WenaUngowami Pr

ologue

I
'm standi
ngher
ewithal
lthesediff
erentwoman,
I
don'tknowanyoft
hem si
nceI'm newhere.
Lady
:Heyar
eyouokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
Lady
:Ar
eyounewher
e?
Me:
YesI
'
m new.
Lady
:I'
m Si
ndi
byt
heway
.
Me:
OkayI
'
m Thandol
wet
hu.
Si
ndi
:Youl
ookv
eryy
oungThandowhyar
eyouher
e?
Me:
It'
sal
ongst
ory
.
Si
ndi
:Okayhowol
dar
eyou?
Me:
Youaskt
oomanyquest
ions,
I'
m 18.
Si
ndi
:I'
mjustt
ryi
ngt
obef
ri
endl
y,howdi
dMam
Lor
rai
nef
indy
ou?
Me:
Shef
oundmei
ntownl
i
vingont
hest
reet
s.
Si
ndi
:Okay
.
Me:
Whyar
eyouher
e?
Si
ndi
:It
'
sal
ongst
orynana.
Me:
Atl
eastMam Lor
rai
nei
shel
pingus.
Si
ndi
:Youknowi
t'
snotaboutusbutherr
ight
.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Si
ndi:
Youwil
lunder
standasti
megoesonbuti
t'
s
notagoodI
deaforyoutobehere.
Me:
Idon'
thav
eany
wher
eel
set
ogo.
Si
ndi
:Ar
eyoust
il
lav
irgi
n?
Me:
NoIwasr
aped.
Si
ndi
:I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
Don'
tbe.
Si
ndi
:Itget
stoughi
nher
eyouknowi
t'
snoteasy
.
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nki
t'
sthathar
d.
Sindi
:Somet
imeswedon'
tgetanycl
i
ent
sandi
t'
s
hardwhenyouar
enew.
Me:
IfIdon'
tgett
hem i
t'
snopr
obl
em Iwi
l
lgosl
eep.
Sindi
:Ify
oudon'
tbri
ngmoneyMam Lor
rai
neget
s
real
lymadandthatendsupbad.
Me:
Whendi
dyoust
artwor
kingf
orher
?
Si
ndi
:Teny
ear
sago.
Me:
Whyar
eyoust
il
lher
e?
Si
ndi:Whenyouworkf
orsomeoney
oubecomet
hei
r
puppet
,theyowny
ou.
Me:
WhenIgetenoughmoneyIknowIwi
l
lgost
udy
.
Si
ndi
:It
'
snotaseasyasy
out
hinkl
ove.
Me:
Wewi
l
lseeaboutt
hat
.
Sindi
:Whenmycl
i
entcomesIcangowi
thy
ouso
youcanseehowt
hisj
obworks.
Me:
Noi
t'
sfi
neIwi
l
lwai
tformycl
i
ent
.
Si
ndi:
Ify
ousayso,
mycl
i
enti
sher
eseey
oui
nthe
morni
ng.
Me:
Okayby
e.
Shecl i
mbedi ntot
hecarandleft
,Ist
oodthere
waiti
ngf oranycli
ent
stocomebutt heydi
dn't
.The
girl
skeptonl eavi
ngti
ll
Iwasleftal
one,af
teranhour
Idecidedtogobackt othehousewhereweal l
stayed.

Igoti
ntothehouseandwentst rai
ghttomyr oom,I
havemyownr oom Idon'
tknowmay beit
'sbecause
I'
m st
il
lnewbecauseev ery
oneelseisshari
ng.Idon'
t
knowwhenIf ellasl
eepbutIfel
tsomeoneshaking
me.
Lady
:Wakeupt
her
e'sameet
ingi
nthel
i
vingr
oom.
Me:
I'
m st
il
lsl
eepi
ng.
Lady:Iseeyouarenewbutl
etmegi v
eyouadvice,
whenMam Lor r
ainesummonsusy oudon'
tsaythat
other
wiseyouwillbei
nbi
gtroubl
e.
Me:
Okayf
ineI
'
m comi
ng.
Iwokeupanddr
aggedmysel
ftothel
i
vingr
oom
ever
yonewast
herei
ncl
udi
ngSindi
.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:
Youcanal
lgi
vemewhat
smi
ne.
Theyst
art
edgi
vi
nghermoneywhi
chIdi
dn'
thav
e.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:
Thandowher
eist
hemoney
?
Me:
Idi
dn'
tgetanycl
i
enty
est
erday
.
Isai
dnotevenlooki
ngatherbecauseIdi
dn'
tcar
e
butIf
eltahotsl
apacrossmyface.
Mam Lorr
aine:Noonesayst
hather
euyangi
zwa(
do
youhearme),ever
ydayy
ougooutandcomeback
wit
hmymoney .
Inodded.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:
Doy
ouhearme?
Me:
Yes.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:Youwi
ll
bemov i
nginwi
thSi
ndi
she
wi
ll
teachyouathi
ngortwoandyouoweme.
Shesai
dthatandl
eft
.
Si
ndi
:Iwi
l
lhel
pyouwi
thy
ourt
hings.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Wet
ookmyt
hingst
oherr
oom andset
tl
edi
n.
Mynamei sThandol
wethuMdl
etsheandthisismy
j
ourney,
stayt
unedformoredr
ama, r
evenge,pai
n
andlov
e.
I
nser
tone

Idi
dn'
teatsupperbecauseIdi dn'
tbr
inganymoney
,I
wasn'
tevenall
owedtot hekitchenbutSi
ndihi
d
somefoodformeandbr oughtiti
nourroom.
Si
ndi
:Youshoul
deatsomet
hing.
Me:
I'
m nothungr
y.
Si
ndi
:Ihar
dlyat
ebecauseIwassav
ingf
ory
ouand
nowyousayyounothungr
y.
Idi
dn'
trepl
yIj
ustt
ookt
hef
oodandat
e.
Me:Thanky
ousi
sSindi
Idon'tevenknowwhyy
ou
ar
ehelpi
ngmebutI
'
m grat
eful.
Sindi
:Youwelcome,
Ihadalit
tl
esi
sterandshedi
ed
becauseIf
ail
edtoprot
ecther
.
Me:
Whathappenedt
oher
.
Sindi
:Shekil
l
edhersel
fbecauseourst
epfat
her
usedtorapeher
,Ishoul
dhav epr
otect
edher
becauseIknewhewasgoi ngtodoitt
ohert
oo.
Me:
Youmeanhedi
ditt
oyout
oo?
Si
ndi
:Yestoomanyti
mest
othepoi
ntwher
eI
want
edhimtodoitt
omeever
yday.
Me:
I'
m sosor
rysi
sSi
ndi
forev
ery
thi
ng.
Sindi
:It
'
sokay ,thereasonwhyIsayy
oudon'
thave
tobeherei t
'sbecauseIknowyouwil
lwantt
oli
ve
l
ikethi
sf ortherestofyourl
i
fe.
Me:OnedayIwil
ltel
lyoumystoryandyouwi
ll
under
standwhyIsayIdon'
thav
eany wher
eel
seto
go.
Sindi
:Wejusthavetomakesurethatwhat
happenedtodaydoesnothappenagai
nbecause
Mam Lorrai
necanpunishyouinsomanyway s.
Me:
Didsheev
erhi
tyou?
Si
ndi:Idon'
tmeantoscar
eyoubutshehasdone
worsethanhitme.
Iswal
l
owedhar
dIdi
dn'
tev
enknowwhatt
osay
becausei
tseemsl
i
kei
t'
sgoi
ngt
ogethar
deachday
.
Me:Howlongdi
ditt
akef
ory
out
ogety
ourr
egul
ar
cl
i
ents?
Sindi
:Afewmonthsonceyougetonecl
i
entandy
ou
sati
sfyy
ourcl
i
enthewill
tel
lot
herssoonandsoon.
Me:Idon'
tknowmuchaboutt
hisbusi
nessbutI
'
m
wi
ll
i
ngt ol
earn.
Si
ndi
:Youwi
l
lbef
iner
elax
.
Me:
Shoul
dn'
twebeget
ti
ngr
eadyf
ort
oni
ght
?
Si
ndi
:Wedon'
twor
konWednesday
s.
Me:
OnWednesday
sonl
y.
Si
ndi
:Yesonl
y.
Thisishardert
hanIt hought
,Idon'teventhi
nkI'
m
readyforanyoft hisbutli
fei
snev erreal
lyabout
whaty ouwant.Ifitwast hewayIwanti ttobeI
wouldn'tbeheret odayandev er
ythingwouldper
fect
.
Sindi:
Ishouldteachy
ouat
hingort
woasMam
Lorrai
nesaid.
Me:
OkayI
'
m al
lear
s.
Sindi:Ifyougetacl i
ent ,
youdoev erythi
ngt heclient
want sev eni fyouarenotcomf or
tablewi t
hi tsome
areconsi derabl yanddowhaty ouwantbutmost ly
theyar enot .Youdon' tstealanyt
hingf r
om y our
cli
ent, youmakesur et hemoneyt hecl i
entgivesy ou
i
st hemoneyy ouagreedon.Askt hecl i
entify ou
satisf
iedt hem ornotbecauset heyknowMam
Lorrainesot heycompl ainifyoudon'tdowhatt hey
want .
Me:
Thisi
snotgoingt
obeeasysoi
fthecl
i
enthi
t
mewhatshoul
dIdo?
Si
ndi
:Not
hingy
oupr
etendl
i
kei
tdi
dn'
thappen.
IknowI'm br
okenontheinsi
debutwhensi sSindi
speaksyoucanhearthepainbehindhervoiceeven
i
fy oudon'
tknowwhatpainis.Iwashopingt ofor
get
abouteveryt
hingt
hathappenedtomebuti tseems
l
ikeI'
m goingtoaddmorepainbybeinghere.
Me:It
'snotaseasyasIt
houghtbutbel
i
evemei
t'
s
bet
terthanwhereIcomefr
om.
Si
ndi
:Wasi
tthatbad?
Me:
SisSi
ndi
youdon'
twantt
oknow.
Si
ndi
:TomorrowIwil
ltel
lmycli
enttobr
ingoneof
hi
sfr
iendssoyoucanstartwor
king.
Me:Thanky
ou,sowhatdoyouthi
nkMam Lor
rai
ne
wi
ll
dot omesi
nceshesaidIoweher
?
Si
ndi:Idon'
tknowThandoall
Iknowist
hatonceshe
gi
vesy ouoneofherpuni
shment
syourl
if
ewillnev
er
bethesameagain.
Shesaidt
hatanddi
sappear
edt
osmokeint
he
bathr
oom.Il
aydownonmybedandthi
nkaboutmy
l
ife.

Year
sback

Mama: ThandoIwantyout
orunawayf
rom t
his
houseandgof araway
.
Me:
NomamaIwi
l
lnev
erl
eav
eyou.
Mama:Thi
sisfory
ourowngood,si
ncey
ourf
ather
di
edi
t'
snotthesameint
hishouse.
Me:
Buty
ouar
ethewhobr
oughtt
hismani
ntoour
l
i
ves.
Mama:
ThandoI'
m st
il
lyourmot
hery
ouwi
l
lnott
alk
t
omeli
kethat
.
Me:Butit
'st
rueandIl
i
vetoseeyoubei
nghi
t
ev
erydaybythemanyoucl
aimtolov
e.
Mama: Thi
ngswi
llnev
erchangeorbethesame
agai
nthat'
swhyIwantyoutoleav
ethi
splace.
Me:
Okaywher
eshoul
dIgo?
Mama:
Youwi
l
lgot
oyouraunti
nJobur
g.
Wepl annedmydepar tur
ewi thmymotherandwe
didn'
ttel
lmystepfatherbecausehewasnotgoing
toagree.Lat
erthatdayIhear dmymother
screamingandIwentt otheirroom,
mystepfat
her
washi t
ti
ngherasusual buttodayhehadagunin
hishands.
Ipleadedwithhimt oforgi
vemymot herbuthedi
dn'
t
l
isteninst
eadher apedmeI nfrontofmymot her
,
mindy ouIwasst i
llavir
ginaft
erthatheshot
himselfandmymot herInf
rontofmet heybothdi
ed
ont hescene.Ical
ledmyauntandt ol
dher
every
thi
ngIwashappyt
hatshebel
i
evedme
becausesomepeopl
eweregoi
ngtothi
nkt
hatIwas
theonewhokil
l
edthem.
Aft
erthefuneralIwenttoJobur gwi t
hmyauntand
herhusband.Idi
dmymat r
icandpassedIguessmy
auntgotti
redofmet hat
'swhent heystartedtor ape
mewi thherhusbandev ery
timet heyhadsext hey
wantedmet ojointhem, myauntwoul duseher
fi
ngersandtoysonmebutherhusbandwoul d
penetr
ateme.Ithreatenedthem aboutgoi ngt othe
poli
cethat'
swhenmyauntst ar
tedsay i
ngIwantt o
ki
llt
hem li
keIkil
ledmymot herandst epfatherso
shechasedmeoutt hat'
swhenIl i
vedont hestreets
unti
lMam Lorrai
nef oundme.

Pr
esentday

Si
ndi:
ThandoIhav
ebeencall
ingyouf
oracoupl
eof
minut
es,
youareevencr
yingwhat
'swr
ong?
Me:IguessI
'mjustt
hinki
ngaboutmypastbuti
t'
s
not
hingyoushoul
dwor r
yabout
.
Si
ndi
:Okayyoushoul
dgetsomesl
eepandst
op
ov
ert
hinki
ngyouwil
ldi
eyoung.
Me:
Idi
edal
ongt
imeago.
Isai
dwal
kingt
othebathroom t
osmoke,yesI
smokeweedit
'
ssomethingthatkeepsmyday
s
goingot
her
wiseIwoul
dhav
elostmymi
ndal
ong
ti
meago.
WhenIgetoutoft
hebat
hroom If
indMam Lor
rai
ne
i
nourroom.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:
I'
m her
efory
ouweart
his.
Shesai
dgi
vi
ngmeadr
ess.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:
I'
m givi
ngyouf
ivemi
nut
est
oget
r
eadywearegoingsomewher
e.
Me:
Ithoughtwear
enotwor
kingt
oday
.
Shej
ustl
ookedatme.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:
Sindi
youneedt
otel
lthi
sgi
rlabout
me.
Shesai
dthatandwal
kedout
.
Si
ndi:
Yourmouthisgoingtogetyouintotroubl
e
pl
easelear
ntorespectMam Lorr
aineforyourown
goodbecausey
ouwon' tl
ikewhatshewill
dot oyou.
Me:
Okayf
ine.
Sindi
:BequickIdon'
tknow howy
ouwi
l
lshutupi
f
youarethi
shigh.
Il
aughedIwasr
eall
yhi
ghbutIwasscar
edbecause
IknowMam Lor
rai
newant
stoteachmealesson.
Sindi:
Justkeepquietanddoev
ery
thi
ngMam
Lorrai
netel
lsyoutodookay.
Me:
Yesmam.
Idon'
tknowwhatIwoul
ddowi
thouther
.
I
nser
ttwo

WhenIgott oMam Lorraineshewaswi thacouple

ofmanandwomandr i
nkingwi ne,
it'
sreall
ygood
beinghershejustsi
tsaroundandenj oymoneyt hat
thegirl
smade.Idon'tt
hinkI '
m goi
ngt oenjoy
stayi
ngherebecauseIdon' tl
ikeMam Lor r
ainebutI
don'thaveachoicesoIthinkit'
sbestIjusttol
erat
e
her
.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:Gotothebedroom y
ouwer eusi
ng
whenyoufi
rstcamehereandwaitther
e.
Me:
Wai
tforwhatexact
ly?
Ir
egr
ett
edaski
ngt
hatquest
ion.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryI
'
m goi
ngt
ogonow.
Isai
dleavi
ngthem t
her
e,It
hinkIr
eal
lyneedt
omi nd
mymout hbutthef
actt
hatI'
m hi
ghdoesnothel
p.
Istayedint
her oom foralmostthi
rt
yminutes
withoutanyonecomi ngin,asIwassti
l
ldeepinmy
thoughtsagroupofol dmancamet ot
heroom.
WhenIsaygr oupofmanImeanol dman,theywere
alr
eadyintheirundergarmentsIthi
nktheywanted
met oknowt hatit
'sgoingtogodown.
Icl
osedmyey
esandst
ri
ppednaked.
Man:Notsofasty
oungl
adywear
est
il
lwai
ti
ngf
or
ot
herpeopl
e.
Iwantedtotal
kbutIdecidedtoshutupbecauset
his
i
sclearI'
m bei
ngpunishedformybigmouth.
Thedoorspr
ungopenandtheoldl
adi
esthatwer
e
si
tt
ingwit
hMam Lorr
aineent
eredf
oll
owedbyMam
Lor
rai
ne.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:
Lett
hepar
tybegi
n.
Thisbroughtbackalltheevent
sthathappenedinmy
past,
Ididn'twanttoexperi
encethi
snotanyt i
me
aft
erallthathappened.
Thereweredr
inksi
ntheroom soIt
houghtIshoul
d
j
usttakeshot
ssothatIwon'
tbesoberforanyof
thi
s.
Mam Lorrai
ne:Nodri
nksf
oryouIwantyouto
exper
ienceal
lthi
swhil
eyouaresobersot
hatyou
wil
lnevermesswithmeeveragai
n.
AtleastI'
m abithi
ghbutt hat'
snotgoingt
ohel
pme
i
nanyway .Theyst
ar t
edtouchingmeanddoing
everyt
hingtheywanted,t
her ewerefi
vemanand
thr
eewomani ncl
udingMam Lor rai
ne.
Icri
edti
l
lmyt ear
sbecamedr yandIsur
render
ed,
I
all
owedthem todoever
ythi
ngtheywantedtodoto
me.
Theydidallthatallni
ghtlongtil
litwasthemor ning,
Icoul
dn'tevenwal kproperlyt
hepai nwas
unbearabl
e.Iwentt oourr oom andgotintoa
shower,Iwantedt owashawayal lt
heev entsof
yest
erdaybutwhowasIki ddi
ngIcannev erscr
ub
awaythepai nthathasbui ldahomei nsidemyhear t
.
Sindi
:Getoutoft
heshowernowy
ouar
ehur
ti
ng
yoursel
f.
Shepi
ckedmeupandputmeonmybedaf
terdr
ying
mybody.
Me:
Ijustwantt
osl
eepIwi
l
llot
ionwhenIwakeup.
Shenodsandl
eav
esmet
odr
owni
nmysor
rows.
I
'm sleepi
ngandIheart
hem gi
ggli
ngcomingtomy
room Iknowwhat'
saboutt
ohappen,Iqui
cklywake
upandt rytol
ockmydoorbuttheyar
ealr
eadyinsi
de
theroom.
Them:Yout hi
nkyoucancont r
olusinourown
house,Thandothat
'snotgoingtohappenandyou
bett
ergetusedtoityoustayhereyoupay.
Me:
PleaseIdon'
tl
ikewhaty
ouar
edoi
ngt
omeI
candoany
thi
ngbesi
dest
his.
Them:
Youdon'
tgett
otel
luswhatt
odo,
socome.
It
ryr
unni
ngawaybutmyf
eetar
est
uckont
hef
loor
Si
ndi
:Thandopl
easewakeupi
tsj
ustadr
eam.
Iwakeupsweat i
ngwithmyheartpounding,Ihat
e
Mam Lor r
aineshebroughtbackallt
henightmares
thatwereburiedatt
hebackofmymi nd.It
'sbeen
l
ongsi nceIhadthem butwhattheydidtome
yester
dayiswhatmadet hem comeback.
Si
ndi
:Whatdi
dMam Lor
rai
nedot
oyousweet
hear
t.
Me:Shet
ookmebacki ntoapl
aceofdar
kness,
int
o
apl
aceIt
houghtIescaped.
Si
ndi
:Youknowt
hatIdon'
tunder
standr
ight
?
Me:
Ihat
ehersi
sSi
ndi
.
Si
ndi
:I'
m sosor
ry.
Me:Thethi
ngst
heydi
dtomeev
enMam Lor
rai
ne
wasther
e.
Si
ndi
:WhatdoyoumeanMam Lor
rai
newast
her
e?
Di
dshehurty
ou?
Me:
Yesshedi
d,t
her
ewer
ethr
eeandf
iveman.
Si
ndi
:YoumeanMam Lor
rai
neal
soy
ouknow?
Me:
Yesshedi
d.
Iwasnowcryi
ngbecauseInev
ert
houghtIwoul
dgo
thr
ought
hatagai
n.
Si
ndi
:I'
m sosor
ryThando.
Me: Myauntandherhusbandusedt odothattome
butIhadconv i
ncedmymi ndthatIhadforgott
en
aboutit,
Itookallt
hosethought
sandshov edthem
atthebackofmymi ndbutyest
erdaythey
resurf
acedinhighspeed.Iwentbacktothat
darknessandnowIwi ll
neverburytheset
houghts.
Sindi
:Idon'tev
enknowwhattosaybecausethere'
s
nothi
ngthatIcansaytomakeyoufeelbet
terbutI'
m
hereforyou.
If
eltsaf
einherar
msmay
bei
t'
sbecauseImi
ssmy
mother.
Sindi:
Gotothekit
chenandmakesomefoodMam
Lorrai
neisnother
e,I
'm goi
ngt
ogotothemallandI
willbr
ingyousomeoint
menttoappl
ydownthere
okay
.
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ou.
Sindi:Don'tsayanyt
hingt
oanyoneordosomet
hing
strange,theothergi
rl
srepor
tever
ythi
ngt
oMam
Lorraine.
Inodded,Ihav
efoundabi gsi
steri
nherIj
usthope
sheneverchangebecauseyoucanneverknow,
peopl
echangeandt heychangetohur
tthepeopl
e
cl
osetothem.
Iwokeupandwor emygownt henheadedtot
he
ki
tchen,
somegi r
lswerewatchingtel
evi
si
onand
somewer esni
ff
ingonsomecocai neIwonderi
f
Mam Lorrai
nei
st heonesupplyi
ngthem wi
thdrugs.
Igottot
heki
tchenandthef
ri
dgeandal
lthe
cupboar
dswerelocked.
Lady
:Heyy
oul
ooki
ngf
orf
ood?
Me:
YesIdi
dn'
teatbr
eakf
ast
.
Lady:Thisisthefi
rstti
methishappens,
Idon'
tknow
whyMam Lor r
ainelockedt
hesethi
ngsbecauseshe
neverlocksthem.
Me:
Aii
it'
sfi
neIwi
l
leatl
ater
.
Lady
:Im Susanbyt
heway
.
Me:
Thando.
Ilefthertherebecausesheseemedliket hetalkat
ive
type,shewi ll
justannoymebecauseI'm hungr yand
veryangrybecauseIknowMam Lor rainel ockedall
thoset hi
ngsf ormesinceshesawthatIdi dn'teat
breakfast,thi
sisstart
ingt
obepersonal Idon'tthi
nk
shehasev erbeenthishar
shontheot hergirl
s.

Igotint
oourr oom andtr
iedsleepingbutIkepton
tur
ningandt ossi
ng,andthefactthatIwashungry
wasn'thel
pingeit
her.
Si
ndi
:BabyI
'
m back.
Me:
I'
m hungr
ysi
sSi
ndi
Ifeel
li
keI
'
m goi
ngt
odi
e.
Si
ndi
:Don'twor
rySusancall
edmeandt
oldmet
hat
Mam Lor
rainel
ockedever
ythi
ng.
Shesaidgi
vi
ngmef
ri
edchi
ps,
steakshopsand
bread.
Si
ndi
:Sl
owdowny
ouar
egoi
ngt
ochokeanddi
e.
Me:
DidMam Lor
rai
neev
erl
ockt
hecupboar
ds?
Sindi
:Noshehasnev
erdonet
hatwear
eal
lj
ust
shocked.
Me:
Iguessi
t'
spar
tofmypuni
shment
.
Si
ndi:
She'
sbeingextr
emenowbuteatokayyou
goi
ngtobefi
ne,wheny ouar
edoneIwi
llappl
ythi
s
oi
ntmentony
ourv agi
na.
Thet houghtofhert
ouchingmedownt her
esent
chil
lsdownmyspi ne,Idon'
twantanywomanto
touchmet hereeveragai
n.
Sindi
:HeyIwil
lneverhur
tyou,
ifyouar
enot
comfort
ablewit
hmeappl yi
ngity
oucanuseami
rr
or
anddoityour
self.
IguessshesawthatIki
ndofzonedoutwhenshe
tol
dmeshewi l
ldoither
sel
f.
Iat
ewhi
l
eshewentt
osmoke.
Iwonderhowlongwil
lIst
ayher
e?Wi
l
lIbeher
efor
year
sli
kesisSindi
.
Si
ndi
:Weneedt
ogety
ouaphone.
Me:
Wit
hwhatmoney
?
Sindi
:Inthi
sbusinessyousav ef
ory
ourself,
when
youhav ecl
ient
sy oudon'tgi
veMam Lorr
aineal
lthe
moneysot hatyouwillhavesomepocketmoney.
Me:
Won'
tthecl
i
entt
ell
Mam Lor
rai
ne?
Sindi:
Thecl
i
entswefindonthestreet
sareour
s
unlessMam Lor
rai
neorgani
sedthem her
sel
f.
Me:
Howwi
l
lIknowsheor
gani
sedt
hem her
sel
f?
Si
ndi
:Youasky
ourcl
i
entt
heyal
way
stel
lthet
rut
h.
Aswewer
espeaki
ngt
her
ewasaknockatt
hedoor
.
Si
ndi
:Comei
n.
Iwassur
pri
sedt
oseeSusani
nourr
oom.
Sindi
:ThandoSusanismybestfri
endinthi
shouse,
sheistheonlyoneIt
rustsoIneedyoutotr
usther
too.
Me:
Okay
.
Susan:
Weneedt
ogetThandooutofher
e.
Si
ndi:
Wecan'
ttal
kaboutt
hather
e,y
ouknowt
hese
wal
lshav
eear
s.
Me:
Doy
oupl
anonget
ti
ngmeoutofher
e?
Iwasabi
texci
tedIcan'
twai
t.
Susan:
Yesbutnotany
timesoonbecausepeopl
e
aregoi
ngt
obesuspici
ous.
Sindi:
Youdon'ttal
ktoSusanli
keyouknowher
Infr
ontoft
hegi r
lsandyoudon'
ttal
ktomeli
keyou
knowmeI nfr
ontoft hegi
rl
s.
Inoddedatl
eastIwi
l
lgetoutofher
eev
eni
fit
'snot
nowbutsomeday.
Susan:
Ihavetogonowbef
oret
heyst
artt
alki
ng,
see
youguysl
ater
.
Si
ndi
:Okayby
efr
iend.
Me:
Doy
out
rusther
?
Sindi
: Wi
thmyl i
fewehavebeenthroughsomuch
together
,wecameher eatthesametimeandwe
havebeenf r
iendssi
ncethenbutnooneknowswe
arethiscl
osenotevenMam Lorrai
ne.
Me:
Thanky
ouf
oral
way
slooki
ngoutf
orme.
Si
ndi:
It'
sokayIwi
l
ltakeanapnowbecausel
atei
t'
s
workti
me.
Shesaidt
hatsl
eepi
ng,Iwat
chedhersl
eepandf
elt
thankf
ult
ohavesomeoneli
keher
.
IwonderifIwi llwor ktoni
ghtsinceI'
mi npains
maybeIwi l
ljustsleep.Iappli
edt hecr
eam andI
coul
dn'thelpmy selfbutcrywhenIsawhowbr ui
sed
myv agi
nawas, itlookedscaryandi twasswol l
en.
Aft
erIfinishedmyf oodIroll
edmyj oi
ntIneededa
smokei nordertof orgetali
tt
leabouty est
erday.
Ithoughtaboutthecocai nethatIsawearli
ermay be
i
tdoest akeyourtroublesandpai naway,Ifoughtthe
thoughtsofcravi
ngf oritbuttheykeptoncomi ng
back.I'
m notgoingtobeadr ugaddictIsai
dt o
my sel
fbutmay beit'
stheonl ythi
ngthatwil
l make
medot hi
sjobwithoutwor ry
.
Ismokedmyjoi
ntandi
ttookmeoutofmymi
ser
y
forawhi
le.
Si
ndi
:Youshoul
dst
opsmoki
ngweed.
Me:
Whendi
dyouwakeup?
Si
ndi
:Justnow.
Me:
Didy
ouev
erusecocai
ne.
Si
ndi
:Don'
tev
ent
hinkabouti
tThando.
Me:
I'
mjustaski
ng.
Sindi:
NoIhaveneverusedit
,youseemanygi
rl
s
herehavedi
edbecauseofthatcocai
neandMam
Lorrai
nej
ustdumpt hei
rbodi
esindumpsit
es.
IwonderwhyisMam Lorrai
net
hiscr
uel
butI
'
m st
il
l
thi
nki
ngaboutthatcocai
ne.
Me:
OkayIpr
omi
seI
'
m notgoi
ngt
otaket
hecocai
ne.
Si
ndi
:Youbett
ernot
,youwi
l
lnotbedoi
ngi
tforme
butf
oryour
sel
fThando.
Me:
YesIheary
ousi
sSi
ndi
.
Amessagecamet
hroughherphone.
Si
ndi
:Mam Lor
rai
nei
sbackandsheneedsus.
Me:
Canshepl
easedi
e.
Webot
hchuckl
edandwentt
othemeet
ing,
Iknow
sheisgoi
ngt osayIshoul
dgotowor kev
enthough
I'
mt hi
sbrui
sed.Ineedtofi
ndacopingmechani
sms
whichcanbet hecocai
neIdon'
tknow.
I
nser
tthr
ee

Att
heKhozahousehol
dint
hesur
bubanar
eaof
Dur
ban.

Khoza:
I'm sopr
oudofy
ou,
youhav
ereal
l
ydonewel
l
fory
oursel
f.
Me:
Thanky
ouBaba.
Khoza:
Yourpar
ent
sar
esopr
oud.
Me:
IknowBababutIwi
sht
heywer
est
il
lal
i
ve.
Khoza:
Met
oobutt
heyar
elooki
ngdownony
ou.
I
sipho:
It'
snotfai
rthatourpar
ent
sdi
edbutt
hat
womani sst
il
lali
ve.
Khoza:Nor
evengeI
sir
ememberev
ery
..
.
I
sipho:
Ever
ydoghasi
tsdayIknowy
ouhav
ebeen
sayi
ngthatev
ersincet
heydiedandy
ouar
est
art
ing
tosoundli
keabrokenr
ecord.
Me:
Isi
phoapol
ogi
zenow.
Shej
ustgotupandr
ant
oherr
oom.
Khoza:Leav
ehery
ouknowshei
sst
il
lupsetshewi
l
l
cooldown.
Me:Youar etooeasyonIsi
BabaI
'
m notgoi
ngt
olet
herdi
srespectyouli
ket
his.
Khoza:
Justl
eav
eherf
ornow.
Me:
Ify
ousaysobutshei
snotof
fthehook.
Khoza:
Iknowyouarebot
hstubbor
njustl
ikemy
br
other
,Sbanenor
evengeandImeanit.
Me:
IknowBaba.
Khoza:
Whenar
eyoul
eav
ing?
Me:
Fri
dayni
ght
.
Khoza:
Okayy ouhavedonever
ywel l
fory
our
sel
f
Sbanepleasedon'
tj
eopardi
zeal
lthat.
Me:
Iwon'
tBhov
ungane.
Khoza:OkayI'
m goi
ngoutmay
beIwi
l
lsl
eepi
nthe
hot
elIdon'tknow.
Me:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
ocat
chsomef
ish.
Khoza:
Phumaki
miSbani
(Leav
emeal
one)
.
Welaughedandhewentt
othegar
aget
ogethi
scar
t
henleft
.
Igotupandwentt
oIsi
pho'
sroom.
Me:
Knockknock.
I
sipho:
Comei
n.
Me:
Whydi
dyout
alkt
oBabal
i
ket
hat
?
I
sipho:
I'
m sor
rybhut
iIwasj
ustangr
y.
Me:
DidBabaki
l
lourpar
ent
s?
I
sipho:
Ofcosnot
.
Me:Iknowyouarehur
ti
ngbutweal
lareevenBaba
butt
hatdoesn'
tgi
veyouari
ghtt
odi
srespectel
der
s.
I
sipho:
I'
m sor
rybhut
iIwi
l
lapol
ogi
zet
oBaba.
Me:OkayAngelI
'
m goi
ngonFr
idaywhathav
eyou
deci
dedtodo?
I
sipho:
Iwil
lst
ayher
enotatResIcan'
tl
eav
etheol
d
manalone.
Me:
Okayt
hat
'sgood.
I
sipho:
Iheardyout
alki
ngtobhut
iSi
phesi
hlet
he
ot
herdayareyougoi
ngt oki
l
lher
?
Me:
Youeav
esdr
opmyconv
ersat
ionsnow?
I
sipho:Noit
'snotl
iket
hatbhuti
Iwasj
ustpassi
ng
bythenIheardyouguy
stalki
ng.
Me:Iwil
ldowhatIhav
etodoAngel,pl
easedon'
t
sayany
thingt
oBabaaboutanyoft
his.
I
sipho:Okaypr
omi
semey
ouwon'
tdi
eyouwi
l
lcome
backtous.
Me:
Ipr
omi
seI
sipho.
I
sipho:
CanIpl
easesl
eepataf
ri
endshouset
oday
?
Me:Whenyousayf
ri
endshousey
oumeany
our
boy
fri
end?
I
sipho:
Uhmm.
.
Me:Whyarey
oushockedIknowy
ouhav
ea
boy
fri
end.
I
sipho:
Bhut
iI'
m sor
ry.
Me:
Don'
tapol
ogi
zeAngel
Iknowy
ouar
egr
owi
ngup.
I
sipho:Soyoudon'
thav
eapr
obl
em t
hatIhav
ea
boyfr
iend.
Me:
Idobuti
t'
sfi
ne,
tel
lhi
mtof
etchy
ouher
eIwant
t
omeethi
m.
I
sipho:
Butbhut
i.
..
Me:
Nobut
s.
I
sipho:
Ihat
eyousomet
imes.
Me:
Webot
hknowt
hat
'
snott
rueAngel
.

Il
eftherandwentt omyr oom calledmyf ri
endsto
comeov ertothehouse,Ihavet oleavewitha
perfectplantoavengemypar entsdeathIcan'tr
isk
getti
ngcaughtorget t
ingkill
edandIcan' tleav
emy
l
itt
lesisterandKhoza.Afteraf ewmi nutesmy
fr
iendsar ri
vedwit
hsomebeer s.
TJ:
Heyman.
Me:
Shoshogent
s.
Sphe:
Arey
oual
one?
Me:I
sii
snothereIsawt
hewayyouhavebeen
l
ooki
ngather
,youknowIwi
ll
kil
lyour
ight
?
Sphe:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouar
etaki
ngabout
.
Si
ms:
Yeahr
ight
.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sdr
opi
tfornowsodi
dyouf
indhi
m.
Sphe:
Yeswedi
dev
ery
thi
ngi
sinpl
ace.
TJ:
Arey
ousur
eaboutt
hisman.
Me:
YouknowIam,
ther
e'snobacki
ngbacknow.
Si
ms:
Goodt
hen.
Sphe:
Uphi
uKhoza?
(Wher
eisKhoza)
.
TJ:
Busywi
thsomel
adyI
'
m sur
e.
Me:
Youknowhi
m,hewi
l
lnev
erchange.
Wecont
inuedt
alki
ngwhi
l
edr
inki
ngsomebeer
.
Sphe:
Weneedtogotot
heclubmany
ouar
eleav
ing
soonsol
et'
smaket
hebestofi
t.
TJ:
Truemanl
et'
sgo.
Me:Canwepleasewai
tabi
tIsi
phosboyf
ri
endis
pi
cki
ngherupsoIwantust
omeethim andtal
kto
hi
m.
Sphe:
I'
m notgoi
ngtomeett
hatj
erkhe'
spr
obabl
y
goi
ngtobreakherhear
t.
Si
ms:
Whyar
eget
ti
ngwor
kedupaboutt
his.
Sphe:
Justl
eavemealone,
I'
mleav
ingy
ouwi
l
lal
l
meetmeatthecl
ub.
Me:I
fyoudon'
tl
ikeI
siphoy
ouwi
l
lst
ayandpr
oveus
wr
ong.
Sphe:
Mxm.
Hesaidsi
tti
ngdown,Ihav
ebeennoti
cingtheway
theyl
ookateachot
herbutnofr
iendofminewil
l
datemysist
er.
Wehavebeensi
tti
nghereforawhil
enow, I
sipho
comesdownst
air
swithherover
nightbag.
I
sipho:
Heyguy
s.
Them:
HeyAngel
.
Me:
Isy
ourboy
fri
endher
e.
I
sipho:
Yesbhut
ihei
sout
side.
Me:
Tel
lhi
mtogeti
n.
I
sipho:
Butbhut
i.
..
Me:
Nobut
sIsi
wet
alkedaboutt
his.
Shewentoutst
ompingherfeetontheground,
she'
s
act
ingchi
l
dishbutshehasaboy f
ri
end.
Shecamebackwi
thawhi
teguyt
hatl
ookedabi
tol
d.
Isi
pho:
Brot
her
'smeetmyboyf
ri
endNi
ck,Babyt
hese
aremybrot
her
'sTJ,
Sims,
SpheandSbani
.
Ni
ck:
Nicet
ofi
nal
l
ymeety
ouguy
s.
TJ:
Avengi
thuki
l
e(I
'
m soshocked)
.
Ni
ck:
Sor
rywhat
?
Me:Nothi
ngni
cet
omeety
ouman,
youcanwai
tfor
I
siout
side.
Weal
lfi
stbumpedhi
m andhegotout
.
Si
ms:
Ngempel
aAngel
(Real
l
y).
I
sipho:
WhatIl
ovehi
m.
Sphe:
Pleaset
ell
uswheny
ouhav
efoundar
eal
boy
fri
endnott
hatwhi
teman.
Me:
GoI
siwi
l
lseey
oui
nthemor
ning.
Shel
eftusal
lshocked.
TJ:
Wel
lIdi
dn'
tseet
hatcomi
ng.
Me:
Nei
therdi
dI.
Sphe:
Idon'
ttr
usthi
m.
Wel
ookedathi
m andl
aughed.
Sims:Eveni
fhewasbl
acky
ouwer
enotgoi
ngt
o
tr
usthim.
Me: Al
lIknowi
sthatnof
ri
endofmi
newi
l
ldat
emy
si
ster.
Sphe:
Yeahy
eahl
et'
sgo.
Wegoti
ntoSi
mscarandl
eft
.

I
'm NkosinathiSbanisamakhozaKhozabor nand
r
aisedinDur ban,Ihav eali
tt
lesi
sterIsi
phowhoI
l
ovewi t
hmywhol el i
feandthenIhav eKhozawhois
myf at
her'solderbrotherandtheonlyparentt
hatwe
arel ef
twi t
h.Mypar entswer ekil
ledthr
eey earsback
byawomanwhowant edtomar rymyf atherbyf orce,
Istil
l r
emembert hatdayl i
kei thappenednowev en
thoughshedi dnotpul lthetri
ggerbutshewast here
sit
tingont hecouch, dr
inkingmymot her'swi newhi le
hermenwer erapingmymot herInfr
ontofmyf ather
afterthattheyshott hem whi lemeandI siwer e
wat ching.I
ttooksomet i
mef orIsitobeokayandf or
met obeokay ,allIknowi sthatIwi l
lfi
ndherand
thosemant henki l
lthem al l
.
Myfr
iendsSi phesi
hle,
TJ,Si
mshavebeenhel
ping
meoutwi t
hal otofinf
ormati
onsoI
'mreadyt
ogo
onmymi ssionnow.
I
nser
tfour

Wegotint
heroom al
it
tl
ebi
tlat
erev
ery
onehad
set
tl
eddownwait
ingf
orus.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:
Whatt
ooky
ouguy
ssol
ong?
Si
ndi
:Sor
ryMam Lor
rai
ne.
Shesai
dlooki
ngatmeIguessIwassupposet
osay
sor
ryt
oo.
Me:
Yeswear
esor
ryMam Lor
rai
ne.
Isai
ditl
i
keImeanti
tbutIdi
dn'
t.
Mam Lorr
aine:
Okayf i
nesotodayafewofy
ouare
goingont
hestreetsandsomewill
remai
nhere
becauseI
'
m hostingsomeman.
Shesai dpoi
nti
ngatthosewhower egoingtost
ay
behindbutIwasn'toneofthem.Iwasangry
becausesisSindiwasstayi
ngbehind,
IknowMam
Lorrainedi
diti
ntenti
onal
lyIwonderwhat'
sher
problem wit
hme.
Wel
eftt
hel
ounget
ogetr
eadyf
ort
heni
ght
.
Si
ndi
:I'
m sor
ryy
ouar
egoi
ngont
hest
reet
stoni
ght
.
Me:
It'
sfi
nesi
sSi
ndi
it'
smyj
ob.
Sindi
:Arey
ousur
eyoudon'thav
eanyper
sonal
vendett
awit
hMam Lor
rai
ne?
Me:
NoIdon'
tev
enknowher
.
Si
ndi
:Sheseemst
oreal
l
yhat
eyou.
Me:
Ihav
enot
iced.
Si
ndi
:Becar
eful
ont
hest
reet
stoni
ghtpl
ease.
Me:
Iwi
l
lbecar
eful
.
Wecont
inuedget
ti
ngr
eadyandIl
eftf
ort
hest
reet
s.
Ihopedt
hatIgetacl
ienttodaybecauseIwil
lnot
standMam Lor
rai
ne'
spunishmentstheyaretort
ure
tome.Iwai
tedandwaiteduntil
Ihadlostal
lhope,I
wasaboutt
ogohomewhenacarst oppedInf
rontof
me.
Thedr
iver
:Heygor
geousgeti
n.
Ididn'
taskany
thingIj
ustgoti
nsidet
hecar
,heal
so
didnotsayanyt
hinghejustdr
ovetoanear
byhot
el.
Thedr
iver
:CanIgety
ouadr
inkorf
ood?
Me:
Canwegett
hisov
eranddonewi
thpl
ease.
Het
oldmeheonl yhasfewhourssoIshoul
dmake
t
hem count
,Idi
deveryt
hinghewantedunt
ili
twas
t
imetoleav
e.
Thedri
ver
:Thatwasamazi
ngt
hanky
ou,
I'
m Muz
iby
theway.
Me:
Thando.
Hegavememoneyandt
oldmehewi
l
ldr
opmeof
f
att
hehouse.
Muzi
:Ihopey
oudon'
tmi
nd?
Me:
NoIdon'
twecango.
Welef
tthehot
elandhelef
tmeatthegate,Igoti
n
andwentt
osleepSi
ndiwasal
readysl
eeping.

Sbani
Idon'
tevenknowhowIgothomelastni
ghtIwasso
wasted,
Iwakeupandal
ltheguy
sar esl
eepi
ngnext
tome.
Me:
Guy
swakeup.
TJ:
Howdi
dwegether
eguy
s?
Me:
Iwasal
soaski
ngmy
sel
fthatmaj
i
tha.
Si
ms: Ir
ememberr
equest
inganUbery
est
erday
,we
l
eftt
hecaratt
heparki
ngl
ot.
Si
phe:
Im hungr
yguy
s.
Me:
Gomakef
oodi
ntheki
tchen.
TJ:Let'
sall
gomakef
oodbecauseIwon'
tbemaki
ng
foodforanyone.
Weallgotoutofbedandwentt otheki
tchenwewil
l
bathl
ater.Therewasasmell
off oodcomingfr
om
theki
tchen,tr
ustKhozawi
thfoodheissogood.
Khoza:
Boy
syouar
eawake?
Me:
Yebobaba,
whendi
dyougethome?
Khoza:
Yest
erday
.
Si
phe:
Itsmel
l
sni
cei
nher
e.
Khoza:Youboyscansi
tdownIwi l
lser
vey
ou
bacauseIknowyouareal
lti
red.
Welookedateachot
hert
helastt
imehet
alkedl
i
ke
weendedbeingbeat
enupbyhim.
Si
ms:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokayt
ayma?
Khoza:
Ever
ythi
ngi
sokayboy
.
Hesaidthatwhi
stl
i
ng,
somethi
ngiswr
onghecan'
t
beatusupbecausewewer
edrunkweareol
dman
now.
Hedi
shedupbutwewer
eaf
rai
dtoeatbecausey
ou
wi
llknowwi
tht
hisol
dman,
butwhenheat
eweal
l
at
e.
Khoza:
Cleart
hedi
shesandcomel
et'
stal
k.
Wewashedt
hedi
shesandwentt
ojoi
nhi
mint
he
si
tt
ingr
oom.
Khoza:Sowhenwer
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lthatI
sihasa
boyf
riend?
Me:
Youwer
enother
ewhenhecameher
eyest
erday
.
Si
ms:
Andheseemshar
mless.
Si
phe:
Hei
swhi
tesoI
'
m sur
ehewi
l
ltakecar
eofher
.
Khoza:
Fir
stofal
lI
siphosboy
fri
endi
snotwhi
teand
heseemsabitol
d.
TJ:
Butwemethi
myest
erday
,hi
snamei
sNi
ck.
Hetookhi
st abl
etandshowedussomepi
ctur
es,
I
coul
dn'
tbel
ievemyey essoI
sil
iedt
ome.
Thephotosshowedherkissi
ngherblackboyfr
iend
andsomephot osshowedthefourofthem,herand
herboyf
ri
endandherfri
endandNi ck.SoNickisjust
afri
endIcan'
tbeli
eveshefool
edusl i
kethi
s.
Sims:Wear
esor
rywer
eal
l
ydi
dn'
tknowwewi
l
lfi
x
thi
s.
Khoza:
FixitIdon'
twantI
siphoneart
hatguyhei
s
ugl
yandold.
Hesai
dthatst
andi
ngupandl
eav
ing.
Me:
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
his!
I
'
m soangr
yri
ghtnow.
Si
phe:
Cal
m down.
Ilookedathim andjustcl
osedmymouth,
wewent
tofreshenup.Whenwewer edonet
her
ewasa
knockonmydoor .
I
sipho:
Bhut
iI'
m back.
Me:
Okay
.
I
sipho:
Aren'
tyouhappyt
oseeme?
Si
ms:
Let
'sgosi
tdownAngel
weneedt
otal
k.
Weal
lwentt
osi
tdown.
TJ:
Whoi
syourboy
fri
end?
Shel
ookeddown.
I
sipho:
Youmethi
myest
erday
.
Me:
Isi
phoKhozadon'
tfuckwi
thme.
Shest
art
led.
Si
phe:
Whendi
dyoust
artl
yi
ng.
Shest
art
edcr
ying.
Me:
Isi
phosul
alezony
embez
i(wi
pet
hoset
ear
s).
I
sipho:
I'
m sor
rybhut
i.
Me:
Don'
tbesor
ryt
ell
mewhydi
dyoul
i
e.
I
sipho:Iknewyouwer
enotgoi
ngt
oappr
oveour
r
elati
onship.
Si
ms:
Why
?Becausehei
sol
d?
Shel
ookeddownandkeptqui
et.
Me:
Guy
spl
easegi
veussomespace.
Theywentout
side.
I
sipho:
I'
m sor
rybhut
i.
Me:
Comesi
tnextt
ome.
Shecame.
Me:
YouknowIl
ovey
our
ight
?
Shenodded.
Me:Iwil
lnev
erhur
tyouorj
udgeyoubutIsi
phoI
'
m
notgoi
ngtoent
ert
aint
hesegamesofyours.
I
sipho:
Ijustdi
dn'
tthi
nky
ouwi
l
lli
kehi
m.
Me:
Howol
dishe?
I
sipho:
32.
Me:
Isi
phoI
'
m 28y
ear
sol
d.
Shest
art
edcr
yingagai
n.
Me:
Stopcr
yingy
ouar
epi
ssi
ngmeof
f.
TJ:
Cal
m downman.
Idon'
tev
enknowwhent
heygother
e.
Me:
Tel
lthem howol
disy
ourboy
fri
end.
I
sipho:
32.
Si
phe:
What
?
Si
ms:
Got
oyourr
oom Angel
wewi
l
ltal
ktoy
oul
ater
.
I
sipho:
Pleasedon'
thur
thi
m.
Me:
JustgoI
siI
'
m sodi
sappoi
ntedi
nyou.
Shel
eft
.
Siphe:
Weneedt ogett
hisguywecan'
tl
ethi
mtake
advantageofI
sipho.
Us:
Mmmmm.
Si
phe:
Mxm.
Idon'tevenknowwhattosayandthefactthatI'
m
l
eav i
ngdoesn'tsi
twel
lwit
hme, i
fIsi
phois
misbehav i
ngnowhowwi l
li
tbewhenI '
m gone
becauseIknowBabaisalwaysbusywithev er
ylady
i
nt hi
st own.
I
nser
tfi
ve

3mont
hsl
ater

Iwoul
dbel yi
ngifIsaythesepastfewmont hshav e
beengr
eatbecauset heyhavebeent hewor
stday s
ofmyli
fe.Ihavebeenwor ki
ngr eal
l
yhardandt r
ying
mybesttosavemoney ,
SindiandSusansti
llhavea
plant
ogetmeoutofher
ebuti
t'
snotcomi
ng
toget
her
.
Muzi hasbeenpayingMam Lorrai
nebi gmoneyt o
havemeany timehewants,Ithi
nkt heygowayback
wit
hherbecauset heyar
eprettyclose.HetoldMam
Lorrai
nehedoesn'twanttosharemewi t
hany one
butshedidn'tagr
eebecauseIstil
lwor konthe
str
eets.TodayMuzi i
shosti
nghisf ri
endsathis
pl
aceandI '
m supposetobegoingt herewit
haf ew
gi
rls.
Si
ndi
:Ar
eyouokay
?youseem deepl
yint
hought
s.
Me:
I'
mjustt
ir
edsi
sSi
ndi
.
Si
ndi
:Youknowyoudon'
thav
etodot
hisi
fyouar
e
notf
eel
ingwel
l
.
Me:
NoIwi
l
lbef
ine.
Sindi
:Ifyouar
esuret
heni
t'
sfi
ne,y
oushoul
dtal
kto
Muziaboutourpl
anheseemsli
kehecar
esabout
youmay behewil
lhel
p.
Me:Idon'
ttr
usthi
m hav
eyouseenhowcl
osehei
s
wi
thMam Lorrai
ne.
Si
ndi
:Wewi
l
lnev
erknowmay
behecanhel
p.
Me:Nosi
sSi
ndi
Idon'
tthi
nksol
et'
sjustl
eav
eitl
i
ke
t
his.
Si
ndi
:Youdon'
tl
ookokayThando.
Me:
Isai
dI'
mfi
nesi
sSi
ndi
.
Isaidthatwalkingaway ,
sisSi
ndimeanswel lIknow
thatandI '
m gratef
ulbutIdon'
twanthertobei n
troublebecauseofme, sheissodesperatei
nsav i
ng
meandIknowi t'
sbecauseshefeel
sresponsiblefor
herlitt
lesi
ster
'sdeathshewantedtosav eherbut
shef ail
ed.
Nowshef eel
sli
kesheisfail
i
ngmet oo,Ihavefound
asi
sterandamot heri
nherIdon'twanttoloseherI
woul
dr at
herworkherethanletherr
iskherli
fe.
Si
ndi
:Thandoopent
hedoor
.
Me:
I'
m comi
ngoutnow.
Igotoutoft
hebat
hroom.
Si
ndi
:I'
m sor
ryokay
.
Me:
Youdon'
thav
etoapol
ogi
zei
t'
sfi
ne,
Ihav
eto
getr
eadyi
t'
sget
ti
ngl
ate.
Si
ndi
:OkayIwi
l
lmakey
ousomef
ood.
Yeswenowcookf oroursel
vesMam Lor rai
ne
stoppedprovi
dingf
oodforus,shegi v
esust wo
hundredRandamont htobuyf oodIdon'tevenknow
whatcany oubuywithatwohundr edRandwhat
helpsusisthatwealsosaveforoursel
ves.
Muzi deli
veredadressformei nt
hemor ni
ngthat'
s
whathedoesev er
ydaywhenhewant smyservi
ces,I
woret hedressIwasabi tuncomfort
abl
ebecauseit
onlycoveredmybut tocksIknowIhavebeenhere
foralongt i
menowbutI '
m sti
l
luncomfort
abl
ewitha
l
otoft hi
ngs.
Si
ndi
:Thandoyoulookst
unni
ngev
ent
hought
he
dr
essisver
yshort
.
Me:Thankyousi
sSindi
Ifeel
ver
ybeaut
if
ulbutI
'
ma
bi
tuncomfort
abl
e.
Sindi
:Justrel
axsot
haty
ouwon'
tfeel
uncomfortabl
e.
Shesai
dgi
vi
ngmemyf
ood,
Isatdownandat
e.
Si
ndi
:Youhavef
ivemi
nut
est
heot
hergi
rl
sar
e
wai
ti
ngfory
ou.
Me:
Ijustwi
shy
ouwer
ecomi
ngt
oo.
Sindi
:Youhavet
olearnt
ogowit
hot
hergi
rl
s
becauseIwon'
tbealway
sher
e.
Shel
ovessayi
ngt
hat,
every
dayshet
ell
smeshe
won'
tbealway
sherei
t'
sli
keshe'
sdy
ingor
somet
hing.
Me:
Ihav
etogonow,
seey
oui
nthemor
ning.
Si
ndi
:Becar
eful
anddon'
tdoany
thi
ngy
oudon'
t
want
.
Me:
Goty
ou.
Isai
dki
ssi
nghercheeks.
Iwenttotheot
hergi
rl
sandt
oldt
hem ourdr
iveri
s
out
side.
Muzihasalotofmoneyhesay sheisabusiness
manbutIdon'tt
rusthim,heal
sosai
dthathei snot
marri
edbecausewhathedoesisdangeroussohe
doesn'
twanttr
oubleforhi
sfamil
y.
Ibel
ievethereismor etohimt hanbeingabusiness
man, t
hegirlsrespectmenowbecauset hemighty
Muzi l
i
kesme.WhenIaskedt hem what'
ssospecial
abouthimt heyjustlaughedandt houghtIwasjoki
ng
butIwasn'tbecauseIdon' tknowany thi
ngaboutthe
guy.
Me:
Gir
lswear
eher
elet
'
sgoi
nsi
de.
Theygotoutoft
hecarexci
tedl
yIwishIcoul
dbe
them t
heyseem t
oreal
l
yenjoythi
s.
Joburgguysarehandsomet heyarer
eall
yhotbut
theprobl
em i
sthattheyarecruel
,Iwonderwhati
t'
s
l
iketofal
linl
oveIdon'tt
hinkIwill
everhavet
hat
becauseIhat
emanandwoman.
Muzi
:Youseem t
obefarawayy
ouhav
ebeen
st
andi
ngther
eforawhil
enow.
Me:Iwaswaiti
ngforyoutocomegetmebuty
ou
wer
estil
lbusyIsuppose.
Muzi:
YouknowI '
m alway
sbusycomei
nsi
det
he
par
tyisnotout
side.
Webot
hgoti
nsi
de,
ther
ewer
efewpeopl
einsi
det
he
housev
eryhotgent
lemenbutt
heyal
ll
ookshady
.

