PROLOGUE

AFEW YEARSAGO

Iwasi nmybedr oom pl

ayingvi deogames.
Somet hinghasbeenhappeni ngt ome, somet hing
thatIcan'tquiteputint
owor dsasyet .I'
m 12year s
oldnow, andsi ncefr
om theageof8.I '
vebeenabl e
toseepeopl ewhohavepassedon.MyPar entsare
rel
igiouspeopl e,t
heybeli
evet hatghost sdon'texist
.
Thatwhensomeonepasseson, theydead.They
can'tcomebackasaghost .They' vet
akenmet o
endlesspr ayersessi
ons,Past orsprayedf ormebut
thi
sabi l
ityneverwentaway.Tr ustme, it
'snota
goodf eeli
ngatal l
.Mostoft heghost sshowupl i
ke
howt heypassedon.Wounded, bl
eedingandsi ck
Thi
sabil
it
yItakeitasacurse,becauseInolonger
l
eadanormallif
e.Theseghostsappearanywhere
andever
ywhere,atschoolt
heycallmeaf r
eak.Ino
l
ongerhavef
riends,Iat
tendther
apyandI'm on
medi cat
ion.MyPsychi
atr
istsaidi
t'
sschizophr
enia,
sheaskedourf ami
lyhi
storyandmyFat hersaidhis
fatherhadthesameabil
it
yt oo.Sothepsychi
atri
st
ruledoutthatt
hisi
sahereditaryf
amilymental
i
llness..
.

MyGranf
atherwalkedin,
hewasi nhi
shospi
tal
gownandlookedpale.Hehasbeensi
ckforawhil
e
now.
.
Me:Papa?
Hest
oodatt
hedoorandsmi
l
edatme.
.
Me:Whyareyouhere?Ar
en'
tyousupposedt
obeat
t
hehospi
tal
?Yousick
Il
ookedathi
m,andIsawbl oodi
nhisabdomen.
.He
wassaidt
ohavepancreat
iccancer
..
Papa:If
eelbet
ternowNdal
o
Me:Butyoust
il
llooksi
ck
Hemadehi
swayi
n..
Papa:Iwantt
otel
lyousomet
hing
Ipausedt
hegame.
.
Papa:Inourfami l
ywehavebeenbl essedto
communi cat
ewi thpeopl
ewhohavepassedon.
Peoplewhocan' tmovetotheothersidebecause
theyhaveunfini
shedbusinesswiththeli
ving.So
theycomet opeopleli
keusforhelp,whenyouhave
helpedthem,thentheymoveon
Me:Butt
heyscar
eme
Papa:Becauset heyarealsoscared,
somedon'
t
understandthattheynolongerhaveaplacewi
th
thel
iving.Soyouhavet ohelpthem gohome
Il
ist
enedt
ohi
m..
Papa:YouarenotsickNdalo,youar ejustspecial
.
Thisgif
tmyf at
herhadit
,hi
sf atherhadi t
.It
's
alwayspassedontothenextgener ati
on.Allthe
fi
rstbornboyshadit,
yourfat
herdoesn' thaveit
becauseheisthesecondbornbutyouruncl ehadit
too.Heonlyhadgir
lssothat'
swhyi tski
ppedt hem
andcamet oyou
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Papa:Godgaveyout
hisgi
ftandi
tshoul
dn'
tscar
e
you
Myf
atherwal
kedi
n..
Dad:Ndal
a
Il
ookedathi
m,hel
ookedt
orn.
.
Dad:Wehavet
otal
k
Me:Okay
Dad:Igotacal
lfr
om t
hehospi
tal
,Papai
sdead.I
knowhowcloseyoutwowere
Il
ookedatmyGr
andf
atherandhesmi
ledatme.
.
Papa:I
t'
sgoingtobeokay,
Iwil
lbehereandhel
p
youunti
lyouareabl
etocarr
youtthi
sgif
tonyour
own

Mynamei
sNdal
aDl
omo,
andt
hisi
smyst
ory.
01

NDALO
[
AFEW YEARSLATER]

Asmuchasmygi f
thasbeenanuncomf ort
ableri
de,
throughoutmyt eenli
fe.Laterinl
ifeitbecamea
blessi
ngandmysour ceofi ncome.Icur r
entl
yruna
showwher eIhel ppeoplecommuni cat
ewi t
htheir
l
ovedoneswhohavepassedon, youknowt oget
closure.Mygiftworksintwoways, Thespiri
tscan
showmesi gnsthenIwor kitfrom t
hereortheycan
showupandcommuni cat
e.

Iwasi nthest udi

owithmyl astclientf
ortheday,
shehasl ostherSoni naf atalaccidentafewyears
ago.Myshowai r
sever ySundayf oranhour,we
covertwocasesperepi sode.Today' ssecondcase
waslive,itwasnotpr e-recor ded.Myf i
rstti
mebeing
i
nt hestudiothislat
e,letal onebei nginthestudi
o
Sundayni ght.Ineededt hisonet obelive,
itwas
goingtocapt urealotofat tentionbasedont he
heavyemot ionsthatitcar ri
ed.Fr om whenshe
walkedthroughthatdoor,
Icoul
dsenset
he
heavinessinherheart
..
Tell
ingthest ory, herSonhadgoneoutwi thfri
ends,
theywentcl ubbi ngandunf ortunatelygotinthecar
drunk.Hewasi nuni versit
ydoi nghi sfi
rstyear
whenhe' sunt i
mel ydeat hhappened.I twasawhi te
woman.Iam abi gdeal, IgetblackCl i
ents,whi
t e
Cli
ents,I
ndiancl i
ent sandsof orth.Myshowi s
call
ed"Readi ngwi thNdal o"andi tgetsmor eviews
thananyot herl ocal showont elevisi
on.

Me:Knowt hatyourSon'
sspiri
tisher
eandhe
wouldli
ketocommuni catewit
hyousothatyoucan
fi
nall
ygetpeacewithregardst
ohisunti
mely
passi
ng
Shenodded.
..
Me:Okay
[
SILENCE]
Me:Idon'
tknowwhybutI
'
m st
ruggl
ingt
obr
eat
h,I
f
eelsomuchpainar
isi
ngfr
om mychest
Li
sa:OhhmyGod
Shegotemot
ionalr
ightt
her
e..
Me:There'
sthi
sshar
ppai
ninmychest
,whatdoes
chestpai
nhavetodowi
thhi
spassi
ng?
Sheclosedhereyesastear
sst
reameddown.Wi
th
herhandonherchest.
.
Li
sa:Heuhm..Agl
asspier
cedt
hroughhi
schest
whentheyhadt
hatacci
dent
I
twasqui
etagai
n..
Pr
oducer
:Ar
eyouokayNdal
o?
Me:Canwecuttoanadbr
eakorsomet
hing?I
'
m
st
ruggl
ingt
obreat
h
Pr
oducer
:Yeswecan
Me:Ineedagl
assofwat
er
Assi
stant
:I'
l
lgetyou
Wecutt
oanadbr
eak.
.

BELI
NDA
Mynamei sBeli
ndaDlomo, Iam Ndal
o'swi
fe.We
havebeentoget
herfor4yearsnow.Wegotmar r
ied
6monthsintoourr
elati
onship,
shocki
ngIknow..
Igrewupi nahomewi thmyGr andmother
,my
Mot her
,andli
tt
lebr
other .Wewer eaverypoor
familyasnoonewor ked, wedependedonmy
Grandmother'
ssoci
algr anttosurvi
ve.

MyPar entsbrokeupwhenIwasyoung, havingmy

Fat hermar r
yhi smist r
ess.Thewomant hathewas
cheat ingonmymot herwi th.Whenhemar ri
edhis
mi stresshest oppedt akingcareofmeandmyl it
tl
e
brot herashi smi str
esshat edus..Unfor
tunatel
ymy
l
ittl
eBr othercouldn'tgett hroughthatpainand
struggl e,hecommi ttedsui ci
dewhenhewas18
year sol d.Pri
ort othat,hewasheavyondr ugs,ver
y
naught yandi tjustgott oapoi ntwherehecoul dn'
t
takei tanymor e.Heki l
ledhi mself
..

Wi
thhowl
if
ewasathomeImett
hisman,
hewas
oldert hanmeandhewasaCI D.Atf irstour
relationshi pwasgoodbutt hent hi ngst ookadar k
turn.Hewasmar riedwhenwewer edat ing,and
whenhi swi fefoundoutaboutus, shewentcr azy.I
remembert hatfat efuldaywhenherandherf riends
l
ockedmeupf ort hewhol eweekendatt hest or e
room oft heirhouseandst art edbeat ingme
sensel ess.Mywombwast heonet hatsust ained
mor et raumabecauseIhadf al l
enpr egnant ,Iwas4
mont hspr egnantandshedi dn' tliket hatIwas
pregnantwi thherhusband' schi ld.Idon' teven
wannat hinkbackt othatexper i
encebecausei t
causedmeal otofpai n.BecauseIl ostmybabydue
tot hel ifechangi ngdamagedonet omywombal so
resul ti
ngi nmehavi ngahyst er ectomy( removal of
theut erus) .Irememberhowsheshovedar oddeep
i
nsi deofme, startingf rom t
heent ranceofmy
vagi naal lthewayupt omyUt erus.Sheshovedi t
andkeptonpushi ngi tinandoutunt ilIstarted
bleedi ngpr ofusel y.Shedi dthatf ort hewhol e
weekend, notonl ydi dsheki llmybabybutshet ook
awaymychancesofmebei ngamot her .somet hing
thatIwi l
lhavet ol i
vewi thfort her estofmyl i
fe.I
rememberherwor ds;" WhenI 'm donewi thyou, no
manwoul dwantawomanwhocan' tconcei ve.I'l
l
makesur ethatyoul oseever ymant hatcomesyour
way" .Idi dn'
tevenl oveherhusband, Iwasj usti n
ther elat i
onshi pf orf inanci alpur posesseei ngt hat
athomewewer est ruggling.Iwant edmoneyt ogo
tot ertiaryaf tercompl eti
ngmat ri
c,thatwassol ely
ther easonwhyIwaswi thhi m.Iwaswi thwi thhim
onlyf or2year s.Iwas20whenwemet ,freshf rom
mat r
ic.At22wespl i
tupaf terhi swi fevi olatedme,
thef ooli nmedi dn'tevenr epor ther.Agai n,howdo
youopenacaseagai nstawi feofaCI D?Iknew
verywel lthathewasgoi ngt omakei tgoaway.So
mycompensat i
ont ot hatwhol eor dealwasf orhim
topayf ormyt uitionf ees, tryingt obr ibemeand
makeamendsofwhathi swi f
eputmet hrough.The
followi ngyearImetNdal o, Iwas23anddoi ngmy
secondyeari nBcur( Nur sing).6mont hsi ntoour
relationshi pwegotmar r
ied, byt henNdal owas
alreadyahi t.Hepai dlobol aandwehadapr i
vat e
traditionalweddi ngcer emonywi thonl y30guest s.
Closef riendsandf ami l
yonl y.WhenNdal ol earned
aboutmypai nandwhatI 'vebeent hr ough, het ookit
uponhimselft
of ur
theronpaymyt ui
tionfeesuntilI
fi
nish,
sothatIcouldbecomplet
elydonewi ththis
si
tuati
onrevol
vingmyexandhi swife.Hedi dthat
sowecoul dpeacef
ullymoveonwi t
houtthem
l
ingeri
ngaroundorhavinganysortoftieswithme.
Icompl et
edmydegr eel astyear,mygr aduati
onwas
earl
ythisyearandnowIam wor kingfullti
me, Iam
abletodowhatIal wayswant edtodoandt hatwas
provi
ngf ormyMot herandGr andmother .Honestl
y
speakingIneverli
kedNur si
ng,butthenwi thhow
thi
ngsar einourcountry,itwasonecar eerthatI
wasguar anteedajob.Ididn'twannabean
unempl oyedgraduat
e.

Iam soblessedtohaveamanwhol ovesmet hi

s
muchanddoesn' tevencar
eaboutmysi tuat
ionof
notbeingabletoconcei
ve,
hejustsays"Itwas
neveryourfaul
t,i
twasasituat
iont
hatwasbeyond
yourcontr
ol"
Whoeversai
dtruelovedoesn'
texi
st,
li
ed.I
'
ma
l
ivi
ngproofofi
t..
NANGOMSO

Iwassi
tti
ngont
hecouchwat
chi
ng"
Readi
ngwi
th
Ndal
o".
Today'sepisodewasser iousforhimt oact ual
lybe
thatvul
nerableast oaskf oranadbr eak.Hewas
struggl
ingtobreath,andhonest l
yIt houghtthathe
wasn'tgoingtocomeback.It houghthewasgoi ng
tohavet obetakent othehospital,buthedidcome
back..I
twasani ntenseandemot ionalepisodeI
don'twannal i
e,i
tgotonegl uedt othescreen...

Mynamei sNangomoandI 'm 28.Myst or

yisan
unpleasantri
de.Imovedawayf rom homewhenI
was15, tocomel i
vewi t
hmyboyf ri
endandhi s
Mot her
.Travel
edbybusf r
om Gaut engstr
aight
downt oKzn.Ther easonwhyIl efthomeatt hatage
wasf ol
lowingmyMot her
'sbrutaldeat
h.Shewas
kil
ledbyMyf ather
.MyFat herwasanabusi vedrunk,
theyusedtof i
ghtalot.Ij
ustdon'tknowhowi tgot
tothatpointofhim kil
li
ngmymot her..Hebashed
herheadwi thanaxe, i
twasl ateatnightandhewas
verydrunkasalways, het ookmymot her'
sli
fe
wit
houtevent hinkingtwice.Myfathergotar r
ested
buthim payingforhissinsdidnothingt ome
becauseitwasn' tgoi
ngt obringmyMot herback..

Iwasl efttober aisedbymyol derbrotherandt here

wasal otofpr oblemsathome.I twasn'tapeacef ul
househol d,Iwasdeal i
ngwi t
hmymot her
'spassing
myownwayandsowasmyBr other
.Wedr i
fted
apart,
foughtal lthetimethatitgottoomuchf orme.
Ithenmoveddownt oKzntolivewi t
hmyboyf ri
end
andhismot her.It
'ssofunnybecauseweknew
eachot herf rom Facebook,Ifhenevershowedupt o
fetchmef rom thebusst opthatdayIdon' tknow
whatwoul d'vebecameofme. .

Hi
snamei sSidneySondezi,he'
s2year
solderthan
me.Heisthemiddlechil
d,hehasabigbrotherand
ayoungersi
ster
.Hissist
eris25andhisbigbrother
i
s35.Si dis30year
sold.Atf
ir
stwhenIcametoli
ve
withthem,theywer
egoodtome.Theloveand
supportIgotfr
om t
hem wasuncondi
ti
onal
,butas
yearspassedbythi
ngschanged.

Sidney'
sMot heri sawi tchdoctor.Shewasmeant
tobeinyanga( traditi
onalhealer)helppeopl et he
ri
ghtway, butshemi susedhergi ftforallthewr ong
reasons.Sheisaver ypower fulwitchdoct oraround
her,somucht hatshei sfeared.Shehashel ped
womenbr eakotherwomen' smar riages,shehas
helpedinrit
ualssuchasukut hwalat omakepeopl e
ri
ch,shehashel pedExescauset ur moili
nt heir
Exesrelat
ionship, shehasdoneal otofdar kthings.
Shehasr ichcli
ent sfrom alloverSout hAf ri
ca.
Someoft hecel ebr i
ti
esonTVt heyhercl ients.She
i
sver ypower f
ulanddanger ous..

Iam notf
ormyrel
ati
onshi
panymore,herSon
abusesmeandsheturnsabl
indeye.Aft
ermatri
c
whenshesawthatIcoul
dpot
enti
all
ygot ovar
sit
y
getagoodj obandl eave, shebl ockedmyf ut ureand
mysuccess.Ihavesomuchbadl uckandt hati s
herwayofsayi ng" Weownyou" .Seei ngt hatImi ght
notgetoutoft hisr elati
onshi p,It r
iedt ocommi t
suicide.Myl astat temptshet oldmet hati fIevert ry
somet hingl ikethatagai n, shewi llmakesur et hat
evenmydeat hisnotpeacef ul.Shewi llusemeasa
zombi e, becausesheownsme.Noonewi l
l
under standwhatI 'vebeent hr oughandst illgoi ng
throughwi t
ht hisf ami l
y, Iwentt ochur chunt ilI
gaveup.I t'
sl i
keGodhast urnedhi sbackonme.I
can'tgetaj ob,Ican' tgohome.Shet oldmei fIr un
awayandgobackhome, shewi llhavemyBr other
kil
ledandmei nt hepr ocess.Shehast oldmet hat
shecur sedme, not hingofmi newi llgowel l no
mat terhowmuchIt ry.Whatshedi dt omecanonl y
beundonebyherandnotanyoneel se.Notevena
power fultraditi
onalheal ercanhel pme, nopr ophet ,
l
iterall
ynoonecanhel pundot his.Thi swomanhas
ruinedmyl ifeinsuchawayt hatIcan' tevenexpl ain
i
t..
.
Tobecont
inued
02

BELI
NDA

Ndalohasaver ydemandi ngandsacr edj

ob.
Somet i
mesi tdoeswei ghhi m downemotionall
y
andphysicallytoo.Imean, deali
ngwi t
hghosts
everydaycanhaveani mpactonyouremot i
onsand
yourphysicalbeing..Idecidedtocookhim his
favori
temeal, I
'
m happyIt houghtofitbef
ore
watchinghisshow.Thel astepisodewasvery
emot i
onalandi taf
fectedhi m gr
eatl
y.

Iworryabouthim alot,
especi
all
ywhent hese
ghoststort
urehim.Itworr
iesmet hatonedayI
mightlosehim becauseofthi
s,i
fit'
spossibl
e.He
assuresmet hataghostcannothurtyouphysicall
y,
i
tcanonl ygoasf arasmovingthi
ngsar oundjustto
scareyou
Iwaspr epar
ingthetablewhenhewal kedin,usual
ly
webur nsageallaroundt hehouseandIprayto
makesur ethatanaggr essi
vespir
itdi
dn'
tfol
low
hi
m home.Thel astthingIwantisaghostmaki ng
ourl
ivesdiffi
cul
t.

Icoul
dseefrom hi
sfacethathewasexhaust
ed
bothemot
ional
lyandphysical
ly.

Istoodthereandl ookedathi m withmyarmsf ol

ded.
IloveNdalowi t
hal lmyhear t
,hehashel
pedme
throughmydeepanddar kestpai
n.Whathehas
donef orme,especi al
lylovingmeasabar ren.I
commendhi mf orthat,noteverymancant akethat
.
WhatIwentt hroughaf fectsusal ot,
morewhenwe
havet obeinti
mat e.Somet imessexbecomesver y
painful
,andhisunder standingont hematt
ernot
forci
ngmenorgi vinguponmehasmademet o
l
ovehi m evenmor e.
Hewal
kedupt
omeandgavemeat
ighthug,
gr
oani
ngi
nthepr
ocess.
.
Me:Isaw,
itwasbad
Wet rytonott
alkmuchaboutt hatpartofhisli
feat
home, whenheisathomeIwanthi mt oenjoybei
ng
home.Idon'twanthi
mt akingstressfrom workand
comi nghometofi
ndstress.Iwantt obehishappy
place,hi
speaceatal
lti
mes.

Itget
shar deratti
mesf ormebecausehei svery
popularandal mosteverygir
l'
scrush,Idogetthe
feart
hatonedayhemi ghtcheatorwantout.Idon'
t
knowwher ethatf
earcomesf rom butIhaveit
..

Me:Whydon'
tyout
akeashowerandI
'
llf
ini
shup
pr
epar
ingdi
nner
Ndal
o:That
'swhatIwant
edt
ohear
Het
appedmybut
tandki
ssedme.
Me:Okaygoandf
reshenup,
I'
llal
sodot
hesage
cl
eansi
ng
Ndal
o:That
'smygi
rl
!
Hewentt
otakeashower
..

NANGOMSO

Sphumel
eleisSi
dney'
syoungersist
er.Il
ivewi
th
her
,herMom andSidneybutSi
dneyandIhaveour
ownsmallhousei
nthesameyar d.

Hismom isweal thybutevenwithherweal t

hshe
neversett
ledforthehighli
feinthesurbubs.She
boughtouthert wonextneighbourslongti
meago
astoextendheryar dandhouse.Wecal lher"Miss
G",hernamei sGlory.Herhouseisbeauti
ful,t
he
mostbeaut i
fulhouseintheghetto.Sheli
kes
fl
eshingalotandowni ngthehood. .
Lel
eandI ,weweresetti
ngthetablefordinner.Si
d
wasnotaround.Him beingwhohei sdoesn'tbother
meanymor e,i
thasjustcometot hepointwher eI
nolongercar
ewhathedoes.Hei scheati
ng, he
abusesme, andhehast wobabymamas.Somehow
Ican'tconceive, I
'vebeentomanyDoct or
sandt hey
don'tseeanyt hingwr ong.TheythemselvessaidI
am ingoodheal th,Ishouldbeabletoconceive.I
am gratefulthatIcan'tconceive,woul
dn'twanna
givethesepeopl eababy.Mi ssGhasal sotr
ied
herselft
omakemecat chbutshehasf ail
ed.She
cl
eansedme, gavemeher bsnothinghaswor ked.

Lel
e:Ij
ustt
hinkNdal
oisaf
ake
Me:Butt
heemot
ionsofhi
scl
ient
sseem l
egi
t
Lel
e:Awukahl
eNgomso,peoplear
egoodact
ors.
Heprobabl
ypaidt
hem t
opullanact
Me:Idon'
tknowhey,
itseemsl
egi
ttome
Mi
ssG:Iagr
eewi
thLel
ehei
sfake
Shecamet othetabl
einherGuccif
lopsanddr
ess.
Thecreepsthatt
hiswomangivesme.
Lel
e:Yousee
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Mi
ssG:Hi
stechni
ques,
someoft
hem ar
efake
Lel
e:Peopl
eli
kehi
m becausehe'
shot
,I'
m sur
ehi
s
showisbei
ngwatchedbywomenmor ethanMen
Mi
ssGsatdown.
.
Mi
ssG:Ngomso
Me:Ma?
Shebr
oughtherarmstot
hetabl
e.Shewear
sgol
d
ri
ngsi
nallherf
inger
sandgol
dchains.
Mi
ssG:Fet
chmemywi
ne
Me:YeboMa
Iexcusedmysel
ftogogett
hewi
ne.
.

BELI
NDA

Ndalocametojoi
nmef ordinner.Hewasinhis
sweatpant
sandvest .Defi
nitel
ynotweari
ngany
bri
efs,
canjustwi
tnesshisbi gdickdangl
ing
ar
ound.Hesatacrossme
Me:Ihavebur
nedt
hesageandpr
ayed,
Myhusbandi snotreli
gious.Het oldmet hatwhen
hewasst il
ltappi
ngi nt
ohi sgift,t
hechurch
tr
aumat i
zedhi m.Theyper formedendless
exorci
smsonhi m,prayedf orhim sayi
nghe's
possessed.He'snotcommuni cati
ngwiththedead
butdemons.
Hi
sgi
fti
sgr
eat
lydi
scour
agedbyChr
ist
ians.

Ndal
o:Ther
e'ssomet
hingyouwannat
ellme
Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:Huh?
Ndal
o:Ther
e'ssomet
hingyouwannat
ellme
Me:Notatal
l
Hebalancedhi
selbowsonthetableandbrought
hi
shandsupt ohi
smouthasiflikehe'
saboutto
pr
ay.Hegavemehi ssoeveri
nti
mi dat
ingl
ook..
Ndalo:Di
dyounoti
ceIdidn'tst
artt
hesentencewith
"
Istheresomet
hingthatyouwannat el
lme"that
's
becausei
twasn'
taquest
ionRat
o(l
ove)
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Ndal
o:Whyi
syourbr
otherdi
stur
bingme?
Myt hr
oatdr
iedupt
hesameti
me..Hepinchedhi
s
eyeswithhi
sthumbandI
ndexfi
nger
..
Ndal
o:Beli
ndaI
'mt
ir
edandhi
sdi
stur
bingme,
don'
t
youf
eelforme?
Me:Idi
dn'
tgohomebecauseIwentoutwi
thmy
f
ri
endearl
ieron,
wewenttoabeaut
yspa.Last
weekwedidanight
shi
ftwej
ustwantedt
orelax
Ndal
o:Youof
ffor7dayscoul
dn'
tyoudot
hat
anot
hert
ime?
Me:I
'
m sor
ry
Ndalo:Ihatei
twhenyouini
ti
ateafightwi
thmeon
purpose,youknowhowimportantt
hisdayist
o
yourfamily
Todayi
t'
smybrother
'sbi
rt
hday.EveryYearwego
tohi
sgravet
owishhim,andthenprepar
eami ni
l
unchathome..
Me:I'
m sor
ryI
'
llgot
ohi
sgr
avef
ir
stt
hingt
omor
row
morni
ng
Ndal
o:Andi
fyoudon'
tgo?
Me:Iwi
llIpr
omi
se
Ndalo:SeenowIcan'
tevengi
veyouafewsl
apsto
knocksomesenseint
oyoubecausehe'
sst
andi
ng
besi
deme
Il
aughed.
.
Ndal
o:Don'
teverdot
hat
Me:Iwon'
tIpr
omi
se
{
SILENCE}
Me:I
shegone?
Ndal
o:Hewon'
tgount
ilyouvi
sithi
sgr
ave
t
omorrow
Me:I
'
m sosor
ry
Ndal
o:IswearIwantadi
vor
ceaf
tert
his
Il
aughedagai
n..
.
NANGOMSO

Weat
einsi
lence.
.
Mi
ssG:Thi
spumpki
ndoesn'
ttast
eni
ce
Shet
ookt
henapki
nandspatout
..
MissG:You'vebeenlivi
ngwit
husforyear
s,Ieven
pri
ntedmyrecipesforyouandmadeacookbook
andyoustil
lcan'
tfuckengeti
tri
ght
?Amer e
pumpkin?
Me:I
'
m sor
ry
Mi
ssG:I
t'
sevenbur
nt
Idi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.
MissG:Iswearsometi
mesyouar
eawast
eno
wonderwhySidisl
ikethi
s
Lel
e:I
t'
snott
hatbad
MissG:Haifusekwenaububuzwengubani
?(who
askedyouforyouropi
nion)
Shehat
esi
twhenLel
edef
endsme.
.
MissG:Sesinomkhubal
aEndl
ini
?(ar
ewebei
ng
di
srespect
ful)
Lel
e:Cha.
.(no)
Shecli
ckedhert
onguet
henpi
ckedupt
hegl
assof
wine.
.
Mi
ssG:Her
e..Eati
tal
lofi
t!
Sheshi
ft
edt
hecasser
oledi
sht
hathadpumpki
nto
Lel
e.
Mi
ssG:Li
dlel
onkeke!(
eati
t,al
lofi
t)

BELI
NDA

Afterdinnerwehaddessert
.Wewer
ehavi
nghi
s
favori
te,chocol
atepuddi
ng.
.
Me:Sothatmeansnosexf
orust
oni
ghtsi
ncemy
Br
otheri
saround?
Ndal
o:Andi
t'
sal
lyourf
aul
t
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:Can'
tyoudosomet
hing?
Ndalo:Whyshoul
dI?Yout
heonewhofuckedup
anddidn'
tgohomewhyareyoumaki
ngyour
probl
em myprobl
em?
Me:Ohwi
t'
sli
ket
hatnow?
Ndal
o:I
t'
sli
ket
hat
..Nextt
imeyouwi
lll
ear
n
Me:Atl
eastIhaveavi
brat
or,
soI
'
m good
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Ndal
o:Excuseyou?
Me:Ihaveavi
brat
or
Ndal
o:Andwhendi
dwegett
hat
?
Me:Af ewweeksago,sodon'
tbesur
pri
sedbyt
he
Bzzzzzzzsoundyougoi
ngtohear
Hel
aughedal
mostchoki
ngont
hepuddi
ng.
.
Ndal
o:Thi
sismyqueuet
ogot
obed
Hegotup.
.
Ndal
o:Wher
edoyoukeepi
t?
Me:I
nmydr
awer
Ndal
o:Okay
Hewal
kedaway.
.
Ndal
o:I
'
m goi
ngt
othr
owi
taway
Me:What
?
Ndalo:Weallmustsuff
erRato,
youbr oughtyour
deadbr ot
heri
ntoourmarr
iagether
eforewemust
al
lsuffer
It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m..
Me:Youser
ious?
Ndal
o:Deadser
ious
Welookedateachotherf
orafewseconds,
Igotup
f
rom t
hechairandrushedtot
hebedroom.Hewasa
f
ewstepsaheadsincehegotupfi
rst
..
Me:Don'
tdot
hat
,that
'smypr
oper
ty!
.
Tobecont
inued
03
NANGOMSO

Sidmadehiswayi
nexactlyat2am.Icheckedthe
ti
mewhenIheardtheki
tchendoorbanging,and
him dr
aggi
nghi
sfeet
.
Ican'tsayIam st i
lli
nlovewi t
hhi m,maybeal ong
ti
meagoyesbutdef ini
telynotnow.Ir esenthima
l
otandknowi ngt hatIcan' teasilygetoutoft his
situat
ion,makesmemor eangr y.Itmakesmehat e
him andhisMot hermor e.Iam aver yangr yPerson,
duet otheyear sofabuseI 'veexperiencedint hi
s
place.BythenIwasst il
ltryingtohealf r
om my
Mot her'
sdeath, andt heycont ri
butedmor eand
mor etomypai n..Istoppedcr yingal ongt i
meago, I
hadt oprotectmyhear tfrom br eaki
ngagai nby
beingverycol d.Byshi eldi
ngi twi t
hanger .Inthe
processIhadt opr ot
ectwhatwasl eftofmysani ty
too..
Heopenedt
hedoorandmadehi
swayi
n.

Somet
imest
hesexget
sfor
cedbecauseInol
onger
wil
li
ngl
ygivemysel
ftohi
m.Iam gr
atef
ult
hatI
haven'
tcont
ract
edanydi
seasef
rom hi
m,It
est
al
mostevery3-6mont
hs.
Het hrewhimsel font hebednextt ome, hewas
smel l
ingli
keabr ewer y.Thatt
ickedmeof fmor e.
.I
pretendedtobeasl eepashishandsnuckupmy
thigh,andwenti nundermyni ghtdress.Hecame
closerandki ssedmeonmyneck, couldfeelhi
s
heavybr eathingtoo.Hegotmyhandandmovedi t
downhi scrot ch,Ididn'
tdoanythingIjustlaidthere
andpl ayedfastasl eep.I
twasnotunt ilhetri
edt o
l
owermybumshor tt
hatIreal
lycouldn'tt
akei t
anymor e,Iheldhi shandandst oppedhi m.He
stopped..
Si
d:Yi
nimanj
eNgomso?(
what
'swr
ongnow)
Me:Youcomef r
om whereveryoucomef
rom and
youreal
lywannadothi
swi t
hme?
Si
d:Ij
usthadaSundaychi
ll
asnamaj
it
akant
iyi
niI
st
ory?
Me:Idon'
twannahavesexwi
thyou
Si
d:Youdon'
thaveachoi
ce,
youar
emygi
rl
fr
iend!
Me:Idohaveachoi
ceandIchooset
osayno!
Ipushedhi
m of
f.
.
Sid:Iam sickandti
redofyourbehavior!Ofnot
want ingmeanymor e!Idoeveryt
hingforyou,
there'snothi
ngIdon'tdoforyouandthenyouact
l
iket his?I
sthishowyout hankme?
Me:St
ayawayf
rom me!
Hegotuponhi skneesandtur
nedme, maki
ngme
tofaceup.It
ri
edf i
ght
inghi
m offbuthewasalot
str
ongerthanIam.Hegotontopofmeandpi nned
myhandsagai nstt
hebed..
.
Si
d:Whydoyoual
waysmakemet
reatyoul
iket
his?
Me:Getof
fme!
!!(
shout
ing)
Hef
reedmyot
herhandandsl
appedme.
.
Me:Si
d!!
Heslappedmeaf ewti
mesandt hatmademever y
angry.Isomehowmanagedt ofr
eemyot herhand
fr
om hisgripandusedallt
hestr
engthIhadt opush
hi
m of f
,Iwasfail
ingdi
smal.SoIwentstr
aightto
bi
tinghim ontheneck.
.
Si
d:f
uckenbi
tch!
!
Hegotof
fmeandIgotoutofbedr
unni
ngst
rai
ght
t
othebat
hroom l
eavi
nghi
minagony.
.

BELI
NDA

Thef ol
lowingmor ni
ngIleftmyhousever
yearl
y
anddr ovetothefamilyhousesowecouldgotomy
Brother'
sgrave.Ifet
chedmyMot herandmy
Grandmot herthenwewentt oKamva'sgr
ave.
.
Wear
ri
vedatt
hecemet
eryandwal
kedt
ohi
sgr
ave.
.
Me:Ei
shMawei
Dist
ance(
It
'sawal
kingdi
stance)
Wecal lmyGrandmother"
Nawe"andIaddr essmy
Motherbyhername.Mymot heri
syoung, shehad
mewhenshewas16.Ial waystookherasasi ster
i
nsteadofmyMot her,myGrandmot herwast heone
whof ull
yrai
sedmewhenmyMot herhadtogot o
schoolandalsost
il
lhavefunbecauseshewasver y
young..HernameisFundil
e,butweusuallycal lher
Fufu.
..
Me:Andher
ewear
e
Fufu:Youwouldsweart
hatwehaven'
tcomeher
ein
years,t
heweeds
Me:Yai
t'
sasi
tuat
ion
Mawe:Kuzof
unekasi
zenj
esizosusa(wewi
llhave
t
ocomesomeot hert
imet
ojustclean)
Me:That
'st
rue
WecroucheddownasmyMom l i
tthewhit
ecandl
e.
MyGrandmotherspl
ashedwat
erallar
oundhi
s
gr
ave.
.
Fuf
u:Kamva,
it'
smeyourmot
her
.Uf
ufuboy,
I'
m
her
enoMawe, noLi
nda
Me:Hil
it
tl
eBr
o
Fufu:Sorr
ythatwecoul
dn'tmakeityest
erday,
don'
t
everthi
nkthatwehavefor
gottenaboutyou
becausewehaven't
.Weher enowandwewoul dli
ke
towishyouahappybirt
hday
Me:Youar
eal
waysi
nourhear
tsandwel
oveyou
somuch
Mawe:Kodwawasi
l
imazaKamva(
youhur
tusal
ot
Kamva)
Fuf
u:Mawe
Mawe:Ubonanjengot shaniukumgcwalel
aukuthi
vel
eusasi
lenasekufeni (
Youcanjustt
elleveni
n
deat
hthathe'
ssti
llapr oblem)
Il
aughed.
.
Il
ovethehumour,t
heuni
ty,
andt
hel
ovet
hatwe
shar
easaf ami
ly.
..
Me:Weloveyousomuchandwewi l
lneverfor
get
you,
att
imeswegetver
ybusythatwecan'tcome
Myphonevibr
ated,
Icheckedandi
twasNdal
o.I
answer
ed.
.
Me:Nat
ure
Ndal
o:Rat
o
Hewasal
readygonewhenIwokeup.
.
Ndal
o:Waschecki
nghowever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ng
Me:Iam att
hecemet
ery,Iam wi
thMaweandFuf
u..
Waitl
etmeputyouonloudspeaker
Fuf
u:Ndal
o
Ndal
o:Fuf
uhowi
sever
yonedoi
ngt
hismor
ning?
Fuf
u:Wedoi
ngwel
landyou?
Ndal
o:Can'
tcompl
ain
Myfami
lylovesNdalosomuch,Ihavenevercame
acr
ossi
nlawswhol ovethei
rSoninlawli
kehow
myMotherandmyGr andmotherl
oveNdalo.
.
Mawe:Sesi
bonanjeukusa,utshaniobungaka?(He
i
sbeingdi
srespect
fulwi
thallthegrassaroundhis
gr
ave)
Ndal
olaughed.
.
Ndalo:I
t'
sboundt
obet
her
e,i
thasbeenr
aini
nga
l
otthesedays
Fuf
u:Wewi
llt
ryt
ocl
eanal
it
tl
e
Ndal
o:Yespleasedothat'
sver
yimpor
tant
,hi
s
pl
aceofrestmustbecleanatal
lti
mes
Me:Youhaven'
tst
art
edshoot
ing?
Ndal
o:I
'l
lbedoi
ngt
hati
n5mi
n,want
edt
ocheckup
onyouguys
Me:Ncooooh
Fuf
u:Weappr
eci
atet
hatal
ot
Ndal
o:I
'
m gl
adyouguysar
ether
e
Fufu:Atl
eastIwentt
othemal
landboughtcake
yester
day
Ndal
o:OkayI
'
llcheckuponyoul
ater
Me:Okaywel
oveyou
Ndal
o:Il
oveyout
oo
Ihungup.
..
Fuf
u:Suchanangeli
nahumanf
orm
Me:Thathei
s
Mawe:Youar
ever
ybl
essed
Me:It
hankGodever
yday

NDALO

Iwasi
ntheof
fi
cepr
epar
ingf
ormyf
ir
st
consultati
ont oday.Usuall
ywhensomeonesends
meanEmai l,
orwr i
testotheshow.Ipr eferthem not
goingintodet ai
labouttheirsit
uati
on,Ijustwant
them tostatewhyt heywanthel pincommuni cati
ng
withtheirlovedoneswhohavepassedon, andthe
restIwillhandleit.
.Myf i
rstconsult
ati
oni twasa
duo, aMot herandaDaught erwhowant edt oknow
i
ft hehusbandi sokayont heothersi
de

JustwhenIwasaboutt owalkout,
Ifeltthisli
tt
le
rush.If el
tmyst rengt
hl eavi
ngmeal it
tle,ther
ewas
aheavypr esenceinther oom.Onethati snot
fri
endly.Mywi ndowopened, agustofwi ndcame
throughknocki ngthepictureofBel
indaandIont he
table.Itwasaheavypr esence,
andthispr esence
didn'tcomei npeace..

Ihear
daknock.
.
Me:Comei
n
Davet
hest
agemanagermanwal
kedi
n..
Dave:Ready?Thecl
ient
sar
eher
e
Me:YeahI
'
mready.
.I'
l
lbet
her
e
Henoddedandwal
kedoutcl
osi
ngt
hedoor
.If
ixed
t
hepict
ure.
.
Me:Whoar
eyou?Andwhyar
eyousomad?

NANGOMSO

Thismorni
ngIwokeupbr oken,
Ihaven'
tcr
iedina
l
ongt i
mebutthi
smorningmyhear twasheavy.My
heartwasver
yheavy.
Sidleftforwork,
Ilit
eral
lyspentthewholeni
ghti
n
thebat hroom.Cr
yingandsl eepi
ngonthecoldfl
oor
.
Mybodywasachi ng,mythroatwassoreandIwas
ti
red..
Il
aidi
nbedlooki
ngatmymot her
'spi
ctur
e,t
heonl
y
pi
ctur
eIhaveofhert
hatIuploadedonFacebooka
l
ongtimeagori
ghtbef
oreIlefthome.
.
Ioftenhearthatyourdeadlovedonecanprot
ect
youi nasense,Idon'tunder
standwhymyMot heri
s
resti
ngpeacefull
yknowi ngverywel
lwhatI
'
m going
througheveryday.
Itbrokemyhear tandonet hingIwantednowmor e
thanever,i
sf orhertocomef orme.Comeandt ake
mewi t
hbecauset hi
swor l
disverycruelforme,I
havenowi l
landnohopet ocontinueli
vinganymore.
I'
m deadinside,I'
m brokeninawayt hatIcannotbe
fixed.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
04

NANGOMSO

Iwaswat chi
nganepisodeof" ReadingwithNdal
o"
onYouTube.Mostpeopl ecl
aimt hathe'sf
ake,I
don'tt
hinkheis.Thi
slooksverylegit,
theemoti
ons
broughtfor
thbyhiscli
entsaren'
tfake.Doesone
knowhowdi ff
icul
titi
st of akecryi
ng?
.Idon'tthink
he'
sf ake.Ndalohasmadei tt
ot hemi
xofbei ngmy
cel
ebr i
tycrush,heisver yhandsomeandIf ollow
him onInstatoo.Toget herwithhiswi
fe.Ili
ket hei
r
vi
deost hattheypost,hecomesver ymuchl i
kea
l
ovinghusband.Thevi deospr oveso,
therewayhe
l
oveshi swife
Ineverthoughtsuchguysexi
sted.Iwoul
dreal
ly
l
ovet odoar eadi
ngwi t
hhim,f
indoutwhatmy
Motherhast osay.Ihaveabonetopickwit
hher.
.

Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
..
Me:Whoi
sit
?
Lel
e:I
t'
sme
Me:I
'
m comi
ng
Igotoutofbedandslowlywalkedtothedoort
o
open..Shewal
kedinholdi
ngat rayt
hathadabowl
ofOatsandjui
ce.Wit
hasmal lbowlofsugaranda
smalljugofmil
k.
Lel
e:Whenyoudi
dn'
tcomet
hroughatt
hemai
n
house,
Ithoughtyounotf
eel
ingwel
l
Iwentandsatont
hebed.
.
Me:Thankyou
Lel
e:Whathappened?Whyi
syourf
acer
ed?
Me:Si
dandIgott
oitl
astni
ght
Lel
e:OhhLor
d,whathashedonenow?
Igotemot
ional
.Sheputt
het
rayont
hedr
esser
..
Me:I'mtiredLel e,
thi
sisnol i
feforsomeonetol
ive.
Il
iveinpai n,Il
iveinfear
, I
'
m alwayssick.I
'
m
depressed, i
t'
sjustalotthatI
'mt aki
ngin
Shecameandsatnextt
ome.
.
Lel
e:I
'
mreal
lysor
ryNgomso
Me:Ij
ustwi
shIcoul
dsl
eepandneverwakeup,
I'
m
deadi
nsi
de
Lel
e:Si
disanasshol
e,he'
smyBr
otherbut
..
SidandLel
ethei
rrel
ati
onshi
pisshaky.MissG
l
ovesSidmorethanLel
e,causi
ngadr i
ftbet
ween
them..
Lel
e:Ial
sowi
sht
ogetawayf
rom her
ebutwher
e
too
Me:Atl
eastyoucangetawayandl
iveyourownl
if
e,
YourMot
herdidn'
tputacur
seonyou.Unli
keme
Lel
e:Kuzol
ungaSi
si(
Itwi
llbewel
l
)
Me:Ni
nikodwa?(
when)
Lel
e:Idon'
tknow
Me:I'
m 28Lel
e,mymat esaremarri
ed,wor
kingand
haveki
ds.Whataboutme?I'm ol
d,i
t'
stool
atefor
mehenceI'
ml ongi
ngfordeath
Lel
e:Ei
shNgomso,
Idon'
tevenknowwhatt
osay
Me:I
t'
sokay,j
ustthankyouforyourki
ndness.No
matt
erhowbadyourMot heri
stoyou,don'
tchange
whoyouare.Don'
tall
owhertoyou
Shenodded.
.
Lel
e:I
'
llkeept
hati
nmi
nd

NDALO
Il
ist
enedt
othewi
fe.
.
Wife:Heusedtoworkatsomemine,
themi
ne
coll
apsed.5peopl
ediedi
nther
eandhewasoneof
them
Me:Whendi
dthi
sacci
denthappen?
Wi
fe:5year
sago
Inodded.
.
Me:Heusedt
osmoke?
Daught
er:Yes
Me:What'
sthesi
gni
fi
canceofnumber2?Because
he'
sshowingmenumber2
Wif
e:That'
sthedat
ethatbr
oughtabouthi
sdeat
h
hediedonthe2ndofJul
y
Me:Isee
[
SILENCE]
Me:Youdr
eam abouthi
m?
Daught
er:Al
ot
Me:Thelastti
meyoudr
eamtofhi
m hesai
d
somethi
nglike"I
'
mtr
apped"
Daughter
:That
'sthet
hing,
Idon'
tunder
stand
becauseweburiedhi
m
Me:Youguysburi
edt
hewr
ongbody,
yourFat
heri
s
st
il
ltr
appedi
nthatmi
ne
Theywer
eshocked.
..
Me:Didyouseehisbodyatt
hemor
gue?Di
dyou
haveanopencasket
?
Wife:Weweren'tal
lowedtoobecauseofthe
severi
tyofhi
sinjuri
estheyt
houghtitwasgoingt
o
betraumati
zingforus
Me:Becausehe'stel
li
ngmet hatt
hemi ne,hi
s
superior
sjustt
ookthebodiestot
hemor gueonly
bodiesthatwer
ediscover
ed.6peopl
edi edinthere,
he'
st he6thoneandhewasf arfr
om therest
,
tr
appedf arf
rom t
heresthencewhytheycouldn't
fi
ndhi sbody
Thewi
fest
art
edt
ear
ingup.
.
Me:"
MyDaught
erevengotmar
ri
edandIwasn'
t
event
old"
Il
ookedatt
heDaught
er.
.
Me:Youmar
ri
ed?
Shecl
osedhereyesandnodded.
.
Me:" Thi
shusbandnyanaofhersisevenpl
ayi
ngher,
he'
scheat i
ngandmyDaught ercr
iesforme
everyday.ThatifmyFat
herwasherehewouldtake
careofhim, andIwoul
d'vel
ongputabull
etonhim"
Theyl
aughedt
hrought
hei
rtear
s..
Me:"Thi
sissuei
sevenupset
ti
ngbecauseIf
eell
ike
Ineedasmokenow"
It
urnedt
oDave.
.
Me:Davecanwegetacigar
ett
e?Oneort
wo?
Dunhi
ll
..Cansomeonegobuyqui
ckl
y?
Dave:Oni
t!
Daught
er:Ican'
tbel
i
evet
his,
it'
sreal
lyhi
m.Heused
t
osmokeDunhi ll
Wif
e:Thi
sisbl
owingmymi
ndr
ightnow,
you
bl
owingmymind
Me:SoknowyourHusbandi snotrest
inginpeace,
he'
sst i
llt
rappedinthatmi ne.Youguysneedt ogo
andsomehowf indhisremai ns,
hewi l
lleadyouto
exactl
ywher eyoucanf indhi sr
emains.Before
goingtheretal
kt ohi
m andaskhi mtoleadyou
str
aighttohisremainssohecangetapr operbur
ial
Thewi
fenodded.
..

BELI
NDA

Ournoseynei
ghbourMaNkosimadeherwayi
n,t
he
fr
ontdoorwasopen.MyMotherandIwewere
cooki
ng,pr
epari
ngKamva'
sfavori
temeal
..
MaNkosi
:Ni
njanibakwaShezisi
yabi
ngel
ela(
Good
morni
ngtot
heShezihousehold)
Mawe:Awwsi
bonawenaMaNkosi(
Goodmor
ning)
MaNkosi:Kwazekwanukakamnandi
,sibonanal
o
i
khekheetaf
uleni(
Itsmel
lsni
ce,
Iseethecakeon
t
hetable)
Mawe:Uyazinj
eisi
kol
alaekhaya(
Youknowt
he
t
radi
ti
onher
eathome)
MaNkosi
:Awwsi
yabongaphel
a(wear
egr
atef
ul)
Mawe:Li
nda!
Me:Ma?
Mawe:Yenzaphel
auyenzel
euMaNkosii
Juice
namascones(makeMaNkosisomej
uiceand
scones)
Me:Okay

NANGOMSO

Ihadfi
nishedbat hi
ng.Lel
edeci dedt hatweshoul
d
gotothemal l
,justtogetf
reshai r.Ineededsome
Savannaciders,minewerefini
shed.Iusual l
ydri
nk
alott
odealwi thmypr obl
ems, alcoholistheonl
y
comfortIhave.
Myphonebeeped,
Iwal
kedovert
ocheck.
I
twasanotif
icati
onof"
R500"senttomyaccount
,it
wasaccompaniedbyatextmessage:
"
Sor
ryaboutl
astni
ght
,Il
oveyou"

I
twasfrom Si
d,asi
fli
ket
heR500wil
lmakeupf
or
whatheput
smet hr
oughonadai
lybasi
s..
Lel
ecamebackal
ldr
essedup.
.
Lel
e:Readyt
ogo?
Me:Yal
etmegetdr
essed
Lel
e:Okay

NDALO

Af
tert
her
eadingt
heyl
eft
.Ihavetotakea5mi
n
br
eak,
bef
oreIdoanot
herreadi
ng.
Iwentbackt
omyof f
icetoeatsomet
hing.It
ookmy
phoneandcal
ledBel
inda.
.
Bel
inda:Hun
Me:MyAngel
Bel
inda:Wegotbackf
rom t
hecemet
eryandnow
wepr
epar
ingf
ood
Me:I
'
m gl
adt
oheart
hat
,thankyouf
orl
ist
eni
ng
Bel
inda:Not hankyouforal
lthatyoudoforus,ifi
t
wasn'tforyou.Wewoul dst
il
lbesuffer
ing
emotionall
ywithregar
dstomyBr other
'sfuner
al.
Youhelpedusal ot
Me:Onl
ybecauseIl
oveyousomuch
Bel
inda:Il
oveyoumor
e
Me:Letmel
eaveyouguyst
ogetdone
Bel
inda:Okaybye
Me:ByemyAngel
Iputmyphonedown.
.
AsIconti
nuedeat
ing,
Ifeltt
heheavypr
esence
agai
n..Il
ookedar
ound..
Thel
ightst
art
edf
li
cker
ing,
myPcwenton,
oni
t'
s
own.
.
Me:Whoar
eyou?
Il
ookedar
oundagai
n..
Me:Iwon'
tbeabl
etohelpyouifyoudon'
ttel
lme
whoyouare,
andifyoudon'
tshowyoursel
f
Theli
ghtst
oppedf
li
cker
ing.Thedooropenedand
cl
osedonit'
sown.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
05

NANGOMSO

Ihaveal oveandhat erelati

onshi pwi t
hmyMot her.
Somet imesIhat ethatshest ayedwi thanabusi ve
man, tothepoi ntwhereheki ll
edher .Therewere
redflags, whydidn'
tshel eave?Whydi dn'
tshedo
somet hinghavehi m arrested?Sheal l
owedt hi
st o
happen.Pur posel
yputtingt helif
et hatGod
borrowedheront hisear t
ht obet akenawayby
anotherhumanbei ng.Thi ssituati
oncoul d'vebeen
prevented, andwhat'swor sei sthatwhatshewent
throughI '
m goingthroughi ttoo.I'm experi
encingit
twicethanwhatsheexper i
enced.AsformyFather
,
I'
llneverforgi
vethatman.Hetookmymot heraway
from me, hedidn'
teventhi
nkofmet hatsi
nceI
'ma
girlchi
ldI'l
lneedmymot her?Hi
sactgaveme
Daddyi ssuesthatIfoundmyselfi
nthehandsofan
abuser .
.
Itwasaround15: 00now, Ihavebeendowni ng
savannaasi fli
keIwasdr inkingwat erfrom thetap.
LeleandIwer epreparingdi nner,
Lel ewasabi t
ti
psy.She'snotmuchofadr i
nker,shedr i
nks
becauseIf or
cehert oo..Mi ssGwasnotar ound,
shehadgoneaboutt or unherowner rands.She's
hardlyaround,she'
sonl yathomei ft here'
sar eason
forhertobeathome. .
Itookt hatpotofr i
cetot he
sinkwhenIst aggeredar oundandf ell,
wi t
hthepot
fall
ingonme. .
Lel
e:Nangomso!
Theboil
ingwaterandthehotr
icel
andedst
rai
ghton
mythighs,Iwasweari
ngajumpsuitt
hatwasver
y
shor
t.
.
Me:Ahhhhhh!
Lel
etookt hedryswabtowipeoffmyt hi
ghs,i
t
bur
nedl i
kecrazy.Shegotcoldwaterandpouredi
t
onmyt highs,Il
aidbackonthefl
oorinpain.
..
..

BELI
NDA

Befor egoinghomeIpassedbymyMot heri nlaw'

s
place.Ndal oisonl yleftwithhisMot her,hi m bei
ng
theonl ychil
d,hermot herhadt woofhi sf emale
cousi nsf r
om hisUncl ewhopassedonf irstbefor
e
hisfat hermovedi nwi thher,andraisedt hem.One
i
scur rentl
yinvar sit
y,onei s16stil
linhi ghschool .
.
Ndal o'smot herisal ovelywoman, youknowhow
Mot heri nlawstendt obe.I fshedidn'thaveagood
heart, shewoul dbeencour agingNdal otol eaveme
sinceIcan' thavechi ldren.Ihadboughtheraboxof
choiceassor t
mentbi scui t
s,shelovest hem al ot.
.
Nanny:Ndal
otel
lsmet
hatyouguysar
ethi
nki
ngof
adopt
ing?
Wecal
lhertheNannybecausesher
aisedt
wogir
ls
t
hatwer
en'ther
sandsheraisedt
hem i
nthemost
l
ovi
ngandwar
m way.
.
Me:Wehavespokenabouti
t
Nanny:Andhowdoyouf
eel
?
Me:Howdoyouf
eel
?Imeant
hechi
ldwon'
tbeyour
bl
ood
Nanny:Ever ychil
ddeser vesawar m homeand
l
ovingPar ents,
itdoesn'thavet obeyourownbl ood.
Sol ongyouguysar einagr eementwiththi
sand
feelstr
onglyaboutit,Iwillsupportyou.Andifyou
everneedTheNanny, Iwi llavai
lmyself
Me:TheNanny
Nanny:Wor
set
henamest
uckwi
thme
Il
aughed.
..
Me:I
'
mjustgr
atef
ult
hatNdal
ohasal
ovi
ngMot
her
Nanny:NowI
'
m Ndal
o'sMot
her
,ar
eyouguys
f
ight
ing?
Me:Nowenot
Nanny:Phel
awhenyouguysareati
t,I
aut
omat i
cal
lymovef
rom bei
ngourmothert
obei
ng
hi
sMot
her
Me:Idoapol
ogi
zeandIr
ever
set
hat
Nanny:Howar
ethepai
nsi
nyourwomb?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Me:Theycomeandgo,wheni
t'
scol
dorr
aini
ng
t
hat'
swhenIfeelmor
epain
Nanny:I'
m grat
efulthatNdal
oistreat
ingyouright
,
whatyouhavebeent hr
oughLindaistoomuch.I
am happyyoual l
owedyourselft
oloveagain,and
all
owedNdal otoloveyouandallowedusintoyour
heart
.Wel oveyouandwewantnot hi
ngbuttosee
youhappyatalltimes
Me:Yougoi
ngt
omakemeemot
ional
Nanny:Maybethenyoushoul
dmakeussomet
ea
t
oeatthebiscui
tswit
h
Me:Okayl
etmedot
hat

NDALO
Me:Youhaveadogt
hatyoul
ivewi
thi
nthehouse?
Her
:Yes
Me:Ever
yni
ghti
tbar
ksandswi
ngsi
t'
stai
ltot
he
r
ight
?
Her
:Yes?
Me:I
tget
soffbedandstandsbyt
hedoorfor
somet
imeanditbar
ksswingi
ngit
'st
ailt
other
ight
?
Her
:Yes
Me:Wheni tdoest
hatknowt
hatyourSonispresent
i
ntheroom andisstandi
ngt
her
erightwheret
he
dogbarks
Her
:Ohhmywor
dwow
Me:Thedog'
snamei
sLucky?
Her
:Yes
Me:Thedogwasn' tasJoll
yafteryourSon'
sfuneral
i
twasonl yaf
terafewweeksofhi sburialt
hatthe
dogstar
tedtobehaver i
ghtagain,
that'
sbecause
yourSonvisi
tseveryday
Shecover
edhermout
hwi
thherhand.
.
Me:Becausehe'
sst andingt
her ebythatpotpl
ant
j
umpingjoyf
ull
ythathe'snol ongerinpainl
ike
"
LookInolongerfeelsickanymor e"he'
sdoingthe
j
umpingjack
Her:Thejumpi
ngjackhel
oveddoi
ngthat,
buthe
couldn'
tbeact
iveanymor
einthel
astst
ageofhi
s
cancer
Me:That '
svali
dati
onthathei satpeaceandhei s
well,
andhedoesn' twantyout orememberhi min
thatmannerwhenhewassi ck.Thevideosofhim
thatyoustil
lkeepandwat chwhenhewasi n
hospitalhedoesn'
twantyouwat chi
ngt hem
anymor ebecausetheybringyoupain, hewantsyou
torememberhi m asthathappyandact i
veboy
beforethecancergotworse
Shenoddedr
epeat
edl
ywi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ngdown.
..
Her
:Youhavehel
pedmeagr
eatdeal
Me:Andt
hei
ssuewi
tht
her
ubberduck?
Shechuckledt
hroughhert
ear
swi
thherhandon
thechest
..
.
Me:Hewant syoutostopshouti
ngatyourDaughter
becauseshe'snott
heonewhomovesi tfr
om it
's
ori
ginalpl
ace.Hist
oysheplayswit
hthem whenhe
comes
Her
:Ial
wayst
houghti
twasmyDaught
er
Me:Nowweknowi
t'
snother
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Me:Whoi
sKevi
n?
Her
:OhhmyGod
Mor
etear
sst
reameddown.
.
Me:BecauseKevi
nisst
eppi
ngi
n
Her
:That
'smySon,
myf
ir
stbor
n.Imi
scar
ri
ed
Me:Bi
gBr
otheri
sst
eppi
ngi
nnow
Her
:Ican'
tbel
ievet
his
Ipassedhert
heboxoft
issues.
.
Me:Kevi
nisal sofineandheunderstandsthe
i
ssuessurroundingthemiscarr
iageandhowi t
deepl
yhurtyout hatyounevergottoholdhim,he
wantsyout oknowthatitwasnotyourf aultthat
youmi scar
ri
edandt hatyoushoul
df orgiveyoursel
f.
Theloveyouneverexper i
encedwit
hhi mi twaspaid
upbyLei ghbecauseafterKevi
nyouf el
lpr egnant
wit
hLei gh
Her
:That
'st
rue
Me:Bi gBrothersar easkingyout oshowmor el
ove
toyourDaught er,yourpai nhasshutheroutofyour
l
ife,anddon'tthinkshe'scr azy..Shedoesfeelt
hei
r
presence,theyvisither,playwi t
hhershe'snot
maki ngthatup.Theyar epl ayingthebigbrot
her
rolesinunity
Her
:I'
mli
ter
all
yshaki
ngr
ightnow
Me:Ihopet hatyouhavef oundtheclosurethatyou
werel ooki
ngfor,
bothboysar eokayandt heywant
yout ohealandcontinuelivingli
fe.Getoutmor e
withyourDaughter,bejollyjustashowyouusedt o
be,theydon'twantyouont heothersideasyetand
yourpai ni
sleadi
ngt here.Theydon'twantyou
l
eavingyourDaught er.Leighisokayhehashi s
BrotherbutwhodoesyourDaught erhave?
Her
:Me
Me:Exact
lysoi fyoucan'
tdoitf
oryoursel
fdoitf
or
her
,shesti
llneedsherMotherandit
'snotfai
rtoher
Her:Iunder
stand,
thankyousomuchyouhave
hel
pedmeal ot

NANGOMSO

LelehadtocallSi
d,hehadtocomebackfrom wor
k
sohecoul ddr
ivemet ot
hehospi
tal
.Ihadona
towelaroundmythighs,
theywer
eburningaswe
drovetothehospi
tal.
.
Sid:Doyour eali
zethatnowyouareaf ul
lblown
alcohol
ic?Howdoyoui nyourr
ightmindcar r
yahot
potdrunkashel landmakingmeleavewor kfor
yourownst upidi
ty?
Iwasst
ari
ngoutoft
hewi
ndow.
..
Si
d:Thenyouexpectmetoactr
ighttowar
dsyou
whenyoucan'
tactri
ghtf
oryour
self?
Lel
e:I
twasami
stake
Si
d:ShutupI
'
m nott
alki
ngt
oyou!
!!
Sid:Youaref
ucken28year
sol dNangomsoand
youwonderwhyyounotmar r
ied?YouwonderwhyI
cheatthi
smuch?Thisi
swhy!Ican'thavean
alcohol
icasawif
e
Me:Thenwhydon'
tyouj
ustl
etmego!
!!
Hest
retchedhi
shandoutandhi
tmyheadagai
nst
t
hewindow..
Sid:Dropthatat
ti
tudewi
thme!Don'
teverfucken
raiseyourvoi
ceatmeorIwillst
opt
hiscarand
createamoviesceneri
ghtnow!
Ir
emai
nedqui
et.
.

NDALO

Dave:Thatwasani
ntenseepi
sode
Me:I
ndeed
Wewer
ewat
chi
ngt
heepi
sode.
.
Me:Al
lepi
sodesar
eint
ense
Dave:Yesbutt
hisonet
opst
hecake
Amber
:Thi
soneal
mosthadmet
earup

"
Nangomso"

Me:Huh?
Theyl
ookedatme.
.
Dave:Whati
sit
?
Me:It
houghtIhear
dsomet
hing
Wel
ookedatt
heepi
sodeagai
n..

"
Nangomso"

Il
ookedar
ound.
.
Me:Di
dyouguysheart
hat
?
Amber
:Hear
dwhat
?
Me:Icoul
dsweart
hatIhear
dsomeonet
alki
ng
Amber
:Wasn'
tme
Dave:Idi
dn'
tsayanyt
hingt
oo
Il
ookedaroundagainwhenIfeltthehai
rsatthe
backofmyneckst andup.Acoldchil
landIgot
goosebumps..Thevoi
cewhisperedri
ghtnexttomy
ear.
.

"
Nangomso"
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
44] :06

NDALO

Lovemakingwi
thmywif
ei sver
ydif
fer
entf
rom t
he
normalr
outi
net
hati
scarr
iedoutinl
ovemaking.
Belindawentt hroughaver yt raumat icexper ience,
thedamaget hatwasdonet oher ,
someofi twas
i
rrever si
ble.Shehadatl east2sur ger i
esanda
hysterect omysowheni tcomest omaki ngl ovewi th
her,Ihavet obeext racaut iousast onotcauseher
painbot hsexual lyandemot ionall
y.Eacht i
mewhen
wegetdownt othatdepar t
ment ,i
t'
llbel ikewe
maki ngl ovef orthever yfir
stt i
me.Thepai nshe
feelsist oomuch, butwi thal otofl ubr i
cantand
howgent l
eIbecomei teasest hepai n. .Iknowt hat
i
taf fectshergr eatlythatIcan' tcar ryoutmysexual
fantasieswi t
hher , hardcoresexi sdef initel
yanogo
zone.That 'sifIwannai njureherf ormont hsand
end, andmakeherhat esex.Ihaveadapt edt othe
sit
uat i
onbecauseIl oveherwi thal li
nme.IknowI
am amanandIhaveneeds, butmyl ovef orher
comesf irst.BelindaandIst arteddat ingwhenIwas
sti
llget t
ingknownbyt hepubl i
c.YesIwasoutt here,
butnotashowIam r i
ghtnow.Shel ovedme
uncondi tionally,andwasn' tfazedbymygi ft.My
previousr el
ationshi pswer en'tsogood. .
Il
ookedather
,andbr
ushedherhai
rback.
.
Me:Youokay?
Shenodded.
.
Bel
inda:I
'
m okay,
it'
sact
ual
lyni
ce
Me:I
sit
?
Shenoddedagai
n..
Bel
inda:Ahaaaaa
Weweretaki
ngitsl
ow,withmeont
opofher
.WhenI
wenti
ndeeper,
shefli
nched.
.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry,
isi
tpai
nful
?
Bel
inda:Al
it
tl
e
Iwaszonedinandsomet i
mesIshif
tawayandsink
moreint
othepleasur
ethenenduptryi
ngtoal
so
sat
isf
ymyselfbutshealwaysal
ert
smewheni t
get
stoopainf
ul.
.
Iuppedthepace,goi
ngal i
tt
lehar
dert
hanwe
star
ted.Hermoanspickedup..
Bel
inda:Ndal
ono.
..Ahaaaaa
Ist
opped.
.
Bel
inda:I
tst
art
edhur
ti
ng
Thi
sneedsalotofpati
enceandifyounotapat
ient
per
son,youwi
lleasi
lygetf
rust
rat
ed.
Me:Youwantust
oli
esi
debysi
de,
faci
ngeach
ot
herandsee?
Thefactt
hatIam gi
ft
eddownt
her
edi
dn'
tmaket
he
si
tuat
ionanybet
ter.
.
Bel
inda:Okay
Iki
ssedher
,aswel
aidsi
debysi
de.
.

NANGOMSO

Iwasadmi tt
edrightaway.IhatehowSi dhandled
thewholesi tuat
ionwiththeDoctorandtheNur se.
Hewentonandonaboutmehavi ngadrinking
problem andhowi t'
sendangeringmeandt heli
ves
ofthosear oundme.Hemadehi msel
fthevicti
mi n
allofthi
s,howmydr inki
ngisruini
ngour
rel
ati
onships.Idi
dn'
thavetheener
gy,nort
he
str
engthtogobackandf or
thwithhi
m aboutt
his,
I
j
ustlethi
m be..

Af
termybei
ngadmitt
ed,theylef
twit
hLele.Maki
ng
hi
sMothert
ost
opbyt hislat
enight
.Iwasshari
ng
mywardwit
hother4ladi
es.
Itwasawardofpeopl ewhowerebur ned, andhad
brokeni
njur
ies.Itwassmell
ingofantiseptic,
creamsandwhatnott hatt
heyusetocl eanthe
wounds.Idon'tknowhowmuchIf eltlikevomi t
ing.
.

MissGwal kedinfeel
ingherself,Isawot hervisi
tor
s
too.Thatmeansitwast henightt i
mevi siti
nghours.
19:00-20:
00.Shewalkedinfeeli
ngher selfas
always,weari
nghergreenAdi dast racksuitand
whiteAdidassneaker
swi t
hagr eenl i
ning.Shehad
agr eenhandbagandhadbl ack&bl ondewi g..
Shelookedatmeandshookherhead,shepul
led
thesmallbencht
osi
tdownwithherhandbagon
herthi
ghs..
MissG:YouknowIdon'
tgeti
t,Ij
ustdon'
tgeti
twi
th
you!
Idi
dn'
tevenl
ookather
..
Mi ssG:Nangomsoyounotl ackinganythi
ng,wenot
slavingyouar ound.Wef eedyou, cl
otheyouanddo
ever ythi
ngf oryou.Ijustdon' tunderst
andwhyyou
act i
ngt hisway.Wecar edf oryouf r
om thefi
rstday
youcamei ntomyhouseandbecameapar tofmy
fami ly.Il
ovedyoul ikemyownDaught er
,Idon't
under st
andwhyyoudoi ngt hi
s.Doyouknowal lt
he
womenwhowoul dgiveanyt hingtobeyou.Youar e
spoi l
ed!Whyyout urningi ntoisdakwasangempel aI
don'tknow, onlyyouknow.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry
MissG:Lookatwhatyoudi
dtoyoursel
f,whati
sthe
sit
uati
onwit
hyou?Shouldwecheckyouintoa
rehabaft
ert
his?
Me:I
twasacarel
essandst
upi
dmi
stake,
I'
m sor
ry
i
twon'
thappenagai
n
Shewentt
hroughherbag.
.
MissG:Isawsomeshopout
side,
I'
m sur
ethey
haveacafet
eri
atoo
Shepl
acedR200ont
hebed.
.
MissG:Buyyourselfsomet
hingt
oeat
,Iknowhow
horr
ibl
ehospi
talfoodis
Shelookedar
oundcl
ear
lyt
hispl
acewasdi
sgust
ing
her
..
MissG:Si
dwi
llbr
ingmor
efoodonhi
svi
sit
t
omorrow
Me:Thankyou
Shestoodandwal
kedupt
ome,
givi
ngmeacol
d
hug.
.
Mi
ssG:Goodni
ght
Me:Goodni
ght
Shewal
kedout
..
..

BELI
NDA
Asweembr acedt
hismomentmore,
andhi
m bei
ng
asgent
leashecan.Thepai
nsei
zed.
Myl egwasoverhi m, hewassqueezi ngmyt high
extendingmor etosqueezemybut t
ock.Idon' tknow
howbuthehadmanagedt osuckmybr eastashe
wenti nandoutgent ly,j
ustt hatslowni cesex.I
endedpr oduci ngmor ej uicesthanthel ubr i
cant .My
handwasbr ushingthebackofhi sheadand
squeezi nghi m harderagai nstmybr east .Heki ssed
meonmyneckandcamet okissmeont heli
ps.He
broket heki ssashi shandwentt omassagemycl i
t.
Webot hmoanedr ightcl osetoeachot her '
sli
psand
oureyesl ocking.Seei nghowmuchIwasenj oying
i
tnowhei ncr easedhi spaceal i
tt
le,itwasn' tpai nf
ul
atall.Heki ssedmeagai n, andbroket heki ss.
Runni nghi st ongueagai nstmyl owerl ip..
Ndal
o:Il
oveyousomuch
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Myeyesr ol
ledatt
hebackofmyheadwhenhe
i
ncreasedhowher ubbedmycl
it
,thepl
easur
ewas
i
ntense.
.
Ndal
o:Lookatme
Il
ookedathi
m..
.
Wecont
inuedandmyhandwasonhi scheek,my
t
humbwentandr anonhi
slowerl
ip.Heopenedhi
s
mout
handgentlybitmyt
humb..
Ndal
o:Yousoowet
Me:I
t'
sver
yni
ce
Idi
dn'
twantt
hemomenttoendt
houghIwas
thr
eat
eni
ngtocomesoon.
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
44] :07

NANGOMSO

Noonel ikeshospit
als,t
heyaredraini
ngand
depressi
ng.Myf ir
stnightwasdif
ficul
t,Ihad
separati
onanxietybecauseIhaveneverslept
anywher
eelsebutSid'
splace.Itwasnotunti
lI
wokeupthi
smor ni
ngtoadi ff
erentat
mosphere.No
Glor
yyel
li
ngatme, noSidtort
uringmeverball
y.I
t
waspeacef
ul.
.
Fort
unatel
ynotmuchdamagewasdonet omy
thi
ghsothert hantheburntbl
ackskin,
Iwonderi
fit
wil
lpeeloff.Iforcedmyselft
obeonmyf eet,
goto
thebat
hroom andal lt
hat
.Ididn'
twannabebed
bri
ddenI'l
lgett i
red.
.

Ididn'twalkouttogobuyf ood,Iat
ewhatwas
providedbyt hehospit
alandImadeaf r
iendonmy
ri
ghtsi de.Wecalleachotherchommi .
.Her
boyfriendburntherfacewithhotoi
l,shewastel
l
ing
met hest or
y..
Chommi :Heisajeal
ousandcontrol
li
ngsomeone
butaf
terthi
sinci
dent,Il
aidchar
gesagai
nsthi
m
Me:Atl
easthewon'
tbot
heryouanymor
e
Chommi:Iprayt
hel
awdoesn'
tbet
rayme,
ift
heyl
et
hi
m outheisgoi
ngt
oki
llme
Me:That
'st
rue,
Ihavel
it
tl
efai
thi
nthel
aw
Chommi:ButI
'
llbemovingawaywhenIget
di
schar
gedtogolivewi
thmySist
er
Me:Atl
eastt
hat
'sbet
ter
Chommi
:MenChommi
,don'
ttr
ustanyMan
Me:Iknow
Idon'
tli
ketel
li
ngpeopl
emyprobl
emsespeci
all
y
someonethatIhavej
ustmet
.
Chommi:Chommi weeeh.
.Thatwomanwhovi
sit
ed
youl
astnight
,isi
tyourMother
?
Me:Mot
heri
nlaw
Chommi
:Shei
sbeaut
if
ulandshel
ooksr
ich
Me:Youcansayt
hat
Chommi
:Doeshehavemor
eSons?
Webot
hlaughed.
.
Chommi
:Howi
sshe?Suchwomanseem di
ff
icul
t
Me:She'
sokayhey,
wehaveourmoment
sbutshe'
s
okay
Chommi:That'
sbett
er,
it'
srar
eforamot
heri
nlaw
andaDaughterinl
awtogetalong
Me:Ver
ytr
ue

NDALO

Iwasal r
eadyint
heoff
ice,DaveandIwewer e
discussi
ngsomeEmail.Thiswomani sinKznand
can'tcomedownhereforaconsult
ati
onsoshe's
requesti
ngifWecancomedownt here..
Dave:Sowhatdoyouwannado?
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.Ihaveneverwentt
oanyonet
odo
aconsul
tat
ion
Dave:Youdon'
thavet
ogot
oherhouse,
ahot
elcan
do
Me:Yout
hink?
Dave:Yes.
..Wecangodownt
her
enextweek
Me:Iguesswecandoi
t
Dave:SoI
'
llr
epl
yback
Me:Doso
Voi
ce:Thankyou
Il
ookedacr
osst
her
oom andIsawher
..
Me:Davewhydon'
tyougi
vemeamomentort
wo?
Dave:Yeahsur
e
Davewal
kedoutcl
osi
ngt
hedoorbehi
ndhi
m
Her
:Mynamei
sVuyi
swa
Il
ookedather
..
Me:Youdon'
tlookdi
ff
erent
,youl
ookpal
e.You
don'
tgl
ow,younotatpeace
Vuyi
swa:I
'
vebeenst
uckt
hist
imef
oryear
sso
Me:That
'sdanger
ous
Vuyi
swa:Iknow
Me:HowdoIhel
pyou?
Vuyiswa:Ineedyout
ofindmyDaughter
,hel
pher
getclosur
eandhelphergobackhome.Hernamei
s
Nangomso
Me:Ofcour
se.
.Soi
t'
syou
Vuyi
swa:Idi
dn'
tmeant
otr
oubl
eyout
hatway
Me:Stayi
ngher
eforl
onghasmadeyouanangr
y
spi
ri
t
Vuyi
swa:That
'swhyyouhavet
ohel
phersoIcan
moveon
Me:Wher
eisshe?
Vuyi
swa:I
nKzn
Me:Whatacoi
nci
dence(
Sar
casm)
Sheplacedherhandonmyt
abl
e,hernai
lswer
e
chi
pped..
Vuyi
swa:Pl
ease
Me:SinceI
'
m goingdownt
oKznnextweekI
'
llhel
p
her
,howdoIfindher?
Vuyi
swa:Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
,andt
hankyou
Me:Youwel
come
Thi
ssi
tuat
ionwassadandheartbreaki
ng.Thi
s
womanwassuffer
ingorr
atherhersoulwasnotat
peace,
she'
sbeenstucki
nthi
sworldforyear
s.She
needstomoveon,
sheneedspeace..

BELI
NDA

Thi
smorni
ngIwasoutdoingsomeshoppi
ngwi
th
mybestf
ri
endandcol
leagueLi
sa.
.
Me:Ineededt
hisbr
eak
Li
sa:Tel
lmeabouti
t
Me:Nextweeki
t'
sbackt
owor
k
Li
sa:don'
tremi
ndme
Li
saandIwehavebeenbestf r
iendssi
ncefrom
Varsi
ty.She'
stheonl
ycl
osestf
riendIt
rust
wholeheart
edl
y..
Li
sa:Iwasthinki
ngthatweshouldpl
anami nigi
rl
s
tr
ipyouknow, l
eavet
heseMenf oraweekendand
gohavefunjustusLadies
Me:Idon'
tknowi
fIcanl
eavemyNdal
ofort
he
whol
eweekend
Li
sa:YouandNdal
oar
egoodt
oget
her
,he'
sa
wonderf
ulman
Me:Aftereverythi
ngI'
vebeenthrough,
Igaveupon
Love.NeverthoughtthatIwasevergoi
ngtomeet
someoneel se,someoneamazing
Li
sa:Thatmanl
ovesyou
Me:Wit
hever yt
hingt
hatwehavebeent hr
ough, he
hasal
lthereasonstocheatbuthei
snotcheating.
Aft
eral
ltheseyearsofbei
ngTogetherhesti
lll
oves
meverymuch
Li
sa:Youdeser
vei
t,youdeser
vet
hisl
ove
Me:Tr
ue

NDALO

Vuyi
swa:That
'sher
,that
'smyNangomso
IsearchedforheraccountonFacebook,
Iwas
goingthroughherpict
ures.
.
Vuyi
swa:Shehasgr
ownsomuch
Me:Doyougot
oher
?
Vuyi
swa:It
riedbutthewomansheliveswi
th,
she
hasprot
ect
edt hehouseagai
nstspi
ri
ts
Inoddedandl
ookedather
..
Me:She'
sbeaut
if
ul
Vuyi
swa:She'
sver
ybeaut
if
ulbutgoi
ngt
hrougha
l
ot
Me:Li
ke?
Vuyi
swa:I
'
drat
hernotsay,
Ijustwantheroutof
t
here
Me:Iunder
stand.
.I'
l
lhel
pyou
Vui
yswa:Thankyou
Me:Canevenr
eschedul
efort
hisweekend
Vuyi
swa:Iwoul
dappr
eci
atet
hatal
ot
Icont
inuedchecki
ngherpi
ctur
es.
.
Me:She'
sver
ybeaut
if
ul
Shel
ookedatmeandsmi
led.
.
Vuyi
swa:Shei
s,can'
twai
tforyout
omeetherand
hel
pherout
Me:Looki
ngfor
war
dtoi
t,onl
ybecauseIam t
ir
edof
youtor
tur
ingme
Vuyi
swa:Imeantnohar
m
Me:Iknow.
.Iunder
stand
Vuyi
swa:Youdon'
tknowwhatyoudoi
ngf
orme
Me:Youdon'
tbel
ongher
e,anyt
hingt
omakeyou
moveon
Vuyi
swa:Youar
eanamazi
ngper
son,
yourgi
fti
t'
s
amazing
Me:I
thasi
t'
sdays
Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
..
Me:Comei
n
ThedooropenedandAmberwal
kedi
n,Amberi
smy
PA..
Amber
:Fi
rstCl
ienthasar
ri
ved
Me:I
'
m comi
ng
Shewal
kedover
..
Amber
:Hear
dwegoi
ngt
oKzn
Me:Yeahwear
e
Shegl
ancedatmyphone.
.
Amber
:Whoi
sthat
?
Shepi
ckedmyphoneup.
.
Amber
:She'
sbeaut
if
ul.
.Cl
ient
?
Me:Yeahsor
tof
f
Amber
:Whyar
ewest
alki
ngaCl
ient
?
Me:Be-
Vuyi
swa:I
t'
snoneofyourbusi
ness!
Ir
aisedmyeyebr
ow.
.
Vuyi
swamovedcl
osert
oAmber
..
Amber
:Doyouf
eel
that
?
Me:What
?
Amber:Idon'
tknowIf
eel
ali
tt
ler
ush,
abi
tofsome
col
dness..
Vuyi
swapul
ledast
randofhai
rfr
om Amberand
br
oughti
ttohernose.
.Amberj
umped.
.
Amber
:Ohhhhhhmywor
d
Me:What
?
Amber
:IswearIf
eltsomet
hingpul
li
ngmyhai
r
Shel
ookedar
ound.
.
Amber
:Isaghostpr
esenther
e?
Me:Uhm.
.
Sheputmyphonedownont
het
abl
e..
Amber
:I'
mleavi
ngseeyouont
heset
Shewal
kedout
..
Me:Howl
ongdi
ditt
akef
oryout
olear
nthat
?
Vuyi
swa:I
'
vebeenher
eforyear
s
Me:Bei
nganAngryspi
ri
thel
pedyoutobeabl
eto
movethi
ngsandmakeyourt
ouchtobefel
t
Vuyi
swa:Yes
Me:IfI
'm goi
ngt
ohel
pyou,
youhavet
orespectmy
spaceandpeopl
ear
oundme
Vuyi
swa:I
'
llt
ry
Shepickedupt
hephot
oofmeandBel
indaf
rom my
tabl
e..
Me:That
'smywi
de
Vuyi
swa:IknowI
'
vebeenf
oll
owi
ngyouf
orawhi
le
Me:St
ayawayf
rom her
Sheputt
hephot
obackdown.
.
Vuyi
swa:Whatashame
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
44] :08

BELI
NDA

Ideci
dedtoplanasmall r
omant i
cdinnerf
orNdal o
l
ateron.Tothankhimforbeingawonder f
ul
husband,t
hankhimforlovingmeunconditional
ly
so.Hehasaver ydemandingjob,hedeservestobe
t
reat
edal
it
tl
e..

Ididoneoft hedishesfr
om myreci
pebook,I
wantedt omaket hi
sdinnerasr
omanti
cas
possible.
.Iwasont hephonewit
hhisMotherasI
preparedeveryt
hing..

Ma:HaiIhavesecondt
hought
swi
thvi
sit
ingyour
house
Me:Don'
tbel
iket
hat
,wemi
ssyouar
oundher
e
Ma:Idon'
twannabei
nter
rupt
edbyaghost
Me:Ther
e'snoghostsar
oundhere,
Iunder
stand
howyoufeelbutNdal
ohasneverhadaghost
fol
lowhi
m home
Ma:HaiIcannott
rust
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Youdon'
thavet
osl
eep
Ma:OkayI
'
llcome,
I'
llt
ellyouwhenIcome
Me:OkayI
'
dtr
ulyappr
eci
atet
hat
Ma:I
tiswel
l

NDALO

Iwasdoi
ngmyl
astconsul
tat
ionf
ort
heday.
Itwasthi
syoungman,
hisgi
rl
fr
iendcommit
ted
suici
deandhewoul
dli
ketocommunicat
ewithher
..

Me:Youaskept
ic
Hi
m:YesIam
Me:Wasn'
taski
ng,
wast
ell
ingyou
Hi
m:Okay
Me:Yourgi
rl
fr
iend'
snamei
sYol
i?
Hi
m:Yes
Me:Commi
tedsui
cidel
astyear
?
Hi
m:Yes
Me:Shehungher
sel
f?
Hi
m:Yes
Me:Youher
etocommuni
cat
ewi
thher
?
Him:Yes.
.Whenshepassedont
hingswer
enot
goodbetweenus,
Ihavegui
lt
Inodded.
.
[
SILENCE]
Isentoutachuckl
e..
Me:HowdoIhel
p?
Hi
m:Issheokay?Ifeel
badaboutwhathappened,
wi
shIwastheretocutthecor
d
Ichuckl
edagai
nandr
ubbedmyhandst
oget
her
.
Me:"Sor
ryNdal
obutIhavetostepi
n,mynamei
s
JohnMaphumulo.Yol
i'
sfat
her
"
Ever
yoner
emai
nedqui
et.
..
Me:Herpar
ent
sar
ebot
hdeceased?
Hi
m:Yes
Icoul
dseet
hathewasst
art
ingt
ogetabi
tscar
ed.
.
Me:" Ther
e'snoDaughterofminethathe'
sgoingto
communi catewit
h,he'
sgoingtocommuni cat
ewi t
h
me.Angi t
hihethi
nksthatheisaman?Sowewi l
l
talkMant oMan.Canhest ar
toffbytel
li
ngyouthe
truthonwhyhe'shere.
.KhulumaNdonda! "
Il
ookedatt
hisYoungManr
ubbedhi
sfaceand
swal
lowed.
.
Hi
m:I
..
.Idon'
tunder
stand
Me: "Youhur tmybabygi rlbadly.Yol iwasn' tmeant
todi el
ikethat,itwasnothert i
meyet .Iwast here
whenhersoull ef therbody, Iaccept edhert ot he
othersidebecauseoft hesuf feri
ngandpai nt hat
youputhert hr
ough.Ndal ot here'snot hingt hat's
painfulthanseei ngyourbabygi rlsuffer i
ngknowi ng
thatyouar eont heot hersideandcan' tdomuch
aboutit,mydaught erwasbl eedingi nsi de.Shewas
mybabygi rlandsi nceIcoul dn'tpr otecther
becauseIl eftthiswor l
d,Iam pr otectingherf rom
him ont heothersi de.Hewi l
lnevert al ktomy
Daught er.
.Hewi llt
alkt ome! "
Hi
m:Idon'
tunder
standwhyhe'
scomi
ngt
hrough
becauset
hisi
sbet
weenmeandhi
sdaught
er
Me:"Phelangat
hisowuyangi
phakamelamf
o"(I
t
l
ookslikeyouaretr
yingt
ostartanar
gumentwi
th
menow)
Theguywi
pedhi
sli
pswi
thhi
sfi
nger
s.I
twasqui
et
agai
n..
Me:Okay..Ineedyoutounder standthatYolican'
t
comethroughandt al
ktoyou, herfat
heris
prot
ecti
ngherf r
om you.Yolicommi t
tingsui
cide
shewasdr i
venbyyou, dr
ivenbyt hepainthatyou
putherthr
ough
Heswal
lowedandnodded.
.
Me:"Ukuthihethoughthecoul dhurtmybabywho
wasalreadyhurti
ngf rom mypassingandgetaway
wit
hit.Mostpeopl etendtothi
nkthatorphanshave
nobackupj ustbecauset hei
rParentsarenolonger
i
nt hi
swor l
d,notknowi ngthedestr
ucti
onwecan
causefrom theotherside"
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:
"HeheheNdal
other
easonwhyhe'
sher
eis
becauset hingsar enotgoi ngwel lforhim.Hel ost
hisjob,hadanacci dent ,njenot hingi sgoingwel l
forhim andhet hinkst hatYol iisrevengingf rom t he
othersidewhi lstit'
smer evengingonbehal fofmy
Daught er.That 'swhyt hiscur rentgirlf
ri
endgave
birt
ht oast illborn, hissi nsar eaf fecti
nghi skids
theyalldie, andi twi llcont inuet obel i
ket hatunt il
heacknowl edgeswhathedi dandhumbl ehimsel f
andmaket hingsr ight .He' sbeent oomanyheal ers,
prophets, t
heyt oldhi mt hesamet hingthatI'm
sayingr i
ghtnow.Yol igavebi rthtoast il
lborn
becauseofhi m, andhet hinkst hathecangetaway
withallthepai nthathehascausedmyDaught er?
Untilhemakest hingsr ighthewon' tfi
ndpeace!He
thoughthecoul ddr ibbl eyouandaskt omani pul ate
myDaught eragai nl i
kehowheusedt oo..Thisboy
i
sver ydisrespect ful!"
Theguyst
oodup.
.
Hi
m:I'
m doneher
e,canyoupl
easet
akeof
fthemi
c
f
rom me?
Wehaveneverhadacli
entt
hateverwal
kedout
f
rom aconsul
tat
ion.
.
Pr
oducer
:Youdon'
twannacont
inueanymor
e?
Him:Notaket
hisof
fme,
Iam doneIwannal
eave.
.
Thisi
sbull
shi
t!
Me:Takeof
fthemi
cfr
om hi
m pl
ease,
wear
edone
her
e
Igotupandpackedmyt
hingsf
rom t
het
abl
e..
.
Me:Clear
lyhei
stooproudtoacknowledgehis
wrongsandheisver
yarrogant
,Ican'
tconti
nuewi
th
t
hisanymore
Pr
oducer:Davet
aket
hemi
cof
fandescor
tthe
cl
ientout
Dave:Okay
Me:Goodl
uckwi
thever
ythi
ng
Hi
m:Youhavenor
ightt
ojudgeme
Me:Youapi
eceofshi
t!That
'swhat
'shappeni
ng
her
e
Pr
oducer
:Ndal
owest
il
lrol
li
ng
Hi
m:Whoar
eyout
ojudgeme?
Me:Youhurtthi
syoungwoman, andyoucamehere
t
oaskforhelpbutthenyoubroadenyourshoul
der
s
whatt
hehelli
sthat?Youveryarrogant
!
Hi
m:Youdon'
tknowme
Me:Idon'
thavet
oknowyou
Pr
oducer
:Okayescor
ttheCl
ientout
,Ndal
oa
momentplease!

NANGOMSO

Sidcamealonetovisi
tme,hehadbroughtmefood.
Iwassitt
ingonthebedupstrai
ghtwit
houtmyback
beingsuppor
tedbyapill
ow.
Iwast
ir
edoflayi
ngdown...Heputt
hepackage
ont
opofthesmallcabi
net
..
Si
d:Hey
Me:Hi
Hewal
kedclosert
omeandplacedhishandsnext
t
omythighs,l
eani
ngf
orwar
dforakiss.
.
Si
d:Wannagi
vemeaki
ss?
Igavehi
m aki
ss.
.
Si
d:Howar
eyout
oday?
Me:Bet
ter
Si
d:Imi
ssyou.
.Imi
ssyoual
ot
Me:Idon'
twhent
heygoi
ngt
orel
easeme
Sid:Ispoket
otheNurse,
saidyourbur
nsar
en'
tas
bad.Theywil
lrel
easeyouthi
sweek
Me:Okay
Si
d:Ibr
oughtyouyourf
avor
it
emeal
Me:Thankyou
Heki
ssedmeagai
n..
Si
d:Don'
teverdot
hatpl
ease
Iputmyhandonhi
schest
..
Me:Iwon'
t
Si
d:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
NDALO

Wewal
kedi
ntomyof
fi
ce.
.
Pr
oducer
:Whatt
hef
uckwast
hatNdal
o?
Me:Hewasanass!
Producer:That
'swasnotf
oryoutojudge!Youare
fuckensabotagi
ngyourownshow!Isthatwhatyou
want?Theshowcanceled?Viewer
ssigninga
peti
tion?
It
ri
edt
ocal
m down.
.
Producer
:Youhelppeopl
e,youdon'
tjudgethem!
.
Whenweappr oachedyou,wehadavisionf
orthi
s
show..Wewantedtohelpyouhaveyourgif
t
recogni
zed,
butwhatareyoudoingnow?Youar e
sabotagi
ngyourownshowMan!
Thedooropened,
Amberwal
kedi
n..
Amber:Theguyi
scalm andhehasagr
eedt
o
cont
inueaft
erwetal
kedtohi
m
ThePr
oducerl
ookedatme.
.
Pr
oducer
:Doyouwannacont
inue?
Inodded.
.
Producer
:Idon'
thaveapr obl
em whenaspir
it
showsangerbutwheni t
'syoudoingi
t,i
t'
sa
probl
em.Thatlastpar
t,t
hatwasunnecessar
y
Me:Iunder
stand
Pr
oducer
:Ambergethi
m somewat
er
Amber
:YesSi
r
Pr
oducer
:Fuckencal
m downMan
Me:Igotyou
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts

Bonuscomi
ngl
ater
[
01/
09,
08:
44] :09
NDALO

Mygi ftormycal l
ingr atheristohelppeople,
no
matterwhatt hecircumst ances.It
'snotalways
guaranteedt hatI'
llcrosspat hswithonlygenuine
cl
ients,thereareot hercl i
entsthatwil
lgivemea
headachebutt hatdoesn' tmeanIhavet oshutt hem
outbecauseatt heendoft hedaytheycamet ome
seekingf orhelpandcl ari
ty..

Themai nreasonwhyIact edirr

ati
onal
lywas
becauseofthef actt
hat,
thisyoungboydoesn't
wannaacknowl edgehiswr ongsandworkhisway
aroundonf i
xingthem.Correcthi
smistakessothat
hi
sl i
fecanbepeacef ul
.
TheangerIf
eltf
rom Yol
i'
sfat
her,
wast
hemai
n
reasonwhyIact
edinthatmanner.
ThisYoungMan,mighthavenotwrappedt
hecord
aroundYol
i'
sneckbuthesurediddri
vehert
othat
point.Fr om howIwasshownwhathedi dt oYoli
, i
t
anger edme.Idon' tbeli
evei nhur t
ingsomeonet hat
yousayyoul ove.Herfather'
sdeat haffectedhera
greatdeal ,shewasexpect ingl oveandheal ingfrom
herr el
at i
onshipbutthisguyt ookadvant ageofher
brokenst at
eandbr okehermor e.Hecheat edonher
repeat edlyso,thestr
essandt hepai nshegott here
affectedherpr egnancy.Shegavebi rt
ht oast i
ll
born.Thi sgirlwasinal otofpai n.
.

Me:Youmi ghtnothavekill
edYol iyourself
,youar e
notresponsibleforherdeci
si onbutyoucer tainl
y
contri
butedtoit.Whenyounol ongerfeltli
ket hat
withheranymor e,youcould'vewal kedawayt han
hurti
ngherl i
kethat.Shewasi npai nandshe
neededyouasherPi ll
arofSt rength.YesYol i
could'
vewal kedawayf rom youshehadt hatchoice,
butatthattime.Shesawyourl oveast heonl ythi
ng
thatwasgoi ngtohealher,shewasemot i
onally
dependentonyouandyoucheat edonhermul ti
ple
ti
mes
Hesi
ghed.
.
Him:Yoliwasbr oken, afterherFat her'
sdeat hshe
shutdown.It r
iedtobet heref orherbutshewas
draggingmeal ongt oherst ate.Ther e'
snothing
mor edif
ficultt
hanbei ngwi thsomeonewhoi s
al
waysdepr essedandsad, evenwhenyout ryyour
hardesttomaket hatPer sonhappyt heysti
llsink
deeperanddeeperi nt odepr ession.I'
vetri
edl eaving
herbuteacht i
meIdi d,shewoul dblackmail met hat
shewi l
lkillhersel
f.SoIwasf orcedt ostayeven
whenIdi dn'twantt ooanymor e.IlovedYolibutshe
waswayt oobr okenandIdi dn' tknowwhatt odo
norhowt of ixher
Inoddedr
epeat
edl
y..
Him:Iam deepl
ysor r
yt oherPar ent s,
herFat hert
o
bemor especi
fi
c.Ifeelhet r
ust edmewi thhi s
DaughterandIfai
ledhim, Ialsof ail
edher .The
si
tuati
onwasbeyondmycont r
ol, i
fIhadt ogoback
andundowhathappened.Iwoul d, Iwouldr everse
whathappenedbutunf ort
unat elyIcan't.Iam her e
acknowledgi
ngmywr ongsandIwantt of ixwhat
hashappened
Me:"
Youseenowyouar
emaki
ngsense.Yol
i'
s
deci
sionwassolelyhers.There'snothingyou
could'
vedonet
hatwasgoi ngtosaveher .She
wantedtobehereandIaccept edherdeci si
on
becausemyDaught erwassuf feri
ngal ot.Ididn'
t
wanthertogothroughpai nanymor e,Iwant edher
tobeatpeace,
Icoul dn'
ttakeseeingheri npai n
anymore"
Hi
m:ThankyouIappr
eci
atet
hat
Me:" Yolii
snomor ebutyouar esti
llali
ve.Youhave
toliveyourbestl if
eandst opl etti
ngt hi
sdr agyou
down.Iam r eleasi
ngyoubecauseal lIeverwant ed
wasf oryout ohumbl eyour sel fandapol ogize,
that'sallIeverwant ed.Iforgiveyou, andIneedyou
tovi sithergraveandapol ogi ze.Youknowwher eit
i
s, youat t
endedthef uneral.Lear nfrom thismistake
andneverputanyoneel sethr ought hatordeal.
AlwaysknowYol ii
sf ineandshedoesn' tblameyou
forwhathappenedt oherandshewant syout o
moveonandbehappywi thsomeoneel se"
Isawhi
m get
ti
ngemot
ional
..
Me:Knowt
hatYol
i'
sfat
herhasf
orgi
venyouandhe
hassetyouf
ree.Youowneduptoyourmist
akes
fr
om deepwi
thin,t
hat
'sal
lheeverwant
ed
Hi
m:Thankyou,
thankyouver
ymuch

NANGOMSO

Sidl
eftaboutaf
ewhour
sago,
theDrcamet
otal
k
tome..
Dr
:There'
ssomet
hingIwannar
unpassyousi
nce
werel
easi
ngyoutomorr
ow
Me:Tomor
row?
Dr
:Yesbutyouwil
lhavetocomemor
eof
tenwi
l
l
gi
veyoudatessot
otreatt
hebur
ns
Me:I
sn'
ttomor
rowt
oosoon?
Dr:Youar
enotinacr
it
icalst
ate,
thatr
equi
resust
o
keepyouher
eforl
ong
Me:Ohw
Dr
:Iwoul
dli
ket
osuggestar
ehabi
li
tat
ionpr
ogr
am
f
oryou
Me:Idon'
thaveadr
inki
ngpr
obl
em Dr
Dr
:Ifyoudi
dn'
t,
youwoul
dn'
tbeher
e
Me:Imi ghthavefall
enof fthewagonabitbutI
don'thaveadrinki
ngpr oblem.Ibel
ieveI
'
m notthe
onlypersoninthewor l
dwhohaseverhadan
accidentwhil
stdrunk
Dr:Whenal
coholputsyouinharm'swaythen
t
here'
saprobl
em, al
coholabuseisaprobl
em
Me:Idon'
twantt
oat
tendanyr
ehabi
li
tat
ion
pr
ogram
Dr:Iunderst
and..
.Giveyour
sel
ftimetothi
nkabout
i
t,nopressureyou'
llst
il
lbecomingheretotr
eat
yourburns
Me:Thankyou
Dr
:Youar
ewel
l
Iam ata100%t hatSidhasever
ythi
ngtodowi th
mebeingdischargedtomor r
ow,Il
it
eral
lydon'
thave
anyfi
ghtinmel eft
.I'
mtiredoff
ight
ingwithhim,t
he
moreIdo.Themor eitkil
lsme,i
tdoesnothingto
hi
m..

BELI
NDA

Ndalowassupposedt obehome30mi nago.Never

call
edtotellmet hathei srunningl at e,
beensi tt
ing
herewaiti
ngf orhi m anddr i
nkingwi ne.Hopi nghe
wouldatleastcal lort ext,butnot hing.Iknowhe
hasademandi ngj obbutheusual lycallswhenhe' s
goingtobel ate,hedi dn'tcallatal ltonight.Ilooked
atthetimeagai n, t
henIgotmycel landt r
iedtocal l
him.Hisphoner angwi thoutbeinganswer ed.I
exhaledandputmyphonebackont hetable.I
stoodupandbl ewoutt hecandl es, Iwasn'teven
goingtocleart hetable.Iwanthi mt of i
ndi tl
ikethis,
sohecanseet hatIhadpl annedsomet hi
ngspeci al
forhim..
.

NDALO
Vuyi
swa:Thatwasi
ntense
Isatdownonmychai
randl
aidback.
.
Vuyi
swa:APar
ent
'swor
stni
ght
mar
e
Me:Yousai
d"Whatashame"
Vuyi
swa:Huh?
Me:Whenyoul
ookedatthatphot
oofmeandmy
wif
eyousai
d"Whatashame",whatdi
dyoumean
bythat
?
Vuyi
swa:Youl
oveyourwi
fet
hatI
'
m sur
eof
Me:Idol
oveherver
ymuch
Vuyi
swa:Butyouar
enothappywi
thheranymor
e
Il
ookedather
..
Vuyi
swa:Youar
enothappyNdal
o
Me:Andwhyi
sthat
?
Vuyi
swa:Youar
ealwayshereworki
ng,somet
imes
youstr
etcht
heconsul
tat
ionsj
ustsoyoucanspend
moreti
meherethanathome
Me:Iam happywi
thBel
inda
Vuyi
swa:Ar
eyou?
Me:Iam ver
yhappywi
thher
Vuyi
swa:Youpi
tyher
Me:Idon'
tappr
eci
ateyouspeaki
ngi
llofmy
marr
iage
Vuyi
swa:Eversincewesear
chedmyDaughter,
you
l
ookatherpict
uresmoreoft
enthanyoushoul
d.
Ever
ychanceyougetyoucheckthem
Me:Iam f
amil
iar
izi
ngmyselfwit
hherlookssot
hat
Iknowwhatshelooksl
ikewhenIhavetomeether
Vuyi
swa:Youdon'
thavet
oobecauseIwi
lldi
rect
youstr
aightt
oher
.
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Vuyi
swa:Youcanf
oolmebutyoucan'
tfool
your
sel
f
Me:Ican'
twai
ttohel
pyourDaught
ersoyoucan
moveon
Vuyi
swa:Onl
yaf
ewdaysl
eftunt
ilyougot
oKzn
It
ookmyphoneandcheckedt
het
ime,
Isaw
Bel
inda'
smi
ssedcal
l.
.
Me:Ihavet
obehome,
shi
tI'
mlat
e!
Vuyi
swa:Goodl
uck

BELI
NDA

Iwalkedoutoft hebathroom tothebedr oom aft

er
washingmyf ace.Icheckedmyphoneagai nand
therewasnomi ssedcallnoratextfrom Ndalo.I
call
edhi soffi
ce,noonepi ckedup.Ididn'twanna
thi
nkt hewor stoft
hissit
uat i
on,becausehehas
nevergi venmeanyr easont odoubthim.I fNdal
o
couldcheatonme, heknowshowmucht hat'
s
goingt obreakme...Iputmyphoneawayandgoti n
bed...

NANGOMSO

IwentonYouTubet
ocheckanupdat
eofNdal
o's
show, i
ftheyhaveupl
oadedanyepisode.They
haven'tsoIwenttohi
sInst
agram t
owat chhisown
personalvideos

Ndal
oishandsome,
funandhel
ooksl
ovi
ng.
He'smymancr ush,apartfr
om hi sscarygifthe'
sa
snack.Wat chi
nghisvideosbr oughtmesomuch
j
oy,Iliket
heoneswher ehe'
swi f
ei sal
soinvolved.
Theyar eacutecouple,thei
rlovei sbeauti
fulto
wit
nessgi vesmeal i
ttl
ehopet hatnotallMenar e
bastardsandthatIshouldn'
tgi veuponl oveasyet ,
maybeonedaysomeonewi llcomeandl oveme
ri
ght..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
44] :10

BELI
NDA
Ihadcompl etelyfal
lenasl eepwhenIhear dhim
getti
ngin.Thesoundofhi sf ootstepswokemeup.I
heardhim putti
nghi st hingsont hedr essi
ngt able,
hiscarkeysmadenoi sewhenhepl acedthem on
thedressingtable.Iwassl eepingf acingthe
window, wit
hmybackf acinghispl aceofsl eep..I
washur tnolie,theleasthecoul d'vedonewast o
callort
ext.Wehaveneverbeeni nthissi t
uationof
him goi
ngmut eonme. .

Hegoti
nbed,
fel
thi
sarm aroundme.
.Hepl
aced
hi
sli
psonmyearandwhispered.
Ndal o:Idon'tevenknowwhatt osay, Iam sosorry
Bel.Whenwegotmar r
iedIpromisedyout hatmy
wor kwasnevergoi ngtocomebef oreyou,Ilost
trackoft i
mei ntheoffi
ce.IknowIshoul d'
vecalled
ort ext
ed,Ifeelmor ebadthatyoupr epar
eda
romant icdinnerformeandIdi dn'tshow.I'
m deeply
sorr yMaDlomo
Hisvoi
cewhenheasksf
orforgi
venessmel
tsmy
hear
t.I
t'
sver
ycal
m andsof
t,coul
dwor mi
t'
swayto
for
givenesseveni fyoudidn'
twanttofor
give.Iwas
angrynolie,butIfeltf
orhimtoo.AsI'
vesaidbefor
e,
Iwanttobehi splaceofpeace.Homei swherehe's
meantt ofi
ndpeaceandhappi ness.It
urnedmy
headtohim..
Me:Justgl
adt
hatyouhomesaf
e
Iputmyhandonhi
scheekasheki
ssedmi
ne.
.
Ndal
o:Il
oveyousomuchandI
'
m sor
ry
Me:Iunder
stand.
.Il
oveyout
oo
Ndal
o:Letmegoshowerandj
oini
nyoubed
Me:Okay.
..Di
dyoueatsomet
hing?
Ndal
o:I'
m nothungr
y,Idon'
thaveappeti
te.I
'
mjust
waytoodrai
nedandexhausted.Ineedsl
eep
Me:Pl
easeeatsomet
hing,
I'
llgoandwar
m upa
pl
atef
oryouasyoushower
Ndal
o:I
'
dappr
eci
atet
hatal
ot

NANGOMSO
Icouldn'tfal
lasleep.Ihavebeent r
yingwithoutany
success.Iwasst ressedandf earf
ulthattomorrow
I'
m gettingdischar ged,thathomebr ingsnothing
butpai ntome.I twaswor sebecauseIdi dn'thave
anythingtodr i
nk, atleastalcoholmakesmef orget
abitaboutt hetribesandt r
ibulati
onsofthathouse..
.
Ipull
edt hecover supandcover edmyf acethen
star
tedsobbi ngsi lentl
yso..

NDALO

Itookaquickshower ,Ij
ustwantedtosl
eep.Iwas
veryti
rednolie.Iwrappedthetowelar
oundmy
l
owerbody, st
illwetandIwaswhi st
li
ngmyf avor
it
e
song.Iwalkedoutoft hebedr
oom tofi
ndVuyiswa
standi
ngatthedoor wayofmybedr oom..
Me:Whatt
he?
??
Vuyi
swa:Apol
ogi
esf
orcomi
ngunannounced
Me:Guestr
oom r
ightnow!
Iledthewayandwenttot
heguestr
oom, Icl
osed
thedoorwhensheappear
edi
nthemi ddl
eofthe
bedroom..
Me:Younotsupposedt
ofol
lowmehome,
itdoesn'
t
workl
iket
hat
Vuyi:Iam anear
thl
yboundspi
ri
t!Ican'
tmoveon
unt
ilyouhelpmydaughter
Me:Iknowt
hat
!Butyoucan'
tfol
lowmeever
ywher
e
Vuyi:I
t'
snotli
keever
yonecanseeme,
justactl
ike
I
'm notaround
Me:Ican'
tactl
iket
hat
!Whenyouar
ear
ound!
Vuyi
:Lookthedealwas,Iwi
lll
eavewhenyouhelp
myDaughter.
.RightnowI'
m wait
ingf
orthathel
p!!

BELI
NDA

Me:"
Wakeup,
wakeup
Got
tagett
hispaper
,gett
hiscakeup
Got
tadomyhai
r,got
taputonmakeup
Got
taactl
ikeIcar
eaboutt
hisf
akest
uff
St
rai
ghtupwhatawast
eofmyday"[
SINGI
NG]

Itookthedishclothandopenedt hemi crowave,I

tookthehotpl at
ewithfoodoutusi ngthecloth.I
wentt oputthefoodont hedini
ngt ablet
hatwas
sti
llsetup.Ithenwenttogethim, Iheardsome
whisperingattheguestroom.Islowl ygotcloseras
tonotalerthimthatI
'ml i
steni
ng..

Ndalo:Nangomsoi sbeauti
fulyes!Sowhati fI
checkherpi cturesonFacebook, thatdoesn'tmeanI
wanther !
!.
..Iam notsayi ngIwouldn'tdateher ,
ifI
wasn'tmar ri
edyesmaybebutI '
m mar r
ied!
..Stop
wit
ht hi
sthingt hatI'm nothappyinmymar riage,I
am happywi t
hmywi fe..
.Yesthesexi sabit
fr
ustrat
ingher eandt herebut..
.Thisisstart
ingt obe
adrag,youst artingtobedr ag
Myhear tst ar
tedpumpi ngfast .Myt hr
oatdriedup,I
felthotflushes.Imademywayt ot hebedroom, I
checkedt hedr essingtable.Hisphonewasst i
ll
thereItooki t
.Ibypasst hefingerpr i
ntaccessand
puti nhispasswor d.Fi
rstplaceIst art
edin,was
what sapp.If oundnor edf l
agst her e.Iwentto
Facebook, Isear ched"Nangomso"andi tgavemea
fewpeopl e.Icheckedt hef i
rstone." Nangomso
Mkosana" .Icheckedherpi ctures, shewasi ndeed
beaut i
ful.Igotl ostinthemomentofchecki ngher
picturest henIhear dNdalonear ingwi t
hawhi stl
e.I
quicklywentoutofFacebookandl ockedherscr een
thenputhi sphonebackont hedr esser.
Hewal
kedi
nandpausedl
ooki
ngatme.
.
Ndal
o:It
houghtyouwer
eatt
heki
tchen
Me:YaIwas,
justcamet
ogetyou.Wher
ewer
eyou?
Ndal
o:Justgotoutoft
heshower
Me:Ohw
Ndal
o:Lemedr
essupt
henI
'
llj
oinyou
Me:Okay
Ifoughtbackt ears,t
ryingtokeepmycool .
Everythi
ngt hatIheardi ntheguestroom dist
urbed
me, I
sNdal ousinghi sgifttoscorewomen?Was
toni
ghtthebegi nningofal ongr oadwithour
mar r
iage?Ndal owoul dnevercheatonme, notnow.
Notever .Hewoul dn'
thur tmel i
kethi
s,butthenat
thesamet i
meIwasconf used.Ihadallki
ndsof
thoughtsrunningt hr
oughmymi nd.

NANGOMSO

Lelewastheonewhof etchedmef r
om thehospi
tal
thefoll
owi
ngmorning.Shehadbr oughtmeaclean
dresstowear
.Iwasr eli
eved,I
twouldbesomethi
ng
elseifi
twasSi
d,orMi ssG..
Lel
e:Readyt
ogo?
Me:Iam notsur
e
Lel
e:Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Me:Ij
ustwannagethome,
dri
nkmySavannaand
l
ivemymiser
ablel
if
e
Lel
e:Ihi
dthel
astSavannas
Me:See,
thi
siswhyIl
oveyou
Lel
e:Okayl
et'
sgeti
tmovi
ng
Me:Letmegosaygoodbyet
omyf
ri
end

NDALO

Iwasatt
heof
fi
ceont
imeasal
ways.
.
Me:Goodmor
ning
Amber
:Mor
ning
Me:Whoam Iseei
ngf
ir
stt
oday?
Amber
:Uhm.
.Her
e
Hegavemet
hedocument
..Hadpr
int
edi
tout
..
Me:Hmmmm...AGrandmothersi
tuat
ion,
Ilove
Gr
andmot
her
st heybr
ingl
if
etotheshow
Idi
dn'tgetar
esponse.Il
ookedather
,shewas
l
ookingatme..
Me:What
?
Amber
:It
'
spr
obabl
ynoneofmybusi
ness
Me:Tal
k
Amber
:Ar
eyouandyourwi
fef
ight
ing?
Me:Nowhy?
Amber
:HerFacebookpost
sthi
smor
ning
Me:Whataboutt
hem?
Shekeptquiet.It
ookoutmyphoneandchecked.
.I
readt
helatestone..

"
Thest
rangerbesi
deme "

Me:Whatmakesyout
hinkt
heydi
rect
edt
ome?
Amber:Imeanyest
erdayyoul
ostyourcool
,thought
t
hatmaybeitwasbecauseyouandyourwifeare
fi
ght
ing
Me:BelandIwegood..Couldbeamovieshe
wat
ched,orasongti
tl
e.Ilostmycoolbecauset
he
cl
ientwasaj
erk!
Amber
:Shuuuuuut
hat
'sbet
tert
hen
Me:Gochecki
fthef
ir
stcl
ienti
sar
ound
Amber
:Yes.
.Ofcour
se!
Shewal
kedout
..
Iconti
nuedchecki
ngBeli
nda'slat
estpost
s.Iwas
confused,
Imeanthingsar
eokaybet weenusand
whenwedohavepr oblemswedon' tpost
sabout
them.Wedon'thangourdir
tylaundryi
npubli
c..

"Iwi
shIwasn'
tsomessedup,
thensexwoul
dbe
bett
er "

Iwasver
yconf
used.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
45] :11
NANGOMSO

Mi ssGwasar ounddoi ngconsul tat i

ons.Iknow
she'llbebusyal mostf ort hewhol edayoraf ew
hour sr athergi vingmecompl et
ef reedom t obei n
myspaceuni nt erruptedanddr i
nkmysavanna.I
wasl ayingi nbed, drinkingsavannaandwat ching
TVal sobei ngent ertainedbymyphone.Myj aw
almostdr oppedwhenIr eal i
zedIhadaf r
iend
requestf rom " Beli
ndaDl omo"asi nlikeNdal o'
swi fe.
Ideadassgotapani cat t
ack, Imeanwhywoul d
Bel i
ndasendmeaf riendr equest .Wedon' teven
havemut ualf riends, butatt hatmomentt hiswas
theonl yt hingt hathappenedt odayt hathasputa
smi l
eonmyf ace.Bel indai sbeaut iful,
sheseems
l
ikeawar m andcar ingper sonbutst i
ll
,whysend
mear equest ?I sshemi stakingmef orsomeone
else?Iaccept edt her equestwi t
houtevenhavi ng
anysecondt hought s. .

Iwasl
it
eral
lyner
vousImeanBel
indahasan
admi r
ableamountoff ol
lower s,
justbyNdal o'
s
famet ai
nti
ngher.Shehasr eachedherli
mi tof
fri
ends,sheprobablyhadt ounfriendorblock
someonet osqueezemei n.Shehasasol i
d20kof
foll
owers.Ismil
ed,ImeanIam af anoftheirl
ove,
theirl
oveisbeauti
fult
owi tness..

NDALO

Myf i
rstcli
ent
swer etwof emalesi
blings.Theywere
rai
sedbyt hei
rGrandmot herwhopassedon2year s
ago.Apparentl
ysincetheirGrandmot her
'sdeath,
thi
ngshaven'tqui
tewor kedoutwel lf
orthem.I
usuall
yenjoyareadingwher eaGr andparentis
i
nvolved.Thei
rpresencei sverywarm andt hey
wantnot hi
ngmorebutbl essingsf
ort hei
r
Grandkids.
.
Me:Iseeyouguysnevercar
ri
edoutacl
eansi
ngf
or
Gr
ams?
Gi
rl1:Yes
Me:I
t'
sbeen2year
s
Gi
rl2:OurGrandmotherwasourpill
arofst
rengt
h,
af
terherdeath.Rel
ati
vesnevercar
ed,wewere
al
one..Theyshowedust hei
rtr
uecolour
s
Me:YourRel ativeswer epretendingt oloveher
becauset heyneededhersi nceshewasanel derof
thef amily.Theyneededhert ocar ryoutweddi ngs,
funer al
sandever ythingthatneededanel der.But
deepdownal loft hem didn'tli
keher ,theyhatedher
andwhenshepassedonever yoner ejoi
ceddeep
withinhenceevenatherf uneralrelati
vesshowed
theirtruecolour s.Theywer en'
tinvestedi nthe
funer al
,theyjustwant edtocar ryitoutj ustbecause
theyhadt ooanddi dn'twantt oshowt hepubl icthat
theyhat edGr ams
Gi
rl1:That
'st
rue
Me:YourGrandmot herlovedyouguyswithallthat
shehadinher .Whenshegotr anoverbythecar ,
shetookherlastbreat
hwor ri
edsickaboutyout wo
becausesheknewt hedi f
fi
cul
tiesawai
ti
ngya'llwith
herdepar
ture
Gi
rl1:Yes
Me:Gr
amsist r
appedinthehouse,
Gramsi
sst
il
l
ver
ypr
otect
iveevenindeath
Gi
rl
:Wef
eelherpr
esence,
wedr
eam abouther
Me:That'
sbecauseshe'
sst
il
li
nthehouse,
someti
mesyout hi
nkyoudr
eamingbuthershadow
i
spassingthr
ough
I
twasqui
et.
.
Me:"Abantwanabazebahluphekekanj
ekodwa
i
zibusisobanzo"(MyGrandchi
ldr
enaresuf
fer
ing
buttheyareblessed)
Gi
rl2:Ohhhhhhmywor
d
Me:"Ngiyabi
ngel
elakemina,ngi
wuyeuGogo
wabantwanauMt hombeni
"(Icomegreet
ingyouall,
Iam t
heirGrandmother
.GrandmotherMathobeni
)
Icl
osedmyeyes.
.
Me:"uZinhl
emelengabemanjeushadil
e,uSboyena
melengabeusenzaumsebenziomuhle"(Zi
nhl
eis
supposedtobemarri
edbynow, Sboismeanttobe
worki
ng)
Iopenedmyeyes.
.
Me:Gogokhulumasibancedanj
aniabant
wana
(
Grandmotherspeakup,howdowehel pt
heki
ds)
[
SILENCE]
Me:"I
fuelimnyamal i
phezukwabo, ngi
hlel
iendl
ini
abantwanaazangebagezwe.Idlozieli
hlal
aendl
ini
l
idazaInkani
"(There'
sadarkcloudf ol
lowi
ngthem,
anancestorthatl
ivesint
hehousecauseshavock"
I
twassi
lentagai
n..
Me:" Kubuhlunguukuthiabantwanabasogole
nengathakathwakodwakungenxayef ueli
mnyama"
(i
t'spainfult
oseemyGr andchil
drensuf
feri
ngnot
from witchcraf
tbutbecausethisdarkcl
oud
foll
owingmydeat hisalwaysf oll
owingt
hem)
Ihear
donesni
ff
ing.
.
Me:"Umsebenzimelewenziweukut hiabantwana
bakhul
uleke,
kukhanyenamingiyophumul a"(The
cl
eansi
ngcer emonyhastobecar r
iedoutsot hey
canwalkintheli
ghtandthei
rthi
ngscangowel l
)
Icl
osedmyeyesagai
n..
Me:"Kuhleukuthibayakholwa,bayaesontweni
,
bayakhul
elangobayi si
phoengabanikasonaukut hi
umakunzi mabaguqengedol o"(i
t'
sgoodt hatt
hey
beli
eveinGod,thattheygot ochurchandthatthey
praybecausethat'
sthegiftIlef
tthem wi
th)
Iopenedmyeyes.
.
Me:Dave
Dave:Yeah?
Me:Canyouquickl
ydrivet
otheATM wit
hdr
aw
R4000Iwil
lwi
reittoyousothatt
heseki
dscan
car
ryoutt
hecleansi
ng
Theybot
hbur
sti
ntear
s..
.
Me:"
Awwngiyabona,yi
kongibal
ethel
a"(
thankyou,
t
hat'
swhyIbr
oughtthem her
e)

BELI
NDA

BeforeIcomplet
elybl
oweveryt
hingoutof
proport
ion,
Ineedprooft
hatheistwoti
mingme.I
can'tj
ustconf r
onthi
m wi t
houtanyshredof
evidence,Ineedtoseei fyeshei sfool
ingar
ound
withthisgir
l.WhatI'
m pl anningtodoistofr
iendher,
thentakeitfrom t
here.Iwassur eitwasher
becausesheshar esal otaboutNdal o'
schannel
..I
sawt hatshewasonl ine,Iinboxedher.
.
*
***
***
*
Me:Hi
[
AFTER2MI
N]
Her
:Hi
Me:Seet
hatyouar
eabi
gfanofmyhusband
Her
:Hi
schannel
yes,
Idon'
tmi
ssanepi
sode
Me:That
'sver
yni
ce,
lol
..Thi
smustf
eelwei
rd
Her
:Lolabi
tawkwar
d
Me:Iwasgoi
ngt
hroughyourpi
cs,
youbeaut
if
ul
Her
:Thankyou,
andsoar
eyou
Me:Pl
easeI
'
mjustt
ryi
ng
Her
:
Me:Letmenotkeepyout
henf
rom anyt
hing
Her:Noit'
sokay,
I'
m notbusy.
.Wow!Ican'
tbel
ieve
t
hisIthoughtIwasdreaming
Me:Younot
Her
:I.
.Whydi
dyousentmet
her
equest
?
Me:JustwannabeaFacebookf
ri
end,wastakenby
yourcommit
menttomyHusband'schannel
Her
:It
'sokay.
.Thankagai
n,andIr
eal
lyadmi
reyou
Me:Thankyou.
.Iam busycat
chupsoon
Her
:Okay
Me:Heyl
et'
swhat
sappi
t'
llbeeasi
er
Her
:Omgar
eyouser
ious?
Me:Ver
y..Sendt
hroughyournumber
Her
:0846578535
Me:

Iwentandsavedhernumber
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
45] :12

NANGOMSO

Beli
ndaandIchat t
edonwhat sappforalmostthe
wholeday.Il
ikedhervi
bes, andIstil
lcan'tbel
ieve
thatshecamet ome.Thisli
ttleactsortofshowed
met hatl
if
eisindeedunpredictabl
e,whenyout hink
yourli
fecangot hi
swaythensomet hingelse
happens.

Iwasi nagoodmoodt hatl

ateronIdecidedtocook
dinnerforeveryone.
.AsIwasst andi
ngatthestove,
Makhawal kedin.If
roze.Makhai sanactor,
hehas
beencast edinaf ewoftheSouthAf r
icanTelenova
sopies
Nowhegotani
nter
nat
ionalr
olei
naver
ypopul
ar
seri
es.Hewillbeoneofthecastf orthelatestand
fi
nalseason.It
'sacrimerel
atedseriesandmost ly
l
iked,evenSidwatchesit
.Makhai soneoft hefew
peoplewhoisinvolvedi
nukut hwala(ri
tualriches)
Heisworth2mill
ionr
andcurrent
ly,
wit
hthis
i
nter
nati
onalr
oleheisgoingt
omakeal otofmoney.
Heisver
yhandsome.Tallanddark.
Makha:Hi
Me:Hey
Makha:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Makha:I
'
m wel
l.
.Somet
hingsmel
lsni
ce
Me:I
'
m pr
epar
ingdi
nner
Makha:Whatar
eyoupr
epar
ing?
Me:cr
eamysampandoxt
ail
Makha:Cr
eamysampr
emi
ndsmeofhome
Me:I
t'
saver
ywar
mtr
adi
ti
onaldi
sh
Makha:Ver
ytr
ue
Me:I
'
m sor
rybutcanwepl
easet
akeasel
fi
e?
Makha:Nopr
obl
em
Whencelebri
ti
escomethroughf
orconsult
ati
onor
t
reatment
,Iusual
lyt
akepicswit
hthem andpeopl
e
wil
lthi
nkI'
m atopnot
ch..
..

BELI
NDA

There'
sal otofpicturesofNangomsoposi ngwit
h
celebr
iti
es,Iwonderwhatpopul arit
yshehast hat
makeshert akepictur
eswithcelebri
ti
es.Seemslike
theyvisi
theri nherplacebecausethepicturesare
alwaystakenathome.Ther ewasn'tmuchabout
thi
sgirlthatpoint
southerhavi nganaf f
airwithmy
husband, butsti
ll
.Ican'ti
gnorewhatIhear dwhenI
passedt heguestr oom..

Tomysurpr
ise,
Ndalomadehi
swayi
n.I
twasver
y
ear
lyf
orhi
mt obeathome.
.
Me:Hunyouhomeear
lyt
oday
Ndal
o:Iknow,
deci
dedt
odoonl
yoneconsul
tat
ion
Me:Ar
eyouokay?
Heputhi
sthi
ngsonthecount
erandmadehi
sway
t
ome.Heheldbothmyhands..
Ndal
o:Il
oveyousomuch,
youknowt
hatr
ight
?
Me:Iknow
Ndalo:Wemadeapromisebef
orewegotmarri
ed
t
hatifwehaveanyprobl
emswewilldi
scusst
hem
wit
heachotherandnott
heworl
drememberthat?
Me:Yes
Ndal
o:Sowhyam Ir
eadi
ngt
hingsonFacebook?
Isi
ghed.
.
Ndal
o:Rat
owhat'
shappeni
ng?Arewehavi
ng
pr
obl
emsthatIdon'
tknowabout
?
Me:No
Heputhi
shandundermychi
nandl
if
tedi
tupsoI
canl
ookathi
m..
Ndal
o:What
'
shappeni
ng?
Me:Nothi
ngmuchIwasj
usthavi
ngoneoft
hose
daysyouknow
Hegotclosersti
llholdi
ngmyhands,
hepl
acedhi
s
f
oreheadagainstmi ne.
.
Ndalo:Iam notonlyyourhusband, I
'm al
soyour
fr
iend.Whenoneoft hosedayscr eepin,youtal
kto
me.Wear emar ri
edtoeachot her
, noteachot
her
andthepublic
Me:Iunder
stand.
.I'
m sor
ry
Ndal
o:Il
oveyousomuchandIdon'
twannasee
youhur
t,al
waysr
ememberthat
Me:Iwi
ll
Ndal
o:CanIgetaki
ss?
Me:Okay
Heki
ssedme.
.

NANGOMSO
Si
dwal kedi
nwi thf
lower
s,aboxofchocolat
es,and
abottl
eofwine.Iwassett
ingthetabl
efordi
nner.
Heleanedagainstt
hewallandlookedatme..
Si
d:I
t'
sgoodt
ohaveyouback
Me:I
t'
sgoodt
obeback
Si
d:Gotyouawel
comebackhomegi
ftpack
Me:Icansee
Hewalkedoverandpl
acedever
ythi
ngont hetabl
e..
Hecamet omeandhuggedmef rom behi
ndthen
ki
ssedmeonmycheek. .
Si
d:Pl
easedon'
teverdot
hatagai
n
Me:Iwon'
t
Mi
ssGwal
kedi
n..
MissG:Forachangei
t'
sgoodt
oseeyouguys
bei
ngLoveydoveys
Si
d:Howar
eyou?
Mi
ssG:I
'
m goodandyou?
Si
d:I
'
m wel
l
Shepul
ledt
hechai
randsatdown.
.
Mi
ssG:Howar
eyouNgomso
Me:I
'
m goodMa
Mi
ssG:I
'
m gl
ad
Shet
ookt
henapki
n..
MissG:Iwantyoutogooutt
hisweekend,goout
shoppingwi
thLel
e.Buyyour
sel
fsomecl ot
hesand
getfr
eshair
Me:Thankyou,
Iappr
eci
atet
hatal
ot
Mi
ssG:R5000.
.2.
keach
Me:Thankyouver
ymuch
MissG:Justwantyoutoseethatwecareabout
you,soyoucanstopthi
sthi
ngofdri
nkingli
keafi
sh
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Si
d:I
'
llhel
pyouwi
thset
ti
ngupt
het
abl
e
Me:Thankyou

BELI
NDA
Ndal
otookmeoutt
omakeupf
orl
astni
ght
.
Wewenttot
hisot
herr
est
aur
ant
,theymakegood
l
obst
ers.
.
Me:Thankyouf
ort
aki
ngmeout
Ndal
o:Youdeser
vei
t
Thewai
terpour
edust
hewi
ne.
.
Me:Thankyou
Heputclosedt
hebottl
eandpl
acei
tbacki
nthei
ce
buckett
henwalkedaway.
.
Ndal
o:Iwant
edt
odi
scusssomet
hingwi
thyou
Me:I
'
mli
steni
ng
Ndalo:Thi
sweekendI'mflyi
ngdowntoKzn,f
ora
consult
ati
on.TheCl
ientdoesn'
thavemoneyt
o
tr
avelthi
sside
Me:Iunder
stand
Ndalo:ButIwi
llbebacksoon,
justdot
he
consult
ati
onandthencomeback
Me:I
t'
sokayHun.
.Iunder
stand
Ndal
o:Thankyouf
orunder
standi
ng

NANGOMSO

Si
d:Di
nnerwasdel
i
cioust
hankyou
Me:Youwel
come
Sid:I
'
vebeenmeani
ngt
otal
ktoyouabout
somethi
ng
Me:Okay
Si
d:Iwannamar
ryyou
Thatst
unnedme,
wasn'
texpect
ingi
t.
.
Me:Ar
eyouser
ious?
Si
d:Deadser
ious
Me:Uhm.
..Wow
Si
d:Wehavebeent
oget
hersi
ncef
rom whenyou
were15
Me:Iknow
Si
d:I
t'
sbeenyear
sandyou28now,
it'
sever
ygi
rl
's
dr
eam t
ogetmarri
ed
Me:CanIt
hinkabouti
t?
Si
d:Yesyoucan.
..Don'
ttaket
ool
ong
Me:Iwon'
tIpr
omi
se
Si
d:Good

BELI
NDA

Idon'
tknowhowIf eel
withNdal
ogoi ngtoKzn,he
hasnevertr
avel
edtodoaconsult
ation.Thisj
ust
rai
sedallt
heredfl
ags,Nangomsoisfrom Kzn.
..
Me:Can'
tIcomewi
th?
Ndalo:NoRatoit
'sawor ktri
p,youwi llgetbored.
PlusIam notgoi
ngt heretoexpl
or etheplacet akea
holi
dayandhavef un.I'
m goi
ngt hereforwor k
Me:OhwIsee
Ndal
o:Wecanplananot
hertr
ipandgot oKzni
fyou
wannago,
avacati
on.Notworkrel
ated
Me:Okayt
hen
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
46] :13

NDALO

AFEW DAYSLATER

Theweekendf inallycameandmyt eam andIf l

ew
downt oKznyest erday.Wewer esupposedt ost ay
i
nahot elbutAmberscr ewedupourbooki ngsowe
stayinginaguesthouseandwi l
lbest ayinghere
untilweleaveforJohannesbur gMondaymor ni
ng.I
wassupposedt ohavet hereadingwi ththeclient
today,butduet ot hefactthattheclientissti
llfar
from uswewi llhavet oorganizetranspor tat
ionfor
her
,sothereadi
ngwi
llonl
ybecar
ri
edoutt
omor
row
morni
ng..

Iusual
lydon'thol
dconsul
tat
ionsint
heirhouses,I
pref
erthem comingt
omef oraconsult
ati
onunl ess
si
tuati
onsforcemetostepmyf ooti
naclient
's
house..

Me:Thi
swasver
yunpr
ofessi
onal
,thi
sisnothow
wedothi
ngs
Dave:InmydefenseIwouldli
ketostatet
hatthi
sis
thefi
rstt
imewherewehadt odoaconsultat
ion
that
'snotbasedi
nthestudi
o,obviousl
ywewer e
boundtomessupher eandthere
Amber
:Ihavet
oagr
eewi
thDave
Me:That
'sjustanexcuse,i
tdoesn'
tmatteri
fit
'st
he
f
ir
stti
me.Ifyouplanthingsaccor
dingl
ynoneof
t
hiswoul
d'vehappened
Dave:What
'sdonei
sdoneNdal
oIthi
nkwhat
matter
snowismovingonf
rom t
hesi
tuat
ion,
nouse
cryi
ngaboutit.Attheendofthedayweareher
e,
everyt
hingissetandwewi l
lbedoingt
he
consult
ati
on
Amber
:Let
'snotcr
yoverspi
ll
edmi
lk
Me:Agr
eed
Dave:It
hinkwecanhavethi
sdaytoour
sel
vest
hen,
gooutandeatthenexpl
oret
hispl
ace
Amber:That
'st
rue,i
t'
saSat
urdayaf
teral
ltobe
coopedupinhere
Me:Let'
sdri
veoutt
ogoandeatt
henwe'
l
lseewhat
t
odol at
eron

NANGOMSO

MissGliveduptoherpromi
se,shedidgiveust he
moneytogooutanddoshoppi ng.Iwasn'tal
l
exci
tedaboutbuyi
nganythi
ngwasj ustexcit
ed
aboutgett
ingf
reshai
r,andthengett
ingsomet hi
ng
todri
nk.
.
Lel
e:Wher
edoyouwannast
art
?
Me:Getsomet
hingtoeatf
ir
stmakesur
eit
'sa
r
estaur
antt
hatprovi
desal
cohol
Iwasabi
thungover
..
Lel
e:Okayl
et'
sfi
ndsomewher
etoeat
If
ixedmyshades.
.
Me:Let
'
sdot
hatpl
ease

BELI
NDA

AfterNdal ol ef
tyesterday,Ialsol efttogovi si
this
Mot her'shousef ortheweekend.If eelthi
si sthe
ti
mef ormet obemor eclosert oherespeci all
ywi t
h
Ndal oactingl i
kethis,she'stheonl ypersonwhowi l
l
pleadandsuppor tmycase. .Ndal o'scousi ns,t
he
oldestonehernamei sAluvo, andt heyoungestone
i
sLuvo.Al uvoi stheoneatuni ver si
tyandLuvoi s
theonest illinhighschool .Sincehi sMot herraised
them, theyt akeNdal omor east heirbigbrotherthan
theircousin.Thei rbothhisUncl e'
ski dswhopassed
onal ongt i
meago, f
rom hisfat
herside.Basicall
y
Ndalo'sMom r aisedherBr ot
herinlaw'ski
dsasher
own.Thei rMot herpassedonf i
rstandtheirFather
foll
owed, sosincenof amilymemberwant edt otake
them in.Ndalo'sMom st eppedinandtookt hem,
thenraisedthem asherown. .
Ma:Luvoasambeniphel
a(Luvol
et'
sgo)
Wewer
egoi
ngt
ovi
sitt
hei
rrel
ati
ves.
.
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Ma:It
'satradi
ti
oncer
emonyIdon'
tknowwhyshe
hastolookbett
ert
hanever
yoneel
sether
e,i
Make
upyani?
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Ma:What
'
swr
ongwi
thyou?
Me:Huh?
Ma:Ar
eyouandNdal
ofi
ght
ing?
Me:No
Ma:Yout
alki
ngt
omer
emember
?
Me:I
'
mjustwor
ri
edt
hatImi
ghtl
osehi
mto
someoneel
se
Ma:Whyi
sthat
?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Ma:Di
dhegi
veyouar
easont
othi
nkl
iket
hat
?
Me:He..It
hinkt
her
e'ssomeonet
hathel
ikes.
.I'
m
j
ustscaredMa
Luvocamet
hrough.
.
Ma:I
t'
saboutt
ime!
Luvo:Iam r
eadynow
Ma:Iam notevengoi
ngt
osayanyt
hingLuvo
Luvo:Wecanst
il
lmakei
t
Shewal
kedt
othedoor
..
Ma:Wewi
llt
alkaboutt
hisl
ater

NDALO

Wedr
ovet
otownt
ogetsomet
hingt
oeat
..
Dave:Ndal
oshoul
dwegi
veyouascar
ftohi
deyour
face?
Amberl
aughed.
.
Me:I
'
m good
Dave:I
'mjustaski
ngyouknowpeopl
ewi
llbe
cominguptoyou
Me:I
'
m good
Weallgotoutoft
hecarandIl
ookedaround.Thi
s
pl
acewasn'tbad,
itwasmyveryf
irstt
imebeingi
n
Kzn.
.
Amber
:Let
'sgoguys
Weal lwalkedinunity.
.Imostlykeptmyheaddown
tr
yingtoavoidanyr uninswi t
hanyf ans.WhenI'
m
i
npubl i
c,peopleusuallycomet omeandaskme
abouttheirdeadlovedones.ItgetshardIdon't
wannal i
e,Idon'thaveanor malli
fe.Ionlyget
pri
vacyinmyownhouse. .
.

Alr
eadyaswewerewalki
ng,afewpeopl
ewer
e
noti
cingme.West
art
edthiswalkonl
ybei
ngt
he3
ofusandendedupwi
thacr
owdf
oll
owi
ngus.
.

Dave:Guyspl
easegi
veussomespace,
makeway!
Thi
smomentshowedmehowmanypeopl
ewat
ch
myshow.
.

Itwasget t
ingabi tcomplicatedtowal kthr
ough,
becausenowf answer esur r
oundingus, sowehad
towalkintothef i
rstavai
lablerestaurant
.Walking
furt
heri
n, wil
lonlymaket hi ssit
uationworseforus.
Iwasrelievedthatthewai tersstoppedpeoplefrom
comingin, sotheycampedatt hedoorandal so
outsi
dethebi gwindows. .
.Wegotat abl
eandsat
down..
Amber
:Youshoul
d'vej
ustputont
hescar
f
Me:That
'sver
yfunny
Awai
terwal
kedupt
ous.
.
Wai
ter
:Goodmor
ning
Wegr
eet
edback.
.
Dave:St
artusof
fwi
thdr
inksaswegett
hrought
he
menu
Amber
:Lemonadepl
ease
Me:I
cet
ea
Dave:Cuppaci
no
Wai
ter
:Comi
ngr
ightup
Hewal kedaway.Ipi ckedupt hemenuandwor ked
mywayar oundi t,
whenIhear daf amili
arvoice..I
l
ookedoverandi twasVuyisi tt
ingatt hetable
wheretwowomenwer esitt
ing.Ilookedatt hem and
shewassi t
ti
ngr i
ghtnextt oherDaught er.Shewas
busytryingtot al
kt oherbutobvi ouslyherDaught er
wasn'tli
stening.Shewasi ndeedbeaut i
fuleveni n
person,thoughhereyesandherf aintsmiledidt el
l
astory.Ont heout sideshel ookedf i
ne,butdeep
i
nsideitwasadi ff
er entstory.Iwasl ostinthe
momentandonl ycamebackt orealit
ywhenour
eyeslocked, butshequi cklylookedaway. .
Amber
:Doyoust
il
lremembert
hatdayNdal
o?
Il
ookedather
..
Me:Huh?
Amberl
ookedatNangomso.
.
Amber
:Wewer
etal
kingaboutt
-
Me:Excusemef
orasecond
Igotupandwal kedtotheirt
abl
e,myphone
vi
brated.Itookitoutanditwasanincomingcal
l
fr
om Belinda,Icancel
edi t
..

BELI
NDA

Ndalo'
sMom wast heonedr i
ving,Iwassitti
ngat
theback.Itri
edcall
inghim againbuthecancel ed
mycall.Myhear tsanktomyknees, moreespeci al
ly
becauseNangomsocheckedi natsomer estaurant,
samer estaur
antthatAmberjustcheckedi n.Wher e
Amberi sinKzn,Ndaloisalsothere.Thewal l
sof
mychestcl osedin,i
twasappar entwhatwas
happening,mywor stfeari
scomi ngtrue.
.
NANGOMSO

Ididn'tknowhowt of eelwhenNdalomovedf r
om
histabletoourtable.IswearthatIwashavingan
outterbodyexperience,fel
tli
keIwasn'tpr
esentin
theroom anymor e.Imean, howisthi
shappeni ng?I
onlygett oseehim onTV, fol
lowhim onsocial
medi aandnevernotevenoncedi dIeveri
magi ne
meet i
nghi mfacetof ace..
Ndal
o:Ladi
es
LeleandIwer
edumbf
ounded,
sowasever
yonei
n
therest
aur
ant
..
Ndal
o:MayIpl
easej
oinyouguys?
Lelemovedoverwithoutsayi
nganyt hi
ng, hesat
down.Damn!Ndal oishandsomelygor geousIdon't
evenknowifthatphrasegoestogether,buthewas
j
ustashowhel ooksi nhispi
ctur
es.Hel ookedat
meandmyeyeswander edar
ound,Iwasshaki ng,
myheartbeatraced.Iwasamess, thiscannotbe
happeni
ngtomyl if
er i
ghtnow.Thisisallnottrue.
.
.
Tobecont
inued

Apol
ogi
esf
ort
hedel
ay

Belovedpleaseever yonehast heri

ghtt oloveor
hateachar act
er,t
hisi sawor koff ictiondon'tguil
t
tri
pnoemot i
onalblackmai lotherreader stosupport
thesamechar actert hatyousuppor ti
ng.Let'
s
respecteachother,andnotat tackot hersbasedon
theirl
ovenorhatef oracer tainchar acter.
.Wedon' t
condonecyberbul l
yi nganyr eaderf ounddoingt hat
toanotherreaderwi llbeblocked.
[
01/
09,
08:
46] :14

NANGOMSO

Thiswasnothappeni
ngtome.Youknowwhen
you'vehadbadt
hingsi
nli
fehappeni
ngt
oyou,
whensomet hi
nggoodhappensyoutendtofreak
outbecauseyoudon'
thavemuchofthegoodsi de
ofl
ifehappeningt
oyou.
.DeepdownIknewNdal o
hadsomet hi
ngtosayt
ome, somethi
ngthathadto
dowithsomeoneinmylifet
harisnomore
Ndal
otur
nedt
oLel
e..
Ndal
o:Canyoupl
easegiveussomespace?You
cangojoi
nmyteam att
hattabl
e
Lel
elookedatme,Inodded.Ndal
ogotupandmade
wayforher.Shewentt
ojoinmyteam..
Ndal
o:Hi
,myNamei
sNdal
o
Me:Iknow.
.ImeanIknowwhoyouar
eandwhat
youdo
Ndal
o:Per
fect
,thenthi
swon'tbedif
fi
cul
tforyou.
.
Dotr
ytorel
axIdon'twantyoufai
nti
ngonme
Ichuckl
edner
vousl
y..
Ndal
o:YourMot
herpassedonyear
sagor
ight
?
Me:Yes
Ndal
o:Shewaski
ll
edbyyourf
ather
Me:Yes
Ndalo:Pl
easeacknowl
edgethatyourMot
heri
s
comingfort
htotal
ktoyou,Vuyi
swahasalott
osay
toyou
Myhear
tski
ppedabi
t.
.
Me:Howdoyouknowhername?
Her
aisedhi
seyebr
ow.
.
Ndal
o:Kant
ingi
wubanimi
na?(
whoam I
)
Me:Sor
ryt
hatwasast
upi
dquest
ion
Ndalo:WhenMom passedon,t
hingsathomewer
e
nolongerni
ceanymore.Homewasn'tahappy
pl
acet obeatanymor
e
Me:That
'st
rue
Icl
osedmyeyes.
.
Me:"IknowIl ef
tmyDaught eratanagewhereshe
neededmet hemost ,andSosohat edmesomuch
becauseshet houghtthatIbroughtaboutmyown
death.HadIleftMyhusbandNdal oIwouldsti
llbe
al
ive.MyDaught erishurti
ng,myDaught eri
sinpain.
MyDaught erhasgivenuponl i
fe,physicallyyes
she'spresentbutemot i
onall
yshe'sdead.Idon' t
blameherf orrunningawayf r
om home, shewas
goingthroughal otandatthatti
meshet hought
l
ovef r
om out sidewouldbebetterthanthepai nthat
wasathome.Thatdaywhenshel eft,
Iwast here
Ndalo.Iwast herewhenshepackeduphert hings
andputt hem inherpinkluggagebag.Iwast here
whent earsstreameddownhercheeks, whenshe
wascr yi
ngf orme, Iwasthere"
Icover
edmymout
hwi
thmyhand.
.
Ndal o:"HeheheNdal o,Sosot houghtthatIwasn' t
therebutIwasal wayst here.Ifoughtthr ought oget
i
nsi det hathouseevenwhent hatwomanwas
chasi ngmeout .Whenthatgoodf ornot hing
boyf r
iendofher sbeatherupt hatnightandshe
thoughthewasgoi ngt okillher,Iwast her e
shieldingherf r
om thebl ows.Iwast heregi vingher
strengt htofi
ghtback,Iwast hereangry.Ihave
alwaysbeent here,
Sosowasmeantt odi eint he
handsoft hatfamil
ybutIwast her
eshi eldingher
from t hatwit
chcraf
t.Iam t heonewhomadesur e
thatSosodoesn'tf
allpregnant,t
here'
snothing
wrongwi t
hherbutushergui desweclosedherso
shedoesn'tcar
ryaseedf r
om thatfamil
y.Youknow
NdalothatwomanhersupposedMot herinlaw,I
fi
ghtthatwomanever yday.Iam anangr yspir
it
todaybecauseI'
mf i
ghtingthegr eat
estwitchto
everwalkonthisearthwhilstSosothoughtIwasn't
doinganythi
ngtohelpher ,i
fitweren'
tformeand
theheavensSosowoul dbedead"
Iwasemoti
onalnow, Iwasevenshaki
ng.
Str
uggl
ingt
obreath.Igotupwitht
earsst
reami
ng
down,myli
psshaking..
Ndal
o:"
Sososi
tdown,
Iam st
il
lyourMot
herandI
'
m
t
alki
ng!
"
Me:Ican'
t.
.Ican'
tdot
his!I
'
m sor
ryIcan'
t
JustwhenIwaswal ki
ngaway,Ndal
ogotupand
walkeduptome.Hewr appedhi
sarmti
ghtl
yaround
mywai standpul
ledmeback.
Ndal
o:"Youwil
lhearwhatIwannasaytoyou,
angi
thiyoual
wayssayi
ngI'm nott
hereforyou.
You'
vealwayswantedt
ohearsomet hi
ngf r
om me,
nowI
'
mtal
kingSoso"
Me:Leavemeal
one!Ngi
yeke!
If
oughtt
hrought
obr
eakawayf
rom hi
sgr
ip.
Me:Ngi
yeke!
!(l
eavemeal
one)
Ndal
o:"Thisi
st het
imeSoso, I'
veheardyou.And
nowyouget t
ingoutofthathouse,yougoingback
home.YourBr ot
herisevenstart
ingtogetsi
ck,he'
s
worr
iedsickandstressedaboutyou"
Iwasbeyondemotional
,Ican'
tqui
teputi
ntowor
ds
whatIwasfeel
ingdeepinsi
de..
Ndal
o:"Kwanel
emanj
eNgomso,
Kwanel
eNana"
(
It
'senoughnowNgomso)

BELI
NDA

"
YeboNkosingi
zakuwe,ngidal
ulekonkeokwami
,
Mangi
ziswekuweJesu.Zi
suli
we
IzonoZam"[
YesLor
dIcometoyou,
pour
ingoutmy
heartt
oyou,
mayIsubmitt
oyousomysinscanbe
wi
pedof
f]

Iwasi
nthekit
chenwithoneofNdal o'
sAunt
ies.I
washel
pinghert
ochopt hecabbages,wewere
si
ngi
ngaswecar r
iedoutthatchor
e..

Aunt
y:AwwMadoda.
.Bl
essed
Me:Avul
ekaamazul
u(t
heheavensj
ustopenedup)
Shetookthecanofst
rongbowci
deranddr
ank,
I
l
aughed..
Me:Avul
ekangeSt
rongbow(
Theyopenedupwi
tha
ci
der
)
Aunt
y:Awwbaki
thi
Me:I
'
m donewi
tht
hisone
Aunt
y:Takeanot
herone
Me:Okay
Aunt
y:Wear
elat
ewi
tht
hecooki
ng
Me:Yabutby15:
00I
'
m sur
eever
ythi
ngwi
llbedone
Aunt
y:Thankyouf
orcomi
ng,
thewor
kloadwast
oo
muchforme
Me:Noonei
shel
ping
Aunt
y:Ever
yonei
sjustgoi
ngonandonaboutt
hei
r
ownthi
ngs
Me:That
'sbad
Aunt
y:Yaabutatl
eastnowt
hatyouhel
pingwewi
ll
bedone

NANGOMSO

Ndaloheldmet ightunti
lIwasdonecr yi
ngandhad
calmeddown.Hel etmecryonhisshoulder,
and
throughhim If
eltmymot her'
stouch.Hewas
runninghishandonmybackt ryi
ngtocalm me
down, i
ttookawhi lef
ormet ocompletel
ybecalm.
.
Ndal
o:Ar
eyouokay?Feel
ingbet
ter
?
Webr
oket
hehugandIwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Me:I
'
m sor
ryaboutmymel
tdown
Ndal
o:I
t'
sokay,
don'
tevenapol
ogi
ze
Hel
ookedar
ound.
.
Ndalo:Moreeyesareonusnow,
wecan'
tpr
oceed
wit
ht hi
shere.Doyoumindcomi
ngt
otheguest
housewithme?
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay.
.
Ndal o:Iknowit'
sawkwardf oryoutobeinthi
s
si
t uati
onbut..
.Damngi r
lplease,yourMot
herisnot
givingmepeacepl easefeelformeIam begging
you!
Ichuckl
ed.
..
Me:Uhm.
.Okay
Wewal
kedbackt
othet
abl
e..
Ndal
o:Guyswehavet
ogo
Amber
:Her
ewego
Ndal
o:Askf
ort
akeaways
Dave:Thi
sjobi
sdi
ff
icul
t,I
'
mresi
gni
ng
Ipul
ledLel
etot
hesi
de.
.
Lel
e:Yougood?
Me:I
'
mfi
ne.
..Wehavet
ogowi
tht
hem
Shewi
denedhereyes.
.
Lel
e:Yooh
Me:Iwannadothi
s,t
hisguyi
tseemsl i
kehecan
hel
pme..Ir
eal
lydon'
tknowLeleI
'm confused
Lel
e:It
hinkweshoul
dgi
vei
tat
ryandsee
Me:Yout
hink?
Lel
e:Iwantyout
ogethel
p
Inoddedr
epeat
edl
y..
.
Me:Okayl
et'
sdoi
t
Ndal
o:Ar
eyouguysr
eadyt
ogo?
Me:YesIt
hinkso

BELI
NDA

It
ookabr
eakt
ogoandeatsomet
hing.Theyhad
preparedtri
pelastnight,Iwaseatingi twit
hPap.I
keptmyselfbusywi thFacebookwhenIr anint
oan
i
nteresti
ngpostf r
om oneofNangomso' sFacebook
fr
iends.Itwasagi r
lnamedSphumel ele,shehad
uploadedavi deoandt aggedNangomso.Her
capti
onwas" Thisisanemot ionalsi
t uati
on "

Iplayedt hevideoandal mostdr oppedmyphoneon

thef l
oor.Itwasavi deoofNdal ohol dingNangomso
asshewascr yingandt hrowingat antrum.Thef ood
i
nmymout himmedi atelylosttaste,mychest
closedinonmeagai n.Mycheeksf elthot ,
mybody
trembled.Itriedtomai ntainanor malbr eathing
rhythm butIwasf ai
li
ngt oo, whyisNdal odoi ngthis
tome?SoI '
m notcrazy.Hei shavingsomet hing
wi t
hthisgi r
l.Howcanhepubl i
clyhumi liat
emel i
ke
this?Sot heconsul t
ati
ont hathewasgoi ngtoKzn
forwasNangomso?Whyi shedoi ngt his!

NANGOMSO
Lel
eandfol
lowedNdaloandhisteam,
itwasqui
et
i
nthecarasneit
herofusfai
ledt
osayanythi
ng.
.

Wewer eover whelmed, conf used,andver yshocked.

Ihadmi xedemot i
ons,thi sst i
llf
eltunreal.Thisman
wasacr ushf r
om afar,andmoment sagoIcr iedon
hisshoul der
.Howdoest hisl i
fethingwor kKant i
?
Whenyouar esosuret hatnot hi
ngi sgoingt owork,
whenyouhaveaccept edandcomf ortabl
ei nyour
pain.Godshowsupwhenyouhavel eastexpected,
heshowsupf oryouasi flikeyouwer en'
t
experi
enci nganypain.SoGodwasn' ttot
allybli
ndto
mypai n,myMom wasact uall
yhear ingmeand
seeingmysuf fer
ing.

Lel
e:Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Iexhal
ed.
.
Me:St
il
ltr
yingt
ogr
aspever
ythi
ng
Lel
e:I'
m alsoshockedfr
om mysideImean.
.Idi
d
notexpectfort
hingstot
akesuchaturn
Me:I
'
mt el
li
ngyou..NowI'
m morewor r
iedthatyour
Mom andSidmightfi
ndoutaboutt
his,i
thappened
i
npubli
c
Lele:Ibeli
evethatsi
nceyourMom andGodcame
throughforyouinthissi
tuat
ion,
myMom andSi d
don'tstandachance.YourMom wouldn'
tcome
throughifsheknewshewoul dbeputt
ingyouatri
sk.
Phelayoudi dn'
tgoforaconsult
ati
on,
thi
sMan
foundyou.YourMom f oundyou
Me:That
'sver
ytr
ue
Lel
e:Tryt
orel
ax,
taket
hissi
tuat
ional
linandhear
Ndaloout
Me:Ij
ustcan'
tbel
ievet
hatal
ltheseyear
s,My
pr
ayer
sarebeingansweredwhenIhavealr
eady
gi
venup.
.
Lel
e:Godwor
ksi
nmyst
eri
ouswayschi
ld!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
47] :15
NANGOMSO

Wearrivedattheguesthouseandmynerveswer
e
shoot
ingthroughtheroof.Iwasner
vous.
.
Dave:Ar
ewer
ecor
ding?
Ndal
o:No
Dave:Thankgoodness!
Amber
:ThatmeansDaveandIcangoout
?
Me:Yes
Dave:Let
'sr
ollandexpl
oret
hist
ownabi
t
Amber
:Seeyoul
aterboss!
Ili
ketherelati
onshi
pthatNdal oshareswi thhis
Employees, hetr
eat
sthem mor elikefamilythanhis
Employees..Ndalowalkedupt omeandputhi s
handsonmyshoul der
s.Hi m st
aringmer ightinthe
eyemakesmemor enervous.Youknowsomet imes
i
t'
shar dtokeepeyecont actwithsomeonet hatyou
admire,someonewhoi syourbi ggestcrush.Whi l
st
myeyeswanderar
oundhi
sar
eal
waysonmewhen
wecommunicat
e..
Ndal
o:Shoul
dwest
art
?
Inodded.
.
Ndal
o:Pl
easesi
t
Hedrewachairforme,
thendrewachairf
orLel
e.
Suchgent
leman.Hesatinf
rontofus.
Ndalo:Okay, knowthatyourMom i
sheret
ohelp
you,you'vebeencalli
ngthiswomanthr
oughyour
darkestpain.She'shere,
shewant
stofixt
hiswi
th
you.Shewant stohelp
Me:Iunder
stand
Ndal
o:Okayl
et'
sst
art
Heclosedhiseyesandbithisli
psrunni
nghis
handstoget
her.Heleanedforwardwit
hhisar
mson
hi
sknees..
Ndalo:"
Iam nother
et ofight
,Iam her
etofi
xwhat
should'
vebeenfi
xedal ongtimeago.Iam aMother
andIwantwhat '
sbestforher.MyDaughterhas
suff
eredtoomuch,it
'senoughnow! "
Hekeptqui
et.
.
Ndal
o:Someonei
sst
eppi
ngi
n
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
..
Ndalo:
"Ihumbl
ycomein,nott
oworsent
he
si
tuati
onbutt
ohel
p.Iam Nangomso'
sFather
"
Myhear
tst
oppedbeat
ingf
orasecond.
.
Me:Huh?MyFat
heri
sdead?
Thel
astt
imeIhear
dofmyFatherhewasi
njai
l.
.
Ndal
oopenedhi
seyesandl
ookedatme.
.
Ndalo:Yourf
athert
ookhi slif
ewhenhewasi njai
la
fewyearsago,hecouldn'
tlivewitht
heguiltofhim
breaki
nghisfamil
y,ofhim hurti
nghischi
ldrenli
fe
that
Il
ookedatLel
e..
Ndal
o:"IgotaneasywayoutIunder st
and,I
coul
dn'
tmaket hi
ngsrightwhenIhadt het
imeso
nowI'
m makingthingsri
ghtortr
yingtoo"
Iwasshockedatt
her
evel
ati
ont
hatmyFat
heri
sno
more.
.
Ndal o:"What '
shappeningt omyDaught erisexactl
y
what 'shappenedt omywi fe.Iseeitasmykar ma,
thatSoso' sMot heral
socamei ntomyl if
ebr oken
andIt ookadvant ageoft hatnowmyDaught eris
sufferingf ormysi ns.HowImi st
reatedsomeone' s
Daught erisexactlyhowsomeoneel sei streati
ng
myDaught er.I
t'
sacur se,i
t'skarma.I t
'sacaset hat
Sosocanbr eak,i
tdoesn'trequiremuch, shecan
breaki tbynotf ol
lowinginherMot her'
sshoes.
SosoIknowhowmuchIhavehur tyou, butabove
everythi ng.Ijustwantyout ogohome.Homei s
home, there'snobet t
erplacet hanhome.Gohome
nganeyam"
Me:HowdoI
?Thesi
tuat
ionIam i
nis.
.
Ndalo:"
Youl eavi
ngher e,youwi l
lgost r
aighttothe
pol
icestati
onandaskt hepol icetoescor tyoutothe
housetogetyourt hi
ngs, thenescor tyoubackso
Mondayyoucanf indyour selfhome.Al soIwoul d
l
ikeyoutotakeal ongthisgi rl
,thi
sgi r
lhasbeent rue
toyou.Sheal sohastogetawayf rom herMot herif
shewant stosucceedinl i
f e.Iam yourFat her
,Iwill
bepresentwhenyout aket hisjourneytomakesur e
t
hatIpr
otectyoufrom t
hatwoman.Justbecause
I
'
m nomor e,doesn'
tmeanIcan'
tprot
ectyou"
Ndal
oopenedhi
seyes.
.
Ndal
o:Soknowandunder standthatyourParent
s
wantyoutogobackhome, wheretheywillbeabl
e
t
oprotectyouful
lywit
houtanyhiccupsofwhatthat
womani sdoi
ngtostopthem
Iswal
lowed.
.
Me:Mi
ssGi
s,I
..
Ndal
oshookhi
shead.
.
Ndalo:SheanotGod.Whydon' tyout r
ustGodand
yourguides?Whycan' tyoutrustt
heymor e
power f
ulthanthiswoman?Sosoi fyoudon'tgetout
ofthereyouwi l
ldie.Theywil
lkil
lyouanduseyou
asazombi e,
that'
swher ei
t'
sheaded.Yout ooka
l
eapoff ait
hyear sagoandcameher e,can'
tyou
takethatsamel eapoffait
h?
Il
ookedatLel
e..
Ndalo:I
fyougir
lsagree,
youcandowhatyour
f
atheraskedofyou.Thenyouladi
escomeback
her
ewewillseehowwegetyouguyspl
anet
icket
s
andMondaywealll
eave
Lel
e:Can'
tyougowi
thus?
Ndalo:No.
.Thi
sisajourneyt
hatyouguyshaveto
t
akeonyourown, I
'
mt hatwoman'sgr
eatestenemy
r
ightnow
Thi
ssi
tuat
ionwasdi
ff
icul
t.
..
Ndal o:Ifyoucan'tbelieveinmet henbelieveinthe
giftIhave, i
thasneverl edanyoneast r
ay.Whenyou
arehomet hat'
swhent hingswi llchange, youneed
togobackhomef oryourgui dest ohelpyou.Your
Par ent swannapr otectyoubutt heycan' tbecause
thathousehasal ott hatisbindingt hem f r
om
reachi ngyou.Thenextt hi
ng, t
heywi l
lkil
lyouandi t
willbesadbecauseyourPar entswannahel pand
prot ectyoubutyouar epushingt hem afar.Soso
youcan' tholdgrudgesf orpeopl ewhoar enotin
thi
swor ldanymor e,t
heygone.Youst illhere,
forgi vesoyourheal ingcanst ar
t .Theywannamake
thi
sr ight,workwiththem pl ease
BELI
NDA

Iwassoemot i
onalthatIexcusedmysel fandwent
tocal
lmyMot her.Ndalo'sMotherdoesn'tl
ikeit
muchwhenIt al
kt omyownMot heraboutNdal o.
ShesaysNdaloisherSon, anypr obl
em Iencout er
wit
hhim Ishoul
dt el
lherbecausesheknowshow
todealwi
thherbet t
er.Sherai
sedhi m af
terall
,but
ri
ghtnow.Ineededt otal
ktomyownMot her,vent
asmuchasIwantwi thoutchoosingwords..

Ma:Thi
ssi
tuat
ioni
sdi
ff
icul
t
Me:Whywoul
dNdal
odot
hist
ome.
Ma:Yekaukukhal
anawe(
Stopcr
ying)
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Ma:Li
ndayoucan'tal
lowamer ewomancomeand
br
eakyourmar
riage,f
ightyourhusband!
Me:HowMa?Ican'
thaveki
dsandIcan'
teven
sat
isf
yhi
minbed
Ma:NaweLi nda.
.Whathappenedt oyouwasal ong
ti
meago.Youcan' tl
etwhatthatwomandi dyou,
aff
ectyourmarri
age.Yenahermar r
iageisprobabl
y
thebestnowwenayouar esuf
fer
ing,doyouwant
anotherwomancomei nt
oyourhomeandt akeover?
Thiswomanf al
lspregnanti
t'
sdone!Youareout ,
he'sgoingt
olovehermor e!
Me:That'
swhatI
'
m scar
edof
f,hi
mfal
li
ngoutof
l
ovewithme
Ma:Stopcr
yingmaan!Youknowourrel
ati
vesare
j
eal
ousofyou.Youwannacomebackher ebat
hi
uhl
ulweumendo?(yourmar
ri
agefai
led)
Me:Cha(
no)
Ma:Doyouwantt obeanembar r
assment ?Because
Ndaloistheitmanf oryou,nomanwi l
lloveyoui n
thi
ssi t
uat
ionofnotbeingablet oconceiveand
damagedasyouar e.Ican'
tbelieveyoulettingwhat
thatwomandi dtoyouaf f
ectyourmar ri
age, why
can'tyousati
sfyhi
m?YouknowManl ovesex.
That'sasmallpri
cetopayf orthelif
eyoul iving!Fix
thi
ssi t
uat
ionmaan, ngazeulahlekel
weumshando
ngent
oencaneso?(Youwouldr
atherl
oseyour
marri
agebecauseofsuchasmal
lthi
ng)
Me:No
Ma:Thenactri
ghtpl
ease!Don'
tembar
rassusand
makeusacircus!

NANGOMSO

Ididnotexpectever
ythi
ngthathappenedtoday,
allI
thoughtIwasgoingtodowasshoppi ngwithLel
e.I
didn'
tthi
nkthiswouldhappen.
.Ndalowalkedusto
thecar..
Me:Thankyouf
orever
ythi
ng
It
alkalot
, I
'
m bubblyandcr
azy.Butbei
ngin
Ndalo'
spresencehasmademever yshy.
.
Ndalo:Justknowyouarenotforcedtodot hi
s, i
t'
s
alluptoyou.Doyouwannat akethi
sleapoff ait
hor
doyouwannacont i
nueli
vingthisli
feunt
ilthey
fi
nall
ykil
lyou.Wemetinapubl icpl
ace,I
'm sure
theyhaveseenourencounterandtheywillst
rike
becauset
heywi
llknowt
hatyouget
ti
nghel
p
Inodded.
.
Ndal
o:Makeawi
sedeci
sion
Me:Thankyouagai
n
Ndalo:Drivesaf
elyl
adi
esandknowi
fyoudeci
det
o
dothis,yourpar
entswi
llhel
p
Me:Okay
Ndal
o:CanIhaveyourphone?
Ihandedhi
m myphone.
.Het
ooki
tandl
ookedati
t.
.
Ndal
o:Thankyouandbye
Hewalkedaway,
wel
ookedathi
m puzzl
ed.He
cameback.
.
Ndal
o:I
'
mjoki
ng.
.Pl
easegi
vemeaccess
Iunl
ocked.
.
Ndalo:I
'
m savingmynumber
,cal
lmei
fyou
encounteranyprobl
ems
Me:Okay
Hehandedmebackmyphone.
.
LeleandIgoti
nthecar
..Ndal
olookedatusaswe
droveaway.
.
Me:Whatdoyout
hinkweshoul
ddo?
Lel
e:I
'
m notsur
e,I
'
m conf
used
Me:Met
oo
(
Sil
ence)
Lel
e:I
fwedot
his,
Mamawi
llhuntusdown
Me:Iknow
Lel
e:Sowhatar
ewegoi
ngt
odo?
Me:Iser
iousl
ydon'
tknow

NDALO

Iwatchedthem dri
veaway,
IhopeSosowil
lmakea
wiserdeci
sion.
.Igotmyphoneoutandcal
led
Beli
nda..
Bel
:Hi
Me:Hi
?Whatam I
?Yourf
ri
end
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Me:Kant
iwhat
'swr
ongwi
thyout
hesedays?
Bel
:Not
hing
Me:Ifyoudon'ttal
kt omeBel,
knowthatyou
buil
dingawallinbetweenus.Whent
hewal li
shi
gh
enough,i
t'
llbediff
icultt
obr
eakdown
Bel:Iunderst
and.
.JustthatNannyandIwentto
yourAunt'shousetheyhaveatradi
ti
onalcer
emony
remember ?Igothereandstar
ti
nghelpi
ngsoI '
ma
bitti
red
Me:Noonewi
llover
wor
kmywi
fe,
younotasl
ave
Bel
:It
'snotl
iket
hat
Me:Youar
emar
ri
edt
omenotmyr
elat
ives
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Bel
:It
'sokayIdon'
tmi
nd
Me:Af
teral
ltheseyear
syoust
il
lwannai
mpr
ess
t
heInl
aws
Shechuckl
edagai
n..
Me:Il
oveyouBel
wit
hal
lmyhear
t
Bel
:Il
oveyout
oo
Me:I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
Bel
:Okay
Me:ByeRat
o
Bel
:ByeBabe
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
47] :16

BELI
NDA

Iwasi nanotsogoodmoodwi theveryt

hingthat
's
beenhappeni ng,asfarasNdaloandNangomsoar e
concerned.Idon'twannaconfronthim becausei
t
canpot ent
ial
lybackfi
re.Ndal
odoesn'thandle
confrontat
ionverywell,
especi
allywhenyouaccuse
him ofsomet hi
nghehasn'tdonehet endstodraw
awayanddri
ftf
rom youf
orawhi
le.I
tmakest
hings
ver
yhardf
orthebothofus.
..

Laterondur ingthedaywedr ovebackhome, It

hink
thatthathisMom not icedthatIwasn'tokaysoshe
askedi fwecoul dtal
k..Iexpl
ainedtoherthe
sit
uationandhowi t'
smaki ngmeuncomf or
tabl
e
andscar ed..Evenshowedhert hevi
deo..

Nanny:Iunder standwher eyouar ecomingf r

om, I
meanNdal ohasademandi ngj
ob.Iwoul dn'
tsay
muchont hissi t
uationbecauseIdon' tknowwhat '
s
happeningbutal lIknowist hatifhewascheat i
ng
andfoolingar oundwi ththisgirlhewasn'tgoingto
makeitsopubl i
c,hewoul dn'tl
eavehisphonej ust
l
yingaround, hewoul d'
vechangedhi spasswor d
too.
.Hewoul dn'ttakehist eam togoandcheaton
you
It
houghtabouti
tforawhi
le.
.
Nanny:Buti
fyoufeelsomethi
ngisnotokaywi
th
t
hissit
uati
on,whydon'tyoudi
scussi
twithhi
m?
Me:YouknowhowNdal
oisMa,
itmi
ghtt
urni
ntoa
f
ight
Nanny:Howhet akesit,it
'snotyourproblem.Atthe
endoft hedayyouwoul d'
vetoldhim howyouf eel
aboutthesit
uat i
on,andhowher eactsit'
sallonhim
becauseIbelieveiftabl
eswer eturned,hewouldbe
discussingi
twithyout oo
Inodded.
..
Me:I
'
llt
ryt
otal
ktohi
m abouti
t
Nanny:Marr
iageismoreniceandenj
oyablewhen
ther
e'scommunicat
ion,l
ackofcommunicati
onwi
ll
betheendofyourmar r
iage
Me:Iunder
stand.
..I
'
llt
alkt
ohi
m

NANGOMSO

LeleandIdidgot ot
hepoli
cestat
iontoaddressour
probl
em withthem.Iexpectedt
hem togiveusrun
arounds,
ornott akeusseri
ousl
ybutt hel
evelof
thei
runderstandingdidpr
ovetomet hati
ndeedGod
andmyancestor
sarebehi
ndme, Ihavetheir
suppor
tandthi
sistheonl
ychancethatI
'llgett
o
permanent
lymoveawayfrom t
hissi
tuat
ion.

Twocopvansaccompani edusaswewentt othe

housetogetourt hings,whenwedr oveintothe
yardmyhear tstart
edbeat i
ngf ast.Fearcreepedin.
Ihaveenduredabusef r
om t hispeopl eforyears,
they'
vemademyl if
eal ivinghel landfeeli
ngl i
ke
thi
srightnowisnotbi zar r
e.Thecopspar ked
outsi
deandf ol
lowedi nonf ootasLel eparked
i
nsidetheyard.Sid'scarwasnotar ound,meani ng
hewasnotar oundmaki ngt hissituati
oneasierto
dealwith.Mi
ssG, wasal sonotar ound.

Wehaveourownkeyst othehouse,whil
stLel
e
wenttothemainhousetogethert
hings.Iwentt
o
ourhousetogetmythi
ngs.
Othercopswereoutsi
de,ot
herswer ewithusaswe
packedup.Iwon'tt
akeal
lmycl othestheyalot
,I'
l
l
takei
mportantt
hingsandatleasthavetwobagsof
cl
othes.Mymi ndwasrunningwild,
Iwaspr
ayi
ngI
don'
tforgetal
lthei
mportantt
hings.
..

NDALO

AtleastVuyi
swawil
lbeabl
etomoveonandhave
peace,Ij
usthopeNangomsomadet
hedeci
sionof
walkingaway.
.

Iunderstandhowdi ff
icultthesi tuati
oni sforher,I
meanVuyi swamadei tknownhowmuchher
Daughterhasbeensuf f
er i
ng, andwal kingaway
from anabusivesit
uationi snoteasy.Abuser shold
youbackwi t
hthefearthatt heyhavei nsti
ll
edi nyou,
soIam t r
yingtohavef aithinNangomso.Shehas
totakethatleapoffait
h, hergui desandherGod
theywannahel pherout .Shedeser vesbet terthan
whatshei sgetti
ng,shei sabeaut if
ulwomanand
i
t'snottoolateforhertost artover .
.Ireceivedacal l
from Bel
inda..
Me:Mr
sD
Bel
:HeyHun
Me:Mi
ssme?
Bel
:Ido
Me:Imi
ssyout
oosweet
hear
t
Bel
:Ndal
o
Me:Yes?
Bel
:CanIt
alkt
oyouaboutsomet
hing?
Me:Soundsser
ious
Bel
:Iti
s,wel
latl
eastt
ome
Me:What
'swr
ongmyAngel
?
Bel
:Uhm.
..
Shepaused.
.
Me:Bel
?
Bel
:Whatisgoi
ngonbet
weenyouandt
hisgi
rl
Nangomso?
Me:Huh?
Bel :Thi
ngis..Ihear
dthatni
ghtintheguestroom
talking,
tal
kingaboutherandIalsoaccessedyour
phone.WhenIsear chedheraccountshowedup
fir
stmeaningt hatyouhavesearchedherbefore
Me:What
?
Bel
:Whati
sgoi
ngonbet
weenyouandNangomso?
Shoul
dIbewor
ri
ed?
Me:SonowIcan'
tjustr
andoml
ysear
chpeopl
eon
Facebook?
Bel
:Idi
dn'
tsayt
hat
Me:Thenwhatareyousayi
ngbecauseI
'
m not
under
standi
ngyouMaDlomo
Bel:Yousai
dyougoi
ngdowntoKzn,
workr
elat
ed
tr
ip.Nowyouandthi
sNangomsowomanareal
l
oversoci
almedi
a
Me:Nangomso, HerMot heri
sdeceased.Her
Motherhasbeenbot her
ingmet ofi
ndherDaught
er
andhelpher.Todaywhenwewer eout,
spir
itl
edme
tot
herestaurantshewasi nandIspoketoher
Bel
:Ift
hati
sso,
thatmeanswewi
llbewat
chi
ngher
epi
sodel
iket
her
estoft
heot
hercl
ient
s
Me:Itwon'
tbeairedbecauseair
ingi
twillputher
l
ifei
ndanger.Nangomsoi snotthef
ir
stpersonI
havehel
pedprivately,
Ihaveal
otofcli
entswhodo
pri
vater
eadi
ngswi t
hmeshouldIsendyout heli
st?
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Me:Andsincewhenar
ewei
nvadi
ngeachot
her
's
pr
ivacy?
Bel:Ij
ust.
.Ij
ustwant
edt
omakesur
eI'
m notbei
ng
dri
bbled
Me:HaveIevergi
venyouar
easont
onott
rustme?
Bel
:No
Me:Thenwhati
sthi
snow?
Bel
:Iwasj
ustaski
ng
Me:Whyi smyworkmakingusfightallofasudden?
WhyisNangomsomaki ngusfi
ghtwhenIhavehad
alotoff
emalecl
ient
s,whyspeci
fical
lyher?Whyar e
youhavi
ngaproblem wit
hher
?
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Me:Iam notcheat i
ngonyouBel,pullyourself
towardsyourselfandcheckyour
self
,becauseIhate
beingaccusedofshi tI
'
m notdoi
ng.Idon'tknow
whyyounol ongertr
ustmebutallI
'
m goi ngtosay
i
st hati
fyoukeept hisup,t
henIwil
lgiveyoua
properreasontoaccusemeofsomet hi
ngt hatI
havedone
Bel
:Ohw
Me:Irepeat
..
.Pullyour
sel
ftowar
dsyour
sel
fRat
o
andcheckyourself
Ihungup.
.

