I

NSERT1

I
NTRODUCTI
ON

Ther
ewascompl
etesi
l
ence.
..

Pri
est:Dearl
ybeloved,wear egat
heredheret odayi nt
hesightofGod, andinthef aceofthis
company,tojoi
ntogetherthisMan,KwaneleBut heleziandthi
sWoman, TholakeleGwal a,
inhol
y
Matri
mony ;
whichisanhonour abl
eestate,insti
tutedofGod.Intothisholyestatethesetwo
per
sonspresentcomenowt obejoi
ned.Ifanymancanshowj ustcause,whyt heymaynot
l
awfull
ybejoinedtogether
,lethi
m nowspeak, orelsehereaf
terforeverholdtheirpeace.

Thandekagl ancedatherdaught erwhowassi t

tingnextt oher.Thandekawasf umi ng.Ev ery
singl
ef ibreofherbodywaspul singinanger .Shehadwant edherdaught ertostayawayandnot
comeher etowitnesst hi
snonsense.Ast hepr iestaskedi fanyonewasagai nstthisuni on,
Thandekacont empl atedstandingup, goingov ert othatpodium, snatchingt hemi crophonef rom
thatpriestandt henusi ngittobangsomesensei nt
oKwanel e.Shewassof uri
ousathowt hi
ngs
hadt urnedoutov erthepasty earandahal f
.Shehadwat chedherv eryowndaught ergof r
om
beingfirstprior
ity,tobeingsecondbest .
..Noneoft hiswasputont het abl ewhenherdaught er
gotmar ri
edt oKwanel e.Noneofi twasdi scussed. .
.Nowal lofasuddent heywer einformed
thatKwanel ewasget t
ingmar ri
edtosomeoneel se.Howi sthatevenpossi blewheny oualready
haveawi f
ewhowoul dkil
landdief oryou?Suddenl yashar ppainst ungherhear tast hesad
reali
sationofherdaught er’
sinabili
tytoconcei vechi l
dren,dawnedonher .Ofcour seKwanel e
andhi sf amilywoulddosuch.Herdaught er,Nol wazi wasunablet opr ovi
det heonet hing
Kwanel eandhi sf ami l
ydesiredthemost ...Chil
dr en.

Thandekasl
owl
yreachedf
orherdaught
er’
shandandshesqueezedi
tli
ght
ly.

“Ifonl
yitwasmewhowasgoi ngthroughall
ofthi
s.Mydaughterdoesnotdeserv
ethi
s,”she
thought,“
Herl
ovi
ngandinnocentsoulhasdonenothi
ngwrong.Whyisshesuffer
ingf
or
somethingshehasnocontr
olover?”

Thesethought
sracedt
hroughThandeka’
smi
ndast
hesi
l
encei
nthechur
chpi
ercedherachi
ng
heart
.
Shegl
ancedatNol
wazi
onceagai
nandt
hensi
ghed.

Pri
est:Irequi
reandchar geyouboth,
asy ouwill
answeratthedreadfuldayofjudgmentwhen
thesecretsofall
heartsshallbedi
scl
osed,thatifei
therofy
ouknowanybar ri
er,whyyoumay
notbelawf ul
l
yjoinedtogetheri
nMatri
mony ,youdonowconf essit
.Forbewel lassur
ed,thati
f
anypersonsar ej
oinedtogetherot
herthanasGod' sWordall
ows,thei
rmar r
iageisnotlawful
.

KwaneleandThol akel
estaredint
oeachot her’
sey es.Tholakel
elookedathermanandal lshe
couldfeelwaspurehappiness.Shehadf all
eninlovewi t
hhi mthesecondtheylai
deyeson
eachother.Theirl
ovestor
yi ssomethingthatshehol dscl
oset oherhear
tandshewasmor e
thanreadytobewi thhimfortherestofherli
fe.Thiswashermanandshewasgoi ngtotake
careofhimi neverypossi
bleway.Shewoul dopenupawhol enewwor l
dforhim,somethi
nghis
oldandbi t
terf
ir
stwifecouldneverdo.Shewaspr eparedtoestabl
ishherpl
aceinhisheartfor
eter
nity.
..

Shesai
dal
ltheset
hingsi
nherv
owsandhermanwoul
doccasi
onal
l
ywi
pehert
ear
s.

Kwanel elookedatt hi
sshort
,plump,light-ski
nned,big-eyedgirlt
hatst oodi nfrontofhi m.He
sti
llcouldn’
tunder st
andhowhemanagedt ofal
l i
nlov ewi t
hher..
.Not hingaboutherwoul d
normallyappeal tohim.Helovedthem t al
l,well
-buil
t,ski
nl ooki
nglikei thadbeendi ppedin
warm chocol ate.
..ThatwasNolwazi.
..Hi soneandonl yNol wazi
.Thebeaut i
ful,strongand
i
ndependentNol waziwhoseconf i
denceandi nt
ell
igencel edhim strai
ghtt ohisf atherand
uncles,askingthem togoaskf orherhand.Thi swomandr ovehimi nsaneev erysi ngl
et i
mehe
l
ookedather .Justhermeretouchwasenought osendhi mt oanunknownwor ld.Herstruggl
es,
herachievement sandherresil
ienceear nedherhisut mostr espect.Her espect edhersomuch
thatshewoul dev engetannoyedbyt hewayheputheronsuchahi ghpedest al.

Hequi ckl
ybli
nkedaf ewtimesandsnappedoutofi t.ThiswasnotaboutNol wazi ..
.Thiswas
aboutTholakel
e.Thisinnocent
,chubby,brighteyedgirlwhowasst andinginfrontofhim.Her
zestforli
fecharmedhim.Herabi l
it
ytobringoutt hechildinhi
m andnott otakel i
fesoser i
ous
waswhatmadehersoat tr
acti
ve.Li
feisn’
tsupposedt obehect i
catalltimes,right?Tholakel
e
ful
lyunderst
oodt hi
sandshebr oughtsunshi net
ohi sli
fe..
.Muchneededsunshi ne..
.She
broughtyouth,anaspectNolwazihadlostov ert
hepastcoupl eofyears.
Theylookedateachotherl
ovi
ngl
yandshookt
hei
rheadwhent
hepr
iestaskedt
hem i
fther
ewas
anyreasonfort
hem tonotbeuni
ted.

Thepr
iestt
hencl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

Pr
iest:Kwanele,
wil
lyouhavethi
sWomant obey ourweddedwif
e,t
ol i
vetogetheraf
terGod'
s
or
dinanceinthehol
yestateofMatri
mony?Wil
lyouloveher,
comforther,
honour ,
andkeepher
i
nsicknessandinhealt
h;and,f
orsaki
ngal
lot
hers,solongasyoubothshalll
iv
e?

Kwanel
est
aredatThol
akel
eandnoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Kwanel
e:Iwi
l
l.

Nol
wazi’
sheartrat
ewasbeatingsofast,
thatshedidnott
hinkt
hatshewouldbeablet
o
br
eatheanylonger
.Hereshewasseatedasaguestatherlove’
sweddingandhear
inghi
m say
hewil
lhonouranotherwomanforaslongasheliv
es.

Just4yearsago,i
twasher.Shehadl ookedintothatman’sey esandshehadgi venhersel
fto
hi
m.Shehadgi venherheartt
ohi m andshehadt rust
edhim wi t
hit
.Hepr omisedt oalways
pri
ori
ti
setheneedsofthatheartbeforeanyotherheart
.Itwasherhear tthathehadf al
lenfor
andhepromisedherthathewoul dkeepitsafefortheremainderoftheirli
fetogether
..
.

Butnowi
twasbei
ngr
epl
aced.
..

Shesatt her
e,l
if
eless.Herhear
twasnother
sany more.IthadbeenwithKwanelef
orsol ong
thatshedidnotknowwhatt odowithi
tnowt hati
twasbei ngt
hrownbackinherface.Itwas
cold,bi
tt
er,hur
tanddamaged.Damagedbey ondrepair
..
.Thelovethatoncekepti
tali
vehad
nowf ounditswaytoanotherfr
esh,
youngheart.

Shef
elthermothersqueezeherhandandshetookadeepbreat
handf ocusedonherbr
eat
hing.
Shewouldn’
thavesurvi
vedthepastyearandahal
fifherr
ockwasn’
tthereatal
lti
mes.She
appr
eci
atedhermot
herbecauseshewasabl
etocar
ryhert
hrought
hist
ought
ime.

Thepr
iestt
hencl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatagai
nandt
henl
ookedatThol
akel
e.

Pr
iest:Thol
akel
e,wi
lly
ouhav ethi
sMant obeyourweddedhusband,t
oliv
et ogetheraf
terGod'
s
or
dinanceinthehol
yestateofMatri
mony?Willy
oulovehi
m,comf or
thim,honour ,
andkeephim
i
nsicknessandinheal
th;and,f
orsaki
ngall
other
s,sol
ongasy oubothshall
live?

Thol
akel
esmi
l
edbr
ight
ly,
wit
htear
sinherey
esandnoddedexci
tedl
y.

Thol
akel
e:Yes.YesIwi
l
l.

Theyhel
dhandsandhadt
orepeataf
tert
hepr
iest
.

Kwanele:I
,Kwanele,t
akeyouTholakel
e,tobemyweddedWi f
e,tohaveandtohol
dfrom t
his
dayfor
ward,forbett
erorf
orworse,forri
cherorf
orpoorer,
insicknessandi
nheal
th,
toloveand
tocher
ish,t
il
ldeathusdopart
,accordi
ngt oGod'
sholyordi
nance.

Nol
wazi
fel
tashar
ppai
nrusht
hroughherchest
.Shet
ookanot
herdeepbr
eat
h..
.

Mam’ But
helezismi l
edwi del
yasshewat chedhersonstandt her
e..
.Allshecoul
dseeatthi
s
pointwere3lit
tleKwanel esrunni
ngaroundthehouse..
.Hehadhi tajackpotwit
hthisy
oung,
fr
eshandbeaut ifulgi
rl
.Theyhadabr ightfut
ure!Shegl
ancedt othesideandsawherdaughter
i
nlaw, Nolwazisitt
ingthere.Anysanepersoncouldtel
lthatNolwaziwasnotwell.

“Shewi l
lgetoveritoneday”,shet
hought.“Whatel
sewoul
dmysondo?Si
funaabazukul
ut hi
na
andt hi
soldonei sincapabl
eofdoingthejob.I
t’
sbeen4year
skodwat
her
e’snochi
ld?Haibo
singafaphela”

Shesatt
her
eandwat
chedhappi
l
yasThol
akel
espoke.
Tholakele:
I,Thol
akele,
takeyou,Kwanele,tomyweddedHusband, tohaveandtohol
dfr
om thi
s
dayforward,forbett
erorforworse,f
orricherorf
orpoorer,
insi
cknessandinheal
th,
tol
oveand
tocherish,t
il
ldeathusdopart,accor
dingtoGod'sholyordi
nance.

Ther
ingswer
epr
esent
ed.

Pri
est
:Wi
ththi
sRi
ngIwedt
hee,
int
heNameoft
heFat
her
,andoft
heSon,
andoft
heHol
y
Ghost
.Amen.

Thepr
iestt
hent
ookThol
akel
e’
sri
ng.

Pri
est
:Bl
ess,OLord,
thi
sRi
ng,t
hathewhogivesitandshewhowear si
tmayabidei
npeace,
andcont
inuei
ntheyfav
our
,unt
othei
rli
fe'
send;t
hroughJesusChr
istourLor
d.Amen.

Kwanel
ethent
ookt
her
ingandsl
i
diti
nThol
akel
e’
sfour
thf
inger
.

Nol
wazi
fel
tanot
hershar
ppai
n.

Thandekasqueezedherdaught er’
shandgent l
y.Shewast ryi
ngsohar dtotr
ansfersomeofher
str
engthtoher .
..Herpoordaught erwasnotgi vent hi
slavi
shweddi ng4y earsago.All
oft his
wasjustwr ong.Thi syoung,f
atkidcameher eoutofnowher e,criedaboutwantingawhi t
e
weddingandev er yonejumpedandcat er
edt oherchi l
dishneeds.Thandekawassur ethatev en
theancestorswer eangr y
.Alloft
hiswasj ustwr ong.Theydidn’tevenbothertofoll
owthe
corr
ectprocedur e.Theyweremocki ngherpr eci
ousdaught er.Theywer emockingthechur ch.
Theyweremocki ngt hepri
nci
pleofmar r
iage.

Thandekasatt
her
e,t
ryi
ngnott
obur
st.

Thepr
iestt
hent
ookKwanel
e’
sri
ng.
Pri
est
:Bl
ess,OLord,
thi
sRi
ng,t
hatshewhogivesitandhewhowear si
tmayabidei
npeace,
andcont
inuei
ntheyfav
our
,unt
othei
rli
fe'
send;t
hroughJesusChr
istourLor
d.Amen.

Thol
akel
etookt
her
ingandsl
i
diti
nKwanel
e’
sfour
thf
inger
.

Nol
wazi
fel
tyetanot
hershar
ppai
nrusht
hroughherchest
.

Pri
est:OhEternal God,Creat
orandPreser
v erofallmanki nd,Gi
verofallspi
ri
tual
grace,
the
Authorofeverlasti
ngli
fe;Sendyourbl
essingupont heseser vant
s, t
hisManandt hi
sWoman,
whom webl essi nyourName.Thatthey,l
ivingfait
hfull
ytogether,maysurel
yperfor
m andkeep
thevowandcov enanttheymade.Theseringsar erecei
vedasat okenandpledge.Maytheyever
remaininperfectloveandpeacetogether
,andl i
veaccor dingtoyourlaws;t
hroughJesusChri
st
ourLord.Amen.

Ev
ery
onemut
ter
ed“
Amen.
”

Priest:OhGod,l
ookmerci
ful
lyupont heseser
vants,t
hattheymaylove,
honour ,
andcher ish
eachot her,
andsoli
vet
ogetheri
nf ait
hful
nessandpatience,i
nwisdom andtruegodliness,t
hat
theirhomemaybeahav enofblessingandofpeace; t
hroughthesameJesusChr istourLord,
whol ivesandr
eignswi
thyouandtheHol ySpir
itever
,oneGod, worl
dwithoutend.Amen.

Thepr
iestt
henj
oinedt
hei
rhands.

Pr
iest
:Those,
whom Godhasj
oinedt
oget
her
,letnomanputapar
t.

Thepr
iestt
henl
ookedatKwanel
eandThol
akel
e.

Priest
:MayGodt heFather,
Godt heSon,GodtheHolyGhost
,bl
ess,
pr eserve,
andkeepyou.May
theLordmer ci
ful
l
ywithhisfavour,
lookuponyou,andfi
ll
youwit
hallspiri
tualbl
essi
ngand
grace;thaty
oumaysol ivetoget
herinthi
sli
fe,
thatint
heworl
dtocomey oumayhav el
ife
ev
erl
ast
ing.Amen.

Kwanel
eandThol
akel
emut
ter
ed“
Amen.
”

Thepr
iestt
henl
ookedatev
ery
one.

Priest
:ForasmuchasKwanel eandTholakelehaveconsent
edtogetherinholywedlock,and
hav ewitnessedthesamebef oreGodandt hiscompany,andtheret
ohav egivenandpledged
theirt
roth,eachtot heother
,andhavedeclaredthesamebygi v
ingandr ecei
vingaRing,andby
j
oininghands; IpronouncethattheyareManandWi f
e,MrandMr sButhelezi
,intheNameoft he
Father,andoft heSon,andoftheHol yGhost.Amen.

Ev
ery
onemur
mur
edexci
tedl
yandt
hepr
iestl
ookedatKwanel
e.

Pr
iest
:Youmayki
sst
hebr
ide.

Kwanel
elookeddownathisbri
deasshebeamedwi thj
oy.Hepul
ledhercl
osert
ohi
m sot
hey
coul
dbepressedagai
nsteachotherandsoonenough,
thei
rli
psl
ocked.

Nol
wazi
’
shear
trat
espr
ungupandbef
oresheknewi
t,shehadzonedout
.

I
NSERT2

Thandeka:
Baby
..
.

Thandekasqueezedherdaught
er’
shandl
i
ght
ly.

Thandeka:
Lwazi
vukababy
.
Nol
wazibl
i
nkedacoupl
eoft
imesandhermot
hert
ouchedherf
aceandcar
essedhercheek
l
ovi
ngl
y.

Thandeka:
Ther
eyougo.Let
’st
ryt
osi
tup.

Sheheldherdaught
erandhel
pedherreposi
ti
onsoshecoul
dsitupandbalanceherbackont
he
headboar
d.Onceshehadreposi
ti
onedproperl
yshemadeNolwazidr
inkwater
.

Nol
wazi
:Isi
tov
er?

Thandeka:
Theweddi
ng?

Nol
wazinoddedli
ght
lyandbeforeThandekacouldr
eply
,thebedr
oom doorswungopenandi
n
wal
kedKwanele.Herushedt
ot hebedandstaredatNol
wazi.

Thandeka:
Ngi
cel
auphumal
anaKwanel
e.

Kwaneleturnedtolookathi
smother-
in-
lawint
ent
ly.Hewasabouttosaysomethi
ngwhen
Nolwazireachedforhi
sarm andt
hatcaughthi
sattent
ion.Hef
ocusedonNolwaziagai
nand
thensatdownont heedgeofthebed.

Nol
wazi
:Nel
eI’
m sor
ry.

Kwanel
e:Whyar
eyouapol
ogi
sing?

Nol
wazi
sighedandf
iddl
edwi
thherhands.
Kwanel
e:I
twaswr
ongofmet
oexpecty
out
obet
her
e..
.I’
mtheonewho’
ssor
ryLwazi
.

Her
eachedf
orherf
aceandmadeherf
acehi
m.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Il
i
key
ourt
uxedo.

Kwanel
echuckl
edl
i
ght
lyandl
eanedcl
osert
oki
ssherf
orehead.

Hi
m:Ofcour
sey
oudo.

Theystaredateachother,
andasal way
s,theygotlosti
neachother’
seyes..
.Fort
hatmoment ,
Nolwazi’
sbodyrelaxedandsher el
i
shedinherhusband’
spresence.Thel
ov ewasthere,
ther
e
wasnodeny ingi
t.Evenastrangerwoul
dbehesi t
antabouti
nterr
upti
ngthismoment .

Thandekalookedatthesetwoandherinsi
deschur
ned.Sheknewthei
rlovebi
ndedthem but
shejustcoul
dn’tshakeofft
heangert
owardsKwanele.Whydidhehavetorui
nthi
ngswithhis
sel
fi
shness?

Shecl
ear
edhert
hroat
,hopi
ngt
ost
opt
hei
ntenseconnect
ion,
butnot
hinghappened.

Kwanel elookedathiswi feandhisheartachedashesawthesadnessi

nherey es.Hewas
responsibleforhernowl ookingsofrai
landfragi
l
e.Thest
rongandconf
identwomanhel ov
es
nowl ookedlikeanunf amili
arpersonwhowant edtohi
debehi
ndsomeshell.
..Hehadcaused
thi
sandhi sheartachedforher.

Nol
wazicouldfeel
herhusband’
sloveforher
.Therewasnodoubtt
hathelovedher.
..Fort
hat
momentsheallowedhersel
ftor
elaxandjustbeateasei
nhi
spresence.Shesmil
edasshef el
t
hi
shandstrokehercheek.
Kwanel
e:Ther
eiti
s.

Seei
nghersmi
l
emadei
tabet
terf
orKwanel
e.I
tmadei
tat
adbi
teasi
erandi
teasedt
hegui
l
t..
.

Thandekacl
earedhert
hroatev
enl
ouderandbot
hKwanel
eandNol
wazi
snappedoutofi
tand
theyl
ookedather.

Thandeka:
HambaKwanel
e.I
’
m sur
eyourpeopl
ear
elooki
ngf
ory
ou.Nol
waz
ishoul
dbet
he
l
eastofyourwor
ri
es.

Nol
wazi
:Mama.
..

Sheunderst
oodthathermotherwasangrybutshedi
dn’
twantherangertorul
eher.Shewas
al
somadatKwanel ebutattheendoftheday,t
hismanhadherheartandshedidn’
twanther
mothert
obet oohardonhim.

Thandeka:
HambaKwanel
e.

Kwanelesighedheav i
l
yashel ookedathi smot her-
in-
law.Ay earandahal fagoonewoul d
swearthatthi
swomanhadgi venbirt
ht oKwanele.Thel oveshehadf orhim wasimmeasur abl
e.
Theyweresocl osethatevenNol wazi wouldgetannoy edatthei
rinseparabi
li
ty.Fastfor
warda
yearandhalflat
er,shecouldn’
tev enlookathimf ormor ethan5seconds.Thehat r
edandanger
radi
atedoutofherandi thurthim deeplythatagoodr elat
ionshi
phadl ostit
scause...

Kwanel
eshookhi
sheadli
ghtl
y,t
ryi
ngt
ogetr
idofhi
sthought
s.Het
henf
ocusedonNol
wazi
agai
nandhesmil
edlov
ingl
y.

Kwanel
e:Ngi
yakut
handay
ezwa?
Nol
wazi
nodded.

Hethenleanedcl
osertoherandshecoll
apsedi
nhi
sarmsasheheldhert
ight
ly.Hehi
dhi
s
headinherhai
randbreat
hedinherscent.Awar
mrushofl
ovef
il
ledhi
sbodyandhesighed.

Hi
m:Il
ovey
ousomuchLwazi
.

Nol
wazial
sotooki
nhi
sscentandshetr
iedhol
dingbackhertear
sassher
eal
i
sedt
hat
someoneel
sewasnowpartoft
hisembracet
hatshetreasur
edsomuch.

Nol
wazi
:Il
ovey
out
oo.

Herv
oicewasbar
elyaudi
blebecauseshewast
ryi
ngnott
obur
stouti
ntear
s.

Nol
wazi
:Youhav
etogonow.

Kwanelegav
eheronelastsqueezebeforef
inal
lyl
ett
inggoofher
.Hewant edtogi
veherki
ss
buthadtost
ophimsel
f.Hecouldn’thel
pbutfeelt
hatwouldbedi
srespect
fult
owardsNol
wazi.
..
Howeverhegav
eherapeckont hecheekandthenstoodup.

Nolwazithenr
eposit
ionedandsankinthebed,f
aci
ngt
heot
herdi
rect
ion.Shesanki
nthecov
ers
andclosedhereyesasthetear
sburntherface.

Kwaneletookonel
astgl
anceathi
smot
her-
in-
lawwhowaswipi
ngherowntear
s.I
nthat
momentheal l
owedhimsel
ftodr
owni
nhisguil
tandr
egr
et.Hehadbr
oughtsomuchhurtt
o
thesepeopl
e..
.

Hesi
ghedheav
il
yandt
henbeganwal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
hedoor
.
Thandeka:
Youdon’
tdot
hist
opeopl
eyoul
ove.Youj
ustdon’
t.
..

Shejusthadtopushhi
m deeperi
ntohi
spoolofregret
.Hecontinuedtowalktowardst
hedoor
andbeforeheopenedi
t,t
ookadeepbreathandthenexhaled,t
ryi
ngtoletgooftheanxi
etyt
hat
hadkickedi
n.Heopenedthedoor,wal
kedoutandthenclosedit
.

Ashewal keddownstai
rsandexitedNol
wazi’
shouse,shebumpedintohermother,Thenj
iwe,
whom theygrewupcalli
ngTiti
.Shewasabi gwomanwhosestepshookt heground.People
knewbetterthantomesswi t
hherfamil
y.Shewastheunmovablepil
l
arthatconnected
ever
yoneinthef ami
l
ytogether.

Tit
i:Kanti
yinii
nki
ngayakhowena?TodayisThol
i
’sday
!Whywouldyougoandcat
erto
someoneel se’
sneedswhenthebri
deofthedayi
stheonewhoshoul
dbethecent
reofyour
att
ention?

Ti
til
ookedathi
ssoni
ndi
sappoi
ntment
.

Tit
i:If
ull
yunderst
andthatLwazii
snotokaykodwaweal lt
oldhernottocomeangi t
hi?Of
courseseei
ngyourhusbandmar r
yinganot
herper
sonisnotanidealsi
tuat
ionkodwaut shel
i
we
ukuthimakahl
alel
aandnotbei nvolv
ed.Wemetherhalf
waymaanKwanel esoitangersmet o
seehersuddenlymaki
ngt hi
sabouther!

Kwanel
e:Mama-

Tit
i:Goandcheckony
ourwi
fe.Shei
scr
yingherl
ungsoutnowbecausei
tlooksl
i
keshei
sthe
badperson.

Kwanel
e:Wher
eisshe?

Ti
ti
:Yoursi
ster
’shouse.
Kwanel
enoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Tit
i:I
’
llbeinthemainhouse.Theguest
sar
eal
lwai
ti
ngt
her
eandy
out
woneedt
oshowupf
ast
befor
et heystar
ttal
ki
ng!

Kwanel
e:Okay
.

Tit
i:Handl
eyourbusinessboy
.Nooneforcedyout
odoanyoft
his.Youmadey
ourbedsoy
ou
bett
erlayi
nitandstopbeingasheepabouti
t.

Sheshookherheaddi
sappr
ovingl
yandthenwal
kedawayt
ohercar
.Kwanel
efol
l
owed,
goti
n
hi
scaranddroveofft
ohissi
ster’
shouse.
..

I
NSERT3

Kwanelefinall
ygott ohissist
er’
shouse.Ashesatinthecar,
hetookadeepbr eathandthen
sl
ummedov erhissteeri
ngwheel.Hedidn’
tthi
nkitwouldbethi
shard.
..Seei
ngNol wazi
made
hi
m abitmor einsecureaboutthi
sdecisi
on.Thehurti
nbothherandhermot her
’seyeswas
unexpl
ainable-itjustbr
oughtdownhisspiri
ts.

Helooseneduphisti
eandt hengotoutofthecar.Hemadehi
swaytot
hedoorandthenwal
ked
i
n.Hehear dhi
ssist
er’
svoicecomingfrom thel
oungeandhesl
owl
ymadehiswaythere,
pr
epari
nghi msel
fmental
lyforwhathewasaboutt oendur
e.

Whenhegottothelounge,Thol
iwasl
ayi
ngfaceuponthel
ongcouch.Hi
ssi
sterwaskneel
i
ng
nextt
oher
,caressi
ngherfaceandwhi
speri
ngtoher
-comfor
ti
ngher.

Kwanel
est
oodt
her
einsi
l
enceandwat
chedashi
sbr
idehel
dont
oLi
ndi
’
shand,
sobbi
ngqui
etl
y.

Li
ndi
:Shh.
..Youal
readyhav
eapuf
fyf
ace,
let
’snotmakei
twor
se.
Li
ndi
cont
inuedt
ost
rokeThol
i
’sbeaut
if
ulchubbyf
ace.

Kwanel
ecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandbot
hLi
ndi
andThol
il
ookedup.

Outofnowehere,Tholi
’
ssobstur
nedlouderandtheybecameuncont
rol
l
able.Seei
ngher
husbandbr
oughtbackt hehur
t100ti
meshar der
.Herchestwasonfi
refr
om allt
hehurt
,anger
andsenseofreject
ion.

Li
ndi
:Heyhey
..
.

Tholicoul
dn’
thearanyofi
t.Sheshutherey
esti
ght
lyandcri
eduncontr
oll
ably.Kwanel
erushed
tothecouchandLindimovedsohecouldkneel
inf
rontofher.Kwanel
ereachedforherf
ace.

Kwanel
e:Babypl
easest
op.

Int
hatmoment ,
heforgotabouteveryothert
hingt
hatwastaki
ngplace.Hi
smainconcer
nwas
get
ti
ngTholit
oacal m andst
ableplace.Hewipedhert
earsandconti
nuedtohol
dherfaceas
shesqueal
edpainf
ull
y.

Kwanel
e:Thol
akel
engi
yacel
abandl
a.

AsThol ishutherey
es, shesawKwanel eleavingherstrandedatt healt
ar,andrushingoffto
wher eNolwaziwas.Shesawhowhepushedev eryonewhowassur r
oundingNol waziandthen
kneltdownt ocheckifshewasokay .Tholihadbeenl eftther
elikesomei rrel
evantthi
ng.She
hadbeenl eftj
ustaft
ershewasdecl aredhiswi f
e.Ithadn’tevenbeen2mi nutesshewasMr s
Buthelezibutshewasal readybei
ngl eftl
i
ket heirr
elevantsecondwi fethatsheis?Howwasshe
goingtoliveli
kethi
s?Woul dherneedsbepr iori
ti
sedonl yAFTERTheGr eatNolwazi’sneeds?

Shecr
iedsomemor
ewhenal
ltheset
hought
sfl
oodedherf
ragi
l
emi
nd.
Kwanel
e:Thol
ipl
ease.
..

Thol
i
:Ica-
ca-can’
t!

Shecr
iedsomemor
ewhensher emember
edhowKwanel
ecar
ri
edNol
wazi
outoft
hechur
ch
andl
efthert
her
ewi
thoutanyacknowl
edgement
.

Thol
i
:Youdo-
d-

Kwanel
e:Shhh.

Hepull
edhertothegroundsoshecoul
drestherheadonhi
schest.Theysatont
hefl
oorand
Kwanel
eheldherti
ghtl
y,tr
yingt
omakeherfeelbet
ter
.Thol
ibur
iedherheadinhi
schestand
st
art
edshakingl
ight
ly.

Kwanel
e:Ngi
cel
awehl
i
seumoy
aThol
i
,pl
ease.

Thol
i
:Y-
youa-

Kwanel
e:Shhh.
..Takeadeepbr
eat
hangel
.

Tholishookherheadangr
il
y.Shewashur
t.Shef
elti
nadequat
eandshehadn’
tev
enbeenMr
s
Buthelezi
foroneday.

Justt
henLi
ndi
wal
kedov
ert
othem.

Li
ndi
:Amanzi
.
Kwanel
elookedathi
ssisterandnodded.Li
ndithenkneel
ednextt
othem andt
hent
ri
edt
o
gat
hert
hebigweddingdressthathadalsofi
ll
edupthespace.

Theysatt
her
eandl
i
stenedt
oThol
i
’sdi
str
essf
ulsobs.

Aft
erav er
ylongtimether
ewasf i
nall
ysi l
ence.Tholi
wentdeadqui etandshedidn’
tmov e.Her
headwasst i
l
l bur
iedi
nherhusband’schest.Shejustcouldn’
tcryanymore.Herheadwas
poundinghar
dandherchestwasl ockedup, whichmadei thar
dt obreat
he.Shefocusedon
shut
tingouttheimageofKwanelerunningoffandleavingherthere.
..

Shethenfocusedonherbr eathing..
.In.
..Out.
..
In..
.Out.
..Shecont i
nuedtofocusont hispr ocess
unti
lherchestslowl
ybegant oopenup.Herhusband’ sscentfi
lledherandshef eltherhead
buzz-i
twassuchacr ippl
ingf eeli
ng.Shel ov
edhi m somuchbutnowt heroadlookeddaunt i
ng..
.
Atfi
rstshewasconv i
ncedt hatshewoul dbeablet ohandleeverythi
ngli
ketheposi ti
ve,bubbl y
andstrongpersonsheis.Shet houghtshewoul dhandleitwellbutnow?Thi ngslookedr ather
di
m.

Kwanel
e:Baby
?

Thol
ikeptqui
et.Wor
dsf
ail
edher
.

Kwanel
ereposi
ti
onedandt
henhel
dherf
ace.Shel
ookedt
othesi
dej
ustsoshewoul
dn’
thav
e
tol
ookathim.

Kwanel
e:Youcan’
tev
enl
ookatme?

Sheshookherheadi
nnocent
ly.

Kwanel
e:Doy
ouhat
emet
hatmuch?
Shequi
ckl
ylookedathi
m.

Hat
e?Therewasnoroom f
orhatei
nherheart.Sureshewashurt,angr
yandallt
hoseot
her
emoti
onsbuthat
e?Shecoul
dneverbr
ingherselft
othatpoi
nt,ev
enf orherwor
stenemy.She
def
ini
tel
ydi
dn’
tli
ket
hatNolwazi
woman, buthate?Nevert
hat.

Kwanel
e:Youhat
emet
hatmuchbaby
?

Thol
ishookherhead.

Kwanel
e:Youdon’
that
eme?

Shelookedhi
mint
heeyeandreal
i
sedthatshedidn’tdoubtt
hisman’
slov
eforher
.Hi
sey
es
werefi
ll
edwit
hsomuchlov
ethatshef
eltabitf
oolishforbei
ngsodramati
c.

Hegent
lywi
pedherf
acewi
thhi
sti
eandt
heycont
inuedt
ost
areateachot
her
.

Thol
i
:Don’
tlookatme.

Shethoughtshel
ookedugl
yaf
teral
lthecr
ying.Herf
acewasbl
oodshotr
ed.Herl
i
ghtski
nwas
fl
ushed.

Kwanel
e:Don’
ttel
lmewhatt
odo.

Shebl
ushedt
hrought
het
ear
sandt
heycont
inuedt
ost
areateachot
her
.

Li
ndi
lookedatt
hem i
nconf
usi
onandamazement
.
KwaneleandLindihavealway
sbeeni nseparabl
e.Kwanel
ewas3y earsolderthanherbutone
wouldswearthattheyaretwi
ns.Theyunderstoodeachotheranddi
dn’tevenhav eto
communicateverball
ytogetamessageacr oss.Thei
rbondwasdeepandt heyrespect
edother
abundant
ly.

Lindilookedatt heset woandshedi dn’tknowhowt ofeel...SheandNol wazi haddev eloped

suchagoodsi ster hoodov erthey earst hatshef eltconflictedwhenshebegandev el
opi nglove
forthisThol akelegi rl
.Shewasay oung, v
ibrantgirlwhobr oughtsomuchposi ti
vi
tywi thher.
Onecoul dn’that eher ,itwasimpossi ble.Atf i
rstshewasmadatherbr otherforbringingthis
chubbygi rlhere.Shewasmadf orev enadmi t
tingt hathehadf all
eninlov ewithsomeonewho
wasnotNol wazi .Shehat edthischubbygi rlbeforesheev enmether .
..Butal lt
hathat r
edand
bitt
ernessqui cklyt urnedintolovewhenshegott oknowher ..
.Sheunder stoodwhyandhowher
brothercoul dfallforher .Theonl yprobl em wasNol wazi
.Sweet ,st
rong,suppor t
ive,l
ov i
ng,
forgi
ving, Nolwazi .Shewast heonl yper sonwhol osti nthissituati
on.Lindiknewshehadt o
eventuall
ygoandf aceherbutshewasbey ondscar ed.Nol wazi’
smot herhadmadei tclearthat
shewant ednot hingt odowi ththeBut helezisany mor e.

Shequi
ckl
yshookherheadandf
ocusedont
heset
woagai
n.

Herheartwentont oherbrother
.Sheknewt hathelovedbot
hthesewomen...Helovedthem
bothequall
y.
..butnotthesame.Yes,i
twasdi ffi
cul
ttounder
standbutaf
terseei
ngbot hendsof
thesti
ck,Li
ndi f
ull
yunderst
ood..
.Shejustcouldn’
thel
pbutfeell
ikeshewasbetrayi
nghergood
fri
endandsister,Nol
wazi.
.

I
NSERT4(
Didn’
tgett
oedi
tsoexcuseanyer
ror
s)

Li
ndi
fini
shedupf
ixi
ngThol
i
’smakeup.

Thol
i
:Ngi
yabongaSi
s’
Li
ndi
we.

Li
ndi
we:
I’
m nott
hatol
dyouknow?

Thol
igi
ggl
edshy
ly.
Li
ndi
we:
Wel
li
nyourcaseIam butkeangi
funi
ukubi
zwangosi
si,
okay
?

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Li
ndi
:Nowgot
oyourhusband,
he’
swor
ri
edsi
ckabouty
ou.

Thol
isi
ghedheav
il
y.

Li
ndi
:Don’
tov
ert
hinki
t.

Thol
inoddedli
ghtlyandthenmadeherwaydownst ai
rs.Assheapproachedt
hebarar
ea,she
sawKwanelesitt
ingononeoft hehighst
ools,
havi
ngagl assofbr
andy.Hewasobvi
ousl
ydeep
i
nthoughtbecausehedidn’thearherwal
ktowardshi
m.

Thol
i
:Pl
easedon’
t.

Kwanel
esnappedoutofi
tandgl
ancedathi
swi
fe.

Heputdowntheglassofbr
andyandopeneduphi
sar
mssohiswi
fecoul
dnuzzl
einhi
s
embr
ace.Shewalkedri
ghti
ntheembraceandhel
dhi
m aswel
l
.

Thol
i
:I’
m sor
ry.

Herchi
l
dishv
oicemadehi
m smi
l
esl
i
ght
ly.

Kwanel
e:Ungaxol
i
si,
youdi
dnot
hingwr
ong.
Thol
isqueezedhi
m andt
henki
ssedhi
scheek.
..

Kwanel
e:Howar
efeel
i
ngnow?

Thol
i
:I’
m okaybaby
.

Henoddedl
i
ght
lyandt
henl
ookedather
.

Kwanel
e:Wehav
etogo.

Thol
ismi
l
edwar
mlyandnodded.

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Theirf
acest
ouchedandshepl
acedherl
i
psonhi
s.Shesl
owl
ypar
tedhi
sli
pswi
tht
het
ipofher
tongueandt
heygent
lyki
ssed.

Li
ndi
:Hai
boakuhanj
wei
!

Theystoppedki
ssi
ngandthenletgoofeachother
.Kwanel
est
oodupandtheywal
kedoutof
thehousehandinhandwi
thLindifol
l
owingthem.Theymadet
hei
rwaytot
hecars.

Li
ndi
:I
’l
lfol
l
owy
ou.

Kwanel
enoddedast
heygoti
nthecar
.
*
**

Theyardwasfi
ll
edwit
hsomanypeopl
ethatKwanel
efel
thi
sanxi
etycr
eepuponhi
m.Onl
yhi
s
motherwoul
dturnt
hisweddi
ngi
ntoabi
gdeal.

Suddenl
yhefel
tTholi
’
shandontopofhi
sandhel
ookedather
.Shesmi
l
edunder
standi
ngl
yand
thenl
eanedcl
oserandki
ssedhi
m.

Thol
i
:Il
ovey
ou.

Hesmi
l
edbackandki
ssedher
.

Kwanel
e:Il
ovey
out
ooangel
.

Theybotht
ookdeepbreat
hsandassoonast heyopenedthecardoors,t
henoi
se,musicand
vi
bewelcomedthem.Theygotoutofthecarandbeforetheycouldwaitf
orLi
ndi
we,theywere
al
readybei
ngdr
aggedinsi
debypeople,ul
ulat
ingandcheering.Peopl
eweresohappyand
bl
issf
ul.

*
**

Thandeka:
Nol
wazi
vuka.

Nol
wazi
lazi
l
ysatupandl
ookedathermot
herwhowaspacki
ng.

Nol
wazi
:Mamawenzani
?

Thandeka:
Siy
ahamba.
Nol
wazi
:Si
yaphi
?

Shequi
ckl
ygotoutofbedandwal
kedt
ohermot
her
.

Nol
wazi
:Mamangi
cel
awehl
i
seumoy
abandl
a.

Thandekast
oppedpacki
ngandl
ookedatherdaught
erf
orasecond.

Thandeka:
BabyIam ascal
m ast
heycome!

Nol
wazi
:Manj
ewhyu-
pack-
a?

Thandeka:
We’
regoi
nghome.

Thandekat
hencont
inuedt
opackandNol
wazi
stoppedher
.

Nol
wazi
:Mamano,
pleasecal
m down.

Thandeka:
I’
vet
oler
atedt
hei
rbul
l
shi
tfort
ool
ong.

Nolwazi
gaspedi
nshock.Hermotherwasnotonet
ousesuchlanguage.
..Thi
swhol
esi
tuat
ion
hadreal
l
ymadeheractofoutchar
acterandNol
wazidi
dn’
tli
kethi
s.

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Thandekaquickl
ylookedupatherdaughteri
ndisbel
i
ef.Shethoughtshewoul
dgi
veherat
ough
ti
meaboutit.Shesmi l
edthankf
ull
yandthenconti
nuedtopack.

Nol
wazi
:It
hingi
gezeke.

Thandeka:
Okaybaby
.

Thandekasi
ghed,
feel
i
ngsor eli
evedthattheywer
efi
nall
ygoi
ngtol
eavethisfami
l
y.Herone
andonlyj
obwastoprotectherdaughterandshewoul
ddiedoi
ngexact
lythat
.

Nolwaziwalkedtothebathroom andshebeganwashingherface.Shereminiscedaboutal
lthe
thi
ngsthattookplacei
nt hatbat
hroom andcoul
dn’thel
pbutchucklel
ight
ly.Shealwaysknew
howtosatisfythatman.
..Nowshewasbei ngt
ossedtothesi
del i
keshewasnot hi
ng.

Shegoti
ntheshowerandl
osther
sel
fint
hehotwat
er.

Thandekawal
kedi
nthebat
hroom.

Thandeka:
Baby
!

Nol
wazi
:Ma?

Thandeka:
Fini
shupphel
athef
li
ghtwi
l
lleav
esoon.

Nol
waziwal
kedoutoft
heshowerandhermot
herhandedhert
het
owel
andshebegandr
ying
her
sel
f.
Nol
wazi
:Whatf
li
ght
?Whenexact
lywasi
tbooked?

Thandeka:
Youaskt
oomanyquest
ions.

Nol
wazismi
l
edli
ghtl
yandshookherhead.Shereal
i
sedthatshehadnochoicebutt
ogoalong.
Shet
henwal
kedoutoft
hebathr
oom andintothebedr
oom whereshebeganlot
ioni
ngher
self
.

Justt
henherphoner
angandshegoti
tandcheckedt
hecal
l
eri
d.

Nol
wazi
:ULi
ndi
we.

Thandeka:
Angi
yi
funi
kabi
ley
ony
oka.

Nolwazi
want
edt
oanswert
hecal
lbutsheknewi
twoul
dangerhermot
hersoshel
eti
tri
ngt
il
li
t
st
opped.

Thandeka:Shesmiledi
nyourf
acewhi
l
esheknewt
hatherbr
otherwasbusyont
hesi
de.These
peopl
ear eal
ltwi
sted.

Nol
wazi
sighedanddi
dn’
trespond.

Thandeka:
Arey
our
eadybaby
?

Nol
wazi
sighedasshef
ini
shedupget
ti
ngdr
essed.

Thandeka:
Thi
sisnotagoodenv
ironmentf
ory
ouLwazi
.Thesepeopl
edonotdeser
veev
ena
l
it
tl
epieceofy
ou..
.
Nol
wazi
:Thi
shasbeenmyl
i
fef
or4y
ear
snowkodwamama.

Thandeka:
Yourf
air
ytal
ehascomet
oanend,
sadl
y.

Nolwazikeptquietandt henwal
kedoutofthebedroom.Shewalkedaroundthehouse,
r
emi ni
scingonherlife.
..Shedi
dn’twantt
oleave.Yes,shewashurtandangry
, butshet
ookher
vowstooseriouslyandshef el
titwoul
dbeaninsulttoGodtojustupandleave.

Af
terawhi
l
ehermot
hercamedownwi
thasui
tcase.

Thandeka:Kunconongobauy azi
sebenzelamntanam.Youhav
eyourowndegreesandy
ouare
notsti
cki
ngaroundher ebecauseyou’
redependentonaman.Whenwegethomewewi lldev
ise
aplanofwhatwi l
lhappennextinyourli
fe.Youdeser
vesomuchmoreLwazi.

Nol
wazijustnoddedabsent-
mindedl
y.Hermotherwassofocusedonget
ti
ngheroutofhere
t
hatshewasnotconcer nedaboutanyt
hingel
se.Shewentt
of et
chafewessent
ial
sandthen
t
heywalkedoutofthehouse.

Astheywereputt
ingt
hebagsint
hecar,Nol
wazi
’sphonerangandwhenshecheckedthecal
l
er
i
d,i
twasLindiweagai
n.Sheputt
hephoneonsil
entandtheyfi
nishedput
ti
ngev
eryt
hingi
nthe
car
.Theygotinanddrov
eout.

Ev
ery
thi
ngwashappeni
ngt
oof
ast
.

Thandeka:Hewon’
tev
ennot
icet
haty
ouar
enother
e.He’
l
lbespendi
nghi
sni
ghtt
hrust
ingi
nto
thatf
atpig.

Nol
wazi
:Mama.
Thandeka:
Bul
l
shi
t.

Nolwazikeptquiet
.Sheknewshehadt otakehermot
herawayf
rom t
hissi
tuat
ionbecausei
t
coul
dleadt oherdeath.Herangerwasj
usttoomuchtobear
.

*
**

Li
ndi
wepacedar
oundandherhear
tsank.Sheknewt
hingswoul
dnev
erbet
hesamewi
th
Nol
wazi
.

Shesawhermot
herwal
ktoher
.Thebi
gwomanwascl
ear
lyhappy
..
.Ti
tif
inal
l
ygott
oher
daught
er.

Ti
ti
:Howcany
ounotcel
ebr
ate?I
t’
saweddi
ngf
orheav
en’
ssake!

Li
ndi
we:
Mxm.

Ti
ti
:Hehe!Il
ovehowmychi
ldr
enmakedeci
sionsandt
hent
urnar
oundandactl
i
kel
i
ttl
efool
s
wheni
t’
st i
metofacet
hemusi
c.

Li
ndi
wekeptqui
et.

Ti
tiwal
kedov
ert
oot
herpeopl
eanddancedhappi
l
yatadi
stance.

Li
ndi
wet
ri
edcal
l
ingNol
wazi
agai
nbuti
ttookherst
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l
.

I
NSERT5(
Didn’
tgett
oedi
tsoexcuseanymi
stakes)
Kwanel
esatontheedgeofthebedandwatchedasThol
iwalkedovert
ot hecl
oset
,hol
dingon
ti
ght
lyt
ohertowel
.Hecouldn’
thel
pbutchuckl
eatherasshefidget
edaround.

Thol
iwasanervouswr
eck.Nomanhadseenhernakedandnowshedi
dn’
tknowwhatt
odo
wit
hhersel
fasshewal
kedtothecl
oset
.

“
Ishoul
dhav etakenmynightdresswit
hmetothebat
hroom, ”shethought.“
NowIhav
eto
l
oti
onmy sel
finfrontofhi
m andIhavenoi
deahowhewi l
lfeelaboutseeingmybodyf
ort
he
f
ir
stti
me.”

Kwanel
e:Thol
akel
ewozal
a.

Thol
isai
dal
i
ttl
epr
ayeri
nherhead.

Kwanel
e:Uzenal
eyol
oti
on.

Tholibi
therli
pnervousl
yandf el
therpalmsget t
ingwetf r
om bei
ngsoner v
ous.Shehesi tant
ly
tookherlot
ionandslowlywalkedtoav erycool-
looki
ngKwanele.Hehadasmi rkonhi sface
andthatmadeherev enmor enervous.Shefinal
l
ygothi m andheopeneduphislegs,clearl
y
i
ndicati
ngthatsheshouldwalkcloserandstandbet weenthem.Sheletoutati
ghtsighwhen
Kwaneleputuphishand, aski
ngfortheloti
on.

Kwaneletr
iednottolaughbecauseheknewi twouldmakeherf eelevenmor euncomf ortabl
e.
Shewassocut ewhenner vous.Thiswasthefi
rstt
imetheyweret ogetherl
i
ket hi
s,ifhehad
everdoubt
edherinnocence,nowi twasconfi
rmed.Shelookedsoscar edandhedi dn’tknow
howhewoul dapproachthesituat
ion.

Het
houghtbackt
oyear
sagowhenhewasi
nthi
sver
ysameposi
ti
onwi
thNol
wazi
.
..

Nol
wazi
:Nel
e,nomanhasev
ert
ouchedme.
..Doy
ouknowhowpr
ivi
l
egedy
ouar
eri
ghtnow?
Kwanelel ookedatNol waziasshest oodtherewithhernakedself.I
fther
e’sonethingthi
s
womanr adiated,i
thadtobeconf i
dence.Shehadsuchahumbl eanddownt oearthpersonali
ty
buttherewoul dbet hoserandom moment swhenshewoul dremindpeoplethatshewas
actual
lyaf orcetoreckonwi t
h.Thosemoment swouldt hr
owKwanel eoffandLwazi would
alwayslaughathowshakenhewoul dlook.Butthensecondslat
ershewoul dgobackt obeing
thatquiet,sweetli
ttl
eangel..
.Nolwazi’
scompl exit
yamazedhim.Ev erydayhelearntsomething
newabouthi sladyandthemy sterykepthim upatallt
imes,l
iter
ally
..
.

Kwanele:
SoIshoul
dbehonour
edt
hatIam t
heoneandONLYmant
hatget
stoexpl
oret
hat
sexybodyofy
ours?

Nolwazi
giggledshy
lyandKwanelescrat
chedhishead.Justnowthiswomanhadanat ti
tude
andwastalki
ngaboutbeingpr
ivi
legedbutnowshewassmi l
i
ngandgiggli
ngshyl
yand
i
nnocentl
y.Theconfusi
onexci
tedKwanele.Thi
sonewasapuzzl e.
..Const
antr
eadjust
ing..
.

Kwanel
e:Asi
kesi
boneukut
hiungi
phat
hel
eni
ke.

Hepul
l
edNol
wazi
closet
ohi
m andwr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundt
hatbodyofher
s.

Kwanel
e:Lezi
nqazakhongat
hizi
zobay
inki
nga.

Nol
wazi
hidherf
acei
nhi
sneckandgi
ggl
ed.

Kwanel
erubbedt
hatbut
tandspankedi
toutofnowher
eandNol
wazi
squeal
edi
nshock.

Nol
wazi
:Ngi
zot
shel
aumamami
.

Kwanel
e:Av
eumt
handauny
oko.

Nol
wazi
:Ofcour
seIdo.
Kwanel
e:Wi
l
lyout
ell
heraboutal
lthet
hingsI
’
m goi
ngt
odot
oyout
oni
ght
?

Nol
wazi
slowl
yremov
edherf
acef
rom hi
sneckandt
henst
aredathi
m amusi
ngl
y.

Nol
wazi
:If
indi
tcut
ethaty
out
hinky
ou’
l
lbet
heonedoi
ngt
hingst
oni
ght
.

Kwanel
erai
sedaney
ebr
ow.Ther
e’st
hatr
andom actofconf
idenceagai
n.Damnr
oll
ercoast
er.

Nolwazismil
edsl
yl
yandbefor
eKwanelecoul
dr espond,herl
i
pswerealr
eadyonhisandshe
wrappedherarmsar
oundhi
sneck.Theyhadn’
tev endoneanythi
ngbutj
ustt
hethoughtofwhat
t
heywoul dbedoi
ngwasenoughtomakinghim hardandhot.

Nol
wazi
bli
nkedacoupl
eoft
imesandsmi
l
ed.

Kwanel
e:Al
i
fet
imeoft
his?

Nol
wazi
:Al
i
fet
imeNel
e..
.Howamazi
ng?

Kwanel
e:Fucki
ngamazi
ng.

Nol
wazi
:Speaki
ngoff
ucki
ng.

Kwanel
e:Heynow!

Nol
wazi
giggl
edashel
ower
edhi
sar
msandsoon,
wascar
ryi
nghert
othebed.
..
Kwanel
e:Shi
t.

Justthenhesnappedoutofi
t.Hel
i
ter
all
yshookhi
sheadacoupl
eoft
imest
oer
aset
he
thoughts.

Thol
igr
abbedhert
owel
whi
chwasont
hegr
oundandr
anbackt
othebat
hroom andl
ockedt
he
door
.

Kwanel
e:Fuck.

Hest
oodupandwal
kedov
ert
othebat
hroom door
.Het
ri
edopeni
ngi
tbuti
twasl
ocked.

Kwanel
e:Baby
?

Heknockedl
i
ght
lyandt
her
ewassi
l
ence.

Heknockedagai
nbutt
her
ewasnoanswer
.

Kwanel
e:Babykwenzenj
ani
?Ngi
cel
auphumebandl
a.

Hef
eltl
i
kepunchi
nghi
msel
f.

Thol
akelesatonthetoi
l
etseatandgr
abbedaf
acecl
othandst
uff
edi
tinhermout
hsohersobs
woul
dn’tbeaudibl
e.

Shei
gnor
edt
heknocksandst
if
ledt
hegr
owi
ngsobs.
Washerbodyr eallythathor
ri
ble?ShehadstoodthereandKwanel eli
ter
all
yzonedoutandpai
d
noattent
iontoher.Ther ewereevenmoment swhenhel ookedl
ikehewasshockedor
di
sgusted.Shedidn’tknow.Shewasconf used.KwanelehadneverbeenINTIMATEwi t
hher-t
his
wasthefirstt
imeshewasnakedi nfrontofanyman.Nowshef inall
ygottobenakedinfr
ontof
herhusbandandi nsteadofrel
ishi
nginthemoment ,hezonedoutandseemeddi sgust
ed!

Shecoul
dn’
thol
dbackt
heugl
ycr
iesany
mor
e.Shesatt
her
eandl
eti
tal
lout
.

Kwanel
egav
eupt
ryi
ngandwal
kedbackt
othebedandsatont
heedge.

“
Whatt
hef
uckhav
eIputmy
sel
fint
o?”het
hought
.

Hehi
thi
sheadr
oughl
yacoupl
eoft
imesandst
if
ledanangr
yyel
l
.

Whatthef
uckwashedoingherewhent
heonl
yper
sonwhohadhi
shear
twasadi
stanceaway
,
pr
obablyt
ossi
ngandt
urningi
nhurt
?

Kwanel
e:Bl
oodyThenj
i
we.

Hecont
inuedt
ocussathi
smot
herashet
houghtbackt
ohowi
tal
lbegan.

Kwanel
e:No.

Hel
ookedst
rai
ghti
ntohi
smot
her
’sey
es.

Kwanel
e:No.

Ti
til
aughedl
oudl
yandev
ensmackedhert
high.
Ti
ti
:Yout
hinky
ouhav
eachoi
ce?

Thewomancont
inuedt
olaughl
oudl
y.

Kwanel
elookedathi
sfat
herf
orsomeassur
ancebuthi
sfat
hershookhi
sheadgent
ly.

But
hel
ezi
:Kuzomel
eushadeeny
eint
ombazane.Twoy
ear
slat
erni
sahl
ezi
ngat
hini
shadei
zol
o?
Hai
bomfana.

Kwanel
e:Howcoul
dyouev
ensi
tther
eandut
tert
hosewor
dst
ome?Godhashi
spl
a-

Ti
ti
:Heyibomfanandi
niungenaphi
uNkul
unkul
ula?Ungal
i
ngeusebenzi
sei
gamal
akhet
ojust
if
y
l
entoey
enzekayo.

Kwanel
eshookhi
sheadi
nanger
.

Kwanel
e:Idon’
tthi
nki
-

Ti
ti
:Andt
hatt
imewedon’
tev
encar
eaboutwhaty
out
hinkshame.

Kwanel
e:Iwo-

But
hel
ezi
:Uphendul
abani
?Don’
ttestmypat
ienceboy
.

Kwanel
elookedathi
sfat
her
.
Kwanel
e:Soy
ou’
remaki
ngdeci
sionsf
ormenowbaba?That
’showi
twor
ksnow?

But
hel
ezi:
Ngi
zoshonakungesi
kudal
aKwanel
e.Youwantmet
odi
enothav
inghadt
hepl
easur
e
ofmeet
ingmygrandchi
l
dren?

Kwanel
e:Bepat
ien-

But
hel
ezi
:Enough!Youwi
l
lgoandl
ookf
orasecondwi
fe.Iwi
l
lnotr
epeatmy
sel
f.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m goi
ngt
ocal
laf
ami
l
ymeet
ing.

Ti
til
aughedbol
dly
.

Ti
ti
:Andsaywhat
??

Shecont
inuedt
olaugh.

Ti
ti
:Baby
,al
lofy
ouruncl
eshav
efl
ocksofwi
ves.Yi
si
kol
ethul
eli
.

Kwanel
e:Kodwababawenaawunabo-

Tit
i:That’
sbecauseIam fer
ti
leyoustupidchi
ld!Unli
kethatpi
eceofbil
tongofyour
s,giv
ingbi
rt
h
wasnev eranissueforme.Myeggsar efunct
ionalti
l
lthi
sday!Yihl
azolent
oyakhomanand
ngiv
elengizi
zwengi bi
l
awheny oustartdef
endingthi
snonsensewheny ouyoursel
fknowthat
youwantchildren!

SuddenlyKwanel
esnappedoutofi
tandthenburi
edhisf
aceinhi
shands.Herubbedhiseyes
roughl
yandtookadeepbreat
h.Hedidn’
twanttothi
nkabouthowhegottot
hisposit
ion.
..
Al
lhewant
edwast
ofeel
Nol
wazi
pressedupagai
nsthi
m,l
ovi
nghi
m.

Hereachedforhi
sphoneanddi al
ledhernumber.Itt
ookhim st
rai
ghttovoi
cemailandhe
rememberedthatshealwaysswit
cheditoffaf
ter8pm.Hecontemplatedcal
li
ngheremergency
numberbutthendecidednott
o.Whatwashegoi ngtodo?Leavethi
sgir
lhereandrunof
fto
Nolwazi
?

Hesi
ghed.

Yes,hel
ovedLwazibuthewasdefini
tel
ynothear
tl
ess.Hehadgrownsomef
eel
i
ngf
ort
hisgi
rl
thr
oughoutt
heyear
...Themosthecti
candcompli
catedyearofhi
sli
fe.
..

Hestoodupandwal
kedt
othebathr
oom door
.Thecr
yinghadst
opped.Not
hingpi
ercedhi
s
hear
tmorethanawomancr
ying.

“Howir
onicbecauseNol
wazi
wil
lbecr
yingf
ort
her
estofherl
i
febecauseofy
ou,
”al
i
ttl
evoi
ce
sai
dinhishead.

Heshooki
tof
fjustast
hebat
hroom doorsl
owl
yopened.

I
NSERT6(
Didn’
tgett
oedi
t)

Nol
wazi
:Doesdadknowt
hatwear
ecomi
ng?

Thandeka:
Whatdi
ff
erencedoesi
tmake?

Nol
wazi
:Hai
bomama.
Thandeka:
Hewi
l
ldeal
wit
hit
.Youar
ehi
sdaught
er.

Nolwazi keptqui etast hesi lenceoft hef l

i
ghtdawnedonher .Sheal l
owedher selft orelaxand
thi
nkhappyt hought s.Shewasgoi ngt oseeherl i
t t
lebr ot herandsi sterandshehadn’ tseen
them i nmont hs.Shet hent houghtaboutherwor ksi tuat i
on.She’ dhav et oschedul eaSky pe
meet i
ngwi thherbosssoshecoul dexpl ainhercur rentsi tuat ion.Theopt ionwoul dbet or esign
andst artov er,orr esignandbet ransf erredf rom t heDur banCompanyt otheJohannesbur g
one...Al loft hatwoul dbesor tedonceshegothome.Ther ewasnowayshewoul dsitathome
andnotdoany thing.Herj obi st heonet hingt hatgi v eshergr eatj oyandpeace.Thecr aziness
ofherj obwaswhatdi stract edherf rom herf ami l
yl ife.Whenshewasy oung, herpar entsst ar t
ed
abusi nessf rom scr atch...Todayi twasamul ti
-mi l
lionaccount ingf ir
mt hathadmadei tsmar k
i
nt hef i
nancei ndust ry.Shehadal way sf eltthepr essur et ol iveupt oherpar ent s’ standar ds...
Hav ingbeeni nfluencedbyherpar ents, sheal sowentt hef i
nancer out ebutherf ocuswas
mai nlyEconomi cs.Shewentont ogetherMast ersi nt hef i
eldandwasnowpar toft he
execut i
vet eam ofoneoft hecount r
y ’
st opEconomi csdr ivencompani es.Whent hecount ry
exper iencedr ecessi on, manyy ear sback, shewoul dal way sr eaduponi tandeducat eher self
abouti t,
ev ent houghshewasst i
llyoung.Herl ovegr ewandshewasnowanexper ti
nt hef ield.
..
Shecoul dspotanyt rendsf rom ami leaway .
..Gr owi ngupi nsuchanacademi candf inance
dri
venhousehol di nfluencedherpur sueofi ndependence.Shedi dn’tev enwantt odependonher
parent sf orany t
hing, yetal oneaman.SowhenshemetKwanel ewhohadal soest ablishedhi s
namei nthel awf iel
d, shehadal r
eadyr eachedast abl epoi nti nherl ife.Atf irstitwasdi ffi
cul tto
buil
dal i
fewi thKwanel ebecausehi sf ami l
yi ssot raditional andst ri
ct .Fort hedur at i
onoft heir
mar riage, herwor kl i
fehadal way sbeenapr obl em f orthem.Kwanel edi dn’tcar ebecause
Nolwazi ’
si ndependencewaswhatat tractedhi mt oher ...Thef ami l
ywast hepr obl em.I twas
neverj ustKwanel eandNol wazi .Al ltheseot herpeopl ef oundi tv er
yappr opr iatet omeddl ei n
theirbusi nessandofcour setheyused“ culture”asabl anket .Nol wazi wasexpect edtost ayat
homeandcat ert oKwanel e’sneeds.Shewassupposedt opl ayt het rophywi f eandbedomest i
c
tothecor e.Thet hingi s,Nol wazi hadnopr oblem what soev erwi thdoi ngt hat ..
.Shecoul ddoal l
thatdomest icst uf f
:takecar eofhermani nt heki tchenandt hebedr oom PLUSgetherwor k
doneont heot herhand. .
.Mul titaskinghadnev erbeenani ssuef orhersoi tir kedhert hatshe
wasnev ert r
eat edwel lbyt hatf ami l
ydespi teherhar dwor k.

*
**

Buthel
ezi
:Si
xbl
oodymont
hshav
epassedandKwanel
est
il
lwon’
tli
stent
ous.Heneedsa
secondwif
e!
Ti
tiser
vedherhusbandhi
steaandt
hensatnextt
ohi
m.

Ti
ti
:Iam sof
uri
ousShenge.Thi
sboyhasdi
sobey
edusi
mmensel
y!

But
hel
ezi
sighedheav
il
y.

But
hel
ezi
:Hel
ovest
hatwoman.

Ti
ti
:Lov
esher
??Thatgi
rli
sasev
ilast
heycome!

But
hel
ezi
:Hai
boThenj
i
we.

Ti
ti
:Sheistheonewhoi
sfeedingmysonnonsense.Shehashi
m conv
incedt
hatt
hisl
i
fet
hey
ar
eli
vingisgoodwheni
nactualfactumsanganowodwa!

But
hel
ezi
lookedathi
swi
fe.

Ti
ti
:Howar
eyougoi
ngt
otur
nmysonagai
nstmeandt
henexpectmet
olov
eyou?

Ti
tist
oodupandpacedar
oundt
her
oom.

Ti
ti
:Iwi
l
lopenupt
hisboy
’sey
es.
..Nooneknowsmysonbet
tert
hanme!

*
***

Thandekabeamedast
heydr
ovei
nthei
rhouse.Herdaught
erwasf
inal
l
yback!
Thandeka:OhbabyIam sohappyyouar
eback!Wear
egoi
ngt
ogoonspadat
es,
wewi
l
lhav
e
movienight
sli
keoldti
mesLwazi!

Nolwaziglancedathermotherandsmil
ed.Shereal
lycoul
dn’tfeel
anybadfeel
ingst
owardsher
.
Personal
lyshethoughtshedidn’
tneedanyprot
ecti
onbuttherewasobviousl
ynostoppi
ng
Thandeka.

Nol
wazi
:ZamoandBhenj
uwi
l
lbesohappyt
oseey
ou.Bekuni
ni?
!

Nol
wazi
sighed.

Nol
wazi
:Yes,
it’
sbeenl
ong.
..

ThandekadroveintotheinfamousDumakudehousehol d.Nolwazismiledassherecall
edallthe
l
ov i
ngmemor iesthehousehel d.I
nasmuchast heywerealwaysisol
atedbehi
ndt hegates,
their
l
ifewasreall
yext r
aor
dinary.Thev acat
ionstheytookasaf amil
y,t
heplaydatestheyhadwi t
h
thefamil
ythatliv
edri
ghtacr ossthestreet
..
.Allthesememor i
esremindedherjusthowmuch
l
ov eshehadal waysr
eceivedt hr
oughoutherlif
e.

SheandKwanelehadst ar
tedtocreat
ethei
rownmemor i
esbutthi
sonet hi
ngwasaf f
ecti
ng
them..
.Shecoul
dn’tseem t
ogivebirt
h.Per
sonall
y,Nol
wazididn’
twantchil
drenYET,t
heonl y
reasonshewastouchedbyallofthi
swasbecauseKwanel ehadalwayswantedtobuil
daf amil
y.
Shewaswi l
l
ingt
odoany t
hingforhi
m evenifi
tmeantcarr
yingchil
drenf
ormont hsonend.

Nol
wazi
wasatt hepeakofhercareer
..
.Sher
eal
lydi
dn’
tthi
nkhav
ingki
dswasagoodi
deabuti
f
i
tmadeherhusbandhappy,
andt henshewasokay.

Howev erthefactthattheyhadbeentr
yingfor4y
ears,act
ual
lydi
daff
ecther.
..Atfi
rstshedi
dn’
t
takei
tser i
ouslybutast i
mewentbyandt hefami
lystar
tedbr
ingi
ngi
tup,shecouldn’thel
pbut
thi
nkthatmay bet her
ewasapr oblem.Shehadwantedtogotothedoct
ortogetitcheckedbut
hermot heri
nsistedthatsheshoul
dnotgo...
Any
wayshemadeament
alnot
e..
.“Setanappoi
ntmentwi
thDr
.Smi
th,
”shet
hought
.

Theygotoutoft
hecar
.

Thandeka:
Leav
ethosebagsbaby
,Dl
omowi
l
ltaket
hem.
..

Nol
wazi
lookedathermot
heri
ndi
sbel
i
ef.

Thandeka:
Thi
sisaonceof
fthi
ng.Iam j
usthappyt
haty
ouar
eback.

Nol
wazichuckl
ed.Dlomowasanoldti
mefami lyfr
iendwhowasr esponsi
bleformaki ngsure
t
hatev
erythi
nginthehousewasfi
ne-f
rom gardeni
ngt osecur
it
yandev er
yotherlogisti
c.He
wasmoreofthe“groundman”,
whoalsopl
ay edtheunclerol
ebecausehewasherf ather’
sbest
f
ri
end.

Growi
ngup, Nol
wazi alwaysthoughthewassomer andom employeebutshecamet o
under
standhisroleasshegotol d.I
nasmuchasev ery t
hingwasprovi
dedforher,herparent
s
al
waysmadesur ethatshedidnotthinkshewasent i
tledtoanyt
hing.Yes,
theyhadahel ping
l
adyandabunchofgar denersandotherrandom empl oyeeswhoensuredthatthehousewas
oncheck,butNolwaziwasst i
llt
reat
edjustli
keanyot hernormalki
d.Shewast aughtthe
i
mportanceofrespectregardl
essofone’sstanceinli
f e.
..

Asshewal
kedint
hedoorshewasgr eet
edbyMam’ Mol
oi.Shehadbeenwor
kingfort
hef
ami
l
y
si
nceNol
waziwasver
yyoung.
..Theysharedahugandcaughtupwit
heachother
.

Nol
wazi
:Wher
eisZamo?

Mol
oi:
Shesai
dshe’
l
lbebackl
ater
.
Nol
wazi
:Andofcour
seBhenj
udi
dn’
tsl
eepher
e.

Mol
oi:
Uyamazi
ubhut
iwakho.

Nol
wazi
sighed.

Nolwazi
:It
’ssogoodseei
ngy
ouma.Ihav
esomanyt
hingsIneedt
ofi
xri
ghtnow.Myl
i
fei
san
absol
utemess.

Mam’
Mol
oinoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Whatam Igoi
ngt
odo?

Mam’
Mol
oi:
Youhav
enev
erbeenonet
othr
owt
het
owel
Lwazi
.
..

Nol
wazi
:Hehasasecondwi
femama.

Mam’
Mol
oishookherhead.

Mol
oi:
Soy
ou’
regoi
ngt
oer
aset
hepastf
oury
ear
sli
kei
twasnot
hing.

Nol
wazi
lookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Mol
oi:
Goandgetsomer
est
..
.I’
m sur
eyourf
atherwi
l
lbev
eryhappyt
oseey
ou.

Shegav
ehera“
look”andNol
wazi
sighedev
enmor
e.
*
**

Kwanel
erest
edhi
sheadagai
nstt
hecouch.Hewasf
loat
ingar
oundsomewher
ebet
weenawake
andasl
eep.

Hecoul
dfeel
itbui
l
dingup.

I
t’
scomi
ng.

Notnow,
het
hought
.Pl
ease,
notnow.Iwasn’
tpr
epar
edt
hist
imear
oundandnoonei
sher
e.

Hetr
iedt
ofocusonhisthoughtswhensuddenl
yhefelthi
smindsinki
ntoadeepspace.
..Low
andl
owandlowitwent.
..Therewasnogroundforhi
smi ndt
olandon.Thesi
nki
ngwentonand
onandon.

BOOM.

Fuck.

Hetri
edtouchi
nghischestbecausesomet
hingdef
ini
tel
yhi
thi
m har
dther
e.Hetri
edtout
ter
somethi
ngwithhi
smout h.Onewor d,
aphr
ase,somethi
ngt
ogetsomeatt
enti
on.Butt
her
ewas
not
hing.

Fuckt
her
e’snoonei
nthi
shouse.
..Nol
wazi
didy
our
eal
l
yhav
etol
eav
eforadamnemer
gency
meeti
ngat9pm??

I
t’
shappeni
ng!
Hefelthisey
esrol
lupi
nhi
shead.Onasl
ow,
steadyr
hyt
hm,
theyst
art
edmov
ingwi
thmuch
i
ntensit
ytother
ight
.

FuckIam l
osi
ngmy
sel
f.Ican’
tcont
rol
thi
s!

Theanxiet
yshotupandhi
sey
esbeganj
erki
ng.Lef
tRi
ghtLef
tRi
ghtLef
tRi
ght
..
..FastFastFast
theywent.

FuckI
’
mlosi
ngcont
rol
ofmybr
eat
hing.Di
dthi
sreal
l
yhav
etohappennow?Real
l
y?

Hisbreat
hingbecamequi
ckandshall
ow.Hi
sey
eswer
enowsof
arupandt
other
ightt
hatt
hey
pushedpainf
ull
yagai
nstt
hesocket
s.

Theshaki
ngst
art
ed.

Nowhe’
slosi
ngcontr
olofhi
sbody.I
tst
art
swi
thonet
inyt
wit
cht
henbef
oreheknewi
thi
s
whol
ebodywasshaki
ngfuri
ousl
y.

Hel
ostcontr
olofhi
sthoughts.Theint
ensi
tywasbecomi
ngt
oomucht
obear
.Hi
sheadj
erked
t
oo,
goinginall
sort
sofdirect
ions.

Eyespushi
ng,
pressi
ng,
pushi
ng,
pressi
ng.
..Headt
rembl
i
ngpai
nful
l
y.Thepai
n..
.Thepai
nwas
toomuch.

Someonehadt
omakei
tst
op!

Hesawat r
aceofsomethi
ng.Wasithi
sthoughts?Whatwasit
?Hef ocusedongr asping
somet
hinginhi
smind,athought
,amemory,afeeli
ng.Somet
hingt
okeephi m conscious!
Nol
wazi
.

Fuckher.Whyt
hefuckwoul
dsheleav
einthemiddleofthenightf
orafuckenmeeti
ng?I
thasn’
t
evenbeenoneyearsi
ncewegotmarr
iedbuty
ou’r
ealreadyrunni
ngofft
owor ki
nthemiddl
eof
theni
ght.

Ihat
eher
.

AhIcan’
tbr
eat
he.

Nowhoam Iki
ddi
ng?Il
oveher
.Butshi
t,wher
eisshe?
?

Suddenl
ythet
hroatbeganbur
ning.

No,
nott
hisagai
n!

Thefoam bui
ltup.Thefoam bui
l
tupandi
tfi
l
ledt
hemout
h.Nobr
eat
hingt
hist
ime.
..No
breat
hingwhatsoever
.

No,
please,
someoneneedst
ocomei
nnow.Ineedt
ost
ayconsci
ous.

Thi
nkt
hinkt
hink.
..

Outofnowher
ether
ewasal
oudscr
eam.

Tooky
oul
ongenough,
het
hought
.Kuni
ni!
Herhandst
ouchedhi
m gent
ly.

Cal
lmymot
herNol
wazi
.

Herhandst
rembledasshehel
dhi
sface.Shewasn’
tsupposedt
opani
c..
.Sheneedst
ocal
m
down,i
t’
snothi
ngdeep.

Ahfuck..
.Ididn’
ttel
lheraboutt
his.Shehadnoi
dea.Nowshe’
spani
cki
ngandIcan’
tev
en
comforther.Ican’
tevenspeakdemmet !

Cal
lmymot
herNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Nel
e!Kwanel
elookatme!

Shecr
ieduncont
rol
l
abl
y.

Ahf
uckt
his.
..I
’
lldeal
wit
hthi
slat
er.
..

Hedr
if
tedawayandal
l
owedt
hegl
oomydar
knesst
ofi
l
lhi
m.

I
NSERT7

Tit
i:Youal
mostdi
eddemmi
tandwher
ewast
hatwi
feofy
our
s?Abl
oodymeet
ing!Ngo9
ebsuku??

Ti
tiy
ell
edandt
hehousel
i
ter
all
yshook.
Kwanel
elookedathi
smotherwi
thnar
rowey
es.Hewassodr
ainedt
hather
eal
l
ydi
dn’
thav
ethe
st
rengt
htodealwit
hher
.

But
hel
ezi
:Son,
whathappenedt
odaycannev
erhappenagai
n.

Kwanel
e:Andwhatexact
lyhappened?

But
hel
ezi
:Whenhasitev
erbeenappr
opr
iat
eforawi
fet
oleav
ethehousei
nthemi
ddl
eoft
he
ni
ghtf
orANYreason?

Kwanel
e:I
’
m notgoi
ngt
osi
ther
eanddi
scussMYhousehol
dwi
thy
ou.

Ti
ti
:Heeeh!Lal
elal
awenasl
i
mandi
ni.Nosonofmi
newi
l
ltal
kbul
l
shi
ttomesi
y-

But
hel
ezi
:Hai
boThenj
-

Ti
tiSCREAMEDangr
il
y.

Thent
her
ewasdeadsi
l
ence.

Ev
ery
onei
nther
oom st
aredatheri
ncompl
eteshock.

JustthenNolwaziwal
kedinther
oom andever
yoneshi
ft
edt hei
rfocustoher.Shehadgoneto
getKwanelesomewat er
..
.Sheobvi
ousl
ymissedthedi
scussionaboutherbutshesureashel
l
heardthatev
ilscr
eam.

Shewal
kedt
oherhusband.
Kwanel
e:Lwazi
asambe.

Nolwaziputdownt heglassofwaterandnodded.Shedidn’
tunderst
andwhytheyhadtocome
tothei
rin-
lawsinthefi
rstplace.Shehadcal
ledthefamil
ydoctorandhetol
dherwhatshe
shoulddowi t
hKwanele...AssoonasTiti
foundout,shedroveal
lthewaytothei
rhouseand
demandedt hatKwaneleshouldbetakentoHERhouse.Nol waziwasbey
ondinfur
iat
ed..
.

Kwanel
e:Nol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
snappedoutofi
tandt
henhel
pedherhusbandst
andup.

Ti
ti
:Ohshamekant
inaweuy
akwazi
ukunakai
ndoda?Ah!

Nol
wazi
tight
enedherj
awandsai
damant
rai
nhermi
nd,
justt
ost
aycal
m.

Kwanel
emanagedt
ost
andupandt
henNol
wazi
lookedatev
ery
one.

Nol
wazi
:Ni
sal
ekahl
e.

Ev
ery
onemumbl
ed“
goodby
e”.

Li
ndi
we:
I’
ll
seey
out
omor
rowLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Theysharedabr
iefhugandthenNolwazigr
abbedhercarkey
sandt
henputoutherar
m soher
husbandcoul
dholdher.Theybeganwal
ki
ngout..
.
Ti
ti
:Awuv
alel
i
siKwanel
e?

Li
ndi
we:
Woul
ditki
l
lyout
ojustkeepqui
etf
oronce?

Ti
ti
:Ut
hini
wena?
?

Anar gumentbr
okeoutbet
weenLi
ndiweandTi
ti
.Ift
here’
soneper
sonwhomadeitcr
yst
alcl
ear
thatshedoesnott
oler
atet
hiswoman,i
twasLi
ndiwe.Shecoul
dn’
tst
andhermot
her.

Li
ndi
we:
Youar
esuchabul
l
y!Ohmygoodnessy
ouar
egoi
ngt
odi
eami
ser
abl
edeat
h!

Ti
til
aughedbol
dly
.

Ast
heywer
egoi
ngbackandf
ort
h,Kwanel
elookedatNol
wazi
.

Kwanel
e:Let
’sgo.

HeandNolwazibeganwalki
ngawayandtheymadethei
rwayoutoft
hehouse.Nol
wazi
hel
ped
hi
m geti
nthecarandthensheal
sogotinanddrov
eof f
.

Ther
ewascompl
etesi
l
ence.

Kwanel
edi
dn’
tneedasi
gnal
inf
ormi
nghi
mthathi
swi
fewasangr
y.Hecoul
dfeel
herangerj
ust
fr
om t
hesi
l
ence.

Kwanel
e:Lwazi
.
Nolwaziwast
ryi
nghardnottobebl
indedbyherangerasshewasdriv
ing.Shecont
inuedt
o
focusonther
oadandblockedoutt
hemanwhowassi tt
ingnextt
oher.Sheref
usedto
acknowl
edgehispr
esence.

Kwanelegotthemessagel
oudandclear.Hetoofocusedont her
oadaheadandkeptqui
et,
dreadi
ngtogohome.Hismother’
sfurywasmuchbet tercomparedtoNolwazi
’
s.Thi
swoman
hardl
ygetsangrysowhenshedoesgettothatpoi
nt,ther
e’snomiddlegr
ound.

Afterawhi
let
heyfi
nal
l
ygottothehouseandi
nsteadofhel
pingKwanel
e,Nol
wazi
simpl
ypl
aced
thecarkey
sonhisl
ap,gotoutoft
hecarandmadeherwayinsidet
hehouse.

Hetookadeepbr eathandt
ri
edtogetoutofthecar
.Hewassti
ll
feel
ingv
eryweaksoi
twas
defi
nit
elyast
rugglebuthemanagedtogetout.Hel
ockedt
hecarandmadehiswayi
nsi
det
he
house.

“
Howam Igoi
ngappr
oacht
his?
”het
hought
.

Ashewalkedinthekit
chen,hepour
edhimselfaglassofwat erandhestoodbyt hecounteras
hetookl
ongsips.Aft
erhewasdone, hewalkedt
ot heloungeandf oundNolwazicl
eaning.The
pl
acewasalreadyspotl
essbutherObsessi
veCompul si
veDisorderusual
lykickedi
nwhenshe
wasuneasy.

Asshewal
kedar
oundcl
ear
ingoutt
hings,
shewascal
cul
ati
nghernextmov
e.

“Icouldeasi
lythr
owthi
svaseathi
m”,
shet
hought
,“Thatoughtt
ogi
vehi
m anot
herepi
l
ept
ic
attack,damnfool!
”

Kwanel
elookedathiswif
eandhecouldn’
thelpbutchuckl
equi
etl
y.Shewasbusypaci
ngupand
downthelounge,
clear
lyf
ight
inghert
hought
s.
Het
ookadeepbr
eat
handwal
kedov
ert
oher
.

Kwanel
e:Baby
,st
op.

Nol
wazidi
dn’thearoneword.Sheconti
nuedcleani
ngupunt
ilshef
eltKwanel
e’
shandonher
ar
m.Shequicklypushedi
tawayandt henst
aredathim.

Nol
wazi
:Epi
l
epsyKwanel
e??Epi
l
epsy
??

Kwanel
elookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:I’
vebeeninyourl
if
eforalmostt
woy
ear
s.We’
vebeenmar
ri
edf
or6mont
hsandy
ou
f
ail
edt
oment i
onthatyou’
reepi
lept
ic?
?

Kwanel
e:Iwasgo-

Nol
wazi
:Youwer
egoi
ngt
otel
lme?
?Kwanel
ear
eyouki
ddi
ngr
ightnow?
?

Shewal
kedt
ohi
m andhet
ookast
epback.

Nol
wazi
:Whenwer
eyoupl
anni
ngonment
ioni
ngt
hist
inyf
act
?Exact
lywhen?
?

Kwanel
e:Baby
-

Nolwazi
:Youobvi
ousl
ydon’
tthinkofmeasy ourwifeangi
thi
?Kwanelet
hat
’sl
ikemenottell
i
ng
youaboutmyprevi
ousaddi
cti
ont opr
escri
pti
onpil
ls!Whatwereyougoi
ngtodohadInottol
d
youandonedayyoufoundmelay i
ngherebecauseIrel
apsed??
Kwanel
e:Mamel
a-

Nolwazi
:Ther
ereal
l
yisn’
tal
ogi
cal
expl
anat
ionher
eKwanel
e.Iam soangr
yanddi
sappoi
ntedi
n
you.

Kwanel
ewal
kedov
ert
oherandpl
acedhi
shandsonherar
ms.

Kwanel
e:Youar
eri
ght
.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:Ther
eisnol
ogi
cal
expl
anat
ion.

Nol
wazi
:Youmusthav
eat
onofot
hersecr
etsst
ackedsomewher
e.

Kwanel
e:ComeonNol
waz
i.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
mint
ent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m madaty
ou.

Shenar
rowedherey
esandhesmi
l
ed.

Kwanele:Ngi
yaxol
i
sababy
.Pl
easehav
emer
cyonme?Iam al
readyf
eel
i
ngweakmanj
enawe
ngapha..
.

Nol
wazi
:Whosef
aul
tist
hat
?
Kwanel
esi
ghedheav
il
yandj
ustl
ookedather
.

Nol
wazi
:Let
’sgety
ouinbed.Fi
rstt
hingt
omor r
owwe’remeeti
ngwiththef
amil
ydoct
or.Ineed
t
obeeducat
edngalent
obecauseIhadnoideawhatIwassupposedtodotoni
ght
.

Kwanel
esmi
l
edandnodded.

Nol
wazi
:Ial
mostdi
edNel
e.

Kwanel
e:Ngi
yaxol
i
sa.

Shet
ookast
epcl
oserandKwanel
ewr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundher
.

Kwanel
e:Il
ovey
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Il
ovey
out
oo.

Theyshar
edaki
ss.

*
**

Nol
waziwasawakenedbysomeoneshaki
ngherl
i
ght
ly.Shel
azi
l
ysatupandl
ookedat
Mam’Mol
oi.

Nol
wazi
:Kwenzenj
ani
ma?
Mol
oi:
Sisi
comedownst
air
s.

Nol
wazi
:Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?

Mol
oi:
Yourf
atheri
sher
e.

Nol
wazi
:Oh.

Shegotoutofbedandt
henf
oll
owedheroutoft
hebedr
oom anddownst
air
s.

Nol
wazir
ubbedhereyesandstr
etchedasshewal
kedtothel
oungewhereThandekast
oodnext
t
oherhusband.I
tdi
dn’tt
aker
ocketsciencet
ocompr
ehendthetensi
on.
..Shewasangr
y,but
why
?

Nol
wazi
str
etchedonemor
eti
meandherf
atherwal
kedt
oher
.

Dumakude:
Kuhl
engobay
ouar
ewel
l
-rest
edkesi
si.
..

Nol
wazi
lookedatherf
atheri
nconf
usi
on.

Nohel
l
o?Kanj
alonj
e?

Dumakude:Nowgoonandt
aket
hecl
othesy
oucamewi
th.Yourhomei
swai
ti
ngf
ory
ouont
he
ot
hersi
de..
.

Nol
wazi
tri
edsay
ingsomet
hingbutshej
ustst
oodt
her
e,speechl
ess.
Dumakudebeganwal
ki
ngaway
.

Dumakude:
Hav
eyouev
erhear
dofawi
fel
eav
ingherhomeabr
upt
ly?

Thandeka:
Butsh-

Dumakude:
I’
venev
erbeenonet
orepeatmy
sel
f.

Wi
tht
hatsai
dhedi
sappear
ed.

Nol
wazi
star
edatThandekai
nshock.

I
NSERT8

Nol
wazi
lookedathermot
heri
ncompl
eteshockandconf
usi
on.

Nol
wazi
:Mama?

Thandeka:
Youar
enotgoi
ngbackt
her
eLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Whati
sgoi
ngon?Whyi
shel
i
ket
his?

Thandeka:
Youknowy
ourf
ather
.

Nol
waziwalkedoutoftheloungeandwal
kedt
othepat
iowher
eherf
atherwassi
tt
ing.
Dumakudeglancedathisdaught
er.
Dumakude:
Arey
oudonepacki
ng?

Nol
wazi
:Dad,
Ihadt
ocomeback.

Dumakude:
Didy
ouandBut
hel
ezi
getadi
vor
cewi
thoutl
ett
ingmeknow?

Nol
wazi
lookedatherf
athersadl
y.

Dumakude:
Didy
ou?

Nol
wazi
:No.

Dumakude:
Sowhyar
eyouher
e?Di
dyoui
nfor
myouri
n-l
awst
haty
ouwoul
dbecomi
ngher
e?

Nol
wazi
lookeddownandf
iddl
edwi
thherhands.

Dumakude:
Didy
ou,
Nol
wazi
?

Nol
wazi
:Chababa.

Shewhisper
edandstoodt her
e,f
eel
i
nglikeali
tt
let
imi
dgirl
.Herfat
hercoul
dbesoint
imi
dat
ing
atti
mesandallherconf
idencewoul
dli
teral
l
ygodownt hedrai
nwhensheinter
act
edwit
hhi
mi n
thoset
imes.

Dumakude:
Sowhyar
eyouher
e?
Nol
wazi
:Mamaf
etchedme.

Dumakude:
Fet
chedy
ou?Whydi
dyouneedt
obef
etched?

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Dumakude:
Ngi
yabuzanj
alo.

Nol
wazi
clear
edhert
hroat
.

Nol
wazi
:Shedoesn’
twantmet
ost
ayt
her
e.

Dumakude:
Isy
ourmot
hermar
ri
edt
oKwanel
eBut
hel
ezi
?

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Dumakude:
Nol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
putherheadupandl
ookedatherf
ather
.

Dumakude:
Isshemar
ri
edt
oKwanel
e?

Nol
wazi
:Cha.

Dumakude:Manj
etshel
emi
naukut
hiuf
unani
lawheny
ouhav
ebui
l
tyourownhomewi
thy
our
husband.
Nol
wazi
:Kodwababaar
eyout
ell
i
ngmey
ouar
eokaywi
thwhathehasdone?
?

Dumakudest
aredathi
sdaught
eri
ntent
ly.

Hewast ryingbyallmeansnott obur

stoutonherdaughterbecauseheknewt hatal
lofthi
swas
hiswi fedoing.Yes,i
twasunsettli
ngthatKwanel
emar ri
edanotherwoman, butatt
heendofthe
dayt herewasnot ur
ningback.Hehadt heutmostr
espectforhiscult
ure.Hewasraiseda
certainwayandt her
ewasnowayhewasgoi ngtoall
owhi swifetoinsti
lherownpersonal
feel
ingsi nthissi
tuati
on.Nolwazibel
ongedtotheButhel
ezi
snowandshehadnobusi ness
runningar oundli
keanunchosenwoman.

Dumakude:
Gopacky
ourcl
othes.

Nol
wazi
:Iaskedy
ouaquest
ion.

Nolwazitookadeepbr
eat
handst
oodabi
ttal
l
er,
hopi
ngherf
atherwoul
dsensehersudden
confi
dence.

Dumakudel ookedathi
sdaughter
..
.Whycouldn’
tsheconceive?Whatwaswr ongwit
hher?He
founditver
yunsettl
i
ngthatshehadbeeninthatmarr
iageforfouryear
syetshecoul
dn’
tget
chil
dren.Noneofthi
swouldbehappeningi
fshecouldjustgi
v ebi
rt
h.

Hishear
tdefinit
elysankbecauseitwashi
sdaught er
.Hefeltt
erri
blysor
ryforherbuti
nt hese
cir
cumstancestherereal
lywasn’tawayout.Div
orcewasn’tevenanoption.Hehimselfwas
rai
sedacertainwayandhi sparent
swouldspitonhimifheall
owedhi swifetorul
ehisli
fe..
.

Hev i
ewedmar r
iageinsuchadeepway .Herespectedit.
..Nolwazihadt ounderst
andthatno
matterwhathappens,youal
way shavetosti
ckwithyourspouse.Runni ngaroundandleavi
ng
yourhomeisjustacaseofbadhomet r
aini
ngandhi sreputationwasalsoatstakeasthefather
.
Hecouldn’
tall
owal l
thi
sgall
ivanti
ngbackandforth.Nolwazi hadtogoandest abl
ishher
posit
ionasthefi
rstwif
e.Shemadet heperf
ectwifeforheav en’ssake!
Nol
wazi
:Baba.

Dumakudeshookhi sheadlight
lyanderasedhisthought
s.Hethenfocusedonhisdaughter
,
standi
ngsoconfident
lyi
nf r
ontofhim.Her eal
lyhaddoneagreatjobrai
singhi
schil
dren.The
onlyprobl
em wasthatheinsti
ll
edalotofindependencei
nthem...Maybeifhehadrai
sedthem
theoldfashi
onedway,shewoul dn’
tseeanyoft hi
sasaprobl
em.

Nol
wazi
:Dad,
arey
ouev
enl
i
steni
ngt
ome?

Dumakudesnappedoutofi
tagai
nandl
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
tookadeepbr
eat
h.

Nol
wazi
:If
eel
bet
ray
eddad.

Dumakudesi
ghed.

Dumakude:
Youar
egoi
ngback.

Nol
wazi
’
stearsbroket
hroughandshewi
pedt
hem qui
ckl
y.Herf
atherobv
iousl
ydi
dn’
tdeser
ve
t
oseehervul
nerabl
e.

Justt
henThandekawal
kedt
othepat
ioandl
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Thandeka:
Ukhal
elani
?Thosepeopl
edonotdeser
vey
ourt
ear
s!

Nol
wazi
fur
iousl
ywi
pedhert
ear
s.
Thandeka:
Kant
iyi
nii
nki
ngay
akhoVusi
?

Dumakudel
ookedathi
swi
feandshookhi
shead.

Dumakude:
You’
reget
ti
ngcar
ri
edawaynow.

Helookedathiswif
eintent
lyandThandekacamebackdowntoear
th.Thi
smanreal
l
ycoul
dbe
i
nti
midati
ngattimes.Thandekalov
edseeingthi
ssi
deofhi
m wheni
twasbestowedonOTHER
peopl
enother.Shedidn’
tli
keanyofthi
s.

Dumakudet
henst
oodupandwal
kedbacki
nthehouseandl
eftt
hewoment
her
e.

Nol
wazi
:Mama.

Thandeka:
Ican’
tbel
i
evehi
m.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lgopack.

Thandeka:
Lwazi
youdon’
thav
etog-

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lgopack.
..

Nol
wazi
wal
kedi
nthehouseandl
efthermot
herst
andi
ngt
her
e.

Shemadeherwaytoherbedr
oom andMam’Moloifol
l
owedher .Oncet
heygott
other
oom,
Ma’Mol
oicl
osedt
hedoorgentl
yandthenwal
kedt oNolwazi
.Sheopenedupherar
msand
Nol
wazil
eanedcl
osert
oherandshewasembr aced.
Mol
oi:
Shhh.
..

Shecomf
ort
edNol
wazi
asshesobbed.

Mol
oi:
Toughenupangel
.

Theystoodther
eforawhil
eandNolwazi
event
ual
lycal
meddown.Theyf
inal
lyl
etgoofeach
otherandsatontheedgeoft
hebed.Ma’
Moloiwi
pedNolwazi
’
stear
sandthenhel
dherhands.

Mol
oi:
Youneedt
otoughenupNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:How?Myhusbandi
smar
ri
edt
oanot
herwoman!

Nolwaziwasbecomingagitated.Whywasi thardtounderstandwher
eshewascomi ngf
rom?
Thereisnot
hingnor
mal aboutwhatwashappeni ng.Yourhusbandmarr
iesanot
herwomanand
youjustsmi
lethr
oughitforther estofy
ourli
fe?Cer t
ainl
ynot!

Mol
oi:
Hei
sYOURman.

Nol
wazi
:Andt
her
e’sanot
herwomanwhof
eel
stheEXACTsameway
.

Mol
oi:
Soy
ouwoul
drat
herhecheatony
ouwi
thot
herwoman?

Nol
wazi
:Heget
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
oanot
herwomani
sani
ndi
cat
iont
hathehasbeencheat
ing!

Shebi
therl
i
pandt
ri
ednott
osmackt
hiswoman.
Mol
oi:
Bet
tert
hedev
ily
ouknowt
hant
heoney
oudon’
t.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Moloi
: Thi
siswhaty ouaregoingtodonowmydear ,y
ouwill
gotakeani celongbat
h,fr
eshen
up,r
eadjustyourmindsetandatti
tude,
trav
elbackt
oYOURhomeandl etthosebust
ardsknow
whoy ouare.Nolwazitheyshoul
dNEVERseey oucryorf
rown.Theyneedt obescar
edofy ou
angel
!

Nol
wazi
lookedatMam’
Mol
oi.

Moloi
:Thi
sisnotani
dealsi
tuat
ionf
oranywomanhowev
ernowt
haty
ouar
eher
e,f
acei
thead
on.Beatt
hem att
hei
rowngameNol wazi
!

Mam’
Mol
oist
oodupandl
ookeddownather
.

Moloi
:ThatThenji
wewitch?Donotst
ooptoherl
evel
!Ki
llherwi
thpassiveaggressi
on.Don’
t
showANYONEt hatt
heyhavegot
tent
oyou.Gett
hereandclai
my ourposit
ionasKwanele’
swif
e
anddoiti
nacl assyway.

Nol
wazi
:Iwantnot
hingt
odowi
thhi
m.

Mol
oismi
l
edwar
mly
.

Moloi
:Letgooftheanger
,it
’sgoingtodriv
ey ouinsane..
.Loveyourhusbandinpubli
c.Thatwi
l
l
sendever
yonetothewoods,crazy.Theywill
nev erunder
standhowy oudoit.Thesepeople
haveobvi
ousl
yunderest
imatedyou!Inthei
rmi ndsy ouareaweakli
ng!
Nol
wazi
star
edather
.

Mol
oi:
Lov
eyourmani
npubl
i
c!

Mol
oismi
l
esl
yl
y.

Mol
oi:
Butwheni
t’
sjusty
ouandt
hatpol
ygami
stbust
ard?

Shepul
l
edNol
wazi
upandmadeherf
aceher
.

Moloi
:Wheni
t’
sjusty
ouandhi
m?Showhi
m whatacol
dfr
onti
s.Heshoul
dfeel
itandshakei
n
hi
sboots!

Nol
wazi
coul
dn’
thel
pbutchuckl
e.

Mol
oi:
Don’tl
ethimtouchy
ou.
..Makehi
m begf
ory
oubutst
il
lnotpayhi
m anymi
nd.Makehi
m
r
egr
ethisdeci
sion!

Nol
wazi
lookedatMa’
Mol
oii
ntent
ly.

Moloi
:Thi
sisdeepbaby.Thesepeopl
ehavemessedupyourl
i
fe..
.Don’twal
kawayli
keal
ost
puppy
.Youseehowy ouwalkeveryti
meyougotowork?Conf
identandunst
oppabl
e!

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.

Moloi
:Channelt
hatf
eel
ingofempowermentandshowt
hoseBut
hel
ezi
sthaty
ouar
ea
Dumakude.Theymustbegfory
ourf
orgiv
eness.
..
Nol
wazi
sighed.

Mol
oi:
Buti
twi
l
ltaket
ime.
..Andcommi
tment
.

ShesqueezedNol
wazi
’
shands.

Moloi
: Theyalwayssayakuthunyelwagundaneemendweni.
..Abr
idecannev erknowhowher
marri
agewi l
lturnout.Youcan’tsendarattogospyfory
oubefor
ey ougetthere.Di
ffer
ent
thi
ngscomeaty ouandy oualwaysfindyour
sel
fover
whelmedbecauseallt
hoset hi
ngswere
notpresentbeforeyoutiedt
heknot .

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.

Mol
oi:
Soshowt
hosebust
ardst
hatwhatt
heydi
dtoy
ouwascompl
etebul
l
shi
t.
..

Nol
wazi
:Mamano!

Theybot
hgi
ggl
ed.

Mol
oi:
Hai
yourmot
heri
ssuchabadi
nfl
uence!

Nol
wazi
:Sher
eal
l
yhasbeencussi
ngal
otl
atel
y,I
’
m shocked.

Theyshar
edal
ongwar
m hugandl
etgoofeachot
her
.

Mol
oi:
I’
ll
fil
lupt
hebat
htubf
ory
ouangel
.
Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
lyandsatont
heedgeofherbedasMa’
Mol
oiwal
kedt
oherbat
hroom.
..

I
NSERT9

JustasNol
wazi
hadf
ini
sheduppacki
nghert
hings,
herphoner
ang.

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
handanswer
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Hel
l
o.

Kwanel
ekeptqui
etf
orasecond.Hedi
dn’
tthi
nkNol
wazi
woul
danswert
heanswert
hecal
l
.

Nol
wazikeptqui
etaswel
l
.Shewasn’
ttheonewhocal
l
edsoshewoul
dn’
tbet
heonedoi
ngal
l
t
hetal
ki
ng.

Kwanel
e:Lwazi
?

Nol
wazi
:Hel
l
oKwanel
e.

Kwanel
e:Ar
eyouatt
hehouse?

Nol
wazichuckl
edl
i
ght
ly.Thesonofabi
tchhadn’
tev
ennot
icedherabsence.Toobusywi
thhi
s
wi
fe.
..

Nol
wazi
:I’
m athome.

Kwanel
e:What
?Homeasi
nyourf
ather
’shouse?
Nol
wazi
:Yes,
homeasi
nmypl
aceofbi
rt
h.

Kwanel
e:Idon’
tunder
stand.
..

Hi
svoi
cewasal
owandsadwhi
sper
.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Whatdon’
tyouunder
standmyl
ove?

Kwanel
ekeptqui
et.

Nolwazi:
Whenam Iseei
ngy
ou?Weshoul
dpr
obabl
yst
arthav
ingabookwhi
chhast
ime
al
locat
ions.
..

Kwanel
e:Huh?

Nolwazireal
i
sedj
usthowfunthi
smi
ghtbei
fshel
etgooft
heanger
.Shet
ri
ednott
olaughat
herhusband’
ssuddenconf
usi
on.

Nol
wazi:
I’
m say
ing,baby
,thatweneedabookthatwi
l
lhel
pusdi
vi
det
imeequal
l
y.Howar
eyou
pl
anni
ngonhandli
ngmeandourdearTholakel
e?

Ther
ewascompl
etesi
l
ence.

Nol
wazi
:Any
way
,I’
l
lbebackt
hatsi
det
omor
row.
Kwanel
e:Wi
l
lyour
eal
l
ycomebackLwazi
?

Nol
wazi
:I’
vej
ustsai
dukut
hingi
zobuy
akusasanj
est
handwasami
?

Kwanel
e:Oh.

Nol
wazi
:Enj
oyt
her
estofy
ourday
.

Kwanel
e:Uhm.
..Yout
oo.
..

Nol
wazi
:Goodby
e.

Kwanel
e:By
e..
.

Nol
wazidroppedthecal
landqui
ckl
yrusheddownstai
rsexcit
edl
yli
keal
itt
legi
rl
.Fort
hefi
rst
t
imeinaverylongti
me,sheki
ndoffel
tabitl
ight
er.Sherushedt
otheki
tchenwhereshef
ound
Ma’
Moloi.

Ma’
Mol
oi:
Hai
wenant
ombazaney
oudon’
truni
nher
eli
keacr
azychi
cken!

Nol
wazi
:It
hinky
ou’
rer
ight
!

Nol
wazifl
ashedasmiledandjustt
henThandekawalkedi
n.Shel
ookedatherdaught
eri
n
compl
eteshock.Shehadn’
tseenhersmi
leli
kethi
sinages.

Thandeka:
Baby
?
Nol
wazi
:Heyma.

Thandekast
aredatNol
waziwithherj
awslightl
yopenandt
hengl
ancedatMa’
Mol
oi,
checki
ngi
f
shealsosawthi
ssuddenchangeinNolwazi.

Ma’
Mol
oi:
Ihadachatwi
thherThandi
.

Thandekal
ookedatbot
hoft
hem i
nconf
usi
on.

Nol
wazi
:Mamal
et’
sgot
oaspa.Forol
dti
mes’
sake?

Thandekawasst
il
lconf
used.Nol
wazi
lookedatMa’
Mol
oi.

Nol
wazi
:We’
l
lbebackl
ater
.

Ma’
Mol
oi:
Okaydar
li
.

Nol
wazi
thent
ookhermot
her
’sar
m andl
edheroutoft
heki
tchen.Theybumpedi
ntoDumakude.

Dumakude:
Hav
eyoub-

Nol
wazi
:Il
eav
etomor
row.

Dumakudesensedt
hesuddenshi
fti
natti
tudeandt
hennodded,
feel
i
ngsl
i
ght
lypr
oudf
orsome
reason.Het
henwal
kedoffanddi
sappear
ed.
Nol
wazi
lookedathermot
her
,whowasst
il
lper
plexed.

Nol
wazi
:Mama.

Thandeka:
What
’sgoi
ngon?

Nol
wazi
:Wehav
eacoupl
eofhour
stoki
l
lbef
oredi
nner
,let
’sgot
oSaxt
on-gett
orel
axandchat
pr
oper
ly.

Thandekachuckl
edl
i
ght
ly.

Thandeka:
Okay
.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lbeback.

Sheranupthestai
rsandwentt
oherr
oom.Shegothert
hingsandj
ustasshecheckedher
phone,amessagecamein.

Kwanel
e:Baby
,ar
eyouokay
?

Nol
wazi
repl
i
ed.

Nol
wazi
:YesIam okaynow.
..Seey
ousoon,
Ihope.

Kwanel
e:Don’
tsayt
hat
.

Nol
wazi
:Saywhatnowbaby
?
Kwanel
e:Thaty
ouhopet
oseeme.

Nol
wazi
:Don’
tshootme.Cl
ear
lyawomancanonl
yhopet
heseday
s.

Shel
ookedatherscr
een,
chuckl
i
ng.

Per
son:
Lookatt
hiswashedupf
ir
stwi
fer
unni
ngbackt
omommyanddaddy
..
.

Nol
wazi
qui
ckl
ylookedupandherbr
otherst
oodbyt
hedoor
.

Shestoodupandt
heywal
kedt
oeachot
herandshar
edahug.Mduduzi
pickedhersi
sterupand
squeezedher
.

Nol
wazi
:Boy
,I’
m agr
annynow!You’
regoi
ngt
obr
eakmybones.

Mdul
etgoofhi
ssi
sterandgr
innedashel
ookeddownonher
.

Mduduzi wast hey oungestchi ldoutoft het hree( 24y earsol d).Hewasamascul iney oungman
whopr act i
call
yl iv
edatt hegy m.Hel ookedj ustlikehi sfather: st
rong, chocolateskin, dar k
pierci
ngey est hatwoul dkilli
ftheycoul dandapower f
ul memor ablev oice.Howev erunl i
kehi s
father,hi
saccentwasabi tont heposhsi de(y earsofgoodschool sandwhi t
ef r
iends
i
nf l
uencedt hat)butwhenhespokehi smothert ongue, onewoul dgetconf usedbecauset he
poshnessdi sappear si
nstantly.Dumakudewasn’ tinterestedi nraisinguncul t
uredspoi ltbrats.
Themanpr i
dedhi msel finhiscul ture.Asmuchashi schi ldrenhadal lthesehigh-class
tendencies,theyal lknewt heirhomel anguagel i
kenobody ’sbusi ness.Thandekapr ov idedt he
moder nitywhileDumakudecamewi thhisculturedsel f.Theybal ancedeachot herv erywel l
and
theirchil
drent urnedoutal ri
ght...Theycoul dfitinany wher e,t hankst otheirmot her’
st raining.
Thandekadi dn’twantherki dst obel i
mited.
..Yes, shel ovedhercul turebutatt heendoft heday ,
onehast obewel l-roundedi nor dert omakei tint oday ’
swor ldsoshepr eparedherchi ldrenf or
allpossibil
it
ies.Dumakudeont heot herhandwasj ustdr i
ll
ingi nthatcul turel
ikenobody ’
s
business.Accor dingt ohim, therei snothingashumi liati
ngasachi ldwhocan’ tconv ersei n
any
thi
ngothert
hanEngl
ish.Hedidn’
twantt
orai
seshal
l
owchi
l
drenwhot
houghtt
heywer
e
whi
tewhenthatwasnev
ert hecase.
..

Mduduzi lookedathi ssisteri

ntentl
y..
.Hewasat alkati
veper son,onl
ywhenhewaswi thpeople
whoknowhi m.Ot herwise,hekepthi smouthshutandspokeonl ywhenspokent o.Inhismi nd,
hewast heol dersibli
ng.Hi sf
ather’
sinfl
uencer eall
ygotthisy oungmant hinkingher unsthe
world.Justli
kehisf ather,powerwasev eryt
hingi nli
fe.Butyouseet hespeci alqual
it
yabout
thesetwomeni st hattheyneverbeggedf orattenti
onorpower .I
twasanat uralt
hingforthem...
Itwasall si
mplereal l
y,theywalkintoaroom, theylookatt heiropponent
,theopponentshakes
andmov esaway ,andBAM- hi
erarchyisr
estored.

Theonlypeoplewhomadet hi
ngstoughforthem werethesethreewoment heyloved.
Thandekawaspr act
ical
lyaman!Thewomandi dn’tseeanythi
ngwr ongwithwalkingupt oa
manandchal lenginghim.Atfi
rst
,Dumakudehadahar dtimewi thher.Af
terallt
hesey ears,he
camet oacceptthatthewomanhel ovesi
sawi l
dcard.Howeverhedi dmanaget otamehera
l
itt
lebit
.Alli
ttookwast hatnotor
iousdeadlylookofhisandThandekawoul dkeepqui et.Not
becauseshewasscar ed,nono-butbecauseattheendoft hedayshei sabet t
erwi fethana
bull
fi
ghterandshel ovedherhusband.

Thandekamadesur et hatshepasseddownherwi ldnesstothei

rfi
rstchil
d,Nolwazi .Dumakude
wasv erydisappointedatf irstthatitwasaboybutast imewentbyhef ocusedont hisli
tt
legirl
andt r
iedbyal lmeanst oinstil
someofhi squali
ti
esi nher
.HeandThandekawoul df i
ght
becausebot hoft hem want edt ocreatetheirownmi niversi
onsofthemsel v
es...Butintheend,
Thandekawon.Nol wazi i
saf irecrackerwhenshei spoked. .
.Sheisnotafraidtostandupf or
herselfandsher eallyisn’
tintimat edbyt heoppositesexBUTt hespecialthi
ngaboutheri sthat
sheisact uall
yacr ossbet weenhermot herandherf ather
.Unli
kehermot her,shedoesnotgo
offcrazy..
.unl
essy oucomef orher .Shehasav er
ysubt l
ewayofletti
ngy ouknowt hatshei sa
force(li
keherf at
her ).Outofal lthechildren,shei
st heonewhobal ancesbet weenThandeka’ s
quali
tiesandDumakude’ squal i
ties..
.

NowMduduzi wasanexactr
epl
icaofhi
sfat
her.Ther
ewasnoquestioni
ngit
.Whentheyfound
outthattheywer ehavi
ngaboy,
Thandekawashedherhandsandgaveital
ltoDumakude.She
wasmor et hanhappytohaveaDumakudejuni
or.Not
hingl
ikeast
rongmant okeepyouin
checkfrom timetotime..
.

Andt
hent
her
e’sI
vy.
..Ther
ebel
,thest
and-
alone,
thel
astbor
n..
.
I
t’
ssafet
osaybot
hThandekaandDumakudedidnotknowwhattodowi
ththi
suniqueone.
Ever
ydaywasadi
scov
erywit
hthi
sone.
..EvenThandekadi
dn’
tknowhowtodeal
.

I
vywasMa’Mol
oi’
sgol
denchi
ld.ThandekaandDumakudebot
hwashedt
hei
rhandsandal
l
owed
Ma’
Moloi
tohandl
ethel
astpi
eceofthepuzzle.
..

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
sbr
other
.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lseey
ouwhenIgetback.

Mdu:
Whatar
eyouev
endoi
ngher
e,f
ir
stwi
fe?

Nol
wazi
:Notf
unny
!

Mdu:
Nev
eri
nmywi
l
destdr
eamsdi
dIev
ert
hinky
ou’
dbesecondbest
.

Nol
wazi
crossedherar
msandMdul
aughedbol
dly
.

Mdu:
Kwanel
emi
ghtj
ustbemor
eofamant
hanIt
hought
.Heneedst
ogi
vemet
ips.

Thandeka:
Don’
tyouhav
ewei
ght
stopi
ckupnawena?

Mdut
urnedt
olookathi
smot
her
,whohadwal
kedi
n.

Thandeka:
AsambeLwazi
.
Nolwazit
ookherbagandpushedpastherchuckl
i
ngbrot
her.Thatj
okewasfunnyandall
buti
t
real
l
ystung.
..Noneofthi
swasokay.Shewashurtashel
lbutsheknewshehadtotoughenup
andstopwhini
ng.I
treall
ywasn’
tacutel
ookforher.

I
NSERT10(
Coul
dn’
tedi
tthi
s,pl
easeexcuseanyer
ror
s)

Nol
wazi
:Mom,
I’
vebookedmyf
li
ght
.Ngi
yahambaksasa.

Thandekal
ookedatherdaught
ercar
eful
l
y.TheywerenowatSaxt
onandweresi
tt
ingout
side,
havi
ngsnacks.Themassageshadcal
medbothofthem downsotheywer
enowfeel
ingabit
neut
ral.

Thandeka:
Youdon’
thav
etogobackLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Iknow.
..

Shel
ovedherhusbandsomuchbutt
hebet
rayal
wast oomuchtoi
gnor
e.Theonl
yreasonshe
wasgoi
ngbackwasbecauseshewasact
uall
yverycuri
oust
oseehowthi
ngswouldtur
nout.

Thandeka:
Ikeepput
ti
ngmy selfi
nyourshoesandmybodyl
i
ter
all
ygoesoncr
azymodewhenI
thi
nkofthehurty
ou’
reexper
ienci
ng.Icoul
dsomeoneki
ll
someone.

Nol
wazi
:Pl
easedon’
t.

Theysmi
l
edl
i
ght
lyandsati
nsi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e.

Thandeka:
SoI
’
m guessi
ngwe’
reki
l
li
ngt
hem wi
thpassi
veaggr
essi
on?
Nol
wazi
smi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Ki
ndnessal
ltheway
.

Thandeka:
Wil
lyoubeabl
etopul
li
tof
f?

Nol
wazi
:Angazi
yazi
ma.Ij
ustwantt
oseeukut
hiuKwanel
euzoqhubakanj
ani
ngal
ombhedo.

Thandeka:
Nol
wazi
what
every
oudo,
don’
tgi
vet
hatmanat
ast
eofy
ourv
agi
na!

Nol
wazi
laughedl
i
ght
ly.

Thandeka:
Hecan’
tbehav
ingsexl
eftandr
ight
.Ngabeuy
any
a.

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Thandeka:
Youmustmastur
bat
eregul
arl
y.Getr
idofanysexual
desi
resngobahewi
l
luset
hat
togetyoutosof
tenup.

Nol
wazi
:Mama!

Thandeka:Youseeal
lthoset
oysyouwer
egi
venngeBachel
oret
tepar
tyy
akho?Di
gthem upsi
si
becausetheywil
lbeofgooduse.

Nol
wazi
blushed.

Thandeka:
Soar
eyousur
eyouwantt
odot
his?
Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.

Thandeka:
Okaysi
si.

Theyspentmor
eti
met her
eandr
elax
edev
enmor
e.Byt
het
imet
heywer
edonet
heywer
e
feel
i
ngmuchposit
iveandcal
m.

*
**

Ev
ery
onewasatt
hedi
nnert
abl
e.

Mdu:
Sowhenar
eyoul
eav
ing?

Nol
wazi
:Tomor
row.

Mdu:
Andher
eIwast
hinki
ngy
ou’
regoi
ngt
ost
ayl
onger
.

Thandeka:
Passmet
hesal
adBhenj
u.

Mdupassedt
hesal
adbowl
absent
-mi
ndedl
y.

Mdu:
Butt
henagai
nyoudon’
tbel
ongt
oourf
ami
l
yany
mor
e.

Dumakudechuckl
edl
i
ght
ly.
Thandeka:
Angazi
uhl
ekani
shameVusi
.

Thandekal
ookedatherhusband,
clear
lyi
rr
it
atedonherdaught
er’
sbehal
f.

Mdu:
So,
sist
erhowar
eyougoi
ngt
odeal
?

Thandeka:
Woul
dyoushutupwena?
!

Mdu:
MamabutIwasn’
taddr
essi
ngy
ouy
azi
.

Dumakudechuckl
edagai
nandNol
wazi
star
edathi
m angr
il
y.

Thandeka:
Mxm.

Justt
hent
heyhear
dfoot
steps.

Thandeka:
Zamo?
!

Shey
ell
edZamo’
snameandt
her
ewasnor
esponse.

Nol
wazi
:Iv
y,ma.

Ever
yonechuckl
edandshor
tl
yaf
ter
,Iv
yappr
oachedt
heeat
ingar
ea.Shest
oodt
her
eandl
ooked
atever
yone.

Thandeka:
Hel
l
obaby
.
I
vy:
Mygoodpeopl
e!

Nol
wazi
stoodupandI
vywal
kedt
oherandt
heyshar
edahug.

I
vy:
Youdi
dn’
tev
enbot
hert
ocal
lme.Somuchf
orl
ovi
ngme!

Ivywasr eallytheuniqueoneoft hebunch.Shewas22y earsoldandhadal readygot ten

engaged, endedt heengagement ,gonet ouniversit
y ,di
dLaw, quitit,
didFineAr tsandt henqui t
thataswel l.Shewasnowst udyingCl assics..
.Accor dingtoher ,shehasal way sbeeni nterest ed
i
nGr eekMet hodology.Nooneknewwhatt hehel lshewasdoi ngbutt herer eall
ywasno
stoppingher .BothDumakudeandThandekagav eupv eryearlywi t
hthisone.Theyknewt hey
wouldencount erproblemswhenshegotexpel l
edf rom primaryschool forat tackinghergr ade2
teacherwi t
hpai nt,whent hepr i
nci palwascal l
ed,shet oldhimt ogoanddr ownhi msel f
..
.
Thandekat houghtboar dingschool woul dhelpbutZamogotexpel l
ed1mont hl ateraf t
ershe
wascaughtbur ni
ngherr oommat e’stextbooks.Theyt ookhert oaspeci alschool (forslow
chil
dren)thinkingmay bet hespeci alattenti
onwoul dhelpherbutshewaski ckedoutaswel l
becauseshet oldady slexiclearnert hatther easonhecoul dn’
treadwasbecausehi spar ents
hadsexi nal ibrar
ysot heuni v
ersewaspuni shingt hem fordoingnast ythingsi naneducat ional
place.Inhighschool shegotsuspendedmor ethan10t imesforbul l
yingot herl earnersand
harassingthet eachersaswel l.

DumakudeandThandekagav euptry
ingandjustl
etherbe.I
nuniv
ersi
tyshewentthroughso
manydiffer
entcoursesandsher
eall
ywasn’tf
azedaboutit
.Shewas22y ear
sold,t
hiswas
supposedtobeherl asty
eari
nuni
versi
tyf
orundergr
ad,butshewassti
ll
doing1styearcour
ses.
Shereall
ywastroublesome.

Nolwazilovedhersister
.Shewassuchabubbl ypersonandtherewasnev eradull
momentwi th
her.Whenshegotengagedat17, thefi
rstpersonshetoldwasNol wazi.Theboywas18y ear
s
ol
dandhewashergaybestf r
iend.Ivyagreedtoengagehi mjustsohispar ent
swouldthi
nkhe
wasst r
aight.Shekeptitasecretforonemont hunt
ilDumakudef oundoutanddr aggedherto
Juvenil
eSchool ,t
heinsti
tut
ionforrecklesski
ds.Shest ay
edtherefor2mont hsandcameout
evenwor se.
..Whenshecameout ,shewentbackt othatgaybestfri
endofher sandstar
ted
havingsexwi thhi
m becauseshewasconv i
ncedshecoul dmakehi m str
aight.
Thegi
rlr
eal
l
ywasamess.

Nol
wazi
:Howar
eyou?

I
vysmi
l
edbr
ight
lyandsi
gheddr
amat
ical
l
y.

I
vy:
Sameol
dsameol
d.

Thandeka:
Shegotat
att
oo.
..

Thandekacussedangr
il
y.

Nol
wazi
:HawuZamo?

I
vy:
Zamoy
ani
?Awumepl
ease.
..

Shet
henpul
l
edherj
acketsl
eev
eandr
eveal
edat
att
oot
hatcov
eredhal
fofherar
m.

Nol
wazi
:Nomzamo!

I
vyt
henwentont
oscr
atchi
t.

I
vy:
Ineedt
ocov
ert
hewhol
ear
m.Makei
taf
ull
lengt
hsl
eev
e.

Shesmi
l
edbr
ight
lyandt
hencont
inuedt
oscr
atchi
t.
I
vy:
Buti
tissoooi
tchy
,mywor
d!

Mdu:
USat
anel
oyo.TheDev
ili
sobv
iousl
yrunni
ngt
hrought
hosedemoni
cvei
ns.

I
vy:
Mxm.

TheysatdownandI
vydi
shedupf
orher
sel
f.

Dumakude:
Wher
edi
dyougett
hemoneyf
ort
hatt
att
oo?

I
vygl
ancedatherf
atherandsmi
l
ed.

I
vy:
Myf
ri
endi
sanar
ti
stdaddy
.

Dumakudedi
dn’
tevenbother
.Hehadst
oppedgi
vi
ngI
vymoneysohedi
dn’
tev
enwantt
oknow
wher
eshegotal
lthatmoney.

*
**

Thenextmor
ningevery
onewokeupearl
y.
..Theywer
eallgett
ingr
eadyt
otakeNol
wazi
tot
he
ai
rpor
t.MduwalkedtoNol
wazi
’sr
oom andknockedl
ight
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Comei
n.

Hewal
kedi
nandNol
wazi
hadj
ustf
ini
shedget
ti
ngr
eady
.

Mdu:
Arey
our
eady
?
Nol
wazi
noddedandMdugotal
lofherbagsandt
henwal
kedoutwi
tht
hem.

Nol
wazi
checkedt
omakesur
ethatshehadev
ery
thi
ngandt
henwal
keddownst
air
s.

Ma’Moloit
hengr
abbedherandt
ookhert
otheki
tchen.Shehel
dherhandsandl
ookedather
i
ntent
ly.

Ma’
Mol
oi:
Angel
..
.

Nol
wazi
lookedather
.

Mol
oi:
Youwi
l
lst
ayst
rong,
right
?

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.

Mol
oi:
Don’
tlett
hem gett
oyou,
okay
?

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Mol
oi:
Ilov
eyou.

Nol
wazi
:Il
ovey
out
oo.

Theyshar
edahug.
Mol
oi:
Byeby
ekesi
si.

Nol
wazi
:By
ema.

Theyl
etgoofeachot
herandNolwaziwal
kedoutt
ot hecarwher
eevery
onewaswai
ti
ng.They
al
lgoti
nandthenMdudroveof
f,wit
hhisfat
hersi
tt
inginfr
ontwi
thhim.

I
vy:
Soy
ou’
rer
eal
l
ygoi
ngbackt
othatdouchebag?

Thandeka:
ShutupZamo.

I
vyr
oll
edherey
esandwentont
oconv
ersewi
thherbi
gsi
ster
.

Aft
erawhil
etheyal
lgott
otheai
rpor
tandj
ustasNol
wazi
waschecki
ngi
n,Thandekadi
dthe
same.Ev
eryonel
ookedather
.

Dumakude:
Andt
hen?

Thandeka:
Hai
bo,
your
eal
l
ythi
nkI
’
m goi
ngt
oletmydaught
ergobackt
othosev
ult
uresby
hersel
f?

Dumakudewasl
ostf
orwor
ds.

Mdu:
Mamay
oucan’
tbeser
ious.She’
sgoi
ngt
oHERhome!

Thandeka:
Ther
ear
esomanyspar
eroomsket
hatt
ime.Don’
tyouwor
ryy
our
sel
ves!
Dumakude:
Wher
ear
eyourcl
othes?

Thandeka:
Inherbags.
..

Ev
ery
onej
ustl
ookedatheri
nshock.

Shel
ookedatNol
wazi
andsmi
l
ed.

Thandeka:
You’
renotf
ight
ingt
hisbat
tl
ebyy
our
sel
f.

Nol
wazi
justst
oodt
her
eanddi
dn’
tknowhowt
oreact
.

Thandeka:
Hambani
ke,
wecant
akei
tfr
om her
e.

Shesmi
l
edatherf
ami
l
yandt
heyal
lj
ustl
ookedather
.

I
NSERT11

Theyhadnowarri
vedontheothersi
de.Nol
wazihadorganisedtr
anspor
ttogetthem fr
om t
he
ai
rpor
t.Shehadaskedherdr
iver
,John,t
opi
ckthem up.Sinceshetr
avel
ledalotforherj
ob,
Johnwashergotoguyfortr
ansport
..
.

Nol
wazi
lookedathermot
her
.

Nol
wazi
:Ar
eyougood?

Thandekanoddedl
i
ght
ly.
Thandekaknewshewouldhav etobeverycalmthisti
mear ound.Theplanwastokeepcooland
notshowthosepeopl
ethattheygottoher.Justthemerethoughtofthatel
ephant
,Thenj
iwe,
wasenoughtodri
vehercrazy.Ifonl
yshecouldjustsneaki
ntoherbedroom whil
esleepi
ngand
shoveadeadbir
dinhermout h.

Theygoti
nthecarandof
ftheywent
..
.

TheyheldhandsandNolwazi smi
ledathermot her.Sheappreciat
edthesuppor t100%.Thisi
s
exactl
ywhataparentissupposedtodo:protectyourchildwit
hallyourmightandnev erl
eave
herinthedeepend,ev
enifitmeansyoudrownt ogether.Achi
ldshouldneverfeelabandoned
whent her
e’saper
soninthisworl
dwhogav ebirt
ht ohim/her.

Aft
erawhi
l
etheyf
inal
l
ygott
othehouseandNol
wazi
tookadeepbr
eat
hast
heygotoutoft
he
car
.

John:
I’
ll
gety
ourbagsma’
am.

Nol
wazi
:Ngi
yabongakakhul
uJohn.

Johnwentont
ogetal
lthebagsandaf
terhewasdonehesai
dgoodby
eanddr
oveof
f.

Thandeka:
Nobody
’shome.

Theybot
hlaughedl
i
ght
lyandgoti
nsi
de.

Thehousewassocol
d-Nol
wazi
coul
dn’
thel
pbutl
aughsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Nol
wazi
:Yaneh.
..
Thandeka:
Impi
l
oinzi
ma!

Nol
wazi
tri
edpushi
ngawayt
hehur
tandhermot
hergr
abbedabag.

Thandeka:
Let
’sunpackandmaket
hispl
acef
eel
homeyagai
n.

Nolwazinoddedandt
henwentont
ohel
phermot
herwi
tht
hebags.Theygotupst
air
sand
unpacked.

Nol
wazit
ookherphoneoutandsawthatshehad5missedcal
ls,
2wer efr
om herbossand3
wer
efrom Kwanel
e.Shesatont
heedgeofthebedandcal
ledherboss.

Dean:
Hel
l
o?

Nol
wazi
:Hi
,Deani
t’
sNol
wazi
.

Dean:
Oh,
Idi
dn’
tcheckt
hecal
l
eri
d.Howar
eyou?

Nol
wazi
:I’
m goodandy
ou?I
t’
sbeenqui
teawhi
l
e.

Dean:
I’
m hol
dingup.
..Di
dyougetmyemai
l
?

Nol
wazi
:Ohmygoodness,
mywor
kphonehasbeenunt
ouched!

Dean:
Nowor
ri
es.TheSt
arwant
syout
owr
it
eapi
eceongl
obal
i
sat
ion.
Nol
wazi
:Dean,
howi
nthewor
lddoesgl
obal
i
sat
ionconcer
nme?

Deanchuckl
ed.

Dean:
Theywanty
out
owr
it
eabouti
tsi
mpacti
ntheeconomy
.

Nol
wazi
:Thathasgott
obet
hewor
stf
ocusev
er.Sososol
azy
!

Dean:
Theyobv
iousl
ywantt
ofi
l
lupt
hepaperwi
thf
luf
fypi
eces.

Nol
wazi
sighed.

Nol
wazi
:Manj
ebay
ifunani
ni?

Dean:Itol
dtheedi
tort
haty
ou’
reonl
eav
esohesai
dhewoul
dbei
ncont
actwi
thy
oubutangazi
kenjengobauzi
fi
hli
l
e.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lgett
oitnow.

Dean:
You’
l
lbedonei
n10mi
nut
essur
ely
,easyst
ufft
his.

Nol
wazi
:Tal
kaboutbor
ingandl
azyj
our
nal
i
sm.

Theyshar
edal
augh.

Dean:
Unj
ani
?
Nol
wazi
sighed.

Nol
wazi
:Iam i
nsuchabadspaceangazi
ngi
zenzeni
.
..

Dean:
Ify
ouneedmet
ogi
vey
ouwor
kthenl
etmeknow.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
unj
alokewena.I
’
m notgoi
ngt
obey
oursl
ave.

Dean:
I’
m bei
ngagoodbossr
ightnow!

Nol
wazi
:Hai
all
owmet
otakemybr
eakpl
ease.

Dean:
Alr
ightt
henbutdon’
tsayIdi
dn’
tof
ferasol
uti
on.Wor
kal
way
shel
psi
nsuchsi
tuat
ions.

Nol
wazi
:Ohpl
ease,
youknownot
hingaboutmar
ri
age.

Dean:
Aggr
essi
vemuch?

Nol
wazi
:Goodby
eDean.

Dean:
Bye.

Nolwazidroppedt hecal
landquickl
ygotherlapt
opandconnect edittothecharger
.She
switcheditonandwentst rai
ghttoheremai
ls.Sureenoughther
ewer etonsofemail
s,mostof
them werej usteconomyupdat esbutshecl
ickedtheoneDeanwast alki
ngaboutandgotmore
i
nformationont heart
icl
eshewassupposedt owr i
te.Af
ter
wards, sheputthelapt
opdownand
walkedtot hebedr oom hermotheral
wayssleptinwhenshev i
sited.Shefoundherchangi
ngthe
l
i
nen.

Nol
wazi
:MamaI
’
m aboutt
owor
konsomet
hingnow.

Thandeka:
Don’
twor
ryaboutmebaby
.Woul
dyoul
i
kesomet
ea?

Nol
wazi
:Iwoul
dlov
esome.

Thandeka:
Alr
ightsi
si.

Nolwaziwalkedbacktoherbedr
oom andchangedt oaplai
nt-shi
rtandl
eggingsandthen
openedthecurtai
nsandwindows.Shethengrabbedherlapt
opandphones, walkedoutoft
he
houseandmadeherwayt othepat
io.Thefr
eshairandgreatsmellofgr
assf i
l
ledherandshe
smil
ed.Thishomehadcostsomucht obui
ldfrom scr
atchbutitwasdefi
nit
elyworthi
t.The
vi
ewwasmagni fi
cent
..
.Shesatdownandtookacoupl eofminutestogeti
nherwor kmode.It
hadbeensol ong.
..

Assoonasshebegant
ypi
ng,
ever
ythi
ngel
sef
aded.Shewasi
nherhappypl
ace.

Shesawhermot her
,butpaidnoatt
enti
ontoher.Thandekaknewnotdi
stur
bherbabywhenshe
wasinherzone.Shesimplypl
acedthetr
ayonthetableandthenki
ssedherfor
eheadl
ovi
ngl
y
andwalkedbackinthehouse.

Twohour
spassedandNol
wazi
typedt
hatf
inal
sent
enceandt
henexhal
edl
oudl
y.

Shef
eltr
ejuv
enat
ed.

Shetookthelastsipofherteaandthenst oodupandwal kedar

oundheryard.Ever
ytimeshe
wrot
earti
cles,shewouldwritethef
irstdraft
,takeawalkandgetsomefreshairandthengo
backandedit.Aft
eredit
ing,
shewoul dtakeanot herwal
kandthenreadi
tagainandifitst
il
l
madesenset henshewouldsubmi tit
.Thiswasaf l
uff
ypiecesosheknewi tdi
dn’tneedmuch
edit
ingbutshesti
llt
ookthatwalkjusttoclearhermi
nd.It
’scr
ucialt
of or
getaboutwhatshe
wroteforacoupleofminutessothatsheedi t
swithafr
eshperspect
ive,andi
t’
seasiertospot
themistakes.

Shewalkedaroundheryardandtookinthef
reshbreeze.
..Shewasact
ual
l
yqui
tesur
pri
sedt
hat
shef
eltsoli
ghtandstress-
fr
ee.Herjobdoesthatt
oher .

Besi
desKwanel
e,Economi
csr
eal
l
ytur
nedheron.

Act
ual
l
y,Economi
csmayj
ustbebet
tert
hanKwanel
e.

Shechuckledatherthoughtsandthenwalkedbackt
othepatioandsatdown.Sher eadher
pieceoutloudandonceshewassat isf
ied,
sheemail
edtheeditorandt
hensentittoDeanas
wel l
.Shecheckedal
ltheotheremail
sandwasgl adt
hatther
ewasnoemer gency.Shewent
throughallt
heeconomyupdat esandwouldcusswhenshecameacr osssomethingabsurd.

Justt
hen,
anemai
lfr
om Deancamet
hrough:

Hi
,

Nextt
ime,tr
ytowrit
eli
keaninexper
ienced1sty
earj
ournal
ism st
udent,
please.Wecannothave
t
hesemediainst
it
uti
onsthi
nki
ngy ouaresomekindofprof
essi
onaljour
nali
st,andt
hensnatch
youfr
om us.

Yourboss,

Dean.

Nol
wazi
laughedsar
cast
ical
l
yandt
hent
ypedar
epl
y:

Hi
,

Pleasedonotrai
nonmypar ade.Iwi
llnev
erdownplaymyphenomenalski
ll
sjustt
oeasey
our
tal
entl
esssel
f.MaybeIshoul
dconsidergoingi
ntoJour
nal
i
sm permanentl
y?
PS:
Youar
enotmyboss.Techni
cal
l
y,y
ouandIar
eequal
s.

Your
sinWRI
TING,

Nol
wazi
.

Justt
hen,shegotarepl
yfrom t
heedi
torofTheSt
art
hanki
ngherf
oranamazingarti
cle.He
sai
ditwouldbeincl
udedintomorr
ow’
spaperandNol
waziagr
eedandsenthi
mr egar
ds.

Justt
henanemai
lfr
om Dean:

Hi
SUBORDI
NATE,

Equal
s?Youandwho?Becauset
hel
astt
imeIchecked,
mypaychequei
sunt
ouchabl
e,
comparedt
oyour
s..
.

YourBOSS,

Dean.

Nol
wazi
shookherheadandr
epl
i
ed:

Hi(
pleasenot
ethatIhav
ethemost“
disi
nter
est
ed”f
aci
alexpr
essi
onasIt
ypet
hisunnecessar
y
gr
eeti
ng),

I
’
m comi
ngf
ort
hatposi
ti
on,
wat
chout
.

YOURSI
NCOMPETI
TION,

Nol
wazi
.

Deanr
epl
i
ed:

Iam y
awni
ng.

STI
LLYOURBOSS,

Dean.

Nolwazichuckl
edasshecl
osedherlapt
opandwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehouse.Shewentt
othe
bedroom andal
sobeganchangi
ngtheli
nen.
..
Justt
henshef
eltsomeonewr
apt
hei
rar
msar
oundherwai
standshesai
dament
alpr
ayer
.

Shet
urnedar
ound.

Kwanel
elookedathi
swi
feandsmi
l
edwar
mly
.

Nol
wazi
:Lookwhatt
hewi
ndbl
ewi
n!

Kwanel
e’
ssmi
l
edi
sappear
edandt
henNol
wazi
smi
l
edwar
mly
.

I
NSERT13(
Can'
tseem t
ofi
ndI
nser
t12)

Nol
wazi
lookedatKwanel
eev
ersoki
ndl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Howar
eyou?Ihav
emi
ssedy
out
err
ibl
y.

Sheleanedclosertohisli
psandwhenKwanel
ecl
osedhi
sey
es,
thi
nki
nghewasgoi
ngt
obe
ki
ssed,Nolwazisimplylookedathi
m.

Afteraf
ewsecondsofnotbei
ngki
ssed,
Kwanel
eopenedhi
sey
esandl
ookedatNol
wazi
wit
ha
senseofconf
usi
on.

Nol
wazi
:Ev
ery
thi
ngokay
,lov
e?

Shesmi
l
edi
nnocent
lyandKwanel
ejustkeptqui
et.I
treal
l
ywasasadsi
ghtt
osee.
..
Nol
wazi
:Howar
eyou?

Kwanel
ecl
earedhisthroatandshookhi
shead,
try
ingt
oer
asehi
sthought
s.“
Whatt
hehel
li
s
goi
ngonher
e? ”heaskedhimself
.

Nol
wazi
:Nel
e?

Nolwaziwav
edherhandandhesnappedoutofi
t.Shet
hent
urnedar
oundandcar
ri
edonwi
th
changi
ngtheli
nen.

Nol
wazi
:Yourot
herwi
femustbeonf
ir
e,f
ory
out
obet
hisdeepi
nthoughthey
.

Shesaidthatcoollybutdeepdownshewasactual
l
yver
yhurt.Clearl
ythi
sgirl
hashim wrapped
upinherfinger.“
God, howint
heworl
dam Igoingt
ocopewiththis?Noneofthisi
sokay,”she
thought
,“May beitwasabadideacomingbackher
ebecauseIam notstrongenoughforthi
s.”

Kwanel
e:Youl
eftwi
thoutt
ell
i
ngme.

Nol
wazi
:Whatexact
lywer
eyougoi
ngt
odo?

Kwanel
e:ComeonLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
wentt
otheot
hersi
deoft
hebedandchangedt
hepi
l
lowcases.

Nol
wazi
:Whatwer
eyougoi
ngt
odohadIcal
l
edy
ou?

Kwanel
e:Iwoul
dn’
tlety
oul
eav
e,y
ouknowt
his.
Nol
wazi
:Soy
ouwer
egoi
ngt
odeser
tyourwi
feony
ourf
ir
stni
ghtt
oget
hert
ocomet
osi
l
lyol
d
me?

Nol
wazi
chuckl
edl
i
ght
lyasshef
ocusedont
hebed.

Kwanel
esi
ghedheav
il
yandscr
atchedhi
shead.

Nol
wazi
:Si
l
lyol
ddr
amat
icme.
..

Shef
ini
shedupandt
henwal
kedt
othebat
hroom.

“
Thi
sisament
alt
hing,
”shet
hought
,“May
beI
’
m notgoodwi
thment
algames.
”

Shewal
kedbackt
othebedr
oom andf
oundKwanel
esi
tt
ingont
heedgeoft
hebed.

Kwanel
e:Woza.

Shewal
kedt
othebedandsatdownandKwanel
epul
l
edhercl
oser
.

Kwanel
e:It
houghty
ouwer
en’
tgoi
ngt
ocomeback.

Nol
wazi
:Andwhyi
sthat
?

Kwanel
ekeptqui
etandav
oidedherey
es.

Nol
wazi
:Hav
eyoueat
en?
Kwanel
eshookhi
shead.

Nol
wazi
:Woul
dyoul
i
kemet
opr
epar
esomet
hingory
ou’
resor
ted,
thatsi
de?

Kwanel
e:Lwazi
..
.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
minnocent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:I’
mjustaski
ng.
..

Kwanel
eremember
edt
hathehadl
eftThol
ii
nthehouse,
prepar
ingl
unch.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m st
arv
ing.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Shestoodupandwalkedoutoft
hebedr
oom andKwanel
elower
edhi
sbodyandlayonthebed,
faci
ngup.Hehadmissedthi
sbedsomuch.Nowhehadtogobackandfor
thtoThol
i’
shouse
andthi
shouse.I
twasallt
oomuchadmin.

Nol
wazi
wal
keddownst
air
sandf
oundhermot
heri
ntheki
tchen.

Nol
wazi
:Letmecookf
ormyhusband.

Thandekal
ookedatherdaught
erandr
oll
edherey
es.
Nol
wazi
:Myhusbandi
shungr
y.

Thandeka:
Ngazi
zwangi
funaukuhl
anza.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
edandt
heybot
hbegant
aki
ngoutal
lthenecessar
ythi
ngs.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lpr
epar
ehi
sfav
our
it
edi
sh.I
’
m hi
str
ophywi
feaf
teral
l
.

Thandeka:
Ngi
cel
aumet
uuLwazi
.

Nol
wazil
aughedl
ight
lyandcont
inuedtomockhermot
her
.Justt
hen,
ther
ewasabuzzt
o
i
ndi
cat
ethatsomeonewasoutsi
det hegat
e.

Thandeka:
Whocoul
dthatbe?

Shewentt
othebuzzerandpr
essedt
hespeakerbut
ton.

Thandeka:
Hel
l
o?

Thenj
i
weal
mostdi
edwhenshehear
dThandeka’
svoi
ce.

Thenj
i
we:
I’
m out
side.

ThandekaandNol
wazi
glancedateachot
herandt
henThandekat
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Thandeka:
Weknowy
ouar
eout
sidebutwhoar
eyou?
Thenj
i
we:
Hai
bonj
alo.

Thandeka:
Okayt
hen,
goodby
e.

Shewal
kedbackt
othesi
nkandcar
ri
edonr
insi
ngt
hev
eget
abl
es.

Thandeka:
Thatwomani
rksmesomuch.

Nol
wazi
:Manj
eyouwon’
topen?

Thandeka:
USat
aneuj
umpaama-
fensebaby
.

Theybot
hlaughedandj
ustt
henKwanel
ewal
kedi
nandNol
wazi
lookedathi
m.

Kwanel
e:Uhm umamaut
hiungaphandl
e.

Nol
wazi
:Who?Yourmot
her
?

Kwanel
e:Yes,
shesay
ssheaskedt
obebuzzedi
n.

Nol
wazi
:No,
shedi
dnot
.

Thandeka:
Hai
kei
tmeanswear
edeaf
.

Kwanel
e:No,
it’
sokay
.
Hepr
essedt
hebut
tonandwal
kedov
ert
othef
ri
dget
ogethi
msel
fabot
tl
eofwat
er.

Mi
nut
esl
atert
hedooropenedandt
heyhear
dfoot
steps.

Thandekagl
ancedatNol
wazi
andwi
nkedatherhumor
ousl
y.

Thenji
wewalkedi
ntheki
tchenandassessedev
ery
thi
ng.Shegl
ancedatev
ery
oneandKwanel
e
cl
earedhi
sthroat
.

Kwanel
e:Sawubonama.

Thenj
i
we:
Ihav
ebeenwai
ti
ngf
or10mi
nut
es!

Nol
wazi
:Thent
her
eissomet
hingwr
ongwi
tht
hebuz
zerkemama.

Thenj
iwel ookedatNol
wazi
suspici
ousl
yandthensnappedhert
ongue.Kwanel
elookedat
Nolwaziinconfusi
on.Hi
swif
e’sbehavi
ourr
eal
lypuzzl
edhim,ev
enThandeka’
scalmnesswas
suspi
cious.

Thandekaont
heot
herhand,
focusedonherv
eget
abl
esbecauseshewasav
oidi
ngdr
ama.

Kwanel
e:Si
ngakusi
zangani
?

Kwanel
ehi
msel
fwasn’
tthr
il
ledt
oseehi
smot
her
.

Kwanel
e:Whatdoest
hisconcer
n?
Ti
ti
:Yournewy
oungwi
fe.

ThandekaandNol wazicar
ri
edonf ocusi
ngonthef oodl
i
kenot
hingwassaid.
..Li
fewasgoodf
or
them,well
inpretenceofcourse.Nol
wazi’
sheartsankal
mosti
mmediatel
ybutshehadtokeep
astrai
ghtface.

Thenj
iwelookedatNol
wazi’
smother,knowi
ngt
hatshewoul
dspeakoutbutshegottheshock
ofherl
if
ewhennoonef li
nchedathercomment
.Shethenl
ookedatherson,
annoyi
ngly.

Kwanel
ewal
kedawayangr
il
y.

Nol
wazi
thenl
ookedupatTi
ti
.

Nol
wazi
:Woul
dyoul
i
kesomet
hingt
odr
inkma?

Thenj
i
west
aredatNol
waz
iint
ensel
y.

“
Whatisgoi
ngonhere?Whyi
ssheokayaboutt
his?Whathappenedt
othatsadandpat
het
ic
Nol
waziIl
astsaw?
”Thenj
i
wethought
.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edwar
mly
.

Nol
wazi
:It
akei
tyou’
reokay
?

Thenj
iwegroanedangr
il
yandthenf
oll
owedaf
terherson.Assoonasshedi
sappear
ed,
Nol
wazi
exhal
edloudl
y.Shetur
nedtol
ookathermot
her.
Nol
wazi
:Madon’
tov
er-
chopt
hosev
eggi
esphel
a.

Thandekaputdownt
hekni
feandl
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Thandeka:
TheDev
ili
str
yingme.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edsy
mpat
het
ical
l
ybecausesheunder
stoodexact
lywhathermot
herwasf
eel
i
ng.

Anyway,t
heycar
ri
edonwiththei
rcooki
ngandaf
teral
ongt
ime,
Thenj
i
wewal
kedbackt
othe
ki
tchenwit
hKwanelef
oll
owingher.

Thenj
i
we:
Siy
aeDundee.

Bot
hNol
wazi
andThandekal
ookedup.

Ti
ti
:We’
rehav
ingat
radi
ti
onal
cer
emonysot
hewhol
efami
l
ywi
l
lbet
her
e,i
ncl
udi
ngThol
akel
e’
s.

Thandeka:
Wheni
sal
loft
hishappeni
ng?

Ti
ti
:We’
reheadi
ngt
her
ein3day
s.

Thandeka:
Andwhenwer
eyoupl
anni
ngoni
nfor
mingus?

Thenj
i
wesmi
l
edsl
yl
y.

Ti
ti
:Kant
ingenzani
manj
esi
si?
Thandekal
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m supposedt
obebackatwor
kin2day
s.

Ti
ti
:Hai
sisi
don’
twor
ry,
youdon’
thav
etobet
-

Thandeka:
Wor
rynot
,theDumakudeswi
l
ldef
ini
tel
ybet
her
e.Wewoul
dn’
tmi
ssi
tfort
hewor
ld
mydear.

Thenj
i
wegr
it
tedhert
eet
handThandekasmi
l
ed.

Thandeka:
Lwaziwi
ll
easi
lygetanext
endedl
eav
e.I
’
lll
etmyhusbandknowandt
hey
’l
lfl
ydown
hereandwewil
lj
oinyou.

Ti
til
ookedatKwaneleshar
plyandKwaneledidn’tev
ennot
icebecausehewasf
ocusi
ngon
Nol
wazi,t
ryi
ngtofi
gureoutherfaci
alexpr
ession.

Ti
ti
:Wewi
l
lbei
ncont
act
.

Thandeka:Nextt
ime,
sayy
ournamebef
orey
oubuzzt
hegat
eyezwasi
si?Justsav
eusal
lthe
tr
oubleanddrama.

Titi
wasabouttosaysomethi
ngbutNol
wazi
andThandekahadalr
eadymovedthei
rat
tent
iont
o
thei
rfood.Shet
hencussedqui
etl
yandt
henwal
kedoutofthehouseanddi
sappear
ed.

Nol
wazi
lookedatKwanel
ebr
ief
lybef
oref
ocusi
ngont
hepot
sonceagai
n.
I
NSERT14

Afteral
ongt
ime,l
unchwasf
inal
l
yready
.Nol
wazi
prepar
edt
het
abl
eandt
henThandekaputt
he
foodonthet
abl
e.

Thandeka:
Gochangesi
si.

Nol
wazi
:Change?

Thandeka:
*whi
sper
ing*Howi
sthi
smangoi
ngt
obegf
ory
ourl
ovewheny
oul
ooksodul
l
?

Nol
wazi
:Ohhai
kodwama.

Thandeka:
Go!

Nol
wazir
eluct
ant
lymadeherwayupstai
rst
othei
rbedr
oom andf
oundKwanel
esleepi
ng.She
wal
kedt
ot hebat
hroom andcl
eanedher
sel
fupqui
ckl
yandthenwal
kedbackt
othebedroom
wher
eshebeganloti
oni
nghersel
f.

Kwanelehear
dthismovementandthenr
eposi
ti
onedsohecoul
dwat
chhiswife.Ev
eryfi
brei
n
hi
m wantedtoreachoutandhel
pherashenormal
lywoul
dbutt
hent
hingshadchangedabitso
hefel
tli
kehewaswal ki
ngonthi
nice.

NolwaziknewKwanel ewaswat chingsoshegav ehim ashow.Shel

otionedherarmscaref
ull
y
andthenslowlyrubbedtheloti
ononherst omachandwentupherbr easts.Sheslowl
yst
roked
her
selfunti
ltheloti
onsett
led.Shet henappl
iedi
tonherthighsandt
hencar eful
l
ywentin
bet
weent hem; shebentdownslight l
yandbeganrubbi
nghersel
f.

Kwanelecoul
dn’
ttakei
tany
mor
e.Bef
oreheknewi
t,hewasal
readyr
eachi
ngoutandpul
l
ingher
towar
dshim.
Nol
wazi
squeal
edi
nshock.

Kwanel
e:Letmehel
pyou.

Hel
ockedheri
nbetweenhisl
egs.Astempti
ngasitwas,sheknewshehadt
oni
piti
nthebud
r
eal
quicksoshepul
ledoutofhi
m gentl
yandthensmil
ed.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m good,
thanks.

Kwanele’
sjawopenedabitandhejustwatchedi
ndi
sbeli
efasshefi
nishedup.Li
tt
ledidhe
knowthatNolwaziwant
edhimjustasmuchashewant edher.Shewalkedtothewalk-
incl
oset
andbeganbrowsingthr
oughherdresses.

“Ir
eall
ydon’twantt
odot hi
stoKwanel
e..
.”shet
hought
,“ButIcanseeal
loft
hishashi
m
confusedsoIguessit
’swort
hatry
.”

Shepi
ckedt
heper
fectdr
essandwor
eit
,wi
thoutanyl
i
nger
ie.

“Surel
yheel
sar
eabi
ttoomuch?Butt
henagai
n,whatel
secoul
dIpossi
blywearwi
tht
his
dress?”

Shesi
ghedasshepi
ckedapai
rofheel
sandmadeherwaybackt
othebedr
oom.

Kwanel
e’
smout
hli
ter
all
yopenedwhenhesawNol
wazi
.

Kwanel
e:Lwazi
.
Nolwaziwentt
osi
tont
heedgeoft
hebednextt
oherhusband.Shebentdownandsl
i
ppedi
n
herheel
s.

Nol
wazi
:Yes?

Kwanelekeptquiet
,her
eal
lydi
dn’
tknowwhatexactl
yhewant
edt
osaybecauseal
loft
hisj
ust
fel
tver
ystrange.Hewasn’
tsur
ewhatwashappening.

Onceherheel
swer
efi
ne,
shesatuppr
oper
lyandt
hengl
ancedatKwanel
eki
ndl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Ev
ery
thi
ngokayNel
e?

Theyst
aredateachotherandshetr
iedt
okeepastr
aightf
ace.Shehonestl
ywantedt
okick
somesenseint
ohim andmakehi mreal
i
sehowfool
ishhehasbeenallthi
stimehowevershe
managedtokeephercool.

Shestoodupandwal
kedt
othemi
rr
orandt
hensatdownandbeganappl
yi
ngj
ustal
i
ttl
ebi
tof
makeup.

Sheavoi
dedKwanel
e’
seyecontactv
iat
hemi
rr
or.Af
terawhi
l
eshef
ini
shedupandt
henwal
ked
overt
oKwanel
eandreachedt
ohi m.

Shesmi
l
edwar
mly
.

Nol
wazi
:Asambe.

Shepul
ledhi
m upandt
henhei
nst
ant
lywr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundherwai
standt
henpul
l
edher
cl
oser
.
“I
t’
sr eal
lyunfor
tunat
ethatI’
m notgoi
ngtobeabl
etoshowhi
m agoodti
mewi t
hthi
serecti
on
ofhis,shethought.“
Hisotherwi
fewil
lhavet
odealwi
thhi
shar
d-onsf
rom nowonwards.
”

Kwanel
etr
iedki
ssi
ngherandshewenti
nfort
heclassi
cpeckonthecheek.Shegent
lyr
emov
ed
hi
sarmsfr
om herandt
henheldhi
shandandledhi
m downstai
rs.

Thandekawatchedastheyappr
oachedt
heeati
ngtabl
eandshewant edtolaugh.Kwanel
e’s
erect
ionwassov i
sibl
e-i
tal
mostmadehimlookli
keanidi
otbecausethepoormanwoul dn’
tbe
getti
nganyf
rom herdaught
er.

Theygott
othet
abl
e.

Thandeka:
Hav
easeat
,son.

Kwanel
elookedatThandekaandherdaught
ersuspi
ci
ousl
y.

“
Aretheset
wotry
ingt
okil
lme?Iam convincedt
heyar
e!Al
lthesewei
rdv
ibesI’
m gett
ingsur
ely
meansomethi
ng,
”het
hought
,“FuckIneedtokeepmycoolandavoi
deat
ingthei
rfood.”

Theyal
lsatdown.

Nol
wazi
:Shoul
dIdi
shupf
ory
ou,
myl
ove?

Kwanel
enoddedli
ght
lyandwatchedhi
swi f
e’severymove,
makingsur
eshedoesn’
tsneak
any
thi
nginhi
splat
e.Nolwazi
dishedupforhim sl
owlyandthengav
ehim hi
spl
ate.

Nol
wazi
:Wi
neorj
uice?
Kwanel
e:Jui
ce,
please.

“
Ther
eisnowayI
’
m goi
ngt
oal
l
owt
hem t
omakemedr
unk,
”het
hought
.

Nol
wazi
pour
edherhusbandagl
assofj
uiceandt
henpl
acedi
tnextt
ohi
m.

Kwanel
e:Ngi
yabonga.

Nol
wazi
noddedandt
henl
ookedathermot
her
.

Nol
wazi
:Shoul
dIdi
shupf
ory
ouaswel
lma?

Thandekasmi
l
edpr
oudl
y.

Thandeka:
Yespl
ease,
madam.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
edasshedi
shedupf
orhermot
her
.

Thandeka:
Nott
oomuchmeatbaby
,Ineedt
okeept
hisf
igur
eformyVusi
phel
a.

Theybot
hlaughedandKwanel
elookedatt
hem i
ntent
ly,
maki
ngsur
ehedoesn’
tloset
rackof
them.

Thandeka:
Phel
atheseday
s,t
hesemenwi
l
lcheatony
oui
fyoul
etgoofy
our
sel
f.

“
Thatwasobv
iousl
ydi
rect
edatme,
”thoughtKwanel
eashecont
inuedt
ost
areatt
hem.
Nol
wazi
:Kunzi
ma.

Thandeka:
Remi
ndmet
ocal
lVusi
aft
erweeatsoIcant
ell
him aboutt
het
ri
ptoDundee.