Muzi:Canyoutel
lyourgi
rl
stoenter
tai
nmyf ri
ends
andstopdri
nki
ngmyal cohol
becausethat
'snotwhy
theyareher
e.
Hesaidi
nadeepscarytoneIalwaysknewhewas
notassweetashepor
trayshi
mselfandIknewt hat
adaywil
lcomewherehewi l
lshowhistruecol
ours.
Itol
dthegi
rl
stodowhatt
heycameher
eforand
theydi
d.
Thingswer
egoingwellandMuzi
washappy
becausehi
sbusinesspart
ner
swereal
sohappy
.
Muzi:Iwantustot
rysomethi
ngnewt
oni
ght
becauseyouarest
art
ingt
oboreme.
Myj
awdr
oppedIdi
dn'
texpecthi
mtosayt
hat
.
Me:
Any
thi
ngy
ouwanty
ouar
epay
ingaf
teral
l
.
Muzi
:Hav
eyouhadsexwi
thot
hergi
rl
s?
Iswal
l
owedhar
d.
Me:
Uhmmm I
..
Muzi
:Asi
mpl
eyesornowoul
ddo.
Me:
No.
Muzi
:Iguesst
hiswi
l
lbey
ourf
ir
stt
ime.
Me:Theprobl
em i
sthatI
'
m notr
eal
l
ycomf
ort
abl
e
wi
ththat
.
Muzi
:DoIl
ookl
i
keIcar
e.
Okaywhatev
erMuzi smokedt
odayi
t'
smessi
ngwi
th
hi
smind,wediscussedthi
sal
ongti
meago.
Me:
Weagr
eedt
hatIwi
l
lnev
ersl
eepwi
thanygi
rl
s.
Muzi
:Imaket
her
ulesher
ehav
eyouf
orgot
ten.
Me:
Okayf
inecanwegetdownt
oit
.
Muzi
:Got
omyr
oom wewi
l
lfi
ndy
out
her
e.
Iwalkedtohisroom andwai
tedasmuchasIhat
e
thisbutIpr
efersleepi
ngwi
thever
ymenthan
sleepi
ngwithgirl
s.
Hewalkedi
nwithaladyIdi
dn'
tknowwhi
chmeans
shei
snotworki
ngforMam Lorr
aine.
Muzi
:I'
m goi
ngt
osi
tdownandwat
chwhi
l
eyou
guy
sdoy
ourt
hing.
Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngIj
ustst
ri
ppednaked.
Lady
:Shel
ooksf
reshIt
hinkI
'
m goi
ngt
oenj
oyt
his.
Muzi
:It
oldy
out
otr
ustme.
Whenshet
ouchedmeIl
etmyt
ear
sfl
ow.
Lady
:Shedoesn'
tl
iket
hisMuzi
Ican'
tdoi
t.
Muzi:
Shedoesn'
thav
etol
i
kei
tjustdoany
thi
ngy
ou
wanttoher
.
Lady:NoI
'
m nott
raumat
isi
ngt
hepoorgi
rlI
'
m done
here.
Shegotofft
hebedwhil
eshewasgetti
ngdr
essed
Muzisl
appedhersohar
dthatshef
ell
.
Me:
Muzi
youar
ehur
ti
ngherpl
ease.
Muzi:Shutt
hef
uckupThandoI
'
m st
il
lcomi
ngt
o
you.
Hedr
aggedherout
sideandl
ockedt
hedoor
.
Muzi
:Li
edown.
Idi
dasi
nst
ruct
edandIhav
enev
erbeenhur
tli
ke
t
hatMuzi
wasr
eal
i
singal
lhi
sst
ressandangeron
me.
Muzi
:Don'
tyouev
erdi
srespectmel
i
ket
haty
ouhear
me.
Me:
YesI
'
m sor
ry.
Muzi
:Nowgetupandl
eav
eIwantt
osl
eep.
Me:
Andt
hemoney
.
Muzi:Moneyf
orwhatdon'
tfuckwi
thmeThando,
getout.
Heroar
ed,IalwaysthoughtMam Lor
rai
newascruel
butMuziseemsjustli
keherthat
'swhyt
heyget
al
ongsowel l
.
Iwentt of
reshenupinthebathroom andwor emy
dress,Muziwasalreadysl
eepingIthoughtabout
steali
nghi
smoneybecausehedi dn'tpaymebutI
decidedagainsti
tIdon'
twantt obeintroubl
e.
Guy
:Hey
Me:
Youscar
edmemanwhatt
heheck.
Guy
:Heycal
m down.
Me:
Don'
ttouchme.
Guy
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
YesI
'
mfi
ne.
Guy
:Buty
ouar
ecr
ying.
It
ouchedmyey
esIdi
dn'
tev
ennot
icet
hatIwas
cr
ying.
Guy
:Bosst
oldmet
odr
opy
ouof
f.
Me:
Okaywecango.
Wewentout
sideandgoti
ntot
hecar
.
Guy
:Sowhat
'
syourname?
Me:
Thandol
wet
hu.
Guy:Theladyt
hatt
hebosski
ckedoutt
oldmewhat
happenedther
e.
Me:
Itdoesn'
tmat
ter
.
Guy
:Itdoes,
hedoesn'
thav
etoabusey
oul
i
ket
hat
.
Me:
It'
smyj
ob.
Guy
:Yourj
obi
stodosomet
hingy
oudon'
twant
?
Me:Justshutt
hefuckupyoudon'
tknowany
thi
ng
aboutmeoraboutmyjobeit
her
.
Heshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s.
Guy
:Fi
ne.
Iknowthi
sguyi
snewbecauseMuzihadanot
her
ri
ghthandmanbutnowi
t'
sthi
sone.
Hi
sver
yhot,dar
kski
nnedwi
thagr
eatbodyandbi
g
br
owneyes.
Guy:Youcanl
ookatmedi
rect
lyIdon'
tbi
tey
ou
know.
Me:
Mxm,
cany
oupl
easedr
iveal
i
ttl
ebi
tfast
er.
Guy
:Idon'
twantt
odi
eim st
il
lyoung.
Ir
emember
edt
hatMuzi
didnotgi
vemeanymoney
.
Me:
Uhmmm.
Guy
:What
?
Me:
Ineedmoneysi
ncey
ourbossdi
dn'
tpayme.
Guy
:Howmuch?
Me:
R2000.
Guy
:Okay
.
Me:
Justl
i
ket
hat
.
Guy
:Yesnotev
ery
onei
scr
uel
.
Me:
Uhmmm t
hanky
ou.
Guy
:Wear
eher
e.
Me:Thanky
ouf
ordr
oppi
ngmeof
f,Idi
dn'
tgety
our
name.
Guy
:Someot
hert
imeby
e.
Igotof
fthecarandwat chedhi
m dri
ve,
Icount
edt
he
moneyandtherewasanot ewr
it
ten"Wena
Ungowam"andt hen"Ialsohat
ehim".
Okaymaybehegaveitt
omebymi st
akebecauseit
wasinbet
weenthemoney,Iwi
l
lhavetogi
veitback
t
ohim whenIseehi
m agai
n.
Igoti
nsi
det
hehouseandsi
sSi
ndi
wasst
il
lawake.
Si
ndi
:Youhomeear
ly?
Me:
Yest
hepar
tywasov
erear
ly.
Si
ndi
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
YesI
'
mfi
ne.
Si
ndi
:Okayl
et'
ssl
eept
hen.
Me:
Goodni
ght
.
Ir
eadt
henot
eagai
nandsl
ept
.
I
nser
tsi
x

Si
ndi

Iknowy ouallcanthi
nkI'm crazyorwhatbutIreall
y
wanttohel pThando,Ihavebeenher elongenough
toknowt hatthi
sjobcandamagey ouwhi ley
ouact
l
ikeeverythi
ngisokay.Thandoi ssti
l
l youngtobe
hereIwanthert odobetterthanme, shecanstil
l
healandgoonwi t
hherlife.
IwokeupgotreadyandwroteThandoanotethen
l
eft,
yest
erdayni
ghtIst
oleMuzi'
snumberf r
om
Thando'
sphoneIwanttotal
ktohim abouthel
ping
Thandoescapethi
shol
ehell
.
Isenthi
m amessageandheagr
eedt
hatwemeetat
aclosebycafebutIopt
edforhi
shousebecauset
he
caf
ewascl osetowherewestay
,Mam Lorr
ainemay
seemeoroneoft hegir
lsmayseeme.
ItookanUbert
ohishouseanditdroppedmeoff
outsi
de,hei
sgotareal
l
ybeauti
fulbighouse.
Muzi
:YoumustbeSi
ndi
let
'
sgoi
nsi
de.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Therewasanot
herguyi
nsi
det
hehouseav
ery
handsomeguy.
Muzi
:Iwi
l
lbebackt
hisguywi
l
lkeepy
oucompany
.
Me:
Okay
.
Theot
herguygotupandwentt
otheki
tchen.
Guy
:Her
eissomet
hingt
odr
ink.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Af
terdr
inki
ngt
hedr
inkIf
eltabi
tfunny
.
Me:
Whatdi
dyoudot
ome?
Guy
:Youar
emessi
ngupev
ery
thi
ng.
Het
henl
i
ftedmeupt
henl
i
ght
sout
.
Sbani

I'
mt heguywhowor ksforMuzihedoesn'tknowwho
Iam butIknowev er
ythi
ngabouthim andhet r
usts
mewi thev ery
thi
ng.WhenIfir
stcameher ehehad
anotherrighthandwhobetrayedhim,hetoldmet o
ki
llhim butIdidnotItol
dhimt oski
pt hecountr
yfor
awhi l
e.
Hestar
tedt
rust
ingmeaf
terbel
i
evi
ngt
hatIki
l
led
t
hatguy.
Isti
llr
ememberhi sf ace,
Muzi istheonewhoshot
mypar entshewasbusyl aughi
ngandenj oyingever
y
momentofi t.I
'm heretogetmyr evenge, t
hen
ther
e'sThandomyl oveatfir
stsighty ester
daywas
notthefirstIwasseei ngherIhav ebeent othei
r
housebef ore.Thatwomandoesn' tremembermeat
all
,thereasonwhyIj ustdruggedSi ndiisbecause
shet r
ustedawr ongguy .
Muzi
:Wher
eisSi
ndi
?
Me:Sherushedoutsayi
ngshehadt
oat
tendt
o
somethi
ngimport
ant.
Muzi
:Okaymay beshewi
llcomebacksomeother
t
ime,I
'
ml eav
ingnowwill
seey ouwhenIcomeback.
Me:
Shoul
dman.
Iescor
tedhimti
l
lhewasout
sidethengotbackto
thehouse,
Iwenttomyr
oom thenwokeSindiup.
Si
ndi
:Youbast
ardwhatdi
dyoudot
ome.
Me:
Hay
ikahl
eidr
amaSi
ndi
(St
opbei
ngdr
amat
ic)
.
Si
ndi
:Ineedt
otal
ktoMuzi
it'
simpor
tant
.
Me:Ar
eyousur
eyouwantt
odi
scussy
ourbusi
ness
wi
thMuzi
.
Sindi
:YesItr
usthi
m andt
hisi
snotaboutmebut
aboutThando.
Me:
DoesThandosuppor
tyouri
deaofbei
ngher
e?
Shel
ookeddown.
Me:
Shedoesn'
tknowy
ouar
eher
e?
Si
ndi
:Lookshedoesn'
tknowbutI
'
m doi
ngal
lthi
s
f
orher
.
Me:Whatev
ery
ouaredoi
ngdon'
ti
nvol
veMuzi
,hei
s
wor
kingwit
hwoman.
Si
ndi
:Whyshoul
dIt
rusty
ou?
Me:Angi
shongoukut
hinget
hembemi
na(
Idi
dn'
tsay
t
rustme)
.
Si
ndi
:Okaywhatshoul
dIdonow.
Me:
Tel
lmewhyy
ouwer
eher
e.
Si
ndi
:Whati
fyout
hewhoi
swor
kingf
ort
hatwoman.
Me:Thenit
'sf
iney
oucanwai
tforMuzi
hewi
l
lbe
backl
ater
.
Isai
dat
tempt
ingt
ogetup.
Sindi:Okaypleasesi tdown, I'mtry
ingt ohel p
Thandogetoutoft hatpl aceandqui tthatjob.She
hasbeenher ef orashor tt i
met hanIhav ebutshe
hasbeent hrought hingst hatIhaven' texperi
enced
sinceIcameher e.Muzi seemedt or eall
ycar eforher
,
shet ol
dmeshedoesn' ttrusthim butIwant edto
helphersomucht hatIignor edallthatshesai d.I
reall
ywanttosav ehershei ssti
llyoungt obedoi ng
t
his.
Me:Iheary
ouIwil
ltr
ymybestt
ohel
pyou,
I'
m al
so
her
eonmyownt erms.
Si
ndi
:Thanky
ousomuch.
Me:Youhav
etogonowandpleasebecaref
ul,
I
knowyoumeanwel
lbutdon'
ttr
usteasi
l
y.
Shecall
edanUberandwentbackt ot
hehouseIj
ust
hopeMuzi wil
lnotaskthatwomanaboutSi
ndi
becausetheywil
lhurtherIknow.
Imisshomesomuch, uKhozasti
lldoesn'
tknowwhy
I'
m herehet
hinksI'
m workingIknowhewi llfi
ndout
eventual
l
ybutti
llt
henI'm notsayi
ngany t
hing.

Si
ndi

Idon'
tevenknowt henameoft heguywhohel ped
me,Ialmostsabotagedeverythingbytal
ki
ngt oMuzi
.
SothisMuziguyiswor ki
ngwi thMam Lorrai
neI
wonderwhattheydot ogether,Igeti
ntot
hehouse
andthegir
lsarewatchingtelevisi
onandsomear e
sni
ff
ingonsomecocai
nei
t'
swhatt
heydoev
ery
day
.
Idon'tseeThandoany
wher
e,whenIopenmydoor
shejumpsonme.
Me:
HeyI
'
m backnow.
Thando:
Ithoughtsomet
hinghappenedt
oyou,
why
di
dy out
alktoMuzi?
Me:Ididn'
tsomeguytherehel
pedmehetol
dme
nottotal
ktoMuzibecauseheiswor
kingwi
thMam
Lorr
aine.
Thando:
I'
m gladIwassoworri
edIthoughty
ouwere
wit
hSusansincesheisdeadIt
houghtyoualsodi
ed.
Mymi
ndst
oppedwor
kingf
orawhi
l
e.
Me:WoawThandosl
owdownwhatdoy
oumean
Susani
sdead?
Thando:
Mam Lorrai
nemusthavefoundoutabout
ourpl
anIdon'
tknowsisSi
ndibutsheisdead,
someonepushedherdownthest
airs.
Me:Wearefuckedift
hatwomanknowsaboutour
pl
anthenwearefucked.
Thando:Theothergi
rlssaythatMam Lor
rai
netri
ed
sleepi
ngwithherbutSusandidn'
twanttosothey
foughtunt
ilsheshovedherdownthestai
rs.
Me:
Doy
oubel
i
eveanyoft
hat
?
Thando:
NoIdon'
t.
Me:Let
'sj
ustcal
m downI
'
m sur
eshedoesn'
tknow
any
thi
ng.
Thando:
Ihopesosi
sSi
ndi
.
Me:
Wher
eisSusan'
sbody
?
Thando:
Somemant
ookherIdon'
tknowwher
e.
Me:
Ihat
either
e.
Thando:
Wil
lwebesaf
esi
sSi
ndi
?
Me:
Wewi
l
lbaby
.
Iwassayi
ngittomakeherfeelbett
erbutIknowthi
s
i
sabeginningoftr
oubl
e,youmaynev erknowwhat
Mam Lorr
aineknowsordon'tknow.
Ican'tbel
iev
eSusani sdead,
Idon'tev
enknowhow
tofeelthi
sisjustsadver
ysad.Susanhadnoone
exceptformenowherbodyi sgoingtobedumped
somewher
e.
AsIwassti
l
ldeepi
nmyt houghtsamessagecame
thr
oughf
rom Mam Lor
rai
neitsai
dsheneedstosee
mesoon.
Myhear
tski
ppedabi
t.
Thando:
Arey
ouokaysi
sSi
ndi
?
Me:
Mam Lor
rai
newant
stoseeme.
Thando:
GodsheknowsIswear
.
Me:
Don'
twor
ryIwi
l
lbeokay
.
I
nser
tsev
en

I
sipho

Me:
BabyI
'
m sor
ryokaybutIdi
dn'
tdoi
t.
St
he:
Don'
tfuckwi
thmeI
sipho.
Sthei
smyboy fri
endheisverymanipul
ati
veand
abusi
ve,whenhestart
edhit
tingmeIwant edt
otel
l
mybrotherbutIdi
dn'
t.Thefactt
hatIli
edand
i
ntroducedNickasmyboyfr
iendi
shardbecausei
fI
di
dn'tmay betheywoul
dhav
eseenthatheis
abusive.
Ihav
ebeent
oler
ati
nghi
sbehav
iourf
orl
ongI
'
mti
red
now.
Me:
I'
m noty
ourpunchi
ngbagSt
he.
St
he:
Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?Hi
tme?
Me:
NobutI
'
m endi
ngt
hisr
elat
ionshi
p.
Ihavebeenendi
ngiyever
ydaybutIgobacktohim
Khozaisawayonsomebusiness,hewoul
dhav e
seenthatI
'
m notokaybynowbecauseIhavelost
weight
.
Sthe:Youhav ebeensay
ingt
hatev
ery
daybutI
'
m
youraddict
ion.
Me:
Imeani
tSt
hei
t'
sov
er.
Ihal
fshout
ed,
hesl
appedme.
Sthe:
Youdon'
tgett
oshoutatme,
uyangi
zwa(
do
youhearme)
.
Me:
Idon'
twantt
obei
nthi
srel
ati
onshi
pany
mor
e.
Helookedatmeandt
ookof fhi
sbelt
,hebeatmeup
sobadhewasevenki
ckingmeaf t
erheforced
hi
mselfonmeandlef
tleavi
ngmet odie.
Icr
awledtomyphoneanddi
all
edbhut
iSi
ms
number.
Si
ms:
Angel
.
Me:
Bhut
ihel
pme.
Si
ms:
What
'sgoi
ngonandwher
ear
eyou?
Idroppedthephoneandsenthi
m myl
ocat
ionaf
ter
thatl
ight
soutforme.
IwokeupandI
'minhospi
tal
Icanf
eel
someone
paci
ngupanddown.
Si
ms:
Sphecany
ousi
tdown.
Sphe:
Howcanhehur
therl
i
ket
hat
?
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatandt
heyj
umpedl
ooki
ngmyway
.
TJ:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
Inpai
nbutIwi
l
lli
ve.
Sphe:
Whendi
dhest
arthi
tt
ingy
ouI
sipho?
Me:
Itwast
hef
ir
stt
imet
oday
.
Il
i
edbecauseIknowt
heywi
l
lbepi
ssed.
Sphe:
Isi
pho.
Hehast
hatst
ronganddemandi
ngv
oice.
Ikeptqui
et.
TJ:
Tal
kbef
orewemakey
out
alk.
St
il
lIkeptqui
etandcr
ied.
Sims:Thedoctortol
dust hati
twasnott
hefir
st
becauseyouhav esomanybr ui
sesi
nyourbody,
I
siphowhydidn'tyoutel
lus?
Me:Ithoughtmay
beIwastheonewhowaswr
ong
andthatmaybehewasgoi
ngtochange.
TJ:Doy ouknowt hatwomandi einthehandsofa
manwhot heythoughtwil
lchange,doy ouknowthat
theytolerateabusebecausetheirmanmani pul
ate
them intothinki
ngthattheyhi
tthem becauseit'
s
thei
rfaul t
.Doy ouwanttofallunderthatst
ati
sti
c?
Inoddedmyheadno.
Si
ms:
Wear
eyourbr
other
'swel
ovey
ouandi
t'
sour
j
obtoprot
ectyouAngel,
Sbani l
eftyoui
nourcare.
Whendidyoustar
tlyi
ngfi
rstyoudidn'
twantusto
meethi
m nowy oukeepquietabouthi
sabuse.
Me:
I'
m sor
rypl
easedon'
ttel
lSbani
.
Sphe:Okaywewon'tt
ell
him buty
ouneedt
otel
l
wheretofi
ndyourboy
fri
end?
Me:
Idon'
tknowmay
behei
satNi
ck'
shouse.
TJ:Doy
ouknowt
hather
apedy
ou?Wasi
tthef
ir
st
ti
me?
Me:
Noi
twasnot
.
Si
ms:Ithoughtyouwer
estil
lav
irgi
nIsi
phodi
dhe
br
eakyourvir
gini
tyi
nyourownwill
?
Me:
Nohef
orcedhi
msel
fonme.
Sphe:Wat
hul
aIsi
pho(
andy
oukeptqui
et)
arey
ouout
ofyourmi
nd.
Hewassoangr
yvei
nswer
epoppi
ngi
nhi
sfor
ehead.
Ij
ustcr
iedIdi
dn'
tevenknowwhatt
osaymybr
other
i
sgoingtobedodisappoi
nted.
Sphe:
I'
m sor
ryIshout
edbuty
oushoul
dhav
etol
dus
earl
iery
ouknowKhozaisgoi
ngt
opuni
shusf
oral
l
thi
sandwehavetotel
lSbani
.
Si
ms:
Wewi
l
lcomechecky
oul
ater
.
Theyl
eftaf
terf
ewmi
nut
esmybr
othercal
l
ed.
Me:
Bhut
i.
Sbani
:Ar
eyouokayAngel
.
Me:
I'
mfi
nej
ustaf
ewbr
uises.
Sbani
:Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?
Me:
Idi
dn'
twantt
owor
ryy
ou.
Sbani
:Hav
eIcompl
ainedbef
ore?
Idon'
tl
iket
hewayhei
scal
m.
Me:
NoBhut
iI'
m sor
ry.
Sbani
:Okayspeedr
ecov
eryIl
ovey
ouokay
.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooBhut
i.
Idon'
tknowhowtofeelaf
tert
hisphonecal
l
becauseIknowmybrot
hercancomebackbecause
ofthi
s.
Sbani

Isiphoiski ndbutnotstupi
dIdon' tknowwhatt hi
s
boy fri
endofher sdidtoherbutforhertohidet hi
s
kindoft hingf r
om mesay salotabouther.AllIknow
i
st hatthi
sboy fri
endofhersisgoingtopay,Ican't
l
eav ebecauseI '
m sti
l
lbusythissidebutIknowmy
fri
endswi ll dosomethingaboutthis.
Myphoner
ingsandi
t'
sTJ.
Me:
Foundany
thi
ngy
et?
TJ:Wefoundal
otofinf
ormat
ionabouthi
m butt
he
probl
em i
swecan'
tfi
ndhim.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeany
oucan'
tfi
ndhi
m?
TJ:It
'sl
i
kehehasdisappear
edandt
her
ear
elotof
casesabouthi
sabuseandrape.
Me:Keeplooki
ngbaf
oyouneedt
ofi
ndhi
m bef
ore
hedoesthi
stosomeoneel
se.
TJ:
Yeahwi
l
ldo,
howar
ethi
ngst
hatsi
de?
Me:
Ther
ear
ecompl
i
cat
ionsbuti
t'
sfi
ne.
TJ:Besafebrowest
il
lhav
etodeal
wit
hKhozay
ou
knowit
'sgoingt
obebad.
Me:
I'
m sor
rybr
os.
TJ:
Tal
klat
erman.
Me:
Shobaf
o.
Iwonderwhatbusi
nesst
ri
pdi
dKhozagotoIdon'
t
tr
usthi
m maybeheknowswhyI'
m her
e.
I'
m worr
iedaboutThandoIknowMuzi doesn'
tcar
e
aboutherheisj
ustusingher
,IhopeIgettosaveher
someday .
Muzi
:Heyman.
Me:
Sho.
Muzi
:Ogr
end?
Me:
JustaheadachebutIwi
l
lbef
ine.
Muzi
:Ineedt
ogot
hatwomanneedst
oknowwhy
Si
ndiwasher
e.
Me:Whydoy oual
waysdoev
ery
thi
ngshesay
s,y
ou
ar
epract
ical
l
yherpuppet
.
Muzi
:Doy
out
hinkso.
Me:
Iknowsowhydon'
tyouj
ustsi
tdownandr
elax.
Muzi
:Shei
smybossbuty
ouar
eri
ght
.
Me:
Sowhendi
dyoust
artwor
kingf
orher
?
Muzi
:It
'sbeeny
ear
swehav
edonescar
ythi
ngs
t
oget
her.
If
akechuckl
ed.
Me:
Whatki
ndoft
hingsmanIl
ovescar
ythi
ngs.
Muzi:I'
mtell
i
ngyoubecauseit'sy
ouweoncewent
toDurbanandki
ll
edpeoplethere,t
herewere
chil
drenandwekil
l
edtheirparent
srighti
nfr
ontof
them.
If
eltmypal
mssweat
ing.
Me:
Don'
tyouf
eel
sor
ryf
ort
hosechi
l
dren?
Muzi
:NoInev
erf
eel
sor
ryasl
ongasIgetpai
d.
Me:
Yeaht
hat
'swhatamando.
Ili
edIwantedtoshoothi
mri
ghtawaybutIhav
eto
thr
eadcareful
l
y.
Me:
ExcusemeIwi
l
lbeback.
HenoddedIwentt othet
oil
etandcr i
ed,Iwastry
ing
tocalm mysel
fdownorIwil
lexplodefrom anger
.I
can'tbel
iev
ehefeelsnor
emorsef orkil
l
ingour
parents,
IknowI'
m notabadpersonbutIf eel
li
ke
kil
l
inghisfami
lytoo.
Af
terIwascal
m Igotbackt
othel
ounge.
Muzi
:Sur
eyouokayman.
Me:
Shocasebaf
o.
Myphonebeepedamessagef
rom Khoza.
"
Gether
etomor
roworI
'
mfet
chi
ngy
oumy
sel
f.
"
I
nser
tei
ght

AssisSindiclosesthedoorI'
ml ef
tpacingupand
down, I
'
m sowor riedaboutherwhatifthi
swoman
knowsev ery
thing.I'
m morescaredbecauseSusan
i
salreadydeadwemaynev erknowwhyshedi ed
exactl
y,si
sSindi mayalsobeindangerandshecan
bekil
ledjustli
kethat.Mam Lorrai
nedidn'
teventel
l
usthatSusani sdeadshekeptquietandexpected
ustocont
inueworki
ngl
i
kenot
hinghappenedgi
ven
achanceIwil
lki
l
lherwi
thmybarehands.
Iheart
hedoorhandl
ewhichmeanssomeonei
s
comingin,
Iseesi
sSindi
andruntohugher
.
Si
ndi
:Woawy
ougoi
ngt
obr
eakmybones.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryI
'
mjusthappyt
oseey
ou.
Si
ndi
:It
'
sbeenf
ivemi
nut
essi
nceIl
eft
.
Me:
Iwasj
ustwor
ri
edt
hat
'
sal
lsowhatdi
dshesay
.
Si
ndi
:Not
hingbecauseMuzi
didn'
tcome.
Me:
That
'sagoodt
hingr
ight
?
Si
ndi
:
Idon'
tknowbabymay
behewi
l
lcomebyl
ater
.
Me:
Ijusthopehedoesn'
tcome.
Si
ndi
:Met
oobutweneedt
oactf
ast
.
Me:NosisSindi
weshoulddropthi
sbeforeanyof
usdi
e,Susanisdeadal
readyandwedon'tknowwhy
maybeMam Lorrai
neknowseveryt
hing.
Si
ndi
:Wewi
l
lbecar
eful
.
Me:
NoIknowy
oumeanwel
landI
'
m gr
atef
ult
rust
meIam butthisisnotgood, youhavebecomeso
obsessedwit
hsav ingmet hatyouhaveforgott
en
thatMam Lorr
aineisdangerous.Iknowy oufeel
responsi
blef
ory oursi
ster
'sdeathbut.
..
Si
ndi
:Leav
emysi
steroutoft
his.
Me:I
t'
str
uesisSindiitwasnotyourfaultt
hatshe
di
edandit
'sdefi
nit
elynotyourf
aultt
hatIam here,
st
opri
ski
ngy ourl
if
ef ormeifIwil
ldi
et hensobeit.
Si
ndi:Youaresoungr
atef
ulandi
t'
syourf
aul
tthat
Susandied.
Me: Yesyouar
eri
ghtit'
smyfaul
tandI
'
m sor
ryt
hat
yourfri
enddi
edbecauseofme.
Si
ndi
:Thandot
hatcameoutwr
ongIdi
dn'
tmeani
t.
Me:
It'
sfi
neIknowt
hat
'
sexact
lyhowy
ouf
eel
.
Si
ndi
:Uhmmm Thando.
..
Me:
Ineedsomeai
r.
Si
ndi
:Thando.
Il
efthert
her
eandwalkedout
sideIdidn'
tevenknow
whereIwasgoi
ng.WhenIwasoutsideIran,Idi
dn'
t
knowwher
eIwasrunni
ngtobutIkeptonr
unni
ng
hopi
ngt
oescapeal
lmytroubl
es.
Ihear
dal
oudsoundl
i
keacarhoot
ing.
Guy
:Ar
eyoucr
azy
?Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oki
l
lyour
sel
f.
Me:I
'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
tnot
iceIwasi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
he
r
oad.
Guy
:Of
cosy
oudi
dn'
t.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Guy
:Thando.
Il
ookedathi
m andi
twashi
mtheguyt
hatwor
ksf
or
Muzi.
Guy
:Wer
eyour
eal
l
ytr
yingt
oki
l
lyour
sel
f?
Me:
NobutIwoul
dbegl
adi
fIdi
d.
Guy:Geti
nletmetakey
ousomewher
eIseey
ou
hav
ebeencr yi
ng.
Ikeptqui
etandgoti
nsi
dethecar,
Idi
dn'
tev
enask
wherewearegoingIj
ustneededt
obeawayfr
om
every
thi
ng.
Softmusicwasplay
inginsi
dehi
scar,IknowIhave
saidt
hisbefor
ebutthi
sguyishandsomeGodr eal
l
y
tookhi
stimewi t
hhi
m.
Guy:
Youknowst
ari
ngatapersonisr
udeespeci
all
y
i
fyouhav
ebigey
esThandol
wami .
Me:It
'sThandol
wet
huandmyey
esar
enotasbi
gas
your
s.
Guy
:Youwi
sh,
howol
dar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m 22.
Guy
:Oh.
Seemsli
keheknowst
hatI
'
mly
ingbecauseI
'
m not
real
l
y22.
Guy
:Andwear
eher
e.
Hesay
saf
terpar
kingi
nfr
ontofahot
el.
Me:I'
m notondutywhydi
dn'
tyout
ell
met
haty
ou
needmyservices.
Guy
:Mxm ar
eyoucomi
ngornot
.
Me:
Uhmm Of
cos.
Igotoutofthecarandwewenti
nsi
de,
thesehot
els
arefancyandalwayscl
ean.
Guy:Youcangoi
nandwai
tformei
nsi
deIwi
l
lbe
back.
Me:
Why
?
Guy
:Justt
rustme.
Helef
tandIsatonthebedandwait
ed,Iwonder
howit'
sli
ketobeinarel
ati
onshi
pwit
hsomeone
wholovesyoudear
lyandcaresf
ory
ou.
Guy
:I'
m back.
Hewascar
ryi
ngf
oodanddr
inks.
Me:
Younev
ert
oldmey
ourname.
Guy
:Justcal
lmehubby
.
Me:
I'
m sur
ethat
'
snoty
ourname.
Guy
:Iti
stoy
ouonl
yThandol
wami
.
Ir
oll
edmyey
esandhel
aughed.
Guy:
Let'
ssi
tdownandeatsot
haty
oucant
ell
me
whyyouwer
erunni
ng.
Weat
ewhi
l
elaughi
ngandt
alki
ng,
Iendedupcr
ying.
Guy
:Whyar
eyoucr
ying.
Me:I
'
mjustnotusedtobei
ngt
hishappyy
ouknow,
I
j
ustf
eel
freeandsafe.
Guy:I
'm gl
adImakeyouf
eel
thatwaynowst
op
cr
yingandenj
oythemoment
.
Hewipedmytear
swithhisthumb,
hishandsar
e
sof
tIknowwhatyouall
think.
Wecont
inuedt
alki
ngmor
eandmor
e.
Me:YouknowIhaddreamsbigdr
eamsIwant
edt
o
besomethi
nggr
eat,
helppeopl
ewhowerer
apedl
i
ke
Iwas.
Icont
inuedtel
l
inghi
m ev
ery
thi
ngaboutmyl
i
fef
rom
thepastti
l
lnow.
Guy
:I'
m sosor
ryThandol
wami
,comeher
e.
Il
ayedonhi
schestandhecomf
ort
edme,
wewer
e
di
stur
bedbyhi
sphoneri
ngi
ng.
Me:
Yourphonei
sri
ngi
ng.
Guy
:IknowI
'
mignor
ingi
t,i
t'
smyf
atherhewant
s
met
ogohome.
Me:Justgomaybeheneedsy
ou,
Ial
sowi
shIhada
homeIwouldn'
tbeher
e.
Guy :
Comewithme,Iknowi
t'
scrazybutcomewit
h
me.Iwil
ll
eaveyouhomethencomebackhereto
fi
nishmymissi
on.
Me:
Whatmi
ssi
on?
Guy:I
t'
ssomet
hingthathastodowithyourboss
l
adyandMuzibutIcan'
tgointodet
ail
srightnow.
..I
hav
etogosoarey oucomingwithme.
Me:NoIcan'
tl
eav
esi
sSi
ndi
ther
ebutt
hanky
ouf
or
car
ryi
ng.
Guy
:Ar
eyousur
e?
Me:
YesIam l
et'
sgo.
Wetookt
hesnacksandl
eft
,hedr
oppedmeof
fand
l
eft
.

Sbani
IdroppedThandooffandl eftIhadalr
eadybooked
myf li
ghthome,Idon'
tfeelgoodaboutl eavi
ng
Thandoher eIdon'
tknowwhybutIhav eabad
feel
ingaboutsomething.IloveherandI'm goi
ngto
getheroutofthere,
Ican'tbeli
evemyf utur
ewi f
eisa
hooker.
Myfl
ightdepar
tur
edandafteraf
ewhour
sI'
min
Dur
ban,Itol
dmyf r
iendst
ocomegetme.
Me:
Gent
s.
Sphe:
Arey
ouokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
Si
ms:
Whyar
eyouback?
Me:
Don'
ttel
lmey
oual
sodon'
tknowwhyI
'
m her
e.
TJ:
Nowedon'
t.
Me:
Iwonderwhy
.
Wegoti
ntot
hecarandt
henl
eft
.
Khoza:
Boy
syouar
eher
e.
Me:
Yesbaba.
Khoza:
Goodhow'
swor
kSbani
?
Me:
GreatBaba.
Khoza:
Okayt
hat'
sgood,
Itol
dyoutocomebackso
youcanal
sohel
pusinfi
ndi
ngyoursi
ster
sboy
fri
end.
Me:Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
i
eveI
sidi
dn'
ttel
lust
hatshewas
bei
ngabused.
Khoza: Allwomanst ayhopi
ngandpr ay
ingfort
heir
mant ochangeev erydaybuttheyendupdead,Ifeel
responsibleyouknow, y
outrustedmetotakecareof
yoursisterandIfai
led.
Si
ms:I
t'
snoty
ourf
aul
ttai
ma,
don'
twor
rywewi
l
l
fi
ndhi
m.
Me:
Yessomt
hol
aBaba(wewi
l
lfi
ndhi
m).
Sphe:Wehav
ebeensearchi
ngforhi
m buthej
ust
di
sappear
edthi
sisf
rust
rati
ng.
Khoza:
Especi
all
yfory
ousi
ncey
oul
i
keI
si.
Weal
ll
ookedathi
m.
Khoza:
What
?
TJ:
Not
hingbaba.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Khoza:
It'
sthehospi
tal
.
Hesai
danswer
ingaphonecal
l
.
Khoza:Theyar
esay
ingI
siphoi
smi
ssi
ng,
shewas
ki
dnapped.
Me:
What
?Let
'sgo.
Weal
ltookourkey
sandl
eft
.
I
nser
tni
ne

WhenIar r
ivedatthehouseIwentst r
aighttoour
room andsisSindi wasnott
here,
Ifel
tmyhear t
beati
ngfastIdon' tknowwhy.Iwenttot he
bathr
oom andr oll
edupaj oi
ntt
hensmokedwheni t
washalfwayt hroughIheardaknockatt hedoor
.
Me:
Comei
n.
Lady
:Someonei
sher
etof
etchy
ou.
Me:
Fet
chmet
owher
e?
Lady
:Hay
iThandoIdon'
tknowj
ustcome.
Shegavemesomeatti
tudet
henl
eft
,Ibr
ushedmy
teet
hthenf
oll
owedher
.
Ther
ewasamanwai
ti
ngf
ormebyt
hegat
e.
Theman:
Arey
ouThando?
Me:
YesIam.
Theman:
Geti
nthecarweneedt
ogo.
Me:WeneedtogowhereIcan'
tj
ustl
eav
ewi
th
someoneIdon'
tknow.
Theman:Youareahookery
oul
eav
ewi
thdi
ff
erent
manever
yday.
Me:
Mxm I
'
m goi
ngbacki
nsi
de.
Hetol
dmetowaitwhi
l
ehet
ookouthi
sphoneand
madeaphonecal
l.
Theman:
Her
etake.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:
Isentt
hatmant
ofet
chy
ouIdon'
t
hav
eenoughti
me.
Me:
okay
.
Igoti
nthecarthenhedr
ovet
il
lwegoti
ntoan
abondonedar
ea.
Theman:
Wear
eher
e.
Me:
Whyar
ewei
napl
acel
i
ket
his?
Theman:HeyIdon'
tknowIj
ustf
oll
owor
der
snow
comel
et'
sgo.
Wewal kedtothebuil
dingwhichlookedol
danddi
rty
,
whenwegoti nsideMam Lorrai
newassi t
ti
ngona
couchthatwassi t
uatedatt
hecent r
eofaroom
si
ppingonherf avour
itewi
ne.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:
SoThandoy
out
hinky
ouar
ecl
ever
?
Me:
Idon'
tfol
l
ow.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:
Ohy
ouwi
l
ldear
,comet
hissi
de.
Wewentt
oanot
herr
oom andIcoul
dn'
tbel
i
evemy
ey
es.
Me:
SisSi
ndi
nono.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:
Hol
dher
.
Shesai
dtoherman,
sisSi
ndi
wast
iedupi
nchai
ns
andshewasbeat
enup.
Si
ndi
:I'
m sor
ryThando.
Mam Lorrai
ne:SoyouandSusantr
iedt
omakepl
ans
forhert
oleave,y
ououtofal
lpeopl
eknowSi
ndit
hat
onceItakeyouinyoul
eavei
nabodybag.
Si
ndi
:Shedoesn'
tbel
ongher
e,shei
sst
il
lyoung.
Mam Lorr
aine:
Wel
lyouar
egoi
ngt
odi
efor
bet
ray
ingme.
Me:NopleaseIcandoany
thi
ngy
ouwantdon'
tki
l
l
herpl
easeIbegyou.
Sindi
:ThandoI '
m sor r
yforwhatIsai dearli
erIdi
dn't
meani t,
youar eagr eatpersonI'
m happyandgl ad
thatImetyou.Il ov
ey ousomuchnotbecausey ou
remindmeofmyl i
ttl
esisterbutbecausey ouhave
becomemysi ster,
takecar eofyourselfanddon't
everstoptr
yingt ofreeyoursel
ffrom thishell
hole.
Mam Lorr
ainel
aughedoutl
oudev
enMuzi
washer
e
behav
ingli
keabigboss.
Me:
Ifor
giv
eyouandIl
ovey
out
oo.
Mam Lorr
aine:
Kil
lSi
ndiandMuzit
akehertot
he
ot
herroom wewil
lkeephert
her
eunti
lIfi
ndpeopl
e
t
otr
aff
icher
.
Me:Nopleasedon'
tki
l
lhery
oucanki
l
lmei
nst
ead
pl
ease.
Mam Lor rai
nenoddedherheadthenanotherguy
sl
icedsisSindi
'sneckwhil
eIwatched,herheadfl
ew
acrosstheroom.Idon'tt
hinkIwi
llev
erbesaneaf t
er
seeingthis,
IscreamedwhileMuzidr
aggedme
outside.
Me:Howcoul
dyoul
etherdot
hatIt
houghty
ou
car
edforme.
Muzi:
Care?Idon'
tcar
eaboutany
oneel
sebesi
de
mysel
fjustst
ayherey
ouwill
befi
ne.
Ther
ewasal i
tt
lebedIthr
ewmysel
fonitandcr
ied
mylungsout
,Iregr
ett
ednotl
eav
ingwi
thhubby.

Sbani

Wegott
othehospi
tal
runni
ngev
ery
onewasqui
te.
Me:
Nur
senur
se.
Nur
se:
Youar
emi
ssKhoza'
sfami
l
y?
Si
ms:
Yeswear
e.
Nur
se:
Comet
hissi
de.
Weall
wal
kedt
oawar dIguessi
twasIsi
pho'swar
d
t
her
ewasadoctorandsomesecur
it
iest
here.
Khoza:
Doct
orwhat
'
sgoi
ngon.
Doct
or:
Wedon'
tknowbutwef
oundt
hisnot
e.
It
ookt
henot
eandr
eadi
t.
"
Shebel
ongst
omeandIwi
l
ldowhat
everIwant
wi
thher
".
Sphe:
Whatdoesi
tsayman?
Igav
eitt
ohi
m andt
heni
tkeptonci
rcul
ati
ngar
ound
ther
oom.
TJ:
Whatt
hehecki
sthi
s?
Khoza:
Thanksdoct
orwewi
l
ltakecar
eoft
his.
Doctor
:Wewi l
lal
sohelpwehavecont
act
edt
he
pol
icetheyar
esearchi
ngforher
.
Me:
Okaydoct
hanks.
Khoza:
Let
'sgoboy
s.
Weal
ll
eftandwentbackt
othehouse.
Me:
Whatar
ewegoi
ngt
odo?
Si
ms:
Weneedt
ocal
m downsot
hatwecanf
ocus.
Weal
lset
tl
eddownanddr
anksomebeer
s.
Khoza:
Weneedtofi
ndthatwhi
teguyhemayknow
wheret
ofi
ndthi
sPsycho.
TJ:
Ineedal
apt
op.
Me:
Iwi
l
lgeti
t.
Iwentt
omyr oom andgott
hel
apt
opt
henwentback
tot
heother
s.
Khoza:
Ineedt
ocont
actmyol
dfr
iends.
Si
ms:
Thi
sisnotwart
ayma.
Khozawasinthemi
l
itar
ysohei
sski
l
ledandgot
someresour
ces.
Sphe:
Thi
siswar
.
Heshout
ed.
Khoza:
Arey
oucr
ying?
Wealll
aughedSphewassofr
ust
rated,
whi
lewe
wer
elaughi
ngmyphoneranganditwasMuzi
.
Me:
Heyman.
Muzi
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
YeahI
'
mfi
nehowar
ethi
ngst
her
e?
Muzi:Hect
icmanSi
ndii
sdeadandthatgir
lThando
i
slockedupsomewher
ewaiti
ngtobeshipped.
Me:
List
enmanIwi
l
lcal
lyoul
aterIneedt
ogo.
Muzi
:Shoman.
Isi
ghedoutl
oud,
howcanthishappent
hepeopl
eI
car
eaboutar
ebothi
ntr
ouble.
Khoza:
Sbani
arey
ouokay
.
Me:
NoI
'
m not
.
Isatdownandbur
ri
edmyheadinmyhandsand
actual
l
ycri
ed,
fort
hefi
rstt
imei
nyear
sIcri
ed.
I
nser
tten

Sbani
Khoza:
Sont
alkwhat
sgoi
ngon?
Ever
yonel
ookedwor r
iedmay
bet
heyt
houghtIhad
badnewsaboutI
sipho.
Sphe:
Isi
taboutI
sipho?
Me:
Yes.
..Noei
sh.
TJ:
Yini
inki
nga(
what
'
sthepr
obl
em)
.
Me: Ican'
tgetintodeepdetai
l
sri
ghtnowbuti
n
JoburgImett hisgi
rl
,Il
ikeheral
otthepr
obl
em is
thatsheisapr ost
it
uteandnowshe'
sindeeptr
ouble.
Khoza:
HaiboSbani
samakhozawer
ether
enoot
her
gi
rl
sinJoburg.
Me:
Youdon'tunder
standi
t'
snotherchoi
cet
oli
ve
t
heli
feshei
sliv
ing.
Sims:Sowhat
'
sthepr
obl
em exact
lymay
bewecan
help.
Il
ookedatKhozabecausei
fIexpl
ainabouthowI
methert
henhewi l
lknowwhyI'
mi nJoburg.
Khoza:
Iknowev
ery
thi
ngdon'
tl
ookatmel
i
ket
hat
becauseangi
yindawo(
I'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e).
Me:
Tay
maIcanexpl
ain.
Khoza:Ther
e'snoti
mef
ort
hatsowhathappenedt
o
thi
sgir
lofyours.
It
oldt
hem ev
erythi
ngt
hathashappenedsi
nceI
wentt
oJoburg.
Khoza:Sonowy
ouwantt
ori
sky
ourl
i
febecause
youli
kesomegi
rl
.
Me:YesbabaIdobutIcan'
tdothatwi
thI
sipho
mi
ssingwefir
stneedt
of i
ndher
.
Sphe:
Okayl
et'
sgot
alkt
oNi
ck.
Khoza:
Youboy
sgoIneedt
ogosomewher
e.
Wealllef
tthehouseandwentt othatwhi
teguy'
s
house,whenwegott heretheywerei
nthesi
tti
ng
room wit
hIsi
pho'sf
riend.Sheisbusyenj
oyi
ngher
l
ifewhil
eherfri
endismi ssi
ng.
Si
ms:
Nickcanwehav
eawor
d.
Ni
ck:
Howdi
dyouguy
sgether
e.
TJ:
That
'snoti
mpor
tantr
ightnowweneedt
oknow
wher
etof
indy
ourf
ri
end.
Ni
ck:
Am Ihi
skeeper
?
Ipunchedhi
m andhi
sgi
rl
fr
iendj
umped.
Me: You!y
ouarebusyli
ckingyourboy
fri
endwhi
l
e
yourfri
endisoutt
her
emi ssi
ng.
I
sipho'
sfr
iend:
Isi
phoi
smi
ssi
ngohmyGod.
Shelookedshockedforr
ealmaybeshewasact
ing
youcannevertrustt
hesegi
rl
s.
Si
ms:SoNickareyoutel
l
inguswher
eyourf
ri
endi
s
orwehav
et of
orceyou.
UMlunguhadt
urnedr
edf
rom bei
ngner
vousbl
oody
coward.
Ni
ck:
Youcanal
lsi
tdownsowecant
alk.
Wesatdownandexpl
ainedwhathappened.
Nick:
Lookguy sIdi
dn'
tknowhewassi ckli
kethat
wearenotr eal
l
ybestf
riendsbutwehangout
toget
herthereandt
hereonlybecauseourgi
rl
fr
iends
arefr
iends.
Me:
Doy
ouper
hapsknowwher
ewecanf
indhi
m.
Ni
ck:
Notr
eal
l
y.
Sphe:
Arey
ousur
emanpl
easet
hinkcar
eful
l
y.
Ni
ck:Ir
eal
l
ydon'
tknowbutmay bei
fwecangot
o
hi
shousewewil
lfi
ndsomet
hing.
I
sipho'
sfr
iend:
Yeswear
ewi
l
li
ngt
ohel
pBhut
iSbani
.
TJ:
Okayl
et'
sgo.
Wealll
eftandwenttohi
shousewhi
chwasnotf
ar
f
rom Ni
ck'shouse.
Whenwegotther
ewesear
chedever
ythi
ngand
f
oundnothi
ngwhenwewereaboutt
ogiveupSi
ms
t
oldust
ocomeandsee.
Ther
ewasadoorwhi
chl
edt
oabasement
.
Me:
Isi
phoar
eyout
her
e?
Ishout
edwhi
l
eent
eri
ngt
her
oom butshewasnot
ther
e.
Sphe:
Guy
scheckt
hisout
.
Ther
ewer ephot
osofdif
fer
entgi
rl
sonthewall
somelookedtor
tur
edandsomelookeddead.
TJ:
Howsi
cki
sthi
sguy
.
Ni
ck:
Ithi
nkIf
oundsomet
hing.
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Nick:
Allt
hesegirlsi
nthesephot
oslookli
kethey
weretor
turedinthesameplacel
ookatthesewall
s
andthefur
nitur
einsi
de.
Si
ms:
Yesandt
hisi
snott
hepl
ace.
Me:Ithi
nki
fwefi
ndoutwher
et hi
splacei
sthenwe
wi
ll
findwher
eheiskeepi
ngI
sipho.
I
sipho'
sfr
iend:
Thi
sguyi
ssi
ckl
ookatt
his.
Therewasaphot
oofIsi
phoandherfr
iend,
her
fr
iendwast
henextt
argetaf
terhei
sdonewith
I
sipho.
TJ:
Lookatt
hatbi
rdi
nthewi
ndow.
Hewaspoi
nti
ngataphot
o.
Ni
ck:
Thosear
erar
e.
TJ:Yesi
fwecanfindwher
etheyar
efoundt
henwe
canfi
ndthepl
ace.
Wet
ookt
hephot
othenl
eft
,whenwear
ri
ved
homeKhozawassti
l
lnotbackTJt
ookhi
slapt
op
anddi
dhist
hing.
Me:
What
'st
aki
ngsol
ongbaf
o.
TJ:
Guy
sbookf
li
ght
swear
egoi
ngt
oMpumal
anga.
Me:
Can'
twedr
ive?
Khoza:
Noy oucan'
tSbani
youar
einDur
banand
Mpumalangaisfar
.
Me:
Whendi
dyougether
e.
Khoza:JustnowIwill
or gani
seapri
vat
ejetsowe
canleave,uf
unaniumlungulana(
Whatisthi
swhi
te
mandoi nghere)
.
Ni
ck:
Ngi
zosi
zanam(
I'
m her
etohel
p).
Weal
ll
ookedathi
m.
Khoza:
Ohsoy
ouspeakZul
u.
Ni
ck:
YeboBaba.
Khoza:Iwi
l
lmakeaf
ewcal
l
sint
hemeant
imeget
ready
.
Ican'
twai
ttoseemyl
i
ttl
eAngel
Ihopewef
indher
.

