THEUNKEPTWI

FE

Societyfai
leduswomenourf amiliesfail
edus
sodi dthecommuni t
y.Wear etrainedand
taughtrespectataveryyoungage, taughthow
todot hehousechoreshowt otakecar eofour
kids.Wear etaughtthewayoft reatingour
husbands.
Howweshoul dfightforthem,howweshoul d
notl
etthethi
rdpersoncomei ntoourliv
esand
messupourhol ymat r
imony.Whataboutmen?
Howof t
enaretheytaughthowt oloveand
prot
ectus?Whopr otectsuswhent heyareour
ownenemies?.
Don'
tyoudar etel
lmeabouthoweasyi ti
sto
l
eaveanabusi v
emar r
iagewheny ouhavenever
beenther
e.It'
ssoeasytosayy ouwil
lpackyour
bagsandleavebecausey ouar
eseeingthat
fr
om adistanceyouarefarawayfrom t
hebit
ter
sweethell
.Iam nott
alki
ngaboutt
hefair
ytal
es
ofci
nderel
laandtheRomeoandJul i
et.
Noonewant samarr
iaget
hati
stoughand
burni
ng.Al
lIwant
edwasmyknightinshi
nni
ng
armour.
Inst
eadofbei
ngsuppor
tedbyy ourf
amil
yyou
aretol
dthat"
umshadouyabekezel
wa"(
youhave
tobepati
enti
nmarri
age)
Youar etol
dnott otel
lthef il
thythingsthatyour
husbanddoesbecausei tisconsi deredimmoral
andi tdamageshi simage" howdoy oudishthe
di
r tofyourhusband?youshal lbeal aughing
stockt oot
herwomen. Whataboutme?What
abouthowIf eel?Whowi l
lprotectsinceIam
protecti
nghim?Thent heysay" Womencr y
behindcurtai
ns"wear etoldal lt
hoset hi
ngs.
Youaretol
dthatifhebeat
syouhel
oves
you,
youcan'
targuewithhi
m hei
sal
waysri
ght
.
Apersonwholovesyouwil
lnev
erabuseyou.I
t
shoul
dn'
thur
tyou,l
ovecan'
tberedef
inedi
nto
Heonlyhi
tmeonce.
Anabusiver
elat
ionshipislikeadrugit
sso
addi
cti
veinawayt haty oufeelhypnot
ised.You
areemoti
onall
ydrained,youarealways
apol
ogisi
ngforthethingshedi d
"
Iam sor
ryf
ormakingyoubeatme,
Iam sor
ry
f
ormakingyoucheatonme"
Youareleftwit
haheartfor
everst
ainedwitht
he
i
nkofhisdar ksoul
.Wordscomingfrom hi
s
tonguewroteme.
Myhear
tissoheav
yithasbeenpi
ercedwi
th
pi
nsandneedl
es.
Thescar
sthatarenotvisi
blet
ohumanki
nd
aret
hehardestt
oheal.
Helookedscarywhenhewasangr
y,Iwas
scar
edtodisagreewi
thhi
m.
Iwasnowi
sol
atedIhadnof
riends.Ihad
master
edt
hear
tofweari
ngthehappymask.
Makeupwashi
dingmymarksr eal
l
ywell.

Isi
lentlywipedmyfreshtear
sf al
li
nghitt
ingmy
scarredfacemakingmef eelt
hei t
chnessofthe
sal
tywat er.Hewastheresnori
nglikeatruck.
Myl oyalt
yforhi
m hadturnedintoslav
ery.
IwishIhadnev ermethim,ther ewasnever
goingtobeaneedt ocryov erhim,
noneedt o
hav esacri
ficemyhappi nessf orhi
m,noneedt o
feelthepain.Hemani pulatedmewi thgift
sand
sex.Igavei nt ohim,Il
ovedhi m morethanI
l
ov edmy self.Icouldn'
timagi nealif
ewi t
hout
him Iworshi ppedhiml i
kehewasmygod.Iwas
scaredofbei ngcall
edar eturnsoldi
erbecause
ofaf ai
ledmar ri
age.Beingt oldhowyouar ea
fai
lurehurts,howot herwomendobet t
erthan
youi nbed.Compet i
ngwi thgi r
lswhoareten
yearsyoungert hanyoual l
becausey our
husbandi
sthet
rophyt
obewon"
husand"What
aname.
Mypil
l
owcarr
iedl
otsofsecr
ets.I
tdr
ippedsal
ty
wat
erfi
ll
edwi
thpai
nandhurt.
Iwast
heunkeptwi
fe
[07/
22,13:57]W:WheredoIbegin?doIbegini
n
thecentr
eori nt
heend.DoIbeginfrom whenI
wasal i
tt
leangel,
sovulner
abl
efull
ofli
feof
coursebeforemyspi
ritgotcr
ushed.
Iwi
l
ltakey
oubackt
owher
eital
lst
art
ed.

THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#1

Iam wokenupbythecol
dwater.I
tsheragai
n
myaunty.Myaunt
ywasn'tj
ustanauntyshe
wasamot herwhoguidedmeandmyt wo
si
ster
stheotheronewastenyear
solderthan
mewhi l
etheotheronewasfi
ft
eenyearsolder
andshewasalreadymarri
ed.
"Guguhaveyouforgot
tent
hatyouar
ewri
ti
ng
yourl
astexam"Ijumpedofft
hebedIwasl
ate
asalways
"
Mawewhydidn'
tyouwakemeupearli
er"I
r
ushedof
ftot
hekitchent
oboi
laket
tl
eof
wat
er.
Sheshout
edf
rom t
hebedr
oom
"
Wher
ear
eyouruni
for
msy
oul
azygi
rl
?"
"I
nthelastshelf
,pl
easei
ronmyski
rti
nsi
deout
.
Ihat
eitwheni ti
sshiny"
"Kul
ungil
emaNdaba,Iwi
llal
sotakeyourst
udy
materi
alsundert
hebedandy ouwil
lfi
ndthem
ontopofthetabl
e"
Myaunt
ywasal
i
fesav
er,
shehadpr
ayedal
lher
l
ifetogetababybutshef ai
led.Shewasa
hardcoreChr i
sti
an,Ilookedupt ohershewas
everythingIneededi nlif
e.Inev ermissedmy
mot herwel lshenev ergavemear easont o
missher .Mymot herdiedahappywoman
what eversheaccumul atedwhenshewasst i
l
l
ali
vewasgi ventous.Myaunt yf oughtforus
toothandnai lwhent herel
ativ
est ri
edtoexploit
ourinher it
ance.
Ibathedquickl
ymylastpaperwasEnglish
paper2.Iwasnotafanofit,Irushedt
omy
bedroom nakedwi
thmywetf eet.
"
youstupi
dgi
rlwho'
sgoi
ngt
ocl
eanupy
our
mess?
"
"
Myf av
our
it
eaunt
ywi
l
ldothehonour"she
l
aughedgi
vi
ngmemoneyf
orlunch.

Ididn'
thavetheNi
ckiminajt
ypeofabodyor
theGabriel
l
eUnionbeautyIwasj
ustsi
mplemy
skinwassunskinedwel lIt
hinkchocolate
dippedsoundsbetter.Iwasnotthatslim my
bodywasj ustaver
agewi thmysmal lperky
breast
s.Iwaswear ingsize30ifnot32, myass
wasn'tt
hatbigmyst omachwasj ustf
latthe
bestgeneIgotfrom myaunt y.

Iranoutsi
deintothedustyroadsofDobsonvi
ll
e
i
nSowet othatwasmyhomeSowet oaplace
whereIwasbor n,
whereIgr ewupithad
nurt
uredmef rom thefi
rstdayIcamet opl
anet
eart
hupunt i
ltoday.Iwalkedint
otheLamula
Jubil
eeSecondaryschool wit
hmydustyfeet
"Youarealway slateGuguy ouarelucky
becauseit
'sy ourlastpr
eli
m paperot her
wiseI
wasgoingt osuspendy ou"MrDubegr owled
withanger,Ihadr anoutthereasonswhyam I
alwayslat
e.
"Iam sorr
ysi
r"Irushedtot hehall
.Ever
yone
wasal r
eadysett
ledalleyeswereonme.I
pull
edmyshor tskir
talit
tlelowerandwentto
myseat .
Byt
welv
eO'cl
ockIwasdone.If
oundLi
zwi
wai
ti
ngformeout
sidet
hehall
.
Lizwiwasmyst rengt
handmycomf or
terhe
wast hebestt
hingthathadeverhappenedto
me.WhenhesawmeIsawhi ssmil
ewi deningI
wast akenawaybyhissmilehehadev eryt
hing
thatonecanneededi naman
"Youl
ookf
lushedMaNdabahowwasy
our
paper
"Ismil
edblushi
ng
"
EasyasABC"heki
ssedmyhand
"Il
ovet
hesoundoft
hatl
et'
sgoandbuyKot
asI
am sohungr
y"
"
Idon'
thav
emoneyMhl ongopl
usIhat
eitwhen
y
ouspendyourmoneyonme"
"
Ilov
edoingthatandyouwil
lnotstopme"he
l
aughedcar
ryi
ngmybag, bei
ngwithhim made
mehappyhewasaf ri
endIneverhad.
"Ican'
tbel
i
ev ethatwearenearl
ydonewith
exams"Isaiditwithwor
ryIfear
edbeingaway
from hi
m

"
Sameher ehereGuguandIknowt hataf
ter
matri
cli
feisgoingt
obediff
erent
.Whatar e
yourpl
ansaftermat
ric?
"Icr
inged
"
Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t"
I
twast hescarypartofmyl if
e,Ihadnomoney
togot ouniversi
tyandIwasn' tthatsmartt oget
abur saryt
hef unnypartaboutmyl ifewast hatI
didn'tknowwhatIwant edtobe.Notahouse
wifeofcourseIwasj ustconfused.Mysist er
s
wor kedatPicknPaywhi l
emyaunt ywasj usta
domest icworker.Ihadnoonewhoi nspi
redme
nott
hatIbl
amedthem Ij
usthadnotpl
anned
myfutur
eaheadIwastaki
ngli
feonedayata
ti
me.
WegotKot asandat
emakingli
ght
conversat
ions.Heaccompani
edmehome
carr
yingmybagasusual .
"Ican'
twai
ttoseey
ousingi
ngatchur
chon
Sunday"hewassmil
ing
"Youmeantal
kingr
ight
"Il
aughedf
li
ppi
ngmy
headbackwards
"Youhaveanangel
icvoi
cemaNdaba.I t
changesthi
ngsandIoft
enf eelt
heheavens
openingupwhenyoustartsingi
ng"
"
Youarereal
l
ygoodatsmoot htal
ki
ngalady
.I
wonderhowyourgi
rl
fr
ienddeal
swithy
ou"
"
Mygir
lf
ri
endsoy
ousay
.Howdoy
ouf
eel
when
y
oudealwi
thme"
"
Ifeel
li
keki
l
li
ngy
ou"
"
Shefeel
sli
keki
ll
i
ngme"Ismi l
edwal
ki
ngi
nsi
de
myhouseaft
ergi
vinghi
m ahug.
Ihat
edtalki
ngabouthimlov i
ngme.Il ovedhim
asafri
endheunder st
oodme, Iunderstoodhim
webothhadamut ualf
eel
ingbutar el
ationshi
p
wasgoingtoruinus.Iwantedhimtost aywith
meuntilf
oreveri
ftherewassuch.

Auntyhadleftthechickenfeetsontopofthe
bri
cksdir
ectlyproporti
onaltothesunl
ightt
he
i
cehadmel ted.Iwalkedinsidethehousewith
them.
Aft
erchangi
ngIwenttoThando'shouseto
fet
chherweweregoingtochurchforthepr
aise
andworshi
ppract
ice.
"AreyoureadyThando?
"Iscreamedhername
whenIwasout si
deherhouse.Il
ovedhowit
pissedheroff
"
Heywenambuzi
(heyy
ougoat
)geti
nsi
det
he
housedon'tactl
i
keaf ool
"Iwalkedi
nsideher
oneroom shackitwasbehindhermother'
s
house.
"
Ifor
gotmybi
bleThandowewi
l
lshar
eyour
s"
"
Youdon'
thavet
owor
ryaboutt
hat
,howwas
y
ourexam?"
"I
twasgoodl et
'sgoyoudoknowthatbr
other
Peterl
ovescomplai
ningwhenwecomelate"
shelaughed
"Notwheny ouarewi
thme.Takemybagand
putitontopofthewardr
obewhil
eIt
hrowaway
thi
sdirt
ywat er
"

Welef
therpl
acerushi
ng,
wewerewear
ingl
ong
bl
ackski
rt
swithwhit
eshi
rts.

Wereachedchur
chf i
veminut
eslat
e.Iwasthe
l
eadersi
nger
.Peteraskedustoopenourbi
bles
andreadt
hescri
ptur
ehehadopened.We
pray
edandfel
ttheholyspi
ri
tmov
ingsomewer
e
al
readypr
ayi
ngintongues.
Isangmyf avouri
tewor shipsongpeopl
e
star
tedcryi
ng.Ourwor shipteam wasful
lof
Godf ear
ingpeopleweunder st
oodthat
whateverwewer edoingwasf orGodnotf
orus
tobeseenort ogetthegl ory
.
[
07/
22,
13:
57]W:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#2

Itwasf inall
ySundayIwokeupar ound7.I
cleanedourt wobedr oomedhousewhi chwe
boughtusi ngt heinheri
tancemoney .Irushedto
thebat hroom andt ookabat h.WhenIwasdone
fixi
ngmy selfItookmybi bleandmypur se
l
eav i
ngmyaunt ybehindwhowasst il
lsnoring.
Chur chusedt ostar
tat11am butt hewor ship
team wasneededat9forint
ercessi
on.WhenI
gotoutsi
dethehouseIfoundLizwiwait
ingf
or
measal ways.Hekeptonlooki
ngathiswatch
whenhiseyesmetmi nehesmi l
ed

"
Final
l
ythequeeni
sout
"Il
aughed

"
Howl
onghav
eyoubeenst
andi
ngher
e?"

"
Formor
ethananhourbutit
'snotapr
obl
em I
woul
dwai
tfory
ouforev
er"Ismiled
"
Doyouhavet
obesupercr
azysoear
lyi
nthe
mor
ning?
"
"WheneverIam wit
hy ou,
crazinessf
laws
eff
ort
lessl
ywithoutanyrestr
icti
ons"

Hekeptqui
ett
aki
ngmybagf
rom mehewas
l
onggonei
namomentIsnappedmyf
inger
s
"
Whatarey
outhinki
ngofMhl
ongo?"hesmi
l
ed
r
eveal
i
nghisdi
mples
"Thatoneofthegooddaysyouwil
lbeput
ti
ng
ony ourmakeinsi
deourcar
.Iwoul
dn'
twantto
gettochurchlat
e."

"Iseeanywaylet
'shur
ryupIdon'
twantbr
other
PetertoshoutatmeI'
m notThandowhogets
specialt
reat
ment"helaughed
"Soyouhavestart
edwit
hy ourmorning
gossi
p,soearl
yinthemorni
ngitisbett
erf
or
youtorepentnowbefor
eweent erthegat
esof
thehol
ytemple"

"
Godpleaeefor
givemef orgossipi
ngsoearl
yin
t
hemor ni
ng"helaughedunti
ltearscameout
f
rom t
hecornerofhiseyes
"
Myqueeny
ousuchacomedi
an"
"
YousuckMhl
ongo"hel
aughedev
enmor
e.
Wegottochurchhewipedmyseatandhis.He
l
aterpl
acedmybibl
eonmyseat.Iwenttothe
st
ageandjoi
nedothersi
nger
s.

Wepr ay
edandpr ayedsi
nging.Itwasnow11
O'cl
ockpeopleweregett
inginsi
dethechurch
onebyone.Thandoandhercr ewstart
ed
si
ngingthei
rprai
sesongsmaki ngthechur
ch
dance.
Iwal
kedinfr
ontoft
hem andt
ookt
he
micr
ophone
"Goodmor ningcongr
egati
on, t
ell
your
neighbourthati
t'
snowtimef orworshi
p(t
he
congregati
onspoke)Iwillsi
ng,
uy
alal
elwauSomandl
anomai
simosi
ngav
umi
"
whenIl ookedatmyauntyshewasalreadyin
tear
s.Ikeptonsingi
ngthi
ngswerehappening
somepeopl ewererol
li
ngonthef
loorother
s
werecrying.

Afterawonder f
ulandanamazi ngworshipI
l
ookedatLi zwihiseyeswereredhewasa
prayerwarr
ior.Bythewaymychur chwas
AssembliesofGod.Womenwer enotal
lowed
toweartrousersitwasonlyskir
tsanddresses.
Wegotof fthestageast hePastorwent
ascendedt othepulpit

"
It
snicetobeher
e"t
hecongr
egat
ion
r
esponded
"
Kumnandi
ukubal
apha"t
hePast
orcont
inued

"
Sist
erGugumayGodkeeponi
ncr
easi
ngi
nyou
withther estofy ourteam.Iwoul dli
key out o
opent hebookof2Cor i
nthi
ans6:14i tsaysDo
notbeequal l
yyokedwi thunbeli
evers.Forwhat
partnershipcanr ighteousnesshavewi th
wickedness?Orwhatf ell
owshipdoesl ighthave
withdar kness?"Hekeptonpr eachingabout
howweshoul dmar r
ypeoplewhoar eChr i
sti
ans.
Li
zwi keptonbr ushingmyf ingerheact edli
kea
babysomet imes.
Whent hePastorwasf ini
shedwi thhissermon
hespoke" zi
nsi
zwazebandl a(youngmenoft he
church)pl
easedon' tforgetthatt odaywear e
meet i
ngkunenkonzoy ezi
nsi zwazi kaJesu
(ther
eisaservicef oryoungmenofGod) .To
therestofthechur chhaveabl essedweek.
MayGodpr ot
ecty ouunt i
lwemeetnext
Sunday"wewentt othest aget osi ngthelast
twosongs.Thandosangwhi lethewhol e
churchwasdanci ngandcl appingt heirhands.
Iwai
tedf
orLi
zwi
out
sidet
hechur
chhecame
backaft
eranhour.Thefoll
owingSat
urdaywas
theyout
hserv
iceIlovedital
ot.
"Youhavebeenwaiti
ngformemyqueen.If
eel
blessedr
ightnow"Il
aughedhuggi
nghi
m
"
Icoul
dn'
tl
eav
eyoubehi
ndl
et'
sgogety
ouf
ed"
"Mhmm Il
ovet
hesoundoft
hat
.Whatar
ewe
havi
ngt
oday?"
"Ahomecookedmeall
et'
shurr
yupbefore
aunt
ycal
l
shercrewtodestr
oytheki
tchen"
wer
ushedhomel
aughi
ng
Idi
shedsomeSundayKos( r
icewit
hsev
en
col
oursdi
ffer
entty
pesofsaladsandmeat
)for
hi
mi twasafamil
ytradi
ti
onifnott
hewhol
e
countr
yofSouthAfri
ca.
Wegotinsi
dethehouseImadehi
m si
tonthe
couch,
Iwashedhi
shandswithwar
m wat
er"so
sheknowswhenmyhandsaresti
cky"
Il
aughed
"Ishoul
dhav egi
venyouaclot
h,l
ookaty
ou
nowuy aphapha"hel
aughed
Igav
ehi
m hi
spl
ate
"
Didy
oucookmaNdaba?"
"
YesMhl
ongowhatdoy
out
hink?
"
"
Ihav
ebeent
icki
ngy
ouar
eal
readyat97%"
"Whyam Isti
ll
closetoyou?Youareaburden
shamengigezaizandl
azami(i
am giv
ingup)"
Helat
erhel
pedmetowashdi
shes.Iwal
ked
hi
mt ohi
shouse.
WhenIgotbackhomeIf
oundaunt
yandmy
si
stercr
ying
"
What
'shappeni
ngBusi
?aunt
ywhodi
ed?
"
Iaskedpani
cki
ngwonder
ingi
fmyot
hersi
ster
wassafe

"
Noonedi
edmychi
l
dit
'sBusi
'
shusband,
he
cheatedonherandbr
oughtachi
l
dhome"Iwas
shocked

"Busiwhydon'ty
ouleav
ehi
m?hecl
ear
ly
doesn'tdeser
veyou"

"I
t'
snoteasyGuguy ouarest
il
lyoungyouwi
l
l
neverunder
standsuchthi
ngs"Icl
appedmy
handssli
ghtl
ylaughi
ng

"Idon'
tbel
i
eveyouBusireal
lynow?IfIwasy
ou
Iwouldhavel
onglef
t"auntycoughedabi
t
"Gugumychi
l
dmarri
ageisnotachi
l
d'spl
ay
Busiwi
ll
dowhati
sri
ght"
Icoul
dn'
tbeli
evemyaunt
yIf
eltl
i
kemyear
s
weredecei
vi
ng
"Auntybyr i
ghtyoumeant osayt hatBusi hasto
acceptt hechildofahomewr ecker(aunty
nodded)y ouseeIGuguNdabawi l
lneveraccept
thiscr aziness.Iwil
lpackmybagsandl eave
thatv erysamedaywi thoutlooki
ngbackwar ds.
Thesement hi
nkthatwear eplaygrounds"my
sistercr i
edev enmor e

"I
t'
ssoeasytosayt
hatbecauseyouarenotin
thi
ssit
uati
onyouar
eonlyseeingi
tfrom f
ar.I
havebeenwit
hhimfor13year
sIcan'tt
hrow
thoseyear
sawaybecauseofachil
d"

"I
t'
ssti
llwr
ongBusi l
eav
ehim andstartaf
resh
youwill
getagoodman, 13y
earsi
snot hi
ngif
youarenotatpeace"myauntyshoutedatme
angri
l
y

"
HeywenaGugugetoutofher
est
opmeddl
i
ng
i
ntheol
dpeopl
e'
smat
ter
s"Iwal
kedoutangr
y.

Iam notsay i
ngthatmenf rom churcharesai
nts
butIwi shIhadmar r
iedone.May behewas
goingt ouset heteachi
ngshegotf rom our
chur ch.Againitwasgoingt obeeasyforour
Past ortointer
veneandhel pusi fwewer e
facingchal l
engesorproblems.
[
07/
22,
13:
57]W:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#3

Iwalkedoutofthehouseangry.Ihat
edhow
auntywastakingthisi
ssueli
ghtl
y.Mysi
ster'
s
husbandwasamanwhor ehelovedwomenno
matterhowmanyt i
meshecheatedBusiused
toforgi
vehim andthatpi
ssedmeof f
.Iwentto
Thando'shouseshewast el
li
ngmeaboutt he
l
oveshehadforbrot
herPet
eral
lIcoulddowas
t
olaughathowcrazysheusedt
oimitatePet
er.
Il
aterwenthomeandIf
oundaunt
yreadi
ngher
bi
ble
"
Wher
ewer
eyouGugu?
"
"
IwasatThando'
shouse,wi
l
lBusi
for
giv
ethat
man"myauntygotangr
y

"Heisol
derthanyouGugu, heisnotthatman
butheisyoursi
ster
'shusband.Inevertaught
youtodisr
espectel
derswheredoy ougett he
audaci
tytotal
kli
kethis"

"Iam sosorryMawebutIhat ethef actthatmy

sist
erissuffer
ingandy ouarenothelpingher
withanythi
ng.Arey ounotscar
edt hatshewi l
l
diebecauseofst r
ess?Mawedoy ouhat eher
thatmucht hatyouarewill
i
ngtoletherbet he
l
i
vingsacr
if
ice?
"Shecl
osedherbi
blesmi
l
ing

"Todayyouar
equest
ioni
ngmyl
ovef
ory
ou
Phindi
le'
schi
l
d"

"
NoMaweIam curi
oussor
ryf
orsoundi
ng
i
nsensi
ti
vet
hatwasnotmyai
m"

"Lookchi ldit
'seasyt otalkaboutsuchmat ter
s
i
fy ouar enoti nthem.Youcant hrowi nsult
sat
Busi andcal lherstupid.Sheisnotst upidsheis
fighti
ngf orsomet hingthatbel ongst oher.She
i
sf ightingf orherf amily.Awisewomandoesn' t
onlyst ayi nthemar r
iagewheni ti
ssweet .She
alsost ay swhent hefir
est art
sbur ning.She
cov ersherhusband' sdisgustingact s.She
doesn' tshowt hewor ldwhati shappeni ngi nher
mar ri
age.Shedoesn' tgoar ounddi shingher
husband' sdirt.Nomat t
erwhat '
shappeni ngin
yourmarri
ageyoushouldputonahappyf ace.
Andcryinyoursecr
etcorner
,thecornerof
off
loadi
ngeverypai
ninsi
dey ourheart
"Ishook
myheadshocked

"Nowayaunt ywhataboutwhatIf
eeli
nsidedo
youknowt hatt
herei
sat hinl
i
nebetween
submissi
onandoppr essi
on.Whowillf
ightf
or
me?"

"
OnlyGodcanf ighty ourbatt
les.Oncey ouget
marriedyourl
ifewi l
l onl
yrevolvearoundy our
f
ami l
y .Ev
eryt
hingt hatyoudoasawi fewi l
lbe
f
ory ourfamil
y.Ther earegoingt obeot her
womenwhowi l
l t
rytocomei nbetweeny ouand
yourhusband,buty ouast hewifewillshow
t
hem wer etogetof f"Ilaughed

"
Whuushamewonder
sshal
lnev
erend.If
eel
fort
heoldschool
.WhyshouldIfi
ghttheot
her
womanwhent hemani st
heprobl
em here"
auntyst
oodupfrom t
hecouchrai
singher
handsasasignofsurr
ender

"
Guguyouaresostubbor
nnonethel
essIhope
y
ourot
herearhear
dwhatIsaid"

Iwenttothebedroom t
ogetmytext
booksand
mypastquestionpaper
s.Iwant
edtopassand
workifIdon'
tgotoschool
.Aft
ermanyhoursof
st
udyingIwenttobed.
Wespendt hewhol eweekat tendi
ngatschool.I
wasmor enervoust hanLizwiabouttheexamsI
knewv erywellthattheywer egoingto
deter
mi nemyf uture.Mywi shwast obuymy
auntyabi ghousej usttothankherforlov
ing
meuncondi ti
onallylikeIwasherown.
Itwasf inall
ySat urdaywewer egoingtothe
youthser vice.By8O' cl
ockIwasal r
eadydone
cleaning.It ookabat handdecidedtowearmy
l
ongf l
oraldr essitwasMhl ongo'
sfavouri
te.I
madebr eakf astforbothofuswhenIwent
outsideIf oundhi m undert
hetreeasalway she
l
ookedatmesmi li
ng
"St
opsmil
ingandgeti
nsi
de"hewal
kedinsi
de
myhousenervousl
yhewasscar
edofAuntyI
don'
tknowwhybecausemyauntyl
ovedhim.

"
Nkosazanaunj
ani
"
Ismi
l
ed
"
Tryandli
mityourf
ormal l
anguageyouar
ewi
th
Gugunotaqueen"helaughedreveal
i
nghi
s
whit
espar
kli
ngteeth

"
GuguIam t
ryi
ngt
ober
omant
ict
ryandmeet
mehal
fway
"webot
hlaughed
Ihandedhi
m awetcl ot
hforhi
mtowi pehis
hands.Wedrankcoffeeandmuff
ins.Iqui
ckl
y
washedthedishes.

Wewal kedtochurchwi
thhi
m car
ryingt
he
umbrel
la.Whenwegottochurchtheservi
ce
wasfiv
emi nutesawayf
rom st
art
ing.We
openedwithprayer

Si
sterLi
ndi
wewast
alki
ngaboutpur
it
y
"Bantuabashay ekani ukudlaisonoawukwazi
ukumuzwauNkul unkuusesonweni (
young
peoplestopsi nningy oucannev erher eGod
wheny ouar esinning)y ourbodi esar ethe
templesofGod.Iwi l
lreadGal atians5v16SoI
sayli
v ebyspi r
it
,andy ouwi llnotgr ati
fythe
desir
esoft hesi nfulnature.19say stheactsof
thesinful
nat urear eobv i
ouslysexual
i
mmor all
y,
impuri
tyanddebaucher
y"she
cont
inuedpreachi
ng.

Inourchur chwewer enotal lowedtodat ethe

onlythingthatwasal l
owedwascour tship.With
courtshipyouwer enotallowedt omeetwi thout
thethirdpersoninvi
ted.Ifthatweretohappen
thePast orwasnotgoi ngtogeti nt
erestedin
yourmat tersbecausey oudisrespect
edhi m
andthewayt hi
ngsar edonei nchurch.
Theservi
cewasv er
ynice.Puri
tywasevery
gir
l'
sgoal
,weal
sohadpeopl ewhower ein
secondar
yvi
rgi
nit
ythosewhousedt oengage
i
nsexualact
ivi
ti
esbeforetheyweresaved.

Wehadf i
nal
lystar
tedwithourexamsLizwiwas
hel
pingmewi t
hMat hsandScienceIwas
l
ackingi
nthosesubject
s.Hewasr eal
lypat
ient
wit
hmeunl i
kemehewasv erysmartandhe
wasfr
om ar
ichbackgr
ound.Thewayhewas
sohumbl
eyouwoulddenythathewasar
ich
ki
d.
Aftersomanyweeksofsl eepl
essnight
swe
wer efinal
l
ydonewi thmatri
c.Somewer ecryi
ng
otherswer ehappy.IwassohappyIwasf inal
ly
fr
eef rom Maths.Lizwiwasverycl
i
ngynowI
hadt onursehisfeeli
ngs.

"Iam scar
edbecausewewil
lnev
erbethesame
againGugu.Li
feaft
ermat
ri
cwon'tbeeasy
"I
l
aughed

"
LizwiIam notdy
ingandIwi
l
lal
way
sbeher
ein
t
hishouse"

"
Youwon' tunder
standGuguany
waynevermi
nd
l
et'
sjustdropit
"wewalkedhomeitwas
diff
erenthewasnottal
kat
iveasalways.Icoul
d
feeli
tthathewasleavi
ngmylifeforgood.I
t
wast hetrut
hIwastryi
ngt
oav oid.

It
'sbett
ertokeepqui
etandnotjudgeaper son
wheny ouarenoti
nthatsit
uati
on.Refr
ainfrom
condemningpeopl
ewi t
houtunderst
andingthe
reasonswhytheydothethingst
heydo.
[
07/
22,
13:
58]W:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#4

Ihadgonet oEaster
nCapef orDecember
holi
daysmymot her
'sf
riendst
ayedt her
ein
Ali
walNor t
h.Af t
eraweekofv i
siti
ngLizwi
camet ofetchmesay i
nghemi ssedme, Ihadt
o
l
ietomysocal ledauntyandItoldherIwas
goingbackhome.Wespentt hewhol eweekin
t
hehot
el.

Wet
ookawal
ktot
hebeach
"
IwishIcoul
dstayhere,
for
everwi
thyou
l
ookingi
ntoeyesGugu"Il
aughedr
unningi
nto
t
hebeachthewaterwassocold

"Thiswaterissocoldcomei nMhlongo"he
stoodtheresmili
nggotout si
deofthewater
andpulledhiminside.Helookeddeepint
omy
eyesmaki ngmyhear tbeat
Heki ssedmehistongueswer v
edi ntoallt
he
cornersofmymout h.I
twasmyf irstki
ssIwent
alongwi t
hwhatev
erhewasdoi ng.Ibithi
slips
bymi stake.Ir
anawayf r
om himl aughinghe
foll
owedmeandt hrewmei nsidet hewater.I
pretendedtobedrowninghejumpedi nand
carri
edmeoutoft hewaterIlaughed
"
Younearl
ygav
emeahear
tat
tackGuguar
e
y
oucrazy
?"

"
Tel
lmedoct
orMhl
ongoam Icr
azy
?"
"
Youar
ecr
azy
"Hesmi
l
edr
eveal
i
nghi
sdi
mpl
es
Ismil
edhecarr
iedmet othestepsfarf r
om t
he
beach.Li
zwiwasacautiouspersonwhowas
alway
saler
twhileIwasforev
erreckless.

"
LizwiIappreciateever
ythi
ngthatyoudoforme
(
teary)youcaref ormemor ethanIcar
efor
my sel
f.Iam verygrat
eful.
..
"heusedhisfi
nger
t
oshutmeup.
"Don'
tsayany t
hinganymore,
Idon'
twantt
o
l
osey ou.Iwanttowokeupnexttoyou
every
dayofmyl ifepl
easegowithmetoCape
Town"Iinstant
lygotnerv
ous
"
Ican'
tmyl i
feisi
nDobsonv
il
leIcan'
tl
iv
e
wi
thoutaunty
"

"Iwi
llhel
pyougetaj obi
nCapeTown.Wear e
notgoingtosinmaNdabawewi l
lgetmarr
ied.I
won'tdoanythi
ngthatdoesn'
tmakeyouhappy"
Iwasn'
treadyforall
ofthatIwasonl
y18, Li
zwi
wastwoy ear
solderthanme,heoncestopped
goi
ngtoschoolbecauseofhispastt
hatwe
don'
tvi
sit
.
"Ican'
twhaty
ouj
ustsai
dissooverwhel
ming.
Mylif
eisi
nSowet
o,wearest
il
lyoung"
hehuffedinfrustr
ati
onandwalkedaway .Iran
tohim hehadt ear
sinhiseyesIjusthugged
him webothcr i
ed.Bei
ngindependentwasn't
thepartoftheequati
on.Wewal kedbackt othe
hotel
.
Wespentt
herestoft
heday
screat
ing
memori
es.Weevenwrot
eournamesont
he
beachsand.Li
zwi
wrotehisfut
ureson'
sname
whil
eIwrotemydaughter
'sname.

Iwasbackhomeauntywashappysay
ingt
hat
shemissedmealot.
"
MaweifIwer
etost
artmyli
fei
nCapeTown
woul
dyoubeokwi
ththat
"herf
acechanged
"Idon'
twanttobeawayfrom youmydaughter.
Iwoulddoanythi
ngtokeepyouhappyifCape
Towni swhatyouwantt
heny ouhavemy
blessi
ngs.Doyouwanttogothere?
"

"
NoIwasjustaski
ngoutofcur
iosi
ty"wespent
t
her
estoft
hedaycleani
ng.

Fi
nal
lyt
hedayoft
heresul
tscame.Iwaswoken
upbyLi
zwiar
ound4am
WhenIgotout
sidet
hehousehewascar
ryi
ng
t
henewspaper
Hehuggedmesmi
l
ing
"
Arey
our
eadyMaNdaba?
"Inoddedner
vousl
y
IgotaDIwashappy, Lizwigot5Dist
inct
ionsI
huggedhim happi
l
y.Wewenti nsi
demyhouse
tosleepforf
ewhours.Wewokeupar ound
eightandwenttoschooltogetourst
atements.
Ihad40%inmathemat
ics,45%scienceandt
he
restwer
e50sIwascontentwit
hwhatIhad
mindyouIwasnotasmar tper
son.

"Whatar
eyougoi
ngtodof
rom her
eGugu?
"I
shr
uggedmyshoul
ders
"Beadomesti
cwor
kerorwor
katPi
cknPay
'"
hegotangr
y
"
Youaredesti
nedforgreatthi
ngsGuguwewi l
l
makei
tinli
fe'
"InoddedbecauseIwant edt
o
makehi
m happyIwasn'treall
yli
steni
ngtohi
s
l
ect
ures.

Isti
l
lrememberthatdayper
fect
lyi
twas
Januarythe18t
hhecamet omyhousecar
ryi
ng
anenvelope
"
Iam l
eavi
ngnowGugu,Iwant
edtol
eavewit
h
y
ou"webothcri
editwast
hedayIwasgoi
ngto
f
acereal
i
tywi
thouthi
m

"
Pleaset
akecar
eofy
our
sel
fMhl
ongo"
Hesl
i
ght
lychuckl
ed
"Taket
hisenvelope,Iwil
lcomebackbef
oreyou
knowit
.Iwill
findy ouhere.Pr
omi
semet hat
youwil
lwaitforme"

Iki
ssedhissoftpinkli
psthatwasgoodby
e.He
huggedmeIcoul dsmel l
hiscol
ogneonmy
cl
othes.Ir
aninsidethehouseandthr
ewmy sel
f
onthebedcryi
ng.Iopenedtheenvel
opeand
foundaneckl
aceandal et
terwri
tt
enbyhim
expressi
nghi
sloveformeallIcoul
ddowasto
cry.

I
twasfi
nal
lyMar
chIhadbeenl
ooki
ngf
oraj
ob
wi
thnol
uck.
"
MaweIam t i
rednoonecall
smeforan
i
nter
viewnotevenonecal
lnj
ehhayi
Ihavebad
l
uck"shesmiled
"
Bepat
ientchi
l
dGodwi
l
lanswery
ourpr
ayer
s"
Myli
fewasneverthesameagai
n.Sundays
wer
enowdiff
erentther
ewasnoonewai t
ingf
or
mebythegat
e.
Ihadt
heneckl
aceonmyneckev
ery
day
.
Ifi
nall
ygotajobatCar
lt
oncentre,Iwasso
exci
ted.Iwor
kedasamer chandi
seritwas
bett
erthanbei
nghome.
Af
teramonthofworki
ngIboughtaunt
yasetof
pl
atesshet
hankedmecryi
ng.

Thefir
stsemest erwasfinal
lyov
erIwasso
exci
tedIwentt oLizwi'
shousebuthismot
her
tol
dmet hathehadgonet oKwaNongoma.If
elt
myhear tcri
nging,Ihadwait
edforsi
xmonths
buthenev erthoughtofvi
sit
ingme..

Iwasrunni
ngl
atet
hest
upi
dmanf
oll
owedme
agai
nasalway
s
"
Nkosazanapl
easegi
vemeachanceIwon'
t
t
akelong"
Iscr
eamed
"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"Hesmi
l
ed

"
Iwanty
ouandIwi
l
lgety
ou"Il
efthi
m st
andi
ng
t
her
e.
WhenIgott oworkmymanagergavemea
wri
tt
enwar ni
ng.Iworkedthewhol
edaywi t
ha
heavyheart
.WhenIknockedoffIf
oundthat
manwai t
ingforme.Hewassousedt oi
t

"
Howwasy ourdaymyangel
?"Ikeptqui
etand
l
ookedaway
"
Pleasegi
vemeachancetoknowyou.Tel
lme
y
ournameplease"Ir
oll
edmyeyes
"
GuguNdaba"hesmi
l
ed
"HhawuMaNdabaIam Dumi
sani
Zwane.Wher
e
doy oust
ay?
"
"
Sowet
o"hesmi
l
ed
"Ist
ayi
nSowetotooatsnakepark"Iwondered
whyhewastell
i
ngmeal lt
hosethingsbecause
Iwasn'
ti
nter
est
ed.
Wegotinsi
det
hesametaxihepai
dfort
he
t
ranspor
twhocansaynowhenagood
Samar
it
anwant
stobl
essy
ou.

Itwasfinal
l
yafullyearwithoutalet
teroracall
from Li
zwiandhest i
l
ldidn'tcomeforholi
days.
Iwasmi ssi
nghim every
dayt hati
thurt.
Dumisaniwassti
llper
sist
entbuthewasa
di
ff
erentcasebecausehewasn'tsav
edli
keI
was.

Itwasfinal
l
ySundayIwenttochurchear l
y.I
wasleadingthewhol
eservi
ce.Afterthe
worshipservi
cethePast
orpreachedabout
Lovehowweshoul dloveoneanot herhowcan
weloveGodwhowecan' tseeandf ai
ltol
ove
ourbrother
swhoarenexttous.
Af
tert
heser
viceIwentt
obr
otherThabane

"
Bhut
imayIpl
easet
alkt
oyoui
npr
ivat
e"he
noddedandf
oll
owedme
"Unj
anisi
sterGuguhowcanIhel
pyou"It
rust
ed
him hewaskind

"I
sthereaprobl
em i
fachur chgir
ldatesanone
beli
ever
?Dononebeliev
ersabuset heirwi
ves
more"helookedatmethinkingdeep
"Si
sterGuguMarr
yingaChrist
ianornon
Chri
stiani
snott
hebasesandnev eri
sthe
basesofaabusefreer
elat
ionship.
Marri
ageisneverbasedonwhet heroneis
savedornotbutshouldbebasedonCal l
i
ngand
onLoveifthepersonunder
standst hatheor
shewasplacedonear t
hwithapur posethen
evenHisorHerconductswil
lbedi r
ectedby
that
.
TheBibl
esaysAdam andEv ewerecreat
edand
Godsaidthi
sisGood,andHegav eHisbreat
h
ofl
if
eandSaid"Gomul t
ipl
y,befr
uit
fuland
repl
eni
shtheear
th,
takedomini
onovert
hef
ish
oftheseasandt
hebirdsoft
hesky
."
Nowi fyouunderstandthatyoucanseethat
Goddi dn'
tfi
rstspeakaboutLoveHefir
st
creat
edusf orapur posewit
hapurposeof
completeapur pose.
Soonceaguyorgirlunderstandsthatformeto
goandbefrui
tf
ul,t
omul ti
plytorepleni
sh/fil
l
theear
thi
twil
lrequi
reat womanj obaf emal
e
andamale.
Butnowt hethingismenwhoar enotsaved
"perishbecauseofl ackofknowl edge"which
meansbecauset heynotsav edt heynot
enlightenedtothatf actandt heynotdir
ected
wi t
ht hewordt ounder standthatformet o
enteramar r
iageandbesuccessf uli
twil
l
requireapar t
nert oloveandt odomypur pose
wi t
handbei ngabusi vethiswi l
lnotnotbecause
whi chladywillobviouslygiveherselft
oamen
freelywhoi sabusive? ?
Asavedmenont heotherhandi ssupposeto
knowt hatIhaveapur poseandt hewor dal
so
commandsmeasaguyToLov ewhichmeans
formei nmar r
iageIhav earesponsibi
li
tyanda
tasktobeFr ui
tful,
multipl
yandfillt
heearthand
mustlov emywi fe..
.Lovedoesn'tabuse,l
ove
doesn'thurtbutlovegrows,moul dsandmakes
somethinggoodev enbetter
SoaChr i
stianmani sabet t
erwayt ogot o
avoidabuseoraabusi verel
at i
onshi
pbuti n
thesetimesev ensavedmenst i
ll
abusetheir
wifeandki dsincloseddoor ssoy ouasawi fe
orpartneral waysneedstopr ayforyour
husband"Inoddedandt hankedhi m Iwalked
homehav i
ngal otofquest
ionswasIf al
l
ingfor
Dumi

THEUNKEPTWI
FE
#6

Hisbr eat heescalatedheki ssedmyneck

pushi ngmydr essasi de.Myt highswer ebar eto
him goosebumpswer eformi ngonmyski n.
Wi t
hint hebl i
nkofaney emydr esswasal ready
ont hef loor.Iwantedt ost opbutIcoul dn'
tI
l
ov edhowhi sfi
nger swer et ouchingev eryright
placeswi thoutmaki nganymi stakes.Hemov ed
hislipsf rom mymout htobybr eastsInev er
wor ebr asIwasn' taf anoft hem.Hesucked
them maki ngmebr eathlessIwant edhi mt odo
somet hing,Idon'tknowwhatbutsomet hing
hadt ocomeout .Heki ssedmyt orsogoing
downt omycooki e

"Ohfuckyouaresowetbaby "Ihel
pedhimtake
offmypantyIl
ift
edmywai stmakingiteasi
er
forhi
mt oremoveit
.Idon'
tknowwhathewas
doi
ngt omycooki
e.Inamedi tvaginakisses.I
fel
tsomethi
ngpowerfulexi
ti
ngt hr
oughmy
cooki
eitsentmeovertheedgeandl eftme
panti
ng,thi
swasasweetsi n.
Hel
ookedatmewithhi
ssmal
lsexyey
es,
they
wer
edoingsomet
hingt
omybody
"
I'
m sor
rybabyIl
osemymindwhenIam wit
h
y
ou.Iwon'
tdoanythi
ngl
i
kethatev
eragai
n"

"IpeedDumiI
'm sosorry
"hechuckledhidi
ng
hisenor
mousthingthankGodIdidn'tseei
tout
ofthetr
ouser
s.
Het
ookhi
stowel
"
Babyyoudi
dn'
tpee,
comeonweary
ourdr
ess
wehav
esomewheretogot
o"

"Whycan'
tyoucont
inuewi
thwhaty
oust
art
ed
Zwane?"Hesmil
ed
"Iwil
lberightbackIwantt
ofi
ndyouready
"I
gotoffhisbedohdamnInearlybr
okemy
vir
gini
ty.
Hecamebackaf t
er10mi nut
es.Mymanwasso
handsome, hisdimpl
esmadehi mtobemor e
att
racti
ve.Wet ookat axitot
hemal l
weateat
Mike'
sr est
aurantIorderedchipsIdi
dn'
tknow
howt ousef orkandknife

"
Babyar
eyounotgoi
ngt
ogetst
eakorr
ibs"
"Well
Iam fi
neIcantakethem asat akeaway
"
heorderedt
hem andtol
dt hewait
resstoput
them i
nthetakeawaybox.

Wel
aterwentf
orshoppi
ng
"
Guguwhatdoy ouaspir
etobei
nli
fe"Ihat
ed
t
hatquest
ion.If
reakenwant
edt
obeakept
wi
fe.

"Tobeasi
nger
,Ilov
esingingal
othopef
ull
yI
wil
lgetar
ecor
dingl
abel"hesmi
ledhol
dingmy
hand
"Iam doi
ngthi
scarpent
ryt
hingf
orsurv
ival.I
hopeIwil
lsaveenoughmoneyandgeti
nt he
l
ogist
icsst
ream"

"
Thatwoul
dbenice,doy
out
hinkbei
ngahouse
wi
feisabadt
hing?"

"No,ast
ayathomewi fekeepsthehousewarm
andshespendstimewi ththeki
dst
oo.Againi
t
i
simportanttohavesomet hi
ngtol
eanonjust
i
ncasethehusbanddi es.Doyouwanttobea
housewifebaby?"
"
Nonotatal
l
"Il
i
edagai
n.
Af
tershoppi
ngwewentbackhome.

WhenIgothomeIf
oundMawesi
tt
ingout
side
t
hever
anda
"ubuyaphi
maNdabauphet
hei
mit
hwal
o[wher
e
areyoucomingf
rom]?"
Il
aughedatt
hisdr
amaqueen
"
Shoppi
ngcentr
emaweIwaswithDumi"Igot
i
nsi
dethehouseunpacki
ngmyt
hings
"Haveyouf
orgot
tenaboutaboutt
hatboy
Lizwi
?"
"Kahlemaweungabeusay i
thi
ntanjel
eyo
ungincedeungali
thi
vulel
ogama( don'
tyou
darement i
onthatname)"
"Ngi
gezaizandl
azaminganekaPhindi
l
e,
hambajubabayokucut
haphambil
i
"Icried
"Awufuniukungibonangi j
abul
e,nal
owoLi zwi
ungi
bambi seelontul
ophomi nangazelaphi
ukuthiuyangi
thanda(youdon'twanttoseeme
happy,howdoIknowt hathelovesme)now
youarecur si
ngme.Whatshoul dIdoifhe
comesbackmar ri
ed?Shoul dIcryandmov eon
l
ater?somyl ifehastobeonhol dbecauseof
him.Changi yambongauLi zwihehasbr oken
myhear treal
lybad."

"
Isal
akut
shel
asi
bonangomopho"

"Kulungi
l
eaunty(it
'sokaunt
y)Thereisnothi
ng
Icando.Iwil
ldieandfoll
owmom ifitget
s
hard"sheopenedhereyes

"Don'
tyoudar
esayt
hatthi
ngagain.I
nvi
tehi
m
fordi
nnert
omorr
ow.Iwanttoseetheki
ndofa
guyheis"
Thefoll
owingdayDumi camehomehewas
ver
yner v
ous.Theykeptontal
ki
ngandtal
ki
ng
aunt
ywassmi lingt
hroughoutdi
nner
.Iwalked
Dumi outsi
dethegat
e
"
Thanky
ouf
ort
hedi
nnermaNdaba"

"Iam gl
adyoucame"hekissedmycheekand
wenttohispl
ace.Ikeptonwavi
ngathi
m Iwas
acti
ngli
keateenager.

Thandoendedupaccept
ingDumi
weusedt
o
gooutjustt
hethr
eeofus.

Twoyearsoflovingf
rom thi
sman.Dumi was
soamazingIdon'tmeantobr agbuthewasa
goodl
ist
ener.Iwasfinal
l
y22.Ipackedasmal l
bagwewer egoingtoHarteespoor
tforour
anniver
sary.Hebor
rowedhisbrother
'scar
.We
gotthereaftert
wohour
s.Wecheckedi n,i
na
guesthouse.Weweregoingtostayther
efor
thr
eeday s.

Wedi dsomecanoei
ng,Iwassoscar
edhekept
onplayi
ngsil
l
ypranks.Wewentt
obedearl
y
becauseIwastooti
red.
Hewokemeupar oundsixhehadalr
eady
bat
hed.Itookatowelandbathedver
yfast
whenIwasdone.Iwentbackt oourr
oom.He
l
ookedyummyi nhisshorts,
Ideci
dedtowear
myshortstoo.Helookedatmesmi l
ing
"
Getr
eadyf
astwehav
eal
ongdayahead"

Wespentthewholedaytour
ing.Hecar
ri
edme
onhisbackonourwaybackt oourr
oom my
feetwer
enowsor e.Whenwegottotheroom
hegavemeaf ootmassage
"
Iam sot
ir
edZwane"hesmi
l
ed
"MaNdabay
ouar
ever
ylazy
"Ipout
ed
pret
endi
ngt
obemad

Heki
ssedmyneckgoi
ngdowntomyshoul
der
s.
Hesl
owlyr
emovedmyshi
rtbr
ushi
ngmy
ni
ppl
eswit
hhi
slips
"OhDumi "heremov edmyshorts.
.hi
sfi
ngers
tracedmycookiewhi chwasalr
eadyachi
ng,he
remov edhisshi
rtohgodt hi
smanwasa
wal ki
nggod.Hisheadwasi nbetweenmylegs
dev our
ingme.Hei nser
tedhi
stwolargefi
ngers
Iwhi mperedmovingaway

"Iwon'thur
tyoubabypl
ease"Inodded,hetore
thecondom andworeit
.WhenIlookedathis
manhoodIgotscared.Hegrabbedmywai st
kissi
ngmyneck.Ifel
thiminmyent r
anceItri
ed
mov i
ngbackwardsheheldmet ight
ly
"Iwon'thurtyoubabytrustme,doyoutrust
me? "Inodded.Heent eredmeslowlyandlater
pushedhi swholemanhoodIf el
tan
excruciat
ingpainIcr
ied
"Idon'
twantt
odothi
sany
mor
eDumi
stop"he
quickl
ygotof
fme
"Iam sosor
ryGugupleasedon'
tcr
y"Icr
iedhe
conti
nuedcomfort
ingme

THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#7

Dumi l
ookedathert houghtf
ull
yhewas
regrett
ingthefactthathehadbr okenher
vir
ginit
y.Hel ov
edherf rom t
hev eryfi
rstti
mehe
sawher ,
allheeverwant edwast oprotecther
andt akecareofherneeds.Hewant edt obe
successf
ulf
orherbecauseheknewt
hatshe
waslazy

"Iam sosorryDumi
fornotsat
isf
yingyour
needs"IrubbedmyeyesIwasfeel
ingbadfor
l
eadinghim on.

"Iapologi
seGuguweshoul dn'
thav edonethat
i
t'sallonme.Mayy oupleaseforgi
vememy
l
ov e.Thelastt
hingIwantistobeiny ourbad
booksf or
givet
hissil
l
yman"Il aughedlooking
athim

"i
for
giv
eyouZwane,
Ilov
eyou"
"
IloveyousomuchMaNdaba,
youar
etheonl
y
t
hingthatkeepsmesane"

"
Iam gl
adIdot
hat
"Igotof
fthebedl
i
mpi
ng
"
What
'swr
ongmaNdaba?
"Hewasl
aughi
ng
"Gotohel
l i
t'
sburni
ngdownhere,mycooki
eis
onfir
e"Iwenttothebat
hroom t
owatermy
burni
ngcookie,
Iwentbacktobedwekissed
andcuddled.

I
twasf i
nal
lyt
hedayt
ogobackhome.Ipacked
ourt
hingshewasinj
oll
ymood

"Thenwhat'
shappeningyouhav
ebeensmi
l
ing
sincef
orev
er"helaughed

"Iwil
lforevercher i
shtheday swespenthere.I
l
ov eyouGuguy oumeant hewor l
dtomehence
Ipursuedy ouf orav er
ylongt i
me.Ihadtoget
you.Ilovedy out heveryfi
rstti
meIsawy ou"he
wassay i
ngev erythi
ngthatIlongedtohear
from Lizwi
"Il
oveyoutoo,y
ouusedtoannoymehey
honest
lyspeaki
ngIl
ovedyourannoy
ingsel
f"

"
Mhnm y
oul
ovedt
heat
tent
ionIgav
eyou?
"
"
NoIl
i
kedi
t"hel
aughedagai
n.

Wegothomear oundfour
,aunt
ywaswithher
fr
iend.Igr
eetedauntyandwenttoThando'
s
house.Iwentinsi
deherhouseshewasbusy
cooking
"
Todayyoudecidedtogeti
nsi
det
hehouse
wi
thoutscr
eami ngmynameli
keaper
sonwho
i
shighondr ugs"

"
Iam goodandy
ou"shel
aughed

"
Ihav
en'
tev
engr
eet
edy
ouany
wayhowar
eyou?
Howwast
het
ri
p?"

"Iam gooddearwel
lIenj
oyedweev entook
pict
ures"Ideci
dedt
otell
herever
ything

"
Gugudi
dyousl
eepwi
thhi
m?"
"NoIdi
dn'
thej
usti
nsert
editoncet
henI
scr
eamedhest
opped.Iam st
il
laVi
rgi
nri
ght
?"

"NoyouarenotGugu,Idon'
tevenknowwhatto
sayt
oy oubecauseyouarealwaysondef
ence
mode"

"Ican'
tsingatchur
chany
moreThandoIhav
e
sinned.MyGodIbrokemypr
omise"

"
List
enmyangel
thebi
blesay
snomat
terhow
manyt i
mesarighteousmanf all
shewil
lri
se
agai
n.Youmayt akeabr eakfrom t
heworshi
p
team andwor
kony ourpuri
ty"

"
ThankyouThandoyoumybestf
ri
endandI
l
oveyouforal
waysshowi
ngmetheway"
"
Iknowright
,eveni
fyouar
eStubbornIt
oler
ate
y
ou,weallmakemist
akesbutwelear
nfrom
t
hem r
ight"

"Youar
erightThando,
Iam goi
ngpl
ease
accompanymehome"

Igothomearoundsi
x,Icookedforaunt
y.When
IcheckedmyphoneIhadadozenofmi ssed
cal
lsandmessagesfr
om Dumi .Thi
sguywas
somethingel
se.
Myphoner
ang
"
Baby
"
"OhGody ouarealiveIhavebeenstressi
ng
aboutyouGugupl easecarryyourphonewith
youalwaysdoy ouwantmet odieofheart
att
ack"Il
aughedunt il
tear
scameout
"
YesZwanesot
ell
mewhat
'swr
ong?
"He
l
aughed
"Imi
ssedheari
ngyourv oi
ce,
nowthatIhav
e
hear
ditIam sat
isf
ied.Areyoudonecooki
ng?
"

"
Iam al
mostdone,
Ilov
eyoubaby
.Wewi
l
l
t
alkt
omorr
ow"

"Il
oveyoumorethanIl
ovemy
sel
f"Igi
ggl
ed
droppi
ngthecal
l
.

Iwal
kedtotheli
vi
ngr
oom If
oundaunt
ycr
ying
hol
dinghi
spict
ure
"Mawewhyar eyoudoi
ngt
histoyoursel
f?
Pleasel
ethi
m go.Al
lowhi
mt oresti
npeace"

"Ilovedhi m GuguIsti
llr
emembert hedayI
wal kedintotheyardoftheMaphol obas.That
manwor shi
ppedthegroundIwal kedon.Iam
gladt hatItooktheteachingsthatmymot her
gav eme.Hewasn' tperfectbutIstoodbyhim"

"IhearyouMawebutpleasefr
eehi
m.Hei
sina
peacefulpl
ace"shel
aughed

"whoknowsmay behei
sinhel
l(webot
h
l
aughed)onaseri
ousnot
etakewhat
everI
taughtwi
thy
ou.Youwil
lnev
ergowronginl
if
e"
"
TodayIam sl
eepi
ngwi
thy
ou,
Imi
ssedy
ou"
"
Mhnm Iwouldli
ketobel
i
eveyou.Icansee
t
hatZwaneboyhasdonesomethi
ngmhnt ell
me"
"
NoIwon'
t"Il
aughedgoi
ngt
otheki
tchen.

Thefol
lowi
ngSundayIdidn'
tsi
ngatchurch
peopl
ewereaski
ngwhy ,
Itoldt
hem thatIwas
si
ckthosewer
enotli
esIwasspi r
it
uall
ysick

I
twasoneofthosebori
ngSat
urday
sMawe
wasn'
tar
oundshehadgonetoMpumal
angaf
or
herownper
sonalr
easons.
Ipackedami
nibagandwentt
oSnakepar
k.
Hewasn'
thomeIhadmyownspar
ekey
s.
Igoti
nsi
det
hehouseandst
art
edcooki
ngf
or
hi
m.
Hecamebackar
oundsi
x
"Whatasurpr
iseMaNdabawhatar
eyou
cooki
ngforme"hewaskissi
ngmyneck.The
manhadthepowertomakemef
eel
weakwi
th
hi
ssexymuscul
arbody.
"St
opwhatyouaredoi
ngort
hepot
swi l
lget
burnt
"Il
aughedmovi
ngawayfr
om hi
m.

WhenIwasdonecooki
ngIdi
shedf
orhi
m we
l
aterwashedt
hedi
shes.

Hecuppedmyf aceandsmashedhisli
pson
mine.Hewaslikeasalv
ati
ontomyneed.The
ar
omachanged, wewerebothhungr
yforeach
ot
her.Hecarr
iedmet othebedandremoved
mydr ess.
Hisfi
ngersdeli
cat
elymov edaroundmysor e
ni
pples.Hewentdowncar essingmybodyunt i
l
hereachedmypant y.Iki
ssedhimthemanwas
goodatwhathedid.Hehadbar el
ytouchedme
hewasout l
i
ningeverysensit
ivespotofmy
body.
"
Zwane"hi
sey
eshadgot
tensmal
l
Het or
emypant yIl
ookedathim notangr
ybut
desperat
elyhesawitt
oo.Hewentdownt omy
cookieandfli
ppedmythrobbi
ngclitwi
thhis
gi
ftedtongue.

Iwasscr eamingohgodt herewasnothi

ngso
sweetl i
kethat.Histonguewasdoi ngwonders
helaterpinchedmycl it
.Ifel
taneroti
cli
qui
d
comi ngoutfrom mycooki eitl
eftmepowerless
myl egswer eshaking.Her emovedhisshi
rt
andhi spants.Icouldscanhishugemanhood
i
nsidet hebri
efs
Hegotont
opoft
hebedandki
ssedme
"Youtast
esoni
ceIcoul
deaty
out
hewhol
e
day"
"
Lizwi"ohgodIwassot
onguet
ied.It
ast
edmy
j
uicesonhi
sli
ps
Histonguefl
ickeredacrossmyni pple,hi
steet
h
soft
lyenci
rcl
edme, bi
ti
ngitgent
lyIcr i
ed.There
wassomet hi
ngbui ldi
ngupinmeagai nit
wantedtobef reed.Hestoppedandpar t
edmy
l
egsadmi r
ingmybar efl
eshIwasr idicul
ously
bl
ushing
Heposi
ti
onedhi
msel
finsi
deme
"
Lizwi
"Iwassowetandsosl
i
ckl
y
"Il
oveyoubabydoy ouunder standIlovey ou
withmywhol ehear t.Pleasedon' tcryhoneyI
wil
l moveslowly"tearswer eformi nginthe
cornerofmyey es.Myv aginal wallswere
ti
ghteni
ngar oundhiscock, thef eeli
ngwas
bit
tersweet.Hest artedmov ing,hi
sst r
okes
wererhythmicall
ytheyal lcarri
edemot i
ons.He
wassweat i
ngsowasI
"FuckGuguwhatareyoudoi
ngtome?Damn
thi
shomet hi
sisf
uckenhome"onelastt
hrust
sentmeovertheedgewewerebothpanti
ng
hotl
i
qui
dfl
owedi
nbet
weenmyt
highs

THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#8

Hegotofft
hebedangr
y.IguessIdidn'
tsat
isf
y
hi
m Iwasnewtothi
shehadt ounderst
and
"
Gugugi
vemey
ourphone"
"
Hhayibooutofnowherey
ouhav
etur
nedsour
what
'swrongZwane?"
"
Itwasgoi
ngtobebett
eri
fyouhadcal
l
edme
t
hatdur
ingi
nti
macy"
Ipani
cked,
Iact
edconf
usedIhadt
ocookout
l
ies
Hewalkedtothetabl
eandtookmyphonehe
keptonsear
chingIhadnot
hingt
ohi
de
"
Dumiwhat
'
swrong?Isthi
showy
out
hankme
f
orgi
vi
ngupmypuri
tytoyou"

"WhoisLi
zwi?HereIam busywi
thyouandy ou
cal
ledmeLizwidoyouknowhowt hatbr
uised
myegoGugulethu?
"
Il
aughedIhadt
obesmar
t
"Myaunt
y'
slat
ehusbandwasLizwi.Somy
aunt
yoft
encall
syouLizwi
becauseoftheway
youl
oveme"

"Guguucabangaukuthi ngi
yi
sil
i
makahle
kahle,
ngi
yintoyokudl
alwauyanya(youthi
nk
thatIam stupi
d,Iam somethi
ngthatyoucan
t
oywi
th,
youar
emad)
"

mytear
sweresupposedt
oplayat
ri
ckIcr
ied
asi
fsomeonewaswhippi
ngme
"Todayyouar equest
ioni
ngmyl oveforyou
Dumi ?HaveIeverli
edtoy ou?Youwer emyf i
rst
boyfr
iend.Ishoul
dhav eknownbetter"Igotoff
thebedwi pi
ngmy sel
fIt ookmydresshecame
tomekneel i
ngdown
"Iam sosorryGuguforaccusi
ngy ou.Iknow
thatIactedoutofpr
oporti
onpleaseforgiveme.
Iknowy ouwouldneverhurtme"

"
Ifor
giveyoubabypl
easedon'
tev
erdoubtmy
l
oveforyou"
"Iwon'
tev
erdoubti
t"heki
ssedmyf
orehead
andwenttomyli
ps
"
Dumi
wedi
dn'
tuseacondom,
Idon'
twantt
o
getpr
egnantIam st
il
lyoung"

"
Youwon'
tgetpr
egnantbaby
,Ipul
l
edout
"

"
Ifel
tsomet
hinghoti
nsi
deme"

"Gugulookatme,doy outr
ustmebaby( Gugu
nodded)Iwouldneverli
etoyoubecausemy
heartbeat
sforyou"
"It
rusty
ouZwane"hewentt
otheshel
vesand
pull
edoutt
wocondoms
Hewassomet
hingel
sewheni
tcamet
o
i
nti
macy
"Gugubendov erIwantt oseemycooki
ebar e"I
blushedDumi wast urni
ngmei nt
osomethingI
wasn'tIcoul
df eel
my selfget
ti
ngwetagain.He
i
nser t
edtwofingersinsi
demeIgasped
"Youar
emineal
oneGuguIam notgoi
ngt
o
sharey
ouwit
hanyone"Inodded
"
Doyouunder
standGugu?
"Ir
espondedi
nal
ow
v
oice
"Yesbabyyes"hespankedmyassIwasalready
l
eaking.HefuckedmehardIcoul
dbarel
yfeel
mybodyIlostbalanceandf
ell
.If
eltl
i
kemy
backhaddislocat
ed.
Hecar
ri
edmet
obed,
Iimmedi
atel
ysl
ept
.
Iwokeupt
henextmor
ningandsawhi
min
fr
ontofme
"Goodmorni
ngmaNdaba"Ibl
ushedf
aci
ngt
he
othersi
de
"
Iwantt
osl
eepmybodyi
ssor
e"

Thetrut
hisIhadstoppedgoingtochur
ch
becauseIcoul
dn'
tli
veadoubl el
i
fe.Iwokeup
thenextmorni
ngfeeli
ngnauseous
"
MaweIam dy
ing"shecamet
othewi
thaj
arof
wat
er
"
Guguwhat
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?"
"
It
'sast
omachbugIthi
nk.If
eell
ikemysoul
is
l
eavi
ngmybody"Iwasevensweati
ng
"
Youarepr
egnantwenaGugu,whenwast
he
l
astt
imeyouwenttoyourper
iods?"

"Ifi
nishedmyper
iodsy
est
erdayMaweIcan'
tbe
pregnant"
"IhopesoGugubecausei fyouareyouwoul d
hav edisappointedme.Itoldyouthat
fornicationisasinbutyouneverli
stened.You
hav eev enstoppedgoingtochurch.Youtasted
thef orbiddenfr
uitchi
l
d"
"
Isinnedi
nfrontofGod'
sey
esandy
our
spl
ease
f
orgiveme"
"
Goandbat
hwehav
etogot
othecl
i
nic"
Aft
eranhourwel eftf
orcl
ini
c.Itest
edf
orSTDs
Iwasnegat
ive,theydi
dthepregnancyt
estt
hey
cameposit
ive.Iwentbacktoaunty
"
Whati
swr
ongGugu?
"Icr
ied
"Iam t
womonthspr
egnantmawe"Icoul
dn'
t
holdmysobs

"youwenttoSnakepar kal
oneandopenedyour
l
egsv ol
unt
arybequietnow,mydaughteri
t'
s
nottheendoftheworld"

"
Ishoul
dhav
eli
stenedt
oyoumom"

"Achil
disagifty
oucan'tr
egret
,Iam her
eto
supportyou"
.Mymoodwentt ozero,
whenIgot
homeIt ookDumisani
'
ssparekeysandwentto
hishouse.
Iwasmadatmy selfIdecidednott
ocookhe
hadanot
herthi
ngcomi ngforhi
m.Hecamein
aft
eranhourIcr
iedmor ehehuggedme
"
Heybabywhat
'swr
ong?
whathappened?"
"Youhappenedmyl i
fewasnor
mal bef
oreyou
camei nt
othepict
ure.NowIam pr
egnant,
Iam
freakenpr
egnant"

"
Wooowbabyam Igoi
ngt
obeaf
ather
?Damn
t
hanky
ouGugu"
"Doesi tr
ingtoyouthatwearenotmarri
ed.
Dumi saniIcan'
tst
ayathomeany more.Fi
ndus
ar oom wear emovi
ngt omorr
ow.Whatwillt
he
peoplewhoknowmesay ?Iwil
lbepacki
ngmy
bagst oni
ght.Tomorrowyoushouldcomeand
pickmeup"
"
Whyar
eyoul
i
vingf
orpeopl
eGugu?
"
"
Byeseey
out
omor
row"Il
efthi
shouseaf
terI
bangedt
hedoorsohar
dher
anaf
terme
"
Don'
tyoudar
etouchmel
eav
emeal
one"
"
CanIl
eav
eyouathome?
"
"
DidIcomewi
thy
ou?Am Inowbl
i
nd?"Iwal
ked
v
eryfast
.

WhenIgothomeIf
oundaunt
yreadi
ngt
hebi
ble
"
Didy
out
ell
him Gugu?
"
"He'
shappymaweandwear
emov
ingf
rom
heret
omorrow"
"Whywasn'
tIi
nf or
medGugu?Youl
ovemaki
ng
yourowndeci
sions.Wheni
tget
shar
dyou
comebacktome"

"Peopl
ewil
ll
aughatmeIcan'
tst
ayher
e
anymore"
"
Whydon'
tyouwai
tforhi
mtomar
ryy
oubef
ore
y
oumov
einwi
thhi
m MaNdaba?
"

"Iam notmovinginwi t
hhim becauseIwant
himt omarr
ymeIam doi ngitbecauseIam
hidingmydisgrace"Iwenttotheroom and
packedmyt hingsIreadthelet
terthatLi
zwihad
wr i
ttenf
orme
"Iknowmyl ovethatfouryear
swi t
hout
communi cat
ionwon' tbeeasyforyou.Trustme
i
t'sgoingt obewor thit
.Iwill
comebackwi tha
bookt hathas1460pageswr i
tt
enaboutt he
daysspentwi thoutcommuni cati
ngwi t
hy ou.Be
patientloveyours"Icri
edIshouldhavebeen
patient.Dumi cal
led
"
Whatdoy
ouwantDumi
sani
?"
"Iwant
edtotel
lyout
hatIgotar
oom i
n
Phumulong"
"
Okseey outomorr
owasl ongasIam away
f
rom her
ey oucanevenf
indaroom i
nVendaI
wi
l
lst
il
lgo"

"
Ilov
eyouGugu"Idroppedthecall
.Icr
iedthe
whol
enight
,Ihadbetr
ayedLizwiandmy sel
f.

Iwokeupwithswolleneyes.Auntywastalki
ng
Dumi i
ntheki
tchenIjustpassedthem Ir
ant o
thetoi
l
ettovomitagainIfel
tdrai
ned.WhenI
rai
sedmyheadDumi wasbesidemecar ryi
nga
j
arofwater
"
Ithur
tsDumi
"Icr
iedhehuggedme
"Iam sosorr
ymyl ove,
l
etmegetyourt hi
ngs"I
gotri
dofthenecklaceandthel
ett
ery est
erdayI
wasn'twort
hofhim anymore.Wedr oveto
Phumulonghisbrother
shel
pedust osettl
e
down.Theykeptonsay i
ngcongr
atulati
ons,I
pret
endedtobehappy
TWOMONTHSLATER

Li
zwipar
kedoutsideGugu'
shousecar
ryi
ng
fl
ower
s.Herauntyopenedthedoor
"HeyLizwi
youar
esogr
own(
Laughi
ng)i
t'
s
beenlongmyson"

"
Longi
ndeedmom Imi
ssedyoualot
.Wher
eis
mywif
etobe"t
heybot
hlaughed
"
Shedoesn'
tstayher
eany
mor
e.Letmemake
y
ousomecof f
ee"

THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#9
Theaunt
ymadecof
feef
orLi
zwi
whowas
smil
i
ng
"Li
zwisohowareyouit
'sbeenlong?Areyou
alr
eadyworki
ng?"aunt
ywasrunningoutof
conver
sat
ionsshewasscar
edofwhatLi zwi
wasgoingtoask

"YesauntyIwi
l
lsendmyunclesher
esoon
(Laughi
ng)sothatIcanmar
ryGugu"aunt
y
coughed
"Ihearyoumyson,whydi
dn'tyoucal
lGugu
wheny ouwereaway?Doyouknowt hatshe
spentmostoftheti
mescryi
ngt hi
nki
ngthaty ou
haveneglect
edher
?"Li
zwirubbedhisforehead

"IknowauntybutItol
dherthatwewer enever
goingtocommuni cat
eforfouryears.Sheknew
thatIdon'
tunderst
andwhyGuguact sli
kea
babymostoft heti
me(Laughing).Ihadasked
hert ocomewi t
hmebutsher efusedI
under stoodthat .Iwasdoi ngev erythingforour
futureIknewt hatifIhadcont actedIwasgoi ng
topackmybagsandcomebackwi thout
thinkingtwice.Thati showmuchIl oveher ,
she'soneper sonwhocant ellmet oj umpandI
woul ddoi twithoutt hi
nkingt wicet hatishow
muchshecont r
olsme.Il ovehermor ethanI
l
ov emy sel
f.Iwoul ddoany thi
ngt omakeher
happy .AllIneedi sy outobl essusaunt y,I
woul dliketot hanky ouforgr oomi ngherf or
me.Ipr omi sey out hatIwilltr
eatherwi thlov
e
andr espectshewi llneverlackany thingi nher
l
ife"aunt ysli
ght l
ysobbed
"
Lizwi
youareagoodman.MayGodr
aisemor
e
menli
keyou"
"Pr
overbs1v7say sThefearoft heLordisthe
begi
nningofwisdom butfoolsdespisewisdom.
WhenIgotsav edItol
dmy selft
hatIwi l
lnever
l
ivetheli
feIl
i
vedbef or
e.PleasegivemeGugu' s
numbersImi
ssheral
ot"aunt
ygav
eLi
zwi
Gugu'
snumbers

"AuntyIam leaving,y oumaykeepthefl

owers
andt hechocolatessi ncet
hestubbor
nlady
decidedtomov eout .Whoisshestayi
ngwit
h
now? "Theywer ei nt
er r
upt
edbyLizwi
'sri
ngi
ng
phone.Lizwideci dedt owalkoutwav
ing.

AtPhumul
ong..

Ihadbeenpacki
ngandsor
ti
ngoutt
hegr
ocer
y
myphonerang
"
Mawehowar
eyou?"
"
Iam notgoodGuguLi
zwi
washer
e,heasked
f
oryournumbers"
"
Youar
ejoki
ngr
ight
?"
"Guguit
'sbadIdon'tevenknowwhattosayt o
you.Iam di
sappointediny
ou,hehadtoldyou
thathewasgoi ngtocomebackafterf
oury ears.
Guguwhyar ey ouacti
ngli
keababy?"Icri
edt he
dayhadar r
ived

"MaweIam humanImakemi st
akes.IknowI
am st
ubbornItr
ytocont
rol
itbutIcan'
t.How
doeshelooknow?"
"
Helookshandsomey oul
ostaGodf ear
ing
man.I
t'
sbett
erbecauseyouhaveDumi he
l
ooksl
ikeagoodman.Howi sitt
here?"

"HehasbeengoodIcan'
tcompl
ain.Iam f
rom
shoppi
ngcent
rehehadgivenmoneytobuy
grocer
y"
"
Guguy ouhavetogoandl ookforajobsince
youdon'twantschool.Youcan'tdependon
Dumisani'
spay.Standupfory oursel
fandwork
y
oudon'
tknowwhatt
hef
utur
ehol
dsf
ory
ou"
"Iwi
l
lseeaf
terbi
rt
h,t
hispr
egnancyi
snotdoi
ng
anyj
usti
cet
omeIam al wayssi
ck.Myf
eetare
swol
len"
"Youarepr
egnantnothandicappedorcr i
ppled
whycan'ty
oubel ikeyoursi
sters.Theyare
employedeveniftheyearnpeanuts.Gugube
awakenedumhl abauzokuhl
abasi s(t
hisworld
will
makey ousuffer
)Iknowt hatIam annoying
youbutify
out akemywor dsy ouwillt
hankme
oneday"

"Ihearyoul etmegoIam cookingthefoodis

burningIlov ey
ou"Idroppedt
hecallIhad
gainedwei ghtIwasnowwear i
ngsize34Iused
towearsi ze28/30.Ir
eceiv
edacall
f r
om an
unsav ednumber
"
MaNdaba"hisvoi
cewasnowdeeperIswearI
f
eltsomet
hingt
wisti
ngi
nsi
demystomach
"
Mhl
ongo"
"
Lali
hlei
phimbol akhokwathi
agide(hownicei
s
yourvoi
ce,Ifeel
likedanci
ng)Ihavebeen
wait
ingforthi
sday .
"
"Oh"Iwasoutofwor
dsGodknowsIwant
edt
o
speak
"Guguwhat'
swrong?Ar
eyounotexci
tedt
o
hearfr
om me?"
"
Iam excit
edIam shocked.Ican'tbel
ievet
hat
t
hedayhasf i
nal
l
yar r
ived.Ineverthoughty
ou
wer
eev ergoi
ngtocomeback.Wel comeback
Mhl
ongo"

"ImissyousomuchGugucany out ellmet he

placeyouareatpl easeIwantt oseey ou.Iwant
totouchthatbeaut i
fulbodyofyour s.Ihave
beenlongingforthosesweetj uicylipsforthe
past1460day s,35040hour sIhav ebeen
counti
ngal l
thelonelynightsspentwi thoutyou.
Nowt hatIam hereIpromiset
owi peaway
everyt earsofyour
sandsubstitut
ethem with
j
oy ,
Iwantt omaker i
ghtwithy
ou.Youwillonly
experiencej oyMaNdaba.Youhavetobemi ne
off
icially"Iwascry
ing
"
Ican'
tmeety
out
odaycanwemeett
omor
row"
"
Ilov
eyouGuguwi
thal
lthati
sinme"

"
Wher
ear
ewemeet
ingt
omor
row?"

"Four
waysinMuggnBeanat10.Ii
ntendt
o
spoil
youthewhol
eday
"

"Mybatteryi
slowby e..
"IdroppedthecallIwas
doomedt hoseweret heresul
tsofbeing
stubborn,
theresul
tsofthinki
ngthatIknewi tal
l.
Ifonl
yIcouldturnbackthehandsoft ime.If
onlyIhadgonet oCapeTownwi t
hLizwiIwoul d
havebeenspeakingadif
ferentstor
y.If
inished
cooki
ngandwentt obed.Idon'tknowwhen
Dumicamehome.If el
thiscol dhandsaround
mywaist.Hewasbusybr ushinghishardcock
onmybut t
.Ipret
endedtobesl eepi
ngunt i
lI
coul
dn'
ttakeitanymore.
"
Dumiyourhandsarecol
dpl
easest
opi
t.Iam
t
ir
edIwanttosleep"
"Iam sor
ryIwi
llwarmt hem up"het
ri
ed
touchi
ngmeagai n.Iknewwhathewant edbut
hewasn'tget
ti
nganyt onight"
Dumipleasedon'
t
touchmeIwantt osleep"

"Babypl
easejustoneround.Iwantt
ofeel
you
pleasemaNdaba"Irai
sedmyheadf aci
nghim
"Isai
dnott
oday,
shoul
dIsleeponthefloornow
errhsot
hatyoucanunder
standthatIdon'
t
want.Cl
ear
lyyoudon'
tunderst
andthewor dNo"
"
Iam sor
ryGugudon'
tbi
temyheadof
f"I
chuckl
edbi
tt
erl
y
"WhywouldIstar
twit
hyou?si
ncewhendoIbi
te
peopl
e'
sheadspleasedon'
tboreme"If
elt
gui
lt
yaft
erwards

"
Sor
rymamakhesl
eept
ightIl
ovey
ou"

"
Mhmm"

Iwokeupt henextmor ni
ngl at
e,Dumihadl ef
ta
l
etterapol
ogisi
ng.Itwasn'thimitwasallme.I
l
efthomet wohour searl
i
erIor deredt
eaI
couldn'
tdr
inkcoffee.Li
zwi walkedinhelooked
ver
yhandsomeIwant edtojumponhi m butI
couldn'
t

"MaNdabawoowyoulook.
.fati
nagoodway
standupandhugme.I
t'
sbeenlong"Iwant
edt
o
st
andupbutIcoul
dn'
tIst
art
edcr
ying
"
Mhl
ongohowar
eyou?
"
"Guguwhat
'swr
ongst
opcr
ying,
whatwi
l
l
peopl
esay?"

"
Iam sososor
ryLi
zwi
"
"Gugutal
k"Istooduphel
ookedatme
chuckl
i
ngbitterl
y
"
Noy ouar
eki
ddi
ngmer
ight
.Ist
hisapr
ank
Gugu?"
"If
eltl
onel
ythenImovedon.Idi
dn'
twantt
obut
hepursuedmef ormor
ethantwoyear
s.It
ri
ed
but"

"Don'
ttel
lmenonsenseGugu,doy ouknowhow
manyt empt
ati
onsIpassedwithoutfail
ure.Gi
rl
s
offer
edthemsel
v esbutIgl
adl
yrej
ectedt hem.
I
st hi
showy outhankamanwhor espected
yourbodyandwantedmarri
agebefor
esex.I
wasn'tst
upi
dbutIunder
stoodyourwort
h"
"
Iam sor
ry"
"Themilkhasalreadybeenspi l
led.Youwasted
myt i
memyf ouryearsGugu.Myf ri
endswere
ri
ghtwhent heysaidchurchgirl
sar ewhores
damny ouwast edmyt i
me( shakinghishead).I
can'
tbeli
evet hi
s,
thi
sissounbel i
evabl
e.Iwant
tobeli
evethatIam dreaming.Thi sisal
lajoke
woow"

"For
givemeLi
zwi
Iwant
edatt
ent
iony
oual
so
contr
ibut
edt
omymist
ake"

"Don'
tyoudareincludemei ny ourstupi
dit
y.
Whydi dyouevenagr eetomeetupwi thme?To
showmey ourpregnancy?Andgl oatrubbi
ngit
onmyf ace.ToyouIwasast upidboysoy ou
fi
nall
ymett hesmar tguywhowant edwhatyou
want
ed.Woowthisist
hebestsurpr
iseofmy
l
if
eIwil
lcar
ryt
hisfort
herestofmylif
e"

"
Lizwipl
easedon'
tsayt
hat
."Her
ubbedhi
s
t
earyeyes
"Youwil
lnev
erseemeagai
n, y
ouar eworse
thanJudasI
scar
iot
.Iwi
l
lneverforgi
veyou"I
cri
edsomuchIpull
edhi
strouserskneel
ing
down
"
Pleasef
orgi
vemeMhl
ongo"
"Don'ty
oudareut
termysur
name.Doy
oul
ove
him Gugu?"
"
Icar
eabouthi
m"
"Ican'tbeli
evethatal
lofmydr eamshavebeen
shattered.Allal
ongIthoughtthatyouwer e
goingt obet hemotherofmyki ds.Byehavea
nicelife"helookedatmewi t
hf uryanddisgust
onelastt ime.
Ipai
df ormyteaalley
eswer eonme.Iwas
embar r
assedtear
swer ef
all
ingdownonmy
cheeksinvol
untar
yItr
iedstoppi
ngthem butI
couldn'
t.

WhenIgothomeIthrewmybagont hefloor
andwenttot
hebedroom.Icr
iedunt
ilIcouldn'
t
takei
tany
more.
Dumi
wal
kedi
n
"
Babywhat
'swr
ong?I
sthebabyok?
"
"
YesIam f
ineIt
hinki
t'
sthehor
mones"
"Letmemassageyourfeetbabyt
omakey ou
feelbet
ter
"het
ri
edtouchingmeIpushedhim
away

"I
t'
shi
mri
ghtGugu?I
t'
shi
m woow"heshook
hi
sheadl
aughi
ng
"Whatar
eyoutal
ki
ngaboutDumi
sani
?Iam
get
ti
ngtempt
edtonight
"
"
Iam gl
ady
ouknowi
ttoo?
"
"
Munt
u(Per
son)whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"
"
SoLizwii
sbackt
hati
swhyIam bei
ngi
l
l
t
reat
ed"

"
Idon'
tevenknowwhatyouaret
alki
ngabout
j
ustl
eavemeoutofyourbul
l
shit
"

"Iheardclear
lyyouwhenyousaidLi
zwi,Iwasn'
t
stupidtoconti
nuewithwhatIhadst
art
ed.If
youwantt ogobackt oLi
zwiyouhavetobe
patientandgivebi
rt
htomybaby ,mybabywill
staybehind"
"Dumiy
ougotmepregnantonpur
poseri
ght
?
Yousai
dyouhadpul
ledout.Di
dyoupul
lout
?"
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#10

Iwassoconf usedDumi
hadtr
ickedme.Icr
ied
hejustsatnexttomewi
tht
earscomingout
fr
om histi
nyey es

"
Mybabyisnotami st
akeGugudon'
tyoudar
e
t
akeouty
ourfrust
rati
onsoni
t"

"
Youtr
ickedmeZwanet
hisi
ssowr
ongi
nso
manyl
evels"
"Pul
li
ngouti
snot100%accurat
e"Inoddedand
wentbacktobed.Al
lmyli
feIhadbeen
dependi
ngonMaweshehadpr otect
edmeal l
herli
fenowIhadtofacer
eal
it
y.Heslight
ly
shakedme
"
Pleasedon'
tcr
yIam real
l
ysorr
yIl
ovey
ouso
muchandIdon'twantt
olosey
ou"
"Youwon'tlosemeDumi st
opcry
ing"he
huggedmef r
om behindwebothfel
lint
o
sil
ence.Icouldst
il
lseethehat
redanddisgust
i
nLi zwi
'seyes.
Iwokeupthenextmor
ningwi
thDumi
sani
'
sleg
overme.
"
Arey
ounotgoi
ngt
owor
kZwane?"
"NoIam bondi
ngwi
thmymi
nif
ami
l
ytoday
"I
smil
ed
"Youar
est
il
lthecr
azymanImetf
oury
ear
s
ago"
"Ipl
antobeonef ortherestofourli
ves"I
smil
edlookingathim IhadnotlovedDumi
morethanLizwibutthemi nit
hingshedidfor
mewer emakingmet olovehi
m.Wespentt he
wholedaylooki
ngforourbaby 'sbed
IwasnoweightmonthspregnantDumiwas
hel
pingmebath,
heusedt odocrazythi
ngs
whenhewasbathingmeIwoul dlaughathi
s
si
ll
yass.It
ri
edcookingf
orhim hecameback
ear
li
er
"
Soshecooked"heki
ssedme
"
Dumi
"
"
ImissedyouMaNdaba, t
hispregnancyi
s
maki
ngy ousexy.FeelhowhardIam"het ook
myhandandpl acediti
nfrontofhim

"
Leav
emeal
one,
howwasy
ourdaymyl
ove"
"Goodwel
lIfoundusahouseinKli
pfont
einI
don'
twantyoutogiv
ebir
thint
histownship.
Youtwoneedtobeinasafeenvi
ronment"I
huggedhi
m
"
Dumi
Ilov
eyou,
Iam gr
atef
ulf
orwhaty
oudo
i
nthi
shousehol
d"
"Iam gr
ateful
thatyoul
ovemethewayIam
andalsoforgivi
ngmeat i
tl
eofafather
.I
promisetoprotecty
ouandtol
oveyou
uncondit
ional
ly"

"
Arewegetti
ngmarried?Iswearthosef
eltl
i
ke
v
ows.Iam evencr
ying"hekissedmynose.
Idi
shedforhi
m, Dumi
wasv eryt
alkat
ivebuthe
spokest
upidt
hingsmostoftheti
me.

Thefoll
owingdayhi
sbr other
scameand
packedevery
thi
ngforme.Wewer emovi
ngt
oa
suburbIl
ovedtheplaceitwaspeacef
ul.
Thewivesweredoingthepacki
ngwhi l
eIwas
si
tt
ing.Iwasreal
lycl
osetohisfi
rstbrot
her'
s
wif
ethethingiswewerebothChrist
ians.
Whenev er
ythingwassett heycooked.WhenI
walkedininsidet hehousethelastbornwho
wasagangst erlookedatmei nappropr
iat
ely
butIbrushedi toffIcoul
dn'tbri
ngmy sel
ftotal
k
tohimt hati
showscar edIwasofhi m.

Dumiwasnowusinghisbrot
her
'scar
.Iwas
wokenupbyanex cr
uci
ati
ngpai
n,Ist
agger
ed
goi
ngtothebat
hroom
Dumi
fol
l
owedme
"
Whatdoyouwant?"Ihat
edhowhefol
lowed
mear
oundasifIwassell
i
ngsomet
hing
"
Isawy
ou.
."Iscr
eamed
"
Dumisanit
hisf
eel
sli
kedeat
h..uh.
.Iswearit
's
myl
asttime.Whyar
eyousti
ll
standi
ngthere?"

Her
ant
othebedr
oom t
aki
ngt
hecarkey
s.
Hewasner
voushet
ookt
hebagswewer
e
al
wayspreparedj
usti
ncaseifIweretogot
o
l
abourbecauseIknewthatIwasgoi
ngtogi
ve
bi
rt
hanyti
mesoon

Hecar
ri
edmet
othecar
"Youwilldr
opmeDumisani
"hesmi
ledhi
s
stupi
dit
ywasir
ri
tat
ingmemoreandmore.He
l
atercall
edMawe
"Guguareyouokay ?
"Howdoesoneaskan
obviousquest
ion.Il
ookedathi
m andcl
osed
myey es.
"
Iwill
givebir
thinthi
scarifyoudri
vesl
ow
(Dumidrov
ef ast
er)Ididn'
tsaygetuski
l
led.
Dumi what
'syourprobl
em "

Wefinall
yreachedJohannesbur
ghospi
tal
.The
nur
sescamer unni
ngtowardsIhadt
ositonthe
wheelchai
r.
Dumiwentbacktot
hecartogetmybags.We
wer
etakentothemater
nit
yward.
Thedoct
orcameandaskedmet oopenmy
l
egs.Heinser
tedhi
stwof
inger
s.
"
Mam Icanfeel
theheadit
'snearopeny
our
l
egswi
der"hecall
edfort
henurse.

"
Mait
'st
imeforyoutopush,youar
eluckyuh
y
oudi
dn'
tgetanylabourpai
ns"

IpushedIwant
edt
ocl
osemyl
egst
henur
se
sl
appedme
"Heyopenyourl
egswi
dersi
si"shewassor
ude
shewasthedevi
l'
sadv
ocate

Ipushedf
ort
hel
astIhear
dadeaf
eni
ngsound.
Il
i
ter
all
ycr
iedIhadbr
oughtal
i
fe

"I
t'
saboyheissobi
g"t
heywei
ghedhim hewas
3.
6kg.Hi
sfat
herwal
kedinsmi
l
ing.Ihanded
hi
mt oDumi
"
Siy
abongaZwane"Ismi
l
edt
hrought
ear
s
"
Hel
ooksl
i
key
ouZwane"
"
Hehasto,Iam handsomehecan'
tbeugl
yhe'
s
aZwane"Il
aughedlooki
ngatmysil
l
yman.

Aunt
ycamethenextday
,wegotdi
schar
ged
ar
ound12.
Mawet aughtmehowt onursemyst it
ches.She
helpedmebat hSiyabongaIfel
tli
keitwas
breakinghershehadnev erhadachildofher
own.Iwassoscar edt obathhim hewassot i
ny.
Myni pplesweresoreandmybr eastshad
grownbi g.
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#11

Hishandswer esoti
nyithi
thome,thousandsof
emotionsevokedinmyheart.Iwasamom, I
hadgivenbir
thtoahandsomef el
lowhewas
nothi
nglikemey ouwouldswearthatitwasgi
rl
.
Itremi ndedmeoft hev eryfi
rstdayImovedin
withDumi hehadl ookedatmewi t
heyes
piercingthroughthedept hsofmysoul.Iwas
sot ransparenttohim.Idon'tknowhowhehad
tamedt heshe-cheeky-
beastinmebutIsweari t
feltgood" GuguIknowy ouarenotreadytobea
mot herandwesi nnedagainstGod
al
lIwantisforyoutoletmei n,
l
etmet akecar
e
ofyou.Letmeloveyout hewayy oudeser
veto
beloved"Inev
erregr
ettedstayi
ngwithhim.
Iusedt osendhim all
ov erthepl
acesjustto
getmycr avi
ngs,somet i
mesIwoul dlaughat
him.Theysayourmoodswhenwear epregnant
theyoftenchasemenawaybutmysocal led
l
ov erneverl
efthekeptonf oll
owi
ngmear ound.
Thatoftenpissedmeof fheknewi tbuthewas
persist
ent.
"
Guguwhyareyoucr
ying?"Il
aughedbl
i
nki
ng
mytear
saway
"MaweIdi dn'tnoticethatIwascr yi
ng.Iam just
happythatIhav eSi yainmyar ms.Iknowt hatI
wil
ldoany thingtopr otectmyson.Hel ooks
cute(
wipinghert ears)Ididn'
tknowthatbeinga
mothercoul devokesuchemot i
ons.My
emoti
onsar eallov ert
hepl aceIal
wayst hought
Iwasani cequeenbutheyt hisboyhastamed
me'"
Shesmi
l
edt
hrought
ear
s
"
Idon'
tknowhowi
tfeel
stogi
vebi
rt
hbutI
rai
sedyouli
kemyown.IknowhoweagerIwas
toprot
ectyou.Thi
sismotherhoodfory
ouand
Ihopethatt
hisbabytamedyourst
ubbornness"
Igri
nned

"
Youknowthatit
'sgenet
ical
lysoi
twon'
tl
eav
e
i
t'
sher
etostay"webothlaughed.

Siyastart
edcryi
ngIhadt opi
ckhim upwi
th
carebecausehewast i
ny.Il
aidhi
m onmyleft
arm andstar
tedbreast
feedi
nghim
"
Ouchthi
shurtsIswearmynippl
esfeell
ike
t
heyhavebeensetonfir
e"aunt
ylaughed
"Makesur ethathedoesn'
tlookuporheis
goingtogetchockedwhenhepukes"af t
er
breastf
eedinghim Il
aidhi
m ont opofmy
shoulderIwantedhimt oburp.
"Guguyouar
enotsupposedt
ohavesex.You
wil
lonl
yhavesexaf
terthr
eemont
hs"Ilaughed
shyl
y
"
HhawuMawe'
"Iam ser
iousIhopey
ouwi
l
lli
stent
omef
or
once"
"
Idol
i
stent
oyou,
Iwon'
thav
esexunt
ilI
'
m 40"
"
Iam notstupi
dy oulousygi
rl
.Comeletmet
ie
y
ourstomach.Idon'twantyoutohav
e
l
ovehandl
es"Istoodupshet i
edme

"
Ouchthi
shurts,
yout
ight
enedittoomuch
Mawe"sheshowedmeherstraightf
ace
"
Doesitf
eell
ikey
ouarel
osi
ngy
ourv
irgi
nit
y"I
l
aughedunt
ilt
ear
scameout

"Idon'
tknowwhaty ouar
etal
ki
ngaboutIam
sti
llaVi
rgin"shel
aughed
"Yazipeopl
earemisusingsecondar
yv i
rgi
nit
y.
Youar ebusythi
nki
ngaboutsexbuty ouare
sayingyouareaVir
gin"webot hl
aughed
"
Leav
emealone,
Iam f
eel
i
nghungr
ywhatdi
d
y
oucook?
"

"Papandchi
cken,
l
eavesomef
orDumi
"Ist
ood
upandwenttotheki
tchen
"
Ihav et
ogetpregnantagai
nifi
tmeansthatI
won'tbecooki
ng.Thissmel
lsgoodIswearI
missedyourcooki
ng"

"
Uhm soy
ousay
,di
dyouseeLi
zwi
?"