Nol
wazi
:Sur
e.

Shef
ini
shedupdi
shi
ngf
orhermot
herandher
sel
fandt
hent
heybot
hlookedatKwanel
e.

Thandeka:
Babawekhay
a,wi
l
lyoubl
esst
hef
ood?

Kwanel
eshi
ft
edi
nhi
sseatandt
hencl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

Kwanel
e:Canwebowourheads?

Thandeka:
Okson.

Bot
hThandekaandNol
wazi
bowedt
hei
rheadsbutKwanel
emadesur
ehi
sheadr
emai
nedup.

Kwanel
e:Fat
herwet
hanky
ouf
ort
hef
oodwear
eaboutt
oeat
.

Het
hengl
ancedatNol
wazi
andThandekaast
heycl
osedt
hei
rey
es.

Kwanel
e:Mayy
oucont
inuet
obl
essusabundant
lyandmaywecont
inuet
opr
aiseandt
hank
you.
Hecl
osedhi
sey
esbr
ief
ly.

Kwanel
e:Amen.

Thandeka:
Amen.

Nol
wazi
:Amen.

Theyallopenedthei
rey
esandbeganeati
ng.Well
,Kwanel
ewait
edforthem t
oeatfi
rstandonce
theyhadswallowedandhewasconvi
ncedthatt
heywouldst
ayali
ve,
hewentont oeat,f
eel
ing
sli
ghtl
ysafer.

Kwanel
e:Thanky
ouf
ort
hemeal
.

Nol
wazilookedathim andsmil
ed.Asmuchasshet ri
edhati
nghi
m, shereall
ycoul
dn’
tal
low
her
sel
fto.Therereal
l
ywasn’tspaceforhat
einherheartmor
eespecial
lyforsomeonewho
ownedherheart.

Thandeka:
Manj
euzol
alaphi
toni
ghtbhut
i?

KwanelelookeddownashamedlyandNolwazi
glancedathermother
,hopi
ngshewoul
deaseup
ali
tt
lebitbutThandekar
oll
edhereyesj
ustbef
oreKwanelelookedupagai
n.

Kwanel
e:Idon’
twantt
oov
erst
ep.

Hesai
dthi
swhi
l
est
ari
ngatNol
wazi
.

Thandeka:
Hai
kesi
zozwangawe.
..
Nolwazif
ocusedonherf oodandavoidedt heemoti
onst hatwer
ecreepi
nguponher.Honestl
y
i
fhermot herwasn’tther
eshewouldn’ tbeabletodoallofthi
s.May
bei nacoupl
eofdaysshe
wouldgetthehangofi tbutshecouldn’thelpbutwonderhowlongi
twouldconti
nue.Sur
elyshe
coul
dn’tl
i
v etherestofherli
feli
kethis?

Shesi
ghedandshookherheadl
i
ght
ly.

Kwanel
e:Lwazi
?

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
epl
ansf
ort
oni
ghtsoi
twoul
dbeusel
essf
ory
out
ost
ay.

Bot
hThandekaandKwanel
elookedather
.

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
eagal
adi
nnert
hatIneedt
oat
tendt
oni
ght
.

Thandeka:
Ohy
es,
Iremembery
oument
ioni
ngi
t.

Shehadnev
erment
ionedany
thi
ngt
ohermot
herbutshewasgl
adt
ohav
esomebackup.

Kwanel
e:Gal
adi
nner
?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Kwanel
e:Uhambawedwa?

Nol
wazi
:Yebo.
Kwanel
efocusedonhi
sfoodandNol
wazi
lookedathermot
hernervousl
y.Sheal
way
swentwi
th
Kwanel
etothesety
pesofwor
kevent
ssoshefeltbadf
orr
eject
inghimli
kethi
s.

Thandekatr
iedr
eassur
ingherwit
hherey
es.Shedi
dn’
twantherdaught
ert
oloset
hepl
ot
becauseshewasdoingsowellsofar
.

Nolwazishookherheadandcamebackt ohersenses.Heck,sher
eal
lyneededtostopfeel
i
ng
sorr
yforthisman.“I
fhecoul
dbetraymeliket
histhenhesureashell
canhandl eali
tt
le
rej
ecti
onfrom me,
”shethought
,“Loveasi
de,t
hissonofabi t
chdeser
vesev er
ythi
ngI’
m goi
ngto
dotohim.”

I
NSERT15

Thandekawalkedt
ot hekit
chenwit
htheplat
es.JustasNol
waziwasaboutt
ostandupsoshe
coul
dassisthermother,
Kwanelepull
edherandshefoundher
sel
fsi
tt
ingonhisl
ap.

Kwanel
e:Don’
tdot
his.

Helookedather,pl
eadi
ngwithhi
seyes.Ahugepartofhim want
edtotakemorecontrolbut
anot
herpartofhi
m wantedtogiv
eNolwazithenecessar
yspacetodealwit
hthis.Heknewhe
wasinnopositi
ontotrytomakedemands.
..Hewasi nav er
ystr
angeposi
tionandhewonder ed
i
fitwouldeverst
op.

Nol
wazi
lookedatKwanel
ewi
thast
rai
ghtf
ace.

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
etogo.

Kwanel
esi
ghedheavil
yandthennodded.Hecouldonlytr
ustandhopethatNolwaziwouldn’
tdo
any
thi
ngoutofchar
acter
..
.Hewasafraidofl
osingherbecauseofhischoi
ces.Heloosenedhis
hol
donherandshestoodupandtooktherestofthestuf
ftotheki
tchen.Hestoodupand
wal
kedupstai
rstothebedroom.Justt
hen,
Nol
wazi
’
sphoner
angandhewal
kedov
ert
owher
eit
wasandcheckedthecall
erid.I
twasIv
y.

Hecont
emplat
edl eav
ingitbutt
henhemi
ssedhi
ssi
ster
-i
n-l
aw.Heact
ual
l
ywasf
ondofher
wei
rdandr
ebell
iousway s.

Heanswer
ed.

Kwanel
e:Hel
l
o?

I
vy:
Uhm who’
sthi
s?

Kwanel
e:I
smyv
oicet
hatunr
ecogni
sabl
enow?

I
vy:
Kwanel
e?

Kwanel
esmi
l
ed,
hehadn’
tspokent
oZamoi
nawhi
l
e.

Kwanel
e:Yes,
it’
sme.

I
vy:
Arghgosuckadi
ckbr
uh.

Shedr oppedthecall
andKwanelest
oodtherefeel
inglikehehadjustbeent
hrownwithabucket
ful
lofv omit.Wasthi
shisl
i
fenow?Constanttear
s,insult
sandsarcasm?May behehadn’
t
thoughtthisoutpr
operl
ybecauset
herepercussi
onsseemedext r
eme.Toomanypeopl ewere
hurt.

Nol
wazi
:Myphone?
Hequickl
ysnappedoutitandr
eal
isedthatNol
wazi
wasst
andi
ngt
her
e.Hehandedhert
he
phoneandthensatontheedgeofthebed.

Kwanel
e:ThatwasI
vy.

Nol
wazi
:Ohokay
,ut
heni
?

Kwanel
e:Notmuch.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
edbecausei
twascl
eart
hatZamosai
dsomet
hingt
hatof
fendedhi
m.

Kwanel
e:Sowheni
syourgal
adi
nner
?

Nol
wazi
:7pm.

Kwanelenoddedlight
lyandwat
chedassheopenedt
hesl
i
dingt
hedoorandwentt
ost
and
out
sidethebalcony.

Nol
wazi
:Thesef
lower
sar
edead.

Kwanel
e:I
sit
?

Shecamebacki
nwi
tht
hev
aseandshowedt
hem t
ohi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Thi
ngsseem t
obeper
ishi
ngt
heseday
s..
.
Kwanel
e’
shear
tsankev
enf
urt
her
.Hest
oodupandgr
abbedhi
sphone.

Nol
wazi
:Ar
eyoul
eav
ing?

Kwanel
e:Cl
ear
lyI
’
m unwant
edher
e.

Nolwazil
aughedboldl
yandKwanel
estoodt
hereandti
ght
enedhi sj
aw.Hewasgett
ingangr
yby
thesecond.Al
lthesej
abswer
egett
ingtohi
m andhewantedtoremovehi
mselff
rom the
sit
uati
onbecausedeepdownheknewhewasst i
l
lint
hewr ong.

Nol
wazi
:By
eby
emunt
uwami
.

Shewal
kedoutwit
hthedeadfl
owersandl
eftKwanel
ether
e..
.Justt
hen,hi
sphoner
angand
whenhecheckedt
hecal
leri
dhetookadeepbreat
h.Heansweredaf
teracoupl
eofr
ings.

Kwanel
e:Thol
akel
e.

Thol
i
:Wher
ear
eyouKwani
?

Herv
oicewasamer
ewhi
sper
.

“Ah,
shecan’tbecryi
ngagai
n!Ir
efuset
obel
i
evet
hatshei
scr
ying,
”het
hought
,“I
thasn’
tev
en
been4hourssinceIl
eftt
hehouse.”

Kwanel
e:I
’
m onmyway
.

Thol
i
:Uy
abuy
a?
Kwanel
e:YeboThol
akel
e.

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Kwanel
etookadeepbr
eat
handcl
osedhi
sey
es.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m comi
ngokay
?

Hisv
oicewasgentl
enow.Hereal
i
sedthathecoul
dn’
ttakeouthi
sfr
ust
rat
ionsonherbecause
shewasalsoi
nnocenti
nherownway.

Thol
ihear
dthechangei
ntone.

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Kwanel
e:Gi
veme30mi
nut
es,
okay
?

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Kwanel
e:By
eby
e.

Thol
i
:By
e.

Kwaneledr
oppedthecall
justasNolwaziwalkedbackin.Nolwazimerel
yacknowledgedhi
m,
shesimpl
ywalkedpasthi
m andwentstraighttothebalcony
.Hecontemplat
edfollowi
ngher
butdeci
dednottosohewal kedoutoft
hebedr oom andmadehi swaydownstai
rs.
Thandeka:
Arey
oul
eav
ing,
son?

Kwanel
e:Yeboma.

Thandeka:
Uhambekahl
eShengej
uni
or.

Shechuckl
ed.

Kwanelecoul
dsenset
hesarcasm i
nthet
oneanditdi
dn’
tsi
twell
wit
hhim,j
ustasall
theother
j
absdidn’
t.Hesi
mplynoddedandthenwal
kedoutoft
hehouseandmadehi
swayt othecar
anddroveout
.

Thandeka:
Nol
wazi
Cami
l
laBut
hel
ezi
!

Thandekay
ell
edunt
ilNol
wazi
madeherwaydownst
air
s.

Nol
wazi
:Yes,
ThandekaBeat
ri
ceDumakude?

Thandeka:
Wooouzoswabawena!

Theybot
hlaughedbecauseThandekahat
edher“
apar
thei
d”name.

Thandeka:
Yourhubbyi
sgonewi
tht
hewi
nd!

Nol
wazi
sul
kedandwentcl
oset
ohermot
hersoshecoul
dhugher
.

Nol
wazi
:Iwanthi
m back.Mamadi
dyouseehowgl
oomyhel
ooked?
?
Thandekahuggedherandt
henshookher
.

Thandeka:
Hedidl
ooksheepi
shshamekodwakeheneedst
ofeel
rej
ect
edandr
idi
cul
ed.You
don’
tmesswit
hpeople’
sli
vesandthent
hinkl
i
fewi
l
lmoveonswif
tl
y.

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Nol
wazi
:Youshoul
dhav
eseenhi
m whenIwasget
ti
ngdr
essed.

Thandekal
aughed.

Thandeka:
I’
m sur
eyoual
mostgav
eupwheny
ousawt
hater
ect
ion.Ev
enIwasamazedbyi
t!

Nol
wazi
:Mama!

Theyl
aughedandhuggedagai
n.

Nol
wazi
:ButIt
hinkIsecr
etl
yenj
oymessi
ngwi
thhi
mli
ket
his,
event
houghI
’
m st
il
lhur
t.

Thandeka:
Let
’skeepi
tup,
whoknows?Goodt
hingsmi
ghtj
usthappen!

Nol
wazi
:Ij
ustdon’
tgetexact
lywhywe’
redoi
ngt
his.

Thandeka:
Heneedstoknowt hathecannottakeforgr
antedwhathehas.Heneedst obegfor
yourl
oveandonceal
lthehurtandangerasset t
led,
youwill
beabletodecidewhatyouwantto
do.AsmuchasIwanty out
opackupandl eave,webothknowthatwil
lnothappen-
now.
Nol
wazi
:Ther
e’snogoi
ngbackt
ohowwewer
e.

Thandeka:
Thenl
et’
spl
aywi
thhi
smi
ndabi
twhi
l
eyougett
oheal
ont
hesi
de.

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Thandeka:
Nowdoy
ouknowwhaty
ou’
regoi
ngt
owearf
ort
hegal
a?

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
tthi
nkIwantt
ogo.Iusedi
tjustt
ogethi
mtol
eav
e.Ihat
ehi
m somuch.

Thandeka:
Yety
oul
ovehi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Ineedhi
m.

Thandeka:
Yety
ouwantnot
hingt
odowi
thhi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Lov
ereal
l
yisn’
tbl
ackandwhi
tei
sit
?

Thandeka:
Itcomeswi
thi
tscompl
i
cat
ions.Yourhear
twi
l
lwanthi
m sobadl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Buty
ourbr
ainwi
l
lnagy
ouaboutal
lthehur
thehasbr
oughtt
oyou.

Thandeka:
Bat
tl
eoft
her
ati
onal
andi
rr
ati
onal
.Doy
ougowi
tht
hehear
tthati
swi
l
li
ngt
ofor
giv
e
andcont
inuel
ovi
ng?

Nol
wazi
:Ordoy
ougowi
tht
hebr
aint
hatknowsy
oudeser
vebet
ter
?

Theybot
hsi
ghedi
ndef
eat
.

Thandeka:Youcan’
tlovesomeonef
ooli
shl
ybecausethat’
sjustdangerousbutatthesamet i
me
youcan’tal
wayscal
culateordi
vi
det
heamountofl ov
ey ougive.
..I
t’
saconstantbattl
ebutafter
awhileyoureal
i
sethatyouneedtof
indabalancebetweenthetwo...Bei
ngrat
ionall
yir
rat
ional.

Nol
wazi
:Bei
ngr
ati
onal
l
yir
rat
ional
l
y?

Shechuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Il
i
ket
hat
..
.

Thandeka:
Sof
ornow,
let
’smakehim suf
ferabi
t.
..May
bethr
ought
hisexperi
enceyou’
l
l getan
AHAmomentwhereever
ythi
ngcl
i
cksandy ouseewherey
ouwantt
ogowi thyourmarr
iage.

Nolwaziwasbey ondappreciat
iveofhermot
her’
spr
esence.Shehadalway
sbeenclosetoher
butthi
swasdifferent
.Theygott obondonsuchadeeperl
evelandshewasthankf
ulforsome
oftheli
fel
essonsshel earntfr
om her.

Theymadet
hei
rwayupst
air
sandgott
othebedr
oom.Nol
wazi
checkedherphone.

Nol
wazi
:Thul
ical
l
ed.

Thandeka:
Isi
t?
Nolwazinoddedasshedial
l
edherbestf
ri
end’
snumber
.Ithadbeenawhi l
esincet
heyspoke.
..
Thankful
ly
,Nolwazi
’
sfri
endsknewwhentobackof
fandwhentor eachout.

Thephoner
angf
orawhi
l
eandi
twasev
ent
ual
l
yanswer
ed.

Thul
i
:Lwazi
?

Nol
wazi
:Heyt
her
e.

Thul
i
:Ohmygoodnessmyf
ri
end,
unj
ani
?

Nol
wazi
:I’
m do-

Thul
i
:Wai
twai
tletmeputy
ouonspeaker
,we’
real
lher
e.

Sheheardsomeshuf
fl
ingandsecondslat
ershewasl
aughi
ngbecauseherf
ri
endswher
enow
argui
ngaboutwhowouldhol
dthephone.

Nol
wazi
:Yazi
youcoul
deasi
l
yputi
tont
het
abl
eorsomet
hing?

Sli
ndi
le:Pleasetell
thatt
oThul
i
.Angazi
ubani
omenzeum’
phat
hi.Justbecauseshewonacase
shethinksshe’stheshit
.

Thul
i
:ThedayIsl
apy
ouwenaSl
y?

Sl
i
ndi
l
e:Ohpl
-
Nol
wazi
:Thul
iyouwont
hecase?

Thul
i
:Uhm butwhoar
ewet
alki
ngabouther
e?Ofcour
seIwont
hecase.

Sl
i
ndi
l
e:Weehsaf
eJehov
a!

Nol
wazi
:Si
yakubongel
a,wel
ldonemngani
.

Thuli
wastheonewhoi
ntr
oducedKwanel
etoNol
wazi
.
..She’
scl
oset
obot
hoft
hem sot
his
si
tuati
onwasver
yawkwar
dforher
.

Nol
wazi
:Uphi
uNomt
handazo?

Bot
hSl
i
ndi
l
eandThul
il
aughed.

Nol
wazi
:Ohno,
wenzeni
manj
e?

Sl
i
ndi
l
e:Yourgi
rli
sdr
unk.

Nol
wazi
:Wel
lIwi
shIwasher
.

Sl
i
ndi
l
e:Nomanweneedt
oseey
ou,
wher
ear
eyou?

Nol
wazi
:Endl
i
ni.
Sl
i
ndi
l
e:Ar
eyoual
one?

Nol
wazi
:Whoel
sewoul
dIbewi
th?

Sl
i
ndi
le:
Yazi
wer eal
lyneedt
orepor
tthatdouchet
othepol
i
ce.Sur
elyy
i-
rapel
ent
oay
enzay
o
wi
tht
hat22yearol
d.

Thul
i
:Sl
i
ndi
l
e!

Sl
indi
l
e:HaisukawenaSwi
tzer
land.Bei
ngneut
ral
isnotacut
elookf
ory
ou.Yourbuddyi
sa
pi
eceofshi
t.

Ther
ewasanawkwar
dsi
l
ence.

Sl
i
ndi
l
e:We’
reonourwaykeLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
sighed.

Sl
i
ndi
l
e:Hai
bowaphef
umul
elaphezul
unj
esi
si?Wear
eonourway
!

Thul
i
:Li
stenLwazi
,you’
l
lletusknow-

Nol
wazi
:Noi
t’
sfi
newozani
.

Sl
i
ndi
l
e:Thul
i
sil
elet
’sgo.

Thul
i
:Uhm Lwazi
Iknowy
ouneedy
ourspace-
Nol
wazi
:Wozani
,i
t’
sfi
ne.

Thul
i
:Ar
eyousur
e?

Nol
wazi
:Yes.

Thul
i
:Okayt
hen.

Nol
wazi
:By
e.

Thul
i
:By
elov
e.

Nol
wazi
droppedt
hecal
landt
henl
ookedathermot
her
.

Thandeka:
Aret
heycomi
ngov
er?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Thandeka:
Don’
tbegl
oomymannawe.Youcoul
ddowit
hadist
ract
ion.
..Nami
njeIneed
Nomthandazot
ogether
esowecanfi
nishabot
tl
eofwi
net
ogether
.

Nol
wazi
:Heheappar
ent
lyshehasal
readypassedout
.

Thandeka:
Ohhai
kodwashewi
l
lnev
erchange.
Thandekast
oodupandbeganwal
ki
ngout
.

Thandeka:Don’tal
lowyour
sel
ftobet hedepr
essedl
over
.It
’sver
yeasyt
ogetsuckedint
obeing
depressed.
..Don’
tdothatt
oyoursel
f.Takeal
lthel
oveandsupporty
oucanget
.Shutt
ingitout
onl
yhar msy oubaby.

Wi
tht
hatsai
d,shewal
kedout
.

I
NSERT16

Sl
yandThul
iwal
kedi
ncar
ryi
ngav
erydr
unkNomt
handazo.

Nol
wazi
:Ohhai
kodwauNomi
.

Thul
i
:Ngi
nyany
ekabi
nje.

Theywal
kedt
othel
oungeandpl
acedheront
hecouch.

Sl
y:Let
’sgosi
tout
side,
Ineedsomef
reshai
r.

Nol
wazi
:Al
ri
ght
.

Justthen,
Thandekawal
keddownt
hest
air
sandt
henSl
yandThul
irant
oherexci
tedl
yandt
hey
sharedhugs.

Thandeka:
Ninj
ani
kodwaz
ithandwazami
?
Sl
y:Wooi
mpi
l
oinzi
ma.

Theyal
ll
aughed.

Thandeka:
Uphi
uNomi
?

Nol
wazi
:Nangul
a.

Thandekawal
kedov
ert
othecouchandl
ookeddownatNomi
whowaspassedout
.

Thandeka:
Angi
thandi
kodwawhenshei
sthi
sdr
unk.

Thul
i
:Ther
eisnost
oppi
ngher
.

Thandeka:
Noman,
sheneedst
odoi
tinmoder
ati
on,
yazi
iphuzaf
aceay
idl
ali
?

Sl
y:Weneedanot
heri
nter
vent
ion.

Nol
wazi
:Comeon,
cuthersomesl
ack.

Sl
y:Ohho.

Theycar
ri
edonchat
ti
ngf
orawhi
l
e.

Thandeka:
Mybabi
es,
itwasgoodseei
ngy
oukodwaIhav
etogo.
Thul
i
:Itwasgoodseei
ngy
out
ooma.

Thandeka:
Shapke.

Nol
wazi
:Uzobuy
ani
ni?

Thandeka:
Don’
twor
ryI
’
llbebackbef
orey
oul
eav
e.

Sl
y:Andwher
ear
eyougoi
ngmadam?

Thandeka:
Letmel
eav
eyougi
rl
stocat
chup,
byeby
eke.

Theysai
dgoodbyetoThandekaandshedi
sappear
ed.Theyt
henmadet
hei
rwayout
sideand
wenttosi
tbythegazebo.

Sl
y:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngf
ri
end?

Nol
wazi
:Gal
adi
nner
.

Thul
i
:Isi
tforwor
k?

Sl
y:Obv
iousl
y.

Thul
irol
l
edherey
esandt
henbecameser
iousasshel
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Thul
i
:Howar
eyou?
Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
yandshookherhead.

Nolwazi:Kunzi
mashameI
’
m notev
engoi
ngt
oli
e.If
eel
li
keI
’
m hav
inganoutofbody
exper
ience.

Bot
hSl
yandThul
inodded.

Nol
wazi
:ButI
’
mtr
yingnott
osul
ktoomuch.

Sl
y:YouknowI
’
m al
laboutset
tl
ingt
hescor
essowhat
’sy
ourpl
an?

Nol
wazi
:Ohhai
kodwaSl
i
ndi
l
e.

Sl
y:Thatmandi
dyousowr
ong!Fuck,
Idon’
tthi
nkI
’
veev
erhat
edsomeonesomuch!

Thul
i
:Ar
eyoucopi
ngt
houg-

Sly
:Stoptr
yingtochangethesubj
ectThul
i
,Kwanel
eiswr
ongandt
her
eisnoj
ust
if
yingi
t.St
op
thi
sneutr
althi
ngofy our
s.

Thul
i
:Whatneut
ral
thi
ng?YouknowI
’
m get
ti
ngv
eryt
ir
edofy
ou-

Sl
y:Mxm somuchf
orbei
ngaf
ri
end.

Thul
i
:Whati
sth-
Nolwazirubbedhereyesandzonedthem outastheywentonargui
ng.Thesetwolovedeach
otherbuttheprobl
em wasthatbothoft
hem werev er
yst
ubborn.Yes,
theyfoughtal
lthet
ime
buttheyknewthatthei
rfr
iendshi
pwasdeepsot heargumentsneverl
asted.

Thul
i
:You’
resoan-

Nol
wazi
:Okayokayokay
!

Bot
hoft
hem l
ookedatherandshesmi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Canweatl
eastdr
inksomet
hingsowecanal
lbecal
m?

Sl
y:Gogetsomechampagne,
Ibr
oughtust
heni
ceni
ce.

Nolwazialr
eadyknewwhatshewast al
kingabout.Whenev eroneofthem wasgoingthrough
something,t
heywouldallgettogether,
drinkupandgethi gh.Nothi
ngcomparedtobei ng
reckl
esswithyourfr
iendsinthesafetyofy ourhouse.Al
lofthem li
vedbusyli
vessothese
moment s,al
thoughsad,broughtthem together
.

Nolwazi
stoodupandwal kedinsidethehouse.Shor
tl
yaft
er,
shecamebackwithabott
leof
champagneand3glasses.Slyhadalreadyrol
led3joi
ntsf
orthem.Shel
i
tthem andt
heyall
sat
ther
eandcaughtupwitheachot her’
sli
ves.

Thulisi
leisanI ntell
ectualPropertylawy erandherj obent ail
sofpr ov i
dinglegalassistancet o
arti
sts,i
nvent orsandot herswhoneedhel pmanagi ngthei rpublishedandunpubl ishedwor k.
Shef ocusesmor eonpr otecti
nghercl ients’exclusiveright stotheirintell
ectualproperty.She
metNol wazi sixy earsagoatsomer andom oneweekenv i
ronment alawar enessconf erence.
Theywer epl acedi nthesamegr oupsot heybasi call
ysaweachot herfrom 8am- 4pm ev ery
day
forthatweek.Oncet heconferencewasov ertheyhaddev elopedagoodacquai ntanceshipso
theycontinuedt ost ayincontactandmont hslater, t
heybecamegoodf r
iends.Thuliisav ery
downt oear t
hper son,ali
ttl
ebitlikeNol wazi.Shei s29y earsol dandi sinanonandof f
rel
ationshipwi t
hherexhusband.Shehasal way sbeenonet oshyawayf rom seri
ous
rel
ationshipsbutwhenshemetherex- husband, shel etdownherguar dandf ol
lowedherhear t
-
whichledherst raighttomar r
iage.Theygotmar riedafter3y earsofdat i
ngandt hingswer e
perf
ectlyperfectbutt hatwasunt i
lheri nsecur i
ti
esgott hebetterofher .Shebecamet heclassic
j
ealouswi fewhot hrivedonchecki ngherhusband’ sever ymov e.For3y earsherwor ldrevolved
onsnoopi ngaroundandar guingwi thPatonhersuspi cions.Twoy earsi ntothemar ri
age,Pat
decidedthathehadhadenoughandsot heygotadi v
or ce.Unfortunately,hecouldn’tdenyt hat
Thuliwast heper f
ectwomanf orhim-t heonl yproblem washeri nsecuritiesandconst ant
nagging.Theybegandat i
ngeachot heragai nandi t
’sbeenar oll
ercoasterofar i
deev ersi
nce. .
.
Theyhav ebeenonandof ff orthepasty ear .Nol
wazi didn’tagreewi thThul i’
sway s.
..Becauseof
thewayshewasr aised,Nol wazifeltliket heygav eupt ooquickly.Sheal sofeltl
i
kesi ncethey
weredivorcedt hent herewasnot hingbi ndingthem sot heyneededt oei thercuttiescompl etel
y
orgetremar ri
edt oav oi
dt histeenagebackandf orth.

ThulihadinvitedNol wazi t
oawor kfuncti
ont hatwast akingpl acei nherlawf ir
m becauseatt he
ti
me, sheandPatwer enotongoodt ermssocoul dn’tbr i
nghi m asherpl usone.Whi lethere,
Thuli
’sgoodf riendandcol league,Kwanel e, tookani nterestinNol wazi.Bei ngthegoodf ri
end
thatsheis,Thul iwasmor ethanhappyt opl aymat chmaker .Fort henextcoupl eofmont hsshe
putallhereffortsintomaki ngNol waziandKwanel eauni t
.Thankf ull
y,shesucceededbecause
theycli
ckedinst antly
.Ofcour seNol wazigav eKwanel eat ought ime. .
.Also, shewasst i
llhung
uponherexatt het i
mesoKwanel ehadal otofdamagecont rol t
odo.Nol wazi wasst i
llav i
rgin
butshewasv er yknowledgeabl eaboutrelat ionships, viaherex, soshewasn’ ttheclassicvir
gin
whowasst il
lignorantandgul l
i
ble.Aft
eray earofcour tship,Kwanel efi
nallygoti nandi thas
beenagoodr ideev ersince.Thulisti
llpr
idesher selfinbei ngthe“ f
ounder ”oft hesetwo’s
rel
ati
onship.Howev er,becauseshei scloset obot hoft hem, t
hingswoul dal way sgetawkwar d
whent heyhadar gument s.
..Butnowshecoul dgi veany thingtodeal witht hoseot herargument s
thanwhatt heywer ecurrentl
yfacing.Herl oy altywascutbet weenbot hNol wazi andKwanel e
andshewashav i
ngadi ffi
cultti
mesuppor tingbot hoft hem equal l
y..
.

NowSl i
ndileist her epr
imanderoft hegr oup.Shespeakst ruthandnot hi
ngbutt het ruth-evenif
i
tcut sther eceiver.Sheownsanev entscompanyt hatdoescat eri
ng, decorandal l theot her
aspect sofpullingofaf ant ast
icev ent-bei taweddi ng,bi
rthday ,babyshower -anyev enty ou
wantt opul loff,shewast hegot oper son.Herbusi nesswasgr owingont hedai l
yt hankst othe
goodr ev i
ewssher ecei
ves.Shegotadegr eeinPhar macybutonceshegotoutofuni v
er sit
yshe
putitasideanddeci dedt hatshewant edt obeintouchwi thhercr eativeandbusi ness- oriented
sidesoaf ter4y earsoff ocusingonaBachel orofPharmacy ,
shewentbackt oschool butonl y
thistimeshet ookcour sesi nBusiness, Touri
sm andCat eri
ng.Shewant edt obeanal l
-round
businesswomanwhowoul dbehands- onwhenshest art
edherowncompany .Asshest udied,
shet ookupi nter nshipsont hesi
dej ustsoshecoul dgainal l
thenecessar yexper iencei nev ents
management .
..Assoonasshewasdoneshewasr eadytost artherownt hing.Whenshewas
ready ,
sheseekedai dfrom acer tainl awf irm andshewasl edt oThuli.Thul i
,whowast he
Intel
lectualProper tyguru, assist
edSl i
ndi l
eingetti
nghercompanyr egisteredandensur edt hat
allherpaper wor kwasf i
ledandappr oved.Thr oughthatwor kr elat
ionship,af r
iendshi p
bl
ossomedandt
heyhav
enev
erl
ookedback.
..

WhenKwanel eproposedt oNol waziandweddingplanswer eunder way,i

twasobv iousthat
Thuliwasgoi ngt osuggestSl i
ndile’
scompanyt odoalltheor ganisingandexecution.Nolwazi
wasabi thesi t
antatfir
stbecauset hecompanywasst i
l
l devel opi
ng.Thuli
sawt hisasan
opport unityforherfri
end, Sly
,tomakeasol i
dnamef orher selfintheeventsfi
eld.Aftermuch
conv i
ncing, Nolwazifi
nallyagr eedandSly’
scompanywasr esponsi bl
efortheplanningofthe
weddi ng.Att hatpointintime, Slywasstil
lunder
-st
affedsot hatmeantshehadt obeont he
foregroundatal lt
imes.Thr ought hi
s,shegottoint
eractwi thNol waziandonceagai n,a
fri
endshi pblossomed.Sl indil
epr ovedtobeanamazi ngpl annerandaf terNolwazi’
sweddi ng,
mor eof fersandoppor tuniti
escameherway .Herbusinessgr ewt r
emendouslyandshehasnow
takenov erherfiel
d.

These3becamebestf
ri
endsi
nthenext2y
ear
s..
.

Twoy ear sago,Thandekacal ledNol wazi ,

informingherthatt hedaughterofherclosef r
iend
wasmov i
ngtoDur banandwoul dneedsomeaccommodat ionf orjustacoupleofweeks. .
.This
i
showNomt handazocamei ntothepi cture.Shewasa27y earoldaspiri
ngactresswhoneeded
abr eakf rom l
ife.Theact i
ngf i
eldisacut -
throatfiel
dandi fonei snotbui l
ttohandlecount l
ess
rej
ect i
onst hent heyshouldthinkt wiceaboutget ti
ngin.Nomt handazo,knownasNomi ,
hadan
Honour sdegreei nEngineeri
ngbutt heonl yreasonshepur suedi twasbecauseherf atherwas
forceful aboutit.Shewor kedasanengi neerf or5y earsandwhenshet urned26,shequi ther
j
ob( everymont hwasl i
keshewont hel ottery)anddecidedt hatshewant edtodoact i
ng.Ev en
Thandekawasabi tshockedbyt hi
sbutshewast heonewhomanagedt ocalm Nomi ’sparents
downandconv incedt hem toallowt heirdaught ertoli
veherl i
fethewayshewant ed.Thandeka
thenar rangedf orNomi t
ostaywi t
hNol wazi andKwanel ef oracoupl eofweeksanddur ingt hat
ti
me, Nolwazi i
nt r
oducedNomi tohert wobestf ri
endsandi t’
ssaf etosaytheyallcli
cked.

Thesef ourfriendswer ebindedbytheirdif

ferentlif
egoal s,experiencesandper spect
ivesonl i
fe,
l
oveandal lthatotherjazz.Eachonebr oughtsomet hingdifferenttot hetable:Nolwazi wasthe
“mother”oft hegr oup.Shewast heresponsibleonewhoseabi li
tytoloveandf orgi
ve
wholehear t
edl ymadehert heumbr ell
aofthegr oup.Thul iwast heanal yt
icalone, t
he
perf
ectionistwhowant edev er
ythi
ngtobei nline.Herf r
iendsconcl udedt hatitwasbecauseof
herrel
at i
onshi pthatdevelopedall
thesechar acteri
stics.She’ stheov er-
thinker,theonewho
needsal li
nfor mationinordertomakedeci si
ons. .
.Ev erythi
ngj usthadt obei nline.Sl
ywast he
col
ourful one, t
hev ibr
antmout hofthegroup.Messwi thherandal lhellbreaksloose.Shelov ed
bei
ngt hebossandhav i
ngpeople’
sat t
enti
on.Al leyeshadt obeonherandbecauseshewas
beauti
ful,shewant edtomakesur ethatpeopl erecogni sedherbr ai
nsmor einsteadofmaki ng
i
mpr essionsjustbyseei ngherpr ettyface.Nomi wast hequietone...Becauseherpar entsused
tocontroleveryaspectofherl i
fe,shegotusedt obei ngonther eceivi
ngendofaut hori
ty.She
wasst i
lltr
yingtof i
ndherownv oiceandherf riendswer ehelpi
ngherwi ththat.At27,shestill
hadnothadsexwi thany oneinherl i
fe.Sheav oidedcommi t
mentl ikeapl aguebecauseshe
didn’
twantt oputher selfinyetanot hersit
uationwher eheracti
onshadt obel i
mi t
edjustto
sati
sfyoraccommodat eanot herper son.Herlifeconsistedofgoingt oev ents,par
tyi
ngupa
storm andthenl azi
ngar oundi nherbeachhouse.Shewoul dconstant l
ysayt hatshewasont he
pursui
tofhappi nesssoherf r
iendsmadeadeal wi t
hher :Af
teroney ear,shewoul dstoplazing
aroundanddosomet hingconst ructi
v ewithherl i
fe.

*
**

I
twasnowar
ound4pm andt
hef
ri
endswer
ehi
ghandt
ipsy
.

Sl
y:Sowhatar
eyouwear
ingt
othegal
a?

Nol
wazi
:Shi
tIf
orgot
!

Sl
yandThul
il
aughedbecauseNol
wazi
wasnotonet
osaywor
dsl
i
keshi
t.

Nol
wazi
:Ineedt
ocal
lDeanandaskhi
mtor
eser
veaseatf
orme.

Thul
i
:Isn’
titabi
ttool
atet
hough?

Sl
y:ForNol
wazi
?Mxm I
’
m sur
etheywi
l
lbendov
erbackwar
dsf
ory
ouMi
ssEconomi
cs.

Nol
wazi
:May
beIshoul
dn’
t-

Sl
y:Uh-
huhy
ouneedt
ogetoutoft
hishouse!Ir
efuseshame.
Nol
wazi
:Hawuangi
thi
nikhonani
na?

Sl
y:Woowel
ovey
oumngani
butwehav
epl
ans.

Nol
wazi
lookedatSl
yindi
sbel
i
ef.

Thul
i
:Shehasadat
e.

Sl
ysmi
l
edasshef
annedher
sel
fdr
amat
ical
l
ybyhercoochi
e.

Sl
y:Sexbef
oref
ri
ends,
anyday
!

Theyl
aughed.

Sl
y:I
tot
olozi
all
day
!

Nol
wazi
:Igi
veup!

Theycont
inuedt
ochatf
orawhi
l
e.

Nol
wazi
:LetmeaskDeani
fit
’st
ool
ate.

Shetookoutherphoneandt
ookadeepbr
eat
h-shewasabi
thi
ghaf
teral
lsoshehadt
otr
ynot
tosl
urherwords.
I
trangf
orawhi
l
eunt
ili
twasanswer
ed.

Dean:
Deanspeaki
ng,
hel
l
o?

Nol
wazi
:Hi
,i
t’
sNol
wazi
.Whathappenedt
ochecki
ngcal
l
eri
ds?

Dean:
Ngi
mat
asat
asal
a.

Nol
wazi
:Ar
eyouget
ti
ngr
eadyf
ort
hegal
a?

Dean:
Aft
eral
lthesey
ear
syout
hinkIst
ressov
ert
hosebor
ingt
hings?

Nol
wazi
:Wel
lal
ri
ghtt
hen.
..Li
sten,
isi
ttool
atef
ormet
ochangemyRSVP?

Dean:
Youwantt
ocome?

Nol
wazi
:Yes,
Ithi
nk.

Dean:Idon’
tthi
nki
twil
lbeapr
obl
em.I
’
dcal
lAl
exf
ory
ouj
ustt
oconf
ir
m butI
’
m abi
tti
edup
now,wil
lyoumanage?

Nol
wazi
:Yes,
I’
ll
cal
lhi
m.Thanks.

Dean:
Nopr
obl
em,
bye.

Nol
wazi
:By
e.
Shedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.

Sl
y:Al
lsor
ted?

Nol
wazi
:Onemor
ecal
l
.

Shedi
all
edAlex’
snumber
,whowasresponsi
blefort
heti
ckets,
andtri
edherl
uck.Al
exwasa
col
our
edcoll
eaguewhoworkedatt
hePubli
cRelati
onsdi
visi
onofthecompany.

Al
ex:
Ofcour
sey
oucancome,
babe.

Nol
wazi
frowned.Shef
oundi
text
remel
yinappr
opr
iat
ethatAl
exi
nsi
stedoncal
l
ingher“
babe”
.

Nol
wazi
:Okayt
hanks.

Al
ex:
Babe,
butwegav
eawayy
ourpl
usoneseat
.

Nol
wazi
:No,
that
’snotapr
obl
em.

Al
ex:
Arey
ousur
e?

Nol
wazi
:YesIam.

Al
ex:
Ohal
ri
ghtt
hen.
Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou.

Al
ex:
Seey
ousoon.

Nol
wazi
:By
e.

Shedr
oppedt
hecal
landl
ookedatherf
ri
ends.

Sl
y:Al
lsor
ted?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Thul
i
:Thenl
et’
sgety
our
eadybef
orewel
eav
e.

Sl
y:Yaas!

Thul
i
:Udakwakabi
wena.

Sl
y:I
’
dtel
lyout
ogosuckadi
ckbutkey
ou’
resi
ngl
e.

Nol
wazi
:Sl
y!

SlygaveThul
ithemiddl
efi
ngerast
heygotbacki
nthehouse.Nomi
stoodt
her
eandwat
chedas
herfr
iendsgotin.

Nomi
:Wher
eist
hepar
ty?
?
Thul
i
:Uy
abhedamanj
ewena.

Nol
wazi
wentandgr
abbedNomi
’
sar
m andt
heyal
lwentupst
air
stot
hebedr
oom.

I
NSERT17

Sl
y:Yaas!Youseehowgr
eaty
oul
ook,
mngani
??

Nol
wazistar
edather
sel
fint
hemi
rr
orandchuckl
ed.Shewasst
il
lqui
tehi
ghsoal
loft
hiswasa
bi
tfunny
.

Thul
i
:Yourey
esar
esor
edanddr
oopyt
hough,
fri
end.

Nol
wazi
:Ngi
l
ambi
l
ekemanj
e.

Nomi
:Whywoul
dyougethi
ghwi
thoutme?

Sl
y:Hai
kewenasdakwandi
ni.

Nomi
rol
l
edherey
esasshel
ayont
hebed.

Nomi
:Il
i
ket
hatdr
essLwa,
thatassi
sbangi
ng.

Nol
wazi
laughedandt
henst
rokedherst
omach.
Nol
wazi
:Ngi
l
ambi
l
ebo!

Justt
hent
heyhear
dfoot
stepsandsecondsl
ater
,Thandekawal
kedi
n.

Thandeka:
Wool
ookatmybaby
!

Theyal
lgr
eet
edherex
cit
edl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Mom I
’
m hungr
y.

Thandeka:
Heehmanj
engi
ngenaphi
laphomi
na?

Sl
y:She’
shi
gh.

Thandeka:
Manj
euzohambaunj
e?

Nol
wazi
:Ar
ghI
’
mfi
ne.

Thandeka:
Hai
kenowy
ou’
reexper
ienci
ngmunchi
esandy
ou’
remaki
ngi
tmypr
obl
em?

Sl
ylaughed.

Sl
y:Andbhekamuhl
ekanj
ani
thatt
ime.

Nol
wazi
satdownandl
ookedathermot
her
.
Nol
wazi
:Theshowerwokemeupman,
I’
mfi
ne.

Sl
y:I
’
llpr
epar
esomet
hingf
ory
ouphel
ayoucan’
tbeeat
ingl
i
keabeastataf
ormal
dinner
.

Nol
wazi
rol
l
edherey
esasSl
ywal
kedoutoft
her
oom andwentt
otheki
tchen.

Thandeka:
Arey
ougoi
ngal
one?

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.

Thandeka:
Wil
lyoubef
ine?

Nol
wazi
:Whywoul
dn’
tIbe?Youpeopl
ear
ebei
ngdr
amat
ic.

Nomi
laughed.

Nomi
:Weedmakesy
ousnappykewena.

Thandekashookherheadandst
oodup.

Thandeka:
You’
l
lletmeknowoncey
oul
eav
eke.

Shewal
kedoutandNol
wazi
rol
l
edherey
es.

Thul
i
:Heehhai
bosi
si.
Nol
wazi
:Thul
ipl
easedr
ivemet
her
e.

Thuli
chuckl
ed.Nolwazir
eall
ycoul
dn’thandl
eboozeandweed.Outofev
ery
one,shetookthe
l
ongesttogobackt oanormalst
ate.Bynow, bot
hThul
iandSl
ywerefi
nebutNolwaziwassti
ll
abitoutofi
t,nott
oomuchbutshewasst i
ll
woozy .

Thul
i
:YaI
’
lldr
ivey
out
her
eandI
’
llpi
cky
ouupaswel
l
.

Nol
wazi
:SeewhyIl
ovey
ou?

Thul
i
:Weeeh.

Nomi
:Hai
shameLwazi
I’
m st
ayi
ngher
etoni
ght
.

Nol
wazi
:You’
renotgoi
ngout
?

Nomi
:I’
m sot
ir
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Sal
anoThandekakepl
usshecoul
duset
hecompany
.

Nomi
noddedj
ustasSl
ywal
kedi
nwi
thapl
ateofsandwi
chesandagl
assofcol
dwat
er.

Sl
y:Bamba.

Nol
wazit
ookt
hepl
ateandat
esl
owl
y.Sl
yputdownt
hegl
assofwat
erandwentt
ost
andbyt
he
mir
ror
.
Sl
y:Ican’
twai
ttost
artgl
owi
ng.
..Gi
vemeaweekandal
lshal
lbewel
l
.

Theyal
ll
aughed.

Sl
y:Lwazi
wenaangazi
ngobay
ouar
est
art
ingt
olookat
adbi
tdepr
ived.

Nol
wazikeptqui
etandfocusedonherfood,
shecouldfeel
heremot i
onscomingtoplay
.She
want
edtobewi t
hKwanele.Slysawthi
sandimmediatel
ychangedthesubj
ect.Nol
wazi’
s
br
eakdownslast
edforacoupleofdayssoshedi
dn’twanttobetheonetotri
ggersuch.

Af
termuchf
ool
i
ngar
ound,
Nol
wazi
bri
ght
enedupandSl
yret
ouchedhermakeup.

I
twasnowar
ound6pm.

Thul
i
:Asi
bey
indl
ela.

Sl
y:I
ndeed.

Theygr
abbedev
ery
thi
ngandbefor
etheymadethei
rwayout
,theysai
dgoodbyetoThandeka.
Nomistay
edwit
hherandt
herestoft
hegir
lsmadethei
rwayoutofthehouseandt
othecar.

Thul
i
:I’
l
ldr
opy
ouf
ir
stLwazi
andt
henI
’
lldr
opt
hisone-sowecanpr
epar
eforherdat
e.

Theygoti
nthecaranddr
oveof
f.

Nol
wazi
:Thi
sfeel
sver
ywei
rd.Whyam Igoi
ngt
othi
sthi
ngal
one?
Sl
y:Don’
twor
ryman,
yourcol
l
eagueswi
l
lbet
her
e.

Nol
wazi
:Wi
tht
hei
rpar
tner
s!

Sl
y:Hai
manLwazi
uzobar
ight
.

Nol
wazi
sighedandsanki
nherseat
.

Thul
i
:Si
tpr
oper
lymanandst
opbei
ngsonegat
ive.

Nol
wazi
satupandhuf
fed.Sl
ygav
eherabot
tl
eofwat
erandshet
ookasi
p.

Sl
y:Uh-
huh,
fini
shi
t.

Nol
waziignor
edherandt
heyl
i
stenedt
omusi
cast
heydr
oveon.Atar
ound6:
50pm t
heygott
o
t
hevenue.

Sl
y:I
t’
sst
il
labi
tear
ly.

Nolwazi
:That
’sgood.Idon’
twantt
oar
ri
vel
atekant
ingi
-dat
eless.I
’
llj
ustf
indmyt
abl
eandsi
t
down.

Thul
i
:Ar
eyousur
eyoudon’
twantust
ochi
l
lforaf
ewmi
nut
es?

Nol
wazi
shookherhead.

Sl
y:Cal
lusi
fyouneedr
escui
ngke.
Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Shesaidhergoodbyesandthengotoutofthecar .Shewal kedpastsecur

it
yandmadeherway
i
nsideandasusual,thepl
acewasbeaut i
ful
,extr
av agantandglamorous.Typi
calgal
athi
ngs..
.
Theplacewasfil
li
ngupbutal otofpeopl
ewer estill
notthere.Asshestoodther
e,sheassessed
thetabl
es.

Shef
eltsomeonet
apherandwhenshet
urnedar
ound,
shesawAl
ex.

Hef
lashedhi
schar
mingsmi
l
e.

Al
ex:
Longt
imenosee!

Nol
wazi
fakedasmi
l
edandt
heyshar
edabr
iefhug.

Nol
wazi
:Howar
eyouAl
ex?

Al
ex:
Wel
lnowI
’
m good.
..

HeassessedNol
wazi
from headt
otoeandt
henst
aredather
.

Al
ex:
Youl
ookst
unni
ngbabe,
asusual
.

Nol
wazi
fakedanot
hersmi
l
e.

Nol
wazi
:Thanks.
Al
ex:
You’
requi
teear
ly,
asy
oucanseepeopl
est
il
lhav
en’
tar
ri
ved.

Nol
wazi
:That
’sper
fect
.Woul
dyoumi
ndshowi
ngmemyt
abl
e?

Al
ex:
Sur
ebabe.

Nol
wazi
rol
l
edherey
esasshef
oll
owedAl
ext
oat
abl
ethatwasal
l
ocat
edi
nthemi
ddl
e.

“
Ah,
coul
dn’
ttheypl
aceusi
nsomedar
kcor
ner
?”shet
hought
,“Whyam Iev
enher
e?”

Al
ex:
I’
ll
bej
oini
ngy
ouoncewest
art
.

Nolwazi noddeddisi
nter
est
edlyandt henwalkedar
oundt hetabletocheckwhowaspl acedon
hertable.SheknewDeanwoul dbet hereandshewasgl adbecauseshewasn’tl
ookingf or
ward
todealingwithal
ltheoldwhit
emenbyher self
.Shecheckedtoseei fDean’
spar
tner’
sname
wast hereandindeeditwas.Wellt
heact ual
namewasn’ tthere.Deanhadbeenwit
ht hisgi
rlf
or
2year snow.

“
Ineedt
oconv
incehi
mtomar
ryt
hisgi
rl
,”shet
hought
.

Nol
wazicouldn’
tunderst
andwhypeopl
e“date”
.Shehadbeenmar
ri
edf
orsol
ongt
hatshe
bel
i
evedthatotherpeopl
eshoul
dgetmarri
edaswell
.

“
Arghbutl
ookwher
ethatgotme,
”shet
hought
,“I
’
mlockeddowni
nal
i
eofamar
ri
age.
”

Shewalkedt
ot hebarandaskedforagl
assofchampagne.Shethenwalkedbacktothetabl
e
andsatdown.Shetookoutherphoneandwentthr
oughherregul
areconomicupdates.
..
Shehear
dsomeonecl
eart
hei
rthr
oatandshel
ookedup.I
twasDean’
sgi
rl
fr
iend.

Nol
wazi
:Nt
siki
!

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edki
ndl
yandNt
siki
smi
l
edaswel
l
.Nol
wazi
stoodupandt
heyshar
edahug.

Nt
siki
:Howar
eyou?

Nol
wazi
:I’
m gr
eatt
hanky
ouandhowar
eyou?

Nt
siki
:I’
m gr
eataswel
l
.

Nol
wazi
:Uhm,
hav
easeat
.

Nt
siki
lookedatt
henamecar
dsandr
oll
edherey
es.Thecar
dwaswr
it
ten“
Par
tner
”

Herf
aci
alexpr
essi
onchanged.

Nol
wazi
:Ev
ery
thi
ngal
ri
ght
?

Nt
siki
noddedl
i
ght
lyandt
hensatdown.Theseatbet
weenherandNol
wazi
wasf
orDean.

“
Iwouldal
sobetouchedifIwasnamel
ess,
”thoughtNolwazi
,“Deancoul
dhav
eeasi
l
ygi
ven
t
hem Ntsi
ki
’snameandtheywouldhav
epri
nteditinst
eadofPartner
.”
Nt
siki
:Wher
eisKwanel
e?

Nol
wazi
fakedasmi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Hecoul
dn’
tjoi
nmet
oday
.

Nt
siki
noddedl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Don’
tyouwantsomet
hingt
odr
ink?

Nt
siki
:Idoact
ual
l
y.

Nt
siki
stoodup.

Nt
siki
:I’
l
lbeback.

Nol
wazinoddedasNt
siki
walkedtot
hebar.Justt
hen,herphoner
angandi
twasKwanel
e,she
l
ookedatthescr
eenf
oralongti
mebefor
eanswering.

Nol
wazi
:Hel
l
o.

Kwanel
e:Nol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Yes?

Hekeptqui
etf
orasecond.
“
Askmet
ocomebackKwanel
eandIwi
l
l,
”shet
hought
,“Manupandf
ightf
orme.
”

Kwanel
e:Di
dyouar
ri
vesaf
elyatt
hedi
nner
?

Nol
wazi
sighedangr
il
y.

Nol
wazi
:Whyar
eyoucal
l
ingme?

Kwanel
esi
ghed.

Nol
wazi
:Focusony
ourwi
feandl
eav
emeal
one.

Kwanel
e:B-

Shedroppedt
hecal
landswit
chedoffherphone.I
tanger
edhert
hatheplayedthi
sinnocent
per
sonwhenalloft
hishur
twascausedbyhim.Shestoodupandwalkedtothebarandor der
ed
whiskey
.

Ntsi
ki
,whowasst
il
lwai
ti
ngf
orhergl
assofchampagne,
lookedatNol
wazi
inshockasshe
downedi
t.

Nt
siki
laughedner
vousl
y.

Nt
siki
:Isev
ery
t-

Nol
wazi
:Gi
vemeanot
herone.
Thebartenderobl
igedandgav eheranotheroneandshedowneditaswell
.Shethenwal
ked
backtothetableandsatthere.
..Peopl
estartedar
ri
vi
ngandawhi t
eoldmanwhom sheknew
from t
heeconomicsf i
eldsatontheothersideoft
heroundt
able.Shezonedever
ythi
ngoutand
thoughtaboutnothi
nginparti
cular
.

Shef
eltsomeonet
aphershoul
derandshesnappedoutofi
t.

Deanwasnowseat
ednextt
oher
.

Dean:
Lookwhatt
hewi
ndbl
ewi
n.

Shesmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Wher
ewer
eyou?

Dean:
Sor
ti
ngaf
ewt
hingsout
.

Sher
oll
edherey
esandDeanl
ookedatherwei
rdl
y.

Nt
siki
hel
dDean’
shandunder
neat
hthet
abl
eandDeanl
ookedather
.

Nt
siki
:*whi
sper
ing*Shedownedal
lotofwhi
skey
.St
rai
ghtnakhona.

Dean:
Who?

Nt
siki
glancedatNol
wazi
andt
henDeanl
ookedatNol
wazi
.
Dean:
Arey
ougood?

Nol
wazi
didn’
tthi
nkhewast
alki
ngt
oher
.Shewasi
nherownwor
ld.

DeanandNt
siki
glancedateachot
herandt
henNt
siki
shr
uggedhershoul
der
s.

Af
terawhi
l
ethepl
acewasf
il
ledup.
..Al
excameandsatnextt
oNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Wher
e’sy
ourpar
tnerAl
ex?

Al
exsmi
l
edsl
yl
yatNol
wazi
.

Al
ex:
I’
mri
dingsol
o,babe.

Nol
wazi
:Cal
lmebabeonemor
eti
meandy
ouwi
l
lbej
obl
essbyt
omor
row,
okay
?

Deanhear
dthi
sandbot
hheandAl
exst
aredather
.

Nol
wazi
:Nxxngi
zol
enzani
i-Col
our
edmi
na?

Shet
ookherphoneandswi
tchedi
ton.
..

DeanandAl
exgl
ancedateachot
heri
nshock.

I
NSERT18
Asthestarter
swereserved,Alexfi
nall
yfuell
edupt hecour
agetolookatNolwaziagain.Nolwazi
wasfocusingonherplat
e,eatingslowl
y..
.DeanandNt siki
ontheotherhandwereal souneasy.
Theoneper sonwhoalwayshadhershi ttogetherwasnowshowingthem awholeot hersi
de.
Nol
wazi hadbeensil
entthroughoutthespeechesandsmal lt
alkt
hattookplaceatthetable.

Al
excl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandgl
ancedatav
eryqui
etNol
wazi
.

Al
ex:
Uhm-

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m andhi
swhol
efacef
roze.

Al
exwascr acki
nghi
sskull
..
.Ofcour
sehehadacr ushonNol wazi
,whowoul
dn’
t?Thel
adyi
s
ev
erythi
ng!Buthet
houghtshewasokaywithhim pl
ayi
ngaroundwithher
.Heknewshewas
marr
iedsoitwasallf
unandgamesf orhi
my ouknow?Nothinghecti
c.

Nol
wazi
:You’
regoi
ngt
ohav
etost
opst
ari
ngatmeAl
ex.Yourst
arei
swei
ghi
ngheav
yonme.

Deanwaslist
eni
ngat
tent
ivel
yevenashewasmakingsmallt
alkwithal
ltheot
herpeopl
eatthe
tabl
e.Hehadtomakesur
et hatNol
wazi
doesn’
tdoanyt
hingcrazyandembarr
assbothher
self
andthecompany.

Al
ex:
Sor
ry.

Nol
wazi
focusedonherf
oodagai
nandt
henl
ookedup,
asi
flooki
ngf
orsomeone.

Dean:
Ufunani
?

Nol
wazi
:Wher
e’st
heper
sonr
esponsi
blef
ort
hist
abl
e?Can’
ttheyseewe’
reoutofchampagne?
Deancr
inged.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
lookedatDeani
nnocent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Whydoy
oul
ookembar
rassed?Am Iembar
rassi
ngy
ou?

Dean:
Wha-

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Shedi
smissedDeanandt
hensignal
l
edf
orawai
tert
ocome.Shet henaskedf ormor
e
champagneandanol
dwhitemanwhowasthemosttal
kat
iveatt
hetablelaughedbol
dly
.

Ol
dman:
Ahhsomeonef
inal
l
yasked!

Hel
aughedagai
n.

Ol
dman:
Iwasaf
rai
dyoupeopl
ewoul
dthi
nkI
’
m anal
cohol
i
c!Nol
wazi
her
e’st
oyou!

Ev
ery
oneatt
het
abl
elaughedandt
heyr
aisedt
hei
rgl
assesandt
oast
edhumor
ousl
y.

Nol
wazi
thent
urnedt
olookatDean.

Nol
wazi
:Thi
sismewe’
ret
alki
ngabout
..
.
Shesmiledandthenwentontochatupast orm wit
htheseoldwhit
emenwhohadt akena
l
iki
ngofher.Theywerenotwhatsheexpected-theywerebeyondopenandraw.Theytalked
aboutt
heirdi
vorces,
aff
air
sandallt
hatotherrawst uf
fthatget
sdi
scussedbyabunchofmi ddl
e
agedri
chmen.

Nt
siki
wat
chedi
nannoy
anceandt
hencussedl
i
ght
ly.Shet
urnedt
ofaceDean.

Nt
siki
:I’
m sur
eifwasi
tmewhowasdr
inki
ngl
i
keaf
ishy
ouwoul
djudgemeandcal
lmenames.

Deanl
ookedatNt
siki
inconf
usi
onasshet
ookasi
pofherchampagne.

Nt
siki
:Whydi
dn’
tyout
ell
yourpeopl
emyname?

Deanwasbey
ondconf
used.

Ntsi
ki
:Yourpri
nti
ngpeopl
e.Whyungabat
shel
angai
gamal
ami
?MynamehasbeenPar
tnerf
or
t
hepast2y ear
snow,MrBoss.

Deandi
dn’
tsayonewor
d.Hel
ookedatherandshei
mmedi
atel
ykeptqui
et.Thatl
ookcoul
d
meanonethi
ng.
..

Thewai
tercamewi
thabot
tl
eofchampagne.

Nol
wazi
:Justone?
?!

Ev
ery
oneatt
het
abl
elaughed.
Theol
dmanwhosenamewasGr
eg,
laughedbol
dly
.

Gr
eg:
Cuummaan!

Theyal
ll
aughed.

Nol
wazi
:Goonandgetusmor
ebot
tl
es!Wehav
e6ol
dti
mer
sint
hist
abl
e.

Gr
eg:
List
ent
othel
ady
,youngman!

Thewai
ternoddedandchuckl
edashewal
kedof
f.

Alext
appedNol
wazil
ightl
yandNol
wazi
lookedathi
m,t
hist
imeshewasabi
tgent
ler
-thankst
o
thecr
azymenatthet
able.

Al
ex:
Iwantt
oapol
ogi
se.

Nol
wazi
:Imagi
nei
fIwal
kedar
oundcal
l
ingDean“
babe”
.Inwhi
chwor
ldi
sthatappr
opr
iat
eAl
ex?

Al
exf
rowned.

Nol
wazi
:Ishoul
dn’
thav
etot
ell
youwhat
’sr
ightandwr
ongwheny
ouar
e20whatagai
n?

Al
ex:
24.

Nol
wazi
laughed.
Nol
wazi
:You’
re24?

Al
exnodded.Hewassuddenl
yver
yshy
.

Nol
wazi
:Nowonder
..
.You’
rest
il
lyoungandnai
ve.

Al
ex:
I’
m sor
ry.

Nol
wazi
:Nopr
obl
em,
just
-nobabe,
okay
?

Al
ex:
Nobabe.

Nol
wazi:Nowwi
pethesmuglookonyourfaceandhav
esomechampagne.Youdeser
ve
somet
hingni
cef
orpull
i
ngoffthi
sdi
nner.

Al
exsmi
l
edpr
oudl
y.

Nol
wazi
:“Babe.
”

Theychuckl
edandNolwaz
iwentontoconversewit
hhernewl
yfoundacquai
ntances.Fora
whil
ethereshemanagedt
ofor
getaboutherprobl
emsandwasgladshecame.

Theywer
enowf
ini
shi
ngof
fthei
rmai
ncour
se.

Nt
siki
:Yoohnkosy
am I
’
m sof
ull
.
..
Sher
ubbedherbel
l
yandy
awned.

Deanshotheralookandshequickl
ysatproperl
yandt r
iednott
osulk.Deanhadtakenhert
oso
manyetiquet
tecl
assesthr
oughoutthei
rti
met ogetheri
nthehopesthatshewoul
dimprove
becausewhentheyfi
rstmet,
shewasqui t
eunpolished,t
osaytheleast
.

Nt
siki
lookedov
eratNol
wazi
.

Nt
siki
:Nol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
,whowaseat
ing,
tur
nedt
olookatNt
siki
kindl
y.

Nt
siki
:Iam sof
ull
.

Nol
wazi
laughedandr
ubbedherbel
l
y.

Nol
wazi
:I’
mreadyt
obur
stngi
kut
shel
e!

Nt
siki
laughedf
lat
lyandt
henl
ookedatDeanwhi
l
eNol
wazi
wentont
ochatt
oAl
ex.

Nt
siki
:Doubl
est
andar
ds.
..

Justt
hen,
aspeakerwentt
othepodi
um andaskedf
orev
ery
one’
sat
tent
ion.

*
**

I
twasnowar
ound10pm andt
hef
ormal
eventwasdone.TheDJwasnowpl
ayi
ngmusi
candal
l
theseol
dpeopl
ewenttothedanceflooranddancedthei
rol
dli
vesaway.Nolwaziwasjust
sit
ti
ngther
edri
nki
ngchampagne.Itwasnowj usther
,DeanandNtsi
kil
eftatt
hetable.

“
Idon’
tevenwantt othinkaboutwhatwil
lhappent
hesecondIgetupfrom t
hischai
r,
”she
t
houghtamusingly
, “
It
’sagoodt hi
ngchampagnedoesn’
tgetmesloppydrunk.
..I
’
mj ustf
eel
i
ng
v
erynice.
..andhorny.
”

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Dean:
Hmm?

Sheshookherheadl ight
lyandconti
nuedtowatchallthesepeopledancing.Theywereallso
st
ress-
free.Shelovedthefactt
hatsheenjoyedher
selftonightbutshecouldn’
thelpbuthavi
ng
asinki
ngf eeli
ngthesecondshethoughtaboutwhatawai t
edherathome.Herl if
ewassucha
mess..
.Herj obwastheonlybri
ghtaspectinherl
if
e.

Nt
siki
yawnedandt
appedDean.

Nt
siki
:It
hinkweshoul
dleav
e..
.

Deangl
ancedatherandnodded.Hegav
eherhi
scarkey
s.

Dean:
Gowai
tint
hecar
.

Nt
siki
:Okaybabe.

Shewasr
eli
evedt
hatshewoul
dn’
thav
est
ayandsuf
fert
hroughal
lthehugsandgoodby
es.She
st
oodup.
Nt
siki
:By
eby
eNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
lookedupandsmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Leav
ingal
ready
?

Nt
siki
nodded.

Nol
wazi
:Youmustbebor
edoutofy
ourmi
nd.I
ttakest
imeandski
l
ltodeal
wit
htheseev
ent
s.

Nt
siki
:Hai
keandshamei
gazi
lami
ali
vumi
!

Theybot
hlaughedandDeanshotNt
siki
alookandshest
oppedl
aughi
ng.

Nt
siki
:Usal
ekahl
esi
si.

Nol
wazi
:By
e.

Nt
siki
grabbedhercl
utchandwal
kedawayhappi
l
y.

Nol
wazi
lookedatDean.

Nol
wazi
:Don’
tbet
oohar
donher
.

Dean:
Shef
orget
ssomet
imes.
..
Nol
wazi
:Thatshe’
sdeal
i
ngwi
thanupt
ightper
son?

Dean:
Mxm.

Het
henl
ookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Dean:
Youshoul
dn’
thav
ecomeher
e.

Nol
wazi
:Ngoba?

Dean:
Ifi
twer
en’
tfory
ourchar
m,t
hingscoul
dhav
eeasi
l
ytur
nedl
eft
.

Nol
wazi
:Dean,
Ilef
tmyf
atheri
nJohannesbur
g.

Deant
ight
enedhi
sjaw.

Nol
wazi
:Enj
oyt
her
estofy
ourni
ght
.I’
l
lseey
out
omor
rowatwor
k.

Deanshookhi
sheadi
ndef
eat
.

Dean:
I’
m notev
engoi
ngt
oask.

Nol
wazi
:It
’sgoodt
haty
ouknowy
ourpl
ace.

Deanchuckl
edl
i
ght
lyandst
oodup.
Dean:
Goodni
ght
.

Nol
waziwaveddisi
nter
est
edl
yandcar
ri
edonwat
chi
ngwhatwashappeni
ngont
hedancef
loor
whi
leDeanwalkedout.

I
NSERT19

Thul
i
:Lookatt
hisdr
unkengi
rl
!

Nol
wazi
sankont
heseatandsi
ghedamusi
ngl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Fr
iend,
doy
ouhav
emor
eoft
hatni
ceni
ce?

Thul
i
:Youwantt
ogethi
ghont
opofhowy
ouar
enow?

Nol
wazi
:Hai
bonj
alo,
uThandekangi
mshi
yeendl
i
nimi
na.

Thul
i
:Heehhai
ke!

Shest
art
edt
hecar
.

Thul
i
:Shoul
dIt
akey
ouhome?

Nol
wazi
:Wher
eel
sewoul
dyout
akeme?

Thul
i
:Kwami
.
Nol
wazi
:Uh-
huh,
ngi
yol
alaembhedeni
wami
.

Thul
igl
ancedatNolwazi asshesatt
here,dr
unk.I
twasonlywhenNol wazist
oodupfrom t
hat
gal
achairt
hatshereali
sedthatshehadtoomucht odr
ink.I
ttookalotofmindmanipul
ati
ngfor
hert
ostandupandwal koutofthatpl
acesteadi
ly
.Thankful
l
y,shepull
editoffandwasabl
eto
gett
oThuli
’scarsuccessful
ly
.

Thul
i
:You’
ret
hinki
ngaboutNel
e?

Nol
wazi l
ookedatThul
iandkeptqui
et.Shelovedherfri
enddearlybutaft
ermuchtalki
ngwith
Sl
y,t
heycamet otheconcl
usi
onthatThulishoul
dn’tbe“i
ntheloop”asmuch.Thuli’
sloyal
ty
wascutbetweenherandKwanelesoofcour seshewouldreportbacktohim what
everwas
di
scussed.

Thul
i
:Nol
wazi
?

Nol
wazi
:Thul
i
?

Thul
i
:Ar
eyout
hinki
ngabouthi
m?

Nol
wazi
:No,
I’
mthi
nki
ngaboutwhatI
’
m goi
ngt
oweart
omor
row.

Thul
i
:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?

Nol
wazi
rol
l
edherey
es.

Nol
wazi
:Ngi
buy
elaemsebenzi
ni.
Thul
i
:Oh,
whydi
dn’
tyout
ell
me?

Nol
wazi
:Dal
i
,uThandekangi
mshi
yeendl
i
nist
oppl
ayi
ngmom.

Thul
ikeptqui
et,f
eeli
ngabi tof
fended.Sheknewthatoutofev
eryoneint
hegroup,
shewast
he
onewhoknewt heleastaboutNolwazi’
sprogr
essthr
oughoutthi
ssit
uati
on.

Theydr
ovei
nsi
l
enceunt
ilt
heyf
inal
l
yreachedNol
wazi
andKwanel
e’
shouse.

Nol
wazi
:Ngi
yabongadal
i
.

Thul
isi
ghed.

Thul
i
:Lwazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Ya?

Thul
i
:I’
m her
efory
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Andwhenwasy
ourav
ail
abi
l
ityev
erquest
ioned?

Thul
icussedqui
etl
y.Thi
schampagnewasr
eal
l
ymessi
ngwi
tht
hisone’
sat
ti
tude.

Thul
i
:Asl
ongasy
ouknow.
Nol
wazi
:Ofcour
seIdo.Thanksf
ort
hel
i
ft.

Thul
i
:Okaydal
i
.

Theybot
hchuckl
edandNolwazigotoutoft
hecarandThul
iwait
edf orhert
omakeherwayi
n.
WhenherphonebuzzedsheknewitwasNolwazi
tel
li
nghershe’
sinsidesoshedr
oveof
f.

Nolwaziputdownherthi
ngsont hekit
chencount
erandwal
kedtothefr
idge.Sheopenedi
tand
stoodther
eforagoodmi nute,
contemplat
ingt
aki
ngabott
leofchampagneanddowni ngi
tbut
shetal
kedhersel
foutofit.

Nol
wazi
:That
’showpeopl
ebecomeal
cohol
i
cs.
..

Thandekachuckl
edandNol
wazi
jumpedi
nshock.

Thandeka:
Uthi
that
’showpeopl
ebecomeal
cohol
i
cs?

Nol
wazi
tookabot
tl
eofwat
erandcl
osedt
hef
ri
dge.

Thandeka:
Howwasi
t?

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edandshr
uggedhershoul
der
s.

Nol
wazi
:Itwasni
ce.

Thandeka:
Ubushay
il
eneh?
Theybot
hchuckl
ed.

Thandeka:
Itr
ustt
haty
oudi
dn’
tembar
rassy
our
sel
f?

Nol
wazi:
Hmm y azi
Ithi
nkIdi
dwel
l
...Imayhav
ehadal
i
ttl
eti
ffnoDeankodwaIdon’
tthi
nki
t’
s
any
thi
nghect
ic.

Thandeka:
Wenzeni
?

Nol
wazi
shr
uggedhershoul
der
s.

Nol
wazi
:Peopl
ejustneedt
ocal
m downsomet
imes.

Thandekal
aughedoutl
oud.

Thandeka:
Ohbaby
,YOUneedt
ocal
m down.

Nol
wazi
:Ineedt
osl
eep.

Thandekachuckl
edl
i
ght
ly.

Thandeka:
Takeashowerf
ir
st.

Nol
wazi
:No,
I’
mtoot
ir
edf
uthi
Ihav
etobeupf
orwor
k.

Thandeka:
Hai
boIt
houghtuzobuy
elanextweekMondayoncet
hist
radi
ti
onal
nonsensei
sov
er?
Nol
wazi
:NoIcan’
tbei
nthi
shousedayi
nandout
,I’
l
lgocr
azy
.

Thandeka:
Nol
wazi
,taket
her
estoft
hisweekof
f.

Nol
wazi
shookherhead.

Nol
wazi
:Chama.

Thandekasi
ghedandnodded.

Thandeka:
Alr
ightt
hen.

Nol
wazi
:Uphi
uNomi
?

Thandeka:
Guestr
oom.

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Thandeka:
Hambol
alakesi
siI
’
llwakey
ouupf
orwor
k.

Nol
wazi
:Thanks.

Thandeka:
ZamoandBhenj
uar
ear
ri
vi
ngt
omor
row.

Nol
wazi
:Hawu?
Thandekanodded.

Thandeka:
I’
m gl
adtheyi
nsi
stedoncomi
ngear
li
erngobabhekamanj
eyouar
epl
anni
ngon
goi
ngbackt owor
k.

Nol
wazi
:Whatt
imear
etheyar
ri
vi
ng?

Thandeka:
Somet
imei
ntheaf
ter
noon.

Nol
wazi
noddedandt
henwal
kedpasthermot
her
.

Nol
wazi
:Ni
ght
.

Thandeka:
Ulal
ekahl
ebaby
.Don’
tfor
gett
odr
inkt
woPanadosot
her
wiseuzov
ukauzwi
l
e.

Nol
wazi
:Sur
e.

Thandeka:
OhandLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
lookedbackathermot
herandThandekat
ri
ednott
olaugh.

Thandeka:
Yourhusbandi
supst
air
s.

Nol
wazi
:What
??
Thandeka:
Hecameher
eaftery
oul
eft
,demandi
ngmet
otel
lhi
m wher
eyourdi
nnerwas.We
managedtogethi
mtoset
tl
edownnoNomi.

Nol
wazi
:Set
tl
edown?

Thandeka:
Youknowhowhar
d-headedhecanbe.

Nol
wazi
’
shear
tbegant
obeatf
ast
erandshehadnoi
deawhy
.

Nol
wazi:We’
vebeeni
nthi
ski
tchenf
oral
most10mi
nut
esandy
ouf
ail
edt
otel
lmet
hatKwanel
e
i
shere?
?

Thandeka:
He’
sthel
eastofourwor
ri
esangi
thi
sisi
?

Nol
wazi
:Wow.

Thandeka:
Goodni
ghtbaby
.Rememberwh-

Nol
wazitookadeepbreathandwal
kedaway.Sheheardhermot
herchuckl
eli
ght
lyandshe
r
oll
edhereyes.Whathappenedt
oallt
hatangershehad?

Shewal
kedupt
hest
air
sandmadeherwayt
othebedr
oom.
..

Shecussedquiet
lyandwalkedtothebathr
oom.Shet
ookoffherdressandgoti
ntheshower
for5minutesj
usttocl
eanof ft
hatgal
aenergy
.Shedr
iedher
selfandwalkedtot
hebedroom.
Sheswitchedonthesi
delamponhersi deoft
hebedandlot
ionedhersel
f.

Kwanel
e:Ar
eyoudr
unk?
Nolwazist
oodupandgothersleepingshi
rtandwrappedherhead.Shewenttobr
ushhert
eet
h
andthentonedherf
ace.Af
tershewasdone, sheswit
chedoffthebathr
oom l
i
ghtsandwal
ked
tot
hebed.Shegotinandthenswitchedoffthesi
delamp.

Kwanelel
ayt herefaci
ngupf orqui
tesometime.IfThandekawasn’
tsounnecessar yhecould
haveeasi
lygonet othatstupi
ddinner
,nowonlyGodknowswhatNol waziactuall
ygotupto
ther
e.Afewgl assesofchampagneandsheeasi l
yswi t
ches.
..AndthatColouredthi
ngthatcal
ls
herbabe,hehadconf r
ontedNolwaziabouti
tandsheal socomplai
nedabouti ts
i
nappropr
iateness..
.Notforget
ti
ngthatar
rogantpart
nerofhers.

Hisinsecur
it
ieswerestar
ti
ngtokicki
nandit’
sal
lbecausehefel
tsooutoft
ouchwi
thher.She
couldbedoingothert
hingsoutofspi
teandhecoul
dn’tbeart
othi
nkaboutt
hem.Al
lthese
thoughtsfl
oodedhismindandheshookhisheadli
ghtl
y.

Kwanel
e:Baby
.

Nol
waziwasl ay
ingther
e,t
ryi
ngtofi
gureoutwhatt
hehell
washappeni
ng.Theal
coholhad
washedoffhersyst
em butshewassti
l
l at
adbitwoozy
.Shewaswonderi
ngwhatthi
sonewas
doi
nghere..
.

Kwanel
e:Nol
wazi
ngi
khul
umanawe.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
etandt
ri
eddozi
ngof
f.

Bef
oresheknewi
t,Kwanel
ehadal
readygr
abbedherandmadeherl
ayont
opofhi
m.

Kwanel
e:Uqal
eni
niukubay
ismumu?

Shet
ri
edmov
ingputhel
ockedheri
nwi
thhi
slegs.
Kwanel
e:Howwasy
ourdi
nner
?

Shekeptqui
et.

Hesi
ghedandcont
inuedt
olockheri
nthatposi
ti
on.

Kwanel
e:St
op.

“Nolwazir
eall
ythi
nksI’mt hatstupi
d?Ifshe’
sturni
ngthi
sint
oagamet henIam morethan
wil
li
ngtopullherl
egaswel l.
..Ineedtoremindherwhyshelovesmebesi desallt
heot
her
romanti
canddeepst uff
.It’
sbeensixmont hssi
nceItouchedher.
..Al
so,Thandekahastogo.I
can’
thavethesepeoplecloudingherjudgementwhil
eI’
mt r
yingtofi
xallofthi
s..
.”

Nolwazi event
ual
lystoppedf ight
ingandjustsank.Shehadnoener gytospeakordoany t
hing.
Afterawhi l
eshefelthersel fdozeoffandsheal l
owedher sel
ftosinkintothatfamil
iarwar m
feeli
ngsheal way
shadwhenshesl eptinherhusband’sarms.Kwanel e,whowasup, feltt
his
andhi smindandbodyr el axedaswel l
.Nol wazihadbeensodi st
antandst ubbornandt hiswas
thefirstt
imein6mont hst hattheyweret hi
sclosetoeachother.Hesl owl
yr el
easedhi stight
holdonherandsi mplypl acedhi sarm aroundherwaist.Hesmi l
edashef eltherbreathesof tl
y
onhi sneck..
.

I
NSERT20

WhenNol waziopenedherey esandreali

sedthatshewasbeinghel
dfrom behi
ndbyKwanele
shesaidament alprayer
.Shelaythereasherheadpoundedfier
cel
y.Shehadforgot
tent
odri
nk
thePanadoslastnightandnowshehadt owakeupf orwor
k.Shefel
tKwanele’
sarmscoverher
evenmoreandsher ol
ledhereyes.Shewastool azyt
owakeup.

Justt
hen,
thedoorf
lungopen.
Thandeka:
LwaLwa!

Nol
wazi
roll
edhereyesevenmor
e.Ofcour
seThandekawoul
dwakeherupt
hesamewayshe
di
dwhentheywerekids.

Thandeka:
Akuv
ukweee!Nol
wazi
Cami
l
laBut
hel
ezi
!

Nol
wazi
fel
tKwanel
etenseup.

Thandeka:
Wakeup!

Thandekawal
kedov
ert
oNol
wazi
’
ssi
de.

Thandeka:
Lwazi
!

Nol
wazi
:Mmmm.

Thandeka:
Wakeupbaby
.

Nol
wazigr
untedandThandekachuckl
edasshewal
kedoutoft
her
oom.Nol
wazi
layt
her
e,
r
egr
ett
ingherdeci
siont
ogobackt owork.

Kwanel
e:Goi
ngbackt
owor
k?

Nolwazigrunt
edandsli
ppedoutofhisar
ms.Shesatontheedgeoft hebedandstr
etchedwhi
l
e
yawning.Shecheckedt
heti
meandi twasjustbef
ore6am andshehadtobeattheoffi
ceby
8am.
“
Icoul
deasi
l
ysl
eepf
oranot
her20mi
nut
esandt
henI
’
llshowerf
or15mi
nut
esi
nst
eadof20.
..
”

Sheconti
nuedtocal
cul
atedi
ff
erentst
rat
egi
est
hatwoul
denabl
ehert
osl
eepsomemor
ebut
shesuddenl
yfel
tKwanel
epullherup.

Kwanel
e:Goshowerandst
opt
ryi
ngt
ofi
gur
eouthowy
ou’
regoi
ngt
osl
eepsomemor
e.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m andgr
oaned.

Kwanel
e:Hambogeza.

Shewal
kedt
othebat
hroom andwentst
rai
ghtt
otheshower
.

Kwanele,ontheotherhand,wassti
llonleavesohehadal ltheti
mei nthewor l
d.Hemadehi s
waytothewal k-
incl
osetandlookedthroughNol wazi
’sformal dresses.Hepickedanewonehe
hadgottenforherawhilebackandthenpi ckedtheperfectheelstogowi t
ht hedress.
..Ov
erthe
year
shehadmanagedt ogrowv erygoodt asteincl
othes,thankstoThandeka. .
.Thandeka
wouldconstantl
ynaghim aboutpri
dinghimsel fasalawyerandbl ahblahblah..
.Thatwoman
coul
dtalkforyearsonend.

Aft
erhewasdone,
hewalkedt
othebat
hroom andfoundNolwazi
comi
ngoutoft
heshower
.He
handedhert
het
owelandshegr
abbedi
tannoyingl
yandhuff
ed.

“
Anduzoqi
nakesi
singobaangi
yi
ndawo,
”Kwanel
ethought
,“Yourhangov
erdoesnotf
azeme.
..
”

Nolwazi
dri
edher
sel
fandthenwal kedpastKwanel
e,t
othebedr
oom.Sheputthetowelasi
de
andbeganl
oti
oni
nghersel
f.Secondslat
er,t
her
ewasaknockont hedoorandt
henThandeka
walkedi
n.

Thandeka:
Uvuki
l
ebaby
?
Nol
wazi
nodded.

Thandeka:
Nomi
isbusynge-
breakf
astkedal
i
.

Nol
wazi
cont
inuedt
olot
ionher
sel
fandThandekachuckl
ed.

Thandeka:
Uzoy
ekaukuphuzal
echampagney
akhodal
i
.

Justt
hen,
Kwanel
ewal
kedoutf
rom t
hebat
hroom andThandekagl
ancedathi
m.

Kwanel
e:Ni
l
alekahl
ema?

Thandeka:
Yesbabawekhay
a,ni
na?

Kwanel
e:Coul
dbebet
ter
.

Thandeka:Hawuy ou’
ret
ell
i
ngmey
ousl
eptnextt
oNol
wazi
andt
hatst
il
li
sn’
tenoughf
ory
ou?
Heehusisabeisi
thembu!

Kwanel
ekeptqui
etandNol
wazi
coul
dn’
thel
pbutchuckl
equi
etl
y.

Thandeka:
Seey
ouwheny
ou’
redoneke.

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
lyandThandekawal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
.
Kwanel
e:Unj
ani
?

Nol
wazi
:I’
m good.

Kwanel
esi
ghedandNol
wazi
tur
nedherbackandcont
inuedl
oti
oni
ngher
sel
f.

Kwanel
e:Ipi
ckedcl
othesf
ory
ou.

Nolwazil
ookedoveratt
hedresshechoseandt
henf i
nisheduplot
ioni
ngher
self
.Shewalked
overt
oherunderweardrawerandt
henchoseabra.Sheslidi
tinandthenwal
kedovert
ot he
cl
oset.

Kwanelelookeddownathimselfandcussedathi
supcominger
ecti
on.Hefr
ownedashe
watchedNolwaziwal
tzpasthim,pant
y-l
ess.Nol
wazihaddismi
ssedwhatwaschosenforher
andpickedsomethi
ngelseinst
ead.Sheworeaf i
tt
edcust
om dr
essthatr
equi
redhert
owear
not
hingunderneat
h.

“
Howi
nappr
opr
iat
e,”Kwanel
ethought
,“She’
str
yingt
otestme.
..
”

Hegr
unt
edandangr
il
ywal
kedt
othebat
hroom andshutt
hedoor
.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Shef
ixedherhai
randappl
i
edabi
tofmake-
up.Onceshewasdoneshewal
kedt
othebat
hroom.

Nol
wazi
:Kwanel
e.

Kwanel
e,whowasst
andi
ngi
nherwayf
ornoappar
entr
eason,
mov
edsheepi
shl
yandshe
pushedpasthim andwentt othesi nktowashandloti
onherhands.Shewalkedpasthi
m agai
n
andclosedthedoorasshewal kedout.Shetookherl
aptopandsli
ditint
hel apt
opbagandthen
gotherworkbagaswel l
.Shewentt ogetapai
rofheelsandt
henmadeherwayoutoft he
bedroom.Shewal keddownstairsandt henwentt
otheloungetoputherbagsandheelsona
couch.Shethenwal kedtothekitchenandstoodbythecount
er.

Nol
wazi
:HeyNomz.

Nomi
,whowasdi
shi
ngup,
lookedupandsmi
l
ed.

Nomi
:Heyst
ranger
.

Theybot
hchuckl
ed.

Nomi
:Her
e’sy
ourshake.

Nolwazisatononeoft
hehighst
ool
sandt
ookNomi
’
sinf
amous“
hangov
ercur
e”whi
chwasa
concussi
onofmanyathing.

Nomi
:Howwast
hedi
n-di
n?

Nol
wazi
sighedasshet
ookahugegul
poft
heshakeandswal
l
owedpai
nful
l
y.

Nol
wazi
:Itwasni
cehey
.Not
hinghect
ic.

Nomi
:UThandi
uthi
ubushay
est
rong.

Nol
wazi
fini
shedupt
heshake.
Nol
wazi
:Noman,
itwasn’
tthatbad.

Nomi
:Ar
eyousur
eyou’
rer
eadyf
orwor
k?

Nol
wazi
:Comeonnow.

Nomi
:*whi
sper
ing*Kwanel
eyena?

Nol
wazi
:Mxm uy
angi
nyany
isanj
eloy
o.

Nomi
:Unamanga.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Nomi
fini
shedupdi
shi
ngupf
orherandt
hengav
ehert
hepl
ate.

Nomi
:Soshoul
dIsett
het
abl
eforbr
eakf
ast
?

Nol
wazi
:Angi
zi
ngeni
,goaskThandeka.

Nomi
:Butt
hatmeansIhav
etosi
tnextt
ohi
m andi
t’
sabi
tawkwar
dshameIwon’
tli
e.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
edandshookherhead.

Nol
wazi
:Myi
nnocenthusbandhasmadesomanyenemi
esl
atel
y.
Nomi
:Atonego!

Theybot
hlaughedandNomisuddenl
ylookeddownandst oppedl
aughi
ng.Nol
wazi
tur
nedand
sawKwanelemakinghi
swaytotheki
tchen.Shefocusedonherfoodagai
n.

Nol
wazi
:Hav
en’
tbeeni
nmyof
fi
cef
oral
mostt
womont
hs.
..

Nomi
:I’
m sur
eyouf
eel
wei
rdaswespeak.

Nol
wazi
:It
’sbet
tert
hanbei
ngi
nahospi
tal
bedt
hough.

Kwanel
ewasnowwal
ki
ngt
othef
ri
dge.

Nomi
:Hai
shamewedi
dn’
tthi
nky
ou’
dsur
viv
e.

Nol
wazi
:Cabanganj
eNomi
sekut
hiwaIdi
edf
rom hear
tbr
eak.

Nomi
shotNol
wazi
alook.

Nol
wazi
:Whatwoul
dmycol
l
eaguesandcompet
it
orst
hinkofme?They
’dt
hinkI
’
m aweakl
i
ng!

Ther
ewasanawkwar
dsi
l
ence.

Nol
wazi
:Ihadnochoi
cebutt
oshapeupqui
ckf
ast
.
Kwanel
eshutt
hef
ri
dger
oughl
yandwal
kedoutoft
heki
tchen.

Nomi
:Ohhai
kodwaLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.Yazi
I’
minsuchabadmood,
Ireal
l
ydon’
thav
eti
mef
ort
hisgame.

Nomi
:Ei
therway
,it
’sget
ti
ngt
ohi
m.Bhekamanj
ehe’
scampi
ngt
hissi
de.

Nol
wazi
cussedqui
etl
yandThandekawal
kedi
n.

Thandeka:
Heehkant
ini
njani
?Whyar
en’
tyoueat
ingatt
het
abl
e?

Nol
wazi
:Not
ime.

Shef
ini
shedupeat
ingandt
hent
ookt
hepl
ateandgl
asst
othesi
nk.

Nol
wazi
:Ngi
yabongaNomz.

Nomi
:Any
timel
ove.

Nol
wazi
wal
kedbackt
othel
ounget
ogethert
hings.

Kwanel
e:Enj
oyy
ourdayLwazi
.

Shetookadeepbr
eathandturnedt
olookathi
m.I
twasl
i
keal
i
ghtswi
tchhadgoneon.
..She
smil
edverywar
mlyandlookedathi
m.
Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou,
enj
oyy
ourdayaswel
l
.

Shegav
ehi
m onel
astl
ookandt
henwal
kedout
.

Nol
wazi
:Ni
sal
ekahl
e.

Thandeka:
Byebaby
.

Shewal
kedoutoft
hehouseandgott
othegar
age.

Kwanelewassti
l
lstandi
ngther
econf
usedashel
l
.Hewasnowbackt
osquar
eone,
try
ingt
o
under
standwhatwasgoingon.
..

Thandeka:
Babawekhay
a,woul
dyoul
i
kesomebr
eakf
ast
?

Kwanel
egl
ancedatThandekawhowasnowst
andi
ngnextt
ohi
m.

Thandeka:
Babawekhay
a?Di
dyouhearme?

Kwanel
e:I
’
llbet
her
eshor
tl
y.

Thandekaf
lashedasmi
l
eandnodded.

Thandeka:
Sur
ebabawekhay
a.
Shewal
kedbackt
otheki
tchenandKwanel
esheepi
shl
ymadehi
swayupst
air
stocl
eanhi
msel
f
up.

I
NSERT21

Nolwaziwalkedintot
hepremisesandshetri
ednott
ofaintf
rom exci
tement.Thatfamili
ar
senseofenthusiasm r
ushedt
hroughherbodyasshemadeherwayt otheoffi
ce,wit
hpeople
greet
ingheralongtheway.Assheapproachedt
heli
ft
,shebumpedi ntoAlex.Shesmiledki
ndl
y
andnodded.

Al
ex:
MrsBut
hel
ezi
.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
edandbowedherheadl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:MrVanWy
k.

Theybot
hlaughedast
heygoti
nthel
i
ftandmadet
hei
rwayt
othe20t
hfl
oor
.

Al
ex:
Arr
ivedsaf
elyathome?

Nol
wazi
:Why
,ofcour
se!

Alex:
Yousur
ehadagoodt
ime.Gr
egWi
l
li
amsi
spr
obabl
ygoi
ngt
osendanemai
l
,sendi
nghi
s
regar
ds.

Nol
wazi
:Regar
dst
osi
l
lyol
dme?

Sheaskedi
nnocent
lyandAl
ext
ri
ednott
osmi
l
eli
keal
i
ttl
eboy
.Hi
scr
ushonNol
wazi
had
ev
ident
lygot
tenhi
mint
roubl
elastni
ghtsoheknewhehadt
owal
koneggshel
l
s.

Aftermuchsmal
ltal
kandchuckl
es,
theyf
inal
l
yreachedt
hei
rfl
oorandt
heymadet
hei
routof
theli
ft
.

Al
ex:
Seey
ouar
ound.I
t’
sgoodt
ohav
eyouback.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou.

Al
exwal
kedof
f.Justt
hen,
Phi
west
oodupf
rom herdeskandpr
act
ical
l
yjumpedt
owher
e
Nol
wazi
was.

Nol
wazi
:Iwaswonder
ingwher
eyouar
e!Iwasst
art
ingt
ofeel
unl
ovedf
orasecond.

Phi
we:
Bossl
ady
!

Nolwazi l
ookedatherper sonalassi
stantamusi
ngl
yandt heysharedabr i
efhug.Phi
wewasa23
yearoldgi r
lwhostartedworkingforthecompanyoveray earago.Shelovedbei
ngNolwazi
’sPA
becausei tcamewi t
hal otofbenefi
ts..
.Shewoul
dn’
ttradewor ki
ngclosel
ywithNolwaziwi
th
anything.Nolwaziwasthet ypeofwomansheai medtobet hroughti
meandheri nfl
uencer
eall
y
wasr emar kabl
e.

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
emi
ssedy
ourpr
ett
yface,
missy
.

Phi
webl
ushedandsmi
l
edbr
ight
ly.

Phi
we:
I’
vebeeeenwai
ti
ngf
ory
oul
i
ke,
OMG!
Nol
wazibeganwalki
ngt
oheroff
icewhichwassit
uat
edopposi
tePhi
we’
sdesk.Theygoti
nand
Phi
wetookherbagsandpl
acedthem onthest
udi
ocouch.

Phi
we:
Ther
e’saboar
dmeet
ingi
nanhour
.

Nol
wazi
:Uhm okay
..
.

Shef
rownedi
nconf
usi
on.Sheobv
iousl
ydi
dn’
tgett
hememo.

Phi
we:
Appar
ent
lyJacobwant
stor
eadj
ustt
hepl
any
ouguy
shadf
ort
heoi
lcompany
.

Nol
wazi
:Readj
ust
?Whatcoul
dpossi
blybewr
ongwi
thi
t?

Phi
we:Theemailst
atest
hatt
hebusi
nesscy
clehassomehowchangedsot
hepl
anneedst
obe
adj
ust
edaccor
dingl
y.

Nol
wazi
:AndIwasn’
tcc’
edi
nthatemai
l
?

Phi
we:Ial
sof
oundoutf
rom Li
z,sheshowedmetheemai
l.Iguesst
heydi
dn’
tseet
her
easont
o
i
ncl
udemeseeingasmybossladywasgonewi
ththewi
nd.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Wel
lI’
m backnow.
..

Phi
we:
Wehav
eal
otofcat
chi
ngupt
odoandweneedt
oref
ormul
atey
ourschedul
e.
Nol
wazi
:We’
remostdef
ini
tel
ybehi
nd.

Phi
wenodded.

Phi
we:
I’
ll
gety
ourt
eaf
ir
st.
..

Nol
wazi
:Al
ri
ght
,thanks.

Phiwesmil
edbri
ght
lyasshewal
kedawayexci
tedl
y.Atl
eastnowshewoul
ddosome
const
ruct
ivewor
k.

Nol
wazi
wal
kedar
oundherof
fi
ceandf
rowned.

“
Timef
oranupgr
ade.
..Thi
scut
ethi
nghast
ofl
ynow,
”shet
hought
.

Shewalkedoutoftheoffi
ceandgreet
edpeoplealongtheway
.All
theinter
nsandregul
ar
employ
eeshadt heirownsect
ionwit
hthei
rcubicl
es..
.Shewal
kedpastthem andmadeherway
tot
heot hersi
de.Sheknockedonthecl
oseddoor.

Shewast
oldt
ocomei
nandsosheopenedt
hedoor
.

Dean:
Wel
ll
ooki
eher
e!

Deanl
ookedatNol
wazi
from hi
sdesk.

Nol
wazi
:Fi
rstofal
l
,whyam Ist
il
li
nthatof
fi
cewheny
ouar
esi
tt
ingher
eint
hismansi
on?
Deanl
aughed.

Dean:
Youwantanot
herof
fi
ce?

Nol
wazi
wal
kedi
nandcl
osedt
hedoor
.

Nol
wazi
:Damnr
ightIdo.

Dean:
Let
’ssee.
..

Heswunghi
schai
rsohecoul
dfaceherdi
rect
ion.

Dean:
Whenpeopl
eref
ert
oyou,
dot
heysayMr
sBut
hel
ezi
orr
egul
arNol
wazi
?

Nol
wazi
cussedandwentt
osi
tont
hecoucht
hatwasadi
stancef
rom hi
sdesk.

Dean:
Unt
il
,l
ikesomeofus,
youhav
ea“
Dr.
”bef
orey
ourname,
youwi
l
lremai
nregul
ar.Mansi
on
comeswi
thstat
us.

Nol
wazi
:ThedayIgett
hatPhD,
Deanuzokhal
a.

Dean:
Yawel
lyoudon’
thav
eitatt
hemomentsoal
l
owmet
ofl
our
ishpl
ease.

Nol
wazi
:Any
way
,what
’st
hisIhearaboutaboar
dmeet
ing?

Deancheckedhi
sti
mepi
ece.
Dean:
YaJacobandhi
scr
ewwantt
omeet
.

Nol
wazi
:Andwhywasn’
tIi
-

Dean:
Uh-
huhcal
m down.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Shewasf eel
i
ngabi tannoy ed.Shehadf oughtveryhardt
oest abl
ishanamef orhersel
fandf or
her-ever
ysetbackwast akentoheart.Thelastthingsheneededwaspeopl ethi
nkingitisokay
forthem t
odismissherbecauseofhergender .I
t’
saman’ swor l
dafteral
lsoshealway shadt o
fi
ghttomakesur ethatshei snotbel
itt
led.I
t’
sat oughworldforwomeni nthecorporateworld
andherracedidn’
tmaket hingseasieraswel l
..
.

Dean:Thi
shasnothi
ngtodowithyourf
emi
nisti
deol
ogi
es.Thi
nawewer
eundert
hei
mpr
essi
on
t
hatyou’r
ecomingbacknextweek.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m suspi
ciousl
yandhechuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lleti
tpass.
..

Dean:
Sibonge.

Shesi
ghed.

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
esomuchcat
chi
ngupt
odo.
Dean:
Wow.
..

Shest
oodup.

Nol
wazi
:Goodl
uckwi
thy
ourboar
dmeet
ing.

Dean:Haike,you’
remadatt hewr
ongperson.GoaskAl
exwhyhedi
dn’
tinf
ormt
hesepeopl
e
aboutyoursuddenchange.Angi
ngeni
ndawol aphomi
na.

Nol
wazi
:Shame.

Dean:
Weehhambake.

Nol
wazi
:Don’
tgett
oocomf
ort
abl
elapho.

Dean:
I’
ll
bewai
ti
ng.

Theychuckl
edandshewalkedoutandcl
osedthedoor.Shemadeherwaybackt
oherof
fi
ce
andsatdown.Justt
hen,
herphoneranganditwasThandeka.Shesmi
l
edassheanswer
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Mama.

Thandeka:
Hel
l
obaby
,uf
ikekahl
e?

Nol
wazi
:Yesma.

Thandeka:
Alr
ightst
handwasami
,enj
oyy
ourday
.
Nol
wazi
:Il
ovey
ousomuch.

Thandeka:
Ohhmnt
anam y
ouknowI
’
mloy
alt
il
ltheend.

Nol
wazi
:AndI
’
m bey
ondgr
atef
ul.

Thandeka:Iknowyou’r
efeel
ingov
erwhel
medf
uthi
ku-
wor
sesi
ncey
ou’
rebackatwor
ksoI
’
m
heretoshareyourheavyl
oad.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou.

Thandeka:
Byeby
ekebaby
.

Nol
wazi
:By
ema.

Shedr
oppedt
hecal
lj
ustasPhi
wewal
kedi
nwi
thhert
ea.

Nol
wazi
:Justont
ime!

Phi
we:
That
’sme!

Sheputt
het
eaont
hedesk.

Nol
wazi
:Al
ri
ght
,gr
abachai
rbecausei
t’
sgoi
ngt
obeal
ongday
!
*
**

I
twasnowar ound3pm andNolwaziandPhi
wewerest
il
lati
t:r
eshuf
fl
ingmeet
ingsandmaking
phonecall
s.WhenNol
wazi wasinsuchazone,
Phi
weli
ter
all
yhadtoaskhert
ot akeabr
eak
becauseshecoul
dgoonandon.

Phi
wecl
ear
edhert
hroatandNol
wazi
glancedather
.

Phi
we:
Bossl
ady
..
.Iki
ndaneedt
opee.

Nol
wazi
:Ohwow,
hasi
treal
l
ybeent
hatl
ong?

Shecheckedt
het
ime.

Nol
wazi
:Sor
ryl
ove,
goonandt
akeanhourbr
eak.We’
l
lfi
nishof
fandcar
ryont
omor
row.

Phi
we:
Thanks.

Nol
wazi
noddedandPhi
wewal
kedof
f.Shecar
ri
edonf
ocusi
ngonwhatshewasdoi
ng.

Phi
we:
Uhm Bossl
ady
..
.

Nol
wazi
didn’
tlookupf
rom herdeskt
op.

Phi
we:
Bossl
ady
.

Nol
wazi
:Ar
en’
tyousupposedt
obet
aki
ngy
ourbr
eak?
Phi
we:
Youhav
eaguest
.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
keangi
zi
ngeni
lezo.Mt
shel
eahambe.

Phi
we:
Awks.
..

Nol
wazi
final
l
ylookedupandwasshockedt
oseeKwanel
est
andi
ngt
her
e.

Kwanel
e:UngahambaPhi
we.

PhiwelookedatNol
wazibefor
ewalki
ngof
f.Kwanel
ethencl
osedt
hedoorandwal
kedov
ert
o
thecouch,hehadapaperbagwit
hhim.

Kwanel
e:Youhav
en’
teat
en.

Nol
wazi
focusedonherdeskt
opagai
n.

Kwanel
ewal
kedov
ert
oher
.

Kwanel
e:Nol
wazi
.

Kwanel
epul
l
edherchai
randdr
aggedi
ttowher
ethecouchandt
abl
ewas.

Hethenpul
l
edandcarr
iedher
,pl
aci
ngheront
hecouch.Het
ookoutt
hef
oodf
rom t
hepaper
bagandsor
tedev
ery
thi
ngforher
.
Kwanel
e:Bamba.

Nol
wazi
tookt
het
akeawayandbeganeat
ing.

Nol
wazi
:Thanks.

Kwanel
enoddedashesatdownandwatchedhereat
.Outofhabi
t,Nolwazi
tookoffherheel
s
butj
ustasshewasaboutt
oreposi
ti
on,
sherememberedandthenstoppedhersel
f.

Kwanel
e:Uxakwey
ini
?

Nol
wazi
:Hmm?

Her
eachedf
orherl
egsandpul
l
edt
hem soshecoul
dpl
acet
hem onhi
slap.

Nolwazi
conti
nuedtoeatandj
ustasKwanel
ewasbegi
nni
ngt
omassageherf
eet
,ther
ewasa
knockonherdoor
.

Nol
wazi
:Comei
n.

Thedooropenedandi
twasDean.Her
aisedaney
ebr
owwhenhesawt
hecut
emassage
sessi
on.Hechuckl
ed.

Dean:
Sani
bonani
.

Kwanel
egav
ehi
m anod.
Deant
henl
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Dean:
Whyungashongoukut
hiy
ourl
unchwoul
dbepr
ovi
ded?

Nol
wazi
:Ha-

Kwanel
e:Dean.

Deansmi
l
edandl
ookedatKwanel
e.

Dean:
Longt
imenoseeBut
hel
ezi
,u-
ri
ghtkodwa?

Kwanel
e:Uy
azi
bonel
anawe.

Deanchuckl
edandnodded.Thenhel
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Dean:
Angi
namal
iyokudl
alawena.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lgi
vey
ouy
our200bucks.

Dean:
Ngi
yay
ifunav
ele.

Kwanel
e:Enj
oyt
her
estofy
ourday
.

Deangl
ancedatKwanel
eandnoddedl
i
ght
ly.Hethenwal
kedoutwi
thhi
spaperbagandcl
osed
t
hedoor.Hepumpedint
oPhiwewhowassmili
ngbri
ght
ly.
Phi
we:
HeeeyMr
-

Deanshotherhi
snot
ori
ousl
ookandPhi
weshi
ver
edaway
.

I
NSERT22

Thol
iwasnowpaci
ngupanddown.
..

Shehadnot
ear
slef
t,nonewhat
soev
er.

Shewentt
ogr
abherphoneanddi
all
edheraunt
’snumber
.

I
trangbutsheev
ent
ual
l
yanger
ed.

Pr
ett
y:Yi
niwena?

Thol
i
:Aunt
-

Pr
ett
y:Yi
nimaanwena?

Thol
ist
art
edcr
ying.

Pr
ett
y:Ukhal
elani
?Doy
out
hinkI
’
myourf
ri
end?

Thol
i
:It
’sj
-j
u-j
ustt
’t
ha-
that
-
Pr
ett
y:Heey
iman!Idon’
thav
eti
mef
ort
his.

Thol
itr
iedspeaki
ngbutshecoul
dn’
t,
herhi
ccupswer
ebl
ocki
ngher
.

Pr
ett
y:Focusony
ourmar
ri
age!Angazi
uxakwey
ini
maan!

Witht
hatsai
d,Pr
ett
ydr
oppedthecal
landThol
ibur
iedherfacei
napil
l
owandscr
eamed.As
shedozedof
fint
oadarkandheav
ysleep,
hert
houghtsfl
oodedher
.

Thol
i
:Mama.
..

Tholil
ookeddownathermot herasshel ayont hefl
oor .Shereacheddownwi thaclothand
wipedtheopenwoundst hatcov er
edhermout h..
.Shedabbedt heclothoneachwoundcar eful
l
y,
try
ingbyallmeansnottomakeherf eelanymor epai
n.Hermot her’
sfragil
ebodywi ncedas
Tholiconti
nuedtocl
eanherface.Thol ithenwalkedtot heothersideoft heroom andremov ed
thepotfrom thet
woplat
est ove.Shet hent ooktheplasti
cplatethatwast hereanddishedup
thelastbi
tsoffoodt
hattheyhad.Sheswi t
chedoffthest oveandwal kedbackt ohermot her
.

Thol
i
:Mauzokwazi
ukudl
a?

Shesi
ghed.Hermotherwasi
nnostat
etotal
k.Sheputt
hepl
atedownandt
hent
ri
edt
omake
hersi
tupbutaft
ermuchstr
uggl
eshegaveup.

Thol
i
:Cany
ouatl
eastt
ryt
oopeny
ourmout
hsoIcanf
eedy
ouma?

Thol
isi
ghedi
ndef
eatashermot
hercont
inuedt
oli
ether
e..
.

Thol
i
:Youar
edy
ingar
en’
tyou?
Thol
il
ookeddownathermot
herasherey
esf
il
ledupwi
tht
ear
s.

Thol
i
:Wher
eam Isupposedt
ogonow?

Shesl
umpednextt
ohermot
herandgl
ancedather
.

Thol
i
:Il
ovey
ou.
..

Hermotherl
ayther
eandTholihear
dhert
akeherlastbreat
h.Shet
hengotcl
osert
oherl
i
fel
ess
bodyandwrappedherar
m ar
oundherandsobbedsilent
ly.

Justt
henshehear
daphoner
ingi
ngandshequi
ckl
ygotup.

Thol
i
:What
’shappeni
ng?

Shel
ookedar
ound.

Thol
i
:Wher
eam I
?

Shelookedar
oundandthephoneconti
nuedtori
ngandshesoonreal
i
sedthatshewasinher
newhouse.Sheshookherheadandquickl
ygotupf
rom t
hecouchtorunt
oherphone.She
l
ookedatthecal
leri
dandanswered.

Thol
i
:Hel
l
o?

Per
son:
Thol
i
??
Shecl
ear
edhert
hroat
.

Thol
i
:Hel
l
o,whoi
sthi
s?

Per
son:
Thol
i
?!Hi
myf
ri
end,
it’
sme,
Zani
!

Thol
ikeptqui
etf
oraf
ewsecondsandbef
oresheknewi
tshewassmi
l
ing.

Thol
i
:Zani
!

Zani
:Myf
ri
end!Kant
iwher
ear
eyou?
?Bekuni
nikodwa!

Thol
i
:It
’sbeensol
ong!Unj
ani
??

Zani
:Angi
thi
wangi
l
ahl
a!

Thol
i
:What
??No!Ther
ewer
ejustsomanycompl
i
cat
ionst
hatIcoul
dn’
tev
enexpl
ain.

Zani
:Wher
ear
eyou?
?

Thol
ikeptqui
etasherr
eal
i
tybegansi
nki
ngi
n.

Zani
:Li
sten,
arey
ouar
oundDur
ban?

Thol
inodded.
Zani
:Thol
i
??

Thol
i
:Yes.YesI
’
minDur
ban.

Zani
:Thent
extmey
ourdet
ail
s.Ihav
etoseey
oumyf
ri
end!

Thol
i
:Uhm-

Zani
:What
??I
sPr
ett
yar
ound?
?

Thol
i
:Nono,
she’
snother
e.

Zani
:Manj
e?

Thol
ishookherheadandt
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Thol
i
:OkayI
’
llt
exty
out
hedet
ail
s.

Zani
:Okaysi
si,
dot
hatkeandsav
emynumber
.

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Zani
:By
eby
e.

Thol
i
:By
e.
Shedr
oppedt
hecal
landwentbackt
othel
ounget
ocl
eanup.

*
**

I
twasnowar
ound5pm andNol
wazi
wasget
ti
ngr
eadyt
oleav
ewhenPhi
wewal
kedi
nherof
fi
ce.

Phi
we:
Readyt
oleav
e?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Phi
we:
It’
ssogoodt
ohav
eyoubackBossl
ady
.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Ngi
yabongaPhi
we.

Phi
we:
Shoul
dIwal
kyouout
?

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Younev
erceaset
oamazeme.

Phi
we:
Hai
don’
tbl
amemef
ormi
ssi
ngy
ou!

Nol
wazi
fini
sheduppacki
nghert
hingsandt
hent
heymadet
hei
rwayout
.Justast
heywer
e
appr
oachi
ngt
hel
oungear
eawher
ethei
rdi
vi
sionhadr
efr
eshment
s,ev
ery
oneshout
ed“
Sur
pri
se”
.

Nol
wazichuckl
edasshelookedatal
lthebal
l
oonsandcr
azydecor
ati
ons.Ther
ewasahuge
“
Welcomeback”banner
.

Nol
wazi
:Wel
ll
ooki
eher
e!

Hercol
l
eagueswentont
ohugherandPhi
wet
ookherbags.

Nol
wazi
:Aww!

Al
exwal
kedupt
oherandgav
eherahug.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m sur
eyoupl
annedt
hisAl
ex.

Al
ex:
Yes,
bab-

Hest
oppedhi
msel
fandNol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Hmm.
..

Al
ex:
Wel
latl
eastIst
oppedmy
sel
f!

Theysharedalaughandt henNol
wazispentmoretimechatti
ngandcatchi
ngupwi t
hsomeof
hercol
leagues.Aft
erawhi l
eshespott
edDean,whowasst andingbythedr
inkssect
ion.They
l
ookedateachot herandheputhischampagneglassupinacknowledgementandshenodded.
Shethenwalkedtohim andhegavehertheglass.

Nol
wazi
:It
hinkI
’
llpass.
Dean:
Hadt
oomuchl
astni
ght
?

Nol
wazi
nar
rowedherey
es.

Nol
wazi
:Lowbl
ow.

Dean:
Howwasy
ourf
ir
stday
?

Nol
wazi
:Exhi
l
arat
ingt
osayt
hel
east
.

Dean:
Wel
li
t’
sgoodt
ohav
eyouback.Ev
erybossneedsapeasant
.

Nol
wazi
:Youknow,
I’
m notgoi
ngt
odi
gni
fyt
hatwi
thar
esponseDr
.Hl
ongwane.

Dean:
Hehey
ouknow,
thi
sist
het
hir
dti
mesi
nceIgotmyPhDt
hatI
’
m hear
ingy
oucal
lmeDr
.

Nol
wazi
:Iam bi
tt
er.

Dean:
Uxakwey
ini
ungay
enzi
eyakhoi
PhD?

Nol
wazi
:Unl
i
key
ou,
Ihav
eal
i
feout
sideofwor
kandacademi
a.

Deanl
aughed.

Dean:
Int
erest
ingl
i
fey
oul
i
ve.
Nol
wazi
:Mxm sal
akewi
thy
ourl
owbl
ows.

Dean:
Idi
dn’
tev
ensayany
thi
ng.

Justt
henPhi
wewal
kedov
ert
othem.

Phi
we:
Bossl
ady
,ar
eyougood?

Nol
wazi
:YesIam,
thanksl
ove.

Phi
wegl
ancedatDeanandsmi
l
edcoy
ly.

Dean:
Any
thi
ngel
se?

Phi
we:
Ibegy
ourpar
donMr
.Hl
onga-

Dean:
Dr.Hl
ongwane.

Nol
wazi
laughedsar
cast
ical
l
yandPhi
wegi
ggl
ed.

Phi
we:
Oh,
sor
ry.

Nol
wazi
:Li
ziswav
ingy
ouatt
hatsi
de.

Phi
we:
Isi
t?
Shet
urnedandi
ndeed,
Liz,
whowasDean’
sper
sonal
assi
stant
,waswav
ingatPhi
we.

Phi
we:
Soy
ou’
regoodBossl
ady
?

Nol
wazi
noddedandPhi
wegl
ancedatDeanagai
nbef
orest
rut
ti
ngherst
uff
.

Nol
wazi
:She’
sheadov
erheel
s.

Dean:
Qui
teannoy
ingi
fyouaskme.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Nolwazi:
Youneedt
ost
opbei
ngsor
igi
d.You’
l
lendupmaki
ngt
oomanyenemi
eswi
thoutev
en
knowing.

Dean:
Thi
siswor
k.Fr
iendshi
psar
ethel
eastofmywor
ri
esher
e.

Nol
wazi
:Wel
lokayt
hen!

Deanchuckl
ed.

Dean:
Wel
lyouknowwhatImean.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
suka,
I’
m of
fended.
Deancheckedhi
sti
mepi
ece.

Dean:
Ihav
etogo.

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Nol
wazi
:Seey
out
omor
row.

Dean:
By-

Nol
wazi
:Oh,
wai
ther
eforasec.

Shewenttogetherbagandt
henwalkedbackt
oDean.Shewentt
hroughherbagandseconds
l
atershewasholdi
ngup200buckst
owardshim.

Deanchuckl
ed.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
But
hel
ezi
.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edi
nnocent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Imeany
oul
ookedof
fendedwheny
ousawmehav
ingmyl
unch.

Dean:
Yout
hinkt
hatof
fendedme?

Nol
wazi
shr
uggedhershoul
der
sandDeant
ooki
tandf
oldedi
t.
Dean:
Younev
erceaset
oamazeme.

Nol
wazi
:Seey
out
omor
rowDr
.Hl
ongwane.

Deannoddedl
i
ght
lyandwal
kedaway
.

Justt
henherphoner
angandshet
ooki
toutandanswer
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Iv
y.

I
vy:
Uh-
huhwher
ear
eyou?

Nol
wazi
:I’
m st
il
latt
heof
fi
ce.

I
vy:
Bri
ngy
ourassher
ebef
oreIki
l
lthi
shal
fdi
ckofapol
ygami
sty
oucal
lahusband.

Nol
wazi
:Iv
y!

I
vy:
Buy
aman.

Nol
wazi
:OkayI
’
llbet
her
ewi
thi
nanhourorso.

I
vy:
Hopef
ull
yhe’
l
lst
il
lbeal
i
ve.

Nol
wazi
droppedt
hecal
landsai
dhert
hanksy
ousandgoodby
es.
I
NSERT23(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Nol
wazi
madeherwayi
nsi
det
hehouse.

Mdu:
You’
regoi
ngt
ohav
etoshutt
hatmout
hofy
our
s.

I
vy:
Hai
suka.

Mdu:
Thi
sisnoty
ourhouseNomzamo,
wat
chy
ourmout
h.

Nol
wazi
:Uhm?
??

Nol
wazi
stoodt
her
eandl
ookedatI
vyandBhenj
u.

Mdu:
Ivyy
ouar
edi
srespect
ful
asf
uck,
cutt
hatshi
tout
.

Thandeka:
Hai
keangekengi
zengi
vumeukhul
umenenganey
ami
ngat
hiwehl
aent
abeni
.

Mdu:She’
stheonewho’sdoi
ngt
hat
.Kwanel
eisf
uckedupf
orwhathedi
dkodwaangazi
ni
ngenaphi
nina,
incl
udi
ngwenamama.

Thandeka:
Heeeh!

Mdu:
Youcan’
tdi
srespectamani
nHI
Shouse.That
’suncal
l
edf
or.

I
vy:
Disr
especty
okuny
a!
Nol
wazi
:Excuseme!
!

Theyal
ltur
nedt
olookatNol
wazi
,noneoft
hem hadseenherwal
kin.

Nol
wazi
:Doy
oumi
ndt
ell
i
ngmewhati
sgoi
ngon?
?

Mdu:
Kwanel
ehasl
eftt
hehousebecauseofI
vy.

I
vy:
Boohooohooo!TheMi
ght
yPol
ygami
sti
ssad!Ohwhatat
roubl
esomeoccasi
on!

Nol
wazi
glancedatI
vy.

Mdu:
Shedi
srespect
edhi
m andIappl
audhi
mfornotsmacki
ngsomesensei
ntoher
.

Nol
wazi
:Kwanel
elef
t?

Mdunodded.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Mdu:
Uthi
mxm Nol
wazi
?

Nolwazi
:Heyiawungi
yekewenangoKwanel
e.I
fyouadmir
ehi
m somucht
henuxakwey
ini
ungamlandel
ini
yohl
alanonkewi
thhi
swhoreofawife?
Theyal
ll
ookedatheri
nshock.

Nol
wazi
:Hedoesn’
tdeser
veanyone’
ssympat
hyandwenaMduduziify
ou’
regoi
ngt
ocont
inue
bei
nghi
sbi
tchthenyoumightaswel
lgett
hehel
loutofmyhouse.

Mduduzi
:Whatt
h-

Nol
wazi:Iwi
l
lnotbegoingbackandforthwit
hyouaboutthi
s.YOUmustknowy ourpl
acebot
h
asmyyoungersi
bli
ngandaby st
anderinthi
ssit
uati
on.Howdareyoucomeint
omyhouseand
bet
oler
antofKwanele’
sbul
lshi
t?Ungangihl
anyi
siwena.

Bhenj
ulookedatheri
nshockandThandekasmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Nolwazi:I
’
m donefeel
ingsor
ryfort
hatsonofabi
tchandassoonaswe’
redonewi
tht
hei
r
t
radit
ionalbul
l
shi
t,Iam di
vor
cinghi
m.

Nowev
ery
onewasbackt
othei
rshockedst
ate.

Nol
wazi
:Now,
ify
ou’
renotgoi
ngt
ohav
emybackMduduzi
,Isuggesty
ougetoutofmyhouse.

Wi
tht
hatsai
d,shewal
kedupt
hest
air
sandwentst
rai
ghtt
oherbedr
oom andshutt
hedoor
.

Thandekatur
nedandlookedatBhenj
u,whowasnowseat
edont
hecouch.Notev
enThandeka
haseverputhi
minhisplacel
ikethi
s.

Thandeka:
Uzoy
ekaukuphapha.Howdar
eyouov
erl
ooky
oursi
ster
’spai
n?

I
vyl
ookedatBhenj
udi
sgust
ingl
y.
I
vy:
Ifeel
sor
ryf
ort
hegi
rly
ouwi
l
lmar
ry.You’
resuchachauv
ini
sti
cpi
g!

Mdugotupandwasaboutt
ost
ri
keI
vywhenThandekasl
appedhi
m.Mdul
ookedathi
smot
her
i
ncomplet
eshock.

Thandeka:
Youseem t
ofor
getwhocont
ract
edt
hesper
mthatf
ormedy
ou.

Mdul
ookeddownathi
smot
her
.

Thandeka:
Iwi
l
lsl
apt
hepi
ssoutofy
ou!

Mdut
ight
enedhi
sjaw.

Thandeka:Nowdousal
laf
avourandf
oll
owKwanel
e.Getoutofher
ebef
oreIdomor
ethan
sl
apy ou.

Mdu:
Mx-

Thandeka:
Sor
ry?

Mdukeptqui
et.

Thandeka:
Getout
!

Mdu:
Ma-
Thandeka:
Out
!

Mdupushedpastt
hem andmadehi
swayout
,fumi
ng.

Thandekat
urnedt
ofaceI
vywhowasamusi
ngl
yshocked.

I
vy:
Yougogi
rl
!

Thandekar
elaxed.

I
vy:
Whowoul
dhav
ethought
??Ev
ery
oneseemst
oti
ptoewheni
tcomest
oBhenj
u.

Thandeka:
Mxm.

I
vy:
LetmegocheckonLwazi
.

ThandekanoddedandI
vywal
kedupst
air
s..
.Sheopenedt
hedoor
-

I
vy:
Ohshi
t!
!

Nol
wazi
wasl
ayi
ngt
her
e,t
wit
chi
ngabi
t.

I
vyqui
ckl
ycl
osedt
hedooragai
nandr
andownst
air
s.

Thandeka:
Yini
?
I
vy:
She’
sfappi
ng.

Thandeka:
Huh?

I
vy:
Youknow.
..Pl
easur
ingher
sel
f.

Thandekachuckl
ed.

Thandeka:
Goodf
orher
.

I
vy:
Idi
dn’
tknowshedi
-

Thandeka:Hai
bowenaNol
wazi
isnotasuper
woman.Whatwoul
dmakey
out
hinkshedoesn’
t
needorgasms?

I
vy:
Mom st
op!

Thandekachuckl
ed.

Thandeka:
Foranexpr
essi
veandr
ebel
l
iousgi
rl
,yousur
eshyawayf
rom sext
alk.

I
vybl
ushed.

Thandeka:
It’
sgoodt
hatshe’
s-

Nol
wazi
wal
keddownst
air
sandbot
hIv
yandThandekast
aredather
.
Thandeka:
Babyu-
ri
ght
?

Nol
wazi
:Coul
dn’
tbebet
ter
.

Shewal
kedpastt
hem andwentt
otheki
tchen.Thandekat
henl
ookedatI
vy.

Thandeka:
Uyabonake?

I
vy:
Arghwhat
ever
!

Thandekal
eftherandwal
kedt
otheki
tchen.

Thandeka:
Fir
stdaywentwel
l
?

Nol
wazi
lookedathermot
herandnodded.

Thandeka:
Iki
ckedBhenj
uout
.

Nol
wazi
:Wenzekahl
e.Idon’
twantt
oenduphat
inghi
m.

Thandeka:
Hopef
ull
yhe’
l
lcomear
ound.Not
hingKwanel
edoesnowwi
l
lev
erj
ust
if
yhi
schoi
ces.

Nolwazi
:I’
m star
ti
ngtor
ealiset
his.Thi
ngswi
l
lnev
erbet
hesamewi
thusandIr
eal
l
ydon’
thav
e
i
tinmet ostayinthi
smarr
iageanymore.
Thandekakeptqui
et.Shewasn’
texpect
ingt
hisatal
l
.

Nol
wazi
:Iwantadi
vor
ce.

Thandekal
ookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m cal
l
ingHenr
yassoonasal
lthi
sDundeeBSi
sov
erandwewi
l
ltakei
tfr
om t
her
e.

Thandeka:
OhLwazi
.

Shesi
ghedheav
il
y.

Nol
wazi
:Iam notgoi
ngt
osi
ther
eli
kesomeweakl
i
ng.

Thandeka:
Hav
eyout
houghtt
hist
hrough?

Nol
wazi
:Yes.

Thandeka:
Asy
ourmot
her
,Iam behi
ndev
erydeci
siony
oumake.

Nol
wazi
:Thanks.

Thandekasi
ghedagai
nandt
heyst
oodi
nsi
l
encef
oral
ongt
ime.

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
ewor
ktodo.
Thandekanoddedl
i
ght
lyandNol
wazi
wal
kedoutoft
heki
tchen.

I
vy:
Lwazi
,you’
renotmadatmer
ight
?

Nol
wazi
:Howcoul
dIpossi
blybemadaty
ou?

I
vygr
inned.

Nol
wazi
:NowIhav
etodeal
wit
hthegr
eatDumakude.

Iv
y: Hereal
l
yisn’
taspower f
ulasyoumakehim outtobe.Sowhatifyougetadi
vorce?That
skrop-
laapdoesn’
tdeserveyou.I
fdaddoesn’
tseethisthenhecangohaveanorgywith
KwaneleandMduandt heycanmakethei
rownbabi es.

Nol
wazi
:Ahh.

Shecr
ingedi
ndi
sgustandI
vyr
oll
edherey
es.

I
vy:Kwanel
eisapunkandIcannotwai
ttogotot
hatt
radi
ti
onal
nonsenset
hey
’rehav
ing.That
bul
l
dozerofamother
-i
n-l
awneedstobesort
ednj
enaye.

Nol
wazi
:Sout
hiuzengomf
utho?

I
vy:Ialsoneedtoseet
heskunkthatwoul
dpurposel
ychooset
owreckamarriageandt
hen
v
oluntari
lychooset
obesecondbestontopofthat
.INEEDtoseewhatani
diotACTUALLY
l
ookslike!

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.
Nol
wazi
:Wheni
sdadcomi
ngov
er?

I
vy:
Uzof
ikaFr
iday
.

Nol
wazi
grunt
ed.

I
vy:
It’
sti
mef
ory
out
ost
andupagai
nstal
lthi
sbul
l
shi
t.Fuckt
hesepeopl
ebr
uh.

Nol
wazi
:We’
l
lsee.
..

I
vy:
What
everhappens,
justknowt
hatIhav
eagun.Wewi
l
lbustal
loft
hem upi
ftheyt
ryus.

Nol
wazi
:Ohboy
…

I
vy:
Don’
tsayIdi
dn’
twar
nyou.
..

Nol
wazi
:Li
sten,
Ineedt
owor
k.

I
vy:
Goonbi
gsi
s.MeI
’
m goi
ngout
..
.

Nol
wazi
:Hav
efun.

I
vy:
Shap.

Nol
wazi
wal
kedupst
air
sandmadeherwayt
othebedr
oom.
I
NSERT24

Thefol
l
owingday,Nol
waziwenttowor kasusual andwheni
twasti
meforhert
ohavel unch,
Kwanel
edi
dn’tshowup,t
hankfull
y.Shest ay
edcoopedupinherof
fi
cef
rom 8am-4pm strai
ght
.
Bythet
imeshewassupposedt oleave,herbrai
nwasfri
ed.

Justasshewaspackinguphert
hings,t
her
ewasaknockont
hedoor
.Shedi
dn’
tev
enhav
ethe
energyt
otel
ltheper
sontocomein...

Dean:
Hav
en’
tseeny
out
oday
.

Shel
ookedathi
m andf
rowned.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m get
ti
ngadi
vor
ce.

Dean:
Onl
ynow?

Nol
wazi
:What
’st
hatsupposedt
omean?

Deanwal
kedi
nandcl
osedt
hedoor
.

Dean:
It’
sbeenov
eray
earnow.
..

Nol
wazi
:And?

Dean:
Thatdi
vor
ceshoul
dhav
ebeenf
il
edt
hedayhecamet
oyouwi
thhi
sBS.
Nol
wazi
huf
fed.

Nol
wazi
:Easyf
ory
out
osay
.

Dean:
Sowhynow?

Nol
wazi
:Ican’
tli
vel
i
ket
his.

Dean:
Sot
heguyi
sreal
l
ygoi
ngbackandf
ort
hfr
om y
out
otheot
herwi
fe?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Dean:
Ithi
nkt
hat
’sev
eryman’
sdr
eam.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Dean:
I’
m guessi
ngy
ouhav
en’
tspokent
ohi
m?

Nol
wazi
:Noty
et.

Dean:
Knowi
nghi
m,he’
spr
obabl
ynotgoi
ngt
oletgoeasi
l
y.

Nol
wazi
:DeanIdon’
tcar
eatt
hispoi
nt.

Deannoddedl
i
ght
ly.
Nol
wazi
:Ev
eryti
meItel
lmy
sel
fthatI
’
m goi
ngt
oleti
tgoandt
ryt
omakei
twor
k,Ir
eal
i
sej
ust
howunr
eal
i
sti
cthati
s.

Dean:
Howdoy
oushar
eyourhusbandandcar
ryonasi
fit
’sal
lgood.
..

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Dean:
Idon’
tgeti
tei
ther
.

Nol
wazi
:Buthekeepst
ell
i
ngmeaboutt
hisul
ti
mat
um.

Dean:
Ult
imat
um?

Nol
wazi
:Angazi
nami
.

Dean:
Didany
onet
hreat
ent
oki
l
lhi
m whenhemadet
hisdeci
sion?

Nol
wazi
:Idoubt
.

Dean:
Hai
ke.Ican’
timagi
newhatwoul
dfor
cemet
odosuchadr
ast
ict
hing.

Nol
wazi
:I’
vebeencr
acki
ngmyskul
lformont
hsonend.

Deanscr
atchedhi
sheadandt
heyst
oodi
nsi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e.
Nol
wazi
:Ther
e’sj
ustnowayar
oundi
t.

Dean:
Sol
et’
ssayher
eal
i
sest
hathemessedupandhesepar
ateswi
tht
heot
herwi
fe?

Nol
wazi
:Itwi
l
lnev
erbet
hesamet
hough.Thef
actt
hathedi
ditnj
ehaschangedev
ery
thi
ng.

Deannoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Dean:
Hav
eyouspokent
otheot
herwi
fe-

Nol
wazi
:No!Iwoul
dki
l
lher
!

Deanchuckl
ed.

Dean:
No,
wedon’
twantt
hat
.

Nol
wazi
wentt
ohercouchandt
hrewher
sel
foni
t.Deant
urnedandl
ookeddownather
.

Dean:
Ihopey
oudon’
tmi
ndmeaski
ngi
fyouguy
shav
eapr
e-nup.

Nol
wazi
:Ofcour
se.
..
.Tot
hinkukut
hiIdi
dn’
twantt
osi
gni
t.

Dean:
Lov
eisbl
i
ndi
ng.

Nol
wazi
:Yeahsoatl
eastt
her
ewon’
tbeapr
obl
em wi
thasset
s.
Deannodded.

Dean:Her
eIwasthi
nki
ngy
ouhadt
heper
fectmar
ri
age.Wheny
out
oldmeaboutt
hiswhol
e
t
hingIgaveup.

Nol
wazi
laughed.

Nol
wazi
:Nami
IthoughtIwasl
i
vingaper
fectl
i
fe.

Deanshookhi
sheadandcl
appedhi
shandst
wice.

Dean:
Enoughoft
his.
..Let
’sbeout
.

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
twantt
ogohomej
usty
et.

Dean:
Wozake.

Nol
wazi
:Takemesomewher
e.

Dean:
Let
’sgo.

Nol
wazi st
oodupandwentt
ogr
abherbags.Theywal
kedoutofherof
fi
ceandPhi
wel
ookedup
f
rom hercomput
er.

Phi
we:
Bossl
adyuy
ahamba?

Nol
wazi
:YesMi
ssPhi
we.
Phi
wel
ookedatDeanandsmi
l
ed.

Phi
we:
ByeDr
.Hl
ongwane.

Deangr
unt
edannoy
ingl
yashewal
kedaway
.Nol
wazi
fol
l
owedhi
m andt
heywal
kedt
ohi
sof
fi
ce.

Dean:
Youneedt
otamet
hatassi
stantofy
our
s.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
keuy
amy
ekauPhi
wewami
.

Theygott
ohi
sof
fi
ceandDeanbeganpacki
nghi
sthi
ngs.

Nol
wazi
:ThedayIgett
hisof
fi
ce.
..Lor
dhav
emer
cy.

Dean:
Iwi
l
lnotdi
gni
fyt
hatwi
thar
esponse.

Nol
wazi
laughed.

Nol
wazi
:Touché!

Hef
ini
shedupandt
heymadet
hei
rwayout
.

Nol
wazi
:Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?

Dean:
Fol
l
owme.
Nol
wazi
:Sur
e.

Theybot
hgoti
nthei
rcar
sanddr
oveof
f,wi
thNol
wazi
fol
l
owi
ngDean.

Justt
henherphoner
angandsheanswer
edi
tgui
l
til
ywhi
l
edr
ivi
ng.

Nol
wazi
:Hel
l
o?

Thandeka:
Baby
.

Nol
wazi
:MaI
’
m goi
ngt
oar
ri
vel
atel
aphoneh?I
’
m dr
ivi
ngmanj
e.

Thandeka:Nopr
obl
em l
ove,
Iwaspl
anni
ngont
aki
ngusoutf
ordi
nnersoIguessi
twi
l
ljustbe
meandI vy
.

Nol
wazi
:Hav
efun.

Thandeka:
Byel
ove.

Nol
wazi
:By
ema.

Shedr
oppedthecal
landconti
nuedt
ofol
l
owDean.Af
terawhi
l
etheygott
oar
est
aur
antand
madethei
rwayoutofthecar
s.

Nol
wazi
:Deany
azi
angi
l
ambanga?
Dean:
Real
l
y?

Shenoddedandf
rowned.

Dean:
Theny
ou’
l
lwat
chmeeat
.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lhav
echampagne.

Dean:
Wel
lal
ri
ghtt
hen.

Theymadet
hei
rwayi
nsi
deandthewai
tr
essl
edt
hem t
oat
abl
ewhi
chDeanhadbooked.They
gott
her
eandpl
acedt
hei
ror
ders.

Nol
wazi
:Soy
ouwer
ecomi
ngher
eany
way
?

Dean:
YesIwas.

Nol
wazi
:So.
..

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edsl
yl
yandDeaney
edhersuspi
ciousl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Nt
siki
.

Dean:
Hmm?

Her
aisedaney
ebr
owandNol
wazi
laughedqui
etl
y.
Nol
wazi
:Uhm so.
..

Dean:
Yini
Nol
wazi
?

Nol
wazi
:Hai
kenawewazobaser
ious?

Deanj
ustcont
inuedl
ooki
ngather
.

Nol
wazi
:Whenar
eyoumar
r-

Dean:
Mxm.

Nol
wazi
:HawuDean.

Dean:
Ungi
buzaumbhedo.

Nol
wazi
:Tj
o.

Dean:
Wenawheny
oul
ookatNt
siki
youseemywi
fe?

Nol
wazi
noddedsl
owl
y.

Dean:
Uyabheda.

Nol
wazi
:Ify
ousayso.
..
Dean’
sfoodf
inal
l
ycameandNol
waz
iwat
chedhi
m eat
.

Deankeptonchuckl
i
ng.

Nol
wazi
:Yi
ni?

Dean:
Ican’
tbel
i
evey
out
hinkI
’
dmar
ryNt
siki
..
.

Nol
wazi
:Kant
iwhat
’swr
ongwi
thher
?

Dean:
Hai
,whywoul
dImar
rysomeonel
i
keher
?

Nol
wazi
:Woah!

Dean:
She’
sthel
azi
estgi
rlI
’
veev
erbeenwi
thandshedoesn’
tev
enhav
eapr
operj
ob.

Nol
wazi
cougheduncomf
ort
abl
y.

Dean:I
tannoysmet
hatshe’
sat
tachednow.Imadei
tcl
earf
rom t
hebegi
nni
ngt
hatI
’
m noti
nit
fort
helonghaul
.

Nolwazi
:Ir
ememberyousayi
ngt
hatbutIt
houghty
ouhav
echangedy
ourmi
nd.Youguy
shav
e
beenati
tfor2y
earsDean.

Dean:
So?Ij
ustpr
efert
hatt
hanbehav
ingl
i
kea20y
earol
d.
Nol
wazi
:St
abi
l
ity
?

Deannoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Sohav
eyouguy
shadaconv
ersat
ionl
atel
y?

Dean:
Sheknowsshe’
l
lnev
erbemywi
fe.YohI
’
ddef
ini
tel
yconsi
derpol
ygamyi
fshewast
obe
mywife.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
Dean.

Deanshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
sandcont
inuedt
oeat
.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m ki
ndofhungr
ynow.

Whent
hewaitresscametothetabl
e,Deanaskedf
oranext
raf
orkandwheni
tcame,
heshi
ft
ed
hi
spl
ateofpastatoherandshedugin.

Nol
wazi
:Doy
ouwantt
ogetmar
ri
edt
hough?

Dean:
Ihav
emyday
sbutatt
hemomentmycar
eeri
smywi
fe.

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Nol
wazi
:Nt
siki
seemst
othi
nky
out
woar
ereal
l
ywi
thi
n.

Dean:
Idon’
thav
etheener
gyt
ofi
ghtwi
thherany
mor
e.
Nol
wazi
:Youseewhymar
ri
agei
sbet
tert
hanpl
ayi
ngt
hef
iel
d?

Dean:Haither
e’snothingcompl
icat
edaboutset
ti
ngboundar
iesi
ny ourrel
ati
onshi
ps.UNt
siki
uyazi
hlany
isabecauseIdon’tev
enknowhersecondname.We’renotthatdeepsoIhaveno
at
tachmentwhat soever.

Nol
wazi
sighed.

Nol
wazi
:That
’scol
d,Dean.

Deanshookhi
shead.

Dean:
Ngi
mdal
akabi
Nol
wazi
.Ican’
tbei
nvol
vedi
nteenagel
oveaf
fai
rs.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
..
.

Dean:
So,
canwest
opdi
scussi
ngmynon-
exi
stentr
elat
ionshi
p?

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Shef
ini
shedupt
hepast
aandt
ookasi
pofherchampagne.

Deanl
ookedatheri
ntent
lyf
oral
ongt
ime.

Nol
wazi
:Yi
ni?
Dean:
I’
m notsur
ehowI
’
m goi
ngt
oputt
hiswi
thoutf
reaki
ngy
ouout
..
.

Nol
wazi
putdownhergl
assandl
ookedathi
m,conf
used.

Nol
wazi
:Tr
yme.

Deancheckedhi
sphoneandt
henl
ookedather
..
.

Nol
wazi
:Dean?

Deancl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandchuckl
edqui
etl
y.

Nol
wazi
:I’
mli
steni
ng.
..

I
NSERT25

Nol
wazi
:Dean?

Deanf
ini
sheduphi
schampagneandNol
wazi
cont
inuedt
ost
areathi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
keangazi
yini
inki
ngay
akho.

Dean:
No,
it’
snot
hing.

Nol
wazi
:Itsur
esoundsl
i
kesomet
hing.
Deanshookhi
sheadl
i
ght
lyasi
ftr
yingt
oremov
eat
hought
.

Dean:
Readyt
ogohomenow?

Nol
wazi
:Act
ual
l
y,no.

Deanf
rowned.

Nol
wazi
:I’
vebeencoopedupi
ndoor
s,I
’
mti
red.

Dean:
Manj
euf
unaukwenzani
?

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
tknow.

Deanl
ookedatherandshesi
ghed.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
ldr
ivebackt
otheof
fi
ceandgetsomewor
kdone.

Dean:
Ihav
enor
esponsef
ort
hat
.

Nol
wazi
:Yes,
I’
ll
gobackt
otheof
fi
ce.

AsDeanpai
dthebi
l
l,Nol
wazi
stoodup.

Dean:
YimakancaneNol
wazi
,what
’swi
tht
hesuddenr
ush?
Nolwaziwassuddenlyver
yfi
dget
yandr
est
lessf
ornoappar
entr
eason.Deanf
ini
shedpay
ing
andtheywalkedoutsi
de.

Dean:
What
’swr
ongnow?

Nol
wazi
:Angazi
.

Shewal
kedt
ohercarandgotherbagandt
ookouthermoodst
abi
l
isi
ngpi
l
ls.

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
enoi
deawhat
’swr
ong,
Ifeel
pani
cky
.

Deanwatchedassheswal
l
owedherpil
l
sandsear
chedforabot
tl
eofwat
ersomewher
einher
car
.Onceshewasdoneshetookadeepbr
eat
handlookedathi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
twantt
ogobackt
othathouse.

Dean:
Uhm al
ri
ght
,let
’sgobackt
otheof
fi
ce.

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Dean:
Idon’
tthi
nky
ou’
l
lbeabl
etodr
ivet
hough.

Nol
wazi
:You’
rebei
ngdr
amat
ic.

Dean:
No,
I’
m ser
ious.

Nol
wazi
goti
nhercarandDeanwal
kedov
ert
othedr
iver
’ssi
deandNol
wazi
handedhi
mthe
key
s.

Nol
wazi
:You’
recompl
i
cat
ingt
his.

Dean:
I’
ll
sendsomeonet
ogetmycar
.

Nolwazisankonherseatandt
ri
edcal
minghernowf asthear
trat
e.Justt
hemerethoughtof
goingbacktoherhousewasenought
odri
veherinsane.Shewasalsoquit
eshockedatthi
s
suddenreali
sat
ion.
..

“I
t’
sprobabl
ythi
sdi
vor
cet
hing,
”shet
hought
,“Iam st
art
ingt
oreal
i
sej
usthowmessymyl
i
fei
s
abouttoget
.”

Deangl
ancedatNol
waziashewasgenuinel
yconcer
nedathersuddenwei
rdbehav
iour
.Nowhe
wastr
yingt
ofi
gureoutwhathemayhavesaidt
hatcoul
dhavecontri
but
edtothi
s.

Nol
wazi
:May
besomepaper
wor
kwi
l
lcal
m medown.

Dean:
Butwhatexact
lyi
sthei
ssueher
e?

Nol
wazi
:DeanIwasi
nhospi
tal
forweeksonend.I
’
m al
l
owedt
oactwei
rdoncei
nawhi
l
e.

Deankeptqui
et.

Justt
hen,
Nol
wazi
’
sphoner
angandsher
eachedf
ori
t.

Nol
wazi
:UKwanel
e.
Deankeptqui
et.

Nol
wazi
swi
tchedof
fherphoneandputi
taway
.

Afterawhilet
heyfi
nal
l
ygottotheoff
iceandi
twasnowaround7pm.Securi
tyhadtoopenup
forthem aspeopl
ehadal
readygonehome.Theymadet
heirwayupt
otheirdiv
isi
onandwalked
toNol wazi
’
soffi
ce.

Nolwazi
wenttoherdeskandbegangoingt
hroughherpaper
wor kandal
lDeancoul
ddowas
j
ustgositonthecouchandkeepqui
et.Het
oo,wasv er
yfamil
iarwit
htheneedtol
ethi
swor
k
consumehim sohewouldn’
thavet
odealwit
hanythi
ngelse.

Nol
wazi
foundal
lthepaper
wor
kshewasl
ooki
ngf
orandt
henl
oggedi
nherPC.

Deansankonthecouchandwentt hr
oughhi
sphone.Thesi
l
encewasverycal
mingf
orbothof
t
hem.AsNol wazi
typedaway,shefel
tmuchbet
terandDeanontheot
herhandwasalso
mindi
nghisownbusinessatadist
ance.

Nol
wazi
:Iam sof
ull
from al
lthatpast
a.

Deanchuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Jacobsentmet
henewpl
ant
hatwasdr
awnupf
ort
hatoi
lcompany
.

Dean:
Iwasn’
tinv
olv
edi
nthatsoIdi
dn’
tbot
hergoi
ngt
hroughi
t.

Nol
wazi
:Jacobr
eal
l
yneedst
ost
opmaki
ngdeci
sionswi
thoutconsul
ti
ngei
theroneofus.
Dean:
Hmm.

Nol
wazi
:May
beweshoul
dhav
eaconv
ersat
ionwi
thhi
m.

Dean:
Hmm.

Asmuchashewasher e,her
eall
ywasn’
tint
hemoodtodiscussanyt
hingwor
krel
ated.The
si
lencewasfarbet
tert
handi
scussi
ngworkdynami
cswi
thNolwazibecauset
hewomanr eal
ly
couldgoonandon.

Nol
wazi
tookherl
apt
opandswi
tchedi
tonandt
henwal
kedov
ert
othecouchandsatnextt
o
hi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Lookatt
his.

Dean,
whowassl
ouchedont
hecouch,
glancedatt
hescr
eenandsawabusi
nesscy
cle.

Nolwazi
:Thisi
swhatIcameupwi
thf
ort
hecompany
.Youmeant
otel
lmet
hatal
lmywor
khas
beenwasted?

Dean:
Mmm.

Nol
wazi:AndIknowthatt
hisi
stheper
fectpl
an,
Jacobandhi
speopl
ewi
l
lregr
etsi
del
i
ningme
f
orthei
rnonsense.

Dean:
Hmm.

Nol
wazi
:Whenhav
eIbeenwr
ongDean?Al
lmypl
anshav
ebeenl
egi
t!
Dean:
Ya.

Nol
wazi
:Lookatt
his.
..

Deanwasnotev
enl
i
steni
ngany
mor
e.Nol
wazi
nudgedhi
m.

Dean:
Hmm?

Nol
wazi
:Ngi
thi
bhekal
e-pl
any
abo!

Deangl
ancedatt
helaptopscr
eenandNol
wazi wentonandonabouthowf
lawedt
hecur
rent
pl
anwas.Aft
eralongti
me,Deancoul
dn’
tli
stenanymore.

Dean:
Wantsomecof
fee?

Shel
ookedathi
m andf
rowned.

Nol
wazi
:Yout
hinky
ou’
resl
eekar
en’
tyou?

Hechuckl
edandst
oodup.

Nol
wazi
:Tea,
please.

Deanwalkedoutoftheoff
ice,
rel
i
eved.Nol
waziconti
nuedtoanal
ysethepl
anthatwassentto
herandshewouldoccasi
onall
ycussandhuff
.Afterawhil
eDeanwalkedbackinwi
thNolwazi
’s
cupoftea.Nol
waziputdownthelapt
opandthankedhim ashegavei
ttoher.
Nol
wazi
:It
hinkIcoul
dgoonf
ort
her
estoft
heni
ght
.

Deanl
ookedatherandshel
aughed.

Nol
wazi
:Iwantt
oty
peoutal
lthef
lawsi
nthi
spl
ansoIcanpr
esentt
hem t
oJacobt
omor
row.

Dean:
Ther
e’snost
oppi
ngy
ou.

Nolwazi
:Howareyougoi
ngt
orej
ectmyper
fectpl
anandt
hencomeupwi
thsomef
looz
ythi
ng?
Uyahl
anyauJacob.

Dean:
Knowi
nghi
m,he’
l
ldef
ini
tel
ygi
vey
ouahar
dti
me.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Theysatt
her
eforawhi
l
e.

Nol
wazi
:Dean.

Dean:
Mmm?

Nol
wazi
:Whatdi
dyouwantt
osayear
li
er?

Deangl
ancedather
.
Nol
wazi
:Readyt
otel
lme?

Dean:
Naggi
ngdoesn’
tsui
tyou.

Nol
wazi
:Ver
yfunny
.

Deanlookedatheri
ntent
lyandscr
atchedhi
schint
houghtf
ull
y.Nol
waziputdownt hecupoft
ea
andthensatproper
lysoshecoul
dfacehim.Deanchewedonhisteet
hhumor ousl
yandthen
chuckl
ed.

Dean:
Wantmet
oshowy
ou?

Nol
wazi
:You’
respeaki
ngi
nri
ddl
es.

Dean:
Comecl
osersoIcanshowy
ou.

Nol
wazi
frownedandDeanpat
tedt
hespotnextt
ohi
m ont
hecouch.

Dean:
Sondel
a.

Nol
wazi
:Yi
nikant
i?

Deansmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Nolwazit
henmov
edcl
osert
ohi
m andl
ookedathi
m.Deanl
oosenedhi
sti
eandcl
ear
edhi
s
t
hroat.
Dean:
Arey
ouf
eel
i
ngbet
ter
?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Dean:
Soy
ou’
rer
eal
l
yget
ti
ngt
hisdi
vor
ce?

Nol
wazi
:Yes.

Dean:
Andwi
-

Nol
wazi
:Hai
phel
aDr
.Hl
ongwanewe’
veal
readydi
scussedt
his.

Deannoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Nowl
et’
sgobackt
owhaty
ouwant
edt
otel
lme.Icanseei
t’
sbuggi
ngy
ou.

Dean:
Isi
t?

Nol
wazi
:Yes,
youar
enev
erner
vousunl
essi
t’
ssomet
hinghect
ic.

Dean:
Ilookner
vous?

Nol
wazi
:Justat
inybi
t!

Deanf
rownedandNol
wazi
laughedl
i
ght
ly.
Nol
wazi
:Deankhul
umaman.

Deanr
ubbedhi
sey
esl
i
ght
lyandshookhi
shead.

Bef
orehecoul
dsaysomet
hing,
Nol
wazi
’
sphoner
angl
oudl
yandbot
hoft
hem snappedoutofi
t.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m notanswer
ingi
t.
..

Shel
ookedatDeanagai
n.

Nol
wazi
:Khul
-

Bef
oreshecoul
dev
enf
ini
shof
fhersent
ence,
Deanhadal
readygr
abbedherandpul
l
edhert
o
hi
slap.

Nolwazistar
edathim.Whatshockedhermor ethananythi
ngelsewasthefactt
hatshewasnot
shocked.Herbodydid,however
,tenseupasitpressedagai
nstDean.Shef
elthi
sarms
ti
ghtenedaroundherandhishandsr est
edonherback.

Nol
wazi
:Dean?

Herphonecont
inuedt
ori
ngandbot
hoft
hem zonedi
tout
.

Suddenl
yshewasholdingherbreat
handherbr ainwasdoingcalcul
ati
ons.Shewastr
yingt
oput
thi
ngsinper
spect
iveandanaly
seot hert
hings.Whileherbr
ainkeptbusy,
herbody,
whichhadn’
t
beenincont
actwi
thmasculini
tyinalongtime,fai
ledher.

Somehowshewaswi
l
li
ngt
ocr
ossaboundar
y..
.
I
NSERT26

Nolwazicl
osedhereyes,
hopi
ngsomethi
ngwoul
dsomehowemer
geandst
opherbutnot
hing
came,inst
eadtheheatwasget
ti
ngtoher
.

Deanwasabouttospeakwhensheshookherhead.Shedi
dn’
twantt
ohearany
thi
nghehadt
o
say.Shef
elti
twoul
dsomehowalterev
eryt
hing.

Forawhi
let
heyjustsatt
herenotsay
ingany
thi
ngunt
ilDeanl
oosenedhi
sgr
iponherandshe
l
ookedathi
m quest
ioni
ngly
.

Nol
wazi
:No,
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Hest
oodupandwal
kedov
ert
ost
andbyt
hedoor
.

Dean:
You’
rev
ulner
abl
e.

Nol
wazi
stoodupandwentt
ost
andcl
oset
ohi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Ar
eyoumypsy
chol
ogi
st?

Dean’
schucklesuddenlysentweirdshiversdownherspineandshet i
ltedherheadandstar
ed
athi
m.Forthefir
sttimesincethey’v
eknowneachot her
,shereall
ylookedathim andanal
ysed
hi
sfaceandbody .Nolwazihadalwayspr i
dedhersel
finhavingtunnelvisi
onwhenitcameto
men.From t
hedayshecommi tt
edher selftoKwanel
e,shegenuinelyfocusedonhim andhi
m
onl
y.Nowsuddenl yasshelookedatDeanandf el
tsomethingpulsi
ngdeepwi thi
n,al
lofher
commitmentwasi nquesti
on.

Deantight
enedhi
sjawandscr at
chedhisheadthoughtf
ull
y.Nolwazigotcl
osert
ohi
m andhe
wrappedhisar
msar oundherandtheypressedagai
nsteachother.Deansl
owlyl
ower
edhis
handandashesl idi
tdown, t
heycont i
nuedt ostareateachot her.Nolwazi want edtor emember
everysingl ethingthatwast akingplace.Shebl i
nkedacoupl eoft imesandDeanl ookedather
withqui t
eat enderexpression.Hermi ndwast elli
nghertocuti toutbef oreitwentf urtherbutof
cour seherbodywasant i
cipatingwhatwast ocome.Sher eachedf orhisneckandl oosenedhi s
alr
eadyl ooset ie.Deanbowedhi sheadandshecar ef
ull
yremov edthet i
e.Shet henunbut toned
hisshi r
t,slowly,asifshewast ryi
ngnott ohurthim.Oncesher eachedt hebut t
onbyhi schest,
Deanmadehert urnaroundandhecar efull
yunzippedherdr ess.Oncehewasdoneand
Nol wazi’
sbar ebackwasexposed, hestaredatherandgr i
tt
edhi steet
h.Al otwasal sogoing
throughhi smi nd.Partofhim want edtost opandl eavebecauseofherv ulnerabili
tybutahuge
partofhi m wasexci tedtoseewher ethiswasgoi ng..
.Hehadal way sfantasi
sedaboutt hisday
andnowt hatNol waziwasst andingthere,herbodyclearl
yy earningforhim, hecoul dn’thelpbut
gowi t
hthepar tofhimthaty earnedforherjustasmuch.

Nowt hatbothoft
hem hadsomehowshowneachot
hert
hatt
heywer
ewi
l
li
ngt
ocr
osst
he
boundary,t
herewasasenseofr
eli
eve.

Deanpl acedhi shandonherwai standpulledhercl osetohi m.Oncet heypr essedagainsteach

other,heslowl ywr appedhi sarmsar oundherandhuggedherf rom behind.Hel ower
edhi sface
toherneckandashecar eful
l
ytouchedherski nwi thhisli
ps, Nolwaziti
lt
edherheadandcl osed
hereyes.Hepl antedaf eatherkissandsher elaxedi nhisembr ace.Hepl antedanotherdelicate
kissandshesi ghedqui etly
.Ashecont i
nuedtopl anttenderkisses,Nolwazi tri
ednottogivei n
toomucht otheweakness.Ev eninsuchsi t
uationsshest il
lwant edtoprov ejusthowst r
ongshe
couldbe.Deansensedhersuddent ensenessandsoheki ssedhermor egent lyandwentupt o
herear .Hetrail
edki ssedbyherearandsoonenoughshewassi ghingagai n.Sheplacedher
handsonhi shandswhi chwer eonherst omachandt hencarefull
yturnedar oundsoshecoul d
stil
lbei nhi
sar ms.Shel ookedathim andl eanedclosert ohisface.Assoonast hei
rli
ps
touched, al
lelsefaded.

