket
hinkswor
se,Candi
ce
pl
easefor
giv
eme.
Me:*
smil
ing*
it'
snotl
i
key
ouknewsononeedt
o
apol
ogi
ze.
Hi
m:*
sighs*
Ist
il
lfeel
badt
hough.
Me:comeon,
youknowwhatl
et'
stal
kabout
somethi
ngel
se.
Nt
oko:
greati
dea.

°
Nqubeko°

/
/

Me:
*sul
ki
ng*
Imi
ssy
ou.
Her
:Imissy
out
oobutdon'
twor
ryI
'
llseey
ou
t
omorrow.
Me:t
hati
sli
kesomanyhour
sawayI
'
m notsur
eifI
'
m
goi
ngtosur
viv
e.

"
Agh!
"-
Simphi
wesay
srol
l
inghi
sey
es.

Her
:*gi
ggl
es*
you'
reabi
gboyy
ou'
regoi
ngt
osur
viv
e.
Me:
fi
neIguesst
omor
rowi
tis.
Her
:*chuckl
es*
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
Ilov
eyoumor
e.
Her
:i
mpossi
ble.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*I
'mtel
l
ingyouther
eisnowayyoulove
memorethanIl
oveyou,
thati
swhatisi
mpossi
ble.
Her
:*gi
ggl
es*
Igot
tago.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
bye.

/
/

Si
m:y
out
woi
rr
it
atet
heshi
toutofme.
Me:*
laughi
ng*
Iknowy oudon'
tmeant
hat
,whydon'
t
youj
ustgetagir
lf
ri
end?
Him:
wellIdi
dhavemyey esonthi
spart
icul
arDoct
or
Iwasgonnaaskheroutbuttur
nsoutshe'
smarri
ed.
Me:hmm bummerbuty oucoul
dbehersecond
husband.(Isayt
hatshr
uggi
ngwhi
lehol
dinginmy
l
aughter)
Hi
m:hmm whydi
dn'
tIt
hinkoft
hat
?*st
andsup*t
hat
i
sar
eal
l
ygr
eati
dea,
l
etmej
..
Me:
arey
ouf
reakenoutofy
ourmi
nd,
Iwasj
oki
ng.
Him:*smi
rks*
Iknow,t
hatwasjustt
ot eachy
out
o
nevermakeajokeli
kethatev
eragain.
Me:
Iam nev
ergonnaj
okewi
thy
ouev
eragai
n.
Hi
m:*l
aughs*
goodboy,nowt
ell
me*
sit
sbackdown*
whati
supwithSi
yanda?
Me:
Siy
anda?
?
Hi
m:y
eahy
ourempl
oyee.
Me:ohy
eahoneofmybestempl
oyees,
what
'swr
ong
di
dhedosomethi
ng?
Him:i
tjustt
hateversinceIst
art
edworki
nghe'
sbeen
uhm howdoIputt hi
s,he'
sbeenacti
ngli
keabi
tch
towardsmealli
nal l
hedoesn'tl
ikeme.
Me:wel
lthat
'soddbecauseSiy
andaistheni
cestguy
Ihavei
nmycompany ,he'
sacaref
reeguysowhy
wouldhenotli
keyou.
.waitwai
twaitdi
dyoudoor
saysomethi
ngtohim?
Hi
m:whywoul
dI?Theguyj
ustdoesn'
tl
ikemeandI
don'
tknowwhy
.*shr
ugs*
Me:
hmm don'
twor
ryI
'
llaskhi
m onMonday
.
Him:nahdon' t,Idon'tr
eallycareifheli
kesmeornot
i
tisnotl i
kehef eedsme, hedoesn'tdoshitf
orhim
andwor sewedon' tevenknoweachot hersodon't
causehemi ghtendupt hinkingIwanttobehis
fr
iend,angincengekubonazi nyolakhe(
I'
m no
beggingt oseehi steeth)
Me:
you'
remean.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
I'
m notI
'
mjustSi
mphi
we.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
andy
ou'
l
lal
way
sbe.
Hi
m:exact
lyany
wayy
oust
il
lowemeaphone.
Me:
what
?Igav
eyouaphonemos.
Hi
m:youmeanthatscrapy
ardofy
our
s,Idr
opi
tby
mi
stakenowi
twon'tturnon.
Me:andwho'sfaul
tisthat
?Pl
usy
ou'
rewor
kingnow
you'
llbutoney
ourself
.
Him:butI
'
m pl
anni
ngt
ogetdrunkwithmyfir
st
pay,
youknowtopayf
ort
hefactthatIdi
dn'
tdri
nkon
t
he31st
.
Me:
*chuckl
i
ng*
notmypr
obl
em.
Hi
m:youknowwewouldn'
tbeher
eify
ounev
er
t
hrewmyphoneagai
nstthewal
l.
Me:
ther
ewegoagai
n.
~i
nser
t82~

°
Mlamel
i
°

Zamaisstil
lnottal
ki
ngt ome, Iguessthi
sreall
ytook
thecupandont heotherhandNt okozoisn'
ttaki
ng
anyofmycallsnorrespondingt omymessagesi t'
s
real
l
yfrust
rati
ngbutIcan'tblameher .

"Pickupyourst
upi
dphonei
t'
sir
ri
tat
ing"
-say
sthe
pissedof
fZama.

Idi
dn'
tev
enr
eal
i
zet
hati
twasr
ingi
ng.

Me:
I'
m sor
ry.

/
/Ipi
cki
tup.
Me:
Minenhl
e.
Her
:howcoul
dyou?
Me:
uhm whatar
eyouonabout
?
Her
:aft
erpromi
singherahappyev
eraft
ery
ouhav
e
anerv
et osayi
twasalll
ust,
howcoul
dyou?

Isi
ghwal
ki
ngt
othespar
eroom.

Me:
Inev
ersai
dthat
.
Her
:ohsoshe'
sly
ing?
Me:It
oldhert
hatZamasayswhatIhaveforheris
l
ustandNtokozoaskedi
fIt
oldhert
hatit
'snotlust
i
t'
slove.
Her
:wel
l
?
Me:
Idi
dn'
tgi
veherananswer
.
Her
:andhowi
sthatdi
ff
erentf
rom t
ell
i
ngheri
t'
slust
?
Me:l
ookIwasinapointofchoosi
ngbothoft
hem,
ifI
t
oldZamathatIr
eal
lyloveNtokozoshewoul
dhav
e
l
eftmecauseshesay
sshecan'
tshar
eme.
Her:
hmmm funnythoughtNtokozoal
socan'
tshar
e
butshewasconsi
deri
ngitcauseshereal
l
ylovesyou.
Me:
arey
ousay
ingmywi
fedoesn'
tl
oveme?
Her:
*sighs*
don'ttwistmywor dsthatisnotwhatI
meant,Zamal ovesyouIknowt hatbutyoushouldn't
haveleftNtokozobelievi
ngt hatwhatyouhadf orher
waslustnorev enletZamat el
lyouwhaty ouhave
forNtokoislustknowi ngthatitai
n'
tlustunlessi
tis.
Me:
comeoni
t'
snot
.
Her :
yeahIgeti tyoul oveZamamor eyouknewt hat
from thest ar
trightsowhypl aywi t
hNt oko'sfeeli
ngs?
Youknewv er
ywel lthatst ar
ti
ngar elati
onshipwi th
Nt okowasgonnahav econsequencesobv iously
Zamawasgonnamakey ouchooseandal lyouhad
todowast ostandy ourgr oundsandt ellheryoul ov
e
them bot hequal l
ybutsi nceyoul oveZamamor eit
woul dhav eneverwor kedcausei npolygamyy ou
can'tloveonewi f
emor ethant heotheritjust
doesn' tworkli
ket hat.
Me:
Ireal
i
zemymi
stakemay
beIcoul
dfi
xit
.
Her:
yeahgoodluckonthat
,youalr
eadymadethi
ngs
worsebymakingNtokozopregnantwhenyou
act
uall
yhaven'
tmarri
edher.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
yeahImessedupr
eal
l
ybaddi
dn'
tI?
Her
:bi
gti
me,
any
wayIgot
tago.
Me:okayandIknowitseemsimpossi
blebutI
'
m
gonnatryt
ofixthi
ngs*
sighi
ng*
haveagoodday .
Her
:yout
oo.

/
/

#Nar
rat
ed

Zamaexhal
esmov
ingawayf
rom t
hedoor
.

Meanwhi
l
eBuhl
epacksherbags.

Hermom:
whyar
eyoupacki
ng?
Buhl
e:I
'
mleav
ing.
Mom:
l
eav
ing?Wher
eto?
Buhl
e:backi
nCapeTown.
Mom:
j
ustl
i
ket
hat
?
Buhle:
let
'sf
aceitmom Ideser
vet
his,
Iwoul
dn'
tbe
hereifInev
erdeser
tedmyownchildtobet
akenby
str
angers.
Mom:soyou'
rej
ustgonnagi
veupony
ourchi
l
djust
l
iket
hat?
Buhle:Idon'
thav eachoice,Ican'ttakethem tocour
t
Ican'tdoany t
hing*shruggi
ng* may bewhenhe' s
olderthey'
llt
ellhim aboutmeandwhatIdi dthen
may beI'l
lcomebackt oapologizet ohim noIwil
lnot
tr
yt otakehim awayf rom hispar ents,
I
'l
lbejust
want i
ngcloserthat'
sal l
.
Mom:
butdoy
our
eal
l
yhav
etogo?
Buhl
e:y
eahIneedt
ost
artaf
resh.
Mom:
whycan'
tyoudot
hather
e?
Buhl
e:Ican'
t,
Ineedt
ost
artaf
reshawayf
rom her
e.
Mom:
*si
ghi
ng*
letmehel
pyoupack.

°
Nqubeko°

Wear eleav
ingthemall
rightnow,wewer eher
eto
buysnackssincewehaveguestst oday.
..
weonly
real
izedint
hemor ni
ngthatther
e'snothi
nginthe
kit
chen.

Si
m:howmanyguest
sdowehav
eagai
n?
Me:
4.
Hi
m:thent
ell
mewhydi
dyoumakeusbuyt
heent
ir
e
mal
l?
Me:stopexagger
ati
ngpl
usweusedmymoneynot
yourssoshutup.
Him:ahhwhat
ever
,byt
hewaywho'
sthef
our
th
person?
Me:Enhl
esaidi
t'
sNtokozo'sf
ri
endIhavef
orgot
ten
hername,whoknowsmay beshecoul
dbeyour
gi
rl
fr
iend.
Hi
m:hmm we'
l
lsee.

Ichuckl
efocusi
ngonmyphonesi
ncehe'
stheone
dri
vi
ng.

¶What
sappChat
æ

MyFor
evér

Her
:wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
uhhhome.
Her:
reall
y?Wear
einyourporchr
ightnow,we'
ve
beenringi
ngt
hedoorbel
lfor5minutes.
Me:
okayokayweareonourway ,
wewer
eatt
he
mal
ltobuysomesnacks.
Her:
babeyoushoul
dhav
etol
dme,
any
wayhowf
ar
ar
ey ouguys?
Me:
15mi
nut
esaway
,di
dyouguy
sgett
her
ebycab?
Her
:nobyMawande'
scar
.
Me:ohhcoolt
hen i wasstar
tingt
ofeelbadt
hat
youusedyourmoneywhereelseIwasgonnafet
ch
youguys.
Her
:t
her
e'snopr
obl
em wi
tht
hat .
Me:
don'
trol
lyourey
esonmey
oungl
ady .
Her: justgether
ewi
tht
hosesnacksI
'
m
st
arvi
ng.
/
/

Me:
mat
est
eponi
tmyl
adyi
sst
arv
ing.
Hi
m:whati
fIcauseanacci
dent
?
Me:t
henyoubet
terhaveani
nsur
ancecausey
ouwi
l
l
hav
et opayf
orwrecki
ngmycar.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
okayt
henputony
ourseat
bel
t.
Me:
j
ustdr
ive.
°
Simphi
we°

Ichuckl
esteppi
ngonitf
ullspeed,
whenIwasst i
l
l
"worki
ngformyuncl
e"Iusedtodoal otoft
hings
l
ikecarraci
ngformoney
..
.I
'm pret
tygoodati
tifI
saysomy sel
f.

Igettothehouseinnot
imeandassoonasIpar
k
thecarNqubekostumbl
esoutcat
chi
nghi
sbreat
h,I
quickl
yrushouttohi
m.

Me:
mat
ear
eyouokay
?
Hi
m:*br
eathi
ngheav
y*di
dy ouwanttoki
llme?You
ar
eneverdri
vi
ngwit
hmei nsi
dethecar.
Me:
*chckl
i
ng*
nxxy
ou'
ret
heonewhot
oldmet
ost
ep
oni
t.
Him:nott
oful
lspeedy
oufool.
..
youluckyt
hati
cameoutali
veandwheredi
dyoulearntodri
vel
ike
that
?
Me:youseem l
ikeyou'
vecaughtyourbr
eathnow
l
et'
stakethethingsi
nsi
deImy sel
fam hungr
y.

Isayt
hatopeni
ngt
heboot
.

#Nar
rat
ed

NtokozoandMinenhl
eprepar
ethesnackt
henj
oin
ev
er y
oneatthebacky
ard.

Si
mphiwe:
youl
adiessuret
ookyoursweett
ime,I
'
m
gonnahav
etot
ickoffsomethi
ngsfrom myli
st.
Nt
oko:
whatl
i
st?
Si
m:wi
fequal
i
ties.
Nt
oko:
wai
twhydoy
ouev
enhav
ethatl
i
st?
Si
m:okayBoni
tà(
beaut
if
ul)y
ouaskal
otquest
ions
si
tdown.
Nqubekol
ooksatSi
mphi
weamazed.

