BROKEN

Wr
it
tenby:
Preci
ousMol
oi
Publ
i
shedby:
Visi
onar
yWr
it
ings
Cl
i
ckher
e
f
ormor
eaut
hor
s
RATI
NGS
i
ntr
oduct
ion
Theseday showmanyofusmar ryourhigh
school sweethear t
s?Howmanyofushav elong
relat
ionshi
pswi t htheonest hatmakeour
heartsdance?Todayt heessenceof
relat
ionshi
psi slost, whycommi tyour
selfto
someoneknowi ngv erywellthattomorrowy ou
wouldwannahav ef unwithsomeoneel se?Why
playwithanot herchi l
d’sheart?.It
endtobelieve
themonksatt imeswhent heysay“ weonlylove
withourmi ndsandnotourhear t
s”howcany ou
sayy oulovesomeonebutatt heendoft heday
hurtt
hem?Todayyouproclai
minglovefort
his
per
sonbutwhenyouguy sbreakup,nextweek
youli
kel
ytohavemovedonwi thsomeoneelse.
Wheredoeslov
efi
tinthere?
Theonlyt
ruelovewewi t
nessthesedaysishow
weloveourparent
s,oursi
bli
ngs,ourchi
ldr
en,
andourFamil
iesasawhol e.
.
Iam oneoft hegi r
lswhohasbeenbl essedt o
experiencet r
ueanduncondi ti
onallove, ist
ar t
ed
datingSandi l
ewhenIwas15y earsol dand
todayi am 25.Ourr elationshi pwaswi tnessed
byourl ov edones, ourr elationshipwas
wi t
nessedbyourwhol ecommuni ty.Ev en
TodayMom doesn’ tst il
l believethatSandi l
e
andIhav ebeent oget herf orsoomanyy ears.
Notal lthosegl i
tt
erswer egol dthough, Sandi l
e
camef r
om av erydy sfunct ionalandabusi v
e
home.Hi sfatherwasanal coholicwhousedt o
abusehi smot herandhi ssi ster,
hewoul dfal l
a
victi
m ofhi sabuset ooatt i
mes.I twasapai nful
ti
mef orhim backt hen, wi tnessingy ourMot her
beingchasedar oundt hehoodatni ghtbyy our
drunkFat herwi thanAxe, itwasmor e
dev astati
ngknowi ngt hatt hecommuni tyhas
givenuponhi sf ami ly.Atf i
rstev eryonewant ed
toext endahel pinghandbutSandi l
e’ sMot her
keptongoi ngbackt oherHusbandnomat ter
whatandev eryonej ustgav eupont hem t hat
shebecameal aughi ngst ock.I never ycor ner
womengossi pedaboutherandl aughedwhen
shewasnotl ooki ngt hat“ Howst upi dcanshe
be, thatmanwi llnev erchange” .I
twasn’ tani ce
thingt owitness.HowSandi leandi fellforeach
otherwast hat,MyMot herdespi t
ewhatt he
communi tywassay i
ngsheopenedourhome
ever yweekendf orSandi le, Hismot her ,andhi s
Sisterwhenhi sFat herwasati t.MyMot her
didn’tjudge,Mymot herdi dn’taskquest i
onsbut
sheaccommodat edt hem.Atsomepoi ntIused
toaskMymot herwhyshe’ sopeni ngourHome
tot heKhumal of ami lywhencl earl
yMaKhumal o
didn’twantourhel p, becauset hev er ynextday
shewoul dgobackt oherabusi vecheat i
ng
husband?Mymom woul dsay“ Ifyoucannot
helpanot herper sonthendon’ tjudgethem, you
willnev erunder standwhatt heygoi ngthrough
orwhyt heykeeponmaki ngt hesamedeci sion
unt i
l youhav ewal kedi ntheirshoes”Shewoul d
goonf urthert osay“ Ifyouwer eSandile’s
Mot hery oupr obabl ywoul d’vedonesomet hing
abouti t
, goodf oryoubutshehasherown
reasonswhyshe’ sstay i
ngi nherabusiv e
mar r i
agewedi fferentandwehandl esituati
ons
differently ”iwon’ tli
ei sawSandi l
e’smot heras
af ool, t
hismanhi tsyou, thismancheat swith
womenatt heTar ven.Thi smanexhaust sallhi
s
moneyonal cohol andont hewoment hathei s
cheat ingwi th,howmor eofaf ool canshebe?
Thingsgotreall
youtofhandatonepoint
,
Sandilewastoomuchaf f
ectedbywhatwas
happeningathomeandhesuf feredasever
e
ment albr
eakdownthathewasi nandoutof
hospital
salot.Whenhewasn’tadmitt
edina
psychwar dheabuseddr ugsi twasav ery
diff
iculttimethathewoul dbemi ssi
ngf or
weeksandnoonewoul dknowwher ehewas, i
almostgav euponhi m becauset herejust
wasn’ tanyget t
ingthrought ohim.Whenal l
seemedi mpossi bl
e,Sandilewor kedhar dat
school andpassedhi smat ri
cv erywel l
thathe
gotabur saryfr
om somepr ivatecompanyt ogo
studydi eselmechani c.Hepushedt hroughat
tert
iaryunt i
lhefini
shedandt hat’
swhenhi s
Mot herf i
nall
yhadMrKhumal oar restedand
thi
ngsst art
edget t
ingbetterforhi sfamily
.
Ithoughti hadt hemostper f
ectlif
e, i
hada
l
ear ner
shipf rom somemi ne,myr elati
onshi
p
wasper fectSandi leandi wewer ev erymuchin
l
ov e.Hesav edupf orLobola, i
hadt hemost
l
ov i
ngMot heri nl
awi nthewor ldwhatmor e
couldiaskf or ?Iwast heonlychi l
dbor ntomy
parentsmyf atherunfortunatelypassedon
wheni was4l eav
ingmyMot hertoraisemebut
wewer en’tsuf fer
ingbecausemyMot herwasa
t
eacher
,ithasal
way
sbeenmeandmymot
her
…
.
Mystoryismeantt
oshowy outhatt
here’
s
nothi
ngcall
edaperf
ectli
feoraperf
ect
rel
ati
onshi
p,whati
thoughtwasperf
ectreal
l
y
wasn’t
.
Myst
oryi
soneofaki
nd.
IAM LANG’
ELIHLECELELETMYSTORY
SURPRISEYOU.
[
09/
27,
21:
41]Ron:
BROKEN PART1

LI
HLE
Iwasstandingoutsi
denex ttothekitchendoor
whichwaswi deopen,iwasl ooki
ngatmydr unk
Unclewasti
ngthatbott
leofexpensi vewhiskey
bypouri
ngitdownont hegr oundtalkingabout
“Mchanamel ekuqal
ekuphuzeabaphant si
”
meaningthatAncestor
shav et odr
inkf i
rst
.I
l
aughedashedancedar oundandsanghi s
heartoutwit
hhisol
dminebootsthatweredir
ty,
idon’tevenwannament
ionhi
sblueoveral
lthat
wast orn…
Hi
m-“ulal
eulal
eulal
e,si
zi
hlobonat
hil
aekhaya”
(
areyouli
steni
ng,
becausewealsorel
ati
vesi
n
t
hishouse)
IfmyAunthi
swifecancomeoutoft
hehouse
andseehimthi
smuchdr unk,
shewi
l
lfl
i
pand
star
tyel
l
ing.
.
ItwasaFr i
dayjustafter16:00,everyonewasup
ontheirfeethelpingwi t
hthepr eparati
onsf or
theLobol anegotiati
onstomor r
owmor ni
ng, my
Mot herwentalloutt ocalleveryrelat
iveshe
wast hatproudofme.Onl yt heclosesttous
camey ouknowhowr el
ati
vesar e,notallof
them wi l
lbehappyf oryou.Iwaswear inga
red&whi t
especiallymadet raditi
onaldressf or
mewhi chwentwi thamat chi ngdoek,ialsohad
ami niblanketaroundmyshoul ders.
Iputmyhandonmyt
ummyi
am 3mont
hs
pregnantbutSandi l
edoesn’ tknow, i haven’t
tol
dhi my et.Onl ymyMot her,Mysi ster,his
Mot her ,andmyf riendsknowaboutt he
pregnancyi justwannasur prisehim wi ththe
news.Il ov eSandi lewi thallmyhear twehav e
beent hroughal ott hispast10y earsbut
nev erthelessourr elationshipsur v
ived.Gi rl
s
aroundher eusedt olaughatme, Sandi lehas
alway sbeenaney ecandybutbecausehewas
struggl i
ngf inanci all
ybackt hennogi rl
sawhi m
aswor thyofdat i
ng.Justt otelly
ouabi tabout
myhood; i comef rom apl acewer eabot tl
eof
beermeansal ott ogirlsthaneducat i
on,
Jeal ousyr unsdeepert hant hewat erpi pes
under neat h.Ify ounotdat ingwhatcont rols4
wheel s,y oudon’ tqualifytobei nthei rcircl
eof
fri
endshi paf terallhowar ey ougoingt obuy
dri
nkswhent heweekendcomes?
Ihavealwaysbeent
heoddoneoutnowwheni
saythatdon’
tthi
nkiusedtobelockedupinsi
de
thehousenothatwasn’tt
hecase.Ichosethe
fr
iendsi usedt orollwi
th,weekday swe
study i
ngthenweekendwegooutandmake
suret hatwecomet omyhousel ateronand
sl
eep.MyMot herisnotoneoft hoseMot hers
whowoul dstrangleyoutodeat hf orgoingout
no, shetrust
edmeandt r
ustedt hatIwoul d
drinkresponsibly
.Sheal wayssai d“ Li
hley ou
cangooutonweekendsal lyouwantbutpl ease
al
way scomebackhome, idon’tcar eifyou
wakemeupat03: 00am alliwanti sforyout o
comebackhome” .Sheismywor l
dandIdon’ t
knowwhati woul ddowi thouther …
Aroundher eionlyhave2f ri
ends, Fikil
eand
Nomsa.Fi ki
leisacopandNomsawor ksat
PicknPay ,she’saBaker.Unf ortunatelyformei
am currentl
ynotdoingany thingwi t
hmyl ife,
my
l
earnershipendedaf ewmont hsagoandi was
oneoft hefewwhower en’tmadeper manent .
Nowi am planningonf ocusingonmy
pregnancythennexty earicanl ookf oraj obor
j
ustgot ocollegeanddoashor tcourse..
Nomsacameoutf
rom t
hehouse.
Nomsa-Hl
ehl
elet
’sgogett
hescones
Me-Marawhyareyouguysgoi
ngal
lout
?It
’s
j
ustLobol
anegot
iat
ions
Nomsa-ungazohlanya!(don’
tbecrazy)youand
Ndil
earenotgetti
ngmar ri
edanyt
imesoonso
al
lowustogocr azypleasenoteverygir
laround
herei
sblessedl
ikeyou
If
orgotNomsai
sthecr
azi
esti
nourgr
oup.
.
Nomsa-Let
’sgo
Me-di
dyout
ell
Mom?
MyMot hert
reat
sNomsaandFi kil
easifl
ike
t
heyherownchi l
dren,
sheseest hem morethan
j
ustf
riendstomebutsi st
ers.Wegr ewup
t
oget
hersot heyhavealwaysbeent hesi
bli
ngs
t
hatineverhad.
.
Nomsa-sheknows
Shehel
dmyhandandwewal
kedt
othegat
e..
Me-Yazi
njet
hismi
nibl
anketi
sannoy
ingme
Nomsa-Hai boSisi
phelalabafanabala
es’godinimelebaziukut
hi usuthat
hiwe(al
l
theseboy sfrom ar
oundher emustknowt hat
youar etaken)
Me-I
sFi
ki
lest
il
latwor
k?
Nomsa-Yesshewi
l
lcomel
ater
Me:
okay
Wewal keddownthestreetpeacef
ull
ytoher
housetogetthesconesuntili
sawmyenemyi f
icoul
dcallhert
hat.
Buhleusedt ogi
vemeaheadachebackwhen
Sandil
ewasi ntert
iar
yt hat
’swhenafewgi
rl
s
wantedapi eceofhim andhecheatedonme
wit
hBuhl e….
Shewasst andi
ngatthegateofherhousebusy
chit
-chatt
ingwithherfr
iends.Buhl
ehasa
beautif
ulbody ,
she’
sprettyandshe’
sli
ghter
thanmesoboy sdothr
owt hemsel
vesather
feet.JusttothinkthatSandi
leandi al
most
brokeupbecauseofhermakesmyst omach
twir
l.Idon’tdowell wit
hconfront
ati
ons,
argument s,orpett
yf i
ghtssoineverconf
ront
ed
heri j
ustletherbe.
Nomsa-ushar
p?
Inoddedwhi
l
eIl
ookedatBuhl
e..
Me-I
’
mfi
ne
Iputmyhandonmyt
ummyandst
opped.
.
Nomsa-what
’swr
ong?
Me-Ij
ustf
eltashar
ppai
n
Nomsa-shar
ppai
n?
Me-Yesi
hav
ebeenf
eel
i
ngi
tal
ott
oday
Nomsa-Howshar
pisi
t?
Me-nott
hatshar
p
Nomsa-Ar
eyousur
eweshoul
dn’
tgoback
homemara?
Me-Noi
am f
ine
Sheheldmyhandagainandwecont
inued
walki
ng,Buhl
elookedatmeaswewere
passi
ng..
Idon’tknowwhatshewassay i
ngtoherf
ri
end
butwehear dthem l
aughingver
yloudaswe
passedt hem andthrowingcommentsli
ke
“shamey enamaan”
Nomsast
opped.
.
Me-Let
’sgoNomsa
Nomsa-I
tseemsli
ket
here’
ssomethi
ngthat
t
heywannasaysowhynotsayi
tri
ghtinour
f
aces?
Me-Let
’sj
ustgopl
easei
don’
twannaf
ight
PlusIheardBuhl
eki
cksasswi
tht
hosewi
de
curvesofher
s…
Theycont
inuedt
hrowi
ngcomment
s..
Buhl
e-ImeanuNdi
l
ewasmi
nei
usedt
oev
en
vi
sithi
m nj
engobabekases’
kolweni
(iusedto
Visi
thi
m atschool
)marahewasr enti
ngaf l
at
youknowprivat
ecoll
egestheydon’
thaveiRes
Shesaidthatoutl
oudmaki ngsuret
hati
hear
herandithitmehard,
him cheati
ngonmewith
Buhlest
il
lhitshar
deventhoughitwasalong
ti
meago…
Istar
tedbreat
hingi
nandoutasiputmyhand
againonmyt ummy,thepai
nwasgett
ingabi
t
str
onger.
.
.
NDI
LE
Iwasholdi
ngthest r
essbal landsqueezi
ngit
ti
ghtassil
enceengulfedther oom,iwaslay
ing
ontheleat
herchairwhil
ef acingupandstar
ring
atthecei
li
ngasi datedbackt owhenitfi
rst
happened.
Me-Shewasst
andi
ngatt
hesi
nkandwashi
ng
di
shesiwassitt
ingatthetabl
ehelpingmy
si
sterwi
thherhomewor k.Shewouldt urnever
y
nowandthentolookatusandsmi le, hersmil
e
wastheonl
ythingthatusedtobri
ght enmyday
Ipaused.
.
DrShai
-Whathappenednext
?
Iclosedmyey esandl etthescenepl ayouti n
mymi nd,thepuncheshekeptont hrowingat
her.Herpai nful scream t hatmademyear s
bleed,inthemi stofherendur ingsuchbr utal
beatingherey esf ulloft ear slandedonus
undert hekitchent abl e.MySi sterwhowasj ust
5att hattimewasov erwhel medby
unex pl
ainablef ear, shel i
t erall
ypi ssedon
herselfthat’
showscar edshewas.MyMot her
l
ookedatusandy elled“ Run, r
unt oyourr oom
andl ockthedoor ”.Ir emembert akingmySi ster
andwer an,wer ant oourr oom andl ocked
ourselvesther eunt ilmyMot herst oppedcr ying
andscr eami ng.Wheni twasv eryqui et,iopened
thedoorandslowlymademywayt ot he
kit
chenpassi
ngmydr unkfat
herpassedouton
thecouchinthelounge.Whatwasonmymi nd
wast ogett
omyMot her,ontheki
tchenfloor
therewasalotofbloodandshewasl ay
ing
therenotmoving.Herfacehadalotofblood..
If
eltahandtouchi
ngmeonmyshoul der
,i
grabbedi
tti
ghtl
ywhil
etwisti
ngitithenhear
d
DrShaiscr
eamingali
ttl
e.Iopenedmyey esand
Iwasholdi
ngherhandandt wist
ingit
..
Her
-It
’sj
ustme
Il
etgoofi
t.
.
Shest
art
edf
lexi
ngi
t
Me-yousai
dtherapyisgoi
ngtohel
p!y
ousai
d
t
alki
ngabouti
tisgoingtohel
p!
Her-MrKhumaloi
thasonl
ybeen10sessi
ons
andyouonlyst
art
edopeni
nguptoday
Me-Theshoot
ingr
angewasbet
ter
Her
-Youal
mostshoty
ouri
nst
ruct
orr
emember
?
Me-Idon’
tthi
nkany
thi
ngcanhel
p
Her
-Yourpsychi
atr
istsuggest
edther
apyand
t
hatyoutakeyourmedicati
onhav
ey oubeen
t
aki
ngy ourmeds?
Me-Bothofthem arenotworki
ng!Bothofy ou
needt
obringyourheadstogetherandfucken
comeupwi t
hasol uti
on
Sheexhal
ed.
.
Me-Youdon’tunder
standDocy
oudon’
t
under
standhowdeept hi
sis
Her-Andiam her
etohel
py oul
ookSandil
ewi
th
ther
apyandy out
aki
ngyourmedicat
iony
ou
shouldbefi
ne
Shoul
dbefi
ne?Idon’
tthi
nkI
’
llev
erbef
ine.The
damagehasbeendone.
[
09/
27,
21:
48]Ron:
¥02
LI
HLE
I
twasl
ateatni
ghtatar
ound20:
00andIwas
sit
tingout sidenextt othefir
et hatmyUncl edi d
forus,iwaswi thNomsaandFi kil
e.Theywer e
dri
nkingal cohol andi wasdr i
nki ngr ooibost ea.
Itwasasl owandchi ll
ynightgoodt hi ngi had
themi niblanketov ermyshoul der swhi ch
extendedabi tt omyar mskeepi ngmewar m.
NomsaandFi kil
ewer egoingonandont alking
aboutcr azyt hingsasal waysandi wasf ully
concentrat edont hecr ampst hatIwashav ing,
theywer ecomi ngabi thardernowandt hey
weresi mi l
artoper iodpains.Iknowt hati am
notsupposedt odr inkanymedsbuti coul dn' t
helpitaf ewmi nut esagoIdr ankt wogr andpa
sachetsj usttoeaset hecramps. .
Fi
ki
le-Hlehl
ear
eyousurethatweshoul
dn'
tgo
i
nside?Imeani
t'
sabitcol
dnow
Shesai
dthatwhi
leherl
ipscamei
ncont
act
wit
hthedumpieoffl
yi
ngfish.
Me-Noiam f
ine,
pluswehav
ethef
ir
ekeepi
ng
uswar
m
Itookmyphoneoutf rom thepocketoft he
tradit
ionaldresst hatiwaswear ingtochecki t
andi hav en'
tgotanymi ssedcal lsorany thi
ng
from Sandi l
ewhi chwasabi twor ryi
ng.Hi sfli
ng
wi t
hBuhl eendedal ongt i
meagobutev en
todayi stil
lhavet r
ustissues, iknowt hatlatel
y
hehasn' tgivenmear easonast onott rusthim
butIjustgett hatsmal lfear.IsawmyAunt
comi ngoutoft hehousewi t
hat r
ayandmade
herwayt ous...
Aunt
-Mant
ombaza(
gir
ls)
Fi
ki
le-Somet
hingsmel
l
sgood
Aunt
-Thatwoul
dbet
het
ri
pet
hati
hav
e
pr
epared
Fi
ki
let
ookt
hepl
atesf
rom t
het
rayandgav
eus.
.
Nomsa-Hl
ehl
eist
hiski
ndofmeal
goodf
ory
ou?
Me-whatdoy
oumean?
Aunt-ushonj
engobauzit
hwel
eso(
shemeans
becauseyoupregnant
)
Il
ookedatmyAunt
..
Me-Youknow?
Aunt-Kant
imel
engi
ngazi
?(i
am notsupposed
toknow)
Iputmypl
ateawayandst
oodup.
Me-Excuseme
Aunt-Hai
bowenaLihleukwatel
enjeukuthi
ngit
shel
il
wengokuzi
thwalakwakho?(Lihl
eyou
aremadbecauseiwast ol
dthatyoupregnant
)
Iwenti nsidethehouseandt henwentt omy
bedroom, icl
osedthedoorandl eanedagai nst
i
tandcl osedmyey eswhi l
ebr eathingi
nandout .
Iputmyhandonmyt ummyt hecr ampswer e
becomi ngunbear abl
eandi feltabi twet.Iput
myhandunder neat
hmydr essandmy
underwearwaswet ,
ibroughtmyhandbacki
wasbl eeding..
Ionceheardt hatsomet imesi t'
s
normal tobeony ourperi
odswhi l
ey ou
pregnant .
Imovedandwentt omywardrobetogeta
cl
eanunderwearandasanit
arypad,i
alsotook
outmyleggi
ngssot hati
canwearunderneat
h..
.
.
NDI
LE
Yayawasont opofmegoi ngupanddownwhi l
e
moani ng, shewassqueezi ngherbr east sand
bit
ingherl owerl ipwhi l
efaci ngup.Iknowy ou
fi
ndev eryt hingwr ongwi t
ht hispictureandi
knowt haty ouf eel t
her i
ghtt obej udgement al
but,thi
si showIr eleaseev erything.Allthatis
i
nsideofmebur i
edandsl owl yturningmei nt oa
beasti canr eleasei tonYay aandshet akesi t
.
Sheknowsherpl ace,it
'sjustsexandmoney
nothingmor e.Yay aisstudy i
ngatUJandshe
couldn'tgetabur saryorev enast udyloan
becausehermot heri sunempl oyed, i
metherat
aclubt hisot hertimeandwehi ti
tof f
.Shehas
beensat isf yi
ngmysexual needssi nceLi hl
ei s
notar ound.Howi havesexwi thLihleisway
diff
erentfrom howi havesexwi thYay a,Lihl
eis
myhear toursexl
ifegoeswi thlove.Imake
suret hatsheabsorbsmyl oveforhert hrough
i
ntimacyandwi t
hYay asheal l
owsmet odo
anythingtoherafteralliam payingherf ees,
rent,andgiveheranal l
owance.Sheonl ycomes
tomyhouseoncei nawhi l
e,most lywehav e
sexinherpl acebutsomet i
mesi t'sdif
ficult
becauseofherr oommat e.
Iwascloset
oshoot i
ngmyloadupasshe
pumpedhard,i
placemyhandonherneckand
str
angl
edherasi t
ensedup.
.
Me-Fuuuuuuck!
!!
Shewentupanddownmor efast
er,imovedmy
handfr
om hernecktoherwaistiputmyother
handandsqueezedherti
ght.It
henhelpedher
topumpmor efast
er.
.
Yay
a-Ndi
l
e!!
..Ndi
l
e..
.
Ipr
essedheragai
nstmeasi
rel
easedmyl
oad.
..
Me-Shi
i
ii
ii
i
ii
ii
t!
!!
Yay
a-Ahhh!
!!
!!
Ther
ewasamomentofsi l
enceaf
terthat
,il
et
goofheraswetri
edcat
chi
ngourbreathsshe
wassti
ll
ontopofme.
.
Me-Getof
fme
Shegotof
fmeandi
tookof
fthecondom.
Her
-Thatwasi
ntense
Me-Getdr
essedi
wil
ldr
ivey
out
oyourf
lat
Her
-Comeoni t
houghti
wasgoi
ngt
ospend
t
henighther
e
Me-I
t'
sbadenought
hatIam f
ucki
ngy
oui
nmy
wi
fe'
sbed
Igotupandwenttof
lushdownthecondom
aft
errol
l
ingi
twit
hatoil
etpaper
..
Yaya-Wi
feyi
sonlymov
ingonSundaysowhy
can'
twehavefun?
Me-ungang'
hl
any
isi
please(
don'
tmakeme
madpl
ease)
Iputonmyboxer
sandwentt
ogetaci
gar
ett
e..
Yay
a-Fi
ne
Shegotupandstar
teddr
essi
ngi
not
icedt
he
marksonherback.
Me-Looksl
i
key
ouheal
i
ngqui
tegood
Yaya-Iam st
rongt
hatbuckl
eofy
ourbel
t
couldn'
tbr
eakme
Iknowt hatIam ev i
l,idoal lofthist hi
ngsto
Yayasot hatidon'thur tmywi fe.Shet akesal
l
theroughsex, beatings,insult
sj ustbecause
sheneedsmymoneyt ofini
shhercour seand
getajob.It'
spr ett
yhar donherbecauseher
famil
yislookingathert ogett hem outof
povert
y,shecomesf rom apov er tystr
icken
background.Shel iveswithherMot her,
Grandmot her
,Si st
er,andhersi st er'
skids.The
all
owancei givehershet akeshal fofi
tand
sendthem homesot hatt heycanbuyf ood
sinceherGrandmother
'spensi
onmoneyfr
om
thegovernmentdoesn'
tmeetallf
ami
ly'
sneeds.
.
Yay
a-Uhm Ndi
l
e?
Me-what
?
Yaya-Caniwor
kpar
tti
meaty
ourr
est
aur
anton
weekends?
Beingadieselmechani
cdoesn' tful
lycoveral
l
myexpensessoi ownar estaurantandacl ub
thatmakememoneyt oo.Myr estauranti
snot
fancybutthefoodsol
dthereismost l
y
tradi
ti
onaldi
shessoit'
salwaysbusy .
Me-Igi
vey
ouanal
l
owanceev
erymont
h
Yay
a-Kodwaay
inel
inj
ena(
buti
t'
snotenough)
Me-I
'
llt
hinkabouti
t
Yay
a-t
hanky
ou
Itookmyphoneandwal
kedoutoft
her
oom t
o
callLi
hle.
.
[
09/
27,
21:
48]Ron:
¥03
LI
HLE
Icouldn'tgoout sideany moresoi goti nbed
underthebl anketst okeepmy sel
fwar m, the
crampswer eabi tbet t
ernowt heywoul dj ust
comehar dfor2mi nthentheywoul dsubsi de.In
mywhol epuber tyli
feIhav eneverexper i
enced
suchintensepai nswhi chmademet othinkt hat
may beit'ssomet hingthatcomeswi th
pregnancy .Ihaveahi ght ol
eranceforpai n,i
couldpusht hr
ought illt
omorrowmor ningt hen
aftert
henegot i
ationsiftheystil
ltherei willask
myMot hert otakemet otheDoct or.Ihav e
beenwai tingforlongf ormycer emony
tomor r
owi am notgoi ngtohav eitruinedby
cramps..
Myphonev
ibr
ated,
itwasSandi
l
e..
Me-Ndi
l
e
Ndi
l
e-Hl
ehl
e
Me-t
ooky
oul
ongt
ocal
l
Ndil
e-IknowNanaeishihadahecti
cday
.I
knockedoffl
atet
heniwenttot
herapy
Me-Howi
sther
apygoi
ng?
Ndi
l
e-tobehonestnj
emaKhumal
oiam nota
f
eel
ingi
t
Me-kodwait'sonl
ybeenamont hsincey ou
star
tedandyouonlyhaveyoursessionsthree
ti
mesaweekbekezel ast
handwasam' youwill
getusedtothem (
hol
donmyl oveyouwi l
lget
usedtothem)
Ndi
l
e-ngobaseng'
celanguwekengizobekezel
a
(
iwil
lhol
donjustbecauseyouasked)
Me-ot
herthanther
apyandwor
khowwast
he
r
estofyourday
?
Ndi
l
e-Itwasthesameasusual
igothomeand
wat
chedsoccer
Me-Imi
ssy
ousoomuch
Ndi
l
e-OnedaytogoNanat
heny
oucanf
inal
l
y
movei
npermanent
ly
Me-Icannotwai
t
Ndi
l
e-wenahowwasy
ourday
?
Icl
osedmyey
esast
hecr
ampsst
art
edagai
n..
Ndi
l
e-Hl
ehl
e?
Ist
art
edbr
eat
hingi
nandoutsl
owl
y.
.
Ndi
l
e-Nanaar
eyoust
il
lther
e?
Me-Yesi
am st
il
lher
esor
ryaboutt
hat
Ndi
l
e-kwenzakal
ani
arey
ouokay
?
Me-ngi
rightst
handwasam'
(iam f
inemyl
ove)
Ndi
l
e-Ihav
et ogogetsomer esti
wil
lseey
ou
t
omorr
owaf t
erthenegot
iat
ions
Me-okayl
ove
Ndi
le-Ngi
yak'
thandamaKhumal
o(i
lov
eyou
maKhumalo)
Me-nami
Ngi
yak'
thandaKhumal
o(i
lov
eyou
t
oo)
Ndi
l
e-Lal
ake(
youcansl
eepnow)
Me-Iam notababyNdi
l
e
Ndi
l
e-Buty
ouar
emybaby
Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
..
Me-someonei
satthedoorpleasecal
lmei
n
t
hemorningir
eal
l
ymi ssyou
Ndi
le-kodwauy
atef
aHl
ehl
e(y
ouar
eacr
ybaby
Hl
ehle)
Me-Ij
ustwannaheary
ourv
oicet
hat
'
sal
l
Ndi
l
e-Iwi
l
lcal
lyout
hen
Ihear
dtheknockagai
n..
Me-Ihav
etogoNdi
l
e
Ndi
l
e-okayj
ustr
ememberonet
hing.
.
Me-whati
sthat
?
Ndil
e-what
everhappensjustknowthati
love
you,wecomeveryfartoget
her10yearsHlehl
e
Me-Iknowl
ove
Ndi
l
e-y
oucanhangupnow
ThedooropenedKar
abowal
kedi
n..
Me-Guesswhoj
ustwal
kedi
n?
Ndi
l
e-Who?
Me-Kar
abo
Ndi
l
e-sekahambaebusukumanj
euKar
abo?
(
kar
abowalksatni
ghtnow)
Me-KahleKhumal
oit
hinkshecamewi
th
uMam'khumalo
Ndi
l
e-l
etmet
alkt
oher
Il
ookedatKar
abo.
..
Me-Yourbr
otherwant
stot
alkt
oyou
KaraboisNdile'
sli
tt
lesister
,Ndil
eis
overpr
otecti
vewheni tcomest oheryoucan
touchhim wit
hanythingjustnothi
sbabysist
er.
Kar
abo-Whydi
dyout
ell
himt
hati
am her
e?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Shet
ookt
hephoneandwal
kedout
,fi
nal
l
yican
l
etoutasof
tcr
y..
Me-Ahhhh.
..
Iputbot
hmyhandsi
nmyt
ummy
..
Me-Kant
iyi
nimanj
ebhabha?(
what
'
swr
ong)
whyyoucausi
ngmommysoomuchpai
n?
Idon'
tknowwhymybabywoul
ddeci
det
oput
meinpainnow.
.
.
.
YAYA
Sandi
l
ewalkedbacki
ntothebedr
oom atl
easti
wasdonedressi
ngupnow.
Hi
m-l
etmewearsomet
hingt
heni
l
ldr
ivey
ou
Me-Okay
Isatdownont hebed.Hehasbeenfocusingon
thescarsthatwereonmybacki gnori
ngthebig
brui
seonmyl eftt
high,
it'
saconsequenceof
theinci
dentwehadt wodaysago.Someone
woul dask" Whydoy ouputupwi t hhim"orwhyi
dot hist omy selfbutnoonewi llunder st and.I
havel iv edinpov ertymostofmyl ife,thatt wo
room backathomeshel tersmor et han5
peopl e.Somet i
meswewoul dgot obedwi thout
anythingt oeatbecausemymot herwoul d'
ve
takenal lmyGr andmot her'
spensi onmoneyt o
goanddr i
nki tinthet avern.Ont heot herhand
mySi st erisgi v
ingbi rt
hnon- stop.Iam j ust23
yearsofagebuti hav ebeent hroughal ot ,andI
haveseenal ot.MyMot herwoul dconst ant l
y
say" Yay ay ouhav eav agi
nausei t,wecannot
sufferwhi ley ouar ound"wheny ourownMot her
sayst hatt oy ouittellshowshef eelsabouty ou
sheseesy ourwomanhoodasawayt omake
money .Iwasev enl uckytopassmat ri
candgo
tovar si ty,
i am doingmysecondy eari nsoci al
wor kjustt womor ey earst henil
l hav emy
qualificat i
on.Doi enjoybei ngtreat edl iket his
bySandi l
e?NoIdon' tbuthi sabusei sj usta
smal lpr i
cet opayf orwhathei sdoi ngf orme.I
l
ookt hi
sgoodbecauseofhi m,i candomyhai r,
ihavetoil
etr
ies,
clothesbecauseofhi m.Iam
sl
ayingmostoft hegi r
lsatschool becauseof
him,ihaveanexpensi vephone,al aptopand
ever
y t
hingbecauseofhi m.Hei sbet t
erthan
mostoft hemalest udentswhohi tonme
knowingv er
ywellthattheycannotaf fordme..
Hecameback.
Hi
m-l
et'
sgo
Ist
oodupandt
ookmybag.
.
Him-Tomorrowmorningy oumustcomet o
changethesheet
sidon'twhatanyprobl
ems
withmywife.Makesurethatt
here'
snothi
ngof
yoursar
ound
Me-Iwi
l
ldot
hat
Sandil
eisadogy
es,hei
sevi
l
,heisal
lwhatyou
painthi
mtobebutt
hewayhelov
esLihl
eienvy
that.
..
Bef
orewecoul
dexi
t,hepushedmeagai
nstt
he
wal
landsqueezedmycheeksv
eryhar
d..
.
Him-Rememberi
am hur
ti
ngy
ousot
hati
don'
t
hurther
Iknowthatv
erywel
lhedoesn'
thav
etor
emi
nd
me...
Him-don' tcatchfeel
i
ngst
hisisnota
rel
ationshipanddonoteventhinkofcal
l
ingme,
text
ingme, orevencomi
ngherewhenLihlei
s
around
Inodded..Heslowlyr
emov edhishandsf r
om
mycheekswhi chhadleftaburningsensati
on.
Thisguyishot,heisperf
ectphysical
lybut
i
nternal
l
yhei srott
en!There'
snothinggood
abouthim ontheinsi
de.
..
Hi
m-gi
vemeaki
ss
Igav ehi
m akiss,heputhishandsundermy
tshir
tandstar
tedsqueezingmev eryhar
dthati
struggl
edtobreathalit
tl
e.Myhandswer e
aroundhisneck,ourl
ipswerestil
lcl
osetoeach
othericoul
df eel
hiswarm br
eat
hhitt
ing
againstmylipswhicht
urnedabitcol
dbecause
myl owerli
pwasabi twet.
..
I
fonl
yitwaspossi
blef
orhimtofal
loutofl
ove
wi
thLi
hleiknowicanhav
ehim al
ltomysel
f.
.
Him-Ifyoudoanythi
ngandimeanany
thingt
o
causeproblemsbetweenmeandmywifeYaya,
iwil
lkil
lyou!!
Af
tersay
ingt
hatwecont
inuedki
ssi
ng.
.
[
09/
27,
21:
50]Ron:
¥04
LI
HLE
Lastnightif
oundithardtomai ntai
napeaceful
sleepbecauseofthecrampsandt hi
smorning
thepainthr
esholdwasunbear ableiwasrol
li
ng
i
nbed, ihavedr
ank2sachet sofGr andpaagai
n
buttheyweren'
tworking.Notonl ydi
dthe
crampsgetwor sebutmybl eedingwasworse
too..
Thedoorfl
ungopenandmyMot
herst
ormedi
n,
ihadsentheramessage.
..
Mom-Li
hley
ini
?(what
'swr
ong)
Me-Icannott
aket
hecr
ampsany
mor
e
Mom-Cr
amps?Whatcr
amps?
Shepull
edthebedcoversdownandsawthati
wasbleedi
ngprofusel
y,t
hebl
eedi
nghaseven
st
ainedthesheet
s..
Mom-Nkosi
yami
Lihl
e!(
myLor
d)
Me-I
t'
sreal
l
ypai
nful
Mama
Mom-whendi
ditst
art
?
Me-Yest
erday
Mom-andy oukeptqui
et?Lihlet
hisi
sseri
ous
youpr
egnant!Younotsupposedtobebleedi
ng
t
hismuchletalonef
eeli
ngcr amps
Shewentt
othewar
drobeandt
ookoutadr
ess.
.
Mom-Comeoni
am t
aki
ngy
out
othehospi
tal
Me-Mom no!
Mom-Li
hley
oumi
ghtbl
eedt
odeat
h
Me-I
t'
smyLobol
anegot
iat
ionst
oday
Mom-Theycanwai
tyourl
i
fei
smor
eimpor
tant
Me-Mom nopl
ease.
.Ihav
ebeenwai
ti
ngf
or
t
oolong
Mom-Li
hle.
.
Me-Ij
ustneedpai
nkil
lersf
orthecr
ampsand
t
henaft
erthenegot
iat
ionsyoucantakemet
o
t
hehospit
al
Nomsawal
kedi
n..
Nomsa-Li
hlei
..
Shenot
icedt
hati
wascr
ying.
.
Nomsa-what
'swr
ong?
Mom-she'
sinpai
nandshe'
sbl
eedi
ngal
ot
Nomsa-I
ni?(
what
)
Mom-Iam t
aki
nghert
othehospi
tal
Me-Ican'tgot
othehospi
tal
iwannahav
emy
negot
iat
ions
Nomsa-r
ightnowt
hei
mpor
tantt
hingi
syou
Me-Sandi
l
e'sUncl
est
rav
eledf
ar
Mom-Iwil
lcall
uMaKhumal oshewi
l
ltellt
hem
wecanhavethenegot
iat
ionssomeotherti
me!
r
ight
nowy
ourheal
thi
simpor
tant
Thisisunfai
rihavebeenwai
ti
ngf
ort
hisdayf
or
toolongforthi
s..
.
.
NDI
LE
Iwasatsomefl
owershopt
hatmorni
ng,
want
edtogetLi
hlesomewelcomehome
fl
ower
s.
Il
ookedattheflour
istwhowascl
ear
lyj
udgi
ng
mewithherlook.
Me-Idon'
tev
enknowwhatki
ndoff
lower
sshe
l
ikes
Her-Ial
wayssayredr
osesar
ethesaf
est
f
lowerstogowith
Me-Idon'
tev
enknowi
fshel
i
kesf
lower
s
Her-Mostgi
rl
sdoli
kef
lower
s,i
t'
saper
fect
gestur
eforr
omance
Thiswoul dbebet t
erifitwasYaya,iknowwhat
shelikes.Iknowshel ikeswhit
eroses,iknow
sheiscr azyaboutaDKNYper fumebutLihlei
havebeenwi t
hherf or10yearsnowi don'teven
knowwhatherf avorit
ecolouri
s.Myphoner ang
itookitoutandi twasmyMot her,
iignor
edt he
call
..
Fl
our
ist
-Ist
il
lthi
nkr
edr
oseswi
l
ldo
Me-Yout
heexpect
Myphonekeptonr
ingi
ngbusydi
stur
bingme.
.
Me-Sor
ryaboutt
hat
Her
-notani
mpor
tantcal
l
?
Me-No
Myr elati
onshi pwithmyMot herisnotperfect
andal soitsnotsobad, Irestr
ainfr
om being
thatmuchcl osetoherbecauseapar tofmei s
sti
llveryangr yather.Sheal l
owedt heabuseto
keepongoi ngwhi chtraumat i
zedanddamaged
met ogetherwi thmySi ster..
Me-y
ouknowwhatj
ustgi
vemewhi
ter
oses
Her
-Iwi
l
ldot
hat
ItookmyphoneoutandIal
sohadamessage
fr
om herwhi
chread:
"
Lihl
eisi
nhospi
tal
"
Ical
l
edoutt
hef
lour
ist
..
Me-ex
cusememi
ss
Shecamet
ome.
.
Me-wi
l
litbepossi
blet
ohav
ethem del
i
ver
ed?
Her
-Yesbuti
t'
sgoi
ngt
ocosty
ouext
ra
Me-Idon'
tmi
nd
Shegav
emeapaperandapad.
.
Her
-Addr
esspl
ease
Her
-Youdon'
twannawr
it
eanot
e?
Me-Noi
t'
sfi
neshewi
l
lknowwhot
heyf
rom
Ipai
dthenwalkedout
,ical
l
edmyMot
herwhen
iwasgoingt
omycar .
Mom-Ndi
l
eihav
ebeencal
l
ingy
ou
Me-i
knowi
wasbusy
..Whathappenedt
o
Hl
ehl
e?
Mom-Idon'thavemuchinf
ormat
ionbuther
Mothersai
dshewasbleedi
ngandtheyrushed
hert
ot hehospi
tal
Me-Bl
eedi
ng?
Mom-YesNdi l
e..Ist
il
lthi
nkweshould'
vet
old
yourFatheraboutthenegoti
ati
onst
he
Ancestorsarenothappy
Me-Ar
eyouf
uckenki
ddi
ngme?
Mom-ung'
thukanges'
l
ungu?(
arey
ouswear
ing
atmei
nEnglish)
Me-Idon'
twanthi
m knowi
ngany
thi
ngabout
myli
fe
Mom-Wheny
ougr
aduat
edwedi
dn'
tev
ent
ell
hi
m
Me-Mom hei
sinjail
!Lethi
m stayt
her
emy
wi
feisi
nhospi
tal
i don'
tneedtobedeal
ingwi
th
t
his!
.
.
YAYA
Wheni am notdoingany t
hingiliketosleepa
l
otandev enwakeupat12: 00,thismor ni
ngi
neededmysl eepineededmyr estfrom the
ni
ghti hadwi thSandil
e.Sexwi thhimi snotjust
anytypicalrandom sex,there'
sal otthatgoesin
andiendupwi t
hasor evaginaandanachi ng
body.Ilookedatmywr istsisti
l
l hadmar ks
from whenhet i
edmeuphar dthatt
heropecut
throughmyskinandhadhi swaywithme,i
usedt ohatebondagebutnowim sl
owlyget
ti
ng
usedt oi
t..
Ihear
dthedoorbel
lri
ng,
iwasalonemy
roommatehasgonetovi
sithome.
.
Igotupfrom t
hebedonl yweari
ngmy
bumshort,mybreastswereexposedidon'
t
wearabrawheni sleepatni
ght.Iwentand
openedthedoor,t
hisdeli
ver
ymanwas
standi
ngatmydoorst ephedidn'
texpectt
osee
mehalfnakedhel ookeddown.
Hi
m-Uhm del
i
ver
yforMi
ssYay
a
It
ookt
hef
lower
sandsi
gnedf
ort
hem.
.
Me-Thanky
ou
Hi
m-Pl
easur
e
Hewalkedawayandicl
osedthedoor
.Ilooked
att
heflower
siknowtheyfr
om Sandi
l
e,i
t'shis
wayofsayi
ng"Goodmorni
ng"Iwentandthrew
them i
nthet
rashbi
nandthenwentbackt
obed.
Iwanthismoneynotf
lower
s!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
27,
21:
51]Ron:
¥05
LI
HLE
Ifeltagent l
esensat ionrunningonmyf orehead
icoul dfeelthatsomeonewasgent l
yrunning
theirhandonmyf oreheadal lt
hewayt omy
braids.Irememberbei ngr ushedtot hehospital
,
iremembermyMot herr ushinginsidetogeta
Nur setocomewi thawheel chairwhileNomsa
tri
edt okeepmecal mi nthecar.Ihav enever
feltsuchanexcr uciatingpaininmywhol e
entirelif
ewhatwashappeni nginmywombi t
wasmor eli
ketheyputhundr edsofbur ni
ng
coal sthat'
showbadt hecrampswer e.Thatis
alliremember ,i
r ememberbei ngt akentot he
hospi t
al whathappenednexti don'tremember .
.
Beforei coul
dopenmyey esiknewSandilewas
bymysi de,iknowhi stouchandthesmellof
hisaftershav etogetherwit
hthesmellofhis
cologne.Islowlyopenedmyey esandIwasst i
l
l
feeli
ngdr owsybutt hecrampswer enolonger
there,ididn'
tfeelanycrampsany more.
.
Ndi
l
e-Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me-Bet
ter
..Thecr
ampsar
ebet
ter
Hesl
i
ght
lysmi
l
ed.
.
Ndi
l
e-Iam gl
ady
ounotf
eel
i
ngpai
nany
mor
e
Me-Howi
sthebaby
?
Hekeptqui
et.
.
Me-Sandi
l
e
Ndi
l
e-wewi
l
ldi
scusst
hatl
atery
oushoul
drest
Il
ookedathimforawhil
estudyi
nghi
sfacial
expr
essi
on,hecoul
dn'
tevenlookmeintheeye.
.
Me-Il
ostourbabydi
dn'
ti
?
Ndi
l
e-Whatmat
ter
sist
haty
ousaf
eidon'
t
knowwhati
woul
d'
vedonei
fil
osty
ou
It
urnedandf
acedt
heot
herway
..
Ndi
l
e-Nana.
.
Me-Iwannabeal
one
Ndi
l
e-don'
tshutmeout
Me-Iwannabeal
onepl
ease
Heki
ssedmeonmycheek.
.
Ndi
l
e-Il
ovey
ouIwi
l
lcomeandseey
oul
ater
Hewal
kedout
..
Thisisallmyf aulti
fiactedsoonerandqui cker
whenIf eltthecr ampsmay bemybabywoul d
sti
llbealive.Iknowwhati didwasst upid,i
twas
verystupidbutIhav ebeenwi thSandil
ef or10
years.Hewasmyf i
rstboyfri
endihav enev er
beenwi thany oneelseot herthanhim, i
was15
whenourr elat
ionshipstartedidon'
tknow
anyonebuthi m.Wi t
hinthosey ear
sour
rel
ationshipwasn' tawalki nthepark,Buhlei s
theonl ygirli knowt hatSandi lehascheat edon
mewi thbutdeepdowni knowt hatshemi ght
hav enotbeent heonlyone.Wef el
lint oa
distantrelationshipwhenhewentt ot ertiaryi
almostl osthi m becausehedi dn'tcall that
muchany mor eheusedschool asanexcuseof
notkeepi ngi nt ouch.Ilov ehim wi t
hal lmy
hear t
,againhowdoy oumov eonf rom a
relati
onshipof10y ears?Wher ewoul di start
pickingupt hepi eces?Iam scar ed,i am scar ed
thatsomedayj ustsomedayhemi ghtf all i
n
l
ov ewi thsomeoneel seandl eav eme.Iknow
thathei sabi timpossi bletohandl e, hehas
bipolarhehasdeepanddar kangeri ssuesbut
hehasnev erlaidhishandonme.Wedof i
ght
andhewoul dj ustendupwal kingawayt ocal m
himsel fdown, idon'tthinkhewoul dev erf inda
reasont oputhi shandonmebecausehel oves
me.Ihav er eadaboutbi polarandi am pr oudof
Sandi l
ef ortakingmedi cationandgoi ngt o
therapyhei st r
yingtobeabet termant hanhi s
f
ather
..
Ireal
l
ythoughtt
hatt heLobolanegot
iati
onsand
thebabywouldgroundhi mtonevereverthi
nk
ofcheati
ngbutil
ostbot h,andsi
ncei l
ostbothi
haveopenedupthedoorf orhimtofinditeasy
tocheatonmeagai n..
.
.
YAYA
Iendedupwaki
ngupi bathe,at
ebreakfast
,
watchedmyfav
orit
ereal
ityshowLov eandHi p
HopAt l
ant
aandthenaft
erthatideci
dedt otake
mybooksandstudyalit
tl
e..
Myphoner anganditwasacal lfrom home,i
hatecall
sfrom homebecauseit'salwaysabout
them aski
ngmef ormoney .Myfami l
yisvery
weirdtheydon'
tevenacknowledget hefactthat
iam astudent,
tothem ili
veinthebigcityiam
makingmoneyandi shoul
dsuppor tthem.My
Mot herwouldgoasf
aasusingemoti
onal
blackmailt
ogetmoneyfr
om mesothatshe
cangoanddr i
nki
tal
lupwit
hherboy
fri
endsi
n
thetavern.
..
TheonlypersonIcareaboutismy
Grandmothersheistheonlyonewhohasev
er
shownmeuncondi ti
onall
ov e.
.
Me-Hel
l
oMa
Ma-Yay
a
Me-YesMay
imi
(it
'sme)
Hervoi
cewasscratchyicoul
dsenset
hat
hangov
ergotherbad..
Ma-Yay
auGogouy
agul
a(y
ourGr
andmot
heri
s
si
ck)
Me-What
'swr
ong?
Ma-Hai
minaangi
sazi
(idon'
tknowany
mor
e)
Me-di
dyout
akehert
othecl
i
nic?
Ma-Cl
i
nicYay
akodwa?Uy
ahl
anza(
she'
s
v
omi
ti
ng)
Me-whendi
dshest
art
?
Ma-Lastni
ght.
.Uyahl
anzangaphauy
athul
ula
(
sheisvomiti
ngandhasdiar
rhea)
Me-Howmuchmoneydoy
ouwantMat
otake
hert
otheDr
?
Ma-It
houghty
ouwoul
dnev
erask
Me-cani
tal
ktogr
ams?
Ma-ul
eleshameshe'
sweak(
shei
ssl
eepi
ng
shameshe'
sweak)
Iknowthatshei
sly
ingt
omebuti
t'
sokaynowi
am noti
nthemoodtoargue.
.
Ma-R350nj
ewi
l
ldo
Me-Iwil
lsendi
ttomor
rowShopr
it
emoney
market
Ma-ext
raR100Yayapleaset
obuyherinst
ant
sof
tporr
idgeandl
i
quidsshehasn'
teat
en
any
thi
ng
Me-Iwi
l
lsendy
ouR500Ma
Ma-OhhhkodwaYay
auy
ingel
osi
yet
hu(
youar
e
ourangel
)
Ihear
dsomeoner
ingi
ngt
hedoorbel
l
..
Me-Ihav
etogoMa
Ma-ar
eyougoi
ngt
owor
k?
Me-NoMa.
.Iam st
il
lst
udy
ing
Ma-awukaqedi
Kant
i?(
younotdone)
Someoner
angt
hedoorbel
lagai
n..
Me-Mamaby
e
Ihungupandgotupf
rom t
hecoucht
ogoand
open.
.
I
twasSandi
l
e..
Me-Ndi
l
e
Hewalkedi
nwithhi
shandsi
nhi
spocket
si
cl
osedthedoor
..
Me-Idi
dn'
tknowt
haty
ouwer
ecomi
ng
Hehadhisbackfaci
ngmehi shandswer
est
il
l
i
nhispocket
s,hedidn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.
Me-I
'
llpoury
ouagl
assofwhi
skey
Hi
m-Li
hlehadami
scar
ri
age
Me-Ohw
Hi
m-Idi
dn'
tev
enknowt
hatshewaspr
egnant
Me-Iam sor
ry
Iwenttothecupboar
dtogett
hebot
tl
eof
whiskey
..
Hi
m-She'sbrokenandi
tbr
eaksmet
oseeher
i
nthatst
ate
Het
urnedar
ound.
.
Me-whatcausedt
hemi
scar
ri
age?
Hewal
kedupt
ome.
.
Hi
m-Idon'
tknow
Henoti
cedt
hef
lower
sint
hebi
n,het
ookt
hem
out
..
Hi
m-Yout
hrewawayR1500?
Me-Ndi
l
ei.
.
Hi
m-I
t'
sfi
ne
Heputt
hem ont
hecount
er.
.
Hi
m-t
hegl
assofwhi
skey
Iext
endedi
ttohi
m..
Hi
m-t
hanky
ou
Het
ookasi
pandputt
hegl
assdown.
.
Hi
m-Pl
ans?
Me-Noj
ustwant
edt
ost
udy
Henodded.
.
Me-Letmecl
eart
het
extbooksf
rom t
hecouch
Hi
m-Okay
Iwalkedpasshim andhepushedmeagai
nst
thewall
,if
ell
..
Hi
m-Yout
hrewawayR1500?
Eveni
fi t
rytogetupfrom t
hefl
oori
twoul
dbe
tool
ate,hecameandst ar
tedki
cki
ngme.He
usedall
hisstr
ength.
.
Hi
m-Yout
hrewawayR1500?Ung'
j
way
elakabi
!!
Thi
sisthebeastunl
eashedinhi
m,hisdarkside
hastakenoverandal
lineedtodoisprayt
hat
hesnapsfrom i
tqui
ckl
ybeforehekil
l
sme. .
Nomat terhowmuchhebeat sme,heisal
way
s
car
efulnottotouchmyface..Nowiam
suf
feri
ngf orLi
hlebei
ngbroken.
.
.
LI
HLE
MyMot
hercamei
n..
Mama-Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngbaby
?
Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.
Mama-Iam sor
ryLi
hle
Icl
osedmyey
esandt
ear
sfel
l
,ishoul
dn'
thav
e
beendwel l
ingont het houghtsofSandi le
possibl
ycheatingonme, ishouldn'thave
thoughtalotaboutt hey ell
owboneBuhl ewho
hasalway sbeenat hr eati
nmyr elati
onship.I
shouldn'
thavet houghtabouthowsheal most
rui
nedmyr el
ati
onshi p,ishouldn'thavehad
thoseinsecuri
ti
est hatSandi l
emi ghtbef ucki
ng
heragainmybabywoul dsti
ll
beal ive.
.
It
urnedandl
ookedatmyMot
her
.
Me-Wheni
getdi
schar
gedi
wannamov
ein
wi
thhi
m
IknowmyMot herdoesn'
tsuppor
tmel i
vi
ng
withSandil
ewhi lehehasn'
tpaidl
obola,
even
thoughshelikesSandilewehavealwaysagr
eed
thatiwi
llmov einwithhim whenhehaspaid
Lobola.
..
Mama-l
et'
stal
kaboutt
hatl
aternowl
et'
sfocus
ony
ougetti
ngbet
ter
Ifacedtheot
herway
,sheputherhandonmy
shoulder
..
.
Mama-Iwi ll
onlyl etyouvisithi
mf ort
woweeks
youtwoshar ethesamepai nmay beyoucan
comf or
teachot herbetter
,butwheny ouare
emot i
onal
lystr
ongy ouhav etocomeback
homesot hattheLobol anegot i
ati
onscan
proceed
Me-Thanky
ou
.
[
09/
27,
21:
55]Ron:
¥06
LI
HLE
Sandi l
e'sfami l
ytheyar efirm beli
ev er
sin
Ancest orsandt heyv eryculturaltoo.That'
sthe
onlythingt hatcausesabi toftensionbet ween
myf ami lyandhi sbecausemyMot herisvery
reli
giousanddoesn' treall
ybel i
evei nAncestors,
butnev erthelessshedoesn' tdi sr
espector
quest i
ont hebelief
soft heKhumal ofamily.I
n
myf ami lyweal sodohav eaf ewr elat
ivesthat
beli
ev esinAncest orsbutmyMot herhaskepta
bitofadi stancef r
om t hem toav oid
unnecessaryfi
ghts.Theonlyreasonwhyshe
doesn'tgoagainstSandil
e'
sfamilywit
ht hei
r
bel
iefsisbecauseshev al
uesmyr elat
ionshi
p
wit
hSandi l
etoomucht orui
nit.
.
Sandil
e'
sMotherandSandi
le'
sUncl
efr
om hi
s
pater
nalsi
deofthefami
lycameint
oseeme..
MaKhumal
o-Kot
ihowar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
Eventhoughi di
dn'
twantanycompanyihadno
choicebuttoberespectf
ulandcommuni
cate
withthem, t
heymyinlawsandi al
way
shaveto
showr espectnomatterwhat.
.
MaKhumalo-Si
yaxol
i
sangalent
oekwehl
ele(
we
ar
esorr
yforwhathappenedtoyou)
Inodded.
.
Iwassti
l
lhol
dingmyMot her
'shandshewas
st
andi
ngbesi
deme, ineededhertobepresent
i
ncaseal
loft
hisget
st oomuchf orme.
.
Uncl
e-uzi
l
enj
euSandi
l
e?(
didSandi
l
ecome)
Me-YeboMal
umeuzi
l
e(Yesuncl
ehedi
dcome)
Hel
ookedar
ound.
..
Uncl
e-Bekumel
enjengabesishi
saimpepho
(weshoul
dbeburni
nganincense)
MaKhul
o-Kahl
eBabomkhuluthi
sisahospi
tal
wecandothatathomewhenKotiget
s
di
schar
ged
MyMot
herandi
lookedateachot
her
..
Uncle-Konkenj
ekwakaSandi
leakuhambi
kahl
e
(Sandil
e'
sthi
ngsar
en'
tgoingwel
l)
Makhumal
o-That
'snott
rue
Uncle-Itistrueweweresupposedtopay
Lobolat odayandlookwhathappened.
.
Amadl ozi kaKhumaloamfl
athel
e(TheKhumal
o
Ancestor shavetur
nedthei
rbacksonhim)
MyMot
hert
ight
enedhergr
ip.
.
Uncle-Aslongashesti
llhol
dssoomuchanger
forhisFatherandwant
snothingtodowithhi
m
nothingofhisisgoi
ngtoworkyikofut
hi
ahlanyaso( t
hat'
swhyheisevencrazy)
Makhumal
o-Sandi
l
eisnotcr
azyyourBr
other
puthi
mthr
oughalott
heabusedamagedhim
Uncl
e-uKar
abour
ightnj
e(Kar
aboi
sfi
ne)
Makhumalo-Kar
abowasv er
yyoungwhen
ev
eryt
hinghappenedshe
doesn'
tremembermuchunl
i
keSandi
l
e
Uncle-Minanjengithikumeleakhul ume
noGodfreyahlabeleAmadl oziaxoli
seKonke
okwakhekuzol unga(hemustt al
ktoGodfrey
,
slaught
erfortheAncest orsandaskf or
forgi
venessthenev er
ythingofhiswi l
lgowell
)
Makhumal
oshookherhead.
..
Uncle-uKoti
ngekeabatholeabantwanauzoloke
echi
thekelwayi
zisuunti
luSandil
eaxole(Lihl
e
wil
lneverhavechil
drenshewillevermiscarr
y
unti
lSandil
efor
gives)
MyMot
hercoul
dn'
thol
dher
sel
f.
.
Mom-uxol
obab'khumal
ongiyacel
anj
e
ungal
i
ngeuqal
ekisei
ndodakaziy
ami(
Mr
Khumal
opl
easedon'
tcur
semyDaught
er)
Uncle-Iam notcursi
nghertheKhumal o
Ancestorsdon'tknowherthat
'swhyshe
miscarri
edbecauseshewasnoti nt
roducedt
o
theAncestorsforthem t
oprotectherandher
pregnancy
Mom-MyDaughterhavi
ngami scar
ri
agehas
nothi
ngt
odowit
ht heAncest
ors!OnlyGod
knowswhyshemiscar
ri
ed
Uncl
e-It
'sthi
srel
igi
onthatmakesy outobe
i
gnorantwhenitcomest oyourcul
tur
e!Lookat
meMaCel eiam successful
ihaveabutcher
y
myAncestorsarewithme
Mom-Godi
swi
thy
ou!
Me-Mamapl
ease
Mom-Iam sor ryHlehl
ebuti wi
llnotstandhere
andlett
hismandi srespectmyreli
gioni have
beenveryrespectf
ultowhattheybelievein!He
hasnorighttostandhereandsayy our
miscar
ri
agei
sduetotheAncestor
sifsot
hen
t
heKhumaloAncest
orsar
eev i
l!
Uncle-Mayebabobadelelwaabokhokhobethu
wumf aziothi
uyakhonzakodwaebeebhekel a
phantsiamasikoethu(ourAncest
orsarebeing
di
srespectedbyar el
igi
ouswomanwho
despisesourcult
ure)
Makhumalo-Ngi
yacel
abandlabheka
ni
yamcasulauHl
ehle(
iam beggingbot
hofy
ou
becausenowyouupsett
ingHlehl
e)
Icl
osedmyey eswithtear
sst
reamingdownmy
cheeks,
iwi
shSandi l
ewasher
ei cannotdeal
wit
hal l
oft
hisalone.
.
.
.
NDI
LE
Iwasinmycarihadal
otoft
hought
srunni
ng
thr
oughmyhead.
If
eltl
i
kei
wasl
osi
ngmymi
nd,
mysani
ty
everythingwasget ti
ngt oomuch.Icl osedmy
eyesandhel dont i
ghttot hewheel ,icouldn'
t
takeital l
in.Lihleishurting,Yay aishur ti
ng.
Yay a!Myt hought sstart
edgat heringt ogiveme
backmysani t
y .Todayi wentov erboard,todayi
beatherupt oomuch.Shecr i
ed, shescr eamed,
shebeggedmet ost opandi couldn't.Iwanted
tohearherscr eam inagony , iwant edmy
Mot hernott obet heonl ywomanwhohasev er
exper i
encedsuchbr utalabuse.I t'swr ongthati
am doi ngthist oYay a,i
t'
swr ongt hatsheput s
upwi thitbutitwaswr ongf ormyMot hertoo.
Justl i
keYay a,myMot herdi dn'tdeser vetogo
throught hattoo..
Afterreali
zingwhatIhavedonei gotoutoft he
carandr anbackt othefl
at,
shewasst il
ll
ayi
ng
ont hefloorcry
ing.She'
scryi
ng,acr yisbett
er
thansilenceitmeansshe'ssti
ll
alive..
Idi
dn'tknowwhatt odoididn'
tknowhowt o
approachher,ihav
eneverdonethisihav
e
neverapproachedheraf
terbeati
ngherup.
Myheartshutteredonthefl
oorasisawherin
thatmuchpain,didir
eall
ydothat?I
sthiswhat
sheputsupwi thever
yti
me?Whatkindofa
personam i
?Howcani hurtawomanlikethi
s??
Iwenttoherandcrouched,
ipi
ckedherupand
shefl
inchedi
npain..
Iwast ry
ingtobev erygentl
ebutev erypar tof
herbodyseemedbadl ybruisedot herthanher
face.Sheputherhandsar oundmyneckand
l
aidherheadonmyshoul derjustcloset omy
neckandcr i
ed,icarri
edhert othebedr oom and
satdownont hebedwi thherstil
l i
nmyar ms
andcr yi
ng.Hercrytoredeepi nside,ifelttear
s
burningmyey esiwant edtosaysomet hingbut
myl i
pswer ej
ustshakingv i
gor ously.
.
.
[
09/
27,
21:
55]Ron:
¥07
NDI
LE
Ihadnochoi
cebutt
ocal
lmyper
sonal
Doct
or,
DrNkabinde.Nkabi ndecomest hroughforme
i
nany thi
ngandev er y
thingwithjustanextra
thousandortwoi fit'
sacr i
ti
calj
ob.Hei sthe
onewhomost lytr
eatsYay a'
sbruisesafteri
havelostmyt emperandhei sverydiscr
eet
abouteveryt
hing.Yay awasi nsomuchpai n
thatshewashur ti
ngme, igaveherpainkill
ers
buttheyweren'thelpingshewasspi tt
ingout
bloodwhichwor ri
edmeal ot.Thisti
mear ound
ihavereall
ywentf ar.
.
Sheisthemoststrongestwomani hav eever
cameacr ossandf
orhert obecryi
nglikethis
andfli
nchingi
npainwheni touchhershows
thatshewasinexcruci
ati
ngpainindeed.
Iwaspacingupanddownl ooki
ngatherlay
ing
onthebed,Nkabindewast aki
nghisti
meand
hewasf r
ustr
ati
ngme.Iwentupt oYayaand
l
if
tedhertshi
rtup,thebr
uiseslookedhi
ghly
di
stur
bing.
Me-Ar
eyoust
il
li
npai
n?
Shenodded.Ihel
dherhandandki
ssedi
t.
..
Me-Nkabi
ndei
scomi
ng
Thedoorbel
lrang.
.
Me-I
t'
saboutt
ime!
Ist
oodupandwentt
oopenf
orhi
m..
Me-Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
Nkabi
nde-Iam oncal
l
Hehadhi sbri
efcasewi
thhi
m andhi
s
st
ethoscopes.
.
Me-Fol
l
owme
Il
edhi
mtoYay
a'sbedr
oom.
.
Nkabindewentuptoherherandper
for
medan
ext
ernalexami
nati
on.
Nkabi
nde-Iam goi
ngt
otur
nyouokay
?
Yay
anodded.
.
Nkabindegent
lyt
urnedherandshecl
osedher
eyes.
.
Heli
ftedhertshi
rti
thinktheBr
uisesal
so
f
reakedhim outali
tt
le..
Hepr essedhishandagainstthebrui
sesand
thatmust '
vebeenpainfulbecauseshe
screamed, shecoul
dn'tholdbackanymore.
.
Yay
a-Ahhhhhhhhhhh
Me-Nkabi
ndebegent
le
Nkabi
nde-Iam doi
ngmybesther
eineedt
o
knowhowmuchdamagehasbeendone
Me-Shewasspi
tt
ingbl
ood
Nkabi
ndeshookhi
shead.
.
Nkabi
nde-Thi
sti
mear
oundi
hav
etot
akeheri
n
Me-No.
.
Nkabi
nde-Shemighthavebrokenri
bsand
bl
eedingi
nter
nall
y,t
hebrokenri
bsmi ghtbe
pi
erci
ngthr
oughherorganstoo.Ineedtotake
Xraysandoperat
eifneeded
Me-Youcandoi
taty
oursur
ger
yri
ght
?
Nkabinde-Idon'
thav
et henecessar
yequi
pment
ihavetotakehertothehospit
al
Me-Theywi
l
lwannaknowwhathappened
Nkabi
nde-Shemi
ghtbl
eedt
odeat
hMr
Khumalo!
Me-Nkabi
ndei
fshegetsadmit
tedyouwill
hav
e
t
owrit
earepor
ticannotgotoj
ailf
orthi
sokay?
Il
ookedatYay
a..
.
Me-Howam Igoi
ngtoexplai
ntomywi
fewhati
gotar
rest
edf
or?Icannotgotoj
ail
!
Icannotgetarrestedforthesamereasonas
myFat herwhat'sgoingtobecomeofLi hl
eif
shefindsoutaboutt hi
s?Idon'twanther
knowingthissideofmei don'
twanthertothi
nk
thatshewillbemar r
y i
ngamonst er
..
Nkabi
nde-MrKhumal
owedon'
thav
emuch
t
ime
Yayawasexpel
l
ingbl
oodf
rom hermout
hand
shi
ver
ing.
.
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
odoist
art
edpaci
ngar
ound
wit
hmyhandsonmyhead.
.
Me-Can'
tyougi
vehersomet
hing?
Nkabi
nde-No!
!Dammi
tSandil
eihavet
osee
howmuchdamageyoucausedher
Yay
ast
art
edmumbl
i
ngsomet
hing.
.
Me-She'
ssay
ingsomet
hingwhati
sshesay
ing?
Nkabi
nde-Idon'
tknowi
can'
thearher
Yay
ashookherheadandt
ri
edt
alki
ng.
.
Nkabinde-Youdon'
thav
etosayany
thi
ngsav
e
yourstr
ength
Nkabi
ndel
ookedatme.
.
Me-WhataboutMorphi
net
hel
astt
imey
ou
gav
ehermorphiner
ight
?
Nkabi
nde-Ican'
tanymor
ei cannolongersneak
outMorphi
nefrom t
hehospit
ali
t'
stoorisky
Me-Ther
ehast
obeanot
herway
Nkabinde-Iam af
raidthereisn'
t!MrKhumaloi
don'tl
ikegett
ingi
ntoy ourpersonalaf
fai
rsbuti
f
youev ercar
edforthisgir
lyouwouldallowme
totakehertothehospital
..
.Pleaseorelseshe
wil
ldie
Il
ookedatYay
aagai
nshewasst
il
lshi
ver
ing
andherey
eswerer
oll
i
ngatt
hebackofher
head.
.
Nkabi
nde-Shei
sdyi
ngint
hemostpai nfulway,
doyouwannahavet
hatonyourconscience?
.
.
LI
HLE
Icall
edSandi l
eagai nusi ngmyMot her'
sphone
andhewasn' tpickingup, t
earsfel
l agai
n.Ihave
cal
ledhi m morethan5t imesandhi sphone
ri
ngst hentakesmest raighttovoicemailaft
era
whil
e.I t
'
saSat urdayaf ternoonhei snot
working,heisnotat tendingtherapywhyi sn'
the
picki
ngup?Heknowshowmuchi needhi
m.I
needhi m moret
hanihaveev
erneededhi
m
especial
lyaft
erwhathi
sUncl
esaid.
.
Me-Sandi
l
epi
ckupy
ourphonepl
ease!
I
shewithanotherwoman?What'
shappeni
ng?
Whenhestar
tedacti
ngli
kethi
swaswhen
Buhl
ecameintothepage.
..
MyMot
herwal
kedi
nhol
dingapackoff
rui
ts.
..
Mom-Areyoust
il
lupsetov
erwhatSandi
l
e's
uncl
esai
d?
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Mom-Heal
soupsetmet
oo
Shecamet
ome.
.
Ihav
eboughty
ousomef
rui
tsy
ouneedt
oeat
somethi
ng.
.
Me-Sandi
l
eisnotpi
cki
ngup
Ihandedhert
hephone.
.
Mom-May
behei
sbusy
Me-withwhatMama?Hei
ssupposedt
obe
her
e!!
!(yel
l
ing)
Shel
ookedatmel
i
ke"
Didy
ouj
usty
ell
atme"
.
Me-Ngi
yaxol
i
sa(
iam sor
ry)
Mom-i
am st
art
ingt
obev
erywor
ri
edabouty
ou
now
If
acedt
heot
herway
..
Mom-Li hl
et hewayyouloveSandil
ey aziyou
havemadehi myourever
ythi
ng,youhav emade
himyourGod!Bonamanj ey oucannotev en
funct
ionwithouthi
m, t
hat'
snotal i
feHlehle
Mom doesn'tunder
standhassheev
erbeent
his
muchinlove?
Mom-Yourl if
eLi hl
er evol
vesar oundhi mtoo
muchthaty oucan'tfindstrengtht opresson
whenhei snotar ound.Whathappenedt oLi
hle?
Whathappenedt omybaby ?Youusedt otal
k
aboutyourdreams, thingsthaty ouwant edt
o
achi
eve.Lihl
ei..Iam scaredf ory ouiam scar
ed
t
hatthedaySandil
eisgoi
ngtohur
tyou,
you
mightnotbeablet
ohandl
ethepai
nandy ou
wi
llki
llyour
sel
f.
Me-Sandi
l
ewi
l
lnev
erhur
tme
Icl
osedmyey
es.
.
Me-Hel
ovesmet
oomuch
Mom-Buthehashur
tyoubef
oreev
ent
hough
"
lov
esyoutoomuch"
[
09/
27,
21:
55]Ron:
¥08
NDI
LE
Ial
lowedNkabi ndetotakeYay atothehospital
andidrovet omyhousei didn'
twanna
accompanyhert othehospi talbecauseIdon't
knowwer emyf ateli
es,isshegonnat al
kand
havemel ockedup?Youcannev erreall
y
concl
udewi thanabusedwoman.Todayt hey
seem f
ineliketheywil
lnev ertalkthen
tomorr
owy oubei ngsurprisedbyt hecops..
Icannotbegi
ntot
hinkhowLi
hlei
sgoi
ngt
o
reactshoul
dthathappen,she'
salr
eadybroken
asitisthi
sisgoingt
obr eakhermore.Ihave
tri
edtohidethi
spartofmyl i
fefr
om heridon'
t
wanthertoknowt hi
ssideofme. .
Iwasbr eakingany thingt hatmyhandl andedon
atthehousei f
eltlikei wasl osi
ngi t
,iam
tal
kingaboutser iouslyl osingi t
.Ihaven' tbeen
taki
ngmymedsr i
ghti skipaf ewday sbecause
honest l
yi don'tthinkt heywor ki
ngf orme.Ist i
ll
feelthesamewayandt here'snochangei nmy
ment alstate.Idon' tknowwhatr esi
desdeep
i
nsideofme, butwhat ev eritisihavenocont r
ol
overit.Iam tryingt of i
ndt heexactwor dson
howt oexpl ainmyment alst at
ebutnowor dcan
explainwhatIam orwhati hav ebecome. .
Isatinthecor
neragainstthewal lwi
ththe
wholehousedark,ihavebr okenthebulbs
piecesofgl
asseswer eont hefloor
.Ihave
brokenalmosteveryt
hingfrom plat
es,mugs,
glassesandever
y t
hingelse..
Ihaddist
urbi
ngthought
s,not
hingwasmaking
senseidon'
twannafeell
iket
hisihat
efeel
i
ng
l
ikethi
s..
Tearsfell
asiwast ry
ingt ofi
gureoutwhatwas
wrongwi t
hme, whatwashappeni ngtome.My
mindisacagewher edar kthoughtsare
i
mpr i
sonedjustl
ikeprisonerssomet i
mesthe
thoughtsarel
etloseforawhi l
et otor
tur
eme,
thenienduptorturi
ngt hoseclosetome..
Iwasturningi
ntoabeastandnoonecansav
e
me,nothingcansav
eme. .
.
.
YAYA
Idon'
tknowhowi endedupatt hehospit
al
becausei wasoutofitalli
knowisthatthepain
onmyl eftri
bwasbet t
erthanhowitwas.Ihav e
hightol
erancetopain,ihavebeenhurtalott
hat
idon'
thurtiam numbt opainbutwhatSandile
di
dhebrokemephy si
call
y.Iwasst
il
lfeel
inga
bi
tdi
zzythoughIt
hinktheygavemestrong
meds.
.
DrNkabi ndewasst andi
ngther
easiopenedmy
eyes,hewasl ookingdir
ectl
yatme.Hewasn'
t
alone,hewaswi thagentlemanwhoworea
poli
ceuni for
m andonewhowaswear ing
formal pantsandashirt
..
Nkabi
nde:
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Hetookoutasmall
li
ghtf
rom hi
scoatand
st
art
edshini
ngi
tinmyeyes.
..
Me:
Sti
l
lweakanddr
owsy
Nkabi
nde:i
sedatedy
ouear
li
eronandal
so
gaveyoumorphi
ne
Thegent
lemanwhowasn'
twear
ingapol
i
ce
uni
for
m clear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Nkabi
nde:
Detect
ivedi
dyour
eal
l
yhav
etocome
now?Mypati
entj
ustwokeup
Det
ect
ive:
Youdoy
ourj
obandi
domi
ne
Nkabi
ndel
ookedatme.
.
Nkabinde:partofmyjobist
hatwheni suspect
thatapatientofmineisavi
cti
m ofdomestic
abusei havetocal
l t
hecops
WhatisNkabindedoing?HeknowsSandil
eis
crazyheknowsthathecantakehi
m outany
day..
Nkabinde:I
fyoufeelstr
ongenoughthenyou
cantalktotheDetect
iveandl
ethim knowwhat
happened
Ilookedatt
heDetect
ivewhowasstandi
ng
therehopi
ngthati
saysomethi
ng.
.
Nkabi
nde:
Ifyounotr
eadyt
otal
knowi
t'
sokay
t
heycanalwayscomeback
Inodded.
.
Nkabi
nde:
Tomor
row?
Inoddedagai
n..
Nkabi
nde:
Youhear
dmypat
ient
TheDet
ect
ivecamecl
oser
..
Det
ect
ive:
Mam'
.
.
Nkabi
nde:Pl
easer
espectmyj
obasmuchasi
r
espectyour
s
TheDet
ect
ivel
ookedatmef
oral
ongt
ime.
.
Nkabi
nde:
Det
ect
ive
Det
ect
ive:
wewi
l
lcomebackt
omor
rowt
hen
Theyl
eft
,il
ookedatNkabi
nde.
.
Me:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Nkabi
nde:
Myj
ob
Hetookhi
sst
ethoscopesandt
henr
ant
hem
ov
eronmychest..
.
Nkabi
nde:
breat
hforme
Me:
Nkabi
nde
Nkabi
nde:
Yay
a
Me:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Heputhi
sst
ethoscopesar
oundhi
sneckagai
n..
Nkabi
nde:
Yourpr
ior
it
ieshav
etochangenow
Me:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Yourbloodwor
kcamebacki
twasast
andar
d
procedure.
.
Me:
and?
Nkabi
nde:
didy
ouknowt
haty
oupr
egnant
?
Me:
Pre.
.?
??
Nkabi
nde:
Youpr
egnantYay
a
Icannotbepr
egnanti
t'
snotr
ight
..
.
.
LI
HLE
Ist i
l
lreceiv
ednocal lf
rom Sandil
ehedidn't
ev enbothercomingbacky ester
daytoseeme.
ItwasaSundaymor ni
ngandusual l
yatthi
s
timei am atchurchbuti wasn'
t,
inst
eadi was
stuckatt hehospit
al.Wheni wenttobat
ht hi
s
mor ningInoti
cedthati hadasti
tchmeanst hey
oper
atedmey est
erdayandineedtoknowwhy
soiaskedtheNur setocal
ltheDoctort
ocome
andexplai
n..
TheDoct
orl
ookedatme.
.
Me:
Iwasoper
atedr
ight
?
Dr
:Yesy
ouwer
e
Me:
Why
?
Dr:intermsthatyouwouldunder
standthebaby
wasgr owinginthewrongpl
aceafter
fer
til
izat
iontheeggdidn'
tmovetothe
endoment ri
um i
nthewombbuti tstay
edinthe
fal
lopiantube
Me:
whatdoest
hatmean?
Dr:Asitgrewi tf
orcedy ourtubetoexpand
that'
swhyy ouwer efeelingtheshar
ppainbut
unfort
unatel
yt hefall
opiantubewasnota
healt
hyenv i
ronmentf orthebabytogrowthat
'
s
whyy ouhadt hemi scar
riageandwehadt o
remov eyourtubeasi twasscarred
It
ookamomentt
opr
ocesst
his.
.
Dr
:Iam sor
ry
Me:
wil
list
il
lhav
echi
l
dren?
Dr:Yousti
llhav
ey ourot
hertubeYesi
tis
possibl
eforyoutohavechil
dren
Icl
osedmyey
es.
.
Dr:
atl
easty
oust
il
lhav
etheot
hert
ubenotal
li
s
l
ost
Icov
eredmyf
acewi
thmyhands.
.
Me:
Whyi
sal
loft
hishappeni
ngt
ome?
TheDrcameandputherhandonmyshoul
der
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
27,
21:
55]Ron:
¥09
NDI
LE
Istoodupfrom t
hecor
nerwhenmysanit
y
ret
urnedbacktomei l
ookedar
oundandihad
turnedt hewhol ehouseupsi dedown, piecesof
brokengl asseswer eont hef l
oor.Igotmy
phoneoutandcheckedt het ime,itwasj ust
after14:00i tdawnedonmet haty ester day
wheni gotbackhomei br okeever ythingand
thensatdownatt hecor nerunt i
ltoday .Icannot
evenr ememberwhatr eallywentt hr oughmy
mindasi wassi tt
ingther e,iwasev enl uckyt hat
ididn'
tsuf ferf r
om hy pother miai am t hankf ul
thatwest i
l
l enjoyingsummersoi tget shott oo
atnight.Iam nowadangeri ficanbeoutofi t
thatisitatt hecor nerthewhol eni ghtwi t
hmy
mindcompl etelyshut,whatmor esev er e
damagecani cause?Myt hroatwassor eandi
wasv er ysleepybutunf ortunatelyi cannotst ay
here.Iam goi ngtoneedsomeonet ocomeand
fi
xev erythi
ng, i
nthemeant imeiwi lljustdr i
v eto
myMom' spl aceandst ayt hereforawhi leuntil
myhousei sf ixed.Imademywayt ot he
bedroom t opackaf ewt hingswhi lecal l
ingmy
Mot herinthepr ocess..
Mom:
Sandi
l
e
Me-Mama
Mom:
kuy
akanj
ani
?(howar
eyouhol
dingup)
Me-Iam f
ine.
.Unj
ani
uLi
hle?(
howi
sLi
hle)
Mom:
Hai
kuy
abheda(
it
'snotgoi
ngwel
l
)
Me:
Wel
liam onmywayt
her
e
Mom:
onaSunday
?
Me:
Yes
Mom:
arey
ougoi
ngt
osl
eepov
er?
Me:
Yes
Mom:
Why
?Whataboutwor
k?
Me:Iwil
ldri
vet
owor
kMai
t'
sjustgoi
ngt
obea
2hoursdri
ve
Mom:
Kant
ikwenz
akal
ani
?(what
'
sgoi
ngon)
Me:
Not
hing
Mom:
Ifi
t'
snot
hingt
h..
Me:EyyyMapl easestopwit
hthi
sendl
ess
quest
ionsoryi
ni awung'
funi
kwakho?(
don'
tyou
wantmeaty ourhouse)
Mom-Angi
shongonj
alo(
idi
dn'
tsayt
hat
)
Me-Sor
ry
Mom-Ijustwantt
oknowifevery
thi
ngi
sfi
ne
wi
thyouIam yourMot
hericare
Butshedi
dn'tcar
eenought ol
eavemyFat
her
bef
oretheabusetraumat
izedus.
.
Me:Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
neandi
wil
lbet
her
emay
be
l
ater
Mom:
Okayi
wil
lcooky
ourf
avor
it
emeal
Me:
thanky
ou
Mom:
seey
ouwheny
ougether
ethen
Me:
Bye
Iconti
nuedpacki
ngandicouldfeelt
hatiwasn'
t
goingtobeablet
odriv
eatthisstat
e,iam t
oo
ti
redineedtogetsomerest
.Itookmyphone
agai
nandcal
ledNkabi
nde,
heonl
yanswer
edon
the3r
dri
ng.
.
Nkabi
nde:
Khumal
o
Me:
howi
sshe?
Nkabi
nde:
shei
shol
dingi
nther
e
Me:
didshesayany
thi
ngt
othecops?
Nkabi
nde:
notyetbutshewi
l
lbet
alki
ngt
othem
agai
ntomorr
ow
Me:
Isee
Nkabi
nde:don'
ttaket
hisper
sonali
hadt
ocal
l
t
hecops..Iam onl
ydoi
ngmyj ob
Me:
youdon'
thav
etoexpl
aini
under
stand
Nkabi
nde:
Ihav
etogoandcheckuponher
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ouf
ort
heupdat
e
Nkabi
nde:
any
time
Iexhal
edandthrewmy sel
fonthebed,Yay
a
cannotsayany
thingt
ot heaut
hori
ti
es.
.
.
.
YAYA
Nkabi
ndemadehi
swayi
nwhi
l
ehol
dingmy
f
il
e..
.
Nkabi
nde:
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?Howi
sthepai
n?
Me:
Iam st
il
lfi
ne
Hewentt
hroughmyf
il
e..
.
Nkabi
nde:
Tomorrowy
ougoi
ngtohav
eami
nor
oper
ati
ontof
ixy
ourbr
okenr
ibs
Me:
Okay
Il
ookedar
ound.
.
Me:whoi
spayingmyhospi
tal
bil
l
?Thi
sisnota
publ
i
chospi
tal
Nkabi
nde:
Theoneandonl
y
Me:
ohw
Nkabi
nde:
arey
ougoi
ngt
otel
lhi
m?
Me:
Howf
aral
ongam i
?
Nkabi
nde:
onemont
h
Me:
andi
didn'
tknoworf
eel
thati
waspr
egnant
Nkabi
nde:
youwer
eunderal
otofst
ressi
pr
esume?
Me:
Iwas
Nkabi
nde:youevenl
uckythebabysur
viv
edal
l
t
hestressandthebr
utal
beati
ng
Me:
Iguessso
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Nkabi
nde:
Isi
tmi
ne?
Me:
uyahl
any
a?(
arey
oucr
azy
)
Hel
aughed.
.
Nkabi
nde:
Iam j
ustpl
ayi
ngwi
thy
ou
Isl
eptwithNkabindeafewweeksbackwhen
Sandil
erefusedtopaymyrentbecausehewas
suspecti
ngthatIwasinvol
vedwit
hsomeone
elsetoo,tomakeendsmeeti hadt osl eepwi th
Nkabindebuti twasonet imeandweuseda
condom.I t'
seasyf orsomeonet osay" Geta
parttimejob"butl et'sbehonesthowmany
peoplearewor kingwi ththisunst abl eeconomy ?
Wher ewilligetaj obwher ei wi l
lwor k
weekendsandbeabl et oaf f
ordr ent ,myf ees,
food,andmyf ami l
y ?Let '
sber ealisticf ora
while.Itr
iedappl yingf orNSFASbutt hey
neededanaf fi
dav itthatmyMot heri snot
workingandmyal cohol i
cMot herr ef usedt ogo
withmet ot hepol icest ationt alkingabout
school i
sawast eoft imei needt ogetaj obor
usemywomanhoodt omakemoney .It r
ied
applyingforabur sar ybutt hatdi dn' tgowel ltoo
soi wasf orcedt ogodownt hisr out e.It'
sonl y
twoy earsleft,
i am sur ethati canputupwi t
h
Sandileforjust2y ear sthenwheni gr aduatei
willdi
tchhim andmov et oanot herpl acei fi
havet oo.
.
Ri
ghtnowi
needt
oknowi
fishoul
dtel
lSandi
l
e
aboutthebabyornot?Butmyfir
stmindt
ell
s
met hatishoul
dhaveanabort
ionwit
hthestat
e
ofli
vingathomeicannotbr
inganot
hermouth
tofeed..
.
.
LI
HLE
Nomsahadcomet oseemei wasreli
evedthat
tomor r
owt heygoingtodischar
geme, icannot
waittogohomebecl oset omyMot her
.Itwas
getti
ngt omet hatSandi
ledidn'
tcomeagai n
todayi don'
tknowwhyhei sdoi
ngthistome
andi don'tknowwhathisexcuseis.
.
Nomsa:
Yooh!
!Sot
heyr
emov
edy
ourt
ube?
Inodded.
.
Me:
Itwasanect
opi
cpr
egnancy
Nomsa:butwi
lly
oubeabletohaveki
ds?I
meanyousti
ll
havet
heothertube
Me: Iam scaredNomsawhatifif
allpr
egnant
againandt henthesamethi
nghappenswithmy
othertube,theonl
ytubet
hatiam l
eftwit
h
Shesqueezedmeonmyshoul
der
..
Me: Thi
syearnj
eumuntuunamabhadi
(thi
s
yearapersonhasbadl
uck)
Nomsa:
nxesesi
si(
sor
ry)
Me:ontheotherhandidon'
tevenknowwhat'
s
goi
ngonwi t
hSandileheknowsimiscar
ri
edbut
hehasn'
tcal
ledorcamet oseeme
Nomsa:
aii
kodwauSandi
l
e
Me:Idon'
tknowwhat
'
shappeni
ngNomsaandi
don'
tknowwhatt
odo
Nomsa:
wel
lihav
easol
uti
on
Me:
what
?