Deanranhishandsonherbodyandshewi ncedasshef eltt

hem t
ouchherbar eback.He
unzi
ppedthedressfurt
herandsoonitwasont heground.Sheal
sof i
nishedunbuttoninghi
s
shi
rtandsoonitwasont hefl
ooraswell
.Shesliddownherhandbyhi sar m andhelookedat
herweir
dly
.Secondslaterhehear
dthedoorlocksnapandt henchuckl
ed.

Shesmi l
edandhemadeherf acetheotherwayagai n.Hepulledhercloserandr anhisarms
aroundherbar
est omach.Sheclosedherey esagainasDean’ shandstrail
edupandr eachedher
breast
s.Heloweredhisheadagainandpl antedfullki
ssesonherneck.Hemassagedher
breast
stender
lyandshewi nced,onehandsl i
dtoherst omachwhi l
etheot heronefocusedon
onebreastatati
me.Hegent lymassagedeachbr east,
str
okingthenippleandt wist
ingitli
ght
ly.
Nolwazimoanedasthegent
lepleasur
ebegancreepi
nguponher.Deanconti
nuedtomassage
herbreast
s..
.Sl
owl
yandtenderl
y..
.Hebroughtt
heotherhandupandthencuppedeachbr
east
,
caressi
ngtheni
ppl
esaswell.

Nol
wazi
:Dean.
..

Dean’sbodywasal sot ensingupashi schestpr essedupagai nstNolwazi’

sback.Herbodywas
heati
ngupandDeanwasal sogettingthere.Hest oppedki ssi ngt helef
tsideoft heneckand
Nolwazi t
il
tedherheaddi fferentl
ysohecoul dfocusont her i
ghtsi deaswel l.Herscentsent
j
itt
erst hroughhisbody .Ascentheal wayssmel l
edf rom adi stancewasnowsocl oset ohim
thathewant edtomakesur et hathet ooki tal
lin.Ashi sonehandpl ayedwi thonebr east,hi
s
otherhandt r
ail
eddownt oherbel ly.Nolwazi bitherbot tom l i
pandsi ghedast hepr essurefrom
herbr eastspulsedt hrough.Shef elthishandsl owl ygett ot het opofhert reasuredar ea.She
ment all
ygav ehersel fahighf i
veforwear ingal acyt hong.Dean’ shandwasnowonherv agi
na.
Hebegant ocaressherov ert hel
aceandshel etoutamoan.Hi shandwentev enlowerand
Nolwazi wi
ncedashi sthumbwentupanddownherl ining.Hest rokedherandbef oreNol wazi
coulddi gestanythi
ng, hequi ckl
yy ankedthel aceandshey elpedast hefabricsli
dinherl abia.

Nol
wazi
:Ah!

Hepulleditupandt
henusedhisot
herhandtost
rokeherwhil
ehert
hongwasburi
eddeepin
herli
ning.Thel
acet
ight
enedagai
nsthercl
i
tandshecouldn’
thel
pbutmoanastheint
ensi
ty
fi
ll
edher .

Deanthenfi
xedthel aceandcar eful
lysli
dhi shandinside.Hi
shandcamei ntocont actwi t
hher
shaventr
easureandshegr untedasshef elthi
swar m handfinall
ytouchi
ngher .Hest rokedher
gentl
yandthendeli
cat elyspreadherlipsapart.Shefel
thim smi l
eandsheknewherwet ness
amusedhim.Heusedonef ingertoslowlygoupanddownheropeni ngandshesqui rmedi nhis
arms.Deanconti
nuedr egardl
essofherbodygoi ngweak-italsodidn’
thelpt hathisdeep
breat
hswereelectr
ic.Het henslidhishandoutandr anituptil
lhewast ouchi ngherf ace.He
sl
idthedri
ppingfi
ngeri nhermout h,wantinghert ot
ast eher
self.Shequicklybititandhe
winced.

Nol
wazi
thent
urnedaroundandl
ookedathi
m.Bef or
ehecoul dprot
estsheplacedherl
i
pson
hi
sandt
heyki
ssed.Atfi
rsti
twasaslowandtenderkissbutonceNolwazif
eltDean’
serect
ion
agai
nsther,
thehungerf
il
ledherandthekissbecamemor epassionat
eandintense.Dean
l
oweredhishandsandpickedherup.Astheykissedeachotherhungr
il
y,hewalkedovertothe
couchandcaref
ull
ymadeherlaydown.Hel ookeddownatherandNol wazisawt hesudden
shi
fti
nmood.Hehadani nt
ensegazethatsentshiver
sall
throughherbody.

Deanpl acedhishandonherlegsandmadeherspr eadt hem.Nol waziopenedupherl

egsand
theystaredateachotherashesli
dherthongoff.Het hr
ewi tonthesi deandbefor
ewast
ing
anyti
me, buri
edhisfacebetweenhert
highsandputint hewor k.Helickedaroundt
heout
erlabi
a,
usinghistonguefull
y.Hethenmovedintoherinnerlabia.
..

Nol
wazi
:Dean.
..

Hewaswastingnoti
meatthi
spoint.Hethenr
eachedhercl
i
tandshecr
iedout
.Heusedhi
s
handtomakewayforhi
m andthennibbl
edonit
.Shemoanedinpl
easur
easanorgasm
appr
oached.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m aboutt
ocum.

Deanqui
ckl
ylookedupatherandshest
aredbackathi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Don’
tbl
ameme.

Deanknewshewoul dcum instant

lyifheconti
nuedtofocusonthecli
tsohestoppedand
bal
ancedhimselfontopofher.Hel eanedcl
osertoherfaceandtheyki
ssed.Nol
waziwasmore
onthehungrysi
debutDeanmanagedt ocal
m herdownandgethert oagentl
erpl
ace.She
moanedast hei
rtonguesdancedwi theachot
her.Shethenfel
thi
sf r
eehandrundownherbody
.

Nol
wazi
:Ineedt
ocum.

Deanl
ookedatherchuckled.Henoddedli
ghtlyandt
henwentdownagain,
thi
sti
meav oidi
ng
t
hecli
tandusi
nghisfingers.Hecar
eful
lyl
ickedherandshecont
inuedt
omoanpleasurabl
y.
Onceher
eal
i
sedt
hatshewasenj
oyi
ngt
hisabi
ttoomuch,
hest
oppedandNol
wazi
star
edat
hi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Dean!

Hel
ookedatheramusi
ngl
y.

Shepleadedwit
hhereyes.I
twasast houghDeanwantedtocontrolheror
gasm andonlyl
ether
cum whenhewanted.Nolwazi
feltt
ortur
edatthispoi
ntbecauseevenherstr
engthwasatalow.
Deanleanedi
nagainandgavehercli
tonl ongl
ickandshewinced.Hestoppedandlookedat
heragain,
wit
hhumourinhiseyes.

Dean:
Readyt
oadmi
tthatIam y
ourboss?

Nol
wazi
:Notnow,
please!

Deangaveheranotherlongandsl
owli
ckandshewi
ggl
ed,
try
ingt
ogetmor
eofhi
stonguebut
hestoppedandstaredatheragai
n.

Dean:
Idi
dn’
theart
hat
?

Nol
wazi
gaspedf
orai
randshutherey
es.

Deanchuckl
edonceagai
nashet
ookof
fhi
spant
sandbr
ief
s.

Nolwaziopenedhereyesandl ookedathi m desperatel

y.Deanposit
ionedherpr
operl
yandsoon
enough,hewascar ef
ull
ysli
dinginher.Hercl osedwal l
sslowl
yopenedupandwel comedhim.I
t
hadbeensol ong!Shespreadherlegsev enwi derandDeangr oanedashewentdeeperand
deeper.Oncehehadsettledi
npr oper
ly,hehel dherlegsandlookeddownather.Nolwazi
archedherbackandshutherey es.
Heslowl
ywentinandout .
..Payi
ngcloseat
tent
iont
oherr
eacti
ons.
..Onceheheardhermoan
andsawhertouchherbreasts-t
hatwasconfi
rmati
ont
hatal
lwaswell.Hecl
osedhiseyesas
well
andall
owedhimselftofinal
lydowhatheknewwassupposedt
ohappenal ongti
meago.

Ast heycont
inuedtobaski nt hegl
oryoft
hismoment ,al
lwor
ri
edv anished.Dean’
sthrust
s
becamedeeperandf asterandNolwazicoul
dn’tt
akeitanymor
e.Wi theachthrust
,shefel
t
herselfcomecloserandcl osertot
heedge.Deant oo,
waswaiti
ngf orit
.Nolwazi’
swetness
spreadallov
erbutt hatdidn’tst
opthem.Sheroll
edherneckasthei nt
ensit
ycamei nfl
oods.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m aboutt
ocum.

Dean:
Thencum.

Nolwazishuthereyesev enti
ghterandscreamedasal lt
hefloodsopenedupandfled.Shef
elt
hersel
fshakeast heint
ensit
yfil
l
edherbody .Secondslater
,Deanpulledoutandhi
scum spr
ung
outofhisharderecti
on.Nolwazi satup,
aspar al
ysedasshewas, andstr
okedhim.Hesankon
thecouchandNol waziconti
nuedt ohelphim getofff
ull
y.

*
**

I
twasnowaround11pm andNol
wazi
madeherwayi
nsi
det
hehouse.Asshewal
kedi
nthe
l
ounge,
shef
oundIvywatchi
ngTV.

I
vy:
Sist
ersi
ster
!

Nol
wazi
smi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Sor
ryf
ornotanswer
ingy
ourcal
l
s.
I
vy:
Don’tworr
y,weknewy
ouwer
eatt
heof
fi
ce.Weknowhowy
ougetoncey
ou’
rebur
iedi
n
y
ourpaperwor
k.

Nol
wazi
:Youknowmet
oowel
l
.

I
vy:
Bhenj
ucameov
er.

Nol
wazi
:Isi
t?

I
vy:
Yauxol
i
sil
eforhi
sbehav
iour
.

Nol
wazi
:That
’sgood.

I
vy:
Arey
ouokay
?

Nol
wazi
:Ya,
I’
mjustexhaust
ed.

I
vy:
Youl
ookl
i
key
ouj
ustr
anamar
athon.

Nol
wazi
:Youhav
enoi
dea.

I
vy:
Got
obedshame.Woul
dyoul
i
kesomet
hingt
oeat
?Icoul
dheatupsomet
hingf
ory
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Not
hanksl
ove.I
’
m goi
ngt
ocr
ashnow.

I
vy:
Alr
ightt
hen,
night
y.
Nol
wazi
:Ni
ght
.

Nol
wazisi
ghedasshewalkedupthest
air
sandmadeherwayt othebedroom.Shedi
dn’
teven
havet
heenergyt
otakeashower.Shet
ookoffherdr
essandgotstr
aighti
ntobed,
zoni
ngout
compl
etel
y.

I
NSERT27

Nol
waziwokeupthenextmor
ningandgotr
eadyasusual
.Af
tershewasdone,
shemadeher
waydownst
air
sandfoundMduandIvy.

Nol
wazi
:Sani
bonani
.

Mdulookedatherandf
rownedhumor
ousl
y.Het
hengotupf
rom t
hecouchandwal
kedov
ert
o
herandpi
ckedherup.

Nol
wazi
:KodwaMdu.

Mduhi
dhi
sfacei
nherneckandhuggedhert
ight
ly.

I
vy:
Don’
tfor
giv
ehi
m wenaLwazi
.

Af
terawhi
l
ehef
inal
l
yletgoofherandt
henl
ookedatheri
nnocent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Hav
esomet
hingt
osay
?

Mdu:
No.
Nol
wazi
:Hehe.

Mdu:
Ilov
eyout
hough.

Hehuggedheragai
nandNol
wazi
huggedhi
m back.

Nol
wazi
:Ofcour
sey
ouwi
l
lnev
erapol
ogi
se,
whatwasIt
hinki
ng?

Mdu:
Kant
ikuphekwani
nil
a?I
’
m hungr
y.

Justthen,
Thandekawal
keddownstai
rs,
looki
ngv
eryexhaust
ed.Al
lofherchi
l
drenl
ookedather
weir
dlyassheyawnedandstr
etched.

Thandeka:
Mor
ning.

Mdu:
Andt
hen?

Thandeka:
I’
m exhaust
edy
azi
.

Shest
ret
chedagai
nandt
henl
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Thandeka:
Hel
l
olov
e.

Nol
wazi
pushedMduawayandwentt
ohughermot
her
.
Thandeka:
Ufi
kekahl
eizol
o?

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.

Thandeka:
Didy
oueat
?Webr
oughtsomet
akeaway
sizol
ofr
om t
her
est
aur
antnoZamo.

Mdu:
Ist
hatwhykungaphekwangai
-br
eaksf
ast
?Si
dlaamat
akeawaymanj
e?

Thandeka:
I’
m nother
efory
ouwena.

Mdu:
Heehngobasi
-t
hissi
de,
asi
nakwa?

Thandekal
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Thandeka:
Wantmet
opr
epar
esomet
hingf
ory
ou?

Nol
wazi
:Noi
t’
sfi
ne,
I’
m nott
hathungr
y.

Thandeka:
Arey
ousur
e?

Nol
wazi
:Yes.

Thandeka:
Alr
ightt
hen,
arey
oul
eav
ingnow?

Nol
wazi
nodded.
Thandeka:
Enj
oyy
ourdaykebaby
.

Nol
wazi
:Ni
sal
ekahl
e.

Dean:
Ngi
l
ambi
l
emama.

Thandeka:
Ufunani
?

AsMduwentontotellhi
smotherwhathewant
edt oeat,
Nol
wazi
gothert
hingsandmadeher
wayoutoft
hehouse.Shedr
oveoutandwentstr
aighttowor
k.

Asshemadeherwayt
oherof
fi
ce,
Phi
wef
oll
owedherandr
eci
tedherpl
ansf
ort
heday
.

Nol
wazi
:Cany
ouchecki
fJacobcanmeetwi
thme?

Phi
we:
OkayI
’
llgett
othatnow.

Nol
wazi
:Thanks.

Phi
we:
Uhm Bossl
ady
..
.

Nol
wazi
lookedatPhi
weasherf
acet
urnedpal
e.Shewasst
ari
ngatt
hear
eabyt
hecouch.

Phi
we:
Not
hing.

Nol
wazi
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Phi
we:
Yes,
Iam.I
’
llgety
ourt
ea.

Nol
wazi
:Thanks.

Phiwewal
kedoutandNolwazi
wentov
ertoherdeskandgoti
nherzone.Justasshewas
ty
pingaway,
herphoner
angandshegl
ancedatit
.Sherol
l
edhereyesbefor
esheansweredi
t.

Nol
wazi
:Hel
l
o.

Ti
ti
:Yebo.

Nol
wazi
:Unj
ani
ma?

Ti
ti
:Asi
fyoucar
e..
.Li
stenher
e,Iwant
edt
oconf
ir
m ourt
ri
ptoDundee.Si
yahambaksasa.

Nol
wazi
:It
houghtwe’
rel
eav
ingt
hedayaf
tert
omor
row-

Ti
ti
:Wel
lwewantt
oar
ri
vet
her
eear
lybecausewehav
eal
otofpr
epar
ati
ons.

Nol
wazi
:Ohuhm I
’
lll
etev
ery
oneknow.

Ti
ti
:Youdon’
thav
etocome.

Nolwazi
:OhI
’
m def
ini
tel
ycomi
ng.
..Goi
ngt
omaket
hemostofmyl
astf
ami
l
ycer
emonywi
th
youall
.
Ti
ti
:Huh?

Nol
wazi
sighed.

Nol
wazi
:Wewi
l
lbet
her
e.

Ti
ti
:By
e.

Nol
wazi
:Goodby
e.

Shedr
oppedt
hecal
landdi
all
edhermot
her
’snumberandshepi
ckedupaf
terawhi
l
e.

Thandeka:
Baby
?

Nol
wazi
:MamauTi
tical
l
edmenow.

Thandeka:
Ithi
nil
eyonj
a?

Nol
wazi
:Appar
ent
lyt
heyl
eav
etomor
rowf
orDundee.

Thandeka:
Shet
oldy
out
hat
?

Nol
wazi
:Yes.

Thandeka:
Yazi
att
hispoi
ntIdon’
tseewhywehav
etogo.
Nol
wazi
:NoIwantt
ogo.Thi
swi
l
lbet
hel
astt
imesi
hlangananaboany
way
.

Thandeka:
EishI
’
llcal
lyourf
atherke.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Thandeka:
Lwazi
wer
eyouser
iousaboutt
hedi
vor
ce?

Nol
wazi
coughedassheal
l
owedhermi
ndt
otr
ail
backt
othepr
evi
ousni
ght
’shappeni
ngs.

Thandeka:
Lwazi
?

Shequi
ckl
ysnappedoutofi
t.

Nol
wazi
:Icoul
dn’
tbesur
er.

Thandeka:
Wel
lal
ri
ghtt
hen.
..Shapke.

Nol
wazi
:By
ema.

Shedr oppedt hecallandsatthere,thi

nki
ngaboutl astnight.Shestil
lhadn’
tprocessedwhatshe
di
d.Shef iguredthatifshedidn’tthi
nkaboutitthenshe’df unctionpr
operly.Nowthatthe
fl
ashbackswer efi
lli
ngherhead, shefoundherselffi
ndingithar dtobreat
he.Shequicklyst
ood
upandwal kedoutofherof f
iceandwentst rai
ghtt othebat hroom.Shegott her
eandt ri
edto
gatherhert houghts.Aft
erawhi lesheevent
uallywalkedoutandmadeherwayback.She
walkedbacki nheroffi
ceandf oundDeanstandi ngbyherdesk.Shesi ghedasshewal kedi
n.

Nol
wazi
:Ni
cet
oknowt
hatmyof
fi
cei
sanopenspacef
oral
l
.
Dean:
WasIsupposedt
owai
tout
side?

Nol
wazi
:That
’swhatnor
mal
peopl
edo.

Dean:
Goodf
ort
hem.

Theyst
aredateachot
herf
orawhi
l
e.

Dean:
Aft
ery
ournaggi
ngy
est
erday
,Imanagedt
oconv
inceJacobt
omeetwi
thy
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Isi
t?Howki
ndofy
ou.

Deanwal
kedov
ert
othecouchandsatdownwi
thagr
inonhi
sface.

Nol
wazi
:Iguesssl
eepi
ngwi
tht
her
ightpeopl
ehasi
tsbenef
it
s.

Dean:
Youhav
enoi
dea.

Nol
wazichuckledasshesatdown.Justt
henPhiwewalkedbacki
nwi
thNol
wazi
’
stea.She
pl
acedi
tont hedeskandthentur
nedtolookatDean.

Phi
we:
HiDr
.Hl
ongwane.

Nol
wazi
:Phi
west
opcal
l
inghi
mthat
.
Phi
we:
Buthesai
-

Nol
wazi
:Hewasnotser
ious.

Phi
wegi
ggl
edner
vousl
yasshel
ookedatDean.

Phi
we:
Oh.
..Wel
lIt
houghthewas.

DeanlookedatPhi
weandt henatNol
wazi
..
.Thatwasacleari
ndi
cat
ionthati
twasti
mefor
Phi
wet osteponout.Phi
welookedatNol
wazisadl
y,sher
eall
yhadacrushonDeanandhi
s
col
dnessdidn’
thel
patall
.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ouf
ort
het
eaMi
ssPhi
we.

Phiwesmil
edandnoddedbef
orewal
ki
ngout.Nolwazibegandr
inki
nghert
eaandjustthen,
ther
ewasaknockonthedoorandbef
oreNolwazicoul
dsaycomei n,
Kwanel
ehadalready
openedt
hedoor.

Bot
hDeanandNol
wazi
justst
aredathi
m bl
ankl
y.

Kwanel
e:Sani
bonani
.

Dean:
But
hel
ezi
.

Kwanel
egl
ancedatDeani
ntent
lybef
oref
ocusi
ngonNol
wazi
,whowasonherdesk.

Kwanel
e:Pl
easeexcuseusDean?
Deangotupf
rom t
hecouchandnoddedl
i
ght
ly.Hel
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Dean:
I’
ll
sendy
ouanemai
lwi
tht
hedet
ail
sabouty
ourmeet
ingwi
thJacob.

Nol
wazi
:Thatwoul
dbehi
ghl
yappr
eci
ated.

Dean:
Suchf
avour
sremai
nunf
orgot
ten.

Nol
wazi
laughed.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ouv
erymuchboss.

Deannoddedandt
henl
ookedatKwanel
ewhowasgr
it
ti
nghi
steet
h.

Dean:
Usal
ekahl
eBut
hel
ezi
.

Kwanelenoddedsti
ffl
yasDeanwalkedoutandclosedt
hedoor
.Kwanel
ewalkedov
erto
Nolwazi
’sdeskandlookedather
.Shetookasipofhert
eaandl
ookedbackathi
m,wit
hno
st
ress.

Kwanel
e:It
hinki
t’
sti
mey
ourf
ami
l
ygoesbackt
oJohannesbur
g.

Nol
wazi
rai
sedaney
ebr
owandl
ookedathi
minnocent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Isi
t?

Kwanel
enoddedt
ight
ly.
Nol
wazi:Thent
ell
them t
oleav
e.ItisOURhouseaf
teral
lsoy
ouhav
eev
eryr
ightt
oel
i
minat
e
what
evermakesyouuncomfort
able.

Kwanelenar
rowedhiseyesandst
aredatherasshet
ookanot
hersi
pofhert
ea.Sher
elaxedi
n
herchai
randtookanot
hersip.

Kwanel
e:Soy
ou’
ref
inewi
thmeaski
ngt
hem t
oleav
e?

Sheshr
uggedhershoul
der
sli
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Dowhat
evermakesy
ouhappyKwanel
e.

Hesi
ghedheav
il
yandt
henNol
wazi
’
swor
ktel
ephoner
ang.

Nol
wazi
:Sor
ry,
Ihav
etoanswert
his.

Kwanel
enoddedassheanswer
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Hel
l
o?.
..Hi
Jacob,
Deant
oldmey
ouagr
eedt
omeet
..
.

Nol
wazi
wat
chedasKwanel
ewal
kedar
oundt
heof
fi
ce.

Nol
wazi:
YesIwantt odi
scusst
henewpl any
ouf
ormul
ated.
..No,
it’
sjustt
hatIspot
tedacoupl
e
off
lawsthatIt
hinkweneedtorect
if
y..
.

Kwanel
ewal
kedov
ert
owher
ethecouchi
s.
Nol
wazi
:YesIwoul
dappr
eci
atet
hat
..
.No,
2pm i
sfi
ne.
..

Nol
wazi
wat
chedasherhusbandbentdownandpi
ckedupsomet
hing.

Nol
wazi
:Soshoul
dIcomewi
thmypl
-

Nol
wazi
coughedacoupl
eoft
imesandcl
ear
edhert
hroat
.

Kwanel
ewal
kedov
ert
oherdeskandhepl
acedNol
wazi
’
slacet
hongont
opofherpaper
wor
k.

Shest
aredatKwanel
eashet
ight
enedhi
sjawandhuf
fedsi
l
ent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Uhm y
es,
Iwi
l
lcomewi
thmypr
oposedpl
an.
..2pm i
sper
fect
..
.Al
ri
ghtt
hanky
ou,
bye.

Shesl
owlydr
oppedt
hecal
landt
henr
eachedf
orhert
hongandl
ookedati
t.Kwanel
ewas5-
to-
bur
sti
ng.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edl
i
ght
lyandt
henl
eanedcomf
ort
abl
yonherchai
r.

Nol
wazi
:Wel
ll
ooki
eher
e..
.

Shel
ookedatKwanel
eandsmi
l
edwar
mly
.Shet
henputdownt
het
hongandt
ookanot
hersi
pof
hert
ea.

I
NSERT28(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)
Nol
wazi
star
edatherhusbandashepacedar
oundt
heof
fi
ce.

Nol
wazi
:What
’swr
ong,
Nel
e?

Kwanelepacedaroundandtri
edtospeakbuthisangerfai
l
edhi m.Hewalkedov ertoNolwazi
andpull
edherupf r
om herchai
r.Nolwazi
,whowasnotexpectingthi
s,squealedinshockanda
bi
tofnervousnessasshehadnev erseenhi
ml i
ket
his.Hepressedheragainstthebookshelf
andforaspli
tsecondshewast er
rif
iedbutshemanagedtokeephercomposur e.

Kwanel
e:Sot
hisi
showi
tisnow?

Hepressedherhar
derandshekeptast
rai
ghtf
aceev
ent
hought
hebookshel
fwashur
ti
ngher
back.

Kwanel
e:Real
l
yNol
wazi
?

Hel
ookedatherwi
thi
ndescr
ibabl
efur
yinhi
sey
es.

Nol
wazi
:Uy
azi
bonaukut
hiungi
bambekanj
ani
Kwanel
e?

Hepr
essedherev
enhar
der
.

Nol
wazi
:You’
rehur
ti
ngmeKwanel
e.

Shesai
dthatsocal
mlyt
hatsheev
ensur
pri
sedher
sel
f.

Kwanel
e:Soy
ou’
ref
ucki
ngpeopl
einy
ourof
fi
cenow?
Nol
wazi
:Youf
indMYt
hongi
nMYof
fi
ceandconcl
udet
hatI
’
m bei
ngf
ucked?

Kwanel
e:Whatel
seam Isupposedt
oassume?

Nol
wazi
:Kwanel
eyou’
rehur
ti
ngme.

Kwanel
eti
ght
enedhi
sjawashel
etgoofherandshel
ookedathi
m cal
mly
.

Nol
wazi
:Whatbr
ingsy
ouher
eany
way
?

Kwanel
e:Don’
tfuckwi
thmeNol
wazi
!

Nol
wazi
:Wel
lIhav
en’
tdonet
hati
nov
er6mont
hs.

Shechuckl
edandshookherhead.

Nol
wazi
:Ah.
..Icr
ackmy
sel
fupsomet
imes.

Shewalkedbackt
oherchai
randsatdown.Asner
vousasshewasaboutKwanel
e’
sanger
,she
remai
nedascoolasacucumber
.

Kwanel
estoodbythebookshel
fandtri
edtocont
rolhi
sbreat
hing.Nol
waz
itookanot
hersi
pof
hert
eaandleanedonherchai
ronceagai
n.Thesi
lencewaspierci
ng.
..

Suddenl
yther
ewasaknockont
hedoor
.

“
Itbet
ternotbeDeanbecausenowi
snott
her
ightt
ime,
”shet
hought
.
Nol
wazi
:Comei
n.

Thedooropenedandsur
eenoughi
twasDean.Nol
wazi
coul
dn’
thel
pbutr
oll
herey
esatt
he
uni
ver
se.

Deanl
ookedatKwanel
eandt
henatNol
wazi
.

Dean:
Wehav
eameet
ingt
opr
epar
efor
.

Nol
wazi
:Whi
-

Kwanel
e:Onemor
ewor
dfr
om y
ouandIwi
l
lsl
i
cey
ou.

Dean’
sfacechangedashel
ookedatKwanel
e.I
twasami
xtur
eofshockandangerwi
that
ad
bi
tofhumouraswell.

Dean:
Uhm?

Kwanel
e:Phuma.

Deangl
ancedatNol
wazi
whowashappi
l
ydr
inki
nghert
ea.

Dean:
Hai
boBut
hel
ezi
.

Kwanel
ewasaboutt
owal
kov
ert
oDeanwhenNol
wazi
stoodupandst
oodi
nhi
sway
.
Nol
wazi
:Yabonamanj
euhl
azami
na.

Kwanel
elookedatheri
ndi
sbel
i
ef.

Nol
wazi
:Dean.

Dean:
Khuzai
ndoday
akho.
..

Wi
tht
hatsai
dDeanwal
kedoutandshutt
hedoor
.

Nol
wazi
andKwanel
est
oodt
her
eforal
ongt
ime.

Nol
wazi
:Doy
ouseemer
unni
ngt
oyourof
fi
ceandact
ingcr
azy
?

Kwanel
ereal
lywashol
dinghi
msel
fback.I
ttookal
lhi
smi
ghtnott
oreachoutt
oNol
wazi
anddo
unf
orgi
vabl
ethi
ngstoher.

Nol
wazi
:You’
veal
readydi
srespect
edmeenoughsopl
ease.

Kwanelepushedherasideandst
ormedoutoft
heoff
ice,al
mostbr
eaki
ngherdoorasheshuti
t.
Secondslat
erNolwazipacedar
oundther
oom asev
erythi
ngsanki
n.

Nol
wazi
:Whatj
usthappened?
?

Herhear
trat
ewasskyhi
ghandherpal
mswer
esweat
ing.

Nol
wazi
:Shi
t!
Af
teracoupl
eofmi
nut
esshewalkedoutofherof
fi
ceandwentst
rai
ghtt
oDean’
soffi
ce.She
wal
kedri
ghti
nandbef
oreshecoul
dsayanythi
ng,
shesawNtsi
kisi
tt
ingt
her
e,l
ooki
ngpissed.

Nolwazi
,whowasnowi ntheof
fice,st
oodt
hereandclear
edhert hr
oat,
shewasbothshocked
andconfused.Shegl
ancedatDeanwhowasal sonotlookingtoohappyhi
msel
foverther
eat
hi
sdesk.Shet hengl
ancedatNtsiki
wholookedatherint
entl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Uhm,
hiNt
siki
.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edandNt
siki
exhal
ed.

Nt
siki
:HeyLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
clear
edhert
hroat
.

Nol
wazi
:Uhm,
Idi
dn’
tknowy
ouwer
eher
e.Iwassupposedt
ohav
eameet
ingwi
thDean.

Nt
siki
:Ij
ustgother
ena-

Dean:
Giv
eme5mi
nut
es.

Nol
wazi
tookadeepbr
eat
handsmi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Noi
t’
snotapr
obl
em.Takey
ourt
im-

Dean:
Didn’
tIsaygi
veme5mi
nut
es?
Nolwazi
lookedathimindi
sbel
i
ef,hopi
nghewoul
dapol
ogi
sef
orbei
ngr
udebuti
nst
eadhe
st
aredatherint
ensel
yandti
ght
enedhisjaw.

Nt
siki
:Don’
twor
ryLwazi
Iwon’
tbet
ool
ong.
..

Nol
wazifel
ther
sel
fget
ti
ngangr
yandshegav
eDeanadeadl
yst
arebefor
etur
ningar
oundand
wal
kingout
.Shemadeherwaybackt
otheof
fi
ceandf
oundPhi
weinther
e.

Phi
we:
Bossl
a-

Nol
wazi
:Uf
unani
Phi
we?

Phi
wegaspedi
nshockbecauseNolwazihadnev
erbeensosnappywi
thher
.Nol
wazi
lookedat
Phi
weandsawhowhurtandoffendedshewas.

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
handsmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m sor
ryl
ove.Ihav
eal
otonmymi
nd.

Phi
wesi
ghedi
nrel
i
eveandsmi
l
ed.

Phi
we:
Iunder
stand.
..

Nolwazi
walkedovert
oherdeskandsawherthongst
il
lchi
ll
i
ngthereandshequi
ckl
ygr
abbedi
t
andputiti
nherdeskdrawer
.Phi
wegiggl
edandNolwazil
ookedather
.

Phi
we:
Don’
tst
resssi
l
ly!He’
syourhubby
!
Nol
wazi
exhal
edl
oudl
yandsankonherchai
r.

Phi
we:
Atl
easty
ou’
rekeepi
ngt
hespar
kal
i
ve!

Nol
wazi
sti
fl
edasmi
l
ed.

Phi
we:
Iwant
edt
oaski
fIcanal
sot
akeThur
sdayandFr
idayof
f,seei
ngasy
ouwon’
tbeher
e.

Nol
wazitookhercupandf
ini
shedupt
hel
ukewar
mtea.Shebl
i
nkedacoupl
eoft
imesandt
hen
smi
led.

Nol
wazi
:Uhm ofcour
sey
oucan.

Phi
we:
Thanky
ou!Thanky
ou!Thanky
ou!

Phi
wewal
kedov
ert
oherandhuggedher
.

Nol
wazi
:Al
ri
ght
!

Phi
we:
Icanf
inal
l
yspendsomet
imewi
thScel
o.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Phi
we:
Hehasbeensodi
stantl
atel
ysoIneedt
orei
gni
teourspar
k.
Phi
wegi
ggl
ed.

Phi
we:
Justl
i
key
ouBossl
ady
.

Nol
wazi
laughedabi
tawkwar
dlyandnodded.

Nol
wazi
:Hav
efun.

Phi
we:
Wil
ldo!

Nol
wazi
:Kodwakewest
il
lhav
ether
estoft
hisdaysol
et’
sgetmov
ing!

Phi
we:
Yes!

Shewalkedoutoftheoff
iceandassoonasshecl
osedthedoor,
Nolwaziputherheadonher
deskandsighedheavi
l
y.Afterawhi
l
eherworkphonerangandsheansweredit
.

Nol
wazi
:Nol
wazi
speaki
ng.

Dean:
Comeov
er.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Dean:
I’
ll
bewai
ti
ng.

Nol
wazi
:Exc-
Deandr
oppedthecallandNolwazicussedsi
lentl
y.Shest
oodupandwalkedoutofherof
fi
ce
andwentst
rai
ghttoDean’s.Sheopenedthedoorandbeforeshecoul
dutt
eraword,hegr
abbed
herbyt
hewaist
,lockedthedoorandthenpressedheragai
nstit
.

Nol
wazi
:Whot
hehel
ldoy
out
hinky
ouar
e??

Dean:
Yourboss.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m notsomef
loozyy
oucant
alkshi
-

Hepressedhi
sli
psagainsther
sandforacoupl
eofsecondst heybot
hkissedeachothervery
angri
ly
.Aft
erawhil
ethekisssl
oweddownandint ur
n,becamequitetender
.Boththei
rbodies
rel
axedandaf
tersometimeDeanstoppedandthenlookedatherwit
hacal mervi
be.

Dean:
I’
m sor
ry.

Nol
wazi
:Don’
tev
eraddr
essmel
i
ket
hat
.

Henoddedlight
lyandthenl
etgoofherandwal
kedov
ert
ohi
sdesk.Nol
wazi
wipedhermout
h
andt
henfixedherdress.

Nol
wazi
:Dean,
Kwanel
eispi
ssed.

Deankeptqui
etandsatont
heedgeofhi
sdeskandl
ookedatherbl
ankl
y.

Nol
wazi
:I’
venev
erseenhi
mli
ket
hat
.
Dean:
Ishegone?

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
lyandDeanshookhi
shead.

Dean:
Ntsi
kibr
okeupwi
thme.

Nol
wazi
frowned.

Dean:
Shesay
sshe’
sti
redofmymoodswi
ngs.

Nol
wazi
:Wel
lshehasapoi
nt.

Dean:
Mxm.

Nol
wazi
:Li
sten,
thenextt
imey
ouseemel
eav
emyunder
wear
,don’
tjustl
eav
eitt
her
e.

Deanr
aisedaney
ebr
owandsmi
l
ed.

Dean:
Thenextt
ime?

Nol
wazi
rol
l
edherey
esandunl
ockedherdoor
.

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
eameet
ingt
opr
epar
efor
.

Deanchuckl
edandnoddedasNol
wazi
wal
kedout
.Shewentt
othebat
hroom t
ogogat
her
her
sel
fandherthought
s.
I
NSERT29(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

I
twasnowar ound5pm andNol
waziwasgetti
ngr
eadytoknockof
f.Asshef
ini
sheduppacki
ng
hert
hings,
ther
ewasaknockont hedoorandi
twasDean.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lseey
ounextweek.

Dean:
What
every
oudo,
don’
tactaf
ool
ther
e.

Nol
wazi
:Iwon’
t.
..Ij
ustwantt
ogett
hingsov
erwi
thal
ready
.

Deannoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Any
way
,goodby
e.

Shewal
kedov
ert
ohi
m andt
heyshar
edahug.

Dean:
Goodl
uck.

Shef
rownedandt
hent
ookhert
hingsandt
heywal
kedoutoft
heof
fi
cet
oget
her
.

*
**

AsNolwaziwal
kedi
nthehouse,
shewasshockedt
oseeherf
atheri
ntheki
tchen,
chat
ti
ngt
o
Thandeka.

Nol
wazi
:Dad?
Dumakudegl
ancedathi
sdaught
erandsmi
l
ed.

Dumakude:
YeboNol
wazi
.

Sheputhert
hingsdownandwentt
ohughi
m.

Dumakude:
Unj
ani
?

Nol
wazi
:Ngi
yaphi
l
awenaunj
ani
?

Dumakude:
Nami
ngi
yaphi
l
asi
si.

Nol
wazi
:Uhm Idi
dn’
tknowukut
hiuzof
ikanamhl
anj
e.

Dumakude:
Yourmot
hersawi
tfi
ttochangemyf
li
ght
.

Nol
wazi
:Oh.
..

Thandeka:
Hel
l
obaby
.

Nol
wazi
:Hey
.

Dumakude:
Awusemuhl
enj
e.

Nol
wazi
frownedasshel
ookedatherf
ather
.
Thandeka:
Uyambona?Cl
ear
lygoi
ngbackt
owor
kwasagoodt
hingngobashehasbeenv
ery
happy.

Dumakude:
Ther
e’snocomi
ngbet
weeny
ouandy
ourwor
k.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
edandnodded.

Nol
wazi
:Wel
l
,thanky
ou.

Thandeka:
Arey
ouhungr
y?

Nol
wazi
:Iwast
hinki
ngofmeet
ingupwi
tht
hegi
rl
stoni
ght
.I’
vemi
ssedt
hem t
err
ibl
y.

Thandeka:
Ohal
ri
ghtt
hen.

Nol
wazi
:Youdon’
tmi
nd,
right
?

Thandeka:
NoIdon’
tungahamba.

Nol
wazi
:Al
ri
ght
.

Shemadeherwaytothebedroom andt
ookoffherdress.Shesatonherbedasshedi
all
ed
Sl
y’
snumber.Thephonerangforawhil
ebutsheeventuall
yanswered.

Sl
y:Lwazi
!

Nol
wazi
:Heyy
ou!
Sl
y:ThewayImi
ssy
out
hough!

Nol
wazi
:Unamanga.

Sl
y:No,I
’
m ser
iousf
ri
end.Phel
aI’
m busypl
anni
ngababyshowersot
hisweekhasbeenhect
ic
sofar
.

Nol
wazi
:Wheni
sit
?

Sl
y:It
’sforSat
urdaybutI
’
m wor
kingwi
thabestf
ri
endwhowant
sper
fect
ionsonj
eI’
m bei
ng
dr
il
led.

Nol
wazi
:Kazeni
zobat
hol
ani
niabant
wanasoIcanor
gani
sey
ourbabyshower
s.

Sl
y:Hai
wenaungal
i
nge!

Theyl
aughed.

Nol
wazi
:Li
sten,
Iwantust
omeett
oni
ght
.

Sl
y:WooIam i
n!

Nol
wazi
:Gr
eat
,socany
oubet
heor
gani
ser
?

Sl
y:Fut
sek!
Nol
wazi
laughed.

Sl
y:I
’
llcal
ltheot
her
skeandI
’
llseewher
ewecanmeet
.

Nol
wazi
:Fant
ast
ic,
you’
l
ltextmet
hedet
ail
s.

Sl
y:Shapl
ove.

Suddenl
yat
houghtcr
eepedi
nNol
wazi
’
smi
nd.

Nol
wazi
:Wai
t,Sl
y.

Sl
y:What
’sup?

Nol
wazi
clear
edhert
hroat
.

Nol
wazi
:Uhm l
i
sten,
cani
tjustbet
het
hreeofus?

Sl
ylaughedf
oragoodmi
nut
e.

Sl
y:Asi
nme,
youandNomi
?

Nol
wazi
:Ya.

Sl
y:Yousneakyl
i
ttl
egi
rl
!
Nol
wazi
:Ij
ustneedt
otal
ktoy
ouaboutsomet
hing.

Sl
y:Ofcour
sel
ove,
Thul
ii
spr
obabl
ybusyany
way
.

Nol
wazi
:Okayt
hen.

Sl
y:Shap.

Nol
wazi
:By
eby
e.

Shedr oppedthecal landsatther eforaf ewmi nutes.Thul

iwast helastpersonwhoneededt o
knowaboutt her ecenteventst hattookpl aceinNolwazi’
slif
e.Herloy al
tywasatadbit
questionabl
esot hel astt
hingsheneededt oknowwast hatNolwazi wasgetti
ngreadytofil
efor
adivorceandshesl eptwit
hsomeoneel sebesi desKwanele.Aft
erawhi l
eshewenttot he
bathroom andtookabat h,tr
yingt orel
axabi t
.Afterabout30minutesshegotout ,dri
edand
l
otionedherselfandt henfoundsomet hingcasual towear.Asshewasget ti
ngdressed,her
phoner angandshewentt oansweri t,
itwasNomi .

Nol
wazi
:Nomz.

Nomi
:Heyy
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Unj
ani
?

Nomi
:Ngi
yaphi
l
ast
handwa,
wena?

Nol
wazi
:I’
m goodhey
.What
’sup?
Nomi
:Shoul
dIbr
ingv
odka?

Nol
wazi
laughed.

Nol
wazi
:Nomt
handazo,
real
l
y??

Nomi
:What
??I
’
mjustt
ryi
ngt
ounder
standwhatki
ndofni
ghti
twi
l
lbe.Sadorcel
ebr
ator
y?

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Abi
tofbot
h,Iguess.

Nomi
:ThenIwon’
tbr
ingt
hest
rongv
odkake.

Nol
wazi
:Youar
ebey
onddamagedwena!

Nomi
:Seey
ounownowke.

Nol
wazi
:Kant
isi
hlanganakuphi
?

Nomi
:Sl
y’
spl
ace.

Nol
wazi
:Al
ri
ghtt
hen,
shap.

Nomi
:By
e.
Shedroppedthecal
landf
ini
shedupget
ti
ngdr essed.Shef
ini
shedupandthendi
dacoupl
eof
touch-
upsandthenmadeherwaydownstai
rs.Shesaidgoodbyetoherpar
ent
sandt
henmade
herwayout.

*
**

Sl
ywasbusycookingi
ntheki
tchenandNomi
andNol
wazi
wer
esi
tt
ingont
hehi
ghst
ool
s,
dr
inki
ngchampagne.

Nol
wazi
:Sohowi
sthev
ibebet
weeny
ouandRi
chi
e?

Sl
y:Ar
gh,
ify
oupeopl
ewoul
dst
opcal
l
inghi
mthat
!

Nol
wazi
:Hai
boi
t’
shi
snamemos!

Sl
y:Hai
manst
op!

Nol
wazi
:Manj
euf
unasi
thi
ni?

Nomi
:Shecal
l
shi
m Chocol
ateDr
op.

Nol
wazi
laughed.

Nol
wazi
:Uyahl
anya,
manj
emel
esi
biz
eindoday
akhongoChocol
ateDr
op?I
nwhi
chpar
toft
he
wor
ldi
sthatnor
mal??

Sl
y:Hai
manuRi
chi
esoundsl
i
kesomewashedupdr
ugdeal
erwhosel
l
sny
aope.
Theyal
ll
aughed.

Nol
wazi
:Sohowi
she?

Nomi
:Heehusat
hihowi
she?Hi
scl
othesar
eal
lov
ert
hishouse!

Nol
wazi
:Sl
i
ndi
l
e!

Sl
y:What
??Hesay
shewant
stol
eav
etr
acesofhi
msel
fla.

Nol
wazi
:Andy
ou’
veknownhi
mforhowl
ongkonj
e??

Sl
y:Awungi
yekepl
ease.Thi
smanf
loodsmewi
thsomanyor
gasms,
Ireal
l
ycoul
dmar
ryhi
m
ri
ghtnow.

Nomi
:Si
es!

Sl
y:Nomi
you’
rest
il
lav
irgi
n.You’
l
lnev
erunder
standsi
sisoIdon’
tjudgey
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
kodwanaweNomi
kant
iwhenar
eyoupl
anni
ngonpoppi
ngy
ourcher
ry?

Nomi
:Nev
er!Iwi
l
lremai
nunt
ouchedt
il
ltheend.

Sl
y:What
’swor
sei
sthatshedoesn’
tev
enmast
urbat
e!

Nol
wazi
:Exact
ly!Li
ke,
howdoy
oudeal
wit
hal
lyourf
rust
rat
ions?
Nomi:
Idri
nk,youi
diot
s!Whaty
ouneedt
ounder
standi
sthatsexi
snotapr
ior
it
yorneed.A
per
soncanli
vewit
houtit
.

Nol
wazi
laughedsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Sl
y:Thedayamant
ear
sthatv
agi
naup,
youwi
l
lswal
l
owy
ourwor
ds!

Nol
wazi
:Andapeni
s!

Theyal
ll
aughed.

Nomi:
HaisukaI’
m per
fect
lyf
ine.Myal
cohol
keepsmesoni
ceandwar
m al
ldaysot
her
e’sno
needf
orot
herthi
ngs.

Sl
y:Hai
kodwaNomt
handazomi
nangi
yal
ashame.

Nomi
:Wenaut
handai
zi
ntonj
e.

Sl
y:Ofcour
seIdo!Wooowhent
hatmansl
i
desi
tinandy
ourj
uicesar
eal
lshi
nyanddr
ippi
ngf
or
hi
m?

Nol
wazi
:Andwhenheopensupsomedeeppl
acesy
out
houghtwer
eunr
eachabl
e.

Sl
y:Andwhenhei
sdonebuty
oust
il
lfeel
iti
nyourst
omach?
?

Nomi
:Si
esman!
Sl
y:Andaf
teragoodpoundi
ngsessi
on,
youst
il
lfeel
vibr
ati
onswheny
ouwal
k.

Nomi
tookahugegul
pofherchampagne.

Nol
wazi:I
’
m al
laboutbei
ngcl
osedof
fandal
lthatot
herst
uffbutev
enIcanadmi
tthatsexi
s
t
hetrut
h,Nomi
!

Sl
y:You’
remi
ssi
ngout
,fr
iend.

Nomi
:Ineedsomet
hingst
ronger
.

Sher
eachedf
orherv
odkaandt
ookashot
.

Sl
y:Onedayy
ou’
l
lreal
i
set
hatt
hisl
i
fey
ou’
rel
i
vingi
sal
lki
ndsoff
uckedup.Sexi
sthet
rut
h!

Nol
wazi
:Not
hingbutt
het
rut
h!

Nomi
nar
rowedherey
esandf
ocusedonNol
wazi
.

Nomi
:Howwoul
dyouknowbecausey
ou’
vebeendr
yformont
hsonendnow?
?

Nol
wazi
focusedonherdr
ink.

Sl
y:Hel
lno!Youdi
dnotgi
vet
hatpol
ygami
stmany
ourv
agi
na!
Nol
wazi
:Hai
bowhosai
dI’
m hav
ingsex?

Nomi:Wel
lacoupl
eofmi
nut
esago,
yousur
eashel
lsoundedl
i
key
ouwer
espeaki
ngabout
r
ecentshi
t.

Nol
wazi
shookherheadandl
ookedatt
hem i
nnocent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Iwoul
dnev
erhav
esexwi
thKwanel
e.Comeonguy
s.

Sl
ysi
ghedahugesi
ghofr
eli
eve.

Nol
wazi
:Iwoul
dnev
er!

Sl
y:Thankt
heheav
ens!

Nolwazishookherheadandchuckl
edandwhenshel
ookedatNomi
,shewasst
ari
ngather
suspi
ciousl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Yi
niNomt
handazo?

Nomi
:Somet
hingi
sn’
tri
ghther
e.

Nol
wazi
:Excuseme?

Sl
y:Udaki
wel
o.

Nomi
shookherheadandpout
ed.
Nomi
:Hmkay
!

Sl
y:Thef
oodi
sready
.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
ldi
shup.

Nol
wazi
stoodupanddi
shedupf
oral
lthr
eeoft
hem.

Nomi
:LookatherSl
i
ndi
l
e.

Sl
y:Yi
ninawena?
?

Nomi
:Lookaty
ourf
ri
end!

Nol
wazi
glancedatt
hem andSl
ylookedatNol
wazi
.

Sl
y:Hmm.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
ke.

Sl
yti
l
tedherheadandl
ookedatNol
wazi
from headt
otoe.

Nomi
:Ther
e’ssomet
hing.

Sl
yst
aredatNol
wazi
andNol
wazi
ignor
edt
hem andt
ookt
hepl
atest
othebal
cony
.Nomi
br
oughtt
hedr
inksandSl
ybr
oughtt
hecut
ler
y.Theygott
her
eandbeganeat
ing.

Nol
wazi
:Sout
hiunj
ani
uChocol
ateDr
op?

Sl
y:U-
ri
ght
.

Nolwazi
laughedl
ightl
y.Shet
henf
ocusedonherpl
ateoff
ood.Whenshel
ookedup,
bot
hSl
y
andNomi werest
aringather
.

Nol
wazi
sighedandr
oll
edherey
es.

I
NSERT30

Sl
yandNomi
cont
inuedt
ost
areatNol
wazi
andshet
ookadeepbr
eat
handst
aredbackatt
hem.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m get
ti
ngadi
vor
ce.

Nomi
’
sjawdr
oppedandSl
ylookedatherwi
thabl
ankexpr
essi
on.

Nomi
:What
?!

Nolwazil
ookedatbot
hoft
hem andkeptqui
et.Theysati
nsi
l
encef
orawhi
l
eunt
ilSl
ycl
ear
ed
herthr
oat.

Sl
y:Ar
eyousur
eaboutt
his?

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.
Sl
y:Shi
t.

Theysati
nsi
l
enceoneagai
nandt
henoutofnowher
e,Nomi
star
tedsobbi
ng.

Sl
y:Whatt
hef
uck?

Nol
wazi
stoodupandwentt
osi
tnex
ttoNomi
.

Nol
wazi
:Nomi
,what
’swr
ongnow?

Sl
yandNol
wazi
glancedateachot
herasbot
hoft
hem hel
dNomi
.

Sl
y:Nomi
?

Nomi
lookedatSl
y.

Nomi
:Doy
ounotunder
standhowsacr
edmar
ri
agei
s?

Sl
yfr
owned.

Nomi
:Adi
vor
ce?

Shet
henl
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Nomi
:Adi
vor
ce,
Nol
wazi
?
Shecont
inuedt
osob.

Sl
y:That
’sunf
airt
hough.Kwanel
eist
heonewhot
arni
shedev
ery
thi
ng.

Nomi
:No,
I’
m notbl
ami
ngany
one.I
’
mjustshockedt
hat
’sal
l
.

Nolwazi
wentbacktoherseatandf
oundher
sel
fget
ti
ngemot
ional
aswel
l
.Herdeci
sionwas
sl
owlysi
nki
ngin.
..

Sly
:Idon’
tthi
nkit
’sfai
rtoexpectsomeonetost
ayafterbeingbet
rayedt
osuchanext
ent.
Kwanelei
snothavingsomeunknownaf f
air
.Heli
ter
allyspatonNolwazi
’
sfaceandmarr
ied
someoneelse!

Theysati
nsi
l
encef
orawhi
l
eandt
henNomi
stoodupandwentt
osi
tnextt
oNol
wazi
.

Nomi
:I’
m sor
ry.Ij
ustnev
ert
houghtt
hiswoul
dhappen,
especi
all
ytoy
ou.

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.

Nomi
:No,
Imeani
tLwazi
.Iwasn’
texpect
ingy
out
osayt
hat
.

Sl
y:Whatwer
eyouexpecti
ng?Yout
houghtshe’
dtel
lust
hatshewant
stohostbr
unchand
i
nvi
tet
hatThol
akel
egir
l?

Nol
wazi
lookedatSl
yandSl
ycussed.

Sl
y:Iwi
l
lnev
erunder
standhowy
ouwoul
dwantsomeonet
okeept
ort
uri
ngt
hemsel
ves.Ican’
t
ev
enstomachwhatKwanel
edi
dbuther
eyouar
efeel
i
ngsor
ryf
orhi
m?Hai
boungazobheda
wenaNomthandazo.

Nomi
:Whosai
dany
thi
ngaboutf
eel
i
ngsor
ryf
orhi
m?

Sl
y:Manj
eukhal
i
sway
ini
?

Nomi
lookedatSl
yindi
sbel
i
ef.

Sly
:Noonedeser veswhatNol wazi
isgoi
ngt hr
ough.Youdedicateyourwholeli
fet
oaperson
andthentheyturnaroundanddosomeshi tli
kethat
?Whatdoy ouexpectNolwazit
odo?Stay
andacceptthatshewi l
lshar
ethemanshel ovesknowingl
yli
ket her
e’snot
hingwrong?

Nol
wazi
:Sl
yd-

Sl
y:Hai
suka.Ukhal
elani
?Unesi
cef
emanNomt
handazo.

Nol
wazi
:Sl
i
ndi
l
e.

Nomi
wassobbi
ngal
lov
eragai
nandNol
wazi
comf
ort
edher
.

Sl
y:Idon’
tknow,
may
bei
t’
sbecausey
ou’
venev
erl
ovedsomeone.
..

Sl
yst
oodup.

Sl
y:Becauseify
ouhav
ethenyousureashel
lwouldunder
standt
hehur
tyourbestfr
iendi
s
goi
ngthroughandy
ouwouldn’
tsi
tther
eandcryfort
hemanwhocausedallthathur
t.
Wi
tht
hatsai
dshewal
kedbacki
nthehouseandNol
wazi
tri
edcal
mingNomi
down.

Nol
wazi
:Li
sten,
Iunder
standwher
eyou’
recomi
ngf
rom.

Nomi:
Ili
vedwi
thy
ouguy
sLwazi
.I’
mjustdi
sappoi
ntedt
hatal
lthey
ear
syou’
vei
nvest
edhav
e
gonet
owaste.

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
lyandwi
pedNomi
’
stear
s.

Nomi:All
thepai
nandj
oyy
ou’
vewentt
hroughwasf
ornot
hing.Yourf
oury
ear
swi
thhi
m ar
e
gone.
..

Nol
wazi
noddedandNomi
cal
meddown.

Nomi
:I’
m notcr
yingbecauseIf
eel
sor
ryf
orhi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Iknow,
stopexpl
aini
ngy
our
sel
f.

Nomi
sighedheav
il
yandnoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Nolwazi
:Nomither
earenowordsthatcoul
deverdescribethehurtI
’mf eel
ing.Ev
erydayIwake
upandItrysomuchnottogi
veintothi
ssinki
ngfeel
ingt hati
salwayslurki
ngi nme.Kwanel
e
hashurtmesomuchthatIdon’
tthi
nkIwill
everr
ecov erfrom t
hispunch.I’
m sohurt!

Nol
wazi
wasnowcr
yingandNomi
tri
edcomf
ort
ingher
.

Nol
wazi:Howcoul
dhedosomethi
ngl
iket
hat?Idon’
tcar
ehowmuchhisfamil
ypressur
ised
hi
m buthowcoul
dhedosomethi
ngsohur
tfult
ome?Couldn’
thegoandhaveababywithout
meknowi
ng?Doesever
yonereal
lyex
pectmet
osi
tthi
sthr
oughandseei
tasoneofourot
her
mar
ri
ageobst
acl
es?Iam sohurt
.

Sl
ywal
kedbackoutandsatnextt
oNol
wazi
.

Nolwazi
:Eveni
fhedoesdecidet
oseparat
efrom her,
itst
il
ldoesn’
tchangethefactt
hathedi
d
i
t.Thi
sistheworstbet
ray
alofmyli
feandIdon’
tthinkmyheartwil
leverrecov
er.

Sl
y:Dowhat
’sbestf
ory
ou.

Nol
wazi:
Idon’
tknowhowlif
eiswithouthi
m.He’sbeensuchaconst
anti
nmyl i
fet
hatInev
er
t
houghtI
’dr
eachthedaywhereIhavetoerasehi
m.HowdoImov epastt
his?

Sl
yandNomi
keptqui
et.

Nol
wazi
:AndnowIsleptwi
thsomeoneel
seandIf
eel
li
keabsol
uteshi
t.HowdoIst
il
lmanage
t
ofeel
badevenaf
terhehasbetr
-

Nolwazist
oppedher
sel
fassoonassher
eal
i
sedwhatshesai
d.Bot
hSl
yandNomi
tensedup
andstar
edather.

Nol
wazi
wipedhert
ear
s.

Nol
wazi
:Isl
eptwi
thsomeoneel
se.

Sl
yletgoofNol
wazi
andt
urnedherbodysoshecoul
dfaceherdi
rect
ly.

Sl
y:What
?!!
!
Nomi
justsatt
her
e,f
rozen.

Nol
wazi
shr
uggedhershoul
der
s.

Sl
y:Yousl
eptwi
thsomeoneel
se?
!!

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
lyandt
hengl
ancedatNomi
,whowasst
il
lfr
ozen.

Sl
y:What
???

Nol
wazi
rubbedherey
esandsi
ghed.

Outofnowher
eSl
yst
oodupandst
art
ingj
umpi
ngar
ound.

Sl
y:Amen!
!!

Nol
wazi
frowned.

Sl
y:Amen!Amen!Amen!

Nomi
stoodupaswel
lbutshewenti
nsi
det
hehouse.

Sl
y:Who?When?HOW?

Nol
wazi
hidherf
ace.
Sl
y:Nol
wazi
!

Nol
wazi
:Dean.

Sl
y:Dean?
!

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Sl
y:Dean,
asi
nDEANy
ourf
uckenBOSS?
!

Nol
wazi
:Techni
cal
l
yhe’
snotmyb-

Sl
y:Dean?
!!Ohshi
t!

Shecont
inuedt
ojumpar
ound.

Nol
wazi
:Pl
easesi
tdown.

Themoodhadsomehowshi
ft
ed.Sl
ysatdownandsl
appedhert
high.

Sl
y:Spi
l
l!

Nol
wazi
:Spi
l
lwhat
?

Sl
y:Ngi
zokuf
akai
mpamawena!
Justt
henNomi
wal
kedbackt
othebal
conywi
thabot
tl
eofv
odka.Shet
ookahugegul
pandsat
down.

Sl
y:It
hinkIal
soneedsome.

Nol
wazi
:Met
oo.

Nomi
gav
ethem t
hebot
tl
eandt
heyal
ltookhugegul
ps.

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
tknowhowi
thappened.

Sl
y:Howt
hough?
?

Nol
wazi
tookadeepbr
eat
handwentont
otel
lthem howi
tal
lbegan.

Sl
y:Doy
ouunder
standt
hatKwanel
ehasbeent
heonl
yper
sont
ohav
esexwi
thy
ou?
!

Nol
wazi
:Wel
lnotany
mor
e.

Sl
y:Exact
ly!Hehasnopowerov
ery
ounow!

Nol
wazi
:If
eel
bad.

Sl
y:Badf
orwho?Fort
hatmanwhoi
spr
obabl
ysucki
ngt
heday
li
ght
soutofhi
snewbi
tch?
?
Nol
wazi
frowned.

Nomi
:Howwasi
tLwazi
?

Nol
wazil
ookedatNomi
’
sinnocentf
aceandcoul
dn’
thel
pbutsmi
l
e.Sheaskedwi
thsuch
r
andom i
nnocence.

Nol
wazi
:Itwasgood.

Sl
y:Wasi
ttheonl
yti
me?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Sl
y:Howmanyr
ounds?

Nol
wazi
:Just2.

Sl
y:Andy
oudi
dn’
tdoany
thi
ngt
oday
?

Sheshookherhead.

Sl
ylaughedl
oudl
y.

Sl
y:Ohshi
t!Ican’
tbel
i
evet
his.Fuck!

Nomi
:Doy
oul
i
kehi
m?
Sl
y:Shi
t,Ial
sol
i
ket
hear
rogantsonofabi
tch.

Nomi
:He’
snotf
ory
out
houghLwazi
.

Sl
y:Hai
wenawhosai
dshewant
sadeepr
elat
ionshi
p?

Nomi
lookedatNol
wazi
int
ent
ly.

Nomi
:Becar
eful
,thi
smi
ghtnotendwel
l
.

Nol
wazi
:It
’snotser
ious.

Nomi
:Exact
ly.I
’
drat
hery
ousl
eepwi
thsomeoneel
set
hanhi
m.Idon’
tli
kehi
m.

Sl
y:For
tunat
elyhe’
snotf
ucki
ngy
ou,
angi
thi
?

Sl
ythenf
ocusedonNol
wazi
.

Sl
y:You’
reenj
oyi
ngy
our
sel
f?

Nol
wazi
:It
’snotar
egul
art
hingman,
ithappenedonce.

Nomi
:You’
rev
ulner
abl
eri
ghtnowLwazi
,thi
sguyi
staki
ngadv
ant
ageoft
hat
.

Sl
ygr
unt
ed.
Nomi:Whatwil
lhappenaf
tery
ou’
rebot
hti
redofeachot
her
?Wi
l
lyoubeabl
etowor
k
pr
oducti
vel
ytoget
her?

Nol
wazi
:Nomi
you’
reov
eranal
ysi
ngt
his.

Nomi
:I’
mjustnotsur
eaboutt
his.

Sl
y:Manj
eut
hibekunj
ani
Lwazi
?

Nol
wazi
wasst
il
lfocusedonNomi
.

Sl
y:Thi
sisexact
lywhyyouwi l
lneverbehappy.Youkeepcr
acki
ngcodesandcal
cul
ati
ngthi
ngs
whennoneofthati
snecessary.Atthemoment ,
sleepi
ngwi
thDeani
sbringi
ngsometypeof
posi
ti
vefeel
i
nginyou.Baskinthatandenjoyy
our sel
f.

Nomi
:Itdoesn’
tmakei
tri
ght
.

Sl
y:I
’
m notgoingt
oar guewi
thyouNomthandazo.Atthi
spoi
ntt
here’
snousefi
ght
ingabout
what
’sr
ightandwrong.Kwanel
eshowedusthatther
earenoboundar
iesher
e.

Nomi:What’
stheuseofactingreckl
esswhenallthati
nstantgrat
if
icat
ionand“posi
ti
vity
”won’t
l
ast?I
fthi
swasanyot herguythenI’
dprobablybelessconcernedbutthi
sisyourcol
league.
Youhavetothi
nklongterm unl
essyou’
replanni
ngonf i
ndinganothercompanytowor kfor
.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Nomi:Don’tbef
ooledbythose30secondsofecst
asywheninact
ual
facty
ourl
i
fewi
l
lbe
negat
ivel
yimpact
edinthelongrun,
formorethan30seconds.
Nomi
lookedatNol
wazi
int
ent
lyandNol
wazi
satt
her
eandpr
ocessedev
ery
thi
ng.

Nomi :Deal
withyourdivorcef
irstandthenmov eontoanotherthi
ng.Don’
tmessupy ourl
if
eal
l
i
nt henameofhur tandanger.Takeitonestepatatime.
..Andt hi
sDeanpersoncl
earl
yisn’
t
yourfri
endbecauseaf r
iendwoul dknowthatyouarever
yhur tatt
hemomentt her
eforet
he
decisi
onsyoumakear en’tasrati
onalastheynormal
lywould..
.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.
..

Nomi
:Idon’
tli
ket
his,
Lwazi
..
.Idon’
tli
ket
hisatal
l
...

I
NSERT31

Aft
erNomihadpassedout
,natural
l
y,SlyandNolwazicl
eanedupthepl
ace.Af
tert
heywer
e
done,
Slywentt
ogetajoi
ntforthem andtheywentbacktothebal
cony
.

Sl
y:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?

Nol
wazi
:Wantmet
obehonest
?

Sl
y:Thi
sismewe’
ret
alki
ngabout
.

Nol
wazi
sighed.

Nol
wazi
:Nomi
isabsol
utel
ycor
rect
.

Sl
ykeptqui
etandt
heysati
nsi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e.
Nol
wazi
:ButI
’
m notl
i
steni
ngt
oherr
ightnow.

Sl
ylookedatNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:It
’ssoeasyf
orhert
osayal
loft
hoset
hingsbecauseshei
ssoi
nexper
ienced.

Sl
ynodded.

Nol
wazi
:Thegir
lknowsnothi
ngaboutl
i
fetobehonest.She’
sspeaki
ngf
rom obser
vat
ionand
t
ext
booktypeofknowl
edge.Ri
ghtnow,
I’
m nothear
ingher.

Sl
y:She’
sinexper
ienced.

Nol
wazi
:Toomuch!

Sly
: Al
lthatt
alkisdeepandtouchi
ngbuthoneyi
fyourhusbandgoesandmar
ri
esanot
her
personthenallbet
sareoff
.

Nol
wazi
:Shehasabl
ackandwhi
tev
iewofl
i
fe.Ther
e’snogr
eyar
ea.

Sl
y:Andi
treal
l
ytakesal
otf
ormet
onotsl
apsomesensei
ntoher
.

Nol
wazi
:Sl
ycanIt
ell
yousomet
hing?

Sl
y:Goahead.
Nolwazi
:Asmessedupasitis,
sleepi
ngwithDeani
gni
tedsomet
hingi
nme.I
’
m notsay
ingI
’
m
heal
edbutI’
m def
ini
tel
ynotsul
kingei
ther
.

Sly
:Andyouhaveever
yri
ghtt
odeci
dewhaty
ouwantt
odo.Don’
tletany
onedi
ctat
ehowy
ou
shoul
ddealwi
ththi
s.

Nolwazi
:WhenKwanelefi
nal
lyr
eal
i
sedthathei
snott
hecent
reofmywor
ldany
mor
e,Igota
ki
ckoutofi
t.Ienj
oyedseei
nghi
mliket
hat.

Sl
ynodded.

Nolwazi
:SofornowI’m goi
ngtodowhatmakesmehappy .I’
l
ldealwit
htherestwhent
heti
me
comes.WhatIknowf orsur
eisthatIwi
ll
notsither
eandcryoverKwanel
e..
.I’
m bey
ondhur
tbut
Ican’
tli
vel
ikethat
.I’
m cutt
inghi
m offmyli
fe.

Sly
:Andwhat ev
ery oudo, makesur eit
’swhatyouwant
.Eventhoughitmightmakeot herpeople
fr
ownorsi deeyeyou, doit
.Youhav eaf r
iendi
nmeandIwi l
lneverj
udgey ou.Idon’
twanty ou
towasteanymor etear sonthatman.IfyouwanttogotoPari
sandr unnakedbyt heEifel
TowerthenIwillj
oinyou, i
fyoufeelli
kebeingwit
hDeanfornowwi l
lsomehowhel pyou, Iwi
ll
defi
nit
elyNOTjoiny oubutIwillsupporty
ou.

Theyl
aughed.

Sly
:Andi fthiswhol eDeansi tuati
ont ur
nsl eftsomehowandy ouf eelembar r
assedorwhat ever,
Iwil
l st
il
lbeher e!Whot hefuckam It ojudgeort el
lyouhowt oliveyourli
fe?I’
vemademyown
mistakesandI ’
velearntfrom them sowhyt heheckwoul dIwantt odict
atehowy oushoul dli
ve?
Youneedt ogot hroughy ourownbaggagesoy oucancomeoutagr ownper sonintheend.I ’
m
notyourmot her,heckev enyourmot hercan’ ttelly
ouhowt oli
v e!Nomt handazoherselfshould
knowbet ter.Herpar entsthoughtsheshoul dsticktoEngineer
ingbutshei nsist
edthatitwasn’t
herpath.Herr elati
onshipwi t
ht hem ismessedupnowbecauseshewant sthem t
ost optell
i
ng
herhowt ol i
vesowhyshoul dany onetell
YOUhowt ol
iv
e?

Nol
wazi
:Hmm.
Sly
:I’
m notabouttobethestuckupfri
endwhothi
nkstheyaresomekindofGod.Yes,
Iwill
defi
nit
elywarnyouaboutsomet hi
ngsbutIwi
l
lneverchooseapathf
ory ou.You’
reagrownass
woman.

Nol
wazi
:Iheary
ou.

Sl
y:Makey
ourownmi
stakesandI
’
llbeher
etohel
pyoupi
ckupt
hepi
eces.

Theyshar
edahugandbyt
hist
ime,
theywer
ebey
ondr
elaxed.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou.

Sl
y:You’
rewel
comeandIl
ovey
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Il
ovey
out
oo.

Sl
y:AndIl
oveNomi
too,
event
houghsheannoy
smesomet
imes.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
sukaev
ery
oneannoy
syouwena.

Sly
:It’
sj ustthatasaf ri
end,youshouldn’tmakey ourfriendfeeljudgedwhenshecomest oyou
wit
hsomet hingshe’sf eel
i
ngorgoi ngthrough.Idon’twantt obet hatkindoffri
endandt hat’
s
whyIr efrainf r
om tell
ingNomi somethings.Heranal y
ticalv
ibei sgoodt ohavebutsomet i
mesI
don’twanty out otell
meal lthedeepstuff.Youknow, mostoft hetimeIcomet oyouasaf riend
knowingv erywel lt
hatwhatI ’
m doingisrightorwrongsoIdon’ twanty outolectur
eme.Ij ust
wanty out ocomf ortmeorl aughwithme. ..AsmuchasThul iannoy sme, she’
sactuall
ythe
mostlev el headedonewheni tcomestomycr azyissues.It
’sjustunfortunat
ethatshe’salso
Kwanel e’sfriendbecausei fshewasn’t,shewoul dbet heperfectadv i
serforthi
ssituat
ion.
Nol
wazi
:Tr
ue.

Theycont
inuedt
ochatf
orawhi
l
eunt
ilNol
wazi
tookoutherphone.

Sl
y:You’
renotdr
ivi
ng.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m not
..
.

Sl
y:Manj
ewhoar
eyoucal
l
ing?

Nol
wazi
gri
nnedandSl
yexcl
aimed.

Sl
y:Heeh!

Thephoner
angandaf
terawhi
l
eitwasanswer
ed.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Ar
eyousl
eepi
ng?

Dean:
Iwas.

Nol
wazi
:Ineedy
out
ocomegetme.

Dean:
Gety
ouf
rom wher
e?Youdoknowt
hatsomeofushav
ewor
ktomor
rowangi
thi
?
Nol
wazi
tol
dhi
m wher
eshewas.

Deansi
ghedheav
il
y.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
kedon’
tmakemebegy
ou.

Dean:
I’
ll
bet
her
e.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ouboss.

Dean:
Mxm.

Deandr
oppedt
hecal
landSl
yst
oodupanddanced.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
ke.

Sl
y:Khon’
ozol
aaahl
a!

Nol
wazi
:Ar
gh.

Sl
y:Woohesoundssosexywi
thhi
shuskysl
eepyv
oice!

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Sl
y:Hai
shem l
etmeal
sobewi
thi
nmyboo.
Nol
wazi
:Ut
handai
zi
nto.

Slyr
eachedforherphoneanddi
all
edherman’
snumber
.Itr
angf
orawhi
l
ebutheev
ent
ual
l
y
answered.

Ri
chi
e:Heysexy
.

Sl
ygi
ggl
ed.

Sl
y:Hel
l
omyFi
neHumanBei
ng!

Nol
wazi
:Chocol
ateD-

Sl
yki
ckedher
.

Sl
y:Babywher
ear
eyou?Wozaphel
a.

Ri
chi
e:ButIt
houghty
ouar
ewi
thy
ourgi
rl
s.

Sl
y:Nooo,
come.

Ri
chi
echuckl
edsexi
l
yandNol
wazi
pret
endedt
ovomi
tandSl
yki
ckedheragai
n.

Sl
y:Comeov
erbabe.

Ri
chi
e:Kodwauy
ahl
uphay
azi
Sli
ndi
l
e.
Sl
y:Hai
bout
hini
nababy
?

Ri
chi
e:I
’
minbed.

Sl
y:Hmkay
.

Sl
ydr
oppedt
hecal
landNol
wazi
laughed.

Sl
y:You’
rel
aughi
ngatmypai
n?

Nol
wazi
:Ohshame,
yourboot
ycal
lrej
ect
edy
ou.

Sl
y:Notf
ort
ool
ong.

Shebr
owsedt
hroughherphoneandshowedNol
wazi
aphot
o.

Nol
wazi
:Sl
y!
!

Sl
y:I
’
llsendhi
mthi
sphot
oandwe’
l
lseei
fhest
il
lwant
stosl
eep.

Nol
wazi
:WooSl
i
ndi
l
e!

Sl
ykeptbusywi
thherphoneandaboutami
nut
elat
erherphoner
ang.Sheanswer
edl
azi
l
y.

Sl
y:Hel
l
o?
Ri
chi
e:BabyI
’
m onmyway
.

Shey
awneddr
amat
ical
l
y.

Sl
y:AhhI
’
minbednow.

Ri
chi
e:Good.

Hedr
oppedt
hecal
landNol
wazi
laughedi
nshock.

Sl
y:That
’showy
ougetandkeepy
ourman.

Nol
wazi
:Wow.

Af
terawhi
l
eofchat
ti
ngandl
aughi
ng,
Nol
wazi
’
sphoner
angandi
twasDean.Sheanswer
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Hel
l
o?

Dean:
I’
m wai
ti
ng.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Deandr
oppedt
hecal
landNol
wazi
andSl
ybot
hst
oodup.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ouf
oranamazi
ngandwei
rdev
eni
ngmyf
ri
end.
Sl
y:Any
timel
ove.

Theyshar
edahugandgoti
nthehouseandNol
wazi
grabbedhert
hings.

Sl
y:Don’
tdoany
thi
ngIwoul
dn’
tdo.

Nol
wazi
:U-
wor
sephel
awena.

Sl
y:What
ever
!I’
l
lbr
ingy
ourcarbackksasa.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m notsur
ewhenexact
lywe’
rel
eav
ingf
orDundeesoI
’
llgeti
taf
tert
heweekend.

Sl
y:Shapke.Whoknows,
Chocol
ateDr
opandImayj
ustbl
essi
t.

Nol
wazi
:Sl
i
ndi
l
e!

Sl
y:I
’
m ki
ddi
ng!

Nol
wazi
:Ungangi
hlany
isi
.

Sl
y:Hai
sukaby
eby
e.

Theysharedanot
herhugandthenNol
wazi
madeherwayoutandwal
kedt
oDean’
scar
.Shegot
i
nfrontandputhert
hingsatt
heback.
Nol
wazi
:Hi
.

Deangl
ancedather
.

Dean:
Aren’
tyousupposedt
obepacki
ng?

Nol
wazi
shr
uggedhershoul
der
s.

Dean:
Am It
aki
ngy
ouhome?

Nol
wazi
:Ucabanganwena?

Deanchuckl
edqui
etl
yandt
henst
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.

I
NSERT32(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Theygott
oDean’
shouse.

Dean:
Youar
eawf
ull
yrel
axed,
Isee.

Nol
wazi
:Whatdoy
oumean?

Dean:
Wenat
shel
ami
na.

Nol
wazi
:Myf
ri
endi
sint
opot
.
Deanchuckl
ed.

Dean:
Wena?

Nol
wazi
:Nott
hatmuch.
..I
t’
sjustanoccasi
onal
hobby
.

Dean:
Don’
tev
ersmokepotNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
.

Dean:
It’
sal
readyenoughukut
hiuphuzai
-champagne.
..

Nol
wazi
:It
’snotanev
ery
dayt
hing.

Dean:
Good.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
kewazewakhul
umangat
hiy
ou’
remyf
ather
.

Dean:
Yourdadwar
nsy
ouagai
nstweed?

Nol
wazi
:Wel
l
...

Dean:
Comeher
e.

Shesankont
hecouchandDeanpul
l
edhercl
osert
ohi
m.Sher
elaxedi
nhi
sar
msandsi
ghed.
Nol
wazi
:Dean.

Dean:
Hmm?

Nol
wazi
:Ar
eyout
aki
ngadv
ant
ageofme?

Deanl
aughedf
oragoodmi
nut
eandNol
wazi
frowned.

Dean:
Am It
aki
ngadv
ant
ageofy
ou?

Nol
wazi
:Ij
ustwantt
oknow.

Dean:
Hav
eIgi
veny
out
hati
mpr
essi
on?

Nol
wazi
shookherhead.

Dean:
Whatcoul
dpossi
blymakey
out
hinkI
’
mtaki
ngadv
ant
ageofy
ou?

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
tknow.

Deangr
unt
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Ar
eyouangr
y?

Deanshookhi
sheadl
i
ght
lyandt
henr
emov
edhi
sar
msf
rom herandst
oodup.
Nol
wazi
:Dean.

Hewalkedupt
hestair
sanddi
sappear
edandshecont
empl
atedgoi
ngaf
terhi
m butshewast
oo
comf
ortabl
eonthecouch.

“
Nomi
haspl
ant
edwr
ongseedsi
nmymi
nd,
”shet
hought
.

Mi
nut
esl
aterDeanwal
kedbackdownst
air
sandst
oodbyt
hecouch.

Dean:
Wantt
osl
eepher
eoroneoft
heguest
rooms?

Nol
wazi
:Dean,
comeon.

Hel
ookeddownatherandshecoul
dseet
hef
uryi
nhi
sey
esandbodyl
anguage.

Nol
wazi
:Idi
dn’
tmeani
tli
k-

Dean:
I’
ll
gety
oubl
anket
s.

Hewal kedawayandNol wazisatther

eandcussedathersel
fforbei
ngsounnecessary.Shortl
y
aft
er,Deanwal kedbackwithpill
owsandblankets.Hepl
acedthem nextt
oNol wazi
andt hen
switchedoffthel i
ght
sandlockedup.Hethenmadehi swayupstair
sanddisappeared.Nolwazi
sattherewatchingTVabsentmi ndedl
yandafterawhil
eshereachedforherphoneanddi al
l
ed
Sly
’snumber .Itrangforal
ongt i
me.

Nol
wazi
:Pl
easepi
ckup.
..

I
twentt
ovoi
cemai
l
.
Nol
wazi
:Pr
obabl
ybusy
..
.

Sheputdownt hephoneandsatt hereforawhi l

e,t
ryi
ngtofigur
eouthowshewoul dapproach
thesit
uati
on.Deanhadev er
yrighttobeangr yatsuchanaccusati
on..
.Shecheckedtheti
me
anditwasnowar ound11pm andt herewasnowayshewasgoi ngtosl
eeponthecouch.She
stoodupandwal kedupthestair
s.Shegott oDean’sroom andknockedli
ght
lybutther
ewasno
answer.Sheknockedagainandhear dhim saycomei n.

Sheopenedthedoorandmadeherwayi nside,
feel
i
ngabitnerv
ousandembar r
assed.Dean
wassitt
ingontheedgeofhisbed,r
eadi
ngsomet hi
ng.Hel
ookedoveratherasshestoodbythe
doorandthencarr
iedonreadi
ng.Shewalkedinandcl
osedthedoorandthenmadeherwayt o
thebedandsatnexttohi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Thatwasuncal
l
edf
or.

Deanl
ookedather
.

Dean:
Ver
yfewt
hingsangermet
hanwhaty
ouj
ustdi
dnow.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m sor
ry.

Dean:
Doy
ouknowhowser
iousi
tist
othi
nkI
’
m usi
ngort
aki
ngadv
ant
ageofy
ou?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Dean:Thelastt
imeIcheckedbot
hofusar
eadul
tsandnotoncehav
eIf
orcedy
out
odo
anyt
hing.
Nol
wazi
:Iknow.

Dean:
Sowhatmadey
ouaskmet
hat
?

Nol
wazi
:Itj
ustcameout
.Ther
ereal
l
yisnot
hingt
oit
.

Deankeptqui
et.

Nol
wazi
:Dean,
I’
m ser
ious,
weedasi
de.I
’
m nother
ebecauseany
onef
orcedme.Ichoset
o
comeher
e.

Hel
ookedatherandshesi
ghed.

Nol
wazi
:Iapol
ogi
se,
sincer
ely
.

Dean:
Youcan’
tthr
owsuchbaggageatme.It
aket
hatshi
tser
iousl
y.

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Dean:
Nor
mal
l
y,Iwoul
dki
ckagi
rloutf
ort
aki
ngsuchshi
t.

Nol
wazi
:Uhm f
ir
stl
y,I
’
m notagi
rl
.

Heputdownwhat
everhewasr
eadi
ngandl
ookedatherwi
thasmi
rkonhi
sface.

Nol
wazi
:Secondl
y,y
ou’
rer
udef
ort
hat
.
Deanchuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Andl
ast
ly,
nowondery
ou’
resi
ngl
e.

Dean:
I’
m goi
ngt
ofi
rey
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Shegotcl
osert
ohi
m andhepul
l
edherandmadehersi
tonhi
slap.

Nol
wazi
:Iwi
l
lnev
erbebeneat
hyou.Accepti
tDean.

Dean:
Buty
ouar
e.

Nol
wazi
gotcl
osert
ohi
sfaceandpl
acedherl
i
psonhi
s.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m not
.

Hehel
dhert
ight
lyandqui
ckl
yreposi
ti
onedherandgotont
opofherandt
hensmi
l
edsl
yl
y.

Dean:
Nowy
ouar
e.

Nolwazi
laughedqui
etl
yandthenwrappedherl
egsaroundhi
m.Deanl
ower
edhi
sheadt
oher
neckandplant
edasoftki
ss.Shesmil
edashebitherjustat
adbi
t.
Nol
wazi
:Hey
,nohi
cki
es.Mygoodness,
howol
dar
eyou?

Hel
ookedupatherandgr
inned.

Dean:
Don’
tyouwantsomet
hingt
oremembermebyf
ort
henextcoupl
eofday
s?

Shel
aughed.

Nol
wazi
:Uy
abhedawena.

Dean:
I’
m ser
ious.

Dean:
Hai
manDean.

Heleanedcl
osert
oherfaceandplant
edakissonhercheekandtrai
l
edtoherli
ps.Shecl
osed
hereyesasheki
ssedhergent
ly.Amoanescapedfr
om NolwaziandDeanchuckl
edinher
mouth.

Dean:
Ihav
en’
tev
endonemuch.

Sheopenedherey
esandf
oundhi
m st
ari
ngather
.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m al
readyaheadi
nmymi
nd.

Dean:
Thi
nki
ngahead.

Theyl
aughedqui
etl
yasheki
ssedheragai
nandt
heyr
oll
edt
il
lNol
wazi
wasont
op.Dean’
s
handsranthr
oughherbodyandlandedonherbut
t.Hesl
i
dhishandsonherj
eanpocket
sand
squeezedher
.Shestoppedki
ssi
nghim andl
ookedathi
m amusi
ngly
.

Nol
wazi
:Lookwho’
sbeneat
hnow.
..

Hequi
ckl
yreposi
ti
onedandgotontopandtookoffherj
eans.Hetookof
fhistopandt
hensat
ont
heedgeofthebedandpull
edhersoshecouldkneelandbal
anceonhislap.

Dean:
Let
’st
akeadv
ant
ageofeachot
her
.

Nol
wazi
laughed.

Nol
wazi
:Idi
dn’
tmeani
tDean.

Dean:
Prov
eitNol
wazi
.

Shewr
appedherar
msar
oundhi
sneckandhehel
dont
oherbut
t.
..

*
**

Nolwazimadeherwayi
nsi
det
hehouseatar
ound4am andf
oundMdut
aki
ngdownbagsf
rom
upstai
rs.

Mdu:
Lookwhatt
hewi
ndbl
ewi
n!

Nol
wazi
frowned.
Mdu:
Hect
icni
ght
?

Nol
wazi
:Waswi
thSl
y.

Mdu:
Ushi
l
oumama.

Nol
wazi
wat
chedasheputdownal
lthebags.

Nol
wazi
:Isev
ery
oner
eady
?

Mdu:
Wel
eav
ein2hour
s.

Nol
wazi
:Letmepack-

Mdu:
YouknowThandekal
ovesy
ou.

Nol
wazi
laughedqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
Hambogeza.

Nol
wazinoddedandwalkedupt
hest
air
stogetready.Shetookal
ongshowerandf
elt100
t
imesbett
eraft
erwar
ds.Asshewasget
ti
ngdressed,
t her
ewasaknockandhermotherwal
ked
i
n.

Thandeka:
Baby
.

Nol
wazi
:Thandi
.
Thandeka:
Hur
ryupneh?

Nol
wazi
:Wi
l
lbedonei
n15mi
nut
es.

Thandeka:
Okay
.

ThandekawalkedoutandNolwazifi
nishedupgett
ingdressed.Shecheckedt
oseeifher
motherhadleftanyt
hingandshechuckledasshereal
i
sedt hatshepackedev
erysi
nglet
hing
Nolwaziwouldneed.Sheknewhertoowel l
.Shet
henmadeherwaydownst ai
rsandever
yone
washeadingout.

Dumakudel
ookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Mor
ning.

Dumakude:
Unj
ani
?

Nol
wazi
:I’
m goodandy
ou?

Dumakudenodded.

Thandeka:
We’
l
lhav
ebr
eakf
astsomewher
e..
.Wej
ustneedt
ogetgoi
ng.

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.Shehadal
readyeat
ensoshewasn’
tfazed.

I
vywal
keddownt
hest
air
sandhuggedNol
wazi
.
I
vy:
Suchast
ranger
!

Dumakude:
Let
’sgo.

I
vy:
Argh.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Thandeka,
IvyandDumakudewalkedoutandj
ustasNol
wazi
wasaboutt
owal
koutoft
he
house,Mdublockedherwayandstar
edather
.

Nol
wazi
:Andt
hen?

Hel
ookedatheri
ntent
lyf
oracoupl
eofseconds.

Mdu:
Thel
easty
oucoul
ddoi
str
ytoactl
i
key
ou’
renotbei
ngpounded.

Nol
wazi
gaspedi
nshock.

Nol
wazi
:Excuseme?
?

Mdu:
You’
remaki
ngi
ttooobv
ious.
..Soon,
dadwi
l
lcat
chonanduzozi
sol
a.

Wi
tht
hatsai
d,hewal
kedawayandNol
wazi
stoodt
her
einshock.
Thandeka:
Nol
wazi
lockupandcome!Wedon’
thav
eti
me!

Shequi
ckl
ysnappedoutofi
tandl
ockedupt
hehouseandt
henmadeherwayt
othecar
.

I
NSERT33(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Kwanel
e:Thol
ingi
cel
awehl
i
seumoy
a.

Thol
ist
oppedpaci
ngar
oundandl
ookedatKwanel
e.

Tholi
:Real
lyKwanel
e??Real
l
y??YouandIhav
en’
tev
enbeenmar
ri
edf
or2weeksbuty
ou’
re
al
readyabandoni
ngme.

Kwanel
e:Ineededt
osor
-

Thol
i
:St
opl
yi
ngt
ome!

Kwanelekeptqui
etandlookedatheri
ntent
lyasherf
acewentsad.Hewal
kedov
ert
oherand
wrappedhisarmsaroundher.

Kwanel
e:Ngi
yaxol
i
saThol
akel
e.

Thol
i
:I’
mti
redofcr
yingKwani
.

Kwanel
e:Andt
her
e’snoneedf
ory
out
ocr
y.

Thol
ikeptqui
etandKwanel
esqueezedher
.
Kwanel
e:Let
’sgety
our
eadybef
orey
ourauntget
sher
e.

Tholinoddedl
ight
lyandwi
pedheri
nnocentf
ace.Shewal
kedt
othebat
hroom andKwanel
e
reachedforhi
sphoneanddial
l
edanumber.

*
**

Ast
heyappr
oachedt
her
ural
areasofDundeeatar
ound8am,
Nol
wazi
wokeI
vyup.

I
vy:
Areweher
e?

Thandeka:
Yeswear
e.

Nolwazilookedoutthewindowandwasbey ondannoy
ed.Thelastt
imeshewast her
ewasthe
previ
ousy earwhenKwaneleandhisfamil
yinfor
medheraboutKwanel
e’
s“deci
sion”tot
ake
anotherwife.Shecussedasshethoughtbacktohowtr
aumati
singi
tal
lwas.

Theyf
inal
l
ydr
ovet
otheBut
hel
ezi
’
slandandt
her
ewer
ecar
sal
readypar
kedt
her
e.

I
vy:
Whatexact
lyi
shappeni
ngher
e?

Thandeka:
Nat
hiasazi
,al
lIknowi
sthatwewoul
dn’
tletNol
wazi
comeal
one.

Nol
waziglancedatMduandhel ookedathermocki
ngl
y.Dumakudepar
kedt
hecarandasthey
al
lgotout
, t
heyallknewthi
swouldbesomekindofbigcer
emony.Womenwereal
readywal
king
ar
oundintheirapr
ons,cooki
ngoutsi
deandother
sbrewi
ngbeer.
DumakudeandMdut ookoutt
hei
rbagsbutThandekat
oldt
hem t
onott
akeany
thi
ngouty
et.I
vy
wentt
ostandnextt
oNol wazi
andhel
dherhand.

I
vy:
Whoi
sthi
sshi
tfor
?

Nol
wazi
:Somecel
ebr
ati
onf
orwel
comi
ngt
hewi
feIguess.

I
vyl
aughedsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Dumakude:
Ther
ear
-

Per
son:
HawuVusumuzi
Dumakude!

Theyal
ltur
nedandsomeol
dmanappr
oachedt
hem.

Dumakude:
Nqobi
zi
thaSi
khakhane!

Theol
dmanwal
kedov
ert
othem andheandDumakudeshookhandshappi
l
y.

Nqobi
zi
tha:
Heehkant
iwenaawugugi
na?

Dumakudel
aughedbol
dly
.

Dumakude:
Ngi
gugakanj
ani
impi
l
oimnandi
kangaka?

I
vynudgedNol
wazi
andr
oll
edherey
es.
Nqobi
zi
tha:
Ngi
nesi
khwel
e!

Theyl
aughedandspentt
henextcoupl
eofmi
nut
esl
aughi
ngsomemor
e.

Nqobi
zi
tha:
Ist
hisy
ourwi
fe?

Dumakude:
Yenauqobo.

Nqobi
zi
tha:
Wow!

Thandekagotcl
osert
othemanandshookhi
shand.

Thandeka:
Goodmor
ning.

Nolwazi
andI
vyl
ookedateachot
herandchuckl
ed.Thandekacoul
dhav
eatl
eastgr
eet
edhi
min
I
siZul
u.

Nqobi
zi
tha:
Howar
eyoumydar
li
ng?

Thandeka:
I’
m gr
eatt
hanky
ou,
wenaunj
ani
baba?

Nqobi
tha:
Ngi
yaphi
l
aMr
s.Dumakude.

Thandekanoddedandsmi
l
edl
i
ght
lyandt
henl
ookedatDumakudeexpect
ant
ly.
Dumakude:
Whyar
eyouev
enher
engobaawazi
munt
ula?

Nqobi
thal
aughedl
oudl
y.

Nqobi
zi
tha:
Hai
bowhatdoy
oumean?Thi
sisav
erysmal
lwor
ldIt
ell
you!

Dumakude:
Whodoy
ouev
enknowher
e?

Nqobi
zi
tha:
Wel
lthebr
idei
smyni
ece.

I
vy:
Ohhel
lno!

Ev
ery
onel
ookedather
.

I
vy:
We’
regoi
ngbackt
othecar
.

Shepul
l
edNol
wazi
awayandt
heygoti
nthecarandsatt
her
e.

I
vy:
Dadi
ssuchani
diot
.Nowhe’
sbef
ri
endi
ngpeopl
ewhoar
esupposedt
obeourenemi
es?
?

Nol
wazidi
dn’
twantt
oadmi
titbutshewasf
eel
i
ngv
eryanxi
ousanduneasy
.Sher
egr
ett
ed
bei
ngt
here.
..

I
vy:
Hey
,ar
eyouokay
?

I
vybr
ushedherhandandNol
wazi
nodded.
Nol
wazi
:Idon’
tev
enr
ememberwhywedeci
dedt
ocomeher
e.

Justt
hent
hedooropenedandThandekal
ookedatt
hem.

Thandeka:
Wozani
.

I
vy:
Ist
hesel
l
-outdonel
aughi
ngwi
thourenemi
es?

Thandekasi
ghedandl
ookedatI
vy.

Thandeka:
Nomzamo,
don’
tdi
srespecty
ourf
atherpubl
i
cal
l
y.

I
vy:
Mxm.

Thandekat
henl
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Thandeka:
U-r
ightbaby
?

Nol
wazif
rownedandThandekagav
eherar
eassur
ingsmi
l
e.Nol
wazi
thenl
ookedatI
vyand
smi
ledl
i
ghtl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Asambe.

I
vy:
Wecoul
dal
way
sjustst
ayi
nthi
scarunt
ilt
hey
’redone.
Nol
wazi
shookherhead.

Nol
wazi
:Let
’sgo.

I
vyhuf
fedandt
heygotoutoft
hecar
.Dumakudet
urnedt
olookatI
vywi
thadeadl
yst
are.

I
vy:
What
ever
,hey
.

Thandekahel
dDumakude’
shandandhel
ookedaway
.

Nol
wazi
:Canwemov
epl
ease?

Mdustart
edwalki
ngandledthewayt otheot
hersideofthelandwherethemainhousewas.
Dumakudespott
edsomeoft heoldButhel
ezi
menandsoheandMduwal kedovertothem to
gr
eetwhil
eThandeka,Nol
waziandIvymadetheirwaytothehouse.Womenwer ealloverthe
pl
ace,
prepar
ingfoodandeveryt
hingel
se.Assoonast heygotint
hekitchen,
everyoneturnedto
l
ookatthem.Therewereabout6woment her
eandt heystoppedwhattheyweredoing.

Thandeka:
Sani
bonani
.

Ev
ery
onecl
ear
edt
hei
rthr
oatandt
her
ewasanawkwar
dsi
l
ence.

I
vy:
Hai
ke.

Onewomancl
ear
edhert
hroatandsmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Woman:
Hel
l
osi
si,
ninj
ani
?
Thandekal
ookedatherf
rom headt
otoe.

Thandeka:
Siy
aphi
l
a,ni
na?

Woman:
Siy
azama.

Thandekanoddedl
i
ght
lyandt
hengl
ancedar
ound.

Thandeka:
UkhonauThenj
i
we?

Woman:
Ngat
hiungaphakat
hi,
I’
m notsur
e.

Thandekanoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Thewomant
henl
ookedatNol
wazi
foral
ongt
imeandNol
wazi
glancedatheruncomf
ort
abl
y.

Woman:
Makot
i.

Nol
wazi,
whohadcompl
etel
yfor
got
tent
hatshe’
sthewi
fe,
lookedatherwi
thoutsay
ing
any
thi
ng.

Anot
herl
adycl
appedherhandsonceandexcl
aimed.

Woman2:
Iheee!

Thandekat
henl
ookedathershar
plyandt
hel
adykeptqui
etandl
ookedatherback.
Thandeka:
Ever
ythi
ngokayt
her
esi
si?

Woman2:
Ucabangani
sisi
?

Thandeka:
Ngi
bonausi
nekal
apho.

Thewomanr
oll
edherey
esandcont
inuedchoppi
ngv
eggi
es.

Thandekagav et
hem onelastl
ookbeforewal ki
ngoutofthekit
chenandfurt
heri
ntothehouse,
wit
hNol waziandIv
yrightbehi
ndher.Nolwazi f
eltl
i
keastrangerwheninact
ualf
act,
thishad
becomeher“ home”overtheyear
s.Theywal kedtothel
oungear eaandt
herewer
e3women
sort
ingoutthebakedsconesandqueens’ cakes.

Thandeka:
Sani
bonani
.

Theyt
urnedandwhentheysawThandekat
heyexcl
aimedhappi
ly
.Thesewerer
elat
ivesof
Kwanel
e’sf
ather
.Oneofthem,Nqobi
l
e,wasKwanel
e’saunt
,andtheot
hert
wower erelat
ed
somehow.

Nqobi
l
e:Myf
ri
end!

Thandekachuckl
edasshewal
kedov
ert
oNqobi
l
eandt
heyshar
edahug.

Nqobi
l
e:Wi
l
lyouev
ergetol
d??

Thandeka:
Hai
bongi
cel
aungadl
ali
ngami
!
Theyshar
edanot
herhugandt
henNqobi
l
egl
ancedatNol
wazi
andNol
wazi
coul
dn’
thel
pbut
smil
e.

Nqobi
l
e:Myoneandonl
ymakot
i!

Thandeka:
Ani
zweni
.
..

Nqobi
l
ewal
kedov
ert
oNol
wazi
andopenedupherar
ms.

Nqobi
l
e:Hel
l
omyangel
!

Nol
wazi
huggedher
.

Nol
wazi
:Unj
ani
ma?

Nqobi
l
e:Wel
lIam cer
tai
nlyhappyt
oseey
ou!Wowwhenl
astwasi
t??

Thandeka:
1yearago.

Nqobi
l
e:Wowl
ookaty
ou!

Shehuggedheragai
n.

Thandeka:
Angi
thi
youdi
dn’
tcomet
oyournephew’
ssecondweddi
ng.

Nqobi
l
e:Don’
tst
art
,pl
ease.
Nol
wazichuckl
edassher
ememberedhowNqobil
ereactedwhenshewasinfor
medt
hat
Kwanel
ewouldbetaki
ngasecondwi
fe.Sheal
mostburntdownever
ythi
ng.

Nqobi
l
ethenl
ookedatI
vy.

Nqobi
l
e:Nomzamo?

I
vylookedatNqobi
lewit
habl ankf
aceandNolwazif
lushedinembar
rassment
.Iv
ywasr
eal
l
y
notaboutt
hisl
if
e.Li
tt
ledidsheknowthatNqobi
lewasont hei
rsi
de.

Nqobi
l
e:Whyar
eyousogr
umpyZamo?

I
vy:
Fir
stofa-

Nol
wazi
:She’
sjustt
ir
edma.

I
vyl
ookedatNol
wazi
andshet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

I
vy:
I’
mjustt
ir
ed“
ma”
.

Nqobi
l
e:Ohshamebaby
,letmegety
out
hekey
stoy
ourhouset
henmay
bey
oucanr
est
.

Thandeka:
YaIwoul
dact
ual
l
yappr
eci
atet
hat
.Weneedt
ofr
eshenup.

Nqobi
l
e:Ngi
yabuy
a.
Thandeka:
Uphi
uThenj
i
we?

Nqobi
l
e:Ngi
mazel
aphi
?It
’sgoodt
hatIhav
en’
tseenhernj
e.

I
vy:
Ohwai
t,y
ou’
renoti
nhert
eam?

Thandeka:
Nomzamo.

I
vyl
ookedatNqobi
l
eandNqobi
l
elaughed.

Nqobi
l
e:Cl
ear
lyy
oudon’
tknowme.

I
vysmi
l
edl
i
ght
lyasNqobi
l
ewal
kedaway
.

I
vy:
She’
snotbad.

Nol
wazi
:Tr
iedwar
ningy
ou.

Thandeka:
Umunt
uuzobaneHi
ghHi
ghl
a.

Nol
wazi
:Tel
lmeabouti
t.
..

Nqobi
l
ewal
kedbackt
othem andgav
ethem t
hekey
s.

Nqobi
l
e:I
’
llgi
vey
ousomet
imet
oset
tl
einkodwakewenaThandi
ngi
cel
aubuy
ela.
Theyl
aughed.

Thandeka:
Alr
ightt
hen.

Nqobi
l
e:I
t’
ssogoodseei
ngy
oual
l
.I’
m shockedukut
hiy
ouev
encame.

Thandeka:
Kunzi
ma.

Nqobi
l
e:Uphi
uVusi
?

Thandeka:
Out
side,
noBhenj
u.

Nqobi
l
e:Ohokay
.

Thandeka:
Shapke.

Nqobilewalkedbacktot hecouchesandsatwit
hother2relati
vesandtheyconti
nuedsor t
ing
outthecakes.Thandekaandherdaught er
swalkedoutagainandt heywenttowhereDumakude
andMduwer e.Theygreetedthecoupl
eofpeoplewhower ethereandthenmadet hei
rwayt o
theothersi
dewhi chwaswher eNolwazi’
shousewassituated.TheygotinandwaitedforMdu
andDumakudet ogetthebags.

Thandeka:
It’
sgoi
ngt
obeal
ong3day
s.

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
yandwentt
ogether
sel
fagl
assofwat
er.

*
**
Pr
ett
y:Hai
boushoukut
hit
hoseDumakude’
sar
eher
e?

Thenj
i
wecussed.

Pr
ett
y:Thol
akel
eisKwanel
e’
snewwi
fe.Iwi
l
lnott
oler
ateanydi
stur
bancesher
e!

Thenj
i
we:
Hai
bowenaukhul
umanobani
kanj
alo?

Pr
ett
y:Ngi
khul
umanawewena!Thedeal
wast
hatThol
akel
egi
vesy
ougr
andchi
l
drenand-

Thenj
i
we:
Andshebet
ter
.Ot
her
wiseangi
kuni
kil
utho!

Pr
ett
y:Bepat
ient
,they
’renewl
yweds.

Thenj
i
we:Nowyoul
i
stenher
e,Icoul
dhav
echosenanyot
hery
ounggi
rlbutIf
eltsor
ryf
ort
hat
ni
eceofy
ours!

Pr
ett
y:Mxxm!

Thenj
i
we:
Nowdon’
tyouev
ert
alkt
omel
i
ket
hat
,si
yezwana?

Pr
ett
ycr
ossedherar
msandpul
l
edaf
ace.

Thenj
i
we:Ial
readyhav
et odeal
wit
htheDumakudessodon’
tannoy
.Youseem t
ofor
gett
hatI
havet
heupperhandhere.

Pr
ett
ylaughed.
Pr
ett
y:Thol
akel
eist
heonewhowi
l
lgi
vey
ougr
andchi
l
dren!Don’
tfor
gett
hat
.

Thenj
i
we:
AndIcoul
deasi
l
ygetr
idofher
.

Pr
ett
ylookedatherandThenj
i
wenar
rowedherey
es.

Thenj
i
we:
Don’
tev
erf
orgety
ourpl
ace!

Pr
ett
y:Honest
ly,
youar
ethef
aceofev
il
!

Thenj
i
wel
aughedsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Thenj
i
we:
Godeal
wit
hthatcr
yingni
eceofy
our
sandt
ell
hert
opul
lher
sel
ftoget
her
.

Pr
ett
y:Mxm.

Thenj
i
wel
ookedathershar
plybef
orewal
ki
ngof
f.

I
NSERT34

Pr
ett
y:Thol
akel
e.

Thol
i
,whowasbei
ngdr
essedbysomer
elat
ive,
lookedatheraunt
.

Pr
ett
y:Kant
iyi
ninahwena?Uy
okhal
akuzekubeni
ni?
!
Thol
il
ookeddownandt
hewomanwhowasdr
essi
ngherup,
fini
shed.

Woman:
Bhekaumuhl
ekanj
ani
sisi
.Don’
tcr
y.

Thewomanl edThol
itothemirrorandmadeherl
ookatherref
lecti
on.Thebeadswere
rav
ishi
ngandthewholeatti
rewasper f
ectf
orher
.Itwasj
ustapitythatshedi
dn’
tfeel
li
ket
he
goddesssheact
uall
ylookedli
ke.

Woman:Don’
tlooksosaddear
,theBut
hel
ezi
fami
l
yiswel
comi
ngy
ouwi
thopenar
msso
embr
acethel
ov e.

Thol
i
:*mumbl
i
ng*Whatl
ove?

Woman:
Don’
tbesonegat
ive.

Pr
ett
yst
aredatt
hewoman.

Pr
ett
y:Awunakei
zi
ndabazakhowena,
phumapl
ease.

Woman:
Hai
boPr
ett
y.

Pr
ett
ygaveheradeathst
areandthewomanclappedonceandwal
kedof
fcussi
ng.Pr
ett
ythen
wal
kedov
ertoTholiandl
ookedathert
hroughthemir
ror
.

Pr
ett
y:Whywoul
dyoucr
yli
ket
hiswheny
ouhav
eaf
ami
l
y?

Thol
i
:Mam’
Thenj
i
wei
snotsowel
c-
Prett
y:Heeyiwenamnt anandi
ni!For10yearsIhavehadtoworkti
rel
essl
ytotakecar
eofyou!
Myownchi ldr
en,yestheonesIgav ebir
thto,havehadtoshar
eMEwi thYOU!Allt
hemoneyand
l
ov eIcoul
dhav espentonthem wasgivent oyou!Nowsuddenl
yyoufindamanwhol ov
esyou
andiswill
i
ngt otakeofyouandy outhi
nky ouareaboveus??

Thol
itur
nedandl
ookedatPr
ett
yinconf
usi
onanddi
sbel
i
ef.

Thol
i
:AuntPr
ett
y!

Pr
ett
y:Don’
tyoudar
e!

Thol
i
:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?Whenhav
eIev
ergi
veny
out
hei
mpr
essi
ont
hatI
’
m ab-

Pr
ett
y:Shutup!

Thol
ikeptqui
etandhel
dinherhott
ear
s.Shedi
dn’
tunder
standwher
ethi
swascomi
ngf
rom.

Pret
ty:
Whenthatsi
ckmotherofy
our
ssel
fi
shl
ydi
ed,
ever
yoner
efusedt
otakey
oui
nbutIdi
d
thej
ob!Don’
tmessthi
sup!

Thol
ibl
i
nkedandbi
thershaki
ngl
i
ps.

Pr
ett
y:Youar
ejustl
i
key
ourmot
her
!Sel
fi
shandconcei
ted!

Thol
il
ookedather
,wor
dsf
ail
edheratt
hispoi
nt.

Pr
ett
y:Nowst
opwhi
ningandgooutt
her
e!I
fIseet
hatsmugl
ookony
ourf
aceagai
n..
.Sohel
p
meGod!

Thol
i
’schestheav
edf
rom t
hecr
iesshewashol
dingback.

Pr
ett
y:Nxa!

Prett
ywalkedoutandassoonasThol iheardthedoorcl
ose,shesatont
hebedandt hetears
fai
ledher
.Shet r
iedholdi
ngiti
nbutthethoughtofhermothernotbei
ngther
estungherandshe
tri
edsuppressi
ngit.Asshesatther
e,t
herewasal i
ghtknockonthedoorandshetri
edwiping
herfacebutZanele,herf
ri
end,wasalr
eadyrushi
ngtowhereshewas.

Zani
:Thol
ino!

Zani
gott
oherandt
ri
edcomf
ort
ingher
.

Zani
:Don’
t,
pleasedon’
tcr
y.

Thol
i
:Iha-

Thol
ikeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
eandt
ri
edt
olett
hehi
ccupsset
tl
e.Zani
hel
dherl
ovi
ngl
y.

Thol
i
:Ihav
enoonei
nmycor
ner
..
.

Zani
:Youdon’
thav
etodot
hisThol
i
.

Thol
i
:Youwi
l
lnev
erunder
stand.
..
Zani
:Makeunder
standThol
i
!Makemeunder
standwhyy
ouwoul
dputy
our
sel
fthr
ought
his?
?

Thol
isi
ghedandf
orcedasmi
l
e.

Thol
i
:Leti
tgo.

SheremovedZani
’sarmsf r
om herandt henwal
kedtothebat
hroom t
owashherf
ace.I
twas
redandpuff
ybutaft
erlot
ioningi
t,i
tlookedabitbet
ter
.

Zani
:KodwaThol
i
.

Thol
iwal
kedbackt
othebedr
oom andsmi
l
edatZani
.

Thol
i
:I’
l
ltakeaqui
cknap.Pl
easewakemeuponceI
’
m needed.

Zani
wat
chedasThol
iwal
kedt
othebedandl
aydownwi
thev
ery
thi
ngshewaswear
ing.

Zani
:Okay
.

Thol
icl
osedherey
esandal
l
owedher
sel
ftot
hinkabouthermot
her
..
.

*
**

I
vywasnowi
nthemai
nhouse.

I
vy:
I’
m sohungr
y..
.
Shesaidt
hatoutl
oudbuti
treal
l
ywasn’
tmeantforany
oneinpar
ti
cul
ar.Shej
ustcamei
nther
e
tocheckt
hecoast
.Thewomeni nt
heki
tchenl
ookedather
.

Woman1:
Uthi
ulambi
l
e?

I
vyl
ookedatt
hiswoman.

I
vy:
Huh?

Thewomanl ookedatI
vyandIvydi
smi
ssedherandl
ookedt
hroughherphone.Justt
hen,
Thandekawalkedi
ntheki
tchen.

I
vy:
Mama.

Thandeka:
Hel
l
obaby
?

I
vy:
Ngi
l
ambi
l
e.

Woman1:
Nak’
ukudl
asi
si.

I
vy:
MamaI
’
m hungr
y.

Thandekal
ookedar
oundt
heki
tchen.

Thandeka:
Doy
oual
lneedanyhel
p?
Woman2:
Hai
wear
efi
ne,
asy
oucansee.

I
vy:
Mamaweal
lknowt
hatt
hemeni
nthi
sfami
l
ylov
eyourcooki
ng.

Thandeka:
Angi
thi
uya-

Justt
henBut
hel
ezi
wal
kedi
ntheki
tchen.

But
hel
ezi
:Hai
bo!MaMwel
ase?
?

Thandeka:
Ohsoy
ouar
eher
e?

Buthel
ezil
aughedandthenwalkedovertoThandekaandhuggedher.Hewasanol dishmanbut
becausehewasstil
lheal
thy,
helookedli
kehehadj usttur
ned50.Unl
ikemenli
keDumakude,
Buthel
eziwasnotanoverthetoppowerfulmen.Hissil
encehowever
,iswhati
ntr
iguedpeopl
e
abouthim.Hi
ssil
enceiswhatmakeshi m powerf
ulinhisownway..
.

But
hel
ezi
:Ngi
ngay
aphi
kodwaThandeka?

Thandeka:
Wewi
l
lnev
erknow.

Ev
ery
onecoul
dsenseThandeka’
scol
dness.

But
hel
ezi
:Ni
njani
kodwa?

Thandeka:
Myf
ami
l
yisgood,
thanky
ou.
But
hel
ezi
:Hai
chanat
hisi
saphi
l
a.

I
vy:
*mumbl
i
ng*Nobodyaskedy
ou.

Ev
ery
onel
ookedatI
vy.

But
hel
ezi
:Hai
bouNomzamol
o?

Thandekanoddedl
i
ght
lyandBut
hel
ezi
wal
kedov
ert
oIv
y.

But
hel
ezi
:You’
veonl
ybeent
hissi
deoncey
oungl
ady
!

I
vy:
Wonderwhy
..
.

But
hel
eziputhi
shandoutsoIvycoul
dshakeitbutI
vywasalr
eadyfocusi
ngonherphone.The
womeninthekit
chenmumbledquiet
lyi
nshockandButhel
ezicl
ear
edhisthr
oat
.Hethenturned
tol
ookatThandeka.

But
hel
ezi
:Ni
fi
keni
ni?

Thandeka:
About3hour
sago.

But
hel
ezi
:Oh,
wear
ehappyt
oseey
ou.Umakot
iyenaukhona?

I
vy:
Whi
chonexact
ly?

Ev
ery
onegaspedqui
etl
yandBut
hel
ezi
lookedatI
vyandshest
aredr
ightbackathi
m.
Iv
y:Ukhul
umangomuphi
umakot
i,babawekhay
a?Ngobangat
hibat
handaukubabani
ngi
la
ekhay
a.

Thandekawasnotevenbother
edthatIv
ywasbeingliket
his,
inf
actshewasgl
ad.Bei
ngher
e
j
ustconfi
rmedtoherthatt
hesepeoplereal
l
ydi
dn’tdeser
veanyki
ndness.

But
hel
ezi
:Ngi
-

Thepil
laroft
hehousewal
kedi
n.Ev
ery
onet
urnedt
olookatherandt
heear
thmayhav
eshaken
sl
ight
ly.

But
hel
ezi
:UkhonauDumakude,
Thandeka?

Thandeka:
He’
sout
side.

But
hel
ezi
noddedl
i
ght
lyandt
henwal
kedoutoft
hehouse.

Onewomancl
ear
edhert
hroatandawkwar
dsi
l
encedensued.

Thenj
i
west
oodt
her
eandl
ookedatThandekai
ntent
ly.

Ev
ery
onei
ntheki
tchenl
ookedatbot
hoft
hem expect
ant
ly.

I
vy:
Mama.

Ev
ery
onesnappedoutofi
tandgl
ancedatI
vy,
whohaddi
stur
bedt
het
raumat
icsi
l
ence.
I
vy:
I’
m hungr
y.

Thenj
i
wel
aughedbol
dlyandThandekat
urnedt
olookatI
vyandsmi
l
ed.

Woman2:
Ther
eispl
ent
yoff
oodher
e.

Woman1:
Yebo,
naku-

I
vy:
Noonewant
stoeaty
ourpoi
sonedf
oodsopl
easest
opof
fer
ing.

Al
lthewomenexcl
aimedi
nshock.

Justthen,
But
hel
ezi
wal
kedi
nandl
ookedar
oundasi
flooki
ngf
orsomet
hingandt
henhel
ooked
atTit
i.

Ti
ti
:Uf
unani
Shenge?

But
hel
ezi
:Hai
bokuphakwani
ni?Ther
ear
emenout
side.Thesepeopl
ehav
ebeenupal
lni
ght
.

Woman2:
Ohsor
ry,
wet
houghtwewoul
dwai
tforal
lthepeopl
etoar
ri
-

Ti
ti
:Awuphakeukudl
awenauy
ekeukubay
is’
dina.

Woman2:
Hai
boThenj
i
we.
Ti
ticl
ickedhert
onguei
nannoy
anceandt
hewomengotbackt
owor
k.But
hel
ezi
thenl
ookedat
Thandekaandsmil
ed.

But
hel
ezi
:Wi
l
lyoual
socook?

Thandeka:Id-

Thenj
i
we:
Whoi
sshecooki
ngf
orShenge?

Thel
ookonThenj
i
we’
sfacewast
hatofcompl
etedi
sgust
.

I
vy:
Uyal
i
shay
aibhodoumama.

I
vyl
ookedatBut
hel
ezi
andsmi
l
ed.

I
vy:
Right
?

But
hel
ezi
:Ofcour
se!

I
vyt
henl
ookedatThenj
i
weandsmi
l
edwar
mly
.

I
vy:
Ubabawekhay
aukhul
umi
l
eMam’
Thenj
i
.

Thenj
i
wet
ight
enedherj
awandl
ookedatBut
hel
ezi
.

But
hel
ezi
:Themenar
ewai
ti
ng.
..
Hewal
kedoutoft
hehouseandThenj
i
west
ormedout
,fol
l
owi
nghi
m.

I
NSERT35

Nol
wazi
wasi
nthebedr
oom t
aki
nganapwhenherphoner
angandshecheckedt
hecal
l
eri
d.

Nol
wazi
:Hey
.

Dean:
Nif
ikekahl
e?

Nol
wazi
:Yes,
thanks.

Dean:
Wer
eyousl
eepi
ng?

Nol
wazi
:It
’st
hel
eastIcoul
ddo.

Deanchuckl
edl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:If
eel
outofpl
ace.Whydi
dn’
tyoust
opmef
rom comi
ngher
e?

Deanchuckl
edonceagai
n.

Nol
wazi
:Laughatmypai
n.

Dean:
You’
l
lbef
ine,
justdon’
tshowany
onet
haty
ou’
rebot
her
ed.Thoseol
dwomenar
epr
obabl
y
expect
ingy
out
obr
eakdown.

Nol
wazi
:Youshoul
dhearhowI
vyspeakst
othem.

Dean:
Shei
squi
teaf
ir
ecr
acker
.

Nol
wazi
sighed.

Dean:
Wel
ltheycan’
texpecty
out
obeal
lsmi
l
es.

Nol
wazi
:Iguess…

Dean:
Toughenup.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Dean:
I’
ll
speakt
oyousomeot
hert
ime.

Nol
wazi
:Thanksf
orcal
l
ing,
boss.

Dean:
Ihadt
ocheckonmyempl
oyee.

Nol
wazi
:By
e!

Deanchuckl
edanddroppedthecal
l.Nol
wazi
layt
her
eforawhi
let
ryingt
ofigur
eouthowshe
wasgoingtoappr
oachevery
thi
ng.Justt
hen,
ther
ewasaknockonthedoorandshegotupand
wentt
oopen.
Somest
rangewomanst
oodt
her
e.

Woman:
Sawubonamakot
i.

Nol
wazi
:Yeboma.

Woman:
Unj
ani
sisi
?

Nol
wazi
:Ngi
yaphi
l
awenaunj
ani
ma?

Woman:
Ngi
yaphi
l
a.Yourmot
heri
saski
ngf
ory
oui
nthemai
nhouse.

Nol
wazi
:Isi
t?

Thewomannodded.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
,thanky
ou.

Womanl
ookedatNol
wazi
int
ent
lyandt
hensmi
l
ed.

Woman:
Notev
ery
onei
sagai
nsty
ou,
youknow.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Woman:
Event
houghy
oudon’
tknowme,
justknowt
hatIhav
erespectf
orhowwel
lyouhav
e
car
ri
edy
our
sel
fthr
oughoutt
hiswhol
esi
tuat
ion.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Woman:
Stayst
rong.Don’
tal
l
owany
onet
obul
l
yyoui
ntodoi
ngt
hingsy
oudon’
twant
.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ouma.

ThewomanputoutherhandandNol
wazi
putouther
saswel
landt
heyshook.

Nol
wazi
:Umamaubani
igama?

Woman:
Mam’
Hlongo.Iam acl
osef
ami
l
yrel
ati
ve.

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Ngi
yabongama.

Thewomannoddedandt
henwalkedaway
.Nolwazigotbacki
nthehouset
owearaheadwr
ap
andt
henwal
kedoutandmadeherwaytothemainhouse.

Shegoti
nandf
oundThandekai
ntheki
tchen,
wit
htwoot
herwomen.

Nol
wazi
:Sani
bonani
.

Thet
wowoment
urnedandsmi
l
ed.
Woman1:
Hel
l
okot
i!

Nol
wazi
fakedasmi
l
e.

Thandeka:
Lwazi
weneedahel
pinghandl
a.

Nol
wazi
:Whatdoy
ouneed?

Thandekawentont
oinst
ructNol
wazi
andsoonenough,
all
thr
eeoft
hem wer
ehar
datwor
k.

Woman1:
Wazewakhany
aboNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
etandf
ocusedonwhatshewasdoi
ng.

Woman2:
Howar
eyoucopi
ngt
hough?

Nol
wazi
glancedatThandekaandThandekasmi
l
edr
eassur
ingl
y.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m copi
ngwel
l
…

Woman1:
Youl
ookl
i
key
ouar
ehappy
.

Thandeka:
Shei
s.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
etandcont
inuedt
ofocusonwhatshewasdoi
ng.Shewasnotaboutt
oengage
i
nanydiscussi
onswit
hthesewomenevent
houghtheyseemedkind.Sheknewpeopl
ewere
nosyandmostofthem woul
dpret
endt
obeconcer
nedwheni nactualf
actt
heyj
ustwant
edto
fi
ndoutherbusi
ness.

Nol
wazi
:Wher
e'sI
vy.

Thandekat
henl
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Thandeka:
Shei
sar
ound…Youknowshecan’
tst
ayi
nthesamepl
acef
ort
ool
ong.

Nol
wazi
:Kazewenzani
…

*
**

I
vy:
Comeon,
you’
ret
ell
i
ngmey
ou’
rescar
edofwhaty
ourf
atherwi
l
lsay
?

Thembaf
rowned.

I
vy:
Bruh,
howol
dar
eyou?

Themba:
19.

I
vy:
Sowhat
’st
hepr
obl
em?

Themba:
Myf
ath-

I
vy:
Yourf
atheri
sbusysl
aught
eri
ngcowst
her
e,y
out
hinkhecar
esabouty
ouatt
hemoment
?
Thembascr
atchedhi
shead.

I
vy:
It’
sjustahi
ke.We’
l
lgot
othet
opoft
hatmount
ainandwi
l
lpr
obabl
ybebacki
n2hour
smax.

Themba:
Doy
ouusual
l
ydot
hiswheny
oucomeher
e?

I
vy:I’
veonl
ybeenher
eonceandt
hatwaswhenmysi
sterwasget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.Fuckt
hese
peopl
ebruh.

Thembakeptqui
et.

I
vy:
Comeon,
let
’sgo.

Thet
imi
dboynoddeddoubt
ful
l
yandI
vygr
abbedhi
sar
m andt
heybeganwal
ki
ng.

Per
son:
Ivy
!

I
vyt
urnedar
oundandi
twasMdu.Hewal
kedov
ert
othem andl
ookedatt
hem.

Mdu:
Wher
edoy
out
hinky
ou’
regoi
ng?

I
vy:
We’
ret
aki
ngahi
ke.We’
l
lbebacki
nti
mef
orwhat
everi
sgoi
ngonher
e.

Mdul
ookedatt
hisst
rangeboy
.
Mdu:
Andwhoar
eyou?

I
vy:
Thi
sisThemba,
hesay
she’
srel
atedt
osomeoneher
e…Don’
tknow,
don’
tcar
e.

Mduf
rowned.

I
vy:
Seey
ousoon.

Mdu:
Doy
ouhav
eyourphone?

Iv
ynoddedandgr abbedThemba’sar
m againandtheybeganwalki
ngaway.Mdushookhis
headlight
lyashewal kedbackt
owher esomeofthemenwher e.Hegottothespotwher
ethe
oldersonswer esi
tti
ngandsatdown.Senzo,whowasalsopartofthef
amilysomewhere
somehow, lookedatMdu.

Senzo:
Manj
eawusho,
ushadani
niwena?

Mdul
aughedbol
dly
.

Mdu:
Hai
boIdon’
twantt
ogetmar
ri
edmi
na.

Senzo:
Ngoba?

Mdu:
Hai
angi
funi
.

Senzo:
Don’
tyouwantacoupl
eofwi
vesl
i
key
ourbr
other
-i
n-l
aw?
Mduchuckl
edandshookhi
shead.

Mdu:
Thatmanhasshothi
msel
fint
hef
oot
.

Senzo:
Usho?

Mdunoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Senzo:
I’
dbet
hri
l
ledi
fIwasi
nhi
sposi
ti
on.

Mdu:
You’
renott
hemonogamoust
ype?

Senzo:
Isn’
titev
eryman’
sdr
eam t
onothav
etocheatpr
ivat
ely
?

Mdul
aughedandt
heycont
inuedt
ochatf
orawhi
l
e.

*
**

Kwanele, whohadbeenAWOLt hroughoutthemorni

ng,f
inal
lyemergedfr
om hi
scave.Ashe
walkedar oundtheyar
dt hatwasnowf i
ll
ingupwit
hpeople,hetr
iedbyal
lmeanstoavoid
conversations.HewantedtoseeNolwazi.Hemadehi swayinsi
dethehouseandbumpedint
o
hi
smot her.

Ti
ti
:Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?

Kwanel
e:Uphi
uNol
wazi
?
Ti
ti
:Ungazongi
buzaum’
bhedowena.

KwanelepushedpastTit
iandmadehiswaytotheki
tchenandfoundNol
wazi
,washi
ngher
hands.Shewasalonethere.Hest
oodther
eti
l
lsheturnedar
oundandwhenshedid,
shel
ooked
athi
m coldl
yanddriedherhands.

Kwanel
e:Whyungashongoukut
hini
fi
ki
le?

Nol
wazii
gnoredhi
m andshewasabouttopushpasthi
m,heheldherandmadeherf acehi
m.A
small
par
tofherst
il
lhadtogetusedtoseei
ngthi
sangr
ysideofKwanele.I
nallhery
earsof
bei
ngwit
hhim,shewasneverexposedt
oit.
..Wel
li
twasneverai
medather .
..

Nol
wazi
:I’
m nother
efory
ourdr
ama.

Kwanel
eti
ght
enedhi
sjawashest
aredather
.

Kwanel
e:Whyar
eyoubei
ngl
i
ket
his?

Nol
wazi
:Excuseme?

Kwanel
ekeptqui
et.

Nol
wazi
:You’
remaki
ngi
tahabi
ttomi
shandl
emenow?

Kwaneleglanceddownatherarm andr
eal
i
sedhehadgr
ippedi
tti
ghtl
y.Heloosenedhi
sholdon
herandthenstaredatheragai
n.Shewast
emptedt
otel
lhi
m aboutt
hedivorceri
ghtt
henbut
shedecidedagainsti
t.
Kwanel
e:Yout
hinkI
’
m goi
ngt
osi
tbackandal
l
owt
hist
ohappen?

Nol
wazi
:What
?

Kwanel
e:Don’
tactst
upi
d.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m war
ningy
ouNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Your
eal
l
ythi
nky
ouri
dlet
hreat
sar
efazi
ngme?

Kwanel
e:Ungat
hiangi
kukhuzanga.

Heletgoofherar
m andwal
kedoutoft
heki
tchen.Nol
wazi
stoodt
her
eforawhi
l
etr
yingt
onot
bur
stouti
nanger.

“Howthehel
li
shegoi
ngt
otur
nal
loft
hisar
oundandmakemet
hebadper
son?
”shet
houghtt
o
hersel
f.

Shewalkedoutofthehouseandassoonasshest eppedout,t
herewassi ngingandululati
ng.
Allt
hewomenwhower ebusycookingoutsi
debegancheer i
ng.Nolwazi
di rectedherat
tenti
onto
whereever
y onewasfocusedandherstomachturnedasshesawKwanel e’swi f
ecomef rom
thehousethatwasontheothersi
deoft hel
and.Hermout hwentcompletel ydryasshestood
ther
eandwat chedpeopl
esingandbemer ry
.

Suddenl
yshef
eltsomeonewr
apt
hei
rar
m ar
oundhershoul
der
.
Mdu:
Ithi
nkI
’
m st
art
ingt
oreal
i
set
hatt
hisi
sbul
l
shi
t.

Nolwazikeptquietandtheybot hstoodthereandwatchedasagroupofyounggi
rl
sbegan
l
eadingsongsanddances. .
.Tholakelej
oinedthosegi
rl
s..
.Ev
ery
onestart
edcheer
ingand
cl
apping.
..Nolwaziwasst art
ledbyt heamountofpeoplewhoweresuddenl
yther
e.Itwasnow
packedforsomer eason.

Mdu:
Ist
hather
?

Nolwazinoddedli
ght
ly,
asshehel dbackal
ltheemoti
onsthatwerefl
oodingheri
nter
nall
y.She
sawLindiwe,Kwanel
e’
ssisterandhersocal
ledbestf
ri
end,star
ingatherfr
om adist
anceand
shelookedawayandcontinuedtofocusonwhatwashappening.

Justt
hen,
somewomenwalkedovertowhereKwanelewasandtheygrabbedhi
m andpull
ed
hi
mt owhereThol
iandt
hey
ounggir
lswere.Ashereachedher
,ever
yonesangevenlouderand
cheer
edon.

MdusqueezedNol wazi
byt
heshoul
der
sreassur
ingl
yandt
heyst
oodt
her
eandcont
inuedt
o
wat
chthecircus.

I
NSERT36(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Peoplewerenowbei ngser vedf ood, t

herewasmusi canddanci ngandt hev i
bewasv eryl
ivel
y.
Allt
heseadultswereclearlyhav ingthetimeoftheirli
ves.Nol wazidecidedt hatshewoul dgoto
hermotherandt el
lhershewasgoi ngbacktoherhouse, whichwasnowknownast he“fi
rst
wif
e’shouse”.Sheshookherheadl ightl
yandtri
edt ostabil
i
seher selfasshel ookedar oundfor
hermother.Asshewal kedar ound, allt
hemenr egardedherwi t
hutmostr espect.Asthefir
st
wif
e,shewast hepill
ar,accordingt othem ofcourse.Thewomenwer ejustbeingdramat i
cand
unnecessary
.

Shemadeherwayi nsi
dethemainhouseandasshegoti ntheloungearea,
shewasstar
tl
edt
o
fi
ndbothherpar
entssit
ti
ngther
ewithButhel
eziandhissist
er,Nqobi
le.But
hel
ezi
,whowas
speaki
ng,
keptquietandl
ookedatNolwaziasshestoodthere.
Thandekawasaboutt
ost
andupwhenDumakudehel
dherback.

Thandeka:
Baby
.

Nol
wazi
lookedatThandeka.

Nolwazi f
eltapinchofangercreepuponher .Shecouldn’
tunderst
andwhyhermot herwould
evensitinthesamer oom wit
hBut hel
ezi
.Infactshecouldn’
tunderst
andwhatsheherselfwas
doingthereinthefir
stpl
ace.Sheregrett
edcomi ngbecauseitwascleart
hatshewast hefooli
n
al
lofthis.Herprideanddigni
tywasbeingdraggedt hr
oughthemudandi twasst
arti
ngtodawn
onhert hatshereall
ywantedtobedonewi ththisfami
ly.Shewantednothingt
odowi t
ht hem.

Thandeka:
Baby
-

Dumakude:
Ungahl
alaphansi
Nol
waz
i.

Nolwazilookedatherfat
hercoldl
y.Shewasst
arti
ngtodev
elopmoret
hanangertowardshi
m
anditscaredherthatshewouldendupdoingt
hingsshewouldr
egr
etbecauseofhi
slackof
sympathy.

But
hel
ezi
:Nol
wazi
yourpar
ent
shav
ejusti
nfor
medmeabouty
ourgr
iev
ances.

Nol
wazi
cont
inuedt
ost
areatThandekaandThandekal
ookeddownashamedl
y.

Nqobil
estoodupandwal
kedovert
oNolwazi.Shet
ookherarm gent
lyandt
henl
edhert
othe
couchshewassit
ti
ngon.Shet
hensatnextt
oherandheldherhand.

Nqobi
l
e:Kodway
ini
lomsanganooqhubekay
obhut
i?
But
hel
ezi
lookedathi
ssi
sterandkeptqui
et.

Nqobi
l
e:Hai
manBheki
ayi
khol
ent
oman!

Dumakude:
Nqobi
l
e.

Nqobi
l
egl
ancedatDumakudeandshei
nst
ant
lykeptqui
et.

Nol
wazi
coul
dn’
thel
pbutchuckl
esar
cast
ical
l
y.

“
Socontr
oll
i
ngHIShouseholdwasnotenoughsonowhewant
stocomecont
rolot
herpeopl
e’
s
wi
ves?
”shethoughtt
ohersel
f,“
Thi
smanIcallmyfat
hermayj
ustbebul
l
yaft
er-
all
.
”

But
hel
ezi
:Icannotbehel
daccount
abl
eforadeci
sionIdi
dnotmake.

Nqobi
l
e:Theny
ouneedt
ost
opt
hatwi
feofy
our
sbef
oresher
uinsev
ery
one’
sli
-

Dumakude:
Nqobi
l
ewoul
dyoumi
ndst
eppi
ngout
?

Ev
ery
onel
ookedatDumakudeashest
aredst
rai
ghtatNqobi
l
ebl
ankl
y.

Nqobi
l
e:Hai
boVusi
,thi
sismybr
other
.

Dumakude:
Thi
sdoesnotconcer
nyoui
nanyshapeorf
orm.Ungaphuma.
..
Thandeka:
Uhm It
hin-

Dumakudegl
ancedatThandekaandshekeptqui
et.Nol
wazi
wassuddenl
ydi
sgust
edbyher
fat
her
.Shest
oodup.

Bot
hNqobi
l
eandThandekal
ookedatherandaskedwher
eshewasgoi
ng,
att
hesamet
ime.

Nol
wazi
lookedatDumakudeandhest
aredr
ightbackather
.

Nol
wazi
:Cl
ear
lynotbei
ngabl
etoconcei
vechi
l
dreni
ssomeki
ndofbl
essi
ngbecauseIwoul
d
hat
etohav
eachil
dwhowouldhavesuchfami
lymember
s.

ThandekagaspedandDumakudef
li
nched.

Nolwazi
:I’
m notagai
nstKwanelegett
ingmar
ri
ed.Hemustgoonandhav
ethechi
l
dreny
oual
l
desi
resomuch.Me, ontheotherhand..
.

Shel
ookedatBut
hel
ezi
.

Nol
wazi
:Godwi
l
lmakeapl
an.
..

ThandekaandNqobi
l
est
oodupandwentt
ost
andnextt
oher
.

Dumakudegr
it
tedhi
steet
h.

Nqobi
l
e:Thi
sissomet
hingt
hatneedst
obedi
scussedpr
oper
ly,
notnow.
Shet
henl
ookedatNol
wazi
andThandeka.

Nqobi
l
e:Asambeni
.

Nol
wazi
glancedatherf
atheronemor
eti
mebef
orewal
ki
ngof
fwi
thThandekaandNqobi
l
e.

Ast
heywal
kedoutoft
hehouset
heybumpedi
ntoTi
ti
.

Thenj
i
we:
Nif
unani
lawenaNqobi
l
e?

Nqobi
le:Lalelalawena.
..Thatl
oadofdi
rtandshi
tyouspeakwi
thy
ourmout
hwi
l
lcomeoutof
i
tsri
ghtf
ul placeaft
erIam donewit
hyou.

Bot
hThandekaandNol
wazi
coul
dn’
thol
dthei
rgasps.

Nqobi
l
e:Nxx.

Nqobi
lewal
kedoutoft
hehouseandThandekaandNol
wazi
lookedatTi
ti
,whowasr
eadyt
o
bur
st.

Thandeka:
Yoh.

Nol
wazi
:Ewu.

Ti
ti
:Ni
thi
nini
na?
?

Thandeka:
Ngi
zobi
zauNqobi
l
e.
Tit
igrunt
edfuri
ousl
yandwalkedi
nsidethehouseasNolwaziandThandekawal
kedout
,looki
ng
forNqobil
e.Peopl
ewerest
il
lcel
ebrati
ng,nothav
ingacarei
ntheworld.

Nol
wazi
:Mama.

Thandeka:
I’
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m gr
owi
ngv
eryt
ir
edofdad.

Thandeka:
Met
oo.

Justt
henNqobi
l
ewal
kedt
othem andThandekast
art
edl
aughi
ng.

Thandeka:
Hai
chay
ouar
ewor
set
hanme!

Nqobi
l
e:Yer
rsheanger
smesomuch!

Thandekal
aughedonceagai
n.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m goi
ngt
othehouse.

Nqobil
eandThandekaaskedi fshewouldbef
ineandshenoddedasshewal kedoff
,tr
yingt
o
avoi
dthecrowdandatt
ention.Justasshewasapproachingherhouse,sheheardsomeoneyel
l
hername.Sheignor
edi
tatf i
rstbuttheper
sonpersi
sted.Whensheturnedaroundshe
excl
aimedinshock.

Nol
wazi
:Mt
ho?
?
Shewat
chedi
nshockasKwanel
e’
shal
f-
brot
herwal
kedov
ert
oher
.

Hef
inal
l
ygott
oherandt
heyshar
edabr
iefhug.Nol
wazi
lookedathi
mindi
sbel
i
ef.

Mt
ho:
Sawubona.

Nol
wazi
:Ohmygoodness,
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e??

Mt
hol
aughedl
i
ght
ly.

Mt
ho:
Ihadt
oseewhat
’sgoi
ngont
hissi
de.

Nol
wazi
:Howar
eyou?Idi
dn’
tev
enr
ecogni
sey
ourv
oice!

Mt
ho:
I’
m goodNol
wazi
butI
’
m notev
engoi
ngt
oasky
ouhowy
ouar
e.

Nol
wazi
frowned.

Mt
ho:
Kubi
neh?

Nol
wazi
simpl
yshr
uggedhershoul
der
s.

Nol
wazi
:Howhav
eyoubeen?Ar
eyoust
il
lhol
dingupi
nCapeTown?

Mt
honoddedandsmi
l
ed.
Mt
ho:
Thi
ngsar
elooki
ngupy
azi
.

Nol
wazi
:Har
dwor
kal
way
spay
sof
fthough.

Mt
honodded.

Nol
wazi
:Ohwow,
I’
m happyt
oseey
ou.

Mt
ho:
I’
m sur
eyouandmyauntar
etheonl
yoneswhoar
e.

Nol
wazi
sighed.

Nol
wazi
:Ti
tidoesn’
tknowt
haty
ou’
reher
e?

Heshookhi
shead.

Mt
ho:
Nobabaakazi
ukut
hingi
l
asoI
’
mtr
yingt
obeont
hedownl
ow.

Nol
wazi
laughed.

Mt
ho:
Nkosi
yami
ifThenj
i
weseesmephel
aI’
m dead.

Nol
wazi
cont
inuedt
olaughandMt
hoj
oinedi
n.

Mt
ho:
Ihav
en’
tbeencal
l
edabast
ardi
nav
eryl
ongt
ime.
Nol
wazi
:Andahal
f-
breed!

Theyl
aughed.

Mt
ho:
SoI
’
m notsur
eifI
’
mreadyf
ort
het
raumaI
’
m aboutt
oexper
ience.

Nol
wazi
:Joi
nthecl
ub.

Hesi
ghedandNol
waz
ismi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lseey
ouar
ound.Ineedt
otakeanap.

Mt
ho:
Wel
lther
egoesmyf
ell
owunwant
edbr
eed!

Nol
wazi
laughedonceagai
nandsi
ghed.

Nol
wazi
:I’
vehadmyshar
eoft
raumaf
ort
heday
.Goandt
akeonef
ort
het
eam.

Mt
ho:
Ngazengav
elel
wankosy
am.

Nol
wazi
pat
tedhi
m ont
heshoul
derandgav
ehi
m anassur
ingandhumor
oussmi
l
e.

Nol
wazi
:Seey
ouar
ound.

Mt
ho:
Alr
ight
.
Shetur
nedaroundandproceededt
omakeherwayt
oherhouseandMt
howentbackandt
ri
ed
tohi
dewit
hinthecrowd.

Mduwasstandi
ngabitfarf
rom t
hecrowdwhenhesawTholi
wal
ki
ngov
ert
owher
ehewas,
shewasmakingherwaytoherhousetochangecl
othes.

Mduwat
chedasshegotcl
osert
oher
.

Thol
iwal
kedpasthi
m,shewasi
nherownwor
ld.

Mdu:
MrsBut
hel
ezi
.

Thol
i,whowasacoupl
eofmetr
esawayf
rom hi
m,t
urnedar
oundandl
ookedathi
m.Shehada
conf
usedexpr
essi
ononherf
ace.

Mduwal
kedov
ert
oherandshef
rowned.

Mdu:
Youdon’
tknowme?

Thol
ikeptqui
et.Shehadn’
tmetMduorI
vysoshehadnoi
deawhohewas.

Mdur
eachedov
ert
oherf
aceandbr
ushedhercheekandshel
ookedathi
m wei
rdl
y.

Mdu:
Congr
atul
ati
ons.

Thol
iti
l
tedherheadandMdul
ower
edhi
shand.
Thol
i
:*mumbl
i
ng*Thanks.

Mdugri
nnedandthennoddedl
i
ght
ly.Thol
il
ookedathi
mforal
ongsecondbef
oret
urni
ng
ar
oundandcont
inui
ngtowalkt
oherhouse.

I
NSERT37

Li
ndi
wewal kedi
nsidethehouseandwentt
oherpar ent
s’bedroom.Shewasf eeli
ngver
ysick.
Seei
ngNolwazit
hroughoutthedaymadeherwholebodyuneasyandt heexpressi
onshehad
whenThol
iwasappr oachi
ngevery
onewassomethingshewoul dn’tf
orget
.SheknewNol wazi
wasbadl
yaf f
ect
edbutwasact i
ngstr
ongsothatpeoplewouldn’tseeheri
nthatstat
e.

Shegott
othebedr
oom andwasshockedt
ofi
ndKwanel
esi
tt
ingont
hebed.

Li
ndi
we:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Kwanel
ejustl
ookedatheri
ndef
eatandhuf
fed.Shewentandsatnextt
ohi
m.

Li
ndi
we:
Yini
?Youshoul
dn’
tbeawayf
rom y
ourguest
sfort
ool
ong.

Kwanel
e:I
’
mlosi
ngNol
wazi
,Li
ndi
we.

Li
ndi
wekeptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:Icanf
eel
it,
I’
mlosi
ngher
.

Li
ndi
we:
Whatdi
dshesay
?
Kwanel
e:Not
hing.

Li
ndi
wenoddedl
i
ght
lyandt
heysati
nsi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e.

Li
ndi
we:
Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?

Kwanel
e:I
’
m notgoi
ngt
oal
l
owi
t.

Li
ndi
we:
Doy
out
hinkshewant
stosepar
ate?

Kwanel
e:I
’
m nott
hinki
ngt
hatf
ar.I
’
m notgoi
ngt
oal
l
owi
ttogett
othatpoi
nt.

Li
ndi
we:
Buti
nal
lhonest
yKwanel
e,whatwer
eyouex
pect
ing?

Kwanel
eti
ght
enedhi
sjaw.

Kwanel
e:Ungi
buzaukuny
aLi
ndi
we.

Li
ndi
wekeptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:IfNolwazireal
l
ythi
nkst
hatI
’
m goi
ngt
oletgoofheraf
teral
lwe’
vebeent
hrought
hen
shehasanotherthi
ngcoming.

Li
ndiwefr
ownedandKwanel
estoodupandwalkedoutoft
hebedr
oom.Hewal
kedoutoft
he
houseandashegotout
,hebumpedint
osomeone.

Mt
hot
urnedandKwanel
elookedathi
minshock.Mt
hochuckl
edandopeneduphi
sar
ms.
Mt
ho:
Bhut
i.

Kwanel
e:Mt
ho.

Mt
hosmi
l
edandt
heyshar
edahug.

Kwanel
e:Uf
unani
la?

Mtho:Ihav
eal
readymi
ssedy
ourweddi
ngsoIhadt
oshowf
acet
hist
imear
ound.Bi
gbr
other
dut
ies.

Kwanel
efr
ownedandsi
ghed.

Mt
ho:
Twowi
ves?

Kwanel
elookeddown.

Mt
ho:
Uyay
enzai
ntoKwanel
e..
.

Kwanel
e:Youwoul
dn’
tunder
stand.

Mt
ho:
IdoubtIwantt
o..
.SoNol
wazi
wasn’
tenough?

Kwanel
ekeptqui
et.
Mt
ho:
Any
way
,howar
eyou?

Kwanel
e:I
’
m al
lov
ert
hepl
ace,
wena?How’
sthebusi
nessgoi
ng?

Mt
ho:
It’
sgoi
ngv
erywel
l
...Wena?Kuhambakanj
ani
enkant
olo?

Kwanel
echuckl
edandshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s.

Kwanel
e:Ther
e’spr
ogr
ess.

Mt
ho:
Letmenotkeepy
ouher
e,y
ouhav
eawi
fet
ofocuson.

Kwanel
efr
ownedandMt
hochuckl
edandpat
tedhi
sshoul
der
.

Mtho:Areal
mandoesnotcr
yaboutt
hechoi
ceshemade.Hef
indsawayt
omaket
hingswor
k
f
orhim.Don’tmoanl
i
keababy,
wewerenotrai
sed-

Heshookhi
shead.

Mtho:
Well
Iwasnotrai
sedli
kethat.Youont
heot
herhand,
grewupspoi
l
tandbabi
ed.Manup
andownuptoy
ourdeci
sions,
brother.

Kwanel
ekeptqui
et.

Mt
ho:
Hambaphel
a.

Hewal
kedaway
.
*
**

I
vyandThembawal
kedbacki
nthey
ard.Mdusawt
hem f
rom adi
stanceandt
henwal
kedt
o
t
hem.

Mdu:
3hour
s?

I
vy:
Fuck,
I’
m st
arv
ing!

Mdul
ookedatThembasuspi
ciousl
y.I
vyal
sol
ookedathi
m andshesmi
l
ed.

I
vy:
Arey
oual
sohungr
yThemba?

Thembanoddedl
i
ght
lyandI
vygr
abbedhi
sar
m.

I
vy:
Let
’sgoeat
.

Mdu:
Wai
t,I
vygocheckony
oursi
sterf
ir
st.

I
vybecameser
ious.

I
vy:
Didsomet
hinghappen?

Mdul
ookedatThemba.
Themba:
Uhm,
I’
ll
godi
shupf
orus.

I
vywi
nkedathi
m ashewal
kedaway
.Shet
henf
ocusedonMdu.

I
vy:
Whathappened?
?

Mdu:
Justgocheckonher
.

I
vy:
Isshei
nherhouse?

Mdunoddedandbef
oreshewasaboutt
owal
k,hebl
ockedherway
.

Mdu:
Whatdi
dyoudot
othatboy
?Hel
ooksat
adbi
ttr
aumat
ised.

I
vyl
aughed.

I
vy:
Mindy
ourownbusi
nesshey
.

Mdushookhi
sheadl
i
ght
lyandI
vymadeherwayt
oNol
wazi
’
shouse.

*
**

ThesecondThenji
wespott
edMt ho,shealmostfoundher
sel
fspi
tt
ingfl
ames.Mthosawthi
s
andhecouldn’
thel
pbutchuckl
e.Tit
i r
ushedtothehouseandwenttoButhel
ezi
,whowassi
tti
ng
wit
hNqobil
e.

Thenj
i
we:
Shenge!
But
hel
ezi
:Kwenzenj
ani
manj
e?

Thenj
i
we:
Whati
sthatbast
arddoi
ngher
e??
!

But
hel
ezi
:Ukhul
umangobani
Thenj
i
we?

Nqobi
l
esatt
her
eandl
ookedatThenj
i
wedi
sappr
ovi
ngl
y.

Thenj
i
we:Youaskyourst
raydogst
ocomeher
ewi
thoutmyper
missi
on?
?Ist
hatwhatwedo
now?!
!YeShenge?
?!

Nqobi
l
e:Yewena,
thi
sismybr
ot-

Thenj
i
we:
Onemor
ewor
dfr
om y
ouandIwi
l
lbur
nyoual
i
ve!

But
hel
ezi
:Thenj
-

Thenj
i
we:
Tryme!

Nqobi
l
e:Hehe.

Thenj
i
we:
Testme!
!

Nqobi
l
est
oodupandwal
kedoutandTi
til
ookedatBut
hel
ezi
.
Ti
ti
:Whati
shedoi
ngher
e?!

But
hel
ezi
:Whoar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Justthen,Li
ndi
weemer
gedf
rom t
hebedr
oom andl
ookedatherpar
ent
swi
thaconf
used
expressi
on.

Li
ndi
we:
What
’sgoi
ngon?

Ti
ti
:Shengengi
phendul
e!

But
hel
ezi
:Idon’
tkn-

Nqobi
l
ewal
kedbacki
nthehouse.

Nqobi
l
e:Lookwho’
sher
e!

Ever
yonet
urnedandMt
howal
kedi
n,f
oll
owi
ngNqobi
l
e.But
hel
ezi
excl
aimedi
nshockandt
hen
st
oodup.

But
hel
ezi
:Hai
bo!

Thenj
i
west
ormedoutoft
hehouse.

But
hel
ezi
reuni
tedwi
thhi
ssonaf
ter3y
ear
sofnotseei
nghi
m.

Thenj
i
wewal
kedov
ert
othebackoft
hey
ardwher
ether
ewasnoonear
ound.Shet
ookouther
phonewhichwastuckedi
nherbr
aanddi
all
edanumber
.Itr
angf
orawhi
l
ebutt
heper
son
event
ual
l
yanswered.

Per
son:
Hel
-

Ti
ti
:Yewena,
uxakwey
ini
ungaphendul
iuci
ngo?

Per
son:
I’
m busy
.

Ti
ti
:Busywi
thwhat
?I’
m al
sopay
ingy
ou,
don’
tyouev
erf
orgett
hat
.

Per
son:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
hist
ime?

Ti
ti
:Myhusband’
ssoni
sint
hepi
ctur
eagai
n.

Per
son:
Isi
t?

Ti
ti
:I
sity
ani
nawena?Dosomet
hingabouti
t!

Per
son:
Okay
.

Ti
ti
:Al
lthi
smoneyy
ety
ouar
ebey
ondpat
het
ic!

Per
son:
I’
m n-

Ti
ti
:Hai
suka,
voet
sek!
Shedroppedthecal
landsquashedi
tbacki
nherboobs.Asshewal
kedbackt
othemai
npar
tof
they
ard,shebumpedintoPrett
y.

Pr
ett
y:Ar
eyouhappynow?

Ti
ti
:Ut
hinanawena?Nakhonawhenar
eyoul
eav
ingngobal
ephuzaf
acey
akhoi
ngi
xaki
l
e.

Pr
ett
yti
ght
enedherj
awandst
aredatThenj
i
we.

Tit
i:Areyouaski
ngmei fI
’
m happyt
hatyourannoy
ingniecehasfi
nall
yst
oppedcr
yingand
sni
ffli
nganddidwhatshewassupposedtodo?Don’tboremeplease.

Pr
ett
yhuf
fed.

Ti
ti
:Nowi fIwereyou,
Iwouldgograbacont
ainerandst
ockuponfoodngobauyazaziukut
hi
uy
isi
hlupheki
.Inst
eadofwasti
ngyourt
imeannoyingme,godosomethi
ngconst
ruct
ive.

Wit
hthatsai
dshewalkedawayandmadeherwaybacki
nthehouse.Shegott
otheki
tchenand
f
oundNqobil
epour
inghersel
faglassofwat
er.

Nqobi
l
e:Ohl
ookwhoi
sback!

Thenj
i
wel
ookedatNqobi
l
eandchuckl
edl
i
ght
ly.

Nqobi
l
e:Ar
en’
tyouhappyt
oseey
ourson?

Thenj
i
we:
Myson?
Shechuckl
ed.

Thenj
i
we:
Ionl
yhav
eoneson,
andhei
sout
sidehav
ingagoodt
ime.

Nqobi
l
e:Ar
eyousur
eaboutt
hat
?

Thenj
i
we:
Yazi
Nqobi
l
e,y
oul
ovepl
ayi
ngt
hemot
heri
ngener
al.

Nqobi
l
e:Ofcour
se,
itcomesnat
ural
l
ytosomeofus.

Thenj
i
we:
Wel
li
t’
ssuchapi
tyseei
ngasy
oudi
dn’
treal
l
yhav
eyourchi
l
drennat
ural
l
y-

Wit
hinsecondsther
ewasal oudsmackandTi
tit
ouchedhercheekandrubbeditl
i
ghtlyast
he
pi
erci
ngpainrushedthr
oughherski
n.Shesmi
l
edlight
lyandNqobil
estar
tedbreat
hingheav
il
y.

Thenj
iwe:I
t’sgoodt
haty
ou’
resocl
osewi
thmydearNol
wazi
.Bi
rdsofaf
eat
herf
lockt
oget
her
angi
thisi
si?

Shegav
eNqobil
eonelongcol
dyethumour
-f
il
ledl
ookandthenpr
oceededt
ogot
othel
ounge.
Whenshegott
here,
Buthel
ezi
andMthowerebusychat
ti
ng.

Mt
hol
ookedupandsmi
l
ed.

Mt
ho:
SawubonaThenj
i
we.

Ti
tigav
ehi
m acol
dlookandwal
kedt
heot
herwayt
oherbedr
oom.
*
**

Mduwal
kedovert
owher
eKwanel
eandThol
iwer
esi
tt
ing.Peopl
ewer
est
il
ldanci
ngandhav
ing
agoodt
ime.
..

Kwanel
esawMduasheappr
oachedt
hem andhesi
ghed.

Mdugott
othem andsmi
l
ed.

Mdu:
Sani
bonani
.

Kwanel
est
oodupandt
heyshookhands.

Mdu:
Ihav
en’
tseeny
oui
nawhi
l
e.

Kwanel
e:Youseem t
obeabusyman.

Mduchuckl
edandnodded.

Thol
i,
whowassi tt
ingdownandhavi
ngadr
ink,
lookedupatt
hisper
sonandanal
ysedhi
m.He
i
nti
midatedhertothecor
eandshedi
dn’
tev
enknowwhohewas.Mdugl anceddownatherand
Kwaneleal
solookedathi
swife.

Mdu:
Idon’
tthi
nkwe’
vebeeni
ntr
oduced.

Kwanel
e:Oh.
Thol
il
ookedatKwanel
e.

Kwanel
e:Thol
i
,thi
sisMdu.
..Uhm-

Mduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
I’
mthef
ir
stwi
fe’
sbr
other
.

Thol
iswal
l
owedhar
danddi
dn’
tsayordoany
thi
ng.Shet
ookanot
hersi
pofherdr
ink.