Si
m:Nqubekocl
oset
hatmout
hbef
oreIcl
osei
t
mysel
f.
Nqu:
babeareyougoingt
olethim speakt
omel
i
ke
t
hat?Li
keIdidn'
tev
ensayanythi
ng.
Enhle:
*smi
l
es*don'
twor
rybabeIwoul
dn'
tl
ethi
m
touchyoui
fhetri
es.
Si
m:aghy
out
woi
rr
it
atet
hef
uckoutofme.

Thet
abl
ecr
acksupi
nlaught
er.

Nqu:
soLor
enzo,
didy
ougr
owupher
einSout
hAf
ri
ca?
Him:noIgr
ewupi
nMexi
co,
Imov
edher
eaf
ew
year
sago.
Sim:di
dyoumoveherebecauseofwor
kori
sit
becauseyouj
ustl
oveourcountr
y?
Hi
m:wel
lbot
hact
ual
l
y,MrHhasanot
herbr
anchi
n
Mexi
cos.
..
Si
m:MrH?
?
Hi
m:Candi
ce'
sfat
her
.
Si
m:who'
sCandi
ce?
Enhl
e:meduh,y
oujustheardNtokocal
l
ingmeCandy
andyoudi
dn'tbot
heraskingf
ortheful
lname.
Si
m:*
chuckl
es*
ohy
eah,
any
wayLor
enzopr
oceed.
Him:
yeahwel
lIaskedhi
mtotr
ansf
ermeher
ecause
Inol
ongerwant
edtobeinMexi
co.
Mawande:
why
?
Him:afterIt
oldmyfamilythatI'
m gay,
mypar ents
di
sownedme* smil
es*evenmysi bli
ngsturnedtheir
backsonmeandsi ncebothmeandmypar ents
workf orMrHIaskedhi mtot r
ansfermecauseI
couldn'tt
akethepainofseeingthei
rdisgustedfaces
whent heyseemeev eryday*smil
es*
Si
m:andIt
houghtonl
ySout
hAf
ri
canpar
ent
sar
e
wi
ckedyer
r.
Enhl
e:wear
esosor
rybabe.
Hi
m:i
t'
sokay
,i
tnol
ongerhur
t.
Nt
oko:
pluswear
eher
efory
ounow.
Him:
*smil
eswi
tht
ear
sspar
kli
ngi
nhi
sey
es*
thank
youguy
s.

Ntoko'
sphoner
ingsi
ndi
cat
ingamessageal
ert
,she
r
eadsit.
:-

"HiNtokozothisisZama, l
ookIdon' twantany
confl
ictwit
hy ou..
.al
lIneedyout odoi sstayaway
from myhusbandandhewon' tstayawayf r
om you
aslongast hatthi
nginy ourstomuchi ssti
llt
here,
so
kindl
ysendmey ourbankdet ail
sthenI 'l
lsendyou
themoneyt ogoandr emovet hatthing"

Ntokozogaspdr
oppi
ngherphonewhi
chSi
mphi
we
quickl
ycat
ches.

Si
m:woahwhat
'sup?
Ntoko:
*br
eat
hsheav
il
y*Ihav
etogo,
mayIhav
emy
phone?

Simphi
wel ooksatherf
orabout5secondsandl
ook
atherphonereadi
ngthemessage.
~i
nser
t83~

°
Minenhl
e°

Ihavenoideawhat'
sgoingonri
ghtnow,
both
Simphi
weandNt okozoarebr
eathi
ngheavi
l
ywit
h
ragei
ntheirey
es.

Nqu:
mat
etal
ktome.
Sim:
*cl
earshi
sthr
oat*
somepeoplear
ereal
l
ynot
humaninsi
de,
fl
eshisj
ustf
ordecor
ati
ng.
Nqu:
okayy
ou'
ret
hrowi
ngmei
nthedar
k.
Sim:*si
ghs*l
ookNt okojustcalm downforthesake
ofyourbabyokayandchi ll
..
.don'twor
ryabout
thi
s,
justpret
endasi fyounev ersawthi
smessage
causeit'
suseless.
Me:
uhm mayIseet
hatmessage.
Si
m:no.
Me:
*shocked*
uhwhynot
?
Sim:i
t'
sbestifyoudon'
tseei
t,
nowletusal
lgoback
toeati
ngoursnacksinpeaceandpret
endasi
f
Ntokodidn'
trecei
veanymessage.

Il
ookatNt okowho'scal
minghersel
fdown,
theonly
personicouldt
hinkofwhocouldir
ri
tat
eNtokois
Mlameli
butwhatcoulditbethathesai
dtoherthat
wouldmakehert hi
sangry.

Wecont
inueeat
ingi
nsi
l
ence.

Si
m:*cl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
*uhm soCandyhow'
sther
apy
goi
ng?
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
it'
sgoi
nggr
eatt
hanks.

Theconv
ersat
ionst
artf
lowi
ng,
thi
ngsar
eget
ti
ng
l
essawkward.
°
Nqubeko°

Idon'
tknowwhatiti
sthatwasi
nNt
oko'
sphonebut
Iknowthati
t'
shuge.

Si
m:wowwhataday
,whatawonder
ful
day
.
Me:*
chuckli
ng*
Iwon'tar
guewi
thy
out
her
e,i
twas
i
ndeedgreatev
enthough..
.
Hi
m:y
eaht
her
eiti
s.
Me:*
laughi
ng*
justt
ell
mewhatt
hemessagesai
d
andwhowasitfrom?
Him:*si
ghs*
itwasf
rom Ml
a'
swi
fet
ell
i
nghert
oabor
t
herbaby.
Me:
what
!?Wai
tNt
okozoi
spr
egnant
?
Him:youknowsometi
mesyouli
kebei
ngdumbon
purpose,
whatwoul
dsheaborti
fshe'
snotpr
egnant
?
Me:*
rol
l
ingmyey
es*
andwhydoesMl
a'
swi
fewant
hert
odothat
?
Hi
m:becauseshe'
spr
egnantwi
thMl
a'
sbaby
.
Me:
wow,
soNt
okozohasbeendat
ingwi
thamar
ri
ed
man.
Hi
m:y
eaht
heyst
art
ingdat
ingsi
nce.
..
Me:howtheheckwoul
dyouknowwhent
heyst
art
ed
dat
ing?
Hi
m:Ij
ustknowt
hingsokay
.
Me:
youl
i
keherdon'
tyou?
Hi
m:who?Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Me:
who'
sbei
ngdumbnow?
Hi
m:I'
mj ustgonnagotobedcauseIhav
enoi
dea
whatyou'r
etalki
ngabout
.
Me:
*smi
li
ng*
wuuuhfi
nal
l
yyou'
rei
nlov
e,somat
emy
mat
etel
lmethi
sw..
Hi
m:l
eav
emeal
one.
Me:
nowayI
'
m al
readypl
anni
ngy
ourf
ir
stdat
ea.
.

Hegi
vesmeacr
eepyl
ook.
Hi
m:andy
ousayI
'
mthegayone.
Me:*l
aughi
ng*
arey
ousay
ingpl
anni
ngi
snotf
or
dudes?
Hi
m:t
hatki
ndofpl
anni
ngi
scer
tai
nlynot
.
Me:
nxsowhendi
dyoust
artl
i
kingher
?
Hi
m:Ist
il
ldon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ngabout
?
Me:*
chuckli
ng*
okaywelll
etmecal
lmybaeandsee
i
fshearr
ivedsafel
yathome.

Icall
Enhl egoingtomyroom causei
fIt
alkt
oher
withSimphiwear oundhe'
l
lbeli
ke"aghy
outwoare
soirr
itat
ing".

°
Mlamel
i
°

Aft
ermycallwit
hMinenhl
eearl
i
ertodayIt
hought
deepl
yaboutthi
ssi
tuat
ionandI
'm goi
ngto
apologizetoNtokozoandaskherforustoconti
nue
wit
hourpl ansofmaki nghermysecondwifebut
thi
st i
meI '
m dothingstheri
ghtway,
I
'l
lst
artby
tal
ki
ngwi t
hZama.
Iwalkt
othel
i
vingr
oom wher
eIf
indhergl
uedt
oher
phone.

Me:
babe.

Sher
aisesherhead.

Me:
weneedt
otal
k.

Shepl
acesherphonedownandf
ocusonme.

Me:
Iknowt
..

Myphoner
ings,
i
t'
sNt
okozo.
Me:
Igot
tat
aket
his.

Ipi
ckupt
hephonest
andi
ngup.
//

Me:
hel
l
o.
Her
:l
ist
enMl
amel
iIgett
haty
ounev
erl
ovedmea.
.
Me:
noi
t'
snotl
i
ket
hatI
..
Her
:noIdon'
twannaheari
ty.
.
Me:I'
m sor
ryNtokoz
oIt r
ulyam,thebiggestmist
akeI
everdidwastonottel
lZamat hatIl
ov eyou,
Il
ove
youokayandIwannamaket hi
ngsright.
Her:
what?Arey
oubeingser
iousorar
eyouj
ust
say
ingthatf
ort
hesakeofthebaby?
Me:
I'
m bei
ngser
ioust
rustme.
Her:
wel
lIdon'tt
hinkt
hingswil
lworkout
,t
odayy
our
wif
esentmeamessaget el
l
ingtoabor
tmybabyjust
soyoucanstayawayfrom me.
Shedidwhat?Ipul
loutacharandt
akeaseatt
his
needsalotofener
gy.

Her
:Ml
a?Hel
l
o?
Me:
yeahI
'
m st
il
lher
e.
Her:I
'
m nottel
l
ingyouthi
stocauseprobl
ems
betweenyoutwo,I
'
mt el
li
ngyouthi
sbecauseIwant
youtoreal
izehowhurtyourwi
feisduetothi
s
pregnancy
.
Me:
thatdoesn'
tmeansheshoul
dtell
y out
oabor tI
meanwhatkindofwomensaysthattoanother
women?
Her:
shedoesn'twantyounearmeIgetthat,
justt
ell
herthatsheshoul
dknowherlaneshemi ghtbehurt
butsheshouldknowherlaneandIhavebeen
thi
nking.
..
youcanbeinyourchi
ld'
sli
fea
Me:
thanky
out
hanky
..
.
Her:
noletmef ini
sh,
sinceI'
m st
il
lpregnantthere'
sno
needforyoutobeher eorwhateveryoucanj ust
keepincontactandtherestwewi l
ldiscusswhen
thebabyisbornandl ast
lybutnotl
eastmeandy ou
aredone,
wear et hroughZamadoesn'twantust o
happensoIdon' twanty outosellmedream once
agai
n..
.j
ustfocusony ourwifeandfi
xthingswit
hher
andremov etheideaofmeandy ou
happeni
ng*sighs* Igott
ago.
Me:
w..

/
/
Shedropsthecal
l
,wowIguessImessedupmor
e
thanIt
hought.

Zamawal
ksi
nsi
det
heki
tchenandIsoonf
rownat
her
.

Her
:whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
?
Me:IcausedyoupainIknowbutdoy ouhatemethat
mucht haty
ouwoul dwantNtokozotoabortmyown
f
lesh?Howcoul dyouevensuggestsuch?
Her
:ohsosher
ant
oyou"
herboy
fri
end"t
..
Me:THATI
SNOTTHEPOINT!!Howwoul
dyouf
eel
if
someonet
ell
syout
oki
l
lyourownchi
l
duh?

Shel
ooksdown.

Me:
you'
ret
heonewhoalway
stel
lmethatachil
dis
abl
essi
ngfr
om godsowhywoul
dyousuggestsuch
ani
nhumanthi
ng?
Her
:Ij
ustwant
edhert
ost
ayawayf
rom y
ou.
Me: I
'
mt heonewhoappr oachedherinthefir
st
place,
shedi dn'
twantanythi
ngt odowithmecause
shedi dn'twantyouget
ti
nghur tbutIkeptpester
ing
hersodon' tputthebl
ameonher .
Her
:you'
reev
endef
endi
ngher
.
Me:bysay
ingy
oushouldn'
tputt
hebl
ameonher
doesn'
tmeanI
'm def
endi
ngher.
Her
:I
..
Me:
youknowNt
okoz
ojustr
eject
edmeandi
thur
tI
don'
twannali
ecauseitwasn'
tlustwhatIhadforher
i
t'
slovebutwhathur
tsmoreisthefactthatmyown
wif
ewouldwantmyownf leshandblooddead.
Her
:*cr
ying*
I'
m sor
ryI
..
.
Me:noyou'
renot,
youknewexact
lywhaty
ouwer
e
say
ingsodon'tgi
vemet hat
.

Ist
andupandgr
abmycarkey
s.

Her
:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
awayf
rom y
ou.

Iwal
koutwi
thhershout
ingmyname.
.
Istar
tthecaranddr i
vetogodknowswher e.Idid
herwrongIgetitbutthatdoesn' tmeanani nnocent
chil
dshouldsufferbecauseoft hat.
..
ifthepeople
thatknowZamahearoft hi
st heywoul dn'
tbeli
eveit
causeZamal ovesbabies..
..
li
kedi dIpushhert o
har
dthatshecoul
dactual
l
ywantt
obr
eakmeby
wanti
ngmychilddead?
Ihearsomet hinghoot i
ng..
.ohf l
i
pt herobotison
red,befor
eIcoul dr eachacrosst heroadIcol l
i
de
wi t
hanothercart hatsendsmest rai
ghttoa
truck,
thent hecarr oll
swithmesl owlylosi
ng
consciousness. .
.byt heti
met hecarstopsr ol
li
ng,my
headi sbleeding,gasiscomi ngoutf rom mycar ..
.I
seepeopl er unni
ngt owardst hecarasIsl owlylet
darknesst akeov er.
~i
nser
t84~

°
Minenhl
e°

Mondayistheworsedayoftheweek,adaythat
nobodylookf
orwardto,
well
unlessyou'
reakid.
..
.
ki
dsbemi ssi
ngthei
rschoolfr
iendst
hattheycan'
t
waitt
il
li
tisMonday.

Dad:
okayI
'
m donel
et'
sgo.
Me:
okaygi
vemeami
nut
eIwannasayby
etoKei
th.