I
sipho

Idon'
tevenknowwhatIsawi nt
hisguywhydidI
evendeci
detohaveaboyfr
iend,
Idon'tknowwhy
badthi
ngshappentous.
Thislunati
ccametothehospitalandki
dnappedme
Ihaven'tat
esincehesaysheisnotpunishi
ngme
becausehel i
kesbutbecausehismotherdi
ditto
hi
mt oo.
Nat
hi:
Heywakeup.
Me:
Iwantt
ogohome.
Nathi
:Andl
eavemewithnooney
ouwi
l
lnev
ergo
homeunti
lI'
m donewi
thyou.
Me:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
oki
l
lme?
Nathi
:YesI'
m goi
ngtoki
l
lyouIhaveki
ll
edsomany
womenbecauseofwhatmymot herdi
dtome,y
ou
ar
eallpayi
ngforher
.
Me:
Whatdi
dyourmot
herdoexact
ly?
Nathi:Youseemymot herresent edmesoonaf t
er
myf atherlefther,shewoul dt ouchmei n
i
nappr opri
ateandf or
cemet otouchherback.She
woul dmakel ickherpussyev eni fshewason
periods,shehat edmewi thev eryfi
brei nherbone.
Aftershewast i
redofdoi ngallthoset hi
ngsshe
pimpedmeoutt odi f
ferentmanandt heyal lraped
whileshewasget tingmoneyf rom allmypai n,I
hatedhersomuchandIv owedt omakeherpaybut
onedaywewokeupandshewasdeadj ustli
ket hat,
shedi edpeacef ul
lyinhersl eepwi thoutpay i
ngf or
whatshedi dtome.HowcanGodbesounf airshe
wasnotsupposet odiepeacef ul
ly,Iwant edtoi nfl
ict
thesamepai nshei nfl
ictedonme.
Ididn'
tevenknowwhatt osayIf el
tsorr
yf orhi
mI
knowy oucant hinkI'
m crazybutit
'snothisfault
thatheturnedoutt hi
sway .I
'm notsayi
ngwhathei s
doingisri
ghtbuthi smothershouldhavedone
thi
ngsdifferent
lyforhim nott
ot ur
noutlikethis.
Me:I'
m sosor
ryy
oudon'tdeserveanythi
ngthat
happenedt
oyoubutwhyarey outur
ningoutli
keher
.
Nat
hi:
I'
m notl
i
ket
hatwoman.
Me:
Yesy
ouar
e,y
ouar
eexact
lyy
ourmot
her
'sson.
If
eltahotsl
apacr
ossmyf
ace.
Me: Doesthatmakeyoufeelbett
er?Justl
etmegoI
wil
lsayitwassomeoneel sewhokidnappedmeand
Icanhelpyou,youneedhelpnottogotoprison
becauseIknowmybr otherwil
lfi
ndme.
Nat
hi:
Idon'
tneedhel
pI'
mf i
neandwearel
eav
ingi
n
f
ewhoursbefor
eyourbr
otherf
indsy
ou.
Me:Pl
easedon'
tdothi
sdon'
tl
etwhaty
ourmot
her
di
dtoyoucontr
oly
ou.
Nat
hi:
Youknownot
hingaboutwhatt
hatwomandi
d
t
omesoshutup.
Hesai dleavi
ngther oom Isawi tinhiseyest hehate
hehasf orhismot herandIdon' tblamehi m Iwould
alsofeelthesamei fIexperiencedwhathewent
through.Heneedshel pserioushel p,Ihopeandpr ay
thatmybr otherf
indsmebef orewel eavethisplaceI
don'tevenknowwher ewear e.
I
nser
tel
even
WhenthesunisoutIknowit
'sanewdayandwhen
i
tget
sdarkIknowit'
snightt
ime,noonehascame
t
ocheckoutonmeort ogivemef ood.
IfeellikeI'ml osingmymi ndIcan' tgetwhat
happenedt osi sSi ndioutofmymi nd,f
orthefir
st
ti
met odayIgetoutoft histinybedandgot othe
doorhopi ngit'snotl ocked.Luckyf ormei t
'snot
l
ocked, Iopenedi tbutitonlyledmet owher esi
s
Sindiwaski l
ledwhenIgeti nsideherbodyi ssti
ll
there.Iknowt her ear etr
aumat icthingsouttherebut
this,t
hi stakest hecupabodywi t
houtt heheadI
l
ookacr osst her oom andIdon' tseesisSindi'
shead.
Icont
inuechecki
ngaroundbuti
t'
snotther
ewhere
coul
ditbe,Isi
tnextt
oherbodyandlookather
.
Me: Idon'
tevenknowhowwegott oapointwhere
youdiejustli
kethat,
Ihavefeltl
onelyandunloved
foralongtimesincemypar entsdi
edbuty ou,you
mademef eellov
edagain.I'
m sorr
ysisSindiyou
didn'
tdeservetodieli
kethat,
Ibroughtdeathinyour
l
ifeandIwi l
lal
way sblamemy sel
fforwhat
happenedt
oyou.
Muzi
:It
'snoty
ourf
aul
tyouknow.
Il
ookedathi
m, It
hinkhei
sabi
tcr
azyheli
kes
act
ingl
ikeagoodguybuthei
samonsterhi
msel
f.
Muzi
:Idi
dn'
twantanyofthi
stohappenbutany
thi
ng
t
hatget
smepaidIdoit.
Me:
Howdoy
ousl
eepatni
ght
?
Muzi
:Isl
eepj
ustf
inehoney
.
Me:
Whyar
eyouher
e?
Muzi
:Justt
ocheckupony ou,wecannev
erknowI
t
houghtmaybeyouescaped.
Me:Idon'
tevenknowwher
eIam howcanIescape,
youaresuchafool
.
Muzi
:Youcancall
mewhatev
ery
oul
i
kebutnext
weekyouar
egoingaway
.
Il
ookedathi
m andhewassmi
l
ingseemsl
i
kehei
s
enj
oyi
ngthi
s.
Me:
CanIaskf
oraf
avour
?
Muzi
:Sur
e.
Me:
CanIat
leastbur
ysi
sSi
ndi
'
sbody
.
Muzi
:Andwher
ear
eyoupl
anni
ngt
odot
hat
?
Me:Evenher
eIdon'
tmi
ndbutherbodyi
sbecomi
ng
ver
ybad.
Muzi
:Myboy
sar
egoi
ngt
ohel
pyouwi
tht
hat
.
Me:
AndI
'
m hungr
y.
Muzi
:Youal
sosmel
lreal
l
ybadf
oracut
egi
rll
i
key
ou.
Ever
ytimewhenIwanttocrymyt earsar
enott
her
e,
ev
ersincesisSi
ndi
diedIhavenotbeencryi
ngI
wanttocrybutmytear
sarenotthere.
Muzi
:Ineedt
ogonow.
Het
ookouthi
sphoneandcal
l
edoneofhi
sboy
s.
Guy
:Boss.
Muzi
:Wher
eist
hatbr
ead.
Guy
:Her
eboss.
Muzithrewt
hebreadonmeandIcat
chedi
tfast
becauseIwashungr
y.
Me:Thisbr
eadi
srot
tenhowdoy
ouexpectmet
o
eati
t.
Muzi
:Idon'
tknowmakeapl
answeet
hear
t.
Het
urnedt
ohi
sguyandsai
d..
.
Muzi
:Hel
pherburyt
hatbodythencal
lmewheny
ou
ar
edoneIwi
llcomegetyou.
Het
henl
eftmewi
tht
heguy
.
Me:
Pleasehel
pmegetoutofher
e.
Hejustl
ookedatmeanddr
aggedsi
sSi
ndi
'
sbody
out
side.
Guy
:Ar
eyoucomi
ngornot
?
If
oll
owedhim out
sideandwat
chedhi
m di
ggi
ngsi
s
Si
ndi'
sgr
ave.
Het
hent
hrewherbodyi
nsi
det
hegr
ave.
Guy
:Ist
her
eany
thi
ngy
ouwantt
osay
.
There'
ssomucht
hatIwant
edt
osaybutIhadno
words.
Me:
No.
Hef
ini
shedt
henwegoti
nsi
de.
Me:
Don'
tyouhav
eaconsci
ence?
Hel
ookedatme.
Me: I
m notsay i
ngf eelsor
ryformebutpl
easehelp
meI '
m beggingy ou,Ihavebeenworki
nghereeven
thoughIdidn'tl
ikethejobbutiti
swaybett
erthan
beingshi
ppedawayt osomecountr
yyoudon'tknow.
Guy:OkayIdon'
twantanyt
roubl
ebutcomel
etme
showyousomet hi
ng.
Wewal
kedar
oundandt
her
ewasar
oom i
ntheback.
Guy
: Noonehasev
ernoti
cedthi
sdoorsoI'
m goi
ng
t
oopenitandwhenthebosscomestofet
chyouwil
l
l
eave.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuch.
Guy :
Iwishy outhebestofluckbecausethisplaceis
i
nt hemi ddl
eofnowher eevenifyougetout,Idon't
knowwher eyouwil
lgobecauset heroadisveryfar
from thi
splacebutwheny ougetoutofherekeep
running.
Me:
Thanky
ou,
Ithi
nky
ourbossi
sher
e.
Ican'
tthankt
hismanenoughbuthehel
pedmealot
Idon'
tknowwhereIwil
lgett
heenergyt
odoal
lthi
s
butIwil
ldoit
.
Muzi
:Di
dyoubur
ythebody
?
Me:
Yeswedi
d.
Muzi:Sur
elet
'sgomanandy ouIwantt
odosome
t
hingstoyoubutyoust
ink.
Il
ookedathi
m.
Muzi
:By
enowseey
ouonMonday
.
Ilookedt
hroughthewindowandsawthem l
eavi
ng,
I
tookther
ottenbreadandate.Nomat
terhowbadit
i
sIneedt hestr
engthtodothis.

Sbani

Ourpri
vat
ejetj
usttookof
fIfeell
i
kei
t'
snotmov i
ng
atal
lIj
ustwanttoholdI
siphoi
nmyarmsrightnow.
Sphe:
Heymanwegoi
ngt
ofi
ndher
.
Ij
ustnoddedmyheadanddecidedtocal
lMuzi,I
knowI'
mj ustaddi
ngmyst
ressbutIneedtoknow
howisThando.
Muzi
:Baf
ohow'
shome?
Me:
All
goodmymanhowar
ethi
ngst
her
e?
Muzi
:Pr
ett
ygoodman,Ican'
twai
tfort
hisgi
rlt
ogo
shei
sgoi
ngtobri
ngussomuchmoney .
Me:
Howmuchdi
dthebuy
erof
fer
.
Muzi
:3mi
l
li
onman.
Me:
3mi
l
li
on?
Iki
ndofshout
edt
hatpar
t,TJsi
gnal
l
edmet
odr
op
thecal
l
.
Muzi
:Yesmanl
ookwewi
l
ltal
klat
erIneedt
ogo.
Hehel
pedmebecauseIwasaboutt
odr
opt
hecal
l
.
Me:
Whydi
dyout
ell
met
odr
opt
hecal
l
.
TJ:
Ithi
nkIhav
eapl
anonhowt
ogety
ourgi
rlback.
Me:
Okayshoot
.
TJ:
Theywantt
otr
aff
ict
hegi
rlr
ight
?
Inodded.
TJ:Sojustt
alkt
othisMuziguy
,tel
lhi
mt haty
ou
foundabuyerwhoiswil
l
ingtopayatl
east8mill
i
on.
Si
ms:Andt
henwhatwi
l
lhappeni
ftheywantt
he
money
.
TJ:Anyofuscanpr et
endtobet hebuy
erbuthe
wouldhav etoflyover
seassotheywon'thesit
ateto
shipher.3mi l
li
onisalotbut8mi l
li
oni
sal otl
otof
moneysot heywil
lconsi
deritt
henwewi l
lgety our
gir
lback.
Sphe:
That
'sagoodpl
anman.
Me:
Iti
sreal
l
ybutl
et'
sfi
rstgetI
siphohome.
Khoza:
Wear
eher
eboy
slet
'sgo.

I
sipho

Iheardanaer
opl
aneandIhopedt
hosewer
emy
brot
her'
s.
Me:
Itol
dyout
oletmegobecauseIknewt
hey
woul
dfi
ndme.
Nat
hi:
I'
m notgoi
ngt
ojai
l
.
Me:
Looksl
i
key
ouar
e.
Hepacedupanddownt
hent
ookouthi
sgun.
Nat
hi:
I'
m notgoi
ngt
ojai
lformymot
her
'ssi
ns.
Me:
Nat
hiy
ouneedhel
p.
Hepoi
ntedt
heguni
nhi
shead.
Me:Pleasenodon'tshooty our
sel
fpleaseI'
m not
goi
ngt oopenacaseagai nstyou,
I'
m goingtohel
p
youIpromiseI
'm goingtosupportyoubecauseI
l
oveyoupleaseNat hi
.
Nat
hi:YouknowI siphoIreal
l
ylovedy
ou,youwer
e
t
hefir
stgir
lthatIlovedtakecar
eofyour
self
.
Me:
Nathipl
easeIl
oveyoutoowecanconquert
his
meandyoubabypl
easedropthegun.
Nathi
:Icannev
erli
v ewi
thwhatmymotherdi
dto
meandwhatIhav etoal
ltheseot
hergi
rl
sal
soto
you,I
'
m sorr
yIreal
lyam.
Het
henpul
l
edt
het
ri
ggerandIsawhi
sbr
ainf
ly
acr
osst
her
oom,
Ihav
enev
erscr
eamedl
i
ket
hat
.
Sbani
:I
siphoI
sipho!
.
Me:
Thi
ssi
debhut
i.
Ishout
ed,
theygoti
nrunni
ng.
Sbani
:Wehear
dthegunshot
sohAngel
Ithoughthe
shoty
ou.
Hehuggedme.
Me:
Pleaseunt
ieme.
Sbani
:Ohsor
ryI
'
mjusthappyt
oseey
ou.
Sphe:
Wear
ereal
l
yhappyt
oseey
ou.
Me:
Heki
l
ledhi
msel
f.
Khoza:
Goodforhi
m becauseIwasgoi
ngt
oshoot
hi
m mysel
f.
Ir
ant
ohi
m andt
hrewmy
sel
fonhi
m.
Khoza:
Youar
esaf
enowdon'
tcr
y.
Me:
Itwasnothi
sfaul
tyouknow.
Her
emov
edmef
rom hi
schest
.
Khoza:
Isi
pho.
Me:
IknowIsoundcr
azybuti
twasnothi
sfaul
t.
Sbani
:Fi
rstyoudon'tt
ell
usyouarebeingabused
nowyoutelli
ngusitwasnothi
sfaul
t,whatiswrong
wit
hyouIsipho?
Si
ms:
Cal
m downman.
Sbani
:Don'
ttel
lmetocal
m downwewereworr
ied
si
ckaboutyouandnowyoutel
lust
hiscr
ap.
TJ:
Let
'sgetoutofher
eandbur
nthi
spl
aceup.
Me: Pl
easedon' tburnhi
sbodycanwepl easebur
y
him,Iknowy out hi
nkI'
m craz
ybutI'
m nothedoesn'
t
deserveaproperbur i
alIknowbutIwanttogiv
eitto
him.Hediedf eeli
ngunlovedsoIwanttoshowhim
thatwhathewentt hr
oughwasnothisfault
.
Sbani:
That
'snotgoi
ngt
ohappenwear
eleav
inghi
m
herecomelet
'sgo.
Il
ookedatkhoza.
Me:
PleaseBaba.
Khoza:
Thi
siscr
azyI
sipho.
Me:
IknowBababutpl
ease.
Hel
ookedatSbani
.
Sbani:
Don'tl
ookatmeI '
m noti
nv olvi
ngmy sel
fwit
h
thi
smadness, youshouldn'
thavecalledmet ocome
andlookforher.Ilef
timport
antthingsinJoburgto
comeandhel py ounowy ousaythiscrap,y
ouwi l
lal
l
fi
ndmei nthejet.
Hewalkedout,Il
ovemybrot
hersomuchbutIalso
needtothi
sformyownclosureIcan'
tj
ustl
ett
hem
burnhi
m.
Khoza:
Let
'sl
ookforsomet
hingt
oputhi
mint
hen
wetakehi
m wi
thus.
TJ:
Real
l
y?I
'
m wi
thSbani
ont
hisonet
hisi
smadness.
Hesai
dleav
ing,
theot
her
shel
pedandwel
eft
.
I
nser
ttwel
ve

Sbani

Idon'
tunder
standI
siphosomet
imesi
tseemsl
i
ke
sheisget
ti
ngoutofhand,Iwishshewasst
il
lyoung
butnowthatsheisgrowi
ngupanddoingal
lthese
thi
ngsIdon'
tunderst
andher.
Shealmostdiedtodaythatboyf
ri
endofherscould
havekil
l
edherbutnowhewant sustoburyhi
m, I
don'
tunderst
andanyoft hi
sandIdon'twantto
under
standitthenther
e'sBabawhoagreeswith
ever
ythi
ngthatshesays.
Wear enowint hejetwit
hevery
onei ncludi
ngthis
guy'
sbody,seingthatIsi
phoissafeallIcanthink
aboutisThando,Ihavetodoev er
ythinginmypower
tosaveherIcannev erfor
giv
emy selfifanyt
hing
happenstoher.
Si
ms:
Heymanwear
eher
e.
I
'm evenangr
yatthem howcantheyal
l
owt
hist
o
happenatl
eastTJwasonmysi de.
Khoza:
Igotpeopl
etodigagr
avei
nthecemet
ery
andIorgani
zedacof
fi
nsowecango.
I
sipho:
CanIcl
eanhi
m up.
Khoza:
NoIgotpeopl
ewhoar
egoi
ngt
odot
hat
.
I
sipho:
Bhut
ipl
easecomewi
thus.
Me:Ifyoudon'twantust
ohav
etroubl
eyouwill
l
eavemeal one,gent
sify
ouar
edonewi t
hthi
s
madnesspleasecomehomeIneedtogobackt o
JoburgASAP.
Si
ms:
Shoman.
Theyl
eftmewi
thTJ.
TJ:
Let
'sdot
hiscal
lthi
sguy
.
It
ookoutmyphoneandcal
l
edMuzi
.
Me:
Canwet
alk.
Muzi
:Sho.
Me:Aboutthatgir
lIfoundusanewbuy
erwhoi
s
wi
ll
i
ngt opayatleast8mill
i
on.
Muzi
:What
?Ar
eyouser
ious?
Me:YesmanI'
m seri
ousandy ouneedt
oconv
ince
t
hatwomanthatthi
sisthebestdeal
.
Muzi:
Don'
tworr
yaboutthati
t'
suptome,
justmake
sur
ethatt
hedealdoesnotgoaway
.
Me:
Ist
hegi
rlr
eady
?
Muzi
:Iwil
lcal
lyouafterafewminut
esmanl
etme
gocheckt
hegirloutandgetherr
eady.
Me:
OkayIwi
l
lbewai
ti
ngf
ory
ourcal
l
.
TJ:
Let
'shopet
hiswor
ksoutf
ort
hebestman.
Me:Ihopesot
oo,
Iwi
l
lbebackIneedt
oget
somethi
ng.
Iwentt
ogetsomeweedfrom myroom andchecked
upsomeci
garet
tesf
rom Khoza'
sroom.
Inoti
cedtheclosetwasopen,
Igotcl
oserandsawa
si
lversui
tcaseinthecl
oset
.
Igotcur
iousandopenedt
hecaseandIcoul
dn'
t
bel
ievemyeyes.
Me:
TJcomecheckt
hisoutman.
TJ:
WhatmanIwasmaki
ngf
oodI
'
m hungr
y.
Me:
Lookatt
his.
TJ:
Aret
hoseguns?
Me:
Yepl
ooksl
i
kei
t.
TJ:Maybei
t'
snot
hing,
tay
mawasi
nthemi
l
itar
y
aft
eral
l
.
Me:
Ihav
eabadf
eel
i
ngaboutt
his.
TJ:Youknowal ltheseyear
swehav ebeenf r
iendsI
havelearntt
otrustyourgutbecauseit
'sal
way sri
ght
sodon'tworryIwilll
ookint
oitjustf
ocusonget t
ing
yourgir
lback.
Me:
Okayi
fyousaysol
et'
sgosmoke.
Il
oveweedandIbel
i
evei
t'
sheal
thyIdon'
tsee
mysel
fqui
tt
ingi
t.
TJgott
hef
oodwhi
l
eIr
oll
edaj
oint
.
TJ:Youshoul
dtal
ktoI
siphoy
ouknowf
indout
what'
sgoingonwi
thher
.
Me:NomanIdon'twantt
otal
ktoher
,Isi
phoi
sjust
di
srespect
ful
andspoi
l
t.
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
Issher
eady
?
Muzi
:Nowecan'
tfi
ndher
,wehav esear
ched
ev
ery
wher
eforhermansheescaped.
Igotupandstoodbyt
hewi ndowThandof
uckedup,
whydidn'
tshewaital
i
ttl
elongerwher
ewil
lIf
indher
now.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeany
oucan'
tfi
ndher
.
Muzi:
Mymanar
est
il
lsear
chi
ngf
orherbutshei
s
gone.
Me:
Findher
.
Ishout
edandTJwhi
sper
edf
ormet
ocal
m down.
Me:Imeanwecan'tl
osesomuchmoneyman
pl
easedoyourbest
.
Muzi
:Wewi
l
lmanwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
.
It
hrewmyphoneacr
osst
her
oom.
TJ:Sbanical
m downmanwewi llf
indherIpromise,
j
ustcalm downy ouwi l
lgeti
ntroublewit
hthese
peopl
e.Youneedt ocontr
olyouremotionsbecause
theywil
lgetsuspiciouspl
ease.
Me:Iwil
ltr
yTJbutshej
eopardi
sedev
ery
thi
ngI
don'
tthi
nkwewil
leverf
indher.
Khoza:
Findwho?
TJ:Hi
sgirlescapedsoourpl
anwi
l
lnotwor
kunl
ess
theyf
indher.
Khoza:
Stopwor r
yingaboutsomeoney oudon'
t
knowandfixthi
ngswithyoursist
er,youcan'
tbe
busyworr
yingaboutsomepr osti
tut
e.
Me:
Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?
Si
ms:
Sbani
cal
m down.
Me: SoI
'
mt heonewhoissupposet
ofixt
hingswit
h
I
siphoeventhoughshewasi
nthewrong,
areyouout
ofyourmind?
Khoza:
Heeywat
chy
ourmout
h.
Me: Noy ouwat
chyourmouth,
Ihavedone
everyt
hingtomakeyouhappyandproudbutnow
thatIwanttodomeI'm bei
ngl
abel
ledasthebad
guy.
Khoza:
Idi
dn'
tmeani
tli
ket
hat
.
Me:Sotel
lmeKhozat
hegunsi
nyourr
oom,
what
ar
etheyfor
?
Khoza:
Yousear
chedmyt
hings.
Me:
YesIsear
chedy
ourt
hings.
Khoza:
Icanexpl
ain.
Me:
Don'
t!Ineedt
ogo,
TJdi
dyoubookmyf
li
ght
.
TJ:
Yesbaf
oyouar
eleav
ingi
nanhour
.
Sphe:
Whyar
eyouangr
yatus?
Khozalef
tIdon'
tknowwherehewentIhopehe
doesn'
tbri
nganydangeri
nourl
iv
es.
Me:
I'
m notangr
y.
Iwenttomyroom andt
ookashowert
henpackeda
fewthi
ngs.
I
sipho:
CanIcomei
n.
Me:
Sur
e.
Isi
pho:I
'm sorryBhuti
Idon'tli
keitwheny ouar e
angryatme, youaremybr otherandIlovey oumor e
thananyt
hingi nthi
sworld.I
'm sorr
yIdidn'ttel l
you
thatIwasbeingabusedandI '
m sorr
yaboutt he
wholeburi
al t
hingbutI'
m happyIdiditbelievemeI
am atpeace.Ipromisetofocusonschool from now
onandIwi shy outhebestofluckonf i
ndi
ngy ourgi
rl
.
Me: Ilov
eyoutooAngelbutpl
easedon'
tbeafr
aidto
tal
kt omeaboutanyt
hingIwil
lal
waysbehereifyou
needme.
I
sipho:
IknowBhut
i.
Wehuggedandshel
eftl
eav
ingmet
ogetr
eady
.
Me:
What
'supwi
tht
hebagsguy
s.
Si
ms:
Wear
eal
sogoi
ngwi
thy
ousowecanendt
his.
Me:
Arey
ouguy
ssur
eaboutt
his?
Sphe:Yeswearesur
e,wear
ebr
other
sandwehel
p
eachotherout
.
Me:Wecan'tleav
eIsi
phoher
eandIdon'ttrust
Khozawhatifheisi
ntosomeshadydeal
ings.
Sims:Wecandr
opherof
finmyhouse,
mymom i
s
ther
e.
Me:
Andt
heygetal
ongpr
ett
ywel
l
.
Weal
lagr
eedthenlef
t,wedr
oppedI
siphoof
fthen
wewentt
otheair
port
.
Igotacal
lfr
om Muzi
.
Me:
Tal
ktome.
Muzi
:West
il
lcan'
tfi
ndt
hegi
rl
.
Me:
I'
minaf
li
ghtIwi
l
lcal
lyouwhenIgett
her
e.
Idr
opt
hecal
l
.
Me:
Soguy
swhat
'
sthepl
an.
Sphe:
Youmustr
eal
l
ylov
ethi
sgi
rl
Me:
Ili
keherbutIal
sof
eel
sor
ryf
orhershe'
s
beent
hroughal
ot.
Sims:Youalsodeser
vethebestman,
sowhenwe
getther
ey ouwill
meetwit
hMuziwhil
ewesear
ch
aroundtheplace.
TJ:Ithi
nkit
'sbesti
fwedon'
thidey
ouwi ll
saywe
areyourtr
ustedmanandthatwearethebestwhen
i
tcomest osearchi
ngpeopl
e,hewi
llbel
ieveyou
becausehetrust
syou.
Sphe:
Wher
edoy
ougett
hesegr
eati
deas?
TJhasal
waysbeenthesmar
testoneev
enwhenwe
wer
esti
ll
inschool
.
Si
ms:Hegetsthei
deaskul
eli
khandal
akheel
i
khul
u
(i
nhi
sbighead).
TJ:
Yeahr
ight
.
Wecont
inuedt
alki
ngandpl
anni
ngev
ery
thi
ng.
Me:Sphey
ouhav ebeensmi
l
ingony
ourphonewho
ar
eyouchatt
ingwit
h?
Sphe:
Noonehawu.
Me:
Ihopei
t'
snotI
siphobecauseIwi
l
lki
l
lyou.
Theguy
slaughed.
Sphe:
Mxm.
TJ:Andwear
eher
etel
lyourf
ri
endt
osendy
out
he
l
ocati
on.
Me:
Hesenti
tawhi
l
eago.
Si
ms:TodayMuzi
dieswewi
l
ltakecar
eoft
he
womanlat
er.
Sphe:
Ial
soagr
eewhatabouty
ouSbani
.
Me:
I'
m wi
thy
ouguy
slet
'
sgo.
Wearri
vedatt
hisplacei
tissofarIdon'
tevenknow
howtheyfi
ndi
t,assoonaswegetoutoft hecar
Muzi
'
smanpoi ntuswithguns.
Muzi
:Whoar
ethesepeopl
e?
Me:Thesear
emymenIt r
ustthem andt
heyar
e
goodatwhatt
heydo,
star
tsearchi
ngpeopl
e.
Muziinst
ructhisment
ost anddownandst
art
sear
chingfoll
owingmyfr
iends.
Me:
Sot
ell
mewhathappened?
Muzi:Idon'
tknowweleftThandoher
ey est
erdaybut
thebackdoorwasnotlockedsoIguessshe
escaped.
Me: I
'
m suresheisnotfarandwherecoul
dshego
becausethi
splaceisf
arfrom t
heroadandtheot
her
si
deisjustaforest
.
Muzi:AllIknowi
sthatwehav
etofi
ndher
,shehad
noteatenforday
sImeanshecannotr
unwithan
emptystomach.
Hei
ssay
ingal
lthi
swi
thoutanysy
mpat
hyi
nhi
sface.
Me:
Cany
oust
ayf
orday
swi
thouteat
ing?
Muzi
:Of
cosnothowcany
ouev
enaskmet
hat
.
Me:
Okay
.
Wesatdownwai
ti
ngf
ort
hem t
ocomeback.
Af
teranhourmyphoner
ang.
Me:
Hel
o.
Sphe:
Wef
oundherbutshei
sunconsci
ous.
Muzi
:Putt
hephoneonl
oudspeaker
.
Me:
I'
m put
ti
ngy
ouonl
oudspeaker
.
Iwant
edhi
mtoknowt
hatMuzi
wasal
sol
i
steni
ng.
Sphe:Wecan'
tfi
ndt
hegir
l,wehavel
ooked
ever
ywher
ebutwecan'
tfi
ndher.
Me:
Okaymansur
e.
Muzi
:Whatdowedonow?
Il
ookedathim Iwantt
oshoothim butIdon'twant
anybloodi
nmyhands, It
hinkIneedanotherplan
becauseat
leastnowIhavegotThando.
Me:WegoI'm sur
ewewil
lgetanot
hergi
rl
,Icamet
o
hel
pIst
il
lneedtogohome.
Muzi
:Thanksmanf
orcomi
ng.
Muzi
lef
tfi
rstwi
thhi
smen.
Sims:Whydi
dyouchangey
ourmi
ndaboutki
l
li
ng
theguy?
Me:
I'
m notaki
l
lerbuthewi
l
ldi
eonewayoranot
her
.
TJcamewi
thThando,
hewascar
ryi
ngher
.
Sphe:
Weneedt
ogethert
othehospi
tal
.
Me:
Let
'sgo.
Thandol
ookedpalewit
hcrackedl
i
psandshesmel
t
real
l
ybad,werushedhert
othehospi
tal
.
I
nser
tthi
rt
een

Sbani

Wedecidednott ot
akeThandot ot
hehospit
alin
Joburgandtookafli
ghtbacktoDurbanbecause
theymaydecidetosearchforheri
nhospi
tal
s
aroundJoburg.Wejustl
andedinDurbanandweare
nowgoi
ngtot
hehospi
tal
,Icar
ryheri
nsi
det
hey
att
endt
oheri
mmediat
ely
.
Sphe:
Shei
sgoingtobefinemandon'
twor
ryat
least
nowweareoutofJobur
g.
TJ: Yeahat
leastbutweneedt
ogobackt
her
eand
fi
nishthemissionsoon.
Me:
I'
mjustgl
adshei
ssaf
eandguy
sthanky
ou.
Si
ms:Wegoty
ourbackt
hat
'
swhatbr
other
sar
efor
.
Wewai
tedf
oraf
ewmi
nut
est
hent
henur
secal
l
ed
us.
TJ:
Youcangomanwewi
l
lwai
tfory
ouher
e.
Il
eftandwentt
oThando'
swar
d.
Me:
Dochowi
sshe?
Doc:She'
sfi
nejustabitdehy
dratedandshe'
sneeds
toeatseemsli
keit'
sbeenawhilesincesheat
e,as
youcanseesheisstil
lsl
eepi
ngbutwi l
lwakeup
anyt
ime.
Me:
Thanksdoc.
Thedoct
orl
eftandIsatdownl
ooki
ngatThando,
shei
sbeaut
if
ulIcan'
tbeli
eveshewentt
hroughso
muchpai
natsuchay oungage.
Thando:Someoneoncesai
d"st
ari
ngi
srude
especi
all
yify
ouhavebigey
es".
Me:
Thandoy
ouar
eawake.
Thando:
Yeswher
eam I
.
Me:
Youar
einhospi
tal
inDur
ban.
Thando:Howdi
dIgether
eall
Irememberi
str
ying
torunaway,
howdi
dy ouf
indme?
Me:That'
snotimpor
tantr
ightnowwhat
'si
mpor
tant
i
sthatyouaresaf
e.
Thando:
Idon'
tev
enknowhowt
othanky
ou,
thank
yousomuch.
Me:
It'
sonl
yapl
easur
eThandol
wam.
Thando:
Soar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lmey
ournamenow.
Me:
Noty
etj
ustkeepcal
l
ingmehubby
.
Thando:
OkayhubbyI
'
m hungr
y.
Me:
Ibety
ouar
eIwi
l
lsendoneofmyf
ri
endst
obuy
y
ousomet
hingt
oeatwhi
l
eIgot
alkt
othedoct
or.
Thando:
Thanky
ou.
Iwal
kedoutandt
oldmyf
ri
endst
ogogetsomef
ood.
Me:
Docdoy
ouhav
eami
nut
e.
Doc:
Ofcosy
oucancomei
n.
Me:
Sowhenwi
l
lyoudi
schar
geher
.
Doc:Iwil
lkeepherover
nighty
oucancomef
etchher
tomorr
owar ound10.
Me:Okayt
hankyoudocsot
her
ear
enoot
her
damagesr
ight
?
Doc:
Nodamages.
Me:
Uhmm noSTI
soranyot
herdi
seases.
Doc:
Noshei
stot
all
ycl
ean.
Me:
Okaydoct
hanksonceagai
n.
Doc:
Justdoi
ngmyj
ob.
Iwalkedoutofthedoct
orsoff
iceandwentt
o
Thando'sward,t
heguyswerealr
eadyi
nthewar
d
l
aughingandt al
ki
ng.
Me:
Iseey
ouhav
emett
hesemonkey
s.
Thando:
YesIhav
e.
Si
ms:
Soy
ouar
eal
soagr
eei
ngt
hatwear
emonkey
s.
Thando:
MeUhmm no.
TJ:
Whatar
eyousay
ingbeaut
if
ul?
Me:
Beaut
if
ul?Hay
ihay
iTJ.
Sphe:
Arey
ouj
eal
ous.
Me:
Mxm j
ustl
eav
eguy
s.
Thando:
Noguy
sst
ayy
ouar
ecool
.
Si
ms:
Didy
ouheart
hatwear
ecool
.
Wecont
inuedtal
ki
ngwhil
eeati
ngseemsli
kewe
wer
eall
hungryandThandoi
sgett
ingal
ongwel
l
wi
thmyfri
ends.
Me:I
'm af
rai
dwehavet
oloveandl
eav
eyounowI
wi
ll
comef et
chyout
omorrow.
Thando:
Okaygoodni
ghtguy
s.
Wealll
eftwewereallj
ustti
redsowedeci
dedtojust
gohomeandsleep,Iwil
lfet
chIsi
phot
omorrow.
TJ:
Sbani
vukahawu(
wakeup)
.
Me:
Don'
ttel
lmei
t'
smor
ningal
ready
.
TJ:
Yesi
t'
s8o'
cl
ock.
Me:Nomanitcan'
tbeletmesl
eepf
oraf
ew
mi
nutesIwi
l
lbeupjustnow.
Sims:
Youknowi
fwel
ety
ousl
eepy
oucanwakeup
tomor
row.
Me:
OkayI
'
m up.
Iwokeupandt
ookashowert
henwentdownst
air
s.
Me:
Guy
syouar
eeat
ingcer
eal
.
Sphe:
Wel
lwewer
elazyt
omakebr
eakf
ast
.
Me:I'
m noteat
ingcer
ealIwi
l
lgr
absomet
hingon
ourwaytoSimshouse.
TJandSphehav enof amil
yit
'
sonlyusandSimshas
amot heronl
y,hi
sfatherdi
edwhenhewasst i
l
l
young,sohismotherisourmotherasKhozai
sthe
onlyfat
herweallhave.Wehavebecomeonebig
famil
yandI '
m gl
adIhav et
hem.
Sims:It
ri
edcall
i
ngI
siphoIwant
edtotel
lhertoget
readywewil
lcomef
etchherbutshei
snotpicki
ng
up.
Sphe:
Youseem l
i
key
ouar
epani
cki
ngwhy
?
Si
ms:It
ri
edcal
li
ngmom yest
erdayshedi
dnotpi
ck
upsomet
hingi
snotr
ight
.
Me:
Let
'sgo.
Idi
dn'twantt
oover
thi
nkany
thi
ngbecauseI
'm goi
ng
tol
osemymi nd,
seemsli
kewewon'tfi
ndpeace
any
timesoon.
Inafewminuteswewer
ether
eweal
lgotoutoft
he
carandr
aninside.
Me:
Isi
pho,
mamzo.
Si
ms:
Theyar
enoti
nher
e.
Sphe:
Ihav
echeckedev
ery
wher
etheyar
enother
e.
TJ:
Andt
hei
rphonesar
eher
esoIcan'
ttr
acet
hem.
Me:Guyst
her
e'sanot
eher
eandi
t'
saddr
essedt
o
Khoza.
Si
ms:
Why
?Whatt
hehecki
sgoi
ngon?
Sphe:Let
'sall
cal
m down,wefi
rstneedt
ofi
nd
Khozaandfindoutwhat
'sgoi
ngon.
TJ:
YeahIwill
contacthiminthemeant
imeSbani
go
tot
hehospi
talandfetchThando.
Me:
OkayIwi
l
lfi
ndy
ouguy
sher
e.
I
fyoucanaskmewhat sgoingont hr
oughmymi nd
r
ightnowIdon' tknow, Ican'ti
maginehowIsiphois
f
eeli
ngr ightnowafterallthatshewentthr
oughand
t
hent hishappens.IwonderwhatKhozagothi mself
i
ntobecausenowi t'
saf f
ectingal
lofus,Ij
usthope
i
t'
snotaboutt hosegunsandhemustpr aythatwe
f
indIsiphoalivebecauseifnotIdon'tknowwhatI
wil
ldot ohim.
IpassedbythemallandgotThandosomecl
othes
I'
m nowinhospi
tal
.
Me:
Iseey
ouar
ewai
ti
ngf
orme.
Thando:
Yest
hedoct
ort
oldmet
owai
t.
Me:
YoucanchangeIwi
l
lwai
tfory
ouout
side.
Igav
eherclothesandgotout
,I'
mreal
l
ynoti
nthe
moodforchit
chatstoday
.
ShecameoutIcan'
tl
ieshewasl
ooki
ngsobeaut
if
ul.
Thando:I
'
mreadywecangothedoct
orgav
emet hi
s
andtol
dmetopassbythephar
macyandgett
hese.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sgo.
Thando:
Arey
ouokay
?
Me:
YesI
'
mfi
ne.
Wepassedbyt
hepharmacyandwentt
othecar
,I
pl
ayedmusi
cbecauseIdi
dn'
twantt
otal
k.
Thando:
Arey
ousur
eyouokay
?
Me:
Thandopl
ease.
Thando:
OkayIwi
l
lkeepqui
et.
Idr
ovet
oSi
mshouseandKhoza'
scarwasout
side.
Me:
Andwear
eher
ewecangoi
nsi
de.
Thando:
Heyguy
s.
Sphe:
HeyThandoy
ougood?
Thando:
I'
m okay
.
Noonewasi nthemoodandThandosawt
hatso
shekeptqui
et.
Me:
Soanynews.
Sims:
Khozai
sst
il
lmaki
ngsomecal
l
sint
heot
her
room.
Me:
Doesheknowany
thi
ngaboutt
his.
Sphe:
Heknowsev
ery
thi
ngaboutt
his.
Si
ms: Sor
ryThandoourmot
herandsi
sterar
e
missi
ngsoourmi ndsar
eal
lovert
hepl
ace.
Thando:
What
?Hubbywhydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?
Si
ms:
Hubby
?
Thando:Het
oldmet
ocal
lhi
mthatbecauseIdon'
t
knowhisname.
Me:
TJwhat
'sgoi
ngon?
TJ:I
'mtry
ingt
ofi
ndt
hem wi
tht
hei
nfor
mat
ion
Khozagaveme.
Khozacamebackt
other
oom.
Khoza:SonIknowy
ouar
eangr
ybutIdon'
thowt
his
happened.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngont
ayma?
Khoza: SoIoncesmuggl edgunst oBr azili
twasj ust
aonceoft hingsosomehi ghpr ofi
lepeopl efound
out,theytoldmet osmuggl egunsf orthem ifnot
theywi l
lrepor tmesoIdi d.Iwasi nt hemi l
it
aryI'
m
respectedandIr espectthel awsoIdi dn'twanttogo
tojai
l henceIagr eed,Itoldt hem Iwant edoutbut
theyrefusedt hegunsy ousawi nmycl osetIwas
goingt oreturnthem backt ot hosepeopl ebutthey
saidImustsmuggl ethem orgi vethem themoney
theywer egoi ngtogetf rom t heguns.
Me:
Soy
our
efused?
Khoza:
YesIr
efusedandt
heyt
ooky
oursi
sterand
mamzo.
Me:Idon'
tunder
standImeanyouhav
eal l
the
moneyandItakecareofy
ou,whydi
dy oubecome
gr
eedy?
Khoza:
Idon'
tknowI
'
m sor
ryson.
TJ:Guy
scomecheckt
hisoutt
hesepeopl
esenta
vi
deo.
Therewasav i
deoshowi
ngI
siphoandmamzot
ied
upinchai
rs.
Khoza:
Ithi
nkIknowwher
ethi
spl
acei
s.
Si
ms:
Let
'sgot
hem.
Me:
Wecan'
tl
eav
eThandoher
e.
Sphe:
Thenl
et'
sgowi
thher
.
Weal
lrant
oourcar
sandl
eft
.
I
nser
tfour
teen

Fewday
slat
er

Wef oundhubby'ssi
sterandthei
rmot herandt
hey
arebackhomesaf e,Ihavebeengetti
ngalongver
y
wellwit
hev er
yoneeventhoughIfeell
ikeI'
ma
burden.Idon'
tknowhowl ongIwill
stayheremaybe
theyareti
redortheywill
getti
redofmeoneday .
I
siphodoesn'
tli
kemet hatmuchIdon'
tknowmaybe
I
'm qui
cktojudge,i
t'
ssti
ll
awkwardint
hehouse
becausehubbyisupset
.
I
sipho:
Doy
ouwantt
oshar
ewhat
'sony
ourmi
nd.
Me:
Iwoul
drat
hernot
.
I
sipho:
Im agoodl
i
stenery
ouknow.
Me:I
'mfineIj
ustwonderhowmyl
i
fewi
l
ltur
nout
f
rom nowon.
I
sipho:Mybrot
herl
ovesy
ousoI
'
m sur
eyouwi
l
lst
ay
hereforal
i
ttl
ewhil
e.
Me:
It'
snotl
i
keIhav
eany
wher
eel
set
ogo.
I
sipho:
Didy
ouf
ini
shmat
ri
c?
Me:
YesIdi
d.
I
sipho:YouknowwhatIwi
llt
ryandappl
yforyoui
n
UKZNbecauseIstudyt
her
ethenyoucanstudynext
year.
Okaywhyi
sshebei
ngni
ce.
Isipho:May beyouarewonder i
ngwhyI 'm beingnice,
Idon'that eyouThandoit
'sj
ustt hateveryonehas
beeni nabadspacer ecentl
y.Iwaski dnappedt wo
timesi nar owandit'
sbeenv er
ybad, Idisappoint
ed
mybr otherandhefeel
sbetrayedbyKhozasoi t
's
beenr eallybad.
Me:
I'
m sor
rybabeyourbr
otherwi
l
lcomear
oundhe
i
sagoodperson.
I
sipho:
Heisi
ndeedhi
sbi
rt
hdayi
scomi
ngupIneed
y
ourhelp.
Me:
OkayIwi
l
lhel
pyou.
Hubbyent
eredt
her
oom.
I
sipho:Letmeexcusemy
sel
fwi
l
lseey
oul
ater
Thando.
Me:
Heyar
eyouokay
?
Sbani
:Iguess.
Me:
Howdoy
our
eal
l
yfeel
tal
ki
nghel
ps.
Sbani:Somanythingshappenedwi t
hinasmal l
peri
odoft i
me,mysisterwasabusedandshebur i
ed
theguywhoalmostki l
ledher.Andt henKhozaI
don'
tknowwhathi sproblem isbecausehehas
ever
ythingheneeds,Ifeell
i
keI '
mt heeldesthere
andit'
sweighi
ngmedown.
Me: I'
m sorryIdon'tevenknowwhatt osaybutbe
glady oursi
steri
sbackandKhozawant stomake
thingsright
,don'tshutthem outespeci
all
yyour
si
stershel
ovesy
ouandi
tseemsl
i
keshel
ear
nther
l
esson.
Sbani
:ThankyouIwi
l
ltr
y,Iwant
edt
otal
ktoy
ou
aboutsomethi
ng.
Me:
Sho.
Sbani
:Ihaveorgani
sedt
herapyf
oryouandI
sipho,
youneedtotal
kaboutwhathappenedt
oyousoy ou
canmov eon.
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
Sbani
:I
t'
snotupfordebat
eyouwi
l
lgoandIwi
l
l
monit
oryourev
erymove.
Me:
Okayuhmmm whataboutJobur
g?
Sbani
:Whatabouti
t?
Me:
Whenar
eweget
ti
ngourr
evenge?
Sbani
:We?Whoi
swe?
Thi
sguyi
ski
ndofscar
y.
Me:
Pleasedon'
tdot
hat
.
Sbani
:Dowhat
?
Me:
Thatscar
yface.
Hel
aughed,
goshhe'
shandsome.
Sbani
:Yout
hinkI
'
m handsome?
Me:
DidIsayt
hatoutl
oud?
Sbani
:
Yesy
oudi
d.
Iwassoembar
rassed.
Sbani:
Don'tbeembarrassedi
t'
snotacr
imet
osay
yourhubbyishandsome.
Me:
Mxm y
ouar
esof
ull
ofy
our
sel
f.
Sbani:
Getreadywear
egoi
ngoutt
heguy
sar
e
al
readyher
e.
Me:
IsTJher
e?
Hi
sey
espoppedout
.
Sbani
:Don'
tst
artwi
thmeThandol
wam.
Me:
I'
mjoki
ng.
Sbani
:I
t'
snotf
unnyThando.
Haibot
hisguyhewasact
ual
l
ypi
ssedhel
eftt
hen
I
siphoent
ered.
Isi
pho:
Ibroughty
ousomet
hingt
owear
,whyi
she
soangry.
Me:Het
oldmetheguy
sar
eher
ethenIaskedhi
mif
TJwasher
eornot.
I
siphol
aughed.
I
sipho:
Iseeyouwantt
okil
lmybrotherbutIdon'
t
bl
amey ouhavey
ouseenhowhottheyare.
Me:
Theyar
eext
rahot.
Wecont i
nuedtalki
ngwhileIgotreadyIsi
phowas
alr
eadydressedup,I'
mt r
yingbyallmeanstofeel
safeandforgetaboutalotofthi
ngsbutit'
shard.I
thi
nkaboutsisSindiever
ydayImayactl i
keI'
mf i
ne
butIwanttogobackt oJoburgandki l
lmam
Lorrai
ne.
I
sipho:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulThando.
Me:
Thanky
ou,
youal
sol
ookgr
eat
.
Sbani
:Gi
rl
slet
sgo.
Wewentdownst
air
sandt
heguy
swhi
stl
ed.
Si
ms:
DamnThandoi
sthaty
ou?
Me:
Yesi
t'
sme.
Isai
dtur
ningar
ound.
Sphe:
Youl
ookgoodI
sipho.
I
sipho:
Thanky
ouat
leastsomeonenot
iced.
YoucannotmissthesparkbetweenIsiphoand
SpheIwonderhowwillhubbyreacti
ftheydate,
they
wouldl
ookreall
ycut
etogetherbutIdoubthubbywil
l
al
lowthatheseemsreall
ystr
ict.
Sbani
:Ar
ewegoi
ngornot
?
TJ:
Haymany
ouar
ereal
l
ygr
umpyt
heseday
swhy
?
Hej
ustkeptqui
etweal
lfol
l
owedhi
mtot
hecar
.

Sbani

Thandolooksreal
l
ygoodandt heguysar
eall
enj
oyinghercompanyIjustdon'
twantt
hem ar
ound
herespeci
all
yTJsinceThandoaskedabouthi
mI'
m
uncomfort
able.
Andthenthere'
sSpheandIsiphoIdon'tknowwhy
theykeeplooki
ngateachotherl
ikethatbecause
theywil
lneverbeanit
em.
Thando:
Comeoncheerupy
ouar
ereal
l
yki
l
li
ngour
spi
ri
t.
Me: Idon'
tfeel
finet
obehonestIdon'
tknowmay
be
I
'm comingdownwi t
hfl
ue.
Ihav
ebeenfeel
i
ngver
ywei
rdt
hesepastf
ewday
sI
don'
tknowwhat'
swr
ongwi
thme.
Thando:
May
bey
oushoul
dseeadoct
or.
Me:Yeahmay
beIshoul
d,y
oul
ookbeaut
if
ulbyt
he
way
.
Thando:Thanky
ouhubbyy
oudon'
tl
ookbad
your
self
.
Me:
Thanky
ouwi
fey
.
Si
ms:
Enoughy
out
wol
et'
sgoeatI
'
mfami
shed.
Sphe:
Let
'st
ryoutt
heshi
sany
amadownt
her
oad.
I
sipho:
Let
'sgoal
ready
.
Weal
ll
eftandgott
othepl
ace.
Me:
Thi
spl
acel
ooksIdon'
tknowdi
rt
y.
TJ:Yohwearegoi
ngt
odi eofhungerbecauseof
youandbei
nganeatf
reak.
Thando:
Let
'sgoeatsomewher
eel
set
hen.
I
sipho:
Spurt
hen.
Sphe:
Yesl
et'
sgo.
Weal l
fol
l
owedeachot
herIwant
edt
olaughatt
hem
becauset
heywer
esohungry.
Weset
tl
eddownandor
der
ed.
Thando:
It'
shi
m.
Me:
Who?
Thando:
It'
shi
m.
Me:
Thandocal
m downwhoar
eyousei
ng?
Shegotupfr
om herseatandj
umpedatamant
hat
wasalsoi
nther
estaurant
.
Thando:
You?
I
sipho:
Thandopl
easecal
m down.
Man:
DoIknowy
ou?
Thando:I
sthi
ssomekindofaj
okeaf
teral
lthe
thi
ngsyoudidtome.
Me:ExcusemesirI
'
m sorryshemustbemi
staken,
Thandol
wam comelet
'sgetsomeair
.
Wewentout
sideandwentt
othecar
.
Me:
Arey
oucal
m now.
Thando:
YesIam.
Me:
Whowast
hat
?
Thando:
Myuncleyouknowt
heonewhousedt
o
abusemethatwashi
m.
Me:Ithi
nkhedidn'
trecogni
sey
oubutpleasenext
ti
metrytocal
m downandhandlet
hingsdiff
erent
ly
okay
.
Thando:
Okay
.
Me:
Let
'sgoi
nsi
de.
Thando:
NoIdon'
twantgobacki
nther
ebuty
oucan
gobackIwi
l
lwaiti
nthecar
.
Me:Iwi
l
lgogetourf
oodt
hencal
lanUbersowecan
l
eav
e.
Shenoddeditseemsli
ket
her
ear
emanydemons
shest
il
lneedstoface.
I
nser
tfi
ft
een

Sbani

OurUberar
ri
vedandwewenthome,whenwegot
ther
eKhozawasnoti
nthehousesoweset
tl
ed
down.
Me:
Arey
ouokaynow?
Thando:YesI
'
mfi
neI
'
m sor
ryaboutwhathappened
ear
li
er.
Me:Noi t
'sf
inebutyouneedtocontr
oly
oursel
f
Thandobecauseyourpasti
ssti
llgoi
ngtohaunty
ou
unti
lyouconfr
ontitandmoveon.
Thando:Iknowit
'sj
ustthatInevert
houghtIwoul
d
seehim agai
nIhadthi
shopet hatmaybetheydi
ed.
Me:Nowt haty
ouknowwhatdoy
ouwantt
odo
abouti
t.
Thando:Iwanttopaythem av
isi
tbutnotnow
at
leastwhenIfeelr
eady.
Me:
That
'sf
inet
her
apyi
sthef
ir
stst
ep.
Thando:Thankyou,
areyouokay
?Youhav
ebeen
fl
i
nchingli
keyouareinpai
ns.
Tosayt hetr
uthIhav
ebeeninpai
nsandIal
ways
feelanurgetopeeal
lthet
ime,myur
inei
sabit
darkert
hanusual.
Me:Ihav
ebeenfeeli
ngsomepai
nsi
nmyl
ower
abdomenbutIwi
llbefi
ne.
Thando:
Letmegetyousomewat
ermay
bey
our
ki
dneysaredehy
drat
ed.
Shegotupandwentt ot
hekitchenIcan'
tl
iethepai
n
i
sr eall
ytherei
tcan'
tbethatmykidneyshavea
problem orcanit
?
Thando:
Her
edr
inky
ouwi
l
lfeel
bet
ter
.
Idr
ankthewaterandThandof
ini
shedherf
oodt
hat
weboughtatspur.
Thando:
Arey
ounothungr
y?
Me:
NoIhav
enoappet
it
e.
Thando:
Buthubbyy
oudi
dn'
teat
.
Me:
I'
mfi
neIwi
l
leatl
aterokay
.
Thando:
Okay
.
Me:
Comegi
vemeaki
ss.
It
houghtshewasgoi
ngt
ohesi
tat
ebutshedi
dn'
t
.
Me:
Ouchh.
Thando:
Youar
einpai
nwhyar
eyougr
oani
ng?
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
obef
ine.
Wecont
inuedki
ssi
ngwheni
tst
art
edheat
ingupI
pul
l
edout.
Me: Ilov
ey oubutIwantyout ocompletel
yhealfir
st
beforeweper suadeanyt
hingseriousbuti
fy oufeel
l
ikey ouarereadyormaybei fyouwanttot al
ktome
i
nor dertoheal i
t'
sfi
neIwill
alway sbehere.
Thando:
Thanky
ouIl
ovey
out
oo.
Me:
Ineedt
ogot
oJobur
gthi
sweek.
Thando:
Don'
tyout
hinki
t'
sdanger
ousmay
bet
hey
hav
efi
gur
edoutwhoy
ouar
e.
Me:
Idon'tcar
eIneedt
odot
hisf
ormypar
ent
sand
f
ormysister
.
Thando: Ial
sohat
ethem especi
all
yMam Lorrai
ne
andgivenachancemay beIwouldkil
lherbutbabe
doyour eall
ywantt
heirbl
oodinyourhands.
Me:
Let
'snott
alkaboutt
hisThandol
wam pl
ease.
Shel
i
ftedmyt
-shi
rtup.
Thando:
Wher
eisy
ourpai
nexact
ly?
Me:
Justar
oundher
e.
Shelookedatmeforalongestt
imeandkept
roundi
ngherfi
nger
saroundmybi r
thmark.
Me:
Thando.
Shej
umped.
Thando:Sorr
yuhmmm t
hisbi
rt
hmar
kIt
hinkIhav
e
seenitbef
ore.
Me:That'
snotpossibl
ebecausemyf at
hertol
dme
t
hatonlymalesaroundmyfamilyhavethi
sbir
th
mark.Mygrandf
atherandhissons,whi
chmeansit
's
onl
yKhozaandIwhoar
elef
twi
thi
t.
Thando:
Idon'tknowbutI
'm sur
eIhaveseeni
t
befor
eIjustdon'
trememberwhere.
IthoughtaboutwhatThandowassay i
ngand
wonderedwher eshehasseenthi
sbirt
hmar k,
may beKhozaoncewentt oJobur
gandt heyhadsex.
IknowKhozasomet i
messleepswit
hhookersno,no
Ihopeit'
snottrue.
Me: Maybey
ouwi
llr
ememberonedaysowhatare
yourpl
anssi
ncey
ouarenowfr
eetodowhatever
youwant.
Thando:I
siphosai
dshewil
lapplyformeinher
schoolt
henIgobacknextyear
,theprobl
em i
sthat
mydocument sarest
il
li
nJoburg.
Me:
EishIwi
l
lseewhatIdoaboutt
hat
.
Thando:
Okaybutpl
easedon'
tputy
ourl
i
fei
ndanger
.
Ipul
l
edhercl
osetomeandki
ssedherI
'
m becomi
ng
addi
ctedt
oherl
ipst
heyar
esof
t.
I
sipho:
Getar
oom guy
s.
Me:
Mxm whyar
eyouguy
sback?
Sphe:Aibower
ewesupposet
ost
ayatt
hemal
lfor
therestoft
heday
.
Me:What
everman,
arey
ouguy
sokaybecauseI
wantust
ogosomewhere.
Si
ms:Let
'sgosoIsi
phoar
eyougoingtof
etch
mamzoshesaidshe'
ssl
eepi
ngt
hissidet
oday.
I
sipho:
YesBhut
iIwi
l
l.
Me:
Seey
ouguy
slat
er.
Iwantedt
ot el
ltheguyst
oaccompanymet
othe
doct
orI'
mr eal
lyinpai
n.
TJ:
Sowher
edoy
ouwantust
ogomunt
ukaThando.
Me:
Thedoct
or.
Theyal
ll
ookedatme.
Them:
Why
?Ogr
endnt
wana?
Me:
WoawI
'
mfi
ne.
Si
ms:Youcan'
ttel
lust
odri
vetot
hedoct
orandt
ell
usyouar
efi
neatthesameti
me.
Me:
Canwej
ustgo.
Sphe:
Youar
ewor
ryi
ngus.
Ikeptqui
etandTJdr
ovev
eryf
ast
,wegott
othe
doctor
.
Doc:
Maj
i
thahowcanIhel
pyou?
Shawni
sourdoct
orandwear
efr
iends.
Sphe:Thi
smoronher
eissi
ckandhedoesn'
twantt
o
tel
luswhat'
sgoi
ngon.
Doc:YouknowSbani
andbei
ngst
ubbor
nbutforthe
factt
hathecameher
emeanshei
sreal
l
yinpain,
tal
ktome.
Iexpl
ainedev
ery
thi
ngt
ohi
m.
Doc:Sodoyoufeel
pai
nsont
hebot
hsi
desofy
our
ki
dneysorj
ustone.
Me:
Bot
hsi
desandasy
oucanseei
t'
sabi
tswol
l
en.
Isai
dli
ft
ingmyt
-shi
rtup.
Doc: Thiscan'
tbegoody oushoul
dhavecame
soonerSbani ,
thi
smeansy oumayhav eki
dney
i
nf ect
ionsorkidneydi
seaseIwil
lhav
et odosome
teststodayandseewhat '
swrong.
Hedidhisthi
ngthewayt
heguy swerel
ookingatme
Iknowtheywil
latt
ackmeforbeingqui
te.
Doc:Iwil
ltaketheset
othelabandIwil
lgi
vey
ou
somemedi cati
ontotakef
ornow,excusemefora
second.
Hel
eft
.
Si
ms:
Whendi
dyoust
artexper
iencepai
n.
Me:
Guy
sthat
'snoti
mpor
tant
.
TJ:
That
'snoti
mpor
tantt
owhoSbani
samakhoza?
Okaywhenhecal
l
smet
hati
tmeanshei
spi
ssed.
Sphe:Howmanyt i
meshavewetol
dyout
ost
op
act
ingtoughbutnoyoust
il
ldoi
t.
Doc:
I'
m back.
Youheact
ual
l
ysav
edmef
rom al
lthel
ect
ure.
Doc:Takethi
sdon'tdr
inki
tev
erydayonlywhenyou
experi
encepai
n,comebackFri
dayforyourt
est
resul
ts.
Me:
Okayt
hanksShawnmyman.
Doc:I
fyouexper
iencesev
erepai
nbef
oreFr
iday
pl
easerushher
e.
I
fonlyheknewthatI'
mindeeppai
nev
ennowbutI
don'
tli
kefeel
i
nghelpl
ess.
Sphe:Wewi l
lmakesur
ewemoni
torhi
m,man
thanksonceagai
n
Doc:
Alr
ightseey
ouguy
sonFr
iday
.
Wewentt
othecar
.
TJ:Areyousurey
ounotindeeppai
nbecausey
ou
can'
tevenwalkpr
oper
lySbani
.
Me:I'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
ttel
lyouguysbutIt
houghtthe
pai
nwouldgoawayandI '
mfineri
ghtnowtrustme.
Si
ms:
Okayl
et'
sgot
hen.
InoddedandTJdr
ove.
Ican'
tbesickrightnowIsti
llneedtofi
xalotof
thi
ngsIprayandhopet hatIwon'tbedi
agnosedwi
th
anydiseaseIhatebeingsi
ck.