NANGOMSO

Wedi dn'tt
akeLele'
scar
.Leledecidedthatshe
won'ttakehercar.I
twasagiftfr
om herMot her,
she'sthi
nkingthati
fwetakeitMissGmi ghtusethe
cartodousbad.Getusi ntoanaccidentorso. .I
sti
llcan'
tbeli
evewemadei tout,
itwassuchan
easygat ewaymyguardswer er
eallywithus..
Thecopsdroppedusoffattheguesthouse,It
exted
Ndal
otocomeandgetusbecauset heyref
usedto
l
etusinsi
ncei tseemsl
ikewewillbespendingti
me
her
eunti
lwel eaveonMonday.It
'snotagoinand
gooutvi
sit
.

Lel
e:YouknowMom andSi
dwon'
tlett
hisgo?They
wil
lhuntusdown
Me:Atleastt
heydon'
tknowmyPar
ent
'shouseso
i
t'
llbedif
fi
cul
tfort
hem t
ofi
ndus
Lel
e:Thi
sisbi
g..Can'
tbel
ieveweact
ual
lydi
dthi
s,i
t
wassoeasy
Me:I'
mtel
li
ngyou.
.Iam scar
edi
twast
oodamn
easy
Lel
e:ButI
'
m gl
adweouthey
Me:Metoo.
.Idon'
tknowhowmyBr
otheri
sgoi
ng
t
owelcomeus
Lel
e:Wewi
llcr
osst
hatbr
idgewhenwegett
her
e
Lel
e:Yeswewi
ll
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
47] :17

NANGOMSO

Ndalodi dcomet ogetusfrom thegat e.Hepai df

or
ourst ayhereandhewasal sogoi ngtohelpus
fi
nanci all
yinget ti
ngbackhome, getusplane
ti
ckets..Thismani samazi ng,Ndal oissuchagood
heartedhumanbei nghegoesanext ramiletooff
er
help.Iwasst i
llhavingmixedemot i
onswithregar
ds
toever ythi
ng,Iwassomuchi npai nIdi
dn'teven
reali
zet hatonedaymybr eakthroughwi l
lcome.
ThatGodwi llfinall
yhearmycr i
es. .

Wewerehavi
ngami nibr
aai
.DaveandAmbercame
backwi
thmeat,
dri
nks,andr
oll
s.Ndal
othoughti
t
wouldbemuchnicerifwetakethisnighttoj
ust
cel
ebrat
eandeverythi
ngelsewithregardsto
communicat
ionwithmygui deswewi l
lseeitwhen
wegettoJohannesburg.
.

LeleandIwer esi t
ti
ngatthepool,ourfeetwere
dippedinside.Iwasasal wayshavingsavannaand
wedi dtakepicturesbutwewer en'
tgoingtoupl oad
anythingasyet ,wecan'tgi
veourlocati
onoutbutI
havebeenpost i
ngonFacebookbutnotr eveal
ing
myl ocati
onoranyt hingofthatmatter
..

Me:Theyhaven'
tcal
led?
Lel
e:No
Me:Iwonderwhatt
heyt
hinki
ng,
doyout
hinkt
hey
ar
eback?
Lel
e:I
t'
s20:
00,
Mom coul
dbeback.Si
dmi
ghtst
il
l
beout
Me:ThankyouLel
eforever
ythi
ng
Lel
e:Not
hankyou.
.I'
veal
wayswant
edt
ogetaway
f
rom home,
star
tanewli
fesomewher
eel
sef
ar
f
rom pai
nandabusef
rom myMom
Me:Ihearyou
Ndal
owal
kedupt
ous.
.
Ndal
o:Ar
ewest
il
lokay?
Lel
e:Yes
Hei
nti
midat
esmeal
otIdon'
twannal
ie.
.
Ndal
o:Sosoar
eyouokay?
Me:YesI
'
m good.
.Thankyou
Ndalo:Areweevergoi
ngt
ohaveanormal
conversat
ionwher
eyouar
enotscar
edofme?
Me:Iam notscar
edofyou
Ndal
o:Youcan'
tevenl
ookatmei
ntheeye
Me:Iam notscar
edofyou,
I'
mjustnotmuchofa
t
alker
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Ndal
o:That
'snotwhatIhear
d
Me:Thenyouhear
dwr
ong
Ndal
o:Lel
ecanyoupl
easegi
veusamoment
?
Lel
e:Yeahuhm sur
e..Letmegoandseewhat
AmberandDaveneed
Shegotupandwal kedaway.Ndalogothis
sneaker
soffandsocks,herol
leduphisjeansand
thensatdownnexttome.Hewasdr inki
ngcoca
cola.
.
Me:Youdon'
tdr
inkal
cohol
?
Ndal
o:No.
.Notal
lofusar
eal
cohol
icsphel
a
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Wow!
Ndal
o:Ar
en'
tyou?
Me:I
'
m notanal
cohol
ic
Ndal
o:Yousur
eaboutt
hat
?
Me:Look..
.Youmightthi
nkt hatyouknowme,but
youdon'
tsolet'
sstar
tthere.Youdon'tknowme
enoughtocallmeanalcoholic
Ndal
o:Myapol
ogi
es
Me:Ifyougoi
ngtoj
udgemebasedonwhatyour
gi
ftl
et'
syouknowaboutaper
sonthenIwoul
dn'
t
wannabereadbyyou
Ndal
o:I
twasmeantt
obeaj
okeSoso
Me:Wel
lit
'snotf
unnyt
hatwasof
fensi
ve
Ndal
o:I
'
m sor
ry
[
SILENCE]
Me:Ar
eyoual
wayst
hismuchofaj
erk?
Hechuckl
edanddr
ankhi
scoke.
.
Ndalo:Youcancallmeajer
kandI'
m notsupposed
tobeof f
endedbutwhenIcal
lyouanal
coholi
cit'
s
off
ensive
Me:I
'
m notanal
cohol
ic
Ndal
o:I
fitget
syouwor
kedupt
heni
t'
str
ue
Me:I
'
m donewi
tht
his!
Ndal
o:Donewi
thwhat
?
Me:Thi
s..Idon'
twannaheari
tanymor
e
Igotmyf
eetf
rom t
hepoolandgotup.
Imighthavehadoneortoomanybott
lesof
savanna,Iwasver
yti
psy..
.Ist
art
edwalki
ngaway.
.
Ndal
o:Don'
tfor
getyourf
ri
end
Iwal
kedbackt
otakemybot
tl
eandwal
kedaway.
.
Me:Jer
k!
Ndal
o:Al
cohol
ic!
Me:del
usi
onalpsychopat
hthatseesghost
s!
Ndal
o:Whatt
hef
uckdi
dyouj
ustsay?
Ist
oppedandt
urnedar
ound.
.
Me:Youknowspeakingwithghosts
psychol
ogi
cal
lythat
'sdel
usional
,i
tmeanst
hat
somethi
ngiswrongwithyoument al
ly
Ndal
o:Atl
eastI
'
mri
chof
fit
!
Me:Yeahbutr
ichwi
thami
ser
abl
eskank!
Ndal
o:Whatdi
dyoucal
lmywi
fe?
Me:Yourmiser
ableskanksentmeaf r
iendrequest
,
wantedt
obe" f
ri
ends".Goti
tfr
om herpoststhat
she'
smiser
ablewitharichf
amoushusband
Ndalo:Shemightbeami ser
ableskankbutsheis
myskank!Atleastshedidn'
trunawayfrom home
togolivewit
hamant hatlat
eronabusedher !At
l
eastshe'ssel
fmade,hasacar eerandmarri
ed
whataboutyou?Ifeelyouaremor eofamisarbl
e
skankthansheis
Thathurt
,thatst
ungalot.Ithrewmybott
leof
savannaathim andi
thithim onhi
sback.
Ndal
o:Whatt
he?
??
Hegotupi mmediat
ely.
..Whenhewasst i
llget
ti
ng
upImadear unf
orit
,andranstr
aighti
nsi
det he
minihousethatwewererenti
ng.
Amber
:Andnow?
Ir
anst
rai
ghtt
othebat
hroom andl
ockedmysel
f.
.

BELI
NDA

Iknewthiswasgoingtohappen,
IknewNdalowas
goingtopegeveryt
hingonme.Makeitseem l
ike
I'
m overr
eact
ing.
..
Ihadexcusedmysel ft ogot obedearly,
butmy
heartwast oobrokenf ormet ogetsomesl eep.
WhenIcl osedmyeyesIwoul dthi
nkofwhathe
said"I
'l
lgiveyouapr operreasont oaccusemeof
somethingt hatIwoul d'vedone".Asharppainshot
acrossmyhear t
,itbecamewor sewhenIl aiddown.
Il
oveNdal owi thallmyhear t
,Ihavenolifewithout
him.
Heismyever ythi
ng,heistheonlypersonwho
makesmehappy.Losi nghim woul dbreakmedown
i
nawayt hatIwouldneverrecoverfr
om.Ikepton
checki
ngmyphone, t
oseei fhewouldcallorsend
meat extmessagebuthedi dn't
.Itwassil
ent.
.

NANGOMSO

Amber:Whathappenednow?Becausewewer
eal
l
havi
ngapeacefulni
ght?
Ndal
o:Canshef
uckenopent
hedoor
?
Lel
e:Whathappened?Ngomso?
Ihear
dsomeknocki
ng.
.
Lel
e:Ngomso
Ndal
o:Idon'tunder
standwhyi
sshedoi
ngshi
tthat
shecan'
tstandfor?
Dave:Whatdi
dshedo?
Ndal
o:Shef
uckent
hrewabot
tl
eatme
Lel
e:Ngomso
Me:I
fhei
sther
eI'
m notopeni
ng
Lel
e:Iwon'
tlethi
min,
youl
ett
ingmei
n
Ndalo:Canshej
ustst
opwi
tht
hischi
ldi
shbehavi
or
al
ready
Amber
:Ndal
olet
'shaveawor
dout
side
Ndal
o:Yeahsur
e
Lel
e:Ngomsot
heygoi
ngout
sideopen
Iopenedt
hedoorandshewal
kedi
n,shecl
osedt
he
door.
.
Me:Lock
Shel
ocked.
.
Lel
e:Whathappened?
Iwentandsatonthet
oil
etseatandwi
pedmyf
ace
wit
hmyhands. .
Lel
e:Whathappened?
Me:Idon'
tknowwewer
etal
kingandt
henhepi
ssed
meoff
Lel
e:How?Whatdi
dhesay?
Igotemot
ional
..
Lel
e:Tal
ktomewhat
'swr
ong?

NDALO

Amber
:Whatt
hef
uckhappenedi
nthatpool
?
Me:Shel osti
t!Shef
uckenl
osti
t!She'
sa
psychopath!
Amber:Getyour
sel
ftoget
her
!Getyourhead
t
oget
her,youhaveareadi
ngtomorr
owmor ning.
Thisgir
lhasnothingtolose,youhaveeveryt
hingto
l
ose.Yourjob,yourwife!What'st
hedealwiththi
s
gir
lNdalo?Anddon'ttellmethere'
snothi
ng
becauseI'
m notcrazy.
..Areyouhavinganaf f
air
withthi
swoman?Whati sgoi
ngon?Areyou
cheati
ngonBel ?
Me:I
'
m notcheat
ingonmywi
fe!
Amber
:Thenwhati
sitwi
tht
hisgi
rl
?
Me:Idon'
tknowAmber
,Ial
sodon'
tknow
Amber
:Geti
ttoget
hert
hen!

BELI
NDA

Igotoutofbedandwenttothekit
chentodr i
nk
somewat er
.Iwashavingseri
ouschestpains,I
can'
tevental
kaboutthiswit
hanyone.Iendedup
cal
li
nghim,becauseClear
yhewasn'tgoingtocall
..
Ndal
o:WhatBel
inda?
Me:Hi
Ndal
o:Whatdoyouwant
?
Me:I.
.Ij
ustwant
edt
osaysor
ryf
orwhathappened
ear
li
er
Ndalo:Ial
wayst ellyoudon'tfuckenputour
businessoutthere,butyoutakingourpr obl
emsand
putt
ingthem onFacebooknowpeopl earesweari
ng
atyout ome!Peopl earetal
kingillaboutmywife
j
ustbecauseinyourmessedl i
ttl
emi ndyouthi
nk
I'
m cheati
ng
Me:I
'
m sor
ryNdal
o
Ndal
o:WhydoIhavet
odi
scusst
hesameshi
twi
th
youever
yday?
Tear
sst
reameddown.
.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry(
cryi
ng)
Ndal
o:ByeBel
inda!
Hehungup,
Iputt
hephoneont
hecount
er.
.
Me:OhwmyGod(
cryi
ng)
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
48] :18

NDALO

Thebraaidi
dn'thappen.Af
terthatmessyfi
ght
betweenSosoandI ,t
hegir
lstookthei
rshareof
foodanddrinkstogoeatattheirpl
aceofsl
eep.
DaveandIwer eshari
ngthesameshel t
erandt he
gir
lshadtheirown.Davewaswi tht
hem,Idecided
nottojoi
nbecauseIwasnotokay. .

Whathappenedbet weenSosoandI ,
yesi tpissed
meof fbutatthesamet imei treall
ygottomei na
sexualway.Allt
hataggr esionfrom her,whatwas
mostlyrunningthr
oughmymi ndwasmebendi ng
heroverandwor ki
ngherunt i
lshebegsf ormer cy.I
wast ur
nedonnol ie,
thinkingaboutt hethi ngsI
coulddotohersexuallymademet ohavear ock
harderecti
on.Justbei
ngdeepi nsi
deofherand
givi
ngnocar eaboutanyt hingbutfuckherhar d
unti
lshelosesherbreath, unti
lshel i
ter
allybegsme
tostopj ustt
ogetthatat
ti
tudeof
ffr
om her
.Hitit
hardt hatshefeel
sburnwhenshegoestothetoi
let
tourinate.

Mybei ngthatdanger ousl

ylosti
nmyt houghts,I
didn'tevenreali
zet hatmyhandhadsanki nt
omy
briefs.Ilower
edt hem al i
tt
let
oreleasemypai nful
rockhar dshaft.Iclosedmyeyesandj er
kedof f
,
picturingmyselfhavingmywaywi t
hher.Atl
east
thedoorwasl ocked,Davewi l
lhavetoknockbef or
e
hemakeshi swayi n...

Ithoughtabouthersi nkinghernai l
sdeeperi ntomy
back, asIfil
ledherupdeepi nside.Bendingherover
andt akingitfrom behindwi thherAssal louton
display,havingheront opofmewi t
hmespanki ng
andgr abbingherasst i
ght!Dammi tthi
swasahuge
turnon.Hear i
nghervoi cebeggi ngforgett
ingthe
atti
tudeshewasgi vi
ngme, feel
ingonherwet ness.
Kissingher, ni
bbli
ngonbr eastsandsqueezi ngher
bodyagai nstmi ne.Doingal lthethi
ngsI '
m
restr
ictedindoingwithmywi f
e..Mybreat
hing
pickedup, myhandwentupanddownhar derand
harder.Iwasr eachi
ngthepointofnoret
urn,I
movedt hecoversandsatupstrai
ghtandIgr oaned
andcl enchedmyJawsaf tershooti
ngoffmycum

NANGOMSO

Iregr
etedmostoft
hethingsIsai
dtoNdal
o,
especi
all
ybr
ingi
nginhiswifei
ntothemi
x.
Ionl
ysaidthatt
ogett
ohim onal
lthathesai
dto
me,butei
therwayi
twasn'
tri
ght.
.

Iwasgoinginandoutonl
ine,
sawBel
indawas
onl
ine.Igr
eeted.
.

*
***
***
What
sapp*
***
**

Me:Hi
Sher
epl
iedaf
teraf
ewseconds.
Her
:Hi
Me:Whyar
en'
tyousl
eepi
ng?I
t'
slat
e
Her
:Justwat
chi
ngamovi
e
Me:OnaSaturdaynight
?Youshoul
dbedr
inki
ng
somet
hingandhavingfun!
Her
:Iam notaf
anofal
coholar
eyouhavi
ngf
un?
Me:I
'
m dr
inki
ngsavanna!
Her
:Lol
..Dr
anki
tonceott
wicei
t'
spoi
son
Me:Leavet
ouswehavePhDsi
nthi
s
Her
:LolI
'
lll
eavei
tupt
othePr
osl
ikeyou
Me:MondayI
'
m movi
ngdownt
oGaut
engsoI
'
m
cel
ebr
ati
ng
Her
:Per
manent
ly?
Me:Yes
Her
:Weshoul
dmeetsomet
ime
Me:I
'
m downf
ort
hat
Her
:Okaygoodni
ght
Me:Ni
ght

SI
DNEY(
SID)

Iwasoutal
lni
ghtget
ti
ngdrunkwi
tht
heboys.I
camebackhomeataround4am.
Nangomsowasn'
tinthehouse,
Ifi
gur
edmaybeshe
sl
eptinsi
dewi
thLel
e..

Igotuplat
erthatmorni
ngandwentt
othehouse,
MyMot herwaspacingupanddownatt
hekit
chen
busywithherphone.
.
Me:Goodmor
ning
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Ma:Lel
eandNangomsor
anaway
Il
aughed.
.
Me:That
'sf
unny
Igotaglassandwentt
othesi
nkt
ogetmysel
fa
water
..
.
Ma:Lel
esentmeamessagel
astni
ght
ShehandedmeherphoneandIr
eadt
hel
ong
messagefr
om Lel
e..
Me:Wt
f?
Igaveherbackherphone.
.
Ma:Thesegi
rl
sar
epl
ayi
ngwi
thf
ir
e,It
houghtt
hey
knewmebynow
Me:Thi
sismessedup!I
'
llcal
lNgomso

NDALO

TheCl i
entcameandweweredoingthereadi
ng.
AmberandDavewer ehungover
,butIcoul
dn'
tlet
them oversl
eepwehadworktodo.
.

Me:YourMot
herwasaChr
ist
ian?
Her
:Yes
Me:Youonl
yfoundyourf
atherr
ecent
ly?
Her
:Yes
Inodded.
.
Her:If
eelli
kemyMotheri
snothappywheresheis,
thi
ngsaren'
tgoi
ngwellwi
thme.Idream al
otabout
her
Me:YourMot
heri
sfi
ndi
ngi
thar
dtoconnectwi
th
you
Her
:Idi
dthi
nkt
hat
Me:YourFatherventuredyoui
ntosomet
hingt
hat
yourMotherwasn'tusedtoo
I
twasqui
et.
.
Me:What
'swi
tht
heenchant
mentar
oundt
heyar
d?
Her:There'
sthi
swomanwhoi sbusywithme,my
Fathertookmetoatradit
ionalheal
erthatputa
charm ofprot
ect
ioni
nt heyard
Me:Iunder
stand
Her
:Isi
tevi
l?
Me:Notatal lbutitchasedyourmot heraway.As
I'
vesaidbefore,yourMot herwasaChr ist
ianshe
doesn'
tmixwi thtradit
ion.Theenchantmentchased
heraway,she'sstandingout si
de.Outofthegate
andlooki
ngt hrough
Her
:ShewasaChr
ist
ian,
ahar
dcor
eone
Me:" ShelostherwaysNdal o.Befor
emypassi ng
myDaught erknewt hatprayingandgoingtochurch
wast heonlyt hingt
hatwebel i
evedinandIhave
taughthert hat.NowI'm surpri
sedthatmyDaught er
i
st akingwaysofamanwhoneverevenr ai
sedher
andabandoni ngmyways, that
'swhyshe'ssolost
.
Shei schasingmeawayf rom t
hehouseandt he
yardwi t
hthi ngsshe'
sdoi ng.I'
m nothappywith
howshe' sdoi ngthi
ngs"
Her
:MyFat
hermeanswel
l
Me:Hemi ghtbebutnowhe' sgoi
ngagainstwhat
yourMotherbelievedin.Somespi ri
tswanttobe
honouredandcommuni cat
edwi t
hwhatthey
bel
ievedin.Evenwi t
ht hecleansi
ngyouwer en'
t
supposedtoslaught eri
nheryar d.Supposedt o
haveslaughter
edi nthefarm andbr oughtthegoat
alr
eadyslaughtered,she'
snothappywi ththeblood
thatwasspill
edar oundheryard.Youcommuni cat
e
withhertr
aditi
onallyshedoesn'tli
ket hat
.Younot
supposetousesnuf fwit
hher,alcoholwhilstshe
neverusedtodr i
nk.Yousupposedt ousewat er,a
whiteandbluecandl e.Eachti
mewhenyout alkto
her,yousupposedt oreadaver sefrom herBible
thenprayfi
rst
Shenodded.
.
Me:IwantyoutogetaProphetofGodonet
hat
doesn'
tworktr
adi
ti
onal
lytoremovethe
enchant
mentandprayi
nyourhousesoyour
Mother'
sspi
ri
tcanbeatpeace
Her
:Iunder
stand
Me:Fol
lowt
hewaysofyourMot
her
Her
:I'
l
ldot
hat
,thankyou

BELI
NDA
Iwokeupf eeli
ngt ir
ed,Ihardlygotsomesl eeplast
nightwit
hever yt
hingthat'
sbeenhappeni ng
betweenNdaloandI .Hehur tmenol i
e..Iorganized
myt hi
ngssinceI '
m goingbackt omyhouse,
tomorrowI'm goingbackt owor k.
.Bei
ngaNur se
hasmademet ofindcomf ortinpi
ll
s.Whent hi
s
happensIusual l
ygobeyondt herecommended
doseindrinki
ngpai nkill
ersorsleepi
ngpi ll
s..
Nanny:I
twasni
cehavi
ngyouar
ound
Me:I
twasni
cebei
ngar
oundt
oo
Nanny:Don'
tbeast
ranger
Me:Iwon'
t
Shegavemeahug.
.
Nanny:Haveasaf
etr
ipbackhome.
.Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo

NANGOMSO
Onet hi
ngIhateaboutsavannai
stheHangovert
he
fol
lowingday.I
t'
sverymessy.
Lel
e:Goodmor
ning
Me:Hey
Lel
e:Hangover
?
Me:Yes
Lel
e:Aski
esshame
Igotoutofbedandmyheadwaspoundi
ng.
Lel
e:SoMom sentmeamessage
Me:Whatdi
dshesay?
Lel
e:"Iwishyounothi
ngbutthebest
,justhurtyou
guyslef
tinsuchamanner .Iwi
shyoucould've
tal
kedtomef ir
st,
Iwouldn'
thavest
oppedyou"
Me:That
'swei
rd
Lel
e:ver
ywei
rd
Me:Yout
hinkshe'
slet
ti
ngusgat
eawayScot
tfr
ee?
Lel
e:Ir
eal
lydon'
tknowwi
thMom,
Iser
iousl
ydon'
t
know
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
49] :19

NANGOMSO

Laterondur i
ngtheday,Ndaloaskedtotalktome.I
wasst il
luneasyandaboutwhatt r
anspir
edbetween
uslastnight.Howwegott othepointofexchangi
ng
sucht oxi
candhur t
fulwordstoeachother.Wetook
awal karoundandwi thi
nthebordersoftheguest
housel odge.
.
Ndal
o:Weareleavi
ngtomor
rowmorni
ng,It
hought
weshoul
dleaveinagoodandcl
eansl
ate
Tomorrowwel eavi
ngver
yearl
yint
hemor ni
ng,we
won'
tbef l
yingtoGaut
engbutNdal
osuggestedwe
hi
reaMer cedesBenzspr
int
ert
otakeustoour
dest
inati
on.
.
Me:Iunder
stand
Ndalo:Iwantt
osaysorr
yforeverywordspokenby
melastnightt
hatwasoff
ensi
ve,Ishoul
dn'
thave
sai
dsuchhur t
fulwor
ds
Me:Iapol
ogi
zetooforthewor
dsIsai
despeci
all
y
whatIsai
daboutyourwife
Ndal
o:Youdon'tknowmywi f
e,don'
tknowwhat
she'
sbeenthroughandIdon'
ttakeki
ndl
ytopeopl
e
whodisr
espectmywi f
e!
Me:Ij
ustsai
dIwassor
ry
Ndal
o:Youdon'
tevenmeant
hat
Me:Exactl
ywhatdoyouwantmet osay?Ihave
for
givenyouf
orsayi
nghur
tfult
hingst
ome, why
can'
tyoudothesame?
Ndal
o:If
orgi
veyou,I'
mjustsayi
ngneverdi
srespect
mywifel
iket
hateveragai
n
Ist
oppedwal
king.
.
Me:I
twon'
thappenagai
n
Ndal
o:Ihopeso
Me:Can'
twai
ttogett
oGaut
engsoIcanbedone
wi
thyou
Ndal
o:Thi
sangert
hatyouhavei
snotheal
thy
Me:Her
ewegoagai
n
Ndalo:Iwil
lcountmywor ds,
don'twantl
astni
ghtto
repeatit
sel
fagainatl
eastlet
'shaveonenormaland
peacefulni
ght
Me:Thankyou
Ndal
o:Hasyourexcont
act
edyou?
Me:Yes.
.He'
sbeent
ext
ingandcal
li
ng
Ndal
o:Shoul
dchangeyoursi
m whenwegett
o
Gaut
eng
Me:Iwi
ll
Ndalo:Notsoundi
ngoffensi
vebuthowdoesagirl
l
ikeyougetcaughtinamessyrelat
ionshi
pli
ket
hat?
Youseem smar tf
orsuch
Me:Whenyou'vebeenwhatIhavebeent
hrough
you'
l
lunder
stand
Ndal
o:I
'
m sor
ryf
orever
ythi
ngyou'
vebeent
hrough
Me:Imadei
tthr
ought
hat
'sal
lthatmat
ter
s
Ndal
o:Doyout
hinkyouwi
lleverl
oveagai
n?Or
dat
e?
Me:SoIdat
eanotherSi
d?Nott
hankyou.
.Ij
ust
wannaf
ixmyli
fe
Ndalo:Youshouldn'tl
ethimrobyouoft hechance
offi
ndinghappinessagainwi t
hsomeone, al
lMen
shouldn'
tbecrucif
iedjustbecauseofonebastard
whodoesn'tknowhowt oloveright
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.Ir
eal
lydon'
tknow
Ndal
o:Youar
ebeaut
if
ul,
fei
sty,
ali
tt
lebi
tannoyi
ng
but
..
Il
aughed.
..
Me:Annoyi
ng?
Ndal
o:Yout
hrewabot
tl
eatme
Me:Youcal
ledmeanal
cohol
ic
Ndal
o:YeahIknow
Me:Whydoesi
tsoundl
ikeyouhi
tt
ingonme?
Ndal
o:I
sitwor
king?
Il
ookedathi
m..
.
Me:Youser
ious?
Ndalo:I'
m aver
yforthcomingPerson,Idon'
tbeat
aroundthebush.Igiveshi
toutstr
aight
,andri
ght
nowIhavet oadmit.Youhavefasci
natedme,a
greatdeal
Me:Ij
ustgotoutofamessyr
elat
ionshi
pandyou
ar
eMa-
Hegr
abbedont omydressandpul
ledmecl
osedto
hi
mforakiss.Outoft
heblue,
nowarni
ngj
ustgave
meakiss.
.
Ndal
o:IknowwhatIwant
,andIwantyou
Me:Youmar
ri
edandIchatt
oyourwi
feon
what
sapp
Ndalo:Mywifehasnot
hingt
odowit
hthi
s,t
hisi
s
aboutus.Don'
tworr
yaboutmyl
if
e
Me:I
'
m notgoi
ngtobear
easonwhyanot
her
womancri
esatni
ght
Ndalo:It
oldyou,
Icanhandl
emywi
fedon'
twor
ry
abouther
Me:Youwantmet
ohel
pyoucheatonmywi
fe?
Ndal
o:Iwantyout
oletmei
n
Me:No!Absol
utel
ynot
!Thi
sisnotgoi
ngt
owor
k
Ndal
o:Howdoyouknowi
fyouhaven'
ttr
ied?
Hewasmaki
ngt
hingshar
dforme.
.
Ndal
o:Allt
hatI
'm sayi
ngis,
givei
tatrythenifi
t
f
ail
sIpromiseIwon'tbot
heryoueveragain
Heki
ssedmeagai
n..
Ndal
o:Let
'sgobackbef
oret
heyst
artl
ooki
ngf
orus
Wewal
kedbackt
othehouse.
.
Me:Ihat
ewal
kingongr
ass
Ndal
o:Icancar
ryyou
Me:Noi
t'
sokay
Ndal
o:Comeonl
etmecar
ryyou
Ihopedonhi
sback.
.
Me:IhopeI
'
m notheavy
Ndal
o:Don'
tfoolyour
sel
f

BELI
NDA

Myfri
endLi sahadstoppedby,shebroughtalonga
bot
tl
eofwi ne.Iam notafanofalcoholbutr
ight
now,Ineededadrink.
Me:Mywor
stf
earseemst
obecomi
ngt
rue
Li
sa:Hashesai
dsomet
hing?Anyt
hingsi
ncef
rom
l
astni
ght?
Me:No..WhenNdal
ogetsmad,
hegetsmad.Iwish
Ihaddonethi
swit
hprooft
hant
ojustaccusehi
m
Li
sa:Maybeheisnothavinganaffai
r,maybeshei
s
i
ndeedacli
ent.Youhavebeenwi t
hNdalofora
whil
enow,whywoul dhestar
tcheati
ngnow?That
manlovesyou,he'
scrazyaboutyou
Me:Iser
iousl
yfeelbadaboutaccusi
nghi
m
Li
sa:Gi
vehi
mti
me.
.Youguyswi
llt
alkaboutt
his
t
omor
rowwhenhecomesback
Me:Ihopei
twon'
tcr
eat
eahugef
ight
Li
sa:Met
oo

NANGOMSO

Lel
ewaspr
epar
ingaSundaymealf
orever
yone.
.
Lel
e:What
?
WhenwegotbackIdeci
dedt
ohel
pher
..
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.Li
ket
hisi
swr
ong
Lel
e:Youf
elloutofl
ovewi
thSi
dal
ongti
meago,
whenwasthelastti
meamanwascr
azyaboutyou?
Me:He'
smar
ri
ed!Idon'
twannabeahomewr
ecker
Lel
e:Yaat
hat
'
sbad
Me:Idon'
tbebewi
tched
Lel
e:Yout
hinkt
hewi
fewi
llr
esor
ttot
hat
?
Me:Pai
ncandr
iveonei
ntodoi
ngsi
nist
ert
hings
Lel
e:Clear
lyhe'
snothappyi
nhi
smar
ri
agef
orhi
m
toseeyouthatway
Me:Att
hesamet
imehewi
llneverl
eavehi
swi
fef
or
me
Lel
e:Theyhar
dlydot
hat
Me:Idon'twannabeinarelat
ionshi
pwi t
haSid
again.NoIdon'
twantdramaingeneraljustwanna
takesometimeouttofocusonmysel f
Lel
e:That
'sgood,
butyouhavehot
sfort
hisguy
Me:Imeanhejustsai
ditthathewantstobewit
h
me,hedi
dn'
thesit
ate,
didn'tst
utt
erheconf
ident
ly
sai
dit
Lel
e:Hei
sbol
d!
Me:I
'
mtel
li
ngyou
Ndal
owal
kedi
ntot
heki
tchen,
wekeptqui
et.
Ndal
o:Don'
tst
opgossi
pingonmyaccount
Me:Wewer
en'
tgossi
ping
Ndal
o:ThenImustbeassumi
ngwr
ong
Me:Yes
Ndal
o:I'm goi
ngt
ogetdr
inkswi
thDave,
want
anyt
hing?
Lel
elookedatme.
.
Me:Wi
ne
Ndalo:Letmest
artover
..I
'
m goi
ngoutwi
thDavet
o
getdri
nksdoyouwantanythi
ng?
Me:Wi
ne
Ndal
o:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
obuyyoual
cohol
Me:Why?
Ndal
o:BecauseIdon'
twantt
oo
Me:Davecanbuy
Ndal
o:Wi
thwhosemoney?
Me:It
hinkIhavemoneyi
nmyaccountI
'
llt
ransf
er
Ndal
o:Theydon'
tsel
lwi
neonSundays
Me:Spardoes
Ndal
o:Youevenknowt
hat
Me:Yeap.
.Gotapr
obl
em wi
thi
t?
Ndal
o:Wewi
llgetyout
hedamnwi
ne
Me:Youar
ever
yki
ndt
hankyou
Ndal
o:Comegi
vemeaki
ss
Il
ookedatLel
e..
Lele:I
t'
stool
atefort
hatnow,ya'
llhavebeenfl
irt
ing
andwhatnot..I
t'
stoolat
etocarewhatIthinkabout
thesit
uati
on
Ndal
o:I
t'
snotl
ikeyoudi
dn'
ttel
lheraboutwhatI
t
oldyou
Isi
ghed.
..
Lel
e:l
etmegi
veyousomespace.
.Pl
easewat
chmy
pot
s
Me:Okay
Shewal
kedout
,Ndal
olookedatme.
.
Heindi
cat
edwi
thhi
sfi
ngert
hatIshoul
dcome
cl
oser.
.
Me:Youwantaki
ssyoucomecl
oser
Hewalkedupt
omemeandkissedme,thenhe
ar
chedmybackmovi
ngf
rom mylipst
ogently
bi
ti
ngmycheek..
Me:St
opi
t(Laughi
ng)
Hecont
inued.
.
Me:Ndal
ost
opi
t!(
laughi
ng)
Hest
oppedandhel
pedmet
ost
andupst
rai
ght
,I
wi
pedmycheek.
..
Me:Youar
eanui
sance
Ndal
o:I
'
llber
ightback,
takecar
eofyour
sel
f
Me:Iwi
ll
Ndal
o:Swi
tchyourphoneof
funt
ilwegett
o
Gaut
eng
Me:Why?
Ndal
o:He'
sthi
nki
ngoft
racki
ngyoudown
Me:Hei
s?
Ndal
o:Yes
It
ookmyphoneandi
mmedi
atel
yswi
tchedi
tof
f.
.
Ndal
o:Good.
..I
'
llseeyouwhenIgetback
Me:Okay
Heki
ssedmeagai
n..
Ndal
o:Don'
tdot
hingsIwoul
dn'
tdo
Me:Li
ke?
Ndal
o:Ki
ssi
ngamar
ri
edman!
Il
aughedagai
n..
Me:Justgowoul
dyou?
Hespankedmyasshar
d..
Me:Ouch!
Ndal
o:Iknow
Hewal
kedout
..

BELI
NDA

AsLi
saandIwerechi
ll
ingi
ntheli
vingr
oom
wat
chi
ngamovie,Ndal
o'scal
lcamethr
ough.
Myhear
tbeatpi
ckedup,
IlookedatLi
sa.
Li
sa:Answer
Igotmyphoneandwal
kedoutoft
her
oom.
Me:Hel
lo
Ndal
o:Mr
sD
Me:Hey
Ndal
o:Unj
aniMkam'
(howar
eyoumywi
fe)
Me:WhatcanIsay
Ndal
o:I
'
m sosor
ryaboutl
astni
ghtsweet
hear
t
Me:I
t'
sokayIguess
Ndalo:Ij
ustlosti
t,youknowIhat
ebei
ngaccused
ofsomethingthatI
'm notdoi
ng
Me:Iknow
Ndalo:I
'm notcheatingonyouBel ,Idon'
tknowwhy
youwoul dthinkofsuch.MaybeIgaveyouar eason
tothi
nklikethatandI '
m sorry,
butIwouldnever
hurtyoulikethatnotafterever
ythi
ngthatyou'
ve
beenthrough
Me:Iknow.
.I'
m sor
ryf
oraccusi
ngyout
oo
Ndalo:Iunder
stand.
.Canwediethei
ssuebecause
Imissyou.Idon'twannacomehometoafight
Me:Youwon'
t
Ndal
o:Ar
eweokay?
Me:Weokay
Ndal
o:Il
oveyousomuch
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
49] :20

NANGOMSO

Thef ol
lowingmor ningveryear
lyat5am wewere
ont heroadtoGaut eng.Thiswashappening,
thi
s
wasr eal.I
'
m goingbackhome.Idi dn'
tknowhowt o
feelaboutthi
s,didn'tknowhowmyBr ot
herwas
goingtowel comemebuthey, wewi l
lseewhenwe
getthere.Iam hopingforal essstr
essfulwelcome,
there'
sal ottotalkaboutasf arast
hissituat
ionis
concerned, butfornowI'm hopingforaless
stressf
ulreunion..

Myphonewasst i
llonsi lent,Ndalosai dweshoul d
changephonesal lt ogether.Hehasagr eedt obuy
newphonesf orLel eandIassoonaswegett o
Gaut eng.Ndal ois, Ican'tevenexpl ainit.Thi sfeels
verywr ongbutr i
ghtatt hesamet i
me.Ij ustdon't
wannaf i
ndmysel fi nanot herpr edicamentt hatI
can'tgetmysel foutof ,butal soIcan' ti
gnor ewhat
I'
m st ar
tingtof eelforNdal o.Woul dn'tsayi t'slove
allt
oget her,
it'
ssomet hing.Somet hingi sther eIjust
don'tknowwhati tis..Wewer esitt
ingopposi te
eachot her,Ndal oandI .Hewasgl uedonhi sphone
andIwasj ustl ookingathi m, daydr eami ng..His
eyesmovedf r om hi sphoneandl ockedi nwi thmi ne,
hesmi l
edal i
ttle.Ismi ledt ooandl ookeddown. .
BELI
NDA

Iwasont he7:00-19:00shift.Iwasi nawar dt hat

wasapai nt ome, Iwaswor kingt hemat ernityward.
Withhowt hi
ngswer ebetweenNdal oandIt hispast
weekend, moref earandinsecur i
tiesroseupf r
om
mysi de.Whati fNdal owakesuponemor ni
ngand
decidethatnowhewant skids, whatam Igoi ngto
dobecausewehaveneverspokeaboutadopt i
ng
before,henevert alkedaboutki dseversi ncehe
l
earnedofwhathappenedt omeandIal sodi dn't
seeanyr easont ot al
kaboutki dswi thhim. .

Me:Thul
i
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Youher
eagai
n
Thuli
:Thecr
ampshavest
art
edagai
n,t
hist
imeI
thi
nkI'
mi nl
abour
Me:Arewesur
eit
'snotBr
axtonhickscont
ract
ions
agai
n?Rememberweexperi
encedthatwit
hyour
f
ir
stpr
egnancy?
Thul
i:Theseonesf
eel
real
Nur
se
Me:Youar e28weekspr egnantwhi
chis7months,
nowI'm notsayi
ngthatyoucan'tgi
vebi
rth
prematurel
ybutIam l
eaningtowardsBraxt
onhi
cks
contr
acti
onsagain
Thul
i:Ihaveaf
eel
ingaboutt
heseones
Me:TheDrwi
llbewi
thyoushor
tl
y
Thuli
:Ineedsomewat
er,
canyougetmesome
water
Me:OhhhhhhThul
i
Thul
i:IknowI
'
m apai
nint
heass,
I'
m sor
ry
Me:I
'
m comi
ng
Thulii
sourtr
oubli
ngpat i
ent
,shewasanui sance
withherf
ir
stpregnancy.Thi
sishersecondoneand
there'
snodif
fer
ence.

NANGOMSO
West oppedhalfwayforbreakfast
,westoppedat
someEngengar agetohavebreakfastatwi
mpy.
Thisplacewasn'tchaot
ic,i
twasn'tful
lsowedi dn'
t
havepeoplerandoml yr
unningupt oNdaloexcept
forthestaf
fthatoccasi
onallykeptonsteal
ing
glancesathim..
.

Iwonderhowhiswif
esur
viveswit
hhim,hi
sgifti
s
scar
yIknowI'l
lal
waysbeparanoi
dandscared
l
ivi
ngwithhi
m 24/7.
..

Iwasinmyhungoverst
ateasalways,t
hist
ime
aroundi
twasbadbecauseIhadwine.Winetends
tobri
ngaboutat
err
ibl
ehangover.
..
Amber
:I'
m sot
ir
ed
Me:Howdoesi
tfeel
wor
kingwi
thNdal
o?
Amber
:Whatdoyoumean?
Me:Hi
m seei
ngdeadpeopl
eal
lthet
ime
Amber
:HoneyI
'
m whi
te,
wel
ovesuchsi
tuat
ions
Weal
llaughed.
.
Lel
e:Want
edt
osayi
tbutdi
dn'
twannasoundr
aci
st
Amber:Ial
wayssayifyouscaredofghoststhen
youhaveki
ll
edsomebody,ifyoudon'
thaveany
quer
rel
ingwit
hthedeadtheywon'tbotheryou
Lel
e:Tr
ue
Me:Heseesbeyondt
hat
,canevenseei
fyouar
e
bei
ngbewit
ched
Amber:Ndal
oisamedi um,i
fther
e'sanywi
tchcraf
t
i
nvol
vedyourlovedonewhohaspassedonwi lll
et
hi
m knowaboutit,
that
'showhecatchesi
t
Lel
e:Hehasanamazi
nggi
ft
Me:Hedoesi
ndeed
Amber:Let
'sf
ini
shupsowegett
oGaut
eng,
I'
m
deadt
iredwannarest

BELI
NDA
Inoti
cedthatIhadamissedcal
lfr
om NdalowhenI
checkedmyphone,Iexcusedmyselfandwal
ked
outtocal
lhim..
Ndal
o:Rat
o
Me:Honey
Ndal
o:Ar
eyouatwor
kal
ready?
Me:YesIam
Ndal
o:Want
edt
owi
shyouagoodday
Me:Thankyou,
areyouonyourwayback?
Ndalo:Yes.
.Justst
oppedbyt
ogetsomet
hingt
o
eat
..I'
m wit
hDavewannasayhi?
Me:Noi
t'
sokay
Ndal
o:Seeyoul
atert
hen
Me:Lat
eri
tis
Ndal
o:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyoumor
e
MI
SSG

Si
dwal
kedi
n..
Me:Thoughtyouwoul
dbeatwor
k?
Si
d:I
'
m si
ck
Il
ookedathi
sfeet
..
Si
d:Sor
ry
Hewalkedoutandlef
thi
ssl
eeper
satt
hedoor
.
Thenhewalkedin.
.
Si
d:ThokozaGogo
Me:Thokoza
Si
d:Ar
eyoupr
epar
ingf
orconsul
tat
ions?
Me:Yes
Si
d:Anyt
hingf
rom Lel
eandNangomso?
Me:No.
.Ihavedeci
dedt
olett
hem be
Si
d:Huh?
Me:Ri
ghtnowt
hei
rguar
disup,
theyexpect
ing
bl
owsaft
erblowsfr
om us,wewil
lstanddownf
or
nowandlett
hem beunt
ilt
hei
rguardisdown
Si
d:Ngomsoi
sdamnungr
atef
ul!Toevent
akeLel
e
al
ong
Me:Iti
swhati
tis,
sucht
hingsar
efi
xabl
edon'
t
worr
y
Si
d:It
rustyou
Me:Thankyou
Si
d:Thokoza

NANGOMSO

Wef i
nishedeat
ing,di
dn'
tevenfi
nishmyfood.I
askedforadoggybag.Wewal kedbackt
othecar
andcont i
nuedwit
hourtri
p.

Il
eanedagai
nstt
hewindowt
orestal
it
tl
esi
ncei
t'
s
goi
ngtobealongri
de.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
50] :21

NANGOMSO

Thet r
ipwasl ongbutnotl ongerthanabusbecause
wedi dn'
thavet oomuchmi norbreaksandt raf
fi
ck
wasn'tthatmuchoft rouble.Exactlyat17:00we
wer edri
vingint
omyhood, theywer e
accompanyi ngLel eandmysel f
.Ihadbeenal i
tt
le
nervousaboutt histri
p,butnowmyner veswer e
twiceaswor se.Ihaven' tbeenher einsomany
years.Thehoodhaschangedher eandt here,many
houseswer eext endedIsee. .

Wedr ovedownonmyst r
eet
,eveni
fyouhaven't
beenhomei nyear
sbutyouneverf
orgett
heroute.I
neverfor
got.
..
Theonlyt hi
ngthatconfusedmewasourhouse, It
wasver ydif
fer
entfrom thel
astti
meIwasher e.I
fit
wasn'tformyneighbour'shousesti
lll
ooki
ngvery
mucht hesame, Icoul
d'vegott
enlostnotknowi
ng
whichhousewasmyPar ent
shouse.
I
tlookedverydi
ff
erent
,ext
endedandr
enovat
ed.I
t
wasbiggerandmorebeauti
ful
.
Lel
e:Wow,
yourhousei
sbeaut
if
ul
Ndal
o:Ar
eyour
eady?
Inodded.
.
Ndal
o:I
'
llgoi
nwi
tht
hem,
youguyscanst
aybehi
nd
Amber
:Nopr
obl
em
Dave:Wasgoodknowi
ngyoul
adi
es
Lel
e:Sameher
e
Wegotoutandwedi
dn'
ttakeourluggagewi
thas
yet
,weopenedt
hegat
eandwal kedin.
.
Ndal
o:YourMom i
shappyathowwell
yourBr
other
hasr
enovatedt
hehouse,
thel
astt
imeIsawhi
m he
was22andst
il
lint
ert
iar
y.
Nowhei s35orso.Wewal kedal
lthewaytothe
back,Il
ikedhowheal sohadrenovatedt
hetwo
outsi
der ooms.Inbet
weent her
ooms, wasanot
her
room I'
m suspecti
ngit
'st
hebathroom or
something..Westoodatthedoorst
ep,Ndal
olooked
atme.Inodded.
Hest
art
edknocki
ng.
.
Lel
e:Ar
eyouokay?
Inodded.
.
Iwasn'
tokay,
Iwasdeadscar
ed.
.
Ndal
oknockedagai
n..
Voi
ce:Ngi
yeza!(
I'
m comi
ng)
Thatwashi
svoi
ce, t
hatwasmyBrot
her
'svoi
ce.I
swall
owedandl
ickedmydryli
ps.

BELI
NDA
Iwal
kedi
nononeofmypat
ient
..
.
Me:Hel
lo
Shesmi
ledatme.
.
Pat
ient
:Myf
avor
it
eNur
se
Me:Howar
eyoudoi
ng?Howi
sthebaby?
Pat
ient
:Wedoi
ngwel
l.
.He'
swell
,weget
ti
ng
di
schar
gedt
omorr
owmorning
Me:That
'sgood
Iwal
kedovert
olookatt
hebaby.
.
Me:He'
ssoador
abl
e
Pat
ient
:Thankyousomuch
Me:Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Pat
ient
:I'
m get
ti
ngbet
ter
Me:C-
sect
ioni
sdi
ff
icul
t
Pat
ient
:Indeed,
MyMom wi
llbehel
pingout
Me:That
'sgood.
.Wel
lI'
m gl
adyouguysar
egood
Pat
ient
:Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
llevercomebackher
eagai
n
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Theyal
lsayt
hat
Il
ookedatt
hebaby.
.
Me:CanIhol
dhi
m?
Pat
ient
:Yes.
.Goahead
Ipi
ckedhi
m up.
.

NANGOMSO

Heopenedthedoorandl ookedatus,whenhe'
s
eyesmovetome.Her ecogni
zedmeinstant
ly,
it'
s
beensolongIdidn'
tthinkhewasgoingto
recogni
zeme..
Br
o:Nangomso?
Inoddedrepeat
edlywit
htearsinmyeyes.He
openedthesecuri
tydoorandletusi
n..
Icoul
dseethathewasfight
ingbackemoti
onstoo.
Herubbedhisfacewi
thhishandastear
sstreamed
downhi
sfacet
oo.
Bro:Iknewthat
..Iknewt
hatonedayMom was
goingtosendyoubackhome
Hewipedhi
sfaceusinghi
svest
,whenIbr
okedown
hebr
okedowntoo..
Bro:I
'
vebeensear
chingf
oryou,
GodknowsI
'
ve
beensear
chi
ngforyoumntakaMa
Me:I
'
m sosor
ry
Hewal
kedupt
omeandhuggedme.
.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry
Hehuggedmesotightasi
fli
keIwasgoi
ngtorun
away.
.Wesharedt
hatemoti
onalmomentforat
l
eastaminut
eorso..
Bro:I
'
m gl
adyouback,
I'
m gl
adyouf
oundyourway
backhome
Webr
oket
hehug.
.
Me:I
'
m back.
.I'
m back
Hel
ookedatLel
eandNdal
o..
Me:Thati
sNdal
o..Hehel
pedmef
indmywayback
home
Theyexchangedahandshake.
.
Br
o:Iknowyou,
youl
ookver
yfami
li
ar
Ndal
o:Readi
ngwi
thNdal
o..Yeahi
t'
sme
Me:Andt
hati
sLel
e,she'
sli
keaSi
stert
ome
Heshookherhand.
.
Lel
e:Ya'
l
lmademeemot
ionalt
oo
Me:Thi
sismyBr
other
..Nat
hi
Lel
e:Ni
cet
omeetyou
Ndalo:Pleaseburnsomeincense,setablue, whit
e
andyellowcandlesali
ght
.Cupofwat er,snuffand
welcomeherback.Youguyswi l
lhavetoper f
orma
ceremony, buyagoatandinf
ormt herestofyour
ancestorsthatNgomsoisback.Visi
ttheirgraves,
sothattheycanwelcomeheri nandalsopr otect
her
Nat
hi:Wewi
lldot
hat
..Thankyouver
ymuch
Me:Weshoul
dgot
othecarandgetourbagssowe
don'
tkeepyouguys
Nat
hi:I
'
llgoandbyt
hecandl
es
Me:Whi
chbedr
oomsshoul
dweuse?
Nathi
:YoucanuseourParent
s,Ist
il
lusemyr
oom.
.
Yourfr
iendcanuseyour
s
Inodded.
.
Nat
hi:Letmegetmycarkeys,
gobuycandl
es
Ndal
o:Whydoesn'
tLel
eaccompanyyou?
Weal
llookedathi
m..
Ndalo:Shecanhelpbuyotherthi
ngsli
ketr
eats.A
cake,wineorchampagnesincethesegi
rl
slove
dri
nking
Igavehi
m anawkwar
dlook.
.
Nat
hi:Thatsounds.
.Thatsoundsl
ikeapl
an
Ndal
o:Wasgoodmeet
ingyou
Nat
hi:Yout
oo
Ndal
o:Don'
tlethergoawaythi
sti
me,
shemust
l
eavehomether i
ghtwaythi
sti
me
Nat
hi:Iwon'
tlethergo.
.Ipr
omi
se
Hewal
kedawayt
ogethi
scarkeys.
.

BELI
NDA

Me:Thankyouagai
nforl
ett
ingmehol
dhi
m
Pat
ient
:It
'sokay
Me:I
'
lll
etyour
est
Pat
ient
:Thankyouf
orchecki
nguponus
Me:Youwel
come
Iwal
kedoutandbumpedt
oDrShezi
..
Dr
:Nur
se
Me:Doc
Dr
:Onl
yamat
teroft
imeunt
ilknockof
fti
me
Me:That
'st
rue
Dr
:I'
m knocki
ngof
f,beenher
eal
ongt
ime
Me:Goodf
oryou
Dr
:Enj
oyt
her
estofyourshi
ft
Me:Iwi
ll
..
.Thankyou
Hecont
inuedwi
thhi
swal
k..

NANGOMSO

Wemovedt hebagsinsidewit
hthehel
pofNathi,
whenwewer edone.NathiandLel
elef
ttogoand
getsometreat
s..Ndal
oandIwalkedbackinsi
de
thehouse.
.
Ndal
o:Andyouher
e
Ikeptqui
ett
aki
ngever
ythi
ngi
n..
Ndal
o:Comeonnow
Hehel
dmyhandandpul
ledmecl
oserf
orahug.
..
Ndalo:Youar
ehomenowwher
eyouwon'
tbe
abusedandtort
ured
Me:Thankyou.
.Thankyousomuch
Ndal
o:I
t'
smyj
ob.
.Justdon'
tmaket
hesame
mi
stakesagai
n
Webr
oket
hehugandIhi
thi
m onhi
schest
.
Ndal
o:Don'
twannahearyoul
eftandwentl
ivewi
th
anot
herguy
Me:Shutup!(
laughi
ng)
Hewi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Ndal
o:GuessI
'
llseeyouar
ound
Me:Iguesssot
oo
Ndal
o:I
'
llcal
lyou
Me:I
'
llanswer
Webot
hlaughed.
Heputhi
shandonmycheekt
henki
ssedme.A
l
ongsmoothki
ss.
.
Me:Youshoul
dleave,
thi
smomenti
sget
ti
ng
st
eamy
Ndal
o:YeahIshoul
d
Me:I
'
llwal
kyouout
Iwal
kedhi
m out
..
SPHUMELELE(
LELE)

Myr el
ationshipshaveneverworked,
deepdownI
knewt hatmyMot herhadsomethi
ngtodowithi
tor
rat
herIhadaf eel
ingthatshedi
dsomethingt
othat
partofmyl if
e..
Iwasuncomfor
tabl
eandnervouswit
hthewhol
e
thi
ng,
Nathii
sgoodlooki
ngnolie.
.

Nat
hi:Ther
e'sanear
bymal
l,
wewon'
tgof
ar
Me:Okay
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
..
Nat
hi:YouandSosoar
efr
iends?
Me:Bestf
ri
endsandshewasdat
ingmyBrot
her,
shel
ivedwit
huswhenshemovedawayfr
om here
Nathi:OhwIsee.
.Thankyoutoyouandyourfami
ly
fortaki
ngcar
eofmySi st
er,
theworl
discruelf
ora
gir
lchild
Me:Ver
ytr
ue
Nathi
:Shouldt
hankyourfamil
y,maybegot
her
e
someti
met opersonal
lyt
hankthem
Idi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
50] :22

NANGOMSO

Itookmyt imet oexpl orethehouse, i

thadchanged
agr eatdeal .Thefur ni
turewasmoder n,every
memor yIhadoft hehousewentaway.I twasnot
thesamehouseanymor e,evenmyPar ent sroom.
Nathichangedever ything.I'
m notcompl aini
ng, i
t'
s
agoodf reshst ar
t..Itwillhelpmet onotcl i
ngont he
pastt hatmuch.MyBr otherhasdonewel laround
here,I'm gladhewast hechi l
dthatwasmor e
responsible.Ifitwassomeoneel se,t
heywoul d've
solditorrent
editout.
.Itsti
llwasn'tsi
nkinginthatI
wasathome, If
eltt
hispeacet hatIneverhadi na
l
ongt ime.Thiswasmyhome, thehomeIl ef
taf ew
yearsago..Ihear
dtheki t
chendooropeni ng,thenI
heardLelelaughi
ng.Theywer eback,Imademy
wayt othekit
chen.
Lel
e:Hey
Me:Thatwasqui
ck
Nathi
:Wewenttoanear
bymal
l,
Tsakanemal
l.
Townisadi
stance
Theyputever
ythi
ngont
hecount
er.
..
Nandos,acake,
snacks,
andt
wobot
tl
esof
champagne..
Me:Iwi
llhel
psetupt
het
abl
e
Lel
eandIt
ookever
ythi
ngt
othel
ivi
ngr
oom.
Lel
e:Thankyouf
orget
ti
ngust
hef
ood
Nat
hi:Don'
tsweati
t
Hedi
sappear
edt
ohi
sbedr
oom.
.
Lel
e:Yourhousei
sbeaut
if
ul
Me:I
t'
sver
ydi
ff
erentf
rom howIr
emember
edi
t
Lel
e:I
sthatabadt
hing?
Me:Noi
t'
snot
Iheardmyphonebeeping.
.Iwal
kedtot
hebedr
oom
tocheck,i
twasanoti
fi
cati
on.Ndal
ohad
transf
err
ed6kint
omyaccountaccompani
edbya
text:
"Themoneyf
orphonesIpromi
sedyou,
nowyou
canswit
chof
fyourphonegogetanewone
tomor
rowandanewsimt hensendmeyournew
number"
.
Icoul
dn'tbeli
evei t
,thi
sguyj ustsentme6k.Wenot
i
nar el
ationshi
p, Ihaven'tagr
eedtoanyrel
ati
onshi
p
orrat
heranaf fai
r.Iswitchedoffmyphoneand
wentbackt oLele..
Me:Ndal
osentusmoneyf
ornewphones
Lel
e:Thatguyi
sreal
lyi
ntoyou
Me:I
'
m notahomewr
ecker
Nat
hicameback.
.
Me:Tomor
rowmor
ningwewi
llbegoi
ngt
othemal
l
Nat
hi:Needsomet
hing?
Me:Justt
ogetnewphones
Nat
hi:What
'swr
ongwi
thyour
s?
Me:Longst
ory
Nat
hi:Doyouhavemoney?
Me:Yes.
.N-
..Imeanwehave6k,
3kesch
Nat
hi:I
'
llgi
veyouguys3kt
oaddon
Me:Thankyou
Nat
hi:Lelesaysyouwerest
ayingwithherandher
f
amily,youweredati
ngherBrother
?
Il
ookedatLel
e..
Me:Yes.
.Si
nceImoveddownt
oKznbeenst
ayi
ng
wi
ththem
Nat
hi:WeshouldgodowntheresoIcant
hankher
f
amily,
notever
yonecandothat
Il
ookedatLel
eagai
n..
Me:Wecaneat
,wewi
llt
alkmor
eaboutt
hat
Nat
hi:Whatam Imi
ssi
ng?
Me:I
t'
saconver
sat
iont
hatneedst
ime
Nat
hi:OkayIunder
stand

BELI
NDA

Iwassotir
edwhenIknockedof
f,Idi
dn'
tpass
anywher
eIdrovest
rai
ghthome.
.
Al
lIwant
edwastot
akeabath,
eatandt
hengo
st
rai
ghtt
obed.Myf
eetwer
eaching.
.

Iwassur pri
sedtoseeNdaloback,Iwasexpect
ing
himt oarr
ivever
ylate.
.Lookedl
ikeheprepar
ed
dinnerbecauseIwalkedint
omyf avor
it
emealon
thetabl
e..Helookedatme.
Ndal
o:Hey
Me:Hi
Il
ookedatt
het
abl
eagai
n..
Me:Whendidyoupr
epar
ethef
ood?Whendi
dyou
gethome?
Ndalo:Iact
ual
lyboughtthemealatyourf
avor
it
e
r
estaurant,
passedbythereonmywayhome
Me:Iappr
eci
atet
hat
Ndal
o:Howwasyourday?
Me:Ti
ri
ng
Ndal
o:Icani
magi
ne
Hecamet
ome.
.
Ndal
o:Ishoul
drunyouabat
h
Me:Youdon'
thavet
ooI
-
Heshutmeupwi
thaki
ss.
.
Me:I
'
m sur
eyout
ir
edt
oo
Ndal
o:Notl
ikeyou,
youar
eonyourf
eetmostoft
he
t
ime
I
twasalovel
ygestur
ethathewoul
dthinkofme
morewhenhe'
salsoexhaust
ed.
.Hetookmybag
f
rom meandthenhel
dmyhand.
Ndal
o:Let
'spr
epar
eyouabat
h
Wewal
kedt
othebat
hroom.
.

NANGOMSO

Me:Soyouhavebeenl
ivi
ngal
oneeversi
nce?
Nat
hi:No..Iwaswi
thmygi
rl
fr
iendbutwebr
okeup
3yearsago
Me:Whathappened?
Nat
hi:Shecheat
edwi
thmybestf
ri
end
Lel
e:That
'sevi
l
Nat
hi:Yeahbuti
t'
sokay,
itwasal
ongt
imeago
Me:Youhaven'
tdat
edeversi
nce?
Ndal
o:No.
.I'
vebeenabachel
oreversi
nce
Me:Don'
tli
e
Nat
hi:I
'
vehadnost
ri
ngsat
tachedher
eandt
her
e
Me:Nowt
hat
'
stheNat
hiIknow
Nat
hi:Ihaven'
tdonet
hati
nawhi
let
hough
Me:Sneaki
nggi
rl
s
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Nat
hi:I
'
mtoool
dforthatnow,
Iam f
ocusedon
get
ti
ngamorematur
ewomant ost
artafami
lywi
th
Me:Yout
alki
ngl
iket
hat
?Indeedyouhavegr
own
Nat
hi:Ti
mewai
tsf
ornoman
Me:Goti
natEskom?
Nat
hi:Yes.
.Cur
rent
lywor
kingt
her
e
Me:That
'sgood
Nat
hi:Andyou?Whatdi
dyoudobacki
nKwaZul
u-
Nat
al?
Me:Ionl
ycompl
etedmymat
ri
c
Nathi
:That
'sunl
ikeyou,
youwer
ever
ysmar
tat
school
Me:Li
fehappened
Nathi
:Whatexact
lyhappened?If
eell
ikesomet
hing
bi
ghappened
Me:I
twasn'
tagoodl
if
e,t
hat
'swhyLel
emoved
downwi
thme
Nathi
:Ift
hingswer
eget
ti
ngthatbadwhydi
dn'
tyou
comebackhomesoonerthantoday?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Me:Ist
il
lhadal
otofangerbur
ieddeepi
nsi
deof
me
Nathi:YouthoughtIwassi
dingwi
thDad,Iwasjust
di
sappoi nt
edandIvisi
tedhi
mt of
indoutt
hereason
behindwhathedi d
Me:Di
dyou?
Nathi
:No.
.AllIgotwasr
egretf
rom hi
m hencehe
ki
ll
edhimsel
f,hecoul
dn'
tli
vewithwhathedid
Me:Ispentyear
sangr
yandhat
inghi
m
Nathi
:Iunderst
and..Iwasalsoangryhencewhy
youandIspentsomucht i
mef i
ghti
nginsteadof
bei
ngthereforeachother
Me:That
'st
rue
Nat
hi:I
'
mjusthappyyoubackathomesaf
eand
unhar
med
Me:Unhar
medI
'
m notsur
e,myboyf
ri
endwasver
y
abusi
ve
Nathi
:That
'swhatIfear
edt
hemost
,tr
iedt
osear
ch
youkuSoci
almedia
Me:Iusedadi f
fer
entname,
sopeopl
ewhoknew
mecouldn'
ttrackmedown.Ionl
ychangedmy
namelastyear
Nathi:Imightnotknowt hefullst
orybutI
'
m sorr
y
abouteverythingt
hathappenedt oyou,what
ever
happenedj ustbegrat
efulthatyoumadeitoutal
ive.
Everythi
ngelse,wewillfi
gureitout
Me:That
'sallI
'
m hopi
ngf
or,
toputt
hepastbehi
nd
meandstartafr
esh
Nat
hi:Atl
eastt
onightI
'
llsl
eeppeaceful
lyknowi
ng
t
hatIdon'
thavetoworryaboutyou,
atti
mesI
t
houghtyouweredead
Me:Att
imesIwi
shedIwasdead
Nat
hi:Youdon'
thavet
owi
sht
hatanymor
e
Me:Ihopeyoudon'
tmi
ndLel
est
ayi
ngher
ewi
thus,
shewast
heonl
yonewhowast
ruet
ome
Nat
hi:Shecanst
ayher
easl
ongasshewant
s
Lel
e:Thankyou

BELI
NDA

Aft
erbat
hingIwenttojoi
nhimfordi
nner
.
Somethi
ngwasof fwi
thhim,hecameacr
ossabi
t
col
danddeattachedf
rom me..
Ndal
o:Di
dyouhaveagoodbat
h?
Me:Yes
Hewasonhi
sphone.
.
Me:Howwasyourt
ri
p?
Ndal
o:I
twasasusual
Me:Okay
Wedon'
tuseourphonesatt
het
abl
e..
Me:Wehaveal
ott
omakeupf
ort
oni
ght
Ndal
o:No.
.Idon'
twannaber eadi
ngabouthow
muchyouhatesexonFacebook
Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:I
twasn'
tli
ket
hat
Ndal
o:Thewhol
eofSout
hAfr
icaknowst
hatme
andmywifewehavi
ngpr
obl
ems
Me:Ndal
oitwasn'
tli
ket
hat
Ndalo:It
rymyhar desttomakeyouhappy,t
omake
youcomf or
tabl
e..Ididn'
tknowt
hatmytryi
ngtonot
hurtyouwasdepr essingyou
Me:Iwasjusthur
t,Ineededt
oventandIwent
abouti
tthewrongway
Ndal
o:Yeahwhat
everBel
inda
Me:It
hinkIwi
llcal
litani
ght
,Idon'
twannaf
ight
Ndal
o:For
givemef
orl
ayi
ngdownmyf
eel
ings
Me:Younotl
ayi
ngdownyourfeel
ingsNdal
o,you
j
ustl
ooki
ngforafi
ghtandIdon'
twannafi
ght
Ndalo:I
'm notf
ight
ing,Ithi
nkyouaretheonewho
i
sfighti
ngbecauseIt r
iedtomakethisni
ghtni
ceby
gett
ingyouyourfavori
temealandset
ti
ngupthe
tabl
einmytiredstat
eandyounotevengoingtoeat
Me:Goodni
ght
Ndal
o:Whati
sitt
hatyouwantf
rom me?Whatam I
doi
ngwrong?
Me:Not
hingNdal
o..Goodni
ght
Igotupf
rom t
hechai
r.
.
Ndal
o:Sowhat
?Younotgoi
ngt
oeat
?
Me:Wecanputthef
oodi
nthef
ri
dget
omor
rowi
t'
s
st
il
lanot
herday
Ipi
ckeduptheplat
eandmademyt otheki
tchen.I
putt
hefoodinthefr
idgeandexhal
ed.Idi
dn't
i
maginethi
snightgoingl
iket
his
Ndal
owal
kedi
nasIcl
osedt
hef
ri
dge.
.
Ndal
o:Whati
sitt
hatyouwantf
rom meBel
inda?
Me:Not
hing
Ndal
o:Outwi
thi
t!
!!
Me:Iwantaf
fect
ionokay?Formyhusbandt
otouch
me!Hol
dme!Makel
ovet
ome,
toshowt
hathe
mi
ssedme!
!
Ndal
o:Soi
t'
ssext
hatyouwant
?
Me:Justf
orgeti
t.
.Goodni
ght
,I'
m wayt
oot
ir
edt
o
dothi
swithyou
Iwal
kedawayandhegr
abbedmyar
minar
ough
manner
..
Me:Ndal
o!!
!
Hewentandpi
nnedmeagainstt
hewal
l,
pinni
ng
bot
hmyhandsagainstt
hewall
..
Me:Ndal
ost
opi
t!
Ndalo:I
t'
saffect
iont
hatyouwantr
ight
?Theni
t'
s
okaywewi l
lhavesex
Heki
ssedmeonmyneck.
.
Me:St
opi
t!Notl
iket
his!
Hefreedmyar m,thensnucki
nhi
shandundermy
spaghet
tipjt
op..
Me:Ndal
ost
opi
t!
Hemovedi
tupandst
art
edsucki
ngonmyni
ppl
e..
Me:Idon'
twanti
tli
ket
his!Justst
opi
t!
Hemovedhi shanddownstil
lsucki
ngonmynipple
andfor
ceditthroughmybumshort,
Itr
iedcr
ossi
ng
mylegstogethertobl
ockhi
m.
Me:Ndal
opl
easest
op(
cryi
ng)
Hemovedhi shandtomyf aceandsqueezedmy
cheeks,mademet olookathim wit
htearsinmy
eyes..Heletgoandmovedawayf rom me,he
walkedupt othesinkandr anthewater
.He
splashedi
tonhi sface.Isankdownt othefl
oor
shakingandcr yi
ng..
Ndal
o:Dammi
twhati
swr
ongwi
thme!
Iputmyhandacr
ossmymout
hasIcr
ied.
.
Ndal
o:BelI
'
m..
Hemadehi
swayt
ome,
hecr
ouchedi
nfr
ontofme.
.
Ndal
o:Rat
o
Me:Don'
ttouchme!(
cryi
ng)
Ndal
o:I
t'
sme.
.
Hetri
edt
ouchi
ngmeandIhi
thi
m of
f,hegr
abbed
bot
hmyhands..
Ndal
o:Iam sosor
ry.
.Idon'
tknowwhatgotoverme
Me:Howcoul
dyoudot
hatt
ome?
Ndal
o:I
'
m sosor
ry,
Idon'
tknowwhatgoti
ntome
Me:Leavemeal
one!Ineverwannaseeyouagai
n
Ndal
o:Don'
tsayt
hat
..Don'
tdot
hist
ome,
Iloveyou
Me:Youwer
egoi
ngt
orapeme!
Ndal
o:I.
.Iwasnevergoi
ngt
odot
hat
,I'
m sor
ry.
.I'
m
sosor
ry
Me:Youwer
egoi
ngt
orapeme(
cryi
ng)
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
51] :23

NDALO
Myact i
onslastnightt
owardsmywi f
ewer e
uncal
ledfor.Iwasoutoforder,outofli
neandhad
nobusinessmi shandl
ingherinthatmanner ..I
wokeupt hismor ni
ngandshewasnotar ound, she
hadalreadylef
tforwork.It
ookadayof fsi ncewe
wereallti
redfr
om thattr
ip.
..Iwaspreparingmysel f
somethingtoeatwhenVuyi swashowedupt ome..
Shel
ookeddif
fer
entt
hanhowsheusedt
oowhen
shef
ir
stshoweduptome,shewasnowatpeace.
.
Me:Lookatyou
Shesmi
led.
.
Vuyi
:Thankyousomuchf
oryourhel
p
Me:GladIcoul
dki
ckyououtf
rom t
hewor
ldoft
he
l
ivi
ng
Vuyi
:I'
m gl
adt
obeki
ckedout
[
SILENCE]
Vuyi
:Ndal
o
Me:Yes?
Vuyi
:Youhel
ppeopl
efi
ndt
hei
rpeace,
youneedt
o
f
indyour
stoo
Me:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Vuyi:Youneedtof i
ghtyourowndemons, t
hose
chil
dhoodmemor iesyouwentt hroughthemost
andIknowyouconvi nceyoursel
fthatyouareokay
butyouarenot.Youmi ghthavestoppedbl
eeding,
thewoundmi ghthaveheal edbutthescari
sstill
ther
e
Iexhal
ed.
.
Vuyi
:Icanseeyourattr
acti
ontomyDaught erand
Sosohasbeent hr
oughalotsoisyourwi f
e,what
youtr
yingtododon'tdoit
.Youwi l
lhurtbot
h
women, r
athert
akeitol
dschool.Polygamy
Me:Thankyouf
oryouradvi
cebut
Vuyi
:Ifyoucont
inuedoingthi
s,youwi
llhur
tthese
gi
rl
sandyouwi l
llosebothofthem
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Vuyi
:Idon'
twantt
oseemyDaught
erhur
t,j
ust
remembert
hat
Me:I
'
llkeept
hati
nmi
nd
Shedi
sappear
ed.
.

NANGOMSO

Thefol
lowingmorni
ngwewenttothemal
ltobuy
thenewphones.Weweredegr
adingfr
om i
Phones
toAndroi
d..
Me:Andweher
e,Hauwei
Lel
e:Theynotbad.
.P30l
it
eai
n'tbad
Me:Whatcanwedo,
beggar
sdon'
tgett
obe
chooser
s
Lel
e:Youknowt
his
Me:Thi
nkweshouldsel
louti
Phonesatcash
cr
usader
sorI
ndianshops
Lel
e:That
'sagoodi
dea
Me:Let
'
scheckt
hispl
aceoutandsee
Lel
e:Wi
ndowshoppi
ngi
snotsobad
Me:Ihopet
her
e'snot
hingI
'
m goi
ngt
oli
kear
ound
her
ebr
okeasIam
Me:Igetyou
West
art
edwal
kingar
oundchecki
ngoutt
hemal
l.
.

BELI
NDA

Ilef
tver
yearl
ytodayt
hanmyusualti
me.The
tensi
onathome,i
twastoomuchforme
IknockedatDrShezi
'
sof
fi
ce.
..
Me:Youaskedt
oseeme?
Dr
:Yescomei
npl
ease
Imademywayi
n..
Dr
:Goodmor
ning
Me:Goodmor
ning
Dr
:Pl
easehaveasi
t
Isatdown.Iwasscar
ed.
.
Me:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Dr
:Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne
Me:Okay
Dr
:Ihear
dthesuper
visi
ngmat
roni
snoti
ntoday
Me:Yes
Dr:Igotwordthattheyareshor
tstaf
fedintheTB
ward,IaskedotherNursestocomethroughbut
t
heydon' twanttoo.
.I'
m aski
ngifyoucancome
t
hroughf orus
Me:I
t'
sokayIdon'
tmi
nd
Dr:You'
llgotheretomorr
owbecauseI '
m al
sogoi
ng
t
here,Iknowhowyouval ueyourjobandyoucar
ry
i
touttot hebestofyourabil
it
ies
Me:It
rymybest
Dr
:Seeyout
omor
rowmor
ningt
hen
Me:Thankyou
Dr
:That
'l
lbeal
lyoucangoback
Me:Thankyou
Igotupandwal
kedoutofhi
sof
fi
ce.
.
NANGOMSO

Whenwewer edone,
wetookat
axibackhome.I
wasnowusinganewnumberandIsavedNdal
o's
numberonmynewsi m.
Isenthi
m at
extmessage:

"
Iam done,
nowgoi
ngbackhome"

Aft
erafewminut
esofmi
nesendingt
hetext
,and
whenwewereaboutt
ogetof
f.Ir
ecei
vedacall
fr
om hi
m..

Me:Hel
lo
Ndal
o:Soso
Me:Hey
Wegotof
f.
.
Ndal
o:Gott
hephone?
Me:Yesandt
hankyousomuch
Ndal
o:Youwel
come.
.Ar
eyouavai
labl
etoni
ght
?
Me:Yeswhy?
Ndal
o:Iwantt
otakeyouout
Me:Ohw
Ndal
o:Havesomet
hingt
otal
ktoyouabout
Me:Uhm okay.
.Yeswecangoout
Ndal
o:Thankyou.
..I
'
llcomepi
ckyouup
Me:Okay
Ndal
o:Bye
Me:Bye
Lel
e:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Me:Heaskedt
otakemeoutt
oni
ght
Lel
e:And?
Me:Isai
dyes
Lel
e:Goont
hedat
egi
rl
Me:I
tdoesn'
tfeelr
ight
,ever
ythi
ngwedoi
ngdoesn'
t
f
eelr
ight
Lele:Thi
sworl
disn'
tri
ght
,what
everyoudo.Do
somet hi
ngt
hatmakesyouhappy,
don'tmi
ndwhat
thenextper
sonisgoi
ngtosay
Me:Yeaht
hat
'
str
ue
Wewal kedhome,whenIsawmyoldchi
ldhood
fr
iendClar
asweepingi
nheryar
d.Cl
aral
ivesnext
doorourhouse.
.
Me:Cl
ara?
Shest
oppedandl
ookedatme.
.
Cl
ara:Soso?
Me:Hey
Shegotcl
oser
,andIwal
kedt
othegat
e..
Cl
ara:Ohhmygoodness!Wuwel
omunt
u?
Me:Yesyi
mil
omunt
u
Cl
ara:I
t'
ssogoodt
osee
Shewal
kedoutoft
hegat
eandgavemeahug.
.
Cl
ara:WowIcan'
tbel
ievet
his
Me:Bel
ievei
tbecausei
tisme
Cl
ara:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulandal
lgr
ownup
Me:Sodoyou
Cl
ara:Ar
eyoubackf
orgoodor
?
Me:YesIam
Cl
ara:Weshoul
dcat
chupsomet
imeyouknow
Me:Def
ini
tel
y
Cl
aral
ookedatLel
e..
Me:Thisi
sLel
e,she'
smyf
ri
endandmor
eli
kea
si
stert
ome
Cl
ara:Hey
Lel
e:Hey
Me:Lel
ethi
sismyol
dfr
iend,
Clar
a
Lel
e:Ni
cet
omeetyou
Cl
ara:Ni
cet
omeetyout
oo
Me:Seeyouar
oundt
hen
Cl
ara:Seeyouar
ound
Wewentt
oourhouse.
.

NDALO

Vuyimi ght 'vebeenashi t

tyghostatf ir
stbutshe
wasr ight,Ihavet oaddresst hissi
tuati
onwhi l
stit
's
sti
llsoont hanlater
.Idon'twannacheatonmywi fe,
Ihavet osi tbothofthem downandt alkt othem.I
knowBel indaisgoingt obet akenoffbyt his,more
especial l
ybecauseshe' sal readysuspect ingthat
I'
m cheat ing.Idon'twannal osemywi fe,Beli
ndais
thever yfirstwomant hatl ovedmewhol eheartedl
y
compar edt othewomenI 'vebeenwi thbef ore.
Peoplemi ghtthinkthatIhadi teasywi thwomen,
butthat '
snott rue.Mypr evioust wor el
at i
onships
beforeBel inda,neverwor kedoutbecauseofmygi ft
Onebr okeupwithmeimmediatel
yaft
erfi
ndi
ngout
aboutme, t
heotheronehadtomoveawaywhi ch
dri
ft
edusapar t
.IhopeBeli
ndawon'tl
eavemeafter
fi
ndingoutaboutNangomso..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
51] :24

BELI
NDA

Iwasveryti
red,Iwasfr
om wor
k.Ndal
ohadsent
meat extmessageabout30mi
nago,i
nfor
mingme
thathewoul
dl i
keustotal
k.
Thi
st hingwasdrai
ning,
butatt
hesametimeifwe
don'ttal
kabouti
tit
'sgoi
ngtomakeithar
derf
orus
totalkabouti
tanot
herti
me.

Iwasn' ti
nt hemoodt ocook,Iwon'tcook.Pl
uswe
didn'thavet hef
oodhegotf ormeyest er
day.I
refr
igeratedeveryt
hingandwej ustgonnawar m up
thefoodandeat .
.

It
ookal
ongbat
hwhenIgothome,
aft
erbat
hingI
f
eltl
esst
ir
ed.If
eltawhol
elotbet
ter
.

Iwast hekit
chenwhent hedooropened, t
othe
biggestshockofmyl augh.Hewal kedi nwi t
h
Nangomso.I twasher ,Irecognizeherf rom her
pictures.Iwasconfusedandi nt hemi stofmy
conf usionIwasscar ed,thatmywor stfearwas
comi ngt r
ue.Theywal kedi nandhecl osedt hedoor ,
shewasbeaut if
ulinPer sontoonol ie..Mymout h
driedup, myinsidesstartedturningin.Hotf lushes
startedagainIfeltl
ikeIwasn' tabletobr eath

Me:Whati
shappeni
ngher
e?
Ndal
o:Canwegot
othel
ivi
ngr
oom?
Me:No!Whati
sgoi
ngonher
e,whati
sthi
swoman
doi
nginmyhouse?
Nangomso:Idon'tknowwhatI '
m doinghereei
ther
,
nothingwasexpl
ainedtomeI 'mjustasshocked.I
don'twantdr
amasoI 'l
ljustl
eaveandcallmy
Brothert
ocomegetme
ShewalkeduptothedoorandNdal
ost
oppedher
.I
coul
dn'
tbeli
evei
t!
Ndalo:Nooneisleaving,untilbothofyouhave
l
ist
enedt ome.Yougi rl
scanscr eam allyouwant,
butnotoneisleavi
ng.Idon' thaveanyot her
commi tment
ssoIdon' tminddoi ngt
hisallni
ght
.
NowIsuggestweal lmat urelymakeourwayt ot
he
l
ivi
ngr oom t
otalkaboutthis..Please
Il
ookedatNangomso,
shel
ookedatme.
.
Ndal
o:Pl
ease
Weal lwentt
othel
ivi
ngroom tosi
tatt
hedinni
g
tabl
e.NangomsoandIsatopposit
eeachother
,
Ndalosatontheot
herchairt
hatwasn'
tcl
oseto
eit
herofus..
Ndal
o:Fir
standf
oremostt
hankyouforgi
vingme
t
hisopport
uni
tyt
otal
ktobothofyou
Nangomsot ookoutherphoneandst
art
edkeepi
ng
busywit
hit,Ihadmyamr sfol
dedandstr
ict
ly
l
ookingather.
.
Ndal
o:Bel
indaIl
oveyou,
Iloveyouwi
thal
lmy
hear
t.I
'vebeenwi
thyouforal
ongti
menowand
youhavebeennot
hingbutagoodwif
e
Mychestst
artedmovingupanddown,usual
ly
whensomeonest ar
tst
heconver
sat
ionli
kethat
.
Theyar
eplanningonbreaki
ngupwi
thyou.
Ndalo:Il
oveyou,t
here'snot
hingandthere'
sno
womant hatcaneverrepl
acemyl oveforyou.
HencewhyIdecidedtodot hi
s,becauseIrespect
yousomuch
Me:Dowhat ?Bringanot
herwomani
ntomyhouse!
Youcal
lthatrespect
?
Ndal
o:I
'
m notdoneyet
Hel
ookedatNangomso.
.
Ndal
o:Canyoupleasel
ayoffonyourphoneand
showthi
ssi
tuat
ionsomerespect
?
Nangomsoputherphonedownont
het
abl
e.
Ndal
o:Thisi
sNangomso,
meandherhavebeeni
n
communicat
ion
Me:Funnyenoughmeandherhavebeeni
n
communicat
iontoo
Ndal
o:Iam awar
eoft
hat
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
..
Ndalo:Bel
indaI.
.Ihavef
eeli
ngsforNangomso.I
wasintoherfrom t
hever
yf i
rstt
imewhenIlai
dmy
eyesonher ,
andIam doi
ngt hi
sbecauseIwanna
l
etbothofyouknowt hat
..Iwanttot
akeNangomso
asmysecondwi f
e
Ther
oom wentqui
et.
.
Me:Isthatwhyyouweresokeeninbei
ngi
n
communi cat
ionwi
thme?Becauseyouwant
edmy
husband?
Nangomso:Sweet i
eifIcoul
dremember,
yousent
mear equestfi
rst
!Youaskedtokeepi
n
communi cat
ionwithme
Bel
inda:Iam notyoursweet
ie,
mynamei
sBel
inda!
Bel
indaDlomo
Nangomso:Idon'
tgi
veaf
uckeveni
fyouwer
e
Bel
indaMotsepe
Ndal
o:Hey!
Webot
hkeptqui
et.
.
Me:Whati
sthi
sNdal
o?Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Ndal
o:I
'
m sosor
ryBel
Me:No!Whatareyoudoing?Areyouoneofthose
guysnow?Whatishappeningher
ebecauseIdon'
t
under
stand!Whati
sthi
swomandoi ngherei
nmy
house
Nangomso:Idi
d-
Beli
nda:Shutup!Youshutyourmouththi
sis
betweenmyhusbandandI ..Haveyouknowshame?
Areyouthatdesperat
e?
Nangomso:OkayyouknowwhatNdal o.
.Thankyou
forwasti
ngmypreci
oustime,Icoul
dbeathome
doingsomet
hingi
mportantt
handoingthi
s
Shegotupandt
ookherphone.
.
Nangomso:I
'
mleavi
ng
Ndal
o:Goi
nthecar
,I'
l
lber
ightt
her
e
Ndal
opassedhert
hecarkeys,
Igotupandgrabbed
t
hem fr
om hi
sgri
pbef
oreNangomsotookthem..
Me:Youar
enotl
eavi
ngi
nmyhusband'
scar
,you
ar
enotdr
ivi
ngherback
Nangomso:Howt
hehel
ldi
dIgetmysel
fint
othi
s
shi
tagai
n
Nangomsost
art
edwal
kingaway.
.
Il
ookedatNdal
o..
Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?Whati
sthi
s?
Ndal
o:Bel
Me:Nowhatar
eyoudoi
ng?Bri
ngi
ngthi
swoman
i
ntomyhousesoIwasri
ght
?Youarehavi
nga
t
hingwi
tht
hiswoman?
Ndal
o:No.
.Ihaven'
tevensl
eptwi
thher
Me:"Haven'
t"soyouar
epl
anni
ngonsl
eepi
ngwi
th
her
?
Nangomsowal
kedbacki
n..
Nangomso:Sor
ryt
ointer
ruptt
hedivor
ce
di
scussi
onmoment,butcansomeoneopent
he
gat
eforme?
Ichar
gedather
,shewasbei
ngver
ydi
srespect
ful
!
Me:Youbi
tch!
!
Ndal
ohel
dmebackbef
oreIcoul
dgett
oher
.
Nangomso:Lethertryshi
tonme!Iwoul
dreal
lyl
ike
t
oseewhatshewi lldo!
Me:Iwi
llki
ckyoubackt
othest
reet
s
Nangomso:HoneyIownt
hest
reet
s!
Me:Ndal
oletgoofme!
Nangomso:Letgoofherandlet
'sseewhatshe'
s
goi
ngtodo,Iwouldl
iketoseeherdosomething
Me:Sl
ut!
!
Nangomso:Miserabl
eskank!Nowonderyour
husbandi
schasinganotherski
rt
Ndal
o:Got
otheki
tchen!Got
otheki
tchenr
ightnow!
Nangomso:Fuckenopent
hegat
eformesoIcan
l
eave!
Ndal
o:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
orepeatmysel
f
Nangomsowal
kedt
otheki
tchen.
.
Me:Letgoofme!
Hel
etgoofmebutst
il
lbl
ockedmywaysoIdon'
t
got
otheki
tchen.
.
Ndal
o:Cal
m down
Isl
appedhi
m acr
osst
hef
ace.
.
Ndal
o:Bel
..
Me:Ineverwannaseeyoueveragai
n!
It
hrewhi
skeysathi
m..
Me:Ther
eyougo!Leavewi
thher
!
It
henwal
kedt
othebedr
oom.
..

NANGOMSO

Thissit
uati
onwasi nsane.Ican'
tbel
ieveNdal
odid
that
,Ican'
tbeli
eveheact ual
lydr
aggedmeher ef
or
allt
hisnonsense.
Hewal
kedi
n..
Me:Opent
hegat
e
Ndal
o:I
'
lldr
iveyouhome
Me:NoIdon'
twantyoudr
ivi
ngmeanywher
e,open
t
hegatesoIcango
Ndal
o:Igotyouhere,nowI'
mtaki
ngyouhome.I
can'
tletyoul
eavealone,
needt
omakesureyouget
homesaf e
Me:Aft
erdroppingmeof fathome,Ineverwanna
seeyouagain.Don'tcal
lme!Don'
ttextme,leave
methehellalone!
Hewal
kedupt
othedoorandIf
oll
owedhi
m

BELI
NDA

Mywor stnight
marehascometrue,
ithasf
inal
ly
comet rue.Iwasoverwhel
medbydiffer
ent
emot i
ons,Iwashurt,Iwasangr
yandIwas
disappointedinmyhusband.
HowcanNdal odothi
stome?Whywoul
dhet r
eat
meliket
hisknowi
ngverywel
lhowmuchIl
ovehim!
Forhimtoevendothi
s,i
tpr
ovest
omethathe'
snot
happywit
hmeanymor e.
.
Tearsf elldownwi t
houtmeevent ryinghar dwhenI
heardt hecart akingoff.Sohereall
yl eftwit
hthis
woman, hewaschoosi ngheroverme?Il aidonthe
bednotabl etohol dbackmyt ears.Thepai nIwas
feeli
ngdeepi nside,Ihaveneverfeltitbefor
e.Iwas
struggli
ngt obr eath,myheartwasbl eedingand
everythinginmedi dn'twantmet oliveanymor e.
.
Me:Godwhy?Why?
Whydidhedraghisfakel
oveformesolong?Why
di
dn'
thedothisbeforeweevengotmar
ried?What
di
dIdothatl
edhimt odothi
s?Whyishehur t
ing
meli
kethi
s?
Igotoutofbedandwal kedtot hebathr
oom,Iwas
eventr
embl i
ng.Ir
anwat erintheshowerandgot
i
nside,Iwasinmysl eepwear.Isatdownandletthe
coldwaterrundownonme, Iwashuggi ngmylegs
androckingmyselfbackandf ort
h..
Me:Godpl
ease.
.Don'
tlethi
m dot
hist
ome,
I'
m
goi
ngtol
osemymi nd
NANGOMSO

Ndalodrovemebackhomei nsil
ence,Ihadnothing
tosaytohim andIdi
dn'twannahearanythi
ngfrom
him.Heisinsaneandthiswhol
esituat
ionissome
crazyIdi
dn'twannafi
ndmyselfi
n..

Heparkednextt
othegat
e,Iopenedt
hedoorandhe
gr
abbedmyar m..
Ndal
o:Soso
Iyankedof
fmyar
mfr
om hi
m andgotout
.
Me:Youar
esuchaj
erk!Gohomet
oyourwi
fe!
Ibangedt hedoorandmademywayt othehouse.I
wasf uming,hecould'
vedi
scussedt
hisshi
twi
thme
fi
rstbefor
edoingthis.
.
Iopenedthedoorandwalkedi
n,Imademywayt
o
thebedr
oom passingLel
ewatchi
ngTVint
he
l
ounge..
Lel
e:Hey
Igoti
nandbangedt
hedoor
..
Me:SonofaB*
*
Lel
eopenedandwal
kedi
n..
Lel
e:Whathappened?
It
hrewmyphoneont
hebed.
.
Lel
e:Whathappened?
Me:Thatpi
eceofshi
t!Hetookmetohishouse,
to
hi
swifeandsatusdown!Het ol
dbothofust
hathe
want
edtotakemeashi ssecondwif
e
Lel
e:What
?
Me:Justi
magi
net
heembarr
assment
!Hecoul
d've
t
alkedt
omeabouti
tfi
rst
Lel
e:That
'swi
ld
Me:Iam donewit
hthatguy!Iam fr
om amessy
r
elat
ionshi
pI'
m notpr
eparedforanothermessy
r
elat
ionshi
p
Lel
e:Bl
ockt
hisguy,
Phumakuye(
Leavehi
m al
one)
Igotmyphone.
.
Me:Ifeell
ikenowhehel pedmetotakeadvant
age
ofme!Jerkass!Isthathowheuseshisgif
t?To
huntwomen, haveaffai
rs?Whydi
dthewifeeven
sendmet hatfr
iendrequest
?
Lele:Thesewomenar eclearlynotstableupstai
rs,
whichwomanwoul dagr eet othi
sbul l
shit
?Block
them andbedonewi t
hthem cl earl
ytheyonlygoi ng
tobringdr amaint
oyourl i
feandyoudon' tneedthat!
Youwi llgetsomeonewhowi l
ltr
eatyoubet t
er,l
ove
youbet ter
.Youdon'tneedt hisNdaloandhi sdrama

NDALO

Iknewthi
ssit
uationwasgoingtobemessy,
Iknew
thi
ngsweregoingtogetoutofhand.
Idrovebacklostdeepinmythoughts,
thi
nki
ng
aboutmywi f
e.Belindahur
tseasi
ly,
andIknowthi
s
i
sgoi ngt
okil
lher..

Igothomeandpar
ked.Isati
nthecarf
orawhi
le,
t
henIgotout
.Imademywayint
othehouseandi
t
wasqui
etwhenIgoti
nsi
de.
AsIwasappr oachi
ngt hebathr
oom Ihear
dwater
runningi
nthebathroom.Iwentandputmycarkeys
andmyphoneont hebed, It
henwenttocheckon
Bel.Thedoorwashal fopened.
.
Me:Bel
Ipushedthedoorandshewassi tt
ingont
he
showerfl
oor,wat
erwasr unningdownonher
.I
rushedt
oher,myheartfelli
ntomyknees.
It
urnedofft
hewater,l
ucki
lyi
twascol
dwat
er.I
pi
ckedherupdri
ppingwetasshewasandwalked
wi
thhertothebedr
oom.
Iputheront
hebed.
.
Me:Bel
Shedidn'tr
espond,hereyeswereopenbutshe
wasn'tbl
inki
ng.I
twasmor el
ikeshewasinshock,
wentintoshockorhavingastroke.Shewasnon-
responsi
veatall
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
51] :25

NANGOMSO

[2WEEKSLATER]

Ndal
oandIwehaven' tspokenfor2weeks
f
oll
owingthati
nci
dent.Hewasst il
lbl
ockedf
rom
mysideandIwasstickingtomywor dofnot
wanti
nganythi
ngtodowi thhi
m.

SinceIwasn'
tentirel
ysur eaboutthecareerI
wantedtoventurein,IdecidedthatmaybeIcanget
myselfajobforthi
syear .Itwi
llgi
vemeenough
ti
met othi
nkaboutwhatt ypeofcareerIwouldbe
comfort
ablewith.Lel
eandIappl i
edforthesame
j
obwheni twasadver ti
sed, weappli
ed2days
beforet
heclosingdateandshegott hecall
.Idi
dn'
t,
t
hej
obwasasal
esassi
stantatTr
uwor
ths.
Shehadgonef oraninter
view,shewaspr ett
y
nervousaboutit.IhavenoticedthatLeleandmy
Brotherspendmor etimetogetherlat
ely,t
heycl
ick,
al
wayschi tchatti
ngandlaughi ng.
Iseesomespar kinthere,Idon'
tmindbecauseLele
i
saver ywonderfulperson.Shedeservestobe
happy.Wehaveal sostartedgoingt
ochur ch,my
Mom' schurch.Wealsogoi ngtocar
ryoutt he
welcomingceremonyt hisweekend.
.Lifehasnever
beenthispeaceful
,Iwasenj oyi
ngbeingathomeno
l
ie.

Iwaswi thmychi l
dhoodfri
endCl ara,
wehave
pickedupon, from wherewel eftofconcerningour
l
ongt er
mf riendshipunti
lIlef
thomewhenIwas15.
Wewer ef r
iendsf r
om averyyoungage, she'
s2
yearsol derthanmebutyoucoul dnevertell
.She
stil
llooksgoodf ora30yearol d.

Wewer
ewat
chi
ngTVandeat
ingsnacks.
Iwasgoingthr
oughTwitt
erwhenIsawAmber
's
nametrendi
ng,bel
owhername
"Readi
ngWit
hNdalo"wasalsot
rendi
ng.
IwasshockedwhenIr eadthet
weets,Amberwas
i
nvol
vedinafatalcaracci
dentl
astnight
Shedi
dn'
tmakei
t,andhercarwasf
uckedup
Me:Ohhmywor
d!
Cl
ara:What
?
Me:Ndal
o'sPA,
Amber
..Shepassedonl
astni
ght
Cl
ara:Ar
eyouser
ious?
Me:CheckonTwi
tt
er
Cl
ara:Letmedot
hat
Condol
encespour edout,
wordsofcomfor
tpour
ed
outf
orNdalotooandt herestoft
hecr
ew.Itwasso
hear
tbr
eaking.Isentatweettoo:

"
Ican'
tbel
ieveshe'
sgone.Suchal
ovi
ngsoul
.Rest
i
nPeaceAmber "
Iuploadedt
hepict
uret
hatwebothtookaswewer
e
dri
vingdownfr
om KwaZulu-
Nat
altoGauteng.

BELI
NDA

Iwasadmit
tedtothehospit
albecauseIhad
suf
fer
edami l
dstrokeknownasat ransi
ent
i
schemicat
tack.Iwasadmitt
edaweekago.
Ididn'tgett hestr
okeri
ghtthenwhent hewhol e
sit
uat ionhappenedwi t
hNangomsoandNdal o,I
hadt hest rokeafewdaysaf ter
,whi chwasaweek
ago.Thatt imewhenNdal ofoundmeIwasi nshock,
mybodywenti ntoshockandIpi ckedupt he
foll
owi ngdayorsoIt hought.Onlyt osuff
erami ld
strokeal ongtheway.Itwashar d,itwashardI
won' tlie.Looki
ngatNdaloeverydayandt hi
nking
aboutwhathewasput ti
ngmet hrough,Icouldn'
t
takei tanymor eIshutdown..Ndalo'sMom wal ked
i
n..
Nanny:Goodmor
ning
Me:Mor
ning
Shewal
kedi
n..
Nanny:KodwaBelusenzani
?(whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
o
us)
Me:Iam f
eel
ingbet
ternow,
theyevengoi
ngt
o
di
schar
gemet omorr
ow
Shepul
ledt
hechai
randsatdown.
Shehel
dherbagt
ightandshookherheadwhi
lst
l
ooki
ngdown..
Me:I
t'
sokayMa
Isawt
ear
sfal
li
ngf
rom her
..
Me:I
t'
sokay
Ma:Hetol
dmewhathappened, Ican'
tbel
ieve
Ndal
owoul ddot
hat.I
'
m si
tti
nghereembar r
assed,
di
sappoi
ntedandhurt
.Idi
dn'
traisehi
ml i
kethat
Me:Ndal
oal
mostki
l
ledme
Ma:Idon'
tknowwhatdemonhasgot
teni
ntohi
m,
t
hat'
snothim.Somet
hingi
swrong
Me:It'
sokayMa,
Idon'tevenwannat
hinkabouti
t
toomuch.Thi
swholesit
uati
onisgoi
ngtokil
lme,i
f
Ileti
tgett
omethismuch
Ma:I
'
m sor
ryBel
inda
Me:I
t'
sokay,
it'
snotyourf
aul
t

NDALO

Beli
ndabei ngadmi t
tedmademer eal
izehowmuch
Ihavebr okenher.WhenIgotheroutoft heshower ,
Idriedherupandchangedherout fi
tandi tseemed
l
ikeshewascomi ngbackt ohersenses, because
thef ol
lowi ngdayshewasbet t
er.Ithoughtshewas
goingt obeokaybutshewentdownhi llf
rom there.
Mywi fewashur t
ingeverydayf oll
owingt hatday,
wasn' tevenabl etogot owor k.Shewasn' teati
ng,
didn'twantt oseeme.I t
'slikemebei ngther ehurt
hermor e,andevent uall
yitsuf fer
edami ldstroke.I
havedeci dedthatIam goi ngt ocleanupmyact
anddi et hissit
uationwithNangomso, i
t'
seasierto
deattachf rom herbecausewehaven' tknowneach
otherforlong,f
ormet ohavecaughtunr
eversi
ble
feel
ingsforher.Iam goi
ngtoworkhardtoundot he
damageIhavecausedt omywi f
e,Idon'
tthi
nkin
thi
swor ldthatwelivei
nther
e'sgoi
ngtobeanot her
womanwhowi l
llovemeasmuchasBel indadoes.

Ihavebeentr
yingtocal
lherbutshedoesn'
tpickup,
nordoessherepl
ytomyt ext
s.Idon'
twannashow
upatthehospi
talandst
ressherout,
don'twanna
hurthermor
ethanIhave..
.

Thi
smont hhasbeenhorri
ble,fi
rstmywifeisnot
doi
ngwell,thenmyPApassi ngonlastni
ght.Amber
wasmoret hanjustmyPA,shewasl i
kefamilyto
me.I'
vehaveneverbeenthi
sl owinmyl i
febefor
e..

Amber
:Boss!
Il
ookedather
..
Amber:Youdidn'
tthi
nkt
hatIwasgoi
ngt
opasson
wi
thoutsayi
ngbye?
Me:Why?
Amber
:Whynot
?
Me:Whyyou?Youwer
esoyoungandf
ullofl
if
e
Amber
:Yeahshi
thappens
Me:Youatpeace
Amber
:I'
m atpeacebecausei
twasmyt
ime
Me:I
t'
swr
ong,
it'
sver
ywr
ong
Amber :Deat
hi ssomethi
ngthatwecan'
trunaway
fr
om, Ihaveallther
easonstobemadandst aybut
..
Iam atpeace,itwasmyt i
me
Me:Iam gl
adt
hatyouar
eatpeace
Amber
:Ij
ustneedyout
odosomet
hingf
orme
Me:Anyt
hing
Amber
:Ineedyout
ogi
vemyMot
hersomet
hing
Me:Icandot
hat
Amber
:It
'
sgoi
ngt
ohel
pthepr
ocessofherheal
i
ng
Me:I
'
lldot
hat
..Ipr
omi
se
Amber
:Justmakesur
ewhoeverr
epl
acesmedoes
apr
ett
ydamngoodjob
Me:Iwi
llmakesur
e
Amber
:It
rustyou
Me:I
'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssyou
Amber
:Iknow.
.Gr
eett
hecr
ewf
orme
Me:Iwi
ll

SPHUMELELE(
LELE)

Aft
ermyi nter
viewIwal kedbackstrai
ghtt oNat
hi'
s
car.Hewast heonewhodr ovemeher et omy
i
ntervi
ewthismor ning.Itwasacoincidence
becausehewasof f,heactual
lywait
edf ormetobe
donewiththeintervi
ew.
Iopenedthedoorbuti
twaslocked,Iknockedon
thewindow.Hehadevenfal
lenasleep..Hewokeup
andopenedforme..
Nat
hi:Hey.
.Howwasi
t?
Me:Wasn'
tbad,
Ijusthopet
hatIdi
dgood
Igoti
nandcl
osedt
hedoor
..
Nat
hi:Howmanywer
eyou?
Me:If
oundt
wol
adi
es
Nat
hi:Ihopeyougetthej
ob,
Iknowhowmuchyou
l
ooki
ngf or
wardtoit
Me:Thankyou
Nathi
:Wannagr
absomet
hingt
oeatbef
orewehead
home?
Me:YesI
'
dli
ket
hatal
ot
Nat
hi:Okayl
et'
sfi
ndagoodr
est
aur
ant

BELI
NDA

Ndal
o'sMom st
ayedf
oratl
east1hour
.Itwasgood
t
alki
ngtoher
,mymoodwasbet t
ert
hanhowitwas
t
hismorni
ng.
.
Nanny:Ihavet
ogonow,
giveyousomet
imet
orest
Me:Thankyouf
orcomi
ng
Nanny:I'
l
lvi
sityouatthehousesi
nceyouget
ti
ng
di
schargedt
omor row
Me:Thankyouver
ymuchMa
Shewal
kedupt
omeandhuggedme.
.
Ma:Il
oveyousomuch
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Ma:Uber
ightst
handwaSam
Me:Iwi
ll
..Ipr
omi
se
Sheleft.
.Itookmyphoneandkeptbusy,Ndalohad
senti
tthroughjustsoIdon'
tgetbor
ed.Hehasn't
comet ovisitme,
Iam happyhehasn'
t.Ican'
tst
and
himrightnow.

IwentonTwi tt
erandwhenIsawNdal o'sshow
tr
endingIdidn'tt
hinkmuchofit,i
ttr
endsever ynow
andthen.Maybet herewasakill
erepisode.Iwas
shockedwhenIf oundoutthatAmberwasi nvol
ved
i
naf atalcaracci
dent.Myheartsank.Amberwasa
goodperson,
Itr
ust
edherwi
thNdal
o.She
respect
edme,andshewasagoodPA.
Iwentthr
oughal lt
hetweets,unt
ilIbumpedinto
Nangomso' stweet.Withapictur
eat t
ached.The
tweethad250l ikes,80ret
weetsandabout40
comment s.IclenchedmyJaws, Icanneverber i
d
ofthi
swoman!

Iwentt hrought helikes,ret

weet sandcomment sto
seeifNdal oisnoti nvolvedinany, hewasn' t.Only
thepageof" ReadingWi thNdalo"li
kedhert weet.
Ndalodoesn' trunt hepage, i
twasr anbybot hDave
andAmber ..IwonderhowNangomsof eel
s
knowi ngthatshedest royedmymar r
iage.Iwould
understandi fshedi dn'tknowt hatNdal owas
mar r
ied,sheknowsver ywell.Everyoneknows, after
allNdaloisaf amoussomebody.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
52] :26
NDALO

WhenIknockedoffthatdayIdr
ovepassmy
Mother
'shouse.Shehadaskedtoseeme.
Iknewexact l
ywhatshewantedt
otalktomeabout
,
shewantedt otal
ktomeaboutBeli
nda.MyMom
l
ovesBelindaandwhenIactoutofordersheis
alwayscall
ingint
oorder
,cal
li
ngmei nt
heright
dir
ecti
on..

Ma:Howar
eyou?
Me:Iam goodandyou?
Ma:Iam wel
l,
justdi
sappoi
ntedi
nyou
Me:Iknow
Ma:Idon'twannajudge,Idon'
twannabeharsh.
Youareoldnow, youcanmakedecisi
onsfor
your
self
.Ijustneedtounderst
andwhat'
sgoi
ngon
Me:I
..IsatBel
indadownwi
tht
hegi
rlt
hatIwas
start
ingt
ohavefeeli
ngsfor
.Isatthem downand
tr
iedtoberat
ionalwit
hthem,t
riedtoberati
onal
withBeli
ndaf
orhertoall
owmet otakeasecond
wife
Ma:Whydoyouf eell
ikeyouneedasecondwi
fe?
I
sn'
tBel
indaenough?
Me:Ilovemywi f
eMadon' tgetmewr ong,but
sometimesloveal
oneisnotenough.Iam not
enti
rel
yhappywithBeli
ndabaseont hefactt hat
she'
sbeenthroughalotanditwasn'therfault,but
ther
e'sl
imit
ati
onsinourmar r
iage.It
hinkandcar e
abouthermorethanIdowi t
hmysel f
.Everythingis
aboutherandmakingherhappybutwhataboutme?
Mar
ri
ageshoul
dn'
tbeachor
e
Ma:Thi
sgirl
,doyouloveherori
t'
sjusti
nfat
uati
on?
Howdoyouknowt hat2yearsdowntheli
neyou'd
st
il
lbef
eeli
ngthesamewayabouther ?Thatyou
won'
tbefeel
ingt
hesamewayaboutsomeoneel se?
Me:Thepr
oblem i
sthat,Idon'
twannacheatonmy
wi
fe.I
t'
sgoi
ngtohur ther.Bel
indahasbeenbroken
afewti
mesbefore,
Idon'twannaputherthrough
anotherpai
n.She'
sfragi
leandveryvulner
able,l
ook
whatthisdi
dtoher.HenceIcamecl eanaboutthis
earl
ybecauseIdon'twanttobeanothermarried
manwhocheat sonhi swif
e
Ma:Iunder
standandIcommendyouf
ort
hat
Me:I'
vehurtBelindaMa, Idon'
tevenknowhowI'
m
goi
ngtof i
xthis.Iam r
eadyt ol
etgoofNangomso
andthefeeli
ngsIhavef orhert
osavemymar r
iage
Ma:Pl easef ixthis,Belindal ovesyou.Youl oveher
too,don'tletinfatuationgeti nbet weenyout oo.I s
Nangomsowor thriskingyourmar r
iagefor?Isshe
worthit?Wi l
lshel oveyou?I sshewi f
emat eri
al ?Do
youseeaf uturewi thher?Ndal oifyounothappy
withBelindat henyouar eallowedt oleaveher .You
arenotf orcedt ost ayint hemar r
iagejustbecause
youpityher ,
justbecauseyoudon' twannabr eak
herbutaskyour selftheper sonyouwannal eave
yourwi f
ef ori sshewor thit?Isshewor t
hleavi ng
yourmar r
iagef or?

BELI
NDA
Ir
ecei
vedacallf
rom myMot
her
.It
ookadeep
br
eathbef
oreansweri
ng.
.
Me:Ma
Ma:Unj
ani
?(howar
eyou)
Me:I
'
m wel
landyou?
Ma:Iam good
Me:I
'
m get
ti
ngdi
schar
gedt
omor
row
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Ma:Idon'
tgetyou,
Iser
iousl
ydon'
tgeti
t
Me:Don'
tgetwhat
?
Ma:WhenNdal ocall
edmeandi nf
ormedabout
whathappened,hefel
tbad.Heapologizedtomefor
whathedidtoyouandhepr omi
sedt hathe'sgoi
ng
tol
eavethi
sgirlal
onetoworkonfixingthingswi
th
you
Me:That
'sgood.
.That
'swhatheshoul
ddo
Ma:St
opi
t!Justst
opi
t!
!.
.Youser
iousl
ythi
nkhe'
s
goingt oleavet hiswoman?Whatyoudoi ngyou
drivingheri nt ot hiswoman' sar ms, str
aightint oher
arms.He' sgoi ngt ohaveanaf f
airbehi ndyourback,
thengett hiswomanpr egnantt henhe'sgoi ngt o
l
ovehermor et hanheeverdi dwi thyou.She' sgoi ng
tocomei ntoyourhomeandt akeover ,she'sgoi ng
todr i
veyououtofyourownhouseandNdal oi s
goingt odef endherbecauseshewoul d'veof fered
him somet hingt hatisPrecious, aBaby.Youar enot
thef i
rstwomannort helastwomanwhowoul df i
nd
her selfinpol ygamy.Atl easther espect edyou
enought ol etyouknow.I fyoudon' tstopt hispity
par tyyouar egoi ngtodr ivehim straightintot he
armsofanot herwoman.Let '
sbehonest ,
whi ch
otherMenwi llloveyoul i
keNdal odoes?Whi chMen
willputupwi thhowdamagedyouar e?Don' tbe
fool ed.Menl ovesexandst arvati
onwi lldrivehi mt o
cheat !
Suckitupandacceptt hi
swoman, whoknows
maybei t
'sj
ustaf l
ingmaybealongt hewayhewil
l
getboredbyher .Maybeshewillgetboredt
ooand
l
eave,stopdri
vingyourhusbandawayorel seyou
wi
llbesor
ry

NANGOMSO

Iwaspr epari
ngdi
nner,whil
stmypotswereonthe
stove.Ideci
dedtocheckTwi t
tert
oseehowit'
s
goingwiththeAmbertrend.IhadaDM,Ichecked
anditwasDave.TheDM r ead:

"
Cal
lmei
t'
sur
gent
!"

Hehadprovi
dedhi
snumber
s.It
ookhi
snumber
s
andcal
ledhi
m..
Dave:Hel
lo
Me:Hi
..Thi
sisNangomso,
IgotyourDM onTwi
tt
er
Dave:Ohwyes!
Me:Sai
dit
'sur
gent
Dave:Iam sur
ethatyouhear
daboutwhat
happenedt
oAmber
Me:Yes.
.It
'
ssad
Dave:Wehavet of i
ndarepl
acementandit
'sgoing
totaketimet ogetsomeone,sointhemeantimeas
west i
llt
ryi
ngt ofindsomeone.Iwaswonderingif
youcanf il
lintheposttemporar
il
ysothat
'sifyou
don'thaveanythinggoingonatthemoment
Me:What
?Ar
eyouser
ious?
Dave:Yes.
.Wewi
llst
artyouof
fona6mont
hs
cont
ract
Me:WoowI
..I
'
dli
ket
hat
Dave:Canyoucomet hr
ought
omor
rowmor
ning?I
'
ll
t
extyoutheaddress
Me:Uhm okay.
.HowdoesNdal
ofeelaboutt
his?
Dave:Ndal
odoesn'
tnecessar
il
ydot
hehi
ri
ng
Me:Ohw.
.Canyour
uni
tbyhi
mfi
rst
?
Dave:Sosoi
fyoucan'
tpul
lthr
oughj
ustsayso,
I'
ll
fi
ndsomeoneelse
Me:I
'
llpul
lthr
ough,
atwhatt
imeshoul
dIcome?
Dave:At7am canyoubeher
e?
Me:Yesofcour
se
Dave:I
'
llt
extyout
headdr
ess
Me:ThankyousomuchDave
Dave:Not
hankyou
Me:Bye
Ihungup.
.
Me:Wow

BELI
NDA

IthoughtaboutwhatmyMot hersai
d.Shehada
pointbutdeepdownitwaspainfult
oj ustleti
n
anotherwomani ntomyhomeandmar r
iage.Seei
ng
myHusbandl ovinganot
herwoman, that'stoo
muchf orme.It'
stoomuchformet obear ..It
ook
myphoneandt ext
edNdalo:
"Iam cominghometomor r
ow,Ihadtimetothi
nk
aboutthi
sandit'
stoomuch.I'm gonnaneedmore
ti
met othi
nkaboutit
.Ifyoucanpleasefet
chme
tomorrowmorning.
Il
oveyou"

Isentt
het
ext
..

NDALO

Ir
eadt
hemessageandIcal
ledher
,shepi
ckedup.
.

Bel
:Hey
Me:Hi
(
sil
ence)
Me:Igotyourt
ext
Bel
:Yesj
ustgi
vemet
ime,
it'
snotaneasysi
tuat
ion
Me:Youdon'
tneedt
imebecauseIhavedeci
dedt
o
bedonewi
tht
hiswoman,
Ican'
tri
skmymar
ri
age
forher
Bel
:Iunder
stand
Me:Il
oveyouandIwannaf
ixt
his,
Iwannaf
ixus
Bel
:I'
dli
ket
hatt
oo
Me:Il
oveyousoomuch
Bel
:Il
oveyout
oo

LELE

NathiandIspentthewholedayawayf rom home,

wejustgotback..Wewer epar
kedi nt
hegar agewe
di
dn'tgetoutofthecarimmediat
elywej usttal
ked.
Tal
kedaboutr andom t
hingsunti
lthet
alkingledint
o
amomentt hatwebot hweren'
tprepar
edf or.
Atouchledt
ouskissi
ng,
thenheadj
ust
edhi
sseat
andIfoundmysel
font
opofhim.
Iwasn'
tful
lynaked,Il
if
tedtheski
rtupandhehad
unbut
tonedmyshi r
ttoexposemybr east
s.We
di
dn'
ttakeoffmybr
abutpoppedmybreast
soutof
mybrasohecouldsuckmynippl
esandsqueeze
mybreasts.
Ihaven'
tbeensexualwi
thanyguyf
oryear
ssi
nce
myr el
ati
onshi
psneverworked.

Idon'tknowwhatwashappeningbutal
lIknowis
that
,Ineededsomeact i
on.Myhormoneswere
betr
ayingmeagr eatdeal
.
Hecaressedandsqueezedmybuttashesuckedon
mynipple,changi
ngf
rom onet
otheotherone.I
coul
dfeelthathewashard.
Il
ower
edmyhandt
owor
konhi
sjeans.
Hegothi shandsandhel pedmewi t
hthat,helped
met olowerhisjeansal i
tt
lesowecanf reehi s
shaft.Wealsoloweredhisbr i
efsandexplosedhis
bigblackshaftthatwasalreadyhard.Weki ssedas
Idir
ectedhimi nsi
deofme.Amoanescapedhi s
l
ipsasIsl owl
ysl i
ddownonhi m,itwaspainful
thoughandIwasn' tthatmuchwett obothour
sati
sfacti
on.Webr okethekissandhesuckedon
myni ppl
eagainasIl
if
tedmybut tupabitand
rubbedtheheadofhi
sshaf tagai
nstmyhole.Hi
s
handswer eonmywaist.Hesqueezedmywai st
ti
ghtandsuckedonmyni pplehardasIr
ubbed
mor eharderandmor
efastertoo.
.
Me:OhhhhhhNat
hi.
..
Irubbedagai
nsttheopeningofmycoochi eunt
ilI
gotmorewet,thesoundthatthewetnessmade,
mademet ostartsl
idi
ngonhim slowly.I
twasabi t
bett
ernow..
Nat
hi:Oooooohf
uckbaby
Imoanedabitl
ouderashi
sshaftstr
etchedme
wider
,bothmyhandswerebal
ancingonhis
shoul
ders.
.
Me:OhhhhhhNat
hii
t'
ssobi
g
Hekissedmeandgent lypull
edmyl owerli
pasI
ful
lytookal
lofhimin.Hehelpedmet ostartgoi
ng
upanddownonhi m sl
owly.Helai
dbackand
rel
axedandIleanedforward.
Hemovedhi
shandsf
rom mywai
stt
omyexposed
but
t.Hegr
abbedandsqueezedmyassashemade
megofast
er.
.
Me:Ahhh.
..Ohhhhhhmywor
d!
Hespankedmyasshardafewti
mes,
Idon'
tknow
whybutthatwasahuget
urnon.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
01/
09,
08:
52] :27

NANGOMSO

Ididn'
tknowhowIf eltaboutthiswhol esi
tuati
on,
butallIknowi sthatIneededthisjob.Ineededt his
refer
ence, andIdamnwel lneedt hismoney.Ihave
neverwor kedadayi nmyl i
fe,I'
veal waysbeen
dependentonSi dandhi sMot her,Itri
edgetti
ng
j
obswi thoutanysuccessandIam ver ysurethat
hisMot herwasbehi ndthatdarkcloud.Shewant ed
met obedependentonthem sotheycouldcontrol
me.Thiswasabi gdealforme,t
hisistheveryfi
rst
ti
mewher eIact
uall
ywakeupandgot owor k.I
hopeDavedoesn'tchangehismindaboutthis,
I
real
lyneedt
ogetupandgetmyown. .

Myexperienceswi t
hSi dhavetaughtmethe
i
mportanceofbei ngindependentasawoman.
Whenyougetyourownhust le,
youwon'ttakeno
shi
tfr
om anymanunl essyouallowyour
selftoo.
Youwon'ttolerat
eanyt hi
ng,youcaneasil
ywal k
awayfrom at oxi
crelati
onshipandbedonewi thit
..

Iam wellawar eoft

hesit
uationbetweenNdaloand
I,
butonet hingIknowisthathedoesn'thaveahol
d
onmyl i
feunl esshedeci
desot her
wiseformetobe
givent
hej ob.
Ireal
lydon'tcaremuchabouthim,thi
sisnotabout
hi
m.Thi sisaboutme, Iam t
hemostimpor t
ant
personinmyl if
eri
ghtnow.Ithastakenmet hi
spar
t
ofmyl i
fetoactuall
yreali
zethat
.AsIwalkedoutof
mybedr oom, IsawLel esneakingoutofNat hi'
s
room inhi st -
shirt.Whenshesawme, shefroze.
Thisgi r
lisf unny, wesharethesamebedr oom and
shedi dn'tj
oi nmei nbedlastnight,sheser i
ousl y
thinksthatIdi dn'tknowshewassl eepinginmy
Brother'sbedr oom.Al lthegiggli
ng, t
henowvi sible
l
ovebi tesonherneck.She' salwaysbeenbadat
hidingsecr etsthoughsoIdon' tblameher .We
stoodt hereandl ookedateachot herf orawhi le..

Lel
e:Goodmor
ning
Me:Goodmor
ning
Lel
e:It
houghtyouwoul
d'vel
eftf
orwor
k
Me:Iwasaboutt
oleave
Lel
e:Ohw
Me:I
'
llseeyoul
ater
Lel
e:Lat
eri
tis
Ismi
ledwhi
lstshaki
ngmyheadt
henIl
eft
..
BELI
NDA

Ndal
oshowedupatt
hehospi
talt
ogetme.
Itwassoawkwar dbet
weenus,hedi
dn'
thaveany
wor dstosaytome.Hewasashamedandprobabl
y
didn'twantt
osayanyt
hingt
hatwoul
dsetmeof f
..

NeverdidIt hi
nkonedaywewoul df i
ndourselvesin
suchapr edicament,ourl
ovehasneverbeent est
ed
l
ikethis.
.Hewheel edmeoutofthehospitaltohis
car,
Heopenedt hedoorandIgotin.Hewheel edthe
wheelchairbackinsi
de.Itookadeepbreathand
sai
dasi lentprayerf
rom deepwit
hin.

Hecamebackandgoti
n,Idi
dn'
tknowwhattosay
tohi
m.Thi
swasgoingt
obeanawkwardrideback
home..

LELE
Iwasscar
edwhenIbumpedi
ntoNgomso.
Ineverknewmebei ngl i
ket hatwi thherbrot her
wouldmakemet hisscar ed.Idon' twanthert othi
nk
otherwiseofme, andt hatI 'mtaki ngadvant ageof
them allowi ngmet ost ayher e..Thehonestt ruthi
s
that,Nat hiisagr eatguy.Thewayhel ooksatme,
he'swar m smi le,he'ski ndhar dandhi ml i
terall
y
drivi
ngmet othei nterviewyest erday.Usspendi ng
adayatt heparkaf termyi nterview,itwasa
beautifulmomentandIr eallywannaexper ience
l
ove.I fNat hiistheguyf ormet oexper i
encet hat
l
ovewi th, t
henIwi llnotdenyt hi schanceof
possiblybei nghappywi thsomeone.I twoul dmean
alottomei fNangomsocoul dbeokaywi t
hi ttoo.
.

Myphoner
ang,Iwentbacktot
hebedr
oom t
ogeti
t.
I
twasacal
lfr
om him,Ismil
ed.
.
Me:Goodmor
ning
Nat
hi:It
houghtyouwoul
dbesl
eepi
ng
Me:Ij
ustwokeup
Nat
hi:Andhowar
eyout
hismor
ningMam'
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Whyt
hef
ormal
it
y?
Nathi
:Soyouwoul
drat
herhavemet
reatyoul
ikea
gi
rlnextdoor
?
Webot
hlaughed.
.
Nathi
:Iwasatthepharmacyandt
heydeni
ed
sel
li
ngthemorningaft
erpi
llt
ome
Me:Why?
Nathi
:Ther
e'ssomequest i
onnai
ret
hatyouhavet
o
answer,
li
kehowl onghasitbeensi
ncewehadsex,
yourl
astper
iod.Thingsl
ikethat
Me:Ohwt
hat
'samess,
Idi
dn'
twannagooutt
oday
Nat
hi:Got
othemal
landgeti
tfr
om t
her
e
Me:OkayI
'
lldot
hat
Nat
hi:Iam notsur
ehowmuchi
tissoI
'
llsendR400
Me:I
t'
sokayI
'
llt
ellyouhowmuchi
tis
Nat
hi:OkayI
'
m sendi
ngnow
Me:Okay
Nat
hi:ByeMi
ss
Me:Youar
esobor
ingr
ightnow(
laughi
ng)
Ihungup.
.

BELI
NDA

Ilookedathim ashewasdr ivi

ngj ustfocusedon
theroad.Ican'tbeli
evethisMani sact uall
ygoingto
l
eavehi sEntanglementforme.Ndal ocouldbewi th
anyone, buthe'
schoosingt obewi thmehe' s
choosingmeandi fIdon'tseefrom t hi
ssituati
on
howmuchhel ovesme,thenIdon' tknow.Imean
myMom hasal wayssaiditthatI'
m damagedandI
shouldneverexpectanyonet ofeelsorryforme
becauseIhaveputmysel finthissituati
on,Iwas
theonewhodat edamar riedman.Shewasr i
ght,
thatstupidmistakehasrobbedmeoft hewoman
thatIam meantt obewi t
hmyhusband. ..
Iputmylegoverhim,hi
sconcent
rat
ionmovedf
rom
theroadandhelookedatme.
Ismi
ledathi
m,andhesmi
ledatmet
oo.
Hecont i
nueddr
ivi
ngwithonehand,andhe'sot
her
handwasonmyt hi
ghs.Idon'
twantNdaloandIto
everfi
ndoursel
vesinsuchamessysituat
ionever
again.
..

NANGOMSO

Isti
llknewmywayar oundJohannesbur g,Idi
dn't
getlostthatmuchandIal soaskedtaxidriver
sfor
moredi rect
ions,
can'
tjustaskanyonet heycanlead
youast r
ayandt henmugyou.Johannesbur gisnot
assaf eashowi twasbackt hen,
noi thasnever
beensaf ebutitwasbetterbackthencompar edto
now..

Imademysel
finsi
det
hebui
ldi
ng,
li
ket
hisi
swher
e
theyshootever
ythi
ng.Thisisthest
udiowherei
tall
goesdown.Itwasn'tabigbuil
ding,
anditwasvery
beauti
ful
.Therecepti
onwasver ywelcomi
ng.I
walkeduptotherecepti
onist
..
Me:Goodmor
ning
Her
:Goodmor
ning
Me:Iam her
etoseeDave,
Ihaveanappoi
ntment
wi
thhim
Her
:Hedi
dsay.
.Ar
eyou?
??
Me:Nangomso
Her:Yesyoucangothrough,I
'l
lri
nghi
m.Justgo
downt hecor
ri
dorunt
ilyoufi
ndhisoff
ice
Me:Okayt
hankyou
Iwenttothecorri
dorbusychecki
ng.Isawthe
makeuproom, Ial
sosawNdal o'
soffi
cebutthedoor
wasclosed.If
oundDave'soffi
ce,t
hedoorwas
opened.
.
Me:Hey
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Dave:Soso.
.Thankyouf
orcomi
ng
Iwal
kedi
n..
Me:Howar
eyou
Dave:I
'
m good
Isawaf
ewawar
dsdi
spl
ayed.
.
Dave:Pl
easehaveasi
t
Isatdown.
.
Dave:It
ooki
tuponmysel
ftodr
aftdownt
he
cont
ract
Me:Okay
Dave:Youcanreadthrough,
ifyounothappywi
th
anyt
hingyoucanjustsay
Me:Al
ri
ght
Myfocuswasmoreonthesal
ary,andI
'l
lbegett
ing
pai
dR2500perweekonFri
days,wit
houtbenef
it
s..
.
Thatwasreasonabl
e,Iwi
llbedoi
nga08:00-
18:
00
shi
ftsonweekdaysandIwon'tbewor
kingon
weekends.
.
Me:I
'
llt
aket
hej
ob
Dave:Youhaven'
tevenr
eadt
hewhol
econt
ract
Me:I
'
m happy
Dave:Youcoul
dbesi
gni
ngyourl
if
eaway
Me:Won'
tbet
hef
ir
stt
ime
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Dave:Justreadt
hroughthewhol
ethingpl
easeso
youwillknowwhat'
srequir
edofyou
It
ookthepenandsi
gnedont
hel
inet
hatr
equi
red
mysignat
ure.
.
Dave:Ooookaythathasneverbeendonebef
ore,
I
wil
lneedyourCVsomet i
met hi
sweek
Me:Good.
.I'
l
lbr
ingi
t
Dave:Gototherecept
ion,t
heywil
ltel
lyouwhereto
gotohaveyouraccesscarddone.Signthi
sonefor
metooandt akeitwi
thyouhomeandr eadit,
then
I'
l
lseeyoutomorrowmor ni
ng
Me:Thankyou.
.I'
l
lbeher
e
Dave:I
'
m put
ti
ngmyf
ait
hinyou
Me:Youwon'
tbedi
sappoi
nted
Dave:Ihopeso

LELE

JustwhenIwasaboutt oleavetogot othemall,

I
receivedacallf r
om Truworthsinformingmet hatI
gotthej ob.Theywer ehappywi thmyi nter
viewand
sincet heyneededsomeoneur gently,I
'l
lberequi
red
tostarttomorrow.Iwashappy, thi
swer ethebest
news.Seemsl ikeli
fewil
lbebet teraroundhere
afterall.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
53] :28

NANGOMSO
Ret urninghomeaf tersi gningt hecont ractand
beingcal m enought or eadt hroughl eftmymout h
wideopen, att her eali
zat i
ont hatIwi llbewor ki
ng
withNdal o5t i
mesaweek.I '
m basi callygoi ngtobe
hisski vvy, andwi t
hhowt hingsendedbet weenus.I
don' tknowhowhe' sgoi ngt ot aket hisbecausei t
seemsl i
kehedoesn' tevenknowt hatI'llbewor ki
ng
withhi m.Ir eallydon' tcar eaboutwhathappened,
allIwanti sf orust ofindcommongr oundatwor k
sowecanwor kpeacef ull
y.Ir eallywantt hisjoband
ri
ghtnowhe' st hought saboutmear enotmy
priority,Ireallydon' tcar eaboutt hepastIj ust
wannamoveonandpr ovideaheal t
hywor king
envi ronmentwi thhimr eturningbackt hef avour..
Myl i
fehasr evol vedar oundpeopl eal ot,Sidandhi s
Mom.Nowi t'
st imeIgett oli
vef orme, makeme
happyandputmef ir
st.
Nomani sgoi
ngtodomewhatSiddidtome, I
'
m
notgoi
ngtoal
lowitandI
'
m notgoi
ngtotol
eratei
t.
.
Iwashappytol
ear
nt hatLel
eal
sogotthej
ob,
we
deser
vethi
s.Wedeservetobehappy.
Lele:Ihaveli
keR150inmyaccount,wecangot
o
themal landbuychampagnet
ocelebrat
e
Me:Ort
extNat
hit
obr
ingsome
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Ar
eyout
woexcl
usi
ve?
Lel
e:What
?No!Imean.
.
Me:Iam notst
upi
d
Lel
e:Okaymaybethereissomet
hingt
hat'
sgoi
ng
onbetweenus,
butpleasedon'
tthi
nki
t'
sint
ent
ional
Me:I'
dnevert
hinkt
hat
.Youaret
hemostamazi
ng
per
sonIknow,andmybrot
herwoul
dbever
y
bl
essedtohaveyou
Shesmi
led.
.
Lel
e:Yout
hink?
Me:Iknowso
Lel
e:Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
ievet
hatt
hingsar
elooki
ngup
f
orus
Me:Met
oo,
butwedeser
vet
his
Lel
e:Wer
eal
lydo
Me:Textyourboyf
ri
endandtel
lhi
mtobr
ingus
somechampagnet ocel
ebr
ate!
Lel
e:Okayl
etmedoso

BELI
NDA

Ndaloputmybagdown.Il ookedaroundt he
bedroom,itwassl ight
lydepressi
ng.Thisthesame
room I'
vespentt hepastfewdaysi nfeeli
ng
depressedfoll
owi ngmybei ngadmitt
edatt he
hospit
al.I
tdidn'tholdgoodmemor i
esf ornow.
.
Ndal
o:Wel
comebackhome
It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m..
Me:Thankyou
Hegavemeashal
lowsmi
leandwal
kedupt
ome.
.
Ndal
o:BelI
'
m..I
'
m sosor
ryf
orever
ythi
ng
Hehel
dbothmyhandsandknel
tononekneer
ight
i
nfr
ontofme.
.
Ndal
o:IfIcant
akebackwhathappenedIwoul
d,t
o
knowthatyougott
hatmi
ldstr
okebecauseofme
Heshookhi
shead.
.
Ndalo:It
ookyouforgrant
ed,disrespect
edyoui
n
yourhouse.
.I'
m sor
ry,
pleaseforgiveme
Igotmyhandsf
rom hi
sgr
ipandl
aidhi
shead
agai
nstme.
.
Me:I
t'
sokay.
..If
orgi
veyou
Ij
ustwant
edt
obedonewi
tht
hissi
tuat
ion.
.
Itwasdrai
ning,andIjustwant edmyhusbandback..
Hegotupandwr appedhi sarmsaroundmywai st
thenpul
ledmecl osertohim.Her emovedhishand
from mywaitsandputi tundermychin.Heli
ft
edi t
upsoIcouldlookathi m,heleanedoverandkissed
me..
Ndal
o:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Heputhi
shandsonmychestasweconti
nued
ki
ssi
ng,wi
thhi
m squeezi
ngmywai
stt
ight.
.
Ndal
o:I
'
m sor
ry
Me:Met
oo

NANGOMSO

Lel
ewaspr eparingascr umptiousdinnerfortonight
.
She'
salwaysbeenagoodcook, bet
terthanme.She
wasprepari
ngr oastedchicken,macar oni
&cheese,
andcornonthesi de.Ilovethatmealf rom her
,she
doesi
tthebest..Wehear daknockatt hedoor ,
I
wenttoopen.ItwasCl ara..
Me:Hey
Cl
ara:Chommi
Me:Comei
n
Shemadeherwayi
n..
Wecl
osedt
hedoor
..
Cl
ara:Somet
hingsmel
lsni
ce
Me:Ohwyeahwecel
ebr
ati
ng
Cl
ara:Cel
ebr
ati
ngwhat
?
Me:WegotJobs
Cl
ara:Real
ly?
Me:Yes.
.Lel
eisst
art
ingatTr
uwor
ths,
andI
'
m
goi
ngtobeNdalo'
sPA
Cl
ara:Wai
tNdal
o?TheeNdal
o?
Me:Yes!
!!
Cl
araandIst
art
edj
umpi
ngar
oundscr
eami
ng.
.
Cl
ara:I
'
m sohappyf
oryouguys!
Me:Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
ievei
t
Clar
a:Likeyouguyshavebeenher eforwhat?Af ew
weeksandal readyyougotjobs?Itshowsthatyour
ancestorsarehappythatyoubackhome. .Imean
workingwithTheeNdalo!Wow!Andyoudi dn'teven
havet osl
eepyourwayi nt
ot heposit
ion
Me:I
'
mtel
li
ngyou!
Cl
ara:Howdi
dyouevengett
hej
ob?
Me:ImetNdal
oonceandhi
scr
ewsooneofhi
s
cr
ewhitmeup
Cl
ara:Wow!
Me:Youshoul
dst
ayoverf
ordi
nner
,wecel
ebr
ati
ng
Cl
ara:Iwi
ll
!Ij
ustneedt
ogoandf
reshenup
Me:Okaydot
hatgi
rl
Shewal
kedout
..

BELI
NDA

Heki ssedmybodyf rom myl egs,

myt highs,my
coochieandt henmybellybut t
on.Heranhi stongue
i
nci rcl
esar oundtherewit
hhi shandmassagi ngmy
breasts.Igrabbedont hesidesofthepillowthatI
wasl ayingmyheadonandsqueezedi twhi l
stbit
ing
myl owerlip..Hemovedf rom mybel l
ybut t
ont omy
coochieagai n.Ispr
eadmyl egswidertogivehim
mor
eaccess.Hemovedhi
shanddownandhi
s
t
humbrubbedagai
nstmycl
it
.
Hi
stonguer
ani
nci
rcl
esar
oundmyhol
e.
Me:Oohhhhhh.
..
Hedi dthatforawhi l
e, andmybodywasadapt i
ng
nicelytot hemoment .Itri
edt oclosemyl egsbuthe
usedbot hhishandst ospr eadmyl egs,prevent
ing
mef rom closi
ngt hem.Hi stongueandmout h
wor keddownt here,l
ickingandsucki ngmemaki ng
thoseat tracti
vesound.Iputmyhandatt hebackof
hisheadandpr essedhi m harderagainstmy
coochi e,mybodyl i
ft
ingupher eandt here.He
movedhi shandst omybut tasIlif
teditthenhe
squeezedmybut tasheat emeout .Mymoanswer e
gettinglouder ,
hewassendi ngelectr
icalshock
throughoutmybody.Il ikeitwhenheexpl oresmy
body. .

NANGOMSO
Lel
e:Sot
hisgi
rlCl
ara,
youhavebeenf
ri
endswi
th
herf
orawhil
e?
Me:Knownherf
rom chi
ldhood.
.Why?
Lele:Nothingmuchbut.
.Iam get
ti
ngbadvi
bes
aboutherImeant hewayshepausedherst
atement
"Youdidn'thavet
osleepyourwaythr
ought
he
positi
on"Ismellj
eal
ousy
Me:Yout
hinki
ngt
oomuchoft
hesi
tuat
ion
Lel
e:YaamaybeIam

BELI
NDA

Wetri
edadi
ff
erentposi
ti
on,
himtaki
ngf
rom t
he
backwit
hmelayi
ngonmyst omach.
Iwasabi tscaredt
hatithurt
,butIdecidedtotakei
t
al
lin.Idecidedtol
ethi
m enjoyhimselfandnot
makei taboutme.Hegentlyenter
edme, i
twas
pai
nfulbutnotasmuchasIexpect edittobe.
.He
l
eanedoverandwhi speredinmyear ..
Ndal
o:I
sitpai
nful
?
Me:No
Ndal
o:Tel
lmei
fitget
spai
nful
Me:Okay
Hecont
inuedtopushinandIbi
tmyl
owerl
iphar
d
t
aki
ngallthepai
nin.
.
Ndal
o:Bel
..
Me:I
'
m okay
Whenhewashal fwayin,
hest
artedpumpi nggent
ly.
Makinghiswayful
lyi
n.WhenIfelthi
m deepinsi
de
Ir
elaxed,
hepausedforamomentandl ef
tawet
ki
ssonmycheek. .
Ndal
o:Baby.
.
Me:I
'
m st
il
lokay
Hepumpedgentl
ytonothurtme,het
urnedmyf
ace
andkissedmewhi
lstst
il
lpumpi
ngandlayi
ngon
me..
I
twasn'
tbad,
notbadatal
lsi
ncehe'sdoi
ngi
tgent
ly.
Hehel
dmyhandandpinneditagai
nstt
hebi
g
pi
ll
owandheconti
nued,bot
hourbr
eathshi
tt
ing
agai
nsteachot
her
'sl
ipsaswemoaned..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
53] :29

NANGOMSO

Iwantedt odressupf ormyf i

rstdayatworkbutI
couldn'twearthepreferr
edtypeofoutfitt
hatI
wanted, Ist
il
lhadthebur ntsi
tuati
onwithmyt hi
ghs
andIcoul dn'
twearanyt hi
ngshor torr
eveali
ngin
thatarea.Iwastreati
ngmysel f,Idi
dn'
tknowi fI
wasdoi ngitri
ghtbut
Growingupi ntheblacksociet
ywehaveseenhow
oureldershandledaburnt,doesn'tnecessaril
yneed
youtoalwaysgot ot hehospit
al.Iwaswear inga
dressthatwasbel owmyknees, andheels.Hoping
soonI'l
lgobackt owearingpants..Iwast he
secondonet oleavethehousever yearlyinthe
morning,aft
ermyBrotherlef
tfi
rst
.Idon'twant
tr
ansportat
iontohol
dmeback, sinceI'
m using
publ
ictranspor
tat
ionfornow.
Lel
ewasst
il
lsl
eepingwhenIlef
t,soI'
l
lcallher
dur
ingmyl
unchbreakift
hatwon'tdi
stur
bherf r
om
work.
..
.

BELI
NDA

TodayIwasvisi
tedbyNdal
o'sMother
,want
edto
knowhowI '
m holdi
ngupsi
nceI'
vebeendi
schar
ged
yest
erdaymorning.
.
Ma:Iam gladtoknowthatthi
ngsarebet
ter
betweenyoutwo,honest
lyspeaki
ngyouguyswer
e
str
essingmeout
Me:Wehavefi
xedt
hesituati
on.Ndal
ohas
promi
sedt
hathewi
llneverputusint
hatsi
tuat
ion
agai
n
Ma:That'
sgood,i
t'
sgoodthathecametohi
s
sensesandr
eali
zedwhat'
simport
antt
ohim
Me:Ver
ytr
ue
Ma:Hehast oseeandr eal
izewhat'si
mpor
tantand
what
'str
ue,youcan'tri
skeverythi
ngyouhavefor
someoneyounotevensur ethatit
'sgoi
ngtogo
somewhere.Itcoul
djustbeaf l
ing
Me:I
'
m gl
adher
eal
i
zedt
hat
,I'
m gl
adt
her
e'speace
Ma:Met
oo

NDALO

Dave:Shewi
llbeher
e
Me:Ar
eyousur
eaboutt
hisper
son?
Dave:I
twast
hebestwecoul
ddoi
nshor
tnot
ice
Me:Noonecaneverrepl
aceAmber,
shewasmor
e
t
hanjustanAssi
stant
.She'
sli
kef
amilyt
ome
Dave:Iunder
stand
Me:ButIneedanassist
ant
,sowe'
l
lgi
vet
hisper
son
ofyour
sachance.Itr
ustyou
Dave:Thankyouf
ort
rust
ingme
Wehear
daknockatmyof
fi
ce.
.
Me:Comei
n
ThedooropenedandIcoul
dn'
tbel
ievemyeyes
whowalkedin,i
twasSoso.
.
Soso:
Goodmor
ning
Shecl
osedt
hedoor
..
Dave:Youar
eri
ghtont
ime
Davest
oodup.
.
Dave:Ndal
o..MeetyournewPer
sonalAssi
stant
.
Nangomso
Iwasshocked,
coul
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.Il
it
eral
ly
fr
oze.
.
Soso:
Goodmor
ning
Shegavemeasi
desmi
le.
.
Dave:Iwi
lll
eavebot
hofyout
ocat
chupandt
alk
Hewal
kedout
..
Me:DavecanIhaveawor
dwi
thyou?
Dave:Yeahsur
e
Igotupandwal
kedoutwi
thhi
mtohi
sof
fi
ce
Me:Whatt
hehel
lwast
hat
?
Dave:What
?
Me:Outofever
yone?Nangomso?
Dave:Shewast
heonl
yoneavai
labl
e
Me:Don'
tgivemet hatbul
l!Ther
e'sal
otofpeopl
e
whocanfi
llthatpost
Dave:Itwil
ltakeal otoftimethatwedon'thaveto
gothroughappl i
cations,doyouknowhowmuch
appl
icati
onswewoul drecei
ve?Evenunqualif
ied
peoplewouldappl y.Wewoul dendupwi thalotof
j
unkinourmai l
.Nangomsoi satemporary
repl
acement, assoonasIf i
ndsomeonef i
tIwi l
l
repl
aceher.She'sgoi ngtobeher ef
oronlyaper i
od
of6mont hs,shehasal r
eadysignedthecontr
act .
Can'
tfirehernow
Me:Coul
dn'
tyouatl
eastt
alkaboutmef
ir
stbef
ore
doi
ngthi
s?
Dave:Wher
ewast
het
ime?Lookgi
vet
hisgi
rla
chanceanddon'
tsabot
ageheronpurposeei
therso
shecanbefir
ed.Wedon'tneedt
hatki
ndof
publi
cit
yandCCMA
Davewaspi
ssi
ngonmyhead.
.

LELE

Ihadt ot all
yforgotaboutt hemor ni
ngaf terpi l
l,
butI
wasgr atefulwhenNat hicamebackwi t
ht hem last
night.Hewasbr ingingthem withtheintent i
ont hatI
woul dt akeitthenextt i
me, butIwashappyhe
broughtt hem becauseIdi dgot othemal lbutI
forgott opassbyatCl icks..Atl
eastmyj obi sat axi
awayatt helocalmal l
,sonomucht ravelingi s
requiredf rom mysi de..AsIwasl eavingand
l
ockingt hegat e,IsawCl arasweepingout si
deher
yard..
Cl
ara:Goodmor
ning
Me:Mor
ning
Shei
sal
wayssweepi
ngever
ymor
ning,
evenwhen
t
her
e'snor
easont
osweep.
.
Cl
ara:Of
ftowor
k?
Me:Yes
Cl
ara:Okayenj
oyseeyoul
ater
Seemel
ater
?Whatar
ewenow?Fr
iends?

NANGOMSO

Ndalowalkedbackin,
Iwassitt
ingdownnow..He
walkedoverandsatonhischai
rlooki
ngatme.He
l
eanedbackonhi schai
randputhishandagai
nst
hi
smout h..Hel
ookedatmewi t
houtsayi
ng
anythi
ng.
Me:Iknowt
hisi
sunusual
Ndal
o:Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
odo?
Me:I
'
m notdoi
nganyt
hing
Ndal
o:Whytakeupthejobknowi
ngver
ywel
lwhat
wentdownbetweenus
Me:Whatwentdown?Whatreal
lywentdownNdalo?
Becauseal
lIknowi
sthatyouputmeinacrappy
si
tuati
onwit
hyourwi
fe
Ndal
o:Thi
sisnotgoi
ngt
owor
k
Me:Iam nothereforyouNdal o,let
'sgetthat
st
rai
ght.Iam her
et owor k!r
ightnowyounot
i
mpor t
antinmylif
ef ormet oputyouovermyj ob,
webothAdultshere.Shithappenedbet weenusso
l
et'
sjustmoveonandt r
yt owor kinpeace
Hel
ookedatmewi
thoutsayi
nganyt
hing.
.
Me:CanIgettoworknow?Doyouneedcoff
ee?
Anyt
hingbef
oreIcheckont
hefi
rstcl
ient
?
Heshookhi
shead.
.
Me:Youneedt otakemethroughmyjob,
the
cont
ractst
atedhalfofwhatI'
l
lbedoi
ngandtherest
i
sfrom youtoteachme,I'
m hopi
ngyouwon'tbea
j
erkaboutit
!
Hedi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.
Me:Thankyou!
Iwal
kedoutandl
eftt
hedooropen.
.
Me:Youneedf
reshai
rtocomei
n

BELI
NDA

Icall
edi
natwor kandt
oldt
hem t
hatI'
l
lbecoming
i
nt omor
row,Ifeel
somuchbet
ternowandIdon't
wannajustsi
tathomeanddonothi
ngallday.
.
Aft
ercal
li
ngin,Ilai
dont hecouchandwenton
soci
almedia.Ihaven'
tbl
ockednorunfri
ended
Nangomso.Isawt helat
estpostfr
om hercapt
ioned:

"
Fir
stdayatwor
k,soexci
tedaboutmynewj
ob "

Peopl
ewerecongr
atul
ati
ngher
.Shedi
dn'
tspeci
fy
whatki
ndofajobi
tis.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
53] :30
NDALO

Thiswast hemostt oughestsi t

uati
onIhaveever
foundmysel fi
n.Ican' tkeepthi
sawayf r
om Bel,
at
thesamet imeIdon' tknowhowI '
m goingtotel
lher
aboutthis.Ontheot herhandIdon' twanna
sabotageSoso, thi
sj obisanewbegi nningforher.
WhenherMot hertoldmewhatshe' sbeenthrough,
thepainshe'sbeent hrough.Thisisagoodwayf or
hertostartover,beherownper sonandhealher
heart
.Icanseet heexcitementshehaswheni t
comest othisjob,she'sveryhappyabouti t
.She's
happyaboutt hisexper i
ence.

Sheknockedonceandgoti
n..
Soso:
Theyr
eady
Me:Thankyou
Shetookt
hepict
ureofmeandBeli
ndafr
om the
tabl
eandl
ookedatit
.Sheputi
tdownagainand
t
urnedi
tsoi
tcoul
dfacet
hedoor
,Il
ookedather
..
Soso:
Soever
yoneknowst
hatyoumar
ri
ed
Me:Ever
yoneknowsI
'
m mar
ri
edar
oundher
e
Soso:
Idi
dn'
tknow
Il
aughed,
didn'
texpectt
hatf
rom her
.
Soso:
Ijustst
art
edt
odayandIdi
dn'
tknowt
hatyou
weremarri
ed
Me:Youar
ecr
azy(
laughi
ng)
Soso:Ihear
dthatyoumar
ri
ed,
Idi
dn'
tknowhow
tr
ueitwas
Me:Sonowyouknow
Soso:
NowIknow
Me:Good
Soso:
Comeonyouupi
n5
Me:OkayI
'
llber
ightt
her
e
Soso:
Iknowyou'
l
lbet
her
e,j
ustr
emi
ndi
ngyout
hat
youupin5
Me:Getoutofmyof
fi
ce
Soso:
I'
llmeetyouont
heot
hersi
de
Me:Haveyousai
dyourpr
ayer
s?
Soso:
Why?
Me:Dodienotasi
nner
,si
nceyou'
l
lbemeet
ingme
ontheot
hersi
de?
Shel
aughed.
.Il
aughedt
oo.
.
Soso:
Justgetdonewi
llyou?
Me:Meetyouont
heot
hersi
de
Soso:
Seeyouont
heot
hersi
de
Il
ookedatherasshewal
kedout
..
.

LELE

Ihaveneverworkedadayinmylif
e,andt
hispl
ace
provest
hatit
'sgoingt
ochall
engeme.
Iam upfort
hechal
lenge,
Iam upt
owor
khar
d.Iam
upforal
lthewor
k..
Whenweopenedal r
eady5customerswer eoutsi
de.
Iwasgoingtobeputont het
il
l,doreceipt
sand
sal
es.Wehadasal egoingon,i
twasst art
ingtoday
soitmightgetbusythemanagersaid,wewillneed
al
lthehandswehavet opushthroughthisday.I
wasgame.
Manager
:Yougot
her
e
Me:Okay
Manager
:Thent
hesyst
em wi
llgui
deyout
hrough
Me:Doesn'
tlookdi
ff
icul
t
Manager:I
t'
snot
..Do5r
ecei
ptsI
'
mtel
li
ngyou,
you
wi
llgetahangofit
Me:Thankyouver
ymuch
Thecust
omerhandedmeheraccountcar
d.
Manager
:Scani
t
Idi
d..
Manager
:Her
ewego,
thi
smont
h'si
nst
all
menti
s
R500
Cust
omer
:Runi
tthr
ough
Manager
:Cashorcar
d?
Cust
omer
:Car
d
Manager
:Yougot
her
efort
hecar
d
Me:Okay
Manager
:Thenshewi
llpay
Me:Thanksomuch
Manager
:Youwel
comesweet
ie

BELI
NDA

Ideci
dedt okeepmysel fbusybydoingthelaundr y,
asthemachi newor kedit
'swaythroughgetti
ngt he
cl
othesclean.Ireceivedacallf
rom myMot her.I
si
ghed,somet i
messhecanbeanemot ionaldrag.
Wordsthatshesayst ome,theycutdeep..
Me:Hel
lo
Ma:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Ma:I
'
m wel
ltoo,
howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Me:I
'
mfeel
ingbet
ter
Ma:Howar
ethi
ngsgoi
ngwi
thNdal
o?
Me:Theygoi
ngwel
l,
wet
alkedt
hingsout
Ma:I
'
m gl
ad.
..Li
sten,
IneedR2000
Me:R2000?
Ma:Yes.
.It
'
st hatt
imeofyear
,meandt
hestokvel
l
adi
eswegoi ngoutthi
sweekendt
oBundu-
In
Me:Ohw
Ma:Youknowwegooutatl
east3t
imesayeart
o
j
ustenj
oyoursel
ves
Me:YesIknow
MyMom hasthi
sStokvelwheretheyputmoneyin
t
hebank,i
fyouhaveadeathinyourfamil
y.They
t
akeoutR4000andcookalso.TheyputR150a
mont
hinthei
rbankaccount,
it'
s10ofthem.
Ma:Wecont r
ibuti
ngR500eacht owardsthefood
andalcohol
,thenR200fortr
ansportandthenthe
restI
'
llbuyanoutfi
t.Canyousenditthr
oughnow?
Me:I
'
lldoso
Ma:Don'
tfor
getal
soMawehast
ogot
otheDrnext
weekR350
Me:I
'
llputi
tthr
ough
Ma:Okayt
hankyou,
I'
llcal
lyouwhenIgeti
t
Me:Okay
Ma:DoeWal
let
Me:I
'
m oni
t
MyMom i st oomuchofaf i
nancialstr
ain.Apart
fr
om thegr ocerymoneyIsendt hrough,shewi l
l
al
wayscal landaskf ormoneytodot hisandt hat.
ShesaysIdon' thavekidsandit'
snotl i
keI'mina
fi
nancialcr apper,Ndalotakescareofal mostallthe
bil
lswhilstIt akecareofthem athome. .That'
swhy
she'st
aki ngadvant ageofmef i
nanciall
y..

NDALO

Myf
ir
stCl
ientf
ort
hedaywasaMan,
MrTher
on.He
washopi
ngt
ocommuni
cat
ewi
thhi
slat
efi
ancé.
.
Me:Youar
eher
etocommuni
cat
ewi
thyourwi
fe
Ther
on:Yes
Me:Bel
la?Benni
ce?
Ther
on:Bel
la
(
Sil
ence)
Me:Whyam Iget
ti
ngashar
ppai
nonmyshoul
der
,
myri
ghtshoul
der
?
Ther
on:Shehadamot or
bikeacci
dent
,thefir
st
motor
bikeacci
dentbr
okeherri
ghtarm al
ltheway
uptohershoul
der
Me:Isee.
..I
twast
hef
ir
sti
njur
yshegotonabi
ke?
Ther
on:Yesasapr
ofessi
onal
Me:Howdoesatruckf
iti
ntot
hissi
tuati
on?Shei
s
showi
ngmeatruckandthenumberplates
Ther
on:Shelostcontr
oloft
hebikeandatr
uckwas
comingsoshefellof
fthebi
keandsli
dedal
lthe
wayundert
het r
uck
Ther
on:Herdeat
h,whathappenedt
oherneck?
Ther
on:Thewheelr
anoverheronherneck
Me:Shedi
edi
nal
otofpai
n
Ther
on:Yesshedi
d
Me:Becauseshe'
stell
ingmeshedi
dwannadie,
it
wasn'
therti
meyet.Itwasapremat
uredeat
hali
fe
t
akensooner
Ther
on:That
'st
rue
Me:What
'st
hedealwi
thcof
fee?
Ther
on:Shelovedcof
fee,af
terever
ysmokeshe
woul
ddrinkacupofcoffee
Inodded.
.
Me:Wher
eshepassedon,
youputahel
mett
her
e?
Ther
on:Yeswehadani
ghtvi
gilont
her
oad.Me,
fami
ly,
andcl
osebi
kerf
ri
endsandweputf
lower
s
andcards
Me:Knowt
hatsheappr
eci
atesi
tal
otyouhonor
ing
hermemor
ythatway
Ther
on:Ial
waysgot
her
etot
alkt
oher
Me:Shedi
dmaket
hatcl
ear
,thatyougot
her
e
(
Sil
ence)
Me:Ther
ehasbeenal
otofacci
dent
sint
hatr
oad
f
oll
owingherdeat
h
Theron:Yesthat
'st
rue,t
hat
'swhyI'm her
e.I
t
occurr
edtomet hatshemighthavenotbeen
rest
inginpeace
Me:That'
sbecauseherspi ri
tissti
lll
ingeri
ngt here,
youneedtogobackt here.Takeoneoff ol
lowers
andtal
ktoher.Thent aketheflowerhomeandf i
tit
i
nnexttoherfavori
tef l
owersinthegar densoher
spi
ri
tcanstopli
ngeringaroundi nthatroad.She
wasalif
ethatwasst olen,she'
svengef ulbecause
sheisst
andingther
ef eeli
ngabandoned
Ther
on:Iunder
stand
Me:Whatpi
ll
sar
eyout
aki
ng?
Hekeptqui
et.
.
Me:"I
'm sor
ryt
ojustgetin,buthei
staki
ngpil
ls
ever
ynighttot
ryandsleep.Myhusbandisti
red
emotional l
y,physicall
y, andment all
y.Hei satthe
vergeofbei ngadmi tt
edi nt
oament alinst
ituti
on.
Mydeat hi swei ghingdownheavyonhi m now,
especiall
ywi ththegi rl
s.Wehave3beaut ifulgi
rl
s.
He'sfeelingthepr essur eandhecan' ttakei t
anymor e.Ifitwasn' tf
orourgi rl
s,hewoul d've
commi ttedsuicide.Hedoesn' tgot othatroadto
rememberme, hegoest herehopingt hatthesame
fat
ethatf ellonmecoul dfal
lonhi mt oo.Hei sdead
i
nside.Hecan' tgot hroughlif
ewi thoutme"
Thehusbandbr
okedown.
.
Weal
lremai
nedqui
et.
.
Dave:Let
'st
akeabr
eakguys
Me:Yespl
ease
Wewentt
oanadbr
eak.
.
Ther
on:I'
m sor
ryI
'mjust
..I
tcoul
dn'
thel
pbutget
emoti
onalwhenIhear
dherspeaki
ngthr
oughyou
Me:Iunderst
and...Youremoti
onsare
underst
andable.Don'tdenywhatyouf
eel
ingdeep
i
nside,l
eti
tallout.Youhavebeenkeepi
ngalot
deepinsi
deofyouandnowi
t'
sal
lcomi
ngdown
hardonyou.
Hewi
pedhi
stear
s..
Theron:Thankyou,
thankyoupr
ovi
dingmewi
tht
he
chancetotalkt
oher
Me:Iunder
stand
Dave:Doyouneedagl
assofwat
er?
Ther
on:NoI
'
m okay.
.I'
m goodt
hankyou
Dave:Okwebacki
n30seconds

NANGOMSO

Ndaloisanamazi ngPer son.Whathedoesf or

peopl
e, i
sveryadmi rable.Lett
ingpeopl e
communi catewiththeirlovedones, gi
vingthem
cl
osureissomet hingbig.Yeshi sgiftisscary,
buti
t
i
salsoadmi rabl
e.Ifitwasn' tf
orhim, Iwouldn'
tbe
heretoday.I
'dsti
llbeslavi ngaroundf orSi
dandhis
Mother.Iwipedmyt ear s,thi
sMan' spain.Itwas
i
mpossi bl
eforyounottofeelwhathewasgoing
thr
ough.Ndalolookedatme, Il
ookedathi
m and
smiled.Hesmil
edbackalittl
e.
Dave:Webacki
n5.
.4.
.3.
..
..
.
Heindi cat
edthe2andthe1wit
hhisfi
nger
s..Ndalo
proceeded,andwejustsatt
her
elooki
ngathim and
admiringthemoment.

NATHI(
NANGOMSO'
SBROTHER)

Imadeast
opathomet
ocol
lectsomet
hing.
WhenImadeitt
hrought
hegateIspott
edCl
ara
st
andi
ngatherhousewi
thherfr
iend.
Cl
ara:Nat
hi
Ist
opped.
.Asshemadeherwayt
ome.
.
Cl
ara:Hey
Me:Hi
Cl
ara:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Cl
ara:I
'
m good.
.Knockedof
fthi
sear
ly?
Me:Noj
ustcamet
ogetsomet
hing
Cl
ara:Okay.
.Heyar
en'
ttheyhi
ri
ngatyourj
ob?
Me:Uhm.
.I'
m notsur
e
Cl
ara:Canyoupl
easecheckf
orme?
Me:Can'
tyouper
hapscheckont
hewebsi
te?
Cl
ara:OkayI
'
lldot
hat
Me:Shar
p
Imademywayi
n..
.
Tobecont
inued

1kvoteslef
ttomeettar
getonoursecond
sponsoredbonusbef
ore23:00t
ohavet hebonus
[
01/
09,
08:
54] :31
NANGOMSO

Myfir
stdayatworkwasamazi ng,Ienjoyedmysel
f
andI'
m 100%looki
ngforwardtocontinueworki
ng
her
e.Mywor kmatesarefr
iendl
y,weal lworkwel
l
asateam..

I
twasaf ewminutesbefor
eknocki
ngoffti
me.We
wer
eonst agebusyli
steni
ngt
omusi canddanci
ng
t
oo,dr
inkingwi
ne.
Wewer edoingt
heJer
usal
em wor
kdance
chal
lenge.
.

"
Jer
usal
emai
khayal
ami
Ngi
londol
oze
Uhambenami
Zungangi
shi
yil
ana
Ndawoyamiayi
khol
ana
Mbusowamiawukhol
ana
Ngi
londol
oze
Zuhambenami
"

Thepr
oducerwast
heonetaki
ngt
hevi
deo,
wewer
e
al
sosi
ngingal
ongt
othesong.
.

Me:"
Ngi
londol
oze"
Pr
oducer
:Youguysar
eki
ll
ingi
t!
Ndal
owal
kedin,
hestoodatt
hedoorandl
ookedat
uswit
hhi
sarmsfol
ded.
Dave:Ndal
ojoi
n!
Ndal
o:Can'
tdo.
.Ihavet
wol
eftf
eet
Wel
aughed.
.
Pr
oducer
:Thatwasgoodguys,
it'
sawr
ap!
Weal
lst
oppedandcl
appedourhandst
oget
her
..
Pr
oducer
:Seeyouguyst
omor
rowmor
ning
Dor
is:Myf
eetar
eki
ll
ingme
Dor
isi
sol
dert
hanal
lofus.
.
Shewentandsatdown.Ndal
owal
kedover
.
Ndal
o:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
omyt
eam?
Me:Al
it
tl
efunhasneverki
ll
edanyone!
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Ndal
o:Seemsl
ikeyouenj
oyedyourf
ir
stday
Me:Idi
d..Thankyou
Il
ookedatt
het
ime.
.
Me:Ishoul
dgetgoi
ngt
ogetat
axi
Ndal
o:Icandr
opyouof
fathome
Me:Ar
eyousur
e?
Ndal
o:Weknockoffl
ate,
andit
'snotsafeoutt
her e
f
orwomen.Witht
herateofwomenbei ngtr
aff
icked
i
t'
snotsaf
e
Me:I
'
dappr
eci
atet
hatver
ymucht
hankyou
Ndal
o:Gogetyourt
hingst
hen
Isai
dgoodbyet
othecr
ewandwentt
ogetmybag.
.

BELI
NDA

Iwasf ini
shedpr eparingdinnerwhenIst umbl edon
ani nt
eresti
ngpostf r
om Dave.Heupl oadedonhi s
Instagram andal soont he"ReadingWithNdal o"
page, avideooft hecrewdoi ngtheJer usalem wor k
dancechal lenge.Iwasshockedt oseeNangomso
takingpartinit.Forhert obeinthatvideoi tmeans
thatsheispar tofthecr ew.Iputmyphonedown
andt ookadeepbr eath,whyi st
hisgirlallover.Why
can'tIbegi venabr eakfrom her?Isthiswi t
chcr af
t
ormyancest orshavet urnedtheirbacksonme?I
don'twannakeeponf ighti
ngwithmyHusband
aboutt hi
sgi rl
,NdaloandIwear einagoodpl ace
rightnow.

NANGOMSO
Ndalodrovemest r
aighthomeinst
eadofmet aki
ng
ataxihome.Hei sagentl
emanindeed,
forhimtogo
beyondandabovei nt
otakingmehome, maki
ng
surethatIgethomesafe.Iwasverygr
atef
ulnoli
e..
Me:Thankyouf
ort
aki
ngmehome
Ndal
o:I
'
llsl
eepbet
terknowi
ngt
hatyouar
ri
vedsaf
e
Me:Thankyousomuch
Ndal
oyouwel
come.
.
Welookedateachot
herforawhil
ewi
thoutsayi
ng
anyt
hing,
hewasparkedatthegat
eofmyhouse...
Me:Uhm.
..Ishoul
dgo
Ndal
o:Seeyout
omor
rowmor
ning
Me:Seeyout
omor
row
Wel ookedateachot heragainunti
lheleanedover
foraki ss,
myst upi
dselfdidn'
tresi
st.Wekissed,
untilthekisswentfr
om normaltobegindirty.I
placedmyhandonhi sshaf t
,andhishandmoved
upf rom myshouldertothebackofmyheadandhe
grabbedmybr ai
dsashepr essedhisli
pshar der
againstmi ne.Myhandmoveddownonhi m andI
hadmyot herhandhel pinginunbut t
oninghisjeans
andunzi ppi
ngt hem.Hi shandmovedf rom
grabbingont omybr aids, andsnuckinbetweenmy
thi
ghs, Iact
uallypart
edt hem al i
tt
letogivehim
access.Ourt onguescol l
ided,andbynowIwas
squeezinghisshaf tt
hroughhi sbr i
efsandhehad
madei tinsi
demykni ckers.Withhisotherhandhe
forcedtopullmykni ckerst omyt hi
ghs.The
momentwassoi ntenseIact ual
lyforgotaboutthe
scarsofmybur ns.Hel i
ftedupmydr essalit
tl
eand
sawmybur ns..
Ndal
o:Whathappened?
Ipul
ledmydr
essdown.
.
Me:I
t'
sal
ongst
ory
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Idon'
twannat
alkabouti
t
Ndal
o:Di
dhedot
hatt
oyou?
Me:NoIdi
ditt
omysel
f
Ndal
o:How?Whathappened?
Me:I
t'
sal
ongst
ory.
.Idon'
twannat
alkabouti
t,
maybesomeot
hert
ime
Ikeptonpul
li
ngmydr
essdown.Heputhi
shandon
mycheek..
Ndal
o:Hey.
.Lookatme
Il
ookedathi
m..
Ndal
o:Youst
il
lbeaut
if
ul
Ismi
led.
.
Me:Thankyou
Weheardsomeoneknockingonthewindow,onmy
si
de.If
reakedout
,It
urnedanditwasLele.
.
Me:Ihavet
ogo
Ndal
o:I
'
llseeyout
omor
rowmor
ning
Me:Okay
Heki
ssedmeagai
n..
Me:Bye
Ndal
o:Bye
Ifi
xedmyknicker
sashefi
xedhimsel
ftoo,
butt
he
bonerdi
dn'
tdiedown.I
twasst
il
lther
e..
BELI
NDA

Af
tert
aki
ngabat
hIcal
ledmyf
ri
endLi
sa.
.
Li
sa:Gi
rl
Me:HeyGi
rl
Li
sa:Howar
eyou?
Me:Act
ual
lynotgood
Lisa:It
houghtyouweref
eel
ingbet
ternowsi
nce
youwer edi
scharged
Me:Iam f
eel
ingbet
ter
Li
sa:Sowhat
'swr
ongnow?
Me:I
t'
sthi
sgi
rlagai
n,t
hatNdal
oisf
ool
ingar
ound
wi
th
Li
sa:Whathasshedone.
Me:Shewashi
red,
she'
swor
kingwi
thNdal
o
Li
sa:Ayayaya
Iexhal
ed.
.
Me:Thiswhol
ethi
ngisexhaust
ingme,
Iser
iousl
y
don'
tknowwhattodoanymore
Li
sa:That
'smessedup
Me:I
tseemsl
ikeI
'
llneverber
idoft
hisgi
rl
Li
sa:Whywoul
dNdal
ohi
reherknowi
ngt
hehi
stor
y
Me:Beat
sme!
Li
sa:NowIam leani
ngonNdaloandt
hisgi
rlhavi
ng
sl
epttoget
her,
onlywhenhe'
stast
edt
hefor
bidden
fr
uitcanheactli
ket
his
Me:Idon'
tknowLi
sa.
.Iam ver
yti
red
Lisa:Justlett
hem be, ubonebazophelel
aphi
.Idon'
t
thinkit
'sloveit
'sjusti
nfatuat
ion.Youknowhow
mar ri
edmenar e,
evenmyhusbandoncegaveme
problemst henwhent hemi st
resshadshownhi m
fl
ames, that'
swhenhecameback.Idon' tseethei
r
fl
inggoi nganywher e,
he'sgoingtogetbored
Me:Whatifshef
all
spregnant
?Thisgir
lholdsthe
keysnowtodest
royi
ngmymar ri
age.Ifeell
ikeI
shoul
dkeephercl
osetoknowwhat '
shappening
bet
weenherandNdal
o
Li
sa:Ar
eyouwar
mingupt
othepol
ygamyt
hing?
Me:Eveni
fIf
ighthi
m orsayNo,he'
sgoi
ngtodoit
behi
ndmyback.Atl
eastifhedoesi
tandIknow
abouti
t
Lisa:Myfri
endthi
sfeel
sli
kekar
ma,
thi
sfeel
slike
yourkarmarememberwhenyoudat
edamar r
ied
manf orbenef
ici
alpur
poses?
Me:It
otal
lyf
orgotaboutt
hat,
youmi
ghtber
ight
!
MyGosh!Thi
sgirli
smykar ma
Lisa:Idon'tknowwhattosaybecauseatt heendof
theday, youtheonewhof eel
sthehur t
.IfIsay
l
eavehi m you'l
lbetheonegoingthroughthepain,
if
Isayst ayyou'l
lst
il
lbetheonefeeli
ngt hepain
Me:Thisthi
ngwithmyHusbandi shappening,
I
can'
trunawayfrom i
t.Ishoul
djustaccepti
torel
se
I'
m goi
ngtolosehimtot hi
sgi
rl
Li
sa:Yawhoeversaidmarr
iagei
srosepet
alsand
champagnewaswr ong!
NANGOMSO

Whenwegoti
n,Lel
ewasoutwi
tht
hesi
tuat
ion.
.
Lel
e:Soar
eyouguysbackt
oget
her
?
Me:No.
.Hewasonl
ygi
vingmeal
if
t
Lel
e:Al
if
tthathadyoufi
xingyourpant
iesandhi
m
endi
ngupwithaboner?
Igoti
ntot
hebedr
oom andt
hrewmybagont
he
bed.
.
Me:Idon'
tknowLel
e
Lel
e:Ar
eyouf
eel
ingsomet
hingf
orhi
m?
Me:It
hinkso.
.Idon'tknowwhatiti
s,andatt
he
sameti
meIcan'treall
ycal
litl
ove
Lele:Youdoknowthatifyougeti
nvolvedwi
thhi
m
you'l
lonlybeasi
dechick?Hewon'tleavehi
swif
e
foryou
Me:Iam wel
lawar
eoft
hat
,andI
'
m notexpect
ing
hi
mt oo
Lele:Ican'treal
lysaymuchaboutthi
s.Youarean
Adultandyouar eall
owedtomakeyourown
decisions.I'
veseenyoust r
uggl
ewithSid,
andi fyou
feelli
keNdal oisyourredempti
on.Doyougir
l,you
onlyliveonce
Me:Thankyouf
ornotj
udgi
ngme
Lel
e:Youwelcome.
.Letmet
akeabat
h,you
cooki
ngtoday
Me:Okay
Shewal
kedout
..
Igotmyphoneandunbl
ockedNdal
oonwhat
sapp.I
senthi
m amessage:

"
Hopeyougethomesaf
e,t
hanksf
ort
hel
if
tagai
n"
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
56] :32
BELI
NDA

Ndal
ocamehomet hatni
ghtandIhadenoughti
me
t
othi
nkaboutt
hissit
uati
on,andmakeadecisi
onon
i
t.
.
Ndal
o:Goodeveni
ng
Me:Goodeveni
ng
Igotupf
rom t
hecouch.
.
Ndal
o:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:IsawonInst
agram,t
hevideopost
ed.
Nangomsohasjoi
nedtheteam
Ndal
o:YeahDavebroughtheri
n,bytheti
meIsai d
somethi
ng.Thecontr
acthadal
readybeensigned,
Ther
e'snot
hingIcandoabouti
tandIam tir
edof
fi
ght
ingwit
hyouaboutthis
Me:Idon'
twannaf
ightt
oo
It
ookabr
eat
h..
Me:Ihadtimet
ot hi
nkabouti
t,andIcan'
tfi
ghtt
his
anymore.Cl
ear
lyyounothappywithmeasmuch
asIt
houghtyouwoul
dbe
Ndal
o:I
'
m goingtotakeashowerandsleep,
Idon'
t
wannaf
ightandcauseyouanotherst
roke
Hewal
kedaway.
.
Me:Iaccepti
t
Hest
oppedandt
urnedar
oundl
ooki
ngatme.
..
Me:I
fyouwannabewi
thhert
henaccepti
t
Ndal
o:Youdon'
thavet
odot
his
Me:EvenifIsayno,youwil
lgobehindmybackand
seethi
swoman.Yout wowor ki
ngthismuchclose
toget
her,
thefeel
ingswil
lgr
owandwhet herIsay
yesornoItwon'tmakeanydiff
erence
Ndalo:Iam sof
lat
ter
edt
hatyout
rustmet
hatmuch
(
sarcasm)
Me:Don'tinsultmeNdal o, al
lIwantisthatwhen
youdothiswi thher.Don' tdoitinmyhouse, also
canyougi veitti
mebef or eyoumar rythisgir
l.
You'
vejustknownher ,howdoyouknowal ongthe
wayshewi l
lchange?Al soIdon' twantyoubr i
nging
meanysi cknessatl eastr espectmeenought o
prot
ectme.Iam alsodoingt hisformyown
prot
ect i
on.YouareNdaloDl omo, youmakeever y
gir
l'
skneesweak.Ican'tfi
ghtof feverygir
lwhen
youar etheoneall
owingit.Girl
sar edangerous,
I
don'twannabeavi ct
im ofwi t
chcraft
.Sot herei
tis,
I'
m givi
ngyout hegoahead.Youcanhave
Nangomsoasyourmi st
ress
Aftersayi
ngthatIwalkedawaybecauseIcoul
dfeel
thatIwasstart
ingtogetemoti
onal
.Hegently
grabbedmyar m..
Me:Pl
ease
Hel
etgoandIcont
inuedwal
kingt
othebedr
oom.
..