Ir
usht
othei
rroom andt
aket
hebubbl
yKei
thf
rom
mom.

Her
:t
odayhedeci
dedt
obeanear
lybi
rd.
Me:
*gi
ggli
ng*youdi
dgr
eatl
i
ttl
eguy
,ohIcan'
twait
f
oryoutotal
ksowecanhol
daconversat
ionabout
mom anddad,
andforyoutogrowupsoy
ou'l
lhave
oneort
wogirl
fr
iendsandgiv
emom anddadgrey
hai
rs.
.
Mom:
ookayt
hat
'senoughgi
veMrbackmybaby
.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
seey
oul
aterbuddy
.

Helaughscl
appinghi
shandsahhhe'
ssoador
abl
e,
I
ki
sshischeekandhandhi
mt omom.

Me:
Ilov
eyouguy
s.
Mom:
wel
ovey
out
oo.

Irushout.
..
mom decidedt hatshewon' tgobackt
o
workjustyetshewil
l r
aiseKei t
hherselfsi
nceshe
doesn'
twantababy sit
ter..
.she'
llgobacktowork
onceKeithstart
sgoingt oschool,wel
lshe'
sgonna
stayathomef oraverylongt i
me.
Yest
erdayIdi
dn'
twanttoaskNtokozowhatwasthe
messageaboutcausemaybei
twoul dhav
eanger
ed
herallov
eragai
nsobef or
eIwentt
obedItri
ed
call
ingMlabuti
tdidn'
tgothr
oughI
'l
lj
ustt
ryhim
today,
notnowlat
er.

°
Nqubeko°

TodaybeforemeandSi mphiwel eftforwor k2pol ice

showedupt ogivememymot her'
sash,turnsout
theycri
minatedherbodysi nceIdi dn'
tcomeget
i
t..
.shehasdoneal otofbadt hingst omeandt othe
onesIloveandIwassot emper edt othr
owi taway
butshewasmymot her,
shegav elifetomesoshe' s
backatthehouse.Itriedcall
ingdadbuti trang
unansweredasusual ,
Ithi
nkhe' signori
ngme, for
what ?I
'
m alsocl
ueless.
Aknockcomest
hrought
hedoor
.

Me:
comei
n.

Si
yandawal
ksi
n.
Hi
m:goodmor
ningsi
r.
Me:
goodmor
ningSi
yanda.
Hi
m:uhm si
ryoucal
l
edf
orme?
Me:
yeaht
akeaseat
.

Het akesaseatl
ooki
ngal
li
nnocent
,l
ikeseri
ously
howcant hi
sniceguybemean?Lookathisinnocent
face.

Me:uhm sot
het
hingi
sSi
mphi
wet
oldmewhatwent
downbetweeny
outwoa.
.
Hi
m:It
rul
yapol
ogi
zedf
.
Me:nobef
orewegettothatIj
ustwanttoknowwhy
wereyoumeantohim,
causeforasl
ongasI '
ve
knownyouyouareni
ce,
youarethenicestper
son
here.
Hi
m:*
clear
shi
sthr
oat
*uhm uh.
.
Me:
youdon'
thav
etof
earmey
ouknow?
Hi
m:butyou'r
emybossandyouar
eint
imi
dat
ingas
f
u*pause*youar
eint
imi
dat
ing.
Me:
*chuckl
ing*
okayl
et'
sfor
getaboutthatj
ustt
ell
mewhyy ouweremeantoSimphiwe.
Him:thethi
ngis,Iknowhi
m IjustneverthoughtI
'
ll
seehim everagainsowhenyouf i
rsti
ntr
oducedhim
Irecogni
zedhim andtheangerIhad2y earsago
cameback.

WowokayIam soconf
used.

Me:wai
tar
ewesti
l
ltal
ki
ngaboutSi
mphi
weher
e?
Si
mphiweMbambo?
Hi
m:y
eah.
Me:
buti
tseemsl
i
kehedoesn'
tev
enknowy
ou.
Hi
m:hedoesknowmebutmay
behehasf
orgot
ten
me.
Me:
okaybef
oreIaskf
oranent
ir
est
oryy
oudon'
t
mi
ndi
fIcal
lhi
minher
e?
Hi
m:notatal
l
.

Ipi
ckupmyphoneandcal
lhi
m./
/

Hi
m:mat
e.
Me:sur
emat
ecoul
dyoucomeupt
omyof
fi
ceasi
n
now.
Hi
m:al
ri
ghtI
'
m onmyway
.

/
/

Si
ya:
nott
ocr
osst
hel
i
neSi
rbuti
shey
ourf
ri
end?
Me:
*cur
ious*
mor
ethanaf
ri
endwhy
?

Heshift
suncomfort
abl
y,Ihavesomanyquest
ions
r
ightnowbutletmewaitforSi
mphi
we.Aft
erabouta
minutehewalksi
nwhist
li
ngbutgoesmuteand
f
rownswhenheseesSi
yanda.

Hi
m:Nqubekokanti
ngi
theni
kuwena?
(Nqubekowhat
di
dIsaytoyou?)
Me:Iknowwhaty ousai
dbutyouknewthatIwas
goingtodotheopposit
eofwhatyoutol
dmenotsit
yourblackassdown.

Hesi
ghssi t
ti
ngnextt
oSiyandawhoi
salso
f
rowning,
Isweart
hisi
sthefir
stt
imeI
'm seei
nghi
m
l
iket
his.

Me:somat
eSi
yandacl
aimst
haty
out
woknoweach
ot
her.
Sim:
*confused*
uh?What?Ar
eyousuremancause
mecomi ngtoworkher
ewasthefi
rstt
imeseei
ng
you.
Si
ya:
*chuckl
es*wowreal
l
y?Okayl
ookatmecl
osel
y
maybeyou'l
lnot
iceme.
Wowokaythi
si sgett
ingi
nter
esti
ng,
Ipi
ckupmy
phoneandst
arttaki
ngavideo.

Si
mphi
wel
ooksatSi
yandawi
thast
rai
ghtf
ace.

Sim:
dudeIst
il
ldon'
trecognizey
ou,
Idonotknowyou
maybeIj
ustl
ookali
kewi thsomeoneyouusedt
o
know.

Suddenl
ythi
ngsar
eget
ti
ngbor
ing.

Siya:
no,okayletmer efr
eshy ourmemor y.2years
backy ouandy ourunclewentt oRichardsbayatt he
Ndhlovumansi ontor obthem causesomehowt he
bothofy ouknewt hattheyhadasaf ewhichhada
l
otofmoneyi nit,
butwhaty oudidn'tknowwast hat
thereweretwopeopl eintherewhoy outhought
wouldn'tbethere.
.wheny outwocamebackf r
om t he
safeandsawt hosetwopeopl eyoushotMrNdhl ov u
onbothhi
sknees,
youdi
dn'
thav
etobuty
oudi
dand
thenr
anaway.

TheshockonSi
mphiwe'
sfacei
sunexplai
nablebuti
t
i
sn'
tcloset
omine,
mymout hi
sli
ter
all
yhanging.

Si
m:wh.
.ho.
.howdoy
ouknowt
hat
?
Si
ya:
*chuckl
es*
youst
il
ldon'
trecogni
zeme?

Si
mphi
we'
sey
esexpand.

Si
m:y
ou'
ret
heguyt
hatwast
her
e.
Siy
a:andI'
m al
sothesonoft hemany oushot,
my
fat
hercannolongerwalk.
.noletmeputitli
ke
thi
s,myfat
herwil
lneverwalkagainbecauseofyou.

Itakedownmyphoneanddel
etet
hev
ideo,
Idi
dn'
t
thinki
twoul
dbethi
sbad.
Siya:afterthatdayIv owedtor evengehim butt hen
againt hat '
snotwhoIam, soinsteadofsear chi ngfor
youandmakey oupayIappl iedforaj obhere
becauseIhadt otakecareofmyf ami l
y,
wel lIst i
l
lam
sincet heper sonwhowasdoi ngthatcouldnol onger
wor k...
especi all
ysincewheny ouwer etakingt he
moneyy oual sotookhi scompany 'scontractso
whenhehadt orenewt hecompany ,
thecontr actand
signi tovert omehecoul dn'tcausey outooki tso
thebui ldingwasf orcedtobeshutdownal lthankst o
you.

Thi
sisr
eal
l
ydeepert
hanIt
hought
.

Sim:thatwasthecompany '
scontr
act?LookIt
rul
y
am sorryforever
ythi
ng,
thatdaybothmeandmy
unclepanickedwhenwesawy ouguysandhe
orderedmet oshootyourfat
hertr
ustmeIdidn'
t
wantt obutIhadto.
Si
yandal
ooksatme.

Si
ya:
mayIbeexcused.
Me:
*cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
*yeahy
eah.

Hest
andsup.

Sim:Siyandawai tlooky ouar enotthefir

stperson
I'
vecausedpai n,youar enott heonlyfamilywe
robbedI '
vedonewor stthingstrustmeandIr egret
them allofthem,Idi dallofthosebadt hi
ngs
becauseIwasscar edokayIwasscar edtobea
streetkidIw...
itdoesn'tmat terwhatIwasscar edof
butifitmakesi tbet t
erIstil
lhavethecont ract.

Si
yandat
urnsf
astl
ooki
ngathi
minshock.

#Nar
rat
ed
Zamawal kstotheki tchentogr ababottleof
wat er,
shecall
edinsi ckatwor kbecauseshet hought
thatshewoul dn'
tbeabl etocopeatwor kt odaywith
hermi ndalloverthepl ace.Shedidn'
tsleepawi nk
thepr evi
ousnightshekeptt urni
ngandt ossing,
not
knowi ngwhereherhusbandwasandwor sehis
phonest art
edbyr ingingunanswer edtot aki
ngher
straightt
ov oi
cemai lsher eal
lyisworr
ied.

Sherushesbackt othel
oungewhenshehear
sher
phoneri
nging,sheseesahospi
tal
numbershesi
ghs
i
nreli
efthi
nkingit'
sMlameli
//

Her
:babeyouwentt
oworkt
oday
?Iwasr
eal
l
y
wor
riedabouty
ou,
what
..
.
Nur
se:
uhm sor
rymam u.
.
Her
:*f
rowns*
whoar
eyou?
Nur
se:
I'
m Nur
seNdanga,I
'm cal
l
ingtoletyouknow
t
hatMrMaputl
awasbroughtinl
astnights..
Her
:what
?Whathappened?
Nur
se:
hewasi
nvol
vedi
nanacci
dentmam a

Zama'swholebodyfreezes,
tear
simmediat
elydrop
outfr
om hereyes,
herheadringsasnegat
ivethought
roam ar
oundhermind.

Nur
se:
mam?Ar
eyoust
il
lther
e?

Shejustdr
opst
hecal
landt
akehercarkey
srunni
ng
out
.
~i
nser
t85~

Zamar ushesinsi
det hehospi
talandheadst r
aightt
o
DrLamul a'
soffi
ce,he'
sthei
rfamilyDoctorandalso
Mlameli'
sclosefri
end.Shewalksi nsi
detheoffi
ce
wit
houtknocking,DrLamulaquicklyrai
seshishead
andstandsupwhenheseesZama.

Hi
m:Zama.
Her
:howi
she?

Hesi
ghssi
tt
ingbackdown.

Hi
m:pl
easet
akeaseat
.
Her
:no,
Iwi
l
lnott
akeaseatIwanty
out
otel
lmehow
i
smyhusbanddoi
ng?
Hi
m:pr
ett
ybad.
Shelosesherener
gyandsi
tsdownont
hechai
rwi
th
tear
sforming.

Hi
m:buty
ouknowv
erywel
lthatIwi
l
ldomybest
.
Her:*
cryi
ng*t
hisisal
lmyf aul
t,
Ishoul
dhav
enev er
sentNtokozothatmessageorelsehewouldn'
tbe
hereI.
.
Hi
m:wai
twhatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?Whatmessage?

Shesi
tsupst
rai
ghtandt
ell
him whathappened.

Hi
m:wai
tNt
okozoi
spr
egnant
?
Her
:youknowher
?
Him:yeahMladi dt
ellmeaboutt aki
ngherasa
secondwife,
Itoldhi
m nottor ushthi
ngswithherhe
shouldtal
ktoy oufi
rst
..
.Iguesshedidn'
ttakethat
advi
ce.
Her:
itdoesn'
tmatt
erwhatisdonei
sdonebutit
doesn'
tchangethefactt
hatt
hisi
sall
myfault
.
Him:nodon'tthinkliket hat,
thisi
snoty ourfaul t,
all
ofthisi
snoty ourf ault.
.Ml aistheoneatf ault,ifhe
neverbroughtNt okozot oyourliv
eswel lbasically
hisli
fehewoul dn'tbeher eri
ghtnow, t
hi sisall his
faul
t.Youonlysentt hatmessagebecausey ouwer e
scaredIgetit
,youwer escar edoflosinghi m and
alsoshari
nghim. .youdi dwhaty out houghtwasr ight
atthatmomenty eahi twasn' tri
ghtatal lyoul etyour
fearscontr
olyoui nor dert okeepy ourhusbandt o
yoursel
f.
..
thatwaswr ongofy oubutIunder stand
youandy ouhadev er yri
ghtt obescar edbecauseI
knowhowmuchy oul ovehi m,sostopbl aming
yoursel
fforallofthis.

Zamawipesouthert
ear
sbr
eat
hingi
nandout
sl
owl
y.