Nomsa:maybewecanseethatt
radi
ti
onal
heal
erdownther
oadpeopl
esaythatwomani
s
good
Me:
Nomsano
Nomsa: Iknowekini
ningamakr est
u(i
knowat
yourhousey ouar
eChrist
ians)
Me:youshoul
dn'tev
enbesuggest
ing
somethi
ngli
kethat
Nomsa:LoMamacanhel pyouHlehleshecan
t
hrowthebonesandseewhat'
sgoingoni f
t
hereisathi
rdpersoniny
ourr
elat
ionshi
pshe
wi
llseei
tandhelpy ou
Il
ookedather
..
Me:
arey
ouser
ious?
Nomsa:Yesjustconsi
deri
tandy
ourMot
her
doesn'
thav
et oknow
Consul
ti
ngasangoma?t
hatseemsabi
t
ext
remenow.
.
.
[
09/
27,
21:
55]Ron:
¥10
NDI
LE
Iarriv
edverylateathomemyMot herandmy
Sisterwer
eal r
eadysleeping.Iwast hankf ult
hat
ifoundthem alreadysleepingt hehousewas
dark,idi
dn'
tbot herknockingi wentst raightto
myr oom attheback.MyPar ent'
shousei sa4
room housewi t
ht woext r
ar oomsout side,one
beingmine.That '
swerei sleepev er
y t
imewhen
icomet ovisi
t..
Iwokeupt hef ollowingdayatar ound09: 00am i
cal
ledi nsickatwor k,ij
ustwantt ospendt hi
s
daywi thHl ehl
e.Igotoutofmyr oom i knowmy
Mot herisal r
eadyawakeatt hi
st imeandmy
l
itt
lesisterhaspr obablygonet owor k.Karabo
i
s20y earsol dandshei swor kingint ownat
wool worths,aftermat ri
csinceherr esults
weren'tsoi mpr essiveshefor feit
ed
supplement i
ngshehadnoi ntentionsofgoi ng
toterti
aryshej ustwant edtowor kandgether
own.Igoti nsidet hehouseandmyMot herwas
ontopoft hechai rtaki
ngdowncur tainsbusy
hummi ngachur chsong..
Me:
Ma
Shet
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.
Mom:
Sandi
l
e
Shegotdownf
rom t
hechai
randcamet
ohug
me..
Mom:Isawy ourcarparkedout
sidewhydi
dn'
t
youdr
ivei
tinsi
dethey ard?
Me:Idi
dn'
thav
ethekeytothebi
ggat
eandi
di
dn'
twannawakeyouguysup
Iwentandgotagl
assofwat
ersot
hati
can
dri
nkmypil
ls.
.
Mom:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
Iam f
ineandy
ou?
Mom:
Iam goodi
justwannawashcur
tai
ns
Me:andiwannagoandf
etchHl
ehl
efr
om t
he
hospi
tal
Mom:
Ithi
nkt
hat
'sagoodi
dea
Idr
ankmypi
l
ls.
.
Mom:
Kar
abol
eftat7:
30am
Me:
Howi
sshehol
dingup?
Mom:
she'
shol
dinguppr
ett
ywel
l
Me:
unesoka?(
doesshehav
eaboy
fri
end)
Mom: uf
unang't
shel
euzokwaziukul
i
sabisa?
Awukahl
e( y
ouwantmet ot
ellyousothatyou
cant
hreatenhi
m?Wai taminut
e)
It
urnedandl
ookedather
..
Me:
MacanIasky
ousomet
hing?
Shenodded.
.
Me:IwantHlehl
etomoveinwi
thusfort
he
ti
mebeingthati
m goi
ngtobest
ayi
nghere,
i
hopeyoudon'tmi
nd
Herf
acel
i
tup.
..
Mom:Whywoul
dimind?Uyazingiy
amt
handa
uHl
ehl
enj
e(y
ouknowi l
oveHlehle)
Me:
Ijustwanthercl
oset
omewi
thev
ery
thi
ng
t
hat
'shappened
Mom:Yakodwakomeleukhul
umenoMaCel
e
(
youwil
lhav
etotal
ktoMaCelefi
rst
)
Shecl
i
mbedt
hechai
ragai
n..
Mom:uluhl
azakul
amal
anga(
shei
sver
ybi
tt
er
t
hesedays)
Sheal
mostf
ell
from t
hechai
r.
.
Me:
EyyMahl
i
kai
wil
ldoi
t(getdowni
wil
ldoi
t)
Ihel
pedhert
ogetdown.
.
Me:
Yourkneei
sst
il
lgi
vi
ngy
ouapr
obl
em?
Mom:
Kakhul
u(t
oomuch)
MyFat heroncestr
uckmyMot her'
skneewitha
knobkerri
elongti
meagoev ersi
ncefrom t
hen
herkneehasf or
everbeengi
vingheraprobl
em
.
.
YAYA
IhadaskedNkabi ndeear l
i
eronwhenhewas
heretobor rowmehi sphonesot hati cancal l
mybestf r i
endCandi cet ocomeov er ,
Candi ce
i
snotdi fferentfrom meot herthant hatshei s
seeingmul tipleguysandshedoesn' tget
beatenup.Att hecampuswesl ayweoneof
thosegirl
swhoar eenv ied.Mostst udent sdo
l
abel uswhat evertheywantbutwedon' tcare,
wewel ltakencar eof fandt hat'
sal l t
hat
mat t
ers.Shehasacar ,
shedr iv
esaRenaul tcl
io
herblesseri spay i
ngt hecari nst all
ment .
..She
hasonet hatpay shercari nst al
lmentandone
thatpaysf orherr entandgi vesheran
all
owance. .
Candy
:Gi
rl
fr
iendwhathappened?
Me:
Sandi
l
ehappened
Candy
:whatdi
dyoudot
ohi
m?
Me:
Ithr
ewawayf
lower
sthatheboughtf
orme
Candy
:howmuchwer
ethey
?
Me:
R1500
Candy
:Yay
athat
'sal
otofmoneyt
ojustt
hrow
away
Me:Iknowgi
rl
fr
iendbutIhav
enousef
or
f
lowers
Shef
ixedt
heduv
et.
.
Candy
:Wel
lnextt
imedon'
tthr
owawayhi
s
fl
ower
s
Me:icannotwai
ttohav
ethi
ssur
ger
yandget
outofhere
Candy
:atl
easty
ouhav
ingi
ttoday
Me:ihavetogobackt
oschoolicannotaff
ord
tomi
ssclassesandbelef
tbehi
ndSandilewon'
t
payi
fifai
l
Candy
:gi
rl
fr
iendwhydon'
tyouaskmet
ohook
youup
Me:
NoCandy
Candy
:Myguy
sar
elessv
iol
entt
hanNdi
l
e
Me:
Hewoul
dki
l
lme
Candy
:noti
fmyguy
ski
l
lhi
mfi
rst
Me:
Iam f
inewi
thNdi
l
e
Shest
oodt
her
eandl
ookedatme.
.
Me:
what
?
Candy
:ar
ewecat
chi
ngf
eel
i
ngs?
Me:
Cat
ch.
.
Candy
:ar
ewef
all
i
ngf
orSandi
l
e?
Me:
Pshhhdon'
tber
idi
cul
ous
Candy
:am Ibei
ngr
idi
cul
ous?
Me:gof
indDrNkabi
ndeandaskhi
m atwhat
t
imemysurger
yisandst
opannoyi
ngme
Shewal
kedaway
..
Candy:wegoi
ngt
otakegi
rl
fr
iend,
wear
egoi
ng
total
k
.
.
LI
HLE
Thismor ni
ngiwaswi thFikil
ethanNomsa,
Nomsahadanear lyshif
tandFi ki
l
ewasonly
goingtoclockinl
ater.Shehadcamewi tha
dressformesincemyMot herwasatwork
she'sgoi
ngt odri
vemehome. .
Me:
outofal
lmycl
othesy
oupi
ckedt
hisdr
ess?
Fi
ki
le:
ili
ket
hatdr
essi
t'
spr
ett
y
Me:
ithasal
otoff
lower
s
Shest
art
edl
aughi
ng.
.
Me:
what
?
Shest
art
edsi
ngi
ng.
.
Fi
ki
le:"
Nobaungaxi
bai
l
okhweenegqabi
ndi
m
uMadam..
"
Il
aughed.
.
Fi
ki
le:
"qal
'
phakum uzeendodeni
.
."
Ij
oinedi
n..
Me:
"Ndy
ak'
shi
ya.
."
Fi
ki
ke:"
Nobaunganxi
bai
l
okhweenegqabi
ndi
m
uMadam..
"
Wel
aughed.
.
Fi
kil
e:Iwant
edtosi
ngitf
orBuhledownatt
he
st
reetaft
ert
heLobol
anegot
iat
ions
Me:
Yai
fonl
ytheyhappened
Fi
kil
e:don'
tbesadyouguyscanal
wayspi
ck
anot
herdatethenI
'
llgett
osi
ngthesongf
or
Buhl
e
Il
aughedagai
n..
Me:
youar
ecr
azy
Fi
ki
le:
It'
sani
nter
est
ingsong
Voi
ce:
It'
sver
yint
erest
ingi
ndeed
Webot hlookedatt
hedooranditwasSandi
l
e
l
ookinghandsomeasalways,f
oramomenti
f
orgotthatiwasevenangr
yathim.Fiki
l
e
l
ookedatme.
.
Fi
ki
le:
Usashi
sa(
hei
sst
il
lhot
)
Me:
Fiks
Fi
ki
le:
what
?
Shel
ookedatSandi
l
e..
Sandil
e:cani
pleasehav
eawor
dwi
thmy
person?
Fi
ki
lenodded.
.
Sandi
l
e:mat
teroff
acti
l
ltakeherhomet
hank
youFi
kil
e
Fi
ki
lel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
Iam goi
ngwi
thy
ou
Sandi
l
e:Noshe'
sgoi
ngwi
thme
Fi
ki
lewasconf
used.
.
Sandi
l
e:i
goti
tfr
om her
eFi
ki
let
hanky
ou
Iwi
shI
twasNomsawhocamet ofet
chme
i
nst
eadofFi
ki
le,
Fiki
l
eisv
erysof
tespeci
all
y
wheni
tcomest
oSandi
l
e.
Fi
ki
le:
Iwi
l
lcal
lyouHl
e
Me:
Okay
Shewal
kedout
..
Sandi
l
esatont
hebedandl
ookedatme.
.
Hi
m: Iknowt
hati
am i
nal
otoft
roubl
esol
et'
s
t
alk
Ii
gnor
edhi
m..
Hereachedoutf
ormyar
m andt
henpul
l
edme
cl
osertohim.
.
Hi
m:i
don'
twannaf
ighti
justwannat
alk
Igotemot
ional
.
.
Hesatmeonhi
slapandwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Hi
m:Ij
ustwantust
otal
k..Cany
oudot
hatf
or
me?
Inodded.
.
Heki
ssedmeonmycheek.
.
Iam angryathi
m,iam tr
yingtobesti
llangryat
him butheismaki
ngitdi
fficul
tformerightnow.
Whenheget sli
kethi
sheeat smyheartout..
.
[
09/
27,
22:
00]Ron:
BROKEN

¥11
LI
HLE
Iwasnowsi t
ti
ngont hebednextt ohim hewas
holdi
ngmyhandbutwehav ebeenqui etfora
whilei
t'
samazi nghowt woday scandr if
tus
apart,
weal wayshav eal ottosayt oeachot her
buttodaywehadnowor ds.Icannotblamemy
miscarri
agebeingther easonwhymeand
Sandil
ef ai
ltocommuni cate,sincehemov ed
fr
om thehoodourr el
ationshi pstar
tedbeing
shakythingsstart
edchangi ng.Ilovehimi don'
t
wannal osehim butitf
eel slikeIam already
l
osinghi m..
Him:Ngiy
aziukuthi
ukwat
il
eMaKhumal
o(i
knowthatyouareangr
y)
Igotmyhandf
rom hi
sgr
ip.
.
Me:
Iam notAngr
ySandi
l
eiam hur
t
Wekeptqui
etagai
n..
Hi
m:Cani
behonestwi
thy
ou?
Inodded.
.
Hehel
dmyhandagai
n..
Him: Wheni foundoutt haty oumi scarr
iedi
didn'
tknowhowt ohandleev ery
thingbutmost
ofallididn'twannaseey ouhur ti
ngbecausei t
wasgoi ngt ohur tmemor e.Hlehley ouknow
thati
t'
snoteasyf ormet oshowmyemot i
onsi
thoughtbei ngawayf r
om y ouforawhi l
ewoul d
helpmet oof f
loadal l
thati wasf eel
ing,iknow
thati
tsoundsasi fl
ikei am maki ngexcuses
butIcoul dn'ttakemypai nandy ourpainatt he
samet imei wasgoi ngtoshutdowncompl etel
y
Heexhal
ed.
..
Him:There'
snothi
ngpainf
ull
i
keseei
ng
someoney oul
ovehurti
ngandknowi
ngthaty
ou
cannott
akeawayt hei
rpai
n
Heputhi
shandonmychest
..
Him:youmi ghtfeelthepainmuchwor sethani
do,youtheonewhowentt hr
ought hephy si
cal
painyoutheonewhosawt hebleeding,youthe
onewhof eltt
hedi sconnecti
on,youfeltt
he
cramps,youfeltboththephy si
caland
emotionalpai
n.
Whathewassayi
ngwast
ruet
hatheact
ual
l
y
mademetearup.
.
Me:Inev
erknewt
hatl
osi
ngababycoul
dhur
t
t
hismuch
Hepul
l
edmecl
osert
ohi
m..
Hi
m:Iam sor
ry
Heki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
.
Me: Wearegoi
ngt
ogetthr
oughthi
sthat
'swhy
idecidedt
ocomeher
eforafewdaysbecausei
want
edt
obecl
oset
oyou
Ir
aisedmyheadupandl
ookedathi
m,hewi
ped
myt ear
swi
thhi
sthumb.
.
Hi
m:Idon'
twanty
out
ogot
hrought
hisal
one
Me:
whataboutwor
k?
Hi
m:Iwil
ltr
avel
every
daydon'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
i
t'
snotmuchofalongdr
ive
Ir
est
edmyheadonhi
sshoul
der
..
Him:Iwasthi
nkingthaty
oumoveinatmy
houseforawhil
ejustunt
ily
ouemoti
onal
stabl
e
Me:
Iwoul
dli
ket
hatbuty
ouhav
etot
alkt
omy
Mot
her
Heputhi
shandi
nsi
dethepocketofhi
sjacket
,
hecamebackwi
thasmall
box..
Him:IknowyourMotherdoubt
smeatt
imes
buti
hopet hi
swil
lconvi
nceher
Heopenedt
heboxandi
twasat
hinbeaut
if
ul
si
l
verr
ingwi
thdi
amondst
onesar
oundi
t
Him: Iknowt hatourcult
uredoesn' tbelieve
muchi nengagementbutt hisisaweddi ngband
i
t'sthe3rdpieceoft heweddi ngringt hati
boughty ou,withthi
sweddi ngbandIwanty ou
toalway sremembert hatyout heonl ywomani n
myl i
fetheonl ywomant hati wil
lev erlove.Let
thi
sbandbear eminderthatyouar et heonly
MaKhumal o,nomat t
erwhathappensnoot her
womanwi llt
akethatspotf rom you, wellother
thanmyMot herandmySi ster
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Hesl
i
diti
n..
Me:
It'
sbeaut
if
ul
Him: t
hankyouforbei
ngwi t
hmei knowit
wasn'teasyhav
ingtolayyourheaddownon
thepil
lowsometimesnotknowingwhatIwas
doingandwhoIwaswi t
h,t
hanky ouforlet
ti
ng
mer eachmydreamsthanky ouforstayi
ngwith
meandbei ngpati
entwithme.Ngiyak't
handa
Langel
i
hleCel
e(i
lov
eyouLangel
i
hleCel
e)
Youknowwhati hav
enev erf
eltt
hisbl
essed
andloved,Sandi
lemighthavefool
edaround
wit
hBuhl eandthem othergi
rl
sbuthecame
backtome. .
.
.
YAYA
Iwokeupwhent heAnaest hesi
awaswear i
ng
offifel
tast ingi
ngsensationwher ei hadbeen
operated, i
twaspainfulbutbetterthant hepain
thatSandi l
eputmet hrough.Istil
lcannot
beli
evet hatiam pregnant,icannotev enr ecal
l
theti
meswhenSandi l
eandi hadunpr otected
sexandt hetimeswhenweusedpr otection
becauseoursexl i
fealwayshadal otgoi ngon. .
Candi
cewal
kedi
n..
.
Her
:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
Drowsyandi
npai
n
Her
:shoul
dical
lNkabi
nde?
Me:
Noi
am f
ine
Her
:Youhav
eal
way
shadhi
ght
oler
ancef
or
pai
n
Shecamecl
oserandl
ookedatme.
.
Me:
What
?
Her:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
otel
lSandi
l
eaboutt
he
baby?
Me:
what
?
Her
:Ir
eady
ourf
il
e
Me:
Iam goingthr
oughalotri
ghtnowababyi
s
t
helastt
hingiwannat
hinkabout
Nkabi
ndewal
kedi
n..
Nkabi
nde:
andshei
sawake
Hegr
eet
edCandi
ce.
.
Nkabi
nde:
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
drowsy
Nkabi
nde:
andt
hepai
n?
Me:
nott
hatbad
Hej
ott
edsomet
hingdowni
nmyf
il
e..
Me:
whenam i
goi
nghome?
Hel
ookedatCandi
ce.
.
Me:
It'
sfi
ney
oucant
alk
Nkabi
nde:
Sandi
l
ehasn'
tpai
dyourbi
l
lyet
Me:
Didy
oucal
lhi
m?
Nkabi
nde:
whatam i
?Yourmessenger
?
Me:Heknowst
hati
minhospit
alwhyishe
doi
ngthi
s?Wor
seiam her
ebecauseofhi
m!
Nkabi
nde:any
wayt
hecopswi
l
lbeher
elat
eron
t
otalktoy
ou
Candi
ce:
cops?
Nkabi
ndegav
eherast
areandt
henl
ookedat
me..
Nkabi
nde:
ihav
eot
herpat
ient
stoat
tendt
oo
paget
heNur
sei
fyouneedsomet
hing
Hewal
kedout
..
Me:
Icannotbel
i
eveSandi
l
eisdoi
ngt
hist
o
me!
Candice:
Youdon'
twantahospi
tal
bil
lupi
n
yourAsssweet
ie
Shel
ookedar
ound.
.
Candi
ce:
pri
vat
ehospi
tal
sar
eexpensi
ve
Me:
cani
pleasebor
rowy
ourphone?
Shegav
emeherphone.
.
Me:
thanky
ou
Idi
aledSandi
l
e'snumberandi
trang.
.
Me:
Pickup!
I
trangunt
ili
twentt
ovoi
cemai
l
..
.
Candi
ce:
tryhi
m agai
n
Ical
l
edhi
m agai
nthi
sti
mehepi
ckedup.
.
Hi
m:Khumal
oHel
l
o?
Me:
Sandi
l
eit
'sYay
a
Hi
m:Thi
sisnoty
ournumber
Me:
Iknowi
am usi
ngaf
ri
end'
sphone
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
..
Hi
m:whatdoy
ouwant
?
Real
l
y?WhatdoIwant
?
Me:
MyHospi
tal
bil
li
sst
il
lout
standi
ng
Hi
m:Iwi
l
ltakecar
eofi
twheni
hav
eti
me
Me:
Wheny
ouhav
eti
me?
Him:Iam wit
hLihl
e,y
ouknowyounot
supposedtocal
lmewheniam wi
thLi
hle
Me:Ididn'
tknowt hatyouwerewi
thher
..
Sandi
leiam notaskingfory
outocomeherei
am j
ustaskingforyoutosett
let
hehospi
tal
bil
l
soicangetoutofher e!
!
I
twasqui
etont
heot
herl
i
ne.
.
Me:
Hel
l
o??San.
.
Il
ookedatt
hephone.
.
Candi
ce:
didhehangupony
ou?
Igav
ehert
hephoneback.
.
Me:
Hedi
d
Candi
ce:
Hei
sgoi
ngt
ocal
lback
Me:
Hei
snot
!.
.Hei
swi
thher
!
Ipul
l
edt
hecov
ersdown.
.
Candi
ce:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:
goi
ngt
othet
oil
et
Candi
ce:ar
en'
tyousupposedt
ocal
ltheNur
se?
Yougoingt
ohurtyour
sel
f
Icl
osedmyey
es.
.
Candi
ce:
Icanpayy
ourhospi
tal
bil
lthenSandi
l
e
canpayme
Me:
Hewi
l
lpay
Candi
ce:
Ihopeso
Me:
Ihopesot
oo
.
.
NDI
LE
Lihl
eandi wewerehav i
ngbreakfastatsome
restaur
ant
.Wheni camebackf rom answeri
ng
thatcal
lshewassitt
ingther
eandgl ancingat
theweddingbandwhi l
esmil
ing..
Iwal
kedupt
oher
.
Her
:Thatt
ookl
ong
Iam gl
adthecal lcamethr
oughwhileIwentto
fet
chmywal letfr
om thecar,
haditcame
thr
oughwhilei wassit
ti
ngwithheridon'
tknow
whatexcusei would'
vecameupwi t
h..
Me:
sor
ryIf
orgotwer
eihadputi
t
Isatdown.
.
Me:
sodi
dyouor
dersomet
hing?
Her
:Noi
waswai
ti
ngf
ory
ou
Me:
Ihav
ebeenmeani
ngt
oasky
ousomet
hing
Her
:Whati
sthat
?
Me:whatdoyouwannadonowt
haty
oudone
wi
thyourl
ear
nershi
p?
Her
:ir
eal
l
yhav
en'
tthoughtaboutt
hat
Me:
real
l
y?Youwer
eal
way
stal
ki
ngabout
..
Her:Sandi
lei
justlostmybabytheLobola
negoti
ati
onsdidn'
thappenireal
lydon'
tthi
nk
tal
ki
ngaboutmyf uturecar
eerishel
ping
Me:
Iwasj
ustaski
ng
Her:What
?Youwantmegonesothaty
oucan
getuptoyournotsogoodact
s
Me:
excuseme?
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Her
:fut
hii
am nol
ongerhungr
y
Me:uk'
buzanjesowuyakwat
a(j
ustbyaski
ng
youal
readygett
ingmad)
Her:
ngi
cel
aungi
seekhay
a(pl
easet
akeme
home)
Shest
oodupandwal
kedout
..
.
[
09/
27,
22:
01]Ron:
¥12
NDI
LE
IdroppedLi hleathomeandshewentst raight
toherbedr oom shecl osedt hedoorandcr i
ed
herselft osl eep, iwoul d'
vecomf ortedherbut
sheseemedv erymadatmef orreasonsknown
toher .Isati nt hel oungeandwai tedunt ilshe
fel
lasl eepi stoodatt hedoorandwat chedher
peacef ullysl eepi ng.Iwonderwher eitallwent
wrong, sheusedt obev eryambi t
iousatsome
pointi thoughtt hatshewasgoi ngt oseeka
careeri nmot i
v ational speakingbecauseshe
usedt omot ivat et heYout hatherchur ch.Now
shehasbecomev eryobsessi veaboutbei ng
wit
hme, i am notcompl aini
ngbuti t'
snot
healthyandi don' twanthert obel iket hat.I
don'twanthert ogi veuponherdr eams, idon'
t
wantmar riaget osi therdown.Iam not
completel
yforawomanl azi
ngaroundal
ldayi
n
thehouse,idon'
twantherbei
ngdependenton
mewhati fiam nol
ongertherewhatwoul
dshe
do?
Iwishshecoul df i
ndt hatambi ti
onagai n,iwish
shewasmor eli
keYay a.Yay aisv er
yadamant
toreachhergoal s,herdegr eemeansev eryt
hing
tohersomet i
mesi thi
nkitmeansmor et oher
thanherlifebecauseshe' sbreakingever ybone
i
nherbodyt ogetit .IwishLihlewast heone
withthatambi ti
onunl i
keYay ashedoesn' teven
havet ostri
vethathar dtopayherf ees,shehas
meandt here'
snot hingi wouldn'tdoforher .I
j
ustwanthert obei ndependent ,shedoesn' t
evenhav etogetadegr eei fshedoesn'twant
tooi cantalktomycont actsandgetheraj ob
buti don'
tknowhowi m goingt oraisethatpar t
withoutherget t
ingal l
wor kedup. .
Inthemistofmythoughtsihear
dsomeone
cleari
ngt
heirt
hroat
,it
urnedaroundandi
twas
Lihle'
sMother
..
Her
:Sandi
l
e
Me-SawubonaMaCel
e(gr
eet
ingsMaCel
e)
Shel
ookedatLi
hle.
.
Her
:kwenzekeni
?(whathappened)
Me:
tot
ell
yout
het
rut
hidon'
tknow
Shelookedatmesometimesi
thi
nkthatLihl
e'
s
Motherdoesn'
treal
l
yli
kemeshej
usttoler
ates
me..
Her
:si
tdowni
l
lmakeussomet
eat
henwecan
t
alk
Me:youf
rom churchandy
oumustbet
ir
ed,
i
wi
ll
maket hetea
Shelookedatmewithasmi
rkonherf
ace
cl
earl
ysearchi
ngt
hroughmysoul
andmy
hear
t..
Her
:Okay
Iwentt
otheki
tchent
oboi
lwat
er.
.
Isear
chedt
hrought
hecupboar
dsunt
ili
found
ev
er yt
hingt
hatineededtopr
epar
etea.She
walkedinaf
terawhile.
.
Her:
konkekuzakahl
e?(
isev
ery
thi
ngcomi
ng
al
ri
ght)
Me-Sengi
yaceda(
iam al
mostdone)
Shewal
kedawaywit
hthesoundofherheel
s
maki
ngnoi
se,it
ookthet
raytot
helounge.
.
Me:
Her
ewego
Her
:thanky
ou
Iputev
ery
thi
ngdown.
.
Her
:Howi
swor
kgoi
ng?
Me:It
'sgoi
ngfi
nebutiam st
art
ingtogetbor
ed
t
hinki
ngofexpandi
ngmybusinesses
Her
:that
'sabi
gst
ep
Me:
Iti
s
Shet
ookt
hecupf
rom t
het
abl
e..
Me:
Iwast
alki
ngt
oLi
hleear
li
eronaskedi
fshe
haspl
anssi
nceshe'
sdonewi
thherl
ear
ner
shi
p
Her
:and?
Me:sheblewupi don'
tknowforwhatreasoni
wasjustsincer
elyaski
ngbutshesaid
somethi
ngl i
keiwanthertogoawaysot hati
candothingsbehindherback
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..
Me:It
hinkshehasn'
tcompl
etel
yfor
giv
enme
wi
thBuhle
Shest
art
edst
arr
ingt
hrought
hecup.
.
Her:Sandi
le..MyDaught
erisbrokeny
oubr
oke
herandi t
hinkyousti
l
lbreaki
ngher
Me:
breaki
ngher
?
Her
:lookmei ntheeyeri
ghtnowandassur
e
methatther
e'snootherwoman
Il
ookeddownf
ir
standt
henaf
terl
ookedat
her
..
Her
:seet
hatr
ightt
her
e?Thati
swhati
am
wor
ri
edabout
Me:
Ilov
eyourdaught
er
Her
:buty
ouar
einl
ovewi
thsomeoneel
se
MaCel
ehasal
way
sint
imi
dat
edme.
.
Her:Sandil
ewhatyoudoingisgoi
ngtoturnout
ver
ybadi fyoudon'
tl
ovemyDaught erenough
t
obewi t
hheronlyt
henleaveher
Ishookmyheadno.
.
Her:l
eav
eherwhil
eit'
ssti
llear
lybefor
ey ou
causemoredamagebeforeyoucompl et
ely
damageherandbreakhertoapointofno
repai
r
Me:
MaCel
e..
.
Her:Yesi t
'sgonnahurtbutshewillgetthrough
i
tevent ual
lykuzodlul
ashewon'thav eabr oken
heartforever
.Setherfree,
ifyoutr
ulyl ov
eher
setherf r
eefrom theheart
achethaty ou
causingher
Me:
Ithi
nki
shoul
dpr
obabl
ygo
Her
:Iam notst
oppi
ngy
ou
Ist
oodupandwalkedoutbecausei
real
l
ydi
dn'
t
l
ikewhatshewassayi
ng.
.
.
.
YAYA
Iwasi nmywar dl ostinmyt houghtsatt imesi
de-att
achf rom realit
yandt hinkal ot.Iwas
tr
yingtot hi
nkofamomenti nmyl ifewher ebyi
wasv eryhappy ,wher eihadabi gsmi le
becausesomet hinggoodhappenedbutI
couldn'
tf i
ndthatmoment .Isearcheddeeper
anddeeperbutpai nisal
l icouldfind.Wheni
wasol denought oknowwhat '
swr ongand
what '
sr i
ght,t
hat'swheni reali
zedt hatmyl i
fe
wasnotr i
ght.Atthet enderageof8y earsoldi
wasal readygoingt hroughTar v
ensl ooki ngfor
myMot herataround00: 00am, myol derSister
Thandazowasl iv
ingwi t hherFat herbyt hen
andl ifewasv erygoodf orhershenev ereven
usedt ov isitusshewasl ivi
ngv erycomf ort
ably.
Iwoul dbegoi ngt oTav ernsl ooki
ngf orher
becausei knewt hatwhenshewasdr unkshe
won' tfindherwaybackhomeandt hosemen
from ar oundwoul dt akeadv antage.Iwoul d
hav et ot akeal lherwei ghtanddr agherhome, if
idon' tfindheri naTar veni woul dhav etogo
andl ookf orheri nherboy fri
end'splace, it
woul dbeabi t
chi fshehadanewmant hati
didn'tknowabout .MyGr andmot herwoul dhave
togot ot hedumpst ertodi gthroughi tjustto
fi
ndev ent hatonet omat osot hatwecoul d
hav esomet hingtoeatPapwi t
hbecausemy
Mot herwoul d'vetakenhermoneyandwentt o
drinki t
,t hat'sjustapor ti
onofwhati havebeen
through.Sandi lecompl ai nsaboutLi hl etomeat
ti
mesandi don'tthinksheknowshowl uckyshe
i
st ohav esomeonel ikehi m, idon'tthink
Sandi lewoul dev erhur tLi hl
ephy sically.Doi
wantsomeonet ol oveme?Yesi do, it
oo
deser vetobel ovedsomeday .Myl ifecannot
endher e,
iam hopi ngthatafterigetmydegr ee
myl i
fewouldst artandthatiwi l
lfi
ndsomeone
elsewhoi sgoingt olovemei nsteadofmaki ng
mehi spunchingbagandt reatmel i
kegarbage.
IallowSandi l
et otreatmel i
kehedoesbecause
that'stheonlylifethatiknow, iknowpeopl e
treatingmel i
keadoor matandnot hi
ng
mor e...
..
Ionl
yreal
izedthatihadbeencr yi
ngwheni f
elt
someonewi pi
ngmyt ears,i
wassur pri
sedto
seeSandil
estandingri
ghtnexttome.Dr
Nkabi
ndewasst andingataf ardi
stance,
idi
dn't
evenhearthem makingthei
rwayi n.
.
Il
ookedatSandileandheissoodamnf i
ne,he
i
ssuccessful
.What ev
eriti
sthat'
sbotheri
ng
hi
m, what
everiti
sthat'
sturni
nghimintothis
beastt
hatheiswhydoesn'theseekhelp?He
hasthemoneyt oseekprof
essional
helpfor
i
t..
.
Nkabi
nde:
Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ousomespace
Sandi
l
e:Iwi
l
lbewi
thy
oui
namomentt
oset
tl
e
herbi
l
l
Nkabi
nde:
Okay
Hewal
kedout
..
..
Sandil
elookedatmet hewayhel
ookedatme
todaywasdiff
erentf
rom howhel
ooksatme.
..
Sandi
l
e:Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
ll
sur
viv
e
Sandi
l
e:Sor
ryaboutear
li
eron
I
shereal
l
yapol
ogi
zi
ng?
?Hewasscar
ingmea
bi
t.
.
Il
ookedathi
m andhehel
dmyhand.
.
Sandi
l
e:I
..
Myhear
tst
art
edbeat
ingwayt
oof
ast
.
Me:
what
'
sgoi
ngon?
Sandi
l
e:Il
ovey
ouandIt
hinkIwannabewi
th
y
ou
Ij
ustf
rozet
hatwasn'
tregi
ster
ingt
ome.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
09/
27,
22:
02]Ron:
¥13
YAYA
Ndil
eandi spentatleast2minal l
sil
entandnot
evenlooki
ngateachot her"Iloveyouandi t
hink
iwanttobewi thyou"thosewor dsbrought
aboutsil
ence.Ineverheardanyguysayt hose
wordstomebef or
e,ineverfeltt
hiswantedifi
maysay .
.
Ndi
l
e:It
hinki
shoul
dgo
Heav oi
dedeyecont actwi
thme, i
don'tknowif
thatsi
gnaledthathedidn'
tmeanthosewor ds
buthejustcouldn'
tmakeey econtactand
seemedabi tedgy..
Ifeel li
kei shoul dsaysomet hingi wannasay
somet hingbutIdon' tknowwhatt osay ,wor ds
wer edeny i
ngmer i
ghtnow.Hel eanedov er
want i
ngt oki ssmeonmyf or eheadbut
what everitwasi nt hatbr ainofhi sstoppedhi m,
hedi dn'tpr oceedwi t
ht heki ss.Idi dwanthi m
toki ssmei neededt of eel differentfeel i
ngs
from whati alway sf eel whenhei saroundme, i
don'twannaf eelscar edany mor eidon' twanna
freezeandbest onecol deacht imewhenhe
touchesme.Am i insane?Am i outofmymi nd?
Falli
ngf orthesameguyt hathur tsme, the
sameguywhomi ghtwakeupt omor rowand
seizet hebr eat hthatmakesmybodymov e.Am
Iinsanet obei nlovewi tht hebeastt hatmi ght
dev ourmeoneday ?am i insanet oev ent hink
thatt hebabyt hati am car ryingmi ghtjustbr ing
uscl oser ?Andt hatwemi ghtj ustbeaf ami ly?
Whatar ey oudoi ngYay at hosedr eamsdon' t
existf orpeopl eli
key ou, t
hi smani sLi hle's
husbandhei sal r
eadyt akenandhi shear tbeats
onlyforonewomanandi t
'snotme.Istarr
ed
deepinhiseyesashestarr
eddeepi nt
omi ne,
saysomet hi
ngSandil
edon'tmakemet hi
nk
thosewordswerejustamistake.Youdon'
t
mistakenl
ysay"Il
oveyouandi wannabewi th
youtosomeone"unlessyoumeani t.
..
Ndil
e:I
'm sor
ryYay
aIdon'
tknowwhyi
sai
dthat
,
idon'
tknowwhatcameoverme
Hecan'
tsaythathecannotr
ever
set
hewor
ds
t
hathi
sheartalr
eadyspoke.
.
Ndil
e:Iwi
ll
goset
tleyourbil
landtransf
eryou
somemoneyinyouraccountsoy oucangeta
fewthi
ngswhenyoudischarged
Myhear twasbleedi
ngbutwhy ?Icannotbei
n
l
ov ewit
hhim heisjustprovi
dingf ormeand
that'
sal
l,t
heplanistohav ehi
m pr ovidef
orme
thenIshouldstar
tmyl i
fewheni hav e
graduat
edwi t
hadi f
fer
entmanonewhowon' t
beatmeev erychancethatheget s..
.
Iwat
chedhi
m ashewal
kedout
,iwi
shhecoul
d
j
ustt urnbackandcomet omedoesn' the
belongwi thme?.Heshouldbel ongwit
hmei
meanl et
'sbebr
utal
lyhonestifhewasi nl ove
withLi hl
ethenwhywouldhef indcomf ortinme?
Shoul dn'
tshebeenoughforhim?Shoul dn'thi
s
l
ov eforhermakehim sane?Iwast hi
nkingal ot
thatiwasev enconfusi
ngmy sel f
..
Aft
erawhileNkabindewalkedinwit
hthe
Detect
iveihav
ecompl et
elyfor
gott
enthati
havetogiv
east at
ementonwhyi am here.
.
Det
ect
ive:
Goodaf
ter
noon
Me:
aft
ernoon
Det
ect
ive:
Ihopet
odayy
ouar
ereadyt
otal
k
Me:
iguessso
Heal
readyhadapenandpad.
.
Hi
m:doy
our
ememberwhathappenedt
oyou?
Iexhal
ed.
.
Me:
Iwaswal
ki
ngbackt
omyf
lataf
tert
aki
nga
walkinthenei
ghborhoodi should'
veknown
bett
erthantowalkaloneatnightint hestr
eets
ofJohannesbur
g.Inev ert
houghtt hat
somethingwouldhappent omei meani have
walkedaroundafewt imesandnot hinghas
everhappenedtomebuti guesswi thsuch
thi
ngsyoushouldnev erbecomf ortabl
e.
Det
ect
ive:
whathappenednext
?
Me:
Isawacarpassi
ngby
Det
ect
ive:
whatcarwasi
t?
Me:awhiteToyot
aeti
osbutitpassedt
hrough
andthenaft
erl
i
ke5minofitpassingar
ed
Mazda3passedbytoo
Hej
ott
edt
hatdown.
.
Detect
ive:
didy
ougetthenumberpl
ates?Ordo
yourememberthem?
Me:let
'sbehonestDet
ectiv
ewhogoesar ound
memor i
zi
ngnumberplates?Especi
all
ywhenit
doesn'
thity
outhatyoumightgetki
dnapped
Detect
ive:soy
ousay
ingt
heMazdawant
edt
o
ki
dnapy ou?
Me:act
ual
l
ynoitj
ustst
oppedandsomeguy
cameoutt
heni
twent
Det
ect
ive:
car
ryon
Me: Theguycaughtupwi thmenot
hingwas
suspici
ouswi t
hhim helookedl
i
keadecentguy
whoj ustknockedoffhewasweari
ngaTshir
t
wri
tten"Randwat er
"
Nkabi
ndechuckl
ed.
.
Det
ect
ive:
somet
hingf
unnyDoc?
Nkabi
ndel
ookedatus.
.
Nkabi
nde:
Noofcausenot
..
sor
ry
Det
ect
ive:
ProceedMi
ss
Me: Hestar
tedaconversati
onwit
hmehewas
tr
yingtotal
ktosomeoneunt il
hereachedhi
s
desti
nati
onandatfir
stIdidn’
twanttotal
kbut
astimewentoni t
houghtwhynot
Det
ect
ive:
soy
ouguy
stal
ked?
Me:
Yeswedi
d
Det
ect
ive:
whathappenednext
?
Me:
Wer eachedapl
acethatwasdarkandqui
et
t
hat
'swhenhechangedandstart
edgrabbi
ng
meroughl
ywanti
ngtosl
eepwi t
hme
Det
ect
ive:
rightt
her
eint
hatdar
kpl
ace?
Me:Yesi
twasast
ruggl
eheendedupbeat
ing
me
Det
ect
ive:
and?
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:
that
'sal
lir
ememberunt
ili
wokeupher
e
Wewai
tedf
orhi
mtof
ini
shwr
it
ing.
.
Det
ect
ive:
Iheary
ourSt
oryMi
ss.
.
Me:
Yay
a..Cal
lmeYay
a
Det
ecti
ve:Ihearyourst
oryYayabutyouwere
t
estedandthere'
snosignthatyouweresexual
assaul
ted
Me:
Ohw
Det
ect
ive:
Ift
hatguywantedtorapeyoui
thi
nk
hewoul
d'v
edoneitaf
terbeat
ingyou
Me:Iwoul
dn'
tknowDet
ect
ivebecausei
must'
vebl
ackedout
Det
ecti
ve:Mi
ss..ImeanYay aiknowyourtype
i
nmyl i
neofworki havecameacrossalotof
domesti
cabuserel
ationshi
ps
Me:
iam sor
rydomest
icwhat
?
Det
ect
ive:
arey
oupr
otect
ingy
ourboy
fri
end?
Me:
Idon'
tev
enhav
eone
Det
ect
ive:
doy
ouknowhowy
ouendedup
her
e?
Me:
No
HelookedatNkabi
ndeandilookedathi
mtoo,
hopi
ngthathedoesn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.
Nkabi
nde:
ummmm shewasf
oundabandoned
att
hepar
kingl
otl
eftf
ordead
Det
ect
ive:
Didt
hesecur
it
yseeany
thi
ng?
Nkabi
nde:
Ithi
nky
oumustaskt
hem
TheDet
ect
ivel
ookedatme.
.
Detecti
ve:t
hanky ouf oryourti
meYay awewill
i
nvestigat
ey ourcaseandpl easewr i
tea
st
atementf orust henputyourcontactdetai
l
si
wil
lcomeandgett hestat
ementt omor r
ow
mor ni
ngincasey oucomet oy oursensesand
wannachangewhaty ouhavejusttoldmenow
Me:
Whywoul
diwannachanget
het
rut
h?
Detecti
ve:
Ify
oust i
cki
ngtoyourstor
ytheni
wil
l
sti
l
l cometogetthest
atementfr
om you
tomor r
owmorning
Me:
Okay
Hel
ookedatNkabi
nde.
.
Det
ect
ive:
Thanky
ouDoc
Nkabi
nde:
youwel
come
Theywal
kedoutwi
thNkabi
ndel
ooki
ngatme.
.
Me:Hei
sthefat
herofmybabywhatdoy
ou
wantmetodo?Sendhi
mtojai
l?
.
.
LI
HLE
Iwasatt hekitchenmaki ngmy selfsomet hi
ng
toeatiwasf eelingabitbetteraft
ertakingthat
nap,ir
eal l
yneededt oescaper eali
tyfora
moment .Ididn'tmeant ojustblowupon
Sandi
lelikethatbutIfeltli
kehedi dn'
tcar e,
how
canher aisesuchat opicwhenwehav ejust
l
ostourbaby ?Howheact edwaswi thouta
doubtinsensit
ive.MyMot herwalkedinfrom
herbedroom. .
.
Mom:
Hlehl
e
Me:
Ma
Shewentt
othef
ri
dge.
.
Me:iam maki
ngsomet
hingt
oeatwoul
dyou
l
ikesome?
Mom:
Not
hanky
oui
am aboutt
ocook
Me:
okay
Mom:
Sandi
l
ewasher
e
Me:
Hepi
ckedmeupf
rom t
hehospi
tal
Shegotthegr
eenpepper
sandt
hencl
osedt
he
fr
idge.
.
Mom:Hesai
dyougotangrywhenheasked
whaty
ouwannadowit
hy ourl
i
fefr
om hereon
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Mom:
doy
ouwannabeahousewi
fe?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Mom: Youmi ghtbesomeone's"wif
e"butthi
sis
sti
l
l myhouse,youstil
lmychi
ldandy oudon'
t
shrugyourshoulder
swheni t
alktoyou
Me:
Sor
ry
Mom:Whatiswrongwi
thyou?Doyouwanna
beahousewi
fef
orther
estofyourl
i
fe?
Ii
gnor
edher
..
Mom: There'
snothingwrongwit
hbei
nga
housewif
ebutnotal lmenaret
hesameand
Sandil
eisdefi
nit
elynotthemanwhowantsa
housewif
e
Ist
il
li
gnor
edher
..
Mom: gety
ouractt
oget
herLi
hle!I
fyoucar
ryon
l
iket
hisyouaregoi
ngtol
osehimtoanother
woman!
Thatmademel iv
idibangedtheplat
eagai
nst
theki
tchencount
eranditbroke.
.
Mom: Pl
easebr
eakmydi
shesj
ustbecausey
ou
don'
twannaheart
het
rut
h
Me:Thetr
uthi
sthathel
ovesmeandheputa
r
ingonit
Ishowedhert
her
ingandshel
aughed.
.
Me:maybei shoul
dmoveoutbecausewe
cl
ear
lynolongerseei
ngey
etoey e
Shest
oppedcut
ti
ngt
hepepper
s..
Me:
Iwi
l
lmov
einwi
thSandi
l
eforawhi
l
e
Mom: IfyousaysoLi
hley
outhi
nky
ouagrown
womannowandasagr ownwomanmysel
f,i
cannotrepr
imandanot
hergr
ownwoman
Idi
dn'
texpectt
hat
,iexpect
edalongspeech.I
wal
kedupt omybedroom t
opackmyt hi
ngs..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
27,
22:
02]Ron:
¥14
LI
HLE
Ther
eisnoshamei nlovingaPerson,t
herei s
nosini
nlovi
ngaPer son.Ididn'
twakeupone
dayandchosetoloveSandileasmuchasi do
buti
thappened,andithappenedforareason.I
hopemymov ingoutofhomewi l
lshowmy
Mot herthati am gr owi ngupandi t
'snosint o
gooutandf indmy self,ihavetogr owupandi
won' tbeablet ot hatundermyMot her'
swi ng.I
gott oSandile'spl acehi sMot herwasi nt he
kitchencooki ngwhi l
ehummi ng,somet hi
ngwas
reallysmelli
ngni ce.MaKhumal oshei sav ery
cleanper son,they ardwascl eanandIsaw
cur t
ainshangi ngout sideont hewashi ngl i
ne.I
l
ov et hi
swomanbecauseshel ov esmeand
accept edmeshe' snotoneoft hoseMot herin
l
awswhowi l
lmakey ouki ssthegr oundbef ore
accept i
ngy ou, Sandi le'
sMot herisasweet heart
.
Iwonderi fsheev enget sangr y.Iknockedatan
alreadyopendoor ,shet urnedar oundandsaw
me.
MaKhumal
o:Haaaa!
!!Li
hle
Sheclosedt
hepotandmetmehal
fway
,she
huggedme.
MaKhumal
o:Iam sohappyt
oseey
ou
Ismi
l
edather
..
Sheputherhandsonmycheeks.
MaKhumalo:Iam sosor
ryaboutwhat
happenedt
oy ou
Isawt
ear
sbui
l
dingupi
nherey
es.
Ihel
dherhands.
.
Me:
Iwi
l
lbef
ineMa
Sheletgoofmeandt ookoutat
issuefrom t
he
pocketofherdr
essandwipedhertear
s..
MaKhumal
o:Si
tdowni
wil
lmakeussomet
ea
Isatdownandputmybagont
opoft
het
abl
e,
shelookedatt
hebag.
.
Me:
Macanwet
alk?
Shecameandsatdownacr
ossme.
.
MaKhumal
o:I
sev
ery
thi
ngokayathome?
Me:
Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne
MaKhumal
o:Okayt
hat
'sgood
Me:
Ihav
edeci
dedt
omov
eoutf
rom homef
or
acoupl
eofday
s
MaKhumal
o:It
houghty
ousai
dthi
ngsar
eokay
athome
Me:Theyareijustwant
edtospendsometi
me
wit
hSandiley
ouknowsi nceev
eryt
hingt
hat
'
s
happened
Shenodded.
.
MaKhumalo:
Hehasbeent
alki
ngabouty
ou
movi
ngin
Me:
soy
oudon'
tmi
nd?
MaKhumal
o:Areyoucr
azy
?Iwoul
dlov
eto
hav
eyouaround
Ismi
l
ed.
.
MaKhumal
o:Letmecheckmypot
s
Me:
Cani
hel
pyouwi
thsomet
hing?
MaKhumal o:Youcangett hecur
tai
nsandput
them backifangekeuzi
thunuke(i
fyouwon'
t
causepaintoy our
sel
f)
Me:
Iwon'
t
Shesmil
edandi
stoodupt
ogoandgett
he
cur
tai
ns.
.
.
.
YAYA
IwashappywhenNkabindetoldmet hat
Tomorrowiwil
lbegoinghomeandt hatSandi
l
e
haspaidmyhospit
albil
l
,icannotwaittogo
backtomyli
fe.
.
Nkabi
nde:
Yousti
ll
hav
etowri
tethest
atement
t
omorrowmorni
ngbef
orey
ouleave
Me:
Okay
Helookedatmeandhi
slookwascl
ear
ly
j
udgingme..
Me:
Iam st
il
lgoi
ngt
ost
ickt
omyst
ory
Nkabi
nde:
Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng
Me:
Youdi
dn'
thav
etoo
Nkabi
nde:
any
mor
epai
n?
Me:
nott
hatmuch
Nkabi
nde:
Iwillgi
veyoupai
nkill
erst
omorr
ow
whenyouleav
e.Pleaset
akeiteasyy
our
st
it
chesar
est i
llf
resh
Inodded.
.
Weheardaknockatt
hedoor,i
twasCandi
ce
shewashol
dingaKFCpackage.
.
Nkabi
nde:
Iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
rowmor
ning
Me:
okay
Hewal
kedoutandCandi
cewal
kedi
n..
Her
:Thi
sisy
ourl
unchanddi
nner
Me:
whati
sit
?
Her:
Streetwi
setwo,atwi
sterandabur
gerwi
th
chi
ps.Ialsogotyouacooldri
nk
Isatupst
rai
ghtasshef
ixedt
hepi
l
lowsf
or
me..
Me:
thanky
ou
Candice:
Isi
tgoi
ngt
obef
ine?Si
ncey
oueat
ing
fort
wo?
Me:
Iwi
l
lbef
ine
Candi
ce:Wednesdayni ghtbi
gDaddyishavi
ng
hi
sbusinessassociat
escomeov erf
orlunchat
hi
splacewannat agalong?
Me: i
hopeiwi
ll
befeel
i
ngbet t
erbyt
heni
cannotmi
sssuchagettoget
her
Candice:Iwashopingthatyouwouldsaythati
cannotshowupal oneitgetsbor
ingwhenhe
star
tstal
kingaboutbusinesswit
hhispeople
andi am j
ustsi
tt
ingthere
Me:
Icani
magi
ne
Candi
ce:
wantsomet
hingt
oeat
?
Me:
may
bet
hest
reet
wise
Shepassedmet
hef
ood.
.
Me:
thanky
ou.
.Sandi
l
eendeduppay
ingt
hebi
l
l
Candi
ce:That'
snice.
.Soarey
ougoi
ngt
otel
l
hi
m aboutthepregnancy
?
Me:Idon'
tknow..Idon'
tev
enknowi
fiwanna
keepthebabyornot
Candi
ce:
youhav
eal
otofdeci
sionst
omake
Me:
Iknow
.
.
NDI
LE
Iam verymuchi nter
estedinexpandi ngmy
businessesiwannaqui tmyj obandhav emy
ownbusi nesses.Ihavebeent alki
ngwi thBig
Daddyhei sav erysuccessfulandwel lknown
businessmanandhewasf ascinatedbyhowmy
rest
aurantistakingoffhet ol
dmet hatihave
potenti
alandhei nvi
tedmet ohishouse
Wednesdayni ghtbecausehei smeet i
ngup
withhisbusinessassociates,hethinksi canget
goodcont actsfr
om there.AfterseeingYay aat
thehospi talIdr
ovetomyUncl e'
spl acet otal
k
tohim, Iam caughtbet weent wowoment hati
l
ov everymuchandi don'
tthinki canchoose
oneov ert heotheratthesamet imei don't
wannahur tLihl
ewithYay a.I
t'
sav erymessed
upsituationwi t
hYay ashewasj ustsupposed
tobemyst r
essreli
verbutnowi am cat chi
ng
feel
ingsf orherandi don'
tknowwhatt odo. .
MyUnclewashappytoseemewet ookchai
rs
andsatout
sidewhi
l
edrinki
ngbeer
.
Uncl
e:Younevercomet
ovi
sitmesowhatdoi
owethi
svisi
t?
Me:
Can'
tij
ustseemyUncl
e?
Uncl
e:ungazodl
alangami
wena(
don'
tpl
aywi
th
me)
Me:
eishMal
umei
am i
nat
ightsi
tuat
ion
Uncl
e-khul
umanami
(tal
ktome)
Me:
Thefami
l
yknowsLi
hleast
heonl
ywoman
i
nmyli
fe
Uncl
e-Kudalaveleuzwananayolent
ombazana
nomauNy okoadelel
a(i
t'
sbeenawhi l
esince
youandherhav ebeendat
ingeventhoughher
Motheri
sdisrespect
ful
)
Me:
Yabutshe'
snott
heonl
yone
Uncle:angisakut
hol
ikahl
e(i
am not
understanding)
Me:ther
e'sanot
herwomanint
hepi
ctur
e
malumehernamei sYay
aihav
ebeenseei
ng
heronthesidef
orawhil
enow
Uncl
e-Umakhwapheni
?(si
dechi
ck)
Me:i
nthebegi
nni
ngshewasbutnowi
thi
nkI
am f
all
i
nginl
ovewit
hher
Uncle:
Howcany oufallf
orasi
dechi
ck?You
supposedtorel
i
eveyourstr
esswi
thherwhen
Li
hlegivesyouaheadache
Me:IknowMal
umeandi
don'
tknowhowt
his
happened
Hepi
ckedupt
hebot
tl
eanddr
ankf
rom i
t.
.
Uncl
e:Iam notgoi
ngtojudgey oubecause
namiwheni movedfr
om Kznt owor kher
eilef
t
mywifeandmyki dseKznistartedanaff
air
wit
hthisot
herwomanand. .
Me:
youendedupmar
ryi
nghert
oo
Uncl
e:Icoul
dn'
tkeepupwit
htheaf
fai
riknew
howmuchmywi fewouldbehur
t
Me: Malumeit'
sdif
ferentwithyou.Yourwif
e
acceptedyourmist
ressbecausecul t
urefor
ced
hertoosheisveryobidientandall
owedforyou
tomarryyourmistr
ess
Uncl
e:andt
heygetal
ongv
erywel
l
Me:
Mal
umei
don'
tseeLi
hleaccept
ingYay
a
Uncl
e:howi
sYay
a?
Me:shei
sgoodshei
sinvarsi
tyst
udy
ingsoci
al
wor
k,shei
sdoi
nghersecondyear
Uncl
e:shesoundsambi
ti
ous
Me:
shei
s
Uncl
e: I
t'
sabal
anceuLi
hledoesn'
twantt
odo
anyt
hingshewil
lbeahousewif
ethenuYayalo
wakhonashecanbeawifethatgoest
owor k
ever
ymor ni
ng
Me:
Idon'
tknowMal
ume
Uncle:Sandi
leyouli
keaSont omei t'
stimeyou
putyourfootdown!uLihl
edoesn'thavetoli
ke
uYayabutshewi l
lhavetoaccepther.Lookyou
canmar ryuLi
hlewhit
eweddingandev eryt
hing
thenyoucanmar ryuYayatr
adit
ionall
y
Iexhal
ed.
.
Uncl
e:Youaretheman!Li hl
ehastoaccept
uYayawhethersheli
kesitornot
.It
'sei
thert
hat
orcont
inuehavinganaffai
rnal
oYay aandsee
howit'
sgoingtorui
nthings
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
27,
22:
03]Ron:
¥15
LI
HLE
LateronMaKhumal odishedupf orthetwoof
usandwesati nt heloungeeatingwhi l
e
watchingTV,Sandil
ewasnotar oundand
Karabowasst i
llatwor k.I
twasar ound19:00i
evencleanedtheout si
der oom aft
erhelpi
ng
MaKhumal owithput ti
ngthecur t
ainsbackaft
er
theyhaddried.
IunderstandSandilenotbeingar oundmay be
heisstil
lupsetabouthowi blewuponhi m
earl
ieron,ireal
l
ydidn'tmeant oactt hatwayi
don'tknowwhatcameov erme.Ihear dt he
kit
chendooropeni ngandcl osing,ireallyhoped
thatitwashim butIwasdi sappoi ntedwhen
Karabowal kedint
ot hel
oungeaf teraf ew
seconds.
Her
:Li
hle
Me:
Hey
Her
:It
'sgoodt
oseey
ou
Me:
goodt
oseey
out
oo
Her
:Howar
eyou?
Me:
Iam hol
dingi
nther
e
Her
:That
'sgood
MaKhumal
o:Wasi
tSakhi
l
ewhodr
oppedy
ou
of
f?
Her
:Yes
MaKhumal
o:Hedoesn'
tcomei
ntogr
eet
any
more?
Her
:Wit
hSandi
l
ebei
ngar
oundi
t'
sgoi
ngt
obe
wor
ldwarI
II
Me:
Hehast
oacceptt
haty
ougr
owi
ngup
Her
:webot
hknowhewoul
dnev
er
Me:
Iwi
l
ldi
shupf
ory
ou
Her:
Not hankyoudal
imyboy
fri
endboughtme
somethi
ngt oeat
Me:
Okay
Her
:I'
l
ljustgoandbat
h
Shewal
kedt
oherbedr
oom.
.
MaKhumal
o:ar
eyougoi
ngt
obef
ull
Lihl
e?
Me:
YesMa
MaKhumal
o:Phel
ayougi
rl
sanddi
eti
ng
Me:
Iam notonadi
etI
'
mjustnott
hathungr
y
It
ookmyphoneandwasaboutt
osendSandi
l
e
atex
tmessagewhenIhear
dacarpul
lup.
.
MaKhumal
o:Thatmustbehi
m
Me:
Iwonderwher
ehewas
MaKhumalo:Iam sur
ehewenttoseehis
f
ri
endsPhelahedoesn'tcomeher
ethatmuch
Icont
inuedeat
ing.
.
It
houghtt
hatmay
behewoul
dcomei
nbuthe
di
dn'
t.
.
Me:l
etmegoandcheckhi
m out
sidei
wil
lal
so
di
shupforhi
m
MaKhumal
o:Okay
Istoodupandwenttowashmyhandt hen
dishedupforhim,
iwentoutsi
deandhehad
wentstrai
ghttohi
sroom t
hancominginsi
de
thehouse.
Iwal
kedi
n..
Me:
Hi
Het
urnedandl
ookedatmeshockedt
hati
was
i
nmyPajamas.
Me:
Ngi
kuphakel
e(i
hav
edi
shedupf
ory
ou)
Hiseyeswer
eabi tr
edanddi
sor
ient
edhewas
holdi
nghi
spil
ls.
Him:ufunanil
aebusukuso(
whatar
eyoudoi
ng
heresolate)
Hewasdr
unk.
.
Me:Icameearl
i
erideci
dedt
hatIshoul
dcome
andspendsometi
mewi t
hyou
Hesatdownont
hebedandt
ookof
fhi
s
sneaker
s..
Hi
m:why
?
Me:
idon'
tunder
stand
Him:wenautef
asongizoshoigamaelione
besenj
euzobanodrama( youareacrybaby
onewordthati
m goi
ngtosayt oyoui
sgoingto
makeyoudramati
c)
Iwentandputt
hepl
ateont
hedr
essi
ngt
abl
e..
Hi
m: uyadel
elaLi
hle!(y
ouar
edisr
espect
ful
)
whatyoudidearl
i
ery ouwi
ll
nev
erdoagain
uy
angizwa?(doyouhearme)
Okayiam notusedtohi
m bei
ngli
ket
his,
he
hasneverspokentomeinsuchamanner.
.
Him:Youneedtounder st
andthatiam t
heman
i
nthisrel
ati
onshi
py ouneedto..Youneedt
o
addr
essmewi threspect!
It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m..
Me:
Youar
edr
unk
Hi
m:t
ell
meLi
hlewhatexact
lygoest
hrough
y
ourmi
nd?Laekhandal
akhokwenzakal
ani
?
Hetri
edopeni
ngt
hebot
tl
eofpi
l
lsbuthewas
st
ruggl
ing.
.
Me:
letmehel
pyou
Him:icanopenabot
tl
eofpi
l
lsi
t'
snotr
ocket
sci
ence
Hewasr
eal
l
yst
ruggl
i
ng.
.
Me:Sandi
l
eit
hingi
kuncede(
Sandi
l
eletmehel
p
you)
It
ri
edget
tingthepi
l
lsf
rom hi
m buthepushed
meandifell
..
Hi
m:Someti
mesuvel
eung'
di
nest
rai
ght
!
(
somet
imesyoudi
sgustme)
Ij
usthadanoper ati
onandnowhei sbei
ng
vi
olentwi t
hmewhathasgot t
enintohi
m?I
sl
owl ystoodupasi f
eltpai
nwer eihadbeen
operatedon..Hethr
ewhi ssneakeratme.
Hi
m:That
'swhyy
oubeenst
uckwi
thmef
or10
year
s!Becauseyouar
esost
upi
dthatnoguy
wil
leverl
oveyou!
Iwentandsatontheothersi
deoft
hebedj
ust
cl
osetotheheadboar
d.
Hi
m: There'swomenwhohav edreamsout
t
herebuty ou!t
heonl ythi
ngyoulooki
ng
f
orwardtooi sgett
ingmar r
iedandhavi
ngki
ds!
Whatnonsensei sthat?
Thiscannotbehappeni
nghecannotbesay
ing
suchthingst
ome, i
t'
snotr
ight
..
Him:I
fyoudon'
tchangei
wil
lbef
orcedt
otake
anot
herwif
e
Hedi
dn'
tj
ustsayt
hat
!
Hefinal
lyopenedthebott
leofpi
ll
sbut
car
elessl
ythattheywerescat
ter
edall
over
..
Het
hrewt
hecont
aineront
hef
loor
..
Hi
m:Fok!Nowiam st
upi
dli
key
ou,
icannot
ev
endosomethi
ngsosimpl
e
Canthi
sbenothim,canitbethebi
polartal
king.
.
Ther
ewassi l
encef
orawhi l
eandireal
izedthat
hehaspassedoutonthebed..
.
.
YAYA
Candicef etchedmei nt hemor ningiwasso
happyt obeouti di
dn'tev enleaveastatement
fort
heDet ecti
vehecanj ustletthecasego.
ThefirstthingididwhenIgott omyf l
atwast o
getmyphoneandgot hr oughitihadabank
noti
fi
cat i
onYest erdaySandi l
ehadt ransfer
red
R7000t omyaccount ,andi hadacoupl eof
missedcal lsandcal l
backsf rom myMot her.I
knowshei sgoingt oswearatmebuti call
ed
herany way .
.
Ma:uy
inj
a!Bl
oodymgodoy
i!
!!Yeyy
ouar
emor
e
t
hanevil
Me:
Macal
m down
Ma: Calm downmyleftfoot!uGogoalmostdi
ed!
Youpr omisedmoneybutnev ersentsengi
ze
ngikhulumaisi
l
ungungingasazi (
iam now
speakingEngli
shwhil
ei don'tknowit
)
Me:
Iwasatt
hehospi
tal
Ma:unamangaubal
eki
l
e(y
ouar
ely
ingy
our
an
away)
Me:
Mai
wil
lsendy
ouR1500l
ateront
oday
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Me:
Ma?
?
Ma:asazi
sizobona(
wedon'
tknow,
wewi
l
l
see)
Me:Iam onmywayt oShopri
ter
ightnowket
o
showiam notpl
ayi
ngwithyou
Ma:
Mawusho(
what
every
ousay
)
Me:
iwi
l
lcal
lyou
Ihungupandl
ookedatCandi
ce.
Me:
cany
oudr
ivemet
otheATM andt
hen
Shopr
it
e?
Candi
ce:
Yousupposedt
ober
est
ing
Me:
PleasemyMot
herwi
l
lnev
ergi
vemepeace
Candi
ce:
wewi l
lpassbyatthebout
iquet
oget
dr
essesfort
omorrownight
Me:
idon'
tknowi
fiwi
l
lmakei
t
Candi
ce:
why
?
Me:Idi
dn'
tthi
nktheoper
ati
onwouldhurtt
his
badifi
don'
ttakei
teasyt
hesti
tchesmight
comeoff
Sheexhal
ed.
.
Me:
Iam sor
ry
Candi
ce:
Buty
oucangot
oShopr
it
e
Me:
Ihavenochoi
cemyMot
herwi
l
lnev
ergi
ve
mepeace
Candi
ce:Ther
e'snot
hingthatidon'
tdoforyoui
am j
ustaski
ngy ouf
orthissmallf
avouryouwil
l
besit
ti
ngdownt hewholeti
me
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:
Finet
heni
l
lcomeal
ong
Candi
ce:
thanky
ou
Me:
buty
ougoi
ngt
obuyt
hedr
essf
orme
Candi
ce:
YeahYeahwhat
ever
.
.
LI
HLE
Iwokeupt hefollowingmor ningandSandil
e
wasn'tnextt omehemust '
vewentt owork.I
roseupf rom thepi l
lowandl ookedaroundmy
eyesf el
tswol l
en, i
remember edthati
hadcri
ed
my selft
osl eeplastnightafterthehurt
ful
wor dsthatSandilesaidtome. .
Igotoutofbedandwentt othemainhouse
fr
om thekit
cheniheardmyMot her
'svoi
ce,
whatisshedoinghere?Imademywayt othe
Loungeandshewassi tt
ingwit
hMaKhumal o.
.
MaKhumal
o:sowuv
uki
l
e(y
ouar
eawake)
Igr
eet
edt
hem.
.
MaKhumal
o:hl
alaphant
si(
sitdown)
Isatdown,
myMot herwasl
ookingatmei
wonderwhatshehasuphersl
eeve.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
27,
22:
04]Ron:
¥16
LI
HLE
MaKhumal
o:MaCel
eshoul
dimoveandgi
ve
yousomespacewi
thy
ourDaught
er?
Mom:
Just5mi
nnj
e
MaKhumal ost oodupandwal kedout,ilooked
downi couldn'tfacemyMot her.Ifeell
ikeiam
adisappointmentt oherandhal fofwhatshe
sai
daboutSandi lei
st ur
ningoutt obet rue.
Yester
dayi disrespectedhermay bethat'swhy
al
lofthisishappeni ng,imov edoutofhome
noti
nther
ightmanner
..
Mom-Kunj
ani
?(howar
eyou)
Me-Ngi
yaphi
l
a(i
am wel
l
)
Awkwar
dsi
l
ence.
.
Mom-Li hl
ey ouaret heonl
ychildthatihavethe
onlyt hi
ngthatremi ndsmeoft helovethat
existedbetweenmeandy ourFather.TheLast
thingIwanti stensionbetweenus, angi
funi
sixabaneHl ehl
e( idon'
twantust ofight)
Me:
Nami
Ma(
met
oo)
Mom: uMaKhumalohasagreedt
hatshewill
tal
ktoSandil
eandSandi
le'
sUnclesothatwe
canhavetheLobol
anegoti
ati
onsthi
scoming
Satur
dayagain
Ipl
ayedwi
thmyr
ing.
.
Mom: Iam accept
ingLihl
eiam acceptingthat
youlovehi
m.Iam acceptingthatyouwannabe
wit
hhim, y
ourhappinesscomesf i
rsttome.No
onestoodbetweenmeandy ourFatheritwoul
d
beself
ishofmetostandbetweenyouandhi
m
ngobaumy at
handaHlehl
e(y
oul ov
ehim
Hlehl
e)
Tear
sst
art
edf
il
li
ngmyey
es.
.
Mom-uSandil
emay beimighthavemisj
udged
hi
mitseemslikeyouhavehelpedhi
mt obeat
hi
smentali
ll
ness
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Mom:Iknowt
hatifi
pushandbeagainstthi
si
mi
ghtl
oseyoufor
everandIdon'
twantthat
Hev
oicest
art
edbei
ngshaky
..
Mom: Il
ostmyhusbandal
readyandi
don'
t
wannaloseyout
oo
Me:
Younotgoi
ngt
oloseme
Il
ookedatherandshewaswi
pinghert
ear
s..
Mom:
Justpr
omi
semet
wot
hings
Me:
Yes?
Mom:
Youdon'
twannagot
oschool
it'
sokay
butatleastfi
ndaj obdon'
tbedependanton
him becausethat'
swhenhei sgoi
ngt omi st
reat
youandcont r
ol y
ou.Hewi l
lthi
nkhehaspower
overyouandhewi l
lst
artowningyou.Itdoesn't
matterwhatkindofaj obi
tisbutaslongas
mont
hendyougety
ourownsal
aryt
hat
'
sal
l
t
hatmat
ter
s
Me:
Ipr
omi
se
Mom:
andonel
astt
hing
Me:
Yes?
Mom: Bipolarisverydangerousespeciall
ywhen
i
t'
suncont rol
ledSandil
ement all
yhei s
di
sturbedbecauseofwhathewentt hroughas
achil
d.IknowLi hleyouputhi minahi gh
pedestalbutifhecouldmi st
reatyouev enonce
comebackhomei don'twannaf et
chy ouina
coff
in
Inoddedr
epeat
edl
y.
.
Me:
Ipr
omi
se
Shest
oodup.
.
Mom: knowt
hatiam v
eryproudoft
hewoman
t
hatyouhavebecomeifor
gotyounolonger3
year
sold
Ichuckl
ed.Ist
oodupt
oo.
.
Shecamet
ohugme.
.
Mom:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Mom:
takecar
eofy
our
sel
f
Shebr
oket
hehug.
.
Me:
uhmm Ma
Mom:
Yes?
Me:cani comebackhomej
ustunt
ilt
he
negot
iat
ionsaredone?
Shesmi
l
ed.
..
Mom:
Ofcausei
t'
sst
il
lyourhome
Me:
Iwi
l
lgetmybag
Mom:
youwannacomebacknow?
Inodded.
.
Mom:uMaKhumalowastel
l
ingmet
hatshehas
pr
epar
edbreakf
astf
oryout
wo
Me:
Iwannacomehome
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Mom:
Hlehl
ear
eyoual
ri
ght
?
Tear
sfel
l
..
Mom:Langeli
hleCel
edi
dSandi
l
edo
somet
hing?
Herf
aci
alexpr
essi
onchanged.
.
Idi
dn'
tknowi
fishoul
dtel
lthet
rut
hornot
..
.
.
YAYA
Justfr
om myplacet
oShopri
tei
twasdr eadf
ul
thoughiwal
kedasmall
dist
ancebecausewe
usedCandi ce'scarbutthepainthatarosefrom
wherei hadbeenoper atedwasunbear able,
Candiceev ensawt hatiwon'tcopetonight
becauset here'
sgoingtobeal otofstandingup
thensit
tingdown.Ther e'sgoi
ngt obeal otof
huggingt ooandi don'
tthinkiam upforthat..
Sheputanot
herpi
l
lowbehi
ndme.
.
Candi
ce:
Howi
sthat
?
Me:
bet
ter
Candi
ce:
I'
ll
gety
oupai
nki
l
ler
s
Mybr eat
hingwasabnor
mal,
every
timewheni
dr
awi nmybr eat
hthepai
nwouldgetmor
e
i
ntense..
Candi
cewal
kedbacki
nwi
thagl
assofwat
er
andpai
nki
ll
ers.
.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Idr
ankwhi
l
eshel
ookedatme.
.
Candi
ce:
arey
ousur
eweshoul
dn'
tgobackt
o
t
heDr
?
Me:
Iam f
ine
Shegoti
nbednextt
ome.
.
Candi
ce:
mov
einwi
thme
Me:
Why
?
Candi
ce:Yourr
oommatei
shar
dlyar
oundandi
don'
tl
ikeyoubei
ngal
one
Me:
Buti
won'
tpayr
ent
Candi
ce:
Iknowt
hat
Myphonest
artedvibr
ati
ngshepassedi
ttome.
.
I
twasmyMot her.
.
Me:
Ma
Ma:Ngi
yit
hol
i
lei
mal
iYay
a(i
recei
vedt
he
money)
Me:
Ihopey
ouwi
l
lusei
twi
sel
y
Ma:
Youhel
pusal
otDanki
e
Me:
It'
sthel
easti
cando
Ma:kuy
akanj
ani
ngawe?(
howi
sitgoi
ngwi
th
you)
Idon'tknowwhatcameovermebuti
just
bl
urteditoutt
hati
m pr
egnant
.
Me:
Mai
am pr
egnant
Shekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e..
Me:
Ma
Ma:Yay
apl easeungaf
ani
nodadewenu(
don'
t
bel
i
key oursist
er)
Me:myboy
fri
endi
swor
kingandpr
esenti
nmy
l
if
e
Ma:
doesheknow?
Me:
noty
et
Ma:
uzol
obol
a?(
ishegoi
ngt
opayt
hedowr
y)
Me:
Ma!
!
Ma:
Yini
hei
swor
king
Me:
Idon'
tknowabouti
t
Ma:EyyYayaatleastbediff
erentfrom usour
Famil
yisajokemnt anam'atleastbediff
erent
getmarr
iednomaakul obol
enangeR2000j ust
bedif
fer
entbri
ngachangeher e
I
twasmyf
ir
stt
imehear
ingmyMot
hert
alkl
i
ke
t
his.
.
Me:
Ihav
etogo
Ma:
OkayPhelawenanohubbyy
oumustf
etch
meiwannaseewherey
ouli
ve
Me:
oneday
Ma:
byesi
si
Me:
ByeMa
Ihungandt
houghtf
orawhi
l
e..
Candi
ce:
whati
sit
?
Me:
ihav
etot
ell
Sandi
l
ethati
am pr
egnant
Candi
ce:
Arey
oukeepi
ngt
hebaby
?
Inodded.
.
Me:
Maybehewi
l
lchange,
may
bewecanbea
f
amil
y
Shel
aughed.
.
Candi
ce:
that
'saj
oker
ight
?
If
akedasmi
l
e..
Me:
Yeahi
tis
Candi
ce:
Yougotmer
ightt
her
eforasecond
Butitwasn'
taj
okewhati
f.
.Justwhati
fhe
changes?
.
Tobecont
inued
Apologi
esifi
t'
sshortihaveotherpagest
oty
pe
toobefor
eeveryonefal
lsasl
eep
[
09/
27,
22:
04]Ron:
¥17
LI
HLE
Idi
dn'ttel
lmyMotherwhatreal
l
yhappenedthe
l
astthingiwanti
sforhert
ohateSandi
le,i
just
tol
dhert hatwehadaf i
ghtandi treallyaf f
ected
me.Fi ghti
ngwi t
hy our
boy f
ri
end/ Fi
ancé/Husbandi sneverani ce
feeli
ng.Ist i
l
ldon'tunderstandwhyr el ati
onship
fi
ghtshur tsomuch, butthenagainf ighting
someonewhom y ouhol ddeart oyoucanputa
strai
ni nyourheart.MyMot herandi wewer e
doinghomepr eparedPi es,shewasmaki ngme
l
aughwi t
hal lt
hest ori
esthatshewast elli
ng
meespeci al
lyherandmyDad.Sher eallygot
meof fmybadmoodandt hinki
ngaboutSandi l
e.
Wehear daknockatt hedoor .
.
Mom-Iwonderwhot
hati
s
Me-I
'
llgoandcheck
Iwashmyhandsi
nthesi
nkandt
henwentt
o
open,
itwasNomsa.
.
Me:
Heyy
oudi
dn'
tgot
owor
ktoday
?
Her
:Dayof
f
Shemadeherwayi
n..
Nomsa:
Aft
ernoonMa
Mom:Af
ter
noonNomsa.
.Todayy
oudi
dn'
tgot
o
wor
k?
Nomsa:
Iam of
f
Mom:joi
nuswemakingMincepiesj
ustcheck
t
heminceint
hepotwhi
leLi
hleandifi
nishoff
t
hepastr
y
Nomsa:I
t'
scomingoutgoodi
li
ket
haty
ou
addedmi
xedVeges
Shecl
osedt
hepot
..
Mom:
Gladthatyouher
eiam sur
eyouwon'
t
mi
ndt
akingover
Nomsa:
Iam usedt
othi
sidoal
otofbaki
ngat
wor
k
Mom:
Ihav
etogo
Me:
wher
etoo?
Mom:Ihav
etogoandgiveBuhle'
sMom the
moneyf
oroursoci
etyst
okv
el,
Bab'Mshengu
passedony
est
erday
Nomsa:
Ihear
dshame
Mom: Yougi
rl
scancont
inuef
rom her
ewon'
t
you?
Nomsa:
Yeswewi
l
l
Shewal
kedt
oherbedr
oom.
.
Nomsacamet
ohel
pwi
tht
hepast
ry.
Nomsa:
Howi
stheoper
ati
on?
Me:I
thasi
t'
sdayssomet
imesi
t'
spai
nful
somet
imesi
t'
sfi
ne
Nomsa:
Howar
eyouandSandi
l
e?
Me:
wear
efi
ne
Nomsa:
Gladt
oheart
hat
Me:
cani
ask?
Nomsa:
Yes?
Me:don'
tyouguy
shav
eopenv
acanci
esat
Pnp?
Nomsa:
Hmmmm i
wil
lask.
.Why
?
Me:
Iwantaj
obsi
ncer
egi
str
ati
onsar
ecl
osed
Nomsa:
Iwi
l
lcheck
Me:
Thanky
ou
Nomsa:
hav
eyout
houghtabout
..
Shecheckedi
fmyMot
heri
snotcomi
ng.
.
Nomsa:Don'
tyouwannaknowi
fSandi
l
eis
hav
inganaff
air
?
Me:
Youhav
esoomuchf
ait
hint
hiswoman
Nomsa:
Ido.
.Soar
eyoui
n?
Il
ookedatherf
orawhi
l
eandt
hennodded.
.
Me:
Iam
MyMothershowedupandhungt
heApr
oni
n
t
hechai
r.
.
Mom:
Iam goi
ngi
wil
lbeback
Me:
OkayMa
Shewal
kedout
Nomsa:
Tomor
rowmor
ning?
Me:
Tomor
rowmor
ning
Nomsa:
R150f
orconsul
tat
ionI
'
llgi
vey
ouR50
Me:
Idohav
eR100
Nomsa:
Iwi
l
lcomeandgety
ou
Doireal
lywannaknowi
fSandi
l
eishav
ingan
af
fai
r??
.
.
YAYA
SinceisentSandil
eat extmessaget hatiam
pregnanthehasn'treplied,isenthi
m aboutan
houragounl essheisatwor k.Iwasv ery
nervoushowi shegoi ngt oact?Didijustfuck
upmyf uture?Willhest il
lwannabewi t
hme
aftert
his?Whatifhest opspay i
ngmyf ees?
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
othi
nkbecausehei
sver
y
unpr
edi
ctabl
e..
Candiceleft30minagosay i
ngshehast o
pr
epar eforthedinnertonightandIwentt othe
ki
tchenmakemy selfsomethingtoeat.Ihope
myMot herdidn'
tjustmessmyf ut
ureup, i
pr
obabl yshouldn'
thav etoldSandil
e.Ishould'
ve
l
efthim andhadsi lentl
yhadanabor ti
on..
.
Thedooropenedandmyr
oommat
ewal
kedi
n
wit
hherbag..
Her
:Hey
Thi
smonthshedi
dn'tpayhershar
eofther
ent
Sandi
l
ehadtopaythefull
rentwhi
chi
sR4000
sowedon'
tgetev
icted.
.
Me:
Youback
Her:
Yesiam.
.Letmet
akemybagt
othe
bedr
oom
Candicei
sri
ghtimustmov einwi
thher,i
cannotbeusedfi
nanci
all
ybyanothergi
rlwho
hasapussylikemeandfail
stouseit.
.
.
.
NDI
LE
Iwasst i
llshockedbyt hetextmessaget hat
Yayasentmesay i
ngt hatshe'spregnant ,ihad
toexcusemy selffr
om t hewor kpl
aceandgo
outsidet ohav easmokeandt hinkaboutwhat '
s
happeni ng.Ilookedatmyhandsandt heywer e
dir
ty,deal ingwithenginest hatwor kondi esi
lis
nof un..Iwaswor kingonadumbt r
uck, t
hey
shoul d'
veatl eastcleaneditbef or
ebr ingingit
here.That '
soneoft het hi
ngsi hateaboutmy
j
obi got hroughallthisshitandLi hl
ej ustwants
tousemymoneywhi leshe'ssitti
ngathome
anddoi ngnot hi
ngaf t
eri worklikeadogt o
providef orher ,
atleastYay ashehasambi ti
on
shei susi ngmymoneyt obet t
erher self
..
Ical
ledmyUncl
eandt
oldhi
m what'
shappeni
ng
whil
eIwassti
ll
onmysmokingbr
eak..
Uncl
e:Tel
lmeuthandabanikakhul
uloLi
hle
nomauYaya?(
whodoy oulovethemostLihl
e
orYay
a)
Me:
Lihl
e
Il
oveLihle,
unli
keYay ashehasbeent heref
or
me.Yayaonlyfoundmewheni havealr
eady
madeitinLifebutLihl
ewasher ewheni was
st
il
lbrokeandev ery
thing.Sheknowsaboutmy
bi
polar,
whati wentthroughasachildandshe
wastheonlygirltoeveragreedi
ndatingme
whil
eIwasbr oke..
Uncle:
Welly
oucannotj
ustsetYay
aaside
especi
all
ysi
nceshe'
scar
ryi
ngyourbaby
Me:
whaty
ousuggesti
do?
Uncle:YourMot hertoldmeaboutt heLobol
a
negotiat
ionssti
llproceedingthi
sweekendso
minai sayasil
oboleuLi hl
efuthiuyaziuMaCele
uyahlanya(PayLobol aforLihl
eplusy ouknow
herMot heri
scrazy )
Me:
andt
hen?
Uncl
e:Thenaf
termar
ryherwhi
teweddi
ngaf
ter
thatrev
eal t
hatyouhav
eYay
aont
hesi
deand
she'spregnant
Me:
Mal
ume(
uncl
e)
Uncle:St opbeingsof t
!Khumal omenar enot
controll
edbywomen!Beatt hisLihleuntil
she
acceptsYay ai fy ouhav etooi don'tcarekodwa
don'tbecont rolledbyawoman! !Youthinkme
andy ourFatherwewer econt r
olledbywomen?
Ther easonwhyy ourFat herabusedy our
Mot herisbecauseshedi dn'twannaaccept
yourFat her'
smi str
essshedi dn'
twanty our
Fathertomar ryanot herwoman!Shedi dn't
wannaacceptt hatKhumal omenpr acti
ce
polygamyshedi dn'twannar espectour
cul
ture!!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
27,
22:
05]Ron:
¥18
YAYA
Ndileshoweduplat
eronthatdayhelooked
veryfl
ashyweari
nganexpensiv
esuitiwonder
whattheoccasi
onis.Hewalkedinl
eavingthe
scentofhiscol
ognetof
il
ltheatmosphere.
.
Iclosedt
hedoorandj ustst
oodt
herewaiti
ng
forhimtotur
nar ound,hedi
dandthenputhis
handsinhispockets.
.
Hi
m:Hey
Me:
Hi
Theonl
ythingthatst
andsbet
weent hi
sfool
andhi
slooksisthebeastt
hatresi
desdeepin
hi
m.
Me:
Youl
ookl
ovel
y
Hi
m:Ihav
eameet
ingsomewher
e
Me:
Thatsoundsi
nter
est
ing
Hi
m:I
tisi
mtr
yingt
oexpandmybusi
nesses
Me:
Somet
hingt
odr
ink?
Hi
m:agl
assofwat
er
Iwentt
ogethi
m agl
assofwat
er.
.
Hecamei
ntot
heki
tchen.
.
Hi
m:Wher
eyouser
iouswi
tht
hatt
ext
?
Igav
ehi
mthegl
assofwat
er.
.
Hi
m:Yesi
am pr
egnantt
hinkamont
hpr
egnant
Him:Wowi don'tev
enr
ecal
lthel
astt
imewe
hadunpr
otectedsex
Me:
Met
oo
Het
ookasi
p..
.
Him:Whathav
eyoudeci
ded?Doy
ouwantt
o
keept
hebaby?
Me:
Doy
ouwantmet
okeept
hebaby
?
Hechuckl
edandi
didt
oo.
.
Hi
m:Ial
wayst
houghtLi
hlewasgoi
ngt
ogi
ve
meababy
Me:
Howi
sshehol
dingup?
Hi
m:she'
sget
ti
ngt
her
e..Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Iwentandsatdownhef
oll
owedme.
.
Me:
Iam get
ti
ngt
her
e
Hi
m:Iam gl
adt
oheart
hat
Hel
ookedl
i
kehehadsomet
hingonhi
smi
nd.
.
Me:
Somet
hingony
ourmi
nd?
Hi
m:Howdoy
ouf
eel
aboutpol
ygamy
?
Me:
Nev
err
eal
l
ygi
veni
tat
hought
Hi
m:Ifoundoutl
atel
ythatmyFat
her
'sf
ami
l
y
pr
act
icesit
Me:
andhowdoy
ouf
eel
abouti
t?
Hi
m:Howwoul
dyouf
eel
bei
ngmysecond
wi
fe?
Il
aughedandl
ookedathi
m..
Me:
wai
tyouser
ious?
Him: Iam notmakingy
ouonebecauseyou
pregnantbutbecauseir
eal
l
ywantstabi
l
itywi
th
youtoo
Me:
WhathasLi
hlesai
daboutt
hat
?
Hi
m:Shedoesn'
tknow
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkshe'
sgoi
ngt
otakei
nli
ght
lyt
o
t
his
Hi
m:Sher
eal
l
ydoesn'
thav
easay
Me:Idon'
twannabedeal
i
ngwi
thher
..I
sshe
cr
azy?
Hi
m:att
imes
Me:
I'
m pr
egnanti
can'
tbef
ight
ing
Hi
m:j
ustt
hinkabouti
t
Me: Well
i hav
ealwaysbeeny oursecondbest
soi treal
lydoesn'
taffectmetheonlythi
ngthat
affectsmei sbasical
lythewholeconceptof
Mar ri
agei havenevergivenmarri
ageany
thought
Hi
m:Iunder
standi
t'
sabi
gst
epf
ory
ou
Me:
I'
ll
thi
nkabouti
t
Hel
ookedathi
swat
ch.
.
Hi
m:Ihav
etogo
Me:
Okay
Hel
eanedov
erandki
ssedme.
.
Hi
m:Iwi
l
lcal
lyout
omor
row
Me:
Okay
ForachangeSandi l
eandisatdownandspoke
wit
houthim beati
ngmeuporswear i
ng,hewas
ci
vil
.Idi
dn'
tev enthi
nkhecouldbe.
.
.
.
LI
HLE
Nomsacamet omyhouset ofetchmewehad
decidedwhil
ewewer ebakingpiesear l
iert oday
thatwewill
goandseet hiswomant onight
becausetomorrowsheknocksof flateat20: 00.
Iwasn'tr
eall
yallf
ori
tbutNomsahasf aithi n
thi
swomanandi wil
lhavetotrusther,i hadl ied
tomyMot herthatwegoingtoNomsa' spl ace
andthatshei
sgoi
ngt
oteachmeanew
reci
pe.
..
Atleastitwasabi tdarkmostpeopl
ewer e
i
ndoor soverthefactthati
twascold,i
cannot
affor
dt ohaveany oneseemewal ki
nginsi
de
thatWoman' splace..
Wecheckedal lar
oundandwhenwewer esure
thatnoonewasseei nguswewal kedin.Iwas
expect ingtofindherconsul
ti
ngroom fullof
tradi
tional t
hingsbutsheonlyhadr edandwhite
candles, shewasal soweari
ngpur ewhite.A
whi t
el ongdress,andawhi t
edoek..
Shelookedli
keshewasi nherl
ate30s.Sheput
downagr assmatandwewentt ositonit,
she
broughtal
onganincenseandburnedit
..
Shedi
dn'
thav
eanybonest
othr
ow.
Shesatdownandstar
tedclappingherhands
andsai
dclannamesfi
rstcall
ingonher
Ancest
orstohel
pherrev
eal whatishi
dden.She
thenl
ookedatus.
.
Her
:Whatar
eyournames?
Sheseemedv
erysweet
..
Nomsa:
Nomsa
Me:
Lihl
e
Her:MaNgubo..Whoi
sher
efort
he
consul
tat
ion?