"
Iam happypl
easedon'
tsayt
hingst
hatwi
l
lrui
n
mymood.How'sThando?"
"Sheisgoodshehasbeenaskingabouty
ou.
Bab'mfundi
siwasaski
ngaboutyouhesayshe
missesyourworshi
ppi
ngserv
ices"
"Justl
i
ket
heprodi
galsonIwi
llcomeback
homebutIhav
etofixmysel
fandmymi st
akes"

"Youdoknowt hatwhenthepr odi

gal
soncame
backhomehehadnot hingwi t
hhimthatishow
Godmanifest
shesay scomeasy ouarethough
yoursi
nsareredasscarletIshall
washthem
whit
eassnow. "
"
AmenpreachwomanofGodgodeeper
"we
l
aughedsheli
ght
lysl
appedme

Dumicamebackhomeear
li
erhewascar
ryi
ng
t
oys
"
MaNdabahowar
eyou?
"Ismi
l
ed
"GoodyouZwane?(Openingtheplast
ic
bags)
Didyoureal
l
yhavet obuycars?Siyais
notevenaweekoldbuthealreadyhastoysofa
3yearsol
dperson"helaughed
"IsawthetoysandIj
ustf
elli
nlov
ewi
tht
hem.I
don'twanthi
mt ol
ackanyt
hing"
Iwentandki
ssedhi
m
"Youaregoingt
obeagoodf
atherbutj
ustst
op
overdoi
ngitory
ouwi
ll
fai
ldi
small
y"
Hedevouredmymouththr
owingmeont
hebed.
Hishandssl
idint
omypantst
ouchi
ngmysl
i
cky
andwetcookie
"
StopDumi nosexfory
ouunt
ilSi
yai
sthr
ee
months"hecomplai
ned
"
Butbabywhy
?Whyshoul
dwewai
tfort
hree
mont
hs?"

"
Thushowt
hingsar
edoneDumi
don'
taskme
t
hosequest
ionsgoandaskaunt
y"hel
aughed
"Whatdoy ouwantmet osaytoher ?Shoul
dI
say'aunt
ywhycan'tIhavesexwi t
hGugu? why
shouldIwaitf
orthr
eemont hs?
' ButGugudo
whit
epeopl ewai
tforthatl
ong?"Ilaughed

"
Thel
astt
imeIcheckedy
ouwer
ebl
ack"
Hewentoutofthebedroom compl
aini
ngI
l
aughedpacki
ngSiya'
stoysthathi
scrazyf
ather
hadboughtf
orhim.

Auntywasdoingmostofthehouseduties,
she
stay
edwithusfort
hreemont hs.Shewas
gawkingatusshedefi
nit
elywantedusnotto
havesex.
Igav
ehermoneyf
orgr
ocer
ies
"
GuguIknowyouaregoi
ngt
obeagood
mot
her.WhenyouneedmeIwi
l
lal
waysbe
home.Wheni
tget
stootoughpr
ay,mychi
l
d
i
ncl
udeGodinwhat
everyoudo"

"Iwi
llal
waysdothat,
Ipr
aythatGodgivesme
str
engthtobethewomant haty
ouare.Tocar
ry
thewisdom t
hatyouhave"

"
Youwil
lchil
d,Il
ovey
ou"sheki
ssedSi
yawho
wasgi
ggl
ing.

Icookedasimpledi
shIwasreal
l
yti
red
motherhoodwasn'
tgiv
ingmeachancetor
est.
Dumi
camebackhomecar
ryi
ngf
rui
ts

"
Babakhey
oucamebackear
li
er"
"
YesIf
ini
shedmythi
ngsearl
y"Si
yacri
edIwent
t
other
oom togethi
m.Ist
art
edbreast
feedi
ng
hi
m,Icaughtagli
mpseofDumi smi
li
ng.When
Iwasdonefeedi
nghi
m hestoppedcr
ying
"
Giv
ehi
mtomebaby
"Ihandedhi
m Si
ya

"
Handlehi
m wit
hcar
eDumi "Idon'
tknowwhat
Dumididorhowhehandl
edhim whatIknowi
s
t
hatSi
yapukedonhi
sface.
"
AhSiyat
hisi
ssogr
osst
akey
ourspoi
l
tbr
at"
l
aughi
ng
"
Iwar
nedy
ou,
youar
etoohotheadedZwane"
Idishedf
orDumi,
heatehisdinnerwhil
eIwas
busygett
ingSi
yatosl
eep.Iwenttoour
bedroom andr
emovedthelaundrythatwason
topofthebed
If
elthi
mrubbi
nghi
msel
fbehi
ndme.
"ImissedyousomuchGugu"Iwasal r
eadyon
contracept
ivesget
ti
ngpr
egnantagai
nwasout
oftheway
"
Dumi
"hemademef
acehi
m
"
Ilov
ey ouMaNdaba"hesuckedmyl
owerl
i
p
makingmemoan
Hesl
owlyr
emovedmydress,
headmi r
edmy
st
omachki
ssi
ngit
.Helai
dmeont hebed
l
ooki
ngatmewit
hhungerandthi
rst

"Thanky
ouforgi
vi
ngmeanheir
"Ihel
pedhi
m
removemypantymywai
stwasalr
eadyont
he
air
.
Heremov edhisshi
rt,
Iwasbusyadmir
inghi
s
muscles.Hewentinbetweenmylegsand
separ
atemyf oldsusi
nghist
ongue.

Histonguewasfucki
ngever
ycornerofmy
cooki
e.Ihel
dthesheet
sti
ghtl
yIwascloset
o
coming
"OhnoDumi please"hepinchedmycl i
tIf
ell
apartshat
ter
ingmyl egswereshaki
ng.He
camebackt omymout hItast
edmy sel
fonhim.
Hiscockhitmyentrancetappingi
t
"
Dumi"hewasfr
ust
rat
ingmeIwasget ti
ng
i
mpati
entIwant
edhi
mi nsideofme.Hesli
dded
i
nsi
demeandstoodsti
llnotmoving
"
Mov
epl
ease"wi
thi
nfewmi
nut
esSi
yacr
ied
"
Ohmygosh"
"Waitbabyl
etmecome"hi
scr
iesgotwor
seI
pushedhim away
"Hhay
iGuguthi
ssonofy oursiscrazy
,nowI
can'
tgetl
aidaf
terwai
ti
ngf orsolong"

Thedayf
orustogot oDurbancame.Iwas
goi
ngtoseeDumisani'
sparent
s.
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#12

Iwokeupear l
i
ert hanmyusual t
ime.Siy
acr i
edI
bathedhi
mf astandf edhim,aft
erfewmi nut
es
hewasalreadysleepingIlaidhim nexttohis
fat
herwhowasst il
lsleepi
ng.Icl
eanedt he
houseandwentt ot akebath.IwokeDumi uphe
wokeupcompl aining
"
HhayiGuguIst
il
lwanttosleepwhyam Iup
t
hisear
ly?
"Il
aughedathim

"I
t'
ssixDumigoandbath"hewentt ot
he
bathr
oom,Imadehim br
eakfastIhear
dhi
m
shouti
ngmyname.
SometimesIf el
tli
keIwashismother
especi
all
yifhehadf l
ueIhadtonur
seSiy
aand
hi
m.Iwipedmyhandsandwenttohim.WhenI
openedthedoorhewasbehi
nddoor
.Hepull
ed
met ohi
m
"Siy
ai ssl
eepi
ngwecanmakeuseoft
hist
ime"I
giggled
"
Itr
usty
oursontowakeupwhenyouar
eabout
t
ocome"helookedatmewi
thhal
fcl
osedey
es.
Hesmashedhi
sli
psonmi
ne,
hemademebend
andhol
dthesi
nk
"Guguy ouar enotwear i
nganythi
ngunderneath
thi
sugl ydress"Igiggl
edt hi
sti
mehedi dn'
t
wast eanyti
mewi thhi
steasingski
ll
sbecause
heknewwhathi ssonwascapabl eof.Hefi
ll
ed
meupal lIcoulddowast omoanIwas
surrenderi
ngmysoul tothisman.Hemov ed
veryfastIshatteredunderneathhi
m asIwas
aboutt obreathhef i
ll
edmeupwi t
hhiscum

"
Ohbabyt
hatwasmi
ndbl
owi
ng.Thet
hingsy
ou
makemedo"Ir
emov
edmydr
essandj
oined
hi
m
"
Youar
esocunni
ngDumi
"Ipout
ed
"
RememberwhenIusedt
obat
hyouwheny
ou
wer
epr
egnant
"
"
Youar
enottal
ki
ngtome"hel
aughedIbat
hed
f
ast
.AsIwasaboutt
oleav
ehehel
dmyar m
"Let
'sdoitonemoreti
mebaby,
lookatmeIam
hardagai
n"asIwasabouttor
espondmyboy
cri
edIlef
thimfrust
rat
ed.

Whenhecameoutoft
hebat
hroom he
compl
ained
"
Itseemsl
i
key
oul
ovehi
m mor
ethanme"
"Stopbei
ngababygoandgetdr
essed.Your
breakf
astwi
l
lgetcol
d"
Siy
awasnowf i
vemont
hshewassofatIdon'
t
knowi
fiti
stheappr
opr
iat
ewor
dtousebuthe
wasv
erybi
gandheav
y.

Wedi dfi
nal
touchupsSenzocameandparked
nearthegat
ehehelpedmecar r
ythebagsto
thecar
"Howar eyouMaNdaba?
"Iwassoscar
edof
him Icaughtagl
i
mpseofhi
sgunonhiswai
st
"
Iam goodandy
ouncane"hesmi
l
edi
twasmy
f
ir
stt
imetoseehissmi
le
"Iwi
shIwasgood"Iqui
ckl
ywentbackt
othe
house.
Dumi
wasal
readydoneeat
inghewaswashi
ng
hi
spl
ate
"
Baf
ohowar
eyou?
"Senzoaskedsmi
l
ing

"
Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
nebaf
oandhowar
eyou?
"
"
Iam good"t
hisguywaspl
ayingmindgames
wi
thmeIwasn'tgoingt
oentert
ainhi
m.
Dumi wasdr ivi
ngandSenzowassi t
ti
ngont he
frontseat.Theyplay
edMaskandi musi cwel l
thatwasn'tmycupoft ea.Siyawassl eepinghe
wasusedt otheloudmusi c.Thereispoweri n
thewor dsthatyoutell
y ourchil
dren.Ioftentold
Siyahowsuccessf ulhewasgoi ngt obeand
thathewasabl essi
ng.
IwaswokenupbyDumi
wewer
eal
readyi
n
Harr
ismi
th
"
Babywhatdoy
ouwantmet
ogety
ou?
"
"
Cappucci
nowi
l
ldo"hesmi
l
ed
"Babyt
heKFCcappuccinoisnotni
cethei
r
beansareof
tenbur
nt"Siy
aopenedhiseyes
"GotoBabaSi ya,babybuymeanythi
ngImi ght
l
ike"hekissedSiyatheywenttoKFC.Il
ooked
outsi
dethewi ndowbecauseIwasonlylef
twi t
h
SenzoIwasn'tcomf ort
abl
earoundhim
"Doyoulov
eDumiMaNdaba?"Ichuckl
ed
bit
ter
lyt
hatwast
hemoststupi
destquest
ion
ever
"
Whywoul
dIbewi
thhi
mifIdi
dn'
tl
ovehi
m?"
Hesmi
l
ed
"I
sitbecausehe'stheonl
ymany
ouhav
eev
er
beenwith?"Igotangry
"Youarecrazy
,st
opsmokingwhat
every
ouar e
smokingbecauseiti
smessi
ngupwithyour
sani
ty"hechuckl
ed
"
IseeIhi
taner
ve,
right
?"
Dumiopenedthecarhol
dingSi
yai
naf
unny
wayhelookedatme
"
Thi
sboymesseduppl
easechangehi
m"
Ilaughedgoingoutsi
dethecarDumiwasa
dramakingIlai
dtheblanketont
opofthe
bonnetofthecarandchangedhim.
Asweappr oachedDurbanIgotmor
ener
vous.
Dumi handedthecart
oSenzomymanwas
ti
redheleanedonmyshoulder
"Don'
tbenervousbaby
,Icanf
eel
yourhear
t
beati
ngfast
"

"Whati
fyourmot
herwon'
tl
ikeme?
"Hehel
dmy
hand
"Chi
ll
babymymom i ssweet"Si
yalookedathis
fat
herandstart
edblubber
ingChinese.Icoul
d
seeDumisani'
seyesglowingwit
hjoy.

Wef inall
yreachedVerulam butbefor
ethatI
hadaskedSenzot otakeust oGateawayso
thatwecanbuygr oceri
esforthefamily
.We
couldn'tgothereemptyhanded.
Theirhousewasext endedanditlookednice.
Senzopar kedout si
dethehouse.Dumi gotout
ofthecarcar r
yingSiyaIfol
lowedt hem carry
ing
mybag.Hi sf
athercameout sidehel ooked
handsomeIcoul dn'
tbeli
evethatIwasogl ingat
myf atherinl
aw
"Mangethe,LindaMkhont
oZikodeasi
bingel
ele
unjanibaba(howareyoufat
her)?
"Hesmi l
ed
takingSiy
a

"Iam goodandy oumyson.Howareyoumy

daughter?"Ibowedali
tt
letoshowsome
respect
"
I'
m goodandy
ousi
r?"
"
Don'
tcal
lmesiry
oucancal
lmeBaba"Ismi
l
ed
l
ooki
ngdown.
Ifol
l
owedDumi hismothercamerunni
ng
towardsusshehuggedDumi t
ight
ly
"
It
'sbeenl
ongmyboy
"shel
ookedatmeand
l
ookedatSi
ya
"
Howar
eyouma?
"Igr
eet
edher
"
Iam goodandy
ousi
s"
"
Iam good"shet
ookSi
yaf
rom hi
sgr
andf
ather
"
Thi
sboyl
ooksli
key ouDumi,heissoador
abl
e.
Het
ookmyweight"Zwanelaughed
"
KahlengehabaMakheswa"shesmi
ledshewas
i
ndeedbeauti
ful
butherat
ti
tudewassti
nki
ng.
"
Iam t
ell
i
ngt
henakedtr
uthZwane"Itr
ied
l
aughi
ng.Wesatdowni
nthel
iv
ingroom.

"Babat hi
sisGuguNdabat
hemot herofyour
grandson.ThewomanIam inl
ovewith"hi
s
fathersmiled
"Iam gl
adIf i
nal
l
ymetyouMaNdaba.Ihear
da
l
otabouty ou,
donotwor
ryi
t'
sgoodthi
ngsonly"
Ilookeddownshy l
ywhi
l
eevery
onewas
l
aughi
ng
"
Sameher
eBaba"

Senzowal
kedincar
ryi
ngplast
ics.Hegr
eet
ed
hi
sparent
sandwentoutsi
de.Makheswashook
herheadl
aughi
ng
"Thereissomet hi
ngconf usi
ngher e,
soGugu
youcameher ealonewi thouthav inganyofy our
familymember swi thyou?I sizuluseGoli
ngiyasi
bonga( Ithankt heJohannesbur gZulu)
i
tdoesn'thavemor als,
theZul uthatwehav e
heredoesn'tall
owawomant ov i
sitt
heinlaws
whent heguydidn'tpayany thing,younglady
thi
si sl
if
ey oudon'tsellyour selfshort
"Iwas
surelygoi
ngt ostranglethiswoman.
"Leav
etheki
dsaloneplease"Zwanespokewith
somuchauthor
it
yt hatshutt
heshe-beastup.
"Don'
ttakei
ttoheartmychil
dti
meshave
changedbutthatdoesn'
tmeanthet
radi
ti
on
ev
olv
esitr
emai
nst
hesame.Wewi
l
ldor
ight
wi
thyourf
ami
ly
"

"Makotiwhatareyoudoi
ngwithy
ourl
if
e"I
swearthiswomanwast est
ingmeandshewas
winni
ngDumi responded
"Shecan'
twor
kMaSi
yai
sst
il
lyoung"she
nodded
"
Iseebutwasshewor
kingbef
ore?
"
"
NoIwasn'
twor
king"shel
ookedatmei
rr
it
ated
"HhayimanDumi yougoaroundtakingev
er y
burden.Whywouldyoudateapersonwhoi s
notdoinganyt
hingwit
hthei
rli
fe.Areweev en
goingtogetanymoneyfrom you?"
Zwanegotangr
y
"I
sthi
sthewayt
owel
comechi
l
drennoy
ou
don'
tdothat
"
"
ButZwaneIam.
."
"Keepqui
etifyoudon'
thaveany
thi
ngni
cet
o
say"shekeptqui
etangr
il
y

Istoodupandwentout si
de.Idi
dn'
tknowthe
placebutIwant
edtobeawayf r
om t
hedragon.
Igotoutsi
dethegaterushi
ngDumi r
anafterme
hehuggedmet ight
ly
"
Iam sososor
ryGugumymot
heri
snev
erl
i
ke
t
his"
"
Leav
emealoneDumi
,Ican'
tst
ayher
eIwant
t
ogobackhome"
"
Noyouar
enotgoi
ngany
wher
e,Ipr
omi
seIwi
l
l
t
alkt
oher
"
"Watchmego,Iam get t
ingbacki
nsi
dethat
houseandIam takingmybagsandmysonwe
arel
eavi
ngthi
spl ace.Howdoesonedisrespect
someonetheydon'tknowsomuch.Ihatey our
mom Dumi
"

"Iknowy oudon'tmeananyt
hingyousai
d,
you
arejustangry"hehuggedmekissi
ngmy
forehead.Ihadmetthedevi
lfacetof
ace
"
IwantmyphoneIneedt
otal
ktoMawe"

"Okfi
rstcal
m downyouwil
lcal
lhert
omor
row"I
noddedandgotbacktot
hehouse.

Dumishowedmehi
sroom Iwenti
nandsl ept
.
Dumiwokemeupgi
vingmef oodIpushedthe
pl
ateaway
"
What
'swr
ongMaNdaba?
"

"Iam noteat
ingt
hisf
oodIst
il
lwantt
oli
ve"he
gotangry
"
Arey
ousay
ingmymot
heri
saki
l
ler
?"

"Stopput
ti
ngwordsi
nmymout h,
takeit
howeveryouwantt
otakei
t.
Leavewithyour
foodandbri
ngmysonbacktome"

"
Arey
ougoi
ngt
osl
eephungr
yGugu?
"
Iwokeupandsatmyey
eswer
ebl
oodshotr
ed
"Dumi doyouunderstandsi
mplelanguage?
Pleasebri
ngmysonbackt omewheny outake
backthisfood"hecameandsatnextt omeI
j
ustbrokedown.Mawewasnev erthishardon
meDumi '
smot herwasadefi
nit
ionofthedev i
l
.
"Pl
easedon'
tcr
ybabywewil
ll
eav
etomor
row"I
noddedandwentbackt
obed.

Iwokeupar
ound5andaskedDumi
toshowme
wheret
hecl
eani
ngt
hingswere.
Aft
ercl
eani
ngImadebr
eakf
astf
orev
ery
one.
Theywokeupar
oundei
ght
"
Makot
ihowdi
dyousl
eep?
"Hi
sfat
herasked
"
Goody
oubaba"
"
Good".
Si
yasleptwi
thMakheswal
onl
ysawhi
mint
he
morni
ng.
Igreet
edherwi t
hrespectshesmi
l
ed,
shewas
busyenter
tai
ningSiya.
"
MaNdabasinceSiy
aisaZwaneweshoulddo
awel
comingceremonyf
orhi
m,i
ntr
oduci
nghim
t
otheancest
ors"

"Iam sosor
ryMamychi l
ddoesn'tpar
takein
suchceremoni
es.Hei
saChr ist
ianandhe'sa
NdabanotaZwane.Iclear
lydon'tr
emember
yoursonpayi
ngthebr
idepri
celetal
one
damages"shegotangr
y
"
Whatar
eyoui
mplyi
ngmaNdaba?
"Il
ookedat
Dumi
whowasver
yquiet

"Mysoni
saChr
ist
ian"shel
aughedcl
appi
ngher
hands
"
Dumi t
alkt
oyourwoman"IhopedthatDumi
wasnotgoi
ngtofai
lmeli
keyester
day
"Sheisr
ightmom oursoni
saChr i
sti
anand
nothi
ngisgoingt
ochangethat"Zwanespoke
softl
y
"
It
'sf
ineMaNdabawer espectyourdeci
sionas
t
heparent
s"Makheswacompl ai
ned
"Hhayiboj
ustl
ikethatZwane.Youar
eall
owing
kidst
owalkoveryou.IfSi
yagetssi
ckdon'
task
ustohelpyou"
[
07/
22,
14:
42]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#13

Theat
mospherehadchanged.Zwanest
oodup
goi
ngout
side,
Dumifol
l
owedhi m.
"Youaresohotheadedall
myl i
femysonhas
neversai
dnot owhatev
erIsay.Whatdi
dyou
feedhim?Iknowhowy ousocall
edChri
sti
ans
are.
"
"
Mawear eleavi
ngtodayIwil
lgoandpackour
t
hingsnow"shelaughedbi
tt
erl
y

"Wonder
sshal
lneverend,
goanddowhaty
ou
havetodoMaNdaba"
Cr
yingwast helastt
hingIwasev ergoingtodo
i
nfrontofher.
Shewant edmet obeangr ybutI
wasn'
tgoingtogiveherthatsati
sfact
ion.
Aft
eranhourDumi walkedi
nangry,hegav
eme
awarni
nglookIam surehewasr epri
manding
me.Wel l
toobadaskinghim any
thingwasthe
l
astthi
ngIwasgoingtodo.

"
Zwanegoandbat
hwear
eleav
ingsoon"

"
Oky
oumaygoandt
akeSi
yaf
rom mom"
wit
hthatsai
dhewal
kedout.Hewasn'
thi
msel
f.
Ev
eryt
hingwasnowi
norder

"Mamayy
oupl
easegi
vemeSi
yaIwantt
obat
h
him"
"Iwil
ldoi
t,
youmaygoandbat
h.Leavehis
clot
hesontopoft
hebedorbr
ingthem t
ome"
IgaveherSi
ya'
sthi
ngsandwentt
othe
bathr
oom
"Iwi
ll
joinyouandI'
m nott
aki
ngnoasan
answer"helookedatmeli
cki
nghi
slowerl
i
p
"Gugumyparent
sar
eher
ewear
enotgoi
ngt
o
doanyt
hing"
"Wel
lIam her
etobat
h,Inev
ersai
dwewi
l
ldo
anyt
hing"

Whenwewer
edonewi
thev
ery
thi
ngSenzo
camet
opi
ckusup.
"Gowel
lMaNdabatakecar
eofmygr
andson"
Zwanesai
ditsmi
li
nghewasdowntoear
th
"
Thanky
ouBaba"
"Youmaygowel landdon'
tfor
gettosendus
moneyDumi thesedayswedon'tseeanyt
hing
from y
ou.Youshoul dcomeoneoft hegood
dayssot hatyoucanvomitandcleanyour
stomachnotf orget
ti
ngthoseevi
lspir
it
syoueat
unknowingly"
Whoeat sevi
lspi
ri
tthi
swomanwascl ear
ly
test
ingme.Dumi wentandhuggedhi
smot her
andt ookSi
ya.
Heopenedt
hedoorf
ormeIgoti
nsi
det
hecar
angr
y
"
Makot
iar
eyouok?
"

"
Iam okSenz
owhatdoy
ouwant
?"

"
Don'
tbi
temyheadof
fI'
m notDumi
"

"Goodsodon'taskmeany thi
ngthatdoesn'
t
concernyou"Dumi wasoutsi
despeaki
ngt ohi
s
parent
s.Hewast akingl
ong,whi
chwasnow
i
rri
tati
ngme.

Heopenedt
hedoorandhandedSi
yat
ome.My
sonwasverybubbl
yandloveabl
e.Hewasn'
t
scar
edofpeoplebuthel
ovedbeingcar
ri
ed.
Thedri
vetoJohannesburgwasv
eryl
ongand
bor
ingever
yonewasqui et
.
Wegothomear ound10pm.Icar
ri
edmyson
whowassleeping.Wewentt
obedwewere
bot
hexhausted.
Siy
acr
iedi
twasal
readymor
ningDuminev
er
camet
obedmaybehewasangrywit
hme.

Theycameoutoft
her
oom ar
ound12
"
Goodmor
ning"
Senzor
esponded
"
Mor
ningMaNdaba"
"
Guguwher
eismyson?
"
"
Hei
ssl
eepi
ng"
Senzoat
ehi
sbr
eakf
astv
eryf
astandl
eft
.
"
Dumi
what
'
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
"

"
Whatdoy
oumeanmakaSi
ya?
"

"
Youar
eav
oidi
ngme"

"
Youshoul dn'thavespokentomymot heri
n
t
hatmanner .Ifeell
ikeIam notamanenough.
Guguy oudor eali
sethatIam theonl
yonewho
i
swor kinghere.HowwasIgoi ngtorai
semoney
forl
obolo?"
"
Iam sosor
ryManget
hebuty
ourmot
herhat
es
me"
"
Ispoket
oher,i
fshedisr
espect
syouagai
nshe
wi
lll
osemeforgood"
"
Ilov
eyouZwane"
"
Youar
eev
ery
thi
ngt
hatIt
hinkabout
.Not
hing
makesmehappyt hanthefactthatIwasyour
fi
rstandIpromisetokeepy ouhappyunti
lthe
endoftime"tearsweresl
owl ycomingoutof
myey es.

"Howdoy oumakemesoweakef f
or t
lessl
y?
Youaretheonlythi
ngthatmatter
si nmyl i
fe.
YouandSiyagivemear easontolookf orwar
d
fort
omorrow.Thankyouf orst
andingupf orme
i
nf r
ontofyourmom"heki ssedmyf orehead

"Iwoulddoanyt
hingtomakeyouhappyGugu
(Hol
dingherhandcloset
ohischest
)itonl
y
beatsfory
ou.Youmakemesane"Igi ggl
ed

"Sodoy oumylove,
Idon'tr
egretget
ting
pregnantwi
thSiy
aalthoughyoutri
ckedme"He
l
aughed
"
NoIdidn'
tmyseedsarepowerful,
theycrossal
l
t
hebarr
ier
s.Tal
kingaboutt
hati
tremi ndsme
t
haty
ouneedt ousecontr
acept
ives"
"
Iam usi
ngthem t
hati
swhyIam al
l
owi
ngy ou
t
odowhat ev
eryouwantt
odowithmycookie"
"Ihopetheywillwor
kasamanwhodr inks
i
mbi zaItr
ustmysper mstogety
oupregnant
anyti
mef rom now"hecar
ri
edmet ot
he
bedroom

"St
opDumiIdon'
twantt
ogetpr
egnant
"he
chuckl
edsi
nki
nginmyneck.
"Il
ovehowy
ouwideny
oureyeswhenIam
aboutt
omakel
ovetoyou"

"
Stopi
tDumi
"hel
aughed
"
It
'sbeenlongnowbaby,Iam taki
ngoursexli
fe
t
ot henextl
evel
.AsyourteacherIcanassur
e
y
out hatyoupassedl
evel1"

"Youarecrazy(Laughi
ng)Iam notl
i
steni
ngt
o
anythi
ngthatyouaresayi
ng"hesqueezedmy
breast
s

"Iwantt
osuckthem sobadbutIcan'
tsi
ncemy
boytookov
er.I
sthatmil
knice?"

"Howam Isupposedknowsi nceIcan'tsuckmy

ownbr easts"het
ookoutmybr eastandstart
ed
sucki
ngi t
.Hegotoffthebedrushingtothe
toi
let
.Hef oundmelaughi
ngathi m
"
Isi
tni
cebaby
?"het
ookat
owel
wipi
nghi
s
t
ongue
"
IrespectSi
yahei
stheman,
whodr
inkst
hatuh?
Ir
espectmyboy
"

Wespentthewholedayi
nbed.Het
ookout
paper
sunderneat
hthewardr
obe

"Thisismybusi nessplan.Iwantt ogoint

o
transportat
ionandproper ty.Wehavetostart
wi t
htransportat
ionfi
rstitistheeasi
estone.IfI
sav eenoughmoneyIwi l
l buytwobigcars"I
wentt hroughthepaperthewhol eideawas
appealingtome
"
Expl
aint
hist
ranspor
tat
iont
hingf
orme"

"
Wewi l
ltakepeoplefrom theair
portanddel
iver
t
hem totheirhot
els.Theothercarwil
ltr
avelt
o
l
ongdistancesli
ketakinganddeliv
eri
ngpeople
f
rom JohannesburgtoEastLondonorDur ban"
"
Ilov
eitManget
heIwi
l
lsuppor
twhat
every
ou
domyl
ove"heki
ssedmyhand
"
Prayt
oyourGodf
orme"
"Iwi
lldef
ini
tel
ydothat.Isawourchurchnear
therank.Iwil
lst
art
inggoingt
herefrom
Sunday"
"
Pleasedon'
tsi
ng"
"
Iwi
l
lsi
ngwhent
het
imei
sri
ght
"
"Whent
hathappensIwi
l
lgowithyoutochur
ch
phel
aIhav
etomar kmyter
ri
tor
y.Stopl
aughi
ng
atmeGugu"
"
Iam not
"

Dumiwokemeupt henextmorninghewant
ed
metomakebreakf
astforhim.Iwenttot
he
bat
hroom t
ogetaquickshower.

"
Whatdoy
ouwantt
oeatbaby
?"
"
Cor
nfl
akeshoney
"
"ComeonDumi youwokemeupfor
cornfl
akes?
arey
ouseri
ousl
yki
ddi
ngme?
"He
smiled
"
Iwant
edtoseeyoubef
orel
eav
ing"heki
ssed
megent
lyr
ubbi
ngmyass
"Il
oveyou,don'
twor
ryIwi
l
lmakey
our
breakf
ast
"

Igav
ehi
m hi
slunchboxandki
ssedhi
m onel
ast
ti
me.
Af
tercl
eani
ngt
hehouseIbat
hedSi
yaandf
ed
hi
m.Auntywal
kedi
naround11

"
Mawehowar
eyou?"

"
Iam goody
ousi
si?Si
yahowar
eyoumyboy
?"
"GotoMawemyboy .Ihavebeenwai
ti
ngfor
yousincef
orev
er.Ir
especty
ourni
neo'cl
ock"
shel
aughed

"Iknewyouweregoingt
osaythat
.Nonet
hel
ess
Iam her
e.Isev
eryt
hingal
ri
ght
?"
"NoDumisani'
smom disr
espectedmesobad.I
can'
tbeli
evei
t"Itol
dherever
ythingt
hat
happenedinDurban

"Il
ovethefactt hatDumi stoodbyyou.Ihope
youwillneverdisrespecthi smotheragain.You
shouldneverspeakbadabouthi smot her
.
Lovi
ngandr especti
nghi smot herwil
lwor kfor
yourownadv antage.I
fy ouwantmakeaman
happyrespecthi smot her,cal
lhi
smot herand
l
aughwi thher .I
fthemot hergetstolov eyou.
Theyarehighchancest hatshewi l
lnev er
acceptanotherwomant hatDumi bri
ngshome
excl
udi
ngy
ou"
"
Idi
dn'
tknowt
hatMawe"
"
Whatyoudi
dwaswrong,whydi
dyouvi
sit
t
hem wheny
ouknowthatt
heypai
dnot
hingfor
y
ou?"
"
Iam sor
ryMawe"shecl
i
ckedhert
ongue

"Youl
ovemaki
ngdecisi
onswi
thoutaski
ngme
orthi
nki
ngt
hem t
hrough"

"
From t
odayIwi
l
lasky
ouMawe"
"
OkMaNdaba"
"
Didy
ouseet
hemoneyt
hatIsenty
ou?"
"
Yesmyangel
thatwasal
ott
hankDumi
for
me"
"
Iwi
l
l"
Thet
rut
hisDumi
knewnot
hingaboutt
he
moneyIhadsent
.
"Youshouldsendmoneytohisf
amilyt
oo.They
shouldgetwhatIgetGugu,
l
ovehispar
ent
sas
youloveme"
"
Iam notmar
ri
edt
ohi
m"
"
Yougoty
our
sel
fmar
ri
ed,
sodowhati
sri
ght
"
"Thanky
ouforever
ythi
ngMawe,
youal
way
s
guidemeandgiv
emeknowledge"

"
It
'smydut
ytogui
dey
ou.Don'
tthankme"

Itwasnowamont hbef
oreSi
yat
urnedoneI
call
edMakheswa
"
Howar
eyouma?
"
"
Iam goodwhoam It
alki
ngt
o?"
"
Youar
etal
ki
ngt
oGugu"
"
Ow"
"Yesmafi
rstIwouldliketoapol
ogiseformy
behavi
our
.Iwasn'ttaughttodi
srespectI
all
owedmyf eel
ingstotakeover
.Pleasefor
giv
e
mema"shesi ghed

"
Weal
lmakemi
stakesMaNdaba"

"MaSi y
aist
urni
ngonenextmont hmayyou
pleasecomeandcelebrat
ewi t
hus.Your
presencewi
ll
behighlyappreci
ated"

"Ohreal
l
ythatisgoodmydaught
er.Imi
ss
uNdaba,
Iwil
ltal
ktoZwane"
TheNdabacameoutinasar
cast
icmannert
his
womanwasat oeofSat
an.

"
Thanky
oumahav
eagr
eatdayahead"
"
Yout
ooMaNdaba"

Isenthermoneyi
twasalotofi
t.Thatday
Dumi camehomehappy
"
Youdidn'
ttel
lmet haty
ouandmom ar
enow
f
ri
ends"hegrabbedmyass

"
Whyshoul
dIt
ell
youev
ery
thi
ngmycr
azy
man?
"
"Il
oveitwhenmyt
wof
avour
it
ewomenar
e
gett
ingalong"
"Mhmm yoursoni
sbr
eaki
ngt
hingsgoand
checkhi
m out"
.

Dumisani
'spar
entscamet wodaysbef
orethe
part
yItookcar
eofthem.Makheswawasa
wisewoman.Behindthatdevi
l
'smaskther
e
wasawomanwi t
hwisdom.
"
MaNdabay
ouar
egr
eatcook"Ismi
l
ed
"
Thanky
ouma"
"
Ican'
twai
ttoseet
hewomanwhor
aisedy
ou"
"
Shewi
l
lcomet
odayt
ohel
puswi
thcooki
ng"

Aunt
ycamear ound5theywer echatti
ngwi th
Makheswaasiftheywerebestf r
iends.Busi
andherfami
l
ycamet hef oll
owingday ,
Zinzi
was
goi
ngtocomel at
eherhusbandhadot her
commitment
si nthemorning.

Thedayf
ort
hepar
tycameDumi
wasv
ery
happy

Siy
awasweari
ngasui
t,
mysonl
ooked
handsome.
TheMcst oodup" Gooddaymypeopl eIcan'
t
bel
ievethatthi
ssmallboymadeust ocome
here.WhatdoIexpect?Tel
lblackpeopl
eabout
fr
eef oodtheycomeinmulti
tudes"ever
yone
l
aughedhecont inued
"
Jokesasi
dewewill
praybef
orewepr
oceed"
Mawestoodupandpray
ed.

Weplayedhousemusicwhichwasv ot
edby
manypeopleSiyawasjumpingupanddown.
Ev
eryonedancedZwanewasl aughi
nghewas
dr
inki
ngBrandy.

TheMCstoodup"
nowthatyouhaveeatenand
youar
eful
ll
et'
sgi
veourboypr
esents"
Peopl
est
ooduphandi
ngt
heMCpr
esent
s.

Dumi
wentt
ogetami
crophonet
othankt
he
peopl
e
"Thanky ouforjoi
ningust oday.Mysoni s
offi
ciall
yoneIwoul dli
ketot hankhi smot her
whogav eli
fetohim.Ilovey ouMaNdaba.I
greatlyacknowledgethepr esenceofour
parentsandalsot hosewhoar eourf r
iendsnot
forgetti
ngmycol l
eagues.Lastbutnotl east
thanky ouMCandt hosewhower enotinvit
ed
thanky ouforfi
nishi
ngourbeer s"people
l
aughed
I
twasnowmyt
urnt
otal
k
"Iam ashyper sonpleasedon'tmi
nd
me( Laughing)
,Iwouldliket
othankyoufor
gracinguswi t
hy ourpresencetocel
ebr
atemy
son'sbirt
hday.Iwi l
lsi
ngonesong"
ThesongIsangl
eftpeoplewi
tht
heirmout
hs
hangi
ng.Dumiwashuggingmycryi
ngsel
f.

Dumi
sani
'
spar
ent
slef
tthef
oll
owi
ngdayI
packedsomegrocer
iesf
orthem hi
smot
her
couldn'
tst
opt
alki
ngaboutmyv oi
ce.
Icoul
dn'
twai
ttoseet
hebi
rt
hdaypi
ctur
es.

I
twasnowoneweekaf terthepart
yDumidi
dn'
t
wakemeupf ortheveryfi
rstti
meIgotgr
umpy.
Siy
awasi nt
hekitchenhehadbr okenmy
favour
it
ecupIscreamed
"
Siy
a"hej
umpedcr
ying
"Sor
rymyboy ,
mom issorr
ydonotcr
y"my
phonerang,Idi
dn'tr
ecogni
set
henumberI
answer
edt hephone
"
What
..No.
."Icr
umbl
edont
hef
loorcr
ying
"
NoDumi
no"
[
07/
22,14:
42]K:(
Char
it
yCeegui
l
ttr
ipped
me it
'
ssounf ai
r)
THEUNKEPTWI
FE(
shor
t)

#14
HurtHopel essnessPainy esi twaspai nful
tear
sdescendedf rom myey eball
s.Myf eet
couldn'tcarr
ymeany more, Icrumbl edont he
groundev erythi
nghappenedsof astmy
heartbeatincreasedSiy
awascr yingwi pingmy
tear
s.Myhandscoul dn'tenv elopehi m.Hi s
cri
eswer enotdeafeni
ng, hekeptonwi pingmy
tear
shewasi nshock.Hest art
edr oll
ingont he
groundseeki ngformyat tent i
onbutmymi nd
wasf araway .Zoningoutwassomet hingIwas
famili
arwi t
hitonlyhappenedwhenIwas
shocked.
"
MaNdaba!MaNdaba"hewal
kedoutcal
l
inghi
s
wi
fe.
"
Gugul
ookatSiya(shakingher
)lookathi
m he
i
str
aumat
ised"Vumani spokewit
ha
commandingv
oicewor
dsf
ail
edmet
hey
coul
dn'
tcomeout
"
Siy
a..
.Dumi
..no"Iwasr
unni
ngoutofwor
ds

"MakaZuziputSi
yadownlet
'scar
ryhertot
he
bat
hroom Iam sur
eshe'
shav i
ngapanicat
tack"

"OkBaba,Si
yamyboygoandsi
tther
e"Si
yasat
onthecouch.

Vumaniandhiswif
ecarri
edmet ot
he
bat
hroom.Theypouredcol
dwateron
me,MakaZuzi
lai
dmeonherl ap

"Cal
m downGugubr eathi
nandbr eathout.You
havetobestrong,
whatisSiyagoingt odoifyou
aredoingthi
s.Vumanigotot hekitchenand
takecareofSiy
aIwill
berightback"
Vumaninoddedandwalkedouthewasthefi
rst
bor
nofMakheswahel ookedli
keZwanebuthe
wasthemosthumblestpersonev
erwhofear
ed
God.

MakaZuzi
openedhotwateronthebatht
ub
hel
pingmegetoutoftheshower.Thewater
waswarm andsoot
hing

"Guguthedevil
comesi nmanyway stodi st
ract
peace.Youneedt ounderst
andthatal
l t
hings
worktoget
herforourgood.Godr emains
fai
thf
ulinyourtestsandprobl
ems.Youneedt o
havefai
ththati
ssmal lasthemustardseed"
sherubbedmyback

"
Hesai
dhei
sdead,
howwi
l
lImov
eonThembi
?"
Shel
i
ght
lychuckl
ed

"Heisnotdeadwhoevertoldyouthatgaveyou
thewronginfor
mat
ion.He'sinthehospit
alIam
notsureifgoi
ngwi
thy outodayisgoingtobea
goodidea"Thembispokeli
ghtl
y

"Ineedtoseehi
m MakaZuzi
"sher
ubbedmy
shoulder
s
"Wewillgotomorrow,
letmegoandmakey
ou
cof
fee"Ilookedathersmil
i
ng

"
Thanky
ouMakaZuzi
"shepat
tedmyshoul
der
s
"Wear
eafamil
ydonott
hankmeGugu.Getout
oft
hewat
erbefor
eyougetsi
ck"Ismi
l
ed
"
Yesma'
am"shesmi
l
edwal
ki
ngout
Wespentt hewholedayprayingforDumi.Iwas
pr
ayingforhisrev
ival
andf orhisheali
ng.
MakaZuzicookedlunch,
shewasapr ayer
warr
iorIwasunderherwing.Shel ovedme,I
of
tensangwhenIwasi ntheirchur
ch.Theylef
t
myhousear ound6.
I
twasnowsevenO'
clockt
het
imet
hatDumi
of
tencomeshome.
Ilookedoutsidethewi ndowasusualbut
tonightwasadi ff
erentnight,
hewasn'
tcomi
ng
home, nohewasn' tIbrokedown.Siy
awas
sleepingsuckinghisthumb.

"DearGodpl easeprotectDumi.Savehimfor
meIl ovehim.SiyaandIst i
ll
needhim.Youare
theLordthatheals,t
hatsavesandrestor
esli
fe.
Allt
hingsaredonet hroughyouAmen"Ikept
ontossingandt ossi
ngIonlysleptaft
er
midnight.
Iwaswokenupbymyphoner
ingi
ngi
twas
Makheswa

"MaNdabaIknowy ouarenotalr
ightmy
daughter.Vumaniwil
lcomeandf etchyounow.
Iam sorryIcoul
dn'
tcallyouyest
erdayIwasin
shock"thiswomanwast alkat
ive
"
Okmal
etmegetr
eady
"

"Pr
aytoyourGodformysontogetheal
ed,
Iwi
l
l
speaktohi
sancestor
ssothatt
heycan
i
nterv
enetooandhealmyson"
"
Iheary
oumaIwi
l
lpr
ayf
orhi
m".

IsentMaweamessageshei
mmedi
atel
ycal
l
ed
"
Best
rongandcour
ageousGodhasourback.
Wheny
ougett
othehospi
tal
pleaseupdat
eme"

"
Iwi
l
ldot
hatMawe"wespokef
orf
ewmi
nut
es.

Siyahatedt obewokenup, gett

inghimr eady
wasast r
uggle.Ibat
hedfast,andmade
breakfastformysonIcouldn'teat.Thetruthis
whenonef aceschall
engesprayingandeat i
ng
becomeshar d.Mystomachwast wist
ingand
cri
nging,i
toftenhappenedwhenIwasner vous.

VumanicameandtookSi
ya'
sbagwhi
chhadhi
s
foodandpamper
s.
Wegoti
nsi
dehi
shugecar
"
MakaSi
yadi
dyoueatany
thi
ngi
nthemor
ning?
"
"
YesBabakaZuzi
"
"
Idon'
ttr
usty
ou"wepassedbyMcdonal
dhe
boughtmeahotchocolat
eandaburger.I
fi
nishedt
hefoodwithi
nabli
nkofaneyehe
l
ookedatmet hr
oughthemirr
orandsmiled.I
hadnotreal
i
sedthatIwashungr
y.

Wefinall
yreachedtheSunni
nghil
lhospi
tal
,
l
ucki
lyDumi andIhadmedi calai
d.Iwas
pani
ckingVumani pat
tedmyback
"Donotbescar
edheneedsy
oumor
ethanev
er
now"
Tear
swer
esl
owl
ybui
l
dingup
"
WhathappenedBhut
i?If
orgott
oasky
ou"
"Hewasinacaracci
dent
"hewant
edt
o
cont
inuebuthest
oppedhi
msel
f.

Whenwer
eachedhi
sroom hi
spar
ent
scamet
o
me
"
MaNdabahowar
eyou?
"Zwaneaskedt
aki
ng
Si
yaf
rom me
"Idon'
tknowBababutIknowIwi
l
lbest
rongf
or
Siya"
"
Dothatmydaught
er"hel
eftmewi
th
Makheswa

"OhGugumysonissohelpl
ess"shecr
ied
huggi
ngme.Hisbrot
herswer
estandi
ngoutsi
de
hisr
oom Muzi
lookedatmewitheyesful
lof
sympathy.
Iwal
kedi
nsidehisroom mymanwast her
e
l
ooki
ngli
fel
esshewasconnectedtothe
machi
nes.Isatnexttohi
m hol
dinghi
shand

"ZwaneMangethepleasewakeupforme,open
youreyespl
easebaby.Siyai
swai
ti
ngf ory
ou.
Comebackhomebaba"myheadwasont opof
him.Hewasmyhome, themanIl
ov ed.
Makheswapat
tedmybackshewasnol
onger
t
hatevi
lwomanbutt
hebrokenwoman.

Dumi wasi nComatherepor t

scameback
sayinghi sbrai
nwassti
llrespondingbutthey
didn'tknowhowl onghewasgoi ngtostayin
thatsituati
onandtheydidn'tknowifhewas
evergoi ngtowakeup.Theywer eavoi
dingto
giveusf alsehope.
Ical
ledMaweandinfor
medheraboutt
he
tr
agedythatf
ell
overmyfami
l
y.
Iwasunempl oyedandIhadnot
hingt
obackme
up.IfonlyIhadli
stenedt
oMawebutmy
stubbornnessal
way swon.

Vumani
drov
eushome,
heshookme

"
MaNdabawear
eal
readyher
ear
eyousur
eyou
ar
eok?Doy
ouwantt
osl
eepi
nourhouse?
"
"
Nobhut
iMawei
scomi
ng"

Icar
ri
edSiyat
othehousewhowasal
ready
sl
eeping.
Mawecamear
oundsi
x
"
HeyMaNdabahowar
eyou?
"

"Iam notokMawe"Icr
iedwhi
l
eshewas
comforti
ngme

"
Nowyouhavet
obest
rong,
whatar
eyougoi
ng
t
odonow?"

"
Idon'
tknowMaweIam conf
used"
"I
'm sor
rymyangelbutItol
dyoutofi
ndajob
youcamewithexcuses.Whatareyougoi
ngto
donowmyKeptwi fe"Irubbedmytear
yeyes
"Mawewhyarewet
alki
ngaboutt hepast?You
aremocki
ngmeinmymi ser
y.Any waydon'
t
worr
yaboutmeIwil
lmakeapl an"
"Donotpl
aythevi
cti
m car
dsisi
.Goandf
inda
j
obsi
sidowhatyouhavetodo"
[
07/
22,
14:
42]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#15

Everyt
hingt hatwashappeni
ngtomef el
tli
kea
dream.Ti nyhandstouchedmyface,
myey es
openedt herewasmyson.Igotof ft
hebed
carry
inghi m goi
ngtothekit
chen
"
Mawey
ouar
eal
readygoi
ng?
"
"
YesGuguIam wor
kingt
oday
"

"It
houghtIwasgoingtol
eav
eSiyawit
hyouasI
gotothePostnett
ofixmyCVs"shesi
ghed
"PutSiy
aony ourbackanddowhatev er
y
motherdoes.I t
'saboutt i
meyoumanup.Iam
sureyouwantev er
ythingtobegiv
ent oyou
Gugu,st
opf eeli
ngasi fyouareenti
tl
edto
every
thingandt hewor ldowesyounothi
ng"

"
Ididn'
tsayIwi
l
lleav
ehi
m behi
ndany
wayi
t'
s
f
ineMawe"

Iwenttot hebat
hroom togetmysonand
my sel
fready.Af
tereat
ingwewalkedtoPost net
togetmyCVscr eat
ed,Imadetwentycopies.I
washandi ngoutmyCVi nmostoftheshopsI
caughtagl i
mpseofamanagerfrom Steer
s
squashi
ngitandt
hrowingi
tint
hedust
bint
hat
real
l
ybrokemyheart.
Wegothomearoundt
wo,
Vumani
wal
kedi
n
car
ryi
nggr
ocer
ies
"
Howar
eyouMaNdaba?"

"
Iam goodandy
ouZwane?"Hesmi
l
ed
r
eveal
inghi
sper
fectt
eet
h

"
Iam good,Icamet
odr
opt
hisbyt
hewayIam
i
nahurry"

"Thanky ouBhutipl
easegreetMakaZuzif
orme"
henoddedpi ckingupSiya.Theyl
ookedso
adorabletogethert
hatmadememi ssDumi
mor e.Hekissedhisfor
eheadandleft.
Itookapenanddr aft
edmyi deasfastIwasn't
goingtoletmysonst arve.Af t
err
emember ing
thetupperwareandav onpaper sundermy
cupboard,Iquicklygrabbedmyphoneand
call
edNosi photocomeov erwithi
n30mi nutes
shewasal readyinmyhouse
"
HeyNosi
howar
eyou?
"Shesmi
l
ed

"
Iam goodandy
ousi
si?
"Ist
oodupandgother
j
uice
"
Iam good,Iwant
edtotel
lyouthatIam r
eady
t
osel
l AvonandTupper
ware"shesmi l
ed
"Ipr
omisey
ouGuguyouwil
lmakegoodmoney
aslongasyouar
ededi
cat
ed"

"
Givemethefor
msIwi
l
lfi
l
lthem now.Iwi
l
lsel
l
i
tinmychur
ch"
"
Thatwoul
dwor
kGugupl
uspeopl
efr
om
chur
char
esuppor
ti
veandy
oucanal
soj
oinme
i
nmycorner
"
"
Iwil
lst
artsel
l
ingf
rom t
omorr
ow, Ineedto
makemoneyassoonaspossi
ble"shelaughed
"Thatist
hespi
ri
tindependentwomenar
ethe
best"shest
oodup

"
Iwon'
tl
eav
eyouf
arNosi
Siy
aissl
eepi
ng"
"
Okdear
"

Wespokeaboutt hemoneyf orbuyingstock

t
hatwasn'taproblem Iwasgoi ngtouseSi y
a's
moneythatwegotf rom hi
sbi r
thday.Iusedthe
moneyinthecardt opayrentfornexteight
monthswewer eleftwit
hf ewcents.

Aunt
ycamebackar
oundsi
x
"Howwasy ourdayMawe?
"Shet
hrewher
sel
f
onthecouch
"
GoodGuguhowwasy
our
s?"

"Ok,Iwil
ldi
shupfory
ounow.Aft
ereati
ngmay
youpleasehel
pmemov ethethi
ngsinthe
othertwobedr
oomstomymainr oom"
"
Whyshoul
dwemov
ethem?
"

"
Iwill
rentt
hem out,Iwil
lpr
eferwomen.Idon'
t
t
rustmenespecial
l
yi fi
t'
smealone"shesmil
ed
"
Whathappenedt
omydaught
er"Il
aughed
"
Lif
ehappened"
Wewasheddi shesandmov edevery
thi
ngtomy
mainbedroom.Wesl eptar
oundoneam.The
nextmorningIl
eftwi
thauntyinthemorni
ng.I
pastedmynumber sonthepickandpayboards.
It
ookataxi
tothehospi
tal
.Hi
smot
herst
ood
upwhenshesawme
"
Gugumydaught
erhowar
eyou?
"
"Iam goodmaandy
ou?
"Sheshookherhead
snif
fi
ng
"Lookatyounow, t
hisi
sbadi
thasn'
tbeena
weekbuty ouarealr
eadyl
i
ket
his.Donotgi
ve
upmyl ov
e"shehuggedmeIcouldn'
tholdmy
sobsanymor e

"
Wheni
shewaki
ngup?"

"
Iwi
shIknew,
Siyacometogogo"IhandedSiya
t
oMakheswaandwentt
oDumi ,
hewasl ay
ing
t
her
elooki
ngl
if
eless
"Manget heit'
sGuguIwant edtotel lyout hatI
hav estart
edabusi nessofsellingt opr ovidef or
Siyaasy ouar esti
llbusyfi
ghtingf ory ourlife.
FightZwanef i
ght(yell
i
ng)Manget hef ightfor
yoursonheneedsy outocomebackandpl ay
soccerwi thhim.Fightmunt uwami "tearswer e
comi ngoutef f
ortl
essly.Iwant edt ohav ef ait
h
butmyf earswerefaili
ngme.Zwanewasn' t
himselfIcouldseet hathewast roubledhet r
uly
l
ov edDumi becausehewasay essi rchildhe
nev erquesti
onedhi sparents.

"Babaall
isgoingtobeok"hel
ookedatmewi
th
hiseyesful
lofdoubt

"Ihopesomydaught
er,
arey
oucopingthough?
Ifeell
i
keyouar
etooyoungt
odealwit
ht hi
s
ordeal
"
"Iam get
ti
ngther
ebaba,Ibel
iev
ethathewil
l
fi
ghtf
orus.Iam l
eav
ingIwill
seeyouweekend"
Makheswagavememysonwhowasal r
eady
sl
eepi
ng.

Sixdiffer
entpeoplecall
edmeenqui ringabout
therooms.Itoldthem ever
ythingIendedup
choosingtwowomenwhower eChri
stians
becauseIdidn'
twantt hosepeoplewhower e
goingtorockinthehousear oundthreeam
drunk.

Theybot hmov edinwi thintwoday s, t

heyhad
noki dsandtheywer ev erysweet .Ihadstarted
sell
ingmyt upperwar eproductsandav on
productshousebyhousei twast heeasiestway
togetmor emoney .Iquietl
ysatont herock
wipingmyf oreheadwhi chwasf ullofsweatas
thesunwasscor ching.Ialreadyhadf ewclients
thatmotivat
edmet oworkharder.Ihadt
aken
Siyatocrèchehewasr eal
lyexcit
edaboutbei
ng
i
nadi ff
erentenvir
onment,hewasonl yusedt
o
havingmear ound.

Ithadbeentwomont hssi
nceDumi sl
i
ppedinto
thecomai twasnteasyf
ormebutwewer e
survi
ving.Mychurchmembersusedtovi
sitand
prayforhim.

Fort
heveryf
irstt
imesinceImovedinwit
h
DumiIat
echickenfeettheywer
eaff
ordabl
e.
"Si
yacomeandeatenoughwit
hyourbooks
now"mysonlov
edcolouri
ng
WhenIgav
ehi
mthef
oodheshookhi
shead
scr
eami
ng
"Iwil
lbeatyouupnowshutup"hecont
inued
screamingZodwagotoutofherr
oom
"
Myboycomeherewhyar
ey oucr
ying?Whati
s
mommydoingt
omyhandsomehusband?We
wi
ll
beatmommy"Hewenttoher
"Si
yaiscr
azyZodwahedoesn'twantt
oeathe
thi
nksIam hi
sfather
,hehast
oeatwhatev
erI
cook"Zodwalaughed
"Iwi
ll
givehi
m myf oodhedoesn'
twantwhat
youcookedGugu,thosechi
ckenf
eetl
ookscary
uh"webothlaughed

"Hehast
oeatdi
ff
erentdi
shessot
hathecan
easi
l
yadaptt
hedayhesuffer
s"
Zodwafedhim heateunti
lhewasf ul
lthi
sboy
wasgoingtobet hedeat
hofme.Wepr ay
ed
befor
egoingtobedIhadt r
ainedhi
m wellhe
knewhowt oclosehisey
esandkneel bef
ore
bed.
Wewokeupar oundsixam andgotr eadyfor
thedayIhadmadeasi mplelunchbox.Il
eft
Siyaatcr
ècheandwentt omyspotwher eIsell
myt hi
ngs.Peoplest
artedorderi
ngearlyi
twas
surel
ymyl uckydayIprayedthanki
ngGod.

Aroundt woIrecei
vedacall"nonotSiy
aohmy
Godpleasesendmedi rect
ions"wordsfai
led
meal lIcoul
ddowast ocryrunni
ngt oataxi
rankli
keamadwoman.
Godhadf
ail
edmyf
ami
l
y
[
07/
22,
14:
42]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#16

Tear
swerecl
oudingmyeyesIcouldbarel
ysee
ther
oadmyheartwasbeat
ingveryfast.
Eachhear
tbeatwasaccompani
edbyahi
ccup.
"Heyy oudoyouwantmet oki
lly
ou?Areyou
drunk?"Iwasinf
rontofhi
sBMW, hel
ookedat
mepi ssed,
hegotoutofthecarandcameto
me
"
Arey
ouokaysi
si?
"

"No(shakingherhead)I
'
m notIj
ustreceiveda
call
sayingmysoni sint
hehospi
tal"hehelped
met ostandupbecauseIhadfal
leninfrontof
hiscar
.

"Let
'sgeti
nsi
det
hecar
,doy
ouknowt
he
hospit
alhewast
akent
o?"

"Theysaidhei
sJohannesbur
ghospit
alIdon'
t
knowwhyt heyt
ookhimthatfart
heyshould
havetakenhimtoNetcar
ehehasamedi cal
aid"
"Wewilldri
vet
ohospital
it'
sfi
ne,takethatcl
oth
behi
ndy ouandwipeyourface.Peoplewil
lsayI
am abusiv
e"Ilaughed

"Thankyoubutdoy oureall
ycareaboutwhat
peoplesay?IoftendowhatIthinki
sright
.What
myhear twantsandIwillf
acethe
consequenceslater
"Helaughedshowinghis
dimples
"
Youareadefi
nit
ionofacr
azyper
son,
ari
sk
t
akerf
orsur
e.Areyoumarri
ed?
"

"NonotyetbutIst
aywi
tht
hef
atherofmyson
andyou?
"

"
NoIam not
,howl
onghav
eyoubeenst
ayi
ng
wi
thhi
m?"
"
Near
lyt
woy
ear
s"heshookhi
shead

"Idon'twantt oli
etoy oubutthechancesofy ou
gettingmar ri
edtohim areslim.Whenaman
want stomar r
yyouhedoesn' tstayt
hatlong
withoutt al
kingaboutmar r
iage.Bealer
tmy
sister"hewasst art
ingtoannoyme, Dumi lov
ed
memor ethananythingandhewasnev ergoi
ng
tohur tme.

"
What
'sy
ournameagai
nbhut
i?"

"
Vusi
Dlomoandy
ou?"

"GuguNdabawehavebeental
kingl
i
kef r
iends
for
gett
ingthatwedi
dn'
ti
ntr
oduceoursel
vesto
eachother
."
"I
t'
sniceknowi
ngyoujustgi
vemey ourphone
numbersinceweareal
readyher
e.Doy ouwant
met ogoinwit
hyou?"

"Yeslet'
sgotogetherIhaveal
readysentmy
sist
ersmessages"heopenedt hedoorf orme
hewasagent leman.Het ol
dmeabouthi msel
f,
l
uckilywewerefrom thesamechur chjust
diff
erentbr
ancheswhatagr eatcoi
ncidenceit
was.

Wewal kedi
nsidetheCharl
ott
eMaxekeuni
tand
wenttotherecept
ioni
stIwassoscar
edofthe
unknown.

"
Gooddaymam"
"
Gooddaymam howar
eyou?
"
"Iwi
shIwasgood,Iam l
ooki
ngformybaby
whowasadmi t
tedher
etodaybyhist
eacher
."
Shecheckedt
hefil
es

"
Mayy
oupl
easegi
vemehi
sname"

"Si
yabongaNdaba"shegotbusyusingher
computeraf
teraminuteshelookedatus

"
Okyoumaygot
othet
hir
dfl
oort
hesecond
war
dfr
om y
ourl
eft
"

Mybodywassweat
ing,
mybr
eat
hingchanged
Vusi
hel
dmyhand.
Whenwegoti
nsi
det
hewar
dmysonwascr
ying
"
Mamamamacome"Ir
ant
ohi
m wi
tht
ear
sin
myey
es
"
WhathappenedNdaba?OhmyGodwhyhas
t
heLordfor
sakenmethismuch"hi
steacher
wal
kedin
"
MissNdabahowar
eyou?
"

"Youclear
lydon'
texpectmet
osayI'
m good
ri
ght?Whathappenedt omyson?Whyishe
here?
"

"Hefel
lfr
om aseesawandbr
okehi
sleg"hi
s
handsheldme
"
Gugubestr
ongyoucan'
tbreakdownl
iket
his
i
nfr
ontofy
ourson"myscreamsandsobswere
t
oomuch
"VusiGodhasforsakenme,Iam tooyoungto
handlethi
s.Hi
sfatherisi
naComaf i
ghti
ngfor
hisli
fewhil
emysoni sherewit
habr okenaleg"
hekeptonhuggingmecomf orti
ngmysoul .I
want
edtobel
ievethatal
lthi
ngswereworki
ng
f
ormygood,thatIam goi
ngthrought
ri
alsand
t
ri
bul
ati
onsbutthatwashardforme.
Mawewal
kedi
nwi
thmysi
ster
s
"OhMaNdabacomehere"Imovedawayf
rom
Vusi
'
sembraceandwenttoaunty
.

"
hisl
egisbr okenMawehowam Igoingt
owin
t
hist
estthatishappeni
ngi
nmylife?Uhwhyi
s
Godchoosingme?Whynotothers?"

"WhynotyouMaNdaba?Wheni tr
ainsitpours.
Notall
stormst hatcomei
nt oyourli
fearethere
todest
royyou.Somear etheretoclearthedirt
whichi
siny ourwayofsucceeding.Best r
ong
andcourageousGodhasy ourback"
"Goddoesn'
tl
oveme( cr
ying)Iwon'
tpr
ay
anymoreIam doneMawe"
"
Noyouar
enotrememberhowJobsuf
fer
ed?
Doy
ourememberhi
m cur
singGod?
"

"
Nohedi
dn'
tbutI
'
m notJob"

"Goody ouwillpr
ayandov ercomebecausey
ou
arestrongerthanhi
m"Ir ubbedmyeyes
nodding.Thiswasat estandIwasn'
tgoingt
o
giveup.
Igav
eVusi
mynumber
sandt
hankedhi
m.

Busi
lookedatme
"Gugulethuwhoisthatguywhowashugging
you?Hav eyoumovedonalr
eady?Ar eyou
forgett
ingthatDumiisi
nhospi
talf
ighti
ngfor
hisli
fe?"
"Heisastr
angerBusiwhohelpedmet oday.
Stopjumpi
ngint
oconclusi
ons.Youguy s
alwayswanttof
ightwit
hmeev enifIdon't
"she
l
ookedsorry

"
Iam sor
rymyl
ove"

Zi
nzi
wasbusycomf
ort
ingmyson.

Thedoctorcameandgav ehimthemedi cati

on
forpai
n.ZinziandIslepti
nthehospi t
al.Zinzi
wasmar ri
edt omanwhowasper fectifthere
wasanyper fectman.Busioft
enadmi redt hei
r
rel
ati
onshipitwasat ruel
overel
ationship.They
wereactuall
yrelat
ionshi
pgoals.

Zi
nzi
wokemeupar
ound1am
"
Let'
spr
ayGugut
hedev
ili
sfi
ght
ingy
oudon'
t
l
ethi
m win"
"
OkZi
nzi
"
Wekneltdownpr
ayi
ngwordswerefai
li
ngme
butGodknewwhatmyheartwassayi
ng.

Si
y astay
edi
nthehospi
talf
ort woweeks.The
Zwanescametoseehim,Makheswacal l
ed
every
day.Mysonhadaplasteronhi
sleftl
eg.

"Guguit
'sbett
erformetotakecar
eofSiy
a
sincey
ouar ealwayswor
kingtomeety
our
needs"

"Ar
eyousureMawe?Whatabouty
ourj
ob?
"
Shesmil
ed
"Youdon'thavetoworr
yGugumybossl ov
e
kids.Shedoesn'
tmindIaskedherf
ir
stbef
ore
comi ngtoyou"

"Thanky
ouMaweIloveyousomuch.Iam
nothi
ngwit
houty
ou"shel
aughed

"
Youar
enot
hingwi
thoutGod"

"
Yesyouarer
ightmamf
undisi(t
heybot
h
l
aughed)l
etmepackhi
sclothes"

Ipackedhiscl
othesinmymi nitr
avel
li
ngbag.
Siyawassoexcitedaboutl
eavingwithMawe.
Siyalovedany
onewhowasl eav i
ngthehouse.I
accompaniedthem andgavethem moneyfor
groceri
es
"
MamaIl
ovey
ou"

"Il
oveyoutoomysonmamawi
l
lvi
sity
oumhn"
hekissedme

"
Byemama"Iwasget
ti
ngal
lemot
ional

"DonotmindmeMawei t'
smyfi
rstt
imebei
ng
separ
atedfr
om Si
yaIal
readymi
sshim"

"Youcanalway
scal
lwheny
oumi
sshi
m Gugu
orvi
situs"

IthadbeeneightmonthssinceDumisli
pped
i
ntoacoma.Mybusi nesswasbl oomi
ngVusi
andIwereprayerpar
tnershewasv er
y
powerful
.MaweandSiy ausedtocomeev er
y
fr
idaytovisi
tmefort
heweekendandt
heyl
eft
everySundayint
heeveni
ng.

Iwokeuparound10,mymoodwasj ustsour.
All
Ineededwasashowert oboostmymood.
Zodwawasof fev
eryTuesdaysoIknewt hat
shewasgoingtoaccompanymet othehospit
al
tovi
si
tDumi.

Ihear
dthedooropeni
ng
"Zodwahur r
yupwehav etovisitSiya'sf
ather
.
ZodwaZodwa"It ookmyloti
onandr emoved
myt owelshewasclear
lykeepingqui eton
purpose,Iwassousedtoherchi ldi
sh
behaviour.Thedoorofmybedr oom openedit
wasSenzo.
Ishout
edathi
mtaki
ngmyt
owel
try
ingt
ohar
d
mynakedself
"SenzoIam nakedgooutsi
de,si
ncewhendo
yougetinsi
demybedr oom "hi
slookwas
horri
fyi
nghelookedl
ikeabeast
"Ifi
nall
ysawt hesexybodythatdri
vesmy
brothercr
azy"hewascomi ngclosewhil
eIwas
mov ingbackward

"What.
.what..do.
.youwantSenzo?"Iwasso
scar
edmyi nt
esti
neswerecr
ingi
ng,mytear
s
werewater
ingmyf ace

"Whyareyoucr y
ingyouwhor e?Iwantt odoy ou
afavourbymeet i
ngyourneedsandy ouare
busycryi
ng.Youshouldbegr ateful
thatIcar
e
aboutyoueightmonthswithoutgettingsexi
s
notajokeunlessify
ouaref uckingyourpastor"
Iner
vouslyaskedhim aquestion,butIknew
whathemeant.
"Whatarey out
alki
ngabout?"Itr
iedrunning
towar
dst hedoorhepull
edmebymyweav e
andslappedmenotonceort wicebutmul ti
ple
ti
mes.Iwascr yi
ngandprayi
nghopi ngthat
Zodwawi ll
comeandsav eme

"Senzopleasest
opohmyGody ouarehur
ti
ng
me"Islappedhim hegotmor
eangr
ytookout
hisgun

"
Sleeponthatbedandopeny
ourlegs"Iwant
ed
t
obesav ednotevenGodwascapableofdoi
ng
t
hat
"
Senzot
hinkaboutDumi
hei
sgoi
ngt
ogethur
t"
"Gugushutt
hefuckup"heremovedhisclot
hes
thuswhenIknewthatr
eali
tyhadki
ckedin.His
shaftwasbi
gIclosedmyeyesIwantedthis
pai
ntopass
"TodayIam goi
ngt
ogi v
ey ouwhaty ouwant "I
sobbedsoft
lymyvoicedisappear
ed,tearsroll
ed
downmycheek.Mysoul wassl owlydrif
ting
awayfrom mybody.Hewasl ooki
ngmur derous
andproud
Hepushedhi shardshaf
tinsi
demeIf el
tan
excr
uciat
ingpainthatwassepar
ati
ngmysoul
fr
om mybody .Hemov edinsi
demev eryfasthe
wasclear
lyteari
ngmyv agina
"Youbet
tershakeGuguorwewi
lldothi
sshit
thewhol
eday "hepi
nchedmyni
pplesIf
elthi
s
hotcomeinsideme.

"Fuckt hatwassogoodweshoul ddot hi

smor e
often.Iknowt hatyouenj
oyed.Youshouldstop
pretendingasifyouareinnocent(
Laughing)
youl oveditr
ight?"hest
oodupanddr essed
l
eav ingtwentyrandsnexttome.
Ioftenimaginedthesoundoft ensi
onasanear
gri
tt
ingsound,li
kefingernai
l
sbeingdragged
downt heblackboardbutatthi
smomentt her
e
wasnot hi
ngbutsi l
ence.
Ever
ythi
ngwasswirl
ingaroundme, al
lthathad
beenstat
icbef
orehaddiscardedit
'srootsand
bl
ewawayhopel oveGodf ai
th..
[
07/
22,
14:
42]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#17

Iwassopet
ri
fi
ed.
Sodisgust
edbymyownbody .Thefootst
eps
wereechoingar
oundt
heki
tchen.Ipul
ledmy
gownclosertome.

"GuguGugu,youhavest
art
edwi
thourst
upid
game.Iboughtf
lower
sforDumi
.Theywi
ll
refr
eshhi sroom, Guguam Italki
ngtomy sel
f?
(Walki
ngt ot hebedroom.Lightl
yknocki
ng.She
pushedt hedoor )ohmyGodno( cry
ing)what'
s
happening?Whathappened? "Iwantedtohold
thosetearssobadbutIf ai
l
ed.Myhear twas
breaki
ngpi ecebypi ece

"I
t'
sSenzo"
sheranout
sideget
ti
ngherphone
andcal
ledthepol
i
ce

Shehuggedmewecri
edtoget
herwit
hint
hir
ty
minut
esthepol
i
cemenwherealr
eadyi
nthe
house

Zodwawal
kedi
nsi
demyr
oom wi
tht
hepol
i
ce
off
icer

"
GooddayMi
ssNdaba,
youar
eMi
ssNdaba
r
ight
?"Inodded

Het
ookouthi
spadandpen
"
Wouldyouli
ket ofi
leacharge?"Zodwaheld
myhandtear
swer eflowingeff
ortl
essl
y,my
l
egswereshaking.Beingstr
ongwast hel
ast
t
hingonmymi nd
"
Yes.
.y
es"

"
Wheredidi
thappen?Andwhatwer
eyou
wear
ing?
"

"I.
.Iwasinmybedr oom changing.Whenhe
walkedinIwasnaked( Zodwahel dherhand
ti
ghtl
y)changingget
ti
ngmy selfready
.
Everyt
hinghappenedinmybedr oom"heraised
hisbrow
"
Arey
ousur
ethather
apedy
ou?
"Fur
yengul
fed
me

"Whatt
hefuckarey ouaski
ng?Iam fuckensur
e.
Zodwagethim outofhereheisher
et omock
me.Tel
lhi
mt oleave"Zodwahuggedme
"
Iam sor
ryma'
am weaskal
lthesequest
ionsi
t
i
showwedot hepr
operpr
ocedure"
Theonlythi
ngmyheartwantedwastohi
demy
shameundermyblanket
s.Senzohadwonin
humil
i
atingme

"
Doy
ouknowt
heper
pet
rat
or?
"

"Yes(l
oweri
nghervoi
ce)myboy f
ri
end'
sli
tt
le
brot
her.Hi
snameisSenzo.(Zodwahandedhis
pict
uretot
hepoli
ceoffi
cer
)"
"
Howdi
dithappenMi
ssNdaba?
"

"Hethr
eatenedmewit
hagun,heslappedme
sever
alti
mes"ther
ewassti
l
lbloodinmynose
andmybodywasbadlybrui
sed.

"openyourgownletmeseethebrui
ses
(Looki
ngatherbr
uisesmadehim cr
inge)wear
somethingwewil
lgotothehospi
talnow.Miss
youcancomewi t
hus"

Whenwegott
othehospi
tal
Iwast
aken
st
rai
ghtt
oadoct
or.

"
Mi ssNdabawai tformeIhav etocomplet
ethe
r
apeki t"thedoctortooksomescr api
ngsunder
myf ingernai
ls,theevidenceofspermfr
om my
vagina.Thepoliceoffi
cerstayedbehi
ndIasked
Zodwanottocal
lany
onesi
nceIhadaf
eeli
ng
thatt
heywoul
dwantustosol
vei
tasafamil
y.
ThenIunderwenttheHIVtest
.Iwasgiv
en
ARVst odri
nksothatIcanbeprot
ect
edfrom
gett
ingthevir
us,
theygavememor ni
ngafter
pi
ll
s.

Mawewasacr yi
ngwreckoutsi
dethehospit
al.
Zodwahadcall
edherIl
ookedathershejust
shr
uggedhershoul
der
s

"MaNdabawhat'
shappeni
ngtoyou?(Sit
ting
downcryi
ng)whatdidwedointhepastthatis
makingoursi
nsfol
lowourki
ds.Whydidn'ti
t
happentome?"

Al
lIcoul
ddowastocry
.Wedrov
etoSowetoas
muchasItr
iedbyal
lmeanst
oavoi
dthatpl
ace
IhadnochoicebuttogowithMaweIneeded
hermore.Iwasbackt osquareone.Lucki
l
y
whenwegotoutoft hecartherewereno
nei
ghbours.Ourhousewasnowbi gger
becauseofthemoneyIusedt ogetfr
om Dumi
.
Sheprepar
edabathf orme
Hishor
ri
fyingf
acewasst
il
lst
uckontheback
ofmymi nd.Myvagi
nawasonfi
re.
"
Iwil
lbathyoutodaymydaught
er"Mawe'
sey
es
wer
efil
ledwit
hanger

"
Mawewher
eisZodwa?
"

"
Shei
sint
heki
tchencooki
ng"

"
Wher
eismyson?"
"Ical
ledBusi
tocomeandgethim.Hewon'
t
comebackany t
imesoon.Youneedt
oheal
fir
st"

"Whati
sheali
ng?(Chuckl
ingbit
ter
ly)Idon'
t
wanttohealMawe.Hebr okemey oushoul
d
haveseenhi
sface.Iwil
lneverf
orgivehi
mI
sweartoGod"

"
DoIknowhi
m?"

"
YesSenzoZwane,
Dumi
sani
'
sli
tt
lebr
other
"

"Ohnkosi
yami(
putti
ngherhandsontopofher
head)youar
enevergoi
ngbacktothatf
amily
wearedonewit
hthem"
"
Ifonl
yIhadwait
edforLi
zwi
,
MaweIr
emember
y
ourwordsever
yday
"

"Nodon'
tdot
hatMaNdaba,
wel
ear
nfr
om our
past"

Shehelpedmegetoutofthebatht
ub,mybody
wassor e.Wewenttotheki
tchenIat
ealit
tl
e
bi
talthoughitwashar
dtoswall
owaftert
hatI
drankthepil
l
safter
.

Wewenttobedearl
ywit
hZodwa.Isawhi
m
comi
ngcarr
yingakni
fe.

"
No.
.no.
.st
oppl
ease"Iscr
eamed
Zodwaj
umpedof
fthebedandswi
tchedont
he
l
ight
s
"
Heisnother
ebaby(Maweopenedt
hedoor
)it
wasani
ghtmareMawe"Zodwa

"Zodwalooathowmydaught eris(
sobbi
ng)
thatevi
lmanhasrobbedherpeace.She'
s
slowlydyi
ngandIcan'
tsav
eher .WhatdoIdo
uh?Iam sohelpl
ess"

"
Pleasebestr
ongforhersheneedsyoumor
e
t
hanev er
"Zodwaspokewipinghert
ears
"Isawhim Mawehewasher
e,pl
easedon'
t
switchof
fthel
ight
s'
Mawesl
eptwithus.Thefol
l
owingmor ni
ng
Zodwal
eftear
lygoi
ngbacktoourhouse.

Thefoll
owi
ngdayswer
esohard.Iwasgoing
thr
oughtheacut
est
age.Iwascont
inousl
y
vomit
ingandIwasf
eel
ingnumb.
Mawecal
l
edmef
rom myr
oom

"
Mawewhatdoy
ouwant
?"

"GetuporIwil
lpourcol
dwat
erony
ou"I
giggl
edshelookedatmesmi
l
ing

Istoodupandworemygown.WhenIgott
othe
ki
tchentheZwaneswer
ether
e

"
Mawewhatdotheywant
.Idon'
twantany
thi
ng
t
hatconnect
smetot
hem"

"
Thengi
vethem t
hei
rgr
andsont
heywi
l
lleav
e
y
ouinpeace"
"
NoSi
yai
smyson"

"
Goodmov
eyourassandgot
othem"
.
Goi
ngt
her
ewasast
ruggl
e

"MaNdabawewon' taskyouabouthowy ouar

e.
I
tisobvi
ousbutpleasedon'tpuni
shoursonfor
Senzosdeeds"Zwanespokei nal
owtone.

Thedr
amat
icMakheswast
art
edcr
ying
"Makoti
pleaseforgi
vemysonhewas
bewit
chedbyt hi
sotheroldwomanf rom our
communi t
y,asangomapr ovedi
t"shewas
cal
li
ngmemakot ibecauseshewantedaf av
our
.

"
Kahl
eMakheswayouknowt
hatyoursoni
snot
asai
nt.Iwi
l
lki
cky
ououtoft
hishouseand
speaktoMakot
iwi
thouty
ou"Zwanewas
gett
ingangr
y

"ButZwaneyouknowhowgoodSenzowas.He
can'tdi
einj
ail
"

"Heshoulddi
eisn'
titt
hatheisarapi
st.Who
rapesherbr
other
'sgir
lf
ri
endhe'
sasatanista
demon"Makheswaj ustcri
ed.

"Iheary
ouBaba,Idon'
twantanyt
hingthatwi
l
l
connectmewit
hy ourf
amil
y"Ispoketohim
softl
y

"
Butwhyarewesuff
eri
ngforSenzo'sevi
ldeeds.
WhataboutDumi
whoisf i
ghti
ngforhisl
if
e.
Whenareweseei
ngSiya?"Istoodup
"
Idon'
tmeant
odi
srespecty
oubutIwi
l
ltal
kto
y
ouwhenIam r
eady
"Makheswaf
oll
owedme
"MaNdabapl easedon'
ttel
lDumiaboutt
hishe
wil
lkil
lSenzo.Iwouldn'
twantt
oseemysons
ki
ll
ingeachother"

"Real
l
y( Laughi
ng)thatiswhaty
ouonl
ycare
about,
whataboutme? "Iwal
kedtomybedr
oom
andclosedthedoor.

THREEMONTHSLATER

Iwasat tendi
ngt hecounsell
ingsessions.Iwas
getti
ngbackt omynor malselfalt
houghthey
weref ewglit
ches.Theonl yfearIhadwast obe
aloneort obeinapl acethathasmen.Vusi was
verysuppor t
iveDumi wasstilli
ncoma
Iwalkedi
nsi
dethecent
re,
wel
lDrKhumal
owas
al
readywait
ingf
orme
"
Howar
eyouMi
ssNdaba?Youmaysi
tdown"

"
Iam goodDocandy
ou?
"

"
Iam good,t
odayi
t'
syourl
astsessi
onhowar
e
y
oufeeli
ng?"
"Iam exci
ted,
Ihavebeenseei
ngpr
ogressi
n
thepastweeks"shesmil
edtaki
ngherpenand
book

"DoyoublameDumi
fort
hei
nci
dentt
hat
happenedtoy
ou"

"YesIblamehi m,i
fhehadnotpur
suedmei n
thebeginningIwouldn'
thav
ebeenrapedbyhi
s
brot
her.Ifhewasnoti nacomahewasgoing
t
opr
otectme"

"Doy ouunder
standt hathei
snottobebl amed
here.Youalwaysblamepeopleforyour
mistakesandit
'swr ong.Youar
egui l
tyashim.
Whydi dyouagreewhenheaskedy ouout ?
"

"
Iwasl
onel
y"

"
Doy
oul
ovehi
m?"

"
Wehav
easont
oget
her
"

"
Iaskedi
fyoul
ovehi
m ornot
"

"
Ihadal
way
simagi
nedbyl
i
fewi
thLi
zwi
"
"
Doy
oust
il
ll
oveLi
zwi
enought
oletDumi
go?
"
"
No"
"
Okdoy
oul
oveDumi
"
"
YesIdo"
"
Iwantyoutodoonemoret
askforme.Goto
t
hehospit
alandv
isi
thi
m.Tel
lhi
m abouthow
y
oufeel
"

"
Iwi
l
lthi
nkabouti
t"

"
Iam gi
vingyouaday,wewill
tal
kthedayaf
ter
t
omorrow.Iwil
lper
sonal
lycal
lyou"
"
OkDoc"

"
WearedoneMi ssNdaba,
itwasnicehavi
ng
y
ou.Feel
freet
ocallmeifyouneedanythi
ng"
"
Thanky
oudocIwi
l
ldef
ini
tel
ycal
lyou"
.

Iwast akingabr eakfr

om pr ayingGodhad
fai
ledmei nmanypar tsofmyl i
feandMawe
wasn'tpushi ngmet opray.Imov edbackt omy
houseamont hago,Ionlysoldmypr oduct
s
outsi
det het enti
napubl i
cpl ace.Ipassedby
fi
shandchi psandboughtt akeaway s.WhenI
gothomeMawewassi tti
ngdownt alki
ngto
Zodwa
"
Sani
bonani
"

"
HeyGuguhowar
eyou?
"

"
Iam goodandyouZodwa?
"Shest
oodup
t
aki
ngherpurse
"Iam goodIwi
llber
ightbackIwantt
obuy
somet hi
ngatt
hemall"

"
Odwabuymesweets"Si
yaspokei
nat
iny
v
oiceweal
ll
aughed

"
Okmyhusband"sheki
ssedhi
m andl
etr
unni
ng.

"
Mawehowwaswor
k?"

"
Itwasokmydearandy
oursi
de?
"

"
Iwasn'
tsel
li
ngt
odayIhadgonet
oSandt
onf
or
myl
astsessi
on"
"
Okt
hati
sgood,
sowhathappened?"
"
Iwi
l
lvi
sitDumi
tomor
row"

"
Thati
sagooddeci
sionmydear
.Noneoft
his
washi
sfaul
t"
"
Iam sonervousMawe, t
hiswhol
ethi
ngisjust
t
ooscary(smil
ing)doyouthi
nkhehaschanged,
l
i
kehisfaceorweight?"
Mawel
aughedcausi
ngSi
yat
ost
art
le

"Ar
ey ouexpecti
ngmetoanswery
ou?Ny
we
nyweIdon'tlov
eDumianymoremhmm I
'm
watchingyou"
[
07/
22,
14:
42]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#18

Dr
aggi
ngmyf
eetget
ti
ngof
fthebedgoi
ngt
o
thebathroom wit
hmyheadoozi ngveryhard.
Thisfel
tlikeahangoverdon'taskmehowI
knowi t
.Irushedtothetoi
letseatandv omit
ed,
sweathadf ormedonmyf orehead.Iwasgoi ng
toleaveSiyabehind,
Igotreadyv er
yfastand
wenttot hekit
chentomakef ood

"
Goodmor
ningMawe,
howar
eyou?
"

"
Iam goodandy
oumydaught
er?
"

"Iam good,Iwill
leav
emoneyf ory
outodo
groceri
es.Pleasedonotgetsweetsf
orSi
ya"

"OkIwon'
tev
eni
fhecr
iesandcompar
esmet
o
Zodwa"
"
Heismanipul
ati
veMawerunawayf
rom hi
s
t
rap"webothl
aughedIt
ookanappl
efr
om the
f
ri
dgeIhadnoappet
it
eforbr
eakf
ast
.

DeepdownIwasn'tok,
myheartwascryi
ngout
formyloverwhowasfi
ghti
ngforhi
sli
fe.It
ook
acabitlef
tmeinthehospi
tal

Ther
ecept
ioni
stsmi
l
edatme

"
HowareyouMi
ssNdaba?I
t'
sbeenl
ongsi
nce
wesawyou"
"
Iam good(
smi
l
ing)andy
ousi
si?
"

"Goody oumaygotohisroom noonei swit

h
him"Itookaboxofchocolatesandgaveitto
her,
shel ov
edt
hingsI
'm sureit
'soneofthe
reasonsshegotexci
tedwhenshesawme
"Nextt
imeIam br
ingi
ngy
our
oses"shej
umped
upanddownhappily.
"
ThankyouMaNdabaspoi
lmeIam v
erysi
ngl
e"
webothl
aughed

Hisr
oom wasf
aci
ngt heNorthithaddi
rect
sunl
i
ght
.Hewassleepingpeaceful
ly
"Zwane, Manget hehowar ey ou?Iam sosor r
y
fornotcomi ngt ov i
sityou( Holdinghi shand).
Thesepastmont hswer ehar dforme, Siyafell
andbr okehislegatschool .Itwasv erybadI
nearlylostmymi nd.Iwasdev astat ed.Ican't
affordtolosemyt wof avour i
temen.Then
somet hinghappened. .Senzoy ourl i
ttl
ebrother
rapedme, hewashol dingagunDumi Iwas
scaredIwant edt odieatt hatmoment .He. .he
slappedmeIwashur thenear lybr okemynose.
Igothim ar r
estedy ourmom say sIshoul dn'
t
telly
oubecausey ouguy swi l
lkil
l eachot her.
Thelastt hi
ngthatIwanti st osepar
at esi
bli
ngs
sinceIstill
havemi ne(wipinghertears)Idoubt
youwi l
l l
ovemet hesamewayy ouusedt olove
meandIdonotwantt obeknownast he
womanwhosepar atedbrot her
s.Thisistheend
ofther oadforus.(Tearscameoutf rom
Dumi sani'
seyes).Dumi arey oucryi
ng?Can
youhearme?Pl easedosomet hi
ng"he
ti
ghtenedhi sgri
p

"Iwon'
tleav
ey ouZwanef i
ghtforSiyaf i
ghtf
or
memyl ove(
kissinghislips)"Il
eftearli
erjoyhad
fi
ll
edmyheart.IcalledDrKhumal otell
ingher
aboutDumi'
spr ogressShewassohappy .
Thosewerethel aststepofmyheal ing.

Thecabl
eftmeathome

"
Mawei
tsmel
l
ssoni
ceIam sohungr
y"
"
Standupanddishforev
ery
onedon'
tfor
gett
o
i
ncludeZodwa'
splat
e"

"MommyIam t i
red,
Ican'
tevenmov
emy
hands"Shest
oodupannoy ed

"
Youar
everyl
azyIwonderi
fyouknowhowt
o
movei
nbed"
Il
aughedsomuch
"Lookwhoi stal
ki
ng?Myv ir
ginMar y(Mawe
l
aughed) .AskmehowImadet hatboySiya,
you
willbeshocked.Imightbelazyineveryt
hing
butnotint hatdepar
tmentcountmeout "

wewer
elaughi
ngl
i
kecr
azypeopl
e
"
SaynomoreGuguIdon'
twantt
odir
tymy
t
hought
s.Mybodyi
sthetempl
eofGod"

"
Zodwadoesn'
tl
ockherr
oom,
youmayputher
f
oodonherTVstand"

"Youaredr
unkGugust
andupputt
hatf
oodi
n
herroom"

Weatemaki
ngali
ghtconversati
on.Si
yawas
pl
ayi
ngwi
thherf
oodthrowingitonthegr
ound

"
HeywenaSi yaIwi
ll
beaty
ouupr i
ghtnowst
op
t
hisnonsense"hest
art
edcry
ing
"Iwantbaba"IlookedatMaweshesadl ypi
cked
him up.Si
yawassospoi l
edandt i
ri
ng.It
ookthe
toysthathisf
atherboughthim whenhewasa
week.Hekeptqui etandplay
edwi t
hhistoy
s
"Ar
eyouful
lSiy
a?Don'
tyouwantf
oodany
mor
e
"Henodded.

Af
terwashi
ngdi
shesMawepr
ayedandshar
ed
aver
se.
"
Donotgi
veuponGodGuguhewi
l
lanswer
y
ourpr
ayer
s"
"
Iwi
l
lpr
aywhent
het
imei
sri
ght
"

TWOWEEKSLATER

EverybodysaidIlookedli
keazombi ebutI
real
lydidn'
treall
ycareaboutmylooks,allI
wantedwasmyman.Mybodywassl owly
givi
nguponmebutIkeptpushi ngon, Vusiwas
verysupport
iveIwasbackatchur ch.Ihaven'
t
hadagoodni ghtsl
eepinlongt
ime.Icouldn't
evenbri
ngmy selftospendtimewi thmyson
becauseheremi ndedmeofhi sfathersomuch
themorehegr ewupwast hemor ehelooked
l
ikeDumi.Icouldn'tsi
twit
hhim withoutcryi
ng.
Imissedhi
m somucht hewi l
lofsurvi
vingwas
slowl
yfadi
ng.

Ithadbeen11mont hssinceIreceivedthatcal
l
aboutDumi .Doct
orswerenotgivingmeany
accuratedateofhi
m wakingup.Thef amil
ywas
encouragingmetohol donbutMaKheswawas
acti
nglikeaspoil
tbrat.
Withever
ythingthatwas
happeningIwasgettingbacktoGod' sembrace
Iknewt hathewasmysour ceofst r
ength

"
Sisi
youneedt
obat
handgot
othehospi
tal
"

"
MaweIcan't.I
'
mt ir
edofseei
nghi
mli
ke
t
hat
(cr
ying)helookshopel
ess.
Whywon'
tDumi
wakeupMawe?
"

"Si
siyouheardwhatthedoct
orssai
d,hecan
hearyourvoi
ce.Youneedtogoandtalkt
ohim,
encouragehi
mt owakeup.Tell
himthathei
sa
conqueror
"

Zwanewashav
ingt
eawi
thSi
ya

"Youraunti
sri
ghtmaNdaba.Mysonneedsy
ou
nowmor ethanever
"Idi
dn'
tevenhear
MaKheswawal ki
n

"
Youneedtobest
rongfory
oursonandyour
manMaNdaba"shespokesof
tl
yyoucouldt
ell
t
hatshewassl
owlygi
vi
ngup
"Ihearyou.Okletmegoandpreparemysel
f"I
gotmy sel
fready ,
wewenttot
hehospit
alwit
h
Vumani dri
vingushehardl
yspoketome
becausehewasembar assedbytheevi
ldeeds
ofhisli
ttl
ebr ot
her.

UManget hewami l
ookedsohandsome.His
fatherr
egular
lyshavedhi
sbeard.Iwalked
closerandsatonthechai
rnexttothebed.I
tookhishandintomineandmyt ear
sjust
fl
owed

"Dumiyouneedtof i
ghtforus.Siyaisturning
twoinacoupleofweeksandy ouhav etobe
ther
e.Ican'
tspendtimewi thmychi l
dbecause
helookssomuchl i
key ouithurts.Imissyou.
Yourparent
sandy oursibl
ingsmi ssyou.Weal l
needyou.Youhavet ostar
ty ourbusinesses,
rememberhowexci t
edy ouwer eaboutst art
ing
them.Youhavetocomebackandbui l
da
l
egacyf ory
ourson.Il
oveyou.Ineedy
ou.
Pleasewakeup"Iwasasobbingmess.If
ell
asleeponthechai
rBab'Zwanewokemeup.
"
I'
m sor
ryIf
ell
(rubbi
ngherey
es)asl
eep"

"
YouneedtherestmaNdabat
her
eisnoneed
f
oryoutoapol
ogise
Hewi
l
lwakeup.Hewi
l
lcomebackt
oyou"
"
WhenBaba?When?Iam t
ir
edofpeopl
egi
vi
ng
mef
alsehope"

"Whenthet
imei
sri
ght
,hewi
l
lwakeup"Ij
ust
nodded

I
nt wodaysti
memyboywast urni
ngt
wo.Iwas
happythatSi
yawasgrowi
ngandsadbecause
Dumi wassti
l
linhi
scoma.Ther
ehadnotbeen
anyimpr ovementt ohisconditi
onandatthi
s
pointIhadl osthope.Iwasn'tgoingtot
hrowa
partyforhi
m, mypoorboymi ssedhi
sdad.He
di
dn'tunder standwhyhisdadwasnotwaki ng
up.Hehadev engi
venupont ryi
ngtowakehim
upheof tenshookhi m.

Itwasfi
nall
yhisbir
thdaymybabywasturni
ng2.
Igotupveryearl
yandprepar
edmysel
fforthe
day.Iwokehim upheopenedhi
sbeaut
ifuleyes
yawning
"Happybi
rt
hdaymyboy "hel
ookedatmeand
giv
ingmehiscont
agioussmil
e.Icouldn'
thel
p
butsmil
e.Thi
sri
ghtherewasmyr easonfor
l
ivi
ng.

Wef i
rstwenttothehospi
tal
toseehisf at
her
.
Siy
akissedhim sit
ti
ngontopofhim Igotthe
shockofmyl i
feheopenedhiseyes.Irantothe
passagescr
eami
ngf
ort
henur
se
"
Nursenursehehasopenedhi
sey
es,
thanky
ou
God.
(cr
ying)Thanky
ouJesus"

Thosewhot r
ustintheLordshal
lrenewthei
r
str
ength.Theywi l
lsoaronwi
ngsli
ke
eagles,
theywil
lrunandnotgrowwear y
,t
heywil
l
walkandnotf ai
nt
[
07/
22,
14:
42]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#19

Thenur
sesandthedoct
ori
ndut
yranaf
terme.
Si
yawascryi
ng

"Si
yagetawayfr
om daddycometomel
ett
he
doctorseehi
m"hewasv er
ycl
ingy
Theyatt
endedt
ohim.Theycheckedhisvit
als
monit
ori
ngthem.Iwentout
sideandcall
ed
MaweandBab'Zwane.