Her
:Imadeabi
gmi
stakeIgeti
tbuthowdoIf
ixi
t?
Him:youhav
etoapol
ogizet
oNt okozoandthen
focusonMlamel
iheneedsall
thesupporthecan
get.
Her
:*nods*
okayIcandot
hat
,mayIseehi
m?
Him: *
sighs*unfort
unat
elynotyet,Ihaven'
tsleptever
sincetheybr oughthi
miny est
erdayIj ustcamei n
hereinaboutaf ewminutesbeforey oucamei n.
.I
j
ustwantt oregainmyebegybef oregoingbacki n
there.
Her
:pl
easedoy
ourbestpl
ease.
Hi
m: y
ouknowIwil
l.OhItoldthem nott
ocallhi
s
mothercoul
dyout
ellheraboutthi
sinpersonpl
ease?
Her:
thi
swil
lreal
l
ybr
eakher ,
webot
hknowt hatthe
onl
yreasonshe'
sst
il
lhol
dingonaf
terherhusband'
s
deat
hisMlameli
.
Him:*si
ghs*t
hatwhyIneedyoutot
ell
herin
person,
she'
sallal
onei
nherhousesothat
'swhyI
don'twanthert
ohearaboutt
hisov
erthephone.
Her
:okay
.

Shestandsupact
ingf
ir
m andst
rongt
hent
urns
walki
ngout.
°
Simphi
we°

I'
vedoneal otofbadthi
ngsinmyl if
ebutInever
thoughttheywouldcomebackt ohuntme.Robbing
theNdhlovuswasmyf i
rstbi
grobIdidsuspectt
hat
somethingwouldgowr ongobviousl
ybutIdidn'
t
thinki
twouldendupwi thmeshoot i
ngsomeone
techni
call
yruini
ngsomeone'sli
feforev
er.

Si
ya:
whatdoy
oumeany
oust
il
lhav
ethecont
ract
?
Me:Iwast heonewhowaspacki ngt hemoneyi nthe
bagf r
om y oursaf e,
Iwasshaki ng,sweat ingand
nervousashel l causeIhadnev erdonesomet hi
ng
l
ikethatbef oresobymi stakewhi ledr aggingthe
moneyt othebagIdr aggedt heenv elopewr it
ten
"Contract"onit...
Ionl
ynot i
cedt hatwhenwegot
homet hankhodInev ershowedi ttouncl e,
inmy
mindIal way stoldmy selfthatIwi l
lbur nitbutI
wouldal waysf orgetIdidn'topeni tthat'
swhyIdi dn'
t
knowi twast hecompany '
scont r
act .
Hi
m:sowher
eisi
t?
Me:i
t'
sbackinthehousewi ththerestofmy
i
mpor t
antdocuments.Iknowitwon' tf
ixup
ever
ythi
ng,
Iknowitwon'tgiveyourdadhisabili
tyto
walkagai
nandifyouev erneedany t
hingjustt
ellme
pl
easecauseIwantt oshowy ouandy ourfamil
y
howsorryIam f
orwhatIdi d.
Him:
*si
ghs*
theonl
ythi
ngIwoul
dreal
l
yli
ker
ight
nowist
hecontr
act
.
Me:
yeahsurewecanevengogeti
trightnow,
thati
f
Nqudoesn'
thav
eaproblem wi
thi
t.
Nqu:
*cl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
*yeahsur
eyoucango.
Siya:uhSircoul
dy oucomewi
thuscauseIdon't
reall
ytrusthim whoknowswhathemightdo,
no
offense.
Me:
noof
fenset
aken.

I
thurts,i
thur
tssobadbutIunder
standwhyhe
doesn'tf
eelsaf
earoundme.

°
Minenhl
e°
Nqubekojustsentmeat extcanceli
ngourdate
l
unch,hesai
dhe' l
lexpl
ainev er
ythi
nglater
.Ihopei
tis
notsomethingthatwil
lcausesomeonet ogethur
t
thi
sti
mear ound,t
hingsaregoingr eal
lywell
tobe
rui
ned.

Lor
enzowalksi
nwi t
hourlunch,
dur
ingwor
khour
s
hereal
l
ydoesn'
tlookli
kehe'
sgay.

Him:whenar
ewechi
l
li
ngagai
n?Ihadagr
eatt
ime
yest
erday
.
Me:
Idon'
tknowbutwecoul
dseti
tup.
Hi
m:y
eahandt
hist
imeweneedsomebooze.
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
asl
ongasi
twon'
tbest
rong.
Hi
m:okayjustl
eav
etheboozet
hingt
omeI
'
llsee
whatIcando.

"
Honey
"-say
sdadwal
ki
ngi
n.
Hi
m:Lor
enzo.
Lor
enzo:
MrH.
Hi
m: soIhav
etorushbackhomeanddr
ivey
our
mothertoMpumalanga.
Me:
why
?Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Hi
m:apparent
lyMl
amel
iwasi
nvol
vedi
nanacci
dent
l
astni
ght.
Me:
*gaspi
ng*
ohmygoodness.
Him:soIhavet
odr i
vey
ourmom toMpumalanga
becausehersi
sterr
eal
l
yneedsherr
ightnowshe'
s
notcopi
ngatall
.
Me:
*st
andi
ngup*
howi
sMl
amel
i
?Isheokay
?
Hi
m:Idon'
tknow,
nobodyknows.Ri
ghtnowI'm
l
eavi
ngyoutwoinchar
ge,I
'
vetol
deveryoneokay
.
Me:
okaybutwhataboutKei
th?
Hi
m:y
ourmom sai
dshe'
l
ltakehi
m wi
thher
.
Me:
shedoesn'
thav
eto,
Icanbaby
sithi
m a.
.
Hi
m:webot
hknowshewon'
tagr
eet
oit
,Ihav
etogo.

Hekissesmyfor
eheadandl
eav
es.Ihopeandpr
ay
Mlameliwi
ll
beokay.

°
Nqubeko°

Simphi
wehandsSiy
andat
hecont
ract
,heopenst
he
envel
opeandl
etoutasmi
le.

Si
ya:
wowi
treal
l
yist
hecont
ract
,t
hanky
ousomuch.
Si
m:noneedt
othankme,Idi
dn'
texactl
ydoany
thi
ng
al
lIdi
dwascauseyouandyourf
ami l
ypai
n.
Siy
a:*
sighs*Icanseethatyour
eal
l
yar
eaniceguy
soI'
m goingtotrytosoft
enmydadupbef
oreyou
comet oapologi
zetohim.
Si
m:t
hatwoul
dmeanal
ott
hanky
ou.
Me:
wel
lSi
yandaIhopey
oudon'
tmi
ndcat
chi
nga
cabcausewewon'tbegoi
ngbacktowor
ktoday
plusy
oudon'
thavetogobacktoo.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
thanky
ousomuchsi
r.

Inodandhetur
nsandl
eav
e.Itakeof
fmy
watch,
l
oosenupmyti
eandunbutt
onthet
opbut
ton.

Si
m:mat
eyouunder
standt
hatIhadnochoi
cer
ight
?
Me:
yeahbutIdon'
tunder
standwhyy
oul
i
edt
ome.
Hi
m:whatdoy
oumean?
Me:rememberonthedayy
ouwer
etel
l
ingmeabout
youruncl
eandhispl
an.
Hi
m:y
eah.
Me:irememberverywell
thaty ousaidyouhave
neverki
ll
edyeahyouknowhowt ouseagunbuty ou
havenevershotanyonei
ny ourli
febefor
e,sowhydi
d
youli
etome?
Hi
m:Ihadal
readygav
eyouar
easont
ohat
emesoI
di
dn'
twantyoutohat
ememore.
Me:byl
yi
ngtome?Evenaf
terwepressedt
her
est
art
but
tonyoukeptl
yi
ngt
omyf ace.
Him:
Ifel
tli
kei
fyouknewdeeperthi
ngsaboutme
youwoul
dwantmeoutofy ourl
if
e.
Me:
arey
out
ell
i
ngmet
her
e'smor
e?
Hi
m:y
eah,
mor
ethanj
ustshoot
ingsomeone.

Ohwow.
~i
nser
t86~

°
Nqubeko°

Sim:mateI'm surethatyoualsohavethi
ngst hat
happenedi nthepastt oyouorthatyoudid,
which
youwoul dn'
tliketobringup.EventheSi
yanda
i
ssue,Iwasnev ergonnabringi
tupcauseIclosed
thatchapterofmyl if
eaf t
erwepressedtherestar
t
button.

Li
kehowIgotr
aped,
Ial
sodon'
treal
l
yli
ket
alki
ng
abouti
t.

Hi
m:*si
ghs*
bysay
ingmor
ethanshoot
ingsomeoneI
meantI
..
Me:
wai
t*si
ghi
ng*
youdon'
thav
etot
ell
me,
Igeti
t.
Hi
m:butI
..
.
Me:
Idon'
twantt
obr
ingbackhor
ri
blememor
iesf
or
y
oucauseIwon'
tconsol
eyouewww.
Hi
m:*
chuckl
es*
thanksman.
Me:nowt
ell
memat
e,howmuchmoneywasi
nthat
saf
e?
Hi
m:mat
e!!
!
Me:
*l
aughi
ng*
I'
m ki
ddi
ngI
'
m ki
ddi
ng.

¶TheFol
l
owi
ngDay
¶

#Nar
rat
ed

Zac:
Dochowi
she?
Doc:
wemanagedtost
optheint
ernal
bleedi
ngand
l
ucki
lyi
tdi
dn'
tdoanydamageandhisulnabrokeb.
.
Ti
na:
sor
rywhat
?
Doc:
ulna,
that
'sabonei
nhi
sar
m.
Zama:
buthowi
she?I
sher
espondi
ng?
Doc:
*sighs*noty
et,
he'si
ncomawe'
vedone
ever
ythingwecan..
.nowiti
sal
lupt
ohi
m.
Zama:
Mayweseehi
m?
Doc:
ofcour
sepl
easef
oll
owme.

°
Minenhl
e°

Me:
Ntokozocal
m down,
you'
repr
egnantr
emember
?

Shesi
tsdowncont
rol
l
ingherbr
eat
hing.

Her
:whathappenedexact
ly?
Me:Idon'
tknowIdon'
thav
eal
lthedet
ail
sbutwe
hav
et okeeppray
ingf
orhi
m.
Her:
may
beI
'
mther
easonhehadanacci
dentmay
be
I
..
Me:whywoul
dy outhi
nkt
hat
?Thi
sisnoone'
sfaul
t,
he'
l
lbefi
neIpromise.
Her
:*shakesherhead*
whati
fhedoesn'
tgetbet
ter
?
Me:
l
etust
hinkposi
ti
vel
y.
Her
:*st
andsup*
youknowwhat
,l
et'
sgo.
Me:
gowher
e?
Her
:Mpumal
angat
oseehi
m.
Me:uhm Idon'tknowmaybeweshoul
dchecki
nwi
th
Zamaf i
rstbutbabearen'
tyout
heonewhotol
dme
thatyouaredonewi t
hMlameli
?
Her
:Iknowbutt
hatdoesn'
tmeanIhat
ehi
m.

Shetakesoutherphoneandmakesacal
l
,put
ti
ngi
t
onloudspeaker
.

OhmygoodnessIwonderhowZamawi llfeel
,Ntoko
i
sn'tthinkingstr
aightri
ghtnowIswear.
.howcanshe
notconsi derhowZamawi l
lfeel?Ev
enthoughZama
herselfdidn'
tconsiderhowNt okowoul
df eelwhen
shetoldhert oabort.
/
/

Zama:
uhm Nt
okozo?
Nt
oko:
yeahZamahowar
eyou?
Zama:
*si
ghs*
I'
m goodandy
our
sel
f?
Nt
oko:
I'
m good,
Ihear
daboutMl
amel
i
'sacci
dent
.
Zama:yeahandl
ookI '
mr eal
l
ysorryaboutt
he
messageIsentyou.Iwasangr yandafrai
dt hatI
wouldl
osehimtoy out henIactedoutofproport
ion,
whatIsaidwasreal
lyinhumanofmeIshoul dhave
nev
ersaidit
*sni
ffs*
pleasedof orgi
veme.

NtokozolooksshockedIguessshewasn'
t
expecti
nghertoapologi
ze.

Ntoko:uhm i
t'
sokaynoneedtoapol ogizecause
honestlyy
ouwouldhav enev
ergottent otell
i
ngmeI
shouldaborti
fIneverhadanaff
airwi t
hy our
husband,i
t'
sallmyfaul
tandI'
mtheonewho' ssor
ry
dof
orgi
veme.
Zama:uhm wowuhnoit
'sokaywhat'
sdoneis
done,
anywaywhywer
ey oucal
li
ngifImayask?
Ntoko:
*cl
earshert
hroat
*Ij
ustwant
edt
oaskhow
he'
sdoing.
Zama:
*exhal
es*
he'sincomat heDoctorsai
dthey
hav
edoneeveryt
hingtheycould,
iti
supt ohi
m now.
Nt
oko:
*si
ghs*
Iwi
l
lincl
udey
oubot
hinmypr
ayer
s.
Zama:
thanky
ou,
Ihav
etogonow.
Nt
oko:
goodby
e.
Zama:
bye.

/
/

Me:
*smi
l
ing*
andw.
.
Her:
Iknowwhatyou'
regoingtosayandI'
m doi
ng
whatisri
ghty
esIwil
lal
way scaref
orhim butI
shoul
dmeddleoutandfocusonmy sel
fandmybaby
.
Me:I'
m gladandI
'
m proudofhowy
ou'
rehandl
i
ng
yourfi
rsthear
tbr
eak.
Her
:*l
aughs*
thanky
ou.
Me:
anddon'twor
ryther
e'ssomeoneoutt
her
ewho'
s
meantf
oryouandforyouonly.
*smi
li
ng*
Her
:Ican'
twai
ttomeethi
m*smi
l
es*
Me:Nowlet
'sgo,
youhaveadoctor
'sappoi
ntment
r
ight?Pl
usIhavetogetbackt
owor k.

Shesmi
l
esgr
abbi
ngherbag.