Me:
Umm i
t'
sme
Her
:Ngakusi
zangani
?(howcani
hel
pyou)
Me:ineedt
oknowi
fmyFi
ancéi
sseei
ng
someoneel
se
Her
:ar
eyousur
eyouwannaknowt
hat
?
Inodded.
.
Shest
oodupandwenttogetsomet
hingt
hat
l
ookedli
keanoi
ntment
..
Hi
m:i
gcobeezandl
eni
(appl
yitony
ourhands)
Iopenedandappl
i
edi
tonmyhands.
I
thadast
rongandsonotpl
easantsmel
l
..
Her
:Gi
vemey
ourhands
Igav
ehermyhands.
.
Her
:cl
osey
ourey
es
Icl
osedmyey
es.
.
Nothi
nghappenedfortwominutes,
shestart
ed
t
alki
nginalanguagethati
didn'
tunder
stand.
.
Her:
Hartunonnahi
duen(
takehert
owher
eshe
wants)
Aftershesaidt hatiwasimmedi atel
ytakent o
Sandile'
shousei nthebedroom.Isawav ery
distur
bingscene.Hewassi t
tingonthebedwi th
somegi rlonhimt heywerenakedandki ssing,
hewasr unninghishandsalloverher.From his
faceicoul dseethathereall
ywant edher ,he
wasenj oyingher.Icoul
dn'
tseet hegirl
'sface
herweav ewasget t
ingi
ntheway .
.
Iopenedmyey
esandgotmyhandsf
rom her
gri
p..
Nomsa:
Arey
ouokay
?
Ist
oodup.
.
Me:
Iwannago
Nomsa:
Lihl
e?
MaNgubo:
whatdi
dyousee?
Me:
trustmei
hav
eseenenough!
Iputonmyshoest
henwal
kedupt
othedoor
..
ManNgubo:
Remembershecanbey
ourdoom,
hei
shunguponher
Ishoul
dhav
enev
ercameher
e!!
.
.
NDI
LE
BigDaddy'
shousewasjustoutoft hisworl
d,
thi
smanhasmadei tbigforhimselfandi
wouldn'
tmindr
ubbingshoulderswithhim.I
wassurpri
sedtoseeCandiceididn'tthi
nkshe
knewBigDaddy..
Wewer egatheredacrossthetabl
eeating
dinnerjustassociat
ingwithev
eryonethatwas
there,Ineedacont actt
hat'
sgonnabeabl eto
helpmeoutwi thexpandingmybusinesses.I
haveachi ldont hewaynowandt wowomen
whowi l
lbedependantonme. .
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
27,
22:
05]Ron:
¥19
NDI
LE
BigDaddyandIexcusedour sel
vesaf t
erthe
dinnerandwentt ohisstudytotalkoveraglass
ofwhi skeyandsomeci gars,
it'
ssadonmysi de
thaticouldn'
tgetevenonecont actthatwas
i
nt er
estedinmybusi nesses.
.
Bi
gD:Thanky
ouforhonouri
ngmyi
nvi
tat
ionby
gr
aci
ngmewithy
ourpresencet
oni
ght
Me:Icoul
dn'
ttur
ndownsuchahi
ghcl
ass
i
nvi
tati
on
BigD:Iwashopingthatnocont actwasgonna
approachy
oubecausei am i
nterest
edin
helpi
ngyoutoexpandy ourbusinesses
Thatwasshocki
ngimeanBi
gDaddyisri
chwhy
wouldhebeint
erest
edi
nmybusi
nessesthat
arecl
ear
lysmallt
ohim.
.
Bi
gD:
Ihav
ebusi
nessesal
lar
ound
Me:Iknowandimustsayt
hati
am v
ery
i
nspi
redbyyou
Bi
gD: whati
sitt
haty
oudoagai
n?Your
Pr
ofessi
on?
Me:
Iam aDi
esel
Mechani
c
Bi
gD:
fasci
nat
ingj
ob
Me:Iwannaqui
titt
houghandf
ocusst
ri
ctl
yon
busi
nesses
BigD:I
figoint
obusinesswi
thy
oui
don'
twant
youtoqui
tyourjob
Me:
Idon'
tunder
stand
Hel
eanedf
orwar
d..
BigD:
Thebusi
nessest
hati
runwanty
ouont
he
downlow
Me:
whatt
ypeofbusi
nessesdoy
our
un?
Bi
gD:
Cani
trusty
ou?
Me:
Yes
Hestoodupandgotsomedocument
s,he
t
ossedthem acr
osst
hetabl
etome..
BigD:Iwi
llbr
inginmybusi
nesst
oyour
busi
nessandf r
om mybusi
nessy
ouwil
lgeta
30%shareoftheprof
it
Me:
Whati
syourbusi
ness?
Hel
i
tupt
heci
gar
..
Bi
gD:
Yousai
dicant
rusty
ou
Hepassedmet
hepen.
.
BigD:Thecopsareonmenowt heykeepan
eyeonmybusinessesineedaplacewherei
canAucti
onthegir
lstothehi
ghestbidder
sand
thenprovidethem wit
haplacet
opl
easur
e
themselvesforthatni
ghty
ourcl
ubcomesof
f
asaper f
ectplace
Me:
Thatsoundsabi
tdanger
ous
BigD:30%wedot hattwiceaweekandt hecl
ub
hastobecloseddur ingall
thoseti
mest hatwe
goingtobeusingit.Yourclubisunder
groundit
cannotbeeasil
ytailed,i
fyouhappywithwhatI
am sayi
ngyoucansi gn
Soundsl
ikeagoodwayt omakeextr
amoney
moreespeci
all
ywithal
lther
esponsi
bil
i
tiest
hat
iam f
aci
ngnow. .
.
.
YAYA
Thefol
lowi ngmor ni
ngi pr
eparedmysel
ffor
school
i cannotkeeponmi ssi
ngcl
assesand
fai
li
twillmakeSandi lethi
nkthati
am wasti
ng
hismoney .Ithoughtaboutwhathesaidand
quit
efranklyidon'
tknowhowt or espondt oi
t,i
havealway sbeenhissecondbestsobei nghis
secondwi f
edoesn'treal
lyscareme.Theonl y
thi
ngthatgetstomei st
hef actthatiwil
l be
grounded,iwil
lhaveacur f
ewt here'sthi
ngsi
cannol ongerdoanymor epartyi
ngbei ngone..
Eventhoughi
tcomeswit
hitsdisadvantages
butital
socomeswit
hadvantages,iwil
lbe
gett
ingmoremoneyandgetmor ethi
ngst hati
want..
ThedooropenedandCandi
cewal
kedin,
iwas
i
nthekit
chenmakingmysel
fsomet
hingtoeat
..
Candi
ce:
Heybabe
Me:
Hey
Candi
ce:
arey
our
eady
?
Me:
Yes
Candiceal
way scomesthroughformewit
h
anyt
hing,icannotcal
lCandi
ceforhel
pandshe
wil
lneverdecli
ne..
.
Candi
ce:
Soguesswhoi
sawLastni
ght
?
Me:
Who?
Candi
ce:Sandil
ehewasatBi
gDaddy
's
busi
nessdinner
Me:
arey
ouser
ious?
Candice:Yeapl
ooksl
i
key
ourMani
sthi
nki
ngof
expanding
Me:
Wowt
hatmeansmor
emoneyf
orme
Candi
ce:Youcanfi
nal
l
yaff
ordt
obuydesi
gner
shoesandbags,
youwil
lst
opbor
rowi
ngmine
Me:Nowonderwhyhet
ext
edmet hi
smorni
ng
andsai
dheissi
ckhewon'
tbegoi
ngtowork
Candi
ce:Hangoverfrom al
lthewhi
skeyt
hathe
hadbeendri
nkinglastni
ght
Myflat
mateshowedupfrom herbedr
oom she
onl
ygreet
edandwalkedout.
.
Candi
ce:
andt
hat
?
Me:
Youdon'
twannaknowi
justneedt
omov
e
i
nwi
thy
ou
Candi
ce:
Let
'
sgoory
ouwi
l
lbel
ate
It
ookmybagandwewent
..
.
.
LI
HLE
Themosthear tbreakingt hingisl ett
inggoofa
l
ongr el
ati
onshi p10y earswi thSandi l
e,ihave
i
nv estedmyhear t
, mysoul , mywhol elif
ewi t
h
him.Wi llisurvi
v ewi t
houthi m?HowdoImov e
on?Hei sallihav eknownf or10y earshowdoI
begi ntopickupt hepi ecesandmov eonwhen
myhear twillneverstopbl eeding?Whydoes
l
ov ehav etohur tt hi
smuch?Il ovehi m why
doeshehav etokeepondoi ngthi stome!I
believeMaNgubobecauseSandi leoncehi nted
aboutawomanwhenwewer efighting,ihave
forgivenhim wi thBuhl ebutnowi am donei am
seriouslydone.Yesi t'
sgoi ngt obepai nfulbut
i
t'
l
lal
lgetbet
teri
nti
me.
.
Iwenttohishouset hatmor
ningwheni had
real
izedthathedidn'
tgotowork,
ijustwanna
givehim hi
sringbackandbedone..
Iknockedathisdooracoupl
eoftimesbef
ore
heopened,seemslikeihaddi
stur
bedhimfrom
hissl
eep..
Hi
m:Hl
ehl
e
Hemov
ed.
.
Hi
m:Comei
n
Iwal
kedi
nandhecl
osedt
hedoor
..
Hi
m:Ekuseni
so?(
soear
ly)
Hewentandsatdownonhi
sbed.
.
Iwasbroken,iwassobr
okent
hati
coul
dn'
t
rest
rai
nmyt ears.
.
Hi
m:What
'swr
ong?
Il
ookedathi
m wi
they
esf
ull
oft
ear
s..
Me:Iknowyoucheat
ingonmei
knowt
her
e's
anot
herwoman
Hi
m:I
ni?(
what
)
Me:Il
oveyouSandi
l
ebuti
can'
t.
.Icannotkeep
ondoi
ngthi
sanymorei
am sor
ry
Hi
m:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Me:
Iam j
usther
etot
ell
yout
hati
t'
sov
er
It
ookof
fther
ing.
.
Hi
m:Ar
eyouseei
ngsomeoneel
se?
Me:
What
?
Him:Youarestandingt
hereaccusi
ngmeof
cheati
ngwhil
ei am not
!Areyouusi
ngthat
stat
ementtobreakupwi t
hmebecausey ou
seei
ngsomeoneel se?
Me:
Iam notseei
ngany
one
Hi
m:Theny
ouwoul
dn'
tbedoi
ngt
his
Me:Sandi
l
eseri
ousl
yicannotany
mor
eiam
t
ir
edofdoingt
hiswi
thyou
Hi
m:Noy
ounott
ir
ed
Iwasabi
tconf
used.
.
Him:Youaremyf i
ancél
i
keitornotwegoi
ngt
o
getmarr
iedyezwa?(doyouhear
)
Hest
oodupandmadehi
swayt
ome.
.
Him: Don'
tmakey our sel fal aughi
ngst ock!
Buhleandallthegirlsf rom ar oundher eare
goingtolaughaty out haty oucouldn'tkeep
yourman!Doy outhinkaf ter10y earsitwil
lbe
easytostartover?Tol ov esomeoneel se?Who
i
sev engoingtolov ey ouwheny out hi
sstupid?
Uneducatedpieceoft r
ash!Can' tevengeta
simplecoll
egequal i
ficat i
on!
It
ri
edwal
ki
ngawaybuthegrabbedmyar
m and
pi
nnedmeagai
nstt
hewall
.
..
Him: Youdon'
tgettopulloutbabyface,you
stuckwithmey ougoingtoleavemei nacoffi
n
andthatisapromise!From nowoni t
seither
mywayornowayatal l
!Iam nolongergoingto
begyouandal
lthatshi
t,f
rom nowoni
make
ther
ules!
!!
Hel
etgoofme.
.
Hi
m: Nowineedsomemor
ninggl
orygeton
t
hatbedbef
oreimakey
ou
Ilookedathi
m andi
sawt
hismonst
er,
abeast
,
thedevil
himsel
f.
.
Hegrabbedmebymyhai
randt
hrewmei
n
bed.
.
Me:
Sandi
l
epl
easemyoper
ati
onhasn'
theal
ed
Helockedt
hedoorandcamet
ome,
hepul
l
ed
downmyskirt
..
Me:
Sandi
l
epl
easest
op(
cry
ing)
Hetor
emyunder
weart
henopenedmyl
egs
wi
de..
Him:Eyyyoumakingnoi
seandi t
'st
urni
ngme
off
!!
!Shutthef
uckupandt akei
tli
keabiggir
l!
!
Shehasbeentaki
ngital
lforyounowit'
syour
t
urn!
!
Hetookof
fhisbri
efsi
am ev
ensurpr
isedt
hat
hehadanerect
ioni
nsuchci
rcumst
ances.
.
Heforcedhi
swayin,t
hemor ehef
orcedhis
wayinthemorepai
nfuli
twas.Hel
iter
all
y
sl
appedmeacrossmyf ace.
..
Him: Youaregoingtowetmydi
ckdowe
understandeachother
?Youar
egoingt
ogi
ve
met hosejui
ces
Heputhi
shandsonmythr
oatandstrangl
ed
meashepressedmor
edeeper
..Thi
swasa
ni
ght
mare
.
[
09/
27,
22:
06]Ron:
BROKEN
¥20
LI
HLE
Looki
ngatthebl
oodst
ainsont
heduvett
he
bi
temarkshelef
tonmybody,myr
ippedtshi
rt
andunder wear,andt hebur ni
ngsensat ionhe
l
ef tint hemostsacr edpar tofmybody .Our
womanhoodshoul dnev erbev i
olat
ed,it'sthe
par tconnect edtooursoul thatextendst ot he
hear t.Icannotpossi blylayouthowi was
feelingbecausenowor dcandescr ibewhatwas
happeni ngdeepi nside,heki l
l
edmehet ruly
kil
ledme.Thewor dst hatcouldn'tl
eavemy
mi ndwher e"Allalongshehasbeent akingi tin
fory ou, nowi t
'syourt urn"Icouldn'
tremember
theexactwayt hatheputt hem butnev ertheless
iremember edthem.Ihear dthedoorcl osingmy
hear tjumpedal it
tle,hewasbackf rom bat hing
butev enthef r
eshscentofhi sshowergel
cannotwashawayt heev i
lthatresi
desi nhi m.
Hest oodt hereandl ookedatme. .
Him:Li
hlenomat t
erhowmuchy out
hinkabout
i
t,i
twil
lneverchange.I
thappenedandnowy ou
knowthetrueme
Iwasst
il
ll
ookingdownhopingthathewas
goi
ngtosaysomethi
ngdif
ferent
,somethi
ng
thatwil
lrewindwhatjusthappenedandmakei
t
seem li
keit'
sabignightmarethatiwokeup
from..
Het
ouchedmeandi
cri
nged.
.
Him: Iknowy ouscar edandi knowt haty ouar e
confusedbutbabyi am notal way slikethis,you
knowi l
ov eyouandy ouknowt haticannev er
hurtyouonpur pose.Idon' twantwhat
happenedt oaf fectourl ove, ourr el
ationship.10
yearsLihlecannotgodownt hedr ain,ineedy ou
becausebel iev eitornotbuty ouar emysani t
y.
Youar et heonl ygirlthatev erl ovedmeandwas
alwayst hereformet hrought hickandt hin,and
thenhear ingy ousay ingt haty ouwannal eave
mei pani cked.Il ostitandi didn'tknowhowt o
react
, iam sor ry
Tearsfel
landheputhi
shandaroundmy
shoulder
sthenpul
l
edmeclosertohim.
.
Hi
m:I
t'
smeNana.
.It
'sst
il
lme
Ij
ustcr
iedi
neededt
oleti
tal
louti
was
conf
usedididn'
tknowwhatt
othi
nk,
itwas
moreasifl
ikeihadshi
ft
edfr
om r
eal
it
yatthat
moment.
.
.
YAYA
Iwasatt hel i
brarygatheringinformat i
onf or
oneofmyassi gnments,comi ngbackt oschool
iwaswel comedbyt woassi gnment sandoneof
them wasdueMondaysoi hav etowor koni t.I
takemyschool workseri
ousl y,icanplay
aroundwi t
hany thi
ngjustnotmyschool wor k
becausemydegr eemeansmor etomet han
anythingel
se.Myphonev i
bratedandi twasa
callbackfrom mysi st
er,
i excusedmy selffrom
myst udygr oupandwentout si
det ocallher.My
Sist
ermov edi nwi thuswhenherFat her
mar ri
edanot herwomanandt hatwomandi dn't
l
ikemySi ster,soshewasf orcedtocomeback
home.Thataf fectedher,shewasusedt oa
glamourlif
enowhav i
ngt oliveli
keanor mal
personbecamet oomuchf orherthatshe
startedbei
ngrebell
ious.Shef oll
owedi nmy
Mot her'
sfoot
stepsbitchedar ound, dr
ankal ot
andendedupwi t
hachur chofki dsthatshe's
fail
i
ngt omaintai
n.Shecan' tevenr egisterwi
th
Sassabecauseshedoesn' thav eanI Dandher
kidsdon'thavebir
thcerti
ficates..
Her
:Yay
a
Me:
Hey
Her
:Sor
ryt
odi
stur
byouar
eyoubusy
?
Me:
wasst
udy
ing
Ihear
dhersni
ff
ing.
.
Me:
what
'
swr
ong?
Her:Mpumisteppedonanai l
itwentdeeperin
andatthecl
ini
ct heNurseswereyel
li
ngatme
l
ikehowcani al
lowmychi ldt
oplayoutside
wit
houtshoesespecial
lyinadir
tyenvi
ronment
butonethi
ngtheydon'tknowisthatshe
doesn'
thav
eshoesandi don'tevenhaveat
l
eastR20tobuyhercheapflopsatPep( cr
ying)
I
..You.
.Youdon'
tknowhowbr okeniam..Mom
i
sbusysweari
ngand..
Ihear
dmyMot
hery
ell
i
ngatt
hebackgr
ound.
.
Mom: Ai
sukaukhal
elani
?ukhal
elaukuthiy
ou
areusel
ess?(ar
eyoucryi
ngoverthefactt
hat
youareusel
ess)
Me:
Than.
.
Mom: Youcan'tevenbuyyourownchildshoes!
Futhiy
oudon'tevenknowMpumi '
sFat her
yi
jubali
kaNoahl el
i(MpumiisNoah'
sdov e
becauseyoudon'tevenknowherFather)
Si
s:Hl
ukananami
!
!(Leav
emeal
one)
Mom:Voetsekj
ouhonddon'
tshoutatmei
nmy
bl
oodyhouse!
Grandma: Mi
miy
ekaumnt
wana(
Mimi
leav
ethe
chil
dalone)
Mom:
Uyadel
elakant
iuy
irubbi
sh(
she'
s
di
srespect
ful
)
Ihear
dthedoorclosi
ngandmySi
sterwas
cry
inguncont
rol
l
ably.
.
Ilov
emySist
ertodeathandhear
inghercr
yli
ke
that
,br
okemeinsi
de..
Iam pr
egnanti
shoul
dn'
tbetaki
ngal
lthi
s
str
essi
nthatmyfamil
yisput
ti
ngmeunder.
..
.
.
NDI
LE
Li
hleisnotl ikeYay a,
Yay acant akeint heabuse
andjustkeepqui etabouti tbutLi
hleshe's
unpredictableandabi tcrazyshemi ghtgo
str
aightt othepolicest at
ionorjustdo
somet hingthathercr azymi ndtell
shert oosoi
needhert ounderstandt hatiam serious.
IloveLihl
eandIam notreadytol
oseherover
this,
all
i wanti
sforhert
oacceptthi
ssideof
me.Iwannast opgoingt
ot her
apyit
'sawaste
ofmoneythosesessionsdon'
tcomecheapand
themedsi don'
twannatakethem any
more,
theydon'
thavegoodsideeff
ects.
.
Ineededapl an,sosinceshewasal lpassedout
andt raumat i
zedbywhathappenedi canact
fast.Itookawal kjustaroundthecornerto
wher etheNy aopeboy swhereandi needed
thei
rhel p.Icheckedifnoonewasseei ngme
enteringthehouset hattheyoccupytosmoke,
thehousehasbeenabandonedandi don't
knowhowt heyhadaccesst ousethehousef or
smoki ng..
.
Thehousehasnowindowsanddoors,soi
just
wal
kedinandtheyweresi
tt
ingonsomeold
wornoutmatt
ress.I
twas3ofthem..
Me:
Wol
a
Oneofthem spokeuphewashol
dingapocket
kni
fe.
.
Him:f
edengi
yak'
cavacheeseboyyal
aekasi(i
knowyou,
youarethecheeseboyoft
hishood)
Hi
sfr
iendsl
aughed.
.
Hi
m: whatbr
ingsy
out
othi
sdar
kcor
ner
mfwethu?
Il
ookedar
ound.
.
Me:
Ineedy
ourhel
p
Hi
m:ut
hini
?(whatar
eyousay
ing)
Me:
Ineedy
ourhel
p
Hi
m:y
ouwanthel
p?Fr
om Thi
na?
Me:Yesiam wi
l
li
ngtopayR3000upf
rontt
hen
R3000af
tert
heworkisdone
Hest
oodupandwhi
stl
ed.
.
Hi
m:Yi
zo.
.Yi
zonj
ayam'
Me:
Thej
obi
ssi
mpl
e
Hi
m:Nongi
l
alel
e(i
am l
i
steni
ng)
Me:
butIhav
eoner
equest
Theyl
ookedatme.
.
Me:
aft
ert
hisj
oby
oumustdi
sappear
Hi
m: ehhhkant
iuf
unasenz
eni
?(whatdoes
wantustodo)
Me:Iwantyoutoki
llsomeonef
orme, st
abt hat
per
sontodeath.
.Iwantthej
obdonetonighti
canevenpaypayyouguysR4000each
Theykeptqui
et.
.
Me:
Iwi
l
lbeout
sidewhi
l
eyouguy
sthi
nkabout
i
t
Iwal
kedoutandst
oodout
side.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
28,
13:
11]Ron:
¥21
LI
HLE
Iwokeupl ateroni
ntheaf t
ernoonbef or ei
couldgetoutofbedi satupstraightand
recall
edwhathappened, wheni sleptitotal
l
y
forgotaboutwhathappenedbutnowt hati
wokeupi tallcamebackdowncr ashingt ome
thati
tdidhappen.Icheckedmyphoneandi
hadmi ssedcallsf r
om Mom,ican'
tfaceher
howwi llit
ellherwhathappened?MyMot heri
s
notweedy oucannotjustsmokeherandgo
crazy
.Shewi l
lblowupandnowt hatiknow
Sandil
eisdanger ousimustbecarefulf
ir
st
befor
edoi ngany thi
ng.
.
Igotoutofbedandwalkedoutoftheroom,
the
ki
tchendoorwaswideopeni wal
kedin.
MaKhumal owasatthekit
chenshewasbusy
cl
eaning.
.
Me:
Ma
Shest
oppedandl
ookedatme.
.
Her:
Lihl
ebengi
ngazi
ukuthiukhona(
idi
dn'
t
knowthaty
ouwerearound)
Ist
oodt
her
eandl
ookeddown.
.
Her
:Youdon'
tl
ookgoodLi
hlewhat
'
swr
ong?
Ibr
okedownandshecamet
ome,
shehel
ped
mesitdown.
.
Her
:Yi
nikant
ikwenzakal
ani
?(what
'
sgoi
ngon)
Iwaswear i
ngSandil
e'st
shir
tsinceheri
pped
mine,
ili
fteditupandshowedhert hebi
te
markstogetherwi
ththebrui
ses..
Her
:Hai
Lihl
e!!Whathappened?
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Me:
Sandi
l
eVi
olat
edme
Shepull
edachairupandsatdownnexttome
shekeptqui
etforawhil
etr
yingt
oprocesswhat
ij
usttol
dher.
Her
:Ukwenzeni
?(whatdi
dhedot
oyou)
Me:
Her
apedme,
beatme,
andchokedme
Her:OhhhNkosiyamikant
iyi
niengenel
a
uSandi
le(what
'sgott
enint
ohim)
Shewasspeechl
ess.
.
Her
:Hashedonet
hist
oyoubef
ore?
Me:
Noi
t'
sthef
ir
stt
ime
Shecl
osedherey
esandopenedt
hem agai
n..
Her:Youj
usthadanoperat
ion,youjustl
osta
babykodwauSathanewani
?( whatdevil
ist
his)
Me:Ican'
tev
engobackhomemyMot
heri
s
goi
ngtofl
ipout
Her
:MaCeleuy
okwatai
ntoehambani
(MaCel
e
i
sgoingt
obeangry
)
Me:Canyoucal
lherandt
ell
hert
hati
wil
lbe
homelat
e
Her
:Ofcour
sei
wil
lcal
lher
Myoperat
ionwasn'
thav
ingmer
cyonme
ei
ther
..
Her
:Ar
eyoui
npai
n?
Me:
Theoper
ati
on
Her
:Shoul
dwegot
othehospi
tal
?
Me:
ChaMa(
NoMa)
Her
:Hai
Hlehl
eiwi
l
lcal
lhi
m
Shet
ookherphoneandcal
l
edhi
m..
Shetr
iedhi
m al
otofti
mesbuthewasn'
t
answeri
ngt
hati
tledhert
ovoi
cemai
l.
.
Her
:YeywenaSandi
l
e!ComehomenowLi
hlei
s
i
npainnx!
!!
Shehungup.
.
Her:Letmepr
epar
eabathfory
oui
l
lputsal
tit
wil
lhelpwi
tht
hebrui
ses.
Me:
Ngi
yabongaMa(
thanky
ouMa)
.
.
NDI
LE
Thel eadercameouti hadjustgottent
hrough
mysecondci garet
te.Helookedar oundatf i
rst
andt hensignaledthatishouldcomei nside,i
walkedi naft
erhim.Iwaswear i
ngacapt hat
couldn'tshowmyey es,ir
eallywentalloutto
nothav emyi denti
tythateasilytr
acedby
peopl
efr
om thi
sst
reet
.Theseguy
smi
ghtknow
mebutidoubtt
heyknowmynameandwherei
l
ive.
.
Thel
eaderl
ookedatme.
.
Hi
m:R2000eachupf
ront
Me:
Nopr
obl
em
Hi
m: Manj
esi
bhodi
sabani
?(whoar
ewe
ki
l
li
ng)
Me:
Niy
amazi
uMaCel
e?(
doy
ouknowMaCel
e)
Hi
m:MaCel
e?.
.MaCel
e?
Me:
pri
mar
yteacheruhl
alaont
henextst
reet
Het
houghtf
orawhi
l
e..
Hi
m: WoooushokuboLi
hle?(
youmeanat
Li
hle'
shouse)
Me:
Yeah
Hi
m:Yai
knowher
Me:
Toni
ghty
oumustbr
eaki
nherhouse,
idon'
t
car
ehowyoudoitbuti
wanty
out
ost
abt
hat
womantodeat
h!
Hewhi
stl
ed.
.
Him:EhhhuMaCelestar
tst
roubl
ewi
thnoone
thatwomanispeacef
ulwhydoyouwanther
dead?
Me:
Iam notgoi
ngt
opayy
out
oaskquest
ions
Hel
ookedathi
sfr
iendsandt
henl
ookedat
me.
.
Hi
m:Wewi
l
ldoi
t
Il
ookedatt
hem.
.
Me:don'
teventhi
nkoffucki
ngmeov erihave
cont
actsi
nhighplaceswhoaregoingtohunt
youdownandyourf ami
l
iesthenki
l
l t
hem!
Hi
m:NoBozzawear
ewi
thy
ou
Il
ookedatt
het
ime.
.
Me:
Iwantt
hisj
obcar
ri
edoutat20:
00
Hi
m:Pay
ment
?
Me:
doy
ouhav
eaphone?
Hegotoutablackandwhi
tescr
eenphonet
hat
l
ookedfuckedup.
.
Me:Gi
vemey ournumbersi
will
textyout
o
meetmeatthecomplex,
iwil
lwit
hdraw6000
andgi
vei
ttoyouR2000each
Thei
rfacesl
i
tup.
.
Me:
aft
ert
hej
obi
wil
lpayanot
her6000
Hi
m:Shoy
izoBozza!
Me:
giv
emey
ournumber
s
Hegav
eme.
.
Thepl anistohaveLihlenotgohomesoon, i
wil
ldriveherhomeaf terthej
obisdonesowe
canfindherMot herl
ay i
ngdownt hereinapool
ofblood.Ifiel
iminat
eMaCel eiwillhaveLihl
e
eati
ngf rom myhand, norel
ati
vewilltakeherin.
Herrelativ
esarenotsuccessfulandshedoesn' t
knowherFat her'
sfami l
ysoshewi l
lbest uck
wit
hme.
.
.
YAYA
Itwas10mi nlef tbefor emyl astcl
assIwasi n
oneoft helectur ehal lseat i
ngmyGal itos
chickenstri
pswi thrice,accompani edbyacan
ofFant aorange.Thi sot hergirl
wassi tti
ngin
thesecondr awf aci
ngme, shewasr eadingher
notesbutkeptonst ealingglancesatme.I t'
s
hardbei ngdependentonNSFASy oudon' tget
anal l
owance, i am sur et heywon'tevencov er
herfulltui
ti
onf ees.Whenshest oleanother
glanceatmei cal l
edhert ocomeusi ngahand
gesture,atfi
rstshewasshybutendedup
comi ng..
Me:
Thesechi
ckenst
ri
psar
ehotican'
tfi
nish
t
hem al
onewoul
dyouli
ket
ofi
nisht
hem for
me?
Shel
ookedar
oundf
ir
standt
hennodded.
.
Me:
Youcaneati
am comi
ng
Her
:Thanky
ou
Iwentoutt
ocal
lmySi
steri
am sur
enowshe'
s
cal
m..
Me:
Hey
Her
:Hi
Me:
Howar
eyounow?
Her
:Ahhhkuy
afana(
it
'sst
il
lthesame)
Me: Iwil
lsendyouR700v i
amoneymar ketbut
sinceyoudon'thav
eanI Dyouwil
lbeforcedto
gowi t
hMom, gi
veherR200andtakeR500so
youcanbuyMpumi cl
othesandshoes
Shekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e..
Me:
Thandekaar
eyoust
il
lther
e?
Ihear
dhersni
ff
ing.
.
Her:
Idon'
tevenknowwhatt
osayy
azi
Yay
a
youareaGodsent
Me:
Justcal
lmewheny
ouneedany
thi
ngel
se
Her:Nottobotheryouthatmuchbutwe
runningoutoffoodbynextweekwewon'thav
e
anythingandyouknowuGogo( gr
andma)hasto
takehermedsshecan'twhenshehasn'
teaten
Me:
It'
sfi
nei
wil
lsee
Her
:RatheruseGrandma'
sdetai
l
stosendai
i
uMaisgoingtobeaheadache
Me: orgoopenanaccountatCapit
ecy ouand
Grandmot hersohercardcanst
aywithyouin
t
hatwayi cansendy oumoneyf
orfoodyou
morer esponsibl
ethanMom
Her
:Kodway aziYay
aGodi sgoi
ngt
obl
essy
ou
f
orever
ythi
ngy oudoingf
orus
Me:Iwil
lcal
lyounownowi
hav
eanot
hercal
l
comingi
n
Her
:Okayby
e
Ianswer
edt
heot
hercal
l
,itwasSandi
l
e..
Me:
Honey
Hi
m:Mypr
egnantbeaut
if
ull
adyhowar
eyou?
Il
aughed.
.
Hi
m:Howar
eyouandt
hebaby
?
Me:
Wear
efi
nej
usthav
eal
otofcr
avi
ngs
Hi
m:Cr
avi
ngs?
Me:YanowwewantGal
i
tosaf
ter5mi
nwewant
McDonal
ds
Hel
aughed.
.
Me:
uhmm honey
Hi
m:Yes?
Me:
Ineedmoneyt
osendhome
Hi
m:Howmuch?
Me:
Iam notsur
e
Hi
m:R1500?
Me:
Ithi
nki
twi
l
lbef
ine
Him:Okayst
handwasam'
iwi
l
ltr
ansf
eri
tnow
now
Me:
okay
Hi
m:Ngi
yani
thanday
ezwa?(
ilov
eyouguy
s)
Iputmyhandonmyt
ummy
..
Me:
wel
ovey
out
oo
Icoul
dn'
tst
opsmil
i
ng,myheartwasmelti
ng.
Thisi
sthef
ir
stt
imehehaseversai
dthose
wordstome.
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
09/
28,
13:
21]Ron:
¥22
LI
HLE
Sandi
lecamebackbutbef orewecoul dgoto
theHospitalMaKhumalowant edt
ot al
ktohim
i
nprivate.Thesal
tbaththatshepreparedf
or
mehel pedagreatdealwit
hmyachi ngbody,
butthebruiseswer esti
llthere.Iwassit
ti
ngat
thekit
chenandi couldhearabi tofshouti
ng
comingfrom t heli
vi
ngr oom, andargui
ng.
MaKhumal owasn' ttaki
ngi nlight
lyt
owhat
Sandil
edidi t
'ssomet hi
ngt hatopenedupol d
woundsf orher .
.
Theycamebackt
otheki
tchen.
Ndi
l
e:Wi
l
lyoubeabl
etowal
k?
Me:
Yes
Istoodup.Theshar ppai nthatwasar isi
ngfrom
myoper ationihopet hestit
chesdi dn'tcomeof f
.
Aswewer eaboutt oexit,Karabowal kedinwi t
h
myenemyBuhl eatt imesi forgetthatnowt hey
closefr
iends.Ev ent houghi don'tli
keBuhl ethat
muchbutshei sbeaut i
ful,
youknowy ouget
thosepeopl ewher east hei
rski ncolourspeak
volumesf orthem, butwi thBuhl eshei s
beauti
fulasay el
lowbonet hatshei s..
Kar
abo:
Sani
bonani
(gr
eet
ings)
Buhl
egr
eet
edt
oo.
.
Kar
abo:
Wher
eisev
ery
onegoi
ng?
MaKhumalo:
Wear
etaki
ngHl
ehl
etot
he
hospi
tal
Kar
abo:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Ndi
l
e:ev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
ne
MaKhumal
o:l
et'
sgoLi
hle
Wewal kedoutt othecarwhi l
eSandile
remainedbehi ndpr obablycatchi
ngupwi thhis
oldfame.Iser iouslywantoutoft hi
snowi am
25y earsandal readygoingthroughthismuch, i
f
ikeepupi maginehowi am goingtobewheni
am 30y earsold?Iwillbeemot i
onall
yburied,
physicallydead,andmyhear twouldjustbe
bleedingpr of
usely..
Hecamebackaf
teraf
ewmi
nut
es.
Ndi
l
e:Sor
ryaboutt
hat
..Let
'sgo
Heunl
ockedt
hecarandwegoti
n.Ihopet
he
Doctorgiv
esmesomet hingthatwil
lhel
pso
thatwheni gobackhomemyMot herdoesn'
t
noti
ceany t
hingorel
sesheisgoingtofli
pout
completel
y..
.
.
YAYA
Candi cefetchedmeaf terihadattendedmyl ast
classi wasf eel
inggoodespeci al
lyafterthe
phonecal l
ihadwi thSandi l
eear l
i
eron, hearing
himt ell
ingmet hathel ovesmewashear t
war ming.Igottot hi
nkaboutev eryt
hingasi sat
i
nt hatlecturehallandasmuchast hi
ssounds
total
lyinsanebuti am goi ngtomar rySandi l
e, i
am goi ngtobehi ssecondwi f
e.Whatal so
contributedtomewant ingt hi
sisthef actthati
don'twannaendupl ikemySi sterhavingt o
struggletopr ov
idef ormybaby ,t
hiswi l
lgive
meandmybabyt hest abil
it
ythatweneed.Iam
goingt obet hefir
stf rom myFami lytoget
marriedandbei nast ablemar r
iageificoul
d
cal
litthat.Iam sti
llgoingtobev er
ymuch
i
ndependent ,
Sandil
edoeswantmet ofini
sh
school hedoeswantmet ogetthatdegree,i
j
usthopeLi hl
eisreadyt oacceptmebecausei
am notgoi nganywher e..
.
.
NDI
LE
IdroveuptoNkabinde'
ssurger
ytheonlyDoct
or
thatcomesthroughformeinsuchsit
uati
ons
moneyr ul
estheworld,wi
thmoneyyoucan
control
anyoneifgi
venthechance.
Nkabindehadapat ienti
nsowewai tedatt he
recepti
on,itookoutmyphoneandt ransferred
R2000f orYay a.Il ookedatLihleandshewas
anemot ionalwr eckwhi chhurtme, t
hisisthe
girl
iloveihav ebeenwi thherfor10y ear
s.She
i
smyqueen, sher ulesmyhear tandi am sur e
thatwegoi ngt obouncebackf rom t
hisaf t
er
herMother
'str
agi
cdeath.Speaki
ngoft
hati
havet
odr i
vebacktot
hecompl exandmeetup
wit
hthatNyaopeguysoi cangi
vehimthe
money.IwenttomyMot her.
Me:
Ma
Ma:
Yini
?(what
)
MyMot herwasmadatmei t'
sunderstandable
shehadtoseehersel
fthr
oughLihl
et oday,she
hadtoberemindedofwhatshewentt hrough.
.
Me:Iam qui
ckl
ydr
ivi
ngt
othecompl
exwant
somethi
ng?
Sheshookherheadno.Iwentt
oLi
hle.
.
Me:Iam goi
ngtothecomplext
ogetapackof
ci
garet
teswantsomethi
ng?
Sheshookherheadnot
oo.
.
ItookoutR400f
rom mywal
l
etandgav
eitt
o
her.
.
Me:
Incasei
am notbacki
nti
mey
oucanj
ust
goi
n
Iwentt
ot herecept
ionistt
otel
lhert
hatLihl
eis
withmeshemustt ellDrNkabi
ndethat.Atl
east
ihavet
oldNkabindeaboutLihl
ebeforehewill
knowwhatt odo..
Iwentoutthengoti
ntomycaranddr
ovet
othe
complex.
.
Asi wasdr
ivi
ngi
recei
vedacal
l
,idi
dn'
t
recogni
zet
henumber.
.
Me:
Hel
l
o?
Voi
ce:
Str
anger
Me:
Whoi
sthi
s?
Voi
ce:
It'
sBuhl
e
Me:
Ohhhey
Buhle:
Vel
emanjeeki
niwang'
shay
angeBomb
(aty
ourhousey
ouignor
edme)
Me:Youknowmywi fedoesn'
tl
ikey
ousoi
di
dn'
twannaupsether
Shel
aughed.
.
Buhl
e:Yourwi
fe?Yaneh
Me:
any
wayhowhav
eyoubeen?
Buhle:
Idon'
tknowwhydon'
tyoucomeov
er
l
aterandiwi
llt
ell
youhowihavebeen
Me:
sti
l
lcan'
tkeepy
ourpant
iesup?
Buhle:Ahhit
'snotl
ikethatal
lthedi
cksI
'
ve
beenridi
ngarestar
tingtoboremenow,ther
e's
onlyonethatimiss
Me:
Howmanyhav
eyoubeenr
idi
ng?
Buhl
e:ai
ket
hat
'smybusi
ness
Me:
Looki
am dr
ivi
ngi
wil
lcal
lyouagai
n
Buhl
e:Okayy
oust
il
lhott
hough
Me:
thanky
ouandy
oust
il
lbeaut
if
ul
Buhl
e:i
wil
lwai
tfory
ourcal
lkel
ater
Me:
shar
p
Ihungupandputmyphoneont
hepassenger
's
seatandcont
inueddr
ivi
ng.
.
.
[
09/
28,
13:
27]Ron:
¥24
LI
HLE
Ilookedatmy selfinthemirrorihav
en'twor n
thisdressinav er
yl ongti
meSandi l
edi dn'
t
specifywhichrestaurantbutsincet
hismi ghtbe
thelastdinnerdatewegonnahav e,ineedto
l
ookmybest .
MyMot
herwal
kedi
n..
Mom:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ull
yst
unni
ng
Me:
Thanky
ou
Shesatdownonmybed.
.
Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
Mom:
ngi
zobar
ightLi
hlegoandenj
oyy
our
sel
f
Me:
Idon'
twannal
eav
eyouher
eand.
.
Mom:
Ihav
epr
ayedabouti
tandIam sur
e
what
everi
twasi
tisgone
Il
ookedatherandi
couldseethatt
her
e's
somethi
ngshewaskeepingf
rom me.
Me:
Makwenzakal
ani
(Mawhat
'
swr
ong)
Shestar
redatthewallunt
ilt
ear
sfor
medinher
eyes,
MyMot herisnotsomeonetoj
ustbr
eak
down.Isatnextt
oher..
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Mom:
Whi
l
eIwassl
eepi
ngi
hadadr
eam
Me:
whatdr
eam?
Mom:YourFatherandiwewerewalki
ng
ar
oundnextt
ot hebeachwear
ingpourwhit
ei
washol
dingaroseandwewer ehol
dinghands
Iputmyhandar
oundhershoul
der
s.
Mom:I.
.Ifel
tthel
ovethatweonceshar
edhe
wasr
eal andever
ythi
ngwasreal
Me:
Iknowhowy
oumi
sshi
m andi
misshi
m
t
oo
Mom:I
t'
sjustsounusuali
haven'
tdr
eamtabout
hi
minalongti
mef orhi
mt ocomenowand..
Me:
Iam sor
ryi
knowhowsensi
ti
vet
hist
opi
cis
f
oryou
Mom:Ij
ustwi
shicoul
dseehi
m oncemor
ei
j
ustwi
shhecoul
dseehowyouhavegr
ownup
Me:Iam sur
ewher
everhei
s,hei
slooki
ng
downatus
Shewi
pedhert
ear
sandsmi
l
ed.
.
Mom:Whi
chr
est
aur
antar
eyouguy
sgoi
ng
t
oo?
Me:
Idon'
treal
l
yknowhedi
dn'
tsay
Mom:
Hel
ooksl
i
kehei
str
ying
Me:
Hei
s
Idi
dn'twannatel
lheraboutwhathappenedi
di
dn'twannaupsethermore..
.
Mom: I
t'
sbeenawhil
esi
nceIl
astsawy
ou
wear
ingthi
sdress
Me:IknowMom t
hat
'swhyi
deci
dedt
oweari
t
t
oday
Thedressisalongsl
eevedresswi
that
urt
le
necksoithidt
hebrui
sesprett
ywel
l.
.
Thedoorbel
lrang.
.
Me:
Itmustbehi
m
West oodupandwentt othekitchentoopenhe
stoodther
elookinghandsomeasev er
.Hewas
wearingablacksuithiscolognejustfi
ll
edup
thewholeatmospher e.
.
Ndi
l
e:SawubonaMaCel
e(gr
eet
ingsMaCel
e)
Mom:
Sandi
l
e
Ndi
le:Canipl
easetakeyourDaught
eroutfor
di
nneriwil
lbr
ingherbackhomenol at
erthan
21:
00
Mom nodded.
.
Mom:
igi
vey
oumyper
missi
on
Me:
I'
ll
getmybag
Wewal
kedbackt
othebedr
oom.
.
Me:Mom ar
eyousur
ethaty
ougoi
ngt
obe
f
ine?
Mom:
goenj
oyy
our
sel
fHl
ehl
eiwi
l
lbef
ine
It
ookmybagandhuggedher
..
Me:
cal
lmei
fyounotf
eel
i
ngwel
l
Mom:
Iwi
l
lcal
l
Imademywayt
othedoort
oexi
t.
Mom:
Hlehl
e
Me:
Yes?
Mom:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
IwalkedbacktoSandil
everymuchworr
ied
aboutmyMot herihopesheisgoi
ngt
obe
okay..
.
.
KI
NG
Iwenttositi
nt heloungeandwai tedforher
toget
herwiththeboyt hatshewaswi thto
comeandexpl ainherself
.Theybot hcamein
andstoodbyt hedoorglancingdowni n
embar r
assment,shewaspl ayi
ngwi ththe
fi
ngers.It
ookoutmygunandni celypl
acedit
ontopofthetable.
.
Me:
Pleasehav
easi
t
Theyl
ookedatt
hegunandthenmov
ed
uni
for
mlytosi
tont
hecouch.
Me:No.
.No..Noonemustmov eidon'
twant
bot
hofyousitt
ingt
oget
hernextt
oeachother
i
noneplace
Theboy
fri
endmov
ed.
.
Me:
What
'shappeni
ngundermySi
ster
'sr
oof
?
Iam Ki
ngNkambuleiam 28year
sofage,andi
am acop.Ihav
ebeentr
ansfer
redtoGaut
eng
andtomorrowmor
ningimustmakemyway
there.Justlikeev eryoneel sei hadmyl i
fefull
y
plannedout ,ihadaf iancéandaweekbef ore
wehadt ogetmar riedshewasgunneddown
somecr ackheadshi j
ackedhernotonl ydidthey
takehercarbutt heyt ookherl ifetooandImust
saywhent hathappenedIf el
tli
kemyl i
fehad
comet oast andst il
l.Topr eventbeingalonemy
Sisterdecidedt hatIshoul dmov einwithher
andherdaught erof fwhi chi j
ustfoundher
aboutt ohav esexundermySi ster
'sroofwith
herboy fri
end.Shei s16y earsoldandr i
ghtnow
shei sinbigt r
oubl e..
Me:Youwer
epl
ayi
ngmusi
cv er
yloudandwhen
iwal
kedi
nhewasont
opofyou
Her
:Wewerest
il
ldr
essedwewer en'tdoi
ng
any
thi
ngot
hert
hankissi
nguncl
eKi ng
Me:
Youhady
ourt
opof
f
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Il
ookedatt
heboy
fri
end.
.
Me:
wer
en'
tyouf
orbi
ddent
ocomeher
e?
Hi
m:Iwas
Il
ookedatmyNi
ece.
.
Me:
Iam l
eav
ingtomorr
owisthi
showyouwant
t
ospendmylastdaywi
thme?Fi
ghti
ng?
Sheshookherheadno.
.
Me:Got
oyourr
oom andt
hinkaboutwhaty
ou
hav
edone
Il
ookedatt
heboy
fri
end.
.
Me:
I'
ll
dri
vey
ouhome
Ist
oodupandt
ookmygun.
.
Me:Ify
ouev erandimeanevert
ryt
opullt
hat
shi
tagainiwill
hunty
oudownandkill
you!Iam
acopiwi l
lgetawaywit
hit
Hekeptqui
et.
.
Me:I
fyoudoloveheryouwi
l
lwai
tforherunt
il
shet
urns18areweclear
?
Henodded.
.
Me:
let
'sgo
.
.
YAYA
Candi
cehadpreparedl
asagnaforust
oni
ght
.
Sheisagr
eatcookandi al
wayshaveher
cooki
ngwhenevershecomesov er
.
Her
:Sohaveyougi
venanyt
houghtt
owhatwe
wasdi
scussi
ng?
Me:
YesandIam goi
ngt
odoi
t
Shesmi
l
ed.
.
Her:I
t'
sti
meforussi
dechi
ckst
ogetupand
getourown
Shepour
edher
sel
fsomewi
ne.
.
Me: IdoubtBi
gDaddyi
sgoi
ngt
omakey
ouher
secondwi f
e
Her:
Meandmarri
agewedon'
tgetal
ongi
am
f
inewit
hhowt
hingsar
ebetweenus
Wesatdownont
hecouchandst
art
edeat
ing.
.
Her:Thi
nkofallt
hepoweryougoingtohav e
dri
vethatbi
tchsomadthatsheupandl eave!
ri
deSandil
e'
sdickri
ghti
nfrontofheri
fy ou
havetoo!
i
laughed.
.
Me:
Let
'snotbet
hatcr
uel
Her:Shi
negirl
,i
t'
syourturnt
oshine!These
mainchicksneedtounderst
andthati
fthey
don'
tplaythei
rcar
dsrightwewil
lplaythegame
fort
hem
.
.
NDI
LE
Wewerehal
fwaythroughdi
nnerandLi
hlewas
get
ti
ngdr
unkfrom all
thegl
assesofwi
nethat
shehadbeenhav ing.Shedoesn' tdrinkthat
muchsoi gotherSai ntClair
esweetr ed,t
he3rd
glassshewasal readyseei ngthestar s.I
neededt orel
axhersot hatshef or
get s
compl et
elyaboutgoi nghome, i
lookedatt he
ti
meandi twas21: 00.Ihopet hatstupid
Ny aopeguydidev erythi
ngaccor di
ngl y.
.
Li
hle:
dowehav
etol
eav
e?
Me:Yessweethear
tbef
oreyougetv
erydr
unki
hav
ealreadypai
dthebi
lll
et'
sgo
Shegotupf
rom thechai
randalmostf
ell
aft
era
fewst
epsbecauseofherheel
s..
Her
:Oops!
Isatherdownandt
ookt
hem of
fshel
ookedat
meandsmi led.
.
Her
:Iknow.
.Iknowt
hat
..Whati
sitagai
n?
Shestar
tedlaughi
ng.
.Ist
oodupandhelpedher
togetup,i
putmyhandar oundherwai
stand
wemadeourwayoutt otheparki
nglot
.I
unlockedandputheri
nthef
rontseat
,icl
osed
thedoorandstoodabitf
arwhil
emakingthat
call
..
Hi
m:Bozza?
Me:
And?
Icoul
dheart
hathewasbr
eat
hingheav
il
y.
.
Hi
m: I
t'
sdonesi
mci
shi
l
e(i
t'
sdonewehav
e
ki
l
ledher)
Me:
didy
oumakei
tseem l
i
kear
obber
y?
Hi
m: besi
fakenekabasaBozza(
wewer
e
wear
ingBalacl
avas)
Me:
glov
es?
Hi
m:sur
eBozza
Me:
Isshedead?
Him:Istabbedheral otoft
imesandlefther
ther
ebleedingkodwasi cov
eamai t
emsukuze
kubonakalengat
hiv el
eitwasabreakin(we
havestolenafewitemst omakeitl
ookl i
kea
br
eaki
n)
Me:
Per
fect
..Nextpay
menti
wil
lcal
lyou
Hi
m:Sho
Ismil
edalit
tl
eandwentt ogetinthecar,
Lihl
e
hadpassedout.Iputherbr
aidsatthebackand
ki
ssedherforehead.
Me:Il
oveyousomuchbabygi
rl
,nowt
her
e
won'
tbeanyonest
andi
ngbet
weenus
.
[
09/
28,
13:
27]Ron:
¥23
LI
HLE
Aft
erseeingDrNkabindei wentoutandcal
l
ed
myMot hersincewewerewai ti
ngforNdi
leto
comeback.Ineededt ospeaktomyMot her
becausewhathappenedt odaywastoomuch
andit'
ssuffocat
ingme,ij
ustwannagohome
andbewi thmyMom r i
ghtnowt hat'
sal
li
want..
Mom:
Hlehl
e
Me:
Thatt
ooky
oul
ongt
oanswer
Mom:
Iwassl
eepi
ng
Shesoundedabi
tdown.
.
Me:
aren'
tyousupposedt
obeatwor
k?
Mom:
Icamebackear
lyHl
ehl
e
Me:
What
'swr
ongar
eyousi
ck?
Mom: angazikwenzakalanikodwanginov
alo
beseint
li
ziyoyamiibuyeishayekakhul
u(ihave
thi
sfearthatmakesmyhear tt
obeat
abnormall
yfast)
Me:whatcoul
dbethecause?Hav
eyouwent
backt
odrinki
ngcof
feeagai
n?
Mom:
Idr
inkr
ooi
bos
Me:Didyoucal
lthePast
orandtel
lhi
m about
t
his?Couldbeademonicat
tack
Mom:Hei
snotaroundhewentt
oSwazil
and
r
ememberican'
treachhi
m,i
am sur
eit
's
not
hingHl
ehl
eiwi
l
lpr
ay
Me:
Okay
Mom:
Wenaukuphi
?(wher
ear
eyou)
Me:
Uhm.
.uSandi
l
eandhi
sMot
hert
ookmet
o
t
heDr
Mom:
Why
?
Me:
Myoper
ati
ont
hest
it
cheswer
ecomi
ngof
f
Mom:
Whydi
dn'
tyoucal
lme?
Me:
It'
snot
hingser
iousMamai
am f
ine
Sheexhal
ed.
.
Mom:JustcomebackhomeHl
ehl
enowi
am
wor
ri
edaboutyou
Me:
Iam comi
ng
Mom:
Okayi
wil
lseey
ouwheny
ougether
e
Me:
Okay
Eveni
fthi
ngsdon'
tworkoutbet
weenmeand
Sandi
l
e,atl
eastiwi
ll
alwayshav
emyMother
..
.
.
NDI
LE
Imetupwit
htheguyhecameal oneandnot
wit
hhisf
ri
endswhichwasbett
er, i
looked
ar
oundandhandedhimtheenvelope..
Me: Makesureyoucarr
ythisthr
oughper
fectl
y
becauseify
oudon'tiwil
lhuntyoudown,i
promiseyouboyyoudon'twannamesswi t
h
me!
Hi
m:ngi
kuzwi
l
e(i
hear
dyou)
Me:
Therestoft
hemoneyy
ouwi
l
lgeti
taf
ter
t
hejobi
sdone
Hi
m:Okay
Me: qui
ckdeath,
theothert
wocanhol dher
downwhi l
eyouputtheknif
ethroughherthr
oat
.
Stabherther
eaf ewti
mes,thenaftergot
oher
chestandthenherheart
Hi
m:Iam hear
ingy
ou
Me:f
uckmeupandy
ourf
ami
l
ywi
l
lpayf
orher
l
if
e!
Iwastaki
ngchanceswit
hthatst
atement
becauseidi
dn'
tknowifhehadafamil
yornot
..
Henodded.
.
Me:
Nowv
oet
sek!Bef
oresomeoneseesus
Hi
m:sur
ebozza
Hewal kedawaymai ntai
ningt hattsotsiwalk
andi wenttomycar ,ir
eallywantLi hleall
to
myselfandi wil
ldoany t
hingt opossessheri n
al
lkindsofway s.Sheismi neandnoonei s
goi
ngt ostandinthewayofmyget t
ingwhat '
s
mine,notevenherownMot her!Ihaveputup
wit
hMaCel ef oralongti
menowshehast o
go.
.
.
.
YAYA
Ihavebeent hinki
ngaboutwhatSandi l
e
proposedandqui tefranklyeventhoughit
posesasabi gst epbuti t'
sabigstepthat'
s
goingtobev eryfruit
ful.Ihadmyphonei nmy
hand,busypaci ngupanddowni nthekitchen
withmyot herhandonmyt ummy .DoIreall
y
wannacommi tmy self?DoIr eal
l
ywannabea
secondbestf ortherestofmymar ri
age?Come
onYay athi
nki sthisreall
ywhaty ouwant?
Candi
ce:
What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Not
hing
Shecameandsatdownt
henl
ookedatme.
.
(
2mi
nlat
er)
Me:
Ihav
edeci
dedt
obeSandi
l
e'ssecondwi
fe
Ididn'tev
enl ookatherasisai
dthat
..I
continuedpacingupanddownwai ti
ngforany
responsef rom hert
hat'
sgoi
ngtobe
j
udgement al.
.
Candi
ce:
Younotaf
ool
li
kei
thoughty
ouwer
e
Ist
oppedandl
ookedather
..
Candice: Youaregoingtousethatbabyand
marriaget osuckhim dr
y!Whateveryoudo
makesur eyoudon'tmiscar
ry.Aslongasy ou
sti
ll
car r
y i
nghisbabyhewon' tt
ouchy ou,aft
er
twoy earswheny oudonewi t
hschool div
orce
hisasst akeallhi
smoneyandski pthecount r
y!
Me:
Inev
err
eal
l
ythoughtoft
hat
Candice:makesurehemar r
iesyouin
communi tyofpr
opert
yandl ethi
m marr
yhi
s
whateverhernameistradi
ti
onall
y
Me:
Lihl
emi
ghtnotal
l
owt
hat
Candi
ce:FuckLihl
eyout
heonewit
hthebaby
!
Usethatt
oy ourownadv
ant
age!
Candi
cei
sri
ghtt
hismi
ghtj
ustwor
k..
.
.
LI
HLE
Sandi
lefi
nall
ycamebackMaKhumalomade
herwayint
ot hecarwhi
l
eiaskedt
ospeakt
o
Sandi
lepri
vatel
y.
.
Hi
m:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
Me:
Iwannagohome
Hi
m:huh?
Imadesuret hatwewerei
nthepresenceof
peopleandnotthatf
arawayfr
om hiscar
i
ncasehet r
iestodosomethi
ng.Ihel
dbothhis
hands..
Me: Iwanty outodr
ivemehomeandt heni
don'
twannaseey ouforawhil
eunt
ili
makeup
mymi ndifiwannaconti
nuebei
ngi
nthis
rel
ationshipwit
hyouornot
Thattookhim bysur
pri
sehisf
aci
alexpr
essi
on
changeddidn'
tlookpl
easi
nganymore.
.
Hi
m:Letgoofmyhands
Me:
No
Hel
ookedar
oundandl
ookedatme.
.
Hi
m:Li
hlel
etgoof
fme!
Me: notunti
lyoupr
omisemet hatyouaregoi
ng
t
odr ivemehomef rom her
ebeforeyoudrop
yourMot heroff
Hewasget
ti
ngpissed,
hisbr
eat
hingst
art
ed
get
ti
ngabi
theav
y .
.
Hi
m: Todayy
oujustwokeupandpl
annedhow
t
opissmeof fdi
dn'
tyou?
Me:
Youdon'
tl
ovemeany
mor
ejustl
etmego
Hi
m:Sonowy
ouknowhowi
feel
?
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Hi
m:Youknowhowi
feel
now?
Hi
svoi
cewasf
ir
m andt
hatscar
ed
meabi
t.
.
Hi
m:Yout
hinki
am scar
edt
obeaty
ouupi
n
fr
ontofal
lthesepeopl
e?I
nfr
ontofmyMot
her
?
Youthi
nkim scar
ed?
Isawhi
sMot
herget
ti
ngoutoft
hecar
..
MaKhumal
o:Kwenzakal
ani
?(what
'
sgoi
ngon)
Hi
m:Ni
xMa(
not
hing)
Il
etgoofhi
shands.
.
MaKhumal
o:Asambeni
ke(
let
'sgo)
Heputhi
shandsonmycheeks.
.
Hi
m:Okayy
ouwi
nbuti
am aski
ngsomet
hing
f
rom y
ou
Me:
what
?
Hi
m: Ij
ustwannaspendtodaywit
hyouthen
af
teryoucanhaveal
ltheti
mey ouneedt
o
makeupy ourmi
nd
Me:
I..
Him:Ifyouscaredwecangot oar
estaur
ant
wherethere'
sgonnabepeople.
.Al
liwantist
o
spendtonightwit
hyouthat
'sal
l
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
..
Heleanedov erandkissedme, t
hesameway
t
hatheusedt oki
ssmeal lthoseyear
swhenwe
wer
est i
ll
madl yinlove.Bef
orehebecamethi
s
monsterthatheistoday!
.
[
09/
28,
13:
27]Ron:
¥25
LI
HLE
Islowlyopenedmyey esandSandi l
ewas
starr
ingatmewhi lesmil
i
ngi ranmyey es
aroundandt heroom wasbright
,thesunwas
shini
nginthroughthecurt
ain..
Heleanedoverandperkedmyl i
psthenl
ooked
atmeagain,wit
hhiselbowbalanci
ngonthe
bedandhishandbalancinghi
shead.Hehadno
tshi
rton.
.
Hi
m:Mor
ningMaKhumal
o
Me:
Mor
ning
Iraisedmyheadupf rom t
hepill
owandi tf
elt
l
ikesomeonepl ungedinanassegaithatwent
throughmyforeheadandpr ot
rudedattheback
ofmyhead..
Hi
m:howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
li
kehel
l
Il
ookedatmysel
fandIwasonlylef
twitha
bumshor
tandabra,il
ookedatSandil
e..
Hi
m:don'
twor
rywedi
dnot
hing
Ist
il
ll
ookedathi
m..
Him:
Ibeli
eveifwedidsomethi
ngy
ouwouldbe
i
npain,
lastni
ghtyouhadalott
odri
nkandIput
youi
nbed
Icl
osedmyey
es.
.
Me:
MyMot
heri
sgoi
ngt
oki
l
lme
It
ookmyphoneandihadmissedcal
lsf
rom my
Auntki
ndofwei
rd,
ical
l
edherback.
.
Me:
Mamncane(
Aunt
y)
Her
:Li
hle?
Me:Ngi
thol
eamami
ssedcal
lwakho(
igoty
our
mi
ssedcall
s)
Her:
Yakudal
angi
kuf
onel
a(i
hav
ebeencal
l
ing
you)
Me:
what
'
swr
ong?
Her
:Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
Iam atSandi
l
e'shouse
Her
:Ishet
her
e?
Me:
Yes
Her
:cany
ougi
vehi
mthephone?
Me:
okay
IhandedSandi
l
ethephone,
iwasget
ti
ngabi
t
scared.
.
Sandi
le:Hel
lo.
..Yesi
t'
shi
m whoi
sspeaki
ng.
.
Okay.
..Yes.
..
.
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Hi
m:What
?..
Judgingf
rom hi
sfaci
alexpressi
oni
coul
dtel
l
thatsomethi
ngwasnotright.
.
Hi
m:Okayi
wil
ltel
lher
..
Hesi
ghed.
.
Hi
m:By
e
Hel
ower
edmyphoneandl
ookedatme.
.
Me:
whati
sit
?
Heputhi
shandsonmycheeks.
.
Hi
m:goandbat
hsoi
cant
akey
ouhome
Me:
whatdi
dmyAuntwant
?
Hi
m:Li
hle.
.
Me:
NoSandi
l
etel
lme!
!
Hi
m:I
t'
syourMot
her
Me:
MyMot
her
?Whatabouther
?
Hi
m:she'
s.
.
Il
ookedathi
m wi
thmybi
gey
eswi
deni
ng
more.
.
Hi
m:She'
snomor
e
Me:nomor
e?Whati
snomor
e?.
.Nomor
e
what?
Hi
m:Shei
s..Shei
sdead
Ihear
dwhathewassay
ingbuti
coul
dn'
t
comprehend.
.
.
KI
NG
MySist
ercameoutf r
om thehouseandmade
herwaytomei wasputt
ingthelastofmy
thi
ngsi
nsidet
hetrunkofmycar..
Her
:Det
ect
iveNkambul
e
Shewashol
dingaTupper
war
ethathad
scones.
.
Me:
don'
tcal
lmet
hatasy
et
Her
:Capt
ainsai
dther
easonwhyy
ouhav
ebeen
tr
ansferr
edtoGaut
engisbecauseyouarethe
bestatwhatyoudohencewhyy ougott
his
Detecti
veposi
ti
onfr
om Gauteng
Me:
Ijustt
hinkhewant
stogetr
idofme
Her:
becauseheseesy
ouasat
hreatt
ohi
s
posi
ti
on?
It
ookt
heTupper
war
efr
om herandopenedi
t.
.
Me:
freshl
ybakedscones
Her
:homemadej
ustf
ormyf
avor
it
eBr
other
Me:
thanky
ou
Her:
Ihopet
hatwhenyoucomebackt
ovi
sit
youcomewit
halady
Me:
keepondr
eami
ng
Her
:It
'sbeen3y
ear
snow
Me:So?Doest
hatmeani
shoul
djustf
orget
abouther
?
Her
:ofcausenot
..Youknowi
didn'
tsayt
hat
Me:There'
snowomanthat'
sgoingt
ost
eal
my
hear
tthesamewaythatshedi
d
Her
:Nowomanshoul
dbel
i
keher
Iopenedthedooratt
hebackseat
sandputt
he
Tupperware.
.
Her
:Iwantt
oseey
ouhappy
Me:Iam happy
..Whosay
sineedawomant
o
behappy?
Myphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng,
itooki
tout
..
Me:
It'
sCap
Shenoddedandi
answer
ed.
.
Me:
Cap?
Hi
m:ar
eyouony
ourway
?
Me:
almost
Hi
m:It
hinky
oushoul
dgetgoi
ng
Me:
somet
hingwr
ong?
Hi
m:Ij
usthear
dthatt
her
e'sahomi
cidecaseat
t
hest
ati
onwher
eyouwi
l
lbewor
kingf
rom
Me:
Homi
cidecase?
Hi
m:Somewomanwasst
abbedt
odeat
h
Me:
Isi
t?
Him:It
hinkit
'sgoi
ngtobegoodifyoutakeon
t
hecasei twi
llbeawayofyoui
ntroduci
ng
your
sel
f
Me:
ohw
Him: Nkambul
ey ouwer et
hebestt hatihad
hereandwhent hatpostcamet hroughiknew
youwoul dbesuit
ablefori
t,any
onewoul dki
l
l
forthatDet
ecti
vepositi
onin5y earsti
mey ou
couldbecap
Me:
Iam honour
edt
haty
ouchoseme
Thereasonwhyi wastransf
err
edandgiventhe
Detecti
veposi
ti
onisthatthecapseesmeasa
thr
eat,heknewthati
fibecameaDet ecti
veat
ourstati
oniwouldbeonepositi
ontotaki
nghis
j
ob
Hi
m:gomakeuspr
oud
Il
ower
edmyphoneandhungup.
.
Il
ookedatmySi
ster
..
Me:
Ihav
etogo
Her
:Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:Appar
entl
ythere'
sanewhomi
cidecaseat
mynewwor ki
ngplace
Her
:goonDet
ect
iveNkambul
egogett
hem!
Shepunchedmeal
i
ttl
eonmyshoul
der
..
Ichuckl
edandl
ookedather
..
Me:
Iwi
l
ljustbe4hour
saway
..
Her
:andaphonecal
lawayi
know
Me:
Comeher
e
Shecamecl
oserandi
huggedher
..
.
.
LI
HLE
Idi
dn'tevenbat
hafterSandi
l
etoldmethatalli
wantedwast ogohomeandseef ormy
self,see
i
fit
'strueornot
.Hedecidedtocomewithme.
From thegat
eal otofpeoplegather edt her
e
wasev enayell
owt apeacrossprev enting
anyonefrom gett
ingin,pol
icecarswer epar ked
everyonewasjuststandingther
elikei t'
sa
cir
cus.Iwentthroughthecr owdwithSandi le
fol
lowingme, i
wentundert heyell
owt apewhen
acopcamet ous. ..
Him:Sorr
yit
'sacr
imesceney
ounotal
l
owedt
o
behere
Me:
Iwannasee.
.She'
smyMot
her
Hi
m:St
il
l.
.
Me:
Justl
etmet
hrough!
!(shout
ing)
Icl
osedmyey
es.
.
Me:
letmegoi
npl
ease
Hel
ookedatus.
.
Sandi
l
e:Pl
easel
i
eut
enant
Hesi
ghed.
.
Hi
m:f
iney
oucangoi
n
wewal
keduptothehousethekit
chendoor
waswi
deopen.Wewentinsideandsomecops
wer
est
andi
ngatthekit
chen..
Cop1:
whoar
eyou?
Wemadeourwayt otheliv
ingroom andther
ei
waswelcomedbyapool ofblood,
shewasi na
bodybagont
opofast r
etcher
.TheMor gue
peopl
ewerereadyt
otakeherbodyt othecar.
.
Me:
Mama?
Sandi
l
eputhi
shandsonmyshoul
der
s..
Hi
m:Baby
..
Me:
Iwannaseeher
!!Iwannaseeher
!!
!
Theyst
oppedandunzi
ppedher
,shehadst
ab
woundsonherthr
oatl
ooki
ngatherf
aceshe
l
ookedl
i
keshewaspeacef
ull
ysl
eepi
ng.
.
Myhear
tsankt
omyknees.
.
Me:
Mama.
.
Theyzippedherandpushedthatstretcherbag
totheexit,
mymout hwassli
ghtlyopen.My
eyeswer eful
loft
earsiwassinki
ngl owertothe
fl
oorwithSandil
eholdi
ngme.Youcannotbegi n
toimaginewhatiwasgoingthrough..
[
09/
28,
13:
31]Ron:
¥26
LI
HLE
Unfort
unat elythePoli
cesaidwewon' tbeable
todoany t
hingatmyhouseunt i
levi
denceis
coll
ected.Theysai dtheywai ti
ngforsome
Detecti
v ewhowi l
lbehandlingthecaseand
l
atertomor rowt heyshouldbedonet henwe
canproceedt oplanforthefuneral
.Sandileand
hisMot herallowedmeandMyAuntt ostay
overatt hei
rhouseunt i
lthepol i
cearedoneat
thehouse.I tsti
llwasn'
tsinkingtome, i
tdidn'
t
feelri
ght.MyMotherwasav erypeaceful
woman, ifshewasn'tatworkshe'sathomeor
church.Forsomeonet ojustdosomet hingli
ke
thattoher,ki
l
lherinsuchacr uelmannerasi f
l
ikeshewasanAni mal t
rul
ybrokeme.I t
shutter
edmyhear tint
oami l
l
ionpiecest hat
couldn'
tevenbepickedup. .
Iam anor phannow, iam al l
onmyown.YesI
dohav er elat
ivesbuty ouknowhowr el
at i
ves
arethey '
representmostoft heti
mewheny our
parentsar estil
laroundbutassoonasy oufind
yourselfinsuchasi t
uat i
ontheydi
st ance
themsel vesafterthefuner al
.Iam 25andi am
oldenought obei ndependentbuti currently
havenot hing,iwasst i
lltryi
ngtofi
ndmyf eet
whent hishappened.If el
tsomeonegent l
y
brushingmyt high,il
ookedupandi twas
Sandile.Hewi pedmyt ears..
Hi
m:Iwi
l
lfi
ndwhoev
erdi
dthi
sipr
omi
sey
ou
Icl
osedmyey
esast
ear
sfel
l
..
Hi
m:Comeher
e
Imov
edcl
osert
ohi
m andhecuddl
edme.
.
Hi
m:Shhhhi
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
Idon'
tthi
nki
wil
lev
ergett
hrought
hispai
n..
.
.
KI
NG
Ifi
nallyarri
v edinGaut engi willbef orcedt o
stayinal odgeunt ilifi
ndasui t
abl eplace.I t
's
goingt oeatmypocketbecauset heychar ge
youperni ght ,
i l
ookedar oundt her oom andt his
wasgoi ngt obehomef oramont hpr obably.I
gotmyst afffrom thecarandj ustputt hem on
thebed, ididn'tbri
ngal otoft hingsot hert han
mycl othesandmyf iancé'
spi ctures.Itookof f
mycl othest hentookt hetowel andmademy
wayt ot heshower ,iranthet apsandwai tedf or
hotwat erbutnot hing.Thisiswhati hatewi th
l
odgest her
ei saschedul eforhotwat er.Igoti n
andshoweredwit
hcoldwateri wannagot ot he
stat
ionandseehoweveryt
hingishandl ed,i
wassupposedtostar
ttomorrowmor ni
ngbutI
wouldli
ketobeadayahead..Aftershower i
ngi
mademywayoutanddr i
edmy selfwiththe
towel,
itookmyphoneandcalledmySi st
er.
.
Her
:Hel
l
o
Me:
HeySi
s
Her
:Hav
eyouar
ri
ved?
Me:
Yes
Her
:Howi
sthepl
ace?
Me:Haven'
tcheckedt
het
ownj
ustst
ayi
ngout
att
helodge
Her:
Whenar
eyougoi
ngt
ofi
ndy
ourown
pl
ace?
Me:
ast
imegoesoni
wil
l
Her
:whatar
eyoudoi
ngnow?
Me:
prepar
ingmy
sel
fiwannagodownt
othe
st
ati
on
Her
:ar
en'
tyousupposedt
ost
artt
omor
row?
Me:Yesbutir
eal
lywannar
evi
ewt
hishomi
cide
caseandqui
ckl
ysol
veit
Her
:maki
ngani
mpr
essi
on?
Me:
Sor
tof
f
Her
:okayi
am cooki
ngcal
lyoul
ater
Me:
begoodi
lov
eyou
Me:
lov
eyout
oo
.
.
NDI
LE
Thiswasdiff
icul
tLi
hlewasmorebrokent
hani
thoughtshewouldbeshemightnotr
ecov
er
from t
his.
Myphonerang,
shehadcri
edhersel
ftosleep
ont
hecouch.Iwal
kedoutansweri
ngwithout
checki
ngt
hecal
l
erI
D..
Me:
Hel
l
o
Theper
sonkeptqui
et.
.
Me:
Hel
l
o?
Voi
ce:
Bozza!
Wtf.
.Icheckedthecall
erI
Di cannotbel
iev
ethi
s
st
upidfuckcrackheadj
ustcall
edme. .
Me:
Ent
lekwhyar
eyoucal
l
ingme?
Him:YoohBozzaamagat
aev
ery
wher
e(t
her
e's
copsever
ywhere)
Me:
so?
Hi
m:gi
veusthemoneysowecangoaway!
Mi
naangekengi
yedany
aya(
iwon'
tgot
ojai
l
)
Me:
cal
mthef
uckdownandl
i
stent
o
me!Youar
enotgoi
ngt
ogot
ojai
lyoust
upi
d
f
ool!
Hi
m:whati
fbazal
a?(
whati
ftheycomeher
e)
Me:I
fyoudi
dever
ythi
ngaccor
dingl
ythent
hey
won'
ttr
acey
ou
Hi
m:Mi
nangi
thuki
l
e(i
am scar
ed)
Me:tr
ustmeyoudon'
twannadeal
withmeri
ght
nowiwil
lbey
ourworstni
ght
marethant
he
cops!
Ihungedupandt
ext
edYay
a:
"
Iam comi
ngov
er"
Me:
Shi
t!
!
Thesestupi
dboysmi
ghtgivemeawayineeda
st
rategy
,ineedt
othi
nk.Ineedt
othi
nkf
ast!
.
.
LI
HLE
Iwokeupandl ookedar
oundthehousewas
ver
yqui et
.Igotupfr
om t
hecouchandiwentt
o
seeifther
ewassomeonearoundbut
unfor
tunatel
yther
ewasnoone.Nosignofmy
Aunt ,
Sandile,orev enMaKhumal o.Iputonmy
shoesandwal kedoutoft hehouse,idon'tknow
wher eIwasgoi ngbuti j
ustwalked.Iwal ked
downt hestr eetandnot i
cedthepol i
cecar sst i
ll
parkedatmyhouse, istoodinthemi ddleoft he
streetall
conf used.Idi dn'
tknowi fishoul dgo
i
nt hereorwhat ,ican'tgetthepictur
eoft he
bloodoutofmyhead.Shepr obablywasi npai n,
shepr obabl
ywasscr eami ngandbeggi ngf or
herlif
ebutt heycont i
nued.Theycont inuedt o
sl
aught erherasi flikeshewasanAni mal .
.
Iremainedther eunti
liheardacarhooti
ng
behindme, thatdidn'
tmov emeatal l
.The
personkeptonhoot i
ngandi t
urnedaround,
it
wasaHy undai i
x35.Outofnowher ei
approachedi tandstart
edhitt
ingthebonnet
whileyel
li
ng..
Me:Stopi
t!
!!Stopi
t!!St
ophoot
ingatmei
am
notcr
azy!
!!
!(shout
ing)
Thedooropenedandsomegent
lemancame
out,
hemadehi swayt
omeandj ustl
ookedat
me.Ilookedathi
mtoowi
thoutsayi
nganythi
ng
buttear
sfell
..
Hi
m:ar
eyouokay
?
Ikeptqui
et.
..
Hi
m:whati
syourname?
Si
l
ence.
.
Hi
m:ar
eyouhur
t?
Si
l
ence.
.
Hi
m:Looki
am acopi
canhel
pyou
Me:
Cany
ouhel
pbr
ingmyMot
herback?
Hi
m:What
?
Me:
theny
oucan'
thel
p!
Iwal
kedawayandhef
oll
owedme.Hegr
abbed
myarm..
Hi
m:Mam'
It
urnedar
oundandpunchedhi
m wi
thmyot
her
hand.
.
Hi
m:Whatt
he?
??
Af
terpunchi
nghimi wal
kedinr
ever
sethen
af
terit
urnedbackandstar
tedr
unni
ng.
.
Hi
m:Hey
!!
!
Asiwasrunni
ngihear
dthedoorofhi
scar
cl
osi
ng,t
hatdi
dn'
tstopmeikeptonrunni
ng.
.
[
09/
28,
13:
31]Ron:
¥27
KI
NG
Ihavehadanexper iencewi t
hhard-headedgirls
beforebuti hav enev ercameacr ossthistypeor
kindofahar d-headedgi r
l,onl
ywhenshe
tri
ppedandf ellwasi abletocuffherandget
herinmycar ,thentookherdownt othestati
on.
Nowi am sitti
ngont opoft hecounteratthe
receptionjustst ar
ri
ngatherwi thmyf eet
dangli
ng, shei ssitt
ingononeoft hechairs
faci
ngdowni fitwasupt ohershewoul djust
runacr ossandst r
anglemet odeath.Shewas
dir
tythatf al
lhadnomer cyonher ,herl eftf
oot
wasbl eedingi t
hinkshehur therbi gt oewhen
shefellit'
sbleedingandswol lenbutt hat
doesn'tseem tobot herher .Shei sbar efoot
ed
wheni caughtupwi thhershedi dn'
thav eany
shoesoni don'tknowwhathappenedt oher
shoes.Shehasl ongt hi
nbr aidst hatherhai r
bandisr estr
icti
ngthem f rom cr owdi ngherf ace
shehast hemostbeaut i
fulbigey esev en
thought heyfulloftears,herthi ckli
psi don't
evenhav eawor dtodescr ibet hem. .
Oneoftheli
eutenantscamet ome,hestood
nextt
omel eaningagainstt
hecounterand
j
oinedmeinstar r
ingatthi
sbeaut
if
ul dar
k
ski
nnedgir
l.
.
Li
eut
enant
:Whatar
ewegoi
ngt
odowi
thher
?
If
oldedmyar
msasi
cont
inuedst
arr
ingather
..
Me:
Justcont
inuest
arr
ingathershewi
l
lgi
ve
i
n
Icanseet
hatwhatwear
edoi
ngi
sst
art
ingt
o
ruboffagai
nstherinthemostuncomf or
tabl
e
wayfrom herchesticanwi tnessthemov ement
ofherabnormal br
eathing,
i am onlywait
ingfor
thesmoket obeexpelledfrom herears.We
almostther
e..Justali
ttlemor e.
.
Her
:Youcanst
opst
arr
ingatmei
am notan
ani
mal!
Isentoutachuckl
easi j
umpof
fthecount
er,
i
l
ookedattheli
eutenant
.
Me:
I'
ll
takei
tfr
om her
e
Iwentandsatnexttoherlucki
l
ythestat
ionis
notful
lorel
sealleyeswould'
vebeenonher.
Thisti
mearoundi di
dn'
tlookather
,il
ookedat
theoff
icert
hatwascerti
fyi
ngdocuments..
Her
:Iam notcr
azy
Itur
nedandlookedather,t
hosetear
shave
madehercheeksblacktheymixedwit
h
whateverbl
acknessmakeupthatsheputunder
hereyes.
.
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkt
haty
ouar
ecr
azy
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Youdon'tneedat her
api
sttoseethatshewas
deeplyhurt
,idon'
tknowwhathappenedbutthe
personresponsi
blefort
hisr
eall
ybrokethi
s
gi
rl.
.
Me:Whydon'
twegotomypl
acesot
hati
can
t
akealookaty
ourf
oot?
Shet ur
nedandl
ookedatmewi
theyes
screaming"
YouSonofaseabi
scui
tyouwanna
takeadvant
age"
.
Ii
mmediat
elycal
loneoft
hel
i
eut
enant
sto
come.
.
Me:Iam abouttotakethi
sladydowntothe
l
odgewherei am stayi
ngyoucancallmeonmy
cel
lever
y10mi nifidon'
tanswersendacar
It
urnedandl
ookedather
..
Me:
Thatmeansi
woul
d'
veki
l
ledher
Thel
i
eut
enantl
ooksatmedumbf
ounded.
.
Me:getapenandpadsoi cangi
vey
out he
addr
ess,myroom number
,andmycell
phone
number
Thel
ieutenantdi
dashewast oldil
ookedather
andithi
nkthatrel
axedherabiti
ntotr
usti
ng
me..
.
.
YAYA
Sandilewasont opofmeridi
ngmewi t
hal lt
he
strengtht
hathehadi nhi
m asi fl
i
kewehav en'
t
hadsexi nay ear,
hewasholdingmyt highswith
hishandsandj ustspr
eadi
ngmyl egsfarapart
togetbetteraccess
Idon'
tknowi fthi
swassaf ef ort
hebabybuti
suggestedthatweuseacondom.Fort hefir
st
ti
meev erhewasn' tst
rangli
ngmeorbi t
ingme
butwewer ehav i
ngsexl i
keaci v
ilcouple.
.
Hishandsmov edf r
om mythighstopi
ckingup
mybuttandpulli
ngmecl osertohimforci
ngme
toopenmor ewider,iwon'
tli
ei hav
emissed
him.Imissedhavinghiminsi
deofme..
Hepul l
edoutandt hengentlypull
edmetot
he
edgeoft hebed,hewasst andingupnowwit
h
myl egswrappedar oundhim.Hewentfori
tasi
rubbedmycl i
t.
.
Hewasmoani ngandi wasi nthewor ldofmy
ownt oo,t
hisseemst ober el
axinghi mf rom
whateverthatwast roubli
nghi m.Mybody
tensedupasi wascloset ogetti
ngcl oset o
rel
easemyj uices,henot i
cedandt henpul l
ed
out.Hequicklylethistonguewor kit
'smagi ci
pressedhisheadv erymuchhar dagai nstmy
cookieasIhadt hemostt enseor gasm.I twas
soodamngoodt hatilostmymi nd,ididn't
knowwhatt odowi t
hmy self
..
Me:
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
.
.
LI
HLE
Wedroveuptothelodgei don'
tknowwhythi
s
copwassokindtomeaf t
erihadpunchedhi
m,
yel
l
ed,andkeptonhit
ti
ngt hebonnetofhi
scar
embar
rassi
nghiminbr oaddayli
ght.
.
Hi
m:Andweher
e
Heopenedthedoorandwentouti
satt
her
est
il
l
t
ryi
ngtoprocesswhyheisbei
ngsooni
ce.
.
Hedist
urbedmefrom mythought
swhenhe
openedthedoorf
rom myside.
.
Hi
m:Ifi
takeof
fthi
scuf
fspr
omi
sey
ouwon'
tgo
cr
azy
?
Isl
owlynoddedashelookedatme,
hei
snot
afr
aidt
ojustlookatme.
.
Heuncuf
fedmeandirubbedmywrist
s,t
hey
wer
eabitpai
nful
thecuff
sweret
ight.
.
Hi
m:Sor
ryi
fthathur
tyou
Me:
sor
ryf
orpunchi
ngy
ou
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Him:l
uckyformeyouhavepr
ett
ysmall
handsi
shoul
dbeaskingy
ouifyoudi
dn'
thur
tyourl
i
ttl
e
hand,
hetookmyhandandchecked.
.
Hi
m:nobonesbr
oken?
Ishookmyheadno.
.
Il
ookeddowni
t'
sonl
ynowt
hepai
nfr
om my
bi
gtoehit
sme.
.
Hi
m:wi
l
lyoubeabl
etowal
k?
Me:
Ithi
nkso
Iam notusedtowalki
ngbaref
ootedsomyfeet
haditrought
odaytheywereevenachi
ng.
.
Igotoutofthecarandasmuchasi wastryi
ng
towalkbutitwasdif
fi
cult
,itwasli
kei was
walki
ngont opofeggshell
s.Helookedatme
andlaughedwhil
eshakinghishead..
Hi
m:l
etme.
.
Me:
Iam f
ine!
!Im good
Hel
ookedatmegivi
ngmethatbeaut
if
ulwide
smi
l
eofhis,wi
dert
hanKanyeWest'
sone..
Het
urnedar
ound.
.
Hi
m:Comeoni
wil
lbey
ourhoar
se
Me:
Noi
am good
Hi
m:f
oroncedon'
tbehar
d-headed
Iputmyhandsonhi
sshouldersandjumped,
he
puthi
sarmsundermylegsandmadesur ei
wascomfort
abl
ysecur
eonhi sback.
.
Hi
m:ar
eyouokay
?
Inodded.
.
Hi
m:can'
theary
ou
Me:
Iam f
ine
Hestart
edwalki
ngwhil
esi
ngingij
ustlaidmy
headonhisbacktot
hesoundofhi
sv oice
rel
axi
ngme
"Yeah,you'
rel
ookingatthetrut
h,t
hemoney
neverli
e..NoI'
mt heone,yeah,
I'
mt he
one..
Earlymorni
n'inthedawn,knowyouwanna
ri
denow.( Let
'sri
de.)
I
'mtheone,yeah.(Let
'sri
de.
).I
'
mt heone, y
eah.
.
Hear
dyou'r
esickofall t
hoseotherimit
ator
s,
Don'
tl
ettheonlyrealoneint
imidateyou.
.
Seey
ouwat
chi
n'
,don'
trunout
tat
imenow"
.
[
09/
28,
13:
31]Ron:
¥28
KI
NG
Iwasst arringatherwhi l
eshesl eptpeacefull
y
onmybed.I twasv eryevi
dentthatshehad
beenthroughal ot
,whocoul d'
vepossi bl
yhurt
herli
ket his.Ihav eworkedwi t
hsuchcases
befor
ewher eawomani storment edbyher
husbandorpar t
ner,i
hopet hat'
snott hecase
wit
hher .Whi chmanwoul dpossi blyhurtsucha
beauti
ful soul ?
Ineededtogoandgetsomet hi
ngtoeat
,iwoul
d
bedoingagr avemist
aketoleaveheral
one
hereunattendedbuti
needt ogetsomet
hing
shemi ghtwakeuphungry.Iwalkedt
othebed
andgent l
ywokeherup..
Shesl
owl
yopenedherey
es.
.
Me:Iam goingtogetsomet
hingt
oeati
sawa
complexnearby
Shenodded,
thengotup.
.
Her
:Iwi
l
lcomewi
th
Me:
arey
ousur
e?
Shenodded.
.
Shegotoutofbedandl
ookedather
sel
f,her
cl
othesweredi
rty
..
Her
:ormay
benot
Me:
Icanborrowyoumytrackpantsandmy
t
shi
rt
,youcanalsowearmysleeper
s
Sheagr
eed.
.
.
.
NDI
LE
Ihadagoodsessionwit
hYay aihav ehadsex
beforewit
hHlehl
ebutwit
hYay ashej ustknows
herstoryi
nbed.Shewasatthekitchen
prepari
ngsomethi
ngtoeatwheni snuckupon
herandhuggedherfr
om behind,
shesmi l
ed..
Her
:Heyar
eyougoi
ngal
ready
?
Me:
Yai
am
Her:
Whydon'tyoust
ayf
ordi
nnerbecausei
wannat
alkt
oy ou
Me:
about
?
Shetur
nedaroundandlookedatmewhi
l
e
put
ti
ngherhandsaroundmyneck..
Her
:Yes.
.
Me:
Yes?
Her
:Iwi
l
lmar
ryy
ou.
.Iwi
l
lbey
oursecondwi
fe
Withal
lthefucker
ythat
'sbeengoi
ngoni
real
l
y
neededtohearthat
.
Me:
arey
ousur
e?
Shesmi
l
edandnodded.
..
Ihuggedher
..