NANGOMSO

Il
ookedatthem ast
heyshar
edonecouch,
Lel
e
wasnervous.
.
Nathi
:Uhm..Lel
eandI
,wewannat
ellyou
somethi
ng
Me:Thatyout
woar
einar
elat
ionshi
p?
Lele:Ipr
omi seyou,i
twasnotplannednoram I
takingadvantageofyourbr
other
Me:Rel
ax,
it'
sokay.
.Iam f
inewi
thi
t
Nat
hi:Youar
e?
Me:AslongasIdon'
thavetobecaughtint
he
mi
ddleofyoutwo,i
t'
llbever
yawkwardforme
Nat
hi:Under
stood
Me:Ver
ywel
l.
.Nowwecaneatdi
nner
Igotupandwentt othebedroom,coinci
dent
all
ymy
phonestartedr
ingi
ng.Ipi
ckeditup,anditwas
Ndalo.Ianswered.
Me:Hi
Ndal
o:Soso
Me:Yougood?Ever
ythi
ngi
sgood?
Ndal
o:Yesever
ythi
ngi
sgood
Me:Okay
Ndal
o:Bel
indagaveusagoahead
Me:I
'
m sor
rywhat
?
Ndalo:Ican'
tdenywhatI 'mfeel
ingforyou,
and
workingwithyouthatcloseit
'sgoi
ngt obedif
fi
cul
t
f
orme.Thi sisnotcoincident
al
Youget
ti
ngt
hisj
ob.
.ComeonSoso
Me:Wher
eisyourwi
fenow?
Ndal
o:Ihavedeci
dedtogi
vehersomespace,
I'
llbe
sl
eepi
ngintheguestr
oom
Me:Idon'
tknowNdal
o
Ndalo:Don'tdenywhat'
shappeni
ngbetweenustoo,
themor ewet r
ytodenythemoreitwil
lgethar
der.
AllI'
m sayi
ngisthatl
et'
stakei
tsl
ow, l
et'
sgowith
theflow.I'
l
lseeyoutomorrowatwork,haveagood
sleep
Hehungupbef
oreIcoul
drepl
y..

BELI
NDA

Iknel
tbef
oret
hebedandpr
ayed.Tearsstr
eamed
downmychicks,
myli
psweretr
embling.Myhear
t
wasbr
okeni
ntoami
ll
ionpi
eces,
andmyt
hought
s
wer
escat
ter
ed.
.
Me:Godal lI'
m askingf ori
sf oryout omakemy
heartacceptwhat '
shappeni ng.IlovethisManwi th
allmymi ght
, asmyMot hersayst hatI'
m damaged
andnomanwoul dgof orme.Ndal oisthe"I
t"man
forme.Pleasemaket hisgir
lhavecl earint
enti
ons,
mayshenotcomet ohar m orhur tus.Il
ovemy
husbandandIwantt oseehi m happyatallti
mes, I
acceptthatthisismykar ma.Ioncebr okeanother
woman' smar ri
age,thisismykar ma.Iacceptt hi
s
andpleasehealme.
Amen.
.
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sandgotup.
..

LELE

Weatedinnerpeacef
ull
y.Wewer
emosttalki
ng
aboutourj
obs,Nangomsoseemstobehappyat
herworkpl
aceandsowasI .
.
Aft
erdinner,
Iwastooti
redt
oevenwatchTVso
Nathical
leditani
ghtwi
thNangomso.
Wel
eftherwat
chi
ngTV,
andwentt
obed.
.

I
tdi
dn'
ttakeusl
ongt
obeal
lovereachot
her
Wewer
eki
ssi
ng,
hewascar
essi
ngmybody.
BeforeIknewi t
,weweret otal
lynaked.Iwassit
ti
ng
ontopofhim,hewassi tt
ingatt heedgeofthebed.
Hewasdeepi nsideofme, squeezi
ngmybody
againsthi
s.Ihadmyhandsonhi sshoulder
s,
ki
ssinghim onhisneck.Hesqueezedmemor e
ti
ghtermakingitahardformet omoveupand
downonhi m,soIpushedhi m andhelaidonhis
back
Iranmyhandsonhisbody,hi
smoveddownfrom
mybackt omybutt
.Il
eanedforwardwi
thmyhands
sti
llonhi
sbody,
thenhehel
pedmebumpby
squeezi
ngmybuttupanddown. .
Nat
hi:Yousogooooood
Igavehim aki ssandhemovedmyassupand
downf aster,makingmetobreaktheki
ssandmoan.
Iwasn'tloudthoughasNangomsowasst il
lup.
.I
gotoffhim andt hi
sti
meIhadmybackf aci
nghim,I
i
nsertedhi sdickdeepi
nsideagai
n.Hemoaned
soft
lyasi twentdeeper.
.
Nat
hi:OhhhhhhBaby
Iputmyhandsnextt
ohishands,andst
arted
pumping.Li
ter
all
ymybut
texposedtoit
'sgo,mor
e
l
ikeIwastwerki
ngonhi
m..
Nat
hi:Ohhhmygosh
Hepar
tedmybuttocksasIconti
nuedandwent
f
ast
erthanIact
uall
ydidmakinghimtomoanmore.
.
Nat
hi:YesssssssssBaby

Wecont
inuedinthatposit
ionunt
ilhest
oppedme,
hewasbreat
hingheavil
y..
Nat
hi:Fuckyouki
ll
ingme
Wechangedposi
ti
onsagai
nandhelai
dbehindme.
Hel
if
tedmylegupandIinser
thi
sshaf
tin.He
kissedmyneckashest ar
tedpumpi ng,Ihadmy
handonhi sbal lsmassagingt hem.Hewas
moani ngnextt omyearnow, alsobreathingheavy.
Heuppedt hepaceandIst art
edr ubbingmycl i
t.I
wetmyf i
ngersandpl acedt hem onmycl i
tagain
rubbi ngitvigorouslyashewenthar deronme.If el
t
mywhol ebodyvi brat
ing,t
hepl easureIfeltwas
i
nt ense.Icoul dn'thol
dbackanymor eonmy
scr eams.Hel i
teral
lyputhishandovermymout h
andcont i
nued.
Me:Yesr
ightt
her
e..Ohhhhhhshi
t!
!
Irubbedmyselfandfeltl
ikeIwasgoi ngt oexpl
ode,
helit
eral
lytookhi
sdickoutofmeandr emovedmy
handandst art
edrubbingmycl it
.Igrabbedahold
ofhisdickandgottheheadofhi sdi
ckr ubbi
ng
againstmyholeasIsqui r
ted.Ievenbithishandin
theprocesssoIdon'tscream louder
...

BELI
NDA

Icoul
dn'
ttaket
hisanymor
e,Ihavecr
iedmysel
fso
muchanddr ankwi
nehal
fwayt
hrought
hebott
le.I
alsotooksomepai
nki
ll
ersf
ort
heheadacheIwas
feel
ing.
Il
ookedatt
het
imeandi
twasexact
ly2am.
Igotoutofbedandst aggeredaroundgoingtothe
guestroom.Iopenedthedoorandhewasup, he
wasleaningagainstt
heheadboar dwit
hhi sphone
provi
dingli
ghtinthedarkness.Icl
osedthedoor
andstoodthere.
.
Me:Ar
eyouchat
ti
ngt
oher
?
Iswi
tchedont
hel
ightandhel
ookedatme.
Me:Ar
eyouchat
ti
ngt
oher
?
Ndal
o:No.
.I'
mr eadi
nganeBookaboutpsychi
cson
t
hisot
herApp,youcanchecki
fyouwant
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Me:WhyNdal
o?Why?
Hesi
ghed.
.
Ndal
o:Bel
indai
t'
slat
e,canwenotdot
hisnow?
Me:No!
!Wegoi
ngt
odot
hisnow!
!
Ist
agger
edar
oundt
othebed.
.
Ndal
o:Ar
eyoudr
unk?
Me:Haveyousl
eptwi
thher
?
Ndal
o:No
Me:Notyet
?
Ndal
o:Don'
tdot
hist
oyour
sel
f
Imovedt
hebedcover
sal
lthewaydownt
othe
fl
oor
..
Ndal
o:Bel
!
Igotont
hebed,
andsatont
opofhi
m..
Me:Thenwhati
sit
?Whati
sitwi
tht
hisgi
rl
?
Ndal
o:Youdr
unk,
youneedt
osl
eepi
fof
f
Isl
appedhi
m acr
osst
hef
ace!
!
It
ri
edagai
nbuthehel
dbot
hmyhandst
ight
Ndal
o:DamnBel
indast
op!
!
Me:Whyareyoudoi
ngthistome?Whyar eyou
hur
ti
ngmet hi
smuch?Can'tyouseehowmuchI
l
oveyou?Can'
tyouseehowmuchIl oveyou?You
ar
ebr
eaki
ngme!Ihavenol
if
ewi
thoutyou!
Ndal
o:I
'
m ser
iousl
yget
ti
ngt
ir
edoft
his
Me:Youar eki
ll
ingme!Whydon'
tyoujusttakethe
knifeandmakei teasy?Ki
llmer
ightwi
thyour
hand!!!
!!Shoveitdeepi
nmyheartandstabitunti
lI
bleed!
!!
Ndal
o:It
hinkweneedsomespace,
I'
llmoveout
Me:Soyoucanbewi
thher
?Soyoucanbewi
thher
?
Ndalo:Youseriousl
ypi
ssi
ngmeof
fwi
thyour
behaviourr
ightnow
Me:Fuckme!
Ndal
o:What
?
Me:Obvi
ousl
yyouar esexuall
yattr
actedt
oher ,
you
wantt
ofuckherbecauseoursexl i
fei
shorri
ble.
.So
f
uckme!Fuckmeasi fl
ikeyoufucki
ngher!
Ndal
o:Youar
ebei
ngcr
azy
Me:Fuckme!
Hesl
owl
yletgoofmyhands.
.
Ndal
o:Beldon'
tdot
his
Il
eanedf
orwar
dandl
aidmyheadonhi
schest
..
Me:Youar
ehur
ti
ngme(
cryi
ng)
Hedi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing,
hej
usthel
dmet
ight
.
Me:Il
oveyou.
.Il
oveyousomuch
Ndal
o:Il
oveyout
oo
Me:Pleasedon'tdothi
stome,pl
easedon'
thurtme
l
iket
his..Youcanfuckmeallyouwanti
t'
sokay,
j
ustdon'thurtmeli
kethis
Hesqueezedmet
ight
er.
.
.
Tobecont
inued

300vot
esleftonoursecondsponsort
ogeta
bonusl
ateron
[
01/
09,
08:
56] :33

BELI
NDA
Ihadact ual l
ypassedoutonhi sarmsandwokeup
attheguestr oom t oanempt ybed.Iwasf eeli
ng
l
ikehel l
,itwasbet terwhenIwassl eepi
ngbecauseI
didn'tgett oli
vet henightmar eandt hepainthatmy
mar ri
agehasbr oughtme. .Iwokeupabi tl
aterthan
myusualt i
met ime, Iwasf eel
ingli
kehellbutIhad
promi sedt obebackatwor ktoday.SoIr ushed
throughinpr eparingforwor k.Onmywayt othecar
Igotacal lfr
om myMot her.
Ianswer
edt
hecal
l.
.
Me:Ma
Ma:Bel
indaIwai
tedf
ort
hemoney
Iexhal
ed.
.
Me:Sor
ryIf
orgot
Ma:Didyour
eal
ly?Whydidn'
tyoumaket
he
t
ransf
erwhenyougotof
fthecall
?
Me:Isai
dIwasSor
ry,
Iwi
lldoi
tnow
Ma:Yazimowungaf
uniubosho(
ifyoudon'
twant
t
oo,j
ustsayso)
Me:I
twasj
ustami
stake
Ma:Hai
suka!
ShehungupandIsentthemoneyt
oheraccount
,I
sentherR3000soshecoul
dal
socovermy
Grandmother
'sDoct
orf
ee..
_
NANGOMSO

Iarr
ivedatworkearlytoday,
thet
axidi
dn'
tdelay.I
t
gotfullqui
ckl
ybecausemostpeoplefr
om thehood
werewor ki
nginJohannesburg
Iwal
kedi
ntoNdal
o'sof
fi
ceandhewasear
lyt
oday.
.
Me:Someonei
sear
ly
Ndal
o:Goodmor
ningt
oyout
oo
Ipl
acedmybagonmyt
abl
e..
Me:Yougood?
Ndal
o:YesIam,
andyou?
Me:I
'
m goodt
oo.
.I'
l
lgetyoucof
fee
Ndal
o:Wai
t
Il
ookedathi
m..Hegotupfr
om hi
stabl
eand
walkedupt
ome..Heheldmyhands.
Ndal
o:CanIt
akeyououtt
oni
ght
?Af
terwor
k?
Me:Asi
nli
keadat
e?
Ndal
o:Yeahsomet
hingl
iket
hat
Me:Aren'
tyouwor
ri
edaboutt
hemedi
acat
chi
nga
scopeonthi
s?
Ndal
o:Ir
eal
lydon'
tcar
e
Myeyeswi
dened.
.
Me:What
'swr
ong?
Ndal
o:Not
hing.
.Ij
ustwannat
akeyouout
Icoul
dseethatsomethingwasbother
inghi
m,he
wasnothi
susualselfthismor
ning.
Iputmyhandunderhi
schi
n..
Me:What
'swr
ong?
Hehel
dmyhandandki
ssedi
t.
.
Ndal
o:SomuchIdon'
tevenknow
Me:Bel
inda?
Henodded.
.
Ndal
o:She'
sbr
eaki
ngdown
Me:Ar
eyouhappywi
thher
?
Het
ookamomentt
othi
nki
tthr
ough.
.
Ndalo:Idon'tknowSosobut ..Ibel
ieveamar r
iage
hastobeabeaut if
ulcommi t
mentbet weent wo
people,Iknowt hati
twon'tbealwaysper fectbut.
.
Mymar r i
ageisadr ag,I
'
mt i
red,Idon'thavethe
energyanymor e
Me:Soundsser
ious
Ndal
o:Iam j
ustt
ir
edt
hat
'sal
l,
Ineedabr
eak,
a
br
eat
her
Me:Ifyounothappywi
thherwhydon'
tyoudi
vor
ce
her
?
Ndal
o:She'
sgoingt
obreakdownandIdol
oveher
,
l
eavi
ngher.Shewon'
trecover
Me:Ist
ayedi
narelat
ionshi
pthatwasverydi
ff
icul
t
f
orme.Iwasnothappy,andmynotbeinghappyI
devel
opedangerandhatet
owardshim notknowing
Iwaspoisoni
ngmyselfi
ntheprocess.Youdon't
havetostaywit
hsomeonejustbecauseyoufeel
for
cedtoo,i
t'
snotfai
ronherandit'
snotfai
ronyou
Hef
lashedmeaweaksmi
le.
..
Ndal
o:Whendi
dyoubecomesosmar
t?
Me:Notabadal
cohol
icaf
teral
l
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Me:I
'
llgogett
hecof
fee
Heki
ssedmyhand.
.
Ndal
o:Youhaven'
tgi
venmeanansweraboutt
he
di
nnerdat
e
Me:I
'
dlovet
ogooutwi
thyout
oni
ght
Ndal
o:Thankyouf
ormaki
ngmymor
ning
Hepul
ledmecl
osert
ohi
m andki
ssedme.
Ndal
o:Youcangogett
hecof
feenow
Me:Okay
Iat
tempt
edt
owal
kawaybuthepul
ledmeback
agai
nforaki
ss.
.
Me:St
opi
t!
Ndal
o:Justonel
astki
ss
Weki
ssedagai
n..
Me:Someonemi
ghtwal
kin,
letmego
Ndal
o:Idon'
twannal
etgo
Me:Letgoandl
etGod
Webot
hlaughed.
.Hebr
ushedmyhai
rback.
Ndal
o:Thankyouagai
n
Me:Youwel
come
Iwipedof
fthel
ipst
ickfrom hi
sli
pwhenhe
at
temptedtobi
temyt humb..
Me:Youar
eascr
eam (
laughi
ng)
Igentl
yhithi
m ont
hechest,
whenIwal kedawayhe
spankedmyass.It
urnedandlookedathim, he
winkedatme.Iwal
kedouttogetthecoffee.
.

LELE
Idrankthemor ningafterpil
l.Afterthisone, we
reall
yneedt of i
ndawayt onotgetmepr egnant.
.I
preparedforwor k,Iwasverytir
edandsl eepy.
Thinkingaboutmybusydayahead, itexhaustedme
mor e.Idohopet hatI'
llgetusedt othel onghours
assoonaspossi ble.
.IthoughtaboutmyMom and
SidasIat ebr eakfast,
whatar etheydoi ng?Howar e
they?Theyhaven' tmadecont act.Ihar dlyposton
Facebook, Ihavebl ockedmyBr otherbuthecoul d
openaf akef acebookandst al
kme.Butmyaccount
i
snowpr i
vat e..

Iwasabi tscaredaboutever
ythi
ng,ImeanNathii
s
anamazi ngMan.Het reat
smegoodandIam
fail
inghar dforhi
m.Ijustcan'
tbeli
evemyli
fei
s
taki
ngdi ffer
entdir
ecti
on,agooddirect
ionf
ort
hat
mat ter
..IsmiledasIdrankmycof f
ee..

BELI
NDA
Igott
owor
kandIpr
epar
edmysel
ftowor
k.
Iwasst
il
lfeel
ingl
ikehel
lbutImanagedt
obr
ing
al
ongwatertodri
nkthewholeday.
.

Sur
pri
singl
yenough,
Lisawaswor
kingatt
heTB
war
dtoo..
Li
sa:Goodmor
ning
Me:Goodmor
ning
Li
sa:It
houghtyouwer
ewi
tht
hebabi
es
Me:Yat
heyaskedmet
ocomeher
e,shor
tst
aff
ed
Li
sa:Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Me:I
'
m wel
lIguess
Li
sa:Wehavet
otal
kYouandI
Me:I'
mt i
redoft alkingaboutthi
smat t
erser
iousl
y,
I'
m decidingt oletitbebeforeIgocrazyLi
sa.It
's
emotionallydr ai
ning,ithur
tsandIjustwannabe
donewi thit.Idon'twannaf i
ghthim anymore,
it
hurt
st oomuch
Lisa:Irememberwhenmyhusbandhadanaf
fai
r
too..That'
sonepai
nIdon'
twi
shevenonmyworst
enemy
Me:Iam ser
iousl
yti
redLi
sa
Ist
oppedmysel
ffr
om get
ti
ngemot
ional
.
Li
sa:Comeher
e
Shegavemeahug.
..
.
Me:Il
ovet
hisman,
Ilovehi
m wi
thal
lmyhear
t
Li
sa:Iknowyoudo.
.Iknow

NANGOMSO

Weweresi t
ti
ngonhi stabl
edri
nkingcoff
eeand
eati
ngdonuts.Iwashavingci
nnamondonut sand
hewentwithchocolateandCaramel.It
ookoneof
his,
helookedatme.
Ndalo:Whydi
dn'
tyouj
ustgetyour
sel
fachocol
ate
donut
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:BecauseIwant
edoneofyour
s
Ndal
o:Ngi
zok'
shayauyadel
ela(
I'
llbeatyouup,
you
ar
edisr
espect
ful
)
Me:I
ttast
esgood
Ndal
o:I
tdoesi
ndeed
Me:Sohowi
sthedat
egoi
ngt
ogot
oni
ght
?
Ndal
o:Apr
ivat
edi
nni
ngar
ea
Inodded.
.
Ndal
o:Her
etast
ethi
sone
Hebroughtt
hecarameldonutcl
osertomymouth,
asIwasabouttobit
ehemovedi taway.
.Ihi
thi
s
ar
m,helaughed.
.
Me:Youar
eannoyi
ngsoear
lyi
nthemor
ning
Ndal
o:Forr
ealnow,
takeabi
te
Hebroughti
tcl
oseragain,
asIwasaboutt
otakea
bi
teagai
n.Hemovedhi sarm.
.
Me:Ndal
o!!
!
Heki
ssedme.
.
Me:Don'
tevenbr
ingi
tcl
oseranymor
e
Ndal
o:Subaper
sonal
Me:Youpl
ayi
ngwi
thme
Ndal
o:I
'
m ser
iousnow
Igavehi
m awei
rdl
ook.
.
Ndal
o:Comeon,
openup
Me:No.
.Idon'
twanti
tanymor
e
Ndal
o:Comeopenup
Me:No.
..
Hesmear
edi
tonmyl
ips.
.
Ihi
thi
shandagai
n..
Me:Youar
esochi
ldi
sh!
Hepassedmet
henapki
nashel
aughed.
.
Me:I
'
m gl
adyoumaki
ngmeyourcl
own
Hewi
pedhi
shands.
.
Me:Youmaki
ngyour
sel
flookl
ikeacl
own
Ndal
o:Noyoumaki
ngyour
sel
flookl
ikeacl
own
Me:Youar
echi
ldi
shPer
iod!
Ndal
o:Andyouar
esocut e.
.Don'
tknowhowt hat
f
oolmanagedtomist
reatsuchafr
eesoull
ikeyou
Me:I
t'
sli
fewhatcanwedo
Ndal
o:What
'
smor
eimpor
tanti
sthatyousol
dier
ed
on
Me:That
'sal
lthatmat
ter
stokeepmovi
ng
Ndal
o:Hi
ghf
ivet
othatpar
tner
..
Hehel
duphi
shandf
orahi
ghf
ive,
Igavehi
ma
hi
ghfi
ve.
.
Me:Idon'
tknowwher
emovi
ngt
oobutwehavet
o
keepi
tmoving
Webot
hlookedateachot
herandl
aughed.
Ndal
o:We'
l
lkeeponmovi
ngt
hen
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
56] :34
NANGOMSO

Wor kwasnice,i
twasmor enicert
oday.WhatIhave
noti
cedaboutthispl
aceisthatwedon'ttakeeach
otherascoll
eagues,wetakeeachotherasfamily.
Wehavef un,anditmakestheworkingenvir
onment
verywelcomingandpeaceful
..
Aft
erworkIhel
duptomyendoft
hebar
gai
n,Idi
d
gooutf
ordinnerwi
thhi
m.
Wewentt othissmal lbutyetcl assyr estaurant
.It'
s
call
ed" Signs".It'
sver ymuchcl oset othemai nroad
wher edriverscanmakeast opt ogetr ef
r eshments.
.
Theyhadapr ivatedinningar ea, whereNdal oandI
wereusher edinto.Thedi nningpr i
vateareaonly
accommodat edahandf ulnumberofpeopl e.To
respectaPer son'spr i
vacyyoul eaveyourphonei n
someshel fdisplay,youl ockitinandkeept hekey
untilyouleave, nophot osallowed.Makesmet hink
thi
si sthear eawher eevenmar riedMencandi nein
tospoi lt
heirmi stresseswi t
houtt hefearofbeing
caught.Ihear
devenifsomeonewhoknowsyou
comesl ooki
ngforyou,t
heydon'tl
ett
hem t
hrough.
Youwi l
lwaitatt
herecepti
onandtheycal
lthe
Person,ift
hepersonsaysno.Thenyouwil
lhaveto
l
eave.

Ireal
lydidn'
tcareaboutthepr
ivacysi
tuati
on,
Iwas
j
usthappyt hatI'
llgett
oeatawellpr
eparedmeal
anddr i
nkthefinestwine.
Ndal
opul
ledt
hechai
rformeandIsatdown.
Hewentandsatontheothersi
de.Al
readytheyhad
abottl
eofwinef
orus,pri
ortoNdal
o'sreser
vat
ion.
Didn'
tknowheevencall
edmeatwor kandmadea
reser
vati
on.
Wait
er:Pl
aisi
rDeMerl
e-Caber
netSauvi
gnon,
ser
vedasrequest
ed
Ndal
o:Thankyou
Thewai t
eropenedthewineandpouredinour
glasses.
.Theglasseswerebi
gbuthedidn'
tfi
ll
them up,t
hewinewasn'tevenhal
finthegl
ass.
.
Waiter
:Youwi
llcal
lmewhenyour
eadyt
oor
der
appeti
zer
s
Themenui ncl
udedAppaer
ti
zer
s,Ent
rée,
and
desser
t.Thendri
nks.
.
Me:IthinkI
'
llhaveasal
ad,
thechefsal
adf
ort
he
appet
izer
Ndal
o:I
'
llhaveLi
meshr
impcups
Wai
ter
:Comi
ngr
ightup
Thewai
terl
eft
..
Me:Seemsl
ikeyouhavebeenher
ebef
ore
Ndal
o:Yes
Me:Whodi
dyout
ake?
Ndal
o:Andt
hat
'syourbusi
nessbecause?
Isqui
ntedmyeyes.
.
Me:Youf
ullofsur
pri
ses
Ndal
o:Iknow
Me:Thankyouf
ort
aki
ngmeout
Hest
ret
chedhi
shandoutt
ome,
Ihel
dit
..
Ndalo:Thankyouf oragreei
ngtogooutwi t
hme.
Youar eaballoffi
re,youbri
ghtenmymood.I
promiseyout hatt
hisisreal
,I'
l
lneveraskyout
oa
rel
ati
onshiponlytoplayyou
Ismi
led.
.
Me:Wewi
llsee
Wel
ookedateachot
her
..
Ndal
o:Mayt
oni
ghtbeani
ghtt
omanymor
eni
ght
s
Il
etgoofhi
shandandr
aisedmygl
ass.
Me:I
'
lldr
inkt
othat
Her
aiseduphi
s..
Ndal
o:Cheer
s

BELI
NDA

IpassedbyatNdal
o'shouset
oseeherMot
her
.Let
herknowaboutmydecisi
on.
Iexpl
ainedt
oherwhatwashappeni
ng,
andIt
old
hert
hatIhavegi
venNdal
omybl
essi
ng.
Ma:Bel
indaIcanseer
ightt
hroughyou,
howmuch
t
hishur
tsyou
Me:I
tdoeshur
tbutI
'
llbeokaywi
tht
ime
Ma:Youdon' thavet oagr eetot hi
sifyourhear
t
betraysyou.Belindai t
'snotlikeourtimesanymore
wher eyouhadnochoi cebutt ostaywithaman
whowascheat ingorabusi ve.Youguysar ea
dif
ferentgeneration,youdon' thavetostayand
personall
yIwon' tblameyoui fyouleave.Ndal
ois
mySonyes, butIwi llnotdefendhi m whenhe'
s
wrong.Ifyouleavehi m,Iwon' tbl
ameyou.Iwon't
evenf or
ceyout ost ay
Me:Atthesameti
me,youwon'
ttel
lhi
mtol
eaveher
.
YouarehisMot
herandyoual
wayswannaseehi
m
happy
Ma:That '
str
ue..Bel
indaIam notgoingtosi
ther
e
andliet oyou.Idon'
tsupportwhatNdaloisdoi
ng
becausehe' sbreaki
nghismar r
iagevows,he
should'velef
tyouanddi dthi
sthenthanforhi
mt o
actthisway.Att hesametimeI'm notgoi
ngtosay
I'
m goi ngt ohat et hisgi r
l,shehasn' tgivenmeany
reasonf ormet obel i
ket hatwi thher.Idon' tknow
Ndal o'
sr easonsonwhyhe' sdecidedt odot hat,
onlyyouguysknowt heaf f
airsofthemar riage.If
youar eokaywi tht hisandwannagoaheadwi t
hi t
,
theni t
'syourdeci sionbutf rom mysi deknowt hat
there'snohar df eelingsonanydeci sionyout ake.
Sinceyouaccept edt hisLadyandNdal otellsme
abouther ,andi fit'
sser i
ousbet weent hem t oo.
Don'texpectmet ohat eherort reatyoubet terthan
herIwon' tdot hat ,especi all
ywhenshehasn' tgiven
mear easont oo.I ftheyar eseriouswi thNdal o
prepar ethatI'm goi ngt ot reatherlikeyou, I'm going
toacceptherbecauseIdon' thavear easont ohate
her.KnowI '
m notgoi ngt ot reatyoudi ffer
ent l
y,
maybel i
kehermor et hanyou.No, Iwi lltr
eatyou
twot hesame.
Beli
ndayouhavet her i
ghtt
owal kaway.Youar ea
beautif
ulwoman, youaresti
llyoung,andyouare
working.Ndal
oisnott heonl
ymanf oryou.Iknow
youalwayssay" I
'
m damaged" ,younotdamaged.A
wombdoesn' tdefineyouasawoman.Bei ngan
i
ndependentwoman, getti
ngyourown.Doesn' t
mat terwher eyouwor kbutl ongyousel fmade,
get t
ingyourownandbei ngablet owalkawayf rom
atoxi crel
ationshipormar ri
age.That '
swher ebeing
atr uewomani s,knowingyourwor th.I
'm sor
ryyou
hadt ogot hrought hi
swi thmySon, butalways
remembert hatyouhaveachoi ce.I'm notgoingto
l
iet oyou,yest here'
sapossi bi
li
tythatNdalomi ght
fallforthi
swomanmor ethanheeverl ovesyou.I f
youchooset ostaydon'tprepareforittogetbetter,
i
t'sonl ygoingtogetwor sefrom here!

NANGOMSO

Ndal
oletmet
ast
eoneofhi
sli
meshr
impcups.
.
Me:Hmmmm i
t'
sdel
ici
ous
Ndal
o:It
oldyou
Me:I
t'
sver
ydel
ici
ous
Ndal
o:Yourexboyf
ri
endhasn'
tmadecont
act
?
Me:No,
why?
Ndalo:Don'tl
etyourguarddown, I
'm notaf
ir
m
beli
everinGodbutyourMot herwantsyouto
alwayspray.Prayforpr
otect
ion,youknowshewas
aChr i
sti
anwomandon' tabandonwhatshet aught
you
Inodded.
..
Ndal
o:Wi
tchesar
edanger
ouswhenyoul
etyour
guar
ddown
Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:Howdi
dyouknow?
Ndal
o:Youser
iousl
ywantmet
oanswert
hat
?
Me:No.
.
Ndal
o:Iknowal
otaboutyout
hanwhatyoul
eton
Me:Seenow,
that
'si
nvasi
onofpr
ivacy
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Ndalo:Rel
axit
'sj
ustagoodwayf ormetoloveyou
theri
ghtwayandwewor konhelpingyouheal
.You
havealotofangeri
nsi
deofyouandi t
'sgoi
ngto
dest
roytherel
ati
onshi
psyouhavewi t
hpeople
becauseyourAngerwi l
lalwaysbedi rectedtot he
wr ongpeopl e.Youneedt of orgiveyour selfforwhat
youdi d, movi ngawayf rom homet oseekabet t
er
l
ifeout side.Thedamagedonewasnott oosever e,i
t
canber ever sible.We' veallmademi stakesi nlife,
somemi stakesar ehar dertor ecoverf rom they
comewi t
hPai n, butt hat'sthel essonofi tall.A
l
essonl earntt hepai nfulway, hel psyout onot
repeatt hemi stakeagai n.Thepai nwi llalways
remi ndyounott ogobackt her eagain.Youhave
yourwhol elifeaheadofyou, youcanst i
llmakei t
.
It'
snott ool ate, aslongasyoust i
llbreathingt here's
nor easont oqui t.Beaut if
ulthingsi nlifedon' t
usual l
ycomeeasy, per severanceandhar dwor k
hasgoodr esul t
s.Youar enotyourpast ,younot
thatper sonanymor e.Embr aceyourt odayandl ive
foryou
Isweart
hatgotmeabi
temot
ional
..

LELE
Nathif
etchedmefr
om wor
ktoday,
wemadeast
op
atNandostoeat
..
Nathi
:Iknowworki
sdraini
ng,thoughtIshoul
d
easethebur
densofyourti
rednesstoni
ghtby
tr
eati
ngyousoyoudon'tgohomeandcook
Me:That
'sgood.
.ThankyousomuchIneededt
his
Nat
hi:Wewi
llgetSosoat
akeaway
Il
ookedathi
m..
Nathi
:IknowI'
m adr
oolbabe,
youdon'
thavet
o
st
arethatmuch
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Ij
ustdon'
tunder
standhowIgother
e,Inever
i
maginedmylif
egett
inghere
Nathi
:Youar
eabeautif
ulandamazi
ngwoman,
you
cameintomyli
featt
herightt
ime
Me:Thankyou
Nathi:Idon'
tyourpastr
elat
ionshi
ps,notreal
ly
i
nterestedbutal
lIknowisthatI'
m goingtospend
everydayofmyl i
femakingyoufeell
ikethe
beaut
if
ulwomant
hatyouar
e
Me:Youmaki
ngmebl
ush
Nat
hi:Youdon'
tbel
i
evet
hatyoubeaut
if
ul?
Me:Wel
lI.
.
Nat
hi:Youhaveabeaut
if
ulsmi
let
oo
Ismi
ledandl
ookeddown.
.
Nat
hi:Let
'seatbef
oreyoubl
ushal
lni
ght

BELI
NDA

WhenIgothomeInoti
cedthatNdalosentmea
messaget
hathewil
lbelat
etonight
.
Itdi
dn'
thavet
orequi
real
otoft
hinki
ng,
hewaswi
th
her.
.

Iunderst
oodexactl
ywhathi
sMot hersaid,
butI
can'
twalkawaynow.IfIdo,
it'
l
lonlybreakmedown
becauseIlovehi
m somuch.Formet owalkaway
andmakeit
,I'
llhavet
olear
nhowt
ofal
loutofl
ove
wit
hhi
m, whi
lstI'
m st
il
lwit
hhi
m.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
56] :35

NANGOMSO

[
AFEW DAYSLATER]

ItwasaSat urdayafternoonandwewer ecarryi

ng
outthet r
aditionalceremonyt hatNdalot ol
dust o
carry,
mostourr elati
veswer ehereattendingthe
ceremony.I twasgoodt oseet hem,especi al
lymy
Grandmot her .MyMar t
enalGrandmot her,shewas
happyt oseeme.She' s80yearol dandt ol
dmenow
shecandi ei npeace, knowingthatI'
m saf e.
Unfortunatelynotallrelat
ivesaresincere,that'
s
whybef oret heceremonywehadaheal ercome
str
engthenourhousei ncasear elat
iveleavesan
enchantmentforus.Youknowt hoseevi lheart
ed
Aunti
es, whoarenothappywi t
htheirNi ecesand
Nephewssuccess?Weal lhavet hem andwedo
heretoo.MyMot her'
sbigSi st
er,thefi
rstbor ni
s
oneoft hem.She'sj
ealousthatmyBr otheractual
ly
madesomet hi
ngofhimsel f
,theywant edt oseeus
suff
eraf t
erthedeat
hofourPar entsbutbecause
Godisal waysgood.Nothinglikethathappened,
i
nsteadGodsawNat hithrough,ourgui desarealso
wit
hus.

Li
fehasbeengoodIcan' tcomplain,NdaloandIwe
arebecomingmor ecl oserandsur pri
singl
yBelinda
hasopenedamodeofcommuni cati
onbet weenus
onwhatsapp.It
'sstillveryawkwar d,t
hat'swhyshe
call
edameet i
ngt omor rowmor ningsoweal lmeet
upandcommuni cate.Ihopet hi
st i
mear ound,i
twill
belessdramati
ccompar edtotheprevioustime..

Cl
arawal
kedi
ntomybedr
oom.
.
Cl
ara:Gi
rl
Me:Hey
Cl
ara:Canwehavewi
ne?
Winewaskeptinmyr oom,t
heotheral
coholNathi
andLel
elockedthem i
nthefr
eezeratt
hestore
room.
.
Me:Howmanyar
eyou?
Cl
ara:Just5ofus
Igavehert
he5l
it
ersofNamaquaSweetr
ose
Cl
ara:Thankyou.
.Wi
llyouj
oinus?
Me:Maybel
ater
,I'
mti
rednow
Cl
ara:Okayt
hen
Shewal
kedoutwi
tht
hewi
ne.
.

NDALO

Bel
indaandIwewereatmyMother
'shouse.I
twas
not
hingbigj
ustasmal
lfami
lybr
aaiBot
hmy
cousi
nswer
ear
ound,
somyMom deci
dedont
he
braai
..
Ma:Howi
sshehol
dingup?
Il
ookedatBeli
ndasit
tingwi
thmycousi
nAl
uvo,
the
onei
nvarsi
ty.Theyprett
ycl
ose
Me:Ireal
lydon'
tknow,
haven'
tseennorhear
dher
cr
ying
Ma:Yout
woar
est
il
lsl
eepi
ngi
nsepar
ater
ooms?
Me:Yes
Ma:Whydon'
tyouj
ustl
ett
hispoorgi
rlgo?
Me:Bel i
ndai smyf i
rstlove.I'
vebeenwi thot her
peoplebef or
eherbutshe' sthever yonet hatIfell
deeplyfor.Thingswer egoodbet weenusbutIt hink
herpastgoti nthewayofourmar riage,the
mar r
iageleanedmor eonhersi de.I'vespental otof
ti
memaki ngherhappynotknowi ngt hatyoucan' t
makesomeonehappy, happinessisachoi ce.A
personcanchooset obehappywi thyou, orhappy
withoutyou.Ithinkshel ostherselfandmybei ng
emot i
onallysupport
iveandl ovingher
uncondi
ti
onal
lyshest
art
edt
omakemeher
happi
nessandIvowedtomakeherhappy
Ma:Youst i
llwannabewithherorar eyouusingher
asasecur it
yblanketbecauseyouar eunsureofthi
s
newgi rl
.SoyoukeepBel indasti
lli
ncasethings
don'treal
lywor koutwi
tht hi
snewgi r
l,youknow
thatyoucangobackt oBel
Me:Nangomsoi slessst r
essful
.WhenI '
m with
NangomsoIcanbemysel f,
sheisnotmoody, she
doesn'tal
wayscompl ai
n.She'sjustaballoffi
re.
Nangomsohasbeent hroughalottoobutshe
doesn'tl
etthatdepresshert oapointofbeinga
depressedperson.Sheal lowsmet obemysel f,no
matterhowbadofadayIcanhave, whenI'm with
NangomsoIevenf orgetthatIwasdownorangr y
Ma:Shesoundsl
ikeani
nter
est
ingPer
son
Me:Sheis,shemakesther el
ati
onshipfun.Notthat
she'
sperfect
,shehastrai
tsthataretoxi
c.When
shegetsangryshegetsangry,andshe'susing
al
coholtoescapetheharshreali
tyofherpast.
Nangomsol i
vesfornowdoesn'treal
lycarewhat's
behi
ndandwhat
'sf
orwar
d
Ma:Doyouseeherbei
ngyourwi
fe?
Me:Yes,
ver
ymuchso
Ma:Ihopeitworksoutbuti
foneofthem deci
desto
wal
kaway, l
ett
hem.Don'tguil
ttr
ip,
don'
temot i
onal
bl
ackmail
.Letthem be
Me:Hear
d
Ma:Andnevershowanysi gnoff avoriti
sm that'
s
wher eyouwi llbeopeni ngadoorf orthem tohat e
eachot herandwannadest r
oyeachot her.I
fyou
buyBel i
ndaacar ,youwi llalsohavet obuy
Nangomsoacar .Iknowi twi l
lbehar df oryout odo
thi
ngsf orthisNangomsogi rlbecauseyouar estil
l
unsureabouther ,Beli
ndai t'
sef fortl
essbecause
she'syourwi febutdon' tshitNangomsooutt othe
pointofherf eeli
nglikeshe' l
lonl ybeusedand
Beli
ndai slovedmor e.It'
salmostI mpossi bletolove
twopeopl ethesame, onei sgoi ngt obeaf avori
te
butdon'tshowi t
.Don' tmakei tobvi ous, i
t'
sno
dif
ferentfrom aPar enthavi ngaf avoritechil
d.
Nangomsoyoudon' thavet ogobi gallthet i
me
becauseyouar esti
lltr
yingt oseeifshei swor thit
butal soi fyoupushherawayyouwi llbeshowi ng
hert hatshedoesn' tmat t
ert hatmuch, atleastnot
l
ikeBel indadoes.Nangomsomustal waysr espect
Belinda, andshoul dt heyfightt r
ytonotdef end
unlesst heot herpartyiswr ong.Don'tshow
favour i
tsm, Iknowbot hwomenar einyourl i
fefor
diff
er entr easonsbutdon' tdi scr
iminateIdon'twant
dramaofal wayshavi ngt osol veyourissueswi th
yourWomen
Me:Iunder
stand,al
lI'
m askingfr
om youi
sthat
.I
knowyouknowBel ,youloveherandyouguysare
cl
ose.Iwoul
dlikeyoutoopenyourheartandgetto
knowNangomsot oo
Ma:Myhear
tisal
waysopen
Webot
hlaughed.
.
Ma:Solongshei
srespect
ful
,andhassi
ncere
i
ntent
ionst
henIwon'
thaveanythi
ngagai
nsther
Me:SocanIbri
ngheroverf
ordi
nner
?Maybe
somet
imenextweek?
Ma:Idon'
tseewhynotbutspeakt
oBelabouti
t,
youshoul
dn'
thi
deanyt
hingf
rom her
Me:Iwi
ll
Igaveherahug.
.
Me:Yout
hebestdoyout
hat
?
Ma:WhatcanIdo?Whatt
rashbi
ncanIt
hrowyou
i
nto?
Il
aughed.
.
Me:That
'swr
ongMa

NANGOMSO

Ndal oandBel i
ndawer eatNdal o'
shouseat t
ending
somef ami l
ybr aai.Itdidn'treallygettome, I
'
m not
hurtthatIdidn'ttagal ong.Eveni fwewer en'thaving
thisceremonyIst il
l wouldn'
tbehur tthatIwasn' t
i
nvi t
ed.Can'treallybemadatt hesituati
on,Bel i
nda
i
st hewi f
eandI '
mj ustami stressoragi rlont he
side.Idon'tholdt hest at
usofal waysbei ngpr esent
whenhi sfami l
yar ehavingsomet hi
ngunl esshe
i
nvi
tesme.
.

Il
aidont
hebedtr
yingtosleepwhenmyphone
vi
brat
ed,
itwasacallf
rom Bel
inda.
Me:Hey
Bel
:Si
sterwi
fe
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Si
sterwi
fe
Bel
:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Bel
:I'
m good
Me:Ar
eyoudr
unkr
ightnow?
Bel
:Ti
psy
Me:Badassbi
tch!
Shel
aughed.
.
Me:Dr
inki
ngatyouri
nlawshouse
Bel
:Mymot
heri
nlawi
ssweet
,orshoul
dIsayour
mot
heri
nlaw?
Me:Chi
ldI'
m st
il
lami
str
essi
nthi
ssi
tuat
ionso
she'
syourmommyinlaw
Shel
aughed.
.
Bel
:Howi
sever
ythi
nggoi
ngt
her
e?
Me:I
t'
sgoinggood,
I'
mjustt
ir
ednow.Want
edt
o
r
est,
andthatsi
de?
Bel
:It
'speacef
ul
Me:Atl
eastyouenj
oyi
ngyour
sel
f
(
Sil
ence)
Bel
:Wedon'
thavetofi
ghtnorhat
eeachot
her
,we
canmaket
hisworkri
ght?
Me:It
hinkso.
.Wedon'
thavet
obeoneachot
her
's
t
hroat
s
Bel:Let
'sdi
sappoi
nthi
mf oronceIknowhe'
s
expecti
ngustoclaweachother
Me:Girlt
hat'
steenageli
ke.
..Ihavenoreasont
o
fi
ghtyou,Ir
espectyou.Iam notheret
ochaseyou
awaythat'
snotmyi nt
enti
on
Bel:AndI '
m notheretomakeyourlif
edif
fi
cult
,
that'
snotme, that'
snotwhoIam.Iam notsinist
er,
yesitst i
llhurt
sbutIwon' thar
m younorwil
lImake
yourli
f ediffi
cultsolongyouhavethesame
i
ntentions
Me:Iam notheretodestroyyourhomeortakehim
away,i
fyouwalkoutt her
e'snoreasonf
ormeand
himtobe.Iam notheretobreakwhatyouguys
havealwayshad,NdaloandIjustkneweachother
l
ikeyester
daywest i
llt
ryi
ngtoknoweachot her
more
Bel
:Iunderst
and.
.Sot
omorrowyou'
llbecomi
ngso
weallt
alk?Amorematur
etalknof
ighti
ngand
sweari
ng?
Me:Ipr
omi
se
Bel
:I'
m gl
ad.
.Letmegoandl
eaveyout
orest
Me:Okaycat
chupl
ater
Bel
:ByeSi
sterwi
fe
Me:ByeSi
sterwi
fe
LELE

Ihavebeenwor ki
ngsincef r
om yesterday.Todayit
wasevenwor se.Nathi
'sfamilyjustwentandcal l
ed
meMakot iandIli
vedupt othename.Nat hiwould
alsooccasionall
ytel
lthem totalktomeabout
things,andrespectmei nthi
shouse.Her eal
ly
stoodupf ormebuthi sfamilydoesn'tcomeacr oss
asdi f
fi
cult,
theyreal
lyweret r
yingwithme.

Hewal
kedi
nasIwaswashi
ngt
hel
astpot
.
Nat
hi:Whyar
en'
tot
her
sdoi
ngt
hat
?
Me:I
t'
sokayIdon'
tmi
nd
Nathi:Theycan'
tuseyouasifli
kewepai
dl obol
a,
evenIdid.Sti
ll
,theycan'
twor
kyouasifl
ikeyouare
aslave
Me:Ijustdon'twantanyalt
ercati
onswit
hanyone.
Tradi
ti
onalceremoniesaremeantt ober
espect
ed
andbecar r
iedoutpeaceful
ly,pl
ustheyl
eavi
ng
soonsolet'
str ynott
ocreat
edr ama
Nat
hi:Speaki
ngofdr
ama,
Sosoi
sseei
ngsomeone
i
sn'
tshe?
Me:Ki
nda
Nat
hi:Soshei
sseei
ngsomeone?
Me:She'
sol
dNat
hiofcour
seshe'
sseei
ngsomeone
Nat
hi:Andt
hatsomeonei
smar
ri
ed?
Isi
ghed.
.
Nat
hi:Whati
sSosodoi
ngwi
thNdal
o?
Me:Ir
eal
lydon'
twannabecaughtupi
nthi
s
Nathi
:Heisamarri
edMenandhe'susingmysi st
er!
Sosocandateanyguy,
mysisteri
sbeauti
fulwhy
wouldsheset
tl
etobesecondbest?
Me:Maybeshe'
shappywi
thhi
m pl
ust
hewi
fe
knowsandshe'
sokaywi
thi
t
Nathi
:Nosanewomanwoul dagreetothis
nonsense!Thi
sisutterr
ubbishper
iod!Sosowi
llnot
beapar toft
hisci
rcus!She'
sonlywasti
nghert
ime
Me:I
'
mreal
lyt
ir
edt
ogeti
ntoi
twi
thyou
Nat
hi:Thi
srubbi
shhast
ost
op
Me:Shel
oveshi
m Nat
hi
Nat
hi:Youareagreei
ngtot
hisnonsense?How
woul
dyouf eeli
fIcoul
dputyouinthi
ssituat
ion?
Me:Thi
sisnotaboutYouandI
!
Nathi
:Iyang'
dinayonkel
ent
o!(
thi
swhol
ethi
ngi
s
annoyi
ngme)
Me:Hai
!
Nathi
:IfSosowant
stodothis,
shemustgodoi tfar
awayfrom her
e!Amnyal
anje!(
thi
sisnonsense)
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
57] :36

BELI
NDA

IfIwantpeacetostophurt
ingovert
hiswhol
e
sit
uati
on,i
stojustacceptwhat'
shappeni
ngand
makepeacewi thit.Cr yingoveri t,fi
ghtingNdal oi s
notgoi ngt ochangei t
.I '
lljustbehur ti
ngmysel f
mor eandmor eunt ilmyemot ionalandment alstate
i
st otall
ydest r
oyed.I t
'snoteasyseei ngyour
Husbandi nlovewi thsomeoneel se.IfIwal kaway
now, Iwi llhurtmysel f
.Pr obablyevenki llmyself
becauset hat'showmuchIl ovehi m.Ihavedeci ded
nottof ightagai nstit,leti tbe.Maybemeseei ng
himl ovingt hiswomanwi llmakemet ol ovehim
l
essunt ilIwal kaway.Iunder standt hatpar t
sof
him doingt hi
s, hast odowi thhi m notent i
relybeing
happywi thme.Forhi mt odeci detoopent hedoor
forthe3r dperson, thatmeanshei snol onger
happywi thmeanymor e.Ndal oi sanamazi ngman
andhedeser vest obehappy, whenyousayyou
l
ovesomeone.Youl etthem f i
ndt heirhappi ness,
eveni fit'
snotwi thyouanymor e..

Lateronwedrovebackhome,
Ireal
lyhadagr
eat
ti
mewi thhi
sfamil
y..
Ndal
o:Di
dyouhavef
un?
Me:Ial
wayshavef
unwi
thyourf
ami
ly
Henodded.
.
Ndal
o:I'
m wor
ri
edaboutt
het
hreeofusmeet
ing
t
omorrow
Me:Don'
tbe,
Iact
ual
lycal
ledSoso
Ndal
o:Youdi
d?
Me:Yest
ogreetandaskherhowever
ythi
ngi
s
goi
ngwit
htheceremony
Ndal
o:That
'si
nter
est
ing
Me:I '
m notgoingt ofi
ghther,andI '
m notgoingto
fi
ghtyouanymor e.I'
veacceptedt hesit
uati
ont hat
's
whyIwantal lofust omeetupt omor r
owsowe
discusshowt her el
ati
onshipbet weenthe3ofus
willgo.Themosti mpor t
antthingisrespect,
Iwant
respect
Ndal
o:Anyt
hingyouwant
,Iwi
llr
especti
t
Hehel
dmyhand.
.
Me:Thankyou
NANGOMSO

Iwastipsynowandonmywayt ogett
ingdr
unk.My
cousi
nsandI ,i
ncl
udingCl
arawereoutsi
debythe
fi
redr
inkingandsingi
ng.

"
Siz'
ungamushayi
Ungambul
ali
,mayekuhl
ula
[
Mbi
sel
eekhaya]

Si
z'ungamushayi
Ungambul
ali
,mayekuhl
ula
[
Mbi
sel
eekhaya]

Wesi
bal
i,
Wesi
bal
i,
sibal
isami
[
Mbi
sel
eekhaya]
Wesi
bal
i,
Wesi
bal
i,
sibal
isami
[
Mbi
sel
eekhaya]

Si
z'ungamushayi
Ungambul
ali
,mayekuhl
ula
[
Mbi
sel
eekhaya]

Cuz:I
t'
sfunnyhowweallsi
ngi
ngt
hesongand
noneofusisevenmar
ri
ed
Wealll
aughed.Ibroughtmygl
asscl
osert
oCl
ara.
Shef
ill
editupwithwine

Cuz2:Countmeout
,I'
m get
ti
ngmar
ri
edsoon
Me:You'
vebeenengagedf
or7year
s
Weal
llaughed.
.
Me:Andhehasn'tmar
ri
edyouyet
,kant
ihowl
ong
doesanengagementl
astf
or?
Cuz2:Weeeeeusudaki
weke(
youar
enowdr
unk)
Lel
ecamet
hrough.
.
Lel
e:I
t'
sonl
y20:00,
andyouguyswannakeept
his
upunt
ilt
omorr
ow?
Cl
ara:Akul
alwat
oni
ght
!(wenotsl
eepi
ngt
oni
ght
)
Me:Kahl
enj
e(exact
ly)
Lel
e:CanIhaveonegl
ass
Cl
ara:Igotyou
Cuz1:It
houghtyouwoul
dbet
ir
ed,
youwer
e
worki
ngallday
Lel
e:Iam butwit
hallyournoisysi
nging,t
he
Aunti
eschatt
inginsi
deIcan'tgetapeacefulr
est
Cl
ara:I
fyoucan'
tbeatus,
thenj
oinus
Me:Nj
e!
Lel
e:Letmegetagl
ass
Me:"
Siz'
ungamushayi
,Ungambul
ali
..Mayekuhl
ula"
Wecont
inuedsi
ngi
ngandIr
ecor
dedaVoi
ceNot
e
f
orNdal
o..

NDALO
Wearri
vedhome,
andBel
indasai
dshewant
edt
o
bat
h..
Me:Amovi
ebef
orewesl
eep?
Bel
:Whydi
dIgetmar
ri
ed,
bot
h1&2
Me:Ofcour
se!
Shel
aughed.
.
Bel
:I'
l
ltakeabat
handj
oinyou
Me:I
'
llpr
epar
ethepopcor
nandwi
ne
Bel
:Okay
Shewal
kedpassmeandgavemeaki
ss.
.
Ihel
dherhand.
.
Me:CanImovebacki
ntot
hemai
nbedr
oom?
Bel
:Let
'sseehowt
omor
rowgoesf
ir
st
Me:CanIj
oini
n,i
nthebat
h?
Bel
:Let
'sseehowt
omor
rowgoes
Shegotherhandf
rom mygr
ipandki
ssedmeon
t
hecheekwhi
lstgr
abbi
ngmycr
otchandsqueezi
ng
i
t.
.
Bel
:Youl
iket
hat
?
I
tgavemeabl
oodr
ush.
.
Shewhi
sper
edi
nmyear
..
Bel
:ift
omorrowgoeswel
l,t
henwediscussyou
movingbackint
othemai
nbedroom
Shebitmyear
lobeasmyshaf
treact
edt
oher
touch.
.
Bel
:Gopr
epar
ethepopcor
nthen
Shewal
kedaway.
.
Me:Bel
Sheignor
edmeandwal
kedst
rai
ghti
ntot
he
bedr
oom..

NANGOMSO

Thewi
newasget
ti
ngi
ntomyhead,
Iwasget
ti
ng
drunknow.Notonlydrunk,buthor
nytoo.That
's
whatIhateaboutwine,i
tmessesupwi t
hone's
hormones..Theconver
sati
onwewer ehavingt
oo
wasn'thel
ping.
.

Cl
ara:Il
ikei
trough,
Idon'
twannal
ie
Me:Withmei tdepends.YesIlikeitr
ough,
especi
all
ytensi
onsex.Af teranargumentandya'
l
l
j
usttal
kitoverduri
nghar dcorefucki
ng
Cuz1:Hi
sdi
cksi
zehast
obeaccept
abl
e
Lel
e:HeheheIshal
lnotcont
ri
but
etot
he
conver
sati
on
Me:Why?Becauseyouf ucki
ngmybr other
?
Speaki
ngofthatcanyoutoneitdownsomet i
mes
i
t'
sjustawkwardheari
ngyouscream li
kethat
Cl
ara:Heeeeee!
!Thatmeanshe'
shi
tt
ingi
tri
ght
!
Lel
elaughedandhi
therf
acewi
thherapr
ont
hat
shesti
llhadon.
.
Clar
a:ButNathidoesl
ookli
kehecanhi
tit
,hi
tit
unti
lyoust
artscreami
ngintongues
Ever
yonel
aughed.
.
Myphonevi
brat
ed,
itwasNdal
o..
Me:Savedbyacal
l
Igotupandmovedawayf
rom t
hem answer
ingt
he
cal
l.
.
Me:Nat
ure!
Hel
aughed.
.
Ndal
o:Il
ist
enedt
oyourVN,
orr
athert
hesong
Me:Mycousi
nswer
esi
ngi
ngf
oryou
Ndal
o:Isee.
.Havi
ngagoodt
ime?
Me:Yes!
Ndal
o:Icant
ell
Me:Howwasi
tfr
om yoursi
de?
Ndal
o:Itwasgoodt
oo,can'
tcompl
ain.I
'
m gl
adyou
havi
ngfunandyouhavi
ngfunathomeinasafe
envi
ronment
Me:Yest
hat
'st
rue
Ndal
o:Wi
llyoumakei
ttot
hemeet
ingt
omor
row
mor
ning?
Me:Hopef
ull
y
Ndal
o:I
'
llcal
linanUber
Me:"
Labant
wanamaUber
"
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Ndalo:Haveagr
eatni
ghtbabeI
'
llcal
lyoui
nthe
morning
Me:Okaygoodni
ght
Ndal
o:Goodni
ghtandbesaf
epl
ease
Me:Ipr
omi
se
Ndal
o:Shar
p
Me:Il
oveyou
Ndal
o:Il
oveyout
oo

BELI
NDA

Af
terbat
hingIwentbackt
othebedr
oom and
checkedmyphone.Ihad2VNsfrom Nangomso.I
l
ist
enedthr
ough,shesoundeddr
unkandsingi
ng..

"
Sist
erwi
fe!
!Ihadsomuchf un,Ihopeyoudi
dtoo.
DamnI'
m sodrunk!Seeyoutomorrow"

Il
aughedt
henIsentheraVn.
.

Me:Pl
easesl
eep.
.Restsi
sterwi
fe!RestBaby!

Thi
sgi
rli
scr
azyi
ncut
eador
abl
eway.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
57] :37

NANGOMSO
Idon'tknowatwhatt i
mewesl ept,butallIknowis
thatmor ningcamequi ckert
hanIhadi magi ned.
From howIwasf eel
ing,Ifel
tli
kecancelingt he
meeting, butIhaveal r
eadysentmywor dof
agreementsoIhavet ohonourmywor d.This
meetingdoesn' tonlyaf f
ectme,there'
sot hertwo
peoplewhoar einvolved,soIhavetothinkabout
them too.

Ndal
okeptt
ohisendofthedeal
,hesentt
hrough
t
heUberanditcameandfet
chedme
Hemadesuretotracki
tforsaf
etyreasonssi
nceI
hear
dthatUberdr
iver
sarevult
ures.

Ihadmyshadesonbecausemyeyesshowedt hatI
washungoverandal sodi dn'tgetmuchsl eep,Iwas
hopingt hatthi
smeet i
ngdoesn' ttaketoolong.I
neededsl eep,Ineedt orest..TheUberdr oppedme
offatthegat e,Itext
edt hatIam her eandt hey
openedt hegat eforme.Imademywayi n..Ndalo's
housei sbeautiful.I
t'
snotbi gbuti t
'sver
ybeaut iful
,
i
naveryqui
etandupcl
assneighbor
hood.
.Ir
ang
t
hedoorbel
landst
oodther
e..

Bel
indawast
heonewhoopenedt
hedoor
.
Shest
oodt
her
eandl
ookedatme,
webot
hlaughed.
.
Bel
:Iknowt
hedealwi
tht
heshades
Me:Don'
tment
ioni
t.
.MayI
?
Bel
:Yespl
ease.
.Comei
n
Sheopenedt
hedoorwi
derandImademywayi
n..
Me:Howar
eyou?
Shecl
osedt
hedoor
..
Bel
:Youhungoverobvi
ousl
y
Me:Iam
It
ookof
fmyshades.
.
Bel
:Youl
ookl
ikeshi
t!
Me:If
eell
ikeshi
t!
Iputmybagont
hecount
er.
.
Bel
:Her
eI'
l
lpouryousomespr
it
eandputl
ime
Me:Doest
hatcur
etheHangover
?
Bel
:Idon'
tknow
Me:Let
'
str
yit
Shewentt
othef
ri
dge.
.
Me:Yourhousei
sbeaut
if
ul
Bel
:Youcan'
tli
veher
e,don'
tevent
hinkabouti
t
Me:Idon'
twannal
ivewi
thya'
l
l
Bel
:Youdon'
t?
Me:Absol
utel
ynot!apar
tfr
om ghost
sinter
rupt
ing
meIdri
nk!Andyourhusbandl
ookslikeheisnota
bi
gfanofthat
Bel
:Ohhhhhhnowhe'
smyhusband
Me:Hei
syourhusbandhoney
Shel
aughed.
.
Bel
:Her
eyougo
Me:Thankyou
Bel
:Andt
her
ear
enoghost
sher
e
Me:Can'
tfoolme,
yourhusbandseesghost
s!Ther
e
hast
obeghostaroundhere
Bel
:Ther
eyougoabouthi
m bei
ngmyhusband
Me:Hei
sthough
Bel
:Your
stoo
Me:Myboyf
ri
end
Shel
aughed.
.
Me:He'
smyboyf
ri
end
Bel
:Youar
ecr
azy!
Ndal
owal
kedi
n..
Ndalo:Nevert
houghtIwoul
dwal
kint
osuch
happening
Wel
ookedathi
m..
Ndal
o:Seemslikeyouguysar
ehi
tt
ingi
tof
fwel
l
t
hatI
'm worr
ied
Me:Goodmor
ningt
oyout
oo
Ndal
o:Goodmor
ning
Bel
:Ist
hathowya'
l
lgr
eeteachot
her
?
Wel
ookedateachot
her
..
Me:Idon'
twannahaveyout
ryi
ngt
obeatmeup
Bel
:Ir
ememberyouwant
edt
obeatmeup
Me:Chi
ldpl
ease!
Bel
:Tal
kingaboutIr
unt
hest
reet
s!
Me:Idor
unt
hem t
hough
Bel
:Wel
lthenwewon'
tber
unni
ngt
hem t
oday
Me:Ihopeso
Ndal
o:Wecanst
artanydaynow
Me:Leadt
heway
Wef
oll
owedhi
mtot
hel
ounge.
.

Ndal
oandBel
indashar
edacouch,
Isatont
he
ot
hersi
de.
.
Bel
inda:Fi
rstofallIwoul
dliketoapol
ogizef
ort
he
l
astti
meever yt
hingIsaidthatwashurt
ful
Me:Iapologi
zetoo,
forever
ythi
ngthatIhavesai
d
thatwasdisr
espect
fulandf
oralsodisr
espect
ing
youinyourhouse
Bel
inda:I
t'
sokay.
.West
art
edof
font
hewr
ongf
oot
Me:Iagr
ee
Beli
nda:Wear einarel
ati
onshi
pthatmostpeopl
e
won'tunder
stand,wegonnahavealotofpeopl
e
thr
owinginsult
sandhate
Ndal
o:Thekeypoi
nti
sthati
t'
snotaboutanyone
el
sebutus,
the3ofus
Bel
inda:Ver
ytr
ue
Ndalo:NangomsoIneedyoutounder st
andthat
Beli
ndaismywi fe,
she'
sthefi
rstandIwantyouto
respecther
.Bel
indaIwantyoutorespectSosot
oo
Me:Andpleaseknowt hatIam nother
etobreak
youguysapartnorsnatchhim awayfr
om you
Bel
inda:Agr
eed.
.Ij
usthaveaf
ewr
equest
s
Wel
ist
enedt
oher
..
Bel
inda:Iwantyout
wot
onotgetmar
ri
edasyet
,if
youthinki
ngofit
.Maybegiveitatl
east3years.You
guyshavejustst
art
edseeingeachothergi
veittime
befor
eyour ushi
ntomarr
iage.Alsohavi
ngkids
Me:I'
m nothavi
ngaki
dbef
oreyougi
rl
,youcanbet
onthat
Theybot
hkeptqui
et.
.
Me:Di
dIsaysomet
hingwr
ong?
Bel
inda:Ican'
thaveki
ds,
mywombwasr
emoved
Me:Ohhhmywor
d..Cancer
?
Bel
inda:No
Ndal
ohel
dherhand.
.
Beli
nda:Imadeamistakeonce.
.Idat edamar r
ied
man, hi
swif
efoundoutandtort
uredme.She
shovedthi
ngsdeepi
nsideofme, thi
ngst hat
damagedmywombbeyondr epairthatithadtobe
removed
Me:What
?Idon'
tunderst
andwomenwhoat tack
ot
herwomenbecauseofacheat
inghusband!
Ndal
o:Thati
swhyIdeci
dedt
otel
lBel
indaaboutus,
Idon'
twannabet
hatman
Me:Iunder
stand
Bel
inda:Pl
easedon'ttel
lanyone,
it'
ssomet
hingthat
nooneknowsothert hanthosecl
osetome.Since
youapartofus,youwer eboundtoknow
Me:Iwon'
ttel
lanyone
Bel
inda:Idon'
twantt
hemedi
aknowi
ngandwhat
not
,I'
m aprett
ypri
vat
eper
son
Me:Under
stood,
don'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
Bel
inda:Anyt
hingel
seyouguyswannaadd?
Me:Idon'
twannali
vehere,
Idon'
twannal
ivewi
th
youguys.Icanonl
yvi
sit
Bel
inda:Fi
nebyme
Ndal
o:I
'
m goodwi
tht
hat
Me:Maybeweekends
Ndalo:Obvi
ouslythi
swil
lbeout,
SosoIhaveno
i
ntenti
onsofhidingyouf
rom t
hepubl
ic
Bel
inda:Yes.
.Thi
sisnotanaf
fai
r
Me:Iunder
stand.
.Whataboutt
hesex?
Beli
nda:Ir
eall
ydon'tknowwe'l
lcr
osst hatbr
idge
whenwegett her
e,butwehave3bedr ooms.Sothe
otherr
oom canbeyour sNangomsoforwhenyou
here
Me:Okayt
hankyou
Bel
:Pl
easenoonei
sal
lowedt
ohaveanaf
fai
r
Me:Yespl
ease
Bel
:Let
'snotmakeeachot
hersi
ckdel
iber
atel
y
Ndal
o:Ver
ytr
ue
Bel:Nangomsocanyoupl
easehel
pmewi
tht
he
cooking?
Me:Huh?
Bel
:Woul
dli
keyout
ost
ayoverf
ordi
nner
Me:Uhm.
..Yeahwhynot
,butI
'
mreal
lyt
ir
ed
Bel
:Youcanr
estaf
terwehavecooked
Me:Idon'
tseeanyr
easonnott
o
Bel
:Okayl
et'
sgett
oit
Ndal
o:Soweal
linagr
eement
?
Me:Yeah
Bel
:Yes
Ndal
o:OkayIhaveaner
randt
orun,
seeyoul
adi
es
l
ater
Weal
lgotup,
hehuggedandki
ssedBel
..
Thenhewal
kedupt
omeandki
ssedme.
Hewal
kedt
othebedr
oom.
..
.

LELE

Iwokeupwi t
hami norhangover
,Iwasst i
llt
ir
ed.
Deadt ir
ed,butthere'
salottodo.Cl
eanand
everythi
ng,alotofhappenedyesterdaytheplace
wasdi rt
y.Iwalkedoutofthebedroom tothe
bathroom tobrushmyt eethwhenInoticedthatt
he
bathroom wascl ean
Iwal
kedoutandchecked,t
hewholehousewas
cl
ean.IsawNat
hifi
nishi
ngupatthekit
chen.
.I
st
oodt
her
ebyt
hedoor
wayandl
ookedathi
m..
Nat
hi:Goodmor
ning
Me:Mor
ning
Nat
hi:Wel
lrest
ed?
Me:Youdi
dthi
sal
lonyourown?
Nathi:Yes.
.Ever
yoneleftear
li
ert
hismorning,
make
thatItoldt
hem t
oleavedidn'
twantthem t
obother
you.Iwantyoutoresttodaysoyoufeelf
resh
tomor r
owwhenyougot owork
Me:Ar
en'
tyousweet
?Thankyousomuch
Nat
hi:Weat
eam r
emember
?
Me:Weat
eam
Nathi:Gobat
h,thenI'
llpr
epar
esomet
hingt
oeatf
or
you,andthenrestsomemor e
Me:Okayt
hankyou
Hesmi
ledatme.
.

BELI
NDA
Ndal
ohadl ef
t,NangomsoandIhadstar
tedcooki
ng
andsi
ngingalongloudtot
hesongthatwas
pl
ayi
ng..Whil
stdri
nkingwi
ne.
.
Ihadabottl
ethatwasi
nthef
ri
dge.
.Dr
ost
dyHof-
Clar
etSel
ect.
.

Us:"
LastFr
idayni
ght
Yeah,
wedancedont
abl
etops
Andwet
ookt
oomanyshot
s
Thi
nkweki
ssed,
butIf
orgot
LastFr
idayni
ght
Yeah,
wemaxedourcr
edi
tcar
ds
Andgotki
ckedoutoft
hebar
,sowehi
tthe
boul
evar
d"

Shest
art
eddanci
ng,shewasn'
tagooddancerbut
al
sonotabadone.It
ookoutmyphoneandmadea
vi
deo.
.

Soso:
"Tr
yingt
oconnectt
hedot
s
Don'
tknowwhatt
otel
lmyboss
Thi
nkt
heci
tyt
owedmycar
Chandel
ieri
sont
hef
loor
"

Ist
oppedt
hevi
deo.
.
Me:Atl
eastyourbossi
sal
soyourboyf
ri
end
Shel
aughed.
.
Me:Don'
twor
ryaboutget
ti
ngf
ir
ed
Soso:Andhappenstobeyourhusband,
andyoumy
si
sterwif
e!Youcanputinafewwordsformein
bedwhenya'llar
eget
ti
ngiton
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Don'
twor
ryIwi
llsur
edo,
can'
tfi
remysi
ster
wi
fe!
Soso:
That
'sj
ustwr
ong
Me:Ver
ywr
ong!
.
Tobecont
inued

Onl
yshor
t100vot
es(
li
kesonoursecondsponsor
t
oreacht
arget
[
01/
09,
08:
57] :38

NDALO

Iwentoutf
oradri
nkwi t
hDave, notonl
yishethe
st
agemanagerbutalsoagoodf ri
endofmine.He's
al
soleani
ngonbeingapr oducersi
nceourproducer
i
sreti
ri
ng.
Wewentt
oaJazzl
oungej
ustt
ohavedr
inks
Dave:Tomor
rowi
t'
sanot
herday
Me:Tel
lmeabouti
t
Dave:Howar
eyouwor
kingwi
thNangomso?
Ever
ythi
nggood?
Me:That
'swhyIbr
oughtyouher
e
Dave:Ohwyeah?
Me:Yes
Dave:Ihopeshe'
snotgi
vingyouanypr
obl
ems
Me:Notatal
l
Dave:Thenwhati
sit
?
Me:Idon'
tknowhowt
oputt
hisdownf
oryou
Dave:Layi
tdownonme
Me:NangomsoandIwe.
.Wei
nar
elat
ionshi
p
Hepausedever
ythi
ngandl
ookedatme.
.
Dave:Sayt
hatagai
n
Me:SosoandIwedat
ing
Dave:Anaf
fai
r?
Me:No.
.Ar
elat
ionshi
p
Dave:Youmar
ri
ed!
Me:Beli
sokaywi
thi
t
Dave:Idon'
tunder
stand
Me:Belhasagr
eedtomybei
nginarel
ati
onshi
p
wi
thSosoandtaki
ngherasmysecondwife
Dave:Yourl
if
eis.
.
Me:Conf
usi
ng
Dave:Pecul
iar
..
.Imean,
Idon'
tevenknowwhatt
o
say
Me:Ij
ustneedt
oknowt
hatherj
obi
ssaf
e
Dave:Whendi
dther
elat
ionshi
pst
art
?
Me:Asofl
ikeaf
ewhour
sago
Dave:t
ri
cky.
.Atl
easti
fyout
wower
edat
ingbef
oreI
hi
redher
Me:ComeonDave
Dave:Itwon'
taff
ectherj
ob,sol
ongyour
rel
ati
onshipwit
hherdoesn'
tgeti
nthewayoft
he
show
Me:Ipr
omi
se
Dave:Thenwegood
Me:Thankyouf
orunder
standi
ng

BELI
NDA

Nangomsoisaver
yfasci
nat
ingper
son.She'
sfun,
f
ullofl
if
e,andawhol
emood.
Iwasenj
oyi
ngmydaywi
thhernol
ie.

Maybethiswon'tbemuchofabadi dea, ImeanI'

d
rat
herhaveaSisterWif
ethanhavemyhusband
goi
ngar oundhavi
ngaffai
rs.Ij
ustpr
ayt hat
Nangomsoi swhatshepresentsher
selftobe,I
hopeshedoesn'thaveanyhiddensi
nister
i
ntent
ions.

Soso:
Lookatt
his.
.Weal
mostdone
Me:Thankyouf
oryourhel
p
Soso:
GladIcoul
dhel
p
Me:Maybeyoushoul
drestal
it
tl
ewhatdoyout
hink?
Soso:
Areyousur
e?
Me:Youhaveabedr
oom her
eyouknow
Soso:
Okay.
.Thankyou,
thankyousomuch
Me:Ohhpl
ease.
.Youar
eSi
sterWi
fe
Shesmi
led.
.
Soso:Thankyouagai
n,youareal
ovel
ywoman.
Ndaloisbl
essedtohaveyou
Me:Youar
eal
ovel
ywomant
oo
Soso:
Letmegoandl
iedownal
it
tl
e
Me:Okaynopr
obl
em
Il
ookedatherwal
kingaway.Shehadabeaut
if
ul
sl
im body.
.

LELE

Nat
hiandIwer
esi
tt
ingonthecouchwat
chi
ngTV.
Hel
etmewatchmyfavor
it
eshowoncatchup,
he
wasgivi
ngmeaf ootmassageandIwasdozi
ngof
f.
Iwassti
lldeadt
ir
ed.
.
Nat
hi:Munt
uzawhydon'
tyouj
ustgot
osl
eep?
Me:I
'
mfi
newannawat
ch
Nathi
:Theynotgoi
nganywher
e,youcancat
chup
l
ater
Me:Iguessso
Nat
hi:Wher
eisSoso?
Me:Iam notsur
e
Nathi
:Ther
e'snowayshecangoandyoudon'
t
knowaboutit
Me:Nat
hipl
ease,
I'
m wayt
oot
ir
edf
ort
his
Nat
hi:I
'
m notf
ight
ing
Me:LookNangomsofeel
sst
rongl
yaboutt
hisokay,
she'
shappywit
htheguy
Nathi:Fr
om whatI'
velear
nedaboutherprevi
ous
rel
ati
onship,
Idon'tt
hinkshecoul
dbei nanother
rel
ati
onshipit
'swaytoosoon.It
houghtshewas
goingtoworkonheryouknow, getheractr
ight
Me:Shehasaj
obNj
ena?
Nathi
:She'sworkingforhi
m,whatifi
tdoesn'
t
workouthe'
sgoingt ofi
reher
,shewil
lgobackto
squareone.Depressedandwhatnot
Me:Can'
tshedobot
h?Ther
e'snof
ormul
ato
movi
ngon
Nathi:Ij
ustdon'
twantthesamet hi
nghappeni
ng,
hermovi nginwit
hthi
sguyandr epeat
ingt
hesame
mistake.Idon'
twantt
ol oseheragai
n
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkthat'
sgoingtohappen,
shehas
l
earnedfr
om herpastmistake
Nat
hi:Ihopesot
oo
Me:Justdon'
tbet
oohar
donher
,youmi
ghtpush
herawayunknowi
ngl
yso
Nat
hi:I
'
llt
rynott
obe
Me:Thankyou

BELI
NDA
Ndal
omadehi
swayi
n..
Me:Heyal
mostdone
Ndal
o:HasSosol
eft
?
Me:No.
.She'
srest
ing
Ndal
o:Seemsl
ikeyouguysar
eget
ti
ngal
ongwel
l
Me:She'
sani
nter
est
ingper
son
Ndal
o:I
'
m gl
adyouguysar
etr
yingt
ogetal
ongwel
l
Me:Met
oo
Hest
oodbehi
ndmeandwr
appedhi
sar
m ar
ound
myneck.
.
Ndal
o:Sohowdoyouf
eel
?
Me:If
eelgood
Ndal
o:Thankyou
Me:For
?
Ndal
o:Forever
ythi
ng,
IknowIputyout
hroughal
ot
somet
imes
Me:It
'sbet
terthanhavingyourunni
ngaroundand
havi
ngendlessaffai
rs.Nangomsomightjustwor
k
Ndal
o:YaaIt
hinksot
oo
Me:Wher
ewer
eyou?
Ndal
o:Wenttomeetupwi
thDavet
oseeifmy
r
elat
ionshi
pwit
hNangomsowon'
taff
ectusatwor
k
Me:And?
Ndal
o:Wegood
Me:Okay.
.I'
m gl
ad
Ndal
o:Yout
aki
ngt
hisbet
tert
hanIt
hought
Me:Iknow,
let
'st
ryi
tyouknow.
.Itmi
ghtwor
k
Ndal
o:I
twi
llwor
k
Me:Youcanmovebacki
ntot
hemai
nbedr
oom
Ndal
o:That
'sgood.
.Thankyou
Me:Youwel
come
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
58] :39
BELI
NDA

Wehadaver yl
ovelydi
nnerl
ateron.Justchatt
ing
aboutr
andom t
hings,l
aughi
ngandj usthavi
nga
goodti
me..
Soso:
Thankyouf
ort
hedi
nner
,itwasdel
ici
ous
Me:Youhel
pedt
hrough
Ndal
o:I
twasi
ndeedadel
ici
ousmeal
Me:Thankyou
Sosol
ookedatt
het
ime.
.
Soso:
Ihavet
ogetgoi
ng
Me:I
tisget
ti
ngabi
tlat
e
Ndal
o:CanIdr
iveherhome?
Me:Yes,
I'
llcl
eart
het
abl
e
Sosogotup.
.
Soso:
Letmegogetmybag
Shewal
kedout
..
Ndal
o:NextweekIwasthi
nki
ngoftaki
ngSosot
o
myMom' shouse,
that
'si
fyoudon'
tmind
Me:Noi
t'
sokay,
canIt
agal
ong?
Ndal
o:Idon'
tseewhyyoushoul
dn'
t
Me:Okayt
hen
Hegavemeki
ss.
..
Ndal
o:Letmequi
ckl
ydr
opherof
fathome
Me:Okay
Sosowal
kedi
nwi
thherbag.
.
Soso:
Belwewi
llt
alkagai
n
Me:Nopr
obl
em
Wemeteachot
herhal
fwayf
orahug.
.
Soso:
Haveagoodeveni
ng
Me:Yout
oo
Theywal
kedout
..
..

LELE
Sosotextedthatshewasonherway,wehad
al
readylockedthegatesoIhadtogoandunlock.
AsIwaswal kingtothegat
e,att
hepassageIhear
d
Cl
arasingingandsweeping.
Shewassweepingont hei
rsi
deofthepassage.I
don'
tknowwhat'swit
hourneighbour
s,Cl
arais
for
eversweepi
ng..
Iunl
ockedt
hegat
ewhenshesawme.
.
Ourfencei
snott
hatf
arhi
ghupt
ohi
deof
fa
per
son..
Cl
ara:Makza(
Nei
ghbour
)
Me:Hey
Cl
ara:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Cl
ara:Justt
ir
edf
rom yest
erday
Me:Whyar
eyousweepi
ngt
hepassagesol
ateat
ni
ght
?
Cl
ara:MyMot
heryel
lswhenwedon'
tsweep,
I
f
igur
edt omorr
owmor
ningIwi
llwakeupl
atef
rom
t
histi
redness
Me:Ohwbutst
il
l.
.It
'scr
eepysweepi
ngatni
ght
Clar
a:Whatcanwedo,
Ili
vei
nmymama'
shouse
so..
Me:Igotyou
Shesmi
led.
.
Me:Wel
lgoodni
ght
Cl
ara:Goodni
ght
,I'
l
lseeyout
omor
row?
Me:Seeyout
omor
row
Iwal
kedbackt
othehouse.
.

NANGOMSO

Ndal
owasdr
ivi
ngmebackhome.
.
Me:Yourwi
deseemsni
ce
Ndal
o:Shemeanswel
l
Hewashol
dingmyhandashedr
ove.
.
Me:Real
lyenj
oyedt
hedi
nner
Ndal
o:I
twasni
ceandqui
et
Heki
ssedmyhand.
.
Ndalo:SonextweekIwantust
ogot
omyMot
her
's
house
Me:YourMot
her
?
Ndal
o:Yessoshecanmeetupwi
thyou
Me:Idon'
tknow
Ndal
o:Don'
twor
ry,
sheal
readyknowsaboutyou
Me:Real
ly?
Ndal
o:It
oldher
Me:Iam speechl
ess
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Ndal
o:That
'saf
ir
st,
youbei
ngspeechl
ess
Me:I
thappens
Ndal
o:I
sthatayes?
Me:YesI
'
dlovet
omeetyourMot
her
Ndal
o:Per
fect
!

BELI
NDA

Befor
egoingtobedIcal
ledupmyf
ri
endLi
saand
tol
dheraboutthi
s..
Li
sa:Wow.
.Seemsl
ikeyouar
etaki
ngt
hiswel
l
Me:YesIam, t
here'
snopoi
ntinfi
ght
ingi
t.Iwanna
gi
veitchanceandseehowitgoes
Lisa:That
'sapositi
veat t
it
ude,it
'sgoodt okeepthe
womancl oserandit'sbett
erthanhavingyour
husbandgoandhaveanaf fai
rbehindyourback, i
t
willhur
tmor eanditwillbeanembar rassmentto
you.Mostofal l
,I
'm happythatyoudidn'tgiveupon
yourmar r
iage
Me:That
'sver
ytr
ue
Li
sa:Buthowar
eyouf
eel
ingdeepdown?
Me:Ther
ear
emoment
swheni
tget
stome,
butIt
ry
nott
oleti
tgett
ome.I
t'
sst
il
lnew
Li
sa:That
'sver
ytr
ue
Me:ButIam opent
othei
dea
Li
sa:I
twi
llgeteasi
eral
ongt
heway
Me:That
'scor
rect
Lisa:Letmegot
obed,
wehaveanear
lyday
tomor r
ow
Me:Asal
ways,
I'
llseeyouatwor
k
Li
sa:Goodni
ghtf
ri
end
Me:Goodni
ght

NANGOMSO

Hedr
oppedmeof
fatt
hegat
e..
Ndal
o:Seeyout
omor
rowatwor
k
Me:Okay
Heki
ssedme.
.
Ndal
o:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Igotoutoft
hecarandclosedt
hedoor
.Il
ookedat
hi
m drivi
ngoff
.Iwalkedt
othegat
eandsawClar
a
standi
ngathergat
e
Cl
ara:Fr
iend!
Me:Hey
Shewal
kedcl
oser
..
Cl
ara:Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom sol
ate?
Me:Fr
om af
ri
end'
spl
ace
Cl
ara:Af
ri
end?Sol
ate?
Me:Uhm yes
Cl
ara:Yourcar
sdr
ivesuchf
lashycar
s?Gi
rldon'
t
dr
ibbl
eme
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Me:Whyar
eyoust
andi
ngout
sidesol
ate?
Cl
ara:Youknowget
ti
ngsomef
reshai
r
Me:Isee.
.Wel
lI'
l
lseeyout
omor
row
Cl
ara:Shar
pgi
rl
Shewal
kedaway.
.

Igoti
nclosedthegateandlockedit
.Imademy
waytothehouse,gotinandlockedthedoor
.Itwas
qui
et,
NathiandLeleareprobablysl
eepi
ngnow..
Ial
sodeci
dedt
otakeabat
hthengost
rai
ghtt
o
bed.
..

BELI
NDA

Ndalogotbackhomeexact
lywhenIwasstar
ti
ngt
o
getsomesleep.
.Hel
aidbehindmeandputhi
sarm
aroundme..
Me:Youback
Ndal
o:Di
dn'
tmeant
owakeyouup
Me:I
t'
sokay
Heki
ssedmeonmyneck,
itwaswetki
sses.
Hishandmovedf rom mywai stupt omybr east.He
massagedi tgentl
ywhi lststil
lki ssingmeont he
neck.Imovedmyhandandgr abbedhi scr otch.I
squeezedi tfrom histr
ackpant s,andhest arted
massagi ngmybr easthar der.Hecont i
nueddoi ng
thatuntilhishandmoveddownf r
om mybr eastt o
myt high,thensnucki tinbet weenmyt highs.I
openedupandhegoti tinsidemybi ki
ni.Ihel ped
himl owerit,t
henopenedmyt highsmor e.I
changedposi tionsandl aidonmybackf acingt he
ceil
ing.Her ubbedmycoochi e, withhismout hf ul
l
onmybr east.Histongueci r
cul atingaroundmy
nipple.
.
Het appedmycoochi e,andcont i
nuedrubbi
ng
throughit.Unti
lhewentf ur
therdownandhi s
fi
nger srubbedagainstmyhol e.Herubbed
vigorouslyunti
lIstar
tedgetti
ngwet ,t
henhegent
ly
i
nser tedhisfi
ngershalf
wayi nthrough..

LELE
Itmusthaveatl east3hourssincewewentt obed,
I
waswokenupbysomet hi
ngwal ki
ngaroundint
he
roof
.Itsoundedheavy, thefootst
epstakenwere
heavy.Itr
iedignoringbutthefootst
epsmadeso
muchnoi se.
.
IwokeNat
hiup.
.

Me:Nat
hiwakeup
Hewokeup.
.
Nat
hi:Whati
sit
?
Me:Canyouheart
hat
?
Nat
hi:Hearwhat
?
Me:Foot
stepsont
her
oof
?
Nat
hi:Huh?
Me:Li
stent
hrough
Hel
ist
enedt
hrough.
.
Nat
hi:Whatt
hehel
list
hat
?
Me:Idon'
tknow
Hegotoutofbedandcheckedt
het
ime.
.
Nat
hi:I
t'
sfl
ippen00:
00am i
nthemor
ning
Me:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Nat
hi:Tocheckwhati
tis
Me:Don'
t!Sucht
hingsyoudon'
tgooutandcheck,
i
t'
sdangerous
Wehear
dNangomso'
sdooropeni
ng.
Igotoutofbedt
oo,
wewal
kedoutoft
hebedr
oom.
.
Soso:
Whatt
hehel
list
hat
?
Me:I
'
m notsur
e
Nat
hi:Ishoul
dgooutandcheck
Me:No!Sucht
hingsyoudon'
tgoandcheck
Nat
hi:Thenwhatar
ewesupposedt
odo?
Me:Leti
tbe,
butt
omor
rowatni
ghtwepoursal
tin
t
heroof
Nathi
:Fi
nethen,youcansl
eepwit
hSosotoni
ghtso
shedoesn'
tgetscar
ed.Tomorr
ownightwewi
ll
poursal
t
Soso:
That
'sbet
ter

BELI
NDA

Iwaspeaceful
lysl
eepi
ngaft
erourl
ovingmaki
ng
whenIheardsomeonechanti
ngoutsi
deour
bedroom wi
ndow.IopenedmyeyesandIsawa
shadowstandi
ngbythewindow.
.IwokeNdaloup.
.
Me:Ndal
o!
Ndal
o:Yes?
Me:Look
Her
oseupf
rom t
hepi
ll
owandchecked.
.
Ndal
o:Whatt
hehel
l
?
Me:I
sthataghost
?
Ndal
o:Noi
t'
snot
Me:Whati
sit
?
Ndal
o:Iam notsur
ebutwhat
everi
tis,
it'
snot
f
ri
endly
WhenNdalogotoutofbed,
theshadow
di
sappear
ed.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
58] :40

NDALO

Today'scasewassensi t
ive,itneededt obedone
pri
vately.Nocamer as,nor ecording.Nothingofthat
natur
e.Theancest orinvolvedwant edittobethat
way,becausetheywant edt oavengei nawayt hat
wouldbesensi t
ivetoourvi ewer s.WhenaSpi ri
t
wantstoavenge, evenIhavet orespectt hewishes.
Mostpeopl edoeviltoot herpeopl e,notknowingthe
amountofpr ot
ectionthatt heper sonhas.Ot her
ancestorscanbedanger ous..

Wet
ravel
edt
oherpl
ace,
atl
eastshewasn'
tfr
om
t
hatf
ar.
.
Me:Don'
teversayIdon'
ttakeyouout
Sosol
aughed.
.
Weknocked.
.Thedoorwasopenedbyt
hisot
her
l
ady.
.
Me:Goodmor
ning
Her
:Goodmor
ning
Me:Iam l
ooki
ngf
orHl
ezi
Her
:Iam Hl
ezi
Soso:
Wecont
act
edyout
hatt
odaywewi
llcome
Hl
ezi
:Yespl
easecomei
n
Wemadeourwayi
n..
Me:Iam Ndal
o,t
hisi
smyassi
stantNangomso
Weexchangedhandshakes,
Icoul
dsenset
hatshe
wasscar
ed..
Me:Don'
tbescar
ed
Shechuckl
edner
vousl
y..
Hlezi
:WhenIwascont act
edthatt
her
eadi
ngwil
lbe
herei
nsteadofthest
udio,andi
t'
sgoi
ngtobe
pri
vate.I
tscar
edme
Me:Don'
tbescared.
.Knowyourgui
desar
eal
ways
r
eadytoprot
ectyouandnothar
m you
Shenodded.
.
Hl
ezi
:Let
'sgot
othel
ivi
ngr
oom
Wef
oll
owedherandsatdown.
.
Il
ookedar
ound.
.
Me:ThiswasyourGrandmot
her'
shouse,whogave
i
ttoyourMother
.Thenwasgiventoyouandyour
l
it
tl
esister
?
Hl
ezi
:Yes
Me:Yaaonesi
bli
ngi
smi
ssi
ng,
wher
eisshe?
Hlezi
:Mylit
tl
esist
ermovedoutwhenIcameback
home,togorentaroom.Wewerefi
ghti
ngsomuch
shecouldn'
ttakei
tanymor
e
Me:Iunder
stand
Hl
ezi
:Yes
Me:Bot
hPar
ent
sar
elat
e?
Hl
ezi
:Yes
Me:KnowyourFat herwon'tcomethr
oughtoday.
He'sfi
ne,youguysarefinebuthe'
snotcomingout
ofrespectbecausehe'
sonlyaSoninlawhere,he
doesn'twanttogeti
nvol
ved
Hl
ezi
:Iunder
stand
Me:Your
ecent
lygotdi
vor
ced?
Hl
ezi
:Yes
Me:Bef
orethedivor
ce,
inyourhouset
hatyou
shar
edwit
hyourhusbandyouguyshadapr obl
em
wit
haratsi
tuat
ion?
Hlezi:Yes.
.Therewasaratthatgoti
ntothehouse
andwecoul dn'tf
indi
t,weusedtolookfori
tbut
couldn't
Me:Iunderst
andbecauseyourMot
heri
sher
etot
ell
youthesi
tuati
onaboutther
at
Hl
ezi
:Yes
Me:YourAunt
,YourMot
her
'ssi
steri
sresponsi
ble
foryourmar
ri
agebr
eaki
ngdownandyoul
osi
ng
yourjob
Hereyeswi
dened.
.
Me:YourMot herandhersist
ernevergotalong,
theywerealwaysfight
ingandhatedeachot her
.
YourAuntresort
edt owit
chcraf
ttodestr
oyher
sist
erbecauseofyourfather
.YourAuntwant ed
yourfat
herthat'
swheretheSibli
ngfeudstarted
Hl
ezinodded.
.
Me:YourMot hersl
eptandneverwokeup,your
Auntsentheracreatur
e,i
sil
wanethatst
rangl
edher
i
nhersleepandshepassedon
Hl
ezi
:OhhNkosiyam
Shewi
pedhert
ear
s..
Me:NowyourAunti st
ryi
ngtodest
royyouandyour
si
sterbecauseoft
heneverendi
nghateshehadfor
yourMother
Hl
ezi
:Ihearyou
Me:YourAuntgoti
ntoyourhouse,
yourmar
ri
ageas
arentt
odestr
oyyourmarri
age
Hl
ezi
:Ibel
ieveyoubecausemyAunti
sevi
l
Me:YourMot hersaysitendstoday!Your
Grandmotherisstandi
ngbehindyourMot hertr
ying
torepri
mandherbutyourMot herisfight
ingshe'
s
sayingenoughisenough!
Hl
ezi
:Ican'
tbel
ievet
his
Me:Sameratcamebackhere.Madeyouf ought
wit
hyoursi
ster
,chasedyoursi
steraway,
madeyou
l
oseyourj
ob
Hl
ezi
:That
'st
rue,
Ihavear
atsi
tuat
ionher
etoo
Me:YourMotheri
ssayi ngenoughisenough,today
she'
sdoingawaywi t
hhersister
.Sheisavenging
herdeat
handprotecti
ngyouandyoursi st
er.She
wantsherontheotherside
Hl
ezi
:Iunder
stand
Me:I '
m goingtoneedabluecandl
e,awhi t
eone,
glassofwat er
,apieceofmeatwit
har atpoison
sprinkledonit
.Alsoawhitet
owelandwat erina
smal lbasi
n.YourMotheri
ssaying"Don'tworryt
he
deathwon' tbeonyou,wenayouwillwashyour
handsinthissit
uationkeepyourhandscl ean
becauseit
'snotyoudoi ngt hi
s,i
t'
sme.Your
Mother"
.Tomor rowmor ni
ngyouwi l
lhearthatyour
Auntisnomor e,tonighttheratwil
leatt
hepoi son
anditwil
lleavetogodi einherhouseshedoesn' t
l
ivefarf
rom herer i
ght?
Hl
ezi
:Shel
ives2housesaway
Me:Yes,
thesamewayitgoti
nsidethi
shouse,i
t'
s
t
hesamewayshe'sgoi
ngtoleave.She'
str
yingto
l
eavenowbutyourMot
herisstoppi
ngher.
.Doyou
wantmetoshowyou?
Hl
ezi
:Yes
Me:Let
'sgotot
hegar age,don'
topenedbigdoorof
t
hegaragewewillusethisonefrom t
heli
vingr
oom
t
othegarage
Hl
ezi
:Okay
Weal lgotupandwentt ot hegarage,
weclosedthe
doorwhenwegoti n.Hleziswit
chedontheli
ght.We
i
ndeedsawt heratrunni
ngupanddownbyt he
garagedoort r
yingtofi
ndanescape. .
Hl
ezi
:Ohhhmywor
d!OrNkosiyami
!
Sowewillputt
hepoi sonedmeathere,shewil
leat
whenshehaseat enyouwi l
lopenthedoorupa
l
it
tl
esoshecanl eaveandgodi einherhouse
Shegotabi
tdi
zzy,
Sosohel
dme.
.
Me:"Udelelamina,Udel
elaabantwanabami !
Namhl anj
eKuyaphela!Abantwanabakho
bazohluphekaungekhongenxayezonozakho! "
(Youdi sr
espectme,nowyoudi srespecti
ngmy
chi
ldren,t
odayitendshere!Yourchildr
enwil
lsuff
er
becauseofyoursins)
Soso:
Areyouokay?
Hl
ezi
:Yes
Me:Soknowt hataftert
his,youhavetogoandget
yoursist
er.Makepeacewi t
hher,breakthe
generati
onalcursethatfoll
owedyouf rom your
MotherandyourAunt '
sfeudbeforeitgetsoutof
hand..Uyezwa?( doyouhear )
Hl
ezi
:Yes
Me:Akukhomnt
anamiozohl
alaest
radi
nii
khaya
anal
o!(
Ther
e'snochildofmi
nethat
'sgoi
ngt
oli
ve
i
nthestr
eet
swhilstshehasahome)
Hl
ezi
:Ngi
yezwa(
Ihearyou)

BELI
NDA

AtworkIspoket
oLisaaboutwhathappenedatour
housei
ntheearl
yhoursofthemorni
ng..
Li
sa:Thi
ssoundsser
iousandscar
y
Me:I
'
mtel
li
ngyou
Li
sa:Sowhathappenedt
otheshadow?
Me:WhenNdal
ogotoutofbed,
itwentaway
Li
sa:Whatdi
dNdal
osay?Di
dheseesomet
hing?
Me:Ndalodoesn'
tseewit
chcr
aftunl
essyour
ancest
ortel
lshi
m abouti
t
Li
sa:Yoohsowhatar
eyouguysgoi
ngt
odoshoul
d
i
tcomeback?
Me:Ndal
odi
danenchant
mentf
orpr
otect
ionunt
il
wegett
othebot
tom oft
his
Li
sa:Pl
easedo,i
fyouwannaconsul
t.Iknowt
his
womanshe'sver
ypowerf
ul
Me:Thankyouf
ri
end
Li
sa:Idon'
twannasoundlikeI
'm star
ti
ngt
roubl
e
but
..Hasthi
severhappenedbefore?
Me:No.
.It
'st
hef
ir
stt
ime
Li
sa:Whyisi
thappeni
ngnowwhenthi
sNangomso
cameint
oyourl
ivesandcamet
oyourhouse
Me:Yout
hinkNangomsoi
sbehi
ndt
his?
Li
sa:I'
mjustsayi
ng..Whyisthi
shappeni
ngnow
whenshestart
edbeinginyourl
ives,
Wenayou
mightbesi
ncerebutIdoubtsheis
Me:Nangomsodoesn'
tlookl
iket
hatki
ndofper
son
Lisa:I'
mjustsayi ngfri
end..Doesawi t
chcomeout
andsay" I'
m awi tch",
yourproblem isthatyouare
toot r
usti
ngfriend.Otherwomenar edangerousout
there,al
lI'
m goingt osayis.Becareful
,thi
sgirl
mi ghtbetryi
ngt odoawaywi t
hyou
Shewal
kedaway.
..
.
Li
sa:I
'
m goi
ngonmyt
eabr
eak

LELE

Iwasst ar
ti
ngat10am today.SoIlef
tat9am,
beforewalki
ngtothemai nroadt
ogetacab.I
l
ookedar oundt
heyar dtr
yingtofi
ndanyf oot
pri
nts,
butitwashardtofindbecauseit
'spavementall
around.AsIwasbusyl ookingar
ound,IheardCl
ara
call
ingout
Cl
ara:Lel
e
It
urnedandlookedather
,shewasst
andi
ngbyt
he
ot
hersidehol
dingabroom asal
ways
Cl
ara:Wenzani
?(Whatar
eyoudoi
ng)
Me:Ohwmyear
ri
nghadf
all
enbutIgoti
t
Cl
ara:Woooh.
.Okay
Me:Ihavet
ogett
owor
k
Cl
ara:Si
siSondel
ala(
comecl
oser
)
Iwentcl
oser
..
Clar
a:I.
.Intheear
lyhoursofthemor
ningIhear
d
somethingonourroof,
itkeptmeawake
Me:Real
ly?
Cl
ara:Yes.
.Di
dn'
tyouhearanyt
hing?
Me:No.
.Notatal
l
Cl
ara:That
'sst
range
Me:Asi
zwanganex(
Wedi
dn'
thearat
hing)
Cl
ara:Nex?Nex?Nex?(
Not
hing)
Me:Not
hing
Shest
arr
edatourr
oof
..
Me:Ihavet
ogoCl
ara,
enj
oyyourday
Cl
ara:Okayt
hankSi
siseeyoul
ater
Me:Lat
er

NANGOMSO
Wewer edonewi tht
heconsultati
on,wewer e
drivingbacktotheoffi
ce.Iwatchedhim ashe
drove, Ndal
ohasaver yspecialyetscar
ygift.Idon'
t
knowhowhedoesi t
,Iwasscar edashellbacki n
the.Especial
lywhenwehadt ofindtherati
nt he
gar age,myheartwasbeatingwayt oofast.
.Iheld
hishand, helookedatme..
Ndal
o:St
il
lscar
ed?
Me:Abi
t
Ndal
o:Youneedt
ogetusedt
oit
,you'
l
lbeseei
nga
l
otofthi
s
Me:Sodoyouseet
hespi
ri
ts?
Ndalo:Yes,
someti
mest
heyj
ustshowmesi
gnsor
whisperinmyear
Me:Don'
tyouf
indt
hatscar
y?
Ndal
o:Ihaditfr
om whenIwasyoung, i
twasn'
t
goi
ngtogoanywhere.Hadtolear
nt oli
vewit
hitor
el
seitwasgoingtorui
nmylif
euntilIdi
e
Me:Dospi
ri
tsf
oll
owyout
othehouse?
Ndal
o:Onl
y1
Me:Andyougetsur
pri
sedwhenIsayIcan'
tli
ve
wi
thya'
ll
Ndal
o:I
twasyourMom
Me:MyMom f
oll
owedyou?
Ndal
o:MomswasanAngr yspi
ri
t,Motheri
nlaw
di
dn'
twannahearnot
hing!Shewasn'thavi
ngit
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Sosad,
I'
m sor
ry
Ndal
o:Justgl
adyoudidrightbyherandyour
sel
f
soshecouldr
estpeacef
ully
Me:Howdi
dshel
ook?
Ndal
o:Angr
y
Me:Yesbutf
eat
ures
Hel
ookedatmeandl
ookedatt
her
oad.
.
Ndalo:Youhavehereyesandl i
ps,shehadabeauty
molenextt ohernose.Longnat
uralhai
r,wi
thafew
Greystrandsthi
nkingufuzo(
itr
unsinthefamil
y),
squi
ntshereyeswhenshe'
smadaboutsomething
andfoldsherar
ms,shewasbur
iedi
nawhitecloth
notherclot
hes
Il
etgoofhi
shand.
.
Me:St
op
Hewashi
tt
ingt
henai
lont
heexactmar
k..
Ndal
o:Youaskedabouther
Hecont
inueddr
ivi
ng.
.
Ndalo:Whenyoucamebackhomeandshewasat
peace,shechangedi nt
oherbeaut i
fulandpeacef ul
aura.Aheartful
lofl ove,andawar m beaut i
fulsmi l
e.
Abitofabiggersi ze,meani ngyouhavet hesame
bodytypejustyou' veli
vedi nsomuchst ressandi t
aff
ectedyourwei ghtnowpr essureisonme.Ihave
togetyoubackt oyournor malt hi
ckwei ghtso
Mom' scancontinuer esti
ngi npeaceknowi ngt hat
youhappy.Yourmom doesn' tt
akeshitwheni t
comest oyou,al
waysr emembert hat.IfImistreat
youshe'sgoingtof i
ghtoffmyGr andmot hertoget
tomeandmakemyl i
fealivinghell
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
08:
58] :41

NANGOMSO

Wewer ebacki
ntheoff
ice,we'vebeenlongback
thatNdalohadevencarri
edouthi ssecondreadi
ng.
Whathedoes, Iadmi
reit.Iadmirehim,he'
savery
specialsomeone.

Itwasar ound13:00i ntheafter

noon, Iwalkedint
o
hisof f
iceandhewassi tt
ingonhi schairand
l
eani ngbackoni t,f
acingupbutwi t
hhiseyes
closed.Ipi ckeditupfrom therethathewas
exhaust ed.Iclosedthedoorandl ockedit,he
l
ookedatme.Hi seyesspel li
ngout" Exhausti
on".
.I
stoodt herewi t
hmyar msf ol
dedandl ookedathim..
Ndal
o:Somet
hingi
mpor
tantonmyschedul
e?
Me:Notexact
ly
Iwal
kedupt
ohim andpul
ledhi
schai
rbackt
o
cr
eat
emorespace.
.
Ndal
o:Andwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:I
t'
scal
lst
ressr
eli
eve
Isai
dthatwit
hmyhandsonhisshoulders,st
andi
ng
behi
ndhim andmassagi
nghi
sshoulders..
Ndal
o:Thatdoesf
eel
good
Me:Ohhi
t'
saboutt
ofeel
mor
egoodal
ri
ght
Imovedandstoodi
nfr
ontofhi
m,Il
if
tedmydr
ess
upabitandcr
ouchedi
nfr
ontofhi
m.
Ipartedhi slegsabi tandgotinbet weenthem
kneelinginf rontofhim.Iunbuckl edhi
sbel t
,andhis
pants.Hehel pedmet omovet hem downt ogether
withhi sbriefs.Igr
abbedahol dofhi scrotchand
shookf oraf ewseconds, thenIr anmyt onguei n
ci
rclesar oundt hehead.Hecl osedhiseyesandl ai
d
hishandagai nsthishead..
Me:Justr
elax,
all
owyourbodyt
orel
easet
he
t
ension
Igothisshaf
tdown,
allt
hewaydeept
hatIf
elti
tat
thebackofmymouthdeepthr
oat
.
Hegotreall
yhard,Icouldfeelt
hathewashard.I
gavehim adeepthroatunti
lIgaggedwi
thtears
fi
ll
ingupmyeyes, butthenhewasmoani ngand
groani
ng.Hemovedonehandandputi tattheback
ofmyneckasIcont inued.
.Hewasn'tst
eady
anymore.
.
ItookitoutsoIcouldgetabr eather,t
hat'
swhenhe
gotupandmovedt hechair.Hegr abbedmyhai r
andhisot herhandhel
dhi st hi
ckshaf t,hedi
rected
i
tbacki nsidemymout handf orceditinthr
ough
deep.Hel it
eral
lywasfuckingmei nmymout h,I
keptongaggi ngashecont inued.Iputmyhandson
histhi
ghst ryi
ngtopushhim of f,hewassuf focati
ng
me.Hest oppedpumpingin, butwi t
hhisdickstil
lin
mymout h..
Ndal
o:Lookatme
Il
ookedathi
m.Hest
art
edagai
nandIst
il
lkeptmy
eyesonhi
m ashekepthi
sonme.
Myeyesf i
lledupwithtearsagai
n,andthatturned
him onmor e.Icoul
dfeelbyhowt i
ghthi
sgr i
pwas
onmyhai r.Hedecidedtogivemeabr eatherbut
taki
ngitout,cameoutwi t
hsomespi t
..
..
[
REMOVED] ..
.

BELI
NDA

IthoughtaboutwhatLi sasai
dand,Iwasconf
used.
Iwasonmyl unchbreakandNdalousuall
ycal
lsbut
todayhedidn'tcal
l.If
iguredhewasbusy..

Li
sacamet
omewi
thherf
ood.
.
Li
sa:Gi
rl
Me:Gi
rl
za
Shesatnextt
ome.
.
Li
sa:Youokay?
Me:I
'
m good
Lisa:LookBel
,Idi
dn'
ttel
lyouthatt
oplanti
deasin
yourheadnorgetint
heaffai
rsofyourmarr
iage
Me:Iknow,
youal
waysbr
utal
lyhonest
Li
sa:Ifyoudon'
tbel
ievedon'
tconf
ronther
.Obser
ve
fi
rstandhavepr
oof
Me:That
'st
rue
Lisa:Youmar r
iedtoNdal ojustremembert hat
.The
mostadmi redguyoutt here,Ladieswil
lthr
ow
themselvesjusttogetthef eeloffame.Don'tj
ust
trustanyoneinthisl
if
e
Me:That'
sver
ytr
uefri
end.
.Thankyouf
orbei
ng
suppor
ti
veandkeepi
ngitr
eal
Me:Al
ways

NANGOMSO

Iwasnowholdi
ngtothet
abl
eashet
ookitfr
om the
back.Hi
shandswerebot
honmybut
tocks,
part
ing
mybut t
ocksandreall
yhit
ti
ngithar
d.Iwasenj
oyi
ng
i
tnolie,andmycoochiewasrespondi
ngwellt
ohi
m.
Gi
vinghim al
lthej
uiceshewanted.
.

Iwast i
rednow,Myl egsweretr
emblingandIwas
numb.Hewasr eal
lyworkingme,Idon'
tknow
wherehegotthisstaminaf r
om.Itwasalmostasif
l
ikehehasn'thadsexi nalongti
me.Ididn'
t
underst
and,heismar ri
ed.Hehasawi f
e,whatis
Beli
ndadoing?

Hef i
nal
lyreachedt hepoi ntofnor eturn.Heputhi s
handaroundmyneckandt i
lt
edmyheadt othe
backandhegr oanedl oudlyshootinghi sl oaddeep
i
nsideofme.Ievent houghthewasgoi ngt o
coll
apse.Aftershootinghi sloadher est edhis
handsonmybut ttocatchhi sbreath,Ilaidmyhead
onmyar mst ocatchmybr eathtoo.Hesl ippedout
i
nsideofme. .Afteraf ewsecondshi scum dr i
pped
fr
om insideofme, Istoodupst r
aightwi thmyl egs
wobbly..Ihaveneverbeenf uckedliket hatinmyl if
e
bef
ore.Befor
eIcoul
dsayanyt
hing,
hegotcl
oser
andkissedme..
Ndal
o:Whycan'
tIj
usthaveyouf
ort
hewhol
eday?
Heputhi
shandsonmycheeks.
.
Me:Becausewegot
tawor
k
Ndal
o:Iguessso
Heki
ssedmeagai
nasIchuckl
ed.
.
Me:handmet
heboxoft
issuessoIcancl
ean
mysel
fup
Heki
ssedme.
.
Me:Babecomeon
Ndal
o:Youj
ustsogoooodIcan'
tgetenoughofyou
Me:Wei
ntheof
fi
cest
opi
t!
Ndal
o:Yousleepi
ngi
nmypl
acet
oni
ght
,Idon'
tcar
e
whatyousay
Me:Gi
vemet
heboxoft
issues
Heki
ssedmeonmyneckIl
aughed.
..
Ndal
o:Thatwast
hebestsexI
'
veeverhad
Me:Real
ly?
Ndal
o:Youhavenoi
dea
Me:It
houghtyouandBel
..Imean
Themoodchanged,
thi
nkIhi
taner
ve.
.
Hewentandgott
heboxoft
issuesf
orme.

LELE

Iwasonl unchanddeci dedtogoandbuyt hesalt

togetherwit
hjeyesfl
uidtocleanthehousewith.I
t
wor kswelli
nsuchsituati
ons,Iam aDaughterofa
witchdoctor
.I'
velear
nedat hi
ngortwof r
om her..

Aft
ergetti
ngt
het
hings,
Iwentt
ogetmysel
flunch
atSteer
s..
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
Pl
easer eadthef ullexpli
citsceneonourclosed
gr
oup" DwaNat i
on" ,i
fyoucan' taccess.
Al
ternati
vel
yr eadt hef ul
linserton
Vi
sionarywri
tings..Firststory.
.

Li
nk:

ht
tps:
//vi
sionar
ywr
it
ings.
com/
aut
hor
/9
[
01/
09,
09:
00] :42

NANGOMSO

Icansafel
yandwholehear
tedl
ysayt hatI
'm not
readyt
ohaveababywi thNdal
oyet.It'
stoosoon,
andIdon'twannagr
oundmyselfi
nt hatmanner..

Idashedoutt
ogoandgetmysel
famor
ningaf
ter
pil
l,It
hinkthatfr
om nowonwecanusecondoms
ortryanothermethodofcontracept
ion.ButIt
hink
condomswi l
lworkwell
,thi
sisa3wayr oadand
todayIwascar el
ess.
.

WhenIgott
otherecepti
onist,
ther
ewassome
noi
sebet
weentherecepti
onistandsomeguy.
.

Me:Hel
lo
Theguytur
nedandl
ookedatme,
het
ookof
fhi
s
shades.
.
Thul
i:Reconci
le,
thi
sisNdal
o'sassi
stant
Reco:ThenewAmber
Thul
i:Yes
Hewal
kedupt
omeandst
ret
chedouthi
shand.
.
Reco:Iwor
kthecamer
a
Me:OhwIhear
daboutyou
Reco:Youknow,
Ithi
nkI
'
m goi
ngt
oli
keyou
I
tdi
dn'
tneedar
ocketsci
ent
istt
otel
lthathei
sGay.
.
Me:Youknow,
Ithi
nkI
'
m goi
ngt
oli
keyout
oo
Ipi
ckedupherbagandwal
kedaway.
.
Reco:Youbeaut
if
ul
Me:Thankyou.
.Yout
oo
Wewentt
oNdal
o'sof
fi
ce.
.
Reco:BossMan!
Ndal
o:Lookwho'
sback
Reco:Howar
eyou?
Ndal
o:I
'
m good,
can'
tcompl
ain
Reco:I
'
m goodt
oo
Ndalo:I
'
m gl
adyoubackfr
om your"
vacat
ion"
,your
f
iancéwashusbandwit
houtyou
Reco:Iknow
Me:Husband?
Reco:He'
smar
ri
edt
oDave
Me:Ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?Davei
sgay?
Reco:Shewasn'
tgi
venaMemo?
Ndal
o:Shej
ustst
art
ed
Reco:Letmegoandcheckuponmyhusband
Ndal
o:I
t'
sgoodt
ohaveyouback
Het
ookhi
sbagandwal
kedupt
othedoor
.
Reco:Youknowwhat
,yout
wowoul
dlookgood
t
ogether
Ndal
oandIl
ookedateachot
her
..
Ndal
o:Justgoonwoul
dyou?
Reco:Bye
Hewal
kedout
..
Il
ookedatNdal
o..
Me:Davei
sGay?Hedoesn'
tl
ookgay
Ndal
o:Idi
dn'
tknowt
heycomewi
that
ag
Me:YouknowwhatImean
Ndal
o:Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogo?
Me:YesIam
Ndal
o:Getyourt
hings
Me:Okay

LELE

Thef i
rstthingIdi dwhenIgothomewast oclean
thehousewi thjeyesf l
uid,mi xedwi t
hmanganese
andcor sesal t
.Idi dn'
tpouroutt hewaterinthe
drai
n,Ispr inkl
edi taroundt heyar d.Thesalt
,I'
ll
spri
nklei tontopoft her ooflateron..AsIwas
ri
nsingt hebucket ,forthefirstti
meever .Isawan
oldWomannextdoor .Shewashangi ngher
undergar ments.
Me:Sani
bonani(
greet
ings)
Her
:Sawubona
Shecamecl
osert
othef
ence,
Iwentcl
osert
oo.
.
Her
:Uhl
alal
a(youl
i
veher
e)
Me:Yes.
..Iam Nat
hi'
sgi
rl
fr
iend
Her
:AwwSi
yabonga(
thankyou)
Me:Kubongami
naMa(
Iam t
hegr
atef
ulone)
Her
:Ngi
zwanoSosoubuyi
le(
Ihear
dSosoi
sback)
Me:YeboMa(
Yes)
Her
:Si
bongeabadal
a(Thankyout
otheancest
ors)
Me:uwuGogokaCl
ara?(
areyouCl
ara'
s
Gr
andmother
)
Her
:YeboSi
si(
Yes)
Me:Ngi
jabul
aukukwazi(
I'
m pl
easedt
omeetyou)
Her
:Sobuyesi
bonane(
wewi
llseeeachot
heragai
n)
Me:YeboMa(
Yes)
Iwal
kedbacki
n..

BELI
NDA

Iprepar
eddi
nner
,thenIt
ookmyeveni
ngbat
hand
thenworemypaj
amas..
Isetupt
het
abl
eandwai
tedf
orNdal
o.
Toni
ghthewasl
ate,
about15mi
nlat
e.

Iheardsomegi
ggli
ngsi
ntheki
tchen,Iwentt
o
check.I
twasNangomsoandNdalo.
.
Me:Heyguys
Ndal
o:Rat
o
Me:Youguysseem t
hri
ll
ed
Ndal
o:Wewer
ejustt
alki
ngaboutwor
k
Me:Isee
Soso:
Sist
erWi
fe
Me:Si
sterWi
fe
Soso:
Yougood?
Me:YesIam andyou?
Soso:
Can'
tcompl
ain
Ndalo:Ii
nvi
tedSosot
ospendani
ght
,hopei
tis
okaywithyou
Me:Ofcour
se,
she'
sal
wayswel
comedher
e
Soso:
Thankyou
Me:Ij
ustsetupf
ordi
nner
Soso:
MayIpl
easebat
hfi
rst
?
Me:Yesyoumay
Soso:Hadtobuyafewt
oil
etr
iesbef
orewegether
e
soIdon'
ttr
oubleyou
Me:I
tisokay
Shewal
kedawayt
ogoandbat
h..
Ndal
omadehi
swayt
ome.
.
Ndal
o:HowwasyourdayMr
sDl
omo?
Me:I
twasgood,
your
s?
Hewr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundmywai
st.
.
Me:I
twasgood,
can'
tcompl
ain
Heki
ssedmeasIpl
acedmyhandsonhi
schest
..
Me:SoSosoi
sbat
hing
Ndal
o:Yes?
Me:Ithoughtweshoul
dambushheri
nthe
bat
hroom
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Ndal
o:Ar
eyousur
e?
Me:I
'
veal
wayswant
edt
otr
ya3sum
Ndal
o:Thi
sdaykeepsonget
ti
ngbet
ter
Iheldhishandandwemadeourwayt
othe
bathroom..

MI
SSG

MySonSidwasn'
tdoi
ngwell,
hewasbreaki
ng
downandi
twascrazyIdon'
twannal
ie.
.
Me:Si
d,youneedt
ost
opf
eel
ingsor
ryf
oryour
sel
f
Sid:Idon'tunder
stand.
.Youhelppeopl
e,youar
e
power f
ul.Youwereinti
atedunder
water
.Youare
power f
ul
Me:Si
difweactnow,
theywi
llseei
tcomi
ng.They
ar
eont
hei
rguar
d.Sucht
hingsneedpat
ience
Het
ookhi
scanofbeer
..
Me:Pat
iencemySon,
Pat
ience!

NANGOMSO

Ideci
dedagai
nsttaki
ngabath,Ishower
edi nst
ead.
Ndalowal
kedinnaked,Heopenedtheshowerdoor
andgoti
n.Aft
erthat,
Beli
ndafol
lowedallnaked.I
waspuzzl
ed.
Ndal
ohel
pedheri
n,shecl
osedt
hedoor
..
Me:Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Iknewexact
lywhatwasgoi
ngon,
Idon'
tknowwhy
Iwasaski
ng..
Bel
indawal
kedcl
osert
ome.
.
Bel:Wear
etr
yingsomet
hing,
justr
elaxandgowi
th
thefl
ow
Thi
swasawkwar
d.Thi
swasr
eal
lyawkwar
d.
Beli
ndatookt
heshowergelandsmear
edi
tonher
hands.
.
Bel
:MayI
?
Me:Uhm.
.Iguessso
Sheranherhandsfrom mytummyal lt
hewayupt
o
mybreasts.Shemassagedthem unt
ilt
heywer
e
soapyfr
om theshowergel
..
Ndalocanandst oodbehi ndBel,hekissedheron
theshoulderandmassagedherbr eastswhilststi
ll
standingbehindher.Belindalookedatme, thenshe
gotreall
ycloseandki ssedme.Thi swasallnewt o
me, i
twasn'tfeeli
ngrightbuthert ouchwasr eall
y
getti
ngmei nt hemood.Wecont i
nuedkissi
ngas
shecont i
nuedmassagi ngmybr eastswithNdal o
sti
llmassagingBel i
nda'sbreasts..

Somehowitseemedl i
keBel
indawasusedt oi
t,i
t
di
dn'tcomeacrossasherfi
rstt
ime.Shemovedher
handsandranthem onmybut t
,gr
abbingand
sl
ightl
yspanki
ngit
.Shest
oppedkissingmeonthe
l
ipsandkissedmeonmyneck.Ndal omoved
Beli
ndaclosetomemoresothathecouldki
ssme..

Thi
swasqui
etandexper
ience.
.
Ndal
o:Thespacei
snotenoughf
oral
l3ofus,
thi
nk
weshoul
dtakeitt
othebedr
oom.
Bel
indaagr
eedandIj
ustf
oll
owedt
hrough.
.

LELE

Ihear
dsomeoneknocki
ng.
.
Me:I
'
m comi
ng
Iwentt
oopenandi
twasCl
ara.
.
Me:Cl
ara?
Cl
ara:Hey
Me:Pl
easecomei
n
Shemadeherwayi
n..
Cl
ara:Ohhmyt
hat
'sapower
fulsmel
l.
.Jeyesf
lui
d?
Me:Yeahsomet
hingl
iket
hat
Cl
ara:Chasi
ngsomet
hing?
Me:Whywoul
dIbechasi
ngsomet
hing?
Clar
a:Jeyesf
lui
disusual
lyusedt
ochaseawayevi
l
spir
it
s
Me:Idon'tknow.
.Mi
naIusei
ttocl
ean,
especi
all
y
t
hebathroom
Cl
ara:Okay
Me:MayIhel
pyouwi
thsomet
hing?
Cl
ara:I
'
m her
etobot
heryouwi
thsomet
hing
Me:Okay?
Clar
a:Canyoupl
easeborr
owmeR100, Iwanna
sendoutmyCVtomorrow.Ther
e'sanopeni
ng
Me:Iam sosor
rybutIdon'
thavemoney
Cl
ara:Ohw.
.Nat
hii
snotback?
Me:Nohe'
snotbackyet
Cl
ara:Ei
shIr
eal
lyneedt
heR100,
Ineedaj
ob
Me:Idon'
thaveanythi
ngonmeothert
hanmy
moneyfort
ranspor
tati
ontomor
rowtowor
k
Cl
ara:I
t'
sokayI
'
llt
rysomeoneel
se
Me:Okay.
.I'
m sor
ryagai
n
Cl
ara:OkaySi
si
Shewal
kedout
..
Icl
osedthedoor
,IdidhavemoneyIjustdi
dn'twant
togi
veher.Shemightuseitf
orsi
nist
erthi
ngs..
.

NANGOMSO

Thi
swasgoi
ngokaysof
ar,
itwasn'
tbad.
Beli
ndawasl ai
dback,wi
thherl
egsopen.Myhead
wasinbetweenherlegsexpl
ori
nghercoochi
ewit
h
mymout h,Iwasinadoggystyl
eposi
ti
onasNdalo
tookitf
rom t
heback.
Hewasn'
tpumpinghar
d,norgent
leeit
her
.Hedoi
ng
i
tnor
mall
yandhisfi
ngerwasagainstmycli
t
r
ubbi
ngit
.Bel
indawasmoaning,mymoanswere
rest
rictedsinceIhadmymout honhercoochi e..
Ndalost oppedhi tt
ingit,i
twasBel i
nda'sturn.From
howshewasgoi ng,Icouldtellthatshewasduet o
comesoon.Ndal oopenedherl egsmor ewi der,and
gotont opofher .Ilai
dnextt oherf acingup, asher
handwentdownonmet oplaywi thmycl it
.Outof
allt
heemot i
onsIcoul dhave, j
ealousywasn' toneof
them.Thi swasaser iousturnon. .Ndalosuggest ed
somet hing,Beli
ndaMovedabi tdown.Igotoverher ,
torestmycoochi eonherf ace.Onhermout ht obe
mor especificasNdal ocont inuedtof uckherslowl y
andshecont inuedmuf f
ingme. ..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
01] :43

NANGOMSO

Theeventsofl
astni
ghtIst
il
lcan'
tputthem i
n
words.The3somelast
edthewholenight,
we
wouldr
estandt
hengetbacktoit
.Weevenal
l
shar
edthesamebed,
peaceful
ly.
Onet hi ngIdi dn'tunder st
andwashowBel i
ndawas
showi ngmor eaf fect
iontomet hanshedi dwi thher
husband.Atf irstIfoundi tuncomf ortable,Iwas
uneasybutshemadei tcomf ort
able.Ihaveal ways
foundi tbizarre,sexwi t
hawomanwasbi zarrebut
afterlastni ght'sexper i
ence, Iam t
hinki ng
dif
f erentlyaboutt hesituati
on.Belinda' smuf f
ing
gamei sri
dicul ouslyoutoft hiswor l
d, bett
erthan
Ndal o'sandSi d.She'saSemiPr o,whi chmakesme
thi
nkt hiswasn' tdefi
nit
elyherf i
rsttime. .Thisgir
l
hasexper ience!

Iwasexhausted,I'
veneverbeenthisexhaustedin
mywholelifebefore.Inst
eadofNdalodrivi
ngme
home,Bel
indadidbef oreshewenttowor k.Igot
anot
hermor ni
ngaf terpil
l,
IswearIam goingto
needabettercontr
acept i
onthanthi
s..

West
oppedatmygat
e..
Me:Thankyouf
ort
her
ide
Bel
:Youwel
come,
don'
tfor
gett
odr
inkt
hemor
ning
af
terpi
ll
Me:I'
m gonnaneedabet
tercont
racept
iont
hant
his
one
Bel:Pi
ll
sarenot100%safeyoucanf or
get,t
he
i
njecti
onhasseri
ousconsequences.It
hinka
l
oop/ Mir
enacoi
lwil
lwork
Me:I
twon'
taf
fectmywomb?
Bel
:Noi
twon'
tpl
usi
t'
sjustf
ort
empor
arypur
poses
Me:OkayI
'
llconsi
dert
hat
Bel
:Tomor
rowIcandr
iveyout
otheDr
,orNdal
o
can
Me:I
t'
sawomansituat
ion,
thi
nkI
'
llbemor
e
comf
ortabl
ewi
thyou
Bel
:Al
ri
ght
Me:Howmuchi
sit
?Haven'
tgot
tenpai
dsoI
'
llask
myBrot
her
Bel
:Nodon'
twor
ryI
'
llpay
Me:Ar
eyousur
e?
Shehel
dmyhand.
.
Bel
:It
'sa3wayr
oadr
ight
?
Me:Iguessso
Bel
:Gogetsomer
est
,I'
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
Me:Okay
Shel
eanedoverandki
ssedme.
Bel
:Tal
klat
er
Me:Enj
oyyourday
Bel
:Yout
oo
Irequest
edadayofffrom Ndalo,
Iwasn'tgoi
ngt
o
functi
onti
redl
iket
his.Igotoutandwatchedher
drivi
ngoff
..
.

NDALO

Iyawnedmywayi
ntot
heof
fi
cet
hismor
ning.
Me:Goodmor
ning
Thul
i:Goodmor
ningBoss
Me:Pleasehavecof
feedel
iver
edt
omyof
fi
ce,
st
rongcoffee
Thul
i:Youl
ookt
ir
ed
Me:Iam
Thul
i:Cof
feewi
llbedel
iver
edt
oyourof
fi
cer
ight
away
Me:Okay
Iwal
kedcl
osert
other
ecept
ion.
.
Me:Howi
sitgoi
ngwi
thAmber
'smemor
ialser
vice?
Thul
i:I
t'
sonFr
iday
Me:Venue?
Thuli
:Iwast
hinki
ngheresi
nceitwil
lbeonl
yclose
fr
iendsandf
ami l
y,canbei
nthestudi
otel
evi
sed
Me:Goodi
dea.I
nfor
mthef
ami
ly
Thul
i:Wi
lldo
Me:Thef
uner
ali
sthi
sSat
urday?
Thul
i:Yes8am
Me:Okay
Iyawned.
.
Thul
i:Youser
iousl
yar
eti
red
Me:CanIaskyousomet
hing
Thul
i:Yes
Me:Mor
eofaf
avour
Thul
i:Li
steni
ng
Me:Doknowofanygamereser
ves,
oral
odget
hat
hasabeaut
yspa?Wheret
wowomencanspenda
weekendi
n
Thul
i:Uhm.
.I'
l
lcheck
Me:Fort
hisweekend,
theywilll
eaveFr
idayi
nthe
af
ter
noon.Notsomewherefarcheckwit
hint
he
Gaut
engregi
on
Thul
i:I
'
lldoso
Me:Buti
thast
obeoneoft
hebest
Thul
i:Okay.
.Twowomen?Wi
feandwho?
Me:AndNangomso
Thul
i:Nangomso.
.OurNangomso?
Me:Yes
Thuli
:I'
m conf
used.
.IsherandMi
ssBelsor
tof
fr
iends?
Me:She'
smygi
rl
fr
iend
Shel
ookedatmeandl
aughed.
.
Thul
i:Whatyouser
ious?
Me:Yes..Ever
yonei
sboundt
ofi
ndoutsoonso,
I'
m
notashamedofit
Thul
i:Mi
ssBeli
sfi
newi
thi
t?
Me:Yes
Shesmi
led.
.
Thuli
:Sonofagun! ..Awifeandagi
rl
fr
iend,
you
shouldbet heguestspeakeratt
heMen'
s
conferencethi
syear
Me:Watchyourl
anguageandcheckwhatIasked,
if
youneedi
nformat
ionwit
hthem I
'l
lpr
ovi
de
Thul
i:Ver
ywel
l
Iwal
kedaway.
.
Thul
i:Wow!

NANGOMSO

Thefir
stthi
ngIdidwastotakeal
ongrelaxi
ngbat
h.
Iwasaloneinthehouse,
andmyintent
ionwasto
eatandsleep.
.

Aftert
akingabath,Imademysel
ftoeat
.Inot
iced
Lelecookedlastni
ght,
ther
ewassomefoodleft
.I
hitupthefoodandate..
Myphoner
angandi
twasNdal
o,Ianswer
ed.
Me:Fut
ure
Ndal
o:Howi
smybabydoi
ngt
hismor
ning?
Me:Exhaustedandinpai
n,yest
erdayal
otof
sexer
cinghappened
Ndal
o:Ienj
oyedal
lofi
t,I
'
m notcompl
aini
ng
Me:I
'
m notcompl
aini
ngt
oo
Ndalo:Iam planningsomespat r
eatmentforyou
andBelthisweekend, sinceyouguyswon' tbe
att
endingthef uneralIthinki
t'
llbebestifyouguys
goandgetpamper ed,drinkwine,l
otsofitandhave
asplendidsisterwifeweekend
Me:Ar
eyouser
ious?
Ndal
o:Maybeashoppi
ngspr
eeonSundayt
oo,
all
onme
Me:Mywor
d!I
'
m game
Ndal
o:Sendmet
hroughal
lyourdet
ail
s
Me:Iwi
llonwhat
sapp
Ndal
o:Okayandt
hengetsomer
est
Me:Iwi
ll
Ndal
o:OhwI'm al
sogonnaneedanexactamount
ofal
lyourmonthl
ybasi
s.Hair
,toi
let
ri
eset
c
Me:Ihaveaj
obyoudon'
thavet
odot
his
Ndalo:Iwanttoo,
Youwon'tgett
heexactamount
asBelbutI'
llmakesur
eit
'senough.You'
llonl
yget
thesameamountasBelwhenyouar eoffici
all
ythe
secondwife
Me:Uhm okay.
.Thankyousomuch
Ndal
o:Youwel
come.
.Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Thiswasgreat,t
hismightj
ustbet
hebest
rel
ati
onshi
pI'veeverbeent
oo..

BELI
NDA

Mymoodt
odaywason100.Iwasf
eel
inggr
eat
..
Li
sawal
kedupt
omeasIwascl
ocki
ngi
n..
Li
sa:Someonesoundshappy
Me:I
t'
sagoodmor
ning
Li
sa:Lookatyou,
beaut
if
ull
ygl
owi
ng
Me:If
eelgr
eat
Li
sa:Whathappened?Ndal
ohi
titr
ight
?
Me:Somet
hingl
iket
hat
Li
sa:Ohht
hat
'sgood
Me:I
twas3some
Shewi
denedhereyes.
.
Li
sa:Awhat
?
Me:I
twasgr
eat
!
Li
sa:SoNangomsoal
lowed?
Me:Yesandi
twasbeaut
if
ul.She'
sbeaut
if
ul,
hasan
amazi
ngbody
Li
sa:Youar
en'
tfal
li
ngf
ort
hisgi
rlar
eyou?
Me:MaybeIam
Li
sa:It
houghtyoutur
neddownyourbisexualcar
d
whenyoumarriedNdal
o,It
houghtIwasthelast
oneyousai
dyouwer egoi
ngoffthegame?
Me:Iknow, butthatwasbef
oreImetSoso,
she'
s
amazing.Fun,fullofl
if
e
Li
sa:OhwIsee
Myphoner
ang.It
ooki
tout
,itwasNdal
o.
Me:Babe
Iwal
kedaway.
.

Ndal
o:MyAngel
Me:Ever
ythi
ngokay?
Ndal
o:Ican'
tcheckonmybeaut
if
ulwi
feanymor
e?
Me:Idi
dn'
tsayt
hathau
Ndal
o:IwantyouandSosot
ogooutonaweekend
away,
enjoyyour
sel
ves
Me:Youcomi
ng?
Ndal
o:No.
.Si
sterwi
feget
away
Me:Iam al
lfori
t
Ndalo:Iwil
lalsobegivingSosoamont
hly
al
lowance,itwon'tbethesameasyour
sunti
lwe
marriedhopeyoudon'tmi nd
Me:Wellwhat
everyougi
veherI
'
llt
opi
tupwi
th
R1000
Ndal
o:Huh?
Me:Youdon'
tmi
ndr
ight
?
Ndal
o:Notent
ir
elyI
'
mjustsur
pri
sed
Me:Ihavet
ogetbackt
owor
k
Ndal
o:Okay.
.Enj
oyyourday,
Iloveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo

NDALO

Shehungupandl eftmedumbf ounded.Belindais

taki
ngt hiswaybet terthant
hefirstti
me.Evenlast
night,shewant edtobemor eaffecti
onatewithSoso
thanme.Iputmyphoneont hetable,Idon'
twantto
overthinkthissit
uation.Maybeshe'sjustwarming
upt oherSi st
erwife,Ihopethat
'sallther
eistoit.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
01] :44
NDALO

Today'sreadi
ngswereabitpeaceful,
theancest
ors
weren'tvi
lenordi
dtheycauseast i
r.I
twasi nt
he
aft
ernoonandIwascar r
yingthelastreadi
ngofthe
day..

I
twasanol
dwomanwi t
hherDaught
er,
they
want
edt
oconnectwi
tht
heWoman'shusband.
.

Me:Yourhusbandhewassi
ckf
oral
ongt
ime?
Woman:Yes
Daught
er:About5year
sorso,
hewasdi
abet
ic
Me:Pl
easeknowt hatheisatpeace.Hei
sokay,and
heisr
est
ingwel l
.He'shappyt
hathegotrel
ieved
fr
om t
hesickness,he'
sbeensickforal
ongtime
Woman:That
'swhatwewant
edt
oknow,
thathe'
s
atpeace
Me:Hewoul
dliket
houghforyoutot
akeyourSon
t
ohisGr
ave,hewouldl
iketomeethi
sGrandson
Daught
er:Iwi
ll
Woman:Thankyousomuch,
justwant
edt
oknowi
f
he'
sokayt
hat'
sall
Me:Hewoul dl
ikeforyoutovisi
thisgraveever
y
yearonyouranni
versary,
justgother
eandt al
kto
him
Woman:Iwi
lldot
hat
Me:Hewantsyoutogetanot
herdog,
Isupposet
he
oneyouguyshaddi
ed?
Woman:Yesi
tdi
d
Me:Hel
oveddogs?
Woman:Yes
Me:Si nceyouar enotopent odat
inganyone
becauseofage, hei ssuggesti
ngadogsoyoudon't
getlonely.Especial
lysi
nceyourkidsareallgr
own
andmar r
ied
Woman:Iunder
stand
Me:Heiswat
chi
ngoveryouguysal
lthet
ime,
never
f
orgett
hat
Daught
er:Wewon'
t
..Thankyou
Me:Aret
hereanyquest
ionsyouhave?
Cl
ari
fi
cat
ions?
Theyl
ookedateachot
her
..
Daught
er:It
hinkwear
efi
ne
Woman:Wear
efi
ne
Me:Thankyouf
orcomi
ng
Woman:Thankyou
Dave:Andt
hati
sawr
apguys!
Igotupandshookt
hei
rhands.
.
Me:Youhaveal
ovel
yday
Daught
er:Thankyou.
.Yout
oo
Reconci
le:Iwi
llseeyoul
adi
esout
Ipackedupmyt
hingsf
rom t
het
abl
e..
Me:Iam outofher
eDave,
needsomer
est
Dave:Nopr
obl
em.
.Seeyout
omor
rowmor
ning
Champ
Me:Tomor
rowi
tis

BELI
NDA

Mylunchbreakwasat14:00today.Ideci
dedtogo
t
oar est
aurantt
oeatsinceIdidn'
tbri
ngalonga
l
unchbox..
Li
sa:Bel
Me:Hey
Li
sa:Goi
ngt
ohavel
unch?
Me:Yes
Li
sa:Hadmi
neanhourago
Me:SorryIcoul
dn'
tjoi
nyou,
Iwasbusywi
tha
pat
ient
Li
sa:Noi
t'
sokay..Iwast
hinki
ng,
maybewecan
haveagi
rl
'sweekendout
?Thisweekend?
Me:Thi
sweekendcan'
tdo,
I'
llbebusy
Li
sa:Wi
th?
Me:SosoandIwegoi
ngawayf
oraweekend
Li
sa:OhwIsee
Me:Maybet
henextcomi
ngweekend
Li
sa:SoIcan'
tjoi
nyouguys?Icoul
dusesome
fr
eshai
r
Me:Iwi
shyoucoul
dbut.
.It
'sani
nti
mat
eget
away
j
ustmeandhertobondmore
Shesmi
led.
.
Li
sa:Ofcour
se.
.Iunder
stand
Me:Seeyoul
ater
,whenIgetbackf
rom l
unch
Li
sa:Lat
eri
tis
Iwal
kedoutt
ogoandhavel
unch.
.

LELE
Iwasunbelievabl
yexhausted,
Isti
llhaven'
tgott
en
usedtothewor ki
nghours.Myfeetwer eachi
ng,
andIcouldn'tst
opyawning.
Todayi
twasn'
tsobusy,
itwasbet
ter
..

Mi
ra:Atl
eastt
odayi
t'
snotbusyhl
e
Me:Iam t
ir
edcan'
twai
tforknocki
ngof
fti
me
Mi
ra:3hour
stogo
IsawNathiwal ki
ngin,hehadcall
edmeearl
ieron
thathewillbr
ingmel unch.Hewashol
dinga
chickenl
ickenplast
ic..
Hel
ookedaroundandspot
tedmeatt
hecount
er,
t
henhewalkeduptous.
.
Nat
hi:Ladi
es
Me:Hun
Nat
hi:Keptt
omyendoft
hedeal
Heputt
hepl
ast
icont
hecount
er,
wit
hthej
uice.
.
Me:Thankyousomuch
Hel
eanedoverf
oraki
ss.
.
Nat
hi:Havet
odr
ivebackt
owor
k
Me:Youcameal
ltheway?
Nat
hi:Iwasi
nthenei
ghbor
hood
Me:Ohwokay
Nat
hi:Woul
dithavebeenapr
obl
em i
fIdi
d?
Me:Dr
ivi
ngal
ltheway?
Nat
hi:Anyt
hingf
oryou
Ismi
led.
.
Me:I
'
llseeyouathome
Hel
eanedoverf
oraki
ssagai
n..
Nat
hi:ByeLadi
es
Mi
ra:Shuuuuuugi
rl
Me:Don'
tevenst
artwi
thme
Mira:Heishandsomeandhebr
ingsyoul
unch?
Okaywhat swrongwi
thhi
m?Hehasasmal lt
hing
doesn'the?
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Act
ual
lyi
t'
sbi
g
Mi
ra:Igi
veup
Me:Letmehavel
unch.
.I'
l
lseeyouwhenI
'
m done
Iwal
kedt
othebackof
fi
ce.
.

NANGOMSO

Iwaswokenupbymyphoner
ingi
ng.Icheckedi
t
wasBel
.Ismil
ed.
.
Me:Andt
owhatdoIowet
hepl
easur
efort
hiscal
l?
Shel
aughed.
.
Bel:Waschecki
ngonmybeaut
if
ulsi
sterwi
fe,
wel
l
rested?
Me:Yes.
.Youj
ustwokemeupf
rom mysl
eep
Bel
:Mybad.
..Iwasmi
ssi
ngyou
Me:Mi
ssedyout
oo
Bel:Whydon'
twedodi
nnert
omor
rowni
ght
?My
tr
eat
Me:I
'
dli
ket
hatver
ymuch
Bel
:OkaywhenIknockof
fI'
l
lcomegetyou
Me:Al
ri
ghtt
hen
Bel
:Cal
lyoul
aterwhenIknockof
fke
Me:Okaynopr
obl
em
Bel
:Youcangoonandsl
eepwhi
lstsomeofus
work
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Wel
lifIwasn'
tworkedhar
dalmostal
lni
ghtI
woul
dn'
thavetosleepthi
smuch
Bel
:Iwaswor
kedoutt
oo
Me:Igotmostoft
hedi
ckSi
sPl
ease
Shel
aughed.
.
Bel
:Restt
henBabyI
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
Me:Okayenj
oyt
her
estofyourday
Bel
:Yout
oo
Me:Bye
Bel
:Bye
Ihungupandwentbackt
osl
eep.
.

NATHI

Iwaspassi
ngbyAckermanst
ogotocli
ckstogo
buysometoi
let
ri
eswhenIbumpedi
ntoClar
aand
herf
ri
endatthedoor
..
Cl
ara:HeyNei
ghbour
Me:Nei
ghbour
Cl
ara:Ar
en'
tyousupposedt
obeatwor
k?
Me:Iwas,
justst
oppedbyt
ocheckonmygi
rl
Cl
ara:Howl
uckyshei
s
Me:I
'
mthel
uckyone
Cl
ara:Isee
Me:I
twasgoodseei
ngyouandyourf
ri
end
Cl
ara:Goodseei
ngyout
oo
Imademywayi
n..

NDALO

Iwasdr
ivi
ngbackhomewhenIr
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om
myMother.
.
Me:MyQueen
Ma:HiBabyhowar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m good
Ma:I'
m goodt oo,wasjustgreet
ingandfi
ndi
ngout
ukubaunjaniespeci
all
ywi t
hyourconfl
ict
ed
marri
age
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:I
t'
sact
ual
lygoi
ngwel
l
Ma:I
tis?
Me:BelandSosoareget
ti
ngal
ongver
ywel
l
,too
wel
lformyli
kingeven
Ma:Bl
essed.
.Isn'
tthatwhatyouwant
edt
hough?
Me:I
tis
Ma:Ican'
twai
ttomeett
hisNangomso
Me:Maybetomorr
ownight
?Thi
sweekendcan'
tdo.
I
'vebookedt
hem i
ntoaspa
Ma:That'
ssweet
..I
'
m gl
adyouar
emaki
ngbot
hof
t
hem happy
Me:Iam t
ryi
ngmybestt
onotdecr
imi
nat
e
Ma:That
'sgoodbaby.
.GuessI
'
llseeyout
omor
row
eveni
ngwit
hher
Me:Al
ri
ghtMa
Ma:Bye.
.Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oomyQueen
Ma:Bye
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
01] :45
NANGOMSO

LateronIwaspr epari
ngdinner,Lel
ewasbackf rom
workandIt houghtIshouldreli
eveheral itt
le,
mor e
especi all
ysinceI'
m hardl
yathome. .
.Shewas
tel
li
ngmeabouthowNat hiisunhappyaboutmy
datingorr at
herpartaki
ngina3wayr elati
onshi p.
Hisf earsareloosel
ybasedont hef
actt hatImi ght
repeatt hesamemi stake,t
hatIdidwithSi d.
Iam, i
nnowayplanni
ngtomoveoutofhomei nthat
mannertogoli
vewi t
haMan.I'
velearntthe
hardwayandIam notgoi
ngt
or epeatthesame
mistake.
.
Lel
e:Tel
lmemoreaboutthi
sClaragi
rl
,doesshe
l
ivewit
hherGr
andmotheronly?
Me:Yesshewasr
aisedbyherGr
andmot
her
Lel
e:Wher
ear
eherPar
ent
s?
Me:HerMot
herpassedon,
HerFatheri
smarri
ed
t
hestepmot
herdoesn'
twantCl
arasotheynever
r
eall
yhadarel
ati
onshi
p
Lel
e:That
'ssad.
.Theycr
eepyt
hough,
thesweepi
ng
Me:HerGrandmotherhasOCD, obsessedwi
th
cl
eanl
iness.Shei
sast r
ictchur
chwoman
Lel
e:Idon'
ttr
ustt
hem
Me:Youneverdotrustpeopl
e,al
thoughshehas
al
wayshadacr ushonNat hi
Lel
e:Whyt
heyneverdat
ed?
Me:Nat
hidoesn'
twanther
,hedoesn'
tseehert
hat
way
Lel
e:Isee
Nat
himadehiswayi
n,hecl
osedt
hedoorand
l
ookedatus.
.
Nat
hi:Goodeveni
ng
Me:Hey
Lel
e:Hun
Nat
hi:Howar
eyouguys?
Me:Wegood
Nat
hi:CanIhaveawor
dwi
thyou?
Lel
eandIl
ookedateachot
her
..
Me:Okay.
.Lel
epl
easemi
ndt
hepot
sforme
Lel
e:Okay
Wemadeourwayt
othel
ivi
ngr
oom.
.

BELI
NDA

Ihadjustknockedof
f,Iwaswal
kingtomycarwhen
Li
sacalledout.
.Ist
oppedandwaitedforhert
o
catchupwithme..
Li
sa:Youdi
dn'
tevensaygoodbye
Me:YeahIsawt
hatyouwer
est
il
lbusy
Li
sa:Ohw
Me:Ishoul
dgethome
Li
sa:Thi
sSat
urdayi
t'
smysi
ster
'sbabyshower
Me:Okayt
hat
'
sni
ce
Li
sa:It
houghtyouwouldcome,
youknowhow
muchsheadmi r
esyou
Me:Ial
readytol
dyouthatIhaveaweekend
gat
eway,I'
l
lsendherapresent
Li
sa:Okt
hen
Me:Goodni
ght
Li
sa:Ni
ght

NANGOMSO

Nat
hi:Iheart
hatyouar
einar
elat
ionshi
pwi
tha
marr
iedman
Idon'
tbl
ameLelefort
ell
inghi
m,hewasboundt
o
knowandtheydat
ingsotheyt
alkal
ot.
.
Me:Wenothavi
nganaf
fai
r,t
hewi
feknowsand
she'
sokaywi
thi
t
Henodded.
.
Nat
hi:Idon'
twannabet
hemonst
erbi
gbr
otherher
e
Me:Thendon'
tbe
Nat
hi:Thel
astt
ime,
youl
efthomet
ogoandl
ive
wi
thaguywhoabusedyou
Me:Thatwasal ongti
meago,
I'velear
nedmy
mist
akes.Youdon'thavet
oworryIpromi
seyou
t
hatIwon'trepeatt
hesamemistake
Nathi
:That'
sallIneededtoknowandIam notokay
wit
hthiswholething,butsi
nceyouhappyIwi
ll
r
espectthat
Ismi
led.
.
Me:ThankyouverymuchandIpr
omi
seyout
hatI
won'
tdisappoi
ntyouanymor
e
Nat
hi:Nowwecanhavedi
nneri
n
Me:Let
'
seat

BELI
NDA

Ist
oppedatanAdul
tShop.I
tcl
osesat21:
00
Iwentint
ocheckafewthi
ngs.Nangomsois
def
ini
tel
ywarminguptousbei
nginti
mate,
Isaw
howsheenjoyedi
tsoIwannakeepthemomentum
morebecauseshelovesadi
cksoIwanthert
o
enj
oybothworl
ds..

Iam bisexual,
Idatedafewgirlsinvar sit
y.Ndalo
knows, hehasneverhadapr oblem wi thitandI
stoppeddatinggir
lswhenIstarteddat inghim and
whenwegotmar r
iedIcoul
dn'tevenl ookatagi r
l
anymor e.Notbecausehehadapr oblem wi t
hthat
partofmyl i
febutbecauseIwasst ablewi t
hhim.

LisaandIwewer edat ing,ser

iouslydat i
ng.Shewas
strai
ght,shei sstraightandIst i
lldon'tunderstand
howshef ellthathar dforme.Igotmar ri
edfirst,and
whenIst arteddat ingNdal oIdumpedher .She
askedifwecoul dbef r
iendsatleast,that'
showwe
endedupbei ngbestf r
iends.Wehaven' tbeenl ike
thateversinceIgotmar ri
edtoo, butshehasbeen
havingpr oblemswi t
hherhusband.He' sacheat i
ng
l
yingbast ard.

Igotal
ube,
2vi
brat
ors,
thevi
brat
orswer
en'
tyour
usual
.Theyintwoways,youi
nser
titi
nsi
dewhi
lst
thevi
brat
ingparti
sonyourcl
it
.
Igotsomesugarcubes,t
heyaphrodi
siac.Yout
ake
oneandit
'sgoingt
oturnyouontwiceasyouwould
i
fyouwereturnedonnormall
y.Ial
sogothandcuff
s
andawhip.
Iwentt
opay.
.

Tel
ler
:R1500
Me:Her
e'smycar
d
Tell
er:Wowyouandyourhusbandar
e..Youl
ike
expl
or i
ng
Shewasl
ooki
ngatmyr
ing.
.
Me:YesIguesswear
e
Tel
ler
:Suchsexdef
ini
tel
ycan'
tmakeonecheat
,it
's
goodtospi
ceupyourbedroom r
omance
Me:Ver
ytr
ue
Shehelpedmewi
tht
hepayment
,Isi
gnedt
he
recei
pt.
.
Me:Thankyou
Tel
ler
:Youwel
come,
enj
oyt
her
estofyoureveni
ng
Me:Yout
oo
It
ookt
hethi
ngsandlef
t.Iwi
llbekeepi
ngt
hem i
n
mycar
,int
hemeanti
me...

NDALO

Il
ookedatt
het
ime,
Bel
indawasl
atet
oni
ght
.
Ical
ledheragai
n..
Bel
:Fut
ure
Me:Wher
ear
eyou?
Bel
:I'
m onmyway,
I'
llbet
her
ein30
Me:Iwaswor
ri
edbecauseyouhaveneverbeent
his
l
ate
Bel
:Ohwyesmyl
astpat
ientwasdemandi
ng
Me:Iunder
stand.
.I'
mjustgl
adyouokay
Bel
:I'
l
lbet
her
esoon.
.Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Bel
:Okaybye
Me:Bye

NANGOMSO

Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Bel
,Il
ookedatNat
hiandLel
e..
Me:Excuseme
Iexcusedmysel
fandwentt
omybedr
oom.
.
Me:Hel
lo
Shedidn'tsayanyt
hing,
Ihear
dasongi
nthe
backgroundplayi
ng..
Me:Bel
?
Bel
:Sor
ryIwasmaki
ngat
urn
Me:Youj
ustknockedof
f?
Bel
:NoIpassedbysomewher
e
Me:Okay
Bel
:Waschecki
ngi
nonyou
Me:I
'
m good,
howwaswor
k?
Bel
:Ti
ri
ngasal
ways
Me:I
'
m goi
ngbackt
omor
rowso.
.
Bel
:Yourwor
kisl
esst
ir
ingso
Me:Deal
ingwi
thghost
sisnotl
esst
ir
ing
Bel
:What
ever
,youj
ustf
launt
ing
Il
aughed.
..
Me:Don'
tbej
eal
ous
Bel
:Don'
twor
ryI
'
m,I
'
m happywi
thmyj
ob
Me:That
'sgood
Ndal
o'scal
lcamet
hrough.
.
Me:Ndal
oiscal
li
ngme,
Ihavet
ogo
Bel
:OkayIwi
llcal
lyout
omor
rowmor
ning
Me:Nopr
obl
em.
.Bye
Bel
:Bye
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
02] :46

NANGOMSO

ThenextmorningIprepar
edmysel ff
orwor k,t
oday
ther
ewon'tbemuchgoi ngon.I t
'sThursdaythis
enti
reepi
sodewillbededicatedforAmber ,andher
j
ourneywitht
heshow.Iam j ustgoingtogetaf ew
thi
ngsdonethenknockof fearl
yt ogoanddo
shoppi
ng..Onmywayt ocatchat axi
,IcallBel
..
Bel
:Si
sterwi
fe
Me:Goodmor
ninghowar
eyou?
Bel
:Goodandyou?
Me:I '
m well.
.Iwi
llbeknocki
ngoffear
lytodayat12
i
nt heaf t
ernoonbecausetheent
ir
eshowi s
dedicatedforAmber.Iwannagoshoppingforour
tr
iptomor row
Bel
:WhatacoincidenceI
'
m offt
oday,
soI '
llst
opby
andpickyouupthenwe'l
lgodoshopping.Don't
worr
ybudgetisonme
Me:Belyoudon'thavetoo,
Ihaveborr
owedmoney
f
rom myBrotherandI'l
lpayhi
m backmonthend
Bel
:Wel
lincaseyourbudgeti
snotenough
Me:Okayt
henseeyoul
ater
Bel
:Lat
eri
tis

LELE

Befor
egoi ngt
owor kIpassedbynextdoor.I
wantedtoseewhat '
sreal
lygoingoninthathouse
becausemysuspi ci
onsarehigh.Thelastt
hingI
wantistoaccusesomeoneandbewr ong.Iclosed
thegateandmademywayt othefr
ontdoor,befor
e
Icouldevenknock.Thedooropened,i
twast he
Grandmother.
.
Her
:Sawubona(
greet
ings)
Me:SawubonaMa(
greet
ings)
Shel
ookedatmewhi
lstbl
ocki
ngme.
.
Me:Uxol
oMangokukuhluphabengisacelauClar
a
(
Sorr
yforbot
her
ingyou,
Iam looki
ngf orClar
a)
Her:uClar
aakekho,
khonalaasaphut
humekhona
(
Claraisnotar
ound,shewentsomewhere)
Me:Ohwokay
Her
:Kuyaphut
humayi
ni?(
Isi
timpor
tant
)
Me:Cha.
..Akunani(
Noi
t'
snot
hing)
Her:Ngi
zomt
shel
aukut
hiubukhona(
I'
llt
ellheryou
st
oppedby)
Me:Al
ri
ghtngi
yabonga.
.Usal
ekahl
e(Thankyou.
..
Keepwel
l)
Her
:Uhambekahl
e(gowel
l)
Imademywayt
othegat
e,t
heyar
dwascl
eanas
al
ways.
.

NDALO
Reconci
lest
oodatmydoorandf
oldedhi
sar
ms.
.
Reco:YouSl
ybast
ard!
Me:What
?
Hemadehi
swayi
n..
Reco:Youdi
dn'
ttel
lmet
hatyouandSosoar
ean
i
tem
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:Dave
Reco:I
'
m sur
pri
sedt
hatBeli
sokaywi
tht
his
Me:YesRecoIhaveawi
feandagi
rl
fr
iend
Reco:Sl
ybast
ard!
Me:Anyt
hingel
se?
Reco:Theybot
hbeaut
if
ulnol
ie
Me:Thankyou.
.I'
l
llett
hem know
Shest
il
lhadherar
msf
olded.
Me:Ar
ether
efr
eshment
sokay?
Reco:That
'sNangomso'
sjobi
sn'
tit
?
Me:Thenst
opbot
her
ingme
Reco:Thi
sisamazi
ngIt
ellyou
Me:Byef
ornowReconci
le
Hewal
kedaway.
.
Reco:YouSonofagun!
Me:Yeahbye

LI
SA(
BELI
NDA'
SBESTFRI
END)

Iwashurtbyeverythi
ngthatwashappeni
ngnoli
e.I
havealwaysimaginedmeinNangomso'sshoes.
Thethi
ngis,Ihaveneverbeenabl
etogetoverwhat
Beli
ndaandIhad.
Itwasbeaut
iful,
thelovewasbeauti
ful
.Belknows
howtoloveright,byt
henIwasstrai
ght.St
il
lam,I
don'
tknowwhati twasaboutherthatgott
omeor
gotme.Isti
lll
oveherwi t
hal
lmyhear t
..
IfeellikeIshoul d'vebeent hesi sterwif
e,I'
vebeen
waitingf orthismomentbecausebackt henIwas
datingaguyandheratt hesamet ime.Myboyf ri
end
whoi smyhusbandnowdi dn'treall
ymi nd,sai
dit'
s
harml ess..Getti
ngt wof orthepr i
ceofone, Ndalo
andBel i
ndawoul d'vebeent hegreatest
achievement .Idon' tknowwher ethisSosocame
about ,norhowshecameaboutbutI 'm notgoi
ngt o
l
etherr uinandgeti nbet weenwhatIwant ..

Iwasatwor ktobedisappoi
ntedt
hatBelwon'tbe
comi ngi
n,it
'sherdayoff
.Shenevert
oldme, Iwas
disappoi
ntedandhurt.Shet
ell
smeever yt
hing.
.

Istoodatt heNursestat
ioncheckingoutthisSoso
ofaper sononFacebook.Shewasbeaut if
ulnolie,
Belhadr eactedwit
hhear t
sinallherpi
cturesNdalo
didtoo.Mychestst ar
tedgoingupanddown.I
wannabet hebigconver
sation,
notBel,Ndalo,and
Soso.
Imademyouttomakeanimport
antcal
l,
tot
he
womanthathel
psmeoutalot
.MissG.
Mi
ssG:Thokoza
Me:Thokoza
Mi
ssG:Unj
ani
?(howar
eyou)
Me:Thelastt
hingyoutol
dmet odo, I
tdidn'
twor
k.
Beldi
dn'
tbuyit!Shest
il
ldoesn'
tthi
nkthatit
's
NangomsoIwi l
lneedsomethi
ngstronger
Mi
ssG:Ihearyou
Me:So?
MissG:Givemetimet
ocomewi
tht
hemost
ef
fect
iveenchant
ment
Me:Youcomehi
ghl
yrecommended
Mi
ssG:AndhaveIdi
sappoi
ntedyou?
Me:No.
.
Mi
ssG:Howf
arar
eyouwi
ll
ingt
ogo?
Me:I
'
m wi
ll
ingt
odoanyt
hingandever
ythi
ng
MissG:Thent
rustmeandbel
ievei
nme,
have
pati
ence
Me:Okayt
hen
Mi
ssG:I
t'
sgoi
ngt
obewel
l
Me:ThokozaGogo
Mi
ssG:Thokoza

NANGOMSO

Iwal
kedi
natwor
kandgr
eet
edThul
i.
.
Thul
i:OhwSosocomet
hissi
de
Iwentt
oher
..
Thul
i:Thesear
ether
efr
eshment
syouneedt
oget
It
ookt
hepaperf
rom her
..
Me:Ohwokay
Thul
i:Getoni
t
Me:Iwi
ll
Thul
i:Shar
p..Makewehavet
hem bef
oreyoul
eave
Me:Ipr
omi
se
Thul
i:Thankyou

CLARA

Iwal
kedinathomet
omyGr
andmot
hersi
tt
ingi
n
thel
oungedri
nki
ngt
ea.
.
Gogo:Lel
ewasher
e
Myeyeswi
dened.
.
Me:I
nsi
det
hehouse?
Gogo:Cha.
.Akangenanga(
Shedi
dn'
tcomei
n)
Isi
ghedandwentt
othr
owmysel
font
hecouch.
.
Gogo:I
twascl
oset
hough
Me:Umauphi
?(Wher
eisMa)
Gogo:Il
ockedheri
nthebedr
oom
Me:Okay
Igotupandshegavemet hekeys.Iunl
ockedand
mademywayi n,shewasstandingbythewindow.
Nailonherf
orehead..Iqui
ckl
ywentt ocl
osethe
curtai
n.
Me:Mawenzani
?(Whatar
eyoudoi
ng)
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Peopl
ecan'
tseeyou,
youdeadr
emember
?
Ihel
dherhandandsatherdownont
hebed.
Me:Si
ther
eanddon'
tmove,
I'
llbr
ingyousomet
hing
t
oeat

NANGOMSO

Iknockedi
nhi
sof
fi
ceandwal
kedi
n..
Me:Goodmor
ningLove
Ndal
o:Sweet
hear
t
Me:Howar
eyoudoi
ngt
hismor
ning?
Ndal
o:Ngigr
andwena?
Me:Shar
pzi
nto
Imademywayt
ohi
m andgavehi
m aki
ss.
.
Ndal
o:Ar
eyougood?
Me:I
'
m good
Ndal
o:Imadepl
ansf
ort
oni
ght
Me:Yeah?
Ndal
o:Wegoi
ngovert
omyMom'
shousef
ordi
nner
Me:Toni
ght
?
Ndal
o:Idi
dn'
tst
utt
er
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Ndal
o:Youhavepl
ans?
Me:Uhm notr
eal
ly
Ndal
o:I
fyouhavepl
anssayso
Me:No.
.Nopl
ans
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:I'
llgoand.
.I'
l
lgoandbuyt
her
efr
eshment
sat
checkers
Ndal
o:Davewi
llgi
veyout
hemoney
Me:Okay
Iwal
kedt
othedoor
..
.
Ndal
o:Soso
Myheartst
art
edbeat
ingf
ast
..It
urnedandl
ooked
athi
m..
Ndal
o:Somet
hingyouwannat
ellme?
Me:Iam goi
ngt
odoshoppi
ngwi
thBel
swhenI
knockof
f
Ndal
o:That
'sal
l?
Inodded.
.
Ndal
o:OkayIdon'
thaveapr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
Me:Okay
Ndal
o:Youhavesomemoney?
Me:YesmyBr
othergaveme
Ndal
o:Okay
Iwal
kedout
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
02] :47

NANGOMSO

Ididn'
ttellNdal oaboutBel taki
ngmeoutt onight
becausei tdoesn' tlookl ikeheknows, ifBeldi dn't
tel
lhimt henIt ellhim whati fcreatessome
argumentbet weent hem.WhatI '
l
ldoi stalkt oBel
abouti t
,andseei fshet oldherhusbandaboutt hi
s..
.
Ididgogett heirr efr eshment s,
theydi dn'trequire
much.Justwat er,juiceandsnacks.Isor tedout
everythi
ngel set hatneededt obesor tedoutand
i
ndeedby12Iwasdone.Ihadt ext edBelatl east
30mi nbeforeIf inishedupever ythi ng, t
ocome.We
wereatt hest udioset ti
ngupever ythingf orthe1
hourspeci altri
but eshowt oAmber .Itwasn' tmuch
tosortout ,i
t'
snotl ikewegoi ngal lin.
.
Reco:It
hinkever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne
Dave:Ever
ythi
ngl
ooksf
ine
Todayit
'sj
ustgoi
ngtobet hecrew, t
hent omor
row
they'
l
lbeopeni
ngtheirdoorsf
orclosef r
iendsand
famil
ymembersforthememor ialservi
ce..
Ndal
o:Wewer
emeantt
ohavest
art
edbynow
Reco:Ever
ythi
nghast
obeper
fectNdal
o
Ndal
o:Her
ewego
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Reco:I
shet
hisgr
umpywi
thyout
oo?
Me:Hehashi
smoment
s
Reco:Haveyoueverconsi
der
edbei
ngamodel
?
Me:Awhat
?
Reco:Iknowafri
endt
hathasabout
ique,
youwoul
d
dowellashisbr
andambassador
Me:Idon'
tknowanyt
hingaboutmodel
ing
Reco:Noyou'l
ljustf
eat
ureinadver
ti
singhis
cl
othes,youj
uststri
keafewposesandt heyt
ake
pi
ctures
Me:Wel
lIdon'
tknow
Reco:I
tcanbeyourof
fsi
degi
g,not
hingper
manent
Me:I
'
llt
hinkabouti
t
Wehear dDavewhi stl
ing.Wel ookedathi m, Hewas
stari
ngatt hedoor wayt ogetherwi thNdal o.They
l
ookedl iket heywer eseeingaghostorsomet hing.
RecoandIt urnedourhandsandIcoul dn'tbelieve
whatIwasseei ng..ItwasBel inda, orsoIt houghtit
washer ..shewaswear i
ngabl uewhi test rapped
addidast rackpant s, awhi tevneckt -shirtinnicely
reveali
nghernotsobi gcl eavage, andr eveal i
ngher
bell
ybut tonatt hebot t
om al itt
le.Whi tesneaker s
ti
ntedwi thashadeofbl ackont hesides.Awhi te
capwi thherwi gshowi ngandhoopear ings.She
hadonehandi nsideherpocket ,wi t
ht heot herhand
shewashol di
ngherphone.Sheal sohadonshades,
adar kerbr ownl i
pst i
ckcompl ement i
ngherl ight
skincol our .Shewasf l
amesnol ies,I'
veneverseen
herint hissmar tattractivecasualwear ..
Reco:Hol
ysmokes
Shegotherhandoutofherpocketandt
ookof
fher
shades,
shelookedatt
hem andt
henl
ookedatus.
.
Shesmiled.
.
Bel
:Goodaf
ter
noon
I
ttookusawhi
let
orespond.
.
Reco:Bel
Bel
:Sor
ryt
oint
err
upt
,I'
m her
eforSoso
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay.
..
Bel
:Heyhun
Shewal keduptoNdalo,shewrappedherhands
aroundhisneckandkissedhim.Ndalowasstil
l
dumbf ounded,
hedidn'
tknowhowt or
eactnorto
respond..
.Shegotherhandsoffhim..
Bel
:Thi
slooksni
ce
Dave:Youl
ookgoodBel
Bel
:Thankyou
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Bel
:Readyt
ogo?
Me:Uhm yes.
.It
hinkso
Il
ookedatever
yone.
.
Me:I
'
llseeyouguysnextweekMonday
Bell
edt
hewayandIf
oll
owed.
.

CLARA

WhenmyMot herpassedon, Ist ruggledt hrough

withherdeat h.Ithurt,
andi tal mostdr ovemecr azy.
MyGr andmot hersawhowIwassl owl yslippinginto
depressi on.WhenIhadat tempt edsui cideand
fai
led,that '
swhensher eali
zedt hatifshedoesn' t
dosomet hi
ngshemi ghtl osemet oo.Soshe
broughtmyMot herbackt ome.Att hatt i
me, Iwas
youngt ounder standwhatwasgoi ngonbutIcoul d
seet hatshewasn' tthesame.Thenai lonher
forehead, Ididn'tunderstandanyt hing.Shej ustsaid
Ishoul dn'ttel
lanyoneaboutt his,becausei fIdid
theywoul dtakeheraway.
Idi
dn'tt
ellanyonet
othi
sday,i
t'
sonlywhenIgr
ew
upIreal
izedthatmyMotherwasn'
tmyMotherbuti
t
wasgoodhavi ngherar oundandIgr ewtoaccept
her..Wedon' tuseherforevil,shejusthangs
aroundt hehouset hat'
sall
.MyGr andmot herhasa
pett hatsheusesforherevi l
pur poses..My
Grandmot heri
sthemostj ealousandsi nist
er
person.Shehi desitoffwellfrom thewor l
doutsi
de,
onlyIknowhert r
uei nt
enti
ons. .

I'
vehadacr ushonNat hifort helongestt i
menow, I
thoughtbynowwewoul dbemar riedbuthei snot
i
nt ome.Mostoft herelationshipshe' shadbef or e
neverwor kedout, whenhewassi ngleagain.Ihad
hopest hathewoul dnot icemebutheneverdi d.
That'swhenhewasst il
llivi
ngal onebef or
eSoso
cameback, andnowt hatSosoi sback.Shebr ought
alongsomeoneel se,someonet hatNat hifel
lfor.My
Grandmot herwasabl et obr eakof fhispast
relat
ionshipsbeforethisonehopi ngI 'l
lgetmy
chancewi thhim, butNat hinevernot icedme.Hi s
heartwasj ustwayt oost ubbor n.Nat hiiswelloff
fi
nanciall
y, t
hei
rhousei sver ybeaut i
ful.Ishouldbe
l
ivingthere,ashiswi f
enott hatgirlthatSoso
br
oughtal
ong!
..

NANGOMSO

It
ookmybagandwewal
kedoutt
ohercar
.
Shedr i
vesaToyotaCH-R,aredone.Thefront
windowswer erol
leddown,andasongwaspl ayi
ng.
Nottooloudbutaswenear edtot
hecar,Icould
hearitcl
ear
ly..

"
Ngi
fi
saukubaneMal
iEni
ngi
Wal
letyamii
dumbe,
khanda
Lamil
idume.
.

Ngi
funaukudl
ainyamaEni
ngi
Ngi
khohl
weamadumbe
i
Menubobang'
buze"
Il
ookedatherstoppinganddoingthedancewit
h
herl
egandhertonguest icki
ngout
.Iqui
cklyt
ook
outmyphonetot akeavideoofherdanci
ng,Bel
wasreal
lyr
ockingt oday.
Sheconfusedmealot
,Iwastaken.Idi
dn'
t
under
standmysexual
it
y,shewasbanging.

Ist
oppedt
hevi
deowhenshest
oppeddanci
ng.
.

Me:Your
ockedi
t!
Bel
:Mycur
rentf
avor
it
esong
Iwenttotheothersi
deofthecartogetin,
sheal
so
gotin.
.Il
ookedatherwhil
ststrappi
ngmyseatbelt
on,sheadjust
edherseatandloweredthevol
ume.
.
Shelookedatme..
Bel
:Yougood?
Inoddedr
epeat
edl
y..
Me:YeahI
'
m good
Shest
rappedonherseatbel
ttoo.
..
Iwasser
iousl
yconf
used.
.

NDALO

Mywi
fel
ookedsuper
b,shewasbl
azi
nghot
.
Beldressesupbutinheels,
tightjeans, dressesand
whatnot .Thel
astt
imeshewast hi
sdr essedup, i
t
waswhenshewasst il
lpl
ayingf orbotht eams.
Whenshewasdat i
ngawoman.Iact uallyfoundher
i
nar elati
onshi
pwithawoman, butshet urneddown
thatcardwhenwest ar
teddating.

Idi
dn'
tknowi
fIshoul
dbewor r
iedorshej
ustf
elt
l
ikedr
essi
ngupthi
scasualt
oday..

Reco:I
sever
yoner
eady?Shoul
dwest
art
?
Dave:YesIf
eell
ikeever
yonei
sready
Il
ookedatever
yone.
.
Me:Thul
iismi
ssi
ng,
letmegogether
Igotupfrom t
hecouchtogogether
.Ist
il
lcoul
dn'
t
stopthi
nkingaboutBel
..
.

NANGOMSO

Me:Ithoughtyoutol
dNdaloaboutusgoingout
t
onightbecausehemadeplansfortoni
ght,
forme
t
ogoandmeethi sMother
Bel
:If
orgott
otel
lhi
m
Me:Idi
dn'
ttel
lhi
m aboutourdi
nnerpl
ans
Bel:Noi
t'
sokay.
.Youguyscango,
wewi
lluset
his
ti
meandalsogooutforl
unch
Me:Okaysoundsf
air
..Younotcomi
ng?
Bel
:NoIthi
nkIshoul
dgiveyout
hismomentt
o
enj
oyandbondwithhi
sfamil
y
Me:Hi
sMot
her
,howi
sshe?
Bel
:She'
slovel
y..You'
l
lloveher
Me:Ihopeso
Shesmiledatmeandconcent
rat
edont
her
oad
agai
n..
Me:Youl
ookgood
Bel:Thankyou.
.Fel
tli
kedressi
nguptoday.Idon'
t
usuall
ydressupbecauseI'
m mostl
yatwork,so
everychanceIget
.Idressup
Me:Ni
ce
Bel
:Youl
ookgoodt
oo
Me:Ohwpl
ease
Bel
:Youal
waysl
ookgoodi
never
ythi
ng
Me:Thankyou
Shesqueezedmycheek.
.
Bel
:Youwel
come
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
02] :48
NANGOMSO

Beli
ndaIwoul dn'tsayherst yleofdr essi
ngisdullor
unatt
ractive,iti
satanaccept abler angeofhowa
womanshoul ddress.Todayshewentupt hescale,
Iwasconf usedandt or ninseei nghermor easa
l
esbiant hanast r
aightwoman.Shef itsperf
ectl
yin
bothwor lds..Wedr oveadi stancet ofindthebest
mall,
I'
vebeenawayf rom homef oral ongt i
me.
Didn'
tevenr eal
izethatt hi
spl acehaschangedso
much, I
'vehear dofsuchMal l
svi aFacebookbutI
neverthoughtIwoul devervi sitthem. .Wewer eat
Menlynmal l,i
twasbi ggert hanhowIknewi t
.I
neverreallywentt here,Iknowi tfrom passingby
anditwassmal l
ernowi t'
sr i
di culous!.Iwasso
prayi
ngwedon' tgetlost,butBel i
ndaseemedt o
knowherwayar ound. .
Me:I
t'
sbeenawhi
lesi
nceI
'
vebeent
oPr
etor
ia
Bel
:Iwould'
vet
akenyout
otheMal
lofAf
ri
ca,
but
youl
ostthebet
Me:Rocksci
ssor
s
Bel
:Rocksci
ssor
sBabe
Thecl othesIwant edandever yt
hingelsewer eover
mybudget ,Belindaadded2kwi thoutevent hi
nking
twice.Sheaddedi tasiflikeitwasnot hi
ng, asifl
ike
i
tdi dn'thurtherbankbal ance.Maybei tdidn't
,
Nur sesdoear nenoughmoneyandI '
m sur eshe
getsacomf ort
ablemont hlyall
owancef rom Ndalo
too..Ifeltabitinti
midated,theyareindependent
peopl eandI 'm st
il
ltr
yingt ofi
ndmywayt hrough
success. .
Bel
:It
houghtyouwer
eduet
oear
nweekl
y,Amber
wasearni
ngweekl
y
Me:Istart
edalat
elikeaweekaft
ermont
hendor
so,sotheweekl
ythingi
sstar
ti
ngnextmont
hnot
thi
smont hbutt
hismonthI
'l
lbepaidont
he15t
h
fi
rstandalsomonthend
Bel
:Fai
renough
Wewal kedinatRocoMamast ohavel
unch,made
mef eelal
it
tleuncomfort
abl
ebecausemorewhit
e
peoplewereherethantheyhadbl
ackpeopl
e
Me:Thankyousomuchf
oraddi
ngupt
omybudget
Bel
:Don'
tment
ioni
t
Me:I
twasal
otofmoneyt
hough
Bel
:Andyoudon'
tseemecompl
aini
ng
Ismi
led.
.
Bel
:Readyf
ort
hegat
ewayt
omor
row?
Me:Yes.
.I'
m act
ual
lyexci
tedandyou?
Bel
:Met
oowewi
llmakei
twor
thwhi
le

NDALO

Wewat
chedt
heepi
sode.
.
Reco:Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
ieveshe'
sgone
Dave:Met
oo
Reco:Ndal
oissheokay?
Me:She'
satpeace.
.Itwashert
ime
Reco:Shedi
edf
rom anacci
dent
Me:I
twasnotapr
emat
uredeat
h,despi
tet
he
event
sofherdeat
hbutshe'
satpeace
Reco:Atl
eastt
hat
'sgood
Me:I
stheepi
sodegoodenough?
Dave:YesI
'
llmakesur
etheyai
ritt
oni
ght
Me:Thankyou.
.SocanIl
eave?
Il
ookedatt
het
ime,
itwasnow16:
30.
.
Me:Iam goi
ngt
omyMom'
sfordi
nner
Reco:Okayseeyout
omor
rowf
ort
hememor
ial
ser
vice
Me:I
'
llseeyouguysandbehave!
Reco:Wedon'
tunder
standt
hatl
anguage,
we
marri
ed
Me:Iwasn'
ttal
kingt
oyou
Reco:OhhhhhhI
'
m embar
rassedf
ormyl
if
e
Il
aughedasIwal
kedout
..