#Nar
rat
ed

Siyandawal ksinsi
dehishomewi thasmi leonhi s
facedespiteofbei ngexhaustedafteralongj ourney
from Durbant oRichar
dsBay .Hismot herisshocked
toseehi m homei nthemi ddl
eoft heweek, she
i
mmedi at
elystartspanicki
ngt hi
nkingthathel osthi
s
j
ob.
Her
:Si
yamychi
l
d.
Hi
m:*smi
l
es*
mybeaut
if
ulmot
herhowar
eyoudoi
ng
t
oday
?
Her:
*confused*uhI
'm okay
,howar
eyou?I
s
ever
ythi
nggoi ngwel
latwor k?
Hi
m:I
'
m doi
nggr
eatmot
her
,wher
e'sdad?
Her
:i
nourbedr
oom.
Hi
m:andAkhona?
Her
:she'
sinschool
,
youh.
.
Hi
m:Ihav
esomet
hingt
oshar
ewi
thy
ouanddad.

Shel
ooksathi
m skept
ical
thensi
ghsl
eadi
ngt
he
wayt
othemainbedroom.

Si
ya:
dad.
Hi
m:ohsonuhm w.
.
Si
ya:
I'
m doi
nggr
eatandIcanseey
ouar
eal
sof
ine.
Hi
sdadsmil
eswhil
eshaki
nghishead.Si
yanda
gr
absachai
randsi
tsopposi
tet
ohisparent
s.

Hi
m: l
i
keIsai dtomom Ihav esomethingtoshar
e
wi
thy ouguy sanditj
ustcouldn'
twaitforthe
weekend*sighs*t
hisi
saboutt heguywhouhm who
i
sresponsibleforwhyyou'
reinawheel chair
.

Hi
sdadf
rownswi
thhi
shandsmov
ingt
ohi
swheel
s.

Si
ya:
dadpl
easel
i
sten.
Him:noSiyandaIdon' tneedyout
oremindofthat
dayokay,t
hef actthatI'
mi nawheel
chai
rremi
nds
meoft hatdayev erysingl
edaysoIdon'
tneedyou
toremindmeofi ttoo.
Si
ya:
IknowdadbutImett
heguywhoshoty
ou.

Theyl
ookathi
m wi
tht
hei
rey
esal
lout
.
Siy
a:dadhewasorder
edtoshootyoubyhisuncl
ehe
nevermeantt
odoit,
Idon'
tknowhisent
ir
estorybut
i
tseemsl i
kehe'
sbeenthr
oughalot.
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
rydi
dyousayy
oumethi
m?
Si
ya:
yeah.
Hi
m:andwhydi
dn'
tyoucal
lthepol
i
ce?W.
Si
ya:
youar
enotl
i
steni
ngt
omear
eyou?
Him:Idon'
tcarewhet
herhewasforcedt
odothator
notthefactr
emainstheybot
hhavetopayf
orwhat
theydid.

Siy
andasi
ghsandt
akesoutanenv
elopef
rom hi
s
bag.

Siy
a:hesaidhe'
sreall
ysor
ryandhewoul
dreal
l
yli
ke
toapologi
zeinperson.

Hesay
sthathandinghi
sdadt heenvel
ope.Hisdad
t
akest
heenvelopesti
ll
fur
ious,hedoesn'
tread
what '
swr
itt
enont heenvel
opehej ustopensitwit
ha
pissedof
flookwhichisquickl
yreplacedbya
shockedyetexci
tedfacewhenheseest hecontr
act.

Hi
m:how?W.
.
Mom:
what
'swr
ong?Whati
sthat
?
Hi
m:i
t'
sthecont
ract
?Theonet
heyt
ook.
Her
:what
?B.
.
Si
ya:
henevermeanttot
akeit
,het
ookitbymist
ake
pl
easedadlethi
m comeandexpl
ainhi
mself
.
Him:*sighs*youar ejustl
ikeyourmotheryoualways
seegoodi nev er
yone,youseem tohaveforgot
ten
thatthisguypl acedmeonawheel chair
..
.t
he
contractismi neitwasnev erhi
shecan'tapologi
ze
withitplusitwon' tbri
ngbackmyabi l
it
ytowal k
againbutIam cur iosonwhyhedi dn'
tuseitsookay
hecancome.

Hethenst
art
spagingthr
ought
hecont
ractjusttobe
sur
eiti
sthereal
contr
act.
..
whi
l
ehismotherlooksup
wi
tht
ear
sofj
oyst
reami
ngdown.

°
Nqubeko°

/
/
Me:
I'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hatbabe,
Iwi
shhi
m speed
r
ecover
y.
Her
:t
hanksany
wayhowar
ethi
ngsgoi
ng?
Me:t
heyaregoinggreatbutIam missingyouterr
ibl
y
andaft
erknockingoffI
'm dr
ivi
ngtheretopickyou
up.
Her
:*gi
ggl
es*
buty
..
Me:
nobutImi
ssmygi r
lf
ri
endandtheuni
v er
sesai
d
t
odaymanyoucanseehersoletusnotf
ightwi
th
t
heuni
ver
seplease.

Shelaughsmaki
ngmesmilebutmysmil
e
di
sappearswhendadwal
ksinmyoff
ice.
Me:
babesomet
hingj
ustcameupcanIcal
lyoul
ater
?
Her
:yeahsur
e,Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
Ilov
eyou.

/
/

Het
akesaseat
.

Hi
m:son.
Me:
dad.

Welookateachotherf
orabout20secondsbef
ore
hebreakst
hestar
eandsighsloudl
y.

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:
forwhat
?Dadwher
ehav
eyoubeen?
Him:
Iwasar
oundandI
'
m sor
ryf
ordi
sappear
ingon
you.
Me:
whyar
eyouher
e?
Hi
m:I
'
m get
ti
ngmar
ri
ednextweekandI
..
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
letmeguessy
ouwantmet
obet
her
e?
Hi
m:y
ouar
emyson,
ofcour
seIwanty
out
obet
her
e.
Me:
okayt
hen.

Il
astsawhimlastmont
hact
ual
lyl
astyearandhe
doesn'
tev
entell
mewherehehasbeen.

Him:l
ookIblamemy sel
fforMnqobi'
sdeath,Ibl
ame
myselfforev
erythi
ngsoIwasj ustmour ni
nghim
andthiscomingSaturdayIwanttopreparehima
ver
yrespectf
ulfuneralandIwouldr
eallyappreci
ate
i
tifyoucame.
If
reezeinmychairlooki
ngathi
mthi
nki
ngof
l
aughing,
isheser
ious?
~i
nser
t87~
°
Nqubeko°

Si
m:mat
ea.
.
Me:Iknowwhaty
ouar
egoi
ngt
osayandIwantt
o
behere.
Him:NqubekoIknowy oul
ovemeandal
lbuthewas
yourbrot
herIcanfacethi
sonmyown.
Me:
Iknowy
oucan.
Hi
m:thenwhydidyouchoosetocomewi t
hme
i
nst
eadofgoingtoyourbr
other
'sfuner
al?
Me:Ibur
iedmybr ot
heralongti
meago, t
hatguywho
ki
dnappedmeal ongwithmygirl
fr
iendandtri
edto
ki
ll
mewasn' tmybrothersoI'
m notabouttowaste
myt i
meonsomeonewhohat edmet oapointwhere
hewantedtokil
lmeokaynowcanwej ustdropthi
s.
Hi
m:*
sighs*
but
..
Siy
anda:
*cl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
*dr
ivei
nsi
det
hatopened
gate.
Me:
oft
hewhi
tehouse?
Si
ya:
yeah.
Si
m:asIwassay
ing,
howwi
l
lyouf
indcl
osur
e?
Me:
closur
eforwhat
?Di
dyouat
tendy
ouruncl
e'
s
f
uner
al?
*
*si
l
ence*
*
Me:
exact
ly.
Si
ya:
wai
tyouruncl
eisdead?
Si
m:y
eah.

Iparkt
hecarandwegetoutofi
theadi
ngt
owar
ds
thehouse.

Sim:r
ememberhowIsai
dIwasf
ineandr
eadyf
or
thi
s?
Me&Si
ya:
yeah.
Sim:Il
i
ed,Iam notokayIam ner
vousasf
uckwhati
f
yourd..
Si
ya:dudecalm down,
yeahmydadispret
tymadbut
It
hinkhe'l
lcooloffwhenhehear
syourst
orywel
l
whenweheary ourstory
.
Me:
plusI
'
m her
etohol
dyourhand.
Si
m:*
laughs*
shutup.
Me:seeI
'
m al
readymaki
ngy
oul
aughnowl
et'
sdo
t
his.

°
Simphi
we°

Iwasgoi ngt ousethe" famil

yisstil
lfami l
y"cardon
him butthenhebr oughtupmyuncl eandwel lhegot
met here,aftereveryt
hingmyuncl eputmet hr
oughI
j
ustcoul dn'tbringmy selftoatt
endhi sfuneraland
him bri
ngi ngupmyuncl emademer ealizewhyhe
can'tgot oMnqobi 'sfuneralwhichist odaycause
Mnqobi hasputhi mt hroughal ot
,Mnqobi almost
kil
ledhim, Mnqobi ki
dnappedhi m,heki dnapped
Minenhleandl astl
ybutnotl eastMnqobi i
s
responsiblef orMinenhle'ssecondmi scarri
age,his
fi
rstchil
d,soIunderst
andthatdespi t
eMnqobi bei
ng
hisbrotherhejustcan'
tatt
endt hefuner
alcauseit
willonl
ycausehi m morepain,
attendi
ngMnqobi '
s
funeralwil
lonl
ymakehi mr eli
vewhatheputhi m
through.

Nqu:
Simphi
we!

Il
ookathi
m bl
i
nki
ngf
ast
.

Hi
m:ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
yeahy
eahI
'
mfi
ne.
Si
ya:
asIwassay
ingt
hesear
emypar
ent
sMrand
MrsNdhl
ovu.
Me&Nqu:
nicet
omeety
ou.
Si
ya:
andmom dadt
hisi
sNquhm t
hisi
sMrGabuza
mybossh.
.
Nqu:
Nqubekoi
sfi
ne.
Mr
s:nicet
ofinal
l
ymeety
ou,
mysonher
epr
aisesy
ou
al
ot*smil
es*

Nqubekoj
ustnodswi
thasmi
l
e.

Si
ya:
andt
hisi
sSi
mphi
weMbambomycol
l
eague.
MrN:
l
ookatme.

Il
ookar
oundt
her
oom.

Hi
m:y
ou!I
'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou,
l
ookatme.

Isi
ghl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Him:seewhatyoudidtome?Doy ouseewhaty ou
didt
ome? !
!BecauseofyouIcannolongerwalk,I
canneverwalkbecauseofyou.Thestor
yy ouare
abouttotel
lwon'tbr
ingmyabili
tytowalkagai
nbut
i
tbett
erbegoodcausei
fnotIam cal
l
ingt
hepol
i
ce
onyou.

Igul
ppl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhands.

Me: *exhalingl oudl y *

thest orystart
swher emyl ife
changedandmyl ifechangedwhenIl ostmyf amily.
Aftermygr aduat ionmeandmyf amil
ywentback
homeIst i
l
l remembert heirsmi l
es,
Istil
lremember
howmanyt imest heyt oldmehowpr oudt heywer e
ofme* chuckl ing*21t imes,thenmyusedt obe
fri
endscameandt ookmewi t
hthem to" celebrate
mygr aduat ion"thenwhenwecamebackf rom the
clubmyhomewasi nfir
ewi thpeoplesur roundingi t
witht ears,
Iwasdr unkIst umbl edtowardst hem and
askedt hem what 'sgoi ngon?Theysai dt heyt ri
edto
getthem outoft hehousebutt heycouldn'tt henthey
keptsay ingt heyar esor r y,
Irememberr unni ng
throught hatsmal l crowdl ooking,
shoutingf ormy
mom, mydadandmyl i
ttlesist
ernotbel i
ev i
ngt hat
theyar einsi det hebur ninghouse.WhenIr eali
zed
theywer enoti
nthecr
owdIrantowardst
hehouseI
don'tknowwhobutheheldmeback,Iwaski
cking
andcr yi
ngformyfamil
ynot
hingwasmakingsense
I.
..

Il
ookupbl
i
nki
ngawayt
het
ear
swhi
l
esi
ghi
ng.

Me: Iwas21whent heydi ed,afterthef uneral all

of
myr elativesrefusedt ot akemei nsay i
ngI '
mt ooold
I'
llknowwhatt odo.Ihadnowher et ogo, tost ay,Ihad
not hingnocl ot
hes, not hi
ngev erythingbur ntalong
withmyf ami l
y,thef r
iendst hatt ookmeoutt o
"celebr atemygr aduation"t urnedt hei rbacksonme
sobasi callyIhadnoone.Whent hemeet i
ngwas
overuncl eshowedupandsai dhe' lltakemei nIwas
sogl adt hatIwon' tbesl eepingi nt hest r
eets.My
planwast ogobackt ocampust hef ollowingday
andseei ftheycanof fermeanot hercer ti
fi
cat esince
theoneIgotbur nedt heysai di twilltakeal ongt ime
probabl yclosetoamont hsoIshoul dwai t.WhenI
wentbackt ouncle'shousehewaswai ti
ngf orme
wit
hastrai
ghtf
ace.Fr
om t
hatdayhest
art
ed
t
rai
ningmea..
MrN:
tr
aini
ngy
ouf
orwhat
?
Me: tobeacr i
mi nal
*shr uggi ng* tobehi spetwhohad
todoal lhisdirtylaundr y ,
asmuchasIhat eddoi ngall
thet hingsIdi df orhim Icoul dn' tsaynobecauseI
fearedendi ngupont hest reet s,ifwewer etot alk
aboutourf ear smywor stf eari st oendupont he
streetswi thnot hingev ent houghwhenIwasl ivi
ng
withuncl eIhadnot hingbutat leastIhadar oofov er
myhead.Any wayIst artedof fbyr acingi twasn' tjust
anyr acing,itwasawi nordi er ace. .
.myf ir
stt i
meI
l
ostandmyuncl ebeggedf ormenott ogetki lledbut
Ilostmyl eg,thisonei sfake* sighi ng*afterbeing
takent oexpensi vehospi talstohav ethisleg
i
nst all
eduncl etoldmeIhadt ogobackt oracingt o
winbackhi smoneyt hathe" wai sted"onmeandby
l
uckIwont hent her acingwentf orabout3mont hs
befor ehemov edmet ost ealingcar sthent or obbing
ri
chpeopl e'shouses. *sighing* y ourhousesi rwasmy
fi
rsthouser obandIwasner vousj ustli
keonmyf ir
st
raceI .
.
MrN:
*si
ghs*
butdi
dyouhav
etoshootme?
Me:IwasorderedtooandasapuppetIhadt odo
whatthemast ersai
d,y
ouar enotthefi
rstper
son
whoI'vepl
acedonawheel chai
rbutwiththeother
s
i
t'
sdiff
erentcausetheyhealed.Si
rIknowI '
ve
causedyougreatpainthatIcannottakeawaybutI
humblyapologizeandifIhavetopayformyacti t
's
okayyoucancal lt
hepolice.
Mr
sN:
didt
hecampuscomet
hrough?
Me:
yeah.
Her:
thenwhydi
dn'ty
oul ookforaj
obandl
i
vet
hat
hel
l
oholeyouwereli
vingin?
Me:assoonasIst artedcont r
ibuti
ngmyCVshe
madesur ethatIdonotgethi red,tel
l
ingthe
compani esthatIhav eacr i
minal r
ecord,turnsouthe
waspl anningonnev erlett
ingmego. .
.Iaccepted
that,
inmymi ndItoldmy selfthatIwasbei ng
punishedf ormybaddeedbutmost l
yf orleavi
ngthe
houset hedaymyf amilydiedcausei fIdidn'tl
eaveI
wouldhav edonesomet hing.Iliv
edmyl i
febelievi
ng
thatIdeser v
ewhatwashappeni ngtomeunt i
lImet
Nquandt
hati
sanot
herst
oryf
oranot
herday
.