Mdu:
Andy
ouar
eobv
iousl
yThol
akel
eBut
hel
ezi
.

Kwanel
esatdownandThol
igl
ancedatMdu.

Mduputouthi
shandsoshecoul
dshakei
tandThol
il
ookedati
t.Af
teranawkwar
dsi
l
ence,
Mduputhi
shanddownandnoddedli
ght
ly.

Mdu:
Letmenotdi
stur
byou.
..

Kwanel
e:Goodseei
ngy
ou.

Mdu:
Likewi
se.
..

Het
urnedandwal
kedaway
..
.
I
NSERT38

I
vy:
Lwazi
..
.

I
vywentov ert
othebedandsatnextt
oasleepi
ngNol
wazi
.Sheshookherl
i
ght
lyandNol
wazi
openedhereyesandbl
inkedacoupl
eoft
imes.

I
vy:
Sist
ersi
ster
.

Nol
wazi
clear
edhert
hroatandgl
ancedatI
vyi
nconf
usi
on.

Nol
wazi
:You’
reback?

I
vynoddedandsmi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Whatdi
dyougetupt
o?

I
vy:
Idef
ini
tel
ygotupt
oSOMETHI
NG.

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
twantt
oknow.

Nol
wazi
satupandst
ret
ched.

I
vy:
Howar
eyou?

Nol
wazi
:I’
m okay
..
.
I
vyf
rownedandNol
wazi
sighed.

Nol
wazi
:Wel
lI’
m notbutIwi
l
lbe.
..

I
vy:
May
beweshoul
dgohomet
omor
row.

Nol
wazi
:It
hinksot
oo.

I
vy:
Thi
spl
acesuckst
hel
i
feoutofaper
son.

Nol
wazi
nodded.

I
vy:
Didy
ouseet
hewi
fe?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

I
vy:
Thebi
tchneedst
odi
easwel
l
.

Nol
wazi
:Iv
y,st
ayawaypl
ease.

I
vy:
Mxm.

Justt
hen,
ther
ewasaknockont
hedoorandNol
waz
igotupf
rom t
hebedandwentt
oopen.

Nol
wazi
:AuntNqobi
l
e?
Nqobi
l
e:Am Idi
stur
bingy
ou?

Nol
wazi
:Cha,
what
’st
hewr
ong?

Nol
wazibackedawaysoNqobil
ecoul
dgeti
nsi
de.Shecl
osedt
hedoorandf
oll
owedhert
othe
l
oungewheretheysatdown.

Nqobi
l
e:Yazi
ngi
zom’
bul
alauThenj
i
we.

Nol
wazi
:Whathappened?

Nqobi
l
ecussed.

Nqobi
l
e:Shement
ionedmychi
l
drenNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
y.

Nqobi
l
e:It
hinkI
’
m goi
ngt
oleav
enowbef
oreIdosomet
hingI
’
llr
egr
et.

Nol
wazi
:Leav
e?

Nqobi
l
enoddedandI
vywal
kedt
othel
oungeandsatnextt
oNol
wazi
.

I
vy:
HeyAuntNqobz.
Nqobi
l
esmi
l
edl
i
ght
lyandacknowl
edgedI
vy.

Nqobi
l
e:Idon’
twantt
ofi
ndmy
sel
fdoi
ngsomet
hingcr
azy
.Il
ovemychi
l
drenNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Iunder
stand.

Nqobi
l
e:SoIcamet
osaygoodby
e.

I
vy:
You’
rel
eav
ingal
ready
??

Nqobi
l
e:Ihav
etoot
her
wiseI
’
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lthatt
hing.

I
vy:
Wel
lIdon’
tmi
ndj
oini
ngf
orces.Wecoul
dbur
yhersomewher
eint
hisl
and.

Nqobi
l
echuckl
ed.

Nqobi
l
e:OhkodwaNomzamo.

I
vy:
Ial
sosuggest
edt
hatwel
eav
etomor
row.Thi
spl
aceandi
tspeopl
ereal
l
ybr
ingoutt
hewor
st
i
nus.

Nqobi
l
e:Myt
hought
sexact
ly.

I
vy:
Wel
luhambekahl
eAuntNqobz.I
’
llv
isi
tsoon.

Nqobi
l
e:Iwoul
dlov
ethat
.
Theyal
lst
oodupandshar
edhugs.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng.

Nqobi
l
ehel
dNol
wazi
’
shandsandl
ookedather
.

Nqobi
l
e:St
ayst
rong.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
ltr
y.

Theyhuggedonemor
eti
meandNqobi
l
emadeherwayoutoft
hehouse.

*
**

Kwanel
e:Ar
eyouokay
?

Thol
i
:I’
mti
red.

Kwanel
elookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Thol
i
:Whatt
imear
ethesepeopl
eleav
ing?

Kwanel
e:They
’renotl
eav
ing.

Thol
i
:Sowehav
etodot
hisf
ort
womor
eday
s?
Kwanel
enoddedandThol
isi
ghed.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m al
sot
ir
edbutwehav
etoshowf
ace.

Thol
inoddedandtheycont
inuedt
osi
tther
easpeopl
ecamet
oconv
ersewi
tht
hem.Af
tera
whil
eTholist
oodup.

Thol
i
:Woul
dyoul
i
kesomet
hingt
oeat
?

Kwanel
eshookhi
shead.

Thol
i
:I’
m hungr
y.

Kwanel
e:I
’
llgetsomeonet
odi
shupf
ory
ou.

Thol
i
:I’
vebeensi
tt
ingf
oral
ongt
ime.

Kwanel
e:Al
ri
ght
.

Tholiwal
kedof ft
otheothersi
deoftheyar
dwheresomeoft hecookingwomenwer e.She
askedthem ifshecoul
ddishupandtheysai
dsheshoul dgetthefoodthatwasi
nsidethehouse
whichwasr eserv
edforfamil
yonly
.Shemadeherwayi nsi
det hehouseandwenttotheempty
ki
tchen.Thenji
wehadnowf orbi
ddenpeopl
efrom ent
eri
ngherhouse.

Thol
igott
her
eandbegandi
shi
ngupf
orher
sel
f.

*
**
Dean:
Howi
sev
ery
thi
nggoi
ngsof
ar?

Nol
wazi
:Ir
eal
l
ydon’
twantt
obeher
e.

DeanThencomeback.

Nol
wazi
:It
’snott
hateasy
.Iwantt
otel
lthem aboutt
hedi
vor
cef
ir
stbutangazi
kanj
ani
.

Dean:
Okay
.

Nol
wazi
grunt
ed.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m sohungr
y.

Dean:
Iassumet
her
e’st
onsoff
oodi
nsuchoccasi
ons?

Nol
wazi
:DeanI
’
m nott
ouchi
ngt
hesepeopl
e’
sfood.

Deanchuckl
ed.

Dean:
Hai
boNol
wazi
sowhenexact
lyar
eyoupl
anni
ngoneat
ing?

Nol
wazi
:It
hinkI
’
llbef
ine.

Shel
aughedqui
etl
y.
Dean:
Goonandst
arv
eyour
sel
f.

Nol
wazi
’
sst
omachgr
owl
edandsher
ubbedi
t.

Dean:
It’
sal
most3pm now.You’
l
lsur
viv
eti
l
lyoul
eav
e?

Nol
wazi
:Aha.

Dean:
Wel
lal
ri
ghtt
hen.
..

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ouf
orcal
l
ing.

Dean:
Sur
e,by
e.

Nol
wazi
:By
e.

Shedr
oppedt
hecal
lj
ustasI
vywal
kedi
nthebedr
oom.

I
vy:
I’
m st
arv
ingmanLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
en’
teat
enaswel
l
.

I
vy:
Asambe.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
angekengi
dlel
okakudl
ami
na.
I
vyl
aughed.

I
vy:
Youandmom cookedangi
thi
.

Nol
wazi
frownedandt
heywal
kedoutoft
hehouse.

I
vy:
Thesepeopl
ear
egoi
ngi
nont
hef
reeboozeandf
ood.

Nol
wazi
:Woul
dn’
tyou?

I
vy:
Cheapskat
es.

Ast heymadetheirwaytothemai
nhouse,t
heyt
ri
edbyall
meanstoavoi
dconver
sationsand
thankful
l
y,al
lthesepeoplewer
enowdrunksoNolwazi
wasthel
eastoft
hei
rworr
ies.Theygot
tothehouseandmadet hei
rwayi
n.

Nol
wazi
:Wowwher
ear
eal
lthepeopl
ewhower
egal
l
ivant
ingi
nher
e?

Theymadethei
rwaytotheki
tchenandtothei
rsurpr
ise,
Thol
iwasther
e.Shewassit
ti
ngdown
ononeofthehi
ghstool
s,eat
ing.Cl
ear
lysheneededabreakf
rom t
hechaosoutsi
de.

Nolwazi
tookadeepbr eat
handf ol
l
owedI vyi
n.I
vy,
ontheotherhand,
star
edatThol
iwho
seemedtohavefrozenwhereshewassi t
ti
ng.Shel
ookedl
ikeshehadseenaghost.They
walkedt
otheothersideofthehugeki
tchen.

I
vy,
whowaschuckl
i
ngsar
cast
ical
l
y,t
urnedt
olookatNol
wazi
.
I
vy:
Whatwoul
dyoul
i
ket
oeat
,bi
gsi
s.

Nol
wazi
clear
edhert
hroatandst
aredatI
vy.

Nol
wazi
:St
il
lnoteat
ing.

I
vy:
Wel
lmyappet
it
ehasal
sodet
eri
orat
ednow.Iwonderwhy
..
.

Nol
wazi
coul
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.Sheneededagl
assofwat
er.

I
vy:
Wantsomet
hingt
odr
ink?

Nol
wazi
noddedt
ight
lyandI
vypour
edheragl
assofwat
er.

Thol
i
,ont
heot
herhand,
fel
tli
kedy
ing.Shedi
dn’
tknowwher
etol
ookorwhatt
odo.

I
vy:
Yazi
,somewomennev
erceaset
oamazeme.
..

I
vybegandi
shi
ngupf
orher
sel
f.

I
vy:
Somet
imesal
labi
tchneedsi
saSLAP.Onesl
apt
obr
ingt
hingsi
ntoper
spect
ive.

Nol
wazi
fini
shedhergl
assofwat
er.

I
vy:
Concei
tedbi
tches.
JustasNolwaziwasdigest
ingwhatwashappeni
ng,
Tholiqui
cklystoodupandranoutoft
he
ki
tchen.I
vytur
nedtolookatNolwaziandshegav
eheranotherglassofwat
er.

I
vy:
Lwazi
breat
he.

Nol
wazi
lookedatI
vypl
eadi
ngl
y.

I
vy:
Okay
,come.

Theyqui
ckl
ywal
kedoutoft
hehouseandr
ushedbackt
othei
rhouse.

I
vy:
I’
m sor
ryLwa.

Nolwazisankonthebedandcoveredher
self
.Sheshutev
ery
thi
ngoutandI
vyknewi
twasti
me
forhert
ogi v
ehersist
erspacesoshegotoutoft
hehouseandwentbackt
othemai
nhouseto
getherfood.

*
**

Atar
ound9pm, Nol
wazi
’sphonerangandsheopenedhereyes.Shehadf
all
enasl
eepcr
ying
si
ncetheaf
ter
noon.Shereachedforherphoneandi
twasDean.

Sheanswer
edr
eluct
ant
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Hel
l
o?

Dean:
Hey
.
Nol
wazi
:Deanpl
easecal
lsomeot
hert
ime.

Dean:
I’
m par
kedout
side.

Nol
wazi
qui
ckl
ysatupandexcl
aimed.

Nol
wazi
:What
??

Dean:
Ngi
ngaphandl
e.

Nol
wazi
:Phandl
ekuphi
??

Dean:
Wel
lther
e’sashi
tl
oadofcar
slanasoIt
ri
edt
obl
endi
n.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.Shewasn’
tsur
eifshewasdr
eami
ngorhal
l
uci
nat
ing.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Dean!Whati
fsomeoneseesy
ou?
?

Dean:
Youdor
eal
i
set
hatpeopl
ear
edr
unkandbei
ngmer
ryher
e,r
ight
?

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Dean:
You’
l
lfi
ndmycarsomewher
eout
sideal
ongsi
deal
ltheseot
hercar
s.
Nolwaziqui
ckl
ydr oppedthecallandwor eathrowjer
seyandmadeherwayout .Sur
eenough,
assoonasshest eppedout,sher eal
isedwhatDeanwast al
ki
ngabout.Theplacehad
tr
ansfor
medt osomeki ndoftraditi
onaltav
ern.Peopl
ewerebeyondoutofit
.

Nolwazil
ookedaroundtoseeifshecouldspotanyonebuti
tseemedlikepeopl
ewer
eminding
thei
rownbusiness.I
vywasbusyt al
kingsomestrangeboyatadi
stanceandMduandtherest
ofherfamil
ywerenowhereinsight.

Shet r
iedblendi
nginaswal kedoutoftheyardandmadeherwayt owhereallt
hecar
swer e
parked.Herheartrat
ewasonanot herlevel
.Shekeptglancingbehi
nd,makingsur
ethatnoone
wasf oll
owingher.Aft
eralongtimeofsearchingf
orDean’scaramongstthemanycar s,she
fi
nall
yspot t
editandthenspeedwal kedtoi
t.Sheopenedt hedoorandquickl
ygoti
n,feel
ingli
ke
shehadj ustranamar at
hon.

Nol
wazi
:Dean!

Dean,
whowasascool
asacucumber
,chuckl
edathowr
att
ledNol
wazi
was.

Shesankont
heseatandspentt
henextmi
nut
egat
her
inghert
hought
sandsel
f.

Nol
wazi
:Ican’
tbel
i
evey
ou.

Dean:
Wel
l
,hel
l
otoy
out
oo.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
suka.

Shel
ookedathi
m andheshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s.

Dean:
Ibr
oughty
ousomef
ood.
Nol
wazi
:Dean,
youdr
oveappr
oxi
mat
ely4hour
stobr
ingmef
ood?
?

Deannoddedandt
urned.Her
eachedf
orapaperbagatt
hebackandt
henhandedi
ttoNol
wazi
.

Dean:
Am Ii
ncor
recti
nst
ati
ngt
haty
ou’
rehungr
y?

Nol
wazi
laughedqui
etl
yindi
sbel
i
ef.

Dean:
Ther
e’sal
otmor
ewher
ethatcamef
rom.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m andhegr
inned.

Nol
wazi
:I’
mtoohungr
ytodi
gni
fyt
hatwi
thar
esponse.

Theybot
hchuckl
edasshet
ookoutt
hef
oodf
rom t
hepaperbagandbeganeat
ing.

I
NSERT39

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou.

Dean:
You’
rewel
come.

Nol
wazi
rubbedherbel
l
yandsmi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Imayhav
eov
ereat
en.
Deanshookhi
sheadl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Wi
l
lyoubeabl
etodr
ivebackatt
hist
imeoft
heni
ght
?

Dean:
Amanzi
amancane.

Nol
wazi
:Yousur
ecar
eabouty
ourempl
oyees.

Dean:
Right
.

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
yandsankont
heseat
.

Nol
wazi
:Thi
sissuchamess.

Deankeptqui
et.

Nol
wazi
:Any
way
,howar
eyou?

Dean:
I’
m good.
..

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
lyandsatup.

Dean:
Iwast
hinki
ngaboutwhaty
ousai
dthel
astt
imewewer
etoget
her
.

Nol
wazi
:Isaymanyt
hingswhenI
’
m wi
thy
ou.
Dean:
ThatImaybet
aki
ngadv
ant
ageofy
ou.
..

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
mint
ent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Dean-

Dean:
Itbot
her
edmeabi
t.

Nol
wazi
:ButIt
oldy
ouIdi
dn’
tmeani
t.

Dean: Iknow.Ijustcan’thelpbutt
hinkthere’
ssometr
uthtoit
.Imean,consci
ousl
yI’
m not
taki
ngadv antageofy ou,it
’snotmyintenti
onbutIdot
hinkyou’
regoi
ngthroughalotandy
our
choicesmaynotbewel l
-t
hought.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
kekant
ihowol
dam I
?

Deanl
ookedather
.

Nolwazi
:Iam wel
lawareofthechoi
cesI
’
m maki
ng.HadInotwant
edany
thi
ngt
otr
anspi
reher
e
ngabekudal
angayiv
alalent
o.

Dean:
Arey
ousur
e?

Nol
wazi
:YesIam.

Deannoddedl
i
ght
lyandt
heysati
nsi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e.
Dean:
Alr
ightt
hen,
letmegetgoi
ng.

Nol
wazi
:No!

Deanl
ookedatherwei
rdl
yandshesi
ghed.

Nol
wazi
:Notnow.Idon’
twantt
ogobackt
her
e.

Dean:
Howi
sIv
ytr
eat
ingt
hem?

Nol
wazi
:Youdon’
twantmet
ogot
her
e.

Theychuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:She’
sgoi
ngi
nont
hem.

Dean:
Andt
hemonst
er-
in-
law?

Nol
wazi
:I’
vebeenav
oidi
nghert
hewhol
eday
.

Deanshookhi
sheadl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Seehowt
ragi
cmyl
i
fei
s?

Dean:
Kunzi
ma.
Nol
wazi
:Andt
henhehast
hener
vet
othr
eat
enme.

Deanl
ookedathershar
ply
.

Dean:
Whot
hreat
enedy
ou?

Nol
wazi
:Hesai
dhe’
l
lnev
erl
etgoofme.

Dean:
Wow.

Nol
wazi
:He’
sal
lbar
k.

Nolwazigl
ancedatDeanandwasabitt
akenabackathowangr
yhel
ookedbutshedi
smi
ssedi
t.
Theysatinsi
lencef
orawhil
eonceagai
n.

Dean:
Comeher
e.

Nol
wazii
nvol
untar
il
yleanedcl
osert
ohi
m andmoanedatthefi
rstt
ast
eofhim.Theyki
ssedf
or
awhil
eandwit
heachsecond,shemanagedt
ofor
getthedramaoftheday
.

Deanbroket heki
ssandNol wazi watchedashel oweredt heseatasfarbackasi twouldgo.He
smil
edlight
lyandNol wazicl
imbedov erhim.Somehowherbodywasal r
eadythinkingahead.
Herthi
ghswer ethrobbi
nginant i
cipati
on.Shesettl
edpr operl
yonhislapandleaneddownso
shecouldkisshim agai
n.Hepl acedhi shandsonherbackandshegr oanedintohismout has
herpri
vateareapressedagainstthelengthofhisalreadyhardtooli
nhispants.Shest opped
ki
ssinghim andtheylookedateachot herhumorously.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m al
sot
aki
ngadv
ant
ageofy
ou.
Deanchuckl
ed.

Dean:
Imagi
ne.

Nolwazi giggl
edqui etlyasshel eaneddownagai nandt heycont i
nuedt okiss.Shewasgl adthat
shewasn’ ttheonl yonewhowasi nthisstate.Thesmal l spacewasnotmaki ngi teasi eraswel l
.
Shereposi ti
onedsot hatDeancoul dtakeof fthedressshewaswear i
ng.Hemanagedt otakeit
offandheunhookedherbr aaswel l
.Sheshi veredashi swar m handscar essedherbar eskin
gentl
y.Shel oweredher selfsohecoul dl i
ckherhar dnippl es.Hel i
ckedoneni ppleatat imeand
Nolwazi groanedqui etly.Her anhi stonguesl owlyaroundherar eolaandt hencapt uredt he
ni
pplebet weenhi st eeth.Nol wazi archedherback, pushi ngherbr eastsint ohismout h, oneata
ti
me, andheobl igedandgav et hem allhisat t
enti
on.Sher ockedherhi psagai nsthi shipsand
soonr eali
sedthatshehadbeenr eadyf orhim.Hi shandst r
ai l
eduphert highscar efullyandhe
sl
idthem i nherunder wearandsher epositi
onedsohecoul dsl idethem down.Sher eached
l
owert ot ouchhisf aceandt henbentdownandcont roll
edt heki ss.Shesmi ledthr ought hekiss
ashegr oanedandpr essedherbodyagai nsthi sevenhar der .Aftermucht onguepl ay i
ng,
Nolwazi foundher selfgrindingandhumpi ng.Atthispointsheknewshecoul dcum wi thouthim
beinginsideher,justt hefeel ofhisbodyonher swasenought osendhert ot heedge.She
conti
nuedt ogri
ndandhump. ..Deanst oppedt hekissandl aughedqui etl
y.Shest oppedher
i
nv ol
untarymov ement sandhi dherf aceinhi sneck,takingi nhi smesmer isingscent .

Nol
wazi
:Sor
ry.

Deanconti
nuedtolaughqui et
lyandshel oweredherhandandsl i
ppeditbet
weenthem soshe
coul
dunziphispants.Takinghispantsoffwouldbeanot hermissi
onandshewasnotaboutt o
wasteti
me.Assoonassheopenedev erythi
ng,shesmiledathim ashi
scockpoppedout ,
hard
andreadyaswell
.Shet oucheditandwr appedherhandar oundit
,sl
idi
ngupanddownsl owly
.
Shemov edcl
osertoitandsecondsl ater
, wasrubbi
ngherclitwit
hthehead.

Dean:
Fuck,
Nol
wazi
.

Shewat
chedashecl osedhi
seyesandgroanedwhil
esheconti
nuedtoteasehi
m.Shet
oowas
feel
i
ngt
heanti
cipat
ionbutsheenj
oyedbeingincont
rol
justt
hisonce.
Hepulledherdownt owardshi m andherl i
pslandedonhi s.Hebi therbot tom li
pandshe
moanedandst oppedt hekiss.Herwet nesswasnowspr eadingandshecoul dn’twaitanyl onger
.
Shewasdesper atetohav ehiminsi dehersosheposi t
ionedher selfproper l
yov ertheti
p.She
heldhiscockandmoanedasshesl idtheheadi nsl owly.Deanal sogr oaned, waiti
ngforhert o
sett
leinsoshecoul dstartt
hewor k.Shesl owlysankdownandherwal lsslowlyopenedupand
welcomedDean’ sfull
ness.Sheallowedher selftofeelthismomentofopennessandshe
gaspedasev er
yinchofDeansl i
di nside.Oncehewasi nsi de,shesl owlymov edherhipsina
cir
cletomakesur eshewascomf ortable.Shear chedherbackandt henbal ancedher sel
f
properl
y .Asshebegant omov eupanddown, shesmi l
edt oher sel
f.Ther ewasnogr eater
feel
ingthant hi
s..
.Allthepain,hurtandangersheexper iencedt hatdaywasnol ongerfil
li
ngher
mind,bodyandsoul .Deanhadnowf il
ledallthatupandshecoul dn’taskf orany t
hingbetter.
Deanpl acedhishandsonherbut tandhel pedhermov eupanddown.

Nol
wazi
:Dean.
..

Dean:
Hmm.

Nolwazi tri
edsay i
ngsomet hingbutthatfami li
arfeeli
ngofi ntensit
yandthril
lslowlybeganto
creepupandshecoul dn’tutterawor d.Shemoanedl oudlyasshei ncr
easedherpace, herpel
vi
s
comi ngdownagai nsthispelv i
sharderandhar der
.Thei rski
nsl appedagainsteachotherand
theheati ntensi
fi
ed.Hishandswer enowonherbr easts,cuppingthem,stroki
ngt henippl
esand
pinchingthem.Thei rbreathingbecameshor t
erandt hemoansbecamel ouderandi nt
ense.
Nolwazi shutherey esandgr owledasshef el
thim deepi nsideher,herj
uicessloppy.She
squeal edasshef elthi
shandt rail
toherst omachanddown.Asshewasgr i
nding,hesli
dhis
fi
nger sdownandbeganst rokinghercl i
trhythmicall
y.

Nol
wazi
:Ah!

Heconti
nuedtostr
okeherandshei
ncreasedherpace.Herv
agi
nat
ight
enedar
oundhi
scock
andshecont
inuedtogoinhar
dandfast.

Dean:
Cum Lwazi
.
Nolwazi
shutherey
esev enti
ghterandsl
ammedi
nandoutqui
ckerandhar
der
,Deanwasnow
st
roki
ngherhardcl
itv
igorousl
y.

Shecr
iedoutandhepl
acedhi
shandsonherbut
tandmadehergoev
enhar
der
.

Nol
wazi
:Aaah!

Bef
oresheknewi t
,shewasalr
eadylockedupinhisembr ace.Hehowev erwasjustaboutt
o
cum soshesli
ppedoutandhetwit
chedashi sorgasm f
ill
edhim.Shecollapsedonhim andthey
l
aythereforal
ongtime,di
gest
ingtheecstasyt
heyhadj ustexper
ienced.

Dean:
Lwazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Hmm.

Dean:
Youcan’
tfal
lasl
eepphel
a.

Nol
wazi
ignor
edhi
m andheshookherl
i
ght
lyasshehi
dherf
acei
nhi
sneck.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
vuka.

Nol
wazi
moanedandputherheadup.

Dean:
Getdr
essed.

Shesi
ghedasshewentbackt
othepassenger
’sseatandbegant
ogetdr
essed.Deanal
sof
ixed
hi
mselfandaf
terawhi
l
e,shef
ini
shed.
Nol
wazi
:Thanksf
orcomi
ng.

Dean:
Sur
e.

Shel
eanedcl
osert
ohi
m andt
heyki
ssed.

Nol
wazi
:Youshoul
dgetgoi
ng.

Dean:
YesIshoul
d.

Theyki
ssedagainandNolwaziopenedthedoorandgotout
.Shewasn’tshockedthatpeopl
e
werest
il
lhav
ingajoll
.Shequickl
yrushedbacktotheyar
dwithoutl
ookingbackandsigheda
hugesi
ghofrel
ievewhenshemanagedt obl
endinwit
hthecrowd.Justasshewasaboutt o
walkt
owhereherhousewas, shefel
tsomeonegrabherarm.

Nol
wazi
:Whatt
heh-

Shet
urnedandsi
ghedwhenshesawMt
ho.

Nol
wazi
:Oh,
hey
.

Mt
ho:
DidIst
art
ley
ou?

Nol
wazi
:Al
i
ttl
e.

Mt
ho:
Ngi
yaxol
i
sa.
Nol
wazi
bli
nked.

Nol
wazi
:No,
it’
sfi
ne.Iwasj
ustgoi
ngt
obed.

Mt
ho:
Alr
ight
.

Nol
wazi
lookedatherar
m andt
henatMt
ho.

Mt
ho:
Oh,
sor
ry.

Hel
etgoofherandshef
orcedasmi
l
e.

Nol
wazi
:Goodni
ght
.

Mt
ho:
Night
.

Shequi
ckl
ytur
nedandbeganwal
ki
ngt
owar
dsherhouse.

I
NSERT40(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

JustasNol
wazi
goti
nthehouse,
shebumpedi
ntoMdu.

Nol
wazi
:Hey
.

Mduwr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundherandsqueezedher
.
Mdu:
I’
vemi
ssedy
ou.

Nol
wazi
laughed,
try
ingnott
osoundawkwar
d.

Nol
wazi
:Unj
ani
?I’
vemi
ssedy
out
oo.

Shet
ri
edbr
eaki
ngf
reef
rom hi
shol
dbuti
nst
eadMduhel
dherev
ent
ight
er.

Mdu:
I’
vebeent
hinki
ngabouty
ousi
ncey
oul
eftt
hecer
emonyear
li
ert
oday
..
.

Nol
wazi
:Isi
t?

Mdunodded.

Nol
wazi
tri
edbr
eaki
ngf
reeonceagai
nbutMdudi
dn’
tletgoi
nst
eadhechuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Kant
iwhyi
smyhugaf
fect
ingy
ousomucht
oday
?

Nol
wazi
laughed,
try
ingnott
obeawkwar
donceagai
n.

Nol
wazi
:You’
rebr
eaki
ngmybonesboy
.

Mdu:
Hmm.

Nol
wazi
qui
ckl
ytensedup.
Nol
wazi
:What
?

Mdu:
Yousmel
lni
ce.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm!

Shepushedhi
m awayandst
ormedt
othebedr
oom.Shewassuddenl
yver
yangr
y.

Mduf
oll
owedherandl
ookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Mdu:
You’
rebei
ngi
rr
esponsi
ble.Whati
fsomeonesawy
ou?

Nol
wazi
:Sawmedoi
ngwhat
??

Nol
wazi
tur
nedt
olookathi
m wi
thunexpect
edf
uryi
nherey
es.

Mdu:
Your
eekofaman’
scol
ogneNol
wazi
.Cl
ear
lywhoev
ert
hismani
scameher
efory
ou.

Nol
wazitr
iedsayi
ngsomethi
ngbutwor
dsfai
ledher
.Suddenl
yithi
thert
hatsomeonemayhav
e
i
ndeedseenher.Shel
ookedatMduner
vousl
y.

Mdu:Li
sten,
afterwhatIsawt
oday
,tobehonest
,I’
m st
art
ingt
oseet
hatt
hisi
sbul
l
shi
t.I
t’
sal
l
suchamindfuck.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
etandMduwal
kedov
ert
oherandhuggedher
.

Mdu:
Ican’
tbegi
ntoi
magi
nehowi
tfeel
s.Af
tercr
acki
ngmyskul
ltoday
,It
hinky
oushoul
ddo
what
’sbestf
ory
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Youmeant
hat
?

Mdunoddedandshesmi
l
edl
i
ght
lyandt
heyhuggedagai
n.

Mdu:Justdon’tbei
rr
esponsi
ble.Dadist
helastpi
eceofthepuzzl
eandIthi
nkweal
lknowt
hat
i
t’
sgoingtotakemorethantearstoconv
incehimthatt
hisshi
tisf
uckedup.

Nol
wazi
:It
’ssof
rust
rat
ing.

Mdu:ButImeanwecan’tbl
amehi
m.Att heendofthedayhewasraisedacert
ainwayand
whet
herweli
keitornot
,peopl
ear
einf
luencedbythatandi
t’
shar
dt obreakfr
ee.

Nol
wazi
:ButI
’
m hi
sdaught
er.Whowoul
dwantt
oseet
hei
rdaught
erhur
t?

Mdushr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
sandt
heywentt
othel
ounge.

Nol
wazi
:It
hin-

JustthentherewasaloudbangonthedoorandMdupushedNolwazi
asideandr
ushedtothe
door,ondefencemode.Nolwazi
fol
l
owedhim andheopenedi
t,r
eadytoatt
ackwhoeveri
twas,
butitwasthatThembaboyhesawwi t
hIvy.

Mdu:
Yewena,
uxakwey
ini
??

Thembal
ookedatMduner
vousl
yandNol
wazi
stoodnextt
ohi
m.
Nol
wazi
:Howmaywehel
pyou?

Themba:
AuntThandekasai
dIshoul
dtel
lyout
ocomet
othehouse.

Nol
wazi
andMdul
ookedateachot
her
.

Themba:
Shesay
syoumusthur
ryup.

Nolwazisi
ghedandsheandMdul ockedupandmadet hei
rwaytothemainhouse.Theywal
ked
pastal
lthepeopl
eandmadet hei
rwayinsi
deandclosedthedoor
.Theyhear
dmur mursandjust
astheyenter
edtheki
tchen,
theysawThandekaandDumakude.

Nol
wazi
:What
’sg-

Thandeka:
Kwanel
eishav
ingasei
zur
-

Nol
wazii
nst
antl
yrushedtot
hesi
tt
ingr
oom andf
oundThenj
i
we,
Lindi
we,
Thol
iandPr
ett
y.They
wer
eall
toweredoverhi
m.

Thenj
i
wel
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
gott
othem andaskedt
hem t
omov
ebutt
heyal
lj
ustst
oodt
her
e.

Thenj
i
we:
Ani
muzwauNol
wazi
??Sukani
man!

Theyall
backedawayandNol
wazi
lookeddownatKwanel
eashel
ayt
her
e,aboutt
ogoi
ntoa
sei
zure.
Thenj
i
we:
Whyar
eyoucr
yingnawena?
?Thul
a!

Thol
i
,whowasbal
l
ingherey
esout
,cr
iedmor
esi
l
ent
ly.

Pr
ett
y:I
’
m anur
se.Iknowt
heset
hin-

Thenj
i
we:
Don’
tyoudar
etouchmyson!

Pr
ett
y:ButI
-

Thenj
i
we:
Yout
hinky
ourbabysi
tt
ingski
l
lsqual
i
fyy
ouasanur
se?
?Don’
tyouda-

Nol
wazi
:Canev
ery
onel
eav
e,pl
ease!

Nolwazil
ookedatthem pl
eadi
ngl
y.Theyal
lkeptqui
etandMducameov
erwi
thagl
assofwat
er
andNolwazishookherhead.

Nol
wazi
:Hecan’
tdr
inkany
thi
ngunt
ili
t’
sov
er.

Mdu:
Howl
ongdoesi
tlast
?

Nol
wazi
:Notl
ongert
han3mi
nut
es.

Nol
wazi
kneel
eddownnextt
oKwanel
eandt
henunf
ast
enedhi
sbel
t.

Nol
wazi
:Mdupl
easer
eposi
ti
onhi
mtot
hesi
de.
Mduobl
i
gedandmov
edKwanel
eandmadehi
mlayonhi
ssi
de.

Pr
ett
y:Hei
ssupposedt
ofaceup!

Thenj
iwe:Onemor
ewor
dfr
om y
ouwenasl
i
mandi
ni!Youwanthi
mtosuf
focat
efr
om hi
svomi
t
andsali
va??

Pr
ett
ykeptqui
etandThol
i
’ssobsf
il
ledt
her
oom.

Thenj
i
we:
Cansomeonepl
easet
aket
hiscr
yinggi
rloutofher
e!

Li
ndi
we:
Mamashehasnev
erseenKwanel
eli
k-

Thenj
i
we:
Out
!Nonkef
uthi
!PHUMANI
!

Li
ndi
wewasaboutt
opr
otestwhenMdul
ookedatherandshekeptqui
eti
nst
ant
ly.

Mdu:
Let
’sgo.

Hel
edThol
i
,Li
ndi
weandPr
ett
yout
.Thenj
i
weandNol
wazi
wer
enowt
heonl
yonest
her
e.

Justastheyl
eft
,Kwanel
e’
ssei
zur
ebeganandTi
til
ookeddownathi
m wor
ri
edl
yandsi
ghed
heavi
ly
.

Ti
ti
:Icannev
ergetusedt
othi
s.
Nol
wazi
:Iknow.

Theywat
chedpai
nful
l
yasKwanel
elayt
her
e,unr
ecogni
sabl
e.I
twast
oopai
nful
towat
ch.
..

Thol
iwalkedoutofthehouseandwenttotheothersi
deoftheyar
d,cry
ing.Shehadneverseen
Kwaneleint
hatstat
eandshewasscar edandshocked.Shewasnowpr ayi
ngthathewould
sur
viv
ewhat ev
erhewasex per
ienci
ng.Justt
hethoughtofhi
m dyi
ngterr
if
iedher.

Shewasst
art
ledtofeelsomeoneplacethei
rhandsonhershoul
der
s.Shet
urnedar
oundand
sawMdu.Helookedather,concer
ned.

Mdu:
He’
l
lbef
ine.

Thol
i
:Whati
swr
ongwi
thhi
m??

Shecoul
dn’
thel
pbutpani
c.

Mdu:
Hesuf
fer
sfr
om epi
l
epsy
.

Tholi
’
stear
sf l
oodedherey
esandshet
ri
eder
asi
ngt
hei
mageofKwanel
elay
ingt
her
e.Shewas
genui
nel
ytraumati
sed.

Mdu:
He’
l
lbef
ine.

Thol
i
:Ho-
howdoy
ouknowt
hat
??

Mdu:
Thepeopl
einhi
sli
feknowhowt
odeal
wit
hit
.
Thol
i
:You’
rel
yi
ng.Ti
tiandLi
ndi
seemedconf
used.

Mdu:
That
’sbecauseNol
wazi
hasbeent
heonewhohasdeal
twi
thhi
mfort
hepastf
oury
ear
s.

Thol
i
:Kant
iuqal
eni
niukubanj
e?

Mdu:
They
earbef
oret
heygotmar
ri
edbutshef
oundoutabi
tlat
er.

Thol
ikeptqui
etandf
ocusedonst
oppi
ngt
het
ear
s.Shewasr
eal
l
yshaken.

Mdupul
l
edhercl
oserandshecol
l
apsedi
nhi
sar
ms.

Nol
wazi
:Cany
oupl
easegetat
owel
.

Ti
ti
,whohadal
readybr
oughtone,
gav
either
.

Nol
wazi
:He’
scal
mingdown.

Theywat chedasKwanel e’
sseizur
equiet
eneddownandhelayt
herehavi
ngahardtime
breat
hing.Nolwazireposit
ionedhi
sheadsohisneckwoul
dn’
tbecompressed.Af
terawhi
l
e,hi
s
breat
hingfinal
lyst
abili
sed.

Justt
henMduwal
kedi
n,car
ryi
ngThol
i
.

Ti
ti
:Andt
hen?

Mdu:
Shef
aint
ed.
Ti
ti
:Mxm.

Pr
ett
yrushedi
nandl
ookedatMdui
npani
c.

Pr
ett
y:Nooowhathappenedt
oher
??I
sshef
ine?
??Ohnoo!
!

Ti
ti
:St
opbei
ngdr
amat
icwenangobaweal
lknowt
haty
oudon’
tcar
eaboutt
hischi
l
d.

Ti
til
ookedatMdu.

Thenj
i
we: Mdutaket
hatgi
rlt
ooneoft
hebedr
oomsandspr
inkl
ewat
eronher
.I’
m sur
eyour
armsevenhurt
.

Pr
ett
ygav
eThenj
i
weashar
plook.

Thenj
i
we:
Heehmango!Wedon’
tneedunnecessar
ydr
amaher
e.

Mduwal
kedt
otheot
hersi
deoft
hehouse.

Thenj
i
wel
ookedatPr
ett
y.

Thenj
i
we:
Umel
eni
wena?Got
akecar
eofy
ourni
ece.

Pr
ett
ygaveheronemorelookandt
henrant
owher
eMduwasheaded.Thenj
i
wel
ookeddownat
Kwanel
eandsighedi
nrel
i
efasheopenedhi
sey
es.
Nol
wazi
:Nel
e.

Kwanel
ekeptqui
etandj
ustst
aredahead.

Nol
wazigent
lymadehim openhismout
handthencl
eanedoutal
lthev
omitt
hatwasi
nhi
s
mouthwit
hherfi
nger
.Shewi pedhi
m pr
oper
lyandt
henhebli
nkedacoupl
eofti
mes.

Thenj
i
we:
Doesheneedwat
er?

Nol
wazi
:Noty
et.

Shekneel
edt
her
efort
henext10mi
nut
esorsount
ilhebecamest
abl
e.

Nol
wazi
:Wantmet
ohel
pyouup?

Kwanel
enoddedl
i
ght
lyandNol
wazi
wrappedherar
msar
oundhi
m andmanagedt
ohel
phi
m si
t
up.

Kwanel
e:Wat
er.

Thenji
werushedt
otheki
tchenandf
oundThandekaandDumakudest
andi
ngt
her
e,Dumakude
hol
dinghi
sshakenwif
e.

Thandeka:
Isheawake?

Thenj
iwenoddedti
ghtl
ybef
oreshewal
kedbacktotheloungeandhandedNol
wazi
thegl
ass.
Nolwazi
helpedKwanel
edri
nksomewaterandthenputtheglassaway
.
Nol
wazi
:Don’
tyouwantt
ogetupandsi
tont
hecouch?Ar
en’
tthet
il
eshur
ti
ngy
ou?

Kwanel
enoddedandNol wazistoodupandbothsheandTit
ihel
pedhi
m st
andupandt
heygot
hi
mt osi
tonthecouch.Herestedhisheadandcl
osedhiseyes.

Nol
wazi
thent
ookadeepbr
eat
handl
ookedatTi
ti
.

Nol
wazi
:Gethi
mtobedoncehei
sful
l
yal
ert
.

Ti
tinoddedandj
ustasNol
waziwasaboutt
ogetupf
rom t
hecouch,
Kwanel
epl
acedhi
shand
onherarm.Shet
urnedt
olookathi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Doy
ouneedany
thi
ngel
se?

Kwanel
eopenedhi
sey
esandl
ookedatherandshe,
int
urn,
lookedatThenj
i
we.

Thenji
wewalkedoutoft hel
oungeandNolwazi
sati
nsil
enceasKwaneleclosedhiseyesagain.
Partofherwaswor ri
edaboutThol
i
.Sheknewwhatshewasgoingthrough.
..Kwanel
eobviously
keptthi
sfrom herandthegi
rldi
dn’
tknowhowtoreact
,shedi
dn’tbl
ameher .

Thandekawal
kedi
nsl
owl
yandl
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Thandeka:
Ishef
ine?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Thandeka:
We’
regoi
ngt
obednow,
shouti
fyouneedus.
Nol
wazi
noddedandThandekawal
kedoutwi
thDumakude.

I
NSERT41

Nol
wazi
:Ar
eyouf
inenow?

Kwaneleshookhi sheadlight
lyandshelookedathi
m.Knowi ngKwanel
e,hewasper fect
lyfi
ne
atthi
spointbuthewasgoi ngtousethi
stokeepherbyhisside.Nol
wazi,becauseofherlov
e
forhi
m, wouldstaywi t
houtadoubt.Theybothknewthatshewouldneverleavehi
m whenhe
waslikethi
s..
.Insicknessandinhealt
h..
.

Nol
wazi
:Shoul
dIt
akey
out
obed?

Kwanelenoddedandshe“helped”him st
andupandtheywalkedt
ohisbedr
oom i
nthemain
house.Heref
usedtogotoThol i
’shouseforsomer
eason.Theygoti
nandNolwazihel
pedhi
m
takeoffhi
sclot
hesandgetinbed.

Nol
wazi
:Goodni
ght
.

Kwanel
e:Nol
wazi
,pl
ease.

Nol
wazi
:Uf
unani
Kwanel
e?

Kwanel
ekeptqui
etandNolwazi
walkedoutoftheroom andcl
osedthedoor
.Shedi
dnotknow
wher
eshewasgoingbutsomehowshef oundhersel
fheadi
ngtothebedr
oom wher
eThol
iwas.
Sheknockedont
hedoorandshort
lyaf
ter,Mduopened.

Nol
wazi
:Howi
sshe?
Mdu:
Uthuki
l
elomunt
u.

Nol
wazi
:CanIgeti
t?

Mdulookedatheri
ndisbel
iefandNolwaziwal
kedpasthi
m andmadeherwayin.Tholi
wason
thebedandPret
tywassitt
ingontheedge.Shewal
kedovertothebedandst
oodthere,l
ooki
ng
downatTholi
whoseemedshaken.

Pr
ett
y:Whatdoy
ouwanther
e??Youcamet
ori
dicul
emyni
ece?
?

Nol
wazi
lookedatPr
ett
ycal
mlyandshookherhead.

Pr
ett
y:Uf
unani
??

Nol
waziglancedatTholiandthentookadeepbreat
h.Foramomentt her
e,shefel
tli
keshewas
l
ooki
ngatI v
y,heryoungersi
ster.Shel
ookedsoshakenanditreal
l
ywasasadsi ghttosee.She
wal
kedcloserandthenkneeleddownbyt heedgesoshecouldbecloser
.Shethenlookedat
Mdu.

Nol
wazi
:Gethersomewar
m mi
l
k.

Mdunoddedlightl
yashewalkedoutofther
oom.Nol
wazir
eachedforThol
i
’sf
aceandr
emov
ed
herhai
rgent
ly.Tholi
hadhereyescl
osedandherf
acewasredandpuff
y.

Pr
ett
y:Thol
akel
eisashel
ter
edgi
rl
.Thi
sfami
l
yneedst
ounder
standt
his.

Nol
wazi
glancedatPr
ett
yanddi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.
Pr
ett
y:Shecan’
tbet
reat
edl
i
ket
hisbecauseatt
heendoft
hedayt
heychoseher
..
.

Pr
ett
ykeptqui
etandNolwazibr
okeey
econt
actandlookedatThol
i
.Theystay
edi
nsil
encef
ora
whi
leunt
ilMduwalkedbacki
nwithamugofwarm mil
k.HegaveNolwazi
themugandshe
br
ushedThol
i’
sface.

Nol
wazi
clear
edhert
hroatandswal
l
owedhar
d.

Nol
wazi
:Thol
i
.

Thol
idi
dn’
topenherey
es.

Nol
wazi
:Pl
easedr
inkt
his,
itwi
l
lhel
p.

Thol
ist
il
ldidn’
topenhereyes.Nol
wazi
glancedatMduandhewalkedov
ert
owher
eNol
wazi
waskneel
ingandthenleaneddownsohecouldbeclosert
oThol
i
.

Mdu:
Thol
akel
e.

Thol
iopenedherey
esandbl
i
nkedacoupl
eoft
imes.

Mdu:
Tryt
osi
tup.

Sheobl i
gedandsatup, bal
anci
ngont heheadboard.Herheartrat
ewasonanot herl
evel
.She
avoidedey econtactwi
thNolwazi
.Itwasn’
tenoughthatMdu’sinti
midati
ngdemeanourwas
weighingheav yonherandnowshehadt odealwit
hNol wazi,
whosepr esenceal
sofr
ight
ened
herupcl ose.
Nol
wazi
:Bamba.

Shef
uel
l
edupt
hecour
aget
olookatNol
wazi
butdi
dn’
tlookatheri
ntheey
es.Shel
ookedatt
he
mug.

Mdu:
Taket
hemugThol
i
.

Tholiobli
gedonceagai
nandNol
wazicoul
dn’
thel
pbutl
ookatMdui
nconf
usion.Shecoul
dn’
t
understandwhyMduseemedtogett
hrought
oher.Mdusmil
edwi
thhi
seyesandNolwazi
focusedonTholiagai
n.

Nol
wazi
:It
’swar
m mi
l
k.

Thol
il
ookedatt
hemugandt
hengl
ancedatNol
wazi
’
shands,
sti
l
lav
oidi
ngherey
es.

Thol
i
:Thanky
ou.

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
lyandThol
ibegandr
inki
ngt
hewar
m mi
l
k.

Pr
ett
y:Ihav
etogo.

Al
lthr
eeoft
hem l
ookedatheri
nconf
usi
on.

“I
t’
smidni
ght
,”Nol
wazi
thoughtt
oher
sel
f,“
Soshe’
dratherl
eav
ehert
raumati
sedni
ecej
ustt
o
gohav
eagoodt i
meoutsi
de?Somepeopl
ereal
l
ydon’tknowhowtol
ove.
..
”

Pr
ett
y:Ni
zobagr
andangi
thi
?
Mdu:
Mxm.

Pr
ett
ylookedatThol
i
.

Pr
ett
y:U-
ri
ghtangi
thi
?Cal
lmekei
fyouneedany
thi
ng.

BeforeThol
icouldr
epl
yandaskhertostaybecauseshef
ear
edstayi
ngwit
hMduandhissist
er,
Prett
ywasalreadywal
ki
ngout.Secondsl
atershecl
osedt
hedoorandther
ewassi
l
ence.Tholi
focusedonthemugagainandbothNolwaziandMdustar
edather.

Mdu:
IsKwanel
efi
ne?

Nol
wazi
:Ther
e’snot
hingwr
ong,
he’
sfi
ne.

Thol
i
:He’
snotgoi
ngt
odi
e.I
she?
?

Shequi
ckl
ylookeddown.Shedi
dn’
tknowwher
ehercour
aget
ospeakcamef
rom.

Nol
wazi
:No,
hewon’
tdi
e.He’
sper
fect
lyf
ine.

Tholi
noddedli
ghtl
yandcont
inuedtodr
inkt
hemi
l
k.Nol
wazi
thengl
ancedatMduandhe
nodded.Shegotupandt
henlookedatThol
i
.

Nol
wazi
:Hewaspr
obabl
ygoi
ngt
otel
lyou.
..

TholikeptquietandNolwazitur
nedandmadeherwayoutofthebedr
oom.Whensheclosedthe
doorshel eanedonitandclosedherey
es.Shet
ookadeepbreathandpr
ocessedev
ery
thing
thathadhappened.
Li
ndi
we:
Lwazi
.

Sheopenedherey
esandsawLi
ndi
west
andi
ngatadi
stancef
rom heri
nthepassage.

Theyst
aredateachot
herf
orawhi
l
e.

Outofev ery
oneinvolvedinthi
ssituati
on,Nolwazir
eall
ycouldn’
tcontai
ntheangershehad
towardsLindiwe.Besi
desKwanel e,shefeltLi
ndiwebetr
ayedherdeeplybecauseofthei
rclose
rel
ati
onship.Shewalkedawayandmadeherwayt oKwanele’sbedroom.Whenshegotinshe
foundhim sleepi
ng.Shewentt othebedandsatnextt ohim.Sheal l
owedhersel
ftodelv
e
deeperintoherthoughts.
..Kwanelegotclosertoherandplacedhisheadonherlapandslept
away.

*
**

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning,
ThandekaandNol
wazi
wer
ebusymaki
ngbr
eakf
astwhenI
vywal
kedi
n.

Ev
ery
onehadcompl
etel
yfor
got
tenaboutt
hisone.

Thandeka:
Nomzamo!

I
vysmi
l
edbr
ight
ly.

I
vy:
Heyhumans.

Thandeka:
Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
?
I
vy:
Hai
kenooneasksy
ouwhaty
ougetupt
o.

Shet
henl
ookedatNol
wazi
,whol
ookedsombr
e.

I
vy:
What
’supLwa?

Thandeka:
Kwanel
ehadasei
zur
elastni
ght
.

I
vyl
aughed.

Thandeka:
Nomzamo!

I
vy:
Hai
sukasi
ngenaphi
laphot
hina?Ngabeni
myeki
l
eaf
e-

BeforeI
vycoul
dfini
shwhatshewassaying,Nol
wazihadalreadyt
hrownaglassather.I
vy
duckedandbothsheandThandekaexcl
aimedinshock.Thandekarushedt
oIvytoseeifshe
wasokayandNolwazist
oodthereandreal
isedwhatshehaddone.Soonafter
,shealsowalked
toIvy
.

Nol
wazi
:Iv
y..
.

I
vyl
ookedatNol
wazi
inshock.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m sosor
ry!

I
vypushedbot
hoft
hem awayandst
ormedoutoft
hehouse.
Thandeka:
Lwazi
!

Nol
wazi
lookedathermot
herner
vousl
y.

Justt
hent
her
ewasaknockont
hedoorandThandekaopenedandMt
howal
kedi
n.

Mt
ho:
Sani
bonani
.

Thandeka:
Yebo,
Mtho.

Mt
ho:
Uhm,
myf
atheraskedmet
ocal
lyou.

Thandeka:
Hai
boangt
ihi
Itol
dthem t
hatwewoul
dhav
eourownbr
eakf
asther
e.

Mt
ho:
No,
hesay
sther
e’saf
ami
l
ymeet
ing.

Thandekaf
rowned.

Thandeka:
Manj
e?

Mt
ho:
Yebo

Nol
wazi
andThandekagl
ancedateachot
her
.

Thandeka:
Okaybhut
i,si
yeza.
Mt
hol
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Mt
ho:
SawubonaNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Hi
.

Mt
hof
rownedathercol
dnessbef
orehet
urnedandwal
kedoutoft
hehouse.

Thandeka:
Let
’seatf
ir
st.

Nol
wazi
:MaIneedt
ofi
ndI
vy.

Thandeka:She’
llgetoveri
t.Wealsoneedtocutyousomesl ack.Onedoesnotsi
mpl
y“swit
ch
off”t
hei
rloveforsomeone.AwujolinoKwanel
e.Youtwoaremar ri
edandIknowitmustbehar
d
foryousodon’tworryaboutIv
y,shewill
getoveri
t.
..Shehasto.

Theycont
inuedt
opr
epar
ethei
rbr
eakf
ast
.

I
NSERT42(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Nol
wazi
,ThandekaandMdufini
shedupeati
ng.Dumakudehadspentt
hemorningwi
th
But
hel
ezisoNolwazif
igur
edhewasalsopartofwhat
evermeet
ingwaspl
anned.

Nol
wazi
glancedatMdu.

Nol
wazi
:Bhenj
u.
Mdul
ookedatNol
wazi
asThandekawal
kedout
.

Nol
wazi
:Howi
sThol
i
?

Mdu:
Shewasbet
terwhenIwentt
ocheckt
hismor
ning.

Nol
wazi
thenst
aredatMdui
ntent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Bhenj
u.

Mdu:
Yes?

Nol
wazi
:What
’sgoi
ngon?

Mduchuckl
edl
i
ght
lyandshookhi
shead.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Theywal
kedoutoft
hehouseandNol wazil
ookedaroundt
heyardtr
yingtoseei
fshecoul
dspot
Iv
ybutshewasnowhere.Peopl
eweresti
ll
sitt
ingar
oundtheyar
d..
.Clear
lyi
twasgoingt
obe
anot
herl
ongdaybutNolwaziwasn’
tsur
eifshewouldstay.

Theygott otheki
tchenandThandekawasbusyboi
l
ingwaterandThenj
i
we,
ascol
dand
unresponsiv
easshewas, wasbusysort
ingoutt
hescones.

Nol
wazi
:Doy
ouneedhel
p?
ThandekashookherheadandNolwaz
icar
ri
edonwalki
nghandinhandwithMdu.Whenthey
goti
nt hel
oungetheyfoundBut
hel
ezi
,Dumakude,
twouncl
esfr
om Buthel
ezi
’
sside,
Lindi
weand
Kwanele.

Mdu:
Niv
ukekahl
e?

Al
lthemenr
esponded.

Nol
wazi
:Sani
bonani
.

Buthel
ezismi
ledandstoodup.Heopeneduphi
sarmsandNolwazi
lookedathi
m wei
rdl
y.Mdu
thenpushedhert
owardshisdi
rect
ionandshewenti
nforahug.

But
hel
ezi
:Thanky
ou.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

But
hel
ezi
:Thanky
ouv
erymuchmakot
i.

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
lyandhel
etgoofher
.

But
hel
ezi
:Hl
alani
phansi
.

MduandNol wazisatnexttoeachotherandKwanelefi
nall
ylookedupandstaredatNolwazi
.
Sheavoidedhi
sgazeandmadesmal ltalkwit
hherbrot
herwhiletheywai
ti
ngforThenj
iweand
Thandeka.Af
terawhiletheyfi
nal
lywalkedinandThandekawentt osi
tnextt
oherhusband.

But
hel
ezi
clear
edhi
sthr
oatandev
ery
onekeptqui
etandl
i
stenedt
ohi
m.
But
helezi:
Icalledthi
smeetingbecauseinal
lhonesty,
thepasthourswehavebeentogether
haveshownmej usthowdividedweareasaf amil
y.Ther
eissomuchhur t
,angerand
di
srespectthatisgoi
ngaroundandi tr
eal
lypainsmetoseethisbecauset
hisisarecentthi
ng.
We’vealwaysbeenacl osenitfami
lyandnowwear eextr
emelydivi
ded.

Dumakude:
Iagr
ee100%.Mysuggest
ioni
sthatwedeal
wit
hther
ootoft
hepr
obl
em.

But
hel
ezi
:Ther
ootoft
hepr
obl
em?

Dumakude:
Yes.
..

Dumakudegl
ancedatNol
wazi
andKwanel
e.

Dumakude:Wear eal
lawaret
hatpr
obl
emsar
ousedwheny
ouwer
eal
lconv
incedt
hatmy
daught
ercannotconcei
vechi
l
dren.

Ev
ery
onekeptqui
et.

Dumakude:Whenyouallcamet
othatconcl
usi
ony
oubegandoi
ngot
hert
hingsont
hesi
deand
asaresul
t,wear
eseatedheret
oday.

But
hel
ezi
:Doi
ngot
hert
hingsont
hesi
de?

Dumakude:
HaiboButhel
ezi
don’tt
ell
met
hatast
hemanoft
hehousey
ouhadnoi
deaukut
hi
yourwi
fewasbusyrunni
ngtheshow.

Ev
ery
onekeptqui
etandThenj
i
wel
ookedatDumakudeandgasped.
Dumakude:
Yourwif
eisabigprobl
em But
hel
ezi
andIwoul
dli
ket
othi
nkt
haty
ouar
eman
enought
oadmitt
hisyour
sel
f.

Thenj
i
we:
Hai
bokant
im-

Dumakudel
ookedatThenj
i
weandshekeptqui
eti
nst
ant
ly.Dumakudet
henl
ookedatBut
hel
ezi
.

Dumakude:
Youbroughti
nasecondwi
feher
eandev
ery
thi
ngwasdonei
nthewr
ongway
,that
’s
whyi
zint
ozihambakabi
.

But
hel
ezi
:Howwoul
dyousuggestwedoi
t?

Dumakudechuckl
ed.

Dumakude:
Can’
tyouseet
hatt
hedamagei
sal
readydone?

But
hel
ezi
glancedatNol
wazi
.

Dumakude:
Yonkel
eupanddownebeni
yenzai
nixaki
l
emanj
e.

Ther
ewassi
l
enceandt
henThandekacl
ear
edhert
hroat
.

Thandeka:
Youdi
dnott
hinkt
hingst
hrough.
..

But
hel
ezi
:Iam manenought
oadmi
ttot
hat
.
Thandeka:
Butar
eyoumanenought
oundoi
t?

Nol
wazi
:Ther
e’snoundoi
ngi
t.

Ev
ery
onel
ookedatNol
waz
iindi
sbel
i
efandt
her
ewassi
l
ence.

Nol
wazi
:TobehonestIr
eal
l
yam noti
nter
est
edi
nwhatany
onehast
osayatt
hispoi
nt.

Shel
ookedatKwanel
ewhowasnowst
ari
ngatherwi
thhi
sjawt
ight
ened.

Nol
wazi
:Al
lthi
sbackandf
ort
h..
.

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
handexhal
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Countmeout
.

But
hel
ezi
:Whatar
eyousay
ingNol
wazi
?

Ev
enThenj
i
wewasst
unnedatt
hispoi
nt.Shehadnowor
dswhat
soev
er.

Nol
wazi
:WhatI
’
m say
ingi
s..
.I’
m get
ti
ngadi
vor
ce.

Ev
ery
oneexcl
aimedi
nshock,
exceptThandeka,
DumakudeandMdu.

But
hel
ezi
:Angi
kuzwakahl
emakot
i.
Nol
wazi
tur
nedt
olookataf
labber
gast
edBut
hel
ezi
andsheswal
l
owedhar
d.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m done.

But
hel
ezi
rubbedhi
sey
esandscr
atchedhi
shead.Hegenui
nel
ylookedl
i
kehegotki
ckedi
nthe
st
omach.

Kwanel
eont
heot
herhandseemedt
obei
nhi
sownwor
ld.Hewasn’
tther
e..
.

Dumakudecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

Dumakude:
Doy
ouseewher
eyouri
rr
esponsi
bil
i
tyandsel
fi
shnesshasl
edus?

But
hel
ezi
:Youcan’
tal
l
owt
hisDumakude!

Dumakude:
Nolwazii
s29year
sold.Doy oureal
l
ythi
nkIcanst
opawomanheragef
rom maki
ng
deci
si
onswhichshef
eel
sarebestforher?

Ther
ewassi
l
ence.

Dumakude: Youhavealll
ostadaught er
.Nol
wazi woul
dgot ohellandbackf orthatboysi
tti
ng
ri
ghtther
ebutbecausey ouareallsuchareckl
essandselfi
shfami ly,youarelosinghernow.As
muchasmypr idewon’
tletmegot hroughwiththi
s,Ir
efusetol
eti ttakeov ermyj udgement.My
daughter
’sdignit
yhasbeendraggedt hr
oughthemudandIcan’ tallowt hi
sany mor e.

Nolwazit
ri
edholdi
ngbackhert
ear
sasshewat
chedherf
ather
,ev
enThandekawascr
ying.No
oneexpectedt
hatfr
om hi
m.
Dumakude:Shehasreachedherbr
eaki
ngpointandweashersupportsyst
em ar
egoi
ngt
otake
herbackunderourwi
ngseeingasyouall
fail
edtoappreci
ateher
.Idi
dn’
tgiv
ebir
tht
omy
chi
ldr
enjusttohavet
hem tr
eatedl
iker
ubbishbyst
rangers.

But
hel
ezi
,Ti
ti
,Li
ndi
we,
Kwanel
eandt
het
wouncl
esal
lsatt
her
edumbf
ounded.

Dumakude:Myonlywishri
ghtnowisthaty
ouastheButhelezif
amilyl
ear
nfr
om t
his.Youdo
nott
reatpeopl
eli
kethey’
redi
rtandt
henexpectt
hem t
ost ayloyal
toyou.

But
hel
ezi
sighedheav
il
y.

Dumakude:
Iam cut
ti
ngal
lti
eswi
thy
ou,
Shenge.Mydaught
erneedsmenow.

Dumakudet
hengl
ancedatKwanel
eandshookhi
shead.

Dumakude:
You’velostani
rr
epl
aceabl
etr
easur
eson.
..Ihopey
oumanget
ofi
ndsomet
hingas
cl
osetowhatsheis.

I
vy:
Wel
lwecer
tai
nlyknowt
hatt
henewwi
fei
snotcl
ose.
..

Ev
ery
onet
urnedandI
vyst
oodt
her
eandl
ookedatev
ery
one.

I
vy:SoIguesswe’r
eallont
hesamepagenow?We’
ref
inal
l
yseei
ngt
hesepeopl
efort
heev
il
,
bl
oodthi
rstyandsel
fi
shthi
ngst
hatt
heyar
e?

Dumakude:
Nomzam-

I
vy:
Youpeopl
edon’
tknowwhatl
ovei
s.I
t’
sact
ual
l
ysuchapi
ty.
Dumakudekeptqui
et.I
vyhadnev
erl
i
stenedt
ohi
minl
i
fesoshesur
eashel
lwoul
dn’
tst
artnow.

I
vy:
Ifeel
ver
ysor
ryf
ory
ou.Takeagoodl
ookatt
hissi
deoft
her
oom.

Shepoi
ntedatherf
ami
l
y.

Iv
y:Youseet hesepeople?Thesepeoplehaveeachot her’
sbacks.Nomatterhowhecti
cthings
get,t
heydon’tbetr
ayeachother.
..NowYOUont heotherhand?Youhaveawomanwhot akes
evi
lnesstoawhol eotherl
evel
,amanwhohast hepowerbutdoesn’tst
opthiswoman,a
daughterwhodoesn’tknowwhatt r
uefriendshi
pmeansanduncl eswhoar
er eal
l
yjustpi
ctures
onthewall-
inotherwordsthey’
reir
rel
evantandf orget
tabl
e,

Shel
ookedatKwanel
e.

I
vy:I
’m notevengoi
ngtoreadyouKwanelebecausey
ouhav
ewont
het
it
leoft
it
les.Si
kushay
ela
i
zandl
abhut i
ngobauyayenzai
ntoyakho.

Thandekacl
ear
edhert
hroatl
oudl
y.

I
vy:Any
way,I
’
mj ustgl
ady
oupeopleknowaboutt
hedi
vor
cenow.Weneedt
ogetgoi
ngmanj
e.
Thi
swholepl
acehasawayofdr
ainingaper
son!

Shesi
ghedandDumakudecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

Dumakude:
Ithi
nki
tsbestwel
eav
e.

Dumakudegl
ancedatev
ery
oneandt
henatThandeka.
Thandeka:
Okay
.

Dumakude:
Ijustneedt
otal
ktoBut
hel
ezi
.

Nolwazi,
MduandThandekastoodupandt
heywalkedoutwithI
vy.Wor
dsandl
ookswer
enot
exchangedatt
hispoi
nt.Theat
mospher
ewasabittootenseandawkward.

I
NSERT43

Mdumadehi swayt
oThol
i’
shouse.Heknockedacoupleofti
mesandevent
ual
l
ythedoor
openedandThol
ist
oodt
herei
nconfusi
on,shelookedathi
m ner
vousl
y.

Mdu:
CanIcomei
n?

Thol
ifr
ozeandcont
inuedt
ost
areathi
m wi
thami
xtur
eofconf
usi
onanduneasi
ness.

Mdust
eppedf
orwar
dandshebackedawayandhemadehi
swayi
n.

Mdu:
Closet
hedoor
.

Thol
ist
oodsti
ll
byt hedoor
,st
il
lconfused.Mduhuff
edandwal
kedcl
osert
oherandshutt
he
door
.Hethenstoodverycl
osetoherandlookedather
.

Thol
i
:Ist
he-

Shecl
ear
edhert
hroat
.
Thol
i
:Ist
her
eapr
obl
em?

Hercheekswer
enowf
lushed.

Mdu:
Wel
li
tdependsonhowy
ouv
iewi
t.

Thol
il
ookedathi
m wi
thapuzzl
edexpr
essi
onandhesmi
l
edki
ndl
y.

Mdu:
They
’resepar
ati
ng.

Thol
i
’sexpr
essi
onr
emai
nedunchanged,
shewasst
il
lpuzzl
ed.

Mdu:
Howol
dar
eyouagai
n?

Thol
i
’spuzzl
edexpr
essi
ondeepened.Mduconf
usedt
hehel
loutofher
.

Mdu:
Hmm?

Thol
i
:22.

Mdunodded.

Mdu:
Nol
wazi
isget
ti
ngadi
vor
ce.

Thol
i
’sey
esshotupandsheopenedhermout
htosaysomet
hingbutwor
dsf
ail
edher
.Mdu
st
aredatherf
orav
eryl
ongt
ime.

Mdu:
Atl
easty
ouhav
ehi
mtoy
our
sel
f.
..I
sn’
tthatwhaty
ou’
veal
way
swant
ed?

Thol
il
ookedathi
m wi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ngandMdugr
inned.

Mdu:
He’
sal
lyour
snow.

Thol
i
:I-

Herthoughtsf
loodedhermi ndandshejustst
oodther
e,speechl
ess.Shewonderedifi
twas
somethingshesaidordidthatledt
othi
s.Thelastt
imeshesawNol wazi,
shelookedso
conf
identandwellputtogethersohowdidshecometothis?

“Coul
ditbesomet
hingIdi
d?”shet
houghtt
oher
sel
f,“
May
beIdi
dsomet
hingt
hatanger
edher
somehow..
.”

Allt
hesethoughtsfl
oodedherandshefeltherhear
tsi
nkassher eali
sedjusthowhecti
cthi
s
si
tuati
onwas.Coulditbethatal
lthi
sti
meshej ustmanagedtoli
et ohersel
f?Sheall
owed
peopletodictat
ewhatshewassupposedt odoandintheend,quit
eal otofpeopl
ewerehurt,
i
ncludingher.Shet
houghtbacktothedayshewast ol
dthatshewouldgetmar ri
edtoKwanele.
..
Shehadn’tall
owedhersel
ftoret
raceal
lofthosememor i
es.
..

Shef eltahandtouchherf aceandshesighed.Allthistimeshehadmanagedt oconvi

nce
herselfthatNolwaziwasabadper son.ViewingNol wazi i
nsuchanegat
iveli
ghtmadeiteasi
er
forhert ogoonwi thherli
fehowever,af
terNolwazi hadbeensokindtoherandmadesur eshe
wasf ineafterKwanele’
sseizur
e,shesoonr eal
isedt hatshewasthecompleteopposi
teofbad.

Assheshookherheadl
i
ght
ly,
tot
ryander
asehert
hought
s,shel
ookedatMdu.
Thol
i
:Pl
easel
eav
e.

Mdu:
Ihav
etogi
vei
ttoy
ou.
..Youhav
etear
sforday
s.

Tholidi
dn’
tevencomprehendthatshewascr
ying.Asshewasabouttowipehertear
s,shewas
shockedtoreal
iset
hatMdu’shandwasonherf ace.Hechuckl
edashewatchedherfacetur
n
evenredderandherey
espoppedout .

Mdu:
Cal
m down.

Thol
iti
l
tedherheadandMdu’
shandf
ell
offherf
ace.

Thol
i
:Leav
e.

Mdunoddedl
i
ght
lyandst
oodt
her
e.

Thol
i
:Now!

Mdu:
Howam Isupposedt
ogetoutwheny
ou’
repr
essedagai
nstt
hedoor
?

Thol
itr
iedmov
ingbutMdubl
ockedherwayandgr
inned.

Thol
i
:I’
m gl
ady
ouf
indt
hisamusi
ng.

Mdu:
Idoact
ual
l
y.Youri
nnocencegenui
nel
yamazesme.

Thol
itr
iedmov
ingagai
nbutt
hist
imehebl
ockedherandwr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundherwai
st.
Thol
i
’sey
espoppedoutagai
nandMdul
aughedqui
etl
y.

Thol
i
:No,
pleasel
eav
emeal
one.

Shel
ookedathi
m pl
eadi
ngl
yandhecoul
dn’
thel
pbutr
emov
ehi
sar
ms.Het
henl
ookedather
.

Mdu:
CanIt
ell
yousomet
hing?

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Iwaspl
anni
ngonf
ucki
ngt
heday
li
ght
soutofy
ou.

Thol
igaspedi
nshock.

Thol
i
:Howdar
-

Mdu:
But
-

Hechuckl
edandshookhi
sheadl
i
ght
ly.

Mdu:
Mypl
anwasr
uined.
..

Thol
iwasst
il
ll
ooki
ngathi
minshock.

Mdu:
Byy
ou.
Henar
rowedhi
sey
esandst
aredather
.

Mdu:
Somet
hingt
ell
smey
ou’
renott
obl
amef
oranyoft
hisshi
t.
..Youdon’
tst
ri
kemeasspi
tef
ul.

Thol
i
’sexpr
essi
onr
elaxedabi
tbutshecont
inuedt
oremai
nsi
l
ent
.

Mdu: Iwasgoingt
ost ealy
oufrom hi
m andleav
ehim wifeless.Howir
onicwoul
dthatbe?He’
d
gofrom havi
ngtwowi vestononebutnowthatmysisterisdonewithhim,I
’v
edecidedtol
eti
t
sl
ide.
..Nowhecanf ocusonbuildi
ngalif
ewithyou.
..

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Mdu:
SoI
’
lll
eav
eyourhousehol
dinpeace.

Hesmi
l
edki
ndl
y.

Mdu:
Excuseme.

Hemot
ionedt
hatshewasbl
ocki
nghi
swayandshedi
dn’
tmov
e.

Mdu:
Thol
iI’
dli
ket
oleav
enow.

Thol
ishookherheadl
i
ght
ly,
obv
iousl
ysnappi
ngoutofi
t.

Thol
i
:Oh,
sor
ry.

Shet
ri
edmov
ingasi
debutMduwasst
il
lbl
ocki
ngherway
.Hest
eppedev
encl
osert
oherand
shelookedathi m pl
eadingl
y.Befor
eshecoul dsayanythi
nghehadal r
eadyheldherandthei
r
facestouched.Tholi
’sbodytensedupandshef el
thim smil
eashi sli
psgentl
ytouchedhers.
Shewasex pect
ingherselft
otrytostophim butthatdi
dn’thappen.Theystoodther
eforalong
ti
me, notki
ssing.Mduwaswai t
ingforhert
or el
axandshewaswai t
ingforamiracl
etostop
whateverwashappeni ng.

Assheclosedherey
es,
Mdupl
ant
edal
i
ghtki
ssonherl
i
psandt
henl
eanedhi
sfacecl
osert
o
herear
.

Mdu:
Stopl
ett
ingpeopl
erul
eyourl
i
fe.

Hebackedupf
rom herandshest
oodt
her
e,st
il
ltakenaway
.

Mdu:
Thol
i
,ser
iousl
ynow,
getoutofmyway
.

Helookedatherassheshookherheadonceagai
n,shaki
ngwhat
evert
hought
sweref
loodi
ng
her
.Shelookeddownembar r
assi
ngl
yandshif
tedsohecouldhav
eaccesstot
hedoor
.

Mdu:
You’
reador
abl
e.

Thol
igr
unt
edandhechuckl
edasheopenedt
hedoor
.

Mdu:
Bye.

Shekeptqui
etandhewalkedoutoft
hehouse.Assoonast
hedoorclosed,
Tholi
rushedt
othe
bat
hroom t
orinseherf
ace.Shewasconf
usedandmesmeri
sedatthesamet i
me.

Justasshewaswal ki
ngoutofthebathroom andtothel
ounge,sheheardthedooropenandt o
hersurpr
ise,
itwasKwanele.Shehadn’tseenhi
m sincet
heprevi
ousnightbecausetheysl
eptin
di
ffer
entrooms.Shelookedathim,suddenlyf
eeli
ngconcer
ned.Helookedlikehehadjustbeen
hitbyabus.Asshewasaboutt
owalktohi
m,hegaveheraqui
ckstar
eandshest
opped.He
thenwalkedtot
hebedr
oom andshutt
hedoor
.Shesi
ghedindef
eatanddeci
dedt
ogivehi
m hi
s
space.
..

I
NSERT44

Thandekal
ookedatNol
wazi
whohadnotsai
dawor
dtoany
one.

Thandeka:
Baby
.

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
twantt
otal
k.

Thandekanoddedl
i
ghtl
yandfi
nisheduppacki
ngf
orev
ery
one.Af
terawhi
l
eDumakudewal
ked
i
nthehouseandhelookedatNolwazi
.

Dumakude:
Arewer
eadyt
oleav
e?

Nol
wazinoddedli
ghtl
yandhewal
kedt ot
hebedroom t
oal
sogetr
eady
.Mduwal
kedi
naswel
l
,
l
ooki
ngquit
epleasedwit
hhimsel
fforsomereason.

Mdu:
Arewel
eav
ing?

Nolwaziignor
edhim andcontinuedtositonthecouch,dr
owningherselfi
nhert houghts.Mdu
fi
gureditwasbesttoleaveheraloneandhet oowalkedtohisbedroom togetready.Nolwazi
’
s
hearthadsunksolow, shewasn’tsurehowshewasf eeli
ng.Shewant edtogetbackt oher
houseandshuteverythingoutunti
lshecouldmakesenseofev ery
thing.

Thandeka:
Babywe’
real
lreadynow.
Nol
wazi
lookedathermot
herandnodded.I
vy,
DumakudeandMdumadet
hei
rwayoutand
Nol
wazi
stoodup.

Thandeka:
Mduhasy
ourbag.

Nol
wazi
noddedandshel
ookedar
oundt
hehousebl
ankl
y.

Thandeka:
Itwi
l
lgetbet
terLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
ignor
edhermot
herandmadeherwayoutofthehouse.Ast
heyal
lwal
kedpastt
he
mai
nhouse,t
heywer
eal
lshockedt
ohearpeopl
eyel
li
ng.

Dumakude:
It’
snoneofourbusi
nessnow.

They
ell
swer
esol
oudandal
loft
hem coul
dn’
thel
pbutwantt
ofi
ndout
.

Thandeka:
Iwonder
..
.

Theycont
inuedt
owal
kunt
ilt
heygott
othei
rcar
.

I
vy:
Goodr
iddance!

Nol
wazigoti
nthecarwhil
ealloft
hem wer
ebusyput
ti
ngt
hebagsi
n.Oncet
heywer
edonet
hey
al
lgoti
nthecarexceptMdu.

Dumakude:
Yini
manj
eBhenj
u?
Mdu:
Ifor
gotmychar
ger
.

Thandeka:
Hur
ryuppl
ease!

I
vy:
Uyabhor
amanBhenj
u.

Mdut ur
nedandwal kedbacktotheyard.Hemadehi swaybacktoNol
wazi
’
shouseandt
ohi
s
bedroom wher ehelefthi
sphonecharger.Hegotitandthenmadehi
swayout
.Ashewas
walking,athoughtcrossedhi
smi ndbuthedismissedit
.

Per
son:
Mdu!

Mduturnedandst
if
ledagr
in.Hewat
chedasshet
riedr
ushi
ngtohimfrom adi
stance.When
shef
inall
ygott
ohim,shet
ookadeepbreat
handexhal
ed.Mduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Yes?

Shehel
dont
oherchestf
oracoupl
eofsecondsandt
hensi
ghedonceherbr
eat
hhadst
abi
l
ised.

Thol
i
:Whatwer
eyout
alki
ngaboutwheny
ousai
dIshoul
dn’
tletpeopl
erul
emyl
i
fe?

Mdu:
What
’snotcl
earaboutt
hatst
atement
?

Shel
ookeddownembar
rassi
ngl
yandt
henhesmi
l
ed.

Thol
i
:Whywoul
dyousayt
hat
?
Mdu:
List
en,
Ihav
etogo.

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Ithi
-

Per
son:
YewenaMdu!Don’
tfuckwi
thus!

Mdut
urnedandI
vyst
oodatadi
stance.

I
vy:
We’
vebeenwai
ti
ngf
ory
ouandy
ou’
reouther
etal
ki
ngt
othatt
hing!

AsMduturnedtofaceThol
iagai
n,shewasal
readywal
ki
ngaway
.Hescr
atchedhi
sheadl
i
ght
ly
andt
henturnedandmadehiswaybacktothecar.

I
vy:
Youshoul
dhav
ebr
oughty
ourowncarher
eify
ouwer
epl
anni
ngondel
ayi
ngus.

Mduignor
edherandtheygoti
nthecarandDumakudedroveoff
.Mduthent
urnedt
olookathi
s
bi
gsist
erwhowassitt
ingal
oneatthefarback.I
twascl
eart
hatthi
swasgoi
ngtobeawhole
ot
herobst
acl
eshe’dhavetogetov
er.
..

*
**

Dumakude:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dgot
oahot
el,
Nol
wazi
mightneedherspace.

Thandeka:
Youal
lcango.I
’
m notgoi
ngany
wher
eunt
ilshet
ell
smet
oleav
e.
Dumakudekeptqui
et.

Thandeka:I
’
m notgoi
ngt
oleaveheral
lal
onewhenshe’
sfaci
ngsomet
hingt
hisdeep.
Ningahambani
nakodwaangiy
indawomina.

Mdu:It
hinkweshouldst
aybutst
il
lgi
veherspace.Idon’
tthi
nki
t’
sagoodi
deat
oleav
eherher
e
af
terwhathappened.

I
vy:
Iconcur
.

Dumakudesi
ghedheav
il
yandt
hennodded.

Thandeka:
Weal
lneedt
orestf
ornow.

Theyal
lagr
eedt
ogi
veNol
wazi
herspaceandmi
ndt
hei
rownbusi
nessunt
ilsher
eachedoutt
o
them.

Nol
wazi wasinthebathtub,taki
nganapwhilet
hehotwaterpier
cedthroughherskin.Shewas
bey
ondnumbatt hispoint
,bothemoti
onal
l
yandphy si
cal
ly.Sheknewshe’dhav etogothrough
astageofdepressionbeforeshesawthel
ightagai
n.Whatshebuiltf
orfouryearshadnow
amountedtonothing..
.

Justasshewasdozi
ngof
f,shehear
dthedooropenbutshej
ustl
aidt
her
e.

Thandeka:
Baby
.

Sheopenedherey
esandl
ookedathermot
herasshet
ower
edov
erher
.
Thandeka:
You’
l
lgetacol
d.You’
vebeeni
nher
eforov
eranhournow.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
etandwat
chedashermot
hergr
abbedat
owel
andr
eachdownt
oher
.

Thandeka:
PhakamaLwazi
.

Sheinv
olunt
ari
l
ygotupandst
eppedoutoft
het
ub.Thandekat
henwr
appedt
het
owel
around
her
.

Thandeka:
Dryy
our
sel
fup,
I’
ll
cleanupher
e.

Nolwaziwal
kedt
othebedroom andThandekastayedinthebat
hroom andcl
eanedup.Af
ter
shewasdoneshewalkedtothebedr
oom andf oundNolwazil
oti
oningher
sel
f.Shewentt
oher
drawerandt
ookoutherwarm pyj
amasandt henplacedt
hem onthebed.

Thandeka:
I’
m pr
epar
inganear
lydi
nnerf
orus.

NolwazikeptquietandThandekawal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
.AssoonasNol
wazi
wasi
n
herpyj
amas, shegotinbedandzonedout.

*
**

Thenj
i
we:
Shewi
l
lnev
erdi
vor
cehi
m.

But
hel
ezi
keptqui
et.Hehadn’
tsai
dawor
dtoany
onesi
ncet
hepr
evi
ousni
ght
.

Thenj
i
we:
Shewi
l
lnev
erdoi
t!
Hecoul
dn’
tst
andThenji
we’
svoiceanymoresohestoodupandwalkedoutoft
hehouse.
Li
ndi
weandThenj
i
wet henhadanotherl
oudver
balargumentf
orawhil
e.

Li
ndi
we:
Whyar
eyousoconcer
ned?
?Wer
en’
tyout
heonewhoi
nfi
l
trat
edal
loft
his?
?

Thenj
i
we:
Wat
chy
ourmout
h!

Li
ndi
we:Youhav
ebr
ainwashedy
oursonandmadehi
myourpuppet
!Lookatwher
ethathas
l
andedhi
m!

Thenj
i
we:
Ukhul
umangani
wena?
!

Li
ndi
we:
Ohpl
ease,
Iknowwhaty
oudi
d!

Thenj
i
we:
Wat
chi
tLi
ndi
we!

Li
ndi
we:
Kwanel
e’
sli
fei
srui
nedbecauseofy
ou!

Thenj
i
we:Yewenamnt
anandi
ni!Don’
tyoudar
ecomehereandacti
nnocent
.Youwer
etheone
whocameheret
ell
i
ngmeabouthowy ou’
rest
art
ingt
oli
keThol
akel
e!

Li
ndi
wekeptqui
et.

Thenj
i
we:
Ohsoy
ou’
reoutofwor
dsnow?
?

Li
ndi
wel
ookedatThenj
i
weangr
il
y.
Thenj
i
we:
Youpeopl
elov
ebl
ami
ngme!

Li
ndi
we:
All
oft
hiswasst
art
edbyy
ou.

Thenj
i
we:
Stopt
alki
ngr
ubbi
shandgetoutofmyhouse.

Li
ndi
westormedoutandThenj
i
wesatdownandhuf
fedandpuffedforagoodfi
veminut
es.
Onceshewasstabl
e,shesl
i
dherhandi
nherbr
aandtookoutherphone.Shedi
all
edanumber
.

Per
son:
Hel
l
o.

Thenj
i
we:
Ineedi
nfor
mat
ion.
..

Per
son:
I’
mli
steni
ng.
..

*
**

Thandekawal
kedbackinwithatray
.Shepl
acedi
tont
hesi
det
abl
eandt
henshookNol
wazi
l
ight
ly.Nol
waziopenedhereyes.

Thandeka:
Her
e’sy
ourf
oodbaby
.

Nol
wazi
bli
nkedacoupl
eoft
imesandt
hensatup.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou.

Thandeka:
Any
thi
ngf
ory
ou.
Shepl
acedt
het
rayonherl
apandNol
wazi
beganeat
ing.Thandekasatont
heedgeoft
hebed.

Thandeka:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?

Nol
wazi
glancedathermot
her
.

Nol
wazi
:Li
keaf
ail
ure.

Thandekanoddedli
ght
ly.Sheknewshehadt oal
l
owNol
wazi
togot
hroughal
ltheemot
ional
st
agesthatwereinv
olv
edi nsuchsi
tuat
ions.

Thandeka:
Itwi
l
lgetbet
ter
.

Nol
wazi
laughedsar
cast
ical
l
yandt
hencar
ri
edoneat
ing.

Thandeka:
Isuggesty
ouf
ocusony
ourwor
k.Keepbusy
.

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.

Thandeka:
Woul
dyoul
i
kemet
ocal
lNomi
orSl
y?

Nol
wazi
shookherhead.

Thandeka:
Okayt
hen.
Nol
wazi
:Thanksf
ort
hef
ood.

Thandekat ookthetr
ayandthennodded.Shewalkedoutofthebedroom andclosedt
hedoor.
Nolwazithensatinsil
enceforawhil
e.Shereachedforherwor
kphoneandswi t
chedi
tonandit
wasfloodedwi t
hemai l
s.Shereadal
ltheimport
antonesandfel
tsli
ghtl
ybetterknowi
ngthat
outofeverythi
ngthatwasgoingon,herjobwassti
lli
ntact
.

Shedi
all
edDean’
snumberandi
trangf
oral
ongt
imebutheev
ent
ual
l
yanswer
ed.

Dean:
Wor
kphone?

Nol
wazi
:Yes,
I’
m back.

Dean:
Sosoon?

Nol
wazi
huf
fed.

Dean:
Yousoundt
err
ibl
e.What
’swr
ongnow?

Nol
wazi
:It
oldt
hem aboutt
hedi
vor
ce.

Dean:
Howdi
dhet
akei
t?

Nol
wazi
:Ican’
tdescr
ibei
t.Hewaswei
rdandqui
et.

Dean:
Ify
ouneedmor
eday
sthenI
’
llor
-
Nol
wazi
:No,
Ineedy
out
ofor
war
dmemor
ewor
k.

Dean:
Arey
ousur
e?

Nol
wazi
:Yes.

Dean:
Okay
..
.

Nol
wazi
:AndI
’
dal
soappr
eci
atei
tify
ouwoul
dcomef
etchme.

Dean:
Arey
ouaty
ourhouse?

Nol
wazi
:NoDean,
I’
minAust
ral
i
a.

Deanchuckl
ed.

Dean:
Giv
emet
wohour
sorso.I
’
m onmywayt
othegy
m.

Nol
wazi
grunt
ed.

Dean:
Gruntal
lyouwant
.

Nol
wazi
:By
e.

Dean:
Bye.
Shedr
oppedt
hecal
landcont
inuedt
ogot
hroughherwor
kemai
l
s.

I
NSERT45

Mduwal
kedi
nthebedr
oom andwentt
osi
tnextt
oNol
wazi
.

Mdu:
Heyki
ddo.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m andhesmi
l
edandNol
wazi
smi
l
edbackf
aint
ly.

Mdu:
I’
m wor
ri
edabouty
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Don’
tbe.

Mdu:
Wil
lyoubef
ine?

Nol
wazi
:Yes.

Mdunoddedl
i
ght
lyandNol
wazi
gotupandbeganpacki
nganov
erni
ghtbag.

Mdu:
Hai
bowher
ear
eyougoi
ng?

Nol
wazi
keptqui
etandMduwat
chedhercl
osel
yandonceshewasdone,
shewentbackandl
ay
ont
hebednextt
ohim.

Mdu:
Lwazi
.
Nol
wazi
:Hmm.

Mdu:
Layof
fwhat
every
ou’
redoi
ng.

Nol
wazi
glancedathi
m andl
aughedqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
You’
rev
-

Nol
wazi
:Youf
orgety
ourposi
ti
onsomet
imes.

Mdukeptqui
et.

Nol
wazi
:Getout
.

Mdurel
uct
antl
yst oodupandwal kedoutofthebedroom.Nolwazil
ayther
eandtri
ednottogi
ve
i
ntothesi
nki
ngf eeli
ngthatwastryi
ngt ofi
ll
herevenmore.Event
uall
yherphoner
angandit
wasDeantel
l
inghert hathewasoutside.Shegotherbagandmadeherwaydownst ai
rswher
e
shef
oundevery
onei ntheloungewatchingTV.

“
Howsweet
,”shet
hought
,“Hav
ingagoodt
imewhi
l
eI’
m cr
acki
ngmyskul
l
...
”

Thandeka:
Oh-

I
vy:
She’
sagr
ownasswoman.Don’
tev
ent
ryi
t!

Thandeka:
Ha-
I
vy:
Gogetf
reshai
rLwa.

Nol
wazi
glancedatI
vyandI
vywi
nkedather
.Nol
wazi
sti
fl
edachuckl
e.

Nol
wazi
:Hav
eagoodni
ght
.

AsmuchasDumakudeandThandekawant edtoknowwher eshewasofftoo,t

heyknewthey
hadt
obackoff.Thiswasn’tev
enthei
rhousesotheirr
uleswouldn’
tappl
y.
..Wel
lThandeka
di
dn’
tmindatall
,shejustwantedt
obesurethatherdaughterwasfi
ne.

Thandeka:
I’
m sur
eshe’
sgoi
ngt
oSl
y.

Dumakude:
Under
standabl
e..
.

I
vy:
You’
vebeencr
owdi
ngher
.

Thandeka:
Uyaphaphakewena.

Theycont
inuedtowatchTV.Nolwazi
wasnowmaki ngherwaytothecar.Shegoti
nandplaced
herbagattheback.Shet
hentookadeepbreat
handlookedatDean.Sheresi
stedt
heurgeto
pounceonhim wit
hhisgood-
looki
ngsel
f.Hefl
ashedasmil
e.

Dean:
Sowher
eto?

Nol
wazi
rol
l
edherey
esandf
ast
enedherseatbel
t.Hest
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.

Dean:
Hav
eyoueat
en?
Nol
wazi
nodded.

Dean:
Stopnoddi
ngandshaki
ngy
ourhead.Answermepr
oper
ly.

Nol
wazi
glancedathi
m.

Dean:
Hav
eyoueat
en?

Nol
wazi
noddedandt
heybot
hchuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Hav
eyoueat
en?

Dean:
No.

Nol
wazi
:Dr
ivet
hroughPi
cknPayorWool
i
es.

Dean:
Ngoba?

Nol
wazi
:Justgot
her
epl
ease.

Deanfocusedonther
oadandtheydr
ovei
nsi
l
encet
il
lhegott
othenear
estPi
cknPay
.Theygot
outofthecarandmadet
heirwayi
n.

Nol
wazi
:Whatwoul
dyoul
i
ket
oeat
?
Deanl
ookedatherandf
rowned.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m of
fer
ingt
opr
epar
eagoodwhol
esomemeal
fory
ouandal
lyoucandoi
sfr
own?

Dean:
Wel
lwhydi
dn’
tyousayso?

Nol
wazi
:ForaPhDschol
ar,
yousur
ecanbesl
ow.

Dean:
Wat
chi
t.

Nol
wazi
shookherheadasshegr
abbedat
rol
l
eyandt
heywal
kedar
ound.

Nol
wazi
:Sowhatdoy
ouwant
?

Dean:
Sur
pri
seme.

Theyconti
nuedtowal
karoundtheai
slesandNolwazi
pickedoutevery
thi
ngshewouldneed.
Oncetheyweredonet
heypaidandmadet hei
rwaybacktothecar.Deanthendr
oveofft
ohis
house.

Nol
waziwasnowinthekit
chenprepar
ingamealforhi
m whi
lehewenttot
akeashower
.Asshe
wasbusy
,herphonerangandwhenshechecked,
itwashermother
.Sheanswer
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Ma.

Thandeka:
Babyu-
ri
ght
?
Nol
wazi
:Yes,
Iam.Don’
twor
ry.

Thandeka:
Eishy
azi
ngi
phat
hekekabi
kanj
ani
.Angi
thandi
wheny
ou’
resodown.

Nol
wazi
:Li
key
ousai
d,i
twi
l
lgetbet
ter
.

Justt
henDeanwal
kedt
otheki
tchenandsatononeoft
hehi
ghst
ool
s.

Thandeka:
Ilov
eyou.

Nol
wazi
:Il
ovey
out
ooma.

Thandeka:
Besaf
e.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Thandeka:
Byeby
e.

Nol
wazi
:By
e.

Shedr
oppedt
hecal
landl
ookedatDean,
whowasbusywi
thhi
sphone.

Nol
wazi
:It
hinkev
ery
onei
sexpect
ingmet
ogot
hroughdepr
essi
onagai
n.

Dean:
Wil
lyour
elapse?
Sheshr
uggedhershoul
der
sandcar
ri
edoncooki
ng.

Dean:
Woul
dyoul
i
kesomet
hingt
odr
ink?

Shegl
ancedathi
m andhechuckl
ed.

Dean:
Champagnecomi
ngup.

Hewal
kedovert
othef
ri
dgeandpour
edheragl
assofchampagneandhandedi
ttoherandshe
t
ookasip.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou.

Dean:
Sohowdi
dyourf
atherr
eact
?

Nol
wazi
:Hewassur
pri
singl
ysuppor
ti
ve.

Deannoddedandkeptqui
etashewat
chedhercook.

*
**

Mduwasnowdr iv
ingtohisfr
iend’
shousepart
y.Ashemadehi swaythere,
hekeptrepl
ayi
ng
somerandom memoriesandfoundhimsel
fchuckl
ing.Afterawhil
e,hefi
nall
ygott
hereand
madehiswayinsi
de.Peoplewereall
overt
heplace,gett
ingdrunkanddancing.

Per
son:
Mdu!
Mduturnedar
oundandspot
tedhi
slongti
mefr
iend,
Lar
ry.Theywenttouniversi
tyt
oget
herand
oncet
heygraduat
edhegotajobi
nDurbanwhi
l
eMdust ayedinJohannesburg.

Theyshookhandsandhugged.Lar
rywasal
i
ttl
eont
hedr
unksi
de.

Mdu:
How’
sit
,mat
e?

Lar
ry:
All
goodandy
ou?

Mdu:
All
good.
..

Theyspokef
orawhi
l
e,cat
chi
ngupwi
theachot
her
’sl
i
ves.

Lar
ry:
List
en,
I’
ll
seey
ouar
ound.Someone’
swai
ti
ngf
ormeupst
air
s.

Mdu:
Letmenotdi
stur
byou.
..

TheyshookhandsagainandLar
rydi
sappear
ed.Mdul ookedar
oundandfeltatadbi
tsheepi
sh.
Theonlyreasonhecameherewasbecausethehousewasabi tdepr
essi
ng.Seei
ngNolwazii
n
thatst
atehitaner
ve.
..

Hewalkedaroundandevent
uall
ywal
kedt othepool
areawherether
ewereacoupleofpeopl
e.
Hefoundaplacetosi
tandtookoutacigaret
teandl
ight
er.Hewatchedaspeopl
edancedand
t
hatoccasi
onalbuzzhegotfr
om hi
scigarett
emadehim sli
ght
lybet
ter
.

Hefel
tsomeonetaphim ontheshoul
derandhetur
nedt
oseewhoi
twas.I
twasanunf
ami
l
iar
gi
rl
.Helookedatherbl
ankl
yandshesmi l
edbri
ghtl
y.
Gi
rl
:Whyar
eyousi
tt
ingbyy
our
sel
f??

Shegi
ggl
edandMduf
rowned.Shecameandsatnextt
ohi
m,al
i
ttl
etoocl
ose.
..

Gi
rl
:So?
?Whyar
eyousi
tt
ingbyy
our
sel
f??

Mdu:
Idon’
thav
efr
iends.

Gi
rl
:Aww!

ShegiggledonceagainandMdul ookedather
.Shewast hetypi
calpret
tygir
l:ni
cebody,pr
ett
y
faceandal lt
hatj
azz.
..Al
thoughhewasn’ti
nthemoodf orenter
tai
ninganyone,hi
s
uncontr
ollabl
emaleurgeswer et
oomucht odealwi
th.Healreadyknewhowt hiswouldendup.

Gi
rl
:Icanbey
ourf
ri
end.

Mdusul
kedandpout
edandt
hegi
rlwentont
ogi
ggl
eagai
n.

Gi
rl
:You’
resohandsomeandcut
e.

Shepl
ayf
ull
ysqueezedhi
scheekandt
hengotcl
osert
ohi
m.

Gi
rl
:You’
renotf
rom her
e?

Mdu:
Sor
taki
nda.

Gi
rl
:What
’st
hatsupposedt
omean?
Mdu:
Ili
vei
nJohannesbur
gbutIal
sohav
eal
i
feher
e.

Gi
rl
:Ohy
ou’
ref
rom Jozi
?

Mdunodded.

Gi
rl
:I
’m sur
eyourZul
uisabi
ttai
ntedt
hen.

Mduchuckl
edandt
ookadr
agofhi
sci
gar
ett
e.

Gi
rl
:CanI
?

Mdu:
Icangi
vey
ouanot
hero-

Gi
rl
:No,
Iwanty
our
s.

Mdu:
Wel
lokayt
hen.

Hesmi
l
edandgav
eherhi
sci
gar
ett
e.Shet
ookal
ongdr
agandbl
ewi
tonhi
sface.

Mdu:
Wat
chi
t.

Shegi
ggl
ed.

Gi
rl
:Sowhat
’sy
ourname?
Mdu:
Mdu.

Shesmi
l
edandnodded.

Mdu:
Andy
ou?

Shet
ookanot
herdr
agandsmi
l
edsl
yl
y.

Gi
rl
:Zanel
e.

Mdunodded.

Gi
rl
:ButIpr
eferZani
.

Mdunoddedagai
n.

Gi
rl
:Youl
ookt
ir
ed.
..

Mdu:
Iam.
..

Gi
rl
:I
’m al
sot
ir
ed.Wasataf
ri
end’
scer
emonyy
est
erday
..
.

Mdunoddeddi
sint
erest
edl
y.

Gi
rl
:Howaboutwef
indar
oom andgetsomer
est
?
Mdul
ookedatherandchuckl
ed.

Gi
rl
:Comeon,
webot
hcoul
ddowi
thsomer
est
.

Mdu:
Yout
hink?

Shet
ookanot
herdr
agandnodded.

Gi
rl
:Andy
oucant
ell
meal
laboutJobur
g..
.

Mduchuckl
edasshest
oodupandgr
abbedhi
shand.

Gi
rl
:Woza.

Hest
oodupandgr
inned.Hi
smi
ndwaspl
ayi
ngt
ri
cksonhi
m andt
hisgi
rlwasgoi
ngt
ohel
phi
m
l
eti
tal
lout
..
.

I
NSERT46(
Excuseanyer
ror
s)

Aweekpassed.
..

Itwasnowt
imef
orDumakude,
IvyandThandekat
oleav
e.Mduont
heot
herhand,
insi
stedon
stay
ing.

Thandeka:
Lwazi
pleasel
etmeknowi
fyouev
erneedmet
ocomebackher
e.
Nol
wazi
:Mamay
ou’
vebeenwi
thmel
ongenough,
youal
sohav
eal
i
fe.

Thandeka:
Andi
trev
olv
esar
oundmychi
l
dren.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edl
i
ght
lyandhuggedherv
isi
blywor
ri
edmot
her
.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lbef
ine.

Thandekal
ookedatherandhuf
fed.

Nol
wazi
:Ipr
omi
se!

Thandekahuggedheragai
n.

Nol
wazi
:Pl
usMduwi
l
lbear
ound.

I
vy:
Kant
iwhycan’
tIst
aymi
na?

Dumakude:Becauseyouneedt
ofocusonget
ti
ngatl
eastONEdegr
ee.Thi
sli
fest
yleofy
our
s
wil
lnotsust
ainyou.

I
vy:
School
isnotf
orev
ery
one.

Dumakudei
gnor
edherandwentt
oputal
lthebagsi
nthecar
.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ouf
orev
ery
thi
ng.
Thandeka:
Ijustf
eel
badf
orl
eav
ing.

Nol
wazi
shookherhead.

Nol
wazi
:Don’
t.

Thandekasi
ghedheav
il
yandt
hennodded.

Thandeka:
Ify
ousayso.
..

Theyhuggedagai
nandt
henI
vycamet
oNol
wazi
.

I
vy:
I’
ll
comebackagai
n.

Nol
wazi
:Al
ri
ghtsi
stersi
ster
.

I
vygi
ggl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou.

I
vy:
You’
remyr
ideordi
e.

Nol
wazi
:Li
kewi
se.

I
vy:
Ilov
eyou.
Theyshar
edawar
m hug.

Nol
wazi
:Il
ovey
out
oo.

Theyal
lwal
kedoutoft
hehouseandoncet
heygott
othecar
,Dumakudepul
l
edNol
wazi
tot
he
si
de.

Dumakude:
Lwazi
..
.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ouf
ory
oursuppor
t.

Dumakudenoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Dumakude:
You’
remyf
ir
stbor
naf
ter
-al
l
.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Dumakude:
Whenar
eyoupl
anni
ngoncont
act
ingy
ourl
awy
er?

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lgett
oit
.

Dumakudenoddedt
ight
ly.

Dumakude:
YouandKwanel
eshar
ethesamel
awy
er?
Nol
wazi
nodded.

Dumakude:
Ithi
nky
oushoul
dhav
eyourownper
sonal
one.

Nol
wazi
:Ei
therway
,wesi
gnedapr
enupsowewon’
thav
epr
obl
ems.

Dumakudenoddedonceagai
nandt
henopeneduphi
sar
ms.

Dumakude:
Comegi
vedaddyahug.

Ev
ery
onehear
dhi
m sayt
hatandt
heyal
lbur
stouti
nlaught
er.Hel
ookedatt
hem andf
rowned.

I
vy:
Bei
ngsof
tdoesn’
tsui
tyou.Don’
ttr
aumat
iseuspl
ease.

Dumakude:
Mxm.

Hel
ookedatNolwaziandshesteppedclosertohim andt
heyshar
edawarm hug.Nolwazihad
t
oadmitt
hathergrat
itudel
evel
swer eskyhigh.Shehadthebestf
ami
lyonecouldeveraskfor
.

Thandeka:
Nisal
ekahl
eke.

Mdu:
Don’
twor
ry,
I’
ll
makesur
eukut
hiy
onkei
ntoi
-st
rai
ght
.

Dumakude:
Itr
usty
ouson.

Thandeka:
Hai
bohol
dyourhor
ses,
thi
sisnothi
shouse.
Nol
wazi
:Yazi
.

Mdu:
Ohho.

Theysai
dthei
rgoodby
esandMduandNol
wazi
wat
chedast
heydr
oveof
f.

Mdu:
Final
l
y!

Nol
wazi
:Ishoul
dbet
heonesay
ingt
hat
.

Mdul aughedandtheywal
kedbackinsi
dethehouseandNol
waziwenttotheki
tchenand
pouredhersel
faglassofwat
er.Thehousewasnowsoquiett
hatpartofherwasn’
ttoosur
eif
l
etti
nghermot hergowasagooddecisi
on.

Mdu:
Lwazi
.

Sheshookherheadandqui
ckl
ysnappedoutofi
t.

Nol
wazi
:Hmm?

Mdu:
Ithi
nkIwantt
omeett
hisman.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
minconf
usi
on.

Nol
wazi
:Meetwhi
chman?
Mdusmi
l
edsl
yl
y.

Mdu:
Theonewho’
sbeenhel
pingy
ououtl
atel
y.

Nol
wazi
coul
dn’
thel
pbutl
aughsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Nol
wazi
:You’
ref
unny
.

Mdu:
I’
m gl
ady
ouf
indmef
unny
.

Nol
wazi
drankherwat
erandt
henl
ookedathi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Ify
oucont
inuet
omeddl
einmybusi
nesst
heny
ouwi
l
lbehomel
ess.Consi
dery
our
sel
f
war
ned.

Mdu:
Dramat
icmuch?

Nol
wazi
:Hmm.
..

Shewal
kedawayandl
efthi
mther
e.

*
**

Pr
ett
y:I
t’
sti
mef
ormet
ogohomenow.

Thol
icar
ri
edonf
oldi
ngherhusband’
scl
othes.
Pr
ett
y:Thol
akel
e.

Thol
i
:Hmm?

Pr
ett
y:Yewenangi
khul
umanawe!

Thol
itur
nedt
olookatherwi
thabl
ankf
ace.Pr
ett
ywal
kedupt
oher
.

Pr
ett
y:Ungenwey
ini
wena?
?You’
vebeenact
ingf
unnyl
atel
y!

Thol
i
:Idon’
tknowwhaty
ou’
ret
alk-

Pr
ett
y:Mxxxm!

Thol
il
ookedatherwi
thnoexpr
essi
on.

Thol
i
:Soy
ou’
rel
eav
ing?

Pr
ett
y:Yes!

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Shet
urnedar
oundandcont
inuedt
ofol
dthecl
othes.

Pr
ett
y:Heeeehh!
Thol
ii
gnoredherandt
henwal
kedt
othebedr
oom wi
tht
hebasket
.Shet
henwal
kedbackt
othe
l
aundryr
oom.

Thol
i
:Uhambekahl
e.

Prett
ystar
edatherandt
hencrossedherar
ms.Thol
il
ookedatherbr
ief
lybef
oret
aki
ngoutt
he
restoft
heclot
hesfr
om t
hetumbledryer
.

Pr
ett
y:By
eby
eke.

Thol
i
:By
e.

Pr
ett
y:Heheee!

Prett
yclappedonceandthenwalkedoutoft
heroom.Tholi
sighedahugesi ghofr
eli
efandthen
fi
nishedupwhatshewasdoi ng.Byt
hetimeshewentdownstair
s,Pr
ettyhadalr
eadylef
t.She
fi
nishedupcleani
ngthehouseandthenwenttothebal
conyandsatthereforawhil
e.

Justt
hen,
herphoner
angandsheanswer
ed.

Thol
i
:Hel
l
o?

Per
son:
IsKwanel
ebacky
et?

Thol
i
:Mam’
Thenj
i
-

Thenj
i
we:
Ismysonback?
“
Whydon’
tyoucomecheckf
ory
our
sel
f,
”shet
houghtangr
il
y.

Thenj
i
we:
Ye?
?

Thol
icl
ear
edhert
hroatandshookherhead.

Thol
i
:No.

Thenj
i
we:
Hashecal
l
edy
ou?

Thol
i
:Il
astspoket
ohi
myest
erday
.Het
oldmehe’
sbusy
.

Thenj
i
we:
Mxm.

Thol
i
:Hesay
she’
l
lbebackso-

Thecallwasdroppedv i
olent
lyandshehuffed.Sheputherphonedownandsatthere.I
ttook
ever
yfi
breinherbodynott ocryherlungsout.Mostni
ghtsshe’df
indhersel
fcr
yingbutwoul
d
i
nstant
lystophersel
f.Shenowhat edherownt ear
sforsomeoddr eason.

Asshewasaboutt
ostandup,herphonerangagai
nandshereachedfori
tandsmi
ledwhenshe
sawherf
ri
end’
sname.Shehadn’tseenhersi
ncethef
ir
stdayofherceremonyi
nDundee.

Thol
i
:Zani
!

Zani
:Fr
iend!
Thol
i
:Howar
eyou?

Zani
:Iam al
i
veandki
cki
ngy
azi
.Ist
hatev
ilauntofy
our
sgone?

Thol
inodded.

Thol
i
:Yashei
s.

Zani
:CanIcomeov
er?

Thol
i
:Uhm sur
-

Zani:
No,actual
lyl
et’
smeetsomewher
e.I
’
m sur
eyou’
ret
ir
edofbei
ngcoopedupi
nthatbi
g
houseofyours!

Thol
i
:Uhm-

Zani
:I
’m nott
aki
ngnof
orananswer
!

TholisighedandZani t
oldhershewouldfetchheri
nanhourandsheshoul dlookprett
yinst
ead
ofbei ngherusualdul
lself
.Thol
ihadgottenusedtonotbeingnot
icedsoshehadt roubl
ewith
rel
atingtomoder ngir
lswhoknewev er
ythingaboutmakeupandallthatot
herstuf
f.She
dressedcomf ort
ablyanddidn’
tai
mt opleaseanyonebecauseshewasconv i
ncedthatnoone
waswat chi
nganyway.

Shewalkedinsi
dethehouseandwenttoherbedr
oom whereshebeganlooki
ngforwhatshe
woul
dwear .Asshesmel tKwanel
e’
scl
othes,
shefel
ttheur
getoburstoutint
ear
sbutshe
managedtocontrolher
self.
*
**

Mdu:
I’
m headi
ngout
.

Nol
wazi
:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?

Mdu:
You’
reobv
iousl
ynotpl
anni
ngoncooki
ng.

Nol
wazi
:Nope.

Mdu:
Mxm I
’
m sur
eyou’
repl
anni
ngonbei
ngwi
thy
ourmy
ster
yman.

Nol
wazi
:Andev
eni
fIwas,
Idon’
tseehowi
tconcer
nsy
ou.

Mdust
aredather
.

Nol
wazi
:HambaBhenj
u.

Mdu:
Woah.

Nol
wazi:Idon’
tunder
standwhaty
ouwantf
rom me.Youwantmet
osi
ther
eandf
eel
sor
ryf
or
mysel
f?

Mdu:
No,
Iju-
Nol
wazi
:Justgo.

Shewal
kedtoherbedr
oom andMdust
oodt
her
eforawhi
l
e.Het
hengothi
sthi
ngsandmade
hi
swayout.

I
NSERT47

Zani
call
edThol
iandtol
dhershewaspar
kedout
sideherhouseandThol
imadeherwayout
.
Shegoti
nthecarandhuff
ed.

Thol
i
:Icoul
dcookameal
forusa-

Zani
:Uhuh!You’
vebeeni
nthathousef
orwayt
ool
ong.

Tholishr
uggedhershoul
dersuncomfort
abl
y.Locki
nghersel
fupseemedf
areasi
ert
hanbei
ng
aroundpeople.Sheal
wayshadanxiet
ywhenshewasi ncrowds.

Zani
:We’
l
lgot
oani
cer
est
aur
antwi
thal
i
vebandandhav
eal
ovel
ychi
l
ledt
ime.

Thol
ihuf
fedagai
nasZani
drov
eof
f.

Zani
:Sohowi
syourhubby
?

Thol
ikeptqui
etandf
ocusedont
her
oad.

Zani
:Youwi
l
lnev
erbehappyshamewena.
Thol
icont
inuedtokeepqui
etandeventual
l
ytheygott
oar
est
aur
antandmadet
hei
rwayi
n.
Theygotatabl
eandplacedthei
ror
ders.

Zani
:Thol
irel
ax!Geesh!

Thol
ishi
ft
edi
nherseatuncomf
ort
abl
yandsi
ghed.

Zani
:Kant
iyi
nii
nki
ngay
akho?

Thol
ishookherhead.

Zani
:Let
’shav
eagoodt
ime.I
’
m expect
ingsomeonet
ocomej
oinusl
ater
.

Thol
i
:Who?

Zani
smi
l
edmi
schi
evousl
yandThol
il
ookedatheroddl
y.

Thol
i
:Doy
ouhav
eaboy
fri
endnow?

Zani
:Hai
it’
snot
hingl
i
ket
hat
.

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Zani
:Hehaspot
ent
ial
though.

Thol
i
:Okay
.
Zani
:Andhe’
sri
ch.
..

Thol
ishookherheadl
i
ght
ly.

Zani
:Hai
sukay
oucan’
tbet
heonl
yonewi
thar
ichper
sonhawukant
iyi
nii
nki
ngay
akho?

Ev
ent
ual
l
ythei
rfoodcameandt
heybeganeat
ing.

*
**

Dean:
Nol
wazi
.

Nolwaziqui
ckl
ysnappedoutofhert
hought
sandgl
ancedatDean,
whowassi
tt
ingont
heot
her
couch.

Nol
wazi
:Hmm?

Dean:
Comesi
tnextt
ome.

Nol
wazi
stoodupandwentt
osi
tnex
ttohi
m.Hepul
l
edhercl
oserandwr
appedhi
sar
msar
ound
her
.

Nol
wazi
:Dean.

Dean:
Hmm?
Nol
wazi
:Thanksf
orev
ery
thi
ng.

Dean:
Any
time.

Sheputherheadupandgl
ancedathi
m andhegr
inned.

Nol
wazi
:Mybr
otherknowsaboutt
his.

Deanchuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Deanj
ustpr
omi
semeonet
hing.

Deanst
oppedf
ocusi
ngont
heTVandl
ookedather
.

Nol
wazi
:We’
vebeenf
ri
endsf
orawhi
l
enow.

Dean:
Andwe’
renotki
ds.We’
l
lcont
inuet
ohandl
ethi
ngsl
i
ket
headul
tswear
e.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edf
aint
lyandnodded.

Hefocusedont
heTVagai
nandNol
wazi
putherheadonhi
schestandt
heydi
dn’
tsaymuch
af
tert
hat.

Aft
erawhil
eDean’
sphoner
angandheaskedNol
wazit
ogetitf
orhi
m.Sher
eachedf
ori
tand
gavei
ttohi
m andt
henwentbackt
obei
ngcomfort
abl
einhi
sarms.

Deanhi
ssed.
Nol
wazi
:What
?

Thephonest
oppedr
ingi
ngandheputi
tdown.

Dean:
UNt
siki
.

Nol
wazi
satupandl
ookedathi
m andhi
sfacer
emai
nedcal
m andunchanged.

Nol
wazi
:Isshet
heonewhocal
l
ed?

Henoddedt
ight
lyandpul
l
edheragai
n.

Dean:
Mxm.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
etandf
ocusedont
heTVagai
n.

*
**

Zani
:Uhm l
i
stennehf
ri
end,
I’
m goi
ngt
ogethi
m out
side.

Thol
i
:May
beIshoul
dleav
e.

Zani
:Andgowher
e??St
opbei
ngapar
typooperman!

Thol
ifr
ownedasZani
stoodupandwal
kedoutoft
her
est
aur
ant
.Thel
astt
hingThol
ineeded
wastosither
eandbewi thZaniandherrandom men.Shereall
yjustwantedtobeinherbed,
watchi
ngoldmov i
es.
..Shetookasipofherdr i
nkandsatt
here,wait
ingforZanit
ocomeback
soshecouldtel
lhert
hatshewasl eav
ing,plusitwasnowaround7pm andshehadt obeback
athomejusti
ncaseherhusbanddecidedt ocomeback.

Justt
henshehear
dZani
’
svoi
ceandshet
ri
edt
ofi
nishherj
uice.

Shehear
dZani
laughandamal
echuckl
edal
ongwi
thher
.

Zani
:Ther
ewego.

WhenThol
il
ookedup,
shei
mmedi
atel
ychockedonherj
uiceandhel
dont
oherchest
.

Zani
:Andt
hen?Whatwr
ong?

Thol
igl
ancedatMdu,whowasalsoconf
usedandl
ookedabitshocked.Shequickl
yst
oodup
andwal
kedtothebat
hroom wher
eshedranksomet
apwaterandstoodt her
eforawhil
e.

Aft
eralongt
imeshef
inal
l
ymadeherwaybackt
othet
abl
e.I
nst
eadofsi
tt
ingdown,
shel
ooked
atZani
.

Thol
i
:I’
l
lseey
ousoon.

Zani
stoodupandl
ookedatheri
ntensel
y.

Zani
:Whyar
eyoubei
ngl
i
ket
his?
?St
opt
hisbul
l
shi
tman.

Thol
i
:Don’
ttal
ktomel
i
ket
hat
.
Zanil
ookedatThol
ii
nconf
usi
onandabi
tofdi
sbel
i
ef.Shehadnev
erhear
dherusesuchacol
d
tone.

Zani
:Sor
ry,
fri
end.

Tholi
thengl
ancedatMdu,whowassi
tt
ingt
her
elooki
ngsl
i
ght
lyamused.Shesatdownand
tookherempt
yglassofj
uice.

Thol
i
:CanIhav
eanot
hergl
ass?

Zani
lookedar
ound.

Zani
:Uhm sur
e,I
’
llf
indt
hewai
ter
.

Thol
inoddedt
ight
lyandZani
wal
kedof
f,l
ooki
ngf
ort
hewai
ter
.

Mdu:
Whowoul
dhav
ethought
?Youact
ual
l
yhav
eaf
ri
end?

Thol
il
ookedathi
m shar
plyandhechuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Smal
lwor
ld.
..

Justt
hen,Zani
wal
kedbackwi
thawai
terandaskedhi
mtor
efi
l
lThol
i
’sj
uice.Shet
hensatdown
andsi
ghed.

Zani
:Uhm soy
a..
.Mdu,
thi
sismybestf
ri
endThol
i
.
Mdunoddedandsmi
l
edatThol
i
.

Zani
:Thol
i
,thi
sisMdu.

Shor
tl
yaft
er,
thewait
ercamebackwi
thherj
uiceandshegul
pedi
tal
lupatoncebef
orehe
coul
devenwalkof
f.

Thol
i
:CanIhav
eagl
assofwat
er?

Wai
ter
:Sur
e.

Mdu:
Giv
emeashotofGl
enf
iddi
ch,
please.

Wai
ter
:Al
ri
ght
.

ThewaiterwalkedoffandMdustaredatThol
i.Shekeptonhuff
ingandpuf
fi
ng,obvi
ousl
ytr
ying
toconcealwhateveremoti
onswerebrewingi
nher.Hercheeksweresl
owlytur
ningr
edandshe
avoi
dedhiseyes.Hef oundi
tver
yamusing.

Zani
:Thol
ii
stheoneIwast
ell
i
ngy
ouaboutMdu.

Mdugl
ancedatZani
andnoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Zani
:Ineedt
hel
oo,
wil
lbebacksoonest
.

Shest
oodupandr
ushedt
othebat
hroom.
Thol
i
:Gl
adt
oknowt
hatI
’
mthecent
reofy
ourconv
ersat
ions.

Mdu:
Heynow!

Hel
ookedatheramusi
ngl
yandshef
lar
edhernost
ri
ls.

Mdu:
Cut
e.

Shehuf
fedagai
n.

Mdu:
Ikhonai
ntoekudl
ayo?You’
vebeenhuf
fi
ngandpuf
fi
ngov
ert
her
e.

Shekeptqui
etandthewai
tercamebackwit
hhergl
assofwat
erandMdu’
sshot
.Hedownedi
t
qui
ckl
yandshet ookal
ongsipofherwat
er.

Justt
hen,
Zani
camebackandsatdownnextt
oMdu.Shel
ookedathi
m andsmi
l
ed.

Thol
i
:Ihav
etogonow.

Zani
:Bu-

Thol
ist
oodup.

Zani
:Mxm angazi
bengi
kusaphi
.You’
rehopel
ess.
Mdul
ookedatZani
disappr
ovi
ngl
yandZani
ret
ali
ated.

Zani
:What
??Youhav
enoi
deahowl
ameshecanbe.

Thol
ihi
ssedandt
ookherbag.

Thol
i
:Wher
edoIpay
?

Zani
laughedsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Zani
:Usi
ngbel
ovedhubby
’scar
d?

Tholi
staredatZani
,thatcommenthi
therabi
t.Shedi
dn’
tunder
standwhyshewasbei
ngl
i
ke
thi
s.Clearl
yMdumadeherf eel
super
ior
.

Mdu:
IsKwanel
eback,
Thol
i
?

Zaniqui
ckl
ylookedatMdui
nshock.Thol
ij
ustst
oodt
her
e,herf
eethaddef
eat
edherandshe
fel
tover
whelmed.

Zani
:What
???

Mdul
ookedatZani
blankl
y.

Mdu:
Hmm?

Zani
:Youknowherhusband?
?
Mdunoddedcasual
l
yandt
henl
ookedatThol
i
.

Mdu:
Wantmet
ogi
vey
oual
i
ft?

Zani
:Howdoy
ouknowher
??

Mducont
inuedt
olookatThol
i
.

Zani
:Mdungi
khul
umanawe!

Mdu:
AwumeZanel
e.

Hef
ocusedonThol
iagai
n,whodi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.Hesi
ghedandt
hengl
ancedatZani
.

Mdu:
Takey
ourf
ri
endhomeZanel
e.

Wi
tht
hatsai
dhest
oodupandl
eftt
hem t
her
e.

I
NSERT48

Anot
herweekpassed.
..

Lwazimadeherwayt othel
awfi
rm andonceshegott
other
ecept
ion,
shewastakento
Anthony
’soff
ice.Anthonywasadiv
orceatt
orney
..
.Hewasadif
fer
entlawy
erf
rom theoneshe
andKwanelejoint
lyhad.

Shegott
otheof
fi
ceandhewel
comedher
.
Ant
hony
:Mr
s.But
hel
ezi
,l
ovel
ytomeety
ou.

Nolwazismil
edfai
ntl
yandtheyshookhands.Shewasn’
tfeel
i
ngwel
lbutsheknewshehadt
o
getthi
soveranddonewit
h.

Ant
hony
:Hav
easeat
.

Nol
wazi
:Thanks.

Shesatdownandhewentov
ert
ohi
schai
randsatdown.Hesmi
l
edki
ndl
y.

Ant
hony
:HowmayIhel
pyou?

Nol
wazi
:Li
keIsai
d,Iwantadi
vor
ce.

Henodded.

Nol
wazi
:MyhusbandandIhav
eamut
ual
lawy
er.

Henoddedonceagai
n.

Nolwazi
:Myf at
heradv
isedmet
ofi
ndanewl
awy
erasourcur
rentone’
sobj
ect
ivi
tymi
ghtbe
quest
ionabl
e.

Ant
hony
:Iagr
eewi
thy
ourf
ather
.
Nol
wazikeptqui
et.Shehadat
err
ibl
eheadacheanddi
dn’
tknowi
fshewoul
dmakei
ttot
heend
oft
hismeeti
ng.

Ant
hony
:Ar
eyouokay
?

Nol
wazi
shookherheadl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:CanIhav
eagl
assofwat
erpl
ease?

Ant
hony
:Sur
e.

Hewal
kedoutoftheoff
icequickl
yandNolwazibr
ushedherfor
eheadl
i
ght
ly,
feel
i
ngherhot
t
emper
atur
e.Anthonywalkedbackinandgaveheraglassofwater
.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou.

Ant
hony
:You’
rewel
come.

Hesatdownagai
nandl
ookedatherki
ndl
y.

Ant
hony
:I’
vedeal
twi
thl
otsandl
otsofdi
vor
cecases,
somet
ragi
canddr
amat
ict
hanot
her
s.

Nol
wazi
:Howni
ce.

Hechuckl
edqui
etl
y.

Ant
hony
:Asagener
alst
art
ingpoi
nt,
Ithi
nkI
’
llj
ustbr
iefy
ouaboutt
hecommonmi
stakespeopl
e
makewhendi
vor
cing.

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
lyandputhergl
assont
het
abl
e.

Anthony :Firstl
y,somepeopl efai
ltorespondandcommuni cate.Thiswon’ tnecessari
lyapplyto
youbecausey ouaretheonewhoi sfi
lingforadi vor
ce.Wheny ourhusbandr eceivesa
summons, hemustdosomet hi
ng.Hewi llnotautomat i
cal
lybegi vennoticeofacour tdate.I
n
fact,ifhefailstoputinanot i
ceofhisi nt
entiontodef end,
thecasecanbef i
nali
sedwi thoutany
furtherreferencetohim.Thiscancosthi m pl ent
y.That’swhyit’simportanttogetagood
divorcespeci ali
statt
orney.Yes,i
twillcosty ousomemoney .But ,
inallhonesty,i
tcostsmuch
mor ei fyoudonoti nvesti
gatebeforetakingani nfor
meddeci sion.

Nol
wazi
:Adi
vor
cesummons?

Ant
honynodded.

Anthony:Adivorceacti
onisintr
oducedbyt hei
ssui
ngofasummons.Youcandi v
or cei
nei
ther
theRegionalCourtoftheMagistrat
eCourthavi
ngauthori
tyi
ny ourareaori
ntheHighCour
t.To
star
tthedivorceprocessyouneedt oserv
eaSummons.Adi vorcesummonsisuniqueint
hati
t
mustbeser vedpersonall
ytothedefendantbythesher
if
fofthecourt.

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.

Ant
hony
:Thesummonsinf
ormsy ourhusbandthatifhedi
sput
esy ourclai
m andwishest
o
def
endt
heacti
on,
hemustserveanoticeofappearancetodef
endt heclai
m wit
hin10daysi
f
bot
hofyouar
einthesamepr
ovinceor20day sifyouli
veindi
ff
erentprovi
nces.

Nol
wazi
’
sanxi
etyshotup.Al
loft
hisi
nfor
mat
ionwasconf
usi
ngandov
erwhel
ming.

Anthony:Ther
earety
pical
lytwoty
pesofdivor
ces,
thecontest
edoropposeddiv
orceandthe
uncontest
edorunopposed.Theunopposedty
peofdiv
orceisthebestandmostcostef
fect
ive
forallpart
iesconcer
ned.Li
kethenamesuggests,bothyouandyourhusbandar
enotopposing
thedivorce,youarebot
hcontest
ingit
.Itcanbef
inal
isedinasli
tt
leas4weeksbutifadiv
orceis
contestedoropposedthenitmaytakebetween2-3y ears,
butmostcontest
eddi
vorcesdo
sett
lelongbef or
etheygoontri
al.

Nol
wazi
:3y
ear
s??

Ant
honynoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Anthony:Civi
lmar riages, ci
vil
unionsandt hoser el
igi
ousmar ri
agesconduct edbyr egister
ed
mar ri
ageoffi
cer scanonl ybedissolvedbyor deroft hecourt.Thepersonwi shingt oendt he
mar ri
agemusti ssueasummonsagai nsttheot herspouse,stati
ngthattherelationshi phas
brokendown, thatt hereisnor easonablehopeofr estor
ingther el
ati
onshipandwhi ch
mat ri
monialproper tyregimegov ernsthemar r
iage.Thesummonsmustmakepr ov i
sionforthe
divi
sionoftheest ate,eitherstat
ingthatt hepartieshaveenteredintoapr i
oragr eementor
askingthecour ttodi v
idet hejoi
nt.Partiesmustal sosetoutwhatt hearrangement sar ewith
regardstoanychi ldrenbor noradopt eddur i
ngt hemar r
iage.

Nol
wazi
:Wedon’
thav
echi
l
drenandweal
sosi
gnedapr
enupt
ial
.

Ant
hony
:Oh,
youdi
d?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Ant
hony:Thenthatmakest
hingseasi
er.Sot
her
ewon’
tbeanydi
scussi
onsr
evol
vi
ngar
ound
di
vi
sionofproper
ty.

Nol
wazi
:What
’smi
nei
smi
neandwhat
’shi
sishi
s.

Ant
hony
:Soi
twasn’
tCommuni
tyofPr
oper
ty?
Nol
wazi
shookherhead.

Ant
hony
:That
’sgr
eatMr
s-

Hest
oppedhi
msel
f.

Nol
wazi
:Youcancal
lmeNol
wazi
.

Anthony
: Well
it’
sgoodthatyoudidn’tcombi neyourproper
ty.Combiningasset
shasprov
ento
bedangerous.Manycouplesdon’tthinkaboutdivorcewhent heygetmarri
ed.Noonewantst
o
thi
nkaboutitasapossibi
li
tyandasar esult
,theydonotprotectthemselv
esincasei
tdoes
happen.
..Li
feisqui
teunpredi
ctable,unfort
unately
.

Nol
wazi
sighedandr
ubbedherf
oreheadagai
n.

Nol
wazi
:Sowhat
’sanuncont
est
eddi
vor
ce?

Anthony :Thebestopt i
on,ifyoucanmakei thappen,istodoy ourdivor
cei nanuncont est edor
unopposedmanner .Anuncont esteddi v
orcei soneinwhi chy ouandy ourhusbandwor k
togethertoagreeont hetermsofy ourdivorce.Youwi l
lbothconsul twiththesameat torney ,
whowi l
lbeunbiasedandi mpar t
ial.Thereisnof ormaltri
al,andonl ytheplaint
if
f,meani ngy ou-
sincey ouaretheonewhoi ni
tiat
edt hedivorce-appearsincour t.I
nanuncont esteddivorce,
bothofy ouagreepr i
ortothedi v
or ceonhowt odivideyourasset sand, i
ftherear echi
ldren
i
nv ol
v ed,whi
chpar entwil
lbecomet hepar entofprimaryresidenceandwhi chwillbethepar ent
ofalternater
esidence.Aset t
lementagr eementi sthendraftedwi ththehelpoft heattorney ,
enteredinto(si
gned)bybot hpar t
ies,andmadeanor deroft hecourt.Anuncont esteddiv orceis
withoutadoubtt heleastexpensivet ypeofdiv or
ce.

Nol
wazi
noddedsl
owl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Andanopposeddi
vor
ce?
Ant
honysi
ghedheav
il
y.

Ant
hony
:Thi
sonei
smor
ecompl
i
cat
ed.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Anthony:
Acont est
edoropposeddivorcehas7st ages:1.Pl
eadings.2.Appl
icati
onforandset
downoft r
ialdat
e.3.Discover
yofdocuments.4.Furtherdi
scoveryandparti
cular
s.5.Pre-
tr
ial
confer
ence.6.Tri
al.7.Judgment

Nol
wazi
shookherhead.Shecoul
dn’
ttakei
nal
lthi
sinf
ormat
ionatonce.

Ant
hony
:Iunder
stand.

Nolwazi
:Woul
dyoupl
easesendmeanemai
lwi
thal
lthi
sinf
ormat
ionandwhat
every
out
hinkI
needtoknow?

Ant
hony
:Ofcour
se.

Nol
wazi
sighedandr
eachedf
orhergl
assofwat
er.

Ant
hony
:Butsi
ncey
ouhav
eapr
enup,
thi
smi
ghtbeasmoot
hri
de.

Nol
wazi
:Sowhathappensi
fmyhusbanddoesnotcooper
ate?

Ant
hony
:Wel
l
...Youcoul
dhav
ewhatwecal
laDef
aul
tDi
vor
ce.
Nol
wazi
lookedathi
mint
ent
ly.

Anthony:Adef aultdi
vorcei
saf orm ofuncontest
edandunopposeddivorce.Acourtwill
granta
divor
cebydef aultifyouserv
eadi vorcesummonsony ourhusbandandhedoesnotr espond.In
adefaultdiv
orce, youastheplaint
if
fprepareasummonsset t
ingoutyourclai
mswi thorwithout
thehelpofanat torney.Acourti
ssuest hesummonsandasher i
ffser
vest hesummonsony our
husband.Thesummonsspeci fi
esthenumberofdaysinwhichhehast of i
leanot
iceof
i
ntenti
ont odefend.

Nolwazi
:Inot
herwor
dshehas10day
sifhel
i
vesi
nthesamepr
ovi
nceasmeor20day
sifhe
doesn’
t?

Ant
honynodded.

Anthony:Ify
ourhusbanddoesnotanswerbywayofanot iceofdefencewit
hinthet i
me, y
ou
mayappr oachthecourtt
or egi
stert
hedi vor
ceont hecourtrollandconcl
udet hedivor
ceon
yourhusband’sdef
ault
.Insuchacase, onl
yyouappeari ncourt.Somecourtsdor equestthata
noti
ceofsetdown( adocumentst at
ingwher eandwhent hedivorcewil
lbeheard)beser vedto
yourhusbandpersonal
lyorbyregist
er edpost.I
tmaybeagoodi deatocontactyourhusbandto
fi
ndoutwhyhehasnotdef ended.Alt
houghy oucant echnical
lyseekadefaultdiv
orcewhent he
ti
mel i
mitinthesummonspasseswi thouthisresponse.

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
yandnodded.

Nol
wazi
:ThanksAnt
hony
.

Ant
honynodded.

Ant
hony
:I’
l
lsendy
ouev
erysi
ngl
edet
ail
now.
Nol
wazi
:I’
dappr
eci
atet
hat
.

Shefini
sheduphergl
assofwat
erandt
henst
oodup.Ant
honyst
oodupaswel
landt
heyshook
hands.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou.

Ant
hony
:Enj
oyt
her
estofy
ourday
.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lbei
ncont
act
.

Ant
hony
:Al
ri
ght
.

Nolwazigotherbagandmadeherwayoutoftheoffi
ceandfir
m.Assoonasshegoti nhercar
,
sheslummedont hesteeri
ngwheel
andburstouti
ntears.Ahugepar
tofherknewthatKwanel
e
wasnotgoingtomakeanyoft hi
seasy
.Shewonderedifshehadthewil
l
powertocarryonand
drai
nhersel
fevenmor e.
..

I
NSERT49(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Nolwazi madeherwaybackt oworkandwentstr

aighttoheroffi
ce.Befor
ePhiwecoul
dsay
anything,sheshutthedoorandwenttohercouchandl aydown.Shef el
tli
keshewasaboutt
o
haveapani cattack.Al
ltheinf
ormati
onsherecei
vedleftherover
whelmedandgenuinel
y
ter
ri
fied.Shewasquest i
oningifshecoul
dgoonwi ththedivor
ce.

Shelaythereandtri
edtoimaginehowlifewouldbeaf t
ert hedivor
ce.Shedef i
nitel
ysawDeani
n
thepict
ure.Hi
sconstantsupportwaswhatsheappr eciatedthemost .Yes,herfamilywas
alwaysbyhersidebutDeanprov i
dedanotherl
ayerofsuppor t.
..Al
ltheseinti
mat emoments
theysharedactual
l
yall
owedhert odist
ancehersel
fmor eandmor ef r
om Kwanel e.
Justt
hen,
ther
ewasaknockont
hedoorbutshei
gnor
edi
t.

Afterawhi
le,shehear
dthedooropenandsheknewitwasDeanbecauseonl
yhewoul
ddo
such.Sheheardthedoorcl
oseandsecondsl
aterhewaskneel
i
ngnexttoher
.

Dean:
Phi
wet
oldmey
ou’
renotf
ine.

Shel
aughedqui
etl
yandopenedherey
es,
star
ingathi
m.

Nol
wazi
:I’
mfucked.

Dean:
Yini
?

Nol
wazi
:Justhadameet
ingt
hedi
vor
ceat
tor
ney
.

Henoddedandshesi
ghedheav
il
y.

Nol
wazi
:It
’st
oomuchDean.

Hegotupandsatont
hecouchwhi
l
eshepl
acedherl
egsonhi
slap.

Dean:
LikeIsai
dbef
ore,
getal
lthei
nfor
mat
iony
ouneedsoy
oucanmakeani
nfor
meddeci
sion.

Shenoddedandcover
edhereyesasshef el
tthet
ear
swellupagai
n.Hepul
l
edhert
owar
dshi
m
andwrappedhi
sarmsaroundher.Shesobbedsil
ent
lyandhehel
dher.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m af
ail
ure.
Hedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Nol
wazi
:Ot
herwomenf
ightf
ort
hei
rmar
ri
agesandher
eIam,
root
ingf
ort
heeasywayout
.

Dean:
Comeon.

Nol
wazi
:Iwi
l
lnev
erf
orgi
vemy
sel
ffort
his.

Shesobbedagai
nandDeankeptquiet
.Heknewhehadtobever
ycaref
ulwit
hhi
swor ds.One
thi
nghetol
dhimsel
fhewoul dn’
tdowoul
dbetot
ell
Nolwazi
whattodo.Shewastheonewho
hadtomakeherdeci
sions.

JustasNol
wazi
waswi
pinghert
ear
s,t
hedoorf
lungopenandbot
hDeanandNol
wazi
froze.

Phi
west
oodt
her
eforal
ongsecond,
star
ingathert
wobossesast
heyhel
dont
oeachot
her
.

Phi
we:
Uhm-

Shequi
ckl
yshutt
hedooragai
n.

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
tev
encar
eatt
hispoi
nt.

Deansi
ghed.

Nol
wazi
:Don’
tyouhav
eameet
ingt
hisaf
ter
noon?
Deannodded.

Nol
wazi
:Letmenotkeepy
ou.

Dean:
Mxm.

Shehuf
fedashepul
l
edherev
encl
osersoherf
acecoul
dtouchhi
s.

Dean:
Youneedt
ogohome.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
,ngoba?

Dean:
Yourf
acei
snotpl
easantt
olookatr
ightnow.

Nol
wazi
:Dean!

Hechuckl
edandshehuf
fedagai
n.

Dean:
I’
m ser
ious.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm angi
yi
ndawo.

Dean:
I’
myourbossNol
wazi
andIdemandt
haty
oul
eav
ethepr
emi
sest
hisi
nst
ant
.

Nol
wazi
:Cut
e.
Dean:
Youdon’
tknowy
ourpl
ace.

Shehi
ssedashepl
acedhi
sli
psonher
s.Shemoanedqui
etl
yandhest
oppedt
heki
ss.

Dean:
Ihav
eameet
ing.

Shegr
oanedandgotawayf
rom hi
m.Hest
oodupandf
ixedhi
msel
f.

Dean:
Seey
ouar
ound.

Nol
wazi
:NowIhav
etodeal
wit
hPhi
we.

Dean:Youbetter
,ot
her
wiseshe’
l
lhavemetodealwit
handt
hatwon’
tendwel
l
.Whatki
ndof
assi
stancebudgesi
nherboss’
soff
ice?Um’
j
wayezil
enawe.

Nol
wazi
:By
eDean.

Dean:
Bye.

Hewalkedoutoftheof
fi
ce,l
eav i
ngthedooropen.Nolwazif
ixedher
sel
fandt henwentovert
o
herdoorandl
ookedoveratPhiwewhowasonherdesk, acr
osstheoff
ice.Shelookedupat
Nolwaziandt
hentri
edavoi
dinghereyes.Nol
wazisighed.

Nol
wazi
:Woza.

Phi
westoodupandwal
kedov
ert
oNol
wazi
’
sof
fi
ce.Shecl
osedt
hedoorandl
ookedatNol
wazi
ner
vousl
y.
Nol
wazi
sighedandsatonherdesk.

Phi
wef
iddl
edwi
thherf
inger
s.

Nol
wazi
:Tal
ktome.

Phi
we:
Bossl
ady
?

Nol
wazi
:Phi
wet
alkt
ome.

Phi
wel
ookedatherpl
eadi
ngl
y.

Phi
we:
Uhm.
..

Nol
wazi
:I’
m get
ti
ngadi
vor
ce.

Phi
weexcl
aimedandl
ookedatNol
wazi
inshock.

Nol
wazi
:Thi
sst
aysbet
weeny
ouandme,
Phi
we.

Phi
wenoddedqui
ckl
y,t
ryi
ngt
oassur
eherboss.

Nol
wazi
:It
’sal
ongandcompl
i
cat
edsi
tuat
ion.
..

Phi
we:
I’
m sor
rybossl
ady
.
Nol
wazi
nodded.

Phi
wewal
kedov
ert
oher
.

Phi
we:
I’
mreal
l
ysor
ry.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lbef
ine.

Theyshar
edahug.

Phi
we:
Nowi
tmakessensewhyDr
.Hl
ongwanewascomf
ort
ingy
ou.

Nol
wazi
noddedt
ight
lyandPhi
wesmi
l
ed.

Phi
we:
Suchasuppor
ti
veguy
.

Nol
wazi
:Mmm.

Phi
wesi
ghedheav
il
y.

Phi
we:
Ihopeev
ery
thi
ngwor
ksoutf
ory
oubossl
ady
.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ouPhi
we.

Phi
wenoddedsadl
y.
Phi
we:
Thanky
ouf
ort
rust
ingme.
..

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edl
i
ght
lyandnodded.

Phi
we:
Letmegetbackt
owor
k.

Nol
wazi
:Al
ri
ght
.

Phi
wesmi
l
edwar
mlybef
orewal
ki
ngoutoft
heof
fi
ceandcl
osi
ngt
hedoor
.

*
**

Thol
i hadstoppedreachi
ngouttoKwanel
ebecauseitpr
ovedtobeusel
ess.Hehadst
opped
answeringanycall
s.InTholi
’
smind,
heneededsomespacet odeal
withwhatev
erhewas
deal
ingwi t
h.Maybeev er
ythi
ngwoul
dbebetteroncehecameback.
..

Justasshewasprepari
nghersel
fdi
nner
,herphoner
angandshecoul
dn’
thel
pbutr
usht
oit
,
thi
nki
ngitwasherhusband.

Whenshel
ookedatt
hecal
l
eri
d,i
twasanunr
ecogni
sednumber
.Sheanswer
edi
thesi
tant
ly.

Thol
i
:Hel
l
o?

Per
son:
Hel
l
oThol
i
.

Shecr
ingedwhensher
eal
i
sedt
hati
twasMdu’
svoi
ce.
Mdu:
Thol
i
?

Shecl
ear
edhert
hroat
.

Thol
i
:Yes,
whoam I
-

Shecoughedonce.

Thol
i
:Whoam Ispeaki
ngt
o?

Mduchuckl
edandshegr
unt
ed.

Mdu:
Ahher
e’st
hati
nfamousgr
untofy
our
s.Youknowexact
lywhot
hisi
s.

Shekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Wher
ear
eyou?

Thol
i
:Excuseme?

Mdu:
Ukuphi
Thol
akel
e?

Thol
i
:Myhouse.

Mduchuckl
edqui
etl
y.
Mdu:
List
en,
I’
ll
bet
her
ein30mi
nut
es.

Thol
i
:What
??

Mdu:
Seey
ousoonest
.

Hedroppedthecal
landTholi
stoodthere,
notknowingwhattodo.Di
ffer
entthought
scrossed
hermindandshequickl
yrantothedoorandlockedit
.Shet
henrushedtothebedroom andshut
thedoorandbeganpaci
ngaround.Shewassuddenlysweat
ingli
ghtl
y.

Shet
ouchedherchest
.

Thol
i
:Whatt
heheck?
?

Sher ushedtothebat
hroom andri
nsedherfaceandlot
ionedit
.Shethenwalkedoutandwent
tothekitchentomakesureherpotswerefi
ne.Sheswitchedofft
hestoveandpouredher
sel
fa
glassofwat erwhi
chshedrankinacoupleofseconds.

Justasshewasput ti
ngthegl assback,herphoner
angfrom theloungeandshejumpedin
shock.Shewalkedtotheloungeandt ookit,i
twasMdu’sunrecognisednumberagai
n.Sheleti
t
ri
nganddi dn’
tanswerit
,hopinghewoul dleaveher
.Onceitstoppedshesighedi
nrel
iefand
walkedbacktothekit
chen.Justt henitvi
brat
edandshesawt hatitwasatextmessage,she
openedit.

Mdu:
Thol
i
,donott
estme.Iwi
l
lbr
eaki
nandt
heal
arm wi
l
lgoof
f.

Shequi
cklyputthephonedownandexcl
aimed.Shesuddenlyf
elthot
.Bef
oreshecoul
dgat
her
hert
houghts,
itbeepedagai
nandshetookitandopenedthemessage.

Mdu:
I’
m gi
vi
ngy
ou5mi
nut
est
ocomeout
.
Sher
epl
i
ed.

Thol
i
:Iwi
l
ldonosuch.Pl
easest
opbot
her
ingme.

Mdur
epl
i
ed.

Mdu:Aveuthandaukuzenzau-
speci
al.Noonei
sbot
her
ingy
oubutt
rustt
haty
ouwi
l
lbe
bot
heredbyyoural
arm whenIbreaki
n.

Shehuf
fedandsi
ghedheav
il
y.

Anot
hert
extgoti
n.

Mdu:
3mi
nut
es.

Shegr unt
edasshewalkedtothedoorandopenedit
.Shewal
kedoutofthehouseandmade
herwayt othegat
e.Shewentthr
oughthesmalloneandsawacarparkedcl
oseby.Shewal
ked
toitandwenttostandbythedri
ver
’sdoor
.

Thewi
ndowsl
i
ddownandMdugr
inned.

Shef
lar
edhernost
ri
ls,
feel
i
ngsl
i
ght
lyangr
y.

Mdu:
Unedr
amashamemnt
anabant
u.

Shegr
unt
ed.
Mdu:
Thatgr
untofy
our
s..
.

Thol
i
:Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Mdu:
Geti
nthecar
.

Thol
i
:Iwi
l
ldonosuch!

Mdu:
Yout
est
ingme?

Shecr
ossedherar
msandst
aredathi
m.

Mdusi
ghed.

Mdu:
Alr
ightt
hen,
youl
eav
emenochoi
ce.

Heopenedthedoorandshebackedaway
.Whenhegotout
,shebackedev
enf
urt
herbuthe
caughtupwit
hher.

Mdu:
Let
’sgol
ockupy
ourhouse.

Thol
i
:No!

Mdu:
Mxm.
Thol
i
:Iwi
l
lscr
eam!

Mdu:
Yout
hinkt
hesewhi
tepeopl
ecar
eaboutt
hei
rli
tt
ler
ichbl
acknei
ghbour
s?

Shel
ookedathi
mindi
sbel
i
ef.

Mdu:
Woza.

Hegr
abbedherar
m andpul
l
edhert
owar
dst
hegat
e.

I
NSERT50

Thol
isatst
il
l,
try
ingnotcr
y.

Mdugl
ancedatherandl
aughedqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
Ya,
yourr
iverf
lowset
ernal
l
yshame.

Shel
ookedathi
m shar
plyandhechuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Awushoke,
ukhal
elani
becausenoonei
shur
ti
ngy
ou?

Thol
i
:Takemebackt
omyhouse!

Mdu:
Mxm kant
i.
Hef
ocusedont
her
oadandThol
iwi
pedherey
es.

Thol
i
:Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?

Mdudi
dn’
tanswerhersoshekeptqui
etandal
sof
ocusedont
her
oad.

Thol
i
:DoesZani
knowy
ou’
reher
e.

Mduchuckl
edandi
gnor
edher
.

Aft
ermuchdrivi
ng,t
heygott
oanotherqui
etar
eaandhedrovei
ntosomehouse.Oncehe
parked,
hegotoutandThol
iwat
chedashewal kedt
ohersi
de.Heopenedt
hedoorandlooked
ather.

Mdu:
Woza.

Shehel
dont
oherseatbel
t.

Thol
i
:Whosehousei
sthi
s?

Mdu:
Mine.

Thol
i
:Whatar
ewedoi
ngher
e?

Mdu:
Not
hing.Thol
iphuma.

Thol
i
:NoI
’
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e.Takemebackt
omyhouse.
Mdu:
You’dsweary
ou’
rehav
ingf
unnyi
nthathouseofy
our
sthewayy
oukeepdemandi
ngt
hatI
t
akeyouback.

Shekeptqui
etandf
lar
edhernost
ri
ls.

Mdu:
Youdon’
twantmet
odr
agy
ouout
,doy
ou?

Thol
i
:Mdupl
easet
akemehome.

Shel
ookedathi
m pl
eadi
ngl
y.

Mdu:
Kahl
ekahl
ewhatdoy
out
hinkI
’
m goi
ngt
odot
oyou?

Thol
ihuf
fed.

Mdu:
Whywoul
dIhur
tmyex-
brot
her
-i
n-l
aw’
swi
fe?

Hesmi
l
edandThol
icr
inged.

Mdu:
Ser
iousl
ythough,
pleasecomeout
.

Shest
aredathi
mf orawhi
l
eandt hensi
ghed.Sher
eluct
ant
lyunf
ast
enedt
heseatbel
tandt
hen
Mdumov edsoshecoul
dgetoutofthecar
.

Mdu:
Thanky
ou.
Helockedthecarandbeganwal
kingt
owar
dsthedoorandshef ol
l
owedhim.Heunl
ockedt
he
doorandthenmov edasi
desoshecoul
dwalki
n.Shej
ustlookedathi
m andhesi
ghed.

Mdu:
Thol
ingenaman.

Thol
i
:No,
wenangenakqal
a.

Hel
aughedqui
etl
yandt
hengoti
nandshef
oll
owedhi
m.Shel
ookedar
oundandf
rowned.

Thol
i
:Wher
e’sy
ourf
urni
tur
e?

Mdu:
Idon’
tli
vei
nDur
ban.

Shel
ookedathi
minconf
usi
on.

Mdu:
Ili
vei
nJohannesbur
g.Onl
ycamedownher
etoat
tendy
ourl
ovel
ycer
emony
.

Shekeptqui
etandhest
if
ledal
augh.

Mdu:
Boughtt
hishouseay
earago.

Thol
i
:Buty
oudon’
tli
veher
e.

Mdunoddedandshedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Mdu:
Howev
er,
duet
orecentdev
elopment
s,I
’
m consi
der
ingcomi
ngt
hissi
de.
..
Thol
i
:Pl
easet
akemehome.

Mdu:
Any
way
,Icamet
ofet
chsomet
hingher
e.Ngi
yabuy
a.

Hewal kedawayandThol i
st oodther
efeeli
nguncomf or
table.Shewantedtogetoutofthere
andlockherselfi
nthecomf ortofherhome,despit
eherhusbandnotbei ngthere.Aft
erawhil
e,
Mduwal kedbackandwentt othedoorandTholifol
lowedhim.Theywal kedoutofthehouse
andmadet heirwaytothecarandgoti n.Thol
igruntedbecauseshedidn’tunderst
andwhatwas
goi
ngon.Mdust art
edthecaranddr oveoutoftheyard.

Mdu:
Arey
ouhungr
y?

Sheshookherhead.

Mdu:
Iaskedy
ouaquest
ion.

Thol
i
:No.

Hefocusedontheroadandt
heydrovei
nsi
lencet
il
ltheyr
eachedherhouse.Hepar
kedout
side
andTholit
ri
edopeningt
hedoorbuti
twasl
ocked.

Mdu:
Ubuy
ani
niuKwanel
e?

Thol
i
:Howdoy
ouknowt
hathe’
snother
e?

Mdu:
Ijustknow.
Thol
i
:Angazi
.

Mdu:
Didhet
ell
youwher
ehewasgoi
ng?

Shewasaboutt
oshakeherheadwhenhegav
eherawar
ningl
ook.

Thol
i
:No.

Mdu:
Alr
ightt
hen,
goodni
ght
.

HeunlockedthedoorsandTholiglancedathim beforegett
ingoutofthecar
.Sherushedtoher
gateandwentstrai
ghttothehouse.Onceinside,shewentt othebat
hroom t
or i
nseherface.
Shedidn’
twanttodelveint
oherthoughts.Hertummygr owledandshewentdownstair
s,
real
isi
ngjusthowhungryshewas.Sheswi tchedont hestovesothewarm potscoul
dheatup
onceagain.Asshewasabouttot akeoutapl at
eandcut ler
y,t
hegatebuzzerwentoff
.Shewent
tothespeakerandswit
chediton.

Thol
i
:Hel
l
o.

Mdu:
Comegety
ourphone.

Thol
i
:Il
efti
tther
e?

Mdu:
Ya.

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Shemadeherwayoutoft
hehouseandt
othegat
e.Shet
henwal
kedt
othecarj
ustasMdugot
outandst
oodbyhi
sdoor
.Shewal
kedt
ohi
m.

Mdu:
Ther
eyougo.

Thol
i
:Thanks.

Heputouthishandandsher
eachedf
ori
t.Justasshewasaboutt
otaket
hephone,
he
t
ight
enedhisgri
ponit.

Thol
i
:I’
vehonest
lyhadenoughofy
ou!Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?
?

Mdul
aughed.

Mdu:Hai
bohowar
eyougoi
ngt
otur
nont
hev
erysameper
sonwhot
oldy
out
ost
andupf
or
your
sel
f?

Thol
icr
ossedherar
ms.

Mdu: WhenIsai
dthatshi
tIdi
dn’
tmeanpr
act
iseonme.ThatZanel
efr
iendofy
our
sshoul
dbe
yourpunchi
ngbag.

Thol
i
:Ungenaphi
laphowena?

Mdu:
Hehe.

Thol
i
:Gi
vememyphone.
Mdu:
Whowoul
dhav
ethoughtukut
hit
hecr
yinggi
rlcoul
dbeabi
tfei
sty
?

Shekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Bamba.

Heputt
hephoneoutagai
nandasshereachedoutt
ogetit
,hepul
l
edherandwr
appedhi
sar
ms
ar
oundherwai
st.Shet
ri
edwiggl
i
ngbutheheldhert
ight
.

Mdu:
Uyangi
funawena.

Shel
ookedathi
minshock.

Mdu:
Uyaphi
ka?

Herbodyt
ensedupandhest
aredather
.

Mdu:
You’
ret
ooy
oungf
ort
hisshi
t.

Thol
itr
iedmov
ingagai
n,wi
thnosuccess.

Mdu:
Youhav
enof
ri
ends.
..Yourf
ami
l
yisf
ull
ofshi
t.
..Yourhusbandi
sadi
ck.

Thol
il
ookedathi
m wi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.

Mdu:
Re-
eval
uat
eyourl
i
fe.
Thol
i
:Fory
ourowni
nfor
mat
ion,
Idohav
efami
l
y.

Mdu:
Mxm y
oumeant
hatpat
het
icauntofy
our
s?

Shet
ight
enedherj
awandkeptqui
et.

Mdu:
I’
m genui
nel
yconcer
nedabouty
ou.I
’
m notev
enj
oki
ng.

Astheystoodthere,
Tholi
rememberedt
hatshel
eftt
hest
oveonandshet
ri
edmov
ingbutMdu
cont
inuedtoti
ghtenhisholdonher
.

Thol
i
:Il
eftt
hest
oveon!

Mdu:
Lett
hehousebur
n.

Thol
i
:Forf
uck’
ssake,
letmego!

Mdu:
Kant
iuy
ayazi
int
lambanawe?