Theywit
hdr
ewt
hedr
ugst
hatwer
ekeepi
nghi
m
sedat
ed.
Hi
seyescoul
dnotst
ayf
ocused.Iwentout
side
Si
yawasnowcryi
ng

"
Siy
awewi
l
lgobackst
opcr
yingmyboy
"

"
Mommyhewi
l
lsl
eepagai
nIwantBaba"

Withi
nthir
tyminutesourfamili
eswer
ealr
eady
packedinsi
dethehospit
al .It
hrewmysel
fin
Mawe'sembr ace
"Heisawakemommy ,
heisawaket hanky ou
God"Makheswacameandjoineduscr y
ing.
Maweaskedustoholdourhands,weclosed
oureyesMawepray
ed.Aft
eranhourt hedoctor
cameoutside

"Wear egl
adthatheisoutoft hecomawehav e
wit
hdrawnallthedrugsinhissystem.Youmay
goandseehi m butdon'
ttalkmuchbecausehe
i
snoti nagoodst at
e.Youwi l
lgointhreeswe
don'twanthi
mt obeov erwhel
med.Forhi mto
gobackt ohi
snor malstatemighttakesome
days"

"Iwi
l
lgoi
nwit
hhispar
ent
s,Doccanmyson
comewit
hustoo"

"I
t'
sokMissNdaba"Iopenedthedoor.He
openedhi
seyeswide.Iwant
edtokisshim so
badbutIcoul
dn'
thi
spar
ent
swer
enextt
ohi
m.

"Mysony ouareback,Ithankyourancest
orsf
or
wakingy
ouup( cr
ying)welcomebackt ot
he
Landoftheli
vi
ng"Zwanehel dMakheswawell
hewasn'
tamanofmanywor ds.

Thewhol efamil
ysawhi m weweresoexci
ted.
Fasti
ngforthenextfiv
eday swasalr
eadyatthe
backofmymi nd.ThesameGodwhof r
eedthe
I
sraeli
tesfr
om theEgy pt
ianshadf
reedmyman.

Vumaniboughtacakef
orSi
ya.Wedi
damini
cel
ebr
ati
on,Siy
atookmanypi
ctur
eswi
th
Vumani.

Fourdaysaft
erhewokeuphi
sspeechwassti
ll
sl
urred,
hishandsshookt
oomuch,i
twasl
ike
hewashal l
uci
nati
ngbutthedoct orssai
dit'
s
normal .WheneverIgavehim coldfoodhe
didn'tcomplai
nIaskedthedoct orswhyitwas
l
iket hat,
theyt
oldmet hathi
st astebudswere
off.Theytoldmethatitwasgoi ngtotakea
whi l
eforhimtobebackt onormal .Hehadlost
alotofwei ght
.

THREEMONTHSLATER

Hewasnowbet ter
, hehadi
njur
edhisl
eg.I
deci
dedtowearmywr apov
erdresswi
thno
kni
cker
sunderneath.Siy
awasstayi
ngwith
Mawe.
Thi
srecepti
onistwasgoi
ngt
obethedeathof
meherkindnesswastoomuchandtoofake.
Iwal
kedi
ncarr
yingt
wooceanbaskett
ake
away
sIgaveherone
"
Thanky
ouMi
ssNdaba"

"
Pleasur
ehoney
"

Ev
eryt
hingwasgoi
ngwellmybusi
nesswas
bl
oomingitwasal
lGod.
Hewaslosti
nhi
sthought
slooki
ngout
sidet
he
wi
ndow
"
Zwane"het
urnedandf
acedmesmi
l
ing

"
Comeherebaby,
whyar
eyoust
il
lst
andi
ng
t
her
e?"Iwentt
ohim

"Isti
llcan'
tgetoverthefactt
hatyouar
efinal
l
y
herewi thme."Hi
sey espenetr
atedmyeyesas
i
ft heyweresearchingforsomethi
ng
"
Dumi
qui
tst
ari
ngi
t'
srude"

"Iwasmesmerisedbyyourbeauty
,comel
et'
s
sharet
hisbedIwantustocuddle"

"
Nobabythebedi
stoosmall
"deepdownI
want
edi
tsobadbutIwant
edhimt oconv
ince
me
"Comebabyher
eisyourspace"Ir
emov
edmy
sti
let
tosandwentt
ohim.

"
Youar
esosexyMaNdaba"

"StopitDumi
"hebrushedmythi
ghs,hi
shand
wasmov i
ngundermyskir
themoved.He
grabbedmyass
"
DamnGuguohGodwhatdoy ouwanttodoto
me,youarenotwear
ingany
thi
ngunder
neat
h
t
hissexydress"

Hisfi
nger
str
acedmywetfol
ds.Hedi
ppedhis
f
ingeri
nsi
demycooki
e.Iwasnowmoaning
"
Gugu"
"
Mhnm"
"
Doy
ouwantmet
ost
op?
"
"
No"
"Keepyourvoi
celow"heaskedmet ot
urn
aroundandfacehim hedevour
edmymout h
softl
yandtender
ly.Hetookouthi
smagni
ficent
cockandenteredmesl owl
y

"
Dumi
youar
etoobi
g"
"Therearet
oomuchsper
msheyIguessthey
arereasonwhymydi
ckisswol
l
en"Il
aughed
"Awu..Dumi t
hisi
sso...
damn"heslammedi nt
o
meIswearIsawst ar
s.Hemov edverysl
owly
hewasr eachi
ngthedeepestcoreofmycookie.
Ishatter
edunderneat
hhim hefoll
owedwitha
groan.Wewer ebothpanti
nghelpl
essl
y.Ist
ood
upandwi pedus.Hiseyesgotteary

"Thanky
ouforst
andingbymethanky
oufor
l
ov i
ngmeGugu.Thankyoufort
aki
ngcar
eof
oursoninmyabsence"
"
DonotthankmeIl
ovet
aki
ngcar
eofmymi
ni
f
ami
ly"

"
Ther
ewasthi
sothert
imethatIof
tent
hought
y
ouhadl
eftme.Yourvoi
cegavemeareasonto
fi
ght
.Ihear
dever
ythi
ngt
haty
ouwer
esay
ing"
hewipedmytear
s

"
Ilov
eyouDumi
"

"Enoughwitht
hetear
scomeandki
ssme.
Actuall
yIli
kei
twhenyourassi
sgr
indi
ngonmy
dick"Il
aughed

"
Youar
ecr
azyDumi
Chr
ist
mascomesoncei
na
y
ear
"
"Let
'sgetnaught
yonemoret
ime,
I'
m al
ready
star
vingcomeandgivememycooki
e"
"
NoI
'
mfeedi
ngy
ounow"
"
Gugubut
..
"
"Shutupandeat(
theybot
hlaughed)Iwi
l
lgo
andgetyouwater
"
"
Ifeel
li
keababy
..l
i
keSi
ya,
pleasebr
inghi
m
t
omorrow"

"OkbabyIam l
eavi
ngIhav
etodeli
versome
order
stomyclient
s"weki
ssedonemoreti
me
"
Ilov
eyouMaNdaba"

"
IloveyouZwane"
..Iwal
kedoutoft
heroom
walki
ngli
keaBossladywel
lIwassati
sfi
ed.

WhenIgothomeMaweandSi y
aweresleepi
ng.
Myorder
sweresor
tedoutanddel
i
vered.Ij
ust
j
oinedt
hem.

ThenextmorningSi
yaandIwentt
oFour
ways
mall
,wewal kedtoChecker
sSi
yawasmaki
ng
merunafterhim
"Si
yaheywenaMbuzistop"WhenIwentt
othe
othersi
deIsawLi
zwispeaki
ngtohim.He
l
ookedatmeIcouldn'
tsayanyt
hingmypal
ms
becamesweaty

"HowareyouMaNdaba?
"Hi
shandswer
enow
onhispocket
"I.
.am .
..goodI'
m goodandyou"hi
scol
ogne
wassost ronghi
seyeswereful
lofl
ovethey
weretheopposit
eofwhatIhadseeinourlast
encount
er.

"
Iwi
shIwasgoodar
eyoui
nahur
ryGugu?
"
"
YesMhl
ongo"het
ookSi
yaandpl
ayedwi
thhi
m
"
Doy ouwantt
ogoandgetani
cecr
eam y
oung
f
ell
ow?"
"
YesIwanti
cecr
eam"
"
Guguar
eyouj
oini
ng?
"Inodded

Wewentt
oWi
mpyheor
der
edf
orus.
"Hedoesn'
tlookl
ikeyouGugu"hav
ingt
his
conver
sati
onwithhim wasr
eall
yAwkwardfor
me
"
Hel
ooksl
i
kehi
sfat
her
,mostpeopl
esayt
hat
"

"
Hei sl
uckyhegotwhatwassupposedt
obe
mine"
"
Whenar
eyouget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
"

"
Youwi
l
lbet
hef
ir
stonet
oknow"
Hemovedhi
satt
enti
onf r
om metoSiyathey
wer
etal
ki
ngli
keoldf
riends.HeboughtSiyaa
t
oy.
Whenwel eftt
hemallhegr
abbedmeand
huggedme.Hesmashedhi sl
i
psonmi nethi
s
waswrongIwantedtostophi
m butIcoul
dn'
t
pushhim awayhest
oppedandlookedatme
"WhatifItol
dyout
hatIwantustohav
eanother
chance.Ilov
eyouGuguIcan'
ti
maginemyli
fe
wit
houty ou"
[
07/
22,
14:
42]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#20

Hi
seyeswer
eful
loft
ear
s,Icoul
dn'
thel
pitbut
cr
ytoo
"Ihaveneverstoppedl ovi
ngyouGuguI
couldn'
tbri
ngmy sel
ftoforgi
veyoufornot
waiti
ngformeandf orforgi
vi
ngmy sel
ffornot
persuadi
ngy ouintogoingwithmet oCape
Town.Iswearl i
fei
ssocoldwit
houtyou.I
deeplyloveyouGuguandIdon'
tknowhowy ou
feelaboutme.Iam wi
ll
ingtot
ryify
ouar e
will
i
ngt ogiv
eusachance"

"IhaveafamilynowLizwithingsarenott
he
sameany more.Somet i
mesl oveonit
'sownis
notenough.Imightloveyounowmay beunt
il
i
nf i
nit
ybutIcan'
tleavemyf amily
"

"
Soi
sthi
stheendofus"

"
YesMhl
ongot
hisi
stheendofus"

"
Shoul
dImov eonandgetmar r
iedGugu?
(
Taki
ngherhandplacingitonhischest)can
y
oufeelhowmyhear tisbeati
ng,i
tonlybeats
f
oryouGugu.Shoul
dn'tIbetheoneangr y?The
onebei
ngbegged?
"

"
Stopdoi
ngt
hist
omepl
easeLi
zwi
"

"
CanIatl
eastgety
ournumber
sMaNdaba?
"

"
No, t
hankyouforthel
unchbye"hi
sfacehad
t
urnedredsincehewasli
ghtski
nned

"CanIsaygoodbyeforthel
astt
ime?
"Ihugged
him hesmashedhisli
psonmyagainthesame
kissIknewsi
xyearsago.

Hewi
pedmyt
ear
sandki
ssedmyf
orehead
"
Goodby
eLi
zwi
"hel
ookeddown
"
ByeGugui
t'
ssohar
dtol
etgo"

"
Don'
tmakei
thar
dert
hant
hisLi
zwi
"

Ipi
ckedupSiyaandwalkedandneverl
ooked
back.HadIl
ookedbackIwasgoingtogoback
tohim

"
Mamawhoi
sthat
?"

"
Thati
syouruncl
e"hesmi
l
esandf
rownsagai
n
"
Whywer
eyoucr
ying?"

"
Iwasn'
tsomet
hinggoti
ntomyey
es"hewi
pes
mytear
swit
hhisti
nyhands.
Wetookataxit
othehospi
tal
,whenwegott
o
t
hehospit
alSi
yagotof
fmer ushi
ngt
ohis
f
ather
'sr
oom
"HhayiboMaNdabay oul
ookbadwhat'
s
happening?
"Thi
srecepti
oni
stl
ovedt
hings

"Letmegoandwashmyfaceint
het
oil
et.
Pleasebor
rowmeyourmakeup"

shegotofft
hechai
randt
ooki
tfr
om t
he
cupboar
d
"
Youdonothav
etoaskmet
wice"

"
Thanky
ouhoney
"

"Mhmm mypl
easur
esot
odayy
oudi
dn'
tgetme
anyt
hing"
"I
'm giv
ingyouachancetogetaboy
fri
end
(Laughing)unl
essyouwantt
odomebutt oo
badI '
m att
ract
edtomen"

"
Iseethesamemanwhomadey oucrybefor
e
youseeyourot
herman.Wear
eplay
ersain'
t
we?"Webothlaughed

"
Getoutofher
e"

Ifi
xedmysel
freal
l
yfastIwasnowl
ooki
ng
bett
er.
"
Thanky
ougi
rl
"Ihandedherki
t

"
Likewi
se"
Walkingli
keaqueenwassomet
hingt
hatwas
at
tracti
vetome,
Openingt
hedoorwasast
ruggl
egui
l
tywas
r
unningonmymi nd

"Heybaby"Si
yagi
ggl
edwhi
l
ehest
if
fened.I
kissedhi
m
"
Arghdaddymamadi
dthatwi
thuncl
e"

"Si
yawhatar
eyoutal
ki
ngabout
?(Angri
ly)di
d
youseemedoingt
hatuhwit
hthatuncl
e"he
shookhi
shead
"
Iam sor
rymommy
"

"
Siy
agoandgetmewat
er"Dumi
spokesof
tl
y
"
Hewon'treacht
hesi
nk,
Iwil
lgoandgeti
tfor
y
ou"hegrabbedmyarmti
ght
ly
"Nextt
imewhenyougot oyourboyfr
iends
l
eavemysonbehind.Donottelly
ourboy f
ri
ends
tobuymysonacar .Don'
tbi
tcharoundwithmy
son,doyouunder
standme"
"Youar
ehurti
ngme,
leav
emeal
one"hel
etgo
ofmesighi
ng

"Guguam Inotamanenough?I
sitbecauseI
am notworki
ng"

"Yougett
ingworkedupfornot
hing,
Iwaswit
h
Mondliandhe'
sgay .Weusedtoatt
endthe
sameclass.Youknowhowgay sare,i
don'
t
careaboutwhatSiy
asaid"
"
Mxm l
ookathowgui
l
tyst
ri
keny
ouar
e"

"
It
'sal
li
nyourhead"
"
Ifuckedanur
se"

"
Areyouki
ddingmeDumi?Who'st
hatnurse?
Dumiyouar
enotpl
anni
ngtotaket
hatroute
ri
ght
?"

"Thatisexact
lyhowIfeel
wheny ougoar
ound
kissi
ngmenandaf tert
hatyoucomebackand
kissme"

"Ihavebeennot hi
ngbutfaithf
ultoy ouDumi
(cryi
ng)isthatt
hewayofquest i
oningmy
l
oy al
ty?thenwhatwehav eisawast eofti
me
wemi ghtaswel lsepar
ate.Ihavebeennot hi
ng
butfait
hfultoyouupunt i
lSenzo.."heheldme
ti
ghtly
"
I'
m sosor
ry,
Itr
usty
ou.Il
ovey
ouGugul
etus
notal
l
owwhatSi
yasai
dsepar
ateus"
"Yesmyl ov
e"hekissedme.Thatwaswasso
closeughSiyaandhisbi
gmouthnear
lygotme
i
nt roubl
e.

Iquickl
yrepent
edIhadli
edtoDumi,
Li
zwiwas
goingtobeapastthatwasgoi
ngtogetbur
ied.

AMONTHLATER

Dumi wasbackathome,
wewer esoexci
ted
Zodwahadcookedascrumpti
ousmeal.I
tastedherst
ewitwasmout
hwateri
ngshe
slappedmyhand
"
GuguIam theonewhoi
scooki
nggetaway
f
rom her
e"
"
Youarecooki
ngformywhol
efamily
,whatif
t
her
eisapoisonoralov
epot
ion"shelaughed
"
Idi
dn'tt
hinkoft
hat,
nowthatyouhav
e
ment
ioneditIwi
l
lthi
nkabouti
t"

"I
fyoudareusealovepoti
ononmymanIwi
l
l
ki
llyou"webot
hlaughed

"Yesma'am butdon'
tdar
emeory
ouwi
l
lget
shocked"

Thecarshootedoutsi
de,Zodwawentoutto
openthegates.Thewholefami
lygoti
nsidet
he
houseSiy
arant ohisf
atherwhowasusinga
crut
ch.
"Si
yadaddywil
lfal
lst
opit"IwenttoMaKheswa
andtookthebagsfr
om her.Bab'
Zwanesatnear
thedoorsi
ncewewer eal
readyful
linsi
det
he
house
"
MaNdabawear egrat
ef ul
thatoursongota
womanl
ikeyou,i
fanythinghappensbetween
t
hetwofeel
freetocal
l us"

"
Thanky
ouBaba"wi
thmyhadf
aci
ngdown

Weser
vedt
hem f
oodt
heyat
eandl
efti
nthe
ev
eni
ng.

"
It
'sni
cetobebackathomeGugu"Iwentand
l
eanednextt
ohim
"havi
ngy oubackhomei sv
erynice.Iam gl
ad
thatyoudefeateddeat
h.Areyougoingto
churchtomorrow?"

"
NoIam t
ir
edIwi
l
lgosomeday
"
"Doy our
ememberwheny ouwer
easkingme
outyousaidy
ouweregoingtogotochurch
withmenowy ouar
etel
li
ngmeadi ff
erent
story
"

"GuguIam notaChr i
sti
anandIam not
planningtobeone.Iam notst oppingyoufr
om
goingt ochur
ch.Youshoul dbegr atef
ult
hatI
am notl i
keothermenwhost optheirwomen
from goingtochurch"Istoodup
"Goodni
ghtDumisanit
hisconv
ersati
onwon'
t
endwell
"ItookSiy
awhowasal readysl
eepi
ng
onthecouchandplacedhiminthemiddl
eof
thebed.
Dumi
wasl
i
mpi
ngcomi
ngt
obed.

Wewokeupear l
ythenextmorning.Whil
eIwas
bathi
ngZodwawasbusyf eedi
ngSiya.Vusi
passedbyourhousear
oundpastei ght.
Wegottochur chearl
yZodwawasan
i
nter
cessor.Theyprayedandworshi
pped,
Siy
a
wasinSundayschool.Iwasrai
singayoung
manwhof earedGod.

ThePastorpr
eachedabouttheimpor
tanceof
fear
ingGod.Howourbodiesarethet
emplesof
God.Howwear evessel
sofGod.

I
twast
imef
ort
est
imoni
es

"Congregat
ionl
et'
sgivearoundofapplauseas
wewel comesist
erGuguont hestage"I
ascendedtothestagethePastorhandedme
themicrophone

"
Gooddaycongr
egat
ioni
tisni
cet
obeher
e"
"Kumnandi
ukubal
ana"t
hecongr
egat
ion
shout
ed

"Mynamei sGuguNdabat hepasty earwas

veryhar dforme.Thef at herofmysongoti nto
anacci dentandsl ippedi ntoacoma.( Cry
ing)it
becamev eryhar df ormeIhadnowher etogo
andIwasunempl oy ed.Ist i
l
lpr ayed, God
blessedmewi thabusi nessoft upper wareand
Av on.Peopl ef r
om wher eIst aysuppor tedme
andal sohereatchur ch.Ipr ayedandbecame
faithfulinmyt ithesandof feringssinceGod
wasf aithf
ultome.I '
m notsur eaboutt hedat es
buti twasar oundJune.Mysonf ell
andbr oke
hisl eg,thosewer et het r
ialsIwentt hroughbutI
stil
l prayed.Thebr other sandsi ster
sofchur ch
pray edwi thme.Mymom t ookSi yat hat
becamebet terformesheof t
enr emi ndedme
ofhowf ai
thfulJobwas( Laughi ng)Iof tentold
hert hatIwasn' tJobshewoul doftennodand
sayy ouarest rongert hanhi m.Ithappenedt hat
onedayIwashomeal onesomemanwal ked
i
nsi demyhouseandr apedme.Icr ied
Bazal waneIt oldGodt hatIwasdonewi thhim
andIwasn' tgoi ngt opr ay.Ihadangerand
hatred.Mymom nev erfor cedmet opr ay
(Laughi ng).Litt
ledi dIknowt hatnotal lthe
stormsy ougot hroughar et heretodest royyou
butt omakey oust ronger .Iwantt ot ellyouthat
myf ather'
ssoni sbackhome.Godsav edhi m
from t hejawsofdeat hher emai nedf ai
thful
whenIwasn' theshowedmewhohewas.Si ya
i
sf ullyhealed, myhear thasj oyandpeaceI
forgav etheper petratori twasnotaneasy
j
our neybuti twaswor thi t.TheBi blesay swe
shal lovercomebyt hewor dofourt esti
moni es.
Iwoul dli
ketot ellyout hatbest ill
andknowt hat
hei st heLordy ourGod"Iwasacr yi
ngmess
Vusi cameandhel dme.Wewentout si
de
"
Youarestr
ongMaNdaba,butheyyouareugl
y
whenyoucrypl
easedon'
tdoiti
npubli
c"I
l
aughed

"Youarecrazyy
ouknowgoandt akemy
handbag"heraninsi
deandgotmyhandbag
"If
eelli
keIam y
ourhusband,
Iam bei
ngused
here"
"St
opi
t( Laughi
ng)Iam wat
chingyouand
ZodwayouknowwhatIwi l
lkeepquiet
"

ThePast
oraskedmet osingasongIsang" Be
st
il
landknowthatIam t
heLor dyourGod"we
movedfr
om onerealmtoanotherreal
mt he
pl
acewasf i
l
ledwit
htheholyspi
ri
tyeswef el
t
Godmov i
ng.
ThePast
oraskedt
oseemeaf
terchur
ch

"Si
sterGuguyouhav
eapowerf
ulvoi
cewhen
areyoujoi
ningt
hemusi
cteam?"

"
Iam notmar
ri
edt
hedayIgetmar
ri
edIwi
l
l
j
oin"

"Youdoknowwhatt
hebi
blesay
saboutco-
habi
ti
ngri
ght?
"

"YesPast
orIwil
lsendt
hei
nvi
tat
ioncar
ds
soon"hel
aughed

"
It
'sokmysi
stermayGodi
ncr
easei
nyou"

Imi
ssedmyol
dchur
ch.Li
zwi
nev
ercal
l
edor
sear
chedformeonFacebookIwassohappy
andsadatthesameti
me.Hewast heonl
yman
whosawmeasawi f
eDumi hadnever
menti
onedthewordmarr
iage.

Vusi
droppedusathomeandl
eftwi
thZodwa
"Zodwanosexbeforemar
riagewewantpur
it
y
only"t
heybot
hlaughedSi
yalookedatme
"
Whatdi
dyouheary
oungman?
"

"
Not
hingmommy
"

"
Goodstopbei
ngaspyhaveyoueverseena
manwhogossi
ps?"
.heshookhi
sheadandI
l
aughed

Wegoti
nsi
det
hehouseDumi
hadnotmadet
he
bedIwasn'
tgoi
ngt
oall
owhimtotestme.I
madethebedandmadefoodf
orus
"
Youar
enotgoi
ngt
otal
ktome"

"
Dumi youcamebackf r
om t
hehospi
tal
yest
erdayt
helastthi
ngIwanti
stomakey ou
missthehospi
tal
"hehuggedmefrom behi
nd
"
Iam sor
ryf
orget
ti
ngy
ouangr
ymyl
ove"

"
It
'sokbabakaSi
ya"

Vusi'
swor dsranonmymi ndwasheevergoing
tomar r
yme? .WasIfitenoughtobehi
swi f
e?
sincehisbrot
herhadseenmenakedhehad
vi
olatedme.WasIev ergoingtobehi
swi f
e?
[
07/
22,
14:
42]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE
#21

Amessageal ertwokemeupIr ubbedmyey es

openingit"Themosti mpor tantpar tofy ouis
yourmi nd.Carefory ourmi nd, makef riends
withi
t,alwaysfeedi thealthyf ood, engagei tin
posit
iveactivi
ty,andexer ciseitwithknowl edge
andwi sdom.Likeagar denr eturnsf r
agr ance
andbeaut yaccor di
ngt othecar einv ested,so
yourmi ndwillr
epayy ouwi ththought s,ideas
andvisionsofgr eatbeaut ywhent endedand
i
nvestedwi thcare. GoodMor ni
ng"i twas
fr
om Vusi .
Ical
l
edhi
mitr
angoncet
henheanswer
ed

"
Whi
chf
avourdoy
ouwantVusi
?"Hechuckl
ed

"
Idon'
twantanyf
avour
smyG"
"
Mhnm arey
ousur
e?Li
ke100%sur
e?"He
l
aughed

"
It
'sasmal
lfav
ourt
hough"

"
Iknewi
tcomeoutwi
thi
t"

"Iwantt
oaskZodwaoutpl
easet
ell
mewhat
sheli
kes"

"
Whatam Iget
ti
ngf
rom t
ell
i
ngy
out
hat
?"

"
Atr
eatandi
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeasur
pri
se"

"
Takehert
oapl
acet
hatsel
l
sst
eakt
rustme
shewi
l
lasky
out
omar
ryher"hel
aughed

"
Iwanttomarr
yherGugushei
sagoodwoman
whodeser
vesast
ablehome"

"Marr
iagei
sablessi
ngwellwear
eoneoft hose
whowi sht
ogetmarri
edkodawedon'thave
peopl
ewhowillmarr
yus"webothlaughed

"
Ifonl
ypol
ygamywasal
l
owedt
oobadi
t'
snot
"
"
ByeHlany
os"It
urnedar
oundandf
oundDumi
l
ooki
ngatme

"
Goodmor
ningDumi
"

"
Mor
ning"
Hehadst ar
tedwit
hhismoods, t
heti
met o
wastewasoneoft het
hingst hatnev
erexist
ed
tome.Aftercl
eani
ngIbat hedandmade
breakf
astIwasgoingtoleaveSiyawithDumi.

"
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngMaNdaba?"

"
Dumiyoudoknowt hatIsel
lri
ght
?I'
m goi
ng
t
her
e.Areyouhappynow? "

"Gugupl
easesitdownIwantust
otal
kas
adult
sbecausenowwearebehavi
ngl
ikeki
ds"

"
Okl
et'
stal
k"

"
DidIdosomet
hingwr ong?IfIdidIwoul
dli
ke
t
oapologi
semylove.Pleaseforgi
veme"
"
Youdi
dnothingwr
ongDumi
it'
sthatt
imeof
t
hemonth.Howareyou?
"

"Iam happy
, Ispoketomylawy
ersoIwi
l
lbe
gett
ingtheroadaccidentf
undmoney
"

"
OhmyGodthankyousweetJesus.Di
dthey
t
ell
yout
heamountthatt
heywil
lgivey
ou?"
Hesmil
edreveal
i
nghi
sperf
ectteet
hmyman
washandsomeohGodIswearIcoul
dgetwet
byl
ooki
ngathim

"Yesit
'
s2,5mi l
l
ionthegoodnewsisthelawy
er
will
get500000sinceheisal
readyhandl
i
ngmy
casewithoutmepay i
nghi
m"
"ohGod(
cry
ing)t
hisi
ssowonder
ful
Dumi
"
"Ican'
twaitt
ospoi
lyoumylove(
huggi
ng
eachother
)Ilov
eyouMaNdaba"

"
Ilov
eyoumor
eZwane"

Hepi
ckedmeup

"
Youwi
l
ldr
opme"hel
aughedspanki
ngmyass

"
Iwon'
tmysexyt
hing"

"
Mhnm sexysoy
ousay
?"

"
Wher
eisSi
ya?
"
"Idon'
tknowbaby
"

"
Ican'
twai
ttof
ucky
ouunt
ilIl
eav
eyoul
i
mpi
ng"
"Youarecr
azy"Igi
ggledhepushedmypant
y
asideandpl
ayedwithmycli
t

"
Dumi
"

"
Shhh!
"Thi
smanwasdoi
ngt
hingst
ome.
Si
yacamei
nrunni
nghepul
l
edhi
shandaway
.
"
BabaI
'
m hungr
y"

"Gotoyourmom Si
ya"Itookmybagandl
eft
them i
twashi
sdutytotakecar
eofhi
sli
tt
le
brat
.
Everbeeni nasituationwher ebyyouare
confl
ict
edbysi tuations.Youknowwhati sr
ight
butyoucan' tdoit.Youar ebeingbetray
edby
yourheartandbyy ouremot ionsthatwashowI
fel
t.Myf earwasf indingmy selfnotmarr
ied
whenIr eachedthirty.

Af
teralongdayofsell
ingIf
oundDumi
busy
wi
thhisbusi
nessideas.

"
Howwasy
ourdaybaby
?"

"
Tir
ingDumi
whatdi
dyoucook?
"Hegr
inned

"ThemealIcookedfory
ouwhenwef
ir
stmet
"
hewalkedtowardsme
"Iwanttopr
otectyouandl
ovey
out
hewayy
ou
deserv
edtobel ov
ed"

"
Ilov
eyouDumi
"

"
Ilov
eyoumor
e"

FOURMONTHSLATER

Dumiwasnowbet terafteratt
endingmany
physi
other
apysessions.Hehadgonebackt o
gym.IhadgainedweightIwasnowwear i
ng
si
ze34myst omachwasst il
lfl
at.

Thi
ngsweregoi
ngsmoothl
yforus.Dumihad
boughtt
wohousesonei
nDurbanandanother
oneinMidr
and.
Mykit
chenwasverybeaut
if
uli
twasexact
lyt
he
wayIhadi
maginedit
.

Hewasbehi
ndmeIcoul
dfeel
it

"
Babywewi
l
lseey
ouMonday
"

"Okmylov
egreetMaKheswaformeandBaba"
hepul
ledmeclosert
ohi
m andgavemealong
asski
ss

"Okmylove.Si
yamychampl
et'
smov
eit
"Si
ya
camerunningasal
way
s

"
MommyIlov
eyoumba(theyki
ssed)whatdo
y
ouwantmetobuyy
ou?
"
"
Anythi
ngthatmyboywant
stobuyme.Donot
t
roubl
egogor i
ght
?"

"Ipr
omi seIwon'
tmommy "theyhuggedmef or
thelastt i
me.Aftert
hattheyleftIt
ookmysmall
bagt hathadmycl othesforthewholeweekend
andt hrewi tont
hebackofmybl ackHi
lux.

Myphoner
angi
twasThando
"
HeywenaMbuziwher
ear
eyou?Iam st
il
l
wai
ti
ngf
oryou"

"Got
omyhouseIwi
ll
findyout
her
e,Ihav
elef
t
home.Whatdoy
ouwanttoeat
?"
"
Iwantfatcakesandchi
ckenf
eet
"webot
h
l
aughed
"
Okmadam"

Thandowasnowmar ri
edtobrot
herPeterand
shewasnowpr egnant.Shewait
edupont he
LordthenGodblessedheratt
her i
ghtt
ime.

IgotoffmycarandwenttoSisthokoIbought
10chickenf
eetand10fatcakes

"
Youl
ookgoodmydaught
er"

"ThankyouMa,youmaykeepthechange"she
screamedjumpi
ngIl
aughedather.
WhenIparkedout
sidet
henei
ghbour
sst
art
ed
checki
ngmeout
Makhumal
oshout
ed
"
Hel
l
oMaNdabahowar
eyou?
"

"
Iam goodandy
ouma"

"
Good,
howi
soursoni
nlawandourgr
andson"
"
Theyar
efi
ne(
Wal
ki
ngaway)by
ema"

Makhumal owasawel lknowngossi peri

nour
communi t
ysheknewev eryt
hingabout
every one.Sheoncetol
dmet hatgoi
ngt o
chur cht oomuchhasr uinedmy" medull
a
oblongat a"Ist
il
lwonderwhot aughtherthat
wor d.

WhenThandosawmeshescr
eamed

"
Damngi
rly
oul
ookpr
egnant
ful
"
"
YouarecrazyMbuzi
,thanky
ouf
orbuy
ingme
mycr
avings"

"Donotgetusedt
oit
,Iam noty
ourhusband"
shelaughed

"
Tal
kingaboutt
hatwhenar
eyouguy
sget
ti
ng
mar
ri
ed?"

"DoyouthinkIwi
l
levergetmarri
edThando?.
Hedoesn'tseemeasawi fe.Whocanmar r
ya
womanwhowasf uckedbythei
rli
tt
lebr
other"
Thandobrokedown.

"
Packy
ourbagsand l
eav
ehi
m honeyhei
snot
wor
thi
t"
"I
fonlyIhadwaitedforLizwithough(si
ghi
ng)
Heaskedmef oranotherchancemonthsback.I
saidnosinceIwast hi
nkingaboutwhat'
sgood
forSi
ya"

shewast
ryi
ngt
ohar
dsomet
hing
"
Isee"
"
Thandodoy
ouhav
esomet
hingt
osay
?"

"
Ican'
tli
etoy
ou,
Lizwi
isget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed
t
omorrow"

"
Oht
husni
ce"

"
Don'
tcr
yGugu"
"Iam notcry
ingThando,i
fonl
yIhadreadt
he
othersi
deoft helet
ter
.Wher
eistheweddi
ng
goingtotakeplace?"

"
Atthebeachi
nwest
ernCape,
it'
sabeach
weddi
ng"

"
Uhm goodf
orhi
m,wher
eisMawe?
"

"
Shei
shel
pingoutatLi
zwi
'
shouse"

"
Whyi
sshehel
pingt
hem out
?Theyarenot
f
ami
ly
.Maweistoogener
ousfornot
hing"

"LetitalloutGugu"Icr
iedmyhear
toutunt
ilI
couldn'tcryanymore.
Weatethefat
cakeswhil
eThandowastel
l
ing
meaboutherhoneymoonwit
hPeter
..

Mawecamear
ound7am

"
Hhay
iMaNdabay
ouar
eher
e?"

"
YesMawewher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"

"
LetmegetmyIDwear
efl
yi
ngtoWest
ern
Capemysoni
sget
ti
ngmarr
ied"

"
Ohenj
oy"shesmi
l
edgui
l
twasal
lov
erher
f
ace

Mawepackedhert
hingsandl
eftr
ushi
ng.
"Heywenay oucan'
tkeepf
art
ingi
nmyhouse"
shelaughed

"Iam pr
egnantforgoodnesssake.
"Wegot
oursel
vesready

Anddrovet
oMaponyamal
l.Wespentthe
wholedaywat
chi
ngmovi
esanddoingsome
shoppi
ng.

Si
yacall
edmesay i
ngthattheywereonthei
r
way.Idr
oveThandotoherhouse,shehaddone
well
itwassohugeandthepool wassuper
cl
ean

"
Takecar
eofyour
selfGugu.Il
ovey
ou,
your
wor
thismor
ethantheworthofadi
amond.You
ar
earar
ebreed,y
ouar
ethechosenone"she
wi
pedmytears

"
Ilov
eyouandt
hel
i
ttl
eMbuzi
insi
dey
ou"

Thedri
vewasver
ylonel
yLi
zwiwasfi
nal
l
y
get
ti
ngmarri
edandIwashappyf
orhim.

I
twasalr
eady10pm andt
her
ewer
est
il
lnot
home.
Theygothomear
oundmi
dni
ght
.

Thedeaf
eni
ngsoundofanalarm wokemeup.
Get
ti
ngoffthebedwasnotexci
ti
ng.Itooka
qui
ckshowerandcl
eanedmyhouse.
Dumisani
'sphonewasl
yi
ngont
opoft
he
count
ertempti
ngme.
Igr
abbedi
tandwentt
omessages
"Iam gladthatwehav ealr
eadydonea
ceremonyf orSiya.Theancest
orswil
lalways
protecthi
m, Iam stil
lsadt
hatGugurefusedto
come.Thanky oumyson"

"
Dumisani
!Dumi
sani
"hecamedownst
air
s
r
unni
ng

"
Arey
ouokayGugu?
"

"
Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngi
nDur
banwi
thmyson?
"

"
Tov
isi
tmypar
ent
sofcour
se"

"
Howdar
eyoudoacer
emonyf
orhi
m?Ar
eyou
cr
azyDumi?Youdidn'
tpayany
thingf
orhi
m.
Whatgi
vesyoutheri
ghttodothecer
emony"

"
What
'swr
ong?
GuguIwantt
osl
eep"

"
Youhav
edi
srespect
edmeDumi
sani
"

"
Iam t
heheadoft
hisf
ami
l
yGugu"

"Whi
chfamil
y?Whichhead?Youarenot
hing
butababydaddyt
ome"hechuckled
"
Itcouldbet
hesamereasonwhyIdon'
tmar r
y
y
ou, y
ounagalot
.Youaretheenemyofpeace"

"Dumidi
dy ouj
ustwaste4yearsofmylif
e.The
samepersonwhocleanedyourshiti
snow
naggi
ng.I
fonlyIhadl
eftyoutodieandgott
en
mar
ri
edtoser
iousper
son"her
oughl
ygr
abbed
meandsl
appedme

"
Fucky
oubi
tch"

Istoodupandt
ookat
rayofeggsandsmashed
them onhi
m

"Don'
tev
ergetusedt
olay
ingy
ourcr
ippl
ed
handsonme"

"
Guguuzony
anamhl
anj
e"hesl
appedme

"Dumiyousl
appedmefort
hesecondti
me"
bloodwasal
readycomi
ngoutofmynose
"
Iwil
ldoitagai
n"hepunchedme.Iranand
wentt
othebedroom andlockedi
t
Ipackedmybags.

"
Mommywher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
"

"
Wear
egoi
ngt
ogogo,
come"Icar
ri
edSi
ya
"
Mommyy
ouar
ebl
eedi
ng"

"
NoI
'
m notson,
it'
sat
omat
osauce"

Dumi
tri
edt
alki
ngt
omeIpushedhi
m away
"
Wear edone,Idon'
tstandforabuse.Kuphel
il
e
Mawehasnev erlai
dherhandsonme.Whoar e
youuh?Youcalledmeabi t
chthesamebi tch
t
hatknowsy ouonly"
[
07/
22,
14:
42]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE
#22

"Pl
easeGuguIam real
lysor
ry"Ipushedhi
m
awaywit
htears,
hellnoIwasn'tgoi
ngtobreak
downinfr
ontofhim

"Ar
ey ouser
iouslygoingtodot hatinfrontof
yourson?Leavemeal oneDumi please"my
voi
cewassl owlybreakingitcar
riedalotof
sadnesssatur
atedinbet r
ayal.

Henoddedandki
ssedSi
ya.
It
hrewmybagi
nsi
decarandhel
pedSi
yat
osi
t
onhisseat
.
Itookmysungl
assesf
rom myhandbagdeci
ded
towear.
Wewer
epl
ayi
ngSi
ya'
sfav
our
it
esongs

"
Mommy
"
"
Yesmyboy
"
"
Iam hungr
y"
"Okwewewi
l
lgety
ouy
ourf
avour
it
e"hej
oyf
ull
y
scr
eamed
WepassedbytheMcdonal
ddr
ivet
hrough,
we
or
der
edaf ami
l
ymeal.

Iwasbackatmyhome.Thepl
acewher
eIwas
bor
nandnurtur
ed.
Mawewassitt
ingout
sideshewelcomedus.
Menzi
tookourbagsfr
om thecar

"
Maay i
xabenei
yobuy
eibonane(goodbye)si
s
GugucanIgowit
hSiyaIwil
lbr
inghim back"
Si
yawasal
readycl
i
ngy
"
Youmayeatf
ir
stMawewi
l
ldi
shf
ory
ou"

Iwalkedt
omyr
oom andt
hrewmy
sel
font
opof
thebed
Aft
er30minut
esMawewalkedi
nsi
demyr oom,
ahugelumpwasther
einmythr
oatl
ikea
per
manentscar

"
Gugumydaught
er"myv
oicewasbr
eaki
ng
"Mawel ookatme,Ihaveablueey
e.Thi
sisnot
meIam sl owl
ydiver
ti
ngint
oapersonthat
neverexist
ed"shehushedme
"
Tal
ktomemyangel
whathappened?
"

"
Mawehet
ookSi
yat
oDur
bansot
hatt
heycan
dotheceremonyforhim.Ifeel
disrespect
ed,he
gotthemoneybuthenev ercar
edt opayfort
he
damages.Iam st
il
lstandi
ngwaitingforhi
m but
thenwhatdoIknow?"
"
Didy
ouaskhi
m ni
cel
y?Li
ker
espect
ful
uh?
"

"
NoIwasangry,Idon'
tregretwhatIsai
dtohim.
Hesai
dInagalotthatiswhyhewon' tmar
ry
me(sobbi
ng)i
feelused,betray
edandcheated
"

"
Iam sosor
rymyangel
,whydi
dhebeaty
ou?
"
"It
oldhimthatheisungratef
ultotheperson
whousedt owipehisshit
,Ishouldn'
thave
wastedmyt i
mewi thhim.Whatmakesmet o
bemor esadisthatIhaveneverbeenbeatenin
myent i
rel
if
e,hecannotbemyf i
rsti
n
every
thi
ngfrom breaki
ngmyv ir
ginit
ytobeati
ng
meIr ef
usetobeused"Maweopenedher
mout
hinshock

"HowcouldyousaythatGugu?Youcan'
ttal
kto
amanl i
kethat
.Asmuchasy ouar
eangr
yy ou
choosewordstospi
t"

"
Heisnotmyman, heisSi
ya'
sfat
her.Yousee
myfaul
tsbutnothi
s"shel
aidmyheadonher
l
ap
"
NoGugu"

"Hecal
ledmeabi t
ch,(
crying)didIcal
lSenzoto
rapememama, wenevertal
kaboutitbutIfeel
l
ikeheresent
sme.Iwillneverforgi
vehim,he
hasshatt
eredthemini
dignityt
hatSenzoleft
mewi t
h.Am Iabit
ch?"

"
Noy
ouar
enotdonotquest
iony
ourwor
th
Gugu"

"MamaIam ani mpati

entbi
tchwhoisst
ubborn
too.AsmuchasIam abi tchIwi
llnev
erall
owa
persontolaythei
rfi
l
thyhandsonme.Ididn'
t
reporthi
m becauseheisSiy
a'sf
ather
"

"
WhathedidwaswrongIsur
elydonotcondone
womanbeati
ngs,
youar
eawomannotabi tch"

"Ismashedt
hewhol
etrayofeggsathi
m Iwas
angry
"webothl
aughedthr
oughtear
s

"
Hewasdest i
tut
ewhenImethim nowt
hathe
i
sami l
l
ionai
reheist
reat
ingmeli
keadoormat
.
Moneychangesaper
son"
"Moneydoesn' tchangeaper
sonbutitrev
eal
s
thei
rtruecharacter.Ther
ootcauseofthi
s
probl
em wasy oumov i
nginwit
hhim.Iam gl
ad
thatyouarenowbackhome, whatmakesme
sadist heconditi
onyoucamebackin."

"
MaybeMaweIam oneofthosewhowon'
tget
mar
ri
ed.Iwi
lll
i
vewi
thitnotever
yonei
smeant
t
obehappy"

"Thatat
ti
tudei
sv er
ywr ongyouar
emeanttobe
happypumpkin.Concentrat
eonyour
sel
fandgo
backtoschool
"

"Wel
lIdi
dapplyi
nUnisaIwi l
lbedoi
ngashort
cour
se.Letmesleepwewi l
ltal
kwhenIwake
upIhaveater
ri
bleheadache"
"
Ilov
eyoumydaught
er"

"
Ilov
eyout
ooMawe"

AtDumi
'
shouse..
.

Hewaspaci ngupanddowncr yi
ng.Heknew
thathelovedGuguandhisfearwashi
m deal
ing
withSenzo'ssi
tuat
ionhenceitwasan
untouchedmatter.

Vumaniwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehousewi
thout
knocki
ng

"
Kahl
eDumiwhyareyoupaci
ngupanddown.
Di
dyouki
l
lsomeone?
"
"
Thankyoubaf
oforcomi
ngIdi
dagr
ave
mist
ake"
Vumanitookagl
assandpouredsomejui
cef
or
hi
mself
.HewentandsatnexttoDumi

"
Iwenthomeanddi dsomecer
emonyforSi
ya
wi
thouti
nfor
mingGugu.Il
iedt
oMaItoldher
t
hatGuguagreed"

"Howcouldyoudot hatDumi ?Wheny ougot

i
ntoarel
ationshi
pwi t
hhery ouknewt hatshe
wasaChristi
an.Chri
stiansdonotpartakein
suchcer
emoni esIam v er
ydisappoi
ntedinyou
"

"Iam sodisappoi
ntedinmysel
fbhuti
,wegot
i
nt oanargumentItoldhert
hatIcan'
tmarr
yher
becauseshenagsal ot"
"
Wear etal
ki
ngaboutaladywhowast
her
efor
youwhenyouwerenothi
ng.Whyar
eyounot
marr
yingher?"

"Idon'tt
hinkmarr
iageisr
eall
yimpor
tant
.Isee
nopr obl
em inusstay
ingthewayweare"
"
Youhavetomaket hi
ngsrightwi
thher.Most
womendesir
etogetmar ri
ed.Donotdenyher
t
hatoppor
tuni
tyifmarr
iageiswhatshewants.
Wherei
sshe? "
Dumi
rubbedhi
shandst
oget
her

"
Shelef
tbecauseIslappedher
.Ihavenev
er
l
aidmyhandonawoman.Iwi shIknewwhat
mademedot hat
.Iregreti
tVumani"
"Iam sodisappoi
ntedi
nyouhowcouldyoudo
somet hi
ngliket
hat.Wedon'
tbeatwomen,y
ou
needt
omanupandapol
ogi
set
oher
'

"
ThankyouVforbei
ngherewi
thme,
Idon'
t
t
hinkGuguwi
l
l ev
erfor
giv
eme"

"Bef
oreIf
orgotSenzowasst
abbedl
astni
ght
.
Youshoul
dgoandseehi m"

"
Hedeser
vedi
t,i
sn'
ti
tthathei
sar
api
st?
"

"
Wer
eyoubehi
ndt
hest
abbi
ng?
"
Vumani'sphoneranghewavedatDumi
andl
eft
i
nr ush.Dumi si
ghedi
nrel
ief
.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Siyawasslappi
ngmeasal way
smi
ndyouthe
sunwaspenet r
ati
ngt
hroughmywi
ndow.I
sl
ight
lyopenedmyeyes
"
Mamagogocookedpor
ri
dge"

"
Hav
eyoueat
enmyboy(
smi
l
ing)
?

"Yesmama,Iam goi
ngtoMenzinow"hewent
outrunni
ngIscr
eamedhisname

"
Ma"heshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s

"
Weary
oursneaker
sboy
,youcan'
tpl
aybar
e
f
oot
ed"
"
Butmommy(
cry
ing)t
hesneaker
sar
ehur
ti
ng
myfeet"
"Si
yadoasy ouaretol
d.Doyouwantmeto
spankyou(heshookhishead)goodcomeand
wearyoursneaker
s"

Mawehadcl eanedthewholehouse,
mywater
forbat
hingwasprepared.I
twasWednesdayso
shewasdefini
tel
yoff.
It
ookabat
hthi
nki
ngev
ery
thi
ngt
hrough.

"
Wakeupy
ouhav
ebeenher
efort
wohour
s"
"OhmyGodIthoughtIwasbat
hingkodaher
eI
am sl
eepi
ng"Mawelaughed

"Yesnowmoveyourass"Isteppedoutoft
he
batht
ubwi
thoutwi
pingmyf eetrunni
ng
"
HeywenaMbuzi
whoisgoi
ngt
ocl
eant
he
messt
haty
oumade"
"
Myf
avour
it
eaunt
ywi
l
ldoi
t"shel
aughed
"Thi
sremindsmewhenyouwer
einmat
ri
c,y
ou
aresti
l
llazyl
i
kebef
ore"

"Youspoi
ledmenowr eapt
hef
rui
tsofy
our
seeds"webothl
aughed.

Myey ewasst i
ll
swol l
engoi ngoutwast helast
thi
ngonmymi nd.Iswitchedonmyphone
messagescamef l
ooding.Dumi was
apologi
singhecall
edIcoul dn'tanswer.My
heartwasfil
ledwit
hpoi sonouswor ds,thel
ast
thi
ngIwant edwast ospitthingsthatwere
goingtomakehi m hateme.

Whenonegetsst
ressed,t
hel
astt
hingonthei
r
mi
ndisfood.NomatterhowmuchItri
edeati
ng
Icoul
dn'
tconsumei
t.

Siy
acamehomel ooki
ngl
ikeaghostohGod
you'
dswearthatsomeonedippedhi
minsi
dea
bucketf
ull
ofsand.

Myphonerangagai
nIanswer
edandgav et
he
phonetoSi
ya.Hewasbusyl
aughingatt
he
nonsenset
hathi
sfat
herwast
ell
inghim.

I
twasnowt woweeksmybusi nesswasdoi ng
well.Igotanemailfr
om Unisatell
i
ngmet hat
myappl i
cat
ionwasappr ov
ed.Theonlything
l
eftt odowasf ormetopayt heregist
rat
ionfee.
Dumi hadbeencominghomebutInev ergave
hi
m achance.Whenev erhecameIusedt ogo
out.Maweusedt oenter
tai
nhim.Timet owast e
wast helastthi
ngonmymi nd.
Iwaswokenupbyamessagefrom Thando
say
ingt
hatweshoul
dgoout.Iwasoffici
all
y26.
Irushedtothebathr
oom andbat hedfast.
MaweandSi y
ahadwr it
tenacar dformeitwas
sobeautif
ulandsopr i
celess.Theyhadlef
t
earl
ierf
orwor k.

Itookmypai rofsunglassesandworethem
carry
ingmyni cebag.Ilookedbeauti
fulwi
thmy
l
ightmakeup.Thedr essIwaswear i
ngwas
compl ementi
ngwel l
wi t
hmypeept oeheels.
Thesoundofmusi cwasbangi ngout
sideI
knewt hati
twasmyMbuzi

"HeyMbuzi hurr
yup"Ilaughedfli
ppingmyhead
backwardsThandohadanener gyfordays.
Afterl
ockingthehouse,sheopenedt hedoor
forme" y
oumaygeti nbi r
thdaygir
l"
"
26nev erf
eltsosexyuh(webothl
aughed)
whathappenedtothebabyfat
"

"
Happybir
thdayt
oyou,happybi
rt
hdayt
oyou
Mbuzi
.Checkthi
sboxnearSami"

"
Whathappenedt
othebabyf
at?
"

"
Isai
dtaketheboxnearSami"herbabywas
v
erybeaut
if
ulshehadherlongeyel
ashes.

WhenIopenedtheboxIcri
ed,
ithadal
lthe
pi
ctur
eswhenwewer eyoungandwhenwe
werewor
shippi
ng

"
Thanky
ouThando"
"
Enoughwit
htearsl
et'
sgoandeat ,
remember
t
hatwhat
everyougothroughputGodfi
rst
"

"
Nowandf
orev
ermor
eamen"

Wewer einSandt onthebil

lwasonThandoshe
wasr i
ch,BrotherPeterwasaqual
if
iedSurgeon
heearnedal ot.Wewentt oTheGri
l
l house
rest
aurant.Whent hebil
lcamebackIwas
shocked

"
Thanky
ouThandot
hisi
stoomuch"

"
Youar
etheonl
ysi
sterIhav
e.Icar
eabouty
ou"
.
Wedi
dsomeshoppi
ngaswel l
.
Shedr
oppedmeof
fathomear
oundsi
x.
Wehador
der
edf
oodf
orMaweandSi
ya.

Theycamebackl
atear
ound7car
ryi
ngacake
"
Happybi
rthdayt
oy ou,
happybir
thdayt
oyou
mama.Cutthecake"Mawegiggl
ed
"
Siy
ayouar
eimpat
ientl
i
key
ourmom"

"
Ilov
eyouguy
syoumeant
hewor
ldt
ome.
"
Weat
ethecakeMawepr
ayedt
hanki
ngGodf
or
myl
if
e.

Myphoner
angi
twasDumi

"
Siy
aissl
eepi
ngcal
lmebackt
omor
row"
"
GuguIam out
sidey
ourhousepl
easecanwe
t
alk"
"Ihavenot
hingt
osayt
oyoui
fit
'snotabout
Siya"hewascry
ing
"
PleaseMaNdaba"
"
Okst
opcr
yingIam comi
ngst
opcr
ying"

Iwentout
sidemyhousewear i
ngmypy j
amas
andwenttohiscarwhichwasparkedf
ew
housesawayfrom homeheopenedthedoor
forme.
"
Happybi
rt
hdayMaNdaba"
"
Mhnt
hanky
ou"
"
Iam r
eall
ysorr
yGuguIam soempt ywi
thout
y
ou.Imissyoupleasecomebackhome"
"WhichhomeDumi ?Iam notgoingbacktot
hat
house.I
t'
syourhouseal
onepl easecountme
out"
"
Iwantt
odor i
ghtwit
hyou.Ispoket omyf at
her.
Wecanonlygobacktothathouseafter
mar
ri
age"hedroveustoadiscreetplaceabit
f
arf
rom home
"Whyareyout
alki
ngaboutmarr
iagenow?I
sit
becauseIwanttoleav
eyou?"
Ididn'
treal
iset
hatIwascryi
ngthelastthi
ngI
wantedwast ol
ookvul
nerabl
einfrontofthi
s
manhehel dmyhandandusedt heotherhand
t
owi pemyt ear
s.

"Noit
'snotthat,
Iam sorr
yf orlyi
ngandf or
cal
li
ngy ounames.Please(wi pi
nghistears)
for
givemebaby ,Idi
dn'
treallyseethe
i
mpor t
anceofmar ri
agesincewewer ejust
l
ovingeachotherbutVumani hastaughtmea
fewthings"heli
ft
edmychi nandki ssedme.
Heli
ft
edmeupfrom t
hepassengerseatand
mademesitont
opofhim Icoul
dfeelhi
scock
har
deni
ng

"
Thethi
ngsy
oumakemef eel
woman.Damn
t
hispyj
amai
ssof
uckensexy"

"Dumiplease"hesmashedhisl
ipsonmine.His
fi
ngerswentstrai
ghttomycookiewhi
chwas
alr
eadyaching.Heplayedwi
thmyswoll
enf ol
ds
andpinchedmycl i
t
"Rightther
e..ohyesDumi "Iunbuckledhisbel
t
andt ookouthiscock.Everyt
hinghappenedso
fast,Iwassitt
ingontopofhi m moving.He
spankedmyassacoupl eoft i
mesmaki ngme
goov ertheedgeIshutter
edandf eltawav eof
ecstasy
"
Ilov
eyouGugu"
[
07/
22,
14:
42]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#23

Hel ower edhisseat,

weswi tchedposit
ionsI
wasnowbeneat hhim.Hi shandswent
under neathmyshi r
tandcar ressedmyni pples.
Hishar dcockwasonmyst omach.Hesucked
myni ppleswhi l
ehisot herhandwaspl ay i
ng
withmycl i
t.Hespankedmyasst hesti
nging
sensat i
onsentmeov ertheedge.Hi scockwas
tappingmyent r
anceIpul l
edhi m cl
oser.He
hammer edintomemaki ngmepourj ui
cesov er
him.
Thehotcum wasf
lowi
ngi
nbet
weenmyt
highs.
Het
ookhi
sT-
shi
rtandwi
pedus.

"
TakemehomeDumi
"
"Thanky
ouforf
orgi
vingmebaby
,Ipr
omi
set
hat
Iwill
nev
erdoanyt
hingst
upi
d"

"
Whosai
dIf
orgav
eyouDumi
?"

"Wejusthadsexbabywasn'
tthatamaki
ngup
sex?
"

"Thatwasjustsexwit
hnost r
ingsattachedwho
cansaynot othemagnif
icentcock.Thankyou
forthi
sbirt
hdaygif
t"hegroanedwell i
t'
snot
l
ikeIcared

"
WhatmustIdosothaty
oucanf
orgi
veme?
"
Hepar
kedoutsi
demyhouse
"Youneedtodealwit
hyouri
ssues,wehave
neverspokenaboutt
heSenzoissueyouar
e
alwaysavoidi
ngi
t"hewi
pedmyt ears

"Iam sorr
yMaNdabat hiswhol
et hi
ngmakes
mef eelweak.HadIbeenaroundhewasnev er
goingtodot hat
.Ifeel
li
keIafai
lure,If
ail
edy
ou
GuguIcoul dn'
tprot
ectyou"
"
Noneofuswer er
eadyfori
t"her
ubbedhi
s
f
oreheadt
hinki
ngdeepl
y

"Senzogotoutofjai
lsomedaysback(
Gugu
openedhereyesshocked)wel
lIwassoangryI
stabbedhim.Iwantedhi
mt odi
eIdon'
tknow
whosav edhim"Il
aidmyheadonhischest

"
Doy
out
hinkhewi
l
lcomeaf
terme?
"
"Hewon'tIwil
lprotectyouwit
hmyli
fe.The
nextti
mehebr eathsnexttoyout
hatwil
lbehi
m
signi
nghisdeathwar r
anty"

"
OkbabakaSi
ya.Hav
eagr
eatev
eni
ng"

"
MayIgetaki
ssbef
orey
oul
eav
e"

"Nogoodni
ght"Ibangedthedoorandwalked
shakingmyassfeel
ingsexi
fi
ed.WhenIturned
aroundhel
ookingatmesmi l
ing

ThandoandIwer egoi
ngoutthatSat
urday
Dumi hadt akenSi
yaout.I
thadbeenfi
v e
monthssi nceweseparatedwithDumi.Hekept
onsendi ngmemoneyandgi ft
swhocansayno
tofr
eet hings.
"
Thandowher
ear
ewegoi
ngt
oeatt
oday
?"

"Let
'sgot
oMonteCasi
noi
t'
ssoi
nterest
ing
pluswecanst
il
lwat
chmovi
esaf
tereati
ng"

"It
hinkweshouldwatchmov
iesf
ir
standeat
aft
erwards"shenodded.

Wewat chedamov i
eaboutmarri
age.Thando
wascryingIcoul
dn'
tcr
yIjusthandedherfaci
al
t
issues.

WewenttospurIwascravi
ngforsomeri
bsI
or
der
edtwoplates,
Thandowentforasal
adand
st
eak
"
Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hisThando?
"
"Iam worr
iedabouty
ouGugu,
arey
ou
pregnant
?"
"
Ohmywor
d(Laughi
ng)am Inotsi
ngl
e?"

"
Dumi
isst
il
ltappi
ngi
tthough"

"I
t'
sbeenthr
eemonthssinceIl
asthadsex.I
am notpr
egnantIam j
ustcr
avi
ngforsome
ri
bs"

"Isee,
it'
saboutt
imeyougobackandsi
ng.
Peoplesurel
ymissyourv
oice"

"Li
zwiof
tentol
dmet hatmyvoi
ceheal
ed
peopl
e(Laughi
ng)howishebytheway?"

"
Hei
sgoodandhi
swi
fei
snowpr
egnant
"no
hi
ntofj
eal
ousst
rokemyhear
t

"
Goodf
orhi
m hedeser
veshappi
ness"

"
Mhnm,
lookathowSami
isbl
ubber
ing"

"Sheisli
key ouThando,y
ouaret
ootalkat
ive"
webot hlaughed.Idr
oppedt
hem att
heirhouse
around4pm.WhenIgothomear ound5If ound
Dumi si
tti
ngwi t
hMawe

"
Sani
bonani
(gr
eet
ings)
"

"
YeboGuguhowwasy
ourday
?"

"
Goody
our
sMawe?
"
"
Good"

Dumij
ustkeptquiet
.Mawest oodupandl
eft
.
Si
yawasprobablynextdoorwit
hMenzi

"
Doy
ouwantj
uice?
"

"
NothanksMaNdaba,
Mawemadesomet
eaf
or
me"
"
Thusgood,
IhopeSi
yadi
dn'
ttr
oubl
eyou"
"
Notatall
,mayyoupl easesi
tdownIwantusto
t
alk"Iwal
kedtotheloungeandsatabitfar
f
rom him,Idi
dn'
ttr
ustmy sel
faroundhi
m

"
Ihavebeenat
tendi
ngt
herapysessionsf
ora
whi
lesotomor
rowIwil
lbeattendi
ngmyl ast
sessi
on.Mayyoupl
easegooutwi
thmef
or
cel
ebrat
ion"

"
Mhnm t
hati
sni
cebutIwi
l
lthi
nkabouti
t"
"
Youlookbeaut
if
ulwi
tht
hisdr
essandy
our
l
i
pst
ick"

"
Thanky
ouManget
he"hesmi
l
edandst
oodup

"
Pleasewal
kmeout
"

"
Ok"Il
efthi
m att
hegat
e

"
Ilov
eyouMaNdaba"

"
Mhnm by
e"hel
ookeddi
sappoi
nted.
MawecamebackwhenIwasdonecooki
ng

"
Guguthatboyl
ovesyou.Tr
ustmeIcansee
l
ovef
rom adist
ance"

"Goodforhi
m,y
ourfoodisi
nthewarmer.Iam
goingt
ostudyy
aziUnisai
snotachi
l
d'splay"

"
Okmydaught
er"

Studyi
nginUni
sawasnevereasyIwasf
ail
i
ng
tosubmitmyassi
gnment
sont ime.

Igladl
yrej
ect
edgoingoutwi
thhimthenextday
.
Hesentmechocolatesandf
lowers,
Idi
dn't
respondanyofhi
stexts.
Noneofuswer ewait
ingforthatday.Dumi's
f
ami l
ysentalet
ter
.Myuncl esfrom Est
court
werecal
led.Mawecoul dn'
thidetheexcit
ement
.

Roomswer epreparedformyuncles.They
l
ovedmoneydear lyDumisani
'sf
ami l
ywas
sur
elygoingt
osuf fer
.Thandodecidedtocome
andsleepatmyplace.

I
twasthe22ndofOctoberweheardabakhongi
(
negot
iat
ors)
.Thandopeepedt
hroughthe
wi
ndow

"Whoisi
tThando?"sheshr
uggedher
shoul
der
s
"
SincewhendoIknowt
heZwanes?Uy
abheda
wena"Il
aughed
"
Iam soexci
tedThando"

"
Iam happyf
ory
ousi
sdonotf
orgett
opr
aymy
l
ove"

"
Iwon'
tfor
getpl
easepassmemydr
ess"
Shehandedmemydr essi twaswell
tai
lor
ed.
Mydoekwasneat lyt
ied.Abakhongiweresti
l
l
chanti
ngithadbeentwohour sal
readyandthe
sunwasscor chi
ng.Mysi ster
swereinthe
ki
tchencookingt
heywer esohappy.

NARRATI
ON

TheNdabassentayoungmanwhowasGugu'
s
cousi
ntogoandtal
ktotheZwanes.
Theyhadt
opaybef
oreget
ti
ngi
n.

Whentheyent
eredt
hehousetheyr
emoved
t
hei
rhatsandtheyt
oldt
hem t
ositdown

"
SanibonanibakwaNdaba(greet
ingst
othe
Ndabas)"noneofthem r
esponded
Abakhongij
ustkeptqui
etwai
ti
ngtobetol
d
howmucht heyshouldpayf
orisi
vul
aml
omo
(t
hemoneyy oushouldpayf
orthefami
l
ytotal
k
orrespond)
.

Dumi'suncl
etookouttwobot
tl
esoft
he
expensi
vebrandyandsomenotes

Theolduncl
eresponded"greet
ingst
oyout
he
Zwanes,howcanwehel pyou?"
"Wel
lmynamei sThul
ani Si
biy
a,Ibrought
VumaniZwaneandSindisoZwane.wecame
her
etotal
kaboutthelobolanegot
iati
ons.Iam
sur
ethatyousawthelett
erwesenty ou"

Thefatuncl
esmiled"yeswesawit,
let
'sgo
st
rai
ghttothepoi
ntwear enowhungry"t
heyal
l
smil
edtryi
ngtocalm downthei
rner
ves

"OursonDumisanihasseenaflowerinthis
house.Hewantstotakeitandnurt
ureitinthe
Zwanehomestead"

Theol
deruncl
egotser
ious

"Thetr
uthishelongdidthat.Hedefl
oweredour
daughterandgotherpregnant.Hemovedin
withherwi
thoutpayingdamages.Themoney
thatyouwi
llpaytodaywil
lhaveaninterest
.It
's
notsimpl
einter
estbutcompoundi nt
erest"

t
hef
atuncl
enoddedi
nagr
eement

"Kunj
aloi
mpelaaluf
akwalubuyenodaka(
it
's
l
ikethatwedon'
tacceptdi
srespect
)youwi
ll
payninabakwaZwane"

"Wedi dn'tcomeher etofi

ghtwecamet obuil
d
ar el
ationshipourelder
s.Pl
easefor
giv
eusf or
ourmi stakes.Whatoursondidwas
disrespectfulther
eforewewouldli
ketogreatl
y
apologise".

TheNdabaswhisper
edamongsteachot
her
.
Theyal
lcametoanagreement
Theyoungmanwentt
ocal
lGuguandher
cousi
ns.

Theyjoinedthepeopl
eandsatdown.Their
faceswer ecover
edonebyonetheyopened
thei
rfacestheZwaneskeptonsayingno.When
Guguopenedherf aceVumanispoke"t
hatis
her"

"Youmaygobackyoungwomen"t
heyal
ll
eft
goingoutoft
hel
ounge.

"WeastheNdabaswanty
out
ogi
veus15
cows"
TheZwanesspokeamongsteachot
her

"Mayyoupleaser
educet
hepri
ceforus
BakwaNdabahencewearebui
ldi
nga
r
elat
ionshi
p"

Theuncl
esspokeamongsteachot
her

Thef
atuncl
erai
sedhi
svoi
ce"
ok13cows"

TheZwanespai
dthemoneythatwas
equi
val
entt
o10cowstheyweregoingt
opay
ther
emaini
ngamounti
nfut
ure.

AtGugu'
sroom

"MaNdabay ouarenowamar r
iedwoman.Asa
marriedwomany ourdut
yistosuppor tyour
husbandineveryt
hinghedoes.Whenhi s
businessi
sslowingdowntalktohiml i
stento
him andcomforthi
m.Cookf orhim donotleta
maiddoy ourj
oborelseshemightexceedher
duti
esanddomor ethanjustt
ocook"thatwas
auntySi
ndisi
we

"Iam happythatlobol ahasbeenpai dfory ou

Gugu.Bet hewomanwhowi llcovery our
husband'sdisgrace.Donotl etthewor l
dknow
hisweaknesses, becausei fyoudot hatthe
worlddoesn'tlaughathi m alone.Itlaughsat
youtoo.Nomat terhowmanyt i
mesy ouf i
ght
j
ustdon' tgoaroundt elli
ngpeople.Got oyour
secretcornerwher ey ouwill
cryalone.When
youtelluseverythingt hedayyouf ixthingswe
won'tlookathimi nt hesamewaywedi dbefore
, whenitgetshar dercallMawe"auntSi hle
spokei nalowt oneIwasnoddi ngt oev ery
thi
ng

"
Respecty
ourhusbandGugu,
donotbefr
iends
wi
thunmarri
edpeoplet
heyof
tengi
vebad
advices.Wheny ourhusbandget shomel atedo
notquest i
onhi swher eabout sbutservehim
food.Donotl etot herwomengeti nbetween
thetwoofy ou.Fi ghtfory ourhusbandsis
bit
chesandwhor esareev er
ywheret akecare
ofthem.Yourmani syoursalonedonotl ethim
doubtt helov ey ouhav eforhi m.Youseet he
scaronmyf aceIdeal twi thabitch(ever
ybody
l
aughed)l ovey ourmant uu"auntyNomi espoke
i
nherhosyv oicel aughing.

"Gugugi v
ey ourmant hecookie,inthet oil
et,
pavement s,off
iceImeanev erywher e.
Whenev erhewant sitheshouldgeti t.Lethim
fi
ndy ousexywhenev erhecomeshome.I na
sil
verplatt
erwai t
ingt obedev oured( every
one
l
aughed)t ryknewt hingswi t
hhi m donotl i
e
downl i
keachi cken.Ev enifyouar enoti nthe
moodj ustpretendt obeenj oyi
ngt hatturnsa
manon"wher edidIgetNosi from.
Mawewast helastonet ospeak"putGodf irst
i
nev erythingy oudo.Beapr ayerf
ulwoman
Gugunot hingbeatspr ayer.Tempt ati
onsand
tri
alswillcomebutdonotgi veupf i
ndcomf ort
i
nGod.Theal phaandt heomega.Donot
neglectyourbodyl ovey ourselfsi
sbeonpoi nt
everyti
me.Respecty ourhusbandshowhi mt hat
heist hehead.Takecar eofhisneeds.The
eldershav espokeni t
'supt oyouwhet heryou
takewhatwesai dornot"
Iwasnowcryi
ngthiswasit
.Somanywords
andadvi
sesweregivent
ome.Mydigni
tywas
nowrest
oredbr
idepri
cewaspai
dforme.
[
07/
22,
14:
42]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#24
Whenonei sgettingmar ri
edtheyoftencry
.It
doesn'tmeant hatt heyarenothappythatthey
aregettingmar r
ied.Theyar ehappybutthefact
thatyouar enowl eav i
ngyourpeopleandy our
home,y ouareleav i
ngy oursur
namebehi ndhit
s
yousobad

"Mawey ouknowthatIdon'
tbel
i
evei
n
ancest
orswhatshouldIdonow.Obv
iousl
ythey
aregoi
ngt odori
tual
s"

shebr
ushedmybackt
hinki
ngdeepl
y

"Ibeliev
et hattheGodwewor shi
pcannotbe
mi xedwi thanythi
ng.Inthiscasey oudeci dedto
getmar riedtoanunbel i
eversosi nceheal so
agr eedtodot hewhiteweddi ngthel easty ou
coul ddoi stodothosecer emonies.( Shaking
herhead)i mpicabadalalendaba( it
'sa
compl
icat
edissue).Aboveall
Gugur espectu
MaKheswa, y
ouneedt hatwomanony oursi
de.
Shewil
lfi
ghtyourbat
tl
esi nmanycases"

"Ihearyoumama( cryi
ng)Idon'tthi
nkIwill
survi
v ewit
houtyouonmysi de.Idon'twantto
besepar at
edfrom y
ou,ohGod.Iwant ed
mar r
iagebutnowIfeeldi
fferentabouti
t"she
l
aughed

"Stopbeingaspoil
tbrat.Iam herewi
thy ouI
am notdy i
ng.Iwil
lguideyourpathi
nev ery
thi
ng
thaty oudo.Wheneveryoumi ssmejustgive
meacal l
"wehuggedeachot herbot
hofus
crying.

I
twasnowthet
imefori
zibi
zot
hegif
tswer
e
br
oughtt
omyfami
lybytheZwanes.
Ihadbroughtt
hegroceri
esf ortheZwanesthat
processwascall
edumbondo.Hav i
ngmyaunt y
besidemewast hebestthi
ngt hatonewould
everaskfor
.Shewast hegreatestsuppor
tof
mine.

"
Gugudidyoupackal
lthegi
ft
sthatyoubought
f
ortheZwanes?
"Shewasscreamingthr
owing
t
ant
rumsasalways

"
YesMaweIdi d,
hasuncl
epackedt
hef
urni
tur
e
t
hatIam goi
ngwitht
oDurban?
"

"Theydi
dthati
nthemorni
ng.Yourat
ti
rei
s
packedi
nthatbl
uebag"

"Thanky
ouMama,
wher
eisSi
ya?Imi
ssmy
son"
"Heiswi
thBusi
,l
et'
shurryup.Weneedt
orest
befor
ewegotoDumi sani
'shouse"

Wewer egoi ngtost ar

twithumabobef or
ethe
whit
eweddi ngMawesai dt hatitwasgoingto
makeDumi happy .Ihadnotspokent ohim
si
ncethelobol anegotiat
ionsst ar
ted,
myl i
ps
wereyearningforhiskiss.It houghtt
hathe
wasgoingt okneel downandaskf ormet o
marryhim Iwasj ustdaydreami ngnoneofthat
happened.

Myuncl esbur
nttheincenset
alkingtothe
Ndabaancestorstell
i
ngthem aboutmel eav
ing
home, butmyauntyandIdidnotpar t
akeinthat
ceremonysincewewer eChri
stians.Myfat
unclekeptonblubberi
ngabouthav i
ngasmal l
pieceofmeat.
Welef
tDobsonv
il
lear
ound3pm.Icoul
dn'
tfi
nd
myphone

"
Mawedi
dyout
akemyphone?
"

"
Hhay
imansl
eepandst
opt
alki
ng"Igi
ggl
ed
"
Wear
enowst
ri
ctai
n'
twe?
"
Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongue.

WegottoDur banar
ound11pm myasswas
nowsorebecauseofsitt
ingdown.Weslepti
na
guest
houseitwasn'
tfarfrom Dumi
sani
'
splace.

Mawewokemeupar
oundt
hree
"Heywenav
il
av uka(wakeupyoulazygi
rl
)"I
openedmyeyessli
ghtl
yandcheckedtheti
meit
was3am

"Maweit
'st
ooear
ly"Ipul
l
edmybl
anket
sand
cover
edmyhead
Col
dwaterwaspour
edonmybackIj
umped
get
ti
ngofft
hebed

"Don'
ttemptmeGugugoandbat
hyouruncl
es
havegoneoutt
obuythecow"

MaweandIbat
hedt
oget
hershekepton
l
ooki
ngatme
"I
t'
shar
dtobel
i
evet
haty
ouar
eal
readyhav
ing
sex"

"Mawewear esurel
ynotgoi
ngt
ohavet
his
conver
sat
ion.Youwantedmetodi
eanun?"
"
Youar
etooi
nnocentf
orsex"

"Youclear
lydon'
tknowwhatyouaretal
ki
ng
about.Iam abeastwhenIam i
nthatmode"I
l
aughedsheshout ed

"
Godf
orgi
veherf
orhersi
ns"

Iwasweari
ngi si
dwaba(skir
tformarri
ed
women),i
sicholo(i
tcoverstheheadofa
marri
edwoman)wel lIdidn'
tfor
gettocovermy
shoul
der
s.

WegottotheZwaneresi
dencear
ound4:
30am.
Iwasbusyyawni
ng,mybodyneededt
orest
.
Whent
heyopenedt
hegat
eofus.Isatont
he
grassmatnotl
ookingatany
body,Mawehad
tol
dmenott otalki
twasasignofrespect.
Bab'Zwanewelcomedmebef or
ethestart
ingof
theceremony

"
Howar
eyoumydaught
eri
nlaw?
"

"
Iam goodandy
ouf
ather
?"

"
Good"hesai
dafewwordsasasi
gnof
i
ndi
cat
ingmyaccept
ancei
ntheZwanef
ami
l
y.
Iwasi
ntr
oducedt
otheZwaneancest
ors

Thandoandmycousi nsbroughtthegif
tsand
thefurni
tur
e.Ibr
oughtaki st,
bedwi t
hpill
ows
andlinennotfor
gett
ingt hegrassmats.The
Zwaneshadsentt helistofpeoplewhower e
supposedtogetthegi ft
s.Themenwer egiven
beerpotswit
hgr asslidsont hetopandt he
othersgotpi
l
lows,grassmat sandblankets.
Whenani ndi
vidualwascal l
edt ogetthegift
theyusedtoli
eont hegr assmatandt heyt
hen
getupandsingdanci ngasasi gnof
appreci
ati
on.

Thebestpar toft hecer emonycame.Igotup

andtookt hebedandpl acedal inenoni t
.Iwent
aroundl ooki ngf ormyhandsomeman.WhenI
foundhi m, Ipl acedt hegr assmat sforhimt o
walkonwhi chl edhi mt ot hebedwhi chwas
wellprepar ed.Hesatont hebedandIt ooka
basinwi that owel andsoapandact edasi fI
waswashi nghi sf eet.Hecoul dn'tgethi seyes
offfr
om me.Iopenedt hebedcov ers,hegot
i
nsidet hem l aughi ng.Mycousi nswentt ohim
andstar tedbeat inghi m withsmal lsticks.He
gotupandr anaway .
Umabowasav eryi
mportantri
tual
,Mawesaid
thati
tbroughtf amil
i
estogether.I
nthat
processIwast oldwhatwasexpectedfrom me
bymyf amilyandmyi nl
aws.

Dumi andhisfr
iendsstart
edsingi
ngand
dancing.Thedancingwasv er
ycrazyhi
sai
m
wast omakemebl ushthr
oughoutthe
ceremony

"
MaNdaba"hi
svoi
cewashuski
ert
hanal
way
s

"
Zwane"

"
Ilov
eyoubabyandIhavebeenmi
ssi
ngy
ou.
Wherei
syourphone?"
"Maweconfiscatedi
t(webot
hlaughed)lookat
howdirt
ySiyais"myboywaswear i
nghisZulu
att
ir
elooki
ngal l
handsome
"Hewasdanci
ng,
didy
ouseehi
mimi
tat
ing
Sindi
sobyf
all
i
ngdown"

"
Idi
dhelookedcut
e,hel
ooksl
i
key
ou
Manget
he"

"
Let'
sgooutsideIwantustotalkGugu"If
ound
Mawe'seyescanni
ngmysoul .Shehatedt
he
f
actofhowaffecti
onat
eDumi was.Hewasver
y
t
ouchyeveninpubli
cplaces

"Dumistopbr
ushi
ngmyhandst
heyar
eel
der
s
here"hesmil
ed

"
Theydoknowt
hatwear
ehav
ingsexr
ight
?I
meanSi
yai
stheev
idenceofi
t"

"Stopbeingcr azy(Laughing)Mawesay sshe

can'tjustacceptthefactthatIam alr
eady
hav i
ngsexi magine.Shesay sIam tooinnocent
forit.Whichmakesmet hinkt
wice,Iwas
i
nnocentbef orey ouruinedme"

"
Butbabyyoulovesex.Maweshoul
dhearhow
y
ouscream Ibetshewoulddi
eofhear
tatt
ack"

"
Dumi st
opi
t(heavi
l
ybl
ushi
ng),l
et'
sgoand
t
alk"wewal
kedt ot
heot
hersi
deofthehouse.

Hehel
dmyhand
"Gugumemar r
yingy
ouwasnotf oryouto
comebacktome.Ididitoutoft
hefull
nessof
myheartandoutofl
ove.YesImighthavenot
seent heimpor tanceofmar ri
agebecauseIsaw
howi tdestroyedot herpeopleIam notsay i
ng
thatitwill
destroyusf uckwhatam Isay ing?
Am Imaki ngsense( Gugunodded) .Iam reall
y
sorryfordelayingthisbeauti
ful cer
emony
becauseal lal
ongIt houghtt
hatl ov
ei senough.
Iwoul dchoosey ouinal l
myliveswhet herit'
s
thesecondl if
eort het hir
dli
fe.Iloveyou
wholehear t
edlyMaNdaba.Youar emi netolove
andmi netotakecar eof "

"Iloveyout
ooDumi"hecuppedmyfaceand
kissedme.Sindi
socoughedwel
ookedathi
m
smi l
ing

"Bafogetawayfrom her
e.Ar
eyoudr
unk?We
needsomepr iv
acy,wewanttobeawayfr
om
you,youguyshavebeencrowdi
ngus
throughoutt
hewholeday"Si
ndi
sol
aughed
"
Stopbei
nggr
umpyDumi
.Ukahl
eMaNdaba?
"
"
Iam goodSi
ndi
soandy
ou?
"

"
Iam good"

Ourlovewasn'tl
ikeanyotherl
oveitwasbumpy
yesitwasnotper f
ect.I
twasal ov
ewr it
tenin
thestarsandjoi
nedbythegods.Ilovedhim out
ofthefull
nessofmyhear t
.NotonlyhadI
surr
enderedmybodyt ohim butmysoul and
myhear twerehandedtohiminasi l
verplat
ter
.I
wasal l
his
[
07/
22,
14:
42]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#25

Hespankedmyassagai
n
"Dumist
opitar
eyoucrazy
?"Hesmil
edli
cking
hisl
owerli
pheknewhowbadthatactt
urned
meon

"
Youaregl
owi
ngGuguar
eweexpect
ing?Damn
mybabyi
smakingy
oubeaut
if
ul"

"Stopsmokingwhatev
erthatyouaresmoking
becauseiti
smessingupwi t
hy ourmind,by
creati
nganimpossi
bleimaginati
on.Ihav
e
alwaysbeenbeauti
ful
"

"Mhmm reall
ysoareyousayingthatmy
sper
msar epowerl
ess?Areyouchal l
engi
ngme
MaNdaba?"hewasget ti
ngcloserandclosert
o
me.Iwasbusymov ingbackwardslowlyupunti
l
thewal
lstoppedme
"Dumist
op"hecuppedmyfaceandkissedme.
Icoul
dfeel
hishar
dmagnif
icentcockpoki
ng
mystomach

"Iwantyounow"hi
sfinger
swentstr
aight
underneat
hmyskir
t.Theywerebrushingt
he
outerpart
sofmycore.Mybreat
heescalat
ed
"
Dumi
...
"Ihear
dfoot
steps

"
MaNdabaweeehGugu!!
"Shekeptonshout
ing
i
twasmymotheri
nlaw.If
ixedmyskir
t
l
aughi
ng

Escapi
ngfr
om Dumi
sani
'
sembr
acehecl
ear
ly
l
ookedannoyed
"
Mawer
eyoucal
l
ingme?
"Shesmi
l
ed

"YesMaNdabacomeher
eandhel
pmewi
th
somethi
ng"

Allt
heladi
eswerewashingthedishessome
werecooki
ng.Thefol
l
owi ngdaymyf amilyl
eft
"f
orm agoodbondwithyourmot heri
nlawas
wear el
eavi
ngyoubehind.Respectherandbe
onhergoodbooks"
"
Thanky
ouMaweIl
ovey
ou"
"ByeMaNdaba"Ilookedatherasshel
eftmy
heartconst
ri
ctedIwasstayi
ngbehi
ndwith
str
angers.

Dumi
stay
edwi
thusf
ornear
lyaweek
"Bef
oreyouknowi tt
hemonthwil
lbeovermy
mom isnotthatbad"tear
shadcl
oudedmy
eyes

"
Idon'
twanty
out
oleav
ememyhappi
ness"

"ComeonGuguwear egoingtot
alk.Iwil
lcall
youtwiceaday.I
t'
snotlikeIam goingabroad"
hewipedmyt ear
skissi
ngmynose

"Iwantyouclosetomeev erynight.Idon'
tl
ike
thi
swholeideaofbei ngaMakot iandstayi
ng
withyouri
nlaws.Thesearemoder ndays
peopleshouldloosenup"helaughed

"Youarenotwest
ernsoj
ustforgetaboutthat
stopdaydreami
ng.Whenyougav ebir
thIasked
youwhyweshouldwaitf
orthreemont hs.What
didyousay
?Yousai
dIwasn'
twhi
tesonowi
t'
s
yourtur
nsucki
tup"

"
Youar
ehear
tl
essDumi
,whyam Ist
il
lwi
thy
ou
?"

"BecauseIhav
eamagnif
icentcock"Igi
ggled
hepickedmeupandthr
ewmeont hebed

"
Dumi
what
..
"

"Sssh"heslowlypul
leddownmyski
rtand
kissedthehair
ypartsofmyst
omach.Hewent
tomycooki eandkissedi
t

"
Daddyi
sgoi
ngtomi ssyou.Lookathowhot
y
ouareMaNdaba"IswearIblushedathousand
t
imes.Hest
oodupandki
ssedmyf
ace

"
Dumi
justl
i
ket
hat
"hel
aughed

"Byemyl
ove"It
ookmypi
l
lowandt
hrewi
tat
him

"
Ihat
eyou"

"
Ilov
eyoumakaSi
ya"

Iusedtospendmostofmydaysl
ockedupi
n
ourroom.Bab'
Zwanewasamanoffewwords
butMaKheswausedtogossi
p.
Iwascomingbackfr
om t
hemar
ketIf
ound
Makheswalaughi
ng
"
Goodaf
ter
noonMa"

"
HeyMaNdabahowar
eyou?
"

"
Iam goodandy
ouma?
"

"Hhayijustmakeust eaandcomeandsi there.I

havetot ell
yousomet hi
ng"thi
swomanwas
surel
ygoi ngtobethedeathofme.Imadea
smallrepentanceprayerbecauseIknewthatI
wasaboutt osi
n

"Wher
eisSi
ya?Helef
thi
sshoesout
sidet
he
gat
eIwil
lbeathi
m"

"
Hewentoutwi
thmyHUSBAND"Il
aughed
"
Hei
ssur
elyl
ovedMama"shel
aughed

"Youseet hatonei smyr i

deordi e.Ihav ebeen
marr i
edt ohimf orov er40y ears.Itwasn' tpap
andv leisMaNdabai twasnev ereasy .Ther eare
ti
mesIf eltlikegi vi
ngupbutIdi dn'
t.Youshoul d
holdonunt oy ourfai thwheni tgetst ough, my
mot herof tensai dawomanhol dsahotst one
unti
l i
tcool sdown.Youcanl earnwi sdom at
yourgr andf ather '
sf eet ,oratt heendoft he
sti
ck.I fyoupayat tent iont owhaty ourelder s
aresay ingandf oll
owt heiradv i
ce,youwon' t
havet ol earnt hingst hehar dwayt hrough
experience.I fy oudon' tabsor bwhatt heysay
youwi lllearnt hroughl essons.The
consequencesar eof tenpai nful"

"
Mamat hati
ssotrue"Idi
dami nisel
f
i
ntr
ospect
ionIhadseentheconsequencesof
notl
i
steni
ngt
oel
der
s

"Whenyoubi
tei
ndiscr
imi
nat
elyy
ouendup
bit
ingy
ourowntai
l
"

Igav
eherthet
eapot
.Isatnextt
oherIl
oved
howwiseshewaswhenshewasnotgossi
ping

"Wherei
smyphoneMaNdaba?"shewas
hol
dingi
t

"
Oldagedoesn'
tannouncei
tsel
fatt
hegat
eof
t
hekraal
"

"Uzokhalanjal
o( y
ouwi l
lcr
y)ar
eyousayi
ngthat
Iam old.Lookaty ou,
youareevenl
aughi
ngat
me"webot hlaughed
"
Mabutyouwer
ehol
dingi
tbuty
ouwer
est
il
l
l
ooki
ngf
orit
"

"Hhayisuka.
.anywayIwantt otel
lyouthaty
ou
aremyf avouri
tedaughterinl
aw.Iknowwe
didn'
tstar
tonacl eanslatebutIl
oveyoumor e
thananyoft hem"Ilaughed

"
Iknowy ou,whatdoy
ouwantmet
ohel
pyou
wi
th?"Shelaughed

"
WhosaidIneedhelp?Uyadel
elamauthanda
(
youaredi
srespect
ful
ify
ouwantto)"she
l
aughed

"
Ibel
i
evey
ouma"
"Pl
easecookthatdi
shwhi
chi
sSi
ya'
sfav
our
it
e.
Zwaneli
kesittoo"

"Okma,letmestar
tcooki
ng.Thesunhas
alr
eadygonedown"

"
Iwi
llsi
ther
ewit
hyou.Don'
tyouhav
eany
thi
ng
t
ogossi
pabout
?"

"
Nonotatal
l"

"Ur
ghy ouarebori
ngwena.Sindi
so'
swife
gossi
pslikenobody'
sbusi
nessbutIdon'
tli
ke
herbecauseshe'sali
ar"

"
HehemaIwonderwhy?
"
"Sheisnoty
ouphelaIonlyl
i
keyout
hen
Vumani'swi
fefol
l
owsaf t
eryout
herestar
rgh
theycangotohel
l"

"
Mhmm Iheary
ouma.Letmef
ini
shcooki
ng"

AftercookingMast oodupanddishedfor
everybody.Ihadcoveredmyshoulder
s
respecti
ngmyf atherinl
aw.

Dumi
cal
l
edmeIwentt
othebedr
oom

"
Mfazi
wami
(mywi
fe)
"

"
Babakhehowar
eyou?
"
"Iam har
dal
readyj
ustbyhear
ingyourvoi
ce.
.I
nowf eel
somehowandyourvoicei
sthecause"

"
Howdoesi
tmakey
ouf
eel
?"

"Hhayiman!Iwanty
ounextt
ome.Iam
comingdowntomorrow"

"
Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowi
thme?
"

"
Iam goi
ngt
ogivey
ouwhaty
ouwant
"Ibi
tmy
l
owerli
psmi
li
ng

"
WhatdoIwant
?"

"Youwantmedeepandbur
iedi
nsi
dey
ou"I
giggl
edMakheswacal
l
edme
"
Babymai
scal
l
ingme,
Ilov
eyou"

"
Iam comi
ngdownt
omor
row"

"Nodon'
tcomethr
eemor
eday
sthenIwi
l
lbe
homewithyou"

"
Okbabypl
easeki
ssSi
yaf
orme"

"Iwi
l
lint
hemorningheisal
readysl
eepi
nghe
hadgoneoutwi
thBaba"hel
aughed

"
Okbabydr
eam aboutme"

"
Absol
utel
yManget
he"
Hedroppedt
hecal
lIsmi
l
ledandwentt
othe
ki
tchen

"
May
oucal
l
edme?
"

"
GuguIdon'
tfeel
li
kesl
eepi
ngl
et'
stal
k"

"
OkMa"

Isatdownshewastel
li
ngmeabouthowsexy
shewaswhenshewasy oung.Howmenf r
om
thecommunit
ycal
ledherthebeaut
if
ulmai
den

"
YouseeGuguIdi
dZwaneaf
avourl
ookathi
s
f
aceandl
ookatmine"
"
Butbabai
snotbad"

"Hhayisukawhyar
ey oul
ying?Heisal
ready
sleepi
ngwhatareyouafr
aidof?
"Il
aughed

"
Hei
snotbadmamawhatdi
dyouseei
nhi
m?"

"Thebeautyofamani sinhi
spockets
(Laughi
ng).Honestlyspeaki
ngZwaneusedto
beachar merboy.Hewasoneoft hosepeopl
e
whohadasweett ongue"webothl
aughed

Zwanewal
kedi
nonus
"
Angi
l
elenj
alo(Iwasn'tsleepi
ng)mywi
fe.
are
y
ousayi
ngthatIam ugly?
"

"
Chabababekadesi
khul
umai
ntoengekho,
uyamaziuGuguut
handaindaba(nomy
husbandwewerejustt
alki
nguselesst
hings
youknowhowmuchGugul ovet
hings)
"she
winkedatmehidi
ngit

"
Makot
igoodni
ght
"
"
GoodnightBaba"hesmi
ledandwalkedaway
.
Makheswalookedatmewebothlaughed.

"
MaIam goi
ngt
osl
eep"

"Wai
tmakeusteaIam notsl
eepyy
et"Ist
ood
upandwentt
othekit
chen

"Gugutomorr
owy oucanwakeupat10Iam
notanupti
ghtmotheri
nlaw.Mymotheri
nlaw
usedtowakeupat5.Iwasf or
cedt
owakeup
at4shewasev i
l(whi
speri
ng)mayhersoulr
est
i
npeace"

webot
hlaughed

"
Sot
omor
rowIam waki
ngupat10"
.

"Yesmydear,whatdi
dy ouseeinDumibesi
de
hishandsomenessofcoursehetookaf
terme"

"Hewasper si
stentheaskedmeoutf ort
wo
yearsIdeci
dedt ogiv
ehim achance"she
blushed

"
Wer
eyouaVi
rgi
n?"

"
Yes(bl
ushi
ng)mamawhyar
ewet
alki
ngabout
t
his?
"
"Iwanttoteachy
outhr
eeormorethi
ngs
anywaynev ermi
ndmaybeIam t
oooldnow"we
bothlaughed

"
Youar
est
il
lbeaut
if
ulma"

"Thankyoumydaught er,youknowt hefirst

ti
meIsawy ouIwasr udebecauseIal ready
knewev ery
thi
ngabouty ou.Thepersont oldme
thatyouwerelazyyoudi dn'twantt
owor k, al
l
youwant edtodowast ospendmyson' smoney .
Nowt hatIknowy ouIam l ovi
ngyouev ery day"I
huggedher

"
Ilov
eyout
ooma"

"
Buty
ouar
ethemostst
ubbor
nper
sonIhav
e
ev
ermet
"

"
Nowayma"

"Mhngoodni
ghtmyhusbandi
swai
ti
ngf
orme"
shesmir
kedIgiggl
ed

"
Nightma"

ThreedayswereoverDumi wasoutside
wearinghi
sblackJeansthatshapedhissexy
assnicel
y.Hi
smuscl eswereonpointhis
contagi
oussmilehadamassi veeff
ectonme.
Hehadabr ushcutthatwasnicel
ytri
mmed.

Mamat
appedmyshoul
der
"St
opstari
nghei sall
yours( Gugulaughed)I
am nothappythatyouareleaving.Whydon' t
youstayherewithme?YouknowIgetl onelyat
ti
mes"

"
Iwi
l
lvi
sity
oumor
eof
tenma"

"Gi
vemehug, feel
freewheny ouneedanadvi
ce
Iwil
lgui
debutIknowt hatyourmom hasthe
wholewisdom int
hewor l
d"tear
swere
str
eaminginmyey es

"Il
oveyouma"shewi
pedhert
ear
stooDumi
huggedMa

"Whodied?Whyareyouwasti
ngy
ourtear
s
urghwomenandthei
rtear
s"hi
smothersl
apped
him
"
Whosesonar
eyou?"Dumi
laughed

"Your
smaletmecarryt
hebagsy
ouguy
smay
conti
nuewi
thyourdr
ama"

"
Voesakwenaungazobhedal
a"weal
ll
aughed.

Dumigav
ehispar ent
smoneyandthegrocer
ies.
Idi
dn'
twantt
ol eaveany
moreIhadbondedso
muchwit
hmyi nlaws.

Whenwegoti
nsi
det
hecarSi
yascr
eamed
"
ByegogonoMkhul
ulov
eyou"t
heysmi
l
edand
wav
edback

"
Soy
ouandmymot
herar
enowf
ri
ends.
.wow
I
'
m shocked"Igav
ehi
m anannoy
edl
ook

"
Youar
egoi
ngt
obesor
ryDumi
"

"
Howsor
ryam Igoi
ngt
obe?
"

"
Ver
ysor
ryl
i
kesupersor
ry"

"
Ican'
twai
ttobesor
ry"Il
aughed

"Whydoyoual
way st
urneachandever
y
conver
sat
ioni
ntosomethi
ngdir
tyDumi?"