Muzi
Youguy
sknowmealreadyevent
houghyoudon'
t
knowmeataper
sonallev
elbuty
ouknowIlove
moneymor
ethananyt
hingel
seinthi
sworl
d.
Idon'thaveanyfamilyatl
eastnotthatIknowof f
,my
mot herdi
edal ongti
meagowi t
houtev entel
lingme
whomyf atheri
s.Ihavedonesomanybadt hingsin
myl if
ebutt r
ustmeI'm agoodper sonsomet imesI
amazemy selfwhenIfeelsor
ryforaper son,Igot
i
nv olv
edwi thMam Lorrai
nealongt imeagoIonce
kil
ledafami l
yIknowy ouguysalreadyknowabout
that.
I'
m nowonmywayt oMam Lor rai
ne'shouseIgota
callt
hattherewasashoot i
ngt here,
wet r
iedlooking
forThandobutit'
slikeshev anishedintot hi
nair.I
reall
yli
kedherifonlyIdidn'
tli
st entothatwoman
shewoul dsti
ll
beher e,I'
m notaper sonwhol oves
quickl
ybuttherewassomet hingaboutThandot hat
attr
actedmet oher.Ihopeonedaymay bewhenI
havechangedmyway sIwillf
indheri fsheisst i
ll
ali
veandt r
ytofixthings.
Iarr
iveatMam Lor
rai
ne'
shouseandrushtoher
room jumpi
ngbodi
esallt
hewayup,Ihopewhoever
didthi
swon'tcomeforme.
Me:
Whathappenedher
e.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:
Muzi
comecl
oser
.
Me:What
'sgoi
ngonar
eyoushot
?Weneedt
orush
yout
othehospi
tal
.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:
No.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeanno?Youar
eshot
.
Mam Lor
rai
ne:
Justshutupandl
i
sten.
Inoddedmyheadandsatnextt
oherasshewas
holdi
ngmyhand.
Mam Lor raine: Yourmot herwasmyy oungersist
er
shef ellinlov ewi thyourfatherbutwhenshegot
pregnanty ourf atherhadalreadyr etur
nedt owork
sincehewasi nthemi li
tary
, t
heyl ovedeachand
yourf atherwant edtomar r
yherbuthewasal ways
busy .Yourmot herdidnotgett hechancet otelly
our
fatheraboutherpr egnancybecauseIadv isedher
notto, Ididt hatbecauseIwasj ealousofthei
rlove.
Yourfathernev ercamebackt il
ly ourmot hergave
bir
th,whenhecamebackIt ol
dy ourmot hernott o
tel
lhimt hatshewaspr egnantandshegav ebir
thto
you.Ili
kedy ourfather'
sbr otherbuther ejectedme
somanyt imes,wheny ouwer est i
llyoungIpoi soned
yourmot herandshedi ed,theny ougr ewupand
becamet hemany ouaretoday .Thepeopl eImade
youshooti nDur banwer ey ourfami l
yI '
m sosor ry
Muzi pl
easeonedayf inditi nyourhear ttof orgi
ve
me, y
ourf atherissti
ll
al i
vehewasher ehei stheone
whoshotmeandIt ol
dhi m everything.
Myheadwasspinni
ngIdidn'
tevenknowwhatt osay
,
i
fitwasyouwhatwerey
ougoi ngtosay?Whatdo
yousaywhensomeonesaysthingsl
ikethi
s,howdo
youreact
.
Myhandswer
etr
embl
i
ng.
Mam Lorr
aine:
Theywill
for
giv
ey ouItol
dy ourf
ather
thet
rut
hthatIhavebeenusi
ngmut ionyouinorder
todoal
lthethi
ngsyouweredoing,youareagood
guyj
ustli
keallt
heKhozamenI '
m sorr
yson.
It
ookoutmygunandshother
,Ishotherunt
ilmy
bul
letswerefi
nished.Ihatehersomuchwhydi dnt
shejustdi
ewi t
houttell
ingmeal lt
hesethi
ngs,
may beIshoul
djustkil
lmy sel
f.Ihaveafat
herwho
neverknewaboutme, t
hiswomanwascont r
oli
ng
meusi ngumutithi
smeansIwasl ikeazombieorI
am azombi e.
Idon'
tcryIdidn'
tev enknowIhadtearsti
l
l t
oday,I
cri
edsomuchandscr eamed.Iwenttomycartook
outpetr
ol andburnedt hewhol
ehousedownwi thall
thepeopleinsi
de.Ifeltli
keIwasoutofbr
eath,Igot
i
ntomycaranddr ov eawaytomymot her
'sgrave.
I
nser
tsi
xteen

Nar
rat
ed

Muzikeptdri
vingar
oundunti
lhewasathismot
her'
s
grav
e,heparkedhiscarandgotoutt
ear
sstr
eaming
downhisface.
Hekneel
eddown.
Muzi
:Mama.
That'stheonlythingt hatcameoutofhi smouth,he
satdownandl ayedhi sf aceont hegravether
e'sso
muchhewant edt osaybutwor dsfai
ledhim.His
mot herwasev erythingtohi m shewast heonlythi
ng
thatmat t
eredhef eltlikeMam Lor rai
nelovedhim
butaf t
erwhatshet oldhi m,hereali
sedshenev erdi
d
andt hefactt
hatshewast heonewhoki ll
edhis
mot herwaskilli
nghi mi nside.
Muzi
:I'
m sosor
rymama.
Hegotupandgotbackt ohiscarandwentt
ohis
house,hedidn'
tknowSbanii
saKhozasohet ook
outhisphoneandcall
edhim.
Muzi
:Heyman.
Sbani
:Howzi
t.
Muzi
:Goodmanl
i
stenIneedaf
avour
.
Sbani
:Shoot
.
Muzi:Ineedt
ocomet
oDur
banandsor
tsome
t
hingsout.
Sbani
:Okayi
t'
sfi
ne,
aret
hingsgoodt
her
e?
Muzi
:NoMam Lor
rai
nedi
edt
odayt
hingsar
eamess
man.
Sbani
:Thatsoundshect
icmanIwi
l
lhearf
rom y
ou
whenyouarethissi
de.
Muzi
:Shomant
hanks.
Sbani
:Cor
rect
.
Muzi wasn'
tsureonhowt of eelaboutwantingt
o
meethisfamilyandthefactthathewast heone
whoki l
l
edsomeoft hefamilymember skill
edhi
m
buthewashopi ngthatt
heyf orgiv
ehim, whathe
di
dn'tknowisthatSbaniisthechildofthosepeopl
e
hekil
ledandthattheyar
ecousi ns.

Ont
heothersi
deI
siphoandThandowentt
oseea
t
her
api
sttoday
.
I
sipho:
Idon'tknowhowy
ouwantust
odoi
tmay
be
y
ougof ir
storwhat?
Theywer
enowi
nthedoct
orsbui
l
ding.
Thando:
Ify
oudon'
tmi
ndi
t'
sfi
newecangeti
nsi
de
toget
her
.
Theyagr
eedandt
heygoti
nsi
det
hedoct
orsof
fi
ce.
DrWill
i
ams: Youcanallsi
tdownandbecomf or
tabl
e,
youcansitonthecouchorthef
loorwher
everyou
arecomfort
able.
I
siphosatonthecouchandThandosatdown
betweenI
sipho'
slegs.
DrWill
i
ams: I
'
m DrWil
li
amsandIwi l
lbeyour
ther
api
stfr
om nowon, ar
eyouguyssurethaty
ou
arecomfor
tablewi
theachotheront
hesamer oom.
Theybot
hagr
eed.
DrWill
iams:Okaysol
et'
sbegi
n,whoev
erwant
sto
st
artcanstart
.
I
sipho:
Iwi
l
lst
arti
fthat
'
sfi
ne.
Thandoandt
hedoct
ornodded.
Isi
pho: Ithi
nkt heproblem st
artedwhenIdated
Nat hihewasl ovingandhandsomewhatat tr
acted
met ohimi sthefactthathemademel augh,Ir
eall
y
l
ov edt hefactthatIwasalway shappyandf r
ee
aroundhi m.
DrWi
l
li
ams:
Whydi
dhechange.
Isi
pho: Idon'
tknowr eall
yatfir
stIthoughtIwas
doingsomet hi
ngwr ongbutt henIreali
zedithad
nothingtodowi t
hme, whenhef ir
sthitmeI
apologizedbecauseIt houghtitwasmyf ault
becausehet oldmeImadehi m doi t
.
DrWi
l
li
ams:
Whatcont
ri
but
edt
ohi
m hi
tt
ingy
ou.
I
sipho:Ihuggedmyhi ghschoolfri
endwhowasa
guyinthemal lthenwhenwegott ohishousehe
toldmet oneverdisrespecthi
mlikethatthenhehi t
me, t
henev er
ythingIdidthathedidn'
tlikehewoul d
hitmeandt el
lmei twasmyf aul
t.Iactuall
ybeli
eved
him becauseIlethim contr
olme, Iwasnol onger
i
nlovewi t
hhim becauseIwasaf raidofhim.
DrWi
l
li
ams:
Whydi
dn'
tyoul
eav
e?
Isi
pho: Becauseev eryt
imeIt ri
edtoleavehe
convincedmenott o,heact ual
l
yconv i
ncedmethatI
sti
lll
ovedhi m andIbelievedhim eventhought
here
wassomet hinginsidemet hattol
dmehewas
manipul at
ingmebutIst ayedanyway.
DrWi
l
li
ams:
Didy
out
ell
any
oneaboutt
his?
I
sipho:
NoIdi
dn'
tandt
her
easoni
sthatIbel
i
evedi
t
wasal
lmyfaul
tsoIt
houghti
fIt
oldany
oneel
set
hat
per
sonwoul
dblamemetoo.
I
siphowasnowcr
yingandThandowasal
socr
ying.
DrWi l
li
ams: Ithinkwewi llhavetocontinue
tomorrowt hat'
senoughf ortodaybutIwantto
assureyouI sithatitwasnev eryourfault
,most
abusivemanar emani pulat
iveandtheymakey oudo
whatevertheywant .Mostwomenst ayhopingt
hings
will
eventuallygetbet t
ersomest aybecausethey
beli
eveit'
stheirf aul
t.That'
swhywehav ewoman
whodi eeverydayi nthehandsofmanwhoonce
clai
medt olov ethem.
Theynoddedandpr
epar
edt
oleav
e.

Sbanir
eceiv
edacal lfr
om hi
sdoct
orandrushed
ther
ealonebecausehedidn'
twanthi
sfamil
yto
knowwhatwaswr ong.
Dr
:Sbani
myman.
Sbani
:Shawnwhat
'
sup.
Dr
:Iseey
oucameal
onet
oday
.
SbaninoddedbutShawnknewthathecamealone
becausehewasafrai
doftheresul
tsanddi
dn'
twant
hi
sf amil
ytoknow.
Dr
:Okayl
et'
sgot
omyof
fi
ce.
Theyf
oll
owedeachot
hert
oShawn'
sof
fi
ce.
Sbani
:Sowhatdoy
ouhav
eforme?
Dr
:I'
m af
rai
dit
'
sbadnewsSbani
.
Sbani
:Justt
ell
meal
ready
.
Dr:Youhaveaki
dneydiseasey
ourkidneysar
e
fai
li
ngandthebadthi
ngaboutiti
sthatbothoft
hem
arefai
l
ing.
Sbani
:Whatdoest
hatmean.
Dr:I
tmeanswehav etogetadonorfory ouassoon
aspossi
blebecausey ourki
dneysarefai
lingandi
t'
s
badman, Iwi
llt
ransferyoutothehospit
al andwe
takei
tfr
om there.
Sbani
:Imustgot
othehospi
tal
now?
Dr:
Icangiveyoutwoday
stomay
begetasecond
opi
nionandtel
lyourf
ami
ly.
Sbani
:ThanksmanIneedt
ogo.
Dr
:Sbani
.
Hegotupandleft,
Shawntookouthisphoneand
cal
ledSphetotel
lhi
m ev
eryt
hingbecauseheknew
Sbaniwasnotgoi
ngtosayanythi
ngtothem.
I
nser
tsev
ent
een

Wewer eall
justchil
l
ingint
hehouseonl yhubbyand
Sphewer enothereev enKhozawasher e,Inever
thoughtthatonedayIwoul dbepartofabi glovi
ng
familyl
ikethisone.Theyhavethei
rproblemsbutI
thi
nkev eryfamil
yexperi
enceprobl
emst hereand
there.
Wegoi ngbackt oather
apistt omorr
owandIcan't
waitafterhear
ingI
siphotalkingli
kethatpour
ingher
heartoutmademewantt ot ellmystory
.
Khozawasdiscussingsomethingwiththeguysand
i
tlookedseri
ous,Iwasjustmissinghubbyhelef
ta
whil
eagoandhehasn' tret
urnedhome.Si msmother
i
sagr eatper
sonandshei stryi
ngsohar dtobe
t
her
eforal
lofus,
shei
sjustgr
eat
.
Sphecamet othehouser
unni
ngheclosedt
hedoor
behi
ndhim andlookedar
oundthenr
antohubby
's
room.
Mamz
o:Hay
iSphesi
hlewhat
'
swr
ong?
Sphe:
Wher
eisSbani
?
Ever
yonest
oppedev
ery
thi
ngt
heywer
edoi
ngand
l
ookedathi
m.
TJ:What
'sgoi
ngon?Sbanii
snother
ehel
eftawhi
l
e
agoandwethoughthewaswit
hyou.
Sphe:
Noweneedt
ofi
ndhi
m.
Hewasint
hev er
geofcr
yingIhav
ereal
i
sedt
hathe
i
stheemot
ionalone.
Khoza:Okaysoncal
m downandt
ell
uswhat
happened.
Hel
ookedatTJandSi
msandt
heypani
cked.
Them:
Thet
estr
esul
ts.
Theysai
datt
hesamet
ime.
Sphe:Shawncal
ledmeapparent
lySbaniwenttohi
m
andhet ol
dhimther
esul
tsandhelefthi
soffi
ceI
thoughthecamehome.
Mamz o:
Mfanawami wedon'
tknowwhatyouare
t
alki
ngaboutsocal
m downandtel
lusev
eryt
hing.
Sims:Sbani
tol
dustotakehi
mt othedoct
or
becausehewasn'
tfeel
i
ngwellsowewenttoShawn
andhesuspect
edthatmaybehehassomeseri
ous
ki
dneyprobl
ems.
Khoza:
Andy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lust
hisbecause?
TJ:Wewer egoingtot
ell
ever
yoneaf
terget
ti
ngt
he
testr
esul
tstoday.
I
siphowasal
readycr
ying.
Me: It
hinkthebestthingisforust
ogot othedoct
or
andlethim expl
ainwhat'swrongwithhubbyand
thenwet akeitf
rom there.
Mamz
o:Let
'sgo.
Weall
goti
ntoafami
l
ycarandl
eftt
henwear
ri
ved
att
hedoct
ors.
Dr
:Fami
l
yyoucancomet
hissi
de.
Weal
lgoti
nsi
deandsatdown.
Dr
:Sphedi
dyouf
indSbani
.
Sphe:Nomanwedeci
dedt
ocomeher
efi
rstt
henwe
wil
lgolookf
orhi
m.
Khoza:
Shawnt
ell
uswhat
'
swr
ongmyson.
Dr
:TheresultsshowthatSbani
hasast
age4sever
e
ki
dneydiseasewhichi
sCKDandt hi
smeanshi
s
ki
dneysarefail
i
ng.
Mamz
o:Tel
lusmor
eaboutki
dneyf
ail
ure.
Dr:Ify ourki
dneysstopworkingcompletel
y,y
our
bodyf i
ll
swithextr
awaterandwast eproduct
s,you
willfeelti
redandweakbecausey ourbodyneeds
cleanbl oodtofuncti
onproperl
y.Untr
eateduremia
mayl eadtoseizur
esorcomaandwi l
lult
imatel
y
resultindeath.
Il
ookedaroundandev er
yonelookedscaredIdidn'
t
wanttothi
nkaboutthewor stt
hingthatcanhappen
becauseIwil
lnotcopeifsomethinghappensto
hubby.
Khoza:
SoUhmm Docwhati
sthenextst
epnow.
Dr:
Sbanihastobeadmitt
edtot hehospi
talIhave
sor
tedev
erythi
ngoutsoallheneedstodoi stogo
tot
hehospit
alandthenwestartlooki
ngfordonors.
I
sipho:DocIt
houghtaper
sonl
i
veswel
lwi
thonl
y
onekidney
.
Dr:YesIsit
hat'
struebuty
ourbrot
herhasapr
obl
em
withbothofthem soheneedsadonorasi
n
yester
day.
I
sipho:
Ishegoi
ngt
odi
e?
Mamz
o:I
sibabynol
et'
sgetsomef
reshai
r.
Si
ms:
Sowhatdowedonow?
Dr:Justfi
ndhimifsomeofyouwanttodosome
test
stoseei fmaybeyoucandonat
eit
'sf
inewecan
gotot hehospi
tal
.
Khoza:
Boy
sdoy
ouknowwher
ewecanf
indSbani
?
TJ:
Ithi
nkIknow.
Khoza:TakeThandowi
thy
ouandy
ouwi
l
lfi
ndusat
thehospi
tal
.
Sohubby
'snamei
sSbani
Iwonderwhyhedi
dn'
t
wantt
otel
lme.
TJ:
Let
'sgo.
WetookanUbert
othehousef
ir
stt
otakeacart
hen
hedr
ovethecemet
ery
.
Me:
Doy
out
hinkhei
sher
e.
TJ:
Iknowhei
sher
eit
'
swher
ehef
indshi
speace.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sgot
hen.
WewalkedaroundIdon'
tknowifI'
mtheonl
yone
whoi
saf r
aidofgrav
esbutIam ter
ri
fi
edoft
hem I
al
way
sf eell
iket
hereareghost
saround.
TJ:
Stopl
ooki
ngar
oundy
ouwi
l
lfal
l
.
Me:
Aren'
tyouaf
rai
d?
Hel
aughed.
TJ:
NoI
'
m not
,ther
eisy
ourman.
Hewassleepingont
opoft
hegr
aveIhav
enev
er
seent
hisbefore.
Me:
Isher
eal
l
ysl
eepi
ng?
TJ:
I'
m sur
ehei
s.
Me:
YohIcannev
er.
TJ:
Got
alkt
ohi
m Iwi
l
lwai
ther
e.
Iwentt
ostandinfr
ontofhi
m andhewasfast
asl
eephay
i I
'
m unablet
ocanminaguys.
Me:
Hubby
.
Hedidn'
trespondandIf
eltmyhear
tjumpi
ngf
asthe
cannotdi
e.
Me:
Sbani
vuka.
Isai
dshaki
nghi
m.
Sbani:Uhmm heyhowl
onghav
eIbeensl
eepi
ng
here.
Me:
Forhour
sIguess.
Sbani
:Howdi
dyouf
indme?
Me:
I'
m wi
thTJbuthei
swai
ti
ngout
side.
Sbani
:Shawncal
l
edt
hem di
dn'
the?
Me:
Yeshedi
dhowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Sbani
:Idon'
tknowThandol
wam.
Hi
svoi
cewassol
owhedi
dn'
tsoundl
i
kehi
msel
f.
Me:
Youwillbefi
nel
et'
sgot
othehospi
tal
ever
yone
i
swait
ingt
here.
Sbani
:Am Igoi
ngt
odi
e?
If
eltmyt
ear
sfal
l
ing.
Me:Noyouwil
lnotdi
e,youwi
l
lnotdot
hatt
omeso
don'
tev
enthi
nkaboutit
.
Henoddedandhel
dmyhand.
Sbani
:Thi
sismymot
herandt
hat
'smyf
ather
.
Thegr
aveswer
ejoi
nedt
oget
her
.
Me:
Youar
eint
roduci
ngmenow.
Hechuckl
ed,GodImisshi
slaughIsweari
f
somet
hinghappenst
ohim Iwil
ldi
e.
Sbani
:YesIam,
let
'
sgo.
Hecoul
dn'
tev
enwal
kpr
oper
ly.
Me:
TJpl
easecomehel
p.
Sbani
:Hay
iThandoIcanwal
k.
TJ:
Stopbei
ngst
ubbor
npl
ease.
Wehel
pedhi
m wal
kunt
ilwegott
othecar
.
Sbani

Iwentt othecemeterytotalktomypar ent

sIdon't
wantt odieI'
m st
il
lyoungandIst i
llhav
eal ottoli
ve
for.I'
mt heonl
yonewhoi sstr
onglyconnectedtomy
parentssoIalwaystalktothem becauseIfeelli
ke
theycanhearme.TJi snowdr i
vi
ngt othehospit
alI
gotacal lfr
om Muziearl
ierhesaidhewi l
lbehere
tonight.
Whenwegottot
hehospi
tal
Itol
dThandot
ogo
i
nsi
deIwant
edtotal
ktoTJ.
TJ:Don'
ttel
lmeyouwantt
oconv
incemet
orun
awaywit
hy ou.
Me:Haahaat hat
'sfunny,Muziwant
stocomethis
si
deIdon'tknowtosor toutwhat
,Iwanty
outo
prot
ectThandofrom him.Makesurehedoesn'
tsee
her.
TJ:
Uhmm Sbani
.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon.
TJ:
Idon'
tthi
nkIshoul
dtel
lyout
his.
Me:
Justt
ell
mewhati
fIdi
e.
TJ:Don'
tpl
ayli
kethatmansoKhozat
oldust
hathe
foundoutt
hathehasasonandKhozaki
ll
edt
hat
woman.
Me:
Don'
ttel
lmeMuzi
ishi
sson.
Iaskedl
aughi
ngbuthedi
dnotl
augh.
Me:
Noi
tcan'
tbeno.
TJ:Pl
easeSbani
let
'
sfocusony
ouget
ti
ngbet
ter
ri
ghtnow.
If
eltmychestt
ight
eni
ngupIcoul
dn'
tbr
eat
he.
TJ:
Sbani
nobr
eat
h,Nur
sehel
p.
Iheardhim shout
ingt
henur
sescameandt
heyt
ook
mei nsi
de.
Iwasnowl
ayi
ngont
hehospi
tal
bedwi
thdr
ips.
Dr:
Wehav etest
edever
yonebesi
desThandoandTJ
andtheyar
eallnotamatch.
I
sipho:
What
'sgoi
ngt
ohappent
omybr
other
.
Dr
:Ican'
ttel
lri
ghtnowbutweneedadonorf
ast
.
Hesaidgetti
ngout,
myf
ami
l
ywasl
ooki
ngatmel
i
ke
I
'm al
readydead.
Me:Comeonguy
shav
esomef
ait
hI'
m notgoi
ngt
o
di
e.
If
akedchuckl
ed.
I
sipho:
Bhut
ipl
easepr
omi
semey
ouwon'
tdi
e.
Me:
HeyAngel
comeher
e.
I
tbr
okemyhear
ttoseemyAngel
thi
ssad.
Me:Ipr
omiset
of i
ghtfory
ounganekaMahIwon'
t
l
eav
ey oual
oneinthi
sworldIpr
omise,
nowdon'
tcry
.
Iwi
pedhert
ear
s.
Khoza:Weareal
lher
eforyousonwewi l
lberi
ght
nextt
oy ouev
ery
dayandI'
m sor
ryaboutever
ythi
ng.
Me:Youwi
l
lst
il
lhaveachancet
omakei
tupt
ome
t
aymadon'
tworr
y.
Mamz
o:Iknowy
ouar
est
rongI
'
m notev
enwor
ri
ed.
Shewasl
yi
ngshewasscar
edbutshewasbei
ng
st
rongf
ormeandf
orev
ery
oneel
se.
Myboyswerejustqui
teIknowt
heyar
eaf
rai
dmor
e
t
hananyone.
Me:
Guy
ssmi
l
eabi
tyoual
ll
ookugl
y.
Si
ms:
Mxm.
Sphe:
Cany
ougetbet
teral
ready
.
Weal l
laughed,
Idon'
tknowwhathappenedbutI
heardthemachinesbeepi
ngandthedoct
ort
ell
ing
them t
ogetoutthenli
ghtsoutf
orme.
I
nser
tei
ght
een

Muzi

MyplanelandedinDur
banandaguywaswaiti
ngi
n
theai
rpor
twithaboardwrit
tenmynameIdi
dn'
t
knowhim butIappr
oachedhim sl
owl
y.
Sphe:
Youar
eMuzi
?
Me:
YesIam andy
ouar
e?
Sphe:
I'
m Sphe,
Sbani
'
sfr
iend.
Me:
Who'
sSbani
?
IaskedbecauseIdon'
tknowanySbani,heshowed
meapi ct
ureoftheguythatIdi
dn'
tknowwasSbani.
Sphe:
Thi
ngsar
egoi
ngt
omakesensev
erysoonget
i
nthecar
.
Ihesi
tat
edbutanot
herguycameoutoft
hecarwi
th
agun.
Si
ms:
Geti
n.
Igoti
nwit
houtaski
nganyt
hing,
ther
ewasanoldguy
i
nsidet
hecarandanot
heronethatwasdr
ivi
ng.
Me:
Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?
Theyj
ustl
ookedatmeandkeptqui
et.
Khoza:
Dropusatt
hehouse.
Theol
dguysai
d,i
t'
sli
keIhaveseenhi
m bef
ore
maybeonaphot
oIdon'
tremember.
Theydr
ovet
othehouse.
Khoza:
Gobackt
othehospi
tal
Iwi
l
lcat
chupwi
th
y
ouguy
slat
er.
Theynoddedandl
eft
.
Khoza:
Youcansi
tdown.
Isatdownandl
ookedathi
m IswearIhav
eseenhi
m
somewhere.
Khoza:
Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
.
Me:Ithi
nkIhav
eseeny
ousomewher
eIj
ustcan'
t
r
ecall
where.
Khoza:
Somet
hingt
odr
ink?
Me:
NoI
'
mfi
ne.
Khoza:
Doy
ouknowSbani
?
Me:YesIdoev
ent
houghIdi
dn'
tknowhi
snamewas
Sbani
.
Khoza:
Didy
ouspeakt
oyoursi
ster
smot
her
?
Me:YesIdi
d,waity
ouar
etheonewhoki
l
ledhert
hat
meansyouare.
..
Khoza:
Yourf
athery
esIam.
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hisi
fhei
smyf
athert
henhowdoes
heknowSbani
.
Me:
I..
Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
.
Khoza:
Sbani
ismysonhi
sfat
herwasmybr
other
.
Igotupandst
oodbyt
hewi
ndow,
Iki
l
ledsomeone'
s
fat
her.
Khoza:
Itwasnoty
ourf
aultyourauntt
oldmet
hat
shewasusingmut
ionyou.
Il
ookedathim andhewassochi l
led,
toochi
l
ledfor
myli
kingIthi
nkhei ssupposedt
obeangryIkil
l
ed
hi
sfamilyaft
erall
.
Me:
Sbani
knewwhoIwas?
Khoza:Hewentt oJobur
gt oav
engehisparent
s
deathbecausehesawy oushooti
ngthem butalot
happenedsoIdecidedtotakematter
sint
omyown
hands,Idon'
twanttoli
eIwasgoingtokil
lyouifshe
di
dn'tt
ellmey ouweremyson.
Me:
DoesSbani
knowt
hatIam y
ourson?
Khoza:
Nohedoesn'
tknow.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngt
ohappenf
rom nowon?
Khoza:
I'
m goi
ngtogetyousomehel
ptor
emov
eal
l
themutiy
ouwerefed.
Me:
Ineedt
otal
ktoSbani
.
Khoza:
Sbani
isdy
inghei
sinhospi
tal
.
Idon'
tknowwhetherI'
m sei
ngthi
ngsorwhatbuthe
l
ooksli
kehedoesn'tcar
eaboutSbani
.
Me:
What
'swr
ongwi
thhi
m?
Khoza:Hiski
dney
sar
efai
l
ingandwecan'
tfi
nd
donors.
Me:
May
bebecauseI
'
mfami
l
yIcandonat
e.
Khoza:Noyoucan'
tdot
hat
,whati
fsomet
hing
happenst
oy ou?
Me:Idon'
tcareIhavedoneenoughdamageal
ready
t
hisi
stheleastIcando.
Khoza:Noy ouwon'
tdot
hat
,I'
m goi
ngt
othe
hospi
talnowwhenIcomebackwehavetogo
somewher e.
Inodded,
Idon'
tcareifhei
smyf atherornotbutI
don'
tli
kehim.Helef
tmei nthehouseandwentt o
thehospit
al,
Iwait
edaf ewmi nut
esthentookoutmy
phoneandcal l
edSbani
'sphone.Hisfr
iendpi
ckedi
t
upIt ol
dhimtocomet othehouseandt ocome
alone,hear
ri
vedtothehouse.
Sphe:
What
'supman.
Me:Iwantt
ohel
pSbani
may
beIam amat
chIdon'
t
know.
Sphe:
Wher
eisKhoza?
Me:
Hel
efthesai
dhewasgoi
ngt
othehospi
tal
.
Sphe:
Idi
dn'
tseehi
scaronmywayher
e.
Me:
Idon'
tknowbuthet
oldmenott
ohel
pSbani
.
Theguywasshocked.
Sphe:
Why
?
Me:
Hesai
dhedoesn'
twantany
thi
ngt
ohappent
o
me.
Sphe:
Sowhatdoy
ouwantt
odo?
Me:
Let
'sgo.
Heaskedmet
ogot
othecarwhi
l
ehemadeaphone
cal
l
,Iwasr
eal
l
yhappyIwasdoi
ngt
his.
Sphe:
Let
'sgoman.
Hedr
ovet
othehospi
tal
.

Nar
rat
ed

Sphecal
ledTJandt ol
dhimtot
akeThandoand
I
siphohomebecausehewasonhiswayt othe
hospi
talwi
thMuzi.Theydr
ovet
othehospit
aland
wenttothedoct
or.
Sphe:
Shawnpl
easer
unsomet
est
sont
hisguy
.
Doc:
Okayl
et'
sdoi
tnow.
Thedoctorst
art
edthetest
swhi
l
eSphewentt
othe
other
s,TJwasalsother
e.
Sphe:
Whyar
eyouher
e?
TJ:
Theydr
ovet
hemsel
ves.
Sphe:
IsMamzoher
e?
Si
ms:
Not
heyal
ll
eft
.
TJ:
Soi
sShawnt
est
ingMuzi
?
Sphe:
Yesmanl
etshopei
t'
samat
chI
'
mloosi
ngmy
mind.
Si
ms:
Wher
eisKhoza?
Sphe:Hesai
dhewascomi
ngher
eandheal
sot
old
Muzinott
ohelpSbani
.
TJ:Somet
hingi
sof
fwi
thKhozaweneedt
olooki
nto
i
t.
Si
ms: HeisgreedyIdon'
tev
enunder
standwhyhe
j
ustacceptedMuzijustl
i
kethat
.
TJ:Let
'sworryaboutSbani
thenwewil
lwor
ryabout
othert
hingswhenweknowhei sfi
ne.
Theyal
lagr
eedwhi
l
etheywai
tedf
ort
hedoct
or.

Ont
heot
hersi
det
womenwer
etal
ki
ng.
Man1:
Wehadadeal
man.
Man2:
Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hati
t'
scomi
ngdownsoon.
Man1:
Don'
ttel
lmet
hat
,youhav
ebeensay
ingt
hat
f
orweeksnow.
Man2:IknowbutI
'm st
il
lget
ti
ngt
hingst
oget
herI
don'
twanttobecaught
.
Man1:Yout
oldmethatt
heydon'
tknowthatthei
r
f
atherl
eftt
hem t
hatmoneyandthosebusi
nesses.
Man2:
Yestheydon'
tknowbutever
yti
meItr
ytoget
t
hesethi
ngst
heirsi
gnat
uresar
eneeded.
Man1:
Justf
orget
hem.
Man2:
I'
m goi
ngt
ogeti
tdonedon'
twor
ry.
Man1:I
fyouarefai
l
ingtodot
hatI
'
m goi
ngt
otel
l
t
hem ever
ythi
ngabouty
ou.
Man2:YouknowwhatI'
m capabl
eof,i
fyoudon'
t
backof
fIwil
lki
ll
youbefor
ey out
alk.
Hesai
dthatandt
ookof
f.
I
nser
tni
net
een

Wehadt ogohomebecauseweneededsomet o
rest
,wehav en'tsl
eptsi
nceSbaniwentt
othe
hospit
alIdon'trememberthel
astti
meIaskedGod
todosomethi
ngf
ormebutthesedaysIhavebeen
beggi
nghi
mt ogi
veSbani
anotherchance.
Mamz o:Wecameher
etor
estbuty
ouar
est
ressi
ng
your
self
.
Me:
Ican'
thel
pmy
sel
fI'
m wor
ri
edabouthi
m.
Mamzo:Iknowy ouarebabybutdon'tworrySbani
is
goi
ngt
opul lt
hroughbel
ievemehei safighter
.
Me:ButMamzoitwi
llbebett
erifhealr
eadygota
donorwewoul
dn'
tbeworri
edlikethi
shaveyouseen
howIsi
phoi
s,t
hiswholet
hingisbreaki
ngherup.
Mamz o:Sbani
isaveryspeci
alki
dyouwi
l
lnever
under
standbuttr
ustmewhenIsayhewil
lsur
v i
veal
l
thi
s.
ShehuggedmeandIcr
iedwhi
l
eshecomf
ort
edme.
Mamz
o:Gosl
eepbabyIwi
l
lbebackl
aterokay
.
InoddedandwenttoSbani
'sbedroom butIsi
pho
wassleepingt
her
esoIdidn'
twantt odi
sturbher
,I
tookathrowandwenttosi
tont hecouch,Icoul
dn'
t
sleepsoIdeci
dedtocl
eanaroundthehouseand
cook.
Sphe:
What
'st
hatsmel
l
?
Me:
Spheungi
thusi
l
e(Youscar
edme)
.
Sphe:
Sor
ryTar
eyoucooki
ngI
'
m hungr
y.
Me:
YesI
'
m cooki
ng.
Sphe:
Ithoughty
oucameher
etor
estandnow?
Me:
Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepsoIdeci
dedt
okeepmy
sel
fbusy
.
Sphe:
IsMamzoar
ound?
Me:
Noshewentout
.
Sphe:
OkaycanIdi
shupf
ormy
sel
f.
Me:
Sur
eyoucan,
letmef
ini
shupher
e.
If
ini
sheddust
ingar
oundandwentt
osi
tdownwi
th
hi
m.
Sphe:
Letmedi
shupf
ory
ou.
Me:
NoI
'
mfi
ne.
Sphe:
It'
snotupf
ordi
scussi
on.
It
'snouseargui
ngwit
hhim ev
enIdidn'
tfeel
li
ke
eati
ng,hewenttot
hekit
chenandcamebackwi t
h
myf ood.
Sphe:
Sohow'
sIsi
pho?
Me:She'snotgoodSpheI
'
m wor
ri
edabouther
,she
doesn'
tspeaknoreat
.
Sphe:
I'm al
sowor
riedaboutherIdon'
tev
enknow
whattosaytoher
.
Me:
Youl
i
keherdon'
tyou?
Hesmi
l
ed.
Sphe:
Isi
tthatobv
ious?
Me:Of
cosi
tist
hespar
kbet
weeny
out
wocannotbe
mi
ssed.
Sphe:I
t'
smoret
hanjustl
iki
ngherThandoIl
oveher
butshe'
sli
kemyli
tt
lesi
ster
.
Me:
She'
snoty
ourl
i
ttl
esi
stert
hough.
Sphe:
Youdon'
tunder
stand.
Me:
Hav
eyout
oldherhowy
ouf
eel
?
Sphe:
NoanduSbani
wil
lbur
ymeal
i
vei
fIdot
hat
.
Me:Hewil
lunder
standbecausehecanseet
haty
ou
l
oveher
.
Sphe:Ey
yIdon'tknowThandoIj
usthopeSbani
sur
viv
eallt
his.
Me:
Howi
she?
Sphe:
Nochangewest
il
ldon'
thav
eadonor
.
Me:Doy out
hinkhewi
l
lpul
lthr
oughpl
easej
ustbe
honest
.
Sphe:
Idon'
tknowbutIhopeso.
Wehear
dfoot
stepsandi
twasI
sipho.
I
sipho:
Heyguy
s.
Sphe:
Angel
comeher
e.
Sher
ant
ohi
m andcr
iedi
nhi
sar
ms.
Sphe:Shhhdon'
tcr
ytryt
obestrongfory
ourbr
other
youknowthatyouarehi
sst
rength.
I
sipho:
Wil
lhedi
e?
Sphel
ookedatme.
Me:
NoSbani
won'
tdi
enev
er.
I
sipho:
Ijustwi
shhecanwakeupnow.
Sphe:
Hewi
l
ldon'
twor
ry.
Theylookedateachot
herIt
hinkt
heywant
edt
oki
ss
butIclear
edmyt hr
oat
.
Sphe:
Hay
imar
nThando.
Me:Whatdi
dIdo?Ij
ustwantt
obesur
ethaty
ou
guy
sreal
lywantt
odothat
.
I
siphol
ookedatSphe.
Them:
Yesss.
Weal
ll
aughed.
I
sipho:Youwi
l
ltal
ktobhut
iSbani
forusr
ight
Thando.
Me:
NoI
'
m notget
ti
ngi
nvol
ved.
Sphe:
WhymustThandot
alkt
oSbani
.
I
sipho:
Ithoughty
oul
i
keme.
Sphe:
Mel
i
kewho?NoI
'
myourbr
otherI
sipho.
I
siphol
ookeddownIthinkshewant
edt
ocr
yshe
wassoembarrassed.
Sphe:
I'
mjustj
oki
ngAngelIl
ovey
oual
otbuty
ou
knowhowyourbr
otheri
s.
Me:Don'
tpl
ayl
i
ket
hatSphey
oual
mostki
l
ledt
he
ki
d.
I
sipho:Iwassoembarr
assedIt
houghtmay
beI
misunderst
oodyou.
Sphe:NoIreal
lywantust
obeinarel
ati
onship
I
siphobutIdon'
twantustof
ocusonthatr
ightnow.
I
sipho:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Theyki
ssed.
Me:
Ewuuugetar
oom guy
s.
Them:
Shi
yaumonadaar
.
Me:
Mxm I
'
m goi
ngt
other
oom.
Sphe:Nodon'
tgoThandoI
'
m goi
ngbackt
othe
hospi
tal
now,Mamzojustt
ext
edmetofet
chher.
I
sipho:
Arewenotgoi
ngt
othehospi
tal
?
Sphe:
Nolov
ejustr
estIwi
l
lfet
chy
out
omor
row
morni
ng.
Me:
Lov
ehuh?
Het
hrewapi
l
lowonme.
Sphe:
Kahl
eThando,
Isi
wal
kmeout
.
Theywal kedoutIreal
lyhopeSbaniwil
lacceptt
hei
r
rel
ati
onshiptheylookgoodtogetherandIthi
nkSphe
l
ovesIsiphoforreal.
I
siphocamebackal
lsmi
l
es.
I
sipho:
Ngi
yaj
ola(
I'
m dat
ing)
.
Me:
Ugi
rluqomi
l
e.
Igotupandwedanced.
Isi
pho:
I'
m gl
adyouareherewi
thmeThandoIdon'
t
knowwhatIwoulddoify
ouwerenother
e.
Me:
I'
m gl
adI
'
m her
eal
sobabe.
I
sipho:
I'
m hungr
y.
Me:
Icookedgodi
shup.
Shewentt
otheki
tchenwhi
l
eIwentt
otakea
shower
.
IwenttoSbani'
sroom andstri
pednakedt
hentooka
showeraft
erIwasdoneIl ot
ionedandworeSbani
'
s
Niket
racksui
tbottomsandtop.
Iwentt
othesit
ti
ngroom hummingasongIwas
feel
i
ngposi
ti
veaboutevery
thi
ng.
I
siphowasst
il
leat
ingIsatdown.
I
sipho:
Thatwasf
ast
.
Me:
ComeonIwast
aki
ngaqui
ckshower
.
Sher
aisedherey
ebr
ows.
Me:
Hay
isuka.
Ther
ewasaknockont
hedoor
,Igotupandwentt
o
openup.
Man:
Arey
ouThando?
Me:
Yes.
Man:
IsI
siphowi
thy
ou?
I
sipho:
YesI
'
m her
e.
Man:Yourfat
hersai
dIshouldcomef
etchy
ouguy
s
andt
akey outothehospi
tal
.
Me:
Andy
ouar
e?
Man:
Iwor
kforhi
m.
I
sipho:
Wear
enotgoi
ngany
wher
eunt
ilIspeakt
o
hi
m andconf
ir
m whaty
ouar
esay
ing.
Het
ookouthi
sphoneandmadeacal
l
.
Man:
Her
e.
Hesaidgi
vingI
sithephonebutsomethi
ngdidn'
t
f
eelri
ght,
Ihaveseenshadypeopleal
lmyli
feand
t
hisoneisoneofthem.
I
siphot
alkedwi
thKhoza.
I
sipho:
Okaywear
ecomi
ng.
Me:Weneedt
ogetsomet
hingsi
nsi
depl
easewai
t
f
orusher
e.
I
sipho:
Somet
hingdoesn'
tfeel
right
.
Me:
Iwasaboutt
osayt
hesamet
hing.
I
sipho:
Heretakemyphoneandsendamessaget
o
SpheIwil
lbeback.
Shesai
drunni
ngtoherr
oom, Isentt
hemessage
andhi
dthephoneinmytrackbott
om, I
siphocame
backwi
thagun.
I
sipho:
Let
'sgo.
Me:
Cany
ouuseagun?
I
sipho:
Ithi
nksol
et'
sgo.
Wewentout
sideandt
hemanwasst
il
lwai
ti
ngf
orus.
Wegotinsidehi
scarandl
eft
,hal
fwayt
hrought
he
dr
iverI
siphospoke.
I
sipho:
Thi
sroadwil
lnotleadust
othehospi
tal
t
houghwhyareyoutaki
ngi t
.
Ididn'
tevennoti
cebecauseIst
il
ldon'
tknowt
he
placethatmuch.
Man:
Shutup.
Wel
ookedateachot
herandpani
cked.

Sphe

WhenIlef
tthehospit
altothehousethedoctorwas
st
il
lbusywit
hthetestsIdon'
tknowwhat '
stakingso
l
ongbecauseevennowt heyarenotback.
I
'
m gl
adI
siphogav
emeachanceIswearIwi
l
lnev
er
hur
ther
,Shawnget
sinsi
det
hewar
drunni
ngwi
th
nur
sesfol
l
owinghi
m.
Weal
lgetup.
TJ:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Doc:
Weneedt
otakehi
mtot
het
heat
rer
ightnow.
Hesay
swhi
l
enur
sest
akehi
m away
.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Doc:
Justwai
tIwi
l
lgetbackt
oyouguy
s.
Hesay
srunni
ngaway
.
Si
ms:
Whatdoy
out
hinki
sthepr
obl
em guy
s?
TJ:
Idon'
tev
enwantt
othi
nk.
Mamz
o:Let
'spr
ay.
ShealwayssaysSbanii
sconnectedt
oprayermore
thanweknowwedon' tunder
standwhyevenSbani
doesn'
tunder
stand.
Mamz o:Lordyourwordsaysyouareclosert
othe
brokenheart
edherewecomebef oreyouandweask
youtopleasetouchSbaniwi
thyourheali
nghand,
nothingisbi
ggerthanyouohLordwakehi m upand
l
ethi m comebacktous.Ihaveneverseenallthese
chil
drenbrokenli
kethi
spleasedon'
ttaketheir
brotherawayfrom t
hem Amen.
Us:
Amen.
Weal
ll
ookedsi
deway
sbecausewewant
edt
ocr
y.
Mamz
o:Ohnganezam comeher
e.
Weallbecamevul
ner
abl
einherar
msIdon'
tknow
whatwewoulddowit
houther
.
Aft
erthatweal
lcal
m downandwai
tedf
ort
he
doct
or.
Sims:SphecanIusey
ourphoneIneedt
ocal
lIsi
pho
tobri
ngmycharge.
Il
ookedf
ori
tbuti
twasnoti
nmypocket
s.
Me:
EishIt
hinkIl
efti
tint
hecargol
ookf
ori
t.
Igav
ehi
mthekey
s,hewentoutandcameback.
Hegavemet hekeys,
whenheunl
ockedmyphone
hi
sfacechanged.
TJ:
Youl
ookl
i
key
ouj
ustsawaghost
.
HelookedatMamzobutshewasr
eadi
ngt
heBi
ble
notmindi
ngus.
Si
ms:
Guy
scomesee.
Hewhi
sper
ed.
Ther
ewasamessagefr
om I
siphotel
l
ingusabouta
manwhocametofet
chthem andhowtheyf
eltl
ike
somethi
ngwaswr
ong.
TJt
ookhi
slapt
op.
TJ:
Letmet
ryt
racki
ngt
henumber
.
Hedi
dhi
sthi
ng.
TJ:
Thi
sphonei
sout
sideDur
ban.
Si
ms:What
'sgoi
ngonnowI
'
mti
redIdon'
twantany
dr
ama.
Me:
Whocoul
dbebehi
ndt
his.
TJ:
Maybeit'
sKhozaIhav
ebeent
racki
nghi
s
movement
sheseemsshady.
Wewer
est
il
ltal
ki
ngwhent
hedoct
orcamet
ous.
Si
ms:
Tal
ktous.
Doc:
Uhmm Ei
sh.
Me:
Shawnpl
ease.
Hesmi
l
ed.
Doc:Theoperati
onwassuccessful
,theguywho
donatedgav
eusbot hhi
skidneyssot hatmeanshe
di
edaf t
ergi
vingitt
ous,
hel ef
talet
tert obegi
vent
o
Sbani
.
Mamz
o:Howi
sSbani
?
Doc:Hei
sstil
lnotawakebuthei
srespondi
ngwell
tot
heorgansIdon'
tknowwhenhewi l
lwakeup.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuchman.
Weall
keptshakinghi
shands,
Ican'
tbel
i
eveSbani
is
nowoutofdanger.
Doc:
Hei
saf
ight
erexcuseme.
Hel
eftusal
lexci
ted.
Mamz
o:Ineedt
ocal
lIsi
phoandThando.
Wel
ookedateachot
her
.
Mamz
o:Tal
kbef
oreImakey
oual
ltal
k.
Me:
Uhmm It
hinksomeoneki
dnappedt
hem.
Isai
dshowi
nghert
hemessage.
Shesl
appedusonebyone.
Si
ms:
Hay
iMamzo.
Mamz o:
Findt
hem makesur
eyoufindthem bef
ore
Sbani
wakesup,don'
tcomebackherewithoutt
hem.
Weallranoutsi
deandgoti
ntot
hecarwewi
l
lwor
ry
aboutMuzi'
sbodywhenwecomeback.
I
nser
ttwent
y

Sbani

Ididn'
tknowwher eIwasbutal lIknowi sthatIwas
atpeaceIdidn'
twanttoleavet hi
spl ace,al
lthe
bloomingfl
owersandthegr eengr assthebirds
si
ngingaroundandpeopleint heirwhiteclot
hes.I
cl
osedmyey esandenjoyedtheai rthatwas
breezi
ngaroundwhenIopenedt hem Isawmy
parent
s.
Me:
Mama,
Baba.
Theybot
hcamet
omeeachoneoft
hem hol
dingmy
hand.
Mama:
OhSbani
nganey
ami
(mychi
l
d).
Shesai
dat
earescapi
ngherey
e.
Me:
Am Idr
eami
ng?I
sitr
eal
l
yyou?
Baba:
Sbani
samakhozay ouar
enotsupposet
obe
her
eyoursi
sterneedsy
ou.
Me:
Ienj
oybei
ngher
e.
Mama: I
t'snoty
ourt
imey
et,
youneedt
ogobackt
o
yoursi
ster.
Shel
etgoofmyhandandt
ouchedmyf
ace.
Mama:
Mamal
ovesy
oumyboy
.
Baba:I
'm pr
oudofthemany ouhavebecomey ou
sti
l
lhavealongwaytogo,Ihaveforgi
venthem so
hasyourmotherpl
easef
inditinyourhear
tto
for
giv
ethem.
Mama:Don'
that
eyour
sel
fbecauseapar
tofhi
mis
nowi
nyou.
Shesai
dthatpoi
nti
ngatsomeoneIdidn'
tseecl
ear
ly,
whenheli
ft
edhisheadIwasshocked.
Me:
Muzi
.
Baba:Hecanhearyoubuthecan'
ttal
kbecausehe
st
il
lneedsyourf
orgi
veness.
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osayIj
ustkeptqui
et.
Them:Nowgoandl i
veyourl
i
fetotheful
l
estandl
et
yoursi
sterbehappydon'
tbestubbor
n,welov
eyou
all
ofyou.
Me:
Mama,
Babapl
easedon'
tgo.
Iopenedmyeyesandwasbl
i
ndedbythel
i
ght
,It
ri
ed
mov i
ngbutIf
eltpai
nsi
nmyabdomen.
Mamz
o:Sbani
oht
hankGod.
Me:
Wat
er.
Sher
ant
omysi
deoft
hebedandpour
edmesome.
Mamz
o:Letmehel
pyou.
Me:
NomamzoI
'
m notdi
sabl
ed.
Shel
aughedwi
tht
ear
sinherey
es.
Mamz o:St
il
lst
ubbor
nev
enaf
terwaki
ngupf
rom
yourdeat
hbed.
Webot
hchuckl
ed.
Me:
Ngi
wudi
ehar
d.
Mamz
o:I
'
m sohappyy
ouar
ebackmyboy
.
Shesai
dki
ssi
ngmyf
ace.
Me:
Hay
iMamzo.
Mamz o:Hayi
leavemeal
oneI
'
mjusthappyl
etme
gogetthedoctor
.
SheranoutIcoul
dshewasr eal
lyexci
ted,
Iexpect
ed
toseeever
yonehereespeci
all
ymyAngel butmaybe
theywi
ll
beheresoon.
Mamz
ocamebackwi
thShawn.
Doc:MymanI
'
m gl
ady
ouar
eawakehowar
eyou
feel
i
ng?
Me:
Inpai
nmanbutI
'
m gl
adt
obeback.
Doc:Youwi
llbef
ine,
youwerereal
l
yluckytogeta
donorwhodonat
edbothhi
skidney
stoy ou.
Me:Whatdoy
oumeanbot
h?Whatdoest
hatmean
f
orhi
m?
Doc:Yesbothunf
ort
unat
elyi
twasbadf
orhi
m sohe
passedon.
Me:
Arey
ouli
steningtoyour
sel
fhowcanyoual
l
ow
t
hat
?Whydi
dn'
ty oujustt
akeoneki
dney
?
Doc:
Itwashi
schoi
ce.
Me:
Idon'
tunder
stand.
Ishout
edandt
hepai
nbecamewor
se.
Me:
Ouch.
Mamzo:Pl
easeShawnexcuseusIwi
l
lexpl
ain
ev
ery
thi
ngtohim.
Doc:
It'
sfi
nemahi
fyouar
edonepl
easecomesee
me.
Mamz
onoddedwhi
l
eShawnl
eft
.
Mamzo:Sbanipl
easetr
ytocalm downwedon'
t
wanty
ouretur
ningtosl
eepfordaysokay
.
InoddedI'm aper
sonwhosnapseasi
l
yandIcan'
t
contr
olthat.
Me:
Somamzowhoi
sthi
sper
son?
Mamz
o:Don'
tov
err
eactpl
ease,
itwasMuzi
.
Me:
Washeamat
ch?
Shenodded.
Me:
How?
Mamz o:MuziwasKhoza'
ssonthathedi
dn'tknow
aboutsowhenhisauntdi
edhetoldhi
mtocome
andlookforhi
sfami
lyher
einDurbanandthathe
wasusingmutionhi
mt odoall
thethi
ngshewas
doi
ng.
Myheadwasspi
nni
ngandmyhear
tbeat
ingf
ast
.
Mamz o:WhenMuzi camehereKhozaal
readyknew
abouthi
m becauseheistheonewhokil
l
edMuzi '
s
aunt.
Me:SoKhozaal
lowedhi
ssont
odi
ebecausehe
want
edtohelpme.
Iwassoconf
used.
Mamzo:NoKhozatol
dMuzinottodonat
ehiski
dney
t
oyou,Sbani
hedidn'
tcar
ewhethery
oudiedornot
.
Thi
skeepsget
ti
ngi
nter
est
ing.
Mamz o:SowhenKhozaleftMuziatthehousehe
cal
ledSphetocomeandf etchl
ucki
lyhewasa
matchhethendeci
dedtosav eyoubygivi
ngyouhis
ki
dneys.
Me:Idon'tknowwhatt
osaywhywasKhozaagai
nst
Muzi'
sideaofgiv
ingmehi
skidney
.
Mamz o:Weal
ldon'
tknow, weall
don'
tknowwhy
Muzideci
dedtodi
einordertosavey
oubuthel
efta
l
ett
ertobegiv
entoyou.
Me:
Isawt
hem Mamzo.
Mamz
o:Yousawwho?
Me:Myparent
sandMuzi
ont heothersi
de,t
heytol
d
metogetbacktoy
ouguysandthatIshoul
dforgi
ve
Muzi
.
Mamz
o:Iknowy
oudi
dboy
.
Shesaidgivingmet helett
er,Iputi
tundermypill
ow
I
'm notreadytoreaditasy et
.Ican'
tbeli
eveal
lthis,
l
if
er eal
l
yi sunpr
edictable.
Me:
Ineedt
imet
othi
nkaboutal
lthi
s,r
ightnowI
needt
oseemyf
ami
l
ywher
ear
ethey
.
Mamz
o:Uhmm Ineedt
ogoandt
alkt
oShawn.
Hai
boi
sshej
ustgoi
ngt
oignor
emehel
lno.
Me:
Mamzo.
Mamz o:
Theywil
lbeher
etheywenthomef
orabi
t,
butt
heywil
lcomeseeyoulat
erokay
.
Iknewsomethi
ngwasupbecauseshesai
dthat
l
eavingt
heroom.
Isi
ghedandclosedmyey
esIhopet
heyar
efi
ne
wherev
ertheyare.