LELE
Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
..
Me:I
'
m comi
ng
Iwentt
oopen,
itwasCl
ara.
.
Cl
ara:Hey
Me:Hi
Cl
ara:MayIcomei
n?
Me:Uhm.
.Iguessso
Shemadeherwayi
n,Icl
osedt
hedoor
..
Cl
ara:Thi
shousei
sreal
lybeaut
if
ul
Me:I
tis
Cl
ara:MyGr
andmot
hersai
dyouwer
elooki
ngf
or
me
Me:Ohwyesi
twasnot
hing
Cl
ara:Foryoutocomenextdoori
tmeanst
hati
t
wasimportant
Me:Ourel
ect
ri
cit
ywast
ri
ppingwantedt
ofindouti
f
i
twasdoingt
hesamefr
om yoursi
debefor
eIcall
Nat
hiandbot
herhi
m
Cl
ara:Noyourel
ect
ri
cit
yissepar
atef
rom us,
Nat
hi
l
ongchangedit
Me:Okayt
hankyou.
.Iunder
stand
Shesmi
led.
.
Cl
ara:Youdon'
tli
kemever
ymuchdoyou?
Me:Whywoul
dyousayt
hat
?
Clar
a:Onecantel
lwhent
heynotl
iked,
Imeanyou
cannoti
cethevi
be
Me:I
t'
snotthatIdon'
tli
keyou,
Ijustdon'
tknowyou.
I
'vej
ustmoveddownher e,
Ihardl
yknowanyone
Cl
ara:Makessense
Inodded.
.
Clara:SosoandIwehavebeenf
ri
endssi
ncefr
om a
veryyoungage,Iwoul
dli
keustotr
yandgett
o
knoweachot her
Me:Agr
eed
Onet
hingyoudon'
tdoi
sgi
veawi
tcht
he
i
mpr essi
onthatyoususpect
ingthem.Lett
hem
thi
nkyouaf ool
,youbli
ndbutalsobeveryvi
gil
ant
andsmar t
..
Shemadeherwayt ot
helounge.Anotheri
mpor
tant
rul
eistoneverall
owthem anyaccesstoany
bedroom wi
thoutmonit
ori
ngthem..
Cl
ara:Ar
eyouwor
kingt
hisweekend?
Me:Why?
Cl
ara:Wast
hinki
ngt
hatmaybewecoul
dgoout
,
You,MeandSoso
Me:I
'l
lbeworki
ngtomor
rowandSat
urday,
Soso
won'
tbeavai
labl
ethi
sweekend
Cl
ara:She'
swor
king?
Me:Yessor
tof
Clar
a:St
il
lcan'tbel
i
eveshegotsuchajob.I
t'
snot
easytogetsuchajobunlessyouknowsomeone
whoknowssomeone
Me:MaybeherGodandhergui
desar
ewi
thher
Cl
ara:Maybe
BELI
NDA

Afterourl unchItookhert oabar .Iwasn'tgoingt

o
dri
nkmuchbecauseI 'm drivi
ng,Iwasonl ygoingto
haveashoot erandabr ut
alfrui
t.Ifi
nditmor e
l
ighter.Nangomsowashadt woshoot ersandnow
shewasonabot t
leofsavanna.Wewer esi t
ti
ngat
thebarf acingeachot her.Shewasabl i
ss,
constantlysmi l
ingandl aughing.She'savery
colorf
ulper son,cangetyououtofadepr essed
moodwi thouteventrying..
Shel aughedandleanedf
orwardtohi
tmeonthe
thi
gh, whenherwigcamef or
wardandcl
oudedher
face.Iextendedmyhandtofixi
t
Me:Lookatyoumessi
ngyour
sel
fup
Shemessedi
tupmor
e..
Me:Youar
esuchachi
ld!
Igotupandmovedtoher,Ist
oodinbetweenher
l
egsandfixedi
tsqueezi
nghercheekswit
hmy
hands.
.Shebl
ewoutai
r.
.
Me:I
ndeedyouar
esuchachi
ld(
laughi
ng)
Wel
ookedateachot
herandIki
ssedher
.
Shedi
dn'tf
ightmeof f,
inst
eadshewr appedher
armsar
oundmywai staswecontinuedkissing.
.I
wassocaughtupi nthemoment,Ili
teral
lyranmy
handupherthigh.Shestoppedme..
Soso:
Uhm It
hinkwear
einpubl
icf
orsuch
Me:Mybad
Iki
ssedheragai
nandwentbackt
omysi
t.
Soso:
Ireal
lyenj
oyedmyday.
.Thankyou
Me:Puti
ther
e
Ihel
dmyhandupt oher
,shegavemeahi gh5andI
l
eanedforwar
dagai
npull
ingherchairt
owar
dsme
soshecouldbemorecl
oser.Shef
ellonmychest
l
aughing.
.
Soso:
Icoul
d'vef
all
enonmyf
aceont
hef
loor
Me:ThankGodyoudi
dn'
t
Shesatupst
rai
ght
..
Me:I
'
m gl
adyouenj
oyi
ngyourday
Soso:
Andt
hecompany
Me:It
houghtIwast
hemostbor
ingper
sononear
th
Soso:
Ithoughtsot
oo
Me:I
twasbet
terwhenIsai
dit
Soso:
Yousocut
e
Me:Noyoucut
e
Soso:
Noyoucut
e
Thi
sti
me,
shewast
heonewhol
eanedf
orwar
d..

NDALO

IgothomeandcalledBel,
shedidn'
tpickup.Ical
led
Sososhedidn'
tpi
ckupt oo.Thesepeopl
ewer e
supposedtobebackoratleastonthei
rwayback
home..Theydi
dn'
teventellwheret
heyweregoing..
Il
ookedatt
het
ime,
andIwasbeyondpi
ssedby
now..Ideci
dedt
otr
ackBel
'
sphone.Theywer
ein
Pret
oria.
.
Me:Wt
f?
Ical
ledheragai
nandi tr
angunanswer
edandt
ook
mest r
aightt
ovoicemail
..
Me:Idon'
twannagetmadBel ,butwhatt
hehellar
e
youguysdoingi
nPt a?Youguysar enoteven
picki
ngupyourphones..Iam gett
ingr
eall
ymad!

NANGOMSO

Wel
eftt
hebarandwal
kedoutatt
hemal
l.
Belhadherar
m ar
oundmyshoul der
s.Ireall
y
enj
oyedmydaywi t
hher,she'
sveryfunand
charmi
ng.She'
sbeencharmingthewholeday. .We
gottot
hecarandputeveryt
hingint
hetrunk,then
wegotinsi
de.
.
Bel
:Weshoul
ddot
hismor
eof
ten
Me:Iagr
ee
Sheleanedcl oserandkissedme.Wewerei na
secl
udedpl acenow, butnotmuchawayfrom
people.Theywer epassingthr
oughbuti
tlessbusy
thaninside.
.
Wecontinuedki
ssi
ng,
alongsmoot
hki
ssunt
ilshe
snuckherhandupmythi
ghagai
n.
Ihadonetoomanydri
nks,myhor
moneswer
e
goingcr
azyandshewasturni
ngmeon.
Idon'
tknowifit
'sbecauseIam st
art
ingtobereal
ly
i
ntoherorsomet hi
ngli
kethat
,butsomethingi
nme
moved.Shegivesmear ushwhenshet ouchesme,
Ievengetgoosebumps..

Thesongthatwaspl
ayi
ngwasevenmaki
ngt
he
si
tuat
ionworse.
.

"
Alotofdudesj
ustbegoi
ngnowher
efast
Butyoubest
eadycr
uisi
ngl
ikeyouwanti
ttol
ast
That
'showyoumademeachocohol
ic
Andr
ightnowmybody'
scal
l
ing
Igot
taknowhowyougott
heknowhow
Babyyout
hechampofal
lthatgoesdown
I
fyour-
-wasaguni
twoul
dst
onecol
d?
Wi
thmyRNBt
hugwhenIbangbang
YouknowKell
sandKer
ihookupl
iket
hatyoumake
i
tnumberone"

Asshecont i
nuedkissingmewi thherhanddeep
i
nsidemykni cker
s,rubbingherhandagainstmy
coochie.Shesangalongt ot
hesongaf t
erpull
ing
myl owerli
pinthekiss..

Bel:"Girlivowt
hatIwoulddoanythi
ngtopleasur
e
you..AllIwannadoismaket hisl
ast
,I'
l
lki
ssyouup,
Iki
ssyoudown. .Berealqui
etormaki
ngsounds.
Takei tslowort
akeitfast"

Sheputherot
herhandatt
hebackofmyhead.
.
Me:"Andwheni
t'
soveri
nthemor
ningi
'
llsaygr
ias
baby"
Shel
aughed.
.
Bel
:"Bef
oreyoul
eaveI
'
llscr
eam damel
o"
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
02] :49

BELI
NDA

Wegothomeabitlat
e,i
twasevendark.Wemade
ourwayi
nlaughi
ngandchi
tchatt
ing.
Unt
ilNdal
oshowedup,
andmadehi
swayi
n.
Hishandsweredeepinhi
spockets,
hewaswearing
hi
ssweatpantsthathadpocket
s.Hedi
dn'
tlookso
happy.
.Welookedathim.
Hedi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing,
hej
ustl
ookedatus.
Soso:
Ithi
nkIshoul
dgohome
Hel
ookedatSoso.
.
Soso:
YaIt
hinkIshoul
dgohome,
I'
llcal
lanUber
Ndal
o:Youar
enotgoi
nganywher
e
Wer
emai
nedqui
et.
.
Ndalo:There'snothingIhateli
kebei
ng
disr
espectedonpur pose,
thisnewl
yfound
fr
iendshi
pi fit
'sgoingtomakeyouguysi nfl
uence
eachothert hewrongwayt henwegoi
ngt ohavea
probl
em
Me:Youdon'
thavet
obl
ameSoso,
shedi
dnot
hing
Ndalo:Ihadnoi
ntent
ionsofbl
ami
ngSosoasyet
,
I
'm sti
llcomi
ngt
oher
Soso:
Ohw
Ndalo:Bel
indasi
ncewhendoyounotansweryour
phonewhenyouout ?
Me:I
'
m sor
ryIl
efti
tint
hecar
Ndalo:Idon'
tcare,
youknowyounevernotanswer
yourphonewhenyouout .Ineedtoknowyousafe
atal
ltimes,doyouevenknowt hatIwasaboutt
o
sendawhol
esear
chpar
tyf
oryou?Wast
epeopl
e'
s
ti
me?
Me:I
'
m sor
ry
Hel
ookedatSoso.
.
Ndal
o:Andwhat
'syourexcuse?Youl
eftyourphone
i
nthecart
oo?
Soso:
Yes
Ndal
o:Soyoualsodi
dn'
tknowwehadt
ogo
somewher
etoday?
Me:Ndal
oitwa-
Ndal
o:Don'
tspeakovermeBel
indaI
'
m noteven
t
alki
ngtoyou!
Soso:Hai
bosowemadeami st
akegetoveri
t!You
don'
thavetobet
hisdi
srespect
ful
Ndal
o:Di
srespect
ful
?
Soso:Wearebackandwear
efi
neAngi
thi
?So
what'
sthebi
gdeal?
Ndal
okeptqui
et.
.
Ndal
o:Belpl
easeexcuseus
Il
ookedathi
m..
Ndal
o:Excuseuspl
ease
Me:You'
l
lbeokay?
Soso:
I'
llbef
ine
Iwal
kedaway.
.

LELE

Clarastayedoverfordinner
.Weallgat
heredaround
thedinnertabl
e,suchanawkwar dmoment .One
thi
ngaboutmei sthatIdon'
tli
kepeopl
e'shouses,
evenf r
om backathomeyou' dneverfi
ndme
galavanti
ngaround.
Iam notfrom ahighclassneighborhoodot hert
han
ourhouseandmyf ami l
ybeingwelloffi
nt hehood,
butIwast aughtmanner st
hroughandt hrough.I
don'tknowhowt hisClaragir
lwasr ai
sedbutt hi
sis
highlyunaccept
able,
Ididn'teveninvi
tehert ost
ay
fordinner
.It
houghtshewasgoi
ngtol
eavesoon,
butshedidn'
t.
.Icoul
devenseeNat
hiwasgett
ing
bored..
Cl
ara:Lel
eyouar
eagr
eatcook
Me:Thankyouver
ymuch
Cl
ara:Youmustgi
vemet
her
eci
pe
Me:Isur
ewi
ll
Iwi
llnevergi
vehert
her
eci
pe.
.
Nat
hi:I
'
mti
redsoIam goi
ngt
oret
ir
etobed
Hegotupandki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
Me:I
'
llber
ightt
her
e
Nat
hi:Goodni
ghtCl
ara
Cl
ara:Ni
ghtNat
hi
Nathiwalkedtothebedr
oom,Il
ookedatClar
a
hopingthatshewouldsayshe'
sleavi
ngbutbi
tch
dishedupmor eandmadeherselfwaytoo
comf or
tabl
e..
NANGOMSO

Ndal
o:Let'
sunder
standeachot
heronsomet
hing,
don'
tevert
alkt
omel iket
hat
Me:Youarebei
ngunnecessar
yNdal
o,wecame
backho-
Hewal
kedupt
ome.
..
Ndalo:Isaidyouwi
llnevertal
ktomeeverl
iket
hat
everagain!Doweunderstandeachot
her?
It
ookaf
ewst
epsbackandkeptqui
et.
.
Me:CanIgohome?
Ndal
o:Gohomehow?Who'
sgoi
ngt
otakeyou
home?
Me:I
'
llcal
lanUber
Ndal
o:Uyahl
anyayi
ni?(
Areyoucr
azy)
Me:Idon'
twannaf
ight
Ndalo:Wear
egoingtofi
ght
,becauseyouare
i
nit
iati
ngafi
ght
!Thisi
snotaboutBelthi
sisabout
YouandI.Youknewhowi mpor
tanttodaywas,I
wasgoingtoi
ntr
oduceyoutomyMot her
!Don'
tyou
knowthesayi
ngthat"
Fir
stimpr
essionslast
"
Me:Belw-
Ndalo:Isaidt
hisisnotaboutBelandI
,thisisabout
youandI !Youhaveami ndofyourown,youar ean
AdultSoso!Youcanmakeyourowndeci si
ons,soI
havetorunsomet hi
ngthatIhavetodowi t
hyou
thr
oughBelf i
rst
?Isthi
swhatitis?
Ist
il
lkeptmypeace.
.
Ndal
o:I'
m ver
ydisappoi
ntedi
nyou,
yazii
fyoudon'
t
wantt
obei narel
ati
onshipwi
thmeyoushoul
dsay
t
handoingsuchnonsense
Me:I'
m sor
ryt
hatImisseddinnerwithyouandyour
Mother,
Idi
dn'
tdoiti
ntent
ionall
yIjustl
osttr
ackof
t
ime
Ndal
o:Ohwr
eal
ly?
Me:Itwasamist
akeNdal
oandifyoucan'tt
akemy
apol
ogytheni
t'
sokay.
.Wecanendthi
srightnow!
Ndal
o:Soso
Me:Nowecanendi tnowbecauser i
ghtnowyou
standingthereandmaki ngmel ookstupid,l
ikea
stupidassbitchthatcan'tmakedeci sions!Iwent
outwi t
hBelinda,wetryingtogetal ongbuther eyou
arestandingthereandt ryi
ngt omakemef eelli
ke
shitaboutalloft
hissoI 'm notgoingtotakeshi t
fr
om you, maybeBel slet'
syougetawaywi t
h
speakingtoherlikethatbutI '
m notBels!Youshal l
nevertalktomel i
kethateveragai n!
Ndalo:Youforgott
ohavet hatsameatti
tudewi t
h
yourexwhoabusedyou, nowyouthrowingitatme!
Youtrytomakeyour sel
flooktoughbutyoucoul dn'
t
doitwithyourexwhof uckenabusedyouf oryears!
Me:Fuckyouokay?Fuckt hi
s!I
'
m done!I
'
m not
desperateforlovedoyouhearme?Youcangot o
hel
l!Youandyourwi feIdon'
tneedthi
snonsense.
.
Sothat'sitgoodbye
Iwal
kedupt
othedoor
..
Ndal
o:Nangomso

LELE
Thiswasget
ti
ngridi
cul
ous!I
twasnow21:
00and
thi
sgir
lhasbeenheref
oralongt
ime.
.
Me:Cl
araIneedt
ogot
obed
Cl
ara:Ohwyes.
.I'
m sor
ry
Me:Iwoul
dreal
lyl
ikeyout
ost
aybut
..
Cl
ara:NoIunder
stand.
.It
'sl
ate,
Ishoul
dapol
ogi
ze
Me:I
twasgoodhavi
ngyouar
ound
Cl
ara:Thankyouf
ort
hedi
nner
Me:Youwel
come
Iwal
kedhert
othedoorandt
henl
ocked.
.
Imademywaybacktotheloungeandmyphone
wasri
ngi
ngont
hetable,It
ookitandi
twasSoso.
.
Me:Soso
Soso:
Areyouhome?
Me:Uhm yes.
.Why?
Soso:
Ineedyout
ocomeandgetme
Me:Getyou?Whathappened?
Soso:
Ineedyout
ocomeandgetme
Me:Wher
eisNdal
o?
Soso:
Lel
e!Focus!TakeNat hi
'
scarandcomeand
getmedon'
ttel
lhim anyt
hing
Me:Whatam Igoingt
osaytohi
m whenheasks?I
can'tj
ustt
akehi
scarandl
eavewit
houtt
alki
ngto
him
Soso:He'syourboyf
ri
endLel
e,youshouldknow
howt odri
bblehi
m..Comeandgetmei t
'slat
eand
I'
m hurt
MeHur
t?Whathappened?
Soso:
Iwentovert
hegat
e
Me:Whathappened?
Soso:
Justcomeandgetmepl
ease!
Igotworri
edrightaway,
whenSosoget
sangr
y.Al
l
hel
lbreaksloose.
..
BELI
NDA

Ndal
owalkedi
ntothebedroom storming.Hewas
f
uming,
I'
veneverseenhimlikethis.
Me:Whathappened?
Ndal
o:Ineedmycarkeyswher
ear
ethey?
Me:Whathappened?
Ndalo:Idon'
thavet
imef
ort
hisBel
indahaveyou
seenmycarkeys?
Me:Dr
essi
ngt
abl
e
Hewal
kedovert
ogett
hem.
.
Me:Wher
eisSoso?
Hechangedhi
ssl
eeper
sandputonhi
ssneaker
s..
Me:Ndal
owher
eisSoso?
Ndal
o:I
'
m comi
ngback
Hewal
kedout
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
02] :50

NANGOMSO

Itwasver
yqui
etaroundt
henei
ghbor
hood.Onl
y
dogswerebar
kingandmaki
ngnoi
se.
Theyscar edmeal otbecauseIam i ndeedscaredof
dogs.Iwasst i
llveryupset,butatthesamet i
meI
real
izedthatIactedimpulsivel
y.Ishouldn'
thave
walkedoutwi t
houtapl an,nowI '
m walki
ngaround
thi
sneighborhoodl at
eatni ghtandLelehasn't
call
edtotellmewher eshewas, andifshewasable
toconvinceNat hit
otakehi scar.

Isawacarcomi ng,Iuppedmypaceandhel dmy

bagtight.Idon'tknowhowsecur eabssafeitis
aroundher e,andIwasn' tgoingtotakeany
chances..AsIwal kedt hrough,Inoti
cedthatitwas
Ndalo'scar.Iexhaled.
Ist
oppedandwai
tedf
orhi
m,hest
oppednextt
o
me..
Ndal
o:Geti
n
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Ndal
o:Youar
emyr
esponsi
bil
it
yIwannagetyou
homesafe
Hewasmaki
ngsense,
Lel
ewasdel
ayi
ng.
Iopenedthedoorandgoti n.Ist
rappedmyselfwi
th
theseatbelt
.Insteadofdr
ivi
nghel ookedatme,I
knowhewoul dwantt oini
ti
ateafightbutIwas
seri
ouslynotinthemood..
Ndal
o:Whyar
ewef
ight
ing?
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Ndalo:Idon'
tunder
standhowIwasn'
tal
lowedt
o
getangry,sowasIsupposedt
obehappy?
Me:Ndal
oIdon'
twannaf
ight
Ndal
o:I
'
m notfi
ghti
ng,I
'
m aski
ngi
fIwasn'
tal
lowed
t
ogetmadinthatsi
tuat
ion,
Iwasmeantt
okeep
qui
etandactl
ikewhatyoudi
dwasokay?
Me:Idi dn'tsayitwasokay, j
ustt
hatyoudon' t
alwayshavet oremindmeofmypast .SoImust n'
t
standupf ormyselfeacht imewhenIf eel
disrespected?Ishoul dn'
tstandupt oyouj ust
becauseIcoul dn'tstandupt omyex?Wi l
lIalways
becr ucif
iedandr emindedofmysi ns?Whatki ndof
relati
onshipwi l
lwehavei fyoual waysr emindme
ofmypast ?YesIknowt hatwasast upidmi st
ake
butithappenedIcan' tchangeit,
youdon' thaveto
remi ndmeofmypastal lthetime
Ndal
o:I
twaswr
ongofmet
osaysuchandI
apol
ogi
ze
Me:Iapologi
zetoo.
.Idi
dn'
tdot
hati
ntent
ional
ly
j
usttodissyou
Ndal
o:Wer
eyouser
iouswhenyousai
dyoudone?
Me:Ij
ustneedsomespacet
hat
'sal
l
Ndal
o:Iunder
stand.
.Justdomeonef
avor
Me:Yes?
Ndal
o:Pl
easegot
othegat
ewayt
omor
row,
ever
ythi
nghasbeenpai
dfor
.Iwon'
tgetanyr
efund
Me:Ihadnointent
ionsofcancel
ingt
hegat
eway,
I
di
dn'
tfightwi
thBelIfoughtwi
thyou
Hi
m:Yeahwhat
ever
..Il
oveyout
oo

BELI
NDA

IwasworriedaboutSoso,
Ndaloseemedpret
ty
upsetwhenhelefther
e.It
riedcal
li
nghi
m buthe
hadlef
thisphonesoIcall
edSoso..
Soso:
Hey
Me:Ar
eyouokay?Ar
eyousaf
e?
Soso:
I'
m good.
.Ndal
ocaughtupandi
sdr
ivi
ngme
home
Me:Atl
east
..
.Ar
ewest
il
lonf
ort
omor
row?
Soso:
Yeswear
e
Me:I
'
m glad.
.Iseeyoul
eftyourt
hings,
I'
llbr
ing
t
hem overt
omorrowmorning
Soso:
Thankyou
Me:Okaybegood.
.I'
l
lseeyout
omor
rowmor
ning
Soso:
Okaybye
Me:Bye

NANGOMSO

Wedr ovei
nsi l
ence,i
twasprobabl
yfort
hebest.I
hateconfl
ict
s,Ididalotoft
hatwit
hSidandI
'm
ti
red.
.

Whenwegottomyhouse,IsawLel
eopeningt
he
gar
age.Shest
oppedandl
ookedatt
hecar.Ndal
o
par
ked.
.
Me:Thankyouf
ort
her
ide
Ndalo:Wasn'
tgoi
ngt
oletyouwal
khome,
it'
sal
ong
di
stance
Me:Thankyouagai
n
Ndal
o:I
twasnot
hing
Me:Ishoul
dgoi
n..Goodni
ght
Ndal
o:Justknowt
hatIl
oveyou,
andyesI
'
llgi
ve
youabreak
Me:Thankyou
Ndal
o:Idon'
tevengetaki
ss?
Iki
ssedhi
m..
Ndal
o:Goodni
ght
..Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
It
ookmybagandgotout
.Il
ookedathi
mtakeof
f.
.
Iwenti
nandLel
ecamet
ome.
.
Lel
e:Iwasaboutt
ofet
chyou
Me:Thankyouf
oryoural
lyourt
roubl
es
Lel
e:St
il
lwon'
ttel
lmewhathappened?
Iputmyar
m ar
oundhershoul
der
s..
Me:No.
.Rat
hernott
alkabouti
t
LI
SA

Thef ol
lowingmor ni
ngIwentt owor k,Belwon' tbe
i
nbecauseshe' sgoingoutfortheweekend.
YesterdayIwaswat chinghervideodanci ng,she
hadupl oadeditonherwhat sappstatus..She
l
ookedl ovelyandchar ming.Defi
nit
elytheol d
Beli
ndahadr esur
faced..Idon'
tknowhowf arMiss
Gwast ohelpingme, Iwasgetti
ngimpat ient.
.

MyphonebeepedandIchecked, itwasawhat sapp

messagef r
om anumberIdidn'
trecognize.The
contacthadsentmeavideoofher sel
fandmy
husbandinbed,fol
lowedbythetext:

"
Sidechi
cki
swi
nni
ng"

Iexhal
edanddelet
ed.Awhil
ebackthi
swoul
d've
mademeangr ybutnowIdon'
tcar
eanymorewhat
thatmandoes.
.
NANGOMSO

Iwokeupabi tlat
erthanmyusualti
mesi
nceIwi
ll
beof fal
lweekend.Fir
stt
hingIdi
dwast
osaymy
prayers,
brushmyt eet
handwashedmyface.
.

Beli
ndacall
edthatshe'
scloseby,Imadesomethi
ng
toeatasIwait
ed.Iprepar
edal i
ghtermeal
,cer
ealto
beexact.
.

Belshowedupaf t
erafew.Shewasdr essedin
blackl
eggings,awhiteniket-
shirtandblackNike
sneakers.Shedidn'
thaveonacapnorshades.She
tookouttheplasti
cfrom thebackseats,Ist
oodat
thegatewithmyar msfolded.Shewal keduptome..
Bel
:Goodmor
ning
Me:Mor
ning
Shegavemeaki
ss.
.
Bel
:Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Bel
:I'
m good
Me:Let
'
sgoi
n
Wemadeourwayi
ntot
heyar
d,shespankedmy
behi
nd.
.
Me:Behave!

Wegoti
ntot
hehouse.
.
Bel
:Yourhousei
sbeaut
if
ul
Me:Thankyou,
myBr
otherpaysmyr
ent
Shel
aughed.
.
Wewentt
othel
ivi
ngr
oom.
.
Bel
:It
'sr
eal
lybeaut
if
ul
Me:Thankyou
Wesatdown.
.
Me:Somet
hingt
odr
ink?
Bel
:Cof
fee?Jui
ce?
Me:Pr
ett
ymuch
Bel
:Wher
ecanwegetsomet
hingmor
est
ronger
Me:It
houghtyouwoul
dneverask

NDALO

MyMot
hercal
ledme.
.
Ma:Iwai
ted
Me:I
'
m sor
ry
Ma:Whathappened?
Me:Theywentoutwi
thBel
,l
ostt
rackoft
imeand
camebacklat
e
Ma:Theyseem t
obebondi
ngwel
l
Me:Theyar
e
Ma:Wellt
hen.
.Wecanr eschedul
eforanot
herday
buti
tsoundsl
ikeshe'
stryi
ngtoavoidme
Me:She'
l
lcomear
ound
Ma:Iam j
ustgl
adherandBelar
eget
ti
ngal
ongwel
l
Me:Yest
heyare.
..MaI'l
lcal
lyoul
aterwepr
epar
ing
f
orthememori
alservi
ce
Ma:Okaybaby.
.Takecar
eofyour
sel
f
Me:Okay.
.Il
oveyou.
.Bye
Ma:Il
oveyout
oo

NANGOMSO

Wewenttot
heMall
,wenttot
opstobuysomethi
ng
t
odri
nk.Whenweweredone,sheal
soopt
edthat
webuysomethi
ngt
oeat.
.
Wegotsomet akeaways,
Ideci
dedthatwepass
Lel
e'sworkpl
ace.Wefoundherbusysor
ti
ngout
cl
othes.
.
Me:Hey
Lel
e:Hey.
.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Me:Wejustcametogetsomet
hingt
odr
inkand
somet
hingtoeat
Lel
e:We?
Me:Thisi
sBeli
ndamySi st
erWif
e,Thi
sisLel
emy
bestf
ri
endandsist
erinl
aw.She'sdat
ingmy
Brot
herhopi
ngtheygetmarri
edsoon
Bel
:Ni
cet
omeetyou
Bel
:Li
kewi
se
Theyexchangedahandshake.
.
Me:ThoughtIshouldst
opbybecauseI
'
llbegone
whenyouknockof f
Lel
e:Thankyouforpassi
ngby,
hopi
ngyouwi
ll
enj
oyyourweekend
Il
ookedatBel
..
Me:Wewi
lldon'
twor
ry
Bel
:I'
l
ltakecar
eofherdon'
twor
ry
Lel
e:Pl
ease.
.Wantherbacki
nonepi
ece
Belputherar
m overmyshoul
der
sandki
ssedme
ont
hecheek.
.
Lel
e:Uhm okay.
.Thi
nkyouguysshoul
dleavesoI
cangetbacktowork
Me:Yesofcour
se
Igaveherahug.
.
Me:I
'
llcal
lNat
hibef
oreIl
eave
Lel
e:Pl
easedo
Me:Iwi
ll
Lel
e:Wasni
cemeet
ingyouBel
inda
Bel
:Yout
oo
Wewal
kedout
..
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
05] :51

NANGOMSO
By14: 00wewerealreadyont heroad.Wel ef
tmy
houseandwentt oBel '
shousesoshecoul dpack
uptoo, t
henourri
def et
chedusf r
om Bel'shouse.I
washappyt hatIcouldwearjeansnow, alt
hough
myf ootwasachingfrom goi
ngovert hefencelast
ni
ght .
Ihurtmyf oot
, t
houghIthinki
t'
sani nj
urythat'snot
goingt olastforlong.
.NdalohadaBMW X6f etch
us,anddr iveust otheourdesti
nat
ion.Wedi dn't
knowwher ewewer eheadedtoo,i
twasasur prise.I
wasj usthappyt hatIwasgetti
ngfreshair,with
everythingthat'
sbeenhappeningIneedt hisfresh
air
..Bel'sphoner ang.
.
Bel
:Ihavet
otaket
his,
it'
sNdal
o
Sheanswer
ed.
.
Bel
:Nat
ure.
.Ohwyeswear
eonourwayt
her
e..
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Bel:Nowedidn'
tdel
ay..
.Weleftontheexactt
ime
thatwasgi
ventous.
..Yeahshe'shere
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Bel
:Okay
Shehandedt
hephonet
ome.
.
It
ooki
t.
.
Me:Hel
lo
Ndalo:Iknowthatyouaskedf
orabreakandspace
butIwantedtocheckuponyoutoo
Me:I
'
m good,
can'
tcompl
ain
Iknowwhathappenedt ouslastnighti
semotional
drai
ning,Ij
ustwantyoutohavefunt hi
sweekend.
Forgetaboutever
ythi
ng,f
orgetaboutthest
upid
fi
ght,enj
oyyoursel
f
Me:Iwi
llt
hankyou
Ndal
o:Il
oveyouokay?
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Ndal
o:Gi
veBel
'
sthephone
Igaveherbackherphone.
.
Bel
:Hun..
.YesI
'
mfi
ne,
wef
ine.
..OkayIwi
ll
..Il
ove
youtoo.
.Bye
Shehungup.
.
Bel
:Soyout
woar
est
il
lati
t?
Me:Iaskedf
orsomespace
Bel
:Itwast
hatbad?
Me:Ndal
oandIwever
bal
lyt
oxi
ctoeachot
her
Bel
:Ihopewhateveriti
syouguysfi
xit
,thi
sisa3
waysit
uati
on.I
twillaff
ectusmetoo
Sheputherhandonmyt
high.
.
Bel
:Idon'
twannal
oseyou
Ihel
dherhand.
.
Me:Iknow

CLARA

Isatont
hecouchdef
eat
ed.
.
Gogo:Yi
ningawe?(
what
'swi
thyou)
Me:Thi
sist
aki
ngl
ongGogo,
ithast
akenyear
s
Gogo:Ihavet
ri
edmybestCl
ara
Me:Youbesti
snothar
denough
Gogo:Thi
sgir
l.
.Thisnewgirl
,i
t'
smor eharder.
Soso'
shouseisprot
ected,
theyprot
ected.There'
s
Godinvol
vedandancestor
sinvol
ved
Me:Howar
eSoso'
sancest
orspr
otect
ingLel
e?
Gogo:Shemust'
vedonesomet hi
ngri
ghtbySoso,
nowshe'sdat
ingtheirSon.Theyhappywit
hher,gi
rl
hasagoodheartafteral
lshemeanswellbythem
Iexhal
ed.
.
Me:Ican'
tgetaj
ob,
Ican'
tgett
hemanIwant
Gogo:ClararememberGoodexi st
stoo,Goddoesn't
bl
essanevi lheart
,Goddoesn' tbl
essevil
deeds.We
di
devilbywhatwedi dtoyourMot her
,she'snotat
peace.Therefor
eyoudon' thaveanyblessingsfr
om
her,
God'sblessingsaren'
tfall
ingonyoueither.
Unti
lwer el
easeher ,
cleanupouractthenGodwi l
l
havemer cyonyou
Me:Ican'tl
etgo,whati
fIletgoandthingsdon't
workoutsti
ll
.I'
l
lgobacktobeingdepressed,
I'
llgo
backt
othatdar
khol
eandspace
Gogo:Thendon'
tevent
hinkaboutsuccessasyet
,I
wil
ltr
ymybestwi t
hNat
hibutitwon'tbeeasyboy
i
shighlypr
otect
ed
Me:Thi
sisdi
sappoint
ingatleastget
ti
ngNat hias
mymealti
cketI
'
llknowmyf utureissecur
ethenI'l
l
l
etgoofMom andwor konrebuil
dingmylife
Gogo:Thenyouwi
llwai
t,youhavet
obepat
ient
Me:I
'
llt
ry

NDALO

Iwalkedbackin,
Ihaddashedoutt
ocal
lthegi
rl
s..
WhenIwasatt hedoor
,Daveputhi
shandonmy
shoulderandpul
ledmetothesi
de.
.
Me:Whati
sit
?
Het
ookouthi
sphone.
.
Dave:Haveyouseent
his?
Itookhisphoneandchecked.Someonehad
uploadedaphotoofSosoandBel,ki
ssi
ngon
Twitter
..
Me:That'
swhymynoti
fi
cat
ionshavebeenbl
owi
ng
up,
thoughti
twasj
ustf
ansbother
ingme.Idi
dn'
t
bot
hertocheck
Dave:Youdi
dn'
tknowaboutt
his?
Me:Ofcour
senot
!
Dave:Wemi
ghtwakeupt
othi
sbei
ngheadl
ine
t
omor r
ow
Me:I
sitgoi
ngt
oaf
fectus?
Dave:Youareawel lrespect
edandhonorabl
e
person,Iam notgoi
ngt osayanyt
hingoutof
context
.Theshowwi llcarr
ythr
ough,Ij
ustwant
ed
the3ofyout obepreparedforthi
s
Inodded.
.
Me:Wewi
llbepr
epar
ed
Davenodded.
.
Dave:That
'sal
lIwant
edt
oknow
Hepatmeont
heshoul
derandwal
kedbacki
n..

BELI
NDA

Sosowassi ngi
ngalongtothesongthatwas
playi
ng,busydri
nki
ngsavannaandt aki
ngvideos.I
keptmyselfbusywit
hsocialmediaunti
lIstumbled
onapi ct
ureofusthatwaspostedonTwi t
ter.Iwas
mentionedalot.
Iwentthr
ought
hecomment s,
theywer
en'
tsogood.
Iswal
lowedatl
ookedatSoso.
.
Me:Hey
Shelookedatme.Igavehermyphone,
she
checked.Hereyeswi
dened.
.
Soso:Ohhhmygoodness!Peoplear
ecr
uel
,howdi
d
thi
shappen?Whotookthepict
ure?
Me:Ihavenoi
dea
Soso:
Ndal
oisdef
ini
tel
ygoi
ngt
oseet
his
Me:Hepr
obabl
yhasseeni
t,t
hey'
vebeen
ment
ioni
nghi
m al
ot
Soso:
Wedon'
tsayanyt
hingunt
ilheasks
Me:Yes.
.Wej
ustgot
her
eandenj
oyour
sel
ves
Soso:
Wegoi
ngt
oneedal
otofsavannas

NDALO

Iwascal ledtocomesaysomet hingaboutAmber .I

gotupandwal kedtot hepr eparedstage.Icleared
myt hroatandl ookedatever yone.Mymi ndwasst i
ll
verymuchont hisi
ssuewi thBel '
sandSoso.Iwas
l
ivid,Ifeltbetrayedt hatIhadt of i
ndoutaboutt his
onsoci almedi a.Sot heywer ehavi ngapr i
vate
affai
ral lalong, whatIhat emostaboutt hissituati
on
i
st hat.Whenmywi feloves, sheloveswi thallher
heart.She' sbeent hroughal otandSoso' slovei s
tough.Lastni ghtIsawt hatherhear ti
ssur r
ounded
andpr ot ectedbyAnger .Shebr okeupwi t
hme
withoutevent hinki
ngt wi ceandshedi dn'tcar e,i
t'
s
goingt ot akeal ottobr eakdownt hosewal l
s
aroundher.Tohaveloveful
lyt
akepl
acewit
hout
beingdi
sturbed.Idon'
tbl
ameSosothatmuch,
she
washurtal ot
.

Theonlylovesheknowscomeswi t
hpain,she
hasn'
tbeenwithanyoneel
seotherthanthi
sguy,
sheonlyknowslovefr
om t
hisguy.
Lovet
hatcamewi
thal
otofhur
tandpai
n.
Idon'
tunderstandwhyGodandmyancest or
skeep
onbringingmebr okenwomen, brokenwoment hatI
havetofixfi
rstbeforeIcouldenj
oyt her
elati
onshi
p.
Iam human, i
t'
salsonotf ai
ronme.Icarrymypai n
andtheirpai
n,whenwi llIbehappy?

NANGOMSO

Themomentt hr
eat
enedtogosidewaysbywhat
washappeni
ng,butBel
'
sandIagr eedt
hatwenot
goi
ngtolett
hisrui
nourweekend.Wegonnadeal
wit
hitwhenwegetbackhome.Wepul l
edupata
gasst
ati
onf
orr
efr
eshment
s..
Dr
iver
:5mi
nut
esbr
eakguys
Bel
:Ineedt
ouset
her
estr
oom
Me:I
'
llaccompanyyou
Wegotoutoft
hecar
,shewai
tedf
orme.
Shest
ret
chedoutherhandt
ome.
.
Bel
:Ifyouuncomf
ort
abl
eIunder
stand
Ismi
led.
.
Me:I
'
m notashamed,
ift
heywannat
alkt
henl
et
t
hem
Shesmi
ledt
oo.
.Wehel
dhands.
.
Bel
:I'
m wor
ri
edaboutNdal
o
Me:Iknowmet
oo
Bel
:Icoul
dfeelt
hathe'
snotokay
Me:Funnyenough,
I'
m al
sof
eel
ingabi
tof
f.
.Abi
t
down
Bel
:Ican'
twai
tforust
ogett
othel
odgewhat
everi
t
i
s
Me:Orgamer
eser
ve
Bel
:That
'smor
eli
kei
t
Wemadeourwayi
n..

NDALO

Wet
ookami
norbr
eakt
ohaver
efr
eshment
s.
Reco:Don'
tst
ressaboutit,peopl
etal
kalot.Imean
l
ookatDaveandI ,
it'
sbeenl ongsi
ncewe'vebeen
t
ogetherandpeopl
est i
llt
alk
Me:I'
m notworriedaboutwhatpeopl esay,Ireal
l
y
don'
tcare.Iam madpi ssedthatallthisnonsense
waskeptfrom me.SosoandBelar est art
ing
somethi
ngt hat
'sgoingtohur tthem deeply.Beli
s
toof
ragi
le,Sosoi sbrut
al.She'sgoingt ohurtmy
Bel
Reco:Wowi
fyouf
eel
li
ket
hatt
henwhydon'
tyou
l
etonego
Me:Il
ovebot
hoft
hem di
ff
erent
ly.Eachhol
dsa
spacei
nmyhear
t
Reco:I'
m sorrybutthat
'sbul
l!Idon'tbeli
evein
l
oving2peopl eequall
y.There'sonethatyoul ove
mor ebet
weent hetwo,Ndalot hi
smi ghtbackfir
e
andIforeseepain.
.Onei sboundt ogethur ti
fnot
al
l,asafriendandnotacol l
eague.I'dadviseyout o
l
etonegobef or
eit
'stoolat
e, whil
stit
'ssti
llearl
y
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
05] :52

BELI
NDA

Thedrivewasl ongenough,butattheendwef i
nal
ly
arr
ivedatourdestinat
ion.Wearri
vedatPal ala
gamel odge,i
twasbeaut i
ful
.Wearr i
vedabi tl
ate,
sowewi l
lhavetorestandstar
tanythingthat
neededt obestart
edtomor r
ow.Wewi l
ldo
everyt
hingelsetomorrow.Wecheckedi n,andwhen
everyt
hingcheckedout ,
wewer eusheredintoour
room.Itwasn'
tbad,i
twasverybeaut
if
ul.Abott
leof
champagneont hebed,st
rawber
ri
es,
cheese,ki
wi
frui
t,gr
apes,
chocol
atesandsli
cedwatermel
on.
Me:Wow
Soso:
Thi
sisamazi
ng
Me:I
ttr
ulyi
s
Iwalkedovertothebalcony,Iopenedthedoorand
walkedouttostandthere.Takeafewpi ct
uresand
absorbeveryt
hingin.Sosowalkedintoo..
.
Soso:
Thi
sisheaven
Me:I
tis
Soso:
Wewi
llenj
oyt
hisweekend,
wehavet
oo
Me:Can'
tdenyt
hat
Soso:
Thankyouf
ort
his
Me:Wehavet
othankt
heManwhopai
dforal
lof
t
his
Soso:
Hehasn'
tcal
led
Me:No
Soso:
Maybeyoushoul
dcal
lhi
m
Me:Yal
etmedot
hat

NDALO

Iwasathomesi t
ti
ngatt hefi
replace.Itwasnow
cold,thisnightwascol d.Iwasdr inkingwhiskey
andl ookingatt hephotoalbum, myweddi ng
pictureswi t
hBel .Wehadabeaut ifulwedding,she
washappy.IwashappyandIt houghti twasgoing
tobel ikethisforever
.Ijustdon'tknowwher eand
howwel osttheball,
butwewer ehappy. .
.

Thiswhol esi tuat

ionerupt
edal otofemot ionsdeep
i
nsi deofme.Iwascaughtupi nasi tuati
ont hatI
don' tknowhowi t
'sgoingtoturnout.Itookmy
phoneandl ookedatSoso'spictur
es.Idol oveher
too, moret hanIthoughtIwoul dandl et
ti
nggoof
onei snotgoi ngtowor kforme. .
.Iheardaf amili
ar
voicet al
kingbehindme. .
Voi
ce:Boyar
en'
tyoui
nabi
tofadi
lemma?
It
urnedbackandi
twasmyFat
her
..
Me:Dad
Hewal
kedoverandsatnextt
omeont
hecouch.
.
Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Dad:Yououtofal
lpeopl
e,youar
esur
pri
sedt
osee
me?
Me:Har
dasi
tmaysoundbut
..I
'
m sur
pri
sedt
osee
you
Dad:That
'sashocker
Me:Wai
t.
.Di
dsomet
hinghappen?
Dad:NoI'
mf i
ne.
.Justt
houghtyoucoul
dusesome
manlyadvi
ce
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Dad:Youat
tr
actbrokenwomenbecauseyouar
e
ful
lofl
ovei
t'
sablessing
Me:I
tdoesn'
tseem l
ikeabl
essi
ng
Dad:Rememberhowyout
houghtyourgi
ftwasa
cur
se?Lookatyounow.Youhel
pingal
otofpeopl
e,
youusi
ngitasablessi
ngt
hat
'smeantt
obe
Me:Idon'
tknowwhatt
odo
Dad:I
t'
snotyourf
aul
tthatyout
ornbet
weent
wo
women,Ibl
ameyourheart
Webot
hlaughed.
.
Dad:Youarenotarehabi
li
tat
ionoft
hesewomen
butyouar
et hei
rhope
Me:Il
ovebot
hoft
hem,
Idon'
twannal
oseei
ther
Dad:Iknow..Youcanleti
tworki
fyouwantt
oo,
you
canleti
tbreakifyouwanttoo
Me:Iwannamakei
twor
k
Dad:Thenmakei
twor
k
Hel
ookedatNangomso.
.
Dad:Thisonewi l
lbeabi thardertobreaki
ntoher,
she'sful
lofunhealedpainandanger .She'
ssti
ll
holdingontoalotoft hi
ngsthathappenedinthe
past.Shehasgivenuphope, shehasgivenupon
l
ove.Shel ovest
hei deaoflove,shedoeswannaf al
l
i
nloveshej
ustdoesn'
tknowhowt
olover
ight
Me:Sosoi
sful
lofanger
Dad:I
t'
sgoingtobediff
icul
tbuti
t'
snotimpossibl
e,
shedoesloveyou.Shehasfal
lenforyouj
ustvery
muchstubborntoo
Me:Youhavenoi
dea
Hel
ookedatBel
..
Dad:ThisoneIdon'thavetotellyou.Shelovesyou,
shedoes.Withallherhear
t.Partsofherlovingyou
wasall
owingyout obehappy, bringsomeoneel se
i
ntothemar r
iagebecauseshewant edyoutobe
happytoo
Me:Ifeell
ikebr
ingi
ngthem t
oget
her,t
hatwasabig
mist
ake.Thishasgott
enoutofcont
rol,
Idon'
twant
t
hem hurti
ngeachother
Dad:Wecan'tpr
eventpeopl
efrom hur
ti
ngusbuti
f
t
helovei
strue,i
tbypassesthehur
t
Myphoner
ang,
itwasBel
inda.
.
Me:Ihavet
otaket
his
Dad:Gor
ightonahead
Me:Bel
Igotupandwal
kedaway.
.
Bel
:Hey
Me:Hey?
Bel
:Sor
ryj
ustabi
tti
red
Me:Youguyshavear
ri
ved?
Bel
:Yeswehave
Me:Howwast
het
ri
p?
Bel
:Itwasgood.
.Thepl
acei
sbeaut
if
ul,
wegoi
ngt
o
enj
oy
Me:That
'st
hewhol
epoi
nt,
foryouguyst
oenj
oy
your
sel
ves
Bel:Wewillandthankyousomuchf
orever
ythi
ng,
fororgani
zingt
hisforus
Me:Justwant
edt
odosomet
hingspeci
alf
oryou
Bel
:Thankyou
Me:Wher
eisSoso?
Bel
:She'
sher
e
Me:Pl
easegi
vehert
hephone
Bel
:Okay
Iwai
ted.
.
Soso:
Nat
ure!
Me:Someonesoundshappy
Soso:OhhI '
mjustinlovewi
tht
hispl
ace,
it'
s
beaut
ifulandpeaceful
Me:Gl
adyoudo
Soso:
Thankyouf
ort
his,
Itr
ulyappr
eci
atei
t
Me:Justgl
adyouhappy
Soso:
YesIam
Me:OkayI
'
lll
eaveyouguyst
orest
Soso:
Areyouwel
l?
Me:I
'
m wel
l
Soso:
Areyousur
e?
Me:Ver
ysur
e,t
hankyouf
oraski
ng
Soso:
Howwast
hememor
ialser
vice?
Me:I
twentwel
l
Soso:
That
'sgood
Me:Ishoul
dleaveyouguyst
orest
Soso:
Yaawe'
l
lcat
chupt
omor
row
Me:okayandyougi
rl
sbet
terbehave
Soso:
Always
Me:Il
oveyousomuch
Soso:
Iloveyout
oo
Me:Goodni
ght
Soso:
Goodni
ght
Ihungup..Iwentbacki
n,myDadwasnotar
ound
anymore.
..

NANGOMSO

IgaveSosobackherphone.
.
Me:I
'
llpr
epar
eabat
h
Bel
:I'
l
ljoi
nyou
Me:Hmmmm
Herphoner
ang.
.
Bel
:It
'smyMot
heri
nLaw
Me:Takei
t,I
'
llgopr
epar
ethebat
h
Iki
ssedheronhercheekassheanswer
ed.

Iwalkedintothebathroom andadmi r
editfora
secondbef or
er unni
ngthewat eri
ntothebathtub.I
satattheedgeoft hebathtubandlookedatthe
waterrunning.Apartofmegotemot i
onalabi t
.I'
ve
neverhadanyonedosuchf orme.YesSidmi ght
havedoneaf ewgoodt hi
ngsf orme,butt
hey
weren'tgenuine
Ndal odidthi
sfrom t
hebottom ofhishear
t,no
stri
ngsat t
achedjustoutoflove.Myeyesfi
ll
edwi
th
tears,Belknockedandwalkedi n.
Bel
:Hey
Me:Hey
Bel
:Youokay?
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Me:YesIam
Bel
:Okayher
e..
Me:What
?
Bel
:Shewant
stot
alkt
oyou
Me:Me?
Bel
:Yesyou
Me:Uhm.
.
Bel
:Take
It
ookt
hephoneandbr
oughti
tcl
osert
omyear
..
Me:H.
.Hel
lo
Her:Doyouknowhowrudei
tist
ost
andupyour
f
utureMotheri
nlaw?
Me:Uhm.
.I'
m sor
ry
Her
:Youhavet
obemor
ethansor
ry
Iwasscar
edandshaki
ng.
.
Me:Iam t
rul
ysor
ry,
didn'
tmeant
oo
Her:Iam hur
tyouknow,
youhat
emeevenwi
thout
knowingme
Me:I
..That
'snott
rue
Her
:Iam j
ustj
oki
ngmydear
Iexhal
ed.
.
Her:Thoughiti
sabi
tof
fthatwemeet
ingeach
ot
herinthisway
Me:Iam sor
rynextt
imei
twon'
t
Her
:I'
vehear
dal
otaboutyou
Me:Sol
ongi
t'
sgoodnews
Shel
aughed.
.
Her
:ohdear
iedon'
tfl
att
eryour
sel
f,i
t'
sal
lbadnews
Il
aughed.
.
Her
:Atl
eastweshar
edal
augh
Me:Thankyou
Her
:Enj
oyi
ngt
het
ri
p?
Me:Wegother
eaf
ewmi
nut
esago
Her:Thenyoushoul
drest
,wewil
ltal
ktomor
row.
Justwantedt
ohearyourvoi
ce
Me:I
twasgoodhear
ingyour
stoo
Her
:Goodni
ghtDear
Me:Goodni
ghtMa
Her
:Bye
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
05] :53

NANGOMSO

Wecouldn'trest
,wet r
iedtorestbutwecouldn'
t.We
j
ustorganizedafewt odr i
nkandast heni
ght
progr
essedwewer ealreadydrunkandjumpingon
thebed,onlyinourrobesandnot hi
ngunderneath.
I'
vehadpeopl einmyl i
feandmostoft hem wer en'
t
sincereonlyLel ewas,t
omeetsomeonel ikeBel inda
andNdal opr ovedtomet hatasmuchasevi lpeople
existbutgoodpeopl edoexisttoo.Don'tj
udgeand
don'tpainteveryonewiththesamebr ushj ust
because3or4peopl ewereevi
l t
oyou, t
her e'
s
peopleoutt herewhoar egenui
neandt hey
shouldn'
tbecr uci
fi
edforthesi
nsoft hegui lt
y..
Me:Ohhmywor
d..Il
oveyousoomuch!
Shestoppedbouncingonthebedandlookedatme
asifl
ikeIj
ustsaidsomethi
ngwrong,Idon'
tknow
whyIsaidthatandnowIcan'tt
akeitback.
.
Bel:Doyour
eal
lymeant
hatori
t'
stheal
cohol
tal
king?
Ist
oppedbounci
ng.
.
Bel:Becauseifyouseri
ousIwantyout oknowt hatI
l
ikedyouf r
om thefi
rstti
meIsawyou, spending
ti
mewi thyoumademet ocatchfeel
ingsqui cker
thanIthoughtIwould.I'
vebeenwant ingtosay
thosewordstoyouIj ustdidn'
tknowhowyouwer e
goingtotakeit
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Bel:I
'm sur
ethishasneverhappenedbef
ore,
we
supposedt obehati
ngandscratchi
ngeachother
..
Isn'
tthathowit'
ssupposedtobe?
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:I
t'
samazi
ng,
I'
m amazedt
oo
Bel
:Il
oveyou
Me:Idoloveyout oobut...Ineedyout ounderstand
thatI
'
m nother et
ot akehim noryouf rom hi
m.If
pushevercomesi ntoshove, andatsomepoi ntyou
havetochoosebet weenus.I '
dratheryouchoose
himthanme, youlovethatmanandhel ovesyou
tooandIwoul dneverforgivemyselfifsomething
canhappentoyouguysonmyaccount
Bel:Whatdoesthatsupposedtomean?Youj ust
tol
dmeyoul ovedme, sowhydoesi thavetocome
tomechoosingandwhyar eyouexempt i
ng
yoursel
ffr
om beingchosen?
Me:Belt
hisisgood,what'
shappeni
ngbet
weenus
i
t'
sbeaut
ifulbutIdon'
ttr
ustmysel
fwit
hmysel
fand
Idon'
twannahur
tyou.Iknowmysel
f
Bel
:Soyouar
ehopi
ngt
ohur
tme?
Me:Ineversai
dthat
Bel
:Exact
lywhatar
eyousayi
ng?
Me:For
getabouti
t.
.Let
'sj
ustcont
inuehavi
ngf
un
Shegotdownf
rom t
hebedandswi
tchedof
fthe
musi
c..
Bel:Wenotgoingtoactasi
fli
keyoudidn'
tjustsay
that,
whenpushcomest oshove?Ishoul
dchoose
him?Sobasicall
yyouinthi
sbutyounotseri
ous?
Me:Youareblowingthi
swhol
esit
uati
onoutof
pr
oport
ion!That
'snothowImeanti
t
Bel
:Howdi
dyoumeani
tthen?
Me:Ithi
nkwedrunkandshoul
dcallitanight
bef
orewesaythingst
hatwemightregretlat
er
Bel
:Exactl
ywhyar
eweherethen?Becausei
fthat
's
howyoufeelt
henweshoul
dn'
tevenbehereand
doi
ngthis
Me:Whatt
hef
ucki
syourpr
obl
em?Youj
ustt
urned
t
hiswhol
esi
tuat
ioni
ntoa360whi
lsti
twason90
Bel:Youj
usttol
dmet hatyoudon'
tcar
eandI
'
m
supposedtobefuckenhappyabouti
t?
Me:Ineversai
dIdi
dn'
tcar
e!(
yel
li
ng)
Bel
:Thenwhatareyousayi
ngbecauseIdon'
t
under
standwhatyousayi
ng?
Me:Whyar
eyouwor kedup?Becausei
t'
snotl
ike
youwer
egoingt
oleavehimforme!
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Me:OhhhmyGod,
youar
econsi
der
ingl
eavi
nghi
m
f
orme?
Bel
:Your
ight
..
.Wepr
obabl
yshoul
dsl
eep
Igotdownf
rom t
hebed.
.
Me:No..
.No.
.No.
.Bel
younotconsi
der
ingl
eavi
ng
hi
mr i
ght?
Bel
:Aft
ert
his.
..NoIdon'
tthi
nksobecausecl
ear
ly
I
'mtheonl
yinvest
edinthi
s
Me:Whatt
hehel
ldoyouwantf
rom me?
Bel:Iwantyoutobet
ruet
oyoursel
fandhowyou
feel
!Stopshutt
ingmeout
!Al
lowmei n!
Me:Iam notshut
ti
ngyououtIj
ustdon'
t.
.
Bel:Youjustscaredt oopenyourhear tbecauseyou
scaredoffall
inginloveagai n..ComeonSoso!You
thi
nkIdon'tseet hatloveisfightingthroughthat
angerandyout ryingtofightof fthoseemot i
ons!
Youdeliberat
elyinit
iatefi
ghtsj ustsoyoucoul dget
away,youar eawonder f
ulandpr obablythebest
womanI 'veevermet !Justfuckenl etmei nthat'
sal
l
I'
m aski
ng
Me:Thi
sisr
idi
cul
ous!
Bel:I
sit
?Yout
ell
ingmethati
fIcoul
dtouchyou
ri
ghtnowyouwil
lstopme?
Il
ookedather
..
Bel
:IfIki
ssyour
ightnowwoul
dyoust
opme?
Me:I
'
m goi
ngt
ogetsomef
reshai
r
Iwal
kedawayandshegr
abbedmyar
m..
Bel
:Soso!
It
urnedar
oundandpushedher
..
Me:Younotf
uckenl
eavi
ngyourhusbandf
orme!
!
Bel
:Andwhyi
sthat
?
Me:BecauseI'm goingtohurtyouokay?That'
s
whatIdo!Idon'tcareandthereisnospaceinmy
heartwhereIcanfindmercy,Ijustdon'
tcar
e.Iwi
ll
hurtyou,moveont othenextthangandnoteven
carebecausethat'
swhoIam!
Bel:Thenwhyar eyoustandi
nghereexpl aini
ng
yourself
,ifyoufeelstr
onglyaboutthatthenwecan
haveyouont henextcarhomet omor r
owmor ni
ng..
LeaveSoso!I ft
hat'showyouf eelt
henl eave!You
don'tcareAngithiandyouprideyourselfsogetthe
stepping
Me:Fuckyou!
Iwal
kedawayagai
n..
Bel
:Whatt
hef
uck?
Shegrabbedmyarm agai
n,It
urnedar
oundand
sl
appedheracr
osstheface.
..
Me:Don'
tevert
ouchme!
Shepushedmebackhar dthatIf
ell
,befor
eIgota
chancetogetupshewasalreadysi
tti
ngonmy
stomachwithherhandspi
nningmineagainstt
he
fl
oor.
..
Me:IfIbr
eakawayf
rom t
his,
I'
m goi
ngt
ofuckyou
up!
Bel
:Cal
mt hefuckdownIshoul
dbet
heonemadI
gott
heslap!
Me:Getof
fme
Bel:St
opwi t
hthetantr
um notever
yonei
soutt
oget
you,I'
m notyourenemyst
opf i
ghti
ngme!
Me:GetoffmesoIcanshowyout hatyouai
n't
meanshittome,
Iwil
lfuckenl
eavetomorrow
morni
ng!
Shel
eanedf
orwar
d..
Bel
:Webothknowthat
'snotgoi
ngt
ohappen,
now
cal
m yourt
it
ti
esdown!
Me:BelIswearonm-
Shewentonandki ssedme.Idon'
tknowwhatiti
s
aboutt
hisgi
rlbutherkiss,
hert
ouchcanpar
alyze
orstabl
eyou.Wi t
hallt
hatyouhavei nyoutofi
ght
heroff,
there'
salwayst
hatpart.Thatsmallpar
tthat
al
wayst akesoverandyoujustgivein.
.

LELE

WhenIhear dthenoiseont heroofIcheckedthe

ti
me, i
twas01:00am.Si ncethatdayIhaven'tput
saltontopoft
her oofbecausethenoisehaddi ed
down.Wehaven' thadthisthi
ngont opofourr oof
untilt
oday.
.

Itwasn'
tjusti
noneplace,
itmovedar
oundal
ot
ontopoftheroof
.IwokeNathiup.
.
Me:Babedoyouheart
hat
?
Nat
hi:Lel
ecomeon
Me:I
thasst
art
edagai
n
Nat
hi:Wer
en'
tyoupour
ingsal
tont
opoft
her
oof
?
Me:YesIdi
dbutIst
oppedbecausei
twasqui
et
Nathi
:Sowhatdoyouwantmet
odo?Goout
side
andcheck?
Me:No..Suchthi
ngsyoudon'
tgoout
sideand
check,
it'
sdanger
ous
Nat
hi:Thenwhatdoyouwantmet
odoBabe?
Me:Iknowi
t'
smyf
aul
tthatIdi
dn'
tspl
asht
hesal
t
Nat
hi:Idi
dn'
tmeani
tli
ket
hat
..I
'
m sor
ry
Me:Iknowt
hatI
'
m bot
her
somewi
tht
hisandI
'
m
sor
ry
Nat
hi:Comeher
e
Hel
aidmeonhi
schest
..
Nathi
:I'
llt
rytobemoresupport
ivei
nt hi
ssi
tuati
on,
whateveryouwantdonejustt
ellmeandwe'lldoit
.
I'
m sorr
yIdidn'
tmeantoupsetyou,Icanhave
anyoneupsetatmejustnotyou
Me:Idi
dn'
tmeant
omakeyouf
eelpr
essur
ed
Nathi
:Ifyouthi
nksomethi
ngi swrong,t
hen
somethingiswrong.
.Wewillgett
ot hebot
tom ofi
t
Me:Thankyou
Nat
hi:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo

NANGOMSO

Whati ni
tial
lystartedoffasabi gf ight
,ledtoa
steamymomentont hefloor.WithBelont opofme,
smoot hl
ysucki ngonmyni ppl
esandr unningher
tonguear oundt hem.Swi tchi
ngf rom oneni ppl
eto
theother.Heronehandwasst i
llpinni
ngmyhand
againstthefloor,theotheronewasdownonme.
Rubbingandgent lytappingagai nstmypussy.
We'vehadwi ne,awhol ebot t
leofwi neandt hiswas
makingmemor ewet ..

Shemoveddownt oleavi
ngwetkissesonmybody,
allt
hewaydownt omybellybutt
on.Sheranher
tonguearoundthereforafewsecondsbefore
fi
nall
ymovi ngdownt omycoochie.Shepartedmy
l
egsmor e,withherhandsholdi
ngmyl egsfarapar
t
from eachot her .Shepl acedhermout honmy
coochieandonl yr anhert ongueandt ingli
ngmycl i
t.
Icouldfeelt hesof tl i
psagainstmycoochi eandt he
smoot hnessofhert onguear oundmyCl i
t.Shekept
onpr essinghert ongueagai nstmyclitashowa
fi
ngerwoul dt urningmeonmor ethanhowIwas
whenwei ni
tiall
yst arted.Herhandswer est il
l
separatingmyl egsnomat t
erhowhar dIt ri
edt o
closethem.Shemovedhert onguedownand
start
edof fbyl i
terallyl i
cki
ngandsucki ngagai nst
theentranceofmycoochi ebef or
esheoccasi onall
y
stuckhert onguei nandout ,whatwascr azyabout
thismomentwasal sothesoftmoanscomi ngfrom
her.
Shemovedherhandsupandl ocatedmyni
pples,
busyrubbi
ngandgentlypul
li
ngthem.Imovedmy
handandpressedherhardagai
nstmycoochi
eas
mylegsvibr
ated.
.

Seei
nghowvul ner
ableIwasshequickl
ymoved
downherhandandhert onguemovedupmycli
t.
Sheinser
tedherfi
ngerdeepinsi
deofmeandIdon'
t
knowwichpar
tofmycoochi
edeepi
nsi
dehe
l
ocatedt
hatmademelosemymindcompl
etel
y..
.

Me:Ohhhhhhmywor
dBelno!
!Pl
easeno!
!
Myl
egscoul
dn'
tst
opvi
brat
ing.
.
Bel
:Comeongivei
ttome!Don'
thol
dbackwe
al
mostther
ebaby
Hecont inuedandIf eltthepleasurebuildingup
mor eandmor ecreatingabombasar eact i
ont o
whatshewasdoi ng,Abombt hatIcouldn'thol d
back..Shei ncr
easedt herateathomeshewas
movi ngherf i
ngerdeepi nsideofmeandpr essedit
farin,t
ickli
ngwhat everpartofmedeepi nsidethat
wascr eatingmor eandmor epleasure.
.Shemoved
hertongueasmyl egsvibratedmor ethenwi t
hher
otherhandsheusedhert humbt omassagemycl i
t.
Shedi dunt i
lIsquirt
ed.
Bel
:That
'smor
eli
kei
t!
Ikeptonshoot
ingthr
ougheachotherherf
inger
moveddeepinsideofme,I
'
veneverfel
tthi
sintense
pl
easur
e..
Me:Ohhhhhhmywor
dpl
easest
oooop.
.
Bel
:Youwantmet
ost
op?
Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
ome?
Shewentonmaki ngmet osquirtevenmor e,my
wholebodywasshakingandt hepleasur ewas
doublewhatInormal
lyf
eltduring4pl aywi t
h
anyoneI'
vebeenint
imatewith.Icouldn'tevenhol
d
backmyt ear
s..

Iendedupmovingmyhanddowntoholdher
sti
ght
becausethi
swasdrivi
ngmecr
azy,
crazyt
othe
pointofnor
etur
n..
.
Tobecont
inued

Secondbonust
ofol
lowl
ateron
[
01/
09,
09:
06] :54
NDALO

Thenextmor ningIpreparedmysel ff
orthef uneral
.
Ididn'tcallthegirls,l
astnighttheysentmevi deos
andvoi cenot esdr unk.ThoughtIshoul dletthem
restabi tandt akecar eoftheirhangoversbef oreI
botherthem l ateron..Thef uneralwascarriedear l
y,
by11anwewer ebackf rom thecemet erytohave
tea,sandwi ches, andscones. .

Ili
kehowwhitepeoplecarr
youtthei
rfuner
als,
ther
e'snotmuchthathappensandit
'snotalotof
people.
.

Amber
'sMot
herwal
kedupt
ome.
.
Her
:Thankyousomuchf
orcomi
ng
Me:Iwouldhavenevermi
ssedherf
uner
al,
Amber
wasli
kefamil
ytome
Her:Iunder
stand,
andt
hankyouf
ort
hisIwat
ched
oneclip
Me:Whatwasi
tabout
?
Her:Nothi
ngmuchj ustt
hati
fsheeverhadtopass
on,shewouldwantmet omoveon.I'
llwat
chthem
everydaytheywi
llhelpme
Me:That
'st
rue
Her
:I'
m atpeaceshehadadi
gni
fi
edf
uner
al
Me:Andonknowt
hatshe'
satpeace
Her
:Thatmakesmet
obeatpeacemor
e
Me:That
'sver
ytr
ue
Her:Ihavet
ogoandseet
heguest
sout
,thankyou
again
Me:Youwel
come

BELI
NDA

Iwast
hef
ir
stonet
owakeupbef
oreSoso.It
ooka
bathandorganizedmyselfacupofcof f
eeandjust
satonthechairwatchi
nghersl eepi
ng.Shewas
l
ayingonherstomach, naked.Herlegwassli
ghtl
y
rai
sedup..

Sososaidsomet hi
nglastnight,somet hingthatgot
met hi
nking.WouldIeverl
eavemyhusbandf orher?
Il
oveNdal o.Il
ovehim wit
hal lmyhear tandIwant
bothHim andSosot obeinmyl if
e.Idon' twanna
l
oseeitherofthem.Theyarebot hveryspecialto
meandIl ovethecurrentr
elationshipweal lhave,
whosaidSosoandIhavet oscr atcheachot her.

Shefi
nallywokeup, shel
ookedar oundandl ooked
atme.Thehonestt r
uthisthat
,IthinkIlove
Nangomsomor et
hananyot hergirlI
'vebeenwi t
h
bef
ore,evenLisa.
.

Shesmi
ledatme.
.
Soso:
Goodmor
ning
Me:Mor
ning
Soso:
Whatt
imei
sit
?
Me:I
t'
sal
most12i
ntheaf
ter
noon
Soso:
What
?Whydi
dn'
tyouwakemeup
Me:Youneededt
her
est
,wesl
eptl
ate
Soso:
Buthowcomeyouwer
eabl
etobeatmeupt
o
i
t?
Me:Iam aNur
ser
emember
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Soso:
Idon'
tevenknowwhyIasked
Shegotoutofbed.
.
Soso:
Letmegobat
handwewi
llst
artourday
Me:Takeyourt
ime
Myphoner
ang,
itwasLi
sa.
.
Me:Hey
Li
sa:Hey
Me:Yougood?
Li
sa:I
'
m goodt
ooj
ustmi
ssi
ngyou
Me:Idomi ssyout
oo,
sor
ryIcoul
dn'
tcal
lyou
yest
erday
Li
sa:NoIunder
stand.
.Youwer
eont
her
oad
Me:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
othebabyshower
?
Li
sa:I
'
m her
e..Weaboutt
oleave
Me:Enj
oyyour
sel
f,I
'
llseeyouMondaymor
ningat
work
Li
sa:Enj
oyyourweekendt
oo
Me:Yout
oo
Li
sa:Il
oveyouf
ri
end
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Li
sa:Bye
Me:Bye

NATHI
Iwasn'tatwor
ktoday,sot
hismorni
ngaf
ter
droppi
ngLeleatworkIcamebackhome.
.
Iwalkedar oundtheyardchecki ngf oranythingthat
mightgivemeacl ueaboutt histhingthatvisit
sour
roofatnight,asIwaschecki ngIsawpr int
s.Muddy
pri
ntsoff ootst
eps.Icoul dn'
trecognizewhatki ndof
ananimali s.Ifol
lowedt hefootstepsandsawt hey
wereleadingnextdoor ,Icheckedovert hef ence
andIsawt hefootpri
ntsinClara'syard.Itwasqui et
atherhouse, asifli
ketheywer enotaround.I
l
ookedagai nandsawsomeonecl osi
ngthecur tai
n
quickl
y.

Itwasof t
ensai dfr
om alongtimeagot hatmy
neighboursarestrange.Peopl
ear oundherehave
beensayi ngtheymightbeinvolvedinwitchcr
aft
,I
thi
nkt heyri
ght.I'
m star
ti
ngtobel i
evetherumors
now..

NANGOMSO
SoIover hear dBeli
nda' sphonecal learli
eron, itwas
prett
ycleart hatshewasn' tspeakingtoNdal o.It
tookalotf rom met ot ryandnotl etthissituation
gettome, butdeepdownIf eltabitjeal
ous.I s
Beli
ndahavi ngathingwi thsomeoneel se?The
phonecal lsoundedver yinti
mi dat
e.Ihadal otof
thought
sr unni ngthroughmymi nd..Shewal kedin,
j
ustasIf inisheddr essingup.Shewasar ocking
camouflagedeepgr eenpant s,LouisVuittonboot s,
agreenvestandagr eencap.
Bel
:Lookatyou
OntheotherhandIwasweari
ngaskinnyJean,a
whi
teshirtandboot
s.Theweat
herwasn'tcol
dbuti
t
wasabitcloudy.
.
Shewal
kedcl
osert
ome.
.
Bel
:Looki
ngf
reshandr
eadyt
ost
artt
heday
Shet
ri
edki
ssi
ngmebutImoved.
.
Bel
:Okay
Me:I
'
m done.
.Wecango
Igotmybagandmyphone.
.Imademywayt
othe
door
,shepul
ledmebackt
oherwi
thherar
m ar
ound
mywaist.
.
Bel
:Whatdi
dIdo?
Me:Not
hingI
'
mfi
ne
Bel
:Youar
eabal
loff
ir
e
Me:Notal
ways,
Ihavemydays
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Bel
:Comeon
Me:I
'm notacl
ownBel
..Ican'
tal
waysbel
aughi
ng
andwhatnot
Bel
:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
obel
iket
hist
hewhol
eday?
Me:Idon'
tknow,
let
'sgo
Bel
:Fi
ne.
.Wewi
llseehowt
hedaygoes

LI
SA

Idon'
tknowhowIwasgoingtoenjoythebaby
showerbecausemyhear
tisnotevenhere.My
mar r
iageiscr umbl i
ng,myf ri
endshi pwi t
hBeli s
alsocr umbli
ngbecauseoft hisnewgi rl
.Thet hi
ng
aboutBeli sthatshef all
sinlovever yquickl
y,and
whenshel oves.Shel oveswithal lthatshehasi n
her .Iseeherdr if
tingawayf rom me, li
tt
lebylitt
le
andi thur tsbecauseIl oveheral otandshe' s
alwayst hereforme.Ther ewhenIgot hrough
si
t uations,especiall
ymymar italproblems.Ithur t
s
knowi ngthatI'm goingthrought hisaloneandshe' s
nother eforme.
Itcut
sdeep,
whichgivesmemor ereasonwhyI
wannadealwit
hthi
sSosoper son.
.Herdayi
s
coming,
andshewon' tseemecoming

NANGOMSO

Wewal kedout,It
houghtthatwewer eprobably
goingt oeatoutbutsheledmet othegardenwher e
ami nipi
cnicwasplannedout.Notyourtypicalol
d
traditi
onpicni
csetup,t
hisonewasj ustbreath
taking..
Bel
:Thoughtweshoul
deatupi
nanopenspace,
get
somefreshai
r
Ilookedatt
heset
up,
itwasbeaut
if
ulIdon'
twanna
l
ie..
Me:Youpl
annedt
his?
Bel:Yesbef
oreyouwokeupt heywer
ebustset
ti
ng
up,whenyouwer ebathingIcametocheckhowfar
theywerewit
heverything
Me:Thi
sisbeaut
if
ulBel
Shest
oodbehi
ndmewit
hherar
m ar
oundmyneck.
Sheki
ssedmeont
hecheek.
.
Bel
:Anyt
hingf
oryou,
Ihopenowyoui
nabet
ter
mood
Me:Let
'
sseehowt
hemeal
goesf
ir
st
Shebrokefr
eefr
om me,t
henwentt
ofi
xthe
cushi
onforme.Shehel
dmyhandandhelpedmet
o
si
tdown..
Me:Thankyou
Shesatdownt
ooopposi
teme.
.
Bel
:We'
l
lbebi
kingar
oundaf
terourmeal
Me:Iam badatr
idi
ngabi
ke
Bel
:Ther
e'sal
waysaf
ir
stt
imef
orever
ythi
ngr
ight
?
Me:Idon'
tknowaboutt
hisone
Bel
:Wewi
llsee
West
art
edeat
ing,
shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:What
?
Bel
:Youver
ybeaut
if
ul
Ibl
ushed.
.
Me:Yout
ell
ingmesomet
hingIknowal
ready
Bel
:Ohhhhhh(
Laughi
ng)
Il
aughedt
oo.
.
Bel
:Tast
ethi
s..
.It
'sni
ce
Shest
ret
chedoutherhandt
ome.
.
Me:That
'sal
otofwhi
pcr
eam
Bel
:Itmakesi
ttast
y
Iopenedmymouthandi
nst
eadofl
ett
ingmehavea
bi
te,shesmear
edi
tonmyface.
.
Me:OhhhhhhmyGoodness!
Bel
:Iam sosor
ry
Me:Sor
ryf
orwhatyoudi
dthatonpur
pose
Bel:Ihadnoi
deathatthissi
tuat
ionwasgoi
ngt
o
tur
noutl i
ket
his(
laughing)
It
ookt
henapki
n..
Me:Youar
esuchanevi
lper
sondon'
tdosuch
t
hings
Sheputherhandonherchest
..
Bel
:Si
ncer
eapol
ogi
es
Ichuckl
edwhi
lstshaki
ngmyhead.
.
Bel
:Atl
eastIwasabl
etomakeyousmi
le
Me:Yeaatl
east
Il
ookedatherasshecont
inuedeat
ing.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
06] :55

NANGOMSO

Ourdayt odaywasf i
ll
edwi thadvent ur
e.Wewent
biking,checkedoutotherf ewpl acesthatwer e
i
nt eresti
ng.Theoutdoorl ifewasn' tatallbad.We
wentbackt oourroom lat eront ochangeour
clothes.Wewer edrivi
ngoutt ogoandpar tyorclub,
anywher ewi t
hagoodvi beandal cohol.Wewer e
bot hwear i
ngjumpsuitst hatweboughtwhi l
stwe
wer edoingshoppingt oget her,Ireal
lylooked
forwar dtothi
spartoft heday.Cl osetheni ghtwit
h
somebi tofdanci
nganddr inki
ng.

WegotanUber ,Belsear
chedthroughforannearby
cluborbar.Somewherewherethere'
sabitofvi
be,
theonewef oundwasanhouraway.Wedr ove
there,
itwas17:00.
.
LELE

Nat
hical
ledafriendofhis,
thatcamewi
thhi
swi
fe
f
oraminibraaiandtojustchil
l.
AtleastIwasn'tgoi
ngt
owor kt
omorrow,
Icandrink
allIwant.
.Nathiandhi
sfri
endThabowerebusy
withthemeat,Iwashelpi
ngZanel
ewitht
herestof
thecooking.
Shewasmakingchakal
akaandsomesal
ad,
Iwas
cooki
ngPap.
.
Mazet
:Thi
sonei
sdone
Me:Iam al
mostdonet
oo
Ourever
ydaybot
her
someNei
ghbourknocked.
.
Me:Comei
n
Cl
aramadeherwayi
n..
She'sal
waysi nvit
ingher
selfin,
evenwhenshe
didn'
tgetaPer sonali
nvi
te.Ihavetr
iedbutIdon'
t
l
ikethi
sgirlatall.
.
Cl
ara:Ihear
dnoi
secoul
dn'
tsi
tst
il
lathome,
it
br
oughtmeout
Me:Ohwsor
ryaboutt
hat
Cl
ara:I
t'
sokay,
Iam notcompl
aini
ng
Mazetl
ookedatme.
.
Me:Mazett
hisi
sourNei
ghbourCl
ara,
andCl
ara
t
hisi
sMazet
Mazet
:Hi
Cl
ara:Hi
Thabowal
kedi
n..
Thabo:Ladi
eswegoi
ngt
oneedanot
herbowl
Me:I
'
llbr
ingi
t
Thabo:Okayt
hankyou
Icheckedforanempt ybowl
,thenIwal
kedoutt
o
givei
ttothem out
side..
Nat
hi:Tel
lmewhati
sCl
aradoi
ngher
e?
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.Shej
ustwal
kedi
n
Nathi
:Idon'
tthi
nkIli
ket
hatgi
rlanymor
e,
somethi
ngisnotri
ghtwi
thherandherf
amil
y
Me:I
'
vedonebeensayi
ngt
heywei
rdpeopl
e
Nat
hi:Justkeepaneyeonher
,Idon'
ttr
usther
Me:I
'
lldoso

BELI
NDA

Wemadeourwayi ntosomecl ub.I

twasn'
tatal
l
thatbad,bet
terthanIhadi magineditt
obe.WhatI
l
ikedmor eisthatitwasn'
tful
l,Ihatecr
owded
places.
.Thesongt hatwelcomedusi nwas
Emci mbi
ni,afewpeopl eweredancingsomewere
sitt
edatthei
rtables..

"
Izi
ntomaziso
Bayokhal
ae'
nextdoor
Si
fi
kengayi
'
zol
o
Sohambal
ango4
Si
yaba'
cont
rol
ler
AwKhol
wauzobona
Ngekewazisol
a
Awl
ezi
ntozakhona
I
zint
omaziso
Bayokhal
ae'
nextdoor
Si
fi
kengayi
'
zol
o"

Nangomsogotcl
oserandwhi
sper
edi
nmyear
..
Soso:It
hinkweshoul
dbuyf
ir
st,
thensear
chf
oran
emptytabl
e
Me:Yeahl
et'
sdot
hat
Soso:Iwast
hinki
ngsomethi
ngl
essstr
ongt
han
savanna,
weinaplacet
hatwedon'
tknow
Me:Goodt
hinki
ng,
maybeBer
nin
Soso:
Ili
kecl
assi
c
Me:Il
ikebl
ush
Soso:
We'
l
lgetyou6andgetmysel
f6
Me:Yat
hat
'
sbet
ter
,thenwe'
l
lseeast
heni
ghtgoes
Soso:
Okay

NDALO

IdecidedtogogetmyselfatakeawaysinceIdidn'
t
feelli
kecooki
ng,Iwastooexhaustedtocook..I
waitedformyorder,
andkeptmysel fbusywit
hmy
phoneast heypr
eparedit
..

Li
sa:Ndal
o
Il
ookedather
..
Me:Li
sa.
.Hey
Li
sa:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodandhowar
eyou?
Li
sa:I
'
m good.
.It
'sni
cet
oseeyou
Shegavemeahug.
.
Me:Ni
cet
oseeyout
oo
Li
sa:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Me:Er
r.
.Get
ti
ngat
akeaway
Li
sa:Ohwya.
.KanaBel
'
sisnotar
ound
Me:Andwhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Li
sa:Gett
ingmyselfat
akeawayt
oo.Iam f
rom my
si
ster
'sbabyshower
Me:Onewoul
dexpectyout
otakef
oodf
rom t
her
e
Li
sa:Idi
dn'
tli
ket
hef
oodt
her
e
Me:Isee
Li
sa:Sohowdoyouf
eelaboutBelbei
ngaway?
Fr
om mysideIdomi
ssher
Me:Imi
sshert
oobut
..Shedeser
vest
hisf
reshai
r
Li
sa:Icoul
duseonemysel
f
Me:Maybeya'
l
lcanpl
anone
Li
sa:I
'
llt
alkt
oheraboutt
hat
Me:Cool
LELE

Iwal
kedbackint
othehouseandMazetwasal
one
i
ntheki
tchen.
.
Me:Wher
eisCl
ara?
Mazet
:Shewentt
othebat
hroom
Imademywayt
othebat
hroom andknocked
Cl
ara:Someonei
sinsi
de
Imovedt omybedr oom andcheckedanyt hingthat
wasnoti nit
'splace.Everythingseemedt obein
pl
ace,Iwentandopenedt hedoort oSoso'sroom.
Everyt
hinginherbedr oom wasalsoinplace.I
heardClaraflushi
ng, Iwentbackt otheki
tchen..
Bothbedroom door swer eclosed,i
fsheopensoneI
wil
lhear.Iwasst andingnextt othedoorway..

Sheshowedupaf
teraf
ewseconds.
.
Cl
ara:Thi
siswhyIdon'
tli
keci
der
smuch,
theywi
ll
makeyoupeeconstant
ly
Shet
ookt
hedumpi
efr
om t
heki
tchencount
er.
..

Mazet:Okaynowitseemsl
ikewewai
ti
ngf
ort
he
meat,
I'l
lgoandcheckhowfart
heyar
e
Me:Okaydot
hat
Shewal
kedaway.
..
Cl
ara:Icanhel
poutwi
tht
hedi
shi
ng
Me:Okay
Iwi
llwat
chhercl
osel
y..

NANGOMSO

Wewer
esi
tt
ingatt
het
abl
eanddr
inki
ng.
Bel
:Di
dNdal
ocal
lyout
oday?
Me:No.
.Notatal
l
Bel
:Hehasn'
tcal
ledmet
oo
Me:Iwonderwhat
'swr
ong
Bel
:Letmegoandcal
lhi
m,I
'
llber
ightback
Me:Okay
Shegotupandwal kedout.Ir
emainedtherebusy
dri
nkingandchecki
ngouteveryone,unt
ilt
hisother
cuteguycametomyt able
Hi
m:Hi
Me:Hi
Hi
m:Senzo
Me:Soso
Senzo:Couldn'
thel
pbutnot
icedt
hatyousi
tt
ing
hereal
lalone
Me:Ohwtheper
sonIcamewi
thj
ustwentoutt
o
makeaphonecal
l
Senzo:Boyf
ri
end?
Me:Noi
t'
sashe
Senzo:Fr
iend?
Me:Yeahsomet
hingal
ongt
hosel
ines
Senzo:That
'sgoodt
hen,
thi
swon'
tbeawkwar
d
Me:Ihaveaboyf
ri
end
Senzo:Goodf
oryou
Me:I
ncaseyouwant
edt
ohi
tonme
Senzo:Obvi
ousl
ythat
'sof
fthetabl
enow,
wasj
ust
aski
ngifIcoul
dbuyyouadr i
nk
Me:Ial
readyhave
Senzo:Thenextr
oundcanbeonme
Me:Uhm.
.Okayt
hen.
.Youcameal
one?
Senzo:Yes
Me:Howcome?
Senzo:Oneshoul
dn'
thavef
unont
hei
rown?
Me:Idi
dn'
tsayt
hat
Hel
aughed.
.
Senzo:I
t'
sokay.
.Don'
twor
ry,
Iknowwhatyou
mean

NDALO
Li
saandIwer
ejustt
alki
ngwhi
lstwai
ti
ngf
orout
or
der
s..
Me:Todayt
heyt
aki
ngl
ong
Li
sa:I
'
mtel
li
ngyou
Myphoner
ang,
itwasBel
..
Me:Ihavet
otaket
his,
sor
ry
Li
sa:Noi
t'
sokay
Iwal
kedoutoft
her
est
aur
antt
oanswer
..
Me:Bel
Bel
:Hey.
.Waschecki
nguponyou
Me:I
'
m good.
.Ar
eyouguysgood?
Bel
:Yeswear
e,j
ustt
houghtIshoul
dcal
l.I
t'
sunl
ike
youtot
hequi
et
Me:Iwant
edtogiveyouguyssomet
imet
ohavef
un,
Idi
dn'
twannaimpose
Bel
:Iunder
stand.
.Weatsomecl
ub
Me:Sol
ongyouguysar
esaf
e,andwe'
l
lgoback
bef
orei
tget
stool
ate
Bel
:Wear
esaf
e
Me:Gl
adt
ohear
Bel
:I'
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
Me:Okay
Bel
:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Ihungupandwentbacki
nsi
de.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
06] :56

NANGOMSO

Wehadagr eatti
meatt heclub,Senzochi
ll
edwi t
h
usthewholenight.He'
sgoodcompanyandnot
evenoncedidhemakeusf eeluncomfor
tabl
e.He
alsomadeguyst onotbotherusthatmuch,which
wasgr
eat
.

Foundoutlaterondur ingt
henightt
hatheisinthe
mil
it
ary.I
'm sti
llsurpri
sedhecameherealone,who
goestotheclubal one.

Pr
ovest
hatyoucanhavef
unal
lal
one.
.
Wel ef
ttheclubat12am,InsteadoftheUberdr ivi
ng
usbackSenzoof fer
ed.Hewasn' tdr
unk,hedi dn't
dri
nkmuch.Wewer etheonesdr i
nki
ngal ot..He
wasver yrespect
ful
,di
dn'
ttakeanyadvant ageofus.
It
'snoteverydayyoumeetguysl i
kehim..

Hepar
kedatt
heent
rance.
.
Me:ThankyousomuchSenzo
Senzo:Nothankyou,
youl
adi
esar
eabal
loff
ir
e.
Especi
all
yyou
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Thankyouagai
n
Senzo:Youwel
come
Me:Don'
tfor
gett
osendt
hevi
deost
hrough
what
sapp
Senzo:Igotyournumbersowegood
Bel
:Goodni
ght
..Thankyou
Senzo:Yi
zo
Wegotoutandwat
chedhi
m dr
iveof
f.
.
Me:Suchapl
easantsoul
Bel
:Thathei
s
Wewal
kedi
n..

LI
SA

Irecei
vedacal lf
rom Mi
ssG,i
twasgoodbecauseI
wasi ntheguestroom.I
'
m sl
eepi
ngi
ntheguest
room si
ncemyhusbandandIwenol ongershar
ing
thesamebedr oom..
Me:Mi
ssG
Mi
ssG:Thokoza.
.Iapol
ogi
zef
orcal
li
ngt
hisl
ate
Me:I
t'
sokay.
.What
'swr
ong?
Mi
ssG:Ar
eyour
eadyt
omakeamove?
Me:I
'
vebeenr
eady
MissG:Theonl
ywayIcangetyoui
nther
e,i
twi
l
l
r
equir
eagreatsacr
if
ice
Me:I
'
mli
steni
ng
Mi
ssG:Yourhusbandhast
ogo
Me:Uhm okay
Mi
ssG:Notdi
vor
ce.
.Deat
h
Myeyeswi
dened.
.
MissG:Youbeenhappyinyourmar
ri
age,
thi
sman
hashurtyoubeyondnor
mal
Me:Agr
eed
Iexhal
ed.
.
Me:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
oki
llhi
m
MissG:That'
snotrequi
red,
bothofyouwil
lbe
i
nvolvedinacaracci
dentbuthe'
sgoingt
odie.
.You
won'tdi
e
Me:Howi
sthatgoi
ngt
ogetmecl
oset
othem?
MissG:Belindaisyourbestfri
end,sheonceloved
you.I'
m hopingshe'
sstil
ldoes,shewi l
loff
ert
otake
youinforawhi l
esoyoudon' tl
ivealone.You'
l
lbe
brokenremember ?
Me:Iunder
stand.
.Sowheni
sitgoi
ngt
ohappen?
Mi
ssG:Iwi
llbei
ntouch
Me:OkayI
'
llhearf
rom you
Mi
ssG:Thokoza
Me:ThokozaGogo

NANGOMSO

Whenwegott oourroom, al
readyIwasalloverBel.
Ihat
ewhenalcoholbringsoutthesexuali
nyou, but
moreespeci
all
yaft
erwhathappenedl astnight
.I
woul
dbeaf ooltonotmaket hi
snightt
hebest,t
his
wasourl
astnighttoni
ghthere.
.Ipushedherback
t
othebedaswewer ekissi
ng..

Bel
:Ohwyouonf
ir
etoni
ght
Me:I
t'
sourl
astni
ghther
e,Iwantust
orememberi
t
Bel:That
'sveryt
rue.
.Speaki
ngofr
emember
ingi
t,I
havesomet hi
ng
Me:Okay
Shewal
kedupt
oherbag,
shecamebackwi
tha
smal
lbag.
.
Me:What
'st
hat
?
Shesatnextt
omeandunzi
ppedt
hebag.She
pour
edwhatwasi
nsideont
hebed.
I
twastwovibrat
ors,
handcuf
fs,
andot
herthi
ngs.I
wasshocked,
Beli
ndaisdownanddi
rt
y..
Bel
:Sowhatdoyousay?
Me:Uhm.
.Wow,
youpackedup
Bel
:Ifyounotf
ori
tIunder
stand
Me:No.
.No.
.It
'
sokay,
I'
mjustsur
pri
sed
Bel
:Soar
eyouon?
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:Let
'
sdot
his
Sheopenedt
hepackofsmal
lcubes.
.
Bel
:Sugarcubes,
theyaphr
odi
siac
Me:Okay
Bel
:Takeone,
andI
'
llt
akeone
Me:Howabout2each
Bel
:Twoi
tis

LELE

MazetandThabol eftanhourago.Wehadagr eat

ti
mewiththem nolie.Aft
erbi
ddingthem far
ewell
wedidthesal
ttraditi
on.Wewillbecarr
yingitout
ever
ydayunti
lweconsul tandfi
ndoutwhati s
happeni
ngar
oundher
e..

Befor
eNathiandIcal
leditanight
,wedeci
dedt
o
haveasessi
ontoourselves.

Iwaslayingflatonmyst omachashet ookitfr

om
theback.Hehadhi shandar oundmyneck, pul
ledi
t
backgentlysoast onothurtme.Hewasdeep
i
nsideandIwasgr abbi
ngtightl
yont hepil
low.He
wouldoccasionall
ykissmeonmycheekashe
conti
nuedt ohiti
thardfr
om t heback.

Itwasn'tpainfulatall
,i
twasni
ceandIwas
enjoyi
ngi talot.Ienj
oysexwit
hhim,he'sgood.By
therat
eathowhe' sgoing,
Imi
ghtof
fi
ciall
ybeasex
addict
.

NANGOMSO
Belhasbeent heonesof ardoi
ngallt
hework,I
decidedthatt
onightIcouldsomewhatbeofhel
p
too.Bothofusenjoyingthesexual
moment..

Wepr obablyshoul d'vet akenonesugarcubeeach,

ourhor moneswer ewildi ng.Nomat t
erhowmuch
wet ri
edt ogeteachot hert othepointofcomi ng,it
wasn' thappeni ng.Wej ustgotmor eandmor e
horny.Thi sti
meIwasont opofher ,Ili
kedhowt he
vi
br at
orwasdesi gned.Ther ewasapar tt
hatgoes
deepi nside,andt heot herpar twoul dbeonyourcl i
t
sendingoutvi brati
ons.Icoul dcalli
tadi l
dovibrator.
Thedi ldopar tofitwasn' ttoobigort hi
ckthatit
woul dbeuncomf ort
abl e.Itwasanaccept abl
esi ze.
Unf or
tunat el
ywecoul dn' tusethehandcuf fs,t
he
bedwasn' tbuilttocuffanyone, butthenwewer e
sti
llgoingt ohaveagoodsessi onevenwi t
houtthe
useofhandcuf fs.
.

Iwasontopofher
,heronelegrai
seduptoherknee
theot
herlegwassl
ight
lyrai
sedupandinbetween
me.Ihadt hedil
doinher,andthevibrati
ngpar twas
onhercl i
tsendingoutvibrat
ions.Shewas
squeezingandgr abbingonmyassasherot herleg
thatwasinbet weenmer ubbedof fagainstmycl i
t.I
wasr ubbingmyselfagainsti
taswewer ekissing
andmoani nginbetweenourdirtyki
ssing.
Myt onguecir
cli
ngar
oundherli
ps,thenhert
ongue
st
ickingthr
oughtocol
li
dewit
hmi ne.
I
twasbeauti
ful
,wewer ebot
hsot ur
nedonandso
wet
..Myjui
ceswer ef
lowi
ngrightonherl
egsi
nceI
wasrubbi
ngagainsti
t.

Shere-positi
onedher
self
.Maki
ngbothmylegst
o
beoverher s.Soshecoul
dbeabletosl
ipi
nher
fi
ngersdeepi nsi
deofme.Shesl
ippedi
ntwo
fi
ngers..[
REMOVED]

NDALO
Icouldn'tgetagoodnightsl
eep,
Ihadaner
ect
ion.
Couldn'tstopaboutthe3someweoncehad,t
he
off
icesexIhadwi t
hSoso.

IknewthatIwasn'
tgoi
ngt osleep,soImi
ghtas
wellj
ustgetr
idoft
hiserecti
onf ast
..

Iwentandgott
heoi
lfrom t
hedrawer
,thenIwent
backtosi
tdownonthebedtogivemyselfa
handj
ob.Thi
nki
ngaboutthe3someandmyof fi
ce
sexsessi
onwit
hSoso..

NANGOMSO

Shewasnowl ayi
ngf latonherbackontheback.I
waslayi
ngonherwi thmybackagai nsther
.Her
l
egswer ecl
osed,minewer ewideopen.The
vi
brat
orwasdeepi nsideofmeandshewasf ucking
mewi t
hitwhil
stpull
ingandmassagi ngmynipple.I
somehowmanagedt ogetmyfi
ngersdeepi nsi
deof
hertoo,andweweremoani
nginpleasure.
.Wewi l
l
switchaft
erafewminut
esandshewi l
lbetheone
ontopofme...

LELE

Thenextmor ningIwokeupt opr

eparemyselff
or
church.Nathiwasst i
llsl
eepi
ngwhenIleft.He
borrowedmehi scar ,
there'
sachurchIseeallt
he
ti
met hatthetaxipasseswhenIgot owork,I
thoughtIcouldvisi
titandsee..I
fIl
ikei
tthenI'
ll
go
thereever
ySunday. .

AsIwenttothegar
ageIsawCl
arasweepi
ng,
she
cal
ledout
..
Cl
ara:Nei
ghbour
Me:Nei
ghbour
Cl
ara:Goi
ngt
owor
k?
Me:NoI
'
m goi
ngt
ochur
ch
Clar
a:Ohwt
hat
'sgood.
.Usbeke(
Prayf
orsomeof
us)
Me:OkayIwi
ll

Somet
hingwasof fthismor ning.Ifel
tcr
ampsinmy
womb,wasjustafterIfini
sheddr essi
ngup.Maybe
Nat
hipusheditf
ari nlastnight.
..
.
Tobecont
inued

Pl
easedon'tf
orgetourl
astsponsorwi
ththevot
es
sowegetthesecondbonus.300voteslef
t.

Fort
heexpl
ici
treadt
hef
ulli
nser
tont
hiswebsi
te:

ht
tps:
//vi
sionar
ywr
it
ings.
com/
aut
hor
/9
[
01/
09,
09:
06] :57
NANGOMSO

Whenwegotback, Iwasdr oppedofffi

rst
.Iwas
veryti
red, Ineededt or est.Welefti
nthemor ni
ng
aft
erourbr eakfastandgothomeatexact ly15:
00.I
am taki
ngt herestoft hedayt orest
.Mybodywas
aching,Iwasexhaust edandIneededt orestand
wakeupt omor row..Isai dmygoodbyest oBel,i
t
hurtbecauset hemi nuteshel ef
t.Imissedher
alr
eady, butwewi l
llinkupsoon. .

IgothomeandmyBr ot
herwaswat chi
ngsoccer,
ToldmeLeleisnotfeel
ingwellshe'
srest
ing.I
passedbyherbedroom tocheckuponher .
.

Me:Nat
hit
ell
smet
hatyouar
enotf
eel
ingwel
l
Lele:Yaa..Thi
nkI'
m goingtohavemyperi
odsoon,I
havet heseunbearabl
ecramps.Theyt
wicest
ronger
thanmynor malperi
odpains
Me:Di
dyout
akesomet
hing?
Lel
e:YesIt
ooksomepai
nki
ll
ers,
I'
llbef
ine
Me:Okayt
henI
'
llcheckonyoul
ater
Lel
e:Howwasyourt
ri
p?
Me:I
twasgood.
.Your
est
,wewi
llt
alkl
ater
Lel
e:Gl
adyouenj
oyedt
hat
'sal
lthatmat
ter
s
Me:YesIdi
d..Restt
hen,
I'
llseeyoul
ater
Lel
e:Okayt
alkl
ater
Il
eftandwentt
omybedr
oom.
.

BELI
NDA

Iarr
ivedhomeandallthatIwant
edtodowast o
rest
.TomorrowIam goingbacktowork,I
'
llhaveto
workovert
imeforal
lthedaysI'
vemissed..

Ndal
owassi
tt
ingandwat
chi
ngTV.
.
Me:Hey
Hel
ookedatmeanddi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.
Me:Weback,
Wedr
oppedof
fSoso
Ndal
o:Idon'
tcar
e
Me:Andwhati
swr
ongwi
thyou?
Ndal
o:Doyoust
il
lwannabemar
ri
edt
ome?
Me:Iwoul
dn'
tbeher
eifIdi
dn'
twantt
oo
Ndal
o:Doyoust
il
lloveme?
Me:Whati
sthi
saboutNdal
o?
Ndalo:Idon'
tknow..Othert
hanthefactt
hatIhadt
o
fi
ndoutf r
om thei
nternett
hatyouandSosoare
hookingup..
.Areyouhookingup?
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:Idon'
twannageti
ntoi
twi
thyou
Ndalo:I'
m gladwebothfeelt
hesamewayabout
thi
ssituati
on..What
evernonsenseofarelati
onshi
p
youhavegoi ngonwithSoso,i
tendsnow.Idi dn'
t
bri
ngSosoher ef
oryoutoexperi
ment,she'smy
gi
rl
fri
endnotourgi
rl
fr
iendsot
hisnonsensewi
th
her
,itendst
oday
Me:Youcan'
tdot
hat
Ndalo:OhwyesIcan!Ithoughtyousai
dthatyou
weredonewitht
hispartofyourlif
ewhenwegot
married,
sowhatnonsenseisthis?
Me:Youar
ebei
ngunr
easonabl
e
Ndalo:Idon'
tcare!What'
sgoingtohappennowi s
thatyouaregoingtoendthi
sshit.I
fyouf eell
ike
youwannahaveagi r
lf
ri
end,gooutthereandf ind
one.Thensendmedi vorcepapers,i
fyouwanna
conti
nuepersuingaromanti
cr el
ati
onshipwi t
h
Sosot hengoodbutyouaregoingtodivorceme
Me:Soyoumaki
ngmechoose?
Ndalo:That
'sexact
lywhatI
'
m doi
ng,soby
tomorrowthi
sshitshoul
dbedoneorel
se.I
'm
divor
cingyou
Idi
dn'tsayanything,Iwalkedst
rai
ghtt
othe
bedroom.Ineededt orestandhewasbeing
unnecessar
ybot hersome..
NANGOMSO

JustwhenIwasget
ti
ngsomesl
eep,
Ndal
ocal
led.
.
Me:Nat
ure
Ndal
o:Prepar
eyoursel
f,I
'm comi
ngt
ogetyoul
ater
.
Wegoingouttohavedinner
Me:Toni
ght
?
Ndal
o:I
'm sor
ry.
.Isther
esomebisexualconvent
ion
t
hatyouhavetoattendtoni
ght
?
Me:What
?
Ndal
o:Getyourassr
eadyf
orl
ater
Me:What
'swi
thyou?What
'st
hisnow?
Ndalo:Iwanttoseemygir
lf
ri
end,spendani
ght
wit
hher .
.Ist
hattoomuchtoask?
Me:No..I
'
mjustt
ir
ed,
Iwannar
estcan'
twedot
his
t
omorrow?
Ndal
o:It
houghtwewer
einar
elat
ionshi
p,nowI
don'
tunder
standwhyIcan'
tspendt
imewi
thyou
Me:Youj
ustbei
ngunnecessar
yri
ghtnow
Ndalo:OkaySosoi fyoufeelthatwayt henwhat
exactl
yar ewedoinghere?I'm notinthistoplay
gamesokay?I '
m passthatstage.I fyouinitt
opl ay
gamesl etmeknowsoIl etyougo, andwhenIdo.I
wantthisnonsenseyoudoi ngwi thmywi fetoend!
Beli
ndai smywifenotyourgi rl
fr
iend.Youher efor
menotBel
Me:What
'swrongwi
thyou?Youactli
keI'
mt heone
whopl
annedourweekendgat
eway.Idi
dn'
t,youdid!
Ndalo:Andwhosaidanyt
hingaboutt
hegateway?
Yousee?Youofftopi
c!Ar
ewegoi ngoutt
onight
Soso?Simpl
eyesorno!
Idon'
tknowwhyyournonsensewi
thBel
indai
s
robbi
ngmeofmytimewithyou!
Me:Ican'
ttoni
ght
Ndal
o:I
fyoucan'
ttoni
ghtthenIdon'
tseehowwe
canpr
oceedwit
hthisr
elat
ionshi
p
Me:I
t'
sfi
neNdal
o..Dowhatyouwant
,dowhat
makesyouhappy.I
fyouwant
,cal
litof
fIr
eal
ly
don'
tcar
e
Ndalo:Ohwsoit'
sli
ket hat
..Di
dyouevenl
ovemeor
youwer ej
ustbor
ed?Want edtoki
llt
ime?Nowt hat
yourti
mehasbeenki l
ledit
'sfi
ne.
.Fuckal
lofus!
Me:Idon'
tknowwhatyouwantf
rom me
Ndalo:Iwantyoutobemygi r
lf
ri
end!Actli
kemy
gir
lf
ri
end!Ishoul
dn'tbebeggi
ngthishar
dt ospend
ti
mewi thyouuyahl
anyakanti
?(areyouinsane)
Me:Ther eyougomi spl
aci
ngwor ds,thenwhenI
str
ikebackI '
llbewrong!NdaloIloveyouYes, but
youdr ai
ning.Ar el
ati
onshi
pissupposedt obefun,
enjoyabl
ebutyoumakei tdif
fi
cult.Ihateconfl
ict,
andIhat econstantlyar
gui
ng.Ifyourpr esencein
myl i
feisgoingt odist
urbmypeacet henyouar e
notwor t
hi t
!I'
dratherbemiserablealonethanbeing
miserablewithyou!
Ndalo:SoImustbehappyf i
ndingoutt
hatyouand
mywi fearesnaggingf
rom t
heinter
net
?Isentmy
wif
eandmygi rl
fr
iendt
otheweekendgatewayto
bond..Notthi
snonsensethatI
'
m stumbli
ngon
Me:Ididn'
tgohunti
ngforyouandyourwi
fe,you
guyscamet ome!Youfoundmeandyoudr agged
meintothi
ssit
uati
on.Iwaspeacef
ull
yenj
oyingmy
l
if
e!
Ndal
o:AndnowI
'
m endi
ngt
hisnonsense
Me:FineNdal
oyoucangotohell
,togetherwi
thBel!
Youthinkmyl
ifewoul
dbeatthestandsti
llwi
thout
youguys?Noways!Li
fegoeson
Ndalo:Vel
ethat
'swhatyouwantedangit
hi?It
'sf
ine
haveityourwayandleavemywifeal
one!Ifyou
don't
,Iwil
ldoyousomet hi
ngsobadthatyouwon't
bel
ieveit
!Tryme!
Me:Fuckyou!Tr
yyourbest
!Got
ohel
landt
ake
yourwi
fewit
hyou!
Ndal
o:Seeyoui
nhel
lthen
Ihungup.
.

LELE
Itri
edsleepingbutIcouldn'
t.Thecrampswer e
getti
ngwor se.Funnyenoughbl oodwasn'tcoming
out.Itwasjustunbearablepainandadischarge
thatwasnotnor mal.I
twasbr ownandsmel l
y.I
didn'
tunderstand.

Isatupst
rai
ghtandcl
osedmyeyes.
.
Me:Nat
hi.
.
Myabdomenevenf
eltver
yhot
..
Me:Nat
hi!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!

Nat
hir
ushedi
naf
teraf
ewseconds.
.
Me:Ican'
tanymore.
.It
hinkIhavet
ogot
othe
hospi
tal
,i
t'
sgett
ingworse
Nat
hi:Youcan'tpul
lthr
oughunt
ilt
omor
row
morni
ng,I
'l
ltakeyoutotheDr
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:No.
.It
'spai
nful
..Ican'
tanymor
e
Hecameandsatnextt
ome,
heputmeonhi
s
chest
..
Nathi
:Babytr
yandpullthr
ough,I
'drathert
akeyou
totheDr.
.Hospit
alsar
enonsense,pl
easepul l
thr
ough.Tryt
otakethepil
lsagai
n,I'
l
lprepareyoua
hotwaterbot
tl
e
Me:Okayl
et'
str
ythat
..I
'
m goi
ngt
oneedgar
li
ctoo
Nathi
:Okay.
.I'
llgogeti
t,Whynotgol
iedownwi
th
Sosounti
lIgetback?
Me:Al
ri
ght
Hegotupandpi
ckedmeup.
.Hewal
kedmet
o
Soso'
sbedr
oom.
..

NDALO

Nangomsoi saselfi
shcunt .Shedoesn'
tcareabout
anyoneelsebuthersel
f.RightnowIam notsureif
shereal
lylovesmeorjustwant edtoplaygames.I
don'
tunderstandhowdi ff
iculti
tisf
orhertospend
ti
mewi t
hme. .Iwal
kedi ntothebedroom..
Me:Bel
!
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Me:Bel
inda!
Shewokeup.
.
Me:Cal
lthatcuntandendi
ttoni
ght
!
Bel
:What
?
Me:Nangomsoisaself
ishhumanbeingandwe
don'
tneedheri
nourli
ves,wedon'
tneedthat
!I
madeahugemi st
akewithher
Bel
:Wher
eist
hatcomi
ngf
rom now?
Me:Cal
lherandendi
t!Iwannahear
Bel
:Ndal
oI'
m notgoi
ngt
odot
hat
Me:Thenyouwi llloseme,youwilll
osemeandyou
wil
lgobewi t
hherandshe' sgoingtohurtyoualong
theway.Thatgirli
sbeyondr epai
rabl
e.Whoever
messedherup, didaseri
ousnumberonher .
.She
doesn'
thaveloveinherandi fyouwannacont i
nue
withhert
hensobei t,
Iwi
llgivebothofyousome
space
NANGOMSO

Iwasi nt
hekit
chenpr epari
ngsomethingtoeatfor
Lel
e.Softpor
ridgesoshecoul deatanddrinkpain
ki
ll
ers.Shewasseriouslyinpai
n,I'
veneverseen
herinsomuchpai nbefore..Myphonerang,itwas
Bel.Ismil
edandpickeditup..
Me:Si
sterwi
fe
Bel
:Hey
Me:Hey?
Bel:Sosoli
sten.
.Whathappenedbet weenus,
shouldn'
thavehappened.Ndalobroughtyouf or
himself,
youwerehisgir
lf
ri
endandmysi sterwi
fe.
Whathappenedwasami stake,
itshouldn'thave
happened.I'
m sorr
y
Me:Whatar
eyousayi
ngt
ome?
Bel
:I'
m sor
ry
Me:Di
dheputyouupt
othi
s?
Bel
:Il
ovemyhusband,
andmymar r
iageismore
i
mport
ant.Mor
eimport
antt
hanourrel
ati
onshi
p
Me:Ohw.
.Justl
iket
hat
?
Bel:I
'
mtr
ulysor
ry.
.Idi
dn'
tmeanf
ori
ttohappen
thi
sway
Me:Iunder
standandIwishyouandhi
m nothi
ng
butt
hebest.Thankyout
hetimespent
,bye
Bel:I
'm notper
manentl
yendi
ngt
hingswecanbe
fr
iends,aft
eral
lweareinl
ovewi
ththesameman
Me:Notaf
tert
oday.
.Idon'
twantnot
hingt
odowi
th
youandhi
m anymore
Bel
:Soso
Me:Iam goi
ngt
oblockyou,
thenI'
m goi
ngtobl
ock
hi
m.Tomor r
owI'
m goi
ngtoresi
gnatwork
Bel
:Let
'snotover
react
Me:No!Youandyourhusbandaremakingmea
cl
own!Youmakingmeaf ool
,Iwantnothi
ngtodo
wit
hyouguysanymoreyouhear?Staywit
hyour
cont
rol
ing,
abusi
veman!Conti
nuebeingmiserabl
e
wit
hhim
Bel:I
fIr
emember edcor
rect
lyyousai
dIshoul
d
choosehim overyou?Rememberyourwordsor
haveweforgotten?
Me:Aghhhpl
easegot
ohel
lBel
!
Bel
:Ri
ghtbackatyaSoso
Me:Fuckyou!
Shel
aughed.
.
Bel:Ohhmhgoodnessyout r
ulyaref r
om the
str
eets!Evenanexpensivegetawaycoul dn'
ttake
thestreet
soutofyou..Byegir
l!Takecar eofthat
angerbeforeyoupushanddr i
veever yoneaway..At
l
eastIhaveaman, whatdoyouhave?Youcame
i
ntomymar ri
agethinki
ngyoucanbr eakmy
husbandandIapar t
?Manyhavet ri
edandf ai
led.
.
Wenaubungubani?( whodidyout hi
nkyouar e)
Me:Bye.
.Haveani
cel
if
e!
Ihungup.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
07] :58

BELI
NDA

NdaloandIwedi dn'
ttal
ktoeachot herlastnight
aft
erthatcal
l.Wesleptthr
oughandshar edthe
samebed, buthefacedtheotherwayandIf aced
theotherway.Eventhi
smor ning,
Ileftearl
yf or
work.Toavoidanalter
cati
on..

Iwasmi ssingSosoal ready,Iwasmi ssingherso

much.Ihat ethatNdalobr oughtt hiswomani nto
ourl i
ves,mademef allforherandnowt hatit
'snot
wor kingoutbetweent hem.I tal sohast oaf f
ectme
too.Inot i
cedthatshebl ockedmeonwhat sapp,she
didn'tblockmeonFacebookt houghshej ust
unfriendedme.Icoul dn'tstopgoi ngtoherpr ofil
e
andchecki ngwhatshepost ed, checkingallher
pict
ur es.Checkingherhur tmor e,apar tofmej ust
want edt ocal
lherri
ghtawayandt el
lherhowmuch
Imissher ,
anotherpartofmer emember edallthe
wordsshesaidlastni
ghtandIt hi
nkit
'sbesti
fI
respectherwi
shes.Nangomsoi saveryangry
Person,someti
mesit'
sdiffi
culttoknowwhenshe's
seri
ousandwhenshe' sjustsayingthi
ngsoutof
anger.Lastni
ghtIdi
dn'tknowi fwhatshesaidwas
outofangerorshewasser ious..

Thepaininmychestst ar
tedagain,Iwast
ryi
ngto
downplayever
ythi
ngbut .
..Icoul
dn'tst
opthi
nki
ng
abouther,
shewasal lovermymi nd.Shewasinmy
headanditwasdrainingme.Idon'twannahurt
..

NANGOMSO

IfIsaidIsleptlastnighti
twouldbean
understatement .Icoul
dn'
tcatchanysleep,Iwas
hurt.Iwasbr okenandIwasangr ythatIletmysel
f
tobedr aggedint othi
ssit
uati
on.

Ihat
ebei
nghur
t,Ihat
ehur
ti
ngt
hat
'swhyImost
ly
reactt
osit
uat
ionswi
thangert
opr
otectmysel
ffr
om
beinghur
t.
.

Lel
ewal
kedi
n,shesatnextt
omeatt
het
abl
e..
.

Lel
e:Wehavi
ngbreakf
astwi
thagl
assofwi
neso
ear
lyi
nthemorni
ng?
Me:Idi
dn'
tknowt
hatdr
inki
ngwi
necamewi
tha
t
imeschedul
e
Lel
e:What
'swr
ong?
Il
ookedather
..
Lel
e:Thosepuff
yeyes,t
hesil
entcr
yingatni
ght
whenyouthoughtIwasn'
theari
ng
Me:Doyout
hinkI
'
m amessedupPer
son?
Lel
e:Whathappenedbet
weenyouandt
heDuo?
Me:Idon'tknowLele,butIf
eell
ikewegettingtoa
pointwherewehurteachothermorethanwel ove
eachotherandIdon'twanttobeinarelat
ionship
l
ikethat
.Iwanttobei narel
ati
onshi
pandenj oyit,
behappy,
enj
oybei
ngi
nloveandl
oved
Lel
e:Rel
ati
onshi
psar
enotwhatyout
hinkt
heyar
e
Me:YouandNat
hiar
eal
wayshappyandi
nlove
Lel
e:Thatdoesn'
tmeanwedon'
tfi
ght
Il
ookedather
..
Lel
e:Thepoi ntis..I'
veknownyouf oryears,youmy
bestfr
iend.Rememberhowmanymessedupf ights
wehad?Butl ookatusnow.Youcamei ntomy
houseandyouwer ebr oken,youhadjustlostyour
motherint hemostpai nfulway.Youwer ehurti
ng
andinneedofl ove,ahomeandyouhadexpect ed
tofi
ndt hatwithSi dandmyt herestofthefamily.
Unfort
unatelythatdi dn'thappen,youwerehur t
moreandyoucoul dn'tgetawaybecauseyouwer e
soyounganddi dn'thavenowher etogo.Youknow
whathappenednext ?
Me:What
?
Lele:Youhadtoki
llyour
selft
obeabl
etosurvive
eachday.Sosoyoubecamet hemostangryPerson
thatI'
veevermeti
nmyl if
eandIdon'
tblameyou,
thatwasyourwayandt heonl ywayatt hatt i
mef or
yout ofunctionnor mallybuti nt heprocesst hat
angerturnedyoui ntoacompl etelydi f
ferentPer son.
Nowyouar eawayf r
om t hatsituati
onbutst i
llt
he
angerisst il
lthere,becauset hat'showyoudeci ded
tosurviveonl ynowyouar ehur ti
ngpeopl et hat
didn'
thurtyou.Youpushi ngpeopl eaway, andit's
goingtogett oapoi ntwher eyoucompl etelypush
everyoneawayevent hePeopl ewhogenui nelylove
andcar eaboutyou.NowIdon' tknowwhat
happenedbet weent he3ofyou, butwhatIknowi s
thatyouwer eatyourhappi estmoment .I'venever
seenyout hathappybef oreeversi nceI'veknown
you.Idon' tknowwhathappenedandIdon' tcare
butunder standt hi
s..It
'sokayt ol etgonow, you
donewi thSi dit'
sokayt ol etgoandl etpeopl ein
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Lel
e:Youarenotanevi
lPer
son,
youarenotacr
uel
personbutyouar
eanAngryPer
sonSoso.
.Youver
y
angry
Me:Idon'
twannalett
hem gobutatt
hesameti
meI
t
hinkl
etti
ngt
hem goisthebestwayformet
o
protectt
hem f
rom me.LeleIdon'
tthi
nkIdeserve
anyone,Iknowitseemsli
keIdothesethi
ngson
purposebutIdon't
.Idon'
twakeupandplant ohurt
people
Lel
e:IknowBabe,
youdon'
tint
enti
onal
lyhur
t
peopl
ebutatt
hesametimeyourAngeris
somethi
ngyouneedt
odealwith
Me:Ij
ustwannaqui
tmyj
ob,
bedonewi
tht
hem and
moveon
Lele:Don'tqui t
..UnlessNdal oput syoui na
sit
uat i
onwher eyouhavet oo, buthedoesn' tcome
acrossasanevi lpersonwhowoul dpur posel
yset
youupt oloseyourj ob.Sosol ookyouhavet o
remembersomet hi
ng.I nthi
s3waysi t
uat i
on,they
alwaysgoi ngt ohaveeachot her.Whenyoubr eak
awayt heywi l
lcomf orteachot her,theywi l
lbet here
foreachot her.Youwer ebroughti ntot heir
rel
ationship,comebl ackandwhi t
et heygoi ngto
alwayshaveeachot her'
sbacksandyouwi l
lbel eft
i
nt hecol d.Ifyounol ongerfeelst ronglyaboutt his,
thenit'
sokaysepar ateyourselff r
om t hem butt ake
thi
ssi t
uat i
onasal ear ni
ngexper i
ence.Wor kon
yoursel
f,healsoyoudon'
tkeepondoi
ngt
hist
o
otherpeople
Inodded.
.
Lel
e:Got
owor
kandenj
oyyourday
Me:HowwillIenj
oywhenI
'
m wor
kingwi
that
hor
n
i
nthehear
t
Shel
aughed.
.
Lel
e:Atl
eastnotal
lisl
ost
,youst
il
lhavemeand
Nathi
Sheputherhandonmyar
m..
Me:Ihaveal r
eadylostpeoplethatmatt
eredtome,
I
don'teverwannaloseyou.Ifyoualsogiveupon
met henIdon'tknow.Iknowt hatIcomeoffasi
f
l
ikeIdon'tcare,I
'
m hardcor
eandwhatnotbutIdo
hurttoo..
.Iam ahumanbei ng
Lel
e:Iknowyoudo.
.Iknowyoudo

NDALO
Iwassitt
ingonmyt abl
eatwor kwithmyfootonmy
chai
r.Iwassqueezi ngmystressball.
.So
Nangomsobl ockedmeonwhat sapp,what
happenedlastnightshoul
dhaveneverhappened,i
t
shoul
dn'thavegottenoutofhandlikethat
..
.

Vuyi
:Ndal
o
Idi
dn'
tevent
urnback.
.
Vuyi
:Whatareyoudoi
ngwi
thmyDaught
er?You
pr
omisedtonothur
ther
Me:Iwoul
dneverhurtSoso,
Iloveheral
ot.I
woul
dn'
thurthereveni
fIwantedtoo
Vuyi
:MyDaught
eri
shur
ti
ng
Me:Iam shocked,
Nangomsocanhur
t
Vuyi
:She'
shur
ti
ng
Me:Iam t r
yingwit
hyourDaughteroratleastI
'
ve
tr
ied.Nangomsoi saremarkabl
ePersonbutshe's
veryangry,she'
sanangryPerson.Ever
yt i
mewhen
wegetintoi t
,shet
hreat
enstoleaveandshedoes
l
eave
Vuyi:MyDaughterhasbeenhurtalot,she'
sbeen
thr
oughalotofpain.Bei
nginarelati
onshipwit
h
someoneli
kethatit'
sdif
fi
cul
tbutit'
snotimpossibl
e,
she'
snotimpossibl
e
Me:Iam notar
ehabi
li
tat
ioncent
erf
oryour
Daught
er
Vuyi:AndIdon' twantyout obe,allI
'
m askingis
thatifyoucan' tloveher .
.Lethergobecausei fyou
keeponhur t
ingherl i
kethis,Imightbeforcedto
haveanal tercationwi thyouandIdon' twantthat.
.
Eit
heryoul oveher ,acceptherasshei sandwor k
throughitoryoul eaveheral one
Me:IhearyouVuyi
Vuyi
:I'
m gl
adyoudo
Shel
eft
,Icoul
dn'
tfeel
herpr
esenceanymor
e

BELI
NDA

Iwassitt
ingoutsi
degett
ingf
reshai
r.Iwasn'
t
feel
ingwell
,Ineededf
reshai
r..
IwasonFacebookchecki ngSoso,shehasn't
uploadedanythi
ngasyet.Sheprobablymight
secureherFacebookaccountaft
erthi
s.Iwishshe
couldblockmealreadyorsomething,
sparemeall
thepainthatshe'
sputt
ingmet hr
oughr i
ghtnow.
.
Lisacameandsatnextt ome.Shepumpedherar m
againstmine.
.

Li
sa:Youokay?
Me:YeahIam
Li
sa:Coul
d'vef
ool
edme
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:I
t'
sSoso.
.Wedone
Li
sa:Whatdoyoumeandone?
Me:I
t'
sover
Li
sa:Wow.
.I.
.Idi
dn'
texpectt
hat
,sosoon?
Me:Yasosoon
Lisa:Howcome?Imeanwer
en'
tyouguyst
oget
her
yesterday?
Inodded.
.
Li
sa:Idon'
tknowt
hisSosobuthonest
lyIhat
eher.
Shehashurtmybestf
ri
end,noonehurtsmybest
fr
iend
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Li
sa:Letherbe,
she'
snotwor
thi
t
Me:Yamaybe

NANGOMSO

Igott
oworkthatmorningandmyspi
ri
twasdown.I
wasverydownnoli
e..IsawReco.
Me:Hey
Reco:Heygi
rl
Me:Howar
eyou?
Reco:I
'
m good
Me:Remembert
hatmodel
inggi
gyout
oldmeabout
?
Reco:Yes
Me:Doest
heof
ferst
il
lst
and?
Reco:Uhm.
.Yes
Me:I
'
llt
akei
t
Reco:OkayI
'
llt
alkt
ohi
m
Me:Howqui
ckcanIgeti
t?
Reco:Idon'
tknow
Me:Thet
hingi
s..I
'
m qui
tt
ing
Reco:What
?Why?
Me:I
t'
snotwor
kingout
,it
'snotgoi
ngt
owor
kout
Reco:Letmeguess.
.YouandNdal
ohadaf
all
out
?
Inodded.
.
Reco:Isawi
tcomi
ng,
butqui
tt
ing
Me:HowwillImoveonfr
om t
hisi
fIhavet
oseet
he
manthatIl
oveever
yday?
Reco:Under
standabl
e..Her
etakemyphoneand
saveyournumberI
'
llbei
ntouch
Me:Thankyou
Iputmynumberi
nhi
sphone.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
07] :59

NANGOMSO

Reconot i
cedt hatIwasn'twel
lsoheopt edwego
outforadr i
nksowecoul dtal
k.Idon'tli
ketotell
peoplemybusi ness,
butLelewassi ckandIdon' t
wannaconst ant l
yburdenherwiththisissue.Idon'
t
real
lyhavef r
iendssoIhavenot hingtoloser i
ght
nowbyt alki
ngt osomeone.Justneededt ooffl
oad
theful
lnessofmyhear tt
osomeone. .

Me:Ndal
ohashelpedmesomuch, i
fitwasn'
tfor
hi
m.Iwouldn'
tbebackathomer
ightnow,I'
dstil
lbe
wi
thmyabusi
veexandhi
sMot
her
Reco:Here'st
het hi
ng.Ndalohel
pedyoubecause
t
hat '
swhohei s,hehelpspeopl
e.IfNdalohel
pst
o
feeli
ndebtedattheend,heshouldletusknowso
wechargeever ycli
ent
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Reco:CanIbebr
utal
lyhonestwi
thyou?
Me:Yes
Reco:Nohar
dfeel
s?
Me:Nohar
dfeel
s
Reco:Sosoyouar eabeaut if
ulLady,Imeanyou
coul
dbei nar elat
ionshipwi t
hanyone.Whysett
le
forl
ess?Whyset t
lef orsecondbest?Whereyou
hopi
ngt obepr omot ed?ThatNdalowoul ddi
vor
ce
hiswif
ef oryou?
Me:Me?Mar
ryNdal
o?Idon'
tthi
nkso
Reco:Thenwhati
sit
?
Me:Idon'
tknow..Ij
ust.
.Ir
eal
lyenj
oyedbei
ngi
n
t
hisrel
ati
onshi
pwi t
hthem
Reco:Whatwast
heendgoalher
e?
Me:Foral
l3ofust
oli
vehappi
lyeveraf
ter
Webot
hlaughed.
.
Reco:Idon'
tunder
standBel.
.Imean,
nosane
womanwoul dacceptthi
sandwhatNdalodi
dtoBel
,
howsureareyouthathewouldn'
tdothesameto
you?Geta3rdparty
Me:Youhaveapoi
ntt
her
e
Reco:LookNgomsor atherbesomeone'sfir
st
choice,thansomeone'ssecondchoice.Nomancan
l
ovet wowomenatt hesamet ime,Idon'
tcarewhat
Ndalosays.Thatmanl ovesBel i
ndaandyouonly
ther
ebecauset here'
strai
tsthatBeli
ndadoesn'
t
havet hatyouhave.Youbeingusedher e
Me:Youknowwhat
,your
ight
.I'
m donewi
tht
hose
peopl
e.I
'
m movi
ngon
Reco:Puti
ther
e..Tomovi
ngon
Me:Tomovi
ngon
NDALO

Icouldn'tcarr
ymyr eadingswelltoday,
myspiri
t
washi ghlydisturbed.Sosodidn'tshowupforwork.
Iunderstandwhathappenedbet weenusgotoutof
hand,ser i
ouslyoutofhandbutt obethis
unprofessional.Ididn'
texpectthisfr
om her
..

Me:YourMot
heri
s..She'
sis.
.
Iopenedmyeyes.
.
Me:I
'
m sor
ryIcan'
tdot
his.
.Canwecutof
f
Dave:Toanadbr
eak?
Me:Nocutof
ftheepi
sodecompl
etel
y
Dave:Cuti
tguys
Il
ookedatt
heCl
ient
..
Me:I
'
m sosor
ryaboutt
his.
.Iam ver
ysor
ry
Igotup.
.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry
Iwalkedoutt
omyof fi
ce.
.Iopenedthedoorand
walkedupstr
aightt
ogetmeagl assofwhiskey.
.
Davewalkedin.
.
Dave:Whatt
hef
uckwast
hat
?
Hecl
osedt
hedoor
..
Igul
peddownthewhi
skeyi
nthegl
assandpour
ed
anot
herone.
.
Dave:Whatt hefuckwast hat?Ifyouweren'
tokay
youshould'
vej ustcal
ledinsickorsomethingbut
that
..Thatwasf uckenunprofessional
!Doyouknow
whattheinterneti
sgoi ngtosay?
It
hrewt
hegl
assagai
nstt
hewal
l.
.
Me:Fuckt hei
nternet
!Fuckwhatpeoplear
egoi
ng
tosay!Ibl
ackedthefuckoutokay?Itf
ucken
happens!Iam notperf
ect
Davenoddedwhi
lstwi
pinghi
sli
ps.
.
Dave:Youar
etaki
ngsomet
imeof
f
Me:No.
.
Dave:Youar
egoi
ngt
odr
ivehomeandgetyour
sel
f
toget
herandcomebackaft
eraweek!Wehave
enoughepisodest
ogetust
hrough
Me:I
twasj
ustoneepi
sode
Dave:Oneepisodecanfuckusup!Thi
sisnotonly
aboutyou!I
t'
saboutallofus,
youdon'
tworkalone!
NowIdon'tknowwhat '
shappeni
ngbutsorti
tout!
Getyourshi
ttogether
!
Hewal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
..
Icl
ear
edever
ythi
ngf
rom t
het
abl
e..
Me:Fucccck!
!!

BELI
NDA

Nangomsowashavi ngt het imeofherl

if
e,not
gi
vingacareaboutwhathappenedmeanwhi l
eI'
m
her
e,tryi
ngtogetmyselft ogether
.Shehad
upl
oadedaf ewpict
ures, allhappyinaCafe,
smil
ing,
l
aughingandwhatnot .Thisbi t
chiscol
d!Thisbi
tch
i
sicecold!
Li
sa:HeyBel
Me:What
?
Li
sa:Ohokay
Me:I
'
m sor
ry
Li
sa:Yourpat
ienthasbeenwai
ti
ngf
orhi
s
medicat
ion
Me:Ohwya
Iwal
kedupt
othedoor
,shepushedmeback.
Lisa:Youcan'
tlett
hisgi
rlmessyouupliket
his,
you'veknownherforwhat?2seconds?
Me:Youwon'
tunder
stand
Li
sa:Thisi
swhatIdi dn'
twant
!Thi
sisexact
lywhat
Idi
dn'twant,l
ookatyounowshehasmessedyou
up!Thisgi
rldoesn'
tdeser
veyou
Me:Don'
ttel
lmeaboutthat
!Youdon'
tknowher!
Youdon'
tknowthebondwecr eat
edwi
theach
ot
her,
thefeel
sIhavef
orher
Lisa:Sowhat?Yougoi ngtoletherruinyourli
fe?
Thisisyourjob!Youworkwi thpeople!Areyou
readytoloseeveryt
hingforthisgi
rlwhopr obabl
y
doesn'tcar
e?BecauseI '
m nothearingyousaying
shecalledortext
edyou
Me:Idon'
tneedt
hisr
ightnow
Li
sa:Thengetyourheadr
ight
!Getbackt
owor
k!

NANGOMSO

Recor
eal
lyuppedmymood.Iwasfeel
ingbet
ter
t
hanhowIfel
tini
ti
all
ythi
smor
ning.

Wewalkedinalll
aughi
ngandt
alki
ng,
wewal
kedt
o
Dave'
soff
ice.
.

Reco:Babe
Dave:Wher
ehaveyouguysbeen?
Reco:Wewentoutf
ordr
inks
Dave:Dur
ingwor
kinghour
s?
Reco:I
'
m sor
ry
Dave:Ir
eal
lycan'
tdealwi
thmor
eshi
ttoday
Reco:OkaySosoi
sher
etot
ellyousomet
hing
Davel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Iam r
esi
gni
ng
Dave:What
?
Me:IknowI
'
m sor
ry
Dave:Youar
eevenonpr
obat
ion
Reco:She'
snotpermanentasyetr
emember ?So
shecanquitanyt
imeshewantswithouteven
put
tingi
nnotice
Dave:Who'
ssi
dear
eyouon?
Recor
aisedbot
hherhandsup.
.
Dave:Whyar
eyour
esi
gni
ng?
Me:Per
sonalr
easons
Dave:Didsomethi
nghappenbet
weenyouand
Ndalo?Becausehe'
sacti
ngir
rat
ionalandnowyou
resi
gning
Reco:It
hinkt
h-
Dave:St
ayoutoft
his
ThedooropenedandNdal
owal
kedi
n..
Ndal
o:Iam sor
ryIdi
dn'
tthi
nkyouwer
eina
meet
ingorsomethi
ng
Dave:Nangomsoi
sresi
gni
ngwi
thi
mmedi
ateef
fect
Ndal
olookedatme.
.
Dave:Cansomeonetel
lmewhat'sgoi
ngon?You
twoassuredmethatwhat
everi
sgoingonbet
ween
youtwowon'ti
nter
fer
ewit
hyourwor k
Ndal
o:Idi
dn'thi
rehersoIdon'
tknowwhyyou
l
ooki
ngatme.Don'tputthebl
ameonme, youhir
ed
herf
rom t
hetopofyourhead!Under
qual
if
iedf
or
thej
obsoreall
ywhatdidyouexpect
?
Me:Davei
sther
esomewher
eIneedt
osi
gn?
Dave:Ineedadr
ink
Ndal
o:Nextt
imeyouwi
lll
ear
nDave,
wedon'
truna
char
it
ycaseher
e
Me:Iam l
eavingDave,I
'
llcomebacksomeot
her
t
imetosignthecontr
act
Iwal
kedtothedoorandwalkedout.AsIwas
wal
kingdownthecorr
idor
,Ifel
tsomeonegrabbi
ng
myarm..
Me:Hey!
Hepinnedmeagainstthewal
l,
nohebumpedme
agai
nstthewal
lthatt
hebackofmyheadhi
tthe
wall
..
I'
veseenNdal omad,I'
vehadalt
ercati
onswithhim..
ButImustsay, I
'
veneverseenhimt hi
smad.He
placedhishandonmywai standpinneditagai
nst
thewal l
.Hesqueezedbackhardagainstt
hewal l
,i
t
hurt.Theangeri
nhiseyeswasscar y.
.Withhis
otherhandhesqueezedmycheeks. .
Ndal
o:Saysomet
hing,
Idoubl
edar
eyou!Say
somet
hing!
!!
!
Iwasshaki
ngl
ikeal
eaf
.Iwasscar
ed.
.
Ndal
o:Youcomei nt
omyl i
feonl
ytomessi
tup!Say
somet
hing!Saysomethi
ng!
Dave:Ndal
o?
Hewal
kedupt
ousf
oll
owedbyReco.
.
Ndal
o:St
ayoutoft
hisDave!
Davepul
ledhi
m awayfr
om me,Ndal
opushedDave
backhar
d.Davetookaf
ewstepsbackwar
ds.
.
Ndal
otookaf
ewst
epst
owar
dsme,
Recopushed
hi
m back.
.
Reco:Notonlyareyougoi
ngtoloseyourshowbut
youalsogoingtogotojai
list
hatwhatyouwant
?Is
thatwhatyouwant
Ndal
opoi
ntedatme.
.
Ndal
o:WhenI
'
m donewi
thyou,
youwon'
trecogni
ze
your
sel
f!
Reco:Leti
tgo!
Ndal
ohi
tof
fReco'
shandf
rom hi
schest
..
Ndal
o:Ungang'
thi
nti
!(don'
ttouchme)
Het
urnedbackandwal
kedaway.
.
Dave:PutoutanAd!Anyspi r
it
ualgi
ft
edpersonout
t
herewhowoul dwannar untheshowpleaseget
t
hem!Ndal oasfr
om today,he'
sdone!He'saleper
!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
07] :60

NANGOMSO

Igothomet hatdayandtoldmyBr othertoget

her
withLel
e,whathappenedattheoffice.Theincident
shookmet hatIwassti
llscar
ed.Ndal owasoutof
order
,hi
sangerwasver yexaggerated..

Lel
e:It
hinkweshoul
dal
lcal
m down
Nathi
:Youcal
m down!Heputhi
shandsonmyl
it
tl
e
si
ster
!
Lel
e:Iunder
standthat
,butact
ingi
rr
ati
onal
lyont
his
si
tuat
ion,wi
llonl
ymakeitworse
Me:I
t'
snotl
ikehebr
uisedme
Lel
e:Andshe'
snothur
t,sher
esi
gnedsoshei
s
donewit
hhim
Nat hi:Ineverwannaheart hatyouhookingupnor
seeingt hisguyanymor e!He'snottheonlyguyout
there, t
here'
sal otofguyswhowoul dl
oveyouand
treatyoubet terthanhowyouhavebeent reat
ed.
Youar enobody'ssecondbest ,don'
teverput
your selfi
nthatsi t
uat
ioneveragain
Me:Ipr
omi
se
Nathi
:I'
m gladyour esi
gned,
it'
snotl
ikewe
st
ruggli
ngfinanci
all
y.Youcanbecomf ort
abl
eat
homeunt i
lsomethingcomes
Me:Iact
ual
lyf
oundamodel
i
nggi
g
Lel
e:Seet
hat
'sgood
Nat
hi:Sol
ongyoudonewi
tht
hatguyI
'
m happy
Me:Iam
BELI
NDA

Iknockedoffear
lyfr
om work,Icoul
dn'
tfocuson
anythi
ng.Itwasbad,Iwasnotinagood
headspace..

Sur
pri
singl
yenough,
Ndal
owasal
soback.
.
Me:Hey
Ndal
o:Hey
Me:Youhomeear
ly
Ndal
o:Yaa.
.Il
eftear
ly.
.Whyar
eyoubacksoear
ly
t
oo?
Me:I
..Icoul
dn'
tfocus
Ndal
o:Iunder
stand
(
Sil
ence)
Ndal
o:LookBelI
'm sor
ry.
.Ibr
oughtthi
swoman
i
ntoourl
ives,
shealmostdest
royedusandIt
ake
f
ullr
esponsi
bil
it
yfort
hissi
tuat
ion
Hewal
kedupt
ome.
.Hehel
dbot
hmyhands
Ndalo:I
'l
lneverputyouinsuchasituati
onanymore.
Iam sorryBelandIloveyousomuch.Idon'twanna
l
oseyou, youandIwe' vebeent
hroughsomuch
toget
her.You'veal
waysbeenbymysi dethr
ough
andthrough
Me:Iam al sosor
ry.
.Shoul
dn'
thavedonethi
ngs
behindyourback.Wehavebeenthroughsomuch
togetheryouareri
ght,
somuchthatwecan'thavea
strangercomeinbetweenus
Ndal
o:Agr
eed.
.Canwest
artover
?
Me:I
'
dli
ket
hatver
ymuch
Hegotcl
oserandki
ssedme.
.
Ndal
o:Il
oveyousomuch
Me:Il
oveyout
oo

LELE
Iwasst i
lli
npainbutnowbet terfrom howIwas
yester
day.SinceNat hit
ookmet otheDr,thepi
ll
s
theygavemehel pedalotwit
ht hecramps. .
Nangomsowascooki ngtoni
ght,Nathihadjust
goneout.Hedi dn'tevengotowor k,wantedtobe
aroundandcl osebysinceI'
m si
ck. .

Weheardaknock, bothSosoandIl ookedateach

other
.Ihadtakenachai rf
rom t
heloungetosit
downinthekitchen,Iwasn'
tgoingtosurvi
ve
st
andingfortoolong..

Soso:
I'
llgeti
t
Shewal
kedovert
oopent
hedoor
..
Soso:
OhwheyCl
ara
Ir
oll
edmyeyes.
.
Cl
ara:Soso
Shemadeherwayi
n..Sosocl
osedt
hedoor
.
Cl
ara:HiLel
e
Me:Hey
Clara:I
t'
sbeenawhil
esi
nceIl
astsawyouguys,
thoughtIshoul
dpopint
osayhi
Soso:
That
'sgood.
.Wej
ustcooki
ng,
orI
'
m cooki
ng
Cl
ara:Ni
ce.
.Sowhat
'sbeenhappeni
ng?
Soso:
Not
hingmuch,
justl
ostmyj
obandLel
eis
si
ck
Cl
aral
ookedatme.
.
Cl
ara:What
'swr
ong?
Me:I
t'
snot
hingj
ustper
iodpai
ns
Cl
ara:I
'
m sur
etheywi
llsubsi
desoon
Me:Yes
Cl
ara:Sosoyoul
ostyourj
ob?Whathappened?
Soso:
Justf
uckedar
oundanddatedthebosswi
th
hi
smiser
abl
ewi f
eandshi
thappened
Cl
ara:Hmmmm soundsj
uicy
Soso:
Trustme,
it'
snotal
ljui
cy
Cl
ara:Ndal
o?
Soso:
Yesandhi
swi
fe
Cl
ara:Howdi
dthathappen?
Soso:
Itwasa3waysi
tuat
ion
Cl
ara:Thewi
feknew?
Soso:
Yes
Cl
ara:Iam soconf
used
Soso:Let
'sjustsayt
hei
rmarri
agewascr umbling
andtheybroughtina3r
dPerson,pr
eferablyt
oeven
getachil
dfrom me.Shecan'
thavekids,she'
s
wombless
Cl
aral
aughedandcl
appedherhands.
.
Clar
a:I
ndeedmoneycannotbuyyouhappi
ness,
theyl
ooksogoodandhappytoget
her
Soso:I
t'
snotabedofr oses,
theirmar
ri
agei s
miser
able.Theynothappywitheachother
Clara:Sotheyt
houghtbr
ingi
ngyoualongwas
goingtosavethei
rmarri
age?Andthewifewas
comf ort
ablewi
tht
his?
Soso:
Toshowt
heyunst
abl
epeopl
e
Clar
a:Unstabl
eindeed.
.Thi
sist
hefi
rstt
imeI
'
ve
heardofsuchnonsense!Whi
chwomanwouldbe
comfort
ablewit
hsuchnonsense?
Soso:
Sheloveshi
m mor
ethansheloveshersel
f,he
i
sherworl
d.Poorwomanhasnoli
fewithouthim
Clar
a:If
oll
owheronFacebook,
isn'
tsheaNur seor
somethi
ng?Sheseemstobedoinggoodf orhersel
f.
She'
sbeauti
fulwhyi
sshemakinghim herworld?
Soso:I
fIbecomet
hatdesper
atef
orl
ove,
please
shootme.
.Putmedown!
Thisconversati
onwasbor i
ngme, Idon'
tknowhow
Sosowoul djustputherbusinessli
ket
hattot
he
l
ikesofClara.Idon'
ttrustt
hisgir
lonebit
Me:I
'
m goi
ngt
oli
edownabi
t
Soso:
Okay.
.I'
l
lcal
lyouwhenIam donecooki
ng
Me:Okay
Cl
ara:Uber
ightmaan
Me:Thankyou,
Iwi
l
l
Ist
oodupandwal
kedoutt
othebedr
oom.
Cl
ara:Sot
ellmemor
e

BELI
NDA

Heuncli
ppedmybraandthr
ewitont
hefl
oor,
he
buri
edhisf
aceonmybreast
s.Hewassi
tt
ingont
he
couch,
Iwasontopofhi
m.
Iwasswayi ngmywai stsidewaysasheendul ged
hi
msel fonmyt it
s.Thenhecamebackupand
ki
ssedme.Hel if
tedmywai stupandbi t,
thenIgota
holdofhisal r
eadyhar dcockandsl owlyinsert
edi t
deepinsideofme. .Thisisourveryf i
rstt
imedoi ng
i
tinthisposi t
ion,we'vealwayst ri
edpositi
onst hat
werelesspai nfulforme.It hi
nkit'
stimenowIl etgo
ofthi
sf earthathasbeenhol dingmebackf orso
l
ong,it'
st i
meIal lowmysel ft
oenjoysexi nall
posit
ionsandangl es.

Hemoanedashehel
pedmet osl
idmysel
fdownon
hi
m,i
twasn'
taspai
nfulasIt
houghti
twoul
dbe.I
t
wasbearabl
e.Whenhewasf ul
lydeepi
nside,Ilai
d
myhandsonhi sshoul
der
sandwecont i
nued
ki
ssi
ng.Hishandsweresti
llonmywai st
,helping
metopump..
Ndal
o:Ar
eyousur
eaboutt
his?
Me:Yes.
.It
'
snotpai
nful
Helai
dbackonthecouchandr
elaxed,
movi
nghi
s
handsfr
om mywaistt
omybutt.
.

NANGOMSO

WhenIwasdonecooki
ng,Isetupt
het
able.Cl
ara
hadl
eft
,Lel
ewal
kedoutofthebedr
oom..

Lel
e:She'
sgone?
Me:Yes
Lel
e:Fi
nal
ly!
Me:Your
eal
lydon'
tli
ket
hatgi
rlneh?
Lel
e:Notatal
l,
somet
hingwei
rdabouther
Me:Ohwwel
l
Lele:Idon'twannasoundsomehow, ormakeit
seem likeI'
minfluenci
ngyoubut..Idon'
ttr
ustClar
a
andIt hinkyoushouldn'
ttel
lheryourbusi
ness
Me:Clar
aishar
mless,
I'
veknownherf oral
mostal
l
myli
fe.Shewasmychildhoodbestf
ri
end
Lel
e:Peopl
echange.
.Idoubtshe'
sthesamePer
son
you'
veknownfr
om wayback
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Me:It
rustCl
ara
Lel
e:Isee

BELI
NDA

Itwasmoreactual
lynicerthanthepainIwas
expecti
ng,
Ievenall
owedhi mt opumpmef r
om
withi
nhashardashecoul d.Whenhewast i
redhe
bouncedmyassagai nsthim andIt
riedtohelpout
t
hebestwayIcoul
d.

Inmymi ndallIcouldt hi
nkaboutwast hetimesI
sharedwi thSoso,oursexualmoment s.How
beautifult
heywer e,howweact ual
lyenjoyedeach
other.I'
veneverbeent hatweti nmylifeorenj oyed
sex,li
kehowIdi dwi thSoso.I twasamazi ng,Iknow
i
t'swr ongtoactuall
yf antasi
zeaboutherwhi l
st
havingsexwi thmyhusbandbutIcoul dn'thel
pi t
.I
couldn'tgetheroutofmymi nd..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
08] :61

BELI
NDA

2WEEKSLATER

Thi
ngswer
ehar
dwi
thoutNangomsoandi
t'
sonl
y
been2weeksnowsi ncet hebr eakup, andI '
m doing
abi tbettert hanhowIwas.Iam l earni
ngt olive
withouther ,thesi tuat i
oni swhati ti
sandt her e'
s
nothingIcandoabouti t..Onet hingIhavenot i
ced
i
st hatsheseemst obedoi ngsomemodel ing.Saw
herupl oadi ngpi ct uresonherFacebook, shei sone
oft hemodel sofaver yhighcl assl i
ngeriest or e
"Signatur e".Theyhavet heirownmagazi ne, mor e
l
iket her unwaymagazi ne.Theyf eatur
edherf orthi
s
mont h, andshe' sbeenhi ntingt hattheywi llalso
featureheri nt heirads.I twasgoodseei ngher
doingwel lforher self,buti twasal sosadseei ngher
movi ngonl i
ket hatasi flikewenevermat teredto
her.Iseenowshemovedf rom 2000Facebook
fri
endst o4900, wi th10000f oll
ower s.Her
model ingpi cturesl ookedamazi ngofcour set hey
woul dlookbeaut i
fulandat tractiveshe' sadver t
isi
ng
under garment s, shel ookedl i
keami l
li
ondol lar
model ..Vi ctoria'
ssecr etandwhatnot

Iwasatt
hehospit
alf
etchi
ngLi
sa.Shewas
i
nvol
vedinacaracci
dentt
hatt
ookawayher
husbandaboutaweekago, shegotof fwit
ha
brokenl
egandaf ewscrat
ches.Itwasamazi ng
howshesur vi
ved,thecarwaswr eckedup.Itwas
i
ndeedami raclet
hatshesur vi
ved.Shewasget t
ing
di
schargedtodayandin2dayst i
meherhusband
willbel
aidt
or est
.Theyprolongedthefuneralf
or
her..

Me:Hey
Li
sa:Hey
Idon'tevenknowwhatt osay,whatdoyousayt o
someonewhohasl ostt
heloveofherli
fe.YesLisa
andherHusbandhadpr oblems,butt
hey'vebeen
togetherforsolong.Sheisboundtobebr okenby
thi
s..Ihelpedhertothewheelchai
r.
..
Me:Readyt
ogo?
Li
sa:Yes
Iwheel
edherout
..
.

NANGOMSO
Onet hingIhavenot i
cedi sthatli
feisunpr edictabl e.
Youdon' tknowwhatmi ghthappent omor row, and
beingoneoft heunder wearmodel sforSi gnat ure
hasbeenanamazi ngexper i
encesof ar,Istarted2
weeksagowhenRecokeptt ohisendoft hedealby
hookingmeup.Iwasabi tuncomf ortablewi tht he
whol esi t
uat i
onatf ir
st,ImeanIam t akingpi ctur es
almostnaked.ButwhenIsawhowcomf or t
ablet he
publicr eceivedmybody, i
tmademeconf ident .Yes
therear ethose4or5peopl ewhot hrowshadebutI
don'treal l
ycar e.Attheendoft hedayIgetpai dand
that'
sal lthatmat ters.Icheckinatwor k2t i
mesa
week, Iam oneoft helowestpai dmodel sbecause
I'
mj ustst arti
ng.Thesal ar
yi snotsobadt hough, I
getR1f oreachdayIshowupandIonl ywor k4
hours.Sobasi cal
lyIgetR2000aweek.Si gnat ur e
i
sapr ettywel loffcompanyandt heyhavest or esi n
all9pr ovinces, i
t'
sact uall
yani nter
nat i
onal l
y
foundedcompany.
Thi
scoul
dbeast
artofagoodcar
eerpat
hforme.
..
Ift
hephot oshootrequi
resust
obeout door
sina
cert
ainarea,thecompanyhandlesal
ltheexpenses.
Orratherthetranspor
ttobemoreexactandfood..

Todaywewer eshooti
ngatsomehot el
,thehotel
room wasbeaut i
ful
lyprepared.Whit
e&Rosepet al
s
ont hefl
oor,abottl
eofchampagneandaboxof
chocolatesonthebedsur roundedbycubiczir
conia
stones..

Iwillbet aki
ngpict
uresont hebed, i
nthelacered
under wearandmat chingbra.Redheelsandabl ood
redlipsti
ckwi t
hmybl ackwi gthathadshadesof
red.Ihadaneckl acear oundmyneck, thathada
rubyst one.Idon'
titwasar ealruby,pr
obablyan
i
mi t
at i
on

Emaral
d:Nice.
.Canweblowsomeai
ronherf
ace
sot
hewi gcanyouknow
Emar
aldi
sinchar
geofal
lthephot
oshoot
s.
Emar
ald:Lennyyoucangoi
n
Lennywal
kedover
.Theyusual
lyhaveablack
modelandawhit
emodel,t
oavoidraci
alatt
acks.
.

Emar
ald:Popt
hebot
tl
eofchampagnel
adi
es
Emar
aldpul
ledt
hechai
randsatdown.
.

NDALO

Davemademet aket woweeksof ffr

om wor k,
Ionly
gotbackyest erdayandt odaywewehadpl anneda
smal lgoodbyepar tyforourproducerRonald.He
willbehandlingadi ffer
entshowandDavewi l
lbe
takingover.DaveandRonal dstartedtheshowand
gotme, t
heyappr oachedmewhensoci almedia
startednoti
cingme.Iusedt ouploadcl i
psof
readingsonmysoci almediaaccounts..

Wecoul
dn'
tdot
hemi
nipar
tyf
orhi
m ear
li
er
becauseofAmber'
sfuner
al,
itwasn'tgoi
ngtof
eel
ri
ght.Soweoptedf
ortodayandRonal dwaski
nd
enoughtoshowup.Heactuall
ylef
ttheshowbefor
e
Amberdied.
.

Dave:Ronnywetr
ulysor
ryt
hatwehadt
odot
his
l
ate,wit
hthewhol
eAmbersit
uat
ion
Ronny:Iunder
standyoudon'
thavet
oexpl
ain
anyt
hing
Reco:Wegoi
ngt
omi
ssyoual
otar
oundher
e
Recohuggedhi
m..
Ronny:I
'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssyout
oo

Iwassitt
ingont hechai rgoingoverSoso' spict
ures.
Ist
ill
can'tbel
ieveshe' sanunder wearmodeland
shelooksgreat.If
el tallki
ndsofj ealouswithallt
he
guysthatwerelustingonher .Ireall
ythoughtIwas
donewithher,butthehonestt ruthisthatIam not.
Thishasjustmademet owanthermor e,shewas
minebeforeallofthis.AndIdon' twanna
compl
etel
ylosewhatwehad.
Tri
edfor
getti
ngaboutherbuti
t'
sdi
ff
icul
t.Atl
east
she'
ssti
llsi
ngle.
.

Dave:Ndal
o
Il
ookedatt
hem.
.
Dave:Anywor
ds?
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..
Me:Uhm..Whatdoesonesayatat i
melikethis?I
meanI'
veknownandwor kedwi
thyoueversince
t
hisshowstar
ted.Youmademe, nowthatyou
l
eavi
ng..ManIdon'tevenknowwhattosay
Ronny:ThankyousomuchNdal
o,Iappr
eci
atet
hat
Hel
ookedatal
lofus.
.
Ronny:I'
m goingt
omi ssyouguys,I
'
m goi
ngto
missithere.
.Ihadgoodtimesherewit
hever
yone
Dave:ToRonny
Ever
yone:ToRonny
LELE

Ithoughtthatthecrampswould'
vewentbynow, but
Isti
llhadthem.Itwassobadnowt hatIact
uall
ygot
si
ck,seriousl
ysick.Iwasn'
teat
ingwellanymore,I
hadlostsomewei ght.I
twasbad,itwasseriousl
y
bad..

Ihavebeento3Doctor
sandnot
hingthatt
heygave
mewor ked,
sotodaywehadaProphet
esscome
over.
.

ThePr
ophet
esscamer
ightont
het
imeweagr
eed
on.
.

Her
:Sani
bonani(
Goodday)
Nat
hihel
pedmet
osi
tdown.
.
Nat
hi:SawubonaMa(
Goodday)
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Her:AwwkodwaJehova,
int
ombiendal
aayikho
kahle(
MyGod,t
heLadyisnotf
eel
ingwell
)
Nat
hi:I
t'
sbeenawhi
lenow
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Her
:Kubuhl
ungumaan(
It
'spai
nful
)
Me:Kakhul
u(t
oomuch)
Her:Akunanist
handwasezul
u,si
zoyi
lungi
sayonke
l
endabanamhl anj
e(I
t'
snotabigdeal
,wewi l
lfi
x
t
histoday)
Shel
ookedatNat
hi.
.
Her:Ngicel
aikhandlelaeli
mhlophe,el
ibomvu,
namanzinjeesitsheni(CanIhaveawhi tecandl
e,a
redcandleandawat eri
nabasi n)
Nat
hi:Akunanki
nga(
That
'snotapr
obl
em)
Nat
hiwentt
ogetal
lthethi
ngsthatwer
erequi
red,
whi
lstt
hewomanunzippedherbagwhil
stsi
nging.
.
Her
:"WeeeNdondana.
.KaDavi
de,
zundi
hawukel
e"
[
SonofDavi
d..Pl
easehavemer
cyonme]
Shewasn'tt
hatold,l
ookedl
ikeshewasi nhermid
40s.She'
sfr
om thechurcht
hatIgot oo,
actual
ly
wastheonewhosawmypr oblem andaskedto
comeoverandhel pme.MaHlophe

Nat
hicamebackwi
tht
het
hingst
hatwer
eneeded.
.
MaH:Ngi
yabonga(
thankyou)
Sheinst
ructedNat hiwhattodo.Pl
acet
hered
candl
eont heleftsideofthebasi
nandthewhi
te
candl
eont herightside.

Shepl
acedherwhi
tecl
othbef
oret
hebasi
n.
MaH:Konkeeni zokubonakel a,akushoukut himele
niyekekuyeumt hakathi.Kubonakalelaukuthi
uzobonal ookulimazil
eukuzeuzoqaphel a
(Everythi
ngthatyougoi ngtoseet oday,i
tdoesn' t
meanyoushoul dgoandconf rontthewitch.It'
sjust
foryout oknowwhoi sbehindyourdemi se,tobe
carefulofthoseyoukeepcl oset oyou)
Inodded.
.Myhear
twasbeat
ingf
astnow.

Sheknel
tdownbefor
ethecl
othandthensett
he
candl
esonfi
re,
Iswall
owedandNathihel
dmy
hand.
.
.
Tobecont
inued

Pleasedon'
tfor
gettovoteforoursecond
sponsoredbonusfr
om Inganathit
obringaboutt
he
secondsponsoredbonuslateron
[
01/
09,
09:
08] :62

NANGOMSO

Afterourshoot,IhitupReco.Hetol
dmet hathewill
beonhi slunchbreaksoon.Whenwedr ovebackto
thestudio,Ideci
dedt ost
opbyathisworkplaceso
wecoul dgoout .Iwantedtobuyhimlunch.Reco
hashelpedmeal ot,i
fitwasn'tf
orhim Iwoul dn'
t
havegottenthisgig.Wecommuni cat
eal otoverthe
phone,andhewant snothingi
nr et
urnforhis
generousact .ButIf
eltli
kebeingappreci
ative,you
don'
thavet obuyacarorsomet hingbigtoshow
appreci
ation.Evenasmal lactofappreci
ationgoes
alongway.

Iwasabi tscar edandner vouswal kingi nt

ot hi
s
placeagai n,butIcan' tavoi dNdaloal lmyl i
fe.They
alwayssayMount ainsdon' tmeet,butPeopl edo.
Wear eboundt ocr osspat hsagainandonmysi de.
I'
m hol di
ngnogr udgesoverwhathappened, I'
m not
madanymor eI '
vedi edt hei ssueandIhopehehas
too.Idon' tbel i
evei ncreatingenemi es
unnecessar i
lyso, Ibel i
evei npeacef uldepartures
unl esscircumst ancesar enoti nfavour .Idon't
wannagot hroughl i
femadandr evisiti
ngwhat
happened, Iam overt hat.I'mlearni
ngt or el
ease
situat i
onst hatnol ongerser veme.It '
suseless
hol dingont osomet hingt hatwillneverchange, you
wast esomuchener gyoni tandnomat terwhat
happenst
hesi
tuat
ionwi
llneverchange.

Igr
eet
edThul
iatt
her
ecept
ion.
.
Thul
i:Hel
loMssexyl
ekkert
hang
Me:HeyThul
i
Thul
i:Howar
eyousuper
star
?
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Pl
ease.
.Youmaki
ngmef
eelawkwar
d
Thul
i:Gi
rlI
'
m st
andi
ngoverher
eaboutt
oaskf
ora
sel
fi
eandanautogr
aph
Me:Don'
tbel
iket
hat
Thul
i:Congr
atul
ati
onsbabe,
youar
eonf
ir
e
Me:Thankyousomuch.
.It
'sr
eal
lynotabi
gthi
ng
Thul
i:Areyoukiddingme?Thi sisthebir
thof
somethingbeauti
fulbel
ieveinyourdreamsyou
don'
tknowwher etheygoi ngtot
akeyousomeday.
Tomorrowyoumi ghtbeamodel forVict
ori
a'
s
secr
ets
Me:That
'sver
ytr
ue
Thul
i:Ibel
ievei
nyou,
bel
ievei
nyour
sel
ftoo
Me:Iwi
ll
..I
'
mlooki
ngf
orReco
Thul
i:Youcangor
ightt
hrough
Me:I
'
drat
hernot
..Icanwai
ther
e,Idon'
twanna
i
mpose
Thul
i:Youar
enotast
rangerar
oundher
ecomeon
Me:Okayt
hen.
.Thankyou
Thul
i:Youwel
comesweet
ie
It
ookadeepbr
eat
handmademywayt
hrough.
.

LELE

Mahlophepr ayedforthewat erfi

rstandstir
red
thr
oughwi thasi l
verrodthatshehadwi thher .
Whenshepr ayed,Icoul
df eeltheatmospher e
changing.NotinabadwaybutIcoul dfeelthe
heavensopeni ngup..
Youf i
ndpeoplewhocl
aimtobegift
edspiri
tual
ly,
butthewaythatherpr
ayershookt
heplace.Ihad
assurancedeepdowninmyheartt
hateverythi
ng
wasgoi ngt
obeokay.

Thecr ampsinmywombevenst oppedwhenshe

prayed.That
'showpower
fulherprayerwas.
.

Mahl
ophe:BuyakeSi
si(
comemychi
ld)
Hel
ookedatNat
hi.
.
Mahl
ophe:Naweungezakebhut
i(youcancome
t
oomybr ot
her
)
NathiandIl
ookedateachot
her
,Nat
hihelpedme
upandwemadeourwayt ot
hebasi
n.Iheldont
o
hi
m. .
Nat
hi:I
t'
sokay.
.Youokay
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkIwannasee
Mahl ophe:QinaisibindiSisi
,uzokwazi ukuthithi
s
ti
mewhenyoupr ay, youknowwhoyouf ighting
against.Somet i
mest hepeoplewhoar ebehi ndour
painandwantt obr i
ngf ort
hourdemi se.Theyget
revealedsoyoucanf i
ghtagainstthem andwhat
theydoingt oshowhowpower fulyourGodi s.You
areabel iever
,beli
evei ntheGodyouser ve.Hei s
greaterthantheper sonwhoi sdoingt histoyou
Inodded.
.
Mahl
ophe:Ngi
yacel
ake(
please)
Shel
ookedatus.
.
Mahl ophe:Godandyourgui descanonl yfightfor
youi fyourel
easet heper son.Don'thate,don'thol d
grudgesanddon' twi shthem bad.Iknowi t'
spai nful
,
butGodi sgoingt ofightforyousowenayourhear t
hast obeatease.Don' thatethePerson, hatethe
evilandthedevilbehi ndthem that'
susi ngthem.
Remember" Forwear enotfighti
ngagai nsthuman
beingsbutagainstt hewi ckedspiri
tualforcesint he
heavenlywor l
d,ther uler
s,authori
ti
es,andcosmi c
power softhisdarkage"-Ephesi ans6: 12.The
personwhoi sdoingthi
sisdrivenbythespir
itof
envyandj eal
ousy,t
heywantwhatyouhave.They
feelentit
ledtoyourhappinessandsuccess,sowe
arefighti
ngagainstthosespiri
ts.Thedevi
lbehind
thePer son.
Inodded.
.
Mahl ophe:Therearet i
meswhenGodoryour
guidesreversesbackt hewi t
chcr afttotheper son.
Returnbackt osender !Rendert hereforetoCaesar
thethingsthatareCaesar '
s.Godknowsukut hi
wenayoudi dnothingt oher,
thesamei ndexf i
nger
sheusest ocur seyou, shedoesn' treali
zet hatthe
thumbi spointi
ngbackather .Gi vethisfightt oGod,
l
ethimf ightforyoubutdon' that e,don'tcur seback.
Youar eachi l
dofGod, Yeboit'spainful.It'
snotf ai
r
butwecannotcont rolwhatot herpeopl edo
Me:Iunder
stand
Nat
hihel
pedmet
okneeldown.
.
Mahl
ophe:Lookatthewateri
nthebasi
nandPr
ay,
f
rom deepwit
hinyourhear
t
Il
ookedatt
hewat
erandmyeyeswel
ledup.
Mahl
ophe:Yes!Takei
tal
loutSi
si,
rel
easeyourpai
n
Myt
ear
sfel
lint
hewat
er.
.
Mahlophe:"Ngi zomethembaNj al
o..Ngobauyayazi
i
ndlela,uzong'holangesuangisekelei
mpela.
.
Ezulwiningolandangibongephakade..Wangethula
umthwal owangi shi
yaneculo"(si
nging)

Iwassoemot i
onal,
br okeninside.Icouldn'tutt
er
wordsf r
om mymout h,butGodknowst he
heavinessthatl
iesi
nmyhear t.Idon'thate, t
here'
s
nohat einme.Idon'tevenhat epeoplewhodeser ve
myhat elikemyMot herandBr other,Idon'thave
thatemot i
oninme.
AllIwantisforGodt ohel pme,healmeandf i
ght
forme.Asmyt earsfellinthebasin,
thewater
startedt
omove.Mahl ophecont i
nuedsingi
ngasthe
wat ermoved,t
heni t
'slikeamovi ewasbeing
playedthroughthewat er.

I
tshowedCl
arai
nthebat
hroom,
ourbat
hroom.
Pouri
ngsomet hi
ng,somedar kpowderinmy
underwear.Iwor
ethatunderwearthenextdayand
ther
e'snowayIcould'venot
icedbecausemy
underwearwasblackandthecolourofthepowder
wasbl ack

Me:OhhhhhhmyGod!
!(cr
ying)
Il
aidmyheadonNat
hi'
schest
..
Me:Whyisshedoi
ngt
hist
ome?Whatdi
dIdot
o
her
?(cr
ying)

NANGOMSO

IheardReconci
le'
svoi
cecomingfr
om t
hest
udi
o.
Thischi
ldisl
oud!Heisver
yloud.

Theywerealli
nther
ewhenIwal kedin.Ndalo,
Reco,
andDave..Theywer
ewatchi
ngsomeepi sodesof
Ndalo'
sshoworthei
rshowrather..
Reco:Butwewer
en'
tthatbad
Ndal
o:Areyouki
ddi
ngme?Keptonst
ari
ngatt
he
camera
Dave:Wecan'
tputt
hesebl
ooper
sout
,wewon'
tbe
t
akenseri
ousl
y
Ndal
o:Neverever

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..
Me:Goodaf
ter
noon
Theyal
llookedatme,
Recol
osthi
smi
nd.
.
Reco:Myf
amousunder
wearmodelf
ri
endi
sher
e!
Hegotupandwal
kedupt
ome.
.
Reco:Gi
rl
!!
!!
!!
!
Weshar
edahug.
.
Reco:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m wel
landyou?
Reco:I
'
m goodgi
rl
Me:HiDave
Dave:HiMi
ssThang
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Ndal
o
Ndal
o:Soso
Reco:Wegoi
ngoutf
orl
unch,
I'
llseeyouboysl
ater
on
Dave:Enj
oy
Reco:Wewi
ll
Il
ookedatDave,t
henIl
ookedatNdal
o.Ndal
o
l
ookedatthescr
eenagai
n..
Reco:Let
'sgo
Me:Okay
Dave:Wasgoodseei
ngyouSoso
Me:Yout
ooDave
RecoandIwal
kedout
..
LELE

Nat
hihel
pedmeup.
.
Hesatmebackont
hecouch.
.
Mahl
ophe:I
tiswel
lSi
si
Iwascal
mernow.
.
Nathi
:Sowhatshoul
dwedonow?Howdowef
ix
t
his?
Mahl ophe:Sinceyousawher ,itmeanst hatwhat
shedi dtoyoui snol ongeref f
ect i
ve.What 'sgoing
tohappennowi st hatwewi l
lbur ntheunder wear,
prayandpr epar eyouabat h.Thebat hi snot
somet hingsinisterort hatwi l
lembar rassyoui n
public.Justlavenderoi lt
hatIpr ayedf orand
bathingsalts.Whenyoupr eparethebat hever y
mor ningandatni ght,pour2dr opsoft helavender
oil
,twot abl
espoonsoft heseasal t.Lightawhi te
candleandpr ay.Soaki nthebat hforatl east15mi n,
don'tuseanyf oam bat hnorsoap.Dot hatf orseven
7days, eventhewat erf r
om yourbodydon' twipel
et
i
tdr youtoni t
'sownanduset hi
saqueouscr eam.I
didn'tmi xitwithanyt hingjustprayedforit
.Ont he
7thdayatni ghtaftert akingthebath.Don'tputout
thecandl eanddon' tdr ai
nthewat er,
drainthewater
thefollowingmor ni
ngwhent hecandlehasbur nt
outoni t'sown.Youpl acethecandleont hefloor
nextt othebat htub.
Me:Iunder
stand
Shel
ookedatNat
hi.
.
Mahl ophe:Yourancest or
sarewi tht hisgir
l,t
hey
haveaccept edherf oryoubecauseofwhoshei s.
She'saver ykindhear tedperson, shedi dgoodby
yoursisterandt heywantyout odor ightbyher,
takeherasyourwi f
e.Iknowi t'snotgoi ngtobe
easywi thhowyourf ami l
yis,yourMot hercan
potential
lysabotageyouruni onwhenshef i
ndsout
aboutit,butfearnot .YourGrandmot herwho
passedont hegifttoyourMot her,herMot her.She
wasasi ncerehealerandshewi l
lhelpf i
ghtwithyou
againstyourMot her
Nat
hi:Sohowdowegoaboutt
his?Theuni
on?
Mahl ophe:Youhavet ogodownt oher
Grandmot her'
sgr aveandaskf orbl essingsal soask
forforgi
venessf ort akingherGr anddaught erand
maki ngherawi fewhenyouhaven' tdoner ightby
her.She'snotmad, actuallyshehasaccept edyou
becausesheseeshowmuchyoul oveher
Granddaught er,
butshewasf rom t heoldendays
andyouhavet oshowr espectevenwhenshe' sno
l
ongerphysi call
ypr esentwi thus.Thenyouguys
candot hecer emonyhowyouwantt oobutIpr ef
er
i
tdonet r
adit
ionallyt oo.Whenyouhavevi sitedher
Grandmot her'
sgr ave, herGr andmot herwillcome
hereandst andatt hegat e.Thenyouhavet odoa
ceremonyf oryourancest orsandi ntroducehert o
them asyourwi fe,got oyourPar entsgravesandl et
them know.Thenver year lyinthemor ningont he
dayoft heceremony, meleayogezangenyongo( she
hast obathwi t
hbi le)thegoatwoul d'vebeen
slaughteredthedaybef ore.Kodwashewon' tbat
h
here,shewi l
lbathsomewher eelse, prefer
abl y
ehlane(inthewi l
der ness)wher eshewi l
lmeetup
withherGrandmot
herwhowil
lusherheri
ntoyour
ancestor
sinthi
syardr
espect
ful
lyso,
sothather
Grandmothercanbepr
esentt
ofightf
orhertoo
Nat
hi:Shuuuuuuthat
'salot
,It
hinkwhenwegett
o
t
hatpointyouwil
lhavetohel
pus
Mahl
ophe:Ofcour
seIwi
ll
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Mahl ophe:WenaSi siyouar esupposedt ohave
reali
zedyourspi ri
tualcall
ingbynow, yourancestral
spiri
tiswhatwecal luThungual ion.Your
Grandmot herhaslionssurroundi ngheri nthe
wilderness,butyourMot herhasbl ockedyouf r
om
reali
zingitbecauseshe' smi susingthegi ft,t
hat'
s
meantt odogood.Wehavet ofindawi lderness,a
cavepr eferabl
ybackt oKznezi nt abeni
zokhahlamba( Dr
akensber gmount ain),youneeda
whi t
eclothwi thafaceofal i
onandapl ainwhite
clothtoosoyoucanbeabl etodr eam
Thi
swasal
otf
ormet
otakei
n..
Mahl
ophe:Don'tworr
yyourGrandmothersentyou
t
othechurchforareason,
she'
swithyou.You
supposedt obedr eami ngaboutherandseeingher,
youalsoneedwhi tebeads.Youshould'
velong
star
tedhavingaspi ri
tualawakeni
ngbutyour
Motherhasbl ockedyoubecausesheknowst hat
whenyouacceptyourgi ftshe'
sgoi
ngtobe
powerless,i
t'
snotgoi ngtobeaneasyjourneybut
Uzonqoba.Youwi llconquerheavenandyour
Grandmot hertheywi thyou
Me:Iunder
stand
Mahlophe:Si
nceyourgi
fti
sblockedyouneeda
readi
ngwithyourGr
andmotherandther
e'sonl
yone
personwhocanhelpyouwiththat
Me:Who?
Mahl ophe:NdaloDlomo,hewi l
ltakeyout oanopen
fi
eldwher eyouwi l
lmeetupwi thyourGr andmother
andt heli
onst ocommuni catewithherasshecan' t
reachoutt oyouinthishousebecauseshe' snot
welcomedyet ,wewi l
lhavetowor kveryclosely
withNdal o.Iwantyoutoseehi m, don'
ttel
lhim
anythingIwanthimt oconf i
rm everyt
hingItol
dyou
today
Nat
hi:Ayayayaya.
.Can'
twef
indsomeoneel
se?
.
Tobecont
inued

PleasenotethatnopartofLel
e'sspir
it
ualj
our
neyi
s
affi
liat
edwit
ht r
ueli
feevents,
it'
sallt
heworkof
fi
ction.
[
01/
09,
09:
08] :63

BELI
NDA

IdroveLisabackt oherhouse, wedroveinsi

lence.
Shewast oomuchi nvestedinherthought
s,Iopted
forbeingquietastogiveherabi tofspaceto
processeverythi
ng.Imi ghtnotunderst
andwhat
she'sgoingthrough,butallIknowisthati
fIcould
l
oseNdal o.I'
dlosemysani t
y.Lif
eisverydi
ffi
cult,
onemomentyouhappyt henthenextmomentyou
aregrievi
ngfortheloveofyourl i
fe.
.
Wegott oherhouseandt hefami l
ieswerepresent.
Justbythel ookoft hi
ngs,i
tshowedt hatthefuner
al
willbecarri
edoutsoon.HerHusbandwasgone
andt heacti
vityinthehouseprovedt hat
.Whenwe
gottothebedr oom, herMotherinlawwassi t
tingon
themat t
ress.Lisa'
sMot herpassedonwhenshe
wasyoung, herf at
herfoll
owedlaterinli
fe.I
t'
s
alwaysbeenherandherSi bli
ngs..