Tholibr
okefreefrom hi
sholdandquickl
yrushedbackinsi
de.Asshegotint
hekitchen,
the
smokewassl owlymakingitswayup.Sheswi t
chedoffthest
oveandopenedthedoorand
windowssot hesmokedet ect
orwouldn’
tgooff.Shecussedassheopenedthepotsandthe
smellofherburntfoodfi
ll
edtheki
tchen.

Mdu:
Sor
ryaboutt
hat
.

Thol
igl
ancedathi
m ashest
oodbyt
hedoor
.Shet
ookt
hepot
stot
hesi
nkandhewal
kedt
othe
count
erandl
eanedoni
t.Shei
gnor
edhi
m andbegancl
ear
ingoutt
hepot
sandcl
eanedt
hem.

Mdu:
Great
,nowl
et’
sgoeat
.

Thol
itur
nedt
olookathi
m.

Thol
i
:Idon’
twantt
ogoany
wher
ewi
thy
ou.Leav
emeal
one,
please!

Mdu:
No.

Shehuf
fedandMduchuckl
ed.Hewasn’
tleav
ingany
timesoon.
..

I
NSERT51(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

JustasNol
wazif
ini
shedupcooki
ng,
thebuzzerwentof
fandsheopenedt
hegat
e.Shor
tl
yaf
ter
,
shehear
dthebel
landthenwentt
oopenthedoor.

Sl
y:Noman,
uyadi
naThul
i
.

Thul
i
:Youcoul
dhav
eeasi
l
yaskedmei
nst
eadofbar
king.

Sl
y:Mxm hai
sukay
ou’
l
lgetov
eri
t.

Nomi
goti
nbet
weenSl
yandThul
iandhuggedNol
wazi
,whowasst
andi
ngbyt
hedoorchuckl
i
ng.

Nomi
:Heysi
s.
Nol
wazi
:Heyl
ove.

Nomi
wal
kedi
nsi
deandt
henNol
waz
ilookedatThul
iandSl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Whatnow?

Thul
i
:Shei
ss-

Sl
y:Yeahy
eahwhat
ever
!

Sl
ythenf
ocusedonNol
wazi
andsmi
l
edbr
ight
ly.

Sl
y:Heybabe.

Theyshar
edahug.

Sl
y:Mi
ssedy
ou!

Nol
wazi
:Li
kewi
se.

Sl
y:I
’
llgodi
shupf
orus.

Nol
wazi
:Ukudl
aku-
ready
.

Sl
ywal
kedi
nthehouseandt
henNol
wazi
lookedatThul
i
,asshest
oodt
her
e.
Nol
wazi
:Longt
ime.
..

Thul
i
:Wonderwhy
.

Nol
wazi
:I’
vemi
ssedy
ou.

Thul
i
:Ohr
eal
l
y?

Nol
wazi
:Dr
opt
hesar
casm Thul
i
sil
e.

Thul
ishr
uggedhershoul
der
sandNol
wazi
openedupherar
ms.

Nol
wazi
:St
opbei
nganal
.

Thul
ist
eppedcl
osert
oherandt
heyshar
edahug.

Thul
i
:Yousur
ehav
eaf
unnywayofmi
ssi
ngme.

Nol
wazi
:It
’sbeenahect
ict
imeThul
i
.

Thul
i
:AndI
’
m outoft
hel
oopbecause?

Nol
wazi
lookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Thul
i
:CanIatl
eastcomei
n?
Nol
wazichuckl
edandmov edsoThul
icouldwal
kin.Shecl
osedthedoorandtheymadethei
r
waytot
hekitchenwher
etheyfoundSl
ydishi
ngupandNomi pouri
nghersel
faglassofwi
ne.

Thul
i
:Poursomef
ormet
oopl
ease.

Sl
y:Met
oo.

Nol
wazi
:Whatashame!

Sl
y:Hai
sukawena,
sine-
str
esst
hina.

Nol
wazi
:What
’swr
ongnow?

Sl
y:Ei
shf
ri
end.

Nol
wazi
:IsChocol
ateDr
opgi
vi
ngy
oupr
obl
ems?

Thul
iandNomi
laughed.

Thul
i
:Sl
yisbei
ngdr
amat
icasusual
.

Sl
y:Shutt
hef
uckupThul
i
!

Nol
wazi
:Whathappened?
Sl
y:Hekeepsdi
sappear
ingandt
aki
ng“
wor
k”cal
l
swhi
l
ewe’
ret
oget
her
.

Nomi
:Wel
lnoof
fensebutwhatdi
dyouexpectf
rom amannamedRi
chi
e?

Theyal
lbur
stouti
nlaught
er.

Sl
y:Laughatmypai
n,f
ri
ends!

Nol
wazi
:AhshamemanI
’
m sur
eyou’
reov
eranal
ysi
ngt
hesi
tuat
ion.

Sl
y:No!Guy
syouknowIdon’
tov
eranal
yset
hings.Thul
idoest
hatshi
t,notme!

Thul
i
:Ver
yfunny
.

Sl
y:Thatmani
scheat
ingonmeandheav
enhel
pthebi
tchhe’
smaki
ngcum.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
Sli
ndi
l
e.

Sl
y:Yazi
Lwazi
,Ir
eal
l
yli
ket
hisguy
.Yes,
it’
sbeenal
most2mont
hsbutIl
i
kehi
m!

Nol
wazi
:Manj
eyou’
regoi
ngt
oinv
est
igat
e?

Sl
y:No,
I’
ll
keepqui
etf
ornow.Idon’
twantt
oseem i
nsecur
e,l
i
keThul
i
.

Thul
ithr
ewadi
shwi
pingcl
othatherandt
heyl
aughed.
Nomi
:WenaLwazi
unj
ani
?

Nol
wazi
:I’
mtaki
ngi
tonedayatat
ime.

Sl
y:Howi
sKwanel
etaki
ngi
tThul
i
?

Thul
i
:Howam Isupposedt
oknow?

Nomi
:Youknow,
youcanr
eal
l
ybedumbatt
imesThul
i
.

Thul
i
:Noy
oui
diot
s,Ihav
en’
tseenKwanel
esi
ncehel
eftf
orDundee.

Sl
y:Manj
eakezi
emsebenzi
ni?

Thul
i
:Hehadhi
sleav
ebuthewassupposedt
obebackaf
tert
heDundeeweekend.

Nomi
:Andhe’
snot
?

Thul
ishookherheadandgl
ancedatNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Youhav
en’
tspokent
ohi
m?

Thul
i
:Nope.

Nomi
:That
’sv
eryodd.
Thul
i:
I’
vebeentryi
ngtocontacthi
m..
.Hehasabigcasewai
ti
ngf
orhi
m atwor
kandt
heboss
sai
dhe’dgi
veitsomeoneelseifhedoesn’
tshowup.

Sl
y:Heehkaz
eiphi
ley
onj
a!

Thul
il
ookedatSl
yshar
ply
.

Sly
:Mxm Idon’
tgi
vear
at’
speni
sabouthi
m.Hemustbr
inghi
sassbackher
esot
hisdi
vor
ce
cancommence.

Nomi
:Lwazi
hav
eyout
ri
edcont
act
inghi
m?

Nol
wazi
:Whywoul
dI?

Sl
y:Uy
awubuzaumsuzoshameNomt
handazo.

Nomi
:May
behe’
l
lansweri
fheseesi
t’
syou.

Nol
wazi
didn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Sl
y:He’
sbei
ngadi
ckf
ornor
eason.I
t’
sobv
ioushe’
str
yingt
odel
ayt
hispr
ocess.

Thul
i
:Butsur
elyy
oucancar
ryonwi
thouthi
m?

Nol
wazi
shr
uggedhershoul
der
s.

Nomi
:Shewant
stodot
hingst
her
ightway
.
Sl
yfi
nisheddi
shi
ngupf
orev
ery
oneandt
heyal
lwentout
sidet
othepat
ioandsatdown.

Nomi
:May
beThol
akel
eknows.
..

Sl
y:Thaty
ell
owbi
tch?

Nol
wazi
cri
nged.

Sl
y:I
’
m sur
eitdoes.

Nomi
:It
?

Sl
y:Yes,
it.I
’
m sur
eITknowswher
ethepunk-
assi
s.

Thul
i
:Fuck,
you’
resodi
srespect
ful
.

Sl
y:Cr
ymear
iver
.

Thul
i
:Mxm.

Sl
y:Any
way
,thi
sdi
vor
cecancommencewi
thouthi
m.I
twi
l
lbeaDef
aul
tDi
vor
ce.

Thul
i
:Sonowy
ou’
real
awy
er?

Sl
y:No,
I’
mjustv
eryknowl
edgeabl
ehun.
Thul
ihi
ssed.

Nomi
:Howi
sitgoi
ngLwazi
?

Nol
wazi
snappedoutofi
tandl
ookedatNomi
.

Nol
wazi
:Hmm?

Nomi
:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
ocar
ryonev
enwi
thouthi
m?

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
eto.

Thul
i
:Thi
sisgoi
ngt
obeadr
aini
ngpr
ocess,
arey
our
eady
?

Sl
y:Nooneaskedy
out
hatl
oadofbul
lwheny
oudi
vor
cedPat
.

Nomi
:Sl
i
ndi
l
e!

Sl
ytookasi
pofherwi
neandkeptqui
et.Thul
ifocusedonNol
wazi
.

Thul
i
:Ar
eyou?

Nol
wazi
:What
?

Thul
i
:Ready
.
Nol
wazi
:Bei
ngr
eadywi
l
lnotmakeadi
ff
erence.I
t’
shappeni
ng.

Thul
inoddedl
i
ght
lyandf
ocusedonherpl
ate.

Nomi
:Ist
il
lcan’
tbel
i
evet
his.

Sl
y:Whi
l
eyout
woar
ebusymoppi
ngar
ound,
Lwazi
andIwi
l
lbeget
ti
ngmen!

Nol
wazi
chuckl
edl
i
ght
ly.

Nomi
:That
’snotsomet
hingt
obepr
oudof
.

Sl
y:Ti
l
lthi
sday
,Iaskt
heheav
enshowandwhyy
ou’
remybestf
ri
endNomi
.

Nomi
:What
ever
.

Theycar
ri
edonchat
ti
ng.

Aft
erawhi
l
eNolwazi
’
sphoner
angandshet
ooki
tandcheckedt
hecal
l
eri
d.Shegl
ancedatSl
y
andSl
ysmil
ed.

Nomi
:Ar
en’
tyougoi
ngt
oanswer
?

Sl
y:Nomi
bambanay
i-
vodka.Ngat
hiut
handaukuphaphamanj
e.
Ast
heywer
egoi
ngbackandf
ort
h,Nol
wazi
stoodupandwenti
nsi
det
hehouse.Sheanswer
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Hel
l
o.

Dean:
Iwasaboutt
oendt
hecal
l
.

Nol
wazi
:Sor
ry,
Ihav
eguest
s.

Dean:
Myapol
ogi
es,
ngi
zokut
hint
alat
erke.

Nol
wazi
:Bowut
hini
?

Dean:
Hmm.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Khul
umaDean.

Dean:
Not
hing,
enj
oyt
her
estofy
ourev
eni
ng.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
angi
yi
thandi
kel
e.Uqal
eni
niukubanamat
endencywamat
eenager
?

Deanl
aughed.

Dean:
ByeNol
wazi
.
Nol
wazi
:Mxm,
bye.

Deandroppedt
hecal
landNol
wazi
madeherwaybackt
othepat
io.Shesatdown,
tookherpl
ate
andevery
onestar
edather
.

Nol
wazi
:Whatnow?

Shel
ookedatt
hem i
nnocent
ly.

Sl
y:Lut
ho.Theset
wor
eal
l
ydon’
tdeser
vet
obeourf
ri
ends.

Nol
wazi
laughedandThul
inar
rowedherey
es.

Thul
i
:Soy
ou’
resl
eepi
ngwi
thDean,
Lwazi
?

Nol
wazi
lookedatThul
ii
ndi
sbel
i
ef.

Nol
wazi
:Ho-

Sl
y:I
t’
sthi
sfool
,Nomi
.Al
lthi
swi
neandv
odkai
smessi
ngwi
thherhead.

Nol
wazi
lookedatNomi
whowasquar
tert
opassi
ngout
.Shesi
ghedandt
henl
ookedatThul
i
.

Nol
wazi
:Ist
her
eapr
obl
em?

Thul
i
:Uhm l
et’
ssee.
..
Nol
wazi
sighed.Sheknewj
udgementwascomi
ng.

Thul
i
:You’
remar
ri
ed!

Sl
y:Hai
bowena,
don’
tyouknowwhatdi
vor
cei
s?

Thul
i
:Nol
wazi
!

Nol
wazi
frowned.

Thul
i
:Ican’
tbel
i
evet
his.I
sthi
swhyy
ou’
resoadamantaboutsepar
ati
ng?
?Uf
unauDean?
?

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Iwon’
tdi
gni
fyt
hatwi
thar
esponse.

Sl
y:Andy
oudon’
thav
eto.
..

Thul
il
ookedatSl
yinshock.

Sly:Andwenagoandf i
ndthatasshol
eofamany
oucal
laf
ri
end.Weneedhi
mtocomesi
gn
thesepaper
s,angasi
bhori
please.

Thul
ikeptqui
etandsatback.
Nol
wazi
’
sphonebeepedandshet
ooki
t.Sher
eadt
hemessage.

Dean:
Wasaski
ngi
fyoucoul
dspendt
heni
ghther
e.

Nol
wazi
tri
ednott
oshowanyexpr
essi
onbecausesheknewal
ley
eswer
eonher
.

Sher
epl
i
ed.

Nol
wazi
:I’
mtheonewhoal
way
saskst
obef
etched.
..Thi
sisi
nter
est
ing.
..

Deanr
epl
i
ed.

Dean:
Whydoy
out
hinkIwasner
vousaboutaski
ng?

Nol
waziti
ght
enedherl
ipsbecausesher
eal
l
ywant
edt
osmi
l
ebutt
hewayThul
i
’sj
udgement
wassetupri
ghtnow.
..

Sher
epl
i
ed.

Nol
wazi
:NowIf
eel
li
keI
’
mtheonewho’
sbeendoi
ngt
hechasi
ng.

Mdu:
Youhav
ebutIdon’
tbl
amey
ou.I
t’
saDeant
hing.

Nol
wazi
laughedqui
etl
y.

Sher
epl
i
ed
Nolwazi
:I’
l
lletgoofthatcommentj
ustthi
sonce.Theonl
yreasonI
’m agr
eei
ngt
ocomei s
becauseI
’m caughtupinaver
yti
ghtsi
tuati
onri
ghtnow.I
’l
ll
etyouknowoncemyfr
iendsleav
e.

Dean:
Alr
ight
.

Nol
wazi
putherphonedownandsi
ghed.

Sl
ywassmi
l
ingandThul
iwasst
ari
ngatheri
ntent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Desser
tany
one?

Sl
y:Yebost
handwa!

Nolwazist
oodupandbeganwal
ki
ngi
nthehousewhi
l
eSl
ywentont
otel
lThul
ij
usthow
annoyi
ngshecoul
dbe.

I
NSERT52(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Sl
y:Thanky
ouf
orhav
ingusmngani
.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Itwasgoodseei
ngy
ouguy
s.

Nol
wazi
lookedatThul
i
,whowasobv
iousl
yst
il
laf
fect
edbyt
heDeant
hing.
Sl
y:It
rustt
haty
ouwon’
tfi
ndy
ourf
ri
endandt
ell
him Nol
wazi
’
sbusi
ness.

Thul
i
:I’
m notani
diot
.

Nol
wazi
sighedandThul
il
ookedather
.

Thul
i
:Yoursecr
eti
ssaf
e.

Nol
wazi
:Justdon’
tfor
gett
haty
ou’
renotmymot
her
,okay
?

Thul
i
:Mxm.

Nol
wazi
:Any
way
,itwasgoodseei
ngy
ou.

Thul
imumbl
ed“
li
kewi
se”andt
heyshar
edabr
iefhug.

Sl
y:I
’
llcont
acty
out
omor
rowke.Ineedt
odi
scusswor
kst
uffwi
thy
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Sur
e.

Theybot
hwal
kedt
othei
rcar
sandj
ustt
hen,
Nol
wazi
hear
dDean’
scarout
side.

Sl
y:Let
’sgetgoi
ng.

Shewi
nkedatNol
wazi
andt
heygoti
nthei
rcar
s.
AsNol waziopenedthegat
e,Dean’
scarwast here,bl
ocki
ngthewayf orSl
yandThuli
.Nol
wazi
watchedashedr oveofft
hedriv
ewayandt henSlyhooted.Shechuckl
edandaft
eracoupleof
minutes,bothSl
yandThuli’
scarsdi
sappeared.DeanthendroveinandNolwazi
walkedovert
o
thecar.Hegotoutandshegott ohi
m,resi
stingtheurgetohughim.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lbequi
ck.

Dean:
Sur
e.

Hegotbacki nthecarandshewal kedinthehouseandwenttotheNomi ’susual

“passout
”
room andfoundhersleepi
ngpeacef ul
l
y.Shethenwenttoherbedroom andgotherbag.Asshe
wasmaki ngherwaydownst ai
rs,
shedi al
l
edMdu’ snumber.I
trangforalongtimebuthe
event
uall
yanswer ed.

Mdu:
What
’sup?

Nol
wazi
:Li
sten,
Nomi
isi
ntheguest
room downst
air
s.

Mdu:
Thatal
cohol
i
cfr
iendofy
our
s?

Nol
wazi
:Wat
chi
t.

Mduchuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Justcheckonherwheny
ougetback,
please.

Mdu:
Sur
e.Uy
aphi
?
Nol
wazi
:By
e.

Shedroppedthecal
landmadeherwayoutoft
hehouseandl
ockedup.Shet
henwentt
othe
carandgotin.

Nol
wazi
:Goodt
ogo.

Deanst
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveout
.

*
**

Mduputdownhi
sphoneandl
ookedatThol
i
.

Mdu:
See,
you’
rest
il
lal
i
ve.

Tholil
ookedathi
m anddidn’
tsayany
thi
ng.Shelookedaroundtherestaur
antandwasgl
adthat
i
twasempt y.Thewait
resscameandthenaskedthem f
ortheiror
ders.Tholi
hadn’
tev
enlooked
atthemenu.

Mdu:
Thol
i
?

Thol
il
ookedathi
m.

Mdu:
Hav
eyoudeci
dedwhaty
ouwant
?

Shemumbl eda“no”andt
henMduwentontoplacehisorder
.AsThol
iopenedthemenu, she
real
i
sedthatshehadnocl
uewhatwasgoingon.Al
lthesecompli
cat
ednamesf i
ll
edthemenu
andshedidn’
tevenknowwhatwaswhat
.Shetri
edseeingift
her
ewerepict
uresatleast
,that
showedwhatthemeal slookedli
ke,buttherewasnone.Shefel
therheartrat
eincr
easeabit
becauseshecoul
df eelMduandt hewaitress’
seyesonher.Shepagedthroughthemenu,
hopingtosee“
burger”,
“steak”orsomething!

Assheapproachedt
heendoft
hemenu,
shewant
edt
ocr
y.Shecoul
dn’
tev
enpr
onounceal
l
thesewor
dsandphrases.

Mdu:
Thol
i
.

Shebi
therbot
tom l
i
pandgl
ancedathi
m ner
vousl
yandhel
ookedathercool
l
y.

Mdu:
Wantmet
oor
derf
ory
ou?

Shenoddedl
i
ght
lyandt
henMduwentont
opl
aceanor
derf
orher
.

Wai
tr
ess:
Andwoul
dyoul
i
keany
thi
ngt
odr
ink?

Thewai
tr
essst
aredatThol
iandThol
ibl
i
nkedacoupl
eoft
imes.

Thol
i
:Uhm agl
assofwat
erwi
thnoi
ce,
please.

Thewai
tr
essnoddedandt
henl
ookedatherexpect
ant
ly.

Wai
tr
ess:
CanIhav
ethemenu,
ma’
am.

Thol
i
:Oh.
Shehandedthewai t
ressthemenuandthewaitr
esswal
kedoff.Shelookedar oundthe
rest
aurant
,av
oidingMdu’seyes.Shewasbeyondembarr
assedatthi
spoi nt.Expensiv
e
rest
aurant
swerealway savoi
dedli
keaplaguebyher
.WheneverKwanelet r
iedtakingherout
,
shelur
edhim backinwithherexcel
l
entcooki
ng.Nowsheregret
tedallt
hepossi bl
et r
aini
ngshe
missedouton.

Mdu:
Sodi
dyougot
oschool
?

Shesnappedoutofi
tandgl
ancedathi
minconf
usi
on.

Mdu:
Didy
ougot
oschool
?

Thol
i
:Hadt
odr
opout
.

Mduf
rowned.

Thol
i
:WasatDUTf
oroney
ear
.

Mdu:
Andt
hen?

Thol
i
:Iwasf
inanci
all
yexcl
uded.

Mdunoddedsl
owl
y.

Mdu:
Arey
oupl
anni
ngongoi
ngback?

Thol
inodded.
Mdu:
When?

Thol
i
:Af
terI
’
veset
tl
ed.

Mdu:
Set
tl
edasawi
fe?

Thol
ishi
ft
eduncomf
ort
abl
yandnodded.

Mdu:
Whatdoesset
tl
ingaswi
feent
ail
?

Thol
il
ookedathi
minconf
usi
on.

Mdu:
Usukewenzani
wheny
ouset
tl
easawi
fe?

Thol
i
:It
’ssel
f-
expl
anat
ory
.

Mdu:
Notatal
l
.

Thol
ikeptqui
etandl
ookedar
oundt
her
est
aur
ant
.Mdusatbacki
nhi
sseatandst
aredather
.

Afterawhi
lethewai
tr
esswalkedbackwi
tht
hei
rdr
inksandt
henwal
kedawayagai
n.Thol
i
focusedonhergl
assofwat
er.

Mdu:
Youhav
en’
tanswer
edmyquest
ion.

Thol
il
ookedathi
m anddi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.
Mdu:
Sodoesi
tent
ail
cleani
ng,
taki
ngcar
eofKwanel
eandal
lthatj
azz
?

Thol
i
:Youmakei
tsoundbad.

Mdu:
I’
m sor
ry.

Shehuf
fedandt
ookasi
pofherwat
er.

Mdu:
Soy
oument
ionedt
haty
ouhav
eaf
ami
l
y.

Shegl
ancedathi
m.

Mdu:
Doy
ouhav
eanysi
bli
ngs?

Hewat
chedassheav
oidedhi
sey
es.

Mdu:
Thatauntofy
our
sissomet
hing.
..

Shedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Mdu:
Remi
ndsmeofThenj
i
we.

Thol
itookanot
hersi
pofherwat
er.

Mdu:
Youl
i
keThenj
i
we?
Thol
i
:She’
sokay
.

Mdu:
Youmi
ghtbet
heonl
yonewhot
hinksso.

Shef
inal
l
ylookedathi
m.

Mdu:
Thatwomani
sev
ilasf
uck.

Herf
acer
elax
edabi
t.

Mdu:
AndI
’
m sur
eyou’
veal
sof
eltt
hewor
ldshakewhenshe’
sar
ound.

Shest
if
ledasmi
l
e.

Mdu:
HowdoesBut
hel
ezi
ent
ersuchabeast
?

Thol
i
:Euw!

Mduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Hawuwhathappenedt
oherbei
ngokay
?

Shefr
ownedandf ocusedonherdr
inkagai
n.Thewait
ressf
inal
l
ycamewi
tht
hei
rfoodandThol
i
l
ookedatherpl
ate..
.Shesawsomepast ai
nherther
e..
.
Thewai
tr
essl
eftandThol
iwasst
il
lst
ari
ngatherpl
ate.

Shehear
dMduchuckl
eandshel
ookedathi
m shar
ply
.

Thol
i
:Thi
sispast
a.

Mdu:
Yes,
iti
s.Thi
srest
aur
antspeci
ali
sesi
npast
a.

Thol
i
:What
’st
hismeal
cal
l
ed?

Mdu:
Arr
abi
ata

Thol
isi
ghed.

Mdu:
Iknow,
theyl
i
kecompl
i
cat
ingt
hings.

Thol
il
ookedatthepl
ateandsi
ghedagai
n.Atl
easti
twasn’tsomet
hingshewasunf
amili
arwi
th.
Thi
swaslit
eral
l
ypastawit
hsomeparmesansauce.Heck,
sheevencooksthi
smealathome.

Shebeganeat
ingandgl
ancedatMdu,
whowasst
ari
ngather
.

Mdu:
Howi
sit
?

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Mdu:
Okay
?Uy
abhedawena.
Thol
i
:Icook.

Mdu:
Ohsoy
out
hinky
ourshi
tisbet
tert
hant
his?

Thol
inoddedassheswal
l
owed.

Mdu:
We’
l
lsee.
..

Theycont
inuedt
oeat
..
.

I
NSERT53(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Thol
i
:I’
l
lbeback.

Mdunoddedandshest oodupandmadeherwaytothebathr
oom.Whenshegott hereshe
washedherhandsandcheckedi
fherf
acehadn’
ttur
nedpurpl
e.Shesi
ghedheavi
lybefore
walkingoutandmaki
ngherwaybackt
othetabl
e.ShesatdownandlookedatMdu, whowas
st
aringather.

Mdu:
Wantsomedesser
t?

Sheshookherhead.

Mdu:
Arey
ouunabl
etospeak?

Thol
i
:Iwoul
dli
ket
oleav
enow.
Mdu:
Youwoul
d?

Shenodded.

Mdu:
I’
dli
kesomedesser
t.

Thol
i
:Iwantt
ogohome!Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
?

Mdu:
Don’
tyoudar
ecr
y.

Thol
ilookedathi
m asshef
elther
sel
fgetangry.Sher
eal
lywantedtogohome.I
twasnowaft
er
8pm andnoneofthi
swasokay.Whatifherhusbandwaswai
tingforher
?Whatwoul
dsheev
en
sayt
ohi m?

Mducall
edthewaitr
essagainandt henorder
eddesser
tforhi
msel
f.Het
hent
ookouthi
sphone
andbeganbrowsi
ngthroughitcasuall
y.Thol
ist
oodup.

Mdu:
Uyaphi
?

Tholigrabbedherphoneandmadeherwayoutoft her
estaurant.Shebegangoingt
hroughher
phone, t
ryingtoseeifshecouldcallanyonetocomepi ckherup.Suddenl yshewasfil
l
edwith
greatsadnesswhensher eal
isedjusthowisolatedshewas. .
.Sheobv i
ouslycoul
dn’
tcall
Zani
becauseshewasact ingweird.Thatsadreali
sationofherlonesomel i
fehi
therandshestood
therefeeli
ngquitehelpl
ess.Shediall
edKwanel e’snumber,hopingthathewouldatl
eastanswer
hercall,butinst
eaditsai
dthenumberdi dn’texist.

Shewasstar
tl
edt
oseeMduwalkpasther.Hewaswalki
ngtohi
scarandshequi
ckl
yrushed
behi
ndhi
m.Oncehegott
othecarhetur
nedtolookather
.
Mdu:
Ufunani
?

Thol
ihuf
fed.

Mdu:
Uphef
umul
aphezul
uyety
ouar
etheonewi
thnocarher
e.

Shekeptqui
etandheunlockedt
hecarandgoti
n.Shequi
ckl
yrushedtotheot
hersidewhi
l
e
Mdustart
edthecarandasshetouchedt
hedoor,t
hecarmovedforwar
dandstoppedacoupl
e
ofst
epsahead.

Thol
igr
unt
edandwal
kedt
othecarandwhenshet
ouchedt
hedooragai
n,Mdudr
ovef
orwar
d
agai
n.

Thol
i
:Real
l
y!

Shewalkedt
ot hecaragai
nandMdudr ovef
orwardandshej
uststoodthere.Afteral
ongtime
shefi
nall
ywalkedtothecarandsheopenedthedoorandMduchuckled.Shel ookedoverat
hi
m asshestoodoutsideandthenshutthedoor
.Shewenttothebackseatdoorandopenedi t
.

Mdu:
Ungal
i
ngeungi
phaphel
ekeThol
akel
e.Thi
sisnotacabser
vice.

Thol
i
:I’
l
lbef
ineher
e.

Mdu:
I’
ll
leav
eyouher
e.

Shecl
osedt
hedoorandwentt
othef
rontandt
hengoti
n.Mdut
hendr
oveof
f.

Af
termuchsi
l
ence,
theyf
inal
l
ygott
othehouseandMdupar
kednextt
othegat
e.Sheopened
thedoorandmumbl
eda“by e”andMdusaidbyeaswel
l
.Assoonasshecl
osedt
hedoor
,he
droveof
fandpar
tofherf
eltsli
ghtl
yof
fended.

Shemadeherwayi nsi
dethey ardandassoonasshegotinthehouse,
thesadr
eali
sati
onshe
hadearl
ier
,hi
theronceagain.Sheswitchedof
fall
thel
ightsandmadeherwayt
ot hebedr
oom.
Toolazytobat
h,shechangedi nt
oherpy j
amasandgotinbedfeel
i
ngquit
edown..
.

*
**

Mdudi
all
edLar
ry’
snumberandheanswer
edaf
terawhi
l
e.

Lar
ry:
Duzi
.

Mdu:
Wher
ear
eyou?

Lar
ry:
We’
reatBuy
il
e’
spl
ace.

Mdu:
I’
ll
bet
her
e..
.

Lar
ry:
Shap.

Mdudr oppedt hecallandthenchangedhisdi

recti
onandmadehi swaytoBuyi
le’
shouse,
anotherfr
iendofhi s.I
ftherewasonet hi
ngheandhisfr
iendsenjoyed,i
thadtobethrowing
houseparties.Clubswer eneverfunfort
hem.Theyenj
oyedbei nginoneoft
heirhouses,
getti
ng
drunktogetherandofcour semeet i
ngsomeofthewoment hatcamealongwithsuch
festi
vi
ti
es..
.Truebachel orl
ifest
yle.
..

Ashemadehi
swayi
nsi
de,
hesawLar
ryt
alki
ngt
osomegi
rl
.Hewentov
ert
ohi
m.
Lar
ry:
Youl
ookt
enseasf
uck!

Mdu:
Not
hingaf
ewbeer
scan’
tfi
x.

Thegir
lwhowaswithLar
rycl
ear
edhert
hroatandl
ookedatMduannoy
ingl
y.Mduchuckl
edand
shookhisheadl
i
ght
ly.

Mdu:
Wel
lexcusemet
hen.
..

Lar
rylaughedashefocusedonhisgi
rlagain.Mduthenwalkedpastpeopleandmadehisway
tot
heki t
chen.Sur
eenoughther
ewasmor ethanenoughboozet ofi
l
lupapool.Hegothimsel
f
somebeerandbeganscanningthescene.Heknewi twoul
dt akesometimebefor
ehismind
wouldsettl
e..
.

Hemadehiswaytot
heloungear
eaandfoundpeopl
eplayi
ng30seconds.Hedeci
dedtosi
t
downandwatcht
hem,hi
sfri
endandowneroft
hehouse,Buyi
l
e,wasamongt hepeopl
e.

Buy
il
etur
nedt
olookathi
m.

Buy
il
e:Lookaty
ou!

Mdugr
innedl
i
ght
lyandnodded.

Mdu:
You’
reobv
iousl
yiny
ourel
ementsoIdi
dn’
twantt
oint
erv
ene.

Buy
il
e:Bul
l
shi
t.

Buy
il
ewal
kedov
ert
owher
ehewassi
tt
ingandl
ookeddownathi
m.
Buy
il
e:Howhav
eyoubeen?

Mdu:
Heyman,
gohosty
ourpeopl
e.

Buy
il
elaughed.

Buy
il
e:Wel
lal
ri
ghtt
henMr
.Gr
umpy
.

Mduchuckl
edandBuy
il
ewal
kedaway
..
.

Per
son:
Hmm amadoda!

Mdutur
nedhisheadandsawZanel
est
andi
ngcl
oset
owher
ehewassi
tt
ing.Hedi
smi
ssedher
andwentbackt
owatchi
ngpeopl
e.

Zani
:Ngi
khul
umanaweMduduzi
.

Mduignoredherandsuddenl
yshewal
kedov
erandst
oodi
nfr
ontofhi
m.Hel
ookedather
wi
thoutsayi
nganythi
ng.

Zani
:Yousl
eepwi
thagi
rlandf
orgett
hatsheexi
sts.

Mdudi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngandZani
crossedherar
msandst
aredathi
m.

Zani
:Mdu!
Mdul
ookedather
.

Zani
:I
’mt
alki
ngt
oyou!

Mdu:
Ungangi
phaphel
iwena.

Zani
:Mdukant
iyi
nii
nki
ngay
akho?

Mdu:
What
?

Zani
:Whyar
eyousuddenl
ysocol
d?

Mdu:
Ufunangi
thi
ni?I
’
m noty
ourf
ri
end.Don’
tgetaheadofy
our
sel
fnow.

Zani
:WOW!

Mdu:
Hehman,
mov
e.

Heputouthi
sar
m andshi
ft
edhert
othesi
desi
nceshewasbl
ocki
nghi
sent
ir
evi
ew.

Zani
:Youf
ucki
ngbast
ard!Fucky
ou!

Mdu:
Okay
.

Zani
:Youar
rogantsonofa-
Thel
ooksher
ecei
vedsentshi
ver
sdownherspi
neandsheshutupi
mmedi
atel
y.

Mdu:
Sonofawhat
?

Shekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Thi
nkt
wicebef
orey
oucal
lany
oneabi
tch.

Zanir
anof
fcr
yingandhet
ookanot
herbot
tl
eofbeerandcont
inuedt
osi
tther
e,f
eel
i
ngqui
te
dul
l.

Justt
hen,hefel
tsomeonet aphi sshoulderandheignoredwhoeveri
twas.Hegottappedagai
n
andheturned,
thinki
ngitwasZani agai
nbutitwasactuall
yNomi.Helookedatheri
nconfusi
on.
Nolwazi
hadcalledhim ear
li
ertell
inghimt hi
sfri
endofherswaspapdr unkandnowhereshe
was,l
ookingfr
eshandunbot hered...

“
Andbeaut
if
uli
nfact
,”het
houghtt
ohi
msel
f.

Nomi
:Doy
ouknowwher
eIcanf
indBuy
il
e?

Mduf
rowned.

Mdu:
Nomi
.

Nomi
lookedatMdui
nconf
usi
on.

Nomi
:Youknowme?
Justthen,
Mdur
eal
i
sedt
hatasmuchasshel
ookedf
ineont
heout
side,
thegi
rlwasact
ual
l
y
drunk.

Mdu:
Nomi
forf
uckssakeI
’
myourbestf
ri
end’
sbr
other
.

Nomi
squi
ntedherey
esandsecondsl
atershewasl
aughi
ng.

Nomi
:Ohshi
t,Benj
u!

Mdu:
Hai
it’
stool
ate,
thedamagei
sal
readydone.

Hesul
kedandshebentandwr
appedherar
msar
oundhi
minanat
temptt
ocomf
orthi
m
humor
ousl
y.

Nomi
:I’
m sor
ry!

Mdu:
Whyar
eyouev
enher
e?Nol
wazi
sai
dyoupassedout
.

Nomi
:Mxm whopassesoutf
ort
hewhol
eni
ght
?

Mduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Trueal
cohol
i
c.

Nomi
:Youknowt
his.

Mdul
aughedl
i
ght
ly.
Nomi
:I’
l
lseey
ouar
ound.

Mdu:
Sur
e.

AsNomi
wal
kedof
f,hest
oodupandmadehi
swayt
owher
eLar
ryandhi
srandom gi
rlwer
e.

Mdu:
Lar
ry.

Lar
ryst
oppedsmoochi
ngt
hegi
rlandgl
ancedatMdu.

Mdu:
I’
mleav
ing.

Lar
ry:
Sosoo-

Thegir
lgr
abbedLar
ry’
sfaceroughl
yandconti
nuedtokisshi
m.Mduwal kedawayandbegan
makinghi
swayoutofthehouse.Ashegottohiscar
,heheardsomeoney el
lhi
sname.He
si
ghedandtur
ned.

Zani
rant
ohi
m andt
henl
ookedathi
m pl
eadi
ngl
y.

Zani
:I
’m sor
ry!

Hel
ookedatherbl
ankl
y.

Zani
:I
’m sosor
ry,
Iwasj
ustov
erwhel
med.
Mdu:
Okay
.

Het
ri
edopeni
nghi
scarbutshest
oppedhi
m andmadehi
mfaceher
.

Zani
:Ij
ust
..
.Idon’
tknow.
..

Mdu:
Zanel
euf
unani
?

Zani
’
sexpressionchangedandshelookedathi
m seducti
vel
y.Mducont
inuedt
olookather
bl
ankl
y.Sheplacedherhandsonhiswaistandsmil
edlight
ly.

Zani
:For
giv
eme.

Mdudi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.Sheunzi
ppedhi
spant
sasshewasst
ari
ngathi
m seduct
ivel
y.

Mdu:
Za-

Hewi
ncedashef
eltherwar
m handst
rokehi
m gent
ly.

Zani
:Don’
tbemad.

Shewasnowwhi
sper
ingandst
roki
nghi
mtender
ly.

Zani
:Whysohar
d?

Shesmi
l
edi
nnocent
ly.
Zani
:Soy
ou’
veal
sobeent
hinki
ngaboutme?

Shepressedhi
m agai
nstt
hecarandbef
oreMducoul
dsayany
thi
ng,
shehadal
readybentdown
andbegandoingthej
ob.

Mduwi
ncedbecauseasmuchhedi
dn’
twantanyoft
his,
thegi
rlwasr
eal
l
ydoi
nghert
hing.

Mdu:
FuckmanZanel
e.

Zanel
elookedupathi
m asshekneel
eddownandcont
inuedsucki
nghi
m of
f.

Hemoanedl i
ghtl
yandj
ustashewasaboutt
olethi
msel
fgo,hequi
ckl
ygr
abbedherweav
eand
yankedherheadawayf
rom hi
m.Shel
ookedathi
minshock.

Zani
:Whatt
hef
uck?
?

Hepul
l
edherupandt
ri
edt
oconceal
thei
ntensi
tyhewasf
eel
i
ng.

Mdu:
Don’
tev
erdot
hat
,youhearme?

Zani
:ButIwa-

Hepushedherasi
deandopenedhi
sdoorandgoti
n.Hestar
tedthecarandattemptedtodr
ive
buttheer
ect
ionwasabitt
oomuch.Hestoppedt
hecarandquickl
yfi
nishedZani’
sjobandt
hen
drov
eoutoftheyar
d.

Hedr
ovef
orabout5mi
nut
es,
cussi
ngathi
msel
fangr
il
y.
Het
henr
eachedf
orhi
sphoneanddi
all
edanumber
.

Hewasabi
tst
art
ledt
ohearThol
isayhel
l
o.Hehadf
igur
edt
hatshewoul
dignor
ethecal
l
.

Thol
i
:Hel
l
o?

Mducl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

Mdu:
Thol
i
.

Thol
i
:Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Mdu:
Iwokey
ouup?

Thol
i
:Uf
unani
?

Mdu:
Ithi
nkI
’
m dr
unk.

Thol
i
:Ngi
ngenaphi
minal
apho?

Mduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Thol
iI’
m dr
ivi
ng.Imi
ghtdi
e.

Thol
i
:Idon’
thav
eti
mef
o-
Mdu:
I’
ll
bet
her
eshor
tl
y.

Hedroppedthecall
befor
eshecouldr
espondandf
ast
enedt
hespeed.Hecoul
dn’
thel
pbutgr
in
assomet hought
sfi
ll
edhishead.

I
NSERT54

Tholicoul
dn’
tgobacktosleepaft
erMdudi st
urbedher.Shemadeherwaydownst ai
rstothe
ki
tchenandmadeherselfsometea.Shethensatononeoft hehighstool
sandthoughtabout
Kwanele.Shecoul
dn’
tbri
ngherselft
ostressabouti
t.Shewascompl etel
ynumbaboutitall
.
..
Somehowshewasgl adthatforonceinherli
feshecouldactual
l
yhavesomepeaceandqui et.

Justthen,
herphonebeepedanditwasMdut ell
ingherthathewasoutsi
de.Shetookadeep
breat
handmadeherwayt othedoor,sheunlockeditandbeganwalki
ngtothegate.Whenshe
openedit,
shesawhiscarandwal kedtoitandst oodbyhisdoor
.Secondsl
ater
,Mdusliddown
hi
swi ndowandTholist
aredathim ashegr i
nned.

Heopenedhi
sdoorandshecr
ossedherar
msashegotoutandl
eanedonhi
scar
.

Mdu:
He-

Thol
i:
List
enher
e,youarenotmyfri
end.Idonotknowwhati
tisy
ouwantf
rom mebutIdonot
needwhatev
eri
tisyouarebr
ingi
ng.

Mdul
aughedquietl
yandThol
ikeptquiet
.Suddenl
ytheconfidenceandfuryshehadbui
l
tupwas
sl
owl
ylesseni
ng.Asmuchasshet r
iedtodismi
ssit,
Mdur eall
yinti
midat
edher.

Mdu:
Youdon’
tneedwhat
everi
tisI
’
m br
ingi
ng?
Shekeptqui
etandj
ustl
ookedathi
m.

Mdu:
Wher
e’sKwanel
e,Thol
i
?

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Mdu:
He’
syourhusband.

Shekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Any
way
,di
dIwakey
ouup?

Shehissedangri
l
yanddeci
dedthatt
hiswasawasteofti
mebutbef
oreshecouldev
enturn,
he
hadalreadygr
abbedher
.Shesqueal
edinshockassher
eplay
edhowhedidthesamethi
ngin
Dundee.

Thol
i
:Pl
ea-

Mdushookhi
sheadl
i
ght
lyandshekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
I’
m qui
tedr
unkr
ightnow.

Thol
i
:Pl
easel
etgoofme.

Hel
ookedatheri
ntent
lyandshest
aredr
ightbackathi
m pl
eadi
ngl
y.

Thol
i
:I’
mti
redMdu.
Shesai
dthatwi
thsomuchbl
eaknesst
hatMduhadnochoi
cebutt
oletgoofher
.

Mdu:
Goodni
ght
.

Tholi
tur
nedandwal kedbacktothey ar
dandmadeherwayi nsi
dethehouse.Shelockedupand
thenwentbacktothebedroom.Shewentt oherclosetandkneeleddownt ogetsomet hi
ngthat
shehadplacedatthefarback.Shereachedfori
tandt henwalkedtothebedandgoti n.She
openedherdiar
yandbeganr eadingthr
oughsomepages. ..Whenshecouldn’tt
akebackt he
memor i
esthatfl
oodedher,sheputthediar
ydownandswi tchedof
fthelampandt ri
edt ogo
backtosleep.
..

Af
teral
ongt
imeshef
inal
l
ymanagedt
ofal
li
ntoadeepbutv
erysadsl
eep.

*
**

Thefoll
owingmor
ning,
Nol
wazi
wasawakenedbyDean’
swei
ghtonher
.Sheshi
ft
edandhe
groaned.

Nol
wazi
:You’
rebey
ondheav
y.

Deanchuckl
edsl
eepi
l
ybutdi
dn’
tmov
e.

Nol
wazi
:I’
dli
ket
ogomakesomet
hingt
oeat
.I’
m hungr
y.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
it’
s6am.

Nol
wazi
:So?
Heputuphi
sheadandl
ookedathersl
eepi
l
y.

Nol
wazi
:Suka.

Hegr
unt
edandmov
ed.Shesatupandt
hengotoutofbed.

Dean:
You’
regoi
ngt
ocookf
rom scr
atch?

Nol
wazi
lookeddownathi
m andr
oll
edherey
es.

Dean:
Hai
ke.

Hecov er
edhimselfandwentbacktosleepwhileNolwazimadeherwaydownst ai
rst
othe
ki
tchen.Shel
ookedt hr
oughthefri
dgeandf oodcupboardanddeci
dedthatshewouldmake
waffl
es.Shespentthenexthourpr
epari
ngsomet hi
ngf orher
sel
fandthenwalkedbackupst
air
s
andsatontheedgeoft hebedwhileDeanlayther
easleep.

Assheate,
shebrowsedthr
oughherphoneanddeci
dedt
ocal
lMdu.I
trangf
oral
ongt
imebut
heevent
ual
lyanswer
ed.

Mdu:
Hmm?

Nol
wazi
:Hehey
ousoundl
i
key
ouhadar
oughni
ght
.

Mdu:
Notr
eal
l
y.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.
Nol
wazi
:Di
dyougoout
.

Mdu:
Notr
eal
l
y.

Shel
aughed.

Nol
wazi
:IsNomi
finel
apho?

Mdu:
She’
snother
e.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m sur
eshewokeupi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ghtandwentbackt
odr
inki
ng.

Mdu:
Hmm.

Nol
wazi
:Wel
lal
ri
ghtt
hen,
ismyhousei
nor
der
?

Mdu:
Idon’
thav
eti
mef
ort
his.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
suka.

Mdu:
Bye.

Nol
wazi
:Shap.

Shedr
oppedt
hecal
landt
hent
ext
edNomi
toseei
fshewasokay
.SheknewNomi
woul
donl
y
r
espondlat
ersosheputdownherphoneandf
ocusedonherf
oodwhi
chnowt
ast
edst
ale.Dean
t
urnedandlookedather
.

Dean:
Whataboutme?

Nol
wazi
:Whatabouty
ou?

Dean:
Hehe.

Shel
ookedatherpl
ateandt
hengav
eitt
ohi
m.

Dean:
SoIonl
ydeser
vel
eft
over
s?

Nolwazirol
ledhereyesandwenttothebat
hroom.Af
terawhi
leshegotbacki
nbedandtr
ied
goingbacktosleep.Shewasn’
tinthemoodtodoanythi
ngt
hatdaysosleepwoul
dbeher
escape.
..andDeanofcourse.

*
**

AsThol
iwokeupandmadethebed,shecoul
dn’
thel
pbutcr
ingeatsomeofhert
hought
s.She
di
dn’
tevenwantt
odel
vei
ntothem..
.

Aftershewasdoneshesatont hebedandgr abbedt helaptopKwanelehadboughtf orher.She

beganr esearchingdif
ferentuniver
siti
esandf i
guredouthowev er
ythi
ngwor ks.Sheabsol
utely
l
ov edcooki ngsoshewasconsi deri
ngstudy i
ngsomet hingalongthosel
ines.Afterawhil
eshe
putdownt helaptopandt henmadeherwaydownst air
sanddeci dedshewoul dcookupast orm,
eventhoughshewoul dbet heonlyreci
pientofhergr eatcooking.Bei
ngintheki t
chenwasher
onlysolaceatt hispoi
nt.Cookingandbaki ngbr oughthermuchneededcomf ortandhappi
ness,
eventhoughi twast empor ary.
I
twasnowar
ound9am andshewasdone.

Shel
ookedatt
hef
oodshepr
epar
edandsul
ked.Shewasact
ual
l
yqui
tesad.

Shethenmadeherwayupst
air
sandwentt
othebat
hroom,
taki
ngal
ongbat
h..
.Sheal
l
owedher
mindtodr
if
taway.
..

Assheopenedhereyes,
shefel
tthel
ukewar
m wat
erandt
hengotupanddr
iedher
sel
f.Shegot
dr
essedandsatonthebed.
..

Shel
ookedatt
het
imeandsi
ghedheav
il
y.

Wast
hisr
eal
l
yherl
i
fe?

Shesi
ghedonceagai
n.

Shet
hendi
all
edThenj
i
we’
snumberandi
trangf
orav
eryl
ongt
imebutsheev
ent
ual
l
yanswer
ed.

Thenj
i
we:
Ufunani
Thol
akel
e?

Thol
icl
ear
edhert
hroat
.

Thol
i
:Uhm sawubonama-

Thenj
i
we:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Thol
isi
ghed.
Thol
i
:Kwanel
eisno-

Thenj
i
we:
Manj
eut
hingenzeni
?MustIgoar
oundt
hewor
ldandl
ookf
orhi
m?

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Thenj
i
we:
Mindy
ourownbusi
ness.

Thol
ithencl
ear
edhert
hroat
.

Thol
i
:CanIasky
ousomet
hing?

Thenj
i
we:
What
?

Thol
i
:CanIseeJabul
-

Thenj
i
we:
Ify
ouev
ercomeatmewi
thy
ournonsense,
Iwi
l
lcal
lyouraunt
,youhearme?

Thol
ikeptqui
etandsecondsl
aterThenj
i
wedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.

Shesatt her
e,hol
dingbackhert
earsandthenqui
ckl
ygotupandwenttothebat
hroom t
oget
hersel
ftogether
.Asshewalkedback,herphoner
angandsheal
readyknewthenumberthat
appeared..
.

Shesi
ghedheav
il
yandt
henanswer
ed.
Thol
i
:Hel
l
o.

Mdu:
Sawubona.

Thol
i
:Howar
eyou?

Mdu:
Arey
ouaski
nghowIam?

Thol
igr
unt
edandkeptqui
etandMduchuckl
edl
i
ght
ly.

Mdu:
I’
m goodandy
ou?

Thol
i
:Good.

Mdu:
Yousur
e?

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Mdu:
List
en,
canIcomef
etchy
ou?

Thol
i
:Wher
ewi
l
lyout
akeme?

Mdu:
Angazi
.

Thol
i
:Not
hanks.
Mdu:
I’
ll
behav
e.

Shekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Ipr
omi
se.

Thol
isi
ghed.

Mdu:
Giv
emeanhourorso.
..

Shedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Mdu:
Uzobar
ighty
ezwa?

Hedr
oppedt
hecal
landshesatont
hebedandsi
ghedheav
il
y.

I
NSERT55(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Thol
imadeherwaytoMdu’
scarandhet
oldhert
ogeti
nandshedi
d.Shecl
ear
edhert
hroatas
shel
ookedathi
m andhesmi
led.

Mdu:
Hey
.

Thol
imumbl
eda“
hey
”backandMdushotheral
ook.

Thol
i
:Hi
.
Mdu:
You’
rebecomi
ngr
uderbyt
heday
.

Thol
i
:I’
dappr
eci
atei
tify
ouwoul
dnotmakei
tahabi
ttocomeher
easy
oupl
ease.

Mdu:
Isi
t?

Shenoddedf
ir
mlyandheshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s.

Mdu:
Let
’sgr
absomet
hingt
oeat
.I’
mfami
shed.

Thol
i
:I’
m not
.

Mdu:
Hav
eyoueat
en?

Thol
iwasaboutt
onodbutshest
oppedher
sel
f.

Thol
i
:Yes.

Mdu:
Yint
oesi
zoy
ithi
nikel
ebecausemi
nangi
l
ambi
l
e.

Thol
i
:Icooked.

Shesai
dthatwit
houtr
eal
l
ythi
nki
ngandwasannoy
edather
sel
f.Mdul
ookedatherwi
thout
sayi
nganyt
hing.
Thol
i
:Nev
ermi
nd.

Hegr
inned.

Mdu:
You’
reof
fer
ingmef
ood?

Sheav
oidedhi
sey
esandshr
uggedhershoul
der
s.

Mdu:
Konj
eyou’
real
onei
nthi
shouse.

Shekeptqui
et,
try
ingnott
oshowal
ltheemot
ionsshehadbeendeal
i
ngwi
thal
lmor
ning.

Mdu:Sohowarewegoingtodot
hisbecauseIcer
tai
nlydonotwantt
obedi
srespect
ful
and
par
adearoundy
ourhouse?

Thol
il
etoutasar
cast
icsoundandMdul
ookedatheramusi
ngl
y.

Thol
i
:Nowy
ou’
reconcer
nedaboutbei
ngr
espect
ful
?

Mdu:
Iam al
way
srespect
ful
Thol
akel
e.Iam ani
ceper
son.

Thol
i
:Kuphi
?

Mdu:
Hai
bowhat
’st
hatsupposedt
omean?

Thol
il
ookedathi
m wei
rdl
yandhel
ookedatheri
nnocent
ly.
Mdu:
I’
mthedef
ini
ti
onofr
espect
ful
andni
ce.

Thol
ihi
ssedsi
l
ent
lyandshookherheadl
i
ght
ly.

Mdu:
Gogetmesomeofy
ourf
oodphel
a.

Her
ubbedhi
sbel
l
yandsankonhi
sseat
.

Thol
i
:Idon’
tthi
nk-

Mdu:
You’
veal
readyof
fer
ed.Go.

Thol
isi
ghed.

Mdu:
Andbr
ingmesomet
hingt
odr
inkaswel
l
.

Thol
i
:Br
ing?

Mdul
ookedatherquest
ioni
ngl
y.

Thol
i
:Respect
?

Hechuckl
edandscr
atchedhi
shead.

Mdu:
Please?
Tholi
roll
edhereyesasshegotoutofthecarandmadeherwaybackt othehouse.Shewentto
theki
tchenandheatedupever
ythi
ng.Shethendishedupinacontainerandpour
edsomej ui
ce
aswell.Aft
ershewasdoneshemadeherwaybackt othecarandthengaveMdut hecont
ainer
whil
est i
l
lholdi
nghi
sjui
ce.

Mdu:
Thanky
ou.

Hel
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.

Thol
ikeptqui
etandwat
chedasheopenedt
hecont
ainer
.

Mdu:
Awusukamadoda!

Hesai
dthatsodr
amat
ical
l
ythatThol
icoul
dn’
thel
pbutl
etoutal
augh.

Mdul
ookedather
.

Mdu:
Doesi
ttast
easgoodasi
tlooks?

Thol
i
:Angazi
.

Mdu:
Hai
manj
ehowam Isupposedt
oeaty
ourf
oodi
fyoudon’
tvouchf
ori
t?

Shel
ookedathi
m uncomf
ort
abl
yandheshookhi
shead.

Mdu:
Let
’ssee.
..
Hedugintheomel
ett
eandthenbeganchewi
ngsl
owl
y.Thol
iwat
chedhi
m car
eful
l
yandhe
nar
rowedhisey
esasheswall
owed.

Mdu:
Hol
don.

Het
ookanot
herbi
teandThol
irol
l
edherey
es.

Mdu:
Hav
etomakesur
e.

Hesaidthatwi
thhi
smout
hful
l
.Thol
ihandedhi
mthej
uiceandheshookhi
sheadsoshe
cont
inuedtohol
dit
.

Af
terhewasdonehel
ookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Mdu:
Ithi
nkIneedsomemor
e..
.Justt
omakesur
e.

Thol
igi
ggl
edwi
thoutev
ennot
ici
ng.

Thol
i
:Makesur
eofwhat
?

Mdu:
I’
m st
il
li
nter
nal
i
singt
het
ast
e.

Thol
i
:Soi
ttast
esgood?

Mdu:
I’
m st
il
lnotsur
e.
Thol
igi
ggl
edonceagai
n.

Mdu:
Somay
beanot
heromel
ett
ewi
l
lhel
p.

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Mdu:
Good.

Her
eachedf
ort
hej
uiceanddr
anki
t.

Thol
i
:Andt
hej
uice?

Mdu:
Wel
lthej
uicei
sdef
ini
tel
ygood.

Thol
i
:Imadei
taswel
l
.

Mdul
ookedatherwei
rdl
y.

Thol
i
:It
’sf
reshl
ysqueezed.

Mdu:
Wel
li
nthatcase,
pourmesomemor
esoIcanconf
ir
mifi
treal
l
ytast
esgood.

Thol
il
aughed.

Thol
i
:Okay
.
Shetookthecontai
nersfrom Mduandthengotoutoft
hecarandmadeherwaybacktothe
house.Shegottothekit
chenanddishedupforhi
m onceagai
nbutt
hist
ime,sheadded4sl
ices
ofFrui
tyFrencht
oastwithsomey oghur
taswell
.

Boywasshegl
adt
hatherf
oodwasgoi
ngt
ogooduse!

Shet
henmadeherwayoutagai
nandgoti
nthecar
.

Mdul
ookedatt
hef
oodandwhi
stl
edandThol
ifel
thercheeksf
lush.

Mdu:
Let
’ssee.
..

Hef
ini
shedt
heomel
ett
eandt
henl
ookedather
.

Mdu:
Thi
somel
ett
ewi
l
ltaket
imet
oset
tl
e.

Thol
i
:Ohpl
ease.

Mduchuckl
edandshegav
ehi
mtheFr
uit
yFr
encht
oastandy
oghur
t.

Mdu:
Arey
out
ryi
ngt
owi
nmyhear
t?

Hel
ookedatherandsheav
oidedhi
sey
es.Het
henwentont
oeatandt
hensi
ghed.

Mdu:
Whot
aughty
ouhowt
ocook?

Thol
i
:Noone.
Mdu:
Phel
auphumaema-
far
m wenasohowdi
dyoul
ear
nal
loft
his?

Thol
i
:Mxm.

Mdu:
Thi
sisgood.

Thol
i
:Thanks.

Hedr
ankt
hej
uiceandt
hensankonhi
sseat
,rubbi
nghi
sbel
l
y.

Mdu:
Fuck,
I’
mful
l
.

Thol
icoul
dn’thel
pbutsmi
leather
sel
f.I
thadbeenav
eryl
ongt
imesi
nceshef
edsomeoneand
sawtheeff
ectsofherf
oodonthem.

Mdu:
Uyazamashame.

Thol
i
:Ngi
yazama?

Mdu:
Youneedal
i
ttl
egui
dance.
..

Thol
i
:Fr
om whom?

Mdu:
Thol
iIcookbet
tert
hany
ou.
Thol
il
aughedsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Thol
i
:Wow.

Mdugl
ancedather
.

Mdu:
Uyangi
phi
ki
sa?

Thol
i
:Youdon’
tst
ri
kemeasachef
.

Mdu:
Awaz
ilut
howena.

Mdur
ubbedhi
sbel
l
yandt
henl
ower
edhi
sseatandcl
osedhi
sey
es.

Mdu:
Fuck,
I’
m aboutt
oexpl
ode.

Thol
i
:Youl
i
keswear
ing.

Mduopenedhi
sey
esandl
ookedatheramusi
ngl
y.

Mdu:
Myf
owl
languaget
urnsy
ouof
f?

Thol
i
:Whosai
dIwast
urnedoni
nthef
ir
stpl
ace?

Mdul
aughedoutl
oudandt
hencoughed.
Mdu:
Shi
t,nowy
out
ryi
ngt
oki
l
lme.

Heconti
nuedtocoughuncontr
oll
ablyandthenreachedatthebackseatf
orabott
leofwater
.
Heopeneditanddranki
t.Thol
itr
iedtocontai
nwhat ev
ershewasf eel
i
ng.
..Shewascer
tai
nly
embar
rassed.

Mdu:
Shi
t.

Hef
inal
l
yst
abi
l
isedandt
hensatbackonhi
sseatagai
n.

Mdu:
Uthi
niThol
akel
e?

Thol
ihuf
fedandasshewasaboutt
oopent
hedoor
,hequi
ckl
ylockedi
t.

Mdu:
Yini
manj
e?

Thol
i
:Iwantt
otaket
heset
hingsback.

Mdu:
Manj
ewhyar
eyouav
oidi
ngmyey
es?

Thol
i
:Pl
easeunl
ockt
hedoor
.

Mdukeptqui
etandThol
igl
ancedathi
m.Hewasr
ubbi
nghi
sbel
l
y,wi
thhi
sey
escl
osed.

Thol
i
:Mduduzi
.

Mdu:
Hmm?
Thol
i
:Pl
easeunl
ockt
hedoor
.

Mdu:
Ang’
funi
.

Thol
i
:Whydopeopl
ethi
nki
t’
sokayt
otr
eatmel
i
kesomeweakl
i
ng?

Mduopenedhi
sey
esandwasst
art
led.Hel
ookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Thol
i
:Opent
hisf
uckendoorandl
eav
emeal
one!

Mdu:
Andt
hen-

Thol
i
:Opent
hisdooranddon’
tev
ercont
actme!

Mdusatupandst
aredather
.Heknewshewashol
dingbackhert
ear
sbuthewasconf
usedas
t
owhattri
gger
edi
t.

Thol
i
:Itmustbesoni
cet
owal
kal
lov
erweakpeopl
e.Ienv
yyou!

Mdu:
Tho-

Thol
i
:Opent
hisdoor
!

Mdu:
Iwa-
Mduf
eltashar
ppai
nonhi
sfor
eheadasThol
ithr
ewoneoft
hecont
ainer
sathi
m.

Mdu:
Whatt
hef
uck?
!

Thol
i
:Leav
emeal
one!

Hewasaboutt
osaysomet
hingwhenshet
hrewt
heot
hercont
ainerathi
m andhehel
dherar
m.

Mdu:
Whatt
heheck!

Thol
i
:Unl
ockt
hisdoor
!

Mdu:
Angi
funi
!

Thol
ithr
ewapunchathi
m andhewi
nced.

Mdu:
Thol
akel
e!

Shet
hrewanot
herpunchandhewi
ncedagai
n.

Asshewasaboutt
othr
owanot
herone,
hemanagedt
ohol
dbot
hherar
msandshest
art
ed
cr
ying.

Mdu:
Whatt
hef
uck!

Theyt
ackl
edf
oral
ongt
imeunt
ilThol
ist
oppedandt
hensl
ummedonherseatandsobbed.
Mdul
ookedatheri
nconfusi
onandshockandt
heysati
nsi
l
ence,
whi
l
eThol
icont
inuedt
osob
si
l
ent
ly,
hidi
ngherf
ace.

Aft
erawhile,Mduunlockedthecarandshegotoutandr
ushedbacki
nsi
det
hehouse.He
scr
atchedhisheadandfrowned.

Hei
nst
ant
lydi
all
edNol
wazi
’
snumberandshet
ookawhi
l
etopi
ckup.

Nol
wazi
:Bhenj
u.

Mdu:
Uhm l
i
sten-

Nol
wazi
yawned.

Nol
wazi
:Whatdoy
ouwant
?I’
m sl
eepi
ng.

Mdu:
I’
vedeal
twi
thqui
teanumberofcr
yingf
emal
es.
..

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Thaty
ouhav
e..
.

Mdu:
Butl
i
ke,
whatdoIdowi
thanemot
ional
l
yunst
abl
eone?

Nol
wazi
:Ar
en’
tal
lyourgi
rl
sunst
abl
e?
Mdusi
ghed.

Mdu:
Noti
nadeepki
ndofway
.

Nol
wazi
:Deephow?

Mdu:
Idon’
tknow.
..I
t’
sjustdeep.

Nol
wazi:
Haikedon’tev
eninvol
veyour
selfi
fyou’
renotwi
l
li
ngt
ost
ayi
nthel
onghaul
.Idonot
wantt
obebail
ingyououtofanydeepsit
uati
ons!

Mdu:
Yout
hink?

Nol
wazi:I
fyoudon’twantt
opur
suesomet
hingwi
tht
hegi
rlt
hendon’
tbot
herdel
vi
ngi
nto
what
eversheisdeali
ngwit
h.

Mdu:
Okay
.

Nol
wazi
:Any
way
,she’
spr
obabl
yaoneni
ghtst
andsoIknowy
ouwon’
tbot
her
.

Mdu:
Hmm.

Nol
wazi
:Igot
tagoki
ddo.

Mdu:
Thanks.

Nol
wazi
:Shap.
Mdu:
Bye.

Hedr
oppedt
hecal
landsatt
her
eforawhi
l
e..
.

I
NSERT56

Nol
waziwasfastasl
eepwhenshef
eltawar
m sensat
ionbet
weenhert
highs.Shemoanedasi
t
wentl
owerandlower.
..

SheopenedoneeyeandsawDeanl ooki
ngupatherfrom bet
weenhert
highs,wit
hhumouri
n
hi
sey es.Shesmi
l
edlight
lyandthenclosedhereyesagai
nandsankdeeperint
othebed.He
sl
ippedapi l
l
owunderhersoshecouldbeelevatedpr
operl
y.

Thesel astcoupl
eofhoursshespentwi
thDeanweresorelaxi
ngthatshedidn’
tthi
nkshecould
relaxevenmor e.Thosehour
smadeupforthecount
lessdaysshestressedaboutever
ythi
ng
elsethatwashappeni ng.

Af
teranot
hert
hri
l
li
ngor
gasm f
rom j
usthi
stongue,
Nol
waz
iwasf
eel
i
ngal
lsor
tsofr
elaxed.

Asshelaytherehappil
y,Deanpickedherupandwalkedtothebathr
oom.Hethencarefull
y
pl
acedherinthehugebat htubandsheshif
tedsohecouldsitbehi
ndher
.Shethenrel
ax edon
hi
schestandcl osedhereyes,f
all
ingasl
eeponceagain.ShewasawakenedbyDean’schuckl
e.

Nol
wazi
:Hmm?

Dean:
Didy
oudr
inksl
eepi
ngpi
l
ls?

Nol
wazi
:Thi
sist
hef
ir
stt
imei
nal
ongt
imet
hatI
’
mful
l
yrest
ing.
Dean:
Butsur
elyt
her
e’sasl
eepl
i
mit
.

Nol
wazi
tur
nedandf
acedhi
m sl
eepi
l
y.

Nol
wazi
:Woul
dyour
atherIl
eav
e?

Deanchuckl
ed.

Dean:
Dowhat
every
oul
i
ke.

Nolwazisatbackagai
nandcl osedhereyes.Shef
elthim pl
acehi
shandsonherbr
eastsand
sl
owl yst
rokedherni
pples.Hethensqueezedthem gentl
yandshesi
ghed.Heki
ssedthesideof
herfaceandplacedhi
sl i
psonherear.

Dean:
I’
m gl
ady
ou’
rer
est
ing.

Shemoanedast hesoundofhisv oicefi

ll
edherinuni
maginableway s.Heranonehanddownto
herbell
yandthenstr
okedherwhi l
ehi sot
herhandwasbusyt easinghernippl
es,
oneaft
erthe
other
.Theotherhandwentevenlowerandshesepar atedherlegssli
ghtl
ysohecouldhave
access.Shet
henheardhim chuckleandshesmi l
ed.Heslowlyrubbedherclit
.

Nol
wazi
:Dean.
..

Dean:
Hmm?

Shemumbl
edsomet
hing.
Eventhoughtheywereinwat er,
hecoul dst il
lfeelthesil
kywetnesssurroundi
ngherinsi
des.
Theywer edi
sti
ngui
shable..
.Hegent lysl
idonef ingerinandshetoldhimitfel
tgoodandsohe
sl
idanotherone.Hetenderl
ywenti nandout ,
maki ngsurethathecamebackt othecli
t.She
groanedasheputmor epressureandqui ckenedt hepace.Sheinvolunt
aril
ypl
acedherhand
overhisandthengui
dedhi m backt othear easur roundi
nghercli
t.Thehotwateraddedtothe
sensati
onthatwasalreadydriv
inghercr azy .Shebegangr i
ndingalongtoDean’srhy
thm and
soonenoughshewasmoani ngl oudlyandt witching.

Deanturnedherar oundandshecoll
apsedinhisarms.Sheputherheadupandpl acedherli
ps
onhis.Shesl i
dinhertongueandapassionat
ey etgent
leki
ssensued.Shefel
thiserecti
on
pr
essagai nstherbell
yandshestoppedthekissandplacedherheadonhisneck,sti
ll
pr
ocessingt heorgasm shej
usthad.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ouandIl
ovey
ou.

Deanmadeherf
acehi
m andt
heyki
ssedagai
n.Af
terawhi
l
ehest
oppedt
heki
ssandl
ookedat
her
.

Dean:
YouknowhowIf
eel
.

Shenoddedl
i
ght
lyandt
heyki
ssedagai
n.

*
**

Mdugotoutoft hecarandwalkedtothegate.Tholihadn’tevenbotheredtolockit
..
.Hethen
madehi swayt othedoorandfoundthati
twasal sounl ocked.Hewalkedi nsi
dethehouseand
foundhimsel fi
nthekit
chenandthenwalkedfurtherinandwenti nt
ot heloungebutshewasn’t
there.Thehousewasqui t
ehugebuthef i
guredshewoul dbesomewher eupstai
rsinoneofthe
roomst heresohemadehi swayupt hestai
rsandwal kedt hrought
hel onghall
way.Heheard
someshuf fli
nginoneoftheroomsandsohewal kedclosertother
oom andsur eenough,he
sawhert here.Shewaskneeli
ngbyhercloset.
..

Mdu:
Thol
i
.
Shequi
ckl
ytur
nedanddi
dn’
tseem shockedt
oseehi
m.

Mdut henwalkedi
n,tr
yingbyal
lmeanstohidehi
suncomf ort
abi
li
ty.Hegott
owher eshewas
andputouthisarm soshecoul
dstandup.Thol
igl
ancedathishandwi t
hherbloodshotey
es
andthenlookedupathim.Herfacehadt
urnedcomplet
elyredfr
om allt
hecryi
ng.

Mdu:
Come.

Thol
ij
ustl
ookedathi
m andwi
thi
nsecondshehadbentdownandpul
l
edherup.

Mdu:
Canwegoout
side?

Thol
i
:Why
?

Mdulookedar oundthebedroom andf

rowned,indicati
ngthathefel
tatadbituncomfor
table
bei
nginthere.Hethentookherhandandl edheroutoft hebedroom.Theywalkeddownstai
rs
andwentoutoft hebackdoorandgottothepool area.Theythenwal
kedtothegazeboandMdu
tur
nedtofaceher .

Mdu:
Ineedy
out
omakemeunder
stand.
..

Thol
icr
ossedherar
msandav
oidedhi
sey
es.

Mdu:
Howdi
dwegof
rom hav
inggr
eatf
oodandconv
ersat
iont
oyoucr
yingl
i
ket
his?

Thol
i
:Ify
ou’
resosi
ckofmycr
yingt
henl
eav
eme.
Mdu:
NoThol
i
,don’
tputwor
dsi
nmymout
h.I
’
m bei
ngsi
ncer
e.

Thol
i
:Justl
eav
e.

Mdul
ookedatheri
ntent
lyandscr
atchedhi
sheadl
i
ght
ly.Hewasr
eal
l
youtofhi
sel
ementher
e.

Thol
i
:Go.

Mdu:
What
’swr
ong?

Thol
i
:Ineedy
out
oleav
e!

Shewasnowgett
ingemot
ional
all
overagai
n.Mdut
ri
edsay
ingsomet
hingbutshehadbegun
sobbi
ngagai
n.

Mdu:
Thol
i
-

Thol
i
:No,
pleasel
eav
emeal
one!

Mdu:
Ican’
tdot
hat
.

Beforeshecoul
dturn,
hegrabbedherandpull
edhercl
osert
ohim.Het
henlockedhisar
ms
aroundherandexpect
edhertofi
ghthim butt
ohi
ssurpri
se,
sheact
ual
lyhi
dherfaceinhi
s
chestandsobbedsomemor e.Heloosenedhi
sgri
ponherandhel
dhermoregentl
y.

Hedeci
dedt
onotsayany
thi
ngunt
ilshehadcal
meddown.
Aft
eralongt
imeshefi
nal
l
yquiet
eneddownandthenremovedherf
acefr
om hi
schest.
Somehow,Mducoul
dn’
tbri
nghimsel
ftol
etgoofhersoshestr
uggl
edtowipeherf
ace.

Theyst
oodt
her
eforav
eryl
ongt
imeunt
ilThol
ifi
nal
l
ycl
ear
edhert
hroat
.

Thol
i
:Sor
ryf
ormessi
ngupy
ourt
-shi
rt
.

Hekeptqui
etandThol
iwi
ggl
edherwayoutofhi
sar
msandwi
pedherf
acewi
thherhands.

Thol
i
:Excuseme.

Mdu:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?

Thol
i
:Bat
hroom.

Mdu:
Youdon’
tneedt
hebat
hroom.

Hemadehersi
tdownandt
hensatnextt
oher
.

Mdu:
Youcanusemyt
-shi
rt
,seei
ngasi
t’
sal
readymessedup.

Thol
ifr
owned.

Thol
i
:I’
m sor
ry,
I’
ll
washi
t.

Mdu:
I’
ll
hol
dyout
othat
.
Tholil
ookedathi
m br
ief
lybef
orel
ooki
ngawayandwi
pingherf
aceagai
n.Shet
henmadesur
e
thatshewasnotl
ooki
ngatMdu’sdir
ect
ion.

Mdu:
Thol
i
.

Thol
i
:Hmm?

Mdu:
What
’swr
ong?

Thol
i
:Li
key
ousai
d,Il
i
keov
err
eact
ing.

Mdu:
Thenl
ookatme.

Thol
idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngsoMdur
eachedf
orherf
aceandt
urnedi
tsoshecoul
dfacehi
m.

Mdu:
Thi
spl
aceandt
hepeopl
eyoukeepi
nyourl
i
fear
enotgoodf
ory
ou.

Shel
aughedsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Mdu:
Am Iwr
ong?

Thol
i
:Noonewi
l
lev
erunder
standt
het
hingsI
’
vegonet
hrough.Idon’
twantt
otal
kMduduzi
.

Mdu:
Okay
.
Shesi
ghedheav
il
yandt
henMdust
oodupandpul
l
edherupaswel
l
.

Mdu:
Asambe.

Thol
i
:Wher
e?

Mdu:
Stopquest
ioni
ngme.

Hehel
dherhandandl
edherbacki
nsi
det
hehouseandt
oldhert
ogethert
hings.

I
NSERT57(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Mdu:
Doy
out
rustme?

Thol
i
:No.

Mdu:
What
??Whenhav
eIev
ergi
veny
ouar
easonnott
o??

Mdul
ookedatheri
nshockandThol
icoul
dn’
thel
pbutl
augh.

Mdu:
Iam hi
ghl
yof
fended!

Thol
ishookherheadasshechuckl
edqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
Wow!
Hest
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.

Mdu:
Soy
ouseemei
nanegat
ivel
i
ght
?

TholinoddedandMdugaspedandThol igiggledwit
hherr edface.Hesoonreali
sedt hathi
m
beingdramaticbroughtsomeamusementt oher.Growingupwi t
h3womeni nfl
uencedhis
i
nteracti
onswi t
hthegi rl
shemet .Alt
houghher eal
lydidn’tcaremuchaboutt hem, al
lofthem
couldadmi tt
hattheguydef ini
telyhadsomet hi
ngspecialabouthim.Heat t
ri
butedt hi
s
“something”tohisrelati
onshipwi t
hhissistersandmot her.Beingsurr
oundedbyt hem made
him awareofthedifferentbuttonsortri
gger swomenhad.

Mdu:
Tjongi
yay
iqal
akel
e.

Tholigi
ggledawayandhelookedatherandsmi
l
ed.Shebecameser
iousandt
henf
acedt
he
otherdi
recti
on,l
ooki
ngoutthewindow.

Mdu:
Yazi
siy
aphi
?

Thol
i
:Kuphi
?

Mdu:
Johannesbur
g.

Thol
i
:WHAT?
!

Mdugl
ancedatherandsmi
l
ed.

*
**
Dean:
Whatar
ewegoi
ngt
oeat
?

Nol
wazi
:I’
m nothungr
y.

Dean:
Wel
lIam.

Nol
wazi
putonhi
st-
shi
rtandgotbacki
nbed.

Dean:
Youar
edet
ermi
nedt
ost
ayi
nther
ear
en’
tyou?

Nol
wazi
:Bedr
estgal
ore.

Deanchuckl
edandgotdr
essed.

Dean:
Ther
e’snot
hingt
oeather
e.Ineedf
ood.

Nol
wazi
:That
’sy
ourbusi
ness.

Shel
ayt
her
eandwat
chedhi
mfi
nishupget
ti
ngdr
essed.

Nol
wazi
:Your
anoutofj
uicesopl
easegetsome.

Dean:
Indodaay
ithuny
aNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.
Dean:
Nakhonay
ouj
ustadmi
tt
edt
olov
ingme.

Nol
wazi
:So?
?

Dean:
Youdon’
tst
arv
epeopl
eyoul
ove.

Nol
wazi
:Deangogety
ourf
oodpl
ease.

Deangaveheral
ookbefor
ewal
ki
ngoutofthebedr
oom anddi
sappear
ing.Shet
hengr
abbed
herphoneanddi
all
edMdu’
snumber
.Itr
angforawhil
ebutheevent
ual
lyanswer
ed.

Mdu:
Yebo.

Nol
wazi
:Pl
easechecki
fmywor
kphonei
sonmybed.I
’
m notsur
eifIl
efti
tther
e.

Mdu:
Butal
so,
wher
ear
eyou?
?

Nol
wazi
laughedqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
Heeh.

Nol
wazi
:Justcheckmyphoneokay
.

Mdu:
I’
m goi
ngt
othehousenowandt
henI
’
mleav
ing.

Nol
wazi
:Leav
ing?
Mdu:
YaI
’
m goi
ngt
otheot
hersi
de.

Nol
wazi
:Jobur
g??

Mdu:
Yep.

Nol
wazi
:Mduwhy
??You’
regoi
ngt
oleav
ewi
thoutsay
inggoodby
e??

Mdu:
Don’
tbedr
amat
icI
’
llbeback.

Nol
wazi
:Ar
eyoudr
ivi
ng?

Mdu:
Ya.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
kodwaMdu.

Mdu:
Byeby
e.

Nol
wazi
:Tr
avel
saf
elyandcal
lme!

Mdu:
Shap.

Nol
wazidroppedthecal
landsighedasshesankonthebed.Justthen,
herphoner
angandshe
t
ookitandcheckedthecal
leri
dandsawI v
y’sname.Sheanswered.
Nol
wazi
:Zamo!

I
vy:
Whyam Inotbei
ngt
akencar
eoforl
oved?
?Justbecausey
ouandBhenj
uar
ehav
ingf
un
t
heremanj
eyou’
resi
del
i
ningme??

Nol
wazi
laughed.

Nol
wazi
:Babyi
t’
snotev
enl
i
ket
hat
.

I
vy:
Hav
eyoudi
vor
cedt
hatdi
ck?

Nol
wazi
cri
nged.Shehadn’
tthoughtaboutt
hedi
vor
cei
nthepastcoupl
eofhour
s.

I
vy:
Lwazi
arey
ouhav
ingsecondt
hought
s??

Nol
wazi
:No,
it’
snott
hat
.Ofcour
senot
!

I
vy:
Thenhur
ryupsoy
oucanmov
ethef
uckon!

Nol
wazi
:It
’snott
hateasyI
vy.

I
vy:
Mxmi
t’
sal
most3weekssi
ncewel
eftDundee.Sur
elyy
oucanmov
efast
er.

Nol
wazi
:Youwoul
dn’
tunder
stand.

I
vysi
ghed.
I
vy:
Any
way
,Iwasj
ustcal
l
ingt
osayt
haty
ouandMducangodi
e.Fuckbot
hofy
ou.

Nol
wazi
laughed.

I
vy:
Outher
eexcl
udi
ngme!Youhav
esomener
ve!

Nol
wazi
:Awwbaki
thi
!

I
vy:
Nxa!

Nol
wazi
:Il
ovey
ousososomuch!

I
vy:
Showme!

Nol
wazi
laughed.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lseewhatIcando.

I
vy:
Itbet
termakemesmi
l
e!

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lsee.
..By
ebaby
.

I
vy:
Shap.

Nol
wazi
droppedt
hecal
landt
hent
ookDean’
slapt
opandt
ransf
err
edmoneyi
ntoI
vy’
saccount
.
Wi
thi
nmi
nut
esI
vysentherasmi
l
eyf
aceandNol
waz
ilef
titatt
hat
.

Shet
hensankdeeperi
nthebedandendedupdozi
ngof
f.

*
**

Thol
i
:Takemehome!

Mdusi
ghedheav
il
y.

Mdu:
Yini
manj
e?

Thol
i
:Thi
siswr
ongonsomanyl
evel
s!Takemehome!

Mdu:
Ukhul
umangani
?

Thol
i
:St
opact
ingf
ool
i
sh!

Mdu:
You’
reov
err
eact
ing.

Tholicrossedherar
msandt ur
nedsoshecoul
dst
areathi
m.Mdulookedatherbr
ief
lybef
ore
focusingontheroadagai
n.Soonenought
heywer
eoutsi
desomehouse.

Thol
i
:Ist
hisanot
herhouseofy
our
s?

Mdulookedatheri
ntent
lyandnodded.Heknewshewouldfreakouti
fsheknewt
hati
twas
Nol
wazi’
shouse.Shewasalreadyf
reaki
ngoutbecauseshesawhercall
eri
dwhenshecal
l
ed
andt
hef
actt
hathewant
edt
ogot
oJobur
g.

Mdu:
I’
ll
bebacki
nasecond,
okay
?

Thol
igr
unt
ed.

Mdu:
Thatgr
untofy
our
sThol
akel
e.

Sheignoredhi
m ashegotoutoft
hecarandr
ushedt
othey
ard.Shesati
nsi
l
ence,
try
ingnott
o
del
veintohert
hought
s..
.

Af
terawhi
l
eMduf
inal
l
ycameoutandhegotbacki
nthecar
.

Thol
i
:Mduduzi
Idon’
twantt
ogot
oJohannesbur
g.

Mdut
urnedt
olookatherasshel
ookedathi
m wi
thaf
ri
ght
enedl
ook.

Mdu:
You’
recut
e.

Thol
ifr
ownedandhest
art
edt
hecar
.

Mdu:
Ijustneedt
ogetsomet
hingt
her
e.

Thol
i
:Jobur
gisov
er5hour
saway
!

Mdu:
Manj
e?
Thol
i
:You’
remaki
ngi
tseem l
i
kei
t’
sashor
tdr
ive.

Mdu:
Iti
s,f
orme.
..

Thol
il
ookedathi
m ner
vousl
y.

Mdu:
Hav
eyouev
erbeent
her
e?

Sheshookherhead.

Mdu:
Ther
e’saf
ir
stt
imef
orev
ery
thi
ng.

Thol
i
:Idi
dn’
tpack.

Mdu:
Kant
iar
ewemov
ingt
oJobur
g?

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Unl
essy
ouwantt
omov
einwi
thme.

Hegr
innedandshel
ookedaway
.

Mdu:
Trustme,
okay
?

Thol
idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngandMducont
inuedf
ocusi
ngont
her
oad.
*
**

Deangotev
ery
thi
ngheneededatt
hemal
landt
henmadehi
swayt
ohi
scaratt
hepar
kingl
ot.

Per
son:
Fancyseei
ngy
ouher
e..
.

Hest
oppedwal
ki
ngf
orasecondandt
ight
enedhi
sjaw.Hegott
ohi
scarandNt
siki
stoodnext
t
oit
.

Deangr
itt
edhist
eet
handNt
siki
lookedathi
mfr
om headt
otoe.Shet
henchuckl
ed
sar
cast
ical
ly
.

Nt
siki
:Youdon’
tseem t
oohappyt
oseeme.
..

Deankeptqui
etandst
aredather
.

Nt
siki
lookedatt
hepl
ast
icshewascar
ryi
ngandchuckl
ed.

Nt
siki
:Mustbeni
ce.
..Uy
adl
a..
.

Deanwalkedt
ohisbootandputever
ythi
ngi
nther
e.Het
henwal
kedt
ohi
sdoorbutNt
siki
bl
ockedhisway.Hest
aredather
.

Ntsi
ki
:Woot
her
e’snot
hingt
hatt
err
if
iesmemor
ethant
hatl
ookofy
our
s..
.Itst
il
ltur
nsmeon
t
hough..
.

Shesmi
l
edi
nnocent
lyandst
aredr
ightbackathi
m.
Nt
siki
:Soy
ouf
orgotaboutme,
justl
i
ket
hat
?

Deant
ight
enedhi
sjaw.

Nt
siki
:Who’
skeepi
ngy
oubusyDean?Whoi
sthebi
tcht
hatst
oley
ouf
rom me?

Dean:
Mov
eoutofmywayNont
sikel
elo.

Nt
siki
nar
rowedherey
esandsi
ghed.

Nt
siki
:Younev
erl
ovedmedi
dyou?

Dean:
Ucabangani
wena?

Ntsi
ki
:It
hinky
oulov
eme.
..I
t’
sjustt
haty
ou’
reat
oughnutt
ocr
ack.Youl
ovemeDean,
iny
our
ownspeci
alway.

Deanl
aughedqui
etl
y.

Ntsi
ki:
Idon’
tthi
nky
ouwil
lev
erf
indanyonewhoactual
l
ylov
esy
ou.You’
renotani
ceper
son
Dean.Youst
omponpeopl
eandl
eavethem t
odie.

Deancont
inuedt
olaughqui
etl
y.

Nt
siki
:Noonewi
l
lev
eraccepty
ourugl
ysi
del
i
keme.
..
Deanpushedhert
othesi
deandopenedhi
sdoor
.

Nt
siki
:We’
l
lbet
oget
heragai
n.

Shesmi
l
edasheshuthi
sdooranddr
oveof
f.

I
NSERT58

Thol
i
:Ineedt
hebat
hroom.

Mdugl
ancedather
.

Mdu:
We’
reanhouraway
.

Sheshookherhead.

Thol
i
:Ineedi
tnow.

Mdu:
Okay
.

Shekeptqui
etonceagai
nandtri
ednottof
allasl
eep.Al
lthi
ssi
tti
ngwasti
ri
ngbecauseMdu
i
nsist
edonnotmakinganyunnecessar
yst
ops.Itwasnowaround3pm.Aft
eracoupleof
minut
eshedrovetoagarage.

Mdu:
Wantmet
oshowy
ouwher
ethebat
hroom i
s?

Thol
i
:I’
m notst
upi
d.
Shelookedathim sharpl
yandher ol
ledhisey esashegotoutoft hecar
.Shegotoutaswel l
andMdupoi nt
edt owherethebathroomswher e.Sheignoredhim andwalkedoff,
tryi
ngnotto
runbecauseherbladderwasclosetodefeatingher .Shefi
nall
ygott ot
hebathroomsandt hen
rel
ievedher
sel
f.Asshel ookedathersel
finthemi r
rorshecri
nged.Herfacewasal lpuf
fyand
fl
ushed.Shesplashedsomecol dwaterandt hendr i
edherself
,therewasalit
tl
ebitof
i
mpr ovementbutherveryli
ghtski
nmadei tdiff
icul
ttogetawaywi t
hcryi
ng.

Shemadeherwayoutoft
hebat
hroomsandasshewasaboutt
oheadtothecar
,Mduyel
l
edf
or
hert
ocomewherehewas,hewasstandi
ngbyt
hegar
ageshop.Shewal
kedovert
ohi
m.

Mdu:
Ulambi
l
e?

Shet
houghtabouti
tandev
ent
ual
l
ynodded.

Mdu:
Idon’
tli
kepeopl
eeat
ingi
nmycar
.Wel
lthi
sonedoesn’
tbel
ongt
omebutst
il
l.
..

Thol
ifr
owned.

Thol
i
:Buty
ouwer
eeat
ingt
her
ethi
smor
ning.

Mdu:
Manj
e?Kant
iyi
mot
okabani
?

Thol
igr
unt
ed.

Mdu:
I’
ll
makeanexcept
ionbecausey
ouf
edmet
hismor
ning.

Thol
i
:Idon’
twanty
ourf
avour
s.
Mdu:
Youdon’
tsay
..
.

Thol
il
ookedathi
m shar
ply
.

Mdu:Sosinceyou’
resohungr
y,howareyougoi
ngt
obuyy
our
sel
ffoodseei
ngasy
oudon’
t
hav
eanythingonyou,Mi
ssIDon’tNeedAnyFav
our
s?

Thol
i
’sey
esshotupassher
eal
i
sedt
hatwhathesai
dwast
rue.Shet
henst
art
edpani
cki
ng.

“
Whatifhe’
sdoingthi
sonpurpose?
”Hemi
ghtbet
ryi
ngt
oki
dnapme,
”shet
hought
,“Orl
eav
e
mest
randedinJohannesbur
g.”

Mdusawt
het
err
if
iedexpr
essi
ononherf
aceandhesmi
l
ed.

Mdu:
Pennyf
ory
ourt
hought
s?

Shel
ookedati
nconf
usi
on.

Mdu:
I’
dli
ket
oknowwhaty
ou’
ret
hinki
ng.

Thol
il
ookedathi
m ner
vousl
y.

Mdu:
Come.

Het
ookherar
m andl
edheri
nsi
det
heshop.

Mdu:
We’
l
lgetsomet
hingl
i
ght
.Idon’
twanty
ouv
omi
ti
ngbecauseofmot
ionsi
ckness.
Thol
i
:Idon’
tgetmot
ionsi
ckness.

Mdu:
Idoubt
.

Theywentt
othef
ri
dgeandhet
ookt
wo1l
i
trebot
tl
esofpur
ewat
er.

Mdu:
Cokei
sunheal
thyf
ory
ou.

Thol
i
:Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay
?

Mduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Idon’
tdosubl
i
minal
shot
sThol
i
.

Thol
ikeptqui
etandt
heywal
kedt
othebaker
ysect
ion.

Mdu:
Any
way
,Il
i
key
ourcur
ves.

Shecl
ear
edhert
hroatandqui
ckl
yfocusedont
hehotcr
ossbunst
hatwer
enearher
.

Mdu:
Thoset
hingsar
etoosweet
.

Thol
itur
nedt
olookathi
m.

Mdu:
Weneedbr
ead.
Thol
i
:Br
ead?
?

Mdu:
YesandI
’
m sur
etheysel
lbut
tersomewher
eher
e.

Thol
il
ookedathi
mindi
sbel
i
ef.

Mdu:
Breadornot
hing.

Hel
ookedatheramusi
ngl
yandshegr
unt
ed.

Thol
i
:Not
hing.

Mdu:
Andt
hewat
erst
aysaswel
l
.

Thol
i
:Ar
gh.

Shet
urnedandwal
kedawayandMdust
ayedt
her
eforawhi
l
e.

Shewentt
ost
andbyt hecarandbaskedi
nthesun.Af
teral
ongt
imeshesawMduwal
ki
ng
backwi
th5pl
ast
ics.

Mdu:
Let
’sgetmov
ing.

Shewalkedtoherdoorandthengoti
nthecar.Mduplacedal
ltheplast
icsonherlapandshe
peepedthr
oughthem.Thereweresweets,
biscui
ts,
packet
sofchipsandmanyot herthi
ngs
ther
e.Mdugotinandstart
edthecar.
Thol
il
ookedathi
minconf
usi
on.

Thol
i
:Whathappenedt
oyourbr
ead?

Mdu:
Angi
thi
awudl
ali
swawena.

Hef
ocusedont
her
oadandThol
ikeptqui
et,
feel
i
ngbadf
orbei
ngdr
amat
ic.

Shemumbleda“sor
ry”andMdui
gnoredherandcontinuedt
ofocusont
her
oad.Sheputal
lthe
pl
ast
icsatt
hebackseatandt
henkeptqui
etandlookedahead.

Mdu:
Angi
nay
okei
mal
iyokudl
ala.Youwi
l
lfi
nishwhat
everi
sint
her
e.

Thol
igasped.

Mdu:
Umangazway
ini
?

Shelookedathim andhedidn’
tev
engi
veheraglance.Sheevent
uall
yreachedatt
hebackand
grabbedoneplast
ic.Shet
ookoutapacketofchi
psandopenedit.

Thol
i
:Woul
dyoul
i
kesome?

Mdugl
ancedatherandshel
ookedathi
m expect
ant
ly.

Mdu:
Feedme.
Thol
ifr
owned.

Mdu:
UyabonaI
’
m dr
ivi
ngangi
thi
?

Shehuff
edandtookacoupl
eofchi
psandMduopenedhi
smout
h.Shecar
eful
l
yfedhi
m andhe
shookhi
shead.

Mdu:
Biscui
ts.

Thol
iwasaboutt
osaysomet hi
ngwhenheshotheral
ook.Shesi
ghedandr
eachedatt
heback
fort
hepl
asti
cwit
hbiscui
ts.

Thol
i
:Whydi
dyoubuysomanyt
hings?

Mduj
ustshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s.Sheopenedsomebi
scui
tsandt
henr
eachedoutt
ohi
m and
f
edhi
m one.

Mdu:
Thanks.

Shenoddedandt
hensatpr
oper
lyandf
ini
shedupt
hepacketofchi
ps.

Thol
i
:Yousai
dyou’
regoi
ngt
ofet
chsomet
hingi
nJobur
g.

Mdunodded.

Thol
i
:Sot
hatmeanswe’
l
lbebacki
nDur
banbymi
dni
ght
.
Mdu:
Ya.

Thol
i
:Doy
ouusual
l
ydot
his?

Mdunoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Thol
i
:Wi
l
lyoubeabl
etodr
iveback?

Mdu:
Whatwoul
dst
opme?

Thol
i
:Ar
en’
tyout
ir
ed?

Mdu:
Iam.

Thol
i
:Manj
ehowwi
l
lyoudr
ivepr
oper
ly?

Mdu:
Youaskt
oomanyquest
ions.

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Youcandr
iveangi
thi
?

Thol
i
:Ihav
en’
tdr
iveni
nawhi
l
e.

Mdu:
Youwi
l
ltoday
.
Thol
i
:NoIwon’
t.

Mduchuckl
edandkeptqui
et,
focusi
ngont
her
oad.Thol
ial
sokeptqui
etandt
heydr
ovei
n
si
l
encefort
herestoft
heway.

Atar
ound5pm t
heyf
inal
l
ygott
oJohannesbur
g.

Thol
i
:Doy
oul
i
vei
nSandt
on?

Mdul
aughedqui
etl
yandshookhi
shead.

Mdu:
IsSandt
ont
heonl
ypl
acey
ouknow?

Thol
i
:No,
buti
t’
sthemostf
amoussubur
bIt
hink.
..

Mdunodded.

Thol
i
:Hav
eyoual
sobeent
oSowet
o?

Mduchuckl
edandnodded.

Thol
i
:Ial
way
sseet
hesepl
acesonTV.

Mdu:
Ador
abl
e.

Thol
il
ookedoutherwindow,
try
ingtohi
detheexcit
ementbrewinginher.AsmuchDurbanwas
al
soquit
eabigcit
y,t
herewasjustsomet
hingdi
ffer
entaboutJohannesburgi
nherey
es.
Thol
i
:Wher
ear
ewenow?

Mdu:
Rosebank.

Shenoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Thol
i
:Andwher
edoy
oul
i
ve?

Mdu:
Mor
ningsi
de.

Shenoddedonceagai
nandkeptqui
etashedr
oveon.

Mdu:
Nowt
hisi
sSandt
on.

Thol
i
:Isee.
..

Mdu:
AndIl
i
ve30mi
nut
esaway
.

Thol
i
:Oh.

Shewat
chedast
heydr
ovepastbui
l
dings.
..

Af
terawhi
l
etheydr
ovet
oaqui
etr
esi
dent
ial
area.

Thol
i
:Ist
hisMor
ningsi
de?
Mdunoddedandev
ent
ual
l
ytheydr
ovet
oacompl
ex.

Thol
i
:Youownahousei
nDur
ban.

Mdu:
YesIdo.

Thol
i
:Buty
oul
i
vei
nacompl
ext
hissi
de.

Mdu:
Ihav
eahomet
hissi
de.
..Noneedt
oinv
esti
nahousey
et.

Thol
i
:Isee.
..

Shel
ookedathi
m andt
ri
edt
okeepabl
ankf
ace.Theydr
ovei
nsi
deandt
henpar
ked.

Mdu:
Woza.

Theygotoutoft
hecarandhewai
tedf
orheront
heot
hersi
de.Shewal
kedt
ohi
m andt
hey
beganwalki
ng.

Thol
i
:Don’
tyournei
ghbour
sannoyy
ou?

Mduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Theyact
ual
l
ydo.

Thol
i
:Doy
oul
i
veal
one?
Mdu:
Ido.

Shenoddedandtheymadet hei
rwaytoMdu’
sapar
tment
.Heunl
ockedt
hedoorandf
oll
owed
hi
min.Shelookedaroundandsighed.

Thol
i
:It
’sasbi
gasahouset
hough.

Sheglancedathim andthendeci
dedt
okeepqui
et.Sheknewshewascomi
ngacr
ossasv
ery
rur
alandinexper
iencedatthemoment.

Mdu:
Buti
tli
ter
all
yhasonebedr
oom,
anensui
tebat
hroom,
aki
tchenandal
ounge.

Thol
i
:Soi
t’
sabachel
orapar
tment
?

Mdu:
Yes.

Thol
i
:Notsur
pri
sing.

Mdu:
Heehwhyi
sitnotsur
pri
sing?

Thol
i
:You’
reabachel
or,
aren’
tyou?

Mdul
aughed.

Mdu:
You’
remaki
ngsomedeepassumpt
ionst
her
eThol
akel
e.
Thol
il
ookedathi
m di
sbel
i
ef.

Thol
i
:Soy
ou’
remar
ri
ed?
?

Mdul
aughed.

Mdu:
Ucabangani
wena?

Thol
ifr
owned.

Thol
i
:Your
eal
l
ydon’
tbehav
eli
keamar
ri
edman.

Mdu:
Hai
bowhatdoy
oumean?
?

Thol
ist
aredathi
m.

Thol
i
:Zani
?

Mdu:
Mxm.

Thol
i
:Soy
ou’
recheat
ingwi
thZani
?Doessheknowt
-

Mdu:
Woahwoahwoah!We’
reget
ti
ngaheadofour
sel
vesr
ightnow!

Thol
inar
rowedherey
esandl
ookedathi
m suspi
ciousl
y.
Mdu:
I’
m notmar
ri
ed.I
’
mfarf
rom i
tact
ual
l
y.

Thol
isi
ghedi
nrel
i
efandMduey
edherhumor
ousl
y.

Mdu:
Hai
bokant
iyoudon’
tli
ket
hef
actt
hatIcoul
dbemar
ri
ed?

Thol
i
’scheeksf
lushed.

Thol
i
:No.
..

Mdu:
Oh?

Sheshookherheadv
igor
ousl
y.

Thol
i
:No,
Imean“
no”asi
sin“
no”I
’
m gl
ad-

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Thol
i
:I’
mjustgl
ady
ou’
renotusi
ngZani
.That
’smypoi
nt.
..Andy
ou’
renotcheat
ingony
ourwi
fe.

Mduchuckl
ed.

Thol
i
:Wel
lyoudon’
thav
eawi
feso.
..

Shesi
ghed,
feel
i
ngdef
eat
edbyhermout
h.
Thol
i
:YouknowwhatImean.

Mdu:
Manj
ewhatwoul
dhappeni
fIdi
dhav
eawi
fe?

Thol
i
:Theny
ououghtt
obeashamedofy
our
sel
f!

Mdu:
Isi
t?Youdon’
tbel
i
evei
ncheat
ing?

Thol
i
:Absol
utel
ynot
!It
’ssi
nful
!

Mdu:
Ohokayt
hen.

Thol
i
:Mar
ri
agei
ssacr
ed.

Mdu:
Mmm.

Thol
i
:Andi
tshoul
dber
espect
ed.

Shesai
dthatv
eryqui
etl
yandt
heyst
aredateachot
herf
oral
ongt
ime.

Mduf
inal
l
ybr
oket
hei
ntensesi
l
ence.

Mdu:
Wantmet
oshowy
ouar
ound?

Thol
icl
ear
edhert
hroatandnodded.
Mdu:
YouknowhowIf
eel
aboutt
hisnoddi
ngt
hing.

Thol
i
:Sor
ry.

Mdu:
Come.

Shef
oll
owedhi
mfur
theri
nsi
dehi
sapar
tment
..
.

I
NSERT59

Nol
wazi
madeherwaydownstai
rsandwal
kedtoDean’
sstudy
.Sheknockedandt
her
ewasno
r
epl
ysoopenedt
hedoorandsawhim wor
kingonhi
sdesk.

Nol
wazi
:Whydi
dn’
tyour
epl
y?

Deanignor
edherandcarri
edonwithwhat ev
erhewasdoing.Nol
wazicoul
dtel
lthatsomet
hing
wasbother
inghim.Shewasjustconfusedastowhatthethi
ngwasandwhenitgothimtothis
poi
nt.Shewalkedovert
ohim andstoodbyhisdesk.

Nol
wazi
:Deanwhat
’swr
ong?

Helookedatheranddidn’
tsayanyt
hing.Shet
henwalkedov
ert
ohim andt
urnedhi
schai
rso
shecouldsi
tonhislap.Shegavehi
m aconcernedl
ookandhesi
ghed.

Dean:
Ibumpedi
ntoNt
siki
.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.
Dean:
Idon’
tdowel
lwi
thannoy
ingexesNol
wazi
.WhenIendshi
t,Il
eav
eitatt
hat
.

Nol
wazi
:Shewant
syouback?

Deangav
eheral
ook.

Nol
wazi
:I’
mjustaski
ng.

Dean:
Seet
hisi
stheshi
tIdon’
tli
ke.

Nol
wazi
justl
ookedathi
m.

Dean:
Youendar
elat
ionshi
pandt
heykeepannoy
ingt
hef
uckoutofy
ou.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m sur
eitwi
l
ldi
edown.

Dean:
Itbet
ter
.

Shekeptqui
etandDeansi
ghedheav
il
y.

Dean:
Any
way
,enoughaboutt
hat
.

Nol
wazi
:Imean,
it’
sobv
iousl
ybot
her
ingy
ousoIcangi
vey
ouy
ourspace.

Dean:
DidIaskf
orspace?
Nol
wazi
:Youdon’
thav
eto.Iknowwhent
obackof
f.

Deanl
ookedatherandhi
sfacer
elaxed.

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
tst
aywhenI
’
m unwant
ed.

Dean:
Youdon’
tsay
..
.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Ineedt
ogetbackt
omyhouseany
way
.

Deanl
ookedathershar
ply
.

Nol
wazi
:Noonei
sther
eDean.

Dean:
So?

Nol
wazi
:Hai
Idon’
tli
kemyhouseempt
y.

Dean:
Mxm gomakey
our
sel
ffoodandst
opt
alki
ngnonsense.

Hepushedherupandshest
oodup.

Nol
wazi
:Whatar
eyouwor
kingon?
Dean:
Not
hing,
wasj
ustchecki
ngoutsomest
ats.

Nolwazigr
unted.Shedi
dn’
tev
enwanttodi
scusswor
ksoshemadeherwayoutoft
hest
udy
andwalkedtothekit
chent
oseewhatDeanhadpr
eparedf
orsupper
.

*
**

Sl
y:Ri
chi
e.

Sl
y’
sboy
fri
end,
Richi
e,st
oppedwor
kingonhi
slapt
opandgl
ancedatSl
y.

Sl
ylookedathi
mint
ent
ly,
try
ingnott
oshowanysuspi
cion.

Ri
chi
e:Yes,
baby
?

Sl
ypout
ed.

Sl
y:You’
vebeenwor
kingt
hewhol
eday
.

Ri
chi
e:BabyI
’
m wor
kingonabi
ggi
g.

Sl
ysul
kedandwal
kedov
ert
othecoucht
hatwasopposi
tet
otheoneRi
chi
ewassi
tt
ingon.

Ri
chi
e:Ipr
omi
seI
’
llat
tendt
oyourev
eryneedonceI
’
m done.

Sl
ysankont
heopposi
tecouchandRi
chi
efocusedonhi
slapt
opagai
n.Shesi
ghedandl
ooked
athi
m..
.
“Thi
ssonofabi
tchi
sdef
ini
tel
ycheat
ing,
”shet
houghtt
oher
sel
f,“
I’
veseent
hist
oomanyt
imes.
Uzonyal
o.”

Shecar
eful
lypl
acedherf
eetonthesmall
coff
eetabl
enextt
oher.Sheunbut
tonedtheshi
rtshe
wasweari
ng,whichwasRi
chie’
s,andt
henopenedi
tupandsatt
here,l
ooki
ngathim.

“
Sonofabi
tch,
”shet
hought
.

Herbreastsshowedandshebegancar essi
ngthem verygent
ly.Shecl
osedherey
esand
concentr
atedontheint
ensefeel
ingthatwascreepi
ngup.Shemoanedqui etl
yandthenf
ocused
onhernipples,
rubbi
ngthem andpinchi
ngthem al
latthesamet ime.

Sher
andownherr
ighthandt
oherbel
l
yandst
rokedher
sel
ftender
ly.

Shet henopenedupherl egssli

ghtl
yandpl acedthathandonthet opofhercooki e.Shebegan
toslowlytapt hearea.
..Theotherhandcont i
nuedt orubherni
pples,oneatat ime.Shemoaned
l
oudlyandt henrandownt heotherhandaswel l
.Shebegantobr ushherinnerthighsandsi ghed
quietl
yast hewar mthofherhandssentl ovelysensat
ionsthr
oughherbody .Sher anherhands
alongherv aginaandthenopenedupherl egswider.Sheusedonehandt oopenupt heli
ningof
herli
psandt heotherhandbegant ocarefull
ymassagehercl i
t.Shegroanedl oudlyasshe
stoppedfocusi ngonthecl i
tandranherfingerupanddownherwal ls.

Sl
y:Aahh.
..

Sheranthatbusyhandupt oherf
aceandli
ckedit
.Shesuckedont
hefingersoseduct
ivelyt
hat
shebegantomov eherhipstoanunknownrhyt
hm.Sherandownthathandagainandslida
ver
ymoistandwetf i
ngerin.

Sl
y:Ah!
Shesli
ditfurtheri
nandbitherbott
om l
ipenchanti
ngly
.Shesl
idinanot
heroneandthen
moanedagai n.Theotherhandwentuptoherbreastandcont
inuedwherei
tlef
tof
f.Shesl
i
d
thosef
ingersinandoutandgr i
ndedsl
owly.

Sl
y:Fuck.

Sheopenedherey
esandst
aredri
ghtbackatRi
chi
ewhosej
awwaspr
act
ical
l
yont
hef
loor
.He
l
ookedli
kehewasevensal
i
vati
ng.
..

Sl
yst
aredathi
m asshecont
inuedt
osl
i
det
hosef
inger
sinandout
.

Shest
oppedt
hatmot
ionandt
henwentupt
ohercl
i
t,notr
emov
ingherey
esf
rom Ri
chi
e.

Sher
ubbedherswol
l
encl
i
tgent
lyandl
etoutasl
i
ghtcr
y.

Sl
y:Ah.
..

Sher
ubbedi
tev
enmor
eandt
henr
oll
edherhi
ps.

Justasshewasaboutt
oincr
easethepace,Richi
ethr
ewhislaptopt
ot hesi
deandqui
ckl
y
stoodupandtookof
fhi
spants.Sl
yclosedhereyesandcont
inuedtorubhersel
f.
..

Wi
thi
nseconds,
Richi
ehadpi
ckedherupandt
hrewheront
hel
ongcouch,
slammi
ngi
nsi
deher
..
.

*
**

Thol
i
:Ar
ewel
eav
ingnow?
Mdul
ookedatherandsi
ghed.

Mdu:
Doy
oumi
ndi
fwel
eav
etomor
row?

Shekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
I’
m exhaust
ed.

Shel
ookedathi
mint
ent
ly.Shewasal
sot
ir
edandcoul
dendur
eanot
her5hourdr
ive.

Mdu:
Please?

Thol
isi
ghed.

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Mdu:
Wai
t,ar
eyouser
ious?

Shenodded.

Mdu:
Okayt
hat
’sgr
eat
.Let
’sgoeat
.

Thol
i
:Doy
ouhav
efoodher
e?

Mdu:
No,
unf
ort
unat
ely
.
Thol
i
:Oh.

Mdu:
Wet
rav
elal
lthewayt
oJohannesbur
gandal
lyouwantt
odoi
scook?

Thol
igr
unt
edandhechuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Okayt
hen.

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Youwantt
ocook?

Sheshr
uggedhershoul
der
s.

Mdu:
Uthi
niThol
i
?

Thol
i
:It
’sy
ourhouse.
..wel
lapar
tment
..
.Sodowhat
every
ouwant
.

Mdu:
Hehel
ookaty
oubei
ngspi
cy!

Shekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Let
’sgogetgr
ocer
iest
hen.

Thol
i
:Andt
oil
etr
ies.
Mdu:
Yes,
andt
oil
etr
ies.

Thol
i
:Thanks.

Mdu:
Asambeke.

Shest
oodupf
rom t
hecouchandt
henwal
kedov
ert
ohi
m.

Mdu:
Aft
ery
ou.
..

Shel
edthewayt
othedoorandt
heywal
kedoutandmadet
hei
rwayt
othecar
,wher
etheygoti
n
anddr
oveoff
.

I
NSERT60(
Didn’
tgett
hechancet
oedi
t)

MduandThol
imadet
hei
rwayt
oSandt
onCi
tyandThol
ifr
owned.

Mdu:
Yini
?

Thol
ishookherheadl
i
ght
ly.

Mdu:
Wher
ewoul
dyoul
i
ket
ogety
ourgr
ocer
ies?

Thol
i
:Pi
cknPayorWool
wor
ths.

Mdunoddedandhel
edt
heway
.Theygott
oWool
i
esandwal
kedar
ound.
Thol
i
:Whatwoul
dyoul
i
ket
oeat
?

Mdu:
I’
m cr
avi
ngl
asagne.

Thol
il
ookedathi
m.

Mdu:
Youdoknowwhatl
asagnei
s,r
ight
?

Thol
i
:Thati
srude.

Mdul
aughed.

Mdu:
What
?Phel
awhenIt
ooky
out
othatpast
apl
acey
ouneededsav
ing.

Shegav
ehi
m ashar
plookbef
orewal
ki
ngof
ftoanot
herai
sle.

Mdugrunt
edandwal kedtowher eshewas.Hehadt oremindhimsel
fthathewasdeal
ingwi t
h
anextr
emel
ysensiti
veoneher e.Hegottoherandshewassof ocusedonpicki
ngasaucet hat
hesti
fl
edasmile.Shepretendedasifhewasn’
tstandingnextt
oher.Hernosewasfl
aringand
shewashuff
ingandpuffingsil
entl
y,t
ryi
ngtoconcealheremoti
ons.

Mdu:
Thol
i
.

Shekeptqui
etandcont
inuedt
olookt
hrought
hesauces.

Mdu:
Thol
iIwasj
oki
ngman.
Shel
ookedathi
m shar
ply
.

Thol
i
:Idi
dn’
tfi
ndi
tfunny
.

Mdu:
Thol
ibengi
dlal
a.Kant
iawudl
ali
swanawena?

Thol
i
:Noti
fit
’sani
nsul
t.

Mdu:
Mxm.

Tholist
aredathi
mi nshockandhewalkedaway .Shestoodt
herenotknowingwhattodo.Just
thensherememberedthatshewasfarfrom homeandsosher ushedafterMdubutshe
couldn’
tfi
ndhim.Shebegantopani
cassher ushedt
hrougheachaisl
elooki
ngforhi
m.

Sher
ushedov
ert
othel
astai
sleandwasst
art
ledwhenshebumpedi
ntosomeonev
eryr
oughl
y.

Thol
i
:Sor
ry!

Herent
ir
ebodyrel
axedwhensher
eal
i
sedt
hati
twasMdu.Shesi
ghedheav
il
yandhest
aredat
heri
nconfusi
on.

Mdu:
Whyar
eyoucr
ying?

Shetouchedherf
aceandfeltt
hetear
s.Shedi
dn’
tev
enr
eal
i
set
hatshewascr
ying.Shewas
conv
incedthatMdul
eftherstr
anded.

Thol
i
:It
houghty
oul
eftme.
Sheexhal
eddeepl
y.

Mdu:
Whywoul
dIl
eav
eyou?

Thol
i
:Youseemedangr
ywheny
oust
ormedof
f.

Mdu:
Fir
stl
y,Idi
dn’
t“st
orm”of
f,secondl
yIwasn’
tangr
yandl
ast
ly,
Iwoul
dn’
tleav
eyou.

Shel
ookedathi
m anddi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Mdu:
Notev
ery
onei
soutt
ogety
ou.

Thol
i
:Howam Isupposedt
oknowt
hat
?

Mdu:
Yout
hinkI
’
m bei
ngi
nsi
ncer
e?

Shel
ookeddownandkeptqui
et.Mduscr
atchedhi
sheadanddi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Thol
iturnedandwal
kedawayandhef oll
owedher
.Theymadetheirwaybacktotheai
slet
hey
werei
nbef or
eandthencarr
iedonget
tingal
lthet
hingst
heyneeded.Thol
igotsometoi
let
ri
es
aswellandtheymadethei
rwayout.

Mdu:
Don’
tyouneedsomet
hingt
owear
?

Thol
ishookherhead.
Thol
i
:I’
l
lbef
ine.

Mdu:
Arey
ousur
e?

Thol
i
:Yes.

Mdu:
Alr
ightt
hen,
let
’sgetgoi
ng.

Ast
heywer
ewal
ki
ng,
someoney
ell
edMdu’
sname.

Mdu:
JustwhenIt
houghtwewoul
dn’
tbumpi
ntoany
one.

Thol
i
:Ishey
ourf
ri
end?

Mdunoddedandtheystoppedwalki
ngandtur
ned.Thol
ihel
dherbr
eat
hasar
eal
lyr
eall
ygood
l
ooki
ngguywalkedtowardsthem.Shegl
ancedupatMduwhowasactual
l
yst
ari
ngather.

Mdu:
U-r
ight
?

Shenodded.

Mdu:
Yazi
iyadi
nal
en-

Mdu’
snoddi
ngspeechwasdi
stur
bedbyt
heguyashet
hrewhi
msel
fatMdu.

Guy
:Duzi
!
HeandMdushar
edahugandThol
icoul
dtel
lthatMduwasn’
ttoot
hri
l
ledt
oseehi
mforsome
oddr
eason.

Guy
:How’
sitbr
o?

Thol
iall
owedher
selft
oanalysethi
sguy.Hewast hecomplet
eopposi
teofMdusomehow,f
rom
hi
sskintonet
othepersonal
it
y.Theguywas“outthere”compar
edtoMduwhowasn’tl
oudand
j
oll
y.ButMduwasjoll
yinhisownway,shethought.

Mdu:
Ever
ythi
ngal
ri
ghtwi
thy
ou?

Guy
:Li
stenman,
I’
mli
vi
ng!

Mduchuckl
edl
i
ght
lyandnodded.

Mdu:
Aren’
tweal
l
.

Theguytur
nedandl
ookedatThol
ifr
om headt
otoei
nconf
usi
on.Thol
ifel
text
remel
ysel
f-
consci
ousaft
ert
hat
.

Guy
:Andt
hen?

Mdu:
Andt
henwhat
?

Guy
:Ar
en’
tyougoi
ngt
oint
roducemet
oyourf
ri
endwhom Idon’
tknow?

Mdusi
ghed.
Mdu:
Don’
twor
ryabouti
t.

Theguyey
edMduandr
aisedaney
ebr
ow.

Guy
:Hmkaymat
e.

Mdu:
List
en,
I’
ll
seey
ouar
ound.

Guy
:Sur
esur
e.

Theyshookhandsandtheguyturnedandwalkedaway.Allt
hewhile,
Tholist
oodt her
e,t
ryi
ngt
o
concealtheemot
ionsbr
ewinginher.Somet
hingaboutthatguy
’sexpressi
onmadeherf eel
unworthysomehow.Hedidn’
tevenknowhernamebutheseemedt ohav eal
readymadehis
j
udgement s.

Mdu:
Thol
i
.

Shequi
ckl
ysnappedoutofi
tandl
ookedatMdu.

Mdu:
Ngi
cel
asambe.

Shenoddedt
ight
lyandt
heymadethei
rwayoutandwal
kedt
othecar
.Shehel
pedhi
m putal
l
thepl
ast
icsi
ntheboott
hent
heygotinandhedrov
eoff
.

Shet
houghtbackt
ohowt
heguyl
ookedatherandshef
eltapi
erci
ngpai
ninhersy
stem.

“
Aremyf
lawsr
eal
l
ythatt
ranspar
entt
opeopl
e?”shet
hought
,“Aper
sonIdon’
tev
enknowhas
l
eftmef
eel
i
ngal
lki
ndsofl
owr
ightnow.
”

Shewasstar
tl
edwhenshef
eltMdu’
shandonher
s.Shequi
ckl
ysnappedoutofhert
hought
s
andl
ookedathim.

Mdu:
Kuni
ningi
khul
umanawe.

Thol
i
:Sor
ry.

Hel
ookedatherwei
rdl
y.

Mdu:
U-shap?

Thol
i
:Ya.

Shemov
edherhandandMduf
ocusedont
her
oadagai
n.

Af
terawhi
l
etheyf
inal
l
ygotbackt
ohi
sapar
tment
.

Thol
i
:Doy
oumi
ndi
fIt
akeashowerbef
orecooki
ng?

Mdu:
Sur
e,y
ouknowwher
ethebat
hroom i
s.

Thol
i
:Thanks.

Mdu:
I’
ll
unl
oadal
loft
heset
hings.
Thol
i
:Okay
.

Mdugav eherthetoi
l
etryshegotandshemadeherwayt othebathr
oom.Shet ookoffher
j
acketandshoesandt henreal
isedthatshedidn’
thaveatowel
.Shelookedaroundandthere
wasonlyone,whichbelongedtoMdu.Shest oodther
eforawhil
eandev ent
uall
ywalkedoutand
wenttothekit
chenandf oundhim onhisphone.

Thol
i
:Uhm doy
oubyanychancehav
eanext
rat
owel
?

Mdu:
Ther
ear
epl
ent
yint
hecl
oset
.

Thol
i
:CanIhav
eone?

Mdu:
Youknowwher
emycl
oseti
s.

TholinoddedandMducar ri
edonusinghi sphone.Shewal kedbacktot hebedroom andwentt o
hi
scl oset.Shesawast ackoftowelsinacor nerandt hentookone.Asshehel di
t,Mdu’sscent
fi
ll
edherandsheshookherheadl ightl
yandcl osedt hecloset
.Shemadeherwaybackt othe
bathroom. .
.Shelookedaroundandmar vell
edathowneatandwel l-
puttogetherever
ythi
ngwas.
Heseemedt obeanextremelyor
ganisedper sonbecausehi sclosetwasar r
angedaccordingto
colourandhi sbathr
oom seemednew.Shecoul dn’thelpbutopenal lofhi
sbat hr
oom shel
v es.
Everythi
ngwasi norderthereaswell
.

Shest
oppedbei
ngnosyandt
hent
ookof
fthemaxi
dressshewaswear
ing.
..

Shegotint
heshowerandwi
ncedast
hehotwat
ert
ouchedherbody
.Suddenl
yshef
eltso
exhaust
ed.
..

Shef
inishedupandt hendr
iedher
sel
f.Shel
oti
onedhersel
fandputonthedressshehadbeen
wear
ing.Shecleanedupthebathr
oom andt
henwalkedout,st
il
labi
texhaustedbutf
resh
enought
ocookupast
orm.

Whenshegott
ot heki
tchen,
Mduwasnotthereandhewasn’
tint
heloungeaswel
l.I
nst
eadof
st
ressi
ng,
sheal
lowedhersel
ftol
etgoandfocusonwhatshel
oved,
whichwascooki
ng.

Overanhourl
ater
,shef
elther
sel
frel
axandbecomesl
i
ght
lyhappy
.Shewasi
nherownbubbl
e
atthi
spoi
nt.

Shehear
dthedoorunl
ockandMduwal
kedi
n.

Mdu:
Wel
ll
ooki
eher
e.

Sheglancedathi
m asshef
ini
shedupl
ayer
ingt
hel
asagne.Sheputi
tint
heov
enandt
hen
tur
nedtolookathi
m.

Mdu:
I’
m shockedy
ouhav
en’
tbur
ntt
hehouse.

Thol
i
:Ver
yfunny
.

Sher
oll
edherey
esandMdul
ookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Shegr
abbedagl
assofwat
erandt
ookasi
p.

Mdu:
Wel
lI’
m back.

Thol
idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngev
ent
houghshewant
edt
oaskhi
m whyhel
eftherher
ewi
thoutt
ell
i
ng
her
.
Mdu:
Igoty
oupy
jamas.

Hewalkedovert
oherandhandedherapaperbag.Shel
ookedi
nitandsur
eenough,
ther
ewer
e
py
jamasther
e.

Thol
i
:Youdi
dn’
thav
eto.

Mdu:
ButIdi
d.

Shef
rowned.

Thol
i
:Thanky
ou.

Mdusmi
l
ed.

Mdu:
NowIneedashower
..
.

Thol
inodded.

Mdu:
Wil
lthef
oodber
eadybyt
het
imeI
’
m done?

Thol
i
:Dependsonhowf
asty
ouar
e.

Mdu:
Ohno,
I’
mver
ysl
ow.
..

Hest
aredatherf
orawhi
l
eandThol
itr
iednott
oshowherdi
scomf
ort
.
Mdu:
I’
m asl
ow-
pacedper
sonbynat
ure.

Ther
ewasanawkwar
dsi
l
enceandt
henThol
icl
ear
edhert
hroat
.

Thol
i
:Ift
hat
’st
hecaset
henI
’
m sur
ethef
oodwi
l
lber
eady
.

Mdu:
Good.

Hewal
kedof
fandThol
ipour
edher
sel
fanot
hergl
assofwat
er.

I
NSERT61

JustasThol
ihadf
ini
shedcut
ti
ngupt
hel
asagne,
Mduwal
kedt
otheki
tcheni
nsweat
pant
sand
at-shi
rt
.

Mdu:
Ever
ythi
ngdone?

Thol
iwasaboutt
onod.

Mdu:
Hai
bonj
alo.

Sher
oll
edherey
es.

Mdu:
Smel
l
sgood.
Thol
ist
if
ledasmi
l
e.

Mdu:
Hav
eyousett
het
abl
e?

Thol
i
:NoIt
houghtw-

Mdu:
Thoughtwhat
?

Thol
i
:It
houghtwe’
djusteat
.

Mdudi
smi
ssedherandt
henopenedupacupboar
dandt
ookoutnapki
nsandpl
ates.

Mdu:
Mymom woul
dki
l
lmei
fI“
justat
e.”

Thol
i
:Real
l
y?

Mdunodded.

Mdu:
Propermeal
sar
eeat
enatt
het
abl
e.

Shekeptqui
etandjustwentalongwi
ththefl
ow.Theysetthetabl
etoget
herandoncetheywer
e
doneshewenttogetthefood.Sheputever
ythi
ngonthetabl
eandt henMdufet
chedthejui
ce.

TheysatdownandThol
idi
shedupf
orhi
m andher
sel
f.

Shewasaboutt
oeatwhenMdugr
abbedherhandsandbowedhi
shead.Shel
ookedathi
m
wei
rdl
y.
Mdu:Forgoodf
oodandt
hosewhopr
epar
eit
,forgoodf
ri
endswi
thwhom t
oshar
eit
,wet
hank
youLor
d.Amen.

Thol
i
:Amen.

Hel
etgoofherhandsandbeganeat
ing.Thol
iwasst
il
lst
ari
ngathi
m.

Mdu:
What
?

Thol
ishookherheadl
i
ght
ly.

Thol
i
:Not
hing.

Mdu:
Sur
pri
sedIpr
ay?

Shegav
ehi
m awei
rdl
ookandnodded.

Mdu:
Hai
shamey
our
eal
l
ythi
nkI
’
m ev
ilneh?

Thol
i
:Wel
l
...

Mdu:
Wel
lwhat
?

Thol
i
:Not
hing.
Mduchuckl
edashebeganeat
ing.Heswal
l
owedandt
hensmi
l
ed.

Mdu:
Thel
asagnet
ast
esgr
eat
.

Thol
i
:Real
l
y?

Shefelthercheeksfl
ushashenoddedanddel vedi
nagai
n.Shealsobeganeati
ng.Wit
hin
minutesMduhadf i
nishedhi
sport
ion.Heputouthi
spl
ateandlookedatherexpect
ant
ly.She
st
oppedeat i
ngandt hendishedupforhi
m.

Mdu:
Ngi
yabonga.

Thol
inodded.

Mdu:
You’
rer
eal
l
ynotagoodcommuni
cat
or,
arey
ou?

Thol
i
:Excuseme?

Mdu:
Youst
ruggl
ewi
thcommuni
cat
ing.

Thol
i
:Goodt
oknow.

Mduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Yety
ouar
efei
sty
.

Thol
il
ookedathi
m andr
aisedaney
ebr
ow.
Thol
i
:I’
m notf
eist
y.

Mdu:
Yes,
youar
e.

Thol
i
:No,
Iam not
.

Mdu:
Youobv
iousl
yhav
eadi
ff
erentper
spect
iveofy
our
sel
fthanIdo.

Thol
i
:Yourper
spect
ivedoesn’
tmat
ter
.

Mdu:
Hehe.

Thol
itookasi
pofherdr
ink.

Mdu:
Wantmet
otel
lyout
hef
act
s?

Thol
i
:Fact
s?

Mducl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandl
ookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Mdu:
Ithi
nky
ou’
reamuchbr
uisedi
ndi
vi
dual
.

Shekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Thepeopl
einy
ourl
i
fehav
ereal
l
yfuckedy
ouup.
Shel
ookedaway
.

Mdu:
Inev
erj
udgeabookbyi
tscov
er.
..

Sheswal
l
owedherf
oodandst
oodup.

Mdu:
Uyaphi
?

Shelookedaroundandt henwalkedawayandmadeherwayt othebedroom.Mduf ol

lowedher
andthenfoundherinthebathr
oom, ri
nsi
ngherface.Hestoodbythedoorandwatchedasshe
wipedherface.Shewalkedtothedoorandtr
iedgetti
ngoutbutheblockedherway.

Thol
i
:Mdu,
please.

Mdu:
Canwef
ini
shourf
oodwi
thouty
out
aki
ngt
hingsper
sonal
?

Thol
i
:HowcanInotwheny
oumakeev
ery
thi
ngper
sonal
?

Mdu:
Sowhatwoul
dyour
atherIsay
?

Thol
i
:Idon’
tknow.

Mdu:
Your
eal
i
set
hatev
ery
thi
ngIsay
,af
fect
syousomehow?

Thol
i
:Ij
ust
..
.
Shesi
ghedheav
il
y.

Mdu:
Tel
lmeexact
lyhowy
ouf
eel
.

Shel
ookedathi
m andt
heyst
oodi
nsi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e.

Thol
i
:If
eel
li
ket
her
e’sabi
gel
ephanti
nther
oom.

Mduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Tit
i?

Thol
il
aughedqui
etl
y,notr
eal
i
singwhatsheact
ual
l
ysai
d.

Thol
i
:Nott
hatel
ephant
.

Theyl
aughedqui
etl
yandMdubecameser
iousagai
n.

Mdu:
What
’sbot
her
ingy
ou?

Thol
i
:Mdu,
Irui
nedy
oursi
ster
’sl
i
fe.

Mdukeptqui
et.

Thol
i
:Yourent
ir
efami
l
yresent
sme.
Shel
ookedathi
m pl
eadi
ngl
y.

Thol
i
:Andy
out
oldmey
ouhat
emeaswel
l
.

Mdu:
What
?Whendi
dIsayIhat
eyou?

Thol
i
:InDundee.

Mdu:
Hai
kenowy
ouar
ely
ing.

Thol
i
:Yousai
dyouwant
edt
odest
royme!

Mdu:
Youar
ecr
azywena,
whyar
eyoul
yi
ng?

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Isai
dIwantt
odest
royy
ourmar
ri
age.

Tholi
walkedpassedhi
m andt
henwentt
othebedr
oom andsatont
heedgeoft
hebed.Mdusat
nexttoher
.

Thol
i
:Idon’
tev
enknowwhatI
’
m doi
ngher
e.

Mdu:
Ther
e’snohar
minadmi
tt
ingt
haty
ouwantt
obeher
e.

Thol
i
:Ist
hisy
ourwayofdest
roy
ingmymar
ri
age?
Mdu:
Yourmar
ri
agewasov
ert
hedayi
tbegan.

Shel
ookedathi
m sadl
yandl
aughed.

Thol
i
:Shi
t.

Mdul
ookedatherwei
rdl
yandshebeganl
aughi
ngl
oudl
y.
..

Mdu:
Thol
i
?

Shel
augheduncont
rol
l
abl
yandev
enhel
dherst
omach.

Mdu:
Uhm?

Shelaughedhy
ster
ical
l
yandMdugr
abbedherast
hehy
ster
ical
laughi
ngt
urnedi
ntohy
ster
ical
cr
ying.

Mdu:
Hey
.

Shecri
edsopai nf
ull
ythatevenMdu,
whowasnowusedtohertear
s,wast
akenabackt
hist
ime.
Thedepthofthesetearsseemedabi
ttoor
eal
andpai
nful
..
.Li
keshehadbeenhol
dingt
hem i
n
foraver
ylongtime..
.

All
hecoulddowashol
dherinst
eadofcal
mingherdownbecauset
her
ewasnocal
mingher
.
Sheneededtol
eti
tal
lout
..
.whatev
er“i
t”was.
..

Shest
art
edshaki
ngr
eal
l
ybadl
yandMduwasn’
tsur
eifshewashav
ingapani
cat
tackorwhat
.
Sheshutherey
esandqui
ver
edpai
nful
l
y.

Mdu:
Thol
i
?

Hetr
iedtoreposit
ionhersoshecouldli
eonthebed.Sheconti
nuedtoshi
verf
uri
ousl
yandMdu
t
ri
edtell
i
nghert ocalm downbutshewouldn’
t.
..Fr
om hi
sexperi
encewit
hNolwazi
,heknewt
hat
t
hiswaseit
herapani coranxi
etyatt
ack.

Afteraver
ylongti
mesheev ent
ual
l
ycal
meddownandl
ayt
her
e.Mduwi
pedherf
acewi
tha
towelandshelookedathi
m.

Thol
i
:I’
mti
redMdu.

Mdunoddedl
i
ght
lyandshecl
osedherey
esandshor
tl
yaf
ter
,shef
ell
int
oadeepsl
eep.

Mduwal kedoutoft hebedroom feeli

ngsli
ghtl
ytraumat
ised.Hepacedar oundtheloungeand
thenwenttothekitchenandgr abbedsomeofhi sstor
edwhi skey
.Het henwenttot hebal
cony
andfeltmuchbetterwhent henight’
sbreezefil
l
edhim.Hest oodther
ef oraverylongti
meand
thenmadehi swaybacki nsidethelounge.Hewenttothetableandclearedthefoodupand
thenwenttoswitchont heTV.Het hrewhi msel
fonthecouchandwentt hr
oughdi f
fer
ent
channelsabsent
mi ndedl
y.

Hefel
textr
emelyuncomfor
table.Hewasfeel
ingver
yweirdandhecouldn’
treal
l
yputhisf
inger
onthi
sfeel
ing.Hewentt
otheki t
chenandtookthebot
tl
eofwhiskeyandthenwentbacktothe
l
oungeandbegandowningit.Heputitdownandconti
nuedtowatchTV.

Hef
eltsomet
hingt
aphi
mli
ght
lybuthedi
smi
ssedi
t.

I
ttappedhi
m agai
nandhegr
oaned.
Mdu:
Hmm?

Thol
i
:Mdu.

Shet
appedhi
m agai
n.

Mdu:
Hmm?

Thol
i
:Mdu.

Shetappedhi
m onceagai
nandhefi
nall
yopenedhi
sey
es.Hesawherst
andi
ngov
erhi
m.He
bl
inkedacoupl
eofti
mesandshelookeddownathi
m.

Thol
i
:Youcan’
tsl
eepher
e.

Mdu:
Hmm?

Thol
i
:Wakeupandgot
obed.

Mduclosedhiseyesagai
nandt
ookadeepbr
eat
h.Hewasabi
tconf
used.Het
ri
edt
orecal
l
whathappened.

Thol
i
:Mduduzi
!

Mdu:
Yini
Thol
i
?

Hegr
oanedandl
ookedather
.
Thol
i
:Getup.

Mdu:
Whatt
imei
sit
?

Thol
i
:Justaf
termi
dni
ght
.

Mdu:
Gobackt
osl
eep.

Thol
i
:Ngi
phel
elweubut
hongo.Got
obed.

Mdu:
Whyt
hef
uckwoul
dIl
ety
ousl
eeponaf
uckencouch?

Thol
i
:Wat
chy
ourl
anguage!

Mdu:
Fuckof
f.

Thol
i
:Mdu!

ShegaspedandMdugr
unt
ed.

Mdu:
Whatt
imei
sit
?

Thol
igr
unt
edannoy
ingl
y.

Mdu:
Thef
uckar
eyougr
unt
ingf
or?
Thol
i
:Soi
t’
sokayf
ory
out
ogr
unt
?Justgetupandgot
obedf
orf
uckssake!

Mdu:
No.

Thol
i
:Wai
t,wer
eyoudr
inki
ng?
?

Sher
eachedf
ort
heempt
ywhi
skeybot
tl
ethatwasont
hef
loorandgasped.

Thol
i
:Youf
ini
shedt
hisbot
tl
e??

Mdu:
Whydoy
oucar
e?

Thol
i
:Becausewehav
etodr
ivebackt
oDur
bant
oday
!

Mdu:
Youandy
ourDur
ban.Mxm sukamanThol
i
,you’
ret
ower
ingov
ermel
i
keadamnshadow.

Hereachedoutandpushedhertot
hesidebutsomehowshel
ostherbal
anceandended
col
l
apsingontopofhim ashelayt
her
e.

Thol
i
:Youdr
unkar
d!Youshoul
dbeashamedofy
our
sel
f!

Mduhadal
readywr
appedhi
sonear
m ar
oundhersot
her
ewasnoescapi
ng.

Thol
i
:Your
eekofal
cohol
.Letgoofme!
Mduchuckl
edl
azi
l
yanddr
unkenl
y.

Mdu:
You’
ret
her
easonIdr
anki
nthef
ir
stpl
ace.I
’
m st
il
ltr
aumat
isedbyy
ourl
i
ttl
eepi
sode.

Thol
i
:Mxm.

Mdu:
Heehsowut
himxm ki
mimanj
e?

Thol
itr
iedwi
ggl
i
ngbutMdudi
dn’
tletgoofher
.

Mdu:Whydoyoukeepf
ight
ingmey
ety
oudon’
tfi
ghtt
hepeopl
eyouar
eact
ual
l
ysupposedt
o
f
ighti
nyourl
i
fe?

Shest
oppedandl
ookedathi
m buthehadhi
sey
escl
osed.
..Obv
iousl
yst
il
ldr
unk.

Mdu:Li
ke,f
uck,I
’
m outher
ebei
ngni
ceandshi
tbuty
ou’
reshi
tt
ingonme.Gof
ightt
hepeopl
e
you’
remeantt
ofight
.

Shet
ri
edmov
ingbuthewasst
il
lhol
dingherwai
stt
ight
.

Mdu:
I’
m pr
obabl
ytheonl
yonewhol
ovesy
ouany
way
.

Herbodyt
ensedupandshest
aredathi
m.

Mdu:
Event
ri
edt
ocr
eat
eacomf
ort
abl
espacef
ory
out
obey
our
sel
f.

Hesi
ghedheav
il
yandl
oosenedhi
sgr
iponher
.
Mdu:
Idon’
tjudgey
ou.
..Sur
elyt
hatcount
sforsomet
hing.
..

Shest
aredathi
m andwi
thi
nmi
nut
eshedozedof
fagai
n.

Shecar eful
l
ygotupfrom him andthentookthebottl
ethatwasonthef
loor
.Shewalkedtothe
kit
chenandt hr
ewitaway .Shethenwalkedt ot
hebedroom andgotabl
anketandwentbackto
theloungeandplaceditonhim.Sheswi tchedofft
heTVandl i
ght
sandthenmadeherwayt o
thebedr oom.

I
NSERT62(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Aft
ermucht ossingandturni
ng,
Nolwazi gotupandsatontheedgeoft hebed.Shetouchedher
chestandswallowedhard.Shefel
taterri
blebur
ningsensat
ioninherchestanditmadehervery
uncomfort
able.Shestr
okedherthroatandthensighedheav
ily
.

Deant
urnedandf
acedherdi
rect
ionsl
eepi
l
y.

Dean:
Yini
?

Nol
wazi
:Hear
tbur
n.

Dean:
Dri
nkmi
l
k.

Nol
wazi
:Don’
tyouhav
ehear
tbur
nmedi
cat
ion?

Dean:
Idon’
tgett
hatshi
t.
Heturnedar
oundanddozedof fagai
n.Nol
wazistoodupandthenmadeherwaydownst ai
rs.
Shepouredhersel
faglassofmil
kandthenwenttotheloungeandsatther
e,swi
tchi
ngonthe
TV.Shewentthroughdif
fer
entchannel
sandendedupwat chi
ngthefoodnetwor
k.

Shechuckl
edasherstomachgr
owledandthenstoodupandwenttogether
selfapacketof
cashewnuts.Shewal
kedbackt
otheloungeandsankonthecouch,
andconti
nuedtowat ch.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
.

Shet
urnedherheadandsawDeanst
andi
ngbyt
hest
air
s.

Nol
wazi
:Hel
l
o.

Hewal
kedov
ert
othel
oungeandt
hensatnextt
oher
.

Nol
wazi
:Iwokey
ouup?

Dean:
Mxm.

Nol
wazi
:Shame.

Shef
ini
shedchewi
ngt
hel
astbi
tofhernut
sandt
henf
ocusedont
hescr
een.

Dean:
Uqal
eni
niukwenzal
ent
o?

Nol
wazi
:What
?
Dean:
Wakeupi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ghtandwat
chTV.

Nol
wazi
:Ihadhear
tbur
n.

Dean:
Feel
i
ngbet
ter
?

Shef
rowned.

Nol
wazi
:Ya.

Dean:
Hmkay
.

Hesankont
hecouchandshegotcl
osert
ohi
m andcuddl
ed.

Dean:
Ngat
hiuzohl
upha.

Shechuckl
edandt heywatchedTVt oget
herbutwithi
nmi nut
es,Deanhadalreadydozedoff
agai
n.Nolwazi
wat chedeagerl
y.
..Somehowshef ounditther
apeuti
c..
.Somethingaboutt
hat
womanbusywhi ppingeggsandt al
kingt
otheaudience,madeherfeelatease..
.

Ev
ent
ual
l
yshedozedof
f.

*
**

Thenextmor
ningshef
eltDean’
scol
dli
psonher
sandshef
rowned.

Dean:
Akuv
ukwe.
Nol
wazi
:Hmm!

Deanbitherbot
tom l
ipgent
lyandshet
urnedherheadandopenedherey
es.Thesunl
i
ghthi
ther
eyesandshegroanedpainf
ull
y.

Dean:
WakeupNol
wazi
.

Sheshookherheadandcl
osedherey
esagai
n.Deanwasst
andi
ngandt
ower
ingov
erher
..
.She
di
dn’
tevenknowhowsheendedupbackinbed.

Dean:
I’
m notl
ett
ingy
ousl
eept
oday
.VukaNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Ang’
funi
.

Shegr
oanedandsuddenl
yshef
elthi
m pul
lherupandwi
thi
nsecondsshewasst
andi
ngup.

Nol
wazi
:Whatt
hehel
l
?

Dean:
You’
regoi
ngt
ojogwi
thme.

Sheopenedherey
esandl
ookedathi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
thav
eti
mef
ort
his.

Dean:
Nei
therdoI
.
Nol
wazi
:Ungenwey
ini
Dean?

Shewasaboutt
othr
owher
sel
fbackont
hebedwhenDeanhel
dher
.

Dean:
Uh-
uh.

Nol
wazi
:Dean!

Hecarr
iedhertothebathr
oom andt
henmadehersi
tonthet
oil
etseat
.Het
ookofft
het-shi
rt
shewaswearingandthenmadeherputonherbr
a.Het
henmadeherputonanot
hert-
shir
tof
hi
s.

Dean:
Thankf
ull
y,y
ouhav
eyogapant
sandapai
rofr
unni
ngshoesher
e.

Nolwazi
tri
edget
ti
ngupbuthegav
eheralook.Hewalkedt
othebedroom andminut
esl
ater
camebackwithNol
wazi
’
sleggi
ngsandr
unningshoes.Hemadeherdressupandthenl
edher
tot
hebasin.

Dean:
Brushy
ourt
eet
h.

Nol
wazi
:Deanwh-

Dean:
I’
m notgoi
ngt
orepeatmy
sel
f.

Shelookedathi
mfrom headtotoeandreal
i
sedt
hathewasal
lready
.Shegr
unt
edandt
hen
brushedhert
eet
handrinsedherface.

Dean:
Good.
Hegr
abbedherar
m andledheroutoft
hebat
hroom andbedr
oom anddownst
air
s.Theygott
o
t
heki
tchenandhegaveherashake.

Dean:
Dri
nkup.

Nol
wazi
pul
l
edaf
ace.

Dean:
It’
sapr
otei
nshake.

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
tcar
e.

Dean:
Youwantmet
ofor
cei
tdowny
ourt
hroat
?

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Shet
ookt
hegl
assandt
hent
ookasi
p.

Dean:
Thi
sisnotami
l
kshakeNol
waz
i.

Sher
oll
edherey
esandt
ri
edt
ofi
nishi
tup.

Dean:
Good.

Hedisappear
edf
orawhi
l
eandNol
wazi
satonahi
ghst
ool
andr
egr
ett
edev
ercomi
ngt
oDean’
s
house.
Dean:
Asambe.

Nol
wazi
:Whatt
imei
sit
?

Dean:
You’
rewor
ri
edabouti
rr
elev
antt
hings.Woza.

Shest
oodupandf
oll
owedhi
m outoft
hehouse.Thesecondt
hesunhi
ther
,sheexcl
aimed.

Nol
wazi
:Yohangeke.

Shewasaboutt
otur
nbackwhenDeanpul
l
edherandshebeganl
aughi
ng.

Nol
wazi
:Dean,
please!

Shetr
iedgoi
ngbackt
othehousebuthepull
edherandhel
dher.Theyst
oodt
hereforawhi
l
e,
l
aughi
ngwhileNol
wazit
ri
edtotur
naround.Theyt
ackl
edforawhil
eandDeanchuckl
ed.

Dean:
AwumemanNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
twantt
ojog!

Shest
oppedt
ryi
ngt
otur
nbackandt
hensi
ghedheav
il
y.

Dean:
We’
l
ltaket
heshor
terandeasi
err
out
e.

Nol
wazi
:Ar
gh.
Theymadet
hei
rwayoutoft
hey
ardandbegant
ojogsl
owl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Mybr
east
sar
esl
appi
ngmyf
ace.

Deangl
ancedatherandl
aughed.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Theyj
oggedforabout15minut
esandj
ustasNol
wazi
thoughtt
heywer
edone,
shesawt
hem
appr
oachaverysteeproad.

Nol
wazi
:Hel
lno!

Dean:
Wehav
en’
tev
endoneany
thi
ng.

Nol
wazi
:We’
vebeenj
oggi
ngf
orov
eranhournowDean!

Dean:
Hai
suka.

Nol
wazi
lookedatt
hest
eepr
oad.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
ifheav
enhadapat
hway
,thi
swoul
dbei
t.

Deanpul
l
edherandt
heyj
oggedup.
Dean:
Thekeyi
snott
ost
op.

Shehuff
edandpuffedandf
orsomeoddr
eason,
shef
eltv
eryuncomf
ort
abl
e.Herbr
eat
hwas
tooshor
tforherl
i
king.

Nol
wazi
:DeanIf
eel
dizzy
.

Deangl
ancedatheranddi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Shetr
iedt
okeepqui
etandf
ocusonherbr
eat
hingbutsuddenl
y,hernosebegant
oit
chr
eal
l
y
badl
y.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m notf
eel
i
ngwel
lDean.

Deani
gnor
edherwhi
ning.

Herfacestar
tedtofeelv
eryhotandcompr
essed.Shei
mmediat
elyst
oppedjoggi
ngandthen
bentdownabi t
.Shestart
edcoughi
ngandscr
atchi
nghernosef
uri
ousl
y.Deanstoppedj
oggi
ng
aswellandthenwalkedovert
oher.

Dean:
You’
rebei
ngdr
amat
ic.

Nol
wazi
coughedsomemor
eandf
elthernosegetmor
econgest
ed.

Dean:
Lwazi
.

Hehel
dherandshebal
ancedher
sel
fonhi
m.
Heronear
m begant
ofeel
itchyandshescr
atchedi
t.

Dean:
Whatt
hef
ucki
swr
ongwi
thy
ourey
es?

Nol
wazi
:Dean!

Shecougheduncont
rol
l
abl
yasshef
eltherchestt
ight
enandbot
hherar
msbegant
ofeel
hot
andext
remelyi
tchy.

Deanqui
ckl
ysecur
edheri
nhi
sbackandt
henr
andownt
hest
eepr
oad.

Nol
wazi
moanedasshef
eltt
hepai
ninherchesti
ntensi
fy.

Theyfi
nall
ygottothehouseandhegr abbedhiscarkey
sandNol wazi
’
sbagthatcont
ainedher
medicalai
dcardandotheressent
ial
s.Het henputheri
nthecaranddrov
eoutoftheyard.
Nolwaziwasnowbr eat
hingheavi
l
y.

Dean:
Cany
out
alk?
?

Att
hispoi
ntshecoul
dn’
tev
ent
alkbecausehert
onguehadal
soswel
l
edup.

About10mi
nut
esl
atert
heygott
othehospi
tal
andNol
wazi
’
sfacewasal
lswol
l
en.

Theyt
ookhert
otheemer
gencyr
oom andt
hedoct
orwal
kedi
nandt
ookaqui
ckgl
anceather
.

Doct
or:
She’
shav
inganal
l
ergyr
eact
ion.
Nur
se:
Shoul
dIgetAnt
ihi
stami
neorEpi
nephr
ine?

Doct
or:
Epi
nephr
ine

Thenur
sedi
sappear
edandt
hedoct
orl
ookedatDean,
whol
ookedshaken.

Doct
or:
Whatdi
dsheeat
?

Dean:
When?

Doct
or:
Didsheeatany
thi
ngunusual
?Somet
hingshe’
snotusedt
o?

Bef
oreDeancoul
drepl
y,t
henur
secamebackwit
hwhatt
hedoct
oraskedf
orandt
hedoct
or
l
ookedatNol
wazi,
whoseemedli
keshewasdyi
ng.

Doctor:I
’
m abouttoinj
ectashotofEpi
nephr
inei
ntoy
oursy
stem.I
t’
samedi
cineusedt
otr
eat
severeal
ler
gyreact
ions.

Dean:
Justdoi
tforf
uckssake!

Doct
or:
I’
mfol
l
owi
ngpr
ocedur
esi
r.

Thedoctorwasascool
asacucumber
.Hei
nject
edt
hemedi
cinei
ntoNol
wazi
andt
henl
ooked
atDean.

Doct
or:
Thi
swi
l
lrel
axhermuscl
esandpr
eventherbl
oodpr
essur
efr
om get
ti
nganyl
ower
.
Deanl
ookedatNol
wazi
wor
ri
edl
y.

Doct
or:
Let
’sgi
vei
tsomet
ime,
she’
l
lbef
ine.
..

*
**

Nol
wazi
layt
her
eandl
ookedatt
hedoct
or.

Nol
wazi
:It
houghtIwasdy
ing.

Thedoct
orsmi
l
edki
ndl
yandnodded.

Doct
or:
Sot
hisi
sthef
ir
stt
imesomet
hingl
i
ket
hishashappened?

Nol
wazi
:Yes.

Doct
or:
Howdi
dyouf
eel
?

Nol
wazi
:If
eltmychestt
ight
enupandIcoul
dn’
tbr
eat
hepr
oper
ly.

Dean:
Youst
art
edcoughi
ngandscr
atchi
ngy
our
sel
f.

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Doct
or:
Cany
our
ecal
lwhaty
ouat
e?
Nol
wazi
:Nor
mal
food.
..

Doct
or:
Any
thi
ngoutoft
heor
dinar
y?

Nol
wazi
shookherheadandt
ri
edt
othi
nkback.

Nol
wazi
:Lastni
ghtIat
enut
s.

Doct
or:
Nut
sar
ever
ycommonwheni
tcomest
oal
l
ergi
es.

Nol
wazi
shookherhead.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m def
ini
tel
ynotal
l
ergi
ctot
hem.

Dean:
Sheeat
sthem ev
eryday
.

Doct
or:
Thenwhatel
sedi
dyoueat
?

Nol
wazi
shr
uggedhershoul
der
s.

Nol
wazi
:Not
hing.Ihav
en’
teat
enatal
lthi
smor
ning.

Dean:
Shehadapr
otei
nshake.

Doct
or:
Wasi
tjustapl
ainshake?
Dean:
Itwaswheypr
otei
n.

Doct
ornodded.

Dean:
Ibl
endedi
twi
thnut
s,gr
eenappl
esl
i
cesandhal
fanav
ocado.

Thedoct
orl
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
en’
thadanav
ocadosi
nceIwasr
eal
l
yyoung.

Doct
or:
Hmm.

Deanl
ookedatNol
wazi
gui
l
til
y.

Thedoct
orchuckl
ed.

Doct
or:
Ithi
nkwe’
vef
oundourcul
pri
t.

Nol
wazi
:SoI
’
m al
l
ergi
ctoav
o?

Doct
or:
Itcoul
dbe.Howsoondi
dthesy
mpt
omsbegi
naf
tery
oudr
ankt
heshake?

Dean:
About20mi
nut
esi
ntot
hej
og.

Doct
ornodded.
Doct
or:
I’
m notsur
eifi
t’
sanal
l
ergyoracaseofi
ntol
erance.

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
yandwasj
ustt
hankf
ult
hatshewasokay
.

Doct
or:
Iwi
l
ldi
scusshowwewi
l
lmov
efor
war
dwi
tht
his.
..

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Doct
or:
Ineedt
orunt
est
sony
ourbl
ood.Hopef
ull
ythepr
essur
ehasst
abi
l
ised.

Nol
wazi
sighedandnodded.

Doct
or:
Wil
lbeback.
..

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Hewal
kedoutandDeanst
oodupandwentov
ert
othebedandt
ouchedhercheek.

Dean:
I’
m sor
ry.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m gl
ady
ouwer
ether
e.Icoul
dhav
edi
ed.

Deankeptqui
et.Hef
eltqui
tegui
l
ty.

Nol
wazi
:Don’
twor
ryabouti
t.
Shecl
osedherey
esandt
heysati
nsi
l
encef
orav
eryl
ongt
ime.

Af
terawhi
l
etheyhear
dthedoct
orcomebacki
n.

Doct
or:
Alr
ightt
hen.
..

Heopenedherf
il
eandnodded.

Doct
or:
Yourbl
oodpr
essur
eisst
il
lqui
tel
ow.
..

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m.

Doct
or:
Youneedt
orestaf
tert
his.
..

Nol
wazi
grunt
ed.

Doct
or:
Iwantyoutot
rynon-
prescr
ibedmedici
nesfi
rstbef
oredependingonany
thi
ngser
ious.
Thi
sisyourf
ir
stt
imehavi
ngsuchar eact
ionaf
teral
lsowecan’tgocrazy.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Doct
or:
Ineedy
out
odr
inkl
otsandl
otsoff
lui
dsmor
eespeci
all
ywat
er.

Nol
wazi
:Iheary
ou.

Doct
or:
Alr
ightt
hen.
..
Dean:
Ist
hati
t?

Thedoct
orcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandl
ookedatt
hem i
ntent
ly.

Doct
or:
Notqui
te.
..

Nol
wazi
:Ist
her
eapr
obl
em?

Doct
or:
Notatal
l
...

Nol
wazi
andDeanl
ookedathi
m andhel
ookedatt
henur
seandt
heyexchangedsmi
l
es.

Doct
or:
Itseemst
her
e’sal
i
ttl
eonegr
owi
ngi
nther
e.

Nol
wazi
frownedandl
ookedatDeanwhoal
soseemedconf
used.

Doct
or:
Congr
atul
ati
onsar
einor
derMr
sBut
hel
ezi
.

Thewor
ldmayhav
est
oppedmov
ingf
orawhi
l
e.

I
NSERT63(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Tholiwokeupjustasthesuncameup.Shesatont heedgeoft
hebedforawhil
e,t
ryi
ngto
gatherhert
houghts.Shehadn’
tsl
eptatall
sinceacoupleofhoursagowhenMdusaidheist
he
“onlyonewholovesher.
”Shekepttossi
ngandt ur
ning,r
epl
ayi
ngthewholet
hingi
nherhead.
Shegotupandmadethebedandthenwenttothebathr
oom t
otakeashower
.Shecoul
dn’
t
waitt
ogethomeandbebyhersel
f.Heranxi
etyl
evel
swereskyhi
gh..
.