"
Howdi
rt
yismyconv
ersat
ion?"

"
Superdi
rt
yver
ydi
rt
y"
"
Ili
keget
ti
ngdi
rt
ywi
thy
ouany
wayImi
ssed
y
ou"

"Imissedyoumor
e,y
oursoni
sal
ready
sleepi
ng"

"
Hei
sti
red"

Hewasplayi
ngMaskandi
wel
lIenj
oyedl
ooki
ng
athi
m ashesangal
ong

"Babyst
opsi
ngingyouar
erui
ningt
hissong.
Youcan'
tsi
ngthisi
sbad"

"
Ithi
nkIshoul
dgotoSout
hAfr
icanI
dols.
I
maginemesingi
ng,
youandSi
yasupport
ing
me"
"Youwi
shshameyousingi
ngt
hisi
sbad.
Peopl
earegoi
ngt
olaughatme"

"Wewi l
lseeIbetyouwil
lfoll
owmear ound
whenIwi n"Il
aughedunt
iltearscameoutofmy
eyes.Whatwasmaki ngmel aughmor ewasthe
factofhowserioushewasandhowst er
nhis
voicewas.Whenwewer ehal fway
JohannesburgItol
dhimtost opthecar
ItwasnowdarkIr
anoutoft
hecarandv
omi
ted
Iwasn'
tfeel
i
ngwell
.

"
Babyar
eyouok?
"Hehandedmewat
er

"
YesIam f
ineIguesst
hisf
ishi
snotgoi
ngwel
l
wi
thme.
Wegothomeaftermi dni
ght.Hecarr
iedSi
yat
o
t
hehouse.Weleftt
hebagsi nsi
dethecarwe
wer
egoingtot
aket hem outthefol
l
owingday
.
It
hrewmy
sel
font
hebedIwassot
ir
ed.

WhenIwokeupint
heear
lyhour
sofmorni
ng
Dumiwasinbet
weenmylegshewascomi
ng

Hesmi
l
edl
i
keast
upi
d

"
Dumi
didy
our
eal
l
yhav
etodot
hat
?"

"Goodmorni
ngbaby
"het
ri
edki
ssi
ngmeI
pushedhi
m away

"
Mor
ningbr
eat
he"
"Iwanty
ouliket
hat"Iki
ssedhim back.Het
ri
ed
play
ingwit
hmyni ppl
esIstoppedhim
"St
opDumit
heyar
esor
e"hesqueezedmybut
t
smil
ing.

Hecar
ri
edmet
othebat
hroom

"
Whi
chpar
tofIam t
ir
eddon'
tyouunder
stand?
"

"
Speaki
nZul
uIwi
l
lunder
stand"

"
Hhayisuka"hespankedmyassl
aughi
nghe
wasaddict
edtoit
"
Imi
ssedy
ouMaNdaba"

Af
terbat
hingIwentt
otheki
tchenev
ery
thi
ng
wasamess
"Dumiwhenwast
hel
astt
imey
oucl
eaned
here?
"

"
Uhm y
est
erdaybaby
"

"
Youar
ely
ingDumi
"

"
Thedaybef
orey
est
erday
"

"
Youar
est
il
ll
yi
ng"

"
LastweekIam nowbei
nghonest
"

Ihuf
fedgoi
ngtothebedr
oom.Hiscl
otheswer
e
near
lyempt
yinthewardr
obet
hismanwas
ser
iousl
yki
ddi
ngme.Itookal
lhi
sdi
rt
ysocks
andclot
hest
othebat
hroom

"
Youwi
l
lwashdi
shesal
loft
hem andcook"

"Yesmam"hepackedal lt
hedir
typl
atesinone
bigdishandstar
tedwashi
ngthem.Iscrubbed
thetil
esandthewall
stheywerenowbrown
white.

Siy
awokeupar
oundar
ound12hel
ooked
exhaust
ed

"
BabaIam hungr
y"

Dumi
madehi
m asandwi
ch
"
ComeandeatManget
he"

"Goandbr
ushy
ourt
eet
hfi
rst
"Iaskedhi
m
soft
ly

"okMaNdaba(
Gugugav
ehi
mthewar
ning
l
ook)
Goodmorni
ngmama"

"
GooddaySiy
a"hesmi
l
edhehaddi
mpl
est
oo
l
i
kehisf
ather

"
Owi
t'
sal
readynoon"

"Noeveni
ng"Dumi
responded.Ij
ustl
aughed
shaki
ngmyheadmyhusbandwasaspeci al
case
Ihadfor got
tentosubmitmyassignment
.I
quickl
ywentt omyl apt
opandtypedit
.I
submitteditaft
ertwohours.

I
thadbeenamonthsinceIcameback
MaKheswaandIusedtospeakev
eryday
.
Thandosentmeamessagesay
ingt
hatshe
wasoutsi
demyhouse
Iopenedt
hegat
eforher

"
Thandomyl
ove"

"HeyGuguhowar
eyou?
"It
ookSami
she
screamed
"
Takey
ourugl
ydaught
erwhyi
sshecr
ying?
"
"
Itcoul
dbet hatyouareugl
yapparent
lyl
ike
t
hingsrepel
"Ilaughedpour
ingsomej ui
cefor
her

"
Youar
ecrazywenaThando"Ihandedhermy
l
apt
opshowingherthedi
ffer
entpi
ctur
esoft
he
v
enuewecouldchooseformywedding

"
Whichonei
sniceThando?Youneedt
ohel
p
measmymai dofhonour
"

"Ipreferthishal
l,Il
ov ehowgreenytheoutside
i
s.Doy ouseet heflowersoutsi
dethishall
.
Event her ocksandt hemini
wat er
fal
lsarejust
breathtakingandamazi ng"

"
Iwi
l
lcal
lthem t
omor
row,
Ial
sol
ovei
t"

"
Wher
eisy
ourhandsomehusband?"
"
Hewentt
owor
k,howi
stheugl
ydoct
or"

"Heisbusymakingmoneyforhi
sbeaut
if
ul
wife"welaughedwaki
ngSamiupwhowas
alr
eadysleepi
ng

"
Chai
mbi
Lent
oyakhoi
fananoy
ise"

"
Uqal
i
lewenaGuguuy
abheday
azi
"

"Wewill
gof ordressshoppingt
omor
row.Ij
ust
can'
tbel
ievethattwomont hsdownt
heli
neI
wil
lbewalkingdownt heaisl
e"

"Bel
iev
eithoney,t
womont
hsonl
y.PLUSy
ou
aregaini
ngweight
"
"
Ihavest
art
eddi
eti
ngmyst
omachhast
obe
f
lat
"

"
Shi
sant
ombi
"

"
Howf arwitht
hei
nvi
tat
ioncar
ds?Ar
epeopl
e
r
esponding?"

"
Iwi
l
laskSol
l
yIhopehehassenthal
foft
hem"
"
Ihopesot
oo"
[
07/
22,
14:
42]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#26

Sami
star
tedcr
yingt
hisbabywasgoi
ngt
ogi
ve
usaheadache
"Whydon'
tyouchangeherdi
aper
?May
beshe
hasmessedup"

"
Youar
eri
ght
,wher
eisSi
ya'
sroom?
"

"
Gostr
aightwi
tht
hatpassaget
her
oom ony
our
l
eft
"

"
Sur
ethanks"

Thebellr
angitwasal
ready4pm I
twasSi
yaand
hi
stranspor
t
"
Mamamamaopent
hegat
e"Iwentout
l
aughi
ng
"
Soy
oumi
ssedmet
hatmuch"
"
Yesmommy
"Ipi
ckedhi
m uphegotof
fme
r
unni
ng
"
Aunt
yThandoaunt
yThando"

"
Heymyboyhowar
eyou?"

"
Goody
ouaunt
y?Howi
sSami
?"

"Sheisgood,Sami
gotoy
ourbr
other"Sami
giggl
edgoingtoSi
ya

Icookedpapandmeatforevery
one.Ieven
dishedsomefoodf
orThando'shusband.
"NowonderDumi
mar
ri
edy
ou.Womany
oucan
cookshame"

"
It
'snotonl
ythat(
li
cki
ngherl
owerl
i
p)i
t'
smor
e
t
hant
hatf
ri
end"

"
OhmyGodDumi
whatdi
dyoudot
omysweet
f
ri
end"

"Iguessi
t'
spar
tofgr
owi
ngupdon'
tyout
hink
so?"
Shel
aughed
"
Iam sodonewi thyouJesusChr
ist
,(herphone
r
ang)husband..Iam j
ustl
eavi
ng..
okIwi l
ldo
t
hatIl
ovey outoo"

"
WhatwasMubi
zasay
ing?
"

"
Ugangangami weehGugungiyakukhuzanjal
o
i
sokal
amilel
o(stopmessingupwithmet hatis
mysoul
mate)"webothlaughed
"Tel
lhim Iwi
llv
isi
thi
m soon.Ir
eal
l
ymi
ssy
ou
guys"shestooduppacki
ng

"
Asl
ongasy
oudosl
eepov
er"west
oodup
"AslongasDumi comeswi t
hme(bot
hlaughi
ng)
heismyt eddybear"Ical
l
edSiy
a
"
Madi
dyoucal
lme"

"Yesmysonl et'
spr
ay"weheldhandsand
prayed.Thanki
ngGodforbl
essi
nguswi t
ha
bli
ssfulday.

Iusedt opraywit
hSi y
abecauseIbel ievedthat
asapar entyoushouldteachy ourchil
dt he
waysoft heLordatav eryyoungagesot hat
whent heyareoldtheywill
nev erdepartfrom
theway softheLord.Whenwewer eleaving
Dumi wasget t
ingparki
ngout sidethegat eSi
ya
rantohisf
ather.Hecameoutoft
hecar
carr
yingpl
asti
cs

"
Thandomehl
omadal
auzif
ihl
ekephi(
it
'sbeen
l
ongwher
ehaveyoubeen?
)"Thandol
aughed

"
Kahl
eZwaneIam al
way
sher
eandIhar
dlysee
y
ou"

"Thankyouforvi
sit
ingusungikhonzel
e
kuGatsheni
(gr
eetyourhusbandforme).Wewi
l
l
visi
tyounextweekend"

"Ungasibambi
siol
ukant
ulo(
don'
tmakeempt
y
promises)"

"
Ipr
omi
se,
Iwi
l
lwakeupear
lyandbat
hSi
yaby
my
sel
f"weal
ll
aughed

"
OkSbal
iby
e"

"
Travelsafe,by
eSami mybeaut
if
uldaught
er
i
nlaw"IlaughedThandomumbledsomethi
ng

"
UyaphaphaGugu"

Weal l
laughed.Shedr
oveawayi
twasal
ready
dar
k.WhenIt urnedar
oundIf
oundDumi
l
ookingatme

"
Goodev
eni
ngmybeaut
if
ulwi
fe"

"
Babakhehowar
eyou?
"Heki
ssedme
"
Imi
ssedy
ou"

"
Imi
ssedy
out
oo"

"
Babawhatar
eyoudoi
nginthedar
k?Comei
nI
wantt
oshowyousomethi
ng"

Wewalkedinsi
dethehouse,
Itookwar
m wat
er
andwashedhishands.
Iwarmedhisf
ood.Whenhewasdoneeat
ingI
washedthedi
shes.

Wepr ayedandwentt
obedearl
y.Dumi hada
probl
em ofnotknowi
nghowtosleep.Hewas
verycl
ingy
"DumiIwon'
tgoany
wher
epl
easegi
veme
spacetobr
eath"

"
NoIwantt
ofeel
you"

"HhayikeIam confusednowIhavetowakeup
ti
red.Dumi youarebig,
lookathowbigyour
armis"hegr oanednowhislegwasontopof
me.Thebestt hi
ngtodowast obequi
et.
Whenev erIarguedheusedtoputhi
swhol e
bodyont opofme.

The5am al armr angIgotof ft

hebedandwent
downst air
st ocl
eanandmakebr eakf
ast.Dumi
wokeupar ound6andwokeSi yaup.They
bathedt ogether
.Iwasf eeli
ngabi tdi
zzy,the
nextthingtodowast ov i
sitDrMdl al
ose
somet hingtoldmet hatIwaspr egnant.The
thoughtofi tmademegi ddy.
"Goodbyebabyseey
out
oni
ght
"heki
ssedme
andgrabbedmyass
Si
yaki
ssedmycheek

"
Lov
eyoumommy
"

"
Lov
eyoumor
emyboy
"

Itookaqui
ckbathanddeci
dedt
owearmy
fl
oralsummerdr
ess,It
ookmysungl
assesand
worethem.
Idr
ovet
omyDoct
orIgott
her
ear
ound10am

Ther
ecept
ioni
stspoket
omesof
tl
y
"
Howar
eyouma'
am?"

"
Goodsi
siwena?
"
"
Good"
"
IsDoct
orMdl
alosear
ound?"

"Yesbutsheisful
l
ybooked"DrMdlal
osegot
outofherassessi
ngr
oom laughi
ngwith
anothercl
i
ent

"
MissNdabahowar
eyou?
"

"
UrghIam notf
ineanymore.Yourr
ecept
ioni
st
t
ell
smethatyouareful
lybooked"
"
Donotworryj
ustf
oll
owme"It
ookmybagand
f
oll
owedher.
"
Youmaysi
tdown"

"
Thanky
ouDoc"

"
Whati
swr
ongMi
ssNdaba?'

"Ihavebeenhavingsy
mpt omsofapr egnant
person.Ij
ustwanttoconfi
rm whetherIam
pregnantornot
."Thethoughtofhavinganother
babywasmaki ngmesmi le

"
Oky oumaygot ot
heotherr
oom andur
inat
e
i
nsidethi
sbasi
n"Istoodupanddi
dwhatIwas
t
oldtodo.
Sheusedsomepregnancyt
est
ersf
iveoft
hem
camebacknegat
ive.
"
Howcometheyar
enegativ
eDoc?Ihav
ebeen
f
eel
i
ngdi
zzyandnauseouslat
ely
"

"Remembery ouusedt
ousepi
l
lsnowy
ouar
e
usingani
njecti
on"

"Wel
lyesbutwhatdoesi
thav
etodowi
thme
havi
ngall
thesesy
mptoms"

"WellMissNdabawhati shappeningt oyouisa

symptom ofshi f
ti
ngmet hodsy ouneedt opay
att
enti
ont othem.It'
srelat
ivel
ycommonasan
earl
ysideeffectofthecombi nedpilldueto
estr
ogeni nt
eracti
onwiththest omach.These
symptomsi ncludefeel
ingdizzy,nauseousand
yourbreastsbecomet ender"

"
OksoIam notpr
egnant
?Iwantt
obesur
e"
"YesIam sur
eandal
soy
ourper
iodswi
l
l
becomeveryheav
y"

"
Thanky
ouDoct
or"

"Iwi
ll
wri
teyouaprescr
ipt
ionoft
hemedi
cat
ion
youcanbuy
.(Smil
i
ng)doy ouwantt
ohav
ea
babyMaNdaba"

"NotatallMdlalose(f
aki
ngasmil
e)iyobuy
e
i
bonanet hi
st i
mewi t
hanappoi
ntmentof
course"shelaughed

"
Iwi
l
lhol
dyout
othat
"

"
Ipr
omi
se"
Iwal
kedoutandset
tl
edmypay
ment
s.
Iboughtthemedicat
ionthatMdlalosehad
prescri
bedformeatcli
cks.Disappoint
menthad
nothingonhowmyf eel
ingswer eallov
er.Iwas
deeplyhurt
.

WhenIgothome,IcookeddinnerIwasn't
f
eel
ingwell
bothemotional
l
yandphy sical
ly.
Si
yacamehomear
ound5hewasi
naj
oll
y
mood
"
Mommyar
eyougood?
"

"
Yessongoandbat
h.Yourpy
jamasont
opof
t
hebed"

Dumi
cameear
li
ert
hanusual
"
Goodev
eni
ngbaby
"

"
Eveni
ngZwane"hecamebehi
ndme
"
Arey
ougoodbaby
?Yourmoodi
sjustf
oul
"
"Pl
easedi
shforSiyaandy
our
sel
fIwantt
oli
e
downIam notfeel
i
ngwell
'

"
Iwi
l
ljoi
nyouassoonaspossi
blebaby
"
Idr
ankmyt
abl
etsandsl
ept
.

"
Babywakeupwhati
swr
ong?Wher
ear
eyou
f
eel
ingt
hepai
n?"

"Dumil
eavemealone"hegotof
fthebedand
swit
chedonthel
i
ghts
"Youwill
wakeupnowandwear egoi ngtotal
k
thatl
eavemeal onenonsensewon'twor k.The
mostimpor t
antthi
nginthisrel
ati
onshipis
communi cat
ion.Wakeup"Iopenedt hecov er
s
andleanedont heheadboard
"BabyIam notf
eel
i
ngok.Myhear
tisbr
oken"
hegotclosert
omeandhuggedmeasmysobs
gotlouder

"Tal
ktomemyangel
whohur
tyou?
whoshoul
d
Ikil
l
?"

"Noonewel lIt
houghtIwaspregnant,Iam not
thepregnancytest
scamebacknegat iv
e.I
mighthavenotbeenreadyforanotherbabybut
Iwasjustexcit
edbut.
."heki
ssedme

"
Donotwor
ryaboutt
hatbaby
.Wear
egoi
ngt
o
bepr
egnant
,doyouwantustost
artwi
tht
he
pr
act
ical
snow"webothl
aughed
"
Pleasehol
dmebaby
"

Accepti
ngt
hatwewer enotpr
egnantwasn't
easyformebutDumiwasv er
ysupport
ive,
he
wasmysupportsyst
em.

Weekspassedwewer esohappy
,Ihadmoved
backhome.Mydr esswasexactl
ythewayI
wanteditt
obe, mystomachwassuperfl
at.
Dumi hadboughtmeanexpensiveri
ngi
tsurel
y
cost
edaf ort
une.
Thandowal
kedi
ntomyr
oom wear
ingnot
hing
"
Wakeupwehav
en'
tshoppedf
ort
hepar
ty"
"
Iam sohappyThandoGodhasbeensogood
t
ome, hav
ey ouseenhowmycousinsdance"
Shegr
inned"
Dumi
'
sfr
iendsar
enaught
yhav
e
youseenhowtheymakey
ourcousi
nsbl
ush
whentheypr
acti
ce"

"NoIhaven'
tseenthem, ar
ethedr
essesi
n
orderev
entheirshoes"

"
Yesma'
am,
mov
eyourassl
et'
sgoandbat
h"

"
Soy
ouwantt
obat
hwi
thme?
"
Shel
aughed
"
It'
snotli
keIhaveneverseenyounaked.Iknew
younakedbefor
eDumi tappedit
.Moveitwena
Gugu"webothlaughed
Maweshout
ed
"Doesmyhouselookli
keat ar
ven?I
sthi
sabar
?
Shutupandbehave"welaughedather
"
Mawegoodmor
ning"

"
Heygir
ls,
letmeloveandl
eaveyouIneedt
o
f
inal
i
sewiththecat
eri
ngcompany"

Afterbat
hingwedr
ovet
othemall
.Weshopped
forthepart
yMawewasagai
nsti
tbutwefor
ced
hertoagreewit
hsomuchbl
ackmail
i
ng.

Weshoppedandboughtbi
ki
nisf
orever
yone
whowasgoingt
oattendmybachel
oret
tepar
ty.

Thedayoft
hepart
ycame.Dumikeptoncal
l
ing
mesayingt
hathemissedme.
Hisfr
iendswereal
sot
hrowi
ngabachel
or'
s
part
yforhim.
Wewereallwear
ingbi
ki
nis,
wedi dn'
tconsume
anyal
cohol
sincewewereallsav
ed.
"Gugupassmethatcr
eam Iwantt
oshowy ou
somethi
ng"t
hatwasSindi
so'
swifethegossi
per
"
Okmyl
ove"Igav
eitt
oher

"Lieont hefl
oor,(
Gugulieddown)youshould
poursomecr eam onhismemberandl i
ckit
.
Likethis(Gugulaughed)don'tbeaboreGugu.
Car r
yitwheny ougotoy ourhoneymoon"
everyoneintheroom laughed.
Thandogav
emeapr esentwhenIopenedi
t
wasasexyli
nger
iethathadami ni
nightdr
ess
whichwasaseethr
ough
"Bukababywheny ougot ohi
my oubetter
catwal
k.Inst
ructhimtoli
eont hebed.Bein
contr
olbesatisf
iedandsati
sfyhim.Whenheis
angryatyouholdhisball
sandbedi r
tywit
hhim,
sexsoftensamani thasworkedformeand
ot
her
s"weal
ll
aughed

Nt
andost
oodupandt
ookwi
nef
rom t
hef
ri
dge
"Nt
andohowdidthewinegeti
nsi
det
hishouse"
shehadsur
elyshockedme

"Chill
Gugunot hingwil
lhappen, Si
phokaziandI
aregoi ngt otakecareofthisbaby"Ilookedat
Siphokazi shejustlookedaway .Aft
erdrinki
ng
theirwinet heystart
edspeaki ngaboutdirt
y
thingsIswearIl aughed.Byt hewayt heyspoke
Ireali
sedt hatmysexgamewasonnegat i
ve
twentybutDumi hadnevercompl ai
ned.We
sleptar ound3i nthemorning.

"Mantombazane( gi
rl
s)wakeupnow.Hey
(pul
l
ingtheblanketsawayfrom t
hem)wakeup
orIwill
pourcoldwat erony
ouaskGugushe
knowsmebet
ter
"weal
lj
umpedIwasf
eel
i
ng
sl
eepy

"
MaweIam t
hebr
ideIneedmybeaut
ysl
eep"

"Isai
dnot othepartybutyouthoughtIwastoo
oldnowy ouwi ll
suff
ertheconsequencesof
yourstubbornness"Icheckedtheti
megoi ngt
o
l
ockmy sel
fintheotherroom i
twas6am.They
knockeduntiltheygaveup.

Iwokeuparound9Iwasf eel
i
ngf
resh.
Ever
yonewasalreadyr
eady

"Guguy ouarenowol
dstopbehavi
ngli
kea
chil
d.Youwantmet ofol
l
owy ouar
ound.You
aretry
ingtorui
nmymoody ouwon'tl
i
kethe
othersideofme.Iwi
ll
beatyouupnow"
everyonel
aughedIshruggedmyshoul
ders.I
wantedtolaughsobadbutIstoppedmyself
.
Shehadnev erl
aidherhandonme.Soitwas
goingtobesomet hi
ngnewt ome.

"
Iam r
eal
l
ysor
ryMaweIl
ovey
ou"

"Mhm goandbat
hyourhai
rst
yli
sti
sal
ready
her
e"

Isoakedmy
sel
fint
hewat
er,
sheknockedas
always
"Timeist
icki
nghur
ryupi
sn'
ti
tthaty
oul
i
ke
sleepi
ng"

"
Iam al
mostdoneMawe"
"Don'ttel
lmethatnonsensecomeoutnow"I
didthef i
nal
l
ytouchupsandgotoutoft
he
bathroom

Thandoandmybr
idemai
dsl
ookedbeaut
if
ul.

Thandohelpedmetowearmydr ess.I
twasa
mermaidgownthatsli
ght
lyexposedmyback.
Mystil
ett
osweresil
vergr
eytheymademyl egs
tobesexy.
Theyfi
xedmyhai
randmymakeupwason
poi
ntIl
ookedr
eal
l
ybeaut
if
ul.

"
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulMaNdaba(cr
ying)Iwi
sh
y
ourmot
herwasheret
oseeyou"Mawecried
Mysi
ster
swer
ecr
yingbesi
deme.
"
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulMaNdabamayGodbl
ess
y
ourmar
ri
age.Weddi
ngisfort
heday
.Mar
ri
age
i
sforali
fetime.I
'm notgoodi
nadvisi
ngyou
aboutmarr
iagebecauseIfai
latt
imestoo"Busi
cri
ed

"Iwil
lal
way sbeheref
oryoumyl i
tt
lesi
sterI
beli
evethatwhatGodhasblessednomancan
break.MaweandBusi wi
llal
wayssupportyou.
Let'
sholdhandsandpray"weprayed.Thecars
werealreadyhoot
ingout
side.I
ncl
udeGodi n
everyt
hingyoudo

"
Umakot i
ngowethu,ngowethungempela.
Uzosi
phekel
aasiwashelesi
yavuma"peopl
e
weresi
nginganddancing.Wegotinsi
dethecar
.
I
twasMawe, mysi st
ersandThando.Myuncles
wereal
readyatMalborogardens.

Thedecorat
ionwasbreat
htaki
ngi
twas
sur
roundedbynatur
e.Mawepowderedmy
nose.Thandohel
pedmegetoutoft
hecar.My
ol
dunclefini
shedsmoki
ngandcametous

"
Umuhl
eMaNdaba"

"
Thankyouuncl
ehowar ey
ou?"hewasoneof
t
hepeoplewhosuppor
tedus.

"
GoodIam sohappyf
ory
ouMaNdaba"

"Thanky
ouBaba"Thandowasbehi
ndme
holdi
ngmygown.
"
Wearefi
nal
l
yherebepati
entmydaught
er
mar
ri
agei
snoteasybutwort
hit
"
"
Iwi
l
lbaba"

"
Makeuspr
oud"Igi
ggl
edshy
ly
Thesongpl
ayedaswewer
ewal
ki
ngdownt
he
ai
sl
e
"Theydon'tknowwear etalkingaboutwalki
ng
unti
ltheend.Theydon' tknowwhathappened
whenwef el
l.Thati swheny ousaidIcoul
dkeep
i
t.Noy ourhear tismine, I
fyoul eaveIam al
so
l
eav i
ng.Iwil
l neverlety ougoawayf r
om me"
thi
ssongmademecr y .Iwassoscar edtolook
atDumi .Myey esmov edt oSiyawhowason
thefrontr
owl ookinghandsome.
Myunclehandedmet
oDumiwhowascryi
ng
ohGodsuchanegomani
accr
yingi
nfr
ontof
ever
ybody

"
Takecar
eofherZwane"

"
Iwi
l
ldot
hatNdaba"hel
ookedatmeand
whi
sper
ed
"Youarebeaut
if
ulbaby.It
houghty
ouhad
dit
chedme"Ilaughed

ThePast
orpr
ayed
"Beforewecont i
nuei st hereany onewho
doesn' twantust ocont inuewi ththisweddi ng?
I
ft hereispleaser ai
sey ourhandorf oreverhold
yourpeace( nooner aisedt heirhands)l et'
s
openourbi blesonEccl esiastes4v12t hough
onemaybeov erpoweredt wocandef end
themsel ves.Acor doft hreest randsisnot
quicklybroken.( Hepreached)t hosewhoar e
holdingther ingspleasecomeandj oinus.(He
tookt heringsandpr ay edfort hem)Dumi sani
Zwaney oumayst artwi thyourv ows"Dumi took
thering

"
Ist
il
lremembert
hev
eryf
ir
stdayImety
ou.I
chasedy ouhi ghandl owy oukeptonr ej ect i
ng
meunt i
l youbecamemi ne.Ibel i
ev edt hatone
dayy ouwer egoi ngt obemi ne.Youl ov edme
withmyf laws.( Hisv oicebr eaki ng)wehav e
beent hroughal otint hepasty ears.WhenIgot
i
ntoanacci denty ounev ergav eupy oupr ayed
forme.Myf eari st olosey ou.Ichoosey out o
benoot hert hany oursel fLov i
ngwhatIknowof
you.Ipr omi set obewi thy oui nsicknessor
health,bei ngpoororr ich.Forbet terorf or
worse, i
nt ear sandi nl aught er.Iwi ll
respectand
honory oual way s.Wi tht hisr i
ngIgi vey oumy
heart.Ipr omi set oremembert hatnei t
herone
ofusi sper fect.Butst rivet oremi ndmy sel fof
howper fectwear ef oreachot her.Ipr omi seto
betrustwor t hyandl oyal myhappi ness.I
promi set opr otectandl ov ey oual one.I
Dumsani Zwanet akesy ouGugul ethuNdabat o
bemyl awf ullyweddedwi fe"Thandokepton
wipingmyt ear s
Icoughedabi
ttr
yingt
orej
uvenat
emyv
oice

"Wehav ebeent hroughal ot

.Iwi llcelebrateand
l
aughwi thy oui nt i
mesofhappi ness, gi
v eyou
hopewheny oubecomehel pless.Hol dyour
handi nt i
mesofsor row.Iwilllove,honorand
confidei ny oubecausey ouar emybestf ri
end.I
l
ov ey oubecausey oupushmet obet hebestI
canbe.Il ov ey oubecausey oumakemef eel
appreciated, y oumakemehappyy ouannoyme.
Ipromi sey out hatIshallnev erwal kawayf rom
you.Iwi lldiei ny ourlovi
ngar ms.Ichoosey ou
forli
fe.Ipr omi sey oumydeepestl ove,my
ful
lestdev ot i
on.Ipr omisetobey oursuppor t
system.Ipr omi setobef ait
hf ul.Myhear tisin
thesilverpl at terf oryou.Witht hisringI
Gugul ethuNdabat akeyouDumi sani Zwanet o
bemyl awf ul lyweddedhusband"
"Wi
tht
hepowergivent
omebyt hestat
ein
aut
hor
it
yIdecl
areyouhusbandandwif
eyou
mayki
ssyourbr
ide.
Hepul
l
edmecl
osertohi
m"stopcr
yingIam
goi
ngt
oki
sst
hesejui
cyl
ipsnow"
[
07/
22,
14:
42]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#27

Wehear
dt hePastorcoughi
ng.Hest
oppedand
l
ookedi
ntomyey es

"I
tal
waysgetsbet
terwhenIhav
eyoui
nmy
arms.
"Ishy
lysmil
edlooki
ngaway

"
MrZwanewerey
ouplanni
ngtoleav
enot
hing
f
ort
hehoney
moon?"t
hePastorwassmil
i
ng
Dumismi
ledl
ookingaway.Hewasv
eryshy
whenhewasaroundpeopl
e.
Wewentout
sidet
otaket
hepi
ctur
es.

"
Mommypleasecar
ryme"hewasnowpout
ing
l
i
keaspoi
l
tbrat

"Gotoyouruncl
emyboy
,hewi
l
lgi
vey
oua
chocol
ate"

"
Okmommy
"hel
eftexci
ted.

Wewentt othedini
nghal l
.Every
thingwasi n
order
.Mycakehadsev ensteps,i
twas
chocol
ateandv ani
l
la,
therewasaf ount
ain
whichwaspour i
ngachocol at
esauce.Mr s
Kunenehaddoneagr eatjob.From thedresses
ofmybridemaidstothedecor at
ion.Thecentre
pi
eceswerepurpl
e,t
heyil
luminatedthewhol
e
hal
l.I
fonl
yIhadinvi
tedOurperfectweddi
ngto
wit
nessourbeaut
if
ulcer
emony .

Thefoodl ookedmout hwateri

ng.Thedesert
wasey ecat chi
ng.Peopl
edishedfor
themselves.Mawedi shedforDumi andI
.We
weresitti
ngont hetabl
ethatwasabi tdi
stant
from people.

"
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulMaNdaba"

"Ihavebeentol
dthatt
ell
mesomethi
ngt
hatI
don'tknow"hel
ookedatmesmir
king
"
Wear egett
ingt
oobi
gforourshoesdon'
tyou
t
hinkso?"

"
Mhnm r
eal
l
y?Ican'
tfeel
myf
eetIwantt
obe
outoft
heseshoes"hel
aughed

"
Let
'sgot
othedancef
loor
"

"Si
ncewhendoIknowhowt
oDanceZwaneI
havetwol
eftf
eet
?"

"Comeon"Istoodupandwentt
othef
loor
.
Peopl
emov edawayfr
om i
t.
Ihadnothi
ngonDumi t
hemanknewhowto
dance.Hedancedv
erywel
lIj
ustst
oodt
her
e
l
ookingathi
m.

Thandopull
edme"Comelet'
sshowt hem
fl
amesGugu"wedidthestepthatweusedt
o
doinprai
seandworshi
pteam.
Dumi
lookedatmesmi
l
ingIj
ustshr
uggedmy
shoul
der
shewasgoi
ngt
oteasemef
ort
he
wholemont
h.
Thebri
demaidsandthegr
oomsmenwere
danci
ngreal
lywell
.Si
yawassl
eepi
ngon
MaKheswa'slap.

TheMCst
oppedt
heDJandwentt
othest
age

"Goodaf ternoonpeople,Iam alsoincludi

ng
thosewhoonl ycameher eforfood,t
hereissti
ll
foodi nthekitchen(everyonelaughed).Thank
youMrandMr sZwanef orinvi
ti
ngust o
celebrat
et hisbeauti
fulceremonywi thyou.I
woul dli
ket ocallBab'
ZwaneandMakheswat o
sharesomewi sdom wit
ht hisyoungcouple"
Myi
nlawsst
oodup
Bab'
Zwanewast
hef
ir
stonet
otal
k
"Ndodanay outookagr eatstep.Wel comet o
fatherhoodohy ouar ealreadyaf ather
(Laughing)wel lnowy ouareaqual ifiedand
j
ust i
fi
edf ami l
yman.Whaty oudomakesur eit'
s
goodf ory ourfamil
y .Growi ngupy ouusedt obe
aboywhot houghtaboutot hersbef oreyou.
Mayy out akei ttoyourf ami l
ytoo.Lov e
MaNdabat hewayshei ssupposedt obel ove.
MaNdabawel comet ot heZwanesf ort hethi
rd
i
fnot100t imes.Thanky ou"
hehandedt
hemi
crophonet
oMaKheswa
"Welcomet oourfami l
yMakot iwepromi set
o
l
ov eandprotectyou.Dumi youdidwel lby
choosingthi
sbeaut i
fulgi
rlwhowasski nny
beforeshemety ou.Lookathershei snow
glowing(everyonelaughed)jokesasideDumi
worshipher,l
oveherandr especther"theywent
awayt heMCt ooktheMi crophone
"Aroundofappl ausef orourelder
s,Ihopey ou
havelearntsomet hi
ngunmar ri
edmeni fy ou
fi
ndy ourgir
lf
ri
endt inyfeedherunti
lshe
becomesf at.MaSi biyaandThandomayy ou
pleasecomet ot hestage"Mawehel dThando' s
handst heycamef orwardtearswerealready
hinderi
ngmyv ision

"Goodaf t
ernoont odaymar ksawonder fulday
formydaught er(crying)Ican'tbeli
evet hatshe
i
snowsomeone' swi fe.Asapar entthemost
painfulstagei nli
fei stoseey ourdaught er
l
eav i
nghome, beingsepar atedfrom you,her
goingt oanot herfami ly
.Att hesamet i
mey ou
gethappyt hatshehasgr ownol d.Dumi take
careofmydaught erIhopet hatinallthose
yearsy ouwer ewi thhery ouhav emast eredher
character.GuguIhav etaughtyouev ery t
hing
thebal li
siny ourcour t.Abov ealli
ncludeGodi n
everythingthaty oudo. "Shehandedt he
mi
crophonet
oThando

"GuguandIhav ebeenfri
endsf ormorethat
12yearswemetatchur ch.Iam sohappyt hatI
am herewitnessingthi
sspecial daywit
hher .A
weddinglastforadaybutmar ri
agelastfora
l
ifet
imetheel dershavesaiditIloveyou.
"

Mysi
ster
shadflat
lyr
efusedt
ospeakt
heysai
d
t
heywerescar
ed.

"Openeachandeverychampagneont het
abl
e"
thi
sMCwasv er
yenergeti
c.Thesoundsof
champagnespoppingweremakingSiyato
l
augh.

"Youhaveeatennowit
'st
imef
orpr
esent
s,DJ
playSondel
as't
handwa"
Peopl
ewer
egi
vi
nguspr
esent
sandadv
ices
Iwasnowy awni
ngDumi
gotcl
osert
ome
whisper
ing

"
Ican'
twai
ttot
akey
ououtoft
hisdr
ess"

"
Dumi
stop"hel
ookedatmesmi
l
ing.

Wehadsomanypresent
s,t
her
ewastoomuch
moneyaswel
l.MaweandMakheswalef
twi
th
t
hemoney.
Si
ndi
soandVumani
tookt
hepr
esent
s.

Wewentt oourhousewewer egoingt

oleave
t
hefol
lowingmor ni
ngforourhoneymoon.We
wer
etakingafli
ghttoCapeTown.Ourbags
wer
eal
readypacked.

Ourfl
ightwasleavi
ngat12am.Sindi
sowas
drov
eust otheair
port
.Ihadneverbeent
oCape
Town,Iwasv er
yexcit
ed

"Baf
oIhopey
ouwi
llenj
oy.Makotipl
ease
comebackwi
thal
otofpict
ures"

"
Iwi
l
ldef
ini
tel
ydot
hatbr
other
"

Theyfi
stbumpedwit
hDumi
.Wegoti
nsi
det
he
ai
rpor
tandcheckedi
n.

"Ihaveneverbeeninapl anebefor
et hi
sisso
excit
ingbaby"helaughed" ofcour
seIam the
onewhot eachesy oueverythi
ng(theyboth
l
aughed)rememberwhenIt ooky
ououtonour
fi
rstdat
ey oudidn'
tknowhowtousef
orkand
knif
e"Isl
ightl
yslappedhi
m
"
Youarelyi
ngDumi
,Iwant
edchi
psonl
y"he
r
aisedhi
sbrow

"
Real
l
ynow,
Iknowt
hatdeepdowny
ouar
e
l
yi
ng"

Wegoti nsi
det
hepl
anehewasbusybl
ubber
ing
nonsense.
Theai
rhost
essaskedust
ofast
enourseat
bel
ts.
Bei
ngi
ntheairwasverygr
eatIl
ookedatDumi
hewasbusysmil
ing.
"
YoumakemehappyMaNdaba"
"
Yout
ooZwane"

"
It
'susagai
nstt
hewor
ld"

"Obv
iousl
ybabywhoi sMaNdabawi
thout
Zwane?"Helaughed
"
Sheisazer
o,Idon'
ti
magi
nemy
sel
fwi
thout
y
outoo"heki
ssedmyhand

"Metoobaba"Dumi wasver
yaf
fect
ionat
e,he
l
ovedt ouchi
ngandki
ssi
ngmeIguesshewas
obsessedwithme.

HeshookmeIopenedmyey esIhadnot
real
isedthatwewer egoi
ngtolandsoon.The
air
hostessspokehernonsense.Wit
hinfew
minuteswel anded.
Afterlandi
ngDumihel
dmyhandwewent
outsidesomethi
ngwastur
ningi
nmystomach.
Ivomi tedt
hiswhol
efl
i
ghtgotmesi
ck.

Wet
ookourbagsandl
eft
.
"
BabyIthi
nkweshoul
dtourandgot
oourhot
el
r
oom l
ater
"

"
ThatisagoodideaDumi weareher
enowin
t
hemot herci
tyhey
!"HespankedmybuttI
l
aughed

"Let
'sgoandgetespr
essoswesur
elyneed
energy"

"
Okbaby
"
Iwaswear ingmyBlueshor t
sandmyOr l
ando
pir
atesshirtwit
hmybl ackallstar
s.Dumi was
wearinghisblueJeans,hi
sBar celonashi
rtand
sneakers.HehatedOrlandoPi r
ates
wholeheartedl
yhewast oler
atingitformysake.

WegottoMuggnBeanIgotadoubl
eshotof
Esspr
esso

"
Thati
stoomuchcaf
fei
neGugu"

"Youcandr
inky ourmochachi
nnoandleav
emy
Esspr
essoalone"heshookhishead.
Ouror
der
scame

"
Babyt
hisi
ssobi
tt
er"
"
Didn'
tIwar
nyouGugu"

"
Theyburntt
hebeansZwane"het
ast
edi
thi
s
f
acetur
nedsour
Her
aisedhi
shandourwai
tercamer
unni
ng
"ThisEsspressoi
ssobitt
erthebeansarebur
nt
pleasebringmeanotherone.I
ftheycan'
tdoi
tI
willdoitonmyown"
Hewasget
ti
ngdr
amat
icf
ornot
hing

"Sor
ryaboutt
hatsirIwi
l
l br
ingyouanot
her
one"
herushedgoingtothekit
chen.
Theonehebr
oughtwaswar
merandt
ast
y
"
Thanky
oubaby
"

"
Pleasur
eGugu"hewasst
il
langr
yatme
Thetour
ingwaswhatweneededt
ocl
eart
he
tensi
onhegrabbedmybut
t.

"
Stopbabypeopl
ear
elooki
ngatus"

"
Theywon'tdoany
thi
ng"hesmi
l
edandki
ssed
myfor
ehead.

Wespentthewholedaytour
ing.Wegottoour
cabandwenttoourhotel
.Wecheckedin,t
he
hot
elhel
perscarr
iedourbagstoourr
oom.

Aft
ereat
ingwet
ookabat
handwentst
rai
ghtt
o
bed.

My5am al
armrang,
Iswi
tchedi
tof
fandcl
osed
myeyesagai
n.
Theinhalat
ionofcof f
eewokemeup.Isl i
ght
ly
openedmyey esavoidi
ngt hesunl
ightt
hatwas
ref
lect
ingdirect
lyproport
ionaltomyside

"
Goodmor
ningMr
sZwane"heki
ssedme

"Morni
ngbaby"Igotof
fthebedandwentt o
shower.Hej
oinedmehel ookedsexyanddi
rty
minded
Hecl
osedtheshowerandgotcl
osert
ome.I
r
ubbedhi
smanhoodwhi chwasnowhard

"
Gugust
op"

"
Mhmm whatar
eyousay
ingbaby
?"
Iwentdownonmykneesandgr
abbedhi
scock
whi
chwasal
readyl
eaki
ngwi
thpr
ecum
"Whatareyoudoi
ngMaNdaba?"hegr
abbed
myshowercapandthrewitaway
.Mytongue
swir
ledalr
eadyhi
shead.
Hemoanedpul l
ingmyhai r,
Ispatoni tand
massagedhi sball
s.Iwasbusyl i
cki
ngand
suckinghismanhood.Icoul dtellt
hathewas
goingtocomeany t
imesoon.Mynai l
sduginto
hi
sbut tcheekshegr oanedpour i
nghisseeds
i
nsidemymout h.Il
ickedhim clean.
Hepul
l
edmeupki
ssi
ngme

"Whot aughtyouthatbaby?Uhthiswasso
fuckenamazi ng"hismouthwenttointomine.
Hisfingerstr
acedmywetcooki e.Hi
sf i
nger
s
weregoi nginandoutofme.Iwasgoi ngtotear
apartreall
ysoon.Icamev er
yfastandveryhard,
Iwasnowpower l
ess.Heopenedthetapand
bathedme.Het hencarr
iedmetobedIr eal
l
y
want
edt
otakeanap.

I
twasnowthelastdayofourhoneymoon.I
tookmyl
i
nger
ieandmyni ghtdressf
rom my
back

"
Babywher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"

"
Justgoandl
i
eont
hatbedandf
orgetabout
t
herest
"

"
Uhm butIwantt
ocomewi
thy
ou"

"
Dumsani
Zwanel
i
stenf
oroncepl
eas"
"
Mhn"
Il
ockedt
hetoil
etandchangedi
ntomynight
dr
essandli
ngeri
e.WhenIopenedthedoorhi
s
ey
eswi
dened

"
Doy
oul
i
kewhaty
ousee?
"

"NoIfuckenl
ovei
t"Icatwal
kedt
othebed.He
pul
ledmemet ohi
m

"
StopI
'
mthel
eaderher
e"

"Ican'
tkeepmyhandstomyself"Ipushedhi
m
downandhelpedhimtoremov
edhi sclot
hes.

Heismagni f
icentcockwasalreadyIposit
ioned
i
ntomycor e.Thiswasnotgoingwellwithmei t
washit
ti
ngmywomb.Imov edmywai standhe
wasgroani
ngwi t
hinaminut
eIwasnow
under
neathhim
"Dumi y
ouar enotfai
rand...
"heshutmeup
withakiss.Hewasgr indi
ngandsl amming
i
nsideme.Iwast hisclosethenhepulledout
andblewmycooki e.Hel i
ckedit.
.hisf
inger
s
brushedtheouterpartofmycor e.Heslammed
i
nsidemeandsentmeov ertheedge.Het r
ied
toaskforanotherroundIrefused

"
Youbr
okemybackbaby
"
"
Iam goi
ngt
obegent
le"
"
NoDumi
"
[
07/
22,
14:
42]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#28

Helookedatmeandgr oaned.Theadvicet
hat
myauntygavemeaboutpr etendi
ngcame,I
br
usheditoff
.IfIdi
dn'
twantsomet hi
ngIwas
nev
ergoi
ngt
odoi
t.

"Babyonemor et
imepl
ease"If
acedt
heot
her
sideandrest
ed.

Wewokeupearlyt
henextmor
ningwehad
bookedamor
ningfl
ight
.

"Thanky oufordoi
ngthi
sformebaby.Thi
swas
perfectIlov
ey ouZwane"heki
ssedmy
forehead

"Iwoulddoitev
eryti
me.Thanky ouforlov
ing
meandt hankyoufortheamazingtime"I
gri
nnedIknewwhathewast hi
nkingaboutto
behonestDumi wasasexfreak.Ifi
twas
accordi
ngtomeIwasgoi ngtohav esexoncea
week.
Wegotinsi
detheplaneIi
mmedi
atel
ysl
eptmy
backwasverysor
e.ItwasDumi
'
sfaul
t.

Hewokemeupwhenwewer
elandi
ng

"
Youl
ovesl
eepi
ngMaNdaba"

"
Mybacki
ssor
eandi
t'
syourf
aul
t"hegr
inned
"
Iwi
l
lmassagey
ouwhenwegethome"

"
Not
hanky
ouIknowhowy
ourmassagesend"

"I
fthatisthecasethenIam notf
eeli
ngsor
ry
foryou.Whor ej
ectssomethi
ngthati
sforf
ree?
Somet hi
ngthatisgoingt
obenefi
tthem"
"I
'
m nothavi
ngthatconversat
ionwithyouev
er
agai
n.Youcanshov eyouroff
erint
ot he
dust
bin"webot
hl aughed.

WhenwegothomewefoundMawewat
chi
ng
Tv
.Wehadlef
theri
nourhouse

"
Wel
comebackmychi
l
dren"

"Sani
bonama"Dumir
emovedhiscapandsat
onthecoucht
hatwasabi
tfarf
rom Mawe

"Iam notgoi
ngt
oaskifyouenjoyedyour
honeymoonornot"IwentandsatnexttoMawe
andlaidmyheadonherlap.Dumi wasl
ooki
ng
downshy l
y.
"MawemybackissoreIneedamassagemy
backi
ssor
e"shelaughedmovi
ngmyhead
awayfr
om her
.
"Guguloveyour
selfIam war
ningyou"myeyes
mov edtoDumi whowasplayi
ngwi t
hhis
fi
ngers,t
hesit
uati
onwasget t
ingawkwardf
or
him.
"Dumi mysony
oumaygoandseeSi
yahei
s
sleepi
ng"

"
OkMaIwil
ldot
hatnow"Whenhel
eftI
l
aughed
"Guguyouarecrazywhydidy
oudothattoyour
husband?Youraim wast
omakeitawkwardfor
himtotal
ktome.Youar eevi
lIgi
veup"I
l
aughed

"
Youar
emymom Iwantt
otal
ktoy
ouwi
thout
any
onedi
stur
bingme.
"Shel
aughed
"Letmepackmybags,
Ineedt
ogethome
befor
eitget
sdar
k"
"
NoMawey
ouwi
l
lleav
eFr
iday
"

"
Youarenewlywedsyouneedt ospendt
ime
t
oget
herwit
houtanydist
urbance"

"
Okgot
omor
rowt
hen"

"
Okl
etmegoandcookmysoni
nlawi
sti
red"
"
Wear
ebot
hti
redMawe"

"
Youar
elazyGugu"Il
ookedatherl
aughi
ng
"
Onl
ywheny
ouar
ear
ound"
Afterdi
nnerIsl
eptwit
hMaweImissedheral
ot
Dumi keptonsendi
ngmemessagessayi
ng
thatIshoul
dcomet obed.

Mawel ef
tthefol
lowi
ngdayDumiwasvery
exci
tedIwishIknewwhatwasexci
ti
ngabout
that

"
Whyar
eyouhappyal
lofasuddenZwane?
"

"Inowhavethefr
eedom t
owalkar
oundnaked.
Iwill
evenki
ssyouwit
houtanyr
est
ri
cti
ons"

"
MyGodwondersshal
lnev
erend"myphone
r
angi
tMaKheswa

"
GooddayMaunj
ani
?"
"
Iam goodnganekaNdabahowar
eyou?
"

"
Iam goodMai
sev
ery
thi
ngal
ri
ght
"

"
Can'tamot
hercal
ltocheckonherdaught
er"I
l
aughedMakheswawasconniv
ing
"
Thankyoumom y
oursoni
stroubl
ingmehere.
Heisfol
l
owi
ngmearoundl
ikealostpuppy
"she
l
aughed

"
Hisfat
herwasl
iket
hatbacki
ntheday
s.How
wasCapeTown?"

"
CapeTownwasboringyoursonisnot
r
omanti
c(Dumiwidenedhiseyesastoni
shed)I
wi
shIhadgonet
oDur banwit
hy ou"she
l
aughedmor
e

"Thatboyi
sstupi
d(whispering)l
i
kethatper
son
weoncespokeabout"IlaughedtobehonestI
didn'
tknowwhoshewast alki
ngabout
MaKheswahadgossipedaboutal otofpeople.
SomeIknewsomeIdi dn't.Somewer edead
somewer est
il
lbr
eathi
ng.
"
Didy
ougett
hepar
cel
Isenty
ou?
"

"
Yesmydaughtert
hankyoumayy
ourGodkeep
youhappy
.Ki
ssSiy
aformeandsl
apDumifor
me"

"
Thanky
oumom pl
easegr
eetBaba"

"
Iwil
l,
byethewhit
epersonhasspokensay
ing
t
hatIam l
eftwi
thaminute"Il
aughed
"
ByemaIwi
l
lcal
lyousoon"

"
Mhmm"

Il
ookedatDumi

"Goandcheckony oursony
oubusyl
ookingat
mesmilingam Isel
li
ngsweets?
"hel
aughed
andpul
ledmet ohim
"
Ilov
eyouMaNdaba"

"
Ilov
eyoumor
eManget
he"

"Awuzwekengiqabuledali
wami t
hambolami
l
ekentucky(
thusexactl
ywhatIwanttohear
kissmemyKFCbone) "Il
aughedsomuchthat
myt ear
swereinthevergeofcomingout
"NgiyakuvumaZwane.Igi
veupyoushoul
d
attendromancecl
assesbecausey
ouarefai
l
ing
dismally"

"
Youar
ebrui
singmyegoMANDABA"Il
aughed
mor
eunti
lSi
yacameoutoft
her
oom angr
y

"
BabaIam hungr
y"hel
ookedatme

"
Howar
eyoumommy
?"

"
Iam goodandy
oumyboy
"

"Good"helookedathi
sfatherhewant
edDumi
tocarryhi
m.Ijustl
ookedasideav
oidi
ngt
o
shout.Hecarri
edhi
m asusual.
Iwasnev err
eadyf
orthisdaySiy
awasf i
nal
l
y
graduat
ingIwasgett
ingallemoti
onal
"Ar
eyoucr
yingbaby
?"Dumi
washol
dingmy
hand
"
NoI
'
mlaughi
ng"

"Yourwayoflaughi
ngisdi
ffer
entit
'sact
ually
scaryi
fyouaskme"Ir emovedmyhandf rom
hisembrace.Dumi hadadegreeofannoying.

Wewentt oschoolt
oseeoursongraduate.He
waswear i
nghissmartsui
tandthegown.We
tookalotofpi
ctur
eswithhim.Hewasgoingto
gradeone.
Whenhi sf
irstt
oothcameoutDumigav
ehi
ma
note.Iwasreal
lyangr
y.Whodoest
hat?He
shouldhavegivenhi
m coi
ns.
Ithadbeenf oury
earssincewegotmar ri
ed.It
sti
llfel
tli
kewewer eont hehoneymoonstage.
Hecar edformyneedsandSi ya'sneeds.I
couldn'twai
ttograduat
e.

"Wakeywakeymylov
e"whenIopenedmyeyes
hishandsomef
acewasdi
rect
lypropor
ti
onal
to
me

"
Heybaby
"

"
Happyanni
versar
yangelf
ace"heknewhow
muchIhat
edthatpet
tyname

"Dumi
"Igroanedget
ti
ngof
fthebed.Iwas
headi
ngdownstai
rs
"
Guguwher
ear
eyougoi
ngwear
ingl
i
ket
hat
?"
"
Tot
heki
tchenofcour
se"

"youar
ecrazy
"heranaft
ermeandpickedme
up.Het
hrewmeont opofthebedandl
ocked
meinsi
deourbedr
oom.

Iwasnowf orcedt ousethebat hroom inour

bedroom.Af tersoakingmy selfinsi
dethewar m
waterwhi chhadbat hingsal t
s.Idecidedt o
wearmypeachdr esswhi chcompl ementedmy
sunski nnedski nwel l
.Iwasdar kincompl exi
on
Siy
awasl i
ghtskinned, hehadhi sfat
her's
compl exion.Mysonhaddi mpl eshehad
nothingthatshowedpeopl et hatIwashi s
mot her.Peopl eoftenaskedi fDumi rej
ected
Siy
awhi l
eIwaspr egnant.Youdoknowt he
Afri
canbel iefthatsay swhenamanr ej
ectsa
chi
l
dwhilethemotheri
spr
egnantt
hebabywi
l
l
l
ookexactl
yli
kehi
m.
WherewasSi
yawhenIneededhi
mtor
escue
me.ThenDumideci
dedt
osendmeamessage

"
Whatar
eyouwear
ing?
"

"
Arey
ouki
ddi
ngme?
"

"
Wear
eleav
ingby
e"

"
Iam sor
rybabyI
'
m wear
ingmypeachdr
ess"
"OkI'
m comi
ngupnow.Weary
oursi
l
ver
sti
l
ett
os"

"
OkZwane"
Aft
ertwohour
sofbei
nglockedi
nsi
det
he
bedr
oom hefi
nal
l
yopenedthedoor
.

"
Youl
ookbr
eat
htaki
ngMaNdaba"

"Ar
ey oufl
att
eri
ngmeZwane?Ar eyoutr
yingt
o
bri
beme?Iam notf orgi
vi
ngy ou"hef
oll
owed
mel aughi
ngever
ythi
nginthatman'sworl
dwas
ajoke.

"
Mommy
"

"
Howar
eyouSuper
man?
"

"
Goodandy
oumommy
?"

"
Iam good,
whatdi
dyoueat
?"
"Iateoats,openthemi crowaveyourbreakfast
i
st here"WhenIopenedt hemicrowaveDumi
hadmademet hemeal t
hathemademewhen
wef ir
stmet .It
urnedaroundandsawhi m
foldi
nghi sarmsIbrokedown.WhenGodsay sI
shallmov eyoufrom onegl or
yintoanotherhe
i
snotl ying.

Wemov edfr
om oner
oom houseint
oahuge
house.Thati
swhenyouseethatGodwi
ll
never
for
sakeyou.

Heki
ssedmyf
orehead
"
Youlov
edmewhenIwasnot hi
ngandy ousti
l
l
l
oveme.Iam gr
atef
ulMaNdabaforst
icki
ng
wi
thme.Agai
nstall
oddsyoustoodbyme"
"
Thi
sissobeaut
if
ulZwanet
hanky
ou"

"WearegoingtoRosebankmallgety
our
handbag,
Siyawearyourshoeswearegoi
ngt
o
spoi
lmommy "

Wespentt
hewhol
edayshi
ppi
ng.Iwasahappy
wi
fe.

Siy
aandIwenttochur
chearli
erthanusual
.We
werehavi
ngachur
chconference.Myold
churchmember
shadvisi
tedourchurch.
Mawewassit
ti
nginthefrontr
owIsatnextt
o
her
.Si
yawenttoSundayschool
.

"
Mawehowar
eyou?
"
"
Goody
ouGugu"

"
Iam good"

"Iam soworr
iedwhenareyouget
ti
ngpr
egnant
?
Siyaneedshi
slit
tl
esi
ster
"

"Notanyti
mesoonIhav
ealltheti
mei
nthe
world.Nextmont
hIam gr
aduati
ngMawe"she
smil
ed

"Keepmakingmepr
oudbutdon'
tnegl
ecty
our
househol
dMaNdaba"

"
Iwon'
tnegl
ecti
tMawe,
letmegoandj
oint
he
musi
cteam"
Wepract
isedforthel
astt
ime,
Thandohadthe
vi
bef
orday s.Samiwasnowoldshehadgr
own
t
obebeaut i
ful
.

Theti
mef ortheserv
icestar
ted.Thandoand
theot
hergirl
sstar
tedwithprai
sesongs.Peopl
e
weredancingfort
heLord.
Itwasnowmyt ur
ntoleadmyeyeslandedon
Lizwiwhowaswithhi
swifeshewaspregnant
again.Thi
swomanwasababymaki ngmachine
notthatIwasj
eal
ous.

"Greeti
ngst othecongr egat
ion,aswear eabout
towor shipmayy oupl easeopeny ourheartfor
theLor d.Lethim consumey ou.Hei sthegreatI
am, themi ght
ywar ri
orIwi l
lsi
ngkonke
kuyenzeka"
Wit
hinfewmi
nut
esev
ery
onewasal
readyi
nthe
spi
ri
t.
Tongueswer
ebei
ngspoken.
.Godwasmov
ing
i
nami ght
yway.

Whenwewer edoneworshi
ppi
ngmyol
dPast
or
ascendedt
othestage

"AmenBazal wane( everyonesai dAmen)i t's

goodt oseey ousisterGugu.Wemi ssyouat
homePast orMkhizepleaser eleasemy
daught ershehast ogobackhomewi t
hme
(everyonel aughed)it'
ssogoodt obehere.I
woul dliketotalkaboutt hepowerofGod.When
youar echi l
dofGody oushal lforeverbe
protected.WhenGehazi panickedaf t
erseeing
thear myt hatwassur roundingt hem Eli
sha
prayedsay i
ngGodopenhi sey esforgreater
arethosewhoar ewithus.Thatt heoneswho
areagai
nstus.Congregati
ony ouarebl
essed,
youarefavoredthechal
lengesyoufacetoday
andthebattl
esy ouaregoingthr
oughare
nothi
ngcompar edtothejoythati
scomingon
yourway.Everybodysayamen"

Theser
monwasv er
ypowerful
.Il
ovedhowt
he
wordofGodhadanimpactonme.

Thedayf ormygr
aduat
ioncame.Iwasso
excit
edMawehadboughtmeabi bl
easa
present
.
Ideci
dedtowearmybl
ackdressandmar
oon
shoes.Dumi
wascarr
yingmygown
"Youlookbeaut
if
ulMaNdabaalongwithyour
beauti
fulf
aceyouhavebr
ains.Iam pr
oudtobe
yourhusband"webot
hlaughed
"
Thanky
ouf
orsuppor
ti
ngmeBabakhey
ou
hav
ebeensuppor
ti
ngmesi
ncef
orev
er"

"
Let
'shurr
yupandgot
othehal
lthecer
emony
wi
ll
beginnow"

"
Iam ner
vousZwane"heki
ssedmyf
orehead
"
Don'
tbeaf
rai
dbabyIgoty
ou"

"
Mhmm"

Thecer
emonybegannameswer
ecal
l
ed
Whent
heycal
l
edmynameIswearIscr
eamed
Iwalkedtot
hestagewit
hmyshoulder
shigh
yesIwasproudmotherandwi
fe.GuguZwane
hadgraduat
ed.
Wet
ookal
otofpi
ctur
eswi
thMaweandDumi
Wewentoutf
orcel
ebr
ati
onwi
thDumi
Abov
eal
lGoddeser
vedal
lthegl
ory
.

Fi
vemont
hsl
ater
..
.

Dumi oft
enwenttoDurbanf
orbusiness.Iwas
usedtospendingmyweekendsal
one.Ihar dly
gotboredbecauseSi
yawasenter
taini
ngme.
Dumi hadlef
tonFri
daysayi
nghewasi nDur ban.
HecamebackonMonday

"
Howar
eyoumywi
fe?"

"I
'
m goodandyouBabakhe?Youboughtme
chocol
atesmhnm t
hankyou"

"
Pleasur
eal
lmi
nemybeaut
if
ulwi
fe"
"
Yougoi
ngt
oDurbanworksf
orme.Il
ovehow
y
ouspoi
lmebaby.Any
wayhow'
smom "

"
Shei
sgoodshesai
dIshoul
dgr
eety
ou"

"
Ncoothussosweet
,Si
yaisi
nthebedr
oom he
i
sbusywit
hhishomework"

"
Iwi
llgoandcheckonhi
m"hel
eftmyphone
r
ang

I
twasMakheswa
"
Mybeaut
if
uldaught
erhowar
eyou?
"

"
Iam bl
essedandy
ouMa"
"Iam notgoodyaziyourhusbandisali
ar.He
keepsonsay i
ngthathewillvi
situsonFri
days
buthedoesn't
WhenhedecidestocomenextFr i
dayplease
comewithhi
m orhewon'tevenreachhome"I
l
aughednotbecausei
twasf unnybutbecause
Dumiwasmaki ngmefeell
ikeastupid.

"
Iwi
lldot
hatMa,
pleasegr
eetBab'
Zwanef
or
me"

"Iwil
l,
greetmygrandsonforme"Idr oppedt
he
call
.Youdon'tmakeanydecisionswheny ou
areangry.Dumicamet oki
tchenlaughing

"What
'shappeni
ngal
lofasuddeny
ouar
e
angr
y?"
"
Dumiwhenyoul
ookatmewhatdoy
ousee?
"
Hel
aughed
"Iseemybeauti
ful
educat
edwi
fe.Wher
eist
hat
questi
oncomingfr
om?"

"
Wher
ewer
eyouonFr
iday
?"

"
Homeofcour
se"

"
Macall
edandaskedmet
otel
lyout
ost
opwi
th
y
ourl
i
es"

"
Iam sor
rybabyIwaswi
thMxol
i
si"

"Howmanyt i
mesdidIt el
lyoutostopyour
fri
endshi
pwit
hMx oli
si?Hebehavesli
keasmal
l
boy.Bir
dsofthesamef eat
her
sflyt
ogether
"
"
Iwi
l
lnev
erdoany
thi
ngt
ohur
tyouGugu"

"
Ihopeso,
Ihopewhat ev
eryouar
edoi
ngwi
th
Mxol
isi
won'tj
eopar
diseus"
[
07/
22,
14:
43]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#29

Hel
ookedawaybi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
p

"IneedanswersDumi.Whydi
dy ouli
eto
me? am Inoty
ourwif
e?Am Inotyourbet
ter
half?
"

"Il
oveyouMaNdabaIwoul
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngt
o
hurtus"
"Idi
dn'
taskt
hatDumiIam notst
upi
d.You
know(Dumi'
sphoner
ang)answerit
"

"
It
'snoti
mpor
tantwear
est
il
ltal
ki
ng"

"Dumiansweryourphone"het
ookhi
sphone
avoi
dingeyecontact

"YesPhindi
l
e..theformsareonthet
able.Tel
l
Muz i
tochecki fal
lthel
uggagei
spacked..Do
notcall
meaf teroff
icehour
s..
good"

Apangofgui
l
twashedov
erme.
"
GuguIwouldn'tdoanythi
ngtohurty
ou.Tr
ust
meforonceIdidami st
akebefor
eandIpaidf
or
i
t.Pl
easemyl oveIhavebeenagoodhusband
al
l t
heseyears.Whatmakesy outhi
nkthatI
wouldhurtyou?Mxol i
siwantedust ogoand
watchthemat ch.Iknowthaty oudon'
tli
kehi
m
butheisgoingtobewi thusforaslongaswe
l
ive.Wearebusi nesspart
ners"

"Iknowthaty
ouar ebusinesspart
nersbutstay
awayfrom hi
m Ihateeverythi
ngaboutthat
man"Iwalkedawayf r
om t hi
sconver
sationit
wasbringi
ngthoughtsthatwerenotexisti
ng.

WhenIgott oSiya'
sroom hewassleepi
ngon
topofhisbook.Icarr
iedhi
mt ohi
sbedmyson
hadsleptwit
houteati
ng
Ir
usheddownst
air
sandmadedi
nner
.
Idi
shedf
orDumi
andSi
ya.Igott
ohi
sroom
"Boywakeup,
Siy
ayouneedt
owakeupand
eat"
"
Nomama"Hecl
osedhi
sey
esagai
n.
Dumi
wasst
andi
ngont
hedoor

"
Hedoesn'
twantt
owakeup?
"

"
Yeshewill
eati
nt hemorni
ng.Ar
eyougoi
ngt
o
Drophi
m of
fatschoolt
omorrow?"

"
Idon'
tmindIwilldoitonmywaytotheof
fi
ce.
Whatar
ey oudoingtomorrowmor
ning?
"We
wal
kedtothediningroom

"Iam goi
ngtoanintervi
ew.I
t'
sat8:30t
he
traf
fi
ctoErasmiaisverybadIhavetol
eav
e
earl
y.Iwil
lpassbySiya'
sschoolandpi
ckhim
up"
"Younevertol
dmeanythingaboutj
ob
appli
cat
ionsandi
nter
views."

"Areyouser i
ousDumi ?Youar eal
waysin
Durbanev eryFri
dayhowwasIsupposedt ot el
l
youthat.Isn'
titt
hatyourphonealwayshasa
deadbat t
eryforthr
eeday s.Thisi
snotcutout
forme"
Ist
oodupandwentt
othebedr
oom hef
oll
owed
me
"MaNdabay oushouldneverrai
seyourvoi
ceat
meev eragain.Iam yourhusbandnoty
ourson
ok?"

"Unti
lwhenDumi ?Dumi y
ouknowmebet ter
thananyoneelse.Ir
epeatmystat
ementagainI
hopewhat ev
eryouaredoingwon'
tjeopar
dise
ourmar
ri
age"Ichangedi
ntomyni
ghtdr
ess.

Hestoodther
el ooki
ngatme.Dumi '
sbehavi
our
wasscari
ngmeIwasn' tBusiwhobeliev
edthat
al
lmencheat.IfIweretofi
ndhim cheat
ingI
wasn'
tgoingt
of orgi
vehim.

Hisheav
ybodywasnexttomine.Hetri
ed
pushi
nghisf
inger
sinsi
demycookieIpi
nched
hi
shandswebot hl
aughed

"
TrustmemakaSi
yaIl
ovey
out
oomucht
ohur
t
y
ou"
"It
rusty
ouZwane"Heswi
tchedof
fthel
i
ght
s
andwecuddl
ed.

Hi
salarm wokemeuphewasabusygoi
ng
t
hroughmyphone
"Youwill
findwhat ev
eryouar el
ookingfor"he
l
aughedr eveali
nghissexydimples.Myman
wasaf ul
l packageeveryt
hingabouthim was
att
ract
iveexcludinghischi
ldi
shbehaviour

"
Ihaveir
onedy ourdressandbl
azer.Youcan
weart
heblackstil
let
ost heywi
l
llookgoodwit
h
t
hiscr
eam blazer"

"
Thanky
oubabyl etmegoandbat
h.Di
dyou
makeSi
ya'
slunchbox?
"

"
YesIhavealr
eadyf
ixedhi
suni
for
mtoo.Donot
wor
ryaboutus"

"
thanky
oubaby
"hespankedmyass
"
Goandmakemepr
oud"

IBathedfastandrushedtothebedr
oom but
t
naked.Iwasgoingt omopmymessaf t
erthe
i
ntervi
ew.Iwasr unningoutoft
ime.
"
All
thebestbaby
"

"Thanky ouZwane"hegav
emeonewetl
ong
kissthatsentchi
l
lstomyspi
ne.

Thet
raff
icwasreall
ybad.Wheneverwegot
st
uckinoneposi
tionIwoul
dtakeoutmymake
upki
tandputonmymakeup.

Igott
oErasmi
aontimeIwas20minut
esear
ly.
Il
ookedatmysel
fonthemi
rr
oronemoret
ime.
Mystepswer eful
lofconfi
denceandassur
ance
t
hatthejobwasmi ne.Isaidmyli
tt
lepr
ayerand
wal
kedinsidethepremises.
Every
onewasdr essedinfor
mal.Ther
ewer e
thr
eeIndians,twoblacksandtwowhites.Iwas
j
usthopingf orthebest.
Iwast hel
astonetobecalled,every
onegotout
angry.Myheartwasbeat
ingv eryfast.I
twas
goingtocomeoutofmyr ibcageatanygi v
en
ti
me
It
ookmybagandwal kedinsi
detheoff
ice.
Ther
ewer etwoI
ndi
ansandonewhi t
eper son.
Thechancesofmegetti
ngthejobwereli
mi t
ed
Ist
oodt
her
e

"
GooddayMr
sZwane"Ibowedal
i
ttl
e
"
Gooddayhowarey
ou?
"Thel
adyr
esponded
wi
thanat
ti
tude

"Wear
eti
redt
akeasi
twedon'
thav
ethewhol
e
day
"

"
Thanky
ouma'
am"

"SoMrsZwanewher
edi
dyouseeour
adver
ti
sement
?"

"
Isawi
tonI
nter
net
"

"WhoisGugul
ethu(
wit
haf
unnyaccent)
Zwane?"

"
Shei
samar
ri
edandaGodf
ear
ingwoman.
Sheisambiti
ousandgoalsdr
iven.Nothing
scar
esher.Shebel
ievesi
nherself
"theysmi l
edI
swearther
eweremi l
l
ionknot
sinmyst omach.

"Whatmakesy
out
hinkt
haty
ouar
ether
ight
candi
dat
efort
hej
ob"

"Iam v er
yfocused,Iam ahardworkeranda
goal gett
er.Nothi
ngishardformeespecial
l
yifI
putmyhear tt
oi t
.Iam afastl
ear
ner.Iam
flexi
bleandhonest "

Theykeptonaski
ngmesimi
l
arquest
ionsIwas
gett
ingbor
edbitbybi
t.
"ThankyouMrsZwaneify
ouquali
fi
edfort
he
posit
ionyouwi
ll
hearf
rom uswi
thi
nt wo
weeks"
"
Thanky
ouv
erymuchenj
oyt
her
estofy
our
day
"

Thesunwasscor chi
ng,Iwalkedlazi
lytomyt o
mycarandcal l
edDumi hi
sphoner ang
unanswered.Iwassecret
lyplanni
ngtoget
pregnant
.Ihadstoppedwithmycont racept
ives
.

IparkedinDumi'
sspacewhi
chwasopposi
te
themallIwal
kedtoKFCandorder
edwr
apsfor
us.
Aft
erget
ti
ngmyorderIcatwal
kedint
othe
bui
ldi
ngMart
hal
ookedatmesmi l
ing
"
MrsZwanehowar
eyou?
"

"
Goody
oumaZul
u"
"
Good,youcangot
hroughhei si
nsi
de
(
handi
ngMar t
haawrap)thankyouf
orthe
l
unchMaZwane"

"
Pleasur
elov
e"

shelaughed.Iwentpastherar
eaandwent
thr
oughthepassage.Mxoli
sipani
ckedwhenhe
sawme

"
MaNdaba"Idi
dn'tev
enl
ookathi
mthati
show
muchhedi
sgustedme.

Dumi'
soffi
cewassl i
ghtl
yopened.Hewasbusy
rol
l
inghi
sey esbecauseoft
hepleasurethathe
wasfeel
i
ng.Thewomanwaswor shi
ppinghim
"
OhshitSihl
eyes..
.yourmout
h...
.damn"
t
earsf
ellonmycheeksIremovedmyheel
sand
wentt
othem.

"
Dumiwhatareyoudoi
ng?"Ihithi
sheadwith
myheel
theladyj
ustl
aughedshelookedev
il
.

"
Gugu.
."

"
Voesaksat
an"Mxol
isi
wasleani
ngagai
nstt
he
wal
lIthr
ewmyheelathim

"
MaNdabawhatdi
dIdo?"

Myhandswer eshakinghewasr unningafter

mefixi
nghistrouser
s.Idroveveryfastcryi
ngI
near
lygoti
ntoanacci dentwor
dswer ef ai
l
ing
me.

WhenIgott
oDobsonvi
ll
eIpar
kedout
sideand
openedt
hegat
escreami
ng
"
Mawe.
.Mawe"shegotoutoft
hehousescar
ed
"
OhGugugeti
nsi
dewhodi
ed?
"

"Mawe..he..betr
ayedme"everythi
ngwas
happeningsofast.Myheartwasbeat i
ngver
y
fastmakingithar
df ormetobreathitoft
en
happenedwhenIwascr y
ingorangry

"BreathMaNdababreathpleaseohmyGod.
Whathappened?"aftersomef ewminut
esmy
breathingwasbacktonormal

"
MaweIam l
eav
inghi
m"
"
Whoar
eyoul
eav
ing?"

"Dumiheisadog.Heli
edtomeaboutDurban,
heneverwentther
eonweekendsbuthewas
busyvagabondi
ngwit
hMxoli
siwhohasfi
ve
dif
fer
entbabymother
s"

"
Iam l
i
steni
ngGuguwhathappened?"

"MaweDumi i
scheat i
ngonmewi t
hanothergir
l.
She..shewassuckinghi
sthi
ng(cryi
ng)Mawe
hewasenjoyi
ngit.Thegi
rll
aughedatme.He
brokemyheart
,Iam notgoi
ngbackanymor e."

"
Guguwhydon'
tyouhearhi
m outf
ir
st?
"
"
NoIam donewi t
hhim Mawehehasdi
sgr
aced
me.Iam notBusiwhost
aysf
orshi
t"
"
Youwi
l
lnotspeakv
ulgar
,Busi
isol
dert
hany
ou
"
Iwenttomyr oom andslept.Isti
ll
hadtheir
i
magewhent heywer emakingout.Myhear t
wasbrokenDumi hadbrokenmyhear t
.Wasn' tI
goodenoughf orhim?Thewomanwasn' tthat
beaut
if
ul..Shelaughedatme.Whenshesaw
meshesawast upid.Hottearswerecoming
outofmyey es.Ihaduncontroll
ablehi
ccups.

Iwokeupar
ound6pm.
.ohGodIhadf
orgot
ten
Si
ya..
.
"
MaweMawe!Ohshi
tmyl
i
fei
ssomessedup"

"
Gugust
opwi
thy
ourdi
rt
ylanguage"
"MaweIf or
gotSiy
aatschool.Please
accompanyme, ohdearGodIhopemysonis
safe"Idr
oveveryfastpassi
ngredrobot
s
"
Gugusl
owdowndoy
ouwantt
ogetuski
l
led"

WhenWegotout si
detheschoolgat
ehewas
si
tti
ngundert
hetreewit
hhisfacewhit
e
becauseoft
earswhichhaddri
edup

"Mommyissor
ryboy
..I
'
m sor
rymyboy
"he
cri
edmor
e

Oursobswer
ever
yloudt
hatmadeMawet
ocr
y
t
oo.

"
MommyIwasscar
ed.It
houghty
oudi
dn'
twant
meany
mor
e"
"
Ilov
eyouSi
yamommyi
ssor
ry"

Iwant edtocompl ainatschoolaboutchil

d
negligence, t
heywerenotsupposedt olethi
m
l
eav ethecl asswit
houtmet aki
nghi m outofhi
s
class,Iknewt hatIwasgoingtobei ntroubl
e
too.Whot hehellf
orgetsachil
d

Wedr
ovei
nsi
l
ence

"
Mommyar
ewegoi
ngt
odaddy
"
"
Nobaby
"
"
Wel
lIam hungr
y"

WepassedbyMcdonal
dmyphonewasof
f.
[
07/
22,
14:
43]K:
THEUNKEPTWI
FE
#30

"
Mawedoy
ouwantcheesei
nyourbur
ger
?"

"
Yespl
easej
ustaddany
thi
ngthati
sni
ceas
l
ongasi
tdoesn'
thav
echil
l
i"

"
Ok,Si
yadoy
ouwantmet
oaddnugget
siny
our
meal
?"

"Yesmommy "Il
ookedathim usi
ngmymi r
ror
hewaspl ayi
ngwithhisf
inger
s.Iorderedour
meal wit
hin15minutesi
twasr eadythati
sthe
advantageofusi
ngthedrivet
hrough.

WhenwegothomeIboi
l
edsomewat
erf
orSi
ya
t
obat
h.

"
Let
'sgoandbat
hboy
"

"
MommyIwantt
oeatf
ir
st"

"
Siy
a"hest
art
edcr
ying

"
Okmysoncomeandeat
"

Weatei
nsil
ence,
whenwewer
edoneeat
ingI
bat
hedhi
m.

Hewenttobedwi
thoutdoi
nghishomewor
k.He
wasgoi
ngtoski
pschoolnextday
.
Mawecal
l
edme,
aft
erchangi
ngi
ntomy
py
jamasIwentt
oher
"
Guguwhenar
eyougoi
ngbackt
oyourhouse?"
"MaweIcametodayandyouareaskingmet
hat
.
Iam r
eal
lyconf
usedbyyourquest
ion"

"Guguyoucan'talwaysrunawaywhenyoufi
ght
withyourhusband.Youhav et
ositdownwit
h
him andtal
k.Tell
him abouthowyoufeel
"

"
Iam l
eav
inghi
m"

"
Arey ougoi
ngtol
eav
ejustl
i
ket
hatwi
thout
f
ight
ingforhi
m"

"MaweIam notfi
ghti
ngforhi
m Iam l
eavi
ng
him.Ihav
enevercheatedonhi
m.Whyi she
cheati
ngonme?( Cryi
ng)whenhefoundmeI
waspur ehei st
heonlymanwhoknowsmy
body,hegotmepr egnantonpur poseIgave
bi
rthtohissonwhohasabi ghead.It ookcar
e
ofhim whenhewasi nthehospital.It
ookcare
ofhisson,Ifedhi
ssonandcl othedhim.Whyi s
hedoingthis?Whyishedisrespectingmet hi
s
much?I st
hishowhet hanksme?"

"Al
lmencheatGugubegrat
eful
thathehas
beenhi
dingi
treal
l
ywell
."

"Thatistheproblem Mawe,y ouar etr

eati
ngthe
cheatingofmeni ssueasanor m.Whyshoul dI
begr atef
ulthathehasbeenf ait
hfulorhehas
beenhi di
nghisdisgusti
ngandev ildoi
ng?.It
'
s
l
ikehei sdoingmeaf avour
.It
'shisduty,
MaweI
am notbl i
nd,Idoseehandsomemenwhor un
aftermebutIshowt hem myr i
ngandt heysti
ll
runaf t
ermebutIdon' tpayattent
ionbecauseI
honourmyv
ows.
"

"Ar
ey ouwill
ingtoletgoofy
ourmarri
age
becauseofwhaty ousaw?areyouwi
ll
ingt
o
l
eavey ourhomebecauseoft hat
?Mencheat
ing
hasbeenant ecedent"

"I
tisanomalyMawe.YesIam getti
ngal awy er
wit
ht hemoneythatIhaveinmyaccount .Iam
choosingmyhappinessoverevery
thi
ngel se.
Selfl
ov ei
simpor
tantinl
if
e.Iwill
notletDumi
walkovermeasifIam amat "

"Youneedtocal
m down.Donott
akeany
deci
sionsi
nhaste"

"Nooneisdoinganyt
hingt
ochangemymind.
Youaresupposedtosuppor
tmebut(sobbi
ng)
youarenot
.Youar
eagai
nstme,ar
eyou
suppor
ti
ngwhatDumii
sdoing?
"

"
Iam notsupport
ingi
t,I
'
m notagai
nsty
ouor
f
ight
ingforDumibutIwanttohel
pyousav
e
y
ourmar ri
age"

"Savewhi
chmar
ri
age.
.whi
chmar
ri
ageshoul
dI
save?"

"
Thebi
blesay
sdi
vor
cei
sasi
nGugu"

"
Thesamebiblesaysweshoulddiv
orcewhen
t
heotherpar
tneri
sunfai
thful
.Weshouldn'
tuse
t
hebi
bletoemot i
onal
blackmail
others"

"
Youshoul
dfor
giv
ejustasChr
istf
orgav
eyou"
"Rel
igioni
sboundingpeopletothi
nkaboutt
hei
r
happiness,goodni
ghtIdon'twantt
osay
somet hi
ngIwill
regr
et"Iwalkedtomyroom.

Istri
ppednakedandl ookedatmy selfont he
mirr
or.Mynippleswer ef aci
ngthegr ound.Ihad
st
retchmarks.Lov ehandl esweret here.That
gi
rll
ookedthin.Shehadabeaut i
ful ski
nbut
minewasstil
l beauti
ful.Iscreamedpushi ng
awaymybooks
Dumi
hadf
ail
edus.
MaweknockedIswi
tchedof
fthel
i
ght
sand
sl
ept.

Iwokeupnextdayl
ookingmi
ser
abl
e.WhenI
wenttot
hekit
chenIfoundMawedr
inki
ngt
ea
"
Mor
ningMawe"

"
Mor
ningMaNdaba"

"MawedoIl ookugl
ynow?DoIl ookt
oofat
?"I
didn'
treal
i
sethatIwascr
yingshehuggedme
ti
ghtl
y

"Youdonotcr
ythi
smuchwhenSi
yai
snext
door"myvoi
cewasbr
eaki
ng

"Whydid..
Dumi dothistous?Ihavenever
doubt
edmy sel
fbuttodayIseefaul
tsi
nmy self
.
Onemi nut
eamanwi llwor
shipyouli
keyouare
agoddessthent henextminut
ehewi l
ltr
eatyou
l
iketr
ash.DoIlooklikedamagedgoods? "
Mawesl
appedmewi
tht
ear
sinherey
es

"Gugul
ethudon'
tyouev erquesti
onyourworth
everagai
n.Stopwit
hy ourcrazyquesti
onsorI
will
punchyou.Doyouunder stand?"Inodded
cryi
ng,Mawehadnev errai
sedherhandt ome.
Itwasforei
gntome.

"
Iam sor
ryMawe"

'
"
Youmaygoandbat
h"

Isoakedmyselfi
nsi
dethehotwat
er.Af
teran
hourofbat
hingIwentt
obed.
Myphonewasst i
l
loffandIwasplanni
ngt
o
keepi
tthatwayunti
lIf
indalawy
er.
IusedtotakeSiy
at oandfr
om school
.Icame
totakehi
mf rom school
earl
ier
Hecameoutr
unni
nghappi
l
y

"
Aft
ernoonmyboy
"

"
Mommyhowar
eyou?
"

"
Goodandy
ouson?
"

"
Good,
daddyi
stal
ki
ngt
omyt
eacher
"

"
Good"Ist
art
edt
hecar

"
Mommyl
et'
swai
tforhi
m"
"
Nohewi
l
lfi
ndusathomeZwane"

"
NoIwantmydaddy
"hest
art
edscr
eami
ng.
Dumirant
owar
dsusIopenedt
hedoorand
l
ookedasi
de

"
MaNdaba"

"
Mhmh"

"Si
yagotodad'
scar
"hej
umpedof
fthecar
exci
tedl
y
"
Mommyar
eyoucomi
ngwi
thme?
"

"
Nomyboygo"
"
Gugu"

"DumisaniZwanenowthatyouhavet
akenyour
sonmakesur ethaty
outakehimtoschool
earl
y"Istar
tedmycar

"
MaNdabapl
ease"

"Fucky
ou, youbringsat
antome.Youdisgust
medon'tevertal
kt omeagain.Unl
essi
fiti
s
aboutyourbigheadedson"

Idr
ovev
eryf
astgoi
nghome
Bei
ngwit
hDumi t
aughtmevulgarIwasnev era
bi
tt
erper
sonunti
lImethi
m.IfIstayedwithhim
Iwasgoi
ngtoendupinapsychiatr
ichospit
al.
Ispentmostofmyday slookingforalawyer
unti
lIfoundAdv ocateMoloi.Wespokeabout
herfeesandev eryt
hingshewasqui te
expensive.Itol
dhertohurrytheprocessI
wantedfr eedom .

Aft
erthr
eeday
sIr
ecei
vedcal
l
sandmessages
fr
om Dumi.
Makheswacal
l
edme

"
MaNdabahowar
eyou?"

"
Iam goodandy
ouMa?
"

"
Notgoodmydaught
er"
"
Oh"
"
Youar
enotgoi
ngt
oaskmewhati
swr
ong?
"
"
Mhnm"

"Dumitol
dmeaboutwhatyousawintheoff
ice.
Iscol
dedhim.Whathedi
disunaccept
abl
e
Makoti
"

"
TrueMa"

"Arey
our
eal
l
ysur
ethaty
ouwantt
odi
vor
ce
him?"

"
YesIam sur
e"

"
Iam notgoi
ngt
ost
opy
ouMaNdaba"
"
Thanky
ouMa"

"Areyoureall
ysuret
hatyouwantt
odi
vor
ce
him?Wher eareyougoi
ngtofi
ndamanwho
doesn'tcheat
?"

"
Iwi
l
ldi
esi
ngl
e"

"Gugudon'tthi
nkabouttodayonly.Thi
nkabout
yourfut
ureaswell.Don'
tletyouremotions
makey outakedecisi
onsthatyouwi l
lregr
et.
ThinkaboutSiyawil
lhesurvi
vewi t
houthaving
hisbothparent
s?"

"
Idon'
tknow,
hewi
l
lgetusedt
oit"

"
Thi
nkaboutSi
yat
oo,
youdoknowt
hatst
ep
mot
her
sar
eabusi
ver
ight
?"

"
YesMabutnotal
loft
hem "

"Areyougoingtoletanotherwomant akewhat
i
sy ours?Wheny oufoundDumi sani hewas
nothi
ngbutacar penter
.Youl ovedhi ml i
kethat
.
Younev ergaveuponhi m eveni fitwast he
ri
ghtthingtodo.Whyshoul danot herwoman
takethefrui
tsofyourhardwor k? "Ijustcri
ed

"
Hecheat
edMa.
.I..
wasl
oyal
"

"Yeshearhim out
,hesay
syousenthi
m div
orce
papers.Tal
ktohimthenhewi
llsi
gnaft
erwards"

"
OkMa"
"
IknowwhatIam t
alki
ngabout
.Ihav
ebeen
t
hrought
hatt
oo"

"
Thanky
ouMa"
.

"MaNdababewisesi
siIwi
l
lsuppor
tany
deci
si
onyoutake"

"
OkMa"shedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.

Ihadgoneoutwit
hVusiandZodwa.Wewere
tal
ki
ngaboutthel
oveofGod.Howhelovesus
andhowhechoseuswhenwewer esti
ll
inthe
womb

"
It
'sget
ti
ngl
ateguy
sMawei
sgoi
ngt
ofi
ght
wi
thme"

"
OkmakaSi
yaVusi
let
'sgo"hest
oodupbor
ed
"
Guguyoudoknowhowt or
uinanamazi
ng
moment"weal
ll
aughed
Wedr oppedZodwafir
st.Iwassit
ti
ngonthe
fr
ont.ThesetwowerenowengagedIwasso
happyforthem.Zodwahady okedher
sel
fwit
ha
bel
iever.

Vusidroppedmehomear ound8pm wespoke

andspokehehuggedme.Iwat chedhi
m ashe
l
eft.WhenIt ur
nedar oundIsawDumi mysmi l
e
qui
cklyvanished.Ipassedgetti
nginsi
dethe
house

"
Sani
bonani
"Dumi
'
sfami
l
ywastheresi
tt
ing
wi
thMawewhogavemeamurder
ouslook
"SawubonaMakoti
"Inoddedgoi
ngtomyr oom.
Ilockedi
tandsl
ept.Maweknocked,
lucki
l
yshe
hadsparekeyswhi
chsheusedtoopenmy
room

"Guguyouarenotakidanymore.Wear
decentl
yandfoll
owme"shehadanothert
hing
comingforherIdeci
dedtowearmyshort
sand
vest.
WhenIgoti
ntothesi
tt
ingroom al
ley
eswer
e
onme.Makheswahadt ear
yeyes

"
Gugumydaughterpleasef
orgi
veDumi he
madeami st
akemydaughter"Bab'Zwanewas
faci
ngdownthewholeti
me.Myey eswentt o
Dumi whowascr
yingmyheartbrokeforhim.
"
Dumi
doy
ouhav
eany
thi
ngt
osay
"hesni
ff
ed
"Iwillnotmakeanyexcusesformybehav iour
Gugui twastotal
l
ywr ong.Iam real
lysor
ryI
pr omiseIwon'
tdoiteveragain"yeshewas
rightIwasgoingtoleavehim

Bab'
Zwanespokedsoftl
y"Makot
iyouar
et he
onl
yonewhohast heri
ghttomakeadecision.
Areyougoi
ngtoforgi
vehim?"

"YebobabaIwil
lfor
giv
ehim,ifhedoesi
tagai
n
Iwon'tf
orgi
vehi
m "helookedatmeshylyand
l
ookeddownagai n.

"ThankyouMissNgcobo(l
ooki
ngat
Mawe) sor
ryf
orcomingher
ebecauseofDumi
'
s
disgr
ace"
Mawespokesl
owl
y
"
IseeBab'
Zwaneweal l
makemi st
akes.Dumi
mysondon'
trepeatt
hatmi
stakeagain"

"
Iam r
eal
l
ysor
ryMawe"

"Makot
iyoucanpacky
ourbagswear
egoi
ng
backhome"

"
OkMa"Istoodupandwentt
omyr
oom It
ook
myhandbagandf
ewclot
hes
Iwasgoi
ngt
odr
ivewi
thMaKheswa.

"Imi
ssyouMaNdabapl
easedon'
tl
eav
eus
agai
n"

"
Wewi
l
lseeMa"
"
Nextt
imewheny
ouf
ightcomet
ome"

"
Iwi
l
lMa"

"Iam notgoingt
oacceptanot herwoman.Now
thatwehav eyouIpromisetokeepy ouforev
er.
Bab'Zwanewasf or
ev ert
alki
ngabouty ou.Yazi
myhusbandwasst r
essed"webot hlaughed

"
Iwon'
tgoany
wher
emom"

Theysl
eptatmyhouse.
Isl
epti
nSi
ya'
sroom.WhenIwokeupnext
morni
ngIf
oundMakheswadr
inki
ngt
ea

"
Donotbeembarr
assedt
hisi
syourhousemy
l
ove"Il
aughed
"
Iam sor
ryMamyal
arm wasof
f"

"
Dumihasal
readytakenSi
yatoschool
.Please
t
akeustoVumani'
shouse.Babai
soutside"

Ichangedmycl
othesbecauseIhadal
ready
bathed.
Idrov
ethem t
oVumani'
shouse.WhenIgot
backhomeIfoundDumiwatchi
ngTV.Ipassed
hi
m andwenttoSiy
a'sr
oom
Hef
oll
owedme

"
Gugu"

"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"
"
Let
stal
k"

"
Tal
kIam l
i
steni
nguf
unani
?"

"
Iam r
eal
l
ysor
ryGugu"

"
Youar
esor
ryf
orwhat
?"

"
Icheat
edony
ou"Ichuckl
edbi
tt
erl
y

"
Soy
oucheat
ed?
"

"
Iwasl
osti
namoment
"

"Howlonghaveyoubeendoi
ngt
hecheat
ing?"
helookeddown
"Dumiyouareanenemyofpr ogress.I
fyou
werenotSiya'
sfatherIwasgoi
ngt ocal
lyoua
devi
l'
sadvocate"
heswal
l
owedal
umpinhi
st hroatl
ooki
ngaway
wi
tht
ear
scomi
ngoutf
rom hiseyes

"
Pleaseforgi
vemeMaNdaba.WhatcanIdof
or
y
out oforgi
veme?"

"Si
gnthedamndi
vor
cepaper
s"Icl
osedt
he
door.

"Guguopenthedoorpl
easebaby
.Iwi
l
ltal
k"I
openedthedoor

"
Didy
ousl
eepwi
thher
?"
"
NoIdi
dn'
t"Inoddedl
aughi
ng

"
Wheny
oul
ookatmey
ouseeast
upi
dri
ght
"
"
Nobabypl
easef
orgi
veme"

"Wheny ouweregoingtoDur banever

yFriday
wer ey
ougoingt oher
"hel ookeddownIknew
theanswer.Icr
iedpunchinghim hepull
edme
closetohismuscularchest
"Youbr
okemeDumi
youar
efuckenev
il
"he
cri
ed

"
Iam sor
rybaby"helookedatmeandki
ssed
meIpushedhim away

"
Youki
ssedherwi
thy
ourmout
hthatbel
ongst
o
me.Yougav
ehermycock"

"Iam sosorr
ybabyIpr
omi seyou.Youwi
l
l
nevercryunl
essi
t'
sthetearsofjoy.
"

"Whydidyoudoit
?Afterpoppi
ngoutabi
g
headedboyfory
ou.Youstil
lcheat
edonme"

"
Iam sor
rybaby
"heki
ssedme.Imi
ssedhi
sli
ps

"
Wewillsl
eepinsepar
ater
oomsunt
ilI
'
mready
t
ofor
giv
ey ou"

HewenttopickSi
yafrom school
.Thenext
SundaywewenttochurchIwantedtorepentI
hadinsul
tedDumial
ot.
VumanitookSi
yathefoll
owingweekend.When
IgothomeDumi hadprepar
eddinnerf
orus.

"
Babyt
hisl
ookssoamazi
ng"

"
It
'sal
lforyoumyqueen.Myl i
fei
sempty
whenev
eryouar eaway.Il
oveyouGugu"t
he
t
houghtsofthatgi
rlcameint
omymi nd
Hav
eyouev
erdonet
hisf
orSi
hle?
"

"
Nobabywhyar
ewet
alki
ngabouther
"

"Becausesheknowshowt osuckyourcock.I
n
awayt hatyousayhermouthismagnif
icent
andamazi ng"Il
ookedatt
hefoodmyappet it
e
j
ustwentt oZero
"
Guguwhyar
eyoual
way
sont
hef
ight
ingmode"
"BecauseIdi
dn'
tcheatbutIhonour
edmyv
ows"
.
Istoodupandwenttothebedroom.