*
*si
l
ence*
*

SomemaysayI '
m weakbecauseoffeari
ngli
vi
ngin
thestreetsbutt
heyhavenoideaofwhatthestr
eet
s
didtomydad, If
earthest
reet
smor et
hanIfear
dying.Ifeart
hestr
eetsmorethananyt
hing.
~i
nser
t88~

°
Simphi
we°

MrN: *
sighs* Iwon'tcallt
hecopsony ouandas
youngasy ouarey ou'
v ebeenthroughalot,
Iwouldn'
t
wishwhaty ouwentt hroughupont oanyone.Pl
us
I'
m nevergonnawal ksot here'
snoneedt ocryover
spil
tmilk*shrugs*Iforgiv
ey ou.

Iexhal
eloudl
yinr
eli
ef.

Me:
thanky
ouSi
r.
Nqu:
andi
fyouneedanyhel
pMrNdhl
ovuj
ustcal
lus.
Hi
m:Iwi
l
lson.
Nqu:
soSi
yandaIguessy
ou'
l
lber
esi
gni
ngsoon.
Si
ya:
noty
et.
MrN:
seeaf
termycompanygotshutdownand
drowningindebtsleftrightandcent erIhadt osell
thebuildi
ngsorightnowwehav enobui lding,with
thi
scont r
actwecanr estartthecompanyaf ter
renewingthecontractfirstofcour se,butf i
rstwe
needabui l
dingiteit
herwebuyi torwest artfrom
scrat
chandbot hwi l
ltaket imeandwi llr
equi realot
ofmoney .WithSiyandast i
l
lwor ki
ngf oryouhecan
helpthereandthereinr aisi
ngt hemoney .
Me:
Iwoul
dal
sol
ovet
ohel
p.*
smi
l
ing*
MrN:
ohsony
our
eal
l
ydon'
th.
.
Me:
Iwantt
oopl
ease.
MrN:
wel
lokay
*smi
l
es*

Nqubekohashist
hinkingfaceon,
Iwantt
opinchhi
m
causeI'
m sur
ehe'
sthinkingsomethi
nghuge.

Nqu:
fewmonthsagoIboughtalandt
ostar
tmynew
br
anchandsi
nceI'
m noti
nar ushwhynott
akei
t.
MrN:t
hatwouldbelesswor
kcausewe'
ll
beleftwit
h
onl
ybuil
ding*
smil
es*howmuchi
sit?We'
llt
akeit
.
Nqu:
*smi
l
es*
okay
.

Weal
ll
ookathi
m conf
used.

MrN:uhm sonhowmuchi
sitsowe'
l
lst
artset
ti
ng
upt
hebudget.
Nqu:
I'
m notsel
l
ingi
ttoy
ouI
'
m gi
vi
ngi
ttoy
ou.
Me:
mat
ea.
.
Nqu:
hushwena(
you)
Siy
a:Si
rIt
hinkIspeakforal
lofuswhenIsaythank
youbutwecan'tacceptt
hatoff
er,
i
tiswaytoomuch
Sir
.
Nqu:
sincey
ou'
resti
l
l myemployee,f
ir
stthi
ngon
MondayIwantyoutodoisdrawupacont ract
si
gni
ngupmyl andt
oy ourf
atherandthat'
sanorder
.
Si
ya:
butS.
.
Nqu:pl
easecal
lmeNqubekoandl
etusnotar
gue
aboutthi
s.
Me:well
he'sstubbor
nbynat
uresoIknowhewon'
t
changehismind.
MrN:
IuhIdon'
tknowwhatt
osay
..
thanky
ou.
MrsN:
*sheddi
ngtear
s*y
eaht
hanky
ousomucht
o
t
hebot
hofy ou.
Nqu:
i
t'sapleasur
ebutt
her
e'sacat
cht
hough,
the
l
andisinDurban.
MrN:
i
tdoesn'
tmat
ter
.
Nqu:
great
.

West ar
ttal
kingaboutotherthingsandgettoknow
eachothermore,Icer
tai
nlydidn'ti
maginethi
ngs
play
ingoffl
ikethisandIdidn'tthi
nktheywould
warm uptomesosoonorev enwar m uptomeatall
.

Afterever
ythi
ngmeandNqubeent hr
oughweswor e
nevertoletanyonei
nourcircl
ebutSi
yandaisa
greatguyli
keNquoncesai dandIwouldn'
tmind
havinghiminourcir
clebutIhavet
ocor r
upthi
m
sooncausehei swaytooniceevenmor eni
certhan
Nqubeko.

°
Nqubeko°

Well
thingswentgr
eatevent
houghIalmostcr i
ed
whenSimphiwewastell
i
nghisst
ory.Ineverknewhe
hasafakeleg,
i
ndeedhehasbeenthroughwayt oo
much.
Anywaywear ebackinDurbanandSi
yandacame
backwithus,
wear ei
nmyhouser i
ghtnowdri
nki
ng
beeroverali
ghtconver
sati
onandhonest
ly
somethinghasbeenbotheri
ngme.

Me:
mat
e.
Si
m: ohyeahSiy
andathat
'showwecall
eachother
sohelpmeandnev ercal
lmebymyname, t
hisone
al
resydoesthatwhenI'
veti
ckedhi
m of
f.
Si
ya:
*l
aughs*
not
edbutwhati
fyout
ickmeof
ftoo?
Si
m:Idon'
twannal
i
etoy
ouandsayIwon'
tti
cky
ou
of
fcauseIwi
l
l.
Si
ya:
Nqubekoi
sheal
way
sli
ket
his?
Si
m:mat
e,i
tai
n'
thar
d.
Me:*chuckl
i
ng*gi
vetheguyabr
eakhauany
way
aboutyourpar
ents.
Si
m:whataboutt
hem?
Me:
don'
tyout
hinkt
hei
rdeat
hwaski
ndaodd?
Si
m:whatdoy
oumean?
Me:
whatti
medidy
ouandy
our"
fri
ends"cameback
f
rom t
hecl
ub?
Si
m:ar
ound22h00.
Me:
whatt
imedoy
ourpar
ent
susual
l
ygot
obed?
Si
m:22h00andmysi
sterusual
l
ygot
obedat23h00
af
terst
udyi
ng.
Me:soit
'spossibl
ethatont
hatdayt
heywer
e
al
readyasleep?
Sim:notheysai
dtheywer
egoingtowai
tupf
orme,
I
thi
nktheyweregoingt
osurpr
isemewit
hamini
par
tyhencewhymyf
ri
endst
ookmeout
.
Me:okaysotheywer
enotasleepwhent hef
ir
e
st
artedbutcoul
dn'
tgetoutofthehouse.
Si
m:okaywher
ear
eyougoi
ngwi
tht
his?
Me:
ohcomeony
ou'
ret
hesmar
toneher
e.
Si
m:Iknowbutr
ightnowI
'
m cl
uel
ess.
Si
ya:
Ithi
nkIgetwher
eNqui
sgoi
ngwi
tht
his.
Me:
seecomeonmat
ewakeup,
yourf
ami
l
y'sdeat
h
waspl
anned.

Hel
ooksatmel
i
kehe'
sseei
ngaghost
.

Me:thi
nkaboutthisman, whenyougott heret
he
housewasalreadyinf l
amesmeani ngithadlong
star
tedandwheni tstart
editwasear l
y,
y ourf
amil
y
wasn'tasl
eepyetwhent hef i
rest
artedtheycoul
d
haveranoutaskingforhelp.
Si
m:*
conf
used*
butt
henwhydi
dn'
tthey
?
Me:*r
oll
ingmyeyes*theywer
elockedinsi
deorthey
weredruggedbythepersonwhostar
tedthefi
rebut
al
li
nal li
twasall
planned.

Hest
andsupandpacesupanddown.

Si
ya:
I'
m wit
hNqutherecausehe'
sspeaki
ngsense
soIguesst
hequest
ioniswhodidit
?
Sim:Idon'
tknowwhybutIcan'
tseem tothi
nk
str
aight,
yesyouaremaki
ngalotofsenseandit'
s
gett
ingmer eal
lyangr
ytoapoi
ntwhereIcan'tt
hink
ofanythi
ng.
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkwecangetanswersnowcausei
t
hinkyourunclewasbehi
ndever
ythi
ng.
Hi
m:*get
ti
ngemotional
*butwhy?Whywouldhe
wantmyfamil
ydeadormay beIshoul
daskwhy
woul
dhewantusdeadcausei fmyusedtobe
f
ri
endsnevert
ookmeoutI '
llbedeadal
ongwi
thmy
f
amily
.
Me:
hencewhyIsaywecan'
tgetanswer
snowsi
nce
y
ouruncl
eisdead.
Si
ya:
uhm whatabouty
ourf
ri
ends?
Si
m:whataboutt
hem?
Si
ya:t
hem t
aki
ngyououtbef
orethepl
annedfi
reand
br
ingi
ngyoubackaf
tert
hefi
re,
Ithi
nktheywer
e..
Sim:
inoni
tofcourse,
itmakesper
fectsensenow.
Fuckwhydi
dn'
tIreali
zethi
ssooner?
!

Si
yahasbr
ainst
oocool
.

°
Minenhl
e°

Iwonderhowt heguy st r
ipwentIwi llonlyseethem
tomorrow.TodayI '
mi ndoorsenjoyingmyspace, I
'
m
watchingmov ieswhi l
est uffi
ngmyf aceinjunkandI
havetosayImi ssmyf amilyhorri
blyandatt hat
momentt hey
'l
l onlycomebacknextSat urday.They
sai
dMl amelii
spr ett
ymuchst il
lthesame, he'
snot
showinganysi gnsofwaki ngup.
Thedoorbel
lri
ngs,
Ist
andupgoi
ngtoopenthedoor
andIam t
akenbackwhenIseeQue.It
hinkI
'
m
fr
ozen,
howI.
.

Hi
m:uhm Mi
nenhl
ehi
.

Ishutthedooronhi
sfaceandr
unbackt
ot he
l
ounget hencal
lNquwhoanswer
saft
erafew
ri
ngs./
/

Hi
m:myf
orev
er.
Me:
*br
eat
hingheav
y*Quei
sinmydoor
step.
Hi
m:what
?
Me:Queisonmyfreaki
ndoorst
ep,
Iam f
reaki
ngout
whyishere?Di
dn'
tyourdadsai
dhetookcareofhi
m?
Thenh..
..
Hi
m:guy
slet'
sgo,
babecal
m downokaycal
m down
we'
l
lbether
ein10.
Ibr
eat
hinandout
.

Me:
okay
.
Hi
m:di
dyoul
ockt
hedoor
?

ShootIdi
dn'
t.
~i
nser
t89~

°
Nqubeko°

It
houghtdadsaidhet
ookcareofQueal
ongwi
th
Zedsohowt hehecki
shesti
l
l al
i
ve?

Wegetoffthecarandrunt owardsthehouse,
Siy
andahasnoi deaofwhat '
shappeningbutheruns
al
ongwithus.Iam shockedt oseehim,he'
sjust
chi
ll
ingi
nthepor chf
ocusingonhisphone.

Me:
Que?

Her
aiseshi
sheadandst
andsup.

Hi
m:Nqul
ook.
.
Si
m:ar
en'
tyousupposedt
obedeadorsomet
hing?
Me:
mor
eimpor
tantwhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Que:I'
m her
eforMinenhl
e'
sfat
herI'
m hopinghe
knowswher eStonei
scauseI'
vebeentry
ingtoreach
him andIcan'
tseem t
ogethol
dofhim.
Si
m:anddoest
hatsur
pri
sey
ousomehow?
Que:*si
ghs*Ihavechangedbeli
eveme, whatIdidlast
yearwasputofl i
neIwasdrivenbygr eed,It
rul
yam
sorr
yespeciall
yyouSimphiweI'm sor
r yforshoot
ing
you.I
'm notheretocausetr
oubleIjustwantt oknow
whereStoneis.
Me:
whatdoyouwantfr
om him?Youbetr
ayedhi
m
r
emember?Your
eall
ydisappoi
ntedhi
m.
Him: *l
ooksdown* Iknow,ineveryt
hingt hatIdi
d
disappointi
nghimi smygr eatestregret,hefoundme
whenIhadnot hi
ngact uall
yIwasnot hi
ngwhenhe
foundme.Il eftmymom andsi sterbackhomeand
cameher eyoDurbant olookforaj obbutIcoul dn'
t
getoneandsoonIr anoutofmoneyt hatmom gav e
me, Iendedupont hest r
eetsIdidn'tevenhav e
moneyy ogobackhome. ..
fewday saf t
ersoseei ng
aroundt hestr
eetshef oundmeandt ookmei nand
play
edt hef
atherfi
gureinmyli
fe,
yesIhav eafat
her
buthe'snev
erthereformeandmyf amily
.AnywayI
betr
ayedhim aft
erevery
thi
nghehasdonef ormeo
real
lyneedtoseehim soIcanapologize.