Shedr i
edandloti
onedhersel
fandthengotdressed.Shecleanedupt hebathr
oom andthen
walkedbackt othebedroom andtohersurpri
seMduwasnowl ay
ingt her
eonhisstomach.She
l
ookedathi mf orawhil
eandt henwalkedoutoft hebedr
oom andmadeherwayt othekitchen.
Shel ookedaroundandtri
edtot hi
nkofwhatshewoul dmakef orbreakfast
.Herst
omach
growl edandsheremember edthatshedi
dn’tfi
nishupdinnerl
astnightbecauseofthatl
it
tle
episodeshehad.

Sheall
owedherthoughtstotr
ailof
fasshebeganpr epar
ingameal .Shefir
stmadepeanut
butt
erandchocol
atechippancakesandthenbakedabananal oafaswel l
.Shet
henmade
wrapsfi
ll
edwithbacon,eggs,
let
tuceandavo.Justasshewaspr eparingsomeicedcof
fee,
she
l
ookedupandwasst ar
tl
edtoseeMdusi t
ti
ngont hehighstool
.

Shebecameabi tdisor
ientedbyhispr
esenceandj ustashewasaboutsaysomet
hing,
she
quickl
yswit
chedont heblendingmachineandtheloudnoisefi
ll
edt
heroom.Shef
ocusedon
theicedcof
feeforoverami nuteandthenstoppedtheblender
.

Shel
ookedupandMduwasl
ooki
ngatherbl
ankl
y.

Thol
i
:Goodmor
ning.

Mdu:
Mor
ning.

Shecar
ri
edonwhereshelef
toffandt
hencleanedupt
heki
tchen.Onceev
ery
thi
ngwasr
eady
,
Mdustoodupandwalkedovert
owhereshewas.

Mdu:
Letmehel
pyou.

Thol
i
:No,
don’
ttoucht
hosewr
aps.
Mdul
ookedather
.

Thol
i
:Bamba,
poural
lthi
sicedcof
feei
nthi
sjug.

Mdu:
Okay
.

Shegavehi
mt hebl
enderandhedi
dashewast
old.Shewal
kedov
ert
owher
ethef
oodwasand
di
shedupproper
ly.

Mdu:
Youdon’
thav
etosett
het
abl
e.

Thol
igl
ancedathi
m.

Mdu:
Unl
essy
ouwantt
o.

Thol
i
:It
’sy
ourapar
tment
.

Mduf
ini
shedpour
ingt
hei
cedcof
feeandshet
ookt
hebl
enderandcl
eanedi
tup.

Thol
i
:Ther
e’sy
ourf
ood.

Mdu:
Thanks.

Mdut ookhi
splat
eandglassandwal kedt
othelounge.Hesatonthecouch,swi
tchedontheTV
anddelvedi
n.Thol
ist
oodthereandf el
tof
fendedforsomeoddreason.Ther
ewassomet hing
coldaboutt
heatmospher
e.Shedecidedthatshewouldn’
tsi
tint
helounge,j
usttoavoi
dany
tensi
on.Shewasnowconv i
ncedthatMduwasmadathersomehow.
Shetookherpl
ateandgl
assandt hensatonahighst
ool
.Sheplayedwi
thherf
oodforawhi
le
butevent
ual
lyst
art
edtoeatbecauseshewashungryaft
eral
l.Asshewaseati
ng,
Mduwalked
fr
om behi
ndherandwalkedaroundthecount
er.

Mdu:
Aret
her
emor
ewr
aps?

Thol
i
:Yes.

Sher
epl
iedqui
etl
yandMdusawthem andgr
abbedt
hem bef
orewal
ki
ngaway
.Shef
eltt
het
ear
s
wel
lupbutmanagedt
ohol
dthem i
n.

Mduwal
kedov
ert
otheki
tchenagai
naf
terawhi
l
eandputt
hepl
atesi
nthesi
nk.

Mdu:
Thanks.

Thol
inoddedlight
lyandMduwal kedaway.Sher
ubbedherey
esf ur
iousl
yandstooduptogo
washthedishes.Shedidn’
tunderst
andwhyhewasmadather .Hewast heonewhothr
ewa
bombather .
..

Afterawhi l
e,shefinishedupcl eani
ngt hekitchenandt henwentt ot
heloungeandcleanedup
thereaswel l
.Shetookt heblanketandf ol
dedi tproperl
yandthenplaceditonthetabl
e.She
thenbeganv acuumi ngt hewhol earea.Allt
hiscl eani
ngwasnotenought odist
ractherfr
om her
thoughts.Aftershewasdoneshet ookt heblanketandt henwalkedtothebedr
oom andputitin
thecloset.Asshecl osedt hecloset,shesqueal edinshock.

Mdust
oodr
ightnextt
oher
.

Hereyespoppedoutwhenshesawhi
sbar
echest
.Ev
ery
thi
ngseemedt
obei
nsl
owmot
ionat
t
hispoint
.
Hereyesdri
fteddowntohiswel
lbui
l
ttor
so.
..Somespr
inkl
esofwat
erspr
eadonhi
sabsandhi
s
ski
nlookedtoomajest
ic.
..

Herey
esdri
ft
edf urt
herdownandshefel
therbr
eat
hgetsl
i
ght
lyshor
ter
.Shest
aredatt
het
wo
muscl
eli
nesthatformedanunfor
get
tabl
eV..
.

Mdu:
Thol
i
.

Thosehar
dlinesledfur
therdowntohi
sgroi
n..
.ThatVl
ookedgodl
y.
..Hemusthav
ewor
ked
ver
yhardtoachievesuchresul
ts,
shet
hought
.

Mdu:
Thol
akel
e.

Shequicklysnappedoutofi
tandt
hencover
edhermout
hinshock.Shewasshockedather
sel
f
foral
l
owi ngherthought
stobesowrong.

Mdu:
Arey
ouokay
?

Shel
ookedathi
m andhel
ookedatherv
eryser
iousl
y.

Hewal
kedcl
osert
oher
.Herf
eetdef
eat
edher
.Shest
oodexact
lywher
eshewas.

Mdu:
Arey
ouokay
?

Thol
i
:Youar
emadatme.

Mduwasst
il
ll
ooki
ngatherser
iousl
y.Hi
sjawwasev
ent
ight
ened.
Mdu:
Whoi
smadaty
ou?

Asmuchasshef
elti
nti
midat
ed,
shecoul
dn’
tmov
e.

Thol
i
:You.

Mdu:
Yout
hinkI
’
m madaty
ou?

Thol
i
:Imaybest
upi
d,butIknowwhensomeonei
smadatme.

Mdui
nhal
eddeepl
yandst
aredather
.

Thol
i
:You’
redi
ff
erentt
hismor
ning.

Mdu:
How?

Thol
i
:You’
recol
d.

Mdu:
I’
m col
d?

Shewasaboutt
onodwhenshest
opped.

Thol
i
:Yes.

Mdu:
Andy
oudon’
tli
kei
twhenI
’
mli
ket
his?
Shel
ookedathi
m pl
eadi
ngl
y.

Mdu:
Ngi
yabuza.

Thol
i
:You’
venev
erbeencol
dtome.

Mdu:
Isee.
..

Hekeptqui
etandt
heyst
oodt
her
eforawhi
l
e.

Thol
i
:Di
dIdoany
thi
ngwr
ong?

Mdu:
Ucabangani
wena?

Thol
i
:Idon’
tknow.

Mdu:
DoIhav
eanyr
easont
obecol
dtoy
ou?

Shekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Thol
i
.

Thol
i
:No.

Mdu:
Manj
e?
Thol
i
:Angazi
.

Mdu:
Doespai
nti
ngmei
nanegat
ivel
i
ghtmakey
ouf
eel
bet
ter
?

Thol
i
:Iwasn’
t-

Shest
oppedt
alki
ngandj
ustl
ookedathi
m.

Mdu:
Doesi
t?

Thol
i
:I’
m sor
ry.

Mdust
eppedev
encl
oser
.

Thol
i
:Mdu.

Mdu:
Hmm?

Shecoul
dn’tst
opstar
ingathi
m,aster
ri
fyi
ngasi
twas.Hetookanotherst
epandshel
ookedat
hi
m pl
eadingl
y.Onemorestepandhi
sbodywoul
dbetouchingher
s.

Thol
i
:Pl
ease.

Mdu:
Ucel
ani
?
Shetr
iedsay
ingsomethi
ngbutwordsfai
l
edher.Theonlythi
ngfunct
ioni
ngi
nherbodywasher
hear
t.
..I
twasbeati
ngsofastt
hatshecouldf
eeli
tinherears.

Mdu:
Whywoul
dIbemadaty
ou?

Shekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Howwoul
dIev
engett
othatpoi
nt?

Shef
eltherl
i
pst
rembl
ever
yli
ght
lyandshebi
tthem.

Mdu:
I’
mjustst
ressed.

Helookedsoi
ntent
lyathert
hatshef
eltl
i
kehewast
ryi
ngt
ori
phersoul
out
.Shecl
ear
edher
t
hroatandswal
lowedhard.

Thol
i
:Why
?

Mdu:
Whyam Ist
ressed?

Shenodded.

Mdu:
BecauseI
’
mtr
yingt
ofi
gur
eouthowt
ogetmyf
ami
l
ytoseey
out
hewayIseey
ou.

Shebr
eat
hedheav
il
yashet
ookt
hatl
astst
ep.

Thesecondt
hei
rbodi
est
ouched,
herkneesdef
eat
edherandMduhel
dherbyt
hewai
stand
pr
essedheragai
nstt
hecl
oset
.Sheexhal
edl
oudl
yandpl
acedherhandsonhi
sfi
rm ar
ms.

Mdu:
Arey
ouokay
?

Thol
i
:Mduy
oui
nti
midat
eme.

Sheheardhim chuckl
ecl osetoherearandherbodyt
ensedup.Helookedatherandshewas
shockedtoseehowr elaxedhisfacewasnow.Hesmi l
edwarmlyandherbodyrelaxedj
usta
l
itt
lebit
.Itwasli
kegoingt hr
oughar ol
l
ercoast
er.

Mdu:
Idon’
tmeant
o.

Shekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Hav
eIev
erhar
medy
ou?

Sheshookherhead.

Mdu:
Manj
e?

Shedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Mdu:
Yabonaukut
hiy
oul
i
keseei
ngmei
nanegat
ivel
i
ght
?

Thol
i
:No.

Mdu:
Hmm?
Shegr
unt
edandhechuckl
edqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
Rel
ax.

Thol
i
:Iam.

Mdu:
No,
rel
ax.

Thol
i
:I-

Hel
ower
edhi
sfaceunt
ilt
hei
rnosest
ouchedandThol
ihel
dinherbr
eat
h.

Thol
i
:I-

Shebr
eat
hedl
i
ght
lyandMdusmi
l
ed.

Mdu:
I’
mli
steni
ng.

Shei
nvol
unt
ari
lycl
osedhereyesandf el
thott
earsrushdownhercheeks.Shewasn’
tev
en
awar
eofheremoti
onsatthi
spoint.Shewasn’tcr
yingpersay
.

Shef
elthi
m pl
acehi
scheekonhercheekandhest
rokedhergent
ly.

Mdu:
Uthi
niThol
i
?
Shej
ustbr
eat
hedi
nandoutanddi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Mdu:
I’
m notmadaty
ou,
okay
?

Shewasaboutt
onodwhenhegr
unt
ed.

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Mdu:
I’
ll
nev
erbemadaty
ou.
..

Shehel
dherbr
eat
hashebr
oughthi
sfacebackupagai
nandt
hei
rnosest
ouched.

Justasshewasaboutt
oexhal
e,Mdul
etgoofherandshequi
ckl
ysnappedoutofi
t.Shel
ooked
athi
mi nconf
usi
on.

Mdu:
Nowpl
easeexcuseme.Ineedt
ogetdr
essed.

Thol
ist
oodt
her
e,notcompr
ehendi
ngany
thi
ng.

Mdu:
Hai
ke.

Hegr
abbedherar
m andpul
l
edher
..
.Hel
edheroutoft
hebedr
oom andt
hencl
osedt
hedoor
.

Thol
ist
oodt
her
e,dumbst
ruckt
othecor
e.

I
NSERT64(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)
Ther
ewasapossi
bil
i
tythatbothNol
waziandDeanmayhav
ediedf
oracoupl
eofmi
nut
esand
camebackt
oeart
hfeel
i
ngv eryconf
usedandoutoft
hel
oop.

Doct
or:
MrsBut
hel
ezi
?

Dean:
She’
sMs.Dumakude.

Thedoct
orl
ookedatDeanandf
rownedi
nconf
usi
on.

Doct
or:
But
-

Deanshothi
m al
ookandt
hedoct
orqui
ckl
yni
ppedi
tint
hebud.

Doct
or:
Ms.

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandgl
ancedatDeanuncomf
ort
abl
y.

Doct
or:
Ms.Dumakude,
congr
atul
ati
onsar
einor
der
.

I
tseemedli
keNol
waziwassti
l
lnotbackonear
th.Deant
ouchedherhandandsqueezedi
t
l
i
ghtl
y,hopi
ngt
hatshewoul
dcomeback.

Nol
wazi
:How?

Doct
or:
Whatdoy
oumeanMr
s-Ms-
Thedoct
ort
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Doct
or:
Whatdoy
oumean,
ma’
am?

Nol
wazi
:How?

Thedoct
orgl
ancedatDeani
nconf
usi
on.I
twasnowcl
eart
hatNol
wazi
wasnotaddr
essi
ng
anyonei
npar
ti
cular
.Shewasj
ustmur
muri
ngtoher
sel
f.

Dean:
Howf
aral
ongi
sshe?

Thedoct
orgl
ancedatt
hef
il
e.

Doct
or:
Thr
eeweeks.

Deansi
ghedver
ydeeply
,li
kehewassuddenl
yexposedt
oai
raf
teral
ongt
ime,
andt
hedoct
or
l
ookedathi
m weir
dly
.

Nol
wazi
:Buthow?

Bot
hDeanandt
hedoct
orl
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
bli
nkedacoupl
eoft
imesandt
henst
aredatt
hedoct
or.

Nol
wazi
:It
houghtIcoul
dn’
tconcei
ve.

Doct
or:
Howdi
dyoucomet
othatconcl
usi
on?
Shekeptqui
et.

Doct
or:
Whoi
syourr
egi
ster
eddoct
or?

Nol
wazi
:Doct
orSmi
th.

Doct
or:
Ahhhe’
sagoodf
ri
endofmi
net
hatone.
..

Deanshott
heol
dwhi
temanal
ookandhesi
ghed.

Doctor
:Inabi
li
tyt
oconcei
veisonlydetect
edbyaregi
ster
eddoct
orsounl
essDoct
orSmi
th
t
horoughlyexaminedy
ou,youcannotclai
m suchat
hing.

Nol
wazi
:Ij
ustt
hought
..
.

Shekeptqui
etandj
ustal
l
owedhert
hought
stowander
.

Nolwazi
:Iwassupposedt
omeethi
m af
terIcamebackf
rom Johannesbur
gacoupl
eofweeks
ago.

Doct
or:
Whatgav
eyout
hei
mpr
essi
ont
haty
oucoul
dn’
tconcei
ve?

Nol
wazi
:I’
vebeenmar
ri
edf
orf
oury
ear
snowDoct
orSheppar
d.

Doct
or:
AhhIsee.
..
Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m andhesmi
l
ed.

Doct
or:Asscienti
fi
candempir
icalasIam Mrs.Buthel
ezi
,Iwil
lhaveyouknowt
hatsomet
hings
ar
ejustunexplai
nabl
e.Onl
ythehigherpowerwouldanswertosuch..
.

Dean:
Sot
her
e’snot
hingwr
ongwi
thher
?

Doct
or:
Wel
lshei
sdef
ini
tel
ypr
egnant
..
.

Deangl
ancedatNol
wazi
whowasj
ustst
ari
ngatt
hedoct
or.

Doctor:Aswespeak,yourbaby-
in-
the-
maki
ngi
sjustat
inybal
lconsi
sti
ngofsev
eral
hundr
ed
cel
lsthatar
emulti
ply
ingmadl y
.

Nol
wazi
sankont
hebedandcl
osedherey
es.Shewast
ooshockedt
ocompr
ehendal
loft
his.

Doct
or:Anychangesinthebodynowar eli
kel
ytobever
ysimil
art
othoseyouexper
iencejust
bef
oreyougetyourperi
od,perhapssomemi l
dcrampi
ng,sor
eorheavyboobsandgeneral
ly
PMStypefeel
ings.Amazingtothinkwhati
sactual
l
ygoingonint
here!

Thedoct
orl
ookedatbot
hoft
hem exci
tedl
y.

Doct
or:
Woul
dyoul
i
kemet
ogi
vey
ouspace?

Deannoddedt
ight
ly.

Doct
or:
It’
ssuchapi
tyt
hatI
’
m noty
ourdoct
orbecauseal
lthebabi
esIdel
i
vert
urnt
ogol
d!
Deangav
ehi
m al
ookandt
heol
dmanchuckl
ed.

Doctor
:Gowel
lMrandMr
sBut
hel
ezi
.Besur
etogety
ourmedi
cal
aidcar
dandI
Dbef
orey
ou
l
eave.

Hewalkedoutoftheroom andNol
waziandDeansati
nsi
lencef
ort
hel
ongestt
ime.Ev
ent
ual
l
y,
Nol
wazi t
ri
edgett
ingupandDeanhelpedher
.Onceshewasonherf
eet
,hewrappedhi
sar
ms
ar
oundherandheldher.

Nol
wazi
:Cany
oubel
i
evet
his?

Deanshookhi
shead.

Shesanki
nhi
sar
msandt
heyst
oodt
her
eforav
eryl
ongt
ime.Sheputherheadupandl
ooked
athi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Whatt
hef
uck?

Deandi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.Het
oo,
wasspeechl
ess.

Shehi
dherf
acei
nhi
schestagai
nandt
heyst
oodt
her
eforawhi
l
e.

Outofnowhereshestart
edsobbing.Deanpickedherupandmadehersi
tontheedgeofthe
bed.Hethenstoodinbet
weenherl egsandconti
nuedtohol
dherwai
st.Shewrappedherar
ms
aroundhi
m aswellandcont
inuedtosob.

Deankeptqui
et.Hewasjustt
ryi
ngt
okeephi
mselftoget
herforhersake.Hewasov
erf
looded
wit
hsomanyemot ionsbutNol
wazi
hadtobethefocusfornow.
Nol
wazi
:Al
lthi
sti
met
her
ewasnot
hingwr
ongwi
thme.

Sheputherheadupandl
ookedathi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Al
lthesey
ear
sIwasmadet
ofeel
lessofawomanandwi
fef
ornot
hing?

Deankeptqui
et.

Nol
wazi
:Fuck.

Shehi
dherf
aceandsobbedagai
nqui
etl
y.

Dean:
I’
m goi
ngt
ohav
eababy
.

Hi
smi
ndwentcr
azyandi
tal
lsunki
nbi
tbybi
t.

Dean:
I’
m goi
ngt
obeaf
ather
.

Nol
wazi
stoppedsobbi
ngandputherheadupt
ofacehi
m.Heloosenedhi
sgri
ponherand
wal
kedt
otheonlychai
rint
heroom.Hesatdownandburi
edhi
sfaceinhi
shands.

Dean:
Fuck.

Her
epl
ayedwhatt
hedoct
orsai
dandhi
semot
ionsgott
hebet
terofhi
m.

Dean:
I’
m goi
ngt
ohav
eababy
.
Nolwazigotoffthebedandwalkedovertohi
m.Sher emov
edhi
sfacefr
om hishandsandt hen
satonhislap.Shewrappedherarmsaroundhim andhehi
dhi
sfaceonherchest.Seconds
l
ater,
itwasclearthathewassobbingsi
lent
ly.

Nolwazit
ri
edt onotl
etheremot ionsover
comeheragai
nbecauseshewantedDeantodi
gesti
t
aswellbutseeinghi
ml i
kethisactuall
ymadeherf
eelev
enmor eemoti
onal
.Sheheldhi
mtight
ly
andtheymusthav esatther
ef orover30minut
es.
..

Deanf
inal
l
yputhi
sheadupandNol
wazi
wipedhi
sface.

Dean:
Iwasn’
tcr
ying.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
edasshewi
pedhi
sface.

Nol
wazi
:It
’spr
obabl
ysomet
hingi
ntheai
r.

Deannoddedandt
henr
est
edhi
sheadbackonherbr
east
s.

Nol
wazi
:Fuck.

Dean:
Fucki
ngi
swhatgotusher
eint
hef
ir
stpl
ace.

Nol
wazi
pinchedhi
searandt
heychuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Itst
il
lhasn’
tsunki
n.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
we’
venev
erusedcondoms.
Nol
wazi
:Buty
oual
way
spul
l
edout
.

Dean:
Iknow-

Justt
hen,
thedoct
orwal
kedbacki
nandsi
ghed.

Doct
or:
Ithoughty
oumayhav
edonesomet
hingt
oeachot
her
!

Dean:
Ngat
hil
i
zongi
dinal
eli
khehl
a.

Nol
wazi
lookedatDrSheppar
dandsmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:We’
l
lgetgoi
ng.

Doct
or:Alr
ightt
hen.
..Andher
eisy
ourmedi
cal
aidcar
dandI
D.Al
lpay
ment
shav
ebeen
pr
ocessed.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m sur
eyou’
vechowedmeup.

Hel
aughedbol
dly
.

Doct
or:
That
’sj
ustwhatwedo!

Hesai dhi
sgoodbyesandwalkedoutagai
n.WhenNol
wazistoodup,sheal
mostlosther
balancebutDeancaughtherr
ightont
ime.Shewasst
il
lweakfrom t
heall
ergi
creact
ionand
i
njecti
onshehad.
Herst
omachgr
owl
edv
eryl
oudl
ythatev
enDeanhear
dit
.

Dean:
Her
ewego.
..

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

SheputherI
Dandcar di
nherbagandthenl
edt
hewayout
.Ast
heywal
kedout
,Deanpl
acedhi
s
arm ar
oundhershoul
der
sandthenpul
l
edhercl
osert
ohi
m.

Dean:
Let
’sgof
eedmyson.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m andr
oll
edherey
es.

Theymadet
hei
rwayoutoft
hehospi
tal
anddr
ovet
othenear
estr
est
aur
ant
.

I
NSERT66(
Cantf
indI
nser
t65)

Nol
wazi
andDeanpl
acedt
hei
ror
der
sandNol
wazi
sankonherseat
.

Dean:
Youst
il
ll
ookabi
tswol
l
en.

Nol
wazi
:Att
hispoi
nt,
Ireal
l
ydon’
tcar
e.

Deanchuckl
ed.
Nol
wazi
:It
’sal
most10am andIst
il
lhav
en’
teat
en.

Dean:
Ist
hepai
nbet
tert
hough?

Nol
wazi
:Mychesti
sst
il
luncomf
ort
abl
ebutI
’
mfi
ne.

Dean:
Thatshi
twascr
azy
.

Nol
wazi
:Andi
t’
sal
lbecauseofy
ou.

Dean:
HowwasIsupposedt
oknowt
haty
ou’
real
l
ergi
ctoav
o?

Nol
wazi
:Whomi
xesav
owi
thappl
esandnut
s?

Dean:
Itt
ast
esgood.

Nol
wazi
sighedasherst
omachgr
owl
edl
oudl
y.Deant
hencal
l
edt
hewai
tr
ess.

Dean:
What
’st
aki
ngy
ousol
ong?

Wai
tr
ess:
Excuseme,
sir
?

Dean:
Wedon’
thav
ethewhol
eday
.

Wai
tr
ess:
Butsi
r,y
ouj
ustpl
acedy
ouror
der5mi
nut
esago.
Dean:
Manj
e?Goma-

Nol
wazicl
ear
edhert
hroatl
oudl
yandgav
eDeanal
ook.Shet
henl
ookedatt
hewai
tr
essand
smi
led.

Nol
wazi
:Cany
ougetmeagl
assofwat
erwi
thnoi
ce?

Thewai
tr
essnodded.

Dean:Andbr
ingoneoft
hosest
art
err
oll
sorbunst
haty
ouser
ve.Sur
elyt
hatwi
l
ltakel
esst
hana
minut
e.

Nol
wazi
kickedhi
m undert
het
abl
eandt
hewai
tr
essnoddedandwal
kedof
f.

Nol
wazi
:Dean!

Dean:
What
?

Nol
wazi
:Cuti
tout
.Thatwasbey
ondr
ude!

Dean:
Nol
wazi
Idon’
tgi
veashi
t.Whywoul
dIbeokaywi
thst
arv
ingmychi
l
d?

Nol
wazi
:Real
l
y??

Shet
hrewaser
viet
teathi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Cuti
tout
!
Dean:
Mxm.

Short
lyaf
ter
,thewai
tr
esswal
kedbackt
othet
abl
eandt
henpl
acedasmal
lbasketf
il
ledwi
th
buns.

Dean:
Aret
heyf
resh?

Wai
tr
ess:
Str
aightoutoft
heov
en.

Dean:
Good.

Het
ookonebunandt
ookabi
te.Thewai
tr
esst
henputNol
wazi
’
sgl
assofwat
ernextt
oher
.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou.

Dean:
Arewesupposedt
ohav
ethem l
i
ket
his?

Thewai
tr
essl
ookedatDeanner
vousl
y.

Wai
tr
ess:
Excuseme,
sir
?

Dean:
Arewesupposedt
ohav
ethem dr
yli
ket
his?

Wai
tr
ess:
Wit
hbut
tersi
r.
Deanl
ookedatt
het
abl
eandt
her
ewasnoi
ndi
cat
ionofbut
terany
wher
e.

Wai
tr
ess:
Oh,
sor
ry.

Dean:
M-

Nol
wazi
:Thesebunsar
efi
nel
i
ket
his.Thanky
oudear
.

Wai
tr
ess:
Noma’
am,
I’
ll
gety
ousomebut
ter
.

Shequi
ckl
yrushedbacki
nsi
de.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
Deankant
iungenwey
ini
?

Dean:
Peopl
emustdot
hei
rjobspr
oper
ly.

Het
hrewt
hebunhehadbacki
nthebasketandsatbackonhi
sseat
.

Nol
wazi
:Yi
nikant
iwena?

Dean:
Unakenenami
inst
eadofeat
ing.
..Dl
i
saumnt
anami
please.

Nol
wazi
:Li
stenher
e-

Thewai
tr
esscamebackwi
thkni
vesandbut
ter
.
Nol
wazi
:Thanksdear
.

Shewal
kedawayandt
henNol
wazi
lookedatDeanser
iousl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Nowy
oul
i
stenher
e,f
orbot
hoursakes-y
oubet
tercutt
hatshi
tout
.

Deanl
ookedatherandl
aughedqui
etl
y.

Dean:
Justeatt
hedamnbunLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
grunt
edandt
henbut
ter
edabunandbeganeat
ing.Shesi
ghedandDeansmi
l
ed.

Dean:
YabonaIhel
pedy
ou?

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

JustasNol
wazi
wasaboutt
otakeasecondbun,
Deanst
oppedher
.

Dean:
Youcan’
tov
erl
oadoncar
bs.It
hinkonebuni
sfi
ne,
let
’swai
tfort
her
eal
nut
ri
ti
ousf
ood
now.

Nol
wazi
:Excuseme?
?

Dean:
Webot
hknowbr
eadi
sfuckedup.

Nol
wazi
:Lal
elal
awena-
Justt
hent
hewai
tr
esscamet
othet
abl
eandshehadt
hei
rfood.

Dean:
Rightont
ime.

Thef
oodwaspl
acedont
het
abl
e.

Wai
tr
ess:
Any
thi
ngel
se?

Dean:
We’
l
llety
ouknow.

Wai
tr
ess:
Okay
.

Shewal
kedof
fandDeangl
ancedatNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Ngat
hiuzodi
na.

Dean:
It’
sbeenanev
ent
ful
mor
ning.
..Pl
easeal
l
ow.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
suka.

*
**

Mduwal
kedi
nthel
oungeandwentt
osi
tnextt
oThol
i
,whowaswat
chi
ngTV.

Mdu:
Ufunasambeni
ni?
Thol
icl
ear
edhert
hroatandgl
ancedathi
m

Thol
i
:Uhm.

Shel
ookedathi
m andhesmi
l
edki
ndl
y.

Mdu:
Idon’
tthi
nki
t’
sfai
rthatIgett
owearf
reshcl
othesandwenausa-
busyngezay
izol
o.

Thol
i
:No,
it’
sfi
ne.

Mdu:
It’
snot
.

Thol
i
:Samedi
ff
erence.

Mdu:
Noi
t’
snot
.

Shesi
ghed.

Mdu:
Yazi
I’
m st
il
lhungr
y.

Thol
i
:Ther
e’sl
otsoff
oodl
eftov
er.

Mdu:
Ohy
es.
..That
’swhyI
’
m st
il
lst
arv
ing.Wedi
dn’
tfi
nishdi
nnerl
astni
ght
.

Thol
igr
unt
edandhechuckl
ed.
Mdu:
Arey
ounothungr
y?

Thol
i
:I’
mfi
ne.

Mdu:
Wel
lI’
m st
arv
ing.

Thol
isi
ghed.

Thol
i
:I’
l
lheati
tupf
ory
ou.

Mdu:
Youwi
l
l?

Shenodded.

Mdu:
Howgener
ous.

Thol
i
:I’
m aguest
.

Mdulaughedqui
etl
yasshestoodupandwal
kedt
otheki
tchen.Shet
ookoutt
hel
asagnef
rom
l
astni
ghtandthenputi
tint
heoven.

Mdu:
Ist
her
esomebananal
oafl
eftaswel
l
?

Heshout
edf
rom t
hel
ounge.
Thol
i
:Yes.

Mdu:
Dobest
..
.

Shest
oodthereandwonderedwhysuddenlyshewasn’
tsotense.Shethoughtshewoul
dbe
fr
eaki
ngoutaft
erwhathappenedi
nthebedroom butMduseemedchi l
l
edandhesomehow
managedtogethert
obejustali
tt
ler
elaxedaswell.

Af
tershewasdoneshewal
kedbackt
othel
oungewi
that
ray
.

Mdu:
Hai
kenawe.Whysof
ormal
?

Shef
elthercheeksf
lushandt
hensatdown.Mdusatpr
oper
lyandt
henl
ookedather
.

Mdu:
Ngi
yabonga,
yezwa?

Shehuf
fed.

Thol
i
:Sur
e.

Het
henf
ocusedonhi
sfoodandmunchedaway
.

Mdu:
OnceI
’
m doneher
e,we’
l
lgety
ouanot
herdr
essandwe’
l
lleav
e,y
es?

Shej
ustl
ookedathi
m anddi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

*
**
Nol
wazi
:Thi
sisgood.

Dean:
Hai
.

Shecont
inuedt
odi
gint
oherst
eakandsi
gheddr
amat
ical
l
y.

Nol
wazi
:Bet
tert
hananor
gasm.

Dean:
What
??

Shechuckl
edandt
ookasi
pofherdr
ink.

Nol
wazi
:Waybet
ter
,It
ell
you.

Dean:
Bul
l
shi
t.

Justasshel
ookedup,
shecougheduncomf
ort
abl
yandt
hengl
ancedatDean.

Dean:
Yini
?

Nol
wazi
:I-
exy
akho.

Deani
mmedi
atel
yti
ght
enedherj
awandNol
wazi
focusedonherf
ood.

Shor
tl
yaf
ter
,Nt
siki
wal
kedt
othet
abl
e.
Nt
siki
:Lwazi
!

Nol
wazi
lookedatNt
siki
andsmi
l
ed,
try
ingt
ohi
deherdi
scomf
ort
.

Nol
wazi
:Hi
Ntsi
ki
.

Nt
siki
:Gi
rli
t’
sbeensol
ong!

Shebentdownt
ogi
veNol
wazi
ahug.
..

*
**

MduandThol
iwer
enowmaki
ngt
hei
rwayi
nsi
det
hemal
l
.

Thol
i
:Your
eal
l
ydon’
thav
etogetmeany
thi
ng.

Mdu:
Bul
l
shi
t.

Shel
ookedathi
m shar
plyandhel
aughedl
i
ght
ly.

Mdu:
Sor
ryI
nnocent
ia.

Thol
ilookedaroundthemal
landknewt
hatt
heseSandt
onshopswer
etooexpensi
ve.Shewas
toouncomfort
able.
Mdu:
Wher
edoy
ouwantt
ogo?

Shedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Mdu:
Shoul
dIpi
ck-

Thol
i
:Edgar
s.

Mdu:
Arey
ousur
e?

Thol
i
:Wel
lIdon’
tknowanyoft
heseshops.

Mduchuckl
edandnodded.

Theyt
henmadet
hei
rwayt
othenear
estEdgar
s.Theygoti
nandwal
kedar
ound.

Mdu:
Andgetsomeunder
wearwhi
l
eyou’
reati
t.

Thol
i
’sf
acef
lushedandhechuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Can’
thav
eyour
epeat
ingpant
iesher
e.

Thol
i
:Mdu!

Mdu:
Yini
?
Shel
ookedathi
m wei
rdl
yandheshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s.

Theywal
kedt
owher
ethedr
esseswer
e.

Thol
i
:MduIr
eal
l
ydon’
tmi
nd-

Mdu:
Thol
ipl
easedon’
t.Pi
ckadr
ess.

Shel
ookedathi
m.

Mdu:
Idon’
tli
ker
epeat
ingmy
sel
f.You’
remaki
ngmesoundl
i
keabr
okenr
ecor
d.

Thol
i
:But
-

Heshotheral
ookandshekeptqui
etandt
henl
ookedt
hrought
hedr
esses.

Mdu:
Thi
sonei
sni
ce.

Shel
ookedathi
m asheey
edal
ongr
eddi
shmaxi
dress.

Thol
i
:No,
thi
sonei
sfi
ne.

Mdu:
Whi
chone?

Shepoi
ntedt
osomebl
ackone.
Mdu:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
oaf
uner
al?

Shel
ookedathi
mindi
sbel
i
ef.

Mdu:
Taket
hatdr
essandt
ryi
tonpl
ease,
ungangi
bhor
i.

Thol
i
:Bu-

Mdu:
Thol
i
.

Helookedatherser
iousl
yandshesi
ghedheavi
lyandt
ookt hereddishmaxidress.I
twasv
ery
obv
iousthatt
hisonewasgoingtonamathel
aherandaccentuatethecur
ves..
.

Mdut
henl
edt
hewayt
othedr
essi
ngr
ooms.

Mdu:
I’
ll
wai
ther
e.

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Shegoti
nthedr
essi
ngr
ooms.
..

Mdust
oodt
her
eandt
ookouthi
sphone.
..

Hesawsomemi
ssedcal
l
edf
rom Zani
butdi
smi
ssedt
hem.
..Het
henbl
ockedhernumber
.

Hewasnowt
ryi
ngt
ofi
gur
eoutawayt
ogetThol
itost
ayj
ustal
i
ttl
ebi
tlonger
..
.Her
eal
l
yen-
Per
son:
Youbi
gfuck!

Mdu’
sinsi
deschur
nedashehear
dthatv
oiceheknewt
oowel
l
.

Per
son:
Youbi
gfuckenf
uck!

Het
urnedar
oundandI
vyst
oodt
her
e,l
ooki
ngathi
minshock.

I
NSERT67

Nol
wazi
gav
eNt
siki
abr
iefhugandt
hensmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Nt
siki
:Howar
eyouNol
wazi
?

Nol
wazi
:I’
m wel
landy
ou?

Nt
siki
lookedatheri
ntent
lyandnodded.

Nt
siki
:I’
m good,
thanky
ou.I
t’
sbeensol
ongt
hough!

Nol
wazi
:Itr
eal
l
yhas.

Shet
ookasi
pofherdr
ink.

Nt
siki
thent
urnedt
ofaceDean.Shesmi
l
edev
ersobr
ight
ly.
Nt
siki
:Heyt
her
e.

Nol
wazi
star
edatDean,
hopi
ngt
hathewoul
datl
eastgethi
sactr
ight
.

Dean:
Hel
l
oNt
siki
,unj
ani
?

Nol
wazi
’
sbodyr
elaxedj
ustabi
t.

Nt
siki
:Ngi
yaphi
l
a..
.Justmi
ssi
ngy
ounj
ebutsi
zot
hini
?

Shegl
ancedatLwazi
.

Nt
siki
:Di
dhet
ell
yout
hatweendedt
hings?

Nol
wazi
:Hement
ionedi
t.
..

Thingsweregetti
ngabi tawkwar dnowandNolwazi wasalsotr
yingtohi
deherbr
ewi
ng
annoyance.Shecouldn’tunderstandwhyNt
siki
wasbehav ingl
ikethi
swhenshewastheone
whocouldn’thandl
et herelat
ionshipi
nthef
ir
stplace.Sheendeditandnowshewasbusy
acti
ngchil
dish.

Nt
siki
:Any
way
,Ispot
tedy
ouguy
sandt
houghtIshoul
dcomesayhi
.

Nol
wazi
:Goodseei
ngy
ou.

Nt
siki
:Thanky
ou,
yout
oo.
Deansatbackonhi
sseatandj
ustl
ookedatNt
siki
disi
nter
est
edl
y.Hel
ookedcompl
etel
y
unf
azed.
..

Nt
siki
:Al
ri
ghtt
hen,
takecar
e.

Nol
wazi
:Yout
oodear
.

Ntsi
kigaveNolwazi
onemor
ehugandthenwalkedaway
.Theywat
chedherwal
koutoft
he
r
estaurantandt
henNol
wazi
frownedaf
terawhil
e.

Nol
wazi
:Wow.

Dean:
Seewhyt
hisi
ssuei
rr
it
atesme?

Nol
wazi
:I’
veseent
hisbehav
iourf
rom Thul
i
.Nt
siki
seemst
obel
ow-
keycr
azy
.

Dean:
Yout
hink?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Nol
wazi
:She’
snotov
ery
ou.

Dean:
YouknowwhyIwi
l
lnev
erf
eel
bad?

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.
Dean:
I’
vebeentr
anspar
entfr
om t
hebegi
nni
ng.I
’
venev
erwant
edaser
iousr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thher
.
Tel
lmeifI
’m wr
ongLwazi.

Nol
wazi:
Youknowhowwear e.
..Shepr
obabl
ythoughtshecoul
dchangey
ourmi
ndandt
hat
’s
whyshestay
edforsol
ong.

Dean:
Butshecan’
ttur
nar
oundandmakemet
hebadguy
.

Nolwazi:
Sohowareyougoingtodeal
withthi
s?Uy abonamanj
eukut
hishei
sst
alki
ngy
ou?
Phelasheobv
iousl
ywasn’
theretohavebr
eakfastngobanangushel
eft
.

Deankeptqui
etandNol
wazi
sighed.

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
tev
enwantt
oknowhowshewi
l
lreactwhenshef
indsoutaboutt
his.

Deansatupandl
ookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Dean:
Shewoul
dn’
tdar
e.I
’
llki
l
labi
tch.

Nol
wazi
tri
edsay
ingsomet
hingbutshej
ustsi
ghed.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lki
l
labi
tcht
oo.

Dean:
Good.

Theychuckl
edandcont
inuedeat
ing.
..
*
**

I
vywal
kedov
ert
owher
eMduwas.

I
vy:
Youi
diot
!

Mduchuckl
edcasual
l
y.

I
vy:
Whydi
dn’
tyout
ell
met
haty
ou’
reback?
?

Mdu:
I’
m notbackpersay
.

I
vy:
Andwhatt
hehel
ldoest
hatev
enmean?

Mdu:
Justcameher
eforsomet
hing.

I
vy:
Mxm ni
njal
owenanoNol
wazi
.Sonowy
ou’
ret
eami
ngupagai
nstme?

Mdu:
Comeonnow.

Hepul
l
edherandsqueezedher
.

I
vy:
Argh.

Heki
ssedhercheekandshepushedhi
mli
ght
ly.
I
vy:
Giv
ememoney
.

Mdu:
Hai
uyabonake?

I
vy:
Dudey ourf
atherst
oppedgiv
ingmemoneyandnowmom i
sal
sosuckedi
n.Whatbul
l
shi
tis
t
hat?Par
entsnottaki
ngcareofthei
rbr
eed?

Mdu:
Don’
tyouhav
ecl
asses?

I
vy:
Awumeman.Ngi
phei
mal
i
.

Mdu:
Angi
sebenzel
iwena.

I
vy:
Whati
syourbosssay
ingf
uthi
sincey
ouhav
en’
tbeent
owor
kforweeks?

Mdu:
Whydoy
out
hinkwehav
etechnol
ogy
?Iwor
kfr
om home.

I
vy:
Hmm sonowNol
wazi
’
shousei
s“home”
?

Mduchuckl
edandnodded.

I
vy:
Arey
ougoi
ngback?

Mdu:
Ihav
etokeepaney
eonher
.

I
vy:
Spokenl
i
keat
ruebi
gli
tt
lebr
other
.
Mdu:
Youbet
.

I
vy:
Okaynowgi
vememoney
.

Sheputherhandoutbutt
henherf
aci
alexpr
essi
onchanged.

I
vy:
Wai
tami
nut
e.

Mduf
elthi
shear
trat
eincr
easej
ustal
i
ttl
e.

I
vy:
Whatt
hef
uckar
eyoudoi
ngi
nEdgar
s?

Mdu:
Hai
kant
iIcan’
tshopher
e?

I
vy:
Doy
ouev
enknowwhatt
heysel
lher
e?

Mdu:
Uyaphaphamanj
e.

Shewasabouttosaysomethi
ngwhenhetookouthi
swal
l
etandputoutoneofhi
sdebi
tcar
ds.
Shequi
ckl
ygrabbeditandsmi
ledwi
del
y.

Mdu:
Ify
ouf
ini
shmymoney
-

Shesqueal
edi
nexci
tementandj
umpedonhi
m.
I
vy:
Youar
etheshi
t!

Mdu:
Okaynowgo.

Shef
inal
l
yletgoofhi
m.

Mdu:
Ther
e’sadai
l
yli
mitany
waysoy
ou’
rer
est
ri
cted.

Shesul
ked.

Mdu:
Hai
phel
abr
ingi
tback.

Shehuggedhi
m agai
n.

I
vy:
I’
dst
ayandchatbutabi
tchgot
tago!

Mdusi
ghed.

Mdu:
Seey
ou.

Shehadal
readywal
kedaway
.Hewat
chedasshedi
sappear
ed.
..

Mdu:
*whi
sper
ing*Shi
t.

Heexhal
edl
oudl
yandt
hent
urnedandwal
kedi
nthef
it
ti
ngr
ooms.
Mdu:
Thol
i
.

Ther
ewassi
l
ence.

Hewal
keddownt
hepassageandwentt
otheonl
ydoort
hatwascl
osedandt
henknocked.

Mdu:
Thol
i
.

Thol
i
:What
?

Mdu:
Woza.

Thol
i
:Mxm.

Mdu:
Excuseme?

Hehear
dsomeshuf
fl
ingandsoonaf
ter
,thedooropened.

Thol
i
:Takemehome.

Mdu:
Hai
boandt
hen?

Shel
ookedathi
m angr
il
y.

Mdu:
Heehwhathappenedi
nher
e?Di
dyouhav
eanar
gumentwi
tht
hewal
l
s?
Thol
i
:Mxm.

Shewasaboutt
owal
kpasthi
mint
hepassagebuthebl
ockedt
heway
.

Mdu:
Whyar
eyoubei
ngl
i
ket
his?

Hel
ookedatheri
ntent
lyandshedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Mdu:
Thol
i
?

Thol
i
:Mdui
fyoursi
stersawme.
..

Mdu:
Butshedi
dn’
t.

Thol
i
:Thi
siswr
ongandi
rr
esponsi
bleonsomanyl
evel
s.

Shel
ookedhi
m deadi
ntheey
eandhedi
dthesame.Theyst
oodi
nsi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e.

Mdu:
Andev
eni
fshesawy
ou,
shewoul
dn’
tdoany
thi
ng.
..

Thol
igr
untedandhepl
acedhi
shandonhercheekandthenwrappedhisot
herar
m aroundher
,
pul
li
nghercl
osetohi
m.Thei
rbodi
estouchedandshedroppedt
hedressshehadtr
iedon.

Mdu:
I’
ll
takey
ouhomenow.

Shenodded.
Heplacedhisthumbonherbot t
om li
pandbrusheditgentl
y.Asmuchasshetried,shecoul
dn’t
removehereyesfrom hi
s.Shefel
thisot
herhandcaressherbackl
ight
ly.
..Hestoppedbrushi
ng
herli
pandthenputthathanddownandsecondsl at
er,shewaswrappedinbothhisarms.She
exhal
edquietl
yandbitherbott
om li
pgentl
y.

Mduloweredhisheadandsherai
sedhersj
ustabi
t.Whentheirnosest
ouched,sheexhal
ed
qui
etl
yagainandthenrel
easedt
hebott
om l
ipshewasbit
ing.Sheinhal
edhisscentandfel
t
shi
ver
sdownherspi ne.

Mduwasaboutt
ospeakbutsheshookherheadl
ight
lyandhedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.Shel
eaned
ev
encl
oserandsoonenough,
thei
rli
pst
ouched.

Theirmesmerisedli
pswerefinal
lypr
essedagainsteachother,t
ransport
ingt
hem toanother
world.Wi
thjustthetwoofthem ther
e,t
herestoftheirsur
roundi
ngsf i
nall
ydi
sappeared.They
becamelostinaseaofgent l
enessandint
ensit
y.

Per
son:
Excuseme!Hel
l
o!Thi
sisnotasexcl
ubpl
ease!

Asthei
rli
pspull
edapart
,itf
eltl
i
keagentl
ebr
eezewav
edov
ert
hef
lame,
ext
ingui
shi
ngt
he
desper
ateheatt
heyalmostgotlosti
n.

Ther
estoft
hewor
ldsl
owl
ycamebacki
ntof
ocusandt
heyf
inal
l
yopenedt
hei
rey
es.

Mdu:
Ist
hedr
essf
ine?

Shecl
ear
edhert
hroatandbl
i
nkedacoupl
eoft
imes.

Thol
i
:Yes.
Mdu:
Asambe.

Heletgoofherandthenpickedupt hedresswhichontheground.Hethentookherhandand
l
edheroutofthedressi
ngr oom secti
on,
wal ki
ngpastaver
yannoy edEdgar
sempl oy
eewho
keptcussi
ngathowdisrespect
fultheyar
e.

I
NSERT68

MduandThol
ifi
nal
l
yreachedt
hecar
,Mduopenedt
hedoorf
orherandshel
ookedathi
mver
y
wei
rdl
y.

Mdu:
Yini
?I’
m bei
ngni
ce.

Shegoti
nthecarandheputev
ery
thi
ngt
heyboughtatt
hebackandt
henwal
kedt
ohi
ssi
deand
goti
n.

Mdu:
Don’
tyouneedt
ochar
gey
ourphone?

Shesighedheavi
lyandfr
owned.I
twasnotli
keshehadpeopl
ecal
l
inghersoshehadn’
tev
en
thoughtaboutt
hestat
eofherphone.I
thadbeeni
nherbagsi
ncetheygott
oJoburg.

Mdu:
Thol
i
?

Shesnappedoutofhert
hought
sandl
ookedathi
m.

Thol
i
:No.

Mdust
art
edt
hecarandt
heydr
oveof
finsi
l
ence.Thol
iwasv
erynumbf
orsomeoddr
eason.
Shedi
dn’
tfeel
any
thi
ngastheydrovebacktohi
sapartmentbutshewasdefi
nit
elygl
adt
hathe
wasnott
ryi
ngtomakesmallconv
ersat
ion,
especi
all
yaft
erwhathappened.

Aft
erawhil
e,t
heyfi
nal
l
ygottotheapar
tmentandtheymadethei
rwayi
n.Tholi
wentt
othe
bat
hroom t
ori
nseherf
aceandthenwalkedbackt
otheloungewher
eshefoundMdusit
ti
ng
comfort
abl
yonthel
ongcouch.

Shewalkedov
ertohi
m andstoodbythecouch.Heseemedt
obet
aki
nganapbecausehi
sey
es
werecl
osedandsosheclear
edherthr
oatquiet
ly.

Thol
i
:Mdu.

Mduopenedoneey
eandl
ookedupather
.

Thol
i
:Whenar
ew-

Mdu:
Ahh.
..

Hegr
oanedandsi
ghedheav
il
y.Thol
iwasnowst
art
led.

Thol
i
:What
’swr
ong?

Mdugr
oanedagai
n.

Mdu:
Ihav
ear
eal
l
ybadheadache.

Thol
i
:Youdo?
Hepul
l
edapai
nedf
aceandsi
ghedheav
il
yonceagai
n.

Mdu:
Ahh.
..

Shel
ookedathi
m concer
nedl
yandhegr
oanedagai
n.

Thol
i
:Woul
dyoul
i
kesomewat
er?

Mdu:
Yes,
please.

Sheturnedar
oundandquicklywal
kedt
otheki
tchenandpour
edhi
m agl
assofwat
er.She
walkedbackandthensatnextt
ohim.

Thol
i
:Her
eyougo.

Hegr
oanedagai
nandt
ookt
hegl
ass.

Mdu:
Thanks.

Thol
i
:Doy
ouhav
epai
nki
l
ler
s?

Mdu:
Idon’
tdr
inkpi
l
ls.

Shel
ookedathi
m wei
rdl
yanddeci
dednotaskhi
m whybecausesheknewhewoul
dsay
somet
hingi
diot
ic.

Mdu:
I’
minpai
n..
.Ahhh.
..Whyme?Haaa.
..
Hegr
oanedandThol
igotcl
osert
ohi
m andgent
lypl
acedherhandonhi
sfor
ehead.

Thol
i
:Hmm.

Mdu:
What
?

Thol
i
:Yourt
emper
atur
eseemsf
ine.

Mdu:
Whatdoy
ouknowaboutt
emper
atur
es?Soy
ou’
readoct
ornow?

Shel
ookedathi
m suspi
ciousl
yandhegr
oaned.

Mdu:
Pleasel
eav
emeal
onei
fyou’
regoi
ngt
ost
ressmeout
.

Shecoul
dn’
thel
pbutchuckl
e.

Mdu:
Uyahl
ekaThol
akel
e?

Thol
i
:You’
rebei
ngdr
amat
-

Hemoanedv
eryl
oudl
yandThol
igi
ggl
ed.

Mdu:
Ahh.
..Nooo.
..

Shegi
ggl
edev
enmor
eandhesmi
l
ed.
Mdu:
Laughatmypai
n.

Thol
i
:Yourf
oreheadi
snothott
hough.

Mdu:
Manj
e?

Thol
i
:Youwer
efi
nej
ust10mi
nut
esago.

Mdu:
Ahh.
..

Hemoanedagai
nandThol
igi
ggl
ed.

Mdu:
Fuck.

Hecl
osedhi
sey
esandsi
ghedheav
il
y.

Thol
i
:Mdu.

Hei
gnor
edherandshet
appedhi
sar
m.

Thol
i
:Mdu.

Hei
gnor
edher
.

Shesi
ghedandj
ustasshewasaboutt
omov
eaway
,hepul
l
edhercl
osert
ohi
m andshe
gr
unt
ed.

Mdu:
I’
minsomuchpai
n.

Thol
i
:Sor
ry.

Mdu:
Onl
yonet
hingcanheal
me.

Thol
i
:What
?

Hepul
l
edherev
encl
oserandshegl
ancedathi
m.

Mdu:
Ithi
nkI
’
m get
ti
ngabi
tbet
ter
.

Thol
i
:Abi
t?

Henoddedandshechuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Wai
t,I
’
m get
ti
ngwor
se.

Thol
i
:Mdu!

Shel
aughedandheputhi
sar
m ar
oundherandshecoul
dn’
tescapehi
shol
d.

Mdu:
Wai
t,I
’
m get
ti
ngbet
teragai
n.
Shegi
ggl
edqui
etl
yandst
oppedf
ight
inghi
m.

Mdu:
Hmm.

Thol
i
:Ar
eyoubet
ternow?

Hechuckl
edandsmi
l
ed.

Thol
i
:Wehav
etogo.

Mdu:
I’
m si
ck.

Shenar
rowedherey
esandst
aredathi
m andhesmi
l
edi
nnocent
ly.

Mdu:
Don’
tbet
oohar
donme.

Thol
i
:Mxm.

Hepout
edandsul
kedandshegi
ggl
edagai
n.

Thol
i
:You’
rebei
ngunnecessar
y.

Hekeptqui
etandt
henincreasedt
heTVv
olume.Thol
igav
ehi
m onel
ookbef
oref
ocusi
ngont
he
scr
eenandhesoondi
dt hesame.

Aft
erawhil
e,Thol
ifel
ther
sel
fdozeoffabitandshebl
inkedacoupleoft
imesandshookher
head.Mduchuckl
edandshelookedathi
m sharpl
yandhelaughedqui
etl
y.Shef
ocusedonthe
TVagai
nbutherey
eskeptdef
eat
ingher
.Shehadn’
tsl
eptmucht
hepr
evi
ousni
ghtandnowi
t
wascat
chi
ngupwithher
..
.

Wit
houtevenreal
i
singit,
shewasnowt uckedi
nMdu’
shandsandsheseemedquit
e
comfor
tabl
e.Herheadwashiddeninhi
sneckandhadnowdozedoffcompl
etel
y.Mdusmil
ed
ashefel
therwarm breat
honhisneck.
..I
fther
ewaseverat
imeheneededt
ostaysti
l
linhi
s
ent
ir
eli
fe,i
thadtobenow.Heknewt hatifhemov
edshewouldwakeupandbedramati
c.

Andsohetoo,
sti
l
labi
thungov
er,
closedhi
sey
esandt
ri
edt
aki
nganap,
wit
houtany
movement
s.

*
**

Nol
wazi
andDeanf
inal
l
ygobackt
oDean’
shouse.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lgetmyt
hingsandy
ou’
l
ldr
ivemet
omyhouse.

Deanl
ookedatheri
nconf
usi
on.

Nolwazi
:Ithi
nkit
’sbestIgoandre-
eval
uat
eev
ery
thi
ngt
hathappenedt
hismor
ning,
from t
hat
al
ler
gicnonsensetothi
spregnancy
.

Deankeptqui
et.

Nolwazi
:Ithi
nkwe’rejustgoi
ngt
hroughthemoti
onatthi
spoi
nt.Ineedsomet
imetot
hink
t
hingsthr
ough..
.Ithasbecomecleart
hatthi
ngswon’
tbesmoothsoIneedtogetmymindri
ght
.

Dean:
Whatwon’
tbesmoot
h?
Nolwazi:
Dean,myfamil
ydoesn’
tevenknowt
hatI
’
m seei
ngsomeoneandnowt
heyhav
etof
ind
outthatI
’m al
sopr
egnantontopofthat
?

Dean:
Ihadn’
tev
ent
houghtaboutt
hat
.

Nol
wazi
:That
’sbecausewe’
vebeenl
i
vingi
nourownl
i
ttl
ebubbl
e.I
t’
sti
met
ofacer
eal
i
tynow.

Henoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Ineedt
ocal
lmyl
awy
ersowecansetl
egi
tdat
es.

Dean:
Manj
enj
engobauKwanel
eany
amal
ele?

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lhav
etogett
heDef
aul
tDi
vor
ce.

Henodded.

Nol
wazi
:Atl
eastoncet
hat
’soutoft
heway
,I’
l
lbeabl
etodeal
wit
hthenexthur
dle.

Deanst
eppedcl
osert
oherandwr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundher
.

Dean:
Iknowwebothhaven’
tregist
eredwhathappenedbutwhatIknowf
orsur
eist
hatwear
e
goi
ngtorai
set
hisbabyt
ogether.

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
y.

Dean:
Andy
ou’
rer
ight
,webot
hneedsomespacenowj
ustt
oleti
tsi
nki
n.
Shenodded.

Dean:ButIneedyoutoassur
emet hatf
rom thi
spointonwar
dsNolwazi
,i
fyouar
eev
erputi
n
anyconfl
ict
ingsi
tuat
ion,
youwil
li
nform me.Ican’
thaveyouunsaf
e.

Nolwazi
:Heehsoal
lthi
sti
mei
twasf
inef
ormet
obeunsaf
ebutnowsuddenl
yI’
m bei
ng
consi
dered?

Hechuckl
ed.

Dean:
Mxm.

Nol
wazi:
Idon’
tunder
standwhyy
ou’
resochi
l
ledaboutt
his.Deanwest
il
lhav
ethepeopl
eint
he
of
fi
cetodealwi
th.

Dean:
That
’sy
ourpr
obl
em.
..Idon’
tgi
veashi
taboutpeopl
ewhodon’
tfeedme.

Nol
wazi
grunt
ed.

Dean:
Bangenaphi
bonkel
abant
uozi
khat
hazangabo?

Nol
wazi
:Wel
l
...

Dean:
Gogety
ourt
hingske.

Shenoddedandwal
kedof
f.
..
*
**

Thol
ibat
tedherey
elashesi
nconf
usi
on.

I
ttookheralongti
metoprocesshersur
roundi
ngsbutwhenshedi
drememberherr
eal
i
ty,
she
f
eltt
hepaniccreepuponher.

Mdu:
Rel
ax.

Sheinhaleddeepl
yandhiscol
ognemadeherev
ent
enser
.Sheputherheadupabi
tandMdu’
s
chi
nt ouchedhercheek.

Thol
i
:Mdu.
..

Shewasst
il
labi
tconf
used.

Mdu:
Hmm?

Thol
i
:Wehav
etogo.

Mdu:
Okay
.

Sheputherheaduphi
gherandwasmetbyhi
sgaze.Shepucker
edherl
i
psabi
tandsi
ghed.

Mdu:
Wecoul
dhav
elef
t2hour
sagobuty
oudeci
dedt
odel
ayus.
Thol
i
:Buty
ouwer
esi
ck.

Mdu:
So?

Sher
oll
edherey
es.

Mdu:
Ngat
hiy
ou’
redev
elopi
nganat
ti
tudenj
e.

Shegr
unt
edandhequi
ckl
yreposi
ti
onedhersohal
fofherwasonhi
m.

Mdu:
Youhav
etogi
vemecr
edi
tthoughThol
i
,Imadey
ousmi
l
eandgi
ggl
etoday
.

Thol
i
:NoIdi
dn’
t.

Mdu:
HeehThol
i
.

Shewasaboutt
omov
ebuthepokedherbyt
hewai
standshechuckl
ed.

Thol
i
:Thathur
ts.

Mdu:
Sor
ry.

Shet
ri
edmov
ingandhepokedheragai
nandshest
if
ledanot
herchuckl
e.

Mdu:
Youdon’
thav
etobest
one-
facedal
lthet
imey
ouknow?
Thol
i
:I’
m notst
one-
faced!

Mdu:
Youar
e,andt
hatshi
twi
l
lagey
ou.You’
re22y
ear
sol
dforf
uckssake.

Thol
i
:Andhowol
dar
eyou?

Mdu:
Youdon’
taskamansuch.

Thol
i
:No,
it’
stheot
herwayar
ound!

Mdu:
Hai
.

Sheshookherheaddi
sappr
ovi
ngl
y.

Mdu:
Howol
ddoy
out
hinkIam?

Thol
ifr
owned.

Mdu:
Hmm?

Thol
i
:May
be26.

Mdu:
26?

Shenodded.
Mdu:
Hmkay
.

Thol
i
:Am Ir
ight
?

Mdu:
Hai
it’
snoneofy
ourbusi
ness.

Thol
i
:Mxm.

Mdu:
HeehThol
akel
e.

Shesmi
l
edl
i
ght
lyandhepokedheragai
n.

Thol
i
:Mdu!

Hechuckl
edandpokedheragai
nandagai
nandagai
n..
.

Soonenough,
shewasbei
ngt
ickl
edandwasl
aughi
nguncont
rol
l
abl
y.

Thol
i
:Mdu!

Het
ickl
edherev
enmor
eandshel
aughedandgi
ggl
edev
enmor
e.

Aft
ermuchlaught
er,
hefi
nall
ystoppedandshequiet
eneddownandsi
ghedheav
il
y.Sheexhal
ed
l
oudlyandMdufel
therbodyrel
axagainsthi
sbody
.

Mdu:
Lookaty
ou.
Shehidherfaceonhi
sneckandhechuckl
edbecausei
twascl
eart
hatshewasbl
ushi
ng.She
putherheadupandhestar
edatherl
ovi
ngly.

Thol
i
:Don’
tlookatmel
i
ket
hat
.

Mdu:
Howam Il
ooki
ngaty
ou?

Shest
if
ledasmi
l
eandt
ri
edt
obeser
ious.

Mdu:
Youar
enott
hebossofme.

Thol
i
:Mxm.

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
handsi
ghedagai
n.

Herbodyr
elaxedev
enmor
e..
.

Theylookedateachot herforaveryl
ongtimeandtheatmospherechangedabi
t.
..Thef
eeli
ng
thatsur
roundedbot hofthem ear
li
erresur
facedandshei
nvolunt
ari
lyl
eanedcl
osertohi
sface
andtheirl
ipstouched.

Mdut
ight
enedhi
sgr
iponherandshegr
unt
edqui
etl
y.
..

Wi
thi
nseconds,
theywer
econt
inui
ngwher
etheyl
eftof
f.
..

I
NSERT69
Nolwazi
gotinherbat
htubandthankedt
heheav
enst
hatnowshecoul
dbebyher
sel
fsoshe
coul
dgatherhert
houghtsi
npeace..
.

Sher eplayedt hewhol emor ni

ng,mor eespeci al
lywhent hedoctortoldheraboutherpr egnancy.
Allthi
st i
meshewasconv i
ncedthatt her ewassomet hi
ngwr ongwi thher.Sheal waysav oi
ded
goingt ogeti tcheckedoutbecauseshewasscar edofwhatherdoct ormi ghtt ellher.I
nher
mind, shehadcomet ot ermswitht hef actthatshewasn’ tgoingtogi vebirth.
..Shet hought
backt ohowThenj i
wewoul di
nsultherandmakeherf eelli
keausel esswomenwhosepur pose
wasj usttoshagherson. .
.Asalloft hiswashappeni ng,Nolwazididn’treall
yreactmuch. ..
Hav i
ngki dswasanaf t
erthoughtbecauseofhercar eerbutthat’
snott osayshedi dn’twant
them.Ast i
mewentby ,sheendedupi nt ernali
singThenj i
we’sinsul
tsandasar esult,
sheal so
beli
ev edthatmay betherewassomet hingwr ongwi thher .Fouryearsi nt
ot hemar ri
ageandt hey
werest il
lchildless.SheknewKwanel ewant edt hem andbecauseoft hat,shehadbegunt o
secretlystressaboutheri nabil
it
yt oconcei ve...

Sheal
l
owedher
sel
ftot
hinkaboutKwanel
e..
.

Thingshavebeenmov ingsofastthatshehadn’
tevenallowedhersel
ftothi
nkabouthi m al
l..
.At
theendoftheday ,theyhadbeenhusbandandwi fe,andt het
houghtoffi
nall
ylett
ingthei
rli
fego
washonestlyenought odriveherbackint
odepressi
on...Shecoul
dn’tdenyherloveforhim but
unfort
unat
elyall
t heserecenteventshadtai
ntedt
hepur ebondtheyshared.Toomuchhur t
,
angerandbetrayalwasi nthemixnowandshecoul dn’tseehowt heywouldgetbackf r
om such.

Thenthere’
sDean..
.Shewasmor ethangrateful
forhi
spr esenceinall
ofthi
s.Shecouldn’
tev
en
i
maginewhatitwouldhavebeenlikehadtheynottakentheirrel
ati
onshipastepf
urther
.Yes,
it
waswr ongbuthonest
lyatt
hispoi
nt,ever
yone’sunderst
andingofr i
ghtandwrongwasj umbl
ed
up.
..Asmuchasshel ovedKwanele,shecouldn’
tseeherselfmovingpastwhathappened.

Nowt her
e’sababyinthepict
ure.
..Somet
hingshewoul dhaveneveri
magi nedinherwil
dest
dreams.Assheanalysedherfeel
i
ngs,shehadtoadmi tthatshewasdisappoint
edthati
twas
notKwanele’
s.Thi
swoul dhavemadehimv eryhappyhadev ery
thi
ngturnedoutokay.

Asshethoughtaboutherf
amil
y,shef
eltapi
erci
ngpai
ngot hr
oughherchest
..
.Thatpainwas
ani
ndicat
ionofjusthowscar
edshewasaboutthem f
indi
ngoutever
ythi
ng.Whatwil
ltheysay
whentheyfindout?Sheal
readyknewthatherfatherwouldbehi ghl
ydisappoi
ntedi
nher.She
fel
ther
selfsobquiet
lyassheremember edhowhedef endedheratDundee.Sheknewi ttooka
wholelotf
orhimt ovoi
ceouthisr
eject
ionfortheButhel
ezis.
..Nowal l
ofthatwouldsomehow
beinvainbecauseshewentanddidthewr ongthi
ngafterwards.Notonlydidshegohavesex
wit
hhercolleaguewhil
emarri
edbutshewentandgotpr egnantaswell.

Shesi
ghedheav
il
yandt
henr
eachedf
ort
hegl
assofj
uicet
hatwasbyt
het
ubandt
henf
ini
shed
i
tup.

Nowthet
houghtofnothavi
nganychampagneorwinedepressedherev
enmor
e.Deanwas
pr
ovi
ngtobequit
eoverprot
ect
iveal
readysoshecoul
dn’
timaginehowhewoul
dbelat
eron.

Shechuckledabitwhenshethoughtofhowquickitt
ookDeantomakeherpregnant.They
hadn’
tev enbeenhav
ingsexforacoupleofmonthsyethehadal
readypl
ant
edaseed. ..
Somet hi
ngKwanelefai
l
edtodoi nthecour
seoffouryear
s..
.Nowshewonderedifmay bet
he
probl
em waswi t
hhim..
.All
thi
stimet hebl
amewasonherbutnowi twascl
earthatshewasn’
t
theprobl
em. .
.

Shecl
osedherey
esandt
ookanapast
hehotwat
ermassagedherent
ir
ebody
..
.

*
**

Thol
il
etoutaqui
etmoanasshef
eltMdut
ight
enhi
shol
donher
.

Shefel
taburningsensati
onrunthr
oughherent
ir
ebodyandi
tshockedherbecauseshehad
neverf
eltany
thingl
ikethi
sbefor
e.

Mdusl
oweddownandsoonenough,
theywer
ebot
hly
ingt
her
e,br
eat
hingqui
etl
y.

Thol
ifi
nal
l
yopenedherey
esandf
oundMdust
ari
ngather
.
Mdu:
Arey
ougood?

Sheexhal
edqui
etl
y.

Thol
i
:It
hinkso.

Mdu:
Let
’sgetgoi
ng.

Shenoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Mdu:
Jobur
gisnotagoodpl
acef
orsuchunder
cov
ert
hings.

Thol
il
aughedqui
etl
yandMduplant
edat
enderkissonherli
psandt
henl
oosenedhi
shol
don
her
.ShestoodupandthenMdudi
daswel
l.Hethenwrappedhi
sarmsar
oundherandsi
ghed.

Mdu:
Ift
her
e’sonet
hingIwon’
tdo,
it’
stopr
essur
isey
ou.

Thol
ipul
l
edaf
aceandhechuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Idon’
twanty
out
ofeel
tensewheny
ou’
rewi
thmesol
et’
skeepi
taty
ourpace,
yes?

Thol
i
:I’
m mar
ri
edMdu.

Mdu:
Butwher
e’sy
ourhusband?

Shekeptqui
et.
Mdu:Iknowt her
ear
esomedeep-
root
edt
hingst
hatIdon’
tknowaboutbutkey
ou’
l
ltal
konce
you’
reready
.

Thol
idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Mdu:
Sof
ornow,
let
’sj
ustsayI
’
myourescapef
rom t
hecr
azyanddar
ksi
deofy
ourl
i
fe.

Shest
if
ledasmi
l
e.

Mdu:
Don’
ttr
ytohi
det
hatImakey
ouhappy
.Who’
sthatgoi
ngt
obenef
it
?

Hesmi
l
ed.

Mdu:
Andi
t’
sjustt
het
woofussot
her
e’snoj
udgementher
e.

Thol
i
:Noj
udgement
?

Henodded.

Thol
i
:Thi
siswr
ong.

Mdu:Youthi
nkaft
erever
ythi
ngt
hathashappenedi
nallourl
i
veslat
ely
,peopl
earest
il
lthi
nki
ng
aboutwhati
swrongorri
ght?Wear
epastthatpoi
ntnow.Youmightaswellj
oint
heWrongClub.

Shegi
ggl
edqui
etl
y.
Mdu:
Let
’sgetr
eadysi
zohamba.

Shenoddedandhel
eanedcl
osert
oherf
aceandpl
acedhi
sli
psonher
s.

Mdu:
ImeantwhatIsai
dlastni
ght
.

Shepucker
edupherl
i
psandhechuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Hai
ke.

Hegav
eherababyki
ssandt
henl
etgoofher
.

Mdu:
Woza.

Theywal
kedt
othebedr
oom andpr
epar
edf
ort
hei
rtr
ipbackt
oDur
ban.
..

*
**

Nolwaziwenttoherper
sonalemail
sandthencheckedhowmuchthehospital
clai
med.She
gr
untedangri
lybecausetheyr
eal
lyri
ppedherof
fconsider
ingt
hef
actthatshegotoneli
tt
le
i
nject
ion.

Justasshewasgoingt
hroughherot
heremai
l
s,herphoner
angandshesmi
l
edwhenshesaw
hermother
’spi
ctur
epopup.

Sheanswer
edhappi
l
y.
Nol
wazi
:Mama!

Thandeka:
Hai
kodwaLwaz
iI’
m hur
t.Kant
iwhyusi
l
ahl
i
le?

Nol
wazi
:AhI
’
vebeensobusy
!

Thandeka:
Woohai
shamephel
ami
nangi
thi
Idon’
thav
eadaught
erany
mor
e.

Nol
wazi
laughed.

Nol
wazi
:UNomzamoy
ena?

Thandeka:Haisukaungal
i
ngeungi
tshel
engal
eyongane!Wehadanar
gumenti
zol
oandshe
di
sappeared.

Nol
wazi
:Manj
euphi
?

Thandeka:
Ngi
mazel
aphi
?Shewi
l
ldef
ini
tel
ycomebackonceshedoesn’
thav
eanymoney
.

Nol
wazi
laughed.

Thandeka:
Butkeshe’
sincont
actwi
thMam’
Mol
oi.

Nol
wazi
:Ofcour
seshei
s.That
’shermot
herphel
a.

Thandeka:
I’
m notgoi
ngt
ogi
vemy
sel
fi-
hear
tat
tackbecauseoft
hatchi
l
d.Yi
-l
ostcause.
Nol
wazi
laughedagai
n.

Thandeka:
Any
way
,howar
eyoubaby
?

Nol
wazi
:I’
m okayma.
..

Thandeka:
Andhowi
sMdut
reat
ingy
ou?

Nol
wazi
:Li
kedad,
ofcour
se.

Thandekal
aughed.

Thandeka:
It’
sgoodt
hathe’
spr
otect
ingy
ouphel
aIwasn’
tcomf
ort
abl
eaboutl
eav
ingy
oual
one
l
apho.

Nol
wazi
:Wor
khasbeenkeepi
ngmebusyt
hough.

Thandeka:
I’
m sur
e..
.

Nol
wazi
swal
l
owedhar
dasshet
houghtaboutDeanandt
hel
i
fegr
owi
ngi
nsi
deher
.

Theyspentt
henexthourchat
ti
ngandcat
chi
ngup.
..

*
**
Thol
iandMduwer
enowanhourawayf
rom Dur
ban.I
twasnowar
ound4pm.

Mdu:
Arey
ouhungr
y?

Thol
i
:YesIam.

Mduchuckl
ed.Hewasgl
adt
hatshehadnowmov
edf
rom gi
vi
nghi
m onewor
danswer
s.

Mdu:
Let
’smakeonel
astst
op.

Thol
i
:Whowast
hatguywebumpedi
ntot
hatot
hert
ime?

Mduf
rowned.

Mdu:
When?

Thol
i
:Whenwewentt
ogetf
oodatSandt
onCi
ty.

Mdu:
Oh.
..

Hehuf
fedandgr
unt
ed.

Thol
i
:Ishey
ourf
ri
end?

Mdu:
Hei
sgay
.
Thol
i
:So?

Mdugl
ancedatherandpul
l
edaf
ace.

Thol
i
:Soj
udgement
al!

Mdu:
Hai
manhemakesmeuncomf
ort
abl
e.Imethi
mthr
ough.
..

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

Mdu:
Thr
oughanex.

Thol
i
:Oh.

Shesai
dthatqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
I’
m conf
usedast
owhyhest
uckar
ound.Heshoul
dhav
evani
shedwi
thher
.

Shel
aughedqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
Idon’
twanthi
mtouchi
ngme.

Thol
i
:Hesur
ethr
ewhi
msel
fony
ou.

Mdushi
ver
eddr
amat
ical
l
yandThol
il
aughed.
Mdu:
Angazi
uhl
ekani
.

Thol
i
:You’
readr
amat
icper
sonMdu.

Mdu:
Ngi
fananawe.

Thol
i
:Hai
I’
m notdr
amat
ic.

Mdu:
HeehushongobaI
’
mtheonewhohasdeal
twi
thy
ourdr
amal
atel
y.

Thol
irol
l
edherey
es.

Theyfi
nal
l
ygottoastopandtheywenttotheWimpyt
hatwasther
eandgotf
ood.Theydeci
ded
toeatt
her
ebecauseMduinsi
stedthatThol
iwoul
drui
nhi
scar.
..

Af
teranhourorsot
heyf
ini
shedeat
ingandt
henmadet
hei
rwayt
othecaranddr
oveon.
..

Thol
i
:Whenar
eyougoi
ngbackt
oJobur
g?

Mdu:
Unt
ilI
’
m unwant
edher
e.

Mdugl
ancedatherandf
lashedasmi
l
e.

Thol
i
:Iwonder
..
.

Mdu:
Thi
sper
soni
sluckyIt
ell
you.
Thol
i
:Goodf
orher
.

Mdu:
Wel
lshedeser
vesal
lthel
ovet
hatwi
l
lcomeherway
.

Thol
i
:Ther
e’smor
e?

Mdu:Sheobv
iousl
yhasn’
tfel
tthel
ovebei
ngdi
rect
edt
owar
dshernowsocl
ear
lyshei
sinneed
ofmore.

Thol
i
:Wow.

Mdu:
Itwi
l
lwor
kouti
ntheend.
..

Hesai
dthatqui
etl
yandt
henf
ocusedont
her
oadagai
n.

Theydroveinsi
lencet
il
ltheyf
inal
l
ygott
oThol
i
’snei
ghbour
hood.Mdudr
ovet
othehouseand
parkedbythegate.

Mdusi
ghedandt
henl
ookedather
.

Mdu:
Ther
eyougo.
..

Thol
i
:Thanky
ou.

Henoddedandst
aredatheraf
fect
ionat
ely
.
Mdu:
Wil
lyoubef
ine?

Thol
i
:YesIwi
l
l.Thanks.

Mdu:
You’
l
lcal
li
fyouneedany
thi
ng.

Shenoddedv
eryl
i
ght
lyandhechuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Don’
tbeashamedofwant
ingme.

Shegr
unt
edandhel
eanedcl
osert
oherandshet
il
tedherhead.

Mdu:
Seey
ousoon.

Shesmi
l
edandt
heyshar
edaki
ss.

Mdu:
Goont
hen.

Shegr
abbedherbagf
rom t
hebackandgotoutoft
hecar
.

Thol
i
:By
e.

Mdu:
Shap.

Sheclosedthedoorandwalkedtothegat
e.Mdudroveof
fandthenshemadeherwayi
nsi
de.
Shefeltl
ikeali
tt
leschool
gir
l,f
eel
ingconf
usedandhappyatt
hesamet i
me.
..
Sheunl
ockedt
hehouseandt
henmadeherwayi
nsi
de.

“
Her
ewegoagai
n,
”shet
houghtsadl
y.

Shesi
ghedast
hecol
dnessoft
hehousehi
therhar
d..
.

“
Suchanemot
ionl
esspl
ace,
”shet
hought
.

Sheputherbagonthecounterandthenswit
chedontheunderfloorheat
ingsy st
em fort
he
wholehouse.Shet
henpouredhersel
faglassofwat
eranddr ankitsl
owly,chuckl
ing,
asshe
thoughtbackt
ohowshewast hel
astti
meshewasint heki
tchen..
.

Shegotherbagandt
henmadeherwayf
urt
heri
nsi
de.

Shel
ookedar
oundandt
ri
ednott
olett
hecol
dnessoft
hepl
acegett
oherspi
ri
t.
..

Bef
oreshecoul
dpr
ocesshert
hought
s,herbagi
nst
ant
lydr
oppedt
othef
loor
..
.

Herey
espoppedoutandherj
awdr
opped.

Ther
ewasKwanel
e,ont
hecouch,
busyonhi
slapt
op.
..

Herent
ir
ebodyf
rozeashet
urnedhi
sheadandgl
ancedatherf
rom adi
stance.

I
NSERT70
Thol
ifi
nal
l
yfel
tthebl
oodr
usht
hroughherbodyandshecl
ear
edhert
hroat
.

Thol
i
:Kwani
?

Kwanel
e:Youseem t
ohav
elosti
tther
e.

Sheshookherheadli
ghtl
y,tr
yingtofull
ysnapoutofit.Shet
henwalkedov
ert
othecouches
andtr
iednottoactawkward.Eventhoughherthoughtsandemoti
onswereal
lov
ertheplace,
a
bi
gpartofherwasactual
lyrel
ievedthathewasokay .
..

Thol
i
:Ar
en’
tyougoi
ngt
ohugme?

Kwanel
echuckl
edlight
lyandthenputhi
slaptopaside.Hest
oodupandTholist
eppedcl
osert
o
hi
m.Shewalkedinhisembraceandhewr appedhisarmsaroundher
.Theyst
oodtheref
ora
whi
leandhefi
nall
yletgoofherandsmiledwarmly.

Kwanel
e:Unj
ani
?

Thol
icr
ossedherar
msandl
ookedathi
m st
ernl
y.

Thol
i
:Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?

Shesai
dthatbol
dlyandconf
ident
lyt
hatKwanel
elookedatherwi
thar
aisedey
ebr
ow.

Thol
icont
inuedt
olookathi
m ser
iousl
y.

Kwanel
e:I
’
vebeeni
nhospi
tal
.
Herey
esshotupandsheexcl
aimedi
ncompl
eteshock.

Thol
i
:What
??What
’swr
ong?
?Ar
eyouokay
??

Shest
eppedcl
oseragai
nandt
ouchedhi
m.Kwanel
esmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Kwanel
e:I
’
llbef
ine.

Thol
il
ookedathi
m concer
nedl
y.

Thol
i
:What
’swr
ong?Whathappened?

Shelookedathi
mi nt
entl
yandr
eal
isedj
usthowdiff
erenthewas.Shecoul
dn’
treal
l
yident
if
y
whatwaswr ongbutther
ewasdef
ini
tel
ysomethi
ngoffish.

Kwanel
e:CanIsi
tnow?

Thol
i
:Woul
dyoul
i
keany
thi
ng?Ar
eyouhungr
y?

Kwanel
e:Thol
iI’
mfi
ne.

Hesatdownandshesatnextt
ohi
m.

Thol
i
:Whathappened?
?Youdi
sappear
edf
orweeksKwani
!

Kwanel
elookedatherwi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.
Thol
i
:Ar
en’
tyougoi
ngt
otel
lmewhathappened?

Kwanel
e:Igothur
twhi
l
ehav
ingasei
zur
e..
.

Shel
ookedathi
minshockagai
n.

Thol
i
:Wher
ewer
eyou?

Kwanel
e:Wasdr
ivi
ngbackf
rom Dundeet
hedayaf
tery
oul
eft
.

Shelookedathi
m nervousl
yandassher
ecal
l
edt
hef
ir
stt
imeshesawhi
m hav
ingasei
zur
e,she
tr
iedholdi
ngbackheremotions.

Kwanel
e:Don’
tcr
y.I
’
mfi
nenow.

Thol
i
:Youwer
edr
ivi
ngal
one!Ishoul
dhav
enev
erl
efty
oubehi
ndt
her
e.

Kwanel
elookedatherwi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.

Thol
i
:Di
dsomeonegety
ou?Howdi
dyouendupi
nhospi
tal
?

Kwanel
e:Managedt
omakeacal
lbef
orei
thappened.

Tholi
keptquietandprocessedwhathewassayi
ng.Thegui
l
thithersohar
dthatshecoul
dn’
t
hel
pbutletthetear
sf l
ow.Hereshewasbusygal
li
vanti
ngar
oundwhenherhusbandwasin
dangerandaloneelsewhere.
Thol
i
:Butwhydi
dn’
tyoucal
lme?

Kwanel
e:I
t’
sbeenar
ought
imeThol
i
.

Shenoddedl
i
ght
lyandwi
pedherf
ace.

Thol
i
:I’
m sor
ryKwani
.
..

Shesai
dthatqui
etl
yandl
ookedaway
.

Kwanel
e:Whyar
eyouapol
ogi
sing?Youdi
dnot
hingwr
ong.I
’
mtheonewhoi
ssor
ry.
..

Shel
ookedathi
m sadl
y.

Thol
i
:Itmusthav
ebeent
oughf
ory
ou.
..

Kwanel
e:I’
m sor
ryf
orbei
ngoutofr
each.I
’
m wai
ti
ngonmynewphonenowbecauset
heot
her
onegotdamaged.

Thol
i
:Damaged?

Kwanel
enodded.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m notsur
ewhathappenedt
oit
.
Thol
i
:Soy
ouwer
eal
lal
one?
?

Kwanel
e:I
’
mfi
nenow.

Shegotcl
osert
ohi
m andhuggedhi
m.

Thol
i
:I’
m sor
ry.

Kwanel
ehuggedherbackanddi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

*
**

Deanwasbusycat
chi
nguponwor
kwhenhi
sphoner
angandhecheckedt
hecal
l
eri
dbef
ore
answer
ing.

Dean:
Mama.

Li
ndel
wa:
Hel
l
omf
anam,
unj
ani
?

Deanchuckl
ed.

Dean:
Iwasact
ual
l
yaboutt
ocal
lyoumanj
e.

Li
ndel
wal
aughed.

Li
ndel
wa:
Yil
e-connect
iony
ethuangi
thi
.Itr
unsdeept
hist
hing!
Dean:
Unj
ani
?

Li
ndel
wa:Ngiy
aphi
l
aLangel
ihl
e.I
’
vebeent
hinki
ngabouty
oual
ott
heseday
syazi
,i
sev
ery
thi
ng
okayt
hatsi
de?Imi
ssyou.

Dean:
Thi
ngscoul
dn’
tbebet
ter
.

Li
ndel
wa:
Isi
t?

Dean:
Yebo.
..Thi
ngsar
elooki
ngup.

Li
ndel
wa:
Buty
oual
way
sthr
iveatwor
ksoI
’
m notsur
pri
sedt
her
e.

Dean:
Hai
whosai
dI’
mtal
ki
ngaboutwor
k?

Li
ndel
wa:
Hai
boLangawhatel
sewoul
dyoubet
alki
ngabout
?Yourl
i
fer
evol
vesar
oundwor
k!

Hechuckl
edandsecondsl
atersheexcl
aimed.

Li
ndel
wa:
Am Iwr
ong?
?

Dean:
Justt
hisonce.
..

Li
ndel
wa:
Heeeh!Tel
lmemor
e!
Deanchuckl
ed.

Li
ndel
wa:
Dean!

Dean:
Iwassupposedt
otel
lyouacoupl
eofweeksbackbuti
tsl
i
ppedmymi
nd.

Li
ndel
wa:
What
??

Dean:
I’
vebeenget
ti
ngcl
osewi
thsomeone.

Li
ndel
wascr
eechedandDeanl
aughed.

Li
ndel
wa:
What
??!

Dean:
You’
reov
err
eact
ing,
cal
m down.

Li
ndelwa:Hai
bol
eav
emeal one!Si
nceIgav
ebi
rt
htoy
ou,
I’
venev
erhear
dyousayt
hat
!Iwas
st
art
ingtothi
nky
ou’
resecr
etl
ygay!

Dean:
Mama!

Lindelwa:
Hai whatwasIsupposedt
othink?
?At33andy ouhav
enowi
feorchi
l
d??Thatt
ime
you’veneverevenint
roducedmetoanyofyourgi
rl
fr
iends!

Dean:
Whywoul
dIi
ntr
oducey
out
osomeoneI
’
m notpl
anni
ngonbei
ngwi
thi
nthef
utur
e?

Li
ndel
wa:
Kodwai
twoul
dbeni
cet
oknowwher
eyouar
einy
ourl
ovel
i
fe!
Dean:
Idi
dn’
thav
eal
ovel
i
fe,
that
’swhyy
ouwer
eint
hedar
k.

Li
ndel
wa:
Sonowy
ouhav
eone?
?

Dean:
It’
snott
hatsi
mpl
e.

Li
ndel
wa:
Whatdoy
oumeani
t’
snott
hatsi
mpl
e??Doy
oul
ovet
hisgi
rl
??

Deanhuf
fed.

Dean:
Ver
ymuchso.

Li
ndel
wa:
Tel
lmemor
e!

Dean:
I’
m notr
eal
l
ysur
ewhatexact
lyIneedt
otel
lyoubecausei
treal
l
yisn’
tthatsi
mpl
e.

Li
ndel
wa:
Okay
,let
’sst
artwi
thhername.

Deanchuckl
edqui
etl
y.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
.

Li
ndel
wa:
Hmm,
lov
elyname.I
ssheasknowl
edgeabl
eashernamesuggest
s?

Deanl
aughedqui
etl
y.
Dean:
Bey
ondi
ntel
l
igent
.

Li
ndel
wa:
Ofcour
sey
ou’
dpi
ckasmar
tone.

Dean:
Youknowmet
oowel
l
...

Li
ndel
wa:
Andhersur
name?

Deancl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandgr
owl
ed.

Dean:
Thi
siswher
ethecompl
i
cat
ionbegi
ns.

Li
ndel
wa:
Tryt
omakei
teasyf
ormet
henson.

Deantookadeepbreathandbegant
oexpl
ainev
erysi
ngl
ethi
ngt
ohi
smot
her
..
.Leav
ingoutt
he
factt
hatNol
wazii
spr egnant
.

Li
ndel
wa:
Uhm okay
..
.

Sheexhal
edl
oudl
yandDeangr
unt
ed.

Li
ndel
wa:
Ireal
l
ydon’
tknowwhatt
osay
..
.

Dean:
Arey
ouangr
y?
Li
ndel
wa:
DoIhav
ether
ightt
o?

Dean:
Fornow,
yes,
butIt
hinkwebot
hknowI
’
lldoasIpl
easei
ntheend.

Li
ndel
wa:
ImeanIj
ustf
eel
li
key
oushoul
dhav
ewai
tedf
orhert
ogetadi
vor
ce.

Dean:
Itwasanuncont
rol
l
abl
esi
tuat
ion.

Li
ndel
wa:
Soy
oucoul
dn’
tev
enhol
dont
il
lshesor
tedoutherl
i
fef
ir
st?

Dean:
I’
vebeenhel
pinghersor
titout
.Nowor
ri
est
her
e..
.

Li
ndel
wa:
OhDean.
..Your
eal
l
ylov
eherdon’
tyou?

Dean:
Ial
way
shav
e.

Li
ndel
wa:
Manj
ear
eyoupl
anni
ngonbei
ngwi
thher
?

Dean:
Ofcour
se.

Li
ndel
wa:
Doest
hehusbandknow?

Dean:
Ireal
l
ydon’
tcar
eaboutall
ofthat.That
’si
rr
elev
antt
ome.
..Asl
ongassheandIar
eon
t
hesamepagethenI’
m good,
honestl
y.

Li
ndel
wa:
Andherf
ami
l
y?
Dean:
Whataboutt
hem?

Li
ndel
wa:
Theyobv
iousl
ywon’
taccepty
ou.

Dean:
Shamet
hent
oobad.
..We’
regoi
ngt
ohav
eababyany
way
.

Li
ndel
wa:
What
??!

Dean:
She’
spr
egnant
.

Hesai
dthatsocool
l
ythatLi
ndel
wacoul
dn’
thel
pbutl
augh.

Li
ndel
wa:
I’
m dumbf
ounded!

Deanl
aughedqui
etl
y.

Li
ndel
wa:
Hai
wenaLangel
i
hle!

Dean:
Wef
oundoutt
hismor
ning.

Li
ndel
wa:
Kodwankosy
am!

Deanchuckl
ed.

Li
ndel
wa:
Ithi
nkIneedt
ocomeov
ert
hatsi
desowecant
alkaboutt
hispr
oper
ly.If
eel
li
ke
y
ou’
repul
l
ingapr
ankonme.

Dean:
Notev
en.

Li
ndel
wa:
Yohangazi
ngi
thi
ni!

Dean:
Myhousei
sal
way
sopenf
ory
ou.Uf
unaukuzani
ni?

Li
ndel
wa:
I’
ll
seei
fIcancomet
omor
row.
..

Dean:
Okay
.

Li
ndel
wa:
Ifonl
yyourf
atherwasst
il
lal
i
ve.
..

Dean:
He’
dbel
aughi
nghi
sgut
sout
.

Li
ndel
wa:
Andknowi
nghi
m,he’
dpr
obabl
ybesopr
oudofy
ouf
ormov
ingqui
ckont
hisgi
rl
.

Theybot
hchuckl
ed.

Li
ndel
wa:
I’
ll
cal
lyout
omor
rowke.

Dean:
Okay
.

Li
ndel
wa:
Soy
ou’
regoi
ngt
obeaf
ather
?
Deanchuckl
ed.

Li
ndel
wa:
Unezi
mangashameDean.By
eby
e.

Dean:
Byema.

Li
ndel
wa:
Shap.

Hedroppedt
hecal
landt
hendi
all
edNol
wazi
’
snumber
.Itr
angf
orawhi
l
ebutsheev
ent
ual
l
y
answer
ed.

Shehuf
fedandpuf
fed.

Nol
wazi
:Hey
.

Dean:
Whyar
eyououtofbr
eat
h?

Nol
wazi
:I’
m busycl
ear
ingoutt
hingsher
e.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Rel
axi
t’
sjustcl
othesandl
i
ttl
est
uff
.

Shesi
ghedheav
il
y.

Dean:
Hav
eyoueat
en?
Nol
wazi
:I’
m goi
ngt
obl
ocky
ouDean!

Hechuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Whathav
eyoubeendoi
ngwi
thoutme?

Dean:
Washongat
himyl
i
fer
evol
vesar
oundy
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Wel
l
...

Dean:
Mxm.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Pl
easebr
ingmesomesushi
.

Dean:
Uyabonake.
..

Nol
wazi
:What
?We’
ref
eedi
ngy
ourbabynj
e.

Dean:
Mxm.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lbewai
ti
ng.
..

Shel
aughedqui
etl
ybef
oredr
oppi
ngt
hecal
l
.
*
**

WhileKwanel
ewasi nthebathroom,t
akingashower,Thol
iquickl
ymadeherwaydownst ai
rs
andgotherphonefrom herbag.Sheputiti
nachargerandswitchediton.Assoonasi
twas
funct
ional
shedial
l
edMdu’ snumberandi tr
angforawhilebutheev ent
uall
yanswer
ed.

Mdu:
Soy
ouf
inal
l
ychar
gedy
ourphone?

Thol
i
:Kwanel
eisback!

Shewhi
sper
edner
vousl
y.

Mduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Isi
t?Di
dhet
ell
youwher
ehev
ani
shedt
o?

Thol
i
:Hewasi
nhospi
tal
.

Mdu:
Shame.

Thol
i
:Dr
opt
hesar
casm!

Mdu:
Mxm.

Thol
i
:Andpl
easedon’
tcont
actmeMdu.
Mdu:
Okay
.

Thol
i
:Thanks.

Mdu:
Don’
tbel
i
eveany
thi
nghesay
s..
.It
’squi
tecl
eart
hathei
sasnake.

Thol
i
:No!

Mdu:
OkayThol
i
,by
eby
e.

Thol
i
:Mdu-

Shesi
ghedheav
il
y.

Mdu:
What
?

Thol
i
:Don’
tbemadatme.

Mdu:
I’
m notmad,
I’
mjusti
rr
it
ated.

Shekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Bye.

HedroppedthecallandTholist
oodt her
efeel
i
ngv er
yletdown.
..Shesi
ghedindi
sappoi
ntment
andthenwal
kedupt hest
air
sandmadeherwaybackt othebedroom wher
eshefoundKwanel
e
l
oti
oninghi
mself.Shestaredathim andhesmiledwarmly.
Kwanel
e:Ev
ery
thi
ngokay
?

Shenoddedandwentt
osi
tont
heedgeoft
hebed.

I
NSERT71

Mdumadehiswaytothehouse,aft
erdri
vi
ngaroundforhour
s.Hedrov ei
ntheyar
dandthen
madehi
swayinsi
de.Hecouldal
readytel
lthatNol
waziwasback..
.Justashewasaboutto
wal
koutoft
hekit
chen,hehear
dt hegat
ebuzzergooff.Hewalkedtoitandpr
essedi
t.

Mdu:
Ya?

Per
son:
Nol
wazi
?

Mdu:
Who’
sthi
s?

Per
son:
IsNol
wazi
in?

Mdukeptquietforasecond.Hecont
emplatedquesti
oni
ngwhot hi
spersonwasbutsomehow
i
tcli
ckedthati
twaspr obabl
yNolwaz
i’
smy ster
yman.Withoutaski
nganymorequesti
ons,he
openedthegateandwentt ost
andbythedoor.Minut
eslat
erhesawanunf ami
li
arcardri
vein.
..

Hewat
chedasi
tpar
kedatadi
stanceandhewal
kedt
oit
.

Secondsl
ater
,anunf
ami
l
iarmangotoutoft
hecar
..
.

Mdu:
Hi.
Deanl
ookedatMdui
ntent
ly.

Dean:
Unj
ani
Mduduzi
?

Mduf
rownedandl
ookedathi
m wei
rdl
yandDeanchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Andhowdoy
ouknowme?

Dean:
I’
myoursi
ster
’scol
l
eague.

Mdu:
Sowhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Deanchuckl
ed.

Dean:
Isy
oursi
sterher
e?

Mdu:
Youhav
en’
tanswer
edmyquest
ion.

Deanl
ookedatMduandcouldn’
thelpbutchuckl
ebecauseheremi
ndedhi
m somuchofhi
msel
f
whenhewasyoung.
..Thi
nki
ngthatever
yonehadt oanswert
ohim.
..

Dean:
Woul
dyoumi
ndt
ell
i
ngherI
’
m her
e?

Mdu:
Youcomei
ntomyhouse-
Dean:
Yourhouse?

Mdut
ight
enedhi
sjaw.Hewasonedgesi
ncet
hatcal
lfr
om Thol
i
.

Mdu:
Yaz-

Nol
wazi
:Mdu?
?

Bot
hMduandDeant
urnedt
olookatNol
wazi
whoemer
gedf
rom t
heot
hersi
deoft
hey
ard.

Shewal
kedt
othem.

Mdu:
Whyar
eyousmi
l
ingl
i
ket
hat
?

Dean,
whohadn’
tev
enr
eal
i
sedt
hathewasbei
ngwat
ched,
lookedatMduhumor
ousl
y.

Dean:
Youaskt
oomanyquest
ions.

Nol
wazi
final
l
ygott
othem andcr
ossedherar
msasshel
ookedatMdu.

Nol
wazi
:Uf
ikeni
ni?

Mdu:
NowIhav
etor
epor
twhenI
’
m back?Howol
dam I
?

Nol
wazi
:Hai
bowat
chy
ourmout
hphel
a.What
’seat
ingy
ou?
Mdugr
owl
ed.

Dean:
Letmel
ea-

Nol
wazi
:No,
you’
renotgoi
ngany
wher
eDean.

Shef
ocusedonMduandl
ookedathi
m sof
tl
y.

Nol
wazi
:What
’swr
ong?

Mdu:
Who’
sthi
s?

Nol
wazi
:Don’
tactst
upi
d.Youknowexact
lywhohei
s.

Mdugr
unt
edashegl
ancedatacool
-l
ooki
ngDean.

Nol
wazi
:Nowi
fyoudon’
tmi
nd,
ngi
cel
aungeneendl
i
ni.

Mdu:
Mxm.

Het
urnedar
oundandmadehi
swaybacki
nsi
det
hehouse.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Dean:
Tobey
oungandbuck.
..
Nol
wazi
:Somet
hingi
sobv
iousl
ybot
her
inghi
m..
.

Shesi
ghedandshookherheadl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Any
way
..
.

Sheputherhandout
.

Dean:
Yini
?

Nol
wazi
:Mysushi
.

Dean:
SoI
’
myourdel
i
ver
yboy
?

Nol
wazi
:Weneedt
obef
ed.

Shesai
dthatwi
thawar
m smi
l
eandDeancoul
dn’
thel
pbutsmi
l
etoo.

Dean:
Pul
l
ingatmyhear
tst
ri
ngs,
Isee.
..

Nol
wazi
:I’
m gl
adi
t’
swor
king,
nowgi
vememysushi
!

Dean:
Uyahl
uphakodwaNol
wazi
.

Heopenedhi
sdoorandr
eachedf
ort
hepaperbagandt
hengav
eitt
oher
.
Nol
wazi
:I’
dki
ssy
our
ightnowbutIr
eal
l
yjustwantt
oeat
.

Dean:
Mxm.

Nol
wazi
:Li
sten,
onaser
iousnot
ethough,
myl
awy
erandIhav
efi
nal
i
sedev
ery
thi
ng.

Dean:
Isi
t?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Nol
wazi
:Anot
icewi
l
lbesentoutt
ohi
m nol
atert
hanaweek.

Dean:
Thatsoonhuh?

Sheexhal
eddeepl
yandnodded.

Dean:
Arey
our
eady
?

Nol
wazi
:Ineedt
ogeti
toutoft
heway
..
.

Dean:
Wel
lyouknowI
’
m her
e..
.

Nol
wazi
:You’
vedef
ini
tel
ymadet
hatpoi
ntcl
ear
.

Dean:
Uyadel
elaunj
alo.
Nol
wazi
chuckl
edandDeanbecameser
ious.

Nol
wazi
:Yi
ni?

Dean:
Mymot
herwant
stomeety
ou.

Herey
espoppedoutandherj
awdr
opped.

Deanl
aughedqui
etl
y.

Nol
wazi
:What
’ssof
unny
??Di
dyout
ell
her
??

Deannodded.

Nol
wazi
:Dean!

Dean:
What
?

Nol
wazi
:Ut
hiwhat
??

Dean:Unl
i
keallt
hepeoplei
nyourl
if
eNol
wazi
,mypeoplear
enotpsy
chot
icandchi
l
dish.Ihav
e
alovi
ngmotherwhoneverbombar
dsmewit
hnonsense.

Nol
wazi
:Ohwel
lexcuseOURmot
her
swhoar
enotl
ovi
ng!

Dean:
Don’
tbedr
amat
ic.
Nol
wazi
:Whywoul
dyout
ell
herwi
thoutconsul
ti
ngwi
thme?
?

Dean:
Yourbr
otherknowssowhyshoul
dn’
tmymot
her
?

Nol
wazi
:Dean,
Mduf
igur
edi
toutbyhi
msel
f!

Dean:
Yawel
lther
e’snochangi
ngi
tnow.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m angr
il
y.

Dean:
Iapol
ogi
sef
ornotconsul
ti
ngwi
thy
oubuti
treal
l
ywasn’
tmyi
ntent
iont
otel
lher
..
.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Dean:
Don’
tbemadatme.

Nol
wazi
:I’
mver
ymad.

Dean:
I’
m sor
ry.

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
tli
kewhaty
ouhav
edoneDean.

Dean:
Ngi
yaxol
i
saangi
thi
?

Nol
wazi
keptqui
etandDeanr
eachedf
orsomet
hingel
sei
nhi
scarandt
ookoutabi
gpacketof
cashewnut
sandNol
wazi
chuckl
edassoonasshesawt
hem.

Nol
wazi
:Youdoknowt
hatIcanal
way
sgett
hosef
ormy
sel
fri
ght
?

Dean:
Yeahbuty
ou’
ret
ir
edr
ightnowandpr
obabl
ynoti
nthemoodt
odr
ive.

Nol
wazi
nar
rowedherey
es.

Dean:
AndIknowf
orsur
ethaty
ou’
vedef
ini
tel
yfi
nishedt
heonesy
ouhav
eher
e.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Dean:
List
en,
I’
m sor
ryokay
?ButIknowmymot
her
,she’
snotgoi
ngt
oki
l
lyou.

Nol
wazi
:Howsur
ear
eyou?

Dean:
Trustme.

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
yandt
hensnat
chedt
hepacketofnut
sfr
om hi
shand.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m st
il
langr
y..
.Gi
vemesomet
ime.

Dean:
Wel
lyouhav
eunt
ilt
omor
row.

Nol
wazi
huf
fedandhepul
l
edherandwr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundherwai
st.
Nol
wazi
:Wat
chi
t.Imi
ghtj
ustdr
opmyf
ood.

Deanl
ookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Dean:
Ilov
eyou.

Nol
wazi
:Tr
yingt
opul
latmyhear
tst
ri
ngs?

Dean:
Onl
yifi
twor
ks.

Nol
wazi
grunt
edandt
heyst
oodt
her
eforawhi
l
e.

Nol
wazi
:SowhatdoIwear
?

Deanchuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Aski
rtandadoek?

Dean:
Ungazoj
way
elauLi
ndel
wawami
kabi
wena.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:AwwsoI
’
m guessi
ngshebr
ingsoutt
hebabyi
nyou?

Dean:
Mxm.
Nol
wazi
:Becausei
fthat
’st
hecaset
henIcannotwai
ttomeether
.

Deangr
unt
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Iseem t
oat
tractal
lthemama’
sboy
s.

Dean:
Ngi
yahambamanj
e.

Shel
aughedandki
ssedhi
scheek.

Nol
wazi
:You’
l
lletmeknowwhenandwher
e..
.

Dean:
Enj
oyy
oursushi
.

Nol
wazi
:Tr
ustmeIwi
l
l.

Shel
aughedashegr
owl
edandl
etgoofher
.

Nol
wazi
:By
ethen.
..

Dean:
I’
m noty
ourdel
i
ver
yboy
,under
stood?

Nol
wazi
:Hmkay
.

Hegoti
nthecarandshemadeherwayi
nsi
det
hehouset
oopent
hegat
eforhi
m..
.
Mdu:
Sot
hat
’shi
m?

Nol
wazi
washedherhandsandopeneduphersushi
takeaway
.

Mdu:
Idon’
tli
kehi
m.He’
sar
rogant
.

Nol
wazi
:Ofcour
sey
oudon’
tli
kehi
m.Whowoul
dli
keaper
sonwho’
sar
epl
i
caoft
hemsel
ves?

Mdu:
Mxm.

Nol
wazi
:That
’sy
oui
n10y
ear
s..
.Wantt
obet
?

Mdu:
Fuckof
f.

Nol
wazi
:What
’seat
ingy
ou?Cl
ear
lyi
khonai
ntoekudl
ayo.

Mdu:
Mxm.

Nol
wazi
:Isi
tagi
rl
?

Mdu:
Whywoul
dagi
rlbot
herme?

Nol
wazi
:Hey
,I’
mjustaski
ng!

Mdu:
Mxm.
Nol
wazi
:MduI
’
llgi
vey
ouy
ourspace.
..You’
renoti
nther
ightf
rameofmi
ndobv
iousl
y.
..

Shebeganwal
ki
ngoutoft
heki
tchen.

Mdu:
I’
minl
oveLwazi
.

*
**

Kwanel
egoti
nbednextt
oThol
iandt
henswi
tchedont
hesi
del
amp.

Thol
i
:Kwani
.

Kwanel
e:Yes,
myl
ove?

Thol
i
:Whenwi
l
lyoubebet
ter
?

Kwanel
e:I
’
mfi
nest
handwasami
.

Tholi
tur
nedtol
ookathi
m ashebalancedhi
msel
font
heheadboar
dandt
ookoutt
hebookhe
usual
lyr
eadbef
orehegoest
osleep.

Thol
i
:Icanseet
haty
ou’
renotf
ine.

Kwanel
esmi
l
edki
ndl
y.

Kwanel
e:Let
’sgi
vei
tacoupl
eofday
s,okay
?
Thol
i
:I’
m sor
ry.

Kwanel
e:St
opapol
ogi
singThol
akel
e.

Shehuf
fedandkeptqui
et.Af
terawhi
l
eshehear
dherphonebeepandshet
ri
ednott
oactwei
rd.

Kwanel
e:YourphonebeepedThol
i
.

Thol
i
:OhIdi
dn’
theari
t.
..

Shener
vousl
ytur
nedandr
eachedf
ori
t.
..ShesawMdu’
snumberandherhear
trat
eincr
eased.

Thol
i
:It
’sZani
.

Kwanel
ewast
oobusyr
eadi
nganddi
dn’
tseem t
ocar
e.

Sheopenedt
hemessage:

Mdu:
Seei
ngasy
ouwi
l
lbeget
ti
ngf
uckedt
oni
ght
,Imi
ghtaswel
ll
etof
fmyst
eam t
oo.

Herey
espoppedoutandshequi
ckl
yty
ped.

Thol
i
:Whatdoy
oumean?

Herphonebeepedagai
n.
Mdu:
Ucabangani
wena?

Shet
ri
edt
ocont
aint
heemot
ionsbr
ewi
ngi
nherassher
epl
i
ed.

Thol
i
:Pl
easedon’
t.

Herphonebeepedagai
n.

Mdu:
Youdon’
twantmet
osl
eepwi
thot
herwomen?

Shet
ypedqui
ckl
y.

Thol
i
:No.

Mdur
epl
i
ed.

Mdu:
Okay
.

Thol
i
:Thanky
ou.

Mdu:
Any
thi
ngf
ory
ou;
)

Shefel
therhear
trat
estabi
l
iseandt
hendel
etedal
lthemessages.Shet
urnedar
oundand
Kwanel
eglancedather
.
Kwanel
e:Ev
ery
thi
ngal
ri
ght
?

Thol
inodded.

Kwanel
eputdownhi
sbookandt
henpul
l
edhercl
osert
ohi
mti
l
lhal
fofherbodywasonhi
m.

Thol
i
:Iwaswor
ri
edabouty
ou.

Kwanel
e:Ngi
yaxol
i
sa.

Shenoddedl
ight
lyandhelookedathertender
lyandpl
acedhi
sli
psonher
s.Asheki
ssedher
gent
ly,
shetr
iednottoacti
ndif
fer
ent.
..

Het i
ghtenedhishol
donherandt hekissgotdeeper
.Sheletoutamoanashi
shandst
rokedher
back..
.Justasitwasgetti
ngmoreintense,ani
mager ant
hroughhermi
ndandshequi
ckl
y
stoppedthekissandtensedup.

Kwanel
elookedatherwei
rdl
y.

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
handav
oidedhi
sey
es.

Thol
i
:I’
m..
.I-

Hel
oosenedhi
sgr
iponherandsmi
l
edki
ndl
y.

Kwanel
e:I
t’
sokay
.
Shesi
ghedheav
il
yandheki
ssedherf
orehead.

Kwanel
e:Let
’ssl
eep.

Heswit
chedoffthesidel
ampandt
hengoti
nbedpr
oper
ly.Thol
ifacedt
heot
herwayandhe
hel
dherfr
om behind.
..

Asshelayther
e,shecouldn’thel
pbutpi
ctur
eMduwithsomeoneelse.Shepi
ctur
edhi
mlooki
ng
andhol
dingsomeot herpersonthewayhedidwi
thherandshef
eltasharppai
ninherst
omach.
Shecouldn’
tst
omachi tal
l.
..

I
NSERT72(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Thef oll
owingmorning,Nolwazi
wokeupf eeli
ngallki
ndsofgrumpyandbl oated.Shecall
edDr.
Smi thandsetanappoi nt
mentwithhi
mf orthefol
lowingday.
..Shedeci
dedt hatshewouldwork
from homet i
llt
heendoft heweekandthengobackt owor knextweek.Shewant edtosorther
thingsoutbeforegoingbackandthatmeantgetti
ngaf ul
lhealt
hcheckupf i
rst.Thatal
l
ergy
thingreall
yfr
eakedherout .

Justasshef
ini
shedshoweri
ng,
ther
ewasaknockont
hedoorandshet
oldMdut
ocomei
n.He
walkedi
nandsatonthebed.

Mdu:
Mor
ning.

Nol
wazi
:Hey
.

Mdu:
Thanksf
ort
hel
i
ttl
epept
alky
est
erday
.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m andnodded.
Mdu:
Yougr
umpy
?

Shegr
unt
ed.

Mdu:
Let
’sgooutf
orbr
eakf
ast
.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Hegotupf
rom t
hebed.

Mdu:
I’
ll
goshowerr
eal
qui
ck.

Nolwazinoddedandhewalkedoutandcl
osedthedoor.Shel
oti
onedher
sel
fandt
hengot
dressed.Justasshef
ini
shed,
herphoneandshewalkedtowherei
twasandsawDean’
sname
andanswer ed.

Nol
wazi
:Hel
l
o.

Dean:
Someone’
snothappyt
hismor
ning.
..

Nol
wazi
:I’
m not
.

Dean:
Yin’
ndaba?

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
tknow.
Deanchuckl
ed.

Dean:
Thedoct
orsai
dyou’
l
lexper
iencePMS-
li
kesy
mpt
oms.
..

Nol
wazi
growl
ed.

Dean:
Woul
dyoul
i
keany
thi
ng?

Nol
wazi
:No.

Dean:
Wel
lIwascal
l
ingt
otel
lyout
hatmymot
herwi
l
lbeher
ejustbef
ore12pm.

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
y.

Nol
wazi
:Wher
e?

Dean:
Myhouse.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Dean:
I’
ll
seey
out
hen.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
,by
e.

Dean:
Bye.
Shedr
oppedt
hecal
landt
henmadet
hebed.
..

*
**

AsTholi
fini
shedmakingbreakfast
,shecoul
dn’
thelpbutthi
nkbacktot
herecentt
imesshe
cookedf
orMdu. .
.Suddenl
yitfeltl
i
kealloft
hathappenedalongti
meago.Kwanele’
spr
esence
madethememor iesabi
tfoggy.

Shedi
shedupeveryt
hingandthenmadeherwaytothebedr
oom upstai
rswher
eKwanel
ewas
st
il
lsl
eepi
ng.Sheputthetr
ayonthetabl
eandthenshookhi
mli
ghtly.

Thol
i
:Kwani
.

Kwanel
einst
ant
lywokeupandl
ookedatThol
ii
nconf
usi
onf
orasecondbutr
elaxedev
ent
ual
l
y.

Thol
i
:Imadey
oubr
eakf
astKwani
.

Kwanel
e:Ofcour
sey
oudi
d.

Hesmil
edli
ght
lyandthenyawned.Thol
iwentt
oopenthecur
tai
nsandhesatupandst
ret
ched
asshewal
kedbacktohim andpl
acedthetr
ayonhi
slap.

Kwanel
e:I
tlooksgoodbaby
,thanky
ou.

Thol
ismi
l
ed.

Kwanel
e:I
’
vemi
ssedy
ourf
ood.
Thol
i
:I’
vemi
ssedcooki
ngf
ory
ou.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m sur
eyouhav
e.

Thol
i
:Whenar
eyougoi
ngbackt
owor
k?

Kwanel
e:Pr
obabl
ynex
tweek.

Thol
i
:I’
m sur
eev
ery
onewi
l
lbehappyt
oseey
ou.

Kwanel
e:Yout
hink?

Thol
i
:Yes,
weal
lmi
ssedy
ou.

Kwanel
e:Goodt
oknowy
oul
oveme.
..

Thol
iav
oidedhi
sey
esandst
oodup.

Thol
i
:Letmegocl
eanupt
heki
tchen.

Kwanel
e:Al
ri
ghtl
ove.

Shesmi
l
edandt
henwal
kedoutoft
hebedr
oom andr
ushedt
otheki
tchen.
..

*
**
MduandNol
wazi
ret
urnedf
rom br
eakf
ast
.

Mdu:
Youdi
dn’
teatmuch,
why
?

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
eabr
unchmeet
ing.

Mdu:
Meet
inghuh?

Nol
wazi
:Yes,
ameet
ing.

Mdu:
Hmkay
.

Nol
wazi
:Uy
aphaphawena.
..

Shesmi
ledandf
eltgrat
eful
thatMduhadtakenherout
.Sheenj
oyedhi
scompanyv
erymuch
whenhewasnotbeinganannoyi
ngli
tt
lebi
gbrother
.

Mdu:
Sohowi
sthi
srel
ati
onshi
pofy
our
sgoi
ngt
oinf
luencet
hewayy
ouwor
kwi
thhi
m?

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
tthi
nki
twi
l
lhav
eanyi
mpact
.

Mdu:
Real
l
y?

Nol
wazi
:Ei
shmanMduduzi
awungi
yeke.

Mduchuckl
ed.
Nol
wazi
:Andwena?Whenar
eyoupl
anni
ngonpur
sui
ngt
hisgi
rl
?

Mdu:
I’
ll
see.
..

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m andsmi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Your
eal
l
ylov
eher
?

Henoddedandf
rowned.

Mdu:
Alway
sonmymi
nd.

Nol
wazi
:Ohwow.

Mduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Any
way
,I’
l
lseey
oul
ater
.

Nol
wazi
:Thanksf
orbr
eakf
ast
.

Mdu:
Any
timel
i
ttl
esi
ster
.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Hel
aughedandwal
kedaway
..
.
*
**

Dean:
MamaIneedy
out
obehav
e.

Li
ndel
wa:
Iheesomi
naI
’
myourchi
l
dnow?

Dean:
No,
I’
mjustwar
ningy
ounj
e.

Li
ndel
wal
aughed.

Li
ndel
wa:
Hai
youobv
iousl
ylov
ethi
sgi
rl
.

Dean:
She’
snotagi
rl
.

Li
ndel
wa:
Hehe!

Deanchuckl
ed.

Li
ndel
wa:
Don’
twor
ryI
’
llbehav
e.Ij
ustneedt
oseehert
hat
’sal
l
.

Dean:
Shewasabi
tgr
umpyt
hismor
ningsoIdon’
tknowhowshe’
l
lbenow.

Li
ndel
wa:Langel
i
hle,
got
othebat
hroom andf
reshenup.Idon’
tunder
standwhyy
ou’
reso
ner
vous.
Deangr
untedandwalkedupst
air
s..
.Justashefi
nishedfr
esheni
ngupli
kehi
smot heri
nstr
uct
ed,
hi
sphonebeepedanditwasNolwazitel
l
inghi
mt hatshewasoutsi
de.Het
oldherthecodeand
shemadeherwayinsi
de..
.

Nol
wazi
ont
heot
herhand,
fel
tli
kedy
ing.Shewasn’
treadyf
oral
loft
his.
..

“Whatifshehatesme?Howwi l
lIdealwi
thanothercrazymother?”shethoughttoher
selfas
shegotoutofthecarandmadeherwayt othedoor.Justasshewasaboutt oknock,t
hedoor
openedandDeanst oodt
herel
ookinghandsomeasusual .Theystaredateachotherwit
hout
sayi
ngany t
hingandhepul
ledheri
nandwr appedhisarmsar oundher.

Dean:
Hel
l
other
e.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m ner
vous.

Deanchuckl
edasshewhi
sper
ed.

Dean:
Ther
e’snoneedf
oral
loft
hat
.

Shel
ookedathi
m andhepl
ant
edaki
ssonherl
i
ps.

Dean:
Thesear
enotl
obol
anegot
iat
ions.Rel
axNol
wazi
.

Shehuf
fedandhepl
ant
edanot
herki
ssonherl
i
ps.

Dean:
Woza.

Hel
etgoofherandt
heywal
kedi
nsi
det
hehouse.Theygott
othel
oungeandNol
wazi
smi
l
edas
shesawDean’
smot
hersi
tt
ingont
hecouch.
..

Li
ndel
wast
oodupwhenshesawNol
wazi
andDeanwal
kin.

Li
ndel
wa:
Ohmygoodness!

Nol
wazi
wal
kedt
oher
.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
,thi
sismymot
her
.

Nol
wazi
:Sawubonama.

Li
ndel
wasmi
l
edwar
mly
.

Li
ndel
wa:
Hel
l
obeaut
if
ul.

Sheopenedupherar
msandt
heyshar
edav
erywar
m hug,
toNol
wazi
’
ssur
pri
se.

Li
ndel
wa:
Wemi
ghtaswel
lhugseei
ngasy
ou’
remaki
ngmeagr
andpar
ent
.

Nol
wazi
laughedqui
etl
yandt
heyl
etgoofeachot
her
.

Li
ndel
wa:
Hel
l
odear
,howar
eyou?

Nol
wazi
:Ngi
yaphi
l
awenaunj
ani
ma?
Li
ndel
wa:
Ngi
yaphi
l
asi
si.

Li
ndel
wasmi
l
edwar
mlyandNol
wazi
coul
dn’
thel
pbutsi
ghi
nrel
i
ef.

Li
ndel
wa:
Ihopey
oudon’
tmi
ndmeaski
ng,
buthowf
aral
ongar
eyou?

Nol
wazi
:Wear
eappr
oachi
ng4weeks.

Li
ndel
wasmi
l
ed.

Li
ndel
wa:
We?

Nol
wazi
lookedatDeanshy
lyandLi
ndel
wal
aughed.

Li
ndel
wa:
Ver
ycut
e.

Deanchuckl
ed.

Lindel
wa:
Deant
oldmeabouty
oursi
tuat
iony
est
erdaybutIhonest
lywant
edt
ofi
ndoutf
rom
you..
.

Nol
wazi
glancedatDean,
whowasst
ari
ngatherhumor
ousl
y.

Dean:
Sitdown.

Li
ndel
wa:
Doesheal
sobar
kor
der
saty
ou?
Nol
wazi
:Al
lthet
ime.

Li
ndel
wa:
Youneedt
otamehi
m.

Dean:
Hehe.

Nol
wazi
:It
ry.
..

Theyl
aughedandt
hensatdown.

Li
ndel
wa:
Ipr
epar
edbr
unchf
orusbutIwant
edt
ochatf
ir
st.

Nol
wazi
:That
’sokayma.

Li
ndel
wal
ookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Li
ndel
wa:
Woul
dyoumi
ndt
ell
i
ngmewhat
’sgoi
ngon?

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
yandbegant
ell
i
ngDean’
smot
herherst
ory
..
.

Af
tershewasdone,
Lindel
wasi
ghed.

Li
ndel
wa:
Don’
tfeel
pressur
isedt
odoany
thi
ngy
ouar
euncomf
ort
abl
ewi
th.

Nol
wazi
:Ineedt
omov
eon.
Li
ndel
wanodded.

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
twantst
ayi
nthi
ssamespotf
orev
er.Ican’
tdot
hatt
omy
sel
f.

Dean:
Andt
oourchi
l
daswel
l
.

Li
ndel
wa:
Hai
sukawena.Gochecki
fthef
oodi
sfi
ne,
uyekel
eukubay
isi
j
obel
elo.

Dean:
I’
mjustsay
ing.

Li
ndel
wa:
Go!

Deanst
oodupandwal
kedt
otheki
tchenandLi
ndel
waf
ocusedonNol
wazi
andsmi
l
ed.

Li
ndel
wa:
Wel
lyoucanbecer
tai
nthatIwon’
tgocr
azyony
oumydear
.

Shesmi
l
edwar
mlyandNol
wazi
smi
l
edback.Thewomanhadagoodandl
ovi
ngaur
aabouther
.

Li
ndelwa:
Whateveryoudo,DeanandIarebehindyoual
ltheway.Ir
aisedhim wel
lsoIknow
he’
l
ltakegoodcareofyou,
mor eespeci
all
ybecausehel
ov esy
ousodear l
y.

Nol
wazi
:That
’sv
erysweetofy
ou,
thanky
ou.

Lindel
wa:It
’sj
ustDeanandmei nourcir
cle.I
’
mv er
yhappythatwegettobebl
essedwi thnew
l
ife,moreespeci
all
ybecausewehav elostsomanyl ovedonesthr
oughoutt
heyears.Youseem
tohaveopenedupasi dethatonlyIknowandI ’
m happytoknowthathecanact
uallyal
low
himselft
oloveabit.
Nol
wazi
:He’
sbeenv
eryl
ovi
ngandsuppor
ti
ve.
..

Li
ndel
wa:
I’
m gl
ad.

Justthen,
Deanwal
kedi
nandl
ookedatt
hem wei
rdl
ybecauset
heywer
ebot
hal
lsmi
l
eyand
weir
d.

Dean:
Let
’sf
eedmychi
l
d.

Li
ndel
wal
aughed.

Nol
wazi
:Thi
siswhatI
’
vebeendeal
i
ngwi
th.

Li
ndel
wachuckl
ed.

Li
ndel
wa:
Bracey
our
sel
f.
..

Dean:
Wozani
phel
a.

Nol
wazi
andLi
ndel
wast
oodup.

Li
ndel
wa:
Soni
thi
youonl
yst
art
edbei
ngi
nti
mat
enownow?

Nol
wazi
noddedshy
lyandLi
ndel
wal
aughed.
Li
ndel
wa:
Trustt
heHl
ongwanesol
dier
stomar
chpur
posef
ull
y.

SheandDeanl
aughedandNol
wazi
blushedi
nembar
rassment
.

Dean:
Asi
dlal
iphel
athi
na.

Li
ndel
wa:
Hai
yourf
atherwoul
dbepr
oudLangel
i
hle.

Nol
wazi
:Langel
i
hle?

Deangr
unt
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Al
lthesey
ear
sandIdi
dn’
tknowy
oursecondnamei
sLangel
i
hle?
?

Deani
gnor
edherandl
edt
hem out
sidet
othepat
io.

Li
ndel
wa:
Arey
ouhungr
ydear
?

Nol
wazi
lookedatal
lthef
oodt
her
eandsmi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:I’
mfami
shed!

Li
ndel
wa:
I’
ll
dishupf
ory
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Noma,
I’
l-
Li
ndel
wa:
Uh-
uh.Si
tdown.

Nol
wazi
obl
i
gedandsatnextt
oDeanwhi
l
eLi
ndel
wadi
shedupf
ort
hem.

Nol
wazi
glancedathi
m andhegr
inned.Shepi
nchedhi
sar
m andt
heychuckl
edqui
etl
y.
..

I
NSERT73

Li
ndel
wa:
Sowhatar
eyouhopi
ngt
oget
?Aboyorgi
rl
?

Nol
wazi
fini
shedchewi
ngherf
oodandgl
ancedatDeanwhowassmi
l
ing.

Nol
wazi
:Hewant
saboy
.

Li
ndel
wa:
Andy
ou?

Nol
wazi
:I’
mreal
l
ynotsur
eyet
..
.Ihav
en’
treal
l
ythoughtabouti
t.

Li
ndel
wa:
Wel
lIwoul
dal
sol
oveaboy
.

Nol
wazi
:Real
l
y?

Li
ndel
wa:
Yes,
Ijustt
hinkt
hewor
ldi
sreal
l
ynotsaf
eforagi
rl
.

Dean:
That
’sexact
lywhyIdon’
twantagi
rl
..
.I’
l
lpr
obabl
yendupl
ocki
ngheri
nthehouse.
Nol
wazi
:Ihav
enodoubtaboutt
hat
.

Dean:
Andgi
rl
srequi
ret
oomuchadmi
n.Al
lthemoodswi
ngsanddr
ama.

Nol
wazi
:Soundsl
i
kesomeoneIknow.

Li
ndel
wal
aughed.

Li
ndel
wa:
Ahshamehe’
sanonl
ychi
l
d.

Nol
wazi
:Het
akesi
ttoawhol
eot
herl
evel
.

Dean:
Hai
suka.

Li
ndel
wa:
I’
m sur
pri
sedy
oucanhandl
ehi
smoodswi
ngs.

Nol
wazi
:I’
vedeal
twi
thar
oll
ercoast
erofamot
her
-i
n-l
aw.Any
thi
ngel
sei
str
ivi
alatt
hispoi
nt.

Lindel
wa:Iwill
neverunder
standmother
-i
n-l
awswhoarebitt
er.Whywoul
dyoubeevi
ltothe
womanwhosl eeps,
feedsandli
veswit
hyourson?Nextt
hingyouknowsheki
ll
shi
m becauseof
yourcrazi
ness.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Li
ndel
wa:
Beingki
nddoesn’
trequi
remuch.Idon’
thavethetimeorener
gyt
obegr
umpy
.My
cl
ocki
sti
cki
ngandIcan’
taff
ordtost
ressmy sel
funnecessar
il
y.
Nolwazigl
ancedatDeanandsmil
ed.Shereal
l
ycoul
dn’
tbel
i
evehowni
cehi
smot
herwas,
mor
e
especi
all
ybecauseDeanwasnotasnice.

Dean:
Iguessi
t’
sjustt
hem bei
ngov
erpr
otect
ive.

Li
ndel
wa:Haisuka.Yoursoncomesandt el
lsyout
hatheisi
nlovewit
hagir
landyoudisregar
d
al
loft
hatandtrytoprovethatshei
sthewrongone?Haichaabany
eabant
ubanesikhat
hi.
Ngi
gugekabif
ory onkel
eyonto.

Nol
wazi
lookedatherandsmi
l
ed.

Justt
hen,
herphoner
angandshet
ooki
tout
.

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
etot
aket
his.
..

Li
ndel
wa:
Sur
esi
si.

Shest
oodupandwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehouset
oansweri
t.I
twasAnt
hony
,herdi
vor
ceat
tor
ney
.

Nol
wazi
:Hi
Ant
hony
.

Ant
hony
:Hel
l
oNol
wazi
,howar
eyou?

Nol
wazi
:I’
m goodt
hanksandy
ou?

Ant
hony
:I’
m gr
eat
,thanky
ou.
Nol
wazi
:What
’sup?

Ant
hony
:Thepaper
shav
ebeenf
inal
i
sed.

Nol
wazi
’
shear
trat
ewentup.

Nol
wazi
:Isi
t?

Ant
hony
:Yes,
wear
egoi
ngt
ocont
acthi
mjustnow.Iwasj
ustcal
l
ingt
ofi
l
lyoui
n.

Nol
wazi
:Uhm.

Ant
hony
:Iknowt
hisi
shar
d..
.

Nol
wazi
:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
ogot
her
eper
sonal
l
y?

Ant
hony
:Notmebutt
hecour
twi
l
lsendsomeone.

Nol
wazi
exhal
edl
oudl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Butwe’
rest
il
lnotsur
eifhei
sar
ound.

Anthony
:Arepr
esentat
ivehast
obesentt
her
ebef
oreweconcl
udet
hathei
snotar
ound.I
t’
sa
st
andardpr
ocedure.

Nol
wazi
:Oh.
Ant
hony
:Iwi
l
lkeepy
oupost
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
,thanks.

Ant
hony
:Goodby
e.

Nol
wazi
:By
e.

Shedroppedthecall
andthenstoodther
eforalongti
me.Shethenwalkedupst
air
stoDean’
s
bedroom andwenttothebat
hroom whereshesatonthet
oil
etseatf
oralongti
me.Herhear
t
rat
ejustwouldn’
tcal
m down.

Justt
hen,
thedooropenedandDeanst
oodt
her
e.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
.

Shegl
ancedathi
m wor
ri
edl
yandhewal
kedt
oherandgotonhi
skneessohecoul
dbeonher
l
evel
.

Dean:
What
’swr
ong?

Nol
wazi
:They
’resendi
ngt
hepaper
stoday
.

Her
emov
edherhai
rfr
om herf
aceandsheexhal
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Pl
easegetmewat
erDean.
Dean:
Okay
.

Hegotupandwal
kedoutoft
hebat
hroom whi
l
eshecont
inuedt
osi
tther
e..
.

Hewal
kedbacki
nwi
thagl
assofwat
erandshet
ookal
ongsi
p.

Dean:
Wast
hatAnt
hony
?

Shenoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Dean:
Comeher
e.

Hepull
edherupandwr appedhisarmsar
oundher.Sheburi
edherfaceinhi
schestandbegan
sobbi
ngqui
etl
y.Asmuchasev er
ythi
ngwasgoingwellf
orher,
therewasnowayshecouldget
overt
hefal
lofherr
elat
ionshi
pwi t
hKwanele.Shebl
amedherselff
orgiv
ingupsoeasil
y.
..

*
**

Kwanelewasbusywi
thhi
slapt
opwhenhehear
dthegat
ebuzzergoof
f.Thol
imadeherwayt
o
theki
tchent
oseewhoitwas.

Thol
i
:Kwani
,hesay
sheneedst
oseey
ou.

Kwanel
e:Di
dhesaywhohei
s?

Thol
ifrownedandKwanel
eputhisl
apt
opasideandgotupf
rom t
hecouch.Heopenedt
hegate
andthenmadehiswayoutsi
de.Hewal
kedtothegat
eandsomeunfamili
armangotoutoft
he
car
.Themanwal
kedt
owar
dsKwanel
eandsmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Man:
MrBut
hel
ezi
?

Kwanel
e:Yes,
andwhoar
eyou?

Man:
Mthunzi
Dlami
ni.

Kwanel
ekeptqui
et.

Man:
Iam her
eonbehal
foft
heHi
ghCour
t.
..

Kwanel
elookedathi
m bl
ankl
y.

Themanhel
danA4br
ownenv
elope.

Man:
Thi
sisadi
vor
cesummonst
hatIam supposedt
ohandov
ert
oyouphy
sical
l
y.

Kwanel
est
il
ll
ookedathi
m bl
ankl
y.

Man:
Arey
ouawar
eoft
hisMrBut
hel
ezi
?

Kwanel
eputouthi
shandandt
hemanhandedhi
mtheenv
elope.

Man:
Youhav
e10day
stor
espondsi
rot
her
wiset
hingswi
l
lgoi
nanunwant
eddi
rect
ion.
Kwanel
elookedathi
m.

Man:
Iwi
l
lleav
eyounowsi
r.Enj
oyt
her
estofy
ourday
.

Kwanelenoddedt
ight
lyast
hemangoti
nhi
scaranddr
oveof
f.
..Kwanel
ewal
kedbacki
nsi
de
thehouse.

*
**

Nol
wazi
’
sphoner
angwhi
l
eshewasst
il
lwi
thDean,
itwasAnt
hony
.

Nol
wazi
:Hel
l
o.

Ant
hony
:Hi
Nol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Ist
her
eapr
obl
em?

Ant
hony:Notatal
l
.I’
vej
ustr
ecei
vedconf
ir
mat
iont
hatt
hedi
vor
cesummonshasbeenser
vedt
o
MrButhel
ezi
.

Nol
wazi
:Huh?
?

Ant
hony
:Ar
epr
esent
ati
veoft
heHi
ghCour
twassentt
her
ejustnow.

Nol
wazi
’
shear
trat
eincr
eased.

Nol
wazi
:AndwasKwanel
ether
e??
Ant
hony
:Yes,
hewast
her
eandt
hesummonswasgi
vent
ohi
m.

Nol
wazi
lookedatDean.

Nol
wazi
:Oh,
Idi
dn’
tknowhewasback.

Ant
hony
:Hopef
ull
yhewi
l
lrespondqui
ckl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Sowhati
sgoi
ngt
ohappennow?

Al
lthi
sti
meshewasant
ici
pat
inghav
ingaDef
aul
tDi
vor
cei
nKwanel
e’
sabsence.Nowal
loft
hat
wasrui
ned.

Anthony: Li
keIsai
d,aciv
ilmarri
ageneedstobedi ssol
vedbyacour t.Youareonlyenti
tledt
oa
divorcei
fy oucanprovet
ot hecour
tthatyouandy ourMr .Buthel
ezicannol ongerli
vetoget
her
andt her
ei snochanceofresol
vi
ngy ourdi
ff
erences.Proofoft hi
scani ncl
udeev i
denceshowing
that:1.youhavenotli
vedtoget
herforawhile.2.Hecheat edony ou.3.Youlefthi
m.4.You
don’tlov
eeachot her.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.Ev
enaf
teral
lthi
sti
me,
shest
il
lfoundi
tal
ltoocompl
i
cat
edanddr
aini
ng.

Anthony:Nowt hathehasthesummons,i
tiscl
eart
hatacour
tdat
ewil
lbeset.Att
hishear
ing,
thejudgewil
laskquestionstoconf
ir
mtheinf
ormat
ioni
nthesummons.Onceever
ythi
ngis
sett
led,adi
vorceorderwill
begrant
ed.

Nol
wazi
hel
dbackheremot
ions.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.
Anthony:I
twouldhav
ebeeneasi
ert
ohav
eonemedi
atorbuty
ouhav
emadei
tcl
eart
haty
ou
don’twanttoshar
ealawy
erwit
hhim.

Nol
wazi
:Yes.

Ant
hony
:Wewi
l
lseewhathappensatt
hispoi
nt.Hehas10day
stomakeamov
e.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Ant
hony
:Iwon’
tst
opt
il
lthi
sisdoneNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou.

Ant
hony
:Goodby
e.

Nol
wazi
:By
eAnt
hony
.

Shedr
oppedt
hecal
landcont
inuedt
osobi
nDean’
sar
ms.

*
**

Kwanel
ewal
kedbackt
othel
ounge,
satdownandopenedt
heenv
elope.

Her
eadt
hrought
hepaper
s…
Par
ti
cul
arsofCl
aim“
A”

(
A)Par
ti
esI
nvol
ved

Plai
nti
ffi
sNolwaziCami
l
laBut
hel
ezi
(bor
nDumakude)
,anadul
tfemal
eEconomi
st,
resi
dingat
(HomeAddress).

Def
endanti
sKwanel
eBut
hel
ezi
,anadul
tmal
ePr
oper
tyLawy
er,
resi
dingat(
HomeAddr
ess)
.

(
B)Mar
ri
age

Pl
aint
if
fandDefendant(her
eaft
erref
err
edtot
ogetheras“thePar
ti
es”
)marri
edeachotheron
10Februar
y2010atPretori
a,i
n“OutofCommunityofPropert
ywit
hAccr
ual”st
il
lsubsi
sts.
Ki
ndlyfi
ndatt
achedheretoacopyofthemarr
iagecert
if
icatemar
ked“MC”.

ThePar
ti
esr
esi
dewi
thi
nthear
eaofj
uri
sdi
cti
onoft
hishonour
abl
ecour
t.

Ther
ear
enochi
l
drenbor
nint
hismar
ri
age.

Thi
siswhatcaughthi
sat
tent
ion:

(
C)I
rr
etr
iev
abl
ebr
eakdown

Themarri
agebet
weent hePar
ti
eshasper
manentl
ybrokendownandt
herear
enor easonabl
e
hopesoft
here-
establ
i
shmentofanormalmar
it
alrel
ati
onshi
pbet
weenthem i
nthat:

Def
endantdeci
dedt
omar
ryanot
herwoman(
Thi
sisr
ecogni
sedasPol
ygamy
)

Def
endantl
eftt
hecommonhomeappr
oxi
mat
elyay
earago;
Ther
eisnol
oveandaf
fect
ion,
under
standi
ngandcommuni
cat
ionbet
weent
hepar
ti
es;

Thi
ngschangeddr
asti
cal
l
ybecauseoft
hissecondmar
ri
ageandt
her
eisnowayt
heywi
l
lbe
abl
etorest
orewhatt
heyhad

Her
eadi
tagai
n..
.

Thol
i
:Kwani
.

Hei
gnor
edherandcar
ri
edonr
eadi
ng.

Thol
iwal
kedt
ohi
m andt
hensatnextt
ohi
m ont
hecouch.

Thol
i
:Kwani
!

Hei
gnor
edher
.

Thol
i
:Whowast
hatman?Whatdi
dhewa-

ThesecondKwanel
elookedupf
rom t
hepaper
s,Thol
i
’sbodyf
roze.I
twasl
i
keanot
heraur
a
fi
l
ledhi
m.

Kwanel
e:Uqal
eni
niukubuzakangakawena?

Thol
ist
aredathi
minshock.

Kwanel
e:Whendi
dyoust
artbei
ngsonosyandannoy
ing?
Thol
i
:Bu-

Kwanel
e:Cl
ear
yJohannesbur
ggassedy
ouup.

Thol
icoul
dn’
tev
enr
eact
.

Kwanel
etookal
lthepaper
sandst
oodup.Thol
isatt
her
e,f
rozen,
ashewal
kedaway
.

I
NSERT74

Nol
wazi
andDeanf
inal
l
ymadet
hei
rwaybackt
othepat
io.

Li
ndel
wa:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?

Dean:
Sor
ryf
orkeepi
ngy
ouher
e.

Li
ndel
wa:
Nowor
ri
es,
yin’
ndaba?

Deangl
ancedatNol
wazi
caut
iousl
yandshenodded.

Dean:
Herl
awy
ercal
l
ed.Thedi
vor
cepaper
shav
ebeengi
vent
ohi
m.

Li
ndel
wal
ookedatNol
wazi
sadl
yandsi
ghed.

Li
ndel
wa:
Hav
easeatdear
,I’
l
lgety
ousomewar
m mi
l
k.
DeansatNol
wazi
downandt
hensatnextt
oherwhi
l
eLi
ndel
wamadeherwayi
nsi
det
hehouse.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
breat
he.

Shelookedathi
mindef
eat
.Al
lshecoul
dimagi
newasKwanel
e’
sreact
ionwhenhesawt
hose
papers.

Dean:
Hey
,cal
m down.

Hebrushedherhandandshezonedoutagai
n.Awhi
l
elat
er,
Lindel
wawal
kedbackwi
thamug
andgaveitt
oDean.

Dean:
Lwazi
.

Nol
waziglancedatt
hemugandt
hent
ooki
t.Shet
ookasi
poft
hewar
m mi
l
kandt
ookadeep
br
eath.
..

*
**

Thol
ibeganpaci
ngupanddownt
hel
ounge,
herhear
trat
egoi
ngf
ull
for
ce.

“HowdoesheknowaboutJoburg?Didhehav
emef
oll
owed?
”hert
hought
sfl
oodedhermi
nd
andshecoul
dn’
thel
pbutfeeldi
zzy.

Sher
ushedt
oherphoneanddi
all
edMdu’
snumberandheact
ual
l
ypi
ckedupi
nst
ant
ly.

Mdu:
He-
Thol
i
:Heknows!
!!

Mdu:
Huh?

Thol
i
:HeknowsIwasi
nJohannesbur
g!!

Mdu:
Isi
t?

Thol
i
:Yes!
!

Mdu:
Shame.

Thol
ibur
stouti
ntear
s.Mdu’
scasual
nessdi
dn’
tmakei
teasi
er.

Mdu:
Manj
eukhal
elani
Thol
akel
e?

Thol
i
:Youdon’
tunder
standwhatt
hismeans!

Shecr
iedev
enmor
e.

Mdu:
Makemeunder
stand.

Thol
i
:Thi
smeansheknowsaboutus!

Mdu:
Good.
Tholidroppedthecallbecauseshecouldn’tdealwi
thMdu.Sheswi t
chedoffherphoneand
wentt othebathroom thatwasdownstairstowashherface.Shethenrushedupst
air
sandwent
tothebedr oom andKwanel ewasn’
tthere.Shetookadeepbreathandthenmadeherwayt ohi
s
off
iceandknockedl ightl
y.

Ther
ewasnor
esponsebutsheknewt
hathewasi
nther
e.

Sheopenedt
hedoorsl
owl
yandt
henmadeherwayi
nsi
de.

Kwanel
ewasonhi
sdesk,
usi
nghi
scomput
er.

Thol
i
:Kwani
.

Kwanelegl
ancedatherf
orasecondbef
orefocusi
ngont
hecomput
eragai
n.Shesl
owl
ywal
ked
towar
dshim andt
hensatonthechai
rbyhi
sdesk.

Thol
i
:I’
m sor
ryf
orof
fendi
ngy
ou.

Kwanel
edi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.Het
ypedsomet
hingandThol
itr
iedhol
dingbackhert
ear
s.

Thol
i
:Kwani
,I
’m sor
ry.

Kwanel
e:Ihear
dyou.Nowpl
easel
eav
e.

Thol
i
’sey
espoppedout
.

Kwanel
e:Andspar
emet
hecr
ocodi
l
etear
spl
ease.
Thol
i
’sj
awdr
opped.

Heconti
nuedtowor konhi
scomput
erandThol
irushedoutoft
heof
fi
ceandmadeherwayt
o
t
hebathroom agai
n.

*
**

Li
ndel
wa:
Ithi
nki
tsbestIl
eav
e..
.

Deannoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Li
ndel
wa:
It’
sbeenapl
easur
eLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edl
i
ght
lyandnodded.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m sor
ryaboutt
his.

Li
ndel
wa:
No,
Iunder
stand.
..

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou.

Theyal
lst
oodupandLi
ndel
wahuggedbot
hoft
hem.

Li
ndel
wa:
Hopef
ull
y,ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lwor
koutf
ory
ou.Ngi
zokubekaemt
handazweni
sisi
.
Nol
wazi
smi
l
ed.Shewasf
eel
i
ngmuchbet
tert
hanbef
ore.

Li
ndel
wa:Butpl
easetr
ytotakegoodcareofyoursel
f.Theseear
lyday
sar
edanger
ousf
ort
hat
babygr
owingi
nyou.Anyt
hingcantr
iggerdamage.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
ltr
y.

Theysai
dthei
rgoodby
esandbot
hDeanandNol
wazi
wal
kedheroutandwat
chedasshedr
ove
off
.

Nol
wazi
:Youhav
eanamazi
ngmot
herDean.

Dean:
Thanky
ou.

Theygoti
nthehouseandwentupst
air
stot
hebedr
oom wher
eNol
wazi
lai
dont
hebed.

Nol
wazi
:She’
sver
ysweet
.

Deanl
aynextt
oherandpul
l
edhersoshecoul
dbeont
opofhi
m.

Dean:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?

Nol
wazi
:I’
mfi
ne.Ij
ustdi
dn’
texpecthi
mtobeback.
..Idon’
tknow.
..

Dean:
Doy
out
hinkhe’
l
lrespondt
othecl
aim?

Nol
wazi
:It
’snotl
i
kehehasachoi
ce.
Deannoddedl
i
ght
lyandj
ustkeptqui
et.I
tworr
iedhim howNol
wazi
alwaysr
eact
edwhen
Kwanel
ewasmenti
oned.
..Hewasevenstar
ti
ngt odoubthi
msel
fabit
..
.

*
**

Tholi
coul
dn’
ttakei
tanymore.Shehadbeenpacingupanddownforawhi
lenowanditaf
fected
herhowKwaneleaddr
essedher.Hehadneverspokent
oherinsuchamannerandshedi
dn’t
knowhowtoreact.

Shef
eltl
i
keshewasgoi
ngi
nsane.

Shequi
ckl
ywal
kedt
otheof
fi
ceagai
nandt
henopenedt
hedoor
.

Thol
i
:Whyar
eyoubei
ngsor
udet
ome?

Kwanel
egl
ancedatherwi
thabl
ankexpr
essi
on.

Thol
i
:Youar
etheonewhol
eftmeal
lal
one!It
ri
edcont
act
ingy
ouandy
oushutmeout
!

Kwanel
ewasst
il
ll
ooki
ngatherbl
ankl
y.

Thol
ist
art
edsobbi
ng.

Tholi
:I’
vedonenot
hingbutl
oveandsuppor
tyou.Nowy
ou’
readdr
essi
ngmel
i
ket
rash!You’
ve
nevershowedmeloveKwanele!

Kwanel
e:Yazi
Thol
akel
e..
.
Hewasbey
ondcal
m andcool
.

Kwanel
e:Ihav
edeal
twi
thal
otofi
nsul
tsandbul
l
shi
tfort
aki
ngy
ouasmywi
fe.
..

Thol
il
ookedathi
m.

Kwanel
e:I
’
vebeencal
l
ednamesal
lbecauseIchoset
otakey
oui
n..
.

Thol
iwi
pedherey
es.

Kwanele:
Lalel
alakesisi
,si
nceyou’
vemanagedt
ogety
oursel
faf
air
ytal
elov
est
oryt
henI
suggestyoupackyourbagsandgett
hef
uckoutofmyhouse.

Thol
i
’sey
espoppedout
.

Kwanel
e:Myki
ndnessi
sobv
iousl
ybei
ngi
nter
pret
edasweakness.

Thol
i
:No,
whatdoy
oumean?
?

Shewasnowcr
ying.

Kwanel
e:Don’
tyoudar
ecomenearme.Nonkeni
zongi
thol
akahl
e.

Justt
hen,
hisphoner
angandhedi
dn’
tcheckt
hecal
l
eri
dbef
oreanswer
ing.
Kwanel
e:What
?

Thenj
i
we:
Yewenamf
anandi
ni!Ut
hiwhatkubani
?Ihav
esomei
nfor
mat
ionf
ory
ou!

Kwanel
e:Comeandf
etcht
hisgi
rlf
rom myhousebef
oreIt
hrowheroutmy
sel
f.

Thenj
i
we:
Hee?
?

Kwanel
e:Andcal
lthatauntofher
stocomehel
pherpack.

Thenj
i
we:
Uth-

Hedr
oppedt
hecal
landbyt
hist
ime,
Thol
iwaswai
l
ing.

Hegl
ancedatherbl
ankl
y,st
il
lcal
m.

Kwanele:Goonandcal
lyourboyf
ri
end.I
’
m sur
ehe’llbemor et
hanhappyt
ohel
pyououtwi
th
yourbr
other,
Jabul
ani
.Obvi
ouslymyhandisnolongerneeded.

Thol
i
:Kwani
!

Shecr
iedandhest
aredather
.

Kwanel
e:Phuma.

Thol
i
:Bu-
Kwanel
e:Gett
hef
uckofher
eThol
akel
ebef
oreImakey
ou.

Shecr
ieduncont
rol
l
abl
y.

Kwanel
e:Ungr
atef
ulpi
gs.
..NowIhav
etocl
eanupt
hisbul
l
shi
tbecauseIal
l
owedy
out
osuck
mein.
..

Thol
i
’smi
ndwasr
unni
ngwi
l
d.Shequi
ckl
yrushedoutoft
heof
fi
ceandshutt
hedoor
.

Kwanel
etookhi
sphoneanddi
all
edanumberashecheckedhi
semai
l
s.

I
trangf
orawhi
l
ebuti
twasev
ent
ual
l
yanswer
ed.

Per
son:
Hel
l
o?

Kwanel
e:Vi
nce,
it’
sKwanel
e.

Vi
nce:
Whatt
hehel
l
??Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
?

Kwanel
e:St
oryf
oranot
herday
..
.Li
sten,
myl
i
fei
samess.

Vi
nce:
Tal
ktome.

Kwanel
e:Nol
wazi
isdi
vor
cingme.
Vi
nce:
Shi
t.

Kwanel
e:Andshe’
spr
egnant
.

Vi
nce:
Wit
hyourki
d??

Kwanel
e:Ihav
en’
ttouchedheri
nmont
hs.

Vi
nce:
Fuck.

Kwanel
e:Exact
lybutIhav
eot
herpl
ans.
..

Vi
nce:
What
’sup?

Kwanel
e:Ineedy
out
ohel
pmewi
tht
hiscase.

Vi
nce:
Ofcour
se.

Kwanel
e:She’
snotev
enawar
ethatIknowaboutt
hepr
egnancy
.

Vi
nce:
Howdi
dyouf
indout
?

Kwanel
e:Wehav eajoi
ntmedicalai
d.Igotanemail
aboutapaymentthatwasprocessedfor
someall
ergyt
hingandothert
ests..
.Shemusthavefor
gott
enthatIal
sogetthenoti
fi
cati
ons.

Vi
nce:
Shi
t!
Kwanele:Ineedyoutogot
hroughourpr
enupagr
eement
.Got
hroughev
erysi
ngl
eli
ne,
100
fuckenti
mesVi ncent
.

Vi
nce:
Iheary
ou!

Kwanel
e:I
’
llsendy
ouev
ery
thi
ng.

Vi
nce:
Sur
esur
e..
.

Kwanel
edr
oppedt
hecal
landwentt
hrought
hedi
vor
cesummonsonemor
eti
me.
..

I
NSERT75(
Shor
tInser
t)

Nol
wazi
:CanIt
akeanap?

Dean:
Whyar
eyouaski
ng?

Shegr
unt
edandsankdeeperi
ntohi
sar
msast
heyl
ayi
nbed.

Nol
wazi
:If
eel
li
keI
’
m hy
per
vent
il
ati
ng.

Dean:
Andt
her
e’snoneedt
o.

Sheclosedhereyesandall
owedhersel
ftocal
m down.Sheknewallthi
sstresswasn’tgoodfor
herbutshecouldn’
thel
pit
.Shefel
tDeankissherfor
eheadandthenevery
thingslowl
ycame
backtonormal.Sheall
owedher
sel
ft or
elaxi
nhisarmsanddrif
tint
oapeacef ulandsafesl
eep.
Oncehewassur
ethatshewasasl
eep,
Deancar
eful
l
ylethergoandt
hengotupf
rom t
hebed.

Hemadehi
swayt
ohi
sst
udy
..
.

*
**

Kwanel
eheardhi
smot
hershout
ingf
rom t
hel
oungeandhecal
mlygotupandmadehi
swayout
ofhi
soff
ice.

Hewal
kedt
othel
ounge.

Thenj
i
we:
Whatdi
dyoudo?
!!

Thol
ist
oodt
her
esheepi
shl
ywi
thar
edf
aceandswol
l
eney
es.

Thenj
i
we:
YewenaThol
akel
e!Wenzeni
dammi
t!

Thol
i
’schestheav
edpai
nful
l
yandshegl
ancedatKwanel
eshamef
ull
ybuthedi
dn’
treact
.

Thenj
i
wel
ookedatKwanel
e.

Thenj
i
we:
Whatdi
dthi
ssi
l
lygi
rldo?

Kwanel
e:Idon’
twantheri
nmyhouse.
Thenj
i
wel
ookedatKwanel
einami
xtur
eofangerandconf
usi
on.

Kwanel
e:Hel
pherpackandl
eav
e.

Thol
ibegancr
yingagai
nandThenj
i
wet
urnedshar
plyt
olookather
.

Thenj
i
we:
Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
!

Thol
itr
iedtosti
fl
ehertear
sbutshecoul
dn’
thol
dthem back.Shel
ookedatKwanel
epl
eadi
ngl
y
andhejustst
aredatherexpr
essi
onl
ess.

Kwanel
e:Mxm.

Het
urnedandwal
kedaway
.

Thenj
i
we:
Thol
akel
e.

Thol
il
ookeddownanddi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Thenj
i
we:
Youbet
terr
unupt
hosest
air
sandcl
eant
hatman’
sfeet
!

Thol
il
ookedatThenj
i
we.

Thenj
i
we:
Whatar
eyoust
il
lwai
ti
ngf
or?
?

Thenji
westor
medoutofthehouseandThol
isankonherkneesandst
ayedt
her
eforal
ongt
ime
tr
yingtof
igur
eoutwhatshewoulddo.
..
Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
handdeci
dedshewoul
djustpackhert
hingsandl
eav
e.

Shewalkedupthest
air
sandmadeherwaytothebedr
oom.Asshet
ookoutabag,
Kwanel
e
walkedoutf
rom t
hebathr
oom andwal
kedt
othebed.

Thol
isi
l
ent
lyputi
nsomet
hingsi
nthebag.Herhear
trat
ewasonanot
herl
evel
.

Suddenl
yshehear
dKwanel
echuckl
equi
etl
yandshel
ookedupathi
m.

Kwanel
e:Wai
tti
l
lNol
wazi
findsout
..
.

Herhear
timmedi
atel
ysank.

Kwanel
e:Your
eal
l
ythi
nky
ouar
eCi
nder
ell
adon’
tyou?Thaty
ourpr
incechar
mingwi
l
lsav
eyou?

Thol
ist
oppedpacki
ngandl
ookedathi
m ner
vousl
y.Hewasst
il
lsocal
m..
.