Iputherthi
ngsdown,whathappenednextIwasn'
t
tot
all
ypreparedf
ori
t.Li
sacoll
apsedonthefloor
..

NANGOMSO

I
twasabitsadthatNdal owast hatcoldwithMe,
i
t'
sli
kehehadnoi nterestincommuni cat
ingwith
me.Thewayhegr eetedmeback, i
twasver ycol
d..
Wewenttothisotherrestaur
ant,Recopickeditup.
Sai
ditwashisfavori
te."Thelockhartst
eakhouse".
Reco:Theypr
epar
ethebestst
eakher
e
Me:Wewi
llsee
TheMenuwasn'
tbi
g.Justt
wopages.
Reco:Iwannahavet
heJackRosecockt
ail
fir
st
Me:I
'
llt
ryt
hatt
oo
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Reco:Ar
eyouokay?
Inodded.
.
Reco:Coul
d'vef
ool
edme
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:Di
dyouseehowcol
dNdal
owast
ome?
Reco:Andt
hatmat
ter
sbecause?
Me:I
t'
snot
hing.
.For
getabouti
t
Reco:Sosodidyouf
alli
nlovewi
thhi
m?Har
der
t
hanyout hought
?
Me:Iwon'
tli
e,Idomi
sshi
m
Reco:Doyouwannagetbackwi
thhi
m?
Me:Ndal
oisanamazi
ngMan,
he'
shandsome,
gi
vesgooddi
ck
Hel
aughed.
.
Me:Gotagoodbody,
wel
loff.
.Imeanhe'
s
ever
ythi
ngt
hatonewoul
dlookfori
naman
Reco:Andcomeswi
thawi
fe
Me:Yeahthattoo..LookI'
m notsayi
ngIwanta
l
ongcommi tmentwi thhi
mt othepoi
ntofmarri
age
becauset
hathaspr ovenitwon'twor
k,butIj
ust
wannagowi t
ht heflowyouknow.Ienjoybei
ngwit
h
hi
m
Reco:Sobasi
cal
lyyouwantast
ri
ngsnoat
tached
si
tuat
ion?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Me:Andal
otofsex
Reco:Can'
tyougetal
lofthatf
rom someoneelse?
Someonewhodoesn'tcomewi t
hawi feanddrama?
Idon'
twanttoseeyougetti
nghurtoverandover
agai
n..Ndal
oismarri
ed,Idon'
tseehimleavi
ngthat
gi
rlf
oranyone
Me:Thatgi
rl
?
Reco:Idon'
treal
lyl
ikeBel
inda
Me:Howso?
Reco:She'
s.
.She'
sBel
inda
Il
aughed.
.
Reco:I
fyouneedaman,wewi
llhookyouup.Leave
Ndaloandhi
sdramat
icl
it
tl
egi
rlwit
haring
Me:Okay..I
'm Idon'
tneedaman,
let
'sst
artt
her
e
okay?(
laughing)
Reco:Youj
ustwantaman
Me:YesIj
ustwantaman
Reco:Gi
rll
et'
sor
derandeat

LELE

Mahlophesai
dthepai
nswil
lgetbet
terand
event
uall
ygoawayasIcont
inuewit
ht hebat
hing
si
tuati
on.It ookthefirstbat handIwasf eeli
ng
bett
er.Thecr ampswer en'tsobad, shealsogave
mesomet hi ngtodr i
nkeacht i
mewhent hecramps
vi
sit.I
twillalsocleanme, takeoutallt
hedi r
tthat
Clar
a'spor t
ioncreateddeepi nsideofme.ToldmeI
shouldpreferabl
ydr inkitatni ght,
orwhenIknock
offbecauset hesmel lwillbeintense.

Idrankitimmedi atel
yaf t
erbathingandputona
pantyl
iner.Sai dafter7dayswhent hedirtisout,I'
l
l
goonmyper i
odst oo.I
t'sawombcl eansing
si
tuati
on.Shesai dI '
ml uckythatI'
m notpr egnantor
el
seIwoul d'vemi scarr
ied.Thisthi
ngwasgoi ngto
buil
dinsideofmeandeacht imeIt rytoconceive,it
would'
vebr oughtaboutami scarri
age..

Nat
hi:Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Me:Bl
essed.
.Iam i
naweandgr
atef
ult
hatt
heGodI
ser
ve,
doesn'
tsleep
Nathi
:That
'str
ue..AsforCl
ara,
sheshoul
dnever
st
epfoothereeveragain
Me:Iagr
eebuthowdowest
opherf
rom comi
ng?
Nat
hi:Weki
ckherout
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Nat
hi:Howdoyouf
eel
aboutt
heot
herr
evel
ati
on?
Me:Ishoul
dbeaskingyou,
Imeanhowdoyouf
eel
havi
ngagirl
fr
iendt
hat'
sspi
rit
ual
lygi
ft
ed?
Nat
hi:If
eelgoodatl
eastyou'
l
lgi
vemesomet
hing
t
ogetapr omoti
onatwork
Il
aughed.
.
Me:AndNdal
o?
Nathi
:Isti
llt
hinkweshoul
dfindsomeoneel
se,
Ndalocan'
tbet heonl
ymedium i
nthi
sworld
Me:IthinkIwouldbemorecomf or
tabl
ewi t
hhim
thananyoneelse.Ndal
oistr
ulygif
ted,
ifMahlophe
saysthatIshouldgotohi
mt henIshould
Heshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s..
Me:Iunderst
andthatyouwannabepr otect
ive
whenitcomestoSoso, t
hat
'swhatBrothersarefor
.
But
..Sosoisnotachil
danymore,she'
s28.She' sa
grownasswomanandi fshewant stobewi thhim,
shewi llbewithhi m despit
ehowyouf eelaboutthe
sit
uat i
on.Thehear ti
saf ooli
shor gan,ifherswants
histhenshewi llkeepongoi ngback.Themor eyou
becomehar donherwi ththis,themor eyouwi ll
drivehert ohisar msandshewi l
lresentyou.Look
Ndal oisthesameguywhobr oughtyoursisterback
home, Ndal owentagai nstthebi ggestwitchinKzn.
Hesacr i
fi
cedhi slif
eforSoso' sfreedom doyou
knowwhatmyMot hercould'vedonet ohim?Orst il
l
dot ohim?Att hattimeNdal owasn' tevenfeelli
ke
thatwithSoso.Fr om howIseei t,youshouldbe
thankingt heguy
Nathi:IhearwhatyousayingandI '
m onlygoi ngto
accepthim helpi
nghim becauseit'
simpor t
antt o
you,butdon'tfor
cemet oliketheguy.Eveni fSoso
canendupbei nghi
ssecondwi f
e,Iai
n'tshowi ngup
attheweddi ng
Me:Who'
sgoi
ngt
owal
kherdownt
heai
sle?
Nat
hi:Oneofhi
sghosts,
don'
twor
ryaboutt
hem
t
heyhaveghost
lysuppor
t
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Thati
ssowr
ongBabe
Nat
hi:Hehasanent
ir
esuppor
tofghost
swhoar
e
we?
Me:That
'sj
ustsowr
ong(
laughi
ng)

BELI
NDA

Ihadtol
eaveanddri
vebackhomet oprepar
efor
mynightshi
ft
.Ihat
eleavi
ngherl
ikethat.
.

IpassedbyatmyMot
heri
nlaw'
shouse.I
t'
sbeena
minute.
.

Ma:Youl
ooksodown
Me:It
'smybestf
ri
end,
shel
ostherhusbandi
nacar
acci
dent
Ma:That
'st
err
ibl
e..I
'
m sor
ryt
oyourf
ri
end
Me:Justgotmet
hinki
ngwhatI
'
lldoi
fIeverhadt
o
l
oseNdalo
Ma:Don'
tevent
hinkabouti
tbecausei
t'
snever
goi
ngtohappen
Me:I
'
llmakeussomet
ea
Ma:I
'
llmakei
t,si
tdownandr
elax
Me:ThankyouMa

NDALO

Seei
ngNangomsot
oday,
itmessedmeup.
Ihadtofightt
hroughmyf eel
ingsandthel
oveI
haveforherandjustactnormaltowar
dsthe
si
tuat
ion.
.

Dave:Ar
eyour
eady?You'
l
lbebackt
omor
row
Me:I
'
mready
Ipackedupmyt
hings.
.
Dave:Soso.
.Youst
il
lloveherdon'
tdon'
tyou?
Idi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.
Dave:Themoreyoufi
ghtagainstt
hosef eel
ingst
he
moreyougoingtohur
tyourself
.It
'sei
theryoulet
hergoortr
ytomakeitwork
Ishookmyhead.
..
Me:SosoandIwe. .Wet oxi
cforeachother,andit'
s
weir
dbecausedespi t
et hetoxici
tyofi
tall
..Ilove
her,
Ilovehercrazyasshei s.WhenIsawherIj ust
wantedtograbher,kissherandf uckthel
iving
dayl
ightsoutofher.Alltheti
meIt hi
nkofdr i
ving
downt oherhouseandj usttal
ktoher
Dave:Lookchamp. .
.Iam notgoi
ngtotellyouwhat
todo,butyouknowwhatt odo.Youknowhowyou
feelaboutt
hiswomanandi fyoudon'tactnow.
She'l
lbegone,she'
sgoingtobetakenbysomeone
else.
.Youthinkabouti
t.
.Seeyout omorr
owChamp
Hewal
kedout
..

NANGOMSO
Recodrovemet
owher
eI'
m meantt
ogetat
axi
backhome..
Reco:Ihadani
cet
ime
Me:Met
oo
Reco:Weshoulddot
hismor
eof
tenunder
wear
underwearModel
Me:Weshoul
d
Weshar
edahug.
.
Reco:Tal
ktoyoul
ater
Me:Lat
eri
tis
Reco:Shar
pGi
rl
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
01/
09,
09:
09] :64
NANGOMSO

WhenIgothome, Lel
etoldmeever ythi
ngthat
happenedt oday.Iknewshewasgoi ngtomeeta
Prophetesstodayandt her evel
ati
onswere
shocking.Itr
ustedClara,Idon'tgetwhyshewould
dothistoLele.Shedoesn' tevenknowherliket
hat
,
Leledidnothingtoher..
Me:Ihatepeoplewhousewitchcr
afttohurtot
her
s,
i
fyougoingtousewitchcr
aftuseitt
obetter
your
self
.Don'thur
tsomeoneelse
Lel
e:Wecan'
tchangehowevi
lpeopl
ear
e,I
'
m gl
ad
al
lcametoli
ght
Me:IagreewithNathi
,Cl
arashoul
dn'
tsetherfoot
hereanymore!Idon'
twannaseeherski
nnylegsin
thi
shouseanymor e
Lel
e:I
t'
sfort
hebest
Me:Can'
tbel
ieveher
!
Lel
e:I
tiswhati
tis,
wecan'
tchangewhathappened
wecanonlymoveonfr
om thesi
tuat
ion
Me:Iwantnot
hingt
odowi
tht
hatgi
rlanymor
e
Lel
e:NowyouseewhyIsaydon'
ttr
usther
?
Me:Isee
ItookmyglassofAmarul
aanddrankfrom i
t.
Tonightwenotgoi
ngtoprepar
edinner
,Nathi
dashedouttogetussomedinner
..
Me:SoNdal
ohast
ohel
pyou?
Lel
e:He'
sani
mpor
tantpar
toft
hepr
ocess
Me:Isee
Lel
e:Youmustbehappy
Il
ookedather
..
Me:I
'
m happyt
hathewi
llbehel
pingyou
Lel
e:Gi
rlpl
ease
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Don'
tbel
iket
hat
Lele:Don'
tmessthi
supplease,Idon'
twantyou
pissinghi
m of
fandhedoesn'thel
panymore
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:Hewon'
t.
.He'
snotl
iket
hat
Lel
e:Youevenknowwhathe'
sli
ke
Me:Stopit
..Not
hingwi
llhappen,
SineAj
endaher
e.
Forhi
mt ohelpyou
Lel
e:" I
ntl
izi
yoindit
shint
shel e.
.Yatshint
shaiAjenda
yam. .Ngqungqushendi yak'l
il
elauyayaziandi
na
Mamaandi naTata..I
tshintshi
leiAjenda
ndiyakuthanda"(Myhear thasbet r
ayedme. .I
t
changedmyagenda, Iam cr yi
ngoutt oyou,since
youknowInol ongerhavePar ent
s..Myagendahas
changed.Iloveyou)
Il
aughed.
.
Me:St
opi
t!

Myphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng.
.
Me:I
t'
snotl
iket
hat
Itookmyphoneandchecked,
itwasNdal
o's
number.
.
Me:Ohhmywor
d,I
t'
sNdal
o..Doyout
hinkheknew
wewer
etal
kingabouthi
m?
Lel
e:Howwoul
dheknow?
Me:Whycal
lri
ghtwhenwet
alki
ngabouthi
m?
Lel
e:Wel
lthenanswer
Me:Andsaywhat
?
Lel
e:Idon'
tknow
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatandanswer
ed.
.
Me:Hel
lo
Ndal
o:Hey
Lel
e:"NyawuzaKaDakhi lendiyakuthanda.
.Thahl
a
kaNdayenindiyakuthanda..Ndayelaecawe
yoyisi
weyinimbhem ndi yakuthanda,mayeza
eSintuoyi
sakele,yi
nimnt r
am ndithe
ndiyakut
handa"
Me:St
op(
whi
sper
ing)
Ndal
o:I
sthatLel
e?
Me:Yesshe'
ssi
ngi
ng
Ndal
o:Ohw
Me:uhm.
.Youcal
ledme
Ndal
o:YeahIdi
dn'
tevent
hinkyouwoul
dpi
ckup
Me:Why?
Ndal
o:Af
terwhathappened
Me:I
'
m overt
hat
Ndalo:That'
sgoodbecauseIfeelbadaboutwhat
happened..I
'm sor
ry,
Ishoul
dn'thavemanhandl
ed
youliket
hat
Me:I
t'
sokay
Ndal
o:Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Ndal
o:I
'
m good.
.Congr
atul
ati
onsonyournewj
ob
Me:Soyoust
alki
ngme?(
laughi
ng)
Ndal
o:Al
ldayever
yday
Me:Youar
ewei
rd
Ndal
o:Imi
ssyou.
.Imi
ssyousomuch
Me:I
..Imi
ssyout
oo
Ndal
o:Ial
mostst
oppedbyatyourhouse
Me:Youdi
d?
Ndal
o:YeahIcoul
dn'
ttakei
tanymor
e
Me:Inthatcaseyouwi
llbegl
adt
oknowt
hatLel
e
needsyourhelp
Lel
elookedatme.
.
Ndal
o:Shedoes?
Me:Yes
Ndal
o:I
'
m onmywaysoundsser
ious
Me:Now?
Ndal
o:YeahIdon'
thavenot
hingt
odo
Me:Okay
Ndal
o:I
'
llr
ingyouwhenIgett
her
e
Me:Okay
Ndal
o:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Ihungupsmi
li
ng.
.
Lel
e:"
Iloveyou"
.."
Iloveyout
oo"
..NoIl
oveyou,
Mo
Il
oveyoutoo
Me:Lel
est
op
Lel
e:Yourcheeksmustbehur
ti
ngf
rom al
lthat
smil
ingyoubeendoi
ng
It
ookmygl
ass.
.
Me:Youar
eoutofor
der
..I
'
m goi
ngt
ofr
eshenup
Lel
e:Freshenupgi
rl
,wearoneofyourmodel
ing
l
inger
ie
Me:That
'swhyCl
arai
sbewi
tchi
ngyou!
Lel
e:Shutup!(
laughi
ng)

BELI
NDA

Ihadshowedupformyshi
ftt
oni
ght
.Itwasmyf
ir
st
daydoi
ngnight
shif
t.
.
DrShezi
:Nur
seB
Me:HeyDoc
DrShezi
:Howar
eyoudoi
ngt
oni
ght
?
Me:I
'
m doi
nggoodandyou?
DrShezi
:I'
m doi
nggoodt
oo.
.Readyf
oryourshi
t?
Me:YesIam
DrShezi
:Hear
daboutNur
seLi
sa'
sHusband
Me:Yesi
t'
ssad
DrShezi
:Howi
sshehol
dingup?
Me:I
t'
shar
dforher
,it
'sr
eal
lyhar
d
DrShezi
:Atl
eastshehassomeone,
Agoodf
ri
end
i
nhercorner
Me:Yes
DrShezi
:Wel
lthen.
.Enj
oyyourshi
ft
Me:Thankyou,
yout
oo
Hewal
kedaway.
.

NANGOMSO
Itookaquickbat
h,Iknowi t
'sapproxi
mat el
y30min,
fr
om hispl
acetomi ne.Idr
ankonegl assof
Amar ul
abefor
ehetextedthathe'satthegate.I
l
ookedatmyselfinthemi r
roronelastti
meand
mademywayoutt ohim..

Indeedhewasparkedatt
hegat
e..Iwal
kedupt
o
hiscarandgoti
n..
Me:Goodeveni
ng
Icl
osedt
hedoor
..Hepl
acedhishandatthebackof
myneckandpul
ledmecloserf
oraki
ss..
Ndal
o:Goodeveni
ng
Hesai
dthatwi
thhi
sli
pscl
oset
omi
ne.
.
Ndal
o:I
'
vemi
ssedyousomuch
Ipl
acedmyhandagai
nsthi
schest
..
Me:I
'
vemi
ssedyout
oo
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Ndal
o:Yousobeaut
if
ul
Me:Thankyou
Heki
ssedmeagai
n,t
hist
imehi
shandwasr
ubbi
ng
downonmyweave.
.
Ndal
o:Idon'
twannaloseyou,
pleasedon'
teverput
meinthatsi
tuat
ionagai
n
Ibi
tmyl
owerl
ip.
.
Ndal
o:It
houghtIwasgoi
ngcrazy,
notbei
ngabl
eto
communicat
eandseeyoufor2weeks
Me:Iknow.
.Itwashar
dformet
oo
Hekissedmeagainwhenweheardacarhoot
ing
behi
ndus.Itevenf
reakedmeout
.
Icheckedandi
twasNat
hi.
.
Me:Shi
t.
.
Hewassupposedt
obebackal
ongt
imeago.
..
Me:I
t'
smyBr
other
Ipul
ledaway.
.
Me:Hedoesn'
tl
ikeyouver
ymuchr
ightnow
Ndal
o:Idon'
tbl
amehi
m
Me:Pr
epar
eforanal
ter
cat
ion
Ndal
o:Okay
Ihear
daknockatmywi
ndow.
.
Ir
oll
eddownt
hewi
ndow.
.
Nat
hi:Andt
hen?
Me:I
..
Iwi
pedmyl
owerl
ip.
.
Nat
hi:Getoutoft
hecar
Il
ookedatNdal
oandopenedt
hedoor
,thenIgot
out
.Icl
osedthedoor
..
Nat
hi:Goi
n
Me:Don'
tst
artanydr
ama
Nat
hi:Wegoi
ngi
nsi
det
oeat
If
oldedmyarmsandshookmyhead,
wewalked
i
ntotheyar
d.Hecl
osedthegat
eandl
ockedi
tas
Ndalodr
oveaway.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
09] :65

BELI
NDA

Thenightshi f
twasadr ag,
Iwouldst ealaf ew
moment st osleephereandtherebecausei twas
quiet
.Patientsweren'tt
oomuchofadr ag,other
thanthei
rconst antcoughi
ng.I'
m gladaf terthi
s
night
shif
tI '
llberot
atedtoadiff
erentwar d..

Iknockedof
fat7am t
hefol
lowi
ngmorning,
allI
wantedtodowastogethomeandrest
.

Iarri
vedathomeandNdal owasprepari
ngforwork.
Ihatetimesli
kethese,
wherewehardlyseeeach
other.WhenIgetinhegoestowor
k, whenIgoto
workheget si
n..

Ndal
o:Youl
ookt
ir
ed,
ver
yti
red
Me:Iam
Heki
ssedme.
.
Ndal
o:Getsomer
est
Me:I
'
m planni
ngondoi
ngthat
,Ihat
eni
ght
shi
ft
s.
Wehardl
yseeeachot
her
Ndal
o:Iknowbutwhatcanwesay?Atl
easti
t'
sonl
y
f
or7days
Me:6mor
edayst
ogo
Ndal
o:6mor
edays
Heki
ssedmeagai
n..
Ndal
o:Bat
handhaveagoodr
est
,I'
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
Me:Okay.
.Il
oveyou
Ndal
o:Il
oveyout
oo

NANGOMSO

Thefol
lowi
ngmorni
ngIwokeupandcarri
edoutthe
housechor
es,
YesLelei
sfeel
ingmuchbett
erbut
she'
snotyet100forhertobeti
ri
nghersel
fwit
ha
l
otofwork.Iwascleani
ngoutsi
detheyardwhen
Clar
acal
ledme,Ilookedatherandwalkedcl
oser
..
Cl
ara:Mor
ningSoso
Me:Mor
ning
Cl
ara:Unj
anigi
rl
?
Me:I
'
m goodwena?
Clar
a:I'
m wel
l.
.Howi
sLel
ehol
dingup?I
sshe
gett
ingbet
ter
?
Me:Lel
eisf
ine
Cl
ara:That
'sgoodt
ohear
Me:I
tshoul
dbe
Cl
ara:Wher
edi
dshego?ToaDoct
or?
Me:Yes
Cl
ara:Ohw
Me:Yousounddi
sappoi
nted?
Cl
ara:Whywoul
dIbe?
Me:YouknowCl
araI
'
veknownyouf
oryear
s,we
gr
ewupt oget
her
.Gir
lItr
ustedyouwi
thmywhol
e
l
if
e!Iam sodi
sappoi
ntedinyou
Cl
ara:Idon'
tthi
nkIknowwhatyout
alki
ngabout
Me:OhhpleaseClar
adropt
heact!Iknowyouwere
behi
ndwhatwashappeningtoLel
e.Youput
somethi
nginherunder
wear.
.Why?Youdon'teven
knowher
Clar
a:OhhwowSoso!Outofever ythi
ngthatyou
coul
dthinkofmethat
'showlowyout hi
nkofme?
Li
keyousayingIdon'
tknowLelet hatwell
,why
wouldIdothatt
oherifIdon'
tknowher ?Itdoesn'
t
makesense
Me:From her
eon,
don'
tyoueverst
epf
ooti
nmy
housedoyouhear
?
Cl
ara:What
everSoso.
.It
'sf
ine
Me:I
fIwasn'
tscar
edofj
ailIwoul
dbeatyourass
up
Clara:Whenyoufi
ndoutonedayt hatIwasn'
t
responsi
blef
orwhathappenedt oLel
e,whenyoudo
comeandaskf orfor
giveness.KnowthatI
'
llf
orgi
ve
you
Me:Idon'
tneedyourfor
giveness!St
ayt
hehel
l
awayfrom usdoyouhear?
Cl
ara:Hear
dloudandcl
ear
Me:Good!

NDALO

Iar
rivedatwor
kearl
iert
hanmyusualt
ime.Iwasi
n
agoodheadspaceandIcoul
dn'
twai
ttostar
t
working.
.

Thefi
rstcl
ientshowedupaf ewminut
esaf
terIhad
goti
n.Itwasayoungl ady,
couldbei
nhermid20s.
.

Me:Youareher
einhopest
ocommuni
cat
ewi
th
yourMot
her?
Her
:Yes
Me:I
sthereanypar
ti
cul
arr
easonoraspeci
fi
c
r
easonrat
her?
Her:Ijust
..Ther e'
sal otthat'
sgoingonandIdon' t
knowwhatt odoanymor e, If
eellikejustgi
vingup
onlifeandever ythi
ng.I'm emot i
onal l
yandment al
ly
ti
red.I'
m drained,nothingseemst obewor kingand
Idon'tknowi fit
'sduet omenotdoi ngri
ghtbymy
mot herormyancest orshavef orbiddenmei naway
but.
.Th-
Me:Okayl
etmest
opyour
ightt
her
e
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Me:Wher
eyoul
ivi
ngnow?I
sityourf
ather
'shouse?
Her
:Yes
Me:Whyar
eyoul
ivi
ngwi
thawi
tch?
Her
:I.
.Idon'
tunder
stand
Me:Ther
e'sawit
chi
nyourhouse,
youguysar
e
l
ivi
ngwit
hawitch
Her
:Iam l
ost
Me:Okayl
et'
sbr
ingi
tbackabi
t.
.Let
'sanal
yzet
his
becauset
hisi
sser
ious
Il
ookedather
..
Me:Whoi
sthi
swi
tcht
hati
sst
ayi
ngatyourhouse?
Her
:Il
ivewi
thmyFat
herandmysi
bli
ngs
Me:No..Ther
e'ssomeonei
nthehousewhoi
snot
si
ncer
e
Her:MyFatherhast
hiswomanthathe'
sseei
ngbut
theynotmarri
edandshedoesn'
tst
aywithusonl
y
comest ovi
sit
Me:Nowweget t
ingsomewher
ebecauseyour
Motheri
sbusytell
ingmet
hatt
her
e'sawitcht
hat
f
requent
sthehouse
Her:Yest
here'sawomant
hatcomest
ovi
sit
,she'
s
seei
ngmyf ather
Me:"IfImaystepinher eNdalo,there'
sal otof
enchantmentsthatareburiedintheyar d,hencemy
chi
ldrendon'
tknowwhatsuccessi s.Thiswoman
whenshecomes, sheleavessomet hing.She
doesn'tcomeempt yhanded, whenever yoneis
asl
eep.Shegoesoutt obur ytheenchant ment s
aroundtheyar
d,Ican'
tevenst
epf
ooti
nther
e.The
yardisver
ydir
tyNdalo"
Her
:I'
ve.
.I'
veact
ual
lybeensuspect
ing
Me:"Ifyou'vebeensuspecti
ngwhyar en'
tyoudoi
ng
whatIt aughtyoutodo?Herenchantments
wouldn'thaveanyeffecthadyoubeenstrongi
n
prayer.Whyar eyounolongerpr
aying?Whyareyou
goingast r
ay?"
Her
:Cause.
.Cause.
.
Shegotemot
ional
..
Me:"
Usuyakhal
amanj
eyi
ndaba?
"(yourar
ecr
ying
nowwhat'
sthemat
ter
)
Shedi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.
Me:"
Youthinktear
saregoi
ngt
osaveyouf
rom al
l
t
hoseenchantments?
"
Shewi
pedhert
ear
s..
Me:"St
opcryi
ng.Li
fewon'thaveanymercyonyou
j
ustbecausewenayourMotherpassedon,that
's
nothowitwor
ks.Whensucht hi
ngsari
se,youkneel
downandpray.Al
lofthi
scould'
vebeenprevented
hadyoubeenst r
ongi npr ayer , nowyouwi llhavet o
goal laroundi nsear chofast rongt r
adi t
ionalheal er
thatwi l
lhel pdi gupt heenchant ment sandcl eanse
theyar d.Nowt here'smor ewor kforyouandt hat
womanwon' tal l
owanyt r
aditionalheal ertost ep
footint heyar d, buthadyoubeenst rongi npr ayer
wewoul dn' tbeher etoday.Sodon' tsitthereandcr y
youreyesoutwhenyouhadt hechancet opr otect
yourself,yourf atherandyoursi bl
ings.Nowt his
womani sgoi ngt omakesur et hatsheki l
lsyour
Fathersot hatshecoul dgethi smoney, thehouse,
hiscart henputyououtt oget herwi t
hyoursi bli
ngs
andyouguyswi llbehomel ess.Thatwomani sin
thepr ocessofhavi ngyourf at hermar ryhersoshe
couldbenef it, andyoucan' tdiscussanyt hingwi th
him becauseshehasgi venhi m apor t
ion.Seehow
messyt hingsar enow?I fonl yyouwer estrongi n
prayerlikehowI 'vealwayst aughtyouwewoul dn'
t
berunni ngi ntosucht hi
ngst oget her, t
here's
nothingmuchIcansaybecauseasl ongast hat
yardisst il
lf ullandguar dedbyenchant ment sthen
there'
snot hingIcando, Ican' tent erandf i
ghtf or
youguysbecauset heyar disuncl ean, getthe
heal
erwhowi
llhel
pyout
henI
'
llbeabl
etogeti
n".
.

CLARA

Iwaspaci
ngupanddowni
nthehouse.
.
Gogo:Cl
aracal
m down
Me:Ican'
tcal
m downGogo,
howdi
dtheyknow?
Howdidtheyfi
ndout
?
Gogo:Thi
sgi
rlLel
e,she'
sst
rongert
hanIt
hought
Me:Wehavet odosomethingGogo, wecan'tj
ustlet
t
hishappen.
.Iwanttodestroythem nextdoor
,they
waytooful
lofthemsel
vestheyt hi
nkhighlyof
t
hemselvesIwannabringthem downi nawayt hat
t
heywon'texpecti
tnorseeitcoming!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
09] :66
BELI
NDA

Bef
oregoingt
owor
k,IpassedbyLi
sa'
shouse.I
wantedt
oseehowshewasdoing.
Shewasnotdoi ngwell,shewasst il
ltaki
ngithard.
I'
m wor r
iedthatthi
smi ghtcauseherser i
oushealth
problems.Ahear tatt
ack,strokeorshemi ght
compl et
elyl
osehermi nd.Iam goingtotryandbe
thereforherthebestwayIcan, t
omor rowit
'sthe
funeral

Li
sa:Thankyouf
ri
end,
forbei
ngher
e
Me:Iwi
llal
waysbeher
eforyou
Li
sa:Don'
tknowhowIwoul
dgett
hrought
his
wi
thoutyou
Me:Wewi
llt
akei
tonedayatat
ime
Li
sa:That
'st
rue
Igaveherahugandsqueezedhert
ight
..
Me:Ihavet
ogot
owor
k,I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
Li
sa:Okay.
.Thankyouf
orever
ythi
ng
Me:Youwel
come

NANGOMSO

Ndalohadcalledandaskedmet ocomedownt o
theoffi
ce.Aft
erIhadcarr
iedoutal
lthehouse
chores,Iwentther
etoseehim..

Ndal
o:Thankyouf
orcomi
ng
Me:Youwel
come
Ndal
o:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Ndal
o:I
'
m wel
l
Me:Soundedser
iousont
hephone?
Ndal
o:Notent
ir
ely.
.Iwaswonder
ingi
fyoust
il
l
woul
dli
keyouroldjobback
Me:Theposi
ti
onhasn'
tbeenf
il
ledupyet
?
Ndal
o:Notatal
l.
.Pl
usyouhaven'
tsi
gnedt
hel
ett
er
ofr
esi
gnati
onyet
Me:Ndal
oIdon'
tknow
Ndalo:Comeon.
.Ipr
omi
sei
twon'
tint
erf
erewi
th
yourmodeli
nggi
g
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:Idon'
twantusf
ighti
ngandthenhavi
ngt
oput
Daveinacompromi
singposi
ti
onagain
Ndal
o:Solongweagreet
hatourper
sonall
ives
won'
tint
erf
erewi
thourwork
Inodded.
.
Me:Idon'
tknowi
fDavewi
llagr
ee,
aft
erIl
eftyou
guyshi
ghandlow
Ndal
o:I
'l
ltal
ktohim,j
ustmakesur
ethatyouwon'
t
l
eaveushangingagai
n
Me:Ipr
omi
se
Ndalo:Welli
nthatcase,
youcanshowupf
orwor
k
ear
lyinthemorning
Me:Nopr
obl
em
Ndal
o:Iam knocki
ngof
fnow,
don'tyouwantmet
o
dr
opyouoffathome?Maybegetanicecr
eam
al
ongtheway?
Me:I
'
dli
ket
hatver
ymuch
Ndal
o:Let
'sgot
alkt
oDavef
ir
st

LELE

Ical
ledi
natworkandinfor
medthem t
hatI
'l
lbe
comingi
ntomorrow.If
eelmuchbet
terandbei
ng
coopedupathomedoingnothi
ngwasgett
ingt
o
me..

Ihadjustfi
nishedhangi
ngthelaundry,Idi
ditl
ate
butitwi
lldr
ysoon.Claracal
ledme, shewas
standi
ngovert hef
ence.Iwenttoher.
.

Cl
ara:Hi
..Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:I
'
m doi
nggoodandyou?
Cl
ara:I
'
m notdoi
ngwel
l
Me:Okay
Clar
a:I'
m hur
tLel
e..Youknowearli
ert
odaySoso
accusedmeofthemosthor r
ibl
ethi
ng
Me:What
?
Cl
ara:Sheaccusedmeofbewi
tchi
ngyou
Me:Ohw
Cl
ara:It
houghtyouandIwer
ecool
?
Me:Thel
astt
imeIr
emember
edwewer
e
Cl
ara:Thenwhati
sthi
snow?
Me:YouknowCl araift
heall
egati
onsarenottrue,
youwouldn'
tbestandingher
esayingthat
,foryou
tot
akeittoyourchestmeansit'
strue
Clar
a:Sincet
hat
'showyouguysvi
ewmet
heni
t'
s
bestIkeepmydist
ance
Me:It
hinkt
hatwil
lbebett
erhey,
goodf
ences
makesgoodnei
ghbours
Idi
dn'
twai
tforhert
orepl
y,Ij
ustwal
kedaway.
..
NANGOMSO

Wedr
oveoutt
ogeti
cecr
eams.
.
Ndal
o:I
t'
snotsavannabutIhopei
twi
llmakeyour
day
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:I
t'
sni
cet
hankyou
Ndal
o:Soyouwer
etel
li
ngmet
hatLel
eneedsmy
hel
p?
Me:Yes.
.She'
sonaspir
it
ualj
our
neyandyourhel
p
woul
dbeappreci
ated
Ndalo:Doyouseethatnomat
terwhathappenswe
wil
lalwaysfi
ndourwaybackt
oeachot her
?
Me:Howdoyout hi
nkthisi
sgoingtowor
k?
Especi
all
ywi
thhowt hi
ngsarebet
weenBeland
myself
?
Ndal
o:DoyouwantBel
?
Me:No.
.Notanymor
e
Ndal
o:Okaythen.
.YouandBeldon'
thavet
obe
f
ri
endsbutyoucanrespecteachot
her
Me:Agr
eed
Ndalo:BecauseIr
eal
lywantt
akeyouasmysecond
wif
e
Me:Idon'
tunderst
andthough.
.Whatdoyouseei
n
me?I'
m cr
azy,Iam aheadache
Ndal
o:Youareapieceofwor
kbut
..Wewil
lget
t
hereonl
yifyouagreet
oworkonyour
sel
f
Me:Iwi
ll
..Ipr
omi
se
Ndal
o:Sodoyouagr
eet
obemysecondwi
fe?
Me:Let
'
sseehowt
hisgoesf
ir
st
Ndal
o:CanIgetaki
ss?
Me:Yesyoucan
Il
eanedoverandki
ssedhi
m..
Ndal
o:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Ndal
o:Howaboutwegetoutofher
e?
Me:Andgowher
e?
Ndal
o:Myhouse
Me:Andwher
eist
hewi
fe?
Ndal
o:Wor
k
Me:SoI
'
m asi
dechi
ckkahl
ekahl
e?
Ndal
o:I
fyouwantt
ocal
lyour
sel
fthat
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.Idon'
twannapr
ovokeheron
pur
pose
Ndal
o:I
'
mtheonewhoi
sinvi
ti
ngyout
omyhouse
Me:Ndal
o
Ndal
o:Pl
ease..Justonesession,
Imissyoualot
..I
knowyouhaven'tbeenget
tinganyacti
ontoo
Me:Howdoyouknow?
Ndal
o:I
fyouwer
e,t
henyouwoul
dn'
tbeher
e
Me:Mxm what
ever
Hel
aughed.
..
BELI
NDA

Ir
eceivedani nboxf
rom apersonnamed"Clar
a".No
pr
ofi
lepi ct
ureandheraccountwaspri
vat
e..The
i
nboxr ead:

"Youdon'tknowmeandIdon' tknowyout oo,butI

needyout oknowsomet hing.Thatdon'tt
rust
anymor e,
don'ttrustsoeasy.Nangomsoi smy
neighbour,Iam sureyouknowher .Thi
ngsshesays
aboutyou?Youar ethetopicofconversat
ion
aroundhere.

Mogirltell
severyonehowdamagedyouar eand
thatt
her easonyouagr eedtoherbei
ngapartof
yourmar ri
ageisbecauseyounotwomanenough.
Youcan' tsati
sfyyourhusbandandyoucan'
teven
givehim kids.
Hewasher
elastni
ght
,dr
ivesaBMW X6.I
t'
sbl
ack
i
ncolour
,wit
hthenumberpl
ates"
Ndal
o".Hewas
her
etocheckuponher.

Pleasewat chout,t
hisgi
rli
sont hejourneytosteal
yourhusband, shewantstodoawaywi thyou.She
i
ssur ethatyourhusbandwilll
eaveyouandf al
lfor
hercompl etel
ybecauseyoudon'thaveawomb.
Youar eabar r
en,mywor dsnothers,andyou
welcome".
Icoul
dn'
tbel
ievet
his.
.

LELE

Iwassobor edbyClar
a,Ihopefr
om her
eon.She
won'tbebother
some.Shewi l
lst
ayi
nherhouseand
nolongercomehere..

Thisgi
rlshoul
dbeoutther
etryi
ngtogetaj
ob,
tr
yingtobett
erher
sel
finst
eadofdoi
ngwhatshe'
s
doing.
.
IsatonthecouchandwentonFacebook,
Ihadan
i
nboxfrom Si
d..

"
Hey,j
ustwant
edtoknowhowyouholdi
ngup.I
'
m
wor
ri
edaboutyouSi
s,pl
easecal
lme"

Thatwasn'
tstr
angeatall
,Ididexpect
communicat
ionfrom t
hem someday.Idel
etedt
he
messageandblockedhim..

NANGOMSO

Wear ri
vedathishouseandalr
eadywewer eal
l
overeachother.Kissi
ngfr
om t
hekit
chenand
taki
ngeachot her
'sclot
hesof
fslowl
ymakingour
wayt otheguestroom..
Me:Thi
sissowr
ong
Ndal
o:Iknow.
.It
'swr
ongbutf
eel
ssor
ight
Wegott
othebedr
oom andl
ockedt
hedoorst
il
l
ki
ssi
ng.
.

BELI
NDA

Kat
lego:Youwant
edt
oseeme?
Me:Yes
Kat
lego:Okayi
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Me:Ther
e's3ofuswor
kingt
oni
ght
Kat
lego:Yes
Me:Iam notf
eel
ingwel
l,
Iwannagohome
Kat
lego:Bel
Me:Iknow.
.I'
m sosor
ry
Sheexhal
ed.
.
Kat
lego:I
t'
sokayyoucango
Me:Thankyousomuch,
Ioweyouone
Kat
lego:Youwel
come

NANGOMSO

Hesatdownont hebed,bynowwewereboth
naked.Iwasact
uall
ykneeli
ngbesi
dehi
m onthe
bed,gi
vinghi
m ahandjobfi
rst
.
Hewasr unninghishandonmyback, thenwent
undertosqueezemybr east.Iwentdownonhi m,
andputitinmymout h.Hewasal r
eadyrockhard.I
puti
tfarin,gi
vinghim adeepthroatashemoaned
sl
owlytot hemoistandsoftenessofmymout h..

Hesqueezedmybreastali
tt
lehar
dert
histi
me
ar
ound.Iworkedmymout handmytongueonhi
s
di
ckandhemoanedl ouder
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
09] :67
LELE

Nathicamebackhomeandhedeci dedtocook.
Nathii
sthebest,Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
ievethatIact
ual
ly
gotthi
smani nmyl i
fe.Hei
sloving,soconsi
der
ate
andsupport
ive.
JustwhenIhadgi
venuponl
if
e,Godsentmear
eal
one.
.

Nat
hi:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:Hel
pingout
Nat
hi:NoIgott
his
Me:Okay
Ipi
ckedupt
hekni
feandoni
on.
.
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Ican'
tevendi
cet
heoni
on?
Nat
hi:Igott
his
Il
etever
ythi
nggo.
.
Nat
hi:SoIwasthi
nkingthatIshoul
dext
endt
he
wal
lnextdoor
,si
bavale
Me:That
'saver
ygoodi
dea.
.Soappar
ent
lySoso
conf
ront
edClar
a
Nat
hi:What
?
Me:Yeap.
.Cl
aracal
ledmeandt
oldme
Nat
hi:Soso
Me:It
hinkweshoul
d'vet
oldhernott
oconf
ront
Nat
hi:Sosoi
sver
yimpul
sivet
hat
'swhy
Me:Ver
ytr
ue

BELI
NDA

WhenIgotinIsawNdalo'scarinthedri
veway,I
washappyhewashome.Iwant edtorunthi
sby
hi
m becauseIwasupset.Thi
sist hel
owestthat
Sosohasgone,Idon'
twannalie..
WhenIgotin,insi
dethehouse.Iwaswel
comedby
atr
ailofcl
othesonthekit
chenfloor
.Hi
sclothes
andapairofheelsonthefl
oor,awoman'sdenim
j
eansandashi rt.

Myhear tsankdownt omyknees, myst omachwas

ti
edinknot s.Themyhear tbeatr
aced,Isuddenly
hadalumpst uckinmyt hroat
.Theguestroom was
cl
osed,wedon' tclosei
tandIhear dmoanscomi ng
fr
om there.Idroppedmybagont hefl
oor,Ifel
thot
fl
ushes.Ndal oischeat
ingonme.
Mymi ndwaswi lding,i
tsoundedl i
kehewasr eall
y
givi
ngittoher.Hehasnevermademescr eam that
much.Iwasevenshaki ng,f
eltli
keIwasgoi ngt o
dieri
ghtthere.Myeyeswel l
edupasIpi ckedupmy
bagfrom thefloor,Ihadallthereasonint hewor l
d
toturnthi
ssituationintowor l
dwar3, butIdidn't
.
Ij
ustt
urnedbackandmademywayoutt
omycar
..
.
NANGOMSO

Wehavebeenati tf
orawhilenow, Icouldfeelt
hat
mycoochi ehashadenough.Her e'
swhatIdon' t
understand,t
herewaythatNdalohassexwi t
hme
i
t'
slikehehasneverhadsexi naver ylongtime.I
don'tunderst
and,he'
smarri
ed.Heshoul dbevery
sexualacti
vewithhiswif
e.Ijustdon'tgeti
t..

Hecamedeepi nsi
deofmeagai n,andIwas
reli
evedthatweweredone.Don'tgetmewrong,
he
givesoutthebestsexbutyoudof eelt
he
exhausti
onafterwar
dsandt hepai
n.

Heslidout
,wewer edoingadoggyst yl
e.Heseems
toli
keital
ot,thef eelofmybut tashet hrustsin
hardandfast
.I tevenchangest hewayt hathe
moans.Helaidbackont hebedfaci
ngup, myl egs
wereweak.Ireallystret
choutandsi nki nlower .My
backwasachingt oo.Ilaidontopofhi m ashi sarms
cuddledme.Heki ssedmeonmyf orehead.
Ndal
o:Thatwasgr
eatwoul
dn'
tyousay?
Me:I
twasnol
ie
Heki
ssedmeagai
nonmyf
orehead.
.
Me:Lemerestf
oranhourorsobef
oreyoudr
iveme
backhome
Ndal
o:Youdon'
twannaspendani
ght
?
Me:Idon'
twantBel
findi
ngmeherei
nthemor
ning
andthr
owinganawardwinni
ngt
antr
um
Ndal
o:OkayI
'
lldr
iveyouhomet
hen
Iki
ssedhi
m onhi
schest
..

CLARA

Iwasinmybedr oom,myMot herwassitt

ingnextt
o
me.Iwassi t
ti
ngonmybed.Shedoesn' tsay
anyt
hing,notevenaword.Sheonlyl
ist
enst omy
tr
oublesandnothingmore
Tear
swer
est
reami
ngdownmycheeks.
.
Me:Il ovehim, I
'vealwaysl ovedhim..Idon'tknow
whyhedoesn' tnot i
ceme.ImeanI 'm beauti
ful,Ido
feell
ikeIcouldmakeagoodwi f
etohi m butherehe
goesandf allsinl ovewit
hsomeonewhocomes
from whereverpl aceshecomesf rom.Youshoul d
seehowhet reatsher ,
she'shappy.Sheal ways
seemshappy.IwantNat hi,Iwanthi m withallmy
heartIdon'tknowwhatIshoul ddot ogettohi m.
Gogohasal waysbeent r
yingt ohelpbutshe'sweak,
IwishIcoul dfindsomeonest rong.Someonewho
canhel pme

BELI
NDA

Idrovestrai
ghtt omyhouse,Idon'
tevenknowhow
Iwasabl etodriveinmystat
eandnotevengeti nt
o
anaccident.AllIcoul
dthi
nkaboutisnot hi
ngbut
themoansandt heclot
hesont heki
tchenfloor
.The
moansandt hescreams,i
mpliedthattheywere
havingthebestsexeverwithwhoevershewas.
Noti
nami l
li
onyear
sdidIeverthinkthatNdalo
woul
deverdothist
ome, outofeveryoneInever
t
houghthewoulddothi
stome. .

IgothomeandwhenIwal kedin,
Iwasalreadyin
tears.Thesharppaininmychesthadal
ready
startedagain.Mychestwasal
soburni
ngup, I
struggledtobreat
h..

MyGr andmotherwassi t
ti
ngont hecouchkni
tt
ing
herplasti
cmats.Ilookedatheranddropped
ever
ythingtot
hef l
oor.Mybagandmycarkeys. .
Shelookedatme. .

Gr
ams:Li
nda?
Ishookmyheadwi
tht
ear
sfal
li
ng.
.
Gr
ams:Yi
ni?(
whati
sit
)
Ishookmyhead.
.
Gr
ams:Li
nda?
Icouldn'
tmove,
itwasli
kemyf eetweregluedtot
he
fl
oor.MyMotherwalkedoutofherbedroom,she
fi
xedhergown..
Ma:Li
nda?
Iwashal
fwayt
ocol
lapsi
ngont
hef
loorwhenshe
cameandhel
pedme..
Mom:Mawengat
hishe'
shavi
ngast
roke!

NANGOMSO

Iwantedtogetsomer estbutIcoul
dn't
.SoNdalo
optedthatweprepar
eddi nner
.Lasagnatobemor e
exact,
hewasgoi ngtoprepareit
.Iwaswearingone
ofhist-
shir
ts,
hadtakenashowerusi nghisshower
gel.
HewasinhisNi
keshor
ts.Iwassit
ti
ngontopofthe
count
erandwat
chedhi
m prepar
ingever
ythi
ng.
.
Me:Can'
twai
ttot
ast
eit
Hesqueezedmycheek.
.
Ndal
o:Oneoft
hebestdi
shesIknowhowt
o
pr
epare
Me:Oneoft
hebestdi
shest
hatIl
ike
Heputi
tint
heovenandcl
osedi
t.
.
Ndal
o:Nowwewai
t
Me:Wewai
t
Hegotcl
oserandgoti
nbet
weenmyl
egs.
.
Iwr
appedmyar
msar
oundhi
sneck.
.
Ndalo:IthoughtIhadl
ostyouf
orever
,wef
ightal
ot
butourlastfi
ghtwasscary
Me:Whati
sitt
hatyoul
oveaboutme?
Ndal
o:Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?
Me:Iwannaknow
Ndal
o:Wel
lthesexi
samazi
ngobvi
ousl
y
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Ndal
o:Besi
desthat.
.YouareanamazingPer
son.
Yesyouarecr
azy,butyouareamazi
ng.WhenI'
m
withyouI 'm happy, youar ever yjoll
y.Youmakeme
forgetaboutt hepr oblemsi nmyl if
e,andyouj ust
makemef al
li nlovewi t
hyoumor e.Themostt hi
ng
IloveaboutyouNangomsoi sthatyouar eyourself
.
Youneversur priseme, andyouar enotscar edt obe
your sel
f.Youevenf orgetthatI '
m Ndal o,youal l
ow
met obemysel f
.Youknowwhatyouwantandyou
don' tt
akebei ngt reatedlikeshi t,
youst andyour
groundandyouar enotaf r
aidt oloseme.I fthe
situati
ondoesn' tser veyou, younotscar edtowal k
out .Youdon'twor shipme, youar estrongandyou
areago- getter.Youar eoutt her
er eal
izingyour
dreamsdespi tewhatot herssay.Imeanyoudi dn'
t
car eaboutthebur ntpar tofyourbody, youwent
ther eandtookal eapoff ai
thandi tpaidof f,
younot
scar edtochal l
engeyour selfbeyondwhatyoucan
offer
Hef
ixedmyhai
r.
.
Ndalo:Youareamazingandver yspeci
al,
Idon'
t
regr
etthisandIam blessedtohavemetyou.You
havebeent hr
oughalotbuthereyouarenotscared
ofopeningtoloveagain.Yes,
youarescaredbut
youarenottotallyclosedt
otheideaofl
ove.Most
wouldjudgeyou, mostwoul
dthrowslycomments
butyoudon'tcar e.Youdon'
tcar
eaboutwhatother
s
thi
nkaboutyou. .IloveyouandIwantyoutobea
partofmylif
ef orever
Me:Wow.
.Youhadt
ogoandmakemeemot
ional
Hewi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Ndalo:Mar r
ymeandIpr omiset
hatIwilll
oveyou
thewayt hatyoudeser
vetobeloved.Theangerand
allt
hat,
wewi l
lfi
gur
eitoutal
ongtheway..Toget
her
Inodded.
.
Me:Iwi
llmar
ryyou
Hesmi
led.
.
Ndal
o:Ar
eyousur
e?
Me:YesIam
Heki
ssedmeont
hecheekandt
henhuggedme.
.

BELI
NDA
MyGrandmothergavemethegl
assofwat
erwi
th
sugar
..Myhandswereshaki
ng.
.
Me:Thankyou
Mawe:Whathappened?
Idr
ankt
hewat
er.
.
Mom:WhathappenedLi
nda?Youar
eshaken
Me:Ndal
o
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatasi
twasf
oggy.
.
Me:Igothomeand.
.If
oundcl
othesont
hef
loor
,hi
s
andhers
Mom:Her
s?
Me:Theywer
ehavi
ngsex.
.Ihear
dthem
Mawe:Shuuuuuu
Mom:So?
Il
ookedather
..
Mom:Thi
sagai
n?
Me:Whatdoyoumeant
hisagai
n?
Mom:Al
lmencheatLi
nda
Me:Ndal
oisnotal
lMen
Mom:Hei snow,andwenawhatexact
lyar
eyou
doingt
hatdrovehi
mtobri
nganotherwomanin
yourhouse?
Me:Not
hing!Idi
dnot
hing
Mom:Li
ndadon'
tfor
gett
hatyoudamaged
Mawe:Hai
kewhydoyoual
wayshavet
osayt
hatt
o
t
hechil
d?
Mom:I t'st
hetruth!Iwoul dfeelsorryforBeli fthi
s
justhappenedbutshebr oughtittoher self.She
helpedamar ri
edmancheatonhi swife!Whent hat
womanwascr yingandi npaindidshef eelsorryfor
her?Shewast akingf oodf r
om theirchildrenandwe
mustsi ther
eandf eel sorr
yf orher?No!Thi sis
karma!Lethergot hroughi tIdon'tfeelnot hingfor
her.Stopcryi
ng!St opbeingdr amat i
cifyouwanna
l
eavehi m dosot henletthiswomanhaveyourman!
Cryingwon'tchangewhathappened.He' scheat i
ng
onyouandthatisthat
!Finishandkl
aar,st
opbeing
acrybaby.
.Ei
theryouini
tiatet
hathetakesherasa
secondwif
eoryouwal kaway.
Younott hefir
stwomant ogetcheat
edon,st
op
cryi
ng..Howwi llcryi
nghel
pyou?Youdidthi
sto
yourself
,feelt
het ast
eofyourownmedici
ne!

NANGOMSO

Iwasdri
nkingagl
assofwineasthelasagnewas
hal
fwaythr
ough.Ndal
owasshowi ngmehi sphot
o
al
bum,tel
li
ngmemor eabouthi
sfamily.
.
Me:WowyourMom soundsl i
kearemarkabl
e
woman,taki
nginherBrotheri
nlaw'sgi
rl
sand
r
aisi
ngthem.Irespectheral
ready,
nowIfeelbad
t
hatIdi
dn'tmeether
Ndal
o:Youcanst
il
lmakeupf
ort
hat
Me:Ican?
Ndalo:Yestomor
rowni
ghtbutIwon'
tinf
orm herwe
wil
ljustsur
pri
seher
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:Yoooh
Ndal
o:Don'
twor
ryshewon'
teatyou
Me:I
'
dlovet
omeether
Ndal
o:That
'smygi
rl
Me:Whenareyougoi
ngt
odiscussitwi
thBelt
hat
youof
fi
cial
lyt
aki
ngmeasyoursecondwif
e?
Ndal
o:Iwi
llt
alkt
oher
Me:I
fshesaysno?
Ndalo:I
fshesaysnot henthat
'ssadforher
becauseI'
m notchangingmymi nd.Shecanchoose
towalkaway
Me:Youwoul
ddi
vor
ceher
?
Ndal
o:I
t'
sti
meIseekmyownhappi ness,I'
vespent
somanyyear
sinvesti
ngint
hismarri
ageithas
al
waysbeenabouther.Mar
ri
ageshouldalwaysbe
atwowaystr
eet,
notaonewaystreet
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
01/
09,
09:
10] :68

BELI
NDA

IsleptoveratmyGr andmot her'

splace.My
Grandmot hertr
iedherl evelbesttokeepmecal m
butIwasj usttoohurt.Myhear twasbl eeding,and
sleepeludedme.Ndal ot riedtocallmebutI
canceledthecallandt extedhimt hati
t'scrazybusy,
thenhest oppedcall
ing.TheNdal oIknowwoul d'
ve
keptoncal li
ngunti
lIfoundt i
met ocommuni cate
withhim overthephone, hewasn'tgoingt osleep
withouttalki
ngtome. .

Ndalowasboldonhi smove,hewastooconf i
dent
andverydisr
espectful
.Wheredi
dwegett othe
poi
ntofusdisrespecti
ngeachotherl
iket
his?
Bri
ngingoveranotherwomanint
omyhouseand
sl
eepi
ngwit
hher
?Thatwasbeyonddi
srespect
.I
don'
tknowhowt
ocal
lit
..

Gr
ams:Eatsomet
hing
Me:I
'
m nothungr
y
Gr
ams:Li
ndamel
eudl
e(youneedt
oeat
)
Me:Idon'
tknowhowI
'
m goi
ngt
ofacehi
m af
ter
t
hisMawe?
Shesatdown.
.
Grams:Thi sisdi
ffi
cul
t,Idon'
tthi
nkhe'
sgoingto
stop.Actuall
ybri
ngingheroverint
oyourhouse,
that'
sdisrespect
Me:Ever
ywomanknowst hatNdal
oismar r
ied,
he
i
safamoussomeonethere'
snowayt hatatypi
cal
womanwouldn'
tknowthathe'
smarri
ed
Grams:Womendon'
tcar
e,theyreall
ydon'
tcar
e.
Ndaloi
sahandsomewelloffandfamoussomeone,
anywomanwouldwannagetonwi thhi
m
Me:Idon'
tknowwhatt
odoMawe
Grams:Si tdownandaskyour selfifheiswor t
hi t
?If
thepainiswor t
hi t
.There'
sahi ghpossi bi
li
tythathe
willneverchange.It
'sonlygoingt ogetwor sefrom
here.Onlyyouknowhowyouf eelanddon'tmakea
rashdecisionasyetbutatt hesamet i
meknowt hat
stayingwithhim..Youwi l
lloseyoursani t
y
Me:Idon'
tknowMawe..Il
ovet
hisman,
Ilovehi
m
morethanIl
ovemysel
f
Grams:Bel
indal
ovi
ngsomeoneandmakingt
hem
yourl
if
eisdanger
ous,
lookwhati
t'
sdoi
ngtoyou
now
Me:HowdoIunl
ovehi
m?
Grams:Thesamewayyouf el
linl
ovewit
hhim.
Don'tl
ookathim asthemanthatyouf
elli
nlove
withbecauseheisnolongert
hatman,hehas
changed.Hebroughtawomani nt
oyourhouse,
yourhome
Iexhal
edi
ndef
eat
..
Me:Idi
dn'
twannagoi nther
e,Idi
dn'
twannasee
hi
m andhernaked.Doi
ngit,
Iwould'
vedr
opped
downther
eanddiedMawe
Grams:Youar ewayt oofragilemychil
dandyou
thi
nkNdal oistheitforyou, he'snot
.Beli
ndaIdon't
under stand.Doyoul ovet hi
smanoryoul ovethe
i
deaofbei ngwi t
hhim becausehei sNdalo?And
yout hinkleavinghim youwi llendupbeingnothi
ng.
Under standt hemoneyandt hef ame,t
hat'
shisnot
yoursandhi s.Ndalowillsti
llbeNdalowithor
withoutyousamegoest oyou, youcanbeBeli
nda
withorwi t
houthim
Myphoner
ang,
itwashi
m..
Me:I
t'
shi
m
Grams:Forhowlongareyougoi
ngt
oignor
ethe
si
tuat
ionandnotconf
ronthi
m?
Me:I
'm scar
edofwhathemightsay.Hemightlook
meintheeyeandtel
lmethathelovesherand
want
stobewi t
hhim
Grams:Andwhat'
stheprobl
em wit
hthat?I
fhe
wantstobewit
hsomeoneelsethenthat
'shi
s
choi
ceandyoucan'tf
orcehi
mt obewithyouifhe
nolongerwant
stobewithyou
Me:Iwasyoung,
Iwasst
upi
dwhenIdat
eda
mar
ri
edmanf
ormyownsel
fi
shr
easons
Grams:Andyoupai dagr eatpr i
cef ori t
,thishas
nothingtodowi thwhatyoudi d,ithassomet hingto
dowi thyourHusband.Not hi ngyoudi ddr ovehi mto
whathe' sdoi ng,i
t'
shi schoi ceandi t
'sokay. .It
'snot
theendoft hewor ld.Youar ef ort
unat et hatyou
haveyourl ifeaheadofyou, youwor king,youst i
l
l
youngnotal lisl
ost .Somewomenst ayinsuch
mar r
iagesbecauset heyhavenot hingt ofallback
on.Themar r
iageist heitdealf orthem, butthat '
s
notthesi t
uat i
onwi thyou.I fhewant st ogoandbe
withsomeoneel se, lethim go.Ifyouf orcehi mt o
stayhewi llkeeponhur t
ingyouunt ilyoudon' t
recognizeyour selfanymor e

NANGOMSO

Iwasdrinki
ngcof
feeandstandingbytheki
tchen
window.Justmor
ningdreamingwithasmil
eonmy
face.
.
Lel
e:Goodmor
ning
Il
ookedather
..
Me:Goodmor
ning
Lel
e:Youal
ldr
essedup
Me:Yes.
.I'
m goi
ngt
owor
k
Lel
e:Youf
oundanot
herj
ob?
Me:No.
.I.
.It
'
smyol
djob
Lel
e:Samej
obwi
thNdal
o?
Me:Yes
Lel
e:Hmmmm
Me:Iknowwhatyougoi
ngt
osay
Lel
e:Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
osayanyt
hing
Me:Yougoi
ngt
owor
ktoo?
Lel
e:Yes
Me:Feel
ingbet
ter
?
Lel
e:Muchbet
ter
Me:That
'sgood.
.Thi
ngsar
egoi
ngsowel
lforus,
I'
veneverbeent
hishappybef
orei
nmyl
if
e.Never
beeninsomuchpeace
Lel
e:Iswear
..Idi
dn'
tthi
nkt
hatonedayourl
ives
wouldtur
noutthi
sway
Me:Sameher
e
Lel
e:Letmego
Me:Letmegot
oo.
.Wewi
llgot
oget
her
Lel
e:Okay.
.Let
'sgo

CLARA

Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
..
Me:I
'
m comi
ng
Idraggedmyf eett
ogoandopent hedoor.Wedon't
usuall
yletpeoplei
ntothehousebecauseofthe
si
tuati
onwi t
hmyMot her
,ifwefor
cedtoothenwe
l
ockmyMot herinthebedroom.
.
Iopenedt
hedooranditwasmyAunt ,
Iletheri
n.
MyAuntknowsaboutourli
tt
lesecretbecauseshe'
s
al
sonotsosi
ncere.Matt
eroffact
,she'stheone
whocameupwi t
htheidea.
.

Aunt
:Cl
ara
Me:Aunt
ie
Aunt
:Unj
ani
?(howar
eyou)
Me:HaiIdon'
tknow
It
hrewmysel
font
hecouch.
.
Aunt
:Wher
eisGogo?
Me:Shewentout
Aunt
:Justcamet
ocheckuponyouguys
Me:Thankyou
Aunt
:Iboughtanewcar
Me:Youdi
d?
Aunt
:Yes.
.Busi
nessi
sboomi
ng
MyAuntownsat
aver
n.Thel
astt
imeIcheckedi
t
wasn'
tdoi
ngsowel
l
,butnowIhear
dit
'sdoi
ngver
y
wel
l.
.
Aunt
:AKi
aspor
tage
Me:Wow!
Aunt
:Ncedii
sal
sopayi
ngl
obol
anextmont
h
Me:Ser
ious?
Aunt
:Yes.
.Hef
oundaj
ob
Me:Wher
e?Hedr
oppedouti
ngr
ade9
Aunt
:Kant
iwhoam I
?
Il
ookedather
..
Me:Youf
oundanot
herwi
tchdoct
ordi
dn'
tyou?
Aunt
:Apower
fulone
Me:Aunt
yhookmeup!
Aunt
:HauIwon'
tleaveyoui
nthecol
d
Me:Whoi
sshe?
Aunt
:Mi
ssG,
str
aightf
rom Kzn
Iwhi
stl
ed.
.
Me:Kzn?
Aunt
:Yes
Me:Whenwi
llyouhookmeup?
Aunt:Wewil
ldr
ivedownt
heret
hisweekend,
ever
ythi
ngyouwantyout
ell
herandshewillmakei
t
happen
Me:Justl
iket
hat
?
Aunt
:Justl
iket
hat
!

LI
SA

Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Mi
ssG.
.
Me:Thokoza
Mi
ssG:ThokozaGogo
(
Sil
ence)
Mi
ssG:Howi
sitgoi
ngt
her
e?
Me:I
t'
sdi
ff
icul
t,neverthoughtitwoul
dhurtt
his
much.
.Weareaboutt oleavetothechur
ch
Mi
ssG:Iunder
stand.
.Wewi
llt
alkt
hen
Me:Ihopet
hiswi
llwor
k,t
hiswasagr
eatsacr
if
ice
f
rom me
Mi
ssG:Don'
tyout
rustmeanymor
e?
Me:Ido
MissG:Thengood..Don'
twor
ryaboutt
his,
itwi
l
lal
l
workoutdon'
twor
ry
Me:Okay.
.It
rustyou

BELI
NDA

Idrovebackhome, Iwast ired.IwasweakandIf el

t
sl
eepy. .Ist
oodatt hekitchenandenvi si
onedwhat
happenedyest erday.Thet rai
lofclot
hesinthe
ki
tchenl eadingt otheguestr oom..Iwalkedtothe
guestr oom, openedt hedoor .Thebedwasmade,
everythinglookedasusual .Iwalkedoverandsat
ont hebed, Ilookedar oundunt i
lmyeyesst art
edto
wellup.I maginingwher et heyweredoingit,t
he
screamsandt hemoans.
Myphonebeeped,
itwasamessagef
rom Ndal
o..

"I
'
mt r
yingt
ogetaholdofyou.What
'sgoi
ngon?Ar
e
youokay?Areyouhome?"

IwentonFacebooktoreadthemessagef r
om Cl
ara
again.ThenIdeci
dedtocheckSoso.Shehad
uploadedapict
ureofherandherfr
iend,
Inoti
ced
theheelsshewaswearingwerethesameheelsI
sawyest er
day.
..

Me:OhhhhhhmyGod

Ndaloi
sasnake!Af t
ereveryt
hinghesaid,sayi
ng
hedoesn'twantnot
hingtodowi t
hNangomso
anymore!Thi
sisthebiggestbetr
ayalever
!

NANGOMSO
Iwal
kedi
natwor
kinhi
ghspi
ri
ts.
.
Me:HeyThul
i
Thul
i:Heytoyou.
.Andwhatdi
dwedot
ogeta
morni
ngvisit
?
Me:I
t'
snotavi
sit
..I
'
m back
Thul
i:Real
ly?Wow!
Me:Mi
ssedme?
Thul
i:Ofcour
seIdi
d!I
twasbor
ingar
oundher
e,I
'
m
sohappyourmodeli
sback
Me:Seeyoul
ater
IwalkedthroughtoNdalo'
sof
fi
ce.Iopenedthe
doorandlookedathim.Hewasl eani
ngbackonhi
s
chai
rlookingatthescr
eenofhiscomputer
Il
ookedathi
syummyselfunt
ilhiseyesf
ellonme,
hesmil
edali
ttl
eandwi
pedhislips.
Ndal
o:Goodmor
ning
Me:Mor
ning
Ndal
o:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me:Youdon'
tlookbadyour
sel
f
Imademywayin.Hegotupf
rom t
hechai
rand
madehi
swaytome..
Heputhi
shandsar
oundmywai
standki
ssedme.
.
Ndal
o:I
'
vemi
ssedyou
Me:I
'
vemi
ssedyout
oo
Weki
ssedagai
n..
Ndal
o:Mymor
ningj
ustgotbet
ter
Me:I
tdi
d?
Hebi
tmeonmyneck.
.
Ndal
o:Youknowt
his
Il
aughed.
.

BELI
NDA

Af
tert
aki
ngashowerIsatont
hebednakedand
wentt
hroughourweddi
ngpi
ctur
ewi
thasong
pl
ayi
ng..

"
Weshar
esomet
hingsocommon
Butst
il
lsor
are,
andI
'
minawe
Neverbeenher
ebef
ore
Sohi
gh,
we'
rest
il
lcl
imbi
ng
Evenher
einsi
det
hesewal
ls
Br
eaki
ngeachot
her
'shear
ts
Andwedon'
tcar
e'causewe'
reso
I
ntoodeep,
can'
tthi
nkaboutgi
vingi
tup
ButIneverknewl
ovewoul
dfeell
ikeahear
tat
tack
I
t'
ski
ll
ingme,
swearInevercr
iedsomuch
'
CauseIneverknewl
ovewoul
dhur
tthi
sfucki
n'bad
Thewor
stpai
nthatIeverhad"

Howdi
dthi
ngsgetsooutofcont
rol
?
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
10] :69

NANGOMSO

WatchingNdalowor ki
ng,heisanatur
al.Hedoes
hi
sthingeffor
tl
essly.Hisgif
tismagni
ficent
,
powerfulandchangeslives.

Hehasrest
oredhope,
fixedsi
tuat
ionsandhel
p
br
ingcl
osuretot
hosewhobestneedi t
.

Today'
scl
ient
shadaver
yint
erest
ingcase.
Itwassibl
ingsfightf
orahouse, t
heirGrandparents
house.TheirGrandmotherpassedonf i
rstandthe
Grandfat
herwast helastonetopasson.Si ncethei
r
depart
ure,thei
rhouseisnon-vacant
.Noonel i
ves
ther
ebecauset heGrandchil
drenarefi
ghtingforit
.
Theyallfeelenti
tl
ed.Theywereseparatedintotwo
people,
theot heroneswantitsol
dtheot hersdon't
wantittobesol d.Soitwasaverydif
ficultsi
tuat
ion
becauseanempt yhouse,l
osesit
'sdi
gni t
y..

Ndal o:YourGr andfatherdoesn'twantthehouset o

besol d, suchhousesyoudon' tsellthem.They
ser veasahousewher eallofyoucangat heratone
poi nttocommuni catewit
hyourancest ors,do
cer emoni es.Sell
ingthehousewoul dactuallybe
takingt heirhomeawayandgi vingittostrangers.
Thathousei snotmeantt obesoldatall.Quite
frankly,yourGr andparent
swantt hesecond
Gr andchi l
dtolivetheresi
nceshedoesn' thaveany
stablehomeandshehaski ds.
YourGr andparent
swantyouguyst obeunited,you
arethecur r
entgenerat
ionofthefamil
yandt hey
don'twantanyconf l
ict
swithi
nyouguys.Ancest or
s
don'tst
aywher et
hereisconfl
ict
.Thehousebeing
sold,t
hat'soutofthequesti
on
Theyal
lnodded.
.
Ndal
o:Anyquest
ionsandcl
ari
fi
cat
ion?
Theyl
ookedateachot
her
..
Ndal
o:Gr
eat.
.Thankyouver
ymuchforcomi
ng,
Ido
hopet
hatt
hisreadi
ngwasfr
uit
ful
Hegotupandshookt
hei
rhands.
.
Dave:Andwear
eout
Me:I
'
llseet
hem out
Iwal
keduptothem andshowedt
hem out
,Il
edt
he
waytot
herecepti
on..

Igott
hebi ggestsur pr
iseatt herecepti
on, Bel
inda
wasst andi
ngt here.Wel ookedateachot herfora
whil
e.Shedi dn'tlookappeasi ng,hereyeswer e
swoll
enandpuf fy.Lookedlikeshedi dn'tevenget
anysleep..

Thuli
:OhwSosoit
'sgoodt
hatyouher
e,I
sNdal
o
done?Wif
eyisher
etoseehim
Iswall
owedandalmostchokedonmysal
iva,
I
noddedrepeat
edl
y..

Me:Uhm t
hisway

Iledthewayagai
n,wit
houttur
ningbackand
l
ookingather
.Theclot
hesIwaswear i
ngsuddenly
feltt
oohotf
orme.Iledherdowntothestudi
o..

Me:Uhm Boss.
.Mr
sDl
omoi
sher
etoseeyou
Bel
:Heyguys
Dave:HeyBel
Reconci
ledi
dn'
tgr
eetback.
.
Ndal
o:GuysI
'
llseeyoui
naf
ew
Hewalkeduptoherandgaveheraki
ss.Il
ooked
away.
.Heplacedhi
shandonhercheek.
.
Ndal
o:Youl
ookabi
tof
f
Bel
:Iam t
ir
edt
hat
'sal
l
Ndal
o:Okayl
et'
sgooutf
orabi
t
Hepl
acedhi
sarm ar
oundherwai
standshegave
meanawkwardl
ookastheywentout
..

Reco:Ti
cked?
Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:Whywoul
dIbe?
Reco:BecauseIcanbetR1000t
hatyoust
il
lfucki
ng
wit
hthatguy
Me:Idon'tknowwhatyout
alki
ngabout
..What
's
nextontheagenda?

NATHI

Havingasist
erandagirl
fri
endisabitdif
fi
cult
,
especi
all
ywhenyourSisterisnotmarr
iedandsti
ll
str
uggli
ngthroughwi
thwor k.Tobehonest,
Soso'
s
l
ifeisveryunstabl
eri
ghtnow.Shedoesn' tknowi f
she'scominginorgoingout..IwantedtobuyLelea
secondhandcar ,j
ustsomethingtogetherbybutI
can'tbuyheracarandnotbuySosoacar .Sosowill
feelsometypeofway, andIdon'twannacauset hat
kindofdrif
tandconfli
ctbetweenthem.MaybeI
shouldsettl
eforsomethinglessdr
asticfornow..

Maybet akeLeleouttooneoft
hefinestr
estaur
ant
s
i
nt own,andgivethem moneybothforashoppi
ng
spree.Nothi
ngseriousR6000shouldgett
hem
thr
ough..

Justt
ryi
ngtodosomet hingni
cef ort
hem that
'sal
l.
Theydeser
veit
,they'vebeenabl essi
ng.Icome
hometoacompany, theykeepthehousecleanand
Igetahomecookedmealever yday.Theyeven
deser
vemorethant his..

BELI
NDA
Wegottohisof
fi
ce,
hehadhi
shandsdeepi
nsi
dei
n
hi
spocket
s..
Me:ThoughtIshoul
dst
opbyandj
ustsur
pri
seyou
Ndal
o:Gr
eatsur
pri
se.
.Thankyou
Me:Sor
ryImissedyourcal
ls,
wor
kwascr
azyandI
coul
dn'
tevengett
omyphone
Ndal
o:Iunder
stand.
.Iwasj
ustwor
ri
ed
Me:Iknow
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Ndal
o:Ar
eyousur
ethatyouar
eokay?
If
akedasmi
le.
.
Me:I
'
m okay.
.Thoughtwecoul
dgooutf
orl
unch
Ndalo:Iwi
shyoucoul
d'vecal
ledbef
orehand
becausemysecondcl
ientisher
e
Me:Ohwuhm.
.
Ndal
o:Youcanstayfort
hesessi
onandt
henwe
candolunchaf
teri
t
Me:Noi
t'
sokay.
.Ishoul
d'vecal
led
Ndal
o:I
'
m sor
ry
Me:I
t'
sokay.
.SoNangomsoi
sback?
Ndalo:Er
rYes.
.Weneededher
,coul
dn'
tgeta
r
eplacement
Me:Youtel
li
ngmethatint
hewholeofSout
hAf
ri
ca
youcoul
dn'
tgetsomeonet
orepl
aceher?
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Ndal
o:Babeyouknowt
hatIdon'
tnecessar
il
ydo
t
hehiri
ng
Me:YeahIknow
Ndal
o:Ar
eweokayher
e?
Me:Yesweare.
.Ishoul
dleaveandnotkeepyou
f
rom wor
king
Ndal
o:I
'
llwal
kyouout
Me:Okay
Wewal
kedout
..
NANGOMSO

IknowIshouldn'
tbutforsomer easonitt
ickedme
seei
ngthem t
hataffect
ionateormaybei t
'sBecause
BelandIwenol ongerthatti
ght,nolongergetalong.
Isawherstar
eandi twasn'tsincere.
..

Idon'tknowhowt hisi
sgoingtoworkbetweenus.
Obviouslyther
e'ssomebadbloodbetweenusnow,
batt
lelineshavebeendrawn.
..

Reco:Sosowhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:Excuseme?
Reco:Get
ti
ngmi
xedi
ntheEnt
angl
ementagai
n?
Me:Iknowthatyouar
enotf
orwhat'
sgoingon,but
It
hinkIam ol
denoughtomakedeci
sionsaboutmy
l
if
e
Reco:Excusemet
hen
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.
.Idi
dn'
tmeant
ober
ude
Reco:Noit
'sokay.
.Iunder
stand,
I'
m sor
ry.
.Let
's
cont
inueworki
ng
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
10] :70

NANGOMSO

Lateron,Ndal
oandIdr ovedowntomyhousesohe
couldtal
ktoLelesinceLel
ewantshishel
p.He
wantedtobeenlightenedmoreonthesi
tuati
onand
aboutthesit
uati
on,soheknowshowt ohelp..

Nathiwaspr esentt
oo,
Ihopethi
si sgoi
ngtobea
peacefult
alksinceNat
hidoesn'
treal
lyl
ikeNdal
o..

Lel
ecutt
hecakeandpouredcooldr
inkf
orus,
so
wecoul
ddiscussever
ythi
ng.
.
Ndal
o:Sosot
ell
smet
hatyouneedmyhel
p?
Lele:Yes.
.Ineedtocommunicat
ewi
thmy
Grandmot herandyouaret
heonl
yPer
sonIknow
whoi sgif
tedthatwaytohel
pmecommunicat
e
withher
Ndal
o:Iunder
stand
Me:So?
Ndal
o:Youhaveaspi
ri
tualgi
ftdon'
tyou?
Lel
e:YesI
'
vebeent
old
Ndal
o:Buti
t'
sbl
ocked,
yourMot
herbl
ockedi
t
Lel
e'
seyeswi
dened.
.
Lel
e:SoMahl
ophewasn'
tlyi
ng
Ndalo:Youseethatopenf i
eldthere?Byyourhouse?
YourGrandmotherisstandingtherewaiti
ngforyou
tocommuni cat
ewithher.Thef arestdi
stanceshe
canwal ki
sfrom t
hatfi
eldtot hegate.Shecan't
comei nhere
Lel
e:SohowdoIcommuni
cat
ewi
thher
?
Ndalo:Ithastobei nmyt er r
it
orybecausemy
ter
rit
oryisneutral.You'
llhavet ocomedownt othe
off
iceandi twon'tbeat elevi
sedsession,butwewil
l
hearfrom her.I
fshewant stocommuni catewit
h
youinmyof f
iceort heopenf iel
d
Lel
e:Whencanwedoi
t?
Ndal
o:Soonasyour
eady
Lel
e:Tomor
row?
Ndalo:There'sthi
ngsyouneedt ogetfi
rst
.You
needawhi teclothimpr i
ntedwi t
htheheadofal i
on
atthebackandt r
immedwi thred,youneeda
calabashwithAf r
icanbeer ,anincense,awhit
eand
bluecandle,snufftaxigreen.Wenotgoi ngtousea
redcandleasyetunt ilwehearf rom herhowshe
want syoutopracticeyourgi f
t
Nat
hi:Wecangett
het
hingsandwewi
llr
eschedul
e
f
oranotherday
Ndal
o:Fi
newi
thme
Lel
e:Ican'
tthankyouenough
Ndal
o:I
t'
sokaydon'
tsweati
t.
.Soyouar
eUt
hungu
Lel
e:Huh?
Ndal
o:Yourancest
ralspi
ri
t.I
t'
sUt
hungut
hel
ion
Me:I
sthatbad?
Ndalo:Noi t
'sactual
lybett
ert hanboNdau, thespir
it
ofthewat er
s.Ifyougot hetradit
ionalwayyouwi ll
stayinacavewi thUthunguandyourGr andmot her
foratleast3mont hs.
.Youhavet ostayinthe
wilder
ness.Uthungui saspiritanimalofthe
wilder
nessqui t
epower f
ulifyouaskbutt oo
aggressive
Lel
e:Idon'
twannast
ayi
nacave
Ndalo:Wewil
ltalktoher,pl
eadwithherbuti
fyou
don'
twannaini
tiatethatwaythatmeansther
ewil
l
beti
meswhenyouwi l
lberequi
redtogoto
wil
dernessmoreof t
en
Nat
hi:That
'sbet
ter
,Icanl
ivewi
tht
hat
Ndal
o:Youdoreali
zethatyouar
ewi t
havery
power
fulwoman.Beingwithaspi
ri
tualgi
ft
ed
per
sonisnoteasy
Nat
hi:Wewi
llgett
hroughi
t
Ndalo:Youhavetosuppor
therwholehear
tedl
yor
Uthungucanbreakyouguysupifyoubecome
self
ishwit
hher
Hehel
dLel
e'
shand.
.
Nat
hi:Iwi
llal
lowhert
opr
act
icehergi
ftt
hewayshe
want
s
Ndal
o:Suchl
ovei
sver
yrar
etof
ind,
Iam i
nawe
Nat
hi:Ar
ewedoneher
e?
Ndal
o:Ibel
ieveso
Nat
hi:Good.
.I'
m goi
ngoutf
orf
reshai
r
Hegotupandki
ssedLel
e..
Nat
hi:I
'
llcomebackl
ater
Hewal
kedout
..
Lel
e:I
'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
Ndalo:Noi
t'
sokay.
.Don'
tsweati
t,Iunder
stand.
Justaprot
ect
ivebi
gbrot
her
Lel
e:Woul
dyoul
iket
ost
ayoverf
ordi
nner
?
Ndal
o:Idon'
twannai
mpose
Me:Wei
nsi
st
Ndal
o:Maybeanothert
imewhenNat
hif
eel
s
di
ff
erent
lyaboutme
Lel
e:Thankyouagai
n
Ndal
o:Youwel
come

BELI
NDA

Ihadt osuckitupandgot owor k.IwishIcould

stayathomeandsobbutwor ki simportant,
myj ob
i
sver yimportanttome.Idi
dn'tgot oschoolforall
theseyearsjusttomesseverythingup.I'
llgowith
thepaintowor k,andf
igur
eever ythi
ngoutf r
om
there.

WhenIgott
her
eLi
sar
angme.
.

Me:Howwast
hef
uner
al?
Li
sa:Dr
eadf
ul
Me:I
'
m sor
ryIcoul
dn'
tcome
Li
sa:Iunder
standni
ghtshi
ft
sar
eti
ri
ng
Me:YesbutIcoul
d'vemadei
tyouknow,
justf
or
t
hosefewminutes
Li
sa:Thenwhydi
dn'
tyou?
Me:Iam..Iam goi
ngt
hroughal
oti
nmymar
ri
age
r
ightnow
Li
sa:Wannat
alkabouti
t?
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkso,
ImeanIdon'
twannabur
den
you
Li
sa:Younotbur
deningme,wearebestf
ri
ends.
Youther
eforme,andI'
mtheref
oryou
Me:Ndal
oisbackwi
thSoso
Li
sa:Okay,andhowdoyouf
eelaboutt
hat
?Ar
eya'
l
l
al
lbacktogether
?
Me:Nowenot.
.Theyhavi
nganaf
fai
r.Iam andwas
donewi
tht
hatgir
l
Li
sa:Howcanhedot
his?
Me:Hesl
eptwi
thheri
nourhouse
Lisa:That
'slowanddi
rt
yofNdal
o!Nevert
ookhi
m
forthatPerson
Me:I'
m surpr
isedmyself.
.LisaIdon'
tknowwhatt
o
do,
I'
m defeated.I
tseemslikehelovesthi
sgi
rl
morethanIthinkhedid
Li
sa:Doyoul
ovehi
m?
Me:Ofcour
seIdo
Li
sa:Wannast
il
lbewi
thhi
m?
Me:Wi
thal
lmyhear
t
Lisa:Thendon'tl
etthisgi
rltakehimfrom you!
Ndaloisyourhusband!Obvi ousl
yherintent
ionsare
notpure,whywoul dsheagr eetosneakupand
downwi thhim knowinghe'smar r
ied?Isayteach
thisgir
lalesson

NANGOMSO
Iwal
kedhi
mtohi
scar
..
.
Me:Thankyouf
orhel
ping
Ndal
o:I
t'
swhatIdo
Me:I
'
llseeyout
omor
rowatwor
k
Ndal
o:Sonogoi
ngt
omyhouse?Havedi
nnerand
chi
ll
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkso.
.Ineedyout
otal
ktoBel
inda
f
ir
st
Ndal
o:I
fIdo,
Iwantyoutopromi
semet hatyou
andher
.Whathappenedbet
weenyouguysit'
sover
Me:I
tis.
.Ipr
omi
se
Ndal
o:ThenI
'
llt
alkt
oher
Me:I
'
llhearf
rom yout
hen
Ndalo:Tomorr
ownightwearegoi
ngoveratmy
Mother'
sfordi
nner
..If
orgott
hatt
oni
ghtshewas
goi
ngt ochur
ch
Me:Noi
t'
sokay.
.Tomor
rowi
t'
sfi
net
oo
Heki
ssedmyhand.
.
Ndal
o:Tomorrowni
ghti
tist
hen,
don'
twor
ry.You'
l
l
l
ovemyMot her
Me:Ihopeso
Hehuggedmeandki
ssedme.
.
Ndal
o:Letmego.
.Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Hegoti
nthecaranddroveaway.
.Iturnedbackand
wal
kedi
ntotheyar
dClarawasstandingatthegat
e
wi
thafr
iendofher
s.
Il
ookedatt
hem,
theyl
ookedatmet
oo.
.
Obvi
ousl
ytheyweregossipi
ngaboutme,
Ist
ared
t
hem downandthenclosedthegat
e.

CLARA

Nozi
:Shuuuuuuyashe'
sful
lofher
sel
f
Me:Mxm f
ullofher
sel
fwhi
lstdat
ingamar
ri
edman
Nozi
:Wher
ewasshevel
eal
lal
ong?
Me:Idon'
tknow,
shej
ustr
ockedupnotsol
ongago
Nozi:Thi
swillbeoutsoon,t
her
e'snowayshecan
haveanaffai
rwithamar r
iedmanandnotjusta
typi
calmarri
edman.Af amousonefort
hatmatter
Me:Andt
heysocasualabouti
t
Nozi
:Toocasual
Me:Thesegir
lsjustcameandoutoft heblue
ever
ythi
ngiswor ki
ngoutfort
hem,it'
sveryunusual
andNathij
ustfel
lforSoso'
sfri
end.Justl
ikethat
?
Nozi:kukhonaokushayaamanzi(
Somet
hingi
s
def
initel
ywrong)
Me:Doyout
hinkukuthibayahl
ola?(
Doyout
hink
t
heyseeatr
adit
ionalheal
er)
Nozi
:Itcoul
dbe,
youcan'
ttr
ustt
hesedays
Me:Ver
ytr
ue,
butt
hisf
air
ytal
ewi
llendsoon
Nozi
:Vel
esuchthi
ngshaveter
ri
bleconsequences,
someoneshoul
dgett
hem downfrom t
heirhi
gh
hor
se
Me:Tr
ue
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
11] :71

BELI
NDA

2WEEKSLATER

Ithasbeenhar df
ormeIdon' twannal ie,faci
ngt he
manever ydaywhohascausedmesomuchpai n
andpr etendingasi fli
keever yt
hingisal r
ighthas
beenver ydifficul
tforme.Iwasn' teati
ngwel l
anymor e,mymoodswer eunst ableandIf ound
comf ortinpill
s.Idrinkpainki l
ler
sandsl eepingpi l
ls
allt
het imesi ncethissit
uationhashappenedj ust
soIcangetagoodni ghtsleep.JustsoIcan
functi
onever yday..Ndalowasbecomi ngdi stant
everyday, hewasnol ongerthesameandIt r
iednot
tobet oomuchofanui sancet ohi m.Ionlyspeakt o
him whenhespeakst omeandt herestoft hetime,I
t
endtoavoi
dhim Iwoul
drat
herbeatworkmore
t
hanIwouldbeathome.Homeisnolongerni
ce.
I
t'
sdr
eadfulanddepr
essi
ng

Iwasofff
or7dayssincemynightshi
t,andIdon'
t
knowwhatIwasgoingtodowithmyselfbecause
mybeingofff
orthi
slongwi
llr
equir
emet obe
homemoreoften.
.

TodayIhadgoneoutwithLi
sa,shewassti
llnot
backatwork.Shewil
lbegoi
nginnextweekwi t
h
me.Iam soreli
evedt
hatatl
eastIhaveoneperson
whostil
lcar
esforme..
.

Li
sa:Thi
swi
lll
ookgoodonyou
Il
ookedatt
hedr
ess.
.
Me:I
t'
snotbadbutIdon'
twanti
t
Li
sa:MaybeIcangeti
tformysel
f
Me:Youshoul
d..
Li
sa:I
'
llgeti
t
Me:Letmegot
other
estr
oom,
I'
llcomeback.Don'
t
goanywher
e
Li
sa:Iwon'
t
Iwalkedouttoactuallygotoasuper marketand
buymysel fabot
tleofwat er
.SoIcoul ddri
nkmy
Grandpaheadachepowder ,
Iwasn' tabl
etodrinki
t
thi
smor ni
ngandIf eltli
keIwasn'tgoingtobeable
tofunct
ion.Iwastrembl i
ng,agi
tatedandfeeli
ng
verymuchFust r
ated.Ineededmydose. .

NANGOMSO

Isatoont
het
oil
etseatandcl
osedmyeyes.
Me:Pl
easebenegat
ive.
.Pl
easebenegat
ive
Iopenedmyeyeswi t
hsomuchf eardeepinsi
deof
me, andIglancedatt
hepregnancytesti
nmyhand.
Ithad2lines,i
twasposi
ti
ve
Iputmyhandovermymout
hasapani
ckat
tack
sur
facedt
hrough.
.
Me:OhhmyGodt
hiscan'
tbehappeni
ngt
ome
Thel
ineswer
ever
yvi
sibl
e,bot
hoft
hem.
.
Ihadhotf
lushes,Iwasdizzyandfeelingver
yhot .
Myheartwasbeat i
ngwayt oofast
.Mychestcl osed
i
nonme, Iwasgoi ngtohypervent
il
ate.Thepanick
att
ackwasatit'
shighestpeak..
Me:Cal
m down.
.Cal
m down
Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
..Ij
umpedal
it
tl
e..
Me:Whoi
s..Whoi
sit
?
Reco:Yourf
ri
endi
sher
e
Me:Uhm.
.Okay.
.I'
m comi
ng
Reco:Ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?
Me:I
'
mfi
nej
ust
..Ihavear
unni
ngst
omach
Reco:Ohwt
hat
'sbad
Me:I
'
llber
ightt
her
e
Reco:Okayt
hen
It
ookt
hepr
egnancyt
estandshovedi
tinmybr
a,at
l
eastIwaswear
ingaspor
tsbr
atoday.

BELI
NDA

Iwasonlyabl
etobuyabott
leofwat
eratKi
ngpi
e,
thesuper
market
sweref
ull
.

Ievensatdownont hechairstodr inkit

,andonl y
stoodupt ogomeetupwi t
hLi saagai nafterafew
minutes.Idon'tknowbutIwasf eelingverydizzy,
maybei t'
sbecauseIdranki twithouteating.I
haven'teatenanythi
ngsinceal lmor ni
ng..Ifound
Li
sast andingtherewit
haf ewcl otheswai t
ingfor
me..

Li
sa:You'
vebeengoneal
ongt
ime
Me:Yeahi
twasf
ull
sor
ry
Li
sa:I'
vegotal
lthecl
othesIwant
,Idon'
tknow
aboutyou
Me:NoI
'
m good
Lisa:Bel
..Icanseehowyoutryi
ngtokeepst
rong
butdeepdownyouar ebreaki
ng.Sweet
ieyougoi
ng
toloseyourmi nd
Me:I'
m notgoi
ngt
ovent
urei
ntowi
tchcr
aft
,that
's
notme
Lisa:Whyar eyouf eelinganysympat hyfort hisgir
l?
Isshef eeli
nganysympat hyforyou?She' sout
thereinpubl icmaki ngi tknownt hatshe' swi th
Ndaloandshedoesn' tcare!Whyar eyouhavi ng
anysympat hyf orher ?Bel t
hiswor ldiscr uelifyou
wannasur vi
veyouf ightevilwithevil!Don' ttel
lme
aboutkar ma, kar mat akest ime.Goddoesn' tcare!
Youpai dyourduesaf tersleepingwi t
hamar ri
ed
man, whyi sn'tshepayi ngforit
?She' soutt here
l
ivingherbestl if
e!Model ing,eatingyourmanshe' s
allovertheint ernetandpeopl el oveher !Thel ove
sheget sisnotcompar edt othehat esheget s!
Peoplear elooki ngupt oher ,agirlwhobeatal lodds!
Model i
ngwi thbur ntscar sonhert hi
ghsandbei ng
viewedasaher oineshe' smaki ngmor egirlscome
outwi t
ht heirflawswhataboutyou?Youj ustgoi ng
tolett
hisgir
lbenefi
tfrom yourhardwork?Ndal
o
wasn'tevenallt
hatwhenhemetyou, nowhe's
l
ivi
nghi sbestli
feandforgotaboutyou?Wherewas
thi
sgirlwhenhesuf f
eredthetraumasofhis
chi
ldhood?Shewasn' tther
e!Youwer ether
e!
ShefoundNdaloselfmadealready!Hai
boBel '
s
wakeupandsmel lt
hecoffee.
.Godi snotgoingto
fi
ghtforyou,
wherewasGodwhenmyhusband
di
ed?Somet i
mesyouneedt otakemat t
ersintoyour
ownhands.Suckitupandf i
ghtforyourman!

NDALO

Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
..
Me:Comei
n
Recoopened.
.
Reco:Hey
Me:Hey
Reco:Yoursecondcl
ient
sar
eher
e
Me:Wher
eisSoso?
Reco:She'
sint
hebat
hroom,
runni
ngst
omach
Me:Shehasn'
tbeenf
eel
ingwel
ll
atel
y
Nat
hiandLel
ewal
kedi
n..
Reco:Weupi
n5
Me:Thi
sisapr
ivat
econsul
tat
ionr
emember
?
Reco:YesIknowwejustsett
ingupever
ythi
ngt
o
makeeveryonecomf
ortabl
e
Me:Okayt
hankyou
Reco:Youwi
llcal
lmei
fyouguysneedanyt
hing
Me:Okay
Hewal
kedout
..
Lel
e:Goodaf
ter
noon
Me:Af
ter
noon.
.Sor
ryt
hatwecoul
dn'
tdot
hisear
li
er
Lel
e:Iunder
stand.
.Youar
eabusyman
Me:Thankyou
Nat
hi:Wher
eisSoso?
Me:Shei
ssai
dtobei
nthebat
hroom,
runni
ng
st
omach
Nat
hi:Ohw
Me:Uhm wecangot
othest
udi
o
Lel
e:Okay
Igotup.
.
Me:Youcanj
ustf
oll
owme

NANGOMSO

Igotoutoft hebat hroom andwal kedtot he

receptiontodr i
nkwat er
.Istillhadaser i
ouspani ck
attack.Idon'timaginemysel fasaMot her,ImeanI
can'tevendependonmysel f.Howt hehel lam I
goingt ohaveanent i
rehumanbei ngdependenton
me?I 'vejuststart
edt or
ealizemysel f
,mydr eams
andmygoal sandt hi
shappens?I 'm notready.I
don'tthinkIwannabeaMot her.Iwasn' tmot her
ed
wel l
,myMot herwasn'tsomuchofar olemodelt o
me.Howam It othis?It
'stoomuchf orme!
Thul
i:St
argi
rl
It
urnedandl
ookedather
..
Thuli
:Areyouokay?Youspendi
ngt
oomucht
imei
n
thebathr
oom t
oday
Me:I
'
m good.
.Justar
unni
ngst
omach
Thul
i:Ei
sht
hat
'sbad
Recowal
kedi
n..
Reco:Howar
eyouf
eel
ingnow?
Me:It
hinkI
'
m muchbet
ter
Reco:Theyi
nthest
udi
o
Me:Okay.
.Thankyou
Imademywayt
her
e..

BELI
NDA

Af
terLi
sapai
dforhercl
othes,
Igotacal
lfr
om
Ndal
o'sMot
her
..Wewer
eget
ti
ngsomet
hingt
oeat
now.
.
Me:Ma
Ma:Belhowar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m wel
landyou?
Ma:I
'
m wel
ltoo.
.It
'sbeenawhi
le
Me:I
thasi
ndeed
Ma:Howar eyouhol
dingup?Especi
all
ywit
hthi
s
bi
grevel
ationt
hatNdalowant
stotakeNangomso
ashersecondwif
e
Thatwasnewst
ome.
.
Me:Uhm het
oldyou?
Ma:Yeswhentheycamefordi
nnerlastweek.They
comi
ngagaint
onight,
areyoucomingwiththem?
Iswal
lowed.
.
Me:I
..Iam notsur
e
Ma:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Me:Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne,
Ijusthaveal
otgoi
ngonat
wor
kitmust
'vesl
ippedmymi
nd
Ma:Youknowyoucanal
wayst
alkt
ome
Me:YesIknowMa,
andt
hankyou
Ma:Okayt
henI
'
llseeyoul
ateri
fyoual
socomi
ng
Me:Okay
Ma:Bye
Me:Bye
Ihungup.
.
Li
sa:And?
Me:Het ookhertomeethi
sMotherl
astweek,
they
goingagaint
onight
.Hewantst
otakeherashis
secondwife
Li
sa:Ahhhhhf
ini
shed!

NANGOMSO

Imademywayt
othest
udi
o.Lel
eandNat
hiwer
e
ther
e..
Ndal
o:Wemi
ssedyouf
oramoment
Me:I
..I
'
m notf
eel
ingt
oowel
l,
stomachbug
Nat
hi:Tol
dyout
ost
opeat
ingsomuchchocol
ates
Lel
e:Howar
eyouf
eel
ingnow?
Me:I
'
m bet
ter
..Icanpul
lthr
ough
Ndal
olookedatme.
.
Me:I
'
m good
Ndal
o:Excuseusf
orasecond
Hegent
lygr
abbedmyar
m andpul
ledmet
othe
si
de.
.
Ndal
o:Lookatme
Il
ookedathi
m..
Ndalo:You'
vebeencryi
ng..What
'swr
ong?And
don'
ttellmeaboutthest
omachbug.Yourmoods
havebeenofflat
ely
IlookedatLel
e,thi
smeanssomucht oher.I
fIspi
ll
thebeansnowNdal omightbedi
str
actedthr
ough
thisconsul
tat
ionandIdon'
tneedt
hat,Lel
edoesn'
t
needt
hat
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
11] :72

NANGOMSO

AfterworkIwenthomet ogopr epar emysel ffor

dinnertonightwi thNdal o'sMot her.Ourf i
rst
meet i
ng,itwasn' tbad.She' sawel l spokenand
honestwoman, shei snotscar edt ospeakhert r
ut h.
Iadmi r
eheral ot ,thiswomant ookherBr otheri n
l
awski dsandr ai sedt hem asherown.Yesshei s
oneoft hef ewwoment hatIhighlylookupt oo.
She'sveryhumbl e, l
ovinganddoesn' tmakeyouf eel
anyunset tl
inghor mones.Shei sast rai
ghttal ker
anddoesn' tbeatar oundt hebushonanysi tuation. .
Iwaswear i
ngleggi ngswi thalongshi r
tandboot s.I
l
ookedatmysel fi nt hemi rr
orknowi ngt hatinaf ew
mont hsti
me, I'
llbebi gger.Ihaveal ifegrowi ng
i
nsideofmeandIdon'
tevenknowwher
etost
art
,
andifI
'l
lmakeagoodmother
.
Itwasascaryexperi
ence,Ineveri
maginedmysel
f
beingcal
ledt
oMot herhoodthi
searly.

Ilovekidsalwayshave, butnotenought osee

myselfmot her
ingonet hissoon.Ialwayst hought
thatI'
l
lbemor esettl
edment al
ly,emoti
onallyand
fi
nanciall
ywhenIst arthavingkids.Iwantt obe
mor efi
nancial
lyequippedthanmycur rentstat
eof
fi
nance.
IknowNdal owil
lbeapresentFat
hereventhough
wehaveneverhadt hi
sconversat
ion,
butIdon'tsee
him abandoni
nghisbl
ood.
Itwould'
vebeenat ot
albl
essi
ngifhedidn'
thavea
wife,
thiswholesi
tuati
onismessedupt oevenrai
se
akidin.Totoxi
canddr amati
cIdon'
twishany
str
ugglesonmyki ds.
.Iwantmykidstohavet he
bestli
fe.
Lel
ewalkedinwi
thoutknocki
ng,
Isnappedoutof
mythoughts.
.
Lel
e:Ohwyoul
ookgood
Me:Thankyou
Shesatonmybed.
.
Me:I
'
m sor
ryaboutt
oday
Lele:Iunder
stand.
.MyGr andmot
herwasaheal
er
soshe'sveryparti
cul
arandisgoi
ngtogi
ve
runarounds

Lel
e'sGr andmot herref
usedtocommuni cateinthe
off
ice,shei nsi
stedthatcommuni cati
onwi l
lbe
carr
iedouti nanopenf iel
d.Sot her
ewasn' tany
communi cati
onwehadt oreschedul
ef oranother
day..

Lel
e:What
'swr
ong?
Il
ookedather
..
Lel
e:Youhaven'
tbeenyour
sel
flat
ely
Lel
eismybestf
ri
endandwet
alkaboutanyt
hing.
.
Me:I
'
m pr
egnant
Hereyeswi
denedandhermout
hwassl
ight
lyopen.
.
Lel
e:Wow..Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay.
.
Congr
atul
ati
onsIguess
Isatdownnextt
oher
..
Lel
e:Wow.
.I.
.Dudeyougoi
ngt
obeaMot
her
Me:Howcoul
dIbesocar
eless!
Lel
e:Younott
hinki
ngofabor
ti
ngar
eyou?
Me:No.
.Ofcour
senot
..Idon'
tbel
ievei
nabor
ti
on
Lel
e:That
'sgood
Me:LeleIcan'
tevendependonmyself.Ihave
anxi
eti
es,I
'm amess,I
'm emot
ional
lyunstabl
e..
Howthehellam Igoi
ngtotakecareofakid?
Lel
e:Wel
lwe'
l
lbeher
eforyou,
Nat
hiandIwewi
ll
beher
e
Me:Yougoi
ngt
obet
hebestAunt
ythatIknowf
or
sur
e
Lele:There'
snof ormulaformother
hood, Iknow
thatunderneaththatangeryouaregoingt omakea
greatmot her
.Rememberhowyouusedt obabysit
mycousi n'sbaby?Youhaveal wayslovedki ds.
Theybr i
ngasi detoyouthatIneverknewexi st
ed.
Theybr i
ngoutt hebestfr
om youandmaybet hisis
howyouar egoingtohealedfr
om allthepai nand
anger..Youaregoingtobeagr eatMot her,Ibeli
eve
i
nyou
Me:underneathallt
hefear
s,I'
m al
soverymuch
exci
ted.Idi
dn'ti
maginehavingababyundert
hese
ci
rcumstancesbutmybabywasconcei vedi
nthe
mostbeautif
ulway
Lele:Ndaloisgoi
ngtobeagoodFat
her.Heseems
responsibl
eIdon'
tthi
nkhe'
sgoi
ngtoabandonyou
andt hebaby
Me:We'
veneverdi
scussedhavi
ngababyi
nful
l
Lel
e:Hedoesn'
tknowt
hatyoupr
egnant
?
Me:Notyet
Lel
e:Whenar
eyoupl
anni
ngt
otel
lhi
m?
Me:Toni
ght
Lel
e:I
'
m goi
ngt
obeanAunt
y
Me:Iknowr
ight
Myphonebeeped,
itwasamessagef
rom Ndal
o.He
wasatt
hegate.
.
Mywindowfacest
hest
reet
,itwaswei
rdt
hatI
di
dn'
thearhi
scar.
.
Me:Ishoul
dgo
Lel
e:Goodl
uck
Me:Thankyou
It
ookmybag,
andwal
kedout
..
.

BELI
NDA

Li
sa:Yourt
urn
Ipl
ayed.
.
Li
sa:Thatwascl
ose
IwasbyLisa'shouse.Aft
erourdayt oget
heratt
he
mall
,Ispentthefull
daywithher.Ineededtobe
awayfrom thetr
ibesandtr
ibul
ationsofmy
marr
iage..

Wewereplayi
nganoldgame, acl
assi
c.Snakesand
l
adder
s..Whil
sthavi
ngwine.
.

Li
sapl
ayed,
asnakedswal
lowedheral
ltheway
downt
othebot
tom..

Li
sa:Igi
veup
Me:Qui
tt
er!
Li
sa:Ihadagr
eatt
imet
hough
Me:Yeahmet
oo
Sheleanedoverandkissedme.Iki
ssedherback
butpull
edawayafterafewseconds.
.
Li
sa:I
'm sor
ry.
.Idi
dn'
tmeant
odot
hat
..I
'
mreal
ly
sor
ry
Ishutherupwit
hakiss.Shepul
ledbackandf
ixed
herwig.Shel
eanedoveragai
nandkissedme.
.

NANGOMSO

Igoti
nthecarandcl
osedt
hedoor
..
Ndal
o:Goodeveni
ng
Me:Eveni
ng
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Ndalo:YouknowI '
venoti
cedt hatyouhaven' tbeen
yoursel
fthesecoupl eofdaysand. .Idon'tknow
what'shappening,youdon'twannat alkandI
underst
andt hat.Idon'
twannapush, Iwil
lwaitf
or
youtotalktomewhenyour eady.Justknowt hatI
missyou, ImisstheoldyouandIhat eseeingyou
thi
swayi twor r
iesmeagr eatdeal..Idon'twanna
seeyoust r-
Me:I
'
m pr
egnant
Hekeptqui
etf
oraf
ewseconds.
.
Ndal
o:What
?
Me:I
'
m pr
egnant
Helai
dbackont
hechai
randr
ubbedhi
sfacewi
th
hi
shand.
.
Me:Ididn'
tpl
anthi
s..I
twascarel
essofmetonot
t
akeprecauti
onar
ymeasures.Don'
tthi
nkIdi
dthi
s
i
ntent
ional
ly
Ndal
o:Ofcour
seyoudi
dn'
t.
.Idon'
tbl
ameyouf
or
t
his,
notevenonebi
t
Iexhal
ed.
.
Ndalo:DeepdownI 'vealwayswant edtohavekids
butIcouldn'tr
aisethati ssuewithmywi febecause
ofhersit
uation,andbecauseIdi dn'
twannahur ther
.
SoIjustacceptedt hatI'l
lneverhavekids,Imade
peacewiththissituation.Youcameal ongandyou
hadissuesofyourown, Ididn'
tthi
nkwewer egoing
togettothispoint
Me:Iunder
stand
Ndal
o:Howdoyouf
eel
aboutt
hesi
tuat
ion?What
doyouwant
Me:Iam keepi
ngt
hebaby
Hecl
osedhiseyesandsai
dnothi
ng.Heopened
t
hem agai
nandhiseyeswerever
ymoist
..
Ndalo:Thankyou,andknowI'l
lbether
eeveryst
ep
oftheway.Anyti
meoft heday,youandthebaby
aregoingtocomef i
rst
Hehel
dmyhand.
.
Me:Wear
egoi
ngt
obePar
ent
s
Hesqueezedmyhand.
.
Ndal
o:Wear
egoi
ngt
obePar
ent
s

BELI
NDA

Iwasont
opofherandIst
oppedmysel
f.
Igotof
fher
e..
Li
sa:What
?Whathappened?
Me:Ican'
tdot
his
Li
sa:I
t'
sfi
ne.
.Idon'
tmi
nd
Me:No.
.Imadethi
smist
akewi
thsomeoneonce,
I
don'
twannar
epeatt
hesamemist
ake
Li
sa:I
t'
sthi
saboutNdal
o?
Me:Noit'
saboutyouandI .Idon'
twannaatt
ach
mysel
fint
osuchasi tuati
onagainonl
ytohavethe
si
tuat
ionbreakal
ongt heway,Iwon'
tbeabl
et o
handl
eanotherhear
tbreak
Li
sa:Iunderst
and.
.I'
m sor
ryIshoul
d'venever
i
nit
iat
edthis
Me:Noi
t'
sokay.
.Youdi
dn'
tfor
ceme
Li
sa:Ar
ewest
il
lgoodf
ordi
nner
?
Me:Yeswecanhavedi
nner
Li
sa:Howaboutyouspendani
ghther
e
Me:Huh?
Lisa:Forachangesl
eepnextt
osomeonethat
doesn'tbr
ingyoupai
n,someonet
hatdoesn'
tmake
thebedcold
Me:It
hinkI
'
dli
ket
hat
Shesmi
led.
.
Li
sa:Let
'spr
epar
edi
nner
Me:Okay

CLARA

Aunt
y:Andweher
e
Il
ookedatherhouse.
.
Me:Shehasabeaut
if
ulhouse,
thebestIhaveseen
si
ncewedrovei
ntot
hehood
Aunt
y:Wehavet
ravel
edal
ongwayt
ogether
e,ar
e
your
eady?
It
ookadeepbr
eat
handexhal
ed.
.
Me:I
'
mready
Aunt
y:Let
'sdot
his
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
11] :73
BELI
NDA

Aft
ereat ingdi
nnerwechat t
edf orawhi l
eandcall
ed
i
tani ght.Wesharedt hesamebed, di
dn'
tknowhow
tofeelsleepi
nginhermat ri
moni albedbutitwas
bett
ert hanmyownbedathome. .Ndal
ohasn't
contactedmeyet ,doesn'
tevenknowwher eIam.
Knowi ngmyNdal o,hewould'velongcalled.

It
urnedandl ookedatLi
sawhowaslayi
ngnextt
o
me,Ithoughtaboutwhatshesai
d.
ThatIneedtofightt
hiswomant oothandnail
,can'
t
giveuponmymar ri
age.Idon'
tknowhowl i
fewould
turnoutwit
houtNdalo,itwoul
dtakemeal ongtime
tomoveonf rom whathehasdonet ome.Itwon't
beeasy,NdaloiseverywhereIcoul
drandomlygo
onsocialmediaandfindapostabouthim
Iwi
lltakeawhil
etot
otot
all
ymoveonf rom hi
m..I
wouldgladl
ytr
ytomoveonfrom t
hissi
tuat
ionif
Nangomsodi dn'tknowt hatNdal
owasmar ri
ed.
She'sspit
ingme, spi
tti
ngonmyf aceandenjoyingit
.
WalkingawayI '
l
lbet hebiggestl
aughingstock,and
Idon'tknowifI'
l
lbeabl etohandlethat.
.Ikeptbusy
onInstagram,checkinghisaccount.Therewasn't
muchgoi ngon,hemost lypostsabouthisshowand
funnywor kvi
deos..

Ihaveneverpracti
cedanywi tchcraf
tnorthoughtof
i
t,butmaybeLisaisright.IpaidmyduewhenIhad
anaffai
rwithamar ri
edman, whatmakesherso
speci
althatshewon'tpayherdues.Sheknows
exact
lythatmyhusbandi smar r
ied,
wet al
king
aboutthesamewomanwhobadmout hedme.She
hasanagenda, andI'
llhavemi netoo..

NANGOMSO

Wewer enoweati
ngdesser
t.Iwasful
lalready,
Ndal
o'sMom fedusbeyondthenor
malt hreshol
d.
Shewasagoodcookt ooIgi
veherthat
..Theyar ea
ver
ycloseandlovi
ngfamil
y,thel
ovet
hatt
heygi
ve
i
ssinceret
oit
'spurestf
orm..
..

Mr
sD:It
houghtBelwasgoi
ngt
ocomewi
th
Themomentwentsour
..
Mr sD:Ifi
guredt
hatsinceeveryonei
sin
communi cat
ionandinagreementwiththewhole
polygamythatwecouldallshareint
hesekindof
moment s.Havedinnerasafami l
ywit
houtanyone
feeli
nglef
tout

Ifel
tli
ketheconver
sat
iondi
dn'
tneedmeto
contr
ibut
emuch.Thisiswher
eNdalocomesi
n..

Ndal
o:Beli
s..She'
snotf
eel
ingwel
l
,youknowhow
i
t'
sli
ke
MrsD:Thati
sstr
ange, shedi
dn'tment
iont
hatshe
wassi
cktomeear l
ieronwhenwewer etal
kingover
t
hephone.Shesoundedveryfine
Ndal
o:Belt
endst
obemoodyatt i
mesMa,
somet
imesshecanshutdownandwannabeonher
own

I
tdidn'tneedarocketsci
enti
sttoshowt hatNdal
o
waslying.Sohehasn'tspokentohiswifeabout
t
his,nowIf eell
iket
hebiggestf
oolaroundt hi
s
t
able..

MrsD:Isee.
.Wel
lsendhermyl
ovewhenyouget
home
Ndal
o:Iwi
ll
Wehavedeci dedthatwewon'ttel
lhi
sfamilynor
anyoneelseaboutthepregnancysi
tuat
ion.Atl
east
unti
lIst
artshowing.
MrsD:IappreciateyoucomingNdalo,honouring
t
heinvit
ati
onit'
sgoodt hatwearespendingtime
t
ogetherandtryingtogettoknoweachot her
Me:Iagr
ee
Ndal
o:I
t'
slat
e..Weshoul
dpr
obabl
ygetgoi
ng
Mr
sD:Thankyouf
orcomi
ngagai
n
Me:Thankyouf
ori
nvi
ti
ngme,
yourf
oodwas
del
ici
ous
Mr
sD:St
ickar
oundandImi
ghtgi
veyout
her
eci
pe
Me:Thatwoul
dbeni
ce.
.Thankyouver
ymuch
Mr
sD:Youwel
comemyDear

CLARA

Wewer ewelcomedinbythisot
herwoman.She
tookustotheli
vingr
oom andtol
dustosi
tther
e
andwaitforMissG.Sheoff
eredussomet
hingto
dri
nk..

Seei
ngthi
swoman'
shouse,mademet ohavefai
th
i
nher.Sheseemsr
ich,
herhousewasbeauti
ful
..

Mi
ssG:Hl
ezi
Aunt
:Thokoza
Mi
ssG:Thokoza
Shewaswear i
ngaGuccidr essandflatshoes,had
agoldchainaroundherneck.Gol
dbraceletsand
ri
ngs,herweaveIenvi
edit.
.Shelookedatusand
smil
ed..
MyAuntcl
appedherhands.
.
Aunt
:Thokoza
Shehadl
ongnai
lst
oo.
.
Shesatdownont
heot
hercouch.
Aunt
:Thi
sismyNi
ecet
heoneIt
oldyouabout
MissG:YesIrememberyoument
ionedovert
he
phone.
.Thokoza
Me:Thokoza
Aunt
:She'
sher
easki
ngf
orhel
p
Me:I
'
mli
steni
ng
Il
ookedatmyAuntandshenodded.
.
Me:I
..Ineedhel
pwi
th.
.Seet
her
e'st
hisguywho
l
ivesnextdoorandIr
eal
lywanthi
m
Mi
ssG:Sowhyar
en'
tyouget
ti
nghi
m?
Me:Heiswit
hsomeoneelseandheseemstol
ove
her
,ver
yfi
rstgi
rlt
hathehasl
oved.Hernamei
s
Lel
e
Shel
eanedf
orwar
d..
Mi
ssG:What
'sherf
ullname?
Me:NotsureIknowherasLele,sheisfri
endswit
h
thegir
lnextdoor
.Theycametogether
,thegirl
movedoutofhomeal ongti
meagonevert obe
heardofandonlycamebacknow
Mi
ssG:Theot
hergi
rl
..What
'shername?
Me:Nangomsobutwecal
lherSoso
Mi
ssG:Howdoesshef
itnextdoor
?
Me:Sosoi
sNat
hi'
ssi
ster
,Nat
hii
stheguyIwant
Mi
ssG:Sot
hisLel
eandNat
hiar
etoget
her
?
Me:Yes
Mi
ssG:Tel
lmemor
e
Me:Mor
eli
ke?
Mi
ssG:Thei
rli
ves,
whatdot
heydo?
Me:Sosoi
samodelnow,
under
wearmodeland
worksf
orNdal
otoo.
.
Mi
ssG:Readi
ngwi
thNdal
o?
Me:Yes
Mi
ssG:Amazi
ng
Me:Lelej ustst
artedwor ki
ngatTr uwort
hs.The
thi
ngis,thesegirl
sj ustcamer ecent
ly.Aceremony
wasper formedthenal lofasuddenboom
everyt
hingi sworkingoutforthem
Mi
ssG:I
sn'
tthi
sNdal
omar
ri
ed?
Me:Hei
s..I
t'
squi
teacompl
icat
edst
ory
Mi
ssG:Isee
Shenoddedr
epeat
edl
y..
Mi
ssG:Isee
Me:Woul
dyoubeabl
etohel
pme?
Shesmi
led.
.
Mi
ssG:Youhavecomet
other
ightpl
acechi
ld
Me:Thankyou

NANGOMSO

Wedrovebackt
omyhouse,
henot
icedt
hatIwasn'
t
mysel
f.
.
Ndal
o:Ngenzeni
?(whatdi
dIdo)
Me:Youhaven'
ttal
kedt
oBelhaveyou?
Ndal
o:Honest
lyNo
Me:Sowhatam Idoi
ng?Hel
pingyoucheat
?
Ndal
o:Iwi
llt
alkt
oherIj
ustdon'
tknowhow
Me:Ilookedli
keabigfoolatt
het
abl
ewhenyour
Motherthrewallt
hatshade
Ndal
o:SosoIwi
llt
alkt
oBelIpr
omi
se
Me:Okay
Ndalo:Idon'
twannafi
ght
..Idon'
twannaupsetyou,
I
'l
ltal
ktohertoni
ghtwhenIgethome..Ipr
omise
Me:I
fyousayso

LELE

Nat
hi:Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogo?
Me:YesIam
Nat
hi:Let
'sgot
hen
Me:HaveyouseenCl
arat
oday?
Nat
hi:NoIhaven'
t
Me:Yest
erday?
Nat
hi:No
Me:Ohw
Nat
hi:Whydoyoucar
e?
Me:Noit
'sj
ustt
hat
..
.It
'sunusualf
orhernott
obe
ar
ound
Nat
hi:Iam j
ustgl
adt
hatshe'
soutofourl
ives
Me:Yeahmet
oo
Nat
hi:Let
'sgoBabe,
weal
readyl
ate
Me:Okayl
et'
sgo

BELI
NDA

Icoul
dn'
tsl
eep,
Ikeptont
ossi
ngandt
urni
ng.
Li
sat
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.
Li
sa:Whyar
en'
tyousl
eepi
ng?
Il
ookedather
..
Me:Iwast
hinki
ngaboutyourof
fer
Li
sa:Okay?
Me:It
hinkIwannadoi
t
Li
sa:Ar
eyousur
e?
Inodded.
.
Li
sa:Okayt
henI
'
llcont
acther
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
12] :74

BELI
NDA

Thefol
lowingmorningIdrovestr
aighthome.Ihad
agooddayandni ghtyester
daywithLisa.Itwasn'
t
alonggetawaybutitwasbettert
hannot hi
ng.Ihad
swit
chedmyphoneof f,andwhenIswi tchediton,
Ndalohadcall
ed.
.

Igothomeandhewasprepari
ngf
orwor
k.It
hought
Iwouldfi
ndhi
m goneal
ready.

Me:Goodmor
ning
Hel
ookedatmeandcont
inuedbut
toni
nghi
sshi
rt
..
Ndal
o:Wher
ehaveyoubeen?
Me:Iwaswi
thLi
sa,
youcancal
lhert
oconf
ir
mif
youwant
Ndal
o:Si
ncewhendoyoudosl
eepover
swi
thout
i
nfor
mingme.Iwasworr
ied
Me:Iam sor
ry.
.Nextt
imeI
'
lli
nfor
m you
Ndalo:You'
vebeenver
ydi
stantl
atel
y,whathaveI
done?
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.Istheresomet
hingt
hatyoudi
d?
Somethi
ngyounottell
ingme?
Hef i
nishedbut
toni
nghisshi
rtandt
ookadeep
breat
h..Heputhishandsi
nhispocket
sandlooked
atme...
Ndalo:IhavechosentotakeSosoasmysecond
wif
e,Iam let
tingyouknowbecauseyouaremywif
e
andIwoul dl
ikeyourbl
essingsi
nthi
ssit
uati
ons
Me:It
houghtweweredonewi
thSoso?Di
dn'
tyou
sayweweredone?
Ndalo:Idi
dsayt hatand.
.I'
m sor
ryBel
,Ishould'
ve
addressedthi
swi t
hyouwhenwest art
edseeing
eachotheragain
Me:Youseei
ngheragai
n?
Ndal
o:Yes
Me:Forhowl
ong?
Ndal
o:I
t'
sbeenawhi
lenow
Inoddedwhi
lstl
ooki
ngdown.
.
Me:Haveyousl
eptwi
thhereversi
nceya'
l
lgotback
t
ogether
?
Ndal
o:Yes
Me:Howmanyt
imes?
Ndal
o:Af
ewt
imes
Me:CanIal
somakeyouchoosebet
weenmeand
her
?
Ndal
o:Ican'
tdot
hat
Me:Why?
Ndalo:Becausethesit
uat
ioni
smor
edi
ff
icul
tnow,
she'
s..
.She'spregnant
Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:What
?
Ndal
o:She'
spr
egnant
Me:Youi
mpr
egnat
edher
?
Ndal
o:I
twasn'
tint
ent
ional
,we.
.Wedi
dn'
tpl
ant
his
Me:Di
dn'
tpl
ani
t?
Ndal
o:Bel
Hewal
kedupt
omeandIst
eppedback.
.
Me:Don'
t.
.Don'
tevent
ouchme
Iwal
kedoutoft
hebedr
oom.
.

CLARA

Wesl eptoveratMi ssG'shouse.Wewi llbedrivi

ng
backhomet omorrow.Ilikehowwewer ebeing
tr
eated, t
hehospi tali
tyfr
om thishousewasl ovely..
Wewokeupt othedinningtablesetupforbreakfast.
Bacon, sausages, cheese,eggs,sl
icedtomatoes,
Juice,coffee,toastedbread,yogurtandafruitsalad.
Ther
ewasavar
iet
ytochoosef
rom.
.

Iwast
hef
ir
stonet
omakei
ttot
hedi
nni
ngt
abl
e,I
couldl
iveli
kethi
sever yday.Definit
elywear e
accompanyingotherpeopleint hiswor l
d.Peopl
e
l
ikeMissGar eli
vingandwej ustsurvivi
ng.Ienvy
thi
scomf or
tabl
elife.

Someguywalkedi
n,hewaswear
ingwhatl
ooked
l
ikewor
kuni
form..

Hestoppedandl
ookedatme,
hewasf
ixi
nghi
s
wri
stwatch.
.
Hi
m:Goodmor
ning
Hewashandsomenol
ie.
.
Me:Goodmor
ning
Hi
m:Si
d
Me:Cl
ara
Heext
endedhi
shandoutt
ome.
.
Si
d:Lovel
ytomeetyou
Me:Sameher
e
Hesatdownopposi
teme.
.
Si
d:Youar
eoneofmyMot
her
'scl
ient
s?
Me:Yes.
.Iar
ri
vedher
etoni
ght
Si
d:Isee
(
Sil
ence)
Sid:Nott
ojudgebut
..Youl
ooksoi
nnocentt
obe
here
Me:Uhm.
.
Si
d:I
'
mjustsayi
ng
Thatwasembar
rassi
ng.
.
Mi
ssGwal
kedi
n..
.
Mi
ssG:Goodmor
ning
Wegr
eet
edherback.
.
Mi
ssG:Iseet
hatyouhavemetmySon
Me:Yeshe'
sver
yki
nd
Mi
ssG:Thathei
s
Me:Thankyouf
oryourhospi
tal
it
y
Mi
ssG:OhwPl
ease.
.Itwasnot
hing
Ist
art
edeat
ing.
.
MissG:Si
dIneedt
otal
ktoyoubef
oreyougot
o
work
Si
d:Nopr
obl
em

NANGOMSO

Ipr
epar
edmyselftogotowork,myot
herwork.We
hadapoolphot
oshoott
oday.Iwasl
ooki
ngforwar
d
toi
t.
.

Me:Goodmor
ning
Nat
hi:Mor
ning
Me:Howar
eyou?
Nat
hi:I
'
m wel
landyou?
Me:I
'
m wel
l
Nat
hi:Goi
ngt
owor
k?
Me:Yesbutmyot
herwor
k
Henodded.
.
Nat
hi:I
'
m pr
oudofyou,
youknow
Me:Iappr
eci
atet
hatt
hankyou
Nat
hi:Iwi
shyoucoul
dfi
ndsomeonedi
ff
erentwhen
i
tcomestodati
ng
Me:Iknow
Idon'tknowhowtotel
lNathithatI
'
m pregnant
,
especial
lysi
ncehedoesn'
tli
keNdalo.
..
.
Me:Ihavet
ogett
owor
k,seeyoul
ater
Nat
hi:Lat
eri
tis

BELI
NDA

Thiswasthel
astnai
ltot
hecof
fi
n,thi
swomani si
n.
Shehascameinandshewasn'
tleavi
ng,
ifIdon'
tdo
somethi
ngabouti
t.Shei
sgoi
ngtotakemy
husbandawayfr
om me..
Li
sa:Bel
Me:Howf
astcanwegett
othewoman?
Li
sa:huh?
Me:Thewomanyout
oldmeabout
,howf
astcanwe
gett
oher?
Li
sa:Uhm I
'
llcal
landaski
fwecanmeethert
his
weekend
Me:Thankyou
Li
sa:Why?Whathappened?
Me:She'
spr
egnant
Li
sa:What
?
Me:Thebi
tchi
spr
egnantandIknowshedi
diton
pur
pose
Li
sa:I
'
llcal
lMi
ssGt
odayt
hengetbackt
oyou
Me:Thankyouf
ri
end

SI
DNEY(
SID)
MyMom wal
kedmeoutt
omycar
..
Mom:Wef
oundt
hem
Me:Who?
Mom:Lel
eandSoso,
wef
oundt
hem
Me:How?
Mom:Thatgi
rlCl
ara,
she'
sthei
rnei
ghbour
Me:Real
ly?
Mom:Yes!
Me:Wow
Mom:Itol
dyout
obeabi
tpat
ient
,seenowi
t'
s
payi
ngoff
Me:Sowhat
'st
hepl
annow?
Mom:Theplannowist
odestroythoset
wo,
thi
sis
whenwearegoingt
ostr
ikeback
Me:Sowhatnow?
Mom:Youwillhearf
rom me,
Ijustneedyouto
under
standt
hattogett
othem wewi l
lhavet
owor
k
asat
eam
Me:Iunder
stand
Mom:Got
owor
k..Wewi
llt
alkl
ater
Me:Okaycool
Mom:OhwI
'
m goi
ngt
oneedyout
omakemoveson
t
hisgi
rl
Me:Thatgi
rl
?
Mom:Shei
sbeaut
if
ulyoucan'
tdenyt
hat
Me:Shei
sbeaut
if
ulbut
..
Mom:Nobuts.
.Remember
,thi
swi
llr
equi
re
sacr
if
ices
Me:Iunder
stand

NDALO

Ical
ledSosoonmywayt
othest
udi
o..
Soso:
Hel
lo
Me:Youst
il
lmad?
Soso:
NoI
'
m not
..Idon'
thavet
heener
gy
Me:I'
m gl
adt
oheart
hatbecauseIhavespokent
o
Bel
Soso:
And?
Me:She'
snott
aki
ngi
twel
l
Soso:Idon'
tbl
ameher
,shepr
obabl
ythi
nkst
he
worstofme
Me:I
tdoesn'
tmat
terwhatshe'
sthi
nki
ng,because
t
hiswasn'
tdonef
rom mal
ici
ousint
ent
ions
Soso:
Ijustwantpeace
Me:IknowandIpr
omi
set
hatyouwi
llhavepeace
Soso:
Ihopeso
Me:Enj
oyyourphot
oshoot
,I'
l
lri
ngyoul
ater
Soso:
Okay
Me:Il
oveyou
Soso:
Iloveyout
oo
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
12] :75

NANGOMSO

Thepoolwascol derthanIt hought, pl

usi twas
cloudy.Myni ppleswer epointyallthroughand
through.Theyar eputti
ngi nar angeofswi mmi ng
wear ,andtheywer elovely.Rangingf rom red,black,
yellow,white,
pinkandbl ue.Ilovedt heswi mmi ng
weargear ,somet hi
ngIwoul dweari fIgooutt ot he
beachorapooli nthelodge. .I
tlastedf or2-3hour s,
thepictureswerebeaut if
ulaswel ookedatt hem
afterthephotoshoot.Ihadonat owel,tryi
ngtodr y
up..

Emar
ald:Sosoyoul
ookst
unni
ng!
Me:Thankyouver
ymuch
Emar
ald:Yourmoneyhascl
ockedi
nri
ght
?
Me:Yes
Emaral
d:ThisisgoingtotakeyoufarIpr
omiseyou.
Youhaveabeaut i
fulpeti
tebody,
youalwayski
llt
he
phot
oshoots.Il
ovet heatt
it
udeandyourposes
Me:Thankyou
Emarald:Youar
ebecomingoneofourf
avori
te
models.Peopl
eloveyou,andwemi
ghtconsi
der
si
gni
ngyouper manentl
y
Me:Wowr
eal
ly?
Emar
ald:Yesr
eal
ly
Me:I
'
dappr
eci
atet
hatal
ot
Emer
ald:Youar
ewel
come

NDALO

Ical
ledBel
indat
ocheckuponher
..
Bel
:Hi
Me:Hey.
.I'
mjustchecki
nguponyou
Bel
:I'
m good
Me:BelIam sosorry.
.Idi
dn'tmeant
ohur
tyou,
and
i
fyouwannal eaveIunder
stand
Bel:That
'swhatyouwantr
ight
?Youdi
dthi
stoget
ri
dofme
Me:That '
snottrue.
.Ifeelthi
ssi t
uationiswayt oo
hurt
fulforyou,Iunderst
andi fyouwannal eave.
Youdeser vesomeonewhowi l
lloveyour ight
,
someonewhowon' thurtyout hewayt hatI'
vehurt
you.Iadmi tt
hatIwentwr ongwi ththissituat
ion,
I
admitandt akeful
lresponsibi
lit
yf oreverythi
ng
Bel:I
t'
sonlynowyoureal
izet
hatyoudon'
twantme
anymore?Couldn'
tyoul
etgoofmebeforeSoso
cameal ong?
Me:Istil
lwantyou, Isti
llwantyouasmywi fe.Isti
ll
l
oveyoubutt hissituati
oni smoreabouthowyou
feelandwhatyouwant .Itwoul
dbever ysel
fishof
met oforceyoutost ay,itwoul
dbeselfi
shofmet o
forceyoutobewi thmei naconnecti
onthatwill
hurtyoueveryday.IloveyoubutIdon'twantyout o
seeyouhur tever
yday.I fyouwanttostay,i
fyou
stil
lwantt obewi t
hmet henyourr ulessti
llapply.
Shewon' tl
ivewithus, I
'm sorr
y..Ididn'
tmeant o
hurtyou.Takeyourt i
meandi fyouwantmet o
moveout ,i
t'sokayI'
lldoso.Ifwedoest abli
sht he
divorce,youwi l
lhavet hehouse.Whenwegot
mar ri
edIboughti tforyou, i
t'
syour sIam justa
tenantthere
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Me:I
'
m sor
ryBel
,Idi
dn'
tmeanf
ort
hist
ohappen
(
sil
ence)
Bel:Ineedsomet i
mebutnoonei smovingout ,
and
Idon'twantthisgi
rli
nmyhouse.WhenI 'm ar
ound
oralsonotaroundcanIpleaseberespected?
What everyoutwoaredoi
ngpleaseenditoutthere
don'tbri
ngittomyhouse
Me:Iunder
stand.
.Ir
espectt
hat
Bel
:Al
so,
I'
m goi
ngawayf
oracoupl
eofdays
Me:Away?
Bel:Li
saandIwear
egoingt
oagi
rl'
str
ip.We
thoughti
twoul
ddousgoodwear
ebothbrokenand
weneedsomeai
r
Me:Iunder
stand,
doyouneedsomemoney?
Bel
:Noi
t'
sokay.
.Weokay,
wewi
llt
akemycar
Me:I'
m st
il
lgoi
ngtogi
veyousomemoneyi
ncase
youneedtobuysomet
hing
Bel
:Okay.
.Thankyou
Me:Il
oveyouBel
Bel
:Il
oveyout
oo

CLARA

Wesatinherhutandwaitedforher
.Thehutwas
smal
landhadal otoft
hings.
.

Mi
ssG:Wewi
llmakeherl
oseherj
ob
Me:That
'sgood
MissG:I
'm al
sogoingtogiveyousomethi
ngsto
bathwi
thsothatNathicanbedrawntoyou.When
hei
sdrawnt
oyou,
it'
l
lbeeasi
ert
owor
konhi
mto
l
oveyou
Me:Okay
Mi
ssG:Doyouhaveherpi
ctur
e?
Me:Yes
MissG:Wewilldr
ivetot ownandpri
nti
tout
,then
toni
ghtwewi
llperfor
mt herit
ualt
hatwewil
lbri
ng
badluckt
oherinallareasofherl
if
e
Ismi
led.
.
Me:Iappr
eci
atei
t
Aunt
y:Whataboutherownsuccess?
MissG:It hi
nkint hi
sroom weal lknowwhatyou
andyourGr andmot herdidtoyourMot her,toattai
n
yourownsuccessyouhavet olethergosoher
spir
itcanbeatpeacesoyoucangetbl essingsfrom
her.Herspiri
tisnotatpeace,youdon' thave
Mat er
nalblessi
ngst hat
'ssomet hi
ngwecannot
alt
er,Iam notaGod.Ican' tal
terwithspirit
uallaw
onlywhenyour eadytoletgoofyourMot herthen
wewi llworksomet hi
ngout
Me:Iunder
stand.
.WhenIgetNat
hi,
Iwi
lll
etgo
Mi
ssG:Thenyou'
l
lcomeback
MyAunt yt
ookmoneyandplaceditonthegl
ass
mat.Herconsul
ati
onandhel
pisR2000, t
hat
's
expensi
veyesbutshecomeshighl
yrecommended.
That'
sasmallpri
cetopayf
orwhatshecandof or
you
MissG:WhenNat
hist
art
stonot
icet
he,
wewi
ll
workaspel
lonhi
m
Ismi
led.
.

BELI
NDA

Li
sahaddr ovedownt omyhousesowecoul dtalk.
Shet ol
dmet hatshehascall
edandmadean
appointmentwi t
hMi ssG,t
omor rowwewi llbe
dri
vingdownt oKzn.Shecan'tr
isksl eepi
ngher e,if
Ndalopi cksuponwhatwewantt odohewi llgo
bal
li
st i
c.Thesespiri
tsareoutofor der,t
heysni t
ch.
Somespi ri
tfr
om ourendmightsni tchwecan' thave
t
hathappeni
ng.
.

Me:Idon'twannahurther
,Idon'
twannacauseher
gri
ef.Ij
ustwanttosavemymar r
iagei
naform,I
don'
twannahur ther
Lisa:Iunder
standclear
ly.
.Iswearyouhaveagood
heart.I
fitwasMe, Iwouldgiveheri
schi
thoandal
l
thatshit
,toteachheralesson
Me:YesSosoi sal sowr ong, sheknowsmy
husbandi smar riedbutshest i
lldecidedtodothi
s,
wentasf arasf alli
ngpr egnantbutl et'
sbehonest.
Thiswomanowesmenot hing.Idoubtshewast he
onewhoappr oachedhi mf i
rstandhi tonhim.It
wouldbebet terift hi
ssituationwasi naf or
m of
Ndaloj usttryi
ngt ohavef un.YouknowhowMen
are,butithasgot tenoutofhand.I t'
sdeepnowand
he'scompel l
edt ol ovehermor esinceshe's
pregnant .Idon'twantt or uinthiswomanorherl if
e,
Iknowhowi tfeltwhent hatwomant ort
uredme.
Woul dn'twantt oputt hroughanot herwomanwhatI
wentt hrough.Ij ustwantmyhusbandback, Iwant
t
osavemymar
ri
agebackt
hat
'sal
l
Li
sa:Iunder
stand.
.Iunder
standver
ywel
l,
don'
t
worr
yyouwi l
lgethi
m back

LELE

Ihadt hisimpoundingheadache.Ihaddrankpain
ki
ll
ersbutt heheadachewasn' tst
opping,Ieven
vomitedandmymanagerdeci dedtoletmego.Iam
afr
aidt hatthiswil
lmakemel osemyj ob,I'
vebeen
si
ckandmi ssingwor
kalotlatel
y.It
'snotgood..

WhenIgothomeIdr
ankal
otofwat
er,
thendeci
ded
t
ocallMahl
ophe.
.

Mahl
ophe:Si
si
Me:Sor
rytobotheryou,
Iwoul
dn'
thavecal
ledi
f
t
hiswasn'
timportant
Mahl
ophe:Iunder
stand.
.What
'swr
ong?
Me:TodayIwokeupwi t
ht hi
simpounding
headache,
Idrankpai
nkil
lersbutst
il
l.
.Ievendr
ank
alotofwater
Mahl
ophe:Wer
eyouabl
etot
alkt
oNdal
o?
Me:Yes,
butmyGr andmot
herrefusedt
otal
k.She
want
sust ot
alki
nanopenf i
eld
Mahlophe:Youhavetot al
ktoyourGrandmotheras
soonaspossibleSi
si,youmi ghtbebl
ockedyesbut
yourgi
ftisfi
ghti
ngthrough.Youneedtodothis,
youneedt oopenyourgiftsoyoucanconti
nuewith
yourl
if
e
Me:I'
l
ltal
kt oNdaloagai
n,Iwi
llt
ellhi
mthatwe
shoul
ddot hissooner
Mahlophe:OkaySisi
..Dri
nkwaterandsleep,
ifyou
canbeable.Takesnuff,
pill
swon'twor
k
Me:Snuf
f?
Mahlophe:Yes.
.Gr
eent
axiandusei
twhenyouget
aheadache
Me:Yooht
hat
's.
.
Mahl
ophe:Theheadacheswon'
tbot
heryoumuch
Me:Thankyou.
..I
'
llconsi
dert
hat
Mahlophe:Youwel
come..Don'
tfor
gettopr
ayint
he
meanti
me, communi
cat
ewi t
hGramst hr
ough
pr
ayerusingawhit
eandbluecandle
Me:I
'
lldoso.
.Thankyoual
ot
Mahl
ophe:Youwel
come

NANGOMSO

OnmywaybackhomeIst oppedatt hemal l

.Iwent
toAcker
mansandl ookedatbabycl othes.Iam
hopingf
orababygirl,
Iwoul dr eall
ylovet ohavea
babygir
l.It
ookafewpi cturesoft heclothesand
sentNdaloonwhatsapp..Hecal ledrightaway..
Ndal
o:Ar
eyouser
iousr
ightnow?(
laughi
ng)
Me:Theycut
e
Ndal
o:Wel
lI'
m hopi
ngf
oraboy
Me:Aboy.
.I'
m hopi
ngf
oragi
rl
Ndal
o:Wewi l
lseet
henbecauser
ememberIt
alkt
o
t
hespir
itones
Me:Arewegoingtohaveababyboy?That
'sunf
air
youcheat
ing.
.Whyareyoui
nvolvi
ngandconsul
ti
ng
wit
hthedepart
ed?
Ndal
o:Ican'
thel
pit(
laughi
ng)
Me:Sowehavi
ngababyboy?
Ndal
o:Nakanj
ani(
that
'st
rue)
Me:Ohwwel
lletmel
ookatt
heboyscl
othest
hen
Ndal
o:Ar
ewedi
sappoi
nted?
Me:Notatal
l.
.He'
sgoi
ngt
obeanamazi
ngl
it
tl
e
humanbeing
Ndal
o:Thati
sver
ytrue.
.MindifItakeyouandt
he
l
it
tl
eamazinghumanbeingouttonight
?
Me:Thatwoul
dbeni
ce
Ndal
o:Hot
elsl
eepoverki
ndofout
ing?
Me:Agoodhot
el?
Ndal
o:Thebest
Me:Belwhatdi
dshesay?
Ndal
o:She'
sst
il
lpr
ocessi
ngever
ythi
ng,
let
'sgi
ve
hert
ime
Me:Iunder
stand
Ndal
o:I
'
llcomeandgetyoul
aterwhenIknockof
f
Me:Okay.
.Il
oveyou
Ndal
o:Il
oveyoumor
e
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
12] :76

BELI
NDA

Ipackedupabaganddr ovestrai
ghttoLisa'
shouse
aft
erNdalosentmeatextthathewon'tbecoming
home.Hewasn'tdi
scr
eetabouthi swhereabout
s,
hewasgoingtospendani ghtwit
hSoso.Hedi d
tr
ansfermesomemoneyaspr omised,andtoavoi
d
beingdepr essedal oneathomeandl osi ngmymi nd.
Idecidedtogoandsl eepoveratLi sa'ssowewake
upt omorrowmor ningandl eavef orKzn. .Al otof
peoplewi l
ljudge, alotofpeopl ewi lltellmet owal k
awaybecausei t'
smucheasi erfort hem t odot hat.
WhenNdal of oundme, Iwasamess.Hehel pedput
mebackt oget her,hewast her ef ormeal ltheti
me.
Nevermi ssedvi sit
ingmeatt hehospi tal,never
missedaDoct or'sappoi ntment .Hewasal ways
there,mademewhoIam.Pai dwhatwasl eftofmy
tui
tionfees,lovedmeandhi dmyshamef rom t
he
wor l
d.Nomanwoul d'
vewentt hroughwhathewent
throughwi thme, Iwasal sost rugglingt odealwi th
myBr other'sdeat handhehel pedmet hr ough.Even
supportedmyf ami l
yf i
nanci all
yatonepoi nt.That
's
howuncondi ti
onalhi slovest retchedf orme.
It
'snoteasywal
kingawayf
rom thel
oveofyourl
if
e,
notwhenyousti
llver
ymuchinlove
NangomsoIdon'
tseef
itt
obeNdalo'swi
fe.She'
s
al
waysundeci
dedmostofthet
ime,shewil
lkeepon
walki
ngi
nandoutofhi
sli
fe
Icar
eforhi
m al
ot,
Idon'
twantt
hismi
staket
orui
n
hi
sli
fe.Ndal
oissel
fl
ess,
heput
sever
yonebef
ore
hi
mself.
..

TobehonestIam notent i
rel
ydoingsomet hing
wrong.I'm notgoingtohurtnorharm Sosoandher
baby.Ijustwantthiswomant ohel pmesavemy
marri
age, getmyhusbandback.I t'
snoteasy
star
ti
ngaf reshrelat
ionshi
psnowar en'
tasr ealas
howt heyusedt obe.Peoplebreakupaf t
eraf ew
monthsofdat ing,nooneseemst obef ai
thful.I
t'
sa
dragandFust rati
ngemot i
onall
y..
.

NANGOMSO

Wewer eout .I
twasNdal o,Dave, Reco,andmysel f
.I
l
oveRecoandDave.Theymakel oveseem so
effor
tl
ess, kindofmarriagethatal l
owst hem tobe
themselves.Theydon' tforceanyt hing,
theydon't
makemar riagelookl
ikeachor e,
it'snotanunstable
commi t
ment .Thoughwedon' tknowwhatgoes
downpr ivatelybutIl
ovet heirrel
at i
onship.
..
Reco:I
t'
sveryunusualforSosotonotdri
nkalcohol
.
Gir
lyourFacebooki
sfill
edwithpi
cturesofyou
dr
inki
ngandwhatnot ,sameasInstagram
Il
ookedatNdal
o,henodded.
.
Me:That
'sbecauseI
'
m pr
egnant
Reco:What
?
Dave:Congr
atul
ati
onsar
einor
der
Reco:Ar
eyoul
ikeser
iousl
yser
ious?
Me:Yes
Ndal
o:Wedi
dn'
tpl
ant
his
Me:I
tjusthappened
Reco:HowdoesBel
'
sfeel
aboutt
his?
Ndal
o:She'
saccept
ingi
t
Dave:Sot
hispol
ygamysi
tuat
ioni
swor
kingwel
l
now?
Ndal
o:Youcansayt
hat
Reco:I
t'
sset
tl
ed.
.Maybeweshoul
dgetour
sel
ves
anot
herpar
tner
,a3r
dpar
ty
Dave:Idon'
tpl
ayt
hatgame.
.Idon'
tpl
ayf
ort
hat
t
eam
Reco:Howwoul
dyouknowi
fyoudon'
ttr
y?
Dave:Li
stencaref
ullybecauseI'
m onl
ygoi
ngt
osay
t
hisonce..Idon'
tplayforthatt
eam
Reco:Soyouwoul
ddi
vor
ceme?
Dave:Wi
thoutt
hinki
ngt
wice
Reco:Doyouknowhowdi f
fi
culti
tist
ofi
ndagood
part
ner?Especi
all
yaf
ait
hfulgay
Dave:Ifoundyou.
.I'
m sur
ether
e'smor
ewher
eyou
camef r
om
Reco:That
'sj
ustsowr
ong,
Ican'
tbel
ieveyouandI
evenbreat
hthesameai
r
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Youguysar
ejustsol
ovel
ytoget
her
Ndal
o:Andaheadache
Reco:Let
'scont
inueeat
ing,
ourmeali
sget
ti
ngcol
d..
Sosowewi
lldr
inkf
oryou
Ndal
o:It
hinkt
hismomentdeser
vesat
oast
Reco:Togoodf
ri
endshi
ps
Me:I
'
lldr
inkt
othat
Me:I
'
lldr
inkmyj
uicet
othat
Dave:Andt
olove
Ndal
o:Tol
ove
Reco:Tol
ove

LELE

Mahlophewasr i
ght ,t
hesnuf fhelpedalotwithmy
headache.Thoughatf ir
stitwasdi ff
icul
ttoactual
ly
gothroughwi t
ht his,Icouldn'
tstopsneezing.My
nosewasi rr
it
ated, theblowingofmynose.I twasa
l
otbutitreall
yhel pedwi t
ht heheadache.Butit
mademef eelli
ghtheaded. .
Isneezed.
.
Nat
hi:Thokoza
Me:Don'
tst
art
Het
ookt
hesnuf
fandl
ookedati
t.
.
Me:Ican'
tbel
ievet
hatI
'
m doi
ngt
his
Nat
hi:Bei
ngaspi
ri
tualper
soni
sdi
ff
icul
t
Me:I
tdoesn'
tbot
heryou?
Nathi
:Ali
tt
lebutyouseem tobehandl
ingi
twel
l
,no
di
sgusti
ngtoi
letpaper
sjustl
ayi
ngaround
Me:Iwon'
tdoi
tmuch,
onl
ywhenIhaveaheadache
Nathi
:Ithasnicoti
ne.
.Youwi
llgetaddict
edand
st
artusingitevenwhenyoudon'thaveaheadache
Me:Tr
ustme,
Ial
sohat
ethepr
ocess
Nat
hi:I'
m notcompl
aini
ng.
.I'
dtaket
hisoveryou
smokingcigar
ett
est
rustme
Me:I
treal
lyhel
pedmewi
thmyheadache
Nat
hi:YourGr
andmot
heri
sver
ydemandi
ng
Me:Iknow,
andI
'
m sor
ry
Nat
hi:Don'
tbe.
.It
'snotyourf
aul
t
Hegavemeaki
ss.
.
Nat
hi:Wher
eisSoso?
Me:Sheuhm.
.
Nat
hi:She'
sser
iouswi
tht
hisguyi
sn'
tshe?
Me:Seemsl
ikei
t
Nat
hi:Bor
esmeal
ot
Me:Stopcompl
aini
nghe'
sgoingt
obeapar
tofour
l
ivesf
oraveryl
ongtimenow
Ichangedt
hechannel
..

CLARA

Wedr oveouttoaf i
eld.Sowecoul
dbur ythebox
thathadanenchant menttobri
ngaboutLele'
s
misfort
une.Shedugup, upt
oacert
ainlevelt
hen
puttheinthebox.Theboxhadherpictureand
someot hert
hings.Shegotupanddustedher
hands.
.

Me:That
'sal
l?
MissG:That'
sal
l.
.Al
lyouhavetodoistokeepi
t
al
ivebyprayi
ng,
useablackcandl
e.Pr
ayonher
curses
Me:Iunder
stand
Mi
ssG:Let
'sgo.
.Wedoneher
e
Wewal
kedbackt
ohercar
..

NANGOMSO

Heopenedt
hedoorandImademywayi
n.
Heclosedthedoor.
.Therewasawhiterobeont he
bedwithwhit
esleeper
sandbasketoftoil
etr
ies.
.A
boxofchocolat
e,abott
leofwi
ne,f
lowersand
bi
scuit
s..
Ndal
o:Non-
alcohol
icj
ustsoyoudon'
tmi
ssal
cohol
t
hatmuch
Me:Ther
oom i
sbeaut
if
ul,
ver
ybeaut
if
ul
Ndal
o:Onl
ythebestf
oryou
Me:Thankyou
Ndal
o:Youwel
come
Icont
inuedl
ooki
ngar
ound.
.
Ndal
o:That
'snott
heonl
ypr
esent
Me:I
t'
snot
?
Hewentoutt
ohi
spocketandt
ookoutasmal
lbox.
.
Me:Ohhmywor
d
Heopenedi
tandi
twasar
ing.
.
Ndal
o:Iaskedyouonceandyousai
dYes.
.SoI
'
m
goi
ngtoaskyouagain,
wouldyoumarr
yme?
Il
ookedathi
m..
.
Me:Ofcour
seIwi
ll
Het
ooki
toutandsl
ippedi
tinmyf
inger
..
Ndal
o:Andl
et'
ssayi
naf
ewmont
hsdownt
hel
ine,
yourBr
otherwi
llhavevi
sit
ors
Il
ookedatt
her
ing,
itwasabeaut
if
ulweddi
ng
band.
..
Ndal
o:I
t'
swhi
tegol
d
Me:I
t'
sbeaut
if
ul
Hewal
kedcl
oserandki
ssedme.
.
Me:Sower
eal
lyar
edoi
ngt
his?
Ndal
o:Yeswear
e
Heki
ssedmeagai
n..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
12] :77

BELI
NDA

Exactl
yat5am wesetof
ftogotoKzn.Iwasdr
ivi
ng
asLisasl
eptt
hroughint
hecar.
.
Icouldhavesecondt hought saboutt hi
sonlyand
onlyifNangomsowasn' tdoingthisoutofspite.It
's
mor ehardertofighthernowshehol dsallt
hecar ds,
she'spregnant!Somet hingt hatIwon'tbeableto
achieve.Shekeepsonseei nghi m knowingver y
wellthathe'
smar r
ied,sheknowsaboutme.Iwoul d
under st
andifshedi dn'
tknowt hatNdalowas
mar r
ied.ThoughIhavenoi ntenti
onsofharmi ngher
andt hebaby,I'
mj usttryingt osavemymar r
iage
that
'sall.
.

CLARA

Iwal
kedt
othecar
,Mi
ssGwal
kedust
othecar
..
Me:Thankyousomuchf
orhel
ping
MissG:Don'tf
orgett
oprayusi
ngt
hebl
ackcandl
e
at00:
00am andalsoat03:
00am
Me:Iwon'
t
Shehadgi
venme3bl
ackcandl
esandar
edcandl
e
too,t
ouset oigniteNathi'
sloveforme.Shealso
gavemet hingst obat
hwi ththatwil
lmakehim see
mei nanotherway.Somepi nkbathi
ngsaltsmixed
withwhitesaltsandgavemesomet hingtomixwith
mybodyl otion.Ineedtohavef ai
thinthi
sthati
twill
work,everyt
hingneedsf ait
hinthisworld

Wewavedandgoti
ntot
hecar
..

NANGOMSO

If
elthi
mrunninghi
shandonmyt
ummy,
Iopened
myeyesandlookedathi
m..
Ndal
o:Goodmor
ning
Me:Mor
ning(
Smi
li
ng)
Ndal
o:Howdi
dyousl
eep?
Me:Ti
red,
aft
eral
lthesexwehadl
astni
ght
Ndal
o:That
'swhyI
'
m gi
vingyouadayof
ftoday
Me:Per
ksofdat
ingt
heboss
Ndal
o:Don'
tgetusedt
oit
Me:I
'
m get
ti
ngusedt
oital
ri
ght
Ndal
o:Onmysi
deIhavet
opr
epar
etogot
owor
k
Me:Wel
lthat
'
sunf
ort
unat
eforyou
Ndal
o:It
hinkweshoul
dbat
h,t
hengetbr
eakf
ast
andI
'l
ldr
iveyouhome
Me:I
'
dli
ket
hatal
ot
Ndal
o:Letmegoandpr
epar
ethebat
hthen
Hegotoutofbedandmadehi
swayt
othe
bat
hroom..

MI
SSG

IsawSi
dgoi
ngt
ohi
scar
..
Me:Si
d
Hest
opped,
Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m..
Me:Idon'
tunder
stand,
whyar
eyour
efusi
ngt
oget
i
tonwiththi
sgir
l?
Si
d:Idon'
tseehert
hatway,
I'
m notat
tr
act
edt
oher
Me:It'
snotaboutbei
ngatt
ract
edt
oheri
t'
sabout
ser
vingthepurposeofr
evenge
Si
d:Bymegetti
ngi
tonwi
tht
hisgi
rl
?Thenki
ll
ing
Soso'
sbr
other
?
Me:Soso'sbrot
hermeansever
ythi
ngtoSosoand
Lele.
.Ifwedest
royhi
m,removehimtheywon'
t
recover
Si
d:Whydon'
tyouwor
kyourmagi
cthenandki
ll
hi
m?
Me:Thatwil
lrequir
etime,buti
fyoudoi
tthewor
ldl
y
wayitwi
llbemor eeasier
Si
d:AndIgot
ojai
l?
Me:Youwon'
tgot
ojai
l
Sid:I
'
m notdoingit
..Tr
yfi
ndinganot
herway,
Ihave
togotowork..I'
l
lseeyoul
ater
Hegoti
nhi
scar
..
LELE

Iwakeupf i
rsttopr
epareabathforNat
hi,
and
prepar
ebr eakfastf
orhi
m befor
ehegoest owor
k.
ThenI'
llsleepforanhourorsotowakeupand
prepar
ef orwor kmysel
ftoo.
Thefir
stIdoeachmor ni
ngwhenIwakeupi st
o
pray,
thismorninginparti
cularIpr
ayedandaft
erI
tookabitofsnuffformyheadache..It
'samazi
ng
howthesnuffreallyworksineli
minati
ngmy
headache,i
twor ksbet
terthanpainki
ll
ers.
.

Nathiwokeupandtookabat h,
thenashewas
bathi
ngIprepar
edhim somebreakfast
.Oat
swi
th
honeyandacupofcoffee..

Heki
ssedmeonmycheek.
.
Nat
hi:Goodmor
ning
Me:Goodmor
ning
Hesatdown.
.
Me:Yousmel
lni
ce
Nat
hi:Ipl
ant
oimpr
essonever
yday
Me:Thatyoudo
Nat
hi:Howi
stheheadaches?
Me:Sur
pri
singl
yenought
hesnuf
fwor
ks
Nat
hi:Iam gl
adi
tdoest
hat
'sal
lthatmat
ter
s
Me:Yes..Thankyouf orever
ythi
ngmylove,
youar
e
verysupport
ive.Idon'
tknowanyonewhowouldbe
thi
ssupporti
ve
Nathi:It
'snotyourf
ault
,youdi
dn'
tchoosethis.I
t
choseyout here'
snothi
ngwecandoabouti tbutto
getitoveranddonewi t
hsowecancont i
nuewi t
h
ourlives
Me:Ver
ytr
uebutt
hankyou,
I'
m bl
essedt
ohaveyou
Nathi
:I'
m bl
essedtohaveyou..Youhavebeen
goodtome.Youdon' tdoanyt
hingthatmakesme
quest
ionyourloyal
tytome.Youarerespect
fulandI
woul
dn'
thavei
tanyotherwaynorchoosesomeone
el
setobemywifebutyou
Ismi
led.
.
Me:Let
'snotgetmeemot
ionalsoear
lyi
nthe
morni
ng
Nat
hi:Agr
eed.
.Haveyouspokent
oNdal
o?
Me:I
'
m wai
ti
ngforSosoI'
l
laskhert
ocal
lhi
m,see
i
fwecandothi
stomorr
ow
Nat
hi:Thenyou'
l
lletmeknow
Me:Idef
ini
tel
ywi
ll

NANGOMSO

Wetookabathtogether
,shar
edanint
imat
e
momentinthebatht
ub.Somemorninggl
orywi
th
meontopofhim.Washar dsi
ncet
hebatht
ubwas
r
est
rict
ingbutwemadei twork
Whenwegotoutoft
hebat
hwewentt
oget
dr
essed.
.

Ndal
o:I
'
llhavet
ogohomeandchangecl
othes
Me:Whatisthewifegoi
ngt
osay?Idi
dn'
thearyou
cal
li
ngheryester
day
Ndal
o:Ohwsheknowsaboutt
his
Me:Shedoes?
Ndal
o:Yes
Me:Andnodr
ama?
Ndal
o:Notexact
ly
Me:Seemsl
ikewemi
ghtj
ustgetal
ongassi
ster
wi
ves
Ndal
o:Ihopesobutwedon'
tknowi
fshe'
sgoi
ngt
o
agr
eetothi
sorleaveme
Me:I
'm sor
rybutIdon'
tseeBel
indal
osi
ngyou,
wal
kingawayfrom you
Ndal
o:Ij
ustwanthert
obehappy,
eveni
fher
happi
nessi
snotwi
thme
Me:Justsowecl
ear.I
'
m notBelinda,
ifyoumess
upI'
mleavi
ng.
.Idon'
ttakenonsense
Ndal
o:ThatIknow!

BELI
NDA

Ist
oppedatagasst
ati
on.
.
Li
sawokeup.
.
Me:Hey
Li
sa:Hey
Me:Let
'
sgetref
reshmentst
henwewi
llswi
tch,
you'
l
ldri
veandI
'l
lsleep
Li
sa:Idon'
tmi
nd
Me:Letmegogett
her
efr
eshment
s
Li
sa:Belar
eyousureaboutthi
s?Idon'
twantus
get
ti
ngthereandyouchangeyourmind
It
ookadeepbr
eat
h..
Me:I
'
m sur
e
Li
sa:Thenwedoi
ngt
his.
.What
everl
iesaheadwe
doi
ngthis
Me:Wedoi
ngi
t
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
13] :78

BELI
NDA

Aft
erthatl
ongexhausti
ngdrive.Wefi
nal
lyarr
ived
atKzn.Thejourneywaseasi
erbecauseIhad
someonetor el
ievemeever
ynowandt hen,soit
wasn'tt
hatdiff
icul
t.
.

Ihaveneverseensuchabigbeautif
ulhouseinthe
hood.Actual
lyi
twastwohousesi noneyard,
seemslikesheboughthernextdoornei
ghbourout.
Youtel
li
ngmet hatthi
swomanhasat t
ainedso
muchr i
chesjustf
rom doi
ngwhatshe'
sdoing?
Thenindeedsheispowerful
.Power
fult
hanI
thought
..

Asifthehousewast
hecenterofatt
enti
on,t
his
womanwel comedusinfr
om thegateweari
nga
l
abel.Shewasbeaut
if
ul,
itshowedthatshehad
money,moremoneythanIantici
pat
ed..

Mi
ssG:Wel
come
Li
sa:I
t'
sal
waysgoodt
oseeyouThokoza
Mi
ssG:Thokoza
Li
sacl
appedherhandsandIf
oll
owed.
.
Li
sa:Thi
smyf
ri
endBel
inda,
theoneIt
oldyou
about
?
MissG:Theonemar
ri
edt
othemostgi
ft
edmanI
'
ve
everknown
Li
sa:Yes
Mi
ssG:Wel
comeSi
si
Me:Thankyou
MissG:I
'm sureyouguysar
eti
red,
let
'sgeti
nand
getsomerefr
eshments
Wemadeourwayi
n..

NANGOMSO

Iwasbusychecki ngcour sesthatwouldi nter

estme.
I'
vepassedmymat r
icverywell,andnowt hatMiss
Gisoutofmyl if
e, Ifi
guredthatit'
stimeIvent ured
i
ntomaki ngsomet hingoutofmysel f.Mywhol e
experi
encewi thSid, hastaughtmeagr eatlesson.
Neverdependonaman, nomat t
erwhat .YesNdalo
seemsdi f
ferent,butunt i
lwhen?Ther e'
sababy
i
nvolvednow.Ineedt odosomet hi
ngaboutmyl if
e
sothatifthegoingget st
ough, Icanbeabl etotake
careofmysel fandmybabyboy. .

Lel
e:Seei
nganyt
hingyoul
ike?
Me:Notmuch
Lel
e:Keeponsear
chi
ng
Me:Wi
thyou,
whatar
eyoupl
anni
ngt
odo?
Lele:Obviousl
ymygui deswantmetoworkfor
them, whenIhavefull
ytappedint
omygif
t.Iam
goingtowor kful
lyasahealer
Lel
e:That
'sgood.
.Ther
e'sal
otofheal
erst
hatmake
goodmoney
Me:That
'sver
ytr
ue.
.OhwIt
hinkIf
oundsomet
hing
Lel
e:Yes?
Me:HR.
.It
'sabr
oadf
iel
d,Icanwor
kanywher
e
Lel
e:That
'sgood
Me:It
hinkI
'l
lapplyf
ort
hisonenextyear
,atl
eastby
t
henIwould'
vegivenbi
rt
h
Lel
e:I'
mreal
lypr
oudofyou.Imean,youhaveNdalo
andhecanpossi
blyt
akecareofbot
hyouandt he
babybuther
eyouarewanti
ngtogetupandget
yourown
Me:Si
dtaughtmenevert
otr
ustamaneveragai
n,i
f
Ndal
ochangesonmeonedaywhatam Igoi
ngto
do?
Lel
e:That
'st
rue
Me:Atl
eastUni
sait'
sdi
stantl
ear
ning.Icanst
il
l
keepmyjobwhi
lstst
udyi
ng
Lel
e:Wil
lyoumanage?Bei
ngaMom?Wor
king?
Andlear
ning
Me:Ifi
tget
stoomuchI '
l
lquitmyj
ob.Focuson
bei
ngamot herandst
udying
Lel
e:We'
l
lfi
gur
eitout
Me:Yeswewi
ll

NDALO

Iwasathomehavi ngaminibraaiwit
hmyf amily.I
coul
d'veinvitedSosobutIfiguredsheshouldget
somer est.Myot hercousi
nshadcomeovert oofor
thebr
aai .
...
Iwalkedi
nonAluvoprepar
ingsal
adsandbusyon
herphone.Shewasal
lsmil
es.
Itdi
dn'
ttakearocketsci
ent
istt
ofi
gur
eitoutt
hat
shemightbetalki
ngtoaguy..

Me:Howi
sschoolgoi
ng?
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Al
uvo:I
t'
sgoi
nggood
Me:I
thast
oo.
.I'
m payi
ngal
otofmoney
Shesi
ghed.
.
Al
u:I
sthi
saboutmycur
rentr
esul
ts?
Me:Whathappened?
Alu:Mycour sei
sgett
inghardernowonly2year
s
l
eft.Nextyearit
'smylastyear
,I'
m bei
ngshowed
fl
ames
Me:Thenwhydidn'
tyousayanyt
hing?Coul
d've
got
tenyouatut
ororsomethi
ng
Al
u:Youal
readypayi
ngal
otofmoney.Myf
lat
,
t
uit
ion,
mycar
,al
lowance,
that
'sal
ot
Me:Doyouseemecompl
aini
ng?
Al
u:Ij
ustdi
dn'
twantt
obot
heryou
Me:Soyouwoul
drat
herf
ailt
hant
obot
herme?
Sheexhal
ed.
.
Me:Youaredoingsomethi
nggoodwi t
hyourl
if
e,
andIwi
llsupportyoui
neveryway.YouknowwhatI
al
waystel
lyou
Al
u:Getthatdegr
eeandbemyownper
son,
men
ai
n'tshi
t
Me:Exact ly!Whenyouar eani ndependentwoman,
youwi llknowyourwor th.Youwon' tneedt obega
manwhowi l
ltr
eatyoul ikeshi tf
oranyt hi
ng!
What everyouwant ,yougeti nonyourown.Idon' t
wantt oseeyoust uckinat oxicrel
ationshipor
mar r
iagebecauseyoudon' thaveachoi ce,Iwant
youtobesel fmade.Ment endt otakeadvant ageof
yourvul nerabi
li
ty,andwhent heydoi t'
l
lbehar der
foryout oleave.Gett hatdegr eeandal waysr eali
ze
yourwor t
h.Don'teverset tl
ef oranythingless,and
nevermakeamanyourl i
fe.Yesloveisbeauti
ful
,
butdon'teverbeafoolf
orlove.Don'teverf
ind
yoursel
finaposit
ionwhereyouneedaman, wanta
manandneverneedaman
Al
u:I
fonl
yIcoul
dhaveamar
ri
agel
ikeyouandBel
Me:Yeahnotever
ythi
ngi
sati
tseems
Alu:Wher
eisthatcomi
ngf
rom?Ar
eyouguys
havingpr
obl
ems?
Me:Nowegood.
.We100
Al
u:Ial
mosthadahear
tat
tack
Me:Ther
e'ssomeoneel
seIwantyout
omeet
,her
nameisNangomso
Al
u:Whatr
elevancedoesshehavet
oyou?
Me:She'
sgoi
ngtobemysecondwi
fe,
andshe
madeyouanAunt
Al
u:What
?
Me:She'
saver
ylovel
yPer
son
Al
u:Idon'
tunder
stand
Luvo:Idi
dn'
tunder
standt
oo
Luvowal
kedi
n..
Alu:Igotoschoolandal
lofasuddenyouar
eint
o
polygamy?
Me:Yeah.
.Shi
thappens
Shel
ookedatherSi
ster
..
Al
u:Youact
ual
lymether
?
Luvo:Shecameoverf
ordi
nner
..She'
san
underwearmodel
Alu:Hol
dup..Ar
ewet alki
ngaboutt
hebur
ntt
highs
underwearmodelf
orsignatur
e?
Luvo:Yeapt
hatone
Al
u:Howdi
dyougether
?
Me:Weact
ual
lymetbef
oreal
loft
hat
Alu:Andshe'
spr
egnant
?That
'sast
eepsl
opef
or
Belmoss
Luvo:Howdoyoucompet ewithacher
ished
goddess,
almostever
yonelovesher
.Shehasgi
ven
manygir
lsconf
idence,nowgir
lswi
thi
mper
fect
ions
ar
ecomingoutandt hi
nkit
'ssexyt
oshowt
heir
i
mperf
ecti
ons
Alu:Imeanifthi
sispubl
icpeopl
ear egoi
ngto
admireyourrel
ati
onshi
pwithherthantheywil
l,
wit
h
youandBel.SheisQueenburntthighsandyouare
Ndalo
Luvo:Nangomsowakesupever
ydaywi
thatl
east
what?20newpeopl
eknowingher
Al
u:AndBelwakesup
Luvo:Beingknownbyus,
herf
ami
ly,
andher
col
leagues
Al
u:Imeanshe'
sjustBel
'
s
Ichuckledandchokedonmybeert
henst
art
ed
coughing..
Luvo:Don'
tgetmewr
ongIl
oveBel
'
sbut
..Imean.
.
Youknow..Li
ke
Al
u:Nangomsoi
sanat
ionalt
reasur
e
Luvo:She'
s2nati
onalt
reasur
es.UnderwearModel
,
andNdalo'
sbabyMamabutdon' tt
ellAunt
ydoesn'
t
knowyetNdal
otol
dmet
oday
Alu:Youhadt
ogoandsett
hebarupthathi
ghf
or
Bel?Howdoyoucompet
ewitht
hat?
Alu:Youdi
dBelbad..Youmycousi
nandIl
oveyou
but.
.Youcruel
,thatwasj
ustcr
uel
Luvo:WaitwhyisNangomsosettl
ingtobesecond
best?She'
sonherwayt othebi
ggestfame.Model
s
getpaidgood,
shecanlit
eral
lyhaveanyoneshe
wants
Al
u:Maybeshe'
str
yingt
oki
ckst
arthercar
eerwi
th
hi
m
Luvo:Noshecanpotenti
all
ybebiggerthanNdalo,
Ndaloissout
hAfri
canbasedf amous.Nangomso
cansigndeal
soverseastoo,basi
cal
lyanywher
ei n
theworld
Alu:Iseehergoi
ngfar
, shehasabeauti
fulbody
andpeoplestart
edgi
vingtwofucksaboutli
ngeri
e
becauseofher,t
heburntthi
ghsremember ?
Me:Okaythisi
sgett
ingt
oomuchf
orme,
letmego
out
sidet
ot hegr
il
l
BELI
NDA

Mi
ssG:Sowhatar
ethet
roubl
esofyourhear
tchi
ld?
Me:Iam her
eseeki
nghel
pwi
thmymar
ri
age
Mi
ssG:I
'
mli
steni
ng
Me:Myhusbandhe' s.
.He'
sseeingsomeoneelse
andIthi
nkhehasf all
eni
nlovewithherbecause
she'
spregnantnowandIcan'thaveki
ds
Mi
ssG:Youi
ntr
oubl
emoss.
.Ser
ioust
roubl
e
Me:That
'swhyI
'
m her
e..Toaskyout
ohel
pme
Shet
ookhergl
assofwi
ne.
.
Mi
ssG:Tel
lmemor
eaboutt
hisgi
rl
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
13] :79
NANGOMSO

Wewer
ehavi
ngdi
nner
,justt
he3ofusasal
ways.
.
Lel
e:Soso.
.Canyoupl
easecal
lNdal
oformeand
askifwecanmeet,
maybetomorr
ow?
Me:OkayI
'
lldot
hat
..Icoul
dgi
veyouhi
snumber
Lele:Didn'
twannaask,didn'
twannaseem
disrespect
ful
..Boundar
ies
Me:Ihaveyourboyf
ri
end'
snumbermoss
Shel
aughed.
.
Nat
hi:Theboyf
ri
endhappenst
obeyourbr
other
Me:I
'
mjustsayi
ng
(
Sil
ence)
Me:OhwNathi.
.NextyearI
'
m pl
anni
ngongoi
ngt
o
school
,doHR
Nat
hi:Fi
nal
ly!
Lele:Wow.
.Looksl
ikeyouhavebeenwai
ti
ngt
osay
that
Me:Geti
tof
fyourchest
Nat
hi:Idi
dn'
twannacomeacrossasover
bear
ing,
want
edyoutothi
nkthatf
oryoursel
f
Me:Iunder
stand,
justgonnaneedf
undi
ngsi
nceI
'
m
notgoi
ngtobewor ki
ngwitht
hebaby
Nat
hi:Wewil
lfi
gur
eitout
..Soyouwi
llbest
ayi
ng
her
eorwit
hhim?
Me:I
'
llbest
ayi
ngher
e
Nat
hi:That
'sgood
Me:Ihavenopl
anst
omovi
ngawayf
rom homeas
yet
Nathi
:I'
m gladtoheart
hat
,gl
adt
ohearyou
speaki
nglikethat
Lel
e:Pl
easepasst
het
omat
osauce
Ipassedi
ttoher
..