Hefol
lowedmeandsmashedhi sli
psonmi ne.
Hi
skisswasfull
ofhungerandneed.Het or
e
mydressandremovedhissweatpants.He
wenttomycookieandworshi
ppedit.
"Dumi .
.please"hekeptoneatingmewhi lehis
otherhandwast easingmynippl e.Icamev ery
fast.Whenhi scockhi tmyentranceIf eltgood.
Afterfil
l
ingmeupIf eltabur
ningsensat i
onthat
wasst ri
kingmyut erusandmyabdomen
continuously.Iscreamedpushi nghi m away.
Itwassohotandpai
nful
Irant
othet
oil
et
cryi
ng
"
Guguwhat
'swr
ong?
"

"
Getawayf
rom me"Iopenedcol
dwat
er
[
07/
19,
08:
46] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#31

Theburni
ngsensat
iondi
sappear
ed,
Iwasnow
ok.It
ookaquickshowerandwentt
obed.

"
Whatwaswr
ongGugu?
"

"Iwi
shIknew"Igotinsi
detheblanket
sand
cover
edmyheadf acingtheot
herside.Hi
s
handsmovedtomyass

"St
opitwear
enotgoi
ngt
ohav
esexwi
thout
condoms"
"
ButGuguIdon'thav
eanycondoms,youar
emy
wifebesi
deswhyshoul
dIusecondomswit
h
you"

"Youshouldhav ethoughtoft hatwheny ou

decidedtosleepar ound.Ist i
l
l wanttoli
veI
don'tknowhowmanydi seasesy ouhaveiny our
system.Ilovemy selftoomucht ori
skmy
healthoversex.Phelaangi dakway i
nkanuko
yocansibesengikhohlwai ntoebal ul
eki
le(the
passionforsexdoesn' tgetmedr unkinaway
thatitmakesmef orgetimpor tantthi
ngs)
Goodnightswitchof fthelights"

"Guguy ouarenotwil
li
ngtof orgi
vemer ight?I
can'tbebeggingyouuntil
Jesuscomes.I fthi
s
i
showt hingsaregoi
ngtobet hencountmeout
ofyourbul l
shi
t.Iwi
ll
giveyouwhaty ouneed"I
actuall
ylaughedwhatwast hisnutcasethinki
ng
of
"Thanky ounowy ouar
etalki
ngmyl anguage.
Thishasnot hi
ngtodoabouty ouDumisani
Zwane.Don'ttryandswit
chposi ti
onsIam the
vict
im notyou.Donottrytopatroni
semeher e.
"hepulledmet ohim
"XolaMaNdabangenzei phuthaangaziphela
ukuthingenzenj
aniukuzeuxolebandl
a( pl
ease
forgi
vemeIdon' tknowwhatt odoanymor e)"

"Iwon'
tthi
nkforyouDumi.Youmadethi
smess
soyouwi l
lcl
eanitupwi
thoutmyhel
p.Letgoof
mey ouaresuff
ocati
ngme"

"
Iam notl
ett
ingy
ougo"

Iwaswokenupbyhi
sbonerpoki
ngmyassI
st
oodupandwenttomybathr
oom i
twas
Saturday
.Itookashower,
andlat
erstar
ted
cleani
ng.WhenDumi camedownstai
rshe
foundhisfoodready
.

"
Goodmor
ningbaby
"

"YeboDumi"Ilef
thimint
hekit
chenandwentto
ourbedroom.WhenIwasdonecleani
ngIsat
downonmybed.Myhear twasbroken,Iwas
scaredt
hatmyl ovef
orDumihadgonebeyond
l
imit.WhatIneededwasgui
dancefr
om God.
Thandohadsentmeamessage.Wewer
e
supposedt
omeetatSpur
.
Ideci
dedt obathagaint or
emov ethesweatI
had.Iwasgoi ngtowearmyf l
oral
dressandr ed
sti
l
letos.Myhai rwastiedi
ntoapony t
ail.My
makeuphaddoneanout st
andingjobin
coveri
ngmyey ebags.Ipul
ledoutmybl ackcoat
i
twasabi tchi
ll
youtside.
WhenIgotdownstair
sIf
oundhimr
eading
somethinginhi
sphonet
hatwasmaki
nghis
facechange.

"
Iam goi
ngoutseey
oul
ater"

"
Guguwher
ear
eyougoi
ngwear
ingl
i
ket
hat
?"
"
ToThandoIhaveari
ngonmyf
ingerandIpl
an
t
orespectmyvows"

"OkMaNdaba"Itur
nedonmyheel
sandl
efthi
m
standi
ngt
here.

Wewer emeet
ingi
nFourwayscrossi
ng.WhenI
gotther
eshehadal
readyor
deredacappucci
no
forme
"
Guguhowar
eyou?
"Shest
ooduphuggi
ngme

"
Lat
easal
way
sMbuzi
"webot
hlaughed

"
Hlal
aphansi
mbuzi
"Isatdownl
aughi
ng

"
Howi
sSami
?"

"Shei
sgoodbutlat
elyshehasbeent al
ki
ng
aboutSiy
a.Whoknowsmay beyouaregoi
ngt
o
bemyi nl
aw(t
heybothlaughed)sakhe
ubuhl
obo"

"
Youhavest
art
edwi
thy
ourcr
azi
nessMbuzi
,I
missedy
oual
ot"

"
Imi
ssedy
oumor
eGugu.Isawy
oui
nabur
ning
holeyouwer ecryi
ng.Youwant edtogetoutbut
youcouldn't
.GuguGodt ol
dmet otel
lyouto
pray.Gobacktoy ourfi
rstlove.Whenwast he
l
astt i
mey ouprayedandr eady ourbi
ble"I
rubbedmyt earyeyes

"Ihaven'tbeenprayingsisi
..myheartisbroken
tell
mewhatt odoThando.If oundDumi andhis
wor kerhav i
ngoralsex.Hewassay ingallthese
nicethingst oher.(
Sobbing)IwishIhad
l
istenedt oy ousi
s.WhatIwantnowi sdivorce.
Hei stoot oxicf
orme"Thandowi pedhertears

"GuguIhav eneverbeencheatedonletal
onebe
humi l
i
atedbymyhusband.Idon' tknowhowt o
adviceyouinthatdepart
ment.Youshouldpray
forstr
ength.AskGodf oradvi
cehei st
heonly
onewhocanheary ou"
"Idon'
tev
enhearGodanymoreIhavelosthope
youknow.Iwi
shIhadli
stentoyouandMawe.I
promiset
oli
stent
owhatevershesaysnow."

"Gugudonott
alkli
kethatev
eragai
n.Ther
eis
poweriny
ourtongue"

"
Let'
sorderandst
opwi
tht
hemar
it
alst
ressf
ul
i
ssues"

"Iwi
ll
getusst
eakandwi
ngsdoy
ouwantchi
ps
orsal
ad"

"
Ineedchi
psandcr
eamyspi
nach"shel
aughed
"
Guguwhathappenedt
othedi
et"

"
Wel
lj
ustpl
acet
heor
derIwi
l
lber
ightback"
Iwenttot
hetoil
etandIbumpedi
ntoa
handsomeguy.Hishai
rwasneat
lybr
ushed.Hi
s
sui
twascharcoalgr
ey

"
Ngiyaxol
i
sankosazana(
Iam sor
ryMi
ss)
"I
f
lashedafakesmil
e

"I
t'
sok"Isai
daminipr
ayerthel
astthi
ngI
wantedwastogett
empted.Iwasrebuki
ngt
he
spi
ri
toflust
.
WhenIgotoutoft
hetoi
letmyeyesroamed
ar
oundtherest
aur
antIf
oundhimlookingatme.
Il
ookeddownandwenttomyseat

"
Whatdi
dyouseeGugu?
"

"
Hhay
ibowhatdoy
oumean?
"
"
Youreyeshav
ebeenr
oami
ngar
oundt
he
r
est
aurant"

"
Don'tlookathi m asyet
,theguyonourf arl
eft
whoiswear ingacharcoalgreysui
tlooks
f
amili
ar.Ithi
nkhewasoneoft heguyswho
i
nter
viewedme"Ihadf or
gottenhowThando
wasshequi cklyrai
sedhereyes.

"OhGuguthisguyist
oohandsome.Hei s
l
ookingatus.(
Clappi
ngherhands)t
empt at
ions
alwayscomewhenpeoplefi
ghtbutItr
ustyou
fri
end"

"Ihaveneverbeenwi t
hanyoneexpectDumiI
guessthatisthereasonwhyheisactingl
i
ke
this"
"Let
'sj
ustdr
opi
tIknowwhaty ouwanttosay.
(Looki
ngatt
hewait
ress)t
hankyoupleasebr
ing
usTobasco"

"
Thi
slooksgood"

Aft
ereati
ngIorderedsomedesser
tIneeded
sugari
nmysy stem .Whent
hehandsome
fel
lowwasleavi
nghepassedbyus
"Hibeaut
if
ulmai
dens"Thandol
ookedathi
m
annoyed
"Therearenomaidensherewearehappi
ly
mar r
iedchit
hekabhut
i(getl
ost
)"hel
eftwi
th
egohi segobrui
sed

"
ThandoIam nothappi
l
ymarri
edmaybethat
manwasgoingtobemyknighti
nshi
ning
ar
mour
"

"
Youarel
iv
ingafai
ryt
alel
i
fe.Ther
eisnosuch,
l
et'
sgoanddosomeshopping"

Wewentt oWoolworthstogetwint
ercl
othes
forSami.WhenIcheckedtheti
meitwas
alr
eady6pm.
Thandohuggedme

"
Uber
ightsi
siGodl
ovesy
ou"

"Asi
thembenj al
oiyobuy
eibonaneunganqabi
kuFacebook(Ihopesodon'tbescar
ceon
Facebook)"

"
Gat
sheni
hat
esi
tshame.Iwi
l
lcal
lyoumyl
ove"
"If
eelmuchbet
terIl
ovey
ouMbuzi
"shegi
ggl
ed
gett
ingi
nsi
dehercar
"
Lov
eyoumor
e"

Igothomear
oundsev
en.Dumiwaswat
chi
ng
TVwithSi
yasl
eepi
ngonhisl
ap.
"
Sawubona"

"YeboMANDABA"hel ookedangr y
.Iwent
upstai
rstogetabathIrelaxedinsi
dethetab
honestl
yspeakingIhadnopowert of
ightf
or
anythi
ngallIwantedwast ogetajob.
Aft
erbathi
ngIwentstrai
ghtt
obed.Ihear
dhi
m
get
ti
nginsi
detheblanket
s
"
Ifi
redSi
hle"
"
Mhn"
"YesIdi
dandshewenttoCCMAt
orepor
tme.I
hadtopayalotofmoney
"

"
Whydidyoufi
reher
?Itseemsl
i
ket
hiswhol
e
t
hinghur
tsy
ou"

"
Noitdoesn'
tIam t
ryi
ngt
ofi
xmymi
stakes
meetmehalfway
"

"I
t'
sli
key
ouar
edoi
ngmeaf
avour
.Doy
ouIwi
l
l
dome"

Histouchwastheonlyt
hingt
hatwascapabl
e
oftamingme.Heoftenusedi
tashiswayof
wantingmetodowhathewant s.
"
Igott
est
edt
odayIam negat
ive"
"Iam st
il
lnotsl
eepingwithy
ou..Withouta
condom"hegotof fthebedandtookit.Hewas
real
lypr
epared.

Hebr ushedmyasskissingi
t.Hewentupt
omy
breastsanddel
icat
elyhandl
edthem.
Somet hi
ngtol
dmet ostop.Ipushedhi
m
"
Nott
odayDumi
"

"
Butbabyar
eyouser
ious"

"
Likeahear
tat
tack"

I
twasnowaweeklat
ert
hingswer
esl
owl
y
goi
ngbackt
onor
mal.
Wewer
egoi
ngoutasaf
ami
l
ythef
oll
owi
ngday
"
Didy
oupackmyshor
tsMaNdaba"
"Yesbabyandweneedt
opassbythemal
l.I
don'thav
esli
pper
spl
usSiy
aneedssomeshort
too"

"
Okbabyl
et'
sgot
obed"

Wehadnotbeeni ntimat
esincethedaywe
fought
.Hehadt ol
dmet hathehadorganised
somethingspeci
alforme.Thethoughtofitwas
makingmegi ddy.
Icar
ri
edSi
yat
ohi
sbedhewasabi
theav
y.

Thatmor
ningwasdi
ffer
entfr
om mynor
mal
morni
ngs.Myfacewasburni
ng.
Ir
ushedt
othebat
hroom
"Dumimyf aceisburning"Icoul
dn'
tst
opcr y
ing
i
twast oomuch.Itfeltasifsomeonehad
star
tedfi
reontopofmyf ace.Ir
ushedgoing
downt ot
hekitchenSiy awasalr
eadycry
ing

"
Mommyputi
ceony
ourf
ace,
usemeal
meal
i
e
t
oscr
ubi
t"

"I
t'
ssoreSiy
a"Icri
edDumi
waspani
cki
ngmy
ski
nstart
edpeeli
ngoff
.

"Dumi
cal
lmymother
,bri
ngmyphonepl
ease
someonewant
stoki
llme"
Ir
anghershequi
ckl
yanswer
edi
t
"
Mawebuyashi
saubusobami
(myf
acei
son
f
ir
e)i
t'
stoomuch"
"
Comehomenow"

Igotinsi
det
hecarwenear
lyl
eftSiyabehi
nd
thati
showmuchwewer epani
cking.Myphone
rang
"
Gooddayhowar
eyou?
"
"
Goody
ou?"
"
Goodam Ispeaki
ngt
oMr
sZwane"
"
Yes"
"
Youqual
i
fiedbei
nthet
op3.
.pl
easecome
t
omorr
ow"
"Thanky
ousi
r"Idr
oppedt
hecal
landcont
inued
scrat
chi
ngmyface

WhenwegottoDobsonvi
l
leMawewasal
ready
out
sidet
hegat
e.Shehoppedi
nsi
det
hecar
"
Maweunj
ani
?"

"
Iam goodandy
ouZwane?
"

"Good"hereyeswenttome, Ihadcoveredmy
facewit
hthescarf.Wegott othehospi
talt
hey
gavemepai nrel
i
ev er
s.If
eltbett
eraft
erwar
ds.

"
DumigobackhomeIwi
l
lst
aywi
thMawef
or
t
oni
ght
"

"
It
'sf
inebabywewanty
ouhomeandbet
ter
.
Mawegoodbye"

"ByeMkhweny ana"Si
yal
ookeddownhewas
happyaboutthetri
pwewer egoi
ngt
otakenow
thechangeofplansgothi
m angr
y
WhenwegotinsidethehouseMaweaskedme
somet
hingt
hatleftmeshocked
"
Hav
eyousl
eptwi
thDumi
sincey
our
euni
ted?"
Il
aughed
"
No"
..

Itwasn'
treal
l
ydarkoutsi
de.Myf
acegotwor
se
Icri
edMawecalledmakhumalowhowasher
fri
endwhenshelookedatmeshout
ed
"
OhmyGodt
hisi
sisi
chi
tho"

"Mawewhat
'shappeni
ngt
omyf
acei
t'
sbur
ning
alot
"

"
Wearyoursl
ippers,
pleaseMakhumal
oask
y
ourhusbandtotakeust oOr
landowewi
ll
pay
"
"Okgetr
eadyf
ast"Icov
eredmyf
aceI
tlooked
bad.

MrKhumalocamewithhi
soldvanwegot
i
nsi
deit
..t
hepothol
eswerenothav
ingany
mer
cyonmybums.

Whenwegott oOrl
andoweknockedatDl
omo'
s
house.Hewasaprophet
.Whenhesawmehe
cl
osedhiseyesasi
fhewasinpain
"
Mychi
ldyoudi
dwel
lbycomingt
odayyou
wer
egoi
ngtodi
e"Maweopenedherey
ewidel
y
"
Babawhat
'shappeni
ngt
omydaught
er?
"

"I
sichi
thol
esoyourhusband'
smist
ressdi
dthi
s.
Iseethaty
outri
edbeinginti
mat
ewi t
hyour
husbandbutyoucouldn'
t"
"
Yebobaba"

"
Youdi
dwellmydaughterhadyoucont
inued
y
ouweregoi
ngtodie.Wewi l
lpr
ay"

Theyprayedforme.Ifel
tmuchbet t
erhegave
mesomet hingtoputonmyf aceandwatert
o
dri
nk.HadDumi notcheatedIwasn'
tgoi
ngto
suff
erli
kethis
[
07/
19,
08:
46] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#32

"
Isherhusbandaf
fect
edbyt
hisv
oodoo?
"
Maweaskedsoftl
y

"
Nohei
snot
,butwewi
l
lpr
ayf
orhi
m.Noone
cancursewhatGodhasbl essed.Mydaught er
thebi
blesaysnoweaponsf ormedagai nstus
shal
lprosper
,itdoesn'
tsayt hattheywon' tbe
weaponsbutitsaysthattheyshal lnotprosper.
Bestr
ongi nt
heLor dprayalway s"

"
Iheary
ouBaba"hepul
l
edoutabot
tl
eofwat
er

"
Youmightbeoneofthosewhodon'tbeli
evei
n
t
heusageofwaterbutpl
easeuseitdr
inkit
t
wiceaday.Thi
swaterwil
lcl
eanseyou"

"Shewil
lsur
elydr
inkt
hem Baba.Howmuch
shoul
dIpay?"Hesmil
ed

"Youdonothavetopaymydaught ersGodis
usingmeashisvesselIam notexpect
ing
anythi
ngi
nretur
n"Itookoutalotofnotesfr
om
myhandbagandgav
ethem t
ohi
m

"
Mydaught
er..
."

"NoBabathesearemyt i
thesandof f
eri
ngsthe
bibl
esaysweshouldbri
ngf oodintothetempl
e
oftheLor
d.Iam def
ini
tel
ydoi ngthat
"

"Youaresurel
yast ubbornwoman.( Hi
sey es
mov edtoMawe)y ourdaughteri
spower fuland
stubborntoo(t
heybothlaughed)Godshowed
met hatyouknowhowt osi
ng.Pleasesingone
songforme"

Onesongturnedi
ntoten.Wewereal
lseeki
ng
t
hefaceoftheLord.I
twasalr
eadydar
koutside
"
Youshoul
ddef
ini
tel
yvi
sitsomeday
"

"
Wewi l
ldot
hatBaba.Peacebewi
thy
ouwear
e
l
eav
ing"
Mawekneltnexttohi
m" MaythegoodLor
d
keeponblessi
ngyouall
thedaysofyourl
i
ve"
hestoodupblessi
ngus.
"
Blessi
ngsshal
lfol
l
owy
oual
ltheday
sofy
our
l
i
ves"
"
Amen"

Whenwewalkedoutoft
hehousewef ound
MaKhumal
ostandi
ngoutsi
dehercar
"
MaNgcobodi
dthi
schi
l
dgethel
p?"

"YeboMakhumal
owet
hankGod.Thanky
ouf
or
dri
vingus"
Mawepaidmorethanwhatt
heyhadchar
gedus.
I
twastr
ipl
eifnotdoubl
e

"
Thi
sist
oomuchMaNgcobo"

"NoMaKhumal oIdon'
twantyout
ogett i
redof
us"weal
llaughed.Wedroveinsi
lencenoone
sai
danyt
hingwewer eall
losti
nourthoughts.

WhenwegothomeMawet
ookherbi
bleand
askedmet
ositdown.

"MaNdabay ouaresostubbor
n.Remember
whenItoldy outhatyoushouldn'
tbey okedwith
unbel
ieversy ouneverl
i
stened(sobbing)thi
sis
sohardforme.Iam notgoi ngtoadv i
cey ou,
thi
stimey ouneedt ogetanswersfrom God.
ThelastthingIwantisforyoutodieonme"a
weepaccompani
edbyhi
ccupsescapedf
rom
mymouth

"MaweIdon'
tknowwhatt osayordo?ShouldI
l
eavehi
m orstay?Whenev erImakedeci
sions
bymysel
fImakemistakes"sheheldmyhand

"Gugulet
huIlovey oualot,ImightIhavenot
givenbir
thtoyoubuttrustmewhenIsayI
wouldlaymyl i
feforyou.I fy
ouar ekeento
l
eav ehim Iwi
llsuppor
ty ou.I
fsomet hi
ngwas
tohappent oyouIwouldnev erforgi
vemy sel
f"

"Il
oveyoual
otMawey ouar
etheonl
ymotherI
know"shehuggedmecryi
ngseei
nghert
his
vul
nerabl
ewastear
ingmeapart

"
Dri
nkt
hiswat
erbef
orewef
orget
"
Thewat
erwasv
erybi
tt
er
"
Thi
stast
eli
keur
ineaar
rgh"shel
aughed

"
Soy
ouknowhowur
inet
ast
esl
i
ke?"

"
Mawel
et'
sgot
obed"shel
aughed
"
Arey
ouscar
edofspi
l
li
ngt
hebeans?
"
"
Iam of
ftobed"shef
oll
owedmel
aughi
ng

Isleptwit
hherthatni
ght
.Il
ookedattheother
si
deoft hebedMawewasnowher e.Shehad
alr
eadyleftf
orwork

Iwokeupandsweepedt heyard,
Ididspr
ing
cleani
ng.Iwasdonewit
hmychor estheonl
y
thingr
emainingwasbat
hing.
WhenIlookedatmy selfonthemir
rorIwas
unfami
li
arwiththepersonIwasseeing,I
l
ookeddiffer
entthewitchwantedt
of i
nishme
off
.Ihadlostanopportuni
tytoworkforthat
company.
Myphoner
angi
twasMakheswa

"
Gugul
ethuhowar
eyou?"

"Idon'
tknowhowt orespondt oyouMa.
Nonethel
essIam grateful
thatIsurv
iveddeat
h.
Yourson'sdoi
ngsnear l
ykil
ledme"

"
Pleasecomet
oDur
bant
omor
row"

"
OkMa"
"YouknowwhatIwi l
lcometoSowetodon'
tgo
backtoyourhouseasyet
"hervoi
cecar
ri
ed
sorr
ow

"
OkMaIwi
llwai
tfory
ouatPar
kst
ati
on
t
omor
row"
"Kul
ungi
l
ent
ombiyami"
.Iam sur
eshewas
bri
ngi
ngmeanot
herser
mon

Iopenedmyemai l
stherewasar emainderfor
today'ssecondi ntervi
ewandIhadnotgone
there.Myhear tconstri
ctedf i
ndi
ngajobwas
goingt obeami ssionhar dtoaccomplish.Iwas
tempt edt ocallThandoIst oppedmy selff
rom
doingi tthelastthi
ngIwant edwasforpeople
tofeel sorryforme. .
It
oldDumi thatIneededspace.Hegaveme
whatIneededwi t
houtputt
ingupafight
.
Mawecamebackf
rom wor
klooki
ngt
ir
ed

"Thi
sfeel
sli
ketheoldti
meswhenIusedt
oget
backfr
om worklooki
ngfor
war
dtoseeyouand
yourst
ubbor
nness"

"Mawegi
veGuguabr
eak(
theybot
hlaughed)
howwasyourday
?"

"Iam r
eti
ri
ngmont
hendIj
ustcan'
twor
k
anymore"
"Howniceisthat?(gr
inning)howmanyti
mes
didItel
lyoutoret
ir
e?Gugumi naIam
i
ndependent,GuguIdon'twanttobeaburden"
shelaughed
"
Youhav estart
edwithyourcr
azinessIdon'
t
t
alklikethat
.Whatdidyoucooky oul
azygirl
?
Dishupf ormealr
eady"Ist
oodupanddi shed
forus.IhadcookedPapandchickenli
vers.
"
MaMakheswawant
stocomeher
etomor
row"

"
Mhnm"

"
Isai
dok"

"
Alr
ight
"

"Youhavebecomebi
tt
eral
lofasuddenwhat
'
s
happeni
ng?"
"
It
'snotl
ikethatGugu,Idol
i
keMaKheswabut
whatdoesshewant ?
"
"
Shesay
sshewant
stot
alkt
ome"

"Donotletany
onemakey ouchangeyour
deci
sionmyangel.Iam her
etosupport
whateveryoudeci
de"

"
ThankyouMawe"sheki
ssedmyheadand
wentt
obed.

Mawewasanear l
y bi
rd.Thefol
lowingmor ni
ngI
recei
vedamessagef rom Makheswasay ing
shewasgoi ngtoreachParkstationat2pm.My
cli
ent
swer ebusycalli
ngmesay i
ngthatthey
wantedtheTupperwar especi
al.Ihadtoask
Zodwat odeli
verf
orme.

Idr
ovetoPar
kStati
onandwai
tedfor
MaKheswashegotofft
het
axicar
ryi
ngasmal
l
bag

"
Maunj
ani
"Ihuggedher

"
Iwi
shIwasgood.Lookaty
oumybaby
."

"
Iam nowbet
terMa"

"Phephi
samylov
e,Iknowi
t'
spai
nful
tobe
cheatedon"

"
Let'
sgotot
hecarwewi
l
lgetmugged"she
l
aughed

"LookatmeIhavefor
got
tenhowbr
utal
Johannesbur
gis"
"
KahlengehabaMa(st
opexagger
ati
ng)
"she
l
aughed
"
Iam sohungr
ymychi
l
d"

"
Wewi
l
lpassatSpur
"

Wedrov
etospurIgotsteakandchi
psforher
andMawe.Iboughtsomesaladf
ormyself
.
Af
terreachi
nghomeIprepar
edabathf
orher
.
Whenshewasdonebat hi
ngherf
oodwas
al
readyonthetabl
eIhadwarmedit
.

"Guguy ouneedt obepati

entwi
thmyson.Iam
greatl
ydisappointedbyhi
sbehavi
ourbut
pleasefixt
hings"
"
Whatdi
dhet
ell
youMa?
"

"Hesai
dheisscar
edofl
osi
ngy
ouandy
ouar
e
demandi
ngspace"

"MaDumi 'smi stresstriedtoki l

lmeIv al
uemy
l
ifemor et hanany t
hing.Myf acewasbur ning
yest
er daybecauseofi sichi
tho.Ungichi t
ha
endodeni y ami ehlul
waukuv alauzipkahl enibo!
Changi yalingwami na( shewasbewi tchingme
formyhusbandwhocoul dn'
tziphist r
ouser s
thi
sisat empt ati
on)angi zi
kuhlal
elalawo
many alo(Iwon' tstayfort hi
sshi t)
.UDumi
akangiboni i
mpel ayazi ungikalangamehl o
okwamanzi epapa( Dumi doesn'tseeme) "

"Cal
m downMaNdabaIhavebeentheretoo.
Zwanewascheat
ingonmeInearlydied.The
l
adywhohaddonethatvoodooonmemether
match.Icouldn'
thavebeenthi
shappyhadI
l
eftmymar ri
age.Youpromisedhi
m another
chancegivei
ttohim pl
easeMaNdaba( cryi
ng)
onemor echanceifhemessesup.Iwil
lhelp
youleav
e"

"Iwi
l
l seeMa"shest oodupandhugged.She
l
ookedmor ebrokenthanIwas.Herbehav
iour
hadshockedmet herealMakheswaIknew
wouldn'thavecri
ed.

Mawecamelat
er,Ij
ustwar medhertakeaway
.I
wasgoi
ngbacktomyr oom thesetwoloud
womenweregoi
ngtosl eeptoget
her.

Horri
blespotsweregettingpr
ojectedonmy
stomacht heywererui
ningmyski nlucki
lyIwas
darkskinned.Makheswasaidthatisichi
thowas
comingoutofmybody .
MaKheswastay
edwit
husfort
hreeday
sMawe
di
dn'
twanthertol
eav
eany
more

MaweandIdr
ovehert
oPar
kSt
ati
on
"
Whyar
eyoui
nahur
ryMakheswa?"

"Ihav
ehusbandMaNgcoboit
'saboutt
imey
ou
getonet
oo"Mawelaughed

"
Gobackt
oyourhusbandandl
eav
emeal
one"

"
Mat
rav
elsaf
ewewi
l
lkeepi
ntouch"

"
ThankyouMaNdabafort
hegroceri
esand
money.Pl
easecal
lmeoft
en"Ihuggedherone
moret
ime
"
Ipl
ant
oo"
.

MaweandIdr
ovet
othemal
l
.Wedi
dsome
shoppi
ng.

"
MaKheswai sri
ghtGuguj
ustgi
vehi
m one
morechancetheni
fhemessesupagai
nyou
wi
ll
leavehim"

"I
tist
helastchanceMaweaf
tert
hisoneIam
donewit
hhim" .

Idr
oppedMaweathomeandlef
thersome
money.Idr
ovebackt
omyhouse.
WhenIgothomeIf
oundSi
yawat
chi
ngTVhe
scr
eamedrunni
ngt
ome
"
Mommyy
ouhome"

"Heymyboyhowar
eyou?
"Heexci
tedl
y
screamed

"
Imi
ssedy
oumommy
"

"
Imi
ssedy
oumor
e"

Thehousewasamess, Istar
tedcl
eaningand
scrubbingtheti
l
es.Theywerealotofdishesi
n
thesink.Iwashedthem al
l
.

"
Whohasbeencooki
ngf
ory
ousi
ya?
"

"
Daddyhasbeendoingitbutmostoft
het
ime
f
oodhasbeenhorr
ible.Someti
meshewoul
d
burni
tormakeuseatr
awf ood.Mommyplease
promi
semethatyouwi
llneverl
eaveusal
one"

"
Ipr
omi
set
ofor
everst
aywi
thy
out
wo"

"Il
ov eyou,l
etmeshowy oumyhomewor ks"he
rushedgoingupthestai
rs.Icoul
dseet
he
evidenceofpri
depri
ntedonhisface

"
YouseeIpassedev
ery
thi
ng.Myt
eacherl
oves
me"

"Whocanhateyou?Youar
ehandsomeand
smart
"hegiggl
edshyl
y

"Anothergi
rlf
rom cl
asssai
dIwashandsome"
helaughedcoveri
nghismouthohGodI
wouldn'
twanttobeagr andmot
herwhenIwas
thi
syoung,thethoughtofi
tmademelaugh
Siy
awasst il
lki
dhim growi
nguptobeateen
wasscaringme.

Dumi gothomear oundfiv

e,helookeddrained
andf r
ust
ratedwhenhesawmehi seyes
sparkl
edwithhappiness.Ihadnotreal
isedthat
Imissedhim somuchIr antohim.Hepi cked
meupandki ssedme.Hewasmyhomemy
pl
aceofcomf ort
"
Babakhe"hi
sey
esspar
kledwi
tht
ear
s

"It
ooky ouforgrant edGugunotoncebutmany
ti
mes.Iam soscar edthatonedayyouwill
l
eaveandnev erl ookbackt hatf
eel
i
ngpetrif
ies
me.Ididhurty ourfeeli
ngsandImadey oucr y
ngokukhuluukuzi t
hobaIam sorrymylove.I
canseehowt earshav elef
tsomuchstainson
yourpur
esoul
.Ipr
omiset
oneverhur
tyou
agai
n.Iknowmyapol
ogywil
lnotbei
nvai
n"

"
Iam givi
ngyouonelastchanceZwane.Il
ove
y
oual otbutyouneedtoearnmytrust
"
"
Ipl
ant
odot
hat
"

Hecar
ri
edmet oourbedr
oom.Het
hrewmeon
t
opofthebed.

"Imi
ssedyouGugupleasedon'tev
erl
eav
eme
agai
n"hekissedmehistonguewas
maneuver
ingever
ycornerofmymouth.
Hi
shandwentdownt
omywetcooki
eand
br
ushedi
t.

"
Iam cl
eanbaby
"
"Il
oveyouDumi
"hisbreat
heescal
atedhe
pull
eddownmyG-str
ing

"Iam sohungr
yfory
ouIpl
ant
oleav
eyou
cri
ppled"

"
Idi
dn'
tshav
e"hel
aughed

"Idon'
tcar
eIonl
ywanty
ouasy
ouar
e.Iwantt
o
beburiedi
nsi
deyou"
Histonguewentst
rai
ghtt
omyt
hrobbi
ng
cookie.
Wemadel
ovet
hewhol
eni
ght
.

I
thadbeenthreemonthsofhappi
nessDumi
wasri
dicul
ouslyspoi
l
ingme.Wewer ehost
ing
apar tyforBab'Zwane,al
lhi
ssonsweret
here.
IncludingSenzohecamewi thhi
sgir
lf
ri
endand
daught er.It
ri
edmybestt oavoi
dhi
m hewas
clearl
yembar assedtoo.

"
MaNdabai st
hemeatgoi
ngt
obeenough?
"
MakaZuzi
askedopeni
ngt
hepot
s
"Yesmylove,
sindi
so'
swi
fewi
l
ldi
shf
or
every
one"
.

Housemusi cwasonbl astIwassi t

ti
ngnextt
o
myol dwomenwhower elaughing.Mawewas
notaf anofgossi
pingwewer etalki
ngabout
random thi
ngsthatwereveryfunny.

Peopleweredanci
ng,
thepart
ywasj ustper
fect
.
Dumi keptonl
ooki
ngatme.Iknewwhathe
wanted.HewantedustosneakoutIwasn't
goi
ngt
oent
ert
ainhi
scr
azyi
dea.

Wegav et
hem pr
esent
sMaKheswawasv
ery
happy
.

Ar
ound7pm Si
yawal
kedi
ncr
ying

"
What
'swr
ongmyboy
?"

"Iwaspl
ayi
ngwit
hSet hu(
hiccups)thenshe
cri
edIsai
dsor
ry.
.Ncanehi
tmewi t
hagun"
"
Whatdi
dyousay
?Whi
chNcaneSi
ya?
"

"Senzomommy"Iwal
kedi
nsi
det
hest
orer
oom
andtookahammer.
Iwassoangr
y
Dumicamerunni
ngholdingmeIthr
ewt he
hammeronhiswindscr
eenitbr
okeint
opieces
"Beatmei fy
ouwanttoo(cr
ying)
..areyoueven
ahumanbei ngSenzohowdar eyouhitmychil
d
withagun.Dumi l
eavemealoneIwantt oshow
thi
scriminalt
hathemessedupwi ththewrong
person"Mawecamet ome
"
MaNdabay
oudon'
tbehav
eli
ket
hat
,hl
i
sau
moy
a"

"Hefi
rstr
apedmenowhei shitt
ingmysonwit
h
agunwhatnonsensei
sthat.Iam cal
l
ingt
he
pol
iceonhim"

Bab'
Zwanelookeddi
sappoi
nted.Vumani
was
hol
dingDumiwhohadbutter
edSenzo,

"
Vumani
leav
emeal
one,
Senzoi
sdi
srespect
ing
myhousehold.Iwi
l
lki
l
lhi
m.Leav
emeal
oneor
I
'l
lbeaty
outoo"

"DumiIam ol
dhereletusst
opfi
ght
ingand
handl
ethi
smat t
erli
keadult
s"

"Howdoadult
shandlesuchthings?Youar
enot
seri
ousVumani.Senzoi
sdisrespect
ful
"

"
Senzoapol
ogi
set
oyourBr
other
"

Ileftthem cl
earl
ymysonwasgoi ngtoget
j
ust icefr
om thepolicemen.WhenIcall
edthe
policethefir
stthingtheyaskedwasift
he
per sonwasst i
l
lcarryingt
hegun.It
oldthem
yesbutt heynevercame.Agooddaywas
ruinedbySenzo' sdoings.
Wewil
lsol
vethi
sasafami
lynonsenseshoul
d
st
op,
Justi
ceshoul
dbeser
vedfamilyornot
[
07/
19,
08:
46] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#34

Onebyonepeoplelefthergr
ave.Il
ookedatthe
soi
lthatwascover
inghersweetbody.I
twasso
wetandfert
il
eitwasifshewasgetti
ngplant
ed.
Shewasgonebutnev erfor
gott
en.

"Guguweneedtobest r
ongf
orourfamil
i
es.I
t'
s
noteasy(
cry
ing)butIknowt
hatevery
thi
ng
happensf
orareason."

"Zi
nzii
t'
snoteasy.Iwi
shIwasst r
ongli
keBusi
andyoubutIam not.I
t'
shardforme.She
cal
ledme(sobbing)uhifonl
yshehadnotgone
toSandtonwewer enev ergoi
ngtobehere.I
hat
ehowl if
ehast ur nedouttobe.Iam not
hing
wit
houtMaweZi nzi"myey esmovedtoBusi
shelookedbroken.

Shewasshakinghercheat i
ngbastardof
husbandwashuggi ngher.Ihat
edhi m
wholehear
tedl
yformakingmysi sterrai
sehi
s
bastar
ds.Busineverbel
ievedinhersel
f
anymore.Shelookedli
keazombi e
"Shei
snotcopi
ngGugu,lookathercondi
ti
on.I
hatethi
s,Godi
ssur
elygoingt
obeoursour ce
ofstr
ength"

"
Whati
sthatmandoi
ngher
e?"

"RespectBusi
'
shusbandl
ove.Mawecouldhav
e
shoutedyou,youl
ousygi
rl
"welaughedabi
t
andIst
art
edcr
ying.

Shehuggedme,
webot
hcr
ied.Ouraunt
scame
tous
"
Let
'sgobackhomemydaught
ers"

"Godgi
vesGodt
akesmydaught
ersl
et'
sgo
backhome"

Iwasi napl aceofdesol ati

on.Inalocat i
onof
dest r
uction.Herbeaut if
ul facehadscar s,her
greyhai rwasni celycombedi tbr
ight
enedher
facewhi chhadgot t
endar k.Whydidn'
tGod
takemei nsteadofher ?HowwasIgoi ngt o
wal kthi
sj ourneyal onewi t
houtmypi l
larof
strength,mysour ceofjoyandhappi ness.Fr esh
hott earsdescendedonmycheeks.Ibl inked
twicet r
yingtor efrainmy selff
rom cr
ying.She
wasawar ri
or,
al eaderwhor emai nedstrong
thr
oughallt
heobst acl
esthatthrewather .
Wher ewasIgoingtostartwalkingt hi
sjourney
ofli
fe?Shehadbeenmyev ery
thingIleanedon
her,
Iwasdependi ngonher.

Hehel
dmywai
stwi
thhi
sst
ronghands

"Ihaveneverbeeninyoursituati
onMaNdaba.I
don'tknowhowy oufeelbutpleasedon'tshut
meout .Iwanttocarr
yy ourpainwithyou.Cry
withmeshoutscr eam Iam hereforyou.Ify
ou
arehurti
ngIalsogethurt.Letmecar ryyour
painhoneybear"

"
BabyImissher,seeingheri
nthatcasketki
l
led
me(sobbi
ng)theyburiedher
.Whydidsheleave
me?Whycouldn'tshetakeme..
"heshutmeup
wi
thhisfi
nger
"Don'ty
ouev ersayt
hatagai
n.Doyouwantt
o
l
eav eSiyaal
one?Doy ouwanttol
eaveme
alone?"

"NobabyIam hur
tmylov
e.Thanky
ouf
orbei
ng
her
eformeIloveyouManget
he"

"
Ilov
eyoumor
ebaby
"Myuncl
escal
l
edhi
m.

Iwentt
otheki
tchen,

Peoplewerebusycookingandtalki
ng,whywas
i
tsoeasyf orthem tot
alkandl
augh.Noneof
them werefeeli
ngthepaint
hatwaspenetr
ati
ng
thedepthsofmysoul .
Icoul
dn'teatmyappet
it
ehaddi
edt
heday
Mawel eft.Busi
wal
kedinwi
tht
hebowl
that
hadporri
dge
"MaNdabaherei
ssomepor
ridgeyouhav
en'
t
eat
enanythi
ngsi
nceMaweleft"

"
Idon'
tfeell
i
keeat
ingBusi
Iam f
inepl
easeput
i
tonthetabl
e"

"Doyouwantmetofeedyout
hewayt hatI
usedtof
eedyouwhenwewerey oung?Nana
comeandsitonmylap"Ismi
led

"
Youaregoi
ngcrazynownt
ombi
kaNdaba"she
l
aughedweakl
y

"Ehheniy
oudri
vemecrazynowdomeafav
our
andeat.Thel
astt
hingt
hatMawewoul
dwanti
s
f
ory
out
ost
arv
e"

"
Thanky
oudade"

"
Don'
tthankmei
t'
smydut
yMaNdaba"

Itooktheporr
idgeandstart
edeating,
my
stomachcompl ai
ned.Ihadtof
orcemy sel
fto
fi
nishthewholebowl.Thandowalkedinwit
h
hereyesful
loftears

"
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hatMawei
snomor
eGugu"

"
Sameher
eThandoIhaveal
readylosthope.I
f
eell
i
keIwasmadetosuff
erinthi
slif
etime"

"
Don'
tsayt
hatMaNdaba.Youknowt
hatmy
mom isfondofy
ou.Youcanalwaystal
ktoher
whenyouneedamot her
"shestoodupand
hugged

"
Thanky
ouf
orbei
ngher
eformeThando"

"St
opsmoki ngweedsi ncewhendowet hank
eachother
"webot hlaughedthroughtear
s.
Thandohadbeensuppor t
ivet
ome.Shewasn' t
j
ustli
keanyot herf
ri
endbutshewasmysi st
er.
Theyleftt
hefoll
owingdayaf t
erhelpi
ngusso
much

Trut
hbetoldi
nthesepastdaysIhadneglected
myfamil
y.Siy
aandDumi wereleavi
ngthev ery
sameaft
ernoon.
Makheswacameandhuggedme
"MaNdabaIam hur tbyt hedeat hofMawe.
Don'teverfeelnegl ectedIwi l
lalway sbey our
shouldertocry .Ipromi setobeher eforyou
whenev eryouneedsomeonet ot alkto.Ishal
l
bey ourguardian.Lal el
aGuguImi ghthavenot
givenbirt
ht oyoubutIpr omi setohol dyouuntil
theend, whenev ery ouneedst rength.Youwi l
l
l
ieonmyl apandt ellmeev erythingthat
burdensy ou.Iam notonl ytheper sonwhogav e
bir
tht oyourhusbandbutIam al soy our
mot her.
"Ihuggedhercr yi
ng

"Thanky ouMaf orever

ythi
ng, pleasetakecar
e
ofSiyaformeMa.Dumi wi
llshowy ou
everyt
hingheneeds.Ican'tseemysonwhenI
am li
ket hi
s.Ihopeyouunder standMa. "

"
Iwi
l
l dothatmydaughter
.Wewi l
ll
eavewhen
y
ouretur
ntoyourhouse.Fornowit'
sgoi
ngto
beusrunni
ngy
ourhouseandwast
ingy
our
food"

Isli
ght
lyl
aughedhersenseofhumourwasst
il
l
ther
e
"
Pleaset
hankBabaf
orme.Hi
m bei
ngher
e
meantalott
ome"
"
Iwi
l
lMakot
i"

Vumani
andhi
swi
fecamet
ous

"Best rongMaNdabat heway softheLor dare

greaterthanourway s.Heknowsev erythi
ng
thathappensi nourdiff
erentseasonsoflif
e.Do
notquest ionthedoi
ngsoft heLord.Thereisa
reasonwhysucht hi
ngshappen.Best rongand
courageousi ntheLord.Letyourheartnotbe
troubledtrustint
heLordal ways"
"
Thanky
oubhut
i"MakaZuz
ihuggedme

"
Sisi
Godknowsev er
y t
hinghewi
llcomforty
ou.
Noamountofwordscandot hat
.TrustGod
wi
thever
ythi
ngt
haty ouare"

"Thankyouverymuchf
orsupport
ingme.May
thegoodLordprot
ecty
ouasy ouret
urnbackt
o
Johannesbur
g"

t
heyhuggedmeandwentt
othei
rcarSi
ya
camet
omer
unni
ng
"
Mommy
"

"
Yesmyboy
"
"
Whenar
eyoucomi
nghome?
"

"Nextweekmylov
e,pl
easer
espectgr
anny
she'
sgoingt
otakecar
eofyou"

"Iwi
ll
missyoumommy .Pl
easecomeback
soon"Iki
ssedhi
sfor
eheadandhuggedhim

"
Byemommy
"

"
Mommyl
ovesy
oupumpki
n.Mysoul
mat
e"
"
Ilov
eyout
oo"
.Heki
ssedme

Iwentt
oDumi

"
Dri
vesaf
eBabakhepl
easedon'
tov
erspeedI
don'
twantt
olosey
ouguy
s"hegav
emeal
ong
wetki
ss

"Iwil
lnev erev erputourl
iv
esatriskbecause
youar ether easonIwanttowakeupal ive
everyday.Babydon' toverthi
nkabout
everythi
ngt hathappened.Mawei sinabetter
placenowandshei swatchingoverus.Shewil
l
beourguar dianangel"

"
Youspeaksensewheny
ouar
eser
ious"he
l
aughedandki
ssedme

"
Ilov
eyouseey
ousoon"

"Il
ovey oumoreZwane"Iescor
tedhi
mtohi
s
car.Theywavedgoodbye.
Wehadshav
edourhai
r.
West ayedemakhay aforaboutthreedays.Ilef
t
withZinziandherhusband.Icouldn'tst
and
NhlakaniphowhoisBusi '
shusbandheonce
madeamov eonme.Si ncethenIhavebeen
disgustedbyhissight
.ItoldThando,Thando
saidbrothersi
nlawdot hatever
ynowandt hen
i
t'
sanor m

Iwassl
eepi
ngal
lthewayt
o

Johannesburg.Iwasn'tpl
anningtogot omy
house.Ineededtopickupmy selfbefor
eIface
Siy
a.Thelastthi
ngIwant edwast olookbroken
i
nf r
ontofhim.Amot herhastopr et
endt obe
str
onginfrontofherkidssothattheycannot
getaff
ected.
"
MaNdabashoul
dwet
akey
ouhome?
"

"
Takemet
oSowet
oZi
nzi
"

"ButGuguther
ei snoonet
her
e.Howar
eyou
goingtocopealone?
"

"
Sbari
pleasel
eav
emei nDobsonvi
l
leyourwife
i
str
oubli
ngme.Ineedpeace"weal
llaughed

"Zi
nzil
eaveGugualonepl
ease.Lethergett
he
peacesheneeds.
"

"okGuguwewill
dropyouthere.Babypl
ease
swi
tchof
fthi
sfanit
'snowcold"

"
Zinzi
it'
shotawumekancane"
.Ishout
ed
"
Yoursi
steri
sgett
ingoldGugu.(
Switchi
ngof
f
t
hefan)il
oveherascrazyassheis"

"Gumedeyouwillgety
ourpuni
shmentwhenwe
gethome"Ilaughedatthem

Theypar
kedout
sidet
hegat
e

"Youtwolovebirdsl
etmelov
eandl eaveyou.
Zinzi
pleasedon'tt
ell
any
onethatIam backI
needselfheal
ing"

"
OkGugul
ethuwewi
l
lkeepi
ntouch"

"
ByeSbarical
lmei
fthi
scr
azywomanabuses
y
ou"helaughed
"
Mostdef
ini
tel
ysi
siwakhe"

Iwal
kedi
nsi
deoury
ard.I
twasst
il
lthesame.
Thehousewashal fempty.Iopenedher
bedroom i
thadherscent.Icoul
dstil
lhearher
l
aughsthatusedtoechoi nthi
sverysame
place.I
thitmehomet hatIwasn'tevergoi
ngto
seeheragain.Iwasn'
tgoingtoannoyherever
again
Ideci
dedt
owearherdr
ess
I
twasgoingtoremindmeofherf
orev
er.Isl
ept
onherbed.Ther
ewasnofoodsoIwasgoing
tobuyt
hef ol
l
owingday
.

Thenextmorni
ngIwokeupat11,
ifonl
yshe
wasaroundshecoul
dhavecal
l
edmenames
Iwentt
oMaponyamal
landgotmygr
ocer
y.I
hadmycar
dwithme.

WhenIgotbackhomeIunpackedandst
art
ed
cooki
ng.
Aft
ercookingIdi
shedsomef oodformysel
f.
Therewasaknockont hedoor.Idr
agged
myselfof
ffrom t
hebed.Iwaswear i
ngmy
shor
tsandshirt
.
Igottheshockofmyli
fe.I
twasLizwiIwasn'
t
expecti
nghimtovi
sitme.Hishazel
eyes
pier
ceddir
ectl
ytomypupil
s

"
MaNdaba"

"
Mhlongo(Looki
ngateachot
her
)geti
nsi
de
wher
earemymanners?"
Ihadr
anoutofwor
ds
Hewalkedi
nwi
thhi
shandsinsi
dehi
spocket
s.
Idi
rect
edhi
mtosi
tonthecouch
"Iam sosorryaboutthedeat
hofMawe.Iknow
thatGodwillbeyourcomfort
"hi
sey
eswere
bloodshotr
ed

"Iwil
lbefine(sobbi
ng)Ihopethi
stooshall
passMhl ongo"hehuggedme.Hesmel ledso
nice.If
elthi
sdicktwit
chingherel
easedme
from hi
sembr ace.

"
Pleasemakemet
ea"Il
aughedst
andi
ngup
"
Icookedl
etmedi
shupf
ory
ou"

"
Thanky
ou"
Iqui
ckl
ydi
shedupf
orhi
m.Hewi
pedhi
shand
andate
"
Iam st
il
lmarki
ngwell
Igi
veyoua100"I
l
aughedi
tremindedmeoft
hegoodol
dti
mes.
"
Youusedt
osayt
hatbacki
ntheday
s"
Hi
ssmi
l
edi
sappear
ed

"Youknowt hedayy
oubr
okemyhear
tIwr
otea
poem"Ilaughed

"Youandpoet
rythatmeansIhaddonea
numberonyourheart
"hecoughedali
tt
le

"Iwi
llst
artnow..Farawayi nanunkownpl ace
tome,beyondthehorizonsoft houghts.Where
ther
eisalimitofunderstandingItryhardt
o
smil
e.Tohidet hepainthatIam feeli
ng.Hidden
bymyf l
eshandhi ddenwi t
hin.Willt
hesweet
thi
ngsweshar edi
sappearasli
feopennew
chapt
ersleavi
ngtheoldonestoperi
sh.Wi
llyou
for
evercarr
ymei nyourspi
ri
tandsoul.Wi
lly
ou
rememberthedayswespentt oget
her"

Iwasacryi
ngmess.Hepickedmeup.Hisli
ps
l
andedonmine.Hi
shandmov edinsi
demyshir
t.
Ihadnobr
aunderneat
hhegrabbedmybreasts
"
Gugupl
easet
ell
met ost
op.Tel
lmet
hatwhat
wear
edoingi
swrong"

Ij
ustmoanedhemademef eelgood.Ipushed
hi
m andwenttolockthedoor
.ThelastthingI
wantedwasforpeopl
etowalkinonus.He
ki
ssedmytempleIsmi l
ed
"
Youar
est
il
lbeaut
if
ulGugu"Iwhi
sper
ed

"
Thanky
ou"
Idi
rect
edhi
mtomyr
oom
hecarri
edmet omyr oom.Heremov edmy
shor
ts.Ili
ft
edmywai stgi
vi
nghim accesstodo
whathewant edt odowithme.Iwasnownaked
.Iwassowetf orhim.Iwantedhimt odo
whateverhewant edtodo.Hefinger
swer e
ci
rcl
i
ngmyni pples.Hist
eethwereteasi
ngmy
ni
pples.

"Guguy ouaresosexydamny ouwere

supposedt obemine"histonguewentint
omy
cookiewhichwasleakinghemuf f
edmeIcame
twice.Isatontopofhi
sf aceandrodehis
tongue

"YoutastesogoodGugu"Igotoffhi
m.He
remov edhi
sclot
hesandheldhi
st hi
ckl
ight
skinnedcock.Hedi
rect
editint
omycookie
"
OuchohdamnLi
zwi
you..Damn"

"Guguopeny oureyes"mybodywasbowi ng
downt ohiscommands.Hewasmov i
ngina
slowr hyt
hm fill
i
ngmeupwi theachandevery
stroke.Tearswer ecomingoutfrom myeyes.
Thiswasasweetsi ndamn.Wechanged
positi
onsandwentf orthedogstyl
e.Herode
meunt i
lIcouldn'
tfeelmylegs.Hehada
staminaf ordays
[
07/
19,
08:
46] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#33

Sindi
sopul
ledSenzobyhisshi
rt
.Hegotv
ery
angryandstar
tedfi
ght
inghim

"
SenzoIam war
ningy
ou,
youknowwhatIwi
l
l
dotoy
ourst
ubbornassnowmovei
t"he
cal
meddownfol
lowi
ngSindi
so

"Si
ndi
sowhatwil
lmydaught
ersaywhenshe
seesyoupul
l
ingmeli
keadog"

Sindisol
ookedathi
mthi
nki
ngdeepl
ybef
ore
l
etti
nghim go

"Okl
et'
sgof
urt
her
"theywal
kedawayf
rom
ever
yone

"What'
swr
ongSindi
so?Uhkwenzenjani
?
Awuzwaninokut
hul
a(what
'
shappening?You
aret
heenemyofpeace)
"Sindi
soshookhis
head
"Ishouldbetheoneaski ngyouthatquesti
on.
Youwer enotsupposedt obeher eIdidyoua
favourbyinvit
ingyouevenifeveryonewas
againstit.Itoldt
hem thatyouwer eachanged
personbuty ouprovedthem ri
ght.Whydidyou
hitthatboy?Imagineusingagun"

"Iwasj
ustpl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
m af
terhesl
appedmy
daught
er"

"Youcan'
tplaywi thachil
dusingagunand
expectevery
onet obeokwi t
hi t
.Itdoesn'twork
l
ikethatManget he.Thati
syourbr other
'sson
youhavet otreathimli
keyourown. "Senzo
noddedlookingaway

"
Ihearyoubaf
o,pl
easeapol
ogi
set
oGuguon
mybehalf
"
"WhataboutDumi
?Youneedt
oapol
ogi
set
o
himtoo"

"
Mhmm"

"Senzodon'ttell
methatyouaresti
ll
ont hat
phaseofwant ingGugu.Youbett
erdestroyt
hat
factuat
ion"herubbedhistear
yeyesbit
inghis
l
owerl i
p

"Ican'tgetoverher
,Isti
l
lfeelgui
lt
yabout
rapingher.Itwasn'
tmyintenti
ontohurther
,her
tearyeyes,herscreamsIswearIst i
l
lsee
everythi
ngwhenIsl eepatnight
.Iam monster
Sindiso"Sindi
sorubbedhisback

"
Youneedt
ofor
giv
eyour
sel
fisn'
ti
tthaty
ougot
yourpunishmentinj
ail
?(Senzonodded)Gugu
canneverbey our
s.Concentr
ateonyourfami
ly
andforgetabouther
"

"
Mhm Iheary
ou"

"Thatisyourbr
other
'swi
fe,
youneedt
o
apologiset
oDumi "

"
Iwil
lgoandgetmydaught
erIdon'
twantt
obe
i
nthesamespaceasGugu"

"
Stayawayf
rom hershe'
sof
fli
mit
s"
"
Ehhe"

Theywal
kedbacki
ntot
hehouse.
Senzol
ovedGugu,
hehadl
ovedhert
hev
ery
fi
rstdayhesawher.Tohim hewasn'tlikeany
otherwomenhehadev erbeenwith.Hel oved
herstr
ongcharact
erandherbluntness.Her
darkski
n,shewasat r
uedefini
ti
onofmel ani
n.
Senzoapol
ogi
sedtohi
sparent
sandal
sot
o
Dumi whowasfumi
ngwit
hanger.

Mawewascomf or
ti
ngmeIhat edhowSenzo
usedtogetawaywithever
ythi
ngbecausehe
wasfamil
y.Siyahadalr
eadygonetobed.

"
Guguy oudon'thavetober udeinfr
ontofyour
i
nlaws.Youneedt orespectthem t
heywil
lthi
nk
t
hatIdidn'
trai
sey ouwell"

"Maweyoualwayscar
eaboutwhatpeopl
ethi
nk
abouty
ou.WhatabouthowIfeel
?Whatabout
myhappiness?"
"Atsomepoi nty
ouneedt oputotherpeople'
s
needsf i
rst
.Wheny oubecomeselfi
shwi t
hy our
happinessyouwill
regreti
ntheend"

"Iam pr
oudlysel
fi
shMaweandIwi l
lnot
changeforanybody"MaKheswawal
kedinand
satonthecouch

"
GuguSenzoi
sapol
ogi
singf
orhi
sbehav
iour
"

"Wherei
she?sot hatIcanf
ini
shhi
m off
uyadel
elauSenzohedoesn'
tseeme"she
l
aughed

"MaNgcoboyouknowyourdaught
eri
sstrai
ght
andf or
wardshecal
l
saspadeaspade.Ihave
neverseenaper
sonthi
sblunt"weal
ll
aughed
"MaIam notbady ouar enowexaggerating,I
am sosorrythatSenzoruinedourparty
.You
shouldchangehisnamet oNkat hazoheis
probl
ematicnotalit
tlebutveryprobl
emat i
c
yaziheisatroubl
esomeper son"

"Kahl
eMaNdabathati
smysony
ouar
etal
ki
ng
about"Mawegi
ggl
ed

"
Bot
hofy ouaredr
amat
ic.Goandsl
eepwi
th
y
ourhusbands"

"
ChaMaNgcoboIam sl
eepi
ngwithy
out
oday
.
Guguwear
egoingt
oourroom now"

"Iam al
sosl
eepi
ngwi
thy
ou,
Iknowy
ouwantt
o
gossi
p"
"
HeywenaGuguol dpeopledon'tgossi
pt hey
t
alk.Tel
lherMaKheswathisdaughteri
nlawof
y
our sneedspr
ayer
"

"HhayikeMaNgcobopray
ersfai
l
edangi thishe
goestochurchthi
soneneedsatradit
ional
healer
"theywentt
oMawe'sroom laughing.

Every onehadal readyleftther

ewasal otof
plateslyingont hegr oundoutside.Icarr
iedal
l
thedi rt
ydishesi nsidethehouse.Allt
hese
glassesandpl at
esneededt obewashed, I
startedwashi ngt hem around9andIf ini
shed
around12.

WhenIgoti
nsi
det
hebl
anket
sDumi
pul
l
edme
cl
oser
"
Ilov
eyouGugu"

"
Gobackt
osl
eepZwane"

"
Okgoodni
ght
"heki
ssedmybackandsl
ept
.

Iwokeuplatethef
oll
owingmor
ning.God
knowsthatIwasti
red.

Myt
wof
avour
it
eladi
eswer
eeat
ing

"Bei
ngalandlordisnice,
youwakeupl at
eWhen
yourmaidshav eal
readycleanedyourdir
ty
house"Mawel aughedatany t
hingthatwas
spokenbyMaKheswat oherMaKheswawasa
comedian
"Thesamelandlor
dwashedalldi
shesthatwere
plent
yanddir
ty.Sheall
owedthetwomaidsto
sleepi
nherhousewithoutdoi
ngthechores"

Theyalll
aughedandcont
inuedhav
ingt
hei
r
breakf
ast.

IwalkedtoDumi hewaswear i
nghisshort
sthat
wereshowinghissexybody.Iswall
owedthe
l
umpt hatwasonmyt hroatDumi dr
oveme
cr
azyIwasf al
l
inghardforhim ev
eryday

"Backt
oEar
thMaNdaba"Igi
ggl
edshy
lyl
ooki
ng
away

"St
oplooki
ngatmeDumi .Iam goingt
ochur
ch
Ihopeyouwil
ltakecar
eofeveryone"
"
Babycomeonyouwil
lgonextweek.Ev
ery
one
i
ssti
l
lher
e whatwi
ll
mypar ent
ssay"

"Okletmest
artpr
epar
ingt
hebr
unch"he
grabbedmyass

"
Dumistopt
her
ear eel
ders"myey
esmov
edt
o
Maweshewaspissedoff
.

Wespentthewholedayt al
ki
ngandlaughi
ng.
Makheswawasv erytal
kati
veBab'
Zwanewas
enj
oyi
ngallherst
ories.

Mondaycameourpar
ent
slef
t.

"
Whenev
erIhav
etol
eav
emyhear
tbr
eaks"
"St
opcryi
ngMaIwi l
lvi
sity
ounextmont
hifI
am st
il
lunempl
oyed"

"OkMaNdaba,
letmego"Iwav
edatBab'
Zwane
hesmil
edatme

"
Makot
iwehopet
oseey
ousoon"

"
Trav
elsaf
eIwi
l
lvi
sity
oui
nmont
h'st
ime"

Amont
hpassedIhadbeenappl
yi
ngalloverf
or
aj
obnoneoft
hecompanieswer
eresponding

Dumi
camebackf
rom wor
kear
li
er

"
Babyy
oul
ookt
ir
ed"
"Iam t
ir
edDuminoneofthecompani
esare
call
i
ngme.Ifeel
li
kegi
vingupMangethe"

"Theywil
lcal
lyouj
ustbepat
ient
.Whatar
eyou
cookingt
oday?"

"
Iam notcooki
ng,Ij
ustwanttosleepI
'
m not
f
eel
ingok"hekissedmyforehead

"
Iwi
l
lor
dert
akeaway
sforus"

IwenttosleepDumi wokemeupar oundei

ght.
Weatei nsil
enceaf
terdinnerIdeci
dedtobreak
thesi
lence

"
Wher
eisSi
ya?"
"Heisal
readysleepi
ng,babydon'tworr
yIt
ake
car
eofy ouright?Youalsosel
ljustbeahouse
wif
e"

"Iam notwi
ll
ingtobethekeptwi
fe.Ineedmy
ownindependencelov
e"

"I
t'
snotlikey
ouar
egoingtobet
heunkeptwi
fe.
Iwil
ltakecar
eofyoubaby
"

"Il
oveyoubaby,butdon'
tmakemechoose
betweenmyindependenceandy
ou"

"
OkMaNdaba"Iwentbackt
obed.

Day
swer
emov
ingv
eryf
astmyhopeoff
indi
ng
aj
obwassl
owl
ydepr
eci
ati
ng

Iwokeupar
ound9ev
ery
onehadal
readyl
eft
Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Mawe

"
MaNdabahowar
eyou?"

"
Iam goodandy
ouMawe?
"

"
Ijustwantedtotel
lyout
hatIlov
eyou
wholehear
tedl
y.Ihopemyteachi
ngswer
enot
i
nv ai
n"Ilaughed

"
Wher
ear
eyouMawe?
"

"
Iam goi
ngt
oSandt
onIneedt
odel
i
ver
somet
hingst
oMr
sVi
ctor
ia"

"
Pleasecomebackherewheny
ouar
edone,
I
wi
lldri
veyoubackhome"

"
Ilov
eyouMaNdaba"

"
Ilov
eyoumor
eMawe"

Dumi
camebackhomear
oundt
hree.

"
Manget
hewhyar
eyoubackhomet
ooear
ly?"

"
Wef
ini
shedear
ly"myphoner
angi
twasBusi
"Dadehowar eyou?(Laughi
ng)wondersshall
neverend.TodayIrecei
vedacall
from you"
"
Stopwi
thyourcr
azi
nessGugu(
Laughi
ng)i
s
Dumiar
ound?"

"Yeshei
snextt
ome,
doy
ouwantt
otal
kto
him"

"
Nomydear
,Ij
ustwant
edt
otel
lyout
hatMawe
i
snomor
e"Il
aughed

"
Arey
ouj
oki
ng?I
t'
snott
hef
ir
stofApr
il
"

"Shediedonherwayt ot
hehospitalaf
tershe
gotint
oanacci dent
"Idroppedmyphone.I
didn'
twanttobeli
evehernonsense

"
Dumi
.
...
"myv
isi
ondar
kened
Iwokeupinahospit
almyhear
twasn'
tst
rong
enought
ohandl
et henews

"
Dumi
isi
ttr
ue"t
hedoct
orwal
kedi
n

"
MrsZwanehowar
eyou?
"

"
Idon'
tknow"hel
ookedatmesadl
y

"Youhaveahear
tpr
obl
em t
ryandnotget
str
essed"
Icoul
dn'
theart
henonsensehewast
ell
i
ngme

Hegav emesomemedi
cati
ons.Il
eftt
he
hospi
talt
hefol
l
owi
ngday.
"
Gugu"

"Pl
easedon'
ttal
ktomeDumi
takemet
o
SowetoIneedmymom"

"Guguwewil
lgotoSowet
owehav
etogot
o
ourhousef
ir
st"

"Nodon'
tmakemechangemymindabout
get
ti
ngalif
tfr
om y
ou,takemet
oSoweto"

Thedr
ivewaslongandsi
lent
.Whenwegot
homeIjumpedofft
hecarandrant
othehouse

Mysi
ster
swer
ecr
ying
"Zi
nziwherei
sMawe?(
Cry
ing)Busi
wher
eis
she?Ineedmymommy"

Myaunt
swer
ecr
yingi
nthei
rcor
ner
.

"Shedied,Ican'
tbel
i
evethis.
.wear enow
orphans"Zi
nzicri
edmore.Busihuggedus

"
Iwi
l
lal
way
sbeher
efory
ou"

"I
t'
snott hesameBusi whyisGodpuni shi
ngus
thi
smuch?Coul ditbethesinsofour
ancestors.Thesinsofourf orefat
her
s.Iwantto
dietoo"Icriedmyhear trat
est art
edi
ncreasi
ng
i
twasbecomi nghardformet ocontr
ol t
he
pace
"
Dumihurryupandhelpus.Wecan'
tl
oseGugu
t
oo"If
elthisst
ronghandtouchi
ngmycheek

"Gugu..breathbabypl ease.Doyouwantt o
l
eav eSiyaalone?Doy ouwanttoleaveme
alone?Openy oureyesbaby "It
ri
edopeningmy
eyesbutIwasf ai
li
ng.Busigavemewat er.I
wasnowenv elopedinDumi '
sembrace.

Accept i
ngherdeat hwashar dforme, myheart
keptont ell
ingmet hati twasapr ank.Days
wer egoi ngsl owl y.Myuncl escame.Peopl e
wer est ealingf oodandourpr operty.Noneof
ushadt hest rengthtof ight.Foodusedt o
disappearwi thoutat race.Idon' trememberthe
l
astt imeIhadagoodsl eep.Wedr oveto
Est court.Iwasl ostinmyownt houghts.My
mi ndcoul dn'tregisterall t
heev entsthat
occur red.Herl astcall meantgoodby e.They
saypeopl
eknowwheni
tist
hei
rti
met
odi
e
Mawef el
tit
.
Whenwegothomeourr elat
iveshadal
ready
st
art
edwitht
henightvi
gil
.Makheswaand
Bab'
Zwanewerewithus.Dumi wasbal
ancing
mesincet
hepowerofmi newasnomor e.

Myheartwasthr
obbingwi t
hpai
n.Thewounds
ofmysoulwereresurr
ected.Mysoulwas
scar
red.Mawehadbet r
ayedme.Shehadlef
t
meintheworl
dfullofevil
.

Peopl
esangt
hewhol
eni
ght
.

Ourcommunit
ywasver
ysuppor
ti
vebutmost
oft
hem wer
ether
eforf
reef
ood.

Mysi
ster
sandIwer
ecr
yingsomucht
hatwe
fai
l
edt osayourgoodby
es.Shewast
heonl
y
personwhotreat
eduswithlov
e.
"
Dumi t
hisf
eel
slikeadream"hi
sbody
t
ight
enedagai
nstmine

"
Pleasedon'
tbr
eakdown"

"Idon'
thav
epar ent
sDumi..NowMawei sgone
whatam Iwit
houther"Ij
ustknel
tdowncryi
ng.
Therewasnolightint
heendofthetunnel
.God
hadtakenmyshi el
dandmyhappiness.My
eyeswenttoDumi

"Thi
sfeel
slikeadream Dumi.Thewhole
scenar
iofeelsunr
eal.Babyam Ihal
l
uci
nat
ing"

"
YouarenotNdaba"
..t
heyst
art
eddi
ggi
nga
whol
e.Theycar
ri
edherastheywer
eaboutt
o
putherinsi
det
hegrav
eIf
reedmy
sel
ffrom
Dumi r
unningt
othemenwhower
ecarr
y i
ngher

"Mamawakeuppl ease,whenev
eryonerej
ect
ed
usyoulovedus.(Screaming)Maweplease
wakeupBandl aGodi fyouar
eali
veshowme
yourmir
acles.LazarusRoseupfr
om thedead
doitf
orMawe"Dumi pi
ckedmeupcr y
ing.
Ashest
oAshes
Dustt
oDust
Soi
lwast
hrownont
opofhercasket
.
Shewasaqueenmywar
ri
or.Hersoul
rest
edi
n
peace

If
li
nchedwhenIsawt
hem bur
yingher
Shewasgonebutnev
erf
orgot
ten
[
07/
19,
08:
46] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE
#35

Iwokeupf eel
ingabitt
iredandsti
llwanti
ng
moreofLizwi.Il
ookedathim sl
eepingso
peaceful
l
yandmycl itj
ustdanced.Hereall
y
wasahandsomeman.Ineededmor eofhim
becausedamnher eall
yknowshowt oputit
down.

“
Lizwi
.”It
ri
edwaki
nghi
m up

“
Hmmm.
”

“
Vuka.
”

“
I’
m st
il
lsl
eepi
ng.
”
“
Kant
iwhydi
dyoucomeher
e?”

“
Tocomf
orty
ou.
”

“
Youcal
lthi
scomf
ort
ingme?
”

“
Whatdoy
ouwantGugu?
”

“Iwouldntwanttocarr
yguil
twithi
nmeover
somethingthatIdi
dntevenenj
oyHaai
just
wakeup”
Hel
aughed

“I
bambeizov
uka(
hol
ditIwillgethard.
”Il
icked
myli
ps.Mycooki
ewasr eadyforhim,Iwanted
hi
mt omakemefeelgood.Iputmyhandi n
betweenhisthi
ghsmyf i
ngersmov edt
ohis
crot
ch,Istar
tedst
roki
nghisdick,
hemoanedas
hegrewinmyhand.Thi sl
ightski
nnedguywas
real
lygi
fted.

“
AhhGugushi
t.
”
Hi
sey
eshadgot
tensmal
l

“
Ineedy
ouLi
zwi
.”

Hegotont opofmeandki ssedme.Hi s

er
ectionwaspr essedagai nstmybar ecookie.
Hemov eddownt omyneckandsuckedoni t,
myjuiceswer ef l
owi ngfreely.Hewas
massagi ngmybr eastsandIwasamoani ng
mess.Hef l
i
ckedhi st ongueonmyni ppl
eandI
l
ostit,t
hepl easureIwasexper i
enci
ngwasso
i
ntense.
“
Lizwi
please.
”

“Whatdoyouwantbaby
?”Heaskedwi
thmy
ni
pplest
il
li
nhismouth.

“
Iwanty
oui
nsi
de.
”

“
Youwantmebur
ieddeepi
nsi
dey
ou?
”

“Pl
ease.
”Hemov edspr
eadingki
ssestomy
tor
so.Heposi
ti
onedhismanhoodonmy
entr
anceandslowl
ypushedhimsel
fin.
“
AhhhhhhhLi
zwi
.”

“
Shi
tGuguy
oufeelsogood.”Hestar
ted
mov
ingi
nandouthit
ti
ngtheri
ghtspotwit
h
eachstroke.Hesuckedmyni ppl
esdrivi
ngme
crazi
er.Ididn’tknowwhatt odowi thmy self
,I
washol dingont ohimf ordearli
fe.Hestarted
mov i
ngf asterandt hesoundsofourmoans
andourski nagai nsteachotherfi
ll
edther oom.
Icameapar tandhekeptgoi ng.“Shhi
ii
it
.”He
rel
easedt henf eelontopofme.West ayedlike
thatunti
l wegotourbr eathi
ngundercont rol.
“
You’
regonnaki
l
lmey
azi
Lizwi
.”

“Noy
ou’r
egonnaki
l
lmemaNdaba,
youar
ethe
onet
hatwokemeup.”

“
Hai
suka.
”

“
IwantmoreofyouGugu.
”Hepushedhi
sfi
nger
i
nandstar
tedworki
ngme.
“AhhLi zwi l
et ’
sgobat hf ir
st.”Wewentt othe
bathroom andgoti ntot heshower .Hest art
ed
massagi ngmybr east sbutIwant edt omake
himf eel good.Idr oppedonmykneesandt ook
himi nmymout h.If l
ickedmyt onguear ound
histipandhel etoutasoundt hatIdidn’t
under stand.Itriedtot akeal lofhi mi nmy
mout hbutIcoul dn’t,hewast oobi g.Ikepton
suckinghi m andst r
oki nghi m upanddown.I
wasal t
ernatingbet weensucki nghi scockand
ball
s.Hehel dmyheadt ightl
yandmademe
mov ef aster.Hel etoutagr owl asheshothi s
l
oaddownmyt hroat.Hepul ledmeupand
smashedhi sl i
psonmi ne.Het ur
nedmear ound
mademeputmyhandsont hewal lthenpar ted
myl egs.Her ammedi ntomeandIf eltair
l
eav i
ngmybody .Hewasr oughandIl ikedit.He
pinchedmyni pplesashewaski ssingmyneck.
Hepul l
edout ,pickedmeupandputmeagai nst
thewal l.Hei nsertedhi msel fandst art
ed
mov ingsl owly,heki ssedmeandourt ongues
dancedwi
theachot
her
.Hestart
edpi
cki
ngup
hi
spaceandIfel
tmybodyshakeasawavehi
t
me.
“
AhhhhhmaNdabay
ourpussy
.”

“HarderLizwi.
”Hekeptgoingataf astpace
unti
lher el
eased.Hekissedmet henputme
downandbat hedme.Wegotout ,
dried
ourselv
est henheadedbacktobed.Hepul l
ed
mecl oseandki ssedmyforehead.
“
Thanky
ouf
ort
hismaNdaba.
”

“
Thanky
ouMhl
ongo.
”

Hesleptov
erIwaswokenupbyhi
mthe
f
oll
owingmorni
ng
"
Goodmor
ningnkosazana"
"Whyar eyoubeingfor
mal ?
Iam notaqueen.I
didn'tknowthatyouweregoodi
nbed"he
grinned

"Wheny ousawmey ousawachur

chboywho
didn'
tknowanyt
hing"Il
aughed

"
Nonotreall
yIhadneverthoughtt
hatf
ar.Why
i
syourwif
egi v
ingbir
thl
ikeababymaking
machi
ne?"Helaughed

"Iknowhowt odomyj ob.Ify

ouwerewi thme
youcouldhav ebeenhav ingt
enchil
drenwho
havemysexyl ipsandt heyweregoi
ngt ohav
e
yourbluntcharact
er"Il
aughed
"
Youar
ecr
azy
"
"Wecoul
dhavebeengoi
ngtochur
chtoget
her
andyouwouldputy
ourmakeupwhenweare
dri
vi
ngmanjewebothmessedup"

"
Yeswedi
dmessup"

"
Ibl
amemy
sel
ffornotf
orci
ngy
out
ogowi
th
me"

"
It
'st
hepastt
hatneedst
obebur
ied"

"Justl
ikeIburi
edmy
sel
finsi
dey
ou"Imade
breakf
astforus

"
Stopbei
ngcr azywena,
youar
eget
ti
ngt
oobi
g
f
oryourshoes"
Li
zwi andIspokeaboutourl ivesthewhol eday .
Weev enspokeaboutt hememor i
esweshar ed
withMawe.I twasnowt imef orhimt oleave.He
stoodupandgav emeonel astkiss.Iknewt hat
Iwasnev ergoingt oseehi m again.Ourpast
wasdeadandbur ied.Whatwehaddonewi th
Li
zwi wasasecr etIwasgoi ngt ogoingt omy
gravewi t
hwi th.MaDl omoof tensaidthatno
mat t
erhowhappyy ouar eyoudon' ttel
lany one
abouty oucheat i
ngony ourhusband.Nopang
ofguilthi
tmyhear taftermyencount erwi t
h
Li
zwi .Idi
dn'tsleepwi t
hhi mf orclosureno.I t
hadnot hi
ngt odowi t
hpai nitwasmedoi ng
whatIwant ed.

Ihadbeenstayi
ngatMawe'
splacefornear
ly
twoweeks.Iwasn'
tget
ti
nganybett
er.Isaton
mybedcrying.
"
GugumakaSi
ya"Iopenedmysor
eey
es.Dumi
l
ookedwor
ri
ed
"
Howdi
dyougeti
n?"

"I
twasn'tlockedbaby.YouknowthatSowetoi
s
notsafewhydi dyousleepwit
hthedoor
unlocked?Ifsomethi
ngwast ohappentoyou
whatwasIgoi ngtosayt oSi
ya?"

"
Idon'
tknow"

"Ihav
ealr
eadypackedy
ourt
hingswear
egoi
ng
backhome"

"
ButDumi
..
"

"
NobutsMaNdabadon'
tmakemecar
ryy
out
o
t
hecar
"Idr
aggedmysel
ftot
hecar
Hel ockedthehouseandgav emethekey
s.We
werebot hl
osti
noursi l
ence.Whenwewere
half
wayhomeher educedthevol
umeofhis
radi
o

"Pleasepickupthepi
ecesandbestr
ongfor
Siya.Hehasbeencr y
ingsi
ncemom tol
dhim
aboutt hepassi
ngawayofMawe"helookedat
me.Il ookedoutsi
dethewi
ndowwipi
ngmy
tears
"Idon'
thavethewil
ltol
i
veanymore"he
stoppedthecari
nthemiddl
eofthevel
d.He
openedthedoor

"
Getoutnow"heshout
edmaki
ngmet
ost
art
le

"
Dumi
"
"Cr
ynowwewi
l
lleav
eher
ewheny
ouar
eti
red
ofcry
ing"

Ijustcri
edandcr
iedunt
ilt
her
ewer
enomor
e
tearsinme

"
Inowhav
eaheadache"

"Wewi l
lgetyouwaterinthegarage"wedr ov
e
tothegaragehepar kedandrantobuyme
water.It
ookhisphoneandbr owsedt hroughit.
Therewerepictur
esofSi y
aandhi m walkingin
theZooIsmi l
edthroughtear
s.Imi ssedmyson.
Hecamebackandgav
emeal
i
treofwat
er
"
Fini
sht
hatwat
er"Igi
ggl
ed
"
Yessi
r"
.
Wegothomearoundf
ive,
whenSi
yasawmehe
r
anandjumpedonme
"Mommyyousai
dyouwi
l
lnev
erl
eav
eus.Why
didy
oul
eave?
"

"
Inev
erl
eftmyson.Iwasbusyhowar
eyou?"
"
Iam notgoodmommy,
grannyl
eftusandwent
t
oheaven.Whydi
dshel
eaveusmommy ?
'I
wi
pedhistear
s

"Shedi
dn'
tl
eaveusmysonshewal ksr
ight
besi
deus.I
t'
sjustt
hatwedon'
tseeher
"

"
Ilov
eyoumommy
"

"
Ilov
eyoumor
emyson"
Dumi
order
edsomer
ibs,
weat
ethatf
ordi
nner
.
Wewenttoourbedr
oom wewer
egoi
ngt
o
sl
eepasafamil
y.

Twomont hshadpassedsi
ncemawel ef
tear
th.
Icouldn'twai
ttogotomyinter
viewonMonday.
Icri
edt hanki
ngGod.
Dumicamehomel ate,hehadgonetoDur
ban.
Hegotinsi
dethebed..If
elthi
shandmovi
ngto
mycoreIpushedhim

"DumiIam st
il
lmour
ningandy
ouwantust
o
havesex"

"
HhabeGuguit
'sbeent
womonthssi
ncewegot
i
nti
mateandy
oukeeponsay
ingthesame
t
hing"
"I
fyoucan'
twai
tanymor
egot
oSi
hlemy
brot
her
"hegotangr
y

"Whydoy ouhavet
obri
ngSi
hlei
nour
conversat
ional
way
s?UhGuguwhat
'swr
ong
wit
hy ou?"

"HeyDumidon'tpul
lthatvi
cti
m car
donme.I
wastheonewhogotpl ayedhere.Youwer
e
evensay
ingthathermouthissweet"

"
Ican'
ttaket
hisany
mor
e"hest
oodupl
eav
ing
t
heroom

"GoDumi butIwonderwhatwasgoingto
happenifthewheel
swereturned,
ifyouhad
seenmegi vi
ngsomeoneahead"he
i
mmedi atel
ytur
nedwithhi
sfacedarkerwit
h
f
ury
"Gugudon'tpressmybut t
ons.Youareover
steppi
ngy ourboundar
ies.Doyouwanttodo
that?Uh"Ifol
dedmyar msandl ookedasi
de

"
GuguIam war
ningy
ou"

"
IwantadivorceDumi
"helaughedandl eftmy
r
oom.Istoodupandlockedtheroom.Thel ast
t
hingIwantedwastobereadyforthi
sintervi
ew.

Iwokeupt henextmorni
ng,
IgotSi
yar
eadyf
or
school
.Iknockedint
heguestr
oom

"Dumi Iam l
eavi
ngpleasedropyoursonat
school"IgaveSi
yahislunchboxanddrovet
o
Sandtonitwasfarf
rom home.Thet r
affi
cwas
hecti
c.
Lucki
l
ymyi
nter
view wasat10am.
Igotther
eat9:
30.Ifi
xedmylipst
ickandgot
i
nsidetheof
fi
ce.Thesecur
it
ywasv eryt
ight
.

Peoplewer egoingi
nonebyone.I twasnowmy
turn.IsawthemanIhadseent heotherdayI
wonder edhowmanybr anchestheyhad.The
i
nterviewwentok.WhenIwal kedoutoft he
room hef ol
lowedmeandhel dmyar m

"Sowemeetagain"Iwasmesmerisedbyhi
s
eyes.Hecar
ri
edauthor
it
yineachandevery
wordhesaid.
"
Backt
oEar
thnkosazana"

"
Yeswemeetagai
n.Iam r
eal
l
ycur
sed.
"I
r
emovedhi
shandfr
om myarm
"Yousuchatoughcookietobr
eak,
"Igav
ehi
m
onenastyl
ookandlefthim.

MakaZuzisentmeamessagesayi
ngt
hatshe
waswaiti
ngformeatl
eapi
ngfrog

Idr
ovev
eryf
ast
,shewaswai
ti
ngf
ormeatSpur
Myey esranallovert
hepl
aceasIgotinsi
de
therest
aurantIsawhersi
tt
ingi
nthecorner
sect
ionoftherestaur
ant
.Shest
oodupand
huggedme

"
MakaZuzi
"

"
MakaSi
yahowar
eyou?
"Shesmi
l
ed,
shehada
wel
comi
ngspi
ri
tandcont
agi
ousj
oy
"
Goody
oumydear
?"

"
Good,thankyouf
ormeeti
ngupwit
hmewi
thi
n
ashor
tnotice"weorder
edcoff
ee

"
It
'sf
inei
sev
ery
thi
ngal
ri
ght
?"

"Iam notokGuguIdon'tmeantomeddlein
yourbusinessbutIt
hinkyoushoul
dleave
Dumi.Todayhewascr yi
nginVumani'
sarms
sayi
ngy oualwaysbr
inguphispast
"
"
Youdi
dn'
tseewhatIsawZanel
e"

"
Theny ouguysshoul
dseparatesincethi
s
marri
agethi
ngfail
edyou.Li
stenhereGuguir
ing
i
yashi
saiyavut
ha(ther
ingishot)asniceasi
tis
onyourf
ingeri
tcomeswi
thpai
n,j
oyand
bur
dens"

"
Ifor
gav
ehi
m"

"I
fyouf or
givesomeoney oudon'
tbr
inguptheir
past.YouarealsoasinnerbutGodwouldnever
bri
ngy ourpast"

"
Iheary
ouZanel
e"

"
Ilov
eyouandIwantt
oseey
ouwor
king"

"
Thankyoudear
"wespokeaboutourki
ds.We
l
eftl
ate.
WhenIgothomeIf
oundDumi
losti
nhi
s
t
hought
s
"
Goodev
eni
ngZwane"

"
YeboMANDABA"

Iwentupst
air
stochangeIhear
dthedoor
cl
osing.Whentur
ningar
oundIwasmetbyhi
s
col
ogne

"
Guguforgi
veme"Iki
ssedhi
m.Wemadel
ove
t
hewholenight
.Si
yawaswit
hVumani
.

WhenIwokeupt henextmorni
ngt
her
ewas
br
eakf
astnexttome.It ookaqui
ckbat
hand
at
emybreakfast.

Iwasnowoffi
cial
lywor
king,RMBwassohuge
i
thadalotofdepart
ments.Iusedt
oknockof
f
atworkat16:
00.Mlungisiwasnotgi
v i
ngupon
mehekeptonf ol
l
owingmear oundl
ikea
hungr
ydog.Iwasnotent er
tai
ninghi
m atall.
Li
zwiandInevermetsincethatdayIrefusedto
gi
vehim mynumbers.

Wewenthomet ocleanMawe'sgrav
e.I
thad
beenthr
eeyearssinceshepassedaway.She
hadlef
tuswithwisdom thatwasnev
ergoingto
l
eaveus.

Itookaleaveatworkmybodyneededt orest
.
Dumi hadgoneawayf orat
rip.Whenhecame
backheboughtThandoandImassage
vouchers.Thandoneededt
hatthemostshe
hadtwoy earsoldt
winswhichweredri
vi
ngher
crazy.

ThandoandImetatCent
uri
on
"
Mot
heroft
wins"

"
HeyMbuzi
howar
eyou?
"

"
Goody
oumyl
ove?
"

"
Good,l
et'
sgetinwear
eal
readyr
unni
ngl
ate
f
orourappoi
ntment
"

Wewal
kedi
nsi
det heAnci
entheal
thcar
e
pr
emi
sesi
nGolf
view.
Aftergett
ingourmassageweat
e.Thandowas
reall
ythankful
toDumi.

Idr
ovet
omyhouseandf
oundDumi
washi
ng
hi
scar
"
Heybaby
"
"
Heyhoney
"heki
ssedme

"
Pleasewashmycart
ooBabakhe"

"
Okmyl
ove"

WhenIgotintoourbedr
oom.IsawDumi
'
s
phone.Iwenttohiswhatsapp
IopenedEmi hl
e'schats,
theywer esendi
ng
eachotherthei
rpri
vateparts.It
ookher
number s.Thel
astthingthatIwasgoingtodo
wastol eavemyhusband.

Ical
l
edBusi
"
Heydadehowar
eyou?"
"
Goody
ouMaNdaba?"

"Iam notgoodntombi Dumii

scheat
ingonme.
Thegirlsentherpr
ivat
epart
s"

"
Donotfi
ghtorgetangr
yathi
m call
thegi
rl
t
omorr
owwhenhel eavesf
orwork"Iwi
pedmy
t
ear
s
"
Thanky
ouI
'
llcal
lyout
omor
row"
.

SiyaandDumiwal
kedinsi
dethehousel
aughing
theyweremyhome.Iwasgoingtol
ose.Aft
er
cookingwewentt
obed.Iwokeupattenthe
boyshadlef
tar
oundsix.

Icheckedherprof
il
epict
ure,shehadahear
t
shapedface.Shewasalightski
nnedl
adywith
sombrelips,
herchubbycheeksmadeher
beauti
ful
.Herchi nwasprotrudi
ngdownwards.
Hersmi l
ewasbeaut if
ul,
shehadmanyt eeth
butthatdidn'
tmakeherugl yitmadehert
obe
morebeaut i
ful.Shewast heopposi
teofme.
Tearsdescendedf r
om eyes.
Ir
angher
..sheanswer
ed
"Emihl
e'
sphonehell
o"hervoi
cewasv
erysexyI
betshewashighl
yeducated
[
07/
19,
08:
55] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#36

Iswal
l
owedal
umpt
hatwasi
nmyt
hroat

"
Hihowar
eyousi
s?"

"
Iam goodandy
ou?
"
"
Notgoodt
hati
sther
easonIcal
l
edy
ouEmi
hle"

"
Ooohsoam Igoi
ngt
obeofhel
ptoy
ou"

"Yesandt
ell
mesomethingwhat
'
shappeni
ng
betweeny
ouandhusband?"

"El
aborat
esiswhatar
eyousay
ing?Whi
ch
husband?"

"
Dumi
.
."

"Uh.
.wellwearedat
ingmyangel Idon'tknow
whyyouar eget
ti
ngworkedupbecauset his
manofy oursi
sacatchwhyareyouev ening
complai
ning?"
"YouareahomewreckerEmihl
ehowdoyou
datesomeonewhoismarri
ed?Arey
ounot
scaredofkar
ma
?I
fyouwer
einmyshoeshowwer
eyougoi
ng
t
ofeel
?"

"Number1yesIam ahomewr eckert

ell
me
somethi
ngthatIdon'
tknow.Karmadoesn't
exi
stmommy .Iam noti
ny ourshoesandIwil
l
neverbei
nyourshoes"

"
Youwer
enott
aughtsel
frespect
"

"
Tell
yourhusbandthat
,actual
l
yti
ehim onthe
t
ree,keephi
m ontheleash.Donotwastey
our
t
imecalli
ngme"
"Hedoesn'
tl
ovey
ouEmi
hlehel
ovesmeandhi
s
son"

"Ouui sit
?Thenwhyar eyougett
inginsecure
woman.Ai n'
tyouhappythatyougotthering?
Whyar eyouanaggingwife?Youshouldbe
gratefult
hatIhelpyourhusbandrel
ease
tension"

"
Youdon'
thav
esel
frespectEmihl
e.Dumii
sa
mar
ri
edwhoisusi
ngyouforhisownbenef
it
s"

"IknowIam alsousinghimf orgoodsexand

moneysi ncehe'smoniedhegi vesyenahe
doesn'tf
ool ar
ound.Evenifyousayhedoesn't
l
ov emet hatdoesn'
tchanget helengt
hofhis
penis.I
t'
snotlikewhenhel eaveshomehis
Libi
dodies.Whenhecomest omehest i
ll
gets
hardandr i
desme"
Idr
oppedt
hecal
landcr
ied.
IsentMlungisi
anemai
lsayi
ngthatIwas
cutti
ngmyl eav
eIwasgoi
ngbacktoworkthe
fol
lowingday.

Busi
cal
l
edme
"
MaNdabaukhulumenayel
onondi
ndwa(
did
y
oucal
lthatbi
tch)
"Ibr
okedown

"Dumi hasbrui
sedmyegoanddegradedmy
dignit
y.Thatgi
rlwasshi
tt
ingont
opofmyhead
tell
i
ngmeabouthowgoodDumi i
s"

"
Cal
m downMaNdabathesi
dechicksar
eli
ke
t
hat
.Thei
rai
mistobrui
seyourego"
"
Iam notmadeupf
orthisntombikaNdaba.
Cl
ear
lymymom ist
urninginhergrav
e"

"Guguther i
ngonyourfingersdoesn'tcomeas
anexpensiveluxur
ythatfit
sy ourfi
ngerreal
ly
wellbutital
socomeswi thbaggage.Youdo
notleaveyourmarri
agewheni tget
st oughbut
youcompr omiseandmakei twork"

"BusiInearl
ydiedbecauseofDumi 's
shenanigans.Heisrepeatingi
tagain.Hewi l
l
kil
lmei ntheendwithviruses.Thi
smar r
iageis
l
ikeat urmoili
nst
eadofbei ngablessingit'
sa
curse"

"Don'
tsaythatkaNdaba,wewi l
lfastfort
hr ee
daysthedev i
li
str
yingtodest
royagoodt hing.
Heseest hatyoumadeDumi ,hehadnot hing
wheny ouguysmetnowt hatheisr i
chhei s
tr
eat
ingyouli
kegarbage.Thedevi
ldoesn'
t
wanttoseepeopl
ehappy .Pr
aysispr
ay
commandt heevi
lspi
ri
tstoleav
e"

"Hhay iBusiwhyshouldwebl amet hedev i

li
n
ever y
thingt
hatwedowhi chi sagainstthewor d
oft heLord,r
oadaccidentf undmadehi m not
me.Somet i
mesIwi shthatIwasn' tmar ri
ed.I
regretgoingdownt heaisl
e.I thurt
sBusi
becauseSi yawill
getaffectedi neveryt
hingthat
wedo.Hehat esitwhenwest aywithouthis
father.TobehonestIdon' twantt ostayformy
son.Themar r
iageistootoxicf orme"

"Bepat
ientmyangel umshadouy
abekezel
wa.
Youcan'tl
etal
ltheseyear
sgodownt hedr
ain.
"

"
Iwil
lseeBusi,
Ihatest
ressDumii
sli
kea
woundthati
sboil
i
ngandachingwi
thmassi
ve
pai
n.Hekeepsondoi
ngonet
hingandanot
her
"

"
DonotsaythatNdabamaybehewant
sachi
l
d.
Gi
vehi
mt hatheisgoi
ngt
ochange"

"BusiI
'm notgoingt
ogetpregnantforDumi
may beforanothermanwhoseemeasawi fe
mat er
ialnotadoormat.Dumiwill
getkidsf
rom
EmihleandoSihle"

"
Hhay
ikent
ombi
Iwi
l
lhearf
rom y
ou"

"Iwantt
opourhotwat
eronhi
m hedoesn'
t
knowmewell"

"
Gugudon'tyoudaredothat.Heisgoingt
oki
l
l
y
ou,youbett
erstayawayfrom fi
ghts"
"Busihe'
spoki
ngme, t
odayhisbit
ch
disr
espectedme.Theresul
tsofdati
nga
manwhor eandanonChr i
sti
anarebad.
"

"
Zinziistheonl
ywhoisbl
essedkaNdaba.
Nhlakani
phoischangi
ngheoft
enapologi
ses
f
ornot hi
ng"

"
Siy
akuhal
ali
sel
acongr
atul
ati
onsby
e"

Ineverl
ovedNhlakaniphotalkingabouthim
mademewantt opuke.Rosi nahourmai dhad
gonewithSiy
atov i
sitherkids.Shewasgoi ng
tocomebackonThur sdayandSi yalov
ed
taggi
ngalong.