Kwanel
e:Yout
hinkbecauseshegav
ey oual
ousyglassofwar
m mi
l
k,she’
sgoi
ngt
oacceptt
hat
you’
ref
ucki
ngherbrot
her?DoyouevenknowNolwazi?

Thol
i
’shear
trat
ebegant
oint
ensi
fyev
enmor
e.

Kwanel
e:Doy
ouknowThandeka?Mat
teroff
act
,doy
ouknowNomzamo?

Shebegant
opani
cint
ernal
l
y.
Kwanel
e:Goonwit
hyourchi
ldi
shandf
air
ytal
ement
ali
ty.Real
i
tywi
l
lhi
tyousohar
dandnoone
wi
llbet
heret
oprot
ectyou.

Sheswal
l
owedhar
d.

Kwanel
e:Aft
erev
ery
thi
ngIhaveputupwi
thf
ory
ou,
you’
regoi
ngt
ost
abmei
nthebackand
fuckmeover
?Haveyounoshame?

Thol
itr
iedsay
ingsomet
hingbutwor
dsf
ail
edher
.

Kwanel
e:Car
ryonpacki
ng.
..

Hewal kedoutofthebedr oom andleftherthere.Shesatontheedgeoft hebedandrubbedher

eyes.Suddenl
yitallcli
cked..
.Shereali
sedthesev eri
tyofheracti
onsandt hepeopl
eshewi l
l
hurtandangerbecauseofhercar elessness.Shehadn’ tev
enthoughtaboutMdu’sfamil
y.
..She
hadallowedhersel
ft onotthinkandnowi tallcamecr ashi
ngdown.Therewasnowayt hi
ngs
wouldwor koutbetweent hem.

Kwanel
emadehi swaybacktohisof
fi
ceandt
ookoutacopyofhisprenupagr
eement
.Allof
thi
swasstandardforhi
m.Heknewhehadtogothr
oughever
ysingl
eline100ti
mesunti
lhe
madehismov es.

Her
eachedf
orhi
sphoneanddi
all
edanumberandi
trangf
orawhi
l
e.

Theper
sonev
ent
ual
l
yanswer
ed.

Per
son:
Hel
l
o?

Kwanel
e:I
t’
sKwanel
e.
Per
son:
Hi.

Kwanel
e:Sowhenl
asthasshebeent
her
e?

Per
son:
It’
sbeenawhi
l
enow.

Kwanel
e:AndDeanaswel
l
?

Per
son:
Uhm heal
sov
ani
sheswhenshev
ani
shes.

Kwanel
e:Theyhav
en’
tmadephy
sical
cont
actpubl
i
cal
l
y?

Per
son:
UhIdon’
tthi
nkso.
..They
’real
way
slockedupi
neachot
her
’sof
fi
cest
hough.

Kwanel
e:Okay
.Letmeknowoncet
heyshowup.

Per
son:
Wil
ldo.
..

Kwanel
edr
oppedt
hecal
l
.

*
**

Deanmadehi
swaydownstai
rsandwentt
ohisstudy.Hesatdownandreachedf
orhi
sphone
anddi
all
edanumber
.Itr
angforawhi
l
ebutthepersonevent
uall
yanswered.
Per
son:
Hel
l
o?

Dean:
Deanspeaki
ng.

Theper
sonchuckl
ed.

Per
son:
TowhatdoIowet
hepl
easur
e?

Dean:
Someonei
saboutt
otr
ytof
uckupmyl
i
fe.

Theper
sonl
aughed.

Per
son:
Doest
hissomeoneknowwhot
hey
’ret
ryi
ngt
omesswi
th?

Dean:
Evi
dent
ly,
not
.

Per
son:
What
’sgoi
ngon?

Dean:
I’
m deal
i
ngwi
thanannoy
ingdon’
t-
want
-t
o-be-
an-
ex-
husbandepi
l
ept
icsonofabi
tch.

Per
son:
Wel
ldamn!

Dean:
I’
m bei
ngt
est
ed.

Per
son:
What
’st
hel
evel
oft
hesi
tuat
ion?
Dean:
Nowt
hati
twi
l
linv
olv
emyki
d,I
’
dsaynoshi
tty
peofl
evel
.

Theper
sonchuckl
edqui
etl
y.

Dean:I
’m goi
ngtokeepmydistanceandobservef
ornowbutshoul
dthatepi
lept
ici
diott
estme
fur
ther
,Iwil
lmakesurehesuff
ocatesfr
om hissal
i
vawhil
ehavingasei
zure.

Per
son:
Hehehewasobv
iousl
ynev
err
eady
.

Dean:
Myki
disi
nthepi
ctur
e..
.

Per
son:
Youkeept
alki
ngaboutaki
d.Di
dyoumaket
hisgi
rlpr
egnant
?

Dean:
Don’
taskmest
upi
dquest
ions.

Per
son:
Geeshcal
m down!

Dean:
List
en,
thi
scal
li
stol
ety
ouknowt
hatI
’
m bei
ngannoy
ed.

Per
son:
AndIunder
standt
haty
ouhat
ebei
ngannoy
ed.

Dean:
Exact
ly.Nowbeont
hel
ookoutf
orme.I
’
llsendy
oudet
ail
s..
.

Per
son:
I’
ll
bewai
ti
ng.

Deandr
oppedt
hecal
landsatbackonhisseatforawhile,
try
ingt
ocalmtheangerbr
ewi
ngi
n
hi
m.HeknewKwanel
ewasupt osomething.Hedisappear
sforweeksandcomesoutof
nowher
ewithoutl
ett
ingany
oneknowthathei
sback?Thatscr
eamedshadi
nessandDeanknew
hehadtobe10stepsaheadifhewant
edNolwazi
tobeful
lyhi
s..
.

I
NSERT76

Nolwaziwokeup2hour sl
aterandmadeherwayt
othebat
hroom tofr
eshenup.Shewasstil
la
bitst
ressedbutshesoonr
ealisedt
hatt
her
ewasnousestr
essing.Al
lofthi
swouldrequi
reher
tobesuperfocused.

Asshemadeherwaybackt
othebedr
oom,
Deanwal
kedi
nandsmi
l
ed.

Dean:
Aren’
twer
efr
eshed.
..

Nol
wazi
:Noonepr
event
edy
ouf
rom t
aki
nganap.

Dean:
Whi
l
eyouar
ebusyt
aki
ngnaps,
thewor
ldi
smov
ing.

Sher
oll
edherey
esandt
heywal
kedov
ert
othebedandhesatdownandpul
l
edhert
ohi
slap.

Dean:
Arey
ouf
eel
i
ngbet
ternow?

Shenoddedl
i
ght
lyasshesatcomf
ort
abl
yonhi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Iwasabi
tov
erwhel
med.

Dean:
Andy
ou’
reunder
whel
mednow?
Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Hechuckl
edandl
ookedathersof
tl
y.

Dean:
Your
eal
l
yshoul
dn’
twast
eyourener
gy.

Nol
wazi
:Yout
hink?

Dean:
What
’st
hewor
stt
hatcoul
dhappen?

Nol
wazi
:Hedr
agsi
tout
.

Dean:
Manj
e?I
t’
shi
smoneyhi
swast
ing.

Shesi
ghedheav
il
yandev
ent
ual
l
ynodded.

Dean:
Toughenup.

Nol
wazi
:You’
react
ual
l
ythewor
stmot
ivat
ort
oev
erl
i
ve.

Hel
aughedqui
etl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Butany
way
,Iheary
ou.
..

Dean:
Good.
Shel
eanedcl
osert
ohi
sfaceandpl
ant
edaki
ssonhi
sli
ps.

Dean:
Ungal
i
nge.

Shegi
ggl
edquietl
yandthenpl
antedanot
heronebutDeanti
ght
enedhishol
donherandki
ssed
hermor
e.Shegrowledi
nbetweenandhejustchuckl
edashecont
inuedt
okissher
.

Her anhisonehandupanddownhert hi
ghandsl owlysl i
di tbetween.St i
ll
onhi sl
ap, she
openedherlegssl i
ghtl
yandhewentf urtherinside, explori
ngherunder neat
ht hedressshehad
on.Atthispoint,
itfel
tli
keshehadnev erhadDeanbef ore.Shecr avedhim badlyandhesmi l
ed
ashesensedt hi
sneed.Hishandwentf urtherinsideunt i
littouchedt hebaseofherv agina.He
strokedhergentlyandshel etoutamoanwhi l
et heirli
psst illt
ouched.Sheexhal edloudlyashe
tappedhergent l
y,makingherwanthi m evenmor e.Sheopenedherl egsmor eandhechuckl ed
onceagainbutst oppedkissingher.

Shel
ookedathi
m quest
ioni
ngl
y.

Dean:
You’
ret
ense.

Nol
wazi
:Thenun-
tenseme!

Dean:
You’
resodr
amat
ic.

Shegr
unt
edandhemadeherst
andup.

Dean:
I’
ll
bebackj
ustnow.

Shehuf
fedandthent
hrewhersel
fonthebedasDeanwalkedoutoft
hebedroom.Hemadehi
s
waydownst
air
stothekit
chenandopenedthef
ri
dge,t
aki
ngouticecubes.
..
Deanpri
dedhi
msel
fwheni
tcametosat
isf
yingwomen.Inhi
smind,t
her
ereal
lywasnothi
nghe
wasn’
tgoodat
.Hewasdet
ermi
nedtomakeNolwazir
elaxcompl
etel
yandfor
getabout
Kwanel
e..
.

Hemadehi swaybackupstai
rst
othebedr
oom andf
oundNol
wazi
sit
ti
ngont
heedgeoft
he
bed,
looki
ngveryi
rr
it
ated.

Dean:
OnceI
’
m donewi
thy
ou,
thatsmugl
ookony
ourf
acewi
l
lbegone.

Nol
wazi
:Tr
yme.

Sher
oll
edherey
es.

Dean:
Lieont
hebedandst
opannoy
ingme.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Shedi
dasshewast
oldandt
hengl
ancedathi
m ashepl
acedt
hei
cecubesont
hesi
de.

Het hengotont opofherandbef or

eshecouldsaysomething,
hehadal readyplacedhisl i
pson
hers.Shestoppedtr y
ingtot
alkasthedesir
ebegancreepi
ngupagai n.Theykissedgent l
yand
shemoanedqui et
ly.Deanst
ar t
edtaki
ngoffherdr
essandshehel pedhimt akeof fhi
sclothes
aswel l
.TheykissedagainandjustasNolwaziwasabouttofal
lintoherneedyst ateagain,Dean
stoppedthekissandshesul ked.

Dean:
Tur
nar
ound.

Shewasaboutt
ocompl
ainwhenhegav
eheranaf
fi
rmat
ivel
ookandsheobl
i
gedandl
i
edon
herst
omach.

Dean:
Let
’sgett
hisbodyni
ceandr
elaxed.

Nolwazi huffedandhechuckl edashet ookani cecubeandputi tonherneck.Hesl i

ditcarefull
y
downherspi neandshewi ncedatfir
stcont act.Asi tsli
ddown, hewat chedherbody ’
sreaction
andthenst oppedatherwai st.Hethenleanedcl osertoherneckandpl antedfeatherki sses..
.
Shesighed. ..Het racedkissesdownt hespi newher etheicehadbeenandshequi v eredatt he
thr
il
lofitall.Thei cemel tedasher eachedherwai st
.Hesl owlyli
ckedt hewaterof fandshe
moanedast hef eelofhistonguecaressedher .Het ookanot hericecubeandt racedi tdownher
buttunt
il her eachedhert highs.Sheinvoluntaril
yopenedupherl egsjustal i
tt
lebitsohecoul d
sli
deiti
nbet weent hosethighs.Hecarefullywentupanddownt hemi ddleofthethi ghsunt i
lthe
i
cemel ted...Byt histimeshewascompl etelyaroused.

Hecaref
ull
yreposit
ionedherandmadehert
urnar
oundsoshecouldfaceup.Helower
edhis
bodyandthei
rfacestouched.Hedel
vedi
nforaki
ssandhegroanedashefeltNol
wazisl
i
deher
handbet
weent hei
rpressedbodi
essoshecoul
dtouchhi
serect
ion.

Ther
ewasnowayonecoul dbecompl et
elydomi nantwi
thNol
wazi.Justwhenhethoughthe
hadever
ythi
ngundercont
rol,
shealwaysremindedhim(eveni
fitwaslit
tl
egestur
es)thatshe
wasnotaboutt
hatsubser
vientorsubmissi
veli
fe.

Sheslowlyst
rokedhiserectcockast heyki
ssed.Shekissedhislowerli
pfi
rstandthenmov ed
ontohisupperli
p..
.Rol
eswer enowcompl etel
yrever
sed..
.Sheli
ckedhisupperli
pseduct
ively
andthenmov edontohisl owerli
p.ShebititandDeangrowledinpleasur
e..
.Sheconti
nuedt o
str
okehiscockandhef elthimsel
fgetweakerbyt hesecond.

Justasshewasabouttotouchhi
sball
s,hequickl
yreachedforani
cecubeandbeforeNol
wazi
coul
dtakeanot
herbreat
h,hehadalr
eadyplacedtheicecubeonthebaseofherv
agina.

Nol
wazi
:Ah!

Hesmi
l
edt
ohi
msel
fashewat
chedhershutherey
esandr
oll
herneck.Het
hensl
owl
ypl
aced
t
hei
cecubeont
het
opofhercl
i
tor
is.

Nol
wazi
:Aaah!

Hechuckledquietlyandthenreachedf oranot hericecubeandt uckediti

nherli
ps.Hethen
l
eanedclosertoherandki ssedher .Theirl
ipswer en’teventouchi
ngbuttheywerekissi
ng
nonet
heless.Whi l
etheydidthis,heusedhi sonehandt oreachdownt heicecubethatwason
hercl
itandhesl owlyrubbeditaroundt hatarea.Shel etoutacryandhecontinuedtoki
ssher
whil
ealsorubbinghercl i
twit
ht heice.

Ev entuall
ybot htheiceont heirli
psandhercl itmeltedandsoon, hisfi
ngerswer eincont actwith
hercl i
tandhi smout hwasi ncontactwi thhermout h.Theyki ssedpassi onatel
yandshej ust
drownedi npleasure.Hesl oweddownt hekissandt hentookanot hericecubeandpl acediton
oneni pple.Shemoanedl oudlyasher ubbedt heni pplewi t
ht heiceandt henmov edont othe
otherni ppl
e.Het ookt helasticecubet hatwasl eftandt henpl aceditinbetweenhi sl i
ps.He
wentupt oherneck, traceditallaroundt hatar ea,wentdownt oherbr easts,tr
acedi tallaround
thatar ea,wenttoherbel lybutton,nibbledabi tthereandf inally,
hegott owher eNol wazi
neededhi mt hemost .Heposi ti
onedhi msel fproperlyandt henopenedherl egswi der.Hel eaned
closert ohisnewhomeandusedt haticet othef ul
lest.Shest artedmov ingherhipssl owlyto
hisr hythm andsoonenough, theicehadmel t
edandnowhecoul dusehi stonguef ull
y.He
kissedhercl itor
isgently,consider
ingt hefactt hatitwasv erysensi ti
veatthispoint.Heki ssedit
tender l
yandt henlickedandsuckedi t
.

Nol
wazi
:Dean.
..

Shemoanedhi
snameandsi
ghedheav
il
yasshesankdeeperi
ntot
hebed.Shehadl
ostcont
rol
ofher
sel
f.

Atthi
spoint
,Deandi
dn’
tseetheuseoffi
nger
ingher.Hisai
m wastogethertocum mul
ti
ple
ti
mesbeforehecoul
dgoinandcli
tor
isst
imul
ationalwaysdrov
ehert
ot heedge.

Hefocusedont
hatli
tt
lebeanandfelthermuscl
est
ight
en.Hesuckedherhar
derandf
ast
erand
shetoomovedherhi
psharderandfaster
.
Theendwasnear
..
.

Sheplacedherhandonthebackofhi sheadandpressedhim deeperinside.Hi

st ongue’space
i
ncreasedandint
ensif
iedandsoonenough, shewaslett
ingoutascr eam.Herjuicesspr eadon
hi
sfacebuthecontinuedbecauseheknewt hiswasnotenough.Hegav eitonelastli
ckand
suckandsureenough,anotheror
gasm camef l
yi
ngbyandheputhi sheadupandwat chedas
shetwit
chedandmoaned, completel
ylosti
nherownwor l
d..
.

Hesmi
l
edt
ohi
msel
fashewentupt
oherf
acet
oki
ssher
.

Herbodywascompl
etel
yrel
axedandDeancoul
dnowdohi
sjobpr
oper
ly.
..

I
NSERT77(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Thol
imadeherwayt
oKwanel
e’
sof
fi
ceandknocked.

Kwanel
e:Ngena.

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
hbef
orewal
ki
ngi
n.

Sheopenedt
hedoorandt henmadeherwayinside.Kwanelewassit
ti
ngcomfort
abl
yinhi
s
seat
..
.Shewal
kedov ert
othedeskandhestaredatherwithoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.Hewasn’
t
angr
yoranyt
hing.Hewasj ustsi
tt
ingt
her
e,l
ooki
ngathercool l
y.

Thol
i
:Kwani
.

Kwanel
e:Hmm?
Shegl
ancedathi
m andshi
ver
edabi
t.Hel
ookedathercal
mly
.

Thol
i
:I’
m sor
ry.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m set
ti
ngy
ouf
ree.I
sn’
tthatwhaty
ouwant
?

Thol
il
ookedathi
m pl
eadi
ngl
y.

Thol
i
:I’
m sor
ry.

Kwanel
e:Uxol
i
sel
ani
?

Thol
i
:Ij
us-

Shehuf
fedandbi
therbot
tom l
i
pner
vousl
y.

Thol
i
:Idi
dn’
tmeant
o-

Shekeptqui
etandl
ookeddown.

Kwanel
e:HambaThol
akel
e.Noonei
sst
andi
ngi
nyourwaysi
si.

Thol
i
:Don’
tsayt
hat
!

Kwanel
e:Uf
unangi
thi
ni?Yougogal
l
ivant
ingi
nJohannesbur
gandcomebackf
eel
i
ngy
our
sel
f.
..
Goont
hen,
I’
m notst
oppi
ngy
ou.

Thol
i
:Buthowdi
dyouknow?
?

Kwanele:
Mxm,your
eal
l
ythi
nky
ou’
regoi
ngt
owal
kar
oundSandt
onandnothav
eoneofmy
peopl
eseeyou?

Shekeptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:Ungenzai
sli
makahlekahl
ewena.I
’
mlosi
ngmywi
febecauseIchoset
ohel
pyouand
nowyou’
respit
ti
ngi
nmyf ace?

Thol
i
:Iwasn’
t-

Kwanel
e:HambaThol
akel
e.I
’
m donewi
thy
ou.

Thol
i
:I’
m notl
eav
ingy
ou.

Kwanel
echuckl
ed.

Kwanel
e:Mxm.

Thol
i
:Iwasn’
tthi
nki
ng.

Kwanele:Damnr
ighty
ouwer
en’
t.Thesecondpeopl
efi
ndout
,uny
il
eandI
’
m notev
engoi
ngt
o
pr
otectyou.
Thol
ihuf
fed.

Kwanel
e:Youmi
ghtaswel
lgett
hosedi
vor
cepaper
saswel
l
.Ki
ckmewhi
l
eI’
m down.

Thol
i
:Kwani
I’
m sor
ry!

Shest
art
edsobbi
ng.

Kwanel
e:Hambokhal
elauMduwakho.

Hehi
ssedashet
ookhi
sphoneandbr
owsedt
hroughi
t.

Kwanel
e:Unbel
i
evabl
e..
.

Shest
aredathi
m ashei
gnor
edher
.

Kwanel
e:Andy
ouknowwhatwi
l
lhappenonceIcutal
lti
eswi
thy
ou.
..

Tholi
rushedoutandshutt
hedoor.Shewal
kedtot
hebedr
oom,packedsomeofherthi
ngsand
thengotherphoneandswi
tchedi
ton.Shedi
all
edMdu’
snumberandhepickedup.

Mdu:
Thol
i
.

Shet
ri
ednott
osob.

Thol
i
:Pl
easecomegetme.
Mdu:
Okay
.

Thol
i
:NowMdu.

Mdu:
Okay
.

Thol
i
:Thanks.

Mdudr oppedt hecallandjustasTholiturnedaround,shesawKwanel estandingbythedoor.

Hewal kedinside,shaki
nghi sheadli
ghtlyandwalkedov ertothecl
osettotakeajersey.Tholi
watchedner vouslyashewor eitandthenwal kedoutagain.Shefel
therheartbeatveryfastand
hadtosi tdownf orawhilejusttocal
m her sel
fdown.Kwanel ewasobviouslynothi
msel fandit
fr
eakedherouthowhewasj ustcal
m aboutt hewholething.

Af
terawhi
l
eherphoner
angandi
twasMdu.

Thol
i
:Hel
l
o.

Mdu:
Phuma.

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Shedroppedthecall
andt ookherbag.Shemadeherwaydownstai
rsandthenrushedoutofthe
house.Asshewalkedpastt hegar
age,shesawt
hatKwanel
e’scarwasnotther
e.Shewal ked
outoftheyar
dandqui ckl
ymadeherwayt oMdu’scar
.Onceshegotin,shel
ookedov erathi
m
nerv
ouslyandhelookedatherv er
ycasuall
y.

Mdu:
Tooky
oul
ongenough.
Shel
eanedcl
osert
ohi
m andhepul
l
edhert
owar
dshi
m andwr
appedhi
sar
m ar
oundher
.She
st
art
edsobbi
ng.

Thol
i
:Hechasedmeout
!

Mdu:
Isi
t?

Shenoddedasshecr
ied.

Mdu:
Manj
eukhal
elani
?

Shel
ookedathi
m shar
plyandheshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s.

Mdu:
Goodr
iddance.
..

Thol
i
:Youdon’
tunder
stand.

Mdu:
Thol
iyoucan’
texpectmet
ost
ressaboutsomet
hingIdon’
tknowabout
.

Shesobbedqui
etl
yandev
ent
ual
l
ysatbackonherseatandwi
pedherf
ace.

Mdu:
Yini
?

Thol
i
:Kwanel
eist
her
easonmybr
otheri
sst
il
lal
i
ve.
Mdusi
ghed.

Mdu:
We’
l
ltal
kaboutt
hisaf
tery
ou’
vecal
meddown.
..

Hest
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.

*
**

Nol
wazi
:I’
m hav
ingwei
rdcr
amps.

Shet
ouchedherbel
l
yandhi
ssed.

Dean:
That
’smysondev
elopi
ng.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Deanchuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Ibookedanappoi
ntmentwi
thmydoct
ort
omor
row.

Dean:
Dr.Smi
th?

Shenodded.

Dean:
Okay
.
Nol
wazi
:Ineedhi
mtogi
veust
hel
owdownonev
ery
thi
ng.

Dean:
Indeed.

Nol
wazi
:Soy
our
eal
l
ywantaboy
?

Deanpul
l
edhercl
osert
ohi
m andsher
est
edherheadonhi
schest
.

Dean:
Aboywoul
dmakemev
eryhappy
.

Nol
wazi
:Butwhathappensi
fit
’sgi
rl
?Itsoundsl
i
key
ouwon’
tev
enl
oveher
.

Deanl
aughed.

Dean:
Ofcour
seI
’
llbedi
sappoi
ntedbutI
’
lll
oveherr
egar
dless.

Nol
wazi
:Angekesazi
phel
ayoumayj
ustf
lee.

Dean:
Hai
suka.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m.

Nol
wazi
:It
hinkIneedt
otel
lmymot
her
.

Dean:
Justy
ourmot
her
?
Shenoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Mydadcan’
tfi
ndoutunt
ilI
’
m atl
eastshowi
ng.

Hechuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Oncet
hedi
vor
cei
sfi
nal
,hewon’
tgi
vemet
oomuchhear
tacheabouti
t.

Dean:Aslongasy
ouandIareonthesamepageNol
waziIcoul
dn’
tgi
veafuckwhatpeopl
e
thi
nk.Att
heendoftheday
,that
’smyseedgr
owingi
nyouandI’
m goi
ngt
opr ot
ecty
ouatall
costs.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
kenawenge-
drama.Yousayt
hatasi
fsomeonei
soutt
ogetme.

Dean:Thispregnancyisgoi
ngtopissal
otofpeopl
eoffLwazi
.Quitefrankl
yIdon’tseeanyone
accepti
ngthenewswhol ehear
tedl
y.Att
hispoi
ntwebothneedtobeanunmov abl
ef orce
becauseIcanguar ant
eeyouthati
twon’tbeassmoot
haswewoul dl
ikeittobe.AllIknow
thoughisthatnooneisgoingtoharmyouinanyway,
unlessI
’m deadofcourse.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edsl
yl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Howsexy
..
.

Dean:
I’
m notev
enj
oki
ng.Idar
eanyi
diott
ocomenearmyki
d.

Nol
wazi
:It
hinkyou’
reov
er-
thi
nki
ngi
t.Sur
e,peopl
ewon’
tbehappyabouti
tbutIt
hinkt
hat
’sas
f
arasi
twil
lget.
Dean:
Itbet
ter
..
.

Nol
wazi
leanedcl
osert
ohi
sfaceandki
ssedhi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Let
’snotr
uint
heZenv
ibe,
yes?

Deanexhal
edandsmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Dean:
Youl
i
kedt
hemassage?

Nol
wazi
:Youhav
enoi
dea.

Dean:
Ther
e’smor
etocome.
..

Nol
wazi
:Ngempel
a?

Henoddedandshechuckl
ed.Shet
hengotont
opofhi
m andr
est
edherf
aceonhi
sneck.

*
**

Kwanel
emadehiswaytoDr.Smi
th’
spri
vat
epracti
ceandbecauset
heyhav
eknowneachot
her
fory
ear
s,hedi
dn’
tevenneedtomakeanappoi
ntment.

DrSmi
th:
Longt
imenosee!

Kwanel
eandhi
m gr
eet
edeachot
herandmadet
hei
rwayt
ohi
sof
fi
ce.
Dr
.Smi
th:
Howi
smysweetNol
wazi
doi
ng?

Kwanel
echuckl
edqui
etl
y.

Kwanel
e:You’
reobv
iousl
ybehi
nd.
..

Dr
:What
’swr
ong?
?

Kwanel
e:Letmef
il
lyoui
n..
.

Hewentontotel
lDr
.Smit
hever
ysingl
ethingt
hatwentdown.Byt
het
imehewasdone
speaki
ng,
Dr.Smi
th’
sjawwasonthefl
oor.

Dr
:No!

Kwanel
echuckl
ed.

Dr
:Soi
t’
sov
er?
?

Kwanel
e:Appar
ent
ly.

Dr
:Soshedoesn’
tknowt
haty
ouknowaboutt
hepr
egnancy
?

Kwanel
eshookhi
shead.
Kwanel
e:I
’
vebeengoi
ngcr
azy
..
.

DrSmi
thl
ookedathi
mint
ent
ly.

Kwanel
e:Youneedt
ocheckt
hisshi
toutSmi
thbecauset
her
e’snowayI
’
m shoot
ingbl
anks.

Dr
:Doy
our
eal
l
ythi
nkt
hati
tmi
ghtbey
ou?

Kwanel
e:Whatam Isupposedtothi
nkwhenI
’v
ebeenwitht
hiswomanfor4yearsy
etshe
coul
dn’
tconcei
vebutthesecondshesl
eepswi
thsomeoneel
sesheconcei
ves?

Dr
.Smi
thnoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Kwanel
e:Youneedt
ocheckt
hisshi
toutandconf
ir
m ev
ery
thi
ng.
..

Dr
:Whatwi
l
lhappeni
fyouar
ethei
nfer
ti
leone?

Kwanel
e:I
’
m notev
ent
ryi
ngt
othi
nkt
hatf
ar.Dot
heset
est
snowsoIcanf
indawayf
orwar
d..
.

I
NSERT78(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Mdudr
ovet
osomeunf
ami
l
iarcompl
exandThol
ishothi
m al
ook.

Mdu:
We’
l
lst
ayher
eunt
ilIsor
tthatempt
yhouseout
.

Thol
i
:Whosepl
acei
sthi
s??
Mdu:Youl
i
kest
ressi
ngy
our
sel
fngezi
ntoezi
bheday
o.

Thol
ihi
ssed.

Mdu:
Hai
phel
aI’
l
ltakey
oubackt
oyourhusband’
spl
ace.

Shel
ookedathi
m shar
plyandhechuckl
ed.

Mdu:
I’
mjustki
ddi
ng.You’
remi
nenow.

Thol
i
:Thi
sisnotaj
oke!

Mduignor
edheranddrovei
nthecomplexandpar
ked.Theygotoutandhewai
tedf
orThol
ito
gett
ohim andt
henwrappedhi
sarm ar
oundhershoul
ders.

Mdu:
Weshoul
dhav
est
ayedi
nJobur
gyabo?

Sher
emov
edhi
sar
mfr
om herbuthei
nsi
stedandwr
appedbot
hhi
sar
msar
oundherwai
st.

Mdu:
Onaser
iousnot
e,doy
ouwantmet
otakey
oubackt
ohi
m?

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Mdu:
BecauseI
’
m notgoi
ngt
otol
erat
eanynonsensi
cal
gui
l
ttal
k.
Thol
i
:Howam Isupposedt
ofeel
?Ibet
ray
edhi
m.

Mdu:
Thengobackt
ohi
m.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Shedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Mdu:
Thei
diotki
cksy
ououtandy
ety
ou’
rest
il
lthi
nki
ngaboutbet
ray
inghi
m?

Thol
i
:I’
m notashear
tl
essasy
ou.

Mduchuckl
edandti
ght
enedhi
shol
donher
.Hepul
l
edhercl
osert
il
lthei
rbodi
est
ouchedand
t
hensmil
edwarmly
.

Mdu:
I’
ll
asky
ouonel
astt
ime,
doy
ouwantmet
otakey
ouback?

Shel
ookedathi
m shamef
acedl
yandev
ent
ual
l
yshookherhead.

Mdu:
Good.

Hepl
ant
edaki
ssonhercheekandt
henl
etgoofherashel
edt
hewayt
otheapar
tment
.

*
**

Beforeanythingcouldbeconduct ed,Dr.Smithbeganabr i
efinterv
iewwi t
hKwanel ethat
i
ncluded:Af ullmedi
cal andreproduct i
vehist
ory,al
ongwi t
hanysur geri
eshehashadand
medicati
onshei st
aking.Heal soaskedhi mli
fest
ylequesti
ons, i
ncludi
nghisexerci
se,smoking,
anddruguse, andt
henhadaphy sicalexam whichwasaf rankdiscussionabouthissexual
li
fe,
i
ncludinganypr obl
emswi t
hsexorpr evioussexual
lytr
ansmi t
teddiseases…Kwanel eanswered
t
rut
hful
l
yandant
ici
pat
edt
het
est
s.

DrSmi th:Identi
fyi
ngt hecauseofaman' sinfert
il
it
yi sasmuchanar tasasci ence.Oneoft he
testsisknownas“ Sperm andSemenAnal ysi
s”.Hereweassesst heman' ssperm count ,
their
shape, mov ement ,
andot hervari
ables.Generall
y,ahi ghernumberofnor mal-shapedsper m
meanshi gherfert
il
it
y.Butexceptionsarecommon.Manymenwi thlowsper m count sor
abnormal semenar estil
lfert
il
e.I
fthef i
rstsemenanal ysisisnor mal,thenIwi l
lorderasecond
testtoconf ir
mt heresults.Twonormal testsareusual lyinterpret
edt omeant hatyoudon’thav e
anysigni f
icantinf
erti
l
ityproblems.Ifsomet hi
ngint her esultslooksirregular
,thenImi ghtorder
furt
hert eststopinpointtheprobl
em.Sur pr
isi
ngly,
ifnosemenorsper m atall arepresent,t
his
canbeagoodt hing.I
tmi ghtsuggestabl ockageint he" plumbing"thatcanbecor rectedwith
surgery.

Kwanel
e:Soshoot
ingbl
anksdoesn’
tnecessar
il
ymeanamani
sinf
ert
il
e?

Dr:
Insomeinst
ancesi
tdoesbuti
fitdoesn’
tthent
her
emi
ghtbeabl
ockaget
hatcanbef
ixed
t
hroughsur
gery
.

Kwanel
enodded.

Kwanele:
I’
veneverhadsexual
probl
ems.
..Ij
ustdon’
tunder
standwhyshewasunabl
eto
concei
veall
thi
stime..
.

DrSmi
thnodded.

Dr
:Ineedt
odi
scusssomet
hingwi
thy
ouf
ir
st.

Kwanel
e:What
?

Dr
:It
hinki
t’
sbesti
fIdi
stancemy
sel
ffr
om t
hissi
tuat
ionf
rom nowonwar
ds.
Kwanel
ekeptqui
et.

Dr:
Ihav
egrownt
oappr
eci
atebot
hofy
ouandIdonotwantt
obei
nvol
vedi
nanydi
sput
e
bet
weenyout
wo.

Kwanel
e:Youcandi
sappearaf
tery
ouconductt
hist
estSmi
th.

Dr:Asl
ongaswear
eont
hesamepage.Iwi
l
lkeept
hispr
ivat
e,asIam supposedt
o,andIwi
l
l
backof
f.

Kwanel
e:Fi
nebyme.

Dr
:Good.

Hest
oodupandt
henexpl
ainedt
hepr
ocedur
etoKwanel
e..
.

Kwanel
echuckl
ed.

Kwanel
e:Ihav
en’
tbust
edanuti
nav
eryl
ongt
imeSmi
th.

Dr
:Wel
lIneedy
oursper
ms!

Theyl
aughed.

Kwanel
e:Ther
egoesmycl
eansi
ng.
..

Dr
:Asi
fit
’sbychoi
ce!
Kwanel
e:Wat
chi
tnow!

Theyl
aughedsomemor
e..
.

Dr
:Her
e’st
hecup.Ineedy
out
ofi
l
lthi
swhol
ethi
ngwi
thy
oursol
dier
s..
.

Kwanel
enodded.

Dr
:Iev
enhav
easpeci
alr
oom f
ory
ou.

Theywalkedoutoft
heoffi
ceandDrSmi
thl
edhimt osomeot herr
oom.Whentheymadetheir
wayinsi
de,Kwanel
echuckl
ed.Ther
ewasastackofpornogr
aphicmagazi
nesandpost
ers.
..

Dr
:You’
reobv
iousl
ygoi
ngt
oneedsomemot
ivat
ion.

Kwanel
echuckl
ed.

Dr
:Her
e’saTVandawhol
ebunchofDVDst
oent
icey
ou.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m noti
ntowhi
tepeopl
e’
spor
nSmi
th.

DrSmi
thl
aughedbol
dly
.

Dr
:Li
sten,
Iev
enhav
eAsi
anst
ufft
her
e.Pi
ckwhat
every
ouwant
.
Kwanel
echuckl
edandnodded.

Dr
:Al
ri
ghtt
hen,
you’
l
lletmeknowoncey
ou’
vegoty
ourhappyendi
ng.

Kwanel
e:Wi
l
ldo.

DrSmi
thmadehi
swayoutandKwanel
esatont
her
ecl
i
ningchai
r.
..

*
**

Tholi
wasbeyondexhaust
ed.Herbr
ainwasbey
ondf
ri
edatt
hispoi
ntandal
lthecr
yingmade
herphysi
cal
l
yti
red.

Mdu:
Woul
dyoul
i
ket
otakeashower
?

Thol
il
ookedar
ounduncomf
ort
abl
y.

Mdu:
Thol
ithi
sismyf
ri
end’
spl
ace,
rel
ax.

Thol
i
:Kant
iyenawher
eishenj
engobat
hinasi
l
a?

Mduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
You’
rer
eal
l
yuncomf
ort
abl
e?

Shenodded.
Mdu:
Myhousehasnobed.

Thol
i
:Igr
ewupsl
eepi
ngont
hef
loor
.

Mdu:
Hai
kemanj
eIhav
etosl
eepont
hef
loornami
?

Shenodded.

Thol
i
:It
’snott
hatbad.

Mdu:
Wel
lobv
iousl
yit
’snotbadf
ory
ou.Youhav
eal
lthecushi
ony
ouneedt
osl
eepont
hef
loor
.

Shel
ookedathi
m shar
plyandhel
aughedandpul
l
edheri
ntohi
sar
ms.

Mdu:
Ngi
yadl
ala.Il
ovey
ourcushi
ons.

Thol
i
:You’
reapol
ogi
singwi
thani
nsul
t!

Mdu:
Hai
I’
dnev
eri
nsul
tyou.You’
reper
fectphel
awena.

Sheroll
edherey
esbuthercheekst
urnedr
eddi
shasshet
ri
edt
ohi
det
hef
actt
hatshewas
bl
ushing.

Mdu:
Aver
yper
fectcushi
on.
Thol
i
:Mdu!

Hel
aughedqui
etl
yandsqueezedher
.

Thol
i
:Uy
eyi
sawena.

Mdu:
I’
m hungr
y.

Thol
i
:Soy
oui
nsul
tpeopl
ewheny
ou’
rehungr
y?

Mduf
rowned.

Thol
i
:I’
mti
red.

Mdu:
Thenl
et’
sor
dersomet
hing.

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Mdu:
Arey
ouwi
l
li
ngt
ost
ayher
eforj
ustt
oni
ght
?

Shel
ookedathi
m andj
ustnoddedi
ndef
eat
.

Mdu:
It’
snotl
i
key
ouhav
eachoi
ce,
chubbycheeks.

Shepushedhi
m awayandhel
aughed.
Mdu:
You’
repr
act
ical
l
yhomel
ess.

Shecr
ossedherar
mst
ight
lyandl
ookedathi
m angr
il
y.

Mdu:
Am Iwr
ong?

Thol
i
:St
opt
easi
ngme!

Mdu:
I’
m sor
ryke.

Thol
i
:You’
rebei
ngmean.

Mdu:
Wozake.

Hepul
l
edherandwr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundherandshest
if
ledasmi
l
ed.

Mdu:
We’
l
lgetf
urni
tur
etomor
rowsoy
oucanl
i
vecomf
ort
abl
yiny
ourman’
shouse.

Thol
iHowam Isupposedt
orespondt
othecr
azyt
hingsy
ousay
?

Mduchuckl
edandpl
ant
edaki
ssonherf
orehead.

Mdu:
Letmeor
dersomet
hing.I
’
mfami
shed.

Hel
etgoofherandwentt
othel
ounge.
..
*
**

DrSmi
thl
ookedatKwanel
eint
ent
lyandsi
ghed.

Kwanel
e:Don’
twast
emyt
imeol
dman.

Dr
:We’
regoi
ngt
ogett
her
esul
tsi
naf
ewday
s..
.

Kwanel
e:Whatdoy
out
hink?

Dr
:Honest
ly?

Kwanel
enoddedt
ight
ly.

Dr
:Idon’
tthi
nkt
her
e’sany
thi
ngwr
ongwi
thy
ou.
..

Kwanel
elookedathi
m wi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ngf
orawhi
l
e.

Kwanel
e:Whydoy
ousayt
hat
?

DrSmi
thsi
ghedheav
il
yandscr
atchedhi
shead.
..

Kwanel
e:WhatSmi
th?

DrSmi
thl
ookedathi
mint
ent
ly.
Kwanel
e:Doy
ouknowsomet
hing?

DrSmi
thsi
ghedonceagai
n.

Kwanel
e:Wel
lnowI
’
m def
ini
tel
ynotl
eav
ingunt
ily
out
ell
mewhat
every
ou’
ret
hinki
ng.

Theysati
nsi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e..
.

I
NSERT79(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Mdu:
Whyar
en’
tyoueat
ing?

Tholii
gnoredhi
m andcarr
iedonwatchi
ngTV.Shewassit
ti
ngupri
ghtandwasobvi
ousl
yupti
ght
.
Mduont heotherhandwaschewingaway.Hel
ookedatherasheswall
owedsomeofhispi
zza.
Hethenleanedclosert
oherwit
hhissli
ceofpi
zzaanddangl
editi
nfr
ontofherf
aceandshe
pushedhishandaway .

Mdu:
Yini
sisi
?Youdon’
thav
eanappet
it
e?

Shel
ookedathi
m shar
plyandhechuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Hmkay
.

Hef
ini
shedupt
hesl
i
ceandt
hensatbackont
hecouchcomf
ort
abl
y.

Mdu:
Comecl
oser
.
Shei
gnor
edhi
m andcont
inuedf
ocusi
ngont
heTV.

Mdu:
Thol
akel
e.

Thol
i
:Leav
emeal
one.

Mdu:
Unemi
hlol
oyazi
.Youaskmet
ofet
chy
ouandt
henactf
reshoncey
ou’
rewi
thme?

Thol
i
:Iwoul
dn’
thav
ecomehadIknownt
hatI
’
dbei
nsul
ted.

Mdu:
Aveune-
drama.

Sher
oll
edherey
esandcont
inuedt
ofocusont
hescr
eenbuthepul
l
edhert
il
lshewasgl
uedt
o
hi
m.

Thol
i
:You’
rehur
ti
ngme!

Mdu:
Hai
suka.

Thol
i
:Mdu.
..

Shegr
unt
edbuthej
ustwr
appedhi
sar
m ar
oundherandcont
inuedt
opi
nheragai
nsthi
m.

Mdu:
DidIhur
tyourf
eel
i
ngs?

Thol
itr
iedmov
ingbuthet
ight
enedhi
sgr
iponher
.
Thol
i
:I’
mti
redMdu,
leav
emeal
one.

Hesmi
l
edmi
schi
evousl
y.

Mdu:
Wantmet
ogi
vey
ouamassage?

Thol
i
:Not
hanks!

Shet
ri
edmov
ingagai
n.

Mdu:Awumengodl
ameThol
i
.I’
m of
fer
ingmyser
vicest
oyouandi
tof
fendsmet
haty
oudon’
t
wantt
hem.

Shel
ookedathi
m annoy
ingl
y.

Mdu:
Wat
chi
t.

Thol
i
:Idon’
twanty
ourser
vices.

Mdu:
Wel
lthathur
tsmyf
eel
i
ngs.

Thol
i
:Whatwi
l
litt
akef
ory
out
okeepqui
et?
?

Mduchuckl
ed.
Thol
i
:Don’
tyouwantsomepeaceandqui
et?
?

Mdul
ookedatheri
nnocent
ly.

Mdu:
You’
ret
heonewho’
smaki
ngnoi
ser
ightnow.

Thol
i
:Ar
gh.

Mdu:
Uyadel
elakodwaThol
akel
e.

Shel
ookedathi
m bl
ankl
y.

Mdu:
What
’swr
ongwi
thy
ou?

Thol
i
:I’
mti
red.

Mdu:
Letmegi
vey
ouamassage.

Thol
i
:NoIdon’
tneedone.

Mdu:
Mxm.

Hequi
ckl
yst
oodupandt
henbentov
ert
oherandpi
ckedherup.Shescr
eamedi
nshock.

Mdu:
Umangazway
ini
?
Shel
ookedathi
minshockandhel
aughedashewal
kedt
othebedr
oom wi
thheri
nhi
sar
ms.

Thol
i
:Putmedown!

Hegott
othebedr
oom andt
henputheront
hebedandshegaspedi
nshock.

Mdu:
Shi
t,mybackhur
ts.

Shelookedathi
mindi
sbel
i
efandhel
aughedashesatnextt
oherandwr
appedhi
sar
m ar
ound
her
.

Mdu:
Ngi
yadl
alamanThol
akel
e.

Thol
i
:Idon’
tappr
eci
atey
ourr
udej
okes.

Mdu:
Awusaphaphi
njet
heseday
s.

Shegr
unt
edandst
aredathi
m.

Mdu:
Letmemakei
tupt
oyou.

Thol
i
:Wi
l
lthi
smassagegety
out
oleav
emeal
one?

Mdu:
Yes.

Shel
ookedathi
m expect
ant
ly.
Thol
i
:Hur
ryup.

Mdu:
Hai
whor
ushesamasseur
?

Thol
i
:What
’samasseur
?

Mdu:
Aper
sonwhopr
ovi
desmassagespr
ofessi
onal
l
y.

Thol
irol
l
edherey
es.

Thol
i
:I’
mti
redMduandI
’
m noti
nthemood.

Mdu:
WeehhasKwanel
eseent
hissi
deofy
ou?

Shel
ookedathi
m shar
plyandhechuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Itseemsl
i
keI
’
m aneasyt
argetf
ory
ou.
..

Shekeptqui
etandhechuckl
edagai
n.

Mdu:
Any
way
,letmedomyshi
t.

Hetoldhertobalanceherbackontheheadboar
dandthenhesatont
heedgeofthebedand
tookoffhersocks.Heplacedherf
eetonhisl
apandthengr
abbedonefootv
eryr
oughlyandshe
prot
ested.
Hel
aughedasshet
ri
edt
oremov
eherf
eetf
rom hi
slap.

Mdu:
Cal
m down.

Thol
i
:Pl
easest
opwi
thy
ourgames.

Shel
ookedathi
m pl
eadi
ngl
yandhesi
ghed.

Mdu:
You’
rer
eal
l
yti
red?

Shenoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Mdu:
Hai
sukat
her
e’snoneedt
obesheepi
shkenawe.

Thol
i
:Ngi
khat
hel
eMduduzi
.

Mdu:
Ewu,
saymynameonemor
eti
me.

Thol
ichuckl
edl
i
ght
lyandr
oll
edherey
es.Mdut
henbegant
omassageherf
eetandsher
elaxed
abit
.

Mdu:
Itol
dyouI
’
m good.

Thol
i
:Youcoul
dusesomet
rai
ning.
..

Mdu:
Mxm.
Shechuckledquietl
yandclosedhereyesandal
lowedhersel
ftorel
axevenmore.Mdu
massagedherf eetforav
erylongti
meandshef inal
l
yfel
thersel
fdozeoff
.Shethenf
eltMdu’
s
presenceoverherbutwastoolazytoopenhereyes.

Shef
elthi
m pl
antaki
ssonherf
orehead.

Mdu:
I’
m goi
ngt
otakecar
eofy
ouwena.

Shegr
unt
edsl
eepi
l
yandhel
aughedqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
You’
l
lknowwhatl
ovei
s..
.

*
**

Kwanel
edi
all
edThul
i
’snumberandsheanswer
edaf
teral
ongt
ime.

Thul
i
:Hel
l
o?

Kwanel
e:Thul
i
.

Thul
i
:Hel
l
o?Whoam Ispeaki
ngt
o?

Kwanel
e:Somyv
oicei
sev
enunr
ecogni
sabl
enow?

Thul
i
:Ohshi
tKwanel
e??
Kwanel
ekeptqui
et.

Thul
i
:Wher
ethef
uckar
eyou?
!

Kwanel
e:Hav
inganear
lydi
nneraty
ourf
avour
it
erest
aur
ant
.

Thul
i
:You’
reback?
?

Kwanel
e:Cany
oucome?

Thul
i
:Gi
veme20mi
nut
es.

Kwanel
e:Okay
.

Thul
i
:By
e.

Kwanel
e:By
e.

Hedroppedthecall
andbrowsedt
hroughhi
sphone,
thi
nki
ngaboutwhatDrSmithhadt
oldhi
m...
I
ttookever
yf i
brei
nhim nott
obur
stoutandki
l
lever
yhumanthatpassedhi
m buthemanaged
t
ostaycalm asever.

Justashewasaboutt
ofi
nishof
fhi
sgl
assofwat
er,
hisphoner
angandhecheckedt
hecal
l
eri
d
befor
eanswer
ing.

Kwanel
e:Yes?
Per
son:
Itappear
sasi
fDeanandNol
wazi
arebei
ngf
oll
owed.

Kwanel
efr
owned.

Kwanel
e:Bywho?

Per
son:
I’
ll
findoutonceI
’
veconf
ir
medmysuspi
cions.

Kwanel
e:Ineedconst
ruct
ivei
ntel
.Idon’
thav
eti
mef
orunnecessar
yshi
t.

Per
son:
I’
vegoty
ou.

Kwanel
esawThul
ient
ert
her
est
aur
ant
.

Kwanel
e:By
e.

Per
son:
Cheer
s.

Hedr
oppedthecal
landputt
hephonedownj
ustasThul
ispot
tedhi
m andmadeherwayt
othe
t
abl
einshock.

Thul
i
:Wher
ethef
uckhav
eyoubeen?
!

Kwanel
e:Hel
l
otoy
out
oo.

Thul
i
:No,
fucky
ouKwanel
e!Doy
ouknowhowmuchshi
tIhadt
ocar
rybecauseofy
ou?
!
Kwanel
ekeptqui
etasshest
oodov
erhi
m,f
umi
ng.

Thul
i
:Iam pi
ssedKwanel
e.Youdon’
tjustupandl
eav
eandt
henexpectpeopl
etot
idyupy
our
mess!Whatt
hefucki
swrongwithyou?!

Hel
ookedatherbl
ankl
yandsheexhal
edl
oudl
yandherf
acer
elaxed.

Thul
i
:Iwaswor
ri
edabouty
ou.

Kwanel
e:I
t’
sbeenar
oughcoupl
eofweeks.

Thul
i
:Wher
ewer
eyou?

Kwanel
e:Si
tdown.

Sheexhal
edandl
ookedathi
mintent
lyandhestoodupandt
heyshar
edahug.Shet
henwal
ked
overt
otheot
hersi
deofthet
abl
eandt heybot
hsatdown.

Thul
i
:Kant
i??

Kwanel
elookedatherser
iousl
y.

Kwanel
e:Iwassi
ck.

Thul
i
:Whathappened?
Hel
ookedatherbl
ankl
y.

Thul
i
:Doesi
thav
etodowi
tht
hesei
zur
es?

Kwanel
e:Whatel
sewoul
ditbe?

Thul
i
:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?

Kwanel
e:I
’
llbef
ine.

Thul
il
ookedathi
mforav
eryl
ongt
ime.

Thul
i
:Wi
l
lyoumakei
tthr
ought
his?

Kwanel
eshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s.

Thul
i
:She’
sst
oppedt
alki
ngt
omef
orsomer
eason.

Kwanel
e:Real
l
y?

Shenoddedandl
ookedathi
m sadl
y.

Kwanel
e:Gui
l
tybyassoci
ati
on.

Thuli
:It
’sridicul
ous.Anyway,
Ithi
nki
t’
sgoodforustogetsomespacefrom eachother
.All
thesepeopl earesell
i
ngherdreamsandIdon’
twanttobethet
hornthatkeepsbri
ngingher
backtor eali
ty.Mypresencei
snotneededatt
hemoment .
Kwanel
e:Howi
sshe?

Thul
i
:YouknowNol
wazi
..
.

Henoddedandsmil
edli
ght
lyasheall
owedhi
mselft
odrowninhismosttr
easur
edmemor
ies.
..
Thul
isawthi
sanddeci
dedtokeepqui
etandt
heysati
nsil
enceforaver
ylongti
me.

Thul
i
:Iwasr
oot
ingf
ory
ouguy
s.Cl
ear
lyi
t’
sti
met
oletgo.
..

Kwanel
e:Idon’
tcar
ewhatanyoneel
sesay
s,Nol
wazi
lov
esmeandnot
hingel
sewi
l
lev
er
compar
et owhatweshar
ed.
..

Thul
i
:Buty
our
uinedi
t.

Kwanel
e:Iknow.
..

Thul
i
:May
bei
t’
sti
met
oletgo.
..

Kwanel
elookedatherser
iousl
y.

Kwanel
e:No,
it’
snot
.

Thuli
sighedheav
il
yandjustl
ookedathi
m sadl
y.Shetoowasmour
ningalossofaf
ri
endshi
p
andsheneededKwaneletocometotermswiththel
ossofhi
smarr
iageaswelli
nor
derfor
them t
omov eon..
.
I
NSERT80(
Coul
dn’
tedi
torf
ini
sh)

Thefol
lowi
ngmor ni
ng,Nolwazi
wokeupandmadeherwayt ot
hebat
hroom.Shet
ookalong
showerandthendri
edhersel
fandl
oti
oned.Shethenmadeherwaybacktot
hebedroom and
foundDeansit
ti
ngontheedgeofthebed,busywit
hhisphone.

Nol
wazi
:Mor
ning.

Deangl
ancedatherandsmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Dean:
Unj
ani
?

Nol
wazi
:Okayandy
ou?

Deanshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s.

Nol
wazi
:Imi
sswor
know.Thi
srandom hol
i
dayhast
oend.

Deanchuckl
edqui
etl
yandnodded.

Dean:
Youmi
sswor
k?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Nol
wazi
:Al
lthi
slazi
ngar
oundwon’
tgetusany
wher
e.Weneedt
ogoback.

Dean:
It’
sThur
sdaynow.We’
l
lgobacknextweek.
Nol
wazi
sighedandnodded.

Dean:
Whatt
imei
stheappoi
ntment
?

Nol
wazi
:It
’s8am nowsowehav
eanhour
.

Dean:
I’
ll
getr
eadyt
hen.
..

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lpr
epar
ebr
eakf
ast
.

Dean:
Wel
lthat
’saf
ir
st.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
bowhat
’st
hatsupposedt
omean?

Dean:
You’
vebeenv
eryl
azyt
heseday
s.

Nol
wazi
:Iwi
l
lnotdi
gni
fyt
hatwi
thar
esponse.

Hechuckl
edandshef
ini
shedupget
ti
ngdr
essedandmadeherwaydownst
air
stopr
epar
e
br
eakf
ast.

*
**

Kwanelewasinbed..
.Hecoul dn’
tbri
nghimselftofacet
hewor l
dtoday.Al
lthestr
esshehad
coopedupforthepastcoupleofweekswassuddenl ybreaki
ngout.Heall
owedallhi
semoti
ons
toover
comehim andhewasgl adthatnoonewoul dseehiminthi
sstatebecausehenowhad
nochoicebutt
oshowadi fferentf
ronttopeople.
Ashel
ayt
her
e,hekeptpi
ctur
ingNol
wazi
inDean’
sar
ms.
..

Thethoughtofhersnuggl i
ngclosetohim ever ynightwasenought odr i
v ehimi nsane.Hef ound
himsel
ftryi
ngt ost
abili
sehisbreatheverynowandt henbecauseoft hesev eri
tyoft heint
ense
angerandhur t
.Theangerwasmost lydir
ectedathi msel fforall
owinghisl i
fetogett othi
spoint.
Abigpartofhim knewt hatthedamagewasal readyt oomuchbutt herewasanot herpartofhim
thatcl
ungont othelastbitofhopethatexisted.Hecoul dn’
tall
owhi msel ftoletgowi t
houtat
l
easttryi
ngt ofi
ght.
..HejusthopedNol waziwoul datleastt r
ytounder standwher ehewas
comingfrom.Hemadeahugemi st
akeandi tdi dn’
ttakeani ntell
i
gentper sont oseej usthow
muchhur thebroughtbecauseofhi sacti
ons...Hedi dn’twanttopayt hepr icefull
y .I
tsaddened
himthatittooksuchadr asti
csit
uationforhimt oreal
isejusthowmani pulati
veandconni vi
ng
hismotheris..
.

Het henallowedhimselftothinkaboutThol i
..
.Theonl yreasonhewaswi t
hherwasbecausehe
fel
tsor r
yforher.
..Thewhol esituat
ionwasj usttoocompl i
cat
edbutsomehowi tpissedhim of
f
thatshewoul dspitonhisfacel i
keaftereveryt
hinghehaddonef orherregar
dlessoft he
i
mpl icat
ionsoftheirr
elat
ionship.Nowt hatshedi dn’thi
m, shechosetorunofftoanot herman’s
arms.Asmuchashewant edt ofi
ghtforNolwazi, hesti
llcoul
dn’
thelpbutfeelbetrayedbyTholi
.
Itnowseemedl i
keallthethingshedonewer eawast ebecausehelostbothoft hem...

Aft
eral ongt i
me, hefi
nallygat
heredenoughstrengthtogetoutofbedandtakeashower.Thi
s
wholeexper i
encewasal t
eri
nghimi naway .Hewasst ar
ti
ngtobecomesuchacol dand
unrecognisablepersonandpar tofhimfearedthathewouldnevergobacktohowheusedt obe.
All
oft hi
swasj usttogethisol
dl i
feback.
..Att
hispoint,
heknewhe’ddietr
yingt
of i
ghtf
or
Nolwazi,regardlessoftheobstacl
eshe’dfacealongtheway.

*
**

Nol
wazi
andDeandr
oveoutoft
hehouseandmadet
hei
rwayt
oDrSmi
th’
spr
ivat
epr
act
ice.
..

Nol
wazi
:Whendot
heyusual
l
ytel
lust
hegender
?
Dean:
Ithi
nkat15weeksorsomewher
eal
ongt
hosel
i
nes.

Nol
wazi
:West
il
lhav
eal
ongwayt
ogoIguess.
..

Dean:
It’
sgoodt
hatwef
oundoutear
lyaboutt
hispr
egnancy
.

Nol
wazi
:Yout
hink?

Dean:
Yes.

Nol
wazishr
uggedhershoul
der
sanddr
ovei
nsil
enceti
ll
theygottothepr
ivat
epr
act
ice.Once
t
her
e,theymadethei
rwaytoDrSmi
th’
sof
fi
ceandfoundhim si
tt
ingonhi
sdesk.

Theol
dmansmi
l
edassoonashesawNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Hel
l
other
e.

Hest
oodupandt
heyshar
edawar
mshug.

DrSmi
th:
Mydear
estNol
wazi
!

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edwar
mly
.

Dr
:Howhav
eyoubeen?I
t’
sbeenawhi
l
e.

Nol
wazi
:Iknow.
..Thi
ngshav
ebeenabi
tcr
azy
.
Dr
:Tel
lmeabouti
t!

Nol
wazi
shookherheadl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Thest
orywoul
dneedust
oreser
ve2day
s.

DrSmi
thchuckl
edandt
hengl
ancedatDeanwhowasl
ooki
ngathi
m bl
ankl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Thi
sisDean.

DrSmi
thnoddedandsmi
l
edki
ndl
y.Het
henputouthi
shandt
oDean.

Dr
:Goodmor
ningDean.

DeanshookDrSmi
th’
shand.

Dean:
Howar
eyou?

Dr
:I’
m gr
eatt
hanky
ou.

Nol
wazithencl
earedhert
hroatasshecoul
dseet
hatDrSmi
thwasl
ooki
ngatDeanwei
rdl
y,
pr
obabl
ywonderingwhohewas.

Dr
:Uhm y
oumayhav
easeat
.
Nol
wazi
:Thanks.

Theyal
lsatdownandt
henDrSmi
thf
ocusedonNol
wazi
.

DrSmi
th:
TowhatdoIowet
hepl
easur
e?

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
y.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m pr
egnant
.

DrSmi
thexcl
aimedi
nshockandsmi
l
ed.

Dr
:Congr
atul
ati
ons!

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edawkwar
dlyandgl
ancedatDeanwhowasst
ari
ngi
ntensel
yatDrSmi
th.

Dr
:Ohwow!I
’
mthr
il
led!

Nol
wazi
:Thanks.

ShenudgedDeandi
scr
eet
lysohewoul
dst
opst
ari
ngatDrSmi
thl
i
kehewassomedet
ect
ive.

Dr
:Howf
aral
ongar
eyou?

Nol
wazi
:We’
reappr
oachi
ng4weeksnow.
Dr
:That
’samazi
ngdear
!

Nol
wazi
noddedandt
hensi
ghed.

Dr
:Ist
her
eapr
obl
em?

Nol
wazi
:Uhm.
..Ya.
..

Dr
:What
’swr
ong?

Nol
wazi
glancedatDean.

Nol
wazi
:Uhm,
Kwanel
eandIar
enol
ongert
oget
her
.

DrSmi
thexcl
aimedi
nshock.

Dr
:What
??

Nol
wazi
noddedshamef
ull
y.

DrSmi
thl
ookedatheri
nshockandsadness.

Dr
:Wel
lthat
’sunf
ort
unat
e..
.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.
Dr
:Soi
sthebabyi
s?

Nol
wazi
shookherheadandf
iddl
edwi
thherf
inger
s.

Dr
:Oh.

Dean:
Thebabyi
smi
ne.

Bot
hNol
wazi
andDrSmi
tht
urnedt
olookatDeanbecausehi
svoi
cewasunexpect
ed.

Dr
:Congr
atul
ati
ons.

Dean:
Cutoutt
hef
akenessandgetonwi
tht
het
est
s.

Bot
hNol
wazi
andDrSmi
thgaspedi
nshock.

Dean:Testher,t
ell
uswhatweneedt oknowandgiv
eusot herrecommendat
ionsf
or
gynaecol
ogist
sanddoctor
s.Idon’
tthinkwe’
l
lneedyourserv
icesanymor
e.

Nol
wazi
:Dean!

Deanst
aredatDrSmi
thandt
heol
dmanshi
ver
edabi
t.

DrSmi
th:
OhIcanunder
standi
fyouwantt
ochangedoct
ors.

Nol
wazi
:No!
Deanl
ookedatNol
wazi
.

Dean:
Angi
l
ithandi
lel
i
khehl
a.

Nol
wazi
wast
oost
unnedt
oev
enr
epl
y.

DrSmi
thst
oodupandcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

Dr
:Uhm I
’
llgi
vey
ousomepr
ivacy
..
.

Hequi
ckl
ywal
kedoutoft
her
oom andNol
wazi
andDeanst
aredateachot
herf
orawhi
l
e.

Nol
wazi
:Whati
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
?

Dean:
Idon’
tli
kehi
m.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
minshock.

Dean:
I’
dappr
eci
atei
tifwewoul
dgetsomeonewe’
rebot
hcomf
ort
abl
ewi
th.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
etandj
ustst
aredathi
m..
.

I
NSERT81

Nol
wazi
:Butwhatdoy
oumeany
oudon’
tli
kehi
m?
Dean:
Nol
wazi
justasIr
especty
ourv
iews,
I’
dappr
eci
atei
tify
ouwoul
drespectmi
neaswel
l
.

Nol
wazi
:Butwhyar
eyoubei
ngl
i
ket
his?

Dean:
I’
m notcomf
ort
abl
ewi
thhi
m.

Shesi
ghedheav
il
yandl
ookedawayandDeansof
tenedup.

Dean:
Idi
dn’
tmeant
obehar
sh.

Shei
gnor
edhi
m andkeptqui
et.

Dean:
Sonowy
ou’
reangr
y?

Nol
wazi:I
’
m notNt
siki
oranyofy
ourex-
gir
lf
ri
ends,
Dean.I
’
mtr
yingbyal
lmeanst
okeepmy
composur
eri
ghtnow.

Dean:
What
’st
hatsupposedt
omean?

Nol
wazi
:Don’
tmi
stakemef
orsomeonewhocan’
tmakeherowndeci
sions.

Dean:
You’
rebei
ngdr
amat
ic.

Nol
wazi
:Iwon’
ttol
erat
eyourar
roganceDean.I
’
m notsomepawnt
haty
oucancont
rol
.
Dean:
Yout
hinkI
’
m cont
rol
l
ingy
ou?

Nol
wazi:Don’
texpectmetofol
lowal
l y
ourbar
ksl
i
keI’
m somebr
ainl
esssheep.I
’
vebeenv
ery
pat
ientwi
thyoubutyou’
rereal
l
ygett
ingonmyner
vesnow.

Deanl
ookedathercal
mly
.

Nol
wazi
:Yourar
rogancei
sappal
l
ingandI
’
m af
rai
dIwon’
tbepat
ientf
orev
er.

Deankeptqui
et.

Nolwazi
:Itpi
ssesmeof ft
hatyouthinkit’
sacceptabl
ef oryoutobarkorder
sandt henIwi l
l
fol
lowli
kesomest upi
dgir
l.I
’
m grownDeanandIwon’ thaveyoutreat
ingmel i
keachi l
d.Ifyou
weresouncomf or
tabl
ewithDrSmith, ubuxakweyini
ungashosonkel esi
khathi
?Sobasi call
ywe
droveal
lthewayheresoyoucandi srespectthi
smansor uthl
essl
yinhisownpr act
ice?

Deanst
il
ldi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Nol
wazi
:It
’sbul
l
shi
t.

Shehuf
fedf
uri
ousl
yandt
henl
ookedawaywhi
l
eDeanst
aredathercool
l
y.

Dean:
Hav
eyousai
dwhaty
ouneededt
osay
?

Nol
wazi
ignor
edhi
m.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
?
Shel
ookedathi
m shar
ply
.

Nolwazi
:I’
m st
art
ingtof
eell
ikesomemachi
nethat
’scont
rol
l
edbyyou.Thi
sbabyhasgoty
ou
t
hinki
ngyoucantreatmeli
kesomesponget
hatisonl
yrequi
redt
osuckinyourbul
l
shi
t.

Deankeptqui
et.

Nol
wazi
:Youcanf
orgeti
t.
..Iwasnotrai
sedt
obeweaksot
hiswhol
econt
rol
l
ingt
hingofy
our
s
won’
tworkwi
thme.Youcanforgeti
t.
..

Deanst
if
ledasmi
l
e.

Dean:
Arey
oudone?

Nol
wazi
huf
fedandl
ookedathi
m angr
il
y.

Nol
wazi
:Somyangeramusesy
ou?

Dean:
Justal
i
ttl
e.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Shel
ookedaway
.

Dean:
You’
reconf
used.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m shar
ply
.
Dean:
I’
mjustpr
otect
ingy
ou.
..

Shegr
unt
ed.

Dean:Yes,i
tmaycomeacr
ossascont
rol
l
ingbutIr
eal
l
yam j
ustt
ryi
ngt
opr
otectbot
hofy
ou.
That’
sallLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
exhal
edqui
etl
y.

Dean:SoIapologi
seforgi
vingyouacont
rol
l
ingvibe.It
hinkwebot
hknowt
hatt
her
eisnowayI
coul
dcontrol
you.That’
sjustcl
osetoi
mpossibl
e..
.

Nol
wazi
’
sfacer
elaxedj
ustal
i
ttl
e.

Dean:
I’
m sor
ry.

Nol
wazi
:Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
obut
termeup?

Dean:
Onl
yifi
t’
swor
king.

Nol
wazi
eyedhi
m suspi
ciousl
yandhegr
inned.

Nolwazi:Iwoul
djustappr
eciat
eiti
fyouwoulddi
scussthi
ngswithmebef
orehand.Don’
tbe
unnecessari
lyr
udetopeoplewhodon’tdeser
vey
ourrudeness.

Dean:
I’
mrude?
?
Hel
ookedatheri
nnocent
lyandshegr
unt
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Dean:
Becausey
ouaskedmeni
cel
y,I
’
llst
artbei
ngki
ndabi
t.

Nol
wazi
:Abi
t?

Dean:
Don’
tpushi
t.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Dean:
I’
m notani
ceper
son,
Idon’
twantt
obeani
ceper
sonandIdon’
thav
etobeani
ceper
son.

Nol
wazi
sighedi
ndef
eat
.

Dean:
Butf
ory
ou,
I’
ll
pret
endt
obeni
cej
usther
eandt
her
e..
.

Nol
wazi
:Iguesst
hat
’ssomet
hing.

Dean:
Wecan’
tal
lbeni
ce.

Nol
wazi
:Deanj
ustapol
ogi
set
oDrSmi
thpl
ease.

Dean:
Hai
phel
aIdon’
towehi
m any
thi
ng.
Nol
wazi
stoodup.

Dean:Gofet
chhim sohecandot
hesetest
sandwecancutal
lti
eswi
thhi
m.He’
stoool
d
anyway.Maybei
t’
stimeforhi
mtoret
ir
e.

Nol
wazi
ignor
edhi
m andwal
kedoutt
ogogetDrSmi
thsohecoul
dconductal
lthenecessar
y
t
est
s.

*
**

Mdu:
Youwer
eev
ensnor
ing.

Thol
i
:You’
rel
yi
ng!

Mdu:
Thol
iyoupassedoutandIhadt
oli
stent
oyousnor
ethewhol
eni
ght
.

Thol
i
’scheeksf
lushedi
nembar
rassmentandshel
ookedawayandMdust
art
edchuckl
i
ng.

Mdu:
Yout
akey
our
sel
ftooser
iousl
y.

Thol
i
:SoIshoul
dsi
ther
eandl
aughal
ongasy
oumakef
unofme?

Mdu:
Yes.

Thol
i
:Idon’
tfi
ndany
thi
ngy
ousayf
unnyMdu.Youar
erudeandobnoxi
ous!
Mdu:
Hehesowhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
ewi
thme?Gobackt
oyourl
ovel
yhousephel
a.

Thol
i
:Iwi
l
l!

Shegotupfrom t
hecouchandrushedt
othebedr
oom tocl
earuphert
hings.Shekepthi
ssi
ng
asshepackedandonceshewasdone,shesawMdustandi
ngbythedoor.Sheignoredhi
m and
thendr
aggedhersui
tcaset
othedoorandstar
edathi
m.

Thol
i
:Suka.

Mdu:
Man,
youar
ebey
ondst
ubbor
n.

Hel
ookeddownatheramusi
ngl
yandshel
ookedupathi
m angr
il
y.

Thol
i
:Getoutofmyway
.

Mdu:
Whyar
eyousost
ubbor
nThol
akel
e?

Thol
i
:Iam not
.

Shesai
dthatwi
thsomuchdedi
cat
ionanddet
ermi
nat
iont
hatshecoul
dn’
thel
pbutl
etouta
qui
etl
aughaft
erwar
ds.

Mdu:
Comeher
e.

Shesighedheavi
lyandt
henletgoofhersui
tcaseandsteppedcl
osertohimti
l
lthei
rbodi
es
touched.Hewrappedhi
sarmsaroundherandthenleanedhisf
aceclosert
ohers.
Mdu:
Youhav
en’
tki
ssedy
ourman.

Thol
i
:Mdu!

Hechuckl
edandl
eanedev
encl
osert
il
lthei
rli
pst
ouched.

Mdu:
Arey
ouokay
?

Sheshookherhead.

Mdu:
Str
essedaboutKwanel
e?

Shenoddedandhet
ight
enedhergr
iponherandshehi
ssed.

Mdu:
I’
ll
handl
ethatsi
tuat
ion.

Thol
ibackedherf
aceawayabi
tandl
ookedathi
mindi
sbel
i
efandMdusmi
l
ed.

Mdu:
What
?

Thol
i
:Handl
eithow?

Mdu:
Don’
tquest
ionmeki
ddo.

Thol
i
:Mdu.
Mdu:
Hmm?

Thol
i
:You’
rear
rogant
.

Mdu:
Iam?

Thol
inodded.

Mdu:
Manj
ethatof
fendsy
ou?

Shenodded.

Mdu:
Manj
eyouwantmet
obeni
ce?

Shenodded.

Mdu:
Yohbei
ngni
cei
stoomuchadmi
nThol
i
.

Shegi
ggl
edqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
Soy
oudon’
tthi
nkI
’
m ni
cet
oyou?

Thol
i
:You’
reonandof
f.

Mdu:
Naweu-
onandof
fangi
thi
?
Thol
ihuf
fedandMduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Titf
ort
at.

Theystoodther
eforawhil
e,st
aringateachotherandev
ent
ual
l
yki
ssed.Thol
imanagedt
o
for
getabouthercr
azyl
if
eforjustali
ttl
ewhil
e...

*
**

DrSmi
th:
Alr
ightt
hen.
..

Hel
ookedatNol
wazi
andDeanandt
hensmi
l
ed.

DrSmi
th:
Youwer
eabsol
utel
ycor
recti
nsay
ingy
ou’
reappr
oachi
ngf
ourweeks.
..

Nol
wazi
noddedandgl
ancedatDeanwhohadabl
ankf
ace.

DrSmi
th:
Ihav
eot
hergoodnewsf
ory
out
hough.

Nol
wazi
:What
?

Dean:
Ithoughty
oucoul
dn’
ttel
lthegendert
il
l15weeksorso.

Dr
:Youar
ecor
rectDean-

Dean:
DrHl
ongwane.
Bot
hNol
wazi
andDrSmi
thl
ookedatDeanandhesi
mpl
ylookedatbot
hoft
hem bl
ankl
y.

Dean:
Youl
i
kewast
ingt
imedon’
tyou?What
’st
hegoodnews?Wedon’
thav
ethewhol
eday
.

DrSmi
thcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandl
ookedatNol
wazi
kindl
y.

Dr
:Itseemsl
i
key
oumi
ghthav
etwi
ns.
..

Bot
hDeanandNol
wazi
tur
nedt
olookateachot
heri
ndi
sbel
i
ef.

Dr:
Unfor
tunatel
yit
’st
ooear
lyt
odiagnoset
hisaccur
atel
ybutIt
hinkt
hisi
sthecase.We’
l
lonl
y
beabl
etotell
at10weeksorso.
..

Nol
wazi
:Twi
ns?
?

DrSmi
thst
aredatNol
wazi
ser
iousl
y.

Dr
:Iguesst
hisi
sawayofmaki
ngupf
oral
lthel
ostt
ime.
..

Nol
wazi
lookedawayandt
ookagl
anceatDeanwhowasobv
iousl
ythr
il
led.

Dean:
Fuck,
nowI
’
m goi
ngt
ohav
etwoki
dsatt
hesamet
ime?
?

Dr
:Wel
lwe’
rest
il
lnotsur
e-
Deanl
ookedatNol
wazi
andsmi
l
ed.

Dean:
Thi
siscr
azy
.

Nolwazit
ouchedherbel
l
yandsi
ghedheav
il
y.Thi
swasj
ustanot
herwav
ehi
tt
ingher
unexpect
edl
y..
.

I
NSERT82

Dean:
You’
vebeenawf
ull
yqui
et.
..

Nol
wazi
:Pl
easedr
opmeof
fatmyhouse.

Deanglancedatherf
orasecondbefor
efocusingontheroadagain.I
ttookever
ythinginhim
nott
or eacti
naquesti
onabl
eway.Itdi
dn’
ttakeanint
ell
igentpersont
of i
gur
eoutt hatNolwazi
wasn’thappyatt
hemoment.Heknewhehadt okeepanyi nsecuri
tyi
ncheckotherwisehe
wouldpushheraway..
.

Dean:
Okay
.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
etandbr
owsedt
hroughherphoneandt
heydr
ovei
nsi
l
encef
ort
her
estoft
he
way
.

Justt
hen,
herphoner
angandDeangl
ancedatherassheanswer
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Mama.

Ev
enherv
oiceseemeddef
eat
ed.
Heli
stenedt
oherhaveaconversat
ionwit
hhermot
herf
oraboutf
ivemi
nut
esandt
henshe
hungup.Hethengl
ancedatherbri
efl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Shewant
stocomet
hissi
de.

Dean:
Yourmot
her
?

Shenoddedli
ghtl
yandthensankonherseatandcl
osedherey
es.Hedeci
dedt
oletherbeand
j
ustcont
inuedtodri
vei
nsilence.

Oncet
heygott
oherhouse,
hepar
kedout
side.

Nol
wazi
:Thanks.

Dean:
Wil
lyoubef
ine?

Nol
wazi
:Yes.

Hest
aredatheri
ntent
lyandshesi
ghed.

Nol
wazi
:Ij
ustneedspace.
..

Dean:
Okay
.

SheopenedthedoorandgotoutandDeanwat chedasshewalkedi
nsi
deanddisappear
ed.He
satther
eforawhilet
ryi
ngnottol
etanyunnecessaryemot
ionsover
comehim andheeventual
l
y
star
tedthecaranddr
oveoff.
..
*
**

Thol
ihuf
fedasMdusqueezedher
.

Thol
i
:Ican’
tbr
eat
heMdu.

Mdu:
Youcompl
ainal
ot.

Thol
i
:You’
rel
i
ter
all
ysqueezi
ngt
hel
i
feoutofme.

Shetri
edwiggl
ingoutofhi
sgripbuthewast
oostr
ong.Afteral
lthatki
ssi
ng,
theyhadf
ound
themsel
vescuddli
nginbed-well
Mduwasdoingal
lthecuddli
ng.

Mdu:
I’
vebeent
hinki
ng.
..

Thol
i
:What
?

Mdu:
Don’
tyouwantt
ogobackt
oJobur
g?

Thol
il
ookedathi
m wei
rdl
y.

Mdu:
Ithi
nky
oucoul
dusesomef
reshai
r.

Thol
i
:No.
Mdu:
No,
what
?

Thol
i
:Not
oev
ery
thi
ng.

Mdu:
Hai
keI
’
m goi
ngt
odr
agy
out
her
e.

Shekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
It’
snotl
i
key
ouhav
eany
thi
nggoi
ngt
hissi
de.

Thol
i
:Pl
easest
op.

Helookedatherandreali
sedthati
twasstil
ltooear
lytotakealeap.
..Hehadt
ost i
cktobeing
pati
entespeci
all
ybecauseshewasstart
ingtoopenupt ohim agai
n.Heknewthatifhepushed
toohard,shewouldgobackinhershel
lagai
nandalltheprogresshemadewouldbewast ed.

Mdu:
Wantt
owat
chamov
ie?

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Mdu:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
owat
ch?

Sheshr
uggedhershoul
der
s.

Mdu:
Tel
lmewhaty
ouwantbecausey
ouwi
l
ldef
ini
tel
ynotl
i
kewhatIl
i
ke.

Thol
i
:Whatdoy
oul
i
ke?
Mdu:
Document
ari
esonser
ial
kil
l
ers.

Herey
esshotupandshebackedawayf
rom hi
m.

Mdu:
Yini
wena?

Hel
aughedashepul
l
edherbacki
ntohi
sar
ms.

Thol
i
:Mdu.
..

Mdu:Ser
ial
kil
ler
sfasci
nat
eme. .
.Ican’
twr
apmyheadar
oundt
hef
actt
hatsomepeopl
e’
s
br
ainsar
ewiredinsuchatwi
stedmanner.

Shegr
unt
ed.

Mdu: Thehumanbrai
nisfasci
nati
ng.Howcanasaneper
sont
urni
ntoanev
ilbei
ngt
hati
s
capabletoki
l
li
ng?Aren’
tyoufasci
natedbyt
hatshi
t?

Thol
i
:Pl
easest
op!

Mdul
aughed.

Mdu:
SeeIt
oldy
ou,
youwoul
dn’
tbei
nter
est
edi
nwhatIl
i
ke.
..

Thol
i
:Idon’
tthi
nkt
her
estoft
hewor
ldi
sfasci
nat
edbyt
hat
.That
’ssi
ckeni
ng.
Mdu:
Hai
suka.

Shet
henl
ookedathi
m suspi
ciousl
y.

Thol
i
:Ar
eyouaser
ial
kil
l
er?

Heey
edhermi
schi
evousl
y.

Mdu:
Whywoul
dIt
ell
you?

Thol
i
:Nooo!

ShegaspedandMduchuckl
edandhel
dherf
acesohecoul
dki
ssher
.

Thol
i
:Uh-
uh.

Hel
aughedqui
etl
yandt
heyki
ssedf
orawhi
l
eunt
ilThol
ibr
oket
heki
ss.

Thol
i
:Themov
ie.

Mdusi
ghedandt
henl
etgoofherandgotupf
rom t
hebed.

Mdu:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
owat
ch?

Thol
i
:Angazi
.
Hegott
her
emot
eandt
hent
hrewhi
msel
font
hebedagai
nandswi
tchedont
heTV.

Af
termuchf
ussi
ngandar
gui
ng,
theyf
inal
l
yagr
eedonwhatt
owat
ch.
..

*
**

Kwanel
echeckedhi
semai
l
sandonceagai
n,anemai
lfr
om t
hei
rjoi
ntmedi
cal
aidcamet
hrough.

Hegothimsel
faf r
eshbot
tl
eofwhi
skeyandpour
edsomef
orhi
msel
fasher
eadt
heemai
lov
er
andoveragai
n..
.

Hef elthisheartratepulsefuri
ouslyandhedownedanot hershotofwhi skey,hopingitwoul d
haveacal mingeffectonhim.Hepr i
ntedtheemai landthendecidedi twast i
mef orhi mt o
unsubscr i
bet oallthemedical ai
demai lnoti
fi
cati
ons.Somet hingtoldhimt hatNol waziwoul d
soonr emembert hatthesenotifi
cati
onscamet hr
ought obothoft hem andt hatwoul druin
everythingforhim.Wi thi
nmi nutes,
hehadmanagedt ounsubscr i
be..
.Hebei ngal awy erhelped
i
nt hisinstancebecausehewasabl etothinkofthelit
tl
et hi
ngsthatanot herpersonwoul dn’t
necessar i
lytakenot eof.

Hesatt
her
eanddownedanot
hershot
..
.

Justt
hen,
hisphoner
angandheanswer
edi
t.

Kwanel
e:Yes?

Per
son:
Hel
l
o.

Kwanel
e:Who’
sthi
s?
Per
son:
It’
sDrSmi
th.

Kwanel
e:Whatdoy
ouwantol
dman?

DrSmi
th:
All
tieshav
ebeencutwi
thNol
wazi
.

Kwanel
e:I
sit
?

Dr
:Yes.

Kwanel
e:Iseeshecamet
her
ethi
smor
ning.

Dr
:Yes.

Kwanel
e:Howdi
dsher
eactt
oyounotwant
ingt
obeherdoct
orany
mor
e?

Dr
:Fory
ourowni
nfor
mat
ion,
Iwasnott
heonewhosuggest
edi
t.I
tseemst
heybeatmet
oit
.

Kwanel
e:They
?

Dr
:Yes,
sheand-

Kwanel
e:Dean.

Dr:
List
en,Iam j
ustcal
li
ngy out
oletyouknowthatIwi
ll
notbedeal
ingwit
hbothofyou
anymorehoweveri
fyouneedanyhelp,youknowwheretofi
ndme.Idonotwanttobecaught
upbetweenyoutwo..
.Beingobj
ecti
vewouldbeimpossi
bleandi
twouldki
l
lmeinthi
sinst
ance
becauseIdonotwantyout
osepar
ate.Icher
isht
hebot
hofy
ouv
erymuchandIam sadt
hati
t
hadtocomedownt othi
s.

Kwanel
e:Thanks.
..

Dr
:Goodby
e.

Kwanel
e:By
e.

Hedr oppedthecal
landconti
nuedtosi
ttherei
ncomplet
esil
ence.Hi
sheartr
atehadmanaged
tocalm downbuthewasst i
l
lfeel
ingf
oul.
..Hecoul
dn’
tshakeofft
hedepr
essiont
hatwas
creepinguponhim.

Her
eachedf
ort
hedi
vor
cepaper
sandr
eadt
hem agai
nandagai
n..
.

Justt
hen,
hisphoner
angandhet
ooki
tandanswer
ed.

Kwanel
e:Yes?

Thenj
i
we:
Whydi
dyouchangey
ourgat
ecode?
?Opent
hisgat
enow!

Kwanel
e:Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Ti
ti
:Yewenamnt
anandi
ni!Opent
hisgat
e!Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ounow!

Kwanel
e:No.
Ti
ti
:What
?!!

Kwanel
edr
oppedt
hecal
landswi
tchedof
fthatphonei
mmedi
atel
y.

Het
ookanot
hershotofhi
swhi
skeyandwi
ncedasi
thi
tther
ightspotdeepwi
thi
n..
.

Hesankonhi
schai
r,cl
osedhi
sey
esandal
l
owedhi
smi
ndt
odr
if
tof
f.
..

Ashewasaboutt
odozeof
f,hi
sphoner
angandheopenedhi
sey
es.
..

Itwashi
sotherpersonalphonewhi
chheonl
yusedinemergenci
es.Hel
ookedatthecall
eri
d
anditwasanunfamili
arnumber.Heknewi
twasn’
tThenj
i
webecauseshepr obabl
ylef
tthe
housegate,
fuming..
.

Hewatchedasitr
angbutheeventual
l
yanswer
ed.Theal
cohol
inhi
ssy
stem hadset
tl
edandas
hesatt
here,
thesl
ightwoozi
nesshadover
comehim.

Kwanel
e:Hel
l
o?

Per
son:
Hi.

Hebl
i
nkedacoupl
eoft
imesandt
hensatupst
rai
ght
.

Ther
ewassi
l
encef
orav
eryl
ongt
ime.

Kwanel
e:Lwazi
?
Ther
ewassi
l
enceonceagai
nandher
ubbedhi
sey
es.

Nol
wazi
:Sor
ryt
odi
stur
byou.

Kwanel
ewast
oost
unnedt
osayany
thi
ng.Li
ter
all
y,al
ltheal
cohol
lef
thi
ssy
stem i
mmedi
atel
y.

Hef
inal
l
yst
abi
l
isedhi
msel
fagai
nandcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatl
i
ght
ly.

Kwanel
e:Lwazi
?

Lwazi
:Di
dIdi
stur
byou?

Hedidn’
tev
enhav etol
ethercar
ryoninor
derforhi
mtofi
gur
eoutthatshewasn’
tfi
ne.
Suddenl
yal
ltheangert
hathehadbrewedinsi
de,sl
owl
yev
aporat
edint
othinai
r.

Kwanel
e:No.Noy
oucoul
dnev
erdi
stur
bmeLwazi
..
.

Nol
wazi
sighedl
i
ght
ly.

Kwanel
e:I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?

Nol
wazi
wassi
l
entf
orawhi
l
e.Kwanel
ewasnowsoberasaj
udge.

Nol
wazi
:Canwemeet
?

Het
ri
edt
osuppr
esshi
sdi
sbel
i
ef.
..
I
NSERT83

Kwanelequicklygotupfrom hi
schai
randrushedoutofhisstudytothebedroom.Hewal kedto
thebathroom andtookaquickshower,
tocleansethewhiskeyst
ench.Het hendri
edand
l
otionedhimselfupalli
nthespanof5mi nut
es.Oncehewasdoneget ti
ngdressed,hequi
ckly
madehi swaydownst ai
rsandgotoutofthehouse.Hedroveoutwithinminutes.
..

Whiledri
vi
ng,
hismi ndkeptgoi
ngbackonfor
th,
try
ingtofi
gur
ewhatthehellhewasgoingt
o
say.Asheapproachedthei
rhouse,
hefel
tasharppai
npier
cethr
oughhischestandbegan
focusi
ngonhisbreathi
ng..
.

Hegott othehouseandparkedoutsi
dethegate.Bef
orepressingthebuzzer,
hesatint
hecar
foralongtime,t
ryi
ngtostabi
li
seeverypar
tofhim.Hecouldn’treal
lycomprehendwhatwas
happeningatthi
spointandhedidn’
twantthatt
obet hecasebecausehewant edt
obeawareof
ever
ysinglesecondthatwasti
ckingaway.

Afterawhilehefi
nal
lygothimsel
ftoamuchbet t
erst
ateandthensli
ddownt hewindowand
pressedthebuzzer
.Aft
eracoupleofminutest
hegatefi
nall
yopenedandhedr ovein.The
nostalgi
ahithi
m sohardthathehadtocountt
oteninhismind.Suddenlyhisli
fei
nt hi
shouse
fl
oodedhi smindandhecouldn’
thel
pbutsighheavi
ly
..
.Itwasnowdi sappeari
ngri
ghtinfrontof
hi
sey es..
.

Hesmil
edl
ight
lyasheparkedhiscaronhisusual
spot
,nextt
oNol
wazi
’
sandt
hengotout
.He
wal
kedtot
hedooranddidn’tknowwhethert
oknockorwalki
n.

Hest
oodt
her
eforawhi
l
eandev
ent
ual
l
yrangt
hebel
l
..
.

Thedooropenedandhest
oodt
her
e,ast
hebl
oodl
efthi
sface.

Nol
wazil
ookedathi
m andt
heybot
hst
oodt
her
eforav
eryl
ongt
imei
nsi
l
ence,
compl
etel
ylost
i
nthei
rownworl
d.
Kwanel
efi
nal
l
yal
l
owedhi
msel
ftobr
eat
heandNol
wazi
fol
l
owedsui
tandexhal
ed.

Kwanel
e:Hi
.

Nol
wazi
:Hi
.

Helookedcl
osel
yatherf
aceandsawhowwor
noutshelooked.Shedef
ini
tel
yhadacer
tai
n
gl
owaboutherbutt
henagai
nther
ewassomet
hingof
fi
shaboutitall
.

Nol
wazi
:Comei
n.

Shemovedoutoft
hewayandhet
ookast
epi
nsi
det
hehouse.Thewar
mthofhi
shomef
il
led
hi
m andhel
ookedaround.
..

Nol
waziwal
kedovert
othesit
ti
ngareaandhesoonfol
l
owedher
.Shesatdownandhesaton
t
hechai
ropposi
teher
,wi
ththetabl
einbet
weenthem.

Nolwazif
idget
edwit
hherhandsdi
scr
eet
lybutKwanelenoti
cedt
hisandpar
tofhi
mrel
axed.
KnowingthatNol
waziwasal
soner
vousmadehim sl
ightl
ymorecomfort
abl
e.

Theysati
nsi
l
encef
orawhi
l
eunt
ilNol
wazi
clear
edhert
hroatandf
inal
l
ylookedathi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Myl
awy
ert
oldmey
ou’
reback.

Kwanel
enoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Shekeptqui
etandj
ustl
ookedathi
m andheal
sodi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.
Nol
wazi
:Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?

Kwanel
e:No.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:I
sev
ery
thi
ngokaywi
thy
ou?

Sheav
oidedhi
sey
esandnodded.

Kwanel
e:I
sit
?

Nol
wazi
:We’
renother
etodi
scussmyl
i
fe.

Kwanel
e:ButIam y
ourl
i
fe,
justl
i
key
ouar
emi
ne.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m af
rai
dthat
’snott
hatcaseany
mor
eKwanel
e.

Shest
aredathi
m andhecount
edt
o10i
nhi
shead.

Nol
wazi
:Di
dyougett
hedi
vor
cepaper
s?

Kwanel
e:YouknowIdi
d.

Shef
idget
edwi
thherhandsagai
n.
Nol
wazi
:Ti
mei
srunni
ngo-

Kwanel
e:Ist
il
lhav
e8day
s.

Nol
wazi
:Whydoy
ouneedal
lthatt
ime?

Kwanel
e:Youwantmet
osi
gnt
hepaper
s?

Sheav
oidedhi
sey
esonceagai
n.

Nol
wazi
:Ofcour
se.

Kwanel
e:Idon’
twantt
o..
.

Shel
ookedathi
m andt
ri
edt
ohi
deherdi
sbel
i
ef.

Kwanel
e:Sowhatwi
l
lhappeni
fIdon’
t?

Nol
wazi
:Kwanel
e.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m aski
ngLwazi
.

Shel
ookedathi
m bl
ankl
yandhest
aredatheri
ntensel
y.

Kwanel
e:Ngi
yabuza.
..
Shewasnowl ooki
ngathim pl
eadingl
yandhei nv
oluntar
il
yst
oodupandwentt
othechai
rnext
toherandsatdown.Heturnedherchairsoshewasf aci
nghi
m.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m aski
ngLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Youdi
dthi
stoy
our
sel
f.

Kwanel
e:I
sitsel
fi
shofmet
onotwantt
oletgoofy
ou?

Nol
wazi
:Ist
hatar
het
ori
cal
quest
ion?

Kwanel
ekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e.

Kwanel
e:If
uckedupNol
wazi
.If
uckedupsobadt
hatev
enIcan’
tbel
i
eveIal
l
owedt
hingst
oget
tot
hispoi
nt.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m bl
ankl
y.

Kwanele:Appr
oximat
elytwoyear
sago,Ial
l
owedmymot
hert
ofi
l
lmyheadt
osuchanext
ent
thatIwasnolongert
hinki
ngoract
ingasmysel
f.

Nolwazi
:Youcan’
tputthi
sonanyoneel
sebuty
our
sel
f.Nooneputagunt
oyourheadandt
old
youtorui
nyourmarr
iageandbet
rayme.

Kwanel
e:You’
reabsol
utel
yri
ght
.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.
Kwanel
e:Ihaddecl
i
nedt
omeetThol
iformont
hsonend.
..

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m.

Kwanel
e:Ican’
tev
enr et
raceal
lthest
epsi
ttookt
ogetmet
othi
spoi
ntbecauseIhonest
ly
wasn’
tthi
nki
ngstr
aight.

Nol
wazi
didn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Kwanel
e:Bef
oreIknewi
t,Iwascaughtupi
nanemot
ional
tur
moi
lwher
eIhadnochoi
cebutt
o
hel
pTholi
.

Lwazi
:Hel
pherhow?

Kwanel
e:Herbr
otherwasdi
agnosedwi
thLeukaemi
a.

Lwazi
lookedathi
minconf
usi
on.

Kwanel
e:Don’
taskmehowLwazi
butIf
oundmy
sel
fcaughtupi
nal
loft
hat
.

Lwazi
:Caughtup?

Kwanel
e:Thol
ineededt
hehel
p.

Lwazi
lookedathi
m bl
ankl
y.Shewasnowv
erypal
elooki
ng.

Kwanel
e:Hehadt
ogot
hroughchemot
her
apy
..
.
Lwazi
:He?

Kwanel
e:Thol
i
’sbr
other
,Jabul
ani
.

Lwazi
:I’
m notf
oll
owi
ng.

Kwanel
e:Iof
fer
edt
opayf
orhi
schemo.

Lwazi
’
sey
esshotupandKwanel
elookeddownashamedl
y.

Lwazi
:What
?

Kwanel
ekeptqui
et.

Lwazi
:Howdi
dyougof
rom pay
ingf
orast
ranger
’schemot
omar
ryi
ngt
hesi
ster
?

Kwanel
e:I
t’
sal
lsocompl
i
cat
edandj
umbl
edupNol
wazi
.

Lwazi
:Soy
oucoul
dn’
tof
fery
ourser
viceswi
thoutmar
ryi
ngThol
akel
e?

Kwanele:
AsIsaid,
Iwasnotthi
nkingst
rai
ght
.Mymotheral
sopressur
isi
ngmeont
hesi
de
becauseyouandIhadbeenmarri
edforawhi
ley
ety
ouwer enotconceiv
ing.

Nol
wazi
swal
l
owedhar
dandav
oidedhi
sey
es.
Nol
wazi
:Soy
oumar
ri
edThol
ioutofpi
ty?

Hekeptqui
et.

Nol
wazi
:Youwant
edt
osav
eher
?Ist
hatwhaty
ou’
resay
ing?

Hedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Nolwazi
:Idon’
tknowwhat
’sworse.
..Youkeepi
ngsuchdeepsecr
etsf
rom meory
out
hinki
ng
youcangoaroundsav
ingpeopl
eatthecostofourmarr
iage.

Kwanele:Ireall
ywishIcouldexplai
nitt
oyoubutIhonest
lydonotknowhowIlosttr
ackof
ever
ythi
ng.I tal
lwentbychaotical
ly
.Thosewer
esomedar kti
mesNol wazi
andIcoul
dn’
tal
low
them t
ocr eepintoourbubble.

Nol
wazi
:Buty
oudi
dal
l
owt
hatt
ohappen,
Kwanel
e.

Kwanel
elookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m ev
enmor
econf
usedr
ightnowbecausey
ou’
renotmaki
nganysense.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m sor
ry.

Nol
wazi
:It
’st
ool
ate.

All
thethi
ngsKwanel
ehadwantedt
osayslippedoutofhi
smi ndimmediat
ely.Heknewhadt o
usethi
soppor
tuni
tyt
osaysomethi
ngthatwouldshowherjusthowmuchhel ovedherbut
somehowwordsreal
l
yfai
ledhi
m.Theshockofitall
hithi
m sohardthathejustsatther
e,
compl
etel
ynumb.

Nolwazi
:Theleasty oucoul dhavedonewasownupt oyourshitKwanele.I
nsteadofall
owi ng
thi
stogettothispoint ,
youshouldhaveshownmej usthowmuchImeant oy ou.You’
ve
all
owedmesl iprightthroughyourfi
ngerswheninactualfactyoucouldhaveeasil
yheldont o
me.You’vepushedmer i
ghtint
oanotherman’sarmsandIdon’ tthi
nkI’l
lev
erforgiv
eyouf or
that
.Iobvi
ouslydon’tmeanany t
hingtoyouifyoucouldeasil
ydisappearaft
erItel
lyouthatI
wanttoseparate.Allthi
st i
meIthoughtyoulovedme.Howcoul dyouletgoofmesoeasi ly?
Am Inotworthy ourlove?

Kwanel
elookedatheri
ndi
sbel
i
ef.

Kwanel
e:Yout
hinkIdon’
tlov
eyou?

Nolwazi
:Youobv
iouslydon’t.Asfuckedupasi ti
sKwanel
e,Iwasactuallywi
ll
ingtof
orgi
vey
ou.
Ify
ouhadshownr emor seforyourstupi
dit
y,Iwoul
dhaveal
lowedmy selftof
orgiv
eyouandtr
y
torebui
l
dourmarriage.Til
lthi
sdayy ouhavenotowneduptoyouractionsandthatf
orme,i
s
confi
rmati
ont
hatyoudon’ tlovemeenough.

Kwanel
ewasaboutt
osaysomet
hingwhent
heyhear
dthedooropen.
..

JustasKwanel
ewasaboutt
ospeak,
Deanwal
kedi
n..
.

Hest
oodt
her
eandl
ookedatbot
hoft
hem v
erycool
l
y..
.

I
NSERT84

Si
l
encepr
evai
l
ed.
..

Kwanel
ecl
enchedhi
sfi
stssohar
d,nai
l
sdi
ggi
ngi
ntohi
spal
ms.Fur
yracedt
hroughhi
sbody
,
heatinghi
mtotheverycor
eandi
gni
ti
ngaf
lamesohotwi
thi
nhi
shear
tthatheal
most
screamedinagonyandanger
.

Deanont
heot
herhand,
wasbey
ondcool
.
..

Helookedatbothofthem andthenf
ocusedonNolwazicl
osely
.Nolwazi
snappedoutofher
unknownzoneandstoodup.Shewal kedov
ertoDeanandstaredathi
m, hopi
nghe’
dseethe
angeri
nhereyes.Shewalkedpasthi
m andwenttothekit
chenandheglancedatKwanele
cal
mlybefor
efoll
owingNol wazi
.Assoonashegottothekit
chen,
Nolwazitur
nedshar
plyand
l
ookedathim.

Nol
wazi
:Real
l
yDean?
?

Hel
ookedathercal
mly
.

Nol
wazi
:Real
l
y??

Dean:
I’
m conf
used.Whyar
eyouaddr
essi
ngmel
i
ket
his?

Hewasst
il
lcal
m.

Nol
wazi
:Uf
unani
la?

Dean:Icametoensuret
hatyouandIarefi
ne.WhenIlef
tyouhereyouwer eobvi
ousl
ynotokay
andIwantedtomakesurethatal
lwaswellbef
oreIgaveyouyourspace.It
houghtweagreed
thatwewouldn’
tleav
eeachotheronasournot
e?

Nol
wazi
:Iam f
ine!
Dean:
Goodbutt
her
e’snoneedf
ory
out
oaddr
essmel
i
ket
hat
.

ShekeptquietandDeanst aredatherbef oreshaki

nghisheadl i
ghtl
y.Hethenwal
kedoutofthe
ki
tchenandoutoft hehouse.Nol waz i
stoodthereforal
ongt ime.Asmuchassher egr
ett
ed
snappingatDean,shesti
llcouldn’tshakeofftheangert
owar dshim.Shefeltl
i
keshehadmade
i
tclearthatsheneededspacesoi tangeredherthathedi
dn’trespectt
hatmoreespeci
all
y
becauseshewasdeal i
ngwi thKwanel e..
.

Sheevent
ual
l
ywal
kedbackt
othesi
tt
ingar
eaandwasshockedt
oseet
hatKwanel
ewasn’
t
ther
e.

Shel
ookedar
ound.

Nol
wazi
:Kwanel
e?

Shesawthatthesl
idi
ngdoorthatledtothepati
owasopensoshemadeherwayoutandsure
enoughshefoundhim si
tt
ingt
here.I
tdidn’
ttakeageni
ust
oknowthathewasmad.Hisface
wasbeyondtense.
..

Nol
wazi wal
kedovert
owherehewasandsatnextt
ohim.Sheal
lowedt
hegui
ltandshameof
whathappentof
il
lherasshest
aredathi
mforaver
ylongti
me,hopi
nghe’
dsaysomethi
ng.

Kwanel
e:Ican’
tev
ensayany
thi
ngbecauseI
’
vel
ostt
her
ightt
o..
.

Nol
wazi
sighedqui
etl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Youcansaywhat
’sony
ourmi
nd.
..

Kwanel
elaughedsar
cast
ical
l
y.
Kwanel
e:Thi
sisbey
ondr
idi
cul
ous!

Nol
wazi
lookeddown.

Kwanel
e:Imaynotexi
sti
nyourworl
dNol
wazibutf
orf
uckssaket
hisi
sst
il
lourhouse!Howi
sit
okayf
orthatmantopr
ancearoundl
i
keheownsthepl
ace?
!

Shel
ookedathi
m bl
ankl
y.

Kwanel
e:IknowIhav
enogr
oundt
ost
andonbybei
ngof
fendedbutNol
wazi
thi
sisf
uckedup!

Nol
wazi
:Iknow.
..

Shesai
dthatv
eryqui
etl
ythatKwanel
edi
dn’
tev
enhearher
.

Kwanele:Coul
dn’
tyoubothwai
tunti
lyougotri
dofme?Thisdoesn’tev
enhav et
odowithyou
respect
ingmebecauseyouobv
iousl
ydon’t
,andIdon’
tbl
amey ou,butforf
uckssakeNol
wazi
,
comeon!

Nol
wazit
ri
edsay
ingsomet
hingbutwor
dsf
ail
edher
.Shekeptqui
etandj
ustl
ookedathi
m
r
egr
etf
ull
y.

Kwanel
e:Di
dyouseehowhecameov
erandwal
kedt
hroughmyhousel
i
keheownsi
t??

Hestoodupandwalkedovert
othegar
denandNolwazi
satther
eandr
ubbedherbel
l
y
di
scr
eetl
ybecauseshecouldf
eelt
hecr
ampscreepi
ngup.Shetookaf
ewdeepbreat
hs.
Kwanelestoodatadistanceforalongtime.Heknewhehadt ocal
culateeverysi
ngl
eoneofhis
mov esatt
hispoint
.Putti
nghishandsonDeanwoul dtakehim 10st
epsback. .
.Hewasal
sojust
caughtupinthemiddlebecauseattheendoft heday,heknewhecoul dn’
tblowupatNolwazi
becauseal
l oft
hiswashisfaultt
obegi nwit
h.Hecouldn’tshowherthetruenatur
eofhi
sfury
becauseunfort
unat
ely,hehadnogr oundtostandon.

Hecalmedhimsel
fdownandt henwalkedovert
owhereshewas.
..Hegrabbedachai
r,pl
acedi
t
opposi
teNol
waziandthensatdown.Het ookadeepbr
eathandl
ookedatherbutshewasbusy
fi
dgeti
ngwit
hherhandsandfacingdown.

Kwanel
e:Lwazi
..
.

Hesai
dthatqui
etl
ythatshecoul
dn’
thel
pbutl
ookupathi
m.

Kwanel e:Itorey ourworldapar t

.IfIwasn’ tseei
ngitallthistime,pl
easetrustthatIseei tnow...I
thi
nkt her easonIkeepshy i
ngawayf rom whatIdi disbecauseIcan’ tseem towr apmyhead
aroundt hef actthatIactual
lybroughty ousomuchhur t
.Iam t hepersonwhoi ssupposedt o
protectyouf rom anynegat i
vityandt r
oubl ebutIfail
ed.It’
ssomucheasi erformet oblamemy
mot herandot herfactor
sinsteadofowni ngupt oeverything.Ij
ustcan’tbri
ngmy selft
of acethe
real
ityofwhatIdi dbecausei tmeansIhav etoacceptthaty ouhaveev er
yrightnott owantme
i
ny ourlife.I’
m stucki naplaceofi ndenialbecauseitall
owsmet oholdont oyou.I’m afrai
dthat
i
fIcomet otermswi t
hwhatIdi dt henI’
m goi ngtounder standwhyy ouwantt oleav eme.

Nolwazi:
Youhavetounderst
andthatwhatyou’
resay
ingisnotr
efl
ect
edinyouract
ions.Ican’
t
i
nterpr
etyourcol
dacti
ons.Youhavebeencomingacrossasver
yunapol
ogeti
candinsincer
e
si
ncethiswholet
hingt
ranspi
red.

Kwanel
e:Buty
ouknowme.
..

Nolwazi
:Knowi
ngyouisnotenoughKwanel
e.Ineededy
out
otel
lmet
hatwhaty
oudi
dwas
wrongbutyouf
ail
ed.

Kwanel
e:Sot
her
e’snowayy
oucangui
demet
oabet
terpl
acewi
thy
ou?
Shekeptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:If
uckedupNol
wazi
andIr
egr
etwhatIdi
d.

Nol
wazi
justl
ookedathi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Thi
ngswi
l
lnev
erbet
hesame.

Kwanel
e:Idon’
twantt
olosey
ou.Ican’
tlosey
ouNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:It
’st
ool
atenow.
..

Sheav
oidedhi
sey
esandhest
aredatherbel
l
y.

Hewant
edt
otel
lhert
hatheknewbuthi
slawy
eri
nst
inct
stol
dhi
mtokeepi
tshut
.

Nol
wazi
shookherheadl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:It
’st
ool
ate.

Kwanel
e:Soy
oul
ovehi
m?

Shef
inal
l
ybuckedupt
hecour
aget
olookathi
m.Herey
esgl
i
tter
edwi
tht
ear
s.

Kwanel
echuckl
edv
eryqui
etl
yandnodded.
Kwanel
e:Soy
ou’
veobv
iousl
ybeeni
nlov
ewi
thhi
mforawhi
l
enow.
..

Hesai
dthatasi
fhewashav
ingaconv
ersat
ionwi
thhi
msel
f.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
minconf
usi
on.

Kwanel
e:Knowi
ngy
ou,
you’
vepr
obabl
ybeeni
nlov
ewi
thhi
m al
lthi
sti
me.
..

Nol
wazi
:No-

Kwanele:
You’ v
eneverbeenonet
oloveeasi
l
ysoIknowf orafactt
hatt
hisl
ovedi
dn’
tjust
appearmiracul
ousl
y.Obvi
ousl
yyoutwohavebeensecr
etlyi
nlove.

Nol
wazi
:Kwane-

Kwanel
e:Youbothneededar easontobetoget
her
..
.Whyel
sewoul
dyour
unst
rai
ghtt
ohi
m
bef
oreyouevengotthechancet ogetr
idofme?

Nol
wazi
wasnowsobbi
ngi
nshock.

Nol
wazi
:You’
rewr
ong!

Kwanel
e:Am I
,Nol
wazi
?

Nol
wazi
:Yes!
Kwanel
e:I
tsur
elooksl
i
key
ou’
vebot
hbeenwai
ti
ngf
orsucht
ohappen.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
mindi
sbel
i
efandsobbedev
enmor
e.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m notev
ent
ryi
ngt
oputt
hebl
ameony
oubutIal
socan’
thel
pbutquest
iony
ourl
ove
forme.

Nol
wazi
stoodupandsodi
dhe.

Kwanele:Soitt
ookmyacti
onsforyoutwot
oreal
i
sethaty
ouloveeachother
?Idoubt
..
.You’
ve
knownf orawhil
ethaty
ou’
rei
nlove.Whyel
sewouldy
oupickhi
m asreboundbef
oreweeven
separ
ated?

Nol
wazi
:Kwanel
eno!

Kwanel
eex
hal
edl
oudl
y.

Kwanele:
Ican’tevenhav
eaconv er
sat
ionwi
thy
ouwi
thouthi
m poppi
ngupl
i
ket
heMVP.He’
s
al
readyover
protecti
veovery
ou.
..Li
keyouar
ehi
swomannow...

Shekeptqui
et.

Kwanel
eshookhi
sheadl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:You’
vegoti
tal
lwr
ong.

Kwanel
ekeptqui
etandl
ookedatheri
ntent
ly.
Nol
wazi
:Youpushedmet
ohi
m!

Kwanel
e:AndImadey
ouf
all
inl
ovewi
thhi
m?

Nol
wazi
tri
edt
ocomposeher
sel
f.

Kwanel
e:Thi
sisobv
iousl
ydeepert
hanIt
hought
..
.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:Andy
ouknowwhatpi
ssesmeof
f,Nol
wazi
?

Shel
ookedathi
m ner
vousl
y.

Kwanele:Thefactthatdeepdown,youKNOW VERYWELLthaty
oudi dsomethi
ngwrong.You
didsomethingthatnotonlyaf
fect
edyoubutt
hismar
ri
ageaswell.Howareyouabl
et ol
ivewi
th
yoursel
f?

Nol
wazi
:What
??

Shel
ookedathi
minconf
usi
onandner
vousness.

Kwanel
e:Ihavetogo.
..Idon’twantt
omakey oufeel
badf
orany
thi
ngandI
’
m af
rai
dthati
fIst
ay
her
eanylonger,
I’
ll
endupdi ggingadeeperhole.

Nol
wazi
star
edathi
m ashewal
kedbacki
nsi
det
hehouseanddi
sappear
ed.
Sheimmediatel
ysatdownandal
l
owedthetearstocomeout
.Shecont
inuedt
ofocusonher
breat
hingandhopedthecr
ampswoul
dsubside..
.

I
NSERT85

Af
ter2hour
sofdri
ving,
Deanfinal
l
ygottohi
smother
’shouse.Heparkedhiscarandthenmade
hi
swaytothef
rontdoorwhichwasopen.Hegoti
nandwenttothekitchenwherehefound
Li
ndel
wabusywit
hthepots.Hestoodbehi
ndherf
orawhile,
watchi
ngherhum quietl
y.

Af
terawhi
l
ehef
inal
l
ycl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

Li
ndel
wat
urnedshar
plyandt
henl
ookedathersoni
nshock.

Li
ndel
wa:
Langa!

Deansmi
l
edl
i
ght
lyandst
eppedcl
osert
ohi
smot
herandhuggedhert
ight
ly.

Li
ndel
wa:
Wat
chi
tnow!Mybonesar
efr
agi
l
e.

Hechuckl
edqui
etl
ybutsti
lldi
dn’tl
etgoofhi
smother.Hehel
dontoherandsi
ghedheavi
l
y.
Li
ndel
waimmediat
elysensedthathewasn’
tokayandsoshehuggedhi
mt i
ght
lyaswel
l.

Li
ndel
wa:
What
’swr
ongbaby
?

Deankeptquietandsoakedinhi
smot her’
sscent
.Heall
owedherwar
mt htof
il
lhi
scoldaur
a.
Theystoodthereforawhil
eunti
lDeanfinal
lyl
etgoofher
.Li
ndel
wareacheduptohi
sfaceand
cuppediti
nherhands.
Li
ndel
wa:
Tal
ktome.

Dean:
I’
m af
rai
dofwhatI
’
m goi
ngt
odo.
..

Li
ndel
wa:
Ist
hisaboutNol
wazi
?

Henoddedandl
ookedathi
smot
heri
ndef
eat
.

Li
ndel
wal
etgoofhi
sfaceandt
hent
ookhi
shandandl
edhi
mtot
hel
ounge.

Li
ndel
wa:
I’
ll
dishupf
ory
ouf
ir
st.

Deannoddedl ight
lyashesankonthecouchandLindel
wawalkedaway.Herubbedhiseyes
fur
iousl
yandt hentookoffhi
sshoesandswitchedontheTV.Hechangedt
hroughthechannel
s
absentmindedlyunti
lhegott
othefoodnetwork.Hehuff
edindef
eatashewatchedNolwazi
’s
favour
it
eshow.

Aftersometi
me,
hismot
herwal
kedbacki
nwi
that
ray
.Shepl
acedi
tont
het
abl
eandt
hensat
nexttohim.

Dean:
Ngi
yabonga.

Li
ndel
wa:
Eatup.Youl
ookdr
ained.

Shet
ookt
hepl
ate.

Li
ndel
wa:
Sitpr
oper
lyLangel
i
hle.
Hesatupandt
hent
ookt
hepl
ateandbeganeat
ing.

Li
ndel
wa:
Whydoy
oul
ooksodr
ained?Youwer
etheopposi
teoft
hist
hel
astt
imeIsawy
ou.

Shekeptqui
etandwat
chedhi
m eat
.She’
doccasi
onal
l
ywi
pesomef
oodf
rom hi
schi
n.

Af
terawhi
l
ehef
inal
l
yfi
nishedeat
ingandt
henputt
hepl
ateasi
de.

Dean:
Thanky
ou.

Shel
ookedathi
m concer
nedl
y.

Li
ndel
wa:
Yini
kant
i?

Deanhuf
fedandl
ookedather
.

Dean:
Ihat
efeel
i
ngl
i
ket
his.

Li
ndel
wa:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?

Dean:
All
myl
i
feIwasokaywi
thbei
ngsel
fi
shandl
i
vingi
nmyownbubbl
e..
.

Li
ndel
wanoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
changedmywhol
eper
spect
iveandt
urnedi
tal
lar
ound.
Li
ndel
wa:
Andt
hat
’sagoodt
hing.

Dean:Buti
tcomesataprice.I
’
m nolongerj
ustconcernedaboutmyself
.Liv
ingbyandf or
my sel
fwastheeasi
estwayofli
vi
ngbutnowI ’
m at
tachedt osomeoneelseandIcan’tgoa
secondwit
houtthi
nki
ngabouther,
whethersheissafe,happyandsat
isf
iedwhereversheis.

Li
ndel
wa:
It’
sahugeadj
ust
ment
.

Dean:
Tot
opi
tof
f,she’
snowcar
ryi
ngmybabi
es.

Li
ndel
wal
ookedathi
m wei
rdl
y.

Li
ndel
wa:
Babi
es?
?

Deannoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Dean:
She’
scar
ryi
ngt
wins.

Shel
ookedathi
minshock.

Li
ndel
wa:
Arey
ouser
ious?
?

Deannodded.

Li
ndel
wa:
Ohmygoodness!

Shesmi
l
edandDeanl
ookedatherser
iousl
y.
Dean:
Ilov
eNol
wazi
ma.

Li
ndel
wa:
Andsheknowst
hat
.

Dean:I’
m notexper
iencedwheni
tcomest
othi
sfeel
i
ng.Theonl
yper
sonIhav
elov
edandwi
l
l
cont
inuetoloveisyou.

Li
ndel
wakeptqui
et.

Dean:Nowwi t
hy ou,
Idon’
thaveanyprobl
ems.Iknowthatmyplacei
nyourl
if
eisst
abl
eandI
wil
lneverhav
et oquest
ionwhetheryouwi
llabandonme.I
’
m notscar
edofbei
ngvul
ner
abl
ewit
h
youbecauseItr
ustyouwithmyl i
fe.

Li
ndel
wanodded.

Dean:Whatworr
iesmewit
hNolwazii
sthatshemightnotunder
standmyinexperi
encewi
tht
his
wholethi
ng.I
’
minav er
yconf
li
cti
ngpl
acerightnowandI’
vebeentryi
ngt
osucki tupbutI
’
m
st
ruggl
ing.

Li
ndel
wa:
Yini
?

Dean:
I’
minsecur
e.

Hel
ookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Dean:
Idon’
tfeel
secur
einNol
wazi
’
slov
eandi
t’
sdr
ivi
ngmemad.
Li
ndel
wa:
Youneedt
ounder
stand-

Dean:Iknowherl
i
feiscompl
i
catedandi
t’
sunr
eal
i
sti
cformet
oexpecthert
ogi
vei
nasmuch
asI’
m givi
ngi
natthi
smoment.

Li
ndel
wa:
Asl
ongasy
ouar
eawar
eofi
t.

Dean:Iam v
erymuchawar
eofi
tandt
hat
’swhyIwi
l
lnev
ershowherhowi
nsecur
eIam f
eel
i
ng
ri
ghtnow.

Li
ndel
wa:
Thatwi
l
ljustbur
denherev
enmor
e.

Deannoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Lindel
wa:Unfort
unatel
y,y
ouhavetosucki
tupfornow.Asmuchasy oudon’twanttoadmiti
t,
thesepeoplehavebeenmarr
iedfory
earsandy
oumi ghtnotbeawar
eofthisDean,butit
’s
i
mpossi bl
eto“unlov
e”someone.

Deankeptqui
et.

Li
ndel
wa:Theyshar
edal
i
fet
oget
herandy
oucan’
tcompar
eyour
sel
fwi
tht
hehusbandbecause
tr
ustme,
youwilldi
e.

Dean:
Whatam Isupposedt
odo?

Li
ndel
wa:
Stayi
nyourl
ane.I
t’
sthatsi
mpl
e..
.

Deankeptqui
et.
Lindelwa: Thewomani salreadydeali
ngwithalot.Shef oundapl aceofcomf ortinyousot he
l
astt hingsheneedsi sfort hatpl
acetobet ai
ntedbyot herthings.Youneedt okeept hatspace
pureaspossi bl
ef orhersoshecanal waysf i
ndsolaceiny ou.Don’tbetheper sonwhoaddson
stresst oherlif
e.Wor kwi thhertoensurethatsheishappyaspossi ble,
regardlessofher
chaot i
cl i
featthemoment .Awomanneedsamanwhocanpr ovi
deasafepl aceforherwhile
ther estofthewor ldisgoi ngcrazy.Onceyouhav eestabli
shedt hatpl
acey ouneedt omake
suret hatiti
snev ertaintedbyany thi
ng.Keepitcl
eanandpur e.Herlif
eisalreadyamess-don’ t
yout hinkit’
slovelyfory outobet hepersonshewal kstowhensheneedspeace?

Dean:
It’
snotaseasy
.

Lindel
wa: Youareaman.Yousucki tupev enwheni thur
tsthemost .Youcannotfall
apartwhi
le
thewomany oulov eisobv i
ousl
ygoingt hroughtri
alsandtri
bulat
ions.Yourjobi
st oprovi
dea
soli
dsuppor tst
ructureforher.Don’tcompl icat
ethingsforherevenmor ebyaddingfeeli
ngsof
envy,angerandi nsecuri
ty.Yes,i
t’
snoteasyt owatchhergobackandf ort
hwiththismanbutat
thesamet imey ouneedt oknowy ourplace.Thismancamewaybef oreyouandoncey ouful
ly
acceptthattheyshar edeepermemor i
est hanyouandher ,youwill
bemuchbet ter.Accepthi
s
positi
onandgr owcomf ortabl
einyourownposi ti
on.

Deanhuf
fedandscr
atchedhi
sheadl
i
ght
ly.

Li
ndelwa:Don’tshowheryouri
nsecur
esidefornow.I
t’
stooearl
yfort
hat.You’
l
ljustpushher
away.Ifshesayssheneedsspace,gi
vehert
hespacebutatthesametimedon’tabandonher
.

Deankeptqui
et.

Li
ndelwa:Ifyoufeell
ikeyouaregoingcr azy
,cal
lme.We’l
ldealwithi
ttogether
..
.Atthi
spresent
ti
me,Nolwazi i
sstil
ltoohurtandbrokent obeabl
etodealwit
hy ourbaggage.Helpherr
elease
herbaggage,showhert hatyouarestrongenoughtohol
dherdownwhensheneedsy outo.
Other
wisey ou’
llj
ustpushheraway .
..

Deansi
ghedheav
il
yandnodded.
Dean:
Lov
ecomeswi
thapr
ice.
..

Li
ndelwa:Don’tt
rytocomplicatelov
e.Itisthepurestoft
hem all
.Theonl
ycostithasisthe
wil
l
ingnesstodropyourguardandt rustthatthepersonwil
lnothar
my oui
nanemot ionalway.
Youcaneitherbel
ievet
hatloveisacur rencywherey oul
osesomewheny ougiv
ei t
,orbeli
evet
o
haveunli
mitedamountstogi ve.
..What’
sy ourchoi
ce?

Deanl
ookeddown.

Li
ndelwa:BecauseIcantel
lyouri
ghtnow,
ify
outhi
nkyoul
osewhenyougi
vei
t,t
henyouwil
l
neverbehappy.Youwil
ll
iveyourl
if
edenyi
ngyour
sel
fthej
oyt
hatcomeswi
thl
ovingandbei
ng
l
oved.

Dean:
Iheary
ou.
..

Lindel
wa:Nowmanandbet hesoldierthi
swomanneeds.Don’ tbeacr ybaby.You’r
enol onger
l
ivingf
oryour
sel
fnow..
.Youobv i
ouslyhav ethr
eepeoplewhowi l
lstar
tfi
ndingsolaceinyouso
youneedtostar
tbui
ldi
ngthatsafeplaceforthem.BetherockthatNolwazineedsr i
ghtnow
andjustbeawar
ethatsometi
mes, youmi ghtneedtosupportherfr
om adistance.
..

Deansankont
hecouchandnoddedl
i
ght
ly.
..

I
NSERT86(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Tholi
,whohadpassedoutinMdu’sarmswhilewatchi
ngt
hemov i
e, wokeupandbl
inkeda
coupleofti
mes.SheputherheadupandlookedatMduwhohadal sopassedoutv
erycloset
o
her.Shecaref
ull
ywi
ggledherwayoutofhishol
dandthengotoutofthebedandwalkedoutof
thebedroom.

Shemadeherwayt
otheki
tchenandt
ooksomeoft
hel
eftov
erpi
zzat
hatMduhador
der
edand
thenputi
tint
hemi cr
owave.Oncei twasheated,
shemadeherwaytothebalconyandthensat
ther
eassheate...Shefel
tveryweird.Somehowshefel
tcal
m andatpeace.Justasshewas
abouttol
etherselfdr
owninhert houghts,
shetookadeepbr
eathandblockedital
lout
.There
wasnousecr y
ingov erspi
ltmil
k..
.

Shesatther
eforawhi
leunti
lshehear
dt hesl
i
dingdooropenandMduwal
kedout
.Hest
ret
ched
andwalkedovert
owhereshewassitt
ing.

Mdu:
Shi
ft
aphel
a.

Shemovedabi
tandhesatnextt
oherandpl
acedhi
sar
m ar
oundhershoul
der
s.Heey
edher
humor
ousl
y.

Mdu:
Soy
ouat
emypi
zzanow?

Thol
irol
l
edherey
es.

Mdu:
Whendi
dyouwakeup?

Thol
i
:About30mi
nut
esago.

Mdu:
Arey
ouwel
l
-rest
ed?

Thol
iwasaboutt
onodwhenhepi
nchedherandshewi
nced.

Thol
i
:Mdu!

Hechuckl
ed.
Thol
i
:St
opt
reat
ingmel
i
keI
’
myour10y
earol
dson.

Mdul
aughed.

Mdu:
What
??

Thol
i
:Youl
i
kepl
ayi
ngwi
thmel
i
keI
’
myourson.

Mdu:
Angi
yazi
kel
eoy
ikhul
umay
osi
si.

Thol
i
:You’
rer
ough.

Mdu:
Yout
hinkI
’
mrough?

Shenoddedangr
il
y.

Mdu:
West
il
lhav
eal
ongwayt
ogo,
Isee.
..

Thol
il
ookedathi
m,cl
ear
lyannoy
ed.

Mdu:
Ngobay
ouobv
iousl
ydon’
tknowwhatr
oughi
s..
.

Shegaspedi
nshockandMdul
ookedatheri
nnocent
ly.

Mdu:
What
’swr
ong?
Thol
i
:Youar
efi
l
thy
!

Hel
ookedatheri
nfal
seshock.

Mdu:
Angazi
yini
inki
ngay
akhoy
azi
.

Shest
oodupandwal
kedbacki
nsi
det
heapar
tmentwhi
l
ehel
aughedather
.

*
**

Nol
wazi
dial
l
edhermot
her
’snumberandi
trangf
orawhi
l
ebutsheev
ent
ual
l
yanswer
ed.

Thandeka:
Babywami
.

Nol
wazi
:Mama.

Nol
wazi
bur
stoutandcr
ieduncont
rol
l
abl
y.

Thandeka:
Nol
wazi
??

Shecr
iedf
oragoodf
ivemi
nut
esandonceshehadst
abi
l
ised,
sheexhal
ed.

Thandeka:
Kwenzenj
ani
??

Nowor
dscoul
ddescr
ibet
heconcer
ninThandeka’
svoi
ce.
Nol
wazi
:MamaIneedy
ou.

Thandeka:
What
’sgoi
ngon?
?

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
yandkeptqui
et.

Thandeka:
I’
m booki
ngaf
li
ghtaswespeak!

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Thandeka:
Wher
ear
eyour
ightnow?
?

Nol
wazi
:Thehouse.

Thandeka:
Arey
oubyy
our
sel
f?Wher
e’sBhenj
u??

Nol
wazi
:Angazi
.

Thandekakeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e.

Thandeka:
Ther
e’saf
li
ghtf
ort
oni
ght
.I’
l
lbet
her
esoon,
okay
?

Nol
wazi
:Okayma.

Thandeka:
Don’
tgoany
wher
eLwazi
!
Nol
wazi
:Iwon’
t.

Shedr
oppedt
hecal
landl
ayont
hebedt
il
lshedozedof
fint
oahazysl
eep.
..

*
**

Kwanel
egotbackt
othehouseandwentt
ohi
sst
udy
..
.

Hehadt
otakeashotofsomet
hingj
usteasehi
msel
fup.

Het
ookaseatandcl
osedhi
sey
esj
ustt
ogetst
abi
l
ised.
..

I
thadtakenev
erythi
nginhi
m nottobur
stoutandtell
Nol
waziheknewev
ery
thi
ng.
..Het
hanked
hi
slawyeri
nst
inct
sfrom pr
event
inghi
mf r
om messingev
ery
thi
ngup.

I
twasnowcl eart
hathehadtocalcul
ateal
lofhismovesbecauseNolwazi wasconf
usedatthe
moment.Hehadt or
emindherjusthowmucht heybot
hlovedeachother.
..Theonethi
nghedi d
not
icewasthatshewasn’
toverhimy et
.Heknewhehadt ousethatwindowofopportuni
ty.
..

Justashewasdr owninginhi
sthought
s,heheardal
oudbangi
ngsoundcomingfr
om
downstai
rs.Hequickl
yrushedoutofhi
sstudyandmadehi
swaydownstair
sonlyt
ofi
nd
Thenj
iwe.
..

Shel
ookedathi
m angr
il
y.

Ti
ti
:Kant
iungenway
ini
Kwanel
e??
!
Kwanel
ekeptqui
etandl
ookedatherbl
ankl
y.Al
lhi
sener
gyhadev
apor
atedi
ntot
hinai
r.

Thenj
i
we:
Ihav
esomenewsf
ory
ouandwenay
ou’
rebusyi
gnor
ingme!

Kwanel
e:Uf
unani
Thenj
i
we?

Ti
tipacedupanddowntheroom.Kwanelewat
chedheri
ntent
lyandr
eali
sedjusthowmuch
wei
ghtshewashadactual
lylost
..
.Obv
iousl
yhersi
nswerestr
essi
ngherout.

Ti
ti
:Lal
elal
aKwanel
e.

Kwanel
elookedatherbl
ankl
y.

Thenj
i
we:
Thatgi
rlhasbeencheat
ingony
ou!

Kwanel
e’
sfaci
alexpr
essi
ondi
dn’
tev
enchange.Heev
enl
ookedbor
ed.

Ti
ti
:DI
DYOUHEARME?
!!THATWHOREHASBEE-

Befor
eshecoul devenfi
nish,
aloudpi
erci
ngsoundf
il
ledtheroom.Theear
thmayhav
eshaken
sl
ight
ly.Thenj
i
wet ouchedhercheeki
ncomplet
eanduttershock.

Ti
ti
:WHAT?
!!

Theaft
er-
effect
soft
hesl
apf
il
ledherf
aceandshewi
ncedast
hebur
ningsensat
ionat
tacked
herf
uri
ously
.
Ti
ti
:WHAT?
!

Kwanel
elookedathercool
l
y.

Kwanel
e:Phuma.

Thenj
i
webr
eat
hedi
nandoutl
i
keshehadj
ustr
unamar
athonf
rom t
heki
tchent
othel
ounge.

Kwanel
e:Ngi
thephuma.

Shel
ookedathi
m deadi
ntheey
e,st
aredathi
mforawhi
l
eandt
henst
ormedoutoft
hehouse.

Kwanelewal
kedupt
hest
air
sagai
n.Hi
sphoner
angandheanswer
edi
twi
thoutchecki
ngt
he
cal
l
erid.

Kwanel
e:What
?

Per
son:
Kwanel
e..
.

Kwanel
e:DrSmi
th?

Dr
:Yes,
it’
sme.

Kwanel
esi
ghedandsatont
heedgeoft
hebed.

Kwanel
e:I
sther
eapr
obl
em?
Dr
:I’
m af
rai
dI’
m goi
ngt
oleav
ethecount
ry.
..

Kwanel
e:What
?Why
?Whydoy
ousoundwei
rd?

DrSmi
thcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatuncomf
ort
abl
y.

Dr
:Per
sonal
reasons.
..

Kwanel
e:Hmm.
..

Heknewt
hismanwasl
yi
ngbuthedeci
dedt
oleti
tgo.

Dr
:Sobef
oreIl
eav
emypr
act
ice,
Iwant
edt
otel
lyouabouty
ourr
esul
ts.

Kwanel
e’
sjawt
ight
ened.

Dr
:Wegott
hem ear
li
ert
hanexpect
ed.

Kwanel
e:I
’
mli
steni
ng.

DrSmi
thsi
ghedheav
il
y.

Dr
:Kwanel
ether
eisnot
hingwr
ongwi
thy
ou.
..

Kwanel
esankont
hebedandswal
l
owedhar
d.
Dr
:Hel
l
o?Cany
ouhearme?

Kwanel
e:What
??

Dr
:Al
ltest
sar
ecl
ear
.

Kwanel
ecov
eredhi
sfacewi
thhi
sfr
eehandandsi
ghed.

Dr
:Iwi
l
lleav
eyourf
il
ewi
thJenni
fer
..
.

Kwanel
e:Dot
hat
,Smi
th.

DrSmi
thsi
ghedheav
il
y.

Dr
:Forwhati
t’
swor
th,
Ihopet
hingswor
koutf
ory
ou.
..

Kwanel
e:We’
l
lsee.
..

DrSmi
thsi
ghedagai
n.

Kwanel
e:Di
dyougett
het
ransact
ionImadet
oyouraccountf
ort
heset
est
s?

DrSmi
th:
ButIt
oldy
ou,
youdi
dn’
thav
eto.

Kwanel
e:I
t’
sthel
eastIcoul
ddo.
..
DrSmi
th:
Itwaswr
ongofme-

Kwanel
e:Thi
sismewe’
ret
alki
ngabout
..
.St
opst
ressi
ng.
..

DrSmi
th:
Alr
ight
,Ihav
etogo.
..

Kwanel
e:By
eSmi
th.

DrSmi
thdr
oppedt
hecal
landKwanel
econt
inuedt
oli
ether
e,pr
ocessi
ngwhathewast
old.
..

*
**

Thenj
i
wemadeherwayt
otheundi
scl
osedar
ea.
..

Thenj
i
we:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Theper
sonl
ookedatherwei
rdl
yandst
aredatherswol
l
encheek.

Thenj
i
we:
Youf
ool
!Ar
eyouher
etost
areatmydamnf
ace?
?

Ther
ewassi
l
encef
orawhi
l
eunt
ilt
heper
soncl
ear
edt
hei
rthr
oat
.

Per
son:
Igotsomei
ntel
.

Thenj
i
we:
What
?
Per
son:
She’
spr
egnant
.

Thenj
i
we:
Whoi
spr
egnant
???
?

Per
son:
Nol
wazi
.

Thenj
i
wealmostfell
tothegroundbutt
heper
sont
ri
edhol
dingher
..
.Shehy
per
vent
il
atedf
ora
l
ongtimeunt
ilshecalmeddown.

Thenj
i
we:
How?
??

Ther
ewassi
l
ence.

Thenj
i
we:
But
..
.

Shest
art
edsweat
ingandbr
eat
hingheav
il
y.

Per
son:
Arey
ouokay
?

Thenj
i
we:
Fokof
fmaan!

Shehuf
fedf
oragoodf
ivemi
nut
esandt
henst
aredatt
heper
son.

Thenj
i
we:
Howsur
ear
eyou?
Per
son:
100%.

Thenj
i
wet
ouchedherchestandgr
unt
edl
oudl
y.

Thenj
i
we:
Bul
l
shi
t.

Sheswal
l
owedhar
d.

Thenj
i
we:
Shewon’
tgi
vebi
rt
h..
.

Per
son:
Whatdoy
oumean?

Shehy
per
vent
il
atedonceagai
nandt
henpuf
fed.

Thenj
i
we:
Fokof
f!

Per
son:
Ith-

Thenj
i
we:
Fut
sekmaanwena!

Per
son:
Myj
obi
sdoneher
eany
way
..
.

Theper
sonwal
kedawayandl
eftTi
tit
her
e..
.

I
NSERT87
Nol
wazi
dial
l
edMdu’
snumberandi
trangf
oral
ongt
imebutheev
ent
ual
l
yanswer
ed.

Mdu:
Lwa?

Nol
wazi
:Hey
.

Mdu:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?

Nol
wazi
:Hmm.

Mdu:
Yini
?

Nol
wazi
:Imi
ssy
ou,
ukuphi
?

Mdu:
Afr
iend’
spl
ace.

Nol
wazi
:Whathappenedt
otaki
ngcar
eofme?

Mduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Usendodeni
sisi
soam Isupposedt
owai
tony
ou?

Nol
wazi
grunt
edqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
Arey
ouokay
?
Nol
wazi
:No.

Mdu:
Yini
?

Nol
wazi
:Comeback.

Mdu:
Usendl
i
ni?

Nol
wazi
:Yes.

Hesi
ghedheav
il
y.

Nol
wazi
:Ar
eyoubusy
?

Ther
ewassi
l
encef
oral
ongsecond.

Mdu:
Abi
t.
..

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Mdu:
ButI
’
llbet
her
eshor
tl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Shedroppedthecal
landthenmadeherwaydownst ai
rstogetsomey oghur
t.Shethenwal
ked
backupstai
rstot
hebedroom andsatonthebed.Sheopenedherlapt
opandbeganbr owsi
ng
fori
nfor
mationaboutt
winsandhowt heyact
ual
lycomeabout.Shesighedheavil
yandthenput
t
helaptopasideindefeat.Shegl
ancedatt
hehugepi
ctureofherandKwanel
ethatwasont he
wal
l
, shehadf or
gottentoremoveit
..
.Shel
ookedati
tforaveryl
ongti
meandt houghtbackto
t
hei
r“ meet
ing”earl
ier.

Shesanki
nthebedandcl
osedherey
esasshet
ookanap.
..

Justt
hen,
shehear
dfootst
epsandthenMduwalkedinandshesmil
edl
i
ght
ly.Shebl
i
nkeda
coupl
eofti
mesandsatup,bal
anci
ngherbackontheheadboar
d.

Nol
wazi
:Youl
ookj
ustl
i
kedad.

Mdulookedatherweir
dlyashet
ookof
fhi
sshoesandgoti
nbednextt
oher
.Theyshar
edahug
andsheheldi
nhertears.

Mdu:
What
’swr
ong?

Nol
wazi
:Myl
i
fei
samess.

Mdu:
Howso?You’
reget
ti
ngadi
vor
ceangi
thi
?

Nol
wazi
:That
’spr
ovi
ngt
obesomet
hingel
senj
e..
.

Mdul
ookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Ij
ustwantt
ocur
lupanddi
e.

Mdu:
Yin’
ndaba?
Nol
wazi
:I’
mtooov
erwhel
med.Idon’
tknowwhatt
odeal
wit
hk’
qal
abecauset
her
e’st
oomuch
onmypl
ate.

Mdu:
Whatel
sei
sther
etodeal
wit
h?

Shel
ookedathi
m sadl
yandj
ustshookherheadl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:It
’st
oomuch.
..

Mdu:
Wel
ltheNol
wazi
weal
lknowwoul
dnotbef
azedbyany
thi
ng.

Nol
wazi
:It
’snott
hateasyany
mor
e.I
t’
stoomuch.

Mdu:
What
’shappeni
ng?

Justt
hen,
herphoner
angandsheanswer
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Mama?

Thandeka:
BabyI
’
m out
side.

Nol
wazi
:Hawuwhyungashongoukut
hiuf
iki
l
e?Iwoul
dhav
efet
chedy
ou.

Thandeka:
Hai
mani
t’
sfi
ne.Ical
l
edt
hatdr
iverofy
our
s.

Nol
wazi
:Oh.
Thandeka:
Konj
ewhat
’st
hecode?

Nol
wazi
tol
dhert
hegat
ecodeandt
hendr
oppedt
hecal
l
.

Mdu:
Mom i
sher
e?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Mdu:
Why
??

Hel
ookedatheri
nconf
usi
onandshock.

Mdu:
Heehkant
iwhat
’sgoi
ngonher
e?

Nol
wazi
:Letmet
alkt
oherf
ir
standI
’
llf
il
lyoui
n,okay
?

Mdul
ookedatheri
ntent
lyandnodded.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng.Whathav
eyoubeenupt
o?

Mduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
I’
vebeenoutandaboutl
i
ttl
esi
s.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.
Nol
wazi
:Asl
ongasy
ou’
repr
otect
ingy
our
sel
f.

Mdu:
Hai
keangazi
ukhul
umangani
.

Nol
wazi
:Hmm.

Theychat
tedf
orawhi
l
eunt
ilThandeka’
svoi
cef
il
ledt
hehouse.

Thandeka:
Lwazi
!

Theybothsmil
edastheyj
umpedoutofbed,r
unni
ngoutoft
hebedr
oom.Theyr
ushed
downstai
rsandbot
hjumpedatThandeka.

Thandekasqueal
edast
heybot
hcl
ungt
oher
.

Thandeka:
Ohhai
kodwa!

Mdu:
Ihat
etoadmi
tthatI
’
vemi
ssedy
ou.

Thandekagi
ggl
edandhuggedbot
hoft
hem pr
oper
ly.

Thandeka:
Bhenj
uwhyhav
en’
tyoushav
ed?
!

Mduf
rownedandbr
ushedhi
schi
nseduct
ivel
y.
Thandeka:
Sies.

Mdu:
Thepeopl
elov
eit
.

Thandeka:
Thepeopl
eshoul
dtel
lyout
haty
oul
ookuncl
ean.

Mdu:
That
’sbecauseI
’
vebeeni
ndoor
s.

Thandekashookherheadli
ghtl
yandt henf
ocusedonNol
wazi
,whoseemedmuchbet
ter
,but
Thandekacoul
dtell
thatshedefi
nit
elywasn’
tfi
ne.

Thandeka:
Hel
l
obaby
.

Nol
wazi
:Hey
.

Mdu:
Doy
ouseehowwei
rdshel
ooks?

Thandeka:
NomanIt
hinki
t’
sbecauseIhav
en’
tseeny
oui
nawhi
l
e.

Nolwazi
:No,
I’
m def
ini
tel
ygai
ningabi
tofwei
ght
.Hav
en’
tbeenwat
chi
ngwhatIeatorgoi
ngt
o
gym.

Thandekahuggedheragai
n.

Mdu:
Kant
iwhydi
dn’
tyout
ell
usy
ouwer
eatt
heai
rpor
t?

Thandeka:
Want
edt
osur
pri
sey
ou.
Mduhi
ssed.

Thandeka:
Hav
eyoucookeddi
nner
?

Mdu:
BuzauNol
wazi
.

Bot
hThandekaandMdul
ookedatNol
wazi
andshepul
l
edaf
ace.

Nol
wazi
:I’
mver
ybusy
.

Thandeka:
Hehe.

Nol
wazi
:AndMdui
snev
erar
oundsowhoam Icooki
ngf
or?

Thandekal
ookedatMdushar
ply
.

Thandeka:
Whyhav
en’
tyoubeenar
ound?
?

Mdu:
Hai
boI
’
m al
sobusy
.

Thandeka:
Busywi
thwhat
?Mduy
ousai
dyou’
dcomet
hissi
def
ory
oursi
ster
!

Mdumumbl
edsomet
hing.

Thandeka:
Uthi
ni?
Mdu:
Not
hing.

Thandekasi
ghedheav
il
yandl
ookedar
ound.

Thandeka:
I’
llpr
epar
esomet
hing.I
’
venev
ermi
ssedordi
smi
ssedapr
operdi
nnerandI
’
m not
abouttost
artnow.

Mdu:
CanIgonow?

Thandeka:
Uyaphi
?

Mdu:
GeeshI
’
llbeback,
rel
ax.

Thandekal
ookedathi
m suspi
ciousl
y.

Mdut
henl
eanedcl
osert
oherf
aceandgav
eheraki
ss.

Mdu:
Seey
ousoonest
.

Thandeka:
Mxm.

Hel
aughedasher
ushedoutoft
hehouse.

Thandekat
hensi
ghedandl
ookedatNol
wazi
.
Thandeka:
Dowet
alknoworaf
terdi
nner
?

Nol
wazi
:Af
ter
.

Thandeka:
Alr
ightt
hen.

Sheshi
ver
eddr
amat
ical
l
y.

Thandeka:
Ithi
nkweneedt
ogetnewf
urni
tur
eyazi
.Thi
shousei
scol
d.

Nol
wazi
:Ouch.

Thandekachuckl
ed.

Thandeka:
Ohshamebabyaski
es.

Theybot
hwal
kedt
otheki
tchen.
..

*
**

Af
teraboutanhourorso,
Mduf
inal
l
ygotbackt
otheapar
tmentandf
oundThol
iwat
chi
ngTV.

Mdu:
Didy
oumi
ssme?

Shegl
ancedathi
m.
Mdu:
Igoty
ousomef
ood.

Heputt
hepaperbagont
het
abl
eandt
hent
hrewhi
msel
fonher
.

Mdu:
Missedme?

Thol
il
ookedathi
m wei
rdl
yandhel
eanedcl
osert
oherandpl
ant
edaki
ssonherl
i
ps.

Thol
i
:You’
redi
stur
bingme.
..

Mdu:
Ohpl
ease.

Hereposit
ionedhersoshecoul
dbeont
opofhi
m.Hepl
acedhi
shandsonherbut
tandt
hen
squeezedit.

Thol
i
:Hey
!

Mdu:
Imi
ssedy
ou.

Thol
i
:Unamanga.

Mdu:
Ser
ious.

Hepl
ant
edaf
eat
herki
ssonherl
i
ps.

Thol
i
:Youl
eftmeher
e.
Mdu:
Ihadt
ogety
ouf
oodangi
thi
.

Thol
i
:Hmm.

Hepl
ant
edanot
herki
ssandsmi
l
ed.

Mdu:
Youcompl
ainwhenIf
eedy
ou.Youcompl
ainwhenIdon’
tfeedy
ou.

Thol
ipul
l
edaf
ace.

Mdu:
Didy
oual
somi
ssme?

Shegi
ggl
edassheshookherhead.

Mdu:
Mxm.

Hesqueezedhert
ight
lyandt
heyshar
edanot
herki
ss.Hest
rokedherbut
tgent
lyandshe
st
oppedkissi
nghi
m andhechuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Come,
youneedt
oeatnow.

Hel
etgoofherandt
henr
eachedf
ort
hepaperbagandt
ookoutt
het
ake-
away
.

Mdu:
Gogetapl
ate.
Shest
oodupandwal
kedtotheki
tchen.Shecamebackshor
tl
yaf
terwi
tht
wopl
atesandMdu
onl
ydi
shedupi
noneplat
e.

Thol
i
:Ar
en’
tyoueat
ing?

Heshookhi
shead.

Thol
i
:Why
?

Hel
ookedatheri
ntent
ly.

Mdu:
Mymom i
sher
e.

Thol
i
’sf
acei
mmedi
atel
ybecameser
iousandt
ense.

Mdu:
Yini
manj
e?

Shekeptqui
etandl
ookedawaygui
l
til
y.

Mdu:
Rel
ax.

Shesi
ghedandlookedathim ashef
ini
shedupdishi
ngupf orher.Het
hengavehert
heplat
e
andshemumbleda“ t
hanks”.Hewat
chedhereatsil
ent
lyandafterawhil
ehi
sphonerangandi
t
wasThandekat
ell
inghimtocomeback.

Mdu:
I’
ll
bebacki
n2hour
stopsokay
?
Thol
i
:Okay
.

Heki
ssedhercheekbef
orest
andi
ngupandmaki
nghi
swayoutoft
heapar
tmentonceagai
n..
.

*
**

Kwanel
emadehi
swayt
othedoorandThul
iwal
kedi
nsi
de.

Thul
i
:Hey
.

Theyshar
edhugandhecl
osedt
hedoor
.

Thul
i
:What
’sup?

Kwanel
e:Iwant
edt
oasky
ousomet
hing.
..

Theymadet
hei
rwayt
othel
oungeandsatdown.Thul
il
ookedathi
m wor
ri
edl
y.

Thul
i
:Yi
ni?

Kwanel
e:I
’
mti
red.

Thul
i
:What
’swr
ong?

Kwanel
e:Idon’
tev
enhav
eenoughener
gyt
obemadany
mor
e.
Thul
i
:Hai
Kwanel
e,what
’sgoi
ngon?

Kwanel
esi
ghedheav
il
yandl
ookedatThul
ii
ntent
ly.

Kwanel
e:Thul
i
,di
dyouknowt
hatNol
wazi
wasoncont
racept
ives?

Thul
il
ookedatKwanel
einshockandhesankont
hecouchandhuf
fedi
ndef
eat
.

I
NSERT88

Nol
wazi
,MduandThandekasatatt
het
abl
eandbeganeat
ing.

Thandeka:
Bhenj
uwher
ewer
eyou?

Mdu:
Hai
bosonowIhav
etoexpl
ainmy
sel
f?

Thandeka:
Nol
wazi
say
syou’
vebeenoutandabout
.

Mdul
ookedatNol
wazi
andshest
uckhert
ongueoutdi
scr
eet
ly.

Mdu:
Soy
ousni
tched?

Nol
wazi
:Hai
Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngt
oher
.Shecamet
othatconcl
usi
onwi
thoutmyhel
p.

Thandeka:
Usuy
ajol
aMduduzi
?
Mdul
aughed.

Mdu:
Canwer
especteachot
her
’spr
ivacyt
hough?

Thandeka:
Asl
ongasy
ou’
reusi
ngcondoms.Wedon’
twanti
l
legi
ti
mat
echi
l
drenher
e.

Nol
wazi
’
sjui
cewentt
hrought
hewr
ongpi
peandshebegant
ocoughuncont
rol
l
abl
y.

Thandeka:
Yini
?

ShecoughedandMdupassedhersomewat
er.Shedr
anki
tsl
owl
yandt
henst
abi
l
ised.

Mdu:
U-r
ight
?

Shenodded.

Thandeka:
Soar
eyoudat
ingj
ustonegi
rl
?

Mdu:
Mama!

Thandeka:
Yini
?Iwantt
oknow.

Mdu:
Nol
wazi
pleasechanget
hesubj
ect
.Ican’
tdeal
wit
hthi
s.

Thandekachuckl
edqui
etl
y.
Thandeka:
Iwonder
..
.

Mdu:
Howi
sIv
y?Imi
sst
hatt
hing.

Thandeka:
Youknowy
oursi
ster
..
.

Nol
wazi
:Sheneedst
ocomeov
ersoon.Ial
somi
ssher
.

Thandeka:
Shewi
l
ldonosuch!Nomz
amoneedst
ogetadegr
ee!

Nolwazi:
Mamawe’
veal
laccept
edt
hatshe’
sgoi
ngadi
ff
erentpat
h.Don’
tfor
ceadegr
eedown
herthr
oat.

Thandeka:
Ohsowenay
ouwi
l
ltakecar
eofherf
ort
her
estofherl
i
fe?

Nol
wazi
sighed.

Nol
wazi
:She’
sst
il
lyoung.

Thandeka:Haisuka.Weal
lmadeadealangit
hi?Ever
yoneofy
oushoul
dhav
eatl
eastone
degreeandthenyougoanddowhateveryouli
ke.

Nol
wazi
:Letherbe.
..

Mdu:Becausey
ou’rewast
ingyourmoneybypay
ingforal
lthesecour
sesshekeepschangi
ngup.
Uset
hatmoneyf orsomet
hingel
sengobashewil
lneverf
ini
shschool,
Itel
lyou.
Thandeka:
I’
ll
askMa’
Mol
oit
ohav
easer
iousconv
ersat
ionwi
thher
.I’
m sur
eshecanchangeher
mind.

Bot
hMduandNol
wazi
shr
uggedt
hei
rshoul
der
s.

Nol
wazi
:Any
way
,howi
sdad?

Thandeka:
He’
sgoodhey
.

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.

Thandeka:
WenaBhenj
uisy
ourbossst
il
lfi
newi
thy
oubei
ngi
nDur
banf
ort
hisl
ong?

Mdunodded.

Mdu:
I’
vebeenwor
kingf
rom her
e.

Thandeka:
Hai
theni
tmeanst
hingsar
eser
iouswi
thy
ouandt
hisgi
rl
.

Mdu:
Don’
tst
art
..
.

Theycont
inuedt
ochatandeatf
orov
eranhourandt
henMdust
oodupanddeci
dedi
twast
ime
tol
eave.

Mdu:
Uhambani
ni?

Thandeka:
Asusual
,Il
eav
ewhenIam nol
ongerneeded.
Mduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Nol
wazi
issuchal
i
ttl
egi
rl
.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Thandeka:
Hai
sukaj
ustgo.

Mdul
eaneddownandki
ssedhercheek.

Mdu:
Goodseei
ngy
ou.

Thandeka:
Shap.

Mdu:
Seey
ouar
ound.

Hel
ookedatNol
wazi
andshenodded.Het
henwal
kedof
fanddi
sappear
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Gof
reshenup,
I’
ll
clean.
..

Thandekast
oodup.

Thandeka:
Okaysi
si.

Shewal
kedupst
air
stoherr
oom andNol
wazi
begant
ocl
eanup.
..
*
**

Mduf
inal
l
ygott
othecompl
exandhef
oundThol
icl
eani
ngup.

Mdu:
Whyar
eyouev
encl
eani
ngupbecauset
hisi
snotmyapar
tment
?

Thol
i
:That
’sexact
lywhyI
’
m cl
eani
ng.

Shef
ini
shed.

Mdu:
Let
’sgo.

Thol
i
:Wher
e?

Mdu:I
’
vejusthadapi
ctureofallt
hegir
lswho’
vepr
obabl
ybeenshaggedi
nthatbedandt
her
e’s
nowaywe’r
estayi
nghereanylonger
.

Thol
il
ookedathi
m bl
ankl
y.

Thol
i
:You’
reov
err
eact
ing.

Mdu:
Hehesoy
oudon’
tmi
ndcr
ashi
ngi
nthatbed?

Thol
i
:Mdu.
..
Mdu:
Thol
i
.

Thol
i
:Youwor
ryaboutt
hewei
rdestt
hings.

Mdugr
unt
ed.

Thol
i
:Idon’
thav
ether
ightt
ocr
it
ici
seany
one’
sbedatt
hemoment
.

Mdul
aughedqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
Becausey
ou’
rehomel
ess?

Shelookedathi
m sadl
yandnodded.Het
henst
eppedcl
osert
oherandwr
appedhi
sar
ms
aroundher.

Mdu:
I’
m her
enow.

Thol
ishookherheadl
i
ght
lyanddi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Mdu:
Yini
?

Thol
i
:Yout
hinkIenj
oyhav
ingt
odependonpeopl
e?

Mdu:
Yourf
ami
l
yist
obl
amef
ort
hat
.

Shekeptqui
et.
Mdu:
Unli
keallt
hesepeopl
ewho’vet
oyedar
oundwi
thy
ou,
I’
m goi
ngt
ohel
pyouconst
ruct
ivel
y.
I
’v
ebeencracki
ngmyskull
lat
ely
.

Shel
ookedathi
m wei
rdl
y.

Mdu:
I’
ll
helpyouappl
ytouni
ver
sit
yandf
indaschol
arshi
pbecauseIknowy
ouwon’
tal
l
owme
t
opayyourfees.
..

Herf
acesof
tenedup.

Mdu:Getti
nganeducat
ioni
sthefi
rstst
eptoempowerment
.Ial
sodon’tl
iketheideaofhavi
ng
youdependonpeoplef
orever
ythi
ng.Atl
eastoncey
ouhaveaneducat
ion,youhaveopti
ons.