Si
mphi
wer
ubshi
sfor
eheadsi
ghi
ngl
oudl
y.

Sim:i
t'
scoolmanIf
orgi
vey
ou,
IhopeSt
oneal
so
for
givesyou.
Que:
*smi
l
es*
thanky
ou.
Me:*
sighi
ng*
wel
lEnhl
e'
sdadi
sn'
ther
ebutmay
be
Enhl
eknowswherehei
s.

Iri
ngthedoorbel
landwewaitforanent
ir
emi
nut
e
thenIrecei
veamessagef
rom Enhle:
-

"
Ist
haty
ouont
hedoor
?"
Ismil
eandrepl
ysayi
ngyeahthensheopensupt
he
doorbutf
rownswhensheseesQuesti
llher
e.

Me:babedon'
tfr
eakoutokay,
hewon'tdoany
thi
ng
j
ustletusi
nandI'l
lexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ng.

Shemakesspaceforus,
wewal ki
nheadingtothe
l
oungewhereInar
rateever
ythi
ngforherandonly
thenshest
art
storel
ax.

Me:ohandbythewayt
hisi
sournewmat e
Si
yanda,
Siy
athisi
sMyForev
erMinenhl
e.
Enhl
e:*
blushi
ng*
nicet
omeety
ouSi
ya.
Si
ya:
*smi
l
es*
nicet
omeety
out
oo.
Enhle:
ohandQueuhm uncl
eEr
niel
eftt
hecountryI
don'
tknowknowwherehewentnorwhenhe'
llcome
back.
Que:*
disappoi
nted*owhwellt
hanky
ouandI
'
m sor
ry
forwhatIputyouthrough.
Her
:*smi
l
es*
it'
sokay
.
Him:*st
andsup*t
hankyou,
Ishoul
dgetgoi
ngi
t'
s
gett
ingdarkout
side.

Wenodandhewal
ksout
.

¶Thef
oll
owi
ngday
¶

°
Simphi
we°

Aft
erhear
ingQue'sstor
yIjustcoul
dn' thelpbutfeel
badforhi
m aboutwhathewentt hrough,Iguesswe
al
lhavebadexperi
enceswecanshar e..
.anywayright
nowmeandmymat eswe'
redrivi
ngt oeMl azit
o
l
ookformyusedt obefri
endstoseekf oranswers.

Siy
a:youknowaf
terheari
ngthatguyyester
day
sayi
ngwhathewentthroughmademer eal
izet
hat
weallhaveast
orytotel
landweal r
eadyknow
Si
mphi
we'
ssoNqubekowhat
'sy
ourst
ory
?
Nqu:
*chuckl
es*
no,
what
'sy
our
s?
Siya:
*exhales*seeafterlosingev erythi
ng,the
responsibi
li
tyoftakingcar eoft hef amilyf
acedme
asanol derchild,
andasy '
allknowt hatwheny ou
reall
yarelookingforaj oby oudon' tjustgetitona
sil
verplatt
eritusual
lyt akest i
meandt i
mewas
somet hi
ngIdi dn'
thav ecausemyf ami l
ywas
starvi
ngIhadt omakeapl an,Iendedupdoi ngthi
ngs
I'
m evenashamedt ospeakof ,
disgusti
ngt hi
ngsjust
togetmoney .
.
Me:youknowy
oucant
ell
usr
ight
?Wewon'
tj
udge
you.
Him:*sighs*Igotmy selfajobatt hi
swidow'
shouse
asagar denboyuhshe' sabouti nherl
ate50s,
Iwas
l
ikethisi ssuchadowngr adebutheyIneededthe
money .Onedaymyl i
tt
lesistercamebackfrom
schoolr eal
lysickshewasv omiti
ngbloodwerushed
hertothehospi t
alt
heysai dshehadappenditi
csand
shehadt ohaveanoper ati
onassoonas
possibl
e, wherewasIgoi ngt ogetthemoneyIhad
noideabutt
henmybosssaidshewouldgi
veme
moneyforheroper
ati
ononl
yifI
*cl
ear
shisthr
oat
*
sl
eepwithher.
Nqu:
ewwww.
Si
ya:
*chuckl
es*
Iknowdudebutf
ormysi
sterIdi
dit
.
Nqu:
I'
m sosor
ryman.
Me:*
sighi
ng*i
fonlyIdidn'
ttakethecont
racty
ou
woul
dhav eneverendeddoingthat.
Siya:
comeonmandon'tbeaty
oursel
fup,i
twasa
mistakepl
usev
ery
thi
ngthathappenshappensf
ora
reasonri
ght
?
Me:*
smil
i
ng*
yeah,
nowmat
eyourt
urnwhat
'sy
our
st
ory?
Nqu:
l
ookwear
eher
e.

Iparkthecaroutsi
dePhil
ani
'
shome,heusedtobe
mybestf ri
endanywayweexitt
hecarandhead
towardsthehouse..
whenwegetther
eweknock
thenwaitforsomeonetoopenup.
Me:andNqujustsoyouknowyouarenotoffthe
hook,
whenwear edoneherey
ou'
ll
tellusyourst
ory
causeIcanseethr
oughyourf
acethatyouhaveone.

ThedooropensupandPhi lani
appearshelookt
hin
compar edtohowhewasl i
kewhenIlastsaw
hi
m, hi
sey esar
esor edandsmall
,hi
slipsare
crackedandwhite.
..
wellhi
ssmalley
esexpands
whenheseesme.

Hi
m:S.
Simphi
we?
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
int
hef
lesh.
Hi
m:wowmanIt
houghty
oudi
edorsomet
hing.
Me:
*fr
owni
ng*
whywoul
dyout
hinkt
hat
?
Hi
m:wel
lwhenyoudidn'tshowuptoyouruncl
es
f
uner
aly
ourrel
ati
vesclaimedthaty
ouweredead.
Me:
*shocked*
wow.
Hi
m:uhm pl
easecomei
n.
Nqu:
*cl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
*itsmel
l
sli
key
ouwer
e
smokingi
nther
emanandIhav
esi
nussocoul
dwe
tal
kouther
e.
Hi
m:y
eahy
eahsur
eletmegr
abchai
rs.

Si
ya:
youhav
esi
nus?
Nqu:
yeahbuti
tisnott
hatmaj
or.
Me:*chuckl
ing*
iti
snotmaj orhesays,
whenitgot
hi
m goodhebemaki nganimalsoundsandtrai
n
soundsasifhe'sgonnadieandi t
'ssl
owlyst
art
ingt
o
aff
ecthiseyesandIalwaystellhi
mt oseeadoctor
buthey"iti
snotmajor"
Nqu:
don'tputi
tli
ket
haty
ou'
remaki
ngi
tshoul
dli
ke
i
tismajor.
Si
ya:
soundsl
i
kei
t'
smaj
ort
ome.
Me:
thanky
ou.

Phil
anicomesbackwi
tht
hechai
rsandweal
ltakea
seat.
Me:
soI
'
mjustgonnagetst
rai
ghtt
othepoi
ntcause
i
fIstayher
eforalongt
imeI'
ll
endup
cryi
ng,
someonewasbehindmyfami
l
y'sdeat
hand
I'
m hopi
ngyouknowwho.
Hi
m:*shocked*what
?NoIknownot
hing,
whowoul
d
wantt
okillyourf
amil
y?

Li
kethis,hi
m,he'sdrai
ningmeandIhat
e
bei
nfr
ust r
atedandangryatthesameti
mecausei
can'
tthinkstr
aight
.

Siya:
okaylooky ougonnahav et ocuttheactIget
thatyouwer eSimphi we'sfr
iendwhi chiswhyhe's
beingnicetoyoubutI '
m noty ourfri
endandnever
wassodomeaf av oranddonotl i
e,
Ineedyouto
answert hi
squest ionI'
m aboutt oaskhonestl
y..
.The
daySi mphiwe'
sf ami l
ydiedyouandy ourcr
ewcame
tofetchhimf r
om hi shome,y '
allknewexactl
ythere
wasgoi ngtobeaf i
resowhosenty outoget
Simphiweoutoft hehouse?
What
?Who?Si
yanda?

Nqu:
Siy
andai
sthaty
ou?
Si
ya:
ohyeahIfor
gott
otel
lyouguys,Icanbev
ery
i
nti
midat
ingwhenIwantt
o*smi
rks*.
Me:
fucki
fonl
yIwasawomen.

Theysl
owl
ytur
nthei
rheadst
olookatme.

Me:
wel
lPhi
l
ani
wear
ewai
ti
ng.
Him:beli
evemewedi dn'
tknowther
ewasgoingt o
beaf i
re,
youruncl
esentustogetyououtofthe
houseandgety oubackat22h00wedidn'
tknow
ther
ewasgoi ngtobeafire.
Nqu:
Iknewi
t,
butwhydi
dyout
urny
ourbacksonSi
m.
Hi
m:wear
etr
ulysor
ryi
tj.
.
Me:*
standingup*
saveitIdon'
twannageari
t,
guy
s
l
et'
sgot hi
sispoi
ntl
esscausetheperson
r
esponsi
blef
ormyf
ami
l
y'sdeat
hisal
readydead.

Theysi
ghstandi
ngupthenwewal
ktowar
dst
hecar
wit
hPhil
ani
calli
ngoutmynamenx.
.
.
.
Me:
soNquwear
eli
steni
ng.
Him:mystoryi
sabitunbel
i
evabl
e,Imysel
fdon't
bel
ievei
tplusi
t'
snotashecti
casbothyours.
Me:
agai
nwear
eli
steni
ng.
Him:*chuckles*okaysothet hingi sInev erwantedto
gotoboar di
ngschoolItolddadt hatIwant edtogo
toapubl icschoolbuthedidn' tli
stenIt houghtitwas
hiswayt ogetr i
dofmesomehowsowhenIgott o
boardingschool Igotmixedupwi t
hthewr ong
crowd.Iwoul dspendmyhol idayswi tht hem notmy
family
,thenonedaywewer edr unkandoneofmy
usedtobef ri
endshadagunwi thhim cl ai
mingithis
dad's,west ar
tedargui
ngonwhyhebr oughtitwith
himt henpeopl est ar
tedgather
ingaroundus
thi
nkingwewer efighti
ngandsomehowt hegun
wentof f
* sighs*I
'mt heonewhowashol di
ngi t
,weal
l
panickedandr anawayIt houghtIkil
ledsomeone
butturnsoutIonl yshothisarm..
.butthe" he"tur
ned
outtobeagangst erwhowant edtot eachmea
l
essonI '
llnev erforgetandhedid,
thef ri
endsIhad
ranawayi nsteadofhel pi
ngme.Thescar sIhad
werepai nfulasf uckIthoughtIwasgonnadi e.
Me:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?Youdon'
thav
escar
s.
Him:that'
swhyIsai dit'
sunbeli
evable,Il
aidthereon
thestreet
swaitingtohav emyl astbreat
hbutt hena
l
ady ,
aladywithbeaut i
fuldrawi
ngsonherbody
showedupoutofnowher eshesai dshewast he
Av at
arQueenorsomet hingli
kethat,
shetoldmet o
closemyey esandt henshest art
edspeakingin
somesor tofforeignlanguageandwhenIopened
myey esshewasgone, Iwasheal edandIhadno
scarsIwaspai nfree.I'
venevertoldanyonethis
causeIalwayst houghtnoonewoul dbeli
eve
me. *
shrugs*
Ist
opthecarint
hemiddleoftheroadandt
akeout
myphonedoingsomeresearch.

Nqu:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:
shhh.

~i
nser
t90~
°
Simphi
we°

Me:
wel
lwhatdoy
ouknow?He'
stel
l
ingt
het
rut
h.
Si
ya:
hei
s?
Me:
yeaht
heset
hingsexi
sti
nroy
alt
ies.
Si
ya:
wow.
Nqu:
Simy
ou'
rei
nthemi
ddl
eoft
her
oadher
e,mov
e.

Ir
oll
myey
esandcont
inuedr
ivi
ng.

Me:waitmanyouoncetol
dmeaboutbeingheld
hostage,y
oudi
dn'
tgointodet
ail
sbutwhat'
sthe
enti
restor
y?
Si
ya:
soundsli
key
oudohav
eyetanot
heri
ntense
st
oryt
otell
.
Nqu:
*cl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
*uhm Idon'
t.
Me:
what
?Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oav
oidt
alki
ngabouti
t?
Nqu:
noI
'
mj.
.
Me:
okshutup,
you'
l
ltal
kwhenwegethome.

Theenti
redri
veisfil
l
edwithsil
ence,
comet othinkof
i
thealwaysavoidtalki
ngaboutthe"
hostage"thing
andIthi
nkithastodowi t
hhowhemetMi nenhle
causehealwaysavoidtel
l
ingmehowt heymet .
.
.
Me:
okaynowoutwi
thi
t.
Hi
m:*
sighs*
doIr
eal
l
yhav
eto?
Si
ya:
uhm i
fyoudon'
treal
l
ywantt
otal
kabouti
tthen
wewon'
tforcey
ou.
Me:
uh?Buth.
.
Si
ya:
Simphi
wewecan'
tfor
cehi
m.
Me:
aghf
ine*
rol
l
ingmyey
es*
Nqu:
mypar
ent
shel
dmehost
age.
Me&Si
ya:
what
!?
Hi
m:Si
mphiweremembert
hedaydadshowedup
wi
thMnqobiher
e?
Me:
yeah.
Hi
m:andhim expl
aini
ngaboutcl
ones,
mom shoot
ing
Mnqobi
,dadwantingMnqobitotakehi
spl
ace.
Me:
yeahIwasconf
usedj
ustl
i
keIam now.
Siy
a:who'sMnqobi
?Whatcl
one?Whatar
eyou
tal
kingabout
?