Me:
Youhav
ejustmademet
hehappi
estman
Her
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Myphonerang.
.Shebr
okethehugandIwent
t
ogetit
,itwasMyMother
..
Me:
Ma?
Her
:Sandi
l
eukuphi
?(wher
ear
eyou)
Me:
Iam ar
ound
Her
:Cel
aubuy
ether
e'sanemer
gency
Me:
anemer
gency
?
Her
:Li
hlei
smi
ssi
ng
Me:
whatdoy
oumeant
hatLi
hlei
smi
ssi
ng?
Her:MeandherAuntwentt
obuyveget
abl
es
welefthersl
eepi
ngont
hecouchwhenwe
camebackshewasnothere
Me:
What
?
Her
:Herphonei
sher
e
Me:
MauLihl
eisnoti
nagoodemot
ional
stat
e
t
obelef
tal
one
Her
:Iknowandi
feel
badal
ready
Me:
Iam onmyway
Ihungup.
.
Yay
a:I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:
Ihav
etogoLi
hlei
smi
ssi
ng
Her
:Mi
ssi
ng?
Me:shewaslef
tal
onei
nthehouseandshe
di
sappear
ed
Her
:Ohnot
hat
'st
err
ibl
e
Me:
Iknow
Igotmycarkey
sandki
ssedher
.
Me:
Iwi
l
lcal
lyou
Her
:Okayi
hopey
ouf
indher
Me:
met
oo
Iwal
kedoutt
omycar.Lihl
epissesmeoff
someti
messhecanact
uall
yli
keachil
d..
.
.
LI
HLE
Ithoughtwewer ejustget
ti
ngsomethi
ngt oeat
butiendeduphel pinghi
m buyafewgroceri
es
andot hert
hingsthatheneeded.
.
Hi
m:Howi
syourt
oe?
Me:
Sti
l
lpai
nful
Wewer
enowdr
ivi
ngbackt
othel
odge.
.
Hi
m:Youmustgot
otheDoct
ort
omor
row
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Ki
ngisverysweeti
didn'
tknowt
hatguy
sli
ke
hi
m st
il
lexist
..
Me:
Thanky
ou
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Hi
m:f
or?
Me:
Fort
oday
Hi
m:Youwel
come
Wef
ocusedont
her
oad.
.
Hi
m:whathappened?
It
ookt
imebef
orer
epl
yi
ngt
othat
..
Me:
MyMom passedon
Hi
m:Iam sor
ryt
oheart
hat
Hecont
inueddr
ivi
ng.
..
Hi
m:Whathappened?
Me:shewasst
abbedtodeat
happarentl
y
someonebr
okeinatmyhouseandattacked
her
Hewhi
stl
ed.
..
Hi
m:t
hat
'sat
ragi
cwayt
odi
eiam sor
ry
Me:Ij
ustwantt
hepeopl
ewhodi
dthi
stobe
f
ound
Wekeptqui
et.
.
Him:
waitiam meantt
obewor
kingona
homi
cidecaseofawomanwhowasmurder
ed
Me:
real
l
y?
Hi
m:Yest
hat
'smyf
ir
stcase
It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m..
Me:
Cany
oupl
easef
indt
hem?
Hi
m:Iam t
hebestatwhati
dohencei
gott
his
pr
omoti
on
Hehel
dmyhand.
.
Hi
m:Iwi
l
lfi
ndt
hem.
.Ipr
omi
se
Me:
thanky
ou
Hel
etgoofmyhand.
.
Hi
m:canyoupl
easedr
ivemehome?Iam sur
e
myfi
ancéi
sworri
ed
Hi
m:f
iancé?
Me:
Youdi
dn'
tthi
nki
wassi
ngl
eri
ght
?
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Hi
m:Noiam justshockedhewoul
dal
l
owy
ou
t
ogooutofhomei nthatst
ate
Me:
Hewasn'
tar
ound
Hi
m:Ther
egoesourf
ood
Me:
May
benextt
ime
Hi
m:i
wil
lhol
dyout
othosewor
ds
Me:
fri
ends?
Hi
m:f
ri
ends
.
.
NDI
LE
Iar
ri
vedathomemyMot
herwassi
tt
ingwi
th
Li
hle'
sAunt
..
Me:
Shehasn'
tcomeback?
Ma:
No
Me:
Lihl
ecanbeaheadachesomet
imes
Aunt:
Shej
ustlostherMot
hershei
snot
thi
nki
ngst
rai
ght
Me:That
'snoreasontowonderar
oundi
nthe
st
reet
sit
'sdangerousoutt
her
e
Mom:
Let
'sj
ustt
ryandf
indher
Iopenedt
hef
ri
dgeandt
ookoutacanofbeer
..
Me:Idon'
tknowwher
etoev
enst
artl
ooki
ngf
or
her
Aunt
:Herf
ri
ends
Me:
Iwi
l
lst
artt
her
e
Wehear
dacarpul
l
ingup.
.
Mom:
Whoi
sthat
?
Wewai
tedf
orwhoev
eri
twast
ocomei
n,af
ter
afewmi nut
essomeoneknockedthenthedoor
opened.Li
hlewal
kedi
nwithanotherguy,
my
Mom stoodupandwenttoHugher .
.
Mom:
Lihl
ekodway
ougav
eusascar
e
Myeyeswer
efixedonthi
sguywhoj
ust
br
oughtmyf
iancéin.
.
HerAuntst
oodupt
ooandwentt
ohugher
..
Aunt
:Wher
ewer
eyou?
Li
hle:Iam sor
ryt
hati
gav
eev
ery
onesucha
fr
eight.
.
Wef
ocusedont
heguy
..
Him:Mynamei sKingi
am aDetecti
ve.If
ound
herwonder
ingaroundi
nthest
reets
Thenwhat ?Het ookhertohispl ace?Whyi s
shewearinghisclothes?Iwasst art
ingtoget
verymad.Her ewewer eworriedabouther
thi
nki
ngsomet hi
nghappenedbutshewentt o
bit
charoundmeandherwegoi ngt ohavea
l
engthydiscussionpriv
atel
yaf t
ert hisguyhas
l
eft
..

¥29
LI
HLE
I
twasav
eryawkwar
dmoment
.
MaKhumal
o:Thanky
ouf
orbr
ingi
ngherback
saf
eandsound
Ki
ng:
It'
spar
tofmyj
ob
Hel
ookedatme.
.
King:Ihopet
omorr
owyouwil
lgot
otheDrso
theycanchecky
ourbi
gtoe
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Heputhi
shandonmyshoul
der
..
King:Begoodandi
promi
sey
oui
wil
lfi
ndt
he
perpetr
ator
s
Ndi
l
e:Youwi
l
lfi
ndt
heper
pet
rat
ors?
Ki
ngl
ookedatNdi
l
e..
Ki
ng:
Iam i
nchar
geoft
hehomi
cidecase
Ndi
l
e:Agai
nwhoar
eyou?
Me:
Ndi
l
e..
Ndi
l
e:Iam nott
alki
ngt
oyouHl
ehl
e
King:
Iam Detect
iveNkambul
eandy
oucannot
tal
ktoherl
ikethat
Ndi
l
e:shei
smyf
iancé
Ki
ng:I
fthat
'showyout
alkt
ohery
oucannotdo
i
tinmypresence
Ndi
l
e:whatl
awam i
breaki
ng"
det
ect
ive"
MaKhumalo:Det
ect
ivet
hanky
ouv
erymuchf
or
br
ingi
ngherback
Aunt
:whathappenedt
oyourcl
othes?
Ndi
l
e:goodquest
ion
King:
theywer
edirt
yandr
ippedshedi
dn'
tfeel
comfort
abl
einthem
Ndi
l
e:Whi
chpar
tofy
ourj
obsay
s"Takea
womanhome"
Ki
ngsmi
l
edandl
ookedathi
m..
Ki
ng:
Agai
nyoucannott
alkt
omel
i
ket
hat
Ndi
le:y
oui nmyhouseicantal
ktoy
ouhowever
Iwantther
e'snol
awprevent
ingmefr
om doi
ng
so
MaKhumal
o:Sandi
l
epl
ease.
.
Ndi
l
e:weshoul
dn'
tbescar
edbyt
hef
actt
hathe
i
sacop
Ki
ng:
Ithi
nki
shoul
dleav
e
MaKhumal
o:Thanky
ouagai
n
Me:
Thanky
ou
Hel
ookedatmeandthenwal
kedout.Weal
l
r
emainedqui
etf
oramoment,
Ndil
elookedat
myAunt.
Ndi
le:Imustacceptsuchabehav
iourand
di
srespect
?
Aunt
:Iwi
l
ltal
ktoher
Ndil
e:Pl
easedobecausetr
uthfull
yspeaki
ng
t
hisicannott
oler
ateandwon'ttol
erat
e
MyAuntaskedt
otal
ktomei
npr
ivat
e,wewent
out
side.
.
Aunt
:whathappened?
Me:
Ial
readyt
oldev
ery
one
Aunt:
NoHl ehl
eimeanwhat'
sgoi
ngonngawe
showingupweari
nganot
herman'
scl
othes?
MyAunthasal waysbeenbi
gonr espectwheni
t
comest oyourhusbandorf
iancé,
sheisvery
oldschoolshedwell
sonthemani stheheadof
thefamil
yandshouldalway
sber espect
edno
matterwhat.
Aunt :
showingupphowitht hesamemankubo?
Infrontofhi
sMotherHlehle?Youknowhow
stubborntheKhumalosareuf unabakubheke
kanjani?(
howdoy ouwantt hem tolookatyou)
Me:
Sor
ryAunt
y
Aunt
:Iam notshout
ingorangr
yaty
ou,
now
youlef
twit
hmeandi mustshowy
outheway
andguideyou,
iwoul
dbeabadguardi
ani
fi
all
owyoutodosuchthi
ngs
Me:
Iknow
Aunt:PhelahisMothertoldmethataft
erthe
funeralt
heywannast artt
henegoti
ati
onsit'
s
alwaysbeeny ourMother'
swishforyoutoleav
e
homei nar i
ghtf
ulmannerpleasedon't
disappoi
nther,don'
tdisappoi
ntus.
Inodded.
.
Aunt:Youknowhowj eal
ousy ourcousinsare
thatyouthefi
rstonetogetmar riedwithout
havingababy,thefi
rstonetoev erhaveast abl
e
Relati
onshi
pdon'tmesst hi
supandmaket hem
happy.Thesedaysnjegirl
sar ebeingplayedby
boysy ouar
eluckytohav efoundonet hat
wannamakey ouhiswife
Me:
IknowAunt
y
Aunt
:Youwi
l
lnev
erf
indsomeonel
i
keSandi
l
e
Hl
ehl
eremembert
hat
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Aunt
:let
'sgobacki
nsi
de
MyAuntholdsSandil
eonahi ghpedest
alshe
doesn'
tknowwhathei sabout.Wewentback
i
nsidethehouseandMaKhumal owasdishi
ng
up.
.
Ndi
l
e:noKar
abonj
ewher
eisshe?I
t'
slat
e!
MaKhumal
o:Shewi
l
lbeher
e
MaKhumal
olookedatme.
.
Her
:ukahl
eLi
hle?(
arey
ouokay
)
Me:
YeboMangi
kahl
e(YesMai
am f
ine)
Ndi
l
e:l
et'
sgoandt
alki
npr
ivat
e
MaKhumal
o:asi
dleni
k'qal
a(l
et'
seatf
ir
st)
Ndi
l
e:wewon'
ttakel
ong
Wewalkedouttotheout
sideroom,helocked
t
hedoorandleanedagai
nstitwhi
lest
arri
ngat
me.
.
Ndi
l
e:Di
dyousl
eepwi
thhi
m?
Me:
Idi
dn'
t
Ndi
l
e:Whyar
eyouwear
inghi
scl
othes?
Ishowedhi
m mybi
gtoe.
.
Me:If
ell
andhurtmysel
fsohehelpedi
n
cl
eani
ngthewoundandthenputabandai
d
Ndi
l
e:Hi
spl
acei
sahospi
tal
?
Me:
No
Ndile:YourMotherjustpassedonandyougo
outt her
eandbecomeahoey ouar
enot
respecti
nghermemor y!Doyouthi
nkshewoul
d
bepr oudofyourightnow?
Me:
KodwaIdi
dn'
tsl
eepwi
thhi
m nj
ena!
!
Iwasupsetthathewouldbri
ngmyMotheri
nto
thi
ssi
tuati
on.Hewalkedtowardsmeandit
ook
afewstepsback..
.
Ndi
l
e:Don'
tyouev
eri
nyourwhol
eli
fer
aise
yourv
oiceatmesi
yezwana?(
doweunder
stand
eachother
)
Me:
ngi
yaxol
i
sa(
iam sor
ry)
Ndi
le:
Ishet
her
easonwhyy
ouwant
edust
o
br
eakup?
Me:
No
Ndi
l
e:Forhowl
onghav
eyoubeendat
inghi
m?
Me:
wenotdat
ing
Ndi
le:Ungangezi
is'
l
imawenaskhebereshe
ndi
ni!(
don'tmakemeafoolyouwhore)
Me:may
beweshoul
dtal
kwheny
ouhav
e
cal
meddown
Iwal
kedawayandthenhegrabbedmyar
m and
sl
appedmeacrossthef
ace.
.
Ndil
e:don'
twal
kawaywheni
am st
il
ltal
ki
ngt
o
you!
Hegrabbedmeandt
hrewmeonthebed,i
was
nowcryi
ng.Af
ewhoursagoi
wastreat
edli
kea
queenbyanot
herman,andnowi
am t
reat
ed
l
iketr
ashbymyfiancé.
.
Ndi
l
e:uy
ang'
nyany
isa!(
youdi
sgustme)
Hespatonme.
.
Him:Allal
ongyouaccusingmeofcheat
ing
kant
iit
'syou!Youcheat
ingonme!!(
shouti
ng)
Dammi tLi
hlemaan!!
Iwanthimt ostopwit
hallt
hesei
nsul
tsand
shout
ing,icannott
akethem hei
sput
tingme
downmor e..
.
.
YAYA
Li
hledisappear ed?Iwonderwhathappened.I
wonderwhatmadehert odisappear.Did
Sandil
et ellheraboutme?What '
sreally
happeningi ntheirr
elati
onshipri
ghtnow
becausei tseemsasi fl
ikeiam athreattoher
.
Whatmor ewhenSandi l
ehasmar r
iedme?I
l
aughedasithoughttomy sel
f.Letheractli
ke
t
hisshei
sdef i
nit
elygoi
ngt odri
vehim str
aight
i
ntomyarms, heevenlooksli
kehei sal
ready
t
ir
edofher.
.
IwatchedtvasIconti
nuedeati
ngmyi cecr
eam,
icannotwaitf
orSandi
letotel
lheraboutme.I
wannamakeherl i
feverydi
ffi
cul
t,i
wannadriv
e
hercrazy
!
.
.
KI
NG
Iwasn'tsupposedt obeatt hecrimesceneunt i
l
tomorrowbuti couldn'thel
pmy self,t
hecaptain
wassupposedt oi
nt roducemet omor r
ow
morningandhandmemybadgebutt hatcan
waitihaveahomi cidecaset osolve.Lihl
e'
s
fi
ancéi di
dn'tli
kehowhewast alkingtoher,to
mehecameof fasv eryabusi
veandcont rol
li
ng
butunfort
unat elyicannotdoany t
hingunti
l
Lihl
ecomesf orward.I twasmeandt he
forensicst eam, iwasl ookingatt hatbi gblood
staininthemi ddl eoft her oom t hatwasdr ying
out.Iwal kedar oundi nt hehouset ochecka
fewt hi
ngs, i
twasv erydi f
fi
culttodet erminei f
theystoleany thingbecauset herewasno
forcedent ryandnost ruggle.Usual l
ywhent he
victi
mf ightsbacky ouwoul df i
ndobj ectsont he
fl
oorandev erythingbutt hisvictiminpar ti
cular
doesn'tlookl i
keshef oughtback, ormay beshe
wasov erpower ed.Icr oucheddownasIpl ayed
thewhol escenar i
oi nmymi nd,shehadno
strengtht ofightt hem.I fshebr okel ooset hen
wewasgonnahav ebl oodspl atteredar oundbut
i
twasonl yi nonepl acewhi chcl earl
yi ndicated
thatshewashel ddownshedi dn'thav eany
chancet obr eakl oose. .
Iwillhavetoquestioneveryoneincl
udingLi
hle
herselfandi wannaknowt herelati
onshi
pthat
Lihl
e'sfiancéhadwi t
hLihl
e'sMot her.Wher
e
theyclose?Di dsheaccepthim ashersonin
l
aw?Di dtheyhaveanyaltercat
ionsthat
might'
vetr
igger
edhimtocommi tsuchacr
ime?
Ihavenodoubtthatt
hispoorwomanwas
tar
getedbysomeoneclosetoher.
.
[
09/
28,
13:
31]Ron:
¥30
LI
HLE
Iwokeupi nt hemor ningandIst illhadt ocar r
y
thepai nofmyMot her '
ssuddenpassi ngandt he
reali
t yofbei nganor phan.Ther eal i
tyofbei ng
alone.MyPat ernal familywasnev erint he
pictur eandmyMot her'sfami l
yont heot her
sidewewer en' tv erymuchcl osewi tht hem
othert hanherSi sterandaf ewot hers.Bei ng25
andnothav ingachi ldofmyown, andbei ngi na
l
engt hyr elationshi pmadesomeofmycousi ns
todi slikeme.Theymademef eel guil
tyabout
howIwasr aisedandhowi respect edmy selfas
tonotchangeboy f
riendsf astert hani change
myunder wear .Iam notsay ingt hati am bet t
er
orper fectbutsel fr especti swhatmyMot her
taughtme, andi ti
ssomet hi
ngt hati li
vedbyas
tomakebot hherandmyFat herpr oud.Iwas
alonei nt her oom ast ear sfellnowt here'sgoing
tobehol i
day st hatiwi llhavet ospendwi t
hout
her ,mybi rthday s,Christmas, allthose
i
mpor t
anthol idaysandspeci al moment si wil
l
spendwi thouther .She' snev ercomi ngback,
deat hhol dsnor oom f orvisit
ationsi ntheot her
wor ld.Iwi pedmyt earsast hedooropened
Sandi lewal kedi nhel ookedal readypr epar ed
forwor k.Ont heotherhandt here'sSandi leour
relationshi pist akingadownwar dspi r
al andI
don' tev enknowwhatt odo, Iam br eaking
phy sicallyandemot ional l
y.Heexhal edand
camet osi tnextt ome, her anhi shandonmy
braids..
Him:Il
ovey
ouLihl
eCelewithal
lmyheart,
i
don'
tknowwhat
'shappeni
ngtousbutidon'
t
l
ikei
t
Idi
dn'tknowwhattosaybecausethi
s
rel
ati
onshipi
sdr
aini
ngthelastst
rengt
hthati
hav
einme.
.
Him:
Justt
ell
mehowtof
ixi
tandi
wil
l
,tel
lme
howtof
ixusandi
wil
l
.
Ifiknewhowt
ofi
xusi
woul
dtel
lhi
m buti
don'
t
know..
Him:Iam tryi
ngt obeabetterperson,i
wakeup
ever
ydayandi wannabeabet t
erpersonbuti
cannotachievet hatwhenyounol ongerwith
me.Youst uckwi t
hmet husfarandi wantto
conti
nuethisjour neywi
thyou,iloveyouLihl
e
morethany out hink
Ilov
ehi
mt oo,
ilov
ehim wit
hmyallbuthi
slov
e
formei
ssomehowt oxi
c.Heisbr
eaki
ngme
downmore.
Heputhi
shandundermychinandmademe
l
ookathi
m wit
heyessti
l
lful
loftear
s..
Him: l
et'
stryitonelastt
imeifitdoesn'
twor
k
thenmay bejustmay bewewer enotmeantto
be,iam askingforonelastchanceidon'
t
wannal
osey
ou
Looki ngathim, starr
ingdeepi ntohissexyeyes
theyseem t ov al
idatewhathei ssayi
ng.He
seemst ruewithwhathei ssay i
ng,Lordwhy ?
Whydoi lovehimt hi
smucht hough?Thi sguy
hurtmebef oreandhekeepsonhur t
ingmebuti
failt
ol etgo.Ifailtoletgooft helovethatonce
existedbet weenusandpossi blystil
ldoes.The
truthisthatIlovehi m,ilovehim withallmy
hear t
..
It
'sonl ywhenIf eltmyl i
psgetti
ngweti reali
zed
thathewaski ssingme, hishandgent ly
squeezedmyt high.Iwaswear i
nghi stshirtonly
sincei di
dn'tbringmypaj amaswi thandhe
forcedhishandi nbet weenmyt highs.Am It hat
muchbr okentoal lowmy selft
obeabusedi n
thismanner ?Am i thatmuchbr okentofor gi
v e
allthathehasdoneandwannagi vehim
anot herchance?Why ?Whyi sitsoeasyt o
forgivewhent hephy sicalconnectionis
i
nv olved?Isthishowoneshoul dl i
ve?Justal ot
ofconfusi
ngthoughts.Beforeiknewitiwason
topofhim andhewasr unninghishandsall
overmyskin,hewaski ssi
ngmeonmyneckal l
downt omychest.Thistimearoundhewas
handl
ingmewi thcar
e..
.
.
KI
NG
Afterthecaptainhadi ntroducedmet hest ati
on
wasmor ewelcomi ngt hanIhadant icipated
exceptforoneDet ect
ivewhodi dn'tlikeme
j
oiningtheteam becausenowheseesmeasa
compet i
ti
onandat hr
eatt othehigherposi ti
on,
bothmeandhi m wewi llhavetofightf orthat
positi
onofbei ngcapt ainsometime. .
Cap:Thestat
ionisv
eryhonouredt
ohav
eyoui
havehear
donl yt
hebestaboutyou
Me:
Iful
l
ydedi
cat
emy
sel
ftowhati
do
Hegav
emeahandshake.Det
ect
iveShongwe
camet
ous.
.
Hi
m:wel
come
Heext endedhishandt omef orahandshake,
i
extendedmi netohi
m andt heylocked.He
ti
ghtenedt hegr
ipalitt
lewhil
egivingmea
disapprovi
nglook,igavehi
m al ookofmyown
too..
Cap:
Okayboy
slet
'spl
ayi
tcool
Webr
oket
hehandshake.
..
Cap:
bothofyouwi
l
lbewor
kingont
his
homi
cidecase
Shongwel
ookedathi
m..
Shongwe:
Youcan'
tdot
hati
deser
vet
hiscase
Cap:it
hinkbot
hofyouneedtounderst
andt
hat
younotincompet
it
ionwi
theachotherandt
hat
yousupposedtomakeateam
Wel
ookedateachot
herandt
henhi
m..
Cap:
Wehav
emor
ecol
dcasest
hansol
ved
casesalr
eadyourstati
onhasabadreputat
ion
that
'swhyi needbot
hofy out
ochangethatand
whatbetterwaythantohaveyout
wowor ki
ng
onthiscase
Shongwe:
butCap.
.
Cap:Idon'
twannaheari
tShongwey
ouwi
l
ljust
havetomakeitwork
I
t'
sbadenought
hatwegoi
ngtoshar
eanoffi
ce,
nowwehavetoworkt
oget
her
.TheCapt
ain
wal
kedout.
..
Shongwef
oldedhi
sar
ms.
.
Him: Let'
sunderstandeachotheriam thebest
atwhatIdoandi wantyout ostayoutofmy
way !Youcanmakey our
selfuseful
bygoing
aroundandaski ngtheneighboursi
ftheyheard
orsawany t
hingthatni
ghtandleavethereal
i
nv esti
gati
ont ome!
Hepatmeonmyshoulderashewalkedout
,i
st
oodther
eandchuckl
edwhil
eshakingmy
head.
.
.
.
YAYA
Beforel
eav
ingf
orschool
ical
l
edmyMot
hert
o
tel
lhert
hegoodnews.
Ma:Yayawhyufonaek'
seni
so?(
whyar
eyou
cal
l
ingsoear
ly)
Me:
wel
lihav
egoodnews
Ma:
goodnews?Il
i
kegoodnews
Me:
Iwi
l
lbeget
ti
ngmar
ri
edsoon
Shekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e..
.
Me:
Ma?
Ma:
get
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
Me:Yesmyboy
fri
endhasaskedmet
omar
ry
hi
m
Ma:
WowYay
a!I
..Angi
khol
way
az'
(ican'
t
bel
i
evei
t)
Me:Heisveryr
ichMaandi
knowt
hati
l
lbei
n
goodhands
Ma:Fi
nall
y!Lakul
endawotheywi
llr
espectus
nowotherthanal
way
slaughi
ngatus
Me:
Iam v
eryhappyMa
Ma:Iam ver
yhappyf
ory
oumygi
rlGodhas
bl
essedyou
Me:
hehas.
.
Ma:Si
zombonani
ni?(
whenar
ewegoi
ngt
osee
hi
m)
Me:Er
rr.
.Beng'
cabangaukuthini
nanizengapha
(i
wasthinki
ngthatyouguysshouldcomethis
si
de)
Ma:
ser
ious?
Me:
YeboMa
Ma:Icannotwai
tYay
ayoudon'
tknowpr
oudi
am ofyou
Me:
Thanky
ouMa
Ma:
Shi
nebabygi
rl
..Shi
ne!
Me:
Ihav
etogoMai
wil
lcal
lyouagai
n
Ma:
OkayNonoby
e
Nowwhat '
slef ti
stotel
lSandi
leaboutt hi
s,i
wantmyMot herandmyGr andmot hertocome
vi
sitmebuti wantust ost
ayov erathishouse
becausemyf lati
stoosmalltoaccommodat e
al
lofus.Atleastift
heycomet ov i
sitthi
s
weekend.
.
.
.
NDI
LE
Forthefir
sttimeev erHlehl
ewasmor er
elaxed
thi
st i
mear oundsheev enall
owedf ormet odo
anythi
ngt oher,sheseemedt obeenjoyi
ng
hersel
fthansheusual lydoeswhenoursexl i
fe
usedt obeboringandal waysmissi
onary.She
all
owedf ormet ostrokeherhai
r,beggedfor
met ogoharderwasv eryunexpect
edandabit
ofashock.Afteroursessionihadtoget
dressedagai
nandt hengot owork,iwas
al
readylat
e.AsIwasdr i
vi
ngi r
ecei
vedacal
l
fr
om BigDaddy ,andianswered.
Me:
BigDaddy
Hi
m:Sandi
l
emyman
Me:
Gladt
ohearf
rom y
ou
Hi
m: Justcall
edtotelly
outhatthi
sweekend
weinbusinessSaturdayandSunday
Me:
Thatsoundsgood
Hi
m:Iwi
llpayy
ouR30000upf
rontf
ort
hose
t
wodays
Me:
That
'swhati
wannahear
Hi
m:Iwi
l
lbei
ntouch
Looksl
i
kemycl
ubi
sgoi
ngt
omakemeal
otof
money.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
28,
18:
35]Ron:
¥31
LI
HLE
LateronmyAuntandi wentbackt ot hehouse
whent hewor dwasoutt hatt hePol icehav e
coll
ectedal l
theev i
denceandi t snol ongera
cri
mescene.I twasMe, MyAunt ,MaKhumal o,
andKar abo.MyAuntcal ledmostofour
rel
ati
v esandl ett
hem knowsot hatt heycan
comeandhel pusmour n.Seei ngt hatar eaon
thefloorthathadherbl oodwhi chwascl ean
nowhaunt edmymi nd,thebl oodwasal otthey
probablykeptonst abbi ngherr epeat edlyev en
whenshewasbl eedingal ot.Iwannaknowhow
manyt i
messhewasst abbed, i wannaknowi f
shecr i
edandbeggedf ort hem t ost op,i wanna
knowaboutherl astmoment sal i
ve.WhyGod?
Whycoul dn'
tyouprot ectheraf tershehad
fai
thfull
yservedy oual lthesey ears?Di dn'tshe
deservey ourhandt opr ot ecther ?Idon' tknow, i
don'
tknowhowi
twor
ks.
.
Someoneputthei
rhandsonmyshoulder
s
whi
chbroughtmebacktoreal
i
ty,
icheckedwho
i
twasanditwasmyf ri
endNomsa..
Her
:ComeFi
ki
lei
sout
side
Wewal kedout
sideandshetookoutthebench
sothatwecansitandtal
k.Fi
kil
ewalkedupto
meandhuggedme, shewasweari
ngherwor k
uni
form..
Fi
ki
le:
Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Shehel
pedmesi
tdown.
.
Nomsa:
Iam v
erysor
ryf
ri
end
Sheheldmyhandwhi
l
eFi
ki
lehel
dmyot
her
hand.
.
Me:Iam ver
ysurethatshebeggedandcri
ed,
shebeggedforherl
if
eandtheydidn'
tst
op.
Theywentonandon, shemust'
vebeeni
nsoo
muchpai
n
Nomsal
aidmyheadonhershoul
der
..
Nomsa:
PleaseHl
ehl
edon'
tdot
hist
oyour
sel
f
Me:
Theyt
ookmyMot
herawayf
rom me
Nomsa:
Iknow.
.Iknowsweet
ie
Iwasdeepl
yhurttoapointwher
eiwasver
y
muchconfused,
ididn'
tknowwhatwas
happeni
nganymore..
.
.
NDI
LE
Thewayt hatmyj obdidn'tmatt
ert ome
anymor ei keptongoingoutandt akingmi nor
smoki ngbr eaks,
sinceigotherei havebeen
stuckonsomecart hatishoul
d'vefinishedwith
i
t30mi nagonowbutt helackofinterest
preventedme.Iwasout sidebusysmoki ng,i
decidedtocal lmyUncl ewhil
ei wasati t..
Uncl
e:Sandi
l
e
Me:
Mal
ume(
Uncl
e)
Uncl
e:I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:Ev
erythi
ngisfi
nejustt
hatwewer
etakenby
MaCel
e'ssuddenpassi
ng
Uncl
e-Ewu!yourMot
hercal
ledmeandtol
dme
ist
il
lcannotbel
i
evet
hatshewasst
abbedto
deat
h
Me-I
t'
sshocki
ng
Uncl e-Iam notatallshocked!Itwasmeantto
happensoont hatwomanusedt ot
alkal
ot!She
usedt obev erydisrespect
fulthewayshe
di
sr espectedandl ookeddownonourcul t
ure,
Sies!
Me-Namibekasaqal
aukungi
cikav
ele(
shewas
st
art
ingt
oannoymet oo)
Uncl
e:Apar
tofmei
sgl
adt
hatshei
sgone
Me:
Icanf
inal
l
yhav
eLi
hlet
omy
sel
f
Uncl
e:Uy
akanj
ani
uLi
hle?(
howi
sLi
hle)
Me:Emotional
l
ybroken,
nai
ve,
andstupi
das
al
ways!Thismorni
ngshecoul
dn'
twaitt
oopen
herl
egsforme
Uncle:Sies!HerMotherisnoteveninhergrave
yetandal readyshei
sbehavingt hi
sway!She
shouldbemour ni
ngherMot her
'sdeat
handnot
acti
ngliket hi
s!Sheshoul
dn'tevenbesleepi
ng
atyourhouse!
Me:Iknowbutiwantust
oactnowwhi
l
eshei
s
st
il
lemoti
onal
lybr
oken
Uncl
e:Sandi
lewhydon'ty
ouj
ustmov
eon?
Leav
ethisCelegi
rlal
one
Me:Ican'
t!Il
oveherandi
don'
twantherwi
th
any
oneelse
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:LookUncl
eLihl
e'sAuntisadrunkwi
thjust
R5000wecangetLihleiwanthertomovein
wit
hmenowpr obablynextweekMondayjust
af
tert
heweekendofherMot
her
'sf
uner
al
Uncl
e:Atleastwedon'thavet
owastemoney
onLobol
af orheriknowherAuntandUncl
eare
dr
unkstheywon'thesit
atesel
l
inghert
ousover
acoupl
eofbeer s
Me:SoSundaywewi
l
lgot
oherhouseandt
alk
t
otheAunt?
Uncl
e:HowaboutMonday
?Sundayt
heywi
l
lst
il
l
bebusy
Me:
Okay
Uncl
e:WhataboutLoOmuny
e?(
whataboutt
he
ot
herone)
Me:YoumeanYay a?SheismyQueenand
car
ryi
ngmybaby !Shei
sinvar
sit
yshehasher
wholefut
urepl
annedout
Uncl
e:Shesoundsli
kesheknowswhatshe
want
sinli
fe,t
hat'
ssomeoneyoushoul
dmar r
y
nott
hattr
ash!
Me:
Icannothur
tYay
aany
mor
ethat
'
swhyi
wantLi
hleshei
sgoi
ngt
obemyt
her
apy
Uncle:
dowhatev
eryouwantwi
thhershewas
nevermyf
avouri
tet
oevenbegi
nwith
Me:Icannotwai
tforherMother
sfuner
alt
o
passshewill
seemef orwhoiam!
Uncle:
makeherwi
sht
hatshecoul
d'
vebeen
bur
iedwit
hherMot
her
!
.
.
KI
NG
Meandt hel i
eut enantthatwasgoi ngtohel p
mewi t
ht hecasewedr oveuptothev i
ctim's
houseineededt oaskar ound,askt he
nei
ghbour siftheydi dn'
thearanythingthat
ni
ghtbutr i
ghtnowi needthedaught ertotel
l
meabi taboutt heFi ancebecausemyi ntui
ti
on
str
ongl
yt ell
smet hathemightbei nvolved
somehowi nthis.
Shewassi
tt
ingout
sideont
hebenchal
one
whenwewal kedi n,t
herewasnol i
feinher
anymoreshewasdr ai
ned.Shecouldn'
tev en
feel
thatitwasabi tcol
dnow, shewassi t
ting
ther
ejuststarri
ngdowni hadnodoubtt hatshe
hascri
edal ott hathert
earshaddriedout.I
l
ookedatt helieutenant
..
Me:Youcangoinsi
deiwi
ll
ber i
ghtther
eask
t
hefamil
yift
heyknowanyt
hingorthepeopl
e
whothemotherwascl
osewith
Henoddedandwenti nsi
de,i
mademywayt o
her.Istoodinf r
ontofherandtookoffmy
j
acket,i satnexttoherandpl
aceditoverher
shoulders.Shelookedatme..
Me:
Hey
Her
:Hey
Thej
acketfelli
pickedi
tupandwasaboutto
pl
aceitagai
nonherwheni noti
cedabitemar
k
onhershoulder
.Iranmyfi
ngerther
e..
Me:
whathappenedher
e?
Shel
ookedati
tandr
ubbedher
sel
f.
Her
:Not
hing
Ihel
dherhandandl ookedatherwri
stsshehad
brui
seswhichweren'tt
heonescausedbythe
handcuf
fs,
theseonesst i
l
llookedf
resh.
.
Me:
Ishedoi
ngt
hist
oyou?
Shegotherhandf
rom mygr
ip.
.
Her
:No
Me:
Ishei
shur
ti
ngy
ou?Pl
easet
ell
me
Her
:Hei
snothur
ti
ngme
Me:
Yournamei
sLi
hler
ight
?
Shenodded.
.
Me:Li
hlei
am tal
ki
ngtoyouasaDet
ect
iver
ight
now.
.Areyoubei
ngabused?
Her
:No
Me:
Arey
oupr
otect
inghi
m?
Shebl
ewup.
.
Her
:Iam notbei
ngabused!
!!
!(shout
ing)
Me:Thenexpl
ainthesemarks!
!Theydi
dn'
t
magical
l
yappearnowdidthey??
Her:
Leav emealone!
!!Ev
ery
onej
ustl
eav
eme
al
one!!
!(shout
ing)
Shest
oodupandwal
kedaway
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
28,
18:
35]Ron:
¥32
LI
HLE
SATURDAY
Thewhol eweekihavebeenemot i
onall
y
unstableiwoul
dcrymor ethan3timesadayi
wouldshiftawayfr
om reali
tyandbeinaworl
d
ofmyown, mymindfeltasifl
ikei
twas
betr
ay i
ngmeagr eatdeal.
It
'sf
unnyhowthingst
urnoutt
hewholeweeki
am cr
yingandnotabl
etocopebutt
odayt
he
l
astdaywheni m supposedt osaygoodby e
foreverhappenst obet hedaywhent ear sfail
me.Fr om seei ngheri nhercof fi
n, tot heser vice
atchur ch, thent ot hecemet eryi didn' tev en
shedonet ear .Iwasnumbi couldn' tf eelany
emot ionwhat soev er.Sandi l
ehasbeenv ery
suppor ti
v et hisweekpr i
ort omyMot her's
funeral ,hehasbeent heref ormeev eryst epof
thewayi ntomaki ngsur ethatIdon' tf eel al
one
butev enwi thhi m bei ngher et hev oidwasst i
ll
there.Whenwewer eatthecemet eryi was
surprisedt oseeKi ng,heact uall
ycamet o
attendt hef uner alwi t
haf ewofhi scol l
eagues
wheni sawhi m st andingther ewhatcamei nto
mymi ndwast or unt ohim andj usthav ehim
holdme, hav ehi m hol dmef oraf ewmi nutes
andnev erletgo.Icamebackf rom t hatwor ldof
fantasizi ngabouthi m wheni fel
tanar m around
myshoul der s, itwasSandi le.Wej ustgotback
from theCemet er
yandIdi dn'tgoi nsi det he
housei wasj ustl ookingar oundhopi ngi woul d
seeKi
ngbuti
didn'
tidi
dn'
tseehi
m any
wher
e..
Ndi
l
e:Ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?
Inodded.
.
Me:
Yesi
am al
ri
ght
Iwasgr eatl
ydi sappoint
edatmyAunti think
shehadsomet hi
ngtodr i
nkbeforewelefthome
thi
smor ni
ngt ogot ochurchfortheser
vice
therewayt hatshewasbehav ingwas
i
nappr opri
ate.From herbreat
hi coul
deven
smel l
thewhi skey,it
'sashamet hatIwi
llbelef
t
withher.
Ndi
l
e:Shoul
digety
ousomet
hingt
oeat
?
Me:
Iam f
inei
m nothungr
y
MyFat her'
sfamilydisappointedmeal otonly
hisSist
ershowedup, therestofthefami l
y
didn'
tshowup.Fr om myMat ernalsi
deoft he
famil
yt heydidshowup, MyMot herisXhosa
shewasor i
ginal
lyfr
om CapeTownandonl y
camet oliveherewithmyFat heraftertheygot
mar
ri
ed.
.
Me:
Iwi
l
lgoandhel
par
oundi
nthehouse
Ndi
l
e:Iwi
l
lcheckony
oul
ater
Heki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Hewal
kedawayandi
wenti
nsi
det
hehouse.
.
.
.
YAYA
Lihl
ewasoncet hequeenbutitseemsl i
keiam
taki
ngt hecrownf rom hernow.Sandil
edid
all
owf ormyGr andmotherandmyMot hert
o
comeandv isit
,theyarr
ivedyester
dayandwe
werest ayi
ngov erathishouse.TheoldSandil
e
wouldnev erall
owf orthi
st ohappenbutthe
newSandi lejustgivesmeev ery
thi
ngthati
want..
.
Iwasattheki
tchenpr
epar
ingbreakfastfor
them whenir
eceiv
edacal
lfrom Sandil
e..
.
Me:
HeyHoney
Hi
m:Peaches
Igi
ggl
ed.
.
Hi
m: I
t'
sagoodnametoat
tacht
oyoursudden
br
ight
eni
ngofcompl
exi
on
Me:
It'
sasweetname
Iputhi
m onl
oudspeaker
..
Me:
Howwast
hef
uner
al?
Hi
m:Dev
ast
ati
ng
Me:
andLi
hle?
Hi
m: Li
hlel
ooksdr
ainedshei
swalki
ngbutdeep
i
nsi
desheisdeadshehasnolif
e
Me:
Ifeel
sadf
orher
Hi
m:I
tisasadsi
tuat
ion
Me:
Idon'
that
eLi
hleandIhopet
heper
sonor
peopl
eresponsi
blef
orherMot
her
'sdeat
hcoul
d
befoundandhanged
Him:Oookaywenzani
lapho?(
whatar
eyou
doi
ngthere)
Me:Maki
ngbreakf
astf
ormyMot
herand
Gr
andmother
Hi
m:Howar
etheyf
indi
ngt
hepl
ace?
Me:
Theyhappyt
obeher
e
Hi
m:I
m gl
ad
Me:
SoLi
hlei
smov
ingi
nonMonday
?
Hi
m:Yesandy
ouwi
l
lbemov
ingi
naweekl
ater
Me:Can'
tij
ustst
ayi
nmyf
lat
?Idon'
twanna
st
epinhert
oes
Hi
m: Iwanthertoacceptyouandlear
ntol
iv
e
wit
hy ou,howisthatgoi
ngtohappenwhenyou
l
iv
einy ourfl
at?
Iexhal
ed.
.
Me:
IthoughtIwasgoi
ngt
omov
einaf
tert
he
weddi
ng
Hi
m:Youmov
ingi
njustf
oraf
ewweeks
Me:
Okayt
hen
Hi
m:Ihav
etogoi
lov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Li
hlei
sgoingtodi
ewhenshel
ear
nst
hati
am
al
somovingin.
.
.
.
LI
HLE
Iwenttochi l
lwit
hNomsaandFi ki
l
eatt he
pub&gril
lthatwasatt hecornerofourstreeti
neededtobeawayf rom homeandmyi rri
tati
ng
drunkAuntt oget
herwi t
hherhusband.They
werehav i
ngacoupl eofdr i
nksandeating
gri
ll
edmeat ,wewer echill
ingwithNomsa' s
Minist
eroff i
nanceandhi sfri
ends.
Nomsa:
Lihl
ear
eyousur
ethaty
oushoul
dbe
dr
inki
ng?
Me:
Aft
ert
ear
s
Fi
ki
le:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Me:
Ireal
l
ydon'
tknow
Myphonerangi
twasmyAunt
,it
ooki
tand
wentt
oansweri
tout
side.
Me:
Aunt
y?
Her
:ukuphi
?(wher
ear
eyou)
Me:
Justar
ound
Her
:Buy
a(comeback)
Me:
Why
?
Her
:Sandil
e'
sUncl
eisher
eweneedt
odi
scuss
awayforward
Me: Reall
yAunty?MyMotherj
ustgotbur
ied
todayandalreadyyouwannasel
lmeto
Sandil
e'sfamil
y
Her:awuyekeukubanehaba(
stop
exagger
ating)
Me:Sandi
l
eisnotaSai
nti
don'
twannamar
ry
hi
m
Her
:Manj
euy
ahl
any
a!(
nowy
ouar
ecr
azy
)
Ihungupandwentbackt
omyf
ri
ends.
.
Fi
ki
le:
Ever
ythi
ngokay
?
Me:
Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne
.
.
NDI
LE
Wewereall
wai
ti
ngforLi
hlei
thasbeenanhour
nowandshewasst
il
lnother
e..
Uncl
e:Kant
iukuphi
?(wher
eisshe)
Li
hle'
sAunt
:WhenIcal
l
edut
heshei
sonher
way
Li
hle'
sGr
andma:
Ist
il
lsayt
hisi
snotagood
i
deanot
hingaboutt
hisi
sri
ght
.
Li
hle'
sAunt
:Shehast
ogoandl
i
vewi
thheri
n
l
aws
Uncl
e:I
t'
snotli
kewej
ustt
aki
ngherwear
e
aski
ngforher
Li
hle'
sAunt:Pl
usshehasnooneandhas
nothi
nganymoreSandil
eisgoingt
otakecare
ofherandpossi
blyputhert
hroughschool
she
shoul
dbegratef
ul
Il
ookedatt
het
ime.
..
Me:
Iwi
l
lgoandl
ookf
orher
Li
hle'
sAunt:KodwauLi
hleuy
asi
hlaza!(
Lihl
eis
embarrassi
ngus)
Li
hle'
sGrandma:Whatdoyouexpect
?Her
Motherj
ustgotbur
iedandnowyougett
ingr
id
ofher
Li
hle'
sAunt:KudalauLi
hkenoSandil
e
bet
handananje( t
heyhavebeendati
ngf
ora
l
ongtime)idon'tseeanyt
hingwrongwi
tht
his
Iwal
kedoutt
omycarpi ssedashel
lihopeshe
i
snotwit
hthatDet
ect
ive!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
28,
18:
36]Ron:
¥33
LI
HLE
Iam notaf requentdr i
nkeri havealway s
restrainedf rom alcohol becausewheni am
drunki don'tknowhowt oact .Itendtodo
thingsorsayt hi
ngst hatareof fensi
vet o
someoneel seorembar rassingt omy sel
fhence
ihav et akenadeci si
ont ostayawayf rom
alcohol unt
iltoday.Ireallyneededt obedr i
fted
awayf rom real i
tyforawhi leandwhatbet t
er
wayt hanalcohol ?
IhadFiki
lewalkmehomewhenIwasst art
ing
tocausedramaatthepub&gri
ll
,herwal
kingme
homewasn' tasmoot
hwal kbecauseIwas
bei
ngt oomuchonthestreet
s.Itonl
ycame
nowt ohitmehar dthatmyMot herwasgone,
shewasgonef oreverandIwasn' tgoingt osee
herev eragain.Idon'tthinkmostpeopl eknow
thepai noflosingsomeonecl oset oyourheart,
i
wasj usttryi
ngt oreali
zemydr eamswhenshe
l
eftandnowi don'tevenknowwher etomov e
onf rom here.Thepai noflosingaMot hercuts
deepert hananypai ni haveev erknownorwent
through,i meannotl ongagoi lostmybaby ,my
rel
ationshipturnedintot hr
ownoutbr ead
crumbsandnowMom i sgone!Why ?Whyso
muchpai n?Godi fyouhav etrust edmewi th
thi
spai nknowi cannothandlei t.It'
stoomuchi
am dr owning.Isatdownont hesi deoft he
streetinthepedest r
ianwal k.
.
Fi
kil
e:Li
hleNo..No.
.Noy ouar
egoingtoat
tract
ey
esony oursel
fandIseeBuhlechi
ll
i
ngonthe
gr
asswi t
hherfri
endstheygoi
ngtomakea
mockeryoutofyou
Fi
kil
ewassay i
ngthatasifl
i
keicar
ed,but
honest
lyIdi
dn'
tcare.Idi
dn'
tcar
eabout
anythi
ngal licar
edaboutwastohavefol
lowed
myMot hertothegr
ave.Il
ookedatherasshe
stoodinf r
ontofmewi t
htear
sburni
ngmy
eyes..
Me:
Idon'
tcar
e!
Fiki
l
e:Okayl
et'
sgohomeandy
oucannotcar
e
ther
e
Tear
sfell
warmingmycheeksandigotacl
ear
vi
ewofwhatshewasdoing,andr
ightnowshe
waslooki
ngar
oundhopi
ngnoonewasseei ng
us.
.
Fi
ki
le:
Comeonbabe
Sheof feredmeahandandi st
oodupt henwe
continuedwal ki
ng, iwasoutofit
.Ikepton
stumbl i
ngar oundwhenmyr i
ghtlegwentf i
rst
,
myl eftlegdidn'tknowwheretogo.Ist opped
andj ustglanceddownsmi li
ngwi t
hmyshawl
fall
i
ng, whyIwassmi l
i
ngwithtearsdryi
ngon
mycheeks?Idi dn'tknowbutalcoholcanmake
oneaf ool.
.
Wewal kedupunt ilwepassedBuhl eandher
fr
iends, assoonaswepassedt hem t
heywer e
quietandl ookingatus.Ist
oppedandatt hat
i
nst antIfeltl
ikesayingsomething.Fi
kil
eheld
myhandasi lookedatthem butmyey ebal l
s
werej ustdisori
entedandrunningaround..
Me:
Yesi
am dr
unkBuhl
emakef
unofme!
!!
Shedidn'
tsayanyt
hingbuthadasmi
rkonher
face,
herfr
iendsl
aughed.
.
Me: Yeslaughthat..That.
.LaughatLihl
e
drunk!.
.Hermot herjustpassedon..And.
.And.
.
Andherf i
ancécheat edonherwi t
hay ell
ow
bone!!Nowshe. .has..She.
.Sheis.
.Shehas
turnedint
oalcohol pleasel
augh..
Myspeechwasdi
sor
ient
ed,
iwasst
utt
eri
ng.
.
Fi
kil
et r
iedtopullmesoweconti
nuedwalking
butifel
l andwi
thsoomuchalcoholinmy
syst
em Il ai
ddownther
eastheylaughedand
cl
appedhands. .
Buhle:doireal
lyhavetosaysomething?Look
athershe'
saj oke!Sdakwandini
!
!(suchadr unk)
iwishandhopet hatSandil
eseesyounowi n
thi
sstate!
!Theembar rassmenty
oubr i
nging
him..
Me:
Voet
sek!
!Mqunduwakho(
cussi
ng)
Theycont
inuedl
aughi
ng.
.
Buhle:Havi
ngadr
unkf
orawi
fehowi
feel
sor
ry
forhim!!
Iwantedtosaymoretoherbutiwas
completel
youtofi
t,i
wasbeginni
ngtopassout
onthatroad.
.
.
.
KI
NG
Lihle'
sMom' sfuneralwasjustheartbreaki
nga
l
otofpeopl eseemedt obegr eatl
yaf f
ectedby
herpassing.Ididn'
tknowhal fofthem buti
thinktheywereclosedfri
endsandf amily
..
Seei ngLihlejustgott ome, shewasbey ondt he
wor d" Broken"t hatbeautif
ul darkskinnedgi r
l
l
ooki ngathershehadnol i
felefti
nher ,she
wasdone.Shehadt oacceptherMot her'
s
brutal mur derandi hav enodoubtt hatshei s
beingabused, allt
hosebr uisesonherwr ist
si
knowi t'
sbondageandl ookingatLi hl
eshei s
notagi rlwhof antasiesont hat.Iam v er
ysur e
thef iancéi sabusingherphy si
call
yandsexual l
y
ontopoft hepai nthatshei salreadyf eel
ingof
l
osi ngherpar entinthatbr utalmannerhei s
i
nflictingmor e.Sheissoomuchi npai nthat
nothi ngmakessenset oher,idon'tevent hi
nk
sheknowswhatdayi tis.IficouldIwoul dcar r
y
allofherpai nforher, shehasbeent hrougha
l
ot...
Iwasbackatt hestat
ionreviewingherMot her
's
case,withnotsoomuchev idenceit'
sreal
ly
dif
fi
culttogoonwi t
hitandsol veit
,butimade
apromi setoherandiwill
sol v
et hi
scase.Isti
ll
havemysuspi ci
onsont hefiancé,wit
hmy
theoryit
hinkLihle'
sMothersomehowf ound
outthatherfiancéwasabusingherandshe
somehowwant edt
odosomet hi
ngaboutitbut
thefi
ancésilencedherf
orever.
.
Itossedthefi
l
eacr osst
het
abl
etot
he
l
ieutenant
,helookedatme.
.
Me:
Getmesomet
hingonLi
hle'
sfi
ancé
Hi
m:Li
hle'
sfi
ancé?
Me:Thedeceased'
sdaughterherfi
ancéi
hav
e
nodoubtheisinv
olv
edinthemur der
Henodded.
.
Me:
Don'
ttel
lShongwe
Hi
m:Iwon'
t
Mysisterwasi
nvol
vedi
naveryabusiv
e
r
elat
ionshi
pmaybeicanhav
ehertalktoLi
hle.
.
.
.
YAYA
MyMotherandiwewerewat
chi
ngTVandmy
Gr
andmotherwasasl
eep.
Mom: Yayay
int
lel
endl
u(Yay
athi
shousei
s
beaut
if
ul)
Me:
Kakhul
uMa(
toomuchMa)
Idon'twannat ell
Mom t hatIam inapolygamy
marriageiam v eryadamantt oeli
minateLihl
e
fr
om t hepi
cture.Iwannabet hefr
iendl
ysister
wif
et oher,tr
eatherwi threspectetciwanna
makehert heev ilone.I
fshepushesmeawayor
becomesr udeSandi lewill
getirr
it
atedand
angry,iwannabeanAngel andactverykindto
herjusttorevealherast hedevil
..
Ma:
Yay
a..
Yay
a..Yay
a!!
Isnappedoutofi
tandl
ookedather
.
Ma:SoUmkhwenyanauzosambi
sak'
sasa?(
wil
l
ourgr
oom t
akedr
iveushometomorr
ow)
Iwant
edthem t
otakeatax
itohomet hesame
wayashowtheycame,i
am notreadytoshow
Sandi
lewer
ei l
iv
e.Whatifhelosesr
espectf
or
me?Iam tr
ulyembar
rassedtoshowhim my
pover
ty.
.
.
[
09/
28,
18:
36]Ron:
¥34
LI
HLE
Igothomewi t
hFikil
eandonl yaf ewrelat
ives
werestil
lar
oundthehouse, i
twasabi tl
ateand
iwasstil
lver
ymuchdr unk.Wewal kedtothe
bedroom whereeveryonewassi t
tingandmy
Auntlookedatmef orawhi l
e..
Her:
Langel
i
hleuphumaphi
?(Wher
ear
eyou
coming)
Ithr
ewmysel
fonthechai
r,asal
way si
hadno
shoesoni
don'
tknowwherei l
eftt
hem..
Aunt
:Isshedr
unk?
Fiki
l
e:wewer
eatt
hepubandshedi
dhav
ea
few
Gr
ams:
OhhuSanal
wam'
Thi
xo!
Aunt
:Li
hle!What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Ichuckl
edasthefl
oorappear
edt
hreet
imes,
my
vi
sionwasblur
ry.
Aunt:Lihl
euyi
hlazoyazi!
(youarean
embar r
assment)ImagineifSandi
le'
sUncl
ewas
sti
l
l her
e!Besi
zothini
kodwa?( whatwerewe
goingtosay)
Thepi ctureofKingkeptpl ayi
nginmymi nd,his
beautifulwidesmi l
e,hissexyupperbody ,the
wayhel ooksatmehei snotscaredtojustlook
atmewhi chsendsbut terfl
iesi
nmySt omach.
Hei ssoocar ing,l
oving, gentl
e,war
m-hearted.
Hei sthet ypethatwoul dsweepy ouoffyour
feet,t
het ypethatwoul dst ayupwithyouat
nightwheny ousick,Kingi ssoperf
ect.Hei s
sooper fectthatit
'sscar y.
..
Aunt:Si
zot
hini
mar
a?(
whatar
ewegoi
ngt
o
say)
Mycousi nwalkedi
n,MyAunt'
sdaught er
.We
almostthesameagebutshedr oppedoutof
schoolingrade10andshehast wokids.The
babydaddiesaren'
tworki
ngsotheynot
sendinghermoney,she'
sdependentonher
ParentsandSassa.
.
Her:
Mamangical
eiR100bandl
a(Mamacani
pl
easehav
eR100)
Aunt:Ey
yNokut
hul
acel
akuy
ise(
goandask
yourFat
her
)
Her
:but
..
Aunt
:Nokuthul
ai am v
erystressedi
hav
eto
deal
wit
hy ourcousi
nrightnow
Ther
ewassi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e..
Nokut
hul
a:Andt
hen?I
sLi
hledr
unk?
Aunt
:Cabanga(
imagi
ne)
Shecl
appedherhandsandl
aughed.
Nokut
hul
a:HerMot
herusedt
omakeherbet
ter
thanusbutlookather,
herMom isnoteveni
n
hergravefort
woday sbutLi
hlei
salr
eadya
drunk!Thi
ngschange
Gr
ams:
Nokut
hul
a..
.
Nokut
hul
a:I
t'
str
ue!Thi
sisonl
ythebegi
nni
ng
Wehear
dacarpul
l
ingup.
.
Me:
Ist
hatKi
ng?
Nokut
hul
awentt
opeept
hrought
hewi
ndow.
..
Aunt
:ubani
?Whoi
sit
?
Nokut
hul
a:wai
t.
..
Aunt
:Nokut
hul
aubani
?(whoi
sit
)
Nokut
hul
a:uSandi
l
e
Aunt:kodwaSi
zot
hini
(whatar
ewegoi
ngt
o
say)
Nokut
hul
alaughedagai
n..
..
Nokut
hul
a:Asazi
(wedon'
tknow)
Fi
ki
leputherhandonmyshoul
der
.
Nokut
hul
a:Thi
sihav
etosee
Wewai t
edforSandi
l
eunt
ilhecameand
knockedatt
hedoor.
.
Aunt
:Comei
n
Hewal
kedi
n..
.
Hel
ookedatme.
..
Ndi
l
e:Whendi
dshecomeback?
Aunt
:Notsol
ongago
Ndi
l
e:I
sshedr
unk?
Aunt
:Kushokhona(
Itseemst
hatway
)
Il
ookedatFi
ki
le.
.
Me:
Hav
eyoucal
l
edKi
ng?
Fi
ki
le:
King?
Me:Det
ect
iveKi
ng?Hewor
ksatt
hesame
st
ati
onasyou
Aunt
:Li
hle!
!!
Ndi
l
e:Ey
yNg'
cel
aukumt
hat
haMa(
cani
please
t
akeher
)
Aunt
:Si
yaxol
i
saSandi
l
eyazi
(wear
ever
ysor
ry)
Ndi
l
e: I
t'
sfi
neiunderst
andshejustl
osther
Motherandev
eryt
hingisj
ustnotmakingsense
t
oher
Gr
ams: ShelovedherMothersoomuchshe
won'
trecoveranyt
imesoon
Ndil
e:I
t'
sfinecansomeonepackhercl
othes?I
t
hinkit
'sbett
erifsheper
manent
lymovesin
wi
thme
Aunt:
ofcauseuzay
ekaukudakwa(
shewi
l
lst
op
dr
inki
ng)
Nokuthul
a:Li
hlei
sveryl
uckysomeofuswant
suchguysli
keSandi
leyenashe'
spl
ayi
ngwit
h
hi
m aii
!!
Aunt
:I'
l
lgoandpackf
orher
Sandi
l
ecameandhel
pedmet
ogetup.
.
Ndi
l
e:Comel
et'
sgo
Hepickedmeupandwal kedouttohi
scar
,he
openedthedoorandputmeinthencl
osedit
..
Iheardhimtalki
ngtomyAuntandCousi
nand
Fi
kil
et henaf
terhegoti
nandstar
teddr
ivi
ng,
i
passedout..
.
.
KI
NG
Iwasont
hephonewi
thmysi
ster
.
Her
:Iwasj
ustpr
epar
ingt
ogot
obed
Me:
sor
ryi
fidi
stur
bedy
ou
Her
:isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:
Ever
ythi
ngi
sFi
ne
Her
:don'
tl
ie
Iexhal
ed.
.
Me:
Ineedy
ouradv
iceonsomet
hing
Her
:Tal
ktome
Me:
Ther
e'st
hisgi
rl
Her
:agi
rl
?
Me:
Don'
tthi
nkofi
tthatway
Her
:Whatabouther
?
Me:Thehomici
decaset
hati
am wor
kingoni
ts
herMom t
hatwasmurder
ed
Her
:That
'ssad
Me:Ihavereasontobel
i
evet
hatshei
sbei
ng
abusedbyherFiancé
Her:That
'st
ragicl
osi
ngherMotherandbei
ng
abusedthat
'stoomuchforaper
sontogo
thr
ough
Me:IknowandIwannahel
pherbuti
don'
t
knowhow
Her
:Hasshecomef
orwar
d?
Me:
No
Her:
Kingyouknowthaty
oucannothel
punt
il
shecomesfor
ward
Me:
Iknowbutt
her
e'ssomet
hingt
hati
cando
Her
:Itseemsl
i
keshemeansal
ott
oyou
Me:
Don'
tbei
nsane
Her
:don'
tdoany
thi
ngt
haty
ougoi
ngt
oregr
et
Me:
Iwon'
t
Her
:I'
l
lcal
lyout
omor
row
Me:
Goodni
ghti
lov
eyou
Her
:Il
ovey
out
oo
Ihungup.
.
.
.
LI
HLE
Ifeltsomethingcoldbei
ngpour edonme,i
quicklysnappedoutofitandwokeup.Ilooked
aroundandi wasi naroom thatidi
dn'
t
recognizeSandil
ewasst andingri
ghti
nfr
ontof
mehedi dn'
tlookhappy.
.
Iwipedt
hewaterf
rom myf
acei
wasst
il
ldr
unk
butnott
hatmuch.
Het
ookof
fhi
sjacket
..
Hi
m: Tonightiwi
l
lteachy
oual
essont
haty
ou
wi
llneverfor
get
hef
oldedhi
sshi
rt
..
Hi
m:Don'
twor
ryi
won'
ttouchy
ourf
acei
t'
stoo
pr
eci
ous
Iwasonthefl
oorandi
star
tedmov
ing
backwar
ds.
.
Him:Youcanscream al
lyouwantnoonei
s
goi
ngtohearyou,notevenyourPr
eci
ousKi
ng!
Hecamecloserandst
art
edkicki
ngmehard,i
coul
dn'
tmoveorescapehehadtrappedme
agai
nstt
hecorneroft
heroom..
Him:Youwill
stopseei
ngt
hisKi
ngofy
our
s!!
Ung'
j
way el
akabiLi
hle!
Al
licoul
ddowasscr
eam hopi
ngt
hathewoul
d
st
op.
.
Me:
Iam sor
ry.
.
.
.
KI
NG
"
PleasesavemyDaught
er"
.."
Pleasesav
emy
Daughter
"
Iimmedi atelyopenedmyey estot
hesoundof
thatshakyv oice.Il
ookedar oundt
heroom I
wasal one, i
hadf al
lenasleepwhil
erevi
ewing
thehomi cidecase.Igotupandwentt odr i
nk
wat eratthekitchen,idi
dhearsomething.A
voiceofa
Womansoundedl
i
keshewascr
ying.
.
.
[
09/
28,
18:
37]Ron:
¥35
KI
NG
Thef
oll
owi
ngdayi
twasaSundayandi
wasn'
t
supposedt obeatt hestati
onbuti wenteither
way.It'
sawayofkeepi ngmy selfbusyfrom
gett
ingbor ed,
i haven'tmadeanyf ri
endsaround
heresowhatbet terwayt hantokeepmy self
busywi thwork.Thehomi cidecasewasget t
ing
abitsteeper,ihadnomuchev idencetogo
aboutt hi
sdoesn'tseem l i
keawor kofan
amat eur.
Igottothest
ati
onandCapwasi nmyof f
ice,
he
waswi t
hShongwe.IwonderwhatShongweis
doingheret
oo.Iwal
kedinandgreet
edthem..
Cap:
Howi
sthehomi
cidecasecomi
ngal
ong?
Me:
Sti
l
lget
ti
ngt
her
e
Shongwechuckl
ed.
.
Cap:
any
thi
ngsof
ar?
Me:
No
Shongwe:Andsurpr
isi
ngl
yyousupposedt
obe
thebestatwhaty
oudo
Me:
Whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?
Cap:
don'
tst
artboy
s
Isatdown.
.
Cap:
Shongwepr
oducedt
hemur
derweapon
Il
ookedatShongwe.
.
Shongwe:
Thekil
l
erswerenotsmartt
hey
di
sposedi
tint
hetrashbi
noutsi
de
Me:
finger
pri
nts?
Cap:
Sti
l
ltest
ingf
oranyf
inger
pri
nts
Me:
Isee
Shongwe:I
fwefindpr
int
stheni
woul
d'
ve
sol
vedthecase
Ist
art
edcl
appi
ng.
.
Me:
congr
atul
ati
ons
Cap:Iwantyouguystoworkwit
hsomeonei
haveali
eutenantt
hatcanbeofhel
pint
his
case
Me:
Who?
Cap:l
i
eutenantFi
ki
leNgwenyashei
sfr
iends
wit
hthedeceased'
sdaught
er
Shongwe:Nothankyouidon'
twor
kwi
th
Amateur
si won'
tuseher
Capl
ookedatme.
.
Me:
It'
sfi
nei
canuseher
Honest
lyi
don'
tneedhertoobuthear
ingthat
shei
sLihl
e'
sfr
iendmightj
usthel
pme. .
Cap:shei
satthefr
ontcer
ti
fyi
ngdocument
sif
anyofyouneedher
Shongwe:
IfNkambul
eneedsher
Cap:Taket
hedayoffgent
lemeny
oudi
dpr
ett
y
goodwitht
hemurderweapon
Shongwe:
Idi
dwel
l
Cap:I
t'
sateam wor
kShongwel
ear
ntowor
k
wit
hother
s
Hewal
kedaway.Iam goi
ngtol
etShongwepat
hi
msel
fonthebackfornow,
iwil
lal
lowhimto
f
eel
vict
ori
ousunt
ili
str
ike.
.
.
.
LI
HLE
Mywhol ebodywasachi ngwheni mov edi
wouldinfl
ictpai
nonmy self.Iam even
sur
prisedthatIpul
l
edt hr ough,ithoughtSandi
l
e
wasgoi ngtokil
lmelastni ght..
Iwasnowl ai
di nbedwi thaduv etcover
ingme,
tearskeptonf all
ing.Whyme?Whysoomuch
pain?Takemyl i
fenowLor d,iwoul dtr
ademy
l
ifewithsomeoneel sewhor eall
yneedsi t.I
turnedaroundsl owlyandi noticedthathe
wasn'taround,iwasal lalone.It r
iedtositup
strai
ghtonlytor eali
zethatmyankl ehadar ope
thatextendedtot helegoft hebed, hehadt ied
mesot hatidon'tescape.Ilookednextt ome
andIsawf r
uit
s, scones,andabot tl
eofwi ne.
Therewasanot et ooontop.Isl owlygotoutof
bedandmademywayt ogett henot e,ir
eadi t
:
"youwi ll
eatthisunti
lIcomeback, don'tthank
met hatmuchal t
houghi twasv erydiff
icult
get t
ingyouthewi neonaSundaybutsi ncey ou
turningintoanalcoholi
ct her
e'snothingi cando
butf indyouraddict
ion,becausethat'swhaty ou
arenowanal coholi
c.Youwi llusethebucketas
at oil
et"
WhyisSandi
l
edoi
ngthist
ome?Ifhenolonger
l
ovesmewhynotj
ustletmegot
hantor
turi
ng
meli
kethi
s
.
.
YAYA
Sandil
eandi weweredr i
vi
ngmyMot herand
myGr andmot hert
ot hebusstat
ion, i
would'v
e
hadhim drivethem dir
ectl
yathomebuti am
notreadyforhimt oseewherei comef rom.He
knowst hatIcomef rom apover
ty-str
icken
backgroundbuthav i
nghim seeiti am not
ready.
.
Hegavet hem R2000incashmyMot her
coul
dn'tstopt
hankinghim,ihaveneverseen
hert
hathappy .Webidthem far
ewell
andwent
backtothecar..
Me:
Thanky
ouf
orev
ery
thi
ng
Hesmi
l
edatme.
.
Hi
m:Youar
ewel
come
Me:
Sodi
dyouf
indLi
hle?
Hi
sfaci
alexpr
essi
onchanged.
.
Hi
m:Yes
Me:
and?
Hi
m:andwhat
?She'
sfi
ne!
Me:
okay
Heputhi
shandonmyt ummywhi
l
ehi
sot
her
handwasonthewheel
.
.
Hi
m:Sor
ryi
didn'
tmeant
osnap
Me:
It'
sfi
ne
Hi
m:shoul
dwef et
chsomeofy
ourcl
othes
f
rom y
ourapar
tment?
Me:
wecan
Hekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e..
Hi
m:I
'
llmakesur
eLi
hlemov
esi
ntoni
ghtt
oo
Me:
soosoon?
Hi
m:Yessosoon
Arewegoingtosur
viv
est
ayi
ngundert
hesame
rooft
oget
her?
.
.
KI
NG
Idr
ovet oLihl
e'shouseiwantedt oseehowshe
washoldingup, t
helastt
imei sawhershewas
i
nav erybadspace.Ididn'
ttakeFikil
ealongi
wasalone,it'
smydayof fiam justgoi
ngther
e
asafri
endt oseehowshei shol di
ngup..
Wheni
gott
her
e,herf
ami
l
ywasbusycl
eani
ng
andwashi
ngblanket
s.Igr
eet
ed..
HerAuntwas
theonewhocameupt ome,shelookeddr
unk.
.
Her
:Det
ect
ive
Me:
Howar
eyou?
Her
:Si
yancenga(
wear
eget
ti
ngt
her
e)
Me:
Agai
niam sor
ryf
ory
ourl
oss
Her
:hai
wewi
l
lpul
lthr
ough
Me:
that
'sgoodt
ohear
..I
sLi
hlear
ound?
Her
:Noumf
unel
ani
?(whydoy
ouwanther
)
Me:Ij
ustwant
edt
oknowhowshei
shol
ding
up
Her
:Det
ect
ivesor
rybutLi
hlehasaf
iancé
Me:
Iknowb.
.
Ihear
dthesamevoi
cet
hatihear
dLastni
ght
comingfr
om i
nsi
det
hehouse.
.
"
Isawhi
sey
es.
.Iknowhi
sey
es"
Icl
osedmyey
esandopenedt
hem.
Aunt
:Det
ect
ive?
"
Isawhi
sey
es.
.Iknowhi
sey
es"
Me:
excusemecani
goi
nsi
det
hehouse?
Her
:Why
?
Iwalkedinsi
defoll
owingthesoundofthevoi
ce
whichledmest r
aighttothespotwer
eshewas
murdered.Al
thoughitwascleanbutherbl
ood
wasst i
ll
cryi
ngforjust
ice.
..
.
Icr
oucheddownandr
anmyf
inger
swer
eher
bodywaslay
ing.
.
"
Isawhi
sey
es.
.Iknowhi
sey
es"
Somethi
nghi
tme.
.It
hinki
knowhowt
osol
ve
thi
scase.
.
.
[
09/
28,
18:
37]Ron:
¥36
KI
NG
Iwentt
othenearbyPub&gri
l
lgotmysel
fameal
andsomethi
ngtodri
nk.Ihadmylapt
opwit
h
andIwasbusyl ay i
ngoutev eryt
hingwi th
regardst othisHomi cidecase, t
hev oiceiwas
hearingwasr ealandi fi am notmi st
akeni t'
s
safet osayt hatLihle'sMot herwasact ual
ly
helpingmet osolv ethecase.Iam notaf i
rm
beli
ev erinthesuper nat uralbutthevoicethati
keptonhear ing,
itwasnotdoubtr eal.What
camei ntomymi ndast hev oi
cekeptonpl ayi
ng
i
nmyheadwast hatt heki l
l
er'
sfacewast he
l
astf aceshesawbef oredy i
ng.Soopt ography
willdefini
telywor kher e,ionceusedi tbeforein
somehomi cidecasebackathome. .
Anopt ogr aphyisbasicall
ytheprocessof
retriev i
ngt helastimagethattheeyesaw
bef or etheper sondied,t
heimagei sretri
eved
from t her eti
naoft heeye.Ineedtotellthe
Capt ainaboutt hisandalsoineedtot al
kt o
Lihleabouti tandherf amil
ysothattheycan
allowust oexhumeherMot her'
sbody .Ilai
d
backont hechai rall
smili
ng,whydidn'tIthink
oft hisf rom t hestart?
.
.
LI
HLE
Iwentf orthewi neanddr anki tineeded
somet hingt onumbmypai nandi needed
somet hingt odrif
tmeawayf rom r
eali
tyfora
while.I
ti snowbecomi ngv erydiff
icul
tformet o
facelif
esobermi nded,it'
scrashingdownon
mei nav erypainfulway.It'
stoomuchi am
suffocating,icannotdot hisanymor e.Iwasn't
drunki wasj usttipsybutnev ert
helessitr
elaxed
mei thelpedmet onott hinkthatmuch.
ThedooropenedandSandi l
ewal kedin,iwas
sitt
ingonthefl
oorwit
hmybackagai nstt he
bed.Heclosedthedoorandcamet ome, he
crouchedinfr
ontofme.Heputhi shandunder
mychi nandli
ft
edmyf aceupsohecanl ookat
me, aft
erafewsecondsheshiftedhisey es
from meandsawt hebott
letossedacr ossthe
room. .
Hi
m:Let
'sgetonet
hingst
rai
ght
Il
ookedathi
m..
Him:Theol
dSandi
l
ethatusedt
obegy
ouhei
s
gone!
Ir
eal
i
zedt
hatal
ready
..
Him:Li
hleiam capabl
eofthemostcr
uelthi
ngs
onthi
searthdon'tt
estme!Youdonotknow
howfaricango
Me:
Ithoughty
oul
ovedme
Hewi
pedmyt
ear
sast
heyf
ell
.
.
Hi
m: Idol oveyoumoret
hanyouthi
nk
every
thingthatihav
edonesofari
sbecausei
l
ov eyou!
Il
aughedandf
acedt
heot
herway
.
Me:
Youhav
ear
eal
l
yfunnywayofshowi
ngi
t
Hef
orcef
ull
ymademet
ofacehi
m agai
n..
Hi
m:doy
out
hinkt
hisi
saj
oke?
Hesl
appedmeacr
osst
hef
ace.
.
Hi
m:Tel
lmesomet
hingdi
dyouf
uckhi
m?
Me:Ihav
enev
ersl
eptwi
thany
oneot
hert
han
you
Hi
m:Whydon'
tibel
i
evey
ou?
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Heleanedf
orwardandwhi
sper
edi
nmyearand
gr
abbedmybr ai
ds.
.
Him:Iam goi
ngt
oki
l
lyouLi
hlej
ustl
i
kei
kil
l
ed
yourMom!!
Thatcameasabigshock,
hel
ookedatmewi
th
asmirkonhi
sface.
.
Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Hi
m: It
oldy
ouNanaIam capabl
eofal
otof
t
hings,
badthi
ngs!
Icannotbel
i
evewhatSandi
lej
ustconf
essedt
o
me, i
wasov er
whel
medwi t
hshock.
.
Hi
m:Youar
egoi
ngt
obeagoodf
iancéi
fyou
runawayi wil
lfi
ndy ou,i
fyout ryanythi
ngiwil
l
kil
lyou!Tal
ktoKi ngagainiwillkil
lbothyouand
youknowwhat '
sthesaddestt hing?Iwil
lget
awaywi t
hitwannaknowwhy ?Ihav eamental
disor
derremember ?Iam nol ongeron
medicati
onthejudgewi l
ljustordermet ogoto
ament ali
nsti
tuti
onsinceIwas" unfi
t"wheni
commi tt
edthecrime
Tear
swerebur
ningmyey
es,
myl
owerl
i
pwas
tr
embli
ng.
.
Him:Whatwegoingt
odonowi
shav
ethemost
heat
edsexever
!
Heputhi
sthumbonmylowerli
pandpul
l
edi
t
downali
tt
letor
eveal
myteet
h
Him:Si
ncey oufant
asi
zeabouthi
m alotyou
ar
egoingt ori
demeashowy ouwouldridehi
m!
Youaregoingtobegmetofuckyouashowhe
woul
df uckyou!
Ibl
i
nkedandmyt
ear
sfel
l
..
Hegotupandstart
edtaki
nghiscl
othesof
f,he
wascomplet
elynakedandsatont
hebedwhi l
e
gi
vi
nghimsel
fahandj ob.
.
Hi
m:Comemybl
ackdol
l
,wedon'
thav
ethe
whol
eday
!
TheabusethathisFatherputt
hem thr
ough
musthavereal
lydamagedhi m,itdamagedhi
m
mental
lyandidon'tt
hinkheisgoingtocome
backfr
om thi
s..
.
.
YAYA
Iwasbackatthehousei wasputti
ngmy
cl
othesintheotherr
oom, Sandi
l
edidn'
twant
met ooccupythemainbedroom sai
dthat
'
s
wereLihl
eissupposedtosleep.
.
SoLihl
eisstil
lhisQueenbutnotf
orlong,
soonI
wil
lberul
ing.Isatdownonthebedand
tr
uthf
ull
yspeakingidon'
tknowifthi
sbaby
bel
ongst oSandil
eorNkabinde,
thelastt
ime
Nkabindeandihadsexhewasdr unksohe
doesn'tqui
ter
ecallt
hatwedidn'
tuseacondom
andikeeponl y
ingtohimthatweusedone
whil
ewedi dn'
t.
.
.
[
09/
28,
18:
38]Ron:
Stor
iesBr
okendown

¥37
LI
HLE
Aft
erthatshamef ulactl
ateronwepr eparedto
l
eaveit'
sonlyt henwheni r
ealizedt
hatwewer e
i
nsomeMot el.Mywhol ebodywasachi ng,my
cooki
ewasonf i
reidon'
tknowwhatAni mal
Sandil
ewas.Aswewer edri
vingtoour
desti
nati
oni keptonlooki
ngathi m and
wonderedtomy sel
fhowcanahumanbei ngbe
soevil
?Hei snotahumanbei ng.Hecannotbe
ahumanbei ng!Irefusetobelievet
hat.Itur
ned
myheadandst ar
r edoutsi
dethewi ndowwi th
tearsfall
ingi cannotf i
ndthestrength,icannot
fi
ndt hest r
engt htomov eon.Iam bey ond
brokeni cannotf indli
fedeepwi thi
nme, onl
y
myf leshislivingbutmysoul wenttot hegrave
withmyMot her.Iwishuponmedeat h,deat
h
hast obeeasybecausel if
eisverymuch
diff
icult
..
...
Wear r
ivedatthehousehewentoutf
ir
stand
openedt het
runk,
iopenedt
hedoorandgot
out.
.
Ndi
l
e:Wel
comehome
Het
ookoutmyl
uggagebag.
.
Ndi
l
e:Come
Hehel dmyhandandwemadeourwayi n.He
openedthekit
chendoorandi coul dhearthat
thetvwason, il
ookedaroundatt hekitchen
andi sawpotsboili
ngont hestovepeel edand
dicedcarr
otstogetherwi
thadi cedoni onand
Greenpepperont hecutt
ingboar d.Whatwas
happeni
ng?
Wemadeourwayt ot heLoungewi thmyhear t
beati
ngf ast,
Lordl etitbenotwhatIt hinkitis.
Wegott ot heloungeandi sawthi
sgirllayi
ng
backont hecouchwat chingtvwit
hapi llow
underneathherf eet,onewassuppor tingher
head.Shehadherhandr unningonhert ummy .
.
Il
ookedatSandi
l
eandl
etgoofhi
shand.
.
Me:
Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Heputmybagdown.
.
Hi
m:MeetYay
aandYay
athi
sisLi
hle
Yay
ast
oodupwi
thabi
gsmi
l
eonherf
ace.
.
Yay
a:Ihav
ehear
dal
otabouty
ouLi
hle
Me:
Ihav
en'
thear
dany
thi
ngabouty
ou
Webot
hlookedatSandi
l
e..
Him:Yayaisgoi
ngtobemysecondwif
eshe
hasbeenthegir
liwassecr
etl
yseei
ngf
ora
whil
enow
Wasi
hear
ingt
hatr
ight
?
Me:
What
?
Hi
m:Shei
spr
egnantwi
thmybaby
Yayawasstandi
ngtheresti
l
l r
unni
ngherhand
onhersmallbump,ij
ustwantedtogr
abher
thr
oatandchokehertodeath!
..
Me:
Sandi
l
ewhatexact
lyam Idoi
ngher
e?
Heputhi
shandsi
nhi
spocket
s..
Him:Nanathisisgoi
ngtobey ournewli
fe,our
newli
fe.Yayaisagoodpersonshewi l
lrespect
youaslongasy ougoi
ngtorespecthertoo
IhavesharedSandi l
ewi t
hBuhl e,ihaveshared
him wit
hpr obablyal otofgir
lswhi l
ehewasat
schoolandnowi needtoshar ehim withthi
s
gir
ltoo?Ican't.Iwantmymant omy sel
fiwant
himt ol
ovemeonl y,iwanthimt ocomehome
tomeonl y!Idon'tbelieveinpolygamyandIam
notgoingtost artnow. .
Yay
a:l
etmegoandcheckont
hepot
s
Shewalkedaway
.Sheispret
tyt
oo,
abi
tli
ght
ski
nnedwithasl
i
m body.
Me:
Ican'
tSandi
l
e..Iwon'
tdot
his
It
ri
edwalki
ngawaybuthegr
abbedmebymy
br
aids.
.
Him:Youar
egoi
ngt
odot
his!Youdon'
thav
ea
choi
ce
Me:Justl
eavemealone!Youdon'
tl
oveme
anymorebewit
hherandleavemealone!
!
There'
samanouttherewhoisgoi
ngtolove
me
Thatpissedhi
m of
fhet
hrewmeacr
osst
he
fl
oor.
.
Hi
m:Iam goi
ngt
oki
l
lyou!
Hewal kedaway .Hecausedmeal otofpai
n
whenhet hrewmeont hefl
oorbutthi
sti
me
aroundi didn'
tcry,
ihadnotear
sforhim.Iam
notgoingt ocryforhi
m!Hecamebackwhi leI
wasstilltr
y i
ngtogetupfr
om thefl
oorhehada
gunwi
thhi
m andhepoi
ntedi
tatme.
.
Hi
m:Youwannadi
eLi
hle?Uf
unaukuf
a?
Iturnedandlookedathi m andinmyhear tij
ust
saidthosewords" Pull
thetrigger
..Ki
ll
me
al
readyi don'
tcare".Hewassoangr ythathi
s
handwasshaki ng,hewasr eadytopul
l t
hat
tr
igger.
.
Yay
awal
kedi
n..
Him:Youthinkiam goi
ngt
olety
ougot ohim?
Unyanyayezwa?YouaremineLi
hle!Youbel
ong
wit
hme! !
Yay
a:Ndi
l
ehl
i
saumoy
a(cal
m down)
Yayawalkeduptohim andtr
iedtot
ouchhi
m
buthepushedherandYay af
ell
..
Hi
m:Youseewhaty
oumademedo?
Hel
ower
edt
hegunandcl
i
ckedhi
stongue.
.
Hi
m:Gety
ourshi
ttoget
her
!Ory
ougoi
ngt
odi
e
f
orhi
m!Uzomfel
a!
Hewalkedaway.
.Aft
erafewsecondswehear
d
t
hekit
chendoorbangi
ng,
wekeptquietf
ora
whi
l
e.
Yayastoodupandcamet
omeshet
ri
ed
hel
pingmetogetup..
Me:
don'
ttouchme!
Her:
Ngi
zamaukukunceda(
iam t
ryi
ngt
ohel
p
you)
Me:
forwhat
?Wenotf
ri
ends!
Sher
oll
edherey
es.
.
Igotupandmademywayt ot
hebedroom i
heardhermakingsl
ightcomment
sbehi ndmy
back,i
fonlyiwasn'
tinsoomuchpainiwould
str
angleher.
.
.
.
NDI
LE
Iwassopi
ssedi
don'
tknowwhyLi
hlei
sdoi
ng
thi
stome.Thi nki
ngofherandt hisDetecti
ve
makesmegooutofmymi nd,i
cannoti magine
herwithanotherman.Justforthatiwanna
breakher,iwannabreakhersoomucht hatshe
hateseverymanthatcomesherway .Iwanther
tobewi t
hmeonl yandnooneel se.
.
.
.
KI
NG
Bef
oredr
ivi
ngbackt
othelodgeiwenttot
he
st
ati
onandFiki
l
ewassti
l
lthere,
justt
heperson
iwant
edtosee.
.
Me:
Hey
Her
:Det
ect
ive
Me:
Let
'st
akear
ide
Shegotoutoft
heboot
handcamewewentt
o
mycar.
.
Me:
Ihear
dtheCapwanty
out
owor
kwi
thus?
Her
:That
'scor
rect
Me:
andi
hear
dyouar
eLi
hle'
scl
osef
ri
end?
Her
:oneofherbestf
ri
ends
Me:
Cany
out
ell
memor
eaboutherf
iancé?
Shel
aughed.
.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowt
hati
pul
l
edaj
oke
Her
:Youdi
dn'
t
Me:
Thenwhat
'sf
unny
?
Her
:YouDet
ect
iveKi
ngNkambul
eneh?
Me:
Yes
Her
:What
'sgoi
ngonbet
weeny
ouandLi
hle?
Me:
Why
?
Her
:Shehasbeenaski
ngabouty
ou
Me:
When?
Her
:Lastni
ghtar
eyout
woseei
ngeachot
her
?
Me:
Nowej
ustf
ri
ends
Her
:Youknowshe'
sengagedr
ight
?
Me:
Iknowv
erywel
l
Her
:Thenwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:Ihav
eever
yreasont
obel
i
evet
hather
f
iancéi
sabusi
ngher
Her
:Who?Sandi
l
e?Nev
er!
Me:
Thatwasaqui
ckr
epl
y
Her:Sandi
lei
severyt
hingy esbuthewi
ll
never
abuseLihl
eheloveshertoomucht odothat
..
Theyhavebeentogetherforaveryl
ongti
me
Me:
Isee
.
.
LI
HLE
Wheniwasgoingthroughmythingsiwas
r
eli
evedt
oseet hatmyAunthadputmyphone
i
nsi
de,it
ookitandcall
ed10111,iaskedfor
t
hem tot
ransf
erthecallt
oourlocalpol
ice
st
ati
onandt
heydi
d..
Voi
ce:
Lieut
enantNgcobospeaki
ng
Me:
Hi.
.
Hi
m:Cani
hel
pyou?
Me:Cani
pleaset
alkt
oDet
ect
iveNkambul
e..
Ki
ngNkambule
Hi
m:Hej
ustl
eftcani
takeamessage?
Me:
Cani
hav
ehi
sphonenumber
?
Hi
m:Er
r.
.cani
hel
pyouwi
thSomet
hingMam'
?
Me:
Justt
ell
him Li
hlecal
l
ed
Hi
m:Li
hle?
Me:
Yesmynumberi
s0846553211
Hi
m:Okayi
wil
lgi
vehi
m
Me:
Thanky
ou
Ihungup.
.
[
09/
28,
18:
39]Ron:
¥38
KI
NG
Afterourdr i
v elateriwentanddr oppedFi kil
eat
thest at
ion,itwasnowar ound17:00just
want edtogot ot helodgeshowerandt hen
sleepabi t.Tomor rowmor ningiwannal etCap
i
nont heOpt ogr aphyi wannat al
ktoLihleabout
exhumi ngherMot her'
sbodyandnother
alcoholi
cAunt ,
i reall
yowei ttohertosol vethi
s
case.WhenIwasaboutt odr i
vetotheLodge
oneoft heLi eutenant sranupt omycar ..
Hi
m:Det
ect
ive
Me:
Yes
Hi
m:Ihav
eamessagef
ory
ou
Hegav
emeapi
eceofpaper
..
Him:Shecal
l
edandsai
dyoushoul
dcal
lher
back
Me:
Okayt
hanks
Icheckedandi
twasLi
hle'
snumber
,it
ookmy
cel
landcall
edher
..
Atf
irstshedidn'
tpickup,i
tri
edheraf
ewt
imes
unt
ilsheeventual
l
ydi d.
Her
:Hel
l
o
Me:
HeyI
t'
sKi
ng
Her
:Iam sogl
adt
haty
oucal
l
ed
Herv
oicewasbr
eaki
ng.
.
Me:
Lihl
ear
eyouokay
?
Her
:No.
.Hehi
tsmeKi
ng
Me:
What
?
Her:Sandil
eheisgoi
ngt
okil
lme..Hehas
confessedtoki
l
li
ngmyMotherandnowheis
goingtokil
lme!
!
Ist
art
edmycar
..