BELI
NDA
Mi
ssG:Yoursit
uati
onneedsaqui
cki
nter
vent
ion,
if
wedon'
tactf
astyoumightl
osehi
m.Forgood
Igl
anceddownatt
hebones.
.
Mi
ssG:Soyoudon'
twannahur
tthel
ady?
Me:Notatal
l
MissG:Iunderstand,
Irespectyourwish.Whatwe
goingt
odoi sblessyourweddingring,sowecoul
d
drawhim backtoyou
Me:Thatsoundsbet
ter
,bet
tert
hanhur
ti
ngt
hem.
Bet
tert
hanhurti
nganyone
Mi
ssG:Iam gl
adweunder
standeachot
her
Me:Howl
ongi
sitgoi
ngt
olastf
or?
MissG:I
ftheenchantmentwear
sof
f,youwi
llcome
andwewillbl
essitagai
n
Inodded.
.
Me:That
'sal
l?
Mi
ssG:That
'sal
l
Me:Seemseasy
MissG:Iunderst
and..Peopl
etendt
othi
nkthatal
ot
i
srequi
redlikegoki
llsomeoneandbri
ngthei
r
bl
oodtodrinkit
Webot
hlaughed.
.
Me:I
t'
sver
yeasyandi
tseemshar
mless
MissG:Ohwi ti
s..He'
sjustgoi
ngt
obedr
awnback
t
oyou,justdon'
tloseyourri
ng
Me:Iwon'
t
Mi
ssG:Ther
ingpl
ease
It
ookof
fmyr
ingandgavei
ttoher
..
MissG:Iwi l
lwor
konit.Dotheenchant
mentat
00:00am andal
soat3am thenwhenyouwakeupin
themorningIwil
lgi
veittoyouandyouwil
lweari
t
Inodded.
.
Me:Thankyou
MissG:Theblessi
ngdoesn'
trequi
remuchj
ust
pr
ayingonitandfori
t
Me:Okay
Mi
ssG:Ourconsul
tat
ioni
sconcl
uded
Me:Youwon'
taskmet
ouseanyt
hingonhi
m?
MissG:No.
.Thatwoul
dbet oodanger
ous,we
tr
yingt
obri
ngyourhusbandbacktoyouandnot
pushhi
m away
Me:Pushhi
m away?
MissG:Thet hi
ngi s.
.Ndaloi
sveryprotectedbyhis
guides,hepossessesaverypreci
ousgiftsohe's
alwaysguarded.Ukumdlisawil
lbackf
ir
e, hewil
l
know, andhewon'tbehappyaboutit.
Me:Sot
her
ingwon'
ttheyknow?
MissG:Wenothar minghim physi
cal
ly,wenot
hurti
nghim wejustdr
awinghim backtoyoufr
om
thatgir
l.Havehi
m seeyouast heonl
ywoman
Me:Iunder
stand
MissG:Thatmessageyour
ecei
vedaboutSoso,
f
rom t
hatgir
lCl
ara
Me:Howdi
dyouknowaboutt
hat
?
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Ofcour
se.
.I'
m sor
ry
MissG:Youmustshowhi
m,youst
il
lhavet
hem
r
ight?
Me:YesIdo
MissG:Showhi
m,t
hat
'swhat
'sgoi
ngt
obr
inghi
m
back
Me:Iwi
lldot
hat
Mi
ssG:Youmaybeexcused
Igotupandwal
kedout
,putmyshoesonwhenI
wasoutsi
de.
.

NANGOMSO

Aft
erdinnerIwenttobed,Ipreferbeinginmyr oom
mostoft het
imethanjoini
nginont hefamily
moment .Watchi
ngTVandwhatnot .Ichil
linbed
andreadcomment sIgetonmypi cs,delet
eaf ew
i
nboxes.Replytoint
eresti
ngones, notinasenseof
wanti
ngt odatebutj
ustkil
lboredom. .
Ndal
o'sphonecal
lcamet
hrough.
.
Me:Goodeveni
ng
Ndal
o:BabyMama
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Unexpect
ed
Ndal
o:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Ndal
o:I
'
m wel
ljustt
ir
ed
Me:Thebr
aai
?
Ndal
o:Yes
Me:Atl
eastt
omor
rowi
t'
sahol
iday,
youwi
llr
est
Ndalo:Iwasthinki
ngwegoout ,spendt heday
together
.Anywhereyouwantbuti thast obe
closebybecausewecan'
tsleepover,it
'snota
weekend
Me:Iknow
Il
aidbackonmypi
ll
ow.
.
Me:Howwast
hebr
aai
?
Ndal
o:I
twasgood.
.Justf
eel
ingabi
tuneasy
Me:Why?Whathappened?
Ndal
o:Idon'
tknow..Af
tereat
ingIst
art
ednott
ofeel
wel
l,
justf
eell
ikevomit
ing
Me:Thatdoesn'
tsoundwel
l
Ndalo:I
t'
sweir
dbecausei
t'
snott
hef
ir
stt
ime
eat
ingbraaimeatandt
hat
Me:That
'st
oowei
rd
Ndal
o:I
'
llpr
obabl
yfeel
bet
terbyt
omor
row
Me:Yes
Ndal
o:I
'm aboutt
odr
ivebackhome,
I'
llcal
lyou
whenIar
rive
Iyawned.
.
Me:Okayt
heni
fIdon'
tpi
ckupI
'
llbef
astasl
eep
Ndal
o:Not
ed
Me:Dr
ivesaf
ely
Ndal
o:Iwi
ll
..Takecar
eofyour
sel
f,Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Ndal
o:Goodni
ghtmyAngel
Me:Goodni
ghtBabe

LI
SA

Iwentt
ospeakwi
thMi
ssGpr
ivat
ely.
.
Me:So.
.Idi
dal
lthatyouaskedmet
oo
Mi
ssG:Yesyoudi
d
Me:So?
MissG:Li
sa.
.Inwhatuniver
sedowesacr
if
icef
or
l
ove?Wesacri
ficef
orri
ches
Me:Idon'
tunder
stand
MissG:Ij
ustwant
edyout
olur
eherher
esoIhadt
o
t
ri
ckyou
Me:What
?
Mi
ssG:I
t'
sacr
uelwor
ldoutt
her
eisn'
tit
?
Me:Yout
ri
ckedme!
MissG:Aghpl ease..Yourhusbandwasausel ess
bastard!Savedyouf r
om alotofhear
tacheandyou
willgethi
smoney, youarethewifesoitworkedout
foryou
Me:Ican'
tbel
ievethi
s!Ican'
tbel
ievethatyou
t
ri
ckedmei nt
ot hi
s!Whatexact
lyisitt
hatyouwant
f
rom Beli
nda?
Mi
ssG:Per
sonalr
easons
Me:I
'
mtaki
ngBel
'
sandweget
ti
ngoutofher
e!
Mi
ssG:Youwon'
tdot
hat
Me:Yesyoucan
MissG:Noyouwon'
tbecausei
fshefindsoutabout
whatyoudid,
youwi
lll
oseherf
orever
..Andohw,
don'
ttestme
Shewalkedaway.
.Icoul
dn'
tbel
ievet
his,
Igot
pl
ayed.
..

CLARA
Iwasveryti
redf
rom thetr
ipbutI'
m gl
adi
twas
fr
uit
ful
.Whenwegotbackf r
om Isl
eptal
it
tl
e,nowi
t
was21:00.Myprayerstar
tsnow.
Mypr
ayeri
sat21:
00,
00:
00am,
and03:
00am

Iposi
ti
onedmyselfonthef
loorkneel
ing,
Ili
tther
ed
andthebl
ackcandle.
.

Istar
tedmypr ayer,mypr ayerwast ocur
seLel
e.
Curseherlif
e,rel
ati
onship,andsuccess.Ever
ythi
ng
Iwishbadf orher,
Ihavet opr ayi
t.Ial
sohadli
tup
somebl ackstone,af
terprayingIhavetogoand
thr
owi tnextdoor.
.

Me:Iprayt
ot hedarkpowersoftheuniver
se,f
rom
wit
cheswhoexi st
edbeforeandexistnow.Ibr
ing
f
orthtoyouthegirlnamedSphumel el
e
Mi
ssGhadt
oldmeherf
ullname.
.

Me:What everblessi
ngsandsuccessshehas
followingherIblocki tfr
om beingpr osper ous.Ifher
waysar ebri
ghtasl i
ght ,Ii
ntr
oducedar kness.May
dar knessfoll
owherever ywhere.Inheal t
h, l
ove,and
success.Ibr eakherandNat hiup, mayt heir
relati
onshipbreak.Maysheseenohappi nessbut
dar knessinallpathsofl if
e,maynot hingofher s
wor k.Maysheexper ienceunbear ablepain, mayher
hear tbreaktopieces.Iaskal lt
hisint henamesof
allwi t
chesthatexistedbef or
et i
me, andexi sttoday
also.Al somayNangomsobebr oughtdownf r
om
herhi ghhorse,mayshepayf orwhatshedi d..
Amen
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
13] :80

LELE
Nathiwokeupearli
ert
hanhi susualti
methis
morning.Hedidn'
tgostr
aighttobath,hej
ustsatup
st
raightonthebed.
.
Me:Feel
ingr
est
less?
Nat
hi:Tel
lmesomet
hing
Me:Yes?
Nathi
:Sosotal
kedaboutbei
ngamot
henextyear
,is
sheplanni
ngonhavingababywi
tht
hisman?
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:She'
snotpl
anni
ngt
oo,
shei
spr
egnant
Hedi
dn'
tsaysomethi
ngf
orawhi
le,
her
ubbedhi
s
f
acewit
hhishands.
.
Me:Sosoi
sanAdul
t
Nathi
:Nodon'tdothat,eachtimewhenshedoes
somethi
ngoutofchar acterwi
tht hi
sguydon'
tguilt
tr
ipmewi t
hthe"She'sanadul tcard"
.He'
smar r
ied,
she'
sjustasidechick.NowIhearaboutthis
secondwifenonsenseandi twasbogus,butthi
s..
Thisismorebogus!Theyhaven' tevendat edfor
thatl
ongandalreadyshe' spregnantforhim?Why
i
sn'thehavingki
dswi thhiswi f
efir
st?Whyi sthe
wifesocasualaboutthis?Itdoesn'tmakesense.
Whenshet hrewinthatlinelastni
ght,Iactedcasual
becauseIdidn'
thavethef actsstr
aight,andittooka
l
otinmet onotcreateascene
Me:Iunderstand.
.Youhavear i
ghttobeangrybut
thenwhat?Wi l
lyourangerer
asethesit
uati
on?It
happened,she'
spregnantandshe'shavi
ngababy
byhim
Nathi:Sosohasnobusi nesshavingababywi thno
onewhenshehasj uststart
edt oreal
izeherl i
fe,
she'
sbeenwi thyourbrotherforyearswi thout
fal
li
ngpr egnant,what'
sspeci alaboutthisghostguy?
I'
m highl
ydi sappoi
ntedandmor edisappoi nt
edt hat
youar eactuall
yencouragingt hesit
uation
Me:Howam Iencour
agi
ngt
hesi
tuat
ion?
Nat
hi:Youact
ingl
ikei
t'
sokay
Me:Whatdoyouexpectmet odo?Scoldhertothe
near
esthel
l?I
'
m nothersi
sternorherMotherIhave
nor i
ghtt
owhateverdeci
sionshemakeswi
th
regardst
oherl
ife
Nathi
:Youar
eherf
ri
end,
youshoul
dcal
lhert
o
or
der!
Me:HaiboNathi,
Iwasn'
tleti
nonthebabymaki
ng
si
tuati
on.Ionl
yfoundoutmysel
fwhenshewas
al
readypregnant
Nathi
:Idon'tknowwhatyougi rl
stal
kabout,
kanti
whatisyourfriendshipwithherbasedon?Youtwo
encourageeachot hertodothingsli
kethi
s?What
el
seisgoingt ohappen?Whatel seareyouguys
encouragi
ngeachot heron?
Me:Whereisalloft
hiscomingf
rom soear
lyint
he
morni
ng?It'
sveryunfai
rofyout
oputtheblameon
meaboutthisstr
uu!
Nat
hi:Yeahwhat
everLel
e,l
etmegopr
epar
efor
wor
k
Thatwasunf
airofNat
hit
oputt
hebl
ameonme
wit
hthi
s..
BELI
NDA

Iwokeupt hismorni
ngandLisawasal r
eadyup.
Shewasn' tlayi
ngnexttome.
.Iwentt ofr
eshenup
busythinkingaboutthewhol
esi tuat
ionwiththe
ri
ng.Iam gr eat
lysati
sfi
edwi
tht hewaywedi dthis
si
tuati
on,justsavingmymarriagewi t
houtharming
anyone..

Iwenttot
heli
vingr
oom exactl
yat6am,oneoft
he
hel
perswasal
readypr
eparingbreakf
ast
..

Me:Goodmor
ning
Hel
per
:Goodmor
ning
Everyoneel
seseemedtosti
llbesleepingexceptfor
Li
sa, whowasnowheretobef ound.Shehast oget
back,wehavetodri
vebackrightafterbr
eakfast
..

Mi
ssGwal
kedi
n..
Mi
ssG:Thokoza
Me:Thokoza
Shewashol
dingabasketwi
thher
..
MissG:Theseareyourt
hingsthatyouhavetobat
h
wi
th,don'
tworryt
heyincontai
nersthatwon'
tmake
hi
m suspi
cious
Me:Thankyou
Mi
ssG:Her
e'syourr
ing,
youcanweari
t
Itooki
tandsl
idi
tin.
.Itl
ookednor
mal
,st
il
llooked
thesameasmyring.
.
Me:Thankyousomuchf
oryourhel
p
MissG:I
t'
smyjobdon'
tworr
y,t
akemynumber
s
i
ncaseyouneedmorehel
p
Me:ThankyouIwi
ll
MissG:Don'tbescaredtocallatanyti
meoft heday,
theri
nghasbeenenchant edtowor konlyonhim.I
haveprayedagreatdealfori
tsoitwor ksri
ght
awaybecauseyoursituat
ionisveryserious
Me:Idon'
tevenknowhowt
othankyou
Mi
ssG:Don'
tment
ioni
t

NANGOMSO

Iwasinthekitchengett
ingmyselfsomewarm
watert
odrink.Ialwaysdrinkwarm wat
erf
ir
stthi
ng
i
nthemor ning..Nat
hiwalkedin.
.
Me:Goodmor
ning
Nat
hi:Mor
ning
Me:Ithoughtyouwer
enotgoi
ngt
owor
ksi
ncei
t'
sa
hol
iday
Nat
hi:I
'
m onst
andby
Heseemedtobeinabi
tofamood,
Icoul
dseei
t
r
ightt
hroughhi
m..
Me:Ar
eyouokay?
Nat
hi:Yes.
.Whywoul
dn'
tIbe?
Me:Justt
hatLel
ealwayspr
epar
eseveryt
hingfor
youi
nthemor ni
ng,
andthi
smorningyouprepari
ng
ever
ythi
ngf
oryour
sel
f
Nathi:I'
m notdependentonLele,
she'
snotmymai
d.
I'
velivedaloneforyearsIknowhowtoprepar
e
everythi
ngf ormyself
Me:What
'swr
ong?Youseem t
obei
namood
Nathi
:Whatmood?Doyouexpectmet
obeacl
own?
Laughever
yday?
Me:Yoooh!
It
ookmybot
tl
eandt
henwentt
omybedr
oom.
.

BELI
NDA

Li
saf
inal
lyj
oinedusf
orbr
eakf
ast
..
Me:Hey.
.Wher
ehaveyoubeen?
Li
sa:Iwentoutf
orawal
kneededt
ocl
earmyhead
Me:OhwIsee
Myphoner
ang,
itwasNdal
o..
Me:ExcuseMe
Iexcusedmysel
ffr
om t
hedi
nnert
abl
e..
Me:Goodmor
ning
Ndal
o:MyAngel
Me:Youupear
ly
Ndal
o:Yeah.
.Wasmi
ssi
ngyout
err
ibl
y
Me:I
sthatso?
Ndal
o:Yesi
tis.
.Iwokeupmi
ssi
ngyoubadl
y
Me:Ohw
Ndal
o:Howdi
dyouguyst
ravel
yest
erday?
Me:Wet
ravel
edsaf
elyandwedr
ivi
ngbackhome
t
oday
Ndal
o:That
'sgoodt
ohear
Me:I
'
llbehomel
aterondur
ingt
heday
Ndal
o:ThenI
'
llbehomesi
tt
ingandwai
ti
ngf
oryou
t
ocomeback
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Ndal
o:Imi
ssyoual
ot,
I'
m ser
ious
Me:Imi
ssyout
oo
Ndal
o:Getdoneandcomebackhome
Me:Okay.
.I'
l
lcal
lyouwhenI
'
m ont
her
oad
Ndal
o:Okay.
.Il
oveyousomuch
Me:Il
oveyout
oo

NANGOMSO

Ihear
daknockatmydoor
..
Me:Comei
n
Lel
ewal
kedi
n..
Me:Hey
Lel
e:Hey.
.Wer
eyouabl
etocal
lNdal
o?
Me:Aghi
tsl
ippedmymi
nd,
I'
llcal
lhi
m now
Lel
e:Okayt
hankyou
Me:I
syourboyf
ri
endokay?She'
sinamood
Lel
e:She.
.Thatcommentyoumadel
astni
ghtabout
youbei
ngamot hernextyeari
tgothi
mthi
nki
ng
whenhefoundoutthatyoupregnant
Me:It
houghthel
ongknew
Lele:Idi
dn'ttel
lhi
m unti
lthi
smor ning,di
dn'
tthi
nki
t
wasmypl ace,andIdon'
tregretbecausehe'
s
blamingme
Me:Whyi
shebl
ami
ngyou?Youar
enotmykeeper
Lel
e:I
'
m sur
pri
sedmysel
f
Me:He'
l
lcomear
ound,
hedoesn'
thaveachoi
ce
Lel
e:Ihopesot
oo.
.Letmegopr
epar
eforwor
k
Me:Okay.
.I'
l
lcal
lNdal
oforyou
Lel
e:Okayt
hankyou

CLARA

Iwasupsweepi ngoutsi
de,andsingi
ngwhenIsaw
Nathiopeni
ngthegate.Idi
dn'tsayanyt
hingt
ohimI
conti
nuedwithwhatIwasdoi ng..
Nathi
:Asi
sabul
isani
?(Wenol
ongergr
eeteach
ot
her)
Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:Ohwgoodmor
ning
Nat
hi:Mor
ning,
howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou
Nathi
:I'
m good.
.Whenyoudonet
hatsi
de,
come
t
hisside
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Iwi
ll
Nat
hi:Enj
oyyourday
Me:Samet
oyou
Nat
hi:Shar
p
Ismi
ledandcont
inuedsweepi
ng.
.

NANGOMSO
Ical
ledNdal
o..
Ndal
o:Hi
Me:Hi
?
Ndal
o:Goodmor
ning
Me:Uhm okay.
.Howar
eyou?
Ndal
o:Goodandyou?
Me:I'
m good..Li
stenIfor
gott
otel
lyoul
astni
ght
.
Lelewoul
dlikeasessionwit
hyou,howabout
tomorr
ow?
Ndalo:Shehast ogot
hroughthesameprocedur
e
aseveryone.SendanEmailthenwewil
lputheron
thewaiti
nglist
Me:Sameprocedur
easever
yone?Si
ncewhendoes
shedothat
?
Ndalo:There'speopl
ewhohavesentEmai l
sway
befor
eLele, whatmakeshersospeci
althatwehave
toskipeveryoneelseandgotoher?Everycasei
s
i
mpor tant
Me:Wow.
.It
houghtyouwoul
ddomet
hisf
avour
Ndalo:Why?Whyshoul dIdoyout hi
sf avour?This
i
smyj obi
t'
snotagame, areyouwi t
hmef or
favour
s?I'
vebeenwi thBelf
oryearswemar ri
ed
she'smywi f
eandnotevenoncehassheever
askedmef orfavourswhenitcomest omyj ob
becausesher espect
swhatIdo,she'snotavul t
ure
Me:Okayyoubl
owi
ngt
hisoutofpr
opor
ti
on,
itwas
nott
hatdeep
Ndalo:It
houghtyoucall
edmetoaskhowI'
m doi
ng,
butyoucall
ingmeforfavour
ssoear
lyi
nthe
morning
Me:Idon'
tknowwhat
'sgott
eni
ntoyou,
butI
'm not
goi
ngtobeapartofi
t.
.Haveagooddayandbye
Ihungup.
.Thatwasst
range.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
13] :81

LELE
Hal
fwaythroughwor
kIwascal
ledt
othemanager
's
of
fi
ce.Isatdown.
.
Manager
:Goodday
Me:Goodday
Manager:Iwasrunni
ngthroughthesalerecei
pts
andIcheckedyoursal
essof ar
.Somet hi
ngjustt
old
metochecksalestodaysowedon' tconsume
muchtimewhenwecashup, whenweaboutt o
cl
ose.LeleyoumadeasaleofR1600.I twasacash
sal
eandt hemoneyismissing
Me:Huh?
Manager
:Di
dthecust
omergi
veyout
hecash?
Ithoughtf
orawhil
e..Ir
ememberedthatIdi
dn'
t
takethemoneyf
rom thecust
omer.
Me:Ohhmygoodness!
Manager
:Sobasical
lyyougavet
hecust
omert
he
cl
othesf
orf
ree?
Howcant
hecust
omerbesocr
uel
?Whydi
dn'
tthey
r
emi
ndmet
oo?
Manager:Latel
yyouhaven'
tbeenputti
nginyour
100%,youarealwayssi
ckandyoumi ssalotof
work.Wehiredyoutohelpus,
butifyouarenot
doi
ngthatthenIdon'
tknow.Ourcasualsevenwork
bet
terthanyou
Me:Iam sosor
ry
Heshookhi
shead.
.
Me:Iwi
llr
epl
acet
hemoney.
.
Manager:Ihavetofi
lethi
sin,sendittothearea
managerandwewi l
lseefr
om there.Theywillt
ake
i
ttotheregionalmanagerandtheheadof fi
ce,I
r
eall
ydon'tknowwhat '
sgoingtohappen
Me:Iunder
stand
Manager :Iwil
lcal
lyoutocomeandsi gnt herepor
t
thatI
'm goingtosend,Ican'
tlett
hissl
ide.It
'sa
seri
ousmi stake
Me:Iunder
stand
Manager
:Youmaybeexcused
Me:Thankyou
Ist
oodupandwal
kedout
..

NANGOMSO

Recohi
tmeupandwemetupf
orl
unch.
Iwassupposedt ohavebeengoi ngoutwi thNdalo
aspromised,butIdon' tknowwhat '
sgoi ngonwi t
h
himtoday.It
'swei r
d,nomat t
erhowmadNdal ocan
behedoesn'tinvolvemei nhisissues.Hedoesn' t
getmadatsomeoneel seandt akei toutonme, but
todayhedid..IthurtIdon'twannal ie.Ispendmost
ofmyt i
mewi t
hhim, andIwasmi ssinghim al
ready.
.
Howheshutdownt hissituat
ionwi thLele,i
twas
cri
ppli
ngtoo..

Reco:HaiyouseewhatImeantwhenIsai
dletgo
ofthi
ssit
uati
on,l
ooknowyouarehurt
ing
Me:Idon'
tunder
stand.
.Thi
sissounl
ikehi
m
Reco:Thisi
sbadespecial
lynowthatyouare
pregnant
,youguysworktoget
her.Tomorr
owyou
goingbacktoworkhowisitgoi
ngt opl
ayout?
Me:I
'
m goi
ngt
opl
aymypar
tanddomywor
k
Reco:Doyouguysreali
zethatot
herpeoplear
e
i
nvolvedher
e?Withregardstowork.I
fyouquit
agai
nhe'sgoingt
oshutdownt henwebackt o
squareone
Me:Iwon'tbedi
ffi
cul
tonset
,Iwi
lldomywor
k
si
lent
lyandpeacef
ull
yso
Reco:Ihopeyousotoo.
.Pl
easedon'
ttake
advantageofmyhusbandsi
ncenowhe'sthe
producer
Me:Iunder
stand,
Iwon'
tputyouguysi
nadi
ff
icul
t
si
tuat
ion
Reco:Thankyou.
.Let
'seat
Me:West
art
edeat
ing

BELI
NDA
Wehadl ef
tMissG'
spl
aceanddrovebackt
o
Gaut
eng.Lisawasawf
ull
yqui
etontheri
deback
home..

Me:Ar
eyouokay?
Li
sa:YeahI
'
m good
Me:Youar
equi
et
Li
sa:Justt
ir
edt
hat
'sal
l
Me:Iam t
ir
edt
oo
(
Sil
ence)
Me:Doyouthi
nkthisi
sgoi
ngt
owor
k?Imeant
her
e
wasn'
tmuchthatshedi
d
Li
sa:She'
spowerful
,shecanevengi
veyou
somethi
ngsmallanditwi
llwor
k
Shealsogavemesomel eavesthatIneedt osteam
myvaginawithbefor
ewel eft.Saiditwil
lhelpme
dur
ingsexuali
nter
coursesoIenj oyt hanfeelpai
n.
SoNdalocouldenj
oyt oo,I
'm surpri
sedshecaught
t
hatt
oo
Icoul
dn'
twaittogethomesoIcanseehowmuch
thi
sworksexactl
y..
.

CLARA

IwasstandingatthegatewhenNathi
'
scarpulled
overnextdoor.
.Iwasstandi
ngatthesmallgat
e
that
'sri
ghtnexttothei
rsmal
lgat
ewher et
heyenter.
.

Hegotoutofhi
scarandcl
osedi
t,t
henhemadehi
s
waytothegat
e..

Nat
hi:Hey
Me:Hey
Nat
hi:Youl
ookni
ce
Me:Thankyou
Nat
hi:Bor
ed?
Me:Ver
ymuch.
.Youbackf
rom wor
k?
Nat
hi:YeahI
'
m back
Me:Okay
Nat
hi:Wasni
ceseei
ngyouagai
n
Me:Yout
oo
Hemadehi
swayi
ntohi
syar
d,Ismi
led.
.
Nat
hiwasnot
ici
ngme,
hewasf
inal
lynot
ici
ngme.
.

NDALO

Iwentt odoabitofshoppingearl
ierontomaket his
nightromant
icformywi fe.I
'
m goingtocookhera
deli
ciousmeal,herf
avorit
edishandboughthera
beautif
ulwat
ch.Awoman' sfossi
lwatchthatwas
R4500, i
twasrosegold.Giveheranothercoll
ect
ion,
shehas3wat chessof armakingthisthe4thone..

Iwoul
d'veboughthershoes,
butyouknowt
he
sayi
ng.Ifyoubuyawomanshoesyouchasi
ngher
away,shemightwal
kout
.
Bet
terIgi
vehert
hemoneyt
obuyshoesf
or
her
self
..
.

I'
vereal
izedthatIhavebeenver yunfai
rtomywi f
e,
thi
swhol esecondwi fesit
uationIshould'
venever
evenbroughtt hatup.Beli
ndahasbeennot hi
ngbut
goodtome, shedi dn'
tdeservethisatall
.She's
beenagoodwi f
etome, andIneedt obeagood
husbandt oher .
.Thi
sNangomsosi tuat
ionwasa
bigmistake,shewasami stakethatshouldhave
neverhappened. .

NANGOMSO

Ndal
ohaduploadedpict
uresofBel
indainhis
what
sappst
atus.Tal
kingabout"MyBeauti
fulwi
fe"
.
Hewasexpr
essinghisundyingl
oveforher.
.
Ihavenopr obl
em withthatatall
,ImeanIhadno
i
ntenti
onsofevertakinghim away.Iwas
comfortabl
ewithbeingapar tofthei
rli
ves,
Imean
l
oveisloveandwear eallnotdesti
nedfort
hesame
ordi
narylove.
.

Idon'tknowwhat'
sgoingonwit
hhi
m butIhopehe
wil
lsnapoutofitsoon.
.Ihavet
ost
artgoi
ngtothe
Doctorandal
lthat.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
14] :82

NANGOMSO

WhenIgothomeIt oldLel eever

ythingandshewas
disappoi
nted,
alsohur ttofindoutthatNdal
owon' t
behelpful
.Idon'tunderstandwhyNdal oactedin
thatmanner,Wehaven' tspokeneversinceinthe
morning.Ihel
dmyphonecl osethewhol eday
hopingthathewouldcall
,Ihewould'vesnappedout
ofhismoodbuthedi dn'
t.Idon'
tknowwhat
happened,Idon'
tknowwhatIdi dforhimtoactli
ke
that
.Itwasveryconfusi
ng..

Lel
e:Idon'tknowwhat '
shappening,t
odaytheday
wasj ustf
il
ledwit
hbadl uck.AtworkImadea
carelessmist
akethatcouldcausememyj ob,I
don'tknowwhat '
shappening.I
t'
sli
keacloudof
darknessjustsweptthr
ough
Me:Ther
e'salotofEmai
lst
hatherecei
ves,
he
mi
ghtgettoyoursin2monthsorso
Lele:If
eelver
ydi scouraged.MyGr
andmother
want smetodot his,shewantsmetotapi
ntomy
gif
tbutshe'snothelping
Me:Ireall
ydon'tknowLele,wecanseeksomeone
el
se.Aheal ert
hatisablet
ocommuni catewi
tht
he
under
groundgang, thi
sisnottheend.You
shoul
dn'tgiveup
Lel
e:Maybe.
.I'
l
ltal
ktoMahl
opheandask
Me:Youdot
hat
Lele:Ipr
obabl
yshoul
dli
edownal
it
tl
e,I
'
mreal
ly
feeli
ngdown
Me:I
'
lldot
hatt
oo
Thekit
chendooropenedandcl
osed,
wewer
e
si
tt
ingaroundt
hedinningt
abl
e.
Nat
hiwal
kedi
n..
Nat
hi:I
'
m goi
ngoutt
oni
ght
Wel
ookedateachot
her
..
Lel
e:Out
?
Nat
hi:Yes..Meetupwit
hfr
iends,
getaf
ewdr
inks
t
heusual..Ij
ustneedsomeair
Hewal
kedt
othebedr
oom.
.
Me:Justgi
vehimti
me,
he'
spr
obabl
yst
il
langr
y
wi
thmysi t
uat
ion
Lel
e:Yapr
obabl
y
Me:I
'
llgol
iedown
Lel
e:Okay
Iwentt
omybedr
oom.
.

BELI
NDA

Ifi
nall
yarr
ivedhome.Iwasdeadt ir
ed.Ihad
droppedLi
saoff,shewasalsosti
lli
namoodof
somesort.Idi
dn'tknowwhatawaitedmeathome,
whenIgotinitwasn'tal
lqui
et.Musicwasplayi
ng,
oneofmyol dti
mef avor
it
esongs..

"
Awomanneedsl
ove
(
Justl
ikeyoudo)
Don'
tki
dyour
sel
f
I
ntot
hinki
ngt
hatshedon'
t
Shecanf
oolar
ound
(
Justl
ikeyoudo)
Unl
essyougi
veher
Al
lthel
ovi
ngshewant
s"
Ipr
oceededandmademywayt otheli
vingroom.
Thetabl
ewassetf orar omanti
cdinner.Redand
whit
ecandleswerelitup,thel
ight
swer eoff
..Ndal
o
wasputt
ingthefi
nalt ouches.
.
Me:Goodeveni
ng
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Whati
sthi
s?
Hewal
kedupt
ome.
.
Ndal
o:Howar
eyou?
Me:Conf
used
Ndal
o:Justfel
tli
keprepari
ngdi
nnerf
oryou,
hope
youhaven'
teatenanythi
ng
Me:Uhm notyet
Ndal
o:ThenI
'
m gl
ad
Me:I
tlooksbeaut
if
ul.
.Thankyou
Ndalo:Iknowthat.
.Di
nnerwon'
tmakeupfor
ever
ythingthatI
'
veputyouthr
ough.Whenwemet
,I
knewt hatyou. .Iknewaboutyourpai n, Imarri
ed
youanywayknowi ngexact l
ywhatyouhavebeen
throughandt hatli
fewouldneverbet hesamef or
you.BelI'
m sosor ry,i
t'
sgoingtot akejustmor e
thanthisdinnert ofixeveryt
hing.Tor egai
nyour
trustagai
n,t oundoal lthehurtbutIam pr epar
ed
tooifyoust ay
Me:WhataboutSoso?
Ndal o:Sosois..Ijustreali
zedt hatshedoesn'tlove
measmuchasyoudo, Sosohonest l
yspeakingshe
i
snotawi femat er i
al.It
hinkIgotl ostsomuchi n
themomentandt houghtthatIcoul dchangeher ,
butyoucan' tchangeaper son.Theyshoul dbe
will
ingt ochanget hemsel ves.Idon'tthinkshewas
i
ni tbecauseshel ovedme.I fshedid,shewoul d
respectyout oo,I'm sorr
yt hatIbroughther eand
madehi mtodi srespectyou.Iam sor ry,Iknow
sorryisnotenoughbutpl easeI '
m askingforone
l
astchance.Il oveyou
Me:HowdoIknowthattomorr
owyouwon' twake
upandf
eel
ingdi
ff
erent
lyaboutthi
ssi
tuat
ion?
Heki
ssedmyhandandknel
tdownbef
oreme.
..
Ndalo:I
'l
lneverputyout
hroughsomet
hingl
iket
his
everagai
n
Me:Ineedtoshowyousomet hi
ngandIhopei
t
won'
truint
hemoment ,Ij
ustwantyout
oseethe
ki
ndofpersonthatsheis
Itookoutmyphoneanddat edtot
heinboxt
hatthe
girlsentme.IgavemyphonetoNdal
o.Heread
through..
Me:Shewentandt
oldpeopl
eaboutme,
aboutwhat
wetol
dheri
nconfi
dence
Hecl
enchedhi
sJaws.
.
Me:Ijustsayl
et'
scutheroff,
Iknowababyis
i
nvolvednowandIwoul dn'
thaveitanyot
herway
butyoutotakecareofyourbaby
Hegavemebackmyphone.
.
Ndal
o:Whydon'
tyout
akeabat
h,I
'
llber
ightback
Me:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Ndal
o:I
'
llber
ightback,
justanhour
Me:Younotgoi
ngt
oherar
eyou?
Ndal
o:I
'
llbeback
Heki
ssedme.
.
Ndal
o:Ipr
omi sethatf
rom her
eon,
thi
sgi
rli
snever
goi
ngtobotheryoueveragain
Me:Don'tdoanythi
ngstupi
dplease,
she'
snotwor
th
i
t..Ij
ustsayl
et'
seat,havet
hismomentandfor
get
aboutSoso
Henoddedr
epeat
edl
y..
Ndal
o:Wewi
ll
..Iwi
llbeback
Heki
ssedme.
.
Ndal
o:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo

CLARA

Iwasoutwit
hmyfri
endforachange.Iwasingood
spi
ri
ts,
Ideser
vedt
ocelebr
atet
hisnightandj
ustl
et
l
oose.
.

Herboyf
rienddroppedusoffatsomeJazzclub,I
wasfeel
ingmyself.Ihadusedthebat
hingsetthat
MissGhadgi venme..

Iwasabletodressupnicel
ytoo.Bl
ackj
umpsui
t,
heel
s,andmyonl ywigt
hatIputonwhenIgoout.I
don'
tjustweari
tanyhow...

WehadR200,tokickstartus.I
'm sur
ealongthe
ni
ghtsomeonewi l
lbuyusdr i
nks.Twoladiessi
tt
ing
al
one,guyswi
lldefi
nit
elycome

Theywer
eplayi
ngf
eeli
ngsbyZonkewhenwemade
ourwayi
n,i
twasn'
tful
l.
.

Wel
ookedaroundandmadeourwaytothecount
er
t
ogetsomet
hingtodri
nk.
.Wegothunt
er'
sdryred
appl
edumpi
es,
wegot12
Thenwewenttoreser
veatableforoursel
ves.At
l
eastt
hispl
aceisnoti
nfest
edbyyoungpeopl et hat
muchwhowi l
lbemakingunnecessarynoi
sef orus,
i
twasoldandmaturepeopl
e..
.

MI
SSG

Bel i
ndadi dn'
twantt ohur tSoso, she'ssuchasweet
girlwhoj ustgother selfi nthecrossf i
re.Isensed
herpur eheartbutsomet i
mespai nchangespeopl e,
andeveni nthemi stofpai n.Shest il
ldoesn'twant
tohur tSoso..Itooki tuponmysel ftofinishoffthe
cur se.Iwenttot hesamef ieldtoburyt hesamebox
thatIhadbur iedf orLel e..Theseboxeswi l
lserveas
cur sesintheirli
ves,theywi llonlybeabl etobr eak
offt hecurseswhent heyf i
ndoutaboutt hi
s.Even
witht hat,
itwillneedast r
ongheal ertobr eaksuch
anenchant mentorast r ongandpower fulprophet.
Notanyonecanj ustbr eakof ft
his,Iwillkeepon
checki ngandwi l
ldestroyanyonewhot riestofight
of
fthesecur
ses.

Si
d:Ar
ewedone?
Me:Yes
Idust
edmysel
fandt
henwal
kedbackt
othecar
..
.

NANGOMSO

Il
aidinbedandwipedmytears.Ihavebeendown
pl
ayingthi
sthi
ngt
hewholeday, buti
nallhonest
y
whatNdalowasdoinghur
t.I
twashur ti
ngme..

Isawheadli
ghts.Ir
osemyheadfrom thepi
ll
owt
o
check,
thenIrecei
vedat
extf
rom Ndalo..

"
Canwet
alk?
"

Iexhal
edandsmi
led.
.Atl
easthecamebackt
ohi
s
senses.
.It
ext
edhi
m back.
.

"
Comei
n,Nat
hii
snotar
ound"

Igotoutofbedandwipedmyt ear
sthenwalkedout
ofthebedroom.Iwai
tedforhi
mt oknock,
hedid.I
wenttoopenandlethimin

Icl
osedt
hedoor
..
Me:Hey
Il
ookedathi
m ashel
ookedatme.
.
Hi
sexpr
essi
on,
hedi
dn'
tlookhappy.
.
Ndal
o:Ican'
tbel
ievet
hatIact
ual
lyl
ovedyou
Me:I
'
m sor
ry?
Ndal
o:Youareevi
ldoyouhearme?Anexcuseofa
humanbeing,
Ican'
tevenbel
i
evethatwebr
eatht
he
sameair
Me:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Ndal
o:Yout
oldyourf
ri
endsaboutmywi
fe'
sissues
Me:Idon'
tunder
stand
Ndalo:Stopmakingyoursel
flooksoinnocent!My
Angeltoldyouwhathappenedbecauseshet rust
ed
you!Wehaveneverevenwentpubl icwit
ht hi
s!We
tol
dyoubecausewet rustedyouthenyougoand
tel
lotherpeopl
e?Makeheraj oke?
Me:Ir
eal
lydon'
tknowwhatyout
alki
ngabout
Ndal
o:Clar
a!Somegir
lCl
arai
nboxedBel
indaand
t
oldherwhatyout
oldher
!
It
houghtf
orawhi
le.
.HowcanCl
aradot
his?Thi
sis
l
ow!
Me:Ndaloyoudon' tunder
st and..Ididn'
tdothat
i
ntenti
onal
lyjusttodissBel,Icouldbeal otof
thi
ngsbutIwoul dneverstoopt hatlow.Iwasjust
upsetandIneededt ovent,obviouslyIventedtothe
wrongpersonwhoal socoul d'
vesai dsomet hi
ngs
thatar
euntrue
Hesl
appedmeacr
osst
hef
ace.
.
Ndal
o:I
sthi
syourwayoft
ryi
ngt
ogetr
idofmywi
fe?
Br
eakusapar
tsoshecoul
dbeoutoft
heequat
ion?
Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:Ofcour
senot
!Howcoul
dyouevent
hinkt
hatof
me
Ndal
o:Whatdoyouwantmet othi
nk?Becauseyou
Cl
ear
ynottheper
sonIthoughtyouwere!
Me:Ineverwoul
dhur
tBeli
ntent
ional
ly
Ndal
o:Butyoudid!Youaresoevi
l
!Youar
ecr
uel
!
Themostcruelper
sonI'
veevermet!
Isthiswhyyouevenf ellpregnant ?Tot rapme?Yes
mywi femightnotbeabl etoconci eve,shemi ght
havei ssuesbutshe'sabet terwomant hanyou
couldeverbe!Atl eastshehasast ablejob,atleast
shehasqual i
ti
esofawi f
e..Whataboutyou?You
havenot hing!Youarenot hing!Justadr unkthat
hast eenageissuesshecan' tsortoutsosher esort
s
toalcohol!Youcoul dnevermakeagoodwi f
eIdon' t
evenknowwhatIwast hinki ng,Iresenteven
i
mpr egnat i
ngyousohowaboutyoudousbot ha
favourandgetanabor ti
on!Whatki ndofamot her
areyougoi ngt omakewhenyounoteven
r
esponsi
bleenought
otakecar
eofyour
sel
f!
Iwantnothi
ngtodowi t
hyou!Whatki ndofa
womanar eyoutoputanotherwomant hroughthat
pai
n?Makeamocker youtofherpai
n?Haveyouno
shame?Maybeyoudeser vedeveryt
hingthatyour
exandhismotherdidtoyoubecauseyouar ean
evi
lper
son!Couldn'
tevengetyourli
festr
aight!
Atleastmywi fedidn'trunawayf rom homeat16t o
goandpr ostituteherselff oraf ami l
yandahome!
Shedi dsomet hingwi thherl ife,shewentandgota
degree,youbackandyoucan' tevenf ixyourli
febut
i
nstead.Youar ebitchingar oundopeni ngyourl egs
andgotpr egnantf oramar r
iedmant osecur eyour
fut
ure!Don' tevengetmest artedont heunder wear
shit
!Youwannabeawi febutyoubusyexposi ng
yourbodyt hat'snotevenwow, showi ngthewor l
d
yourbur ntmar ks,
yourmi stakesandt oevent hinkI
evenbr oughtyouhomet omyMot her?Youdi sgust
me!Andyoudeser veever yt
hingt hat'
shappeni ngt o
you!Andt hatghostmot herofyour swhof ai
ledt o
beagoodmot hertoyou, stayedi nanabusi ve
mar r
iageunt ilshewaski l
led..Whatcanweexpect ?
Youneverhadagoodrolemodelt
hat'
swhyyou
tur
nedoutthi
sway!Nevercompar
eyoursel
ftomy
wif
e,youarenothi
ngt
oherandshe'swaymore
beaut
ifult
hanyou.
NowyourMot heri
soutther
einsteadofresti
ngin
peacebusynegoti
ati
ngrel
ati
onshipsforyou,busy
sel
li
ngyouoff!Youareaworthl
esspieceoftrash!
Lel
e:That
'senough!
!
BynowIwaswetwi t
htear
s,def
eat
edt
oevensay
anyt
hing.Mykneeswer
eweak,mywhol
ebodywas
weak.
.
Lel
e:It
hinkyoushoul
dleave!
Ndal
o:Wi
thpl
easur
e
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Ndalo:Don'tevent hinkofcomingtoworktomorrow,
don'teverthinkofcomi ngtoworkeveragai
n!Iam
goingtobreakyousobadyouwon' tevenbeli
eveit.
.
I'
mj ustgetti
ngstarted..Noonemesseswi t
hmy
wife,I
'l
lshowyouwhatI '
m madeof!Real
lythought
thatyouwer ebetterthanmywi fe,
toBel'
syouar e
j
ustapeasant .
.Ineverevenlovedyou,
Ikeptyou
aroundbecauseyourpussywasagoodst r
ess
rel
iever
,that
'
sallyou'l
leverbegoodat!
Hemadehi
swayoutandbangedt
hedoor
..
Lel
e:Anexcusepieceofaman!Bangi
ngdoor
sthat
youdidn'
tevenbuy!

Myeyeswer
ecl
oudedwi
tht
ear
s..
Me:Lel
e
Shewal kedupt
omeandhel
dmeasIal
most
col
lapsedonthefl
oor
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
14] :83

CLARA

Wewer
ehal
fwayt
hroughourdr
inksandt
heguys
thatappr
oachedus,justwantedtowast
enothing
butourti
me.Theywer etal
kingawholel
otofbunch
andbeingunnecessari
lyannoyi
ng,t
heydidn'
t
wannabuyusanyt hi
ng..

Aninterestingindivi
dualwal kedinwi thhisfr
iend.
Nathi.Helookedgoodasal ways, andsowast he
fr
iend.Theyl ookedar oundbutcoul dn'
tseeus, t
he
fr
iendsaidsomet hingtohi m,Nat hinoddedandt he
fr
iendwal kedt othecount er.Nathitri
edt ol
ookfor
anempt yt ableandt herewasn'tany, thenhiseyes
l
andedonusf orawhi le.Hewal kedupt ous
Nat
hi:Ladi
es
Wegr
eet
edhi
m back.
.
Nathi:Doyoumindifmyf
riendandIj
oinyou?I
don'tseeanyemptyfr
eet
ables
Me:Uhm.
.Whynot
Nombuso:Wedon'
tmi
nd
Hepul
ledoutachai
randsatdown.
.
Hewassmel
li
nggoodt
oo.
.
Me:Idi
dn'
tknowyougoout
Nathi
:It
'sbeenawhi
le,
deci
dedt
ogetsomef
resh
ai
rtoni
ght
Me:Thoughtyouwoul
dcomewi
thLel
e,Imeanshe
hastoknowthehoodbet
ter
Nat
hi:She'
sti
redf
rom wor
k,hadanear
lyni
ght
Nombuso:I
t'
snott
hatear
lyf
uthi
Me:Wel
lthenwecanal
lchi
ll
andhavef
un
Nat
hi:That
'st
hewhol
epoi
nt

NANGOMSO

Hi
swordskeptr
inginginmyear
s.Hemeantever
y
wor
d,Il
ookedathim andhemeantever
ywor
d..

Me:Idon'
tknowwhyhecouldn'
tjustsayhedoesn't
wantmeanymor ethant
odowhathedi d,
Iwasn't
goi
ngtoforcenorbeghi
m(cryi
ng)
Lele:Becauseguysli
kehi
m knowonlyhowt
oget
theirpoi
ntacrossbyswear
ingatwomen
Me:IknowIwaswrongbywhatIdi
dtoBel
inda,
I
admitIwaswr
ongbutwhathedi
d
Lele:I
'm gl
adheshowedhi
sar
se,
imagi
nei
fyou
wer emarri
edtohi
m.Youwoul
dbest
uckwi
ththat
,I
feelsorr
yforhi
swife
Me:Iwil
lneverf
orgivehi
mforthi
s,Idi
dn'
texpect
hi
mt osaysuch.Iexpect
edsomeoneelsebutnot
hi
m
Lel
e:wegoi
ngt
obeokay
Me:What'
swrongwit
hme?WhydoIkeepon
at
tr
act
ingsuchbast
ards?(
cryi
ng)
Lele:It
'sokay.
.Wearegoingt
opullthrough,
rememberSi d?Didyouevert
hinkyouwer egoi
ngto
getthroughhim?Youdidandevent hi
sonewewi ll
pullthr
ough, t
hat
'swhatwealwaysdo.Weal ways
pullthr
ough
Me:Idon'
twantnot
hingt
hatti
esmet oamanever
agai
n,t
heyal
lthesame.Theyallbast
ards
Lel
e:I
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
Shehel
dme.
.
Lele:Cry.
.Letitallout
,itwi
llbeeasi ertohealt
han
toholdont ohiswor dstheywillonlycontri
bute
mor etoyouranger .Al
lowthishur t
,allowhiswords
topiercethroughyourheartsoyoubl eed.You
bleedandt henwhenyoudonebl eeding,t
hewound
willst
artheali
ng..I'
m sosorry,i
t'
sgoi ngtobeokay

BELI
NDA

Ndal
owal
kedi
n.Ihadj
ustf
ini
shedbat
hing.
Me:Hey
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Ndal
o:Hey
Me:Youokay?
Ndal
o:YeahI
'
mfi
ne
Ihadst
eamedwi
tht
hel
eaves.Theywer
esmel
li
ng
ofcinnamon.Justputthem inabucketandsit
ther
ef or15-
30min.Letthesteam i
n.Ifeltt
he
musclesofmyvagi nalooseningali
tt
le,Ial
sogota
horny..
Me:Shoul
dweeat
?
Ndal
o:No.
.Ihavel
ostmyappet
it
e
Me:Don'
tletwhatshedi
dgettoyou,t
heimpor
tant
t
hingi
stojustmoveonfrom t
hesit
uati
onand
moveonfrom her
.She'
snotworthi
t
Henodded.
.
Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m..
Me:Idon'
twantthisgir
lbeingapartofourl
ives,I
don'
twantustokeeponf ight
ingbecauseofher.
She'
snotthatimport
anttous,tomakeus..Let'
s
for
getaboutherandmoveon
Ndal
o:Iagr
ee
Igotcl
osert
ohi
m andki
ssedhi
m..
Hehel
dmywai
standki
ssedmeback.
Iwaswear
ingat
-shi
rtonl
y,nounder
wear
,nobr
a..
Thekissi
ngconti
nuedunt i
lheitpr
ogressedt
ohim
taki
ngoffhiscl
othes.It
ookoffmyt -
shir
tanddr
op
i
tont hef
loor.
Heki ssedmeonmyneckandmyhandmadei t'
s
wayi nsidehisbri
ef s.Hi sshaftgothardatt hef eel
ofmyt ouch.Heremovedhi sbrief
sandwewer e
bothnownaked, standi nginthemi ddleofthe
ki
tchenf loor
.Hemovedmebackt ot hefr
idge, and
wecont i
nuedkissing, hemoveddownt okissingmy
chest.Thensuckedmyni ppleandwentdownt o
ki
ssmyt ummyunt ilhewaswaydowni nbet ween
myl egs.Ipartedmyl egst ogivehim abitofroom,
hishandswer egluedonmyt highs.Ifel
thistongue
i
nme, wentf r
om myhol e,al
lthewayupt omycl it
..
Hest opped..
Ndal
o:Yousmel
lofci
nnamon
Me:Ohwi
t'
smynewf
oam bat
h,i
t'
sci
nnamon
Ndal
o:I
tsmel
lsgood
Me:I
m gl
ad
Hecont
inuedtomuf fmeunti
lIhadstr
etchedmy
l
egsfur
therf
rom eachother
.Itseemedli
kehewas
enjoyi
nghimself
,thel
eavesal
soprobabl
yleftan
acceptabl
etast
etoo.Imoanedsof
tly,
thi
sreall
yfel
t
good.
Hecont i
nuedt omuf fme, andIwasget ti
ngmor e
horny,gett
ingmor ewet .Ijustdi
dn'tknowwhatt o
dowi t
hmysel f,that'
showgoodi tf
elt.Icouldn'
t
keepstil
l,aloudmoanescapedmyl ips.Hegot
backupandki ssedme, Icouldsmel lthecinnamon
fr
om hismout h.Wi t
hmyl egssti
llpar t
ed,hesli
din
hismiddleandi ndexf inger.Ihadexpect edtofeel
somepai n,butIdi dn't
.Instead,i
tfeltsupernice.
..
Ndal
o:Yousowet
Me:Youmaki
ngmemor
ewet
HeincreasedhispaceandIcouldhearthewet
soundst hathi
sfi
ngersweremakinginsi
deofme,
thefeelofmywetnessturnedhim onmoretoo.He
wasmoani ngi
nbetweenthekiss.
.
Ndal
o:I
'
veneverseenorf
eltyougett
hiswet
Me:Youki
ll
ingme
Hemovedf
rom myl
ipst
osucki
ngmyni
ppl
esagai
n,
swi
tchi
ngf
rom onet
otheot
her
..
Me:OhhhhhhNdal
o
IwassoakingwetandIcoul
dn'
twai
ttohavet
he
feelofhi
m deepi
nsi
deofme..

LELE

IlookedatNangomso, shehadcr i
edher selfto
sleep.Shehadbeencr yingeversinceNdal ol ef
t,up
untilshef i
nal l
yfel
lasleep.Iwipedmyt ear s,thi
s
hurt.Sosohasbeent hroughal otwit
hSi d,when
shef inall
yt houghtt
hatt hewheelwast ur ninginher
favour .Thi
shappens, anothermant hatsetherof f
andsetherback.Thet hingsthathesai d,theywer e
toomuchf oronetotakei n..
.

Hesur pr
isedme,neverthoughtt
hathewoul ddo
that
.Ilookedatt
hetime, i
twas23:00.Ical
ledNat hi
,
hisphonesentmest r
aighttovoi
cemai l
.Isighed,I
don'twannacomeacr ossasanagginggi r
lf
riend.I
thi
nkIwi l
lsleepwithSoso, j
usttomakeherfeel
safewhenshewakesup.Nangomsodoesn' tcry
easil
y,f
orhert ocrythi
smuch.I tprovedt
hatshe
washur tbeyondwhatIt hought.Needtokeepan
eyeonhert omakesur et hatshedoesn'
tdo
anythi
ngt ohurthersel
f.

BELI
NDA

Heli
ftedmylegup,upt
ohiswaist
.Igrabbedhi
s
cockandsl
iditi
n,hecl
osedhi
seyes..
Ndal
o:Shi
ii
ii
ii
it
Hel
eanedmor
efor
war
dtof
urt
herpushhi
msel
fin.
.
Me:Ohhhhhh
Ipl
acedmyar
msar
oundhi
sneck.
.
Ndal
o:Yousowetandsohot
Iki
ssedhi
m ashest
art
edpumpi
ng.
.
CLARA

Wewerejustt
alki
ng,laughi
nganddri
nki
ng.Nat
hi
ser
veduswithanotherroundofci
der
s
Me:OhhhhhhIl
iket
hissongver
ymuch

"
Wenaungokhet
hiweyongabaphant
si
Kudal
angi
zul
azul
angi
funawena
Wenaungokhet
hiweyongabaphant
si
Kudal
angi
zul
azul
angi
funawena

Ut
handool
ungaka
Ut
handool
ungaka

Igotupandstart
eddancing,myfr
iendfoll
owedme
asNathiandhisfr
iendwatchedusdancing.
.
BELI
NDA

Weswi tchedpositi
ons,Iwasholdingontothe
kit
chencount erashetooki tf
rom t
heback.Forthe
veryfi
rsttimeIwasenjoyingdoggyst yl
e.Nomat t
er
howhar dandhowdeephewent ,Ifel
tno
excruci
atingpain.I
twasal lpl
easure,
andthemor eI
fel
tthepleasure.Themor eandmor eIgotwet.
.

Iheardhi
m groani
ngloud,
hewasvul
ner
abl
etomy
coochier
ightnow.Iwasowni
ngt
hegamefort
he
fi
rstt
imeever..

LELE

Igotmycandl
es.Redandwhi
te.
IwenttoprayinSoso'
sroom.Ilitt
hem upand
start
edpr
aying,myheartwasfi
lledwi
thsomuch
pain.Myprayerwasaccompaniedbyal otoftear
s,I
wasbeggingGodt ohavemercyonus.Thi sisnot
r
ight
,what
'shappeni
ngi
snotr
ightatal
l.
.

MI
SSG

IcouldhearandsenseLel eprayi
ng,butIcouldn'
t
hearClar
a.ThisiswhatIhat e,worki
ngwith
i
ncompet entpeople.Igotoutofbedandwal kedout
ofthehouse,str
aighttomyhut ..

Igotthereandli
tar edandbl ackcandl es,Igota
blackbowlofwat erandpl aceditinfrontofthe
candles.Iwasreversingherpr ayersandt r
apping
them inthebowlwi t
hwat er,tomorrowatni ghtIwil
l
got othefi
eldwhereIhadbur iedtheboxesand
pourthewat ert
heretoblockherpr ayer.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
14] :84
NANGOMSO

Ver
yearl
yinthemorni
ngLelewokemeupat3am
sowecoulddoajoi
ntprayer
.Wedid.
Iwasn' tprayingf orNdal ot ocomebackt ohis
senses, Ndalowhathesai d.Hesai dbecausehe
want edt osayt hoset hings, hesai dthosethings
becausehemeantt hem.I twasver ysurpri
singyes
howhechangedal lofasudden, butt henIbelieve
hemeantever ywor dhesai dandt here'
snothing
l
ef tf
orus. .Somet i
mesi t
'si mpor tantthatwehol d
backwhenweangr y,becauseweendupsayi nga
l
otoft hingst hatwecan' tr eversenormakeupf orat
theend.Al lthet hingshesai dtomel astnight,I'l
l
neverf orgetthem andIdon' tthinkIwoul dwanna
bewi thsomeonewhot hinksl i
ket hatofmeand
treat
smet hatway.I t
'sgoingt obehar dtomoveon
from thisbuti t
'snoti mpossi bl
e, IhadSi dabuseme
foryear sandImadei t.
Evenwi
tht
hissi
tuat
ion,
I'
m goi
ngt
omakei
t.
It'
sunfairformet onottakeresponsibil
it
yfort his
sit
uation.IknewNdal owasmar r
iedandIhel ped
him cheatonhi swif
e.Atfi
rstBelhadappr ovedof
thissi
tuation,butthi
ngsdidn'tgowel l
soaf terthat
whathappenedbet weenNdal oandI .I
twas
cheati
ng, Ihelpedhim haveanaf f
airandIt akef ul
l
responsibil
it
yt ooformypar t
..

Iwokeupear l
yandwentt ot
hecemeterytovisitmy
Mother'
sgr ave.Ineededtot
alktoher
,shemi ght
notl
it
erall
yanswermebutsol ongIcryi
talloutin
hergravetheni t
'sokay.

Ithur
t,Idon'
twannali
eithurtdeepl
y.Iputmysel
fin
thi
ssituat
ion,
Ishoul
dn'tseeksympathyfr
om
anyonebecauseIdidthi
st ome..

Iwipedhertombstonewi t
hacl ot
hf i
rst
,itwasabi t
dusty.Ihadbroughtwaterwithmet oosoithelped..
Idi
dn'tkneeldown,Isatonhergraveandl ookedat
hertombstoneheadwi t
ht ear
sstreamingdown. .
Me:Mai
t'
smeSoso.
.
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Me:Imessedup, Imessedupr eall
ybad.Ihadan
affairwithamar ri
edman, Idon'tknowwhyIdi d
that.Ican'tsear chf oranyexcusest oj ustifywhatI
didbecauset her ear en' tany.Imessedupt hat '
sthat
andnowI '
m pr egnant .Thepl anwast ocomeback
andf ixmyl ife,Idon' tknowwher eIl ostt hebal l
becausei t
'snoti nmycour tatthemoment ..Iam
notaski ngf ormuchbutI 'm askingf oryout ohel p
megett hrought his, Idon'twannaabor tmybaby.I
don'tbelievei nabor tion,whatift hi
si st hef ir
stand
l
astbabyt hatI '
lleverhavei nmyl i
fe.Yest he
circumst anceswer en' tpl
easantbutababyi s
i
nnocent .
.I'
m sor r
yt hatIkeepondi sappoi ntingyou
butt histi
mear ound, Ineedyourgui dance.Ineed
yoursuppor tbecauseIwon' tbeabl et odot his
alone.Thi ngsar ef allingapar t,
I'mt iredofpar ti
al
happi ness.Icanonl ygi vethislif
eonel astshot ,
onlyi fmyGodandgui desar ewithme
Iwipedmyt earsandtookoutmyphone,ther
e's
somethi
ngt hatIneededtodo.IwentonFacebook
andsearchedBelinda,t
henIsentherani
nbox:

"
Hi
IknowI '
m probabl ythel astPersonyouwannahear
from, andit'
sokay.Iwantyout oknowhowdeepl y
sorryIam.Iknowt hatt hingsbetweenusar en'
t
goodandt hiswi llseem asi fli
keIdi ditonpur pose
tohur tyou,butIdi dn' tdoi tonpur pose.Icanbea
l
otoft hi
ngsinl i
f e,butIwoul dneveri ntent
ionally
hurtsomeoneel sel i
ket hatnormakeamocker yof
someone' spai n.Whathappenedt oyoucoul d
happent osomeoneel se, Ishould'venevert ook
whatyout al
kedt omeaboutandt ol
dsomeoneel se.
I'
m deepl ysorry, Iunder standifyoudon' twanna
forgivemebecausei fIwasi nyourshoesIwoul d
dot hesamet hingt oandpr obablymor e..
I'
m sorr
ythatIhavebeenapaini
nyourmar ri
age,
I'
m sorr
ythatImessedupwithyourhusbandandI
promiseyou.From nowon,
youwillneverr
uninto
anyencounterwit
hme.Iam donewi
thyour
husband,Iam sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeantohur
tyouint
hat
mannerandi nanyway.
.

Isentt
hemessage.
..

BELI
NDA

Iwasi
nagoodmoodthi
smorni
ng,
Idon'
tknowt
he
l
astt
imeIwasi
nsuchamood.
Iwokeupwithnopai
nwhatsoever
,Iwasf
ineand
thesexwehadyest
erdaywasthebest
.

Me:Goodmor
ning
Li
sa:Youi
nagoodmood
Me:Ofcour
seIam
Li
sa:Icansee,
youevenwor
easki
rt
Me:I
t'
sagoodday
Li
sa:IguessMi
ssG'
sthi
ngwor
ked
Me:Itdidwor
k,youwer
eri
ghtshe'
sindeed
powerful
Shenodded.
.
Me:Thebestparti
sthatnoonei
sget
ti
nghurtf
rom
t
his.Angi
dli
sangamuntu(nopor
ti
onwasused)
Li
sa:I
'
m gl
adal
liswor
kingoutf
oryou
Me:Yaf r
om hereon,I'
m notmessingupanythi
ng.
Evenmybi sexualcar
dI'
mt urni
ngitdown,
Iam not
doinganythi
ngthatmightthr
eatenmymar r
iage
anymore
Li
sa:I
'
m glad.
.Heycanwegooutt
hisweekend?
Gi
rl
'sweekendout
?
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkso.
.Pr
obabl
yNdal
omi
ghtwanna
pl
ansomethingf
orus
Li
sa:OhwIsee
Me:Haveagoodday,
we'
l
ltal
k
Li
sa:Yout
oo
Iwal
kedaway.
.
LELE

WhenIgottowork,mymanagercall
edmet
ohi
s
of
fi
ce.Isatdown,Iwasver
ynervous.
.
Hi
m:Goodmor
ning
Me:Mor
ning
Hi
m:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Hi
m:I
'
m good
Het
urnedhi
schai
randl
ookedatme.
.
Hi
m:Leletheareamanagerr evi
ewedeveryt
hing
t
hatIsentherand..I
'm sor
ryitl
ooksl
ikeyouwillbe
l
etgo.You'
vemi ssedsomanydaysandt hat
mist
akeyester
day
Myhear
tsank.
.
Me:Iunder
stand
Hi
m:Youwi
llbepai
dfor3mont
hs,
pleasesi
gnher
e
Me:Okay
Him:Youcant akeust otheCCMAbutpr oofwillbe
broughtforwardincludingthecarel
essmi st
ake
yesterdayanditwillcostyoualot.Sometimeswe
becomest randedbecauset hetempwon' tbe
avail
abletooandyoucal l
edinsicksowehavet o
sacrif
iceourlunch.I'
m will
ingtogiveyouagood
refer
ence
Me:It
'sokay.
.Iwon'
ttakeyout
otheCCMA,I
'
mtr
uly
sor
ryaboutthi
s.Idi
dn'tmeant
ocauset
he
companyanyt r
oubl
es
Hi
m:Noi
t'
sokay.
..I
'
m sor
ryaboutt
his
Me:I
sthatal
l?CanIl
eave?
Hi
m:Yest
hat
'sal
l
Me:Thankyou

NDALO

Dave:Ther
ewegoagai
n
Me:Thi
sti
mei
t'
sdonef
orr
eal
,SosoandIwedone
Dave:Ican'
tjustf
ir
eheri
t'
sunet
hical
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkshe'
sgoi
ngt
ocomeback
Dave:Whydoyoukeepondoingt
hist
ome?Didn'
t
wedoadoubledat
enotsolongago?Andyouwer
e
happy?
Me:Idon' ttr
ustthi
swomanshe' sevi
l.Shewas
tryingtobreakmeupwi t
hmywi f
e,Idon'teven
thinkthebabyismi ne.She'
sanunderwearmodel ,
whati fshe'
sdonebeenhooki ngupwithot her
peopl eontheside?Thelastti
meIhadar eading
wi t
hher ,
herwombwascl osedbyherancest ors
Dave:Thi
sisamess,
thi
sisaser
iousmess
Me:She'
snotcomi
ngbackandIdon'
twanther
back
Dave:I
fyoucomebackt
omor
rowwi
thadi
ff
erent
st
ory,I
'
mf i
ri
ngyout
oo
Me:Yeahmygr
eat
estapol
ogi
es
Dave:Justst
ickt
oyourwi
feMant oavoi
dsuch
dr
amabecausei t
'sal
soaf
fect
ingyouatwork
Me:That
'swhatI
'
m goi
ngt
odof
rom her
eon,
thank
youDave
Dave:Youwel
come
Reconci
lewal
kedi
n..
Me:Ishoul
dgetbackt
owor
k
Reco:HeyNdal
o
Me:Eyy
Iwal
kedout
..

LELE

Iarri
vedathomef eel
ingdef
eated.Myhear twas
brokenandnot hi
ngmadesenseanymor e,i
t'
sblows
afterblowsandtheycomingfastthatIcan'
teven
protectmyself
.
Imademywayt othebedroom,hopi
ngtogeteven
anhourtomysel
ftocryorsomethi
ngwhenNat hi
'
s
voi
cestoppedme.Il
ist
enedthr
ough..
Nathi
:Ihadagreatt
imet
oo.
..Idi
dn'
tknowt
hatyou
ar
eal otoff
un.
..
Hel
aughed.
.
Nathi:NaaI '
l
ljustsubmitaDoct or
'snotetomorr
ow,
couldn'twakeupt hi
smor ning.I
fIr emember
corr
ect l
yyouchal l
engedmet odri
nking..I
'
m not
compl ainingthough,Idon'tknowt helastt
imeIhad
thi
smuchf un..Defi
nit
elymaybet hisweekend?
CoolCl ara..SharpNgwana

Ashar
ppai
ncr
ossedt
hroughmyhear
t.
Myearswentdeaff
orasecond, wast
hisr
eal
?Cl
ara?
ThesameClar
afrom nextdoor
?
What
'shappeni
ng?

Iwalkedbacktot hekit
chenandmadei tseem l
ikeI
hadjustar
rived.Ibangedthedooronpurposeand
thenputmybi ggirlpant
iesonandwalkedtothe
bedroom..
Hewasl ayi
ngont
hebedf
aci
ngupbusyonhi
s
phone.
.

Nat
hi:Hey.
..It
houghtyouwer
eatwor
k
Me:YaI
..I
'
m notf
eel
ingwel
l
,headacheagai
nthey
l
etmeoutear
ly
Nat
hi:That
'ssad
Me:YaaIknow
Nat
hi:It
hinkyoushoul
dfindabet
teral
ter
nat
ive
t
hanthatthi
ngyouusing
Me:It
riedot
heralt
ernat
ivest
heydon'twor
k,i
t'
snot
l
ikeIt
akeitf
requent
lyonlywhenIhaveaheadache
Nathi
:Ithasni
cot
inemor
ehi
ghert
hani
tdoeswi
th
ci
garet
tes
Me:Ihaveaspi
ri
tualcal
li
ngandmygui
deswant
metouseitasarel
ief
Nat
hi:Soal
lspi
ri
tualgi
ft
edpeopl
edoi
t?
Me:What
'st
hisabout
?
Nat
hi:I
t'
sdi
sgust
ing
Me:Idon'
tdoi
tinf
rontofyout
hough
Heshookhi
shead.
.
Me:Ireal
lyhadabaddayandIdon'
tneedt
his,
I
j
ustlostmyjobt
oday
Nat
hi:Howdoyouloseajobatr
etai
l?What
'sso
har
daboutpunchi
nginsal
es?
Me:I
t'
sokay.
.Idi
dn'
tneedyout
ounder
stand
Nathi
:Iam justsaying,
it'
sunf
aironme.Ihavet
o
takecareofyou,Sosoandnowt hatbast
ard'
s
baby..
.Ist
hatfairforme?
Me:I
'
llf
indanot
herj
ob
Nathi
:It
houghtyouguyscomingherewoul
dbe
goodbutnowyouturni
ngint
oabur den
Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:I'm sorr
ythatwebecomingaburdent
oyou, we
wil
lthinkofsomethi
ngSosoandIwehaveal ways
beenfighter
s.Lif
ehasalwaysshowedusfl
ames
andwe'
veal
waysf
oughtt
hrough
Hel
aughed.
.
Nat
hi:Yeahwhat
ever
Il
ookedathim andsai
dnot
hing.Iwal
kedoutand
wentout
sidetogetsomefr
eshair.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
15] :85

NANGOMSO

WhenIgothomeIf oundLel
esit
ti
ngonthestoep.
Shelookeddistr
aught,al
sol
ookedli
keshehad
beencrying.Hereyeswerer
edandswollen,
they
weresti
llmoist.
.
Me:Lel
ewhat
'swr
ong?
Isatdownnextt
oher
..
Me:What
'swr
ong?
Sheexhal
ed.
.
Lel
e:Nat
hi.
.He.
.Hef
eel
sbur
denedbyus
Me:What
?
Lel
e:Il
ostmyjobt
odayand.
.Hefeel
sbur
denedby
us.
.Idon'
tknowwhatwegoi
ngtodoSoso
Shewi
pedhert
ear
s..
Me:I
'
llber
ightback
Lel
e:Wher
ear
eyouheaded?
Iwal
kedst
rai
ghttothehouse,
Igoti
nandmademy
waytot
helounge.Hewaswatchi
ngTV..
Lel
e:Soso
Me:Whati
sgoi
ngon?Ar
eweabur
dent
oyounow?
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Ar
eweabur
dent
oyou?
Nat
hi:Di
dIsayt
hat
?
Me:Sowhat?Lel
ehasbeencr
yingf
ornot
hing?
She'
sthatcr
azy
Nat
hi:Idon'
tknowwhat
'swr
ongwi
thLel
ebutIsai
d
nosucht
oher
Me:Sowhat
?Shewoul
djustl
iel
iket
hat
?
Nat
hi:EyySosouyang'
rasel
a!
Me:Ohwi
sit
?
Nat
hi:Isai
dnosucht
hing!
Me:I
'
m di
sappoi
ntedi
nyou
Hel
ookedatLel
e..
Nat
hi:Di
dIsayt
hat
?
Lel
ekeptqui
et.
.
Nat
hi:Di
dIsayt
hat
?
Lel
esti
llr
emainedqui
et.
.Nathicl
ickedhi
stongue
andgotupfr
om thecouch,
hewal keduptous..
.
Nat
hi:Awut
hikancance(
moveal
it
tl
e)
Hepushedmeoutoft
heway.
.
Nat
hi:Di
dIsayt
hat
?
Hesl
appedher
..
Lel
e:Nat
hi!
!
Nat
hi:Udakwayisnuffkabiangi
thi
?(t
hesmokel
ess
t
obaccoisget
ti
ngt oyounow)
Igoti
nbet
weent
hem.
.
Nat
hi:Sosomove
Me:Soyoucanki
llomunyeumnt
wana?
Nat
hi:Wet
alki
ng
Me:Younott
alki
ngt
oher
,youhi
tt
ingher
Lel
e:I
'
llj
ustpackmyt
hingsandl
eave
Me:Lel
e!
Nat
hi:Angi
thiuyabona(
youseenow)
Lel
ewal
kedt
othebedr
oom.
.
Nat
hi:Ij
ustwannat
alkt
oher
Me:Youseewhatyoudoing?Doyouwantt
oleave?
Ar
ewebur deni
ngyou?Lelecameher
ewit
hme!
Wherei
sshegoingtogo?Sheknowsnoone
ar
oundher!
Nat
hi:St
ayoutofmybusinesswi
thLel
e,whenyou
dat
edandfel
lpregnantwi
thamarr
iedmanwho
t
alked?Noonesai
danyt
hing!
Hepushedmeoutoft
hewayagain,
har
dthi
sti
me
ar
oundandwal
kedtothebedr
oom..
Me:Nat
hi!
!!
!

LI
SA

Thi
swaswrong,t
hiswasverywrong.Iwentt
oMi
ss
Gtoaskf
orhel
pandIgotsidel
ined

Il
ookedatBellaughi
ngandchatti
ngwi t
hDrShezi,
herl
ifewasbeingfi
xed.Herhusbandisbacktoher
andtheyseem tobeworki
ngeverythi
ngout,her
eI
am miser
ableashell
Myhusbandi
sgone,
Idi
dn'
tevengett
hegi
rl

Sheiscl
ingingontoNdal
oagainandfor
getti
ngme,
samesituat
ionshedidwi
thNangomso.It
'snot
ri
ghtandit'
snotfai
r.
..
LELE

Thissi
tuationwasal lmessedupandIdidn'
twanna
beapar tofwhatwashappeni ngwit
hNat hi
,cl
earl
y
he'
snothi mselfanymore.Somethi
ngwas
happeningt ohi
m, andIknowithasever
ythingt
odo
wit
hClar a.
.
I
t'
shar
dfi
ght
ingher
,andal
sof
ight
ingNat
hi.
Iwil
lhavet odealwi t
honebat t
leatat i
meforthe
sakeofmysani t
y.Let'sbehonest,nomatterhow
hardyout r
yinlif
ebuti fyougetnothingbutblows
aft
erblows, i
tkil
lsthelasthopethatyouhavei n
you.Ithoughtthisnewbegi nni
ngwoul dbebetter,
butit
'snot.
.

Nathiwalkedi
nandcl
osedthedoor
,actual
lyhe
bangedthedoorandl
ockedit
.Myheartski
ppeda
bi
t..
Nat
hi:Whatt
hef
uckwast
hatal
labout
?
Me:Iwasupsetandsheaskedwhatwaswrong,
I
tol
dher.YouknowhowSosoisli
ke,shebl
ew
everyt
hingoutofpr
opor
ti
on
Nathi
:Soyoudeci
dedt
omakemeandmysi
ster
f
ight?
Me:That
'snott
rue
Nat
hi:Thenwhati
str
ue?
Me:NathiIdon'
twannaf i
ghtpl
ease,Iam packi
ng
andI'
ml eavi
ngtogiveyoupeaceandgiveyou
spacebecauseclear
lyyouarenothappywithme
ri
ghtnow
Nathi
:Gowher
e?Becauset
hel
astt
imeIr
emember
youknownooneher
e
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.I'
l
lfi
gur
eitout
Nathi
:Younotgoi
ngtofigureitoutbecauseyou
al
readyfi
gur
editout
..There'
ssomeoneel seri
ght?
Me:Ihear
dyoutalki
ngovert
hephonewi
thCl
ara,
sameClar
athatbewit
chedme
Nat
hi:Whatexact
lydi
dyouhear
?
Me:Ihear
dever
ythi
ng
Nathi
:Di
dyouhearmesayi
ngIl
oveheror
somethi
ng?
Me:Iam notaf
oolNat
hi
Nat
hi:I
'
m notcheat
ing
Me:Notyet
Nat
hi:Okayt
henl
eave!
Me:Thankyou
Heclear
edhistongueandwal kedout
.Isatonthe
bedandcri
ed,Iwasl eavi
ngbutIdon'
tevenknow
whereIwasgoing..
Sosowal
kedi
n..
Me:I
'
mleavi
ng
Soso:
Didhehur
tyouagai
n?
Me:No.
..Nat
hii
sfool
ingwi
thCl
ara,
Iover
hear
dhi
m
t
alki
ngovert
hephone
Soso:
What
?Cl
arat
hewi
tch?
Me:Yes.
.Ican'
tbeher
eanymor
e
Soso:
I'
mleavi
ngt
oo
Me:Sosono.
.
Soso:Wewil
lleavetoget
her,i
fNat hii
smessi
ng
wit
hherI'
m notsafetoo.
.Idon'thavemetothi
nk
aboutal
oneanymor e
Me:Idon'
tknowwhatwegoi
ngt
odo
Soso:
Weal
waysf
igur
eitout
Me:Yeswewi
ll
Shewal
kedout
..
.

NDALO

Iwaspacki
ngmyt hingsandprepari
ngtogohome
whenReconci
leburstintomyoffi
cewit
houteven
knocki
ng.
.Il
ookedathi m..
Reco:Ir
espectyouasacolleagueandt
hegif
ted
per
sonthatyouare,butyouasapersonyoul
ostal
l
myr
espect
Me:HiReco,
yespl
easecomei
n
Reco:Cutt
hecr
apNdal
o!
Me:I
'
m guessi
ngSosot
oldyouwhathappened
Reco:YesshesentmeVNsaf terVNsthatIwas
onl
yabletogettoonowandDaveal sotol
dme
whathappened..Howcanyoubesoevi lt
othatgir
l?
Youslappedher?Youusedforcedonheragain?
HaveyoueverlaidyourhandonBel?
Me:Idon'tseehowthisisanyofyourbusi ness
seri
ousandt oansweryourlastquesti
onno. .Ihave
neverl
aidahandonmywi fe,Irespectherthat
much
Reco:Youar
eabast
ard!Anexcuseofam-
Me:Hey!
!
Hekeptqui
et.
.
Me:NowImi ghtbecivi
lwit
hyouher eatworkbut
thatdoesn'
tmeanI '
m yourfri
end.Wher edoyouget
offburst
ingint
omyof f
icel
ikethat?Idon'
tcare
whateverfr
iendshi
pyouhavewi t
hSosobutkeep
mybl oodynameof fi
t!I
fyout wodon'thavenot hi
ng
totalkabout,
ifyourli
vesar ethatbor
ingfucken
keepmynameof fyourmout hs!Ther
e'sal otofshi
t
ya'
llcouldtal
kabout ,
forinstancehermiser abl
eli
fe
andwher eyougoi ngtogetyournextlubricant
Reco:Whatt
hehel
l?
Me:St
ayoutofmybusi
ness
Reco:Whathasgotteni
ntoyou?Youhavenever
beenthi
sinsensi
ti
ve?What'
swrongwithyou?
Me:What 'swr ongwi t
hmei sthatI '
mt i
redofyou
alwaysmeddl inginmybusi ness, isyourmar riage
bori
ngt hatyoudeci det oi
ntervenei nmybusi ness?
EversinceIst art
eddat i
ngSosoyouhavebeent he
newspaperi nourr elationship,tellthisfri
endof
yoursthatifshewi shest ohaveast able
rel
ati
onshiponedaysheshoul dst opgoi ngaround
hangingherr elat
ionshi plaundryt oever yone.Didn'
t
Bel'
ssituati
ont eachhernot hing?Tel lhertocl
ose
herholeandImeanbot hholes!Andyou
understandthatwear enotfriends, wear ejust
coll
eaguesmyper sonall i
feisof fli
mi ts!I
t'
snoneof
yourbusi
ness,doyouunderstand?Becauseifyou
keepondoingthi
sImightjusthavetomakeDave
choosebetweenyouandmeonwhost ayshereand
whoismor eimpor
tant
Hedi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.
Me:Ift
hatwasal l
,pleaseleavemyof f
icet
hesame
wayyouent er
edandst opbudgingintomyoffi
ceas
i
fli
kethisi
sabat hroom, t
hisnotapublicr
estr
oom
l
et'
srespecteachother!Youmayl eavenow

NANGOMSO

Wepackedourthi
ngsandmadeourwayout
.We
hadnocluewhereweweregoi
ng.
.

Justwhenwegott othefront
,Clar
aandNathiwere
standi
ngont hestoepchitchatt
ingandl
aughing,so
Lelewasright.Nat
hiisindeedmessingwit
hCl ar
a..
Theylookedatus..
Cl
ara:Ehhandt
hen?
Shegl
anceddownatourbags.
.
Nathi
:Abant
ubazi
hlanyi
sast
rai
ght
!(peopl
ear
e
cr
azy)
Me:Iam sodi
sappoi
ntedi
nyou
Nathi:Sayst
hesamepersonwhor anawayf r
om
homeyear sagot
ogol i
vewit
hamanwhoabused
her
, t
henyoucomebackandyouf al
lpr
egnantfora
marri
edman, nosenseofst
abil
it
ynonot hi
ng!
Me:Thatisverytr
ue,butwhataboutyou?The
samemanwhoi sbusyfooli
ngaroundwithawit
ch
thatbewi
tchedyourgir
lf
ri
end
Cl
ara:Haike!
!WhywouldIbewitchuLele?What'
sso
amazingaboutherl
ifet
hatIwouldskippeopl
ewho
ar
ebet t
erthanhert
obewitchher?
Lel
e:Sosol
et'
sgo
Me:YouknowNat hi
,Ihopeshekil
lsyou..Ihope
youdie!Howdoyouasabr otherl
etyoursist
er
wanderaroundwhenshehasahome?
Nat
hi:Whoki
ckedyouout
?Ar
en'
tyout
heone
choosi
ngast
rangeroveryourownbl
ood?
Me:Someti
messtranger
sbecomemor efami
lyt
han
ourbl
ood,
youdoingthesameshitt
hatyoudi
d
year
sagothatmademel eavehome
Nathi
:Eyyhambanit
uuniyekeukudi
na(
please
l
eaveandstopannoyi
ng)
Lel
e:Let
'
sgo
Cl
ara:Byezigi
rl
s
Me:Don'
t.
.Don'
tyoudar
e!IswearIwi
lldr
opyou
downri
ghtnow
Cl
ara:Whatyougoi
ngt
odo?
It
ookof
fmyear
ri
ngs.
.
Lel
e:Soso!
Imademywayst raighttoher.
.Shesawmecomi ng
butshewasn'tpreparedformyat t
ack.Whenshe
expectedmet ohitherfaceIputmykneer i
ght
againsthert
ummy, asshewasbendingdownIput
myhandatt hebackofherneckandhi therf
ace
againstmyknee..
Me:Ahhhhh
Lelewasbehi
ndmenow,tryi
ngtost
opme.Nat
hi
pushedmebackhar
d,If
ellonLel
ewhofel
lont
he
ground.
.
Cl
ara:Ohhmywor
dI'
m bl
eedi
ng!
Nat
hi:Voet
sekhambani
!Hambani(
leave)
Hewentandt ookourbagsandthrewthem outof
theyard,Lel
e'
sbagwasn' tevenzi
ppedproperl
ythat
i
topenedupandt hingscameout.Theywere
scatt
eredont heground.
IgotupandLel
edi
dtoo.
.
Nat
hi:Hambanizi
nja!(
leaveyoudogs)
Lel
e:Sosol
et'
sgo
Me:I
njawuwe(
youar
ethedog)
Lel
epul
ledmet
othegat
e..
Nat
hi:Neveri
nthi
syar
dhavewebeensucha
mockery
Me:Ohhhhhhpl
easeDadki
ll
edMom int
hesame
housewedonebeenamockeryt
hisi
snothi
ngnew!
Nat
hi:Isai
dleave!
!!
!(scr
eami
ng)
Helookedaroundandwentfort
hestackedup
br
icks.
.Hetookoneandthrewitatus,
Imovedand
i
thitLel
eont hel
eg.
.
Lel
e:Ahhhhh
Clar
a:Ni zwil
ebathihambani,ni
funaukuhamba
seni
fil
e?( youheardthatyoushouldl
eave,you
wannal eaveascor pses)
Wegotout
sideandst
art
edcol
lect
ingLel
e'
sthi
ngs.
Peopl
ewer
enowwat chi
ng.
.
Me:St
aywit
hyourwitchwhensheki
ll
syou,
wewi
ll
comeandburyyou!
Cl
arawal
kedupt
othegat
eandl
ocked.
.
Me:Lookather
,locki
nggat
est
hatshenevereven
bought
!
Cl
ara:Hai
sukahambani
!!(
leave)
Lel
esatf
latont
hegr
oundandst
art
edcr
ying.
..
Lel
e:Godwhatishappeni
ng?
?Gogowher
ear
e
you??
?(cr
ying)
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
15] :86

CLARA

Heputthef
acecl
othwi
thi
cecubesagai
nstmy
nose.
.
Nat
hi:I
'
m sosor
ryaboutt
hat
Me:I
t'
sokay.
.Thegi
rl
sneverr
eal
lyl
ikedmeso
Hesatdownnextt
ome.
.
Me:Yaziyourhouse,suchhasneverhappened
befor
e.Themockeryandt heembarr
assment,
peopl
ewer ewatchi
ng!
Nat
hi:Yi
ntoeng'
dinayo(
that
'swhatpi
ssesmeof
f)
Me:Ar
en'
tyouwor
ri
edaboutwher
etheywi
llgo?
Nathi
:Idon'tcar
e,whattheydidwasunaccept
abl
e!
Theypissedmeof f
,theydisr
espect
edmyMot her
andmyFat her
'shouse.I
'veli
vedhereforyears
withoutsuchshithappening,
theycomebackf rom
wher et
heycomebackf r
om tostartnonsense.
.No
theycanf uckoff
!!
Nat
hiwasver
yupset
..
Me:Whatt
heydi
dwasshi
t
Nat
hi:Ineverwannaseet
hem agai
n
Me:Cal
m down
Iputmyhandonhi
sthi
gh.
.
Me:Cal
m down

NANGOMSO

Lel
ewasqui ckenoughtothinkofsomeonewho
mighthelpusinthi
ssit
uati
on.Shecall
edMahlophe,
whodirectedustoherhouse.Wehadsomemoney
wit
hust otakeataxit
oherhouse..
Iwasemot ionallydefeatedandt i
red,
Ididn'
texpect
Nathitoactlikethi
s.Idownpl ayedClara,t
ookher
forgrant
edi tseemsl i
kewhatshe' sdoingisreal
ly
working.
.She' supgrading.
.

Wear r
ivedatMahlophe'shouse,
itwasabeauti
ful
smallhouse.Maybe5r oomswhenwecounti nthe
bat
hroom. .

Sheopenedt hedoorandwemadeourwayi nwit

h
ourbags.Sheclosedthedoorandl
ookedatus,
Lele
bursti
ntotearsi
mmedi at
ely.
.

Mahlophe:Si bongawenaNkul unkuluomkhul u

ukuthiabant wanaebunzimeniubaboni seindlel
a,
i
zimozi milezihaqil
ekodwawenauhl al
aumuhl e
njal
oukudl ulaizi
mo( Wet hankyouGodf oryour
greatness,thatinthemistofconf usi
onyoushowed
thesechildrenawayher e.Youar emi ghti
erthan
anysi t
uationthattheyarefaci
ng)
ShepulledthechairandsatLel
edown,shegr
abbed
anotheroneandsatmedown.Shehel dbothour
handsandcl osedhereyes.
.
Mahlophe:EyyNkosiubuhl
ungunobuthakathi
obungaka,hawukel
aNkosiabant
wana.Sekwanele
(Suchpain,havemercyont
hesechil
dren..I
t'
s
enough)

BELI
NDA

Weknockedof
fandwentt
othepar
kingl
ott
oour
car
s..
.
Li
sa:Whataday
Me:I
ndeed
Li
sa:GuessI
'
llseeyout
omor
row
Me:Tomor
rowi
tis
Shegavemeahug.
.
Li
sa:Bye
Me:Bye
Iwal
kedt
omycar
,unl
ockedandgoti
n..
Itookoutmyphoneandcheckedanynot ifi
cati
onsI
had.Ihadani nboxfr
om Soso, Ireadthroughand
cli
ckedmyt ongue.Thisbit
chdoesshi tandt r
ustsi
n
thewords"I'
m nyori
,I'
m nyori"t
hinkingshewi llget
awaywi t
hthissoeasily.
.IresentSoso, Iresenther
withal
linmeandIwantnot hingt odowi thher,not
i
nt hi
sli
feti
menort henext!

NDALO

Davecaughtupwi
thmeasIwasgoi
ngt
omycar
..
Dave:Canwet
alk?
Me:Yeahwhat
'sup?
Hepunchedmeacr
osst
hef
ace,
unpr
ovoked.
Me:Wt
f?
Ir
etur
nedbackthepunchandwestar
tedfi
ght
ing.
.
Wehatchedi
toutunti
lsecur
it
ycametosepar
ate
us.
..
Me:Whati
syourpr
obl
em?
Dave:Youar emyf uckenpr
oblem!Youar ethe
probl
em.I fyouusedtodisr
espectingyourwif
eand
yourgir
lf
riend,youwon'tdi
srespectmyhusband.
Notnow, notever!
Youshould'
vefuckent
oldmehowhomophobi cyou
are!Iwon'
tbemadatyourhomophobi
a,butyouwill
respectmeandmyhusbandsolongwewor kwith
you
Me:Yourhusbandi
saf
uckenmor
on!
Dave:Youareafuckenmor
on!Andyouare
repl
aceabl
e!Idon'
tknowwhotol
dyouthatyouai
n't
Me:Ifuckenmadet hisshowwhati ti
s!Youscrew
meupyourhar dwor kgoesdownt hedr ai
n!Iam t
he
mostimpor tantper
soni nthisshow,i
fIgoyout oast!
Youwillloseviewersandt hisshowwillbedead!I'
l
l
st
il
lbef uckenNdalo,andyou' l
lbeanotherwashed
outgayPr oducerwithaf ai
ledshow!
Secur
it
y:Okayt
hat
'senough!
Ispatont
hegr
oundandwal
kedt
omycar
..
Me:ImadeyouandIcanbr
eakyou!
Dave:Sonofab*
**
Secur
it
y:Hey!Easy!
Me:Cal
lmymotherabi
tchonemor
etime!Atleast
herwombcar
ri
edamanandnotafuckenfaggot!
Dave:Iwi
llshowyouwhatI
'
m madeof
Me:Br
ingi
ton!

LELE

Mahlophehadmadeussomet
eaandwast
ell
ingus
whatwashappeni
ng.
.
Mahl
ophe:I
t'
sdeepbant
wabami
,i
t'
sdeep
Wel
ookedather
..
Mahl
ophe:YourMot
heri
sbehi
ndal
loft
his
Wel
ookedateachot
her
..
Mahlophe:Lel
ethi
sClar
agirlwentt
oyourmot her
toconsul
tonyourbehal
fhencewhyNat hii
sacting
thi
sway,hencewhyeveryt
hinginyourl
ifei
sfall
ing
apart
Me:What
?
Mahlophe:Shedidn'tbewitchhim bygivi
nghim any
port
ionorburyinganythinginyouryard,shecursed
youandisusingdarkmagi ctomakehi m seeyou
asanenemy.Whendar kmagicisusedagai nst
someoneyoul ove,t
heywi llt
urnonyou.Thatl ove
get
sr epl
acedbyhat eandanger
Soso:
Ohhmywor
d
Mahl ophe:Soso. .Ndal
o'swif
ehadherr i
ngbl essed
byLel e'
sMot herandthi
siswhyeverythi
ngi s
happeningt hisway.ThiswomanBel i
nda, herhurt
droveheri ntot hear
msoft hewit
ch.Yes,shedi dn'
t
wantt ohur tyounorherhusbandshejustwant ed
tosavehermar ri
agebutdoesn'
tknowhowevi lyour
Mot heris.Whatshedi dtoyoutwoishor r
ifi
c
Me:Whendi
dthi
shappen?
Mahl
ophe:Recent
ly
Me:Howi
sitwor
kingsof
ast
?
Mahl ophe:Becauseatti
meswhenyouwi sh
someonebad, youputal
lyourfai
thi
nthatand
forcesofdarknesstendtoactqui
ckert
hantheti
me
frame
Lel
e:Whatdowedo?Howdowef
ixt
his?
Mahlophe:Youneedst r
engthandguidancefrom
yourGrandmothertofi
ghtyourmother,t
he
enchantmentsthatshehasburi
edcan'tbejustdug
upbyanyone.Itneedssomeonepower ful,
someone
wit
hthepr ot
ect
ionofUt hungut
odefeatyour
mother
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Mahl ophe:Thismanyoudidn'tat
tai
nhimi nagood
mannerbutGodhasseenyourhear tandhowsor ry
youar eandhowmuchyour egret
.Thiswasa
l
essonl earnt,
Godisgoingtobemer ci
fulbutf
rom
thi
sdon' texpectt
obeblessedwithamanyet .Your
guideswantt ohelpyoufi
xyourli
fefir
st
Inodded.
.
Me:That
'swhatIwannado
Shehel
dourhands.
.
Mahl ophe:Thisf i
ghtisgoingtobedi fficultbutwe
can'tlethappeni sthem havingvictoryoverus, we
theoneswhoneedt ohavevictor
yovert hem.The
devilwor ksharderandsomet i
mest heat tacksare
painfulbutdon'tallowt hedevi
ltodef eatyout othe
pointofnotbei ngabl etogetup.Don' tlethim shoot
thear rowsuntilyouf al
ldownt oyourknees,
becauseonceyouf alldownhewi llshoott henext
arr
owr ighti
ntoyourf oreheadandi t'
sgameover ..I
canhel ponl
yifyoul adiesarewil
lingt ofight
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
15] :87

NANGOMSO

Myhear
twasbr
okent
olear
nthatMi
ssGi
sbehi
nd
thi
smi sfortune.Idon' tunderstandwhatt hat
womanwant sfrom me, Idi
dnot hingt oher.She
shouldjustl eavemeal one,Ididexpecthert ogo
ball
soutbutIdi dn'
texpecthert obet hisevil.She'
s
att
ackingi nal langlesandwhatscar esmeabout
thi
swhol esi tuationwast hat.MissGi svery
powerful,she' sapower fulwitchdoct or.I
fshe' s
gunningf orusl ikethis,shewon' tst
opunt ilshehas
fi
nall
ykilledus. .

Myhear
twasbeyondbr oken,al
lhopeseemedlost.
Iwasmoredisappoi
ntedinBeli
nda.Howthehell
di
dshefi
ndMi ssG?Doessheknowwhatshe' s
get
ti
nghersel
fint
oorratherhasgott
enhersel
fint
o?

Ipl
acedmyhandonmyst
omach.
.
Me:It'
sgoingtobeal ongride,butIneedyoutobe
str
ongformommyokay?Becausesol ongyou
str
ongformeI '
llbestrongforyoutoo.Can'tl
ett
his
gettous,can'
tlethergettous
Ihavealwayspict
uredNdalotobeast rongfor
ceto
bereckonedwith,buti
fshewasabl etohelpBel
tur
nhi mint
owhathei s.ThenI
'm scared,I
'
m very
scared.ComparedtoNdalo,wearejustpapertoher
andshewi l
ldestr
oyus..

Ifel
tapani
catt
ackcomingt
hrough,Iclosedmy
eyesandtr
iedt
omaint
ainmybreathing.

Me:ComeonSosoyouhavet
obest
rong

Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
..
Me:Comei
n
Thedooropened,
Mahl
ophewal
kedi
n.
Shesmi
ledatmeandcl
osedt
hedoor
..
Mahl
ophe:Lel
eissl
eepi
ng
Me:That
'sgood.
.Shehast
orest
Shecameandsatnextt
ome.
.
Mahl
ophe:Iwashopi
ngyouwoul
drestt
oo
Me:Iam notf
eel
ingsl
eepy
Shelookedatme.
.Shepl
acedherhandonmy
chest
..
Mahl
ophe:Cr
y
Me:Idon'
tli
kecr
ying
Mahl
ophe:Youarehurt
ing,youdi
dn'
tthi
nkyou
woul
dfal
lforhi
mt hi
shard.Youhaveapartofhi
m
i
nyou,i
t'
sokaytocry
Me:Idon'
tcr
y
Mahl
ophe:Why?
Me:Peopl ethi
nkIdon'tcr
ybecauseIam cold,I
haveal otofangerdeepinmebutIdon' tcr
y
becauseIknowt hati
fIcr
yI'l
lnevercomeback
fr
om thepain.I'
llcryandpossibl
ygetament al
breakdown
Mahlophe:Youareexper
ienci
ngal
lofthesethings
becauseyoudon'tcr
ywhenyouhavet oo.Keeping
andbottl
ingpaini
nsi
de,youdon'
thealitonl
y
channel
si t
sel
fint
oanger.Themoreangeryou
accumulatedeepwi t
hin,
youwillbur
standyouwil
l
burstonpeoplethatdidnot
hingtoyou.I
fyoudon'
t
cry,youwil
lbleedonthewrongpeople.Cr
yingi
t'
s
howt hesoulheals,
it'
smedici
netothesoul
Il
eti
tout
..
Mahl
ophe:That
'si
t.
.
Me:Ithurt
s,i
thurtsmorethanwhenIbrokeupwit
h
mylastboyfr
iend.Am Icur
sed?Am Iunl
ovabl
e?
Whatisitwit
hmet hatIcan'
tgetr
ight
?
Mahlophe:Ithurtsbecausehei sthefi
rstmanwho
showedyoul ovewhenyoul eastexpectedi t
,ithur
ts
becauseforonceyouwer ehappyandi nl ovebuthe
wasnotyour s,hewasneveryour s.Someot her
l
essonsarel earntt
hroughpainsowedon' trepeat
them,whenyout hi
nkofgoingbackt ohi m youwi l
l
rememberthi sdayandt hepainheputyout hrough
thenyouwillnotgobackt hereagain
Shehel
dmyhand.
.
Mahlophe:Yourlovewithhi
m wasbasedon
anot
herwoman' spainandtears,nowI'
m not
bl
amingyouf oreveryt
hingbecausehehadthe
potent
ialt
omaket hi
swork.I
t'
snottabooforaman
totaketwowi ves,
butonl
yar ealmanknowshowto
handlepolygamy.
Shepr
essedherhandonmychest
..
Mahlophe:Deepdownyouar eaverygoodper sonI
cansensei t,
butallt
hatgoodi sshadowedbypai n
andanger .Thegoodinyoucan' tsuffi
cebecause
ther
e'sthornsaroundit.Afl
owerdoesn' tbl
oom
whent here'
sweedsandt horns,thegardenerhasto
removet hem fort
heflowertoblossom.Youneedt o
i
nvit
eGodyourgar denertoremovet hosethor
ns
andweeds
Me:Iam tr
yingt
opray,Iam tr
yingbutal
oti
s
happeni
ngandIfeell
ikegi
vingup
Mahlophe:I
tgetsharderbecauseyouar enot
honestwit
hyourself
,youarenothonestwi thyour
God.Prayaboutit
,youhaveal i
fegrowinginsideof
you.Hedoesn'
tdeservetobeatt herecei
vingend
ofyouranger
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Mahl
ophe:Youar
ecar
ryi
ngNdal
o'sf
ir
stbor
n,a
boy..Theonewhoisgoingtogett
hegif
tfr
om hi
s
father
,youarenotj
ustcar
ryi
nganybabyremember
that
Me:I
'
mtr
ying.
.
Mahlophe:Wear egoi
ngtotryharder,agoodli
feis
promisedbutGoddidn'
tsaytherewon' tbet
horns
al
ongt hewaybutalli
nallyouneedt ounderst
and
something.Great
eri
shewhoi swi t
hinyou,t
hanhe
whoisi ntheworl
d
Il
ookedather
..
Mahlophe:Hewhoi
sint
hewor
ld,
ndi
shoyena
phel
auMi ssG
Webot
hlaughed.
.
Mahlophe:Kuzolungangathiakwazekwamosheka
(
Itwi
llallworkoutasifl
ikethi
ngswereneverl
ike
t
hisbefore)
Inodded.
..
Mahl
ophe:I
'
m sor
ryt
hatyougoi
ngt
hrought
his
Me:I
t'
sokay.
.Thankyouf
orl
ett
ingusst
ayher
e
Mahl ophe:Eacht i
mewhenyouf eelli
kecr yi
ng,I
wantyout ocrydon'tholdback.Themor eyoudo,
thehar deritwil
lbef oryoutomovepasst hi
s.Cry,
mour nt hebreakup.Af t
erall
,youlovedhi m and
there'
snocr i
mei nthat.It
'snotaboutwhohave
knownorbeenwi ththelongest,it
'saboutwho
cameandmadeyouhappy.Ndal oachievedthatin
thatshor tspaceoftimecompar edtoyourext hat
you'vebeenwi t
hforyear s
Me:If eelsostupi
dthatthebreakupishurt
ingme,
feelevenmor estupi
dthatImisshim andstil
lhave
thatloveforhi
m.Somet i
mesIfeell
iketaki
ngthe
phoneandcal li
nghim butthenIrememberour
fall
out.Helookedatmeand. .Isawhateinhiseyes,
hehat edme.Hewasdi sgust
edbyme
Mahlophe:That '
sbecausehewasn' ti
nhi sri
ght
mind,theri
ngi smessingupwi thhim andwhat's
moresadi sthathestil
llovesyoutooal otbuthe'
s
fi
ghti
ngt hr
ought hatl
ovewi t
hhatebecausemi nd
gamesar eplayedonhi m becauseofthepowerof
theri
ng
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkIwannabewi
thhi
m anymor
e,he
di
dn'
thur
tme.Hebr
okeme,
hemademecr
y
Mahlophe:Ithur
tbecauseyoul ovedhim,whil
st
wit
hyourext heotherboyitdi
dn'thurtanymore
becauseyouhadf al
lenoutoflovewithhim..
.Idon'
t
wannalie,
it'
sgoingtohurtmorebecauseyouhave
apartofNdalowithyounow
Me:That
'st
rue.
.Thankyouver
ymuch
Mahl
ophe:Youwel
come
Lel
ewal
kedi
n..
Lel
e:Hey
Me:Hey.
.It
houghtyouwer
esl
eepi
ng
Lel
e:YeahIwas.
.HaveyouseenMahl
ophe?
Il
ookedatMahl
ophe.
.
Me:She'
ssi
tt
ingher
eri
ghtnextt
ome
Lel
e:What
?Noshe'
snot
Il
ookedatMahl
ophe.
.
Mahl
ophe:It'
sokay..Youar
eabletoseemeint
his
f
orm becauseofthechil
dyoucarr
ying,
hewon'
t
i
nherithisgif
twhenhi sfatherdies.IfNdalo
conti
nuesdoi ngthi
s,hisancestorsar epunishi
ng
him,his3rdeyeisclosingandt heyhavet ransfer
red
thegiftt
ohisSon.IfNdal odoesn'tchangehi sways,
andhisSonget sbornhewi l
lcompl etel
ybest r
ipped
offhi
sgi f
titwil
lgotohi ssonandhewi llneverget
i
tbackeveragai n
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:No.
.
Mahl
ophe:I
t'
sokaySoso.
.
Me:No.
.Notyou
Mahl
ophe:Shegott
omebuti
t'
sokay
Igotupnowmyanxi
etywasati
t'
shi
ghestpeak.
..
Lel
e:What
'swr
ong?
Iwal
kedoutandt
hewhol
eroom wasspi
nni
ng.
..
Me:No.
.Mahl
ophe!
!
Lel
e:Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Iwal
kedout
sideandjustbyt
hedoorstep,
Mahl
ophewaslayingther
ewit
hablackMamba
snakeonherbody.
.
Me:No!
!!
!
Lel
e:Ohhmygoodness.
.Mahl
ophe
Lel
ewentt
oher
..
Me:Don'
ttouchher
!Ther
e'sasnakeont
opofher
Lel
e:Whatareyout
alki
ngabout?Ther
e'snosnake
her
e!She'
slayi
ngontheground
Me:Lel
eno!
WhenLel
egotcl
osert
hesnakevani
shed.
Ipl
acedmyhandovermymout
h..
Me:Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Tear
sst
reameddown.
..

MI
SSG

Iwasl
ooki
ngatt
hewhol
escenar
iot
hroughmy
mir
ror
..
Me:Dammi
t!Dammi
t!
Whatt hisgi rldi
dn'tknowwast hattheri
ngwasn' t
onlygoi ngt obringbackherhusbandt oher,butI
havebl essedi tsoNdal ocouldspir
aloutofcont r
ol
andlosehi sgi f
t.IthoughtifNdaloangeredhis
ancestor swi thhisactions,thegif
twouldseizebut
thosebast ar
dswer east epaheadofme.Theygave
i
ttohisSon, whichpr ovesthattheyknewmypl an
anddeci dedt oactoutf asthencewhyNangomso
fel
lpregnantwi thoutevent ryi
nghardorreali
zingit.
Theybl indedhert onotevent akethemor ni
ngaf t
er
pil
l

Ther easonwhyIam gunni ngforthi

sguyi ssolel
y
basedont her easonthathehelpedt hetwogirl
s
escape, helpedt hem t
ore-constr
uctt hei
rli
vesand
wasont hever geofhelpingLeletoreal i
zeher
call
ing.Idon' twannament ionthisMahl ophe
person,shewast heonewhost artedt hi
swhole
bull
shit
Icoul
dsensethelovethatexi
stedbetweenNdalo
andSosotoo,evenBel
.Theycoul d'
vebeent
he
mostadmiredandtal
kedaboutpol ygamymarr
iage,
IhadtohurtSosobydoingthi
sbecauseshehur t
mySon..

Mahl ophewasi ndeedagr eatpr ophetbutMahl ophe

l
ostt heballthemi nuteshemetmyDaught erand
knewwhatwashappeni ngfrom t her
eonshei nvit
ed
fear.Fearwasherdownf al
lthat '
swhyIwasabl eto
gettoher .Shef earedandst artedtodoubtherown
God, shecoul d'
vehel pedLelebutshef earedthe
repercussionsandt hewarthatawai tedever yone
andbecauseoft hat.Herwar r
iorprayerswer en't
channeledbycour ageanymor ebutbyf ear.She
fearedtheenemymor et
hanshehadf aithinher
ownGod.

BELI
NDA

Iwaspr
epar
ingdi
nnerbusyhummi
ngmyf
avor
it
e
songwhenNdal
omadehi
swayi
n.
Me:Hey.
.Youhomer
ighti
nti
me
Hebangedt
hedoor
..
Me:Okay
Hel
ookedatmeandwi
pedhi
sface.
.
Me:Ar
eyouokay?
Ndal
o:I
'
mfi
ne
Me:Youdon'
tlookf
ine
Ndal
o:Isai
dI'
mfi
ne!
!(shout
ing)
Myhear
tski
ppedabi
t.
.
Ndal
o:I'
mf i
ne.
.Ij
ust.
.Ijustneedtobealonef
ora
f
ewmi nutesi
ntheguestroom tomedit
ate
Inodded.
.
Me:OkayIunder
stand
Hewal kedt
othebedr
oom,Ilookedathi
m.
Somethingi
snotri
ght,
hehasnevergothomeand
notgi
vemeaki ss.
.Somet
hingwasdef i
nit
elynot
ri
ght.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
15] :88

NDALO

Somet hingwasn' tright,somet hingwasdef i

nitely
notr ightIcoul dfeel i
t.WhenIl eftt
heof ficeIwas
veryangr yf ollowingmyf i
ghtwi t
hDave, Ifel
t
disrespect ed.Iwasdi srespectedbyhowhe
handl edhi msel fsomucht hathehadt ogophysi cal
.
Deepi nsideofmeIf el
tlikeIdidn'tdomucht ohi m, I
want edt obr eakhi sjaw.Iwant edtot eachhi ma
greatl essont hatyoudon' tmesswi thmebutmost
ofal lIwant edt heshowt osuf ferabi t
.Idon' tthink
i
nt hiswor ld, andundert hesunDavecoul df inda
goodr eplacement .Let '
sbehonest ,Imadet heshow
whati tistoday.Iputonmostoft hewor k, hej ust
wast hereadvocat i
ngever ything.Ihaveal arge
crowdoff ollower swhowon' tt
hinkt wiceabout
foll
owi ngmeshoul dIl eavet heshow, itwi l
lnever
bethesamewit
houtme.Davei
skiddi
nghimsel
f,
he'
splayi
nghi
mselft
oomuchthatone.
..

Iwastot alktomygui desinmyguestroom,butI

fi
guredthatIneededadeeperconnect i
onwit
hthem.
SoIwalkedoutoft hehouseandwentt otheback
total
ktot hem,atthebackofmybackr oomswhere
Ihadplantedasmal ltree.That'
swher
eIusual
ly
communi catewiththem ifIneedadeeper
connecti
on. .

Istart
edoffbysetti
ngthecandl esonfir
e,butthey
blewout.Itwasn'
tevenwi ndy.Theatmospher ewas
welcoming,Idi
dn'tunderstandwhymycandl es
decidedtonotbeonf i
re.Thiswasasi gn,that
somet hi
ngwaswr ongindeed.Youknowwhen
somet hi
ngiswrong,youcansomehowf eeli
t

CLARA
Ihadcookedal i
ghtmeal forNat
hisi
ncet hosegir
ls
werenowgone.If i
guredthathewouldst r
uggle
thr
ough,becausealt
houghhewast r
yingtobe
str
ongbutIcouldseet hathewasfail
ing.Deep
i
nsidehewashur ti
ng.

Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Mi
ssG.
.
Me:ThokozaGogo
Mi
ssG:Thokoza
Iwai
tedf
orhert
opr
oceed.
.
MissG:Cl ar
ayouneedt ounderstandsomething,
a
spel
lisanongoi ngprocess.Youdon'tdoitt
oday
andjustforgetaboutit
.Youhavet oconti
nuousl
y
doitsoitcanbemor eandmor eeffect
ive
Me:Iunder
stand
MissG:Sowhyhaveyoubeenr
elaxi
ng?Youdi
dn'
t
pr
aylastni
ght
Me:Lastni
ghtIwasnotavai
labl
e
Mi
ssG:Wear
eatwarher
eCl
ara,
ther
e'snot
imef
or
rest
..Wedon'tr
est
!Howdoyouexpectt
hingst
o
changeifyoudon'
tpr
ay?
Me:Iunder
stand.
.I'
m sor
ry
MissG:Iwantyouonyourkneesatmi
dni
ght
,
exact
lyat00:
00am
Me:Ngi
yezwaThokoza(
Ihearyou)
MissG:Ihopeyoudo, i
fyouwannakeepthi
sman
i
nyourlif
ethendoright
..Ourenemi
eshavereal
i
zed
ourat
tacks.Wecannotlosethi
swar
Me:Iwi
lldomypar
t
MissG:Iwi
llonl
yhel
pyouasmuch,
butyouhavet
o
doyourpar
taswell
Me:Iunder
stand
Mi
ssG:Good!
Me:ThokozaGogo
Mi
ssG:Thokoza

NANGOMSO
Thehousewasbusy.Medi calpersonnelswer
e
cominginandgoi ngout
,itwasat urmoil
.Ahouse
ofastrangergett
ingsomuchi nterrupti
onsworse
thei
nterrupt
ionswerefr
om oursi de,itwasamess..

Wejustgother
etodayandthisdarkcloudhad
f
oll
owedushere,itt
ookawayouronl yhopeto
r
edemption,
towinni
ngthi
sfight.

Iwon'tli
e,Iwasdef eated.Thisistoomuchandi t
's
drai
ning.Iftherewaseverat imei nmylif
ewhereI
fel
tdefeated,itwast oday.Iftherewaseveratime
i
nmyl i
fewher eIwant edtodie,itwoul
dbenow.I
hurtmoreatt hef actthatNdalohat edme.Iso
muchwannacal lhim andt el
lhim whathasbeen
happeningbutaf terhowmadhewasatme
Iwasscaredtocall
him,scar
edt osayanythi
ngbut
deepdownIfeltt
hatIneededhim.Can'thereason
wit
hinthi
ssit
uati
on?I'
m carr
yinghisbabyfor
heaven'
ssakeandIam facedwithagreatwar.We
don'thavet obet oget her,buthehast ohel pin
protecti
nghi sbaby. .Ifthebabysomehowdoesn' t
makei t,thegiftwon' tbepassedon.I fthebabygets
bornwi thhim sti
llthismessedup, heisgoingto
l
osehi sgi f
tforever.Iknowwhathedi dtomewas
bad, butIdon'twishhi m anybadf rom mysi de.We
don'thavet oendupt ogether,
wedon' thavetoget
backt ogetherbutwecanbeci vi
ltowar dseach
other..

Il
ower
edt
heoxygenmask.
.
Par
amedi
c:Howdoyouf
eel
?
Icl
osedmyeyesandexhal
ed.
.
Iputt
hemaskonagain.Iwasint
heambul
ance,
I
hadabadcaseofapanicatt
ackt
hatI
hyper
vent
il
ated.
.
Par
amedic:Youknowthatapani
cat
tackcannot
har
m youright
?Norki
llyou?
Me:Iknow
Par
amedi
c:Justyourmi
ndpl
ayi
nggames,
per
cei
vingf
alsedangerasr
ealdanger
Me:Iknow.
.Thankyou
Lel
ecamei
ntot
heambul
ance.
.
Lel
e:Hey
Il
ower
edthemask,
andgaveheranexhaust
edand
def
eat
edsmil
e..
Me:Hey
Itwasbet t
erthateventhoughIwasgoi ngthrough
allofthi
stri
besandt r
ibulati
ons,Iwasgoing
throughthem withsomeone.Someonewhocar es
formeandsomeonewhoi sgoingthr
ough
somet hi
ngtoo.Wer elat
et oeachotherbett
er
Shegotinandcl
osedthedoor
,shesatnextt
ome
onthebed.
.Sheputherhandonmytummy. .
Lel
e:Howar
ewedoi
ngi
nther
e?
Il
ower
edt
hemaskandhandedi
ttot
hepar
amedi
c..
Me:Am Isel
fi
sht
owi
shdeat
huponmysel
f?
Lel
e:No..Ofcour
senot,butt
heni
fyoudiewhowi
ll
Ibelef
twithtogothr
oughthi
sshi
ttyl
if
ewith?
Il
aidmyheadonhershoul
der
..
Lel
e:Af
tert
hisst
orm wewi
llbeal
ri
ght
Me:Youpr
omi
se?
Lel
e:Ipr
omi
se.
.Weal
waysgett
hroughever
ythi
ng
don'
twe?
Me:I
'
m gl
adt
hroughal
loft
hisIhaveyou
Lel
e:Sameher
e

BELI
NDA

Igotthr
oughdinneraloneatourl ongtablewi t
hout
Ndalo.I
twasdepressing,anditwasnotni ceatall
..
Ikeptonplayi
ngwi t
hmyr i
ng,howi sitthatthi
ngs
arefal
li
ngapart?Myhusbandwasonl ymy
husbandforadayorso.Mi ssGhadpr omisedme
ful
lamnestyoverthesituat
ion,thatIwillconquer
.
Thatmyhusbandwi llbebackt ome. .

Idi
dn'
tevenf
ini
sheat
ing,
Ihadl
ostappet
it
e
hal
fwaythroughthemeal.Igotupandtookthe
pl
atest
ot hesink.Idi
dn'
tplacet
hem ni
celyinthe
si
nk,It
ossedt hem i
nther
eandheldontot hesink

Tear
ssurf
acedt
hrough,
myheartwasf
ullofhur
t.I
di
dn'
tknowwhattodoanymor
e..

Thi
ssi
tuat
ionwasspi
ral
ingoutofcont
rol
..

NANGOMSO

Mahl
ophewassaidtohavebeenbitt
enbyasnake.
Wewereaskedalotofquest
ionsbybot
hthel
aw
andmedi
calPer
sonnels.
.

Askedifourar
eawaspronetosnakes,
andi
twasn'
t.
That'
stheshocki
ngpar
tofit
..
It
'sabusypl
ace,
abusyhood.Ther
eshoul
dn'
tbe
snakesar
oundhere.
.

Theygri
lledusf orhoursandhours.Iwas
tr
aumatized,exhaustedandIcouldn'
thol
don
anymore.Itwast oomuch, i
thasbeenatir
ingday.I
wasexhaustedbot hphysical
lyandmentall
y,nott
o
menti
onemot i
onally.

Theyfi
nal
lyl
eft
,al
loft
hem andwewer
elef
tonour
own..

Ihadjustf
inishedtaki
ngabat
handIneededr
est
.I
neededtheintendedrest
..

Lel
e:Ishoul
dmakeussomet
hingt
oeat
Me:Don'
tti
reyour
sel
f,I
'
m nothungr
y
Lel
e:Youhavet
oeat
,notonl
yforyoubutf
orhi
m
Isatdown.
.
Me:Wher ear
ewegoi
ngtostar
t?Togetahol
dof
herfami
ly?Whenwedo.Whatarewegoi
ngtosay?
Ift
heyputusout
,whatar
ewegoingtodo?
Lel
e:It
hinkf
ornowwecanr
est
,wewi
llcr
osst
hat
bri
dgewhenwegett
her
e
Me:Tr
ue.
.Let
'st
ryt
osl
eep
Lel
e:Youar ecarr
yingagem deepinsi
deofyou,
don'
tyouf or
getthat.
.He'
ssurvi
vingal
lofthis,
I
ser
iousl
ythoughtthatyouwouldhaveproblems
maybemi scarr
y
Me:Metoo,
Ijustdon'
tknowf
orhowl
onghe'
s
goi
ngt
okeepup
Lel
e:Weneedt
ohavef
ait
h,t
hat
'sal
lweneed
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
16] :89

NDALO
Thefoll
owingmorni
ngIpreparedmyselff
orwor
k,I
wasstil
lfeel
ingabi
tuneasy.Somethi
ngwaswrong,
somethingwasdefi
nit
elywrongwit
hmeandIdidn't
l
ikei
t.

Usual
lywhenIdri
vet oworkIwouldseespir
it
s.I
f
someoneisst
anding,they'
l
lhaveapassedonloved
onest
andingnexttothem orsomethi
ng.Thi
s
morni
ng,Isawnothing.

Igott
owor kandmademywayi
n,Igr
eet
edThul
i
andproceededt
omyoffi
ce.
Isatdownandr eal
izedthatIdi
dn'
thavean
assi
stantanymore,Ilookedatt
heemptydesk.Aft
er
whathappenedbetweenDaveandIyest er
day,Iwi
ll
havetodoeverythi
ngonmyown.Ihear daknockat
thedoor.
.
Me:Comei
n
ThedooropenedandRecowal
kedi
n..
Reco:Goodmor
ning
Me:Mor
ning
Reco:I
'
m her
etoaskaboutt
hef i
rstCl
ientf
ort
oday,
atwhatti
meist
heCli
entcoming?
Me:Er
r.
.Uhm.
.
Reco:Yes?
Me:Ihaven'
tgonet
hrought
heEmai
lsandsel
ect
ed
Cl
ient
sfortoday
Reco:Basi
cal
lywedon'
thavecl
ient
stoday?
Me:Itl
ooksthatway,Iam st
il
ltr
yingtogett
hrough
ever
ythi
ng.Nothavi
nganassi st
antisgoi
ngtobea
drag
Reco:Okayt
hen,
that
'sal
lIwant
edt
oknow
Hewal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
..

LELE

Il
ookedatSoso,
shewaspeacef
ull
ysl
eepi
ng
Wesl
eptl
ate,
at3am or4am can'
tqui
ter
ecal
l.I
couldn'tsl
eep,alotwasrunni ngthroughmymi nd.
Itwasadr eadfuldayyesterday,emot i
onal
ly,
physicall
y,andalsomentally.Ididn'
tknowhowwe
weregoi ngtogetthroughthis..

Itookmyphoneandt
ypedmyMot
her
'snumber
s,I
call
edher
..

Ma:Hel
lo?
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Ma:Hel
lo?
Me:I
t'
sMe
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Ma:Lel
ewher
ear
eyou?
Me:Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
Ma:Idon'
tunder
stand
Me:YouaremyMother
.Youar
esupposedtol
ove
me,cher
ishme,
andsuppor
tme.Notwhatyou
doi
ng!Whatdi
dIeverdot
oyou?Whyar
eyouso
adamantt
odestr
oyme?
Ma:Lel eyouar eri
ghtaboutonet hing.Iam your
Mother ,andIwoul dneverhar m youinanyway.I
understandt hatyouandIwehavehadour
dif
ferencesbutIwoul dneverwi shyouanyi ntended
harm.I'm nott hebestpersonint hewor l
d, butIdo
l
ovemychi ldren.Bot hofyou!Yourdepar turemade
mer eali
zemymi stakes,
mywr ongs.Ihaven' tbeen
fai
rtoyouandonyouIadmi t
.Comehome, where
areyou?Whatar eyouevendoi ng?Wher edoyou
l
ive?Youcan' tbelivi
ngalloverthepl aceasi fli
ke
youdon' thaveahome.Youhaveahome, come
backhome
Tear
sst
reameddown.
.
Ma:Idon'tknowwhat
'shappeni
ngbutwewi
llf
igur
e
i
touttogether
Me:YouareanevilPer
sonandI
'
m goi
ngt
omake
sur
ethatIdest
royyou
Ma:Whateverhat
eyouhavet
owar
dsmei t
'sokay,
butj
ustr
emember .Youar
emyDaught
er,
Iam your
Mot
herandt
hatcanneverbechanged!
Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
..
Ma:Lel
e?
Ihungup.
.
Iwal
kedupt
othedoorandopened,
itwassome
guy.
.
Hi
m:Nt
okazi
Me:Sawubona
Het
ookof
fhi
shat
..
Hi
m:Sgwi
li
Heext
endedhi
shandt
ome.
.
Me:Lel
e
Hi
m:Ngi
ngangena?(
MayIcomei
n)
Inodded..Het ookhi ssuit
caseandmadehi swayin.
Hewaswear ingbl ackformalPant
s,awhiteshi
rt
,
andthoset r
aditionalblackandwhitesandal
s.He
hadont hered, black,andwhitecl
othoverhi
s
shoul
der .
.
BELI
NDA

Iwasclocki
nginatwor
kwhent
hisot
herwoman
camethrough.
.
Her
:Goodmor
ning
Me:Mor
ning
Her
:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m wel
landyou?
Her
:I'
m wel
l
I
twasabeaut
if
ulyel
lowbone.
.
Her:Iam l
ooki
ngf
ormyhusband,
Idon'
tknowi
f
he'
sin
Me:Yourhusband?
Her
:DrShezi
..Het
oldmehewaswor
kingi
nthi
s
war
d
Il
ookedathergol
dyel
lowr
ing.
.
Sohe'
smar
ri
ed.
.
Me:Ij
ustgoti
n,haven'
tseenhi
m.Maybeyoucan
l
ookaround
Her
:Okayt
hankyou
Me:Youwel
come
Iwat
chedherwal
kingaway.
..
.

NANGOMSO

Iwokeup, act
uallyIwaswokenupbytheurget o
pee.IlookedaroundandIwasinbedalone.Islowl
y
gotoutofbedandmademywayoutoft he
bedroom.Iheardvoicescomingfr
om t
hekitchen,I
yawnedandmademywayt here.
.

Lel
ewassi
tt
ingatt
het
abl
ewi
thsomeguy.
Theylookedatme.MyPJshort
swer
ever
yshor
t,
andthetopwassleevel
ess.
.
Me:OhhhhhhIdi
dn'
tknowwehadavi
sit
or
Itur
nedandwentt
othebedr
oom toputonmyni
ght
gown.It
henwentbackt
otheki
tchen.
.

Me:I
'
m sor
ry,
Ijustwokeup
Lel
e:Thi
sisSgwi
li
,hei
sMahl
ophe'
sSon.
.Thi
sis
Soso
Me:OhwHi
Sgwi
li
:Nt
okazi
Lel
e:Hei
sherebecause.
.Heknowst
hathisMother
i
spassedon,
shevisi
tedhimi
nadream l
astni
ght
Me:Iam sosor
ry.
.I'
m sur
ethatyouar
esur
pri
sedt
o
f
indushere
Sgwi
li
:Kant
iLut
ho(
it
'snotl
iket
hat
)
Lel
e:Wearever
ysor
ryaboutMahl
opheshewasa
ver
ywonderf
ulwoman
Sgwil
i:I
zint
ozasemhlambeni,ngekesizi
qede
(I
ssuesofthiswor
ld,
wecan'thandlethem)
Lel
e:I
fyouwantusoutIt
otal
lyunder
stand
Sgwil
i:Awwwchathatwon'
thappen,Youl
adi
esare
her
eforareason.I
fmyMotherwelcomedyouin,
whoam Itoputyouout
Wel
ookedateachot
her
..
Sgwi
li
:Wearenotabigfamily,
Iwant
edt
ocome
andconf
ir
mfir
stbeforecal
li
ngmytwosi
ster
s.I
t'
s
j
ustmeandmysistersnow
Me:Yourf
atherpassedon?
Sgwi
li
:Al
ongt
imeagoNt
okazi
Me:I
'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hat
Sgwi
li
:Itwasal
ongt
imeago
Inodded.
.
Sgwil
i:MyMotherhadf
uneralcover
,wewi
llsear
ch
thr
oughhert
hingsandcheck
Lel
e:Okay
Me:Weher
eifyouneedanyt
hing
Sgwi
li
:Iwi
llneedyout
ohel
pmet
hroughunt
ilmy
Si
ster
sgether
e
Lel
e:Ofcour
se
Sgwili
:OkaymaybeIshoul
dstartbyget
ti
ng
grocer
ies,
Idon'
tknowthi
splacethatwel
lso
Lel
e:Sosowi
llgowi
thyou
Il
ookedatLel
e..
Me:Iwi
ll
?
Lel
e:Yesyouwi
llandI
'
llt
idyup
Sgwi
lil
ookedatme.
..
Sgwi
li
:Iwi
llwai
tint
hecar
Hegotupandwal
kedout
,Il
ookedatLel
e..
Lel
e:What
?
Ishookmyheadandwentt
othebat
hroom.

NDALO

If
oundt
wocl
ient
sthatIcont
act
edt
ocome
tomorr
ow,onewi l
lcomeinthemorni
ng.Thenext
oneintheaf
ternoon.
.Igotuptogoandgetmyself
acupofcoffee.
.IbumpedintoDavei
nthecorr
idor
..
Dave:Ihaveacl
ientcomi
ngi
nthi
saf
ter
noon,
can'
t
missdays
Me:Iunder
stand.
.Thankyou
Dave:Shewi
llbeher
eat12i
ntheaf
ter
noon
Me:Nopr
obl
em
Hewalkedaway.
.Iexhal
edandmademywayt
othe
ki
tchentomakemyselfacupofcof
fee.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
16] :90

NDALO

Whenwecarryoutther
eadi
ngs,thestudio
becomesqui
etfort
hatt
imebeing.It
'srespectf
or
meandt hespiri
tsthatarepresentatthatti
me.I
wasner vousfortheveryf i
rstt
imebecauset hisgir
l
hascomet oconnectwi t
hherf at
herwhowas
i
nvolvedi nacaraccidentaf ewmont hsago, andI
wasn'tabletoconnectwi thhim.Hewasn' tcoming
thr
ough.Thi shasneverhappenedt omebef ore,I
wasbl ank.Iheardnosounds, sawnosi gnsnordi d
Iseeanyspi ri
tpresence

Thiswasdi f
fi
cul
tformeanddepr essi
ng,Iknew
somethingwasn'tri
ght.Spiri
tual
lyIfeltnaked,
didn'
tfeelt
heprotect
ionofmyancest orsanymor e.
Iwasn'tconnect
ingwithmygi f
tatall.
.Everyone
hadtheireyesonme, everyonewaswai ti
ngonme.
ThegirlwasscaredIcouldsee, thiswasn't
happening.

Thi
swasn'
thappeni
ngt
ome,
atl
eastnotnow.
.

Ihavebeendoi
ngt
hisf
oryear
sandri
ghtnow,Ihad
todependonmyknowl
edgewit
hpastr
eadings
wher
eacci
dent
swer
einvol
ved.Ihadt
ofakea
r
eadi
ng.
.

Me:Soyourf
atherpassedoni
nanacci
dent
?
Gi
rl
:Yes
Me:Youher
ebecause?
Gi
rl
:Iwannaknowiftheacci
dentwasi
nit
iat
edby
anevi
lhandori
fitwashisti
me
Me:Howol
dwasheagai
n?
Gi
rl
:55
Me:BecauseIwasget
ti
ng50s,
justwasn'
tsur
ethe
usualage
Shenodded.
.
Me:Yourf
ather
..
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..
Me:Theacci
dentwasdef
ini
tel
ynotnor
mal
Shesi
ghed.
.
Me:Al
if
etakent
hroughanacci
denti
snotnor
mal
,
hisl
if
ewasst ol
enfrom hi
m.Hissoulwassnatched
fr
om hissoulwassnatchedfr
om hi
sbody,pl
ease
knowthatwasn'tanormalacci
dent
Shecl
osedhereyes.
.
Her
:Whodi
dit
?
Me:Hedoesn' twantt osaybecausehedoesn' t
wantt ocauseconf li
ctbet
weent helivi
ng,hehas
acceptedt hatthishappenedt ohim andhewant s
yout omoveonwi thoutholdinggrudgesf oranyone,
hewant syoutoexer ciseforgivi
ng.Forgivehowt he
sit
uationwaspl ayedout,makepeacewi t
hitand
moveonf r
om it.Youyoung, andhewant ednothing
butthebestf oryou, hedoesn' twantyougoi ng
throughl i
festi
llholdingont othepai nandthe
angerofhi spassi ng.Hewant syoutor el
ease
everythingandmoveon.Hedoesn' twannaf ull
y
comet hroughbecauseheknowshowmuchpai n
hisdeat hhascausedyou
Shebl
inkedandt
ear
sfel
l.
.
Me:Sotoni
ghtyourf
atheri
ssayingmoveon,l
ive
yourl
if
eandbehappy.Hewi l
lal
waysbewatching
overyouatallt
imes.Heisalsoaski
ngyouto
for
givehi
mf ordeparti
ngi
nthisworl
dsoonerthan
hewanted.I
fhecoul d'
vedonesomethi
ng,he
would'
ve
Shenodded.
.
Gi
rl
:Thankyou
Me:Soyouwi l
lvi
sithi
sgr
ave,t
alkt
ohim andask
hi
mt ohelpyousoyoucouldbeabl
etomoveon
fr
om thi
s
Gi
rl
:Thankyou
Me:Doyouhaveanyquest
ionsf
orme?Any
cl
ari
fi
cat
ions?
Gir
l:Not
hat
'sal
l.
.Thankyou,
that
'sal
lIwant
edt
o
hear
Me:Thankyouver
ymuchf
orcomi
ng
Gi
rl
:Thankyou
Dave:Andweout
Reco:I
'
llwal
ktheCl
ientout
Il
aidbackont
hechai
r,cl
osedmyeyesandsi
ghed.
.
NANGOMSO

Heact ual
lywai
tedf ormet obathandgetready,I
didfi
ndhimi nhiscar.Itookadeepbr eat
h,opened
thedoorandgoti n.Iclosedthedoor
.Hehast his
i
ntimidati
ngauraabouthi m,notyourtypi
calguy
thatyoucanjustdisrespect.
.

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Sgwi
:Uhl
ali
seki
le?(
Areyoucomf
ort
abl
e)
Me:Yebongi
yabonga(
Yes.
.Thankyou)
Sgwi
:Kubongami
na(
I'
mthegr
atef
ulone)
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
..
Sgwi
:Uyayazii
Rap?(
doyouknowRapmusi
c)
Me:YesbutIdon'
tli
stent
oitt
hatmuch
Sgwi
:Dedel
elat
hinakeoDrBonesi
kudl
alel
e
okoj
abul
isaamadl
ebe(LetmeDrBone,playyou
somethi
ngthatwi
llmakeyourear
shappy)
Hest
art
edpl
ayi
ngasong.
.

Il
ikedthebeat
,ar
ecr
eat
ionoft
heMahot
ela
Queens..

Il
ist
enedt
hroughashest
art
eddr
ivi
ng.
.
Me:I
t'
sani
cesong
Sgwi
:Kubongami
na
Whenther appartoft
hesongstar
ted,
hewas
rapi
ngalong.Inoti
cedthatt
hevoi
ceswer
eident
ical
,
shocksweptthrough.
.

Me:Youanar
ti
st?
Sgwi:Iam,hencewhyIhavebeenawayfrom home
forsolong.
.Iwasoutt
heremakingi
thappen
Inodded.
.Hecont
inueddr
ivi
ngandIt
ookoutmy
phonetosearchhim.Heardhim ut
ter
ingtheword
"DrBone"
,soIwentthroughtosearchit
.Indeedhe
wasanartist
,act
uall
ypopulart
hanIhadi magined.
..

BELI
NDA

Me:Yest
erdayyouwereref
usi
ngt
otakemedi
cat
ion,
event
odayyourefusi
ng
Pat
ient
:Themedi
cat
ionmakesmeweak
Me:Howdoyouexpectt ogetwellifyoudon'ttake
yourmeds?Ihaveal otofpati
entstogett oo.
.You
nottheonl
yonewhoneedsat tenti
on.Lookar ound,
youinahospital
!Wenother etoplaygames, ifyou
don'tt
akeyourmedicati
onIwillmoveont henwhen
youdieyourfamil
ywi l
lbethefir
stonet ocome
hereandannoyust hatwearebadNur ses!
Pat
ient
:Ngi
yaxol
isaNur
se(
I'
m sor
ry)
Ishookmyheadandgavehert
hepi
ll
sandwat
er.
.
Me:Dr
ink
Hedr
ank.
.
Imovedont
othenext
,hewassl
eepi
ng.
.
Hi
m:Canyoupleasewal
kmetot
het
oil
et?Myf
eet
ar
eswol
lenagai
nandheavy
Ir
oll
edmyeyes.
.
Me:Thetoi
leti
snoteventhatf
ar!I
t'
snott hemat ter
ofswol
lenl
egs,it
'samatt
erofexerci
sing!Laziness
i
swhat'
smaki ngyourf
eetswoll
enandheavy. .Get
up!
Li
sawal
kedupt
ome.
.
Li
sa:CanIt
alkt
oyou?
Me:Yeah
Wewal
kedout
..
.
Li
sa:Whati
swr
ongwi
thyou?
Me:Whatdoyoumean?
Li
sa:Yel
li
ngatpat
ient
s?
Me:Theyar
eti
ri
ng
Li
sa:Bel
inda.
.What
'swr
ong?
Me:I
t'
snot
hing.
..Letmegetbackt
owor
k
Il
eftherther
eandwentbackt
oat
tendt
othe
pat
ients.
.

CLARA

Iwasatthegatewithacoupl
eoffr
iendst
alki
ng
aboutwhathappened,t
heywant
edsomegossi p.
.
Me:Yeyngithiwabathathamaan!Wabal
ahl
ela
ngaphandl
e( Hethr
ewt hem out
)
Fi
kz:YoohIhear
ditwasamovi
e
Me:Gi
rl
!Iwast
heret
ryingtost
ophimlikehai
bo
Nat
hit
hisi
syourSi
sterandherbestf
ri
enddon'tdo
t
hat
Si
hle:Whydi
dhedot
hatt
othem?
Me:Nat hiandIwehavebeenseei ngeachotherbut
secret
lybecausewewer en'
tsureofhowt hi
ngs
wouldgobet weenus,soithappenedthatSoso'
s
bestfr
iendLele.Nat
hifoundsomepor ti
onsthatshe
wastr
yingt
ouseagainsthi
m sohecouldfal
lfor
her
,whenhefoundt
hem hewentball
ist
ic
Fi
kz:Yerrrr
rrr
r!Ihat
egi
rl
swhodot hat
,ifaman
doesn'tl
oveyouhedoesn't
.Noneedtouse
port
ions
Me:I'
mt el
li
ngyousomeothergi
rl
sareri
ski
ngout
t
here,I
'mjustgl
adNathif
oundthepor
ti
ons
Sihl
e:I'
m gl
adtoo..Gi
rl
sshoul
dst
opdoi
ngt
hatt
hey
shouldacceptdef
eat
Me:Tr
uest
ory!

NANGOMSO

Webothdidn'tknowwhereourjourneywoul
dtake
us.Iwasn'
tthatmuchfamili
arwiththi
shoodsoI
tookhi
m st
raighttot
helocalmallIknow

Wegott
othemal
l,
par
kedandwentt
oSpa.
Theyonl
yhadShopr
it
eandSpa.
.
Me:I
sitokayi
fIaddr
essyouasBone?
Bone:Awwngingaj
abul
akakhulu,
uSgwii
sanol
d
chi
ldhoodni
cknameInolongergobyi
t
Inodded.
.
Bone:Letmegochecksomet
hingwhi
lstyougeta
fewthi
ngs
Me:I
'
llst
artwi
thveget
abl
es
Bone:Iwi
llf
indyout
her
ethen
Me:Okay
Imademywayt ot hefri
dget ocheckoutt hemi xed
peppers.Greenpepper,yel
low, andredpepper ..AsI
wasbusychecki ngtheveget ablesout,some
womanwhowaswear i
ngt heuni f
orm cameand
stoodnexttomechecki ngt hem outtoo..Shewas
wearingredoveral
ls,whit
eboot sandapl asti
c
apron.Theoutfi
tclearl
ystatedt hatshewor kedi n
themeatsession,probablydeepi nthef r
eezers..
Her
:Samet
hingever
yday
It
urnedandl
ookedather
..
Me:Theyl
ookf
resh
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Her
:Youcanseeme?
Me:Uhm yes.
.Youl
ooksopal
e,ar
eyouf
eel
ingcol
d?
Shesmi
led.
.
Her:Youcanseeme,
doyouknowhowmuchI
'
ve
beentryi
ngt
ocommunicat
ewit
hsomeone
Il
ookedar
oundandl
ookedather
..
Me:Youdead?
Her:Igotstuckinsidethebigwalkinfreezer
,the
doorclosed.Whenyoui nsi
deandt hedoorcloses,
youcan'topeni t
.Iwast her
e,stuckthereunt
ilIdied.
Myf amilyknowsmeasami ssingperson,
managementr ealizedwhathadhappenedandt hey
keptmybodyhi ddenintheretr
yingnottogetabad
reputat
ionfortheirbusi
ness.It
'sbeenawhi l
enow,
myf amilyneedspeace.Theyneedt oknowwhat
happenedt
ome
Me:I
..Ican'
tdot
hat
Her
:Pl
easeyoumyonl
yhope
IsawDrBoneappr
oachi
ng.
..
Me:Ican'
thel
pyou,
sor
ry
Her
:Pl
ease
Hest
oodnextt
othewoman.
.
Bone:Usuqedi
le?(
Areyoudone)
If
akedasmi
le.
.
Me:Uhm yes
Hel
ookedar
ound.
.
Bone:If
eelacol
dchi
ll
Me:Maybei
t'
sbecausewest
andi
ngnextt
othe
f
ri
dge.
.
Bone:ChaNtokazi
,kuyasabi
sal
okubanda.
Ukubandakomphefumuloongasekho(No.
.Thi
s
chi
lli
sdist
urbi
ng,i
t'
sofsomeonewhopassedon)
Il
ookedatt
hel
ady.
.
Her
:Pl
easehel
pme

LI
SA

Iwatchedthevi
deo.
.Isecret
lyr
ecordedBel i
nda
bei
ngr udeandmist
reat
ingthepat
ients.Isentt
he
vi
deot omySist
er.
.
ThenIcal
ledher
..
Si
s:Li
sa
Me:Heydi
dyour
ecei
vet
hevi
deoIsentyou?
Si
s:Uhm Ihaven'
tcheckedi
t
Me:Ineedahugef
avour
Si
s:Okay?
Me:Forwardi
ttosomeonewhocanupl oaditon
Twit
terandment i
onthedepar
tmentofheal
thand
ot
herinfl
uent
ialpeopl
e
Si
s:Ohwokay.
.What
'si
tabout
?
Me:Wat
chandf
orwar
dbutdon'
ttel
lwher
ethe
vi
deoor
igi
nat
edf
rom
Si
s:OkayI
'
lldot
hat
Me:Thankyou
.
Tobecont
inued

DRBONE
[
01/
09,
09:
17] :91

NANGOMSO

Thiswholesit
uati
onwasFust r
ati
ngthatBone
noticedhowuneasyIwas.Fir
standforemostIam
scaredofGhostsandtorandomlyseethem,i
t
playedwithmyhead.
Ifel
tli
keIwasgoingt
olosei
t,andi
tmademy
anxi
eti
esworse.
.
Whenwegottothecar
,hedeci
dedt
ocar
ryoutt
his
conver
sat
ionf
ir
st.
.

Bone:Icansenseandseehowuneasyyouar
e
Il
ookedatmyhands.
.
Bone:What
'
swr
ong?
Me:Ihavebadexper
iencewhenitcomestoshar
ing
somethi
ngwit
hsomeone, It
rust
edsomeonewith
sensi
ti
venewsandthePersonbetrayedme
Bone:Wel
lthenst
opt
rust
ingunr
eli
abl
epeopl
e
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Hehel
dmyhand.
.
Bone:MyMot hervi
sit
edmei nadream,shet
oldme
aboutyouandLeleandthatIshoul
dhelpyoubot
h.
Iknowthatyou'
vebeenseeinghertoo
Hi
sgent
let
ouchcal
medmedownabi
t.
.
Me:Igotmyselfi
naseri
ousmesswher eIdateda
marr
iedman,itwasabri
efEntanglementthatlef
t
mepregnant
.Hei saspi
ri
tualper
son,heisa
medium.Idon'
tknowwhathehasdonet oangerhi
s
ancestor
sbuttheytookawayhi
sgiftbyshut
ti
ng
hi
s3r deyeandgivi
ngittomySon.Inowseethose
whohavepassedon
Heexhal
ed.
.
Bone:Iqi
nil
ekel
eNdabaNt
okazi(
thi
sisadi
ff
icul
t
matter
)
Me:Whenwewer eatSpa,oneoftheiremployees
passedon.Theyhavebeenhi di
ngthatinci
dentby
keepi
ngherbodyinthefreezer,
shedoesn'thave
peace.Herf
amilyisl
ookingforher
Henoddedr
epeatedl
ywi
thhi
sthumbbr
ushi
ngt
he
backofmyhand.
.
Bone:Kushokonakeukuthimelesibuyel
ePhakathi
ukhulumenayelowesimameongasekho, bese
sil
ibangi
sakhonaesgodi
nisakhesibaxoxel
eIndaba
(Thatmeanswehavet ogobackinsideandtalkto
thi
swoman, thengotowheresheisf r
om andaler
t
herfamil
yaboutthi
s)
Isi
ghed.
.Hi
sgr
ipt
ight
ened.
..
Bone:Ntokaziyouhavenot hi
ngt obescaredof.A
spiri
tcan'
tharm youespeciall
yifithasno
unfini
shedbusinesswithyou.Thiswomanneeds
help,uGxwebemvul ohisancestorswouldn'
thave
givenyouaccesst othegi
ftiftheydidn'
ttr
ustyou
Inodded.
.
Bone:Si
ngabuyel
a?(
Canwegoback)
Inodded.
..

NDALO

Thatwasver ycar
elessofmet omisleadsomeone
l
ikethat
.It
'sdangerousespecial
lyi
fthef at
herhad
somethi
ngi mport
anttotel
lhisDaught er
..

WhenIwasdoneatt heoffi
ceIdrovestr
aightt
othe
cemeter
y.Tocommuni cat
ewiththemanwho
passedonthegi
ftt
ome, MyGrandfat
her.
.
Igl
anceddownathi
stombst
onehead.
.

Me:Papai
t'
smeNdal
o

HelovedtheOl
dbuckgin,
Iopenedt
hebot
tl
eand
pouredi
tonhisgr
ave.
.
Me:I..Ifeellikemy3r deyehascl osedandIdon' t
under st
andwhy.Idon' tknowwhatIdi dforthings
toplayoutt hisway.Thi scannotbehappeni ngto
me, mygi ftismyl if
e.It'
st heonl ythingIknowhow
todobest .Ifyout akeitawayf rom me, Ihave
nothing.Tellmewher eIl ostthebal landIwillfi
xit
.
Can'tdot histomepl ease, hel
pingpeopl eisallI
know.Communi catewi thme, t
ellmewher eIwent
wrongsoIcanf i
xever ything..Please

BELI
NDA

Ihadabaddayt
hatIwon'
tdeny.Iwasi
namood.I
t
wasmylunchbr
eakandIhaddecidedt
ogetmea
fullmealatNandos.Iwaseat i
ngal oneandIwent
throughsocialmedia.Ihadnoti
ficati
onsf r
om
Twi t
ter
,Iwasment ionedinacertainvideo.The
videowasofmel osingmycoolwi ththepatient
s..I
chokedonmychi ckenasmyhear tbeatstart
edto
pickup.Ilookedaroundandcheckedt hevideo
again.Thesourceoft hevi
deo,theaccounthadno
avi,nopostsotherthanthevi
deoandnof ol
lowers.
Itseemedasi fli
ketheaccountwascr eat
ed
recentl
y..

Alr
eadyther
ewere184commentsand50ret
weet
s.
Thiswasanight
mare!Whocoul
ddothi
s?

Icouldn'tgett hroughthemealanymoreaft
er
watchingt hevi deo,Idi
sabl
edmyaccount
i
mmedi ately.Igotupandwentt oaskforadoggy
bag,Ineededt ogetoutofherebefor
esomeone
recognizesme. .

NANGOMSO
Wewentbackt oSpaandIwal kedtothespotwhere
Ihadtheencount
erwit
ht hewoman.Bonemadet he
walkwit
hme, tomakeitseem li
kewewer e
communicati
ngtoget
hersopeopl edon'
tthi
nkI'
m
goingcr
azy.
..

Me:Iwi
llhel
pyou
Woman:Thankyou
Me:Ineedtoknowwhereyoustay,addr
essandt
he
exactl
ocat
ioni
nthef
reezerwhereyourbodyi
s
hidden
Woman:Il
iveat6534Mbathast
reet
,mybodyis.
.It
i
shi
ddeninabarrel
,theonl
ybar
reli
nthef
reezer
Inodded.
.
Me:Iwi
llgoandal
ertyourf
ami
ly
Woman:ThankyouSi
si.
.Thankyouver
ymuch
Il
ookedatBone,
henodded.
.
RECONCI
LE

MyhusbandandIwer
ehavi
ngl
unchi
nhi
sof
fi
ce,
I
wassi
tt
ingont
opofhi
m..
Me:Di
dyounot
icet
hatNdal
owasof
ftoday?
Dave:Howso?
Me:Thereadi
ngwasdi
ff
erent
,thespi
ri
tdi
dn'
t
speakt
hroughhi
m
Dave:Ndal
oisget
tingcockythesedaysandbeing
cockywil
lbehi
sdownf al
l.Theguyisgift
edbuthi
s
att
it
udesti
nks,
Iwishwecoul dfi
ndar epl
acement
Me:Wecan't
.Ndalohasbui
lthi
mselfalargegroup
off
oll
ower
sandr epl
aci
nghim wil
lhaveabad
i
mpactontheshow.Wegoingtoloseviewers
Dave:Iknowbutwecan'
tmakehi
mthi
nkhe'
s
i
rr
eplaceabl
e
Me:Iknow
Igavehi
m aki
ss.
..
.
CLARA

Il
ookedatt
hetime,Nat
hii
sgoi
ngtoknockof
fsoon.
Ipr
eparedmysel
fbutnott
oomuchtomakehim
not
ice.
.

Gogo:Sot
hisMi
ssGhel
pedyou?
Me:ShehasGogo,Imeanl
ookathowt
hingsar
e
goi
ngbetweenNat
hiandI
Gogo:Clar
aIwishthatyoucould'
veconsul
tedwi
th
thi
swomant obett
eryourli
fe.Spel
lswearoff
,
especi
all
yinf
orcedlove
Me:Gogoyouwereadamanttohel
pmegetNathi
,I
f
eelyouagai
nstt
hisbecauseshemanagedt
ohel
p
mewhereyoucouldn'
t
Sheshookherhead.
.
Gogo:That
'swhatyout
hink?
Me:Iknowspel
lswearof
fthat
'swhyI'
m goi
ngt
o
t
ri
phim wit
hababy,ababyisalongt
erm
commi
tment
Sheshookherhead.
.
Gogo:Haicha

LELE

SosoandSgwiweret
aki
ngl
ongert
hanexpect
ed,
I
cal
ledSosot
ocheck.
.
Soso:
Lel
e
Me:Wher
ear
eyouguys?
Soso:
Wegothel
dup
Me:Ohwwaswor
ri
edandget
ti
ngbor
ed
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Soso:Wej
usthaveonest
opt
henwewi
llbecomi
ng
back
Me:Al
ri
ghtatl
east
Ihear
dSgwii
nthebackgr
ound.
.
Sgwi
:Nkosazana
If
rozef
orasecond.
.
Soso:
I'
m put
ti
ngyouonl
oudspeaker
Shedi
d..
Sgwi:Shouldwecomepi
ckyouup?Soyoudon'
t
getbored?
Me:Noi
t'
sokay.
.Youguyscanf
ini
shwi
thwhatyou
doi
ng
Soso:
CheckDrBoneont
henet
Me:Huh?
Soso:
CheckDrBone
Me:Why?
Soso:
Justcheck
Me:Uhm okay
Sgwi
:Weeeeeeh
Soso:
Wewi
llseeyoul
atert
hen
Me:Okayl
ateri
tis
Sgwi:Ubusekeuphindeushayeuci
ngouma
i
sizungusikudaka(
Callagai
nwhenyougetbor
ed)
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Okay
Soso:
ByeBabe
Me:Bye
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
17] :92

LELE

TosayI'm shockedwoul dbeanunder statement.I

spentafewmi nutesifnotafullhourcheckingout
Bones.Howcanawel lofffamousper sonl i
kehim
bethishumble?Itdidn'
tmakesenseatal l
.Ndal oi
s
probabl
ywaymor efamousandhei saj er
k, I
t'
srar
e
tofi
ndsomeoneofsuchst atustobet hi
shumbl et
o
peoplewhoar ewaybel owhim.IfSosodi dn't
ment i
ont his,Iwoul dhaveneverknown.Maybe
that'
sbecauseIdon' tf
ol lowhi sgenreofmusi cbut
hismusi cwasmat urewhenIsear chedhi svideos
onYouTube.Ther e'
saspeci fi
csongt hattookme
backt omyAf ri
canr oot swhenIwat chedi t"
Vukani".
Hei sgiftedbothmusi cal l
yandIcoul dseet hathe
wasi ntactwithhisspi ritualside.Ver ymuch
connect edtohi sguides, Sonoft heSoi landhe's
notashamedt oshowt hatsi deofhim.Hecame
withhisf ul
lyclothedt radi t
ionalatt
ir
e, heembr aces
hisgiftandi snowmot ivatingmet odot hesame. .

Ithoughtthatwhenyouacceptyourcal li
ngyourli
fe
stopsandyouhavet oforgetaboutyourdreams,
butherehei schangingmyper specti
ve.Havinga
call
ingdoesn'tnecessari
lymeanyoushoul dgiveup
onwhoyouar e,whenyouacceptwhoyouar eand
howyourgui deswantyout oworktheyseem
supporti
vetoyourdr eams..

Thedooropenedandt
heywal
kedi
nhol
ding
pl
ast
ics,
alsosi
ngi
ng.
.

Soso:"Awukazewabanami
,awukazewabanami
nj
e..Ushonal
eushonal
e"

Theyputt
hepl
ast
icsont
het
abl
e..

Me:I
tlooksl
ikeyouguyshadagoodt
ime
Bone:Wetoldyout
ocal
lifyougetbor
ednj
e
Nkosazana
Me:NoI
'
m okay
Hel
ookedatSoso.
.
Bone:Doyoumi
ndgi
vingusaf
ew?
Soso:
Nonotatal
l
Bone:Youwillr
eli
eveLel
eofsomeoft heworkshe
car
ri
edwhenyouwer egone,thenI
'l
lhavea
per
sonaltal
kwithhertoojustasIdi
dwi t
hyou
Me:Ial
readycl
eanedt
hewhol
ehouse
Bone:ngazengababuhl
ungu(
I'
m br
oken)
Me:It
'sokay.
.Youguyswer
egonethoughtIshoul
d
pushtheworksowegetsomeofthethi
ngsdone
Bone:Sosoyouwi
llpr
epar
edi
nnerf
orust
hen
Soso:
Nopr
obl
em
Bonel
ookedatme.
.
Bone:Si
ngaxoxakengaphandl
e(wecant
alk
out
side)
Soso:
Iwi
llbr
ingyouguyssomej
uiceandbi
scui
ts
Bone:Si
ngaj
abul
akakhul
uNt
okazi(
Thatwoul
dbe
ni
ce)
Igotup.
.
Bone:I
fyoucouldwearaski
rtoradr
essNt
okazi
ngi
ngajabul
akakhul
u(Iwoul
dbehappy)
Sosol
ookedathi
m..
Bone:Wear emour
ning,
Iwoul
dli
keust
obe
respect
ful
Soso:
Yesofcour
se
Bone:Kuhl
ekemasi
zwana(
It
'sgoodt
hatwebot
h
agr
eetothat)
Soso:
I'
llgoandchanget
hen
Sosowal
kedaway.
.
Bone:Ihopeyoudon'
tfi
ndi
tof
fensi
ve
Soso:
NoIunder
stand
Bone:Awuzweke(
that
'sgood)
Me:I
'
llt
aket
wochai
rsout
side
Bone:Chaat
hat
'smyj
ob,
I'
llt
aket
hem
Inoddedr
espect
ful
ly.
.

BELI
NDA

Iwashappytobehome, Icouldn'
tgetthr
oughthe
l
asthoursatworkknowingwhathadhappened.I
wassti
llbeat
ingmyselfupt r
yingtofindoutwho
woul
dsetmeupl i
kethat,I
sitapat i
ent?I
sita
Doct
or?Icouldn'
tthi
nkofanyone. .
Li
sahadsentmescreenshotswher
eshehadbeen
defendi
ngmeagai
nsteveryonewhowasthr
owing
shadeatme,
suchagoodf ri
endIhavei
nher.
.

Ndal
oseemedtobeinamood,
hedidn'
tlookokay.
Hewashalf
waythr
ought
hebott
leofwhi
skey..

Itpuzzl
edmeal otbecauseheisnotmuchofa
drinker
,andt
hatissolel
ytorespecthi
sgi
ftand
guides.Hedoesn'
tdri
nkmuch.

Hedoesn'
tgobeyondt
wogl
assesofwhi
skey.
.

Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:What
'swr
ong?
Ndal
o:I
t'
snot
hing
Il
ookedathi
m..Hegl
anceddownathi
sgl
ass.
.
Ndal
o:It
hinksomeonei
spl
ayi
ngwi
thf
ir
e
Me:Whydoyousayt
hat
?
Ndal
o:It
hinksomeonei
str
yingt
obewi
tchme
Myhear
tal
mostst
oppedbeat
ing.
.
Me:Whywoul
dyout
hinkt
hat
?
Ndal
o:My3r
deyehascl
osed
Me:Huh?
Ndalo:Ihopet hePersonknowswhatt heydoi ng,
whoevert heper sonismustbeapower f
ulwi tchto
actuall
ybl ockmygi ft.Youcan' tbewitchaspi ri
tual
personbecausewhenmygui desr evenge, t
heywi l
l
thi
nkt hattheirownGodandgui deshavenegl ected
them.ThePer sonwhoi sdoingt histomei sgoi ng
topaydear l
y.Youdon' tcomef orwhoIam, you
don'tplaywi t
hmybr eadandbut t
erandI '
llmake
sureofi t
..Myf ir
stsuspectisSoso, shecoul d'
ve
wentbackt oherMot herinlaworsomet hing, Iwill
fi
ndherandI 'm goi
ngt odest royhert othel astbit
Hedownedt
hegl
assofwhi
skey.
.
Ndal
o:Mar
kmywor
ds,
I'
llmakeagoodexampl
eof
her
Hegotupandmadehi
swayt
ome.
.
Heki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead,
wit
hhi
shandar
ound
mywaist
..
Ndal
o:f
reshenup,
I'
mtaki
ngyououtf
ordi
nner
Me:Uhm okay
Hewal
kedaway.
.
Ndal
o:Bel
It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m..
Ndal
o:Thankyouf
orbeingagoodwomantome,I
don'
tknowwhatIwasthinki
ngdoubl
ecr
ossi
ngyou
If
akedasmi
le.
.
Hecont
inuedwi
thhi
swal
k..

CLARA

WhenIsawNat
hi'
scar,
Imademywaynextdoor
..I
t
ookadeepbr
eathandknockedatt
hedoor
..
I
knockedagai
nandwai
ted.
.

Heopenedthedoorandl
ookedatme,
hewasi
nhi
s
sweatpant
sonly.
.

Me:Hey
Nat
hi:Hey
Hel
etmei
n..Hecl
osedt
hedoor
..
Nat
hi:Howar
eyou?
Me:Goodandyou?
Nat
hi:I
'
m wel
landyou?
Me:I
'
m good
Nat
hi:Youl
ookni
ce
Me:Aghi
t'
snot
hing,
act
ual
lyt
hisi
showIl
ookat
myworst
Nat
hi:Ei
therway,
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me:Thankyou
Nat
hi:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Me:YesIwasher
etocheckuponyou,
checkwhat
yougoi
ngtoeatt
oni
ght
Nat
hi:Ihaven'
tdeci
dedasyet
Me:I
'
llpr
epar
esomet
hingf
oryou
Nat
hi:Thankyou
Me:Youwel
come
Nathi
:Iwasaboutt
otakeabat
handr
estabi
t,I
'
m
exhaust
edfr
om work
Me:I
t'
sokayyoucansl
eepandI
'
llpr
epar
e
somet
hing
Nat
hi:Thankyou
Hewal kedaway.
.Wit
hasmi l
eonmyfaceIchecked
thefri
dge.It
ookouthakef
ish,i
t'
smor
eeasi
erand
quicker
Iclosedandputthepi
ecesonaplat
eandputt
he
plateint
hemicrowavetodef
rost
.
Icheckedforpot
sandf
oundthem.It
ooktheoneI
wasgoi ngt
ocookPapwit
handwenttothesi
nkto
ri
nse.WhenIopenedi tIfoundapythonsnake
coil
edinsi
de.Idroppedi tinscreamed,t
hepyt hon
crawledoutandjustcoileditsel
fint
hemi ddleof
theroom unprovoked.Igotont hehighchairand
conti
nuedscreami ng.
.
Me:Nat
hi!
!!
Nat
hicamei
nrushi
ng.
.
Nat
hi:What
?
Me:Asnake
Nat
hi:What
?
Me:Asnake
Nat
hi:Wher
e?
Me:Ther
e
Ipoi
nted.
.
Nat
hi:Iseenot
hing
Me:Ther
e'sasnaket
her
enotf
arf
rom yourf
eet
Nat
hi:Idon'
tseeanyt
hingCl
ara
Me:I
t'
sther
e
Nat
hiwal
kedar
ound.
.
Nat
hi:Ican'
tseeanyt
hing
Il
ookedati
tunt
ili
tvani
shed.
.
Nat
hi:Yi
nikant
i?
Il
ookedatt
hef
looragai
n..
.
Nat
hi:Ican'
tseeanyt
hing

LELE

Wesatoutside,Sosobr oughtusbiscui
tsandcool
dri
nkinst
eadofj uice..Ifounditamusingthatbig
mouthSosodi dn'thaveacomebackwhenBone
askedhertowearsomet hi
ngmor eappropri
ate.The
SosoIknowwoul d'verudelyhadacomeback. .
Bone:Si
yabongaNt
okazi(
Thankyou)
Sosobowedal
it
tl
eandwal
kedbacki
nsi
det
he
house.
.
Bone:Xoxel
ami
nakeNkosazanangakhookuxake
i
ntli
ziyoyakho(
Tel
lmeaboutt
het
roubl
esofyour
heart
)
Me:I
..Iam notf
oll
owi
ng
Bone:Youhaveacal
li
ngi
sn'
tit
?
Inodded.
.
Bone:Nextti
mewhenyouusesnuf f,
always
spr
inkl
esomeont heground.Theheadacheswon'
t
complet
elystopunti
lyougivesomet otheel
der
s,
morespecif
ical
lyyourGrandmother
Me:Iunder
stand.
.Youar
easpi
ri
tualper
son?
Bone:Yes.
.Ibhubesi
,kodwasi
ngabomabal
aengwe
Umausi bi
za
Nowi
texpl
ainshi
sri
ngandt
hel
ioncl
oth.
.
Me:Idon'
tevenknowwhatt
odo
Bone:Uyasi
shwel
ezel
aisalukwazi
?(Doyou
communicatewi
thyourGrandmother)
Me:Cha(
no)
Bone:Ngoba?(
why)
Me:BecauseIdon'
tknowhowt
ogoabouti
t
Bone:youhavet otalktohersoshecanvisityouin
yourdreamsandgui deyou,howdoyouexpectt o
fi
ghtoffyourMotheri fyoudon'
tconnectand
communi catewit
ht heelderwhoismeanttohelp
you?Ucabangaukut hiimpiloi
zacaca?(
yout hi
nk
yourl
ifewillmakesense)
Idi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.
Bone:Youneedt ogetawhiteclothwiththefaceof
theli
on,awhitebeadednecklace.Youuset hecloth
whenyoupr ayandalsowhenyoucommuni cate
withyourel
dersthenyouwillputitunderyour
pil
loweveryni
ght.Youareopeni ngtherout
et hat
wil
lconnectyouwithIsal
ukwazisoshecant alkto
youandshowyout hi
ngsinyourdr eams
Me:YourMom sai
dIshoul
daskNdal
oforhel
p
Bone:I
sNdal
oof
fer
ingt
hehel
pyouneed?
Me:No
Bone:Sosi
ncehe'snothelpi
ngyouwon'
tgetup
anddothi
ngsforyoursel
f?
Me:Ij
ustdi
dn'
tknowwhatt
odo
Bone:I
fyouwer
eser
iousi
npr
ayer
,youwoul
dknow
whattodo
Me:Iwi
llst
artpr
ayi
ngf
requent
ly
Bone:Si
zot
hembanj
alo(
wewi
llsee)
Tal
kingtohi
m wasveryint
imi
dati
ng,Idon'
tknow
whatiti
sabouthi
saurathatmakesyouobidi
ent
wit
houtevenhi
mt r
ying.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
17] :94

NDALO

Iwenttot
heonlywomant hatcanmakemef eel
bet
terwhenmywor l
discrumblingdown.Idrove
downtomyMot her
'shousesinceIcal
ledinsickat
workfort
heday.
Iwasdef eat
ed, Iwasconf usedanddeepl yhur
tthat
myonl yreasont obeal i
vei nthi
swor l
dhasbeen
takenawayf rom me.Mygi f
t,t
heonlythingIhad
evenwhenf or ceswer eagainstme..Iam notgoing
tobragthatpeopl ecan'tbewi t
chme, butmygui des
havebeenst ronginpr otecti
ngmef rom that
becauseIhavesomet hi
ngdear .Somethingthat
helpsalotofpeopl e,andnowt hatmygifthasbeen
shakenIdon'thavedi rectionanymore..

Iexpl
ainedtomyMot herwhatwashappeni
ng,
and
shewasdi st
raughthersel
f.

Ma:Whywoul
dyout
hinkSosoi
sbehi
ndt
his?
Me:She'
stheonl
yper
sonIhaveasanenemyr
ight
now
Ma:Youareamedi
um,
haven'
tthatt
aughtyou
somet
hing?
Me:I
ttaughtmenott
otr
ustwoment
hateasi
ly
Ma:I '
vewat chedyouchangepeopl e'sper spect ives
onf alseaccusat ions,whensomeonecomesf orth
andaccusessomeonet heirguidescomet hrough
andat t
estdi f
ferent l
y.Falsewi tchcraftaccusat i
ons
havebr okenf ami li
esNdal oandyouwer eabl etobe
amedi at orint hosef amili
esbymaki ngpeace.How
areyout henpoi nti
ngf i
nger satsomeoneel se
wi thoutashadowofpr oof ?Youdon' tf eel
connect edt oyourgi ftr
ightnow, whynotseekhel p
from anot herspi rit
ualpersonsot heycant hrow
bonesandt ellyouwhat '
shappeni ng?Luvot oldme
thatSosoi spr egnantwi thyourchi l
d, myver yf i
rst
Gr andchi ld..Thever yfi
rstGr andchildofour
i
nt imi dat eDl omof ami l
y,haven'tyouputt hisgi rl
throughenough?Haveyouevenshowedupf orany
ofherappoi ntment s?Haveyoucheckedi nonhow
she' sdoi ng?Haveyout ri
edbei ngsuppor tive?Iam
ver ydi sappoi ntedinyouIwon' tli
e.Luvof ollows
SosoonFacebookandshet oldmet hatSosoi s
goi ngt hr oughadi f
f i
cul
ttimesomuchshehas
movedoutofhome.She' sget t
ingbl owsathome,
andsheal sohast ogetbl owsf rom yout oo?I st hat
fairt oher ?
Youwantyourchi l
dt ogrowupwi thoutaFat her?
Whenyour swaspr esent?Youwannabehat edby
yourSon?I t
'saboyNdal ot heyneedt heirFathers.I
don'tcarewhathappenedbet weenyouandt hatgir
l,
butwhatIknowi sthatsinceyouguyshave
separatedthatdoesn'tmeanyoushoul dsepar ate
fr
om yoursont oo, wouldyoubehappyhavi ngyour
chil
dr ai
sedbyanot herman?Taki nganot herman's
surname?Youar easpi r
itualandtraditionalperson
youknowt hei mportanceofi mbeleko, youwant
yoursont oexperiencehar dshipsjustbecauseyou
nolongerwi t
ht heMot her?
Me:Youdon'
tunder
standt
hehat
eIhavef
orSoso
Ma:Whatexactlyareyouhat
ingherfor
?Thatshe
spokeil
laboutBel
inda?Iam notdef
endi
ngherbut
i
t'
slif
eweal lmessupsomewher e
Me:Ihat eherbecauseIlovedherandsti
lldo,
Isaw
afutur
ewi thherandshedi sappoi
ntedme.Ihate
herbecauseIwasst ar
ti
ngtolovehermorethanI
di
dwi t
hmywi fe!Ihateherbecauseshe'
snolonger
i
nmyl ife,Ihat
eherbecausewhatshedi digni
ted
angerinmet hatIneverknewIhadwhi chmademe
tosaysomehur t
fult
hingstoherthatIcan'tt
ake
back!Ihateherbecausesheshowedmet heother
sideoflovethatIneverexper
ienced.
.Ihateher!
Sheshookherhead.
..
Ma:Ndal owhent wopeopl eloveeachot her,t
hey
alwaysf i
ndawayt oeachot hernomat t
erwhatt he
cir
cumst ances.Lovehur t
sbutl ovef orgivesand
l
ovei spat i
enttoo.Afterthiswhol eor dealhaveyou
tri
edcont acti
ngher ?Haveyout ri
edhavi ngadecent
conver sationwi t
hher ?Letherbet heonet osay"No
I'
m done"t hanyousi tt
ingher eandassumi ngthi
ngs!
Youher et al
kingalli
llaboutherbutyouwer ethe
wrongonei nthissit
uation.Atl eastgiveupwhen
youhavet ri
edandexhaust edal lopt
ions, haveyou
tri
edf ightingforher?Ifyout ryt ospeakwi t
hher
andsheshut syoudownt heni t'sokaybecauseyou
tookyourt imeinhur ti
ngher ,don'trushheri nto
forgivingyou.Yousayi ngyoul oveherbutwhat
haveyoudonei nf i
xingthismess?She' sprobably
wai t
ingf oryout osaysomet hingandt here'
sat i
me
whenshewi l
lstopwai t
ingandmoveon.Ther e's
goingt obeat imewhensomeoneel sei sgoingto
comeandmakeherhappyt henyouwi llr
egret.Do
youwannagot hroughl if
eseeingherorr eading
aboutherbei ngwi thsomeoneel seknowi ngthat
youhadt hetimet ofixthissit
uationbutdi dn't
?You
don'tgiveuponsomeoneyoul oveunl esstheygive
uponyou, thenthere'snot hi
ngyoucandobutdon' t
sitt
her eandwal l
owwhenyouhaven' ttri
ed
anything.Startbyseeki ngspirit
ualhel pandf i
ndout
whoi sbehi ndthi
swhenyoudoneandi fit
'snother
fi
xthissi t
uationwi t
hher ,butrememberi tseems
l
ikepol ygamyhasdef eatedyout henyouwi l
lhave
tochoosebet weent histwowomen, youcan'tplay
them bot hli
kethis..
.Fixit!

NANGOMSO

Bonedr ovemet otheDr ,si

nceIf
oundoutthatI
'm
pregnantIhaven'tseenonenorwenttothecli
nic.A
l
othasbeenhappeni ngandIj
ustdi
dn'
tseethe
needtodot hatbutt hismorni
ngLel
espoketoBone
andhet ookmet ot heDr.Hewasevenpayingfor
t
heappoi
ntment
..

Wewereabi
tear
ly,
theDrwassai
dtobeher
eat
11:
00am,
andwewer eher
eby09:
00am.

Iwassti
llver
ysl
eepy,wi
thhowever
ythi
nghasbeen
car
ri
edoutIhaven'
tbeenabl
etogetagoodni
ght
sl
eep.
.

Iwasdozi
ngof
f,Icoul
dn'
tkeepup.
.
Boneputhi
sarm ar
oundmyshoul
dersandIl
aid
myheadonhischestf
orcomf
ort
abil
it
y..

Bone:Nt
okazi
Me:Yes?
Bone:Maybewhenwegethomeyoushoul
dget
somerest
Me:Can'
tletLel
ecar
ryoutever
ythi
ngal
one
Bone:Aren'tyousweet ?Remembermyel derSister
i
scomi ngtoday?Shedr oveal lni
ghtsowemi ght
fi
ndherathome.Shewi llhelpLeleandyouwi llrest
,
i
t'
snotupf ordiscussion.Twodaysofi ntendedr est
,
youareintheearlystagesofpr egnancy,
spontaneousaborti
oni sver ycommonwhenst ress
i
st oomuchsowedon' twantyoul osingthebaby,
he'
ssomehowi mportantt othePeopl e
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Tot
hepeopl
e
Bone:Ingawai
Sout
hAf
ri
cayonke(
Sout
hAf
ri
cawi
ll
col
lapse)
Hehel
dmyhandwi
thhi
sot
herhand.
.
Bone:Akukuhleukuthiowesi
fazaneabekulesi
mo
eyedwa( I
t'
snotniceforawomant ogothrough
pregnancyalone)
Me:Your
ightaboutt
hat
Bone:Sosomeofuswhocar eforyouandtheli
tt
le
one,wewil
ltr
yourhardestt
ohelpyouout.Atl
east
2or3ofussupport
ingyouwi l
lmakethej
ourney
easi
ercompar
edt
othesi
nsofoneman
Me:It
rul
yappr
eci
atei
t
Bone:Butyouhavetodomostoft hework,there'sa
sayingt
hatsays"I
fyouhelpingsomeone,don'ttry
hardert
hanthem",mostoftheworkwil
lcomef rom
you.Hehurtyouyesbutyouhavet ol
etgo
Inodded.
..
Hest
art
edsi
ngi
ngsof
tl
y..
Bone:"
Letsgo,l
et'
sgo.ToaplacethatIknow,you
know,weknow..Angaziuphet
heni
,angaziuNdalo
ukwenzeni
,butl
etgo,l
etgo".
Il
aughed.
.
Me:"I
sinamuvali
yabukwa,
akasekhoobhek'
emuva
Shonaphantsi
"
Bone:Awuzweke
Heki
ssedmeont
hef
orehead.
.
Bone:Iwi
llwakeyouupwhent
heDrget
sher
e
Me:Okay
Icl
osedmyeyes.
..

LELE

SinceSosoandBonel
eft
,Ikeptmysel
fbusy
becauseIwasal
soworri
edaboutthebaby.
Sosohasbeenthroughalot
,andlosi
ngt
hebaby
wouldki
llher
.Shewon'tcomeback..

Ihear
daknockatt hedoor ,
beforeIcouldevensay
"Comein"
.Thedooropenedandsomel adywal ked
i
n.Foll
owedbyanot herladywhol ookedabi tol
d.
Theyhadbagswi t
ht hem,Ifi
gureditoutthatitwas
Bone'
sfamil
y..Igotnervousri
ghtaway, Ididn't
knowwhattosaynorhowt oreact..