I
sipho

Wearr
ivedinanabondonedbuil
dingr
ightout
side
Dur
ban,theyt
oldustogetoutofthecarandwedid.
Wef
oll
owedeachot
hert
il
lwegoti
nsi
det
her
oom.
Me:
NoBaba.
Ishout
edwhenIsawKhozabeat
enupandt
iedi
na
chai
r.
Khoza:
Isi
I'
m sor
ry.
Man:
Tiet
hem.
Theyti
edmeandThandoont
hechai
rst
hatwer
ein
ther
oom.
Man:Iwi
llgi
veyouti
metotel
lthem what'
sgoi
ngon
her
ethenIwil
lbebackwi
ththepapers.
Hesaidtal
ki
ngtoKhoza,thi
sremindedmeoft he
ti
mewhenIwaski dnappedandwhenIlookedat
ThandoIsawthatshewasalsouncomfort
able.
Khoza:
I'
m sosor
rynganekamf
owet
hu.
Me:
Whatar
eyousor
ryf
orbaba?
Iwasconf
usedbecauseIdi
dn'
tknowwhathewas
tal
ki
ngabout
.
Khoza: Ij
ustbecamegreedy,yourparent
shadsome
businessesthatwer
esupposet obedi vi
ded
betweeny ouandyourbrotherbutIdi
dn'ttel
lyou
guysandt ri
edtogetthem formyself
.
Me:
What
?Butwhy
?
Khoza:
LikeIsai
dIbecamegreedywhenyouget
homegot omyroom youwi
ll
findever
ythi
ngt
her
e.
Me:Nowear eall
goinghomebabaIf
orgi
vey
ou
okay
,itdoesn'tmatt
erwhaty
oudidIf
orgi
veyou.
Thando:
Isi
phoIt
hinki
t'
sti
meweusedt
hatgun.
Idi
dn'
tev
ennot
icet
hatshehadunt
iedher
sel
f.
Me:
Unt
iemeandbabaf
ir
st.
Shedi
dn'
thesi
tat
eshedi
dasIsai
d.
Khoza:
Giv
emet
hegunt
her
e'sabackdoort
her
e.
Wel
ookedathi
m.
Khoza:
I'
m notgoi
ngt
oki
l
lyouguy
snowgoandwai
t
formeoutsi
de.
Me:
NoI
'
m notl
eav
ingy
ouher
e.
Khoza:
Isi
pleasemyAngel
Ihav
etof
ixt
hismy
sel
f.
Heopenedhi
sar
msandwebot
hhuggedhi
m and
r
anoutsi
de.
Westay
edther
eforsomef
ewmi
nut
esandt
henwe
hear
dgunshot
s.
Thando:
Shhhdon'
tcr
yhei
snotgoi
ngt
odi
e.
Me:
ThandoI
'
m scar
ed.
Thando:
Iknowy
ouar
ebabyI
'
m al
soscar
edbutl
et'
s
wait
.
Me:
Doy
oust
il
lhav
emyphone.
Thando:
OhIev
enf
orgotaboutt
hat
.
Shesai
dtaki
ngi
tout
.
Me:Wecan'
tmakeacallt
hebat
ter
yisaboutt
odi
e
l
et'
shopet
heywil
ltr
ackus.
Thando:
Iknowt
heywi
l
l.
Af
terawhi
l
eitwasqui
tet
heshot
shadst
opped.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngi
nsi
de.
Thando:
Isi
nowai
t.
Shesai
dfol
l
owingbehi
ndme,whenwegoti
nsi
de
Khozawasl
ayi
ngonthefl
oorbl
eedi
ng.
Me:
Babapl
easeno.
Khoza:I
'
m sosor
rypleaset
ell
Sbanit
hatI
'
m sor
ry
andIlov
eyoubothIhopeonedayyouwil
lfi
ndi
tin
y
ourhear
ttof
orgi
veme.
Me:
Ifor
giv
eyouHl
asepl
easedon'
tdi
e.
Heclosedhi
seyesandt
ookhi
slastbr
eat
hri
ght
t
hereinmyhands.
Thando:
I'
m sosor
rybaby
.
Whil
eweweresi
tti
ngthereandIwascryi
ngi
nher
arms,t
hemanfr
om earl
iercamepoi
nti
ngagunon
us.
Man:Nowt hatyourfat
heri
sdeadIgetal
lthe
busi
nessesheresign.
Thando:
Don'
tsi
gnI
si.
Man:
Ify
oudon'
tsi
gnIwi
l
lshooty
ourf
ri
end.
WhenIwasabouttosi
gnt
hemanf
ell
downand
Sphecamer
unningtome.
Sphe:
Sthandwasam heyar
eyouokay
?Ar
eyouhur
t?
Idi
dn'
trespondIj
ustcr
ied.
TJfel
tKhoza'
spul
seandshookhi
sheadt
othe
ot
hers.
Si
ms:
Ineedt
omakesomecal
l
s.
TJ:
Weneedt
ogetoutofher
e.
Hewashol
dingThando.
Sphe:
Isi
phogetupl
et'
sgo.
Me:
Wecan'
tl
eav
eBabaher
e.
Sphe:
Wear
enotgoi
ngt
oleav
ehi
m.
Si
ms:Ithi
nkweshoul
dtakeKhoza'
sbodywit
hus
wewil
lj
usttakehimt
othehospi
tal
toavoi
dtoo
manyquesti
ons.
TJ:
That
'sf
inel
et'
sgo.
Ican'
tbel
i
ev eBabaisgoneIhopeandpraytoGod
thatmybrotherwakesupIknowI'
m notal
onebutI
needmybr othernowmorethanev
er.
Wegotint
hecarandIl
ayedmyheadonSphe'
s
chest
.
Sphe:
Sleepbaby
.
Itr
iedcl
osingmyeyesbutIkeptonsei
ngKhoza
apologi
sing,
Ihopewher
everheisheknowsthatI
for
givehim wit
hal
lmyheartIf
orgi
vehim.
Twent
yone

I'
ml ay i
ngi nTJ'schesti nt hecarandIcan' thelp
my selfbutt hi
nkaboutt hegoodt i
mesIev erhadi n
myl ifeandIr eali
zet heyar efewcompar edt othe
painIhav eendured.Ir ememberwhenIwasst il
l
youngwi thmypar entsar oundthewaymyf ather
usedt ol ookatme, li
keI '
mt heonlyt hingthat
mat tersint hi
swor ldandIf ool
edmy selfbyt hinki
ng
thatev erymani nt hiswor ldwilll
ookatmet heway
myf atherl ookedatme.Inowr eal
iset hatitwas
becausemyf atherlovedmesomuch, Ilookar ound
thecarandIseeI siphocr yinginSphe' schest .Death
i
ssomet hingthatwecannev ergetusedt ono
mat terhowmuchweexper i
enceit,Khozawas
every t
hingt oIsi
phoandSbani nomat terwhathe
haddonet ohurtthem i tdoesn'tmat ternow.
TJ:
Arey
ouokay
?
Me:
Idon'
tknowheyal
lIwantnowi
speace.
TJ:
Don'
twor
ryi
twi
l
lbef
ine.
Me:
Ihopeso.
TJ:
Wear
eher
e.
Me:
Wear
eatt
hehouseal
ready
.
TJ:
Yes.
Weal
lgotoutoft
hecar
.
Si
ms:Iwi
llgot
othehospi
tal
youguy
scanst
ayher
e
Iwi
ll
beback.
TJ:
Iwi
l
lgowi
thy
ou.
Si
ms:
Nost
aybaf
ojustt
obesaf
e.
Si
msl
eftandwegoti
nsi
det
hehouse.
Sphe:
Iwi
l
lgor
unabat
hforI
sit
hent
uckheri
n.
Me:
Okaypl
easeTJcomehel
pmeout
.
Ialsoneededsomeonetogivemet
heat
tent
ion
Isi
phowasget t
ingf
rom Sphe.
Wewenttomyr oom wi
thTJandhewentt
othe
bat
hroom t
orunabathforme.
Hecameback.
TJ:I'
m doney
oucant
akeabat
hIwi
l
lgomakesome
food.
Me:
Pleasedon'
tgo.
Isai
dget
ti
ngcl
oser
.
TJ:
Thandonowhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Ididn'
tspeakIhel
dhi
sfaceandki
ssedhi
m buthe
didn'
trespondi
nst
eadhepushedmeandIfel
lonmy
bed.
TJ:Don'
tfuckwithmeThandowhatdoy
out
hink
youaredoinghuh?
Hewassoangr
yvei
nswer
epoppi
ngi
nhi
shead.
MymindcamebackandIreal
i
sedwhatIhaddone,
I
dr
oppedmyeyesfr
om embarr
assment
.
Me:
Uhmm TJI
..
.Uhmm.
TJ:
Sav
eit
.
Hesaidr
unni
ngoutsi
de,
Iwentt
othebat
hroom and
goti
ntot
hebatht
ub.
Me:
Godwhathav
eIdone?HowdoIf
ixt
his?
Iaskedmy
sel
fwhi
l
etear
swer
efal
l
ingdownmyf
ace.
Af
terIwasdoneIgotoutandwentt
othebedr
oom
toloti
onaft
erIwasdoneIworemypy j
amasandgot
i
ntobed.IwashungrybutIwasscaredtogotothe
kit
chen,whenIwasabouttosl
eepIsiphocameto
myr oom.
I
sipho:
Pleasecomeeatbabe.
Me:
I'
m nothungr
y.
Shesatonmybed.
I
sipho:
Iknowyoumissmybr
otherIal
somi
sshi
m
buthewil
lwakeup.
Onl
yifsheknewwhatIhaddone.
Me:
Imi
sshi
m somuch.
Isai
dcryi
ngIwasn'tl
yingIr
eal
l
ymi ssSbani
butI
wasalsocry
ingbecauseIwasashamedofmy sel
f.
I
sipho:
Shhdon'
tcr
ypl
easel
etsgo.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sgo.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Wewentt
otheki
tchenandt
heguy
swer
emaki
ng
f
ood.
Sphe:
Youcansi
tther
ewewi
l
lbr
ingt
hef
ood.
I
sipho:
Okay
.
Me:
Hei
ssosweet
.
I
sipho:
IknowIguessI
'
mlucky
.
Wewer esit
ti
ngintheloungeandt
heywer
eint
he
ki
tchen,
theybroughtourfood.
Idi
dn'tev
enwantt
olookatTJIwonderwhathe
thi
nksofme.
Weat eincomfort
abl
esi
l
entnotsocomf
or t
ingfor
met hough,whenwewer
edoneSimsarr
ivedlooki
ng
dr
ained.
TJ:
Arey
ouokaybr
uh?
Si
ms:
Ineedf
oodashowerandadr
ink.
Sphe:
Goshowerf
ir
st.
Si
ms:
NoIwi
l
leatnowweneedt
ogot
othehospi
tal
.
I
sipho:
Isi
tmybr
other
?
Si
ms:
Idon'
tknow.
TJ:
Wher
eisKhoza'
sbody
?
Sims:Themogueweneedt
opr
epar
efort
hef
uner
al
soon.
Sphe:
Okayy
oul
adi
escangochangesowecango.
Wewenttochangeourpy
jamasandt
henwentback
t
otheot
hers.
Si
ms:
Let
'sgoI
'
m notdr
ivi
ngI
'
mtoot
ir
ed.
TJ:
Iwi
l
ldr
ive.
Igoti
nthebackwi
thSi
ms.
Si
ms:
Youar
eawf
ull
yqui
etThandoar
eyouokay
?
Inoddedmyhead.
Si
ms:
Arey
ousur
e?
Me:
YesI
'
mfi
ne.
Henoddedhi
sheadandandwear r
ivedatt
he
hospi
tal
qui
ckert
hanIexpect
ed.
Wewentt
oSbani
'
sbedandhewasnott
her
e.
I
sipho:
Wher
eismybr
other
?
Sheaskedcr
ying.
Sphe:
Isi
babypl
easecal
m down.
Il
ookedar
oundbuthewasnott
her
e.
Sbani
:Whyar
eyouguy
scr
ying?
Weal
ltur
nedbackhewascomi
ngf
rom t
het
oil
et.
I
siphor
ant
ohi
m.
I
sipho:
Bhut
i.
Sbani
:Ouch.
Shegi
ggl
ed.
I
sipho:
Sor
ryBhut
i.
Shehel
pedhergeti
ntobed.
Sbani
:Smi
l
eguy
sI'
m backnow.
Sphe:
Don'
tev
ersl
eepf
ort
hatl
ongman.
Theyal
lbr
ohuggedhi
m Ij
ustst
oodt
her
enot
knowi
ngwhatt
odoorsay.
Sbani
:Thando.
Hesai
dlooki
ngatme.
Sbani
:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
ojustst
andt
her
e?
Si
ms:
Shei
sst
il
lshockedandhappyIguess.
Me:Uhmmm yeahI
'
mjusthappyy
ouar
ebackI
mi
ssedyou.
Sbani
:Comegi
vemeahugt
hen.
Iwal
kedsl
owl
ytohi
sbed.
Me:
Ihappyy
ouar
ebackhubby
.
Sbani:Heydon'
tcr
yIwi
l
lnev
erl
eav
eyouI
'
m back
forgood.
Me:
Iknowy
ouar
e.
Ifel
tsogui
lt
yIshoul
dn'
thavedonewhatIdi
d,Ij
ust
putmysel
finanawkwardposi
ti
on.
Si
ms:
Sodi
dyouseeMoses?
Weal
ll
aughed.
Me:
IwasJesus'
sri
ghthandman.
TJ:Youwi
shI
'
m sur
eyouwer
ejustdr
inki
ngwi
ne
ther
e.
Mamz
o:Youar
eal
lback.
Si
ms:
Yeswear
eMama.
Weal
ltal
kedandl
aughedev
ery
onewasgl
adt
hat
Sbani
isback.

Sbani

Iwashappyt
obebackandtoseeev
ery
onel
aughi
ng
Imissedt
hem andImi
ssedt
his.
Thandoisact
ingweir
dormaybeshesti
ll
can'
t
bel
ieveI
'
m back,Iwantt
otal
ktoI
siphoal
one.
Me:
CanIpl
easehav
eamomentwi
thmyAngel
.
Si
ms:
Ofcoswewi
l
lbeout
side.
Theyl
eft
,Ipar
tedaspacef
orheri
nmybedandshe
l
aynextt
ome.
Me:
Ilov
eyouAngel
youknowt
hatr
ight
?
I
sipho:
YesBhut
iIknowandIl
ovey
out
oo.
Me:
Didy
oumi
ssme?
I
sipho:
Ever
ydaypr
omi
semet
haty
ouwi
l
lnev
er
l
eavemeagain.
Me:
Ipr
omi
seAngel
.
I
sipho:
Bhut
i.
Me:
Mhh.
I
sipho:
Khozai
sdead.
Ir
aisedmyheadandl
ookedather
.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Shet
oldmeev
ery
thi
ngt
hathappened.
Me:
Idon'
tknowanybusi
nesses.
I
sipho:
That
'
sbecauseKhozanev
ert
oldus.
Nomatterwhatdi
ffer
enceswehadwithKhozahe
wasst
il
l myfat
herandIdidn'
twanthi
mtodie.
Me:
Howdoy
ouf
eel
aboutal
lthi
s?
Isi
pho:Ther
e'snousetobeangryri
ghtnoworto
hateBababecauseheisdeadnowandhei snev
er
comingback,Ifor
giv
ehim Bhut
iandIwishhedi
dn'
t
diehewastheonlyparentwehadbesidesMamzo.
Me:IknowbabyIalsowi
shthi
ngsweredif
fer
entbut
Iguessthi
siswhatGodpl
annedf
orus,Ial
soforgi
ve
hi
m.Wher eishenow?
I
sipho:
Themor
tuar
y.
Me: OkayIwil
ltal
ktoShawnsothathewi
ll
dischar
gememay bet
omorrowsothatwewil
lpl
an
thefuneral
.
I
sipho:
OkayBhut
iI'
m sogl
ady
ouar
eback.
Me:
I'
m gl
adt
obebackAngel
.
I
sipho:
Doy
ouknowwhodonat
edhi
ski
dney
?
Me:
Act
ual
l
yit
'st
woki
dney
s.
I
sipho:
What
?
Me:YesitwasKhoza'
ssonthathedidn'
tknow
about
,theper
sonwhoshotourparents.
Icont
inuedt
oexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngt
oher
.
Me:
Pleasef
orgi
vehi
m.
I
sipho:
Hav
eyouf
orgi
venhi
myet
?
Me:
NobutI
'
m wor
kingoni
t.
Isi
pho:If
orgi
vehi
m onl
ybecausehesav
edy
ourl
i
fe
sowill
weburyhimtoo.
Me:
Ift
hat
'sokaywi
thy
ou.
I
sipho:
It'
sfi
neBhut
i.
Me:OkaybabyIneedt
orestnowy
oucangoand
cal
lThandoforme.
I
sipho:
Iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
row,
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Okayl
ovey
out
oo.
Shelef
tandaf
teraf
ewmi
nut
esThandocamet
omy
ward.
Me:
Cheeruphubbyi
sbacknow.
Shegi
ggl
ed.
Thando:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?Ar
eyoui
npai
n?
Me:
I'
m gl
adt
obeal
i
veev
ent
houghI
'
m st
il
li
npai
ns.
Thando:
It'
sreal
l
ygoodt
ohav
eyouback.
Me:
Thandol
wam ar
eyouokay
?
Thando:
Uhmm I
'
mfi
ne.
Me:
Thando.
Hi
svoi
cewasdemandi
ng.
Thando:
I'
mfi
nebel
i
evemei
t'
sjustt
hati
t'
sbeena
l
ongday.
Me:OhI
sitol
dmeI 'm sor
ryaboutwhathappened
ar
eyouokaythough?
Thando:
YesI
'
m okayj
ustt
ir
ed.
Me:
YoucangoIwi
l
lseey
ouguy
stomor
row.
Thando:
Okaygoodni
ghtIl
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Iheldherandtri
edt oki
ssherbutshej
ustran
outsi
de,okaythatwasweirdIwonderwhat'
sgoing
onwi t
hher.Everyonecametosaythei
rgoodbyes
andtheyleft
.
Igat
her
edsomestrengt
ht oreadt
hel
ett
erMuzi
lef
t
forme,
Iopenedi
tanditread:
"Khoza, Hlase,
Ml i
lo,Bhov unganeIwi shthingswer e
di
ffer
entbutIcan' tchanget hepastIcanonl ydo
whatI'm abouttodor ecti
fymymi stakes,thewayI
wasfondofy ouit'
slikeIknewy ouwer emybl oodI
wishwemetdur ingdi ff
erentcir
cumst ancesbutl if
e
doesn'talwaysgot hewaywewant .Iknowy ouwi l
l
beconf usedtowhyIgav eyoubothofmyki dneys
butIfeelli
keIowey out hatmuch, Iheardthatal l
the
thingsIdi dwerenotmyownwi ll
butt hef act
remai nsIpull
edt hattriggerandIlef ty ouandy our
sisterorphans.Ifeel l
ikeitwill
beonl ysel fi
shforme
togi vemy sel
fanot herchancet olifebecauseIdon' t
deser veitandI'
m soashamedt of acey ouaf t
er
realisi
ngIhav ecausedy ousomuchpai n.I'
m so
sor r
yaboutev erythingbafoIhopey ouwi l
lfi
nditi
n
yourhear ttoforgivemesomeday , Iwi llneversl
eep
peacef ul
lyinmydeat hunt i
lyouforgiv eme.
Ngi
xol
eleHl
ase.
Yourbr
otherMuzi
."
Idi
dn'tknowwhatt osay,nowIwishhedi dn'tdie
becauseIwi l
lhaveabr otherandall
thethingshedi d
werenotbychoi cebutapar tofmei sgl
adhei s
deadbecausehewasgoi ngtobear emi
nderofwhat
happenedt omypar ents.Isawhim pul
lthatt r
igger
andIwillnevererasethatimagefrom mymi nd.
Twent
ytwo

Sbani
It
'sbeent woday ssinceIcamebackhomet hi
ngs
areabi ttensesincewear ebusypl anningtwo
funeralsandShawnt ol
dmet otakeitslowbecause
I'
m stil
linpains,Thandoisst i
ll
actingabitweirdand
avoidingTJal otIdon'twhat'sgoingon.Idon'twant
tojumpi ntoconclusionbutitseemsl ikesomethi
ng
happenedbet weenthem Ijustdon'tknowwhatt o
thi
nknow.
Igetoutofbedandgot
otheot
her
s.
I
sipho:Thedoct
ort
oldy
out
otakei
tsl
owkodwa
bhuti
.
Me:
I'
mti
redofsl
eepi
ngIj
ustwantsomef
reshai
r.
I
sipho:
Okaydoy
ouwantsomef
ood?
Me:
Yespl
ease,
wher
ear
etheot
her
s?
I
sipho:Theywentt
otown,Mamzoisbusywitht
he
guestsI'
m sot
ir
edIwantal
lthi
stobeovernow.
Me:
Itwi
l
lAngel
.
Shewentt
ogetmef
oodandcameback.
I
sipho:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
I'
m st
il
li
npai
nsbutIwi
l
lbef
ine.
I
sipho:
Imeanemot
ional
l
y?
Il
ookatherandsi
ghIhav
en'
treal
l
ytal
kedabout
howIfeel
.
Me:Idon'
twantt
oli
eImisshim,Khozaistheone
whorai
sedus.Wewereonl
yleftwi
thhim butnow
wehavenoone.
I
sipho:
Imisshi
mtoosomuchbutwehav
eeach
ot
herri
ght
.
Me:
Right
!
Ihaven'
ttol
dThandothatwewi l
lbebur
yingMuzi
andthathewasmybrot herIdon'
thowshewil
lreact
butIwil
lhavet
owaitandsee.
If
inishedeat
ingandIsi
photookmyplat
etothe
ki
tchensheistreat
ingmeli
keI'
m si
ckorsomethi
ng.
I
sipho:
Don'
tyouwantt
osl
eepnow?
Me:
Hay
iIsi
Iwi
l
ljustchi
l
lont
hecouch.
I
sipho:
Uhmm Bhut
i.
Me:
Mmmm.
Iwasn'
tl
ooki
ngatherbutshedi
dn'
ttal
ksoIl
ooked
ather
.
Me:
What
'swr
ongAngel
?
I
sipho:
Pleasedon'
tbemad.
Me:
I'
m notpr
omi
singy
ouany
thi
ng,
justt
alk.
I
sipho:
Uhmm.
Me:Itol
dyouthatyoucant
alkt
omeaboutany
thi
ng
Idon'
twantanysecret
sbet
weenus.
I
sipho:
MeandSphear
einar
elat
ionshi
p.
Me:
Inar
elat
ionshi
phow?
Shewasal
readycr
ying.
I
sipho:
Hei
smyboy
fri
end.
Me:
IthoughtSphewasl
i
keabr
othert
oyou.
Shenodded.
Me: Thenhowcomey
out
ell
i
ngmet
hathei
snow
yourboyfr
iend.
I
sipho:
Ilov
ehi
m.
Me:
Asabr
otherr
ight
?
I
sipho:
Noasmyboy
fri
end.
Me:
Unl
ovehi
mthem.
I
sipho:
Bhut
ipl
ease.
Me:
Don'
tpl
easemeni
ngi
j
way
elakabi
nina.
I
sipho:
I'
m sor
ryBhut
i.
Me:
Getoutofmyf
ace.
Shedidn'tmov eshejustsatthereandcried,
Ial
way s
expectedsomet hi
nglikethi
st ohappenbecauseof
thewayt heyusedtolookateachot her.Idon'
tl
ike
toseehercr ybutI'
m punishi
ngher ,
Ihearthecar
outsi
deandt heyallgetin.
I
siphol
ooksatherandat
temptt
ogot
ohi
m.
Me:
SitdownI
sipho.
Si
ms:Manwhat
'
sgoi
ngon?Ar
en'
tyousupposet
o
bei
nbed.
Me:I
'
m supposetobei
nbedwhi
l
eSphei
sbusy
f
ucki
ngmysister
.
Sphe:
Baf
oit
'snotl
i
ket
hat
.
Igetupandpunchhi
mint
hef
acebuthur
tmy
sel
fin
theprocess.
Me:
Ouch.
Thando:
Babey
ouar
ehur
ti
ngy
our
sel
fpl
easesi
t
down.
Sphei
shol
dinghi
sbl
eedi
ngmout
h.
Me:Sowhydi
dn'
tyouguy
stel
lmeSphewasdat
ing
Angel
.
TJ:
There'
salottoworr
yaboutSbani
wewer
egoi
ng
tot
alkaboutt
hataf
tert
hefuner
al.
Me:WenaTJj
ustshutup,
whyi
sThandoav
oidi
ng
you?
Il
ookathi
m andhel
ooksatThando.
Thando:Canwepl
easegot
oyourr
oom andt
alk
aboutthat
.
Me: Fi
newenaIsi
phogogett
hef
ir
stai
dki
tandf
ix
yourboyf
ri
end.
Shesmi
l
ed.
I
sipho:
Doest
hatmean.
.
Me:
Don'
tgetcar
ri
edawayi
tmeansnot
hing.
Igetupandgot
omyr
oom wi
thThandof
oll
owi
ng
me.
Me:
Tal
k.
Ireal
l
yhat ebeingl
iedt
oasmuchasIknewthat
SphelikesIsi
phoheshoul
dhavetal
kedtomefi
rst
becausehei stheonewhoismybestf
ri
end.
Thando:
Pleasedon'
tbemad.
Me:Ithi
nkI
'
mti
redofhear
ingt
hatt
odaysoj
ustt
alk
Thando.
Idon'
tusual
l
ycal
lherThandoandsheknowsi
t.
Thando:
SoUhmm Iki
ssedTJ.
Shesai
dlooki
ngdown.
Me:Whatdoyoumeany
ouki
ssedTJandwhi
chTJ
ar
eyoutal
ki
ngabout
?
Thando:
TJy
ourf
ri
end.
Me:
Hay
iI'
m bei
ngt
est
edt
odaysoam Isupposet
o
guesswhathappenedj
ustt
ell
meev
ery
thi
ng.
Thando:
Iwasjustf
eel
inglonel
ysoIki
ssedhi
m but
i
twasami st
akeIswear.
Me:Sowenaevery
timey
ouf
eel
youar
egoi
ngt
o
ki
ssmyfri
ends.
Thando:NonoIsweari
twasj
ustami
stakeandhe
di
dn'tki
ssmeback.
Me:SoI'
m supposetobeli
evet
hathedidn'
tki
ssy
ou
backandthatnot
hingel
sehappened?
Thando:
Yespl
easebel
i
evemehubbypl
ease.
Me:
Don'
tcal
lmet
hatbr
ingmet
hatl
apt
op.
Ihavehiddencamerasineachandev eryroom so
shetookthel apt
opandIchecked,Isawev er
ythi
ngI
actual
l
yappl audTJforwhathedidifitwas
someoneel sewewoul dbetal
kingadiff
erentstor
y
now.
Me:Sowhati
fTJdi
dn'
trej
ecty
ouwer
eyougoi
ngt
o
sl
eepwi
thhim?
Shekeptqui
etandcr
ied.
Me:
Stopcr
yingandt
alkThandol
wet
hu.
Thando:
NoI
'
m sor
ry.
Me:Sohowam Isupposet
otr
usty
ouar
oundmy
f
ri
endstel
lme.
Thando:
Itwasami
staker
eal
l
y,y
oucant
rustme.
Me:JustgetoutThandoandpl
easet
ell
TJt
ocome
seeme.
Thando:
Ngi
yaxol
i
saHl
ase(
I'
m sor
ry)
.
Asmuchast
hatmademyhear
tjumpi
tdi
dn'
twor
k.
Me:
PhumaThando(getout
).
Shewi pedhert
ear
sandl ef
t,Ireal
lydon'tknowhow
tofeelaboutt
hisi
twasami stakey eahbutwewi l
l
havethosemoment swherewef ightwithThando,
howam Isupposetotrusthernott oruntomy
fr
iends.
TJ:
Baf
o.
Me:
Thandot
oldwhydi
dn'
tyousayany
thi
ng.
TJ:Idi
dn'
twanttocausetroubl
ebet
weenyouand
ThandobecauseIsawthatshemadeamistake.
Me:
Idon'
tknowmanhowwi
l
lIev
ert
rustheragai
n.
TJ:
Justgi
veherachancet
opr
oveher
sel
f.
Me:
Thanksmanf
orr
eact
ingt
hewayy
oudi
d.
TJ:Wearebrot
her
sIwoul
dn'
tj
ustl
etThandocause
conf
li
ctbet
weenus.
Me:
Iheary
ou.
TJ:
AndgoeasyonSphehel
ovesAngel
.
Me:
JustgetoutTJ.
TJ:
Stopbei
ngst
ubbor
n.
Itookmypi ll
owandt hr
ewitonhim heranout
l
aughing,Iloveeachandev eryoneofthem Idon'
t
wantany t
hingtocomebet weenusnotevenThando.
Ithoughtaboutwhatmypar entssai
daboutme
beingstubbornandt hatIshouldl
etI
siphobehappy
may betheyweretalkingaboutthi
s.
Sphegoti
n.
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Sphe:
Tot
alk.
Me:
I'
mli
steni
ng.
Sphe:I'
m notgoingt
oplaywi
thherandyouknow
thatbutI
'm sor
ryIshoul
dhav
etalkedt
oy ou.
Me:
Ify
oudar
ehur
ther
.
Sphe:
Iknowy ougoingt
okil
lme,y
ouknowy ouare
mybrotherandIdon'
twantust
ofi
ghtovert
his.
Me: Youar
emybr
othery
ety
ouf
ell
inl
ovewi
thmy
si
ster.
Sphe:AHHcomeonmany ouknowwhatImean,
the
hear
twantswhati
twant
s.
Me:
Iheary
oubuty
ounotof
fthehooky
et.
It
oldhim aboutwhathappenedbet
weenTJand
Thando.
Me:YouknowhowmuchIl oveherbutIdon'
t
tol
erat
ebull
shi
t,Ican'
tbeinarel
ati
onshi
pwith
someonethatIcannottr
ust.
Sphe:
Idon'twanttol
i
etoyouThandolovesyoua
l
otfut
hiIbeli
eveshemadeamist
akejustlett
his
onesl
idethenwecanseehowshebehaves.
Me:
Fine.
Sphe:
Iwi
l
lleav
eyout
orestt
henst
opt
hinki
ngt
oo
much.
Me:
ShoBaf
o.
Hel
eftandIt
ri
edt
osl
eep.

I
sipho

Iwasimpat
ient
lywait
ingf
orSpheoutsi
demy
brot
her
'sr
oom justt
ohearwhathesaidaboutus.
Me:
So?
Sphe:
Cal
m downbabey
ourbr
otherhasnopr
obl
em.
Me:
Youmeanhegav
eushi
sbl
essi
ngs.
Sphe:
Notr
eal
l
ybutweshoul
dn'
trushhi
m.
Me:
okay
.
Weki
ssed.
Me:
Iwantt
otal
ktoThando.
Sphe:
okayIwi
l
lgot
otheot
her
s.
Thandodi
dn'
tseem f
ineandshesai
dshewant
edt
o
sl
eep.
WhenIgotint
oherroom shet
ossi
ngandtur
ning,
sweat
ingandcry
ingIthi
nkshewashavi
ngsome
ni
ghtmare.
Me:
Thandowakeupi
tsj
ustadr
eam.
Thando:
SisSi
ndi
.
Me:
Cal
m downi
tsj
ustadr
eam okay
.
Igav
ehersomewat
er.
Me:Thi
sisnott
hef
ir
stt
imey
ouhav
ingani
ght
mar
e
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Thando:Ihav
ebeendr
eamingaboutSi
sSi
ndi
,she
saysshewantsmetofi
ndherhead.
Shewasnowcr
ying.
Me:
Uhmm whathead?
Thando:
Whent
heyki
l
ledhert
heyt
ookherhead.
Iknowt
hest
oryaboutSi
ndi
butIdon'
tknowal
lofi
t.
Me:
Shhhcal
m down.
Shewasreal
l
ybr
eaki
ngdownsoIwentt
ogetmy
brot
her
.
Idi
dn'
tev
enknock.
Sbani
:I
siphowhatt
hehel
l
.
Me:
It'
sThando.
Sbani
:Idon'
thav
eti
mef
ort
hisj
ustgetout
.
Me:Shei
sbreaki
ngdownshehasbeenhav
ingsome
ni
ghtmar
es.
HegotoutofbedandIf
oll
owedaf
terhi
m.
Sbani
:Thandowhat
'
sgoi
ngon.
Shet
oldhi
m whatshet
oldme.
Sbani
:Wewi
l
ltr
ysor
ti
ngt
hisoutaf
tert
hef
uner
als.
Me: It
hinky
ouhav etosleepwi
thThandoBhut
i
becausesheisscared.
Sbani
:Noshewi
l
lbef
ine.
Thando:
Please.
Sbani
:Okayf
ine.
It
hinkt
her
eissomet
hingwr
ongbet
weent
hem.
Me:
Ilov
eyoubot
h.
Isai
dthatandl
eftt
hem i
nther
oom.
Twent
ythr
ee

Sbani

Todaywear ebur yi
ngmyf atherandbrotherIfeel
reall
ysadIhav en'
tcri
edbecauseI '
mt r
y i
ngtobe
strongformysi st
erbutthetrut
hisI'm hurt
ingreal
ly
bad.Af t
erallthethingsthathappenedwi t
hMuzi and
myf atherIdidn'twishdeathonthem Iwant edthem
tolive.
Iwakeupandgothroughmyclosetl
ooki
ngfor
somethi
ngtowear
,Ihearsomeoneclear
ingt
hei
r
thr
oat
.
Sphe:
Ihavebeenst
andi
nghereforal
mostt
hir
ty
minut
esandyouhavebeendoi
ngthesamethi
ng.
Me:
I'
mtr
yingt
olookf
orsomet
hingt
owear
.
Sphe:
Heeymanst
op.
Me:
Ican'
tseem t
ofi
ndt
hesedamncl
othes.
Sphe:
Sbani
pleasej
ustst
opy
oucancr
yit
'sf
ine.
Hehel
dmyar
m andIl
etmyt
ear
srol
ldownmyf
ace.
Sphe:
Justl
eti
touty
ouhav
ebeenst
rongf
ort
oo
l
ong.
Me:
Ithur
tsbaf
oal
ot.
Sphe:Iknowithurt
sbutnawemusaukukhal
angat
hi
uyi
thekeni(don'
tcryl
i
kealady
).
Il
etgoofhi
m andl
augh.
Me:
Youar
ecr
azyman.
Sphe:Doyouremembert
hefi
rstt
imewedrank
al
coholandKhozal
etussl
eeponthecol
dti
les
wit
houtanybl
anket
s.
Webot
hchuckl
ed.
Me: Andt
henextmorni
nghemadeusdr
inkt
wo
casesofHei
neken.
Sphe:
Hewassost
ri
ctbuthewasal
soagr
eatf
ather
t
oal
lofus.
Me:
Yeaht
hat
'st
rueI
'
m goi
ngt
omi
sshi
m somuch.
Sphe:Wewil
lal
lmi
sshim backbutnowl
etusgi
ve
hi
mt hef
uneral
hedeser
ves.
Me:
Youar
eri
ghtl
etmecheckoutmycl
othes.
Sphe:Noit
'sf
inetheyar ealr
eadyreadyIt
ookthem
outwhil
eyouwer esleepingj
usttakeabath,
Iwil
lgo
checkontheothers.
Me:
Okaymant
hanky
ou.
Sphe:
YouknowIhav
egoty
ou.
HeleftandItookashowert
henworemyclot
hes
whichIfoundplacedonmybed,
theyar
etr
eati
ngme
l
ikeachildinthi
shouse.
Iwentt
ocheckoutonI
siphoonherr
oom.
Me:
Knockknock.
Them:
Comei
n.
Shewaswi t
hThando,speaki
ngofThandoweare
okaybutIst
il
ldon'
ttr
ustherandherni
ghtmar
es
haven'
tgoneaway.
Me:
Ladi
esar
eyouokay
?
Thando:
Wear
efi
nehowar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m okaycanIpl
easet
alkt
omysi
ster
.
Thando:
OfcosIwi
l
lleav
eyouguy
stoi
t.
Thandol
eftandIl
ookedatmysi
ster
.
Me:
Angel
.
I
sipho:
Ithur
tsBhut
i.
Me:
IknowAngel
andIf
eel
thesameway
.
I
sipho:
Iwi
l
lmi
sshi
m.
Me:
Iknowy
ouwi
l
lcomeher
e.
Sher
ant
omyar
msandIhugged.
Me:
Shhhdon'
tcr
yI'
m her
eandIwi
l
lal
way
sbeher
e
f
oryou.
I
sipho:
IknowIl
ovey
ou.
Me:Ilov
eyout
ooAngel
nowgetr
eadyi
t'
sget
ti
ng
l
ate.
Il
eftherandwentt
ocheckont
hingsandt
hegent
sI
bumpedintoMamzo.
Me:
Mamzo.
Mamz
o:Boy
.
Me:
Iwantedt
othanky
ouf orever
ythi
ngIdon'
twhat
wewoul
dhavedonewi
thoutyou.
Mamz o:It
'smypleasure,youknowIwil
lal
waysbe
hereforyouguysallofyouespeci
all
ynowthatI
'
m
theonlyparenty
oual l
lef
twith.
Heari
nghersay
ingt
hatshei
sourpar
entmademe
happy.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Mamz o:
Ever
ythi
ngisreadyyoucangot
othe
ki
tchent
heboysareeati
ngthere.
Inoddedandwentt
otheguy
s.
Me:
Guy
sbat
hini
.
Them:
Moj
a.
Weat
eandt
henpr
epar
edf
ort
heday
.
Theservi
cest
art
edandwewer eal
lsi
tt
ingi
nfr
ont
,
thepast
orcal
l
edmet ospeak.
Theguy
saccompani
edmet
othef
ront
.
Me: Uhmm wear enotsupposet obeher etodayI
saythatbecauseIbel ievethattheset wost i
l
l hada
l
otoft hingst oli
veforbuther ewear eandweknow
thatwecannev eroutdonewhatt heLor dhasdone, I
wantedt hem t oli
veandseemeandmysi sterget
mar r
iedinf actseeall ofusgetmar r
iedbutGodhad
otherplans.WhenIt hinkaboutmyf athertheonl y
thi
ngt hatstandsouti nmymi ndi showhet reated
myf ri
endsashi sownandhowhewasal way st her
e
whenweneededhi m,wewi l
lalway srememberhi m
asourf ri
end, ouradvisorandourf at
her.It
'ssadt hat
hehadt or eunitewithhissont hiswaybutIhope
theyhav ethebestr elati
onshipwher evertheyar e
going.
Thanky
ou.
Weallwentt
ositdownthentheser
vicecont
inued
unt
ilwewenttothecemeter
y.
Andall
wasdonefort
hedayt
heywer
egoneand
ther
ewasnot
hingwecoul
ddo.
Me:
Whataday
.
Wewer
enowathomej
ustsi
tt
ingi
nthel
oungeal
lof
us.
Si
ms:
I'
m dogt
ir
edIj
ustwantt
orel
ax.
TJ:
Met
ooman.
Mamz
o:Youcanal
lrel
axaf
tercl
eani
ngt
hey
ard.
Weal
ll
ookedateachot
her
.
Me:
Ihav
eal
readycal
l
edt
hecl
eani
ngcompany
.
Mamz
o:I
ni?Youal
lj
ustmaki
ngmoney
.
Sphe:
PleaseMamzowear
eal
lti
red.
Mamzo:Iwil
ll
ety
ouguysrestonl
ybecauseIknow
youar
eti
redandthanky
ouforever
ythi
ng.
Si
ms:
Thanksmama.
Weallsatt
her
eandt
alkedunt
ili
twasl
ateandwe
deci
dedtocal
li
tani
ght.

Thando
Wewentt oSbani
'
sroom si
nceIsl
eepwi
thhi
m now
becauseoft
henight
mares.
Me:Shoul
dIr
unabat
hforusorwi
l
lwet
akea
shower
.
Sbani
:Ashowerwoul
ddobecauseI
'
mti
red.
Wewentt
oshowert
henwewentt
obed.
Me:
Goodni
ghtbabe.
Sbani
:Goodni
ghtst
handwasam.
Weki ssedthenhefel
l asl
eepr
ightawayItri
ed
sleepi
ngbutwhenIcl osedmyey esIkeptonsei
ng
sisSindiIdon'
tknowmay beit
'sbecauseIhavebeen
thinki
ngaboutheralotsincet
henightmaresbuti
t
feltsoreal
.
Isawmy selfwalki
ngaroundi nwoodst herewas
windbl owi ngaroundthepl ace,Ihear dsisSindi
call
ingmyname.Iwasr espondingbuti twasl i
ke
shecan' ther eme, Iwal
kedar oundandt hewind
startedbl owingverystrong.Iwal kedtil
l Isawa
personsi tti
ngbyt heriv
erIkeptonwal kingti
llI
reachedher ,It
appedonhershoul derandshet urned
Icoul dn'
tbel i
evemyey esi twassi sSindi .
It
ri
edspeaki
ngbutwor
dsf
ail
edme.
Si
sSindi
:Hel
pme!Hel
pmeThandoy
ouar
emyonl
y
hope.
Shegotupandl ookedatmeat eardr oppedf rom
herey eIcouldn'tmisst hepainwr i
ttenal lovermy
face.Itri
edholdingherhandIwant edhert ot ell
me
howt ohelpme, whenIt r
iedget
tingclosert ohershe
keptmov i
ngbackwar ds.WhenIwasaboutt ot ouch
her,herheaddi sappear edandshewasl eftwi thouti
t.
Iturnedaroundandr anbutIf el
tfootst epsl ikeshe
waschasi ngmeandIcoul dher
et hev oices
repeatingthesamet hing.
"HelpmeThandoy ouaremyonlyhope"Iwasnow
sweati
ngandcryi
ngsinceIwasrunning,
Icoul
dn'
t
evenfi
ndawayoutoft hefor
estbecausethewi
nd
wasnowblindi
ngmyey es.
Sbani
:Thandowakeup.
Me:
Mmmm.
Sbani
:Wakeupi
tsj
ustadr
eam.
Iwasshaki
nguncont
rol
l
abl
e.
Sbani
:HeyIwi
l
lgety
ousomewat
er.
Her
ant
othebat
hroom andcamebackwi
thwat
er.
Idr
ankitandsi
ghedt
hisi
sst
art
ingt
owei
ghme
down.
Me:
Sheneedssomehel
p.
Sbani
:Letmegoandf
etchmamzo.
Her
anoutandcamebackwi
thMamzo.
Mamz
o:What
'sgoi
ngonThando?
It
oldherwhathappens.
Mamzo:There'
ssomeoneIknowt
hatwi
l
lhel
pyou,
wewi
l
l gotheretomor
row.
Sbani
:Wi
l
lthatper
sonhel
pher
?
Mamz
o:Yesshewi
l
l.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Mamz
o:Youhav
etopr
ayev
ery
timey
ousl
eep.
Sbani
:Cany
oupr
ayf
orus.
Shepr
ayed.
Mamz o:Don'
tworryeveryt
hingwil
lbefi
newena
Sbani
y oudon'
treal
iseitbutyouhavepower
i
nvest
edi
nyout
ohel
ppeopl
eli
keThando.
Wel
ookedateachot
her
.
Sbani
:Whatdoest
hatmeanMamzo?
Mamz
o:Not
hinggoodni
ght
.
Me:
Goodni
ghtmama.
Shel
eftandwentt
oherr
oom.
Sbani
:Wi
l
lyoubeabl
etosl
eep?
Me: Yesbyt
hepoweri
nvest
edi
nyouIwi
l
lsl
eep
peaceful
l
y.
Sbani
:Comeondon'
ttel
lmey
oubel
i
evewhatshe
sai
d.
Me:Shei
salway
ssay
ingt
hatsoI
'
m st
art
ingt
o
bel
i
eveher
.
Sbani
:Let
'sj
ustsl
eep.
Hehel
dmei
nhi
sar
msandhummedasongf
orme.
I
nser
ttwent
yfour

Whenwear
eyoungandst
il
lgr
owi
ngwet
hinkl
i
fei
s
abedf ullofr
osesandt hatli
feissweetnotknowing
thatiti
sat ot
alopposite.NowIhav el
earntthatl
ife
i
snotmeantt obeeasy ,it
'smeanttobeliv
ed.
Somet imeshappy,othertimesroughbuteveryup
anddowny oulearnl
essonst hatmakeyoust r
ong.
Weal waysbehav eli
kelifeowesussomet hingeven
aftershowingusthatitowesnot hi
ngyetwenev er
l
ear n.
Wear enowonourwayt oseetheprophetor
sangomaIdon' tknow, Mamzowokeusupi nthe
earl
yhoursoft hemor ningandwear eal lgoi
ng.
Theyareallsl
eepingbesi deSphewhoi sdriv
ingI'
m
j
ustlooki
ngar oundwonder i
ngwhatIwoul dhave
doneifSbanididnotcomebackf orme, Iwonder
wheremyf eetwouldhav etakenmesi nceIwas
runni
ngandnotl ookingback.Whatl i
fewoul dbelike
i
fSisSindiwasst i
llal
ive.
I
'm disturbedfr
om myt hought
sbyMamzotel
li
ng
Sphet opul l
upthecarbecausewehav
earr
ivedI
di
dn'tev ennoti
cethatshewasawake.
Whocomestosomeone'
shouseatt
hist
imeI
'
m
sur
etheyar
est
il
lsl
eepi
ng.
Iwakeev
ery
onet
otel
lthem t
hatwehav
ear
ri
ved.
Si
ms:
Sowhatnow,
wear
egoi
ngt
owaket
hem up?
Mamz
o:Nosheknowswear
eal
readyher
e.
Sbani
:I
'm sl
eepi
ngwakemeupwhenshecomes.
Thegat
eopensandaver
yyoungbeaut
if
ull
ady
comesoutt
omeetus.
Mamz
o:Lut
hando.
Lut
hando:
Mamai
t'
sbeenl
ong.
Mamzo:Ngi
yazi
ukubamat
asanj
e(Iknowi
t'
sjust
t
hatIhav
ebeenbusy)
.
Lut
hando:
Iknowmamaar
etheyal
lher
e.
Mamz
o:Yest
heyar
e.
Shegreetedusbyournameseventhoughwedi
dn'
t
tel
lher
,Idon'tt
hinkshei
stheonet
hatwecameto
seeshelooksyoung.
Lut
hando:I'
mt heonewho'sgoingt
ohel
pyouguy
s
andI'
m notthatyoungThando.
Me:
Uhmm howdi
dyouknowt
hat
?
Shejustlaughedgoshshei
sbeaut
if
ulandt
heguy
s
werelookingatheri
nawe.
Luthando:I
'
m mar
ri
edguy
ssost
opl
ooki
ngatme
l
ikethat.
Si
ms:Ar
eweget
ti
ngi
nsi
deorwhati
t'
ski
ndofcol
d
i
nher
e.
Luthandot
alkedt
oMamzoont
hesi
det
hencame
backtous.
Lut
hando:
Let
'sgo.
Weal
lgotoutoft
hecarandappr
oachedt
hehouse.
Luthando:Whosaidwear
egetti
ngi
nsi
de,wewil
lgo
totheriverf
ir
sty
oucan'
tgeti
nther
ewit
houtbei
ng
cleansed.
Theguy
swer
ereal
l
ycol
dtheyr
ant
othecar
.
Luthando:Pleaseli
stent
omegetof
fthatcarand
startwal
kingfoll
owingmama,
wearenotusingacar
totheriv
er.
TJ:
Arey
ouser
ious?
Shedi
dn'
ttal
kbutshepoi
ntedt
heway
.
Weal l
wal
kedinsil
ence,
Iwonderwhenshewokeup
becausei
t'
sst
il
lveryear
lyf
ort
his.
Wewalkedforaboutthi
rtyminutesthenwegottoa
r
iver
,whenIsayariverIdon'
tmeansomet hi
ng
maybeli
keadam Imeansomet hingli
keanocean.
Sbani
:Yougott
obeki
ddi
ngme.
Sphe:Al
lIknowi
sthatI
'
m notget
ti
ngi
nsi
det
hat
ri
ver
.
Si
ms: Namibaf
ongi
nawekul
okho(I
'
m al
sowi
thy
ou
onthatone)
.
Lut
hando:Weareherepl
easest
opt
alki
ngandl
i
sten
tome,ar
ey oual
ll
ist
eni
ng?
Us:
Yes.
Luthando: Iwi l
lgetint
otheriverwithoneper sonata
ti
mef oracl eansi
ngweneedt obef astbecause
therear ealotoft hi
ngsweneedt odot odayso
pleasedon' tgivemeanypr oblems.I '
m notgoingto
begy ouguy stodot hi
s,Iwil
lgoi nt
othewat erfi
rst
topr aythent hefir
stpersonwi l
lcomebutSbani you
willbet helastone.
Sbani
:Why
?
Shedi
dnotanswerhiminst
eadshehummedsof
tl
y
andgent
lyi
twasjustcal
ming.
Lut
hando:
Ohandpl
easet
akeof
fyourcl
othes.
I
sipho:
Youmeanwemustbenaked?
Shenoddedandwentt
othewat
ershewasn'
tev
en
afr
aid.
Si
ms:
Mamzoi
ssheser
ious?
Mamz
o:Yes.
Mamz
osai
dtaki
ngof
fhercl
othes.
Sphe:
I'
m nev
ercomi
ngt
othi
spl
ace.
Lut
hando:
Cant
hef
ir
stper
sonpl
easecome.
Mamz
owenti
nfi
rsti
tseemsl
i
keshei
susedt
othi
s.
AfterMamzoitwasTJthenSphet
henIsi
phothen
Sims,Thewaytheguy
sscreameditwasal
lj
ust
funnybuti
twasnowmyt urn.
WhenIputmyf
ooti
nthewat
eri
twassocol
d.
Lut
hando:
Idon'
thav
eal
ldayThandoIwi
l
lputy
our
headunderthi
swatert
enti
mesIknowIdidn'
tdoi
t
totheot
hersbutIknowwhyI'
m doi
ngi
ttoyou.
Inoddedr
eluct
ant
ly.
Shedidherthi
ngwhileprayi
ngIfel
tli
keIwasgoing
todie,
whenshewasdoneIwentt otheother
smind
youwewer enotsupposetogetdressedunti
lweget
tothecarsowewer eall
justst
andingther
enaked
andcold.
I
twasnowSbani'
stur
nandhewasjustst
andi
ng
t
her
elooki
ngdeepint
othewat
er.
Luthando:Sbani
samakhozacomeandgent
sIwil
l
needy ourhel
pwitht
hisoneit
'sgoi
ngt
obeabit
hard.
Theguy swenttoassistLuthandowhil
edoingher
thingandtooklongerthanIexpect
ed,Iwouldbe
l
y i
ngifIsayIsawwhatshewasdoi ngitj
ustbecame
blur.
Me:
Doy
ouseeany
thi
ng?
IaskedI
sipho.
I
sipho:
NoIwasev
enaf
rai
dofaski
ngy
oubecauseI
t
houghti
twashappeni
ngt
omeonl
y.
Af
terawhi
l
etheyal
lcameback.
Luthando:
Let'sallwal
kbacktothecarandwhenwe
getyouallgetdressedandgoinsi
de.
Wewalkedt
othecarwhil
enakedwhenwegotther
e
weworeourcl
othesandgoti
nsi
detheyar
d,t
he
housei
sadoublestor
eyver
ybeaut
if
ul.
Noonewast al
ki
ngwewer
eal
lj
ustdr
ainedbyt
he
wat
erIguess.
Lut
hando:
Youcanal
lsi
tdownsowecanbegi
n.
Wesatdownont
hematinherhut
,theguy
ssaton
t
hei
rsi
deandusonoursi
de.
Lut
hando:
Sol
et'
sbegi
nwi
thy
ouThando.
If
eltmyhear
tbeat
ingf
ast
.
Luthando:Youneedtogot oJoburganddigSindi'
s
headinf r
ontofLor
raine'
shouseandgobur yit
wherey ouburi
edherbody,youneedtogoback
homewher eyouwerebornanddoar i
tualf
ory our
parentsbutdon'
tworryIwil
lassi
styouwiththatand
l
astlyyouhavetogoseey ourauntsheneedstot al
k
toyoubefor
eshedies.Youarewher
ey ousuppose
tobenowdon'tmessitupbecauseyouwil
lnever
getanot
herchancei
nt hi
sli
fe.
Thiswasjustal
ottotakei
nbutIunder
stood
every
thi
ngshesaid.
Luthando:Isi
phoandSpheIseeagoodt hi
ng
betweeny ouguysdon'tmessitup,SpheIneedto
takeyoutoy ourparent
sthei
rheart
sbleedforyou.I
knowy ouhav equesti
onsandIwill
answerthem
whenI '
m done.
Lut
hando:
TJi
t'
sal
lgoodbut
..
.
ShelookedatSphethenatTJshekeptdoi
ngt
hat
foraboutt
enminutes.
Lut
hando:
TJandSpheIseesomethi
ngcommon
bet
weenyout
oo,y
ouarebrother
s.
WeallgaspedbutTJandSphewer
ejustl
ooki
ngat
eachother
.
Isawtheresembl
ancebetweenthem butIt
hought
i
t'
sbecausetheyhavebeenfr
iendsf
orlong.
Lut
hando:
Don'
twor
ryIwi
l
lexpl
ain,
youwer
ebot
h
stol
enfrom yourparentshousewheny ouwerest i
l
l
youngbyy ourmother'
sf r
iendandherhusband, they
star
tedresenti
ngyouguy sbecauset hemor eyou
grewupt hemor eyoulookedlikeyourparentsso
theyknewpeoplear egoingtostartasking
questi
ons.Theyseparatedyouguy swheny ouwer e
sti
lly
oungsot hat'
swhyy oudon'tknoweachot her.
TJ:
Itcan'
tbewear
ethesameage.
Lut
hando:
That
'
sbecausey
ouar
etwi
ns.
Theylookedateachot
herandt
ear
sfel
lfr
om t
hei
r
eyes.
Lut
hando:
It'
sal
lgoodnowdon'
twor
ry.
Shel
ookedatMamz
o.
Lut
hando:
Simsandmamaalliswell
youj
ustneed
todoasmallr
it
ual
fory
ourhusband.
Sbaniyouwil
lgounderwat erforfi
vedays,whenyou
comebacky ouwi l
lnotbeasangomaorany t
hing
l
ikethatyouwil
ljusthel
pt hosepeoplethatyouwill
beassignedtohelpandy ouwi ll
beabletosee
ever
ythingj
ustl
ikeme.I twillnotbeyourever
yday
t
hingj
ustl
i
kemebuty
ouhav
etodoi
tbecausei
t'
s
whoyouar
e.