Themanwhor
ewal
kedi
nsmi
l
ing.Hel
ooked
sexi
fi
edIbethehadpassedbyEmi hle'spl
ace.
ThemanIdat edwhenhehadnothing.Whenhe
stay
edinaoner oom wasnowcapabl eof
tr
eati
ngmelikeshit
.Ibli
nkedmytearsaway
"Heyhoney
"het
ri
edki
ssi
ngmeIpushedhi
m
away

"
Hi"

"
Whyareyoubei
ngcol
d?It
ri
edki
ssi
ngy
ouand
y
oupushedmeaway"

"
Goandbr ushyourteet
hIdon'tknowwher e
yourmouthwas.Whoy oukissed?OhWhoy ou
muffed?Si
ncey ouarefat
herChri
stmas.The
l
astthingt
hatIwantisconsumingvir
usesthat
yousuccumbedwheny ouwer ewit
hy our
whores"It
urnedaroundandwenttothekitchen
hef
oll
owedme

"
Guguyouaretooloudandy
ouspi
tvomi
t
what
'sy
ourstory
"

"Dumi y
ouar eacheater.I
t'
str
uewhentheysay
cheater
sdon'tchange,t
heywil
lnev
erchange
thei
rspots"hehuffed

"Whatareyoutal
kingaboutGugul
ethu?
stop
speaki
nginri
ddles"

"
Whyar
eyoucheat
ingonme?"

"Iam notcheat
ingonyouGugu.Imadeav ow
nottoevercheatonyou"Ichuckl
edbi
tt
erl
y
"
Didn'
tEmi
hlet
ell
yout
hatIcal
l
edher
?"

"
Who'
sthatGugu?
"

"Thegi
rlwhosendsy
ouherpri
vat
eparts.What
doyouwanthere?Whydon'
tyougobacktoher?
"

"
Whydidyoui
nvademypr
ivacyMaNdaba?
Whydi
dyouopenmyphone?"

"
Don'
taskmet
hatDumi
"

"Ihavebeenfai
thf
ultoyou,Ihavegiv
enyou
nothingbutl
ovewhyarey ounotgrat
eful
?You
areinvadi
ngmypr i
vacyforwhatgoodreason?
"
"Youarenotdoi ngmeaf avourbybei
ngfait
hful
.
Ohno( Laughing)arey ouki
ddingmeuh?You
perusemyphoneasi fi
t'
syours.Youneverhear
mecompl ain.Nowy ouaresayingpri
vacy
i
nv asi
on(Laughi ng)Thiza"

"
Yespriv
acyinvasi
onGugu.Don'
tyourf
ri
ends
t
ell
youthatwheny out
ouchaman'sphoneyou
wi
llf
indwhatev
erthatyouar
elooki
ngfor"

"Iwouldn'
texpectThandot otellmethatshit
becauseshegotmar ri
edtomanwhof earsGod,
who'snotadi sgustingcheater.Whov alueshis
vows.Iwi shIcouldt ur
nbackt hehandsoft i
me
andcor r
ectmymi stakes.(
Cont i
nuedwashi ng
dishes)may beIcoul dhavebeenapast or'
swife
now.Fearl usti
twi l
lshowy ouf l
ames"

Ist
art
edsi
ngi
ng
"HeywenaGuguy ouar esi
ngi
ngwhenweare
sti
llt
alki
ng"Icont
inuedwashi
ngdi
shes.He
roughl
ygrabbedmyar m

"
Iam t
alki
ngt
oyou"

"
Leav
emeal
one"

"
Let
'st
alk"

"Whyareyoucheat
ingonmeDumi ?Isi
t
becauseshei
sfatandli
ghtski
nned"

"
NoIam sor
ry"
"
Isi
tbecauseshe'
sli
ghtski
nned?
"

"
Yes"henoddedl
ooki
ngdown

"Whydidy oupursuemeDumi?Whyarey
ou
hinder
ingmybl essi
ngs?Whyar
eyoua
stumblingbl
ocki nmyli
fe"

"
Iam sor
ry"

"
YouknewIwasdar
kwhydi
dyoupur
sueme"

"IguessIwasblindedbyyourj
ujunowmyey es
havebeenopened.Youshouldatleastbuy
somet hi
ngthatwil
lli
ght
enyourski
nal i
ttl
ebi
t
youaretoodarkGugu"Iwipedmyt ears
"
Iam donewi
thy
ouwenaDumi
Iwi
l
lnotal
l
ow
y
outokill
me"

"
Youar
emywi
feandwear
enotdi
vor
cing"

"
Iam l
eav
ingf
orgoody
ouev
ilbast
ard"

"
Youarenotleav
ingmey
ouar
emywi
feIpai
d
l
obol
aforyou"

"
Youdon'tl
ovemeyoulovetheideaofowni
ng
me.Todayi
tendsher
erightnow"

"
Youar
enotl
eav
ingme"

"Watchme"asIwasr
unni
ngupt
hestai
rshe
pul
ledmebymyweav eIf
ell
onmybackhe
st
art
edpul
l
ingmebymyweav
edr
aggi
ngme

"Youarehur
ti
ngme(
Scr
eami
ng)l
eav
eme
alonewena"

"
Youwi
l
lrespectme"Icr
ied

"
Iregr
etbei
ngwi
thy
ou"

Fur
yengul
fedhi
m hehadt
urnedi
ntoabeastI
wasunf
amili
arwi
th

"
Sayt
hatagai
n"

"Ihat
eyou"hesatonmychestandsl
appedme
Idugmynailsonhisneck
"Gugustopwhaty
ouar edoing"Iwentdeeper
heslappedmeharderIscr
eamed

"
Mawe.
..
"Mycr
iesechoedi
ntheent
ir
ehouse
"
Youwi
llcr
y"hegotoffme.Icr
awl
edandwent
t
omykit
chencornerbl
oodwascomingoutof
mymout
h

"
Lookwhatyoumademedo"hecarr
iedmeto
t
hebathr
oom andwashedme.Myl
owerli
phad
acut
.

"
Wewil
lnotfi
ghtagai
nbaby,
IgottemptedIwi
l
l
l
eav
eherfory
outrustmebaby"Inodded.

Fearhadcr
ippl
edmycapaci
tyoft
hinki
ng.
Heor
der
edsomet
akeaway
sfordi
nner

"
Comel
et'
seatNdaba"

Heopenedt
hechai
rformehedi
shedupf
orus
"
It
'sy
ourf
avour
it
ebaby
"

"
Thanky
ouZwane"

Aftereat
ingwewenttobed.Hel
eftearl
i
ert
he
nextmorningaf
terki
ssi
ngmyforehead.

Iwentt
obat
har
ound6
"
Whoareyou?(Looki
ngatt
hemi
rr
or)Idon'
t
r
ecogni
seyou"
Icr
umbl
edont
hegr
oundandcr
ied.
"GodIbr
ingmyhusbanduntoyouralt
erplease
savehi
mf orme.Prot
ectourmarr
iagethedevi
l
mightt
rytosepar
ateusbutpl
easeGoddo
whatyouknowisthebestAmen"

Iworeveryf
astandwentt
owork.Imadeiton
ti
meIfixedmysel
fonemoreti
me.Igr
eeted
ever
yoneandwenttomyoffi
ce

Ml
ungi
sicamet
omyof
fi
ce

"Youmissedusthatmucht
haty
oudeci
dedt
o
cutyourl
eave"

"
Keeponf
ool
i
ngy
oursel
f"hegotcl
osert
ome
"
Guguar
eyouok?
"It
ooksomet
issueand
star
tedbl
owi
ngmynoi
se,
Iwant
edt
ohi
demy
cut

"
Ihav
efl
u"hel
ookedatmyl
owerl
i
p

"
Didi
taf
fecty
ourl
i
ps"Iav
oidedey
econt
act
"
Yes"Ibustoutcryi
ngIcoul
dn'
ttakei
tany
mor
e.
Hepull
edmecl osertohi
m
[
07/
19,
08:
55] :
Ser
ahKangwaChi
l
ufy
a

THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#38

Helookedatmewithsat
isf
act
ion,
Iwasi
nhi
s
handsbeggi
ngforMercy
.
"
Takeyourphoneandcall
y ourboss.Tel
lhi
m
t
hatyouwon'tgotoworkany more.Tel
lhi
m
t
hatyouaremovingt
oDur banrightnow"

"Dumiyoucan'
tdenymemy..
"hesl
appedme
bloodcameoutofmytwoopeni
ngsprof
usel
y

"
Shouldwedot
hist
hehar
dwayort
heeasy
way"

"
Iam bl
eedi
ngDumi
"

"NgathisewazikakhuluweGugukhuzeka
yimi
naubabawakul el
iawuyenaubaba
uyangizwangit
hiniMaNdaba(y ouar
ebehavi
ng
asifyouknowal otIam t
heheadoft hi
shouse
doy ouhearme) "Ili
mpedgoi ngtothe
bathr
oom andwipedmynoseIhadat er
ri
ble
headacheaft
erwipi
ngthem Iwentbackto
l
ist
ent ohi
snonsense

"EhheniZwane"hehandedmet
hephone.
Luckil
yhehadnotaskedmetobeontheloud
speaker

"
Goodev
eni
ngMrNdl
ovu"

"
What
sAppwi
thf
ormal
i
tiesmyf
utur
ewi
fe"
"Iwoul
dli
ket
oresi
gnwi
thani
mmedi
ateef
fect
"
hehuff
ed

"
WhatdoyoumeanGugu?Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?
I
sthi
safuckenpr
ank?
"
"Iam l
eav
ingforDur
banIgotabet
terof
ferIam
sorr
ytodisappoi
nty
ou"

"Doyouknowt
hatyouwil
lbepaidl
essmoney
?
"myv oi
cewasnowcracki
ngitwasnol
onger
adamant

"
Yessi
r"

"
Didhemakey
oudot
his?
"

"
Any
thi
ngi
sfi
nesi
r"

"Guguyouar
enotansweringme.Doeshebeat
you?Didhemakethatdecisi
onf
oryou?Gugu
areyoufi
ne?
"
"
Myhusbandwil
lcomeandgetmystuff
t
omor
row.Thankyouf
orunderst
andi
ng"

"
Gugumyl
ovewai
..
."Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.

"YouseeGuguwheny ouli
stenwedot hingst
he
easyway"hewalkedoutoftheroom t
alkingt
o
Xont hephonel
aughi
ngsuchabast ar
dhewas.
Nhl
akani
phowasbett
erthanDumi,hewas
nev
erabusi
vebuthewasacheater
.

IsentThandoamessagetel
li
nghertov i
sitme
thefol
lowi
ngday.Mybodywast oosoreto
cook.Dumi wasl
i
kehisbrot
herabrutalr
apist
.
Godwasmysour ceofstr
ength.

"
Mawe(sobbingl
ooki
ngather
selfont
hemir
ror
)
wher
ear
ey ou?Whydidy
ouleaveme?Att
his
verymomentIwantt odie.Idon'tknowwhatt o
do.Iam f
ail
i
ngt otalktoGod.I fonl
y..Ifonly
(sobbi
ng)Ihadwai tedupont heLor d.Ifail
edt o
foll
owthewaysofmychur ch.Ifail
edtolist
en
toyou.Myli
feisawound.Iam bei ng
torment
edbythemanwhosol dmedr eams, he
i
smyhel l
"Ifi
xedmy sel
fawar m bathand
dippedmycaramel-sunskinnedski nwi t
hspot s.
Thiswasn'
tme, mychar acterandmyi denti
ty
wasdefamedbyt hemanIl oved.
Iwokeuparound8t
hewaterwasalreadycol
d.I
tookmygownandwentdownstai
rs
"WhendidyoucomebackIt
houghty
ouwer
ein
Roosev
elt"Si
yal
aughed

"Mommywecamebackhal fanhourago.
(HuggingGugu)daddysaysyouar enolonger
goingtowork.Il
oveyoumommy .Ican'
twait
foryoutogiv
emeasmal lbaby.Ihavebeen
cr
yingandcr
ying"Il
aughed

"
Wewi
l
lbuyt
hebabywheny
ouar
einmat
ri
c"
"
Nomommydoi
tnow"

"Udaki
weSi
ya,
RosiRosiwhatdi
dyouguy
s
bri
ngme?Iam sohungr
y"

"Hhay
i Madam wedi
dn'
tgetyouanyt
hing.Go
andsitdownIwil
lmakeyousomethi
ng"

"
Isi
tni
ce?
"

"
Trustmeiti
sgood,especi
all
yforaper
sonwho
l
ooksti
redasyou"Isi
ghed
"ThankyouRosi
nah"Iwalkedt
odi
ningr
oom
dri
nkingmyhotchocol
ate.

Aft
er30minut
esRosicamewithamout h
water
ingf
ood.Mytummygr owledIhadl
ast
hadameal whenIwaswit
hMl u

"GeezRosi
whati
sthi
s?"Idr
ankt
hesoupt
hat
hadprawns

"
It
'st
hetomyum soup,It
ri
edl
i
mit
ingthechi
l
li
f
oryou"myeyesmov edtomypl
ate
I
tlookedl
i
keaf
oldov
er
"
OhmyGodRosi
what
'st
hat
?"Shel
aughed

"
Thoseareeggstheyhavegreenpepper
,
t
omatoesandgreenbeansinside"
"
Thi
sissoy
ummy
"

"
Thi
sfoodheal
sbr
okenhear
tsmadam"she
wal
kedout
.
Aftereat
ingIwenttobed,Dumiwal
kedi
n
around3am smell
ingofcheapper
fumesucha
bastardhewas
Iwokeuparound5am andwentt
othest
udy
.I
l
ockedmyselft
here..
.
WhenIopenedt
hedoorIwal
kedi
ntot
hedev
il
"
Mor
ningMaNdaba"

"Fuckyougof uckyoursel
fmyboy.TodayIam
taki
ngmypowerback.Youar ebi
tcha
narci
ssist
icperson.Youareasadi
stsucha
dog"het r
iedrai
singhishand
"Idareyoutobeatmeyoudog.Stupi
dmanwho
thinkst
hatheisallt
hat
.Myboywhatmakes
youamani sthatthi
ngofyourst
hatyougo
aroundshowcasingtohoes.Youareahoea
pieceofshi
t"hegotver
yangry

"
GuguIwi
l
lki
l
lyou"Si
yacamet
ousr
unni
ng
"
Mommywhat
'swr
ong?"

"
Didn'
tyougot
oschool
myboy
?"

"
It
'sSat
urdaymommy
"Ihuggedhi
m

"Ohokmydeart
ell
daddythaty
ouguy
sshoul
d
goout"myey
esmov edt
oDumiSiyal
ookedat
him
"
Gogetreadyboywear
egoi
ngoutf
ormov
ies"I
l
eftt
hem t
alki
ng.
Iwentt
oRosi
nah'
sroom

"
Mor
ningmadam"

"
SukawenaRosi
Iwi
llsl
eepher
e"shelookedat
mewit
haquesti
oni
nglookandwentout.
Aft
eranawesomesl eepIwenttothemai
n
house.Ibat
hedafterbathi
ngIlookedf
ormy
cl
othes.ThandocameIj ustcr
ied

"
Sshhbabywhat
'swr
ong?
"

"
Lif
eiswr
ongbaby
"
"
Gugut
alkt
ome"

"
Dumihasbeenbeat
ingandcheati
ngonme.He
t
oldmeabouthowuglyIam.Am Iugl
yThando?
"

"WhatMaNdaba?Howlonghasbeenthi
s
happeni
ng?Whothehel
ldoeshethi
nkheis?
"

"Foralongt
ime,hemademequi tmyjob
withoutmesendinganyl
ett
erorsi
gni
ng
anythi
ng"shestoodupangry

"Wearegoi
ngtothepol
i
cestat
ionnow,
hehas
nori
ghttot
reaty
ouli
kethat
"

"
ThandoI
'
m scar
ed"shebr
okedown
"Iwil
lsuppor
tyoulet
'sgo.Heisgoingtokil
lyou
honeydoy ouwanttodie?Becausethati
s
goingtobehisnextstep"

"
NoIwantt
oli
ve"

"
Wipey
ourt
ear
slet
'sgo"

Wedrovetothest
ati
onIgavethem my
st
atement
.Thefol
lowingdayDumigotar
rest
ed
Iwassohappy.

I
thadbeenthr
eedayssinceDumigotar
rest
edI
wasmissi
nghim al
ot.Il
ovedhi
mlikehewas
mygod.
Senzowal
kedi
n

"
MaNdaba"Il
ookedathi
m andr
oll
edmyey
es
"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"

"Icameher etoapologiseformybehav i
our.The
wayIbehav edwithy ouIwasy oungandst upi
d.
Ihavechangedt obeabet terpersonf orthe
personthatIlov
e.Ilov ethatpersoni naway
thatIwanthertobepr oudofme.Mayy ou
pleasef
or gi
veme( wi pi
nghi stears)Ipromi se
youIhav echanged"hekeptonbl ubber i
ng
nonsense

"
It
'sok"

"
Her
ear emynumberspl
easekeepi
ntouch.
"
Hel
eftIaddedhi
snumberst
omycontactsand
t
hrewt
hepaperaway
.

It
ookmykey sanddr
ovetot
hest
ati
on.Iwas
at
tendedbyamalecope

"
Gooddayma'
am howar
eyou?
"

"
Iam goodandy
ou?"

"
Good,
Iwoul
dli
ket
odr
opt
hechar
ges"

"
Whi
chchar
ges?
"

"MyhusbandhasbeenbeatingmebutIam
her
etodropthecharges.Iwantt
otakehi
m
home"
"
Ist
her
eany onet
hreat
eni
ngy
ou?
"Hel
ookedat
meworr
ied

"NobutIwantt
odropt
hem"If
il
ledi
naf
orm
anddroppedt
hem

Thef
oll
owi
ngdayDumi
camehome

"
Guguwhydi
dyougetmear
rest
ed?"

"Donotshoutatmey
ouwi
l
lmakemer
egr
etmy
deci
si
on"

"Myadvi
ceisGugulethubecarefulsomepeopl
e
don'
twanttoseeyouhappilymar r
ied.They
wantyoutodi
esingle.Anywayletmegoand
bath"Dumi
wascr
azy
.It
rust
edev
ery
onei
nmy
ci
rcle.

Thandocal
l
ed

"
Heyangel
face"

"
Heyhoneyhowar
eyou?
"

"
Goody
oudear
"

"Goodsohavet
heyi
nfor
medy
ouaboutt
he
courtdat
e?"

"
NoIdr
oppedt
hechar
ges"
"
Whatdi
dyousay
?"

"
Idr
oppedt
hem Si
yawasmi
ssi
nghi
m"

"
Guguwhenwil
lthi
nkabouty
oursel
f.Whydo
y
ouwanttost
aywithsomeonewhoabuses
y
ou"

"
Ilov
ehi
m Thando"

"
Youwi
l
ldi
eGuguI
'
mtel
l
ingy
ou"

"
It
'sf
ineIwi
l
ldi
eint
hehandsoft
hemanIl
ove"

"
Arey
ouki
ddi
ngmeGugu?Lov
eyouar
ecr
azy
"
"
Iam cr
azyThando,
youar
eri
ghtwenay
ou
haveaper
fectmarri
ageleav
emealone.Si
nce
yourl
ovei
sperfectwhyarey
ouwor
riedabout
mewhohasbadl uck"

"
Guguwhat
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?"

"
ByeThando"
Thandowasnotunder
standi
ngme.

IwenttoDumihewascomingoutoft
he
bat
hroom hel
ookedsexy
.

"
Whatar
eyoust
ari
ngat
?"

"
Nothi
ng"asIwasaboutt
owal
kawayhepul
l
ed
me
"
Notsof
astbaby
"
Hepulledmeintohi
sembr aceandsmashed
hi
slipsonmine.Theki
ssgotheateduphe
hel
pedmer emov emydressandlookedatme
wit
hhunger.Wemadel ove.

Siyacamebackfr
om schoolsadwhenhesaw
hi
sfatherhi
smoodli
ghtenedup.

Twomont hsofhappi
nesspassedbutDumi
wentbacktohiswaysagai
n.Hecamehome
dr
unkev er
ynight
.Iwai
tedforhi
m hecame
ar
oundtwoam

"
Gugul
ethuopent
hedoor
"

Ikeptquiethebangedthedoor
,Ist
oodupand
unlockedthedoor.Hepushedt
hedoorwi
thso
muchf
orcehef
ell
down

"GuguIwil
lbeatyoutoday"Iknel
tdownand
pull
edoutmyst i
ck(i
sagil
a)

"
Whatdi
dyousayDumi
sani
?"

"
Iwil
lbeatyoutoday"Ij
umpedandstoodupon
t
opoft hebed.Igav
ehim onest
rongshothe
mourned

"
Gugumyar
m"i
wentf
orhi
shead.

"
Iam sor
ryGugu"

"
Iwil
lki
ll
youmyboy "Ir
anoutoft
her
oom and
wentt
otheguest
room
Ibathedveryearl
yIhadmov edmyclot
hesto
theguestroom.ItookmycarkeysasIwas
abouttoleaveIfelthi
m gr
abbi
ngmyarm
roughly

"
Leav
emeal
oneDumi
"

Hesl
appedme

"Youarenowdi srespectf
ulGugui nmyhouse,
thatIboughtbymy selfyouar ecrazy
"he
draggedmehewant edtotaketoourbedr oom I
pull
edoutourhugev asethatwasont opofthe
cupboardandsmashedi tonhi shead.Hef el
l
downst ar
tedbleedinghedi dn'
tmov e
"
Diedogmxm"It
ookmycarkey
sandl
eft
[
07/
19,
08:
55] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE
#37

Mysobswer edeafeni
ngtherewasahuget hi
ng
bl
ockingmyesophagus, makinghardf
ormet o
contr
ol mybreathi
ng.Ipassedoutf
orfew
minutes,whenIopenedmyey esMl
ungisi
was
l
ookingatme
"
Gugul
ethuwhat
'swr
ong?
"

"
Imi
ssmymom somucht
hati
thur
ts"

"YouscaredmeGugu,Inear
lycall
edan
ambulance"Ir
ubbedmytearyeyes

"
Iam sosor
ryi
thappensev
erynowandt
hen.
"
"
Don'
tbesor
rywehav
etogot
oadoct
or"

"
Mlupl
easedon'
tst
artwi
th"hesmi
l
ed

"
Thefiest
yGugui
sback"hepul
l
edmyhandand
l
ockedmyoffi
ceal
ley
eswereonus
"
Mlul
etmego"hegr
inned

"
NoIam notl
et'
sgo"

"Wher
ear
ewegoing?Ihav
edeadl
inest
hat
needt
obemet"hefr
ownedali
ttl
e

"Whyareyouly
ingGugu?Youcamebackt oday
sowhichdeadl
inesareyout
alki
ngabout
?Mov e
i
t"Il
aughedfol
lowinghi
m.
"
Wear
etaki
ngmycar
"

"
Yessi
rbutpl
easedon'
tgetusl
ost
"

"
UgangangamiweGugungi
yakukhuzanj
alo
(
youaremessi
ngupwit
hmeIam war ni
ng)"
"
Mhmm Ngiyaxol
i
saGat
sheni(
Iam sor
ry
Gat
sheni
)"

"St
opcal
li
ngmewithmyclannamessi
ncey
ou
don'
twantme"webot
hlaughed
Hepl
ayedsomemusi
cforus

'
Il
ovey
ou, y
ousayy oul
ovemetoo.Theset
hree
wor
dstheycanchangeourl
i
vesfor
ever'

Ipr
essednexthegr
oaned
"
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ngMl
u?"

"
Youwi
l
lseewhenwegott
her
e"

Icl
osedmyeyeshavi
ngflashbacksofwhat
happenedt
heni
ghtbefor
e.

"Heywakeywakeyyoul
azybi
rd"Isl
i
ght
ly
slappedhi
mlaughi
ng

"
Youdi
dn'
tj
ustcal
lmel
azyMl
u"

"Idi
dIwillsayitagai
nlazybir
d"hegotof fthe
carrunni
ng.Itookoffmyheel sandthrewon
thebackseatandr anafterhi
m.Wewer ein
Zoolaketheairwassor efr
eshing.If
oundhim
wai
ti
ngf
ormei
nMoy
orest
aur
ant

"
Mlu"br
eat
hingheav
il
yIwassot
ir
ed

"Fi
nal
lyyouar
ehereIhav
ebeenwaiti
ngfory
ou
Fornear
lyanhourl
azybi
rd"hel
aughed

"
Stopit
..y
ouarecrazyMlu"t
hewai
terbr
ought
t
oglassesofor
angejui
ce

"
Mluhowdidy
ouknowt
hator
angej
uicei
smy
f
avour
it
e?"

"
Iknowever
y t
hingaboutyou.Howyoulook
whenyouar
ehappy ,angr
y,sadandexcit
ed.
Dri
nkt
hisj
uicewear egoi
ngoutforcanoei
ng"
"Youwantmet odr ownus( Laughing)don't
knowhowt ocontroltheboatl etaloneholdthe
paddle.Iam wearingawhi t
et hingitwill
get
dir
ty.Idon'twantt ogetdir
ty"her aisedhis
handandgav ethewai t
erasignt hathewant ed
thebill
.Hel ef
ttwohundr edbuckst hewaiter
gotexcited.

Wewentcanoei
ngt
hisact
ivi
tydi
dn'
tsui
thi
m at
al
l

"
Howof
tendoy
ougett
hosepani
cat
tacks?
"

"
WhenIam angr
yorsad"

"Youneedt
ogoandseet hedoctort
heyof t
en
givey
oupil
lsbecausesuchattacksare
accompani
edbydepressionandanxiety"
"Iwi
ll
gotomorr
ow"wespentthewhol
eday
tal
ki
ngaboutl
i
fe.Hewastel
l
ingmeabouthi
s
sadpast.

"Guguyouhavebeaut
if
ulmel ani
nskinIbety
our
husbandiscr
azyaboutyou.IwishIhadmet
youfi
rst
"

"Youhavest
art
edwit
hyourcr
azi
ness.You
shoul
dgetmarri
edMluandst
opbeinga
bachel
or"

Hecarr
iedmet othe carsi
nceIwasbar
e
f
ootedIlaughed
"
Lookathowper
fectwear
eforeachot
her
"

"St
opyournonsense,
Iwi
l
lgocol
dony
ounow
nowdon'tst
artwit
hme"
"
Iam j
okingGugu,Iam sorryman.Idon'
tl
ike
t
heicequeenver
sionofy ou"Il
aughed
"
Oki
t'
sfi
ne"

Whenwegottotheoff
iceIhur
ri
edt
omydeskI
had1000messagesf
rom Dumi

"
Babyanswert
hephone"
"
Gugu"
"
Iam war
ningy
ou.Answery
ourf
uckenphone"
"
Youwi
l
lpi
ssmeof
fwenaGugu"
"
Youl
ovebei
ngbegged"
"
Ical
l
edy
ourof
fi
cenumberwher
ewer
eyou?"
"Uy
angi
febel
awenanj
andi
ni(
arey
oucheat
ing
onmeyoudog)"
"
Iwi
l
lbewai
ti
ngf
ory
ou"

Tear
sdescendedfr
om myeyes,
Ifor
war
dedt
he
messagetoBusi
.Shequi
ckl
ycall
ed
"
Wher
ear
eyoukaNdaba?"
"
Atwor
k"
"GotoSowet
o,wher
ear
ethekey
stoMawe'
s
house"

"
Theyar
einmycarl
etmegoandcheckt
hem"

"
Ify
oudon'
tfi
ndt
hem comeher
e"

Iwentoutsi
demycarDumi wasalr
eadywai
ti
ng
formeoutsidethegate.Hehuggedmemy
i
ntesti
nestwist
edbecauseofthedeep
wrenchi
ngfearthathadconsumedme
"Xwilldri
veyourcargi
vehi
mthekeys"Ihat
ed
hisfr
iendwholeheart
edl
ybutt
hatdayIhadto
playnicewit
hhim

Ml
ungi
sigotout
sidet
heof
fi
ceandl
ookedat
me
HeapproachedusohdearGodhewasf
uel
i
ng
t
heburningfi
re

"
Babythi
sismyboss.Mluthi
sismyhusband
Dumi
"Dumi gav
ehi
m hishandhejustl
ookedat
i
t

"
It
'snicet
oseeyouMrZwane.Mr
sZwanesee
y
out omorr
ow"
"Likewi
sesir"Dumiopenedt
hedoorhewas
pissedIdi
aledBusi
fast

"
Soy
oucal
lhi
m Ml
unotboss"

"Nohe"hesl
appedmemyheadhi
tthe
dashboar
d
"
Uyaf
ebaGugul
ethu,
?Ar
eyouabi
tchnow?
"
"
Iam not"

Iwasscar
edformyli
feIhopedthatSi
yawas
homealt
houghIknewthathewascomingback
tomor
row.
Whenwepar
kedout
sidehepul
l
edmebymy
weav
eandsl
appedme

"
Dumi
what
'
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?"
"Don'
tfuckenaskmet hatstupidquesti
on!
Xbri
ngthatSjambok,ungi
jwayelaamasimba
wenaGugu.Yout el
lmet oleaveEmihlewhil
e
youarebusybitchi
ngaround"Xwal kedin
car
ryi
ngthatSjambok

"
Lieont
hef
loor
"

"Xtal
ktoy
ourf
ri
end(
cry
ing)
what
'
shappeni
ng
kanti
?"

"
MaNdabaez ababi
liazi
ngenwa.Marr
iageisf
or
t
wopeoplethethir
dpartyonl
ycomest omess
t
hingsup"heopenedhisbeerandchi
lled.

Dumiwhippedme, t
hesjambokwasdi ggi
ng
i
ntomyskinstai
ningthewhit
edress,eachwhi
p
wasi
nfl
icti
ngeveryvei
ninmybody .Eachwhip
wasr eachi
ngt
hedeepestdept
hofmyski
n
l
eavingmescarlet.Mycr
iesweref
all
i
ngon
deafears.
WhenIwokeupIwasi
nsi
det
hebat
htubnaked

"Iam sosor
ryGugu,myangert
ookoverme.I
promiseIwi
llnev
erbeaty
ouagain.
"

Isobbedmywhol ebodywasinpai
n.Thenext
dayIdidn'
tgot owor
kIcal
ledMluandtol
dhim
thatIwassick.It
ookmysati
ngownandwor eit
.

Dumiwokeupinaj
oll
ymood.Hemade
br
eakf
astforme

"
BabyIcookedy
ourf
avour
it
e"
"
Thanky
ou"

"Il
oveyouGuguIdon'
twantt
olosey
ou.
"Ikept
quiet

"
Gugu!
"Ist
art
ledwi
pingmyt
ear
s

"Payatt
ent
ionwhenIt
alkt
oyou.Doy
ou
underst
andme?"

"
Yes"

"
Isai
dIlov
eyou"Ij
ustsobbedhehuggedme
wi
thcar
e

"Youseet
hethi
ngsyoumakemedoGugu.St
op
pushi
ngme.Areyougoi
ngtost
opdoi
ngi
t?Are
y
ougoi
ngt
ost
oppr
essi
ngt
hewr
ongbut
tons"

"
Yes"

"
Youpr
omi
seGugumywi
fe"

"
Ipr
omi
se"heki
ssedmeandl
eft
Ml
ucal
l
edmeIt
oldhi
m Iwassi
ckIhadf
ever
.
Si
yaandRosi
nahcamehomear
oundf
ive
"
Mommy
"hehuggedmeIf
li
nched

"
Myboyhowar
eyou?
"

"GoodImissedy
ouanddaddy
.Wehadf
unwi
th
XikwembuandXikombi
so"
"
Rosi
Rosi
howar
eyou?
"

"
Goody
oumadam?
"

"
Itol
dyout
ost
opcal
l
ingmemadam"she
l
aughed
Rosi
nahwasori
ginal
l
yfr
om Mozambiqueshe
hadbl
ackhandsandali
ghtf
aceIof
tenteased
her

"
Rosinahgi
vemethatt
hingt
haty
ouuseas
l
oti
on"shel
aughed

"
Nowaymadam y ouoft
enteasemeandsay
myhandsar
eblackbutmyfaceisl
i
ght.Whydo
youwantmyl
oti
on?"Il
aughed
"Asknoquest
ionhearnoli
es"Iwentupst
air
s
andgavehersevenhundr
edbucks
Shegav
emet
woExt
racl
air
est
heysmel
l
edbad.

"
Rosi
howdoImi
xthem?
"

"
Mixthem wi
thany
thi
ngthaty
ouuseasl
oti
on
(
thi
nki
ng)Addthem t
oyourNivea"

"
Okt hanksRosi"Iwal
kedt
omyr
oom and
mixedmyl ot
ions

Dumi
becamesweet
ert
hanev
er

"
GuguIhav
eal
readyi
ronedy
ourcl
othesf
or
wor
k"
Heki
ssedme"
thanky
oubaby
"heki
ssedmy
f
oreheadandl
eft
.
Hehadi
ronedmybl
acksui
t.
Igott
otheoffi
ceearli
er.Iopenedal
lthef
il
es
andworkedhard.Idi
dn'tevengooutforl
unch.
Ml
ungi
siwal
kedi
ncar
ryi
ngpapandst
eak
"
Wel
comebackGugu"

"
Inear
lydi
edt
hisf
ever
"

"
Mhn"hehandedmel
unch

"
YesandIwasv omit
ing"helookedatme
t
hinki
ngdeepl
yIcoul
dn'tputafingert
ohi
s
t
houghtshesi
ghed

"
Let'
sgotothedoct
or"t
hel
astt
hingIwant
ed
wasforDumitobeatme
"
NoMlupleasedonotgett
oocl
oset
omeIam
mar
ri
ed"

"
Sowhat
?"

"
Mlul
eav
emyof
fi
cepl
easel
eav
emyof
fi
ce"
"
Doeshebeaty
ouMaNdaba?"
Iopenedt
hedoorf
orhi
m

"Youmayleav
eMrNdl
ovuyouhav
eoverstay
ed
yourwel
come"hel
ookedatmewit
houtsmil
i
ng
andnodded.

Dumisentmeasweetmessage"Ican'
twaitto
t
akeyououtfordi
nnerbaby
"Ibl
ushedkissi
ng
myphone
Itwasnowf ourIpackedmythingsandwentt
o
mycarMl ufoll
owedme.Hewassocl oset
ome
Ididn'
ttr
ustmy sel
faroundhi
m

"
Mlust
opi
t"

Hehuggedmeandki
ssedmeIpushedhi
m
away
.

"
Iam sosor
ry"

"
Don'
tdoi
tagai
nMl
u"heopenedt
hedoorIgot
i
n

"
Youhav
esweetsof
tli
ps"
"
Youar
ecr
azy
"
Thi
sthi
ngwasv er
yef
fect
ivemyski
nwas
get
ti
ngli
ght
er.

WhenIgothomei
twasqui
te
"Rosi, Si
ya"ther
ewasnooneIwalkedupt
he
stairsstrai
ghttomyroom.If
oundDumi
drinkinghelookedangry

"
Didy
ousl
eepwi
thhi
m?"

"Sleepwithwho?"Hest
oodupandt hr
ewt he
classont hewal
lIj
umpedtry
ingtorunaway
from him hegr
abbedmeandlockedtheroom.
Het oremysuitandsl
appedme
"
Dumi whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Whyar
eyoubeat
ing.
."Hepunchedme
"Iwi
l
lteachyoualessony
ouugl
ybi
tch,
ungr
ateful
whore"

Hepunchedmeont
hef
ace
Het
oremyt
hongandr
emov
edhi
sbr
ief
s

"
Dumi
no"

"Iwantt
oseeifhefuckedy ou,
youar
enowa
bit
chyoufuckbossesforpromoti
onVoesak"
hepushedhisdi
ckinsi
deme.Icr i
edhewas
ramminginsi
deofmei twassopainf
ulbecause
Iwasdry.Iwasnowweepi ng

"
Youl
ovei
tri
ghty
ouar
eawi
tchwenaGugu"
hest
oodupandt
ookmydi
ploma

"
Thi
sthi
ngdr
ivesy
oucr
azy
"

"
Dumi
no(
sobbi
ng)
"

"ImadeyouwenaGugu, It
ookyourdump
stupi
dasstoschooli
sthishowyouthankme?
Uhy oupi
eceofshi
t"hetookhi
sli
ghterand
burntmydipl
oma
[
07/19,08:
55] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE(Gugu
Thanj
ekwayo)

#39

Idr
ovetomycousi
n'
shouse.Ineeded
someonet
otal
ktoBongani
'swifewasagood
l
istener.Iknewverywel l
thatshewasn'tgoing
tojudgeme.Ihopedt hathewasdeadbutdeep
downi nmyhear tIknewt hatIwantedhi
m ali
ve.
Insteadofhati
nghi m Iwasl ov
inghi
m moreand
mor e.Peopledi
dn'tunderstandthewayIfel
t
abouthi m.
Ireachedthemansionthegat
eautomatical
l
y
openedf orme.Shecameout si
derunni
ng.I
parkedthecarunderhertr
ee
"
MaNdaba"shesqueezedmewi
thher
wel
comi
nghug

"
OuchNonkul
ulekoy
ouar
ehur
ti
ngme"
hersmi
l
esl
owl
ydi
sappear
ed

"
Howar
eyouKaNdaba?"

"
Let
'sgeti
nsi
deNkul
ithi
stal
kneedsusi
nsi
de
t
hehouse"shet
ookmyhandbag

"
Whatdoy
ouwantt
odr
ink?
"

"
Ineedagl
assofwi
ne"shewi
denedherey
es

"NoIwill
giv
eyouchamomi
l
e"It
hrewmy
sel
fon
hercouch

Shewalkedawayswayi
ngherthi
ckcurves.
Bonganihadabonusher
e.Theotherpartofme
washappythathewasnotathome.

Shecamebackcar
ryi
ngt
hehott
eapot

"
KaNdabawhat
'shappeni
ng?"
"Mybr ot her'
swi fethi
ngsar egoi ngbadf orme.
Dumi hasbeenbeat i
ngme, cheat i
ngonmeand
call
ingmeugl y.Mybodyi si npai n,hedestr
oyed
mysel festeem.Iwasnev erl i
ket hi
s.NowI
speakv ulgarli
kenobody 'sbusi ness.Ionce
caughthi m withanugl ygir
l whohadhuge
boobs.Icoul dn'tfi
ghthim.Whenev erheis
drunkhebeat sme,hebur ntmydi plomanowI
havet ogoandappl yforanot herone(cr yi
ng)
tel
lmewhatwr ongsdi dIdoi nmypastl i
fe?"
Sher ubbedmyback

"Iam her
efory ou, Idon'tknowwhaty ouar e
goingthr
ough.Ihav enev erbeenthrought hat.
WhatIknowi st hatal l
thingswor ktogetherfor
thosewhot r
usti nt heLord.Thebestdeci sionis
foryoutopacky ourthingsandt akeyourspace.
Dumi ist
oxicfory ou.Whobeat sawomanaf ter
beingcaughtcheat ing?"
"Ilovehim Nkuli
ifIl
eav ehomehewi l
lmarr
ya
per sonwhoisgoingt oabusemyson.Whatwi l
l
peopl esay?Theywil
l call
mear et
urnedsol
dier
plusIam nothingwithouthim"

"
IhearyousisItr
ustt
hatthedaythatyouleav
e
youwil
lneverl
ookback.Whatifhekil
l
sy ou
Gugu?Areyounotscaredofpassi
onkill
i
ngs?"
t
hethoughtofhersayi
ngthatmademel augh

"
Iam sur
ehei
sdeadwher
eev
erhei
s"she
l
ookedatmewor
ri
ed

"
Guguwhatdi
dyoudo?Di
dyoupoi
sonhi
m?"
"OhmyGodhowcomeInev erthoughtoft
hat
before.Ineedt
obuyhim apoisonandadditt
o
hisfood"shegiggl
edsi
ppingherMer l
ot
"Youwi
l
l r
oti
njai
l,l
et'
sgoupst
air
sandchange.
Swimmingwi
lldousgood"

"
Thanky
ouhoney
"

Wespentt hewhol edayswimmingwewer e

tal
kingaboutsil
lythi
ngsthatwasoneofthe
reasonIlovedher.Bonganidi
dn'
tcomehome
thatni
ghthehadgonet ohi
sbusinesssemi
nar
s.
Ispentthenightther
e.

WhenIwokeupthenextmor
ningNkul
ihad
al
readyl
eftf
orwor
k.
Thei
rki
dswer
eatschool
.Imi
ssedSi
yaal
ot.
Ical
l
edNkulit
hankingherfort
heni
ghtshej
ust
l
aughedsuchastrongsil
l
ywomanshewas.
Idr
ovetomyhel l
ofahome.Thenumberof
car
sthatwereoutsi
dewerev
eryamusi
ng.I
wal
kedinsidet
hehouseandIwasmetbythe
Zwanes.Theywereener
gydr
ainer
s

"Sani
bona"myheel sechoedgoingtomy
bedroom.Ichangedintosli
ppers.Iwalkedto
thesit
tingroom al
leyeswereonme.Dumi was
l
y i
ngont hecouchwithhisheadbalancedby
thepil
low.Theli
ttl
edevili
nmyhear ttwerked.

"
Howarey
oumakoti?
"MaKheswagr
eet
edme
wi
thal
owtonedv
oice

"
Iam goodmaandy
ou?
"Ismi
l
ed

"
YouseewhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngaboutMaGugu
disrespectsmeev er
y t
ime.Wheredidsheget
thegut stobeatme?Sheev ensl
eptout"Dumi
wassoangr ysuchal ousymanhewasIpar tl
y
roll
edmyey esandsat .Bab'
Zwanehadhisface
downVumani andotherswerequi
et

"Sheisdisr
espectf
ul Makheswahowdar eshe
beatsDumi wi
thavase?I fyouki
llhi
my ouwi l
l
eathim Ipromiseyou.Whydi dn'
tDumi marrya
goodgi r
lfr
om endaweni ?inst
eadhewentf or
i
zeqamgwaqot hedisrespectf
ult
hings.Lookat
him now"hisauntyspokewi thsomuch
bit
terness

"Yabonaauntydon'
tgetdrunkontopofme.
WhenDumi f
oundmeIwasi nt
acthowdareyou
callmeawhor e?Wheny oursocall
edsonwas
cri
ppledi
nthehospital
wher eyout
here?There
weremenwhowant edtomar r
ymebutInever
paidatt
enti
ont othem becauseIl ov
edhi m.You
areawomanIwon' tuseav asetodisci
pline
youbutIwillusemyhands.Iam goi ngtobeat
younowdonotmessar oundwithmyt emper
youdon'tknowmewel l.Wher eyoutherewhen
Dumi wasnot hi
ng?Nowy ouareappearing
becauseheissomet hing"

Ij
ustbr
okedownMaKheswahuggedme.I
twas
i
ntimesli
ket
heset
hatIwi
shedMawewasali
ve

"MaKheswadoy
ouhear
..
"MaKheswar
aised
herhand

"KahleSphedonotgetintomynerves,youdo
notknowthischil
d.Nextt
imeyouthinkabout
throwi
ngpoisonouswordsathert
hinkabout
me"Isobbedmor e
Bab'
Zwanecoughedal i
tt
le"Thisisbiggert
han
whatIhadimagined.MaNdabawhat '
s
happeni
ng?Iknowt hatMaNgcobodi dagood
j
obwi t
hyou.Dumi saysy ouarecheati
ngon
hi
m butIknowy oubetterthanthi
s"Icri
edmore

"I
t..hur t
s.. (
hiccups)baba.Ioncewentt othe
officet ov i
sitDumi Ifoundhi m doi
ngt hings
withanot hergirl
.Thatgi r
ldidsomev oodooon
meInear lydied.Myski nwasbur ningandi t
startedpeel i
ngof f
.Iforgavehim.Hest arted
cheat ingonmewi thal i
ghtskinnedgirl.Het ol
d
meabouthowdar kandugl yIwas.HowI
shoul dusesomet hi
ngonmyski ntobel ight.
Dumi sani whippedmei nfrontofhisfriendwi t
h
asj ambok.Hebur ntmydi plomaandt oldmet o
quitwor ki
ng.Ihadt or esi
gnov erthephone.
(Remov inghershi rt
)youseehowIam i t
'sall
yourson' sdoings( wear i
ngt heshir
t)hedoesn' t
l
ovemeanymore(cr
ying)wehavetr
iedbutI
t
hinki
t'
sfai
l
ingdi
smal
ly"Dumicr
ied

"Iam sorryMaNdabapleasef
orgi
veme.Al
lthe
thingsthatIsai
dwereoutofangerand
obsession"

"DumiIam greatl
ydisappoi
ntedwit
hy our
behavi
our.Doyoustil
lloveMaNdaba?"Zwane
askedgreatl
ydisappoint
ed

"
AlotBabaIgett
empt
edt
henIbeatheral
i
ttl
e"

"Udakiwenjandi
ni(y
ouar eadrunkdog)isita
l
itt
le.Doyouseehowr uinedsheisZwane
speakt oy
oursonorI'l
lsmashthewholetable
onhishead.Henearlykil
ledher
.WhatdidIsay
toyouDumi ?"Zwanesighed
"Kahl
engolakaNkosi
kazi.Wenev erexpect ed
suchabehav i
ourf
rom him.Thebestt hingwe
candoistohelpMaNdabat odivorcehim.I
wouldhavefail
edasafatherifIt
ellkaNdabat o
forgi
vehi
m,suchbehaviouri
sunaccept able"

"
ButBabaGugucan'
tl
eav
eme"

"Dumi ar
ey oucr
azy
.Whati
sgoi
ngtost
opher
from l
eaving?Whatdoy
ouhavet
hatot
hermen
don'thave?"

"Il
oveherBabaifIcan'
thaveherthenIwil
lki
ll
my sel
f"Dumiwasnowcr yi
ngmyhear twas
breaki
ngonhisbehalf.Il
ovedthebrokenhi
m
andIlovedtheper
fecthim.
"
Kil
lyour
sel
fwewi
l
lbur
yyou"

"
Babacalm downbandl
a,Manget
hesoyou
wantDumitokil
lhi
msel
f?Whatabouthi
sson?
"
MaKheswaaskedcomfort
ingme

"Sindi
sowill
rai
sehiml i
kehisownsincehe
doesn'thav
eaf at
her"Siphecomfort
edDumiI
hatedthatwoman'sgutsifitwasn'
tfor
MaKheswaIcoul dhaveknockedoutherfr
ont
teeth.

"
MaNdabaGugul ethuMakaSiy
apleasef orgi
ve
me.IpromiseIwil
lchangetobeabet terman
f
oryou.Ipromisetoloveyouwholeheartedl
y.I
wanttogototherapyfory
oupleaselet'sgo
t
ogether"
"Dumi youalwayssaythesamet hingoverand
overagai n,Idon'
ttr
ustyouanymor e.Idolove
youal otbutIdon'tthi
nkourmarriagewill
ever
wor k.It
'saboutti
mewesepar ateandl i
ve
separ atel
y.Wemi ghtmeetoursoul mates
alongt heway "

"Dumishei
snotwor
thitmyboyyouwi
l
lfi
nda
goodgir
lwhoi
saVirgi
nendaweni
"

"
Kahl
eaunt
izaIl
oveGuguandshe'
sgoi
ngt
o
f
orgi
veme"

"MaNdabadonotmindwhatt
hiscr
azyboyi
s
sayi
ng.Whatdoyouwantt
odomydaughter
?"

"
Ilov
ehi
m BabaIwi
l
lgi
vehi
m onel
astchance"
"MaNdabahowmanychancesdi
dyougi
ve
him?"

"
Idon'
tremember
"Zwanesi
ghed

"Iwi
ll
supportwhatev
eryousaymyDaught
er,
wenaDumi standupandfol
l
owme.Youare
behavi
ngli
keawoman"

"Mydaught
erIam sosor
ry.Iam al
sodi
sgust
ed
byhi
sbehaviour
"

"WhatdidshedoMaKheswa?Dumi doesn't
behavelikethi
ssheistheonewhot ri
ggered
thisbehaviour
.Uhlel
ingobaefunai
mali(sheis
stayi
ngher ebecauseshewant smoney)
"Siphe
spokewi thsomuchat ti
tude
"
Gugul
et'
sgot
oyourr
oom"

Wewenttomyroom.Shet
oldmeabouthow
har
dthemar
ri
ageis.
"
Youmayl
eav
ehimi
fyouwantt
oMakot
ibut
mywor
ryi
sSi
ya"

"Iwi
l
lleav
eMai
fhedoesi
tagai
n.Iam t
ir
edof
him"

"
OkMaNdabaIwi
l
lal
way
ssuppor
tyou"
.

Myinl
awsleftaft
eraweekIswearMakheswa
wasagossipershemademelaughtheenti
re
week.

Si
yawentt
oschool
campi
nghewassuper
fl
uenti
nEngl
ish.Thewayheusedt
omovehis
eyebr
owsoft
enmademel augh.Dumi
walked
i
ncarryi
ngal
aptop

"
MaNdaba"

"
Zwane"

"
Howar
eyoumyl
ove?"

"
Goodandy
ouhoney
?"

"
Good,
itsmel
l
sdi
vi
newhatar
eyoucooki
ng?
"
"
It
'sasurpr
isebabygoandsitdown"heper
ked
myli
psandwenttothedini
ngroom.
Ihadcookedhi
sfav
ouri
temeal
.WhenIbr
ought
hi
m hismealhesmil
edl
ikeababy
"Babyyoucookedadumpl ingdamnthankyou"I
hadcookedal i
vechickenandaadumpl i
ng.He
atethefoodinajol
lymood.Af t
ereat
inghe
wipedhishands.It
ookt heplat
esandwashed
them.

WhenIgotupstai
rshehadwrappedhi
mself
wi
thatowel.Iswal
lowedal
umponmyt hr
oat

"Lovewhaty
ousee?"Ihat
edhowhehadt
he
author
it
ytocont
rol
mybody

"Comeher eGugu"Ist oodst i

llbehi
ndthedoor
puzzled.Theatmospher echanged.Hecamet o
bewi thhisthi
nggiddy .Hepickedmeupand
pushedmeagai nstthewal l
.Igavehim more
accesst omycooki e.Ilovedhim morethan
anythingIwantedhi mt otakemenow.Hi s
fi
ngerst r
acedmycooki eandsl i
ddedi
n
"OhGoshDumi Il
oveyoumoret hanl
if
ei t
'ssel
f,
pleaseletme. .
."heshutmeupwi thakissand
toremyt hong.Hehammer edinsidemeunt i
lI
fellIcoul
dn'
ttakeitanymore

"
Takemet
obedDumi
"hesmi
rked

"
Wit
hpl
easur
eMaNdaba"

Ourfamil
ywasfill
edwi t
hhappiness.Iwanted
ustobehappyforever.Thescarypartabout
thi
swholethi
ngisthatitwasshortli
ved.Itwas
oneoftheFri
days.Itr
iedcall
i
ngDumi butthe
phonewassendingmet ovoi
cemai l
.

Sundayar
ri
vedDumi
wasn'
thome.
Wegotr
eadyforchur
ch.Thel
astt
hingIwant
ed
wast
ogetstr
essedbyDumi.

"
Mommywher
eisdad?
"

Il
ookedatRosi
shej
ustshr
ugged

"
Didy
oudoy
ourv
erses?"
Hi
smoodenl
i
ght
ened

"
YesmommyJohn11v35Jesuswept
"weal
l
l
aughed

"
Siy
ayouar
ecr
azyt
hatv
ersei
sver
yshor
t"

"
ButSami
li
kesi
tmommy
"wer
oll
edourey
es
andwentt
ochur
ch.

ThePastorpr
eachedaboutt
heimpor
tanceof
hear
ingGodwhenhespeaks.Thever
sewas
powerf
ul.
Af
terchur
chIwentt
omyPast
or

"
GooddayBabahowar
eyou?
"

"
Goodsi
sterGuguhowar
eyou?"

"Iam notgoodBabamymarri
ageisslowl
y
dyingIdon'
tknowwhatt
odoany more.Iwas
askingyoutocomeandcounsel
ustomor r
ow"

"
Eii
shmydaughterwhaty
ouareaski
ngofmeis
v
eryhar
d.Yourhusbandi
snotaChri
sti
anhad
hebeenaChr i
sti
ani twasgoi
ngtobeeasyf or
met ositdownwi thhim.Nowheisnota
Christ
ianhemi ghttell
mewher et
ogetoff.The
reasonwet eachoury out
htomarryatchurchis
becauseofsuchi ssues"

"
BabaIam beggi
ngy
oupl
ease"

"
Oksi
siwewi
l
lcomet
omor
rowwi
thmywi
fe"

"
ThankyouIwi
l
lsendy
oudi
rect
ions,
peacebe
wi
thyou"

"
Kul
ungi
l
esi
si
"

Af
terchur
chwedr
ovet
ospurandhadl
unch.
MondaycameDumi nevertol
dmewher ehe
was.RosinahandIprepar
edat ant
ali
singdinner
.
ThePastorandhiswifecameRosi l
edt hem t
o
thedi
ningroom
"
Goodev
eni
ngBabaandMama"

Dumi
lookedatt
hem andf
rowned

"
Howar ey
ou?
"Hegr
eet
edt
hem f
aki
nghi
s
l
aught
er

"
Wear
egoody
ouson?
"

"
Iam per
fect
"

Theysatdown,weatedi
nneraf
tereat
ingRosi
andSiyawentupst
air
s
ThePast
orcoughed
"Wear
eher
ebecauseofwhatsi
sterGugut
old
us"

"
Uhwhi
chi
s?"

"Dumiyouknowhowskepti
cal
thi
ngsar
e
betweenus.SoIt
oldBabat
ocomeand
counselus"

"Hhayikebabayouwastedy ourt
ime.Iam not
goingtosither
eanddiscl
osemypr i
vateli
fe"he
pushedthechairawayget
tingupandwent
upstai
rs.Iwassoembarassed

"Iam sor
ry"Ibr
okedownMamf
undi
sicame
andhuggedme
"PhephisaGugual
li
sgoingtobewel
l
.Babaand
Iwil
lleaveandcomenextti
me"

"Iam sosorr
y"theyst
oodupandl
eft
.Iwas
unabl
et oaccompanythem.
Iwentupst
air
stoourbedr
oom
Hepul
l
edmebymydr
ess
"Areyousl
eepingwithhi
mt oo?Justl
ikeyou
sleptwi
thyourboss.Don'
tyouevergetti
redof
spreadi
ngyourlegsformen"
[
07/
19,
08:
55] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#40

Hehel
dmyneckti
ghtl
y,hewaschoki
ngme.At
t
hismomentIwi
shedthatIhadmar
ri
edaman
from churchmaybehewasgoi ngtoatleast
respectourPastor.Iam notsayi
ngthatmen
from churchar
ehol ynodon'tgetmewr ong.
Thebi bl
esaysdonotbey okedtoget
herwi t
h
unbeliev
ersiti
nstantl
ytr
iggeredinmybr ai
n

"Guguareyoumaki ngfunofmei nfrontofy

our
Pastoruh?Youl i
keitwhenIam paintedwit
h
disgr
ace.Ngizokubulal
aufefi(
Iwill
kil
l y
ou)
"
myai r
waywascl osedIwasslowlylosingmy
abil
it
ytobreath.Siyastar
tedcall
i
ngme,
Hest
oppedchoki
ngme
Her
oar
edatSi
ya
"
Whatdoy
ouwantSi
yabonga?
"Icoughed
"
Iwantmama"

"
Stopwi
thyourcr
ocodi
l
etear
s.Yoursonwant
s
y
ou"Icr
ied
Si
yabangedt
hedoorheunl
ockedt
hedoor

"
Geti
n"

"
Mommypl
easesl
eepwi
thmet
oni
ght
"

"
OkSi
ya"

"Let
'sl
eav
enow"heopenedt
hedoorIf
oll
owed
him

WhenIgotintoSiya'
sroom Rosi
waswal
ki
ng
aroundimpati
ent
ly.Whenshesawmehereyes
l
ightenedup
"
Madam ar
eyouok?
"

"
Siy
agomakemecof
fee"

"
MommyI
'
m shor
tandIcan'
tmakecof
fee"

"Si
yawhatdi
dIsaytoyou?Isai
dwhenmommy
sendsy
ou..y
oushoulddowhat?"Rosi
shout
ed
him

"Sor
ryaunty"helookedatmewor
ri
edandran
downstai
rs.IbrokedownRosi
huggedme

"Si
yai
sgoingt
obeher
esoon.Iknewt hat
somethi
ngwasgoi
ngtohappen.Ihadtoask
Siy
atocomeandgety
ou"
"
Thanky ouRosi
nah(sni
ffi
ng)youreall
yhel
ped
me.Iwouldhavebeendeadbynow.Yousav ed
me,thi
swasawakeupcal lforme.Ihavet
o
l
eavebeforeIdi
e"

"
Whatareyouplanni
ngmadam ?Any
thi
ngwi
th
mei
sfine.Iwi
l
lsupporty
ou"

"Pleasesleepwi t
hmet onight,
Iam scar edwhat
i
fhewal ksonmeandki llme.RosinahDumi
wasnev erl
ikethi
s,hewasdi ff
erentsomet hing
i
swr ongwithhim.Hel ovedmef orthr eey ears,
I
don'trecognisethemant hatIam stay ingwi t
h.I
am shockedbyhi ssuddenbehav i
our .May be
someoneusedsomet hingonhim.Il ov ehim
alotRosinahIcan'tli
vewi t
houthim"

"Myexhusbandwasabusi
vet
oo.Thetr
uth
aboutabusi
vemeni
sthatweseethesi
gnsbut
wet endt
or unawayf r
om t
hesi gns.Thefacti
s
theyshowt oomuchwegetbl indedbylov
e.
Thereisnothingsweetandaddi ct
ivel
i
kean
abusiver
elati
onshipnomatterhowmanyt imes
youwanttol eaveyoucan'
t"

"Iheary
oudearhowdidyoul
eav
ehi
m?"She
stoodupandfol
dedherarms

"Godsavedmehedi edinacaraccident.God
real
lysavedmebutIdoubtt hatIwouldhav e
l
efthadhebeenal i
ve"IwentandhuggedherI
couldseethebrokennessinhereyes.Siya
walkedinonuswesecr etl
ywi pedourtears.
ThecoffeelookedgrossbutIhadtobegr at
eful

"
Thanky
ouy
aya"hel
ookedatmeannoy
ed
"
Stopi
tmaI
'
m Si
yanotYay
a"weal
ll
aughed.

"Oklove"If
ixedSi
ya'
sbed.Rosinahwentt oher
room andgotmoreblanket
s.Siyaslepti
nthe
middle,mysonwasblessedbecausehewas
surr
oundedbyt wost
rongmot hers.

"
Madam l
et'
spr
ay"

"
OkRosi
"
Wor
dsweref
ail
i
ngmeGodknewwhatwasi
n
myhear
t.

Iwokeuparound10Siyahadal
readyl
eftf
or
school
.Rosiwalkedi
ntheroom wi
thbr
eakfast

"
Hashel
eftRosi
?"
"
Yesmadam"

"
Letmegoandbat
hqui
ckl
y"

"
Ok"

Afterbat
hingIdr
ankmylukewarmt ea.Itook
mybagandst art
edpacki
ng.IwenttoSiya's
room andpackedsomeofhiscl
othes.
Li
hle'
smom wasgoingt
odr
ophi
m of
f,Iwasn'
t
goi
ngtopi
ckhim up
Hecamehomear
oundt
womybagswer
eready
"Goodafter
noonMaNdaba"hegav
emehi
s
contagi
oussmil
e

"
SawubonaManget
heukahl
e"hesmi
l
edhe
l
ovedbei
ngt
reat
edl
ikeaman.Hi
sdi
mpl
es
mademysontobemorecut
e.
"
YeskaNdaba"

Ical
l
edZi
nzi

"
Howar
eyouKaNdaba?"

"
Iam notgooddadeIam l
eavi
ngDumi today
.I
wi
ll
begoingbacktoourmother'
shouse"

"Donotwor r
yaboutwhatpeoplewil
lsay
.They
mightcal
lyouar et
urnsol
dierdonotpay
att
enti
ontot hem.I
t'
syourl
ifeandyourr
ules.
Wewi l
lvi
sityoutomorr
ow"
Isi
ghed
"
Heymnt
akaMal
wehl
alungehl
anga"
"Iwi
l
lsupportyoukaNdababot
hemot
ional
l
y
andfi
nanci
all
y"

"
Angi
bongei
yobuy
eibonane"

"
Ehheni
uyat
handwasi
si"

"
Ilov
eyoumor
ekaNdaba"

WhenIwasdonepackingIwenttothest
udyto
getSi
ya'
sdocuments.Iwasfi
nal
l
yleavi
ng,I
tookMawe'
skeysthatwerehi
ddenunderthe
bed.

Si
yawal
kedi
nhappy
"
Manget
hehav
eyoueat
en?"
"Iam goodandyoumommydi dyoueat?
"I
nodded,hepul
ledoutapaperf
rom hi
sbagand
gaveittome
"Woowyouaresosmar
tboy
.Thi
sneedsa
cel
ebr
ati
on"

"
Yesy
esIst
udyal
ot"

"
Donotchangegoandsi
tinmycarwear
e
l
eav
ing"

"
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?"

"
Donotquest
ionmeSi
yagot
othecarnow"
Ical
ledRosi
naht
ohel
pmet
akemybagst
othe
car.
Whenwewer edoneRosiwentupst
air
stoget
Siy
a'sbooks.Ifol
lowedher
,It
ookmyBi bl
e.I
camef acet
of acewitht
hemonster

Iranandescapedf r
om hisembrace.Iwas
runni
ngtowardsthegat emyaim wasgett
ing
outofthegate.Siy
awast her
ewat chi
nghi
m.I
tri
ppedandfellhekickedmystomachIswearI
diedathousandtimes

"Iwill
kil
lyoutoday"Iscr
eamedcr yi
ng.He
pull
edmyl egsonthegravel
withmybackon
theground.Myseet hr
oughshirtwasget
ti
ng
dirt
yandi twasteari
ngthestoneswerenow
pierci
ngmyf l
esh

Si
yar
ant
owar
dsus
"Babastop(cr
ying)st
opit.Letmymom go.
Stopit
"heranIam prett
ysur et
hathewas
goingRosi

Ij
ustcr
iedmybackwasnowbur
ning.Rosi
camerunni
ng

"
Sirpl
easel
ethergo"

"Fucky ouRosi
Iwil
lgi
veyouoneki
ckthatwi
l
l
sendy oubacktoMozambique,
doyou
understandme?"

"
Yessi
rIdo"hethenst
oppedandpi
ckedmeup.
Het
ookmet oourbedr
oom andl
ockedi
t

"
Whatdi
dIsayt
oyouMaNdaba?
"Ij
ustcr
iedhe
gav
emeoneslapt
hatmademecryevenmor
e.
Si
yawasbangi
ngt
hedoorscr
eami
ng
"Areyoutryingt
ofuckwi thmewenanondi ndwa?
Youwantt ogoandbi tcharound.Theonlyday
youwi l
lwalkoutonmei swheny ouareina
coffi
n(pull
ingherweav e)doy ouunderst
and
mey oubitch"Inodded.Heopenedwar m wat er
i
nt hebathtub.Whenher emovedmyshi rthe
start
edweepi ng

"GuguIam sorr
yIdon'tknowwhatgotoverme.
Youshouldstoppressi
ngmybuttons.Doyou
underst
and?"Inodded
"
Yes"
"
Ilov
ey ouGugu,mor
et hanany
thi
ngyouare
t
heonlythi
ngthatmakessensetome.Tel
lme
y
oulovemet oo"
"
Ilovey
ou"hepi
ckedmeupand pl
acedme
i
nsidet
hewarm wat
er
Hest
art
edbat
hingmeIf
li
nched,
Iwasi
npai
n

"Iam sosor
rybaby,
Ilov
ey oual
ott
het
hought
oflosi
ngyoudrovemecrazy"

"
Arey
oust
il
lat
tendi
ngy
oursessi
ons?"
Hegotangr
y

"Whatar
eyoui
mplyi
ngGugulethu?Don'
tyou
darepi
ssmeoffdoyouunderstandme?
"I
nodded

"St
opcryi
ngi
t'
sannoy
ingdi
dn'
tIsayIam
sorr
y?"
"
You.
..y
oudi
d"
"
Nowshutt
hef
uckup"
.

Igotoutoft
hewat
erandwor
emysat
ingown

WeateNandosf
ordi
nner
,hewentt
obedf
ir
stI
f
oll
owedaft
erhi
m.

Howdi dIendupher e?Ihadbeensi t

ti
ngonmy
bedthinkingabouthowIendedupi nthis
sit
uati
ongr owingupIhadt oldmy selfthat
stayi
nginanabusi vemarriagewasoutoft he
equati
on.Icouldn'thelpthet earst hatwer e
burni
ngmyf acerightnow.GodWhyme? .Why
didIdot odeservesuchabeast ?Howdi da
l
ov esosweett urnintothisthingt hatIcan' t
evendescr i
benorf athom.Howcoul daman
thatgavemeheav enonear t
ht urni ntothis
monsterlayingnextt
ome?Il ovehi
m.Gody ou
knowhowmuchIl ov
ehim.Ihatemysel
ffor
l
ovinghimt hismuch.ButIcan'
thel
pit
.He'sthe
onethatstolemyhear t
.Wheredidwegowr ong?
Af
terpr
ayi
ngIgoti
ntomybl
anket
sandsl
ept.

Thefoll
owi
ngmor ningDumimademecoff
ee.
Hehelpedmet osit
,heevenbr
oughtmemy
fav
ouri
techocolat
es

"
Thanky
oubaby
"heki
ssedme

"Il
ovetaki
ngcareofy oumylove"Inodded.He
brushedli
psandkissedme.Hisf i
nger
smov ed
tomycor emycli
tstartedv
ibr
atingwit
hneed

"Nott
odayIam i
npainDumi"heopenedmy
gownandmov edhi
stonguetomythrobbi
ng
cli
t.HeatemeIcouldn'
ttakei
tany
mor e.The
feeli
ngofecstasywasona100thewav eof
pleasur
eovershadowedmeIwasleftpanti
ng.
Hecameandki
ssedme

"Haveagr
eatdayahead,
Ihopey
ouwon'
tpul
l
outanyst
unt
s"

"
Ipromi
seIwon'
t"heki
ssedmyf
oreheadand
l
eft
.

Si
yacamebackfr
om school
sad.Whenhesaw
mehegothappy

"
Mom whydi
dhebeaty
ou?"Ij
ustshr
ugged

"
Howwasschool
?"
"
Itwasok,
hol
dmepl
ease"Ihuggedhi
m.

Ihadbeenaski
ngRosinaht
owit
hdr
aw 1000a
day.Inowhad14000onme.Dumil
eftwi
thSi
ya
forDurban
Thatwast
heper
fectchancef
ormet
oescape

"Rosipl
easet
akecar
eofmybabyboy
"she
huggedmecrying

"
Iwi
l
lmi
ssy
oumadam"Il
aughed

"
Donotwor
ryy
ouwi
l
lgetanewmadam"she
l
aughed

"
Theonewhoi
sgoi
ngt
oabuseme"Ir
oll
edmy
ey
es

"
Abusey
ou?Uhst
opbei
ngdr
amat
ic"

Il
efthi
scarandt
ookabackpack
Ical
l
edZi
nzi

"
Wher
eshoul
dIgokaNdaba?
"

"
Lal
elaGuguyouwill
takeataxi
toTown.When
y
ougettoBreetakeataxi
toCosmocit
y"

"
Wher
ear
etaxi
stoCosmoci
ty?
"

"
C3upst
air
s"
"
Okshar
pany
thi
ngel
se?
"

"
TakeExt2wewill
waitf
oryouatkwaLoui
sthe
mostpopul
art
aver
ninCosmocity
"

"
Okgetmeonecol
d(Laughi
ng)beer
"she
l
aughed

"
Ok"

Iwait
edfornearl
y30mi nut
es,Itookataxito
fourwaysfr
om Fourway st
otown.Theseat s
hadwiresmyasswasnowsor e."
Sawubona
mshayelimayyoupleaseleavemeatBr ee"he
l
ookedatmeusi nghismi r
ror

"
Ntombi
angi
fundi
l
emi
naangi
sazi
isi
ngi
siut
hi
i
Breeinj
ani
?(Iam noteducat
edIdon'
t
under
standEngl
i
sh.Whatdi dBr
eedo?)"

"
Ngi
celaungishi
yeeBr
ee(
mayy
oupl
easel
eav
e
meatBree)
"

"
Kul
ungi
l
ent
ombi
"

Iwaswokenupbyhi
m

"Sesi
fi
kil
e"Iglancedar
oundt
heunf
ami
l
iar
placethenIsawC3.

"Ngi
yabongaBaba"Br eewasnotsaf
eitwas
ful
lofthugsandhobos.Mymoneywasi nmy
underwearitwasatipIgotf
rom Zi
nzi
Iwal
kedt
othequeMarshal
lIcoul
dtel
lbyt
he
wayhewascar
ryi
ngabookandshouti
ng

"
Gooddaysi
rhowar
eyou?"hel
i
ckedhi
sli
ps
"Howareyoumybeaut
y?Ndoniyamanzi
my
blackAf
ri
canwoman"Ilaughed

"Pleaseshowmet axist
oExt
ensi
ontwoi
n
Cosmoci ty"hecar r
iedmybagandmademe
sitonthefrontseat

"Howmuchistaxi
far
e?"Hesmi
l
edsucha
crazymanhewas

"Nzi
mandethi
sbeauti
ful
,gor
geous,dar
k
beaut
yisnotpay
ing"Nzi
mandelaughed
"WeehShangeWalandaukuzodl
iwaeGol
i"he
l
aughed.Thet
axi
driverseemedshywecouldn'
t
event
alk.

Thedr i
verleftmeatKwaLouis.Ijumpedofft
he
taxi
andr ant oZinzi
.Shecr
ied,Icoul
dn'
tface
mybr otherinlaw.

"
OhGodmybabyImi
ssedy
ou"Isni
ff
edsmi
l
ing
"
Imi
ssedy
oumor
e,Br
otherhowar
eyou?
"

"
Iam oksi
swena?
"

"
Good"hel
ookedatmesmi
l
ing

"
It
'saboutt
imeIgetmyf
ri
endst
oki
cky
our
husbandhowdar
ehebeat
syou?
"Iwi
pedmy
tear
s

"
Tell
them t
ocutbothofhi
shandsandleav
ehi
s
Di
ckworki
ngjusti
ncase"weal
llaughed

"YouarecrazywenaGugu"theydrov
eupthe
bushyarea.Thepl
acewasisolat
edanddust
y.I
t
hadleaki
ngsewagewipes.

Thepl
acewasdomi
nat
edby
shacks.Itwasnucleat
edsett
lementpatter
n.
Theplacewasjustok(rol
l
inghereyes)
.Itbett
er
thanmyhellmansion

"Ihav
ealr
eadyf
oundy
ouar
oom t
hel
andl
ordi
s
sweet"
"Thanky
oukaNdaba,
ngi
ngabay
ini
ngaphandl
e
kwakho"

"
Iam nothi
ngwit
houtyoutooMbuzi
"Il
aughed
t
hisgi
rlwasunbel
iev
able

Aft
erfewminut
eswepar kedout
sidet
hegate
andgotint
heyard.Ther
eweremor et
hanten
shacksi
noneyard

Afatl
adygotoutoft
hehousecar
ryi
ngaHansa
bot
tl
e

"MaNdabayouhav
eal
readyar
ri
ved"Zi
nzi
went
andhuggedher
"YesMaDl
omot hi
sismysisterIwastel
l
ingy
ou
about
.Ist
heroom ready
?"shescrat
chedher
headshel
ookedli
keoneofthegossiper
sint
he
communit
y

"Noshewil
lsl
eepi
nmyhouset oni
ght
.Myboy
s
wil
lfi
xherr
oom.Ichoseaper
fectr
oom f
or
her
."

"
Isi
ttheonewi
thgl
assesonl
y"Zi
nzi
asked

"
YeskaNdaba,
whati
syourname(
Looki
ngat
Gugu)
?"

"
Gugul
ethuma"

"
Donotcal
lmeMauy
angi
gugi
sa
(l
aughing)Suchani cenamewhenIget
pregnantIwi l
lcal
lmychildGugu"Il
ookedat
herbuffl
edt hi
sladywasnowol dababyatthi
s
agewasqui etamusi ng

"
Areyouser
iousKaDl
omo?
"Ist
if
ledmy
l
aught
er

"
Yesmyfri
endyouknowhowbentensar
e"she
wasol
denoughtobemymom butshewanted
t
obemyfriend.
Wel
comet oJohannesburgthel
andofwonder
s.
Wherey
ouseeol dladiesbei
ngcal
l
edsis
Mandyinst
eadofgr annyormama.

Theroom wassoper
fect
.70%ofi
twer
e
gl
asses.
Myfr
iend(
MaDlomo)tol
dmeaboutthecheap
f
urni
tur
ewhichwassoldtwost
reet
sbehi
ndus.

It
hankedZi
nzi
andherhusbandast
heywer
e
l
eavi
ng.

MaDlomo'shousehadani
cefur
nit
ure.The
Ben10walkedinar
ound8thegr
annywasnow
bl
ushing

"Babythi
sisGugu,
Guguthi
sisthemanoft
he
house"thi
smanwasyoungerthanmei
fnotmy
age

"
Sani
bona"her
espondedser
iousl
y

"
SawubonaGugu,
lov
eIwi
l
lgoandl
i
edownmy
st
omachi
supset
"

"
Kul
ungi
l
ebaba,
youwi
l
leatt
omor
row"

Wespoket
hewhol
enightIt
oldheraboutDumi
.
Wor
ryandt
err
orwashedherface

"Guguyouneedtoleavehereandgotoanother
provi
nce,
rel
ocati
onisthebestsol
uti
onhere.
Thismaniscapableofki
ll
ingyou"

"YesmyloveIam st
il
lwei
ghi
ngmyopt
ionspl
us
Ihaveason"

"
Hewill
underst
andwhenhei
sol
d.Thi
nkabout
y
oursafet
y"
"
Wher
ecanIgo?
"

"Iwi
l
lspeaktomycousi
nwhoisi
nCapeTownI
hopeheisgoi
ngtohel
pyou.
"

"
Thanky
ouMaDl
omo"

Weendedupsl
eepi
ngt
oget
her
.

Ihadpeacet
hatwassurpassi
ngal
lmysor
rows.
Mylaughsweregenui
ne

AfteraweekIgotaj obnextdoori
twasan
Ethiopi
ant
uckshop.Iwasget t
ing250aweek.I
soldmyphonet othi
sotherNigeri
anandt
hrew
awaymySi m card.
MaDl
omo'
scousi
nagr
eedt
otakemei
n.Igav
e
MaDlomoal
lthemoneyIhad.It
rust
edherso
much.

Thedayf ormetol
eav eforCapeTownwas
24hoursawayIwassoexci ted.Ipackedmy
clot
hesandgaveMaDl omomysmal lproper
ty.
Itwaspastmidni
ght.Iheardsomething
breaki
ngmyglass.Isawt hebri
ckflyi
ngnextto
me.Iscreamed

[
07/
19,
11:
11] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#41

Irecei
vedanotif
icat
ional
ertf
rom MaDl
omo
shewast el
l
ingmet ousethebackdoort
o
escape.Dumi hadfoundme,asIwasaboutt
o
l
eav
ethedooropened

"Wewil
ldot
histheeasywayorthehardway
"
heroar
edMaDlomogotintotheroom
"Leavet
hisgirlal
oneyouanimalIwi
ll
call
the
poli
ceony ou"shetookherphoneasshewas
abouttodialDumi l
aughed

"
Ifyouknowwhat'
sgoodfory ou,
youar egoing
t
omi ndyourownbusi
ness.Iknowal otabout
youoldwoman.All
ofyourshenanigans,dome
afavourandmoveawayfrom ourway "

"
Let
huwhataboutt
hatt
hing"Ij
ustcr
ied

"
Leav
eiti
t'
sal
lyour
s,keepi
tlov
e"
Heev
encar
ri
edmet
othecar
.
"Iwasmi
ssingy
oualotmywife.I
maginetwo
weekswi
thouty
ou"Iwastooscar
edtorespond.
Xwassmili
ngIsweart
hismanwasdoing
Karmaonme.

"MakaSiy
awhereisy ourphonemyf ri
endwas
str
essedaboutyou.Youar eungr
atefulshame,
soyoumov edtotheshackswheny ouhavea
mansion?"

"Idon'
treporttoyou,youdon'
tri
demeXt o
answery ourstupi
dquesti
onIwouldrat
herst
ay
i
nsl umst hanli
veint
hemansi onwi
ththedev
il
i
nhi shell
"Xl aughed

"
Youar
esocr
azy
"
"Xy our eal wantt omessar oundwi thmer i
ght .
Nowondery oudon' thav eawi f
ey ourmom
didn'tteachy oumanner s.Peopl elikey ougr ew
upnotbei nglov edbyt heirfami l
y.Theyof ten
fi
ndhappi nessi nhur t
ingot hers.Youneedt o
gof orcounsel l
ingbecausey ouar emessedup
j
ustl i
key ourf ri
endwhodoesn' tmanup, who
all
owsabr okenmant omakeadeci sionforhim.
Letmet ellyousomet hi ngXi fthatf r
iendof
yourski llsmemybl oodi sgoi ngtobeony our
hands.Iwi llhunty ouf ort herestofy ourlife.
Youar eev ilbecausey ouwantmysont ogr ow
upinabr okenf amilyjustlikey ou.Thisboy
agreest oy ournonsense"Xswal l
owedal ump
onhi st hroat.Hel ookedawayIhadhi taner ve.
Iwasshaki ngi nsidesomet hi
ngt ol
dmet hat
Dumi wasgoi ngtoki l
l me.

"Guguyouar
etooloudandyouspeaknonsense
Iwil
lshowyoutodaywhotheheadoft
hefami l
y
i
s"Isobbed

"
Howdi
dyouev
enf
indme?
"Hesmi
rked

"
Youshoul
dtel
lZinzi
toal
way
scheckt
hecost
whenshe'
sdr
ivi
ng"

"Whywon'tyouleavemealoneDumi?Idon't
evenunderstandyouany
mor e.I
tist
imesl
i
ke
thi
sthatIwishIwasdead"

"Youhav estar
tedwit
hy ouratt
ent
ionseeki
ng
skil
l
s"thedr i
vewasfil
l
edwi thmycries.When
wepar kedoutsidet
hehouseIweeped, my
heartwasf ai
li
ngme

If
elthi
shandshol
dingme"
breat
hMaNdaba
pl
easebr
eat
h,Xdr
ivel
et'
sgot
othehospi
tal
"

"NoDumi shewil
lrunaway
.Carryhert
othe
housesheshouldbeokbyt omorr
ow"thei
r
voi
ceswer esl
owlyfadi
ng.

WhenIopenedmyeyesitwasal
readymor
ning.
Hejumpedofft
hechai
randcamet ome

"MaNdabayouareawake( cr
ying)donotev
er
scar
emel i
kethat.Il
oveyousomucht hati
t
hurt
s.Iwouldr
atherdiet
hanwat chyouwal
k
awayfrom me"

hehuggedhisscentsentti
nglest
omyspine.I
hatedhowmuchmyhat r
edf orhi
m al
way
s
tur
nedtolov
e
"Iam scaredofy
ouDumi,
youhav
emul
ti
ple
character
s"heki
ssedmyhead

"Iam goi
ngtobeagoodmanGuguIam t
ryi
ng
pleasebearwi
thme"

Hi
shandsmov
edt
omybr
east
scuppi
ngt
hem,

"
Idon'
twantt ohavesexwi
thy ou"helookedat
meintensel
y.Mybodywasr eacti
ngtohis
t
ouch.Isli
ghtl
yclosedmyeyes,hishands
movedt omycore.Iwasdr
ippingwet

"Il
ovehowt i
ghty
ouar
ebaby
"mybr
eat
h
escal
ated.

Ihat
edhowmybodybet
ray
edmeal
way
s.Dumi
wasusingsext
ocontrolme.Thewor
stpar
t
aboutt
hiswasthathehardl
ysai
dsor
ry.

Aft
eroursessi
onhebathedme.I
thadbeen
l
ongsinceIsawthatot
hersi
deofhi
m.

"Il
oveyouMaNdaba"hel
ookedatmeIlooked
away.Aft
erwear
inghewentdownst
air
s.

Ilookedatmyclot
hes,ther
ewer esti
ll
nicel
y
hanged.Ideci
dedtowearmyshor tsandbra
topIwentdownstai
rsandf oundDumi pl
ayi
ng
ourweddingsong.Hiseyesmov edtomybody.
Icouldseetheevi
denceofhistears

"Comeandsithere"hetappedhi
slap.Iwal
ked
tohim.Thel
astthingIwantedwastopissme
off
"GuguIloveyoupl
easedon'teverl
eaveme
again,pl
easedon'
tleavememybeaut if
ulwi
fe"
thelastti
meIcheckedIwasuglybutnowIwas
addressedas'mybeautif
ulwi
fe'l
it
tl
edidhe
knowt hatIwaspl
anningawayt oescapeagai
n
.

"
Ok,
wher
eisSi
ya?
"

"HewenttoRosinah'
shousebutt
heyar
e
comingbacktoday.(
Smili
ng)hei
sgoi
ngtobe
exci
tedwhenheseesy ou"

"Imissedhi
m Ican'
twai
ttoseehim Babakhe"
hestoodupcarryi
ngmeandlaidmeont opof
thecouch.Hisl
ookwasweakeningmyey esi
ght
andmyabi l
it
ytothi
nk.Hewentdowngi vi
ng
mewetki
sses.
"
Youar
esosexybaby
"

Weswi tchedposi
ti
onsIwasnowontopofhi
m
ri
dinghiml i
keamaniac.Hi
smanhoodwas
hi
ttingmyut er
usi
tsentmeovert
heedge

Siy
aandRosinahcamethef
oll
owi
ngday
.Iwas
anxiousl
ywai
ti
ngfort
hem

Si
yarantome"mamahowar eyou?Howwas
Dur
ban?"Il
ookedathi
m puzzled

"
OhDur
ban..I
twasf
inemysonhowar
eyou?
"

"
Iam goodImi
ssedy
ou"
"
Imissedyoumore,nowgoupstai
rsandpack
y
ourclot
hesnicel
y.Iwi
l
lmakeyousomethi
ng
t
oeat"hekissedmycheekandr
ushedupst
air
s

"
Madam y
ouar
eback?
"

"Ain'
tyouaski
nganobviousquesti
on?soy ou
thoughtthati
twasaghosttalki
ngtoSiya?
Whatar eyouaski
ng?"shelaughedrol
l
ingher
eyes

"Younev
erceaset oamazeme.
.whydi
dyou
comebackIt houghtt
hatt
hemanwasnow
mine"welaughed

"
TakehimforfreeRosinahyouaregoi
ngto
makeagreatcougar(Clappi
ngherhands)
whi
chremindsmeofwhatIsawi nEskom t
he
womanwhowasol denoughtobemymother
wasdati
ngasmal l
boyther
earepl
anni
ngto
getababy"wel
aughed

"Takemet
ohershehastot
rai
nme,
Ineedmy
ownnowIbetIam nowaVi
rgi
n"

"Youarecr
azyRosihhay
isuka,
Iwil
ltakey
outo
her.LetmesendZi
nziamessageandaskfor
hernumbers"

Itookt
heIPhonethatDumi
hadboughtmet
he
daybefor
eyester
day.

ShesentmeMaDl
omo'
snumber
Ir
angher
"
Unsav
ednumberHi
"Il
aughed
Shel
aughedt
oo

"
Yeswenasi
l
ima(
heyy
oucr
azyt
hing)
"

"
MaDl
omohowar
eyou?
"

"
Yooomyf
ather
'sdaught
erIwaswor
ri
edabout
y
ou"

"
Iam f
ineIst
il
lwantt
orunaway
"shegi
ggl
ed

"Thatmanofyour
slooksdeli
ciousifonl
yI
couldgethi
mforonenight
"Ilaughed

"
Comegethi
m
Anddon'
tbr
inghi
m back"

"
Iam sur
eheisgi
ft
eddownther
e"weal
l
l
aughedsi
nceIwasonl
oudspeaker

"Hookmyf r
iendRosinahsheal
soneedsa
Ben10"shelaughed

"
Visi
tmenextSat
urday
,comeandgety
our
moneywenamnyamane"Il
aughed

"
Noit'
syoursMaDlomokeepi
tthi
sbast
ardhas
money"shel
aughed

"
I'
m notachar
it
ycase.Comeweekendwi t
h
y
ourfri
endwhohasaf unnyname"shel
aughed
"
Iwi
l
lmyl
over
"
"
Iwi
l
lbewai
ti
ngNdabal
i
cious"

"
Bye(
laughi
ng)
lov
e"

"
Becar
eful
sis"

"
Thanky
ouf
ri
end"

Whenwedr
oppedt
hecal
lwebot
hlaughed

"Shesoundsnaught
y,Ineedaper
sonl
i
keher
asafri
end"

"
She'
sver
ynaught
ybutIl
oveher
"
Dumi wasawayf orabusi
nessmeet
ingIdidn'
t
evenwanthimt obehome.Senzocamet omy
houseuninv
ited.Mystomachtur
ned

"
MaNdaba"

"
Yourbr
otheri
snother
e"

"
Ok.
..Iam st
il
lwai
ti
ngf
ory
ourcal
l
"Igav
ehi
m
myphone

"
Addy
ournumber
sIwi
l
lcal
lyou"

Hehandedmemyphonewhenhewasdone
"
CanIwai
tforDumi
?"
Iwasf
eel
i
nguncomf
ort
abl
ear
oundhi
m

"Ohit
'suptoyou,
Iwi
ll
beinmybedroom"Af
ter
fewmi nut
esDumiWal
kedi
nandfoundme
bathi
ng

"
Whyar
ey oubat
hingGugu?WhyisSenzo
f
eel
i
nguncomfor
tableal
lofasudden?
"

"Justbecausey ouareawhor ethatdoesn't

makeme. .
."hegav emeahotsl ap.
.hepulled
meoutoft hebat htubandpushedmeont he
fl
oor.Hekeptonki ckingmyar m.Her epeatedl
y
punchedmyf ace.Iwasbleedi
ng, Iscr
eamedi n
agony.Myar m wasi npai
natt hatmomentI
wantedtodi e
"
Mawe.
.Mawe.
..
"Wor
dsf
ail
edme.
WhenIopenedmyey
esIwasi
nthehospi
tal
.
Thedoct
orwal
kedi
n
"
Youar
efi
nal
l
yawakeMr
sZwane"Inodded

"
Iam i
npai
n,pl
easegi
vemesomet
hingt
oease
mypai
n"

Shenoddedandcal
l
edt
henur
sewhobr
ought
mepainki
ll
ers.

"
Doyouwantt
otal
kaboutwhathappened?"
Dumiwal
kedi
ncar
ryi
ngfl
owers

"
Idon'
trememberany
thi
ng"shenodded

"
Yourhusbandsay
shefoundyouunconsci
ous.
Doyouwantustoopenacase?"
"NoGodwill
fightf
orme"Dumi
cameand
kissedme

"
Doct
ori
sshegoi
ngt
obeok?
"

"Yeswewi l
lgototheradiol
ogyroom justt
o
checkifherbonesgotbroken.
.theXrayis
goingtohelpus"henoddedactingasifhe
cared.

Afterthr
eedayswecheckedifmyarm was
broken.Unfor
tunat
elyi
twasbrokenandi
thad
fewf r
actur
es.

Theybookedanoper at
iondatef
orme,after
twoday sIwenttothet
heatrewi
thDumi onmy
side.Theyoper
atedme, myarm wasst
il
l
pai
nful
.

Amont hpassedmyar m wasstil

lweak.Dumi
keptonapologisingtobehonestIdon'tknowif
Isti
l
llovedhim, hehadturnedintoananimal,
a
beastIcoul
dn'trecogni
se.
Iwasalr
eadyprayi
ngf
orhi
mtost
artgoi
ngt
o
Durbanf
requent
ly.

Si
yawal
kedi
neat
ingDor
it
os

"
Mai
syourhandst
il
lpai
nful
?"

"
Nomyboy
"

"
Whydoesdadbeaty
ou?
"
"
Idon'
tknowSi
ya"her
aisedhi
sbr
ows
"
Wel
lIknow"

"Real
lyt
ell
me( heshookhi
shead)arey
ou
seri
ous?"deepdownIhopedthatDumiwas
notbrai
nwashi
ngSiya.

"
Yesby
eletmegoandt
akemynot
es"

Helef
trunni
ng.
.Rosi
nahhadal
readyf
ounda
Ben10thi
nki
ngabouti
twasmakingmelaugh

Siyawentt obedear
li
erIwaslef
talone.If
elt
l
onel yIwentonmyFacebookandsawt he
picturesofThandot
earswel
ledinmyey es.I
mi ssedmyf r
iendal
otormaybeshewasoneof
thosepeoplewhoonlycamet oourli
vesfora
tempor ar
yseason.
Iwenttomyr oom andpr
ayed.Aft
erpr
ayi
ngI
sl
ept.IwaswokenupbyDumi hehadli
pst
icks
al
loverhisf
ace.Hewassexr eeki
ng.

"Areyoudi
srespecti
ngmet hatmuchthaty
ou
cameheresmel l
ingofsex?Areyoutr
yingt
o
proveapoi
nt"

"
Don'
taskmeshi
tIwantt
osl
eep"

"Dumigetoutofmyroom Icantol
erat
e
ever
ythi
ngbutnotthi
sdisrespect
"

"Fuckof
fwenaGugu"hewasdr
unk..It
ookmy
phoneandwentdownhefol
l
owedme.
"
Gobackt
oyourbed"hesl
appedme

"
Ouch"

"Youarenowdi sr
espect
ful
,ar
ey ouamannow?
Uh..
"hekickedmyst omachIfel
ldown.Het ook
aknif
eandst abbedmyoperatedarm sever
al
ti
mes.Icried,
Itookmyphoneandcal l
edXhe
cameaf t
er20mi nut
esitwasaroundmi dni
ght

"
Xtakemetot
hehospi
tal
please"Iwassobbi
ng
r
eal
lybad

"
HhayiMaNdaba,Dumil
et'
sleav
e"myt
ear
s
wer
efall
i
ngondeafear
s

"XIam beggi
ngy
ou"hel
eftwi
thDumi
.
Senzocamet
omymi
ndIqui
ckl
ygav
ehi
ma
cal
l

"
MaNdabaar
eyouok?
"

"
Pleasecomeandsav
eme"

Idon'
trememberwhathappenedbutwhenI
openedmyeyesIwasinthehospit
al.

Thedoct
orcamesmi
l
ing
"
Wear
ehappyt
haty
oudi
dn'
tl
oset
hebaby
"
"
Uh"
[
07/
19,
11:
11] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#42
Iwasshocked

Iwast
err
if
ied

Myhear
tst
art
edbeat
ingf
astIcr
ied

"
Docpleasel
etmeabor
tthi
sbaby
.Idon'
twant
i
tpl
ease"hewipedmyt
ears

"Mr sZwanear eyousuret hatyouwantt oabor

t
thisbaby?Imeant her
ear eotheroptionswe
canconsi der.Opti
onslikeadoption.Asa
mar ri
edwomany oudon' tmakesuchdeci si
ons
alone,yourhusbandmi ghtsueus"

"
Hei
snotgoi
ngt
oknowDocpl
easeIam
beggi
ngy
ou"

Godwassupposedt oforgi
vemef or
commi t
ti
ngmur der.Ihadnohatredfort
his
babybutIknewt hatIwasn'tgoi
ngtobeablet
o
takecar
eofit.

"Canwefir
stgoanddosonar
.Sothatwecan
besureofhowmanymonthsthi
sfell
owis.I
fit
safef
orustoabort
"

"
ThankyouDocIpromiset
opayy
oualotof
moneyf
orthi
sfavour
"hegavemeaf
aintsmi
le

It
ri
edget
ti
ngupbutIcoul
dn’
thebal
ancedme
"
Stepbyst
epbecar
eful
MrsZwane"
"Wher
eist
hemanwhobr
oughtmeher
e?"He
smil
ed

"I
shey ourhusband?Iswearthatmanl
oves
youdeeply.IfIwer
ey ouIwasn'
tgoi
ngt
oabort
.
Hewascr y i
ngyest
erday,t
hewayhewas
brushi
ngy ourhai
r.
..
."

"Ohmhnm canwecont i
nuewithwhatyoucame
herefor
.Youar
eblubberi
ngalotandal otof
nonsense"hel
aughed.Il
ookedathim and
smiled.
Wewentt
otheroom.Iremov
edmycl
othes,
he
hel
pedmeli
eonthebed.

Thegel
wasv
erycol
d,i
tmademel
aughal
i
ttl
e
"
Whyar
eyoul
aughi
ngMr
sZwane?
"
"
Youwouldn'
tunder
standi
t'
sver
yst
upi
d"he
l
aughed

"
Stupi
dthi
ngsmakemel
aught
oo"

"
Thegeliscol
d..i
tismaki
ngmef
eel
giddy
"he
l
aughed

"
Doy
ouwantmor
e?"

"Noarey oucrazy?Whyam Iev enaskingan

obvi
ousquest ion"helaughedf lappinghisl
ong
eyel
ashes.Hel ookedmagni f
icent,thewayhe
washandsomeIcoul dt el
lthatt her
ecouldbe
somethingwr ongwithhi m .Nomancanbet hi
s
goodit'
seitherhehadasmal ldickorhehad
skel
etons.Whatam It hinkingaboutdamn
concentrat
eGugu.Hel ookedatmesmi l
ing
"
Wear
enotal
one"Ismi
l
ed

"
Youf
unnysowhat
sapp?
"

"
Mhmm sosheknowshowtospeaksl
ang..no
wondert
hismani
sheadov
erheel
s"Il
aughed

"
Docbeser
ious"hepoi
ntedatt
hescr
een.
"Wehavet
wohear
tbeat
s,t
heot
heronei
sfai
nt"
Icr
ied

"
Doest
hatmeant
hebabyi
sgoi
ngt
odi
e?"