Me:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Her
:Iam scar
edKi
ng.
.
Me:
Tel
lmewher
eyouar
e
Shecoul
dn'
tspeakany
mor
eshebr
okedown.
.
Me:
Lihl
etel
lmewher
eyouar
e!
Her
:I.
.I.
.
Me:Icannothel
pyoui
fyoudon'
ttel
lmewher
e
youare
Her
:Iam at
..
Sheclear
edhert
hroatandgav
emet
he
addr
ess..
Me:
Wher
eishe?
Her
:Hei
snotar
ound
Me:Iwantyoutolocky
our
sel
fint
hebedr
oom
andiwi
llbether
e
Her
:HehasagunKi
nghei
sgoi
ngt
oshoot
me!
Me:
Hei
snotgoi
ngt
oshooty
ou.
.
Her
:Heisherei
canhearhimtal
ki
ng.
.Heis
goi
ngt
okill
meKi ngpl
easehel
pme(cry
ing)
Shehungup.Ifical
lherbackimightputher
moreindanger,
it'
sbestitr
ytogetther
einti
me
t
osav
eher
..
Me:Iam goi
ngtoki
l
lhi
m..
Isweart
oGodi
am
goi
ngtokil
lhi
m!!
.
.
NDI
LE
Idr ov
ear oundtheneighbor
hoodjusttocal
m
my selfdownnowi wasbackatthehouse.Fir
st
thingIdidwast ocheckuponLi hl
eandshe
waspeacef ul
l
ysleepi
ngont hebed,isl
owly
closedthedoorast onotwakeherupandt heni
wentt ojoinYayaonthecouch.Iputmyhand
onhert ummy .
.
Me:
Ihopei
didn'
thur
tyou
Il
eanedoverandki
ssedhert
ummy
,sheputher
handonthebackofmyhead.
.
Her
:Wear
efi
ne
Igotupandki
ssedher
..
Me:
Iam sor
ryi
didn'
tmeant
opushy
oul
i
ke
t
hat
Sheputherhandonmycheek.
.
Her
:Youscaredmether
eal
i
ttl
e,i
thoughty
ou
wer
egoingtokil
lher
Me:
Lihl
eandi
wehav
en'
tbeengoodl
atel
y
Her
:Inot
iced
Me:
Buti
wil
lfi
xit
Her
:Ihopesoi
hat
eseei
ngy
oul
i
ket
hat
Iputmyheadbackonhert
ummyandsher
an
herhandonmyhead.
.
.
.
LI
HLE
Iwaslay
ingonthebedandpr ayi
ngthatKi
ng
comesthroughf
ormehei smyonl yhope,
at
l
eastheisacopandmay bejustmaybehecan
bri
ngSandil
edown.Ihadputmyphoneon
vi
brati
onandi wasn'trecei
vinganycal
lfr
om
hi
m, notevenamessagei justhopehei
sonhi s
way.Myphonev ibrateditscaredmeali
ttl
e,i
t
wasat extfr
om him..
"
Iam outsi
deify
oust i
l
lthererepl
ytot
his
messagetheniwil
lcomei n"
Thatwasabi
grel
i
ef.
.
Ir
epl
i
edback.
.
"
Iam her
e"
Igotupfr
om thebedandputonmyf l
ops,it
ook
myphoneandwentoutofthebedroom.Yaya
andSandi
leweresit
ti
ngonthecouchlooki
ng
al
lsort
sof"i
nlove",
Sandi
l
eraisedhi
sheadup
whenhesawme. .
Hi
m:Li
hle
Iwaswai
ti
ngf
orKi
ngt
ocomei
n,Pl
easecome
i
n..
Hegotupfrom t
hecouchandmadehi
swayt
o
me,ist
eppedback.
.
Hi
m: Iam notgoi
ngt
ohur
tyoubabyi
just
wannatal
k
Yay
a:Sandi
l
e..
Hi
m:NotnowYay
a!
Hel
ookedatmeandt
ri
edt
otouchme.
.
Hi
m:Iam sosor
ryidi
dn'
tmeant
ohur
tyou.
.I
l
ovey
ouLihlepl
ease.
.
Idi
dn'tsaynothi
ngtohi
m myhear
twasbeati
ng
sofastithoughti
twasgoi
ngt
obeatoutofmy
chest
..
Hi
m:Li
hle.
.
Ihear
dav
oicebehi
ndhi
m..
Voi
ce:
Getawayf
rom her
e!
I
twasKing,
ili
ter
all
yclosedmyeyesandput
myhandonthewalltobalancemysel
ffr
om
f
all
i
ng..
Sandi
l
etur
nedar
oundandl
ookedatKi
ng.
.
Sandi
l
e:Whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ngi
nmy
house?
Ki
ngChargedatSandi
l
eandstartedbeati
ng
hi
m up,
hepunchedhim har
dthatSandil
efel
l.
.
Me:
KingNo!
!
Kingjustwentforhim hepunchedhi
m and
punchedhim whilehewasdown, gi
vi
ngSandi
l
e
nochancet ofi
ghtback..
Yaya:Ohhhhmywor
duzombul
ala!(
hei
sgoi
ng
tokil
lhi
m)
Me:
Kingl
eav
ehi
m hei
snotwor
thi
t!
!!
Ki
ngj
ustcont
inuedbeat
inghi
m..
Iwenttohi
m andtr
iedt
ogethi
m of
fSandil
e,
Hestoppedandgotuphi
shandhadalotof
bl
ood..
Ki
ng:I
fyouev
ercomeany
wher
enearheri
wil
l
ki
l
lyou!
!!
!
Ipul
l
edhi
m byhi
stshi
rt
..
Me:
Let
'sj
ustgo
Yayawentt
okneel
nextt
oSandi
l
ewhowas
coughi
ngupbl
ood.
..
Yay
a:Sandi
l
e?.
.Babycany
ouhearme?
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Yay
a:Youaresoevil
!!
!Youcl
aimingtol
ovethi
s
manbutnowyouhav ehi
m beatenupbyyour
boy
fri
endsi
esLihl
e!!
!!
Il
ookedatKi
ng.
.
Me:
Let
'sj
ustgopl
ease
Wewal kedouttothecar
,bef
orewegoti
nsidei
huggedhimtightwit
htear
sfall
i
ngiwaseven
shaki
ng..
Me:
Thanky
ou
Het
ri
edhuggi
ngmebackbuti
fli
nchedi
npai
n..
Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay
?
Hebr
oket
hehug.
.
Me:
Justaf
ewbr
uises
Hi
m:Letmesee
Hel
i
ftedmyshi
rt
..
Hi
m:whatt
he?
??
Ipul
l
edmyshi
rtdown.
.
Hi
m:Ishoul
dtakey
out
otheDoct
or
Me:
Nopl
ease.
.
Hi
m:Li
hle.
.
Me:Kingpl
easelet
'sgetoutofher
eijust
wannabeinyourarmsforafewhours..Iwanna
f
eelsafei
nyourarms
Hi
m:Okayl
et'
sgo
Heopenedthedoorformeandi wentin.
.He
gotintheot
hersideandst
art
edthecar.Igot
cl
oserandputmyheadonhi sshoulder
,ij
ust
di
dn'twannalethi
m go.Heti
l
tedhisabitto
mine..
Hi
m:Yousaf
enow
That
'sal
liwant
edt
ohear
..
.
.
Tobecont
inued
.
..
[
09/
28,
18:
46]Ron:
¥39
LI
HLE
Iendedupgoi ngtot hehospi talforKi ng'ssakei
hadnodoubti nmymi ndt hatSandi lemi ght
openanassaul tcaseagai nstKi ng, sowhen
thathappensi would'vel ai
dchar gesagai nst
himt oo.Idon' twantKi nggoi ngt oj ailand
l
eav i
ngmest randedi can' tevengohome
becauseofhowmyAunti sit'
sv er ycleart hat
shei sonSandi le'
sside.Ki nghasbeeni na
moodofhi sownev ersi ncewegother et hat
wi debeaut if
ulsmi l
eofhi shaddi sappear edhe
wasf ullofrage.Hewasout si
det hewar donhi s
phonei coul
dn'thearwhathewassay ingbut
from t hegesturesandhi sexpr ession, hewas
giv i
ngt hepersonont heot hersideoft hephone
hispi eceofmi nd.Ihopei didn'tgetmy selfi
nto
anotherSandil
e.Iwassi
tti
ngont hebedi was
withtheDoctorandtheNurse,ihadjustgi
ven
them mystatementtheeventsofwhat
happened.Iwast al
ki
ngandtheNur sewas
writ
ing,i
wassot raumati
zedthaticouldn'
tev
en
holdapen..
Dr
:Isi
tpai
nful
wheni
squeezeher
e?
MymindwasonKi
ng,
iwasconcent
rat
ingon
hi
m..
Dr
:Mi
ssCel
e
Il
ookedathi
m..
Dr
:Doy
ouf
eel
pai
nwheni
dot
his?
Me:
Justal
i
ttl
e
Dr:Luckyyougotawaywithoutbrokenbones
wit
ht hepainki
l
lersandt
heoi nt
menty ou
shouldbefinei
naf ewdays,t
here'snosi
gnthat
youbleedi
nginter
nall
y
Ipul
l
edmyshi
rtdown.
.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Ki
ngwal
kedbacki
n..
Ki
ng:
Howi
sshe?
Dr
:She'
sgoi
ngt
obef
inei
l
lgi
veherpai
nki
l
ler
s
Nurse:Shehasgi
venusherstatementwith
regar
dstothephysi
calabuseshesuff
eredin
thehandsofherf
iancéiwil
lgoandcallthe
poli
ce
Ki
ng:
Iam t
hePol
i
cey
oucangi
vei
ttome
TheNur
sel
ookedathi
m..
Ki
ng:
Iam Det
ect
iveNkambul
e
Heshowedherhi
sbadge,
theNursegavehi
m
mystat
ementandhewentthr
oughit
..
Af
terawhi
l
ehel
ookedatme.
.
Ki
ng:
Idon'
tseeanysexual
abusewr
it
tenher
e?
Nur
se:
Shedi
dn'
ttouchont
hat
TheDrl
ookedatme.
.
Hi
m:Wher
eyousexual
l
yabusedt
oo?
Kingwasst i
lll
ookingatme.Iam nott r
yingto
protectSandilewiththesexualabusebuthow
doy oubegi ntotellt
hatourlat
estsexual
encount erhewant edustofantasi
zeaboutKi ng?
Him beingont opofmef or
cingmet oscr eam
King'snamei nsteadofhis?It'
sasickeni
ng
experience..
Me: Hedi
dn'
tvi
olat
emesexuall
yal
loursexual
encount
ersi
gavemy sel
ftohi
m wi
l
li
ngly
Ki
ngrai
sedhi
seyebrowcl
ear
lygi
vi
ngmea
di
sappr
ovi
ngl
ook..
Dr:Iwil
lgoandgetyourpai
nki
l
ler
sand
every
thi
ngelsebutpl
easecomebackaft
era
fewweeksforacheckup
Inodded.
.
.
.
YAYA
Ndileref
usedt ogot ot heHospi tal i
nsteadhe
hadmecal lNkabi ndet ocomeov erandcheck
him.Foramomentt herei wasv eryscar edi
thoughtthatguywasgoi ngt okillhim, there
wayhewasgoi ngonandhowSandi l
elai dther
e
taki
ngallthebeat i
ngsmyhear tstoppedf ora
while.I
fAny t
hinghappenst oSandi l
ewhat '
s
goingtobecomeofme?MyMom i sgoi ngt o
swearatmeandev ery t
hing, Iwillbef orcedt o
dropoutandgobackhomet oaddanext ra
mout hontopofal lt
hemout hst hatmy
Grandmot herisf eedingwi t
hhermont hly
pensionmoneyt hat '
snotenough.Get ti
ngguy s
l
ikeSandileisabi tdi
ff i
cult,somewoul dr efuse
topaymyf eesandev erythingi cannotgoback
tothelif
eofpov erty.
..
Nkabi
nde:
Youhav
etogot
otheHospi
tal
Sandi
l
e:Nev
er!
Idon'
tknowwhyhewasbei
ngst
ubbor
nabout
thi
swholethi
ng.
..
Ndi
l
e:Ar
eyoudone?
Nkabi
nde:
Yesi
am
Sandil
estoodupf
rom t
hecouchandwentt
o
thethebathr
oom.
.
Nkabi
nde:Hehast
ogot
otheHospi
tal
soi
can
t
akeX-ray
s
Me:
Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m
Nkabi
nde:Seemsli
kehef
oundhi
smat
ch.
.
Whatreal
l
yhappened?
Me:
Longst
oryi
don'
twannat
alkabouti
t
Nkabi
nde:
Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Me:Nkabi
ndei
fther
e'snot
hingel
sey
oucan
l
eav
eit'
sbeenalongday
Henoddedandt
ookhi
sthi
ngs.
.
Nkabi
nde:
Ifany
thi
nghappenscal
lme
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Iwal
kedhi
m upt
othedoorandopenedi
tfor
hi
m,hewentoutandt
heni
closed.
.
Iwentt
othebat
hroom tocheckuponSandi
l
e
hewasstar
ri
ngathimselfi
nthemir
ror
..
Me:
Ithoughthewasgoi
ngt
oki
l
lyou
Hekeptqui
et.
.
Me:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
opr
esschar
ges?
Hi
m:No
Me:
What
?
Hi
m: That
'sasignofweaknessi
am notweak!I
am goi
ngtotakehim down!
Me:
Sandi
l
epl
easei
don'
twannal
osey
ou
Hepunchedt
hemi
rr
or.
.
Him:Iam notweak!!Iam notapussyheis
goi
ngtopayf orthi
s!Hewi l
lregr
etwhathedid!
AndasforLihleshewill
regretdoubl
ecrossi
ng
me
Me:
Justleav
eherobv
iousl
yshedoesn'
twant
t
obewithyou!
Him:Sheismyf iancé!Sheismywi fe!Wehave
beentoget
herfor10y ears!Iam notgoingtol
et
himtakeherawayf rom me!Noonei sgoingt
o
takeherawayfrom me! !
!
Hecont
inuedpunchi
ngthemir
rorwhi
chscar
ed
mebecausehewasst ar
ti
ngt
obleed.
.
Me:
Sandi
l
est
oppl
ease
Hi
m:Hei
sgoi
ngt
opay
!
Asift
hatwasn'tscaryenoughhebangedhis
headagai
nstthebr okenmir
rorcausingmor
e
damagetohisalreadybrui
sedforehead.
.
Me:
Sandi
l
epl
easest
opi
t!
!
Hi
m:Li
hlei
smi
ne!
!
Hewasscar i
ngmet ot
hepointofnoret
urnthat
iwentoutt ocal
lNkabi
nde,myhandswer eeven
shaking.Icoul
dhearhi
mr avi
ngli
keamad
personinthebathr
oom,thi
sbehaviouri
snot
normal atal
l.
.
.
.
LI
HLE
Kingboughtusameal beforewedr ovetothe
l
odgei nthecarhewasawf ul
lyquieticoul
dn't
predi
ctifhewasj ustquietormad.Whenwe
gottothelodgei satont hebedwi thmymeal
andhesatont hechairoppositemebusyonhi s
l
aptop.Iwoul dstealgl
ancesathi m andhe
wouldlookatmet oo,butwhenhel ooksatmei
wouldquicklytakemyey esoffhim andglue
them onthepl at
ethathadf ri
esandaquar t
er
l
egofchi cken.Kingisnotscar edtolookatme,
hewasj uststarr
ingatmenotev enbl i
nki
ng..
Hi
m:Younothungr
y?
Me:
It'
sdi
ff
icul
teat
ingwhi
l
eyoust
arr
ingatme
Hi
m:Sor
ryi
wasj
ustl
osti
nmyt
hought
s
Iputt
hepl
ateaway
..
Him:Youhav
etoeatsoy
oucandr
inky
our
pai
nkil
l
ers
Me:
Iwi
l
leatl
ater
Hi
m:Cani
tal
ktoy
ouasaf
ri
endandnotacop?
Me:
Yes
Him:Howmanyt
imeshashesexual
l
yabused
you?
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Hi
m:Pl
easet
alkt
ome
Il
ookedatmyhands.
.
Me:
Aft
erhebeatmehel
eftt
hencameback
Hi
m:Whathappened?
Me: He.
.Hesai
dafewthi
ngsican'tr
emember
exactl
ywhathesai
dandt
henhet ookof
fhi
s
cl
othes
Hetookhisl
aptopandputi
tawayl
eani
ng
f
orwardtohearmore.
.
Me:Hesatont
hebedandt
hengav
ehi
msel
fa
handj
ob.
.
Ikeptqui
etf
oraf
ewseconds.
.
Ki
ng:
Lihl
e..
Me:
Hesai
d..
Myey
esaccumul
atedt
ear
s..
.
Me:
Hefor
cedmetof
ant
asi
zeabouty
ouwhi
l
e
wewer
edoingi
t
Hi
m:Me?
Inodded.
.
Me:Hef
orcedmet
oscream outy
ourname
whi
l
ehewashavi
nghi
swaywi thme
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Me:Hedi
dthatbecausehewassoosur
ethat
youandi
wewer ehavingsex
Hi
m:Areyousur
ethi
sguyi
sst
abl
eLi
hle,
ment
all
y?
Me:
Hei
sbi
pol
ar
Hi
m:Hasheseekedmedi
cal
hel
pfori
t?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Het
ookt
hepl
ateoff
oodandgav
eitt
ome.
..
Hi
m: Tryt
oeatevenali
tt
lesot
haty
oucan
dr
inkyourpai
nki
l
lers
Me:
Okay
It
ri
edeat
ing.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
28,
18:
47]Ron:
¥40
YAYA
Sandi
lehurthimsel
finav erybadwayt hathe
hadaconcussion,whenNkabi ndearri
vedatthe
housewet ookhim st
rai
ghtt othehospit
aland
hewasi mmediatel
yadmitted.Thiswasv er
y
bad,ihaveseenSandil
eathi sworstbutwhatI
sawtodaywasnotnor mal ,
anor malperson
wouldneverdowhathedi d.Whatshockedme
themostisthatheseemedt onotevenbe
feel
inganypai nashedi dthat,hebangedhi s
headhar dagainstt hatbr okenmi r
rorandi t
wasn'tev enf unny.Iswearasf r
om todayi hate
Lihl
ewi t
hal lmyhear tandsoul Sandileisher e
nowbecauseofherandhewi l
lcontinue
fi
ghtingf orherev eni fitmeansl osinghi sl
ifein
thepr ocess.Iwashol di
nghi shandashe
peacef ul
lylaiddownont hathospi
tal bed,iam
notaper sonwhocr i
est hateasil
ybutf orthe
l
ifeofmei couldn'tseem t oholdbackt hetears
knowi ngt hatIcoul d'
v elosthim..
.
Nkabi
ndewal
kedi
n..
Hi
m:Howi
she?
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Me:
Thehasn'
tbeenanychange
Hel
ookedathi
m..
Me:
Ihav
enev
erseensuchabehav
iourbef
ore
Hi
m:Sandi
l
ehasbi
pol
ar
Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:
bipol
ar?
Hi
m:Henev
ert
oldy
ou?
Me:
No.
.Nev
er
Hi
m:Hei
ssuf
fer
ingf
rom bi
pol
ar
Me: Nkabi
ndeithi
nki
t'
smorethanthat
,thi
s
cannotbebipol
aronl
ysomet
hingisser
iousl
y
wrongwi t
hhim!
Him: Iwil
lhavetogetthepsy chiat
ri
stsothey
candoapsy chi
atr
icevaluat
ionandf rom wher
e
iam standingheseemsasi fli
keheisnowa
thr
eattohimselfandtoot hers,hewillhav
eto
beputawayi nasaf eplacesot hathecannot
hurthimselforot
hers
Me:
Ishegoi
ngt
orecov
er?
Hi
m: Wit
hmedi
cat
ionandt
her
apyhewi
l
lpul
l
t
hrough
Me:Iwonderwhathappenedtohim somethi
ng
deepmust'
vehappenedforhimtobet hi
sway .
Sandi
l
ehasal otofangerdeepi
nsideofhim he
i
sdamaged
Hi
m:Hei
s
Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:
Ist
her
esomet
hingy
ounott
ell
i
ngme?
Hesi
ghed.
.
Him:Youdati
nghim buthehasnev
ertol
dyou
anyt
hingabouthi
sli
fe?Upbri
ngi
ngand
ever
ythi
ng?
Me:
Nohei
sav
erypr
ivat
eper
son
Hi
m:wel
li
t'
snotmypl
acet
otel
lyout
hen
Me:
Nkabi
nde.
.
Hi
m:Ihav
etogopat
ient
sar
ewai
ti
ngf
orme
Hewal
kedaway
..
.
.
.
KI
NG
Iwasmeantt
otaket
hechai
randgi
veLi
hlet
he
bedf ortheni ghtbutshewasst rugglingto
sleep,shewoul dwakeupal mostev ery5mi n
scaredsoi decidedtolaynexttoherj ustso
thatshecanf eelsafeandcomf ortable.Wheni
wasst arti
ngt ogetwar mi f
ellasleepandi t
's
onlynowi wakeupi nt hemiddleoft henight
andr eali
zet hatshewasn'tl
ayingnextt ome,
thatfreakedmeout ..
Me:
Lihl
e?
Thekitchenlightwasonandi couldheara
glassbeingbangedagai nstthecounter,igot
outofbedandwentt ot hekit
chen.Shewas
busydrinkingmywhi skeythatiwasgi venback
athomebymyst at
ionthedayIl eft
.Iam not
thatmuchofadr i
nker,soijusttookthebot tl
e
andputi tawayinthecupboar dandf orgot
aboutit.Whatgottomewasnott hef actthat
shewasdr i
nkingbutthatshehadakni fei
nher
hand.
Me:
Lihl
e..
Her:
Don'
tgetanycl
oserorel
sei
am goi
ngt
o
st
abmysel
f
Hercheekswer
ewetwi
tht
ear
s,sheev
enhad
hi
ccups..
Her:Heconf
essedhe.
.Heconf
essedt
hathe
ki
ll
edmyMot her
Shel
aughedf
orawhi
l
e..
Her:Idon'tknowhowhedi
ditbecausehewas
wit
hmet hatnight
Myeyeswereconcent
rat
ingonthekni
fet
hat
shewasbusyfl
ashi
ngaround.
.
Her:
Ihatemysel
fKi ng.
.Ihat
emysel
fthati
l
ovedhim!Il
ovedhim mor et
hanil
ovedmysel
f,
imadehim myli
fe.Imadehim mybreat
h,i
madehim mysoul!
Shewi
pedhert
ear
s..
.
Her
:WhatdoIhav
enow?Not
hing!
Iwasputi
nadi
ff
icul
tsi
tuat
iont
hisgi
rli
s
damaged,conf
used,
hur
t,andwhat
everi
say
nowwon'tmakesenset
oher..
Her
:Ij
ustwannast
abmy
sel
fher
e
Sheputt
hekni
feonherl
eftbr
east
.
Her: Iwannastabmy selfhereandri
pmyhear t
outbecause..Because..Becausethi
siswhere
i
thur tsthemost!Ifeelthepaindeepinsi
de
here..Ifmyheartcanstopbeat i
ngthenthepai
n
wil
l goaway ,
thepainwi ll
stopKing.
.
Isl
owl
ywal
kedupt
oher
..
.
Her
:Don'
t!
!
Me:
Putt
hekni
fedown
Her:Takeonemor
est
epandi
wil
lpushi
t
t
hrough
Itookonemor est
epandshepr
essedi
thar
d
againstherbr
east
..
Me:
Okayi
am st
eppi
ngback
It
ookaf
ewst
epsback.
.
Her:
Iam ti
red.
.Iam t
ir
ed!Iwanti
tal
ltost
op.
.I
wantthepai
ntostop!
Reasoni
ngwit
hherwasnotgoingt
owork,
she
i
swayt oodr
unkandshemighthur
ther
sel
f.
.
Her
:Ij
ustwannadi
e..Iam t
ir
edofi
tal
l
!!
Shecl
osedherey
es,
thenopenedt
hem agai
n..
.
Me:
Cani
saysomet
hing?
Sheshookherheadno.
.
Me:
Pleasej
usthearmeout
Her
:Idon'
twannahearnot
hing.
.
Me:Justonelastt
imetheni
promi
sei
won'
t
sayanyt
hinganymore
Shel
ower
edt
hekni
fe,
thatwasagoodst
art
..
Me:Ifyougoingtokil
l y
ourselfdoitbecause
youwannadoi tbutdon'tkil
lyoursel
fbecause
ofhim!Heisnotwor thyourli
fe,whatyoudoi ng
hewouldneverdof oryou!Hewoul dnev erki
ll
himsel
fforyoudon'tdoi tf
orhimt oohei snot
wor
thy
ourl
i
fe
Shel
etgoofthekni
feandbrokedown,i
made
mywaytoherandheldherasshesankdown.
..
Her
:Makeitgoaway
..
.Idon'
twannahur
t
any
more.
.
Me:Wear
egoingtogetthr
ought
his.
.Wear
e
goi
ngt
ogett
hroughit
..
Sheputmyhandonherl
eftbr
east
.
Her
:Itr
eal
l
yhur
tsher
e..Makei
tst
op.
..
Shewast
rul
ybr
eaki
ngmyhear
t.
.
.
.
YAYA
Iwassti
ll
sitt
ingonthechai
rwhil
eholdi
nghis
handi
twasl atenowandiwasbusydozing.I
fel
tahandonmyshoul der
,it
urnedanditwas
Nkabi
nde..
Hi
m:Comei
l
ldr
ivey
ouhome
Me:
Noi
hav
etobeher
ewhenhewakesup
Hi
m:Heisheav
il
ysedat
edhemi
ghtwakeup
t
omorr
ow
Il
ookedatHi
m..
Nkabinde:
Comeyoucannotbeher
eforhi
m
whil
ey oul
ookl
i
keatrai
nranoveryou
Ist
oodupandki
ssedhi
shand.
.
Me:
Iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
row
Iwal
kedoutoft
hehospi
tal
wit
hNkabi
ndet
ohi
s
car
..
Me:
Thanky
ouf
ordr
ivi
ngmehome
Hi
m:I
t'
sthel
easti
cando
Wegotinsi
dethecarandhedidn'
tstar
tit
,we
satt
her
einsil
enceinthatdar
kparki
nglot.
.
Heexhal
edandi
rubbedmyey
eswhi
l
e
yawni
ng.
..
Hi
m:Yout
ir
ed?
Me:
Ali
tt
le
Hi
m:Imi
ssy
ou
Me:
Nkabi
ndepl
ease
Het
ookmyhandandpl
acedi
tonhi
scock.
.
Hi
m:Wemi
ssy
ou
Her
ubbedmyhandagai
nsthi
smanhood.
.
Me:
Nkabi
ndest
opi
t.
.
Hi
m:Justt
hisoncecomeon
Heunzippedhispantswit
hhisotherhandand
thenfor
cedmi net
hroughthezi
punt i
lIfel
thow
sti
ffhewas..
Hi
m:Justt
hisoncecomeon
Idon'
tknowwhybutIstar
tedmassagi
nghi
m
asicarr
iedonhecl
osedhisey
esandmoaned.
.
Hi
m:That
'si
t.
.That
'si
tri
ghtt
her
e..
Hewentont
ounbutt
onhispantsandtook
t
hem downal
it
tl
e,t
oget
herwithhisboxer
sthen
heputhi
shandatthebackofmyneckand
br
oughtmeclosert
oit
..
Hi
m:domethi
sonefav
ourandR1500i
sgoi
ng
t
obeyour
sbef
orewedri
vehome
Idir
ectedi
tinsi
deofmymouthandjustworked
him nowthatSandi
l
eisabi
toutofi
t,iam goi
ng
toneedthisMoney!
!
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
09/
28,
21:
38]Ron:
¥41
YAYA
Thef oll
owingmor ningi wokeupandpr epar
ed
my selft
ogot oschool iwasgoi ngtouse
Sandile'
scar,ihaveal earner
sandIam not
muchofabaddr i
ver .Lastnightwhatwent
downi nNkabinde'scari ssomet hi
ngthatI
reall
ydon'twannat hinkabouti cameback
homeandbr ushedmyt eethatleastt
hreeti
mes,
j
usthav inghi scomei nsidemymout h
disgust edmet othecor ebutt heni neededt hat
moneysoi didwhatIhadt odo.Idi dn'tsl eep
withhi mt houghi j
ustgav ehim aBJandt hat
wasi t.Tr ustmey oucanj udgemeal lyouwant
buti hat emyl i
fet oo, ihatesel l
ingmy selflowi n
ordert omakeendsmeeti meanwi tht heki nd
ofbackgr oundt hatIcomef r
om Iwoul dset tl
e
forany thingj usttonotgobackt her eagai n.
Onewoul dsaygetaj obbutl et'
sbehonest
whichJobcanmai ntainmyl ifest yl
e?Wi thout
mydegr eei hav egr ade12andi hav eseenal ot
ofy oungpeopl eunempl oyedit'sv erydi f
ficultto
getaj obwi thonl yamat ri
ccer ti
ficat e,andI
reall
ydon' twantany t
hingget tingi nbet ween
meandmydegr ee.Iwasv erynauseat edi don't
knowi fitwast hecor nf l
akest hati atebuti
wasn' tfeel i
ngwel l
.It ookmybagandputmy
textbooksi nsidewhenmyphonev ibrated, i
t
wasmyMot her.It ooki tandexhal edbef ore
answer i
ng. .
Me:
Ma
Mom:
Ayandamnt
wanam'
Me:
Kunj
ani
Ma?(
howar
eyou)
Mom: Ngi
yaphi
l
ababywena?(
Iam f
ineand
you)
Me:
Iam good
Mom:
Iwaschecki
ngupony
ou
That
'saf
ir
stt
heonl
yti
memyMot
hercal
l
sme
i
swhenshewant
scash.
.
Me:
That
'sni
cet
hanky
ou
Mom:Forsomeonewhoisget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed
soony
ousoundverydown
Me: Iam notdownMaj
ustal
otofwor
kat
school
Mom: HaiYay
adon'
tletschool
geti
nbet
ween
youandtheweddi
ng
Me:
Huh?
Mom: Ayandaiam nott
ryi
ngt obesomehow
but..Youhaveamanwhoi sveryrich,who
l
ov esyou,whyareyoustil
lwastingy ourt
ime
goingtoschool?Themoneyhepay sforyour
feeskubei y
aeskhwameni sakho!(Themoney
hepay sforyourf
eesshouldbegoi ngt oyour
ownpocket )
MyMom wasst
ressi
ngmemor eont
opoft
he
st
resst
hati
wasalr
eadyhav
ing.
.
Me:
Mai
wil
lcal
lyoul
ater
Mom:
Uphi
yenauSandi
l
e?(
Wher
eisSandi
l
e)
Me:
Hei
satwor
k
Mom:
umbul
i
se(
greethi
m)
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Mom:
Bye
Me:
Bye
Iputmyphoneinsideofmybagasithought
aboutmehavi
ngt omov ebackhomeshould
thi
snotwork,t
hat
'sgoi
ngt
obev
ery
depressi
ng.
.
Itookmybagwi ththecarkeysandheaded
strai
ghttothedoor
,iopenedandsomewoman
wasst andi
ngatthedoorstep.Shewas
accompaniedbysomeman. .
Me:
Goodmor
ning
Onl
ythemanshewaswi
thgr
eet
edback.
.
Hi
m:Sawubonanakuwe(
greet
ingst
oyout
oo)
Il
ookedatt
hem wai
ti
ngf
oranexpl
anat
ion.
.
Hi
m:Iam MrKhumal
o,Sandi
le'
suncl
eandt
his
i
sMaKhumaloSandi
l
e'sMother
Myey
eswi
dened.
.
Me:
Pleasecomei
n
Theymadet
hei
rwayi
n..
Me:
Iam Ay
anda.
.Iam Sandi
l
e's.
.Iam hi
s..
Uncl
e:Soy
ouar
eYay
a?
Inodded.
.
Uncle:Heoncetoldmeaboutyou.
.It
'sni
ceto
fi
nall
ymeety ou,
youareevenmorebeauti
ful
thanhowhedescr i
bedyou
Me:
Thanky
ou
Sandil
e'
sMot hergavemethemostcol
destl
ook
thatanyonehasevergi
venmeinmywhole
enti
reli
fe.
.
Her
:Wher
eisLi
hle?
Me:
Akekho(
shei
snother
e)
Her
:Icanseet
hatbutwhatidon'
tunderst
and
i
swhyareyouher
eandshe'snothere?
Uncl
e:MaKhumal
o
Shegav
ehi
mthehand.
.
Her:
Ngimel
ekancanepl
ease(
wai
tami
nut
e
pl
ease)
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Her
:wher
eismyson?
Me:
Hewasadmi
tt
edy
est
erday
Her
:Adm.
.
Shef
oldedherar
ms.
.
Her
:Kahl
ekahl
ent
ombazanandi
niungubani
?
(
whoareyou)
Idi
dn'
tknowhowtorespondbecausecl
ear
ly
shedoesn'
tl
ikemeal
ready.
.
.
.
LI
HLE
Iwokeupf eeli
ngv er
ysicki f
orgothowt err
ible
ahangov ercangetyou.Iroseupf r
om t he
bathroom fl
ooraft
ervomi t
ingandi f
lushedt he
toil
et,iwal
kedt ot
hebasinandr i
nsedmy
mout hthenaft
erlookedatmy sel
fint hemirror.
Ilookedterr
ibl
e.Myey el
inerwasj ustallover
myf ace,myey eswereabi tr
edi lookedl i
kea
hotmess.Ihear daknockatt hedoor ..
Ki
ng:
Lihl
e
Me:
comi
ng
Iwashedmyfaceandt
henwipeditwit
hat
owel
thatst
il
ldi
dn'
tmakemelookbet
ter.
.
Iwalkedov
erandopenedthedoorhewal
kedin
whil
eholdi
ngaglassofwaterandpai
nki
l
ler
s..
Hi
m:dr
inkt
his
Me:
thanky
ou
It
ookt
hepai
nki
l
ler
sanddr
ank.
.
Hi
m:dr
inkupal
lthatwat
er
Me:
iwi
l
lvomi
t
Him:youneedt
odr
inkal
otofwat
ery
ou
dehy
drated
If
orcedt
hroughanddr
ankupal
lthewat
er.
.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Hefoldedhi
sarmsandl
eanedagai
nstt
hewal
l
l
ookingatme..
Idon'
tknowwhathappenedlastni
ghtbutf
rom
hi
slookicant
ell
thatsomethingwentdown.
Me:
Iam sor
ry
Hi
m:f
or?
Il
ookedatthecupandshr
uggedmy
shoul
der
s..
Hi
m: todayiam goi
ngtotakeyoutomySi
ster
's
pl
ace,youwill
stayther
eunti
lihav
esol
vedyour
Mother'
scase
Il
ookedathi
m andshookmyheadno.
.
Hi
m:I
t'
snotopenf
ordi
scussi
on
Me:Idon'
twannagotoyourSi
ster
'spl
acei
wannabeherewit
hyou!
Hi
m: Youareadangert
oy oursel
ficannot
wat
chov eryou24/
7myj obisdemanding!
Me:
Whati
fhef
indsme?
Hi
m:Hewon'
t
!
Me:
Sandi
l
esomehowhadmyMot
herki
l
led
whi
lehewaswi
thmeandy
out
hinkhewon'
t
f
indme?
Hi
m:MySi
ster
'spl
acei
ssaf
e
Me:
YourSi
stercannotpr
otectme!
Heputhi
shandsi
nhi
spocket
s..
Him:Okaylet
'sdot
hisyouwil
lgoovert
her
e
andstayf
oracoupleofweekswhil
eifi
ndusa
pl
acetostay
Me:
Whycan'
tIst
ayher
e?
Hi
m: i
workmostoft
het
imei
won'
tbear
ound
t
olookaf
tery
ou
Me:
Kingi
canst
ayal
onewhi
l
eyouatwor
k
Hi
m:Iam notr
iski
ngt
hat
Me:
Whynot
?
Him:Becauseiam scar
ed!Af
terl
astnighti
am
scar
edthatiwil
lcomebackfrom workandfind
youlay
ingonthefloori
napoolofblood
Whatr
eal
l
yhappenedl
astni
ght
?
Hi
m:Youar
einnost
atet
obel
eftal
one
Idon'
twannabeawayf
rom Ki
ng,
ifeel
saf
e
wheniam wit
hhi
m..
Hi
m:Wewi
l
lleav
eaf
tery
ouhav
eshower
ed
Het
ookt
hecupf
rom meandwal
kedout
..
.
.
NDI
LE
Islowlyopenedmyey estof i
ndNkabinde
l
ookingatmehewasn' talone,hewaswithwhat
l
ookedl i
keanotherDr.Itr
iedmov i
ngbuti
couldn'
t,iwasstr
appedt othebed.Iwasabi t
drowsyandweakmyf acehadabandageal l
aroundi coul
dfeeli
t,il
ookedatNkabinde..
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Nkabi
nde:
MrKhumal
ohowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
Nkabi
ndewhati
sgoi
ngon?
Hel
ookedatt
heDr
,TheDrwal
kedupt
ome.
.
Him:Goodmorni
ngMrKhumal
oiam DrMaano
andIam apsy
chi
atr
ist
Nkabi
nde:
DrMaanowi
l
lbeat
tendi
ngt
oyour
case
Maano:Assoonasyoufeelbet
terwewil
ldoa
psy
chiat
ri
ceval
uati
onandthentransf
ery
outo
amentali
nst
it
uti
on
Nott
hisagai
n!!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
28,
21:
40]Ron:
¥42
LI
HLE
Wedi dn'tgostr
aighttohisSi st
er'
splacewe
passedbyatt hemal lfi
rstKinghadmebuya
fewcl othessi
ncei wi
llbestay i
ngathisSister'
s
place.Buy i
ngcl
othesclearlyconfi
rmst hatheis
abandoni ngme,hepr obabl
ywon' tcomeback
andf etchme.Justaf ewday sandhei sal
ready
ti
redofme, wasithathorri
bletohiml astnight
?
Whatr eall
ywentdownt hathei snoteven
tel
li
ngme.Hewaswal kingbehi ndmeat
Foschiniwhileiwaschecki ngaf ewclothesout,
hewasonhi sphoneandi wasl osti
nmy
thoughts.MyMot herhasn' tbeeninthegr av
e
forevenaweekandal readyi am str
uggling,i
don'thaveahome, i
don' thaveanyone
everythi
ngisjustamess.Tear sburnedmyey es
andi heldthem backiwasdeadi nsi
de...
Ki
ngcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatbuti
didn'
tl
ookathi
m..
Hi
m:Ar
eyouf
indi
ngany
thi
ngt
haty
oul
i
ke?
Ishookmyheadno.
.
Hi
m:Idon'
twannarushy
oubuti
t'
sabi
tofa
l
ongdr
ivet
oNelspr
uit
Inodded.
.
Hi
m:Li
hlecomeon.
.
Me:
Theyexpensi
ve
Him:Iaskedy
ouwhi
chst
oreandy
ouwer
eal
l
qui
et
Me:
Let
'st
ryMrPr
ice
Het
urnedmear
oundandl
ookedatme.
.
Hi
m:Ar
eyoudoi
ngt
hisonpur
pose?
Me:
What
?
Hi
m:Ar
eyoudel
ayi
ngonpur
pose?
Me:
No!
Hi
m:Thenmakeupy
ourmi
ndwoman!
Me:
Iam t
ell
i
ngy
ouMrPr
ice!
Hi
m:Thenl
et'
sgot
oMrPr
ice!
Thesalesl
adykeptonsteali
ngglancesatusas
wewentoffagai
nsteachot her
.Iwalkedout
andheadedtoMrPricewithKingfoll
owingme,
iwaslooki
ngdowntryi
ngt onotletmytears
str
eam downmycheeks.
Wegott oMrPr i
ceandi wenttolookforafew
cl
othes.Kingdoesn'
tunderst
andt he
ser
iousnessofthissi
tuat
ion,i
fSandil
efindsme
heisgoingtokil
lmeandt henKinggoesand
dumpsmeathi sSist
er'
splace?Hi
sSi
steri
sa
womanjustl
ikeme, avul
nerabl
eoneshewon'
t
beabl
etoprotectme!.
.
.
YAYA
Wewer eintheloungeandi hadjustexpl ai
ned
tothem whoi was.Itol
dthewhol et r
utheven
aboutmeandSandi l
ebeingi nar elat
ionshi
p
andmebei ngPregnant,asi fi
nishedexpl ai
ning
Sandil
e'
sMot herwasal r
eadyboi linginsi
de.I
keptquietandwaitedforthem tosay
something..
Uncle:
Sandi
ledi
dtel
lmeabouty
ouandhewas
readytomakeyouhi
ssecondwi
fe
Inodded.
..
Me:
EyaMal
ume
MaKhumalo:Ny
wey
aMal
ume!Ny
wey
aMal
ume
mylef
tfoot!
Uncl
e:MaKhumal
o
Me:Nomaant hisgi
rlisevi
l!Ukhohlakele!She
knewthatSandi
lewasi narelat
ionshipwhen
shedeci
dedtodatehim!Whof all
sforaguy
whoisalr
eadyinarelati
onshipakaphilanga
kahl
elomntwana!(she'snotment alstable)
Uncle:
Sheispr
egnantnowwhatar
ewe
supposedt
odo,thr
owherout
?
Shel
ookedatme.
.
MaKhumalo:
Kodwauzalwaubani
?(whogav
e
bi
rt
htoyou)ireal
l
ywannaseethewomanwho
gavebi
rt
htoyou!
Iremai
nedqui
etal
thoughiwant edtosay
somethi
ngbutiwi
l
l notdi
srespecther
..
Uncl
e:Yehl
i
saumoy
a(cal
m down)
MaKhumal
o:Youar
eaf
terhi
sMoneyar
en'
t
you?
Me:
NoMai
l.
.
MaKhumalo:
Iam noty
ourMom!Ungal
i
ngeut
hi
Ma(don'
tcal
lmeMa)
Ikeptqui
et.
..
MaKhumalo:Shei
snotgoi
ngtobeSandi
l
e's
secondwi
fe!Mbhekenj
e(l
ookather
)
Uncl
e:KodwauLi
hleakekho(Lihl
eisnother
e)
youhear
dshelef
twithanotherman!
MaKhumalo:
Ayi
khoy
onkel
ent
o!(
ther
e's
not
hingl
i
kethat
)
Shest
oodup.
.
MaKhumalo:I
fLihleleftshelef
tbecauseofher
!
Yazi
youevenhav ethegut stomov ei
ntomy
Son'
shouse!I
ntoLihle'shouse!Yeseseveni
fi
wasgoi
ngt oaccepty oubutnownev er
!
Shewal
kedawayt
othebedr
ooms.
.
Uncle:Youcangotoschoolmychi
l
di wi
l
ltal
k
toherandthankyoufort
ell
i
ngusabout
Sandil
e
Me:
YeboMal
ume
Ist
oodupandwal
kedaway
..
.
.
NDI
LE
ThePsy
chi
atri
stlef
tmywar
dandi
wasonl
ylef
t
wit
hNkabi
nde..
Me:Nkabi
ndei
am notgoi
ngt
oapsy
chi
atr
ic
i
nst
it
uti
on
Nkabi
nde:
Iknowi
tsoundssomehowbuti
t'
sfor
t
hebest
Me:
Eyy
yawungi
zwakahl
e?(
aren'
tyouhear
ing
me)
Nkabinde:
Sandi
l
eyouar
einnost
atet
obe
r
eleased
Me:Iwasoncei
nament alinst
it
uti
onal
ong
t
imeagoandIam notgoingback!
It
ri
edt
ofr
eemy
sel
fbuti
wasst
rappedv
ery
t
ight
..
Me:
Ijusthadanepi
sodebuynowi
am f
ine
Nkabi
nde:Youarenotfi
ne!Whati
fyouhave
anot
herepisodeandt
histi
mearoundyouki
ll
your
sel
forsomeoneelse?Whatthen?
Me:Ey
yfuckyouwenamaan!
!Ipayyou!You
f
oll
owmyor der
snott
heot
herwayround
Hel
ookedar
oundandt
henl
ookedatme.
.
Him:Ihavel
ivedwitht
hismental
il
lnessall
my
l
ifeandipul
l
edt hr
oughitsnotmyfir
stti
me
havi
ngsuchanepisode!
Thepsy
chi
atr
istwal
kedi
nagai
n..
Him:DrNkabi
ndei
needy
out
osi
gnher
esowe
canmovehim
Me:
Nkabi
ndey
ouar
enotsi
gni
ngany
thi
ng!
Nkabi
ndet
ookt
hepadandpent
henhe
si
gned.
.
Me:
iam goi
ngt
oki
l
lyouwena!Iam goi
ngt
o
ki
l
lyou!
It
ri
edt
obr
eakf
reebuti
twasi
mpossi
ble.
.
Me:Ang'
hl
any
imi
na!Ang'
hl
any
i(Iam not
cr
azy)
Maano:
Thanky
ouDoc
Nkabi
nde:
Wheni
shegoi
ngt
obet
akenaway
?
Maano:
Itwon'
tbel
ongjustwai
ti
ngf
ort
he
Nur
setocomeandsedatehi
m
Iwassopissedisweariam goi
ngtodeal wi
th
Nkabindewhenimakeitthr
ough!Icannotbe
det
ainedicannotl
oseLi
hletoKing.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
28,
21:
41]Ron:
¥43
LI
HLE
Iwal
kedaroundt
heroom int
rospect
ingitandi
t
wasn'
tbad.I
twasverycl
ean,hadagoodscent
andver
ytidy
.ThedooropenedandSy l
vi
a
walkedinhol
dingacleanbedli
nen,ev
ersincei
arr
ivedhereafewhoursagoshehasbeen
giv
ingmeherwar m smil
e.Shehasbeen
showingmesoomuchhospi tal
it
ythatitdi
dn'
t
seem normal
..
Her
:It
'sKi
ng'
sbedr
oom
Me:
It'
sver
ycl
ean
Her
:Her
eisacl
eanbedl
i
nen
Me:
It'
sfi
neIwi
l
lsl
eepont
hisone
Her
:Ar
eyousur
e?Ihav
en'
tchangedi
tsi
ncehe
l
eft
That'
swhatineeded,iwannasl
eepwherehe
sl
eptiwannasmellhisscentt
hatwi
l
latleast
makemef eelsaf
e.Itwil
lmakemefeelasifl
ike
heisher
ewi t
hme. .
Shesatdownandlookedatmeidon'tknowi
fit
runsi
nthefamil
yfort
hem toj
ustst
areat
someoneli
kethi
s..
Her
:Iam sor
ryj
ustt
hati
hav
enev
erseensuch
abeaut
if
uldar
kski
ngi
rlbef
ore
Me:
Thanky
ou.
.Youal
sobeaut
if
ul
Her:
Letmenotkeepy
oui
t'
slat
ehav
eagood
ni
ghtrest
Me:
Thanky
ou
Her:
don'thesi
tat
etocal
lmewheny
ouneed
somethi
ng
Me:
Iwon'
t
Her
:Tomor
rowwheny
ouwakeupi
mightnot
beher
e
Me:
Youwor
k?
Her
:Iv
olunt
eeratashel
terwher
eabused
womenandchil
drenst
ay
Me:
That
'sgood.
.Soy
oudon'
twor
k?
Her
:Noi don't
..Igetanal
lowanceever
ymonth
myhusbandpassedonaf ewyearsagohewas
acopsoi getmoneyev er
ymont h
Me:
Iam sor
ryt
oheart
hat
Her
:Ify
ouknewt
her
eal
stor
yyouwoul
dn'
tbe
Me:
Ohw
Thedoorf
lungopenandsomegi
rlwal
kedi
n..
Her
:It
houghtUncl
eKi
ngwasar
ound
Sylvi
a:Li
hlemeetmyannoy i
ngdaughterMomo,
andMomomeetSi s'
Lihleshei
sUncle'sKi
ng'
s
fr
iendandshewill
best ayi
ngwit
husf ora
while
Momo:
OhhOkay
Shel
ookedatherMot
her
..
Momo:
Uncl
eKi
ngwasar
ound?
Syl
vi
a:Yesbutl
eftqui
ckl
ybecausehewasi
na
hur
ry
Momo:
Wheni
shecomi
ngback?
Sy
lvi
a:Iam notsur
e
Shest
oodup.
.
Sy
lvi
a:Let
'sgi
veSi
s'
Li
hlesomespacei
am sur
e
she'
sti
red
Momowal
kedout
..
Sy
lvi
a:Goodni
ght
Me:
Night
Theywal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
..
.
.
KI
NG
Imademywayst rai
ghttothepoli
cestati
on
aft
erigotacallfr
om thecaptai
nitwasaround
23:
00andqui t
ef r
anklyiwastir
edfrom al
lthe
dri
vi
ngi di
dtoday.Iwasholdingacanofr edbul
l
asipassedFiki
leattherecepti
on.
.
Her:
Ther
e'sapr
ett
yint
erest
ingcasei
nyour
of
fi
ce
Me:
Real
l
y?
Her
:Yeap
Me:
Okay.
.Bef
oreifor
getpl
easecal
lLi
hle
t
omorr
owmorningshecoul
duseafri
end
Her
:Issheal
ri
ght
?
Me:
Justcal
lherpl
ease
Shegotherphoneout
..
Me:
Notnowt
omor
rowmor
ning
Her
:Issheal
ri
ght
?Youar
escar
ingme
Shongweshowedupf
rom t
heof
fi
cet
othe
recept
ion.
.
Shongwe:
Nkambul
ewehav
ebeenwai
ti
ngf
or
you!
Me:
cal
lhert
omor
row
Shenodded.
.
Imademywayt ot
heoffi
ceandIsawsome
guysi
tt
ingonthechai
rinthemiddl
eoft he
room,
helookeddir
tyandhewasshiv er
ing.I
t
wasdefi
nit
elyoneoft
heNy aopeboys..
Capt
ainwasl
eani
ngagai
nstt
hedeskwi
thhi
s
ar
msf
olded,
Shongwecl
osedt
hedoor
..
Me:
Capwhat
'shappeni
ng?
Cap:
Boyt
ell
usagai
n
Hi
m: Iam her
engobangi
bul
aleumunt
u(i
hav
e
ki
l
ledsomeone)
Me:
Huh?
Hi
m:Ent
leksi
thengi
we!(
wewer
ebought
)
Shongwe:
Nit
hengweubani
?(whoboughty
ou)
Hi
m:Ng'
cel
aif
ixny
ana(
cani
pleasehav
eaf
ix)
Me:
Youwer
eboughtbyaguynamedSandi
l
e?
Hi
m:Ang'
cav
i(i
don'
tknow)
Hescr
atchedhi
msel
f.
.
Him:icheeseboyny
ananj
e(hei
sacheese
boy)
Shongwe:
whyar
eyout
ell
i
ngusnow?
Hi
m: i
gazi
lomuntul
iy
akhul
umaloyaMama
uf
iki
l
ekimiwat
hingi
zelauhl
alal
a
emicabangweniy
ami(aperson'
sbloodcantal
k,
thatwomancamet omeandsai dimustcome
here.Shei
salwaysi
nmyt houghts)
Weal
ll
ookedateachot
her
..
.
.
NDI
LE
Thesef ourwall
swerenotbigenoughf ormet o
breath.Ifel
tver
ymuchsuf f
ocat edasifli
kei
wasgoi ngoutofmymi nd.Itwasqui et
,itwas
dark!Nothingwasacompanyt omeot herthan
thebed, t
hechair,
andthetable.Igotupand
wentt othedoor,ist
art
edbangingoni t.
.
Me:Getmeout
!Ngi
khi
pheni
la!(
getmeoutof
her
e)
Ilookedaroundandi
heardvoicesi
nmyhead,i
wasgoi ngoutofmymind.Ikeptonbangi
ngon
thedoor.
Me:
Someonegetmeoutofher
e!!
Iwentbackandgott
hechai
rthenst
art
ed
hi
tt
ingitagai
nstt
hedoor
.
Me:Vul
ani
minaang'
hl
any
i!(
openi
am not
cr
azy)
Aft
eraf
ewminut
esiheardthedooropening,
twomenwal
kedi
nwearingallwhit
e.Theyput
medownandoneoft
hem inject
edme..
Me:
Ang'
hl
any
imi
na!
!(Iam notcr
azy
)
.
[
09/
28,
21:
47]Ron:
¥44
LI
HLE
Iwokeupt hefollowingmor ningandt hehouse
wasqui etthefi
rstt hi
ngi di
dwast ocheckmy
phoneandIonl yhadami ssedcal l
from Fikil
e,
nothi
ngf rom King.Myhear twasal i
ttl
ebr okeni
thoughthewasgoi ngtocallmemay beandask
howIam f i
ndi
ngt heplace,howi sl
ept,ifiam
safebutnot hi
ngatal l.Igotoutofbedandwent
tothedr essi
ngt abletopickupt hepictureof
somebeaut i
fulladyi lookedatherf orawhi l
e
andshemustbeKi ng'sgirl
fr
iendorsomet hi
ng.
Icheckedafewpi cturesofthem ar oundt he
room andnowi knowwhyhei snotcal li
ngand
checkinguponme, hehasawomani nhisl i
fe
andhedoesn' tcareaboutmeany mor e.Imade
mywayt ot
hebat hroom t obrushmyt eet
hand
washedmyf ace, ifixedmybr aidsandwentt o
thekit
chenstill
wear i
ngPajamas.Ont he
kit
chencounteri foundaR200not e,thatwas
accompaniedbyanot hernotel ef
tformeby
Sylvi
a:
"Goodmor ningHl ehl
e.Ileftyout hi
smoneyso
thatyoucant akeawal kandgot otheshopping
centerandgety ouani cebr eakfast
.The
shoppingcenterisnotf ar,i
t'sa10mi nwalkjust
gost r
aight
.Iwillseeyoul aterataround17:00"i
wentbackt othebedr oom andchangedt heni
mademywayt ot heshoppi ngcenter.I
twasa
quietsuburbi
annei ghborhoodhadaf ewwhi te
neighboursanditseemsasi fl
ikepeoplemind
t
hei
rownbusi
nessar
oundher
e..
.
.
YAYA
Hav i
ngSandile'
sMot herar oundwasadr agit
wasj ustmeandherar oundt hehouse.Imade
mywayt othekitcheni al
readyhadmybagand
preparedtogot oschool ,
shewasi nthekitchen
dri
nkingtea.Ithoughtoft urni
ngbackbutshe
hadal r
eadysawme.Imademywayi nwhile
shegav emet hatdisgustinglookofhers,t
his
womancaneatmeal i
ve..
Me:
Goodmor
ningMaKhumal
o
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Iwantedtomakebr eakf
astbutwit
hherar ound
andlooki
ngatmei nthatmanner,whatever
breakf
astiam goingt oeatwon'
tgodownwel l
.
Itookanappl
ei nsteadandheadedstraightto
thedoor.
.
Her
:Kahl
ewenaNt
ombazana(
wai
tami
nut
e)
Ist
oppedandexhal
edt
henl
ookedather
..
Her
:MySon'
scarkey
s?
Iwentandhandedt
hem t
oher
..
Her
:Todayi
wanty
ououtoft
hishouse!
Me:
Iunder
stand
Her
:Andasi
ncer
ewor
dofadv
ice
Il
ookedather
..
Her
:Thatt
hingy
oucar
ryi
ng
Shel
ookedatmyt
ummy
..
Her
:getr
idofi
t!
Me:
sor
ry?
Her:Iwill
neveracceptwhatyoucar
ryi
ngasmy
grandchil
d!Thatt
hingiscur
sed!I
twasn't
conceivedinther
ightway
Me:
Iam car
ryi
ngy
ourSon'
sbaby
Her
:Idon'
tcar
e!Lal
ela(
li
stenher
e)getr
idof
thatt
hingandt henl
eav
emysonalone!Iwil
l
neveracceptyouandhewi
llnev
ermarryyou!
Youwi l
lneverbeaKhumal
o
Ididn'
trepl
ytohercommenti
mademywayt
o
thedoor..
Her
:Hai
boandy
ourcl
othes?
Me:
cani
cal
lmyf
ri
endt
opi
ckmeupf
ir
st?
Sheagr
eedwi
thherey
esandnothermout
h..
Iwentoutt
ocal
lCandi
ce.
.
.
.
KI
NG
Wehadconcr et
eev i
dencetobuildacase
againstSandil
ewi t
htheconfessionwewer e
abletoonlygetthesecondsuspectandt hethe
3rdonewhowast heonewhost abbedMaCel e
sohisf r
iendssaidwasnowher etobefound,he
hadf l
eewaybef orethefr
iendcamet oconfess
yest
erday.Ontopofthemurderchargesiam
addingachargeofdomesticabuseaccording
toLihl
e'sstat
ementandhertest
ify
ingagainst
him wil
lputSandi
leawayforaverylongt
ime.
Thatmor
ningi
walkedi
nthest
ati
onandFi
ki
le
cameuptome..
Her
:Det
ect
ive
Me:
Yes
Her
:Cani
hav
eawor
dwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Yesofcause
Shepul
l
edmeont
hesi
de.
.
Her
:Ical
l
edLi
hleasy
ouhadi
nst
ruct
edme
Me:
And?
Her
:Shedi
dn'
tpi
ckup
Me:
Shedi
dn'
t
?
Her
:No
Me:
That
'sst
range
Her
:Whati
sreal
l
yhappeni
ng?
Me:
It'
sal
ongst
oryi
wil
ltel
lyoul
ater
Her
:Ki
ngshei
smybestf
ri
end
Me:
Iwi
l
ltel
lyoul
ater
Iwalkedtomyoffi
cewi
thmyphoneouti
was
abouttocal
lLi
hle.
.
Shongwe:
Final
l
yhewal
ksi
n
Me:
Eyy
Shongwe:
wehav
etodi
scusst
hecase
Me:
It'
sdonewegott
hecul
pri
t
Shongwe:
Iwoul
dn'
tbesosur
e
Iputmyphoneonmydesk.
.
Me:
Why
?
Shongwe:
MrSandi
l
eKhumal
owon'
tst
andt
ri
al
Me:
Why
?Wehav
econcr
etepr
oof
Shongwe:
Wedobut
..
Me:
Butwhat
?
Shongwe:
Hispsy
chi
atr
istcamet
hroughf
or
hi
m
Me:
hiswhat
?
Shongwe: Hei
sinament
ali
nsti
tut
ionandhei
s
pronouncedunf
itt
ost
andtr
ial
Ipunchedmydesk.
.
Shongwe: TestsweredoneandhisPsychiat
ri
st
wil
ltakeast andduri
ngthetri
alt
oprovethathe
was" unf
it
"whent hewholethi
ngtookplace
pl
ushedi dn'treal
l
ykil
lhersoheisacl
eanand
fr
eeman
Me:Hewast
hemast
ermi
ndbehi
ndt
hiswhol
e
t
hing
Shongwe:Hedidn'
tkil
lhert
heonewhoactual
l
y
didt
hestabbi
ngistheonewhoi sgoi
ngt
obe
char
gedwithfi
rstdegreemurder
Hest
oodup.
.
Shongwe:don'tl
ooksofrust
ratedatl
eastwe
gotJust
iceforthepoorwomanwehav ethe
peopl
ewhodi dthisandwewi l
lfi
ndthelast
one
Me:
Hei
sact
ual
l
ygoi
ngt
ogetawaywi
tht
his
Shongwe: Seemsthatwayplust her
e'snoproof
pi
ninghimt othemurderbasicall
yit
'shisword
againstt
heNy aopeboyshecaneasi lypini
t
againstt
hem thatt
heyactuall
ydi dt
hisontheir
ownt orobthepoorwomanofhi smoneyand
otherval
uablestosust
aintheiraddi
ction
Me:Wecangethi sbankstat
ementstheysaid
hepaidthem hewil
lhavet
oexpl
ainthe
tr
ansacti
onsdati
ngbacktowhenMaCel ewas
murdered,hi
sphonerecor
dsandeverything
el
se
Shongwe: coul
d'
veslight
lyworkedbutIam
afr
aidourhandsar eti
edheisal ostcasewi
tha
mentalil
l
nesssor atherl
et'
sfocusont he
cul
prit
sathand
Hewal
kedaway
..
Sothebastardi
sactual
l
ygoi
ngt ogetaway
wit
hmur deranddomesti
cvi
olence?ihav
e
fai
l
edLihle.
.
.
.
LI
HLE
Iboughtmeanicemeal atkfcandthenaf t
erI
wentandboughtmy sel
fabottleoffi
rstwatch
whiskeyatPi
cknpayl i
quorstoret
heni went
backhome.IcheckedmyphoneandIhad
recei
vedamessagef r
om Kingwhichr ead:
"Iam sor ryLi
hlethatihav ef
ail
edy ou.Theway
thati am soodisappointedican'tevencallyou
orfacey ouri
ghtnow.Sandi l
eisgoi ngtoget
awaywi theveryt
hingbecauseofhi sment al
i
llness, heisi
nament alinst
it
uti
onandhi s
psy chiatr
isti
scomi ngthroughforhim.Iam
verysor rybutwehav ethepeoplewhoact uall
y
murder
edy ourMothert
heyconfessedt
ohave
beenboughtbySandil
e,buthi
m..Heisgoi
ngto
getawaywithit
"
Isankdownont hecouch,t
hatmessaget
ook
thelastbr
eat
hthatihadlef
tinme..
.
2MONTHSLATER.
.
[
09/
28,
21:
49]Ron:
¥45
2MONTHSLATER
KI
NG
Thehousewasn' tbadili
keditaloti
t'
sgoingto
bebettert
hanbei ngcompressedattheLodge.
Fiki
ledidapret
tygoodjobfurnishi
ngit
,ican'
t
thankherenough..
Fi
ki
le:
So?
Me:
It'
sgoodt
hanky
ou
Fi
ki
le:Justknowt
hati
wil
lbesendi
ngy
out
he
i
nvoice
Il
aughed.
..
Fi
kil
e:Real
lythoughKingiam aLi
eutenantnot
adecorionlydidthi
sbecauseyoutol
dmet hat
Li
hlewil
lbemov i
nginwit
hyou
Me:
Todayi
am goi
ngt
ofet
chher
Shel
ookedatmei
nast
rangeway
..
Me:
What
?
Fi
ki
le:
Youl
i
keherdon'
tyou?
Me:
Didi
sayt
hat
?
Fi
ki
le:
Youdi
dn'
thav
etoo
Me:Ifeelli
keioweheralotaft
ernotbei
ngable
toputthatpsy
chobehindbarsthi
sisthel
easti
coul
ddof orher
Fiki
le:Isti
llcannotbeli
evethatSandi
ledidall
of
thoset hi
ngsImeant heyhavebeentogetherfor
10y earsithoughthel ovedherbuthefooledus
all
Me:
Ifi
twasupt
omei
woul
d'
veputabul
l
et
t
houghhi
m
Fi
ki
le:
Howi
sLi
hlehol
dingup?
Me: Shehasn'tbeentaki ngmycall
sf or2
mont hsbuttalki
ngwi thmySistersheissay i
ng
thatLihl
eisnotholdingupwel l,
shehas
downedher selfdeeplyintoal
coholthat'
swhyi
wannagoandgether .Sheneedsanewf resh
start
Fi
ki
le:
Iagr
ee
Il
ookedatt
het
ime.
.
Me:
Ihav
etogo
Fiki
l
e:Iwi
l
lcomeandcheckuponher
tomorr
owwhenyouguysareback
Me:
Youshoul
d
Sheputherhandonmyshoul
der
..
Her
:dr
ivesaf
ely
Me:
Iwi
l
l
.
.
LI
HLE
Ever ydayi slikeaweekendf ormemyl i
fehasn't
beeneasy .Iwakeupandsl eeponal cohol,i
t'
s
theonl ycomf orti f
indt oshi ftawayf rom my
depr essingt hought sandev er yt
hingel se.Itwas
aSat ur daymor ningandi hadahangov eras
alway s, igotoutofbedandsear chedf orpain
kil
lersdang!Ihav efinishedal loft hem.Iwoul d
askSy lvi
abutwehav en'tbeenseei ngey et o
eyel ately,lastni ghtwhenIwasdr unkwe
exchangedwor dsnomaket hati sai dmostof
thewor ds.Iwal kedoutoft hebedr oom and
wentt othebat hr oom t obrushmyt eeth.Idon'
t
believei nsui cidet hatpar tofmet hatst i
ll
sli
ght lybeliev esinGoddoesn' tfavourmet o
commi tsuicide.
Ibrushedmyt eet
hwhilelooki
ngatmysel
fin
themi r
ror
,onceuponat imeiwasstr
ongbut
nowIdon'tevenrecognizetheper
sononthe
othersideofthemi rr
oranymore.Iwashedmy
faceandt henwentbackt othebedroom to
hav eacapofwhatwasl ef
tofthewhi skey.
Nomsahasbeent heonewhowasf undingmy
alcoholaddict
ion,
shedoesn'tknowt hatIdri
nk
toherit'
sjust"hel
pingafri
endinneed" .Iwore
mysl eepersandthenmademywayt ot he
kitchenSylvi
aandMomower ebaki
ng..
Me:
Goodmor
ning
Theybot
hlookedatme.
.
Momo:
Mor
ningSi
s'Li
hle
Momoisabal
lofposi
ti
veener
gyshei
sful
lof
l
if
eandal
waysspeaki
nghermind.
.
Sy
lvi
a:Mor
ning
Imademywayt
othef
ri
dge.
.
Momo:
Anypl
ansf
ort
oday
?
Me:
Justl
ockedupi
nmyr
oom asal
way
sdear
Momo:
Wel
liam happyt
hatUncl
eKi
ngi
s
comi
ngt
oday
Me:
Kingi
scomi
ng?
Momo:
Yes
Kingandihaven'
tbeencommuni cat
ingfort
he
l
ast2mont hshedidn'
tcareaboutmesoi di
dn'
t
wannabotherhim,idon'
twanthisgi
rlf
ri
end
comingatme.
Il
ookedatSy
lvi
a..
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?
Syl
via:
Lihl
eyouar
eal
waysdr
unki
t'
sev
en
di
ff
icul
ttotal
ktoy
ouatt
imes
Ibangedt
hef
ri
dgeandwentbackt
othe
bedroom.
.
.
.
YAYA
Nkabi
ndegotoffmeandlai
donthesidewhil
e
cat
chi
nghisbreat
h,t
hiswasthesecondand
l
astroundf ort
oday .Hetookof ft
hecondom to
goanddi sposeit
.Lifehasn'tbeenacrystal
stai
rformel at
elyespecial
lysinceSandil
ehas
beenlockedup,i havebeenst r
uggli
ngtomake
endsmeet .NkabindeisnotlikeSandil
eheisa
bitst
ingybutneverthel
esshegi vesmemoney
tosendhome.
Iter
mi nat
edthepregnancyafewweeksago,i
wasn'tgoingt
obeabl etocar
rythr
oughwit
h
thepregnancysi
nceSandilewasn'
tar
ound.
.
Nkabi
ndewal
kedbacki
nandst
art
eddr
essi
ng
up.
.
Him:Iwil
ltr
ansf
ert
heR1000l
ateront
oyour
account
Me:
Onl
yR1000?
Hi
m:Iam notSandi
l
eihav
eawi
feandki
ds
Me:
Nkabi
ndenowy
ouj
ustpl
ayi
ngwi
thme
Him:Thengoandf
indsomeoneel
sewhoi
s
goi
ngtopayyoumore
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Hi
m:Takei
tandbegr
atef
ul
Het
ookhi
sjacketandl
eft
..
Il
aidt
herethi
nki
nghowi
windedupwi
th
Nkabi
nde.
.
.
.
SANDI
LE
Iwassi t
ti
ngaloneinaqui etroom whi l
ereadi
ng
thenewspaper.Itwasn'tanewspaperf ort
oday
butfrom l
astmont h,
Ireadi teverydaytoremi
nd
my sel
foftheevilt
hati havedoneandt hepai
n
thatIhavecausedal otofpeopl e.TheNurse
walkedin..
Her
:MrKhumal
o
Il
ookedather
..
Her
:Ti
met
otakey
ourmedi
cat
ion
Me:
Thanky
ou
It
ookt
hepi
l
lsanddr
ank.
.
Me:Atwhatt
imei
smyappoi
ntmentwi
thDr
Maano?
Her
:10:
00am
Me:
Thanky
ou
Shest
oodt
her
e..
Me:
Any
thi
ngel
se?
Her
:Youhav
emadeat
remendouschange
Me:Idi
dandev
ery
thi
ngi
scomi
ngbackt
ome
now
Her:
Don'tbeaty
oursel
fabouti
ttheper
sonwho
di
dallofthoset
hingsi
sgonenow
Me:
Buti
sti
l
lfeel
acer
tai
nty
peofway
Her
:Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogohome?
Me:
Iser
iousl
ydon'
tknow
Her
:Youneedt
ogoandf
acet
hewor
ldi
thi
nk
t
henewyouisr
eady
Me:
Yout
hinkso?
Her
:Iknowso
[
09/
28,
21:
51]Ron:
¥46
NDI
LE
Ther apysessionswithDrMaanoar ewor t
hit
datingbackt otheabuseandpai niwasput
throughasachi l
dandt al
kingaboutever y
thi
ng
thathashappenedwasl i
keaheav yweightli
ft
ed
offmyshoul der
s.Ineverknewt hattal
king
coul dhel
pt hismuchunt i
lmymout hexpell
ed
allthatwasi nmyhear t
..
Maano:
Doy outhi
nkthatonedayy
oucan
f
orgi
veyourFat
her?
Istoppedandt
houghtabouti
tforasecondor
two..
Me:
Iser
iousl
ydon'
tknow
Maano:Don'tyouthi
nkthatthehat
eandanger
t
hatyouholdingonagainsthimist
hereason
t
hatyoubecamet hisbi
tterper
son?
Me:
coul
dbe
Hecl
osedt
hebookt
hathewashol
ding.
.
Maano:
Thatwoul
dbeal
lfort
oday
Igotupf
rom t
hecouchandsatupst
rai
ght
..
Me:
Doy
out
hinkIam r
eadyt
ogohome?
Maano:Youar
emakinggoodprogr
essbutiam
notr
eadytol
etyougoyetwhati
fyourel
apse?
Inodded.
.
Me:
Ial
sot
hinksoo
Onmysi deidi
dn'
twannaber
eleasedbecausei
am notr
eadytofacet
heworl
doutside,
toface
whatIhavedone.
.
Me:
Thanky
ouDrMaano
Maano:
Iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
row
Ist
oodupandwal
kedout
..
Idi
dn'
tgot
omyr oom i
wentst
rai
ghttothe
phonet
ocal
lBi
gDaddy,hei
stheonlypersonI
communi cat
ewi
thbecausehehast aken
chargeofmybusi
nessesjustunt
ilIgetoutof
here.
.
Hi
m:Hel
l
o?
Me:
BigDaddyi
t'
sme
Hi
m:Sandi
l
eidi
dn'
texpecty
ourcal
ltoday
Me:Justcal
l
edt
ochecki
fev
ery
thi
ngi
sgoi
ng
wel
l
?
Him:Ever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngwel
lwi
thy
our
busi
nesses
Me:
That
'sgoodt
ohear
Hi
m:Whenar
eyouget
ti
ngout
?
Me:
Iam notsur
e
Hi
m:I
sitt
hatbad?
Me:
Noi
am comi
ngal
ri
ght
Him:
Isti
llcannotbel
ievethaty
ousuf
fer
ing
fr
om bi
polarwheni l
ookedatyout
hatti
mey ou
cameacrossverysane
Me:Iknowbutwi
tht
hemedi
cat
ionandt
her
apy
iam get
ti
ngt
here
Hi
m:Ihav
etogomanhav
eacoupl
eoft
hings
t
odo
Me:
Letmenotkeepy
out
hen
Hehungup.Ididn'
tputdownthephone,my
fi
ngerfoundit
sel
fpunchi
ngLihl
e'
snumber.I
don'tknowwhyiwascall
ingherbutIf
ound
my sel
fcal
li
ngher.
.
Myheartr
acedasi
wai
tedf
orhert
opickupi
don'
tev
enknowwhati
am goi
ngtosay.
.
Li
hle:
Hel
l
o..
Shest
il
lhasabeaut
if
ulv
oice.
.
Li
hle:
Hel
l
o??
Mylipsmov edbutmythr
oatwasbl
ocked,
my
voi
cejustcouldn'
tcomeout
..
Li
hle:
Hel
l
o?.
.Whoi
scal
l
ing?
Imov
ethephonef
rom myearandpl
acei
tback
wereitbelongs, Iclosedmyey esasmymi nd
shif
tedanddat edbackt ot hattimewheni beat
hertoapul p.Icoul dstillhearherv oicebegging
met ostop, icouldstil
l hearherapol ogizi
ngf or
somet hi
ngt hatshedi dn'tev endoj ustsoi
couldstopbeat ingher .Icoul dstil
lseepictures
cl
earlyinmyheadpl ayingoutl ikeamov i
easi
vi
olatedhersexual lyandl ookingdeepi nt
oher
eyesast het earsformed. .
Iopenedmyey esandi washol dingt
hephone
ti
ghtwhi leitwasdownwi t
hmyhandshaki ng,
mybr eathingwasabnor mal .Iletgoofitanddo
thebreathingexer ci
sethatDrMaanot aughtme
iam ev encount i
ngbackwar dst ocal
m my self
down, howcoul dIbesost upid?Howcoul dI
hurtt
heonl ygi
rlthatpossiblylovedme
uncondi t
ional
ly?Iwasv eryangr ywit
hmy self!
.
.
YAYA
Ihadmov edoutofmyf l
attolivewi thmyf r
iend
CandicebecauseIcoul dn'taffordrentanymor e,
Candicehasbeensooaccommodat ingbutnow
icanseethatitwasbecomi ngabi tmuchf or
herthoughshedoesn' tcompl ain.Ieatherfood,
shebuy smet oil
etr
ies,gi
vesmemoneyf ormy
hair
,anddriv
esmet oschool t
hat '
stoomuch
foroneperson.Themoneyt hati getfr
om
Nkabindeihav etosendhomesot hattheycan
eat.
.
Iwaswatchi
ngtvwheni
recei
vedacal
lfr
om
mySist
erThandeka.
.
Me:
Thandeka
Her
:Hel
l
oAy
anda
Me:
Howar
eyou?
Her
:Iwi
shi
coul
dsaygoodbuti
am not
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Her:Mom t
ookt
hemoneythatwewere
supposedt
obuyfoodwi
th,
shewentdr
inki
ng
asal
way
s
Iexhal
ed.
.
Her:Gr
amshasn'teatenany t
hingconcrete
ot
herthanthesourporri
dgei madef orher
wit
houtsugarshecan'tevendrinkhermeds
Me:
Ihav
eR1000i
wil
lsendy
ouR500
Her
:Thanky
ouverymuchi
wil
lgowit
hmy
f
ri
endtocol
l
ectt
hemoneyshehasanID
Me:Youwil
lcal
lmebackwheny
ouhav
e
di
scussedi
twit
hhert
hen
Her:
Thankyouv
erymuchYay
a,y
ouar
ea
bl
essingt
ous
Ihungup.Iwishtheyknewwhati wasgoi ng
thr
ough,iwishtheyknewwherethismoneyi s
comingfrom.IwishmyMot hercouldstopwhat
she'
sdoingandst epuptoprovi
dingforthe
famil
y.ImissSandil
e,it
rul
ydo.Lifei
sv ery
dif
fi
cultwit
houthim..
.
.
LI
HLE
Ihadpassedoutaf terthatwei r
dphonecal lthat
ihadrecei vediwasoutofi tfr
om thewhi skey
thatihadbeendr i
nking.Itossedandt urned
afterawhi l
eonlyt ofi
ndKi ngsitti
ngnextt ome
andst arri
ngatme.Ibl inkedaf ewt i
mest o
makesur ethatitwashi m, andindeeditwas
him.Ir oseupf r
om thepi l
lowandr ubbedmy
eyes..
Me:
King?
Hest
ret
chedhi
shandandpart
edmybr
aids
t
hatwer
ecrowdi
ngmyface.
.
Hi
m:Hey
Isatupst
rai
ght
..
Me:
Whendi
dyouar
ri
ve?
Hi
m:Justawhi
l
eago
Hecont
inuedst
arr
ingatme,
ihat
eitwhenhe
doesthati
t'
sli
kehi
ssear
chi
ngdeeperi
ntomy
soul
..
Hi
m:What
'sbeenhappeni
ngwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Not
hing
Her
aisedhi
sri
ghtey
ebr
ow.
..
Me:Whydoyouevencar
e?I
t'
snotl
i
key
ouhav
e
cal
l
edlat
elyt
ocheckuponme
Il
aidbackont
hepi
l
lowagai
n..
Him:don'
tgiv
emet hatihav
ebeencal
l
ingand
youhaven'
tbeenpi
ckingup
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Hi
m:Getupandgoshowerwear
eleav
ing
Me:
Iam notgoi
ngany
wher
e
Hi
m:Iwasn'
taski
ngy
oui
wast
ell
i
ngy
ou
Ii
gnor
edhi
m..
Hecl
i
ckedhi
stongue.
.
Hi
m:Konj
ether
e'sonl
yonel
anguaget
haty
ou
under
stand!
Hest
oodupandthenpi
ckedmeup,
heputme
ov
erhi
sshoul
der
..
.
Me:
Kingputmedown!
!!(
shout
ing)
Hewentoutandopenedt hebat
hroom doorand
t
henputmedown, ipushedhim..
Me:
Don'
tev
ert
ouchmeagai
n!
Ipushedhi
m agai
nandagai
n..
Me:
Don'
tev
ert
ouchmeev
eragai
n!!
!
Heheldmet
ightont
hesi
desofmyar
msand
shookmeabit
..
Hi
m:St
opi
t!
!Youhearme?st
opi
t!
!
Wel
ookedateachot
her
..
Him:Dammi tLihlei knowy ouhurt
ingbutli
fe
doesn'
tendher e!Picky our
selfupandkeepon
mov i
ng!Thisconst antdri
nkingandallt
his
nonsenseitendst odayy ouhearme?
Il
ookedathi
m andkeptqui
et.
.
Hi
m:Isai
ddoy
ouhearme?
Isl
owl
ynodded.
.
Heopenedt
heshowerdoor
..
Hi
m:Geti
n!
Hewasv
eryser
ious.
.
Ist
art
edundr
essi
ng,
hel
ookedaway
..
Hi
m:Youcoul
d'
vewar
nedme
Het
urnedandopenedt
hedoor
..
Me:
Iwanty
out
okeepmecompany
Hehadhi
sbackf
aci
ngme.
.
Hi
m:St
epi
nsi
det
hen
Iwenti
nandranthewat
erwhi
lecl
osi
ngthe
showerdoor
,hecl
osedt
hedoorandcameback
i
n..
[
09/
28,
21:
54]Ron:
¥47
LI
HLE
Wheni
wal
kedoutoft
heshowerhewal
kedout
tooastonotseemenakedificanthi
nkofit
thatway.Wheniwentt
othebedroom hewas
sit
ti
nginthel
oungeupunti
lif
ini
sheddressi
ng
upandthenhecame..
Hi
m:Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogo?
Inodded.
.
Hel
ookedatmeonemor
eti
me.
.
Me:
Youcant
akemybag
Hi
m:Ohwy
a
Ichuckl
edashewal
kedt
ogetmybag.
.
Hi
m:What
?
Hepi
ckedi
tupandlookedatmegi
vi
ngmet
hat
wi
desmil
eofhi
s..
Me:
Not
hing.
.
Hi
m:r
eadyt
ogo?
Me:Iwon'
tev
ensayGoodby
etoSy
lvi
aand
Momo
Hi
m:Youcanal
way
scal
lthem
Me:
Wher
ear
etheyv
ele?
Hi
m:Theywentoutshoppi
ngi
thi
nk
Me:
Okay
Iwalkedoutandhef ol
lowedme, somethingin
meknewt hathewasst arr
ingatmeasi walked
imeany oucanfeelwhensomeonei sst
arring
atyou.Iwaswearingashor twit
hamat ching
tshi
rtandsandal
s,nothingf ancyaboutmy
outf
itbutiknoweverythingi wearcompli
ment s
mybody .Hebecameagent l
emanandopened
thedoorforme..
Me:
Thanky
ou
Heclosedi tandt
henwentt oputmybagatt he
backseats.Kingi
splay i
nggentl
emanonme
andIfi
ndi tawkward,especi
all
ybecausehehas
agir
lf
riend.Hegotinsideandclosedthedoor.
..
Hi
m:Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogo?
Me:
Yes
Hest
art
edt
hecar
..
Wewerebot hquieti
nthecarashedrovei
tur
nedandlookedathim.Iwantedt
omakehi m
uncomfor
tabletoo.Heignor
edmeatf i
rst
,then
aft
erafewmi nuteshechuckl
ed.
Me:seehowuncomf
ort
abl
eiti
swhenone
st
aresatyou?
Hi
m: Whosai
diwasuncomf
ort
abl
eaty
ou
st
arr
ingatme?
Hesai
dthatwi
thhi
seyebr
owrai
sed,
ilikeit
whenhedoest
hatmakeshiml
ookcute..
Me:
Tel
lmesomet
hing
Hel
ookedatmeandt
henconcent
rat
edont
he
r
oadagai
n.
Imaint
ainedacomfort
ableposi
ti
onandhe
st
oleaglanceatmythighs.
Me:Howisy
ourgi
rl
fr
iendgoi
ngt
ofeel
wit
hyou
bei
ngthi
smuchofagentl
emant
ome?
Hi
m:gi
rl
fr
iend?
Me:
Herpi
ctur
esar
eal
lov
eri
nyourbedr
oom
Hekeptqui
etandt
ight
enedhi
sgr
ipont
he
st
arr
ingwheel
..
Me:
DidIsaysomet
hingwr
ong?
Hi
m:No
Hekeptquieti
didn'
taskanyf
urt
herquest
ionsi
l
ookedattheroad..
Him:Shewasmyf
iancépassedonaf
ewy
ear
s
ago
Me:
Iam sor
ry
Hi
m:I
t'
sfi
nei
twasal
ongt
imeago
Me:
whathappened?
Him:shewashi
j
ackedt
heyt
ookhercarand
shother
Me:
That
'st
err
ibl
eiam r
eal
l
ysor
ry
Hi
m:I
tsf
ine
Me:Soeversi
nceshepassedony
ounev
er
dat
edagain?
Hi
m:Yes
Me:
Real
l
y?
Hi
m:Yesr
eal
l
y
Me:Waitsoyoutel
l
ingmethaty
ounev
erhad
sexsi
nceshepassedon?
Hi
m:That
'smybusi
ness
Me:
arey
ougay
?
Hel
aughed.
.
Me:Ithoughtmencoul
dn'
tsur
viv
efort
hatl
ong
wi
thoutsex
Hedi
dn'
trepl
ytot
hat
..
Me:
ory
ouhav
ebeensmashi
ngsomeone?
Hi
m:Whyar
ewedi
scussi
ngmysexl
i
fe?
Me:
Justcur
ious
Hi
m:becur
ioust
hen
(
sil
ence)
Me:
Whydoy
oul
i
kest
arr
ingatme?
Hi
m:Your
eal
l
ywannaknow?
Me:Yesbecausei
tmakesmev
ery
uncomfor
tabl
e
Hi
m:Okay
Iwascur
ioust
oheart
his.
.
Hi
m:Youser
ious?
Me:
Iam
Hi
m:Icanseet
hat
Me:
so?
Him:well
ili
kehowy oureyesglowwheny ou
smil
ethesamegl owcomesagai nwheny ou
aboutt
ocry.Il
i
kehowy oucurv
ey ourlowerli
p
whenyouupset,andthatcut
eador abl
elook
youhavewhensomet hi
ngdoesn'tgoy ourway
Me:
ohw
Hel
ookedatmeandsmi
l
edt
henl
ookedatt
he
r
oadagai
n..
Hi
m:andi
li
kewhaty
oudoi
ngnow
Me:
whatam i
doi
ng?
Hi
m:howt
heywidenwhenyouhearsomet
hing
t
haty
oudi
dn'
texpectt
ohear
Ikeptqui
etandl
i
stenedt
ohi
m..
Hi
m: Youar
eaper fect
ioni
nsi
deandoutyour
smoothski
n,sexybodyandbeaut
if
ull
ooks
Hebi
thi
slowerl
i
p..
Hi
m: Iam sti
llt
ryi
ngt ounderst
andhowy our
"
Fiancé"neverappreci
atedthekindofwoman
t
haty ouare
Het
urned.
..
Him:Imeaniwouldli
ter
all
yworshiptheground
t
hatyouwalkon,iwouldki
sseverytearthat
f
all
s,Iwouldt
ell
youiloveyoueverydayunti
l
yougetannoy
ed.Iwouldstayupallni
ghtto
watchyousleep,
icanwakeupt othesoundof
yourvoi
ceeverymor ni
ngsi
ngi
ngandmov ing
yourper
fectsmallbuttwhi
l
ebrushi
ngyour
t
eeth.Iwouldfu.
.
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
..
Him: Iwoul dshowy oul ov ei nall possibleway s
especi al
lyint hebedr oom, gent lybutr oughl y
fucky ououtofy ourmi ndj ustt oheary ousay
mynamewhi l
ey oul osey ourbr eath,iwoul dn't
stopunt ilIseet haty ouhav ehadenoughofme.
Iwoul dwat chev eryannoy ingchi ckfl
ickmov ie
withy ouj usttoseey ourhear tmel tawaywhen
youwi tnessal ovesceneandwai ttoseehow
yourhear twouldbr eaki ft hecoupl ebr eaksup
j
ustsoi understandt hatl ov et oawomani s
mor et hanachapt er,it
'st hewhol ebook.I
wouldper ky ourlipst oannoyy ouwheny ou
madatmeunt i
lyousmi le, Iwoul dnev erl etyou
gotobedi fwef oughtbecauset henitget shar d
totalkabouti tinthemor ni ng.Att i
mesIwoul d
keepqui etthewhol edayj ustt oseei fy ougoi ng
t
omisstalkingt
ome, i
wouldannoyyouwhen
y
oucookingorbathi
ngtohearyourv
oicewhen
y
oufrust
ratediwoul
d..
.
Hekeptqui
et.
.
Him:It
hinkwerunningoutoff
uel
.
.Lucki
l
ywe
notf
arfrom t
hegarage
Idi
dn'
theart
hati
wassmi
tt
enbywhathesai
d..
Ionlycamebacktor
eali
tywhenIfelthi
s
fi
ngerswipi
ngmycheeksidi
dn'tevenknow
thatiwascry
ing.
Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay
?
Iwasemoti
onalt
hatt
heonl
ythingicoul
ddo
wastokeeponnoddi
ngr
epeatedl
y.
.
Hi
m:If
eel
badnow.
.
Hekeptonl
ooki
ngatmeandthenlookedatt
he
r
oadunti
lwepul
ledov
eratt
hegarage..
Hi
m:Heyi
m sor
ryi
f.
.
Me:
It'
snoty
oui
am f
ine.
.
Hi
m:ar
eyousur
e?
Me:
Yesi
am f
ine
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
.
.
YAYA
Candiceforcedmet hatweshoul dgoandsee
Sandil
eididn'twanttooatf i
rstbutthenineed
toseehowhei sholdingup,ineedt oseeifwe
sti
l
lhaveaf uturetogether
.Shedi dn'
tcome
wit
hmei nsidei wentinaloneandt heyall
owed
mei naft
erexplaini
ngi ndetai
lwhoi was..