Thelookonhubbyhewassot er
ri
fiedandthe
thoughtofhi
m st
ayi
ngunderwaterforf
ivedayswas
terr
if
yingf
orever
yone.
Luthando: Don'tbescaredit'
syourdestinyso
nothingwi llhappent oyou,SbaniandIsiphoy our
parentsar esay ingit
'sti
met ofi
xthosebusi nesses
nowandcont i
nuebuildi
ngyourlegacy.Andt oall of
younomat terwhathappensbet weeny ouguy s
solveitlikeaf ami l
ybecausethat'
swhaty ouar e,No
onebet weenal lofyoucanev ersurvi
vewi thoutt he
other.Thi swasal lGod'spl
anheknewt hatt hrough
everythingt hathashappenedt oeachandev eryone
ofy ou,youwi l
lalwayshaveeachot herpleasej ust
keepi tthatwayandmamay ouareblessedkeep
beingt heref orthem.
Mamz
o:Iwi
l
lIpr
omi
se.
Luthando:Iknowyouar
eallhungryandt
ired,
Iwil
l
organisef
oodf ory
ouguyst
heny oucanrestl
ater
wear
egoi
ngi
t'
sst
il
lal
ongj
our
ney
.
Sphe:Icangoanywher
eaf
terIhav
eat
eandr
est
ed
butnottheri
ver
.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Si
ms:
Meandy
oubot
h.
Lut
hando:
Nomor
eri
ver
s,SpheandTJcomewi
th
me.
Theyf
oll
owedherout
side.
I
sipho:
Ther
iverwasnott
hatbadIf
eel
li
ght
erand
f
ree.
Mamz
o:That
'swhati
tdoes.
Sbani
:Youhav
ebeent
her
e?
Mamz
o:Yes.
Me:Isawthewayy
oubehav
edmamay
ouwer
enot
scar
edatall
.
Twogi
rl
sbr
oughtusf
oodandbev
erages.
Si
ms:
Final
l
y.
Weal
lat
einsi
l
enceIdi
dn'
tev
enr
eal
i
seIwast
his
hungr
yunt
ilnow.
SpheandTJcamebacksmi
l
ing.
Sphe:
Don'
ttel
lusy
oual
soat
eourf
ood.
Sbani
:Of
coswedi
d.
TJ:
Youar
enotser
iousr
ight
?
Mamz
o:Theyar
ejustj
oki
ngboy
spl
easedon'
tfai
nt.
Weal
ll
aughedwhi
l
eeat
ing.
Mamzo:Thewayyoual
lscr
eamedi
nthewat
ery
ou
wer
eli
kesmallgi
rl
s.
TJ:
Let
'snott
alkaboutt
hatpl
ease.
Wel
aughedbecausehei
stheonewhoscr
eamed
t
hemost.
Mamzo:
Sohowdoy
ouguy
sfeel
?Di
dcomi
ngher
e
hel
p?
Me:
Youhav
enoi
deamamat
hanky
ousomuch.
Sphe:Wearereal
lygr
atef
ulMamzowewoul dn'
t
haveknownthatwearebloodbr
other
sIj
ustdon't
knowwhattosay.
Si
ms:Youarejustgoi
ngt
ost
artcr
yingweknowy
ou
soj
ustshutup.
Weal
lexpr
essedourgr
ati
tudet
oMamzo.
Sbani:
SoMamzoy
ouknewaboutt
hisgi
ftofmi
ne
di
dn'tyou?
Mamzo:YesIdi
dy ourmot
herwasmybestf
ri
endso
shet
oldmeevery
thing.
Sbani
:Soy
out
hinki
t'
ssaf
eformet
ogot
other
iver
?
Mamzo:Yesi
t'
ssaf
eIknewy
ouwi
l
lhav
etodoi
t
someday.
Sbani
:I
t'
sfi
net
hen.
TJ:
Thokoza.
Hesai
dteasi
ngSbani
.
Sbani
:Mxm j
ustshutupandl
etmesl
eep.
Thematwascomf
ort
abl
eenoughf
orust
osl
eep.
Lut
handocamet
othehutwi
thbl
anket
s.
Luthando:
I'
m onlygi
vi
ngyouguyst
wohourstor
est
thenwehittheroadt
oJoburg,
Iwil
lcomewakeyou
guy
sup.
Mamz
o:Thanky
ouLut
hando.
Luthando:It
'smyjobmamaandt hepowerofthe
Lord,youguy sbef
orey
ousleepremembert hatli
fe
goesonwhet hery
ouchoosetomov eonandt akea
chancei nt
heunknown,orstaybehindl
ockedinthe
pastthinki
ngofwhatcouldhavehappened.
Shesai dthatandleftust othinkaboutwhatshe
wassay i
ng,weal l
layeddownwi t
houtsayi
ng
any t
hingIguessev eryonewasj ustthi
nki
ngaboutit.
Ithinkthetimehascomef orust ofacethepastand
l
eav eitbehindsowecanmov eonandbehappy
withoutwor ryi
ngaboutwhatoccur redwhenwewer e
youngoral lthemistakeswemadewhi l
egrowingup.
It
'sbeenl ongsinceIfeltateasewhenI '
m aboutto
sleep,Ismilethendriftof
ft osleep.
I
nser
ttwent
yfi
ve

Sbani
Lif
ei sreal
lyunpr edictabl eitshowsust hatwhatever
wepl anforour selvesGodwi llalwaysdecide
becausehepl annedourl iv
esbef orewewer ebor n.
Weal waysthi
nkt hatwehav ebet t
erplansbutHe
alway shasev engr eat erplans, someti
mesIt hinkit
woul dbebet t
erifwear ebornhol di
ngapaperor
bookwi thallourj ourneysowewoul dknowwhatwe
willfacewhenwegr owupt hatcanact uall
yprepare
usf oreveryt
hingwef acebutmay besomeofuswi ll
notbeabl etohandl eit .Ineverinmywhol eli
fe
thoughtthatIwoul dbet ol
dthatIhav ethepower
withinmet oheal peopl eort oseebey ondofwhat
meet sthehumaney e.
Igetupandgoout
side,I
siphowasri
ghtgoi
ngi
nto
thatwat
ermakesy
ouf eelcal
m andf
ree.
Lut
hando:
Youar
eawake?
Me:
YesIam.
Lut
hando:
What
'
sony
ourmi
nd?
Me:I'
mjustt
hinki
ngaboutl
i
feandev
ery
thi
ngy
ou
know.
Lut
hando:
Youknowgr
owi
ngupIdi
dn'
tknowIhada
gif
tbutmygrandpar
ent
sal
way
stol
dmeI
'
ma
speci
alchi
l
d.
Me:
Didy
ouunder
standwhatt
heymeantaboutt
hat
?
Luthando:NoIdidn'
tbutwhenIfi
nishedmat
ri
cI
start
edhavingdreamsandevery
thi
ngIdreamt
actual
lyhappenedbutsti
l
lIdi
dn'
tunderst
andunti
l
theydiedandthenIhadnoonetotellmewhatital
l
meant .
Me: I
'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
,sowhendi
dital
lmake
sense?
Luthando:WhenImetmyf atherwhoalsohadthe
samegi ft
,Iwentthr
oughal otbefor
eital
lcame
togetherbutI
'
m gladthatIhadmyhusbandt hrough
i
tall.Heismyst r
engthIdon'tthi
nkanyoneelse
woul dhavest
ayedwi t
hmet owal kthej
ourneyI
walked.
Me: Iguessyouwer eluckythen, Il
ovemysisterand
everyoneelseinmyl i
febuttheonl ypeoplethatI
feell
ikeIwill
alwayshav eastr ongconnecti
onwith
aremypar ents.Ev
erytimewhenIf eeldownorwhen
Ifeelconfl
i
ctedIgot otheirgraveandt al
ktothem
andaf
tert
hatIf
eel
muchbet
ter
.
Luthando: That'
sbecausey oudohav east r
ong
connectionwi t
hthem andi twil
lal
way sbeliket
hat
ti
ll
y oujointhem intheafterl
if
e.Doy ouloveThando
oryouf eelsorryforherbecauseofthethingsshe
wentthr ough?
Me: Ithi
nkIlovehernoIknowIloveherIjustdon'
t
feelthatconnect
edtohermaybeit'
sbecausewe
haven'tspentmuchtimetoget
heralone.Whenshe
tol
dmesheki ssedTJitact
ual
lycausedmet odoubt
heral ot
.
Luthando:Shelov
esbutIdon'
tknowwhet hersheis
yoursoulmateornot
.Icanseey ouget
ti
ngmar ri
ed
butIdon'tseewhoyouaremar r
yingwhet
herit'
s
Thandoorsomeoneel sei
t'
sjustnotcl
earbutmy
adviceaft
erall
thi
sisdonespendt i
mewithherthen
youwi l
lknow.
Me:
Youj
ustconf
usedmemor
e.
Luthando:Don'
tbeeveryt
hingthatwil
lhappeni
n
yourli
fefr
om nowon, youwil
lseeitandknow
whetherit
'sri
ghtorwrong.
Me:
Thanky
ouf
ort
het
alk.
Lut
hando:
It'
smypleasurei
t'
salwaysgr
eattot
alkto
someonewhogetsyou,nowlet
'sgowaketheother
s
weneedtohitt
heroad.
Me:
Don'
tyougett
ir
edofdoi
ngal
lthi
s?
Luthando:NoIdon'
tthi
nkIcanlivemyli
fewit
hout
doingit
,thesadparti
sthatevenmychil
drenwil
l
fol
lowinmypat hnotall
ofthem butmysonis
alr
eadygivi
ngmepr obl
ems.
Me:
Ifyoudon'
tmi
ndmeaski
ngwhohadt
hisgi
fti
n
myfamil
y?
Lut
hando:
Yourpar
ent
s.
Me:
Bot
hoft
hem?
Lut
hando:
Yesbot
hoft
hem.
Inodded,t
heydiedwhenwewer esti
llyoungwe
wouldn'
thaveknownallthat
.Idon'
tl
ikethinki
ng
aboutmyparentsbecauseitmakesmet hinkabout
whatMuzi di
d.
Wewenti
nsideandt
heywer
eal
lawakej
ustf
oldi
ng
t
hebl
anket
s.
Il
ookedatThandoandt houghtaboutwhat
Luthandosai
dcanitbepossiblet
hatsheisnotmy
soulmate,
Idon'
tthi
nkIwantt omeetsomeoneelse
eventhoughI
'm st
il
lnotsurehowIreall
yfeel
about
Thando.
Luthando:
I'
m gl
ady
ouar
eal
lawakeIhopey
ouhav
e
rested.
Mamz
o:Wehav
ebabyt
hanky
ou.
Lut
hando:Iwil
ldr
ivewi
thy
oumamaandy
oual
lcan
gotoget
her.
Si
ms:
I'
m notdr
ivi
ngf
ir
st.
Sphe:
I'
m notdr
ivi
ngatal
lbecauseIdr
ovewhenwe
camehere.
Lut
hando:
Idon'
tcar
ehowy
oual
ldoi
tbutl
et'
sgo.
Me:
Iwi
l
ldr
ivef
ir
stl
et'
sgo.
Weallgoti
ntot
hecarandIdr ov
e,ever
yonewas
happychat
ti
ngandenjoyi
ngthedri
ve.I
tmakesme
ver
yhappytoseethem smil
i
ngandlaughi
ngli
kethi
s.
Westoppedatsomegar
aget
orel
i
eveoursel
ves
andgetsomefood.
Si
ms:
Letmedr
iveman.
Me:
Eveni
fyoudi
dn'
tsayi
tIwasaboutt
oasky
out
o.
Si
ms:
Mxm.
Thandowassitt
ingal
onei
nthebackseat
,TJwas
sl
eepingandSphewasbusyal
ll
oveydoveywit
hmy
si
ster
.
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?
Thando:
YesI
'
mjustscar
ed.
Me:
Don'
tbeev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lwor
koutj
ustf
ine.
Thando:
I'
m notsur
eifI
'
mreadyt
oseet
hatpl
ace
agai
n.
Me:Youhavet
odot
hissot
hatweputt
hepast
behi
ndus.
Thando:Iknowandt hankyouf
orhel
pingmedoal
l
thi
swithoutyouIdon'tknowwher
eIwouldbe.
Me:
I'
m her
efory
oual
way
s.
Thando:
Ilov
eyouhubby
.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oowi
fey
.
Wekissedandi
tfel
trightsori
ghtt
hatIbecamesur
e
shei
stheoneormay bethat'
showIwanttofeel
.
Sphe:
Hay
iguy
syoucan'
tbeki
ssi
ngl
i
ket
hati
nfr
ont
ofus.
Me:Youhavebeenli
cki
ngmysi
sterl
i
kenoone'
s
busi
nessi
nfrontofmesonj
epl
ease.
Sphe:
Iwi
l
lnev
erheart
heendofi
t.
Me:
Vel
eyouwi
l
lnev
er.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Af
teraf
ewhour
swewer
einJobur
g.
Si
ms:
Wear
eher
e.
Weall
gotoutoft
hecarandwai
tedf
orLut
hando
andMamzo.
Myphoner
ingsandi
t'
sMamzo.
Mamz o:Wher
ear
eyouguy
s?Wear
einLor
rai
ne'
s
house.
Me:
Youdi
dn'
ttel
lust
odr
ivet
her
ethough.
Mamz
o:Youguy
sknewwewer
ecomi
ngher
edi
dn'
t
y
ou.
Me:
Okaywear
ecomi
ngpl
easesendust
headdr
ess.
Igav
eSi
mst
headdr
esst
henhedr
ove.
Me:
Arey
our
eadyst
handwasam?
Thando:
Ithi
nkIam l
et'
sgett
hisov
eranddonewi
th.
Me:
I'
m her
eokay
.
ShenoddedIcoul
dseet
hatshewasscar
ed.
Wear
ri
vedther
eandthehousewasburntdownI
r
ememberMuzitel
l
ingmethathebur
nedthehouse.
Luthando:
Getoutoft
hecarwedon'
thav
eenough
ti
me.
Weallgotoutthecarandf
oll
owedLut
handoshei
s
ni
ceandallbutwhensheisonworkmodeshe
doesn'
tl
aughatall.

Thando

Il
ookedar
oundandt
hepl
acewasbur
ntdown,
thi
s
placewasonceapl aceIthoughtIwoul
dcallhome.
Itwasn'
tsopleasantbutatl
eastIhadaroofovermy
head,i
nhereIfoundaper sonwhowasmyf r
iend
andsist
er.
ThenIr
ememberthepai
nIwentt
hroughal
lthe
thi
ngsMam Lor
rai
nedi
dtome.
If
eel
someonehol
dmyhand.
Sbani
:HeyI
'
m her
ewear
eal
lher
edon'
tbescar
ed.
Inodmyheadaf
ewt
imes.
Lut
hando:
Wel
lboy
syouneedt
odi
gov
ert
her
e.
Sphe:
Wher
e?
Lut
hando:
Her
e.
Shesai
dpoi
nti
ngwher
ethedoorwasl
ocat
ed.
Sbani
:Okayl
et'
sgett
oitt
hen.
Lut
hando:
Cany
ouev
endi
gorni
ngoskr
rskr
r.
Weal
ll
aughedwhi
l
etheguy
sst
art
eddi
ggi
ng.
Me:
Stoppl
easest
op.
Iwasal
readysei
ngt
heskul
l
,If
ell
downonmyknees
andat
tempt
edt
otouchi
t.
Lut
hando:
NoThandol
etmet
ouchi
tfi
rst
.
Inodded.
Shet
ooki
toutanddi
dhert
hing.
Lut
hando:
Bri
ngt
hatbox.
TJgavehertheboxandsheputtheskul
linit,
Ican'
t
evenseei
t'
sherbutIbel
iev
eitbecauseLuthandois
sayi
ngso.
Lut
hando:
Youcancarr
ytheboxThandoandwego
towher
eyoubur
iedherbody
.
It
ooktheboxandwenttot
hecarwi t
hitthenwe
dr
ovetothepl
aceIwaskeptcapti
ve.TheplaceI
wi
shedtoneverv
isi
tev
eragain.
Sbani
:Wear
eher
ear
eyour
eady
.
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
Sbani
:Iknowthi
sishardonyouhar
derthanwecan
al
limagi
nebutyouneedtodothi
snotforanyone
el
sebutforyouandforSi
ndi
.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sdoi
t.
Wedi
dal
lthenecessar
ythi
ngsandi
twasal
ldone.
Lut
hando:
Youcanhav
eami
nut
eandt
alkt
oher
.
Inoddedmyhead.
Sbani
:Icanst
aywi
thy
oui
fyoul
i
ke.
Me:
Please.
Hekneel
eddownwi
thme.
Me: Uhmm si sSindiIhopeyouar enowr estingin
peace,ifIcouldIwouldturnbackt hehandsoft i
me
butnowIcan' t.Iwishyouwer esti
llher
et oseeme
growandbecomeal lt
hatyouwant edmet obecome,
i
tkil
lstoknowt hatyoudiedwhi l
efight
ingformy
fr
eedom Ipr omiset omakey ouproudev eryday.Lala
uphumul esthandwasam Iwi llal
way sbegr atef
ulfor
ever
y t
hingy oudidformeandIwi l
lalwayscar ryyou
i
nmyhear t.Il
ov eyoualways.
Sbani
:I
t'
sokayal
li
sdonenow.
Wegotupandwentt
otheot
her
s.
I
'm gl
adIdidthi
sIhopesi
sSi
ndi
isnowhappy
wherevershei
s.
Lut
hando:
Shewi
l
llety
ouknowhowhappyshei
s
l
et'
sgo.
Ihopethi
sisabeginni
ngofnewthingsIcannow
focusonmyfutur
eandonmyr elat
ionshi
pwith
Sbanihopi
ngi
twillal
lwor
koutjustfi
ne.
I
nser
ttwent
ysi
x

1y
earl
ater

Li
fechangesy oulosel ove,y
oul osefri
ends.You
l
osepiecesofy ourselfthatyounev eri
magined
wouldbegone.Andt hen,withoutyouev enreal
i
sing
i
tthesepiecescomeback.Newl ov
eent er
s.
Bett
erfri
endscomeal
ongandastr
ongerwi
sery
ou
i
sstari
ngbackatthemir
rorwi
thasmi
leof
confi
dence.
Don'tev
ertryholdi
ngbackfr
om bei
ngmadeabett
er
person,
don'tresi
stprobl
emsandchal
l
enges
becausetheycomet omakeyouabett
erper
son
thanyoualreadyare.
Whatwef aceisdiff
erentbutweallcomeoutst
rong
i
t'suptoyouifyouwantt ogiveuporgetupand
facetheworl
dbecauseev eryoneisfi
ght
ingt
hei
r
ownbat t
lewhethertheydoitwit
hasmi l
eonthei
r
facesorwit
hwor ry.
Neveri
nmywi l
destdreamshaveIthoughtt
hatIwil
l
fi
ndhappinessinthi
swor l
dbutnowy oudon'
teven
havetoaskmewhet herI
'
m okayornotit
'swri
tt
en
al
loverme.Iwentt oseemyauntandherhusband
l
astyear
,letmet el
lyouhowitall
wentdown.
Fewmont
hsback
Sbani
:Ar
eyousur
eaboutt
his?
Me:I
'm notsur
ebutIhav
etodoi
t,I
'
mti
redofl
i
ving
i
nthepast.
Sbani
:Let
'sgeti
nthen.
Itookadeepbreat
handSbanihel
dmyhand
reassur
ingmethati
twil
lbef
ineandt
hat
'sal
lI
neededhim bymyside.
Sbani
:KnockKnock.
ThedooropenedandIcamef
acet
ofacewi
thmy
nightmare,
shejustst
oodt hereandlookedatme
withoutsayi
nganythi
ng.Iattemptedtogobackt
o
thecarbutshecall
edmyname.
Aunt
:Lwet
hu.
That
'swhatsheusedt
ocal
lmewhent
hingswer
e
st
il
lgoi
ngwellbet
weenus.
Il
ookedbackandIsawtearsinherey
esbutIdi
dn'
t
beli
eveshewasreal
l
ycryi
ng,"t
hosearej
ust
crocodi
l
etear
s"Isai
dtomy sel
f.
Sbani
:St
handwasam pl
easel
etsgeti
nsi
de.
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sandf
oll
owedaf
terhi
mtot
hehouse.
Aunt
:Ni
ngahl
alaphansi
(Youcansi
tdown)
.
Wesatdown,t
hehousewassti
ll
thesameexcept
t
hati
twasall
dust
ynowandt hefur
nit
urewasabi
t
wor
nout.
Itwasnowawfull
yquieti
ntheroom wi
thmyaunt
snif
fi
ngIdon'
tknowwhyshei sact
ingbecauset
her
e
arenocamerashereoranypri
cetobewon.
Sbani
lookedatmet
henatherandcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Aunt
:I'
m sor
ryIcoul
dbeoff
eri
ngyouguys
somethi
ngtodri
nkbutwehavenot
hingi
nthi
shouse.
Sbani
:I
t'
sokaymah,
Thandouy
akhul
umaorwhat
?
Iknewhewasget
ti
ngpi
ssed.
Me:Uhmm Icameher etofi
ndclosure,
Iwantto
l
eavethepastbehi
ndmeandcar ryonwi t
hmylif
e
butIcan'
tdothatwi
thoutknowi
ngwhatIdi dt
oy ou
foryoutotr
eatmethewayy oudid.
Aunt
:Lwet
huIcannev
erjust
if
ywhatIdi
dt oyou,
I
don'
tev
enknowwhattosaybesi
desI
'm sorr
y.
Me:
Whydidyouhur
tmel
i
ket
haty
ouwer
esuppose
t
oprot
ectme.
Aunt :
Iknowandt her
eisnodaythatpassesby
withoutmenott hi
nki
ngaboutwhatIdidtoyou,I
regretitst
handwasam IknowIwrongedyouandno
amountofapol ogi
escanundoitbutpl
easeforgi
ve
me.
Me:
Youhur
tmebey
ondr
epai
r,doy
ouknow
whereIwentwheny
ouandyourhusbandkickedme
outIst
ayedont
hestr
eet
s,t
hestr
eetsauntandI
endedbei
ngapr
osti
tut
eal
mostdiedinthepr
ocess
whil
eyouwer
eherel
ivi
ngy
ourbestli
fe.
Shecamet
omeandkneel
eddown.
Aunt:Iwasnotli
vingmybestl i
feLwet
humy
brot
her'
sspir
ithauntedmef ornegl
ect
ingy
ouandas
youcanseeIlosteveryt
hing.
Me:
Wher
eisy
ourhusband?
Aunt:Heleftmef orsomeoneelseyouknowhowhe
i
slike,pl
easeforgivemenganekamf owet
huIdon'
t
haveenought i
mei nthi
sworldplease.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeany
oudon'
thav
eenought
ime?
Aunt:
Ihavecancerandthedoct
ortol
dmethatI
haveafewmont hstoli
vepl
easefor
giv
emesoIcan
beabletor
estinpeace.
Comi nghereItoldmyselfthatIwi
l
lforgi
vemyaunt
becauseshei stheonlybloodfami
lymemberIhave
l
eftthenwewi lltakei
tonedayatat i
mewor ki
ngon
ourrelat
ionshi
pbutnowt hi
s.
Me:Auntnoyoucan'
tdi
enowIst
il
lneedy
out
o
makeitoutt
ome.
Aunt
:I'
m bei
ngpuni
shedLwet
huf
oral
lthet
hingsI
di
dtoyou.
Me:
ButIf
orgi
vey
ou.
Aunt
:Youdo?
Thatcameoutasawhi
sper
.
Il
ookedatmypi
l
larofst
rengt
handhenodded.
Me:
YesIdopl
easedon'
tdi
e.
Iwasnowhol
dingherhandscr
ying.
Sbani
:Mahwecangety
oual
lthehel
pyouneedi
f
youal
lowus.
Aunt
:AndIappreciatethatwit
hall
myheartbut
pl
easeletmerestLwet huIcanneverl
i
vewit
h
mysel
fafteral
lthatIhavedone.
Me:
ButIwanty
out
oli
ve.
Aunt
:Ican'
tLwet
hu.
Me:Noyoucan'
tdot
hattomeifyouwantmet
obe
happyy
ouwil
lal
lowustohel
pyou.
Aunt
:Ihav
esuf
fer
edenought
hepai
nisunbear
abl
e
pl
easel
etmego.
Thenitwasitshestart
edhav i
ngsei
zureswetook
hertothehospi
talbutshewasgone, Iknowyou
mayt hi
nkI'
m afoolbutIdidn'
twanthertodi
e.I
wantedhertoli
vebuttherewasnothingIcoul
ddo
thantoaccepti
tandmov eon.

Now

Me:
Isi
whyar
eyour
unni
ngwhoi
schasi
ngy
ou?
Shecl
osedt
hedoorandsatonmybed.
Me:Okayyouar
escar
ingmewhat
'sgoi
ngon,
I
t
houghtyouwer
eatschool
.
Wearebot
hst
udy
ingatUKZNandwest
ayher
enot
atr
es.
I
sipho:
Ihadt
oski
pcl
assIwasn'
tfeel
i
ngwel
l
.
Me:
Okaydi
dyougot
othedoct
or?
I
sipho:
NoUhmm It
hinkI
'
myouknow.
Me:
NoIdon'
tknow.
I
sipho:
UrggThandoy
oucanbesl
owatt
imes.
Shet
ookoutf
ourseal
edpr
egnantt
est
s.
Me:
Isi
nono.
Isi
pho:
IknowIt
hinkI
'
m pr
egnantBhut
iisgoi
ngt
o
kil
lme.
Me:
Ithoughty
ouandSphewer
enotdoi
ngt
hedeed.
I
sipho:
Wewer
eUhmm Imeanwear
e.
Me:Okayl
et'
snotpani
cjustdot
het
est
sandl
et'
s
seewhatt
heysay.
I
sipho:
Whati
ftheycomeoutposi
ti
ve?
Me:
Justdot
hem.
Shewentt ot hebat hr
oom panicki
ng,hubbyisgoi ng
tokill
thisoneandt hehardestthi
ngisthatwedon' t
keepanysecr etsf r
om him becauseheseest hings
beforewedo, ifIsiispregnantIbethealr
eady
knows.Hewentt otheriverandheendedupst ay i
ng
thereforawhol emont hnotf iv
edaysweal lt
hought
hewasnev ercomi ngoutbuthedi dandev er
ything
i
sfi
nenow.
I
sipho:
Thando.
I
sishout
edf
rom t
hebat
hroom.
Me:
So?
I
sipho:
Pleasecheckt
hem f
ormeI
'
m scar
ed.
It
ookt
hem al
landt
heywer
eal
lposi
ti
ve.
Me:
Uhmm I
si.
I
sipho:
Theyar
eposi
ti
vear
en'
tthey
?
Me:
YesI
'
m sor
rybabes.
I
sipho:
Bhut
iuzongi
bul
alaThando(
hei
sgoi
ngt
oki
l
l
me).
Shest
art
edcr
ying.
Me:Pl
easecal
m downy
oucan'
tbecr
yingl
i
ket
his
whi
l
epregnant
.
Shej
ustl
ookedatmeandcr
iedmor
e.
Me:
Isi
phopl
ease.
Isi
pho:May
behealr
eadyknowsohmygoshwhat
am Igoi
ngtodo.
Me:Heisgoi
ngt
obeangr
yyesbuthewi
l
lcal
m
down.
Isi
pho:Wetalkedaboutthi
sandIpromisedhimt hat
Iwil
lnotgetpregnantwhil
eI'
m st
il
latschoolandhe
askedifIwashav i
ngsexwithSpheandIsaidno.
Me:
It'
sgoi
ngt
obef
ine.
Itookhert
omybedandshef
ell
asleep,
Iwent
downstai
rsandMamzowast
here.
Me:Mamawehar
dlyseey
oui
nthi
shousei
t'
sli
ke
youf
oundy
our
sel
faman.
Shel
aughed.
Mamz
o:Hay
iThandoI
'
m act
ual
l
yonmywayout
.
Me:
Sowhoi
she?
Mamz
o:Hay
imahnThandoI
'
m noty
ourf
ri
end.
Me:
Arey
oubl
ushi
ng?
Shehi
tmewi
that
owel
.
Mamzo:
Youwon'
tbelaughi
ngl
iket
hatwhenSbani
asky
ouwhyy
oudidn'
ttel
lhi
mthatI
sii
spregnant
.
Me:
Wai
tyouknow?
Mamz
o:Ngi
mdal
ami
naThando(
I'
m ol
d).
Me:
Pleasest
aysot
haty
ouwi
l
ltal
ktohi
mforus.
Mamz
o:NoIcan'
tkeepmymanwai
ti
ng.
Me:
Shi
samama"
yourman"
.
Webot
hlaughed.
Me:
Wai
tletmegowi
thy
ouIwantt
ogoseehubby
i
nhi
sof
fi
ce.
Mamz
o:Youwantt
obr
ibehi
m wi
thy
ourv
agi
na.
Me:
Haamama.
Irantomyr oom t
of r
eshenup,Il
ovetheway
Mamz ot r
eatsusit
'sl
ikeweareallherchi
l
drenno
favour
it
ism what'
ssoev er
.
Me:
Wecango.
Mamz
o:Ibett
her
e'sal
i
nger
ieunder
neat
hthatdr
ess.
Wel
aughedandshedr
oppedmeof
fatt
heof
fi
ce.
Iwentst
rai
ghtt
ohi
sof
fi
cebecausehi
sPAwasnot
ther
e.
Me:
Knockknock.
Sbani
:Comei
n.
Me:
Hubby
.
Sbani
:Wi
fey
.
Weki
ssed.
Sbani
:Whatdi
dIdotodeser
vet
hisbecauseI
al
wayshavetobegy
outocometomyof fi
ce.
Me:
Imi
ssedy
ouandIboughty
oul
unch.
Sbani
:Thankyouasi
fyouknewmyPAcal
l
edi
nsi
ck
soIhavenoonetobuymefood.
Me:
AndIboughty
oudeser
t.
Il
ower
edmydressandshowedmylinger
ie,
yes
Mamzowasr
ightsodon'
tlookatmeli
kethat.
Sbani
:Uhmm Thandomar
n.
Iwasnowsi
tt
ingonhi
slap.
Me:
Don'
tmi
ndmej
usteat
.
Ikneel
edbet
weenhi
slegsandremovedhi
sbel
tthen
iputmyhandsi
nsi
dehim andt
ookouthi
smanhood.
Iputt
het
ipi
nmymout
handhej
umped.
Me:
Pleasedon'
tmov
e.
Sbani
:Thando.
Hegr oanedmynamebutIcontinuedwi
thwhatI
wasdoi ngandhehadstoppedeati
nghi
shands
werenowi nmyhead,hecamei nmymouthandI
swallowed.Heli
ft
edmeupandputmeonhi sdesk
andst ar
tedki
ssi
ngmefrom mymout hdowntomy
breasts.
Me:
Sba.
.ahh.
Hewentdownti
l
lhewasonmyvagi
na,
myl
i
nger
ie
wasal
readyont
hefl
oort
orn.
Heputhi
stongueonmyv
agi
na.
Sbani
:Thandowhydi
dyoucomet
omyof
fi
cet
oday
.
Me:
IUhmm ahhhy
es.
Sbani
:Iaskedy
ouaquest
ionThando.
Hi
smout hvi
brat
edonmycl
i
twhi
l
ehet
alkedbutI
di
dn'
tanswer.
Heputonef
ingert
hent
wof
inger
sandIwentcr
azy
hi
stonguewasst
il
lonmycl
i
t.
Sbani
:Ar
eyouanswer
ingornot
?
Heaskedagai
ngoi
ngi
nandoutf
ast
.
Me:
IahhhSbani
I'
m cumm.
.
Hesl
owedhi
spacedown.
Sbani
:Youar
enotgoi
ngt
ocum bef
orey
ouanswer
myquesti
on.
Me:
Sbani
please.
Sbani
:Pl
easewhat
?
Heaskedtaki
ngouthi
sshaf
tandr
ubbi
ngi
tonmy
ent
rancet
otalt
ort
ure.
Sbani
:ut
hiwhyar
eyouher
e?
Me:
Sbani
Iahhh.
Heputi
tinandt
ooki
toutIswearIwant
edt
ocr
y.
Sbani
:Khul
umast
handwasam (
Tal
kmyl
ove)
.
HewasnowgoingindeepIcoul
dfeel
him onmy
womb,hehi
titf
astanddeep.
Me:
Isi
phoi
sahhhy
es.
Sbani
:I
siphoi
swhat
?
Me:Sheispr
egnantbabyahhdamnIwasn'
t
supposet
osaythat.
Sbani
:Good.
Hesaidgoi
nginandoutgoshheissogood,we
cont
inuewi
thourthi
ngandther
estishi
stor
y.
I
nser
ttwent
ysev
en

Sbani

Lif
eisgr eatIguessal l
thest ormsar ecalm andpass
usnow, i
fsomeonet ol
dmet hatreali
singand
embr acingyourgiftwast hi
swonder f
ul Iwoul dn'
t
haveagr eedbutaf terIwentundert heoceanIcame
backf eeli
ngli
keIwasbor nagai nthat'
showgr eati
t
fel
t.Ihav ehelpedaf ewpeopl eandI '
m stil
l goingto
conti
nuedoi ngso, thebusinessesar enowupand
runningandweopenedot herbranchessoeachone
ofusownsacompanyexceptf orthegi rl
sbecause
theyar esti
ll
st udy
ingatleastthat'
swhatIt hought
beforeIsi
gotpregnant
.Iknewthedaytheymade
thatbabythatshewasgoingtogetpr
egnantbut
there'
snothi
ngIwouldhavedone.
Aft
erourli
tt
lesessi
onThandof el
lasleepinmy
off
icebutnowwear ei
nmycargoi nghomesince
I
'm doneworki
ng,she'
snottalki
ngt omebecauseI
madehertellmethatI
sii
spr egnantIdon'
tknow
howImadeherdoi tbutsheissay i
ngIdid.
Me:
Soy
ounotgoi
ngt
otal
ktome?
Shekeptqui
et.
Me:
Thandol
wam.
Thando:
Isi
isgoi
ngt
oki
l
lme.
Me:Soyouwer en'
tgoi
ngt
otel
lmei
fitwasn'
tformy
deepst
rokes.
Thando:
Thi
sisnotaj
okeHl
ase.
Me:Nam I'
m notjoki
ngwi
feyI
'
m aski
ngy
ouwhen
wer
ey ougoingtotel
lme?
Shekeptqui
et.
Me:
Awusakhul
umi
Thandol
wet
hu(Youcan'
ttal
k
now)
.
SheknowsI
'
m get
ti
ngpi
ssedwhenIcal
lhert
hat
.
Thando:
Uhmm Iwasgoi
ngt
otel
lyou.
Me:Ify
ouwer egoi
ngtot
ell
met
henwhyar
eyou
angr
ythatIknowhuh.
Thando:It
'sj
ustt
hatI
siwassupposet
otel
lyou
hersel
f.
Me:Andwhatwer
eyousupposet
odokeepi
ta
secr
et?
Thando:
YesImeannoI
'
m sor
ryokay
.
Me: Uphakamisel
abani
izwi
(Whoar
eyour
aisi
ng
yourvoiceto)
.
Thando:
I'
m sor
ryHl
ase.
Me:
It'
sfi
nev
eleIal
readyknew.
IpassedbyMcDonal
ddr
ivet
hru.
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
oeat
?
Thando:
Not
hingI
'
m nothungr
y.
Me:
Ufunasi
xabaney
ini
Thandol
wam?
Sheor
der
edforever
yone,Iknowyoual
lthi
nkI
'm
bei
nghar
shbutIhat
ebeingliedt
oandsheknowsi
t.
Idr
ovet
il
lwegothome.
Thando:
Pleasedon'
ttel
lI
sit
hatIt
oldy
ou.
Ichuckl
edshel
i
ter
all
ywant
edt
ocr
y.
Me:
Iwon'
twi
feyr
elax
.
Wegotinsi
det
hehouseandt
heywer
epl
ayi
ngv
ideo
games.
Me:
Youguy
sgood?
Theynoddednotevenpay
ingat
tenti
ontome,Iwent
totheroom t
ofr
eshenupwhil
ewifeywentt
othe
kit
chenaft
erIwasdoneIwentbacktot
heother
s.
Si
ms:Hay
iAngel
youar
echeat
ingwhyar
eyou
al
way
swinni
ng.
I
sipho:
BecauseIl
ear
ntf
rom t
hebest
.
Shesai
dlooki
ngatmeandsmili
ng,Il
oveherso
muchbutsheisgr
owi
ngtoofast.
Thando:
Foodi
sready
.
Weal
lgat
her
edar
oundt
het
abl
e.
TJ:
Mamzoi
snotar
oundagai
n.
Me:
Shei
swi
thherman.
Theyal
ll
ookedatme.
Me:
What
?It
'st
het
rut
h.
Si
ms:
Whoi
sheIt
hinkIneedt
oseehi
m.
Me:
Shewi
l
ltel
luswhenshei
sready
.
Si
ms:
Mxm.
Sphetookabi
teonhisbur
gerandrantothe
bathr
oom,I
sil
ookedatmethenlookeddown.
TJ:
What
'supwi
thhi
m?
Weallshr
uggedourshoul
der
s,Sphecameback
l
ooki
ngallsi
ck.
Me:
Arey
ouokaybaf
o.
Sphe:Idon'
tknowIhav
ebeenf
eel
i
ngl
i
ket
hist
oday
andIhaven'
tate.
TJ:
Youneedt
oseeadoct
or.
Me:
Doct
orf
orwhatungagul
i(Wheny
ounotsi
ck)
.
I
siphoandThandochokedont
hei
rdr
inksandweal
l
l
ookedatthem.
Si
ms:
Tal
kwhat
'
sgoi
ngon?
Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.
Me:
Arey
ouguy
stal
ki
ngorshoul
dI?
Them:
Uhmm noar
ghy
es.
Sphe:
Nit
hini
?
I
sipho:
Bhut
iI'
m sor
ry.
Me:
Forwhat
?
Thando:
ComeonSbani
youal
readyknow.
Me:
HowdoIknowdi
dyout
ell
me?
Thandol
ookedatI
si.
I
sipho:
NoThandoy
oudi
dn'
t.
Thando:I
'
m sorr
yIsi
yourbr
othermademet
ell
himI
di
dn'tmeanto.
I
sipho:
Didhef
orce?
Thando:
NoheUhmm I
'
m sosor
ryI
si.
I
sipho:
Youpr
omi
sedThando.
TJ:Woawwear
est
il
lwai
ti
ngt
oknowwhat
sgoi
ng
on.
I
sigoupandat
tempt
edt
oleav
e.
Me:
Isi
phosi
tdown.
Si
ms:
Baf
odon'
tshoutather
.
Me:
Isi
phoher
eispr
egnant
.
Sphe:
Isi
pho.
I
sipho:Iwasgoingt
otel
laft
erIhavet
oldmybr
other
butThandohererui
nedever
ythi
ng.
Me:Whichever
ythi
ngareyoutal
ki
ngabout
?you
meanthefactt
hatyouarepr
egnant.
I
sipho:
Bhut
iI'
m sor
ryngi
yaxol
i
saHl
ase.
Sphe:
Baf
o.
Me: Don'tSphesi
hledon'
twetalkedaboutthi
sand
youpromi sedyouweregoingtowaitunti
lshe
graduates.
TJ:
Cal
m downSbani
what
'sdonei
sdonekodwa
nani
kewhathappenedt
opr
otect
ion.
I
sipho:
I'
m sor
ryBhut
iTJ.
TJ:
It'
sokayAngel
.
Me:Si
nceyouguy
sar egr
ownenoughtobuil
dyour
ownfami
lyyouwi
llhavet
ofi
ndyourownplace.
Sphe:
Youar
ebei
ngt
oohar
donusnowSbani
.
Me:Youknockupmysist
erandyoust
il
lhav
ethe
ner
vetotel
lmethat
,uy
ajwayel
awenaSphe.
Igotupandpunchedwef
oughtandev
ery
onewas
j
ustwatchi
ngus.Whenweweredonewegotup.
Si
ms:
Doy
ouguy
sfeel
bet
ternow?
Me:
Mxm Ineedsomeai
r.
Sphef
oll
owedme.
Sphe:
I'
m sor
rybaf
oitj
usthappened.
Me:
Ist
hatsupposet
omakemef
eel
bet
ter
.
Sphe:
Hay
iwhatshoul
dIdonowki
ssy
ou.
Me:
Fuckof
f.
Sphe:
I'
m st
il
lshocked.
Me:
Arey
ouhappyt
hough?
Sphe:
Overt
hemoon.
Me:
OkayDonal
d.
Sphe:
Mxm.
Me:
I'
m st
il
langr
ybyt
heway
.
Igotupandwentinside,
Isi
andThandower
e
shouti
ngateachotherupst
air
s.
TJ:
Idi
dn'
texpectt
hat
.
Sims:Nei
therdi
dIbutt
heyar
einar
elat
ionshi
pand
theyar
einti
mate.
Me:Ireal
lydon'
thav
eaprobl
em wit
hthei
r
r
elat
ionshi
pbutIwantedI
sit
ograduat
efi
rstbef
ore
t
his.
TJ:Ther
eisnothi
ngwecandonow,got
alkt
othem
bef
oretheyki
l
leachot
herandSbani
becal
m pl
ease.
Inodded.

Thando
Me:I'
m sorr
yIsi
Idi
dn'
tmeant
otel
lhi
m andhe
al
readyknew.
I
sipho:Idon'
tcarei
fheal
readyknewornotbuty
ou
di
dn'thavetotel
lhi
m.
Me: Idon'
tknowwhatel
set
osaybecauseIt
oldy
ou
I
'm sorry
.
Sbani
:Whyar
eshout
ingateachot
herl
i
ket
hat
?
Us:Thandobrokeasecr
et,
Isi
Ihav
ebeen
apol
ogisi
ngforthat
.
Sbani:
Howam Isupposet
oheary
ouwheny
out
alk
atthesamet
ime?
Hei
schi
l
ledandIdon'
tl
ikei
t.
Sbani
:Si
tdownbot
hofy
ou.
I
sipho:
I'
m sor
ryBhut
iIknowIdi
sappoi
ntedy
ou.
Sbani
:It
'sf
inether
eisnot
hingIcandot
ochanget
he
si
tuat
ionsoit
'sfi
ne.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryI
si.
I
sipho:
It'
sfi
nebutnextt
imedon'
tl
etmybr
other
's
di
ckcontrol
you.
Sbani
:I
'm st
il
lher
e.
I
sipho:
Wer
eyouser
iousaboutt
hrowi
ngusout
?
Sbani
:Yesangit
hiy
ouar
egr
ownnowandy
oucan
makebabies.
I
sipho:
Bhut
i.
Sbani:Let'
sgoIneedt
ot al
ktoy
ouandSpheabout
thatuglybabyy
oucarr
ying.
Weal
ll
aughed,
Sbani
isl
i
keat
icki
ngbombr
eal
l
y.
Theyl
eftandIwentt
othebathr
oom tosmokesome
weedSbanitol
dmetoquitsmokingandIt
oldhi
mI
di
d.
IsmokedandwhenIwasdoneIwentbackt
omy
bedr
oom onl
ytofi
ndSbani
sit
ti
ngonmybed.
Me:
Uhmm Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
eher
e.
Sbani
:Uf
uqainsanguThandol
wet
hu(Yousmoke
weednow).
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Sbani
:I
st hi
sthel
i
fey
ouwantust
oliv
e,youly
ingt
o
meallthedamnti
meandt
henyousaysorr
y.
Me:
Iwasj
ustst
ressed.
Sbani
:Di
dn'
tyousayt
haty
ouqui
tsmoki
ng.
Me:
Idi
dImeanIt
ri
ed.
Sbani
:Thenwhathappened?
Me:Justst
opshout
ingatme,j
ustbecausey
ou
hel
pedmeoutdoesn'tmeany
oucontrolme.
Sbani
:Wowj
ustwow.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tmeani
tli
ket
hat
.
Hewasalreadygone,noneedtotel
lmeIknowI'm
stupi
dver
ystupid.Ij
ustkeepr
uini
ngthi
ngsIdon'
t
knowwhat'swrongwithme.
Iwentdownst
air
sandI
siandSphewer
ecuddl
i
ngon
thecouch.
Me:
Didy
ouguy
sseeSbani
?
Sphe:
Theywentout
.
Me:
Okaygoodni
ghtt
hen.
I
sipho:
Ithoughtyourfr
iendsfr
om school
wer
e
havi
ngapartyaren'
tyougoing.
Me:
Ifor
gotaboutt
hat
.
Iwenttotheroom andwhenIwasabouttof
all
asleepamessagecamet hr
oughmyphonefrom my
fr
iendatvar
sitysayi
ngt
heywereout
side.
Ihesi
tat
edbutthenIwokeupf
reshenupt
henwor
e
averyni
cedress.
WhenIgotdownstai
rsI
siandSphewer
enott
her
e
soIsneakedout
.
Zane:
Ithoughty
ouwer
en'
tgoi
ngt
ocome.
Me:
Ify
oudi
dn'
tcomef
etchmeIwasn'
t.
Zane:
Geti
nsi
del
et'
sgo.
Me:
Wher
eist
hepar
tyagai
n?
Zane:Myboy
fri
endspl
ace,
whydi
dn'
tbr
ingy
our
boyf
ri
end?
Me:
Weki
ndofhadaf
ightear
li
eron.
Zane:
Andy
ouar
eher
einst
eadofapol
ogi
si
ng.
Me:
Noi
t'
sfi
nehewi
l
lcal
m down.
Shedr
ovet
oherboy
fri
endspl
aceandi
twaspacked.
Zane:
Weareherelet
'
sgoIwi
l
lint
roducey
out
o
someofmyfr
iends.
Shekeptoni
ntr
oduci
ngme.
Me:
Ist
haty
ourboy
fri
end?
Zane:
Yesandt
hat
'shi
scousi
nhe'
sapsy
chopat
h
pl
easest
ayawayf
rom hi
m.
Me:
Don'
twor
ryIwi
l
l.
Herboy
fri
endandcousi
ncamet
ous.
Zane:Babet
hisi
smyfr
iendThando,
that
'sGi
ftmy
boyf
ri
endandChadhi
scousi
n.
Me:
Nicet
omeety
ouguy
s.
Gi
ft
:Sameher
ecanIst
eal
Zanef
orasec.
Me:
It'
sfi
ne.
Zane:
Fri
endr
ememberwhatIt
oldy
ou.
Shewast
alki
ngaboutChad.
Me:
Yesf
ri
end.
Chad:
Niceey
esThandoandy
ouar
ebeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Thanky
ouChadexcuseme.
Chad:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngI
'
m st
il
ltal
ki
ngt
oyou.
Iswal
l
owedhar
d.
Me:
Iwantt
ogetsomet
hingt
odr
ink.
Chad:Iwi
l
lcal
lsomeonet
ogetussomet
hingt
o
dr
ink.
Me:
NoIwantt
ogot
alkt
otheot
her
s.
Hel
i
ftedhi
st-
shi
rtandt
her
ewasagunonhi
swai
st.
Chad:
Ify
oudar
eshouty
ouwi
l
ldi
esi
tthef
uckdown.
Il
ookedar
oundandZanewasnowher
etobef
ound.
Whatdi
dIgetmy
sel
fint
o.
I
nser
ttwent
yei
ght

Sbani

Ear
li
erwewentt
ogetsomedr
inksbecauseIwas
pi
ssedatThandosometimesIreal
lyt
hinkshei
snot
mysoulmate,shej
ustdoesn'
tgetmeandsheis
di
srespect
ful
asf.
Wearenowint
hecargoi
ngbackhomewehav
e
wor
ktomorr
ow.
Si
ms:
Don'
ttel
lmey
ouar
est
il
lpi
ssed?
Me:
Thi
siswhyIwasnev
eri
nser
iousr
elat
ionshi
ps.
TJ:
Hay
iabaf
azi
(woman)
.
Me:Ij
ustwantt
osl
eepIhav
eav
eryi
mpor
tant
meeti
ngtomorr
ow.
Si
ms:
Andwear
eher
e.
Wegoti
nsi
det
hehouse.
TJ:I
t'
ssoquiteIguessev
ery
onei
ssl
eepi
ng,
goodni
ghtgents.
Me:
Sobaf
o.
Iwenttomyr oom wear
enowusi ngt hesameroom
withThandobutshewasnotthere.Icheckedt
he
room shewasusingbef
orest
ill
nott here.
Iwentt
oIsi
pho'
sroom shewasnott
her
e,Ichecked
Sphe'
sroom andt
heywer
ewat
chi
ngamov
ie.
Me:Sorr
ytodi
stur
byouguy
sbuthav
eyouseen
Thando.
I
sipho:
Thandoi
ssl
eepi
ngBhut
i.
Me:
Ihav
echeckedt
her
oomsbutshei
snother
e.
I
sipho:
Bhut
iwhatdoy
oumean?
Me:
Imeanj
ustt
hatakekho.
Theygotof
fthebedandwesear
chedt
hehouse.
Si
ms:What
'sgoi
ngonni
funani
?(whatar
eyou
l
ooki
ngf
or)
.
Sphe:
Thando.
Si
ms:
Wher
eisshe?
Me:
Shei
scl
ear
lynoti
nthehouse.
Si
ms:
Hay
iI'
m st
art
ingt
ogetf
edupwi
tht
hisgi
rl
.
TJ:Wher
ecoul
dshebeAngel
didshet
ell
you
any
thi
ng?
I
sipho:
No.
Sphe:
Thepar
tyy
out
alkedabout
.
Me:
Whatpar
ty?
Isi
pho:Shesai
dshewasnotgoi
ngt
hismeansshe
sneakedout.
I
siphocheckedherphone.
I
sipho:
Uhmm shemi
ghthav
egonet
othepar
ty.
Me:
Giv
emet
hat
.
Iscrol
leddownonIsipho'
sInstagr
am andthedress
thatThandoiswear
ingIdon'tevenwanttotal
k
aboutit.
Me:
Whoi
sZaneandwhati
sshewear
ing?
Sphe:
Letmesee.
Theykeptonpassi
ngt
hephonet
oeachot
her
.
Sims:Idon'
tunder
standwhatdoesThandowant
exact
ly.
I
sipho:
Bhut
icanwepl
easef
etchher
.
Me:NoI'
m goingbacktosl
eep,
Thandosneakedout
anddi
dn'
ttel
lanyonethi
smeanssheknowswhat
shei
sdoing.
I
siphol
ookedatt
heguy
s.
Si
ms:
NoI
'
m notget
ti
ngi
nvol
ved.
TJ:
Menei
thergoodni
ghtguy
s.
Sphe:
Ilov
eyoubutl
et'
sgot
osl
eep.
I
sipho:
Sphe.
Sphe:
Isi
phol
et'
sgo.
Shedr
aggedherfeetandf
oll
owedSphewhi
l
eIal
so
wentt
omyr oom t
osleep.

Nar
rat
ed

Chadfoundanempt
yroom i
nthehouseandt
ook
Thandotoit
.
Chad:
Justr
elaxdon'
tdoany
thi
ngst
upi
dorel
sey
ou
di
e.
Thandonoddedbutherey
eswer
eont
hegunsi
nce
sheknowshowtoshoot.
Chad:
I'
m notgoi
ngt
ohur
tyoul
et'
sjusthav
efun.
Hesai
dtaki
ngoutsomeweedandcocai
ne.
Thando:
Yousmokeweed?
Chad:
Yesy
oudot
oo?
Thandothoughtaboutthear
gumentshehadwi
th
Sbaniear
li
erbutthenshenodded.
Theysmokedandkeptonsmoki ngti
llThandowas
toohigh,hetookoffThando'sclot
hesandhi s
clot
hesmadeThandol ayont hebed.Healsolayed
nexttohernakedandt ooksomephot osandpost ed
them onI nst
agram t
aggingThandointheprocess.
YouseeChadi sareall
ypsychopathhestopped
taki
nghi smedsaf ewday sagoandhiscousin
doesn'tknow.
Hedidn'
tevenrapeThandobutt hephotoshetook
werever
yinti
mateandt heylookedl
ikearealcoupl
e,
Thandowasnoasl eep.ChadputThando'scl
othes
onherandthensleptnexttohersmili
ng.
Ontheot
hersideI
siphowokeupbecauseherwas
beepi
ngnonst
opwithnoti
fi
cat
ions.
Somepeopl
efr
om Var
sit
ywer
eshar
ingt
hephot
os,
shetookherphoneandcoul
dn'
tbeli
evehereyesshe
rantothebat
hroom t
owashherfacebecauseof
shock.
I
sipho:
Thandowhathav
eyoudonenono.
Shetr
iedcal
l
ingThando'
sphonebuti
twentst
rai
ght
onvoi
cemail
.
Sphe:
Babear
eyouokay
?
I
sipho:
YesI
'
mfi
ne.
Shehi
dherphoneandwentbackt
othebedr
oom.
Sphe:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
.
Shet
houghtaboutl
yingbutthent
heyweregoi
ngto
seet
hephotosbecausetheywereal
lov
ersoci
al
medi
a.
I
sipho:
Pleasedon'
tfr
eakout
.
Shesai
dshowi
nghi
mthephot
os.
Sphe:
Whatt
hehel
li
sthi
s?
I
sipho:
Idon'
tknow.
Sphe:
Isi
phodon'
tl
iet
omei
sThandocheat
ingon
Sbani
.
I
sipho:
Idon'
tknow.
Sphe:
Sbanidoesn'
tdeser
vet
hislet
'sgotoTJ
maybehecantakeoutthi
sphotosbefor
eSbani
seest
hem.
Theywentoutofthei
rroom andhear
dTJandSi
ms
tal
ki
ngintheki
tchen.
Si
ms:
Mor
ningl
ovebi
rds.
Sphe:
Guy
sther
e'snot
imef
ort
hatl
ook.
Heshowedthem t
hephot
osandTJdr
oppedhi
s
bowlofcer
eal
.
TJ:
Whati
nthewor
ldi
sthi
s?
I
sipho:
Cany
oudosomet
hingbef
oremybr
othersee
t
hem.
TJ:
Peopl
ear
eshar
ingt
hem soIcan'
tev
eni
fIt
ri
ed.
Theyal
lsatdown.
Si
ms:
Sbani
isgoi
ngt
olosei
t.
TJ:
Noof
fensebuthedoesn'
tdeser
vet
his.
Sphe:
That
'sexact
lywhatIsai
d.
I
sipho:
Doyouthi
nkweshoul
dtel
lhi
m Imeanhei
s
goingt
ofr
eakonustooi
fwedon'
t.
Sims:Hehasaver
yimpor
tantmeet
ingt
odaywe
can'
trui
nthat
.
Sbani
:Rui
nwhat
?Mor
ningf
ami
l
y.
Sphe:
Youl
ookhappy
.
Sbani
:That
'sbecauseIam.
Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.
I
sipho:
Goodl
uckBhut
iony
ourmeet
ing.
Sbani
:ThanksAngel
.
TJ:
IsThandoback?
Sbani
:IdonotknowandIdon'
tcar
e,shedoesas
shepl
easessolet'
sleav
eherl
i
kethat
.
Hi
sphoner
ang.
Sbani
:NoIhav
en'
tcheckedmyphone.
Theyl
ookedateachot
heragai
n.
Sbani
:OkayIwi
l
lchecki
tri
ghtnow.
Si
ms:
Uhmm Sbani
Iwoul
dn'
tdot
hati
fIwer
eyou.
Sbani
:Why
?
TJt
ookhi
sphonef
rom hi
m.
Sbani
:TJwhatt
hehel
lman.
TJ:
Not
hingIwantt
ochecksomet
hing.
Sbani
:I
siphocanIusey
ourphone.
I
sipho:
NoBhut
i.
Sbani
:Whatdoy
oumeanno?
I
sipho:
Imeanmybat
ter
yisdead.
Sbani
:Real
l
yI siy
ouwerejustusi
ngitr
ightnowso
don'
tl
etmer epeatmy
selfgivemethatphone.
Sphe:
Isi
phodon'
t.
Sbani
:Okaywhat
'
sgoi
ngon?
Them:
Not
hing.
Si
ms:Justeatmany
ougoi
ngt
obel
atef
ory
our
meet
ing.
Sbani
:NoTJbr
ingbackmyphonenow.
Heroar
edandTJgav ehim hi
sphone,andt
her
e
wer
eendlessnot
if
icat
ionscomingthr
ough.
Sbani
:Whati
nthenameoft
heLor
dist
his?
Si
ms:
Wet
oldy
ounott
otouchy
ourphone.
Sbani
:I
sipho!
I
sipho:
Idi
dn'
tknowIswearBhut
i.
Sbani
:Doy
ouknowt
hisguy
?
I
sipho:
NoIdon'
t.
Sbani
:Okayi
t'
sfi
neI
'
m goi
ngt
owor
know.
TJ:
Baf
o.
Sbani:
NoI'
m notgoi
ngtodoany t
hingit
'sherchoi
ce
soit
'sfi
neyouguysshouldalsogetreadyforwork
andIsi
phoatt
endyourclasses.
Hel
eftt
hem t
her
e.
Sphe:
Whatwast
hat
?
Si
ms: Sbani
ismostdanger
ouswhenhei
scal
mI
don'
tl
ikethi
s.
TJ:
Let
'shopehewon'
tdoany
thi
ngdr
ast
ic.
Theyal
lwentt
othei
rroomst
ogetr
eadyf
orwor
k.