"
Yessi
ncewear egoingtoabor
tthem,Youar
e
t
woMonthsPr egnantAndi
tissaf
eforustodo
t
heAbort
ion"Icri
ed
"
Ican'
tdoi tany
mor e,
Iwantmybabi
esali
ve
(
sobbing)Icanneverli
vewi
thmysel
fknowing
t
hatIkil
ledasoul"hesmil
ed

"Iwil
lprescr
ibesomemedi cati
onforyout
o
takesincewear ekeepingthesechampsand
alsosomedi etplan.Thechancesofuslosi
ng
thischil
daregoingt obeli
mi t
ed"Icr
ied

"Nkanyezikamamapleasesurvive.Givemea
reasontolive(
sobbi
ng)fi
ghtbabyf ight"the
doctorhuggedmebuthewasr eluctant.He
wasn'tsureifi
twastheri
ghtthingtodo.I
sobbed

"
Ilov
ethem Iam notgoi
ngt
oki
l
lthem"he
l
aughed
"
Letmewi pethegel of
fyousothatyoucan
wearyourclot
hes.Idon'
twantpeopl
esaying
t
hatIwast appi
ngabeaut i
ful
melani
ngoddess
who'
spregnant"hesmi r
ked

"Arey
oual
wayst
hisf
li
rt
ati
ous?
"Her
oll
edhi
s
eyesmaki
ngmel
augh

"
SoIl
ookl
i
keamanwhor
e"her
aisedhi
sbr
ow
"
Dot
heyt
alkwhent
heyar
eone?
"

"
I'
m off
endedl
et'
sgobackt
oyourr
oom"I
l
aughed

"
Youwantmet
ogonaked?
"
"
Hhayi
dowhatmakesy
ousl
eepbet
teratni
ght
"
webot
hlaughed

WhenIgotbackt
omyroom If
oundSenzo
paci
ngupanddown.Whenhesawmehe
smil
ed

"
MaNdaba"

"
Zwane"

"
IswearIwassoscaredf
oramomentI
t
houghtyouwer
edead"

"
Iam adi
ehar
d"Ismi
l
edf
lat
ly

"
Mypar
ent
sar
eal
readyaty
ourpl
ace,
howl
ong
hashebeenbeat
ingy
ou"

"Si
ncefor
ever
,It
riedrunni
ngawayfr
om hi
m but
hefoundme"Ibl
inkedacoupleoft
imestr
ying
tostopmysel
ffr
om crying
Hehuggedhi
scol
ognewasbr
eat
htaki
ng

"
Leav
ehi
m hei
snotwor
thi
tMaNdaba"

"Ican'
tleav
ehim anymore.Iam t
oougl
yand
broke.Peoplewil
lcal
lmenamesonceIleav
e
him.Iam pregnant"hef
rowned

"
What
?Ar
eyoupr
egnant
?"

"
Yesofcour
seSenzo,
ImeanIhav
esexmostof
t
heti
mes
Iam pr
egnantwit
htwi
ns"hepacedar
oundi
n
t
heroom makingmemorenervous

"
Iwi
l
lseey
oul
aterIneedt
osmoke"

Irefusedtoopenacaseatt hi
smomentIwas
unempl oyed.Dumihadallt
hecar
dsmesendi
ng
himt ojai
lwassurelygoi
ngtonotwor
kinmy
favour.

Thedayf
ormetogetdi
schar
gedar
ri
ved.Senzo
camecar
ryi
nggi
ft
s.

"Senzothankyou,
howdidyouknowt
hatt
hose
chocolat
esaremyf av
our
it
e?"

"
Ipayat
tent
ionl
et'
sgohome"hehel
pedmeget
i
nsi
det
hecar
.

Wedrovei
nsil
ence,whenwegothome
MaKheswagotoutofthehousecr
ying
"
MaNdaba"

"
Mamaunj
ani
?"Shecr
iedmor
e

"
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
usany
thi
ng?
"

"Iwasscar
edthatyouwer
egoingtoj
udgeme"
shewalkedi
nsidet
hehouseholdi
ngme.

"
Sani
bonani
"theyallgr
eetedmebackDumi
wassi
tt
ingf
arfrom hisfat
her.Hecoul
dn'tev
en
l
ookatme.Hisolderauntcoughedali
tt
le
"MaNdabawewer et ol
dabouthowDumi
stabbedyou,kuyabekezelwaemshadweni sisi
njal
ouDumi isacknowl edgi
nghismistakeshe
i
ssor ry
.TheDumi Iknowwasnev erli
kethis.
Wear egoingwithhim homet omorrowweneed
tocleansehi
m.Somet hinghaspossessedt hi
s
boy"Senzogroaned

"Hhabeaunti
zaDumideser
vestogotoj
ailhei
s
ananimal.Howdoeshebeatawomanasi fhe
i
sbeatingaman?Heneedst ofi
ghtmennot
women.Hei sadi
sgust
ingfaggot
"
Dumi
stoodup
"WhatareyousayingSenzo?Ar eyoufucki
ng
Gugumanj euh?Justbecausey ourapedher
thatdoesn'
tmeanshit"SenzojumpedAunt y
andgav eDumionehar dpunch.Hegotont op
ofhim andpunchedhimr epeat
edly.Bl
oodwas
comingoutofhisnose
Auntyt
ri
edst
oppi
ngSenzoBab'
Zwanewar
ned
her

"Si
tdownMaZwane, lethimfightaman..t
his
boyisdi
srespect
ful
hej ustsaidthef
uckword
i
nfrontofus"

Senzostoodupful
lofDumi'
sbl
ood,
Dumi was
bl
eedingprof
usel
yapartofmewashappythat
hehadfoundhismatch.

"
Doy oubl
eedt
hismuchwhenhebeat
syou
makoti
?"

"
YeboBaba"hi
sey
esmov
edt
oDumi

"
Youar
eawomanDumi
,youar
ecapabl
eof
beat
ingMANDABAbuty
oucan'
tbeatSenzo"

"Iam sorr
ybaba,Idon'tknowwhat '
shappening
tomebutIl oveMaNdaba.Asaunt yhassaidI
willgobackhomewi thyou.Idon'tmindstayi
ng
twomont hs.TheonlythingthatIam scar
edof
i
sl osi
ngher"MaKheswar ai
sedhervoice
shouting

"Ar
ey oudrunkwenanj a(
dog)?Youscaredof
l
osingherbuty oubeathereveryt
ime.Youdon'
t
deser
v eher.Iprayt
hatsheleavesyoufor
good.
"herey esmov edtomet heywereful
lof
sympathy
"Mydaughteri
sthereany
thi
ngy
ouwantt
o
say
?"IlookedatSenzo

"
YesIam pr
egnantwi
tht
wins,
theot
herone
hasaweakhear t.Iam worr
iedaboutNkanyezi
(cr
ying)thedoct
orsaidIwil
l l
oseiti
fIget
str
essed.Iwasaskingyoutost aywit
hDumi ,I
wanthimt omoveawayf rom mengoba
uyashayanaanyt
ime"Bab'Zwanel ookedat
aunty

"
MaZwanest aywit
hDumiunti
lGugugiv
esbirt
h.
Wedon'twanthert
ogetst
ressed"Dumifumed
wi
thanger

"Whoisgoingt
ot akehertothehospit
alf
or
checkups?Sheismywi feIhavetotakecar
eof
her"

"WenaDumi don'tt
ellmeaboutt
akingcar
eof
herwheny ouarefai
li
ngthi
smuch.Youare
fai
l
ingdismall
y,youarel
ikeacancertomy
daught
er.Doheraf avourandst
ayawayfrom
her
.Senzowi
l
ltakehert
othehospi
tal
"

"Idon'tmeantodi
srespecty
ouBababutSenzo
won'tcomeintomyhouseev eragain.Iwant
himf arfr
om mywife.BabauyamfunauSenzo.
Hewant smywi f
e.Iam notgoingtoall
owhim
totakecareofGugunotwhenIam al ive"

"BabaletVumani dothat.Wewi llaskhimt o

takecareofMaNdaba..Lookatherar m Zwane
yaziyoursoni sabeastthedev i
lhimself.
Christi
ansoftenpreachaboutthedev i
lheywe
shouldtel
lthem thatourdaughterinlawis
mar ri
edtotheonewi thbiggerhorns"Istif
led
myl augh
Zwanenodded

"
Kunj
aloMakheswaIf
eel
li
kewashi
ngmy
handsDumi ist
iri
ng"
..Rosi
nahwalkedinwit
h
tea.Ev
er y
onedr ankt
ea.Iwentupstai
rswit
hin
fewmi nutessomeoneopenedthedoorI
j
umpedscr eaming

"
I'
m sor
ryt
oscar
eyou"

"
Mhmm"

"MayIpleaseholdyourstomachf
orfew
minutes"Inodded,
thetruthi
sIwasscar
edof
him.Hekissedmyst omach

"
Youar
enotshowi
ngy
et"

"
YesIam t
womont
hspr
egnant
"
"SoIdiddoubl
efer
ti
li
sat
ionf
uckt
hisi
sso
amazing"

"I
tis,IhopeNkany eziwil
lfi
ght
..Ihav
eaf eel
ing
thathe'sgoingtobet i
ny(smil
i
ng)hei sgoi
ngto
gainwei ghtaf
terbir
th"

"SoyounamedthebabyNkanyezisucha
beauti
ful
name.Ican'
tbel
iev
ethatInearl
yki
l
led
youandourki
ds.Iam sosorr
yGugu. .
."

"Nodon'tsayanyt
hingi
t'
senoughfortoday.
Dumi youalwayscomeupwithpromises"he
sighed

"
YesIknow"
"
Iam sl
eepi
ngwi
thy
ourmom t
oday
"

"Okletmegoandbath"Rosif
ixedt
he
guestrooms.Hi
sli
pswereswoll
en

It
hankedSenzof
orsav
ingmyl
i
fe,
hewas
al
readyl
eavi
ng

"
Youcan'tsayt
hanky
ounj
ekanj
aloGugu"I
l
aughed

"
Doesi
tri
ngt
oyout
hatIam mar
ri
ed?
"

"Youmeanyouareweari
ngthi
sbandt
hat
bri
ngspai
ntoyou"Il
aughed

"
Byedon'
tcal
lmeIwi
l
lcal
lyouwhenhebeat
s
meagai
n..ki
ssy
ourdaught
erf
orme"

"Iwi
ll
sincesheisourl
astbor
n"Icl
osedt
he
dooronhisface.

Rosi
madedi
nner
,Makheswawasf
eedi
ngme
"
Sandl
ana(
funnyhand)ar
eyouf
ull
now?
"

"
MaSandlananj
alo(Laughi
ng)Babau
MaKheswaismakingfunofme"

"
MaKheswal
eav
emydaught
eral
one"she
l
aughed

"Thishandhassurvi
vedtheworstshame,it
nearlyl
efty
ou..Dumiisabodyengineershame
thatboyiscrazy
"auntycoughedali
ttl
e
"
MaKheswal
eav
etheboyal
one"

"
NaweMaZwanecan'
tapersont
alkwhat
'
son
t
hei
rmi
nd,y
ourboyshoul
dbeashamed"

"
It
'senoughMaKheswa"shel
aughed

"
Sandl
anaar
eyouf
ull
?"

"MaIknowhowtoeatl
etmedoitbymysel
f"
shedeni
edmethat
.Shestoodupandcame
backwit
hpi
ll
s

"
Noshecan'
ttaket
abl
etssheispr
egnantMa"
Dumi
spokewithsomuchlove
"
ThatiswhatyouaregoodatDumisani
youlove
mindi
ngotherpeopl
e'
sbusi
ness,
makot i
let
'sgo
t
obed"

"
Goodni
ghtev
ery
one"t
heynodded.

Whenwegott
oourbedr
oom MaKheswa
shout
ed
"
Didy
ouchanget
hesheet
sMaNdaba?
"

"
Yesmama"

"
Idon'
twantt
osl
eeponDumi
'
ssemen"

"
Stopmom"
"
Ishi
ssexgamegoodMaNdaba?"

"
Angazi
"Il
aughedmov
ingawayf
rom her

"
Hei
sli
kehi
sfat
her
..Hei
sgood"

"
UhMay oumeanevennowy ouaresti
l
lon.
..
l
i
keyouunder
standr
ight
"shesighed

"
Yeswearest
il
lhav
ingsexwenasi
l
ima"I
l
aughedi
twasj
ustwrongi
nsomanylevel
s.

Wegoti nsi
dethecoversandsl
ept.The
fol
lowi
ngmor ningIwokeupat12.Iwasso
hungry
,Iwalkeddownstair
sandfoundpeopl
e
eati
ng
"
Makot
ihowdi
dyousl
eep?"
"
Wel
lyouBaba"
"
Good"

MaKheswagav
emef
oursl
i
cesofbr
ead.

"Wear enowleavingmakesureyoueatIwi l
l
call
youev er
yday "sheki
ssedmyforehead.
Auntygavemesomet hi
ngtodri
nkwhenev erI
feell
ikevomit
ing.Assoonastheylef
t.Ithr
ewit
away .

Rosi
camei
ntot
hedi
ningr
oom sneaki
ngi
n
"
Theyhav
eal
readyl
eftmadam"

"
Thati
sact
ual
l
ygood,Inear
lydi
edy
ouknow"
"
Godsav
edy
oumadam"
"
Iwantt
omov
etoMozambi
que.Bet
terf
indme
agoodpl
aceRosi
"

"
Iwi
ll
"sheremovedhershi
rtandshowedme
t
heburnsonherbackandnearthebr
east
s

"
YoooRosi
whathappened?"

"Henearl
ykill
edme, hesaidthatIl
oved
sleepi
ngaround.Him bur
ningmewasgoi ngt
o
stopmefrom bitchi
ngaround"

"
Hewasal
unat
ic"

"Hewasv er
yromant
ictoo,
thedayhepoured
petr
olonmemademer eal
iset
hatl
if
ewas
short
.Il
eftt
hehouserunni
ngmyneighbours
savedme."
"
Youar
easur
viv
orRosi
"

"
Ist
il
lsur
viv
edandwentbackt
ohi
m"
myphoner
ang
I
twasanumberf
rom Si
ya'
sschool
[
07/
19,
11:
11] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#45

ThedoctortookNkany eziandi
nser tedpipesin
hi
smout h.Thedoctor str
ieddr
ainingt hefl
uid
i
nsidehisl
ungsbutt herewasnot hing.They
spankedhisassbutt heygotnoreact i
on.He
di
dCPRonhi m st
il
ltherewasnor esponse.

"
Doct
hisi
sbadt
her
eisnosi
gnofl
i
fe"
"Letmecal
lhi
sfat
her,t
ryandputoxy
gen
pumps.Pumphim pl
easedosomethi
ng"

thenursedi
dwhatshewasinst
ruct
edtodo.
Hereyessai
dital
lther
ewasnot
hingtheycoul
d
do.Thedoct
orwentbackt
otheroom.

Isawhi
m get
ti
nginsi
deourr
oom.It
ri
edsi
tt
ing
well
buti
twasdif
fi
cul
t

"
Docwherei
sNkany
ezi?Wher
eismybaby
?"
Hi
sexpr
essi
onwasblank

"MrZwanepl
easefol
low.DonotworryMrs
Zwanewewil
lbringt
hebabytoyou"Isi
ghed
rel
i
evedmybabiesweresaf
e.
Dumi
fol
l
owedt
heDoct
or
"
Goodaf
ter
noonMrZwane"

"Hhayiyouwer
ewit
hmer i
ghtnowsowhyar
e
yougreeti
ngmeagai
n"t
heDoct orshy
ly
chuckl
ed

"
Sor
rymymemor
yissheddi
ng"

"
Howi
smyson?"

"Wetr
iedourbestt
osavehi
m MrZwane,
but
wefai
led.Welostt
hel
it
tl
efel
low"t
ear
swell
ed
upinDumi'
seyes

"
How?why
?Nkany
ezi
whydi
dn'
tyouf
ightf
or
y
ourmom?Whatki
l
ledhi
m?"

"Hewasdepr ivedoxygenf r
om ext er nalforces
(suchasaki nkedorpr olapsedumbi li
calcord)
orf r
om internal for
cessuchasl owbi rt
hwei ght
orunder devel opedlungs, oxygendepr i
vati
oni s
oneoft hemostcommonr easonsf orsomeof
themostsev erebirt
hinjuries.Al mostal lbrain
relat
edbi rt
hi njuri
esarer elatedt ooxy gen
deprivat
ion, andt hesebirthinjuriescanbemi ld
orsev er
e, andt hev i
cti
msoft hesebi rthinjuri
es
cansuf f
ert heconsequencesf oranyper i
od
from onlyaf ewday stopossi blytheirent i
re
l
ifeti
mesomedi e,Nkanyezi wasoneoft hose
whodon' tsurv i
ve"Dumi rubbedhi sey es

"OhGodwhatam Igoi
ngt otell
Gugu?Whatam
Igoi
ngtosayt
oher"Her aisedhisey
esand
sawhispar
ent
swhowal kingfastconsumed
wi
thexci
tement.Her
ant
ohi
smot
her
"
Mamawel
ostNkany
ezi
"

"Ohmygodt hi
sissobad( wi
pinghert
ear
s
whichfor
medwi thinasecond)Zwanecomfor
t
yoursonIwi
llber i
ghtback"Dumistay
ed
behindwi
thhisfather

MaKheswawalkedi
nandsawGugusmi
l
ing
car
ryi
ngachi
l
d

"
Mama"MaKheswaf
akedal
augh

"
MaNdabahowar
eyou?"

"
Iam goodma(smil
ing)hernameisLi
gugu
Mbal
iyezweZwane,
Iam sti
l
lwait
ingf
orthe
doctort
obri
ngNkanyezi
(l
aughi
ng)ifyouwere
totel
lmethatIwasgoi
ngtogivebi
rthtotwi
ns
tenyear
sagoIwasgoingtocal
lyoualiar"

IhandedLi
gugut
oMaKheswa

"
MaNdaba( l
ookedatMaKheswa)wel
ll
wehla
l
ungehl
anga"myeyeswerefi
ll
edwit
htear
s

"I
sBab'
Zwaneokmama?
"MaKheswal
ookedat
Li
guguandnodded

"
Wel
ostNkany
ezi
"

"
MamaIgav ebirt
htohim now,mama(smil
ing)
t
hedoctorsar
ecleani
nghim.Youmightbe
mist
aken.Dumi!Dumi
!"Hewalkedi
nwithhi
s
puf
fyr
edeyes.Ir
emovedt
hedr
ipsonmybody
andIt
ri
edstandi
ngup

"
Dumi
"

"
Mhmm"

"
Dumi whyareyoucr
ying?Dumi
wher
eis
Nkany
ezi?"hecameandheld

"
Ourboyi
sgone"

"NoNkanyezi(screaming)Nkanyezi
mamano
Nkanyezi
isali
ve.Iwanttoseehim.Leav
eme
aloneDumi.
"Thenur sescame

"
Wear
esor
ryabouty
ourl
oss"
"NoNkany
ezican'
tdi
eonme, t
hedoctor
ssawa
progr
essi
nhim..
okokmayIpleasegeta
gli
mpseofhi
m, mayIpl
easehol
dhim?"

"
Wear
enot.
."Isobbed

"Pl
easeonet i
me"theybroughthi
m wrappedi n
asheet.Iunwrappedhim.Hewasn'tbreat
hing
normov i
ng.Therewasnosi gnofl
if
einhim, or
anevidencethatheonceli
ved.

"BreathZwaneBr eath,makehim breathGod

please.Dumi heisgoingtobreathdonotal low
them tot akehim.Nkany ezimystarfight.You
aremyl i
ttl
esoldier.Dumilet
'sdoCPRonhi m,
okj ustgivehimy ourbreatheI'
l
lopenhi smout h
andy ouwi llt
ransferyouroxygentohim.St ar
wakeuppl
ease.Hehasyourski
ncol
ourDumi ,
heisy
ourr
epli
catepl
easesavemyson(cr
ying)
nono"

"
Giv
ehi
mtousma'
am"

"
NokaZwanewakeuppl
ease"

"MaNdabalist
enhere,
breat
hcont
rol
your
breat
hing"MaKheswaheldher
.

"Icurset hedayImety ouDumi .Eversi

ncey ou
camei ntomyl if
ey oubroughtmenot hingbut
pain.Ir egretagr eei
ngtobewi thyou.All ofyou
l
eav emeal one,Iwantt odiewithNkany ezi.
Nkany ezi Nkany ez i
.Ibr
oughttwobagsher e
nowonl yonei sbeinguseful.Whatshoul dIdo
withy ourcl othesZwane. ?.whatshouldIdo
withyourroom andy
ourbed?Every
timeGod
youneglectmey oumakemesuffer.Isi
tthe
sinsofmyf at
herwhohadkidsal
lov er
KwaZulu"

"
Cal
m downMakot
i"

"Al
lofy
oul
eav
e,t
akeLi
guguwi
thy
ou"Li
gugu
cri
ed

Thenur
secameandt
oldmet
obr
eastf
eedher

"Wi
ll
thatbr
ingNkanyeziback?Wi
ll
itgi
vemy
sonachancetobreat
h"sheshookherhead

"
Noma'
am"
"Whydidn'
ttheyal
ldie?Whydidyousaveher
alone?Whataboutmyson?Whyshoul dhebe
theonlyonedead?Ishoul
dhaveabortedt
hese
thingswhenIhadachanceto"Dumistoodup

"
Youwil
lnotcal
lthem t
hingsnowf
eed
maZwane"

"Youhavenor i
ghttoshoutatme.Gethera
bott
le,
mybr eastswil
lonl
yfeedtwooft hem,
if
i
t'sonethensheshouldalsodi
e"hegotangri
er

"
Arey
oul
i
steni
ngt
oyour
sel
fGugul
ethu?
"

"Ki
ll
meonceDumi ,
Goddoesn'tloveme.I fi
t'
s
notmyhusbandbeat i
ngmeandcheat ingon
meit'
sSiyadi
srespecti
ngme.Iwi l
lnotpray
anymoreGoddoesn'texistI
'
m doneIwantt o
dietoo.Andf
oll
owmysonmaybehewasgoi
ng
toli
stentomemhmm Nkany
ezibandl
a"

"
Cal
m downMaNdabawear
eal
sohur
t"

"
NooneknowshowIf
eel
"

MaKheswahuggedmeIj ustsobbedl
oudl
y
Dumiwasalsoweepi
ng.Bab'Zwanehadhi
s
headdown.

"
Iam beggingyouGugupl easef
eedherev
enif
i
t'
stwomi nutespl
ease"shehandedmeLigugu

Igavehermybreastshestar
tedsucki
ngit.My
hatr
edforherwasgrowingwithever
ysecond
Ihadwal kedi nherewi thtwobagst hatwer e
meantf ortwopeopl ebutIl osttheot herone.
Hewasgoi ngt obeaheal thykid,Ihadpl ansf or
Nkany ezi
..Ihadplansf orhim.Hewas
supposedt obemypr i
deandmywar ri
or.His
skintone,hishairmyGod.Iwant edhi mt o
breath.Thet emperat ureofhi sbody ,histi
ny
handsandf eetgotmet hi
nkingofhi sboot ies,
theywer eblueincol our.Nkany ezileftnev er
l
ooked, Ihadnothear dhi schucklehi slaught er
andhi scri
es.Hel eftbef oreheopenedhi sey es,
hel ef
tbeforehecal ledmemama, bef orehe
l
ear nthowt owr i
tehi sname.Bef orehe
i
ntroducedmet ohisgi r
lfr
iend.Mysonhad
turnedhisbackonme.Hehadcr ushedmy
hopesandmydr eams

"Sheisnowful
lhel
pherbur
p"MaKheswat
ook
Ligugufr
om meIcoul
dn'
tstopcr
ying.
"
Dumi
cal
lthenur
sef
orme"

"
Arey
oui
npai
nlov
e?"Iwhi
sper
ed

"
Pleasecal
lher
"

Hewentoutoft
her
oom andcamebackwi
th
t
henurse

"
Arey
ouokMr
sZwane?
"

"
YesNur
semayIpl
easeask"

"
Okask"

"
Arey
ougoi
ngt
oputhi
mint
hemor
gue?
"
"
YesMr
sZwane"

"
It
'scol
dther
e"

"
Yesi
t'
saf
reezeri
t'
soughtt
obecol
d"

"Letmesl eepwi t
hhim, Iwil
lkeephim warm.
Dumi (looki
ngathi m withbeggi
ngey es)ask
them togivemeoneni ghtwithmyson"hi s
j
awst ightened.Iknewwhati tmeant .Hewas
warningme, hewant edmet ostop.Ij
ustcri
ed
heenv elopedmewi thahughi sscenthitmy
nostr
ils

"
Mamakhehol
donpl
ease.Donotnegl
ect
l
i
gugu"
"
Babakhei
thur
ts"Icr
iedupunt
ilIf
ell
asl
eep.

Istay
edint
hehospit
alf
oraday.Wehadto
speeduphi
sburi
al.MaKheswaCameint
omy
room

"Weart
hisdr
esswearel
eav
ingt
hishospi
tal
,we
aregoi
ngbackhome"

"
Mamaar
ewet
aki
ngNkany
ezi
wit
hus"

"
Yeswear
emydaught
er"

"Thisfeel
sli
keadr
eam,Ist
il
lhav
eahopet hat
hewi l
lcomeback(
cry
ing)Mamapleasedon't
crushmyhopes"
Sher
ubbedmybackcr
ying
"
Lett
hedead,
lethi
m go"

"
WhyNkany
ezi
mama?Whyhi
m?"

"Hehasgonet
ohisancest
orsdonotwor
ry
abouthi
m.Hewil
lwatchovery
ou"

"
Iheary
oumama"

"Pleasepumpsomemi lkf
orme,
Iwantt
o
breastfeedLi
gugu"It
ooksomebot
tl
esand
pumpedsomemi l
k.

MaKheswatookLiguguandcover
edherhead.
WeheadedtoVumani '
scar
,makaZuziwas
wai
ti
ngforus.Shewasgoingtodri
veus.
"
MaNdaba"

"
Sawubonasi
si"

"Congr
atulat
ionssi
si,
Liguguisgoi
ngt
obea
sweetgir
l.Iam sor
ryforyourl
oss"

"Whocanquesti
onthedoi
ngsoftheLordsince
whathedoesistopl
ayusli
kewear ebal
ls?He
doesn'
tcar
eaboutusyethesay
shedoes"

"Godcannev
ergi
vey
ousomet
hingy
oucan'
t
handl
e"

"
Thisgodt
opi
cisstart
ingt
obor
eme,
Idon'
t
wantt
otal
kabouthim"
Hisfacewaswel
lpl
ast
eredi
nthebackofmy
head.

Isl
eptal
lthewayfrom Net
car
eupunt
ilDur
ban.
Ihadnoteatenany
thi
ngthewhol
eday.

Whenweparkedout si
deItookmybagand
wentt
obathafterbathi
ngIwentst r
aightt
obed.
Theyt
ri
edwakingmeupbutIr efused.Dumi
cameatni
ghtandf edmebyf orce
"
Youmustf
ini
sht
hisf
oodGugu"

"
Idon'
twant
"heunbuckl
edhi
str
ouser
s
Il
aughedandfi
nishedeat
ing.Ihadsti
tchesso
bei
ngfuckedwasoutoftheequation.
Mysist
erscameatmidni
ght
.Ihadt
owakeup
andwelcomethem.
Mysoncamehomet henextday.Si
ndisoand
Vumanidughisgravebehindthehouse.Hewas
buri
edatdawnbyol dwomen.Theol dwomen
l
aidmysonf aci
ngupwar ds.Theywereavoidi
ng
cur
sesandbadl ucks.

Hewasgonebutnev
erf
orgot
tenRI
PNKANYEZI
SI
BUSI
SOZWANE

Wegot hrought
hingsinl
if
ethatmakesus
quest
iontheexi
stenceofGod.Knowthat
ever
ythi
nghasaseason
[
07/
19,
11:
11] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#44(
KOPANO)
"
Gugu"

"
Mhnm"

"Il
oveyou"hereal
l
ytur
nedmeof
fIst
oodup
andfi
xedmy sel
f

"YouaresuchaboreDumi
,youknowhowt o
messupagoodmomentwi t
hyourcrazyst
upi
d
sentencenyany
avunyany
avu"Irol
l
edmyey es
andwentupstai
rs

"MaNdabal et
'stal
kplease.."Iclosedthedoor
onhi sface.Iwentandcheckedt hetwins's
clothes.Itwasanexciti
ngexper ience.It ook
myphoneandt ext
edNkul iIwant edust ogo
outt hefoll
owingday.Shehadt omakeapl an
sinceshewast heboss.
Iwentdownst
air
st ogetsomefoodmyt ummy
scr
eamedhunger .Dumifoundmelaughing

"
What
'shappeni
ngMaNdaba?"

"Theyareki
cki
ngmeputyouhandsher
e"he
placedhi
shandont
helef
tsideofmystomach

"
Thesearet
heki
cksofasoccerpl
ayerl
ove"I
l
aughed

"It
hinksot
oo"wehadnotcheckedthei
r
genderswewant
edtobesur
pri
sed.
Iwenttot
hesi
tt
ingroom car
ryi
ngmypott
hat
hadri
ceDumif
ollowedme
"
Siy
awasoncesuspendedf
ort
woweeks"

"
Whywashesuspendedl
ove?"

"Becausehewasi mi t
ati
nghisfat
herangit
hihe
l
earntfrom thebest.Hesentonekidtothe
hospit
al j
ustli
keIwasoncesentt her
e.Idon'
t
knowwhathappenedt otheotherboybutSiy
a's
shir
twasscar letr
ed"

"Thi
sisbad,Iwi
ll
talkt
ohi
m.Youdon'
tspank
him hei
stoospoil
ed"

"Howam Igoi ngt ospankhi

m whenIam
alwaysnursi
ngt hewoundsIgotfrom myfather
.
Myf at
herDumi al waysbeat
smet henwhere
will
Igettheener gytospankSi
ya?"Helooked
downembar rassed
"
Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m"

"
Ipr
ayt
hathedoesn'
tbecomeamonst
erl
i
ke
y
ou"

"HhayibooGugugoandsleepify
ouar
eti
redI
am notinthemoodf
orarguing"

"I
sitbecauseyouwantt
ochokemei
nmy
sl
eep?"Hestoodup

"
Iam nothav
ingt
hisconv
ersat
ionwi
thy
ou"

"
Gor
unawayasal
way
s"
Helef
tangr
yhewasabull
y,Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
o
al
l
owhi mtowal
koverme.

Si
yaandRosi
nahcamehomear
oundei
ght

"
Howwast
hemat
ch?
"

"Goodeveni
ngmadam themat chwasgr
eat
Siyascor
edtwogoal
s"Ilaughed

"Hhayi
keRosi Iwasgoi
ngtogreety
ou
aft
erwards"Si
yacameinjoggi
nghappi
l
yhe
j
umpedont opofme

"
MamaIscor
edt
wogoal
s"Iki
ssedhi
m

"
Yesmyboyy
ouar
east
ar"
"
Iam hungr
ywhatar
ewehav
ingf
ordi
nner
"

"
RosiIdi
dn'
tcooknei
therdi
dDumi .Ther
eisa
t
akeawayinsi
det
hemi cr
owave.Youcanhave
t
hatf
ordinner
"

"Mom Iapol
ogi
sedt
oSazi
aft
ert
hemat
chI
nowfeelbet
ter
"

"Youdi
dwellmyboy
,letmegotobed.Doyou
wanttosl
eepwit
hme? "Hi
sey
eswidened
deli
ght
ful
l
y

"
Arey
ousur
emommy
?"

"
YesmyboyIam sur
easl
ongasy
oupr
omi
se
nottopl
aykarat
eatni
ght,
youbet
terbat
h
befor
eyoujumpint
omybed"

"
Yesma'
am"

Myfeetwer
enowswollen,
mytummywasv er
y
bi
g.Ihat
edhowfatIl
ookedbutIst
il
lat
eli
kea
pi
g.

WhenIgott
omybedr
oom Iknel
tdownand
pr
ayed.

If
eltSi
yaget
ti
ngi
nsi
det
hebed

"
Mov eyourl
egsthatsi
deyouar
ecold,Si
yaI
wi
ll
pinchyou"It
riedfi
ndi
nghi
slegshelaughed.
Iwokeupt hef
oll
owingdayaround12.Si y
ahad
al
readylef
tofschoolIhadnotheardhi
m
l
eaving.I dal
l
iedinthebat
hroom Ifi
nished
ar
oundt wo.

Iwasmeeti
ngNkul
iatt
hree.Iwalkeddown
st
air
srocki
ngmyGuccif
latshoes.

"
Goodmorni
nggoodday
"Ilookedathi
m
l
aughi
ngt
hismanwascraz
y
"
Howar
eyouDumi
?"

"Iam goodImadebr
eakf
astandl
unchy
oumay
sitdownyourmaj
est
y"

"
Iam goi
ngoutIhadal
readymadepl
ans"
"
Ow"

"
Yesl
ater
"It
ookmycarkey
sanddr
oveout
.

Iwasdri
vi
ngveryfastt
hetraf
fi
coffi
cer
s
st
oppedme..Ipul
l
edov erv
eryannoyed

"
Yooomamayouaredri
vi
ngv er
yfastandit
l
ooksl
i
keyouwi
ll
givebi
rthanyti
mef r
om now"

"I
t'
snotmymont
hyet
"shecal
l
edanot
her
off
icer

"
Vusil
ookathowpregnantf
ulshei
sbutshe
wasdr
ivi
ngveryf
ast.I
sitsafef
orhert
odri
ve?
"

"
It
'snotsaf
eforhert
odr
ive.Shecangoand
par
kthecarasi
de"

"Iam notparkinganythi
ngasi
de,K53doesn't
sayweshoul dst opdri
vi
ngifwegetpregnant.
Wr i
temeat icketifyouwanttobutI
'm not
stoppi
ng.Iam goi ngtoatt
endsomethi
ng
i
mpor tant
"theyspokeamongstt hemselves

"Hhayikemamawewil
ldoyouafav
ouronlyfor
today
.Youcanl
eaveusmoneyf
orcolddr
ink"I
gotserious

"Nexttimewheny ouwantmoneyf orcolddr

ink
don'tcomeupwi t
hnonsensestor
ies.Come
cleanandt el
lmewhaty ouwant"Igavethem
whatt heywanted.Il
eftataver
yhighspeed,
theyopenedt hei
rmouthsshockedIcouldsee
them throughthemirr
or.
If
inal
l
yreachedSeasonscuisi
neinBryanst
on.I
dr
aggedmy sel
fgoi
ngupt hestai
rs.Themadam
wassit
ti
ngdownsippingherwine

"Youare30minuteslat
ey ouknowIcoul
dhav
e
gott
ent hr
eecli
entswithi
nthatwast
edti
me"we
bothlaughedhuggingeachother

"
Howar
eyoul
ove?"

"
Iam goodandy
ouGugu?
"

"Iam surv
ivi
ng,I'
m superstar
ving"Ir
aisedmy
handt hewait
resscamer ushi
ng

"
Goodaf
ter
noonma'
am howar
eyou?"Isaw
hernameonhernamet
ag

"
Iam goodandy
ouLi
ndi
we?
"

"
Iam good"

"
Doy
ouof
fercompl
ement
arybr
ead?
"

"
Yeswedoma'
am"

"
Goodgivemeorangej
uiceandt
hebr
ead,
Nkul
i
whatcanIor
der
?"

"Li
ndiwebr i
ngusbeefr ol
lsincherr
ysauceand
organicsteak.Addcauli
fl
owerr i
ceand
Portugueserice.Forst
art
ersgetust r
opical
prawncockt ail
andmushr oom ensemble"
Li
ndi
wej
ott
eddownev
ery
thi
ng

"
Howwoul
dyoul
i
ket
ohav
eyourmeat
?"

"Beef
rol
l
smedi um wellandorganicsteakwell
done.Br
ingmeabot tl
eofr edinsidetheice
buckett
hiswinei
sv er
yhot ,i
tissupposedt obe
ataroom temper
aturebutheyi t
'sv er
yhotdid
youputiti
nsidet
heov enLindi
?"Li ndi
we
l
aughedshakingherhead

"
Okma'
am"

"
Guesswhat
"

"
What
?"
"It
oldBonganithatyouwer epregnantwith
twi
nshesai dthatallal
ongwhatwasDumi
waiti
ngforphelaSiyaisnowol d,washe
buil
dinghi
ssper m mobil
it
y"Ijustlaughed

"
Youandy
ourmanar
ecr
azyt
ell
himt
ocal
lme"

"Donotwor
rymyloveIwi
lldot
hat
.Ar
eyou
good?Imeanl
ikereal
l
ygood?"

"Iam tr
y i
ngNkuli
,Siyaoncebeatotherki
dsat
schoolmont hsback.Withthefi
rstboyIgave
hismot hermoneysincehewasadmi t
tedinthe
hospit
al.Sazii
sthesecondboyt hathefixed
,hisshi
r twasredtheysuspendedhim
i
mmedi at el
y"

"
Mhnm whatdi
dyoudot
ohi
m?"
"
Icouldn'tbeathi
m Nkul
ithi
sboyis
manipulati
veli
kehisbr
ainl
essf
ather"

"Youneedt otakehi
mt oatherapi
st.Heneeds
therapy.Dumiusedtobeatyouinfrontofhim
ri
ght ?(
Gugunodded)hethinksthatviol
encewil
l
solveproblems.Youneedtogethim helpver
y
fast"

"Idi
dn'tseeanyuseofdoingt hatyazi
Nkuli
,
nowt hatyouhavesaidIwil
llookintoit
"our
foodcamewest arteddiggi
ngi n

"
Idon'
tbeatmyboystooGugumybody
l
anguagedoest
hedisci
pli
ning.Donotnegl
ect
y
oursongivehi
mtheattenti
onthatheneeds"
"
Iwi
l
ldot
hat
"

"Yest
erdayNkul
ulekowascryi
ngbecausehe
gotdumped.Itr
iednursi
nghim buthi
sfat
her
tookoverhecamedownl aughi
ng"weboth
l
aughed

"
Howol
disNkul
uleko?
"

"
13,
gir
lInear
lygotahear
tat
tack"

"Iwoul
ddi
eifSi
yawast
otel
lmet
hathehasa
gir
lf
ri
end"

"
Howol
dishe?
"

"
Hei
sel
even"
"Notbad,si
nceDumi
isbacksowhat
'
s
happeni
ng?"

"Hesleepsinhi
sownr oom.Therei
ssomethi
ng
abouthim Nkul
ioncehetouchesmeIwantto
removemycl ot
hesandr i
dehim"

"Guguyoushouldstopt hi
nki
ngwi
thy
ourpussy
anduseyourbrainplease"

"Hhay
ibofr
iendheismyf i
rstandlastIguessI
needtot
ryotherdi
cks"shelaughed

"Onceuponatimey ouwereaChr
isti
ansi
s,so
youhavenevercheatedonDumil
ikeever
befor
e"
"Ihaveneverevercheatedonhi m heistheonly
guyIknow"shesi ppedherwi ne.Shehadnear l
y
fini
shedthewine.Wel eftt
her est
aurantaround
sev enNkul
iwasanal coholi
c,shewasst il
l
strongaft
erdrinki
ngt hewholebot t
leofred.

WhenIgothomeIf
oundDumi
wai
ti
ngf
ormei
n
t
hekit
chen.

"
Goodev
eni
ngDumi
"

"
SonowIam bei
ngcal
l
edbymyname"

"Kanti
whoareyou?Okgoodeveni
ngChr
is
Brown"hechuckl
edbi
tt
erl
y.Iwal
kedupt
he
stai
rs.
Amont hpassedDumi andIwerebeingciv
il
towardseachother.Iwasnowl ef
twithtwo
weekstogivebirt
h.Dumi wasbathingme, he
wasreall
yusefulIhadnotreal
isedthatI
neededhim.

Iwasn'
tfeel
i
nggood,
Iwal
keddownt
hest
air
s

"
Dumi
!Dumi
!"Hecamer
ushi
ng

"
MakaSi
yawhat
'shappeni
ng?
"

"Iam notf
eel
i
ngwel
l
"hecar
ri
edmet
othe
kit
chen

"
Letmet
aket
hebags"hecamebackwi
tht
wo
bags

Hetookt
hecarkeyswewalkedtothecart
he
pai
nswerenotget
ti
nganybett
er.

Hedr ovever
yaf astandcalledMaKheswa
alongtheway.Wef inal
lyreachedNetcarethe
nursescamer ushi
ngwi thawheelchair
.Iwas
takentothemat er
nityward.Ichangedintothei
r
gown

Thedoctorcame"howareyouMr sZwanemay
youpl
easeopeny ourl
egswiderforme"Dumi
hadamur derousl
ook.Hei
nsertedhi
stwo
fi
nger
sinsideme

"Yourwaterdi
dn'
tbr
eak"Inoddedt
hepai
nwas
unbearabl
e.
Thedoct
orbr
okemywat
er,
hehadaconcer
n
onhi
sface

"
Youar
efarf
rom gi
vi
ngbi
rt
hMaZwane"

"
Taket
hem outdoct
orpl
ease"

"
MrZwanecanwei
nduceher
"

"
Isi
tsaf
e?"

"I
tissaf
ef ort
hemot herandbabybutt henit
cancausemedi calcomplicat
ionsf orthemom
andababyaswel l
asinterfer
ewi t
hlabour.
Pit
ocinsti
mulatescontr
act i
onsi trequi
res
conti
nuousfetalmonit
oringwhi chdecr easesa
mot her
'smobili
ty.I
flabourprogressesslowl y
heramni ot
icsaccanber upturedtoacceler at
e
theprocessinthiscasewewi llavoidtheuseof
Pitoci
nanduseepi dural
.(Checkingherf i
l
e)
sinceoneofthet wi
nneedst obemoni tored"

"
Docy
ouseeshe'
scr
yingal
otdosomet
hing"

Thedoct
orgotoutoft
heroom andcameback
wit
hthenur
ses.Theyi
nducedme.

Theyadministeredt
wogelsaf
terthr
eehour
sI
wastoldtopush.Dumi wasl
ookingatt
he
other
sideholdingmyhand.

"PushsisPush1,2,
3..
.3,
2,
1"al
oudscr
eam
echoedintheroom.Isawtear
sfor
mingi
n
Dumi'seyes
"
It
'sagi
rl
"

"Nur
segoandcallthedoctor
, sheisl
osingher
ener
gyandherbloodpressureisincr
easing"t
he
doct
orcamerushing.Theytr
iedstabil
i
singme.

"MrsZwaneyouneedtopushpl
ease"
.Ipushed
pray
ing.Nkany
ezihadtomakei
t

If
inal
l
yfel
trel
i
eved,
Dumi
wipedmysweat
"
Thebabyi
snotcr
ying"myv
oicewascr
acki
ng
"
Wewi
l
lber
ightback"
[
07/
19,
11:
11] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#43
Il
ookedatRosiwit
hmytearsf
all
i
ng.Thel
ast
ti
meIwascalledbyhi
sschool
itwaswhenhi
s
l
egwasbroken.

"
Ma'
am what
'swr
ong?
"Shehuggedme

"
Thel
astti
meSi
ya'
sschool
cal
l
edmehewasi
n
t
hehospi
tal
"

"
Whatdi
dtheysaynow?
"

"TheysaidIshoul
dcomet
oschool.Whati
f
somethinghappenedt
ohi
m..whatifmyson.
."
shebrushedmyback

"
Thi
nkaboutNkany
ezi
ify
ougetst
ressed
she/
hei
sgoi
ngt
ogetaf
fect
ed"

"
Yesyouareri
ght(si
ghi
ng)j
ustgetmykey
s
l
et'
sgotoget
her"

Ihadtocal
m mynerves,t
helastt
hingt
hatI
wantedwastogetst
ressed.

Rosisatont
hedr
iver
'sseat
.Wedr
ovet
oSi
ya'
s
school
.
"
Whydon'
tyouhav
eal
i
censeRosi
?"

"
Iam t
oool
dfort
hatmadam"Il
aughed

"Iwi
ll
cont acttheper
sonwhotaughtmehowt o
dri
ve,youshoul dl
ear
nhowt odr
ivesoon.Just
i
ncase, iflabourpai
nsdeci
detostr
ikeme"she
l
aughed
"
Iwi
l
ltr
ymadam"
..

Wer
eachedSi
ya'sschool
wit
hint
hir
tymi
nut
es.
Wewentt
otherecepti
on

"
Gooddayhowar
eyou?"

"
Wear
egoodandy
ousi
s"

"
Goodhowam Ihel
pyou?
"

"Igotacallsayi
ngIwasneededatschooli
s
everyt
hingalri
ght
?Ismysonok?"shefrowned
alit
tl
e
"
Whati
syourson'
sname?
"

"
Siy
abongaZwane"

"
Godownt hepassage,
therei
sadoorony
our
l
eft
.Youcanknockthere"

"
Thanky
ousi
s"

Wewal kedwithRosidr
ownedbythesilenceas
ourmindswer escr
eaming.Thoughtsandwhat
i
fshadov er
crowdedtheatmosphere.We
knockedtwi
ce

"
Comein"wewer
ewel
comedmyf
acesf
il
led
wi
thf
ury
"
Goodaf
ter
noon"t
heynodded.
Anol
dmanwear
inggl
assescoughedal
i
ttl
e.
"Goodaft
ernoon,
youmaytakeyoursi
t.
BetweenthetwoofyouwhoisMrsZwane"

"Yi
mi nawhat'
shappeni
ngher
e?"myeyes
mov edtoSiy
awhohaddr i
edtear
sonhi
s
cheeks

"Yesy oumightbewonderingwhywecal l
edyou
here(Gugunodded).Si
yabongaisav er
y
notoriousboy.Hepunchedanotherboywho
endedupbei ngtakenbytheambulance.The
mot herwantsyoutopayforherson'sbil
l
s.He
wasbl eedi
ngal ot
"Rosiheldmyhand

"Wherei
sthemot
heroft
heboywhowas
beat
enbytheNot
ori
ousboy
?"
"
Themot
heri
sint
hehospi
tal
"

"
Pleasegi
vemeherphonenumberIwoul
dli
ke
t
ot al
ktoher
"

Hehandedmet
hepaper
"
Tel
lhery
ougott
henumber
sfr
om MrDl
ami
ni"

"Thankyousi
r,whati
sgoi
ngt
ohappent
o
Siya?"

"Wewi l
lgi
vehim awrit
tenwar
ning.Nextt
ime
whenhepul l
sfunnystunt
shewillget
suspended.Thelady
'snameisMissNgcobo"

"
Thanky
ousi
r,Rosi
comewi
thy
ourson"
Itookmyphoneandcal l
edMi ssNgcobo.She
gavemet hedir
ectionstothehospitalt
heywer e
i
n.IdrovetoJohannesbur ghospit
altobe
honestIhatedthathospit
altheyhadpoor
servi
ces.Iwenttothefloort
heywer ein.Ical
led
herandtoldherthatIwasout si
de.Shecalled
met r
yingtospotme, oureyesmet .
Shewasabeaut
if
ulthi
ckl
i
ghtski
nnedwoman.
Shewasver
yangry

"
MaNgcobohowar
eyou?
"

"Cl
ear
lyyoudon'
texpectmet
orespondt
oyour
quest
ion"

"
YebobutIwoul
dli
ketogr
eatl
yapologi
seabout
myson'
sbehavi
our
.Thi
sissounl
ikehim,may
wechangethehospi
talhei
sin?May
begot
o
Wi
lgeheusorNetcar
e"shesmil
ed

"
Theyar
eal
mostdone,
hei
snotext
remel
yhur
t"

"MaNgcoboyouaremyhomegi r
l,mymom was
aNgcobo"shewidenedherey
eswi t
h
amusement

"Real
ly
..Hhayikehomegir
lyourchi
l
disver
y
naughtyInear
lysl
appedhi
m"Ilaughed

"
Youar
ether
easonmysonwascr
yinguh?
"
"
Yeshecr
iedbef
oreIdi
dany
thi
ngt
ohi
m"

"
CanIgoandseehi
m?"
"
Yesl
et'
sgo"Imar
chedaf
terher

Hersonwassobeauti
ful
,hewassl
eepi
ngwi
th
hi
sheadbandaged.

"
Hei
sver
yhandsomewher
eishi
sfat
her
?"

"
Aroundt
hewor
ld"webot
hlaughed

"
MaNgcobocanIhav
eyouraccountnumber
"
"
Donotwor
rysi
sal
lchi
l
drenmakemi
stakes"
"Ii
nsi
stpl
easedon'
tdenyme"shewr
otei
t
downforme
"
Whocansaynot
oyou?
"Il
aughed

"
Arey
oudr
unksi
s?"shel
aughed
"
Notnow,
butI
'
m pl
anni
ngt
olat
er"

Shewal
kedmeoutoft
hehospi
tal
.

Idrovehomecl oudedbythoughts.Myson
wasn'thisfat
her'
srepli
cate.Hewassupposed
tobediffer
ent.Thelastt
hingIwantedwasf or
himt obeatotherki
dsletalonedi
srespect
teacher
s.

WhenIgothomeIf
oundSi
yawat
chi
ngTV.He
l
ookedscar
ed
"
Siy
abongaZwane"

"
MamaIam sor
ry"hest
art
edcr
ying
"Whyareyoucr
ying?UhdidIbeaty
ou
Siy
abonga?Whyut et
ema?Uzokhal
anj
alo"

"
Nomommy
"

"Wipethosetear
sandgoupst
air
sandgetmy
Bibl
e"herushedupst
air
sandcamebackwit
h
myBi bl
e

"
ReadPr
over
bs13v24"hef
li
ppedt
hepages
"
Hethatspar
estherodhateshi
sson,buthe
t
hatl
ovethhi
m chast
enetyhi
m bet
imes"

"
ReadPr
over
bs23v13-
14"

"Wit
hholdnotcorr
ect
ionf
rom t
hechil
d,f
ort
hou
beatesthi
m wit
hrodheshal
lnotdi
e.Thoushal
t
beathi
m wit
hrodandshal
tdel
i
verhi
ssoul
fr
om hel
l"

"Ev
ent
heBibl
esay
sweshoul
ddi
sci
pli
ney
ou.
Tel
lmewhatt
odo?"

"
TheBi
blesay
sweshoul
dfor
giv
e77*
77aday
mama"

"St
opi tSi
yawhydidyoubeatt
hatboy
"hej
ust
shruggedhisshoul
der
s

"
Wewer
epl
ayi
ng"

"Il
oveyouSiyayouar
enotnaughtynora
notor
iousboy.Youar
egoi
ngt obesuccessf
ul,
youaregoingtobeaPast
or.Youarenota
humanbeat
er"

Hewi
pedhi
stear
s
"
Ilov
eyoumama"

"
Ilov
eyoumor
eson"

Thefoll
owingmor ningRosipreparedhi
mf or
school
.Theschool transpor
tpickedhim upon
ti
me.Icall
edGener alandaskedhi mtoteach
Rosihowt odri
ve.Hepassedbymyhousei n
theaft
ernoon.Hebr oughtRosistudymat eri
als
thepastquesti
onpaper sandK53book.

"
Rosi
youbet
terpass"

"
Madam Iwi
l
ltr
ytocr
am buty
ouknowt
hatt
he
br
aintoughenswi
thage"Il
aughedsi
ppi
ngmy
j
uice

"
Excuses,
Excusesnj
emadam"

"
Iam ser
ious"webot
hlaughed.

ShecookedustheMozambicancur
ry,
Rosiwas
goodatcooki
ng.Si
yawasinafoulmood.

Twomont hspassedIwasf ol
l
owingmydi et
per
fect
ly.Not
hingmademehappyt hanfeel
ing
mychipmunksmov e.Dumiwassti
lli
nDurban.I
hadpeaceinmyl i
fe,Senzowasbannedfrom
myhousebutheof tencall
edtocheckuponme.

Myal
arm wokemeupatel
even.Idr
aggedmy
f
eetgoingt
othetoil
et.Ir
elaxedinwarm wat
er.
I
twasar ai
nyseason,Iwasplanningt
owear
mypyjamasthewholeday.
Rosifi
nal
lygotherl
icenceaft
erfail
i
ngsixti
mes.
ShewantedtoquitIkeptonpushingherto
workharder
.Whenshegotherl i
cencewewent
tofl
amingowithherkidstocel
ebrate.Si
ya
madeheracar d.

MyphonerangitwasMrDl
ami
nihewant
edme
t
ocomet oschool
.

"Siy
awhathav eyoudonemyson( cryi
ng)y ou
can'tbeli
keDumi Irefuse.Icommandf reedom
from thebondagesofgener ati
onal abusi
vemen.
Idon'twantyoutogr owupbei ngabusive.God
myf atherpl
easeli
ber at
emysonpl easef r
ee
him.AmenandAmenGodIr eceiv
e"Af t
er
praying.
 Itookmybl ackcoatandl
eggingsandwor e
them.Ilookedformyblackheels.Iwipedt
he
dustoffthem.Irushedgoi
ngdownst air
s

"Rosi
Iwil
lberi
ghtback.Pl
easecookme
somethi
ngheart
warming"

Shel
aughedr
oll
i
ngherey
es
"
Ial
way
scookhear
twar
mingf
ood"

"
Mhnm Isee"

Igoti
nsi
deDumi '
sblackRandRover
.Iwas
dri
vi
ngslowl
y.Thelastt
hingt
hatIwant
edwas
togeti
ntoanacci
dent.
If
inal
l
yreachedt
heschool
.
Itwasthesecondt i
mebei ngcal
ledatSiya's
schoolforhi
smi sbehav
ingstunts.Ihur
ried
goingtotheoff
icetherainwasnothav i
ng
mer cyonmeandIhadf orgot
tenmyumbr el
la.I
nearlyt
ri
ppedsincethegroundwasv er
y
sli
ppery.
WhenIgoti
nsi
det
heof
fi
cemyey
esscanned
t
heroom
Hist
eacherwast
her
edumbf
oundedhel
ooked
atmesmil
ing

"
Goodaf
ter
noonMr
sZwane"

"Af
ternoonMrDlomo"myey esmovedtomy
son.Hisshi
rtwasscar
letr
ed,hehaddonei
t
agai
n
"Hehasdoneitagai
n,t
hist
imehei
sget
ti
ng
suspendedf
ortwoweeks"

"ButMrDlomowhatdidt
hepr
inci
pal
say
?"He
huffedi
nfrust
rat
ion

"Heisti
red,
Ihopehewi
l
lcomebackwi
tha
dif
fer
entbehavi
our
"

"Twoweeksi stool
ong,di
dy oul
ist
entot
he
sideofhisstor
ybef
oremakinghasty
decisi
ons."

"
MrsZwaneyoursonisatr
oubl
esomeboyt
he
t
rut
hiswear
et i
redofhi
m"

"
Iam notdi
sput
ingy
oursocal
l
edf
act
sthat
don'
thav
emoti
vat
ions.Myquest
ioni
sdi
dyou
l
ist
entobot
hsi
desofthest
ory
"

"Ther
ewasnoneedf ort
hat.Yourboyhasa
recor
dformisbehavi
ngi
fhediditoncehewil
l
doitagai
n"Iraisedmyvoi
ce

"Ai
n'ty
ouapar entDl
ami
ni?Soal
lyourki
dsare
perf
ectuh?Iwillt
akemysonandgohomewi t
h
him.Hopeful
l
ywhenhecomesbacky ouwon'
t
bejobl
ess"

"
MrsZwane..
"Ir
aisedmyhand

"Idon'twanttohearanyt
hingcomi ngfrom your
mout h.Wearedonewi t
hy ou.Siyatakeyour
bagwear egoing"myheel
swer emaki ng
soundsaswewer ewal
ki
ngi nthatpassage.I
wascarr
yingmyson'
sbagwhowasr unning
aft
ermelikeal
ostgoat.Hisheadwasfacing
down,hehaddi
sappointedme.

Noneoft hem knewwhatwashappeningtomy

son,hi
swoundswer ewaybeyondt ur
moil
.Hi
s
fat
herhadrui
nedhischi
ldhood.Iopenedt
he
doorforhi
m hehoppedin

"MamaI'm sor
ry"Ibl
i
nkedmytear
sawayt
he
l
astthi
ngIwantedwast obr
eakdowni
nfr
ont
ofhi
m.

"Youarethesonofaki
ng,youareordai
nedt
o
bethebest.Godknewyoubeforeyouwere
formedinmywomb, whoar eyou?
"

"
Iam apr
ince"
"
Behav
eli
keone"

"Iwil
lmom, Iwasangr ynoonemesseswi th
youandbel eftunharmed.Sizasaidsibumbu
sikanyoko(
yourmot her'
spussy)thenIdealt
withhim.IpromiseIwillnev
erfightagain"

"Donotf
ightagai
nmyl ove.
.Goddoesn'
tl
ike
peopl
ewhohur tot
herpeople"

"Yesmommymyhandswon'
thurtany
one.They
aregoi
ngt
obef
orcleani
ngf
oryou"Il
aughed

"
Youcl
eani
nggetawayf
rom her
e".

Whenwegothomeher
ushedupst
air
sand
changed.

Rosihadcookedmyf
avour
it
efood,
Iat
eunt
ilI
askedformore.

Dumi camebackwhenIwassev enmonths.He

l
ookedhandsome.Thethoughtofnotbei
ng
touchedforsi
xmont
hswasmaki ngmetobein
need.

"Goodmorni
ngMaNdaba"hewasusi
ngt
he
otherr
oom

"HiDumi"hecar
ri
edmet
othebat
hroom Ij
ust
giggl
ed

"
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hatIf
uckedt
winsi
nsi
dey
ou"
"Dumistopbeingcr
azy"hebathedmeand
carr
iedmetoourbedroom,Hel ookedf
ormy
hugepants,Iworet
hem wit
houtanyunderwear
beneathIwaslazyt
owearit.Iwasgett
ing
spoi
led.

Hepr
epar
edbr
eakf
astf
orme
"
Howmanysl
i
cesdoy
ouwant
?"

"
Ieatei
ght
"hest
if
ledal
augh
"
What
'sf
unnyDumi
?"

"
Not
hingMaNdabaIwascoughi
ng"

"I
sstupi
dwri
tt
enonmyf oreheadDumi?(
Dumi
shookhi
shead)whyar
ey oulaughi
ng?
"
"It
houghtt
hatyouwer
eeat
ing10sli
cesbaby
soIwaslaughi
ngatmyst
upidass"

"
Bri
ngtensli
cesIdof
ini
sht
hem"Iwascr
avi
ng
achocol
atecake.

Hecamewithmybr
eakf
astwhi
chl
ooked
mouthwat
eri
ng
"
Thi
slooksscr
umpt
ious"

"
Justl
i
ket
heonewhomadei
t"

"
Dumi
pleasest
op"

"
Iam sosor
ry"
"Rosigotal
i
cense,
shewant
edt
oqui
tIpushed
hertoworkhar
d"
"
Youdidwel
lbaby
,sodoy
ouwantust
ogether
acar
"

"Yeswecandot
hat
,asmal
lpor
tabl
ecar
"he
smiled

"
Thatwouldworkpl
ust
hebusi
nessi
sdoi
ng
wel
l.Iam goi
ngt
othemal
lwhatdoy
ouwant?
"

"Twochocol
atecakes.Yoghur
tsstr
awber
ry
fl
avour
,sal
tandvinegarl
ays.Nut
sandrai
sins"
hekeptonnoddi
ng

"
Arey
ougoi
ngt
orememberev
ery
thi
ngDumi
?"
"
Yesmyl
ove"heki
ssedmyf
oreheadandl
eft
.

Hecamebackaf t
eranhourcar
ryi
ngmore,
Siy
a
wasinsoccerpr
acti
cehehadgonewit
hRosi.

"
Bri
ngt
hecaket
hissi
de"

"
Shoul
dIbr
ingakni
fet
oo?
"

"
Nohoneybr
ingaspoon"

IatemyWool worthscakewhichwasdr i
ppi
ng
withchocolat
esauce.Hecameandsatnextt o
me, hel
ickedthesaucethatwasonmycheek.
Hisscentsentmet ocloudni
ne.Hesmashed
hisli
psonmi ne.Imissedhi
m alot.
.goose
bumpsf
ormedonmydel
i
cat
eski
n

"
Ilov
eyouGugu"

"
Mhmm"
[
07/
19,
11:
13] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#46

Pain.
.numbness.I
tfel
tasifal
ltheseev
ent
s
thatweretaki
ngpl
acewereadream.Iwant
ed
thepaintogo.

"Donotactst
rongkaNdababreakdown,weare
heref
oryou.Letuscarr
yyourburdensf
oryou"
Busiwascryi
ngnexttome
"
Gugudoy ouknowwhoy ouare?Doyouknow
whatGodhascall
edy oufor
?Jobl osthi
s
l
iv
estockandhelosthischi
ldr
en"

"ReallyZinzi arey oukiddingme?( Scr eami ng)

youwantt ocomewi thJobscr ipturewhi leIam
mour ningf ormyson.Ar ey ouser i
ous?Ar eyou
seriouslykiddi ngme?Uhwhydon' ty oukeep
quietifyouhav enothingtosay .Leav emeal one,
hav eyouev erlostababy?Uhhav ey ouev er
beenbeat enbyy ourhusbandwheny ouar e
pregnant ?Hav ey ouev erbeencheat edonand
gottenbewi tchedbyy ourhusband' swhor es?
Allyouknowi shappi nesst hatisov erflowing.
Youknownot hingaboutpai n.Yourhusband
l
ov esy ou,hecar esfory ou..Don'tt ell me.."Busi
slappedme

"
ShutupGuguy
ouwi
l
lnotopeny
ourmout
hful
l
ofdiar
rhoea.Wearetr
yingt ohelpy
ouhere,
but
youarepushingusaway ."Zinzi
wasther
e
cry
ing

"
Sinceal lofyouar
edoingmeaf avourhi
tthe
road..
.leaveandnevercomebacktoseeme.
Go! !
!Now"Iwentandopenedt hegateforthem

"Guguwewi l
lleav
e,wewi llnevercomeback.
Zinzist
opcr yi
ngfornothing.Wi pethose
crocodil
etears.Youcan'tbebul li
edbyt hi
s
younggirlbecausesheisr i
chandwear epoor
"
Busitookthebags.Myhear tbrokeIdidn'
twant
them togo

"Zi
nzi
Iam sor
ry"shenoddedandt
heyl
eft
.The
samewayIhadpushedawayThandowasthe
samewayIpushedthem.
"OhmyGod,thi
sisbad"Iwal
kedi
nsi
det
he
houseMaKheswahuggedme

"
Thi
stooshal
lpassmydaught
er"

"
Ihopeso"

"
Ligugui
sinmyr
oom goandcheckherout
"

"
Iam t
ir
ed.Letmegetsomesl
eep"

"
Youneedt
oeat
"Il
i
ed

"
Idi
deatwi
thBusi
.Theyar
egonebyt
heway
mama"
"
Whydi
dtheyl
eav
eear
ly?
"

"Ididn'
tmeant
obul
l
ythem butmymout
h
disobeyedt
hem"

"Guguyoudon'
tpushawaypeoplewholov
eyou
wheny ouar
einpai
n.Donotlett
hispai
n
destr
oyyou"

"
Iheary
ouma"

Iwentt
oourbedr
oom andgotmysl
eepi
ngpi
l
ls.

Hiseyesaresosmall
,hi
sfeetsotiny
.Helooks
sohandsome.Hei smystr
ength.Heismy
ever
ythi
ng.Icanseehi
ssmile.Henolonger
hasat ooth.Ihavetoputacoi nunder
neathhi
s
pil
l
ow.Icanseehi mr unningt
owardsa
shapelessareathathasnoendI 'mrunni
ng
aft
erhim hehast ost op.Hehastostop.
..nohe
i
sr unningfaster
.Iam tryi
ngtocatchupbutI
can't
.Iam nowpant ing

"Nkanyezi
!StopNkany
ezidon'
tl
eav
e"asob
escapedfrom mymouth

"
GugubabyGugu.Iam sosor
ryohGody
ou
f
inal
l
yopenedyourey
es"

"DumiIsawhi
m,hewasrunni
ngaway .Hel
eft
helef
thismamaal
one.Icouldn'
tgett
ohim"he
huggedmewewerebothcryi
ng

"
It
'sal
lmyf
aul
tGugu.
.it
'sal
lmyf
aul
tohgod"I
j
ustcr
ied.Thepai
nhaddi
ssol
vedme.

"
Yousl
eptf
ormor
ethan15hour
s"

"
Ineedt
osl
eepmor
eIam t
ir
ed"

"
Youneedt
oeatGugu"

"
Iam nothungryDumi
,pl
easecl
oset
hedooron
y
ourwayout "

"
Arey
ouchasi
ngmeout?
"

"Idon'
tknowwhatdoesitlookli
ke"hest
oodup
andleft
.Icoul
dseehischeekbonesappear
ing
wewer eslowl
yfadi
ng.
MyphonerangitwasZinzi
Idr
oppedi
t.Idi
dn'
t
wantt
hem tocomfortme.

Ther
ewasaknock

"
Comei
n"

"
Gugucomeandeat
"

"
Iam goodMa"

"
Youneedtof
eedLi
gugu"Ist
oodupandt
ook
mybagandst
art
edpacki
ng

"
Guguwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
"Iam packi
ngMa,
Iam l
eav
ingt
odayact
ual
l
y
nowatt hi
smoment"

"
Hhay
iboMakot
iwhat
'
shappeni
ng?"

"Youdon'tcar
eaboutmeev ery
t hi
ngisabout
Ligugu.Nooneseemst otal
kaboutNkany ezi
notevenoneofy ou.Youarebreaki
ngmyhear t.
ThatmeansIwast heonl
yonewhol ovedmy
son.Iam leav
ing"shewentoutDumi came
fuming

"
Guguwher
ear
eyougoi
ng?"

"
Iam goi
ngaway
"hel
ockedt
hedoor
"
Dumi
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?"

"Youar
enotgoi
ngany
wher
eMaNdaba.Doy
ou
under
standme?"

"
Mhnm"

"
Gugu"

"
Mhnm"

"Unpackyourcl
othesandgotothebat
hroom"I
didasIwast ol
d.Ihadnoener
gytofi
ghtthi
s
bigheadedman

Iwenttothebat
hroom andbat
hed.Hecame
wi
thcoarsesal
t
Ipouredwarm wat
eri
nsi
dethetubandsatonit.
Itwasgoingt
ohelpmysti
tchestoheal
Ihated
i
tv er
ymuch

"
Thi
sissoi
tchy
"hel
ookedatmel
aughi
ng

"Howi
tchyi
sit
?"Irol
l
edmyey
esIknewwhat
hewasthi
nki
ngabout

"
Ver
yit
chy
"

"
Theni
cet
ypeofi
tchy
"hel
i
ckedhi
slowerl
i
p

"I
'
m donewi t
hyou,Ij
ustcan'
tdeal
wit
hyour
crazi
ness"hesmil
ed.

Ichangedi
ntoal
ongbl
ackdr
ess.Dumi
made
f
oodforme,myst
omachcr
ingedwhenIt
ook
myfi
rstbi
te.

"
Bet
terf
ini
sht
hatf
oodGugu"

"ZwaneIt
hinkIshoul
dsticktoli
qui
dsmy
stomachi
snowpai nf
ul"heroll
edhi
seyes
goingt
othefri
dge.

"Taket hisanddr i
nkit
"hehandedmeMaheu.
Afterdrinkingthem If
eltbet
ter.Therewereti
ns
ofmi lkIjustlookedatthem.Iheardherear
piercingscr eam.MaKheswacameoutofher
room cal mingherdown.Dumi lookedatmeI
j
ustl ookedaway .

I
thadbeenaweeksi
nceIcametoDur
ban.We
di
dall
thecl
eansi
ngcer
emony.
"
Guguweneedt
odoacer
emonyf
orLi
gugu"

"
Whyar
eyout
ell
i
ngmet
hatDumi
?"

"
Youar
ehermot
her
"

"Thesamethi
ngyoudi
dforSi
yashouldbet
he
samet hi
ngt
haty
oushoul
ddof orher
"

"
Whatdoy
oumeanGugu?
"

"
IfIwasr
eal
lygoodwithSet
swanaIwasgoi
ng
t
osayiti
nSetswana"

"
Youneedt
obeat
tendhercer
emony
"
"
Iwasnott
her
einSi
ya'
scer
emony
"

"
GugukhuzekaIam war
ningy
ou.Younev
er
l
i
stendoyou?"

"WhatareyougoingtodoDumi?
uh
uzongi
shayaungi
bulalet
hesamewayy
ouki
l
led
Nkanyezi
?Uh..ki
l
l methen"

MaKheswaopenedt
hedoor

"Gugudonotr
aisey
ourv
oiceLi
gugui
s
sleepi
ng"

"MaDumi doesn'
tunder
standme.Hedoesnt
under
standmeIr eal
l
ydon'tknowwhati
s
wr
ongwi
thhi
m"

"
Youshoul
dn'
ttal
ktoeachot
heri
nthatway
"
MaKheswal
ookedatus.

"
MaIam l
eav
ingt
oday
"

"Ouharey
outaki
ngLi
guguwi
thy
ou?
"I
chuckl
edabi
t

"NoDumi sai
dhewil
lcomewithher
.Ihave
alr
eadybookedaf
li
ght"herey
esmov edt
o
Dumi

"
Ser
iousDumi
"

"
Yeama" .
.Mycabpar
kedout
sideIt
ookmy
bagsandlef
t.Hersmal
lcri
eshauntedme.I
wantedt
oholdherbutIcoul
dn'
t.Iwasfai
l
ingt
o
l
oveherthewayshewassupposedt obel
oved.

Igothomear
ound4,
Rosi
waswai
ti
ngf
ormeat
theai
rpor
t
"
Ma'
am howar
eyou?
"

"
Iam sur
viv
ingandy
ou?
"

"
Iam sorr
yaboutthepassi
ngawayof
Nkanyezi
"Isi
ghed

"
Uhm l
ett
hedeadr
est
"

"
Siy
ami
ssedy
ou"
"Ohkonj
eIhaveason.Ihadf
orgot
tenabout
him"shel
aughedl
i
ghtly

"
Arey
ouser
iousMa'
am?
"

"
Deadser
ious"

"
Youl
ostwei
ght
"

"
Isi
tthatbad?
"

"I
fIdi
dn'tknowbetterIwasgoingt
osayy
ou
aresi
ck"shelaughedIfrowned

"
Icoul
dbesi
ckv
eleIneedt
ogett
est
ed"
"
Iam j
oki
ngMa'
am"

"IknowRosi
butknowi
ngDumi
any
thi
ngcan
happen"

"
Wher
eisLi
gugu?
"

"
Home"shel
ookedatme,Il
ookedaway.That
wasasi
gnofcut
ti
ngtheconver
sat
ion

ItookmyphoneandlookedatNkanyezi
's
photos.Noonehadseenmetakinghim
pi
ctures.

WhenwegothomeSiyarant
owar
dsme
car
ryi
ngapi
eceofcake
"
Wel
comebackhomemama"Ihuggedhi
m
"
Heymyboy
"

"
Ain'
tyouhappyt
haty
ouar
eback?
"

"
Iam happy
"hesmi
l
edandt
ookmybag

"Iam agent
lemanIwi
llcar
ryyourbag"he
carr
iedthebagandwentupst
airs.

WhenIgottomybedroom It
ookDrKhumalos
numberandbookedanappoi
ntmentf
orthe
fol
l
owingday.

Si
yawasgoi
ngtoschool
thenextday
,Il
eftwi
th
hi
minthemorni
ng.
Idroppedhim atschoolandwentf
ormy
session.Ther
eceptioni
stgreet
edmewi
tht
he
f
akestsmi
l
eev
er
"
Howar
eyouMa'
am?
"

"t
rysmili
nglessyoumi
ghtl
ookmor
ebeaut
if
ul"
shelaughedshyl
y

"
OkMa'
am"

"
Fakesmi
l
esar
eeasyt
ospot
"shel
ookeddown
"
Youar
etel
l
ingt
het
rut
h"

"
Iam her
eformy8O'
cl
ockappoi
ntment
"

"
Youmayt
akey
ourseatMa'
am"

"
Thanky
ou"
Theycal
l
edmei
n.

DrKhumal
owasl
ooki
ngbeaut
if
ulasal
way
s

"
MrsZwane"

"
HeyDochowar
eyou?
"

"
Iam goodandy
ou?
"

Ij
ustshr
ugged.
.shet
ookmyf
il
eandchecked
i
tout.

"
MrsZwanewhat
'
shappeni
ng?"
"
Iam notcopi
ng"

"
Okmydearwhati
swr
ong?
"Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s

"Iwaspr egnantwit
htwinstheotheronedied.I
haven'tbeenabletolov
et heonethatsur
vived.
Iresenther"shejot
teditdown
"
Whydoy
ouhat
eher
?"

"Shewassel
fi
sh,
whydi
dn'
tshet
ryandsav
eher
brot
her
"

"Soyouaresayi
ngt
hati
t'
sherf
aul
tthaty
our
otherbabydi
ed"

"
Yeshi
snamei
sNkany
ezi
"
"
Whodoy
oubl
amet
hemost
?'

"Myhusband,
hadhenotchokedmemyson
coul
dhavebeenal
iv
e"
SHej
ott
edev
ery
thi
ngdown
"
Doy
ouseey
our
sel
fasani
nnocentper
son"

"
No"

"Haditbeenthegir
lchi
ldwhodi
edwer
eyou
goingtofeel
thisway"

"
Ireal
l
ydon'
tknow"

"
Wewi
l
lcont
inuet
omor
row"
"
Am Igoi
ngt
ogett
hedepr
essi
onmedi
cat
ion?
"

"
Noyouarebr
east
feedi
ngsoIcan'
tpr
escr
ibe
t
hem f
ory
ou"
[
07/
19,
11:
13] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#47

Iwal
kedoutofmysessi
onandwentshoppi
ng.
WhenIwasdonewit
hshoppingIwentt
opick
Si
yaup.

"
Mommyhowar
eyou?
"

"
Iam goodandy
oumyboy
?"
"
Iam goodIam j
ustt
ir
ed"

"
Sor
rymyboy.
Howwasschool
?"

"I
twasgr eatf
rom t
omor
rowIwi
l
lbeat
tendi
ng
extr
alessons"

"
Thusbeaut
if
ulSi
ya"

"
Ilov
eyoumama"

"
Ilov
eyoumor
eson"
myhear
tleapedf
orj
oy

WhenwegothomeIpr eparedl
unchforus.Rosi
appearedf
rom t
hepassagehereyeswere
reddi
sh
"Ma'
am anemer
gencyoccur
edIneedt
ogo
backt
oMozambique"

"WhathappenedRosi?
"ShebrokedownI
squat
tednexttoherandbr
ushedherback

"Mymothercall
edsayingt
hatf
atherhas
passedaway.Ishoul
dcomebackhome"

"Iam sosor
ryl
ove,
youwantt
otakeal
eav
efor
howlong?"

"
Iam nol
ongercomingback(cr
ying)Iwi
l
l
f
orev
erbegrat
eful
foryourl
ove"

"
Rosi
whyar
eyoul
eav
ingf
orev
er?Howwi
l
lwe
mov
eonwi
thouty
ou?
"

"I
twasmydy i
ngfather
'swi
sh.Hewant
smei
n
hi
shouse"Ihuggedher

"
Oksi
spl
easedon'
tfor
getus"

Idi
dn'tknowifIwasbei ngselfi
shf
ornot
wanti
nghertoleav e.Icookeddumpli
ngsand
beefstewfordinner.Siy
acriedwhenRosit
old
hi
m shewasl eaving

"Aunt
yRosiarey
oul
eav
ingwi
thAr
mando?
"
Rosinodded

"
Iam l
eav
ingwit
heveryonemyboy.Wewill
cal
l
y
oualwaysandyoucanalway
svisi
tus"t
hey
huggedeachot
her.

"Let'
shol dourhandst oget
herwewi l
lpray.
.
fatherLordwecomet oyouaswear e.Heal
Rosi andherf amil
y.GuideherohGod.
Vindicateherheartletherseekyoumor eand
mor e.Protectthem ontheirj
our
ney.Amenwe
thanky ouGod" .

IgaveRosisomemoney.Shetooksomeofthe
proper
tyt
hatwasnotuseful
tome.Wewav ed
goodbyeshewascr
yingsowewer e.

Thef ol
lowi
ngmor
ningIwokeupear
li
er.I
preparedSi
yaf
orschool

"
Zwanewakeupandbat
h"
"
I'
m si
ck"

"
Whati
swr
ongmyboy
?"

"
Myst omach"hest
art
edcoughi
ngwebot
h
l
aughedhewasabadl i
ar

"
Youbett
erhur
ryuporwewi
l
lgetst
ucki
n
t
raf
fi
c"

"Okmom( coughing)don'tbl
amemeifmy
teacher
scal lyou"hestoodupcl
ear
lypi
ssed.I
sti
fledalaugh..

Hebat
hedf
astIf
ixedhi
sshi
rtandshoes.

"
Yourl
unchboxi
sal
readyi
nyourbag"
"
Howmuchar
eyougi
vi
ngmeMommy
?"

"
Twor
and"

"
Uht
wor
andi
mal
iencanekanj
e"

"
Yesy
oubett
erbegr
atef
ul.
Let
'
sgost
opt
alki
ng
t
oomuch"

It
ooktheRoverkeys.Thetr
aff
icwast
oomuch
hekeptonchecki
ngthetime
Iopenedt
heH-
tr
ayandgav
ehi
mtenbuckshe
smil
ed

"
It
'sonl
yfort
oday
"hef
rownedhi
sey
ebr
ows
madeafunnymove
"
Mom.
.whenar
ewev
isi
ti
ngSami
Imi
ssher
"

"Iwi
l
laskhermothert
obringherher
e"deep
downIknewthatIwasn'
tgoingt
odot hat

Idroppedhi m athisschoolgate.Iki
ssedhis
foreheadandl efthi
m.Idr ovetomyt her
apist
.
Ther ecepti
onistsmiledatleasti
twasbet t
er
thant hefakeoneIgotl astti
me

"
Goodmor
ningMa'
am"

"
Heymydeari
sshewai
ti
ngf
orme?
"

"
YesMa'am sheisal
readywai
tingf
oryou"I
wal
kedpastherandwentinsi
detheroom
"
Goodmor
ningMr
sZwanehowar
eyou?"

"
Iam goodandy
ouDoct
or"

"GoodMrsZwane.
.ar
eyour
eadyf
ort
oday
's
sessi
on?"

"
YesIam"shet
ookoutmyf
il
e

"Howof
tendi
dyougot
othedoct
orf
orcheck
ups"

"Al
mostever
yweek..Nkany
eziwasatr
isk.
.his
condi
ti
onwascr
it
icalaccor
dingt
othedoctor"
"
Wast
hisapl
annedpr
egnancy
?"

"Noitwasn'
t..Iwasn'
texpect
ingt
oget
pregnant
"

"
Whatcametoy
ourmindwheny
ouf
oundout
t
haty
ouwerepr
egnant
?"

"Iwantedtodoanabor
ti
onbutthenseei
ng
them onthescr
eenmademest op"shewas
noddingjot
ti
ngdownever
ythi
ng

"
Mhmm.
.howof
tendi
dyougof
orcheckups?
"

"
Onceaweek"

"
Whati
sthemai
nquest
iony
ouof
tenaskedt
he
doct
or?
"

"
Iof
tenaskedhi
mifNkany
ezi
wasok"

"
Didy
ouev
eraskaboutLi
gugu?
"

"
NoIneveraskedabouther
"tear
scameout
f
rom myeyes.Shehandedmeaf aci
alt
issue
"
Youl
ovedNkany
ezi
mor
ethanher
?"

"
Idon'
tknowmay beNkany
ezi
'
scondi
ti
onmade
meneglecther
."

"DoyoublameNkany
ezi
fornotgi
vi
ngLi
gugu
att
enti
on?"
"
NoIbl
amemy
sel
f..OhGodi
t'
sal
lmyf
aul
t"

"
Doy
oul
oveher
?"

"
Alot
..shei
smydaught
er"

"
Wher
eisshe?
"

"
Ilef
theri
nDurbanwit
hherf
ather
"shenodded
wri
ti
ngever
ythi
ngdown

"
Isn'
tshest
il
lyoungt
obesepar
atedf
rom her
mother
?"

"
Shei
sIwi
l
lfi
xmymi
stakesIl
ovemydaught
er"
"
Wear
edonef
ort
oday
..
."

"
Thanky
ouDoct
or"

Ipassedbythemallandshopped.Aft
eralong
dayofshoppingIwenttoSpurforl
unch.
Siyawasgoi ngtoknockoffatfour.Hi
sscent
wasst i
ll
thesame.Icoul df
eelhim behi
ndme.I
turnedaroundandf acedhi
m.Hel ookedcl
ean
andshav en.Hismusclesperf
ectedtheshape
ofhissuit.Hisnosewasstil
ll
ongandhi soval
facewasr eall
yperfect
.

"
Mlu"

"
Ndaba"Icoughedal
i
ttl
e
"
Howar
eyou?
"

"
Howar
eyou?"

"
Mlu"

"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"

"
Hhayiboy
oucamet
omyt
abl
esowhatdoy
ou
want
?"

"Guguy ouknowhowt ouseaperson.Youtook

myhear tandsquashedit
.Youleftmehanging.
Doy ouknowhowmanyt imesIsleptwi
thtears
cryi
nghopingt haty
ouwillcomeandtel
lme
thateveryt
hingwasajoke"
"
Idi
dnot
hingt
oy ourhear
tMlu.Iam marr
ied
womanweneverhadanythi
ngbetweenus"

"
Soy
ounev
erl
ovedme?
"

"WhatisloveMl u?
"Aski
nnyladyappr
oached
us.Shelookedlikeabar
biedol
lwit
htoomuch
makeupasi fshehaddi
ppedherfaceinsi
de
thesand

"
Hi.
.Iam donehoney
"Ismi
l
ed

"
Hi"

"
Gowai
tformei
nthecarCar
ly"

"
Won'
tyoui
ntr
oduceust
oeachot
her
?"Il
i
ter
all
y
r
oll
edmyey
esny
weny
wear
gh

"
Nogot ot
hecarCar
ly"shemadef
unnysounds
t
hisbi
tchwasbei
ngdramati
c

"
HeyMlutakeyourhumptydumpt
yandl
eav
e
myt
abl
e.Myf oodwil
lgetcol
d"

"
Gugu"

"
Hhayimangetl
ostleavemeal
one.
.hi
tthe
r
oad"soMluhadfi
nall
ymovedwoowsil
lyman.

Aftereat
ingIorder
edat akeawayforSiy
a.The
tr
affi
cwasr eall
ybad.Ikeptonchecki
ngthe
ti
me.Iwasl atebytenminutes
"
Gooddaymyboy
"

"Heymom y
ouar
elat
easal
way
s"Ir
oll
edmy
eyes

"Hhayi
boiti
smyfir
stti
meSiy
aactual
lymy
secondti
me"hel
aughedwi
thhiseyesmaki
ng
funnymoves

"
Mhmm"

"
Howwasy ourday
?Di
dyoul
i
stent
oyour
t
eacher
s?"

Hehuf
fed

"
Ofcour
semommyIal
way
sli
stent
omy
t
eacher
s"

"
Thati
sagoodt
hingy
ouhav
etopass"

"
Okmamakhe"Il
aughed

"
HeywenaSi
yaIam noty
ourwi
feIwi
l
lsmack
y
ou"

"
Iam sor
rymamakhe"

"
Zwaney
ouwi
l
lcr
y"webot
hlaughed

"OhLordmyGodhowexcel l
entisyourname.In
all
theear
thhowexcel
lentisyourname.WhenI
consi
dert
heheavens,
thewor kofyourfinger
s
themoonandthestar
sy ouhaveordained.
Whatcoul dbeamant hatyouaremindfulof
"
hehadhi seyesclosedworshippi
ng.Myson
hadabeaut if
ulv
oice.Thewayhewas
concentrat
ingwassurprisi
ng.Thesightofhi
m
doingthatwasmaki ngmeemot i
onal

"
Youknowhowt
osi
ngmyboywoow"

"
Aunt
yRosi
sai
dyouusedt
osi
ngatchur
ch
mommy"

"
Yesweshoul
dmakeameant
eam andwor
shi
p
t
oget
her"

"
Yesmamakhe"

"
Wewi
l
lpr
ayf
orGodt
ogi
veusst
rengt
h"
Wef
inal
l
yreachedhome.Iof
fl
oadedt
hebags
"
Siy
acomewi
tht
her
emai
ningbags"

"
YesMa'
am"

Ipackedthegr
ocer
yint
hecupboar
ds.Imi
ssed
Rosireal
l
ybadIwonder
edi
fshewassafe.
.or
not.

Ithadbeent woweekssi
nceleftDurban.Iwas
alreadydonewit
hmysessions.Imi ssedDumi
Al ot
.Itookmyphoneanddial
edhim af t
erafew
ringsheansweredIcoul
dhearanearpi erci
ng
cr yonthebackgr
oundmyhear tbroke

"
Zwane"
"
MaNdaba"goosebumpser
uptedonmyski
n.
Hi
svoi
cesentchil
lst
omyspine

"
Howar
eyoubabakhe?
"

"Iam goodandyoumamakhe"af
ewsobs
escapedfrom mymout
h

"
Imi
ssy
ou"Icr
ied

"
Don'
tcr
ymyl
oveImi
ssy
out
oobaby
"

"
How'
sLi
gugudoi
ng?"

"
She'
sper
fecty
oushoul
dseehernowshei
sso
big.Sheeat
sAlotmom sayssheisgoi
ngtobe
fat.Pl
usshecr
iesalotheyIcan'
tsl
eep"

"Real
l
yitseemsl
i
keshei
skeepi
ngy
oubusy
..
baby"

"
Iwi
l
lsendy
ouherpi
ctur
esnow"

"
Myl
oveIam sor
ry"

"NoIam t
heonewhoi
ssor
ryMaNdaba.Howi
s
Siy
a?"

"
HeisgoodZwanehesi
ngs.Hehasabeaut
if
ul
v
oice"hegi
ggl
ed

"
Hei
saZwaneamast
erofal
ltr
ait
s"
"
Goodni
ght
"

"
Wewi
l
lbehomebef
orey
ouknowi
t"

IwaswokenupbySi
yahewasshout
ing

"
Heywenambuzi
youmaki
ngnoi
se"

"
Meehmeehmeeh"t
hest
upi
dboywas
i
mit
ati
ngt
hegoat

"
Siy
aar
eyoudr
unk?
"

"
Wearfastmamalet
'sgodownst
air
s"Igotof
f
t
hebedandtookmygownandwentdownstai
rs.
WhenIgotdownst
air
sIfoundMaKheswa
si
tt
ingdowncar
ryi
ngLiguguIcr
iedr
ushi
ngt
o
her
"
Mamahowar
eyou?
"

"Iam goodandy ouMaNdaba?"shel

aidLi
gugu
ont hecouch.Ipl
acedmyheadonherlapher
wrinkl
edfingersbr
ushedmyhair
"
Iam sor
rymama"Dumi
wal
kedi
nhehadl
ost
wei
ght
Ist
ooduphiseyesli
ght
enedupIwentt
ohi
m
hesmashedhi
slipsonmine
[
07/
19,
11:
13] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#49
Dumiwasi
nbet
weenmyl
egs.Hel
ookedatme
smi
rki
ng

"MorningMaNdaba"Ij
ustmoanedohGodI
wantedustostayli
kethiswit
hDumi
.Wit
hhi
m
happinesswasnotguarant
eed.

"Zwanestop"hiseyesmov
edt omine.If
eltmy
heartbeat
ingfast
.Ilov
edt
hisman.Myl ovefor
him wasblindi
ngallhi
swrongs.

"
Thankyouformyfat
her
'sdaypresent
.Boneof
mybones.Fl
eshofmyfl
esh"Ir
olledmyeyes
l
aughi
ng.

"
Whot
aughty
out
hatDumi
?"
"
Iam r
omant
icGugu.
.youj
ustunder
mine"

"IhearyouMrRomanti
c"Ihel
dhismanhood
brushingi
t.Hewi
denedhiseyes

"
Iwi
l
lteary
ouapar
tGugu"

"
Mhnm whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
"

"Iwil
ltearyouapart
"Iwrappedmyl egsar
ound
hiswaist.Hemov edveryf
astinsi
deme.Itwas
veryfastandhard.If
eltmymusclesgetti
ng
cramps.

"
WakeupmakaSi
ya"Icr
ied

"
Mybodyi
ssor
eDumi
youar
ecr
azy
"hegi
ggl
ed
r
eveal
i
nghi
sper
fectdi
mpl
es
Hecar
riedmetot
hebat
hroom.Isoakedmy
bodyi
nsidet
hewar
m wat
er.

Af
terbat
hingIdeci
dedt
owearsomet
hing
si
mple.

"SawubonaMaNdaba"Busigr
eetedmeina
squeakyvoi
ceIknewherthi
nki
ngasil
l
ysist
er
shewas

"HeyKaNdabahowar
eyou?
"Shesi
ppedher
coff
ee
"
Bat
ter
edj
ustl
i
key
ou"Il
aughed

"
Youar
ecr
azyBusi
"sheey
edmel
aughi
ng
"
Lookaty
ou.
.youcanhar
dlywal
k.Ihopey
ou
di
dn'
tmakeababy
"

"Thatremi ndsmeofsomet hi
ngIwi l
lberi
ght
back"Iwentupst air
s,andopenedthewardrobe
taki
ngoutmypi ll
sanddrankthem.Imadea
ment al notethatIwasgoingtogof oran
i
njectiont helastthi
ngthatIwantedwast oget
pregnant.Iwentbackt oBusi.Li
guguwas
peacef ull
ysleeping.

"
Didn'
tshest
ressy
ou?
"

"
NoIkeptonf
eedi
ngherandpi
nchi
ng"I
l
aughed

"BusiIwill
kill
youwithmybar
ehands.Iam not
planningtolaymyhandsonthi
spreci
ousgem
ofmi ne.Iwil
lrai
sehert
hewayMawer ai
sed
me"

"ImisshersomuchKaNdabal
if
ewi t
houther
hurt
s.Iam tr
yingt
obest
rongbutIcan'
t"

"Samehereshewasagoodwoman.Gonebut
neverf
orgot
tenshewi
l
lal
waysbeourher
oine"

"Ofcoursemydearany wayZinzii
shosti
nga
surpr
isepartyf
orherhusband.Shetri
edcal
l
ing
youyesterday(gi
ggl
ing)butyourphonewas
off
"

"Iwi
l
lcall
herBusi
(laughi
ng)Igi
veupony
ouI
swear"

Dumi
drov
einBusi
hadbor
rowedhi
m hercar
"YooSisBusiy
ourcari
samachi
neIwaseven
spinni
ngpeopl
ehadthei
rey
esonme"Busi
l
aughed

"
Dumi
youwi
l
lbuymyt
yresIam notj
oki
ng"

"
Guguwi
l
lbuyt
hem"Dumi
sai
diti
nhi
scr
ocked
v
oice

"Remov emeoutoft hatequati

onsolvei
t
withoutmeezababi niazingenwa'
'Il
aughed
goingt othekit
chen.IcookedPapandBeef .
Busi spentthewholedaywi thus.

FI
VEMONTHSLATER.
..
.
Sebent
ilewasabeaut ifulgi
rlf
rom Swaziland.
Shehadani cebodyandshewasl ightski
nned.
Sheoftencamet oourhousebecauseDumi
tr
ansportedsomeoft heirclot
hesandpr operty
toSwaziland.Shewasmor eli
kemyl i
ttl
esister.
Iwentdowncar r
yingt
het al
kati
veLigugu.I
swearmybabywast r
oublesome

"
Sebent
il
eyouar
eal
readyher
e?"

"
Yessi
showi
sMbal
i
yezwe?
"

"Sheisgoodbutshecan'
tst
opbl
ubber
ing
nonsense"shesmil
edt
aki
ngher

"
She'
sbeaut
if
ulsi
s"
"Thankyoul
ove.
.youar
eal
sobeaut
if
ul.How
oldarey
ou?"

"
Ijustt
urned21l
astweek"

"
Thi sissobeaut
ifulmaDludl
u,thefactthaty
ou
reached21withoutgett
ingpregnantisamazing.
Wor khadandbeani ndependentwoman.
Any wayHowi syourfat
herdoing?"

"Heisgood"Dumicamedownst ai
rswearing
nothi
ngontop.Sebent
il
elookedathimina
seducti
veway.MaybeIwasjustoverthi
nking
every
thi
ng.ThelookhegaveDumi didn'
tsit
wellwit
hme

"
Sebent
il
e"shequi
ckl
ylookedatme
"
Ma"

"GivemeMbal i
yezweIwantt
obat
hher
"she
kissedherandgavehert
ome

I
ntheki
tchen..
..

Dumiwentt
oswi
tchont
heket
tl
eSebent
il
e
fol
l
owedhim

"
Youl
ooksexyBab'
Zwane"

"Sebent
il
ewhatdoy
ouwantf
rom me,
leav
eme
alone"

"
IwantyouDumiandIwi
llgety
ou..Iknowt
hat
y
oulovemetoo.Ipromi
seIwon'ttel
l
makaMbal
i
"

"Hhabengi
yal
i
ngwal
a(I
'
m get
ti
ngt
empt
ed
here)
"

"
Youdon'
texpectmetogetov
eryouDumi
,you
t
ookmyvir
gini
tyforChr
ist
'
ssake"

"
It
'sally
ourfaul
tSebent
il
eyouusedy
our
manipul
ati
veski
ll
sonme"

"Iwi
l
lseeyouintheaf
ter
noonBab'
Zwanei
nour
spot
.Imissyourdi
ckmovingi
nsi
deme"

"
Sebent
il
eIam war
ningy
ou"Sebent
il
epout
ed

"
Ssh"shespankedDumi
'
sass.Whenshesaw
Gugushest
art
led

"
Arey
ouokMaDl
udl
u?"

"YeboSisngi kahl
e"myey eswentt oDumi he
waspani cking.Thesepeopleweresurely
sleepi
ngt ogether.Ikeptmythoughtstomy sel
f.
Sebenti
le'sinnocencewasv erycreepy
.

"
SismayBhut
iaccompanymehome?
"

"Di
dyoueatmyl
ove?Di
dDumi
makey
ou
cof
fee?"