Theot
herl
adyl
ookedatme.
.
Her
:Sawubona(
Goodmor
ning)
Shewasbeaut
if
ul,
dar
kski
nned.
.
Me:Sani
bonani(
greet
ings)
Shesqui
ntedhereyes.
.
Her
:Lel
enomaSoso?
Me:Lel
e
Her
:Lel
e..Bandi
let
oldmeaboutyou
Me:Bandi
le
Her
:Mybr
other
Me:OhwBones
Her:Yebol
onalel
oeni
mazi
ngal
o(t
heonet
hatyou
knowhim wi
th)
Shemovedcl
oser
..
Her
:Busi
Me:Ni
cet
omeetyou
Her:Thi
sisMamkhul
u(Aunt
)myMot
her
'sol
der
si
ster
Ibowedal
it
tl
ewhengr
eet
ingher
..
Mamkhul
u:Wamuhl
eNt
ombazana(
Youbeaut
if
ul)
Me:Ngi
yabongaMamkhul
u(Thankyou)
Busi:
Canyoupl
easehel
pmegett
her
estoft
he
thi
ngsint
hecar
?
Me:Yes.
.Nopr
obl
em
Iwalkedoutwi t
hher,sotheyal
lahumblefamil
y
nomat heyjustpret
endi
ng?Iexpect
edthem t
obe
di
ff
icult.
..

BELI
NDA

IwasatworkandIkeptont hinkingaboutwhat
Ndal
osaidlastnight
.Hewasser ious,andhewas
angr
y.Ifhefi
ndsoutthatit'
sme, it'
sgoingtobe
hel
l.
.HowcouldIbesost upid?Howcoul dIuse
bl
ackmagiconaspi ri
tualper son?I ft
herewasever
ati
mewher eIthoughtIcouldl osemyhusband,
nowitwouldbethetime..

Li
sa:Bel
Ij
umped.
.
Li
sa:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:Ya.
..YaI
'
m goi
ng
Li
sa:Youwant
edatt
hebi
gboss'
off
ice?
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:I
t'
spr
obabl
yaboutt
hevi
deo
Li
sa:I
'
mreal
lysor
ryBel
Me:Yout ookmetothatwoman,youassur
edme
thatt
hingswoul
dbebet t
erbutt
hingsar
ecrumbl
ing
andtheycrumbl
ingbad
Li
sa:I
t'
smyf
aul
tnow?
Me:I
tisyourf
aul
t
Li
sa:Wow!Idi
dn'
tfor
ceyou,
didIhol
dagunatyou?
Me:Youar
eshi
tdoyouknowt
hat
?
Li
sa:Mxm.
.Youbr
oughtt
hisal
lonyour
sel
f!Deal
wi
thit
!
Shewal
kedaway.
..
CLARA

Nathihadl
eftforwork,Iwokeupaf ewmi nutes
l
atertomakemysel fsomethingtoeat
.Iwas
wearinghi
st-shi
rtasIwentthrougheverythi
ng.The
potwhereIsawasnakei nside,It
ookitandputit
away..
Iwaspr
epar
ingmysel
faf
ullbr
eakf
ast
.
Eggs,
bacon,cheese,
Russi
ans,
toast
edbreadand
mayo..It
ookmyphoneandcall
edmyf r
iendFi
kil
e..

Fi
ks:Fr
iendshi
p
Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
oday?
Fi
ks:Not
hingwhy?
Me:Gi
rlI
'
m ahouseownernow
Fi
ks:Hai
bo!Si
ncewhen?
Me:There'
salottot
ellyou,
whenyoudonewi
th
housechorescomeoverkwaNathi
Fi
ks:I
'
llbet
her
e
Me:Okaybye
Fi
ks:Bye

NDALO

Aft
erthattal
kwithmyMot her,shesai
dthi
ngsthat
madesense.Soshef orcefull
yt ookmetoour
t
rustedtr
adit
ionalhealer,Ngwe. .

Il
ookedatherasIwasdr
ivi
ng.
.
Ma:NgamaneUngangi
zonda(
you'
drat
herhat
eme)
Me:Idon'
thateyou,youjustknowhowt
ospeak
yourmindandI'
mt hankf
ulforthat
Ma:Iam yourMot
her
,Iwi
llal
waysdi
rectyout
othe
r
ightpat
h
It
ookherhandandki
ssedi
t.
.
Me:Thankyouf
orbei
ngmyMot
her
Ma:Don'
tthankme,
it'
smyj
ob
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
18] :95

NANGOMSO

Iwentinalone,Boneswai t
edformeatthe
recepti
on.Itwasn'tasst
ressf
ulasIhadanti
cipat
ed,
Iam justhappythatIfi
nall
ysawaDr .
.Alotwas
done,butnopr ocesswaspainful
..

Iwal
kedi
natt
her
ecept
ioni
st.
.Hest
oodup
Bone:Nt
okazi
Me:Sengi
cedi
le(
I'
m done)
Bone:Kuhambekahl
ekonke(
Didi
tgowel
l
)
Me:Yes,
andt
hankyouagai
n
Bone:Let
'sgetsomet
hingt
oeatbesesi
li
bangi
sa
ekhaya
Me:Okay.
.Wewal
kedout

NDALO

Wemadeourwayi
nhi
shut
..
Ngwe:Awwabasekhayabanamikenamhl
anj
e(My
ancest
orsar
ewi
thmet oday)
Wesatdownont
hegr
assmat
..
Igrewupi naChr i
stianhomeyes, butwhenI
startedtotapintomygi f
tful
ly.MyPar entswer e
forcedt oacceptthispartofl
ifebecauseIneededa
healert ohel
pmet hroughhereandt here.Itrusthi
m
alot, andhisapower f
ulheal
er.WhenIst artedto
getahol dofmygi ftandunderstooditfull
y,I
stoppedconsul t
ingkuBab' Ngwe. .
Me:Thokoza
Ngwe:Thokoza
Ma:Thokoza
Ngwe:Thokoza
Me:I
t'
sbeenawhi
le
Ngwe:Wadukamf
okaDl
omo(
you'
vebeenscar
ce)
Me:I
'
vebeenbusy
Ngwe:Si
kubonakhonal
aphaphel
aeTv(
wenow
seeyoui
nTV)
Ma:Hehasmadewel
lforhi
msel
f,I
'
m pr
oudofhi
m
Ngwe:Si
yabongaphel
a
Me:Bab'
NgweI'
m her
etodaybecauseIf
eell
ikeI
'
m
l
osi
ngmygift
Ngwe:Awwkwenzakal
ani
?(what
'shappeni
ng)
Me:If
eell
ikesomeonei
sbewi
tchi
ngme
Ngwe:Yi
mihl
olo(
that
'swei
rd)
Ma:Si
zela,
sicel
aukut
hiuhl
olel
eingane(
weher
e
f
oraconsul
tati
on)
Ngwe:Ngiyezwa..I
thikesi
boneabadal
abat
hini
(
let
'shearwhattheeldersar
esayi
ng)
Het
ookhi
sbagofbones.
.
Hepr ayedfir
sttoGod,thenhecall
eduponthe
ancestors.Thenhescatter
edthebonesandlooked
atthem sil
entl
y..Heshookhishead..
Ngwe:Yebosi
yezwabadal
a,ni
nazi
ndl
ondl
o(we
hearyouel
der
s)
Hecont
inuedshaki
nghi
shead.
.
Ngwe:Abadalabayakhal
aukuthiyeboubut
hakathi
bazisi
weendli
ni(t
heancestor
sarecomplai
ning
thatwit
chcr
afthasbeenint
roducedint
oyourhouse)
Me:Myhouse?
Ngwe:Yebobathiumaqondanawakhol o,uye
wayohl
olakomunyeumt hakat
hikudeleoye
wabusi
saisi
vumelwanosenu, waf
ungelwa( They
sayi
ngyourwif
ewentt oawi t
chdoctorfaraway
andhadherri
ngblessed)
Ma:Haaaaaa!
Icoul
dn'
tbel
ievewhatIwashear
ing.
.
Ngwe:Yebokhul
umanizi
ndlondl
o,bat
hikukhona
omunyewesimameofi
keleempil
weniyakhokanti
l
esi
fungosenzel
weukususayenaendl
eleni(
There'
s
a3rdpar
tyt
hatcamei
nandthewitchcr
aftwas
donet
omoveherawayfr
om you)
MyMom putherhandoverhermout
h..
Ngwe:Khul umanikeZindl
ondl
oumntwanaisi
pho
asiseko(Talkt
ouselders,
yourchi
ldnol
ongerhas
hisgift
)
Thi
swasal
armi
ng.
.
Ngwe:Abadalabathukut
hele,i
siphosisusi
wekuwe
sanikweumntwanangenxayezenzozakho
(Ancest
orsareangryatyouforhowyouhavebeen
carr
yingyour
self
,theygaveyourgiftt
oyourunbor
n
baby)
Myhear
tsank.
.
Ngwe:Uyabalisaukut
hiinganeleeyakhona,yebo
i
nganeeyakho, i
gazil
akho(youarequestioni
ng
yoursel
fift
hechildi
syours,yesthechil
disyours
heisyourblood)
Ma:Ican'
tbel
ieveBel
indadi
dthi
s
Ngwe:Manjeumntwanai
siphosi
buyanj
ani(
How
doeshegethi
sgif
tback)
Hel
ookedatt
hebones.
.
Ngwe:I siphosi suswekuyeukuzeazokwazi
ukuziqoqa, asimphangaisi
phoukut hi
azikhukhumal issnomaasisebenziseukul
imaza
abanyenokuhl ukumezaabesif
azane( t
hegif
twas
takenfrom hi m sothatheknowshowt obehumble.
Wedi dn'tblesshi m wi
thhi
sgiftt
oboastnorhurt
othersandpl aywomen)
Ma:Manj
esi
zoyenzani
?(whatdowedo)
Ngwe:Kumel eulet
hei ndandathongi zokwazi
ukuphul alesibopho,beseul ungiseIndabakulaba
besifazane.Kakhul uumamawenganengoba
umhl ukumezekakhul u..Ngeshwaakukho
esingakwenzangesi pho, abadal
aumasebebona
ukuthiuziphet hengendl el
abazosibuyisaisi
pho
ngaphambiumnt wanaazal we(Youhavet obring
thering,fi
xandapol ogizetothesetwowomen
especiall
yt hemot herofyoursonbecauseyouhur t
herthemost .Thenwhenancest or
sseet hatyouare
nowdeser vingtohaveyourgi f
tbackt heywil
lbri
ng
i
tbackt oyou)
BELI
NDA

Iwassuspendedf
rom wor kwit
himmedi ateef
fect
,
andi
naf ewdaysti
meI '
l
lhavet oattendaheari
ng.
DENOSA( Democr
ati
cNur singOrganizat
ionof
Sout
hAfrica)
Per
sonnel
swi
llbepr
esentt
ooi
nmycase.

Iwashurt,If
eltl
ikegi
vinguponl
if
e.Iregr
eted
goingt
oMi ssG,sinceIwentt
oherthi
ngshave
beengoingbad..

Idr
ovebackhomeandimmedi atel
ywhenIgoti
n,
Li
sa'
ssist
ercal
ledme.Ianswered.
.
Me:Hi
Her
:Hey
Me:Howar
eyou?
Her
:I'
m goodandyou?
Me:I
'
m good
Her
:Bel
indaIhavet
otel
lyousomet
hing,
Ifeelbad
Me:What
'swr
ong?
Her
:Youseet
hevi
deoofyout
hat
'st
rendi
ng?
Me:Yes
Her:Li
sahadcal
ledmethatdayandsentmet he
vi
deoonwhatsapp,sheaskedmetoanonymously
uploadi
tonTwit
terandIcreat
edanaccount
,afake
account
Me:What
?Why?
Her:Iser
iousl
ydon'
tknow,whenIsawt hosenast y
comment sandhowblackTwit
tergotyouridenti
ty.
WhenIsawhowt hi
swasgoingtoruinyourlif
eIf el
t
real
lybad
Me:Don'
tgi
vemet
hatbecauseyoucoul
d'venot
upl
oadedi
t
Her
:Idi
dn'
tknowshewant
edt
odot
his
Me:Don'
tgi
vemet
hatbul
lshi
t!Someoneasksyou
t
ouploadsomet hi
ngonTwit
teryouknowver
ywel
l
t
hati
twilldest
roysomeoneelse'
sli
fe
Her
:Wel
lI'
m sor
ry
Me:Aghhhhamaan
Ihungup.
..
.

LELE

Us:"
Ndathol
aincwadiencane,ndaqondaukuba
ayi
vel
ikuMamal ena.YayinguMamayayi t
heDear
Sanalwami"

BusiandIwerewashingcurtai
nsandwindows
whil
stsingi
ng.Mamkhuluwasbusysayingthat
suchisnotdoneintheduri
ngthecour
seof
mourningbutBusii
nsist
ed.
.

Busi
:I'
mthankf
ulyouareher
e,I
twasgoi
ngt
obea
l
otofworkwit
houtyou
Me:Youar
ewel
come
Busi
:Sohowdi
dyouknowmyMot
her
?
Me:Wewenttot
hesamechur chandshewas
hel
pingmewi
thmycall
ing.Thenshetookusi
n
whenwewerehavi
ngpr
oblemswher ewewere
l
ivi
ng
Busi
:Iunder
stand.
.MyMot
herwasal
waysr
eadyt
o
hel
p
Me:Shewasagoodwoman
Busi:I
'
m gl
adyouguyswereherewhent
his
happened,
can'
timagi
neherdeadwit
hnoone
around
Me:I
twashear
tbr
eaki
ng
Busi
:Whathappened?
Me:Uhm. .I
'
m notr
eal
lysur
e,wefoundher
col
lapsedonthegr
oundoutsi
de
Busi
:That
'swei
rd,
maybeherbl
oodpr
essur
eki
cked
i
n
Me:Ya.
.Maybe
Idi
dn'
tknowhowt
otel
lhert
het
rut
h..
.

CLARA

Fi
kzcameover
,Nat
hihadl
eftmeR200.
.
Weboughtdumpies,pl
ayedmusi
canddrank.We
weresi
tt
ingout
sideonthest
oepthef
rontdoorwas
open.
.

Fi
kz:Eyymi
naI
'
m hungr
y
Me:Goi
nsi
deandmakeyour
sel
fsomet
hingt
oeat
Fi
kz:Ar
eyousur
e?
Me:YesIam
Fi
kz:Ican'
tbel
ieveukut
hiyouf
inal
lygott
heguy
Me:Unkul
unkul
uukhona(
Godi
sal
ive)
Fi
kz:Haikel
ememakemysel
fsomet
hingt
oeat
Fi
kz:Okay
MI
SSG

Ilookedatthecandlei
thadbl ownoutonit
'sown.I
didn'
tcarebecauseIcl
ear l
ytoldCl
aratopr
ay,I
reall
ydon'tcar
eifshelosestheguy.
Mymai nconcernwastodest
roythesegirl
s,andI
didwit
hthecurses.Whet
herClar
aorBelindalose
thei
rMenintheprocessIr
eal
lydon'tcar
e..
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
01/
09,
09:
18] :96

NDALO

TosayIwasdisappoi
ntedinBeli
ndawouldbean
under
stat
ement.Howdidthingsgetsooutof
control?Iwasangr yyesbutIsear cheddeepi nside
andr eali
zedt hatIdr ovemywi f
etodosucht hings.
I'
veknownBel indaf oryearsandshehasnever
donet his,mycar elessnessdroveheri ntodoing
such.Tr yingt okeepmebyi nt
roducingwi t
chcr aft
i
ntoourmar ri
age. .AsmuchasIhol dmysel f
responsi bleforpar tsofthesit
uati
on, butIdon' t
thi
nkIcanevert rusther.Iwasmor edisappoi nted
thanIwasmadather ,sheheldthecar dsof
separatingmef r
om mychi l
dbecausei tallmakes
sensenow.Hert r
ipwi t
hLisa,I'
mt hinkingthat's
whent hiswhol ethinghappenedbecausewhenshe
camebackt hat'swhenSosoandIst artedtonot
seeeyet oeye. .
..

IdroppedmyMot heroffandshewaswor ri
ed,
she
keptonbeggingmenott ohurtBel
inda.Imadea
promisetoherthatIwon'
t,t
henaft
erIdr ove
str
aighthome..

Tomysur
pri
seIf
oundherathome,
Ilookedather
andshel
ookedli
kemywifebutt
hePer sonthatshe
i
snowdeepwithi
n.Idon'
tknowthatPerson.
..

Shewasdri
nkingwi
neandeati
ngicecr
eam t
oo,
wei
rdcombinati
oni
fyout
ellme.
.

Bel
:Hey
Me:Hey
Bel
:Howi
stheNannydoi
ng?
Me:She'
sdoi
nggood
Bel
:Iwi
llcal
lherl
ater
Inodded.
.
Il
ookedatherr
ing.
.
Me:MayIhaveyourweddi
ngr
ing?
Bel
:Why?
Me:I'
m get
ti
ngmi
nepol
ished,
thoughtIshoul
dtake
your
stoo
Bel
:Mi
nei
sst
il
lfi
ne
Ibi
tmyl
owerl
ipandl
ookeddown.
.
Me:Iknowwhatyoudi
d
Bel
:Huh?
Me:I'
m aspi
ri
tualper
sonBel
,Iwasboundt
ofi
nd
out
Il
ookedather
,herf
acedr
opped.
.
Bel
:Idi
dn'
twannahur
tanyone,
bel
ieveme
Me:Soyoudi
dit
?
Bel
:Iwast
ryi
ngt
ofi
xmymar
ri
aget
hat
'sal
lther
eit
i
stoit
Me:Youreal
lyt
houghtthatIwasnevergoi
ngt
ofi
nd
out
?Thatyouweregoingtokeepthi
sup?
Shegotupfrom t
hecouchandwal
kedcl
oser
,but
nott
ooclose..
Bel:Iwasscared.
.Iwasreal
lyscaredthatIwas
goi
ngt oloseyoufor
ever
..Shehadhercl awsinyou,
sheispregnantbyyouandyouwer e..Youwere
fal
li
ngoutoflovewithmeandf al
li
ngdeepl yi
nlove
wit
hyou.Iwasl osi
ngyou
Iwal
kedcl
osert
oher
..Shest
eppedback.
.
Me:Gi
vemet
her
ing
Shet
ooki
tof
fandgavei
ttome.
.
Bel
:I'
m sor
ry
Tear
sst
reameddownherf
ace.
.
Bel
:Ishoul
dn'
thavedonet
hat
,Ir
egr
eti
t!Ir
egr
eti
t
wit
hallmyheart
Il
ookedatt
her
ing.
.
Me:Iwant.
.Iam goi
ngoutforawhil
e,whenIget
backIwantyougone.Iwantyout
opackupand
l
eavemyhouse
Sheputbot
hherhandsagai
nsthermout
h..
Herhandswer
etr
embl
ing.
..
Bel
:Ndal
opl
ease.
.Pl
ease.
.
Me:Ican'tst
andyourightnow.Youwat chedme
accusetheMotherofmychi l
d,accuseherofvi
le
thi
ngs.
.Youshar edt
hesamebedasmeandyou
actedl
ikenothi
nghappened
Bel
:Ndal
opl
ease.
.
Me:Iwantyougone
Sheknel
tdownonbot
hherknees.
.
Bel:Ndal
opl
easeI
'
m beggi
ngyou,
Idi
dast
upi
d
mistake
Me:Itwasn'
tamistake,youdrovet
here,you
consul
ted.I
twaspreparati
on.Youpreparedfort
his,
youdrovedownthere!There'
snomistakein
prepar
ati
on
Sheshookherhead.
.
Bel
:Babypl
ease.
.Il
oveyou,
Ihavenol
if
ewi
thout
you
Ist
artedwal
kingawayandshegr
abbedont
omy
l
egtight.
.
Me:Wi tchcraftstart
sthisslow, t
henitprogr
esses.
Ifyoucoul ddot histome, youwoul dalsodoitto
mychi l
d, myMot herandmycousi ns.
.Ican'
ttrust
youanymor e,Idon'twannabewi thyouanymor e
becauseyoubr oket hetrustIhadforyou.YesI
don'tdenyt hatI'
vehur tyou,butthat'
snotan
excusetodothi
s..Youcoul
d'vesimpl
ywalked
away,Igaveyouachancetowal kawayandyou
didn'
t
Bel
:Ndal
opl
ease
Ibentdownandgotherof
fmyl
eg.
.
Bel
:Ndal
o!!
!!(
cryi
ng)
Iwal
kedawayl
eavi
ngheront
hef
loor
..
.

NANGOMSO

Ihadonel astst
opt omake.AtSignat
ure,
hadtotel
l
them aboutmypr egnancyandseeifi
twon'tbea
probl
em tothem..

Iwentandspoket
oEmar
aldi
nherof
fi
ceandt
old
herever
ythi
ng.
.

Ema:Thati
s..Wow.
.Idi
dn'
texpectt
hat
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.
.Itwasunexpect
ed
Ema:Iunder
stand.
.Don'
texpl
ainyour
sel
f
Me:Ij
ustwantt
oknowwhat
'sgoi
ngt
ohappent
o
meandmycontract
Ema:WellIt
hinkyouknowwhat '
sgoi
ngtohappen,
wesignedyouunderoursl
im bodyr
angeand.
.It
won'
tworknow
Me:Iunder
stand.
.Thankyouf
ort
heoppor
tuni
ty
Ema:Af
tergi
vingbi
rt
hmaybeyoucancomeback
Me:Yesmaybe
Ema:I
'
mreal
lysor
ry
Me:Noi
t'
sokay
Ema:Iam goi
ngt
oneedyout
osi
gnt
hecancel
ati
on
for
m
Me:Nopr
obl
em
Ema:I
'
llpr
intoutt
hef
orm
Me:Okayt
hankyou
Iwasdi
sappoi
nted,
Ireal
lyl
ikedwor
kingher
e.I
enj
oyedwor
kingher
e..
.

NATHI

Iarrivedathomeandwasannoyedt oseeClara
si
t t
ingont hestoepwi t
hf r
iends.Theyweredr i
nki
ng,
playingmusi cloud.Thestoepwasf ul
lofempty
dumpi ebott
les,emptyplates.I
twasamess. .I
mademywayi nwithoutgreeti
ngandgott othe
ki
tchen. .

Thekit
chenwasdirt
y.Dirt
ypot
s,adi
rt
ypan,
dishes
too,
emptyfoodpackages..

Li
qui
dst
ainsont
hef
loor
,itwasr
eal
lydi
rt
y.
Iproceededtothebedroom andsawoneofthe
fr
iendssleepi
ngonmyPar ent
'sbedr
oom.Same
bedroom Sosoused..
Iwal
kedi
nandwokeherup.
.
Me:Yeey!Yeey!
Shewassl
eepi
ngi
nherbr
aandshor
ts.
.
Cl
arawal
kedi
n..
Cl
ara:Ohhhhhhmywor
dfi
kz!
Il
ookedatCl
ara.
.
Me:Getheroutofher
e!
Iwasfuri
ous,
Imademywayt
omybedr
oom.Cl
ara
fol
lowed.
.
Cl
ara:Iam sosor
ryaboutt
hat
Me:Ihaveneversl
epti
nmyPar
ent
'sbedr
oom nor
hadanyonesleept
here
Cl
ara:Idi
rect
edhert
otheot
herbedr
oom
Me:Di
rectherf
orwhat
?Thi
sisnotyourhouse!
Cl
ara:I
'
m sor
ry
Me:WhenLel ewashere.
.Thehousewasal ways
cl
ean,peacef
ulandquiet.Iwouldcomehomet oa
cookedmeal!Whatyoudoi nghasneverbeendone
i
nmyMot her
'shouse!Howaboutyout akeyour
fr
iendsandgo!Don'
tevercomebackher
enorst
ep
yourfootupi
nhereagain
Cl
ara:Youar
eover
react
ingnow
Iwentandgr
abbedherar
m andpushedheroutof
thebedr
oom..
Me:Af t
erIhavechangedmyover al
ls,
Iwantyou
gonewi t
hyourf r
iends!Bef
oreIdosomet
hingthat
wil
llandmei njail
Cl
ara:Na-
Me:Leavemyhouse!
!!
!!
!!
!
Ishutt
hedoori
nherf
ace.
..

BELI
NDA

Ilaiddownont hoseti
lesandcri
ed..Ididn'texpect
thisoutcome,Iseri
ouslyt
houghtthatMi ssGwas
goingtohelpmewi thmymar ri
age.WhatwasI
thinki
ng?Usingblackmagiconaspi ri
tualperson?
Itseemsl i
keSosowon.Shei snolongerapar tof
ourl
ivesbutshewon.
.

Idon'
tthi
nkNdal oandIweevergoingt ocome
backfrom t
his,I'
m ashamedofmyself,ashamedof
whatIdidandIdon' tknowhowtofixthis.
.He'
s
nevergoi
ngt otrustmeeveragai
n,Iburiedmysel
f
wit
houtevent r
yinghard.I
twasoverforme, I
hel
pedmysel fruinmyownmar ri
age.Itrust
ed
someonewhowasmybestf ri
endforyearsanda
l
over..
Thenaft
ershest
abbedmeint
heback,
Ihavenever
fel
tsodefeat
edi
nmylif
e..
.

NDALO

Aft
erleavi
ngt
hehouseIdrovest
rai
ghtt
o
Bab'
Ngwe'shouset
ogivehimtheri
ngsohecan
unbl
essit.
.

Ngwe:Nazoke
Het
ooki
t.
.
Me:Thankyouf
orhel
ping
Ngwe:Iwillunblessi
tatt
hesamet imethatshe
blessedi
t,t
omor rowmorni
ngI'
lldri
vedownt o
throwiti
ntheriverwher
eitwon'tbefoundanymor
e
norenchanted.
.
Isi
ghed.
.
Ngwe:Ngiyaxol
isangakhokonkeokukwehl
ele(
I'
m
sor
ryforwhathappenedtoyou)
Me:Don'
tbe.
.Ibr
oughtal
loft
hisonmysel
f
Ngwe:Konasifundakabuhl
unguezi
nyei
zint
o
(
Someot herl
essonsarepainf
ul)
Me:Yebokunj
alo(
that
'st
rue)
Ngwe:Kuzol
ungakonke(
Itwi
llal
lbewel
l
)
Me:Ngi
thembanj
alo(
Ihopeso)

NANGOMSO
Iwentbacktothecar
, whensuchthi
ngshappenI
usual
lyhavewineorsavannatohelpmeout.Now
I'
m pr
egnant,
Ihavenot hi
ngtocal
m medownandI
washavingseri
ousalcoholwit
hdr
awalssymptoms.
.

Bone:Doyouhaveanyot
herer
randst
orun?
Me:NoI
'
m done
Bone:HaikeNtokaziwehavetogobackhome
becausetheyhavebeencal
li
ng
Me:Thankyouf
ort
oday
Bone:It
'snot
hing,
gladwecoul
dgett
hrough
ever
ythi
ng
Wedr
ovebackt
ohi
shouse.
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
18] :97

NANGOMSO
Boneputmeonast r
ictbedrest,
witheveryt
hing
thathasbeenhappeni ng.Hethoughtmyget t
ingthe
neededr estwi
llhel
pmet or
ecoverphysical
lyand
ment al
ly.
.

Iam rel
ievedthathi
sfamil
ywasver ywelcomingof
us,can'
timaginewhatwould'
vebecameofSoso
andI.Wher ewouldgo?Withourmoneycombi ned
wecouldpossi bl
ygetarent
alcheaperplaceandit
wouldonlytakeus6mont hs,t
henwhat '
sgoingto
happenaf t
erthat6months?
Ihaveababycomi ng,Ihavenomeansofsuppor
t
andIknowt hatIactt
oughatti
mes.ButwhenI'
m
aloneever
ythi
ngcomesbackcr ashi
ngdownandI
feell
ikej
ustgivi
ngup.
Thi
smodel i
ngcontractwasmyonl yhope,nowit
hasbeentakenawayf rom me.Ihavenot
hingbut
mymat r
iccert
if
icat
e,doyouknowhowdi f
ficul
titi
s
i
nSouthAf r
icatogetaj obwi
thonlymatri
c?People
whoevenhaveDegr eesandDi pl
omascan'tgeta
j
ob.
Whatmor eaboutme?Ionl yhavematri
candt hat'
s
i
t.I
st hi
smykar maofdat ingamar ri
edman?I sthis
Beli
nda'
st earscatchingupwi thme?Ifeelli
keI'
llbe
muchatpeacewhenI 'm dead.Idon'
twannabr i
nga
chi
ldinthisworldwher ehe'sgoingtosuffer
,Iwas
notmother edwellandIdon' twantmychildgoing
thr
ought hesameor deal
..

Bone'
ssi
sterwal
kedi
n,shehadabowlwi
thher
..
Busi
:It
'snotsomet
hingdel
ici
ousj
ustchi
ps
Shecameandsatdownonthebed.Iwastousethe
ot
herbedr
oom i
nthemeant
imeast hemainone
waswheremourni
ngandgr
ievi
ngwast aki
ngpl
ace.
.
Busi
:Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Me:I t'
sal otdif
fi
cultwit
houtalcohol.Youknowi t
's
nowIr eal
izethatIwasn'tdri
nkingjustforfun,
butI
wasusi ngalcoholastherapytohelpmeget
throughmypr oblems.Helpmegett hr
oughmy
reali
ty.It'
seasiertogothroughlif
eandi t'
s
har
dshi
pswhenyourmi
ndi
sint
oxi
cat
ed
Busi:Iunder standyouver ywellbutwhenyougett o
thepointwher eyoucan' tfunctionwi t
houtal coholi
t
becomesapr obl em, t
hatmeansyouhavean
alcoholi
cpr oblem.Youshoul dn' tbedependenton
alcoholtogett hr ough,okayyoudr i
nkt henwhat ?
Thepr oblem doesn' tgetsol ved.Youwakeupt he
nextdayandi t'sstil
lthere.Consumi ngal coholto
dealwi t
hsituat i
onsandt hehar dshipsofl i
fe
everydayhel pswi t
hnot hing.Alcoholi sdanger ous,
i
fyoucont i
nuel i
ket hi
snowby50youwi l
lbe
sufferi
ngf r
om l ivercirr
hosi sandot herheal th
problemswhatt hen?I t
'snol ongeraboutyou, now
youhavesomeonet othinkabout .Someonewho
shouldn'tbehel dr esponsi bl
ef ort hechoi cesyou
madeandhowl ifewasf oryou.Hei sgoingt oneed
hisMot her,andhei sgoi ngt oneedapeacef ul
Parent
Iputmyhandonmyt
ummy.
.
Me:Iam scar
edIdon'
twannafai
lasaMother
.The
connect
ionIf
eelt
omybabyi st
heonl
ythi
ngthat
makessenseinmyli
feri
ghtnow,t
heonl
y
redempti
onIneedtof
eelandexper
ienceli
fetoi
t'
s
full
est
.Hewil
lbetheonl
ymanwhowi l
lnevergi
ve
uponme
Busi:
Babi esareabl essi
ng,theybr i
ngoutt hatpar
t
i
nyout hatnotever yoneexperienced.
Cir
cumst ancesarenoti nyourf avourri
ghtnowbut
noteverychi l
disraisedunderbeaut i
ful
ci
rcumstances.Weal lhadacr i
pplingchil
dhoodbut
wegrewupandbecamesomet hing,ital
lrequir
es
l
oveandgui dancetor ai
seakidandbewhatyou
wantthem tobe
Me:Ican'
tar
guewi
tht
hat
Busi:I
tdoesn'trainf orever,
Idon'tknowyout hat
wellbutallIknowi st hatwear ealldesti
nedfor
someoneoutt here,someoneyouwi l
lchangefor
andbesubmi ssivetoowi thoutevent r
ying.I
twil
l
comenat urall
y
Me:Meandr
elat
ionshi
psr
ightnow
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:Igi
veupeasil
yonrel
ati
onshi
psbecauseIdon'
t
wannabehur
t,Idon'
twannagothrought
hatagai
n.
Iwashur tdeepl ybysomeonet hatIlovedwithmy
allandhewokeuponedayanddeci dedthatheis
nol ongeri
nlovewi thmeanymor e.MyexSi dandI,
we'vebeent oget hersincef r
om whenIwas15.
Ther ewasnoNangomsowi thouthim.Hewasa
partofme, andwhenhechangedonedayIdi dn'
t
knowwhoIwasanymor ebecauseIonl yknewhi m.
Het ookmyvi rginityandhecamei ntomyl i
fewhen
Iwasi nabadr elationship.I
t'sacyclemyhi gh
schoolexwaswor set hanSi d.Therewayt hatt
hose
twomenhur tme, theyhaver uineditfort
henext
guy.ThenIhadhopewi t
hNdal obut..
Iexhal
ed.
.
Me:Al
lIam l
ookingf
ornowi
sli
fewi
thmyki
dand
ot
herki
dstofol
low
Busi
:Ot
herkidstof
oll
ow?It
houghtyouwer
edone
wit
hrel
ati
onshi
ps
Me:Idon'
tneedar el
ati
onshi
ptohaveababy,
t
here'
sotheropt
ionsIcanconsi
dertohel
pme
Busi
:Haiket
hat
'st
aboo
Il
aughed.
.
Busi:Butit'
syourchoiceandIr espectyourchoice,
ngobavel erel
at i
onshi
psarenotaneasyr oadand
forsomeonel ikeyouwhohasbeenhur tdeeply
anotherfail
edr el
ati
onshi
pwilldefini
tel
ybr eakyou
toament alinstit
uti
on
Me:Ijustwannabesel fmade, myi ndependency
matter
smor etomer ightnowt hanaman.Iwantt o
beabletoprovi
def ormySonwi thouthavingtobeg
amant ocontri
bute,there'salotofwomenout
ther
ewhoar esingleandar eabletotakecareof
thei
rchil
drenal
onewi t
ht heli
ttl
et hattheyhave
Busi
:That
'st
rue.
.Eyyl
et'
seatt
hechi
pssoIcan
l
eaveyoutorest

LELE

Bonehadaskedtodoaconsul t
ati
onwi t
hme, we
wenttohisMother
'shutandhewasusi ngher
bonestohelpmeknowwhat everIneededtoknow.
He'stheonl
yoneinhissibl
ingswhowasspi r
it
ual
ly
gi
ftedbutunli
kehi
sMot her
,hehast akenthe
decisi
ontopracti
cehisgif
ttr
adit
ionall
y.HisMot
her
practi
cedbot
hspi r
it
uall
yandtradit
ional
ly,
Bone
practi
cest
radit
ional
lyonl
y..

Bone:Iwantedtot
alktoyou,godeeperwitht
he
conver
sati
on.SosoIdon'twannabotherhermuch,
she'
spregnantanystr
esscouldaff
ectthebaby
Me:Iunder
stand
Bone:Fi
rstofal
llet
'sst
artwi
thyourl
ovel
if
e
Me:Okay
Bone:Seethatbone, t
hat '
syourexortheguyyou
werewith.There'sissuesbet weenyoutwoIdon' ti
f
youguysar etempor arilyseparat
edorwhatbut
fr
om whatI '
m seeinghei stheoneforyou.Yeshe
hashurtyoubutonl ybecausehewassur r
ounded
byadarkmagi cspelliniti
atedbyyourMother.Your
motherwant stodest royyousobadt hatyougo
i
ntothegravej ustbecausesheknowsyouar e
spir
it
ual
lygiftedandyoucanuseyour
Grandmother'sbonesf orgoodandnotevil.Thebag
ofbonesthatyourGr andmot herl
efti
smeantt obe
passedonf rom gener ati
ont ogenerat i
onsot he
spiri
tofUt hungucont inues, i
thasbeenl ikethat
untilyourMot herwasi npossessi onoft hebones.
Insteadofusi ngthem f orgoodasi nt ended, she
usedt hem f orevilbecauseofgr eedshewant edto
maket wicewhatshewoul d'vemadei fshewas
usingi tforgood.Nowyourancest orsbl essedyou
withmar riagef rom t hisguyandhi sancest orshave
accept edyouashi swi f
e, butknowt hatt heyawar e
ofhowhehashur tyouandt heygivingyouf reewill
.
Ifyoudon' twannabewi thhi mit'
sokay, ifyou
wannabewi thhi mt heywi llalsosuppor tyoubut
theyneedyout oknowt hatwhathedi d,hedi d
becauseoft hespel l.Ifhewasi nhi sr i
ghtmi ndhe
woul dneverhavehur tyou.Butt heywon' tforceyou
tobewi thhi mi fyoudon' twantt oobutmar ri
age
andki dsar ether ewi thhi m. .NowyourMot her
buriedt woboxesf oryouandSoso, unt ilyouar e
ablet obr eakt hecur seshehasmadef oryouguys
bothyouandSosowon' tsucceed.Youwi l
lgetjobs
andl oset hem t oo, shehasmadebot hyourl ives
stagnant .Wi t
hSosoi twasj ustselfi
shr easons.
She'st heonl ygirlf
riendwhowasabl et oacceptt he
witchcraftthatwentthereandtolerat
ethe
nonsensecr eatedbyherSon.Shet hi
nksnowoman
woul dtol
erat eherSonotherthanSoso.Ancest or
s
arehi t
ti
ngherwi t
hherBelovedSont hatsheloves
dearly.Heiswhathei sbecauseancestorsare
dealingwi t
hhi m.Nowi t
'sveryparamountforyout o
takebackt hebagofbonest ousei tf
orgood.
.
Ndalowasmeantt ohel
pyoubuthedoesn'
thave
thegif
tanymorebuttheSondoes,
theunbornSon.
Sosocanstil
lhel
pyout ocommunicat
ewit
hyour
Grandmothert
hroughherSon
Inodded.
..
Bone:Afterthefuneralwewi l
lhelpyoubutknow
andunder standitwon'tbeeasy,youfight
inga
powerfulwitchbutthekeypoi nti
sforyout o
conquerherandnotherconquer i
ngyou.Youar ea
fi
rm beli
everinGod, i
fyouhavef ait
hinhim he
won'tl
etyoudown.Yourancest orsrespectthatyou
moreint unedwi t
hyourr el
igi
ouspartandt heyare
accepti
ngf oryoutoanswert oyourcalli
ngbybei ng
aProphetbutknowyouwi l
lhavethebagofbones
that
'syourGr andmother'sgif
ttoyou
Inodded.
.
Me:Atl
eastt
her
e'sasol
uti
ont
hat
'sgood
Bone:Exact
ly!Youwi l
lwinthi
swarbutonlyi
fyou
wannawi n,
evilcannottr
iumphovergood
Me:Igetyou

NDALO

Igotbackhomeandpar kedatthegate,
Idi
dn'
tgo
backin.Ist
aredatSoso'snumbersandIdi
dn'
t
knowwhatt osaytoher.I'
vesai
dsomucht oher
,
wordsIcan'tevent
akeback.

Il
eanedbackast
ear
scl
oudedmyeyes.
.
I'
vealwayswantedkidsdespit
eBel i
nda'
ssit
uati
on,
andhereIam gett
ingwhatI'
veal wayswantedand
I'
verui
nedit
.Iwipedmyt ears,Inevert
hought
sit
uati
onswouldplayoutthi
swayoneday. .
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
19] :98

NDALO

Igothomeandt heicecream tubt oget

herwiththe
bottleofwineandherglasst hatwashal ff
ullsi
tti
ng
ont hetabl
e.TheTVwason, Ipr oceededtothe
bedr oom.Icheckedtheclosetandhercl ot
heswer e
sti
llhere.
WhenIpassedt hebathr
oom Iheardwat
errunning,
meaningshedidn'tl
eaveevenwhenIspecif
ical
ly
askedhertoo.
.Imademywayt othebat
hroom and
openedthedoor..
Me:BelIdon'
tha-
Thesi
ghtthatIstumbleduponwasgr uesome.
.Bel
wasinthebatht
ubwi t
hblooddrippi
ngdownf r
om
herwri
st,
shewascl osetosinki
ngunderthewater
i
nthebathtub.
Iwalkedoverandpul
ledheroutoft
hebathtub,
both
wri
stswerebleedi
ng.Shehadcutherwr
istsvery
deep..
Me:No!
..No!
..No!
!!

LELE

Iwasbusydi
shi
ngup.Busihadcookeddi
nner
,my
phoner
ang.I
twasNathi
..
Ilookedati
twhil
stitr
angunt
ili
tst
oppedr
ingi
ng.I
tookitandswi
tchitof
f..

Il
oveNat hiwithal
lmyhear tIwon'tl
ie,
despitewhat
happenedhehasbeenagoodboyf ri
endtome.I
underst
andt hathi
m beingli
kethattome, st
ermed
fr
om thedarkmagi cthatmyMot herdidtobreakus
upusingClarabutithurt.Whathedidhurtalot.
.

Bonei
nst
ruct
edmet
opr
ayandcount
eractCl
ara'
s
prayer, usingablackandwhi tecandl etoo.Abl ack
candlewor ksinbothways, forevil andtoper ishevi l
too.Thatway, whateverClarasaysi nherpr ayer
againstmeandNat hiwon'twor konl yifdeepdownI
havef aithi nt
heGodt hatIser ve,forhei sgr eat er
thanal ltheevili
nthewor ld.Iwasal soabl etot alk
tomyGr andmotherthrought hepr ayertoal sohel p,
butwit hr egar
dstot hecurses.Thatwi l
lneedt he
boxest obedugupanddest royedf orthecur sest o
l
oset hei rpowerandIneedmyGr andmot herwi th
mebyt hen

Iam preparedtodot his,Iwashappyt oknowt hat

myGr andmot herallowsmet opract
icemygi f
ti na
Propheticwaysi ncer eli
gioniswhatIchosef or
myself,butIwillhavemyGr andmother'
sbagof
bonestoal sohelppeopl ewiththetr
aditi
onalpar tof
i
ttocommuni catewi ththeirguides.
.Atleastthere's
awayoutoft hi
s, atleastthere'
sasol ut
ion.
.

NANGOMSO
Irecei
vedaphonecal lf
rom myBr
other
,thi
swas
surpri
sing.Ianswer
ed..
Me:Nat
hi
Nat
hi:Soso
Me:CanIhel
pyouwi
thsomet
hing?
Nathi
:Whatdoyoumeancanyouhel
pmewit
h
somethi
ng?Wherear
eyou?Wherei
sLel
e?
Me:Whatdoyoumean?Af
terwhatyoudi
dtous?
Nat
hi:Di
dtoyou?
Me:Hai
boNat
hi!
Nat
hi:Sosowhatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?Whatdi
dI
do?
Me:Youdon'
tremember
?
Boneknockedandwal
kedi
n..
Me:Ihavet
ogo
Nat
hi:Soso!
Ihungup.
.
Bonest
oodatthedoor
wayandl
ookedatmewi
th
hi
sarmsfol
ded..
Me:ThatwasmyBrother
,heseemst
ohave
f
orgot
tenwhathedi
d
Bone:Lel
ecount
eract
edthespell
,hewon'
t
rememberbutNdalowil
lbecausehe'
sspi
ri
tual
Me:Ohw
Bone:Ihavesomet
hingf
oryou
Me:Whati
sit
?
Hewal kedoutandcamebackagai
nwi
tha6pack
ofsavanna..
Bone:Non-
alcohol
ic
Il
aughedandshookmyhead.
.
Bone:Si
dlal
engomqondokancance(
playwi
thyour
mindali
ttl
e)
Me:Howdi
dyouknow?
Bone:Ihavemyways, itwil
lhelpwit
hthe
withdrawalsymptomsIjusthopeyourmindwon'
t
takeitasifl
ikeyoudr
inkingacert
ainper
cent
age
andgetdr
unk
Il
aughed.
.
Hesatdownont
hebedandhandedi
ttome.
Me:Thankyouf
ort
hisPl
aceboef
fect
Bone:Youwel
come

CLARA

WhenIgothomeIwentstr
aightt
opr ayi
ng,
Isetthe
bl
ackcandleonfi
reandpr
ayedcursesonherli
keI
wasdoing.
.WhenIwasdoneIbathe,gotdr
essed
andwentnextdoor

Iknockedatt
hedoor
..
Iwai
tedunt
ilheopened,
hel
ookedatme.
Me:Hey(
Smi
li
ng)
Nat
hi:Cl
ara
Me:Hi
..MayIcomei
n?
Nat
hi:Whatf
or?
Me:Sowecant
alkaboutwhathappenedear
li
er
Nat
hi:Whathappenedear
li
er?
Me:Theminipart
yIhadwi
thmyf
ri
endsher
e,
get
ti
ngtheplacedir
ty
Nathi
:Minipar
ty?Youhadapartyhereinmyhouse?
WherewasLeleandSoso?Howdi dtheyall
owyou
i
n?Especial
lyaft
erwhatyoudi
d?Bewi t
chi
ngmy
gi
rl
fri
end
Me:Huh?
Nathi
:Ihavetohaveaconver
sat
ionwi
tht
hegi
rl
s
t
hisisabsurd
Me:Nat
hiwhati
sgoi
ngon?
Nat
hi:Iam aski
ngt
hesame
Thi
swaswei
rd.
.
Hecl
osedt
hedooronmyf
ace.
.
Me:Nat
hi!
NDALO

TheAmbulancedidn'
ttakel
ongt ocomeespeci
all
y
whenIexpl
ainedtheseri
ousnessofBel'
scondi
ti
on.
Wetookhertothenearbypri
vatehospi
tal
..

Astheywer
ebusywithher
,Ical
ledmyMot
herand
shesai
dshewil
ldr
ivedown.

Ikeptonpacingupanddowninthewait
ingar
ea,
scaredoftheout
come.I
fBel
indadoesn'
tmakeit
,I
won'tfor
givemysel
f.
.

Thisi
swhyIst ayedinmymar riageevenwhenI
wasn'thappy.Iwasscar
edoft his,
scaredt
hati
fI
l
efthershewoul dhur
thersel
f.
.

TheDrmadeherwayt
ome,
orshel
impedherway
tomerat
her
..
Dr
:Goodeveni
ng
Me:Doc
Shehadaf
unnywayofspeaki
ngt
oo.
.
Me:Howi
smywi
fe?
Dr:Shehadwhatwecal lhemorrhagi
cshock,she
l
ostal otofofbl
oodfrom herdeepcutsi
nher
wrist
s.Ifshewasfoundami nutelat
ershewasn'
t
goingtomakei t
Me:I
sshegoi
ngt
omakei
t?
Dr:Atthisti
mewecan' ttell
,wewereabletostop
thebleedingandthere'
shighchancethatshewill
needabl oodtransf
usionthenwewi l
lseefrom t
hen
howshe' sgoingtoreacttoit
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:Doyouhavet
hebl
oodoryoust
il
lgoi
ngt
oneed
abl
ooddonor?
Dr
:Ourhospi
talcarr
iesbl
ooddonationeveryweek,
wedohaveblood..Wewil
ltestherbloodt
ype
Me:Thankyou,
thankyousomuch
Shenodded.
.
Me:Wi
llIbeabl
etoseeher
?
Dr
:Notyet
..Wasyourwi
fedepr
essed?
Me:We..I
..Wehavi
ngpr
obl
emsi
nourmar
ri
age
andIwasleavi
ngher
Shenodded.
.Shet
ookoutacar
d..
Dr
:Her
e
Me:Whoi
sthi
s?
Dr:Ourclinicalpsychol
ogi st
.KeyaraKai r
oSibanda,
thewomanwhoputmet ogetheraftermyt r
agic
accidentduet omyf ail
edmar ri
age.Idrankmyself
tothenear estbar,goti
nt hecarandal mostdied.
Shedoeshypnot herapytooandshe' sverygood
withseverecasesofdepr ession.Youcant al
ktoher
she'l
lbeher etomor r
owf rom 10:00-16:00
Herof
fi
cei
sont
hesecondf
loor
Me:ThankyouI
'
llseehert
omor
row
Dr
:Youwel
come
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
19] :99

NANGOMSO
[
AFEW DAYSLATER]

I
twasSat
urdayt
oday,
thedayoft
hef
uner
al.
Theyhavejustl
eftf
orthegraveyardandIwasn't
all
owedtogosinceI'
m pregnant.Leledi
dn'
tgotoo,
shebusyhelpi
ngwiththecooking..Tomorr
owLele
andIhavetogobackhome, t
hishousewasgoing
tobevacanttoMahlophe'
scousin.Bone'sUncl
e,
hiswi
feandkids.Sowehavet ogo. .

I'
m gladthatNathii
sinagoodheadspacenow,we
havebeent alki
ngonthephoneandt
odayhecame
tothefuneralbutal
sodidn'
tgot
othecemeter
y..
Ihadtol
dhim whathappenedsi
ncehedidn'
t
remember,
andhef el
tverybadabouti
t.
.

Me:Ineedt oknowthatwhenwecomebackhome
tomorrow,wewon'texper
iencewhatwe
exper
ienced
Nat
hi:Ipr
omi
se
Me:AndLel
e,i
fshedoesn'twantyouanymor ethen
i
t'
sokaydon'
thol
ditagai
nsther.Thingsather
housemayhavebeendif
fi
cultbutthesepeople
shel
ter
edmewhenIhadnowher etogof rom whenI
was15unti
l28
Nathi
:IloveLel
e..WhenyouguyscomebackI 'm
notgoi
ngt oharasshernorthreat
entokickherout
i
fshedoesn'tfi
xt hi
ngswithme.Shecanl i
veas
l
ongasshewant sandI'
llprovi
deforyouguysunti
l
thi
scurseisli
ft
ed
Me:AwwMnt
akaMa,
that
'st
heNat
hiIknow
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Nat
hi:I
'
mtr
ulysor
ry.
.Thatyouhadt
oleavehome
whereyousupposedt
ofi
ndshel
terf
rom t
oli
vewi
th
st
ranger
s
Hehel
dmyhand.
.
Nat
hi:Nextt
imewhensuchhappens,ki
ckmeout
i
nst
eadofmyki cki
ngyouout
.Thathousebel
ongs
t
othebothofus,it
'si
nbot
hournames
Me:Can'
tki
ckt
hebr
eadwi
nnerout
Webot
hlaughed.
.
Nat
hi:Haveyouspokent
oNdal
o?
Me:No.
.Hehasn'tcont
act
edme,Ihaven'
t
cont
act
edhi
mt oo..I
t'
sbet
tert
hatway
Nathi
:Iunderst
and..Iwi
llt
akecar
eofmynephew
wit
hourwi t
houthim
Me:Youknowsi
nceIseeghost
sIhaven'
tseen
Mom orDad
Nat
hi:Wantust
ogotothei
rgravesMonday
morni
ng?Maybeyou'
l
lseethem ther
e
Me:I
'
dli
ket
hat
,havet
oinf
ormt
hem aboutt
hebaby
t
oo
Nat
hi:Wewi
llgo

BELI
NDA

Myleftwristwastheonethatenduredt
hedeepcut
.
I
twasst i
llpainf
ulandIcoul
dn'tusemylef
thand
wit
houtfeelingpai
n..

Theevent soft hatdreadfulnightwer eabitbl

ur,I
don'tknowhowIendedupher e.AllIknowisthatI
drankwi netothepoi ntofgainingcour agetohurt
mysel f.Iknowcut t
ingmywr ist,
bleedingprof
usely
wasgoi ngt oputmybodyi ntoshock.ThenI
would'veevent uallydiedasl owdeat hunderthe
water..Ir egret
teddoingwhatIdi d,Iruinedmy
mar r
iageonmyown.AsmuchasIwantt obl
ame
Soso, butI '
mt heonewhor ui
nedmymar ri
age
becauseshedi dapologizeanddi dst ayawayfrom
myman
I'
m disappoi
ntedthatIrobbedachi ldoft he
opportuni
tyofhavingaf atherfigure, Iputmyselfin
Soso'sshoesandsawt hisfrom herpoi ntofview.
NdaloandIpl ayedthi
sgi r
l,wewer eal sowr ongin
someway.Webot hdatedheri ndividually,
loveran
adeeperconnect i
on.I'
m suret hatsheal socaught
feel
s.Shehadt ogetoverme, andal sogetover
Ndalo..

Ndaloknockedonceandwalkedi
n.Hehasn'
tcame
t
oseeme, heonlyhadmyphonedel
iver
edbyher
MotherincaseIneededi
t.
Hi
sMot
heri
stheonewhohasbeencomi
ng

Ndal
o:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
mfi
ne
Helookedatmyl
efthandt
hatwasr
est
ingont
he
smallpi
ll
ow..
Ndal
o:I
'
m gl
adyouf
eel
ingbet
ter
Me:I
'
m sor
ryf
orput
ti
ngyout
hrought
his
Henodded.
.
Ndalo:Theshowhasbeencancel ed,i
twi l
lcome
backasseason2wewi llrunthecli
pst hatwehave
whichwillonl
ylastf
or2mont hs.Hopingwhen
season2comesbackI '
llhavemygi f
t
Me:Okay
Ndalo:Doyouunder st
andthedamageyoucaused?
Yourwitchcraf
tmademet onegl ectmy
responsibi
li
tywhichhadmel osemygi f
tal
l
becauseyoudi dn'
twannaletgo.Itol
dyouthatyou
canwal kawaybutyoudidn't
.Foryourownselfi
sh
reasonsyoustayed.
Bel
indaIhaven'
tbeenhappyinthi
smar r
iagefora
l
ongt i
me,i
twasmor eaboutyouthanme.Maki ng
youhappy,makingyoucomfort
ableIneglect
edmy
ownhappiness
Icl
osedmyeyesandf
oughtbackt
ear
s..
Ndal
o:Iwishyoudidn'
tlovemethi
smuch,
theni
t
woul
d'vebeeneasi
ertowalkaway
Me:Iunder
stand
Ihadnost
rengt
hinmet
ofi
ghthi
m,Iam t
ir
ed.
.
Ndalo:Not
hi ngchanges,I
'
m sti
lldivor
cingyou.I
can'
tbewit hawomanwhodi dthis,Ican' ttrustyou
anymore.Thatmeansatt heendyouwi llki l
lme,
yourhatetowardsSosoalsoputmySoni ndanger .
Youcould'
vepot enti
all
yki
ll
edmySont oo. .Youcan
att
emptsui ci
deallyouwantbutI'm sti
llleavi ng
Me:I
t'
sokayNdal
o
Ndalo:Youcanstil
lhavethehouse, byt
heti
meyou
getdischar
gedMondayI '
llbegoneyouwon' tf
ind
meathome.Youcankeepal lyourassert
sbutmy
moneyI '
m onl
ygivingyou50k,ifyoudotrytofight
meI'llmakesureyouwalkawaywi t
hnothi
ng
Ididn'
twantthehousebutIcan'tgobackhome.I
hadcalledhometoinfor
mt hem aboutmybei
ng
hospit
alizedmyMotherasalwaysshecamef ormy
l
ife.Goi
ngbackhomewi lldepr
essmemor e
Me:Thankyou.
.Iwon'
tfi
ghtyou,
Ijustwantpeace
I
'mti
red
Hewentt
ohi
spocketandcamebackwi
thacar
d..
Ndalo:YourDrsai dthiswomanwi l
lhel
pputyou
backtogether,
she'sacl i
nicalpsychol
ogist.Keyar
a
kair
oSibanda,Iwasn' tabl
et oseeherbutshe' s
around.Secondf l
oorshewi llbeknocki
ngof fat
14:00.Don'tworryaboutthehospi t
albi
llandherbill
,
I'
l
lpayit'
sthelistIcando
Heputt
hecar
dont
hepi
ll
ow.
.
Ndal
o:GoodbyeBel
inda
Hewalkedout
,tear
sst
reameddown.Icoul
dn'
thol
d
mysel
fback.
..

LELE

Ever
ythi
ngwasset,
Ilookedatt
het
imeandt
heywi
ll
bebackanyt
imefr
om now..
Iwalkedoutsi
detot hepreparedtabl
ef ort
hepubl
ic
toeatandaskedf oraplate.Twoplates,Iwant
edto
eat
.Haven'teatenanythi
ngsi nce5am..
Nathiwassitti
ngal
oneinthetent
,Iwal
kedoverto
hi
m holdingthepl
atesandhandedhim onepl
ate.
Hesmi l
ed..
Nat
hi:Thankyou
Het
ookt
hepl
ate,
Idr
aggedt
hechai
randsatdown.
.
Me:Youdi
dn'
thavet
ocomeyouknow
Nathi
:Thi
swomanmeantal ott
oyou,
shehel
ped
st
atewhathasbeenbot
her
ingyou
Me:Thankyouf
orcomi
ng
Nathi:Lel
eI'
m sorr
y..Forever
ythi
ng,
Iknowsor
ry
won'thelpbut
..IwishIcouldgobackandfi
x
everythi
ng
Me:Youcan'
t,
ther
e'snopoi
nti
ngoi
ngbackt
o
somethi
ngwecan'
tfix
Nat
hi:Iunder
stand
Me:Ij
ustneedyout
ogi
vemet
ime
Nat
hi:Okayt
akeal
lthet
imeyouneed
CLARA

Ical
ledMissG,hershi
twasn'
twor
kinganymor
e
andIneededtoknowwhy..
Mi
ssG:Thokoza
Me:Mi
ssG
Mi
ssG:Whoi
sthi
s?
Me:I
t'
sme.
.It
'sCl
ara
Mi
ssG:OhwCl
ara
Me:Youhavef
orgot
tenaboutme?
Mi
ssG:CanIhel
pyouwi
thsomet
hing?
Me:Theenchant
menti
snotwor
kinganymor
e,I
'
ve
beenpr
aying
MissG:Ohwwellyouknowinthisl
if
e,youwi
n
someandyoulosesome..Iguesshe'
sstr
ongfor
theenchant
ment
Me:Youwer
esai
dtobet
hebest
Mi
ssG:AndIam
Me:Wegoi
ngt
oneedar
efund
MissG:We?Youandwho?Thatwasn'
tyourmoney,
i
twasyourAunt
's
Me:Ei
therway
Mi
ssG:Youget
ti
ngnot
hing
Me:That
'swr
ong
MissG:Thensueme!Youwon'texposemewi
thout
exposi
ngyour
selft
oorememberthat
Shehungup.
.

BELI
NDA

Igotoutofbedandwenttotherecept
ioni
stt
o
enquir
eaboutthi
spsychol
ogist
.Theygavememy
fi
leandtol
dmet ogotoher.
Secondfloor.
.Idon'
twannalie,Ineedhel
p.Iwon'
t
beabletodot hi
salone,
I'
m goingtobreakdown
more.Il
oveNdal oandIwon'tbeabl et
ogetthr
ough
thi
spainallonmyown.
Igott
othesecondf
loort
herewereatl
east5of
fi
ces,
Isear
chedf
orhersandfoundi
t.
Herdoorwascl
osed.
.
Iknockedsof
tl
ywi
thmyr
ighthand.
.

Voi
ce:Comei
n
Ithoughtshewasawoman, thevoicesoundedabit
deeplikeamanbutnottoodeep..Iopenedthedoor
andwal kedi
n,Iwaswelcomedbyt hi
scoolair.I
cl
osedt hedoorandl
ookedather,Ididn'
texpect
whatIsaw
She'
sast ud,andi
fyoulookatheri
nahur
ry,
you
wil
lgetconfusedandt
hinkshe'
saman
Shel
ookedatme,
anddi
dshel
ookgood.
Herf
ace,shelookedl
ikeshedi
dn'
ttakenonsense.
Shehaddreadsandhadonabeaniehat..

Me:Hi
Her
:Hi
Icont
inuedlooki
ngather
,I'
veseenSt
udsbef
ore
butnotthi
skind.
.
Her
:MayIhel
pyou?
Me:I
..I
..Ar
eyou?
?
Il
ookedatt
hecar
d..
Her:I
fyoudon'tknowmynamemaybeyou
shoul
dn'tbehere.
.
Il
ookedather
..
Her
:I'
m Keyar
aKai
roSi
banda
Me:I
'
m Bel
inda
Her
:MaybeIseeyourf
il
e?
Iwal
kedoverandgavei
ttoher
..
Kai
ro:Wr
istcut
ti
ng
Sheopenedmyf
il
e..
Kai
ro:Forhowl
onghaveyoubeendepr
essed?
Me:Sor
ry?
Kairo:Youdon'twakeuponedayandcutyour
wrists,unl
essifi
t'
str
auma.Maybel osingaloved
oneunexpect edl
yorbei
ngsexuall
yviolatedt
he
tr
aumacanl eadtoanearl
ysui
cideattempt
Me:Idi
dn'
treal
izet
hatIwasdepr
essed
Kair
o:Youget
ti
ngdischargedMondaymorni
nghow
aboutwehaveourf
irstsessi
ont
henbefor
eyou
l
eave?
Me:I
'
dli
ket
hat
Kair
o:Iwi
llwr
it
eitf
oryou,
theappoi
ntmentonyour
fi
le
Me:Okay
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Kai
ro:I
syourAsscutt
oo?
Me:Par
don?
Kai
ro:I
'
m wonder
ingwhyyounotsi
tt
ingdown
Me:Ohw
Isatdown.
.
Me:Thankyou
Kairo:Don'
tthankmeIdon'
townthatchairi
t'
sthe
propertyoft
hehospit
al,
Idoownthatorangecouch
though,gonnaputyoudownther
eMondaymor ni
ng
Il
ookedather
..
.
Kai
ro:Fort
hesessi
on
Me:Okay
Shewentt
hroughmyf
il
e..
Kai
ro:YourDoct
ori
sDrSebet
ha?
Me:Yes
Kair
o:Iputherbacktoget
her,poort
hingwasn'
t
evenabletogotothebathroom byhersel
f
Me:Shedi
dtel
lme
Kair
o:You'
vecomet ot
heri
ghtpl
ace,what
ever
happenedI
'l
lputyoubackt
oget
heragai
n
Me:Ipr
ayso
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/09,09:
20] :Fort
hosewhobeencompl
aini
ng
abouti
nsert100
.
..

100

BELI
NDA

Iwasbacki
nmywar d,i
tget
slonel
ybutIt
ri
edt
o
keepmysel
fbusyonsoci
almedia.
MyTwitt
eraccountwasbackup,
peoplehad
st
oppedthr
owingnastycommentsatme.

Iwastryi
ngsohardtonotl
ett
hepainofmy
marri
agegettome,buti
twasdif
fi
cul
t.Icoul
dn'
t
waitt
ostartt
her
apyonMondayandt i
meseemed
tobemovingver
yslow..
Kai
roandDrSebet
hawal
kedi
n,Kai
rowashol
ding
myfil
e..

Dr
:Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:I
'
m goodt
hankyou
Shewashol
dingabasket
..
Dr
:Gotsomegoodi
esf
orawar
dpi
cni
c
Me:Awar
dpi
cni
c?
Dr:Ohwwellwedeci
dedtokeepyoucompany
seei
ngyourappoi
ntmenti
sonMonday
Iwasconf
used.
.
Dr:LookI'
vebeenwhereyou'
vebeenbefor
e,Ispoke
t
oyourhusbandwhenhebr oughti
nthatnightand.
.
Hehintedaboutt
hedivor
ce
Il
ookeddown.
.
Dr
:Ihopewenotvi
olat
ingyourpr
ivacy
Me:Noi
t'
sokay
Dr
:Ibr
oughtt
hewomanwhoputmet
oget
her
,I
supposeyout
wohavemetal
ready
Kai
ro:Wehavemet
Dr
:Kai
roi
sal
somybestf
ri
end
Me:NowIunderstandwhyshemadethatcomment
aboutyoust
ruggl
ingtogot
othet
oil
et
Dr
:Yout
oldhert
hat
?
Kairo:I
t'
snotviol
ati
onofpr
ivacyi
fyoumybest
fr
iendIlikeusi
ngyouasanexample
Dr
:I'
m notyourpsychol
ogi
calst
udy.
.Seet
hisi
s
whyyousingl
e
Kai
ro:I
'
m si
ngl
ebecauseIwannabesi
ngl
e
Drshookherhead.
.
Dr
:AnywayI
'
llseeyouguysl
aterI
'
m oncal
l
Kai
ro:Ni
cespendi
ng3secondswi
thyou
Dr
:Itwasl
ovel
yasal
ways
Shewal
kedaway.
.
Kai
rodr
aggedt
hechai
randsatdown.
.
Kai
ro:Youcancal
lmeKai
,myf
ri
endscal
lmet
hat
Me:Wef
ri
ends?
Kai
:Sebet
haf
eel
sst
rongl
yaboutyouso
Me:Isee
Kai
:Howbaddi
dhebr
eakyou?
Iswal
lowed.
.
Me:Pr
ett
ybad
Kai
:Ar
eyouher
ebecauseheaskedf
ordi
vor
ce?
Me:I
'
m her
ebecauseIst
il
llovehi
m ver
ymuch
Kai
:Why?
Me:I
'
vebeenwi
thhi
mforyear
s
Shecr
ossedherl
egs.
.
Kai
:Youdon'
tlovehi
m
Me:Idon'
t
Kai
:Noyoudon'
t.
.
Sheleanedfor
wardandbroughtherel
bowstoher
kneesandrubbedherhandslooki
ngst
rai
ghtatme.
.
Me:Idol
ovemyhusband
Kai:Usuallywhenonei saskedwhydot heylove
theirhusband,onewouldr epl
ywiththequal i
ti
esof
whyt heydo.Likemyhusbandi sl
oving,my
husbandi scaringnotwe'vebeentogetherfor
years..Fr
om howI '
m seeingit,
youdon'tlovehim
butyouscar edofbeingalonescaredofbei ngnot
withhimt hat'
swhyyouher ewhenheaskedf or
divorce
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Kai:Whathol
ddoeshehaveonyout hatmakesyou
thi
nkyoucan'tbewithouthi
m,becinfrontofmeI
seeabeautif
ulwomant hatcanbewi t
hanyone,you
seem warm,humbleandverylovi
ng..Anyman
wouldbefort
unatetohaveyouast hei
rwifewhat'
s
withhi
m?
Me:Ndal
olovedmewhenI
-
Shecl
appedherhandsal
it
tl
eandshookherhead.
.
Kai:No..That'
snotwhatIasked, I
'
m nother efor
hi
m Idon' twannahearshitabouthim because
l
ent oayikhongaye(t
hisisnotabouthim)I '
m not
fi
xinghim, I
'mfixi
ngyou.Idon'twannahearshi t
abouthi
mfornow
Me:WhenIwasyoungermyf ami l
ycoul dn'
ttakeme
tovarsi
ty,wehadnomoney.It hendatedamar ri
ed
manf orfi
nancialgaintogetmoneyt ogot oschool,
theplanwast hatwhenheput smet hroughschoolI
wouldendi t
..Hiswifefoundoutandshe. .She
att
ackedmephysi call
y,didthingstomet hata
personshouldnevergot hrough.InthatmannerI
l
ostmywomb, Ican'thavechi l
drenandsex. .Sexis
notthesamei t'
snotyournor malsext here'
s
posit
ionsIcan'tdo.Ndal olovedmet hroughthat,
thr
oughal lt
hatmess. .Ifeelnomanwoul dloveme
i
nt hi
ssituat
ion
Kai
:Youcanst
il
lhavechi
ldr
enyouknow, j
ustnot
ashowanormalwomanwoul d.Haveyouboth
di
scussedt
hat
?
Me:Het
oldmehedidn'twantki
dsbutcheat
edand
gott
hewomanpregnantthenhedeci
dedhedoesn'
t
l
ovemeanymor
e
Kai
:Youar
esel
fi
sh
Il
ookedather
..
Kai:Youcan'
tbewi t
hsomeoneandexpectt he
Persontomakeyouhappywhenyoucan' tmake
yoursel
fhappy.Youwentt hr
oughwhatyouwent
throughandyoudidn'tdeser
veityes,
thatwoman
didwhatshedidbecauseofwhoshei s.
.Tel
lme
whatdidyoudot othewomant hatyourhusband
cheatedonyouwi t
h?
Me:Not
hing
Kai:Youdidwhatyoudi dbecauset hat'
swhoyou
are,youunderstoodhowpai nfulitwaswheni t
happenedt oyou,that
'sbecauseyoudi dn'
thaveiti
n
yout oputanotherwomant hroughwhatyouhadt o
got hr
oughandyoushoul dbepr oudofyour sel
ffor
notlett
inghim changewhoyouar e.Bel
ler
ina
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Kai:Theonlyreasonwhyit'
sdiffi
cultforyouto
moveoni sbecauseyouar elookingatthenegati
ve
sideofital
l.
.Thinkoftheposit
ivesideofit,
no
mat t
erhownegat i
vethesit
uati
oni s,t
here'
salways
thatti
nyposit
ivi
tyini
t
Me:Idon'
tseeanyposi
ti
vit
y
Kai:Youali
vethat'
sthefir
stposit
ivit
y,youal i
ve
becausethecycleofli
fewantsyout obeal i
ve.
.He
thoughthebrokeyoubuthedi dn'
t,youar ehere..
Looksunshineandexcuset hepetnamebutyour
skintonecomplimentsthesunshine,goldenyellow.
.
Solookthismandi dyouahugef avour ,thi
smani s
makingyout oreconnectwit
hyour self
,thisNalo
Me:Ndal
o
Kai
:Youst
il
lcar
eifIgethi
snamer
ightaf
tert
his?
Il
aughed.
.
Kai:Atleastshecanl
aughweget
ti
ngsomewher
e,
shouldIalwayshavetodi
sshi
mforyoutol
augh
l
ikethis?
Me:Ij
ustdi
dn'
texpectt
hat
Shegotupandwentt
othebasket
..
Kai
:Let
'sseewhatSebet
hagotus
Me:Thesessi
oni
sover
?
Kai
:Wewer
en'
thavi
ngasessi
onwewer
etal
king
Me:Thet
alki
sover
?
Sheshr
uggedhershoul
der
s..
Kai:I
t'
sbecausehe'
snotimport
antt
omef ormeto
tal
kabouthim onmylei
suret
ime,wewi
llkeept
hat
conversat
ionf
orMonday
Me:Okay
Kai:Seehowi mpor
tantyouare?Itookoutmyt
ime
tocomespendi twit
hyou,Icouldbesomewhere
elsebutIchosetobehere
Shegavemeasi
desmi
le.
.
Me:Youcansmi
le
It
urnedmyheadandf
acedt
hewi
ndowsmi
li
ng.
.

DRBONE

Iwaswit
hmySist
ers,
wewer esi
tt
ingunderthet ent
di
scussi
ngaf
ewmat t
ersawayfr
om therel
atives..
Nhl
anhla:It
houghtwehaveal
readyagr
eedt
hat
Umalumewi l
lst
ayher
e
Nonhlanhl
ai smyyoungersi
ster
.Busiisthefi
rst
bor
n,I'mthesecondbornandNhlanhlaisthelast
bor
n..She'smarri
edwit
hkids,Busii
sadi vor
cee.
Havebeenf or5year
snow..
Nhl
anhl
a:Whyar
eyoudeci
dingont
hisnow?
Il
ookedatSoso,shewasst
andi
ngwi
thherbr
other
l
eani
ngagainsthiscar
..
Me:Ithi
nkGautengwi
llbeagoodpl acef
orme
especi
all
ysi
nceI'mi
ntheentert
ainmenti
ndust
ry,
Umalumecanhavemypl aceinKzn
Nhl
anhl
a:That
'sf
air
WhenourGr
andmot
herpassedon,
Itookherhouse
downi
nKzn..
Nhl
anhl
a:Letmegocheckonmybaby
Shegotupandl
eft
..
Busi
:Sosof
oryourt
hought
s?
Il
ookedather
..
Busi
:Youcanf
oolHl
arasbutyoucan'
tfoolme
Me:Ther
e'snot
hinghappeni
ng
Busi
:Notyet
Me:AngazikeBusi
siweukuthiukhulumakwel
iphi(
I
don'
tknowwhatyout al
kingabout)
Busi
:SoonI
'
llbecomi
ngdownt
oaweddi
ng
Me:Si
thembanj
alo(
Let
'shopeso)
Busi
:It
houghtyouwer
eint
oLel
e
Me:Notatal l
,bei
ngnicetosomeonedoesn'
tmean
youwantt hem.Thesegirl
sneededsomeonenicet
o
them inthei
rti
meofstruggle,
thankyouf
oryour
kindnesstothem t
oo
Busi
:Itwasnot
hing.
.Theyar
egoodgi
rl
s
Me:Thatt
heyar
e

BELI
NDA

Wewereeati
ng.Sandwichesandjui
ce.
.Ihadt he
t
raycl
osetomesincemyl efthandwasn'tmuch
f
uncti
onal
.Kaiwaslai
dbackont hechairwit
hone
f
ootagai
nstt
hebed..
Kai
:I'
dsavet
he5peopl
e
Me:Youwoul
dletyoursi
bli
ngdi
e?
Kai
:Whati
fmySi
bli
ngi
sashi
tt
yper
son?
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Youar
ejustmaki
ngexcuses
Kai
:Weal
lent
it
ledt
oourownopi
nion
Me:That
'st
rue
Shel
ookedatt
het
ime.
.
Me:IhopeI
'
m nott
aki
ngmuchofyourt
ime
Kai
:I'
m wai
ti
ngf
orSebet
habef
oreIl
eave
Me:Thankyouf
oryourt
ime
Kai
:Iwil
lgi
veyoumypersonalnumber
,ifi
tget
s
di
ff
icul
tatni
ghtyoucanal
waysringme
Me:Thankyou
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:What
?
Kai
:Tel
lmeaboutyour
sel
f
Me:Iam aNur
segoi
ngt
oahear
ingnextweek
Kai
:Why?
Me:Ther
ewasavi
deoofmet
rendi
ng
Kai
:Ohhhhhhshi
t!Yout
hatNur
se
Me:Yes
Kai:Dammit
!Thatguymust'ver
eall
ygot
tentoyou
foryoutobel
iket
hat,Idon'
tseeyouasavil
e
Person
Me:YaaIwasn'
tinagoodheadspace
Kai:I
'
m sor
rythathemadeyouactl
iket
hat
,butI
'
m
notsorr
yaboutthehear
ing
Me:That
'scol
d
Kai:Youtheonewhoact
edinthatmanner
,weal
l
responsi
blef
orourownact
ions
Me:Tr
ue
Kai
:You'
l
lbef
inej
ustpl
eadyourcasewel
l
Me:Ij
ustdon'
twannal
osemyj
ob
Kai
:It
'
llbeal
essonl
ear
nt
Idr
ankmyj
uice.
.

NANGOMSO

Me:Sot
omor
rowyoupi
cki
ngusupatwhatt
ime?
Nat
hi:Idon'
tknow.
.Atwhatt
imedoyouguyswant
metocome?
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.Wantust
ohel
poutabi
tbef
ore
weleave
Nat
hi:You'
l
lri
ngmet
hen
Me:Thankyouf
orcomi
ng
Nat
hi:Anyt
ime.
.Ishoul
dgo,
I'
llseeyouguys
t
omor r
owthen
Igavehi
m ahug.
.
Me:Tomor
rowi
tis
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
20] :101

NANGOMSO

Itwasoneti
ri
ngandlongday,butwet hankfulthat
welaidhert
oresti
nthemostdignif
iedwayt hough
herdeat
hwasunt i
melyandverytr
agic.Isti
llcan't
getthei
mageoutofmymi ndofherlayingdown
deadwithasnakeonherthatbi
ther.
.

Iwasn'tfeeli
ngtoowell,It
hinkthef ooddidn'
t
favourme.Bynowhal fofthethingswer edone,
i
ncludingwashi ngthepotsanddi shesthatthe
familyused.Ididn'
tdomuchwor kthough,Ihel
ped
hereandt here.
.

Iwassitt
ingalonebusywithFacebooktokeep
myselfbusy.IhadcheckedBeli
nda,Idon'
teven
knowwhybutIcheckedherandf oundoutthat
she'
sinhospital
.Shewasadmi tt
edbutdidn'tsay
whatwaswr
ong.

Bonecameandsatnextt
ome.
.
Bone:Whyareyousi
tt
ingal
one?Looki
ngal
lki
nds
ofdepr
essed?
Me:Everyoneisbusy,Lelei
ssi
tti
ngwit
hyour
si
sterstheydr
inki
ng.Ididn'
twannasi
twit
hthem,
I'
mt r
yingnott
ocravealcohol
Bone:Iunder
stand
Me:Thankyouf
orever
ythi
ng
Bone:Don'
tment
ioni
t
Me:Iguessyou'
l
lbegoi
ngbacksoon?
Bone:Notent
irel
y..
.Astheonl
yboybornt
omy
MotherIf
eelit
'sappropr
iat
etocomeandl
iveher
e,
I
'l
lberel
ocati
ngfrom Kzn
Me:Ohwt
hat
'sgood
Bone:Wi
thmyli
neofwor
k,l
ivi
ngi
nGaut
engwi
llbe
appr
opri
atef
orme
Me:That
'st
rue
Bone:Thankyouf
orhel
pingout
,youandLel
e
hel
pedoutalot
Me:Mahlophewedidn'
tknowherfort
hatl
ongbut
shehadanimpactonus,agoodimpact
Bone:Shewasar
emar
kabl
ewoman
Me:Thatshei
s

BELI
NDA

Itwasgoodhangi
ngoutwithKia,shei
sengul
fed
witht
oomuchpositi
vit
y.Shebringsl
if
eint
oa
negat
iveanddepr
essi
ngsituat
ion

Iwil
lbekeepi
ngi
ntouchwithherasi
nstr
uct
ed
shoul
dIencount
eranyunset
tl
ingemoti
ons.
.

Myphoner
ang,
itwasLi
sa.
.Ir
oll
edmyeyes
Me:Hi
Lisa:Howareyou?Ihadt
ofi
ndoutf
rom Facebook
thatyouadmit
ted?
Me:WhatcanIhel
pyouwi
th?
Li
sa:What
'
sthat
?
Me:WhatcanIhel
pyouwi
th?
Li
sa:Whatdoyoumean?I
sitacr
imenowt
ocheck
myfri
end?
Me:Funnyyoushoul
dsaythat
,especi
all
yaf
teryou
havest
abbedmeintheback?
Li
sa:Whatdoyoumean?
Me:Youthi
nkIdon'
tknowthatthevi
deothatwas
upl
oadedonTwit
terwasbecauseofyou?
Li
sa:Whatt
hehel
lar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Me:Youknowexact lywhatI
'mtalki
ngabout!Asi
t
standsmyhear i
ngisnextweek,
Imi ghtl
osemyjob
andallbecauseofyou
Li
sa:I
fyoudon'
twantust
obef r
iendsagai
ndosay
sobutyoudon'
thavet
oaccusemeofnonsense
l
ikethat
!I'
m yourf
ri
end,
notj
ustaf
ri
end.Yourbest
f
riend
Me:AndIr
egr
etnotdi
tchi
ngyoui
nvar
sit
y
Lisa:Okaygetyouractr
ightandyourheadt
oget
her
thenwe'llt
alksometi
me
Me:Aghhh
Ihungup.
.
Ihatethatshe'
smaki
ngmeaf
ool
,denyi
ngt
hings
thatar
et r
ue..

NDALO

IwaswithmyMot
her
..
.Tal
kingt
oheraboutaf
ew
thi
ngs.
.
Ma:Iam pr
oudofyouf
orhowyou'
vehandl
ed
ever
ythi
ng
Me:Justabi
tworr
iedaboutBel
indaandal
soangr
y.
It
ri
edtodownpl
aymyangerbut
Ma:Iseehowyoubl amingherbutyoualsohaveto
takeresponsi
bil
it
yforyourownactions,
youcan't
puttheblamesolelyonher
Me:I'm notblami ngherI'
mj ustt
hinki
ngi
t'
ssel
fi
sh
ofhertor esorttosuici
de.Ifweallgoi
ngt
otake
responsibil
it
yf orouracti
onssheshouldt
oo
Ma:Sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowi
thSoso?
Me:Iwast
hinki
ngt
hatyoucanhel
p
Ma:How?
Me:GetaboMal
umet
ogoandaskf
orf
orgi
veness
onmybehalf
Ma:Iunderstandbutyouhavetofi
xitallby
yoursel
ffi
rst
,youcan'thavet
hefamilygother eand
pleadyourcase.I
twouldbeunfai
r,shewi l
lfeel
pressur
ed
Me:Ij
ustwannaf
ixever
ythi
ng
Ma:Andyouwi
ll
,j
ustf
ir
stt
alkt
oherandsee
Me:I
'
lldosot
hankyou
Ma:Youwel
come
LELE

Iwassi
tt
ingwit
hBone'ssi
ster
s,t
heywer
edr
inki
ng
andIwastoobutnotmuch.
.
Iwast
ir
ed,
Iwant
edt
orest
..

Me:It
hinkIshoul
dgoandr
est
,I'
mti
red
Busi
:Yespl
ease.
.Youwor
kedhar
dtoday
Me:Idon'
tmi
nd.
.Mahl
ophewasawonder
ful
woman
Busi
:Nodoubtaboutt
hat
Me:I
'
llseeyouguysl
ater
Busi
:Lal
ekahl
esi
si(
haveapeacef
ulr
est
)
Wewer edr i
nkingnextdooratl
easti
twasn'
tfar
,asI
walkedbackt othehousemyphoner angand
vi
brated.Ianswered..
Me:Hel
lo?
Ma:Lel
e
Me:Whatdoyouwant
?
Ma:Don'
ttal
ktomel
iket
hatI
'
m st
il
lyourMot
her
Me:Whatdoyouwant
?
Ma:Whenar
eyoucomi
ngbackhome?
Me:Whathome?Ahomewher ewit
chcraf
tpl
aysa
vit
alrol
e?Ahomet hati
snotwel
coming?Ahome
thatdoesn'
tfeel
li
kehome?
Ma:Soyout hi
nkstayi
ngwi
thamani
sal
ri
ght
?Is
cohabi
tat
ingalr
ight
?
Me:Atl
eastIhaveahomewi
thandi
nhi
m
Ma:St
opwi
tht
henonsense!
Ihunguponher
..
.

BELI
NDA

Ilookedatmyl
eftwr
ist.Idon'
tknowwheni
t'
sgoi
ng
tostopachi
ngandI'
l
lrecover.
DrSebet
hawal
kedi
n..
Dr
:Goodeveni
ng
Me:Doc
Dr
:Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Me:I
'
mfeel
ingwel
landyou?
Dr
:I'
m goodj
ustt
ir
ed
Shedr
aggedt
hechai
randsatdown.
.
Dr
:Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?Forr
ealt
hough?
Me:I
t'
sst
il
ldi
ff
icul
t
Dr
:Theear
lydaysar
ethehar
dest
Me:Tr
ue
Dr:Kaii
sagoodtherapi
st,
Ihavefai
tht
hatshewill
helpyou.Iwasatot
almessbefor
emeetinghershe
helpedputmebacktoget
her
Me:Shedoescomeacr
osst
oknowwhatshe'
s
doi
ng
Dr
:Ver
ytr
ue
Me:Whathappened?
Dr:I
t'
sal ot
..Mymar r
iageof10year
swentdown
t
hedr ai
n,couldn'
tcope.Wasadrunk,al
mostl
ose
mylicense
Me:I
'
m sor
ry
Dr
:You'
l
lbeokay,
it'
snotf
atal
Me:Ihopeso.
.Ir
eal
lyhopeso
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
20] :102

BELI
NDA

AWEEKLATER

WhenIgotdi
schar
ged,IndeedNdal
ohadmoved
outoft
hemainhouse.Hewasgone
Ihadnoonet
opi
ckmeup,
Kaisacr
if
icedt
otakeme
homewhensher eali
zedthatIwasgoingtotakean
Uber.
..ThingshavebeenhardIdon'twannalie,I
havealreadystar
tedther
apyandIdon'tthi
nki t
's
hel
ping...
Thehurt,
thepaini
twasstil
lthereandt
hings
weren'
tgett
ingbet
terandeasierwit
hti
me.
Itwasonlygett
ingwor
se,Ievenf
eltl
ikeIdidn'
t
wannagoon.Iwasmi ssi
nghi m,
hedi dn'
tcal
l,
didn'
ttext
,di
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.
EachdayIwokeupandt houghtIwouldgetatext
fr
om him,oracallorsomethi
ng.Tell
ingmet hathe
wantsustotal
kthingsout,fi
xourmar r
iage.None
ofthatwashappening.
.

Todayi twasmyhear ing,andIwasdeadner vous.

SinceNdal oandIhavesepar atedI 'l
lhaveto
fi
nanciall
ytakecareofmysel f.Ineedmyj obt oget
through,andtosuppor tmyfami ly..MyMot heri s
goingtobeonmyt hroataboutt his,Ihaven'ttalked
tohereversince.Idon'twanttoo, she'sjustgoing
torubsaltonmyal readyachingwound. .
Iwassi t
tingout
sidetheseminarroom,wai
ti
ngt o
becalled.Iwastrembli
ng,Idon'
tknowwhatI'm
goingtosay,don'tknowhowI '
m goingt
opleadmy
case..
.

NANGOMSO

SomethingIdi
dn'
texpecthappened,
Ndal
ohadsent
meat extl
astni
ghtandaskedtomeetupwit
hme
todaysowecouldtal
k.
Ikeptonr eadinghistextoverandoveragainlast
nightnotbel i
evingthatheactuall
ywantedtodo
this.
.Aftereverythi
ngthathappenedbetweenus,
everythi
ngt hathesaid.IsweartoGodandonmy
Mot her'
sgravet hatIdidn'
texpecthi
mt ocont
act
me.It houghtwewer edone,wewer edoneforgood.
.

Iwasst
il
lver
ymuchhur tandIdidn'
twantnot
hing
todowi
thhim,butanot
herpartofmereal
lywanted
toknowandf indoutwhathehadt
osayf orhimsel
f.
Howdoyouundoorunsayal lt
hehur
tfult
hingsthat
hesaid.Ireal
lywannaknowhowthat
'sgoingto
playout.

I
nthetext,hement i
onedthathe'
l
lbeatthe
r
estaurantforanhour,i
fIdon'
tshowupt henthat
wil
lsendacl earmessagetohimthatIdi
dn'twanna
meetupwi thhim..

Iwal
kedinattherestaurantandsawhi
m sit
ti
ngat
thet
abl
ealone,Iexhaledandmademywayt ohi
m.
Whenhesawme, hest oodupandwait
edformeto
gett
othetabl
e..

Heseemednervous,
IfIwasi
nhisposi
ti
onIwoul
d
pr
obabl
yfeelt
hesamewayt oo.
.

Isatdown,
hesatdownt
ooopposi
teme.
.
Ndal
o:Hi
Me:Hi
Ndal
o:Youl
ookgood
Me:Thankyou
Ndal
o:Woul
dyoul
iket
oor
dersomet
hing?
Me:Not
hankyou
Henodded.
.
Me:Sowhatam Idoi
ngher
e?
Ndal
o:Idon'
tevenknowwher
etost
art
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Ndal
o:SosoIam deepl
ysorr
yforwhathappened
t
hatday,Ishoul
dn'
thavesai
dallt
hosethi
ngsIsaid
t
oyou
Me:Thenwhydi
dyousayt
hem?
Ndal
o:Iwasmad,
Iwashur
t.Iwasdi
sappoi
ntedi
n
youalot
Me:Iunder
stand
Ndal
o:Youdo?
Me:Ishoul
dn'
thavedi
dthat
,Belt
oldmet
hati
n
confi
denceandIdidn'tdothatbecauseIwantedto
dissheronpurpose.Iwasn'tmockingher,
why
wouldImockher ,mockheronsomet hingthatcan
happentomet oo.Iam crazyIknow,buthurti
ng
someoneintent
ionall
ythatisnotme
Ndal
o:Iknow,andI
'm gr
eat
lydi
sappoi
ntedi
n
mysel
ftoo.
.Ishoul
dn'
thaveact
edinthatmanner
Me:Ilongforgaveyou, t
here'
snousei nstayi
ng
madoverasi tuati
onthatcannotbef i
xed.What
happenedcan'tbef i
x,youcan'tgobackandunsay
thosethi
ngssot here'
snopointi nst
ayingmadat
thatsi
tuat
ion
Ndal
o:Iunder
standandt
hankyouf
orf
orgi
vingme
Me:Thatdoesn'tmeanIwannabewi thyouagai
n,
yousai
dallthosethingsand.
.Ican'
tbewit
h
someonewhot hinksthatwayaboutme
Ndalo:Idi
dn'texpectforustogobackt ohow
thi
ngswerebet weenus, Ihavedoneirr
eversi
ble
damageandIt akeful
lresponsi
bil
it
ythere'
sonly
onethingIaskofyou
Me:Thati
s?
Ndal
o:Tobeapar
toft
hebaby'
sli
fe
Me:Ar
eyousur
eaboutt
hat
?Af
teraccu-
Ndal
o:It
houghtyousai
dyouf
orgaveme
Me:YesIdi
dbutdon'
texpectmet
ofor
getabout
ever
ythi
ngj
ustl
iket
hat
Ndal
o:Takeyourt
ime,
butknowt
hatIwannabea
par
tofhi
slif
e
Me:Idon'
tknow
Ndal
o:YeahI
'
m notaski
ngyou,
I'
mtel
li
ngyou
Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:What
?
Ndal
o:Youcan'tkeepmeawayf
rom hi
m,noruse
hi
mtofightyourbatt
les
Me:Youcan'texpectmet oj
ustkeepyoui
nour
l
ives,
justl
iket
hatafterever
ythi
ngyou'
vedone
Ndalo:Yousai
dyouhaveforgi
venme, Idi
dn't
expectyoutotakemebackbutIam expect
ingyou
tokeepmei nhisli
fe
Ichuckl
edwhi
lstshaki
ngmyhead.
.
Me:Ican'
tbel
ievet
his
Hegotupandt
ookouthi
swal
let
,het
ookoutR200
f
rom i
t.
.
Ndal
o:Enj
oyyourmeal
ifyoudodeci
det
oor
der
Hewal
kedaway.
..

LELE

Iwascl
eani
ngtheyar
dwhenIspot
tedCl
araal
so
cl
eani
ngheryar
d..
Cl
ara:Nei
ghbour
Ii
gnor
edher
..
Cl
ara:Nei
ghbour
Ist
il
lignor
edher
..
Clara:Youmightwannabeci
vilwithme,
seei
ngthat
there'
sahighpossi
bil
it
yyoumi ghtbemychi
ld'
s
stepmother
Il
ookedather
..
Cl
ara:NowIgotyourat
tent
ion
Me:Whatdi
dyousay?
Clar
a:Nat
hiandIwe.
.Youknow.
.Weneveruseda
condom
Myhear
tsankasshehadasmi
rkonherf
ace.
.
Cl
ara:Ohhyoudi
dn'
tknow
Iwal
kedbacki
ntot
hehouse.
..

BELI
NDA

Iwascal
ledi
nandeveryonewassitt
ingdown
wai
ti
ngforme.Isatdownandlookedatthem,
thi
s
wasthemomentoftrut
h..

Lady:Goodmor
ning
Me:Goodmor
ning
Lady:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m wel
landyou?
Lady:I
'
m good.
.Ibel
ieveyouknowwhyyouar
e
here
Me:YesIdo
Lady:Iwi
lli
ntr
oduceever
yonei
nther
oom
Iswal
lowed.
.Thedooropened.
.Kaiwal
kedi
n,she
washoldi
ngafil
e..
Kai
:Goodmor
ning
Ever
yoneint
heroom l
ookedateachot
her
,andt
hen
l
ookedather
..
Kai:Iam KayeraKairoSibanda,
I'
m acl
ini
cal
psychol
ogist.Iam hereonBehalfofMr
sBeli
nda
Dlomo,she'sapatientofmine
Lady:I
'
m sor
ryt
hishear
ingi
spr
ivat
e
Kai:Under
standable,
butI'
m her etopr
ovethatmy
pati
entwasn'twellwheneverythingpl
ayedout,
I
haveproofandIam heretopl eadhercase
Af
tersayi
ngt
hatshesatdown.
..
NANGOMSO

Idi
dn'
tleavet
herestaur
antr
ightaway,
Ist
ayedand
act
ual
lygotmyselfameal.

Ical
ledBonetolethi
m knowaboutmymeet
ingwi
th
Ndal
o, west
il
lkeepintouch
Wegoodf
ri
endsi
fImaysay.
.

Bone:Nt
okazi
Me:Unj
ani
?(howar
eyou)
Bone:Ngi
yaphi
lawenaunj
ani
?
Me:I
'
m wel
l
Bone:Howdi
ditgo?
Me:Heapol
ogi
zedf
orhi
sact
ions
Bone:OkayIsawt
hatcomi
ng
Me:Andhei
sfor
cinghi
spr
esenceonmychi
ld
Bone:For
cing?
Me:Hewantst
obeapartofmySon'
sli
fewi
thor
wi
thoutmyper
missi
on
Bone:Howdoyouf
eel
aboutt
hat
?
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.Ir
eal
lydon'
tknow
Bone:Hecan' tfor
cehi
swayin,notaft
ereveryt
hing
thathehasdone.Heneedstogiveyousomet i
me,
hecan'tjustfor
ceanyt
hingj
ustbecauseit
's
convenientforhim
Me:Idon'
tknowwhyImessedwi
tht
hisguy
Ir
egr
etevermessi
ngwi
thhi
m
Bone:Wel
lyoudi
dmesswi
thhi
m andgotknocked
up
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Don'
trubi
tin
Bone:Iam i
nthest
udi
oI'
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
Me:Okaybye
Bone:Bye
LELE

Ical
ledNat
hir
ightaway.
.
Nat
hi:Lel
e
Me:Di
dyousl
eepwi
thCl
ara?
Nat
hi:Huh?
Me:Di
dyousl
eepwi
thher
?
Nat
hi:I
..Idon'
tremember
Me:Thenyoushoul
drememberbecauseshe'
s
sayi
ngthatshemi
ghtbepr
egnant
Nat
hi:What
?
Me:Il
oveyouandIunderstandwhathappened,
you
wer
en'
tinyourri
ghtmindbutthi
s..Thi
swomanwi l
l
beapartofourl
ivesf
oralongti
me
Hesi
ghed.
.
Me:Achi
ld
Nat
hi:Lel
ethi
s..Idi
dn'
tdoi
tonpur
pose
Me:Itdoesn'
tmatterbutthi
ssit
uat
ionbrought
aboutseri
ousrepercussi
ons!Youi
mpregnateda
wit
ch!
Nat
hi:Lel
e
Ihungup.
.

BELI
NDA

Theylookedatt
hef
il
e,passi
ngi
tfr
om onet
othe
other
..
Kai:Mypat ienthasbeendeal i
ngwit
hal otofst r
ess
l
ately,shei sgoi ngthroughsepar ati
onf r
om al ong
ter
m mar ri
ageandherhusbandhasf il
edf ordivorce.
Shehasn' tbeenher selfbot hatworkandathome.I
wouldappr eciateitifthepanelcoulddat ebackon
herbehavi our .Hast herebeenanypat ient
compl aints?St affcompl aints?Ot
herthant hatday
whenhert hinkingwasscat t
eredal
loverandshe
couldn'treasononanyt hing.Shewasadmi tt
eda
weekback, shehaspr esent edwit
haser iouscase
ofdepression,shehassel fmutil
ated,and
attemptedsuicide.Iwouldalsoli
ket ostat
ethatshe
i
sr ecei
vingthehel pthatsheneeds, shehascome
forthandhasseemedhel p.Thisjobmeansal otto
her,wewoul dlikethepaneltoconsidersuspension
thanfir
ingmypat i
ent
Ther
oom wentqui
et.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
01/
09,
09:
20] :103

NANGOMSO

Bef
oregoi
ngbackhome,ImetupwithReconci
le
i
t'
sbeenaminut
esincewelastsaweachother
..
Reco:Howar
eyou?Howi
sever
ythi
nggoi
ng?
Me:Wel
lthi
ngsar
e..Idon'
tevenknowwhattosay,I
l
ostmyj
obatSignatur
ebecauseofmypregnancy.I
am anunempl
oyedsi
ngl
eMotherwhost
il
lli
vesat
homeanddependi
ngonherBr
other
Reco:Youknowt
hatwecanhookyouupatt
he
st
udio?
Me:Idon'tt
hinkIwannawor
kwi
thNdal
oanymor
e,
I
'm pr
otecti
ngmysanity
Reco:He'sbeen.
.Somet
hingisnotri
ghtwithhi
m,
hecalledofft
heshowunti
lseason2.Idon'
t
understandwhy,
Imeanthisshowishisli
fe
Clar
ahastaughtmeagr eatl
essoninlif
e,t
hat
shari
ngval
uableinf
ormati
oncouldbever y
detr
iment
al.Idon'
twantNdalobreat
hingdownmy
neck.
.
Me:He'
spr
obabl
ygoi
ngt
hroughadi
ff
icul
tti
me
Reco:Yesheis,sai
dit
'shi
ssepar
ati
onf
rom Bel
.
Theygett
ingdivor
ced
Myeyeswi
dened.
.
Me:What
?
Reco:I
'
m shockedmysel
f
Me:Howisthatpossi
ble?Imeant
hoset
wol
ove
eachot
her
Reco:Lovedeachother
..Ir
eal
lydon'
tcar
e,al
lIcan
sayisthatshedeser
vesit
Me:Whydoyouhat
ethi
sgi
rlsomuch?
Reco:Idon'
that
eher
,shehat
esme
Me:That
'sunusual
,Bel
andhat
e?
Reco:OnceIhadt
odropof
fsomeparcelf
orNdal
o,
bi
tchtol
dmenevertost
epmyfooti
nherhouse
Me:Di
dn'
tshej
ustwantpr
ivacy?
Reco:Shecoul
d'vej
ustsai
ditni
ce
Me:Ohwwel
l

CLARA

Iglanceddownatmyunderwearandtear
s
str
eameddown.Iwashavingmyper i
odrightaway,
myhear tsankdownt
omyknees..
Thiswasamess, Iwascounti
ngonthi
ssituat
ion,
thi
sPr egnancytoti
eNathit
omef or
ever.Achil
dis
aforeverunion.
.

Igotupandfl
ushedthetoil
ett
hengotdr essed,
I
thenwal
kedoutofthetoi
let
.Wedon' thavea
bathr
oom weusethetoil
etout
side.
.Theki t
chen
doorwaswideopen,Imust'
velefti
topenwhenI
wenttot
hetoil
et.

Igoti
nandwentt othebedr oom,myMot herwasn'
t
i
nthere.Ipani
cked.Icheckedinever
yroom and
shewasn'tinher
e..Thi
swasanepi cdisaster
..
..

BELI
NDA

ThePanelwasn'tgoi
ngtogiveoutt
hei
rver
dict
today,
theywi
llgivei
toutt
omor r
ow.
KaiandIwal
kedoutoft
hehospi
tal
..
Me:I
..Whatyoudi
dint
her
e
Kai:Irememberedinoursessiont
hatyou
ment i
onedtheheari
ngtoday,deci
dedtocome
thr
ough.Yourjobmeansal ottoyou,atl
eastl
etnot
everyt
hingcrumbledown
Me:Thankyouver
ymuch
Kai
:Iwasonl
ydoi
ngmyj
ob
Me:Thankyouei
therway
Kai:Wel
lthentoret
urngr
ati
tude,
howaboutwego
outandhavelunch?Iam of
ffort
her
estoftheday
Me:I
'
dli
ket
hatver
ymuch
Li
sawal
kedupt
ous.
.
Li
sa:Hey
Me:Hey
Li
sa:Howdi
dthehear
inggo?
Me:I
twe-
Kai
:Can'
tdi
scusst
hat
Li
sa:I
'
m notj
ustanyone,
I'
m herf
ri
end
Me:Exf
ri
end
Li
sa:St
opwi
tht
hat
Kai
:Ei
therway,
can'
tdi
scusst
hiswi
thanyone
Li
sa:AsI
'
vesai
d..Iam notj
ustanyone
Me:She'
ssayi
ngyouareanexfr
iendsoyounot
ent
it
ledt
oknowthati
nfor
mati
on
Li
sa:Whoi
sthi
snow?Anot
herEnt
angl
ement
?
Me:Thi
sisKai
..She'
smyPsy-
Kai
:Herf
ri
end.
.GuessIt
ookyourspace
Li
sachuckl
ed.
.
Li
sa:Yousur
eknowhowt
opi
ckt
hem r
ight
?
Me:Isur
edo
Kai
:Shal
lwe?
Me:Yes
Kaihel
dmyrighthandandt
henwewal
kedaway,
I
hadthi
sbi
ggestsmileonmyface.
.
NATHI

Iwasdr ivi
ngbackhomever ymuchupset.This
si
tuati
onwi thClar
aisbori
ngmet ot
hecore.Onthe
othersideoftheroad,
Inoticedawomanwho
l
ookedver ymuchf amil
iar
,Ipull
edover
.Iroll
ed
downt hewi ndow.
.
Me:Hel
lo?
Shekeptqui
et.Shel
ookedl
ikeshehadanai
lonher
for
ehead.
.
Me:Youl
ookver
yfami
li
ar
Igotoutandopenedt
hedooratt
hebackseat
..
Me:Pl
easegeti
n
Shegoti
n,andIcl
osedt
hedoor
..

NDALO
Iwasbacki nmyf l
at,doingnot hingbutwat chi
ng
TVanddr i
nkingwhiskey.IcheckedI nstagram and
Sosohadupl oadedapi ctureofher sel
fandsome
gentl
eman.Hel ookedfami l
iar,Icheckedt he
mentionanditwas" DrBone" .Icheckedhi s
Inst
agram andindeedhel ookedf amil
iar,
heisa
musicianorarapperrather .
.
Me:Yougott
obeki
ddi
ngme!
Soaf t
erourfal
loutshewentf orthenextguy, can'
t
shejustbebyher self?Whydoessheal waysneeda
manwi thher?Nowt hisguyisgoi ngtober ai
sing
mychi l
d?That'swhyshedi dn'twantmy
i
nvolvementwher emySoni sconcerned.Ifshe
thi
nksI'm goi
ngtot akethislyingdown, shehas
anotherthi
ngcomi ngt oher..
.

BELI
NDA

Iwasfoll
owingherwit
hmycarver ymuchhappy
forwhatshedidbackt
here.Hel
pingmetosavemy
j
ob,putt
ingLisai
nherplace?Kaimanagest
oputa
smileonmyfacewhenIl eastexpect.
.Myphone
rang,i
twasDrSebetha.Icansayt hatwear
epret
ty
goodfri
endsnow,shecallsmemor eoft
ent
ocheck
uponme.Iappreciat
ehersuppor ttoo
Hernamei
sRet
habi
le.
.Ret
habi
leSebet
ha.
Me:Ret
ha
Ret
ha:Howdi
ditgosunshi
ne?
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Wel
litwent
..Idon'
tknowbutKaicamet
hrough
f
orme
Ret
ha:Yesshedi
dment
ion
Me:Shepl
eadedmycasever
ywel
l
Ret
ha:Iam happyshedi
d
Me:I
'
mjustpr
ayi
ngt
hatt
hePanelwi
llseer
eason
Ret
ha:It
rustKai
Retha:Youshoul
d..
.LetmegoI
'
llcal
lyouagai
n
l
aterwhenIgetti
me
Me:Thankyouf
ort
hecal
l
Ret
ha:Okaybye
Me:Bye
Kaipul
ledoveratsomer
est
aur
ant
,Ipul
ledovert
oo.
.

LELE

Nathimadehi
swayi n,hewaswi
thsomeonewho
hadanailonherf
orehead.
.
Me:Whoi
sthi
s?
Nat
hi:I
fI'
m cor
rect
,thi
sisCl
ara'
sMot
her
Me:Howcome?Sosot
oldmeshepassedon
Nat
hi:I
'
m sur
pri
sedmysel
f
Il
ookedather
..
Me:Ohhmygoodness
Nat
hi:What
?
Me:Thenai
l.
.Itmeansshehasbeent
urnedi
ntoa
zombi
e
Nat
hi:I
ni?(
what
)
Me:YesIknowt
his
Nat
hi:I
'
mtaki
ngapi
ctur
e
Me:Youcan'
tdot
hat
Nat
hi:YesIcan.
.Shecansi
tont
hel
ounge
Me:You'
l
lhavet
owal
khert
othel
ounge,
sheonl
y
doesast
old
Nat
hi:Igotyou!
Me:Whowoul
ddot
his?
Nat
hi:Idon'
tknowbutwewi
l
lfi
ndoutsoon

NANGOMSO

Aft
erourlunch,
Recodrovemetogetat axihome..
Myphoner ang,
Iansweredwi
thoutcheckingthe
cal
lerI
D..
Me:Hel
lo?
Ndal
o:Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:Why?
Ndal
o:Iwantust
otal
k
Me:Talkaboutwhat?Thoughtwet
alkedabout
ever
ythi
ngearli
eron
Ndal
o:Justwanttofindasol
uti
ont
hatwi
llbenef
it
bot
hofusinthissit
uation
Me:Ndal
o
Ndal
o:Sosopl
ease.
..Thi
sisnotaboutus,
butour
baby
Me:Fi
neIwascat
chi
ngat
axihome
Ndal
o:Okaywecanmeetatt
hesamer
est
aur
ant
Me:Okay.
.Seeyout
hen
Ndal
o:Bye
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
21] :104

NANGOMSO
Justaf teraf ewmi nutesofmewal kingintothe
samer estaurantwher eNdal oandImetear li
eron,
Belindawal kedi nholdinghandswi thsomeoneel se.
Looki ngatt hePer son,Icouldn'
tmakeouti fi
twasa
manorawoman.Icoul dsayawomanbutherbody
struct ure,shewasabi tbuf fandherf aci
alstruct
ure
resembl edt hatofaman.ThePer sonhadt hatlower
j
awl ineshapedl ikethatofaman.I twashar dtotell
butt hel ookswer ethere,andhadagoodsenseof
dressi ngst yletoo.Belindalookedgood, fora
womanwhoi sgoingthroughsepar ati
onand
divorceshel ookedhappy.Shewasevensmi li
ng
andgi ggling..

Theylookedforanempt ytabl
e,hercompanion
openedthechairforher.Whatagentlemangestur
e.
Inoti
cedthatBelhadbandagesar oundherwri
sts.
.
Thiswasnotgoingt oturnoutwell
..

LELE
Iwal
kedupanddown.
.
Me:Wecan' tkeepherher
eNat
hit
hisi
swit
chcr
aft
,
whatift
ablesturnandwearet
heoneswhoget
accusedofwi t
chcr
aft
?
Nat
hi:Goodpoi
nt
Thi
swasasi
tuat
ion,
aser
ioussi
tuat
ion.
.
Nathi:Can'
twegetsomeonewhocanmakeher
confess?Can'
tweremovethenai
l?
Me:I fweremoveit
,shedies.She'salreadydead
yessoIguessshewi lldi
etwice.Thatnai li
sthe
onlythingmakingi
tseem li
keshe'salive,andwe
can'ttouchi
tthenai
lhasbeenwor kedon
Nat
hi:Idon'
tknowt
henLel
e
Me:Gi
vemeaf
ewseconds
Iwalkedoutandcal
ledtheonl
yPer
sonthatI
resent
ed,t
heonlyPersonwhocanhel
p..
Ical
ledmyMot
her
..
Ma:Sphumel
ele
Me:Ineedyourhel
p
Ma:Tal
ktome
Me:Wehaveasi t
uati
on.
.There'sawomanwho
wasturnedintoazombie,wesuspecti
ngit
'sour
Nextdoorneighbour
'sMother
.Ournextdoor
nei
ghbouroncebewi t
chedme, I'
mtryi
ngt
ogetback
athersoshecouldleavemeal onef
orgood
Ma:HowdoIhel
p?
Me:Iwantt
hisdeadwomant
oconf
esswhodi
dthi
s
t
oher
Ma:Igetyou
Me:Don'
ttr
yanyt
hingsi
nist
er
Ma:Someonei
sbewi
tchi
ngmyDaught
ert
heywi
ll
pay!
Me:I
'
llsendyouherpi
ctur
eonwhat
sapp
Ma:Iwil
lsendyoutheenchant
menttomakeher
conf
essbutitwi
llonl
ylastf
oratl
east3daysmax
Me:I
t'
sokay.
.Thankyou
Ma:Don'
tment
ioni
t
Me:Okay
Ma:She'
snotpr
egnant
Me:Huh?
Ma:Thegi
rlshe'
snotpr
egnantbyyourboyf
ri
end
Me:Howdi
dyou.
.Ohwf
orgetIevenasked
Ma:Iwi
llal
wayslookoutf
oryoueventhoughyou
hat
eme, noonewil
lpl
aywitchcr
aftonyouandget
awaywi
thit
Me:ByeMa
Ihungup.
.

CLARA

Gogo:Howdi
dshegetout
?
Me:Idon'
tknow!
Gogo:She'
ssupposedt
obel
ockedi
nthebedr
oom
atal
lti
mes
Me:Ther
e'snouset
opoi
nti
ngf
inger
sGogo,
we
needt
ofi
ndasol
uti
on
Gogo:Shedoesn'
ttal
ksoshewon'tsaywhodi
d
thi
stoher,i
fshe'
sfound.Wedenyandact
surpr
ised
Isatdown.
.
Me:That
'swhatwewi
llhavet
odo

NANGOMSO

Ndal
owal
kedi
nandmadehi
swayt
ome.
.
Bynow,Bel
indanoti
cedthatwewereinthesame
rest
aur
ant
.Thismightj
ustturnoutbad,
verybad.
.
Ndal
osatdown.
.
Me:Doyoumi
ndi
fweswi
tchr
est
aur
ant
s?
Ndal
o:Il
ookedatBel
Ndal
otur
nedandl
ookedather
..
Ndal
o:Wt
f?
Me:Doyouwannachanger
est
aur
ant
s?
Ndal
o:I
'
llber
ightback
Me:Ndal
odon'
t
Hegotupandmadehiswayt
othem.Igotupt
oo
andwalkedupt
othem.
.
Ndal
o:Goodday
Theyl
ookedatus.
.
Bel
:Hel
lo
Ndal
o:Sowhoi
sthi
s?
Bel
:Excuseme?
Ndal
olookedatBel
'
scompani
on.
.
Ndal
o:Ndal
o..
Heext
endedhi
shandf
orahandshake.
.
TheCompani
onl
ookedatNdal
o'shand.
.
Ndal
o:I
'
m herhusband
Compani
on:That
'smybusi
nessbecause?
Bel
:Ndal
oyouar
edi
stur
bingapr
ivat
elunch
Me:Ndal
olet
'sgo
Ndal
o:Thedi
vor
cehasn'
tevenbeenf
inal
izedyet
Bel
:Andyouher
ewi
thSoso
Ndal
o:She'
stheMot
herofmychi
ld!
Bel:Idon'
thavetoexpl
ainmyselftoyou,Idon'
towe
youanyexplanati
onbutifyouwantone..Hereit
goes..Youbrokei
toffwit
hme, movedoutandI
bel
ievethati
svali
dati
onenoughf ormetosee
whoeverIwanttosee
Ndalo:Notwhenyoust i
llmarri
edtome!Whatis
wrongwi t
hbot hofyou?Youar eonadat e,
youare
messingwi thsomeoneel se!Al
l3ofus,wewere
supposedtobet oget
her.Inapolygamous
rel
ati
onship,what '
shappening?Whyareyouboth
acti
nglikethis?
Bel
:Idon'
thavet
obei
nanyt
hing!
Me:Met
oo
Bel
:Iam movi
ngon,
Iam sur
eSosoi
smovi
ngon
Me:Ihavet
oo
Ndal
o:I
t'
snothowi
twor
ks!
Me:I
t'
snothowwhatwor
ks?
Bel
:Youar
ereal
lydi
stur
bingourpeace!
Ndal
o:Getup!
Bel
:What
?
Ndal
o:Getup!Whatyoudoi
ngi
snonsenseyoust
il
l
mywife
Bel
:I'
m notget
ti
ngup!
Ndal
ogr
abbedBel
'
sar
m..
Bel
:Ouch!
Me:Leaveheral
one!
HepushedmeandIf
ellbackwar
ds.
.
Me:Ahhhhh!
Bel
:Youhur
ti
ngme!
Compani
on:Thi
sisr
idi
cul
ous!
ThecompaniongotupandpushedNdaloback,
i
nsteadoff
all
inghetookaf
ewst epsback.
.
Compani
on:It
hinki
t'
sti
mef
oryout
oleave
Ndalolaughedwhilstshaki
nghi shead.Hethen
chargedatthecompani on,
justwhenhewasabout
tothrowapunch.Thecompani onheldNdalo'
shad.
Twisteditandtur
nedhi m,t
henpi nnedthehand
againstNdalo'
sback.Belcameandhel pedmeup..
Bel
:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:It
hinkso
Inot
icedshewasbl
eedi
ngonherwr
ist
..
Me:Ar
eyouokay?Yourwr
isti
sbl
eedi
ng
Bel
:I'
l
lbeokay
Hercompani
onthrewNdal
oatt
het
abl
e,hef
ellwi
th
t
hewholeenti
ret
able.
.
Compani
on:Let
'sgetoutofher
e
Thest
affmadeourwayt
ousaswewal
kedout
..
Ndal
o:Thi
sisnotover
!!
!!
!

LELE
Mymot
hersentthr
oughever
ythingt
hatIwi
llneed
f
ort
heenchant
ment.Ir
eadthrough.
.
Me:Nat
hi
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Ther
e'saf
ewt
hingsIneedf
ort
heenchant
ment
Nathi:OkayI
'l
lgeteveryt
hing,
areyousur
ethat
you'
llbesafewit
hher ?
Me:MyMothersai
dshe'
sharmless,I
'
llsend
t
hrought
heli
sttoyouonwhatsapp
Nat
hi:Okaycool
Hegotupf
rom t
hecouch.
.
Me:Clar
aisnotpr
egnant
,It
hinkshe'
sfaki
ng
ever
ythi
ng
Nat
hi:Yout
hink?
Me:Ya
Nat
hi:Ihopeso
Me:She'
sbeenapai
nint
heass
Nat
hi:That
'st
rue
Me:Af
tert
his,
Idon'
tthi
nkshewi
llbot
herusagai
n
Nat
hi:Ihopeso.
.Letmegogett
het
hings
Me:Okay
Heki
ssedmeont
hecheekandwal
kedout
..

NANGOMSO

BelandIr
odei
nhercar
..
Bel
:Ar
eyousur
eyouokay?
Me:It
hinkso,
I'
m notf
eel
inganypai
n
Bel
:It
hinkyouneedt
ogot
otheDrt
omor
rowj
ustt
o
besur
e
Me:Iwi
llt
hanks.
.Youcanj
ustdr
opmeof
fbyt
he
t
axi
s
Bel
:Wit
hhowNdaloi
sact
ing,
Ithinki
twil
lbesaf
e
todr
opyouof
fathomeKaiwi
llbefol
lowi
ngus
Me:Kai
?
Shesmi
ledal
it
tl
e..
Me:Iknowi
t'
snoneofmybusi
ness
Bel
:Your
ight
..I
tisnoneofyourbusi
ness
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Woman?
Bel
:Yes
Me:She'
sver
ygoodl
ooki
ng
Bel
:Anddoesn'
tdoanypolygamousrel
ati
onshi
p
i
ncaseyouthi
nki
ngofsneakingyourwayi
n
Me:Yougoi
ngt
ohol
dthatagai
nstmef
orhowl
ong
agai
n?
Bel:I
'm nothol
dingi
tagainstyou,i
fwecan'
tbe
depressedaboutitt
henlet'
sjokeabouti
t
Me:I
'
m sor
ryf
orever
ythi
ng
Bel
:Don'tbe.
..Youdi
dn'
towemeanyl
oyal
tyf
ormy
marr
iage,Ndalodi
d
Me:I
'
m gladthatyouf
inal
lywal
kedaway,
don'
tget
mewrong..Ndal
ois
Bel
:Aj
erk
Me:Hedi
dn'
tdeser
veyou
Bel
:Hedi
dn'
tdeser
veyouei
ther
Me:That
'st
rue,
thankyouf
ort
her
ide
Bel:Youwel come..Wedon'thavetohateeach
other,can'
tlett
heseMengett ouslikethat
..The
honestt r
uthisthatyouar
eagoodper sonandI
reall
ylikeforustobecivi
ltowardseachother
Me:Iam al
lfort
hat
Bel
:Gl
adweont
hesamepage
Me:Met
oo

NDALO

Themanageragreedtonotcal lt
hepolice,t
hough
I'
m bannedfr
om cominghereeveragai n.It
'sa
bummerbecausethisismyf avorit
erestaurant.
.I
off
eredtopayfort
hebottl
esofsaucest hatbroke
whenIwaspushedt othetable,t
henthatwasi t
..
Iwasl i
vid,thesewomenar ebot hplayinga
dangerousgameonme.Bel indaismar r
ied,shehas
nobusi nessdoi ngsuchshi t!Thedi vorcehasn't
evenbeenf inali
zedyet ,howdi dshegetbackf r
om
thatcrazydepr essedmood. .Itdoesn'tmakesense
atall
,sheshoul dbehomecr yi
nganddyi nginside
thatourmar ri
agei snomor e.Nangomsoi s
supposedt obebeggi ngmet obeapar tofthe
baby'slif
e.Shehasnoj ob,nosour ceofi ncomeand
bothdeci dedt oseeot herpeopl el
ikeall3ofus
didn'
thavesomet hinggoingonceuponat i
me?
Whatnonsensei sthis?
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
21] :105

NANGOMSO

WhenIarr
ivedathomeIst umbl
edonavery
shocki
ngr
evelat
ion.Not
hingcould'
vepr
epar
edme
f
orwhatIst
umbl
edupon.
Funnyenough,beforeLelecouldgof urtherintoany
expl
anati
on.Clara'
sMot her,herspir
itcamet hr
ough.
Ihaveheardofspiri
tsbeingangr ybuttoexper ience
i
tfir
sthandandseehert hatmadandr estless
shookmet omycor e..Thiswomanexpl ainedwhat
hadhappenedt oher,sheexplainedthatherown
MotherandDaught erwerebehi ndeverything
Shewant edt
ohearnot hing,shedoesn'
twantt
hei
r
apologyshewantstor estinpeaceandshehas
comet othedeci
sionoft urni
ngherbackagai
nst
them forasl
ongast heyliveinthi
sworl
d..
Me:Cl
arai
syourDaught
er
Her:ADaughterthatconspi r
edwi thmyMot herto
dowi t
chcr
aftonme.Iam supposedt opr otectand
sheil
dmyDaught erfrom anyevi li
nt hiswor l
dbut
Claramessedupt heonl yspir
itthatcouldf i
ghtfor
herinanyt
hing.Notonl ythat,butshehashur tan
i
nnocentgirl
.Wej ustthankfulthatLele's
Grandmothertr
iesherhar desttoprot ectherand
thatLel
eprays,i
fnotCl arawoul d'
vepot enti
ally
ki
ll
edher
Me:I
sn'tther
eanyt
hingt
hatcanbedone?Tohel
p
mendthingsbet
weenyouandClar
a?
Her :Ther e'snot hingyoucandounf ortunately..I
don' twantnot hingt odowi thmyDaught erjusthelp
Lelewi ththeenchant mentsoIcanhel pexpose
thoset wowi tchesandr esti nPeace!Makeno
mist akeCl ar ai sgoi ngt osuf f
erherwhol e
remai ni nglifei nt hiswor ldf orwhatshedi dt ome, I
willdr i
vehert ot henear estcr azy.I '
m notgoi ngt o
kil
lher , Iwillmakehersuf feragr eatdealunt ilshe
can'tt akeitanymor eanddi e!Shei ntr
oduced
witchcr af
tint ot hishouse, ahousepr otectedby
yourancest or stoowhoar emadatwhatCl ara.
Ancest orswhoar epr otectingt heirSont hat'
swhy
herwi tchcraf tdidn' tevenl astf orthatl ong.The
snakeshesawi nt hepot ,that '
sanancest ralsnake
shewoul d'
vewentbl ind..Anyt hingwoul d've
happened, Ipl eadedwi thyourancest or sbecauseI
wannabet heonet omakemyDaught ersuf fer.
.
Repr imandherf rom t hegr avei nt hemostpai nful
way, wor set hananywi tchcr aftthatcoul d'
vebeen
br
oughti
ntoherl
if
e
Iswal
lowed.
..
Her:Thankyoufort
his,youdon'tknowhowmuch
youhavehelpedme.YourSonhasaver ypr
eci
ous
gif
tIhopeyouknowt hat,he'
sgoingtobeanasser
t
totheworl
d
Me:Thankyou
Her
:Thisisnotmyhome,
Iwi
lll
eaveandst
and
out
side.
.Outoft
hegat
e
Me:Iunder
stand
Thi
swasdi
ff
icul
t.
.

NDALO

Iwashalf
waythrought
hewhi skeybot
tl
e.It
hrew
myglassagai
nstthewal
lfol
lowingbythebott
le.
.
Me:Whywon' tyour et
urnmygi f
t?Thegirl
sare
goneIadmit.I
'velostthem andIacceptbutIcan'
t
l
osemygi f
ttoo..Ican'tl
osewhoIam!Thi sisme,
t
hisi
swhoIam!Ineedmygi
ftback!Ineedmy
i
dent
it
yback!
I
twasquiet.
.Ifl
ippedthesmal
lcof
feet
abl
ethat
wassi
tuatedint
hemi ddle.
.
Me:Ineedmygi ftback!!Iam nothingwi thouti
t
Papa( Grandfather )
,youmademeaccepti t
,fal
lin
l
ovewi thitandnowyougoi ngt odot histome?My
Soni snotready!Heneedsgui dancef rom someone
whoknowst hegi fttoowel l
..Howmanyt i
meshave
Iservedthegi f
tfai t
hful
ly?Onemi stake?Justone
stupidmistakeandyout akeawaywhoIam?Wher e
i
st hefair
nessi nt hat?Thisisnotf air
!!
!!(
screaming)

BELI
NDA

Iwal
kedi
ntot
hehouse,
Kaif
oll
owedme.
.
Me:Youdi
dn'
thavet
odr
iveal
lthewaydownher
e
wi
thme
Kai:Whenareyougoingtoacceptt
hatIdothi
ngs
foryoubecauseIwanttoo,
andIexpectnot
hingi
n
retur
n.Itwasmydecisi
ont odri
vedownwithyouto
thatgir
l'
shouseandthencomebackher et
omake
surethatyousaf
e..I
'
m doingitt
osleepbet
terat
nightknowingt
hatyousafe
Me:That
'ssweet
Kai:PleaseIam doi ngi
tbecauseIdon'twannalose
apatient,haven'tl
ostoneinaverylongti
mei fIdo
now..It'
lll
ookver ybadonme, Idon'
twantmy
reputati
ontainted
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Youf
ullofyour
sel
f
Kai
:Whoel
seshouldIbef
ullof
?Ifnotmysel
f?I
l
ovemysel
fthatmuch
Me:Ontherealt
hough,
Iapol
ogi
zef
orhowmyex
husbandact
ed
Kai:I'
m gladhe'
sbeingrefer
redtoanexnow, and
don'tapologi
zeforhi
sbehaviour.Nothi
ngyoudid
should'vemadehimt oactinthatmanner.
.Heacted
i
nt hatmannerbecauseofwhohei s
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:Hewasn'
thi
msel
f.
.Ndal
oisnotl
iket
hat
Kai:Thenyoudon'
tknowhim asmuchasyou
thoughtyoudi
d,howNdaloactedtodayi
swhohei s
andstopmakingexcusesf
orhim andhisbehavi
our
Me:Ij
ustwantpeacet
hat
'sal
l
Kai:AndPeaceyouwillgetthemi nut
eyoustop
makingexcusesforhi
m, acceptthatyouandhi
m
aredone.Acceptwhohei snowsoyouki llt
hehope
ofhavinghi
m bewhatheusedt obe
Me:YesMam'
Kai:Whent
wobrokenpeopl
ecometogether
,they
ei
thermendeachot
herorbr
eakeachothermore.
There'
snoi
nbetween
Me:I
nthi
ssi
tuat
ionwebr
okeeachot
hermor
e
Kai:Youar escaredofbei ngyouwi thouthim,
scaredofgoingt hroughlifewithouthi m..I
t'
s
understandablebuttheseat tachmenti ssueshave
togo,youneedt ostartbeingyouwi thouthi
m. .
There'
snomor eNdal oanymor e,there'
syou
sunshine..Don'tal
lowhi mt obr eakyoumor eeven
whenhe'
snoti
nyourl
if
eanymor
e
Inodded.
.
Shel
ookedatt
het
ime.
.
Kai
:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
obeokayal
one?
Me:YesIwi
ll
Kai
:Ifi
tget
stough
Me:Iwi
llcal
lyou
Kai
:Thankyou
Iwal
kedhert
othedoor
..

NANGOMSO

Iwasi
nmybedroom,orr
athermyPar
ent
sbedr
oom
whenLel
ewal
kedin.
.
Lel
e:Idon'
tknowaboutyoubutthi
siscr
eepy,
sl
eepingwi
thazombieinthehouse?
Me:Shehasassur
edmet
hatnot
hingwi
llhappen
Lel
e:Iknowbut
..She'
sdead
Me:Yeahi
t'
sdi
ff
icul
t,Iknowwhatyoumean
Lel
e:Thi
siswhatpeopl
edon'tunder
stand,
Clar
a
j
ustrui
nedherwhol
elif
eoverstupi
dit
y
Me:I
t'
ssad.
.HerMot
herwant
snopeacebet
ween
t
hem
Lel
e:Doyoublameher?It
'sbeenyear
ssi
ncet
hey
havebeenkeepi
ngherhere
Me:Iwoul
dbel
ivi
dtoo
Lel
e:I
t'
sreal
lysad
Me:Ar
eyoureadyf
ortomor
row?Goi
ngt
ospeak
wi
thyourGr
andmother
?
Lel
e:Ar
eyour
eady?Ihear
dshehasl
ionsoral
ion
Me:Sol
ongshekeepst
hem ont
hel
eash
Shel
aughed.
.
Me:I
t'
sfunnyhowIhaven'
tseenmyPar
ent
s
Lele:I
tisfunnybutmaybeyou'
l
lbr
eakdownso
theyprobablyavoi
dingt
hat
Me:Iwoul
dli
ketotalkt
omyFat heryouknowabout
whathedi
d,hearhi
m expl
ainhi
mself
Lel
e:Someotherthi
ngsar
ebett
erunsai
d,whati
f
openi
ngthatcanofwormshur
tsyou
Ma:Lel
eisr
ight
Il
ookedar
oundther
oom,
Idi
dn'
tseeanyonej
ust
hear
dhervoi
ce.
.
Me:Ma?
Lel
e:Huh?
Me:Shhhhh
Thel
ightst
art
edf
li
cker
ing.
.
Me:Swi
tchof
fthel
ight
Ma:No.
.
Me:ButIwannaseeyou
Ma:I
'
drat
heryounot
Me:But
Lel
e:Shoul
dIswi
tchi
tof
f?
Me:Yes
Lel
eswi
tchedi
tof
f.
.
Ma:Youal
wayswer
est
ubbor
n
Shewasst
andi
ngbyt
hecur
tai
nwi
thherback
faci
ngme.
.
Me:Ma
Ma:I
'
m avoi
dingal
ongt
rai
loft
ear
sfr
om bot
hsi
des
Me:Youcancr
y?
Ma:Yes..Mycryisdi
ffer
entfr
om yoursthough,
it
wil
lst
artrai
ningasof
tgentlerai
n.Can'
tmakeyou
car
rymyt ear
sit'
l
lbetoomuchf oryou
Me:Imi
ssyoual
ot
Lel
e:Shoul
dIl
eave?
Ma:No..Nathii
snother
e,t
her
e'sazombi
eint
he
houseshe'
llbescar
ed
Me:Don'
tleave.
.Shewant
syout
ost
ay
Lel
e:Uhm ok
Ma:Tel
lhersheshoul
dn'
tincl
udet
omat
oesint
he
gr
eensalad,
Nathihat
est
hem.Heeatst
hem
becausehei
str
yingt
obeni
ce
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
otel
lhert
hat
Lel
e:Tel
lmewhat
?
Me:I
t'
snot
hing
Ma:Tel
lhert
hatherunder
cookedpor
ri
dge,
ist
he
r
easonshegetsbl
oatedmostofthet
ime
Me:NoI
'
m nott
ell
inghert
hatt
oo
Ma:Thenwhatar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lher
?
Me:That
'sj
ustof
fensi
ve
Ma:Ohwwel
l
Lel
e:What
'sof
fensi
ve?
Me:I
t'
snot
hing
Lel
e:Youkeeponsayi
ngi
t'
snot
hing,
clear
lyi
t'
s
somethi
ng
Me:Tr
ustme,
it'
snot
hing
MyMotherturnedandseei
ngherf
acemademet
o
beemot
ional.It
'sbeenawhi
le.
.
Me:Ma.
..
Ma:Soso.
.
Me:Youl
ook.
.Youar
e..I
t'
sgoodseei
ngyou
Ma:Youhavegrownintoabeaut
if
ulst
rongyoung
womanandI'm ver
yproudofyou
Inoddedwi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ngdown.
.
Me:Thankyou
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
01/
09,
09:
21] :106

SEASONFI
NALE

NANGOMSO

Ver
year
lyi
nthemor
ningatar
ound4am whi
lsti
t
wasst i
lldar k,wesetof ft
ogot oavel dwherewe
weregoi ngt ocommuni cat
ewi thLele'
s
Grandmot herwithoutanydistract
ion.Wedi dcar
ry
outtheenchant mentf orCl
ara'sMotheraf ewhours
beforewel eftandleftheroutexactl
ywhenwe
droveout .Madesur enoonesawwher eshecame
outfrom, andhopi ngshewi llcarr
youtwhati s
necessar yandhaveherr evenge.

I
twascol
dandf
oggy,
butIkeptwar
m..

Nat
hipul
ledoverwhenwef
oundt
heper
fectspot
,
wegotoutoft
hecar..
Lel
e:Thi
sist
hepl
ace?
Me:Yes.
.Thi
sist
hepl
ace
Nat
hi:I
t'
sver
yqui
et
Lel
e:Ihopet
her
ear
enosnakes
Me:Met
oo
Wewal
kedar
oundj
ustsear
chi
ngt
hrough,
tryi
ngt
o
l
ocatewhereshewoul
dbe.WellIwast
heone
tr
yingt
olocat
ehersi
nceIam t
heonlyonewhocan
seeher
..

Lel
e:Anyt
hing?
Me:Notyet
Wel
ookedar
ound.
.
Me:We'
l
lkeeponl
ooki
ng
Lel
e:Gr
andmawher
ear
eyou?

BELI
NDA

Iwasst i
lll
ayinginbedonthephonewithKai.I
call
edherwhenIwaswokenupbyshor tnessof
breat
h,feltl
ikeIwashavingaheartat
tack.Fir
st
thi
ngsheaskedwer eal
lmysympt oms,thenitwent
downt oapani catt
ack.
.
Me:I
tfel
treal
lyuncomf
ort
abl
e
Kai
:It
'
st hemostuncomfor
tabl
ethi
ngandver
y
muchfrequentwhenyouareasl
eep
Me:Wi
llIgeti
tagai
n?
Kai
:Ther
e'sahi
ghpossi
bil
it
y
Isi
ghed.
.
Kai:Youwereengulfedbytoomuchf earoflosi
ng
yourhusbandandnowyourbr aincanlonger
dist
ingui
shbetweent r
ueandf al
sedanger ,
ifit
occursmorefrequentthenyou'l
lhavewhatwecal l
apanicdisor
der.I'
m surpr
isedthatyounotfami l
iar
withthem
Me:Iski
ppedt
hatl
essoni
ngl
asspr
obabl
y
Kai
:Nopat
ienthaseverpr
esent
edwi
thone?
Me:Notreal
ly..Imostl
yworkwit
hpati
ent
swho
haveachronicill
ness,
mater
nit
yward.
.Youknow
theusual
Kai
:Isee.
.Howar
eyouf
eel
ingnow?
Me:Bet
ter
,don'
tknowwheni
twi
llcomeback
Kai
:Don'
tthi
nkabouti
t
Me:I
'
llt
rynott
oo
Kai
:Tr
yandgetsomesl
eep
Me:Okay
Kai
:I'
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
Me:Bye
Kai
:Bye

NANGOMSO

Lele'
sGr andmot
herwasn'
tcomingthroughatal
l,
I
didn'tknowhowtocal
lonher.Didn'
tknowwhat
onedoeswhenaSpi ri
tdoesn'
twannacome
through..
Me:Get
ti
ngabi
tti
redandcol
d
Myf
acewasf
reezi
ng.
.
Nat
hi:Ar
eyousur
ewehavet
her
ightpl
ace?
Me:Sher
equest
edanopenspacewher
enoonecan
di
stur
bus
Lel
e:Iguesswewi
llhavet
okeeponl
ooki
ngt
hen
Me:Ibel
ieveso
Wekeptonl ooki
ng,
goi
ngupanddownunt
ilf
inall
yI
spott
edher.Shewasst
andi
ngther
ewit
habiglion
nexttoher
..
Ist
opped.
.
Lel
e:What
'swr
ong?
Me:Iseeher
Lel
e:Youdo?
Me:Yes.
.Overt
her
e
Ipoi
nted.
.
Lel
e:Sowhathappens?Dowegot
oher
?
Me:Shehasal
ion.
.Abi
gli
on
Lel
e:Shuuuuuu
HerGrandmotherusedherhandt
ocal
luscl
osert
o
her
..Wewalkedclosert
oher..
Me:Ij
usthopeshe'
snotgoi
ngt
oscar
euswi
tht
he
l
ion
Nat
hi:Wehumbl
ingour
sel
ves

Wecont i
nuedget
ti
ngcloserbutnott
ooclose,
becausethemorewegotcloserthel
iongotup.I
'
ve
neverseensuchabigl
ionbeforeinmyli
fe.
..
Shel
ookedatus.
.
Grandma:Umf anaangabuyel
aemuva,
anginangxoxonayeokwamanj e(Themancantur
n
backandl eave,Idon'
thaveanyt
hingt
osaytohim
asyet)
Il
ookedatNat
hi.
.
Me:Shewant
syout
oleave
Nat
hil
ookedatus.
.
Me:Justgobackt
othecar
,wewi
llbet
her
ewhen
wedonehere
Henoddedandwal
kedaway.
.
Theoldwomanhadonablack&whit
eclot
hthathad
ali
onhead.I
twastr
immedwithredandshehadall
whit
ebeadsandawhit
edoek..

Gr
andma:Sphumel
elesi
zukul
usami(
Sphumel
ele
myGrandchi
ld)

Lel
eal
sor
esembl
edherGr
andmot
herabi
t.
.
Grandma:Sazesakhonaukuhl
angana(
fi
nal
lywe
havemet)
Iwast
ransl
ati
ngever
ythi
ngact
ingasamedi
ator
bet
weenthem..
Lel
e:Ngi l
ananamhlanjeGogongobangi yavuma,
ngizwil
engesiphoongiphesona.Ngiyavuma
ukusisebenzi
sangendlel
aeyiyo(Iam herebecause
Iwast ol
dbyt hespi
ri
tualgif
tthatyougaveme, I
acceptmycal l
ingandIwillpract
icei
tthewayyou
want)
Lel
eknel
tdown,herGrandmotherext
endedher
handandpl
aceditonLele'
shead..
Grandma:Azangewat hol
aisibusisosami
ngisaphil
a,manjengiyakubusisandondakazi
ngakhokonkeokuf iswayintl
iziyoyakho,
nokwamukel aimvelaphiyakho( Youneverr
ecei
ved
mybl essi
ngswhenIwasst il
lal i
ve,nowIam
blessi
ngyou.Mayyouhaveal lyourhear
t'
sdesi
res
especial
lyforaccepti
ngyourgi ft
)
Me:She'
sbl
essi
ngyou
Grandma:Manjengizokut
shel
aukut
himele
wenzeni(
Iwil
ltel
lyouwhatyouneedtodo)

CLARA

Thi
swasadi sast
er.MyMotherwasst
anding
out
sideonthestr
eetfaci
ngourgat
ebusyshout
ing
whatwedidtoher.

Alr
eadyther
ewasacrowdofpeoplegather
ingher
,
someeventookvi
deosandpict
ures.Iwaseven
scaredt
ogooutsi
de,myGrandmotherandIwere
wat
chi
ngever
ythi
ngpl
ayi
ngoutt
hrought
he
wi
ndow..

Me:Gogowhatar
ewegoi
ngt
odo?
Gogo:Angazi
..(
Idon'
tknow)
It
ookoutmyphoneandcal
ledMi
ssG.
.
Mi
ssG:Thokoza
Me:Thokoza.
.Wehaveapr
obl
em athome
Mi
ssG:Apr
obl
em?
Me:MyMot hershe'
sst
andingout
sideandshouti
ng,
t
ell
ingever
yonethatwetur
nedherint
oazombi e
Mi
ssG:So?
Me:Weneedyourhel
p
Mi
ssG:Youbewi
tchedmyDaught
er,
andyout
hinkI
wi
llhel
pyou?
Me:Bewi
tchedyourDaught
er?Whatdoyoumean?
Mi
ssG:Lel
e..Lel
eismyDaught
er
Me:What
?
Mi
ssG:Youwi
llknowt
otr
eadcar
eful
lynextt
ime
Shehungup.
.
Me:What
??

NDALO

Ireci
evedatextfrom Dave,sayinghewantstosee
me.Igotintomycaranddeci dedtogoandget
somegr ocer
iesfi
rstbefor
edr ivi
ngdowntothe
offi
ce.
.Itwasstil
labitearl
y,goodtoshowupear l
y
toavoidqueing.

Iwast i
redandhungover
,shoul
dgetabot
tl
eof
whiskeytooal
ongtheway..

AsIwasdr
ivi
ngsomet
hingwei
rdhappened.
Il
ostcont
roloft
hecar,itwasli
kesomet
hingor
someoneelsewasdri
vingitf
orme..
Me:Whatt
hehel
l?

Thiswasver yunusual.It
ri
edmyhar desttocontr
ol
thecarbutIcouldn'
t,thenextthi
ngitlostfull
contr
olont heroadcrashi
ngt oothercarsand
causi
ngal otofroadrage.Possiblythebiggestto
everexi
stbecausethemai nroadwasf ull
,peopl
e
weredrivi
ngt oworkitwasstil
lveryearlyinthe
morning..
.

NANGOMSO

Wewer
ewal
kingbackt
othecari
nsi
lence.
Me:Youokay?
Lel
e:YesIam
Me:Atl
eastyouwon'tgeti
nit
iat
edwi
thasnake,
yourGr
andmotherwaskindenought
oreasonwit
h
you
Lel
e:Dr
ivebackt
oKzn,
stayi
nthecavewi
thher
andUthunguforamonth.Shewil
lgi
vemeherbag
andthenIwil
lgoandbeinit
iat
edasaPropheti
na
chur
chthatwil
lacceptmeandmygift
Me:Yesbutf
ir
styouhavet
ogot
oherGr
ave
Lel
e:That'
str
ue.
.Ican'
tbel
ievei
t'
sfi
nal
ly
happeni
ng
Me:I'
m gl
adyoudoingthi
snowt hi
ngswil
lmake
sense,
Nathihast
odotherightt
hingwhenyou
comebackfrom t
hecave
Lel
enodded.
.
Wehel
dhandsandcont
inuedwal
kingt
othecar
..
.

BELI
NDA

Icouldn'tsl
eep,t
hepani
cattackkeptoncomi ng
back.Ididn'
tknowwhy,butIfeltsofearfulthatI
wasevenshaki ng.Myhear
tbeatwasr acing,my
breat
hi ngwasabnormal
.Ineededt ogot othe
hospital,
thi
swasnotgood..Idi
dn'tfeelgood. .
Ir
angKaii
mmedi
atel
y..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
22] :107

BELI
NDA

Beingatt hehospitalf
orthosef ewhourswithout
nothi
nghappeni ngt ome, provedthataPanic
att
acki sn'tasbadasIt houghtitwasorratheras
howi t'
ssympt omspr esentedittobe.Kaionlycame
now,shehasbeenhel dupwi thwork.Hada
consulationearl
ieron,butI'
m gladshe'sherenow..
Ismiledatherasshewal kedi ntot
hewar d.
.
Me:Hey
Kai
:Hey
Shegavemeaver
yweaksmi
le.
.
Me:Yougood?
Kai
:I'
m good
Shesatdown.
.
Me:Youwer
eri
ght
,Idi
dn'
tdi
e
Kai
:It
oldyou
Il
ookedather
..
Me:What
'swr
ong?
Kai
:Haveyoucheckedsoci
almedi
a?
Me:No.
.Why?
Kai
:Soyoudon'
tknow?
Me:Don'
tknowwhat
?
Kai:Ther
ewasahugeacci
denti
nthemai
nroad,
it
happenedear
li
ert
hismor
ning
Me:Oookay
Kai
:The.
.Noonediedbutt
her
ewasoneper
son
whogotbadl
yhur
t
Me:Uhm.
.Okay
Kai
:ItwasNdal
o
Il
ookedatherf
oraf
ewseconds,
thenIl
aughed.
..
Me:No. .That
'snotri
ght
..Iknowyouhatehi
m but
thi
s..Thisisj
ustwrong,
myMot heri
nlawwoul
d've
cal
ledme
Kai
:Bel
Me:I
t'
snothi
m okay?
Shegotherphoneoutandwasoni
tforawhi
le,
thenshegotupandmadeherwayt
ome. .
Kai
:Her
e
Wit
hmyhandshakingandapanicat
tackswi
ft
ingi
n,
It
ookherphoneandchecked.
Theaccidentwast rendi
ngonTwi t
ter
,Ndal
owas
tr
ending.Hiscarwaswr eckedupbuthisnumber
plat
eswer ecl
ear.Itwashi scar.Il
etgoofthe
phone,butitf
ellont hebed..
Kai
:I'
m sor
ry.
.I'
mreal
lysor
ry

NANGOMSO
Thedr amat hatwashappeni ngnextdoorwasgood
entert
ainmentt owatch,butwhatsocialmedi a
showedmewasdevast atingtogothrough.Ndalo
hadanacci dent.Therewasn' tmuchinformati
on
otherthanhim beingrecognized,t
herewer eafew
pict
uresofhi mt oowhenhewast akentot he
ambul ance.Heseemedt obebadlyinjured.
Peopl
eareinsensi
ti
ve,howdoyouasahuman
bei
nguploadsuchsensiti
veinf
ormat
iontot
henet
?
Doyoueverthinkoft
hevicti
m'sfami
ly?Thi
swas
ver
yinsensi
ti
ve
Lel
ebr
oughtmet
hegl
assofwat
er.
.
IknowthatNdal oandIwehavehadaf ewi
ssues
butheisthefatherofmybaby.Idi
dlovehi
m atone
point
,obvi
ouslythiswi
llaf
fectme.
.
Lel
e:Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Igl
anceddownatt
hegl
ass.
.
Me:Iam notseei
nghim sot
hat
'sagoodsi
gn,
it
meanshe'snotdead
Lel
e:That
'str
ue.
.Theonl
ythi
ngwecandof
orhi
m
nowistopray
Inodded.
.
Me:What
'swr
ongwi
thme?
Lel
e:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Me:I
fhedoesn'
tmakeit
,mychi
ld.
.Ourchi
ldwi
l
l..
Hewon'
tknowhisf
ather
Lel
e:Sosoyoucan'
tthi
nkl
iket
hat
Myphoner
ang,
itwasDrBone.Ianswer
ed.
Me:Hi
Bone:Nt
okazi
Isi
ghed.
.
Bone:Yaaa.
..Isaw,
howar
eyou?
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.Idon'
tknowhowIf
eelaboutt
his,
i
tal
lfeel
sunreal
Bone:I
zint
ozomhl
abaNt
okazi(
Thi
ngsoft
hiswor
ld)
Me:It
hinki
t'
sthewi
tchcr
aft
Bone:Youcan'
tthi
nkl
iket
hat
Me:Whatelsecanitbe?Everyt
hinginmylif
ekeeps
onfal
l
ingapart
,youcan'tt
ellmet hati
t'
snor
mal
Bone:I
nkosazaneuLel
e,Kuhambekanj
ani
?(How
di
ditgowithLele)
Me:I
twentokay.
.Ther
e'spr
ogr
ess
Bone:Soyousee?Notal
lisl
ost
Me:Iguessso
Bone:Iam busyfornow.
.Woul
dyoul
ikemet
o
comeoverlateron?
Me:I
'
dappr
eci
atet
hatal
ot.
.Thankyou
Bone:I
'
llseeyoul
atert
hen
Me:Okayl
ateri
tis

BELI
NDA

I
twasdi
ff
icul
ttopr
ocessever
ythi
ng.
.
Kai
:Youcan'
tbl
ameyour
sel
fovert
his
Me:Bef
oret
hishappened.
.Wehadaf
ight
,ifNdal
o
doesn'tmakei
tthel
astmemor
yI'
l
lhaveofhi
m,i
s
usfighti
ng
Kai:Youcoul
dn'
thavepredi
ctedthatthiswasgoing
tohappen.
.Ndal
oactedthewayheact edyest
erday
becausehewasangryit
'snotyourfault
Me:Ipr
obabl
ycoul
d'vel
etthedivor
cehappenfi
rst
bef
oreIwasseeni
npubli
cwi t
hsomeoneelse
Kai:Wenoti narelati
onship,youdidnothingwrong
andstopwi ththehypothesis.Whathappened,
happened.Youcan' tgobackandf i
xwhat
happened,ithappened.Thef ighthappened
yester
day,hegotintoanacci denttodayandit'
snot
yourfaul
t
Me:Howdi
dthi
ngsgetsooutofcont
rol
?
Kai
:It
'
sli
fe,
li
fei
snoteasy
Me:I'
l
lhavetogoandseehim att
hehospi
tal
,I
'l
l
cal
lmyMot heri
nlawandf
indoutwhichhospi
tal
Kai
:I'
l
lgett
heDr
Me:Thankyou
Shewentout
..
CLARA

Thiswasget ti
ngoutofhand, thecommunitywas
sti
llstandingatt hegat
emaki ngalotofnoi
se.
Chantingt hatwear ewit
chesandmyMot herwas
sti
llatit.Iam prett
ysurethatMissGisbehindthi
s,
thi
swomanpl ayedme
Wecoul
dn'
tgoout
,thedoor
swer
elocked.
Wewerescar
edt
hati
ftheymakethei
rwayi
n,t
hey
mi
ghtbur
ndownourhouseorhar
m us..
Gogo:Wer
eyouabl
etogett
hrough?
Me:Yest
heysai
dtheycomi
ng
Wehavecalledt
hecops30mi
nago,
theywer
est
il
l
nother
e..
..

NANGOMSO
Iwasinmybedroom hopi
ngt ogetasignalonthi
s
Ndal
osit
uat
ion.Iwasstil
lgoi
ngthroughthetrend
whenmyMot hershowedup..Icl
osedmyeyes. .
Me:Idon'
twanthi
mtodi
e
Ma:Iknow
Me:I
shegoi
ngt
odi
e?
Ma:Idon'
tknow.
.Ican'
tseehi
m overt
hissi
de
Me:That
'sagoodsi
gnr
ight
?
Ma:JustbecauseI
'm dead,
itdoesn'
tmeant
hatI
canseeeveryspi
ri
t
Iexhal
ed.
.
Ma:I
fyounotseei
nghi
mthat'
sagoodsi
gn,
ifhe
wasnomorehewould'
vemadecont
act
Myeyeswel
ledup.
.
Me:Hecan'
tdi
eMa. .Ihatetosayt
his,
Ihat
eto
admi
tthi
sbut.
.Ist
il
ldol ovehi
m
Ma:Iknowyoudo..AllI
'
m goi
ngtosayt
oyouis
t
hatpreparef
oranyt
hing,hemi
ghtcomeback.
.He
mightnotcomeback
BELI
NDA

Icameherewit
hanAmbul ance,Kaiwastheone
whodrovemet othehospi
tal
.Ical
ledmyMot heri
n
l
awbutherphonewasanswer edbyLuvoandt old
mewhichhospitalhewasin.
.Iwasscared,
conf
used,andhurt.
.

Kai
:Andweher
e
Me:Thankyouf
ort
her
ide
Kai
:Cal
lmei
fyouneedanyt
hing
Me:Iwi
ll
Kai
:I'
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
Me:Thatwoul
dbegood
Kai
:Okay.
.Begood
Me:Thanksagai
n
Igotoutoft
hecarandl
ookedatt
heent
rance.
.I
wasscar
edofwhatawai
tedmei
nsi
de.
..

NANGOMSO

Aft
ert hatcomfort
ingtal
kwithmyMot her,Il
itupa
whiteandbl uecandl
e.Ilear
nedt hatabluecandle,
youcanusei tf
orsomeonecl osetoyouwhoi ssi
ck.
Iglanceddownatt hecandlesandt ear
sj ust
str
eameddown.
Idi
dn' thavewords,myheartwastoowoundedto
sayanyt hi
ng.Ij
ustwanthimtobeokay,yeshehurt
me, yeshewasabast ar
dbutIdon'
twanthi
mt odie.
Atleastnotli
kethis.
.

NDALO

Ifoundmyselfinapar k.Theparkl
ookedli
kethe
onemyGr andfatherusedt ot
akemet oowhenIwas
young.I
tlookeddiffer
entthough,i
twasempty,t
he
grasswasdying.Therewasnocol our,t
heskywas
dar
kandcloudy.I
twaswindytooandcol
d.Justnot
agoodpl
acetobei n,
thef
lowershadnol
if
e..
I
twasn'
tthej
oll
ypl
acet
hatIonceknew.
.
Papa:Ndal
o
Hisvoicecamefrom behindme,i
tcreatedanecho.
.
Islowlytur
nedaround,andsawhim standi
ngata
fardist
ance.Hemadehi swaytome, whatis
happening?Am Idead?
Iwai
tedf
orhi
mtogetcl
oser
..
Me:Am Idead?
Papa:Notyet
Me:Notyet
?
Papa:Yes.
.Notyet
Me:What
'shappeni
ng?
Papa:Youar
ebet
weenl
if
eanddeat
h
Me:Youhadtocauseanacci
dentf
orustot
alk?
Youcoul
dn'
thaveshowedupinmydreams
Papa:Icoul
d've
Me:Idon'
twannadi
e
Papa:Youracti
onsgotyouher eNdalo,it
'sallyou.
.
Eveninthi
sstatethoset wowomenl oveyoust i
ll
..
Oneisprayi
ngforyou, andonei sgoi
ngtobeby
yourbedsi
deandyoust i
llcan'
tseehowbl essed
youhavebeent ohavet wowomenwhol ovedyou
morethananything
Ihungmyheadi
nshame.
.
Papa:Idon'tknowifyougoi ngtochangeshould
yougoback?Ar eyoustil
lgoingtohurtt
hem?Some
tearsaredangerous.
.Thesewomenhavebeen
throughthemostal r
eady,honestl
yspeakingyou
aresaferherebecausebot hthei
rancest
orsarenot
happywi t
hyouandt heycould'
vedonemuchwor se
toyou
Me:Iunder
stand.
.
Papa:Come.
.Iwannashowyousomet
hing
If
oll
owedhi
m..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
22] :108

SEASONFI
NALE

BELI
NDA

Il
ookedathimlayingther
ewitht hemachine
hel
pinghimtobreath.I
tal
lfel
tlikeadream,li
kehe
wasgoingtowakeupandsayt hiswasallabad
j
oke.Thiscan'
tbehappening,
notnow. .I
t'
sallso
wrong.
.
Dr
:Hesust
ainedal
otoft
raumat
ohi
sbr
ain
Me:I
shegoi
ngt
omakei
t?
Dr:Can'tmakeanypromi
ses,
hewillneedami r
acle
tosurvi
vethisbuti
t'
sver
yrar
eforapatientonli
fe
supporttocomeback
Me:Wenott
aki
nghi
m of
fli
fesuppor
t
Ihel
dhi
shand.
.
Me:He'
sgoi
ngt
opul
lthr
ough
Dr
:I'
l
lgi
veyouami
nut
e
Hewal
kedout
,Il
ookedatNdal
o..
Me:Youhavet ocomeback, t
hisi
swr ong.Youcan'
t
diel
ikethi
s.Ourlastmomenttogetherhadalotof
..
Iwon'tf
orgivemyselfknowi
ngthatwillbet
helast
thi
ngyouwi llr
emember
TheNannywalkedin.Shewast ryi
ngt
obestrong
butIcoul
dseethatshewasbr eaki
ngdeepdown.
Thiswomanlostherhusband,nowshehastolose
herSon.I
t'
swrong,i
t'
snotfair
..
Nanny:Iwantt
otal
ktoyouaboutsomet
hing
Me:Okay
Nanny:Iwantt
ocontactSoso,
sot
hatshecan
comeover,i
t'
sonl
yfair
Me:It
hinkthat
'sagoodi
dea,maybeNdal
obeing
r
emindedthathehasachi
ldonthewaywil
lhelp
Nanny:YouareaNur
seBel
,youknowhowt
hese
si
tuat
ionsgo
Me:Iam aNur
set
hathasf
ait
h
Nanny:Wecan' tdenytheobvious,wehavet obe
reali
sti
c..Ndalowasbadl yhurtfr
om thataccident
,
he'snotcomi ngback.Themachi nesarejust
strai
ninghim, westrai
ninghisjourneyt
otheot her
side
Me:Youspeaki
ngl
ikeyouhavegi
venup
Nanny:Iam accept
ingwhati
tis
Me:He'syourSon!Everyonecanl
osef
ait
hbutnot
you!Whatiswrongwithyou?
Igotup.
.
Me:I
'
llcal
lSosoonmywayout
It
ookmybagandwal
kedout
..

CLARA

Fi
nallyt
hePolicearr
ivedandcl
earedt
hecrowd,
by
nowmyMot herhadstoppedt
alki
ngandshe
droppeddowndead.
Wehadt ocal
lthef
uner
alpal
oursot
heycancome
getherbody.
.

Wemanagedt ogoout si
denowwi tht
hecopsther
e,
prot
ecti
ngusfrom t
heviciouscommunit
y..
Surpr
isi
ngl
yenought henailhadcameof
ftoo.I
st
eppedonit.
.
Of
fi
cer
:Sowhathappenedher
e?
Communi
tymember:Theyar
ewit
ches!Bat
hebul
e
UMama!(
theyt
urnedtheMot
heri
ntoazombie)
Me:That'snottr
ue. .Off
icermyMot herpassedon
yearsago.Idon'tknowhowbi gyouar eont he
exi
stenceofwitchcr af
tbut..Awhilebackwehada
sangomat el
lust hatmyMot herwast ur
nedi nt
oa
zombie,sothi
sissomeone' sdoing.Wedon' tknow
whoandwedon' tknowwhy
Gogo:Ithurtsseei
ngthishappening,Al
lal
ongI
thoughtthatmyDaught erwasresti
nginPeacebut
obviousl
yIwaswr ong.Thistakesmebackt oher
funeral
,i
tbringsbacktheoldpain
Me:Ar
ewebei
ngar
rest
ed?
Of
fi
cer
:No.
.Noonei
sget
ti
ngar
rest
ed
Me:Thankyou
Off
icer
:Ifthat'
sal
lthenwewillbeonourway,i
fthe
communi t
yt r
iest
oharm youguysdon'
thesi
tat
et o
cal
lusagai n
Me:Wewi
ll
..Thankyou
Wewentbacki
nsi
deandl
ockedt
hegat
east
he
copsl
eft
..
.

NANGOMSO

Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Bel
inda.
.
Me:Hi
Bel
:Heytheywantyouatt
hehospi
tal
,Ndal
o's
Motherwant
syouthere
Me:Ohw.
.Okay
Bel
:I'
l
ltextyout
henameoft
hehospi
tal
Me:Thankyou.
.Howar
eyouho-
Shehungup.
.
Me:Ohhhkay
Bone:What
'
swr
ong?
Me:Theywantmeatt
hehospi
tal
Bone:Doyouwantt
ogo?Icandr
opyouof
fther
e
Me:Thankyou
Bone:Let
'sgo
Wewerealr
eadychi
ll
ingi
nhi
scar
,sowet
ookof
fto
t
hehospi
tal
..

BELI
NDA

Ical
ledKaiandshecamet
ofet
chme.
.
Wedr
ovet
omypl
acei
nsi
lence.
.
Kai
:Itdi
dn'
tgowel
l?
Me:Hi
sMot
herwant
sthemachi
net
urnedof
f
Kai
:Shesai
dthat
?
Me:Noti
nmanyways
Kai
:Youf
eeldi
ff
erent
lyabouti
t?
Me:It
hinkweshoul
dgi
vehi
mti
me
Kai
:YouaNur
se,
youknowwhati
-
Me:Canever
yonest
opsayi
ngt
hat
?Ibel
ieve,
Ihave
f
ait
h
Kai
:OkayI
'
m notgoi
ngt
osayanyt
hing

NDALO

Heshowedmeamovi
eofSosoandBel
inda.
Everypainf
ulthi
ngthatt
hey'
vebeenthrough.How
Beli
ndawashur tbythewif
eofthehusbandhewas
havi
nganaf fai
rwit
h,Sosoandeveryt
hingthatshe
wentthroughwithherexandhi
sfamily.I
twast oo
mucht owatch..
Papa:Theset
wowomenhavebeent
hroughal
ot,
andyouchoset hem foryour
selfbutyou'
vehur
t
them more.Youbeingawayf r
om them wil
ldot
hem
alotoffavourbecauseevenifyougobackyouwil
l
sti
llhur
tthem
Me:If
ail
edt
hem
Papa:Andifyouweren'
tmovedfr
om t
hem,you
weregoingtohur
tthem mor
e.Youwerel
osing
your
self
Me:Igetwhatyousayi
ng
Papa:Youhavenothingleftf
oryouthere,
Ithi
nk
youbett
eroffhere.
.Yourlegacywil
lli
veonandyou
haveachil
dont hewaywhowi l
lcar
ryyourlegacy,
ourl
egacy
Me:Isee
Papa:Yourbodyhas. .Youhavesust
ainedalotof
traumaandi fyougobackyouwi l
lbeavegetabl
e
allyourl
if
e..Thissi
deyouwi l
lbewit
hme, your
father
Me:WhataboutmyMot
her
?
Papa:Shehast
hegi
rl
s
Me:Thi
sist
oomuch
Papa:Thechoi
cei
syour
s

BELI
NDA

Shedr
ovei
ntomyyar
d..
Kai
:Andweher
e
Me:Thankyouagai
n
Kai
:Youwel
come.
.Let
'sgetyoui
n
Wegotoutofhercarandwal
kedi
ntot
hehouse.
.It
wasver
yquiet
..
Kaiputherhandsonmyshoul
der
s..
Kai
:Itwi
llgetbet
ter
Icl
osedmyeyesandputmyhandont
opofher
s..
Kai
:Ihat
eleavi
ngyoul
iket
his
Me:I
'
llbef
ine
It
urnedbackandl
ookedather
..
Me:I
fyouwer
en'
ther
e,Idon'
tthi
nkt
hatIwasgoi
ng
t
obeablet
omakeit
Kai
:I'
l
lal
waysbeher
e
WelookedateachotherandImovedcloser
,thenI
ki
ssedher.
.Wekissedforafewsecondsunti
lshe
gent
lypushedmeof f
..
Kai
:Notl
iket
his
Me:I
'
m hur
ti
ng
Shehel
dbot
hmyhands.
.
Kai
:Iknowyouar
e
Me:Justt
hisoncepl
ease
Kai
:Belnotl
iket
h-
Ikissedheragai
nwhi l
stgrabbi
ngont
ight
lytoher
shirtwi
thtear
sstreamingdownmycheeks..She
stoppedkissi
ngmeandki ssedmeonmyf orehead.
.
Kai
:Let
'sgetyoui
nbed,maybegetyousome
sl
eepi
ngpil
ls.
.Howaboutt
hat?
Inodded.
..
Sheki
ssedmeagainonmyfor
eheadandcheek.
.
Shewentont
okissmyhand.
.
Kai
:Let
'sgo

NANGOMSO

Bonewasn' tgoi
ngt
ocomeinwit
hmef
orobvi
ous
reasons.Imademywayinal
one.
Iwentexact
lywher
eBel
indadi
rect
edme.
.

IsawLuvosi
tt
ingdowni
nthecor
ri
dor
..
Me:Hey
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Luvo:Hey
Me:MayI
?
Luvo:I'
l
ltel
ltheNannyt
hatyouher
e,you'
l
lhavet
o
besignedin
Me:Okaynopr
obl
em
Ilookedt
hrought
hewi ndowandsawhi
mlayi
ng
thereont
hathospi
talbed..
Luvowal
kedi
ntogetNdal
o'sMot
her
..

KAI
RO(
PSYCHOLOGI
ST)

Ipul
ledt
hebedcover
supasshesl
ept
.
Sheopenedhereyes,
Icr
ouchedandhel
dherhand.
.
Iki
ssedherhand.
.
Me:I
'
m notgoi
nganywher
e
Bel
:Canyousl
eepnextt
ome?
Me:Yesnopr
obl
em
Bel
:Justunt
ilIf
allasl
eep?
Me:Yes.
.Icandot
hat
Itookoffmysneaker
sandgoti
nbedwi
thher
,I
cuddledher
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
22] :109

SEASONFI
NALE

BELI
NDA

DayspassedandNdalowasn'trecover
ing,
ther
e
wasnochangeatal
l.Daysturnedintoaweek,a
weektur
nedint
oanotherweek..
Hewassti
llt
hesameandrightnowi
twassi
nki
ng
deepi
nsi
deofmethathe'
sgone.
He'
sreal
lygoneandt
her
e'snot
hingwecando.
.

IwasbackatworkandKaiwasverysuppor
ti
ve,
ther
apywashel
pfulher
eandther
e..

Sinceobvi
ouslyhewasn'
tcomi
ngback,wetookt
he
decisi
onthatwearegoi
ngtoswi
tchof
fthe
machine.ItwasgoingtobeMe, HisMom, and
Nangomsoi ntheward.Togetherwitht
heirPast
or
tosayashor tpr
ayerbefor
eweswi tchoffthe
machine..
.Ifel
tli
keIwaskill
i
ngmyhusbandby
doingthi
s,buthewassuf f
eri
ng.Weneededt olet
him go.
..

Wewer eallhereexceptf
orSoso,It
ri
edcal
li
ngher
butshedidn'tpi
ckup.Idon'
tblameher,
thi
sisal
so
noteasyonme.

IlookedatNdaloasthePast
orsai
dthepr
ayer
,my
eyeswerefil
ledwit
htear
s.Icl
osedmyeyesand
tearsst
reameddown.

Past
or:Amen
Al
l:Amen
WelookedattheDr,
hewenttoswitchofft
he
machine.
.Icoul
dn'
tlook,
coul
dn'
ttakethi
s.
Iwal
kedoutoft
hewar
dwi
thmyhear
tsankdownt
o
myknees.
.Ihadt
obalanceont
hewal
lsoIdon'
tfal
l,
mykneeswerewobbl
y..

NANGOMSO

Icouldn'tbether
e,Icoul
dn'
tgothereknowingwhat
awaitedus..Lastni
ghtIevenstr
uggledtosleep,
thishasbeendi f
fi
cultf
orus.Foral
lofus..Thelast
thingIrememberwaswast r
yingtogetsomesl eep
thisaft
ernoon,Iwaslayi
nginbedandt r
iedto
sleep.
..

Youknowwhenyousl eepi
ngbutcanfeelaheavy
presenceintheatmosphere,
yougetachill
.The
hairsatthebackofyourneckst
andup,that'
swhat
washappeni ng.I
nthemistofwhatwashappening,
IslowlyopenedmyeyesandIsawhi m crouchi
ng
nexttothebed..
Me:Ndal
o?
Hesmi
ledatme.
.
Ndal
o:Hey
Me:Wh..Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Am Ir
eal
ly
seei
ngyou?
Ndal
o:Youdr
eami
ng
Me:I
fI'
m dr
eamingt
hatmeans,
theydi
dn'
ttur
nthe
machi
neoffri
ght
?Youst
il
lfi
ght
ing?
Ndalo:It
houghtcomingtoyout
hiswaywoul
dwor
k
bet
terthanyouactual
lyseei
ngme
Me:Younomor
e?
Ndal
o:I
'
m sor
rySoso
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:No.
.Notyou
Ndal
o:I
t'
sokay,
yougoi
ngt
obeokay
Me:Youcan'
tjustl
eave,
notl
i
ket
his
Ndal
o:Iam okayandIwantyout
obeokay
Me:Youcan'
tdi
e
Ndal
o:You'
l
lal
wayshaveapar
tofmewi
thyou,
al
ways
Heputhi
shandonmyt
ummy.
.
Ndalo:Il
oveyouandIneedyout
obeokayt
oo,
you
havetobestrongf
orhi
m
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Ndal
o:Tel
lBelIl
ovehert
oo,t
ellherI
'
m sor
ryandI
wantnot
hingmorebutf
orhert
omoveonsomeday
andbehappy
Me:Ndal
o
Ndal
o:I
'
m sor
ry.
.I'
m ver
ysor
ry

Iqui
ckl
yopenedmyeyesandr osemyheadfr
om
thepi
ll
ow,Iwaspant
ing.Il
ookedar
oundandNdal
o
wasn'
tint
hebedroom..
Me:Lel
e..Lel
e!
Lel
erushedi
n..
Lel
e:Hey.
.Hey.
.Ar
eyouokay?
Shesatnextt
ome.
.
Lel
e:Whathappened
Me:He'
sgoneLel
e..He'
sgone
Shehuggedme.
.
Lel
e:I
'
m sor
ry.
.I'
m ver
ysor
ry

BELI
NDA

Isatinmycarcryingmyeyesout,theweat
herhad
suddenl
ychanged.Itwascloudynowandlooked
l
ikeitwasgoi
ngt orai
n..It
ookmyphoneandcalled
Kai.
.
Kai
:Sunshi
ne
Me:He.
.He'
sgone(
cryi
ng)
Kai
:Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:I
'm att
hehospi
tal
,he'
sgoneKai
..He'
sgone
(
cryi
ng)
Kai
:I'
m comi
ng
Me:He'
sgone(
cryi
ng)
Il
etgooft
hephoneandi
tfel
lonmyt
highsasI
cr
ied.
.

DAVE

Igotatextf r
om Ndalo'
sMot herl
ett
ingmeknow
thatNdaloisgone..Iknewtheywereswi t
chi
ngof f
themachi ne,t
heykeptusinformedabout
everyt
hing..Ipl
acedmyphoneont hetabl
eupside
down,Ilaidbackont hechairandclosedmyeyes.
Ndalowasacol l
eague,buthewasacl osefr
iend
too.
Wehavelostt
woofourpeopl
enow, Idon'
tknow
whatcur
sethi
sis.Bot
hdi
edfrom caracci
dents.
.

Iopenedmyeyesandt earsfel
l,mylipswer e
trembli
ng,Idon'
tknowwhatI 'm goi
ngt osaytothe
restofthestaf
f.Idon'
tknowwhat 'sgoingto
happent ous,t
heshow. .Thi
swashi slif
e,thi
sis
whathel i
vedfor.
..
CLARA

Thi
ngshavebeenhar
dforusar
oundher
e.
Thecommuni t
ywaster
ror
izi
ngus.Throwingi
n
bri
cksthr
oughthewi
ndow, t
ryi
ngtoburndownthe
house,
harassi
ngusonthestreet
s.
MyGr andmothercouldn'
tevengot ochurch
anymore,shehasn'tbeenokayeversincethi
s
happened.HerBPwasunst abl
e..

Shecoul
dn'
tgetoutofbed,
it'
sbeenaweeknow.
Shewasn'
teati
nganymore,shewasget
ti
ngweak.
I
twasanightmare.
.

Ibutt
eredthebread,
thet
eawasal
readymade.Iput
them onthetr
ayandmademywayt oherbedr
oom..
Me:Gogo
Shewaslayi
ngonherback,faci
ngupbuthereyes
werecl
osed.Herhandscr
ossedoverherchest
..
Me:Gogo?
Shedi
dn'
tmove,
norf
li
nched.
.
Iputt
het
raydownandmademywayt
oher
Me:Gogo
Ishookherandshedi
dn'
tmove.
.
Me:Gogo?
Sheremai nedsti
llandquiet.
.Icheckedifshewas
breat
hing,butshewasn't.Myt hroatdri
edup,my
kneesbecameweak.Myst omacht urnedi
nknots
andIfelthotfl
ushes..
Me:Go.
.Gogo
Myvoi
cewasbr
eaki
ng,
Isankdownt
othef
loor
..
Me:Gogo(
cryi
ng)
..Gogowakeup!
!

DAVE

Igat
heredever
yoneatt
hest
udi
o,t
heyal
lsatqui
etl
y
andlookedatme.
.
Me:Asweal
lknowthatNdalohe.
.Hewasf
ight
ing
f
orhisl
if
eaf
tert
heaccident
Iexhal
ed.
.
Me:Todayhi
sfamil
ytookt
hedeci
siont
oswi
tchof
f
t
hemachine,
he'sgone
Reco:OhhhhhhNo!
!
Thul
i:Not
hisi
snotr
ight
If
oughtbackt
ear
s..
.
Me:He'
sgone.
.He'
srest
ing,
Ibel
ievehei
sin.
.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..
Me:Excuseme
Iwal
kedaway.
..

NANGOMSO

Myphoner
ang,
Lel
egoti
t.
.
Lel
e:I
t'
sNdal
o'sMot
her
It
ooki
tfr
om her
..
Me:Hel
lo
Ma:Soso
Me:Ma
Ma:He'
sgone
Iswal
lowed.
.
Ma:Wear
egoi
ngbackhomet
opr
epar
eever
ythi
ng
Me:I
'
m sosor
ry
Ma:It
'sokay.
.Pl
easejustt
ellmet
hatatl
eastyou
havesomeonewithyou
Me:Ido.
.I'
m sor
ryt
hatIdi
dn'
tcome
Ma:Iunder
standdon'
texpl
ain.
.Justknowt
hatyou
ar
ewelcomet ocomeoveratthehouse
Me:Thankyou
Ma:Pl
easedoonet
hingf
orme
Me:Takecar
eofmyGrandchi
ld,
Iknowit'
sa
di
ff
icul
tti
mebut.
.He'
stheonl
yconnect
ionI'
m
goi
ngtohavetomySon
Me:Iwi
ll
..Ipr
omi
se
Ma:Thankyou
Me:I
'
m sor
ry
Ma:Met
oo
Shehungup.
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
22] :110

SEASONFI
NALE

LELE

Iwasopeni ngthegar agedoorforNathisinceour

doorinsi
dei sstuckthatweusef rom thegarageto
thehouse,from thehousetothegar age..Isawcars
nextdoor,Ambul ance,ThePathologi
sts,ThePoli
ce
Ist
oodatt
hemai
nbi
ggat
eandwat
chedPeopl
e
wer
ealsost
andi
ngby.
.Nat
higotoutoft
hecarand
wal
keduptohi
m..
Nat
hi:Andt
hen?What
'sgoi
ngonnextdoor
?
Me:Ihavenoidea.
.Itseemsli
kesomet
hing
happened,
somethi
ngser i
ous
Nathi
:Theyt
ookt
hemot
her
'sbodyyest
erdaysoi
t'
s
nother
Nat
hiwhi
stl
edt
osomeguy.Ihi
thi
m onhi
schest
..
Nat
hi:Yi
ni?(
what
)
Me:Youcan'
twhi
stl
einasi
tuat
ionl
iket
his
Theguycamet
hrough.
.
Hi
m:Nat
hi
Nat
hi:Nt
wana
Hegr
eet
edme.
.
Nat
hi:Andnou.Nextdoor
?
Hi
m:Eyyntwanaisgri
zasi
bhodi
le(
The
Gr
andmotherpassedon)
Nat
hi:Usho?(
yousay)
Hi
m:Yaant
wanakemat
hat
afel
a!
Nat
hi:NoTaNt
wana
Hi
m:Yi
zo
Hewal
kedaway,
IlookedatNat
hi.
.
Me:Wow
Nat
hi:Let
'sgoi
n..Howi
sSoso?
Me:St
il
lfeel
ingl
ikehel
l
Nat
hi:I
'
m gl
adhe'
sdead
Il
ookedathi
m..
Nat
hi:I
t'
snosecr
ett
hatIhat
edt
hatguy
Me:Yeahwhat
everBabe

BELI
NDA

Ihadtopackupabagandgot oNdalo'
splace,we
aresti
lll
egal
lymarri
ed.Iam st
il
lhi
swif
e,soIam
requi
redandbindedbycult
uretomournhim...
Kai
:Wehavear
ri
ved
Me:Pl
easegoi
nwi
thme
Kai
:Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'sagoodi
dea
Me:Alreadyit
'sbusy,
youdr
ivi
ngof fwouldbe
suspi
cious.Youaremyther
apist
,there'
snothi
ng
happeningbetweenus
Shenoddedr
epeat
edl
y..
Kai
:I'
l
lgoi
nwi
thyout
hen
Wegotoutoft
hecarandt
henshegotmybag,
we
madeourwayin.
.