MeandNqul
aughathi
sfr
ust
rat
ion.

Nqu:
Mnqobiis,
wasmybr
othersouhm t
heent
ir
e
st
orygoesl
i
ket hi
s..
.

Hestar
tstel
li
ngust hestor
yf rom whenhehear
dthe
gungoingof
fandrunni ngt
ot hebasementwherehe
foundMnqobionthef l
oor.
..t
henhekeepsgoingto
howhemetMi nenhlebackwhenshewasanur se,
to
whenFiki
lewasforcingherselfonhi
m...
Ithi
nkt
hat'
s
t
hemai nreasonwhyhedoesn'tl
iket
alki
ngabout
t
his.
..
.heconti
nuest
il
lhegettotheMlathing.

Nqu:
I'
veonl
ytol
dMinenhl
eaboutFiki
l
eforci
ng
her
sel
fonme,Ij
ustdon'
twanttot
alkabouti
tthat
'
s
whyIal
waysavoi
dtell
i
ngyoutheenti
restor
y.
Me:
*si
ghi
ng*
wantmet
ofi
ndherandmakeherpay
?
Nqu:*chuckl
es*noi t
'scool,I
'
vebur
iedthatpar
tofmy
pastIwouldburyt heentirememoryofbeingkept
hostagebutIcan'tcauseImett helov
eofmyl if
e
whil
ekepthostage* smiles*
Siya:
*smil
es*
wowt
hat
'sj
ustbeaut
if
ul,
youmust
reall
ylov
eher.
Nqu:
Ido,she'sthest
rongestpersonIhav
eevermet
she'
sbeent hroughalotbutshesti
llsmi
lesl
i
kethe
worl
ddoesn' toweheranythi
ng.
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
weshoul
dwr
it
eabook.
Si
ya:
*l
aughs*
ser
iousl
yman?
Me:I
'
mtel
l
ingy
ouandweshoul
dnamei
t"Si
mphi
we"
I
..
Theybur
sti
ntol
aught
er.

Si
ya:
howabout"
Lif
eObst
acl
es"
?
Me:
wowt
hatcoul
dwor
ktoo.
Nqu:
nahI
'
mthi
nki
ng"
Minenhl
e".
Me:
nxxwear
egoi
ngwi
th"
Lif
eObst
acl
es"
Nqu:
now.
.

Wekeepgoi
ngbackandf
ort
hlaughi
ngi
nbet
ween.

¶4Mont
hsLat
er¶

°
Minenhl
e°

Thi
ngshavebeengoinggr
eati
nmyl i
fe,
workis
amazi
ng,
myf r
iendshi
pwit
hNtokoandLorenzohas
beenawesome, myr elati
onshi pwi t
hNqubekohas
beenblissf
ulwedof i
ghtev erynowandt henbuti t
's
j
ustmi norfi
ghts.Keit
hi snow7mont hsol dhe' s
alwaysonsugarr ushy err,hisfather(
realfat her)was
i
nDur banlastweekt ospendsomequal it
yt imewi th
him Keit
hdoesl ookal otli
kehi m. .
.we'l
lany wayme
andtheentiref
ami lyareinMpumal anga,Ml amel i
hasn'twokeupy etandhi sdoct orsuggest edt hat
Zamashoul dswi t
chof fthemachi nes..
Ml a'smom
fai
ntedwhenshehear dt hatwhi chiswhywehadt o
rushhere.

We'vebeenheref
or3daysnow,yest
erdayIwaswith
Nyakal
loandMosaitwasreal
lyagreatdayIenj
oyed
spendi
ngtimewit
hthem andNyakal
lo'
sEngli
shhas
i
mpr ov
edreal
lygr
eat.

Nur
se:
youcangoi
nnow.

Wearebackatt
hehospi
talt
oseeMla'
smom,my
aunt
.Westandupandheadtowar
dsherr
oom.
Mom:
seemsl
i
ket
odayy
ou'
redoi
ngbet
ter
.
Her:
*sighs*
I'
m notcompl
aini
ngIj
ustwantt
obeout
ofhere.
Mom:
fi
rst
lyl
et'
sfocusony
ouget
ti
ngbet
terokay
.
Her:*
smiles*
okay,
Zamamychildpl
easet
ell
meyou
didn'
tagreetot
hatbogust
hatdoct
orsai
dyou
shoulddo.
Zama:Iwoul
dnev
ermahev
eni
fIhav
etol
oseev
ery
centIhav
e.
Her:
*smi
les*
thanky
ou,
nowcanIhol
dmychi
l
d
pl
ease.

Ilaughgi v
ingherKeit
hthenwet al
kaboutother
things,
laughi
ngthereandther
e.Zamahasl ostalot
ofwei ght,
Ial
waysfeelsorr
yforherwhenIlookat
her .

"
Excuseme"
Wetur
nandlookatthedoct
orwhoZamasai
dis
Ml
ameli
'scl
osefr
iend.

Hi
m:Ml
amel
ij
ustwokeup.

¶2y
ear
sLat
er¶

°
Mlamel
i
°

Me:
Thapel
o!!
!

Hegi
ggl
esr
unni
ngt
oZama.

Zama:*
smil
es*whyarey
oushouti
ngatmybaby
?
andbabywhyareyoual
lwhi
te?
Me:
fl
ouri
sscat
ter
edar
oundt
heki
tchenf
loor
.
Zamapi ckshi m upashecont i
nuesgiggl
ingmaking
mesmi l
e,he'
sv i
siti
ngforonl y1weekandIhav eto
sayIlovet herelati
onshiphehaswi t
hZamaandt he
l
ov eZamahasf orhim despit
eofnotbei ngherchil
d.
ZamaandNt okozodot alkev erynowand
then,t
here'snobabymammadr amaev er
ythi
ng
turnedoutgr eatImov edonf rom Ntokozoand
focusedmor eonmymar r
iage.

Zama:
babehewant
syou.
Me:
nononoI
..
.

Thapel
ocli
ngsonmebef
oreIcoul
dfi
nishmy
sent
ence.

Me:
..
.j
ustchanged.
Hi
m:*
smi
l
es*
lov
eyou.
Ismi
l
efeel
i
ngmyhear
tmel
ti
ng.

°
Simphi
we°

Me:wherewoul
dyouli
ket
ogo?Nowai
t.
.wher
e
wouldyouli
ke"
us"t
ogo?
Her
:*smi
l
es*
Hol
l
ywoodandPar
is.
Me:okaythenitwill
beour" coupl
egetaway "
,wewil
l
beexplori
ngtheplace,l
earningnewt
hings,havi
ngfun
andmor eimportantl
ydoingwhatloversdo*winki
ng*
Her
:*l
aughs*
yeahwel
lonecanonl
yimagi
ner
ight
.
Me:
I'
m bei
ngser
ious.

Shesi
tspr
oper
lyl
ooki
ngatme.

Her
:you'
reser
ious?Asi
nser
ious?
Me:
yesI
'
m ser
ious.
Her
:ohmygoshIl
ovey
ousomuchdoy
ouknowt
hat
?
"
Simphi
we!
!,
Simphi
we!
!"

Isl
owl
yopenmyey
es,
fuckIwasdr
eami
ng.

"
Youhav
etobesomewher
eremember
?"

Ismi
l
ewhenmyey
esseeher
.

Me:
Iwasj
ustdr
eami
ngabouty
ou.
Her
:*bl
ushes*
real
l
y?
Me:*smil
i
ng*
yeahandy
ouwant
edust
ogot
oabae
vacati
on.
Her:
*l
aughs*thel
astt
imeIchecked,
thatiswhaty
ou
wantanditcooly
oucanstar
tplanni
ngi t
.
Me:
real
l
y?*
smi
l
ing*
ShenodsandIpul
lherbymyshi
rtt
hatshe'
s
wear
ingandki
ssher.

Me:
Ilov
eyouNt
okozo.
Her
:*bl
ushes*
Ilov
eyout
ooSi
mphi
we.

°
Minenhl
e°

Nqu:
babebecar
eful
please.
Me:
butI
'
mjustwal
ki
ng.
Hi
m:y
eaht
hat
'st
hepr
obl
em j
ustsi
tdownandr
elax.
Me:ohgodwhydidn'
tIj
ustgotoIt
alywi
thmyfamil
y?
NqubekoIl
oveyouokaybutIam goi
ngtoki
l
lyou.
Hi
m:*chuckl
es*
Ilov
eyout
oobutIwi
l
llov
eyoumor
e
i
fyousitdown.
Me:It
houghtyousaidyouweremeet
ingupwi
tht
he
guy
st odaysojustgoal
ready
.
Her ol
lshiseyest
aki
ngmyhand,
I'
m 6months
pregnantandNquisact
ingl
i
keI'
l
lgiv
ebi
rthsooni
t'
s
absolutel
yannoyi
ng.

Hi
m:doy
ouwantafootmassage?Whatarey
ou
cr
avi
ngf
ort
oday?Doyouneedanyt
hing?
Me:
noandI
'
m cr
avi
ngf
ory
out
oleav
eal
ready
.
Him:
*chuckl
es*
okayokayf
ineI
'
mleav
ing,
Il
ovey
ou
okay
?
Me:
*smi
l
ing*
Ilov
eyouwaymor
e.
Hi
m:i
mpossi
ble.

Ichuckl
eashebr
ushesandki
ssesmyt
ummy
.

Him:
andIl
oveyout
ooi
nther
eIcannotwai
tto
f
inal
l
ymeetyou.

Hel
ooksatmewi
thabeaut
if
ulsmi
l
eandki
ssme
bef
orehel
eav
es.

GodIl
ovehi
m,Iam Mi
nenhl
eandt
hiswasmyst
ory
.

°
Nqubeko°

Si
ya:
howdoy
ouf
eel
?
Me:
Ner
vousasheck.
Hi
m:Icant
ell
.

Ichuckl
ewhi
l
eshaki
ngmyhead.

Me:
any
wayhow'
sthecompanyhol
dingup?
Hi
m:*smi
les*
great
,i
t'
sdoi
ngwaymor
egoodt
hanI
t
houghti
twould.
Sim:andhow'sLorenzot
reat
ingy
ou?ManIst
il
lcan'
t
beli
eveyou'
reint
oourgender.
Si
ya:*
laughs*Simjustshutupandhe'
str
eat
ingme
good,
greatactual
l
y .
Si
m:Ican'
tev
eni
magi
nei
t*l
aughs*
Si
ya:
*chuckl
es*
canwej
ustgoi
nal
ready
.

Wewal kinsi
dethehousewel lIwon'tl
i
eImy self
wasal soshockedwhenSi yandatoldusabouthi s
sexualit
ybutwedi dn'tj
udgehi m af
terallhe'
sour
fr
iend.Iguessourdest inywaswr it
tenalongt ime
ago,3friendstofal
linlovewithother3f r
iends.

Enhl
e:babe?Uhheyguy
s.
Si
m&Si
ya:
For
every
akhe.
Her:
*bl
ushes*
Ithoughty
ouguy
swer
ehangi
ngoutat
Si
ya'
s.
Me:
doy
ouknowhowmuchIl
ovey
ou?
Her
:uhm y
eahy
out
ell
meev
erysi
ngl
eday
.
Me:
remembert
hef
ir
stdaywemet
?
Her
:*chuckl
es*
Iwasr
eadyt
opeemy
sel
f.
Me: yesy ouwere*chuckling*butyoulookedbeaut i
ful
youl ookedl i
keanangel ,
actuall
yy ouwereanangel
senti nhumanf ormjustf orme.Iwoul dn'
tbeher e
ri
ghtnowi fInevermety ou.Icannott elly
oui fI
l
ov edy outhef i
rstmomentIsawy ou,ori
fi twasthe
secondort hi
rdorfourth.ButIr emembert hefir
st
momentIl ookedaty ouwal kingtowardmeand
reali
zedt hatsomehowt herestoft heworldseemed
tov anishwhenIwaswi thy ou.
Her
:*get
ti
ngt
ear
y*babewhya.
.

Igodownonmykneeandt
akeoutt
her
ing.

Me:we'vebeent hroughsomuchandi thasmademe

real
izethatthewor ldi
sindeedf ul
lofperil
,andinit
therearemanydar kpl
aces;butstil
lthereismuch
thatisf
air,andthoughi nalll
andsloveisnow
mingledwithgr i
ef,i
tgrowsper hapsthegreater
.I'
m
onmykneer ightnowaski ngyouMi nenhleCandice
Hlongwanet omakemet hehappiestmanandbemy
wi
fe.

Shegaspst
andi
ngupwi
tht
ear
srunni
ngdownher
cheeks.

Her
:Nqubeko.
.
Me:Iknowi t'
snotgonnabeeasy .I
t'
sgoingtobe
real
l
yhar d;we'r
egonnahav etowor katt
his
ever
yday, butIwanttodothatbecauseIwantyou.I
wantallofy ou,
forev
er,ev
eryday.Youandme...
ever
yday.
Her
:*nodsr
epeat
edl
y*y
esy
esy
esI
'
llbey
ourwi
fe.
LorenzoandNt okoz
oscream whil
eIputonther
ing
onherf i
ngerthenst
andupattacki
ngherwit
ha
passionat
ekiss.
Nowwouldy
oul
ookatt
hat
,t
hist
urnedoutt
obei
ng
myst
ory
..
.
TheEnd.