Iwaswai t
ingforhiminar oom t
hatresembl ed
alounge,ithadcouchesandapl asmat v.Ikept
onlookingaroundandthisplacewasn'tbadi
thoughtiwasgoingtoseeal otofment al
unstabl
epeoplewalkingaroundbutIsawnone
ofthat.
.
TheNur
secamebackt
omeshewasal
one.
.
Her
:Iam sor
rybuthedoesn'
twantt
oseey
ou
Me:
what
?
Her
:Her
efusedt
ocomeandseey
ou
Ist
oodup.
..
Me:Didyoutel
lhi
mthati
t'
sme?Di
dyout
ell
hi
mt hati
t'
sYaya?
Her
:Yesi
did.
.Iam sosor
ry
Isatont
hecouchagai
n,howcanhedot
hist
o
me?
.
.
LI
HLE
Ki
ngcamebacki
ntot
hecarhol
dingachocol
ate
mi
lkshake.
Hi
m:Igoty
out
his.
.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Ourhandst
ouchedashegav
eitt
omeandwe
j
ustl
ookedateachotherf
orthatmoment
.In
myhearti
keptonyearni
ngforhimtomakea
move"makeamov eKing"
Hel
etgoandcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
..
Hestar
tedthecar,t
hatwasabi
tofabummer!I
am t
hegir
lhere,i
am theonewhoi
ssupposed
topl
ayhardtoget!
Icl
i
ckedmyt
ongue,
hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Idon'
tevenwantthisdamnmi
l
kshakey
ou
coul
d'
veaskedmef i
rst!
Helaughedatmeasi fr
owned.Hepull
edover
onthesidejustt
olookatmeandlaugh,i
tur
ned
andfacedtheotherway.
.
Hi
m:Li
hle.
.
Me:
No!
!
If
oldedmyar
ms.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
11:
05]Ron:
¥48
YAYA
IwasupsetthatSandil
edidn'twannaseemei
meanheknewi twasmewhydi dhesayno?He
coul
dn'
teventhinkofcomingandatl eastask
meaboutthe"Baby "whati
swr ongwithhim?
Doesheknowhowdi ff
icul
titisforme?It hrew
mybagont hefloorandwentt ot hr
owmy self
onthecouch..
Candi
ce:
Cal
m downYay
a
Me:Calm down?Icannotcal
m down!He
l
it
eral
l
yrefusedtoseeme!
Candi
ce:
May
behe'
sst
il
li
nabadshape
Me:Badshapeornot!Sandi
l
eshould'
veseen
mei meanwearegetti
ngmar r
iedf
orheaven'
s
sakewhenhegetsrel
eased!
Candi
ce:
Sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odonow?
Me:
Idon'
tknowi
hav
enoi
dea
Shecametomewi t
hagl
assofwi
newhi
l
e
hol
dingher
stoo.
.
Candi
ce:
Yay
ayour
eal
l
yneedt
osor
touty
our
l
if
ehey
Me:
don'
tyout
hinkIknowt
hat
?Iknowt
hat
!
Candice:
Geez!Don'
tbi
temyheadof
fiam
tr
yingtohel
p
Isatupstr
aightandtookthegl
ass.
.Me:I
'm
sorr
yidi
dn'tmeant obashoutonyouiam j
ust
str
essed
Candi
ce:
Igety
ou
Me:I
fidon'
tsendmoneymyMotheri
sgoingt
o
makenoi
seformeicannotev
engobackhome
Candi
ce:
Wewi
l
lthi
nkofsomet
hingdon'
twor
ry
Me:Nkabi
ndei
snotev
engi
vi
ngmeenough
money
Candice:
Youmustst
opsl
eepi
ngwi
thhi
mit
's
hi
ghlyuseless
Me:
Igett
hatbuti
cur
rent
lyhav
enot
hing
Candi
ce:
wewi
l
lthi
nkofsomet
hingi
wil
ltal
kto
Bi
gDaddy
Me:
Ican'
tbel
i
eveSandi
l
edi
dthi
stome
Candi
ce:
Justgi
vehi
mti
mehewi
l
lcome
ar
ound
Me:
Hehast
oo
Igul
peddownt
hatgl
assofwi
ne.
.
.
.
NDI
LE
Iwaswalki
ngaroundi nthegardenwi
thDr
Maanoithi
nknowi havetogobackhome, go
backandfi
xmyl i
fe.Icannotrunawayfor
ev er
..
Maano:Ist
ill
don'
tthi
nki
t'
sagoodi
deaf
orme
t
oreleaseyou
Me:
Iunder
standbuti
thi
nki
am r
eadynow
Maano:butapersonwhohassuffer
edsucha
seri
ousmental
disorderi
t'
seasyf
oryouto
rel
apse
Me: Iwil
ltakemymedicat
ionandiwi
l
lsti
ll
att
endt herapyi
needt
ogobackt omyli
feand
fi
xev er
ything
Maano:
Bei
ngr
eleasedmeansal
ott
oyou?
Me:
There'
ssomeonewhomeansthewor
ldt
o
meineedt
omakeitri
ghtwi
thher
Maano:
Lihl
e?
Me:
Yes
Maano:DoyouthinkLi
hlewil
lbeabl
etofor
giv
e
youaf
terev
eryt
hingthatyoutol
dmey oudi
dto
her
?
Me:Idon'
tknowbutihavetot
ryi
trul
ylov
eher
Docandiwanttomakeitri
ght
Maano:whatifshehasar
est
rai
ningor
der
agai
nstyou?
Me:
Ihopeshehasn'
t
Maano: It
hinky ouhavemadeat r
emendous
changeandIt hinkyoucansurv
ivetheoutsi
de
world,
theonlywayt okeeponbeatingthi
sisto
takeyourmedi cat
ionandatt
endtherapy
Me:Iwi
l
lbef
ull
ycommi
tt
edt
othati
promi
se
you
Hest
oppedandl
ookedar
ound.
.
Him:Youhav
emadealotoff
ri
endsar
ound
heret
heygoi
ngt
omissyou
Me:
Iwi
l
ldef
ini
tel
ycomebackandv
isi
tthem
Hesl
i
ght
lysmi
l
ed.
.
Me:Thankyouforever
ythi
ngiknowi
wasn'
t
anyeasypat
ientar
oundhere
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Maano:I
t'
sal
waysliket
hatthef
ir
stf
ewweeks
butt
henyougetusedtothepl
ace
Me:
Thi
spl
acehasmadeahugedi
ff
erencei
n
myl
i
fe
Maano:Gooutther
eandshowever
yonet
hat
youcanleadanormal
li
fewhi
ley
ouhavea
mentaldi
sorder
Me:
Iwi
l
lDocdon'
twor
ry
Maano:
iwil
ldoonelastpsy
chiat
ri
ceval
uat
ion
onyout
hennextweekyouwill
beaf r
eeman
Igav
ehi
m ahandshake.
.
Me:
Thanky
ou
.
.
KI
NG
Iam ver
ymuchat tr
actedt oLihle.Fr
om thever
y
fi
rstt
imeilai
dmyey esonhert hatdaywheni
sawherwonder ingont hestreetsconfusedand
hurtf
rom t
hatpoi ntoni knewt hatshewas
someonethati wouldreallyl
iket oknowand
possi
blybeinvolvedwith.Ast imewentonmy
feel
ingsforhergr ewandnowIam v erysure
thatsheist heonef orme.I t
'sari
skjumpi ngin
arelati
onshipwi thherwhi l
esheisst i
l
l
confusedliket hi
s,ineedhersobermi ndedi
needhert obesur ethatshewantst obei na
seri
ousr el
at i
onship.Iam atthepointinmyl i
fe
wher eIneedsomeonewhoi sser
iousi cannot
keeponj umpi ngfrom onegi rl
toanotheronei
needsomeonet haticanhav eafuturewith,
someonewhowi l
lgroundme. .
Shewalkedaroundt
hehouselookingat
ever
ythi
ngwhilemyeyesweregluedonher
sexyl
onglegs..
Shestoppedandthent
urnedaroundtolookat
me,iquickl
ymovedmyey esf
rom herlegsto
herf
ace..
Me:
and?
Shef
oldedherar
ms.
.
Her
:It
'snotbad
Shecur
vedherl
owerl
i
pasal
way
s.
Me:Fiki
l
eout
didher
sel
ffory
out
ojustsay"
It
's
notbad"
Thatdi
dn'
tsi
twel
lwi
thher
..
Her
:Fi
ki
ledi
dev
ery
thi
ng?
Me:Pret
tymuchi
wasbusysoshedi
dthe
decor
Shekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e..
.
Me:
What
'sony
ourmi
nd?
Her:Ij
ustthi
nksi
ncey
oudidthi
sformeyou
could'
veaskedf
ormyopi
niononhowili
ke
thi
ngsdone!
Me:
Ohw
Shest
il
lgav
emeabi
tofanat
ti
tude.
Me:
doy
oul
i
ket
hehouse?
Her
:Whydon'
tyouaskFi
ki
le?
Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongueandwal
kedaway
,i
f
oll
owedher
..
Me:
What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Her
:Not
hingKi
ng!
Shel
ookedar
ound.
.
Her
:Wher
eismybag?
Her
:It
'si
nthecar
Shetri
edwalki
ngawaybuti putmyhand
aroundhersmall
waistandbroughtherbackby
l
if
tingherupali
ttl
e..
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Shedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.
Me:
Tal
ktome
Iranmythumbonhercheekandshehi
tmy
handof
f.
.
Me:
Stopgi
vi
ngmeat
ti
tudeandt
alkt
ome
Her
:doy
oul
i
keme?
Me:
What
?
Her
:Ar
eyouat
tr
act
edt
ome?
Me:
Huh?
Her
:Whatar
ewedoi
ng?
Me:
We.
.I.
.
Her
:Exact
ly!Ki
ngi
am awoman
Me:
Iknowt
hat
..
Her:
Noall
owmet ospeaki
letyousayyour
pi
eceint
hecarnowall
owmet ospeak!
Shesai
dthatwhi
l
epoki
ngmeont
hechest
..
Me:
Okayspeak
Iputmyhandsi
nmypocket
s..
Her:Youcannotj ustgi
vememi xedsignal
s,
busytreati
ngmel i
keiam yourgirl
fr
iendbutat
theendy oujustrubmeof f!Don'tdothat,
don'
t
givemef al
sehope!Rat herjustl
eavemet ogo
andliv
emyl i
fethantoo..
Ipul
ledhercl
osert
omeandki ssedher
,idon'
t
evenknowwhyi di
dthatbuti
justf
oundher
moreandmoreat
tr
act
ivewhi
l
ebusy
bl
abber
ing.
.
Aswecar r
iedonwit
htheki
sssher
elaxedand
putherhandsar
oundmyneckwhil
ei squeezed
herwaist
.
.
.
YAYA
Candicehadaf ewgl assesandendedupgoi ng
tobedf oranapwhi l
eshewassl eepingistol
e
hercarkey sanddr ovet othement ali
nsti
tuti
on
toseeSandi l
eagai n.Iwasn' tgoi
ngtoletthis
gohei sbeingcr az
y !Ifhedoesn'twanttosee
mewi ll
ingl
yt henIwi l
l f
orcehimt oseeme.
Theydidn'tgivemeahassl easithoughtthey
would,theyletmei nandt hatNursecameback
agai
n..
Me:IthoughtIt
oldy
out
hathedoesn'
twantt
o
seeyou
Me:
Tel
lhi
mthatLi
hleCel
eisher
etoseehi
m
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
PleaseIr
eal
l
yneedt
oseehi
m
Her:Icannotfor
cethepatientt
oseey
ouunder
f
alsepretensesit
'sunet
hical
Me:
Pleasei
real
l
yneedt
oseehi
m
Shel
ookedatmef
orawhi
l
e..
Me:
Please.
.
Shesi
ghed.
.
Her
:wai
ther
e
Shedisappearedandi satonthecouchal
l
ner
vous.Iwasbusybl owingaironmyhands
andrubbingthem ihopethisworks.
.
TheNurseshowedupwithhi
m aft
er5minutes,
ist
oodup.Hewaswear i
ngall
white.Whi
te
pant
s,whit
eshir
t,andwhi
tesl
eepers.
.
Nur
se:
Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ousomespace
Shewal
kedaway
..
Welookedateachot
herandhelookedver
y
goodapar
tfrom t
hescar
sonhisface.
.
Me:
How.
.Howar
eyou?
Hi
m:Youar
enotLi
hle
Me:
Your
efusedt
oseeme
Hewentandsatont
heot
hercouch.
Me:
Imi
ssy
ouSandi
l
e
Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
nghej
ustl
ookeddown.
.
Me:
Sandi
l
e!
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Hi
m:Yay
aiam sor
ry
Il
ookedathi
m conf
used.
.
Me:
Sor
ry?
Hi
m: Iwantnot
hingt
odowit
hyouanymor
eour
af
fai
rrui
nedthi
ngsformewi
thLi
hle
Me:
What
?Sandi
l
eit
'sme.
.It
'smeYay
a!
Hi
m:Iam t
rul
ysor
ry
Ishookmyheadno.
.
Me:
Ilov
eyou!
Hekeptqui
et.
.
Me:
Didy
ouheart
hat
?Il
ovey
ou!
Hi
m:Yay
adon'
tdot
hist
oyour
sel
f
Me: Nodon'tdot
histome!Wherei
sshe?She'
s
nothereshe'swi
thanot
herman!Don'
tyout
hink
thati
fshelovedyoushewoul
dbehere?
Hest
oodup.
.
Hi
m:Iam sor
ry
Me:No!!Sandi
l
edon'tdot
hist
ome!
!Iwi
l
lnot
al
l
owy outodot hi
stome!
.
[
09/
29,
11:
06]Ron:
¥49
YAYA
Het
urnedandcamebackbecausei
was
maki
ngnoi
se.
.
Him: Youcannotj
ustyel
lal
lyouwantandact
crazythi
sisament al
hospi
talt
heywil
ll
ockyou
up!
Me:
Lett
hem l
ockmeup!
Hi
m: Dammi tYaya!Youknewv er
ywellwhat
washappeningbetweenusitwasn'ta
r
elat
ionshi
pwewer ehavi
nganaffair
,youwas
mystressrel
iev
eranddon'tactli
keyouloved
mebecausey ouwer eaf
termywal l
et!
Me:Youmademel oveyouSandi
le!You
promisedmethewor
ld,
thestar
s,themoon,
andthesun!Youwer
eabouttomar r
yme
remember?
Him:Iwasn'ti
ntheri
ghtstat
eofmindbyt heni
am sorr
y.Iam sor
rythati
ledyouonishouldn'
t
havedonethatbutyouknowthatil
oveLihlei
t
hasalwaysbeenli
kethat
Me:
Youdon'
tl
ovehery
ouar
ebl
oodyobsessed
withher!Ify
oul ovedheryouwoul dn'
thaveput
herthroughsomuchpai n.LookSandil
ei know
thatiam thelastpersontotalkaboutl
ovebut
yourlovehurts!Yourdefi
niti
onofloveiscruel
Him: I
fyouworri
edaboutyourfi
nancesiwil
l
sti
l
l t
akecareofyoubecauseyouarecarr
y i
ng
mybabybuti don'
twannaupsetLihl
esoi will
onlypayyourt
uiti
onfeesandprovi
deforthe
baby
Il
ookedathim andl
aughed,il
it
eral
l
ybur
sti
n
l
aughtert
hathegotconfused.
.
Me: OhhmyGoodness!Youar emor e
delusionalthani hadanti
cipat
edyoudeserveto
beher e.SandileLihlei
snotwithyouany more,
Lihl
ei sinlovewi thsomeoneelse.Li
hleisnot
meshewoul dnev ergi
veintoyoursexual
fantasiesLihleisnotmeshewoul dnev ert
ake
i
nal ltheabuse!
Hi
m:It
hinky
oushoul
dleav
e
Me:
Openy
ourey
esSandi
l
eyoul
osther
!That
gir
liseveryt
hingbutshe'
sdefi
nit
elynotaf
ool
.
Don'tyouthinkthati
fshewantedtobewit
hyou
shewoul d'
velongcamet oseeyou?
Iconti
nuedlaughi
ngandisawhi
shandf
ormi
ng
afist
,heclenchedhi
steet
h
West
oodt
her
einsi
l
ence.
.
Hi
m:Youshoul
dleav
eYay
a
Me:Youaremoredelusional
thanIhad
ant
ici
pat
edthi
sinst
it
utionshouldn'
tl
etyougo
Hi
m:Yay
ago!
Me:Thatiswhyihavebeenscr
ewi
ngNkabi
nde
r
ightundery
ournose!
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Hi
m:What
?
Me:Al
lthet
hingsi
hav
ebeendoi
ngt
oyoui
do
i
ttohi
m now!
Ishookmyheadwhi
l
elooki
ngathi
mfr
om head
totoe.
.
Me:
Youdef
ini
tel
ynotwor
thi
t!
Ist
art
edwal
ki
ngawaywhi
l
elaughi
ng.
.
Me:
NowonderwhyLi
hlel
efty
oursor
ryass!
!
.
.
LI
HLE
Wedidn'tgofurtherwi
ththekissKi
ngpulled
outbeforethi
ngswentf ar
.Wewer enowsi t
ti
ng
onthecouch,hisheadwasonmyt highsandhe
wasplayingwithmyf i
ngers.
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
met
haty
ouhadat
hing
f
orme?
Thecor
nerofhi
smout
hmov
ed.
..
Him:Youwer
est
il
lconf
usedididn'
twantt
o
conf
useyoumor
eandyousti
l
l are
Me:
Iam not
Hi
m:Youwer
est
il
lhungov
ery
ourf
iancé
Me:
Exf
iancé
Him:Sowhatnow?Whati
syourhear
ttel
l
ing
you?
It
ookadeepbr
eat
h..
Me:Iam st
il
lhurtbymyMot
her
'spassi
ngbutI
t
hinkfat
ebroughtmeyou
Heki
ssedmyf
inger
s..
Him:Lihleiam seriousifyouwanttobeina
rel
ati
onshipwithmei wantyoutobeser i
ous
andfullycommittoi tiknowitwon'
tbeeasy
witheveryt
hingthathashappenedbutwewi l
l
takeitonedayatt hetime.Iam averypati
ent
man
Hesqueezedmycheek.
.
Him:andbeaut
if
ult
hingsar
ewor
thbei
ng
pati
entf
or
Ismi
l
ed.
.
Me:
Iwi
sht
hati
hadmety
oubef
orehi
m
Him:
welli
t'
sgoodt
hatyoumethimfi
rstsot
hat
nowyoucanknowwhatreal
lov
eis
Me:
That
'st
rue
Hi
m:Ihav
etwor
equest
s
Me:
What
?
Him:Iwanty outostopdri
nkingfornowyouwi
l
l
seealcoholsomeothertimenowi t'
snot
advi
sableforyoutodrinkbecauseyou
emoti
onallydependentonit
Me:
what
'
stheot
herr
equest
?
Hi
m: what
everdream y
ouwant
edt
oachi
evei
wantyout
ogof orit
Inodded.
.
Me:
Ihav
eaf
ewr
equest
stoo
Hi
m:Theyar
e?
Me:
Nev
err
aisey
ourhandonme
Hi
m:Nev
er!
Me:Andpl
easedon'
tcheatonmei
fyoudon'
t
wantmeanymorej
usttel
lme
Hi
m:Cheat
ingi
sforboyswhodon'
tknowwhat
t
heywanti
am amani knowwhatiwant
Heputhishandonmyneckandpul
l
edme
cl
osert
ohimt oki
sshi
m.
Me:
ouchy
oust
rai
ningmyneck!
Hi
m:Yousuchababy
!
Webot
hlaughed.
.
.
.
NDI
LE
Iwasi nmyr oom lucki
lyther
e'snocamer as
i
nsi dei wasmad, iwasverymad.Allal
ongi
trustedNkabi ndei t
houghthewasmyf riend
buthewasbusychowi ngmybi t
chri
ghtunder
mynose.Iwal kedaroundandwenttopunch
thet ableafewt i
mesuntilmyhandwasnumb. .
Me:
FuckSandi
l
egetagr
ip!
!!
Icannotaf
for
dtomessupthi
s"per
fect
"change,
icannotgi
veDrMaanoar
easontokeepme
here.
Iam amonst
er,
iam beast!Noamountofpi
l
ls
andther
apywi
ll
everchangethat
..
[
09/
29,
11:
06]Ron:
¥50
AWEEKLATER
SANDI
LE
Iwasr el
easedfr
om thei
nsti
tut
ionandIwas
backathome, myhouse.Iwassurpri
sedtosee
thatmyMot herhasbeenl
ivi
nghereever
since.
.
Mom: Doy
ouwantsomet
hingt
oeat
?Ihav
e
cooked
Iwaslookingatt
hel
ett
erfr
om wor
ktheyhav
e
ter
minatedmycontr
act
..
Shesatdownacr
ossme.
.
Mom: Kodwacant
heydothi
s?Fir
ingy
ou
becauseofy
ourment
ali
ll
ness?
Me:It
'snotj
ustaboutthatMom al
sothe
newspaperar
ti
clethatImurder
edLihl
e'
sMom
Mom:Thati
smadnessyouar
enotamurder
er
t
heyf
oundthepeopl
ewhodidthi
sMoss!
Sheexhal
ed.
.
Mom:NowLihlei
sgoingt
othi
nkt
haty
ou
mur
deredherMother
It
ossedt
hel
ett
eront
opoft
het
abl
e.
Me:Atl
easti
sti
l
lhav
ethecl
ubandt
he
r
est
aurant
Mom:
Youar
enotgoi
ngt
ofi
ghtt
hem?
Me:
No
Mom:
HauSandi
l
e!
Me:Ai
iMom it'
sapri
vat
ecompanyt heymight
hav
eprett
ygoodlawyer
si don'
twannafi
ghti
j
ustwannafocusonmylif
e
Mom: Speaki
ngoft
haty
ouhav
eal
otof
expl
aini
ngtodo
Il
ookedather
..
Mom:
Youi
mpr
egnat
edsomeone
Me:
Iknow
Mom:
Car
etoexpl
ain?
Me:
Itwasj
ustaf
li
ngt
hatwentwr
ong
Mom: Sandi
ley
ouhavetof
ixt
his,
ify
ouwantt
o
getLi
hlebackyouhav
etof
ixt
his
Me:Iwil
lgetLi
hlebackf
ornowi
wantt
osor
t
outYa.
.
Myphonerang,ileanedoverandpi
ckedi
tup
fr
om t
hetable.I
twasBi gDaddy.Hehasbeena
goodbusi
nesspar t
ner.
..
Me:
BigDaddy
Ist
oodupandwal
kedout
..
Hi
m:Soi
hav
ear
epor
tony
ourgi
rl
fr
iend
Me:
Yes?
Hi
m:Shel
i
vesi
ntownwi
tht
heDet
ect
ive
Isi
ghed.
.
Him:Sheal
soworksatt
hecompl
exj
ustnot
surewhi
chshop
Me:
Real
l
y?
Hi
m:Yesbut
..
Me:
But
?
Hi
m:I
fiwasy
oui
woul
dlett
hisgo
Me:
Why
?
Him:
Wepull
edafil
eont
heDet
ect
ivehei
snot
ascl
eanast
heycome
Me:
Meani
ng?
Him:Heispr
ett
yabadasssomeoney
oudon'
t
wannamesswithandf
rom whati
hav
ehear
d
hewouldki
ll
forhi
sbet
terhal
f
Me:
KingNkambul
e?
Him:Yeshim..Ihaveheardencounter
swi t
h
hi
m befor
eandi tdi
dn'tendwellwheni say
badassbet
terbeli
eveit.Heputs100%inwhat
hedoesandhi sboyKrugeri
sv er
ygood
Me:
Thanksf
ort
hei
nfor
mat
ion
Him: Icanpr
ovideguy
sforyoubutIam not
gett
inginvol
vedhehasalotofdi
rtonmet o
burymeal i
ve
Me:Iwi
l
luseyourguysbutonsomeoneel
se
f
ornowletLi
hlehav
eherfai
ryt
alest
ory
Hi
m:Youwi
l
lcont
actmet
hen
Me:
Isur
ewi
l
l
Ihungup.
.
.
.
KI
NG
Imetupwi
thmyguyKr
ugeratourpr
ivat
e
spot
..
.
Hi
m:Wher
eyouf
oll
owed?
Me:
Whoam i
kant
i?
Hechuckl
edandgav
emeahandshake.
.
Hi
m:I
t'
sgoodt
oseey
ouagai
nman
Me:
Asal
way
s
Weleanedagai
nstt
hecarashel
i
tupa
ci
garet
te.
.
Him:Lastweekit
ookdownt
hesushi
bargota
coupl
eofstackst
her
e
Me:
sti
l
lsneaky
?
Hi
m:Iwi
l
lnev
erchange
Me:
Any
thi
ngonmygi
rly
et?
Hi
m:Justhernor
mal
day
It
ookoutmyphone.
.
Me:
Sheshoul
dbeknocki
ngof
fany
timesoon
Hi
m:Sheknocksof
fandgoesst
rai
ghthome
Me:
Ihopeshedoesn'
tknowt
hatshei
sbei
ng
t
ail
ed
Hi
m:notatal
l
Me:
andNombuso?
Hi
m:She'
sgood
Hepassedmet
heci
gar
ett
e..
Me:
Ihopeshewon'
topenhermout
h
Hi
m:Buti
twasal
ongt
imeago
Me:Ev
ensoLi
hlei
sgoi
ngt
olosei
tHi
m:
Cl
i
ngy?
Me:
Sor
tof
f
Hi
m:She'
sabeaut
Me:
Shei
sai
n'
tshe?
It
ookoutmygunandsl owlyappr
oachedsome
bi
rds.Icockedi
tandst
art
edshootingatt
hem,
i
di
dn'tevengetone.
.
Hi
m:bet
terl
ucknextt
imeDet
ect
ive
Myphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng.
.ItwasLi
hle.
.
Me:
Babe
Her
:Heyi
hopei
am notdi
stur
bing
Me:
It'
sokay
Her:
Iwasl ett
ingy
ouknowt
hatwheni
knock
of
fI'
llbegoingtomyseemyAunt
Me:
Why
?
Her
:Iwannadi
scusssomet
hingwi
thher
Me:
Okay
Her
:Letmegost
il
latwor
k
Me:I
'l
lcomeandf
etchy
oul
atert
henaty
our
Aunt
'spl
ace
Her
:Icangetat
axi
Me:
Arey
oumad?
Shel
aughed.
.
Her
:I'
l
lcal
lyout
hen
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Her
:Il
ovey
out
oo
Shehungupandi
lookedatKr
uger
..
Hi
m:Iam notababysi
tt
erSl
ash
Me:Justmakesur
esheget
stoherAunt
'spl
ace
saf
e
Hesi
ghed.
.
Me:Andneverev
ercal
lmeSl
asht
hatname
di
edlongt
imeago
Iwentandgoti
ntomycar
..
.
.
YAYA
Il
ookedatBrendasi
tt
ingonthecouchcryi
ng
hereyesout
.Shehasbeencryi
ngforthepast
10minanditwasannoyi
ngnow..
Candi
ce:
Itdoesn'
tsmel
lthatbadBr
enda
Her
:Comeandsi
tnextt
ome
Candi
ceandi
lookedateachot
her
..
Me:
Theant
ibi
oti
cswi
l
lhel
psoondon'
twor
ry
Candi
ce:
Andlookatthebr
ightsi
dey
oumadeR
3000j
ustfort
wonights
Candiceandi wegetgi r
lsfr
om schoolwhoar e
fi
nancial
lyst
randedandwemaket hem sl
eep
withBigDaddy'scli
entsattheclubon
weekends.Oneni ghttheymakeR1500andi
getR1000f r
om eachgi rl
.Brendaismyv er
y
fi
rstgir
landshest i
llf
eelsbadbywhatshedi d..
Br
enda:
Ihav
eanSTI
Me:
Itwi
l
lcl
earsoon
Br
enda:Ishoul
dn'
thav
esl
eptwi
thhi
m wi
thout
acondom!
Irol
ledmyey
esandt
hrewmy
sel
font
he
couch..
.
.
.
LI
HLE
Iwaswai t
ingforthelastcustomert opayso
thatwecancl oseNombusowaswai ti
ngatthe
door.Iwor katexactnow, I'
l
lbewor kinghere
unti
l nextyearwheni decidetogot oschool .I
t'
s
agoodwayt okeepmy selfbusyandmake
extramoneyi don'
twannabedependanton
King.Hehasbeenagoodboy fri
endandhei s
theonewhogotmet hi
sjob.Nombusoi sthe
manager ,shei st
heonewhoi st r
ainingmeand
sheisv erysweet.Ilookedatt hecust omer.
Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuchMam'
Shet
ookt
hepl
ast
icf
rom me.
.
Her
:Youhav
eav
erybeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e
Me:
Thanky
ou
Shemadeherwaytotheexi
tandNombuso
droppedt
hedoorhal
fway
.
Me:
Shuuuu!Whataday
Sheappr
oachedme.
.
Her
:Nextt
imewearf
latshoes
Me:
Iwi
l
lkeept
hati
nmi
nd
Her:Nowtakeyourti
l
lthengot
othebacki
wil
l
pr
intthepaperf
oryouonhowmuchy oumade
Me:
Thanky
ou
Itookmyt
il
landwentt
othebackwai
ti
ngf
or
her.
.
Shecamei
naf
terami
nut
e..
Her
:Her
e
Me:
Thanky
ou
Her
:Yourti
l
l madeR2000t odaywedon'
tcount
t
hecardpurchasesj
ustcash
Me:
Okay
Her:
Nowy oumustcountf rom yourt
il
lthe2
000andputitawayi
t'sthemoneyt hatwe
goi
ngtobankt omor
row, af
tercounti
ngthe2
000yourt
il
lmustbeleftwithR200
Me:
Okay
Her
:Youcountt
heR200not
esf
ir
st,
thent
he
R100not
esandsof
ort
h
Me:
Okayi
goti
t
Isatdownandshesatatherworki
ngst
ati
on
nexttomeopeni
ngherlapt
op..
Me:
Ist
haty
ourbaby
?
Her
:Yeshi
snamei
sSboni
so
Me:
Hei
scut
e
Her
:Hei
s6mont
hsol
d
Me:
Wow.
.
Il
ookedatt
hebaby
..
Me:
def
ini
tel
ydoesn'
tl
ookl
i
key
ou
Her
:Hel
ooksl
i
kehi
sFat
her
Me:
Hisf
athermustbeacat
ch
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Me:
Didi
saysomet
hingi
nappr
opr
iat
e?
Sheshookherheadno.
.
Her
:countt
hecash
Me:
YesMam'
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
11:
07]Ron:
¥51
LI
HLE
Idi dn'
tgot oseemyAuntr i
ghtaf t
erwork
Nombusowentt ospurwant edsome
takeaway ssayi
ngt hatshe'st ooti
redtocook
andi decidedtogowi t
hher .Whilewewai ted
fort hetakeawaysi had2cockt ai
ls,andtheni
hadagl assofwi ne.Event houghKi ngandi
agr eedt hatiwon'tbedrinkingany more,
unf ortunatel
yihav en'
tkeptt omyendoft he
deal .Whi l
ehewasatwor ki gotafewbot tl
es
anddr ankinthehouse, hav i
ngaj obthatkeeps
him awayal otihadt hefreedom t odri
nk.Ili
ke
wi nebecausei trelaxesmeandkeepsmymi nd
from t hi
nkingalot, i
toff
loadst hedepressing
t
hought
sthatengul
fmymindsometi
mes.
Nombusolookedatmeasiwasdr
inki
ng.
.
Her:Sl
owdownt omorrowiam openi
ngthe
stor
ewi t
hy ouidon'
twantyoutogeta
hangover,winehasaterr
ibl
ehangover
.
Me:
don'
twor
ryi
l
ldr
inkwat
erwheni
gethome
Shel
ookedatt
het
ime.
.
Her
:Ihav
etogett
omyNi
so
Me:
Whatt
imei
sit
?
Her
:18:
00
Me:
Shooooot
!!
Her
:What
?
Me:
Ihav
etocal
lmyboy
fri
end
Iopenedmybagandgotmyphoneout,
i
al
readyhad3missedcal
l
sfr
om hi
m andone
message:
"
Lihl
ewher
ear
eyou"
Ical
l
edhi
m..
Ki
ng:
Lihl
ewher
ethehel
lar
eyou?
Me:
Idi
dn'
tgot
omyAunt
'
spl
ace
Ki
ng:
Ilongr
eal
i
zedt
hat
..Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:Iam st
il
latt
hecompl
exatspurwi
th
Nombuso
Ki
ng:
don'
tmov
eiam onmyway
Me:
okay
Ihungup.
.
Nombuso:
Iguessi
shoul
dgomyFi
ancéi
sher
e
t
ofet
chmet oo
Me:Okay.
.Youknowweshoul
dhav
eadoubl
e
dat
edinnerki
ndoft
hing
Shest
oodup.
..
Nombuso:
Iam st
il
lyourbossnj
alo
Il
aughed.
.
Nombuso:
Seey
out
omor
rowat7:
30
Me:
Okay
Nombuso:
I'
ll
gogetmyt
akeaway
Me:
OkayI
'
llseey
out
omor
row
Nombuso:
goeasyont
hewi
ne
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Shesmi l
edandwalkedaway .IwaitedforKi
ng
foralmostanhourwhiletheykeptthose
glassesofwinecoming.IcouldfeelnowthatI
wasget t
ingoutofi
t.
.
Kingwalkedinandi tookthegl
assofwineand
hi
di tundert
hetable,iwait
edforhimtospot
me.Iclosedmyey esandopenedt hem agai
ni
hopehedoesn'tnoticethatIam sl
i
ghtl
ydrunk.
.
Hecamet
ome.
.
Hi
m:Hey
Me:
Hey
Hi
m:Thoughty
ouwer
ewi
thy
ourcol
l
eague
Me:
Shel
eftanhourago
Hi
m:Sor
ryi
tookl
ong
Me:
it'
sfi
ney
ouher
enow
Ihandedhi
m mybagandtr
iedtost
andup,
ifel
l
backonthechai
raf
ewtimes..
Helookedatme,
hat
eitwhenhel
ooksatme
l
ikethat
..
Hi
m:Ar
eyoudr
unk?
Me:
Noi
am not
Hi
m:Sosay
sthegl
assofwi
neundert
het
abl
e
Isi
ghed.
.Ni
cegoi
ngwi
thhi
dingi
t.
Wewal
kedoutt
ohi
scar
,iwasf
oll
owi
nghi
m as
hel
edt
heway.
Unfortunat
elyhedi
dn'
topenthedoorforme
today.Iopenedandgoti
n,hegoti
nont he
othersideandwedrovehomeinsil
ence..
Iwasstarr
ingoutofthewi ndowandhewas
concent
rat
ingonther oad.Ifel
tli
keI
di
sappoint
edhim alot,imeanwespokeabout
thi
sandIgavehi
m mywordthatiwil
lst
op
dri
nki
ngbuther
eiam nowgoingbackonmy
word.
.
.
.
YAYA
Iwascooki ngwhenIhear
dt hedoorbel
lbei
ng
rang.Iputtheclot
honthesideandwentto
opent hedoor,i
wassurpr
isedtoseeSandil
e
standi
ngt her
e..
Me:
Ndi
l
e
Hi
m:cani
comei
n?
Me:
Ummm y
esi
guess
Hemadehiswayi nandi
closedt
hedoorwit
h
myheartal
readyonmyknees.Hetur
nedand
l
ookedatme.
Hi
m:Canwet
alk?
Inodded.
.
Me:
Letmej
ustswi
tchof
fthest
ove
Iwentandswi
tchedof
fthest
oveashesat
down..
.
Me:
woul
dyoul
i
kesomet
hingt
odr
ink?
Hi
m:Not
hanksi
am f
ine
Iwentandsatdownt
oo.
.
Hi
m:LookYay
aiam sor
ry
Me:
Ohw
Him:Youar
eri
ghtLi
hleshoul
dn'
tmat
tert
ome
anymore
Ikeptqui
etandl
ethi
m cont
inue.
Him:I
twasn'
trightf
ormetot
reaty
outhatway
youagoodpersonandyoudi
dn'
tdeser
vewhat
Idi
dtoyou
Me:
It'
sfi
ne
Hel
ookedar
ound.
.
Hi
m:Al
liam t
ryi
ngt
osayi
sthatcany
oupl
ease
gi
vemeanot
herchance?
Me:
ummm.
.
Hi
m: i
fyouar
eworri
edaboutt
heNkabi
nde
t
hingi
t'
sokayif
orgi
veyou
Me:
Justl
i
ket
hat
?
Hi
m: Iam notaSaintei
theri
havedonet
err
ibl
e
t
hingsandy ouf
orgavemei for
giv
eyout
oo
Thatwasjustweir
d,if
ounditv
eryweirdforhi
m
tofor
giv
emewi thoutanyr
epercussi
ons.
.
Hi
m:Iwanty
outocomebackhomeiwantmy
f
amil
ycl
osetome.Youandt
hebaby
If
akedasmi
l
e..
.
.
LI
HLE
Iwasi
nthebedr
oom taki
ngoffmycl
othesand
hewastaki
ngof
fhi
swat chwhil
est
il
ll
ookingat
meli
kehehadsomethingtosay
.He
unbut
tonedhi
sshi
rt
..
Hi
m:Forhowl
onghav
eyoubeendr
inki
ng?
Me:
Idon'
tunder
standt
hatquest
ion.
Hi
m:Forhowl
onghav
eyoubeendr
inki
ng?
Me:
Kingpl
ease.
.Iam notdr
inki
ng
Him:sosay
sthebot
tl
esi
ntheguestr
oom
undert
hebed
Me:
arey
oukeepi
ngt
absonme?
Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.
Me:Ki
ngIam notoneofy
ourcases!Asuspect
!
Don'
ttr
eatmeli
kethat
!
Hi
m:Youl
yi
ngt
ome!
Me:
ser
iousl
yican'
tdot
hiswi
thy
our
ightnow
Imademywayoutoft hebedroom.Iwentt
o
thekit
chenandgott hecutt
ingboardwit
ha
knif
e,itookoutPeppersandanonionthen
star
tedchopping.Iheardhi
m makehiswayin,
hehuggedmef rom t
heback.
Hi
m:Iam notf
ight
ingwi
thy
ou
Heki ssedmyneckwhi leIignoredhim, hi
s
handsgott heknifefr
om myhandandhet hr
ew
i
tinthesi nk.Hecontinuedki ssi
ngmeonmy
neckwi thhishandstryingtounbut tonedmy
pants..Iputmyhandar oundhi sneckashis
tonguer aninci
rclesonmyneck.Il ateron
l
ower edmyhandandsqueezedhi smanhood. .
Thiswi l
lbeourv eryf
irstti
memaki ngloveto
eachot her.
[
09/
29,
11:
08]Ron:
¥52
NDI
LE
IlookedatYay apeacefull
ysleepingasi was
takingmycl othesoffabouttojoinher.Wehad
ani cemeal andsinceitwasl at
ei deci
dedto
spendani ghthere, i
twasjustmeandheri nt
he
fl
at .Myfi
rstthoughtsasi l
ookedatherwast o
strangl
eher, j
ustsqueezet heli
feouther.How
canshef uckenSl eepwithNkabindewhi l
e
pregnantwithmybaby !Eveniftheyused
protecti
onthatdoesn' tmaket hesituationany
better,
theremai ni
ngf acti sthatthisbitchand
golddiggerputmybaby '
slif
eindanger .I
cannotwai tforust ogobackt omypl ace,i
wantt omakeherr egrett hedayt hatherand
Nkabindedoubl ecr ossedme!Asf orNkabi nde
onlyhellknowswhati am goingt odot ohim.I
mademywayt otheki tchentogetagl assof
water,icouldfeelthatmyangerwast aking
controlineededt ocalm my selfdown.Ev ery one
whohasev erdoubl ecr ossedmei am comi ng
forthem andt heynotgoi ngtobel i
eveit..
.
.
LI
HLE
Kingisamazinginev erywaysomet i
mesIask
my sel
fhowmanyskel etonshehasi nhi
scloset
becausereall
yhecannotbet hisperf
ect
,hehas
tocomewi thproblemsofhi sown.Isqueezed
mybr east
sandbi tmyl owerlipwithmylegs
aroundhi sneckandhi sheadbur iedonmy
alreadywetcooki e.Hewaswor kingme3t imes
bet terthanSandi l
ehaswor kedmedownt here
i
nal l t
he10y earsofourr elati
onship.Bot hhi s
handswer eonmyt highssqueezi ngt hem,
whi lsti f
eltthewar mt handwet nessofhi s
tonguewor kingit'
swayonmycl i
toris.The
pleasur et hatigotf rom him doi ngthatmade
mybodyt oacceptwhathewasdoi ng, whenhe
j
ustwental laroundi fel
tlikepul l
ingmybr aids
outt hat'
showi ntensei twas.Hei nser t
edhis
fi
nger sandt heywor kedt heirmagi cwhi lehis
tonguest ill
carriedouti t'
spur pose, asi was
near ingt oreleasemyj uicesi pressedhi m
har deragai nstmycl it
orisandmoaned.
Me:
Ahhhhhhhhhh.
.
Thatwentwi t
ht helastbreathihadi
nme.Af ter
thathecamebackup, hereachedontheside
forthecondom bef orehecouldopenitigotup
anddecidedtor et
ur nthefavour,
igr
abbedhim
anddirect
editinsidemymout h.Hepull
edmy
braidsbackasi wor kedonhi m.Iknewi wason
ther i
ghttrackwhenhecl osedhiseyesand
moaned, iwentonandonunt ilhestoppedme
andt henr oll
eddownt hecondom.Bef orehe
couldent ermehewentandwetmycooki efi
rst
forthelastt i
meandt hensl owlypull
edmet o
me.Hesl owl yenteredmeandi t'
sonlyt heni
gott orealizehowbi ghewas, igaspedal i
ttl
e
whenhewasf ul
lyin.Wasabi tuncomf ortable
withthecondom atf i
rstbutast hepleasur e
kickedinonemor etimei star
tedenjoy i
ng..
.
.
YAYA
Iwokeupi nthemor ni
ngi l
ookedbesideme
andSandil
ewasnotar ound.Isawaf ewR100
notesandt hehousekeysont opofmyphoneas
ireachedforitandsatupstraight
.Ihear
da
knockatthedoor .
Me:
Comei
n
ThedooropenedandCandi
cemadeherway
i
n..
Her
:Goodmor
ning
Me:Lookwhoiti
sit
houghty
ouwasn'
tl
iv
ing
her
eanymore
Shemadeherwayt
omybedandt
hrewher
sel
f
onit
..
Me:
Ever
ythi
ngokay
?
Her
:Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
nej
ustt
ir
ed
Me:
Icanseet
hat
Igotoutofbed.
.
Me:Well
ihav
etobat
handgobackt
omy
house
Her
:Yourhouse?
Me:
mov
ingbacki
nwi
thSandi
l
e
Her
:Hei
sback?
Ishowedhert
hemoney
..
Me:
Yeshei
s
Her
:WhataboutNkabi
nde?
Me:
Whatabouthi
m?
Her
:Imeany
ouandhi
m?
Me:Ther
e'sno"meandhi
m"pl
usSandi
l
ehas
al
readyf
orgi
venmefort
hat
Her
:wai
t!Sandi
l
eknows?
Inodded.
.
Her
:andhehasf
orgi
veny
ou?
Me:
Yes
Her
:Thateasi
l
y?
Me:
what
'
syourpoi
nt?
Her:
Don'
tgetmewrongbutidon'tknowany
guywhowouldf
orgi
vesoeasi
lyafterfi
ndi
ng
outt
haty
ouwerescrewi
nghisfr
iend
Me:Ithi
nkt
her
apyandhi
smedi
cat
ionar
e
wor
king
Sheshookherheadno.
.
Me:
Whati
sitnow?
Her:
Iam j
ustt
hinki
ngt hati
real
l
ydon'
twanna
f
etchyouf
rom hishouseinacoffi
n
Me:
youexagger
ati
ng
Her
:fory
oursakei
hopeso
.
[
09/
29,
11:
08]Ron:
¥53
(
shor
t-i
nser
t)
KI
NG
IlookedatLihlesl
eepi
ngandtheni lookedat
thetimeitwas23:00,i
slowlyt
ookmyhandsof f
herandgent l
ygotoutofbed.Itookmyphone
andwal kedoutofthebedroom tocall
Nombuso.I trangafewtimesbef or
eshe
pickedup..
Her
:It
's23:
00Ki
ng
Me:
Iknow
Her
:Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Iswi
tchedontheTVj
ustsoLi
hledoesn'
thear
meandt heni
mademywayt otheki
tchen.
.
Her
:Ki
ngwhatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:
Thanky
ouf
orgi
vi
ngLi
hlet
hej
ob
Her
:Thecompanygav
ehert
heposi
ti
oni
didn'
t
Me:
Sti
l
lyoudi
dal
otony
ourpar
t
Her
:Idon'
tev
enknowwhyi
am st
il
ldoi
ngy
ou
f
avour
s
Me:
Iknowhowy
ouf
eel
aboutme
Her
:Youhav
enoi
dea!
Me:
Weneedt
otal
kaboutNi
so
Her
:Hei
smySony
ouhearme?
Me:
Hei
smySont
oo!
Her:
Kingleav
emealoney
ouputmet
hrough
hel
liwantnothi
ngt
odowit
hyou!
Me:
Iam notaski
ngf
orany
thi
ngmor
eot
her
thanseei
ngmySon!Iwantar
elat
ionshi
pwi
th
him
Her:
Krugerhasaper
fectr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thmy
Son!
Sheexhal
ed.
.
Her
:Leav
eusi
npeace!
Me:Youcanpuni
shmeinmanywaysokay
?But
pl
easedon'
tusemySonagai
nstme!
Her:Youmustnothaveunder
stoodwhati
just
sai
d..Ki
ngl
eaveusalone!
Me: Dammi tNombuso!Thatwasal
ongtime
agoi am notaboutt
hatl
if
eanymoreihav
e
changed!
Her:Let
'st
ell
thatt
oyourfi
ancéfi
rstwhowas
hi
jackedandkil
l
edbecauseofyou
Itookmyphonef
rom myearandhel
ditt
ight
befor
ecar
ryi
ngonwit
htheconver
sat
ion.
.
Her
:Ki
ng?
?
Me:
Iam st
il
lher
e
Her
:Ifyoudon'
twantLi
hleknowi
ngt
het
rut
h
t
henstayawayfrom meandmySon!
Shehungup..Iwalkedtotheli
vi
ngr oom and
swit
chedofftheTV.Isatonthecouchwi thmy
eyescl
osedasi datedbacktothatdarkcold
ni
ght.
.
FLASHBACK.
..
Il
ookedatherasshest ruggledtogetupwith
bloodrunningdownherlegs,iquickl
ytookof
f
myj acketandtr
iedputt
ingitaroundher
shouldersbutshepushedmeof f.
.
Nombuso:
Ihat
eyouKi
ng!Ihat
eyouwi
l
lal
lmy
hear
t!
Me:
Iam t
rul
ysor
ry
Nombuso:
Sor
rywi
llnev
erfi
xme!Sor
rywi
l
l
nev
ermakemefor
getaboutt
his!
Sheheldont
othechai
rwi
thherl
egsshaki
ng,
shewipedof
fherbl
oodwi
thherhand.
Nombuso:
OhhhmyGodpl
easesav
emySon
(
cry
ing)
Me:Babyyoubl
eedi
ngl
etmet
akey
out
othe
hospi
tal
Nombuso:Isai
dleavemealone!Youdi
dthi
s!I
wi
ll
nevereverf
orgiv
eyou!
Shetookof
ftheengagementr
ingandt
hrewat
me..
Nombuso:Go!Go!Andnevercomebacki
nev
er
wannaseeyouagainyouhearme?
Herbreastwasbleedi
ngi
couldseehowbl
oody
herl
acenightgownwasinthatar
ea.
.
ThedooropenedandKr
ugerwal
kedi
n..
Me:
Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
Hel
ookedatNombuso.
.
Kr
uger
:Ohhhshi
t!
!
Me:
Wehav
etogethert
othehospi
tal
Nombuso:
Kingl
eav
e!
Kr
uger
:It
hinky
oushoul
dleav
eman
Me:
What
?
Kr
uger
:It
'
sfort
hebest
..I
'
llcal
lyou
Kr
ugerwentupt
oherandpi
ckedherup.
.
Kr
uger
:I'
l
lcal
lyou
Herushedoutwit
hher.Ipi
ckedupt
heri
ngand
l
ookedatitast
earsst
reameddown,whydi
dn'
ti
makeitinti
me???
??
Isnappedf
rom mythought
swhenIfelttears
burni
ngmyeyes,i
wipedthem andstoodup.I
walkedtot
hebedr
oom andLihlewassti
llfast
asl
eep.Iwal
keduptohersideandheldher
hand..
Me:Ihopei
don'
tmaket
hesamemi
stakeswi
th
you
Iki
ssedherhand.
.
.
.
YAYA
ThingsweretensebetweenmeandSandi lewe
wer esi
tt
ingonthatcouchandwat chi
ngTVas
i
flikewewer estr
angers.Ihadputt hesmal l
cushiononmyt ummyt oav oidhimf r
om
want i
ngtotouchme.Ev ersincewef i
nished
eatingafewhoursago, nowor dwasspokenhi s
focuswasonwhatwaspl aying..
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..
Me:
Ishoul
dgot
obedi
am t
ir
ed
Hi
m:Goodni
ght
Istoodupandputt hecushioninit
'splaceand
slowlywalkedtothebathr
oom tobat hbefor
ei
got obed.Iranthewaterwhil
esingingasi f
elt
thetemper at
ureofthewater.
.
Me:"MyExesandtheOhhhstheyhauntme, l
i
ke
ghoooost
stheywantmetomake' em al
l
..They
won'tl
etgoExesandOh'
s..
.
Mykneewasatt
heedgeoft
hebat
htubwheni
fel
tsomethingaroundmyneckbef or
ei knewit
Iwasont hefloor
,icoul
dn'
tscream.Wheni
l
ookedupi sawSandi l
eandireali
zedthatihad
ali
gatur
ear oundmyneckandhewaspul li
ng
hard.
.
Hedraggedmeacr ossthefl
ooricouldn'
tdo
any
thingiwasjusttr
yingtogeti
toffasitwas
cut
ti
ngt hr
oughmyski n.
.
.
Tobecont
inued.
[
09/
29,
11:
09]Ron:
¥54
LI
HLE
Iwokeupt hefoll
owingmor ninginav erygood
moodi wassur ethatnot hi
ngwasgoi ngtor ui
n
mydayt oday.Iwassl i
ght l
yinpai nfr
om what
wentdownl astnightbutIam notcompl aining
Kingreal
lyworkedme, I
twasj ustanamazi ng
experi
ence.Hedidn'tforcemet oany t
hingthati
founduncomf or
tablewebot hshar edanddi d
ourf avorit
estyles,iam evenf ail
ingtoput
every t
hingintowor dsbutIam v erycert
ainthat
Iwillnev erhavesuchanexper iencewi t
h
someoneel seot herthanhim.Idon' tthi
nk
there'sanyguywhocanwor kmet hatway ,
thi
nki ngaboutwhatwentdownl astnightwhile
taki
ngashowerhav i
ngwat err undownmyski n
withmyshowergel makingitsl i
pperymademe
thi
nkofl astni
ght .Mademet hinkofhow
every t
hingwentdown.
Afterdressingupi mademywayt othekitchen
Kingwasl eaningagai nstthecupboar dwhi l
e
holdinghismug, hedidn'tevennot icemehe
seemedt obev erylostinhisthought s.Todayi
waswear i
ngpumpssot heydi dn'tmakenoi se
whenIwal kedin,iwentandst oodnextt ohi m
that'
swhenhenot i
cedme.Hest retchedhis
arm andputi taroundmyshoul ders,heplanted
akissonmyf oreheadwi thhiswar ml i
ps..
Hi
m:Goodmor
ning
Me:
Mor
ning
Hi
m:Readyt
ogo?
Me:
Yesi
am
Hecheckedt
het
ime.
.
Hi
m: Atwhatt
imear
eyousupposedt
obeat
wor
k?
Me:
7:30
Hi
m: Westil
lhav
eti
me.
.Woul
dyoul
i
kesome
br
eakfast
?
Me:
Justcer
eal
Hi
m:Iwi
l
lmakef
ory
ou.
..
hol
dher
e
Hegav
emehi
smug.
.
It
ookasi
pandt
hecof
feewasabi
tst
rong.
.
Me:
Didy
ouev
enputsugar
?
Hi
m:Yes
Me:
It'
sbi
tt
er
Iputi
taway
..
.
Hehadhi
sbackf
aci
ngmehewasn'
thi
msel
f
t
oday.
.
Me:
Kingofhear
ts
Het
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Hi
m:Not
hingi
am f
ine
Iwalkedupt
ohi
m andhuggedhi
mfr
om t
he
back..
Me:
Younotf
ine
Het
urnedar
oundandl
ookedatme.
Hi
m:Wehav
etot
alk
Heseemedser
ious.
.
Me:
Soundsser
ious
Hi
m:I
tis
Ist
eppedbackal
i
ttl
e..
Me:Youar
escari
ngme..Ar
ey oubr
eaki
ngup
wi
thmebecauseidr
ankagain?
Hepul
l
edmebackt
ohi
m..
Hi
m:Noi
am notbr
eaki
ngupwi
thy
ou
Hepickedmeupandpl
acedmeont heki
tchen
count
er,hepar
tedmyl
egsandgoti
nbetween
them..
Heputhi
shandsonmycheeksandl
ookatme
deepi
nmyeyes..
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Hi
m:Li
hlei
am notasper
fectasy
out
hink
Me:
Arey
ouanot
herSandi
l
e?
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Hi
m:Nev
erbut
..
Me:
But
?
Him:Rememberthepi
ctur
esyousawinmy
bedr
oom backwhenyouwereatmyhouseof
myFiancéSandr
a?
Inodded.
..
Hi
m:Shewashi
j
ackedandki
l
ledbecauseof
me
Igothi
shandsf
rom mycheeks.
.
Him: WhenIbecameacopandi puti
na100%
i
nev ery
thi
ngt hati
didandgotprai
sesfr
om the
stat
ionIwasobsessedwithstayi
ngatthetop
soIwentaf t
erthemostnotor
iouscri
minal
knownas" BigDaddy"
Me:
Thenwhathappened?
Him: Iwaswar nedbuti neverli
stened, iwanted
toprov eapoi ntt hatiwasnotaf lukethati can
takedownt hemostf earedcri
mi naleverand
wheni didtai
l him andgotdirtonhi m he
start
edt hreateni ngme.Ididn'
ttakehist hreats
seri
ousl yimeani wasacopi thoughtt hat
nothingcoul dt ouchmesoIhadhi mlockedup
andt hatwasaj obwelldonefrom me.
Me:
But
?
Hi
m: Ev
enthoughhewaslockedupbuthisdi
rty
wor
kdidn'
tfol
lowhi
m hehadpeoplegoafter
myfi
ancéandunfor
tunat
elyhehadal
li
ancesat
t
hestat
ionsohewalkedoutafr
eeman
Me:
That
'sbad
Him:Iknewi hadtoav engemyFiancé'
sdeath
shewasmyev er
ythingwewer ehighschool
sweetheart
ssoIendedupr ecr
uit
ingmyown
gangdoy ouknowt hesay i
ngthatsay
s
"Someti
mesy ouhav etofightt
hedevilwi
tha
demon"
Inodded.
.
Him:Formet
oputhi
m downi
hadt
obeathi
m
athi
sowngame
Me:
Didi
twor
k?
Heshookhi
sheadno.
.
Him:Bythenihadalr
eadymov edononeyear
aft
erSandra'
sdeat
hi hadal
readybeenseei
ng
someoneelse
Me:
Wher
eyouov
erher
,Sandr
a?
Hi
m:Noithoughtr
epl
aci
ngherwi
thsomeone
el
sewoul
dhelpmedealwit
hthel
oss
Me:
Sowhathappenedt
otheot
hergi
rl
?
Him: Shewasal sotort
uredbyBigDaddyand
hisgoons,theykidnappedherbyt henshewas
pregnantwithmySonandwewer eengagedi
real
lythoughticouldreplaceSandrawit
hher
Myey
eswi
dened.
.
Him: Thenightthatif
oundhershewasi na
verydist
urbingstateisti
l
ldon'
tknowwhatt hey
didtohershenev ertoldmebutwhati knowIs
thatshehatesmewi t
hpassionshedoesn't
wantany t
hingtodowi thmenott oev
enseemy
Son
Me:
Wher
eisshenow?
Him:ShewasinMpumalangabutaft
erwhat
happenedshemovedher
einGautengand
star
tedseei
ngoneoft
heguyswhowasi nmy
gang.Atfi
rsti
twasj
ustherseeki
ngprotect
ion
fr
om him butal
ongt
hewayt heyf
ell
foreach
other
Me:
Iam v
erysor
ry
Hi
m:I
t'
sli
fe
Me:
Soy
oust
oppedgoi
ngaf
tert
hecr
imi
nal
?
Henodded.
.
Him:Icouldn'
tri
skmyl
ovedonesget
ti
nghur
t
andkil
led
Iputmyhandsar
oundhi
sneck.
.
Me:Hewillhav
ehi
sdayandt
hanky
ouf
orbei
ng
honestwi
thme
Him:Ar
elat
ionshi
pwi
thsecr
etsi
snotagood
one
Webr
oket
hehug.
.
Me:Bet
terdr
ivemet
owor
kidon'
twannabe
l
ate
Heputmedown.
.
Me:
Todayi havetogotomyAunt
'spl
aceneed
t
ocheckifidi
dn'tgetal
ett
eri
hav
etoinher
ital
l
myMother'
smoney
Hi
m:Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowi
thi
t?
Iwal
kedt
othebedr
oom andhef
oll
owedme.
.
Me:puti
tinaf
ixedaccountitwi
ll
hel
pmewhen
Ihav
etogotoschoolnextyear
It
ookmybag.
.
Hi
m:Onemor
ethi
ng
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Hesi
ghedandputhi
shandsi
nhi
spocket
s..
Hi
m:Sandi
l
eisback
Idr
oppedmybagont
hef
loor
..
.
.
YAYA
Mybodywasv
erysor
eandIwasshi
ver
ing
thankGodi t '
ssummerorel sei woul d'
ve
sufferedf r
om hy pot her mi a.Af terSandi l
e
draggedmeacr osst hef l
oorl astni ghtwi ththe
l
igatur eropear oundmyneck, het ookof fallmy
clothesandwhi ppedmewi tht hel igature.Every
whipt earedt hroughmyski n,i feltthepai njust
i
magi nesomeoneusi ngal l thei rstrengt hon
you.Taki ngal ltheirangerandf rust r
ationson
you, usingal lthest rengt ht hatt heyhav eony ou.
Youcannev erbegi nt ounder st andt hepai nthat
iwasf eeli
ng.Hemost lydidt hebeat i
ngonmy
buttocksandt henaf terheputt hel igature
aroundmyneckandt iedi tt ot hel egoft hebed.
Heputabl anketov ermeandIam gr atefulf
or
thecar pett hatwehav eint hebedr oom soi
didn'tgetmuchcol d.Icr iedsi lentlyandf orthe
fi
rstt i
mei nmyl ifei wi shednot hingbutdeat h,
i
t'susel essconf idingt omyMot herbecause
shei snotgoi ngt of eel sor ryf ormei nsteadshe
willinsultmeandmakeev eryt hingseem asI f
l
ikei t'
smyf ault.Ionl yst ar tedf all
ingasl eepat
dawnwhenIhadcr
iedenoughandi
hadno
tear
sany
more..
.
Iwaswokenupbyast i
ngi ngsensat i
onar ising
from mybut tonswhenIwasf ullyawakei t's
onlytheni r
eal i
zedthatIwasbei ngpenet rated,
Sandi l
ewasl ayingbehindmeont hef loorand
havinghi swaywi thmet akingi tf r
om behi nd.I t
waspai nfulnol i
eespeci allyaf terhehad
whippedmel astnightint hatar eaandt hent his
mor ninghedeci destosexual lypl easur e
himsel f.
.Ididn'twannagi vehi mt he
sati
sf acti
onofshowi nghi mt hathewashur ting
mebuti twasv erypainful thati coul dn'thol d
back.Hewasv erycl
oset omet hatIcoul df eel
hisbr eathatt hebackofmyneck, heext ended
hishandandputi tinmyt hr oat.Icoul dn'tf eel
theligaturear oundmyneckany mor ewhi ch
meanshehadt akenitof f.Hel ower edhi shand
start
edsqueezi ngmyni ppl esi nav erypai nful
way .
.
Me:
Sandi
l
epl
ease.
.(cr
ying)
Icoul
df eelfr
om howhewasmoani ngthathe
wasenjoy i
nghimself,
whatsi
ckbastar
dcould
fi
ndpleasureintort
uri
ngsomeoneli
kethis?
Sandi
leistrulysi
ck!
Hepumpedharderandfast
erashest
il
l
squeezedmyni
pples.
.
Hi
m:Fuck!
!!
Hebr oughthi
shandbacktomyt hroatand
strangledmeasheshothi sloadinsi
deofme,
hi
smoannex ttomyeari
ssomet hingi wi
ll
nev erforget
.Somet
hingthatisgoingto
tr
aumat i
zemeandhauntmef ortherestofmy
l
ife..
.
.
Tobecont
inued
Iam st
il
lhav
ingt
hatsit
uationwit
hmyphone,
gonnatr
yandhaveitcheckednextweek.
*
Noedi
ts*
[
09/
29,
11:
09]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥55
LI
HLE
Iwasst andinginmywor kstat i
ont hatishar e
withoneofmycol l
eagues.Si ncet heshopi sbig
andget sbusyal oti heardi tget sbusymost l
y
ont he15t h,22nd, 25t h,
27t h,30th,and31stof
eachmont hsi ncet hosear et hepayday sf or
mostempl oyees.Iwasl osti nt hewor ldofmy
thought sbusyt hinkingt omy selfhowcant hey
l
etSandi l
ego?Hei snotment alstabl
eenough
tof uncti
oni nasoci etywi t
hnor mal people!He
belongst obei solated, hebel ongst obel ocked
awaywher ehewon' thur tany one.NowIwi llbe
forcedt olookov ermyshoul der ,i
wi l
lbef orced
tocar eful
lylimitthepl acesi v i
siticannotv i
sit
placest hatheknowsi twi l
l beeasyf orhimt o
getme.Thi sisdepr essingt hinkingofwhathe
mi ghtdot omei fhecat chesme, icannotev en
begi ntoimagi neit..
Iputmyhandonmycheekwi t
hmyel bow
resti
ngont hecounterasi exhaled,thi
sisa
disasteri
don'twannalie.Ionlygotbackt othe
wor l
dofthelivi
ngwhenacust omerst arted
snappingtheirf
ingersr
ightinmyf ace..
Me:
Sor
ry.
.
Her
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
Yesi
..Iam f
ine
Her
:Iam her
etopay
Me:
Yourcar
dpl
ease
Her
:icanpaymyf
oschi
niaccounther
eri
ght
?
Me:
Yeswear
eadi
vi
sionoft
heTFGst
ores
Shehandedmehercar
dandi
loggedi
nthe
syst
em..
Me:
Howmuchwoul
dyoul
i
ket
opay
?
Her
:Howmuchdoi
owe?
Me:
letmesee
(
1mi
nlat
er)
Me:
Inst
all
mentR150andt
otal
duei
sR80
Her
:Bal
ance?
Me:
R1000
Her
:R250pl
ease
Me:
R250i
tis
Her
:Soyouguy
sgetboredaroundher
e?Isaw
howyouwer
edaydreaming
Me:
Aghi
t'
sver
yqui
etpeopl
ear
est
il
lbr
oke
Her:onl
yaf
ewday
sunt
ilt
he25t
hthenpeopl
e
wil
lcome
Me:
Cashorar
eyougoi
ngt
ousey
ourcar
d?
Her
:Cash
Shehandedmet
hemoney
..
Her
:anyv
acanci
es?
Me:
Not
hingatal
lbuti
wil
laskmymanager
Her
:okayi
wil
lseey
ounextmont
hwhenIhav
e
t
opayagai
n
Igav
ehert
her
ecei
ptandheraccountcar
d..
Her
:thanky
ou
Me:
hav
eani
ceday
Her
:Goodl
uckwi
tht
hebor
edom
Il
aughedasshewal
kedaway
..
Mycol
l
eagueBasocameupt
ome.
.
Her
:Hey
Me:
Hey
Her
:Nombusoi
saski
ngf
ory
ouatt
heback
Me:
Okay
Imademywayt othebackandshewassi t
ti
ng
atherdeskwithherpantssli
ghtlyr
aisedup
aboveherlef
tkneelevel
,iwasshockedt osee
howbigherkneewasandi thadscarsthat
showedshewasoper atedal otoft
imesont hat
knee.
.
Shewasfacingupwithherey
escl
osedand
bi
ti
ngherlowerli
p..
Me:
Uhm y
oucal
l
edf
orme?
Shetookadeepbreat
handthenexhal
ed,she
openedherey
esandlookedatmewithtears
st
reamingdown.
.
Me:
arey
ouokay
?
Her:
Ihav
etogot otheDoct
ormykneehas
st
art
edagai
n,seehowswolleni
tis?
Il
ookedati
tandi
tlookedpr
ett
ybad.
.
Her
:Ihadalr
eadycal
l
edmyFi
ancéhei
sonhi
s
waytofet
chme
Inoddedr
epeat
edl
yicoul
dseet
hatshewasi
n
pai
n..
Me:
Whathappened?
Her:af
ewyearsagoi wasr
epeat edl
ybashed
wit
hahammeronmyknee, doctorsdidn'
t
wannaamputat
eit.Ihadmorethan5sur ger
ies
butthepai
ni gothr
oughevery
daywit
hthi
s
kneeiwishthatt
heycoul
d'
v eamput
atedi
t
Shechuckl
edaf
tersay
ingt
hat
..
IlookatNombusoandphy sical
lyshehasscar s,
shehast hi
sbigscarf
rom aboveherr ightear
allacr
osstoherhead.Thatscarisveryv i
sibl
e
becauseshehasshorthair
..Myf i
rstthoughts
arethatshemightbejustl
ikeme, sheseems
l
ikeshehasbeenabusedphy si
cal
lyand
emot i
onall
y.
.
Wehear dknockatthedoorandthenthedoor
opened.Someguywal kedin.Notyourty
pical
ordi
naryguyhedoeslookl i
keathug,iwonderif
heistheonewhoi sabusingher.
.
Hegr
eet
edandt
henwal
kedupt
oher
..
Hi
m:I
thasst
art
ed?
Shenodded.
.
Her
:Ihav
etogot
otheDr
Hi
m:wi
l
lyoubeabl
etowal
k?
Her
:I'
l
ltr
y
Hehelpedhertogetupf r
om t hechai
r,standi
ng
wasabi tdi
ff
icultforherespecial
lywhenher
l
eghadt osuppor therweight.Shetri
edto
bal
ancebyput ti
ngmor ewei ghtonherr i
ght
l
eg.
.
Her:
Youknowicur
sethedayt
hati
methi
m!
Fel
li
nlov
ewithhi
m!And..
Herl
owerl
ipwast
rembl
i
ngi
coul
dseet
hatshe
want
edtocry
..
Hi
m:l
et'
sgo
Whoeverdidt
hist
oherisanot
herSandi
l
e,such
mendisgustmetothecor
e.Ihopet
heguywho
di
dthi
st oNombusoisrot
ti
nginhel
l.
.
.
.
YAYA
Nkabi
ndel
ookedatmei
coul
dseet
heconcer
n
i
nhiseyesasher
ant
hest
ethoscopeonmy
chest
..
Hi
m:howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
Il
ookedacrosstheroom andSandi
l
ewas
st
andingt
hereleani
ngagainstt
hedoorf
rame
wi
thhisarmsfolded.
Me:
Ifeel
bet
ter
Myv
oicewasscr
atchy
,myt
hroatwasdr
y..
Nkabi
nde:
youappearv
eryweakt
heI
Vwi
l
lki
ck
i
nsoon
Isl
owl
ynodded.
.
Nkabi
ndel
ookedatSandi
l
e..
Nkabi
nde:
shewi
l
lhav
etosoakher
bodyinwarm sal
twateratl
easttwi
ceadayf
or
al
lthebrui
sesSandi
lenodded..
Nkabi
nde:
Ihavebroughtwit
hmepai
nki
l
ler
s
t
oo,youwil
ldr
inkwheny ouf
eel
pai
n
Me:
Thanky
ou
Nkabi
nde:
Iam doneher
eibel
i
eve
Sandi
le:
Thanky
ouNkabi
ndewhatwoul
dwedo
wit
houtyou?
Hewalkedov
ert
oputhi
shandonNkabi
nde'
s
shoul
der.
.
Sandi
l
e:YouareagoodDral
way
sther
etohel
p
i
ntimesofneed
Nkabi
ndest
il
lhadhi
sey
esf
ixedonme.
.
Nkabi
nde:
Justdoi
ngmyj
ob
Sandi
l
e:Thanky
ouol
dfr
iend
Nkabi
nde:
Youar
ewel
come
Nkabi
ndepackedhi
sthi
ngs.
.
Sandi
l
e:Iwi
l
ltr
ansf
ert
hecashf
ory
oul
ateron
Nkabi
nde:
Nopr
obl
em
Sandi
l
ewal
kedhi
m out
..
Il
aidt
hereonthebedj
ustemot
ionl
ess,
wheni
s
al
loft
hisgoi
ngtoend?
Sandil
ewal
kedbacki
nwi
thasmi
rkonhi
s
face.
.
Hi
m: coul
d'
veseenhowy
ourboy
fri
endi
s
wor
ri
edaboutyou
It
urnedmyheadandf
acedt
heot
herway
..
Me:
Hei
snotmyboy
fri
end
Hesatont
hebed.
.
Him: r
eal
l
y?Ifir
emembercorr
ectl
yyouwer
e
braggi
ngabouthi
minatthehospi
talt
heot
her
day
Me:Iwasj
ustusinghi
mf ormoneysi
nceyou
wer
egoneijustsai
dthattomakeyoujeal
ous
(
Sil
ence)
Him:Yayayouandi
wer
ecomi
ngal
ri
ghtwhat
happened?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Hi
m:Thebabyy
oucar
ryi
ngi
sitmi
neorhi
s?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Me:
Ther
e'snobabyany
mor
e
Hi
m:Sayt
hatagai
n?
Me:
Ther
e'snobabyany
mor
e
Hi
m: Youareusel
ess!Justt
othi
nki
almosthad
ababywit
hy ou!
Hespatonmyf
aceandi
closedmyey
es.
.
Hi
m:Youdi
sgustme!
Hest
oodup.
.
Hi
m:don'
tl
etbor
edom ki
l
lyou,
soonLi
hlewi
l
l
j
oiny
ou!
.
.
KI
NG
Ical
ledKr
ugerneededt
oheart
hel
ateston
Lihl
e..
Kr
uger
:Heyman
Me:
tookl
ongt
oanswery
ourphone
Kr
uger
:Yai
am ki
ndofhel
dup
Me:
Wit
h?
Kr
uger
:Justabi
tofanemer
gency
Me: Iam pay
ingyoutokeepaneyeonmy
gi
rl
friendwhatemergencycoul
dyoupossi
bly
have?
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
..
Me:
Whati
sitman?
Kr
uger
:Hadt
otakeNombusot
otheDr
Me:
Issheal
ri
ght
?
Kr
uger
:Herknee
Irubbedmyeyeswi
thmyf
inger
s..Me:
Whati
s
theDrsayi
ng?
Kr
uger
:Ther
adi
ologi
sti
sst
il
ltaki
nganX-
ray
Il
eanedbackonmychai
r.
.
Me:
Howi
sshehol
dingup?
Kr
uger
:Shei
sinpai
n
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
..
Me:I
t'
sfi
nemanifshe'
snotf
eel
i
nggoody
ou
cant
akethewhol
edayoff
Kr
uger
:Thanky
ouMan
Me:
don'
tment
ioni
t
Ihungupt
hephoneandr
anmyhandacr
ossmy
face.
.
.
Tobecont
inued

[
09/
29,
11:
10]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥56
NDI
LE
Iwenttothecompl exafteroneofBi gDaddy'
s
guyscall
edmeandt oldmet hathetai
l
edLihle
andsheiswor kingatExacti neededtoseeifi
t
wastrue.Igotthereandt hestorewasabi t
empty,iwentaroundchecki ngaf ewclot
hes.I
l
ookedatthecountersandicoul
dn'
tseeLi
hle
maybeshe'sattheback.Af
terawhi
leoneof
t
hesalesassist
antscametome..
Her
:Goodaf
ter
noonSi
r
Me:
Aft
ernoon
Her
:Mayi
beofanyassi
stance?
Me:
notr
eal
l
yiam st
il
ll
ooki
ng
Her
:Youwi
l
lcal
lmewheny
ouneedhel
p
Me:
Nopr
obl
em
Shewal
kedaway
..
Me:
Err
..
Shecameback.
.
Her
:Di
dyousaysomet
hing?
Me:
Uhmm cani
asky
ousomet
hing?
Her
:Yesofcour
se
Me:
DoesLi
hlewor
kher
e?Li
hleCel
e?
Her
:OhwLi
hley
esshewor
ksher
ejustwentout
f
orl
unch
Me:
Isi
t?
Her
:Yes..Cani
takeamassage?Ory
oucan
wai
tforher
Me:Noi
t'
sfi
neI
'
llcomebacksomeot
hert
imei
am i
nahur
ry
Her
:Okay
Me:
Thanky
ouagai
nfory
ourassi
stance
Her
:Youwel
come
Iwal
kedout
.
Ifi
can'thaveLihlethenKingmustf orgethe
won'thavehertoo.LihleandYayai wannadeal
wit
ht hem accordi
nglyevenifigotoj ai
laft
er
thi
sorament ali
nstit
uti
oni don'
tcare!Aslong
asiknowt hatthey6f eetunderiwil
lhave
peace..
.
.
KI
NG
Ifoundmy selfatsomepar kitwasabeaut i
f ul
parkandi twasv er
ypeacef ul
.Il
ookedaround
andt hegr asswasv erygreenandrich,t
het rees
providedgoodshadeandt hesunwasshi ning
verybr i
ght .Iwonderedwhati wasdoingher e,
hereinsuchapeacef ulplace.Il
ookedaround
againandi sweartherewassomet hingso
humbl ingaboutt hi
splace,doessuchapl ace
existonear th?Iheardav oicecal
louttome.I
turnedar oundandi sawsomewomanwear ing
allwhitesi tti
ngatanear bybench,iwalkedov er
toher .Shel ookedatmeandgav emeawar m
smi l
e..
Her
:Fi
nal
l
ywemeet
Il
ookedatheral
lconf
used.
.
Her
:MaCel
e
Sheext
endedherhandtome, i
walkedcloser
andgaveherahandshake.Isatdown..
Me:
Youar
e..Doest
hatmeani
am.
.
Her
:Noy
ouar
ejustdr
eami
ng
Me:
Wowsuchapeacef
ulpl
ace
Her
:Iti
sisn'
ti
t?
Idi
dn'
tunder
standwhatwashappeni
ng.
.
Her
:Li
stenwedonothav
eti
me
It
urnedandl
ookedather
..
Her
:Ineedy
out
ost
oppr
otect
ingLi
hle
Me:
Idon'
tunder
stand
Her
:Ineedy
outost
opprot
ecti
ngherhav
ingher
f
oll
owedatwor
kandever
ythi
ng
Me:ButifIdon'
tthenSandi
l
ewi
l
lgett
oherand
possi
blyki
llher
Shenoddedwi
thasmi
l
e..
Me:
Noi
cannothav
ethathei
sgoi
ngt
oki
l
lher
Her
:Noi
t'
sgoi
ngt
obet
heot
herwayr
ound
Iwasconf
used.
.
Her:
Donotputyourguni
nthesaf
eanymore
fr
om nowonputiti
nthedr
awerontheot
her
si
dewhereshesl
eeps
Me:MrsCel
eIam notgoi
ngtoletLi
hleki
l
lhi
m..
Shehassuf
fer
edenoughand.
.
Her:I
t'
sboundtohappent
hisway
..ByLi
hle'
s
handSandi
leshoul
ddie
Me:
Thef
utur
eisnotwr
it
teni
nast
one
Her
:Indeedbutt
hat'
stheonl
ywayLi
hlei
s
goi
ngtohavepeace
Shest
oodup.
.
Her
:Don'
tfor
getputy
ourguni
nthedr
awer
Shewal
kedawaybutst
opped.
.
Her:Ohwandonemor ething.
.Pleasetel
lher
aboutNombuso.Yesshe' sstubbornand
every
thingbutwhenhonest ycomesf r
om youit
wil
lbeeasierforhert
oforgiveyouthanshe
wouldwhenhear i
ngitfr
om someoneel se
especial
lyt
hatsomeoneel sebeingNombuso
her
sel
f
Shesmi
l
edatmeonel
astt
ime.
.
Her
:Youhav
emybl
essi
ngs
Me:
cani
asky
ousomet
hing?
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Whyappeart
ome?Whynotav engeyour
deat
h?Imeanihear
ddeadpeopl
eareprett
y
powerf
ul
Shel
aughedwhi
l
eshaki
ngherhead.
.
Her:Idi
edapainfuldeathbutiam apeaceful
personidonottakerevengeimustbepur e
fr
om suchunti
ligettotheothersi
de
Inodded.
.
Her:Don'
ttell
Lihl
eaboutt
hissheisst
il
ltr
ying
toacceptmydeathifyoubr
ingthi
supshewi l
l
neverfor
giveyoubutshei
sgoingtohateyou
for
ever
Me:
Iunder
stand
Her
:Goodby
e
Shewal
kedawayunt
ilshedi
sappear
ed.
.
.
.
LI
HLE
Iwentbackt
othest
oreafterIhadmyl unchat
Ki
ngpieBasowasstandi
ngatt hecounter.
.
Baso:
Youar
eback
Me:
Yeap
Baso:
Didy
ouenj
oyy
ourl
unch?
Me:Sal
ami
&cheesepi
eyesi
enj
oyedi
tthank
you
Iwal
kedt
otheback.
.
Baso:
Bef
orei
for
getsomeonewasl
ooki
ngf
or
you
Me:
who?
Baso:
Someguy
Me:
King?
Baso:
Hedi
dn'
tsayhi
sname
Me:
Ohw
Baso:
Comet
othef
loori
wannagot
olunch
too
Me:
IsNombusoback?
Baso:
No
Iwentt
othecounterasshewenttot
heback,
i
pi
ckedupthephoneandcall
edKing.
.
Ki
ng:
Mychocol
atemuf
fi
n
Me:
Heyuhm di
dyoucomet
othest
oret
oday
?
Ki
ng:
Noi
didn'
t.
.Why
?
Me:Ithi
nkSandil
ewasl
ooki
ngf
ormewheni
wentoutforl
unch
Ki
ng:
Arey
ousur
e?
Me:
Yes
Ki
ng:
Don'
tgooutt
othest
oreany
mor
eunt
ilI
sendsomeoneov
er
Me:
Okay
Ihungup.
.
.
.
KI
NG
Iputmycel
lphoneawayasFi
ki
lemadeherway
i
n,shet
hrewsomef i
lesonmydesk.
.
Me:
and?
Her
:Mor
ewor
kfory
ou
Me:
Can'
tShongwedoi
t?
Her
:Shongwei
shandl
i
nghi
scases
Iwentt
hrought
hef
il
es.
.
Me:
Whatar
eyoubusywi
th?
Her
:cer
ti
fyi
ngdocument
s
Me:
Ihav
eaj
obf
ory
ou
Her
:Ki
ngi
am noty
ourper
sonal
assi
stant
Me:
rel
axi
tsDet
ect
ivewor
k
Shef
oldedherar
ms.
.
Me:Ineedyout
ogot
othecompl
exwi
thaf
ew
l
ieut
enant
s
Her
:For
?
Me:ineedyout
okeepaney
eonLi
hleunt
ilshe
knocksof
f
Her
:Ki
ng.
.
Me:
Justf
ort
odaypl
ease
Her
:Whati
sthi
sabout
?
Me:
PleaseFi
ki
lei
woul
dn'
taski
fitwasn'
t
i
mport
ant
Shesi
ghed.
.
Her
:unt
ilwhatt
ime?
Me:
17:
00
Her
:Atl
east3hour
s
Me:
Thanky
ou
Shewal
kedaway
..
Isor t
edoutthef i
leswhenonef ellt
hepaper
s
i
nsi decameout .Ipickedthem upandone
paperi npar
ti
cularwaswr i
tt
en"Wespokeabout
this,st
opprotecti
ngher "thewrit
ing
disappearedafterreading.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
11:
10]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥57
LI
HLE
Kingcamet ofetchmeaf t
erworksot hatwe
cangot omyAunt '
sandt hengohome.Hewas
awf ul
lyquieti
nthecarbutwhatam Isay i
ng?
Hehasn' tbeenhi mselfeversi
ncehet oldme
abouthispast, i
don' tt
hinkhehasfullyforgi
ven
himselfoverwhathappenedt ohisFiancéor
ratherboththewomeni nhi sl
if
ethathel et
down.Hepar kednextt othegat eandthenwe
gotoutoft hecarmaki ngourwayi n.Iwasn't
happywi ththest ateofhowmyMot her'
shouse
was,therewasal otoft r
ashar oundtheyard
andthegr asscl earlyshowedt hatithasn'tbeen
cutandt ri
mmed.Herf lowerswer esadlydy i
ng
i
twasj ustmessy .Asi fthatwasn'tdistur
bing
enought heout sidebasi nthatwasnextt othe
tapwer eweusual lyri
nset helaundryhaddi r
ty
water.Therewasbabynappi esallar
oundand
theoutsidetrashbi nwasf ul
l,i
twasj ustvery
dir
ty.
.
Westoodatt
hedoorandiknockedunt i
lihear
d
mycousi
nNtokozosay
ingcomei n.Iopened
t
hedoorandwemadeourwayi nside.
.
Thesinkwasf ul
lofdirtydishes,thedishcloth
hadfl
iesdancingoni ttherewasal sodirtypot
s
onthestoveandithadabi tofadi st
urbing
smelll
ikesomethingwasr ott
en.Iwas
embarrassedespeciall
ywi t
hKi nghavingt o
wit
nessev er
ythi
ngtheov enbakingPanswer e
ontopofthecount
erdirt
y.Wemadeourwayt o
theli
vi
ngroom wereNtokozowassi t
ti
ngonthe
couchwatchi
ngTVandbr east
feedi
ngherbaby
whohadmucusal loverherfaceandporr
idge
debri
s..
Wegr
eet
edandsatont
hecouch.
.
Il
ookedar
ound.
.
Me:
uphi
uMamncane?(
wher
eisy
ourMom)
Her
:Shewentoutt
otheTar
vensai
dshe'
s
goi
ngtobuysomebeer
s
Me:Iam heretochecki
fnol
ett
erf
rom my
Mom'swor kcameforme
Sheshookherheadno.
.
Me:
That
'sst
range
Her
:Woul
dyoul
i
kesomet
ea?
Me:
Not
hanky
ouwenotst
ayi
ng
Her
:Wenol
ongergoodenoughf
ory
ouneh?
Me:
Idi
dn'
tsayt
hati
am j
usti
nahur
ry
Her
:Sho!
!Younotev
engoi
ngt
ost
ayny
ana?
Shecl
appedherhands.
.
Me:Iam f
rom wor
kandi
am t
ir
edi
justwanna
gohomeandrest
Shelaughedassheshov edherbr
easti
ntot
he
baby'smouthagain,
icouldseeKi
ngwas
gett
ingveryuncomfort
able.
.
Ki
ng:
I'
ll
bei
nthecar
Hest
oodupandwal
kedout
..
Her:
kumnandi
ukubawuweneh?(
it
'sni
cet
obe
you)
Me:
Ngani
manj
e?(
wit
hwhat
)
Her:Iam j
ustsay
ingt
haty
ourcooki
ewor
ksf
or
you
Isi
ghed.
.
Her:Hai
Phelanakhonotlongagoyouwer
e
wit
hSandil
eandnowy ouarewi
thacopai
i
mntakaAunti
elangaphant
si
kuyakusebenzel
a(y
ourv
agi
nai
swor
kingf
or
you)
Nt
okozohasal
way
sbeenj
eal
ousofme.
.
Her:YourMotherhasalwaysmadey ouseem
perf
ectalway
shadsomet hi
nggoodtosay
aboutyoumakinguslookl i
kewewer eusel
ess
kodwanakuy ouarenotinschoolal
lyoudoing
i
schangingri
chguy sfast
erthanyouchange
yourpad
Ist
oodup.
.
Me:Idi
dn'
tcomeher
etoexchangewor
dswi
th
you
Her:HambaLi
hleCel
ekodwaknowt
hatAi
ds
ki
ll
s
Ididn'
tanswerheri
justwal
kedout.Onmyway
tothecarwhil
eIwasatthepassageourso
evernoseynei
ghbourMam'Janecall
edoutt
o
me. .
Her
:PssssLi
hle!
Iwentcl
osert
othef
ence.
.
Me:
Mam'
Jane
Her
:Kunj
ani
?(howar
eyou)
Me:
Ngi
yaphi
l
a(i
am wel
l
)
Her
:Awusesemuhl
e(y
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul)
Me:
Thanky
ou
Her:
IsthatSandi
l
eatt
hegate?Didhebuy
anot
hercar?Phel
aumntakaKhumaloi
sri
ch
If
akedasmi
l
e..
Me:Mam'Janenott
osoundr
udebutiam v
ery
t
ir
edij
ustwannagohomeandsleep
Her
:Kodwabanj
ani
nje?(
howar
ethey
)
Me:
endl
i
ni?(
int
hehouse)
Shenodded.
.
Me:
Bakahl
e(t
heyar
efi
ne)
Her
:Weeeeeh!Phel
ayourAunthai
!!
Her
ewego.
.
Shegotcl
oser
..
Her:Bat
hinj
eshe'
sgoi
ngt
oawi
tchdoct
orf
or
you
Me:
forme?
Her
:Yebosothaty
oudon'tgetyourMot
her
's
money!Uy
ayi
funa(shewantsi
t)
Me:
Ohw
Her
:vul
aamehl
onont
ombi
(openy
ourey
es)
Me:
Thanky
ouf
ort
hei
nfor
mat
ionMam'
Jane
Her:Don'tbescar
cenawe!Thi
sisyourMother
's
houselookathowdirt
yiti
swhenMaCel ewas
sti
l
lli
vingherethi
shousewascleani
nsi
deand
out
Inodded.
.
Me:
That
'sv
eryt
rue
Her
:Allt
hatyourAuntisgoodf ori
sgoi
ngt
o
t
heTarven!uNtokozoy enauLal
ak'
phel
a
(
Ntokozoisalwayssleeping)
Me:
That
'ssad
Her:Haibayi
moshil
eindl
ukaCel
e(t
heyhav
e
r
uinedthishouse)
Me:
Theyhav
e
Her
:Letmenotkeepy
ougr
eetSandi
l
eforme
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Shewal
kedbackt
othehousef
oll
owedbyher
Dog.