Thandowokeupwithherheadpoundingnoteven
remember
ingwhathappenedyest
erday,shegotup
andZaneandGif
twerelooki
ngatherwithpit
y.
Thando:
Guy
sdon'
ttel
lmeIsl
epther
e.
Zane:
Youdi
dfr
iend.
Thando:
Ineedt
ogohomeI
'
m sur
etheyar
ewor
ri
ed
si
ckaboutme.
Gi
ft
:Thandopl
easesl
owdown.
Thando:
Why
?
Zane:
Youcan'
tgoout
sidej
usty
et.
Thando:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Zanet
ookoutherphoneandshowedhert
hephot
os.
Thando:
Nonoi
sthi
sInst
agr
am?
Gi
ft
:YesI
'
m sor
ry.
Thando:
I'
m asgoodasdead,
wher
eisChad?How
canhedothi
stome?
Gif
t:Chadlef
tThandohewentbackt
otheSt
ateshe
doesn'
tstayher
e.
Thando:
Ohhnonodi
dheohgoshnoo.
Zane:
Pleasecal
m downhedi
dn'
trapey
ou.
Thando:
Howdoy
ouknowt
hatZanehow?
Gif
t:BecausewecheckedtheCCTVcamer
aand
sawev er
ythi
ngt
hathappened.
Thando:
I'
m goi
ngtoloseev
ery
thi
ng,
myf ami
l
yand
thel
oveofmyli
fe.HowcanIbesostupi
d.
Zane:
Atl
eastwehavet
hef
oot
aget
heywi
l
lseet
hat
youdi
dnothi
ngwrong.
Thando:
Ididev
erythi
ngwr
ongbycomi
ngher
e,y
ou
shoul
dn'
thavef
etchedme.
Zane:
Sonowi
t'
smyf
aul
t.
Thando:
NoI
'
m sor
ryf
ri
end.
Zane:
Itol
dyoutostayawayf
rom Chadnot
hatI
'
m
bl
amingyoubutIt
oldyou.
Thando:
IknowI
'
m sor
rypl
easet
akemehome.
Gi
ft:
Isuggestwedoitl
aterbecausenowpeopl
ear
e
wai
ti
ngforyoutocomeoutt hesephot
osare
ev
erywhere.
Zane:Pl
easet
rysl
eepi
ngf
ri
endIwi
l
lwakey
ouup
l
ater.
Thandotr
iedsl
eepingbutshecoul
dn'
t,
shekepton
tossi
ngandtur
ning.
Shef
eltsomeoneshaki
ngher
.
Thando:
Idon'
tev
enknowwhenIsl
ept
.
Zane:
It'
sgoodt
haty
ouwer
eabl
etosl
eep.
Thando:
Isi
tti
met
ogo?
Zane:
Yesf
ri
endt
akeweart
heset
racksui
ts.
Thando:
I'
m soscar
ed.
Shesai
dwear
ingt
hecl
othes.
Zane:
Iknowy
ouar
elet
'
shopei
twi
l
lgowel
l
.
Thandonoddedwit
htear
sstreamingdownherface,
theywentt
othecarandGif
tdrovetothehouse.
I
twasawf
ull
yqui
etbutThandocoul
dn'
tcont
rol
her
t
ear
stheywer
ejustst
reami
ngdown.
Gi
ft
:Wear
eher
e.
Theywenti
nsi
dethehouseev
ery
onewasbackand
theywer
eplay
ingcar
ds.
TJ:
Thandowhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Gif
t:Shobafet
huitwasnotThando'
sfaul
t,my
cousini
ssickandheist
heonewhot ookthose
photoswhil
eThandowassleepi
ng.
Sbani
:Sot
hat
'st
hest
oryy
oudeci
dedt
ofool
uswi
th.
Zane:
Nowehav
ethef
oot
agecl
i
ppl
easewat
chi
t.
I
siphobr
oughtherl
apt
opt
hent
heywat
ched.
Si
ms:Youcanl
eav
enowt
hanky
ouf
orbr
ingi
ngher
home.
Zane:
Byef
ri
endgoodl
uck.
Theyl
eftandThandowasst
il
lj
ustst
andi
ngt
her
e.
TJ:
Aren'
tyougonnasi
tdownmi
sspar
ty.
Thandosatdown.
Sphe:
SoThandowhydi
dyousneakout
.
Thando:
Idi
dn'
twantt
owakey
ouguy
sup.
I
sipho:
Didhehur
tyou?
Thando:NoandI
'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeanf
ort
hist
o
happen.
Sbani
:Di
dhef
orcey
out
osmoke?
Thandonoddedno.
Sbani
:Khul
umamar
n(Tal
k).
Si
ms:
Baf
ocal
m down.
Sphe:
Tal
kThando.
Thando:
Nohedi
dn'
t
.
TJ:
Ithoughty
ouqui
tsmoki
ng.
Thando:
Itwasj
ustaonceof
fthi
ng.
Sbani
lookedatherandchuckl
ed.
Sbani
:Aonceof
fwhi
l
eyouwer
esmoki
ngear
li
eron
i
nourroom.
Theot
her
s:What
?
Thandowasj
ustcr
ying.
TJ:Imanagedt
otakedownyourphot
osand
thr
eatenedt
osueanyonewhoshar
esthem.
Thando:
Thanky
ou.
Sphe:Butpeopl
ewil
lal
waysseey
ouast
hatgi
rlwho
tr
endedonsocialmedi
a.
I
sipho:
Idon'
tev
enknowwhatt
osayThando.
Sbani:
Thandoarewenottr
eati
ngyouri
ght?Areyou
unhappy?Arey
ounotsati
sfi
edwit
hall
thatyouhave
now?Huh.
Thando:
Iam I
'
m sosor
ryIdon'
tknowwhatcame
overme.
Shekneel
eddownandt
ouchedsbani
.
Sbani
:Don'
tyoudar
etouchme,
I'
m goi
ngt
osl
eep.
Everyonewenttot
hei
rbedr
oomsl
eav
ingThando
cr
y i
ngonthefloor
.
I
nser
ttwent
yni
ne

Sbani
Li
feworksini
tsownwaywemayt hinkt hatwegot
ever
ythi
ngundercontrolbutno,Idi
dn' tsleeplast
ni
ghtIkeptontur
ningandt ossingthinkingoft hi
ngs
wemayhav edonet otreatThandobadormay be
shefeel
sli
keaprisonerinthishouseIdon' tknow.
Iwakeupandgotomyhuttotal
ktomyparent
s
maybetheyhav
eabet
terexpl
anat
ionf
ort
his.
Me:
Khoza,
Bhov
ungane,
Mli
l
o,Hl
ase
Baba,
mamaamandl
awam aqhumukaki
mi
ngi
khany
isel
eni
.
Voi
ce:
Sbani
mov
eoutoft
hehouse.
Me:
Babano.
Voice:
Itwi
l
lonl
ybet
emporaryandfort
hebest
,gi
ve
Thandosometi
metothi
nkaboutwhatshewant
s.
Me:
Thi
sismyhomeI
'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e.
Voice:
Sbanil
iv
eyourl
if
eev ersinceyoufound
Thandoyouwereconv
incedshei stheonewithout
evengett
ingt
oknoweachot herpleasemysonj ust
mov
eout
.
Me:
Mama.
Voice:Li
stentoyourf
athermf anawam i
fThandoi
s
theoney ouguyswil
lfi
ndy ourwaybacktoeach
other.
Me:
Buti
t'
snotf
air
.
Voi
ce:
Sbani
samakhoza.
Me:
Hlase.
Thenitwasquit
eandIknewt heyweregone,Thando
messesupandI '
m supposet
opayt hepr
ice.Howdo
Ieventel
lmyfamilythatI
'
m movingoutj
usttogive
Thandosomet i
mei nmyhome.
Il
eavet
hehutandgot
otheki
tchenonl
ytof
indTJ
si
tt
ingt
her
e.
Me:
Baf
o.
TJ:
Mfet
hu.
Me:
Whyar
eyouawaket
hisear
ly?
TJ:
It'
s7:
00i
t'
snott
hatear
lyandIhav
eameet
ing.
Me:
Ithoughtwedon'
tgot
owor
konmyFr
iday
s.
TJ:
Iwi
l
lcomebackear
lyi
t'
simpor
tant
.
Me:
Okayt
hen.
TJ:
What
'supwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
TJ:
Sbani
Iknowy
ousooutwi
thi
t.
Me:
Mypar
ent
stol
dmet
omov
eoutoft
hehouse.
TJ:
Mov
eoutbutwhy
?
Me:
Togi
veThandosomespace.
TJ:Gi
veThandosomespacemyf
ooty
ounotgoi
ng
any
where.
Me:Idon'
twantt
obutIhavet
obecausewecan'
t
ki
ckThandooutoft
hehouse.
TJ:
Whynot
?
Me:
Shehasnowher
etogoman.
TJ:
Thi
sisnotf
air
.
Me:
Theyt
oldmet
oli
veal
i
ttl
e.
TJ:
Iagr
eewi
tht
hem ont
hatone.
Me:
Ofcosy
oudo.
Wel
aughed.
TJ:
Wher
ewi
l
lyoust
ay?
Me:
Iwi
l
luset
heot
herhouse.
TJ:
Thi
sissomemessedupshi
t.
Me:Iknowmanlet
smakebreakf
astsi
nceweare
awakeandmaybei
twi
ll
soft
enev er
yoneel
se'
s
hear
ts.
TJ:
Yeahmanl
etsdoi
t.
Wemadebr
eakf
astwhi
l
etal
ki
ngandl
aughi
ng.
Si
ms:
Youguy
smadebr
eakf
ast
?
Me:
Yeswhyar
eyousur
pri
sed?
Si
ms:
Youknowi
t'
sunl
i
key
ou.
TJ:
Mxm what
ever
.
Sphe:
Itsmel
l
sni
cei
nher
e.
Si
ms:
Guesswhomadebr
eakf
ast
?
Sphe:Noway ,
youguy
sact
ual
l
ymadet
hisbr
eakf
ast
oryouorder
edit.
Me:
Justsi
tdownandeat
.
I
sipho:
Mor
ningbr
other
s.
Me:
Angel
howar
eyou?
I
sipho:
FineBhut
iwher
eisThando?
Me:
Idon'
tknowcanweeatnow.
Weallhadbr
eakfastandwhenwewer
edoneSi
ms
andSphecol
lect
edthedishes.
TJ:
Guy
sIhav
eanear
lymeet
ing.
Si
ms:
OnFr
iday
?
TJ:
YesIwi
l
lbebackbef
orey
ouknowi
t.
Me:Uhmm cany
ouguy
ssi
tdownIwantt
otal
kto
you.
Sphe:
Ibett
hisi
swhyy
oumadebr
eakf
ast
.
Me:
I'
m mov
ingout
.
I
sipho:
Mov
ingouthow?
Si
ms:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Me:
Mypar
ent
stol
dmet
ogi
veThandosomespace.
Sphe:
Space?
Me:YesIdon'
tknowhowt
oexpl
aini
tbutt
heysai
d
i
t'
sbesti
fImov eout
.
I
sipho:
Bhut
ino.
Me:Iwi
l
lbef
ewbl
ocksawayandy
ouguy
swi
l
lcome
vi
sit
.
Si
ms:
Whycan'
twej
ustki
ckThandoout
.
Me:Youguy
sknowthatshehasnooneexceptus
soIhav
enochoi
ce.
I
sipho:
I'
m goi
ngwi
thy
ou.
Me:Isi
phonopleasest
ayher
eThandoi
sgoi
ngt
o
needyouaround.
I
sipho:
Buty
ouar
emybr
otherandy
ouneedme
more.
Me:
I'
m ol
denought
otakecar
eofmy
sel
fyouknow
t
hat
.
Si
msandI
siphoj
ustl
eftt
her
oom l
eav
ingmewi
th
Sphe.
Me:
Saysomet
hing.
Sphe:
Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
.
Me:Don'
ttel
lmey ouaregoi
ngt
ocr
y,I
'
m notgoi
ng
ov
erseasIwil
lbehere.
Sphe:Ij
ustt
hinkt
hisi
snotf
airy
oudon'
tdeser
ve
anyofthi
s.
Sphehasalway
sbeenmybestf
ri
endsoI
under
standwhyhef
eel
sthi
sway.
Me:Idi
dn'tknowy
oul
ovemel
i
ket
hatar
eyousur
e
younotgay?
Wel
aughed.
Sphe:
FusegSbani
.
Me: Ineedtodothisformy sel
fsoIcanbeabl eto
thi
nkt hi
ngsthr
ough, l
i
vemyl i
fewit
houtworryi
ng
aboutThando.Afterallt
hathappenedwehav en't
beenlivi
ngourli
fewehav ebecomet ooser
iousand
Ithi
nki t
'st
imewel etl
ooseal it
tl
e.
Sphe:
Youar
eri
ghtmanl
etshi
tthecl
ubl
ater
.
Me:
ShocaseIl
ovey
ouman.
Sphe:
Ilov
eyout
ooBaf
oletmecheckonmybaby
momma.
Me:
Ican'
tbel
i
evey
oui
mpr
egnat
edmysi
ster
.
Sphe:
Leti
tgoSbani
hay
i.
Hesai
dgoi
ngt
ohi
sroom bumpi
ngt
oThando.
Thando:
Isi
tol
dmey
ouar
emov
ingout
.
Me:
YesIam.
Thando:
Isi
tbecauseofme.
Me:NoI'
mjustgi
vi
ngy
ousomet
imet
othi
nkabout
whaty
ouwant.
Thando:
Pleasedon'
tgoIwi
l
lmov
eout
.
Me:Uyephi
Thandousuf
unaukubaiphara?
(Andgo
wher
eThandoyouwanttobeajunkie?
).
Thando:
I'
m sor
rySbani
Ireal
l
ydon'
tknowwhat
's
goi
ngonwithme.
Me:
That
'swhyI
'
m gi
vi
ngy
out
imet
ofi
ndout
.
Thando:
Whataboutus?
Me:
Idon'
tknowl
et'
smay
bet
akeabr
eak.
Thando:
I'
m sor
ryIr
eal
l
ydi
dn'
tmeant
ohur
tyou.
Me:YetyoudidThandolwethuj
ustt
akethi
sti
meto
f
indyour
self,
thinkaboutwhatmatt
erst
oyouand
f
ocusony ourfutur
e.
Thando:
Okayt
hanky
ou.
Me:
Don'
tyouhav
eacl
asst
oday
?
Thando:
IdobutIcan'
tgopeopl
ewi
l
lbel
aughi
ngat
me.
Me:Gotoschoolyourf
ir
stst
epinallt
hisi
stoface
thewor
ldsothatpeopl
ewil
lfor
getaboutt
hose
phot
os.
Thando:
But
..
.
Me:Nobut
sThandol
wethuImaybemov
ingoutbutI
wi
ll
sti
ll
monit
oryouatschool
.
Ilef
therthereandwentt
omyr
oom may
bet
hisi
s
forthebest.

Thando
IsatonthecouchandcriedIreall
yrui
nedthi
ngsthi
s
ti
meandt hebestwaytof i
xthisi
st owor
konmy sel
f.
Igetupandeatthengotomyr oom topr
eparef
or
myclassI'
m notreadyf
ort hi
s.
I
sipho:
Arey
ouhappynow?
Me:
Youcan'
tj
ustbar
gei
ntomyr
oom l
i
ket
hisI
si.
I
sipho:
Mybr
otheri
smov
ingoutbecauseofy
ou.
Me:
IknowandI
'
m sor
ry.
I
sipho:
Fixt
hispl
easej
ustf
ixi
tThandol
wet
hu.
Shesay
sandl
eav
e.
Idon'
twantSbanit
omoveoutbutmay
bethi
sisf
or
thebest
,weneedsometi
meapartsot
hatwecan
knowwhatwer eal
l
ywant
.
AfterI'
m doneIcall
anUberanditdropsmeat
school,assoonasIentert
hegateIcanf eelthe
staresonmybackandIcanf eelthem whisperi
ng
othersevenpoint
ingatme.It
urnmybackt oleave
butIhearZanecalli
ngmyname.
Zane:
Fri
endpl
easej
ustst
aydon'
tmi
ndt
hem.
Tear
sar
eal
readyf
all
i
ngf
rom myey
es.
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkIcandot
his.
Zane:Iknowy oucan,Idon'
tknowhowt
hismakes
youfeelbutIcanimagine.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sgot
ocl
ass.
Allt
hewayt oclasspeopl
ewerepoi
nti
ngatmeand
l
aughing,guyswerebusywhist
li
ngt
ell
i
ngmehow
sexyIlookedinthosepi
ctur
es.
Zane:
Thandopl
easedon'
tmi
ndt
hem.
Me:
Easyf
ory
out
osay
.
Zane:
Don'
tbi
temyheadof
f.
Me:
Sor
ryZaneIj
ust
..
.
Zane:
Iknowf
ri
endIknowsopl
easest
opcr
ying.
Wegoti
ntocl
assandwewer eki
ndofl
ateso
ev
ery
onehadsett
leddownsoyoucani
maginet
he
wayt
heywerest
aringatme.
Someguy :
Thandowearehav
ingapart
yatmyplace
l
ateroncanyoupl
easecomeandenter
tai
nus.
Zane:
Thandodon'
tmi
ndhi
m.
Lect
urer
:Set
tl
edown.
Wesatdownbutnoneofthem concentr
ated
especi
all
ytheguy
stheywer
ealllooki
ngatme.
Me:
ZaneI
'
mleav
ing.
Zane:
Don'
tl
ett
hem gett
oyoupl
ease.
Igetupandr
unout
sidecr
yingwhi
l
etheguy
swer
e
whist
li
ng.
Af
teraf
ewmi
nut
est
hel
ect
urercamet
omeout
side.
Lect
urer
:Sohowl
ongwi
l
lyour
un?
Idi
dn'
tknowhowt
oanswert
hatsoIkeptqui
et.
Lectur
er:
LookIalsosawthosephotosandIdon' t
knowwhathappenedbutIknowi t
'snotyourfault
,
youwouldn'
thaveaskedthatguyt
opostt hem
knowingwhatitwil
ldot
oy ousonowwi pet hose
tear
sandlet
'sgetbackinther
e.
Me:
Ican'
t.
Lect
urer
:Iwi
l
lgi
vey
out
imet
ocal
m down.
Inoddedandsatt
her
eforawhi
l
ethengotback
i
nside.
Lectur
er:
Thandocomehere,Iwanty
outostand
hereandmakethem under
standi
twasn'
tyourf
aul
t.
Me:
NoIcan'
tdot
hat
.
Lect
urer
:Cany
oual
ll
ist
enThandohassomet
hingt
o
say.
Me: Uhmm Iknowy ouall t
hinki t
'smyf aultbuttrust
mei t'
snot ,Iwenttothatpar tytoenj oymy self
.I'
m
notblami ngthatguyf orthef actthatIsmokedweed
butIblamehi mforput ti
ngsomet hinginmyweed
thatmademeweakandsl eepy .Someofy outhink
heismyboy f
ri
endbuthei snotandI 'mluckyhe
didn'
trapeme, hetookt hosephot oswi t
houtmy
knowledgeandpost edt hem wi thoutmyknowl edge.
I'
m ashamedt ofacet hewor ldbecauseofwhathe
didtomebuti twasn'tmyf aultsopl easedon't
blamemeanddon' tthinkthatI '
m asl utbecauseI '
m
not.Ladiespleasebecar efulwheny ougot opart i
es
i
t'snotsaf eImayhav ebeenl uckybutsomeofy ou
maynotbe.
Lect
urer
:Thanky
ouThandoandIhopeev er
ythi
ngi
s
cl
earedi
fsomeoneharassesyouaboutthose
phot
osyouhaveever
yr i
ghttorepor
tthem.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Zane:
Youdi
dgr
eatf
ri
end.
Ismil
edandsatdownIcan'
tli
eIwasfeel
i
ngalot
bet
ter
,peopl
eweresti
ll
star
ingatmebutIdi
dn'
t
car
ebecausetheynowknowthetr
uth.
Wegotoutofcl
assandwentt
oeat
.
Zane:
Sohowar
ethi
ngsathome?
Me:Badfr
iendSbanii
smov
ingoutandev
ery
one
el
seisj
ustignor
ingme.
Zane:Justfocusony
ourselfandear
ningt
hei
rtr
ust
agai
nt heywil
lcomearoundyouwill
see.
Me:IhopesobecauseIl
ovet
hem andt
heyar
ethe
onl
yfamil
yIhave.
Zane:Doyouwantt
ocometomypl
acet
odaywe
wil
lcatchamovi
eandj
ustchi
l
l.
Me:
Nof
ri
endIwi
l
lpasst
hanky
ou.
Zane:
OkayGi
fti
sher
elet
'
sgowewi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
f.
Me:
Okayl
etsgo.
Wel
eftandt
heydr
oppedmeof
fatt
hehouse.
Igoti
nsidethehouseandther
ewasnoonei twas
j
usttooquietsoIdeci
dedtocall
anUberandgosee
mytherapi
sthopingtocat
chherbecausei
t'
sFri
day.
Me:
Isdocst
il
li
nsi
de?
PA:
YesThandohav
en'
tseeny
oui
nawhi
l
e.
Me:
Ihav
ebeenar
ound.
PA:
Youcangot
hroughbecauset
her
eisnoone.
Iwentt
hrought
otheof
fi
ce.
Me:
Knockknock.
Ther
api
st:
Comei
n.
Me:
Docgl
adIcaughty
ou.
Ther
api
st:
Thandoi
t'
sbeenawhi
l
e.
Me:
Iknowdoc.
Ther
api
st:
Youcansi
tdown.
Isatdownont
hef
loor
.
Ther
api
st:Thewayyouar
esi
tt
ingt
ell
smet
hatt
his
i
snotafri
endlyv
isi
t.
Me:
NoIt
akei
tyousawt
hephot
os.
Ther
api
st:
YesIdi
dhowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:Idon'
tknowreal
ly,Idi
dn'
ttel
lany
onet hatIwas
goi
ngtothatpar
tyIsneakedoutandthat
'snotli
ke
meIdon'tknowwhat'
shappening.
Therapi
st:
Arey
oupastev
ery
thi
ngt
hathappenedi
n
thepast
?
Me:
Ithi
nkso.
Ther
api
st:
Idon'
twanty
out
othi
nkIwanty
out
obe
sur
e.
Me:I'
m st
il
lnotusedbei
ngar
oundpeopl
ewhocare
t
hatmuchf ormeandsometi
mesIdothi
ngswi
thout
t
hinki
ngthem t
hrough.
Ther
apist
:Ify
ouarenotcar
eful
youwi
l
llose
ever
ythi
ngThando.
Me:
AndIdon'
twantt
hat
,that
'swhyI
'
m pr
epar
edt
o
wor
konmy
sel
f.
Therapist
:Let'
sdothi
scomebackandst
arty
our
sessionswithmethenIwi
ll
hel
pyoubeyouagai
nis
thatfi
ne.
Me:
Yesdoct
hanky
ou.
Ther
api
st:
I'
mleav
ingnowIcangi
vey
oual
i
ft.
Me:
Okayi
t'
sfi
ne.
Iwaitedforhertofi
nishwhatshewasdoingandwe
l
eft.Ireal
lywanttowor konmy sel
fanddi
scover
whatI '
m mostpassionateaboutsoIcangetmy
familyback.
I
nser
tthi
rt
y

It
'sbeenamont hsi nceSbanileftthehousehe
doesn'tvisi
tonlytheot her
sv i
sithim sothismeansI
haven'tseenhimf orawhile,
Ican'tlieImisshima
l
otbei ngawayf rom him mademer eal
isehowmuch
Ilovehim.I '
m doingmuchbet ternowt hetherapyis
reall
yhelpingitmademer eali
set hatIhadn'theal
ed
full
ybutI'm sti
ll
focusingonmy self
.
Zaneiscomingt
othehousetodaywehav
esome
fewnotest
ogothroughsoIwakeupandgotot
he
kit
chen.
Si
ms: ThandoheyIt
houghtIwast
heonl
yonei
nthe
house.
Me:It
houghtsot
oo,
aren'
tyousupposet
obeat
wor
k?
Si
ms:I
'm notf
eel
i
ngwel
lsoIdeci
dedt
owor
kfr
om
home.
Me:
Pecksofbei
ngy
ourownboss.
Si
ms:
Ofcosar
en'
tyousupposet
obeatt
hecampus?
Me:Nomyfr
iendiscomi
ngov
erwehav
eaf
ew
not
estogot
hrough.
Si
ms:
Okayt
hen.
Wet henkeptqui
etIguesswedidn'
tknowwhatelse
tosaysincewehaven'tt
alkedi
nawhilet
heywereall
sti
l
lav oi
dingme.
Me:
I'
m maki
ngbr
eakf
astdoy
ouwantsome?
Si
ms:
Uhmm sur
e.
Ist
art
edwi
thbr
eakf
ast
.
Us:
Sohowar
eyou?How'
sSbani
?
Wel
aughed.
Me:
Okayy
ougof
ir
st.
Si
ms:Howhaveyoubeen?Thet
her
api
stt
oldusy
ou
ar
eat
tendi
ngagai
n.
Me: I
'
m muchbet
ternowI'
m act
ual
lygoodt
he
sessi
onsar
ereal
l
yhelpi
ngmeout .
Si
ms:
That
'sgood.
Me:
Uhmm howi
sSbani
?
Si
ms:
Hei
sfi
ne.
Me:
That
'sgr
eat
.
Si
ms:
Youmi
sshi
m don'
tyou?
Me:Ev
erydaybutI
'
m gl
adhegav
emet
imet
owor
k
onmysel
f.
Si
ms:
OkayI
'
m gl
ady
ouar
eokay
.
Inodded,
Iwaskindofdi
sappoi
ntedIexpect
edhi
m
tosaySbani
missesmetoobuthedidn't
.
Hewenttohisroom whi
leIf
inishedmaking
breakf
ast
,af
terIwasdoneIdishedoutforthebot
h
ofus.
Me:
Rightont
imel
et'
seat
.
Si
ms:
Thanky
ou.
Wearei
ntheki
tchenbecausei
twasj
ustt
het
woof
us.
Me:
Wher
ear
etheot
her
s?
Si
ms: TJi
satwor
kthenSpheandI
siwentt
othe
doct
or.
Me:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokaywi
tht
hebaby
?
Si
ms:
Yesj
ustr
egul
archeckups.
Me:
Okayt
hat
'sgood.
Someoneknocked.
Me:
Iwi
l
lopen.
I
twasZane.
Zane:Fr
iendIknowit'
sst
il
lear
lybutIsl
eptatGif
ts
housesohedr oppedmeheresi
ncehewasgoi ngto
wor
k.
Me:
Noi
t'
sfi
ney
oucancomei
n.
Il
edhert
otheki
tchen.
Si
ms:
Thandowhowast
hat
?
Hetur
nedandl
ookedatus,
thewayhel
ookedat
Zane.
Me:Si
mst hi
sisZanemyfri
endyoumetherthatday
butmaybeyoudon'tr
emember,
Zanet
hisisSims
oneofmybrother
's.
Idon'tt
hinkt
heyhear
dmet
heywer
ebot
hjust
star
ingateachot
her.
Me:
Guy
s.
Ishout
ed.
Si
ms:
Uhmm excuseme.
Her
ant
other
oom.
Me:
Fri
endwhatwast
hat
?
Shewasstil
lst
ari
ngatt
hepassagewher
eSi
ms
di
sappear
ed.
Me:
Zane.
Zane:
Uhmm sor
ryf
ri
endwhatdi
dyousay
?
Me:
Whatwast
hat
?
Zane:
Whatwaswhat
?
Me:Don'
tdot
hatyouguyswer
eli
ter
all
yundr
essi
ng
eachot
herwi
thyourey
es.
Zane:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ngabout
.
Me:
Hai
boZaney
oul
i
kehi
m don'
tyou?
Zane:Iseeyoumadebr
eakf
asti
t'
sli
key
ouknewI
'
m
famished.
Me:
Heehy
ouchangi
ngt
hesubj
ectnow.
Zane:
Whoi
she?
Me:
ButIi
ntr
oducedy
out
ohi
m.
Zane:
Idi
dn'
theary
ouokay
.
Me:
That
'sSi
ms.
Zane:
Uhmm okay
.
Me:Ohnof r
iendyoul
ikehi
m Icanf
eel
your
hear
tbeatf
rom her
e.
Zane:
Justshutupandl
et'
seat
.
Me:
Letmedi
shupf
ory
ou.
Zane:
Noi
t'
sfi
neIwi
l
leatf
rom hi
spl
ate.
Il
aughedsohar
dwhenpeopletal
kaboutloveatf
ir
st
si
ghtdotheymeanwhatIhav
ejustwi
tnessed.
Me:
HambaZanekaGi
ft
.
Zane:
Mxm.
Me:
Gif
tisgoi
ngt
oki
l
lyou.
Zane:Let
'sdropi
tplease,
sodi
dyout
alkt
oSbani
aboutyourbusi
nessIdea?
Me:NoI'mjustscar
edt
ofacehi
m af
terev
ery
thi
ng
youknow.
Zane:
Butf
ri
endy
oucan'
tav
oidhi
mfor
ever
.
Me:
IknowIwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m.
Si
mscamedownst
air
sal
ldr
essedup.
Me:
Ithoughty
ouwer
ewor
kingf
rom home?
Si
ms:Uhmm somet
hingcameupI
'
m goi
ngt
osee
Sbani
.
Me:
Cany
ousi
tdownIwantt
orunsomet
hingbyy
ou.
Zane:
ThandoIwi
l
lbei
nyourr
oom.
Me:
Okayf
ri
end.
Si
ms:
Whoi
sshe?
Me:HaiboIthoughtIi
ntr
oducedyouguystoeach
ot
herbutseemsl i
keyoudidn'
thearme,
that'
sZane
myfri
end.
Si
ms:
Irememberseei
nghert
hatday
.
Me:
Whendi
dyoust
artst
utt
eri
ngwheny
out
alk.
Si
ms:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ngabout
.
Me:
Youl
i
keherdon'
tyou?
Si
ms:
Thandoi
fyoudon'
ttal
kI'
mleav
ing.
Il
aughed.
Me: Iwantt
oopenacentr
ef orwomanwhoare
abusedsoIneedsomeonewhowi ll
sponsormeso
thatIwil
lbeabl
etobuyorrentabui
ldi
ng.
Si
ms:
OkayIwi
l
ltot
alkt
otheguy
s,by
e.
Me:
Youl
i
ter
all
yhav
eabonerbyj
ustl
ooki
ngather
.
Si
ms:
Leav
emeal
oneandby
e.
Me:
Byesayhi
toSbani
forme.
Hel
eftandIcl
eanedt
heki
tchent
henwentt
omy
r
oom.
Zane:
Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
?
Me:Don'
ttel
lmey
ouhadanor
gasm byj
ustl
ooki
ng
athi
m.
Zane:
Whyar
eyousay
ingt
hat
?
Me:
Theboxofwi
per
snextt
oyou.
Zane:
Leav
emeal
one.
Me:
Hai
boweZane.
Thi
sisl
i
ter
all
ythecut
estt
hingIhav
eev
erseen.
Zane:
Fuseg.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Isai
dgoi
ngt
oshoweri
nthebat
hroom.

Si
ms
I'
m notsomeonewhof all
sinlov emay bethere'
sonly
onegirlIhavelovedmyent i
relif
e, Ij
ustsmashand
passbutt odaythewaymyhear twasbeat ingIdon'
t
know.SeingZanemademymi ndst opfuncti
oning
forawhi l
eshei sbeaut
if
ul,herey es,herli
psgosh
everyt
hingaboutherisjustperfectisthislov
eat
fi
rstsi
ght?Idon'tknowbutal lIknowi sthatyena
Ungowami .
Igett
oSbani
'
sof
fi
cewi
thoutknocki
ng.
Sbani
:Si
mbongi
l
emar
nwhati
fIwasbusy
.
Me:
Wel
lyouar
enotbusy
.
Sbani
:Aren'
tyousupposet
obei
nbedIt
houghty
ou
weresi
ck?
Me:
IwasUhmm ImeanIam.
Sbani
:Whi
chi
swhi
chexact
lyandpl
easesi
tdown.
Me:OkayI
'm st
il
lnotf
eel
i
ngwel
lbutIcoul
dn'
tst
ay
att
hehouse.
Sbani
:Andwhyi
sthat
?
Me:
Thando'
sfr
iend.
Sbani
:Whatabouther
?
Me:Idon'
tknowmanwhenIsawherIj
ustIdon'
t
know.
Sbani
:Inev
ert
houghtIwoul
dseet
hisSi
msi
nlov
e.
Me:Whosaidany
thi
ngaboutbei
ngi
nlov
eyazi
uy
aphapha.
Sbani
:Expl
aini
tthenwhyar
eyounotatt
hehouse.
Me:Thewayshesmi lesohgoshev
ery
thi
ngabout
heri
sjustper
fectSbani
.
Hewhi
stl
ed.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Sbani
:Youar
ewhi
pped.
Me:
Ineedt
ogetherman.
Sbani
:Whichf
ri
endar
eyoutal
ki
ngabouty
oumean
theonewhohasaboyf
ri
end.
Me:
Boy
fri
endnothusbandsoIst
il
lhav
eachance.
Sbani
:Gogetherv
eleshei
syour
s.
Me:
Enoughaboutme,
Thandosai
dhi
.
Sbani
:Tel
lherIsai
dhi
too.
Me:
Comeonat
leastsayi
tli
key
oumeani
t.
Sbani
:Canwenott
alkaboutThando.
Me:
Okaybutsheneedsourhel
p.
Sbani
:Whati
sitt
hist
ime.
Me:
It'
sact
ual
l
ysomet
hinggr
eati
fyouaskme.
Sbani
:Tal
kthen.
Me:Shewantst
oopenacent
ref
orabusedwoman
sosheneedsabui
l
ding.
Sbani
:Fi
ndheronet
hen.
Me:Ther
e'sabui
l
dingIknowshecanuseandi
t'
s
our
ssononeedtor entorbuyi
t.
Sbani
:Gr
eatt
henev
ery
thi
ngi
sset
tl
ed.
Me:There'
salsoabuil
dingar
oundher
eandy
ou
hav
eal otofspace.
Sbani
:Don'
tstartwit
hmeIdon'
twantThandot
o
worki
nthisbuil
ding.
Me:
Don'
ttel
lmey
oust
il
langr
y.
Sbani:NoI'
m notIj
ustdon'
twantt
owor
knearher
that
'sall
.
Me:
Becausey
oust
il
ll
oveher
.
Sbani
:NoSi
msbecauseangi
funi
.
Me:Okaydon'
tbi
temyheadof
f,wear
ecomi
ngov
er
l
ater
.
Sbani
:Pl
easedon'
tIwi
l
lbebusy
.
Me:
Wit
hwhat
?
Sbani
:Not
hing.
Me:
Iknowy
ouar
efucki
ngy
ourPA.
Sbani
:JustgoSi
mswearedoneher
eandIhav
ea
meeti
ngin10minut
es.
Me:
Sohowi
sshe?
Sbani
:Howi
swho?
Me:
Imeani
nbed?
Sbani
:Fusegj
ustl
eav
e.
Wel
aughedandIl
eftt
henwentt
othemal
ltobuy
somesnacksforThandoandherf
ri
enddon'
tl
ookat
meli
kethat.
WhenIgott
othemal
lIwentt
oPi
ckandPay
.
Gi
ft
:Baf
o.
Me:
HeydoIknowy
ou?
Hewashol
dingacut
eli
tt
leboy
.
Gif
t:I
'
m Gif
tZane'
sboy
fri
endIoncecamet
oyour
housetodr
opThandooff
.
Iclenchedmyj
awst
hinki
ngt
heyhav
eachi
l
d
together.
Me:
OhIr
emembermani
sthi
syourson?
Gi
ft
:Uhmm y
es.
Me:
Okayhei
scut
ejustl
i
kehi
smot
her
.
IswearIwant
edt
ocr
y.
Gi
ft
:Act
ual
l
yZanedoesn'
tknowIhav
easonanda
wi
fe.
Al
adyappr
oacheduswhi
l
esmi
l
ing.
Lady
:BabeIgotev
ery
thi
ng.
Gi
ft
:Okayst
handwasam,
Baf
oIwi
l
lseey
ouar
ound.
Me:
Shoman.
NowIwant edtopunchhiminthef
ace,
helooks
happywit
hhisminifamil
yandImustsayhiswi
fei
s
beaut
if
ulIguesshepickswell
butwhyishepl
ayi
ng
wit
hZanelikethi
s.
It
ookev
ery
thi
ngIneededandwenthome.
Thando:
Youar
eback?
Me:
Yesi
sZanegone?
Thando:
Noshewentt
othebat
hroom.
Me:
OkayIgoty
ouguy
ssomesnacks.
Thando:
Thanky
ou.
ZanecameandIj
ustcoul
dn'
ttakemyey
esof
fher
.
Zane:
Star
ingi
srudeMr
.
Me:I
'm sor
ryIdi
dn'tev
enr
eal
i
seIwasst
ari
ngy
ou
ar
ejustbeaut
if
ul.
Zane:
Thanky
ou.
ShesatdownandIal
soj
oinedt
hem.
Me:
Soar
eyouguy
sdonewi
thy
ournot
es.
Thando:
Yeswear
e,sodi
dyout
alkt
ohubbyuhhI
meanSbani
.
If
eelsorr
yforThandobecauseSbani
seemst
obe
avoi
dingheral
ot.
Me:Yesev
ery
thi
ngi
sreadyy
ouj
ustneedt
ofi
nd
t
hosewoman.
Thando:
Justl
i
ket
hat
?
Me:
Yesj
ustl
i
ket
hatThando.
Thando:
Thanky
ousomuch.
Me:
Youhav
etot
hankSbani
fort
hat
.
Thando:
Tel
lhi
m Isai
dthanky
ou.
Me:I'
m notyourmessengerandst
opav
oidi
nghi
m
youguysaresti
ll
famil
yafteral
l
.
Thando:
OkayIwi
l
lsendhi
m amessage.
Zane:
Justgoseehi
mfr
iend.
Me:
Tel
lher
.
Thando:
OkayIwi
l
l.
Zane:Fr
iendIhav
etogoGi
ftsentmeamessage
tel
l
ingmehecan'tpi
ckmeupbecausehei
sworki
ng.
Thisguyi
sly
ingt
oherImeanIj
ustsawhi
m wi
thhi
s
famil
y.
Me:
Icandr
ivey
ouhome.
Zane:
Iwi
l
lcal
lanUbert
hanky
ouf
ort
heof
fer
.
Me:
NoIi
nsi
stl
et'
sgo.
Thando:
Therei
snousear
gui
ngwi
thhi
mfr
iendso
j
ustgoIwil
lseeyout
omor
row.
Zane:
Okayf
ri
endIl
ovey
ou.
Thando:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Wewentt
othecarandIdr
ovet
oherpl
ace.
Me:
Uhmm soy
oust
ayal
one?
Zane:YesbutIspendmostofmyt
imei
nmy
boyf
ri
end'spl
ace.
Me:
YoumeanGi
ft
?
Zane:
Yes.
Me:
Howl
onghav
eyouknownhi
m?
Zane:
Eversi
nceIcamet
oDur
bani
t'
sbeensi
xyear
s
now.
Me:Si
xyear
sinar
elat
ionshi
porj
ustknowi
ngeach
ot
her.
Zane:Foury
earsi
nar
elat
ionshi
pwewer
efr
iends
fort
woy ear
s.
Me:
Isee,
howmuchdoy
ouknowhi
m?
Zane:
Ithi
nkIknowevery
thingabouthi
m because
wearehonestwi
theachother.
Ijustfel
tsorr
yforher
,shethi
nkssheisi
na
relat
ionshi
pbutherboyf
ri
endisfool
i
ngher.
Zane:
Thi
siswher
eIst
ayt
hanky
ou.
Me:
ZanecanIt
akey
ououtt
omor
row.
Zane:
Youmeanonadat
e?
Me:NoOf cosnotIr
espectthef
actt
haty
ouar
eina
r
elat
ionshi
pjustasf
riends.
Zane:
Okayi
t'
sfi
nef
etchmet
omor
row.
Me:
Wil
ldoenj
oyt
her
estofy
ourday
.
Zane:
Yout
ooSi
ms.
Iwatchedhertil
lshegoti
nside,
howdoIt ellherthat
herboyfr
iendismakingafooloutofherIneedt o
fi
ndaway ,
Ican'
tjustwat
chherbeingplayedlike
thi
s.
I
nser
tthi
rt
yone

Sbani

Me:Ihopewest
il
lont
hesamepageMahl
eIdon'
t
wantdrama.
Mahl
e:Of
cosy ouhavebeent
ell
i
ngmet
hatev
er
si
ncewestar
tedthi
s.
Me:
Iwantust
ohav
eanunder
standi
ng.
Mahle:
Wedo, nocat
chingfeel
i
ngsIunder
standand
besi
desIhav
eaboy f
riend.
Me:
Okayt
heny
oucangoIwi
l
lseey
oul
ater
.
Mahl
e:Lat
erandy
oudon'
thav
eanymeet
ingsl
eft
.
Me:OkayIwi
l
ljustgohomet
her
e'ssomet
hingI
needt
odo.
Shenoddedandl ef
t,Mahl eismyPAandwehav e
beensl
eepingt ogetherev ersi
nceImov edoutofthe
house,
wear enoti nar elati
onshi
pandIdon' twant
ustobe.Isti
l
l loveThandobutI '
m givi
ngherspace
toworkonher selft
heni fwest i
llcl
ickaft
ert
hatit'
s
fi
newecant rysomet hingout .
Ipackmyt hingsandleaveI'
m goi
nghomeIneedt o
talktoThandoaboutthisproj
ectofhers,
Icallher
therapi
steverydayj
usttocheckherprogressandI'
m
gladsheisdoingokay.
YoucanthinkI'
m beingunf
airbysleepi
ngwi t
hmy
MahlebutnoI '
m notaguyneedstor el
easeandI
can'
tdothatwithThandobecauseshest i
llneeds
sometime,Ican'tusethef
actthatshelovesmet o
myownadv ant
age.
Iarr
iveathomeandopenusi ngmyownkey ,If
ind
Thandosleepi
ngont hecouchwit
hapileofbooks
besi
desher.Itakemyphoneandcapturethe
momentshel ookscute,
Igot ot
heki
tchenand
makel
unchf
ort
hebot
hofus.
Af
terI
'
m doneIwakeherup.
Me:
Thandowakeup.
Thando:
Mmm.
Iknowshehat
esbei
ngwokenup.
Me:
Wakeup.
Sheopensherey
essl
owl
ywhi
l
erubbi
ngt
hem.
Thando:HubbyUhmm ImeanSbani
whendi
dyou
gethere?
Me:
Afewmi
nut
esagoandy
ouwer
efastasl
eep.
Thando:
It'
sjustt
hatI
'
mti
redIhav
ebeenst
udy
ing.
Me:
It'
sokayIunder
standImadel
unch.
Thando:
Thanky
ouI
'
m st
arv
ing.
Me:
Her
eyougo.
Thando:Thi
smeansIwasi
ndeepsl
eepIdi
dn'
thear
anyt
hing.
Me:
Yeahbutat
leasty
oul
ockedt
hedoor
.
Thando:
Yeahl
et'
seat
.
Wear
einsi
l
enceawkwar
dsi
l
encei
fyouaskme.
Thando:
Iwi
l
lwasht
hedi
shes.
Me:
Nol
eav
ethem Iwantust
otal
k.
Thando:
Ohokay
.
Me:
Howhav
eyoubeen?
Thando:
Goodmysessi
onswi
tht
het
her
api
star
e
real
l
yhelpf
ul.
Me:
That
'sgr
eat
.
Thando:
Wenaunj
ani
(Howar
eyou?
).
Me:Hayi
ngi
yaphi
laukubamatasanjenomsebenzi
(I
'
m goodIhavej
ustbeenbusywit
hwor k)
.
Thando:
Great
.
Thenwewer
equi
te.
Thando:Li
stenSbani
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ryabout
ever
ythi
ng.
Me:
It'
sfi
neThandoandI
'
m nother
etot
alkabout
t
hat
.
Thando:
Okaywhat
'
sup?
Me:Iwanty
out
otel
lmemor
eaboutt
hiscent
erof
your
s?
Thando:Ther
earetoomanypeoplewholivei
nthei
r
homeswhoar ebeingabusedsoIwantt
owor kwit
h
them,showthem t
hatyoucanspeakoutandget
helpt
hatther
e'snoneedtobeafr
aid.
AndmaybeIcangetsomeonewhocant eachthem
howtodefendthemselv
essomet
hingl
i
keof f
ering
sel
fdef
enseclasses.
Me:Int
erest
ingwel
lIknowSi
mst
oldy
ouaboutt
he
bui
l
ding.
Thando:
Yeshedi
d.
Me:Okayt
henwecangochecki
touti
fyouar
enot
goi
ngtocont
inuest
udy
ing.
Thando:
Okayl
etmechange.
Shewenttothebedr
oom whi
l
eIt
ookt
hedi
shest
o
theki
tchent
owashthem.
Ihopethi
sprojectofher
swil
lkeephermindof
f
ever
ythi
ngthatisnotri
ghtmaybethi
sisabegi
nni
ng
ofgr
eatt
hingsf
orher
.
Thando:
Wecango.
Shewasweari
ngashor
tfl
oral
dressandv
ans,
Thandoi
sbeauti
ful
.
Thando:
Stopst
ari
ngl
et'
sjustgo.
Me:
Uhmm y
eahl
et'
sgo.
Wegotint
othecarandIdr
ovetothebuil
dingi
twas
qui
tei
nthecarwit
hThandosteal
i
ngglancesatme.
Me:
Whyar
est
eal
i
nggl
ancesatme?
Thando:I
'
mj ustwonder
ingwhyImessedthi
ngsup
betweenusImeany ouareev
erywoman'sdr
eam.
Me:
That
'swhaty
out
hink?
Thando:OfcosyouareSbani
,I
'm sur
eladi
esar
e
thr
owingthemselvesaty
ou.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:Isthaty
ourwayofaski
ngmei
fIhav
ea
gi
rl
fr
iendornot
?
Thando:
NobutImi
ghtaswel
laskunay
o?
Me:
Act
ual
l
yyesI
'
minar
elat
ionshi
p.
Thando:
Who'
sthel
uckyl
ady
.
Me:
Ibet
ternotsay
.
Iwasj
ustmessi
ngwithherandi
tworkedbecause
shej
ustl
ookedoutt
hewindowandkeptquiet
.
Idr
ovei
nsi
l
entsi
ncewegott
othebui
l
ding.
Me:
Wear
eher
e.
Thando:
Okayl
et'
sgo.
Me: Thi
sisi
tsi
nceyousai
dyouwil
lneedtwo
spacesIwil
lgi
veyout
hewholebui
l
ding.
Thando:
Real
l
y?
Me:Yeswewil
lgetev
eryt
hingy
ouneedt
henwhen
youar
ereadyy
oucanstart
.
Thando:Idon'tevenknowhowt ot
hanky
oubut
thankyouIreall
yappreci
atei
t.
Me:
Youwel
come.
Thando:
SinceIhav
eseeni
tcanIgohome.
Me:
Iwi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
f.
Thando:
NoIdon'
twantt
oint
rude.
Me:Int
rude?Ukhul
umangani
(whatar
eyout
alki
ng
about)
.
Thando:
Yourgi
rl
fr
iend?
Me:
Wher
eisshe?
Shebl
i
nkedaf
ewt
imesandIknewshewasgoi
ngt
o
cr
y.
Me:ComeonThandoIwasj
oki
ngIdon'
thav
ea
gi
rl
fr
iend.
Thando:
Mxm.
Il
aughedather
.
Me:
Youar
ejeal
ous.
Thando:
It'
snotf
unnySbani
justt
akemehome.
Me:
Let
'sgomi
ssj
eal
ous.
Shehi
tmeont
heshoul
der
.
Thando:
Canwebef
ri
ends?
Me:
Okayf
ri
end.
Thando:
Yousoundgay
.
Me:
May
beIam.
Webothlaughedmay beit
'
sagoodideai
fwe
becomefri
endsthatwil
lgiv
eusachancet
ogett
o
knoweachotherbett
er.
Thando:Let
'sgothenandpl
easespendt
heni
ghtat
houseforonce.
Me:
Okayasambe(l
et'
sgo)

Thando

I
'mreall
yhappySbani wasabl etofindmeabui l
ding
f
orallt
hatIwantt odoIwillsuremakehi m and
mysel
fproud.Ithinkusbei
ngf r
iendswil
lchangea
l
otofthi
ngsbecausewedon' tknoweachot herthat
Well
,wejustdecidedtosett
ledownwi t
houthaving
f
unIjustthi
nkthisisourchance.
Ithi
nkhedoeshav eagir
lf
ri
endmay behejust
doesn'
twanttobreakmyhear tIhopetheybrokeup
soondon'
tlookatmelikethatIloveSbaniandI
wantustowork.
Sbani
:Iwi
l
lcomebackl
aterwi
tht
heguy
s.
Me:
Okayl
atert
hen.
Hedroppedmeof fandleft
,Igotint
othehouseand
Isi
waseat i
ng.Wedon'ttal
ksinceSbanilef
tIguess
shesti
l
lblamesmeandshehat esme, Idon'
tmind
heranymore.
Ipassherandgotomyroom wi
thoutsay
ing
anythi
ng,
shestopsme.
I
sipho:
Thandowai
t.
Me:Li
stenI
siIknowthi
sisyourhomeandIhurty
ou
wi
thwhatIdidbutIwon'
tst
andy ouri
nsul
ts.
I
sipho:
Pleasesi
tdownIj
ustwantust
otal
k.
Me:
Okay
.
I
sipho:Ij
ustwanttoapologi
sef
orhowIhav ebeen
behavi
ngthesepastfewdaysIwasjusthur
tand
di
sappoint
edI'
m sorr
y .
Me:
Uhmm i
t'
sfi
neI
'
m al
sosor
ry.
I
sipho:
Imi
ssy
ou.
Me:
Yetwest
ayi
nthesamehouse,
Imi
ssy
out
oo
mamabear
.
I
sipho:
Let
'shugi
tout
.
WehuggedandIki
ssedherst
omach.
Me:
Thi
sonei
sgr
owi
ngf
ast
.
I
sipho:
I'
mtir
edThandoIf
eel
li
keI
'
m car
ryi
nga
wholel
otofpeopl
e.
Me:
Sphei
sat
windon'
tfor
gett
hat
.
I
sipho:
Don'
tsayt
hatpl
ease.
Me:
I'
m gl
adwear
eokaynowIwast
hinki
ngof
movi
ngout
.
I
sipho:
Nodon'
teventhi
nkaboutt
hat
,hav
eyou
t
alkedtomybr
other
.
Me:
Yesandwedeci
dedt
obef
ri
ends.
I
sipho:
That
'
sgoodat
leasty
ouguy
sar
etal
ki
ng.
Me:
Andy
ouar
eser
iousl
yeat
ingcowf
eet
.
I
sipho:
Crav
ingsbabe.
Me:
IseeIdon'
twantt
ogetpr
egnantt
hen.
I
sipho:
Wel
lwewi
l
lseeaboutt
hat
.
Me:
Letmecookt
heguy
sar
ecomi
nghomesoon.
I
sipho:
Okaywi
l
lhel
pyou.
Me:
Ibety
ouwi
l
l.
Wel
aughed,
shei
shugeIt
hinkshe'
scar
ryi
ngt
wins.
Me:
Sohowdi
dyouknowSphewast
heone.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Isi
pho:Thewayhemademyhear tbeat,t
hewayI
fel
twhenIlookedathi
m.ThewayImi ssedhi
m
whenhewasnotar oundwheny
ouhav efoundthe
oneyoujustknowThando,
youdon'tneedanyonet
o
confi
rmit.
Me:
Mmmm Iheary
ou.
Isi
pho:
Don'tl
eav
emehangi
ngdi
dyoumeet
someone.
Me:
May
be.
Iwasl
yi
ng.
I
sipho:
Tel
lmemor
ebabe.
Me:
Hemakesmef
eel
somet
ypeofwayIdon'
t
knowhowt
oexpl
aini
t.
I
sipho:
Sowhoi
she?
Sphe:
Whoi
swho?
Me:
Ohy
ouguy
sar
eback.
Si
ms:
Nikhul
umangamadodal
a.
Isi
pho:Nowewer
ejustt
alki
ngaboutcel
ebr
it
y
crushes.
Me:
Yeahcel
ebr
it
ycr
ushes.
Sbani
:Hambacel
ebr
it
ycr
ushes.
TJ:
I'
m hungr
yguy
showi
sitgoi
ngt
her
e?
Me:Youguy
scangofr
eshenupthenwheny
ou
comebackt
hefoodwi
llber
eady
.
Si
ms:
Okayl
et'
sgogent
s.
Theyl
eftandwel
aughed.
I
sipho:
Thatwascl
ose.
Me:
Tel
lmeabouti
toeh.
I
sipho:
Ev ent
houghy
ouwer
etal
ki
ngaboutmy
br
other.
Me:
Youknowmewel
l
.
I
sipho:
Don'
twor
ryev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lwor
koutj
ustf
ine.
Me:
Iknowbabehel
pmesett
het
abl
e.
Wesett
het
abl
eanddi
shedoutf
orev
ery
one.
TJ:
Thi
sisgoodt
hanksThando.
Sphe:Youwer
ereal
l
yhungr
yBaf
othewayy
ouar
e
eat
ing.
TJ:
Idi
dn'
teatal
ldaymeet
ingaf
termeet
ing.
Si
ms:
Iseewhatdi
dwedof
orSbani
tov
isi
tus?
I
sipho:
I'
m aski
ngmy
sel
fthat
.
Sbani
:Mxm j
ustl
eav
emeal
one.
Wearei
ncomfor
tabl
esi
l
enceandthenwhenwe
wer
edonewechi
ll
edint
helounge.
Si
ms:
SoThandoy
ourf
ri
end?
Me:
Whatabouther
?
Si
ms:
Ili
keheral
ot.
Me:Iknowbutshehasaboy
fri
endandt
heyseem
ser
ious.
Sphe:
Shooty
ourshotBaf
oshe'
snotmar
ri
ed.
TJ:
Exact
ly.
Sbani
:That
'swhatIt
oldhi
m.
Si
ms:
RememberwhenIwasi
nyourof
fi
ceSbani
.
Sbani
:Yeah.
Si
ms:
YeahIpassedbyt
hemal
landIsawGi
ftwi
th
hi
swi
feandson.
Me:Wi
feandson?Nomaybey
ouwer
emi
staki
ng
hi
m wi
thsomeoneel
se.
Sims:Hecamet
ogr
eetmesot
hat
'showIknowal
l
thi
s.
I
sipho:
Thi
smeansZanedoesn'
tknow.
Me:Ofcosshedoesn'
t,
theybeent
oget
herf
orf
our
year
sandshetrust
sGiftwi
thherl
i
fe.
Sbani
:Whatwi
l
lyoudoSi
ms.
TJ:It
hinkwemustf
indawayforZanet
ofi
ndout
wit
houtbei
ngi
nvol
veddi
rect
ly.
Sbani
:May
bewecant
rackGi
ft
smov
ement
sthen
maybei
fheisatthemal
lwit
hhi
sfami
l
yyouSi
ms
t
akeZanet
ot hesamemall
.
Sphe:
That
'sagoodi
dea.
I
sipho:
Iagr
eewhatdoy
out
hinkThando?
Me:That
'sagoodi
deaguy
sIjustf
eel
sor
ryf
orher
,
shewast
edherwhol
eli
fewit
hGift
.
TJ:
That
'sl
i
fekunzi
ma.
Sbani
:Kur
ough.
Sphe:
SowenaSi
msy
ouar
einl
ove?
Si
ms:
Canwewat
chamov
ie.
TJ:
Icat
chi
l
eidy
an.
SpheandSbani
:Icat
chi
l
e.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Si
ms:
Leav
emeal
one.
Me:
Yeahl
et'
sputt
hatmov
ie.
Weallagr
eedbutIwasthi
nkingaboutthewhol
eGift
thi
ng,
howcanhebet hi
scruelthi
sisgoingt
obreak
Zane.
I
nser
tthi
rt
ytwo