"YesIdi
dsi
s"t
her
ewer
enotdi
rt
ydi
shesi
nthe
sink
"
Dumi
accompanyMaDl
udl
uhome"

"MaNdabagowithher.
.Ineedt
ofi
xmyf
il
es
andbal
ancetheaccounts"

Iwentandki
ssedhi
m

"
Okmylov
e"ItookLi
gugu'
sbagandt
hrewi
t
i
nsi
det
hecar
.
.
"Don'
tputheront
hebabyseatIwi
l
lcar
ryher
sis"

"
Sheisheav
yMaDl udl
u,
areyousur
eyoudon'
t
wantmetoputheronherseat
"

"
Nosi
sIdon'
tmi
nd"
"
Okyoucangoandsitatt
heback.
"Idr
oveher
t
oherf
ather
'shouse

"
Isy
ourf
atherar
ound?"

"
Nohei
sinSwazi
l
and"

"Okbyedar
li
ng"shesmi
l
edr
eveal
i
ngherf
ake
smil
e.

Dumi f
orev
erwal
kedwi
thhi
sphonesi
nhi
s
pocketi
twasnowhi
snewhabi
t

Aft
eraweekIgothol
dofhismessageswit
h
Sebenti
l
etheywer
einar
elati
onshi
p.Dumiwas
cheat
ingonme.It
ookmyphoneandcalled
Vumani.I
trangt
wicet
henhei
mmedi
atel
y
answer
ed

"
Bhut
ihowar
eyou?
"

"
Iam goodandy
ouMaNdaba?
"

"
Iam notgoodBhuti
..Dumii
scheati
ngonme
wi
thagirlwho'
stenyear
syoungert
hanme"

"Iam t
ir
edofDumi
.
.doy
ouknowwher
ethegi
rl
stay
s"

"
YesIdo"

"
Iwi
llcal
lSi
ndi
sowewi l
lgot
oherhouse
t
oni
ght,whodoesshest
aywit
h?"
"
Wit
hherf
ather
"

"Okwewil
lseey
out
oni
ght
"hesi
ghedbef
ore
hangi
ngup

Idr
oppedthecal
landwenttomybedroom.
Li
guguwaspeaceful
l
ysleepi
ngnextt
ome.Siy
a
wasatZi
nzi'
shouse

Dumi
gothomear
ound4

"
MaNdabakant
iwhat
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
"

"Keepy ourvoi
celowLigugui
ssl
eepi
ngIwant
tosleeptoo"Iclosedmyeyeswi
thmyhear
t
beatingfast
"
Guguwhydoyouli
keembarr
assi
ngmeli
ke
t
his?Wi
l
lIev
erfi
ndpeacei
nthisl
i
fet
ime"

"Dumi whathappenedt oy ou?Youar esonew

tome.Imi sst heoldDumi whoImetf ourt
een
yearsagobecauset heoneIst aywi thisari
ch
arrogantcheater,anarci
ssisti
cman.Imi ssthe
Dumi whostayedinSnakepar k.Allowmet o
sav emyshout ingforl
ater
"hel eftthebedroom
angr yhebangedt hedoorcausi ngLi guguto
startl
e.Idi
dn'tcare.Dumiwasf reakencrazy.

Aroundsi
xthefami
lycame.MakaZuzi
stay
ed
behindwi
thLi
gugu.

"Dumif
orhowlongshal
lyouabuseMaNdaba?
"
Vumaniaskedwi
thalowvoice
Si
ndi
sopar
tl
yrol
l
edhi
sey
es

"HonestlyspeakingVumaniIfeell
ikeMaNdaba
deservesbet t
erbecauseDumi doesn'
tdeser
ve
her"Dumi lookedatmeclenchinghisj
awshe
wassur elygoingtofuckmeup

"MaNdabawewillt
alkaft
erwemeetupwi
th
thi
sgi
rl
'sfami
ly
.Dumi keepsonf
ail
i
ngme"
Vumaniwasverycal
m

"
Iheary
oubhut
i"
.

Wepar kedoutsi
deSebenti
le'
shome.We
knockedtwicehi
sfatheropenedt
hedoor

"
Greet
ingst
oyou.
..howar
eyoudoi
ng?"he
wel
comeduswar
mly

"
Wear
egoodandy
oubaba"hesmi
l
ed

"
Iam good"hel
edust
othesi
tt
ingr
oom.

"Whatbri
ngsyouher
etoni
ght
?Isev
ery
thi
ng
alr
ight
?"Heaskedsmil
i
ng

"Nobaba,Iam Dumi'swif
ebutIam havi
nga
probl
em herebecauseyourdaught
eri
ssleepi
ng
withmyhusband"

"IdoknowyouMakaSiy
a.SoSebent
il
eis
sleepi
ngwi
thZwane?"Hisey
esmovedtoDumi
whohadhisheaddown
"Yeboitseemsl i
kethi
sthi
nghasbeengoi ngon
foraverylongtime.IseeSebenti
leasmy
youngersist
ersohersleepi
ngwithmyhusband
i
ssomet hingelse.Shehasbrokenmyt r
ust"he
stoodupandwentt ogetSebentil
e.Shecame
outwithtearyeyesver
yembarrassed

"Sebenti
l
ebakwaZwanesayyouhavebeen
sleepi
ngwit
hDumi i
sthatt
rue?"shecr
ied

"
Iam sor
ryBaba"Bab'
Dludl
ucl
osedhi
sey
es

"Nti
leIfeell
i
keIfai
ledyou.Al
lal
ongIt hought
thatIwasdoingagoodj obwi
thy ou.Why
wouldy ougoforamar r
iedman?Itrustedyou
torespectMrsZwanebecausey oualwaystel
l
met hatyoulookuptoher.Whatisthi
s
nonsensethatIam heari
ng?"
"Iam sor
ryMakaMbaliy
ezwe.Ngi
yacol
i
sa
BakwaZwane"Ijustl
ookedasi
debli
nki
ngaway

"OkSebent i
l
eweheary ou.Whatweaskf rom
youistostopst r
essi
ngyourfathersi
ncehei s
theonewhor ai
sedyou.Amar r
iedmanwi l
l
neverl
eav ehiswifef
orasidechick.Dat
ey our
agemat es"Sindi
sospokecalmly

"
Ihearyoubhut
i"shewipedhert
ear
sand
l
ookedatDumiwhol ookedaway
.

"
Wearenowleav
ingBab'Dl
udluthanky
ouf
or
y
ourt
ime"Vumanispokesoft
ly

"
Iapol
ogi
sef
ormydaught
er'
sbehav
iour
"
Dumididn'
tut
teranywor
d.Iknewthati
twas
goi
ngtogodownt oni
ght
.Wef oundMakaZuzi
eat
ing

"Youguy
sareback?
"Howdoesoneaskan
obvi
ousquest
ion

"
Nowearenot,
MakaZuzimayy
oupl
ease
f
oll
owmetotheki
tchen"

"
Arey
oual
ri
ghtGugu?"

"Thanky ouforcookingforusmyl ovePlease

takecareofMbal i
yezwetonight
.Idon'twant
Dumi andItof i
ghti
nf r
ontofher"hereyeswere
full
ofsympat hy
"Guguwemightaswel
lgowi
thy
ou.Whati
fhe
kil
l
syou?"

"Hewon'tki
l
lme"shet
ookthepl
atesf
rom t
he
cupboar
dandstart
eddishi
ngf
orever
yone

HehandedDumi
thef
ood

"NothankyouIam of
ftobedseeyouar
ound
guys"hewasreal
l
ymad.sof r
eakenmad

"
Don'
tfeelbadMakaZuzi
hei
sli
ket
hatwhenhe
i
sangr
y "

"
GuguIf
earf
ory
ourl
i
fe.
.let
'sgot
oourhouse"
"MaNdabaar
eyougoi
ngt
obeokhere?"Si
ndi
so
askedwit
hconcer
npl
ast
eredonhi
sface

"
YesIwi
l
lbhut
i,t
hanky
ouf
ort
oni
ght
"

"Don'
thesi
tat
etocallusi
fsomet
hinghappens"
Vumanisai
ditster
nly

"
Iwon'
t"

Theyl
eftaroundten.Iwashedthedi
shesand
wentupstai
rswit
hmyhear tthuddi
ng

Isl
owlyopenedt hedoorandtiptoedtobed,he
appearedfr
om thebathroom andlockedt
he
doorthrowi
ngthekeysundert hebed
"
Guguwhyar
eyoui
nvol
vi
ngpeopl
eint
oour
mat
ter
s?"

"
Dumi youcheat
edonmewi t
hagirl
teny
ears
youngert
hanme.Howdoy outhi
nkI'
mfeel
i
ng.
Whydidyoucheatwi
thher
?"

"
Obviouslyshei
sbettert
hanyoui
nbed.She
movesbet t
erwhi
leyouli
edownli
keachicken
wai
ti
ngt obemarinat
ed"asti
ngofpai
nstroke
myheart.Iswor
ebeneathmybreat
he

"Ar
ey ousomekindoftr
ophyDumi?Ihat
eyou"
heslappedme.Ifel
ldownherepeat
edl
y
punchedandki
ckedme.

"
Iam sor
ryDumi,sor
ryformaki
ngyoucheaton
me.Iam sor
ryst
opit"hest
oppedIcr
awledto
thecor
nerofmybedwithbl
oodprofusel
y
comingoutofmynose.Myfacef
eltheavy

Thel ookonhi sfacewasscar i

ngmer i
ghtnow.
Ihadnev erseenhi ml i
kethatbef orehehad
tur
nedi ntoabeast .Ihadseenhi mlookscar y
beforebutt hi
s, t
hisr i
ghther ewasnew.I twas
darker.Thiswassur elygoingt obet heendof
me.It ri
edl ookingf oranescapebutIcoul dn'
t
seeany .IguessIneededt obr acemy sel
ffor
whatwasgoi ngt ocomenext .Ishouldhave
beenusedt ot hi
sbutIwasnot .Icouldnever
getusedt oi t
.Isai dami ni prayer"DearGod
j
ustt hi
sonet i
meandIswear ,IswearIwillwalk
awayandnev erlookback".
Ar ghwhowasIki ddingIal
way ssai
dthis
bargainingprayerwheneverIf
oundmy selfi
n
thi
ssi t
uat i
onandafterhesparesmyl i
feIgo
runningbackt ohisarms.Butthisti
meIwas
serious.Ifhesparedmet hi
slastti
meIwoul d
goandIwoul
dnev
erl
ookback.DearGod.I
needyou.

Hegotcl
oserIscr
eamed

"
Iwon'
tbeaty
ouGugucomeon"

"
Iam scaredofyouDumi"hepi
ckedmeupand
wentwit
hmet othebathr
oom heopenedwar
m
waterf
ormeIf l
i
nched

"I
'
m sosorryGugu,st
opl
ett
ingpeopl
eknow
aboutourbusi
ness"
Hehadnoremor
sehewasasel
fi
shbast
ardbut
Ist
il
ll
ovedhi
mli
ket
hat
.

"
Ok"Iwant
edhi
mtobedonewi
tht
his.He
wi
pedmeandcar
ri
edmet
obed

Howdi dIendupher e?Ihadbeensitt

ingher e
thi
nkingabouthowIendedupi nthi
ssituat i
on.I
can'thelpthet earsthatareburni
ngmyf ace
ri
ghtnow.God.Whyme? .WhatdidIdot o
deserv esuch, .Howdi dalovesosweett urn
i
ntot histhingt hatIcan'
tevendescri
be.How
couldamant hatgav emeheav enonear tht ur
n
i
ntot hismonst erlayi
ngnexttome.Ilovehi m.
Gody ouknowhowmuchIl ovehim.Ihate
my selfforlovi
nghi mthi
smuch.ButIcan' thelp
i
t.He'st heonet hatstol
emyhear t
.Wher edi d
wegowr ong?Thosequest i
onswereanor mi n
myl if
e.

Iwokeuparoundtwel
vethefoll
owingmorni
ng.
Iwasgoingt
oVumani'shousetoget
Mbali
yezwe.Iusedafoundat
iontocovermy
mar
ks.Makeupwasgoodathidi
ngt
hescar
s.
Myri
bswerest
il
lsor
e.MakaZuzi
cal
l
ed

"
Weal
readyonourwayt
oyourhouse"Il
aughed
"Okhurr
yup"IhadLi
gugu'
scries.Iwar
med
waterandmadeabottl
eforher.Mygir
llov
ed
eati
ng

Imadebr
unchforMakaZuzi
.Shej
ustwal
kedi
n
af
tert
went
yminutes

"
Iam sohungr
yyouar
eaprophetwena"I
l
aughed.Wesatdownandst
art
edeating

"Iam sur
elygett
ingtempted.
.br
ingMbali
yezwe
tome.Yazi Idon'tbel
iev
ethatt
hebitchwas
play
ingstepmot hertomydaughter
"weboth
l
aughed
"Youneverceaset
oamazemesowhatwent
downy est
erdaydi
dhebeaty
ou?
"

"Meneveri
thasbeenl
ongsincehelai
dhis
cri
ppl
edhandsonme"shelaughedsodidI

"
Didyousmokesomet
hing?Youar
esi
ckwena
Gugu"

"Dumiandhishoesdri
vemet hiscrazy.Iwas
notli
kethisyazi
MakaZuzi
Ifeel l
i
keIam slowly
l
osingmy sel
fdaybydayinthiswhol emarri
age
thi
ng"shebrushedmyback

"Fol
l
owy ourhear
tmyl
ove.Doi
tfory
our
sel
f
sweethear
t"
"
Ifhedoesn'
tchangeaf
teray
earI
'
mleav
ing"

"
Iwi
l
lsuppor
tanydeci
siont
haty
oumake"

"
Thanky
oumyl
ove"

Wespentt hewholedaytal
ki
ngabouttheword
ofGod.Iclearl
yneededsomerej
uvenati
oni
n
myspiri
tualli
fe.

Siyawasbackf rom Zinzi'

shouse.Dumihad
beenawol forthreeday s.Hi
sphonehadbeen
offforthr
eeday s.Iheardhim parkoutsi
de.I
hadalreadypreparedt heki
dsf orchur
ch.I
boil
edwat er.
..hewal kedinl
ooki ngfr
esh
"Howareyoubaby?"Ismi
l
ed.Hisface
changedheexpect
edmetoshoutbutIdi
dn'
t

"Goody ou?"Iwentandparkedthecarout
side
thegate.Ihadallthehousekeyswit
hme.
Whent hewat erhadboil
ed.It
ookthekett
leand
pouredhotwat eronhim
"
Gugu"Ir
ushedandl
ockedt
hehouse.
Wel
eftf
orchur
chdr
ivi
ngf
ast

"
Mamasl
owdown"

"
Don'
tpl
aywi
thmyphoneSi
yaswi
tchi
tof
f"

"
ButMa"

"
Siy
abongaZwane"hest
oppedusi
ngi
t
"
Iam sor
rymama"

Wegott
ochur
chont
ime
[
07/
19,
11:
13] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#48

Ipushedhi
m awaybl
ushi
ngaf
terMaKheswa
coughed

"
Iam sorr
yma"Dumi l
ookedatmewi
they
es
f
il
ledwit
hhunger.Ibl
ushed

"
Hav
eyouguy
sfor
got
tent
hatIam her
ewi
th
y
ou?
"
Dumi
smi l
ed"Mayoushoul
dadaptt
othenew
l
if
est
yle.I
twasj
ustakiss"

"Heheyouarenotfr
om awest
erncul
tur
eyou
areanAfri
can"Dumiwentt
ohismom and
huggedhim

"Moveawayf r
om mewenabigheadedboy"we
alll
aughedcausi
ngLi
gugut
ostartl
e.She
star
tedcryi
ng
Maqui
ckl
ypi
ckedherup

"Iam sosorr
yMaZwane,stopcry
ingmybaby
don'tbeli
keyourbi
gheadedfat
her"Dumi
giggled
"MaNdabal
ovesmybi
gheadr
ightSt
handwa
Sam?"

"
StopDumi
,Mamadon'
tyouwantt
obat
h?"

"Ido,Iwantf
oodaft
erawards"shehandedme
Ligugu.Iwentwi
thherupst
airs.Shestar
ted
cryi
ng

"Iam sosorr
ybaby .Il
ovey ouMaZwane.Mama
l
ov esyoualotpleasekeepquiet.Mamai ssorr
y
myangel"shecoul dn'
tstopcryi
ng.Dumi t
ook
hersheimmedi atel
ystoppedcrying,t
ear
s
escapedfrom myey esIquickl
ywi pedmyt ear
s

"
Shewi l
lgetusedtoyouGugudon'
tblame
y
ourselfIunder
standwhatyouweregoi
ng
t
hrough.Sheissti
lly
oungshewil
lwarm upt
o
y
ou"

"
Dumi i
t'
ssti
ll
adi
sgracehowdoIlookat
mysel
fonthemir
rorknowingv
erywellt
hatI
f
ail
edtolov
emydaught er
"

"Shei
ssl
eepingletmeputheront
opoft
he
bed"hel
aidhim ont
hebed.

"Shei
ssobeaut
if
ulZwane..l
ookathowthi
ck
herey
ebr
owsare"helookedathersmi
li
ng

"Shel
ooksmorel
ikeSi
yaandy ourt
ouchali
ttl
e
bit
.Wherei
sRosi
?Ihaven'
tseenhersinceI
came"

"
Shewentbackt
oMozambi
que"hef
rowned
"
Ohreal
l
yhowcomeIwasn'
ti
nfor
medabout
t
hat
"

"Iguessi
tsl
i
ppedoffmymi
nd.Iam sor
ry
Zwane"hehuggedmefr
om behi
nd

"Imi sshowwewer eonceuponat i

me.Instead
ofpr otectingyouandourf ami l
yIkeepon
fuckingup.Iam notwor t
hofy ourlovebut
pleasegi vemeachance.GuguIam notper fect
Iam si nnerImakemi stakes.Ibr eakmy
promi sesbutIknowt hatIcan' tli
vewi t
houty ou.
Shhh. .
.Iam stil
ltal
kinglistentome.Iam
beggi ngy oumyl ovelet'
sst artafresh.Straight
from thescr at
ch.Givemeachancet of i
xmy
wr ongsl etmel oveyout heonl ywayy ou
deser vet obeloved.
"Het urnedmear oundand
wi pedmyt ear
shewasal socry i
ng.
"I
'
m scaredZwaneyoual
way
saskf
orchances
butyoudon'
tchange"

"Gugudonotj udgemebymypast .Iwanttobe

theri
ghtmanf oryou.Don'tyouwantour
chil
drentogrowupwi ththei
rparentsst
ayi
ngin
oneroof.Youcan'tdenyourkidsahappyhome
uh?Doy ouwantt hem tobeunhappyGugu.?.
babywecanst ar
tafr
eshandpl easedon'
tj
udge
mebymypast .Iam pleadi
ngwi t
hyouNdaba"

"Idon'
tknowZwanet hewayIlov
ey ouist
oo
overwhel
ming.Ihat
eitbecauseyoualway
s
beli
tt
leme"

"Guguwhatshoul
dIdo?Tell
mewhattodo
becausei
t'
ssocleart
hatIam f
ail
i
ngt
olove
y
ou"

"
Idon'
tknowDumi pl
easet
hinkabouti
tandt
ell
mewhatyouthi
nk.Letmegoandmakemama
f
ood"

Itookaqui ckshowerIcoul dn'

tmakef ood
withoutbat hi
ng.Ideci
dedt owearal ongblue
dresst hatshapedmycur ves.Isti
l
lhadt he
babyf atandIhadl ovehandlestoo.Iwent
downst air
swear i
ngmysl i
ppers

"
MaIwi
l
lwar
myoual
asagne"

"Iwantrealf
oodKaNdaba.Youcangiveme
thatandcookmepap"It ookoutf
rozenpi
eces
ofchicken,
andthr
ewt hem i
nsi
dehotwater
.I
madesomechakal akaandpap.Theboewors
di
dn'
ttakel
ong.

"Thelasagnewasnicewhenam Iget
ti
ngapap.
Ireal
l
ymi ssgossi
pingwi
thyou"Il
aughed

"Hhay
ibomawhatdoy
ouwantust
ogossi
p
about
"

"
Iwil
lendupfai
nti
ngwhenar
eyougoi
ngt
o
f
ini
shcooki
ng"

"Iam al
mostdone"whenIwasdonecooki
ngI
call
edSiyat
owashMaKheswa'shands

"
Mawhydoy ouwantmetodosomet
hingt
hat
i
ssupposedt
obedonebygi
rl
s"
"
Siy
adoy
ouseeagi
rli
nthi
shouse?
"

"
NoIdon'
t"

"
Don'
tyouwantmet
osendy
ou?
"

"
Ido"

"
Don'
tdrivemecrazyy
ouchi
ldIwil
lbeaty
ou
wi
ththi
shotspoon.DowhatItol
dyoutodo
movethatgr
umpyassnow"

Hetookwarm wat
erandthewett
owelto
MaKheswa.Hewasalreadyi
nagrumpymood.

"
Whenwear
edoneeat
ingy
ouwi
l
lwashdi
shes"
"
Mamay
ouwantmet
owashdi
shest
oo?"

"
Yesf
rom todayy
ouwi
l
ldot
hedi
shesunt
ilIt
ell
y
ouother
wise"

"
Hhay
inomamaboy
sdon'
twashdi
shes"

"
Notinmyhouse.Don'
tyouwantmetotel
lyou
whatt
odo?Don'tyouwantmetosendy
ou?"

"
Idomama"

"Goodboy"It
ookt
hef
oodandwentt
othe
dini
ngroom.
"ImissedyourfoodMakoti,
youcookbet
ter
thanSindi
so'swifewhatsheknowsi
sto
gossip"wealll
aughed

"MaIwil
ltel
lSi
ndi
soyoucan'
ttal
kaboutmy
brot
her
'swif
eli
kethat
"Dumil
aughedli
ghtl
y

"
Thatiswhatyouaregoodat.Tellhi
mi fy
ou
wanttoIwi
lldenyi
t.Makot
iwillcoverupforme
r
ightMaNdaba?"

"OfcourseMaIdon' tr
eal
lyunderst
andaman
whogossi p.Myhusbanddoesn'tgossi
p(Dumi
l
ookedatGugu)unl essofcourseit
'sanew
habithegotwhenhewasi nDurban"

"
Hehadnof ri
endsMaNdabasoweshoul
dn'
t
wor
rybecausemysondoesn'
tgossi
pvel
e"we
al
ll
aughed.

"Makotiwewil
lsl
eept
oget
hert
oni
ght
.Imi
ss
sleepi
ngwit
hyouhey"

"OkMaImi
ssedy
out
oo.Dumi
wil
lsl
eepwi
th
Siy
a"

"
Imi
ssmywi
feMa"

"I
t'
snotthreemonthsyetsodon'
twor
rymy
boy"hegroanedcausi
ngMaKheswatosmi
rk

Si
yastoodupandtookthedirtypl
ates.Hewas
qui
etangr
yit'
snotl
ikeIcared.Iwasequippi
ng
hi
m withl
if
eti
meski l
l
s.Hewasgoi ngt ot
hank
meinthenextcomi
ngday s.
Wespentthewhol
edaytal
ki
ngaboutoldti
mes.
Li
guguwokeupcryi
ngDumi r
ushedupst
air
s
andtookher
.Hecamedownstai
rscal
mingher
down

"
Madidyoupr
ephermi l
kyouknowthatshe
want
smil
kaft
erhernap"Iswal
lowedalumpin
mythr
oat

"
Iwi
l
lmakei
tDumi
"

"Nodon' tworr
ymamawi ll
doit
.Sheknowshow
Liguguwant shermi
lkt
obe"Ifeltmyhear
t
shatter
ing.MaKheswastoodup

"Fol
l
owmeGugu( t
heywenttot
heki
tchen)do
notfeel
bad.Youarenotabadmot
her.Youdi
d
wellwithSi
ya.DonotfeelbadaboutwhatDumi
said.
.youmightaswellst
artbr
eastf
eedingher
i
t'
sgoi ngtoti
ghteny
ourbondwithLigugu"I
wipedmyt ears
"Youar
esayi
ngal
ltheset
hingst
omakemef
eel
bett
erMa"

"NotrustmeMaNdabay ouareagoodmother
,
youmadeami st
akeli
keeachandever
yoneof
us.Iwil
lbel
eav i
ngtomorr
owmyhusband
missesme"Ilaughed

"
Hhayi
boMay oucamet
odayImi
ssedy
ou.You
wi
ll
gonextweek"

"Thati
snothappeni
ngyouwantthewi
tchesi
n
ourstr
eett
owar m mysi
deofthebed"
"Hhay
i boMaar etheywit
chesinourstr
eet
"she
l
aughedt akingLi
gugu'
smilkt
oDumi .Shecame
backlaughing

"Don'tyouknowt hatwhenabl ackwomanget s

oldifshedoesn'thaveahusbandshebecomes
awitch"Il aughedgoingtothedini
ngroom
MaKheswahadal r
eadystar
tedwi t
hherstor
ies
shehadnev erceasedtoamazeme.It ookmy
phoneandsnappedDumi andLigugu'
s
moment s.Helookedatmesmi l
ing

"Youar
eagoodf
atherDumi
"Iwentandst
ood
behi
ndhim

"
Thankyoumamakheyouar
eal
soagood
mother
.Wher
eisSi
ya?
"
"
Heisinhi
sroom,
hei
sinagr
umpymood"he
l
aughed

"Idon'
tbl
amehi
m Iwoul
ddot
hesamei
fIwas
him"

"Well
hehasanothert
hingcomi
ngforhi
mf r
om
nextyearhe'
sgoi
ngtobetheonecooki
ng"

"
Hhay
ibobabySi
yai
saboy
"

"Iknowverywell
heshoul
dbegr
atef
ult
hathe
doesn'
tclean"

"
Mhnm"

"
Letmehol
dherbabyIwanthert
obur
p"he
handedmeLi guguIr
ubbedherbackshe
burped.Shehadbigroundeyes.Wi
tht
hinpi
nk
l
ipslikeDumi.Shewasdark.Shehadt
akenmy
compl exi
on

"
She'
sbeaut
if
ulr
ight
?"

"
Ver
ybeaut
if
ulIwi
l
lhi
deherunt
ilshe'
s21.
"

"
Thati
snothappeni
ngGugushewil
lst
ay
i
ndoor
sunti
lsheis50"Il
aughed
"
Youar
ecr
azyshehast
ogetmar
ri
ed"

"Thati
snothappening.Idon'
twantmy
daughtertogetmarri
edtoanabusiveman,a
manwho' sgoingt
oabuseher "Il
ookedathi
m
thoughtf
ull
y
"Ibetmyfatherwantedt
hesameforme
unfort
unat
elyIgottheworsty
ooo"

"
Gugu"Iwalkedoutandwentt
oMaKheswashe
wasal
readycooki
ngsupper

"
Arewehav
ingpapagai
nMa?
"

"
Ofcour
seMaNdaba"Ishookmyheadshocked
"
Iam al
readyf
atMaIcan'
taf
for
dtogai
nmor
e
wei
ght"

"Arealwomanhasmeatmysonshouldn't
cuddlebonestheywi
l
lpokehi
m atni
ghtand
hurthi
m"Ilaughed
"
Iheary
ouMa, (pl
ayi
ngwi t
hLigugu)shehas
y
ourears"MaKheswalaughed

"MaZwaneisreall
ybeauti
ful
..youseeSi
ndi
so
shoul
dhav ebeenagirl
doy ouseehownosyhe
i
s"IlaughedcausingLi
gugut ostar
tl
e.

"
Youalway
sfi
ndaf
aul
tinSi
ndi
soma"she
l
aughed

"
Hedoesn'tl
i
stenMaNdabay out
ell
him one
t
hinghedoestheopposi
te"

THREEMONTHSLATER

IwaswokenupbyLi
gugumakingsoundsshe
wasbusyl
icki
ngmybreast
sunfor
tunat
elyIwas
wear
ingani
ghtdr
ess

"OhMaZwaney ouarecraz
y"Iwokeupandt ook
outmybreastandstar
tedbreastfeedi
ngher.
Shewasbusysuckingmakingf unnysounds.

Mytwobigheadedboy
sopenedt
hebedr
oom
car
ryi
ngabreakf
ast

"
Happymot
her
'sdayMaNdaba"Il
aughed

"
Thanky
ouZwane"heki
ssedmyf
orehead
"Morni
ngMaZwane"MaZwanewasbusy
play
ingwi
thherf
eet
.

"
Happymother
'sdaymama.Nomatterhow
manyt
imesIdi
srespecty
ou.
.youst
ill
loveme.
Thanky ouf
orgi
vi
ngbir
tht
omeIl
ovey
ouMa"
hekissedmycheek.

"
Thi
sissobeaut
if
ulbakwaZwaneyouar
emy
wor
ld"Dumi
gavemeanenv el
ope

"
Ohbabythanky
ou"itwasthreevoucher
sof
t
hreehour
smassagesthati
ncludedFaci
als

"
Goandbat
hy oursi
ster
sar
edownst
air
s
wai
ti
ngf
oryou"

"Ar
eyouser
iousbaby
?"IhandedLi
gugut
ohi
m
shest
art
edcryi
ng

"Goandbaththi
soneisstayi
ngbehindwi
thus"
Ibat
hedfast.Af
terbat
hingIopt
edformyblack
kneelengt
hdress.I
twasn'
thuggingmybody
thatmuch.It
ookmyblacksti
ll
etosandwhit
e
blazer

"
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulmamakhe"

"
Thanky
oubabypl
easef
eedmyki
ds"

"
Mahe'
sgoi
ngt
ofeedusbur
ger
syummy
"
Hesi
deey
edSi
ya

"
Dumi
pleaseeatt
hesal
adandmeat
"

"Yesma'am,Iwi
l
lsendy
oumoneyf
or
shoppi
ng."
"
Thanky
oubaby
"

WhenIwentdownst
air
sIf
oundmysi
ster
s
dr
inki
ngt
ea

"
Goodmorni
ngmydearestsi
ster
shappy
mot
her
'sday
"theyst
oodupandhuggedme

"
Howar
eyouGugu?
"Zi
nzi
kissedme

"
Iam goodKaNdabaandy
ou?
"

"Iam goodl
et'
shurryupguy
s"t
hatwasBusi
shewassoexcited.

"Iam sogl
adthaty
ouar
eher
ewi
thme
bakwaNdaba"
"WeloveyouGugunomat t
erhowmanytimes
wefightbl
oodisal
waysthi
ckert
hanwater
"we
didagrouphugandwenttoBusi
'scar

"Iwassohappywhenheboughtmet hi
s
machine.Youknowwhatguy smyhusbandhas
changed.Hal
lel
ujah"weal
lscreamedAmen
l
aughing.

Wewentf oramassageourbodi
esneededto
r
est.Li
guguhadbeenkeepingmeupallni
ght.I
wassurel
ynotpl
anningtohavemoreki
ds.

Af
terourmassageswewentoutf orshoppi
ng.
Mostthi
ngswereonspeci
al.Queensparks
of
tensoldqual
i
ty.It
ookonedress.Isent
MaKheswasomemoneyasamot her'
sday
present
.Shesentmeamessagesayi
ngthank
youshehadnoairt
imet
ocall
.Ij
ustl
aughed.
Mymot heri
nlawwasj
ustt
hebest.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*

Iwokeupear
li
erthanusual andcal
l
edBusit
o
comeandgetthekids.Ihadalr
eadybat
hedand
fedLi
gugu

"
Wher
ear
eyouMaNdaba?
"

"Ij
ustpar
kedoutsi
dethegatemakesurethat
youbri
ngmor emil
kforLi
gugubecauseyou
knowthatyourchi
l
deatsli
keapig"Il
aughed

"
Iam war
ningy
ouBusi
"shel
aughed
"
What
evert
het
rut
hhur
ts"

Si yawasgoi ngt obat hatBusi'shouse.Si ya

hadmadeacar df orhisf at
hersincei twas
father'
sday .Dumi hadsl eptdrunkt hepr ev
ious
night.Iwentt othebat hroom andshav ed.Itook
myski mpynightdresst hathadwasasee
throughandwor eit.Under neaththedr esswas
nothing.Iwentt otheki tchenandgotsome
strawberri
esandcr eam.WhenIgott ot he
bedr oom.Hewasn' taround.Hehadpr obably
wokenup.Ihear dt hesoundofr unningwat er
from thevbathroom .Hecameoutl ooki ngall
hot.Whenhi seyesmetmi netheywer e
consumedwi t
hlust .

"
Gugu"Iwal
kedt
ohi
m sway
ingmyhi
ps
"Happyfather'
sdaydaddy"Ibrushedhi
slips.
Hepulledmecl oserandkissedme.Histongue
swervedinsidemymout h.Hishandssl
owl y
mov edtomyshav encookie

"
FuckMaNdaba"Iwasdr
ippi
ngwet.Hel
if
ted
meupandthr
ewmeont opofthebed.

"
Dumi
thewhi
ppi
ngcr
eam andst
rawber
ri
es"

"Nott oday
"hi
sli
pswenti nbetweenmyt highs.
Heki ssedmycli
t.Iwasgett
ingcloserand
closertocoming

Istoppedhi
m Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
obesel
fi
shi
twas
hisday
"StopDumi"Igr
abbedhismanhoodwhichwas
dri
ppingwithpr
ecum.Ipouredsomecream on
theheadandstart
edli
ckingit
.Hegr
abbedmy
weav ei
fitwasawigitcoul
dhavebeenonthe
ground

"I
'm comingGugust op"Imov edfasterand
faster.Idon'tknowhowhedi d.Hegr abbed
meandt hrewmeont opoft hebedsl ammed
i
nsi deme.Hewashi ttingt her i
ghtspot .His
strokeswer estrongandf ulf
il
lingme.Sexwi th
thi
smanwasn' tjustanysexi twasbey ondt he
wor dsex.Mywal lstight enedar oundhi sthi
ck
cockwecamet ogether .Hef ellontopofme

"
Ilov
eyouMaNdaba"
[
07/
19,
11:
13] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE
#50

IparkedoutsidetheChurchgat e.Assembli
esof
Godt heplacewhereIaccept edGod.Thepl ace
wher ebyIwastaughttherulesandt hewayof
l
ife.YesIwast aughtt
het r
uthwhi chisJesus
whoi slif
e.Donotbey okedwi t
hunbel i
ever
s
rangi nt
omysmal lhead.

"
Mamawhyar
eyoucr
ying?"Ibl
i
nkedawaymy
t
ear
s

"
I'
m notcr
yingsomet
hingent
eredmyey
es"

"
Thati
snottr
uemom fat
herbeat
syou.Ihear
y
ourcr
iesev
eryday
."
"
Siy
a"

"
Idoprayf
oryoumama.Ipr
ayyouforev
ery
day
.
Doyouwantustol
eav
ehim al
one?
"

"
Yeswewi
l
lleav
ehi
m myson"

"
Whatarewegoi
ngtoeatsincey
ouarenot
wor
king?Wi
l
lyougetanot
herman?"

"
Wher
edi
dyougett
hati
nfor
mat
ionSi
ya?
"

"
It
'sobv
iousmamamenpr
ovi
def
ort
hef
ami
l
y"

"
Hhay
iket
akeMbal
i
yezwe'
sbagl
et'
sgoi
nsi
de"
.
Ir
emovedMbal
i
yezwefr
om herseat
.She
st
art
edmaki
ngbubbl
eswit
hhersali
va

"Yooit
'sbetterbecauseyoudon'thav
eabig
headmydaught er
.Youar enotgoi
ngtost
ress
yourhair
dresser"shegiggledasi
fshewas
heari
ngme.

"Mamawhohasabi ghead?Ismyheadbigl
ike
dad'
shead"IswearIl
aughedInear
lydr
opped
Mbali
yezwe

"
Whosai
dyourf
atherhasabi
ghead?
"

"
Gogosai
dit
"Il
aughed

"
Mysony
ourheadi
snotbi
glet
'sgo"
"
Sayst
hruu"

"
Siy
aswear
ingi
sasi
ndon'
tyouknowt
hat
?"

"
Idookl
et'
sgo"

Thepraiseandworshipteam star
tedsi
ngi
ng.
Afteraverypower
fulsession.ThePast
or
ascendedtothest
age.

"
Hal
l
eluj
ahBazal
wane"

"
Amen"t
hecongr
egat
ionshout
ed.

"
Let
'sopenourBi
blest
othebookofJohn14:
1
t
heheadi
ngi
sTheWay
,theTr
uth,
andt
heLi
fe
Letnoty ourhear tbet roubled; youbel i
ev ei
n
God, beli
eveal soinMe. .
.congr egat i
onGod
sentmet otellyout hathehear syourcr iesjust
l
istentohi m.Ther earethingst hatonemustdo. .
l
eav eev er
ythingunt oGod.Castal lyour
burdenst ohim becausehel ov esy ou.Donotbe
wor r
iedabouty ourtomor rowf ortomor rowwi l
l
wor r
yabouti t'
ssel f.Leanunt oGodandhi s
wor dhewi l
ldi r
ecty ourfoot stepsf orhiswor d
yesandamen.Ev erybodysayAmen"af terthe
sermon.Hecal l
edf orthealt arcal
l.Ihandedmy
daught ert
ot hewomannextt oMaHl abase.
ThePast
orpr
ayedf
orhi
m.Iwentbackt
omy
seat
.

"Shei
ssobeaut
if
ulMr
sZwanewhati
sher
name?"
"
Mbal
i
yezweLi
gugu"shesmi
l
ed

"Il
ovebothoft hesenames"thePastor
conti
nuedpr eachi
ng.Youdoknowhowpast ors
areri
ght.Theysayf i
vemoreminuteswhich
endsupbei ng30mi nut
es.It
rulyenj
oyedthe
sermon.

Af
terchur
chIwentt
othemeet
ingf
ormar
ri
ed
women.

"
Goodafter
noonmyvir
tuouswomen"weall
r
espondedtohert
hePastor
'swi
fewashumble

"LetusopenourBi
blest
othebookofPr
over
bs
31:10-
17,
23itsays
TheVi r
tuousWi f
eWhocanf indav irt
uouswi f
e?
Forherwor thisf arabov erubies.Thehear tof
herhusbandsaf elytrustsher;Sohewi l
lhav e
nol ackofgai n.Shedoeshi m goodandnotev i
l
Alltheday sofherl i
fe.Sheseekswool andf l
ax,
Andwi ll
inglywor kswi t
hherhands.Shei sli
ke
themer chantshi ps,Shebr i
ngsherf oodf rom
afar.Sheal sor i
seswhi l
eitisy etnight,And
prov i
desf oodf orherhousehol d,Andapor t
ion
forhermai dser vants.Sheconsi dersaf ieldand
buy sit;From herpr ofit
sshepl ant sav ineyard.
Shegi r
dsher selfwithstrength, And
strengthensherar ms.Herhusbandi sknowni n
thegat es, Whenhesi tsamongt heel dersoft he
l
and. ..Bomamabepr ayerf
ulital l
si t
uations
nev erdoubtGod"shecont inuedpr eachingher
wor dwaspower fulbuti twasnotmeantf orme.
Myhusbandwasgoodasusel ess.Inear l
y
l
aughedwhenIr emember edt hedayIused
i
sagi l
at odi scipli
nehi m.
Si
yawasst
il
lpl
ayi
ngwi
tht
heot
herki
ds

"
Zwanel
et'
sgo"heshr
ugged

"
Mamaar
eyoudoneal
ready
?"

"Yesmyboyl
et'
sgo.Lookathowdust
yyou
are"

"
MrsZwanear
eyougoi
ngpastl
eapi
ngf
rog?
"

"
YesMaMli
misiandMaZondoy
oumaygeti
nI
wi
ll
leav
eyouther
e"

Mbal
i
yezwewassl
eepi
ngpeacef
ull
y,t
hesweat
onherf
oreheadwasf
ormi
ngpr
ofusel
y.

"Si
yawipehert
hesweatl
ookathowsweat
y
sheis"

"
Iwi
l
ldoi
tMaZwane"

"
Thanky
ouMa"

Idroppedthem of
fatLeapi
ngfr
og.Ideci
dedto
dri
veust oSpur
.Ineededtohav
esomeener gy
forDumi.

"
Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
ohav
eSi
ya?
"

"
Iwantabur
gerandbubbl
egum mi
l
kshake"
"
Takeast
rawber
rymi
l
kshakei
t'
sni
ce"

"
Nomamakhei
t'
ssogi
rl
y"Il
aughed

"Whuuungavelelwayimihl
ola.(
Thewai tr
ess
appr
oachedthem)Twobubbl egum milkshakes
andaburgerwithchipspleasedon'taddonion
ri
ngsthatisf
ormyson.Wel lIwant300gofr i
bs
topthem upwithquarterl
egandsteak.Iwant
mymeatwel ldoneaddsal ad"

"
Okmaam"

"
Mom whydi
dn'
tyout
akechi
ps?
"

"
Whyshoul
dIt
akechi
ps?
"
"
Becauseyouwil
lst
ealmineIknowy
ou"I
l
aughednansi
ingul
ubei
nginonel
a

"
Iwon'
tZwane"ourf
oodcame.WeateSi
ya
t
ookadoggybagwellIf
ini
shedmyf
ood.

Itwasaroundf
ivepm sotr
affi
cwasn'tbad
sincei
twasSunday.Idrovehomesingingi
tis
wellwi
thmysoul.

Ipressedt
heremote anddrovein.Theburgl
ar
wasdownandt hedoorwasbr oken.Ser
iousl
y
peopleweret
akingchancesbecauseofmy
ki
ndness.

"
Siy
acarr
yMbal
i
'sbaganddon'
tfor
gett
olock
t
hecar
"
"
Okmommy
"

WhenIgotinsi
dethehouseIfoundDumilyi
ng
onthecouchholdi
ngapacketoffr
ozenveges
cl
osetohischest.Si
ndi
soshookhishead

"
SawubonaMaNdaba"

"
YeboZwane..
.it
'sni
cetoseeyouont
his
wonder
ful
Sunday"Ij
ustsmi
led

"
Sor
ryf
orbr
eaki
ngy
ourdoor
.Iwi
l
lfi
xitnow"

"
ThankyouNcane"Vumani
andhi
swi
fegot
i
nsi
dethehouse.
"
Howar
eyouguy
s?"

"Wear
egoodandhappywhatabouty
ou?
"
Vumanisi
ghed

"Dumiwhat
'
shappeni
ng?"her
ubbedhi
stear
y
eyes.

"Kantiuyadel
elaeli
gwalaumfo(soheis
disrespect
fulwhil
ehei sacoward)
"Ij
ust
giggled.GodIdon'tknowwhereIhadgott
en
thatcouragefrom

"Kahl
eMaNdabawewantt
oknowwhatt
he
probl
em i
s"

"
Lookatherbhut
iIam seenasabadper
son
butwhatabouther
.Lookathowmychesti
s"

"Thi
sisonlyt
hebegi
nni
ngyourwhor
esshoul
d
seethaty
ouareamarri
edman."

"WaitGuguman!I
sitsor
eDumi
?"Vumani
askedsoft
ly

"
YesBhut
iIwi
l
lki
l
lGugut
rustme"

"Soi
t'
ssore(laughi
ng)youaref
eel
i
ngnot
hing
ofwhatIfeel
wheny oubeatmeDumi"
Mbali
yezwewokeupcr ying

"
Iam sorrymydaughterwearest
il
ldeali
ngwi
th
yourf
ather'
sdemons.Iprayy
oudon'tget
marri
edtoamanl i
kehim"hetri
edstandi
ngup
"Iwil
lbeatheri
nfrontofyou.Guguis
disr
espectf
ulyouheardherright
.Iwi
llki
l
lher
"

"
Don'
tsayt
hatDumi
sani
.Youwi
l
lki
l
lherf
or
r
eal
"

"SheshouldshutupIcan'
tal
waysbegher
.Iam
doneIrefusetobegheral
ways"It
ookmy
daughterandheadedupst
air
s

"
Gowel
lguy
sI'
m goi
ngt
obedI
'
mti
red"

"
OkMakot
i"

It
ookMbali
wewentt
obed.Dumi
goti
nbedat
midni
ght
.
Iwokeupearl
iert
henextmorni
ng.Idr
oveSi
ya
toschool
leav
ingLiguguwi
thDumi.

"SawubonaZwane"hel
ookedatmeandkept
quiet

Imadebreakfastf
orhim.Hi
swoundwas
wat
erygodIswearIwantedtol
aughsomuch.
Hetookmyf oodandthr
ewiti
nthedust
bin

"Youwanttof
ini
shmeof
fandt
akemy
proper
ty"

"
Iwouldhav
elongdonet
hati
fIwant
edt
oki
l
l
y
ou".
"
GuguGuguIam war
ningy
ou"

Wehadapproachedt
heDecemberhol
i
day
s.
MakaZuzii
nvi
tedmetogowit
hthem
KwaNdebel
e.Myphonerangi
twasher

"
HeyGuguhowar
eyou?
"

"
Iam goodandy
ouMakaZuzi
?"

"
Good,
arewest
il
lgoi
ngt
oThembal
ethu
t
omorr
ow?"

"
YesIam l
onel
yDumihasgoneoutf
ornear
lya
weekhel
eftwi
thSi
ya'
sbankcar
d"

"
Donotwor
rywewi
l
lpi
cky
ouupt
omor
row"
"
Thanky
ou"
.

Ispentthewhol
edaysi
tt
ingathome.Ipacked
ourclot
hesinamini
bag.

Dumi dr
oveinaroundmi dnight
.Hegotinside
thebedandslept.It
iptoedandt ookhi
slicense
andhiditi
nMbal i
yezwe'sbag.Itookal
lthe
moneythatwasi nhiswallet.

Thefoll
owingmorni
ngSiyawokeusuphehad
neverbeentoMpumalangabef
orehewasso
exci
ted.Igott
hem r
eadyver
yfast
.
Dumi
camedownst
air
shol
dingmyt
wophones
"Br
ingmythi
ngsorIam t
aki
ngy
ourphones"I
keptqui
et
"Dumi pleasedon'tannoyme"hequi ckly
grabbedmycarkey s.Iwasnowi namessy
sit
uations.Thecarhoot edoutsi
de.Itook
Mbal i
yezweandr ushedout si
de.Theywer e
dri
vingabakki e.

"
Howar
eyouBhut
iandmakaZuzi
?"

"
Wear
egoody
ou?
"

"Iam good"
..Iwentbehi
ndthecarandopened
t
hecanopyZuzi t
ookMbal i

"
HeyLi
gugu"shest
art
edcr
ying

"
Giv
ehert
hebot
tl
eZuzi
"Iwentt
oVumani
"Bhut
iDumi
tookmyphone"Dumi
cameout
angry

"
WenaGugugi
vememyl
i
cense"Il
ookedathi
m

"
What
'shappeni
ng?"

"Het ookmyphonest henItookhi

sthi
ngs"Si
ya
wasal readysi
ttedi
nsidet
hebakkie.Hegot
closertomeIr anandhidbehindVumani

"
Iwillbeatyouinfrontofthem t
oday
"It
ri
ed
r
unningIfellhegotont opofme.Iwasweari
ng
myski r
t.
.Vumani pull
edhim Ist
oodupand
f
ixedmyski rt
hepushedVumani
andt
ookanempt
ywi
ne
bot
tl
e.Iheldhi
m het
ri
edhi
tt
ingmewi
thi
t.I
hel
dhimtightl
y

Si
yagotof
fthecarl
ooki
ngf
ort
hebr
ick.Hewas
cr
ying

"St
opDumi stop"Si
yamovedar
oundlookingf
or
abrickshouti
nghewascalli
nghisf
atherbyhi
s
name.Zuzi gotofft
hecar

"
Siy
ast
opi
t.
.geti
nsi
det
hecarnow"

"Hewil
lki
l
lmymommy
.Iwantt
obeathi
mtoo"
hecri
ed.

Vumanif
inal
l
yhel
dhi
m andgav
ehi
m one
punch
"Youaredisr
espectf
ul wenaDumi sanimxm you
arebecomingaproblem.MaNdabageti nsi
de
thecar"Ihadafewbr uisesbutIcouldn'
tcr
y.He
wasnol ongeri
nfl
ict
ingsomuchpai nonmy
body.Iwassousedt ohi sbeati
ng.

"
Zuziwhoopenedmybag?"shewi
pedher
t
ears

"
Ncaneopeneditandtooksomethi
ngincluding
t
hemoney"Igotoffthecarandfol
lowedhi m.
MyphoneswereinhispocketIt
ri
edgett
ing
t
hem heki
ckedme.

"
Uzony
aGugu(
youwi
l
lshi
tony
our
sel
f)"

"
Nawenj
andi
ni(
yout
oodog)
"myweav
ewas
nowmessedupt
hisbi
tchhadmessedi
tup.He
fol
l
owedmeVumanigotoutoft
hecar

"
HeywenaDumi,
howar
eyouman?Ar
eyou
ment
all
yst
abl
e?"

"
Whydon'ty
ouaskthatwhor
ey ouaregoing
wi
th?
"Igotbehi
ndt
hebakkieandtookLigugu
whowascryi
ng

"
Ncanewhydon'
tyouleavehim?Lookatt
he
wayhet
reat
syou"Zuziaskedwipi
nghert
ear
s

"Iwi
lll
eav
eZuzi..Si
yaar
eyouokmyboy
?"He
star
tedcr
ying

"
Ihat
ehi
m mommy
"
"Wi
pethosetearsmendon'
tcr
y"henodded
si
ppi
nghi scoff
ee.

WegottoThembal
ethuaf
terf
ourhour
sitwas
r
efr
eshi
ng.

Wemadeabi
gfi
re.MakaZuzi
camet
ome
"
Howar
eyouGugu?
"Il
aughed

"Iam nowbetter
.Younev
ertoldt
hatther
eisa
ceremony.Ishoul
dhavewornmysexydress
theseNdebelemenarehot"shel
aughed

"
Uyabhedaweeh.
.let
'scookf
astwear
edanci
ng
t
hewholeni
ght"
"Ican'
twai
t"
..
.aft
ercooki
ngwebathed.I
dancedupunti
lmyfeetweresor
e.Wesleptat
4am.

West ayedinMpumalangafort
hewhol
eweek.I
missedmyphones.Whenwegothome.It ook
myext r
akey sandopenedt
hehouse.Vumani
t
ookSi yatohisbedr
oom

"
ByeMaNdaba"

"
Thanky
oubhut
i"
Iwentt
oourbedr
oom

Dumi
wassl
eepi
ngwi
thawhor
einmybedr
oom

"
Heywenanondi
ndwa(
heyy
oubi
tch)getof
f
mybed"t
hegi
rlj
umped

"Hhay
ibooNkonzoy oudi
dn'
ttel
lmet
haty
ou
haveawif
e'"Il
aughed

"
Areyouseri
ous?Didn'
tyouseet
hepi
ctur
esof
Nkonzoandhiswi
fe?"

"
Lelat
ogetint
othebedshewi
l
ljoi
nusi
fshe
wantstoo"
.

Iwal
kedoutandsl
eptwi
thSi
ya.Thi
swasi
tI
wasdonewit
hhim.

Si
yawokemeup

"
Goodmor
ningmommyIam hungr
y"
"
Okmyboyl
etmemakey
ouf
ood"
Iwashedmyfaceandwentt
othebedr
oom and
tookmythi
ngs.

[
07/
19,
15:
39] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#51

WhenIwasdonepackingIwentt
oSi
ya'
sroom
andpackedhi
scl
othes.

"
Mamawher
ear
ewegoi
ng?"

"
Wear
egoi
ngt
oSowet
omyboy
"
"
Whatarewegoi
ngt
odot
her
esi
ncegr
andma
i
sinheav
en?"

"
Wewi
l
lst
ayt
her
emyl
ove"

"
Isdaddycomi
ngwi
thus?
"

"
Nohei
snothewi
l
ltakecar
eoft
hisbi
ghouse"

"
Okma"

Iwenttotheki
tchenandmadesomebaconand
eggsforhim.
"
Siy
ay ourbr
eakf
asti
sready
"hecamedown
r
ushing
"
Thanky
oumom,
Idi
dn'
twantt
eaIwant
ed
Mil
o"

"
Goandwi peyournosefi
rst
.Youshouldhav
e
t
oldmeear l
i
er.Dr
inkthet
eay ouwi
llgett
he
mil
olat
er"

"
Ok"hepr
ayedf
orhi
sfood.

Iwenttot
akeMbal
i
yezwewhowascr
ying
l
oudly

"Sor
ryMaZwane,Ncesesi
sIwi
l
lchangey
our
pampernow"

Iwenttothebathr
oom andopenedwar
m wat
er
forher
.Ibathedherf
ir
st,t
hewayshewas
cr
yingIknewt
hatshewant
edf
ood.

Itookherpur
it
yandfedher
.Thecarpar
ked
outsi
deDumi wasback.

"
Sowher
ear
eyougoi
ngwi
thy
ourbagspacked
l
i
ket
his?
"

"Iam goi
ngbackhomeDumi
ther
eisnot
hingt
o
stayherefor
"

"
Isi
t?"

"
Yes"

"
Okl
istent
omecar ef
ull
yMaNdabai
fyouwant
t
owalkoutoft
hishousedomeonefavour
l
eav
emyki
dsbehi
nd"

"
Thesekidsar
estil
lyoungDumisani
noneof
y
ourskunkswil
lrai
sethem butt
heywil
labuse
t
hem "

"Iam donetalki
ngtoy ouGuguifyouwal kout
ofthishousemakesur ey
ouleavemyki ds
behind."Ij
ustbrokedownLiguguwasl ooking
atme..Iwi pedmyt earst
hathadfall
enonher
forehead.

Hi
sey
eshadnor
emor
sehewasj
ustcol
d.

"
Iam t
aki
ngmyki dswi
thmeDumi
Ican'
tl
et
y
ourwhoresr
aisemykids"
"Li
stentomecar ef
ull
ylalel
apayat t
enti
onto
whatIam say i
ng.Takemyki dsandIwillki
ll
youdonott aket hi
sli
ghtlyGugulet
huthisisnot
oneoft heempt ypromisesImake.Thati swhat
Iwil
l do.Wipethosecrocodil
et ear
stheyare
annoy i
ngLigugu"

Dumi
wentoutSi
yacamet
oourr
oom happy
"
Mamawear
egoi
ngoutseey
oul
ater
"

"Whatarey
ougoi
ngt
obr
ingmeSi
ya?
"It
ri
ed
smil
ing

"
Somechocol
atesandul
tr
amel
"

"
Bri
ngmechocol
atesonl
y"
Ligugugotoffmeandstartedcrawli
ngItook
myphoneandt ookpi
cturesofhercapt
uri
ng
thesespecialmoment
s.Itremindedmeofthe
dayshest art
edcr
awli
ngIcouldn'tst
opcryi
ng
thefeel
ingwassoniceandov erwhel
ming.

"Mbaliy
ezwestopeat
ingthat"shest
arted
blubberi
ngherchi
neselanguagebit
ingherbal
l
.

Ideci
dedt
ocal
lBusi
"
MaNdabahowar
eyou?"

"
Iam notgoodBusi
,Dumi
wassl
eepi
ngwi
thhi
s
f
loozi
eonmybed."

"Thi
sisbadGugunami Ioncecaught
Nhlakaniphotwi
ce.I
twasbadIcan'
tshoutyou
knowt hat.
.Iwant
edtobur
nthem butheyI
cont
rol
ledmysel
fIknowhowyouarefeeli
ngsi
s,
okenoughaboutme sowhathappened?"

"It
oldhimt hatIwant edtoleavehesaidthatI
shouldleavehiski dsbehind.Howwi llIsurvi
ve
withoutmyki ds? Ioncestayedawayf rom Siy
a
fortwoweeksi twasbad( sobbing)Whyi she
behavingli
ket his?Hesay shewi l
lki
l
lmei fI
l
eav ewithhiskids.Doy outhinkhewillki
llme
MaNdaba?"

"
Don'tri
ski
tGuguIdon'
tknowDumi any
mor
e
youknowhehasmulti
plechar
act
ersand
moods"

"Idon'
tknowwhattodoanymor
eIam t
ir
ed
emot i
onal
lyandphy
sical
l
y"
"
Doy
ouwantmet
ocomeandt
alkt
ohi
m?"

"Nodon'
thehat esi
twhenpeopl
eknowabout
ourmatt
ers.IneedpeaceMaNdaba"

"
Youcancomeandvi
situsmylove.Wecango
t
oEscour
tsot
hatyoucangetpeace"

"Ican'
tgowi
thki
dsany
mor
e,t
hesaf
etyofmy
kidscomesf
ir
st.
"

"Iam support
ingNhl
akanipho'sthreebust
ards
i
magi nehowhar di
tisforme.I nthenextl
if
eI
don'
twantt ogetmarri
ed"Ilaughed

"
Metoomarri
agei
shardi
fIwassingl
eI
woul
dn'
thav
ebeenthi
sst
ressed"
"
Thi
sisbadmysist
erwooo"Ilaughedshewas
i
mit
ati
ngtheNi
geri
anaccent

"
Byehl
any
os"

"
Beal
ri
ghtMaNdaba"

"Thankyousis"Idroppedthecal
lIwent
downstair
slookingforMbali
yezweshewas
cryi
nginsi
dethecupboar d

"Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngt
her
e?"Il
aughed
shushi
ngher

Icookedf
orSi
yaandIsinceDumi
wasno
l
ongereat
ingmyfood.
Theycamebackaround7pm .Theywer
e
car
ryi
ngtakeaway
s

"
Mamat
hisi
sfory
ou"

"
WhatdidIsayaboutst
art
ingaconv
ersat
ion
wi
thoutgr
eeti
ngaperson?"

"
Sawubonamama"

"
YeboSi
yahowar
eyou?
"Hesmi
l
ed

"
Goody
ou?
"

"
Good..Thanky
ouf
ort
hef
oodSi
ya"
"
Pleasur
emamakhe"

Dumiwasplay
ingwit
hMbali
yezwe.Iprayedfor
mydaught
ernottogetamanli
kehisfather.

Wewer
enott
alki
ngf
oraboutamont
h

Iwast
ext
edbyt
hisot
hergi
rlonWhat
sApp
"
Hi "

"
Hey
"

"
Youar
etal
ki
ngt
oNandi
pha"

"
OhhowcanIhel
pyou?
"
"WellIwant
edust
oknoweachot
hersi
ncewe
areshari
ngaman"

"
LOL"

"Iam ser
iousGuguwell
hehasseenmypar
ent
s
andwewi llgetmar
ri
ed"

Onherprof
il
epict
ureitwasherandDumi
.They
l
ookedcutetoget
hershame.

Thisgir
lwasdisr
especti
ngmeser i
ouslyshe
eventoldmeabouthowshecooksf orhim no
wonderhedoesn'teatmyfood.Ipostedthe
pi
cturesofDumiandIgetti
ngmar r
ied.She
vi
ewedt hosepi
ctures
Ical
l
edMakheswa

"
Mahowar
eyou?"

"
Iam goodandy
ouMaNdaba?"

"
Iam notgood"

"
IsMbal
i
yezweok?
"

"Yesandsheisdr
amat
icIcan'
tdeal
wit
hher"
shelaughed

"
What
'swr
ongsi
s?"
"Dumi i
ssti
llcheat
ingandthegir
lcal
led
Nandiphatol
dmet hathewantstomarryher
.
Makant iwhatshouldIdo?Iam conf
usedItold
himthatIwantt ol
eavehim andhesaidIwil
l
l
eavewi t
houthiskids"

"Iam hurtj
ustl
ikeyouMaNdabat otel
l y
outhe
trut
hnoneofusknowst hi
sDumi.Youshould
praytoyourGodbecausewhenhegoest ohis
auntyhegetswellforf
ewsecondsthenhe
goescrazyagain.Donotworr
yaboutt he
secondwi f
e.Wewi l
lnotpayl
obolafora
homewr ecker
"

"
It
'snotherMai t
'sDumi.
.Dumii
satf
aul
the
t
oldthatgi
rlal
lmyf l
awsmaybehei
sinl
ove"

"
Iwi
ll
tal
ktohi
sfat
hery
oushoul
dvi
sither
ewi
th
t
heki
ds"
"
Iwi
l
lmaby
e"

"
Greett
heki
dsf
orme"

"Iwi
l
lma..Iwi
ll
tel
lSiy
atocal
lyouwhenhe
comesbackfr
om school
"

"
Bye"

Idroppedthecal
landwentonl
ine.Ihad
convert
edmyCVi ntoapdfandstartedappl
yi
ng
forposts

Si
yacamelat
efrom schoolbecausehewas
at
tendi
ngandpract
isi
ngsoccerafter
war
ds.He
gr
eetedmedri
nkingwater.
"
Mamawhatar
ewehav
ingf
ordi
nner
?"

"
Wear
ehav
ingPapandwor
s"

"
YummyI
'
m sohungr
y"

"
Washt
hedi
shesi
nthesi
nk"

"
Nott
oni
ght
..wher
eisLi
gugu?
"

"
She'
sinthesi
tt
ingroom..
todayshet
ookher
f
ir
stst
ep"hesmiled

"
Ohr
eal
l
ymama?
"
"
Yestakemyphoneyouwil
lseet
hev
ideoItook
..i
t'
ssobeaut
if
ulweneedt
ostor
eever
ythi
ng
i
ntoaUSB"

"
Thatmeanswhenwegoshoppi
ngwewill
buy
aUSB.Iwi
ll
remi
ndyousi
nceyoueasi
l
yforget
"

"
Thanky
oumyboy
".

Aftercooki
ngIdi
shedupf
orus.Si
yawas
feedingLi
gugupap

"
Siy
ait
'
senoughshewi
l
lgetconst
ipat
ed"

"
Whati
sconst
ipat
ion?"

"
Iti
sacondi
ti
onwher
ebyaper
soncan'
tdo
numbert
wo"hel
aughed.Li
gugust
art
edcr
ying

"Lookathermommyshewantspap"Itookher
warm bott
leandgav
eitt
ohersheshookher
head.

"
Uyadakwa(y
ouar
edr
unk)MaZwane.
.Si
ya
f
ini
shfast
"

Weateveryfastwi
thourdr
amati
cqueen
causi
ngchaoswithhert
ant
rums.

Si
yawenttobedat8,
ItookMaZwaneand
pl
acedheri
nhercot.

Dumi
arr
ivedatmi
dni
ght
.
"
WakeupGugu"Isl
owl
yopenedmyey
es

"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"

"Whydoy oul
ikei
nvolvi
ngpeopleinour
busi
ness?Iam ti
redofaski
ngy outhesame
quest
ionoverandoveragai
n".Iwokeupand
satonthebed

"
Tel
lmeonet
hingDumi
doy
oust
il
ll
oveme?
"

"
OfcourseIdol
ovey
ouwhatki
ndofaquest
ion
i
sthat
?"

"
Howdoy ouf
eel
wheny oubeatme?Doesi t
makeyouamanenough?Doy oufeelhappy
wheny
oustomponme?Doy ouli
keitwhenI
cr
ybecauseofy
ou?
"

"Youhavestar
tedbei ngcrazywenaGugu"I
slappedhi
m Igotof fthebedandtri
edrunni
ng
away .Hegr
abbedmebymyweav eanddida
numberonmyf ace.Liguguscr
eamed

"
Yourdaught
eri
scr
ying"

"Usi
ndi l
ewena(yousurviv
ed)"hetookLigugu.
Shecal meddown.Hel ai
dherinhercot.He
switchedofftheli
ghtandwentt obed.Hewas
ther
esl eepi
ngsnoringli
keatruck.Mytears
weref al
li
ngonmycheekshi t
ti
ngmyscar red
facemaki ngitt
obei tchy.

Thi
swasitIwaswal
ki
ngawayfr
om t
hisman.
Hehadnotonl
yemoti
onal
l
yki
ll
edmebutalso
physi
cal
lydest
royedme.Iwokeupatfi
veand
cl
eaned.Iwasleavi
ngt
hishousef
orev
er.

"
Siy
awakeupmyboy
"

"
OkmommyIdon'
twantt
obel
ate"

By6O'
cl
ockhewasdone.

"Her
eisy ourl
unchbox.Si
yanomatterwhat
happensjustknowthatIwil
lal
way
sl ov
ey ou
andLigugu"

"
Arey
ougoi
ngsomewher
emommy
?"

"
NoI '
m notmyboy"i
kissedhi
scheekandt
he
t
ransportt
ookhi
m.
Dumi
wasbehi
ndmeIst
art
led

"
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?"

"Iam leavi
ngyouandyourki
dsbehi
nd"It
ook
mypur sehegr
abbedmebymyweav eand
slappedme

"
Arey
ouf
uckencr
azy
?"

"Dumiyousai
dIshoul
dl eav
ey ourki
dsnowI
'
m
doingt
hatwhatdoyouwantf r
om me?Iam
makingspacef
orNandipha"

"
Youar
enotgoingany
wher
e"Idi
dn'
tcryt
her
e
wer
enotear
slefti
nme.Hewentupst
air
she
tookthekey saft
erlocki
ngt hehouse..li
tt
ledi
d
heknowt hatIhadspar ekey s.Iopenedthe
doorandl ockedit
.Iheardhisf ootst
eps
approachingthedoor.Irushedgoi ngtothe
gate.Iopenedthegat efast
.

Dumi tookhi
scarkey sandf ol
lowedGuguhe
couldseeherrunninghewasv er
yangry.The
str
eetswereempt ysincetheystayedi
nt he
suburbs.Hedrovev eryfastandranoverher.
[
07/
19,
15:
39] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#52

Il
ookedatherasshef elldown.Ihi
tmy
st
eeringconti
nousl
yfuckwhatdi dIdo.Igotout
ofthecarandcall
edanambul ance.My
i
ntentionwasn'
ttohurther
Ir
angVumani

"
Bhut
i"hesi
ghed

"
What
'swr
ongDumi
sani
?"Isobbed

"
Ijustr
anov
erMaNdabawi
thmyRov
er"

"
Dumi
whatdi
dyoudo?
"

"
Iranov
erherwi
thmycar
"

"
AreyoupossessedDumi
?What
'swr
ongwi
th
y
ou?"

"
Idon'
tknowIt
hinkIam goi
ngcr
azyor
somet
hing"

"
Dumi
wher
eisLi
gugu?
"

"
Fuckf
uckohshi
t"

"St
opwit
hyourvul
gar
.Whentheambul
ance
comesgoandcheckt
hechi
ld"

Theambul ancecamewithi
nf i
ft
eenminutes
theycarr
iedher.Theyweretal
kingandI
couldn'
tmakesenseofit.WhatIknewwast hat
theyweretakinghert
oNetcarehospit
al

"Iwi
llf
oll
owyouIwantt
ocheckonmy
daughter
"Idr
ovehome.Li
guguwasscr
eami
ng
herl
ungsout
"Iam sosorr
yMaZwane"Icarri
edhergoing
downstai
rs.Itookherpur
it
yandfedher.My
phonewasr i
ngingnonstopIcoul
dn'
tansweri
t.

MakaZuzi
arr
ivedaf
terhal
fahour

"
Dumihowisshe?Ihav
ebeencal
li
ngy
ou
r
epeat
edl
y"Irubbedmyfor
ehead

"
IwishIknewbutIdon't
..wi
ll
youtakecar
eof
Mbali
yezweforme?PleaseIam beggi
ngyou"

"Youarenoti
nther
ightst
ateofdr
ivi
ngwhat
youcandoistowai
tforVumanihei
sgoingt
o
beheresoon"
"OkIhopehewi
ll
hurr
yup.Idon'
tknowifIwi
l
l
surv
ivei
fGugudi
esonme"shecheckedMbali
's
pamper

"
Ihav
etobat
hhernowwher
ear
ehert
hings?
"

"
Pleasefol
l
owmeIwill
showy
ou"shef
oll
owed
mecarry
ingMbal
i
yezwe

"
Dumi Idon'
tmeant
obesnoopybutt
ell
me
whathappened?
"

"Shewantedt
oleaveme.Itri
edstoppi
ngher
butshewasn'
tli
steni
ngt
henIf ol
l
owedherwith
mycarthenextthi
ngshewasont heground"
shehandedmeaf aci
alt
issue
"
Doy
ouev
enl
oveherDumi
?"

"Ilov
eheral
ott
hati
thur
ts.I
fIl
oseherIwi
l
l
die"

"Youkeepondoi ngt
heopposi
teofl
ove.Youhi
t
her..doyour eal
i
set
hatNkany
ezidi
edbecause
ofsuffocat
ion.Whydoyouhur
ttheper
sonthat
youlove?"

"
MakaZuziIwi
shIknew..Il
oveGuguifshe
l
eav
esmeIwi ll
kil
lmysel
f.Iam af
rai
dofli
vi
ng
myli
fewit
houther
"

"
Youcan'
tki
lly
our
sel
fbecauseyouhav
ekids.
DoyouwantSi
yat
ogrowupwi t
houtafat
her?"
"
Vumani
wil
lrai
sehi
m hei
sagoodman"

"YouarecrazyDumiyouneedt
oli
vebutfar
from Gugubecausebot
hofyouar
etoxi
cf or
eachother"

"
Ilov
ehernotali
tt
lebutal
ot"shewi
pedLi
gugu
whowasgiggl
i
ng

"
Whydoy ouhur
theri
fyoul
oveher
?Whydo
y
oucheatonher?"

"Iwi
shIknewMakaZuzideepdownI'
m notl
ike
thi
ssomethingi
swrongwithmeIneedhel
p.I
needtochangeandbebett
ermanforGugu"

"
Ithi
nky
ouar
eal
readyl
atef
ort
hat
.Whena
womani sf
edupsheleavesandneverl
ooks
back.I
t'
saboutti
meyoulethergo.I
fshei
s
yoursshewi
llcomeback"

"
Ican'tl
ethergoshewi
l
lgobackt
oLi
zwi
"she
r
aisedhereyebr
owsmeandmybigmout
h

"
Whoi
sLi
zwi
?"

"Uhm t
hisotherguywhatImeantwasshewi
l
l
gotothatguybecausehewantsher"

"
Whatdi
dsheeat
?"

"
Sheat
epur
it
y"

"
Bat
hfastVumani
isgoi
ngt
obeher
esoon,
I
wi
l
lgi
vehermi
l
k"

Itookaqui ckbathinlessthanf i
vemi nutesI
wasdone.Vumani wasasof ti
ehehat ed
argument s.Hecamewear i
nghi sblackshirt
andbl ackjeans.Theveinsonhi sforeheadwere
evident.Hegav emeonehar dpuncht hatlef
t
myj awsabi tdisl
ocated.Icouldtestbloodin
mymout h.

"Ar
ey ouhappythatyounearl
yki l
l
edher ?
What'swrongwithyouDumi ?Arey ou
possessedorsomething?Isthathowy outhank
awomanwhol ovedyouwheny ouwerea
nobody?"Whenhecamef orasecondbl ow
MakaZuziheldhim

"
Kahl
engolakababa,
sincewhendoweuse
v
iol
encet
osolvematter.Zwane.
.Zwanepl
ease
l
ist
entomeBaba"hesof
tenedt
hei
rlov
ewas
evi
dent

"Mamakhel
ookatwhatDumi
isdoi
ng"she
ki
ssedhi
m

"
Canyouguysdri
vet
othehospi
tal
alr
eady
..I
wi
ll
waitf
orSiy
a"

"
Myparent
sarealreadyonthei
rway.Wena
Dumipr
ayforyourwomannol etmerephr
ase
mysent
enceforthemotherofyourki
ds"

"Si
spleasepr
ayf
ormywoman"Vumani
'
slook
scaredme.

I
tst
il
lscar
edmet
hatIhadnear
lyki
l
ledmy
queen.Thatwasn'
tme..Iwasneverabeast
.
Thethoughtofmykidsgrowingupwi
thoutt
hei
r
motherwasmakingmecr inge.

"
Bhut
iismom comi
ngt
omyhouse?
"

"Noshei sgoingt oourhouse"InoddedIhad

reallydisappointedmypar entsnotoncebut
sev eralti
mes.Whatwentwr onginour
rel
at i
onship?Myancest orsknewv erywel lt
hatI
hadt riedtobet hebestIcoul dbef orGugu.The
mor eIt ri
edtobeagoodhusbandIwas
becomi ngthewor st.Il
ovednoneoft hese
fl
oozi esthatIhad.Myhear tbelongedt oGuguI
knewt hatshenev erlovedmeenoughbutIst i
ll
forcedmywayi ntoherhear t
.Iwipedmyt ears
fuckt hiswholet hi
ngwasr eal
lymyabi li
tyto
thi
nk.
Wegoti
nsi
deVumani
'
scarhewaspl
ayi
ng
gospel
hekeptonst
eal
i
nggl
ances

"
Whydoy outreatthepersonthatl
ovesyouso
muchlikethi
s?Makemeunder st
andDumi.You
wereneverli
ket hiswhathappened,
?what
t
urnedamanl ovingmani nt
oabeast?"

"
Idon'
tfeel
li
ket
alki
ngt
oany
bodyal
lIwanti
s
t
oseemywoman"

"She'
snolongery
ourwomanDumi
.Youhave
kil
ledt
hatwomanemoti
onal
l
yandment
all
y"

"IknowIam notperf
ectIneedhel
pVumani.I
don'tunder
standmyself
.Ihav
emoodswi ngsI
needhelp"hesighedtappi
ngthest
eer
ingwit
h
histhumb
"Gi
veyourli
fet
oGodheal
onehast
hepowert
o
changeyou"

"
NoI
'
m notaChr
ist
ianIdon'
tbel
i
evei
nGod"

"Nooneisgoingt
oforceyoutochange,doyou
evergetscar
edonherbehal
fwheny oubeat
her"

"Youandyourwi f
ekeeponaskingmet hesame
questi
ons"Iclosedmyeyes.
.ev er
ythi
ngthat
hadhappenedcamer ushi
ngli
keav isi
on.I
openedmyey essofuckenscar
ed

"
Baddr
eam?"Hewasn'
tev
enlooki
ngatmet
hat
i
showmuchIdi
sgust
edhim.
"
Nope"wef
inal
l
yar
ri
vedatt
hehospi
tal
.

Wewentst r
aightt
otherecepti
onistandt
old
herthatwewerelooki
ngforGugulethuZwane.
Shewasi nI
CU..weapproachedthedoctorshe
tol
dust owait
.Vumani'
sphoner ang

"MymanIwi
l
lseey
out
omor
rowt
heyhav
e
arr
ived"

"
Oky oumayl
eav
eVumani
thanky
ouf
ort
he
r
ide"

"
Mhmhm i
fany
thi
nghappenspl
easecal
lme"

"
Iwi
l
ldef
ini
tel
ydot
hat
"
Il
ookedatmywatch.Ithadbeenmorethan
10hour
ssincewearr
ivedtothi
shospi
tal
.Ihad
beenpaci
ngupanddownt herewer
estil
lno
news.

Adoct
orcameoutofwher
eshewasIj
umped
goi
ngtoher

"
Howi
ssheDoc?
"

"Ther eisnodi f
fer
encebutwedohav ehope
thatshei sgoingtomakeit.Shehadinternal
bleedingandsomeofherbonesar ebroken.We
willcleanherwombsi ncethebabydidn'tmake
i
t"tear swell
edupi nmyeyesIdidn'
tdeser ve
herf orgi
veness

"
Whatdoy
oumeanNkosazana?
"
"WhatIam say
ingi
sthatshewaspr
egnantbut
shelostt
hebaby.Wear
egoingtocl
eanher
wombsoon"

"
Pleasedon'
ttel
lhert
hatwi
l
lbr
eakherpl
ease"

"
Nosi
r.
..
"

"
Namet
heamountIwi
l
lsor
tyouout
"

"
Wear
enotal
l
owed..
"

"
ShushNkosazanat
rustmenoonewi
l
lknow"

"
Okwewi
l
ltal
ktomor
rowy
oumaygohome
andr
est
"

"
Idon'
twantt
orest
"

"Youneedtheresty
oushouldseehowyouare
l
ooking"Iki
ndl
ysmiled.It
ookmyphoneand
appeduber.

I
tarr
ivedaf
ter30minut
es.Thedr
ivet
ohome
wasfull
ofregr
etsandsorr
ow

WhenIgothomeIwentt
oSi
ya'
sbedIwas
goi
ngtosl
eepwit
hhim.

"
Baba!Baba"Isl
i
ghtlyopenedmyey
est
hesun
wasalr
eadyscorchi
ng
"Fuck..Ohshi
t.
.(Si
yawarnedhi
m wi
thhi
sey
es)
sorryboygoodmorning"

"Babayoudon'
tknowhowt
osl
eep,
whydi
dyou
sleepwit
hme?"

"Imissedyoumyboy.
.areyounotgoi
ngt
o
school?"Ij
umpedof
fhisbedweari
ngmyshi
rt

"
It
'sSat
urdayt
odaywher
eismom?
"

"
Shei
sinahospi
tal
shegothi
tbyacar
"

"Whohitmymom wit
hacar
?Babaf
indhi
m and
gethi
m arr
est
edIwantmymommy"

"
Mendon'
tcr
ybr
acey
our
sel
f.Mommyi
sgoi
ng
t
obeok.
.mom i
sgoi
ngt
obewel
l
"

"
Iwantt
oseeher
"

"
Wewi
l
lseehernextweekr
ight
?"henodded

"Gr
andmaisdownst
air
sshehadaskedmet
o
cal
lyou"

"Okletmegot oher
".Myhear
tst
art
edbeat
ing
ver
yf astknowi
ngmymotherver
ywell
shewas
goi
ngt obeatme.

Hereyesmovedt
omeasIwasgoingdownt
he
st
air
s.Myfat
herwasdr
inki
nghi
scof
fee

"
Sani
bonani
"myf
atherkeptqui
et
"Dumimysonwhat '
swrongwithyou?Idon'
t
evenrecogni
seyouanymore.Myneighbour
gavemet henumbersofamanwhocanhel p
you"

"
Iam sor
rymama"shewi
pedhert
ear
s

"Donotwasteyourtear
smywifethi
sboyi
s
goi
ngtojai
lforatt
emptedmurder
.Hedoesnot
onl
ycheatsbuthealsobeat
shiswif
e"

Mymot
hert
ookherphoneandcal
l
edsomeone

"
Pleasehur
ryup.
.yeshei
sher
e"

Iwasr
eadyf
ort
heconsequencesofmy
behav
iour.

Af
tert
hir
tymi
nut
esSindi
sowalkedi
nwi
tha
manwhowasweari
ngwhitecl
othes

"Bab'
Sengwayohowareyou?"hetookout
coarsesal
tfr
om hi
spocketbef
orerespondi
ng
andstart
edthrowi
ngi
tallov
erthehouse

"Howarey
ou?
"Hewasl
ooki
ngatmewi
thout
bli
nki
ng

"
Wearenotgoodbaba"myf atherwasbusy
l
ooki
ngdown.Hewasn'ti
nterestedi
nanyof
t
hesethi
ngs

"
Ribakash.
.shi
thamor
iya.
..
."Icoul
dn'
tev
en
makeupapr
opersent
enceofwhathewas
say
ing

"
Whoi
sSi
phe?
"

"
Thati
smyaunt
y"

"
Mhmhm..Iseedar knessalloveryou.The
t
hingsthatyoudoarepr opagat
edbyt he
monster.Thi
smonst erwhichisinsideyou
wantsyourwifedead"

"
Whatdoy
oumean?
"

"Yourwif
eshouldhavebeenl ongdeadbutshe
i
spr ay
erful
.
.wewi l
lprayIknowt haty
ouare
goingtochange.Ther
earepeopl ewhoarenot
happyaboutyourfami
ly.Therear
ethesame
reasonwhyyourfamil
yistornapart
"

"Mamat akeyourpersonIdon'twanthim hei

s
speakingnonsense.Ineedpeaceplease"I
wasn'tgoi
ngtobel i
evethatnonsensehewas
sayi
ng.Istoodupgoi ngupstai
rs

"Fi
reGodofNazaret
h"mom st
oodt her
elooki
ng
l
ost.Iwasburni
ng..Fi
rewasconsumingmy
body.

Thepr
ophetwasprayi
ngi
nthel
anguaget
hatI
di
dn'
tunder
stand..

Dumist
artedrol
l
ingontheground..
.he
vomi
tedablackthi
ngthatwasaccompani
edby
t
heredli
quid.
[
07/
19,
15:
40] :
THEUNKEPTWI
FE

#53

Iwokeupwi thabangingheadache.I twas

al
ready .I
fIcanrememberv er
ywell
Ihadnot
dranktheprev i
ousni
ght .Iwentdownst ai
rs
wearingmyshor t
sonly.Ineededsomewhi sky
.
WhenIgotdownst ai
rsMom wast alkingto
Babat heystoppedwhent heysawme

"
Goodmor
ningev
ery
one"

"HeyDumi
howar
eyou?
"Shewasact
ing
nerv
ous

"
Good"
Babawasst
il
lav
oidi
ngme

"
BabaIam sor
ryfort
hepainIcausedyouand
Gugu.Pl
easef
inditi
nyourhear
ttofor
giveme"

"Kulungil
e"Itookmybott
leofwhi
skeyandwent
outside.Weneededtopartourwayswi
thGugu
myphoner angitwasNandi
pha

"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"

"
Dumi
whatdoy
oumeanImi
ssedy
ou"

"Don'tev
ercal
lmeagainNandi
phamyfami
l
yis
brokenIneedtof
ixt
hingswit
hmywif
e"

"
Whatwi
l
lIt
ell
mypar
ent
s?Youar
ereal
l
y
j
oki
ngandi
t'
snotApr
ilt
hef
ir
st"Ichuckl
ed

"Idon'
twantyouany
mor
etel
lyourpar
ent
sthat
Idumpedy ou"

"
Iam nott
hatt
ypet
hatget
sdumpedeasi
l
y"

"
Getl
ost
"Ibl
ockedhernumber
s.Iwassol
ost
i
nmyownworld.

Thepastweekswer epr ett

yhect i
c.Guguwas
nowawake.Ihadnotseenhersi ncemyf i
rst
visi
t.Mypar ent
shadbeenv isi
tingher.Iwent
formyf i
rstcounsel
lingsession. .Imissed
auntyalotshewasnol ongeranswer i
ngmy
phonewhi chwaspr ettyweird.Xwasnol onger
af r
iendbutabusinesspar tner.Myl i
fewas
j
inxedup..itwassocl umsyIhadnoi nt
eresti
n
anythi
ngotherthanmykids.Idroveto
RosebanktoseeDrPeterson.Ihadat wo
O'cl
ockappointment
.Thereceptioni
stsmil
edat
mewhenIwal kedi
nIknockedtwi ceand
walkedin

"
GooddayMrZwane"

"
HeyDochowar
eyou?"

"
Iam goodandy
ou?
"

"
OK"

"
Ican'
twai
ttowal
kthi
sjour
neyofheal
i
ngwi
th
y
ou"
"
Ihopei
t'
sgoi
ngt
obewor
thi
t"

"Hav
eanopenmindandyouwi
l
lheal
.Abov
eal
l
Iwanty
outobeposi
ti
ve"

"
Iwi
l
ltr
y"

"
Whatbr
ingsy
ouher
e?"

"It
hinkIhav
eapr
obl
em"het
ookoutaf
il
eand
noteddown

"
Whati
syourpr
obl
em?
"

"Ihav
ebeenabusiv
etomywi f
e.Imani
pul
ated
hernotonceort
wicebutmanyti
mes"
"
Whywer
eyoumani
pul
ati
ve?
"

"Il
ovedthei
deaofhav
ingherl
eanonme,
of
contr
oll
i
ngher"

"
Howdi
dyouf
eel
aft
erbei
ngabusi
ve?
"

"
Ifel
tgui
l
ty,
Iof
tengotangr
ywhenshespoket
o
men"

"
What
'swr
ongwi
tht
alki
ngt
omen?
"

"Idi
dn'
ttr
usther
.Somehow If
eell
ikeshe
neverl
ovedme.Ifor
cedmywayint
oherhear
t"
Hekeptonwr
it
ingdownwhat
everIwassay
ing

"Whydoyout
hinkt
hatsheneverl
ovedy
ou?
"I
swal
lowedal
umponmyt hroat

"Sheoncecal
ledmeLi zwiwhenIwasmaking
outwit
hher.Igotherpregnantonpur
pose"

"
Whydi
dn'
tyoul
eav
eher
?"

"Il
ovedheralot,
shewasev er
ythingIneeded
uhbutIwasv er
ybad.Ihumili
atedheralotand
sheneverl
eftshest
il
lstay
ed"

"
Youwant
edhert
oleav
e?"

"
NoIwant
edhert
ost
aywi
thmef
orev
er"
"
Buttheny oumi
str
eat
edher
,whywoul
dyou
t
hinkthatshewasgoi
ngt
ostay?
"

"
Idon'
tknow,
Icheat
edonheracoupl
eoft
imes
"

"
Whydidyoucheat
?Di
dyoul
ovet
hewomen
y
oucheat
edwith?"

"NoIhav
elov
edonewomani
nmyl
i
fet
hatwas
her
."

"
Wewi
l
lcont
inuenextweek"

Aft
ermysessi
onIdr
ovetoFour
way
st ovi
sit
Vumani
'
shouseIneededt
oseemykids.
WhenIgott
her
eIf
oundZuzi
play
ingwi
th
Li
gugu

"
Ncanehowar
eyou?
"Ismi
l
edsi
tt
ingdown

"
Iam goodandyousis?
"ShehandedmeLi
gugu
whowasblubber
ingnonsense

"GoodNcane,her
eishert
owel
"shekepton
play
ingwi
thhersal
iv
a

"
Wher
eisy
ourmom?
"

"Sheint
hebedr
oom letmecallhernow"she
rantohermot
her'
sroom .Shecamewear i
ng
hergown
"
HeyDumi
"

"
Heysi
showar
eyou?"shesatdown

"
Iam goodandy
ou?
"

"
Iam sur
viv
ing"

"
Goodsowhenar
eyouv
isi
ti
ngGugu"

"
WhenIam r
eadyt
ofaceher
,how'
sSi
ya?
"

"
Heisgoodheyt
heyhadv i
sit
edt
hei
rmot
her
y
est
erdayhel
ookedexci
ted"
"Thati
sni
ce,Iwantedtocheckuponev
ery
one.
Iam gl
adthatyouaregood"

"
Youarechangi
ngDumi
thati
sact
ual
l
yagood
t
hing"

"Isee,
Zuzi pl
easegoandtakethebagsinsi
de
thecar"Igaveherthekey
s.Ihadboughtthem
grocer
ies

"
Thanky
ouZwane"

"
Thanky
ousi
sforbei
ngt
her
eforme"

Ispentt
hewholedaywi
tht
hem.Si
yawantedt
o
l
eavewithme.Itol
dhi
mthathewi
l
lvi
siton
weekend.
Thebusinesswasgoingr
eal
lywel
lbutIwasn'
t
copi
ng.Ineededtoputmyli
fei
norder
.

I
thadbeent womont hssi
nceGuguwentt
othe
hospit
alaccordi
ngtowhatIhear
dshewasnow
bett
ersheoftenaskedaboutme.

Iwasgoi
ngtomylastsessi
onIhadbeen
deal
i
ngwithmyi
ssuesreall
ywell
.

Ihadshif
tedmyappoint
mentto10am.WhenI
gotther
ehewasalreadywai
ti
ngforme

"
Youar
elat
etodayMrZwane"

"
Pleasef
orgi
vemeIwasst
ucki
ntr
aff
ic"
Iwentandsatdown

"Howdoyouf
eel
aft
erat
tendi
ngsomany
sessi
ons?
"

"
Ifeel
bet
ter
"

"
Todaywear
eget
ti
ngt
ooper
sonal
"

"
Iam r
eadyDocany
thi
ngi
sfi
newi
thme"

"
Wouldy
oual
l
owy
ourdaught
ert
omar
ryaman
l
i
keyou?
"

"
Ihav
echangedi
ntoabet
termansoIwoul
d
al
l
owher
"

"Whydidn'ty
oudealwi
thyourbrot
her
'si
ssue?
Thefactthather
apedyourwif
eandnothi
ng
wasdone"

"Iknowt hatmybr
otherl
ovesmywi fe
whol ehear
tedl
ywhi
chscaredmeatsomepoi nt
.
Therear eti
mesIusedtobeinsecur
eIonce
beatherwhenIsawherbat hi
ngwhilemy
brotherwasdownstai
rs"

"
Whydidy
oubeatherwi
thoutget
ti
ngt
he
f
act
s?"

"Idon'
tknow, Iam st
il
langr
ywithmybrother
.At
theendoft hedayIhavetofor
givehi
m because
heismybl ood"
"
Didy
ourwi
fef
orgi
vey
ourbr
other
?"

"
Yesshedi
dbutIwasn'
thappy
"

"Whywer
eyouunhappywheny
ouoncer
aped
her
?"

"
Idon'
tknow"

"
Youneedt
oletgooft
hepast
"

"Youareri
ghtDoci
fshef
orgav
emeIshoul
d
alsodothesame"

"
Iam openi
nganor
gani
sat
ionofmenwhower
e
onceabusi
veIwoul
dli
key
out
ojoi
nit
"Ismi
l
ed

"
Woowt hati
sperf
ect.Iwoul
dli
ket
ojoi
nitso
whatar
etherequi
rement
s?"

"
Iwi
ll
emailyouevery
thi
ng.
.tel
lmeifsheask
f
oradiv
orcewil
lyougiv
eitt
oher"Icl
enched
myj
aws

"
Lif
ewi t
houtherwoul
dbedif
ficul
t.Agai
nI
wouldgiv
eherwhatshewants"

"
Pleaset
ell
hert
het
hingsy
out
oldme"

"
YesIwi
l
l."

"
Unt
ilwemeetagai
nhav
eabl
i
ssf
ulday
"
"YoutooDoc"Idrovetothehospi
tal
.Myhear
t
wasbeati
ngv er
yf ast
.Anyt
hingwasgoi
ngto
happen.

IwenttoGugu' swardshewasal one.Shewas

sleepi
ngpeacef ul
.MyheartbrokeIdidn'
t
deservethi
swoman.DeepdownIknewt hat
shenev erl
ovedme.IfIhadonl yl
eftthev ery
fi
rstdayshesai dnomylif
ewasn' tgoingt obe
thiscompli
cated.Myloveforherhadt urned
i
nt oadeadlyobsessi
on.

"Gugu"sheopenedherey
est
ear
sfel
lfr
om her
beauti
fuley
es.

"
Dumi
whatdoy
ouwant
?"
"Icametoapologise.Iam sor
ryforwhatIdid.
Thefearoflosingyoupushedmet odothat.IfI
canchanget hehandsofti
meIwoul dundo
whatIdid"shechuckledbi
tter
ly

"
Woowbeaut
if
ulwor
dsZwane"

"YesIknowit'
sunbeli
evableIhavebeenver
y
bad.Ideser
vet obebehindthebarsyoucanget
mear r
estedit
'sfi
newithme"sheshookher
headcryi
ng.Iwipedhert ear
s
"NoI'
m notdoi
ngt
hatDumi
Iwon'
tdoi
t.I
'
min
pai
n"

"Ihavetotel
lyousomethi
ngGugu( l
ooking
down)wewer epr
egnantandwelostthebaby
.I
kil
ledoursecondbabyohshit
"shescreamedin
agony
"
NoDumihowcouldyoudothat
?.Howcould
youki
l
lmybabyagai
n?.Youhav
edestr
oyedme.
WhymeohGod?"

"Iam sorr
ypl
easef
orgi
vemeGugu"shewi
ped
hertears

"Whatdi
dIeverdotoyoufory
out
ohumili
ate
meliket
his?Fory
outokil
lmeemoti
onal
l
yand
spi
ri
tual
l
y?"

"Nothi
ngit'
sall
myf ault
.Iatt
endedmy
counsell
i
ngsessions.Iam j
oini
ngagroupof
menwhower eonceabusive.Ibel
i
evethatwe
alsodeserv
easecondchance.Iam wi l
li
ngto
ri
ghtmywr ongs"
"
Goodf
ory
ou"

"Gugudi
dyouev
erl
oveme?
"Sher
oll
edher
eyes

"
OfcourseIdi
dbutmyl
ovewasnev
er
r
eci
procat
ed"iwi
pedmytear
s

"Youneverlov
edmemorethanLizwiIal
way
s
puteff
orttokeepy
ouhappybutIguessi
t
wasn'
tenough"

"
Whoisinthehospi
tal
Dumi ?Youcheatedon
menotoncebutmanytimes.Il
ovedyoubut
youst
il
lcheat
edonme"

"
Somet
imesIwi
sht
hatIwoul
dhav
elef
tyout
he
verysamet i
mey ousai
dno.Myobsessi
onwi
th
youruinedus.Youcoul
dhavebeenmarri
edt
o
yoursoulmate.MaybeIwoul
dhavefound
someoneel sewhowasgoingt
oloveme
wholeheart
edly
"

"
Wher
eist
hisgoi
ng?
"

"Youlov
edLi
zwi
mor
ethanme"sheopenedher
eyes

"Youar
emadInev
ercheat
edbuty
oudi
d"I
shookmyhead

"Iremembert hedayIcamet ocheckony ou

carryi
ngyourf av
ouri
techocolatesaft
erbury
ing
Mawe.Andy ou( swall
owedhar d)weref
ucking
Lizwiaft
eryourmot her'
sburi
al.Youdeniedme
totouchyou,youwereshoutinghisnamegivi
ng
him whati
smi ne.It
oldauntySipheIwasheart
brokenInevertol
dmypar entsbecauset
hey
l
ov edyou"

"
DumiI
'
m sor
ry"Ishookmyheadwi
pingher
t
ear
s

"Don'
tcryI
'mtheonewhoissorr
y.Ishoul
d
havelef
tyou,
Ishoul
dn'
thaveabusedyou"

"
I'
m sor
ryt
oo,
Ifor
giv
eyouZwane"

"ThankyouMaNdaba.Iknowwearetoo
brokentoheal
.Tel
lmewhatyouwantandIwi
l
l
giveitt
oyou"
"Iwantdi
vor
ce"myhear
tshat
ter
edIswal
l
owed
hard

"
Iwil
lgi
veitt
oyou.Iwi
shy
oual
lthehappi
ness
i
ntheworl
d."

Mywor l
dshat
ter
editwastheendofus.Our
r
elat
ionshi
phadrani
t'
scourse.

ENDOFSEASON1