.
.
.
YAYA
MaKhumal
o:Her
eyougo
It
ookt
het
eaf
rom her
.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Iwasnowlayingonthecouchwit
hapi l
low
suppor
ti
ngmyheadandabi gbl
anketkeepi
ng
mewar m.Sandil
e'
sMotherhadarr
ivedafew
hoursagoandev ersinceshehasbeentaki
ng
careofme, isawadiffer
entsi
detohertoday.I
tr
iedsit
ti
ngupst r
aightbutmybuttockswere
sti
llbur
ning.
.
Her
:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
Me:
Iwi
l
lbebet
ter
Wehear
dtheki
tchendooropeni
ngand
cl
osi
ng.
.
Her
:ThatmustbeSandi
l
e
Myhear tsanktomykneesthat'
showmuchI
am scaredofhim now,iwasshaki
ngandso
wasthecupt hatIwasholdi
ng.Weheardhim
whist
li
ngf rom t
hekit
chentotheli
vi
ngroom,he
tookoffhiscap..
Hi
m:Mai
didn'
tknowy
ouwer
ecomi
ng
Heputhiskey
sandhisphoneonthetabl
e.He
cameandsatnextt
omeput t
ingmyfeetontop
ofhi
m andmassagi
ngthem..
MaKhumal
o:Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?
Hi
m:Hadaf
ewer
randst
orun
MaKhumal
o:Weneedt
otal
k
Hi
m:Now?
MaKhumal
o:Yes
Me:
I'
ll
got
othebedr
oom
Her
:Noi
t'
sfi
ney
oudon'
thav
etoo
Sandi
l
e:Soundsser
ious?
Her
:Iti
s
Hi
m:Whati
sit
?
Her:Whyudl
alangabantwanababant
ukaso?
(Whyareyoumist
reati
ngotherpeopl
e'
s
chi
ldr
enli
kethi
s)
Her
emai
nedqui
et.
.
MaKhumalo:uLi
hleukushi
yel
ezonal
ezi
?(di
d
Li
hlel
eav
ey ouforthi
s)
Hest
il
lremai
nedqui
et.
.
Her
:Ar
eyouev
ent
aki
ngy
ourmedi
cat
ion?
Thet
oughSandi
l
ewasqui
et.
.
Her:Yousawhowi suf
fer
edandyouput
ting
thesegi
rlsthrought
hesamethi
ngyourFather
putmet hrough
Me:
Iam hi
sSonaf
teral
l
!
Her
:Nazoke!(
her
ewego)
Hi
m: Iam goi
ngtotakeanapcal
lmewheny
ou
wantmetodriveyouhome
Hegotupandwal
kedt
othebedr
oom.
.
MaKhumal
o:Yeywena!Iam st
il
ltal
ki
ngt
oyou
Shest
oodupandf
oll
owedhi
m..
.
.
LI
HLE
Iwasint hebedr oom changi
ngmycl ot
hestoa
mor ecomf ortabl
eoutfi
tsothatIcanstar
t
prepari
ngdi nner,myphonerangitwasSy l
vi
ai
answered..
Me:
Hel
l
o
Her
:Hi
Lihl
e
Me:
Howar
eyou?
Her
:Good..Li
steniam t
ryi
ngt
ogethol
dofmy
Br
otherheisnotanswer
ing
Me:
Uhm Iwi
l
lcheckwher
ehei
s
Her
:Tel
lhi
mtocal
lme
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Her
:Thanks
Me:
Bye
Kingwal
kedi
njustasi
putmyphoneont
he
bed..
Me:YourSi
sterj
ustcal
l
edmesay
sshe'
sbeen
t
ryi
ngtogetholdofyou
Hi
m:Imust
'v
efor
got
tenmyphonei
nthecar
Hecl
osedt
hedoorandl
eanedagai
nsti
t.
.
Me:
What
'swr
ongy
ouhav
en'
tbeeny
our
sel
f
Hekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e..
Me:
King?
?
Him:RememberIt
oldyout
hatther
ewas
someoneel
seinmylif
eaft
erSandr
a?
Me:
Theoney
ouhav
eababywi
th?
Henodded.
.
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
ttel
lyouwhoi
tis
Il
ookedathi
m..
Hi
m:I
t'
sNombuso
(
Aft
er30sec)
Me:
Nombusomy
??
Hi
m:Yes.
.
Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
evewhatIwashear
ing.
.
Me:
YouandNombusower
e??
Hi
m:ani
tem
Me:
All
hersuf
fer
ingsi
t'
sbecauseofy
ou
Hi
m:Yes
Inoddedwhi
l
elooki
ngdown.
.
Me:
I'
ll
goandst
artwi
thdi
nner
Iappr
oachedt
hedoorandhewasst
il
lbl
ocki
ng
i
t..
Me:
Iwannagooutpl
ease
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Hi
m:Youar
ehur
t
Me:Iam not
..Whywoul
dIbe?I
twasal
ong
t
imeagowasn'tit
?
Hi
m:Li
hle
Heputhi
shandundermychi
n..
Me:
Justmov
epl
ease
Hi
m:Let
'st
alkaboutt
his
Me:
Idon'
twannat
alkj
ustmov
e!
Hemov
ed.
.Iopenedt
hedoorandwal
kedout
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
11:
11]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥58
YAYA
Iwasl ay ingont hebedst arringatmyphone
Sandi l
ehadj ustwentoutwi thhisMom,
MaKhumal ocookedadel iciousmeal f
orus
bef or
el eav i
ng.Ineededsomeonet otalktoo
andsomet imeswheny ouf acedwithsucha
serioussi tuati
ony ourMot heristhefir
stper son
youwannacal landconf i
dei n,becauseol d
peopl ehav eseenal otandhav ebeent hrougha
l
ot .Idialedhernumberandwai t
edforhert o
pickup. .
Mom:
Yay
a
Me:
Ma
Mom: Kant
iut
humel
ani
nii
mal
i
?(whenar
eyou
sendi
ngmoney)
Shesoundeddr
unk.
..
Me:
SoonIhav
ejustbeenbusy
Mom:Ushadani
ni?(
whenar
eyouget
ti
ng
mar
ri
ed)
Me:
Err
r.
..
Mom: don'
ttel
lmeyour
uinedt
hingsbet
ween
youandthatri
chboy
Me:
Idi
dn'
t.
.
Mom: Goodcan'
taf
for
dtohav
eanot
her
usel
essdaught
er
Icoul
dseet
hati
twasusel
essconf
idi
ngi
nher
..
Mom:Ify
oudidn'
tcal
ltosendmoneyt
henwhy
di
dyoucall
?
Me:
Iwasj
ustchecki
nguponev
ery
one
Mom:
siRi
ght
Me:
Okay
Mom:
Byeby
e
Me:
Bye
Myhear twasbrokeni nt
oami l
li
onpiecesi wi
sh
therewassomeoneoutt herewhocoul d
understandhowi f
eel,someonewhocoul dsay
"I
t'
snoty ourf
aultthatallofthi
sishappeningto
you"someonewhocoul d..IsawSandile'
s
phoneont hedressingtable.Isl
owlyand
careful
l
ygotoutofbed.Iwaswear i
ngadr ess
withnounderwear, i
t'
sgoingt otakeawhilefor
met owearpants..
Iwenttogetitandjustwentt hr
oughitnot
hing
i
nterest
ingpoppedupot herthanLihl
e'
s
contact
s.Ithoughtforawhileifi
twouldbe
wiseformet otakehernumberi meanwenot
fr
iendsandshehat esbutthen,webothhave
experi
encedabusei nthehandsofthesame
man.Isav edhernumberinmyphoneandwent
backtolieinbed..
.
.
.
KI
NG
Ineededt i
met ot hinksoi drovearoundt he
neighbor hoodandcamebackhomeabi tlate.I
walkedi nandt heTVwasonbutt her ewasno
onei nthel oungeot hert hanabot tleofwi ne
thatwasempt y .ThismeansLi hledr ankwhenI
wentout .Imademywayt othebedr oom andi t
wasempt y,iwonder edwher eshecoul dbeunt il
inoticedt hatthebat hroom doorwascl osed.I
wentcl oserandl i
stenedcar efull
yi hear dher
cryi
ng.Ihat eitwhenshedr i
nksbecause
alcohol sendsheri ntoav erydepressi ngst ate
wer eshecanev enhur therself
.Iunder stand
howshe' sfeeling, beingabusedandt hen
hearingt hatanot herwomanwast ortured
becauseofmepr obabl ymakesherseemei na
diff
erentway .
Iknocked.
..
Me:
Hlehl
e
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Me:
Pleaseopen
Shekeptqui
etagai
nforawhi
l
e..
.
Ikeptonknocki
ngwi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.
.
Her
:GoKi
ng!
!Goandbewi
thher
Me:
what
?
Her:
Ist
hist
hereasonwhyyoumovedback
her
e?Soyoucanbecloset
oher?
Me:
Nowy
oubei
ngi
nsane
Her
:wer
eyouwi
thhernowwheny
ouwentout
?
Me:
Arey
ouhear
ingy
our
sel
fri
ghtnow?
Her
:Allyouguy
sarethesame!Idon'
tknow
whyiexpect
edyoutobedif
fer
ent!
Me:
Lihl
e!
Her
:Gol
eav
emeal
one!Iam bet
terof
fdead!
Icouldki
ckdownthedoorbutidon'
twanna
scarehersor
ightnowineedtoconvi
ncehert
o
open..
.
Me:
Lihl
epl
easeopent
hedoorsowecant
alk
Her
:Idon'
twannat
alkt
oyou!Leav
emeal
one
gobacktoher
!
Me:Buti
don'
twanther
!Iam notwi
thheri
am
wi
thyou!
Sheconti
nuedcry
ingandi
didn'
tknowwhatt
o
sayanymore.
..
Il
eanedagai
nstt
hedoorandexhal
edi
closed
myeyes.
.
Me:
MaCel
ehel
pmegett
hrought
oher
Her
:Icoul
djustpul
lthet
ri
ggerandendmyl
i
fe
Iwentbackt othebedroom andsear
chedfor
mygun,i couldn'
tfi
ndit.Nowmyheartstar
ted
beat
ingfast,iwentbackt ot
hedoor.
..
Me:Li
hlepl
easedon'
tdot
hist
omepl
easei
l
oveyou
Iwasscaredt
hatshewasl
ockedupi
nther
eal
l
al
onewithmyGun...
Me:
Lihl
epl
easei
lov
eyousomuchy
oucan'
tdo
t
hist
ome
Shecont
inuedcr
ying.
..
Me:Iknowy ouhurti
ng,i
knowthaty
ouseeme
thesamewayy ouseehi
m buti
am nothi
m.I
am notSandil
e
Her
:It
'sbestt
hisway
Me:Bestf
orwho?Bestforyouy
esbutwhat
aboutme?whataboutme?
Shekeptqui
etandIhear
dthegungoi
ngof
f.
.
Me:
No.
.No.
.No.
.No!
!Li
hle!
!
Ikeptbangi
ngont
hedoor
..
Me:
Youcan'
tdot
hist
ome!Pl
ease.
.
Iwasbr
eaki
ng.
.
.
.
YAYA
Iwai
tedf
orSandi
l
etopassouti
checkedt
he
t
imeont healar
m cl
ockandi
twas23:
30,i
r
emov edhishandar
oundmegentl
ynot
want
ingtowakehim up.
.
Me:
Sandi
l
e?
Ther
ewasnor
esponse.
.
Igotoutofbedandqui cklymademywayt othe
bathroom, irant hewat erinthebasi n.Iopened
thelaundr ybasketandt ookoutmysneaker s
andaj acket, iputthem onandt henmademy
wayt otheki tchen.Iwascar ef
ul i
nmyst epsas
tonotmakeasound, imademywayt othe
kit
chenwhi l
ei twasst il
ldarkandgott hekeys
behindt hebr eadt i
n.Iputthem thereaf ter
l
ockingt hedoorbef orewewentt obed.Imade
mywayt othedoorwi thmyhandsshaki ngi
tri
edtol ocatet herightkey,wheni finall
yfound
i
ti putitinandt heni f
elthisarm aroundmy
neckt hatscar edmei actuall
yscreamedal it
tl
e
whiledroppi ngt hekeys..
Hi
m:Andwher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Ifel
thisgunatthebackofmyheadandIhav e
neverbeenthisscaredinmyl if
e.Iheardhi
m
pull
ingthet
riggerbutnot hi
nghappened,al
li
heardwasa" cli
ckclick"sound.Heturnedme
aroundandswi t
chedon
t
hel
i
ghtwhi
l
elaughi
ng.
..
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tl
oadi
tluckyy
ou
Iwascr
ying.
.
Hel
ookeddown.
.
Hi
m:Seemsl
i
key
oupi
ssedony
our
sel
f
Heputhi
shandatt hebackofmyheadand
pul
l
edmecl oser
,heforcedt
heguninmy
mouthi
talmostchockedme..
Hi
m:Nextt
imey
ouwon'
tbesol
ucky
Thecoldnessandtheevi
linhiseyesj
ust
showedhowhear t
lessSandi
leis.Hel
owered
thegun..
.
Hi
m:Cl
eany
our
sel
fupandt
hencomet
obed
Inoddedandmademyt othebat hroom with
hi
mf oll
owingme,iranthewateri nthebathtub
whil
ehest oodi
nthedoorway .Iwasst i
ll
shaki
ng..Whenthewaterwasenoughi tookof f
myclothesandgotinthebathtub,heclosedt he
doorandmadehi swayin..
.
Hi
m:don'
tsi
t
Idi
dn'
tsi
t.
..
Hi
m:Iwantt
oseey
oupl
ayi
ngwi
thy
our
sel
f
Il
ookedathi
m..
Hi
m:goon
il
ower edmyhandandst art
edrubbingmy
Cli
tor
is..AsIwasdoingthatheloweredhi
s
boxer
sexposinghissti
ffcock,hestart
edgi
vi
ng
hi
msel fahandJob..
..
Him:Wher
eismywhor
e?ComeonYay
ayou
candobet
tert
hant
hat
Wit
hmyot herhandi
wentandsqueezedmy
br
east
s..
.
Hi
m:That
'smor
eli
kei
t!
.
.
KI
NG
Ihadt akentheki t
chenkni feandt riedtot emper
withthedoorhandl e,t
ookawhi l
ethoughbuti
fi
nallygotittoopen, iwasscar edtoseewhati
awaitedmeont heothersi de.Iopenedt hedoor
andmygunwasabi tfarawayf r
om her ,she
wasal lcuddledint hecorneri didn'tseebl ood.
There'snoblood.Iwentov ertoherandshe
wasf ine,wheni sawt hebul letholethrought he
walliwasr el
ieved.Iwasr eli
ev edthatihad
tearsinmyey es..
Shesl
owl
yopenedherey
esandl
ookedatme.
..
Her
:Ki
ng
Me:
Youal
ri
ght
..Youal
ri
ght
..
.
Ipickedherupandtookhert
othebedr
oom.
From nowoni am put
ti
ngmyguninthesaf
e,
f
uckwhatMaCel
esai
d..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
11:
12]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥59
YAYA
ever
y t
hingseemsbet t
erwheny ousleepingall
thepain,thehurt,
andt hesorrowsseem t o
l
eavey ouatt hati
nstant.Yourmi ndandy our
heartrestfr
om alltheevil
soft hisworldthen
youwakeupandi tallcomesbackt oy ou,the
real
i
tyofy ourpaincomesbackt i
mest wo.
Iam deeplyconfusednotf or
gett
ingthatIam
aloneinthis,
myMot herdoesn'
tcarewhat
happenst omeal lshecaresaboutisthemoney
thatigi
vet oher
,that'sal
lshecaresabout.
Icoul
deasilyconfi
deinCandicebutidon'
t
wannastiruptroubl
eforher,
goingtothecops
doesn'
tseem li
keagoodi deaalsoImeanhe
gotoutt hel astti
mehebeatLi hleup.His
mental i
llnesswor ksinf avourf orhim butt
hen
agai
nonecannotbeev i
lforeverhisdayi s
coming.Ihav emi ssedschool alotandquite
fr
anklyi didn'tcareanymor e, myl i
feismore
i
mpor tantt hanthedr eam i havebeenchasi ng.
.
Iwentt
otheli
vi
ngroom t
het
abl
ewassethad
al
lki
ndsofgoodi
es.
Sandi
l
escar
edmewhenhespokebehi
ndme.
.
Hi
m:Goodmor
ning
Heki
ssedmeonmycheek.
.
Me:
Mor
ning
Hi
m:Pr
epar
edbr
eakf
astf
ory
ou
Me:
That
'ssweet
Heheldmyhandandledmet
othet
abl
e,he
openedt
hechai
rforme.
Isatdownorhalfsatdownsi
nceIwassti
ll
in
pain.Hewentandsatopposi
teme.Iwas
puzz
ledatwhatwashappeni
ng.
.
Hi
m:Taket
hisasanewandf
reshst
artf
orus
Il
ookedathi
m..
Hi
m: Iam surey
ouhavelearnedyourl
esson
wit
hNkabindeandiam surethatyouwil
lnev
er
domebadl iket
hat
,ev
eragai n
Isl
owl
ynodded.
.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ouYay
aandi
sti
l
lwannamar
ryy
ou
Ipour
edjui
cef
ormy
sel
fasIdi
dn'
tknowwhat
tosay
..
Him:BigDaddyt
oldmet haty
ouar eanassert
toourbusi
nessyouhavebeengivi
ngusclient
s
andiam ver
yhappythatyoutaki
ngini
ti
ati
vein
hel
pingwit
hthebusi
ness
If
akedasmi
l
e..
Hi
m:Youcancal
lyourfami
l
yandt
ell
them t
hat
wegonnacomeandvisi
t
Ial
mostchoked.
.
Me:
Today
?
Hi
m:Yest
oday
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
..
Him:Looksweet hear
tidon'tcarewher
ey ou
comefrom iloveyousti
llandmay beicanhelp
ext
endy ourhouseorsomet hing
Me:
I..Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
Hestoodupwi
thasausagei
nhi
shand.He
cametomeandkissedmeonmyfor
ehead.
.
Hi
m: Iwil
lcomebackandgety
oui
hav
etogo
f
ortherapy
Me:
Okay
Hewal
kedout
..
.
.
LI
HLE
Ir
emembert
heev
ent
sthatt
ookpl
acel
astni
ght
iwasn'tthatv er
ydr unkastonotremember
whathappened.Pr ocessingwhathappenedjust
makesmef eelsomet y
peofway ,
iam very
ashamedandi don'tevenknowhowi am going
tofaceKi ng.Ibatheandpr epar
edmy sel
ffor
workwi t
hKi ngnotbei ngaroundithi
nkheleft
earl
ytogot owor k,probabl
ywantedtoavoid
me.Idon' tblamehi mi wouldavoi
dmy sel
ftoo
i
fIwashi m..
Iwasdr
inki
ngcof
feei
ntheki
tchenwhenI
hear
daknockatt
hedoor.
.
Me:
comi
ng
Iputt
hemugdownandwentt
oopent
hedoor
,
i
twasFiki
l
e..
Her
:HeySt
ranger
Me:
Hey
Il
etheri
n..
Shecameandhuggedme.
.
Her
:Howar
eyou?
Me:
Iam f
inei
guess
Sheputherhandsonmyshoul
der
s..
Her
:Weshoul
dgooutsomet
imeandt
alk
Inodded.
.
Her
:Gety
ourbagandev
ery
thi
ngi
wil
ldr
ivey
ou
t
owork
Me:
King'
sor
der
s?
Her
:Yes
Me:
Okay
Iwal
kedt
othebedr
oom andshef
oll
owedme.
.
Her
:Ev
ery
thi
ngal
ri
ghtbet
weeny
ouguy
s?
Me:
Notr
eal
l
y
Her
:What
'swr
ong?
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Her
:Li
hley
oumycl
osestf
ri
endt
alkt
ome
Isatont
hebed.
.
Me:
Sandi
l
erui
nedme
Shecameandsatnextt
ome.
.
Me:Iam br
okenFi
ki
leandi
don'
tthi
nki
canbe
f
ixed
Sheputherheadonmyshoul
der
.
Her
:Don'
tsayt
hat
Me:Andwhat
'swor
sei
sthathegotawaywi
th
ev
eryt
hing
Her
:Thelawmightf
avourhi
mrightnowbuthe
i
sgoingt
ohavehisdayonewayoranother
Me:Ijustwishhecoul
ddietheangerihave
agai
nsthimi tscar
esmeattimesiwouldki
ll
hi
m giventhechancewit
houtthi
nki
ngtwice
Her
:Wel
lthankgoodnessy
ounotaki
l
ler
Shest
oodup.
.
Her
:let
'sgo
.
.
KI
NG
Iwentandsatont
hebenchagai
nlooki
ng
ar
ound..
Me:
Weshoul
dst
opmeet
ingupl
i
ket
his
Her
:Ify
ouf
oll
owmyor
der
swewi
l
l
Me:Sheal
mostki
ll
edhersel
flastni
ghti
am not
goi
ngtoputmygunint
hedr awer
Her
:Iunder
stand
Me:Noyoudon't
..Li
hlei
sbrokent
hatguybr
oke
herandi
don'
tthi
nki canfi
xher
Her:
Pati
encei
ssomet
hingy
ouhav
eal
way
s
l
acked
Whilei
thoughtweweresti
ll
sit
ti
ngonthe
benchwewer enowwalki
ngnexttot
hebeach
i
nJustablinkofaney
e..
Her:
IfLihl
ewantedt
okil
lher
sel
fshewoul
d'
ve
donethatwhenshehear
diwasmurder
edshe
i
sst
rongert
hany
out
hink
Me:
Youdi
dn'
tseeherl
astni
ght
Her:Ki
ngwhetheryouleaveyourguni
nt he
drawerornotSandi
lewil
lsti
l
ldiebyLi
hle's
hand
Me:
ifshegoest
ojai
l
?
Her
:It
'snotmur
deri
fit
'sj
ust
if
iedassel
f
def
ense
Me:
Whydon'
tij
ustt
akehi
m down?
Her
:Theny
ouwi
l
lgot
ojai
l
Shest
oppedandl
ookedatme.
.
Her:
Justbepat
ientwi
thhershewi
l
lcome
ar
ound
Voi
ce:
King!
..Ki
ng!
..Ki
ng!
!
Iwokeupandi
twasShongwewhowaswaki
ng
meup..
Hi
m:sounl
i
key
out
osl
eepatwor
k
Me:
didn'
tgetmuchsl
eepl
astni
ght
Hi
m: l
et'
sgowehav
eahomi
cidecaset
o
i
nvest
igat
e
Me:
Homi
cide?
Him: DrNkabi
ndewasshotandki
ll
edatt
he
garageofhishouset
hismorni
ngwhenhewas
l
eav i
ngforworkgety
oursel
fsomecof
feewe
l
eav i
ngin5..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
11:
12]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥60
KI
NG
Iranmyey esaroundt heDoctor '
shouseit
l
ookedgood.Wewer eint hel
oungei waswit
h
hi
swi febusyinterr
ogatingherandqui t
efr
ankl
y
herresponsetot hewhol ematterwasnotthe
oneIhadant i
cipatedfrom someonewhohad
j
ustf oundoutt hatshe'sawi dow.Imeani n
mostcasesy ouwoul dfindt hewi fecr y
ing,
shocked, conf usedandnotwant ingt otalkbut
nott hisone.Shehadherhandsf olded,shehad
av erycolourful doekcov er i
ngherhead, she
hadherspect acl esonandhernost ri
lsiwas
sur ethatsmokeandf i
rewer egoi ngt obe
dispensedf rom t here.Shongwewasout side
witht heforensict eam introspect ingthecr ime
scene, TheDoct or'
sbodywast akenaf teraf ew
mi nutesofusget t
ingher e.Ihadmysmal lpad
andpenr eadyt owr i
tewhatt hatwomanwas
goingt otellme. .
Me:
Pleaset
akemet
hroughy
ourmor
ningdai
l
y
r
out
ine
Her
:Iam ahousewi
fei
qui
tmyj
obwhenIhad
mysecondchi
ld
Inoddedasshecont
inued.
.
Her:Ial
wayswakeupeverymorni
ngrun
Nkabindeabat
h,makehim br
eakf
astandt
hen
ki
sshi
m goodby
e
Me:
Didy
ouaccompanyhi
m out
side?
Her
:No
Me:
Didy
ouheart
hegunshot
s?
Her
:Yes
Me:
Whatdi
dyoudo?
Her
:Not
hing
Me:
Youdi
dnot
hing?
Her:Detect
iveit'
snoteverydayt
hatsucht hings
happeni di
dn'tknowthatmyhusbandwas
goingtobeki l
ledthi
smor ni
ng.Wheni heard
thesoundsi didn'
tthi
nkitwasthegunshot si
thoughtmaybeat i
rebur
storsomething
Me:
Whatmadey
out
ogoout
?
Her
:Wheni
didn'
thearhi
scarst
art
ing
Me: Thegar
ageisj
ustnextt
ot hel
i
vingr
oom i
am verysur
ethaty
oumust '
vehear
dpeople
tal
ki
ngorheardhim scr
eamingashegotshot
becausehewasshot4t
imes
Her
:Hey
imunt
u!!Idi
dn'
thearany
thi
ng
Me: Iam sor
rybutyoudon'
tseem shakenby
yourhusband'spassi
ng
Her
:Iam notbecausei
expect
edi
ttohappen!
Me:
Comeagai
n?
Her
:MyhusbandwasnotaSai ntDet
ecti
vehe
washavi
ngaff
air
swit
hy ounggirl
sit
oldhim
t
hatonedayhi
ssinswil
lcatchupwit
hhim
Ir
ubbedmyey
es.
.
Me: MaNkabi
ndeyouwillhav
et omindwhatt
o
saybecausei
t'
sdefi
nit
elygoingtomakeyoua
suspectt
othi
sHomi ci
decase
Her:Thenarr
estme!Arr
estmeify
ouf eel
li
kei
havecommi t
tedacri
memi nai
am justst
ati
ng
whatIfeel
Me:
Iwil
lhavetotakeyoudownt
othest
ati
on
f
orf
urt
herquesti
oning
Her
:Letmecal
lmyl
awy
er
Me:
Ify
ouar
einnocenty
oudon'
tneedal
awy
er
Her
:Youareal
readytr
eati
ngmel
i
keacr
imi
nal
soihav
etocal
l mylawyer
Me:
Finegoahead
.
.
NDI
LE
Maano:
Thatwoul
dbeal
lfort
odayMrKhumal
o
Me:
That
'si
t?
Maano:
Yesexact
lyanhoursessi
on
Me:
Itf
eltsoshor
t
Maano:Areyoutel
li
ngmethatnowy
ouar
e
st
art
ingtoenjoyt
hesessi
ons?
Isatupst
rai
ght
..
Me:honest
lyspeaki
ngyes..It
hinkweshoul
d
hav
emor eofthesesessi
ons
Hesneer
edatme.
.
Hi
m:Youseem pr
ett
yjol
l
ytoday
?
Ist
oodupfrom t
hechai
randwentt
ost
areout
oft
hewindow..
Me:
Youhav
eabeaut
if
ulv
iewher
e
Maano:
Iti
sindeed
(
Sil
ence)
Maano:
Sti
l
ltaki
ngy
ourmedi
cat
ion?
Me:
Twi
ceaday
It
urnedar
ound.
.
Hi
m:Guessi
wil
lseey
ounextweek
Me:
Nextweeki
tisDoc
Hi
m:Hav
eyouspokent
oLi
hle?
It
houghtcar
eful
l
ybef
oreanswer
ing.
.
Me:
Unf
ort
unat
elyno
Him:Why?Whenyougotoutofher
ey ouwer
e
ver
yadamantaboutf
ixi
ngt
hingswit
hher
Me:Ideci
dedthatmaybeishouldgi
veher
sometimetodealwi
theveryt
hing
Hi
m:Isee
Me: I
fther
e'snot
hingmor
etheni
wil
lseey
ou
nextweek
Hi
m:Samet
imeandsamepl
ace
Me:
Thanky
ou
Iwal
kedout
..
.
.
LI
HLE
Iwasatt hebacksort
ingoutsomecellphone
repairNombusowassi t
ti
ngatherdeskbusyon
herlaptopikeptonst
eali
ngglancesather.
.
(
Aft
er5mi
n)
Her
:Needsomehel
p?
Me:
Sor
ry?
Her
:Doy
ouneedsomehel
p?
Me:Uhm no.
.Basoshowedmehowt
odoa
cel
l
phonerepai
r
Her:Thenstopsteal
i
nggl
ancesatmebef
ore
youreyesfal
lout
Me:
Sor
ry
Itwasqui
etagai
nandi
keptonst
eal
i
nggl
ances
ather.
.
Her
:Li
hlei
fyougoingtosi
tther
eandstar
eat
meyoumightaswellj
ustt
akeever
ythi
ngand
gowor
katthefront
Me:
YesMam'
Istoodupandt ookmyt hi
ngst henwentt ot
he
fr
ont .WhydidIkeeponst eal
ingglancesather?
Idon'tknowbutknowi ngt hatshewasKi ng'
s
fi
ancédoesn' tsitwel
lwithme.Whati fhe
decidestoleavemef orher ?Iam crazy,iam a
drunkandt heyhav eachil
d.She'snotbad
l
ooki ngandsheawomanofi nt
egrit
y,li
tt
leMiss
perf
ectmi
ghtj
ustt
akemypersonf
rom me.
Basomadeherwaytome.
..
Her
:Li
hle
Il
ookedather
..
Her:Her
ef i
nishoffwipi
ngt
hewi ndowsowe
canstar
tdisplay
ingtheMannequinsfort
he
cl
othesthatareonsale
Me:
buty
ouwer
edoi
ngi
t
Her:andi am aski
ngy outodoitwhenyouare
donewi t
ht hecell
phonerepai
riwil
lst
art
scanningfrom thi
ssidetoseewhichcl
othes
areonsale
Iexhal
ed.
.
Her:
Lihl
eyouhav
etol
ear
nal
lthedepar
tment
s
Dear
ie
Me:
Fine!
Ihat
eitwhenshedoesthi
staki
ngadv
ant
ageof
mebecauseiam new.
.
.
YAYA
Sandil
ecamet ofetchmesot hatwecango
andvisi
thome.Iwasabi tnervousimean
homei snotaplacet hatiwanthi mtosee,
it'
s
notaplaceiwantany onet osee.
.Wepassedby
atthemalltogetaf ewt hings,heal
lowedmet o
buygroceri
esforthem.Al otofgrocer
y.
Hi
m:Iwantust
ogopassbyatt
hecompl
ex
Me:
Wewer
ejustatt
hemal
l
Hi
m: Yaiforgott
obuymy sel
fsome6cansof
Windhoekplusyoucangetyour
sel
fsomet
hing
pr
ettyatExact
Me:
Okay
Thewholedri
vetot hecomplexiwasgluedon
myphone,ikeptont ypi
ngLihl
eamessageand
thendel
eti
ngit
.Ididn'tknowwhattosaytoher
consi
deri
ngthefactthatwearen'
tfr
iendsatal
l
,
howi sshegoi
ngtor espond?Iam thegi
rlwho
stol
ehermanf rom her!Iam sur
eshehatesme.
Sandil
ebroughtmebackt or
eali
tywhenhetol
d
met hatwehavearrived.
.
Hi
m:l
et'
sgo
Webot
hgotoutandmadeourwayi
n..
I
twasmyf ir
stt
imebei
ngint
hiscompl
exandi
mustsayi
twasabitbi
ggert
hanihad
i
magined.
.
Wewentt oExactwasmor easifl
i
kehehad
plannedforustogot her
ebecausehej
ustled
thewayst rai
ghttothest
ore.I
twasnotbusyso
wel ookedaround..
Hi
m:Seei
ngany
thi
ngt
haty
oul
i
ke?
Me:
Sti
l
llooki
ng
Hi
m:Okayi
l
lgoandchecksocks
Hel
eftmeandi keptonchecki
ngunt
ili
hear
da
f
amil
iarv
oicebehindme..
Voi
ce:
Goodmor
ningMam'
Iturnedar
oundanditwasLi
hleshewasbusy
tr
y i
ngtoputahatontheMannequi
n'
shead.
.
Me:
H..Hi
Shelookedatmestil
lhol
dingtheheadofthe
Mannequinandasmuchasi di
dn'
texpectto
seeher,shedi
dn'
texpecttoseemet oo.We
keptonlooki
ngateachotherunti
lSandi
le
dist
urbedus.
.
Him:Sweet
iePi
edi
dyouf
indsomet
hingy
ou
l
ike?
Li
hletur
nedandlookedathi
m,Sandi
l
ehada
smirkonhi
sface.
.
Hi
m:OhwheyLi
hle
IsawLihle'
schestgoi
ngupanddowni
nav
ery
dist
urbi
ngmanner .
Him:Ididn'
tknowthatyouwereworkingher
e
notaplaceiimagi
nedforyou,
especiall
ynow
si
nceyouwi thaDetect
ive
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..
Me:
I..Wecango.
.Ican'
tfi
ndsomet
hing
Hi
m:Let
'sgo
Li
hle:
Youbast
ard!
!
Shedi dtheunthinkableandstartedhi t
ti
ng
Sandilewiththeheadoft heMannequi n,the
fi
rstblowwashar dthoughonhi sfacebecause
shest r
uckhim whenhel eastexpect edandi
sawbl oodcomi ngoutofhi snose.Whi l
ehe
burnttoattendtohi snoseLihlestruckhi m at
thebackofhi shead, shereall
yusedher
strengthbecauseIhear dthesoundandi
thoughtsher eal
lycrackedhisskull asSandi l
e
wentdownscr eamingi nagony.Iwasst anding
thereallfr
ozen..
Li
hle:
YousonofaB*
*iam goi
ngt
oki
l
lyou!
!!
.
[
09/
29,
16:
33]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
-
¥61
LI
HLE
Ionl yreali
zedthatIdiddamaget ohim when
par amedicsshowedupt ogethi m,ther
ewas
bloodont hegroundandhehadaconcussi on
from alltheblowshesuf fered.Iwasalreadyi n
handcuf fsandt hestorehadundi vi
dedat t
ention
from peopl ewhocamei ntoseewhat
happened, Nombusowasnothappyatal lwit
h
whathappened.Thel i
eutenantwasaski ng
thosepeopl ewhower eatt hescenewhen
ev eryt
hinghappenedt ogett hefull
story,andi
wasst andingther
ewi thmostey esonmeI n
handcuf fs..
Li
eutenant
:Soy
ouwer
eher
ewhenev
ery
thi
ng
happened?
Yay
alookedatmewhil
eholdi
ngSandi
le'
shand
whowasunconsci
ousaboutt
obetakentothe
ambul
ance.
.
Li
eut
enant
:Sowhathappened?
Yaya:Sheat
tackedhim withtheheadofthe
mannequinrepeat
edlyatthebackofhishead
butshestar
tedwithhisface
TrustYayatodothi
s!Idi
dn'
texpectl
essfr
om
heritr
ulyexpect
edhertodothi
sbecauseshe
i
sSandi l
e'
spuppet.
.
Yay
a:Butt
hat
'sbecausehepr
ovokedher
Ir
aisedmyheadandl
ookedather
.
Li
eut
enant
:Pr
ovokedher
?
Me:
Yes
Thel
i
eut
enantdi
dn'
twr
it
ethatdown.
.
Lieut
enant
:Wedidn'tseet hatonfootageall
we
sawwasal l3ofy
ourengagi ngi
nwhatseemed
tobeacalm conv
ersationandt henshelashed
outonhim,sheatt
ackedhi mr epeat
edlyalmost
kil
li
nghimri
ghtnowy ouf acingchargesof
at
tempt
edmur
dergi
rl
Nombusowal
kedcl
oser
..
Nombuso:
Sor
rySi
r
Thel
i
eut
enantt
urnedandl
ookedather
..
Nombuso:Iam themanagerhereandLihl
eis
anemployeeshejustst
art
ednotsolongagoso
iwannaknowwhat '
sgoingtohappennow?
Li
eutenant
:She'sdef
ini
tel
ygoi
ngt
ojai
lfor
at
temptedmur der
Nombusolookedatmeandt
henl
ookedatt
he
l
ieut
enantagai
n..
Shesi
ghedt
henwal
kedaway
..
Yay
a:Li
eut
enanty
oucannotar
restLi
hle
Li
eut
enant
:Whynot
?
Yaya:Shewasn'
tthi
nki
ngstr
aightwhen
ever
ythi
nghappenedsheact
edonwhathesai
d
tohim
Li
eut
enant
:Whatdi
dhesayi
fimayask?
Yay
a:Er
r.
.Uhm.
.He.
.(Pause)
Li
eut
enant
:Exact
ly!
Idon'
tknowwhyYayawasdefendi
ngmeli
ke
thi
s,i
wasv er
ysur
ethatshedi
dn'
tli
keme.
.
Li
eut
enant
:Let
'sgo
Hewalkedoutwithmei waslooki
ngdownthe
wholet
imeav oi
dingeyecont
actwithby
passer
s
unt
ilwegottothepoli
ceVan..
.
.
NTOKOZO
MyMot hershoweduplat
eronhol
dingabot
tl
e
ofbeershesatdown.
.
Me:
Howdi
ditgo?
Mom:
Aii
shewant
edal
otofmoney
Me:
Mamamar
awhycoul
dn'
tyoupay
?
Mom:
350f
orconsul
tat
ion?
Me:Butshei
ssai
dtobethebest
..Kant
iyi
ni?
Youdon'
twantt
ogett
hismoney?ImeanLi hl
e
i
ssupposedt
oget50000amont hfor2years
sosay
sthel
ett
erdoy
ouknowwhatwecando
wit
hsuchmoney?
Mom: Iam wel
lawareofthatNtokozo!
Ucabangaukut
hiangazi
?(youthinkidon'
t
know)
Sheputt
hebeeront
het
abl
e..
Mom: Iwi
l
lseet
omor
rowwej
ustshor
twi
th
R150
Ilaidbackonthecouch.Ir
eall
ywantLi hl
e'sl
if
e
mycousi nseemst ohavel
uckwher evershe
turnsandIhavebeenbeatenbyl i
feinall
corners,i
t'
sti
met hatil
i
venicetoo.The
Sangomai ssaidtobeapower f
uloneandi
hopeshehel psus..
Me:NextweekSassamoneyfort
hebabyi
s
comi
nginsoi wi
ll
givey
outheR150
Shenodded.
.
.
.
YAYA
Il
ookedatSandi
l
elay
ingont
hathospi
tal
Lihl
e
shoul
d'
vekil
l
edhim!
Myphoner
ang,
itwasCandi
ce.
Me:
Heybabe
Her
:Babewher
ear
eyou?
Me:
Iam abi
tcaughtupwi
thsomet
hing
Her:Ij
ustcal
l
edt
of i
ndouthowy
ouhol
dingup
especi
all
ywit
hNkabi
nde
Me:
Whatabouthi
m?
Her
:Youhav
en'
thear
d?
Me:
Hear
dwhat
?
Her:
Nkabi
ndei
sdeadhewasshotathi
shouse
t
hismorni
ng
Me:
What
??
Her:
Iam v
erysor
ryi
knowt
hathe.
.You.
.
Know..
Ihungupmyphoneandl
ookedatSandil
ether
e
wasnodoubtt
hathedi
dthi
s,i
t'
shim andno
oneelse.
.
Iwalkedcloserandmyfi
rstthoughtwast
o
fi
nishoffwhatLihl
est
artedandthatis
st
rangli
nghimt odeat
h..
.
.
LI
HLE
Iwassit
tingatther
ecepti
onlookingdown
whenKingwal kedi
n,hewaswithhiscolleague
andsomewoman.Hel ookedatmeal lshocked
thenheturnedtohi
scoll
eague..
Ki
ng:
Youcangoaheadi
wil
lber
ightt
her
e
Theywal
kedawayandhecamet
o
me.
.
Li
eut
enant
:She'
smypr
isonerDet
ect
ive
Ki
ng:
Pri
soner
?
Li
eut
enant
:Yeapat
tempt
edmur
der
!
Ki
ng:
Att
..What
?
Hesatonthechai
rnextmeandl
ookedatme
whi
leil
ookeddown..
Hi
m:Lookatme
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Hi
m:Lookatme!
Heputhishandonmychi nandforcef
ull
yli
ft
ed
myheadsoi coul
df acehim andihavenever
seenhi
mt hi
smad, hiseyessaidital
l.
.
Hi
m:At
tempt
edmur
der
?
Me:Iat
tackedSandi
l
eatt hest
orewit
ha
mannequinheadunt
ilhehadaconcussi
on
Hest
oodupandgr
abbedmyar
m maki
ngmet
o
st
andupt
oo.
.
Ki
ng:
Borrowmey
ourPr
isonerf
oracoupl
eof
mi
nutes
Thel
i
eut
enantnodded.
.
Hepushedmeout
side.
.
Him:Doyouunderst
andwhat'sgoi
ngon?You
ar
efacedwit
hachar geofat
temptedmurder
!
Youaregoi
ngtojail
!
Iswal
l
owedhar
d..
Hi
m:Di
dheat
tacky
ou?
Ishookmyheadno.
.
Hi
m:Ican'
tev
engety
ououtwi
thsel
fdef
ense
Hepacedar
oundal
i
ttl
eandt
hencamebackt
o
me.
.
Hi
m:Li
hlewhydoy
oukeepondoi
ngt
hist
o
me?
Il
ookeddownwithtearsfal
l
ing,ihav
ebeen
not
hingbutadi
sappointmenttohim..
Him:All
iwannadoist
ojustl
oveyouandi
expectt
hesamefr
om you.
.Nothi
ngmore!
Idol
ovehimj
ustt
hatikeepongett
ingmysel
f
i
nsit
uat
ionst
hati
should'
vepr
event
ed..
Him:What'
sgoingtobecomeofmewheny ou
gotojai
ldi
dyouev ert
hinkofthat
?Sandi
l
egot
youexact
lywherehewant edy
ou
Hecal
medhi
msel
f.
.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ouLi
hlebutt
hisi
can'
tdoany
mor
e
Il
ookedathi
m..Ishookhi
sheadno.
.
Hi
m:Iam done!
Me:
KingNopl
ease.
.
Hegent lygrabbedmyar m andmarchedme
backinside,ifel
tli
kemyhear twasgoingto
stop.Ifelthotfl
ushesonmyf aceastearsfel
l,
i
cannotloseKi ng.Ilookedathim ashelef
tthe
room, hewashur tingandsowasIbuti was
hurti
ngmor ehowdi dthisgetoutofcontr
ol?
What '
swr ongwi t
hme?
.
.
TOBECONTI
NUED
[
09/
29,
16:
33]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥62
YAYA
Idroveupt omyhouseaf terseeingSandile.I
hadt odropoffthegroceri
esthatwebought
earli
eronandseehowev eryonewasdoi ng.I
gotaposi t
iveandenthusiast
icresponsewhen
thecardroveintotheyard,Mymom was
screamingherlungsoutsot hatNeighbour s
cancomeoutandsee.Thehousewaspr ett
y
mucht hesameexceptf orthefactthatthe
grasswasv erytal
landitlookedv er
ydull
..
MySisterandherki
dswal
kedt
othecar
,she
huggedme. .
Thandeka:OhhmygoodnessYar
asucha
beaut
ifulcar
Shecameandhuggedme.
.
Ma:
Kant
iwher
eisev
ery
onet
osee?
Thandeka:
Comei
nsi
dewewi
l
lhav
esomet
ea
Me:Well
ihavebroughtsomegr
ocer
iessowe
canmakesomethingtoeat
Iopenedthetr
unkandev eryonehel
pedwith
off
loadi
ngthegrocer
ies.Thekidswereso
happytoseeeggs,br
ead, Russi
ans,et
c..
Wewalkedinsi
deandmyGr
andmot
herwas
si
tt
ingatt
hekitchen.
.
Ma:
Kokobonakuzebani
?(l
ookwhocame)
Iwal
kedcl
oset
oher
..
Me:
Kokoi
t'
smeAy
anda
Koko:
Ayanda?
Me:
YesKoko
Shelookedatmeforaveryl
ongt
imeandi
saw
tear
scloudi
nghereyes.
.
Koko:
KodwaYay
awasi
l
ahl
a(Youabandoned
us)
Me:
That
'snott
rueKoko
Ma:
Hai
Kokoshe'
sbusyl
aphaeJozi
wor
king
f
orus
Me:
Icamewi
thgr
ocer
ies
Koko:
Hau!Forachangei
wil
leatgoodf
ood
Thandekawasal
readyput
ti
ngev
ery
thi
ngi
nthe
cupboards.
.
Ma:
Mar
aThandekaar
en'
tyouembar
rassed?
Thandekast
oppedandl
ookedather
..
Mom: Yourl
it
tl
esi st
erisbr
ingi
nginfoodfor
youandyourkids,hercari
sparkedatthegate.
Aren'
tyouembar r
assedbeingdependenton
yourl
it
tl
esist
er?
Thandekai
gnor
edher
..
Me:
Mama
Ma:Mamawhat
?Iqi
nisomel
eli
khul
uny
we!(
the
t
rut
hhast
obespoken)
It
ookoutR50andgav
eitt
oher
..
Me:
Getaf
ewbeer
s
Ma:Awuzwake.
.That
'swhyy
ouar
emy
f
avour
it
e
Shewalkedout
.Ionlydi
dthatt
ogetr
idofher
,i
walkeduptoThandeka.
Me:
Icanhel
pyoucook
Her
:Youdon'
thav
etoo
Me:
Comeoni
wantt
oo
Shesmi
l
ed.
.
Me:Ormaybesi
twit
hKokoandtheki
dsi
wil
l
cook,
giv
etheki
dssomesnacks
Her:
Yay
ayoudon'
thav
etoo,
youal
readydone
alot
Me:
Iwantt
oo.
.Comeon
Her
:Letmecookandy
our
elax
Me:
Noy
our
elaxi
l
lcook
Koko:Yougir
lswi
l
lnev
erchangest
il
lfi
ght
ing
overcooki
ng
Welookedateachot
herandl
aughed.Mylit
tl
e
ni
ececameupt omeandpull
edmydr ess.
.
Her
:Mamncanebona(
Aunt
ylook)
Sheshowedmeapi
ctur
e..
Me:
Woowi
t'
sbeaut
if
ul
Thandeka:Iam t
eachi
ngherhowtodrawand
writ
esinceidon'
thavemoneytosendhert
o
preschool
Il
ookedathershoesandi
wasn'
thappyt
hey
hadhol
es.
.
Me:Maybetomorr
owwecangot
otownt
oget
afewcl
othesfort
heki
ds
Her
:Yay
aNo
Me:
Iinsi
st
Her
:Youal
readydoi
ngal
ot
Me:I
fican'
tspendmymoneyonmyf
ami
l
y
t
henit
'snouse
Her
:Iwi
shGodcanbl
essy
oumor
eandmor
e
Me:
Thanky
ou
Her
:Comeonl
et'
scook
Me:Youcancooki
wil
lbondwi
thmyNi
ece,
my
Nephew,
andKoko
Itookapacketofsnacksandpour edinabowl,i
wenttojoi
nmyGr andmothernextt othest
ove
withmyNiecesitt
ingont
opofme.West ar
ted
eati
ngthesnackswhilet
alki
ngni cel
y,atl
east
withev
eryt
hingthat'
sbeengoingl ef
tinmylif
e
thi
sisthebestmomentofmyl i
fe..
.
.
KI
NG
Il
ookedatthet
imeandi twas17:30i have
beeni
nter
rogat
ingthi
swomanf orquit
eawhi l
e
nowandshewashar d,shewasv eryhard.The
goalt
hatwestr
ivi
ngforisforhertotellmeas
muchasshecanunt i
lherlawyergetshere.
.
Per
sonal
l
yidon'
tthi
nksheki
l
ledherhusband
butf
rom howsheispresent
ingher
selfshe
gi
vesmeani mpr
essionthatshemightknow
whodidi
t..
Her:Det
ecti
vemyki
dsarebackfrom school
nowandi havet
ogohomei am sur
et hey
si
tt
ingoutsi
de
Me:
Youwil
lgohomeassoonasy
ougi
veme
t
hewhol
etr
uth
Her
:Ididt
ell
yout hetr
uth!Andi
am t
ell
i
ngy
ou
t
hatifi
am guil
tyarr
estme!
Thedooropenedandsomewomanwal
kedi
n
fol
l
owedbyal i
eut
enant.
Li
eut
enant
:Det
ect
ivei
am sor
rybutt
hisi
s..
.
Woman:
MrsNkabi
nde'
slawy
er
Shemadeherwayt
oMr
sNkabi
nde.
.
Her
:Di
dtheyquest
iony
ou?
Mr
sNkabi
ndenodded.
.
Woman:
Canmycl
i
entgohome?Youwer
en'
t
ev
ensupposedt
oquest
ionheri
nthef
ir
stpl
ace
Me:
Shecangohome
Theyst
oodupandwal
kedout
..
.
.
LI
HLE
Iwaswal ki
ngdownt hatcorri
doritwasabi t
dark,col
dandscar y.Thehandst hatwere
protr
udingfr
om thebar slookingreadyto
snatchmeki ndoffreakedmeout .Thewhistl
es
thatweregoingonandt henoisefreakedme
out.Iwasholdingabl anketandapi l
low,i
had
alr
eadychangedi nt
ot heircl
othes..
Thepri
sonwardenst oppedatsomecelland
openedthedoors,sheheldontothedoorand
wait
edformet owal ki
n.Iswal
lowedmysaliva
andwalkedinwithherfol
lowi
ngme.
Pr
isonW:
ever
yonel
i
sten!
I
twasabi
gcel
lwi
thappr
oxi
mat
ely10beds.
.
Pr
isonW:
Her
e'sanewf
ri
end
Theot herpri
sonerssatupstr
aightlookingat
me.Thepr i
sonwardenleftmethere,shewent
outlockingthedoor.Il
ookedaroundwhi l
e
walkingtospotabedt hatwasempt y,ihav e
heardstoriesaboutpri
sonsandi wasv ery
muchscar ed.
Ispottedabedatt hecor nerthatwasempt yi
wentandsatoni t,
ev ery
oneel sewentont o
mindthei rownbusiness.Il ookedar oundand
thi
sisgoi ngtobemyhomef rom nowonunt il
fatedecidetogetmeoutofher e.Istoodup
andspr eadtheblanketont hebedandt heni
l
aiddownwi thtear
sf all
ing.Ikeptonwi ping
them ast heyfel
lwhilemostofmycel lmat es
engagedi nplayi
ngcar ds.Ilaidtheref ora
coupleofmi nutesjusttearsf all
ingandt hinki
ng
abouthowmyl i
fewasov er..
.
Af
terawhi
l
eihear
dthekeyt
urni
ngi
n,i
satup
strai
ghthopi ngmynamewi llbecal l
edandt hat
iwi l
lbet oldtogohome.Theot hermat eswent
andst oodnextt ot hei
rbeds, i di
dt hesamet oo.
Thewar dengotinwi t
ht wowomen, oneof
them l ookedabi tscar y.Shewasabi tbuffed
andhadaManl eybodyst ructure.Shewas
wear ingagr eyvest,greypant s,andagr eyshirt
.
Shehadani cecutandhercompani onwasan
ordinar ylookinggi r
lotherthant hef actthatshe
l
ookedv eryscared.Theywal kedar oundl ooking
atev eryoneunt ilherey eslandedonme, sheput
herhandsi nherpocket sandmadeherwayt o
me.Ist ar t
edgettingscar ediwon' tli
e..
Shest oodver
ycl oset omeandl ookedatme,
shel eanedov
erandst artedsni
ffi
ngmeal lover
iclosedmyey est othesoundofmyhear t
beat i
ng.Shesneer edatmeandt henturned
aroundshewal kedawayandi f
inal
lycould
breath.Shewentst raightt osomegirland
pulledhertot
hecent erbyherneck, shemade
herkneel i
nfr
ontofher .Shetookoutapocket
knif
eandhandedi tt
ohercompaniont
hen
steppedback.Thecompanionl
ookedatt
he
knif
ethenlookedatthegi
rl
..
Gi
rl
:Pl
easedon'
tki
l
lme
Thecompanionstoodt
hereall
frozeny
oucan
cl
ear
lyseethatshewasn'
tusedtowhatshe
wasaskedtodo..
Thecompani ondr oppedthekni f
eallshaki
ng,
theManleylookingwomanwal kedoverand
pickeduptheknife.Sheturnedt oher
companionandst abbedherr i
ghti nhertummy ,
shekeptonst abbingheraf ewt i
meswi ththe
prisonwar
denst andingtheredoi ngnothi
ng.I
cov er
edmymout hwi t
hmyhands, ihavenever
seensomeoneki l
l
edr i
ghtinfrontofme.
Aft
erstabbi nghert
hePr isonwar dengavehera
handkerchiefsheputitov erthef aceofher
vi
cti
m.Shel ookedatmeandt henwi nkedatme
wit
hherhandscov eredinbl oodwhi lesti
l
l
hol
dingt hepocketknife.Shet urnedand
headedtothedoorwit
ht hewardenfol
l
owing
her,
theyl
ockedandleftuswithhercompanion
bl
eedingonthefl
oor.Wear egoingt
osleep
wit
hadeadbody .
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
16:
34]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥63
LI
HLE
Ev er
yoneel seseemedt obegettingthrought he
nightwithadeadbodyl ayi
ngont hefl
oorwi t
h
bloodall around,iwassi t
ti
ngont hebed
againstthewal l
withmykneesr aisedhighupt o
mychestandj uststar
ri
ngatt hedeadbody .
Ev er
yti
mewhenIcl osemyey esIcoul dpi ct
ure
thewhol esceneofherget ti
ngst abbed,the
knifebeingpl ungedinherabdomenar eawas
traumatizing.
Howcant
hesegi
rl
ssl
eepsopeacef
ull
y
t
hroughoutt
hewhol
eni
ghtwi
thadeadbodyon
t
hefloor
?
.
.
KI
NG
Icouldn'tsleeppeacefull
ylastnightiwasbusy
tossi
ngandt urningthatiendedupwaki ngup
andgoi ngt hroughthehomi ci
decasepi ecing
toget
hert hepuzzl etry
ingtoseewer eitleads
me.Ihadj uststeppedoutoft heshowerwheni
heardmyphoner ingi
nginthebedr oom, i
wrappedt het owel ar
oundmyl owerbodyand
wentt oansweri t
.ItwasmySi ster.
.
Me:
Syl
vi
a
Her
:St
ranger
Me:
Howar
eyou?
Her
:Iam goodandy
ou?
Me:
Iam f
inej
ustpr
epar
ingt
ogot
owor
k
Her
:Gl
adi
goty
oubef
orey
ouwentt
owor
k
Me:
Howi
sMomo?
Her
:She'
sgood.
.Shemi
ssesy
ou
Me:I
'l
lcomeandseehersoonnowi
am
wor
kingonsomehomici
decase
Her
:Anot
herone?
Me:
Yesanot
herone
Her
:Howi
sLi
hle?
Iexhal
ed.
.
Her
:What
'shappeni
ng?
Me:
Shegotar
rest
edy
est
erday
Her
:What
?
Me:Sheatt
ackedherexi
npubl
i
cather
wor
kplace
Her
:Di
dhepr
ovokeher
?
Me:Idon'
tknowbutshedoesn'
thav
eany
scr
atchorevenabl
ackeye
Her
:May
behepr
ovokedherv
erbal
l
y
Me:
Butst
il
l.
.
Her:Ki
ngy
oudon'
tunder
stand.
.Youwer
enev
er
abused
Me:Syl
vi
aat
tacki
ngsomeonei
npubl
i
cisnot
smart
Her :
Whensomeonehasmadet hemsel ves
superiorov ery ouforalongti
met heytakeaway
yoursani ty,evenwheny ouareawayf rom that
personbutwhatt heydidtoyoufoll
owsy ou
forever.Theanger ,t
hehateyouhav eagainst
thatper songr owsev er
ydayandwheny ousee
them agai ny ouareboundt oatt
ackbecause
youexpl ode!
Me:
Finei
l
lgoandseeherl
ater
Her
:Di
dshegetbai
l
?
Me:Iam notsur
eiam nott
heonehandl
i
ngher
case
Her
:Okayy
ouwi
l
ltel
lmewheny
ougetback
Me:
okayby
e..Il
ovey
ou
Her
:Il
ovey
out
oo
Shehungupandi f
oundmy selfscrol
li
ng
throughmycont
actli
stunti
libumpedi nt
o
Nombuso'snumber.Ihopeshewi l
lcome
aroundsoonandal
lowmet oseemySon. .
.
.
YAYA
IpassedmyMot herl
ayingonourwor nout
couchshemust '
v econsumedalotofalcohol
yest
erdayforhertonothavemadei ttothe
bedroom.IwalkedinonThandekadr essi
ngup
herDaughter
,itwaswar mintheki
tchen..
Me:
Atwhatt
imedoy
ouwakeup?
Her
: Veryear
ly.
.Si
ncei
t'
smostlycol
dint
he
morningsihavetomakefi
ref
orGrandmother
Me:
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hecoal
stov
eisst
il
lki
cki
ng
Her
:Itst
il
ldoes
Isatdownv
erysl
owl
yandgent
ly.
.
Her
:Ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?
Me:
Yesi
am f
ine
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
I..
Her
:Yay
awhat
'sgoi
ngon?
It
ookadeepbr
eat
h..
Me:
Myboy
fri
endhei
sabusi
ve
Sheputmyni
ecedown.
.
Her:
Hambauyov
usauNat
hi(
goandwakey
our
br
otherup)
Myni
ecer
anoutoft
her
oom.
.
Her
:Whatdoy
oumeanhei
sabusi
ve?
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
..
Her
:Wai
t!doeshebeaty
ou?
Inodded.
.
Her
:What
??(
shout
ing)
Me:
Notsol
oudy
ouar
egoi
ngt
owakeKoko
Her
:Yay
ayouhav
etol
eav
ehi
m
Me:
It'
snott
hateasy
Her
:Whati
fheki
l
lsy
ou?
Me:Theni
twoul
dbemydest
inyt
odi
ebyhi
s
hand
Her:
Allal
ongi
thoughty
ouwer
eli
vi
ngav
ery
goodli
ke
Ichuckl
edbi
tt
erl
y.
.
Me:Notever
yoney
ouseewhohasi
tal
li
sli
vi
ng
agoodli
fe
Her
:Iguessso
.
.
LI
HLE
Lateront hatmorningweweret akenoutf rom
ourcell
st ogoout si
de.Wewer eforcedt oclean
thewhol eyard,
andmi ndyouit'sabigy ard.I
wasr el
ievedtobeawayf rom thatcell
thoughi
wasst i
llshakenaboutwhathappenedbuti was
gladtobeawayf r
om thatbody.Oneofmycel l
mat escameandsweptnextt ome. .
Her
:Hey
Me:
Hey
Her
:Nel
l
y
Me:
Lihl
e
Wecont
inuedsweepi
ng.
.
Her:Ihear
dyousni
ff
ingl
astni
ghtwer
eyou
cr
ying?
Me:
Justt
raumat
ized
Il
ookedatherandshewast hesamegirl
who
wassupposedtobestabbedyester
day
..
Me:
Howar
eyouhol
dingupknowi
ngt
haty
ou
al
mostgotst
abbedt
odeat
h?
Sheshr
uggedhershoul
der
s..
Themai ndoorl eadi
ngt ot
hey ar
dopenedand
severalgirl
scameout .Theyweren'twear i
ng
thesamegr eypantsandav estl
ikeust hey
werewear i
ngdiff
erentcol
oursandi twast hree
dif
ferentgroupseachcomposedofl ike10
member s.Onegroupwaswear i
ngawhi t
ev est
andredpant s,
anotheronewaswear ingwhite
vestsandbl ackpants,t
helastgroupwas
wearingwhi tevest
sandbl uepants.Theones
whower ewear i
ngwhitevestsandbl uepants
hadthel eastmember sinthei
rgroup. .
Nel
l
y:Gr
eatt
hegangsar
eher
e
Theystar
tedsmoki
ngwhi
l
est
andi
ngt
her
eand
st
arri
ngatusasifl
i
kewewer
eani
mal
sinthe
Zoo.
Me:
Ift
heyar
egangst
henwhatar
ewe?
Nel
l
y:Pr
eys
Theonewhostabbedhercompanionlastni
ght
i
nourcel l
waslooki
ngatme,todayshewas
wearingawhi
tevest,r
edpant
s,andred
sneakers.
.
It
ookmyey esof
fherandcont
inued
sweepi
ng.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
16:
34]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥64
KI
NG
Me: Ihav
eal r
eadyinter
rogatedthewif
eidon'
t
thi
nkshehasdonei tbutthere'
ssomethi
ngof
f
abouther,shecomesacr ossasi fl
i
keshe
knowswhodi di
t.
Shehadherhandbalancinghercheekandshe
wasstarr
ingatmeasifl i
keshewasn'teven
i
nter
estedinthi
scase,Iexhal
edindefeatand
putt
hependown.Onet hi
ngihateishandli
ng
per
sonalaf
fai
rswhi
l
eIam supposedt
obe
worki
ng.
.
Me:Fi
kil
eiam notgoi
ngt
ogetLi
hleoutof
pr
ison
Her
:Whynot
?
Me:Shecommi
ttedacri
meshehast
odot
he
t
imejustl
i
keev
eryone
Her
:Kingt
hatpr
isoni
snowdanger
oust
her
e's
f
emalegangs
Me:
What
'st
hewor
stt
hatcanhappent
oher
?
Her
:Theycoul
dki
l
lher
Me: There'sPrisonWar denstheywouldnever
l
ett hathappeni tsnotliket
heol dday
sviol
ence
i
sf orbiddenifyouat t
ackorkillsomeoneyou
addingmor eyearstoy oursent
encetheyknow
that!
Her
:Kingwenotjustt
alki
ngaboutt
ypi
cal
f
emalegangst
ers!
Me:Fiki
l
eit
'sabunchofwomentheworstt
hat
coul
dhappeniscatf
ight
spul
l
inghai
randall
that
Her
:Wow!
Me:
Lihl
eneedstolearnt
hatwi
thev
eryact
ion
t
her
e'saconsequence
bei
nginpri
sonmi ghtbegoodforhert
her
e'sno
al
coholi
t'
ssortofrehabi
l
itat
ion
Her:
Mybestfri
end'
sli
feisi
ndangerandy
ou
ar
etalki
ngaboutr
ehabi
li
tat
ion?
Me:
Youexagger
ati
ngshewi
l
lbef
ine
Her
:Andy
ouar
ebei
ngi
gnor
ant
Me:Youwantedinonthiscase,
it'
sabigcase
andican'
thavey
ouactingli
kethis.
.Doyou
knowhowmanyl i
eut
enantswouldjumpatthis
oppor
tuni
ty?
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Me:
I'
ll
goandcheckonouror
der
sandnext
t
imei
am pi
cki
ngwher
ewegoi
ngt
oeat
Her
:Aghdon'
tbest
ingywegotpai
daf
ewday
s
ago
Ist
oodupandwal
kedt
othecount
er.
.
Me:
Uhmm excuseme
Thewai
tr
esscamecl
oser
..
Me:Iam sorr
ybutmeandmycol l
eaguehav
e
beenwai
tingforouror
deri
t'
sbeen
appr
oxi
mat el
y45minnow
Her
:Tabl
enumber
?
Me:
5
Her
:I'
l
lcheck
Shewal kedaway ,itur
nedar oundandj ustran
myey esaround.Icoul dn'tbeli
evewhati was
seei
ngout sidethrought hattransparentclean
bigwindow, isawt heli
eut enantthatarrested
Li
hleyesterdaystandingwi t
hBi gDaddy .Big
Daddyhandedhi m anenv elopeandt he
l
ieutenantl
ookedaroundfi
rstbef
oreput
ti
ngt
he
envelopeinhi
spocket.
..
.
.
LI
HLE
Hardl
abouri
snoj oket hesunwasshiningnow
andiwassweating,wehav ebeenherealmost
al
lmorni
ngslav
ingar ound.Iwasdizzy,
thir
sty
,
andver
yhungry
.Il etgoofthespadeand
l
eanedagai
nstthef ence.
Nel
l
y:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:Iam t
ir
edwestar
tedoffbysweepingnow
weherefi
xi
ngthesoi
lforonl
ytheyknowwhyi
am t
ir
ed
Nel
l
y:Idon'
twanty
out
ogeti
ntr
oubl
e
Me:
Wehav
en'
teat
en
Nel
ly:
Wewi
l
leatwhenwedonewi
thourchor
es
l
et'
sgo
Il
ookedar oundandthegangswer ej
ustchill
ed
andhavingagoodt i
me, somewer eplay i
ng
soccer,
somewer eplayi
ngcar ds,somewer e
doingeachother'
shair
,anditlookedlikethey
ateawhileagobecauset heydisappearedthen
cameback. .
Me:
Luckyt
hem
Nel
l
y:I
t'
snotasni
ceasy
out
hinki
tis
Me:
Whi
chgangdomi
nat
es?
Nel
l
y:Theoneswearingredtheycal
l
t
hemselv
esniggar
ianbloods
Me:
Nigg.
.What
?
Nell
y:Theyarethefemalegangofagang
knownast hebloods,butnowthatbl
ack&
whit
eistakingovertheymightnotbeatt
het
op
fort
hatlong
Me:
Black&Whi
tewhatar
etheycal
l
ed?
Nel
ly
:Theskul
l
sknowntoprotectt
hei
rown
l
oyal
tyr
unsdeepi
nthatgang
Me:
Thebl
ueones?
Nell
y:Thecri
pztheyareall
i
anceswit
hthe
skul
lsthat
'swhytheysit
ti
ngtoget
her
Me:
Whost
art
edt
heser
idi
cul
ousgangt
hing?
Sheshr
uggedhershoul
der
s..
Isawthewardenappr
oachinguswit
hthesame
gir
lwhoki
ll
edhercompanionyest
erdayi
nour
cel
l.
.
Nel
l
y:Ohhshi
t!
!
Me:
What
?
Nel
l
y:Lor
nashei
sthel
eaderoft
hebl
oods
Lor
nawasholdingabot t
leofbonaquapump,
shei
sprett
ycuteifonlyshewasn'tso
i
nti
midat
ingandifonlyshedidn'
thavesoo
muchtat
toos.
.
Ipi
ckedupt
hespade.
.
P.Warden:
I'
veseenyoustandi
ngdon'
tst
art
worki
ngnowjustbecauseyouseeme
Lor
nachuckl
ed.
.
Thewar
denl
ookedatNel
l
y..
War
den:
Let
'sgo
Nel
l
ydroppedherspadeandi
didt
oo,
the
war
denlookedatme.
Her
:Noty
ou
Me:
but
..
Her
:St
ayandi
t'
sanor
der
Iwat
chedherandNell
ywalki
ngaway
..Lor
na
st
ret
chedherhandouttome..
Her
:Wat
er?
Herv
oicewasabi
tdeepandscr
atchyatt
he
sameti
me..
Iwantedtosaynobuti neededt
oquenchmy
thi
rst
,il
ookedatthebottl
ewhatifi
wil
lhav
eto
payforthi
swaterl
ateron?Idon'
twanna
gamblewithmylif
e..
Sheopenedt
hecapandst
art
edsqueezi
ngt
he
wat
eroutt
othegr
ound.
.
Her
:Iguessy
ounott
hir
sty
Il
ookedatthatwaterj
ustspl
ashingar
oundand
mythroatgotmoreandmor edry
..
.
.
YAYA
Wewer
eatPepwhenmyphone
r
ang.
.
Me:Conti
nueget
ti
ngcl
othesf
ort
heki
dsi
hav
e
t
otakethi
s
Thandeka:
Okay
Iwal
kedoutt
oanswert
hecal
li
twasCandi
ce.
.
Me:
HeyGi
rl
Her
:Don'
theygi
rlme
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Her
:Hav
eyouf
orgot
tenabouty
ourj
ob?Bi
g
Daddyhasbeenpat
ientwi
thy
ou
Me:
Ihav
en'
tbeengoi
ngt
oschool
Her:Yayai knowyouhav i
ngpr oblemsbutIgot
yout hi
sjobbecausei wantedy outobe
i
ndependent !Bi
gDaddyhat esbei ng
disappoint
ed!getyourshittogether
Me:
Finei
l
lgety
ouagi
rlt
hisweekend
Her
:Youbet
ter
Shecli
ckedhert
ongueandhungup,
iputmy
phoneinmybagandmademywaybacki n.
.
Me:
Seei
ngany
thi
ngt
haty
ouguy
sli
ke?
Thandeka:
Justacoupl
eofcl
othes
Wecont
inuedl
ooki
ngar
ound.
Her:Youknowifyouhearsomet
hingat
Johannesbur
gjustanyj
obeveni
fit'
scl
eani
ng
pl
easecallme
Me:
Youwantaj
ob?
Her
:Iam t
ir
edoft
hesi
tuat
ionbackathome,
i
am ti
redofseeingmychildr
engrowingupi
n
pover
ty.WhatkindofaMot heram i
?Ican'
t
evenaffor
dthisR12.99underwearf
ormy
DaughterIam usel
ess!
Isawt
ear
sinherey
es.
.
Thandeka:
Iwi
shGodcangi
vemesomet
hing.
.
Anythi
ng
Shewi
pedhert
ear
s..
.
Me:
Imi
ghthav
esomet
hingf
ory
ou
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
16:
35]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥65
LI
HLE
Lateronwewer eall
owedt oshowerandt hen
eatbreakfastonlybecausevisi
tor
swer e
coming.Iwasn'texpectinganyonetocomeand
vi
sitme, i
wassur pr
isedwhentheWar dentol
d
met hatther
e'ssomeoneher etoseeme.When
Igottothevisit
ingr oom IsawFikil
eand
Nomsat houghi thoughtitwasKi ngwhohad
comebutnev erthelessIwasv eryhappyt
hat
someonecamet oseeme. .
Iat
temptedt
ohugthem butt
heguar
ddi
dn'
t
wanttoosowesatdown..
Fi
ki
le:
Iam sohappyt
oseey
ou
Me:
Notashappyasi
am t
oseey
ouguy
s
Nomsa:
Howhav
eyoubeenbabe?
Me:
Iam notokayi
don'
tthi
nki
wil
lsur
viv
eher
e
Nomsa:Whyhasn'tKi
ngt
ri
edtogety
ouout?
What'
stheuseofdati
ngacopi
fyoucan'
t
benef
itf
rom t
hat
Me: Ki
ngdoesn'
thavetodomef av
our
s
becausewearenolongerdat
ing
Nomsa:
What
?Whendi
dthathappen?
Fi
ki
le:
Icannotbel
i
evehedi
dn'
ttel
lme
Me:
It'
sfi
ney
ouguy
s
Ilookedacr
ossandisawLornasi
tti
ngatt
he
tablewit
htwoguys.Onewaswhit
eandthe
otheronewasblackandver
yhandsome.
.
Fi
ki
le:
Howi
sli
fei
nsi
de?
Idi
dn'
tcat
cht
hat
..
Fi
ki
le:
Lihl
e!
Il
ookedather
..
Me:
Huh?
Nomsa:
Whatar
eyoul
ooki
ngat
?
Theybot
htur
ned.
.
Nomsa:
Hmmmm y
ummy
Fi
ki
le:
Theyhandsome
Aft
erawhil
etheynot
icedt
hatwewer
estar
ri
ng
att
hem,bothFi
kil
eandNomsatur
ned.
.
Nomsa:
Didt
heynot
icet
hatwewer
elooki
ngat
t
hem?
Me:Ofcourset
heydi
d..NowLor
nai
sgoi
ngt
o
sl
i
tmyt hr
oat
Fi
ki
le:
Sli
tyourt
hroat
?
Me:Shepract
ical
l
yrunst
hepr
isonandshecan
ki
l
lwhoevershewants
Fiki
le:
Lihl
eifyouarebeingabusedy
ouneedt
o
tell
mesot hatIcanreporti
t
Me:
WhatIwanti
stogetoutofher
e
Nomsa:
Howmanyy
ear
sdi
dtheygi
vey
ou?
Me:Ihav
en'
tbeensent
encedyetandIdon'
t
knowwheniam goi
ngtocour
t
Nomsa:
bai
l
?
Me:
not
hing
Fi
ki
le:
Wai
t.
..
theyj
ustar
rest
edy
ou?
Me:
Yes
Fi
ki
le:
Didt
heyev
enMi
randi
zey
ou?
Me:
Whati
sthat
?
Fi
kil
e:"
Youhavetheri
ghtt
oremai
nsi
l
entet
c"
TheMirandawar
ning?
Me:
No
Fi
kil
e:Iwi
l
ldi
scusst
hiswi
tht
hecapt
aini
t'
snot
ri
ght
Nomsa:Whoev
erarr
est
edy
oucl
ear
lyhasal
ot
t
olear
naboutt
helaw
Fiki
l
e:Whenigetbackt
othest
ati
oni
wil
ltal
kto
thecapt
ain
Me:
Thanky
ou.
.Howi
sKi
ng?
Fi
ki
le:
Hei
sfi
ne
Me:
That
'sgood
Fi
ki
le:
Ifi
tmakesy
ouf
eel
bet
terhemi
ssesy
ou
Me:don'
tmakeupt
hingsj
ustt
omakeme
happy
Fi
ki
le:
Okaybutwhenyougetoutofher
eyou
havet
omakethingsr
ightwi
thhi
m
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkhewant
smeany
mor
eaf
ter
ev
ery
thi
ngI
'
veputhi
mthr
ough
Nomsa:I
fhel
ovesy
out
henhewi
l
lcome
ar
ound
Me:
Ihopeso
.
.
YAYA
Aft
ergetti
ngafewclothesforthekidswewent
tosteer
stogetburgers,
i managedtotel
l
Thandekaaboutt
hej obthatiwanthertodo
andshe'sbeenawfull
yquiet.
.
Me:Youdon'thavetodoitconstant
lyi
tcanbe
aonceoffthi
ngyforyoutomakemoneysoy ou
canbeabletotakecareofyourkids
Her
:Youbasi
cal
l
yaskingmetosleepwi
thguy
s
f
orthewhol
eweekendandgetpaidf
ori
t?
Me:
Iunder
standifyoudon'twannadoi
tbut
t
hat
'st
heonlyjobihaveforyouimeanyou
cannotbehi
redany
whereyoudon'
thav
eanI
D
andnoeducati
onbackgr
ound
Her
:Sothatmeansi
shoul
dpr
ost
it
utemy
sel
f
f
ormoney?
Me: Thandekather
e'st
hingsihadtodotooso
thaticanhelpoutathome,themoneyikeepon
sendingwheredoy outhi
nkitcomesfr
om?
Her:Nooneaskedyoutodothosethi
ngs!You
didthem ony
ourownyouareresponsi
blef
or
yourownacti
ons
Me:
Soi
t'
sli
ket
hatnow?
Her
:Cany
oupl
easet
akeusbackhome?
Me:
Fine!
Idon'
tknowwhyThandekaisbei
ngdiff
icul
t
aboutt
hisimeanshedoesn'
thaveanyt
hingso
basi
cal
lythi
swastheonl
yjobthatcoul
dpay
her,
putfoodonthet
abl
eforherandherkids.
.
.
.
KI
NG
Iwast hi
nki
ngaboutwhati sawandqui t
e
frankl
yIwantt oapproacht heli
eutenantbuti
can't,
idonotwannai nv ol
vemy selfwit
hBi g
Daddyagain.Icareal otaboutLihleandi don'
t
wantherget t
inghurt,fal
li
ngv i
cti
mt oBig
Daddy '
sevi
lness.Iboughtsomet akeaway sand
thenwenttoseeNombusoatwor kandas
alwaysshewasn' thappyt oseeme.
Her
:Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:
Broughty
ouf
ood
Her
:Thanky
ou.
.Nowy
oucanl
eav
e
Me:
Youdon'
tal
way
shav
etobebi
tt
er
Her
:Iam bi
tterbecauseidon'
twanty
ouher
e
Ki
ng!Idon'
twannaseey ou
Me:Idon'twantar
elat
ionshi
pwi
thy
ouIwanta
r
elat
ionshipwit
hmySon!
Her
: Youar
enotgoi
ngt
oseemySonsopl
ease
l
eave!
Idi
dn'
tsaynomor
eil
eft
..
.
.
NDI
LE
Iwokeupwithaser
ioust
hrobbi
ngheadache
Li
hlet
rul
ydidanumberonme, Bi
gDaddy
wal
kedin.
Hi
m:Heyman
Me:
Hey
Hi
m:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
Justaheadache
Him:
Iam sur
ey ougoingt
obef
ine.
.Goodf
or
yout
hegi
rlgotarr
ested
Me:
What
?
Hi
m:At
tempt
edmur
der
Me:
NomanIhav
etogetherout
Him:Why
?Shecommi
tt
edacr
imeshehast
o
pay
Me:Lihl
e'
sli
fei
salr
eadymessedupasiti
s,i
am notgoi
ngtohav
eherbehi
ndbarsperi
od!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
16:
36]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥66
LI
HLE
AFEW DAYSLATER
Beingoutofthathel
lholewasthebestthi
ng
thathaseverhappenedtomeIwasn' tgoi
ngto
surviv
eanylongerwithever
ythi
ngthathasbeen
goingdownt her
e.Fi
kilecametofetchme,Iran
upt oherandhuggedhermyf ri
endcame
throughme..
Me:
thanky
ou.
.t
hanky
ousoomuch
Her
:forf
etchi
ngy
ou?
Ibr
oket
hehug.
.
Me:
youdi
dn'
tspeakt
othecapt
ainaspr
omi
sed?
Her:Iwasgoi
ngt
oruni
tbyhimjustt
hatIwas
consumedbysomehomi
cidecase
Me:
soify
oudi
dn'
tthatmeansKi
ngpul
l
eda
f
ewfav
ours
Her
:act
ual
l
yNo
Me:
Thenwhati
sgoi
ngon?
Shehel
dbot
hmyhands.
.
Her:
Actual
lySandi
l
edroppedthechar
ges
agai
nstyouwhenhegotdischar
ged
Igotmyhandsfrom hergri
p,thatdi
dn'tsound
ri
ght.WhywouldSandil
edot hi
s?Hei snota
generousguy
,hewouldn'tdomeorany oneany
favours
Her
:Itdoesn'
tmat
tert
hough!Whatmat
ter
sis
t
hatyouout!
Me:somethi
ngi
snotr
ight
..
Sandi
l
ecannotbe
t
hisgener
ous
Her:i
fyouwor r
iedabouty
oursaf
etyIam her
eI
wouldneverall
owhimt ot
ouchyouletal
one
evengetclosetoyou
Wemadeourwayt
othecar
..
Me:
thanky
ou
Wegoti nside.IknowIshoul
dbecelebr
ati
ng
butIcan'tunti
lIknowwhatthatdev
ilwant
s
fr
om me!
Her:
howaboutwegot
othepubandget
somethi
ngt
oeat?
Me:
wecandot
hatIguess
Her:
Imeanwhenwast
hel
astt
imey
ouhada
goodmeal
?
Her
:it
'sbeenawhi
l
enol
i
e
Shest
art
edt
hecaranddr
ove.
.
Me:
howi
sKi
ng?
Her
:hei
shol
dingupv
erywel
l
Me:
that
'sgoodt
ohear
Her
:youwannaknowi
fhemi
ssesy
our
ight
?
Me:
notr
eal
l
y
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Her
:yeahr
ight
!
Me:
wel
ldoeshemi
ssme?
Her:het
riest
oactt
oughbutIcoul
dseet
hathe
missesyou
Me:
Ihopet
hatIcanst
il
lfi
xthi
ngswi
thhi
m
Her
:youwi
l
l.
.Ki
ngi
sagr
eatguy
.
.
YAYA
Candi
cetookagoodl
ookatmySi
sterwho
ar
ri
ved2daysago.
.
Candi
ce:
Idon'
tknowYay
a
Me:
comeon
Candi
ce:
thecl
i
entwasv
eryspeci
fi
c
Me:
wecanpi
mpherup
Candi
ce:
inoneday
?
Me:
Awi
gcanwor
k
Candi
ce:
whati
fitf
all
sof
fwhi
l
etheyst
il
ldoi
ng
i
t?
Me:
Candi
cet
rustmeIcanpi
mpherup
Shesi
ghedwhi
l
efol
dingherar
ms.
.
Candi
ce:
ify
ousaysot
hen
Shewal
kedov
ert
othet
abl
eandgotaf
il
e..
Candi
ce:ever
ythi
ngthatshehastoknowabout
thecl
i
entishereespeci
all
ywhatheli
kesand
whathedoesn'tl
i
ke
Thandeka:
Imustl
ear
nal
loft
hati
noneday
?
Candi
cer
aisedoneofherey
ebr
ows.
.
Candi
ce:
Doy
ouhav
eapr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
?
Thandekashookherheadno.
.
Candice:Ihav
etor
unsomewher
eil
lgi
vey
oua
cal
llater
Me:
okaybabe
Sheki
ssedmeonmycheek.
.
ShetookherbagandheriPhonethenlookedat
Thandekaonelastt
imewhil
eshakingherhead.
Thandekawatchedherunt
ilshedi
sappeared.
.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sdot
his
Her
:Idon'
tthi
nky
ourf
ri
endl
i
kesmet
hatmuch
Me:
Shewi
l
lcomear
ound
Iwentt
hrought
hef
il
e..
Me:
Hei
snoti
mpossi
blet
opl
ease
Her
:whatdoeshel
i
ke?
Me:wellheisanordi
nar
yguyli
kesthet
ypical
bori
ngsexli
kestobeinchar
geandonlywants
missi
onary,
meaninghewil
lbedoingmostof
thework.
Her
:That
'sbet
ter
Icl
osedt
hef
il
eandl
ookedather
..
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?
Shenoddedr
epeat
edl
y.
.
Me:
Ify
oudon'
twannadot
hisIunder
stand
Her:
Iwantt
odoi
t.
.ImeanIhav
etodoi
tformy
ki
ds
Me:
Fory
ourki
ds
ThedooropenedandSandi
l
ewal
kedi
n.
Hi
m:Ladi
es
Wegr
eet
edhi
m back.
.
Hecameandki
ssedmeonmycheek.
.
Hi
m:whatar
eyouguy
supt
o?
Me:j
ustt
eachi
ngmySi
sterwhatt
odoandwhat
nott
odotomorrow
Hi
m:Isee
Hi
sphonebeeped.
.Het
ooki
tout
.
Hi
m:Ihav
etogo
Me:
wher
etoo?
Hi
m:hav
esomet
hingt
oat
tendt
oo
Heki
ssedmeagai
nandt
henwal
kedaway
..
Me:Youshouldgoandbat
hsot
hatwecango
andshopforadress
Shest oodupandwal kedaway .Iapplaud
Thandekaf ordoingthis,i
t'
sav erycourageous
thingtodowheny ouhav ekids,butthenagainI
cannotkeeponbei ngt heonlyonewhomust
sacrif
iceherli
feanddi gni
tyjusttoputf oodon
thetable.SheisawomanandshehasaVagi na
l
ikeme.MyMot herwashappyt olookaf t
ert
he
kidswhenshehear dthatIfoundThandekaa
j
obbecauseshewi l
lbebenef i
ti
ngal ot
fi
nanciall
y..
.
.
KI
NG
Krugerpunchedhi
m onelastt
imeandt heguy
seemedt onotbetaki
ngthi
sseri
ously
,tosolv
e
thi
shomi ci
decaseIneedanswers!
Kr
uger
:It
hinkhei
sgoi
ngt
opassout
!
Ilookedathi
mt i
edupont hatchai
r,hi
swhi
te
vesthadbloodandhisfacewascov er
edi
n
bloodtoo.Hespatoutafewtimes..
Iwi
pedthesweatf
rom myf
oreheadasKr
uger
wentt
owashhishands.
.
Me:
Lieut
anantZi
kal
ala!
..
Zikal
ala!
!
Hesl
owl
ylookedatme.
.
Me:Isawy
ouwithBigDaddythatdayhegav
e
yousomemoneyinanenvel
ope
Hedi
dn'
tsayAny
thi
ng.
.
Kruger:
Youshouldgobacktoworkbef
oret
hey
suspectsomet
hingIwi
lldeal
wit
hhim
Me:Justmakesur
ehedoesn'
tdi
ebef
orehe
t
ell
suswhatweneedtoknow
Henodded,
Ipathi
m onhi
sshoul
der
.
Me:
Goodwor
kasal
way
s
Ididn'
tthi
nkthatIwasgoingtogobackinmy
oldway sofhowIsolvecases,
butIneedto
solvethi
shomicidecaseandIknowthat
Zikal
alaknowssomet hi
ng..
.
.
NDI
LE
Bi
gDaddypour
edussomewhi
skey
.
Hi
m:Candi
cetel
lsmet
hatwehav
eagi
rlf
orour
cl
i
entt
omorrow
Hesi
ppedf
rom hi
sgl
ass.
.
Me:
YesYay
a'sSi
ster
Him:Candi
cedoesn'thav
emuchf
ait
hinher
Saysshe'
sclassl
ess
Me:Yay
ahasf
ait
hinher
..Iam sur
eshewi
l
ldo
good
Hi
m:Ihopeso
Ial
sot
ookasi
poft
heWhi
skey
..
Hi
m: Ihav
en'
tbeenabl
etogethol
dofZi
kal
ala
f
orthepastt
wodays
Me:
That
'sst
range
Hi
m: Mymendon'
tjustdi
sappeari
ntothi
nai
r
af
terget
ti
ngt
hei
rjobdone!Iam worr
ied
Ir
aisedt
hegl
assupandl
ookedati
t.
.
Hi
m:It
hinkKi
ngmi
ghthav
egot
tent
ohi
m
Me:
Kingf
oundoutt
hatZi
kal
alaki
l
ledNakbi
nde?
Hi
m: IhopenotIcannotkeeponhav
ingthese
r
uninswi t
hKing,buti
fheknowswhat'
sgood
f
orhim hewil
lbackoff!
It
ookoutmyphoneandsentLi
hleat
ext
message:
“
Congrat
ulat
ionsonmakingi
tout
,weshoul
d
meetupandt al
k..
Youoweme”
Bi
gD:
Imustappoi
ntoneoft
heguy
stot
ail
Ki
ng
Me: ThatmightworkIcannotbeanaccompl
i
ce
toanotherhomici
deil
lgodownt hi
sti
me
around
Hi
m:Wewi
l
lthi
nkofsomet
hing
.
[
09/
29,
16:
37]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥67
LI
HLE
Fiki
ledrovemet otheCompl exsoi canfetch
mybagatwor ksincei thadmykeyandmy
phone, il
eftitt
herewheni gotarrested.Iwasa
bitembar r
assedt ogot oworkandf ace
everyoneaf t
erwhathappenedbutt henidon't
needt hem tounder stand,idon'
tneedany one
tounder st
andwhyi di
dwhati did..
Fi
kil
ekepthersel
fbusybyl
ooki
ngatafew
cl
othesandiwenttoBasoshewasstandi
ngat
hercount
er.
.
Me:
Hey
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Her
:HeyLi
hle
Me:Justcamet
ocol
l
ectmybag.
.It
'satt
he
back
Baso:
ohwI
'
llgeti
ffory
ou
Shewentatthebackandtookherownt
ime
whenshecameback, shecamebackwi
th
Nombuso..
Ishoul
d'
veknown,
theybot
hcamet
ome.
.