Alreadypeoplewer egoinginandt heywer eal so

comi ngout.Newscr ewwer estandingout sidebusy
reporti
nglive,I
'
m guessingDavehasal r
eadyputi t
outthatNdal oisnomor e.Ilookeddownaswe
madeourwayi navoidi
nganswer i
nganyquest ions,
thesepeopl eshouldgiveussomepr ivacy.Thisi s
notthet i
met osellt
heirpaperorgetvi ewersont hi
s,
Iknowhewasaver ywel lknownper sonbutt hisis
i
nsane. .Wewal kedthrought hefrontdoor ,allthe
wayt ot
hemainbedroom.Ndalo'sMotherwas
alr
eadysit
ti
ngonthemat t
ress,
ther
ewer etwo
womensi t
ti
ngonthechairs.
.Il
ookedateveryonei
n
theroom,TheNannylookedatme..
Nanny:Bel
inda
Tear
sjustst
reameddownunpr
ovoked.
.
Nanny:I
'
m sosor
ry
Me:Whywoul
dNdal
odot
his?
Woman1:Phephi saSisi
,hl
isaumoya.Mkhul
ule
(
takehear
t,r
eleasehim sohecanresti
npeace)
Me:Why??Why?
?Why?
?Whywoul
dhedot
hist
o
me?(cr
ying)
TheNannylookeddownfight
ingbackhert
ear
s..
Oneofthewomenst oodupandmadeherwayt o
me..
.
Woman:Phephi
sa(
takehear
t)
Kai
:I'
l
lgetheragl
assofwat
er
Me:Ndal
owhy?Whywoul
dyoudot
hist
ome?
(
cryi
ng)
NANGOMSO

Lel
e:Guesswhat
?
Me:What
?
Lel
e:Cl
ara'
sGr
andmot
herpassedon
Me:What
?
Lel
e:Yeap.
.Ther
e'scar
snextdoor
Me:Thi
syearkeepsonget
ti
ngwor
seandwor
se
Lel
e:Shepr
obabl
ycoul
dn'
thandl
ewhathappened
Me:Yeahmaybe
Lel
e:Howar
eyouf
eel
ingnow?
Me:I
'
m goi
ngt hroughTwit
ter
,he'
str
endi
ng.Dave
andt
hem r
eleasedastatement
Lel
e:Youshoul
dn'
tbel
ooki
ngatt
hat
Me:Wedon'thaveapi
ctur
etoget
her
,canyou
bel
ievei
t?
Lele:Youcoul
dn'
thaveknownt hathewasgoingt
o
die,whathegaveyouismor epreci
oust
hana
pictur
e.Yousawhi minyourdream,hemanagedto
saygoodbyeBelindamightnotbeablet
ogetthat
evenwi t
htonsofpict
uresofthem t
oget
her
Me:HowdoImoveonf rom t
his?WhatdoIt
ellour
baby?Iam goi
ngt
orai
sethisbabyal
one
Lel
e:Tel
lmewhataboutBone?Youtwoseem l
ike
youhavesomet
hinggoodgoingon
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:Ican'
t
Lel
e:What
?
Me:Af terNdalo..Hewasmyl astrel
ationshipand
heartache.Ican'ttakethisanymor eLel e,thepain.It
takesapi eceofmeaway, I'
m goingtoendupwi th
nothi
ng.Idon' twantanyr el
ationshi
p,Iam not
ment al
lyandemot i
onall
ybuiltforone.FirstSid,
NowNdal o,who' snext?Bone?Ican' t,
Ican' tt
akei t
!
Idon'twantt oo..IfyourMom i sbehindmyl ovelif
e
beinglikethi
st heni t
'sokayIgi veheralltheropes,I
giveup.IfGoddoesn' twantmet odatet henit'
s
okayIaccept
.I'
mjustti
red,
tir
edofallt
hepai
n.I
'
m
humantoo,Ican'
tdothi
sanymore..Ican'
t
Shehuggedme.
.
Lel
e:I
t'
sokay.
.It
'sal
lgoi
ngt
obeokay

BELI
NDA

Af
terdr
inki
ngt
hewat
erIwasabl
etocal
m downa
bi
t.
.
Nanny:Thankyoufordr
oppi
ngherof
f,shewoul
dn'
t
havebeenabletodri
veonherown
Kai
:It
'
sokay
Nanny:Ar
eyouaf
ri
end?
Kai
:I'
m hert
her
api
st
Nanny:OhwIsee.
.That'
sgood,
she'
sgoingtoneed
al
lthether
apyaf
terever
ythi
ngt
hathashappened.
.
Shehasbeenthr
oughal ot
Kai
:Iunder
standMa,
I'
llt
rymyhar
dest
Nanny:Thankyouagai
n
Kai
:Ishoul
dleave
Me:I
'
llwal
kyouout
Kai
:Noi
t'
sokay.
.I'
l
lseemysel
fout
Shel
ookedatever
yone.
.
Kai
:Ni
sal
ekahl
e(ever
yonekeepwel
l)
Shewal
kedout
..
Iwassi
tt
ingonthemattressnow,Li
sakepton
cal
li
ngunti
lIbl
ockedhercall
s..
Iwasnoti
nthemoodf
orhershi
t.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
23] :111

SEASONFI
NALE

BELI
NDA
Thegoi ngi n,
thecomi ngout.Mademedi zzy,i
t
mademever ydizzy.Peopl ewerewal ki
nginandout
ofthebedr oom, sayingwhat evertheyneededtosay
andleft.Wegotnor est,nopeace..Whenone
walkedi n,onewal kedout .I
twast ir
ing.
.Ndalo
madei tclearthatifheeverdi ed,hewoul dwanthi
s
funeraltobecar ri
edoutathome.Wehonour edhi
s
request,thelastthingwewanti stonotdowhathe
says,andnotl ivetot ellt
hetale.
Wear
etr
yingt
ogi
vehi
m adi
gni
fi
edf
uner
al.

Isnuckoutoft hebedr
oom t
ogetsomefr
eshair
.I
couldn'
ttakeitanymore,
soIfoundt
heSi
ster
s
si
tti
ngint heoutsi
deguestr
oom.
Theywer
ehavi
ngone,
Iaskedf
oragl
ass.
Ineededagl
asst
ogetmyheadr
ight
..

Luvo:I
tmustbedepr
essi
ngi
nthebedr
oom
Al
uvo:Twi
tt
ert
oo.
.He'
sbeent
rendi
ngal
lday,
t
rendi
ngatnumberone
Isatont
hebed.
.
Luvo:Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
ieve,Imeanhewasf
ineaf
ew
daysagoImean..It
'scrazy
Aluvo:Ihadtofi
ndoutf
rom Twi
tt
er,
Iwasi
nmy
room mindingmyown
Me:I
'
m sor
ry
Al
uvo:I
t'
sokay
Luvo:Outofever
yone.
.Ndal
o
Aluvo:I
'
m scar
edt
oot
hatt
heNannymi
ghtbr
eak
down
Luvo:She'
str
yingt
okeepst
rong
Al
uvo:Forhowl
ongt
houghunt
ilshebr
eaksdown?
Me:Wehavet
obet
her
eforher
Al
uvo:Wewi
ll

NANGOMSO
Iam pl
anningonmaki ngmyi nt
ent
ionsclearto
Bone'
sassoonast hef uner
alhasbeencar r
iedout.
Idon'
twantar el
ati
onshipri
ghtnow,Ihaveal oton
myplateandIneedt ogetmyl i
fei
nordersot hatI
canbethereformySon. .I
'mtheonlyParenthehas
now..
.

Lel
e:I
'
m di
shi
ngup,
wantsome?
Me:Idon'
tfeell
ikeeat
ing
Lel
e:Youpr
egnant
,it
'snotaboutyouanymor
e
Me:Justdon'
tputt
oomuch
Lel
e:Imadeyourf
avor
it
e.Lasagneandr
oast
ed
chi
cken
Me:Iwoul
dki
llf
ort
hatpl
atei
fitwasanyot
herday
Lel
e:Justeatal
it
tl
e
Me:Thi
sist
het
imeIneedadr
ink
Lel
e:I
t'
sst
il
lfr
esh,
givei
tti
me
Shegavemeapl
ate.
.
Me:Thankyou
Iwentt
othel
oungeandsatdown.
.
Lel
e:Memor
ialser
vicei
sThur
sdayf
rom 11:
00-
15:
00
Me:Theywi
llhi
reahal
l
Lel
e:Theyhavet
oo.
.Wi
llyougo?
Inodded.
.
Me:Ihavet
oo.
.It
'st
hel
eastIcoul
ddo
Lel
e:Ican'
timagi
nemysel
flosi
ngNat
hi
Me:Thendon'
t.
.It
'snotagoodt
hingt
oimagi
ne
Wecont
inuedeat
ing.
..
.

CLARA

MyAuntwast heonewhoarr
ivedf
ir
st,t
hefi
rstand
theonl
yone.
.Itwaslat
eatni
ghtnow,evenmyAunt
onlyar
ri
vednow..
Aunt
:Whuuu.
.Ot
her
shaven'
tar
ri
ved?
Me:Cha(
No)
Aunt:Hai
ke.
.Seemsli
kewegoi
ngtosleepal
one
t
onight,
maybetheywil
lcomet
omorr
ow
Me:Weareabr
okenf
ami
ly.Rel
ati
veswon'
tcome
t
hrough
Shesatdown.
.
Aunt
:Iheardt
her
ewasal
otofcommot
ionf
rom t
he
community
Me:Yes
Aunt:YaziIt
oldyounoMaaboutthi
sthi
ngwit
h
yourMother,wheredi
dyout
hinki
twasgoingt
o
endyouguysup?
Me:Wehur
tnoone
Aunt:OkayClar
awhatar eyougoingt odonow?
Youhadt heopportunit
yt ousewitchcraf
ttobett
er
yoursel
fbutyoudidn't,
youopt edtokeepuSisihere
l
ooknow. .YoulostyourMot heragainandyour
Grandmotherwhat'sgoingtobecomeofyounow?
Youdon'thaveanything..Nowyoucanl i
vehereI
don'twantt
hehouse,
Ihavemi
nebutwhatareyou
goingsurvi
veonnow?Howwil
lyout
akecareof
yoursel
f?
Idi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.
Aunt
:Haiasazi(
wedon'
tknow)

BELI
NDA

Imighthavewentsout
hwi t
hthewi
ne.Idr
ankmor
e
thanwhatIneededtodr
ink.
Iwascall
edbacki nt
othehousebecausether
ewere
i
mportantguests,
Istumbl
edmywayar oundunt
ilI
gott
othedoor way..
Ist
oodt
her
eandl
ookedatever
yone

Nanny:Bel
inda
Me:Ma
Nanny:Thesear
eNdal
o'sf
ri
ends,
fri
endst
he
i
ndust
ry.Theycamet
opayt
hei
rlastr
espect
Il
ookedatt
hem,Irecogni
zedthem.Mam'Dube,
she'
sanact
ressandLaurenshe'sal
soanactr
ess.
..

Me:Sani
bonani(
Goodeveni
ng)
Theyl
ookedatme.
.
MaDube:Bel
indaSi
si
Nanny:Comeandsi
tdown
Iwal
kedovert
oher
,It
ri
ppedandf
ellont
he
matt
ress.
.
Laur
en:I
sshe?
..I
sshedr
unk?
Nanny:I
thasbeendi
ff
icul
tonher
MaDube:Shewi
llneedt
her
apy,
lot
sofi
t
Nanny:She'
sact
ual
lyget
ti
ngsomehel
p
Me:Whyi sn'tSosohere?Shewasalmostmysi st
er
wifewasn'tshe?Actuall
ysheisbecausesheis
pregnantbyhim.Sheshoul dbemourninghimtoo,
sheshouldbesi t
ti
ngont hematt
resstoo..I
t'
s
bloodyunfai
r!Whyam Imour ningaPersonwho
causedmesomuchPai n?Ndalowasacowar d!
Shewasonei nl
if
eandi soneindeath!Het ookthe
easywayout !Af
terallt
heshitheputmet hrough?
Sleepi
ngwi t
hsomeoneel sei
nourhouse?The
fuckenfl
ippi
ngdisrespect
?Screwhim!Scr ewhim..
Ihopehegoest ohell
MaDube:Bel
inda!
!!
Isatupst
rai
ght
..
Me:Whyshouldwe.
.Whyshoul
dwel
ie?Ndal
owas
notwhatyoumadehi
m outt
obe
Laur
en:It
hinkyoushoul
dsl
eepal
it
tl
e
MaDube:It
hinkt
hat
'sagoodi
dea
Nanny:Excuseme
Me:EvenyouNanny!Youl aughwithme,youmake
i
tseem li
keyouhappywi t
hmebuti nactualfact
youacceptedSosobehindmybackyouar eal soa
hypocr
it
e!Yout heonewhosaidweshoul dswi tch
offt
hemachi ne,youwant
edyourSontogosoyou
canhavehismoney!Ihopehel ef
tever
ythingt ome,
youwon'
tgetaNi
ckl
e!
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Laur
en:She'
sjustdr
unk
Nanny:Alcoholgi
vesyouthecour
aget
osaythi
ngs
thatyoualwayswantedt
osaywhenyousoberbut
couldn'
t!Shemeantever
ythi
ng
Me:Youdamnr
ightIdi
d!
Shewal
kedout
..

NANGOMSO

Iwasj
ustfr
om bathi
ng,Ir
emovedt
het
owelandsat
downonthebed.Iputmyhandonmytummy..

Me:Idon' tknowifyoucanhearmebut ..Daddyis

goneandhei snotcomingback.I'
mt r
yingmy
hardesttokeepst r
ongforyou,
Ineedf oryouto
keepstrongt oo.Fr
om hereon,
it'
sjustyouandme,
justt
het woofus.
Youmightmeethi m somedaybutnotinanormal
way,i
nawayt hatonlyyou,me,
andhim wil
l
under
stand.Iloveyousomuch, i
t'
sjustyouandI
fr
om hereonnowandI '
l
lmakeyouproud.I'
llmake
youveryproud..Ipr
omi se.
..

BELI
NDA

Aluvo:Wheredoyougetof
ftal
kingt
omyMot
her
l
ikethathuh?
Theyhaddraggedmeoutoft
hebedr
oom becauseI
wascausi
ngascene..
Me:Idi
dn'
tsayanyt
hingt
hatwasn'
ttr
ue
Al
uvo:Youareamess!NowonderwhyNdal
o
di
tchedyou!Youar
eanembar
rassment
Me:Ohwlet
'sseehowyougett
hroughschoolf
rom
her
eon!
Shesl
appedme,
Isl
appedhert
oo.
.
Al
uvo:Go!
!Wedon'
tneedyouher
e,j
ustl
eave!
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
01/
09,
09:
24] :112

BELI
NDA

THURSDAYMORNI
NG

Unfortunatelyt hingsdidn' tworkoutwel lthatni

ght
whenIwasdr unkandf i
ght ingwithNdalo'sfamily.I
endedupbei ngescor t
edoutoft heyardbyt hecops.
Ndalo'sMot hersai dshedoesn' twantmet oatt
end
thefuneralandt heywi llgetar estrai
ningorder
shouldIfor cemywayi n..Ihadnooneel seto
blamebutmysel f,Ididt histomysel fandIhavet o
paythepr i
ceofnotat tendi ngmyl atehusband's
funeralonSat urday.Thememor i
alservi
cewas
today,Iwon' tbeat tendingi ttoo.
Iwi
llbewat
chi
ngonTV,
li
keever
yoneel
se.
Newsmadeheadl ineswhent hemedi afoundout
thatIwasf orbiddent oattendmyhusband' sfuneral
becauseofmyunr ulybehavi or.Theinternethadno
mer cy,t
heyat emef orbreakf ast,l
unchandsupper .
Theyspatal lsortsofhur tfulwor dstome.Seems
l
ikeI '
m becomi ngfamousf orallthewrongr easons..
Ihadbeengi venashor tleaveatwor kfoll
owi ng
Ndal o'
sdeath, soI'
m goingt ousemostoft hose
daysat t
endingt herapy..

Thi
smor ningitwasdif
fer
ent,Kaihaddi
ff
erent
col
ourpaints,
sheetsandbrushes.
Me:Goodmor
ning
Icl
osedt
hedoor
..
Kai
:Mor
ning
Me:Whati
sal
lthi
s?
Kai
:Wegoi
ngt
otr
ysomet
hingdi
ff
erent
Me:Whati
sthat
?
Kai
:Yougoingtopai
ntyouremot
ionsout
,usi
ng
di
ff
erentcol
our
s
Me:Idon'
tevenknowhowt
opai
nt
Kai:It'
snotaboutpaint
ingtheperf
ectpict
ure,i
t'
s
aboutusingdiff
erentcolour
stotel
lastory.Your
story.Descr
ibehowyouseeyour self
,howyou
real
lyfeeldeepinsi
de
Me:Ohw
Kai
:Yes
Shegavemeabr
ush.
..
Kai
:Youcangoaheadandst
art
Il
ookedatt
hesheet
..

NANGOMSO

IwasatNdalo'
shouse,wewer eprepari
ngtoleave
fort
hememor i
alservi
ce.Leledrovemever yearl
y,
andtur
nedback.I'
llgothroughthi
sal one.
.Iheard
aboutwhatBel
indadid,I'
m notgoingtothrowher
undert
hebus.
.
Iwon'tjudge,
norwillIcr
ucif
yher.AllIseeisa
brokenwomanwhoi shandli
ngherpai ninavery
toxi
cway.Weal ldealwithPaindif
ferent
ly,
Ijust
wishthatshecouldfindahealthi
erwayt odealwit
h
herpain..

Nanny:Lookatyou
Ismi
led.
.
Nanny:Younotevenshowi
ng
Me:Thedr
esswor
kswel
l
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Nanny:Thankyouf
orcomi
ng
Me:Thankyouf
orwel
comi
ngme
Nanny:Bet
weenyouandI,nowIwi
shmySon
coul
d'vemarr
iedyoui
nst
eadofBel
inda
Me:Bel
indai
shur
ti
ng
Nanny:Weal
lhur
ti
ngbutt
hat
'snor
easont
obe
disrespect
ful
.Il
ovedBel
indal
ikemyown,I
respectedherasmySon'swif
eandshegoesand
doest hi
s
Me:Idon'
tblameher
,Ioncefoundcomfor
tin
al
cohol
.IfIwasn'
tpr
egnantIprobabl
ywoul
d've
act
edinthatmanner
Shesmi
led.
.
Nanny:Whydidn'
tyou3wor
kout?ThePol
ygamy
t
hing?Youseem t
obefondofher
Me:Wejusthadourdif
fer
ences,
butshe'
snotan
evi
lper
son.Ij
ustt
hinkshe'
stoomuchinPain
Nanny:Ohwwel l.
.Shesai
dsheshe'sgoi
ngthrough
therapy,
hopeitwil
lhel
pher.She'
sontheroadof
selfdest
ruct
ion
Me:Shewi
llr
iseupherpai
n,It
rusther
Nanny:Weshoul
dleave
Me:Okay

CLARA
Iwal
kedi
ntot
het
oil
et.
.
Fi
kz:Cl
oset
hedoor
Idi
d..
Fi
kz:Okayher
eiti
s
Shesnuckherhandi
ntoherbr
aandcameoutwi
th
ali
tt
lepl
ast
ic.
.
Me:I
t'
sthat
?It
'st
hatcocai
ne?
Fi
kz:Youdamnr
ighti
tis
Me:Shuuuuuu
Fi
kz:I
twi
llhel
prel
axyou.
.Tr
ustme
Me:Fi
kzcocai
nei
sdanger
ous
Fi
kz:Sayswho?LookI'vebeenusi
ngi
tforf
ora
whi
lenow..Am Idead?
Me:Howdoyouaf
for
dthi
s?Howmuchi
sit
?
Fi
kz:R600
Myeyeswi
dened.
.
Me:Yeeee?
Fi
kz:Justdoonehit
,andi
fyoudon'
tli
kei
tthenyou
don'
thavetodoitagai
n
Inodded.
..

BELI
NDA

Ididn'
tknowwher et
ost artbutIt
ri
ed.Iusedred
andblack,justt
ri
edpai
nt i
ngmyf aceandwhatnot .
ItwashardbutasIcontinued,itwasabiteasi
er.
Justpaint
ingandpaint
ing.
Kaiwal
kedoverhol
dingamugofcof
fee.
.
Shel
ookedatt
hepor
trai
t.
.
Me:So?
Kai
:Youdone?
Me:Notyet
Kai
:Keepgoi
ngt
hen
Me:Okay
Kai
:Whyuseonl
ytwocol
our
s?Redandbl
ack?
Me:Blackdescr
ibesmyemot
ionsandr
ed
descr
ibesmypain
Kai
:Under
standabl
e..Wel
lletmenotkeepyou
wai
ti
ngthen

NANGOMSO

Ir
odeinthesamecarwi
thNdal
o'sMot
her
,andt
he
Si
ster
s..
Aluvo:Shemadeamocker youtofmyBr other
's
death,nowshe'sallt
rendi
ng.Disr
espectedhi s
l
egacyandst r
ippedhim offhi
sdignit
y..The
di
srespectofital
liswhenwehadt ocallthecops
onhert obeescort
edout
Luvo:I
'
m sodi
sappoint
edandhurt,
ther
e'sno
amountofSor
rythatwi
ller
asenorundothi
s
Al
uvo:IwonderwhatNdal
osawi
nher
Isatt
her
equi
etl
ysoandl
ist
eni
ngt
othem bashi
ng
Bel.Sothi
smeansifi
teverwor
kedBet
weenNdal
o
andI,thi
siswhatt
heywereal
sogoi
ngtodot
ome. .
Trashtal
kme

It
ookmyphoneandt
ext
edLel
eonwhat
sapp:

Me:"
Ndal
o'sf
ami
lyi
s..Theynotgoodpeopl
e"
[
2Mi
n]
Lel
e:"
Why?Whathappened?
"
Me:"
Theyt
rasht
alki
ngBel
"
Lel
e:"
Doyoubl
amet
hem?
"
Me:"
Iunder
standwhatshedidbutt
hisisr
idi
cul
ous,
i
fyoucoul
dhearwhattheysayi
ngyeses"
Lel
e:"
Bel
indadi
srespect
edNdal
o'sl
egacy"
Me:"Iknowbutshe'
shur
ti
ng,
weal
ldealwi
thpai
n
di
ff
erentl
y"
Lel
e:"
That
'snoexcuset
obedi
srespect
fult
oyouri
n
l
aws"
Me:
"Hai
ke"

CLARA

Icoul
dn'
tdot
his,
itwascr
azy.Whati
fIgocr
azy?
Me:Ican'
tdot
his
Fi
kz:Subasl
owandst
upi
d
Me:Bye
Iwalkedoutofthetoi
letandhur
ri
edmywayi
nto
thehouseagain..
Iwal
kedt
othemai
nbedr
oom andsatdownont
he
chai
r.
.
Aunt
:Youal
ri
ght
?
Me:Yes
Aunt
:Ar
eyour
eadyt
oleave?
Me:Yes
Aunt
:Let
'sgo
Wewer
egoi
ngt
oputanor
derf
ort
heveget
abl
es
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
24] :113

SEASONFI
NALE

NANGOMSO

Thehallwasf
ull
.Peopl
espokebeaut
if
ull
yabout
him,themedi
awasheretooandthememori
al
servi
cewasli
ve.
.

Itwasaveryemoti
onalsi
tuati
on,especi
all
yseei
ng
hist
ori
calpi
ctur
eondispl
ay..Thi
smoment
confi
rmedthathewasreal
lygoneandwi l
lnever
comeback..
Daveandhiscrewwal
kedupt
hest
aget
osayaf
ew
wordsabouthi
m..

Dave:IknewNdal owhenmyhusbandwhowasmy
boyfri
endbackt hen,sawavi deoofNdal oon
YouTubedoi ngar eading.Wet henwenti nsear ch
ofhim andmadehi m apr oposalhedi dn'trefuse.
I'
vewor kedwithhi mf oryears,hebecamemor e
thanjustacolleaguebutaf r
iendt oo.
.Wer eall
y
thoughtthatwewer egoi ngtomaket heshowgoon
forpossibl
yyear st ocomebutIguessl i
fehad
diff
erentplansforus.Wor dscannotbegi nt o
describehowmuchhi spassi ngi saffect
ingus, we
sti
llcan'
tacceptt hathisgone.Li f
eisunpr edictabl
e,
butit'
salsounf air
.Wel ostagr eatfri
end

BELI
NDA

Iwasdonewi
tht
hepor
trai
t,wel
ookedati
t.
Kai
:Tel
lmemor
eaboutt
hispai
nti
ng
Me:WellasI'
vesai
dbef
oreIusedbot
hthese
col
our
st ohel
pmedescri
bemypaintoit
'scor
e
Shenodded.
.
Me:I '
vebeenthr oughal ot,myhear ti
sstil
lbleedi
ng.
Allthepai
nt hatIwasabl etowor konovert heyears,
thescarsbledt hroughagai nwi t
hwhatmyhusband
putmet hrough.Idon' tknowi fthist
imear oundI'
l
l
beabl et
owor kont hebleedingemot i
onalscars,
stopthebleedingandhealt hem again.I'
vebeen
throughalotandIt hi
nkt hatthere'
salimittowhata
humanbei ngcant ake
Kai:Mostoft hesescar saref r
om exper i
encest hat
youdi dn'tdeserve.Youdi dn'tdeser vet obehur tl
ike
thatbyt hatwoman, hercrueltyt oyouwasnotyour
fault
.YesIknowyougoi ngtosayIwaswr ong,I
deservedi t.Youwer ewr ongf ordat ingamar r
ied
manknowi ngthathewasmar ried, youhel pedhi m
cheat,youhel pedhi m breakhi smar riageand
familyapar tbutwhatshedi d.That ,youdi dn't
deserve.Somel essonsi nli
fear ever ypainf ul
,we
l
earnt hehar dwayandwhenwel ear nthroughpai n
wet endt onotr epeatthesamemi stakeoverand
overagai nbecauseweknowexact l
ywhatt he
repercussi onsare..Someoft hescar sar eself
i
nf l
icted,youdi dittoyour sel
f.Whenyourmar ri
age
crumbl ed, youhadt hechoi ceofwal kingawaybut
youdi dn't.Youwer eyoubef orehim, youst i
ll
could'vebeenyouwi t
houthim.Hegaveyounol i
fe,
hejustcamet ohealwhatwasI nf
li
ctedandwhen
hedi d,youl ostyour selfi
nhim andf or gotaboutyou.
Yousawyour selfbr okentoneverbel ovedagain
butwhatyoudi dn'tknowwast hatthesamewayhe
l
ovedyou, ist
hesamewayanot herManwoul d'
ve
l
ovedyout oo
Walkingawayf r
om someoneyoul ovei
ssometimes
har
der ,
butstayinghurt
smorethanstayi
ng.Youare
agoodPer son,youareabeaut
iful
lysel
fmade
woman.Don' tl
oseyourwortht
ryingtoseekfor
val
idati
onforyout oknowt
hatyouar ewort
hit.
.
Shepickedupthebrushandusedt
heyel
lowcol
our
tocr
osst hepai
nti
ng..
Kai
:Wearecl
osingthi
schapt
erofyourl
if
eand
i
nst
il
li
nghopeagain
Shethenusedawhi
tecol
ouront
hebl
ackpar
tof
thepai
nti
ng
Kai:Webr ingingaboutheal ing,west opt he
bleedingandl etthewoundshealyetagai n.Trust
mewecanhol dthistherapysessionsf oryear sto
comeandt heywi llbei nef
fecti
ve,therapyonl y
wor ksifyoual l
owi ttoo.90%oft hewor kcomes
from you, Ican'thel pyouifyounotwi ll
ingt owork
oni ttoo.I
t '
sl i
fe,i
t'snotperfectandi t
'snotf airbut
wekeeponkeepi ngon.Wegot hroughhar dships
andi nturnwhenweconquer ,wegett oseehow
strongwear e.
.Youcoul d'
veselfdestructedwhen
thatwomanvi olatedyou, butyoudi dn't
.Youkept
on, andthat '
sexact lywhatyouneedt odoevennow.
Keeponkeepi ngon, weclosingthischapt erfor
good.West artoffbyapol ogizi
ngt othef ami l
y,
whet hertheyacceptyourapol ogyornot ,
itdoesn't
mat terbutyouwoul d'veapologi
zed
Inodded.
..

CLARA
Wegotbackfrom ourer
rands,
thef
uneralison
Sat
urdaysowehavet omakesurethateveryt
hing
hasbeencar
ri
edoutuntilt
hen..

Itwasdif
ficul
thavingtoacceptt hatmy
Grandmotherwasgone, shewast helastandonly
PersonIhadint hi
sworld.Idon'twhatI '
m goingto
dowi t
houther,shewasal sothebr eadwinnerwit
h
hersassasocialgrant

Can'ttr
ustrel
ati
ves,
theywi thyounow.Aft
erthe
funeral
,Idoubtt
heywillsti
llshowthei
rsupport
.
MissGr eall
yrui
nedmyl if
e..

Aunt
:Whatdi
dyouexpect
?
It
oldherever
ythi
ngt
hathappened.
.
Me:Shecoul
d'vej
ustl
eftmeal
one,Iam ata100
t
hatshewasbehindmyMotherconfsessi
ng
Aunt:Youluckyyoustil
lher
e,thatwomani s
dangerous.Ican'
tbel
ieveyournextdoorneighbour
i
sherDaught er
Me:Idon'
tunder
stand,
whydidsheagreetohel
p
meifsheknewthatIwasconsul
ti
ngtorui
nher
Daught
er'
sli
fe
Aunt:I
tdoesn'
tmatter
,whatmat
ter
sist
hatyou
needhelptochangeyourl
if
e
Me:Iam donewithwit
chcr
aft,Iwantnot
hingt
hat
combinesmewi t
hitanymore.Looknow,my
Grandmotheri
sgonebecauseofwi t
chcr
aft
Aunt
:Thenwhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.I'
l
lsee

NANGOMSO

Wehadashortrecesst
ogetsomer
efr
eshment
s.I
wasal
readyt
ir
ed..
Reco:Idon'
treal
lyl
ikeBelbutt
hisi
sdr
ast
ic
Me:I'
mt el
li
ngyou,howdoyoupr
eventyour
Daughteri
nlawfrom comi
ngt
oherhusband'
s
funer
al?
Reco:Ndal
olovedBel
indaandsodi
dshe,
thi
sisal
l
wrong
Me:Theywil
lregr
eti
ftheyf
indt
hatNdal
olef
tal
ot
oft
hingst
oBel
Reco:I
'
m sur
ehel
eftt
hem t
hingst
oo
Me:Idon'
tknowI
'
m goi
ngt
osur
vivewi
tht
his
f
amily
Reco:You'
l
lbef
ine

THENANNY

Imovedawayf
rom peopl
etot
alkt
otheLawyer
..

Lawyer
:Wewillcar
ryoutt
her
eadi
ngoft
hewi
ll
someti
menextweek
Me:Good.
.Di
dyoudoever
ythi
ngIsai
d?
Lawyer:Yesever
ythi
ngisi
nyourname, f
orgi
nghi
s
si
gnaturewasabitdif
fi
cul
t.Wentt
hroughalotof
tr
oubl
e
Me:Andyourt
roubl
eswi
llbepai
dof
f
Lawyer
:Ihopeso.
.Sameamountweagr
eedon?
Me:Yes
Lawyer
:Gl
adweunder
standeachot
her
Me:Ver
ywel
l
Aftert
hatl
it
tl
est
untthatBeli
ndapulled,shewon't
begetti
ngacent
.Can'twaittoseethelookonher
facewhenshegetsevict
edfrom t
hehouse, she
mustgobackhomewher eshebelongs.Toher
toxicf
amil
y..
.

LELE

Mont
hendI'
llbevi
sit
ingmyGr andmot
her
'sgr
ave
andt
henI
'
llstar
twit
ht hei
nit
iat
ion.
Iwasexci
ted,
Ijustwanttodot
hissoIcanf
ini
sh
andcont
inuewithmylif
e..

MyMom rangme.
.Ilookedatt
hecal
lasitr
angand
di
dn'
tpi
ckup,I
'
m notgoingtomakepeacewit
hher
..
.
Tobecont
inued
Don'tforgettosuppor
toursponsor
edbonusf or
today,wear e1500away..Whenwer eacht
arget,
I
willbri
ngaboutt wobonuses,
onebonuswillmake
upf ortheshorti
nsert
[
01/
09,
09:
24] :SEASONFI
NALE

114

BELI
NDA
Thedayt hathasbeenwi delyant i
cipatedf i
nally
came, t
hedayofhi sfuner alSat ur
daymor ning.Hi s
funeralwasal sogoi ngtobet elevised, t
hemanI '
ve
spentyear swi th.ThemanIwasmar r
iedtoo, now
I'
ml efttowat chhi sfuneralj ustl i
keever yoneel se.
Asi fl
ikehewasast r
angert ome. .Iunderstandt he
painandt hedi srespectI'veputhi sf amilythrough,
andIdon' tblamet hem forwhatt heydi dalthough
hisMot hersentmeat extl astni ghtinformingme
thatther eadingoft heWi ll
, willbeonMonday
mor ning.It houghtIshoul dgi vet hem t i
me, forthem
tohaveapeacef ulfuneralbef or eshowi ngupt o
apologize..Af terthepaint i
ngsessi onIhadwi thKai,
Ireall
yl i
kedi t.Somucht hatIt houghtIshoul dget
mysel fasetsoIcoul dpai ntathome. .

Ipreventedbeingal oneinthehousetodaysoIwent
homef oravisit,seehowt heyholdi
ngup.It
'sbeen
ami nute.WithalltheshameIbr oughtt
omyf amil
y,
Iwasevenembar rassedtoshowupbutIcan't
avoidthem forever..
.
Mawe:Li
ndawanqaba(
you'
vebeenscar
ce)
Me:I
'
vebeengoi
ngt
hrought
hemostMawe
Mawe:EyyNgobai
mpi
loNkosiyami(
li
fei
sdi
ff
icul
t)
Me:Wher
eisMa?
Mawe:Shei
sbyherboyf
ri
end'
spl
aceyouknow
Me:Shehasanewone?
Mawe:Yesshedoes
Me:Def
ini
tel
ynotsur
pri
sed
Mawe:Uyamazinj
e(youknow)
Me:Shoul
dImakeussomet
ea?Sowecant
alk?
Mawe:I
'
llmakei
t
Me:Okay

NANGOMSO

Lel
ewaswit
hmethisti
mearound,Iwasgl
adshe
washer
e.Woul
dn'
thavegot
tenthr
oughthi
sday
wit
houther.
.Theyhadboughthim awhit
ecasket
,
hadwhit
ecandlesaroundhiscasket
.Wewere
si
tt
ingatthefr
ontrow,j
ustnexttohi
sfamil
y..

Wewer en'tgoingtospendmuchtimehere,
onlyan
hourorso.Asmuchwasn' tr
equi
redtobecarr
ied
wit
hthef uneralser
vice.
.

TheSi
ster
swer
euponst
aget
alki
ngabouthi
m..

Luvo:Ndal owasourBr other.OurAunt,

hisMother
tookusi nafterourParentspasseddonandr ai
sed
uslikeherown.Basi call
yNdal oi
sourcousinbut
becauseoft heclosenesswehadwi t
hhim, hewas
l
ikeaBr otherthanacousi n.Wearetorndeepinside,
wedon' tknowhowl i
feisgoingtobewithouthim

Shef
oughtbackt
ear
s..
Luvo:Wenotgoingt osaymuchbecauseoft he
pai
nwegoi ngthr
ough, butwewi l
lsaysomething.
Wear eher
etoprotectourNanny, alotwaswrit
ten
andsaidaboutNdalo'swife.Ist
andher etoday,t
o
cl
arif
ywhatwassai dsot herealreasonwhyshei s
notherewit
hust oday,canbegi ven

Lel
eandIl
ookedateachot
her
..

Luvo:Yeswehaveapr otect
ionorderagai
nsther,
duet othedisr
espectsheshowedusi nourti
meof
pain.Beli
ndadrankher selft
othemaxandst arted
i
nsultingus,sheinsult
edNdal o'
sMot herawoman
thatlovedherli
keshewasherownDaught er.We
didtoo,welovedher .Asifli
kethatwasnotenough,
shehadherl esbianloverdropheroffforher
husband'sfuneral

Me:That
'snotr
ight
Lel
e:Iwassympat
hizi
ngwi
tht
hem butt
his.
.Such
t
hingsyoudon'
tsayatat
imel
iket
his

Luvo:SheslappedmySi st
erandt ol
dherthatwhen
shegetsmyBr other
'smoney,she'scutt
ingheroff
fi
nancial
lyandmysi st
erwon'tgetadimet o
conti
nuewi t
hschool.Sheissettoclai
m everyt
hing
ofhisandleaveusoutont hecold

Camerasweref
lashi
ng,
thi
sisgoi
ngt
omake
headl
ines.
.

Luvo:Onet hingt hatyouguysdon' tknowi sthathe

hadanot herwomant hathewasi nlovewi t
h,thathe
wassett ot akeasasecondwi f
ebutunf ort
unately
Beli
ndadi dn'twant .Wehavemether ,andshe'sa
l
ovelywoman.She' sevenher etopayherr espect
and..MyBr otherbeforehepassedonaf ewdays
beforehet oldmesomet hing.Hehadmovedoutof
hi
swi fe'shouse, andt heywer eseparated.
Foll
owi ngherusi ngwi tchcraftagai
nsthim andt o
ki
llmyBr other '
sunbor nchi l
d..YesMyBr ot
her's
secondwomanNangomsoi
spr
egnant

Shel
it
eral
lypoi
ntedatme,
camer
asmovedt
ome.
.

Luvo:ThankyouSosoforrespecti
ngus,forbeing
herebutmostofallt
hankyouf orthi
sgi
ftthatyou
abouttogiveus.Hel
ovedyou, youwereloved

Itur
nedandl ookedatReco,
heshr
uggedhi
s
shoulder
s..
.

BELI
NDA

Iwaswatchi
ngthefuner
alservi
celi
ve,onYouTube.
MyeyeswelledupatwhathisSist
ersaid.Dot
hey
suddenl
yhatemethismuch?Topubl i
clyhumi
li
ate
meliket
his?
Mawe:I
nlaws,
themostevi
lpeopl
eonear
th
Me:Howcant
heydot
his?Whyar
etheydoi
ngt
his?
Mawe:Truecolour
sarebei
ngshownmy
sweet
heart
,tr
uecolour
sarebei
ngshown
Me:I'
m notgoingt odefendmyself
, I
'
m notgoi
ngto
givet
hem thesatisfact
ion.
.Mylesbianl
over?They
knewverywellthatwasmyt her
apist
Mawe:Ir
eal
lyl
ikeNdal
o'sMot
her
,sheseemedl
ike
agoodwoman
Me:Iguesswef
oundoutt
hatshe'
snotwhowe
t
houghtshewas
Myphoner
ang,
itwasKai
..
Me:Hey
Shel
aughed.
.
Me:Whati
sit
?
Kai
:Lesbi
anl
over
?Nowt
hat
'sf
unny
Me:I
'
m gl
adyouf
indt
hisf
unny
Kai
:Iti
sfunny,
theyar
ecl
owns
Me:Howcant
heydot
his?
Kai:Becauset hat'
swhot heyare,
sointhei
r
Brother
'sfuneraltheyhadnothingval
idtosay
abouttheirBrotheranddecidedtotal
kaboutyou?
Soyout hatinterest
ing?
Me:Isupposeso
Kai
:Beproud,appar
ent
lyyouweremoreimpor
tant
t
hanthem speaki
ngaboutthei
rBr
other
Shel
aughedandIl
aughedt
oo.
.
Kai
:Don'
tevendefendyoursel
font
henet
,don'
t
gi
vethem t
hesat
isfact
ion
Me:Iwon'
t,
Iwon'
tlett
hem gett
ome
Kai
:Justpai
nti
t
Me:Justpai
nti
t
Webot
hlaughed.
..

CLARA
MyGr andmotherwasfinal
lybeingl
aidtor
esttoday,
myAuntcar r
iedouteveryt
hing.Shehadafuneral
coverforher
..

Wewer ehavingaser vi
ceinthetentwhenwehear d
noise,
Peoplewerechant i
ng..Thenoisegotcl
oser
andclosert
ot het
entbutt heydidn'
tmaketheirway
i
nside.Theystoodthere,i
twast hecommuni t
y
si
ngingontopoftheirlungs,happythatt
hewitchis
dead..

Iwaswonder i
ngwhynoonef r
om thecommuni t
y
att
endedthefuneral
,nowIseet her eason.Thiswas
heart
breaki
ng.Wewantt olaymyGr andmot heri
n
peace,t
heyshouldatleastrespectthat.
.

Aunt
:I'
m cal
li
ngt
hecops
Ihopethecopswi
llgether
esoonbef
oret
heycome
i
nsideandatt
ackus..
NANGOMSO

Aft
ert
heser vi
cewel ef
tfort
hecemet ery.LeleandI
wewereridinginoneofthefamil
ycars, i
twasj ust
meandher .Therewereabout5familycars..Allthe
car
spresentwer eonl
ytwocolours.Black&whi te..

Me:Di
dyouheart
hat
?
Lel
e:I
'
m gr
avel
yshockedt
hatwasoutofor
der
Me:IswearLeleIdon'twantnothi
ngtodowith
t
hesepeople,
whati fwehaveanar gumentt
hen
t
heytellmySonvi l
ethingsaboutme.Ri
ghtnow
t
heycandoanyt hing,t
heyhaveshownthemselves
t
hattheycanbet oxi
candvi l
e
Lel
e:Iam lostforwor
dsstr
uuIdon'
twannal
ie,
the
mediawaspr esentwhatwi
llt
heywr
it
eandsay
aboutBel
inda
Me:IwishNdalolef
theral
otoft
hingst
hathedi
d
f
orthem besebanyenyi
Lel
e:Iam st
il
lshocked
BELI
NDA

Mawe:BelindaIthi
nkit
'sti
meyouli
veyourli
fe,
you
can'
tjustf
orgetaboutNdal
obutyou'
llhavet
oo
Me:Ij
ustwantthem t
ocarr
ymycleansi
ngt hat
'sall
,
t
henaftert
hereadi
ngofthewi
llwecanallseparat
e
i
npeaceuntilt
hecl
eansi
ng
Mawe:Thatt
heywillhavetodoforyou,
theydon'
t
haveachoi
ce.Theycan'tbet
hatevil
Me:Wewi
llseeMawe
Sheshookherhead.
..

CLARA

Wecoul
dn'tproceedwi
thanyt
hing,
wej
ustsatt
her
e
wai
ti
ngforthenoiset
odiedown.
MyAuntcal
ledt
hef
uner
alPal
our
,wewer
emeantt
o
l
eaveforthecemet
eryi
n30mi
ntimebutwi
thhow
ever
ythi
ngwascarri
edout
.Wehadtol
eavenow.
.

Aunt
:Kant
ibaphinabo?(
wher
ear
ethepol
ice)
Thiswaspainfulf
orustowatch,
thi
sisnothowwe
shoul
dt r
eateachotherasacommunit
y.Iti
swrong,
i
tisverywrong..
.
Tobecont
inued

Secondbonust
ocomel
aterwhenwehaver
eached
tar
get
[
01/
09,
09:
24] :115

SEASONFI
NALE

NANGOMSO
Ndalo'sfuneralwasbeaut if
ul,
itwasbr eathtaking
andhewasl aidtor esti
nthemostdi gnifi
edway.
Otherthanhist wocousi nswhower eoutofor der
,
buteverythi
ngel sewascar ri
edoutbeaut if
ull
y.
Incl
udingtheeat ingpartwhenwegotbackf rom t
he
graveyard.I
twasal mostasifli
kewewer eata
weddingofsomesor t,t
heyhadhiredacat ering
company.Thef oodwasdel ici
ousandsuf f
ici
entfor
everyone..

Whenallwasdone,atar
ound15:
00.Lel
eandIbi
d
t
hefamilyf
arewel
lwhenTheNannycall
edmeto
t
hesideandaskedtotal
ktome

Me:I
twasabeauti
fuldigni
fi
edfuner
al,
hewasl
aid
t
oresti
nthemostrespectf
ulway
Shesmi
led.
.
Nanny:Hel
ivedhi
sli
fethebestwayheknewhow,
sohehadtobelai
dtoresti
nthebestwaytoo
Me:Ver
ytr
ue
Nanny:Iwoul
dli
ket
odi
scusssomet
hingwi
thyou
Me:Okay
Nanny:Aboutt
hebaby
Me:Whataboutmybaby?
Nanny:Nangomsoyoudon' thaveajob,youdon't
haveasenseofdirect
ionandIwantmyGr andson
tohavethebestl
if
e.He'stheonlyconnecti
onI'l
l
havetomySon
Me:Iunderst
andwhatyousayi
ngbut
..Idon'
t
wannagiveupmybaby,he'
smybabyt oo
Nanny:Iam notseparati
ngyouf r
om him butIam
givi
ngyouanoppor tuni
tytoli
veyourbestlif
e
withoutthebur
denofachi l
dthatyoucannotaf ford.
YouwantmyGr andchil
dtoli
veonhandout s?I'm
sureyouwi l
lst
artdati
ngsoon.Idon'twantanot her
manr aisi
ngmyGr andson.Goingint
oar el
ationship
withababywi l
lbeabur dentoyourcompanion..I
don'twantthat
Me:Eveni
fNdal
owasstil
lhere,
Iwasgoingtodat
e
someoneel
seatsomepoi
nt.Look,
Iunderst
and
yourconcer
nsan-
Nanny:Idon' tthi
nkyoudo.Younotj ustcarr
yinga
random child,youcarryi
ngababyt hatwil
lgethis
father'
sgift
.I'
velivedwithNdaloandher eal
izedhis
gif
twhenhewasver yyoung, doyouknowhowl i
fe
wasf orhim?I twasdiffi
cult
.Ihaveexperi
ence,you
don't!Icanraisehim well
Me:Iam hisMot her
,Idon'tneedexperiencet
oraise
mySon.I tcomeswithli
fe,it
'sspontaneous.Hehas
al
readylostoneParent,I
'
m notgoi ngtohavehim
l
osemet oo.I
'
m sorryMrsDl omobutIwoul drat
her
suff
erandr ai
semychi l
dthangi vi
nghim up.Idon't
wanthim growingupandr esentmet hatI
abandonedhim
Nanny:I
twassai dthatyourMot herwaskill
edby
yourownFather.Yes,Ndalotol
dmeonceupona
ti
me.Yougrewupi nat oxi
cenvi ronment,
howdo
youthenthi
nkyoucangi vethischi l
dthebestl
if
e?
Whenyouyour sel
fyouwer eraisedbad?
Me:Nowwi t
hallduerespectMam'Iam notBel
inda,
Iam notapushover
!Iwon'tl
etyoucont
rolme.
NdaloandIwer
en'
tevenmar
ri
edf
oryout
omake
suchdemands
Shewal
kedupcl
osert
ome.
.
Nanny:Wi t
hallduer espectthensidechi ck, when
I'
m donewi tht
hatoneshewon' tevenr ecogni ze
hersel
fandIhopeshet ell
syouwhatI 'm aboutt odo
tohersothatyouknowver ywellhowt opi ckyour
fi
ghts!Iam nottheonet omesswi th.Your ui
nedmy
Son'smarriagefir
stofall,andI'
m givingyouan
easywayoutofl i
febuther eyouaret hinkingyou
aremor esmar t
er.Ihopebyt hetimet hatt hisbaby
i
sbor nyouwi l
lhaveaj obofsomesor t
, youwi l
lbe
welloffst
able.Ifnot,I
'l
lbecomi ngf oryou
Me:Ar
eyout
hreat
eni
ngme?
Nanny:I
fIwasthr
eateni
ngyou,
youwoul
dknow.
I
'mjustwar
ningyou
Shef
ixedmydr
esswhi
lstsmi
li
ng.
.
Nanny:I
twasgoodhavi
ngyouar
oundatt
he
f
uneral
,keepwel
lMi
ssy
Shet
henwal
kedaway.
..
BELI
NDA

Mymot hercamebackjustwhenIwasaboutt
o
l
eave,
shewasabi tdrunk.
.
Fufu:Awwthebi
ggestdi
sappoint
mentoft
his
househol
dfi
nal
lydeci
dedtostopby
Il
ookedather
..
Fuf
u:Ihopeyouhaven'
tmovedi
n
Me:No
Fuf
u:That
'sgoodt
hen
Mawe:Fundi
le
Fuf
u:What?Ever
yoneknowsshe'sthebi
ggestfl
unk,
howcanyounotkeepsomethingassimpl
easyour
marr
iage?Qal
'
uyi
va(it
'smyfir
stti
mehearingofi
t)
Me:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
ofi
ghtwi
thyou
Fuf
u:Whosai
dyoushould?I
'
m notfi
ghtingtooI
'
m
j
ustst
ati
ngf
acts.
.Ndal
owasthe"I
t"foryou.Which
manwoul dwantawomant hatcannotconci
eve,
thatcannotpr
ovi
degoodsex?Basicsurvi
valgui
de
ofagoodmar ri
age
Me:Tel
lmesomet
hingt
hatIdon'
tknow
Shepaused.
.
Fufu:Youknow,youarebyf
armybiggestr
egref
ul
mistakei
nlif
e!I
nsteadofmySondyi
ng,Iwishit
wasyou!
Mawe:Fundi
le!
!!
Fuf
u:Howcanshehaveamot
herl
ikeme
Il
ookedatherandshookmyhead.
.
Me:HowcanaMot herli
keyouhaveachildli
keme!
I'
vetol
erat
edyouf
orallmylif
ebutenoughis
enoughnow!Youareungrat
eful
,Idoever
ythi
ngfor
you
Fuf
u:That
'sbecauseI
'
m yourMot
her
,youoweme!
Me:Ioweyoushit!
!!Howar eyouinaposi t
ionto
evenj
udgeme?Younosai ntyoursel
f!Whati st
he
mostamazingthi
ngt hatyoudi dandar edoingwit
h
yourl
if
eothert
handr inki
ngandsl eepingaround
Shesl
eptmeacr
osst
hef
ace.
.
Fufu:That
'swhyhi
smi st
resswasatthefuneral
andnotyou!Yougotbeatenbyami st
ressandhe's
pregnantt
oo!Andshediditwi
thoutaring
Mawe:St
opi
t!Bot
hofyou!
Me:Iwoul
drathernothaveamot hert
hant
odeal
wi
thyou!Asfr
om today,Idon'
thaveamother
!You
ar
etoxi
c
Fuf
u:From hereon.
.Ial
sodon'thaveaDaught
er!
Don'
teventhinkofmovingbackinherewhenthe
goi
nggetstough!Ineverwannaseeyouagain
Me:Wi
thPl
easur
e
Iwal
kedout
..
Mawe:Bel
indawai
t.
.

CLARA

MyGr andmot
herwasbur
iedi
nthemostpai
nful
way.Thecopsshowedupatt
heirownt
ime,
del
ayi
ngustogotothecemet
eryast
hecommuni
ty
cl
oseddownther
oad..

Weonlygotbackaboutanhouragof
rom af
uner
al
t
hatwasveryearl
yinthemorni
ng.

Aunt
:Wedefini
tel
ycan'thol
dasecondf
uner
alf
or
uSi
si,
sheshoul
dbecr emated
Aunt2:Howcome?I t
'snotl
ikei
twasherfaul
tshe
wasturnedint
oaZombi emoss,i
t'
sthesameevil
communi t
ythati
sbusysayi
nguMamkhul uwasa
wit
ch
Iswal
lowed.
.
Aunt:Wher eismoneygoi ngtocomefrom huh?She
wasneveri nanyfuneralcover,
shepassedona
l
ongt i
meago.Pl us,withthecommunityacti
nglike
t
his,Idon'tthi
nkit'
ssafetoholdasecondfuneral.
Kakashiswenj e(
letherbecremated)
Aunt2:Hai
khonaSi
si
Aunt
:Ifyouhavet
hemoneyt
henbur
yher
!Idon'
t
havet
imenormoneyt
owast
eonst
upi
dit
y
Aunt2:Howcanyousaysuchaboutyourown
Si
ster
?
Aunt
:Youdon'
tknowwhatr
eal
lywentdown
Aunt2:Shewast
urnedi
ntoazombi
ebyevi
lpeopl
e
oft
hiscommunit
y
MyAuntlaughed,Icoul
dseethatt
heconversati
on
wasgoingtohavemebusted.MyAuntmi ghtjust
spi
llt
hebeans.
.
Me:I
t'
sokay.
.Auntyi
sri
ght,
wedon'
thavet
he
moneyforasecondf
uner
al
Aunt
:Exact
ly!
Aunt2:Hai
ke!
Shewal
kedout
..
..

NANGOMSO

Iwasf
umi
ng,
howcant
hiswomant
alksomuchi
ll
aboutme?
..
Lel
e:Cal
m down
Me:I'
m notcal
mingdownf
ornot
hing!Thatwoman
i
svici
ous
Wewal
kedi
ntot
hehouse.
.
Me:No!She'
sful
lofit
,ther
e'snowayI
'
m gi
vingup
mychil
d!Notnow,nowever!
Lel
e:Yenashe'
sinsane!Whogi
vesupababyj
ust
l
ikethat
?
Me:Ifshet
hinkst
hatI'
m Beli
nda,thenshehas
anot
herthi
ngcoming!I
'm notgi
vinghermySon!

BELI
NDA

I
nst
eadofcryingIwasver
yli
vid.Iam t
ir
edofmy
Mot
her'
satt
itudetowar
dsme,I'
m done!
I'
m donewithherf
orgood!!I
'
m donewi
th
everyt
hing,
donewithever
yonewhomakesmyl
if
e
dif
fi
cult.
.
Iwashappyt hatIwasabl
etostandupformysel
f.
.
Shehasbeenabusi ngmeforfart
oolongandIwas
qui
et,enoughisenough!I
'
m notgoingt
otakeher
nonsenseanymor e!

Iwasont
hephonewi
thKai
..
Kai
:I'
m gl
adyoust
oodupf
oryour
sel
ffi
nal
ly
Me:I tfeel
ssogoodfinal
lybeingabl
etoget
everythingoffmychest,
everythi
ngt
hatI
'vewai
ted
foryear stosay.
.
Kai
:I'
m pr
oudofyou
Me:Thankyou
Kai
:Ar
eyouonyourwayhome?
Me:Yes
Kai
:Okayt
hen,
you'
l
lcal
lmewhenyougethome
Me:Okay
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
25] :116

BELI
NDA

MySundaymor ni
ngwasnotbusy, hadnot hing
i
nt erestinggoingonf ormet odayot herthan
cleaningmyhouse.Wehadapar ttimehel per ,
butI
sor toflikestoppedherf r
om comi ngoverbecauseI
want edt odoever ythi
nginmyhouse.I t
'smyhouse
afterallandIcar r
iedoutt hechor es, wit
hNdal o'
s
helpher eandt here..Aft
ercleaningIusedt heguest
room t opai nt,
Ienj oythatpartofmyl i
fenow.I t
offloadsal lmypai nfrom deepwi thin,I'
m not
artisti
cbutI 'mt r
yingmyl evelbest .It'
snotabout
thepi cturebeingper f
ect,
it'
saboutpai ntingmy
emot i
onsput ti
ngt hem outt her
ehel psmeal ot.
.I
tookapi ctureandsenti ttoKai,shecal ledright
away. .
Kai
:It
'
sanemot
ionalpi
ctur
e(Sl
eepyvoi
ce)
Me:Di
dIwakeyouup?
Kai
:Notexact
lyIhadal
ateni
ght
Me:Whatdi
dyougetupt
oo?
Kai
:Hadapat
ientsi
tuat
ion
Me:I
twast
hatbad?
Kai
:Ya.
.Buthe'
l
lbeokay
Me:Atl
east
Kai
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
odayot
hert
hanpai
nti
ng?
Me:Aghnot
hingel
se
Kai
:Wannagooutl
ateron?
Me:Goout
?
Kai
:Pl
ayanext
remespor
t
Me:Thatsoundsse-
Kai
:Don'
twor
ryi
t'
snotwhatyout
hinki
tis
Me:Okayt
hen,
wecangoout
Kai
:I'
l
lcomeandgetyou
Me:Okaybye
Kai
:Byesunshi
ne

NANGOMSO

Lel
eandIwenttochurchthismor
ning,herchur
ch
wit
hMahlophe.Thenaft
ertheser
vice,
Bonehad
cal
ledusoverf
orlunch.
Iam gladhedid,wantedt
orunsomet hingbyhim.
..
Il
ikethechurch,i
t'
sa2hourser vi
ce.9am-11am.
Theydon'tcarr
youtunnecessarythi
ngsandIlove
i
t,it
'sagoodchurch.Real
lyconnectsyoutoGod
andyougooutoft her
ewit
hrenewedhope.Their
Bishopistr
ulygif
tednoli
es,andnoquest i
ons
asked..

Bonewastheonewhopr eparedthef ood,because

whenwegoti nhewasf i
nishingupbyt aki
ngthe
l
astcassar
oledishtotheli
vingroom. .Thedinning
ar
eawasal r
eadysetup,thef oodlookedappet i
zing.
Roast
edchicken,beefst
ew, ri
ce,salads,and
grapet
izer
.Her
eall
ywental
lout
,Iwonderatwhat
ti
mehewokeup. .
Heopenedt
hechai
rforme.
.
Me:Thankyou
Heal
soopenedonef
orLel
e..
Thankyou,
hesatdownt
oo.
.
Bone:Hai
keIhopeyouwi
llenj
oyt
hemeal
Me:I
tlooksappet
izi
ng
Lel
e:Atwhatt
imedi
dyoust
artcooki
ng?
Bone:AwwNkosazaneakusenanilokho,ngi
bonga
nj
eukuthini
ngi
thol
eSengicedi
le(Thatdoesn'
t
matter
,whatmatt
ersi
sthateveryt
hingisdone)
Lel
e:Wecanal
lhol
dhandsandpr
ay
Wehel
dhandsandpr
ayed.
.

CLARA

Ther
estofmyr
elat
ivesl
eftt
hismor
ning.
Aft
erwhatthecommuni
tyshowedt
hem yest
erday,
t
heydidn'
twannabeher
eanymore.
.Iwasonlylef
t
wit
hmyAunt .
.
Aunt:I
'
llpassbyatthehospi
talandr
equestt
hather
bodyshouldbeburned
Inodded.
.
Me:ThankyouAunt
ief
ornotr
ati
ngmeout
Aunt
:Ihavemyfaul
tst
oobutI
'
venevernoti
na
si
ngl
edayhurtmyfamil
y
Il
ookeddownal
lashamed.
.
Aunt:Thehonestt
rut
hist
hatI
'
m scar
edofyou,i
f
youcoulddothatt
oyourownMother
.Youcando
worsetome
Me:I
'
m sor
ry
Aunt:I
t'
st ool
atenow..Ijustcametoburymy
Mother.Washingoftheblanketsandcleani
ngup
that
'sallonyou.Theleastyoucandof orhersince
you'
vedonenot hingf
orher !Youi
nyour20s,
umdala!Thewomanwhot ookcareofyouthatyou
weresupposedt ocar
ef orandsupportfi
nanciall
y
shesuppor t
edyou.Whatanembar r
assment,
all
thatyouwoul ddoi sj
ustsl
eep.Notevenoncedi
d
youeverthinkofbet t
eri
ngyourli
fe,
youragemates
areatleastwor ki
ng.You'
veneverworkedadayin
yourlif
e!What ?YouthoughtuMawasgoi ngt
oli
ve
forever
?
HaikeNtombiyouar ealonenow, youar eoldand
youwi l
lseewhatt odo.Her e'
s1000I '
m givi
ngyou
soyoucoul dbuyawashi ngsoap.Dot heblanket
s
andthecur tai
nstoo,butbearinmi ndt hatthiswi
ll
bethelastmoneyyougetf rom me.Younotmy
responsi
bili
ty,younotevenmychi ld.Myown
chil
drenarewel lof
f,theydon'tbotherme.Ishal l
notbebot heredbyachi ldt
hat'snotmi ne..I'
l
lsee
youwhenwehavet odot hecleansingaf t
er3
mont hs
Shel
ookedar
ound.
.
Aunt
:Atl
eastyouhavet
hehouse.
.ByeCl
ara

NANGOMSO
Bone:Ti
mef
ordesser
t
Lel
e:Idon'
tthi
nkIhaver
oom f
ordesser
t
Bone:Awukwazekwabakubi(
That
'sbad)
Me:Thankyouf
ori
nvi
ti
ngus
Bone:That'swhatmyMot herwoul
d'vedone.Don't
forgetaboutt
hecleansi
ng,youl
adi
eswer ehere
l
ivingwithheri
nherlastdayandyoustayedforthe
funeral
Lel
e:Wewi
llcome
Me:Lel
ecanyoupl
easedomeaf
avour
?
Lel
e:Okay
Me:Iwoul
dli
ket
otal
ktoBonesal
one
Shenodded.
.
Lel
e:I
nst
eadofwait
ingcanIl
eave?Nat
himi
ght
wantt
ousehiscar
Bone:Nopr
obl
em.
.I'
l
ldr
iveherhome
Lel
e:Thankyou.
.Thankyouf
ort
hef
ood
Bone:Atl
eastt
akeasl
iceofcakehome
Lel
e:I
'
dlovet
hat
..Thankyou
Bone:I
'
llcuti
tforyou

BELI
NDA

Ideci
dedt
otakeashor
tnap,
whenallofasuddenI
waswokenupbysomethi
ngfal
li
ng.
Iwokeupwithmyheartraci
ng,
Ilookedar
oundand
Ndal
o'scol
ognehadfal
len.
Iswall
owedandt ookadeepbr eat
h,thengotoutof
bed.Thesmellofhiscol
ogneengulfedt heroom.I
wenttopickupthebrokenpiecesandt hrowthem
away.It
'sunusual
,thewindowsareclosed, t
he
sl
idi
ngdooristoo.
Idon'
tknowwhatknockedi
toffandt
hegl
assi
stoo
str
ongtojustbr
eaksoeasi
ly.

NANGOMSO
WebidLelegoodbyeandthenwalkedbacki
ntot
he
house.HeheldmyhandandhelpedmesoIdon't
tr
ipatthedoorst
epandf
all.

Bone:Ther
eyougo
Me:Thankyou
Bone:Usual
lywhenawomansayst
heywannat
alk
toyou,i
t'
susual
lynotgood
Hefoldedhi
sarmsandleanedagai
nstt
hefri
dge
l
ookingatme,herai
sedhi
seyebrowandthat
i
nti
mi dat
edme..
Bone:Ngi
kusi
kel
aindl
ebekeNt
okazi(
I'
mlendi
ng
youmyear)
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:I..Myl oveli
fehasalwaysbeencompl i
cated.It
broughtmeal otofpainthangoodandIhavet aken
adecisiont onotbeinvol
vedwi t
hanyoneelse.I'
m
pregnant,Ihaveababyal ongtheway.I'
m asingle
ParentandNdal o'sfamil
y
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:Theybeingunnecessary,
soIhavet ofocuson
worki
ngonmysel f
,mylifesoIcanpr ovi
dewellf
or
mychildorelsehi
sMot herwil
ltakehim away
Bone:Shecan'
tdot
hat
Me:She'
sthr
eat
eni
ngt
odoso
Bone:Thenwhydon'
tyout
alkt
oNdal
oaboutt
hat
?
Me:Ndal
owon'
tcomet
hrough
Bone:Haveyout
ri
edt
alki
ngt
ohi
m?
Me:No.
.
Bone:Justbecausehe'snotwi t
hyouphysi
cal
ly,
thatdoesn'
tmeanhecan' thelpyoufi
ghtf
oryour
sonbeyondt hegrave.Youjusthavet
otal
ktohim
andlevelwit
hhim
Me:Ineversawi
tthatway
Bone:Sot
het
alk.
.Basi
cal
lyyouwer
esayi
ng?
Me:Idon'
twantar
elat
ionshi
p
Henoddedhi
sheadr
epeat
edl
y..
Bone:Ir
espectyourdeci
sionandIwon'
tpr
essur
e
you,
canweatl
eastbef
ri
ends?
Me:Idon'
tseeapr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
Bone:Canf
ri
endshavedesser
ttoget
her
?
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Yes
Bone:Okay.
..Ri
ghtt
hisway
If
oll
owedhi
mtot
hel
ivi
ngr
oom.
.

CLARA

Iknel
tdownnextt
omyGr andmot
her'
sbed.Ilai
d
myheadonthesidewher
eshesleptandcr
ied..
Me:Idon'tknowhowI '
m goi
ngtodothisli
fething
alone,wit
houtyou.
.Idon'
tknowhowI '
m goingto
l
ivewi t
houtyou.
.Idon'
twannagoonwi thoutyou,I
don'tknowhowI '
m goi
ngtosurvi
ve.
.I'
m alone,I'
m
allal
one.
Thi
swasnotsupposedt
obet
hisway,
it'
swr
ong.
It
'sal
lwrong.
.It
'sver
ywrong..Idon'
twantyouto
l
ovemeandpr otectmebeyondt hegr
ave,Iwant
youtotakemewi t
hyou.
Iwannabewit
hyou..Ican'tsur
vivewi
thoutyou.
.
Pl
easetakemewit
h( cr
ying)

BELI
NDA

Icleanedthecologneonthefl
oorbutthesmell
didn'tgo.I
twasstronganditr
emi ndedmeofhim.I
l
ower edmyfacedowntot hef
loortosmel
litmore,
I
j
usti maginedhi
m.
Hi
spi
ctur
epl
ayedi
nmyhead.
.
Me:I'
m sor
rythatyoudepar
tedf
rom t
hiswor
ldand
t
hingsweren'
tgoodbetweenus.
I'
m sorr
yIdi sr
espectedyourf
ami l
y,I
'm sorr
yf or
everyt
hing.Thankyouf orl
ovi
ngmeatmywor st
,
thankyouf ormakingmeexperiencetruelove.I
haveallthereasonstoneverdateagain,but
becauseofhowyoul ovedme.I'
llal
waysbel i
evein
l
oveandIpr
aythenextPer
sonwi
lll
ovemej
ustl
ike
youdi
dormore
Iknowyouwantmet omoveonandbehappy,
that
'swhatI'
m goingt
odo.Thankyouf
or
everyt
hing,
Iloveyouandr
estwellmyl
ove.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
25] :117

BELI
NDA

Iendedupgoi
ngoutl
ateronwi
thKai
.Ineededt
he
fr
eshair
,andagoodouti
ng.

Despi
teherbeingagoodpsychol
ogi
stshe'
salsoa
ver
ygoodfri
end.She'sther
ewhenIneedherthe
most,
andI'm grat
efult
ohavesomeonel
ikeheri
n
mycornerri
ghtnow.
Someonewhogi vesitli
keitis,someonewho
doesn'
tpit
yme.Unf ort
unatelylif
eisnotpi t
if
ul,j
ust
becauseyou'
vebeent hroughthemostt hatdoesn'
t
meanyouwon' tconti
nuet oexper i
encethemost .
Thekeyistokeepmovi ngandpr ayforbett
erdays..

Ithoughtwewer egoi ngtogoout ,butwedrove

strai
ghttoherplace.Shel i
vedinagat ed
communi ty,ver
yclassynei ghbor
hoodevent hough
thehousesar esmall.Itseemedsopeacef ulandthe
houseslookedexact l
yt hesame.Iwoul dget
confused..

Me:Howdoyout
ellwhi
chonei
syour
s?
Kai
:I'
vel
ivedher
efor5year
snow.
.So
Me:Okayyouusedt
oit
Kai
:Yes
Me:Youguyscan'
text
end?
Kai
:Wedon'
townt
hepr
oper
ti
esso.
.
Me:Makessense

NANGOMSO

Iwassti
llatBone'
shouse.Itwashardt
oleave,
we
werehavingagreatt
imejustspendi
ngtoget
her
..

Wewerenowsitt
ingont
hemati
nthel
ivi
ngr
oom
doi
ngpuzzl
es.
.
Me:Thi
sonegoesher
e
Bone:No.
.It
hinkher
e
Me:Okayyour
ight
Bone:Younott
ir
edsi
tt
ingont
hef
loor
?Yourback
doesn'
thur
t?
Hepl
acedhi
shandonmywai
stsqueezi
ngmeabi
t.
.
Me:I'
m st
il
lfi
ne,
justver
ymuchcr
avi
ngt
hecake
agai
n
Bone:Wi
thUl
tr
amelagai
n?
Me:Yespl
ease
Hegotup.
.
Bone:I
'
llgeti
tforyou
Me:Thankyouver
ymuch
Icont
inueddoi
ngt
hepuzzl
es.
.

BELI
NDA

Kai'
splacewasbeauti
ful
.2bedrooms,
bathroom,
kit
chenandlounge.Herbedr
oom hadabathroom
too,shegavemeasmal lt
our.
.
Me:Wow
Kai
:Thi
sisal
lme
Il
ookedatt
hepor
trai
tofher
sel
font
hewal
lof
her
self
..
Me:Whopai
ntedt
hatf
oryou?
Kai
:Idi
d
Shef
oldedherar
msandl
eanedagai
nstt
hewal
l.
.
Me:Whyyounevert
oldt
hatyoupai
nt?
Kai
:It
'
sjustahobby.
.Not
hingmor
e
Me:Yougoodatt
hishobby
Kai
:Let
'seat
,Igotsushi
..Haveyouat
eitbef
ore?
Me:Yes.
.Onceort
wice
Ifol
lowedhert
otheki
tchenandsatont
hehi
gh
chai
rassheprepar
ed.
.
Kai
:Ar
eyour
eadyf
ort
her
eadi
ngoft
hewi
ll
t
omorr
ow?
Me:Iam,
justnotr
eadyt
ofacet
hem
Kai
:Wel
laf
tert
hereadi
ngofthewi
llyouwon'
thave
t
ofacet
hem muchanymore
Me:That
'st
rue
Kai
:I'
m pr
oudofyou,
youdoi
ngwel
l
Me:I
'
mtr
ying
Kai
:You'
l
lgett
her
e
Me:Ibel
ieveIwi
ll
Kai
:Haveyoual
wayswant
edt
obeaNur
se?
Me:Haveyoual
wayswant
edt
obeaPsychol
ogi
st?
Kai
:Iwant
edtopai
ntbutIwasn'
treal
lygoi
ngt
opay
bi
ll
swit
hthat
Me:cl
ichéasitsounds,
Iwant
edt
obeaGener
al
Pr
acti
tioner
Kai
:Whathappened?
Me:Igotaccept
edi
nNur
singt
henj
ustdi
dit
Kai
:Isee

LELE

Iwasi
nbed,
leani
ngagai
nstt
hebi
gpi
ll
ow.
Nat
hihadhisheadr
esti
ngonmyabdomen,layi
ng
i
nbetweenmylegs.
.Iwasbr
ushi
nghisheadwith
myhand..

Nathi
:Iwasthinkingthatwhenyougetbackf
rom
Kznaftert
heinit
iati
onwecangetmar ri
ed
Me:Ar
eyousur
e?
Nat
hi:Yes.
.
Me:WhenIcomebackandyoucheat
,Iwi
llf
indout
Nat
hi:Iknow,
andIhavenoi
ntent
ionsofcheat
ing
Me:That
'sgood
Heki
ssedmeonmyabdomen.
.
Nat
hi:Thankyouf
orbei
ngyour
sel
fwhenIwasn'
t
myself
Me:Iam gl
adt
hatt
hingswor
kedoutf
ort
hebestf
or
us
Nat
hi:Met
oo
Me:Il
oveyou
Nat
hi:Il
oveyout
oo

Heloweredmyunder
wearal
lthewaydownt
omy
t
highs.
.
Nat
hi:AndIl
oveyout
hismuch
Hepar
tedmyl
egsandIr
aisedt
hem up.
Hebur
iedhi
sheadi
nbet
weenmyt
highs.
.
Hishandswentupanddownonmyt hi
ghs,ashe
ateoutmycoochi
eli
keitwasdesi
rabletast
y
desser
t.
..

BELI
NDA

Ir
aisedmygl
assofwi
ne.
.
Kai
:Youf
ull
?
Shewassi
tt
ingnextt
ome.
.
Me:Yesandt
hankyou
Kai:Nothankyou.
.Iwould'
vetakenyououtbutyou
areanotori
ouspersononthenet,t
heywil
lkeepon
runningst
ori
esaboutyou
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:YaaIli
kei
ther
e,nost
olenpi
ctur
esupl
oadedon
soci
almedi
a
Kai
:That
'st
rue
Me:Thankyouf
orbei
ngagoodf
ri
end
Kai
:Thankyouf
orbei
ngagoodf
ri
endt
oo
Welookedateachot
herforawhi
le.Shelooked
awayandIconti
nueddr
inkingmywine.
.
Kai
:Mor
ewi
ne?
Me:I
'
m goodf
ornow
Kai
:Okay
Sheputt
hebot
tl
ebackont
hecount
er.
..
Amomentofsilencepassed,
thenshegotof
fher
chai
randpul
ledmi necl
osert
ohers.
Kai
:Backt
omor
eser
iousi
ssues
Me:Okay
Kai
:Whatar
ewedoi
ng?
Me:Huh?
Kai
:Obvi
ouslyIam i
ntoyou,andyouar
eint
ome
t
oo..Sowhatarewedoing?
Me:Idon'
tunder
stand
Kai
:Iknowt
hatyouar
egoi
ngt
hrought
hemost
,and
I'
m sor
r y.I
'
m nother et
oconf useyounoram I
taki
ngadvantage.Mostpeopl esayyouneedt obe
aloneforawhi l
eafteramessybr eakup,It
otal
ly
agreebutthere'
snof ormulatowhenoneshoul d
moveon.Youar eanamazi ngPersonandIenjoy
spendi
ngt imewi t
hyou, Iwouldli
ketoseewhere
l
ifewoul dt
akeusi fwedecidet obemorethan
fri
ends

Shecaughtmeof
fguar
d,Iwasn'
texpect
ingt
his.
.
Me:Wow.
.Uhm.
.
Shel
eanedoverandki
ssedme.
.
Kai
:Takeyourt
ime,
Ihaveal
lthet
imei
nthewor
ld
t
oo
Shewi
pedmyl
ipswi
thhert
humb.
..

NANGOMSO

I
twast
imef
ormet
ogobackhome,
didn'
twannal
et
t
hisni
ghtpr
ogr
esstosomet
hingwemi
ghtl
ateron
wakeuptor
egr
et.
.

Iam seri
ousaboutputt
ingmysel ffir
st,
finding
myselfanddoingwhat'
simpor tantf ormySon.A
rel
ati
onshipwil
lcompli
catemyl i
femor e, can'tlet
thathappen.I
t'
snotaboutmeal oneanymor e,i
t's
aboutus.Meandmybaby. .Ican' tbeselfish..
.

BELI
NDA

Wewer enowintheotherroom andshewas

paint
ingapi
ctur
e.Iwassi t
ti
ngonherandholdi
ng
thetr
ayofdi
ffer
entcolourpai
nts.

Kai
:Gr
een
Iswi
tchedt
het
rayt
ogr
een.
.
Me:Whatar
eyoupai
nti
ng?
Kai
:You'
l
lsee
Me:I
'
m notdi
stur
bing?
Kai
:No
(
Sil
ence)
Me:Kai
Kai
:Yes?
Me:It
hinkwecant
ryi
t
Kai
:Tr
ywhat
?
Me:Dat
ing
Kai
:Idon'
twannapr
essur
eyou
Me:Younotpr
essur
ingme,
thoughIcomewi
thal
ot
ofpai
n
Sheki
ssedmeonmycheek.
.
Kai
:We'
l
lwor
kont
hat
Me:Okay
Kai
:Bl
ue
Imovedt
het
rayt
obl
ue.
.
Me:Bl
ue
Shedippedthebrush,
inst
eadofpai
nti
ngont
he
sheetsheranitonmycheek.Ihi
theront
het
high
asshelaughed..
Me:That
'snotf
unny
Kai
:Atl
easti
t'
sremovabl
e
Shet
ri
edr
emovi
ngi
twi
thhert
humb.
.
Me:Don'
t!You'
l
lmakei
twor
se,
I'
llwashi
tof
f
Kai
:Wasonl
ytr
yingt
ohel
p
Sheki
ssedmeont
hecheekagai
n..
Me:I
'
llgetusmor
ewi
ne
Kai
:Okay
Igotupandwentt
ogetmor
ewi
ne.
.

CLARA

Myf r
iendFikzcame,Ir
eal
lydi
dn'tf
eell
ikecompany
butsheforced.Shehadabott
leofJonnyWalker
RedLabel.
.
Fi
kz:I
twi
llbeal
lokay
Me:I
twon'
tbeokayFi
kz
Fi
kz:Whatwil
lwall
owingdo?I
twon'
tdoanyt
hing,
it
won'
tchangeyourcur
rentr
eal
it
y
Shet
ookoutt
hecocai
ne.
.
Fi
kz:I
sthi
sther
ightt
imenow?
Il
ookedati
t.
.
Me:Whynot
..Myl
if
eisr
uinedal
ready
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
25] :118

BELI
NDA

Themostanti
cipateddaycame,thedayofthe
readi
ngoft
hewi l
l.Lastni
ghtwhenKaidroveme
backhome,Icall
edtheonlyPer
sonwhoknew
exactl
yhowIf el
tdeepi
nsi
det
oaccompanyme
today.IaskedNangomso.
Iam notusi
ngherasmyshi el
d,Iwil
lfeel
comfort
ablewi
thheraround.Wewer ebothhurtby
thesamemansosheknowsexact l
yhowIf eel
..We
huggedforawhil
ebeforegett
ingi
ntothecar..

Me:Thankyousomuchf
orcomi
ngwi
thme
Soso:
It'
sokayyoudon'
thavet
othankme
Ist
art
edt
hecar
..
Soso:
Ner
vous?
Me:Notent irel
y,whenNdaloandhi slawyerdraft
ed
thewil
l.Iwast here,
hehasanot herfi
xedaccount
whereheusedt oputmoneyever ymont hwhichwi l
l
bespli
tbet weenme, hi
smot herandthegirl
s.The
househel eftformebecausehehadboughti tfor
me
Soso:
Thent
hat
'sgood
Me:Ij
ustdon'tt
hinkhei
ncl
udedyouthewi
llwas
dr
aft
edbeforeyoucameint
othepict
ure
Soso:Iunderst
and,I'
m notevensweat i
ngit
.Idon'
t
wantanythingthatwi
llf
or everconnectmetothat
famil
y,t
heyviciouspeople.Leleisgoingtofi
xher
l
ife,
upli
ftthecurseandI'
llwor khardformychild
Lastnightwespokebri
efl
yovert
hephonewhere
shetoldmewhatt heNannysai
dtoheraf
tert
he
funer
al..
Me:Ican'
tbel
ieveshewant
edyout
ogi
veupyour
baby
Soso:
Ithoughtt
hatwomanwasagoodPer
son
Me:Sameher
e..Iguesswet
houghtwr
ong
Soso:Shewast oosweetf
ormyl i
king,qui
etand
oversweetpeoplear
everyevi
lunderneath
Me:Ijustwantt
hisdayt
obeoversoIdon'
thavet
o
seeheragain
Soso:
Ver
ytr
ue

CLARA
Iwokeupt ot helivingroom dir
ty.Bottl
es
everywher e,glassesever ywhere.Il
ookedar ound
andt woguyswer esleepingont hecouches,
diff
erentcouches. .Ir
emember ed, l
astnightFikz
call
edaf ewguysover .Theycameandwehada
blast,dr
inkinganddoi ngcoke.If el
tli
keIhavebeen
hitbyat rain.
.

AsIwastr
yingt
ogetmyheadstr
aightIhear
d
moans.Moansandamangroani
ng.
Ibl
inkedafewti
mesandgotupf rom t
hecouch,
andfoll
owedthesounds.Theywerecomi
ngfrom
myGr andmot
her'
sbedroom.
Me:Wt
f?
It
ri
edopeni
ngt
hedoorbuti
twasl
ocked.
Ibangedatt
hedoorhar
d,t
henhear
dFi
kzvoi
ce.
.
Fi
kz:Ngi
yeza(
I'
m comi
ng)
Ican'
tbel
ievet
his!
!.
.
Shet
ookf
orevert
oopen,
inherbr
aandunder
wear
..
Me:Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?
Fi
kz:Fr
iend
Me:Don'
tfr
iendme!
Ipushedheroutoft
hewayandmademywayi
n,
ther
ewasanakedmanl ayi
ngont
hebed.
..
Me:I
nmyGr
andmot
her
'sbedar
eyouser
ious?
Fi
kz:Iwasn'
tsur
ewhi
chr
oom wasyour
s
Me:Getout
!!Takeyourf
ri
endsandl
eave!
!
Man:Sor
rySi
si
Me:Don'
tsor
ryme,
justl
eave!
!(scr
eami
ng)
Iwalkedoutoft
hebedr
oom andli
ter
all
ywal kedout
oft
hehouseupset.
.That'
sthel
owestform of
di
srespect
..

BELI
NDA

Thereadi
ngofthewil
lwasgoingtobecar
riedout
att
heLawyer'
soffi
ce.Wearr
ived,
andthefamily
wasal r
eadypresent .Botht
hegirl
sandt henanny.
.
SosoandIcont inuedwal ki
nginandthensatdown,
adistanceawayf rom them.Thegirl
sgaveme
seri
ouslooks,
liket heywantedtogetoffthei
rchai
rs
andbeatmet oapul p,t
henannylookedatusand
shookherheadwi t
hasmi r
konherface.

Itwasveryquietint
heroom,j
ustlooksgoi
ng
aroundunti
lthelawyerwal
kedin.
..
Lawyer
:Myapol
ogi
esf
ort
hedel
ay
Hewal
kedoverandsatdownathi
sdesk.
Lawyer:Fi
rstandfor
emostIwouldl
iketoextend
mydeepestcondolencest
othefamil
y,especial
l
y
Bel
inda.Losingsomeoneyoul
oveisnoteasy
Thenannychuckl
ed.
.
Lawyer:I
fever
yonei
sready,
Iwoul
dli
ket
oget
star
ted
Weprepar
edour
sel
vesashegott
hef
il
ewi
th
document
s..
Lawyer
:Thi
sist
hel
astwi
llandt
est
imentoft
hel
ate
Ndal
oDl
omo
Wel
ist
enedt
hrough.
.
Lawyer
:Wewi
llst
artwi
tht
hemoney
(
Sil
ence)
Lawyer
:MrDlomohadaf ixedaccountwherehe
wasdeposi
ti
ngmoneyever ymont hf
orthepast3
year
s.Theaccountamountsto1.5mil
li
oncurr
entl
y
Wecont
inuedl
ist
eni
ng.
.
Lawyer
:Hi
scurrentbankaccountt
hathewasusi
ng,
hasanamountofR400000
Ndalowasmaki ngalotofmoney,buthowcouldhe
not.Hisshowwasr unningbef
orewemetand
beforehesignedwit
hDaveandt hem hewasdoing
pri
vateconsult
ati
ons..
Lawyer
:Themoneyshoul
dbespl
iti
nthi
smanner
Themomentoft
rut
hhasar
ri
ved.
.
Lawyer
:Wi
thmymoneyinmycur
rentaccount
,it
wil
lal
lgot
omyMother
Il
ookedatt
henannyshehadasmi
leonherf
ace.
Lawyer
:Thefi
xedi
nvest
mentaccount
.500kwi
llgo
tomyunbornSon
Sosocoughed.
.
Soso:
Huh?
Lawyer
:It
'
swr
it
tenher
e
Howisthatpossi
ble?Ndal
ohadt
hewi
lldr
aft
ed
bef
orehemetSoso. .
Lawyer
:The1millwi
llbespl
iti
nthismanner
.600k
wil
lgotot
hegir
ls,bothwil
lget300keachwhich
wil
lhel
pwit
htheireducat
ionandthe400kwil
lallgo
tomyMother
Me:That
'sjustr
idi
culous!Iwaspresentwhen
Ndal
ohadhi swil
ldraft
ed,JonesIwashere
r
emember ?
Nanny:Canwecarr
yon?Wewi
llconsi
deryour
complai
ntsl
ater
Luvo:Youfai
ledt
orespectusduri
ngourt
imeof
gri
eve,canyoupl
easerespectusnow?
If
oldedmyarmsandkeptqui
et,
mychestwas
movingupanddown.
.
Lawyer:Mypr opertywil
lbeshar edi
nthi
smanner.
Mycar s,myBMW X6wi llgotomyMot herandmy
secondcart heKiasportagewillgot
omySon.All
mySon' sinheri
tancewil
lbemanagedbyhi sMother,
myr oyal
ti
esf r
om theshowwi llgotomyfamil
y.My
MotherandSi stercousi
ns.Myhousewi l
lgotomy
UnbornbabyandmybabyMama
TheDl
omof
ami
lygavemesl
yst
ares.
.
Lawyer
:Thatconcl
udest
her
eadi
ngoft
hewi
ll
Nanny:I
'm happywi
ththewill
,Sosoyoudeser
ve
ever
ythi
ngandknowt hatyourshar
ewillbegi
vent
o
you
Me:uhm.
.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatasmyvoi
cewasbr
eaki
ng
Me:Whenwast
hiswi
lldr
aft
ed?
Lawyer:2daysbeforehisunti
mel ydeath.Hehadi t
changedongroundst hatyoudidn'tdeser
vet oget
anythi
ngfrom hi
m,becauseoft hewi t
chcraftand
al
mostt r
yingt
osepar atehi
mf r
om hi sSon.Ifyou
nothappyyoucant akethewil
landl ook.It
'shis
si
gnatur
eyoucanevengetyourl
awyerand
par
ti
ti
onthewil
l
Nanny:Shewon'
tpar
ti
ti
oni
t
Soso:Shehastoo,
shewashi
swife!Theywer
e
marri
ed.She'
senti
tl
edt
ohisi
nher
itance
Nanny:Yourf
ri
enddi
dn'
ttel
lyou?
Nannyr
aisedhereyebr
ow.
.
Nanny:Theywer emar ri
edoutofcopwi thout
accrual,event hehousei twasnotinhername.I t
washi snameonl ynowshecanf i
ghtbutIdoubt
sheevenhasal awyernort hemoneyt opayone
andIwi l
lfi
ghtherbackt oeveryni
ckleshehas!
Untilsheisbr okeandsl eepingunderthebridge,
justwal kawayBel inda.Atleastwalkawaywi th
yourdignityintact!Beforeyoumakeabi ggerf ool
s
ofyour sel
f
Soso:
Belyoucant
akeal
lthei
nher
it
ancet
hatmy
Songot
Lawyer
:Thatwon'
twork,
ifyoudon'
twantt
heshar
e
i
twil
lgotohisf
amily
TheNannygavemeaconni
vingsmi
leandl
ook.
.
Soso:
Thi
sisal
lsowr
ong
Nanny:ThisisallformyGr andsonSoso, i
t'
snot
aboutyou.Ndal owant edtodor ightbyhi schi
ld.
Forasecondst opbei ngMot herTher esadoyou
thi
nkiftabl
eswer eturnedandBelwasi nyour
shoesshewi l
lgiveyouadi me?St opbei ngchil
dish!
Nowyouwi l
lgetacl eansingafterallyouwer e
dati
ngmyson, sleptwi t
hhim andf ellpr
egnantand
wewi l
lalsocleanset hehousef oryou
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Nanny:Asf oryou, Iwantyououtofmyson' shouse
byt oni
ght!Gobackt oyourbr okenfami l
yandyou
willgetnocl eansingfrom usnorwi l
lyoumour nmy
Son!Ri ghtafterhisdeathyouwentandf ooled
aroundwi tht hatl
esbian!Don'tyoudaremakemea
foolandgi vemet hatcrapofshe'syourt herapi
st,
youevenbr oughtheri ntomyhouse, disrespected
usl i
kethat?Youdon' tdeservenomer cyf r
om us!
Youbr oughtt hisuponyour selfnowsuf f
erthe
consequences!Iam ata100t hatyoubr ought
abouthi
suntimelydeat
hwithyourwi
tchcraf
t
wantedtogetri
dofhim soyougethi
smoneyand
housetoli
vehappil
yeveraft
erwit
hyourlesbi
an
l
over!
Myeyeswel
ledup.
.
Soso:
Wow!
Igotupandwal
kedout
..
Al
uvo:Shamei
skepsel
bant
u!(
poort
hing)
Iwal
keddownthatcor
ri
dornotbei
ngabl
etost
op
cont
rolmyt
ear
s..

NANGOMSO

Iwasi nshockandIcouldn'
tbeli
evei
t.Ndal
oloved
Bel
inda,hetrul
ylovedherther
e'snowayhecould
notleaveheranythi
ng.
.

Nanny:Iwoul
dli
ket
oapologi
zetoyou,
whatwent
downbetweenusaf
tert
hefuner
alwasuncal
ledf
or.
Iwaswr ongtosayallofthattoyou,Iwaswr ongf
or
tr
yingtoseparat
eyouf r
om us.Canweputour
dif
fer
encesaside?ForthesakeofmyGr andson?
Wewoul dli
ketohavear elat
ionshi
pwi t
hhim
Ishookmyheadandgotup.
.
Nanny:Wewi
llt
alkwhenal
loft
hishassunki
n
Iwal
kedout
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
25] :119

SEASONFI
NALE

NANGOMSO

Beli
ndawasnotar oundwhenIgott othepar
king.
It
'sagoodt hi
ngIbroughtmypur seandhadmy
card,orel
seIwouldbestranded.Iwit
hdrewthe
moneyIhadi
nmyaccountandwenthome.
.

Iwoul dbemadt hatshebroughtmeher eyetshe's

l
eavi ngme, buthowshe'sfeeli
ngri
ghtnowIdon' t
blameher .She'sbeenthroughalottodayandIwas
hopingthatshedoesn' tgeti
ntoacaraccident.
.
WhenIgothome, noonewasar ound.Iwashopi ng
tofindLel
eandt oldherwhathappened,Ineededt o
talktoher..

JustwhenIgott
omybedroom t
ocallher
,someone
showedup.Ihadant
ici
pat
edhi
mt oshowupatthe
readi
ngoft
hewill
,i
twasNdal
o.
Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:Idon'tknowifIshoul
dexpr
essmyangerand
di
sappointment
,sinceghost
saresai
dtobe
danger
ous
Ndal
o:Iunder
standyourAnger
,andIam notgoi
ng
t
ohurtyou
Me:WhathappenedNdal
o?
Ndal
o:Ineedaf
avourf
rom you
Me:Real
ly?Af
terwhathappened?
Ndalo:I
t'
saboutwhathappened,
Ineedt
otal
kto
Belandclearever
ythi
ngout
Me:Bel
indai
s..Idon'
tthi
nkshe'
sinagoodst
ate
Ndal
o:Shehast
obeoutbyt
oni
ghtSoso,
Ineedt
o
t
alkt
oher
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:Eveni
fIcal
lherhowwi
llshebel
ieveme?
Ndal
o:Tel
lheraboutt
hechar i
ot,onl
ymeandher
knowabouti
t.
.Shewillbel
ieveyou
Me:I
'
llcal
lher
Ndal
o:Shewon'
tpickup,
she'
sinabadst
ate.Send
herat
extanddon'
tfor
gettoment
iont
hechari
ot
Me:Okay
It
ext
edBel
inda.
.
BELI
NDA

Thinkingaboutgoingbackhomewasani ght
mar e.I
can'tgetanapart
mentbyt oni
ght,
it'
sshortnoti
ce.I
am goi ngt
oneedt i
me.MaybeIcangot oahot el
,
stayoverfortoni
ghtandthensearchforan
apartmenttomorrow..

IswearonmyBr ot
her
'sgr
ave.Ndal
oboughtt
his
houseforme,Iwasst
upidtonotcheckt
hepapers
i
fhehadenlist
edmetoo..

Icl
osedmyeyesandexhaled.I
'
m sot
ir
ed,
tir
edof
al
lthi
spai
n.I
t'
spainaf
terpain.
.

Myphonebeeped.Kaihasbeent r
yingtogetahold
ofme, Ihavebeenignori
nghercal l
s.Ididn'
twanna
tal
kt oanyone.Ineededti
meal onetoabsorb
everythi
ngthathappenedtoday..Icheckedmy
phonesi ncei
twasat ext
,anditwasat extf
rom
Soso.Whi
chr
ead:

"Ineedyout ocomeovert omyhouse, Ndalowants

totalktoyou.I'
llexpl
ainl
ater.Hesaidtot el
lyou
aboutthechariotifyoudon'tbel
ieve.Pleasecome,
i
t'surgent"

Ial
mostdr oppedmyphoneatt hementi
onofthe
chari
ot.OnlyNdaloandIknowaboutthat
.Idoubt
hetol
dherbef or
e,it
'l
lbei
rrel
evantt
oher.
.Ical
led
herri
ghtaway..

Soso:
OhhmyGoshBel
,thankyouf
orget
ti
ngback
tome
Me:Yousai
dNdal
owant
stot
alkt
ome?
Soso:
Yesandwedon' thavet
ime,pl
easecome
qui
ckl
y..I
'
llexpl
ainwhenyougether
e
Me:OkayI
'
m onmyway
Iqui
ckl
ywal
koutt
othecar
..

NANGOMSO

Me:She'
scomi
ng
Ndal
o:Thankyou
Isatdown.
.
Ndal
o:Pl
easet
aket
hehouseandt
hemoneyand
t
hecar
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:Didn'
tyoubuythehousef
orher
?It
'swr
ong.My
consci
encedoesn'
tal
lowme
Ndalo:Idi
d,butBeli
ndawon'tgeti
tback.I
'
llbeat
peaceatleastknowi
ngthatyouandmySonl i
ve
ther
e,inst
eadofmyMot her
Me:WhathappenedNdal
o?
Ndal
o:Thewi
llwasf
aked
Me:Iknewi
t!
Ndalo:Youandthebabywer etheonlyoneswho
werenotinthewil
l,
Ihadexpect edmyMot hert
oat
l
eastgiveyousomethingforthebaby.Maybesome
moneyandusemyr oyalt
iest
oo, t
ohelpsupportt
he
baby.IfIwasst
il
lali
ve,Iwould'
veputmybabyi n
thewill
Me:TheNanny!Howcoul
dshe?
Ndalo:Promi semeyouwillt
akewhatwasgi vento
you?Fort hesakeofmybaby.It'
llbeawhil
eunt i
l
Lel
eupl i
ft
st hecur
sesoyougoi ngtoneedwhatyou
weregivent ogett
hrough
Me:Iwi
llt
aket
hem
Ndal
o:Pr
otectmySonf
rom her
Me:Yout
hinkshewoul
dhur
tmybaby?Herown
Gr
andchi
ld?
Ndalo:Shewon'tbutshe'
sgoingtousehi
m
becausehe'sgi
fted.Shewouldwanthi
mto
conti
nuewithmyl egacybybeingi
napubli
ceye
too.
.She'ssgoi
ngt ousehim
Me:Woow!Ndal
owhat
'swr
ongwi
thyourMot
her
?
Ndalo:She'sburntoverhelli
nbeli
evi
ngthatBeli
s
i
nvolvedi nmypassing,thatshesomehowcaused
theaccident.IknowBelmessedupbutshe' snot
evill
ikethat
Me:Thatshe'
snot
Ndal
o:Thankyouf
oraccompanyi
ngher
Me:I
twasnot
hing

THENANNY

Beforedrivi
ngst r
aighthome, wepassedbyatsome
rest
aurantt ogetsomethingtoeat.Themost
expensiverestaurantj
usttocelebr
at ethi
sday.I
t
wentwel l
, t
heLawyerpl ayedwell
.I'
llbegivi
nghim
100kwhenIgetaccesst othemoney. .

Ifthatstupi
dgirlBelknowswhat'
sbestf orher.She
woul djustl
etthingsbe.I
'm gl
adNdalomar ri
edher
outofCOP.Bel indadeservesnot
hing!I'
m ata100
thatshei si
nvolvedinmySonhavi ngthataccident
.
Shewantedtoki
llhi
m soshecouldgaint
he
i
nheri
tanceandspenditwi
thherlesbi
anl
over
!!
!She
hasnoshame!Shemakesangr y.
.

Ift
hatst
upidSosoalsoknowswhat'
sgoodf
orher
,
shewouldstopbei
nghardheaded.
Ionlygavehert
hosethingstogainhert
rust
becauseshe'
scarryi
ngaf or
tune.MyGrandchi
ldi
s
goingtobeafort
une..

Luvo:It
hinkweshoul
dgetabot
tl
eofchampagne
Me:No..Wecan'
t.I
t'
llbeunusualtobeseen
dri
nki
ngchampagnewhenwej ustburi
edNdal
o
Satur
day.
.Whatexactl
yarewecel ebr
ati
ng?
Luvo:Whocar
es?
Me:Thepubli
ccares.
.Wenol ongeranor malf amil
y
Beli
nda'
sscandalmadeusmor efamous.Di dyou
seeallt
heeyeswegotwhenwewal kedin?Let's
orderanor
mallunchmeal we'
llgetabot t
leof
champagnetocelebr
ateathomebyour selves
Al
uvo:TheNannyhasapoi
nt

NANGOMSO

Bel
indabur
stherwayi
nli
kewi
nd.
.
Me:Hey!
Bel
:Socanyouseehi
m?
Inodded.
..
Me:When..Whenhel
osthi
sgi
ft
,hi
sancest
ors
t
ransf
err
editt
ohisSon
Sheputherhandsoverhermout
h..
Bel
:OhhmyGod.
.Ohhmywor
d..
Tear
scl
oudedhereyes.
.
Bel
:Ohhmywor
d
Ndal
o:Wedon'
thavet
ime
Me:Hesayswedon'
thavet
ime
Bel
:Ofcour
se
Shenoddedr
epeat
edl
ywi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ngdown.
.
Bel
:I'
mli
ter
all
yshaki
ng
Me:Haveaseat
Shesatdown.
.
Bel
:I'
m ner
vous.
.I'
m evenshaki
ng
Me:I
t'
sokay
Ndal
o:Tel
lher
Me:Thewi
llwasf
orged
Hershoul
der
ssank.
.
Bel
:Iknewi
t
Me:TheNannybr
ibedt
heLawyert
ofaket
heWi
ll
Bel
:Howcanshebet
hisevi
l
?
Me:Shet hi
nksthatyouocharstr
atedtheacci
dent
wit
hwi t
chcraf
t,wantedhisf
ortunetogospendit
wit
h..Uhm..She'sconvi
ncedyouar edati
ngsome
l
ady
Bel
:What?Ineverki
ll
edNdal
o!Ndal
oIwoul
dnever
dothat
!
Me:Heknows.
.Heknows
Bel:Iwouldneverdosuchat hi
ng,
yesIwentoff
tr
ailsbut
..Iwouldneverki
llmyhusband(
cryi
ng)
Iwentandsatnextt
oher
..
Me:Iknowyoudi
dn'
t
Bel
:Il
ovedhi
m
Ihuggedher
..
Me:It
'sokay.
.Themostimpor
tantt
hingi
sthatI
knowthetrut
h,andheknowstoo
Ndalo:Yout
wocar
ever
ymuchf oreachot
her
,I
don'
tknowwhyIwasneverabl
etomakethesi
ster
wif
et hi
ngwork
Ifel
ttearscoming,
Idon'
tunderst
andwhyIwas
suddenlyfeel
ingemot
ional
..Mucuscomi
ngoutof
mynose. .
Ndal
o:Youfeel
ingemot
ionalbecauseI'
m emot
ional
,
whenyouhavemucusrunningdowni tmeanst
he
spi
ri
tist
ear
inguptoo
Me:Youguyscancr
y?Feel
pai
n?
Ndal
o:Yes..Ther
e'salott
hathappensinthe
spi
ri
tualworl
dthatyoudon'tunder
stand
Me:I
'
llgett
issues
Igotup.
.
Me:Can'
tyouhugher?Beaff
ect
ionat
etoher
?I
t
hinkshemightappr
eci
atei
t?
Ndal
o:Shewon'
tfeel
it,
I'
m aspi
ri
tSoso
Me:Justt
ry
Ndal
o:Fi
ne
Hewal
kedover
..
Heext
endedhi
shandt
oBel
,i
twentr
ightt
hrough.
.
Ndal
o:It
oldyou
Me:He'
str
yingt
otouchyou
Bel
:Hei
snextt
ome?
Me:Yes
Belst
oodup.
.
Me:Justcl
oseyoureyesandi
magi
nehimt ouchi
ng
youl
ikehowhewoul dwhenhewasst
il
lal
ive
Belcl
osedhereyes,
Ndal
olookedatme.
.
Inodded.
.
Hetriedagai
nbutj
ustr
anhi
shandcl
oset
oher
cheek..
Belgasped.
..
Bel
:If
eel
..If
eltsomewar
mthonmycheek
Thiswasanemot
ionalmoment
..Tear
sbur
nedmy
eyes.
.
Me:He'
stouchi
ngyou
Ndalo:Il
oveyousomuchandI '
m sor
ry.
.I'
m so
sorr
y..Iwi
shIcoul dhol
dyouonelastti
meandt el
l
youthatever
ythingisgoingt
obeokay,IwishI
prot
ectedyoufrom myf amil
y
Me:Hesays.
.Hesayshewi shestoholdyouone
l
astti
meandtell
youthateveryt
hingi
sgoingtobe
okay,
wishhehadprot
ectedyouf r
om hisf
amil
y
Belcouldn'
tholdbackhert
ears..Shecri
ed,
my
emotionspickeduptoo.MeaningNdalowas
emotionalt
oo..
Iheardt
hunderout
side,
li
kei
twast
hreat
eni
ngt
o
rai
n..
Me:Excuseme
Iwalkedtothebedroom andcl
osedt hedoor.Iheld
thehandleandcri
ed..If
eltt
helove,thelovethey
hadforeachotherandtheheartache.Sothisishow
i
tfeelstolosesomeoneyoulove.Letti
nggoi s
dif
fi
cult
..
.
Tobecont
inued
Bonuscomi
ngl
ater
[
01/
09,
09:
26] :120

BELI
NDA

Ifelti
t,Ifel
tt hewarmt hofhistouch.Thischanged
everything,thisli
tt
leact.Ihavespentsomucht i
me
afterhisdeat hcrucifi
ngmysel faboutourlast
conver sati
on, t
hatI'
llnevergetachancet ofindout
howhef
eel
s.
Havingthismodeofcommuni cat
ion,
ishelpi
ngwi t
h
closure.
.Sosowassit
tingnextt
ome, hol
dingmy
hand.Iwasst i
l
lshaki
ngbecauseIwasn'texpect
ing
thisatall
..

Soso:Hesai dhewould'vefoughtforyoubuthi
s
ancestor
sdidn'twant,
theyblockedhim.The
wit
chcraftyoudid,t
heystil
lcruci
fyingyoufort
hat
becauseyouputhi sgi
ftinjeopardy
Me:Iunder
stand.
.Thatwasal
owbl
owf
rom me
Soso: Hesayshedoesn'twantyoutofight,i
twill
onlybringyoumorepain.Hisfat
herwillt
ake
revengeonhisMotherattheri
ghtt i
me,allofthem
will.Hewantsyout
omoveon, it
'l
lbehardbutyou
willmakeit
Inodded.
.Sososi
ghed.
.
Soso:
Icangi
veyouhal
foft
hemoneyIgot
Me:No.
.It
'sokay,
youdon'
thavetoothi
sismy
kar
maforwhatIdid.
.NowthatI
'vespokent
oNdal
o
i
thasmadei
teasi
er
Soso:Helovesyouandher
egretsever
ythi
ng,
he
wisheshewasheretomakeitr
ight
Inodded.
.
Soso:Hewant syoutobehappyandl i
veyourtruth,
thi
sladyyouinvolvedwit
hhewant syoutogiveita
gowithher.Youar emoreconnect
edtothatpartof
yourli
fet
hanyouwer ewit
hhim,hehaswitnessed
yourhappi
nesswhenyoudat i
ngawomant han
whenyouar ewithaman
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Iunder
stand
Soso:Hewi l
lhelpyou,giveoutinst
ructionsonhow
thecl
eansingwi l
lgo.SincehisMotherdoesn't
wannacarryit,yourGrandmotherwillhelpyouand
hewil
lbelinientonyout oget
herwithhisancestor
s.
Theyrel
easingyouf rom whatyoudidt heyno
l
ongerholdingont othat
Me:I
tmakesmer
eli
evedt
oheart
hat
Shesmi
led.
.
Soso:From metoyou,youareaver ystr
ongwoman.
Youdon'tknowhowst r
ongyouar e,you'
vebeen
thr
oughal otandyousti
llher
e.Beli
eveinthe
str
engthyouhave
Me:Thankyou.
..Youar
eanamazi
ngper
sont
oo
Shehuggedme.
.
Soso:
It'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay.
.Bel
ieveme
Me:Iknow.
.Wewi
llbeal
ri
ght

THENANNY

Wegothomeandaf ewrelat
iveswer
est
il
lar
ound.I
want
edthem t
oleaveal
ready.
Iwantmyhouseback,
peacef
ulasi
twas.

Aunt
:Konkekuhambakahl
e(Di
dever
ythi
nggowel
l
)
Isatdown.
.
Me:Ever
ythi
ngwentwel
l
Aunt
:Si
bonge(
Wear
egr
atef
ul)
Me:Thatwi
tchBel
indadi
dn'
tgetanyt
hing
Aunt
:That
'sagoodt
hingr
ight
?
Me:Aft
erhowshecar
ri
edher
sel
f,t
hat
'st
hebest
t
hing
Aunt:Ial
waysthoughtshewasal
ovel
ygi
rl
,Iam
sur
prisedatheract
ions
Me:Shesur
pri
sedmet
oo
Aunt:Shoul
dn'
tweconsul
ttofi
ndouti
fit
'sher?I
f
she'
sreall
ybehi
ndNdalo'
sdeat
hhewon'tresti
n
peace
Me:Heshoul
dn'
tlethergetawayfrom t
his,
he
shoul
dfi
ghtf
rom thegravet
ogether
Aunt
:Kuzokwenzekadon'
twor
ry(
itwi
llal
lbewel
l)
Me:I
'mj
usthappyeveryt
hingwentwel
l
,mySon
hadadi
gni
fi
edfuneral
Aunt
:That
'st
rue,
hehadt
hebestf
uner
alever
Me:Hedi
d
Aunt
:I'
l
lgomakeussomet
ea
Me:Thankyou

NANGOMSO

Ihuggedheragai
n..
Bel
:Thankyousomuch,
Ifeell
ikeaheavybur
den
hasbeenli
ft
edof
fmyshoulder
s
Me:That
'st
rue
Bel
:Youar
ecar
ryi
ngaspeci
alchi
ld,
knowt
hat
Me:Idon'
t
Sheopenedt
hedoorandgoti
ntohercar
,she
hoot
edbefor
edr
ivi
ngoff.
.
Ndal
o:Thankyou
Me:Youwel
come
Ndalo:Thi
sfri
endshipyoutwohave,pl
easecher
ish
i
t.Belismorefragi
lecomparedtoyou,
pleasebe
t
hereforherandhelpherthrough
Me:Iwi
ll
Ndal
o:Andyou.
.Whenar
eyougi
vinghi
m achance?
Me:Who?
Ndal
o:Youknowwho
Me:Ndal
oI.
.
Ndalo:Youshouldgivehim achance.Il
ikethathe'
s
aspiri
tualper
son,hewi l
lunder
standourchildand
thegif
thehasmor ethananyotherguythatyouwill
date.Heisint
oyou, youint
ohim.Givehima
chance,youdeservelovetoo
Me:We'
l
lsee
(
Sil
ence)
Me:Whatdi
dyoumeanwhenyousai
dyou'
l
ltake
car
eofyourMot
her
?
Ndalo:WhenBel indatri
edf ighti
ngforsomething,
sheresortedt owi t
chcraf
t .Idon'twantyoutwo
gett
ingyour selvestai
ntedagai nendingupdoi ng
thi
ngst hatwillbeadi sgracet oGodandyour
ancestors.Iwantyout wo, t
ol i
veyourbestli
ves.
Focusonmovi ngonandl eavemyMot hert
ome.
Shehast orturedyouguysandi t'
senough, caused
Belpai
n.Ij ustwishBel couldunderstandthatshe
hassomuchmor e.Shehasaj ob,shecanst art
afr
esh.FightingmyMot herwi l
lbeanemot i
onaland
mentaldragf orher ,sheneedst oletgo.She'sdealt
wit
hal otalready, suchf ort
unedoesn'tlastwheni t
wasattainedi nthemostevi lways,Idon'twanther
andyout oexper iencewhatyouexper iencewith
yourboyfri
end' smot her
.MyMot herhasturnedinto
somethingIdon' tr ecognize,wedon'tknowhowf ar
shecango
Me:That
'sver
ytr
ue..Thankyouforcomingthr
ough,
Iwi
llmakesuret
hatBelgetsovert
his.
.Ipr
omise
Ndalo:Thankyou..Takecareofyour
sel
f,t
hisi
snot
goodbyeasyet,Isti
llwannameethim
Me:I
t'
sgoodbyef
ornow
Ndal
o:I
t'
sgoodbyef
ornow

CLARA
Iwast r
yingt ocleant hewhol edaybutIcoul dn't
.I
hadnoener gy,Ididn'
thavet hestrength.Itooka
fewsl eepingpi l
lstor estabit,theymademesl eep
foratleast4hour sandIf oundmysel fawake.Iwas
sleepingonmyGr andmot her'sbedroom, onherbed.
Inot i
cedt hatwhenIwast ryingtocat chsleep,
beforet hepi l
lsfull
yki ckedin.Thebedwas
vibrati
nganddi sturbedmef orawhi l
e..

Ihadgonedownt ocheckunderandther
ewas
nothingundert
hebed,It
riedsl
eepi
ngagainbut
sti
ll
..SoIendedupsl
eepinginmybedroom..

Iheardaknockatt
hedoor
,Iwentt
oopen.I
twas
Fikz.
.
Me:Agh.
.
It
ri
edopeni
ngt
hedoorbutshebl
ockedme.
.
Fi
kz:Justhearmeout
!
Il
etheri
n,shehadatakeawayswit
hherand
anot
herpl
asti
c.Idon'
tknowwher
eFikzget
sallt
his
moneyfr
om al
lofasuddent
oaf
for
ddr
ugsand
al
cohol
..

Wewentandsati
nthel
ivi
ngr
oom.
.
Fi
kz:I
'
m sosor
ryaboutwhathappenedear
li
eron
Me:Thatwasdi
srespect
ful
Fi
kz:Itwasuncal
ledf
orIadmi
tandi
twi
llnever
happenagai
n,Ipr
omise
Ir
anmyhandonmyf
ace.
.
Fikz:Ibroughtsomef oodandabot
tl
eofwhi
skey,
togetherwithourfr
iend
Shet
ookoutt
hewhi
tel
it
tl
epaper
..
Fi
kz:Ar
eyougame?
Inodded.
.

BELI
NDA

WhenIappr
oachedmyhouse,
IsawKail
eani
ng
agai
nsthercar
.Ipar
kedbehi
ndher
sandgotout
,I
mademywayt oher.
.
Me:Hey
Kai
:Hey
Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Kai:Youwer
en'
tpi
cki
ngupmycal
ls,
Iwaswor
ri
ed
aboutyou
Me:Wel
l.
.Ihadat
err
ibl
eday
Kai
:Whathappened?
Me:Idi
dn'
tgetanyt
hing
Kai
:Howcome?
Me:Idon'tknow..Ievenhavetobeoutbymi dnight
,
I'
m sodefeatedbutatthesamet i
mer el
ieved..I
'm
donewiththispartofmylif
e,Ineedtoclosethe
chapter
.Igottheclosuret
hatIneededand. .I
t's
ti
met omoveonnow
Kai
:I'
m sor
rybutwhatdi
dyoudowi
tht
heOl
dBel
?
Me:She'
sgone
Kai:I'
m pr
oudofyouandIhopeyoumeanwhatyou
saying
Me:Tr
ustme,
Ido
Kai
:Sowher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:Can'tgobackhome,
Iwi
llhavet
ogot
oahot
el
andtakeitf
rom t
here
Kai
:Wel
lyoucanl
ivewi
thmeunt
ilyougetapl
ace
Me:Idon'
twannat
roubl
eyou
Kai
:Ii
nsi
st
Me:Thankyou
Kai
:Let
'sgoi
nthenandgetyourt
hings
Me:Yeahdon'
twannagi
vet
hewi
tchanoppor
tuni
ty
t
othrowmeout
Kai
:Thenl
et'
snot
Weheldhandsandmadeourwayi nside,
Ilooked
upint
heskyandsmiled.Rememberingwhatwent
downatSoso'
shouse,i
twasjustwhatIneeded..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
26] :121

SEASONFI
NALE

CLARA

[
2YEARSLATER]

Iglanceddownatmyresult
s,I
'vebeendoingsofor
thewholeenti
reweekhopi
ngthattheresul
tswould
bediffer
ent
,butt
heyweren'
t.
IwasHI V+.WhenIf oundout ,whentheNur se
handedmemyt estIglancedatitf
oraver ylong
ti
mebef oregrabbingitandstormingoutoft he
room.Ididn'twannahearnot hing,
Ididn'twanna
hearanythingaboutcounselingIjuststormedout.
.
Lifehasn' tbeeneasyf ormesi ncet hedeat hofmy
Gr andmot her.It'sli
ket herewast hisdar kcloud
hangi ngoverme, li
kethi ngsst artedtogetmor e
wor seandwor se.Not hingwor ked, It
riedtodo
somet hingposi ti
vewi thmyl i
febutIf ail
ed.SoI
tookt heeasywayoutoft his, byal l
owi ngFi kzt o
hel pme. .Ihavebeenpr ostit
ut i
ngmysel fanddoi ng
drugs.It houghtt hatIwoul dmakeal otofmoney
from pr ost it
ut i
onbut ,i
t'snotaseasyasIt hought .I
makeR150aweek.Someoft hesemenj ustsleep
wi thme, wi thoutpayi ng.Somehavef orcedt heir
waywi thme, someevenbr okei nt oviolateme
sexual ly.Al loft hem Isl eepwi tht hem i nmyhouse,
unl essonesuggest sot herwi se.Idon' tknowt hem,
Fikzi st heonewhoget st hem f orme.Idon' t
under stand, Fikzseemswel loff.She'sget ti
nga
bet terpayment , t
hanme.Ij ustpl ayar oundR150,
andacl ienti snotguar anteedever yday.Wor se
somedon' tevenwannauseacondom.I '
veeven
cont r
act edanSTDher eandt her e.Ihadno
i
nt ent ionsoft estingforHI V, butmyl astinjection
dose.Theyt est edmewhi chwasaweekago, that'
s
wheni tcameoutt hatI'
m posi tive.Ever ynowand
thenyouar eforcedt ot estbef
oret
heygi veyoua
shot..
.Someoft hesemenhavebeatmeup, I'
m
l
ivingbutI'm deadi nside.Maybethissicknessisa
blessi
ngi ndisguise,soonmyheal thwilldetor
iate
thenI'
lleventual
lydi e.Ihavenointent
ionsoft aki
ng
treat
mentatal l.
.

BELI
NDA

Il
ookedatthebooks.200booksor der
edt hat
neededtobesenttomyf ans.Isi
ghed,Ithoughtby
nowwewoul dnotgetanyor der
s,butorderskeep
oncomi ngandcoming.
.Itookoneandr eadthe
coverpage:

"
SISTERWI
FE
[
Onest
ayed,
Onel
eft
]

[
He'
smi
ne,
He'
smi
net
oo]
BELI
NDASOKHELE

Kaiwal
kedi
nwi
tht
hedel
iver
yman.
.
Me:Ohhno
Kai
:100mor
ecopi
es
Iexhal
ed.
.
Kai
:Justputt
hem her
e
Del
iver
y:Okay

Kail
ookedatme.
.
Me:Thiswassupposedtobether
apeut
ic,met ell
ing
myst or
ytohealandhel
potherwomentoo..Ididn't
expectthi
s
Kai
:Bel
indayourst
oryandSoso'
sst
oryt
hey
power
ful,
whatdidyouthi
nk?

Idon'
tevenknowwher
etostart.Movi
ngonf r
om
mypainwasnoteasyunt
ilKainoti
cedthaton
Facebookpeopl ewr otestories,thent oldmet o
wr i
teaboutmypai n.Seehowwr i
tingwi llhel p.She
gotthi saut horPr eciousMol oitohel pmewi th
adver ti
singmypagewhenIst artedi t
,thenhel ped
givemegui del i
nesonhowt otel
lmyst or yt hebest
wayi nl i
terat ure.Shement oredmeunt i
lIgott he
hangofi t.Ist art
edwi t
honl y1000f oll
ower s, by
chapt er10t hepagewasgr owing.Whent hest ory
progr essed, Iendedupwi th100kpeopl ef ollowi ng
thest ory.Somer eader sforcedmet opubl isha
hardcopy.It houghtt hattheywer enevergoi ngt o
buy, butever yonewant edtoknowwhatwasgoi ng
tohappennext .SoIsei zedt hest oryonchapt er50
andr eleasedabook.

3weeksoft hebookbei ngreleasedi tt

rendedon
Twitterthel i
tt
lefameIgotf rom Ndal ohelpedtoo
especi al
lyincludi
nghi minabook, peoplewantedto
knowt hefullstor
y.Ididn'
thidemyi denti
tynordi
d
Soso.Iaskedandat t
ainedper missiontoincl
ude
her,sheagr eed.Shel etmei nonherownpai n,wit
h
herpr evi
ousr elat
ionship.
.
Writ
ingthi
sbookmademet or
eal
izesomethi
ng,i
t
mademet obehonestwit
hmysel
f.WhereIwas
honestwit
hmysel
fthat
'swher
emyt r
ueheali
ng
came..

Thehonestt
ruthisthatIhel
pedmysel fdestr
oy
mysel
f.IhadacareerandwhenNdal odecidedto
bri
nginSoso,Icoul
d'vewalkedaway.Iwasst il
l
goi
ngtobemewi t
houthim, Iwasn'
tdownandout ..
Themai nreasonIstayedwasbecauseofthe
brokensupportsystem behi
ndme.Mymot her
mademebel i
evethatIwasnotwomanenoughf or
someoneel setoloveme, t
hatNdal
owast heonl y
manf orme.Forgetti
ngthatthewayNdaloloved
andacceptedme, isthewaysomeoneelsecoul d've
too.
.

Ndal
owast r
appedinourmarr
iage,
hewasn' thappy
andIemotional
lybl
ackmail
edhimintostaying.I
coul
d'vel
ethim goandfi
ndhishappiness,andI
could'
velefttoobutmyowni nsecurit
iesmademy
paintochanget hePersont
hatIwaswi th.Iended
updoingt hi
ngst hatwer
edegradingtomysel fand
thatwastryingtokeepmymanwi t
hwi t
chcraft.
..

Thehonestt ruthisthat,Nangomsoowedme
nothing.Nangomsodi dn'thaveanaf fairwi t
hNdal o.
Ndal otoldmeandt ri
edt oletgoofmebutIr esist
ed,
andt hatopenedt hedoorf ormet ogethur tmor e.
.
Whathappenedt ome, whenIwasyoung.Dat inga
mar ri
edman, i
twasf orselfishr easons.Idi dn'
tlove
him, Iwantedhismoneyt obet t
ermysel fwi th
educat i
onthereforetakingbr eadever ydayf rom his
wi f
eandki ds.Hel ovedmebutIdi dn't
,Iwasgoi ng
toleavehi m af
tergraduat i
ng.Ihur tanot herwoman,
Ibroughtpover t
yt ohiskids, themoneyhewas
givingmemadet hemoneyf orhi sgrocer i
est obe
shor t
.Thekidsschoolf ees, etc.Idon'tblamet he
wi f
ef orwhatshedi dtome, Itookever ythingaway
from thatwoman.Wor sehehadt hreatenedt oput
them outofhi shousesoIcoul dmovei n,hisown
kidsandt hemot herofhi skids.Thatsi tuation
woul
ddr
iveanysanewomancr
azy.
.

Ont heotherhand,Nangomsowasn'
tusi
ngNdal
o
forself
ishreasons.Shel
ovedhi
m.
Thei
runion,nobreadwast akenawayfr
om me,
Nangomsodi dn'
tmakeNdal okickmeoutofmy
house.Theall
owancemoneyIwasget tingf
rom
hi
m, i
twasnotshor tjustbecauseshewasinthe
pi
cture.Sheowedmenot hing,myhusbandwasthe
onewhoowedmel oyalt
y..

Mybookf
ocusesmor
eonSosoandI
.
Onewomanwhowal kedaway, andonest ayed.
Sosot oldmet hatNdal ophysicall
yattackedher
twice,insultedherandt r
eatedhershit.Evenafter
thewi t
chcr aftwasl i
fted,Sosodidn'tgobackt ohi
m.
I
nst ead,shewal kedawayf rom thetoxicsit
uati
on.
Ont heot herhand, Istayed.IstayedbecauseI
thoughtIwasn' tgoodenoughf oranyone.
2yearsagoIwasi nareal
lydarkspacewher
eI
thoughtIwasnevergoi
ngt ocomeoutof,
butGod
hadotherplanswit
hmyl i
fe.
Ifthi
ngsdidn'thappenthatway,Iwoul
dn'tbehere
today.Iwouldn'tbewit
hKai ,Iwoul
dn'
thavethe
bestsell
ingbooki nAfr
ica,andmostofallIwoul
dn't
havewentaf termydream..

Yesthi
syear
,I'
m anof
ficialmedst
udent
.Iam
doi
ngbachel
orofmedicine&sur
ger
y.
Ij
ustst
art
edt
hisyear
,it
'smyf
ir
styear
.
LastyearIwasbusywit
hthebookandsort
ingout
mylife,
doingal
otofheali
ngt
hrought
herapyand
wri
ting.
.

Ont heotherhand, Ndalodidcomet hroughwiththe

cleansi
ng.MyGr andmot herhel
pedmesi ncehis
familydi
dn't,af
terthat.Thingsst
artedtofal
lint
o
place.I
t'
sl i
kehim andhi sancestor
swer ebl
essing
mef rom thegrave
KaiandIweengagednow, notonl yengagedbut
Lobolawascar ri
edoutt ooatt hebegi nni
ngofthis
year.Wel ivet ogether,weliveinhi splaceandwe
notyeti nar ushf orawhi teweddi ng.Ithought
NdaloandI ,wewer ethe"It"couplebutKaiandI .
WhenIgott hefameorr athermor efamef rom t
he
book, Igotmysel fal otoffollowersandf ans.My
rel
ationshipi sverymuchadmi red,notforget
ti
ng
howKaiwonanawar dforbeingt hebest
psychol ogistinSout hAfri
ca.

Shehasst oppeddoi ngtherapy,she'

snowt eaching
psychologyandf urtheri
ngherstudiestoan
honours.She'smi ssingtwoqualif
icat
ionst
hatshe's
workingonget t
ingt obet heheadofthepsychology
department

Kai
,herMotherisalsolesbi
an.Marr
iedtoawhi t
e
womanwhoi sal esbi
an.Ihaveneverseenthat
,but
t
heyarealovingfamily.Unl
ikeTheNanny,Kai'
s
Motheri
sver
ystr
aightfor
ward.Shedoesn'tf
ake
l
oveandshewil
lcallyouupstr
aightonyourshi
t.
..

Onmysi de, Ihaver econci l

edwi thmyMot her.I
t
tookal otoft herapyf rom hersidet oo,todealwith
herowndemons.I nst eadofsuppor t
ingher,Ihave
herwor kingf ormet omakeal iving.She'sverygood
withasewi ngmachi nesoshe' shel pingwiththe
sist
erwi f
ebr andedt -shirt
sthatweal sogoingto
startsell
ing..Ihaveat eam ofpeopl eworkingfor
me, Ican'thandl eschoolanddi st r
ibuti
onofmy
bookt oo,soIgotat eam towor kforme.

Asf orSosoandI ,
wear ethebestedoffri
ends.
UnlikeLisa,Sosoisanamazi ngstrongwi l
led
person.Ndal otri
edtobreakusandmakeushat e
eachot herbutinstead,
hemadeusbestf riends
whenwebot hr eal
izedthatwedidn'thavetohate
eachot herbecauseofaman. .

NANGOMSO
Iwal
kedt
othel
ounge,
tomySongi
ggl
ing.
Ist
oodatt
hedoor
wayandwat
chedhi
m.
Hepushedthebal
lforward,
andi tst
oppedasi
fli
ke
someoneel
sewasbl ocki
ngit.Thenpushedi
tback
tohi
m agai
n,hewouldgiggl
e.

SinceNatur
ewasbor n,Istoppedseeingspi
ri
ts.My
son,unli
kehisFat
her.Hewasbor nwithhi
sgift
,
he'sbeenseeingt
heothersidestil
lasababy.He
j
ustturned2andhe'sani ghtmare!

Mylastencounterwit
hNdalo,heaskedmetoname
him"Nature"
.Becauseheisgoingtobet
heSonof
theSoil
,theSonofnatur
econnecti
ngwitht
he
undergr
oundgang.

Hel
ookedatme.
.
Nat
ure:Soso!
Icl
osedmyeyes..Fort
hel
if
eofmeIdon'
t
under
standwhyhedoesn'
tcal
lme"
Mom".
Hecal
lshi
snanny"
Mama"butdeadasscal
lsme
"
Soso"
..

Lif
eformehasbeenbet t
er.Lele'
sjourneywas
tough,andwher
eherjourneywast ought he
i
nherit
ancecameinhandy.Ifitwasn'tforit
,Idon'
t
knowwhatwould'vehappenedt ous

Shedi dupli
ftt
hecur seatt
heend,butunfort
unately
herMot heri
sfighti
nghertoothandnail
.Butnow
I'
m comf or
tabl
eandnotscar edbecauseLelehas
ful
lytappedintohergift
,sowhensomet hi
ngisof f
.
Sheseesi tanddealswith,sowesafe.Theattacks
arenotdetri
ment alanymore.
..

Somet hi
ngweirdhappenedthough,whereIwas
unsureaboutmyf ut
ure.Bel
forcedmet oapplywi
th
herformedici
ne,Idi
d.Webot hgotaccepted,
we
bot
hint hesameclassandI '
m happybecauseever
si
nceNdal o'
spassi
ng.Wehavegr ownveryclose,
wenowbestf ri
ends.Iguessshef i
nall
ydidbecome
asist
erwi f
etomet hatNdalowantedhertobebut
i
nadi f
ferentmanner,notr
omant i
call
yinvol
ved..

Natur
e'smoneyfrom theinheri
tance,
isgoingt
o
hel
pus.Especial
lysinceIam atschool.I
tpaysthe
bi
ll
s,wil
lpayformyt uit
ionfeesandhelpsupport
Natur
ef i
nanci
all
y..

BoneandIwei narelationshi pnow, buttakingi

t
slow.Nomar ri
ageasyet ,hel i
vesathispl aceandI
l
ivebymypl ace.Webot hj ustvisi
teachot her.I
'm
givingitanother3year sbef orewecanst art
thinkingaboutmar r
iage, Idon' twantusget ti
ng
mar r
iednowandt hingsdon' tworkout.I'
vebeen
bur ntalotofti
mes, Idon'twannagetbur ntagain.I
l
iket herelat
ionshi
phehaswi thmySon, youwoul d
sweart hathei sNature'
sbi ologicalFatherthat'
s
howmuchhel oveshim. .
WeliveinthehousethatNdalolef
tforus,
butI
di
dn'
tal l
owtheNannyt ocar
ryoutthehouse
cl
eansing.Ndal
odidn'twant
,sowegotat rust
ed
heal
ertodosoandt heydiditri
ght.
..

LELE

Shepl
acedt
hemoneyont
hegr
assmat
.
Cl
ient
:ThokozaGogo
Me:Thokoza
Isawtear
sinhereyes.
.Il
ookedatt
heador
abl
e
babyshewasholdi
ng..
Me:Awwphephi
sa(
takehear
t)
Cli
ent:I'
veseenalotofgi
ft
edpeople.Prophetsand
healer
sal i
ke,
butnonehashelpedme.Icamet o
youlastyearandthi
sistheresul
tofyourwor k
Gogo, mybabyis2mont hsnow.Youdon'tknow
whatyouhavedonef orme,that'
swhyIbr ought
t
hisR5000
Today,nottoconsul tbuttothankyou.Youjust
hel
pedmebyt aki
ngmet otheriverforacl
eansing
andgavemewat eryouprayedf ortodri
nkeveryday
unti
lIconceived
Me:AwwBl
essed
Cli
ent:Thankyousomuch..Youar
etr
ulygi
ft
ed,
don'tl
etanyonetel
lyouot
herwi
se
Ismi
led.
.

Myjourneywasnoteasy.Whoevert el
lsyout hat
spi
ri
tual
lygif
tedpeoplehaveiteasy,l
ied.Whenyou
onthepathtoreal
izi
ngyourgift,
yougot hroughthe
mostandI'm anexampleofthat.
.

Afterdoingeveryt
hingthatmyGr andmotherasked
ofme, myMot hercamebackf ul
lfor
ce.WhenIhad
touplif
tthecurses,shesentmel i
ghtni
ng.Ialmost
died,t
hatwomanal mostkil
ledme.Iwasst i
llnotas
strongasIam nowsoshet riedt
odestroyme, Isaw
f
rom t
her
ehowpower
fult
hespi
ri
tofUt
hunguwas
t
oget
herwit
hmyGod.
..

Shehasn'tstoppedt
helastt
imeIchecked,
shewas
sti
llt
ryi
ngtof i
ndawaytogettomebutIguess
Grandmai sdeali
ngwit
hherbecausenothi
ngshe
hasattemptedtodowithmylif
ehassucceeded.
.

Althought hel i
ghtningsit
uat ionlef
tmewi t
ha
crippl
edl eg, i
tdisjoi
ntedmyhi pboneandIl imp
whenIwal k.Mygui destoldmet hatIwon'theal,
thisisavi ct oryscar.Itwillalwaysremi ndmet hatI
conquer ed. .AtfirstIcouldn'twalkwithoutacrutch,
butnowIcanwal konmyownevenal ongdist
ance.
It'
sbetternow. .

WhenIwast ol
dt hatIhadaspi r
it
ualgi
ft,It
hought
theywerejusttalki
ngaboutsomet hi
ngsosi mple.I
didn'
tknowIwasgoi ngt
obethemostpower f
ul
prophetint
hisar ea.Justl
ikemyMom, butwit
hme
I'
m doinggoodi nsteadofhurt
ingpeopl
e.Mygi fti
s
i
nbot hways, Ihelpedspiri
tuallyandt raditi
onall
y.
Butthemostdomi nantparti smypr ophet i
cpart.
.I
wakeupever ydayby5am al readyt hequeuef or
consult
ati
onandt reat
menti slongver ylong.Nathi
andIweevenhadt omaket heout sider oomsmy
workingarea,renovatedthem t ohowIwant edthem
tobe.Onef orthosewhoconsul tt
raditionall
y,and
theotherpartformyspi r
itualintactpeopl e..

SpeakingofNat hi,wemar riednow.Myf ami l

yor
el
dersofmyf amilycamet hr oughf ormej ustas
howmyGr andmot herinstructed.Mymot herwasno
partofit
,wi t
hmyl obolamoneyi twentt ofixi
ngmy
Grandmot her'
shousef ormyr el
at i
vesdowni nKzn. .
Iam evenamot hernow, myDaught eri
s6mont hs
old.Hernamei s" Eli
hle",abstractedf r
om herfull
namewhi chi s"Langel i
hle".Ihaveneverbeent his
contentwithmyl ife.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
01/
09,
09:
26] :122

SEASONFI
NALE

BELI
NDA

NowIbel ievewhent heysayl i

feisunpr edi
ctabl e.A
bigchangei nyourli
fecanj ustdropunexpect edly
soandchangeever ythi
ng.LookingbackwhenI
wasst i
llconsumedi npain,Ineversawt helightat
theendoft hetunnel.AllIsawwast ot
aldar kness,
andinthemi stofallthatdarkcameabeaut ifulnew
beginni
ng.Onet hatIneverexpect ed.Ithoughtmy
painwasgoi ngtobr i
ngaboutanunt imelydeat h,
deathwast heonlythingIsawasar eli
effrom my
pain

Itwasafri
daytodayandwehadnoclasses.I
twas
alongweekend,we'
llonl
ybegoi
ngbacktoschool
nextweekTuesday.
..
Iwashavi
ngalazydayathome,Kaiwasouttorun
afewerr
ands.Decidedt
ocookmysel
fadeli
cious
mealt
oeatforlunchwhenSosovi
deocal
ledme..

Me:Si
sterwi
fe
Soso:
Sist
erwi
fe
Me:Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Soso:
I'
m goodandyou?
Me:I
'
m wel
l
Soso:
Whatyoudoi
ngt
her
e?
Me:I
'
m pr
epar
ingmysel
fsomel
unch
Soso:
That
'sni
ce
Me:Wher
eismyador
abl
enephew?
Soso:
Ijustputhi
m downt
osl
eep
Me:I
t'
snothi
susualnappi
ngt
ime
Soso:Whenyoupl
ayi
ngwi
thghost
stheycant
ir
e
youout
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Don'
tsaysuchbadt
hingsaboutNat
ure
Soso:
Hewi
llbewaki
ngupsoon
Me:Youdon'
tseem shakent
hathepl
ayswi
th
ghost
s?
Soso:
WhatcanIdo?
Me:Doyout
hinki
t'
sNdal
o?
Soso:Notreal
lysur
e,butwit
hNdaloIknowwhen
he'
sinter
acti
ngwithhim.Cal
lshi
m Dada
Me:I
thur
tsmeknowi
ngthathewillonl
yhave
communi
cat
ionwi
thhi
sfatheri
nthismanner
Soso:
I'
mjustworri
edabouthim whenheget sol
d
andunder
standshisgi
ft
,itwi
llchangeever
ythi
ng
knowi
ngthathisf
atheri
saghost
Me:Igetwhatyousayi
ng
Soso:
ButBonei
sreal
lygoodwi
thhi
m
Me:I
'
m gl
adhei
s
Soso:
Youguysar
est
il
lcomi
ngovert
hisweekend
f
ordi
nnerr
ight
?
Me:Yeswe'
l
lbet
her
e
Soso:
Wher
eisKai
?
Me:Shej
ustwentout
Soso:
Letmel
eaveyout
oitt
hen,
we'
l
lcat
chupl
ater
Me:Okaycool
Soso:
Iloveyou.
.Bye
Me:Il
oveyout
oo.
.Bye

LUVO(
NDALO'
SCOUSI
N)

Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
,Iwentt
oopen.
I
twasourneighbourWinne.Shewaswi
tht
he
Nanny,
Iexhal
edinrel
ief.
.
Me:Wher
edi
dyouf
indher
?
Wi
nni
e:Byt
hedumpst
er
Me:Thankyou
Wi
nni
e:Youwel
come
Ipull
edtheNannyin,
shewasholdi
ngacanoff i
sh
thatwormswerecomingoutf
rom t
here.Shewas
eati
ngthem,andthefi
shwassmell
ing..

TheNannyunexpect edlywentcl ini

cal
lyi
nsane.
Beforethatshewasal wayst al
kingaboutNdaloand
herhusband, thatt
heycomi ngforher.Shewas
paranoid,didn'
twannaeatanymor esayi
ngtheywil
l
poisonherf oodandkillher.Shedi dn'
tsl
eepsaying
theywillki
llherinhersleep.Atfirstwedownplayed
i
t,butitgotwor se.
.

Itstar
tedlastyearearl
y,we'vetakenhertoalotof
speciali
sts.Theycarr
iedouttestsandsaidshe's
schizophrenicwhil
stther
e'snohi st
oryofamental
i
llnessinherf ami
ly.

Shewasputonmedicat
ionbutt
hemedsonl ymade
herwor
se,
we'vet
akenhertoatradi
ti
onalheal
er
andtheysai
dshewon'tbeokay.Ancestor
sare
hi
tti
ngherfr
om t
hegraveandtheywillonl
yrel
ease
herwhentheyf
eell
ikei
t..

Thisistoomuchf ormebecauseIdon' thaveal if

e
anymor e,Iam al waysstuckathomel ookingaf t
er
her.Aluvoisnol ongerstayinghere,
she'swor ki
ng
nowandwesol elydependonherf orsurvival.I
don'tknowhowourmoneyj ustbl
ewof finaspace
of2year s,there'snotevenasi ngl
et hi
ngIcanpoi nt
outatandsayweboughti t.Themoneywasj ust
spentrecklesslyonusel esst hi
ngsandi tfi
nished
quickerthant hebl i
nkofaneye. .

TheNannyi snotthesamewomant hatweknew.

Shehaslostweight ,onl
ybathswhenshe'sforced,
shehaschangedandwear ealaughingst
ock
aroundhere.Rel
ativesaren'
tbudginginri
ghtnow,
theyarel
ovingusf rom afar
..
.

Me:Nannyyoucan'
teatt
hat
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Thisactwasdi
sgust
ing,
howdoyoueatwor
ms
fr
om arott
enfi
shcan?Iwascl
oset
ovomiti
ng.
.

Me:Gi
vemet
hat
,I'
l
lmakesomet
hingt
oeatf
oryou
Nanny:No.
.Ican'
teatanyt
hingbutt
his.I
fIeatf
ood
f
rom thi
shouse
Sheanxi
ousl
ylookedar
ound.
.
Nanny:Theywi
llpoi
sonmyf
ood
Thi
swastir
ing.
.Shewasdi r
tyandsmel
li
ng.Her
l
ipshadcr
acked,hernai
lshadchi
pped.

IshookmyheadwhenIf el
ttear
snear i
ng,Iwas
ti
red.
.Ican' tdothi
s.Aluvodoesn'tevencomehome
anymor e,sheonlysendst hat1kforfoodevery
mont h.Somet i
messhedoesn' tevenpickupmy
call
s.I'
vebeent ryi
ngtoescapemycur rentr
eali
ty
withnol uck.Ican'
tfi
ndaj ob,Igetdecli
nedallt
he
ti
me...
LELE

Eli
hlewascr
awl
ingont
hef
loor
.TheNannypi
cked
herup..
Me:Yhuuuuuuu,youshoul
djustl
etherbe.Pi
cki
ng
herupal
ltheti
mei st
ir
ing
Nanny:Idon'
tmi
nd,
Ijustdon'
twanthert
ryi
ngt
o
st
andupunderthet
ableandbumpherheadagai
n
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Sonkesakhul
anj
alo(
weal
lgr
ewupl
iket
hat
)
Myphoner
ang,
itwasavi
deocal
lfr
om Si
d.
Ianswer
ed.
.
Me:Si
dney
Hi
seyeswer
ered.
.
Si
d:Lel
e
Me:What
'swr
ong?
Si
d:I
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
okeept
hisf
rom yout
hinki
ng
t
hatshewoul
drecoverbut
..
Me:Butwhat
?What
'shappeni
ng?
Si
d:Mom i
sreal
lysi
ckandi
t.
.
Hest
art
edcr
ying.
.
Si
d:I
'm alone,I
'mtheonewhot
akescareofher
.I'
m
aboyLele,Ican'
tbeseei
ngmom naked
Me:What
'swr
ongwi
thher
?
Si
d:Letmeshowyou
Hewalkedt
othebathroom.Isawbloodonthefloor
,
t
henattheedgeofthebatht
ub.Isawbloodmixed
wit
hhumanf l
esh.
.
Me:What
'shappeni
ng?
Sid:Herskinj
ustbur
nsandf al
lsoff
,thenshe'l
lst
art
bl
eedingfrom t
heburntwounds.Bathiumli
lo
wabaphantsi(
theysayi
ngit
'srevengefrom t
he
ancestor
s)
Me:Yhooo
Si
d:Ican'
ttaket
hisanymor
e,i
t'
sbeengoi
ngonf
or
4monthsnow
Me:Wher
eisshenow?
Sid:I
nherr oom cryi
ng,pl
eadingwi t
hGodand
ancestorst
hatt heyshoul
dtakeherl i
feinsteadof
thi
ssuf f
eri
ng.Lastweekanangr ycli
entcame,
wantingref
und.I twasacommot i
on,het ookouthi
s
gunandt hreatenedtoshootus..Idon'tknowwhat
todoanymor e
Me:That
'sbadSi
d
Si
d:Pl
easehel
pus
Me:Mom isat r
adi
ti
onalhealer,
can'
tshehelp
hersel
f?Sheknowsuml i
lowabaphantsii
t'
sanger
fr
om ancestor
sIcan'
tinter
fereorel
setheywil
ltur
n
onme
Sid:Iknowthatshehurtyoudeepl
ybutshe'
ssti
ll
yourMot her
!Iam yourBrot
her
!Youdon'tt
urnyour
backonf amil
y!Nomat t
erwhat
Me:ByeSi
d
Si
d:Lel
e!Lel
e!

CLARA
TodayIwokeupwi thmyvaginaveryit
chy.Ieven
fel
tthingsmovi ngdownt her
e.WhenIchecked, I
couldn'tseeanything.
.NowIf el
ttheedgetopee,so
Iranstraightt
ot hetoi
let
.
Il
oweredmyunderwearandsatdown,whenI
gl
ancedatmyunderwearInoti
cedsmallwor
ms
movingi
nabrownsmel l
ydischar
ge.

Thesmellwassointensethatt
het
oil
etwassmel
ly.
Myheartstar
tedbeati
ngfast.
.
Me:OhhmyGodwhat
shappeni
ng
It
ookof
fmyunder wearandtookt
het
oil
etpapert
o
wi
pemysel
f.Icheckeditandsawwor
msoni t
..
Me:Ohhhhhhno(
cryi
ng)
Idroppedt
hetoi
letpaperi
nthet
oil
et,
whi
lst
tr
embl i
ngr
eal
lybad..
Me:OhhmyGod,
what
'shappeni
ngt
ome?(
cryi
ng)
MI
SSG

Iwasinal otofpain.Iwasinbedsleepi
ngon
bloodysheets.Thishasbeengoingonforal
ong
ti
menow.4mont hsisalongti
me.

Iwast
ir
ed,
deat
hseemedmor
eeasi
er.
.

Ihadahi ghtemperatur
e,mywhol ebodywas
feeli
nghot .Sidhadputafanclosebybutitwasn'
t
helping..Tearsstr
eameddownasmyMot her
appear edinthebedroom..Shelookedatmeand
shookherhead. .

Me:Whydon'
tyouj
ustki
llme?Ngi
bul
aleonce!

Shef
oldedherar
msandshookherhead.
.
Me:Kil
lmeonceandt
akemeoutofmymi
ser
y!Ki
ll
me!!
!
Shest
il
lshookherheadandt
hendi
sappear
ed.
.

Isankmyf
aceont
hepi
ll
ow.
.

Me:Justki
llmeal
ready(
cryi
ng)
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
27] :123

SEASONFI
NALE

NANGOMSO

LateronIpr epareddinner,Bonewasgoi ngtocome

overtoeatdi nnerwithus.Ienjoyourrel
ationshi
p
ashowi tis,Idon'twantusr ushi
ngint
oanyt hingas
yet.Especiall
ymar r
iage,Ihavealotgoingonf or
now.Iwannabefull
yfocusedatschool
,Imi
ghtnot
gett
hischanceagai
n..

TheNannyshowedupwi thnature,shehadbathe
him andhewasi nhisPjs.Theliveinnannyis
helpful
,sheonl
ygoeshomeonweekends.Fr iday
whenIgetbackf rom schoolIdriveherhomeand
fet
chheronSunday. .

IpayherR6000amont h.Notonl
ydoesshelook
aft
erNatur
e,butshealsohel
pswitht
hehouse
choresher
eandt her
e..

Me:Si
s'
Cebi

ThoughsheworksformebutIhavet
orespecther
becauseshe'
sol
derthanme.She'
s45yearsold.
.

Me:Bel
indaandKai
arecomi
ngovert
omor
row
nightfordi
nner
,needyout
ohel
pmewi
tht
he
cooking

Cebi
:Don'
tevenment
ioni
t
Me:I
'
llputR500ext
rat
hismont
h
Cebi:
Youdon'
thavet
ooSi
si,
youal
readypayi
ngme
enough
Me:Ican'
tmisuseyou,
Ihavet
opayyouf
ort
he
ext
raworkyoudo
Cebi:Thankyou.
.Youar
ethebestempl
oyerI
'
ve
everhad
Me:Youwel
come
SheputNat
ureont
heki
tchencount
er.
.
Cebi
:Letmepr
epar
ethi
soneabot
tl
e
Me:Okay

BELI
NDA
TomorrowmorningIhaveaninter
viewwi
th
expr
essomorningshowtodiscussmybook.
I
t'
smyver
yfi
rstTVi
nter
viewandI
'
m ner
vous

Ididn'tt
hinkIwouldmakesuchgoodmoneyf r
om
j
ustsel l
ingabook.Mybookissell
ingverywelland
I'
m notevenanexperiencedwri
ter
.Ift
hiskeepson,
Imi ghtj
ustwrit
emorebooks..

Kai
:heycanIdi
scusssomet
hingwi
thyou?
Me:Yeswhat
'sup?
Kai:DrSebet
hajustcal
ledme,there'
sagirlshe'sa
teenandshejustgavebir
thyester
day.She'sgiving
upt hebabyf
oradopti
on,rememberwespoke
aboutadopti
ng?
Me:Ar
eyouser
ious?
Kai
:Yesifyouupfori
t.
.It
'sababygi
rlwecango
t
omorrowmor ni
ngandspeaktoher
Me:Wow.
.Yespl
easel
et'
sgo
Ihavebeenthi
nkingaboutadopt
ingababygir
l
l
atel
y,andthi
sblessi
ngjustcameattheri
ghtt
ime.
.

CLARA

Cl
ear
lyIwasgoi
ngt
osuf
ferf
oral
ongt
ime.
Eacht
imesomet
hingnewcomesmyway.

Ican'
ttakethi
sanymor e,nowI '
mr ott
eninside.Thi
s
i
snogoodwayf orahumanbei ngtosurvive.Ihad
consul
tedbeforeandtheheal ertol
dmet hatmy
Motherisbehi
ndmysuf f
ering,sheisangrywher e
sheisandshe'snotgoingtohavemer cyonme. .

She'
sstil
lupsetaboutwhatmyGr andmot herandI
di
dtoherandmyGr andmothercan'tevenfightf
or
me.Ican'tl
ivel
ikethisanymore,I'
l
lendupgoi ng
cr
azy..
Fikzl
iveswi thme, butshe'
satemporar
yvacant.So
Iwentt hroughhert hi
ngsandfoundhercocai
ne.I
tookallthose6l i
tt
leplast
icsandwenttomyroom.I
wasgoi ngt ooverdoseoncocaineandputanend
tothi
s.

SI
DNEY(
LELE'
SBROTHER)

Thiswast oomuchf orme.Ican' ttakethisanymore.

Ievenhadt oresignfrom worktotakecar eofmy
Mother.I'
vebeendoi ngsoal oneforthepast4
mont hseversinceshestartedgettingsick.I
'
ma
man, Ishoul
dn'tseemyMot her'
snakedness.I t
's
dri
vingmecr azyandIcan' tkeepup. .

Iwalkedi
ntoherroom,shewasl ayi
ngonherbed
faci
ngup.Total
lynaked,bl
eedi
ngwi t
hburnt
woundsalloverherbody.Shehadtearsi
nhereyes.
.
Me:Ma
Shet
urnedherheadandl
ookedatme.
.
Me:Ican'
tdothi
sanymore,I
'
m sor
ry.I
'
m suf
fer
ing,
andyousuff
eri
ng.Thi
sisnothowahumanbeing
shoul
dli
ve
Shenodded.
.
Il
ookedatherinhernakedst at
e.Yesherbodywas
notinagoodstat
ebutsomehowwhat everwas
happeningt
oherdidn'
taffecthercoochie.My
str
andedinthi
shousewi t
hherhasmademet o
gi
veuponwomen.Idon' tknowbuteversi nceher
si
cknessstart
ed,
myl ovelif
ehasalsobeen
aff
ected.

Someoft hethi
ngst
hatI'
veatt
ainedi
nlif
ewere
thr
oughher,andnowthatshe'
snolongerpr
act
ici
ng
myl i
fei
salsoamess.

Itookoutasheetint
hewar drobeandcoveredher
bodyhalfway,
Ididn'
tcoverherlegsandthi
ghs.
.
Me:Youdon'
thavet
oseet
his

Ipull
edthesheetal
lthewayupt ocoverherface
too.Shewasweakanddr ained,hadnoenergyso
fi
ghtingmewon'tworkforher.

Wi t
ht ear
sstreamingdownIt ookoffmypant s.I
didn'thaveanerecti
on,anddeepdownIhadal lthe
reasonst onotdothis.Butt
his4mont hs,
myl i
fe
hasbeenhel l
.Hel
lbecauseofthiswoman, she
owesmet hi
smuch..

Itookoffmyt -shi
rtandbri
efs,
thent ookoffmy
sneakerstooandgoti nbed.Icl
osedmyeyeswi th
tearsstr
eamingdown.Il i
ft
edherl egsupcareful
ly
toherknees.ThenIhel dmysof tcrotchandrubbed
theheadagai nstherhol
etryi
ngt omakemysel fget
aner ect
ion.
LUVO(
NDALO'
SCOUSI
N)

Whent heNannyhadcal
meddown.Iputherinher
room i
nbedsoshecouldrest
.Icoul
dn'
tbat
hher
becauseshedidn'
twant
..

Iwal
kedoutandcal
ledAl
uvo,
shepi
ckedup.

Al
uvo:Hey
Me:Ican'
ttaket
hisanymor
e
Al
uvo:It
oldyouLuvobutyoui
nsi
sted
Me:Sheraisedus,Idi
dn'
twannaabandonherbut
now..Thi
sisgetti
ngtoomuch.It
houghtshewoul
d
snapoutofitbutshe'
snot
,Idon'
twannabehere
anymore
Aluvo:Lookpackup,I'
llt
ransf
ermoneyf oryouthen
youcomet omypl ace.Wedon'towet hatwoman
anythi
ng.She'
sgoingt hr
oughacur seandIdon't
wantthathappeni
ngwi thyoutoo.Quitefr
ankl
y
eventhi
sR1000Isendt
hrougheverymonthis
becomingast
rai
ntome.Rentisexpensi
ve,bi
ll
s
needtobepai
dtoo.Myjobisnotevenpayi
ngme
much
Me:Iunder
stand
Aluvo:Tomorrowmorni
ngcomet
omypl
acewe'
l
l
fi
gureeveryt
hingout
Me:Whatabouther
?
Aluvo:Ther
e'snot
hingwecando,
justl
eaveheri
n
herhouse
Me:Okay.
.Letmepackupt
hen
Al
uvo:Okay

SI
DNEY(
LELE'
SBROTHER)

If
eltdir
tyaft
erdoi
ngthatact
,seeingmycum
dr
ippingfr
om hermademyhear tsink
Shecoul
dn'
tfi
ghtbackbutIhear
dhercryi
ng,
beggi
ngmetostop.Shetr
iedmovingherhandsbut
shedi
dn'
thavethestr
engt
h.

Shewasevenstr
uggli
ngt
obr eatht
hrought
hat
sheet
.Ishookmyheadcr
ying..

Me:I
'
m sor
ry

Iputmyhandsonherneckthr
oughthesheetand
str
angl
edherunt
ilshecoul
dn'
tmoveanymore..

Me:I
'
m sosor
ry(
cryi
ng)

BELI
NDA

Iwentt
hroughmyphoneandstumbl
edonThe
Nanny'
snumber.Il
ookedati
tandwonder
edhow
shewashol di
ngup.Howdoesshef eelknowing
thatshewantedtodestroymebutdidn'tsucceed,
howi tmustki
llhertowitnessmysuccess.I'
m sur
e
AluvoandLuvot heytel
lheraboutme,theyhave
accesstothenet..

Ibi
tmylowerli
pfight
ingmysel
fnott
ocal
lher
.SoI
del
etedhernumber.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
28] :124

SEASONFI
NALE

BELI
NDA

KaiandIlef
tver
yearlyi
nthemorningthenextday.
Theshowairsexact
lyat7am.I
t'
sahourshowbut
myinter
viewwil
lbe15-30minl
ong.Ihavenever
beenthisnervousbefore,
thi
sisabi gdealtome
andforme.Theshowi sli
vesowehadt oleavever
y
earl
y.Idrankcoffeetokeepup,andnotpassoutor
l
ookt i
redinfrontoft
hecamer a.
.Ihavealer
tedmy
fanstowat chtheshowandIhopet heywi l
lbe
tunni
ngin..

Thepresenter
s.It
'sawomanandaman.The
womani sIndi
an,andthemanisbl
ack.Anayaand
Tebogo..Wewer ewel
comedinandtakentot
he
makeupr oom..
.

LELE

Iwokeupt osomeonebangi ngatthedoor .Il

ooked
atthetime, i
twas06: 45.TodayIwasn'tdoingany
consultati
ons.Neededt orestali
tt
le.
.Itr
iedtoavoid
thenoisebutt heper sonpersist
ed.Il
ookedatNat hi,
hewasf astasleep.Igotupandl ookedoverat
Eli
hle'
scr i
b.Shewasal sosl
eepingpeacefull
ywith
herbottleinhermout h..
Itookmygownandputi ton,t
henmademywayt o
thedoortounlockandopen.I
twasFikz,shelooked
fri
ghtened.Iunl
ockedt
hesecuri
tydoorandlether
i
n..

Fi
kz:Idi
dn'
tknowwher
etogo
Me:What
'swr
ong?Pl
easesi
tdown
Shesatdown.
.
Me:I
'
llgetyouagl
assofwat
er
Igotheragl
assofwat
er.
.
Me:Her
e
Fi
kz:Thankyou
Shewasshaki
ngver
ybad.
.
Me:What
'swr
ong?Whathappened?
Fikz:Icamebackt hi
smor ni
ngfr
om..Ij
ustcame
backt hismorni
ng,IcheckedonClar
aand.
.She'
s
dead, evenhadbloodinhernose
Me:What
?
Fi
kz:Sheover
dosedoncocai
ne
I'
m notsurpr
ised.Nextdoorthere'
sal
otthatgoes
down.Partyi
ng,dri
nking,di
ffer
entMencomingi n
andgoingout.ClarahadturnedherGr
andmot her'
s
houseintoabrothel.
.
Fi
kz:Iknewshehadproblems,
Iknewshewas
st
ruggli
ngbut
..It
houghtshewasgoi
ngtosnapout
ofi
tbutshedidn'
t
Me:Wher
eisshenow?
Fi
kz:She'
sst
il
linherr
oom.I
'
vel
efthert
her
e
Me:Di
dyoucal
lthecops?
Fi
kz:No
Me:It
hinkyoushoul
d..Youshoul
dcal
l
Fi
kz:Okay,
shet
ookoutherphone

NANGOMSO
IwaswokenupbyNatur
e.Hewakesupver
year
ly
i
nthemorni
ng.Hesl
eepswit
hme..

Iwentandputhim onthecoucht
omakehi
sbot
tl
e,
helovescar
toonstoo.
.

Me:I'
m comi
ng.
.I'
m goi
ngt
opr
epar
eyouabot
tl
e
okay?
Henodded.
.
Iswi
tchedont
heTVandputoncar
toons.

Iwenttomakehim abott
lethenr
ememberedthat
todayi
twasBeli
nda'si
ntervi
ew.Whi
lstt
hebottl
e
wascooli
ngdown,Iwenttochangethechannel
andsatnextt
oNature.
.

Me:Wegoi
ngt
owat
chAunt
yBel
Nat
ure:Bel
!!
!
Me:YesBel
Shewasalr
eadyon,
Icoul
dtel
lthatshewas
ner
vous.
.

Presenter
:Imustsayt hatwhenIfi
rstr
eadyour
book,Icouldn'
tputi
tdown.Itcarr
iesalotof
emotions,Iwasmad, Iwashappy,Iwasemot i
onal

Belnodded.
.

Presenter
:WeknowyouasNdal o'
swi fe.Wehave
knownyout wo,t
obesecreti
vepeople.Onewould
assumet hati
twoul
dstaythatwayevenaf t
erhis
passing.Whatmadeyoutowr i
tet
hisbook,detai
l
yourlif
eandmarri
age

Bel:Iwasinaver ydeepanddar kplace2year

sago.
Apl aceIneverthoughtIwasgoi ngtobr
eakfr
ee
from.Myf i
ancéshewasst ri
ctl
ymyt her
api
stby
then,suggestedthatIwri
te.Wellokaywewere
al
readydat
ing

Theybot
hlaughed.
.

Pr
esent
er:Andl
ookwher
eitgotyou
Bel
:Lookwher
eitgotmei
ndeed
Presenter
:Beforewegettothecoreofthebook,
j
ustf orcl
ari
tyyouandNangomso?Lastwhenyou
uploadedapictureofyour
selfandheronInst
agram
i
tblewof f
Bel:That'st r
ue..Mostpeopl ewoul dthinkthatSoso
andIwer egoi ngtopr olongthehate,yeswe' vebeen
throughal otandhaveever yreasont ohateeach
other.Iresor t
edt owitchcraftandalmostr obbed
herSon, mynephewbyt hewayf r
om havinga
rel
ationshipwi thhi sFatherandshecameand
almostr uinedmymar ri
age.Wewer epractical
lyi
n
l
ovewi t
ht hesameman, andwewer esupposedt o
hateeachot heraccor dingtosocietystandardsbut
wewentpasst hat.Forgaveeachot herandnowwe
bestf
ri
ends.She'
sabetterbestf
ri
endt
omet
han
myprevi
ousbestfri
end
ThePr
esent
ernodded.
.
Present
er:That
'sveryrar
ebuti
t'
slovel
yandit
seemslikeyourfr
iendshi
pist
rueandstrong
Bel
:Iti
s..She'
sanamazi
ngstrongwomanandI
'
m
bl
essedtohaveheri
nmyl i
fe
Ismi
led.
.
Pr
esent
er:Ihopeshe'
swat
chi
ngt
oheart
his
Bel
:Ihopesot
oo
Nat
ure:Dada!
!!
!
Il
ookedathi
m,hewaspoi
nti
ngatt
heTV.
.
Nat
ure:Dada!
!
Hegotofft
hecouchandwal
kedhi
swayt
otheTV,
hehi
ttheTV..
.
Nat
ure:Dada!
!
Hest
artedjumpi
ngandcl
appi
nghi
shandsal
l
gi
ggl
ing..
Nat
ure:Soso!
Il
ookedathi
m..
Nat
ure:Dada!
Hepoi
ntedatt
heTV.
..

LI
SA

Myhear tsankasshespokeaboutNangomso.I
don'tgetit
..Idon'tgethowt hesewomenhur teach
otherbutarenowbest i
es.Nangomsoal mostruined
Beli
nda'smar r
iage,Bel
indawasi ndist
ress.Bel
usedwi t
chcr afttomakeNdal ohateSoso, howdo
youf or
givethat ?Sosospokei l
laboutBelhowdo
youf or
givethat ?Idon'
tgetit!
!Inst
eadofhat eand
enemyshewaspr omotedto"Bestfri
end".

Ihadacl eansingtodoawaywi ththedarkcloudof

orchest
ratingmyhusband' sdeath.Iwas
experi
encingal otofprobl
emssoIconsul tedand
theyri
dmeof fthedarkness,
afterthatt
hingsfel
l
i
ntopl
ace.Ial
mostevenl
ostmyj
ob.
..

Iam stil
ljeal
ousofBel i
nda, nowherli
f ei
sgoi ng
real
lywellandI '
m notevenapar tofit.Someone
elsetookmyspot .I
t'
shar dtogetthr
ought hi
sSoso
person,herbrother'
swifeisspiri
tual
lygiftedand
herboyfri
endt oo.Howdoyoubypasst hat?Belinda
too.I'
m sureifIcouldtr
ysomet hingitwillbepicked
up,Ijusthavetocutmyl ossesandloveherf rom
afar.

Ithurt
sthough,
ithur
tsver
ymuchbecauseIl
ove
her..
.

SI
DNEY(
LELE'
SBROTHER)

Icouldn'
tsl
eeplastnightafterwhatIdid.AllIcould
dowast odri
nkwhi skeysitatthecornerofher
room andconstant
lylookatherdeadbodyandj ust
cry.
.Ihaven'
tcall
edthecops, theambul anceor
anyt
hingoranyone.
.

Iwokeupf rom t
hatcorner,
Idon'
tevenknowwhen
andhowIpassedout .Imust'
vewenthar
donthe
whiskey.Isatupstr
aightwit
htheemptybot
tl
eof
whiskeyont hef
loor
..

Il
ookedatherandshewasstil
llayi
ngdeadonher
bed.Thesheetcover
edheral
lthewayup..

Iwasparanoi
d,br
okenandscar
ed.Igotupt
ogo
andgetsomemor eal
cohol
..

LUVO(
NDALO'
SCOUSI
N)

IhadmybagpackedupandIwasr eadyt oleave.I

hadR50inmet ogettotown,
soIcouldwi t
hdraw
somemoneyandpr oceedwit
hmyj ourneyto
Aluvo'
spl
ace.IpassedbyTheNanny'sbedroom.
Shewassitt
ingdownont hefl
oorandstari
ngat
wall
,Isi
ghedandthenclosedthedoor
.Idragged
myluggagebagandwentst r
aightt
othedoor .I
l
ookedatthehouseonelastti
me..Imightnever
comebackhereeveragain.
.

Iwal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
01/
09,
09:
29] :125

FI
NALE

NANGOMSO

MeandmyNannywewer ecooki
ng,pr
eparingfor
t
hegueststhatwewer
egoingtohavetoday.Natur
e
wasalit
tl
ecli
ngynow,soIdeci
dedtoputhim down
t
osleep.
.
Il
ookedathim ashi
seyeswer
ecl
osedandsucki
ng
onthepaci
fi
er.
.

Me:"Theheadoftheherdwascalli
ngfarf
araway,
soNell
ytheElephantpackedhert
runkandsai
d
goodbyetotheci
rcus.Offshewenttr
umpetyt
rump
tr
umpt r
ump"

Hewasinmyar msandIwasgent
lyr
ocki
nghi
mto
apeacef
ulsl
eep.
.

Igent
lyputhi
m down.
.

Me:"Theheadoftheher
dwascal l
ingf
arf
araway,
Theymetonenightint
hesi
lverl
ight
OntheroadtoMandalay.
.SoNellyt
heelephant
packedhert
runkandsaidgoodbyetot
hecircus"
Igothi
sel
ephantshapedt
eddybearandputi
tnext
tohi
m,hehuggedandsqueezedi
t.

Il
ookedathi
m peaceful
lyl
ayi
ngdown,andwal
ked
outoft
hebedroom t
ohelpourNanny.
..

Cebi
:Ishef
inal
lyasl
eep?
Me:Yes
Cebi
:Thenwecanf
ini
shof
f
Me:Atl
eastwehal
fwayt
hrough
Cebi
:Yes.
.That
'sbet
ter

BELI
NDA

KaiandIwewer ebackhome.Whenwegotback
thefi
rstt
hingIdi
dwast osl
eep,towakeuplat
er
andpreparetogotoSoso'
splace.Shehasi
nvit
ed
usoverfor.
..
Kai
:Bot
tl
eofwi
neorf
lower
s?
Me:Bot
h
Kai
:Bot
hiti
s
Ismi
led.
.
Kai
:Ar
eyour
eady?
Me:Whatt
imei
sit
?
Kai
:16:
00
Me:Al
most
Kai
:I'
l
ltakeoutt
hecari
nthemeant
ime
Me:Okay
Shewal
kedaway.
.
Il
ookedatmysel
fint
hemi
rr
orandcont
inued
appl
yingmymakeup.
..

LELE

Nat
hihel
dEl
ihl
easwewal
kedoutt
othecar
,Soso
hadi
nvi
tedusovert
oherhousef
ordi
nner
..
Nat
hi:Wat
chyour
sel
f
Me:Thankyou
Il
ookedoveratCl
ara'
shouseandsawherAunt
's
car
.Thefr
ontdoorwaswideopentoo.
Rel
ati
veswer
ether
ecl
eani
ngandwhatnot
.
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:Ni
ght
mar
ehousenextdoor
Nat
hi:Al
othashappenedi
nthathouse
Me:Iwonderwhoi
sgoi
ngt
ost
ayt
her
enow
Nat
hi:Iheardt
heygoingtoselli
t,overhear
dsome
l
adi
est al
kingt
hroughthefence
Me:Ar
en'
tyounosey?
Nat
hi:Ij
ustover
hear
d
Hest
rappedEl
ihl
etoherseat
..
Heopenedt
hedoorf
orme.
.
Nat
hi:Geti
n
Igoti
n,het
hencl
osedt
hedoor
..
.

SI
DNEY(
LELE'
SBROTHER)

Aft
ertyi
ngupthecord,Ibroughtt
hechaircl
oser
.I
hadcutupapartoftheceili
nginmyMot her
's
bedroom t
ohangmyself.Ilett
hatpar
tofthewood
showsoIcouldti
etherope.

Ihadal
sotext
edafewrel
atives.Tol
dthem Iki
ll
ed
myMotherandnowI'
m ki
ll
ingmysel f
.

There'
snopossibl
ewayt hatIcoul
dli
vewi t
hwhatI
havedone,thegui
lti
sslowlyeati
ngmeupand
fi
nishi
ngmeup.Myl i
fewil
lneverbet
hesame
wit
houtmyMot her.Igotuponthechairandputt
he
cordaroundmyneck.

Il
ookedatherandt
henl
eapedof
fthechai
rand
ki
ckedi
t,t
hecor
dti
ght
enedar
oundmyneck.
..
.

LUVO(
NDALO'
SCOUSI
NS)

Ilookedaroundandspot
tedAluvo.Imademyway
toherwithtear
sinmyeyes..
.

Al
uvoopenedherar
msandhuggedme.

Al
uvo:I
t'
sokay.
.Weokay,
wegoi
ngt
obeokay

Shehel
dmet
ight
..
Me:If
eelsogui
lt
y
Al
uvo:I
thadtobedone,
ther
e'snot
hingmor
ethat
wecoul
d'vedonef
orher
Inoddedr
epeat
edl
yst
il
lcr
ying.
.
Al
uvo:Yousti
llyoung,
I'
m young.Wedon' tdeser
ve
t
his.
.Let
'sgohomesowecanst artourl
ivesfar
awayfrom herandhercur
se,
it'
l
lbeokay.Sol
ong
wetogether
,wegoingtobeokay

Webroket
hehugt
henshetookmyl
uggageandwe
wal
kedawayt
oherpl
ace.
.

Al
uvo:I
t'
sal
lovernow

NANGOMSO

Beli
ndaandKaiwer et
hefi
rstt
oarri
ve,t
heydon'
t
l
ivefarf
rom us.
.Itwasgr
eatseei
ngthem..

Me:Hey!
IhuggedBel
indaf
ir
st,
thenKai
..
Me:Thankyouguysf
orcomi
ng
Kai
:Thankyouf
ori
nvi
ti
ngus
Me:Pl
easecomei
n
Kai
:Thef
lower
sandt
hebot
tl
eofwi
ne,
theyf
oryou
Me:Thankyouver
ymuch
It
ookt
hem andputt
hem ont
hecount
er.
.
Me:Iwat
chedyouri
nter
view
Bel
:Iwasscar
ed
Me:Youdi
dwel
l
Bel
:Yout
hink?
Me:YesIdo.
..Guesswhat
?
Bel
:What
?
Me:Natur
egotof
fthecouchandpoi
ntedatt
heTV
"
Dada!"
Bel
inda'
seyeswi
dened.
.
Bel
:Ar
eyouser
ious?
Me:Yes.
..It
hinkNdal
owast
her
ewi
thyou
Bel
:Wooooow
Kai
:That
'sbi
g
Bel
:Tel
lmeabouti
t
Me:Youguyscancomet
hisway.
.Foodi
sal
most
r
eady
Theyf
oll
owedmet
othedi
nni
ngt
abl
e..

LUVO(
NDALO'
SCOUSI
N)

Wewer
ehal
fwayt
hroughherf
lat
..
Me:Di
dyousee?Bel
indai
sreal
lymaki
ngi
tbi
g
Al
uvo:I
'
m evenshocked
Me:Met
oo
(
Sil
ence)
Me:Doyout
hinkwewer
eunf
air
?
Aluvo:TheNannyconf
essedt
hatshehadthewi
ll
forgedremember
?Whenshestart
edlosi
ngit
Me:Maybet
hat
'swhywehavesomuchbadl
uck
Aluvo:Wegoingtomakeit
,wedidn'
tdoanyt
hing
wrong.Wedidn'tknowt
hatTheNannyhadthewill
forged
Me:That
'st
rue
Aluvo:Butweshoul
dcont
actBel
indaoneoft
hese
daystoapologi
ze
Me:Weshoul
d

NANGOMSO

Nat
hiandLel
efi
nal
lyarr
ivedwi
thmyNi
ece.El
ihl
eis
soador
abl
eandI'
m happyfort
hem.
I'
m happyforLel
e,shecomesver
yfarandl
if
ehas
notbeeneasyonher .
..

Lel
e:It
houghtBonewasgoi
ngt
obej
oini
ngus
Me:Hehasani
nter
view,
hewon'
tmakei
t
Bel
:That
'ssad
Me:Wor
kiswor
k,whatcanwedo
OurNannyhadj
oinedusatt
het
abl
e,Idon'
tbel
ieve
i
nsidel
ini
ngher
..
Me:Let
'
shol
dhandsandpr
aybef
oreweeat
Weal
lhel
dourhandsandpr
ayed.
.

Me:Godthankyouforbri
ngingust
ogetheratt
his
ti
metoenjoythi
smeal.Thankyouforever
ythi
ng
youhavedoneforus,
maywehavemanymor eof
thi
shappyti
mes..Amen
Us:Amen

NDALO

Ilookedatever yoneatthetable,
theywer ehappy.I
t
wasabeaut if
ulmomentt owi t
ness, bot
hmygi rl
s
werehappyandt hat
'sal
lIeverwant ed.
.AsIwas
standingthereIfeltastr
ongnegat i
veener gy,
I
foll
owedt hroughandi tl
edmest raighttothe
bedroom.Wher emySonwasl ayingont hebed.
Someonewasst andingnexttohim, someoneI
didn'
trecognize..
Me:Whoar
eyou?
Her
:Iam Mi
ssG
Ishookmyhead.
..
Me:No.
.
Her
:Tellt
hem i
t'
snotover
,I'
m goi
ngt
ocomef
or
t
hem onebyone
Iwal
kedovert
omySonasshehaddi
sappear
ed.I
l
ookedathi
m..
Me:No.
.No.
.No!
Hewasn'
tbr
eat
hing.
.
Me:Nat
ureno!No!
!!
!
Ifhediesmygi f
tdi
eswithhi
m,ther
e'snomal
ebor
n
i
nt oourfamil
ycurr
ent
ly.Myfat
herandUncl
e'
s
bloodli
ne..
.
IlookedaroundandNat
ureorhi
sspi
ri
twal
kedi
nto
thebedroom..
Nat
ure:Dada!
!!
Me:No!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
.
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..THEEND.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..