Thol
i
’sey
eswat
eredup.

Mdu: Youneedtotakechar
geofyourli
fe.Ther
easony
ouhav
esuchal
owsel
f-
est
eem i
s
becauseyou’r
enotthecapt
ainofyourship.

Hesmi
l
edwar
mly
.

Mdu:Iunder
standi
twon’tbeeasybecauseyou’
vebeencondi
ti
onedt
obel
i
evey
ou’
renotwor
th
i
tbutIthi
nkwe’l
lmanage..
.Youjustneedt
otrustme.

Shehi
dherf
acei
nhi
schestandsobbedqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
Whyar
eyoucr
yingnow?Thesear
egoodt
hingsI
’
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
Shecont
inuedt
osobandt
heyst
oodt
her
eforawhi
l
eunt
ilshewasf
ine.Shef
inal
l
ylookedupat
hi
m andhesmil
ed.

Mdu:
I’
ll
hel
pyououtki
ddo.

Thol
i
:You’
ret
woy
ear
sol
dert
hanmeMdu!

Hewi
pedhert
ear
s.

Mdu:
Onaser
iousnot
ethough,
Ithi
nky
ouneedt
otal
ktosomeone.

Shel
ookedathi
minconf
usi
on.

Mdu:
Apsy
chol
ogi
st.

Thol
il
ookedathi
m ser
iousl
y.

Mdu:Ther
eisnowayy
oucanev
ermov
eonwi
thoutdeal
i
ngwi
thal
lthet
hingsy
ou’
vekepti
nfor
year
s.

Thol
i
:I’
mfi
ne.

Mdu:
Uyabonake?Don’
tdot
his.

Shekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
I’
mreal
l
yroot
ingf
ory
ouThol
isodon’
tdoubtmyef
for
ts.
Thol
i
:Don’
tov
erwhel
m me.

Mdu:
Okay
.

Shesi
ghedheav
il
y.

Mdu:Howaboutwedr awupaplanofhowwe’ l
lgoaboutev
eryt
hing?I’
m amanofacti
onand
t
horoughplanni
ng.Theonlyr
easonI’
m successf
uli
sbecauseIalwayssett
arget
sandgoal
sfor
myselfwi
thtimeplansaswell
.

Thol
i
:You’
rebusi
nessor
ient
ed.

Hechuckl
ed.

Mdu:Weneedtohavel
itt
legoal
sfory
ouandhav
eti
mefr
amesaswel
l
.Atl
easti
fyou’r
e
worki
ngt
owardssomethi
ngthenyou’
l
lwakeupf
eel
i
ngsl
i
ght
lymor
emoti
vat
edthanjustgoi
ng
t
hrought
hemotion,
youknow?

Thol
i
:Whatki
ndofgoal
s?

Mdu:
Fir
stl
y,weneedt
oresear
chal
luni
ver
sit
iesandt
hedi
ff
erentcour
sest
heyof
fer
.

Thol
i
:But
..
.

Shekeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Butwhat
?
Thol
i
:Nev
ermi
nd.

Mdu:
Uh-
uh.

Shel
ookedathi
m embar
rassi
ngl
y.

Thol
i
:Iwantt
ogot
oJohannesbur
g.

Hel
aughedandl
ookedatherl
ovi
ngl
y.

Mdu:
Ofcour
sey
oudoki
ddo.
..

Sher
oll
edherey
es.

Mdu:
Soy
ouneedt
odeci
dewhi
chuni
ver
sit
yappeal
stoy
oui
nJozi
.

Thol
i
:UJ.

Hel
ookedatheri
nshock.

Mdu:
Heehsoy
ouwantt
obeabadbi
tch?

Thol
il
aughed.

Thol
i
:No,
itof
fer
sgoodhospi
tal
i
tyandcat
eri
ngcour
ses.
Mdu:
Hmm.

Thol
isi
ghed.

Mdu:
Soy
oual
readyknowwhaty
ouwantt
odo?

Shenodded.

Mdu:
Goodsot
hatput
susacoupl
eofst
epsahead.

Shel
ookedathi
m.

Mdu:
Weneedt
oresear
chal
ltheschol
arshi
psav
ail
abl
e.

Shenoddedandhepl
ant
edaki
ssonherf
oreheadandsi
ghed.

Mdu:
We’
l
ltal
kaboutal
loft
hiskahl
eksasa.I
’
m act
ual
l
yti
redf
orsomeoddr
eason.

Thol
i
:Butwe’
vebeensl
eepi
ngf
ort
hewhol
eday
.

Hegr
unt
ed.

Mdu:
Let
’spackupandl
eav
ethi
spl
ace.

Thol
iwasabouttoprot
estwhenhegaveheral
ookandshesi
ghedi
ndef
eat
.Theywal
kedt
othe
bedr
oom andpackedupall
thethi
ngst
heyhad.
..
I
NSERT89(
Ver
yshor
t)

Nol
wazi
andThandekawer
enowi
nbedt
oget
her
.

Thandeka:
Howar
eyour
eal
l
ydoi
ng?

Nol
wazi shookherheadandThandekapul
l
edhercl
oserandNol
wazi
star
tedcr
yingi
nher
mother
’sarms.

Thandeka:
Leti
tal
loutLwazi
..
.

Nol
wazi
:You’
regoi
ngt
obedi
sappoi
ntedi
nme.

Shecont
inuedt
ocr
yandThandekakeptqui
etandcomf
ort
edher
.

Aft
eralongti
me,
shef
inal
l
ylookedatThandeka.Hermot
herwi
pedherf
aceandt
henl
ookedat
herl
ovi
ngly.

Thandeka:
Tal
ktome.Tel
lmeev
ery
thi
ngf
rom t
hebegi
nni
ng.

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
yandt
hencl
osedherey
es.

Nol
wazi
:I’
vebeenseei
ngsomeone.
..

Thandeka:
Okay
..
.

Nol
wazi
openedherey
es.
Nol
wazi
:AndI
’
minl
ovewi
thhi
m.

Thandekanoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Atf
ir
stIwasconv
incedt
hati
twasj
ustaf
li
ng.

Thandeka:
Rebound?

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Butt
hewaywe’
veconnect
ed.
..

Shesi
ghed.

Nol
wazi
:He’
sbeensosuppor
ti
veandl
ovi
ngandwegenui
nel
ycl
i
ck.

Thandekanodded.

Nol
wazi
:Il
ovehi
m butIdon’
twantt
ogethi
minv
olv
edi
nthi
sbat
tl
ewi
thKwanel
e.Idon’
twant
t
otai
ntmyrel
ati
onshi
pwithhi
m.

Thandekacont
inuedt
onod.

Nolwazi
:SoI
’
vebeenpushi
nghi
m away
..
.ButIal
way
sfi
ndmywaybackt
ohi
m.We’
ret
hat
cl
osenow.
Shesi
ghed.

Nol
wazi:Ijustwantt
odeal
wit
honet
hingatat
ime.I
’
m notf
ull
ycomf
ort
abl
ewi
thhi
m because
I
’m st
il
lti
edt oKwanel
e.

Thandeka:
Arey
oust
il
lti
edemot
ional
l
y?

Shenodded.

Nol
wazi
:Hewasher
etoday
..
.AsmuchasI
’
m angr
y,Ist
il
lcar
eabouthi
m.

Thandeka:
Asy
oushoul
d,r
eal
i
sti
cal
l
y.

Nolwazi
:Sothefactt
hatI
’
m st
il
lmar
ri
edt
ohi
m makesi
tmor
edi
ff
icul
tformet
oal
l
owt
he
r
elati
onshi
pwithDean-

Shekeptqui
et.

Thandekasmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Thandeka:
Car
ryon.
..

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
y.

Nol
wazi
:It
’sDean.
..

Thandeka:
Iknow.
..
Nol
wazi
lookedatThandekai
nconf
usi
onanddi
sbel
i
ef.

Nol
wazi
:How?

Thandeka:
Ifi
gur
edi
toutt
het
imewecamebackf
rom DundeeandIwasst
ayi
ngwi
thy
ou.
..

Nol
wazi
lookeddownshamef
ull
y.

Thandeka:
Iwant
edt
oasky
oubutIf
igur
edIshoul
dst
epbackandy
ou’
dreachoutwheny
ou
neededme.

Nol
wazi
:Mama.
..

Shesai
dthatqui
etl
yandshookherhead.

Nol
wazi
:Youshoul
dhav
etol
dme.
..

Thandeka:
It’
snoneofmybusi
ness.
..

Nol
wazi
lookedatThandekaner
vousl
y.

Thandeka:
Somet
hingdeeperi
sbot
her
ingy
ouNol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
yandcl
osedherey
esonceagai
n.
Nol
wazi
:I’
m..
.

Shesi
ghedandl
ookedatThandeka.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m pr
egnant
.

Thandeka’
sfacei
mmedi
atel
ychangedandherey
espoppedout
.

Thandeka:
What
?!!

Nol
wazi
sighedandnoddedshamef
ull
y.

Thandeka:
What
???
!

Shegotupfr
om t
hebedandlookedatNol
wazi
incompl
eteshock.Nol
wazi
justsatt
her
eand
l
ookedathermot
her
.Shefel
tsoashamed.

Wit
hinseconds,Thandekawasonthebed,cry
ing.Nolwazi
gotcl
osert
oheranddidn’
tknow
whatexact
lytodo.Shetri
edcomfort
ingherbuthertear
swereal
somakingherweak.

*
**

Kwanel
egott
ohi
sst
udyandhi
sphoner
ang.Heanswer
ed.

Kwanel
e:Hel
l
o?

Thul
i
:It
’sme.
Kwanel
e:Uf
ikekahl
e?

Thul
i
:Yes,
I’
m st
il
lthi
nki
ngabouty
ousai
d.

Kwanel
e:Hmm.
..

Thul
i
:Wel
lyoucoul
deasi
l
yuseal
lthi
sinf
ormat
iony
ouhav
etodel
ayt
hedi
vor
ce.
..

Kwanel
e:I
’
mti
rednowandIdon’
tthi
nkIcanbewi
thNol
wazi
any
mor
e.

Thul
ikeptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:Ineedt
oswal
l
owt
hispi
l
l.
..

Thul
i
:Inev
ert
houghty
ou’
dact
ual
l
ysayt
hat
.

Shesai
dthatwi
thal
otofdi
sbel
i
efi
nherv
oice.

Kwanel
e:Ij
ustneedt
odoonet
hingbef
oreIsi
gnt
hepaper
s..
.

Shesi
ghedheav
il
y.

Kwanel
e:Li
sten,
thanksf
orcomi
ng.I
’
llseey
ouatt
heof
fi
ceonMonday
.

Thul
i
:Ar
eyoucomi
ng?
Kwanel
e:Ineedt
ofi
nal
i
semyr
esi
gnat
ion.

Thul
i
:Kwanel
ecomeon.
..

Kwanel
e:Seey
ousoon.

Hedr
oppedt
hecal
landbegant
ypi
nganemai
l
.

*
**

Thandekaputherheadupandl
ookedatNol
wazi
wit
hswol
l
eney
es.

Thandeka:
Shi
t,Ineedt
abl
ets.

Theybot
hlookedateachot
herandendedupl
aughi
ngqui
etl
y.

Thandeka:
Ihav
en’
tcr
iedl
i
ket
hisi
nav
eryl
ongt
ime.

Nol
wazi
lookedatThandekasadl
y.

Thandeka:
You’
repr
egnant
?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Thandeka:
Howsur
ear
eyou?
Nol
wazi
:Wentt
othedoct
or.

Thandekar
ubbedherey
esgent
lyandsi
ghed.

Thandeka:
Soal
lthi
sti
mey
ou’
vebeenf
ert
il
e?

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Thandeka:
Dammi
tmaanNol
wazi
.

Shewi
pedt
her
emai
nderoft
ear
s.

Thandeka:
Idon’
tev
enknowwhatt
osay
..
.

Nol
wazi
:Ar
eyouangr
y?

Thandeka:
I’
mtooshockedt
othi
nkst
rai
ght
.

Nolwazi
keptqui
etandThandekast
oodupandwal
kedt
othebat
hroom.Justt
hen,
Nol
wazi
’
s
phonebeepedandsher
eachedfori
tandi
twasanemai
l.

Herhear
trat
eincr
easedassheopenedi
t.

_
__

DearNol
wazi
,
Hopef
ull
ythi
semai
lfi
ndsy
ouwel
l
,consi
der
inghowweendedof
fourr
euni
onear
li
er.

Fir
standf oremostIwantt osaythatIlovey ouandwi llconti
nuet ol oveyou.Ihat ethef actthatI
couldnotpr otecty outhroughoutourmar riage.Iall
owedpeopl etocl oudmyj udgementandas
aresult,Ihav el ostyou.Thislossisprov i
ngt obeabi t
terpill
t oswal lowbutaf tercareful
consideration, Ithi
nkitistimeIswal l
owi t.Itiscl
earthatyourhear tisnolongermi neandIam
theonlyonewhoi sstil
lhangingonunnecessar il
y.AtthispointIdonotwantt obet heenemyof
progresssoi tiswi thgreathurtandregrett hatIl
etyougo.Hopef ul
lysomedayIwi llbeabl eto
acceptthaty oudeser vebet t
erthanmebecauseatt hemomentIam st i
l
lconv i
ncedt haty ou
andIwer emeantt obe, Iknowi t’
segotisti
cal ofmebutIhonest lycannothel pit.Youhav e
obviouslymadeupy ourmi ndaboutwhaty ouwantandIknowt hereisnost oppingy ouwhen
youar einsuchast ate.Icanonlyhopet haty ouwi l
lbeablelivewi thwhat everchoicesy ou
make. .
.

Befor
eIsignthepapershowever,
Iwoul dappreci
atei
tifwecoul dmeetonel astti
me.Thereis
noneedtobringourlawyer
sbecausethisisgoingtobet helastdi
scussionwewi l
leverhav
e.I
needtogetsomet hi
ngsoutofmychestandIwoul dli
ket othi
nkthatyouwillnothavea
probl
em wit
haffor
dingmet hi
srequest.Igi
vey oumywor d-thisi
nstant
-thatIwil
lsignwhatever
needstobesignedassoonast hi
slastmeetingisover.
..Iti
stimeIletyouli
veany way.

Enj
oyt
her
estofy
ourni
ght
.

Ki
ndr
egar
ds,

Kwanel
e

_
__

Nol
wazi
readt
heemai
lov
erandov
eragai
nandsankdeeperi
nthebed.
..

I
NSERT90

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ningNol
wazi
gotupv
eryear
lyandwentt
othebat
hroom.Whenshewal
ked
backt
othebedr
oom,
shef
oundThandekasi
tt
ingup.

Thandeka:
Arey
ouokay
?

Nol
wazi
:YesIam.
..

Thandeka:
Didthedoctort
ell
youthaty
ou’
regoi
ngt
oexper
iencepr
egnancysy
mpt
oms10t
imes
morethantheusualpr
egnancy.

Nol
wazi
satdownandhuf
fedi
ndef
eat
.

Thandeka:It
hinkwhatmakesi
twor
sei
sthaty
ouf
oundoutv
eryear
ly.Nowy
ourmi
ndi
spl
ayi
ng
tr
icksonyou.

Nol
wazi
:ButI
’
m al
readygai
ningwei
ght
.

Thandeka:
Youneedt
oexer
cise.

Nol
wazi
grunt
edandThandekachuckl
ed.

Thandeka:
Ijustcan’
tbel
i
evet
haty
ou’
repr
egnantLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Soy
ou’
renotmadatme?

Thandekashookherhead.

Thandeka:
I’
mjustshockedt
hat
’sal
l
.
Nol
wazi
smi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Thandeka:
YouknowIcoul
dnev
erbemadaty
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Per
ksofbei
ngt
hef
avour
it
echi
l
d

Thandekal
aughed.

Thandeka:
Don’
tletBhenj
uheary
ousayt
hat
.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
hehashi
sfat
herangi
thi
.

Thandekasmi
l
edwar
mly
.

Thandeka:
Godr
eal
l
ywor
ksi
nmy
ster
iousway
s..
.Thi
sisamazi
ng.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Thandeka:
Aspert
radi
ti
on,
youcan’
ttel
lany
oneaboutt
his.Notev
enSl
i
ndi
l
ecanknow.

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Thandeka:
Ijustneedt
obut
terupy
ourf
ather
..
.

Nol
wazi
:May
beIshoul
dtel
lhi
m af
tert
hedi
vor
cehasbeenf
inal
i
sed.
Thandeka:HeckevenKwanelecan’tknowaboutthi
s.I
’m suret
here’
sanagr
eementi
nyour
prenupthatst
ipul
ateswhatwi
llhappenifsomethi
ngli
kethishappens.

Nol
wazi
:No,
hedoesn’
tknow.

Thandekanodded.

Nol
wazi
:Any
way
,Ineedt
ogetr
eadyf
orameet
ing.

Thandeka:
Okaysi
si.

Nol
wazi
wentbackt
othebat
hroom andgotr
eady
.

*
**

Thol
iwasindreamlandwhenshewasst ar
tl
edbyherphoneri
ngi
ng.Shebli
nkedacoupl
eof
ti
mesinconf
usionbecauseherphoneneverrangi
nli
fe,
li
keever
.Shelazi
l
yreachedf
ori
tand
answer
edwithoutchecki
ngt
hecalleri
d.

Thol
i
:Hel
l
o?

Zani
:Fr
iend!

Thol
ifr
owned.

Thol
i
:Zani
?
Mdugr
owl
edashel
aycomf
ort
abl
yonherchest
.

Thol
i
:Hel
l
o?

Zani
:Babe,
wher
ear
eyou?
?Imi
ssy
ou!

Thol
ifr
ownedi
nconf
usi
on.

Thol
i
:Uhm-

Zani
:Imi
ssy
ouman!Ar
eyouatt
hehouse?

Thol
i
:Uhm-

Mdu:
Thol
iman.

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Zani
:Ohhhy
ou’
rewi
thhubby
??

Zani
giggl
eddr
amat
ical
l
y.

Zani
:I
’l
lcal
lyoul
aterboo!

Thol
iwasaboutt
opr
otestwhenZani
droppedt
hecal
l
.Shest
aredatherphonei
nconf
usi
onand
t
henputi
tasi
de.

Mdu:
Blockt
hatbi
tch.

Thol
i
:Shewasj
u-

Mdu:
I’
m noti
nter
est
ed.

Heimmedi
atel
ydozedoffandThol
il
ayther
e,t
hinki
ngaboutwhyZaniwouldcal
lheroutof
nowher
emoreespeci
all
ybecauset
hingsdi
dn’
tgowellbet
weenthem t
helastti
metheysaw
eachot
her
.

Justt
hen,
herphonebeepedandshet
ooki
tandr
eadt
hemessage:

Zani
:I
tmustbesoni cet
obey
ou.
..Yout
ookmymanandnowy
ou’
reev
ensl
eepi
ngwi
thhi
m?
Uzonyasf
ebendi
ni.

Thol
igaspedassoonassher
eadi
t.Shequi
ckl
yswi
tchedof
fherphoneandt
ri
edgoi
ngbackt
o
sl
eep.
..

*
**

Nol
wazi
gotdr
essedandmadeherwaydownst
air
s.

Thandekal
ookedatherasshedi
shedupandwhi
stl
eddr
amat
ical
l
y.

Nol
wazi
:Ohhai
keuqal
i
le.
Thandeka:
Uyohl
angananoDean?

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:No.

Thandeka:
Hmm y
oumustbet
ryi
ngt
oimpr
esswhoev
ert
hiscl
i
enti
s.

Nol
wazi
:Notr
eal
l
y.

Thandeka:
Aren’
tyougoi
ngt
oeatk’
qal
a?

Nol
wazi
shookherhead.

Nol
wazi
:Iwantt
oenj
oyy
ourf
oodpr
oper
lywhenIgetback.Iwon’
tbel
ong.

Thandeka:
Okayt
hen.

Nol
wazi
grabbedanappl
eandapacketofnut
sandt
henmadeherwayoutoft
hehouset
othe
car
.

Shedr
oveoutandpr
ayedev
ery
thi
ngwoul
dgowel
l
...

*
**

Kwanel
earr
ivedatt
heirmut
uallawyer
’sfi
rm.Hehadaskedi
fhecoul
dusedoneoftheirempt
y
of
fi
cesandtheyobvi
ousl
yagreedbecausetheyknewhi
m.Hemadehiswaytotheoff
iceheand
Nol
wazi
hadbeenatwhentheywer
esi
gni
ngal
lthei
rmar
ri
agedocument
syear
sago.Hesawi
t
f
itt
oendthi
ngst
hereaswell
..
.

Hegott
her
e,satdownandt
henbr
owsedt
hroughhi
sphone.
..

Justt
henJake,
afr
iendofhi
sint
hel
awf
iel
d,wal
kedi
nthedoor
.

Jake:
Heyman.

Kwanel
e:How’
sit
?

Jake:
I’
m doi
ngwel
l
...

Hel
ookedatKwanel
epi
ti
ful
l
yandKwanel
echuckl
ed.

Kwanel
e:Youf
eel
sor
ryf
orme?

Jake:
It’
sjustunf
ort
unat
e,y
ouknow?

Kwanel
e:Thi
ngshappen.
..

Jake:
Iti
swhati
tis.
..

Kwanel
e:Exact
ly.

Hesai
dgoodbyet
oKwanel
eandthendi
sappeared.Kwanelewal
kedovert
ot hel
argewindow
andl
ookeddownatt
hevi
ew..
.Hesi
ghedheavi
lyashef oundhi
mselfdr
owninginhist
houghts.
Outofnowhere,
heheardt
hedoorclosel
ight
lyandhesnappedoutofit
.Het
urnedaroundand
Nol
wazistoodbythedoor
.Hedi
dn’tneedaninter
pret
ert
otell
him shewasr
eekingof
ner
vousness.

Kwanel
e:Hi
.

Nol
wazi
clear
edhert
hroat
.

Nol
wazi
:Goodmor
ning.

Henoddedli
ghtl
yandt
hensatdown,
Nol
wazi
alsosatdownopposi
tehi
m.Hel
ookedatherand
smi
ledli
ght
ly.

Kwanel
e:Youl
ookgood.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou.

Hechuckl
edqui
etl
y.

Kwanel
e:Iguesspr
egnancyl
ooksgoodony
ou.

Nol
wazi
frozecompl
etel
y.Thewor
ldmayhav
est
oppedf
orj
ustacoupl
eofmi
nut
es.

Kwanelewatchedhercl
osel
ybuthedi
dn’
treact
.Hecont
inuedt
olooknor
mal
whi
l
eNol
wazi
’
s
facet
urnedpale.

Af
teral
ongt
ime,
shef
inal
l
ytookabr
eat
handt
henst
aredathi
mindi
sbel
i
efandshock.
..Wi
thi
n
seconds,
theshockanddi
sbel
i
eft
urnedi
ntosadness.

Kwanele:I
’
vesaidthi
sti
meandt imeagai
n,mylovefory
ouwi
l
lnev
erchange.
..Despit
e
ever
ythi
ngthatwehavegonethroughl
atel
y,It
hinky
ouknowf
orafactt
hatIl
ovey ou.Noone
knowsthedepthsofmyheartl
ikeyou.
..

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m.

Kwanele: We’vesharedthebestmoment sofourli

vest ogetherandIdon’tthi
nkI’
lleverl
ose
thosememor i
es.Yourlov eformehaspul l
edmet hroughsomuchshi tthatIhonestl
ydon’t
knowhowI ’l
ldealwithstart
ingover.You’
vetakencareofmyheal th,
somet hi
ngI’l
lal
waysbe
gratef
ul f
or.Wheny ousai dthosevows,youmeantt hem withal l
yourheartandforthepastfour
years,youhav eprovenjusthowsincereyouare.Ican’tthanky ouenoughforbeingmyr ock.
..

Hesi
ghedheav
il
y.

Kwanel
e:Sadl
y,I
’v
emessedupbi gtimeandit’
sveryclearthatther
e’snot ur
ningbackf
rom t
his.
Nowthatyou’
repregnant,Iknowforsur
ethatI
’vecompl et
elylostyou.Idon’
twanttoputyouin
asi
tuat
ionwhereyoust r
essy our
sel
fandyournewf amily.

Nol
wazi
:But
..
.

Shel
ookedathi
minconf
usi
on.

Nol
wazi
:How?

Kwanel
e:Medi
cal
aid.
..

Hewat
chedasshemadesenseofwhathesai
d.
Kwanel
e:Fort
hepastcoupl
eofweeksI’
vebeencracki
ngmyskul
l
,thinki
ngaboutwaystomake
sur
ethatt
hisdi
vor
cegetsdelay
edfory
ears.
..Tr
ustmeIcoul
dpulli
toffi
fIwantbutnow..
.

Heshookhi
sheadl
i
ght
ly.

Kwanel
e:NowI’
mjustwast
ingal
lofourt
ime.
..What
’st
heuseofdel
ayi
ngt
hedi
vor
cei
fitwon’
t
guar
ant
eehavi
ngyoubackinmyli
fe?

Nol
wazi
swal
l
owedhar
d.

Kwanel
e:I
’
vedeci
dedt
oleti
tgo.
..Tol
ety
ougo.
..

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:Fory
ear
sIwasconv
incedt
haty
oucoul
dn’
thav
echi
l
dren.
..

Nol
wazi
avoi
dedhi
sey
es.

Kwanel
e:We’
dtr
yandt
ryagai
nbutshi
t,not
hingwoul
dhappen.

Hel
ookedatherf
oral
ongt
imeandt
heysati
nsi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e.

Kwanele:Mymot herwouldi
nsultyoubutsomehowy ounev err
eall
yshowedit
,ont
heoutsi
de
especi
all
y,thatyouwereaf f
ectedbythoseinsul
ts.Iknewt heyaff
ectedyout
osomeextentbut
youneverreall
yshowedj usthowmuchy ouwereaffected.Youkeptiti
n.

Nol
wazi
fidget
edwi
thherhands.
Kwanele:
Yes,
youweresadandhur
tbutsomehowt
hosei
nsul
tsdi
dn’
treal
l
yaf
fecty
out
hat
deepl
y.Youal
waysseemedtol
ookpastt
hem.

Nol
wazi
final
l
ylookedathi
m.

Kwanel
e:Personal
ly,Ial
wayst
houghti
twasbecausey
ouwer
est
rongandmymot
her
’si
nsul
ts
wer
enottakent oheartbyy
ou.
..

Kwanel
esi
ghed.

Kwanel
e:Iwaspar
ti
all
yri
ghtt
houghbecausey
ou’
rest
rongv
ele.

Hesi
ghedonceagai
n.

Kwanel
e:Butwhenyouf
oundouty
ouwer
epr
egnant
,thewhol
etheor
ythaty
ou’
rei
nfer
ti
lewent
outoft
hewindow.

Hesmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Kwanele:Icanonl
yimagi
nehowhappyyouwere.
..Fi
nall
y,youprov
edev
ery
onewr
ong.
..Al
l
thesepeoplewhobel
it
tl
edyouwer
egoingtoswall
owt hei
rwords.

Nol
wazi
tri
edsay
ingsomet
hingbutwor
dsf
ail
edher
.

Kwanel
e:Thensuddenl
ythewheel
changed.
..Kwanel
ewast
hei
nfer
ti
leone.
..Theshoot
erof
bl
anks.
Nol
wazi
sighedandhechuckl
ed.

Kwanel
e:Ihav
etobehonestwi
thy
ou,
Igenui
nel
ythoughtIwasf
uckedupf
orasecondt
her
e.

Nol
wazi
cont
inuedt
ost
areathi
m.

Kwanel
e:Butt
hatwasunt
ilourdearDrSmi
thconf
ir
medt
hatI
’
mfer
ti
le.

Nol
wazi
fidget
edwi
thherhandsagai
n.

Kwanel
e:Andnowthequest
ionar
ises..
.Howisitthataf
terf
oury
ear
sofunpr
otect
edl
ove-
maki
ng,wearesi
tt
ingher
etoday,
childl
essasfuck?

Kwanel
elookedathercal
mly
.

Kwanel
e:Howthef
uckisi
tthatI’
m si
tt
ingher
ewi
thsper
mst
hatf
unct
ionpr
oper
ly,
andy
ouar
e
si
tt
ingt
herewi
thovar
iest
hatfunct
ionj
ustaswel
l
?

Nol
wazi
:Kwanel
e.

Kwanel
e:Yes,
Nol
wazi
?

Shekeptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:Letmegogetsomewat
er.
..

Hest
oodupandwal
kedoutoft
her
oom,
leav
ingNol
wazi
int
her
e..
.
I
NSERT91(
Coul
dn’
tedi
t)

Nolwazi satther
eincompl et
eshock.Herbodywascl osetodefeati
ngherbutshehadt okeepi
t
togetherforhersake.Kwanelehadcompletelybombardedherandshecoul dn’
tevenbeli
eve
thatanyoft hiswashappening.Aboveany
thingelse,
shewasst il
lcaughtbythefactt
hathe
knewaboutherpr egnancy
.Allthi
sti
meheknewy ethedidn’
tdoorsayany thi
ng..
.

Kwanel
e:Nol
wazi
.

Shequi
ckl
ysnappedoutofi
tandgl
ancedathi
m asheputhi
shandout
,wi
thagl
assofwat
er.

Kwanel
e:Bamba.

Shecl
ear
edhert
hroatandshookherhead.

Kwanel
e:Yi
ni?

Nol
wazi
:I’
mfi
ne.

Kwanel
e:Whoar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ofool
?

Nol
wazi
:Kwanel
eyouknewaboutmypr
egnancy
?

Kwanel
enoddedl
i
ght
lyashesatcomf
ort
abl
yinhi
sseatandst
aredathercal
mly
.

Nol
wazi
wasspeechl
ess.Shet
ri
edt
osaysomet
hingbutwor
dsf
ail
edher
..
.
Kwanel
e:Iwi
shy
out
hebestofl
uck.
..

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:Buther
e’sonet
hingIwantt
oknow.
..

Hest
aredatheri
ntent
ly.

Kwanel
e:Youwer
econt
racept
i-

Nol
wazi
:Kwanel
e!

Nol
wazi
fel
ther
sel
fsnapandKwanel
etr
iedt
ohi
dehi
sdi
sbel
i
ef.

Nol
wazi
:Hav
eyoubeeni
nvest
igat
ingme?Whati
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
?

Kwanel
ekeptqui
et.

Nol
wazi
:Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?

Kwanel
e:Doy
oubl
ameme?

Nol
wazi
:Itj
ustseemsl
i
key
ou’
ret
urni
ngal
loft
hisonme.

Kwanel
echuckl
edqui
etl
yandshookhi
shead.
Kwanele:
I’
m sor
ryi
fit
’scomingacr
ossl
i
ket
hat
.Ipr
obabl
ygoti
nmyl
awy
erzoneandf
orgot
thaty
ou’r
emysoon-t
o-be-ex.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:Soy
ounev
erwant
edmychi
l
drent
obegi
nwi
th?

Nol
wazi
:Youseem t
ohav
emadey
ourownconcl
usi
ons.What
’st
heuseofaski
ngme?

Kwanel
ekeptqui
et.

Nol
wazi
:Youbr
ingmeher
e,at
tackmeandt
henexpectmet
oanswert
oyouraccusat
ions?

Kwanel
e:Iapol
ogi
sef
oranger
ingy
-

Nol
wazi
:Don’
tpat
roni
semeKwanel
e!

Hekeptqui
etandNol
wazi
’
sangerbecameappar
ent
.

Nol
wazi
:Fi
rstofal
l
,yourmot
heri
snotr
esponsi
blef
ort
heendoft
hismar
ri
age.

Het
ight
enedhi
sjaw.

Nol
wazi
:Ihat
etobr
eaki
ttoy
ou,
buti
t’
syouf
orf
uckssake!
Hedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Nol
wazi
:Youf
ail
edmeKwanel
e!

Shehuf
fedi
nfr
ust
rat
ion.

Nolwazi:
Theonepersonwhohadt hepowert
ochangeallofthi
sbullshi
twasyou.Alli
ttook
wasf ory
outodef
endmycharacter.That
’sal
l
!Iful
l
yunderstandthatyouwerenotresponsi
ble
forwhatcameoutofyourmot
her’smouthbutforf
uckssakeKwanel e,y
oucouldhavetri
edto
defendme!

Hedi
dn’
tsaysomet
hing.

Nol
wazi:
Idon’
tev
enknowwhatyouthoughtdel
ayi
ngthi
sdiv
orcewoulddof
oryou.Whywoul
dI
wantt
ocomebacktoyouwhenInowhav esomeonewhoisnotscar
edofst
andi
ngbyme?

Kwanel
e’
sfacechangedcompl
etel
y.

Nolwazi
:Ev
enifyouweretodelayt
hisfor10years,
Iwouldn’
tcomebacktoyou.Youdon’
t
deser
veanyloy
alt
y,notwhenyouyoursel
fcannotbeloy
al t
oanyoneel
sebutyoursel
f!

Nol
wazi
tookt
hegl
assofwat
ert
hatwasont
het
abl
eandf
ini
shedi
twi
thi
nseconds.

Nol
wazi
:Andf
ory
ourowni
nfor
mat
ion,
Iwasoncont
racept
ives.

Ther
ewassi
l
encei
nther
oom asKwanel
epr
ocessedt
his.Hel
ookedf
labber
gast
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Andf
ory
ourowncl
ari
ty,
Ist
oppedaf
tert
hef
ir
sty
earofourmar
ri
age.
Kwanel
est
il
ldi
dn’
tsaysomet
hing.

Nol
wazi
:Ist
her
eapr
obl
em?

Kwanel
erubbedhi
sey
esgent
ly.

Kwanel
e:Ar
eyoust
upi
d?

Nol
wazi
:Excuseme?

Kwanel
e:Ar
eyouf
uckenst
upi
d?!

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
minconf
usi
on.

Kwanel
e:Youdounder
standt
hatt
hatcoul
dhav
ebeent
her
easony
oucoul
dn’
tconcei
ver
ight
??

Nol
wazi
:Don’
tbest
upi
d.

Kwanel
e:Whywer
eyouev
enoncont
racept
ivest
obegi
nwi
th?
?

Nol
wazi
:Whywoul
dIwantt
ohav
eachi
l
dinourf
ir
sty
earofmar
ri
age?

Kwanel
e:Wow!

Hel
ookedatheri
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
Kwanel
e:Soy
ounev
ersawi
tfi
ttot
ell
meal
loft
his?

Nol
wazi:Kwanel
ebot
hofusdi
dn’
twantki
dswhenwef
ir
stmar
ri
ed.Ar
eyousuf
fer
ingf
rom
amnesi
anow?

Kwanel
ewasspeechl
ess.

Nolwazi
:Didwenotdiscusst
his?Di
dwenotagr
eet
hatwewoul
dfocusonal
loft
hataf
terwe
hadsett
ledinasacouple?

Kwanel
e:Youwer
eonf
uckencont
racept
ives!Soy
oust
il
ldon’
tthi
nky
oushoul
dhav
etol
dme?
?

Nol
wazi
:Di
dyouf
indi
tnecessar
ytoi
nfor
m met
hatmyi
nabi
l
ityt
oconcei
vewasaf
fect
ingy
ou?

Kwanel
ekeptqui
et.

Nol
wazi
:Di
dy ouf
indi
tnecessar
ytot
ell
met
hatIwasnotwomanenoughf
ory
ousoy
ouwoul
d
mar
rysomeoneel
se?

Kwanel
est
il
ldi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Nolwazi:Youknow, hadyoucomehereanddealtwit
ht hi
sappropriat
ely
,I’
dprobabl
yfeelbad
butafteryou’
veflaunt
edallt
hoseaccusati
ons,
Idon’tseewhyI’m evensit
ti
nghere.Soyou
thoughtguil
t-
tr
ippingwouldprev
entmef r
om wanti
ngt osepar
atefrom you?

Kwanel
e:Wow.
Nol
wazi
star
edathi
m bol
dly
.

Kwanel
e:Idon’
tknowi
fIam pi
ssedordi
sgust
ed.

Nolwazi
:No,youar
ebrui
sed.Youfail
edtosi
tdownwi
thmewhi
l
ewewer
etoget
hert
otr
yto
f
igureoutwhyIwasnotf
all
ingpregnant
.

Kwanel
e:Wow.

Nol
wazi
:Wher
ewasal
loft
hiscour
agewheni
twasmostneeded?Ungangi
bhor
iKwanel
epl
ease.

Kwanel
elookedatherangr
il
y.

Nol
wazi:Youar
ebrui
sedbythef
actt
hatsomeoneel
sebeaty
out
oit
.Kwanel
eI’
m donef
eel
i
ng
gui
l
tyaboutany
thi
ng.Youf
ail
edme-

Kwanel
e:Hey
ihey
ihey
i!

HestoodupandNolwazil
ookedathi
minshockashest
eppedt
oherseatandbentsohi
sface
coul
dbeclosert
ohers.

Kwanel
e:Don’
tyoudar
epul
lthatbul
l
shi
twi
thme!

Nol
wazi
’
sbodyt
ensedupf
ear
ful
l
y.

Kwanel
e:Youhi
dsomet
hingser
iousf
rom me!
Shekeptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:Youev
enaskedDrSmi
tht
okeept
hisshi
tfr
om me!

Nol
wazi
:Wai
t,how-

Kwanele:
Wearebey
ondt
hatnow.Iknowhowt
wist
edy
ouar
enowsot
her
e’snousepl
ayi
ngt
he
i
nnocentwif
e.

Shekeptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:Thev
erysameDrSmi
thy
out
rust
ed,
wast
heonewhot
oldmeaboutt
hisshi
t.

Nol
wazi
didn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Kwanele:
Hei sthever
ysameper
sonwhoisconvi
ncedthatthat
’swhyyoucoul
dn’
tgiv
ebi
rt
h.
Yourbodywasobv i
ouslyt
aki
ngi
tssweetf
uckent
imetoadjusttonotbei
ngcont
rol
l
edany
FUCKENI NJECTIONS.

Nol
wazi
’
sfacewentbl
ank.

Kwanel
e:Sowhatdoy
ouhav
etosaynow,
innocentNol
wazi
?

Nol
wazi
:Mybodywasper
fect
lyf
ine.

Kwanel
e:Hawu?
Nol
wazi
:Don’
tmakey
ouri
ssuesmyi
ssues.

Kwanele:Lov
e,Idon’
thaveanyissues.Iwentt
othr
eef
uckendoct
orst
oconf
ir
m DrSmi
th’
s
resul
ts.MYbodyisperf
ectl
yfi
ne.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:Youdi
sgustme.Ican’
tev
enl
ookaty
ou.

Hemov
edawayf
rom herandwal
kedt
othebi
gwi
ndow.
..Hest
oodt
her
eandt
ri
edt
ocal
m down.

Nol
wazi
:Ift
urni
ngt
hisar
oundmakesy
ousl
eepatni
ghtt
hengoahead.

Kwanel
e:Youhav
esomener
ve.
..

Hesai
dthatwhi
l
est
il
lfaci
ngawayf
rom her
.

Nol
wazi
:Si
gnt
hepaper
spl
ease.

Nol
wazi
:Notunt
ily
ousi
gnt
hepr
enupar
rangement
.

Nol
wazi
:Excuseme?

Kwanel
etur
nedt
olookather
.

Kwanel
e:Nowt
haty
ou’
vesl
eptwi
thanot
herper
sonandf
ell
pregnant
,Igethal
fofy
ourasset
s.
Nol
wazi
lookedathi
minshock.

Kwanel
e:Umangazway
ini
?

Nol
wazi
:Excuseme?
!

Kwanel
e:Youhear
dme.Gocheckt
hatagr
eementandseewhati
tsay
saboutuswhor
ing
ar
ound.

Hewal
kedov
ert
othet
abl
eandgothi
sphoneandcarkey
s.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m sodi
sappoi
ntedi
nyou.

Nol
wazi
wasst
il
lpr
ocessi
ngwhathesai
daboutherasset
s.

Kwanel
e:Idon’
tevenneedthoseasset
sbutTRUSTthatIwil
lmakesur
eIgethal
fofever
y
si
ngl
ethingyouhave.Idon’
tgi
veashitaboutbei
ngpet
ty.I
’
llshowy
ouwhatpett
yis.
..

Hewal
kedoutoft
heof
fi
ceandsl
ammedt
hedoor
.Nol
wazi
satt
her
e,bey
onddumbst
ruck.
..

I
NSERT92

Afterdr
ivi
ngforoveranhour,
Nolwazifi
nal
lymadeherwaybackt
othehouse.Shegoti
nand
foundThandekare-ar
rangi
ngthefur
nit
ure.

Thandeka:
Wooy
azi
Iwasst
art
ingt
owonderwher
eyouar
e!
Nol
wazi
lookedatherbl
ankl
yandThandekabecameser
ious.

Thandeka:
Lwazi
.

Nol
wazi
justst
oodt
her
eandThandekaqui
ckl
ywal
kedt
oherandt
henl
edhert
othecouch.

Thandeka:
Yini
baby
?

Nol
wazi
bitherbot
tom l
i
pandl
ookedatThandekasadl
y.

Nol
wazi
:I’
mjustt
ir
ed.
..

Thandekanoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Ineedt
osl
eep.

Thandeka:
Okaysi
si.

Nolwazist
oodupandwalkedaway.Thandekasatther
eandsympat
hisedwit
hherdaught
er.No
oneeversaiddi
vor
cesar
eeasy.I
t’
sunfortunat
ethatshehadt
ogothroughal
loft
hiswhenshe
waspregnant.

*
**

Kwanel
emadehiswaybackt
othehouseaf
terhi
slongdr
ive.Hewentt
otakeal
ongshower
andj
ustashewasaboutt
osl
eep,hi
sphonerangandheanswered.
Kwanel
e:Thul
i
sil
e.

Thul
i
:Howdi
dthemeet
inggo?

Kwanel
e:I
’
m noti
nthemoodThul
i
.

Thul
i
:Hai
phel
adon’
tsnapatme.

Kwanel
ehuf
fed.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m di
vor
cingher
.Whatel
sedoy
ouwantt
oknow?

Thul
i
:Howi
sshe?

Kwanel
e:Thul
iuxakwey
ini
ungamt
hint
ingokwakhouNol
wazi
?

Thul
i
:Li
stenher
e,t
her
easonI
’
m shutouti
sbecauseIam f
ri
endswi
thy
ou!Don’
tyoudar
etur
n
onmeaswell!

Kwanel
e:Mxm.

Thul
i
:Hav
eyounosenseofl
oya-

Kwanel
edr
oppedt
hecal
landswi
tchedof
fhi
sphoneangr
il
y.Hegoti
nbedandbegandozi
ng
of
f.
Inhi
sdream hefel
tsomeonetaphim.Hekepttr
yingtopushthi
spersonoffbutt
hisper
son
prov
edtobest r
ong.Justashewasabouttot
rypushagain,hefel
tapier
cingpai
nonhischeek
andhequickl
yopenedhiseyesandgrunt
edangri
ly.

Kwanel
e:Whatt
hehel
l
?!

Hebl
i
nkedacoupl
eoft
imesandThenj
i
west
oodt
her
ewi
thherhandsonherwai
st.

Thenj
i
we:
Youseem t
oenj
oyf
ight
ingmet
heseday
s.

Kwanel
erubbedhi
sey
esangr
il
yashepr
ocessedhi
smot
her
’spr
esence.

Kwanel
e:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Ti
ti
:Hai
boKwanel
e.

Shewassocal
mthatKwanel
ehadt
ost
areatheri
ntensel
ytot
ryandf
igur
eoutwhatwas
happeni
ng.

Ti
ti
:Yousl
appedme.

Kwanel
e:Andy
oudeser
vedi
t.

Thenj
i
wechuckl
edqui
etl
yandshookherheadl
i
ght
ly.

Ti
ti
:Getup,
Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ou.
Kwanel
e:Ngani
?

Thenji
wewalkedoutandl
efthi
mther
e.Aft
erawhileheeventual
l
ygotoutofbedandwal
ked
outofthebedr
oom andmadehiswaytohi
soff
ice.Ti
tisatonKwanel
e’
sseatandkeptt
wir
li
ng
aroundini
t.

Tit
i:I
t’
ssuchapi
tyt
hatyou’
real
lal
oney
ety
oul
ooksogoodson.
..Hai
ngi
zal
i
lephel
alaIdon’
t
carewhatany
oneel
sesays.

Shegiggl
edhappi
lyandKwanelewenttosi
tonthecouchthatwasont
heot
hersi
deoft
he
off
ice.Hesankonitandl
ookedatThenj
iweasshetwir
ledhappi
ly
.

Shet
henl
ookedathi
m war
mly
.

Ti
ti
:Hav
eyout
oldt
hatwomant
haty
ouknowev
ery
thi
ng?

Kwanel
ekeptqui
et.

Ti
ti
:Woul
dyoubel
i
evemei
fIt
oldy
out
hatIam f
ondofNol
wazi
?

Kwanel
ewasaboutt
osaysomethi
ngwhensheputherhandup,
prev
ent
inghi
mfr
om speaki
ng.
Shesi
ghedheav
il
yandt
henchuckl
ed.

Ti
ti
:I
t’
samot
heri
nlaw’
sjobt
otestawi
fe.
..

Shesankont
hechai
randsmi
l
ed.

Ti
ti
:Ihadt
omakesur
ethatshewoul
dst
ickbyy
our
egar
dlessoft
het
est
sal
ongt
heway
..
.
Kwanel
ecoul
dn’
tev
ensayany
thi
ngatt
hispoi
nt.Hej
ustl
ookedatherdumbf
ounded.

Ti
ti
:Shewasdoi
ngsowel
ldammi
t.
..Shewasdoi
ngsobl
oodywel
l
..
.

Shegr
unt
ed.

Ti
ti
:Andnowshe’
sthr
owi
ngi
tal
laway
..
.Nxa.

Kwanel
est
aredather
.

Ti
ti
:Al
lIwant
edwasagr
andchi
l
d..
.Foury
ear
syonkekodwaKwanel
e?Am Iwr
ongson?

Kwanel
ewast
oodumbst
ruckatt
hispoi
nt.

Tit
i:Nowthatshei
spregnant
,shewi
l
lunder
standwhymother
sgocrazymostoft
het
ime.
..I
n
ti
me, she’
l
lgetwhyI
’m suchamadwomanwheni tcomest
omychil
dren.

Shechuckl
edqui
etl
y.

Ti
ti
:Nowmypoorsoni
stheonewhoi
ssuf
fer
ing.
..

Shesi
ghedheav
il
yandbecameser
ious.

Ti
ti
:Iwi
l
lmaket
hingsr
ightf
ory
ou,
baby
.
Kwanel
e:What
?

Ti
ti
:Iwi
l
lfi
xyourl
i
fe.
..I
t’
sthel
eastIcando.

Kwanel
e:Getoutofmyhouse.

Ti
tisi
ghedandnodded.

Ti
ti
:I
’m st
il
lfi
gur
ingouthowIwi
l
ldeal
wit
hthatcr
yingpi
g,Thol
i
.

Kwanel
e:Phuma.

Shenoddedonceagai
n.

Ti
ti
:Takecar
eofy
our
sel
fke.

Shegotupfr
om thechai
randmadeherwayoutoft heoff
iceanddi
sappear
ed.Kwanel
esat
ther
eforawhil
e,t
ryi
ngtoprocesswhatj
usthappened.

*
**

Nolwazimadeherwaydownst ai
rs.Shefel
tslightl
ybet
teraftert
henapshetook.Unf
ort
unat
ely
thestr
esswasdoi ngt
heoppositeofwhatitwoul dnor
mal l
ydotoher.Usual
lyshewoul
ddeal
withsuchcr
azinessheadst
rongbutsomehow, thi
spar
ticul
arsit
uat
ionweighedheav
il
yonher.
Shecouldn’
tfi
ndanyform ofstr
engthinher.
..Itwasal
ltoomucht ohandle.

Shegotdownst
air
sandf
oundhermot
herdi
shi
ngupsupperf
orher
.
Thandeka:
Rightont
ime!

Nolwazismil
edli
ghtl
yandwal
kedov
ert
oThandeka.Thandekaopenedupherar
msandt
hey
sharedalonghug.

Thandeka:
Nooneev
ersai
dthi
swoul
dbeeasy
.

Nol
wazi
:Ngi
khat
hel
e.

Thandeka:Iunderst
and.Ij
ustdon’twantyout
ost
ressy
our
sel
fint
ohav
ingami
scar
ri
age.Thi
s
i
sav erysensit
ivest
ageinyourpregnancy
.

Nol
wazi
lookedatherner
vousl
y.

Thandeka:
Youneedt
otakecar
eofy
our
sel
f.

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
y.

Thandeka:
Andt
hef
ir
stt
hingwehav
etodoi
sfeedy
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Imi
ghtaswel
lgetf
att
erany
way
.

Thandekal
aughed.

Thandeka:
Alr
ightt
hen!

Theysatdownandbeganeat
ing.
*
**

Ntsi
kimadeherwayt
othecompl
exandsentamessage.Mi
nut
esl
atert
hegat
eopenedand
shemadeherwayinandwal
kedt
otheapart
ment
.

Sheknockedont
hedoorandshor
tl
yaf
ter
,Ri
chi
eopenedt
hedoor
.

Nt
siki
:Tooky
oul
ongenough.

Shegr
unt
edandRi
chi
elookedatherbl
ankl
y.

Ri
chi
e:Youseem t
ofor
gett
hatIhav
eawoman.

Nt
siki
:Mxm.

Shepushedpasthi
m andmadeherwayinsi
de.Richi
ecl
osedthedoorandwentbackt
ot he
ki
tchenwherehewasbusyheat
ingupf
ood.Ntsikiwasaboutt
otakesomewhenhegav ehera
deadlyst
are.

Ri
chi
e:Di
dyoucookt
hat
?

Nt
siki
:Goshcal
mthef
uckdown.

Ri
chi
e:Don’
ttoucht
hatshi
t.

Ntsi
ki
: I
t’
sfunnyhowy
oukeepput
ti
ngt
hiswomanofy
our
sinahi
ghpedest
alt
hatt
imey
ou’
re
busyfucki
ngme.
Ri
chi
e:Ri
ght
.

Hedi
shedupt
hef
oodSl
yhadcookedf
orhi
m ear
li
erandt
henbeganeat
ing.

Nt
siki
:Nxx.

Richi
echuckl
edquietl
yandwal
kedtothel
oungeashecont
inuedt
oeat
.Nt
siki
fol
l
owedhi
m
angri
lyandsatnextt
ohim ont
hecouch.

Ri
chi
e:Howwasy
ourday
?

Nt
siki
:Asi
fyoucar
e.

Ri
chi
e:I
’
m bei
ngni
ce.Don’
tspi
tonmyf
ace.

Ntsi
kigr
unt
edandkeptqui et.Shehadtoalwaysremi
ndhersel
foft
hebiggerpi
ctur
eever
yti
me
shewaswithRichi
e..
.Inhermi nd,
ther
ewasnowayNol waziwoul
dgetawaywithtaki
ngDean
fr
om her
.Shejusthadtofindawayofget t
ingbackather
..
.

I
NSERT93

Thol
iwasbey
onduncomf
ort
abl
e.

Mdu:
Yini
manj
eThol
i
?

Thol
i
:Mduhowam Isupposedt
oshower
?
Mdul
ookedoveratt
hetranspar
entgl
asst
hatsepar
atedt
hebat
hroom andt
hel
oungear
eaof
t
hehot
elroom.Hechuckledqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
Angazi
.

Thol
i
:Di
dyouknowt
hatt
hesehot
elr
oomsar
ebui
l
tli
ket
his?

Heshookhi
sheadandl
ookedatheri
nnocent
ly.

Thol
i
:Ar
gh.

Hel
ayont
hebedandchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
Yazi
une-
drama.

Heswi t
chedont heTVandf ocusedoni twhil
eTholiunpackedsomeofhert hi
ngs.Shewalked
overtothekit
chenar eaandpouredherselfsomewat er.Shet henlookedatthebathroom t
hat
glar
edbackather .Thewallwasbui l
twithbri
cksti
l
lhalfwayandt henfrom t
hatpointtothetop,
i
twasgl ass.Theshowerstaredrightbackatherandshel ookedov eratt
hebedar eaandthere
wasnowayshecoul dhide.Evenpeeingwoul dbeami ssionbecauset hetoi
letwasrightnextto
theshower.

Shehi
ssedandcur
sedatwhoev
erwasr
esponsi
blef
orbui
l
dingsuchawei
rdhot
elr
oom.Cl
ear
ly
i
twasmeantforl
over
s..
.

Shesi
ghedheavil
yandwalkedt ohersui
tcaseandtookouthertoil
etr
ybag.Shegl
ancedatMdu
whowasont hebedandreali
sedthathehaddozedof f.Shequi
cklyrushedt
othebat
hroom and
goti
ntheshower.Assoonast hewatertouchedherbody,sher
elaxedandall
owedhersel
fto
enj
oythesensat
ioni
tbrought
.
Shewasslowlyal
l
owi
ngher
sel
ftoopenupabi
tandshev
owedt
okeept
ryi
ng,
despi
tehow
di
ff
icul
titwas.

Shefini
shedup,gotoutoftheshowerandt hendri
edherself
.Shebentdowntolot
ionherlegs
andthesecondshest oodproper
lyt
ol ot
ionherarms,sheremember edt
hetr
ansparentgl
ass
andsquealedwhenshesawMdusi t
tingont hebed,atadist
ance.Shequi
ckl
ykneeleddown
andstayedonthefloorforawhil
e.

Mduwasl aughi
ngquiet
lyashewat
chedf
rom adi
stance.Hest
oodupandwal
kedov
ert
othe
bat
hroom andopenedthedoor
.

Mdu:
You’
resodr
amat
ic.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngdownt
her
e?

Thol
i
:Getout
!

Mdu:
Mxm.

Hewal
kedi
nandpul
l
edherupandshequi
ckl
ygr
abbedhert
owel
andcov
eredher
sel
f.

Mdu:
CanIshowernow?

Thol
i
:Sui
tyour
sel
f.

Shepushedhi
m outoft
hewayandwal
kedoutdr
amat
ical
l
y.

Mdu:
Pleasebr
ingmyst
uff
.
Hel
ookedathert
hroughthegl
assasshewal
kedtohisbagandtookouthi
stoi
let
rybag.She
wal
kedbacki
nthebathr
oom andgaspedi
nshock.Shequi
ckl
ylookedawayandMduchuckled.

Mdu:
Mxm.

Sheputthebagdownandqui cklygotoutofthebathr
oom.Mdugoti ntheshowerandbegan
cleani
nghimsel
fup.Thol
iwalkedt othebedareaandquicklygoti
ntoherpy
jamas.Shethen
cleanedupandsatonthebed,av oi
dingMduov erontheothersi
de.Shewouldoccasi
onal
ly
takeaglanceathi
m andthenhissatt hesi
ght.

Mduwalkedoutoft
hebat
hroom whil
edr
yinghi
msel
f.Hel
oti
onedhi
msel
fatt
heki
tchenar
ea
andThol
ilayont
hebedandfocusedont
heTV.

Mdu:
Shoul
dIswi
tchof
ftheai
r-
condi
ti
oner
?

Thol
i
:Hmm?

Mdu:
It’
sget
ti
ngst
uff
y.

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Mdufi
nishedupdoi
ngwhat
everhewasdoi
ngandt
henwal
kedov
ert
othebedandl
aidnextt
o
her
.

Mdu:
Didy
oudi
eke?

Thol
ihuff
edandhepul
ledhercl
osert
ohimti
ll
hal
fofherbodywasonhi m.Hekissedherneck
gent
lyandshewi
ggl
ed.Heconti
nuedtoki
sshert
il
lherbodyr
elaxedandsheev
ent ual
l
ygiggl
ed.
Mdu:
Youknowhowcut
eyouar
ewheny
out
ryt
ohi
det
hef
actt
hatImakey
oubl
ush?

Shehidherf aceinhi sneckandt ookinhisscent .Hegent l

yslidonehandunderherpy jamatop
andshesi ghedqui etl
y.Shet henl
if
tedherfacet owar dshisandtheykissedoneanot her
tender
ly.Mdu’ shandr unupherbackandt heot heronesl iddownherwai st.Shebackedher
headupabi tandt henlookedathim.Mdul ookedatherador ingl
yandsecondsl ater
,theywere
backtokissing.Sher eposit
ionedandMdugotont opandbal ancedhi msel
fonhi selbow.He
l
eanedhi sfacetowar dsherneckandbeganpl antingl i
ghtki
ssessl owl
y.Shemoanedqui etl
yas
shewrappedherl egsaroundhi m.Foralongt imet heygotlostinthatki
ss,moaningand
touchi
ngeachot her..
.Tholi
’sbodywasnowheat ingupandMdu’ sbodywast ensi
ngup.

Tholicoul
dn’tbel
iev
ewhatwashappeningtoher.Hersenseswereallov
ertheplace,
probabl
y
becauseithadbeensolongsinceshehadexperi
encedanythi
ngclosetoint
imacy.Therushof
heatandintensit
yfi
ll
edherandshesquir
medasMdu’ shandcoveredherbreast
.Hemanaged
totakeoffhertopandwasnowt ouchi
ngherbreastasheconti
nuedtokissher.

Thesecondshecompr ehendedwhatwashappeni
ng,
shequickl
ytensedupandMdust opped
whathewasdoi ngandlookedathercal
mly
.Shewassuddenlyver
yself-
consci
ous.The
thought
sthatwentthr
oughhermi ndweret
ell
i
nghert
hattheyhadbetterst
opri
ghtnow
becausetheyhadgonetoofar.

Mdugotcl
osert
oherf
aceandpl
ant
edaki
ssonherl
i
psbutshedi
dn’
trespond.

Mdu:
Tal
ktome.

Shel
ookedathi
m uncomf
ort
abl
yandhi
sfacesof
tenedupev
enmor
e.

Mdu:
Idon’
tthi
nky
ouunder
standhowIf
eel
abouty
ou.

Shebi
therl
owerl
i
puneasi
l
y.
Mdu:
Ilov
eyou.

Theyst aredintooneanother
’seyesandthenembr acedagai
n,thei
rbodiespressi
ngagainst
eachot her.Shesighedquiet
lyandhesmiledandleanedinforanotherki
ssandsheslowl y
relaxedagain.SherespondedandMdu’shandt ouchedherbreastonceagain.Shest
opped
kissinghim becausethemoaningwast oomuch.Sheshutherey esashecont i
nuedtorubher
nippletenderly
.

Thol
i
:Mdu.
..

Mdu:
Yes?

Shemoanedasshef elthi
swar mtonguecir
cli
nghernippl
eslowly
.Shepl
acedahandonher
mout hbecauseshewasaf rai
dthatthemoaningwouldbet oomuch.Mdumadehiswaytot
he
otherbreastandsuckedthenippl
egentl
y.Shebitherbott
om li
pasherbr
eathi
ngbecame
shorterandlower
.

Mdutrai
l
edki
ssesupandgotbacktoherneck.Hebi
therl
i
ght
lyandshesqui
rmed.Hepl
aced
hi
sli
psonherearandki
ssedherl
i
ghtl
y.

Mdu:
Ilov
eyou.

Thesoundofhi svoiceresonateddeepwithi
nandshecouldn’
tsustai
ntheheatany
mor e.She
wiggledunderneathhiswei ghtandletoutasl
ightcr
y.Hetr
ail
edmor eki
ssesdownherneck, t
o
herchestandt hengott oherwaist.Hecaref
ull
yremovedherpyj
amapant sandshetensedup
again.Helookedupatherandsawt hatshehadnowopenedherey esandwaslooki
ngathi m
nervousl
y.Hecar efull
ygotont opofherandlookedatherl
ovi
ngly.

Thol
i
:May
beweshoul
dswi
tchof
fthel
i
ght
s.

Mdu:
I’
m notcr
azy
.
Shel
ookedathi
m pl
eadi
ngl
y.

Het henreposit
ionedagai
nandmadeTholibeontopofhi
m.Shehidherf
aceinhisneckand
theylayi
nsi l
enceforalongt
ime,bot
hpayi
ngcloseat
tent
iont
othei
rlowbreat
hing.Thol
i
eventual
l
yputherheadupandl ookedathi
m.

Thol
i
:Idon’
tlov
emy
sel
f.

Mdu:
That
’sadamnshame.

Shesi
ghed.

Mdu:
Kodwakeut
handway
imi
.

Shest
if
ledabl
ushandhel
aughedqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
I’
m notaboutt
odoshi
tint
hedar
k.I
’
m nott
hatpsy
chot
ic.

Thol
ihuf
fedandgr
unt
ed.

Mdu:
Huf
fal
lyouwant
.

Hereposi
ti
onedthem agai
nandwasont
oponceagai
n.Theyki
ssedgent
lyandherbodyv
ery
sl
owlyrel
axed.

Mdust
oppedandt
hel
ookonhi
sfacehadchanged.Hesmi
l
edseduct
ivel
yandsheshi
ver
ed.
Hepl
ant
edaki
ssonhercheekandgotcl
osert
oherear
.

Mdu:
Thesuccul
entf
ull
breast
s..
.

Thol
ishi
ver
edashewentdownt
oherbr
east
sandcuppedonewi
thhi
shand.

Mdu:
Wit
hthei
rdar
kcor
alni
ppl
esst
andi
ngev
ersoer
ect
..
.

Sheshi
ver
edonceagai
nashi
stonguel
andedononeni
ppl
eandsuckedoni
tgent
ly.

Thol
i
:Mdu.
..

Hewentt
otheot
herni
ppl
eandsuckedoni
taswel
landt
hent
rai
l
edki
ssedt
oherbel
l
y.

Mdu:
Thei
ndent
edwai
st.
..

Hepl
ant
edf
eat
herki
ssesar
oundherwai
star
eaandt
hent
ouchedherhi
ps.

Hestr
okedhergentl
yandjustasshewasaboutt
osaysomet
hinghequi
ckl
ytur
nedherar
ound
andspankedherbut
t.Shesqueal
edinshock.

Mdu:
Thoseper
fect
lyr
oundedhi
pswi
tht
hatt
ant
ali
singbut
t.
..

Shegiggl
edquietl
yasshehidherfacei
nthepi
ll
ow.Heturnedherar
oundagainandt
hengoton
topofher,
balanci
nghimsel
fwithhisel
bow.Hestar
edatherasherfacet
urnedcompl
etel
yred.
Hekissedhercheeks.
..
Mdu:
Thef
lushedcheekst
hatdef
eaty
ourat
temptt
oactt
ough.

Shepout
edandhepl
ant
edaki
ssonherl
i
psandsmi
l
edassher
eel
edhi
minf
oradeeperki
ss.
Hethenbrokei
t.

Mdu:
Thosel
i
pst
hatt
alkal
otofshi
t.

Thol
i
:Hey
!

Hechuckl
edashekissedheragain.Hegent
lybr
oket
heki
ssandt
henwentupt
ohernoseand
wentt
oherlef
tear
.Heki ssedi
t.

Mdu:
Theseear sthathavedefi
nit
elyhear
dandpr
ocessedsomedespi
cabl
ethi
ngs.
..Pr
obabl
y
whyyoursel
f-
esteem issofuckedup..
.

Shecl
osedhereyesashet r
ail
edkissesaroundherf
aceandeventual
lygott
oherey
es.He
ki
ssedthem gent
lyandsheopenedthem andtheyst
aredateachother.

Mdu:
Theseey
est
hathav
edef
ini
tel
yseensomecr
azyshi
t.
..

Hepl
acedhi
sli
psonher
sandt
heyst
ayedl
i
ket
hatf
orawhi
l
e.

Het
rai
l
edmor
eki
ssesandev
ent
ual
l
ygott
oherf
orehead.

Mdu:
Andt
hisheadt
hat
’shar
dandst
ubbor
nasf
uck.

Shegi
ggl
edashet
rai
l
edev
enmor
eki
sses.Hewentdownherneck,
gott
oherchestand
f
ocusedonherl
eftsi
de.Heki
ssedt
hatwhol
esect
ionandl
ookedather
.

Mdu:
Andt
hishear
tthatr
efusest
oletgo.
..

Shebi
therl
i
passhet
ri
edt
ohol
dint
het
ear
sandMduki
ssedt
hatsect
ionagai
n.

Mdu:
Thi
shear
tthatneedst
oopenupandal
l
owl
ovet
ohappen.

Shepull
edhi
m upandtheyst
aredateachot
herforawhil
e.Hewipedhert
earsandshecl
osed
herey
es.Heplant
edki
ssesonbotheyesandlaughedqui
etl
yandsheopenedthem.

Mdu:
Andt
heseey
est
hatneedt
ost
oppr
oduci
ngt
hesedamnt
ear
s.

Thol
i
:Hey
!

Hepr
essedhi
msel
fhar
deragai
nstherandshewr
appedherl
egsar
oundhi
m.

Thol
i
:Il
ovey
out
oo.

Mdu:
Ofcour
sey
oudo.Iwasaboutt
otur
nint
oapoetf
ory
ou.
..

Shegi
ggl
ed.

Mdu:
Nowcanwedot
hisshi
t?Ther
e’sonl
ysomuchwai
ti
ngamancansur
viv
e..
.

Tholichuckl
edqui
etlyandnoddedassher
eel
edhi
minf
oranot
herki
ss,
butt
hist
imei
twas
deeperandmor epassionat
e..
.
I
NSERT94

I
twasnowMondayandNol waziwasgetti
ngreadytogot
owork.Shehat
edhowi nconsi
stent
herworkli
fecur
rent
lywasandshedecidedthatshewoul
dst
optakingt
heseunnecessar
yof f
days.Shemadeherwaydownstair
sjustasThandekawasdi
shi
ngup.

Nol
wazi
:Can’
tyoust
aywi
thmef
orev
er?

Thandekal
aughedandt
heyshar
edahug.

Thandeka:
Iwoul
dn’
tmi
nd.I
’
llpr
obabl
ymov
einoncey
ougi
vebi
rt
h.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Ofcour
sey
ou’
l
lst
aywi
thme.

Thandeka:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngaboutwor
k?

Nol
wazi
:Ov
erl
yexci
ted.

Thandeka:
Att
hispoi
nt,
it’
stheonl
yaspectofy
ourl
i
fet
hati
sst
il
li
ntact
.

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
yasshebeganeat
ing.

Nol
wazi
:Iguess.
..

Thandeka:
UKwanel
eyenaut
hiuzosi
gn-
ani
nil
amaphepha?
Nol
wazi
:I’
l
ltel
lyouaboutt
henewdev
elopment
stoni
ght
.

Thandeka:
Isi
tbadnews?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Thandeka:
Yohuh-
uht
hisi
stoomuchnow.

Nol
wazi
:Tel
lmeabouti
t.

Thandekasi
ghed.

Thandeka:
Any
way
,I’
m spendi
ngt
hedaywi
thNomi
.

Nol
wazi
frowned.

Thandeka:
Yini
?

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
en’
tspokent
oher
..
.

Thandeka:
Hai
bowhy
?

Nol
wazi:
Angazima.I’
vebeenagoodfr
iendtoallt
hesepeopl
eyetwhent
het
abl
est
urnabant
u
bay
anyamal
ala.
..Sl
yistheonl
yonewho’sbeenkeepi
ngtabs.
Thandeka:
Hai
ungashonj
alo.Ev
enThul
i
?

Nol
wazi
nodded.

Thandeka:
I’
ll
speakt
oNomi
.

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
ebi
ggert
hingst
owor
ryaboutany
way
..
.

Thandeka:
True.

Nol
wazi
fini
shedupherf
oodandgotup.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
oune?

Thandeka:
Any
thi
ngf
ory
oubaby
.

Theyshar
edaki
ssandNol
wazi
wentt
ogethert
hings.

Nol
wazi
:Enj
oyy
ourdayke.

Thandeka:
Yout
ool
ove.

Nol
wazi
madeherwayoutoft
hehouseandgoti
nhercaranddr
oveof
f.

Shef
inal
l
yar
ri
vedatwor
kandasshewaswal
ki
ngt
oherof
fi
ce,
shebumpedi
ntoAl
ex.
Al
ex:
Lookwhatt
hewi
ndbl
ewi
n!

Nol
wazi
rol
l
edherey
esandt
heyshar
edahug.

Nol
wazi
:Howar
eyouAl
ex?

Sl
owl
ybutsur
ely
,al
lthepowershecar
ri
edi
nherwor
kpl
acebegant
ocr
eepbacki
nhersy
stem.

Al
ex:
I’
m good.We’
vemi
ssedy
ou.
..andDean.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
edqui
etl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Ihav
emi
ssedy
out
oo.
..Unf
ort
unat
elyIcan’
tspeakf
orDean.

Al
exl
aughed.

Nol
wazi
:IsPhi
wei
n?

Al
ex:
Thepoorgi
rlhasbeenr
est
lesssi
ncey
oudi
sappear
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Shame.

Theywal
kedt
oherof
fi
ceandbef
oresheknewi
t,Nol
wazi
wasal
readybombar
dedbyPhi
we.

Phi
we:
OMGOMGOMG!
Nol
wazi
:Mi
ssPhi
we!

Phi
wesqueez
edNol
wazi
lov
ingl
y.

Al
ex:
Whyar
en’
tsomeofusgi
vensuchhugs?

Nol
wazi
ignor
edAl
exandcont
inuedt
ohugPhi
we.

Phi
we:
Bossl
ady
yyy
!

Nol
wazi
chuckl
edqui
etl
y.

Phi
we:
ArghhhI
’
vemi
ssedy
ou!

Shef
inal
l
yletgoofNol
wazi
andt
henl
ookedatherwi
tht
ear
sinherey
es.

Nol
wazi
:Awwdon’
tcr
y.

Phi
we:
Youl
ook.
..

Phi
wel
ookedatNol
wazi
from headt
otoe.

Phi
we:
Youl
ook.
..

Al
ex:
Amazi
ng.
Nol
wazi
eyedAl
exandheputhi
shandsuppl
ayf
ull
y.

Phi
we:
Yes,
youl
ookamaz
ing!

Nol
wazi
:Wel
lthat
’sencour
agi
ng.
..

Phi
we:
Howhav
eyoubeen?It
houghtofcal
l
ingy
oubutt
henIknewy
ouwer
epr
obabl
ybusy
.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
edandl
ookedatt
heador
abl
ePhi
we.

Justt
hen,
Alexcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandNol
wazi
glancedathi
m ashebecameser
ious.

Nol
wazi
:Andt
hen?

Shefrownedasshel
ookedatt
hedi
rect
ionhewasl
ooki
ngatandt
henr
eal
i
sedwhyhewas
act
ingweird.

Deanwaswal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
hem.
..Phi
wet
urnedar
oundandhi
ssedassheal
sosawDean.
..

Nol
wazihadt
otr
ybyall
meanstoensur
ethatshekeptherf
acest
rai
ght
.Deanl
ookedso
r
avi
shi
nginhi
susual
tai
lor
edsui
t.

Phi
we:
Ohmy
..
.

Theyalll
ookedathi
m, wi
thhisdead-ass-
ser
ious-
as-
fuck-
face.Hewasonl
yfocusedonNol
wazi
.
Hefinal
l
ygottothem andthenglancedatAl
exandPhi we.
Al
ex:
AhDean.
..How’
sit
?

Deanl
ookedatAl
exbl
ankl
y.

Dean:
Good,
you?

Al
ex:
I’
m gr
eatman.
..

Deant
hengl
ancedatPhi
weandsheshudder
ed.

Phi
we:
Goodmor
ningDrHl
ongwane.
..

Dean:
Mor
ning.

Phi
wesi
gheddr
amat
ical
l
y.

Deant
henl
ookedatNol
wazi
int
ent
ly.

Al
ex:
AhPhi
we,
weshoul
dgetgoi
ng.
..

Phi
we:
Okay
.

Theywalkedof
fandDeanandNol wazist
oodther
ef orawhil
e.Eventual
l
y,Nolwazisnappedout
ofi
tandledthewaytoheroff
ice.Sheopenedt
hedoor ,wal
kedinandDeanf ol
lowedherand
cl
osedthedoor.Sheputdownherthi
ngsandthenturnedtolookathim.

Nol
wazi
:Hey
.
Hest
eppedcl
osert
oherandpul
l
edhert
ohi
sar
ms.

Dean:
Hey
.

Shewr
appedherar
msar
oundhi
sneckandl
eanedcl
osert
ohi
sface.

Dean:
Sti
l
lwantspace?

Nol
wazi
laughedqui
etl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Yout
hinkIwasbei
ngdr
amat
ic?

Dean:
Iwon’
trespondt
othat
.

Shechuckl
edandhi
dherf
aceonhi
sneck.Hepl
ant
edaki
ssonherearandsi
ghedqui
etl
y.

Dean:
Imi
ssy
ou.

Nol
wazi
:Imi
ssy
out
oo.

Nol
wazi
li
ft
edherheadandl
ookedathi
m.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m sor
ry.

Het
ight
enedhi
sgr
iponherandshel
eanedcl
osert
ohi
sfaceandt
heyshar
edaki
ss.Shef
elt
her
sel
fsmi
l
einv
olunt
ari
l
yandt
henbr
okei
t.

Nol
wazi
:Howar
eyou?

Dean:
Coul
dbebet
ter
.

Nol
wazi
:Andt
hisi
sal
lbecauseIwasbei
ngunnecessar
y?

Dean:
Yourwor
ds,
notmi
ne.

Nol
wazi
kissedhi
m agai
n.

Dean:
Howar
emyki
ds?

Nol
wazi
shothi
m al
ookandhechuckl
ed.

Dean:
Banj
ani
?

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.

Theyki
ssedagainandheli
ft
edherandcar
ri
edhert
oherdesk.Hecar
eful
l
ypl
acedheront
he
edgeofthedeskandthenst
oodinbet
weenherl
egs.

Nol
wazi
:I’
vebeenhav
ingcr
amps.

Deanl
ookedatherser
iousl
y,
Nol
wazi
:Beenst
ressed.
..

Dean:
Yini
?

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
y.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
.

Nol
wazi
:It
’sKwanel
e.

Het
ight
enedhi
sjaw.

Nol
wazi
:Hewant
s50%ofev
ery
thi
ngt
hathasmynameoni
t.

Deanl
ookedatheri
nconf
usi
onandNol
wazi
wentont
oexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngt
ohi
m.

Dean:
Uyany
a.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.

Dean:
Thesonofabit
chistheonewhowentwhor
ingar
oundandnowhe’
sgoi
ngt
otur
nthi
s
shi
tar
ound?No,
fuckthat
.

Nol
wazi
sighed.
Dean:
Youdounder
standt
hatt
her
e’snowayhe’
sgoi
ngt
ogetawaywi
tht
hisr
ight
?

Nol
wazi
:May
bei
t’
swhatIneedt
odoj
ustt
ocuthi
m of
fper
manent
ly.

Dean:
Notwheny
ou’
vewor
kedhar
dfory
ourshi
t.I
yany
alenj
a.

Nol
wazi
:I’
l
lrecov
er.
..

Dean:
Mxm.

Nol
wazi
:Any
way
,weneedt
ofi
ndanewdoct
or.

Dean:
Def
ini
tel
y.

Nol
wazi
:Youwer
eri
ghtaboutDrSmi
th.
..

Deanlookedatherint
ent
lyandshewentont
otel
lhi
m al
laboutt
hatot
hersagaaswel
l
.He
chuckl
edindisbel
i
ef.

Dean:
Sopeopl
ear
ejustgoi
ngt
owal
kal
lov
ery
ounow?

Nol
wazi
sighed.

Dean:
Giv
emeper
missi
ont
ofi
ndt
hatol
dsagofadoct
or.
..

Nol
wazi
:It
’swat
erundert
hebr
idgenow.
Deanshookhi
shead.

Dean:I
fhe’sbuckenought
onotobeyandr
especthi
spr
ofessi
onal
ethi
cst
henheshoul
dbe
buckenoughtofacemywrath.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
mindi
sbel
i
ef.

Dean:Nol
waziI
’
vebeenv er
ypati
entwi
thy
ouandIwi
l
lremai
nsot
il
lyou’
rebackony
ourf
eet
.
Butyouseet
hathusbandofyour
s?

Deanl
etgoofher
.

Dean:Thatepi
l
ept
icpi
eceofshi
tneedst
obet
aughtapr
operl
esson.Nowev
ery
onehast
opay
forhi
m notbei
ngaman?

Nol
wazi
:Dean.

Dean:
Ihat
ebei
ngt
est
ed.Youdon’
tcomef
orwhat
’smi
neandt
hinky
oucanwal
tzar
oundf
reel
y.

Nol
wazi si
ghedheavil
yandj
ustlookedathimindefeat
.Hermai
nconcernatt
hemomentwas
al
lthesecrampsthatshewasgetti
ng.
..Sheneededtofi
ndanewdoctorASAP.

I
NSERT95

Tholimadeherwaytothebat
hroom andtr
iedpeei
ngbuthert
highswereinpai
n.Sheevent
uall
y
tr
iedsquatt
ingandf
ini
shedup.Shethenmadeherwaybacktot hebedr
oom andsl
ippedback
i
nt hecover
sandMdut ur
nedandglancedather.
Shehi
dherf
aceandMdul
azi
l
ypul
l
edhercl
osert
ohi
m.

Mdu:
Chubbycheeks.

Thol
ifr
ownedandheki
ssedher
.

Mdu:
Ulal
ekahl
e?

Shenoddedandhekissedheragain.Sherest
edherheadonhischestandcl
osedhereyes.Just
asshewasabouttodozeoffagain,herphonerangandsheputherheadupandlookedatMdu
wei
rdl
y.

Mdu:
Yourphoneact
ual
l
yri
ngs?

Shepunchedhi
mli
ghtl
yassher
eachedf
ori
tandcheckedt
hecal
l
eri
d.Herey
espoppedup
whenshesawZani
’snamepopup.

Mdu:
Yini
?

Thol
i
:UZani
.

Mdugr
abbedThol
i
’sphoneannoy
ingl
yandanswer
edi
t.

Mdu:What?
..
.Uf
unanikuTholakele?
..
.Manjeungenaphi
wena?
..
.Don’
ttestmeZanel
e..
.Thi
swi
l
l
bet
helastt
imeyoucontacther,under
stood?
..
.Mxm.

Hedr
oppedt
hecal
landl
ookedatThol
iangr
il
y.
Thol
i
:Whatdi
dshesay
?

Mdu:
Ift
hisbi
tchcal
l
syouagai
n,l
etmeknow.

Thol
i
:Don’
tcal
lherabi
tch!

Mdu:
Mxm.

Thol
i
:NoMdu!

Mdu:
Angazi
yini
inki
ngay
akho.

Thol
i
:Youcanbesodi
srespect
ful
Mduduzi
.

Shewasaboutt
ogetoutofbedwhenhepul
l
edher
.

Mdu:
Onet
hingIwi
l
lnev
erdokei
sar
guewi
thy
ouaboutnonsensi
cal
thi
ngs.
..

Thol
i
:Youcal
l
ingawomanabi
tchi
snonsensi
cal
?

Mdu:
Isshenotabi
tch?

Shet
ri
edget
ti
ngoutagai
nbuthepul
l
edev
enhar
der
.

Mdu:
Thol
akel
eyi
nimanj
e?
Thol
i
:You’
rer
ude.

Mdu:
Soy
ou’
ref
inewi
thZani
tel
l
ingev
ery
oneabouty
ourbusi
ness?

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Mdu:
Stophol
dingont
opeopl
ewhodonotdeser
vey
ou.

Thol
i
:Butcal
l
ingherabi
tchwasuncal
l
edf
or.

Mdu:
Iapol
ogi
se.

Thol
il
ookedathi
m suspi
ci
ousl
yandhesmi
l
edi
nnocent
ly.

Mdu:
Canwest
opt
alki
ngabouti
rr
elev
antpeopl
enow?

Shesi
ghedheav
il
yandhegr
abbedherf
aceandki
ssedher
.

Thol
i
:Hmm.

Mdu:
Let
’sgoshower
..
.

Thol
il
ookedathi
m uncomf
ort
abl
yandhesqueezedher
.

Mdu:
What
?I’
vesuckedt
heday
li
ght
soutofy
ousoangazi
whyuzenzashy
.
Thol
i
:Mdu!

Hechuckl
edandki
ssedheragai
n.

Mdu:
Woza.

Hegotupandthenpul
ledheroutofbed.Theywalkedtothebathr
oom andhetookof
fhis
sweat
pant
s.Hethenpull
edherandtookoffthet-
shir
tshewaswear i
ng,whi
chwashis..
.Thol
i
’s
bodywasnowexposedandshewant edtodie.Mduwalkedinsi
detheshowerandpul
ledheri
n.
Hetur
nedonthewaterandTholigr
oaned.

Thol
i
:It
’st
oocol
d!

Shef
oldedherar
msandst
oodt
her
ewhi
l
eMduadj
ust
edt
hewat
er.

Mdu:
Ist
hisf
ine?

Thol
i
:Hai
it’
sst
il
lcol
d.

Shepushedhi
m asi
deandbeganadj
ust
ingt
hewat
er.

Mdu:
SoIguessi
t’
str
uewhatt
heysayaboutwomen.
..

Thol
i
:What
?

Mdu:
Thaty
oual
ll
oveshower
ingi
nhotwat
erbecausei
tremi
ndsy
ouofhel
l
,wher
eyoual
lcome
f
rom.
Thol
il
ookedathi
m andl
aughed.

Thol
i
:Wher
edi
dyouev
enheart
hat
?

Shegi
ggl
edassheadj
ust
edt
hewat
ersoi
tbecamehot
ter
.

Mdu:
Thol
ithi
sshi
tist
oohot
!

Thol
i
:No,
thi
sisper
fect
.

Mdushi
ver
eddr
amat
ical
l
yandThol
ipunchedhi
m pl
ayf
ull
yandhepul
l
edheri
ntohi
sar
ms.

Mdu:
Umuhl
eyezwa?

Thol
i
:No,
pleasest
op.

Shequi
ckl
ytur
nedar
oundandr
eachedf
orhersoap.

Mdu:
Let
hal
a.

Hegrabbedt
hesoapandbeganappl
yingi
tonthewashi
ngtowel.Hethenst
art
edrubbingher
backandshest
oodther
e,bey
ondri
gid.Hewentdownherbackandthentur
nedheraroundand
smil
ed.

Mdu:
Awuse-
tensenj
e.
Thol
ifr
owned.

Mdu:
Putupy
ourar
ms.

Sherel
uctant
lydidasshewast oldandhegent
lyr
ubbedherst
omachandshegrowled.He
car
efull
ywentaroundherbr eastsandshebi
therbot
tom l
i
puncomfor
tabl
y.Hestar
edatheras
hefocusedononebr eastatat i
me.

Mdu:
Ewukodwa!

Hesmi
l
edbr
ight
ly.

Thol
i
:Wat
chi
t.

Mdu:
I’
mjustadmi
ri
ng.

Thol
i
:Ar
gh.

Theywentbackt
obei
ngsil
entandhesl
owl
ywentdownherst
omach.Shest
aredr
ightbackat
hi
m ashegotbel
owherbel
ly.
..

Mdu:
Uyangi
bheka.
..

Hesl
owlybentdownandwassoonkneel
i
ngont
hegr
ound.Hemadeheropenupherl
egs
sl
i
ght
lyandthenri
nsedt
hewashi
ngtowel.

Mdu:
Vul
akancanephel
a.
Shelookeddownathi
m ner
vousl
ybutev
ent
ual
l
yopenedt
hem upabi
t.Hesl
owl
ycl
eanedher
up.
..Verygent
ly.
..

Somehowthi
si gni
tedsomethingthatwasburi
eddeepwit
hin.
..Thei
ntensefeeli
ngcreepedi
n
andshemoanedqui et
ly.Mdulookedupandsmi l
edwhenhereali
sedtheeff
ectsofsimply
cl
eani
ngher.
..Hecontinuedtorubthetowelar
oundhercl
i
tandshemoanedl oudly
.

Thol
i
:Mdu.
..

Mdu:
Hel
l
obaby
..
.

Shelookeddownathim andgav
ehi
m aweirdl
ookandhechuckl
ed.Heputt
hewashi
ngt
owel
asi
deandt henpl
acedhi
shandonhervagi
na.

Thol
iwi
ncedandcl
osedherey
esashesl
owl
ybegant
ost
rokehercl
i
t.

Thol
i
:Haa.
..

Shesi
ghedqui
etl
yandhet
appedhersl
owl
yar
oundt
hatar
ea.

Shelostherbal
anceandhel
dont
ohi
sshoul
der
s.Hesl
owl
ysl
i
dinonef
ingerandshel
etouta
scr
eam

Mdu:
Ungawi
phel
achubbycheeks.

Hechuckledashel ookedupandsawhowdef eatedshelooked.Itreal

lydi
dn’ttakemucht oget
hert
osuchapl ace.Tholiactedtoughandcl
osedof fbutherbodyal waysdefeatedherwhenit
cametoMdu.Heusedhi st humbt or
ubhercl
itandhismi ddl
efingertodelvedeepwi thi
nher
wall
s.Thewaterpiercedthroughherbackandthesteam madei tevenhardertobr eat
he.
Hemadeheropenherl egsevenwi derandshel etoutanotherscream whenshefelthistongue
onhercli
t.Henibbledonitver
yt enderlyatf
ir
stbutwi t
hinsecondshewasbur i
eddeepbet ween
herthi
ghsandwasput tingi
nthewor k.Thol
itr
iedholdingont othesl
idinggl
assbutitwast oo
sl
ipper
y.Sheplacedonehandont hesoaphol derandtheot herhandonMdu’ sshoulder.He
sl
ippedinonefingerashecontinuedt oli
ckandwi thi
nseconds, shewaspantingandsqueal i
ng.

Mdugav
eheronel
astl
i
ckandshewi
ncedl
oudl
y.

Thol
i
:Mdu!

Hehel
dherasshelostbal
ance.Shest
oodupandshecol
l
apsedi
nhi
sar
ms.Shehi
dherf
acei
n
hi
sneckandpant
eduncontrol
labl
y.

Theyst
oodther
eforawhi
l
eunt
ilThol
iwasst
abl
eagai
n.Sheev
ent
ual
l
yli
ft
edherf
aceand
si
ghedheav
il
y.

Mdu:
Heyt
her
e.

Sheblushedandheleanedclosert
oherf
aceandtheyshar
edakiss.Thesecondshef
elthi
s
erect
ion,
moreint
ensefeeli
ngscreptupi
nherandshemoaned.

Mdu:
Andt
hen?

Shebl
ushedandMduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
You’
resogr
eedy
.

Shegi
ggl
edshy
lyandheki
ssedheragai
n.
Mdu:
Cleany
ourmanupkekhonangi
zoku-
set
takahl
e.

Shest
if
ledal
aughasshet
ookMdu’
ssoapandbegancl
eani
nghi
m up.
..

I
NSERT96

Nol
wazi
:Manj
eyou’
regoi
ngt
ospendt
her
estoft
hedayal
lgr
umpy
?

Deanl
ookedatNol
wazi
int
ent
ly.

Dean:
I’
m annoy
ed.

Nol
wazi
sighedandf
ocusedonhert
ake-
awaymeal
.

Dean:
Noonewi
l
ltouchy
ou,
okay
?

Shechuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Idoubti
twi
l
lev
ergett
othatpoi
nt.

Dean:
You’
dbeshocked.
..

Nol
wazi
keptqui
etandat
e.

Dean:
Howar
ethecr
amps?
Nol
wazi
:They
’vecal
meddown.

Dean:Idon’
twantyout
ost
ressaboutout
sidef
act
ors.Focusony
our
sel
fandt
hebabi
esandI
’
ll
focusontherest
.

Nol
wazi
:Whatar
eyoupl
anni
ngondoi
ng?

Dean:
Angazi
,Ij
ustneedt
omakesur
ethaty
ou’
reoutofhar
m’sway
.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Nolwazi:I
’
m conv
incedt
hispr
egnancyhast
urnedmet
oanemot
ional
weakl
i
ng.Al
lIdoi
scr
y
andsleep.

Deanlookedatherser
iousl
yandthenhisf
acesoft
enedup.Het
ookherf
ood,
placedi
tont
he
t
ableandthenpull
edherclosert
ohim ont
heoffi
cecouch.

Dean:
Idon’
twantt
hist
obeami
ser
abl
eex
per
iencef
ory
ou.Ihat
ethatal
lyoudoi
scr
yand
sl
eep.

Nol
wazi
:Noman,
I’
mjustexagger
ati
ng.I
’
llbef
ineoncet
hisdi
vor
cei
sov
er.

Hel
ookedathersof
tl
yandshesi
ghed.

Nol
wazi
:Dean.

Dean:
Thi
spastweekendhasbeent
ragi
cformeLwazi
.
Nol
wazi
smi
l
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Ngoba?

Dean:
Ngobaungi
val
elengaphandl
eandy
ouknowIhat
ethatshi
t.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m sor
ry.

Dean:YouandIneedt
obeagoodt
eam f
rom nowonwar
ds.Youseeal
lthesepeopl
ewhoar
e
agai
nstus?

Nol
wazi
noddedl
i
ght
ly.

Dean:
Wewon’
tsur
viv
eifwe’
renotagooduni
t.

Nol
wazi
:Iunder
stand,
Ijustneededsomespace.

Deannodded.

Dean:Ican’
thav
eyousadandal
lal
onewhi
l
eI’
m al
sor
esponsi
blef
orput
ti
ngy
oui
nthi
sti
ght
si
tuat
ion.

Nol
wazi
sighed.

Dean:
Sol
etmehel
pyou.
..
Nol
wazi
:Il
ovey
ou.

Deannoddedandsheki
ssedhi
mtender
ly.

Dean:
IloveyoutooLwazi
,mor
ethany
ou’
l
lev
erknow.I
’
mfor
everi
ndebt
edt
oyouf
orbl
essi
ng
mewiththesetwoboys.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
hai
Dean!

Hel
aughedandr
ubbedherbel
l
y.

Nol
wazi
:Aboyandagi
rl
.

Hesi
ghedandnoddedi
ndef
eat
.

Dean:
Asl
ongast
her
e’saboyi
nthemi
xthenkul
ungi
l
e.

Nol
wazi
:Hawuu-
wrongy
azi
.

Theyl
aughedastheyki
ssedandher
eposi
ti
onedhersoshecoul
dli
eonherbackandhe
bal
ancedhi
mselfontop.

Dean:
I’
vemi
ssedy
ousomuchmyl
ove.

Nol
wazi
smi
l
edwar
mly
.

Nol
wazi
:Showmet
hen.
..Daddy
.
Hechuckl
edashel
eanedcl
osert
oherf
aceandki
ssedhergent
ly.

Dean:
I’
m aboutt
ori
pyouapar
tNol
wazi
..
.You’
l
lnev
erat
temptt
ohav
espaceaf
tert
hisy
ezwa?

Nol
wazi
laughedandnoddedashebegant
otakeof
fherheel
s..
.

*
**

Kwanel
emadehiswayt
otheof
fi
ce,
eversogr
acef
ull
y.Ther
ecept
ioni
stl
ookedathi
minshock
andhesmi
l
edkindl
y.

Kwanel
e:Kunj
ani
Khay
a?

Khay
a:Ohmygoodness!

Kwanel
echuckledqui
etl
yashemadehiswayt ohi
sboss’
soff
ice.Bef
orehegott
her
e,he
deci
dedtopassbyThuli
’
soff
icef
ir
st.Heknockedandhear
dhersaycomein.

Hewal
kedi
nandThul
il
ookedathi
m bl
ankl
y.

Thul
i
:Fuckof
f.

Kwanel
esmi
l
ed.

Kwanel
e:You’
rest
il
lmadatme?
Thul
ii
gnor
edhi
m andcar
ri
edont
ypi
ng.

Kwanel
e:Hai
key
ou’
l
lcont
actmeoncet
hechi
l
dishnesshassubsi
ded.

Hewal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoorandt
henpr
oceededt
omakehi
swayt
ohi
sboss’
sof
fi
ce.

Heknockedandstoodther
ef orawhi
l
ebecausetherewasnoresponse.Heknockedagai
nand
hewastoldtocomein.HeopenedthedoorandhisbossGr
if
fi
n,ami ddl
e-agedwhit
eman,
l
ookedupf r
om hi
spaperwork.

Gr
if
fi
n:Youpi
eceofshi
t!

Kwanel
echuckl
edashewal
kedi
nandcl
osedt
hedoor
.

Gr
if
fi
n:Gi
vemeonegoodr
easonwhyIshoul
dn’
tchasey
ouout
!

Kwanel
e:Becausey
ouneedme.

Gr
if
fi
nshookhi
sheadi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.

Gr
if
fi
n:Youdi
sappearf
orweeksonendandcomebackt
hinki
ngI
’
m goi
ngt
obegy
ou?
?

Kwanel
esatdownopposi
tehi
m andsmi
l
ed.

Gr
if
fi
n:Youi
diot
!

Kwanel
e:Thi
sfi
rm needsme.
..I
fyouf
eel
li
keI
’
mrepl
aceabl
ethengoaheadandf
ir
eme.Ihav
e
t
onsofof
fer
sinmypocket
.

Gr
if
fi
n:Andher
eIt
houghty
ouwer
eahumbl
efar
m boy
!

Theyl
aughed.

Kwanel
e:Theci
tychangesaper
son,
oldman.

Gr
if
fi
n:Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?

Kwanel
e:Letmef
il
lyoui
n.May
bey
ou’
l
lunder
standwhyI
’
vebeenMI
A.

Gr
if
fi
n:Mor
eli
keAWOL.

Kwanel
echuckl
edashebegant
otel
lGr
if
fi
nev
ery
thi
ngt
hathappenedf
rom t
hebegi
nni
ng.

Whenhewasdone,
Gri
ff
inl
ookedathi
mindi
sbel
i
ef.

Gr
if
fi
n:Noshi
t!

Kwanel
eshookhi
sheadl
i
ght
ly.

Gr
if
fi
n:Lawy
ersar
ever
ypet
tyandbi
tt
erpeopl
eingener
al.Wehat
elosi
ng.

Kwanel
e:Spoton.
Gr
if
fi
n:Thi
swomani
sobv
iousl
yunder
est
imat
ingy
ou.

Kwanele:
No,sheisnott
heonewhoi
sunder
est
imat
ingme.
..I
t’
sthatboy
fri
endofher
swho
thi
nkshe’
srunni
ngtheshow.

Gr
if
fi
n:Wel
lhesur
eashel
lneedst
oknowhi
spl
ace.

Kwanel
e:I
’
m act
ual
l
yhopi
nghi
segowi
l
lmakehi
minv
olv
ehi
msel
fmor
e.

Gr
if
fi
n:Thatj
ustmakesast
rongercasef
ory
ou.

Kwanel
enodded.

Kwanele:
Nol waziknowshowcutthr
oatIam whenI’
mi nmyelement
.Hopefull
yshe’
l
ltameher
babydaddyf ort
heirsake.Bei
ngast
reet-t
hugwon’
tbenef
ithi
mincourt
.I’
l
lfuckhi
m upGri
ff
in
andI’
l
ldot hatshi
twi t
hasmi l
eonmyf ace.

Gr
if
fi
nlaughedbol
dly
.

Gr
if
fi
n:Youy
oungboy
snev
erceaset
oamazeme.
..

Kwanel
e:I
’m wi
fel
essandchi
l
dless.
..Ihav
esomespar
eti
mei
nmyhandssowhynothav
ea
l
it
tl
efun?

Gr
if
fi
n:Especi
all
yify
ourweal
thi
sgoi
ngt
obedoubl
edi
ntheend.
..

Kwanel
echuckl
ed.
Kwanel
e:I
t’
ssuchapi
tythatshe’
sfrom awealt
hyf
ami
l
y.Hadshebeenpoorl
i
ket
hisy
oungone
It
ookin,
Iwoul
dhaveprobablyenj
oyeditmore.

Gr
if
fi
n:Man,
youar
epi
ssedar
en’
tyou?

Kwanel
e:Thecontr
acept
ivet
hingreal
l
ythrewmeof f
.Iwasr eal
lyf
eeli
ngbadbutaftershe
l
ookedmedeadi ntheey
eandt ol
dmeI ’
m over
react
ing,
Ireali
sedthatsheobv
iousl
ydoesn’t
l
oveme...

Gr
if
fi
nshookhi
sheadl
i
ght
ly.

Kwanel
e:Ihav
en’
tfel
tawoman’
ssof
tnessandmoi
stnessi
nweeksGr
if
fi
n.I
’
m anangr
ymanat
themoment.

Gr
if
fi
n:Emot
ionsr
unni
ngal
lov
ert
hepl
ace.

Kwanel
echuckl
ed.

Gr
if
fi
n:Ihav
etonsofcont
act
sint
hatdepar
tment
.

Kwanel
e:Idon’
tdohooker
sGr
if
fi
n.

Gr
if
fi
nlaughedbol
dly
.

Gr
if
fi
n:Wel
lthat
’sashame!

Gr
if
fi
nopenedoneofhi
sdr
awer
sandt
ookoutacar
dandhandedi
ttohi
m.
Kwanel
e:Andt
hen?

Gr
if
fi
n:Li
sten,
ify
ou’
rer
eal
l
ygoi
ngcr
azyt
hendi
alt
hatnumberandaskf
orJef
f.
..

Kwanel
e:I
shewhi
te?Nowwhyt
hehel
lwoul
dyousendmet
oawhi
tewhor
ehouse?

Gr
if
fi
nlaughed.

Gr
if
fi
n:No,
he’
snotwhi
te.St
opbei
ngst
upi
d..
.

Kwanel
e:Sot
hisJef
fguyi
sapi
mp?

Gr
if
fi
nchuckl
ed.

Gr
if
fi
n:Oncet
hatur
gehi
tsy
ouhar
d,di
alt
hatnumberboyandy
ouwi
l
lnotr
egr
eti
t.

Kwanel
e:Idoubt
.

Hest
oodup.

Kwanel
e:Letmegof
indt
hatassi
stantofmi
nesoIcangetgoi
ng.

Gr
if
fi
n:Onemor
est
untf
rom y
ouandy
ou’
ref
ir
ed,
under
stood?

Kwanel
echuckl
edandwal
kedoutoft
heof
fi
ce.
I
NSERT97

Kwanel
emadehi
swayt
ohi
sof
fi
ce.Heswi
tchedonhi
slapt
opandwentt
hroughal
lofhi
swor
k
emai
ls.

Justt
hent
herewasaknockonthedoorandhetol
dtheper
sont
ocomei
n.Hechuckl
edwhen
hesawThul
iwalki
n.Shecameandsatopposi
tehi
m.

Kwanel
e:HowmayIhel
pyou?

Thul
igr
owl
edangr
il
yandcr
ossedherar
ms.

Kwanel
e:Hai
ke.

Hecont
inuedt
ofocusonhi
slapt
op.

Thul
i
:Whatdi
dGr
if
fi
nsay
?

Kwanel
e:Not
hingmuch.

Thul
i
:SoI
’
m guessi
ngy
oursl
i
cksel
fmanagedt
ogetoutoft
roubl
e?

Kwanel
e:Iguess.
..

Hegl
ancedather
.

Kwanel
e:Youshoul
dpr
obabl
ycal
lNol
wazi
andapol
ogi
sef
orwhat
every
oudi
d.
Thul
il
ookedathi
mindi
sbel
i
ef.

Thul
i
:Excuseme?
?

Kwanel
e:Youobv
iousl
ymi
ssher
..
.

Shekeptqui
et.

Kwanel
e:Cal
lyourf
ri
endandmendt
hings.

Thul
i
:Whyshoul
dIgobackt
opeopl
ewhoconst
ant
lyquest
ionmyl
oyal
ty?

Kwanel
eshookhi
sheadl
i
ght
ly.

Kwanel
e:ThatSl
yhasasmar
tmout
h.

Thul
i
:She’
stheonewhokeepsf
loodi
ngNol
wazi
wit
hal
ltheset
hingsaboutme.

Kwanel
enoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Kwanel
e:Nol
wazi
andIar
esi
mil
ari
nsomanyway
sbutsomehowshemanagest
ohi
dehershi
t
wel
l.
..

Thul
i
:Def
ini
tel
y.
Kwanel
ekeptqui
et.

Thul
i:She’sjustasgul
l
ibleasyou.Sheal
l
owspeopl
etof
loodhermi
ndwi
thr
ubbi
sh.She’
s
easi
l
yi nf
luenced,j
ustl
ikeyou.

Kwanel
echuckl
ed.

Thuli
:Evenwiththi
sDeanthi
ng.She’sgoi
ngtoreal
iselat
eronthatthisr
elat
ionshi
porwhatever
theyhav
ei sajoke.Deanj
umpedforthisoppor
tuni
ty.Hetookadvantageofherinherv
ulner
able
stat
eandt henconvi
ncedhert
hattheyweremeanttobe.

Kwanel
e:Wel
lI’
m st
art
ingt
obel
i
evet
hatt
hey
’veal
way
slov
edeachot
her
.

Thuli
:Deantookadvant
ageofher..
.Nol
wazii
ssti
l
lnotthi
nki
ngstr
aight.Shedi
dn’
ttaket
het
ime
toref
lectonwhathashappened.Heremot
ionsar
esti
ll
allov
ertheplace.

Kwanel
e:Wel
latt
hispoi
ntt
her
ereal
l
yisnot
urni
ngback.

Thul
isi
ghedheav
il
yandshookherhead.

Thul
i
:Ihav
etogetbackt
owor
k.

Kwanel
e:Sur
e.

Thul
i
:Seey
ouar
ound.

Shegotupandwal
kedoutoft
heof
fi
ce.
*
**

Thenj
i
we:
Richi
e,Idonothav
eti
mef
ornonsense.

Ri
chi
elookedatThenj
i
wei
ndi
sbel
i
ef.

Ri
chi
e:Li
stenher
eol
dlady
,Idon’
tdot
hatshi
t.

Thenj
i
we:
Wil
lR300000mot
ivat
eyou?

Ri
chi
e’
sexpr
essi
onchangedandThenj
i
wesmi
l
ed.

Thenj
i
we:
Thoughtasmuch.
..

Ri
chi
e:I
’
m notanexper
tint
hatdepar
tment
.

Thenj
i
we:
It’
snotabi
gjob.Justal
i
ttl
eteasenj
e.

Ri
chi
elookedatThenj
i
wei
ntent
ly.

Thenj
i
we:
What
?

Ri
chi
eshookhi
sheadl
i
ght
ly.

Ri
chi
e:Your
eal
l
yhat
ethesepeopl
edon’
tyou?
Thenj
i
we:
Don’
taskmest
upi
dquest
ionsboy
!

Ri
chi
ekeptqui
et.

Thenj
i
we:
Nowt
hisi
swhaty
ouwi
l
ldo.
..Cl
ear
lyy
ourst
upi
dsel
fneedsst
epbyst
epgui
del
i
nes.
..

*
**

Nol
wazi
wasbusyi
nherof
fi
cewhenshehear
daknockandshet
oldt
heper
sont
ocomei
n.

Phi
wewal
kedi
nwi
thaman.

Nol
wazi
lookedatbot
hoft
hem expect
ant
ly.

Phi
we:
Heybossl
ady
.

Nol
wazi
:What
’sup?

Phi
wegl
ancedatt
hemanandsmi
l
edki
ndl
y.

Phi
we:
Youhav
eadel
i
ver
y.

Nol
wazi
:Oh.

Shest
oodup.
Nol
wazi
:Sawubona.

Man:
Sawubonasi
si,
unj
ani
?

Nol
wazi
:Ngi
yaphi
l
a,wena?

Man:
Siy
aphi
l
asi
si.

Nol
wazi
noddedandt
hemanhandedherabr
ownA4env
elope.

Nol
wazi
:Coul
dn’
tyougi
vei
ttoourusual
del
i
ver
yguy
?

Themanshookhi
shead.

Phi
we:
Appar
ent
lyt
hishadt
obehandedt
oyouspeci
fi
cal
l
y.

Nol
wazi
:Ohal
ri
ghtt
hen.

Shesignedfori
tandthent
hankedt
hemanandPhi
wel
edhi
m outoft
heof
fi
ce.Nol
wazi
closed
thedoorandwalkedbackt
oherdesk.

Herhear
trat
ewasonanot
herl
evel
.

Shesatdownandsl
owl
yopenedt
heenv
elope.Shet
ookoutt
hel
ett
erandputt
heenv
elope
asi
de.
..

Sheopenedi
tandsankonherseat
:
Al
lshesawwast
his.
..

.
..

NOTI
CEOFI
NTENTTODEFENDDI
VORCE

Ther
espondent(
Kwanel
eBut
hel
ezi
)int
endst
odef
endt
hisact
ion.

TO:
Nol
wazi
Cami
l
laBut
hel
ezi

.
..

Sheputt
hel
ett
erdownandsi
ghedheav
il
yindef
eat
.

Herwholeworldwasonast andst
il
lforal
ongtime.Shepouredher
sel
faglassofwaterand
fi
nishedi
twit
hinsecondsandthenstoodup.Justt
hen,herphoner
angandshereachedfori
t
andanswered.

Nol
wazi
:Nol
wazi
,hel
l
o?

Per
son:
Goodaf
ter
noonMr
sBut
hel
ezi
.

Shesi
ghed.

Per
son:
Iam cal
l
ingonbehal
foft
hedi
vor
cebet
weeny
ouandMrBut
hel
ezi
.
Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Person:MrBut
helezihassentthecourtarequestt
obr
ingt
hecour
tdat
esoonerashehast
o
undergoamedicalsurger
yinthefol
lowingdays.

Nol
wazi
keptqui
et.Shedi
dn’
tev
enknowwhatt
osay
.

Per
son:
MrsBut
hel
ezi
?

Shef
inal
l
ysnappedoutofi
t.

Nol
wazi
:Yes.

Per
son:
Thi
scal
li
stoconf
ir
m whet
hery
ouar
efi
newi
tht
hisnewdev
elopment
.

Nol
wazi
:Sowhenexact
lyi
sthenewdat
e?

Person:
Wearestil
lawai
ti
ngt
hej
udge’
sdeci
sion.Iwi
l
lcal
lyouassoonashehasi
nfor
medus
abouthi
sdeci
sion.

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
y.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Per
son:
Enj
oyt
her
estofy
ourdayMr
sBut
hel
ezi
.

Nol
wazi
:By
e.
Shedr oppedthecall
andpour
edhersel
fanot
herglassofwat
er.Shegulpedital
lupwi
th
secondsandt henmadeherwayoutofherof
fice.Shewal
kedtoDean’soffi
ceandgoti
n
withoutknocking.

Dean:
Hehewenana.

Shecl
osedt
hedoorandhesensedhermoodandst
oodup.

Dean:
What
’swr
ong?

Hel
ookedatherconcer
nedl
y.

Nol
wazi
:I’
vej
ustr
ecei
vedhi
sint
ent
iont
odef
end.

Deannoddedl
i
ght
lyandopeneduphi
sar
msandshewal
kedt
ohi
m andhewr
appedhi
sar
ms
ar
oundher.

Nol
wazi
:DeanIr
eal
l
ydon’
twantt
ofi
ghtt
his.

Deankeptqui
et.

Justt
hen,
Nol
wazi
letoutascr
eam andDeanhadt
ohol
dherbecauseshehadl
ostherbal
ance.

Dean:
Nol
wazi
??

Shel
etoutanot
herscr
eam andhel
dont
oherbel
l
y.
Deanpr
ocessedwhatwashappeni
ngandthenl
edhert
othecouch.Shesqui
rmedandr
oll
edup
i
ntoabal
lassheheldonti
ght
lytoherbel
l
y.

Sheletoutanot
herpai
nful
scr
eam andt
henshutherey
esast
hepi
erci
ngpai
nrushedt
hrough
herabdomenarea.

Deanqui
ckl
yrushedoutoft
heof
fi
ceandsecondsl
aterhecamebackwi
thAl
ex.

Al
ex:
Fuck,
what
’swr
o-

Dean:
Justpi
ckherupandf
oll
owmet
othecar
.

Al
ex:
Shoul
dn’
twecal
ltheambu-

Dean:
Onemor
ewor
dandI
’
llf
ucky
ouupAl
ex.

Alexquickl
yrantothecouchandcareful
l
yl i
ft
edNolwazi
.Heheldherproper
lyandt
hencar
ri
ed
her.Sheletoutanot
herscream asDeanrushedoutandAlexf
oll
owed..
.

Ever
yonei
nthedi
vi
sionwasnowst
ari
ngatt
hem ast
heyr
ushedoutandmadet
hei
rwayt
othe
l
if
ts.

Nol
wazi
wasnowcr
ying.

Deanpressedt
heli
ftbutitseemedtotakeitsownsweett
ime.Heslammedt
hebutt
onsin
fr
ust
rat
ionandsecondslaterthedooropenedandtheymadethei
rwayi
nandpr
oceededt
ogo
down.
Nol
wazi
hel
dont
oAl
exbutal
sot
ri
edt
ohol
dherbel
l
yatt
hesamet
ime.

Al
ex:
You’
regoi
ngt
ofal
lLwazi
,cal
m down.

Shescr
eechedpainful
lyt
il
lthel
iftf
inal
l
ygottothegr
oundf l
oor.Theyr
ushedoutandmadethei
r
waytothecar
.Alexcaref
ull
yplacedheronthebackseatandthenheandDeangotinthef
ront
andDeandroveoff.
..

*
**

Thol
iandMduwer
ebusyl
azi
ngar
ound.Mdut
ookouthi
slapt
opandwentt
oUJ’
swebsi
te.

Mdu:
Soy
ouwantt
ogot
oUJ?

Thol
inoddedl
i
ght
lyandMduchuckl
ed.

Thol
i
:What
’ssof
unny
?

Mdu:
Not
hing.Manj
edoy
ouwantt
ost
udypar
t-
ti
meorf
ull
ti
me?

Thol
i
:Ful
l
time.

Mdunodded.

Mdu:
Let
’sseewhatt
heyhav
etoof
fer
.
Theybegant
obr
owset
hrought
heonl
i
nebr
ochur
e..
.

Tholi
suddenl
yhadt
heur
get
opeebutshegr
oanedwhenshet
houghtaboutt
hepai
ninher
thi
ghs.

Shegotupf
rom t
hebed.

Mdu:
Yohchubbycheeks.

Thol
i
:What
?

Shet
urnedar
oundandgaspedi
nshockasshesawal
lthebl
oodt
hatwasont
hewhi
tecov
ers.

Mdu:
Shi
t.

Thol
i
:I’
m sosor
ry!Idi
dn’
tfeel
any
thi
ng!

Mdu:
Whyar
eyouapol
ogi
sing?

Hegotupf
rom t
hebed.

Mdu:
Let
’st
aket
hisout
.

Thol
il
ookedawayashamedl
yandMdul
ookedatherf
rom t
heot
hersi
deoft
hebed.

Mdu:
Hai
kesonowy
ou’
reashamedofbei
ngony
ourper
iod?Chooseast
ruggl
emanThol
i
.
Thol
ikeptqui
etandhesi
ghedheav
il
yandwal
kedov
ert
ohersi
de.

Mdu:
Comeon.

Justt
hen,
shemov
edj
ustabi
tandr
eal
i
sedt
hatt
her
ewasnowbl
oodont
hef
loor
.

Mdu:
Geesh.

Thol
igaspedi
nshock.

Shequickl
yrantothebat
hroom,f
eel
ingsohumili
ated.Assoonasshegotther
eandreal
i
sed
thatshesti
l
ldi
dn’thav
eanypri
vacyi
nthatt
ransparentbat
hroom,shef
eltherf
acebur
nfrom
humili
ati
on.

Asshest
oodt
her
e,mor
ebl
oodf
lowedandshel
ookedcl
osel
yatt
hebl
ood.

Shegr
abbedhert
owel
andt
ri
edwi
pingher
sel
fbutt
hatseemedt
otr
iggeri
tmor
e.

Justt
hen,
Mduwal
kedi
n.

Mdu:
Doy
ouhav
esani
tar
ypadsort
ampons?

Thol
ishookherheadv
igor
ousl
y.

Mdu:
I’
ll
gobuysome.
Thol
icover
edhersel
fwitht
het
owel
andt
ri
edhol
dingi
nthet
ear
sasMduwal
kedoutoft
he
bat
hroom ver
ycasual
ly
.

I
NSERT98

Tholi
managedtocleanupal
lthebloodinthebathroom.Shewentovertothebedandtookout
thesheet
sandcoversandwasthankful
thattheblooddidn’
tact
ual
lygettothematt
ress.

Herphoner
angandsheanswer
edi
taf
terseei
ngMdu’
sname.

Thol
i
:Hel
l
o.

Mdu:
Chubbycheeks.

Shekeptqui
etandMduchuckl
ed.

Mdu:
List
en,
I’
m abi
tov
erwhel
medbyal
lthesepr
oduct
s.Shoul
dIgety
out
amponsorpads?

Thol
isi
ghedi
ndef
eat
.

Thol
i
:Pads.

Shesai
dthatqui
etl
y.

Mdu:
Andwhi
chbr
anddoy
ouwant
?

Thol
igr
unt
edandMduchuckl
ed.
Mdu:
Youwer
efl
owi
ngqui
teheav
il
ysoIshoul
dpr
obabl
ygety
out
hesel
argel
ooki
ngonesneh?

Thol
i
:IuseAl
way
s.

Mdu:
Whi
chcol
our
?

Shesi
ghed.

Thol
i
:Theonesi
nthebl
uepacket
.

Mdu:
Alr
ightt
hen.Doy
ouneedany
thi
ngel
se?Pai
nki
l
ler
sfort
heper
iodpai
ns?

Thol
i
:Idon’
thav
epai
ns.

Mdu:
Okaykeby
eki
ddo.

HedroppedthecallandTholi
huf
fedindef
eat.Shefol
dedthesheet
sandcoversandthenwent
backtothebat
hroom tochanget
hetoil
etpapershehadusedasapad.Shecleanedhersel
fup
andwincedasmor ebloodcameout.

Af
terov
er30mi
nut
es,
Mduwal
kedi
nthehot
elr
oom.

Mdu:
Babygi
rl
.

Shekeptqui
et.
Mdu:
Ther
eyougo.

Sheopenedupt
hepl
ast
icandt
her
ewer
e6packet
sofAl
way
sUl
tr
ani
ghtt
imesani
tar
ypads.

Thol
i
:6packet
s?

Mdu:
Bet
tersaf
ethansor
ry.

Thol
il
ookedawayembar
rassi
ngl
yandMdupul
l
edheri
ntohi
sar
ms.

Mdu:
Thol
iIgr
ewupwi
th3women.
..Iam notf
azedbyanyoft
his.

Shel
ookedathi
m sadl
y.

Mdu:Nakhonaonlyaboywoul
dreactchi
l
dishl
ytosomethi
ngasnat
uralasmenst
ruat
ion.
Honest
lykant
iungit
hat
hakanj
ani
?Ihavebiggert
hingst
oworr
yabout.

Thol
ifr
owned.

Mdu:
Honest
ly.

Thol
i
:Itst
il
ldoesn’
tmakebl
eedi
ngal
lov
ert
hepl
aceokay
.

Mdu:
SonowImustj
udgey
ouf
orhav
ingnocont
rol
overy
ourcy
cle?

Thol
ikeptqui
et.
Mdu:Thol
iwehavesomedeeperi
ssuest
odeal
wit
h.Bl
oodcomi
ngoutofy
ourv
agi
nai
sthe
l
eastofmyworr
ies.

Shesi
ghedandhesmi
l
edki
ndl
y.

Mdu:
Comeon.

Thol
i
:Yawel
lI’
m sor
ry.

Mdu:
Okay
.

Hetight
enedhi
shol
donherandt
heyshar
edahugandshel
eanedcl
osert
ohi
sfaceandt
hey
ki
ssed.

Thol
i
:You’
rewei
rd.

Mduchuckl
edandki
ssedheragai
n.

Mdu:
Ngi
yakut
handay
ezwa?

Shenoddedandki
ssedhi
m.

Thol
i
:Thanky
ou.

Mdu:
You’
rewel
come.
Heki
ssedherforeheadandt
henletgoofher
.Shethentookonepacketofpadsandmadeher
wayt
othebathroom.Shewasthankful
thatt
hebleedi
nghadsloweddown.Shedidwhatshe
hadt
odoandt henmadeherwayoutagain.

Mdu:
Igotussomef
ood.

Thol
i
:Thanky
ou.

Hedi
shedupf
ort
hem t
hent
heywentt
othesi
tt
ingar
eaandbeganeat
ing.

*
**

Deanpacedar
oundt
hewai
ti
ngar
eaandAl
exsatononeoft
heseat
s,l
ooki
ngv
erypal
eand
shaken.

Dean:
Forf
uckssake.

Al
ex:
What
’swr
ongwi
thher
?

Deani
gnor
edhi
m andcont
inuedt
opacear
oundt
hear
ea.

Aft
erawhil
e,DrSheppar
dmadehi swayt
othear
eaandDeanwal
kedt
ohi
m.Hehadt
omake
sur
ethatAl
excouldn’
thearat
hing.

Dean:
Sheppar
d.

DrSheppar
dsi
ghedheav
il
yandDeanshothi
m al
ook.
Dean:
Whyt
hef
uckar
eyoubr
eat
hingheav
il
y?

DrSheppar
dshookhi
sheadl
i
ght
ly.

Doct
or:
Nol
wazi
isunderal
otofst
ressDean.

Dean:
Tel
lmesomet
hingIdon’
tknow.

Doct
or:
Butt
hati
snotgoodf
ort
hebabi
es.

Deanbentdownandl
etoutahugesi
ghofr
eli
ef.

Hest
ayedl
i
ket
hatf
orawhi
l
eandev
ent
ual
l
yst
oodpr
oper
lyandl
ookedatDrSheppar
d.

Dean:
All
thr
eeoft
hem ar
efi
ne?

Doct
or:They
’ref
inebutt
hat
’snott
osayt
heyar
eheal
thy
.Nol
wazi
wascl
oset
olosi
ngt
hose
babi
eshencetheextr
emecramps.

Deanbal
ancedhi
msel
font
hecount
erandt
ookacoupl
eofdeepbr
eat
hs.

Dean:
Sot
hebabi
esar
eal
i
ve?

Doct
orSheppar
dnoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Dr:
Anotherr
easonshe’shavi
ngt
hesecramps,
besidest
hestr
ess,
isthefactthatshe’shav
ing
t
winsandthi
sisthefi
rstti
mesheishav
ingababy.Herbodyi
sstr
etchi
ngitsel
f,prepari
ngfor
t
het
win’
shomef
ort
henextcoupl
eofmont
hs.

Deansi
ghedonceagai
nandt
hennoddedl
i
ght
ly.Justt
hen,
Alexemer
gedf
rom outofnowher
e.

Al
ex:
Isshef
ine?

DrSheppar
dlookedatAl
exwei
rdl
y.

Dean:
Yes,
she’
sfi
ne.

Al
exnodded.

Al
ex:
What
’swr
ong?

Dean:
Mindy
ourf
uckenbusi
nessAl
ex.

Al
exputhi
shandsupi
ndef
eatandwal
kedbackt
owher
ehewassi
tt
ing.

Dean:
CanIseeher
?

DrSheppar
dnodded.

Dr
:Come.
..

Deanfol
lowedhim alongthecorr
idor
sandtheyeventuall
ygott owher
ethepr
ivateroomswere.
Theygottothespecifi
croom andDrSheppar
dledtheway .Deangoti
nandNolwazi wasi
nbed.
Hereyeswereswollenandbloodshot.Hewal
kedov ertothebedandNolwazistart
edsobbi
ng
whenhegott
oher
.Hepul
l
edherupsohecoul
dhol
dherpr
oper
lyasshesobbedi
nhi
sar
ms.

DrSheppar
d:I
’
llgi
vey
ousomespace.
..

Secondsl
atert
hedoorwascl
osedandNol
wazi
’
ssobswer
etheonl
ythi
ngaudi
blei
nther
oom.

Atthispoi
nt,
Deanwascompl
etelyl
ostforwords.Het
oowasst
ressedandf
reakedoutbuthe
couldn’
tshowanyoft
hatf
orNolwazi
’ssake.

Af
teral
ongt
imeshef
inal
l
ycal
meddownandhewi
pedhert
ear
s.

Dean:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?

Sheshookherhead.

Nol
wazi
:Ican’
tdescr
ibet
hepai
n.

Dean:
Isi
tst
il
lpai
nful
?

Nol
wazi
:Notasmuch.
..

Deannoddedl
i
ght
lyandkeptqui
et.

Nol
wazi
:Itf
eltl
i
kesomeonewascont
inuousl
yst
abbi
ngmewi
thbl
azi
ngkni
ves.

Deant
ookadeepbr
eat
handkeptqui
et.
Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m sadl
yandr
eal
i
sedj
usthowwor
nouthewas.

Het
ouchedhi
sface.

Nol
wazi
:I’
m sor
ry.

Deanshookhisheadl
i
ghtl
yandsoonthei
rli
pswer
elocked.Bot
hofthem r
eleasedal
lthefear
andsadnessthr
ought
hatmoment.Deanhel
dherali
tt
letooti
ghtandshewinced.Hebrokethe
ki
ssandlookeddownashamedl
y.

Dean:
Ngi
yaxol
i
sa.

Nol
wazi
sighedandhel
etgoofherandshel
aypr
oper
ly.

Nol
wazi
:Pl
easecal
lmymot
her
.

Hel
ookedatherwei
rdl
y.

Nol
wazi
:Sheknowsev
ery
thi
ng.

Dean:
Okay
..
.

Het ookhisphoneandhet ol
dherThandeka’
snumber.Hewal
kedoutoft
heroom asthephone
rang.Suddenl
yhefelthotandbother
ed.Heunfast
enedhi
sti
eandunbutt
onedthetopbut
tonof
hisshir
t.

Thandeka:
Hel
l
o?
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatner
vousl
y.

Dean:
Sawubonama.

Thandeka:
Hi,
ngi
khul
umanobani
?

Dean:
Uhm t
hisi
sDean,
Nol
-

Thandeka:
Hel
l
oDean,
Ihav
ebeenwai
ti
ngf
ort
hiscal
lubonanj
e!

Deant
ri
ednott
ochuckl
e.Shewasobv
iousl
ysocl
uel
ess.

Dean:
Unf
ort
unat
elyt
hisi
snotagoodcal
l
...

Thandeka:
Hai
bowhat
’swr
ong?

Deant
oldherev
ery
thi
ngandshegaspedi
nshock.

Thandeka:
Nameoft
hehospi
tal
!

Deant
oldher
.

Thandeka:
I’
ll
bet
her
eshor
tl
y.

Shedr
oppedt
hecal
lev
enbef
oreDeancoul
dsaygoodby
e.
Hestoodthereforawhi
l
eanddeci dedtoalsocal
lhi
smother.Heneededtoreleaseal
lthe
shockandfearhehadbott
ledup.Nolwazicoul
dn’
tseehi
mi nsuchastateatthemoment .

Hedi
all
edLi
ndel
wa’
snumberandi
trangf
orawhi
l
e.

Li
ndel
wa:
Langel
i
hle.

Dean:
Mama.

Li
ndel
wa:
What
’swr
ong?
?

Dean:
Nol
wazi
almosthadami
scar
ri
age.

Li
ndel
wa:
What
?!OhmyGod,
wher
ear
eyou?
?

Deant
oldher
.

Li
ndel
wa:
I’
ll
bet
her
ein30mi
nut
esokay
?

Dean:
Okay
.

Li
ndel
wa:
Stayst
rong,
okay
?St
aybyhersi
de!

Dean:
Okay
.
Li
ndel
wa:
Byebaby
.

Dean:
Bye.

Hedroppedthecal
landstoodther
eforami nut
e,gatheri
nghi
sthought
sandemot
ions.Oncehe
f
eltbet
ter
,hewalkedbackinsi
detheroom andclosedthedoor
.

Nol
wazi
lookedathi
m.

Dean:
She’
l
lbeher
esoon.

Shenoddedl
ightl
yandshif
tedonthebed.Hecaref
ull
ycl
imbedinandsher
estedherheadon
hi
schestandclosedherey
es.Sheall
owedthetear
stocont
inuetofl
owastheybothl
ayinbed
i
nsil
ence.

Bot
hoft
hem dr
ownedi
nthet
raumat
heyhadj
ustexper
ienced.
..

I
NSERT99

Ther
ewasaknockonthedoorandsecondsl
ater
,DrSheppar
demer
gedandThandekapushed
hi
mt ot
hesi
deandrushedt
othebed.

Thandeka:
Lwazi
!

Nol
wazi
hadnowdozedof
f.Dean’
sbodyt
ensedupandThandekaanal
ysedhi
m.

DrSheppar
d:It
hinki
tsbestwedon’
tdi
stur
bher
..
.
Thandekanoddedl
i
ght
lyandwentt
othechai
rthatwascl
oset
oher
.Shesatdownandhuf
fed.

Thandeka:
Getmesomewat
erpl
ease.

Deanqui
ckl
yjumpedoutofbedandr
ushedoutoft
her
oom.Thandekar
ubbedherheadgent
ly
andsi
ghedheavi
l
y.

Thandeka:
Somydaught
eri
sfi
ne?

DrSheppar
d:She’
sunderal
otofst
ress.

Thandeka:
Ther
e’snodeny
ingt
hat
.

Shel
ookedov
eratasl
eepi
ngNol
waz
i.

Thandeka:
Andt
hebabi
es?

Dr
:Theyar
enotbabi
esy
et-

Thandeka:
Don’
tbet
oot
echni
cal
wit
hme.Iam noti
nthemoodpl
ease.

DrSheppar
dsi
ghed.

Dr
:They
’l
lbef
inei
fsher
est
s.

Thandekanoddedl
i
ght
ly.
Thandeka:
Howwasshewhenshegother
e?

Justt
henDeanwal
kedbacki
nwi
thawhol
ejugofwat
erandagl
ass.Thandekal
ookedathi
m
ashepour
edsomeforher
.

Thandeka:
Ngi
yabonga.

Deanl
ookedatheri
ntheey
eashehandedhert
hegl
ass.

Thandeka:
Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
?

Deanst
if
ledasmi
l
e.

Thandeka:
Pourmesomemor
e,pl
ease.

Deandi
dashewast
oldandThandekanoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Thandeka:
Awushoke,
howdi
dal
loft
hishappen?

DrSheppar
ddi
sappear
edassoonasher
eal
i
sedt
hathewasnol
ongerneeded.

Thandeka:
Grabachai
r.

Deandi
dashewast
oldandt
henl
ookedatThandeka.
Thandeka:
Whathappened?

Deant
oldherev
ery
thi
ng.

Thandeka:
Wai
t,soKwanel
ewant
stof
ightNol
wazi
?

Dean:
Ithoughtshet
oldy
ou.

Thandeka:
Hai
boIdi
dn’
tknow!

Sheputdownt
hegl
assandgr
abbedherbag.

Thandeka:
Yazi
umunt
uuzof
ayi
-st
ress.

Shet
ookoutahandsani
ti
zerandbegant
osani
ti
zeherhands.

Thandeka:
UKwanel
ekant
iunj
ani
?

Sheputdownherbagandl
ookedatDeani
ntent
ly.

Thandeka:
Sohewant
s50%ofLwazi
’
sthi
ngs?

Dean:
Yes.

Thandekasi
ghedheav
il
yandshookhi
shead.
Thandeka:
It’
scl
eart
hathei
sbei
ngspi
tef
ul.TheKwanel
eIknowwoul
dn’
thav
ethegut
stodo
such.

Deanhi
ssedandThandekal
ookedathi
m wei
rdl
y.

Thandeka:
Yini
ngat
hiune-
beef
?

Deant
ight
enedhi
sjawandThandekachuckl
ed.

Thandeka:
Cut
e.

Shesatcomf
ort
abl
yinherseatandsi
ghed.

Thandeka:
Mypoorbaby
.Icanonl
yimagi
newhatshei
sgoi
ngt
hrough.

Dean:
She’
sreal
l
ynothandl
i
ngi
twel
l
.

Thandeka:
It’
stoomuch.

Deankeptqui
et.

Thandeka:
SoIheary
ou’
vebeensuppor
ti
vei
nmanydi
ff
erentway
s..
.

Shel
ookedathi
m wi
that
intofhumourandhel
ookeddown.

Thandeka:
IguessIhav
eyout
othank.
..
Dean:
Wel
-

Justt
hen,
ther
ewasaknockont
hedoorandsecondsl
ater
,Li
ndel
wawal
kedi
n.

Befor
eshecouldev
enpr
ocessany
thi
ng,
shewentst
rai
ghtt
ohi
sson,
pul
l
edhi
m upf
rom hi
s
seat,
andhuggedhi
m.

Li
ndel
wa:
I’
m sosor
ryLanga.

Thandekawat
chedi
ntent
lyatt
hei
rint
eract
ionandkeptqui
et.

Li
ndel
waf
inal
l
yletgoofDean.

Dean:
Don’
tcr
y.

Li
ndelwa:Nonkosiy
ami
,shecan’
tloset
hesebabi
es.Notwhent
hingsar
enotgoi
ngwel
lforher
ontheothersi
de.

Thandeka:
Howsweet
.

Li
ndel
wal
ookedatThandekawei
rdl
y.

Dean:
Oh.
..

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Dean:
Ma,
thi
sisNol
wazi
’
smot
her
,uMam’
T-

Thandeka:
Hai
bodoIl
ookt
hatol
d?

Deanexhal
edandsmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

Thandeka:
YoumustbeDean’
smot
her
.

Shel
ookedatLi
ndel
wawar
mlyandLi
ndel
wanodded.

Li
ndel
wa:
YesIam.

Thandeka:
It’
sni
cet
omeety
ousi
si.I
’
m Thandeka.

Li
ndel
wasmi
l
edl
i
ght
lyandThandekast
oodupandt
heyembr
acedbr
ief
ly.

Thandeka:
Weshoul
dpr
obabl
ygooutbecausewemi
ghtj
ustwakeherup.

Li
ndel
wa:
OkaybutIt
hinkDeanshoul
dst
aywi
thher
.

Thandekachuckl
edqui
etl
y.

Thandeka:
Alr
ightt
hen,
babawekhay
a.

SheandLindel
wachuckl
edsomemoreast
heymadethei
rwayoutandlef
tDeaninther
e.Dean
wentbacktothebedandgoti
nnextt
oNol
wazi
.Nol
waziwascomplet
elyoutofi
tatthi
spoi
nt.
..
*
**

Kwanel
emadehi
swayoutofhi
sof
fi
ceandbumpedi
ntoGr
if
fi
n.

Gr
if
fi
n:Wher
ethehel
ldoy
out
hinky
ou’
regoi
ng?

Kwanel
e:I
’
m goi
ngt
oseal
adeal
.

Gr
if
fi
nlookedathi
m suspi
ciousl
yandhechuckl
ed.

Kwanel
e:Your
eal
l
yneedt
orel
axol
dman.

Gr
if
fi
ngr unt
edashewalkedaway
.Kwanel
emadehi
swayoutoft
hepr
emi
sesandgott
ohi
scar
.
Hestar
teditanddr
oveoff
..
.

Af
terawhi
l
ehef
inal
l
ygott
other
est
aur
ant
.Hel
ookedar
oundandsi
ghed.

Justthen,
hespot
tedayoungman,pr
obabl
yinhisear
lyormi
d20s,
sit
ti
ngbyhi
msel
f.Het
ooka
chanceandmadehiswaytowher
ehewassi t
ti
ng.

Kwanel
e:Jef
f?

Theguyl
ookedupf
rom hi
sphoneandnodded.

Kwanel
echuckl
edqui
etl
y.Thi
sguywasr
eal
l
ytoocool
forschool
.Heev
enseemedabi
thi
gh.
Jef
f:Hav
easeat
,mat
e.

Kwanel
esatdownandl
oosenedhi
sti
e.

Jeffputhi
sphonedownandl
ookedatKwanel
eint
ent
ly.Kwanel
efel
tli
kehewasbei
ng
assessedsomehow.

Kwanel
e:I
sther
easpeci
fi
creasonI
’
m bei
ngassessed?

Jef
fchuckl
edl
azi
l
yandf
lashedasmi
l
e.

Jef
f:St
andar
dpr
ocedur
e..
.

Kwanel
erai
sedaney
ebr
ow.

Kwanel
e:Oh?

Jef
fchuckl
edandshookhi
shead.

Jef
f:I
’
m ki
ddi
ngmat
e.I
t’
saf
orceofhabi
t.

Kwanel
ecal
l
edt
hewai
terandor
der
edagl
assofwat
er.

Jef
f:TowhatdoIowet
hepl
easur
e?Ihopey
oudounder
standt
hatmyshi
tisbasedi
nJozi
.

Kwanel
e:SoI
’
vehear
d.
Jef
f:Butwe’
rei
nthepr
ocessofexpandi
ng.

Kwanel
e:Hmm.

Jef
f:Any
way
,thi
spr
ocessi
snotasbl
ackandwhi
teasy
out
hink.

Kwanel
e:Car
etoexpl
ain?

Jeff
:Weneedt
odoabr
iefbackgr
oundcheckony
ouandgetal
lthenecessar
ytest
sdone,
you
know?

Kwanel
elookedathi
minconf
usi
on.

Jef
f:Weof
ferA-
classshi
tmat
e.Wedot
hingst
hepr
operway
.

Kwanel
e:Get
ti
ngahookershoul
dn’
tbet
hiscompl
i
cat
ed.

Jef
f:Thengoandf
indsomeot
hershi
tatsomedodgyar
ea.

Kwanel
echuckl
ed.

Jeff
:IhearKZNhassomeofthecol
destshi
t.I
sthatwhyy
ouwantapi
eceofJozi
?Thatur
ban
cooki
ewi l
lkeepy
oubeggi
ng,
buddy.

Kwanel
elaughedbol
dly
.
Kwanel
e:Li
stenher
e,doy
ourshi
tandl
etmeknow.

Jef
fnodded.

Jef
f:Sowhatdoy
oudof
oral
i
ving?

Kwanel
e:Lawy
er.

Jef
f:Ofcour
se.

Kwanel
echuckl
ed.

Jef
f:I
’
m act
ual
l
yinneedofsomel
egal
adv
icer
ightnow.

Kwanel
e:I
sit
?

Jef
fnodded.

Jef
f:We’
redeal
i
ngwi
thanosycl
i
entandf
unnyenough,
he’
sal
soal
awy
er.

Kwanel
e:Hmm.
..We’
l
lsee,
may
beImi
ghtj
usthel
pyou.

Jef
f:Al
li
ngoodt
ime.
..

Justt
hen,
Jef
f’
sphoner
angandhet
ooki
t.
Jef
f:CanIt
aket
his?

Kwanel
e:Sur
e.

Jef
fanswer
ed.

Jeff
:Lul
u..
.NobabyI
’minDurban.
..Iknow,
butI’
l
lbet her
etoni
ght,Ipr
omise.
..Babycomeon..
.
Howi st
hebaby?Hav
ethecrampscal meddown?.
..IpromiseI
’
llbetheret
oni
ght,okay?
..
.Il
ove
you.
..

Hedr
oppedt
hecal
landsi
ghed.

Kwanel
e:Howdoesy
ourgi
rl
fr
iendf
eel
abouty
oudoi
ngt
hisshi
t?

Jef
flaughedqui
etl
y.

Jef
f:Man,
Icoul
dwr
it
eabookaboutt
hatwhol
ephase.
..

Kwanel
eshookhi
sheadl
i
ght
ly.

Jef
f:Any
way
,I’
m gl
ady
oucont
act
edme.I
’
llgetbackt
oyouwhenI
’
m backi
nJozi
,yes?

Kwanel
enoddedl
i
ght
ly.

Theycar
ri
edonchat
ti
ngf
orawhi
l
e..
.
I
NSERT100[
FINALE]

Nol
wazi
:Dean.

Dean:
Yes?

Nol
wazi
:I’
mfi
nenow.

Deangl
ancedatherandshesi
ghed.

Nol
wazi
:Canwegohomenow?

Dean:
No,
you’
ref
arf
rom f
ine.

Nolwazi
grunt
edasshelayonthebed.I
thadbeen5dayssi nceshewasadmit
tedatt
he
hospi
tal
andDrSheppar
ddidn’
twanttorel
easeherunt
ilherbloodpr
essur
ehadstabi
l
ised.

Nol
wazi
:CanIatl
eastt
akeawal
k?

Deanst
oppedeat
ingandl
ookedather
.

Dean:
Okay
.

Nol
wazi
:Let
’sgo.

Dean:
Hai
boI
’
m st
il
leat
ing.
Nol
wazi
shookherhead.

Nol
wazi
:I’
vebeeni
nthi
sroom f
or5day
sst
rai
ghtDean.Wenay
oucanl
eav
ewhenev
ery
ouwant
.

Dean:
It’
snotl
i
keI
’
vel
eftmuch.

Nol
wazi
:Hai
asambe.

Deanputhi
sfoodasi
deandNol
wazi
stoodupandwentt
opul
lhi
m up.

Nol
wazi
:Woza.

Dean:
You’
react
ingl
i
keachi
l
dyazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
tcar
e.Asambe.

Shewor
eheruggsandgownandthenopenedthedoor.Deanwal
kedoutandsheclosedt
he
door
.Heputouthi
sar
m andshehel
dont ohi
m andtheystrol
l
eddownthepassage.

Nol
wazi
:NowI
’
m bei
ngmadet
ofeel
li
keapr
isoner
.

Dean:
Blamey
ourbl
oodpr
essur
e.

Nol
wazi
:Mxm.
Theymadet
hei
rwayt
othegar
denandwentt
osi
tononeoft
hebenches.

Dean:
Youknow,
aswor
noutasy
ouar
e,y
ouar
eact
ual
l
ygl
owi
ngabi
t.

Nol
wazi
chuckl
ed.

Nol
wazi
:Abi
t?

Deant
ouchedherf
aceandbr
ushedhercheek.

Dean:
Ver
ymuch.

Nol
wazi
:Ohho.

Hel
eanedcl
osert
oherandt
heyshar
edaki
ss.

Nol
wazi
:Hmm.

Shebr
okei
tqui
ckl
yandl
aughed.

Nol
wazi
:5day
sisav
eryl
ongt
ime.I
’
m notaboutt
obel
efthor
nyatahospi
tal
.

Deanchuckl
ed.

Dean:
I’
vebeendy
ing.
Nol
wazi
kissedhi
m agai
n.

Thandeka:
Heheakumnandi
!

Theybroket
heki
ssandwat
chedasThandekaandLi
ndel
wawal
kedt
owar
dst
hem,
car
ryi
ng
pl
asti
cs.

Thandeka:
We’
vebeenl
ooki
ngf
ory
ou.

Theyf
inal
l
ygott
othebenchandpl
acedt
hepl
ast
icsont
het
abl
e.Theysatopposi
tet
hem.

Li
ndel
wa:
Yohuh-
uhmyf
eethur
t.

Deanl
ookedathi
smot
herandchuckl
ed.

Thandeka:
Wegoty
oumor
efoodLwazi
.

Nol
wazi
:Thanky
ou.

Dean:
Ihopei
t’
sal
lheal
thy
.

Thandeka:
Hai
awumeLangel
i
hle.We’
l
ldeal
wit
hveget
abl
esaf
ter
.

Nol
wazi
laughed.

Nol
wazi
:He’
sahealt
hfreak.I
’m sur
ehewant
stosaysomet
hingbuthe’
sreser
vinghi
s
comment
sbecausehe’
sscaredofyou.
Theyal
ll
aughedandDeanf
rowned.

Thandeka:
Thesebabi
esneedsomesweetst
uff
.Rel
axman.

Dean:
Ther
eshoul
dbeal
i
mitt
hough.

Thandeka:
Hai
keukhul
umi
l
eubaba.

Li
ndel
wal
aughed.

Nol
wazi
:Angsat
handi
manj
e.

ShepunchedDeanpl
ayf
ull
yandhegr
unt
ed.

Thandeka:
Any
way
,wehav
etogo.
..

Nol
wazi
:Tel
lMdut
hatIwantnot
hingt
odowi
thhi
m.

Thandeka:
Noman,
I’
mtheonewhopr
event
edhi
mfr
om comi
ngt
oseey
ou.

Dean:
Whenar
eyoupl
anni
ngont
ell
i
nghi
m?

Thandeka:
Oncet
hisdi
vor
cei
soutoft
heway
.

Deannoddedt
ight
ly.
Li
ndel
wa:
We’
l
lseey
out
omor
rowsi
si.

Nol
wazi
:Thanksf
ort
hef
ood.

Li
ndel
wa:
You’
rewel
come.

Bot
hLi
ndel
waandThandekast
oodupandt
heybot
hhuggedNol
wazi
andDean.

Thandeka:
Nisal
ekahl
eke.

Nol
wazi
:Goodby
e.

Nol
wazi
andDeanwat
chedt
hei
rmot
her
swal
kawayandt
hencar
ri
edonchat
ti
ng.
..

*
**

Mdu:
Mybosshasf
lownt
hissi
deandshewant
stomeet
.

Thol
i
:Isi
t?

Mdunodded.

Thol
i
:Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?

Mdu:
YaI
’
m sur
eshej
ustwant
stocat
chupf
acet
ofacephel
awe’
vebeencommuni
cat
ingv
ia
emai
lforweeksonend.

Thol
i
:Makessense.

Mdu:
SoI
’
llseey
oul
aterneh?

Thol
inoddedandMdugav
eheraf
eat
herki
ss.

Mdu:
Letmegetr
eadyke.

Thol
i
:Okay
.

Hegotupfr
om t
hebedandwenttotakeashower.Hegotdr
essedandoncehewasdonehe
wentt
ogiv
eTholianot
herki
ssandshetur
nedi
tintoadeepone.

Mdu:
HeehIhav
etogonj
alo.

Shegi
ggl
edandl
ookedathi
minnocent
ly.

Thol
i
:Youl
ookni
ce.

Mdupul
l
edaf
ace.

Mdu:
Nice?Ngi
cel
aungadl
ali
ngami
.

Shel
aughed.
Thol
i
:Youl
ookgood.

Mdu:
That
’smuchbet
ter
.

Hegav
eheranot
herki
ssandt
henwal
kedawayandmadehi
swayoutoft
hehot
elr
oom.

Shel
ayther
eandref
lectedonthelastcoupl
eofday s.Shehadneverbeensohappyinherenti
re
l
if
e.Mdumadeherfeelsospecialt
hatevenshecoul dn’
tdescr
ibetheimpact
.Waki
ngupwasno
l
ongerastr
uggl
eandgoi ngt
osleepwasnol ongeranef f
ort
..
.Ever
y t
hingwasef
for
tl
esswith
hi
m...

Shesi
ghedhappi
lyasshecrawledtohi
ssi
deoft
hebedandhel
dont
ohi
spi
l
low.Shef
elt
her
sel
fdozeoffi
ntoapeaceful
sleep.

Shehadnev
erbeenl
ovedl
i
ket
his.Noonehadev
ercar
edf
orhert
hismuch.Mdut
reat
edher
l
ikea-

Suddenl
ysomeonesnat
chedawayt hecov
ersandThol
isatupi
mmedi
atel
y.Shebl
i
nkeda
coupl
eofti
mesandhereyeswidened.

Thenj
i
wel
aughedbol
dly
.

Thenj
i
we:
YOUHAVESOMENERVE!

Thol
i
’shear
trat
eincr
easedandasshet
ri
edt
omov
e,Thenj
i
wegav
eheronebl
azi
ngst
ri
keand
Thol
iscr
eamedpainf
ull
y.

Thenj
i
we:
DoIki
l
lyouorl
ety
oul
i
ve?
?
Thol
iwasnowcr
yinghy
ster
ical
l
y.

Thenj
i
we:
Shutup!

Thol
itr
iedhol
dingi
nhert
ear
s.

Thenj
i
we:
IfIhearasi
ngl
esound!

Thol
iqui
ckl
ybi
therl
i
ps.Herchestheav
edf
ier
cel
yasshel
ookedatThenj
i
we.

Thenj
i
we:Uy
anyasfebendi
ni!Di
dyour
eal
l
ythi
nkIwoul
dlety
ougot
hateasi
l
y??Af
terev
ery
thi
ng
mysonhasdonef
ory ou?!
!

Thol
i
’sey
esbur
nedf
uri
ousl
y.

Thenj
i
we:
Siesman!

Thenj
i
west
eppedcl
osert
oherandgav
eheronehotcl
apandThol
iscr
eamedi
nter
nal
l
y.

Thenj
i
we:
Sfebendi
ni!

Thol
i
’shi
ccupsdef
eat
edherandThenj
i
wegav
eheronemor
ecl
ap.

Thenj
i
we:
Isai
dSHUTUP!
Thol
ibi
therl
i
psagai
nandt
ri
ednott
obur
st.

Thenj
i
we:
Getdr
essed!

Thol
iqui
ckl
ygotoutofbedandl
ookedf
orsomet
hingt
owear
.

Thenj
i
we:
Tiki
l
inendi
ni!

Thol
ifi
nal
l
ygotdr
essed.

Thenj
i
we:
Nondi
ndwa!

ShegaveTholi
onemor ecl
apandThol
icouldn’
thel
pbutf
all
tothegr
ound.Thenj
i
wet henst
ood
overherandki
ckedheronherst
omach.Shebentdownandbegansmacki
ngheruncontr
oll
abl
y.

*
**

Dean:
Alr
ightt
hen.
..

Nol
wazi
:Isi
tti
met
oleav
e?

Deannoddedsadl
yandt
heyki
ssed.

Nol
wazi
:Idon’
twantt
obeher
e.

Shesul
kedandhewr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundher
.
Dean:
Don’
tmaket
hishar
d.

Nol
wazi
:Okay
.

Shewr
appedherar
msar
oundhi
sneckandki
ssedhi
m.

Nol
wazi
:Il
ovey
ou.

Dean:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Het
henbentdownandki
ssedherbel
l
y.

Nol
wazi
:You’
regoi
ngt
obeagoodf
ather
.

Hest
oodpr
oper
lyandsmi
l
edwar
mly
.

Dean:
Andy
ou’
regoi
ngt
obeagoodmot
her
.

Theyki
ssedagai
nandhef
inal
l
yletgoofher
.

Nol
wazi
:Seey
ousoon.

Dean:
Bye.

Nol
wazi
sighedheav
il
yashewal
kedof
fanddi
sappear
ed.
*
**

Kwanel
e:Andt
hen?

Thenj
i
wepushedThol
itot
hecouchandt
henl
ookedatKwanel
e.

Thenj
i
we:
Didy
ouknowt
hatshewasseei
ngMduduzi
?!

Kwanel
enoddedcal
mlyandgl
ancedatThol
iwhoseemedt
ohav
easwol
l
enf
ace.

Kwanel
e:Whyi
sherf
aceswol
l
en?

Thol
iwasst
il
lbi
ti
ngherl
i
ps,
tear
sal
lov
erherf
ace.

Thenj
i
we:
She’
sbeencr
yingasusual
.

Kwanel
e:Hmm.

Hekeptqui
etandj
ustl
ookedatThol
ibl
ankl
y.

Thenj
i
we:
YewenaThol
akel
e!Speakf
ory
our
sel
f!

Tholi
lookedatThenj
i
wener
vousl
yandThenj
i
wegav
eherat
hreat
eni
ngl
ookandshequi
ckl
y
exhal
ed.
Thenj
i
we:
Whatdoy
ouhav
etosayf
ory
our
sel
f?!

Thol
il
ookeddownashamedl
y.

Thol
i
:I’
m-

Thenj
i
we:
Heemaan!

Thol
iexhal
edandt
ri
edt
ospeakl
ouder
.

Thol
i
:I’
m sor
ry.

Thenj
iwe:
Nowy oul
ist
enhereandyoul
i
stenVERYcar
eful
l
y.Youseem t
ofor
gett
haty
ousi
gned
documentsbef
orey
ougotint
othismar
ri
age.

Thol
igl
ancedatKwanel
e.

Thenj
i
we:
Hav
eyouf
orgot
ten?
!

Thol
ishookherhead.

Thenj
iwe:Good!Nowgoupst
air
s,gett
hatman’
sst
enchof
fofy
ouandbet
hewi
fey
ou’
re
supposedtobeTOTHISMAN!

Thol
i
’schestheav
edonceagai
n.

Thenj
i
we:
Siesman!Hav
eyounoshame?
!HAVEYOUNOSHAME?
!
Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Thenj
i
we:
Weal
lvowedt
onev
ersayawor
daboutt
hatv
eget
abl
eofabr
otherofy
our
sdi
dn’
twe?
!

Thol
ikeptqui
et.

Thenj
i
we:
DIDN’
TWE?
!

Thol
i
:Yes.

Thenj
i
we:
Andpar
toft
hedeal
wast
haty
oumar
ryKwanel
eangi
thi
?!

Thol
inoddedt
ight
ly.

Thenj
i
we:
DAMMI
T!

Bef
oreThol
icoul
dev
enbr
eat
he,
shewasbombar
dedbyanot
herhotcl
ap.

Kwanel
e:Thenj
i
we.

Thenj
i
wepushedKwanel
eawayandgav
eThol
ianot
hercl
ap.

Thenj
i
we:
YouSLUT!

Kwanel
e:Whati
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
!
JustasKwanel
ewasaboutt
owalkupt
oher,shesl
idherhandunder
neat
hherski
rtandbef
ore
theyal
lknewi
t,Thenj
i
wewaspoi
nti
ngagunatthem.

Thenj
i
we:
HOW DAREYOUDI
SRESPECTMYSON?
!!

Kwanel
est
oodt
her
eincompl
eteshock.Thol
iont
heot
herhandhadnowf
aint
ed.
..

*
**

AsDeandr
ove,
hisphoner
angandheanswer
ed.

Dean:
Ya?

Per
son:
Ihav
esomenewi
ntel
.

Dean:
Speak.I
’
m dr
ivi
ng.

Per
son:
Sot
hisi
swhati
shappeni
ng.
..

Dean:
Khul
umaman.

Per
son:
Ithi
nkt
hepr
obl
em-

Dean:
Youar
ewasti
ngmyfuckenti
me!Doy
our
eal
l
ythi
nkt
hatIhav
ethet
imet
osi
ther
eand
l
ist
entoy
outel
lmebul
l
shi
tstori
es?!
Suddenl
yhef
elthi
sangerr
iseup.

Dean:Thi
ssonofabi
tchi
sgivi
ngNolwaziahardtimeandy outhi
nkIhaveti
met osithereand
l
ist
entoyouwastemyti
me?!Thecourtdateisf
astappr
oachingandIam yettoget
const
ruct
ivei
nfor
mat
ionf
rom y
oubastard!IsweartoGodthesecondIseeyouI’m goingto-

Dean’
sey
espoppedoutandhi
shear
trat
eincr
eased.

Dean:
Fuck!

Hehadcompl
etel
ydi
sregar
dedt
het
raf
fi
cli
ght
.

Hetriedtoswervebutassoonashedid,anot
hercarcamefullspeedanddel vedst
rai
ghti
nto
hispassengersi
deofthecar.Hi
scarswerveduncont
roll
abl
yandwi thinsecondsanot
hercar
camecr ashi
ngfr
om theback.Thi
scausedhiscartoheadstr
aightintoanothercar
.

Adishar
monyofsoundshitDean’
sear
sli
keat
idal
wav
e.Thet
inkl
i
ngofgl
assasi
tshat
ter
ed
pi
ercedthr
oughhi
sears.

Thent
hepai
n..
.Thehor
ri
ble,
uni
magi
nabl
epai
n..
.

Thepai
ncr
ushedi
nhi
m andi
tcl
aimedhi
mfori
tsown.Hecoul
dsmel
lsmoke.
..

Hismi ndwassti
llf
unct
ioning.I
twouldn’
tgiv
eint
othepai
n.Itwasurgi
nghimtograpplewit
h
theairbaganddosomething..
.Hisbodyhadcompl
etel
ydefeat
edhim.Hismindkeptpushi
ng
him butsomehowthepainmanagedt ocreepuponthemindandforacoupl
eofsecondsthere
wasast r
uggl
einhi
shead.

Hi
sthought
swer
etr
yingt
okeephi
m al
i
ve,
tomakesur
ehest
aysconsci
ous.
Unf
ort
unat
elyt
hepai
nwasmor
epower
ful
.
..