Nombuso:
Lihl
e
Me:
Nombuso
Her
:Howar
eyou?
Me:
Finet
hanksandy
ou?
Her
:Iam wel
l
Basohandedmemybag.
.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Nombuso:Youhavetocomewhenyouhav
e
ti
mesowecandi scussy
ourf
utur
eint
hetf
g
company
Me:
Iwi
l
lcome
Her
:Doy
ouknowwhen?
Me:
Notr
eal
l
ybutI
'
llmaket
ime
Her
:Thanky
ou
Shewal
kedawayt
othebackof
fi
ce.
Il
ookedatBaso.
.
Me:
Thanky
ouf
ort
hebag
Her
:Youwel
come
IwenttoFikil
eandwewal kedout,
iunzipped
mybagandt ookoutmyphone.Itwason15%
andihadacoupl eofmissedcal
lsfrom my
AuntandNt okozo,
thenihadonedistur
bing
messagefrom Sandil
e.Themessagestated
cl
earl
ythat"Iowehim"..
Fi
ki
le:
Arey
ouokay
?
Me:Yesiam f
inej
ustcatchi
nguponwhat
'
s
happeni
ngonFacebook
Her
:Okay
.
.
THANDEKA
Iwasdonebat hi
ngandIwaswai t
ingforYaya
sothatwecangoandgett hedress,shewasin
thebedr
oom busyonherphoneandi deci
ded
tokeepmy sel
fbusybywashingdisheswhen
thedooropenedandSandi
lecamei n..
Iwaswear ingatightdresst
hatwasv eryshort
andSandalsIdidn'thavemuchclothes.I
usual
lyoptf orj
eansbecauseofmybi gassbut
unfor
tunatelyal
lmyj eansar
enol ongeringood
condi
tionsoIam f orcedtoweardresses..
Sandi
l
e:wher
eisYay
a?
Me:She'
sint
hebedr
oom i
thi
nkshei
sonher
phone
Henoddedandi
wentbackt
owhati
wasdoi
ng.
.
Hi
m:Youl
ookgr
eat
Me:
Thanky
ou
If
oundt
hatabi
tinappr
opr
iat
e..
Hewasst
andi
ngbehi
ndmel
eani
ngagai
nstt
he
f
ri
dge.
.
Hi
m:I
syourboy
fri
endf
inewi
thy
oubei
ngher
e?
Me:
Idon'
thav
eaboy
fri
end
Hi
m:Getoutofher
e!
Ist
oppedwashi
ngdi
shesandIt
urned.
.
Me:
Ser
iousi
am notdat
ing
Hi
m:Why
?
Me:
Ijustwasnev
erbl
essedi
nthatdepar
tment
Him:Pit
y..Iam sur
eanyguywoul
dbel
uckyt
o
haveyou
Me:
Wel
lmay
beoneday
Hel
ookedatmef
rom head-
to-
toe
Hi
m:May
beonedayi
ndeed
Yayasaidthisguyi
sabusiveandever
ythi
ngbut
tomehecomesacr ossasagoodperson,he
hasn'
tgivenmeanyr easontothi
nkofhim
other
wise..
Yay
awal
kedi
n..
Yay
a:Thandekasor
ryi
tookl
ongi
t.
.
Me:It
'sf
inei
waswashi
ngdi
shest
okeep
mysel
fbusy
Shel
ookedatSandi
l
e..
Her
:Cany oupl
easebor
rowusy
ourcarwewi
l
l
ber
ightback
Hetookouthi
scarkey
sandhandedt
hem t
o
her
..
Yay
a:Thanky
ou
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Yay
a:l
et'
sgo
Iwi
pedmyhandsandi
fol
l
owedherasshel
ed
t
heway
..
.
.
LI
HLE
Fikiledroppedmeof fatt hegat eandsai dshe
will call
mei huggedherandwentoutoft hecar
theni mademywayi n.Iwasst il
l di
st urbedby
Sandi le'
st extmessagewi lliev erbef reef r
om
him?Iunl ockedandwal kedi n, thehousewas
qui etandi twascl ean.It houghtt hati woul d
fi
ndi tdir
tyandal l
thatsi nceKi ngi satwor k
mostoft hetime.Iwentt ot hebedr oom and
threwmybagont hebed, i r
eadt het extagai n.I
cannotl i
vel i
ket hi
s,icannotl iveinf earof
Sandi lealway shav etol ookov ermyshoul der
i
t'snotagoodwayt olive.Iwal kedov ert othe
kitchenandgotmesomet hi
ngt odr inkt heni
wentandwat chedTVi nt hel ounge, ididn'tfi
nd
any thingt hatwasent ertai ni
ngot hert han
channel 171, theywer epl ayingsomecr ime
documentar
ycal l
ed"ThePerfectmurder
"it
seemedabitinterest
ingi
lai
dbackand
watchedaft
erittheywasgoingt opl
ay"Swamp
murders"
.
.
NDI
LE
Iwast akingabi tofinteresti
nYay a'sSist
er.
Sheisbeaut i
f ulandbey ondthatshehasanAss
thatiwoul dreallyl
iketot ap,
ifiknewher
i
nsteadofYay ai probablywouldhav elong
hit
chedher .It ookmyphonef rom thetableand
call
edBi gDaddy .
.
Hi
m:I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:
Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
nei
justneedaf
avour
Hi
m: Youaskf oral
otoff
avoursjustbecausei
am usi
ngy ourcl
ubformybusi
nessdoesn' t
meani shouldal
waysdoyoufavours,idi
dyou
afavournowoneofmyguy sismi ssi
ngiam
donedoi
ngy
ouf
avour
s
Me:
It'
snotabi
gfav
ourr
elax
Hi
m:Whati
sit
?
Me:Ithoughtthatmaybey oucoul
dinvi
temy
gi
rl
fr
iendov erfordi
nneratyourpl
acetoni
ght
di
scussmat ter
softomor r
owandal l
that
Hi
m:Why
?
Me:Ineedt
odosomet
hingandi
don'
twanther
knowi
ng
Hi
m:shoul
dn'
tshebetr
ainingherSi
sterf
or
t
omorr
owsomet hi
ngl
i
ket hat?
Me:
Justf
oraf
ewhour
spl
ease
Hi
m:Fi
nei
l
lseewhatIcando
Me:
Thanky
ou
.
.
LI
HLE
Thesecri
medocument arieswerer eal
lyworth
watchi
ng,t
hesepeoplepl anper
fectmur dersif
onl
ythecopsweren'tsodedicatedt heywould
act
uall
ygetawaywitht hesemur ders.Bynowi
hadapenandpadt akingdownnot es:
-
Ductt
ape
-
li
gat
urer
ope
-
shov
el
-
taser
-
Saw
-
kni
fe
Yesiwastaki
ngdownnot
esbecausei
wantto
pul
laperf
ectmurderi
am pl
anni
ngontaki
ng
Sandi
l
e'sl
if
e..
.
Tobecont
inued1
[
09/
29,
16:
38]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥68
YAYA
Thandeka:
Icannotbel
i
eveweshoppedupunt
il
thi
slat
e
Shesai
dthatassheal
sogoti
nthecar
..
Her
:Andyoudi
dn'
tev
enl
ookatt
hepr
icesy
ou
j
ustt
ook
Me:
That
'swhathappenswheny
ouhav
emoney
Her:
That'
sthel
if
ejustget
ti
ngever
ythi
ngy
ou
wantwi
thoutl
ooki
ngatthepri
ce
Me:
Arey
our
eadyt
ogohomenow?
Her
:Yesi
am
Myphonest
art
edr
ingi
ngi
twasCandi
ce.
.
Me:
Ihav
etot
aket
hisi
t'
sCandi
ce
Her:
Letmealsocal
lMom andseei
fshe'
s
copi
ngwit
hthekids
Me:
Okay
Shegotoutoft
hecarandwentt
omaket
hat
cal
lout
sidewhi
l
eIanswer
edCandi
ce'
scal
l
..
Me:
Hey
Her
:Yay
adi
dicat
chy
ouatt
hebadt
ime?
Me: Notexact
lyi
wasdoi
ngshoppi
ngwi
thmy
si
ster
Her:
Lookiwantyout
ocomeov
erBi
gDaddy
wantst
otal
ktoyou
Me:
About
?
Her
:notr
eal
l
ysur
e
Me:
Ishoul
dcomeov
ernow?
Her
:Yesi
t'
snotgoi
ngt
otaket
hatl
ong
Iexhal
ed.
.
Me:
MySi
sterandIhav
eal
ott
odo
Her:
YouknowwhenBi
gDaddysay
sjumpy
ou
askhowhi
gh
Me:
Finei
am onmyway
Her
:Don'
tbr
ingy
oursi
steral
ongi
don'
tl
ikeher
shedoesn'
thav
est
yle.She'
stoodul
land
cl
assl
ess
Me:
Iunder
stand
Ihungupandwait
edforThandekatocome
back,shegoti
naf
terafewminutes.
.
Me:
Howar
ethey
?
Her:
YouknowMom she'
sbusyshout
ingshe
wantsherMoney
Me:
Shemustr
elaxy
ouwi
l
lgi
veher
Ist
art
edt
hecar
..
Me:Iwi
ll
havetodropy
ouof
fathomei
am
goi
ngsomewhere
Me:Thoughtwewer
egoi
ngtodi
scussaf
ew
t
hingswit
hregar
dst
otomor
row
Me:Iknowbuti
t'
sanemer
gencyi
won'
ttake
t
hatlongt
hough
Her
:Okay
.
.
LI
HLE
"
Mustbel
oveont
hebr
ain
That
'sgotmef
eel
i
ngt
hisway
,
I
tbeatsmeblackandbluebutitf
ucksmeso
good,
AndIcan'tgetenough.
.Mustbel
oveon
thebr
ain,
Anditkeepscursi
ngmyname,
Nomat
terwhatIdoI
'
m nogoodwi
thouty
ou.
."
Iwasst andingatt hekitchendrinki
ngcof f
ee
andlostinmyt houghtswhi l
eplayi
ngaf ewof
myf avourit
esongswi thmyphone.Ki ll
ing
someonei sav erybigthing,neverinami l
l
ion
yearsdidi everthinkthatiwoul dbest anding
heretodaypl anningtomur dermyex.Sandi l
e
wil
lnev erstopt or
ment i
ngme, nomat terwher e
igoorwher eiturnhewi l
lalwaysbet here
haunti
ngmel i
keaghost .Whatsetsmeof fat
theedgei sthef actthathewasi nv
olvedi nmy
Mother'sdeat handgotawaywi thi
t,hehashi s
Mom hi sli
feiscarr y
ingonwhi leminei s
messedup.Myl i
feisadar ktunnelthatleadsto
nowher eonlyifmyMot herwasher et henI
wouldn'tbesuf f
eringli
ket hi
s.Ijumpedal it
tl
e
whent hedooropenedandKi ngwal kedin,He
wasst unnedtoseemest andingthere.He
l
ookedatmewhi letakinghisshirtoffandhis
whitevesthadsmal lstai
nsofbl ood.Fora
momentwedi dn'tknowwhatt osaytoeach
other,
wej uststoodt herestarri
ngateachot her
withRihannatelli
ngt hedistancebetweenus.
"
Babe,
I'
mfi
st-
fi
ght
ingwi
thf
ir
e
Justt
ogetcl
oset
oyou
Canwebur
nsomet
hing,
babe?
AndI
'l
lrunf
ormilesj
ustt
ogetat
ast
e..Mustbe
l
oveonthebrai
n"
Iwasoverwhel
medwi t
hdifferentemotions
seei
nghimjustmademer ealizethatIwasa
fool
inall
idid,
myr elat
ionshipwi t
hhim meant
morethanthealcohol,
myl ovef orhi
m stands
againstanypai nandangert hatihavefor
Sandile.Inmymi stoftryi
ngt odealwithwhatI
wasgoi ngt hr
oughchasedawayt heonly
persont hatmighthavet r
ul ylovedme.Ididn'
t
evenreal i
zethatIwascr yingunt i
lIfel
this
str
ongar msaroundme, ineededt hehugi
neededt obei nhispresence.Ineededt obe
remindedt hatnomat terhowbadot herpeople
canbebuthei sthegoodt hati wasblessed
with,i
ttookmebei nglockedupt oreali
zehow
muchhemeanst ome.
"
Baby
,yougotmel
i
keahhhh.
.Ahhh
Don'
tyoust
opl
ovi
ngme,
lov
ingme
Don'
tqui
tlov
ingme,
lov
ingme
Justst
artl
ovi
ngme"
.
.
THANDEKA
Wheni
gothomet
hef
ir
stt
hingi
didwast
otake
abath.Iwasf ascinatedbytheirbat htuband
showeri meani am from ahousehol dwerewe
useasmal lbasint obathin,andf ormet ohave
soomuchr oom i nthebat ht
ubj ustmakesme
wannabat heverymi nute.Iwasi ntheguest
room apply
inglotionwheni heardsomeone
knockingatthedoor .
.
Me:
Iam comi
ng
IgrabbedtherobethatYay
aboughtmeand
wrappeditaroundmynakedbodythenwentt
o
openthedoor ,
itwasSandil
e..
Hi
m: Sorr
ytodist
urby
ouj
ustwant
edt
otel
lyou
t
hatdinneri
sready
Me:
Ohwy
oushoul
dn'
thav
eiwoul
d'
vecooked
Hi
m:Iam sur
eyout
ir
edf
rom al
lthatshoppi
ng
Ismil
edandl
ookeddown.Sandi
l
eisv
ery
handsomehi
seyesmakemykneesweakwhen
hemakeseyecont
actwi
thme..
Ist
eppedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
..
.
If
oll
owedhimtothel
oungehehadal
ready
di
shedupforus.
.
Him:Idi
dmacaroni
&cheesei
t'
sasi
mpl
edi
sh
butv
erydel
i
cious
Me:
Thanky
ou
Webot
hsatonthesamecouchandhegotme
t
hegl
assofwi
nefrom t
hetabl
e..
Hi
m:Her
e..i
t'
swi
ne
It
ooktheglassandsi
ppedthewine,
itwas
bi
tt
erhelaughedasist
ruggl
edtoswall
owit.
.
Him: I
t'
sdryredtast
esbi
tterbuti
t'
sheal
thy
reduceschancesofyougetti
ngaCardi
ac
arrest
Me:
Soundsf
ancy
Hi
m:I
t'
sjustwi
ne
Il
eanedov
erandputt
hegl
assont
het
abl
e..
Hi
m:Howar
eyourki
dsathome?
Me:
Theyar
efi
ne
Hi
m:That'
sgoodtohearatl
eastnowy
oucan
pr
ovi
deforthem
Inodded.
.
Hi
m:Iam goi
ngt
ogetst
rai
ghtt
othepoi
nt
Heputhi
sgl
assont
het
abl
etoo.
.
Hi
m:Il
i
key
oual
ot
Thatwashi
ghl
yinappr
opr
iat
e..
Him:IknowyouthinkIam crazyandev
eryt
hing
butIam notl
ooki
ngt omarryyouoraseri
ous
rel
ati
onshi
pjustabitoff
un..
Her
anhi
shandonmyt
high.
.
Him:Icant akecareofy outhi
nkaboutityou
canmov eher ewithyourkidsicanrentaflatfor
youandi canf i
ndy ouajobmakey oua
managerinmyr estaur
antonlyify
ouwi l
li
ngt o
bemineal one
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..
Me:
Idon'
twannast
eponmysi
ster
'st
oes
Him:Yayai
snotaSai
ntshe'
scheat
ingonme
anditwasnev
ert
hatser
iousbet
weenusshe'
s
aft
ermymoney
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
..
Hi
m:Comeondon'ty
ouwannal
i
veani
cel
i
fe?
Li
vel
i
keaqueen?
Ithoughtaboutt
hesi t
uati
onbackathome, t
he
struggl
es,myMot heralwaysinsult
ingmeand
mistreat
ingmykids.Ithoughtaboutt heli
fe
Sandilei
spromisi
ngmeandmay be..Just
may beitcoul
dwor k,i
don'tknowi am v er
y
confused..
Iwasi nterr
uptedfrom mythoughtswhenhe
smashedhi sli
psontomine,atfi
rstif
rozenot
knowi nghowt oreacttot
hesituati
onbutashe
wentont ountiemyrobethenmassagingmy
breastsi sl
owlygotint
othemood.Hewenton
toleav ewetkissesonmyneck, onmybr east
s,
downt omyt ummy .Heaskedmet ostandup
andt henhel ai
dbackont hecouch,hetol
dme
tol
i
ter
all
ysitonhi
sface.Iwasn'
tusedt
owhat
hewasexpecti
ngmetodo..
Him:Comeoniwannaeaty
ourpussyi
promi
se
you,
youwil
lenj
oy
Ididashet ol
dme, heinstructedmenott o
enti
relysitonhi mi balancedwi ththearmr est
ofthecouchasi posit
ionedmy sel
finsquat t
ing
posit
ionandt henhel i
ftedhisheadupal i
tt
leas
hi
smout hmadei ttomypussy .Hekissedmy
cl
itaf ewt i
mesandt henhi stonguepl ayed
aroundwhi lehewast ightl
ygrabbingmyass
andspanki ngi ti
nbet ween, imoanedas
pl
easur ekickedi nparalyzi
ngmywhol ebodyi t
's
beenawhi l
esi nceIhadaguydot histome.I
wasr eall
yenj oyi
ngwhathewasdoi ngatthat
momentt hewhol ewor l
ddidn'texi
stitwasj ust
meandhi m. .
Hi
m:Doy
oul
i
ket
hat
?
Islowlynoddedasiswayedl
eftandr
ightj
ust
takingthepl
easur
ein,i
wasgoingoutofmind.I
ser
iousl
ydi
dn'
tknowwhatt
odowi
thmy
sel
f.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
16:
39]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥69
LI
HLE
Iwatchedcl oselyasKi ngputhisguni nthesafe
"4-
5-3-2"thatisthecombi nat
iontothesafe
event houghhet wisteditquickl
ybuti wasable
towel lmemor izethecode.Hepi ckedupt hat
paint
ingandpl acedi tont hewallhi
dingoffthe
safe,heturnedandsmi l
edatme..
Me:
Soar
eyougoi
ngt
owor
ktomor
row?
Isai
dthatwhi
l
eput
ti
ngmyar
msar
oundhi
s
neck.
.
Him:Iam notworki
ngthi
sweekendbuti
do
haveafewerrandstor
un
Heputhi
shandsar
oundmywai
st.
Me:
Like?
Him:
Likefet
chi
ngMomoshewant
edt
ocome
andvi
sit
Me:
That
'sgood
Hi
m:Why
..di
dyouhav
esomet
hingi
nmi
nd?
Me:
No.
.Ij
ustwant
edt
ovi
sitmyMom'
sgr
ave
Heki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
.
Him:Icancal
lMomot
otaket
axi
ssot
hatIcan
accompanyyou
Me:Ar
en'ty
ousosweet
?Butnot
hanksi
t'
s
somet
hingIwantt
odoonmyown
Hi
m:I
fyousaysot
hen
Iki
ssedhi
m..
Me:Iam sor
ryaboutev
ery
thi
ng..Youknow
whenIwaslockedupIhadalottothi
nkabout
and.
..
Heputhi
sindexf
ingeronmyl
i
ps.
Hi
m:Thosear
ethi
ngsoft
hepastl
et'
smov
eon
Me:
let
'smov
eoni
ndeed
Hi
m:Speaki
ngofmovi
ngonhowaboutwe
movet
otheshower
?
Me:Ni
cet
rybuti
alr
eadyhadawar
m bubbl
e
bat
h
Hi
m:ThenIwil
lber
ightbackbecausewehav
e
al
otofcat
chi
nguptodo
HespankedmyAssbef
orewal
ki
ngaway
..
ThingsbetweenmeandKi ngar
estar
tingtofal
l
i
nt oplaceandir eal
l
ydon'twantanyt
hing
standingintheway ,ir
eall
yneedtober i
dof
Sandile.Wheni heardtheshowerwaterrunni
ng
igotmyphoneandcal l
edhim,di
dn'
ttakehim
thatlongtopickup..
Him:ei
thermyeyesar
edeceivi
ngmeormy
ancest
orsfav
our
edmet oday
..Langel
i
hleCel
e
If
eltmyhear
tst
arti
ngtobetraymefear
cr
eepedi
n,mythroatr
aisednowordsandmy
handsgotabi
tsweat
y..
Hi
m:Ar
eyoust
il
lther
e?
Me:
Iwannameety
ou.
.Tomor
row
Hi
m:Excuseme?
Me:
Iwannameetyoutomor
rowandi
wantus
t
omeeti
napubli
cplace
Hi
m:meet
ingf
orwhat
?
Me:
Yousai
diowey
ou
Hekeptqui
etf
oraf
ewseconds.
.
Hi
m:Tomor
rowni
ghtt
hen
Me:
Atni
ght
?
Hi
m: Mygir
lsar
egoi
ngoutt
omor
rowni
ghtsoi
wi
llbebor
ed
Me:Fi
netomor
rowni
ghtatt
heusual
r
est
aurant
Hi
m:Shoul
dipi
cky
ouup?
Me:
Don'
tbei
nsane
Hel
aughed.
.
Hi
m:20:
00?
Me:
Yes
Hi
m:HowdoIknowi
t'
snotasetup?
Me:Iwoul
dsetyouupbecause?Don'
tyouget
awaywit
hever
ythi
ng?
Hi
m:poi
ntt
akenI
'
llseey
out
omor
rowni
ght
Ihungupandlookedatmyphonebusyaski
ng
my sel
fifIr
eal
l
ysetupadat
ewi t
hthedevi
l.
.
Theshowerwaterwasst
il
lrunni
ngsoIquickl
y
wenttot
hesafetogethi
sgun.."
4-5-
3-2"
Igotitandclosedthesafe,theni putt he
pai
ntingback.Iwalkedaroundi ncirclestry
ing
tofi
gureoutwher eIshouldputi t
,itwasabi t
heavyandi hadnoi deahowt ousei t.Iputit
underthemat t
ressonmysi deandt ookaf ew
deepbr eat
hs,iam doingthi
sf orevery onethat
Sandil
ehasev erhurt.
.
.
.
THANDEKA
Aftert hesessi onIhadwi thSandi leitooka
bathagai n.Iwasabi tsorebutt hatcoul dbet he
factthati hav en'
thadanyi nav erylongt i
me, i
am gl adweusedPr otect i
onthel astthingi
wanti sanot herbabyt oaddmor estresson
my selfandathome.Ir eal
lyenjoy edmy sel
fand
Iam sur ehedi dtoo,thewayt hathewasso
obsessedwi t hgrabbingmyAss, spanki ngit
,
kissi
ngi tandl et
tingmebouncei tonhi s
D* *
**cki twasheav enf orhim, icouldseef r
om
hisfaci al expression.Iwasi nt heguestr oom
applyingabi tofloti
onwi t
hahugesmi l
eonmy
face,i trulyenj oyedmy sel
fwithSandi l
ei don't
under standwhyYay awoul druinsomet hingso
special .ImeanSandi leisobv i
ousl ythattypeof
guyt hatwoul dtakecar eofy oui fyout akecare
ofhim andr especthi m.
Ontopofthatheisveryhandsomeandhasa
bodytodiefor,
hisl
ips,hiseyesheisj
ustso
perf
ectanditsabonust hatheisr
ich.
.
Thedooroftheguestr
oom openediwasst
il
l
naked,
hemadehi swayinweari
ngnothi
ngbut
hi
sboxers.
Hecl
osedt
hedoorandleanedagai
nsti
t
l
ooki
ngatmeal
lsmil
ing.
Hi
m:Comeher
e
Islowlywentupt ohim andher anhishandson
mynakedbody ,hepulledmecl osetohim andi
couldfeelthathewashar d.Heextendedhis
handsonmybut tandjuststar
tedshakingit
andt hatwasturninghim onmor e,hewasr ock
hardasmyhandmadei tswayintohisboxers.
Hebr oughthisfaceclosert omineandwe
start
edf r
enchkissing,hewassweepi ngmeof f
myf eet.
Me:
WhataboutYay
a?
Hi
m:Don'
twor
ryaboutYay
a
Hepickedmeupandt
henwentt
osi
tont
he
bedwithmeont
opofhi
m.
Weconti
nuedki
ssi
ngasihel
pedhimtolower
hi
sboxer
sexposi
nghi
sverysti
ffmanhood.
.
Me:
Condom?
Hi
m:Youwil
luseYaya'
smor ni
ngaf
terpi
l
lwhen
wedonenowiwannahiti
traw
Hel
aidbackandmassagedmybr
east
s..
Him:Youarever
yspeci
alt
omeandy
ouar
e
ver
ybeauti
ful
Ibl
ushedal
i
ttl
e..
Hi
m: f
rom her
eont
her
e'snot
hingt
hati
won'
tdo
f
oryou
Me:
Promi
se?
Hi
m:Asl
ongasy
oust
ayf
ait
hful
tome
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Heloweredhishandst omywai standli
ft
edme
upabit,hehelpedmet osl i
ddownonhi mit
wasuncomf ortabl
e.Idon'tknowi fiwastoo
ti
ghtorhewast oobi
gbuti twentdeeper
Makingitver
yuncomf ortable.Igaspedasit
wasfurt
herin..
.
Me:
It'
s.
.It
's.
.It
'sv
eryd.
.Deeep
.
.
YAYA
Iheardsomet hingmaki ngnoi sei qui
ckly
mov edawayf rom t hebushest ot heroad.It
wasv er
ydar kandi wasn' thearingorseeing
anycarcomi ng, ishould'veknownbet terthan
totaket hisroadbackhomeatni ghtbutthen
againi t
'stheonl yshortcuti knowandnowIam
stuckher ewi t
hf lattyr
es.I t
'swei rdhow
everythinghappened, whi l
ei wasdr iv
ingacar
passedbynextt omi net hedr i
verwasspeedi ng
andt henal ongthewayi encount erspikesthat
shotthroughthety
resthi
sisasetupand
Sandil
ei sgoi
ngtokil
lme,hewon'tunder
stand
atal
l.Icheckedmyphoneagai nandther
ewas
noservice,sobasi
cal
lyIam doomed..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
16:
40]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥70
LI
HLE
ThatSat urdaymor ningiprepareda
scrumpt iousbreakfastforKingbef orehel ef
tto
goandf etchMomo, onmysi dei didn'teati
wast ooner v
ousaboutt heev entsthatare
goingtot akepl acetoni
ght.IcouldaskKi ngfor
afewpoi ntersbutthatwil
lmakehi m
suspicious, imeanhecanseer ightthroughme.
Hegotupandwentt oputhisdi shinthesi nk
whilelookingatme, iwasstandingt herejust
thi
nking.
Him:Youcanusemycart
ogot
ot hecemet
ery
I
'l
lusethepol
i
cecart
ogoandf
etchMomo
Me:Ar
eyousur
e?ImeanIcanal
way
susea
t
axi
?
Him:It
hinkusi
ngmycarwi
l
lbemor
e
conv
enient
Me:
Thanks
Hewal
keduptomeaf terwi
pinghi
shandswi
th
t
hedi
shclot
h,hesqueezedmycheek.
.
Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay
?
Inodded.
.
Me:
Iam f
ine
Him:Icanalway
scancel
withMomoandwe
canspendtheweekendt
ogether
Me:
Noshewi
l
lbev
erydi
sappoi
ntedi
fyoudo
t
hat
Hi
m:Idon'
tl
ikel
eav
ingy
oui
nthi
sst
ate
Me:
Iam f
ineKi
ngdon'
twor
ry
Hel
ookedatt
het
ime.
.
Hi
m:l
etmegot
hen
Heki
ssedme.
.
Hi
m:Seey
oul
aterort
omor
rowmor
ningandI
l
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Hi
m:I'
l
l cal
lFi
kil
esoshecancomeandcheck
uponyouifidon'
tcomebacktoday
Me:
Iam notababy
Him:wit
hy ourpsy
chopat
hexi
am nott
aki
ng
anychances!
Hetookhi
sphoneandwal
lett
henwalkedout
.I
wenttot
hebathr
oom t
ogoandtakeashower
bef
orest
art
ingmyday.
.
.
.
YAYA
Ionlywasabl etogetnet workcov er
aget his
mor ningi hadspentt heni ghtinthecari
couldn'tev ensleeppeacef ull
yi wouldclosemy
eyest henopent hem afteraf ewmi nutes,just
tochecki fi wasst i
llsaf
eandev erythi
ng.I
call
edCandi cet ocomeandf etchmepl usi am
i
nt hissituat i
onbecauseofher ,sheshoul dn't
havei nvi
tedmet oherplacebecauseBi gDaddy
didn'tevenshowupsowehaddi nnerand
watchedaf ewmov i
es.Shepar kedhercar
behindSandi le'
scarandgotoutt henshe
approachedme. .
Her
:Whydi
dn'
tyoucal
lmel
astni
ght
?
Me:
Ihadnonet
wor
kcov
erage
Her
:Ohhmywor
dbabear
eyouokay
?
Me:
Isur
viv
ed
Shehuggedme.
.
Her
:Whydi
dyouuset
hisr
oadt
hough?
Me:
Becausei
thoughti
wasgonnagethome
qui
cker
Her
:Iam t
rul
ysor
ry
Shel
ookedatSandi
l
e'scar
..
Her
:And?
Me:
Spi
kes
Her
:Spi
kes?
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:Justgetmehomepleaseist
il
lhav
eto
expl
aint
oSandil
ewhathappened
Her
:Okaygeti
nthecar
Iwentt
otakemyt hi
ngsf
rom t
hecarandthen
l
ockedi
t,iwentandgoti
nsi
deCandi
ce'scar
..
.
.
THANDEKA
Iwaspaci
ngupanddownattheki
tcheniwas
ver
yworri
edaboutYay
aidi
dn'
thearhercomi
ng
i
nlastni
ghtandshe'
snott
aki
ngmycal
l
s.
Sandi
l
ewal
kedi
n..
Hi
m:Goodmor
ning
Me:
Mor
ning
Hegotacupandpour
edwat
er.
.
Hi
m:Her
edr
inkt
hepi
l
l
Me:
thanky
ou
It
ooki
tanddr
ank.
.
Me:
Yay
adi
dn'
tcomehomel
astni
ghtr
ight
?
Hi
m:That
'scor
rect
Me:
Shoul
dn'
twebewor
ri
ed?
Hi
m:Iam sur
eshespentani
ghtatherf
ri
end'
s
pl
ace
Me:
Sheshoul
d'
vecal
l
edt
hough
Heexhal
edi
nannoy
ance.
.
Hi
m: Yay
aisabiggirl
plusshemighthav
eused
t
hisasanot
herexcusetocheatonme
YayaandSandil
e'
srel
ati
onshi
pseems
compli
cat
ed..
Him:
Gobathsowecangooutt
oeatbreakf
ast
pl
usineedt
ogi
veyousomemoneytosend
home
Me:
Thanky
ou
Him:Yout
akecareofmeandIt
akecar
eofy
ou.
.
Rememberthat
Me:
ummm aboutt
oni
ght
Him:I
twill
bet hefir
standt
helastt
imey
oudo
somethi
nglikethatarewecl
ear?
Inodded.
.
Hegav
emeaf
aintsmi
l
e..
Hi
m:ComeI
'
llr
uny
ouabat
h
Heheldmyhandandt
henwewal
kedt
othe
bat
hroom.
.
.
.
LI
HLE
Iparkedt hecarnextt osomechur char ound
wer ewel ivei hav ebeensi tti
ngher efor
approxi mat ely15mi nutesdebat i
ngwi t
hmy sel
f
whet herIshoul dgoi nornot .Ilookedatmy sel
f
i
nt her earv iewmi rrorandt ookaf ewdeep
breathst heni gotoutoft hecarandwal kedt o
thechur ch.It houghtt hedoorwoul dbel ocked
butitwasn' t,iwalkedi nandwentt ositatt he
front.Itwasabeaut ifulchurchthewi ndows
wer etaintedandhadpi ct
uresofJesus, some
hadpi cturesofJesusandhi sdiscipl
es.Idon' t
knowwhyi washer ebuti needt heLordt o
forgivemef orwhati am aboutt odo,icannot
got ojailformur der.Mur deri
nganev i
lper son
shoul dnotbeasi nbecausei woul
d'vedi dal ot
ofpeopl eaf avour.Iwashol dingmybagt hat
hadKi ng'sgunt hatf eelsabi tdi
srespect f
ul
thoughbei ngi nthehouseoft heLordwi tha
gun...
Il
ookedupatt
hecei
l
ingwi
tht
ear
sfal
l
ing,
i
needprot
ect
ionLordineedy
outohel
pme
accompli
sht
his.Icl
osedmyeyesast
het
ear
s
creat
edastr
eam ofri
ver.
.
Me:
It'
snotdi
srespectbuti
t'
srev
enge!
.
.
KI
NG
Bef
oreicouldgoandf et
chMomoi passedby
att
hesecretlocat
ionwereZi
kalal
awasbei ng
hel
dhostage.Iwasdisappoi
ntedt
of i
nd
hi
m dead,
thatmeanst
hecasehas
gonecol
dhewast
heonl
yleadi
had.
Me:
Didhet
ell
youAny
thi
ng?
Kruger:Nohumanbeingi
simmunetopain
beforehisl
astbr
eat
hhetoldmeever
ythi
ng
If
oldedmyar
ms.
.
Me:
Yeah?
Him:HewaspaidbyBigDaddyt
okil
lNkabinde
BigDaddysai
dheisdoi
ngitasafav
ourfora
fr
iend"
Sandil
e"
Me:
Ifuckenknewi
t!
HehandedmeZi
kal
ala'
sphone.
.
Him:Call
sweremadebet weenhim andthi
s
Sandi
leguytwodaysbeforeNkabindegotki
ll
ed
andalsoaft
erhi
sdeath.
.saidther
e'sal
sotext
messages
Me:
Thi
sisgood
Hi
m:Youwannagoaf
terBi
gDaddyagai
n?
Me:Iam notgoingaft
erhi
mi am goingaft
er
t
hispsychopathSandi
leij
ustneedtofindaway
t
ouset hi
sevidencesi
nceweat t
ainedit
i
ll
egal
ly
Hi
m:Youwi
l
lthi
nkofsomet
hing
Me:
Isur
ewi
l
l
Hi
m:Letmecal
ltheguy
ssowecangetr
idof
t
hebody
Me:
Goodwor
kasal
way
sman
Hi
m:Ial
way
sgoty
ourback
.
Tobecont
inued

[
09/
29,
16:
41]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥71
YAYA
Thehousewasqui etnosi gnofThandekaand
nosignofSandil
e.Itwaswei rdThandeka
doesn'
tknowthisplacethatwelltobe
wonderi
ngoffalone,SandilemightbewithBi
g
Daddy.It
ookoutmyphoneandcal ledt
hem but
theydi
dn'
tpickupsoi mademy selfsomethi
ng
toeatandwenttoeati ntheloungewhile
watchi
ngtv.Aft
ereatingiwannat akealong
bat
handt
hensl
eepi
didn'
tgetmuchsl
eepl
ast
ni
ght.
.
Myphonev ibrat edont het abl easi leaned
forwar dt ogeti tthespoonf rom mybowl fell,i
reacheddownt ol ocat eitwi thmyhandbutmy
handst umbl eduponsomet hingsl i
my .Ibr ought
myhandupandi twasausedcondom i twasn' t
evenami staket heper sonputi tther eon
pur posesot hati canf i
ndi t.Idi dn'
twannat hink
theobv iousmysi stercannotbesl eepi ngwi th
Sandi lei deny ,onewi l
lsaybutwhyam i angr y
becauseofhowSandi l
ei sbutt hisist he
biggestBet ray al oft hem all afterev ery t
hingi
hav edonef orThandekashegoesandr epay s
mebydoi ngt his?I t'
snotr i
ghtatal l.Iwas
paci ngupanddownv eryangr yandhur tatt he
samet i
me, i didn' tknowhowr eactt ot his
situat i
onbutonet hi
ngi knowi sthati cannot
hav eSandi l
ekeepont reati
ngmel iket his!
Ther e'sal imitt owhatahumanbei ngcant ake
andt hisismyl imi t!
.
.
LI
HLE
Aftermyv isi
tatthechurchi drov etostraightto
myMot her'
sgravei wantedtot alktoherabout
whati i
ntendondoi ngtonightbutwhenIgot
therei j
uststarreddownatherr esti
ngpl ace
andIcoul dn'
tstopthetears,ithur ti
thurtr eal
l
y
bad.Thi spainisonepai ni wil
l neverget
through, i
twillnevergetbetterandhowshe
diedi swhatmakest hepainwor se.Ikneltdown
nextt ohergr aveiblamemy selfforherdeat h,i
f
onlyi li
stenedtoheraboutSandi l
e,i
fonlyi
didn'tgot othatdinner,
ifonly..Ifonly.
.Ifonly.
..
Me:
Iam sor
ryMama
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Me:
Buti
promi
sei
tal
lendst
oni
ght
Ir
anmyhandont hatr
edsoi
lthatdeepwi
thi
n
washi
dinghercof
fi
n.
Me:Howam Igoingt ogetthr
ought his?How
am Igoi
ngtoli
vewithoutyou?Ithoughtt he
pai
nwoul dbebet
ternowbuti t
'swor seitgets
worseevery
day
.
.
THANDEKA
Wi t
hthemoneyt hatSandi
l
egav emei wasable
tosendmyMot herR2500viamoneymar ket
,
sinceididn'
thaveanIDSandil
eusedhis.She
wasn'tverymuchpleasedwiththeamountof
money ,Sandi
lewasinthecarwhilei
wasont he
phonewi thMom..
Ma:I
maliencaneso?(
suchasmal
lamountof
money)
Me:
It'
stheonl
ymoneyi
hav
enow
Ma:
Ungazodl
alawena(
don'
tpl
ayl
i
ket
hat
)
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Ma: Thi
smoneywon'tcovermuchlabant
wana
bakhobayadl
aandnotforgett
ingt
hatino
l
ongerhavealif
eihavetolookaft
erthem al
l
thetime
Me:Iwil
lsendyousomemoneyagai
nina
coupl
eofdays
Ma:
Uzeuhl
ulwauYay
a(Yay
abeat
syou)
Her
ewegot hecompar
isonst
art
snowofhow
Yay
aisbet
terthanme.
Ma:Idon'tknowwher eiwentwrongwithyou
Thandekay oushould'
vestay
edwithyourFather
andthatstepMot herofyour
swhowas
mistr
eati
ngbecausehonest l
yyouarenothi
ng
butaburdent ome!Youandy ourl
it
tl
eDev i
ls!
Me:Ther
e'snoneedt
obebi
tt
eri
senty
out
he
money
Ma:2500youcal
litmoney ?Becauset
his
moneyihavet
ospl i
titandusesomeony our
chi
l
dren,
buygroceri
esandt henwhatdoiend
upwi
th?Not
hing!Tot
all
ynot
hing!
Me: Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouwantmet
osay
becauseIam tr
ying
Ma:tr
yharder
!Ify
oudon'
tsendmoneyin2
weeksti
mecomebackandt akey
ourl
it
tl
e
devi
l
s!
Shecli
ckedhert
ongueandhungupidi
dn'
teven
gett
imet ot
alkt
omychildr
en.Iwi
pedmytears
andwentbacktothecar
..
Ndi
l
e:Ar
eyouokay
?
Hestretchedhishandtowi
pemyt
ear
sthat
coul
dn'tstopfal
li
ng..
Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngf
orawhi
l
ejustst
arr
ingat
myphone..
Hi
m:Tal
ktome
Me:wer
ey ouser
iousaboutt
aki
ngcar
eofme
andmykids?
Hi
m:Yesi
was
Inodded.
.
Me:
thanky
ou
Hi
m:i
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:
Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne.
.Let
'sgohome
.
.
LI
HLE
Onmywayhomei tr
iedcal l
ingFikilebutshe
wasn'tpi ckingup, Iwanthert odr ivemet ot he
restaurantt onightsoi canmeetSandi l
e.Asi
wasdr ivinghomei tdawnedonmet hatIcannot
useKi ng'sgun, i
fiuseKi ng'
sgunt heywi l
l r
ule
whati ssupposedt obeasel fdef ensesituation
to"premedi tat
edmur der "t
hei nvestigati
onwi ll
provet hati hadi nt
ent i
onsofki l
l
ingSandi le,i
don'tknowwhati am goi ngt odobutal l
iknow
i
st hati cannotcancel hewi lldefinit
elythinkit
wasaset up.Fikil
eonl ycal l
edwhenIwas
unlockingt hedoor , ianswer edhercal lasi
mademywayi
n..
Me:
Fiki
l
ehey
Her
:Igoty
ourmi
ssedcal
l
swhat
'
sup?
Me:
Iknowt
hisi
sgoi
ngt
osoundcr
azybut
..
Her
:butwhat
?
Me:Ineedy
out
odr
ivemesomewher
etoni
ght
at20:
00
Her
:Wher
e?
Me:
Justsomewher
e
Her
:Doest
hepl
acehav
eaname?
Me:
Rest
aur
antt
omeetsomeone
Her
:Iam notunder
standi
ngy
ourst
ory
Me:
Justt
rustmepl
ease
Her
:uhmm okay
Me:
Thanky
ou
Af
tert
hecal
lIsentKi
ngamessage:
"
Ilov
eyousoomuchal
way
sremembert
hat
"
Ithenwalkedtothebedr
oom t
oputhi
sgun
backint
ot hesaf
e..
.
.
YAYA
Ther ei wasturningthehouseupsidedown
checki ngformor eevidencet
hatindeedmy
sisterissleepingwithmyboy f
riendandinthe
guestr oom thatshei smeanttobeoccupy i
ng
forthedur ationofherstayhereifound
Sandi l
e'sboxer sandhergownont hefl
oor
.
Firstitwast hecondom nowt his,whatmore
evidencedoIneed? ?
Isatonthatbedjustt
hinki
ngunti
lIheardthem
makingthei
rwayi nal
ltal
ki
ngandl aughi
ng,i
wait
edforthem topassbythepassagesot hey
canspotmesi t
ti
ngont hebedintheguest
room..
Thandekawast hef
ir
sttopass,
shest
opped
whenshesawmeandSandi l
eshowedup
behi
ndherjustaboutt
ograbherAsswhen
Thandekastoppedher
..
Theybothstoodt
her
enotknowingwhattosay,
i
twassickeningt
oevent
hinkaboutt
hiswhole
mess..
Istoodupandapproachedthem,Icoul
dsee
theshameinThandeka'sey
es..
..
Ithr
ewthecondom atthem t
oget
herwitht
he
gownandboxers,
ilookedatThandeka.
.
Me:Don'
tbetoocomfort
abl
eit
'sonl
ygoingt
o
beamatteroft
imebefor
ehedoesthesameto
you
Il
ookedatSandi
l
e..
Me:
Iam donewi
thy
ou.
.
Iwalkedawayandhegrabbedmyar
m Idon't
knowwer eigott
hecouraget
osl
aphim butI
did.
.
Me:
don'
tyouev
ert
ouchmeagai
n!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
16:
41]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥72
KI
NG
Iwasi nmybedr oom lookingatSandr a'
spictur
e
andjustthi
nkingaboutt hedayshet ragical
ly
passedon,wehadpl answewer emeantt oget
mar r
iedi
naf ewmont hstime.Losingsomeone
thatyouoncegav eyourhear ttoohurtsmor e
thananythi
ngt hati
cani magi ne,i
putherphot o
downwheni sawmySi sterstandi
ngatt he
door..
.
Sy
lvi
a:Shehadav
erybeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e
Me:
Shedi
d
Sy
lvi
a:Doy
oumi
ssher
?
Me:
Ever
yday
Sy
lvi
a:I
t'
snoty
ourf
aul
tshe'
sgone
Me:
Iti
sSi
s..Webot
hknowi
tis
Shewal
kedi
n..
Sy
lvi
a:Youar
enotabadper
sonKi
ng
Me:Imightbe.
.Iwasobsessedwithmyjoband
Sandr
awaski l
ledbecauseofme,Nombusoher
l
ifei
smessedupshewi l
lal
wayshave
ni
ghtmaresbecauseofwhathappenedt
oher
and.
.
It
urnedandl
ookedather
..
Me:Iki
ll
edyourhusband.
.Momodoesn'
thav
ea
Fat
herbecauseofme
Syl
v i
a:Webot
hknowthati
fyoudi
dn'tactfast
atthatmomenthewasgoi
ngtoki
llme,itwas
ei
thermeorhim!
Iwentandsatdownont
hebedj
oinedbyher
..
Shehel
dmyhand.
.
Her
:Lookl
ett
hepastbet
hepast
,for
giv
e
y
our
sel
fandmov
eon
Me:
It'
sdi
ff
icul
tit
'sv
erydi
ff
icul
t
It
ookoutmyphoneandIhadamessagef
rom
Li
hle.
.
Me:
Thi
sisst
range
Her
:What
?
Ishowedhert
hemessage.
.
Her
:Ncooooooot
hisi
ssosweet
Me:
Whensomeonesendsyousuchamessage
i
tmeanst
heynotcomi
ngback
Her
:Youandy
ourDet
ect
ivei
nst
inct
s
Me:WhereisMomoi
t'
sal
readyl
atewehav
eto
dr
iveback
Her
: Thoughty
ouguy
swer
eleav
ingt
omor
row
morning
Me:
Cannotl
eav
eLi
hleonherown
Her
:Shei
snotababy
Me:
Trustmeshei
s
.
.
YAYA
Candicekeptonclickinghertongueasshewas
dri
v i
ng,
shejustpickedmeupatanear by
garagewithmybags.Iwasst arri
ngoutofthe
windowi don'
tknowwhati am goingtodof r
om
hereonbutwhatIknowi sthaticannotkeepon
beingtr
eatedli
kethisbySandi l
e,it
'snotri
ghti
am ahumanbei ngt oo..
.
Candi
ce:
Daught
erofab*
**
Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.
Her:Sor
ryiunderst
andyouguyshavethesame
Motherbut.
.Whot hehel
ldoesshet
hinksheis?
Youshould'
veletmedriv
etoyourpl
acejustt
o
ki
ckherAss
Me:Ther
e'snouse.
.Sandi
lei
sinf
atuat
edwi
th
herhedi
dn'tev
entr
ytostopme
Her:
Takethist
hewrongwayi
t'
sfi
nebutIam
gl
ady oul
efthi
myoudeser
vebet
terwaybet
ter
Me:Iwill
meett
hecl
i
entl
ateroni
nst
eadof
Thandeka
Her
:Youdon'
thav
etoosweet
y
Me:
cannotdi
sappoi
ntBi
gDaddy
Her
:Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m
Me:It
'sfi
nepl
usineedthemoneynowt
hat
Sandi
leandiar
enolongert
oget
her
Shehel
dmyhand.
.
Her
:Wewi
l
lgett
hrought
his
.
.
LI
HLE
18:
00
Il
ookedatmysel
fint
hemirr
oronemoreti
meI
wasweari
ngablackdr
ess,
blackst
ocki
ngs,
and
blackheels.Si nceInol ongerhaveapl anidon'
t
knowhowt hismeet i
ngisgoingtoturnoutbutI
decidedt owearbl ackbecauseitcouldbemy
l
astdayonear th.Whydi dIagreetot hi
s?What
mademet hinkt haticouldpullt
histhrough?
Butit'
sinapubl icplace,hecannothur tmeina
publicplace.Hecannotbet hatcr
azy..My
phoner angmaki ngmej umpal i
tt
le,iwentand
gotit.I
twasKi ng..
Me:
King
Hi
m:What
every
oupl
anni
ngt
ododon'
tdoi
t!I
l
ovey
ouLi
hle
Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Hi
m:Themessageyousentme.
.Ar
eyoudr
unk?
Ar
eyoutr
yingt
okil
lyour
sel
f?
Me:
Noi
am notdr
unk
Hi
m:Thenwh.
..
..
.
Icoul
dn'
theart
her
estoft
hesent
ence.
.
Me:
King?
?Ki
ng?
?..
.
.
KI
NG
Me:
Lihl
e??Li
hle?
?
Icheckedmyphonethecal
lwasst
il
lonbutI
couldn'
thearher
..
Me:
Shi
t!
!
Momo:
Arey
ouokayUncl
eKi
ng?
Me:
Iam f
inepumpki
n
Icont
inueddr
ivi
ng.
.
Me:
Her
e..Cal
lAunt
yLi
hlef
orme
Her
:Okay
Ipassedhermyphone.
.
(
Aft
er1mi
n)
Her
:Itdoesn'
tgot
hrought
ri
edaf
ewt
imes
Me:
gothr
oughmycontactl
i
standy
ouwi
l
lsee
t
hename"Kr
uger
"cal
lhim
Her:Ther
e'snoser
viceUncl
eKi
ng.
.Her
e'sy
our
phone
Ist
retchedmyhandtoherif
eltherput
ti
ngi
ton
myhandbutasi t
ri
edtobri
ngmyhandbacki t
fel
l
...
Il
eanedov
erandt
ri
edt
olocat
eitwhenIhear
d
Momoscream
"
Uncl
eKi
ngwat
chout
"
.
.
THANDEKA
Ishouldhav enev ercametoJohannesbur gi
should'vest
ay edathomeandj ustl
i
vedmyl i
fe
may besomet hingwoul d'
vecameupt hanf or
met ocomeher eandruintheonlyr
elationship
thatmadesenset omeandt hatismy
rel
ationshi
pwi thmySi ster
.Itr
iedcall
ingherbut
shewasn' tt
aki ngmycal l
s,Iwashurttoknow
thatihurther.Igotoutofbedi hadaheadache
from cr yi
ngalot ,
imademywayt othemai n
bedr oom want edtoaskSandi l
eifhehadsome
painki l
lers.Hewasst andingatt hedressing
table,wasdr essedupi nabl acksuitandheput
agunar oundhi swaististoodatt hedoorand
l
ookedathi mforacoupl eofsecondsbef or
e
knocki ng.Ishegoi ngtoshootsomeone?Who
i
sSandi leli
keonaser i
ousnot enow, I
she
danger ousashowYay aportrayedhim?I she
i
nv olvedi nsomei l
legalthi
ngs?
Iknocked.
.
Het
urnedar
oundandl
ookedatme.
Me:Iwas.
.Iwasaski
ngi
fyouhav
esomepai
n
ki
l
ler
s?
Hi
m:What
'swr
ong?Ar
eyousi
ck?
Me:
Justaheadache
Hi
m:Checki
nsi
det
hedr
awer
s
Me:
Okay
Hi
m:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
obeal
ri
ght
?Iam goi
ngout
f
orawhi
l
e
Me:
Wher
etoo?
Hi
m:Goi
ngt
omeetupwi
thsomeone
Me:
Ishoul
dbef
ine
Hecameandki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
.
Hi
m: don'
twai
tupf
ormei
mightcomeback
l
ate
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
16:
42]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥73
KI
NG
It
otal
l
yl ostcont r
olofthecarandbeforeIknew
i
twewer eof ftheroadandwecamei ncont act
wit
hatree, l
uckilyihadmyseat bel
tonand
Momowasatt hebackseat ,soshewassav ed
bymyseat .Itblockedherfrom t
heforcethat
wasgoingt oejectherthroughthewindscreen.
Itwasabi tquiet
,ot
herthant hesmoket hatwas
comi ngfrom thebonnet.Iwasabi tdisori
ented
foraf ewsecondsduet ot heimpactandt he
suddensav eofmyseatbel tandt heairbag.I
couldn'thearMomomov i
ngormaki ngasound,
andi hadnodoubtt hatthecarwasgoi ngto
catchf i
resoon.Igotmyseat beltoffand
pushedt heai r
bagsoIcoul dmakeacl earexit,
i
openedt hedoorandf el
l out.Igotupand
openedatt hebackbythenaf ewcar shad
stoppedandt hedri
ver
scamet oseewhatwas
goingon.IgotMomooutandshewas
unconsci ous,shewasalsobl eedingfrom her
Nose.Iputherdownont hegr ass..
Dri
ve1:
Getawayfr
om thecarSi
rbefor
eit
cat
chesfi
rei
thi
nkthepetr
olisl
eaki
ng
Dri
ver2:
Ihaveal
readycal
l
edt
hePar
amedi
cs
andthecops
Dr
iver
1:Doy
ouhav
eanyv
aluabl
esi
nthecar
?
InoddedasIl
ookedatMomol
ayi
ngt
her
e
unconsci
ous.
.
Dri
ver
1:I
'l
lgety
ourv
aluabl
esf
ory
oubutpl
ease
t
aketheki
dandmov eaway
Ipi
ckedMomoupandt
heseconddr
iverl
edus
tohi
scar
..
.
.
YAYA
Iam notaper sonthatcri
eseasi l
ybutIf ound
my selfsitt
ingatthedressingtableafterbathi
ng
andj uststarri
ngatmy sel
fi nt
hemi r
ror.Tears
burnedmyey esasIrefl
ectedonmyl ifeand
everythingthathashappenedt ome.Myf amil
y,
Sandi l
e,theabusei suff
eredfrom him andmy
Mot her.Iwasbr okeninsi
dephy sical
lyi l
ook
fi
nebuti nt
ernall
yihavediedal otoftimes..
Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
.
Me:
Comei
n
ThedooropenedandCandi
cewal
kedinhol
ding
agol
ddresswithgol
d&whit
eheel
s..
Her
:Babecomeon
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Shesatonthebedandl
ookedatmyr
efl
ect
ion
i
nthemirr
or..
Her
:Sandi
l
e?
It
ookat
issueandwi
pedmyf
ace.
.
Me: Ij
ustwantpeaceCandice.Ijustwantt
o
fi
nishschool
,getmydegreeandl i
veali
fewer
e
I'
l
lbedependantonmysal arythanhavingt
o
exchangemybodyf ormoney
Candi
ce:
Yay
adon'
tdot
hist
oyour
sel
f
Me: Ihavenev erbeenl ovednotevenbymy
ownMot heranddef i
nit
elyiam cursedwheni t
comest or el
ationshipsiam suffer
ingfor
putt
ingLihlethr oughsoomuchpai n.Iknewhe
wasi naser i
ousr elati
onshi
pwi thsomeoneel se,
iknewt heywassett ogetmar r
iedsooni don'
t
knowhowi lostt
heballandfel
li
nlovewit
hhim.
Itwassupposedt obeaboutMoneyand
nothi
ngmor e.
.Wheredidital
lgowrong?Am I
thatbadtohav eallt
hishappentome?Nowmy
ownsi st
er,myownsi steri
smyKarma.Iam
hurtCandice,i
tcutsdeep
Shest
oodputt
ingtheout
fi
tont
hebedand
cametome,shehuggedme.
.
.
LI
HLE
Fi
ki
le:
shoul
dIwai
tfory
ou?
(
sil
ence)
If
eltahandonmyshoul
deri
jumped.
.
Fi
ki
le:
It'
sjustmewehav
ear
ri
ved
Ilookedar
oundandwewer
epar
kednextt
othe
restaur
ant
Me:
Tha.
.Thanky
ou
Her
:Ar
eyouokay
?Youseem abi
tshaken
Me:
Iam f
ine
Her
:Li
h..
Me:
Fiki
l
eiam f
ine!
!(shout
ing)
Iexhal
ed.
.
Me:
Sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
osnap
Inhermi
ndshehadal ottoaskbutbecauseof
themoodthatiwasin,it
hinkshedi
dn'
twanna
star
tafi
ght.Iopenedt
hedoor..
Me:
Youcangoi
l
lcal
l
Her
:Okaycool
Igotoutandwat
chedherasshedr
oveaway
,
wit
hmykneesweaki wentt
othedoor
..
Lady:Goodeveni
ngwelcomet
oBonni
ta
rest
aurantt
abl
eforone?
Me:act
ual
l
yiam meet
ingsomeone.
.Sandi
l
e
Khumal
o?
Her
:letmecheck
Shewenttot
heboar
dnextt
othedoorand
checked.
.
Her:
Tablenumber03j
ustgot
hrought
hatdoor
youwil
lsee
Me:
thr
ought
hatdoor
?
Her
:It
'sapr
ivat
edi
nni
ngar
ea
Me:
Ohw
Il
ookedather
..
Me:
Thanky
ou
Ipassedaf ewt ablesmakingmywayt othe
pri
vatedinningar eaandtherehewassi t
tingat
thetabl
e,iexhaledaf ewti
mesandt henmade
mywayi n.Iwal kedupt othetabl
eandi looked
aroundatleastt heglasswastranspar
entso
peoplecanseewhat 'shappeni
ng.Helif
tedhis
eyesupandl ookedatme. .
Hi
m:Di
dyougetl
ost
?
Me:
Iam her
enowai
n'
tI?
Hepoi
ntedatt
hechai
r.
.
Hi
m:Pl
easesi
t
Iopenedt
hechai
randsatdown.
.
Hi
m:Igoty
ouabot
tl
eofsweetr
ed
Heopenedi
tandpour
edal
i
ttl
eforme,
heputi
t
backi
nthebucket
.
Hi
m:I
'
llhav
ewhi
skeyonmysi
de
It
ookt
hegl
assandgul
peddownt
hewi
ne.
.
Hi
m:Sl
owdowni
tsgoi
ngt
obeal
ongni
ght
Herai
sedhi
shandupf
ort
hewai
tr
esst
ocome
andat
tendt
ous..
.
.
YAYA
Candi
ce:
Wowy
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me:
Count
sfornot
hingi
am goi
ngt
oget
f
ucked
Her
:Yay
a..
Me:
Let
'sgo
Iledthewayf r
om thebedroom t
otheli
vi
ng
room whereBigDaddywassi t
ti
ngwithmy
potenti
alcl
ient
,theyweresmokingci
garsand
havingwhiskey.
.
Bi
gD:Andher
esheisal
thoughIt
houghti
t
woul
dbesomeoneel
se
Theguyt urnedandl ookedatme, hewas
youngert hani hadexpected.Helookedli
kehe
wasi nhisear l
y30s.Hest oodupandbut toned
thejacketofhi ssuit
, heputtheci
garonthe
ashtrayandmadehi swayt ome.Hewas. .iam
evenf ail
i
ngt of i
ndthewor dstodescri
behim he
tookmyhandandki ssedit,whil
ehisbeauti
ful
grayey eslookedi nt
omi ne..
Hi
m:Youl
ookl
ovel
y
Hi
svoi
cewasabi
tdeep.
.
Heletgoofmyhandandputhi
sonhischesti
noti
cedhehadonaDani
elKlei
nwat
ch,hegave
outasidesmi
le.
.
Hi
m:Wherear
emymanner
s?Mynamei
s
Sy
dney
..Sy
dneyDuze
Ijustl
ookedathim wi
thoutsayingany
thi
ngon
theotherhandiwasintoxi
catedbyhis
cologne.
.
.
.
LI
HLE
Isawhi slipsmov i
ngbutt hewor dshewas
sayingcamet omyear sgibberish,i
was
sweat i
ngandt helightintheroom appear ed
mor ebrighter
.Ididn'
tfeelgoodatal l
,cannotbe
thewi neionlyhad3gl assesnoi am notdrunk
somet hingisjustnotright
.Ilookedatt he
glassesont hetableandt heyappeared3t i
mes,
ourdisheswehav en'tevenhadt hefi
rstcourse
y
et.
Ndi
l
e:Hl
ehl
ear
eyouokaaaaaaaaaaaaay
?
Hi
sokayechoedi
nmyear
s..
Ndi
l
e:Shoul
dIt
akey
ouhome?
Me:
What
's?
?What
'
s..I
..
Isawhi
m st
andi
nguphecamet
ome.
.
Hi
m:Li
hlear
eyouokay
?
Me:
Cal
lKi
ng.
.Cal
lFi
ki
le.
.Cal
l
..
Hi
m:Noi
am t
aki
ngy
out
othehospi
tal
Hepi
ckedmeupi
hear
danot
herv
oice.
.
Voi
ce:
Issheokay
?
Him:l
eadustotheotherexi
tbefor
eeveryone
el
sestar
tsnot
ici
ngthoselooki
ngjustt
ell
t hem
shehadalott
odrink
Voi
ce:
Thi
sway
Hi
m:Thanky
ou.
.Youhav
ebeenofgr
eathel
p
Voi
ce:
Shedi
dn'
tnot
icet
hewi
newasal
ready
opened?
Him: It
hinkshewaspr
ett
yner
voust
otakenot
e
ofthat
Voi
ce:
Okay
Me:
He.
.Ta.
.
Ndi
l
e:Justsl
eepsweet
hear
t
Iwasoutofi
t,couldn'
tdoanythi
ngmyeyes
st
art
edshutt
ingslowlyasifl
i
kei wasdr
if
ti
ng
i
ntoapeacef
ul sl
eep..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
16:
43]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
¥74
KI
NG
Wewer eatthehospit
alandMomowokeupbut
shewasstil
linastateofshock,shepani cked
sotheDoctorsedatedher.Lastyearshewas
i
nvolv
edinat er
ri
blecaraccidentthatscarred
hersot odaywhenwehadt hataccident
,her
bodywenti ntoshockDoct orssaidwear el ucky
thatshesur v
ived.Ist
illhadtoinform my
captai
nbecausewehadanacci dentwiththe
poli
cev ansincei bor
rowedLi hlemycar ,and
speakingofLihleshewasn' tpicki
ngupmycal l
s
whichmademet ostressmor e.Iwasi n
Momo' swar dwhenIr ecei
vedacal lf
rom Fikil
e,
Momopassedoutaf ewmi nutesagosoIwent
toanswert hecalloutside.
.
Me:
Fiki
l
e
Her
:Ki
ng
Me:
Isev
ery
thi
ngal
ri
ght
?
Her
:Idon'
tthi
nkso
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Her:
Af ewhoursagoidroveLi
hlet
omeet
someoneatBonnit
a'sshesai
dwhenthewhole
meeti
ngisdonesheisgoingtocal
lmesoican
comeandfetchher,i
t'
snow23:00andshe
hasn'
tcal
led.Idr
ovebackt
other
est
aur
antbut
i
t'
sclosed
Me:
Whowasshemeet
ing?
Her:Idon'
tknowser
iousl
ybutsheseemed
shaken
Me:Howdoy oudr
ivesomeonetogoandmeet
anot
herper
sonwit
houtknowingwhoi
tis
Her:
Iknow.
.Iknow.
.Iknow.
.Justt
hatshewas
i
nav er
ybadmoodandi di
dn'
twanttostar
tan
ar
gument
Me:
Didy
oucheckatt
hehouse?
Her
:Yes.
.Thel
i
ght
sar
eof
fther
e'snoone
Me:
Lihl
ehasst
art
edwi
thhershi
t
Her:Idon'
tthi
nkso..It
hinkshe'
sreal
l
yin
t
roublethi
stimearound
Ihadanot
hercal
lcomi
ngt
hrough.
.
Me:
Letmecal
lyouagai
n
Her
:Okay
Theot
hercal
lwasmySi
ster
,ianswer
ed.
.
Me:
Syl
vi
a
Her
:Ki
ng!What
'
shappeni
ngihavebeentry
ing
t
ogethol
dofMomobutherphoneisoff
Me:
Yawe.
.
Her
:Andy
ourphone.
.Youwasn'
tpi
cki
ngup
Me:
Uhm.
.
Her
:What
?
Me:
Wehadami
noracci
dent
Her
:Ami
noracci
dent
?
Me:YesMomoi
sadmi
tt
edherbodywenti
nto
shock
Icoul
dhearhowdi
str
essshewas.
.
Her
:Cani
tal
ktoher
?Howi
sshe?
Me:
Shei
ssl
eepi
ngt
heysedat
edher
Her
:Whi
chhospi
tal
iam onmyway
Me:
Ther
e'snoneed.
..
Her:Momoi
smyDaught
ert
her
e'sdef
ini
tel
ya
need!
.
.
YAYA
Sy dneyhadt akenmet oav eryhighclasshot el
i
nal l myl i
neofdoi ngwhati do,ihavenev er
hadamant akemeoutt osuchahi ghcl assand
cost l
yhot el.Thedi sheswehadt hecheapest
wasR500heaskedmet oor deranythingt hati
want ed, t
houghi coul dn'tmakeoutwhatdi shes
theyser vedwasmyf ir
sttimeseei ngt hem. .He
i
sasmoot htalker,hasabeaut if
ulsmi lewi t
h
shallowdi mpl esmostofourt alksrevolved
aroundmyst udies, myhopesandmydr eams.
Hel istenedt omeat tenti
velyhewasn' t
discour aginganypar tofmydr eamst hati told
himi wantedt oachi eve,iwasn' tusedt othi s
j
ustsi tti
ngandt alkingwi t
hamanwi thoutsex
beingi nvolved.Hel ookedatt hetime..
Hi
m:It
hinkweshoul
dret
ir
e..I
t'
slat
e
Me:Sohowdoyouwannadot
his?Hot
el,
your
pl
ace?Howdoesi
tworkwi
thy
ou?
Hegav
emeaconf
usedl
ook.
.
Hi
m:Wear
enotgoi
ngt
ohav
esex
Me:
Huh?
Him:
Ihadalongdayatworkandij
ustwanted
somecompanyoveradel
i
ciousmealt
hat'
sall
Me:
Thi
sisbul
l
shi
t
Ithrewmynapkinont het
ableandstoodup,i
tookmyclutchbagandstart
edwalkingaway.I
heardhim cal
loutt
omebuti i
gnor
e,hesai
das
abletocaughtupwithmejustasIwasaboutto
exit
..
Hi
m: what
'swr
ongi
thoughtwewer
ehav
inga
gr
eatti
me?
Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:
Whatki
ndofamandi
nesawomanatsuch
anexpensi
vehi
ghcl
asshot
elandt
henwant
s
not
hinginr
etur
n?
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Hi
m:Iseewer
etheconf
usi
oni
s
Me:Youbr
oughtmeouther
etoj
ustwhatpl
ay
wi
thme?
Hi
m:LookYay
aiwi
l
lst
il
lmaket
hepay
ment
Il
ookedathi
m st
art
led.
.
Me:
Whati
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Hi
m:NowIdon'
tknowwhatt
osay
Me:
Pleasej
ustdr
ivemehome
Hi
m:OkayI
'
lldr
ivey
ouhome
Someonemustbeplayi
ngacruelj
okeonmei
don'
tbel
i
eveSydneyexi
sts,
hecannotexi
st.
.
.
.
LI
HLE
Ifel
tcol
dwat erbeingpouredonmei l
i
ftedmy
headupi napanickonlytofi
ndthattheroom
wassimi l
arwhenIlookedaround,i
twast he
samemot el
room wereheheldmecapt ivet
he
l
asttime.Iwaslayingonthebedbuti wasn'
t
ti
edupt hi
stimearound.
Hestoodt
her
elooki
ngatmewhi
l
emyhear
t
r
aced..
Hi
m: Youknowwhil
eyouhadpassedouti
was
t
hinki
ngofwhati
wasgoingtodotoyou
Hel
ookedar
ound.
.
Him:Holdyoucapt
iveandt
ort
ureyouunt
ili
get
ti
red,
idon'
tknowihadalotofi
deasofwhati
candotoyou
Imov
edbackwhi
l
eIwasst
il
lont
hebed.
.
Him:Onei
deastr
uckmet hatwhynotjustend
thi
snow?Whynotmakeital esspai
nfuldeath?
Imeanwecannotkeepondoi ngt
hisi
t'
st i
ri
ng
Me:
ify
oudon'
tl
etmegoKi
ngwi
l
lfi
ndy
ouand
ki
l
lyou
Hi
m:Real
l
y?Wher
eisheagai
n?
Me:
Justl
etmegoPl
ease
Him:Iwi
lll
etyougoinawayt
hatyouwil
lmeet
yourMot
her..Sohowar
ewegoingtodothi
s?
Shoul
di.
.
Hisphonerang,hetookitoutandlookedati
t
forawhil
e.Ilookedatthedooritwassli
ghtl
y
openedandwhi l
ehewasconcent rat
edonhis
phonemay beicanmakeacl eangetaway ?I
t'
s
nowornever.It'
sariskI'
l
lhavetotake.
.
Ashewasbusyonhi sphonei jumpedoutof
bedandr antot
hedoor ,
ididn'tthi
nkmyheel s
woul dtakemether ebuttheydi d.Unf or
tunat
ely
wheni openedinoticedthatthechai nwasst i
ll
holdingthedoortight,wheni tri
edt ogetthe
chainof fhewasal r
eadygr abbingmebymy
braidshet hr
ewmedownwhi l
el ockingthedoor.
Hi
m:Youwer
enev
ersmar
tthat
'
sthesadpar
t
Hetookouthi
sgunf
rom hi
swai
standcame
st
rai
ghtt
ome. .
Me:Sandi
l
epl
easei
fyouev
erl
ovedmey
ou
woul
dletmego
Hi
m:Idi
dlov
eyou.
.That
'swhyi
am doi
ngt
his
Hecameandgr abbedmybr aidst i
ght l
yt hen
startedhi tt
ingmewi t
ht hebackofhi sgunr i
ght
acrossmyf ace, onmyf orehead, andonmy
head.I twasanex cruciatingpai n,onet hati
havenev erf eltbefore.Hebashedmeupunt ilI
startedbl eeding, mywhol efacewasbl oodyand
myv i
sionwasst ar t
ingt ogetabi tblurry.When
het houghtt hati hadenoughhet hrewmeon
thef l
ooragai n,Iwascr yingandbeggi ngf ormy
l
ifebutt hatwasl andingondeafear s.Iwi ped
mybl oodyf acewi thmyhandt oatleastgeta
betterv i
sionandIsawhi m wi pingthegunwi t
h
hisshi r
twhi lehi sbackwasf acingme. .Hehad
nothingoni nhi supperbodyandhewasbusy
goingonandonnotr ealizingt hatiwasst il
l
consci
ous.
.
Him:Nowf orthefinal
strawi justneedtoputa
f
ewbulletsinyou..Thi
nkofi tLihleiam doing
youafavourandwhat 'ssadi sthatiam going
t
ogetawaywi t
hy ourmur derli
kei di
dwi t
hy our
Mother
'smur derandNkabi nde'smur der
!
Ilookedaroundandundert hebedIsawa
candleholder,icr
awledtogetitwhil
eIcoul
d
stil
ltast
emyownbl ood.Aft
ergett
ingaholdof
i
t,itwasabi theavyitookoffmyheelsandtr
ied
togetup.
Hi
m: Nothi
ngcant
ouchme.
.Seei
nthi
swor
ldi
am agod!
Heputt heguntempor ari
lyont hesmal lchai
ras
iapproachedhi m withthatbitofstrengththati
hadi nme, whenhet urnedaroundhewasmet
bythecandl eholderacrosshi sface.Ikepton
hit
tinghi mrepeatedl
ynotgi vi
nghi m achance
todef endhimself,t
hef i
rstbl
owsenthi m
screami ngandtheot herblowssenthi mt othe
fl
oor.
.Ithrewthecandl
ehol
derandt
hengot
holdofhisgun..
Me:Youar
enotaGod,
Godi
simmor
tal
andt
his
i
sthedeat
hofyou
Hel
ookedatmewi t
hbloodonhisfacehewas
i
nalotofpai
nit
hinkibust
edhisnose..
Me:YoucannotdoitLi
hle.
.Youcannotdoi
t!
!
Youarenotamurderer
!
Myhandswer
eshaki
nghei
sri
ghti
am nota
mur
derer
..
Hi
m: Sl
owl
yputdownt
hegunpl
easeandl
et'
s
t
alk
Iwasabouttosurrenderunti
lmyhandsst ar
ted
gl
owingitwasabr i
ghtli
ghtthatf
il
ledtheroom,
asmyhandswer eholdingtheguni f
eltt
he
warmthofotherhandshelpingmeholdthegun..
Isl
owl
ytur
nedaroundandi
coul
dn'
tbel
i
evei
t,i
t
wasmyMother
..
Me:
Mom.
.
Mom:
Youwer
efor
everst
ubbor
n
Shelookedt
hesamebuttheonl
ydif
fer
encei
s
thatshewasgl
owi
ngverybri
ght
..
Aswar mt hcloudedmyhear t
,andt ears
escapedmyey esi feltherhandspr essingon
ti
ghtlyandt hegunwentof f.IheardSandi l
e
screami ngal ittl
e,i turnedt olookathi m and
thebullethadgonest r
aightintohischestwhen
hewast ryingt oappr oachmei nhopesof
snatchingt hegunf rom me.Ipani ckedmy
handsst art
edshaki ng, helookedatt heblood
oozingf rom thatar eaandwi thhislaststrength
hecont inuedappr oachi ngmei cl
osedmyey es
andkeptonshoot ingunt i
lthegunhadno
bull
etsany mor e.Itwasv er
yqui etandwhenI
openedmyey esSandi lewasl ay i
ngont hefloor
i
nhi sownpool ofbl ood, it
urnedar oundandMy
Mot herwasn' tar oundany more.Iturnedand
l
ookedatSandi le,hi sey esandhi smout hwer e
sli
ghtlyopen.Ihadnodoubti nmymi ndthathe
wasgone, idroppedt hegunandsl owlywentt o
getmybagsoIcangetmyphone.
.
.
YAYA
Candi
ce:
Yay
awakeup!
!Wakeup!
!
Iwokeupscr eami
ng,iwassweat
ing,myheart
wasraci
ng.Iwasov er
whelmedwiththisgr
eat
feart
haticannotexpl
ain,
iwasbr
eathing
abnormal
ly.
.
Candi
ce:
It'
sjustani
ght
mar
e..I
t'
sjusta
ni
ghtmar
e
ShehuggedmeasItri
edtorecal
lwhatmy
ni
ghtmarewasabout
,butal
lIknowisthat
somethi
ngwasnotri
ght.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
09/
29,
16:
44]Ron:
SEASONFI
NALE
-
PRESENTDAY
LI
HLE
Me:
Thepl
atf
ormi
snowopenf
orquest
ions
Isawal
otofhandsup.
.
Me:Wowsomanyhands,
iguessev
ery
one
want
sapi
eceofmetoday
Thewhol
eaudi
tor
ium l
aughed.
Me:Canwehavethatl
adywear
ingar
edt
shi
rt
pl
ease,
passhert
hemic
Shest
oodupast
heypassedhert
hemi
c..
Her:Fir
stofalli
wantt ocongrat
ulateyouon
yourbookwheni r
eadf r
om thei
ntroducti
onal
l
thewayt ot
heendi hadmoment swer eiwoul
d
putitdownfrequentlybecausei
twast hat
i
ntensebutiendedupf i
nishi
ngi
twi t
hintwo
days
Idr
ankwat
erasherquest
ionwasaboutt
o
come.
.
Her:Yourbookendedwherey
oushothim aft
er
thatwewereneverleti
nonwhathappened
next
Me: Atf i
rstt
hej udgewhor ev i
ewedt hecase
chargedmewi t
hmansl aught eri wassent enced
to15y ear si
npr isont henaf terservingatleast
6mont hsanotherj udger ev iewedmycasewi th
theev i
dencet hatt heDrpr ov idedofmybr uises
thejudgeact uall
yl etmegetawaywi thsel
f
defensei twasr uledt hati wasputunder
cir
cumst anceswer ehewoul d' vetakenmyl ife
andt herefor
ewhati didi actual l
ypr otect
ed
my self
Her:Di
dKinghaveany
thi
ngtodowi
thy
our
casebei
ngrevi
ewedagai
n?
Me: Yesonlybecausehewantedj
ust
icetobe
servediwasinnocental
lidi
dwastodefend
my sel
ffr
om amanwhowant edtopr
ematurel
y
takemylife
Her
:Yousoundsopr
oudofwhaty
oudi
dasi
f
l
ikeSandi l
e'
slif
edidn'tmatter
..I
fiam correct
yougrewupi naChristi
anhomeandatt heend
yourMot herwhowassupposedl yapr oclaimed
Chri
stianhelpedyoupul lt
hetri
gger?Aren'tyou
scaredthatyougoingt ohell
?
Sheputmei napositi
onthatreal
l
yangeredme,
whataboutallt
heinnocentpeopl
eSandil
e
ki
ll
edandtortur
ed?Mei ncl
uded.Icl
osedmy
eyesandtookadeepbr eat
h..
Me:
Cani
hav
ethenextquest
ionpl
ease
Her:
Yougoingtoburninhel
lLihl
eCel
e!Youar
e
amurder
er!Yourwholebooki
sashame!You
pl
ayedamant hatt
rul
ylovedyou
Securi
tyescor
tedheroutasshewasbusy
rant
ingli
keamadper son.
.
Me:
Okayt hatwasunexpect
ed.
.Canwehav
e
t
henextquesti
onplease
Amicwaspassedt
oanot
herl
ady
,shest
ood
up.
.
Her
:Rel
axiam notgoi
ngt
obet
hrowi
ng
j
udgment
s
Me:
Pheewt
hanky
ou
Her:i
justwannaknowwhathappenedt
oyour
Auntandyourcousi
n,di
dyoual
sogetyour
Money?
Me:Yesiendedupgetti
ngmymoneyused
someformybookandt her
estihav
eputit
awaysaf
elyunti
liknowwhatt
odowi t
hit
Her
:Anypl
ansofgoi
ngbackt
oschool
?
Me:
May
be
Il
ookedatt
het
ime.
.
Me:
Iam openf
oronel
astquest
ion
Someguyst
oodupandt
heyhandedhi
mthe
mic.
.
Him:Ir
eady
ourbookandi
mustsayy
ouar
ea
ver
ystr
ongwoman
Me:
Thanky
ou
Him:Ijustwannaknowhowar
ethi
ngsnow
betweeny ouandKi
ng?
Me:Wearefi
nethingshaveneverbeen
peacef
uli
nmyrelati
onshi
pbefore
Hi
m:washeeveral
l
owedt
ohav
ear
elat
ionshi
p
wi
thhi
sSon?
Me:
Unf
ort
unat
elyno
Hi
m:Whatabouthi
sSist
erandhi
sniece?Di
d
t
heni
eceeverr
ecoverf
rom t
heacci
dent?
Me:Yesshedi
dandwehav
eav
eryst
rongbond
al
lofus
Hi
m:Youral
cohol
addi
cti
on?
Me:Ihaven'
tdrankalcoholi
n8mont
hsnow
andIam att
endingtherapyt
ohel
pmedeal
wit
h
whathappened
Hi
m:onel
astquest
ion
Me:
Okay
Hi
m:Whathappenedt
oYay
a?
Ipausedf
orawhi
l
e..
Me:Iam sor
ryev
ery
onei
hav
etobe
somewhere
Theyal
lgr
umbl
ed.
.
Hi
m:wai
twhathappenedt
oYay
a?
TheMCcamet hr
oughandshookmyhandt
hen
iwal
kedof
fthestage.
.
MC:Everyonet
hatwasLi hleCelet
heauthor
behi
ndthebookt i
tl
ed"Broken"shehassold20
000copiessofarandsti
llsell
ingi
mustsaythi
s
bookchangedalotofli
ves...
.
.
YAYA
Candi
ce:
Howi
sitnow?
(
Sil
ence)
Her
:Yay
a?
Il
ookedatherst
andi
ngbehi
ndmei l
ookedat
herr
efl
ect
ionthr
oughthemi
rror
..
Me:
It'
sfi
ne
Her:
Inlesst
hanaf ewminut
esyouwal
king
downthatai
sleandall
youcansayi
s"i
t'
sfi
ne"
Me:
Sor
ryi
mjust
..
Her:It
houghttodaywewasn'
tgoi
ngt
othi
nk
aboutThandeka
Me: HowcanInott hi
nkofher?meandherl ost
contactthatdayifoundoutshewassl eeping
withmymanandnoonehashear dfrom heror
seenher.Shel ef
ttwokidstheyhaven'tseenher
i
ny ears!
Her:Iam sor
rysweet
iebutSydneywi
llbe
waiti
ngforyousori
ghtnowtakeThandekaoff
yourmindbecauseyouneedtowalkdownthat
aisl
e
Me:Youri
ght.
.Youknowhei
sthebestt
hing
t
hathaseverhappenedt
ome
Her:Youguysar
ethereasonwhyihavef
aith
thatoneday
..MaybeonedayBigDaddymight
propose
Il
aughed.
.
Me:
IsmyMot
herandmyGr
andmot
herher
e?
Her
:Yest
heyar
e
Me:
Can'
tbel
i
eveMom cl
eanedupheract
Her
:Sheseemst
obedoi
ngwel
l
Me:andwor ki
ng.
.Atl
eastshe'
staki
ngcar
eof
Thandeka'
skidsandGrandmot
hershehasal
so
st
oppeddrinki
ng
Her:Ify
ouweren'tasoci
alworkeryouwoul
dn'
t
havebeenabl
et ohelpherbewhoshei st
oday,
youdoingagr
eatj obYaya.
.Notlongagoyou
graduat
ednowy ougetti
ngmar r
ied
Ismi
l
ed.
.
Me:Godhasblessedmeyouknowwhat'
s
happeni
ngnowov er
power
sthepai
niwasput
t
hroughall
theseyearsiam comf
ort
abl
etosay
t
hatIam happyforthef
irstt
imei
nmylif
e
Wehear
daknockatt
hedoor
..
Candi
ce:
I'
ll
geti
t
Shewentt
oopen.
.
Candi
ce:
Pleasecomei
n
MyMot herwalkedinshewaswear
inga
beaut
if
uldresswithamatchi
nghat
..
Candi
ce:
I'
ll
giv
eyouguy
ssomespace
Shewal
kedout
,ist
oodup.
.
Mom:
Lookaty
ou.
.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me:
Thanky
ou
Shel
ookedl
ikeshehadsomet
hingt
osaybut
di
dn'
tknowhowt osayi
t.
Mom:
Yay
aiam v
erysor
ryaboutev
ery
thi
ng.
.I.
.
Me:Don'
tMa..Nottodaypl
ease.
.Todayi
t'
sa
ver
yspeci
aldayformelet'
str
ytobehappyand
l
eavethi
ngsoft
hepastal
oneil
ongforgav
eyou
andiam ver
ypr
oudthaty
ouchanged
Shesmi
l
edt
hroughhert
ear
s..
Mom:Youri
ght
..Todayi
t'
sal
labouty
ouand
t
hankyouf
orevery
thi
ng
Wehear
danot
herknockatt
hedoor
..
Mom: I
tmustbey
ourfri
endshe'
spr
obabl
y
back.
.Iwi
l
lgoandtakemyseat
Ismi
l
edather
..
Sheappr
oachedthedoorandwal
kedoutwhi
l
e
Li
hlewal
kedin.
.
Li
hle:
Ithoughti
missedt
hewhol
ethi
ng
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Shecameandhuggedme.
..
Her
:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:NervousbutIam f
eel
i
ngawhol
elotbet
ter
nowthatyouhere
Her
:Youl
ookst
unni
ng
Me:idoandyoul
ookst
unni
ngt
ooMi
ssbest
sel
l
ingAuthor
Shel
aughed.
..
Me:
Whenar
eyouget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
Her
:Def
ini
tel
ynoti
nar
ush
I
t'
samazi nghowLi hleandibecameclose
whenshewaswr iti
ngherbooksheaskedf or
myst or
yandspendi ngmoretimetogether
broughtuscloserbecausewesharedthesame
pain,webothsufferedint
hehandsofthesame
person.
.
Her:Youl
ookdownt
hough,
shoul
dn'
tyoube
happy?
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:It
'sj
ustmySist
ershei
swor r
yingmeshe
hasbeenmissi
ngforaver
ylongti
me
Shel
ookedar
ound.
.
Her
:Wher
eist
hev
eil
?
Me:
IsKi
ngmaki
nganypr
ogr
esswi
tht
hecase?
Shegav
emeaf
aintsmi
l
e..
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Shewal
kedupt
omeandhel
dmyhands.
.
Her
:Iam sor
ryYay
a
Me:
Sor
ry?Whyar
eyousor
ry?
Her:
YourSist
ershe.
.Herbodywasf
oundi
n
somebushesaweekago
Me:
What
?
Her:
Ididn'
twannat el
lyoubecauseIdidn'
t
wannaupsetyou..Imadekingpromisethaty
ou
mustfi
ndoutafterthewedding
Isuddenl
yfel
tsi
ck.
.
Her
:Yay
acal
m down
Ishookmyheadno.
.
Me:
Ican'
tdot
his.
.
Her:Noyoucandot hi
s..Andy ouwil
l.
.Weare
all
heref
ory ou,i
knowi t'stoughiknowyouhurt
butsomeonewhot r
ulylovesy oui
swaiti
ngf
or
youdon'
tdisappointhi
m
Il
ookedather
..
Her
:Comel
et'
sgo
Shehelpedmeputt heveil.Forsomeodd
reasoniaskedLi hletowal kmedownt heaisle,i
knowitsoundsbi zarr
ebuti wantedustowal k
downt heaisl
et ogether.Iwanthert ohandme
tomysoont obehusband, aft
erever
ythi
ngi did
toherthepaini puthert hroughi wanthert
o
givemymar r
iageabl essing.
Her
:Ar
eyour
eady
?
Iputmyhandar
oundherar
m..
Me:
Iam r
eady
Webot hwalkedoutoft
her
oom t
othegar
den
weretheceremonywasgoi
ngt
obeconducted.
Ever
yonestoodupwhenwewasabouttowalk
downthatai
sle,shelookedatmef ir
stwit
h
tear
sinhereyesandi lookedathertoowit
h
tear
sinmyeyes.Af t
eraf ewsecondswe
l
aughedastearsfell
..
Her
:Let
'
sgo
Me:Newl
i
ves,
wit
hnewpeopl
ewhot
rul
ylov
e
us
Il
ookedup.
.
Me:Wher
everyouar
eSandi
l
eyouar
ea
bl
essi
ngi
ndisgui
se
Her
:Wi
thouty
oui
woul
dn'
thav
emetKi
ng
Me:Andi wouldn'
thavemetSy dneywhopai d
fort
heremainingyearsofmecompl et
ingmy
Degree,hedi
dn'tputmet hr
oughconst antpai
n
j
ustbecausehewasf inanci
all
yhelpingmebut
ever
ydayheshower edmewi thlovehei sthe
bestthi
ngthathaseverhappenedt ome
Her
:AndKi
nghei
sonei
nami
l
li
on
Ev
ery
onewasst
arr
ingatuswonder
ingwhywe
notwal
ki
ngdownt
heai
sle.
.
Me:
Arey
our
eady
?
Her
:Iam
West art
edwalki
ngdowntheai
sleandatour
requestnosongwasplay
edwewant edtowalk
downt heaisl
esi
ngi
ngourownsongt hatwe
rel
atetoo..
West
art
edwal
ki
ngwhi
l
esi
ngi
ng:
"I
'
velostt
heuseofmyhear
tbutI
'
m st
il
lal
i
ve,
Sti
ll
looki
ngf
orthel
i
ght
Andtheendl
esspool
ont
heot
hersi
de.
.It
'st
he
wil
dwil
dwest
I
'
m doi
ngmybest
..
I
'
m att
hebor
der
li
neofmyf
ait
h
I
'
m att
hehi
nter
landofmydev
oti
on
I'
mi nthefrontl
i
neoft hi
sbattl
eofmine,
buti'
m
stil
lal
i
v e.
.I'
m asol
dieroflov
eev er
ydayand
night
I
'
m asol
dierofl
ove
Al
ltheday
sofmyl
i
fe
I
'
vebeent
ornupi
nsi
de
I
'
vebeenl
eftbehi
nd
Tal
lIr
ide
Ihav
ethewi
l
ltosur
viv
e"
*
***
***
***
*THEEND*
***
***
***
*