Istoodupandwentt otheki tchentogetsome

snacksthenIstoodbythedoorandl ookedatmy
familyl
aughingandIsmiledt hankingGodforgivi
ng
met hem Imayhav eact
edl ikeI'
m ungratef
ulbutI
real
lyam, i
twasjustastupidmi stake.It
ookthe
snacksandwentbackt ot hem.
I
sipho:Let
'spl
ayagameit'
scall
edIwantto,
a
personisgoi
ngtosaysomethi
nghe/shewantst
o
do.
TJ:
Cool
thenwhoi
sgoi
ngt
ost
art
?
Ther
ewasaknockont
hedoorandSbani
wentt
o
geti
t.
Zane:
Heyguy
s.
Me:Fr
iendheywhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e,comesi
t
down.
Zane:
IwasboredIthoughtGi
ftwasgoi
ngt
ofet
ch
mebuthesai
dhei sworkingl
ate.
Theguy
slookedateachot
her
,I'
m sur
eGi
fti
swi
th
hi
sfamil
y.Ii
ntr
oducedhert
othef
ami
l
ysi
ncet
hey
don'
tqui
teknowher.
Sphe:
Nicemeet
ingy
ouZane.
Zane:
Nicet
ofi
nal
l
ymeety
oual
l
.
Si
ms:
Sitdownwewer
eaboutt
opl
ayagame.
Sphe:
Iwi
l
lst
artguy
ssoIwantt
ohav
eababygi
rl
.
Hesai
dlooki
ngatI
siandt
heysmi
l
ed.
Weal
lsai
dncooah.
Si
ms:OkayIwanttofi
ndsomeoneIcanloveand
whocanlovemeback,Ij
ustwantsomet
hingser
ious
ImeanI
'm notget
ti
nganyyounger
.
Hesai
dlooki
ngatZaneandi
twasabi
tawkwar
d.
Us:
Yeahwegety
ou.
Isi
pho:
Iwantt
ohaveyouguy
sbymysi
def
orev
er
andIwantt
ohaveababygi
rl
.
Us:
Wel
ovey
out
oo.
TJ:Iwanttof
uckasmanygi r
lsasIcanbef
ore
get
tingi
ntoaser
iousr
elat
ionshi
p.
Us:
Real
l
y?
Sbani
:That
'ssol
i
key
ou,
minaIwantt
obehappy
.
Us:
That
'sal
l
?
Sbani
:That
'sal
lthatmat
ter
s.
Me:Iwanttobeablet
ostandonmyown,Iwantl
ove,
happi
nessandal
lthegoodthi
ngsl
i
fehastoof
fer
.
Them:
That
'
sgood.
Zane:IwanttotellGi
ftt
hatI'
m pr
egnantwi
thhi
s
chi
ldbutIdon'tknowhowt o.
Weall
lookedathershockedbutshewasj
ust
smi
l
ing.
Si
ms:
Youar
epr
egnant
?
Zane:
YesI
'
mfourmont
hspr
egnant
.
Si
mswant
edt
otal
kbutTJt
alkedf
ir
st.
TJ:
Congr
atul
ati
onsbabygi
rl
.
Me:
Yesf
ri
endcongr
atul
ati
ons.
Wekeptcongr
atul
ati
ngher
.
Si
ms:
Excuseme.
HewentoutIguesstosmoket
hat
'swhatt
heydo
whent
heyarestressed.
Zane:
What
'supwi
thhi
m.
Sbani
:Nodon'tmi
ndhim,sohowar
ey ouplanni
ng
ontel
l
ingbabydaddyt
hatyouar
eexpecti
ng?
Zane:
Idon'tknowbutIwanti
ttobespeci
alImean
i
t'
sourfi
rstchil
d.
I
sipho:
It'
snoteasybabeseehowhugeIam.
Weal
ll
aughedbutI
siphocr
ied.
Sbani
:Angel
what
'
swr
ong?
I
sipho:
Soy
ouguy
sthi
nkI
'
m huge.
Sphe:
Butmamakhey
ousai
dity
our
sel
f.
I
sipho:Mxm soy
ouknockmeupandy
ousayI
'
m
huge.
Sphe:
Butbabe.
..
I
sipho:
Justshutup.
Shesai
dget
ti
ngupandgoi
ngt
othebedr
oom.
Sbani
:Idon'
twantmysi
stert
ocr
ysof
oll
owher
.
TJ:
Angi
thi
uyami
thi
sawenaf
oll
owher
.
Weal
ll
aughedwhi
l
eSphef
oll
owedI
siphogr
umbl
i
ng.
Zane:
SoI
'
m st
il
lgoi
ngt
oreactt
hatway
.
Me:
Yesf
ri
endmay
bewor
se.
Zane:
Atl
eastGi
ftwi
l
lbet
her
etot
akecar
eofme.
TJ:Uhmm It
hinkweshoul
dgot
osl
eepnowSbani
whatdoyouthi
nk.
Sbani
:YeahIt
hinksogoodni
ghtl
adi
es.
Us:
Nightguy
s.
Si
mswasal
readyupst
air
s.
Me:
Sof
ri
endy
our
eal
l
ypr
egnant
?
Zane:
YesIam andI
'
m happy
.
Me:
Uhmm t
hat
'sgood.
ThewayIwasf
eel
i
ngsor
ryf
orherIswearIwant
ed
tocr
y.
Zane:EnoughaboutGi
ftj
nr,
Iseey
ouandMrKhoza
areokay.
Me:
Wel
l
.
Zane:
Youguy
sar
ebackt
oget
herar
en'
tyou?
Me:
OhhowIwi
shwedeci
dedt
obef
ri
ends.
Zane:That'
sagoodst
artGi
ftandIfi
rstbecame
fr
iendsthat
'swhywear
ethi
st i
ght
.
Whyisshet al
kingaboutGi
ftgoshIj
ustwantt
otel
l
herbutIcan't
.
Me:
Youar
esl
eepi
ngov
err
ight
?
Zane:
Ofcos.
Me:
Let
'sgosl
eept
hen.
Wewentt
omyr
oom andI
siphowast
her
e,t
her
ear
e
t
wobeds.
Me:
Andt
hen?
I
sipho:
Theguysdeci
dedt
osl
eept
oget
hersoI
'
m
j
oini
ngyouguy
s.
Zane:
Ihopey
ouguy shavesnacksbecausei
t'
s
goi
ngtobeagreatni
ght.
Me:
Yeahwedo.
Them:
Yay
.
Idon'
tevenrememberhowIbecamef r
iendswi
th
ZanebutI'
m gl
adwearefri
endsbecauseshe'
sa
goodperson.

Sbani

Wedecidedt
osleept
ogethert
odayIknowweare
notgoi
ngtosl
eepwewill
justt
alkthewhol
eni
ght.
Si
ms:
Ican'
tbel
i
eveshei
spr
egnant
.
Me:Butyouguyscanrai
set
hechi
l
dtoget
herwhen
shefi
ndsoutaboutGi
ft.
Sphe:
Whati
fshedoesn'
tfi
ndout
?
Si
ms:
Ormay
beunder
standshi
sreasons.
TJ:Okayguy ssl
owdownIhav ebeencheckingGif
t
onInstagr
am andhiswifepostedthattheywil
lgoto
spurtomorrowtocelebr
atetheirson'
sbirt
hday.
Me:
Doy
ouknowhi
swi
fe?
TJ:
Yesshei
stheonewhot
aggedGi
ft
.
Sphe:
Letmesee,
damnshe'
shot
.
Si
ms:
That
'swhatIsai
dwhenIsawt
hem.
TJ:
Hesur
eknowshowt
opi
ckt
hem.
Me:
Letmesee,
wai
tIknowher
.
TJ:
Howdoy
ouknowher
?
Me:
Sphel
ookagai
nyoual
soknowher
.
Sphet
ookt
hephoneandl
ookedagai
n.
Sphe:
Wai
tnonoi
tcan'
tbewowi
t'
sreal
l
yher
.
TJandSi
ms:
Who?
Sphe:
Oneofhi
sexes.
Hesai
dpoi
nti
ngatme.
Me:
Yesoneoft
hegoodones.
TJ:
Soy
ouwer
ebangi
ngt
hatass.
Me:
Justshutupl
et'
sfocusont
hepl
an.
TJ:Thepl
anisweallgot
ospurt
omor
row,
gett
her
e
ali
tt
leear
lyt
hanthem.
Si
ms:
OkayIj
usthopei
twor
ksandZanel
eav
eshi
s
cheat
ingass.
Me:
Trustmei
twi
l
lwor
k.
Sphe:
Hai
kemasekushoi
sangomadon'
twor
ry.
Me:
Mxm uy
aphaphawena.
Ihi
thi
m wi
thapi
l
low.
TJ:
SoSbani
what
'
sgoi
ngbet
weeny
ouandThando?
Me:
Not
hingwedeci
dedt
obef
ri
ends.
Si
ms:
Weal
lknowwher
ethatf
ri
endshi
pwi
l
lend.
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ngabout
.
Sphe:
Ofcosy
oudo.
Me:Mxm Iwil
lj
ustsendThandoat
extmessaget
o
t
ell
heraboutgoi
ngtospur.
Si
ms:
Yesdot
hat
.
TJ:
Youcan'
twai
tcany
ou.
Si
ms:
Ijustcar
eabouther
.
Us:
Ncoah.
Si
ms:
I'
mjustwor
ri
edaboutsomet
hingt
hough.
Sphe:
What
?
Si
ms:
TJar
eyougay
?
TJ:
Real
ly
?Ij
usttol
dyouguy
sthatIwantt
ofuckas
manyl
adi
esasIcan.
Me:
May
bey
ouwer
ejoki
nguf
unasi
didi
seke.
TJ:Ni
yabhedaI
'm notgayandIthi
nkIhaveseen
someoneIli
kebutIdon'twantt
oji
nxitsoIwon'
ttel
l
youguys.
Sphe:
Justt
ell
us.
TJ:
NowenaSbani
whenwi
l
lyoust
opsl
eepi
ngwi
th
Mahle.
Si
ms:
Shei
shotnay
euMahl
e.
Me:
Canwesl
eepnow.
Sphe:
Comeon.
Me:
Nol
et'
ssl
eep.
Weall
sleptandwewokeupi
nthemor
ningwi
tht
he
l
adi
essingi
ngoutl
oud.
Si
ms:
Theyt
hinkt
heycansi
ng.
Us:
Kant
itheycan'
t.
Theysoundli
ket
heyareinagoodmoodIf eel
bad
aboutwhat
'sgoi
ngtohappenbuti
tiswhatiti
s.
Me: Let
'sj
ustt
akeashowerandgetdr
essed
becauseit
'sal
readyl
ate.
Weagreedandt
henwhenwewer
edonewewent
downstai
rs.
TJ:Ladi
esmor
ningi
sev
ery
thi
ngokIhear
dyouguy
s
cr
ying.
Zane:
Wowwewer
eact
ual
l
ysi
ngi
ng.
TJ:
OhIt
houghty
ouwer
ecr
ying.
Me:
Yousoundedgr
eatguy
sdon'
tmi
ndhi
m.
Thando:Wewantedyouguy
stowakeupImeani
t'
s
hal
fpastel
evenalr
eady
.
Sphe:
What
?Let
'
sgo.
Weall
wenttothecar
,theladieswer
ewonder
ing
whywewererushi
ngwej ustdon'
twantt
omissGif
t.
Wegott
othemal
lthenpar
kedt
hecarandwentt
o
spur
.
Zane:
Youguy
sdot
hismor
eof
ten?
Me:
Wehav
en'
tdonei
tinal
ongt
ime.
Zane:
It'
sgreatIact
uall
yfeel
li
keIreall
ybel
ongI
meanGifti
stheonlyfamil
ythatIhave.
TJ:
Uhmm l
et'
sor
der
.
Thi
sisgoi
ngt
obehar
dert
hanweal
lthought
.
I
sipho:
YeahI
'
m st
arv
ing.
Sphe:
Youal
way
sst
arv
ing.
I
sipho:
Whatwast
hat
?
Sphe:
Not
hingbabe.
Me:
Isi
Ican'
tbel
i
evey
ouar
ereal
l
ypr
egnant
.
I
sipho:
HawBhut
i.
Si
ms:
Youar
eki
l
li
ngt
hev
ibe.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sor
der
.
Weallorderedandwaitedwhil
etalki
ngandlaughi
ng,
tot
ellyouthetrut
hIwishedGiftwasnolonger
comingbecausethatwill
rui
nourday .
Speaki
ngofwhi
chheent
eredhol
dinghi
swi
feand
hi
sson,t
heladi
eswer
enotf
aci
nghi
ssi
desot
hey
di
dnotseehim.
Theypi
ckedatableandhi
swi
fesawust
hen
appr
oachedourtabl
e.
Her
:OhmygoshIcan'
tbel
i
evei
tSbani
,Sphe?
Sphe:
Uhmm Mel
i
ssahi
howhav
eyoubeen?
Mel
i
ssa:
Ihav
ebeengood,
Sbani
.
Me:
Mel
i
ssahi
.
Mel
i
ssa:
Iseey
oust
il
ll
ookgood.
TJ:
Who'sthi
sbeaut
if
ull
ady
?Guy
sar
en'
tyougoi
ng
toi
ntr
oduceus.
Me:
Ohthi
sisourol
dfr
iendMel
i
ssa,
Mel
thi
sismy
f
amil
y.
Mel
i
ssa:
Nicemeet
ingy
ouguy
s.
TJ:
HeyMel
'
sI'
m si
ngl
e.
Mel
i
ssa:
Sor
rybutI
'
m mar
ri
ed.
Shesai
dshowi
ngusherdi
amondr
ing.
Zane:
Wowy
ourr
ingi
sfancyandbeaut
if
ulmyki
nd
ofst
yle.
Theydi
dn'
tknowshewasonl
ybr
ingi
ngt
roubl
e.
Meli
ssa:That
'smyhusbandovert
her
eandourson
i
t'
sactual
lyhi
sbir
thdayt
odaysoweareher
eto
cel
ebrat
e.
Zane:
Hel
ooksl
i
kesomeoneIknow.
Gi
ftwasn'
tl
ooki
ngatushewasbusywi
thhi
sson.
Mel
issa:
Letmecal
lhi
m,Babecomemeetmyol
d
f
ri
ends.
Hewalkedtouswi
thoutev
enr
eal
i
singt
hatZane
washere.
Mel
i
ssa:
Thi
sismyhusbandG.
..
Zane:
Gif
tohmygoshno.
Mel
i
ssa:
Youguy
sknoweachot
her
?
Gi
ft
:No.
Zane:
Yes.
Gi
ft
:Babel
et'
sgot
oourt
abl
e.
Zane:
Babe?Youar
ecal
l
ingherbabewhi
l
eI'
m her
e?
Gif
tyouaremarr
iedandy
ouhav
easony
ety
ou
nevert
oldme?
Shegotupandsl
appedhi
mthenhel
dherst
omach.
Zane:
Ouch.
Thando:
Fri
endar
eyouokay
?
I
si:
Zaney
ouar
ebl
eedi
ng.
Si
ms:
No.
Zane:
Ohnomybaby
.
Gi
ft
:Baby
?Zanear
eyoupr
egnant
?
Me:Shutupj
ustshutt
hef
uckupbef
oreIdo
somethi
ngIwi
llr
egret
.
TJ:
Guy
slet
'sdr
ivehert
othehospi
tal
.
Weaskedfort
akeawayst
henl
eftl
eav
ingGi
ftand
hi
swif
estandi
ngther
e.
I
nser
tthi
rt
ythr
ee

Gi
ft
Asy oual lknowI 'm GiftZwanebor nandr aisedher e
i
nDur banI'mt heonl ychildandmypar entsar e
mar ried,ImetZane6y earsagowef irstbecame
fri
endsf ortwoy earsbutIf elli
nlovewi thher .Ifel
li
n
l
ov ewi t
hhert hef ir
stt i
meIsawherbutshedi dnot
feel thesamewayt hat'
swhywedeci dedt obe
fri
endsbutIguessl ateronshef el
linlov ewi thme
tooandwehav ebeeni nar el
ati
onshipf orf oury ear
s.
IlovehersomuchIr eall
ydobutIl ovemywi femor e
Iknowi t'
scr az yr i
ghtbuti t'
sthet r
uth,ZaneandI
hav ebeent hroughal ottogethershesuppor tedme
throughmywor stday s.Shehasnev ercheat edon
meandIknowshedoesn' tdeserveall thi
s, Imet
Mel issat hreey ear sagoandwewer eina
relationshipf ort woy earst henImar ri
edheront he
thirdy ear.Iwant edt otellZaneaboutherbutIj ust
didn'twantt ohur therfeelingsandbr eakherhear t.
Zanenev ertal
kedaboutmarr
iageandwhenIfound
MelissaIthoughtofaski
ngZanetobemyfir
stwife
thenMelissamysecondbutIknewshewasnot
goingtoagreeandIcouldn'
ti
maginethet
houghtof
l
osingher .
I'
m af oolIknowbuti tiswhati
tis,asmuchasI
don'twantt oloseZanebutIdon'twantt ol osemy
wifeeitherthat'
swhyIpr et
endednott oknowher
butwhenIsawherbl eedi
ngIknewt hatt herei
sa
possibil
itythatshewilll
oseourchil
d.Iknewshe
was/ i
spr egnantbecauseIdiditi
ntentionall
yhopi
ng
shewi llagreetobemysecondwi f
e,that'sbadand
self
ishIknowbutIneededhert oagr ee.
Iwat chthem ast heygetint
othecaranddr i
vetothe
hospi t
al,
Idon'tknowwhatIt hinkorwantmay beit
willbebetteri
fZanel osesthebabysot hatshecan
befr eebutapar tofmei ssti
ll
hopingshedoesn'tso
thatshemaybemywi fe.
Meli
ssai
slooki
ngatmewi
tht
hoseexpl
ainy
our
sel
f
ey
es.
Me:Canwegohomewecancel
ebr
ateourson'
s
bi
rt
hdayt
her
e.
Mel
i
ssa:
Whoi
sshe?
Me:
Whoi
swho?
Meli
ssa:Don'
tpl
aydum wi
thme,
thegi
rlwhowas
bl
eeding.
Me:
Iwi
l
lexpl
ainathome.
Meli
ssa:NoI'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
ewi
thy
ouunt
il
youexpl
ainy
ourself
.
Me:Meli
ssayouarecausi
ngasceneandy
ouknowI
don'
tl
ikeat
tent
ion.
Mel
i
ssa:
Wasshepr
egnantwi
thy
ourchi
l
d?
Me:I'
mtakingmysonhomey oucanst
ayhereand
shoutal
lyouwantbecauseIt
oldy
ouIwil
lexpl
ainat
home.
Mel
i
ssa:
Gif
t.
Me: Uphakamisel
abani
izwi
?(Whoar
eyour
aisi
ng
yourvoiceto)
.
ShekeepsquietItakemysonandgotothecarand
shefoll
owsafterme,Iknowshehasever
yri
ghtto
beangrybutt
hatdoesn'tmeansheshoul
d
disr
espectmewor seinpubl
i
c.
WegettothecarandIdr
ivehome,
it'
squi
tei
nthe
caronl
ybabysounds.
Wegethomeandsheget
soutofthecarandr
unt
o
t
hehouse,
Itakemysonwhodoesn'
teven
under
standwhat
'
sgoi
ngon.
Igeti
nsi
deandgot
oourr
oom,Iputmysoni
nhi
s
cotandl
ookatMel
i
ssawhoi
scryi
ng.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Mel
i
ssa:
Youar
esor
ryf
orwhat
?
Me:
I'
m sor
ryf
orev
ery
thi
ngMel
s.
Mel
i
ssa:
Soy
ounev
erbr
okeupwi
thher
?
Me:
No.
Mel
i
ssa:
Doy
oul
oveher
?
Me:
Mel
i
ssa.
Mel
i
ssa:
Nopl
easeanswerdoy
oul
oveher
?
Me:
Ilov
eher
.
Mel
i
ssa:
Wow.
Me:
ButIl
ovey
oumor
eandy
ouknowi
t.
Mel
i
ssa:
Att
hismomentIf
eel
li
keIknownot
hing.
Me:
I'
m sosor
ryMel
s.
Mel
i
ssa:
Wasshecar
ryi
ngy
ourchi
l
d?
Me:
Idon'
tknowmay
be.
Mel
i
ssa:
Sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odonow?
Me:
Not
hing.
Mel
i
ssa:
Doy
oust
il
lwantt
obewi
thher
?
Me:
NoIdon'
tIonl
ywanty
ou.
Meli
ssa:WhenIcameint
oyourl
i
fey
ouwer
ewi
th
herwhichmeansyoul
oveher
.
Me:
ButIchoset
omar
ryy
ou.
Mel
i
ssa:
Thatdoesn'
tmeany
oul
ovememor
e.
Me:
ButIdo.
Meli
ssa:Youwastedsomanyyear
softhatgirl
and
nowy ouwantt
oleaveherj
ustl
i
kethatyoueven
pret
endedli
keyoudon'
tknowher,
howcr uel
areyou?
Me:Zanewill
neveragreetobemysecondwifeand
shewil
ltot
all
ynotagreetobemysi
dechick.
Mel
i
ssa:
Wowar
eyouev
enhear
ingy
our
sel
f?
Me:I
'
m sor
ryokayI
'
m goi
ngt
oendt
hingswi
thher
andf
ocusonus.
Mel
i
ssa:
Soy
ouexpectmet
ofor
giv
eyou?
Me:I
'
m notexpect
ingy
out
obutI
'
m pl
eadi
ngwi
th
yout
o.
Mel
i
ssa:
Justgetoutofmyf
aceIneedt
othi
nk.
Me:
Pleasedon'
tdi
vor
ceme.
Mel
issa:I'
m notgoi
ngt odothatbutpl
easef
ixt
his
makethatpoorgirl
underst
andbecausesheisgoi
ng
t
obebr okenmor ethanIam.
Me:
Ilov
eyouandIwi
l
ltr
ytal
ki
ngt
oher
.
Mel
i
ssa:
Soy
ougoi
ngt
oseeher
?
Me:Di
dn'
tyousayIshoul
dmakeherunder
stand,
howwil
lIdot
hatifIdon'
ttal
ktoher
?
Mel
i
ssa:
What
ever
.
Me:
Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?
Mel
i
ssa:
Not
hingbuty
our
eal
l
yhur
tmeZwane.
Me:
That
'showIf
eltwheny
oucheat
edonme.
Mel
i
ssa:
Real
l
y?Youpul
l
ingt
hatcar
dnow?
Me:
Ineedsomeai
r.
Mel
i
ssa:
Zwane.
Il
eftandwenttomycart hendrovetothehospit
al,
I
parkedmycaroutsideandst ay
edt her
ebecauseI
knewt heguysweregoingtokil
l meifIgointher
eI
guessIwillwai
tti
l
ltheyleave.

Nar
rat
ed

AsGif
twait
edoutsideever
yoneel
sewaswai
ti
ng
i
nsi
de,wai
ti
ngforthedoctort
ocomeandtel
lthem
whatwashappeni
ngt oZane.
Si
ms:
Doy
ouguy
sthi
nkshei
sfi
ne?
TJ:Howar
ewesupposet
othi
nkwheny
ouar
ebusy
paci
ngupanddown.
Si
ms:
Sor
ryguy
sI'
mjustst
ressedout
.
Sbani
:Shei
sgoi
ngt
obef
ine.
Doct
or:
Zanel
eMbat
ha.
OnlyThandogotupbecauset
heot
her
sdi
dn'
tknow
ZanewasZanele.
Thando:
Overher
edoc.
Sphe:
ZaneuZanel
ekant
i?
Thando:
Yes.
Thedoct
orcamet
othem.
Si
ms:
Sodochowi
sshe?
Doc:
Shei
sfi
nej
ustsl
eepi
ng.
I
sipho:
Thebaby
?
Doc:
Uhmm i
sthef
atherher
e?
Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.
TJ:
Yesdochei
sher
e.
Hesai
dpoi
nti
ngatSi
ms.
Si
ms:
YesI
'
m her
edocsowhataboutmychi
l
d?
Doc:
I'
m sor
rybutshedi
dn'
tsur
viv
e.
Si
ms:
She?
Doc:
Yesy
ouwer
egoi
ngt
ohav
eagi
rl
.
Sbani
:Okaydoct
ort
hanky
ou.
Doc:
I'
m sor
ryonceagai
nman.
Hesai
dtappi
ngSi
msont
heshoul
der
.
Sphe:
Canweseeher
.
Doc:ANursewi
l
lcomegety
ouguy
saf
teraf
ew
minut
es.
Hesai
dleav
ingt
hem.
Si
ms:
I'
mthef
atherr
eal
l
yTJ?
TJ:Thatwast heonlywayforhi
mtotel
lusabout
thebabybesidesit
'snotabigdeal
youguysar
esti
ll
goingtohavebabies.
I
sipho:
Iwonderhowshewil
lfeel
whenshewakes
upIknowIwouldlosemymind.
Shewasal
readycr
ying.
Sphe:Heybabedon'tcr
ynot
hingi
sgoi
ngt
ohappen
toourli
tt
lepr
incess.
Hesai
dwi
pinghert
ear
s.
Thando:Shewassohappyabouti
t,t
hisi
sgoi
ngt
o
breakher
.
Sbani
:I
t'
sgoi
ngt
obehar
dbutshewi
l
lpul
lthr
ough.
Sphe:
Arey
ouj
ustsay
ingory
ouar
epr
ophesy
ing
now.
Si
ms:
Forr
eal
arey
ousei
ngsomet
hing?
Sbani
:NoallIknowi st
hatsheisgoi
ngtoneedyou
bafo,
it'
snotgoingtobeeasyshewil
lpushyouaway
butpl
easebet her
eforher.
Si
ms:
Iwi
l
ldomybest
.
Nur
se:
Zanel
eMbat
ha.
Sphe:
Yes.
Nur
se:
Pleasef
oll
owme.
Theyal
lfol
l
owedthenursetoZane'
swar
d,shewas
faci
ngt
heupwithtear
sstreami
ngdownherface.
Thando:
Fri
endheyI
'
m sosor
ry.
Shesai
dhuggi
ngher
.
Zane:
Isi
ttr
uef
ri
endi
ssher
eal
l
ygone?
Thando:
I'
m sosor
ryf
ri
end.
Zanej
ustcr
iedcausi
ngI
siphot
ocr
ymor
e.
Sbani
:Takehert
othecarBaf
o.
Hesai
dtoSpheandhel
eftwi
thher
.
TJ:
Sor
ryskeem y
ouwi
l
lbef
ine.
Sbani
:Yeahi
t'
sgoingtogetbet
terwi
tht
imej
ust
knowsheisatabett
erpl
acenow.
Zane:
Yout
hinkso.
Sbani
:Iknowso.
Si
mswasjustqui
teandangr
yatGi
ftf
orhur
ti
ng
Zanel
i
ket
his.
Zane:
Wher
eisGi
ft
?Di
dhecome?
Si
ms:
Ser
iousl
y?
Sbani
:Baf
ocal
m down.
Thando:
Nof
ri
endhedi
dnotcomeI
'
m sor
ry.
Zane:
Iknowhei
sst
il
lgoi
ngt
ocome.
Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.
Sbani
:Justf
ocusonget
ti
ngbet
terf
orgetaboutGi
ft
.
Zane:ForgetaboutGi
ft
?Easyf
ory
out
osayIwi
l
l
neverfor
getabouthim.
Thando:
Fri
endl
et'
snott
alkabouthi
mjustgetbet
ter
okay
.
Zane:
Ijustwant
edmybabyt
oli
ve.
Thando:
Iknowyoudi
dbutGodknewwhatHewas
doi
ngweshouldnoquest
ionhi
spl
ans.
Zanenodded.
Si
ms:
Guy
scany
oupl
easegi
veusamoment
.
Sbani
:Sur
elet
'
sgoThando.
Thando:
Iwi
llseeyout
omor
rowf
ri
endIl
ovey
ouand
pl
easebest
rong.
Zane:
Iwi
l
ltr
y.
Theyl
eftl
eav
ingZaneandSi
mst
oget
her
.
Sims:Uhmm Idon'
tknowwhatt
osayI
'
m sor
ry
aboutever
ythi
ng.
Zane:
Ithur
tsSi
ms.
Si
ms:
Icani
magi
nengi
yaxol
i
sakakhul
u.
Zane:
Howcanhedot
hatt
ome?
Si
ms:
Who?
Si
mswaski
ndofconf
usedbecauset
heywer
e
t
alki
ngaboutt
hebaby
.
Zane:
Gif
tdamni
t.
Si
ms:
Cal
m down.
Zane:
I'
m sor
ryI
'
mjustIdon'
tknow.
Shecr
iedandSi
mshuggedher
.
Sims:It
'sgoi
ngt
obef
inedon'
twor
rywear
eal
lher
e
foryou.
Zane:
Iknowt
hissoundscr
azybutIst
il
ll
ovehi
m.
Thathur
tSi
msandhedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
Zane:Inev
ercheat
edonhim,Il
ovedhi
m wit
hall
my
heartandt
hesexwasgreatwhatdi
dIdohuhtel
lme
SimswhatdidIdowrong.
Sims:Not
hingy
oudi
dnot
hingwr
onghej
ustdoesn'
t
deser
veyou.
Zane:Awholewi
feandasonwhatdi
dIdot
o
deser
vethi
s.
Si
ms: Pl
easedon'tcr
yyouwi
l
lbecomesi
ckpl
ease
j
ustcalm down.
Zane:
Leav
eSi
msIwantt
obeal
one.
Si
ms:
NoIcan'
tl
eav
eyoul
i
ket
his.
Zane:
Pleasej
ustl
eav
e.
Sims:
Okaypl
easet
ryt
osl
eepwewi
l
lcomeseey
ou
tomor
row.
Shesanki
nherbedandclosedhereyeswi
thout
sayi
nganyt
hing,
Simswenttotheother
sandthey
l
eftwhi
leGi
ftwentinsi
det
oseeZane.
Heaskedt
henur
seaboutherwar
dandhewent
t
her
e.
Gi
ft
:Zane.
Shel
ookedathi
m.
Zane:Whatdoyouwant
?Areyouher
etof
ini
shme
offbecausey
ouhaveki
l
ledmeGif
t.
Gi
ft
:Howar
eyou?
Zane:I
sthatatr
ickquesti
on,whatdoyouthi
nkour
daught
erisdeadandyouhav eawifeandasonso
howdoy outhi
nkIfeelhuh?
Gi
ft
:I'
m sosor
ryMaMbat
ha.
Zane:
Don'
tyoudar
ecal
lmet
hat
.
Gi
ft
:Pl
easecal
m down.
Zane:Whatdi
dIeverdotoyout
ohurtmeli
ket
his
wasitacri
methatIl
ovedyouandonl
yyou?
Sheaskedi nal
owt
oneandy
oucoul
dn'
tmi
ssher
brokenness.
Gi
ft:
I'
m ashamedofwhatIdi
dtoy
oui
fIcant
akei
t
al
lfr
om youtr
ustmeIwould.
Zane:
Thereisnot
hingy
oucandot
ofi
xthi
sso
pl
easeleav
e.
Gi
ft
:Zanepl
easehearmeoutI
'
mreal
l
ysor
ry.
Zane:Sor
rywil
lnevergi
vemebackmychi
ldand
sorr
ywill
nevergi
vemebacktheyear
sIwast
edwit
h
yousopleasel
eave.
Gi
ft
:Zanepl
easej
ustl
i
sten.
Zane:Leavebefor
eIpresst
hisbut
tonandt
ell
the
nursestocal
lsecuri
ty.
Gif
tlef
tnotknowi
ngwhattodoorsaybecausei
t
hurthi
mtoseeZaneli
kethat
.
Zane:Godpleasegivemest r
engthtogoonbecause
Ican'
tdoitaloneandpleaseli
ttl
eangelwat
chover
mommyIl ovey ouandI'
m sorryIcoul
dn'
tprot
ect
you.
Shesaidthi
sandcr
iedoutl
oudt
il
lthenur
sescame
tosedateher
.
I
nser
tthi
rt
ythr
ee

Sbani

Iwentupst
air
sandIf
oundThandobusyonher
phone.
Me:
Canwet
alk?
Thando:
No.
Me:ComeonIknowy oudon'
tl
ikethei
deaofme
meeti
ngMel
issabutIknowwhatI'
m doi
ngtr
ustme.
Thando:
Hei
syourex.
Me:Ohthat
'sy
ourpr
oblem andher
eIam t
hinki
ng
youar
econcer
nedaboutmysafety
.
Thando:
Wel
lIam.
Me:
Youl
ookcut
ewheny
ouar
ejeal
ousy
ouknow
t
hat
.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Thando:
I'
m notj
eal
ousI
'
mjustwor
ri
ed.
Me:
Keept
ell
i
ngy
our
sel
fthat
.
Thando:
Becar
eful
hubbypl
ease.
Me:
Comeher
e.
Shecameandsatonmyl
ap.
Me:
List
enj
ustt
rustme.
Thando:
Okay
.
Me:
Ilov
eyouandonl
yyou.
Thando:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Weki
ssed.
Thando:
Sowhat
'
syourpl
an.
Me:IknowMeli
ssaknowswher
eGi
fti
ssoIwi
l
l
makehertel
lme.
Thando:
Youwi
l
lmakeher
?
Sheaskedr
aisi
ngherey
es.
Me:
Nonotl
i
ket
hatcomeonThando.
Thando:
Howwi
l
lyoumakehert
hen?
Me:
CanIpl
easemakel
ovet
oyou?
Thando:
Youar
eignor
ingmyquest
ion.
Ij
ustki
ssedherandt
heresti
shi
stor
y,af
terwewer
e
doneIwentt
oshower.
Thando:
Ther
e'samessageony
ourphonef
rom
Meli
ssa.
Me:
Whati
sshesay
ingbecauseIknowy
our
eadi
t.
Thando:
Shewant
syout
omeether
.
Me:
Wher
e?
Thando:
Hot
el.
..
whydi
dshechooset
hehot
elSbani
?
Me:Idon'
tknowmay
beshewant
sust
otal
kin
pr
ivat
e.
Thando:
Ithoughty
ousai
dsheshoul
dcomeher
e.
Me:
That
'swhatIsai
dst
handwasam buti
fshe
want
sust
omeetatt
hehot
elt
heni
t'
sfi
ne.
Thando:
Finebywhokahl
ekahl
eSbani
?
Me:
Byme.
Thando:
SowhatIt
hinkdoesn'
tmat
ter
?
Me:
Thandol
wam y
ouar
ebei
ngdr
amat
icnow.
Thando:
Dramat
icr
eal
l
y?
Me:
Pleasegetdr
essedandwal
kmeout
.
IknowI'
mt aki
ngahuger
iskaboutdoi
ngt
hisbuti
fI
don'
tdoitwemayneverf
indGift
.
Thandofini
sheddressi
ngandwewentdownst
air
s,
theother
swer esi
tt
ingonthecouch.
TJ:
Dressedupt
owher
eBaf
o?
Me:
I'
m meet
ingwi
thMel
i
ssa.
Sphe:
Ithoughty
out
oldhert
ocomeher
e.
Me:
YesIdi
dbutIguessshei
snotcomf
ort
abl
e.
Isi
pho:
Wherear
ey oumeet
ingherIhopei
t'
s
somewher
epubli
cBhuti
.
Me:
Uhmmm.
..
Thando:
Shewant
sthem t
omeetatt
hehot
el.
Them:
Hot
el?
Me:Comeonguy sifweneedtof
indGiftIhavetodo
t
hisandI'
m notgoi
ngtosleepwi
thhercany ouall
j
usttr
ustme.
Sane:
Ihopet
hisi
snotat
rapguy
s.
Sphe:
Weallhopesojustbecar
eful
andcal
lusi
f
somethi
nggoeswrong.
Me:Iwil
l
,keepyourphone'
sonandIwi
llbeback
bef
oreyouguysgotothehospi
tal
buti
fitget
slat
eI
wil
lmeetyouguysther
e.
Thando:
Get
slat
e?
Me:
I'
mleav
ingnow,
babewal
kmet
othecarpl
ease.
Shef
oldedherhandsandsul
ked.
Me:
Please.
Thando:
Okayf
inel
et'
sgo.
Wewentt
omycar
.
Me:
Doy
out
rustme?
Shenodded.
Me:
Wor
ds.
Thando:
Itr
usty
ou.
Me:
OkayIl
ovey
ouokay
.
Thando:
Ilov
eyout
oohubby
.
Me:
Nowgi
vemeaki
ss.
Shehuggedandki
ssedmeandIgotint
omycarand
l
eft,
Igottot
hehotel
andwentst
rai
ghttoMel
i
ssa'
s
room.
Mel
i
ssa:
Youcame?
Me:
Yeswhat
'st
hisabout
?
Mel
i
ssa:
Pleasesi
tdown,
wine?
Me:Idon'
tdri
nkwineandy
ouknowi
tjustget
st
rai
ghttothepoi
nt.
Meli
ssa:I
'
m sorryaboutwhatGi
ftdi
dtoy
ourbr
other
andhergi
rlf
ri
end.
Me:
Sor
rywon'
twakeSi
msupMel
'
s.
Mel
i
ssa:
I'
m sor
ryi
t'
sjustt
hatGi
ftcanbeal
i
ttl
e
cr
azysomet
imes.
Me:
Ali
tt
le?
Mel
i
ssa:
Itwasj
ustami
stake.
Me:
Whyam Iher
e?
Mel
i
ssa:
OkayIneedy
out
odr
opt
hechar
gesonGi
ft
.
Il
aughed.
Me:
Youmustbej
oki
ng?
Mel
i
ssa:
NoI
'
m not
.
Me:
Andt
henwhathewal
ksj
ustl
i
ket
hat
.
Mel
i
ssa:Icandoanyt
hingpl
easeSbani
,wewi
l
l
moveoutoft
hecount
ry.
Me:Thatwon'
thappenIdon'
tev
enunderst
andwhy
youar
ewiththi
sguybecauseheisdel
usi
onal
.
Mel
i
ssa:
Youdon'
tunder
standIl
ovehi
m.
Me:Nowy ousoundobsessedMel
i
ssa,what
happenedtoy
ouImeany ouusedtobesosmar
t.
Mel
i
ssa:
Peopl
echangesowi
l
lyouhel
pmeornot
.
Me:
Okaywher
eisGi
ft
?
Meli
ssa:Heisatt
heair
portwai
ti
ngformetotel
l
hi
mt oleav
eifyouagr
eetodropthechar
ges.
Il
ookedaroundt
heroom andsawMel
i
ssa'
sphone
sothatshemaynotcal
lGif
t.
Me:
Don'
tyouhav
ebeer
?
Mel
i
ssa:
Iwi
l
lbeback.
Shesaidsmi
l
ingandwentout
,It
ookmyphoneand
cal
ledTJ.
TJ:
Sho.
Me:
Got
otheai
rpor
tGi
fti
sther
e.
TJ:
Shoul
dwedeal
wit
hhi
m ort
akehi
mtot
hepol
i
ce?
Me:
Takehi
mtot
hepol
i
ce.
Mel
i
ssacamei
nasIwasaboutt
odr
opt
hecal
l
.
Mel
i
ssa:
Whower
eyout
alki
ngt
o.
Me:
Noone.
Mel
i
ssa:
Sbani
don'
ttel
lmey
oucal
l
edt
hepol
i
ce.
Me:
NoIdi
dn'
tcanIgonow.
Mel
i
ssa:
Mli
l
onoowher
eismyphone.
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
Herphonewasinmypocket,
Igotupandwentt
o
t
hedoorbutitwasl
ocked.
Me:
Mel
i
ssadon'
tfuckwi
thmeopent
hisdoor
.
Ilookedbackbutshewasnotthere,
shecameoutof
thebathr
oom withhercl
othest
orn.
Me:
Whatki
ndofgamear
eyoupl
anni
ng.
Shebr
oket
hebot
tl
eofwineandst
abbedher
st
omachwi
thabl
inkofaneye.
Me:
OhmyGod,
Mel
i
ssast
opwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Mel
i
ssa:
Hel
phel
p.
Shescreamedwhi l
eItri
edtoholdher
,It
ookthe
bottl
eoutandtri
edt ohel
pherbutshehi
tmewith
anotherbot
tl
eandr antothedoor,
sheopenedi
tand
screamedhelp.
Secur
it
y:What
'
sgoi
ngonmam.
Meli
ssa:He.
..
het
ri
edt
orapemewhenIfoughthi
m
hestabbedmewit
habot
tl
eofwi
nepleasehel
pme.
Me:
Shei
sly
ingMel
i
ssawhati
sthi
s?
Secur
it
y:Youar
esaf
enowIwi
l
lcal
lthepol
i
ce.
Shelookedatmeandsmi
l
edwhi
l
ethesecur
it
y
cal
ledthepol
ice.
Securi
ty:
Youwi
l
lbeokaymam di
dyoucal
lyour
famil
y.
Meli
ssa:NohetookmyphoneandIcoul
dn'
ttakei
t
backbecauseI
..
.Iwasscar
edhewi
ll
kil
lme.
Secur
it
y:Pl
easedon'
tcr
yhewi
l
lnotki
l
lyou.
Meli
ssa:Ij
ustIdon'
tknowwhatwouldhav
e
happenedi
fhehadr apedmeorki
l
ledme.
Shesaidcr
ying,Iwassi
tti
ngdownonthefl
oor
conf
usedasf uckmymi ndwasnotf
unct
ioni
ngwel
l
,
shesetmeupt hisbast
ardsetmeup.
Thepol
i
ceandsomepar
amedi
cscamei
n.
Detect
ive:
Pleasetakeherst
atementsothatt
hey
canrushhertothehospit
alIcan'
tbel
iev
etherear
e
menwhost i
l
ltr
ytokill
women.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngshei
sset
ti
ngmeup.
Thedet
ect
ivel
aughed.
Det ecti
ve:Allabuser
ssaythat,
siryouareunder
arrestyouhav ear i
ghttor
emainsi l
entand
ever yt
hingyoudoorsaywi ll
beusedagai nstyoui
n
acour toflaw, youhaveari
ghttogetanat t
orney
fail
uret odosot hestat
ewillpr
ovideyouwitha
statesat t
orney.
Ihear
dthathewastal
kingbutIdidn'
tevenhear
whathewassay i
ngIwassti
llshocked,
I'
m under
arr
estmearrest
.
Wegottothepol
i
cestat
ionandt
heyt
ookmyt
hings
andputmeinacell
.
Detect
ive:
Ihopeyouar
esent
encedtoli
fef
orwhat
youdid,di
dyouseehowscar
edthatl
adywas.
Me:
CanImakeaphonecal
l
.
Det
ect
ive:
Mxm onephoneonesi
yezwana.
Me:
Sho.
Idi
aledTJsnumber
.
TJ:
Khul
uma(
tal
k).
Me:
It'
sme.
TJ:OhSbaniwegotGi
ftwejustdr
oppedmeof
fat
thepol
i
cestati
onweareheadedhomenow.
Me:MakeaU-
tur
nandcomet
othepol
i
cest
ati
on
now.
TJ:
What
'sgoi
ngon.
Me:
Now.
Isai
danddroppedthecal
l
,myminddrif
tedbackto
whathappenedhowcanIbesonai
vesoMel i
ssaset
meup.Sheev enst
abbedher
sel
fsothatever
ythi
ng
canbesoli
d.
Warden:
Heyy
ou,
somepeopl
ear
eher
etoseey
ou
come.
Iwal
kedt
owher
eTJandSphewer
esi
tt
ing.
Sphe:
Sbani
whathappened?
TJ:
Ufunani
manj
ela(
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e).
Me:
Ital
lhappenedsof
astshesetmeup.
TJ:
Who?Mel
i
ssa?
Me:
Yesshef
uckensetmeup.
Sphe:
Cal
m downt
ell
uswhatr
eal
l
yhappened?
It
oldt
hem whathappened.
TJ:
Sot
hatwasherpl
an.
Me:Idon'tt
hinksoIthi
nkshedidal
lthatbecause
shefoundmeont hephonewithyou,
shei s
obsessedwithGif
t.
Sphe:
Wher
eisshenow?
Me:
Ithi
nkt
hehospi
tal
.
TJ:
Youdi
dn'
tsl
eepwi
thherr
ight
?
Me:
OfcosnotIdi
dn'
ttouchher
.
Sphe:
Thent
heydon'
thav
eanyev
idence.
Me:
Uhmm act
ual
l
ythat
'snott
rue.
TJ:
Whatdi
dyoudo?
Me:Whenshest abbedher
sel
fIt
ookt hebot
tl
eout
somyfinger
pri
ntsar eont
heweaponandherphone
wasinmypocketbecauseIdi
dn'twanthert
ocal
l
Gi
ftbef
oreIcal
ledy ou.
Sphe:
Thi
sismessedup.
TJ:
Weneedt
ogety
oual
awy
er.
Me:
Idon'
tneedal
awy
er.
Sphe:
Don'
tbest
ubbor
n.
Me:
Isai
dIdon'
tneedal
awy
er.
War
den:
Iskhat
hisi
phel
i
lendoda(t
imei
sup)
.
Me:
Pleasedon'
ttel
lI
siandThandoaboutt
his.
TJ:
Whatshoul
dwesay
.
Me:
Figur
eitout
.
Thewar denwasal readypushingmet omywai t
ing
cell
,Idon'tknowwhatIwi l
ldoi ftheyconv i
ctmebut
theycan'tdothatbecauseI'
mi nnocent.IknowI'
m
i
nnocentandMel i
ssaknowsi tt oo.

Nar
rat
ed

TJandSphegoti
ntot
hecaranddr
ovebackhome.
TJ:
Whatshoul
dwedo?
Sphe:
Weneedt
ofi
ndhi
m agoodl
awy
erngeke
si
zwengay
ehei
sint
roubl
e.
TJ:
Idi
dn'
tseet
hisonecomi
ng.
Sphe:
Nei
therdi
dI.
TJ:Weneedf
indt
hisMel
i
ssaandf
orcehert
otel
l
thet
rut
h.
Sphe:
Let
'spl
ayitbyt
hebooksbecausewedon'
t
whoshei
swor ki
ngwit
horhowdangerousshei
s.
TJ:Sbanii
sstubbor
nhewil
lnotwantt
hel
awy
er
evenifwefi
ndhim one.
Sphe:
Youcansaythatagai
n,t
roubl
eseemst
obe
fol
l
owingusar
ound.
TJ:Weareher
eit'
sgoingt
obehar
dhi
dingt
het
rut
h
fr
om I
siandThando.
Sphe:
Damnhar
dandSaneal
so.
TJ:
Don'
tev
enment
ioni
t.
Theygoti
nsi
deandt
hegi
rl
swerebusydanci
ngt
o
somemusicandMamzowasal
soaround.
Mamz
o:Myboy
s.
TJ:
Wear
enotboy
sany
mor
emama.
Sphe:
YeahMamzo.
Mamz
o:Youknowt
haty
ouwi
l
lal
way
sbemyboy
s.
TJ:
What
ever
.
Mamz
o:Whatwast
hat
?
TJ:
Not
hingMamzo.
I
sipho:
Didy
oucat
chGi
ft
?
Sphe:
Yeswedi
d,hei
sbehi
ndbar
saswespeak.
Thando:
Ishoul
dcal
lSbani
sot
hathecancome
back.
TJ&Sphe:
Nodon'
tcal
lhi
m.
Ev
ery
onel
ookedatt
hem.
Thando:
Whynot
?
TJ:
Uhmm hi
sbat
ter
ydi
ed.
Sphe:
Yeahy
eahhewi
l
lbebackdon'
twor
ry.
Thando:
Hei
ssl
eepi
ngwi
thheri
sn'
the?
Theykeptqui
etandl
ookedateachot
her
,Thando
stoodupandwenttot
hebedr
oom whi
l
eSane
foll
owedaf
terher
.
Mamz
o:SpheandTJl
et'
stakeawal
kint
hegar
den.
Theywentout
side.
Mamz
o:Tal
k.
TJ:
Sbani
isi
njai
l
.
Mamz
o:What
?
Sphe:
Mel
i
ssasethi
m up.
Mamz
o:Whoi
sMel
i
ssa?
Theyt
oldherev
ery
thi
ng.
Mamz
o:Howbadi
sit
?
TJ:
Pret
tybadmama.
Mamz
o:Hav
eyoucont
act
edal
awy
ery
et?
Sphe:
NoSbani
sai
dhedoesn'
twantone.
Mamzo:Wecan'
tl
ist
ent
ohi
myouknowhow
st
ubbor
nheis.
TJ:
Yeahandpl
easeMamzodon'
ttel
lthegi
rl
syet
Mamzo:Okayweneedt
omakesur
eSbani
doesn'
t
sl
eept
here.
Sphe:
Wear
est
il
ltr
yingt
ogetagoodl
awy
er.
Mamz
o:Iknowsomeonewhocanhel
pIwi
l
lcal
lhi
m.
Mamz
ocal
l
edhermant
ocomet
othehouse.
Mamz
o:Let
'sgowai
tinsi
de.
I
sipho:
BabakaCeboi
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Sphe:
Yesev
ery
thi
ngi
sgood.
I
sipho:
OkayIwi
l
lgocheckonher
.
Af
teraf
ewmi
nut
esamancamet
othehouse.
Mamz
o:Let
'sgot
alki
nthest
udy
.
Theyf
oll
owedeachot
hert
othest
udy
.
Mamz o:I'
m sor
rythatyoual
lhadtomeetunder
theseci
rcumstancesbutthi
sisbabuMbathathe
oneIhavebeenseeing,Babathesear
emyboy s.
Mbat
ha:
Nicet
ofi
nal
l
ymeety
ougent
'
s.
TJ&Sphe:
Likewi
se.
Mamz
o:Weneedy
ourhel
p.
Mamz
onar
rat
edwhathappenedt
ohi
m.
Mbat
ha:
Iwi
l
lcont
actmyl
awy
er.
TJ:
Isi
tpossi
blet
hatwegethi
m outoft
her
etoday
.
Mbat
ha:
YesIt
rustmyl
awy
erandhedoesagood
j
ob.
Sphe:It
hinkweshoul
djustf
indMel
i
ssaandf
orce
thetr
uthoutofher
.
Mbat
ha:
Ial
sol
i
ket
hati
dea.
Mamz
o:Hayhayno.
Mbat
ha:
Wewi
l
lmeetatt
hepol
i
cest
ati
onl
et'
sgo.
Theyal
lfol
l
owedeachot
herout
sidehopi
ngt
hatt
hey
bri
ngSbanihome.
I
sipho:
Whatdoy
oui
sgoi
ngon?
Sane:
Idon'
tknowbuti
tlooksser
ious.
Thando:Doyouguyst
hinkmay
besomet
hing
happenedtoSbani
.
I
sipho:
NoIdon'
tthi
nksot
heywoul
dhav
etol
dus.
Sane:
May
besomet
hinghappenedt
oSi
ms.
Thando:
NoIdon'
tev
enwantt
othi
nkofi
t.
I
sipho:
Iwonderwhat
'
sgoi
ngon.
Sane:
What
everi
tis,
it'
snotr
ightIcanf
eel
it.
Thando:
Yeahneh.
Theykeptqui
etj
ustwonder
ingwhatmaybewr
ong.
Theother
sarri
vedatt
hepol
i
cest
ati
onandwai
ted
fort
helawyer
.
TJ:
What
'st
aki
nghi
m sol
ong?
Mbat
ha:
Hewi
l
lbeher
edon'
twor
ryohher
ehei
s.
Amanappr
oachedt
hem.
Mbat
ha:
Radebe.
Radebe:
Mbat
ha.
Mbat
ha:
Ineedy
ourhel
p.
Hebr
ief
edhi
m onwhat
'
sgoi
ngon.
Radebe:
Let
'sgot
alkt
ohi
mthen.
Radeber
equest
edt
oseehi
scl
i
ent
.
Sbani
:Whyi
sMamz
o?
Mamz
o:I
'
m her
etoseey
ouSbani
.
Hesatdown.
Sphe:Weknowyousai
dyoudon'
twantal
awy
erbut
webroughty
ouone.
Sbani
justl
ookedatt
hem andkeptqui
et.
Radebe:
Sowhathappened.
Sbani
:Idi
dn'
tdoi
tshesetmeup.
Hesai
dexpl
aini
ngwhathappened.
Radebe:That'
seasydon'
tworr
yIwil
lpr
oveyour
i
nnocenceIjustneedyoutot
rustmeandworkwit
h
me.
Sbani
:Ir
eal
l
ydon'
tneedal
awy
er.
Mamz
o:Sbani
please.
Sbani
:NoMamzoIknowI
'
minnocent
.
Mbatha:
Weal l
knowy
ouar
einnocentbutpl
easel
et
ushelpyou.
Sbani
:Idon'
tneedy
ourhel
p.
TJ:
Sbani
justst
opbei
ngst
ubbor
nforonce.
Sbani
:War
dent
akemebackt
omycel
l
.
Mamz
o:Sbani
pleasedon'
tdot
his.
Hel
ookedatt
hem andt
hewar
dent
ookhi
m away
.
Mbat
ha:
Hei
sst
ubbor
n.
Sphe:
Youhav
en'
tseenhal
fofi
t.
Radebe:
Heissti
ll
inshockIwi
l
lbeonhi
sbai
l
hear
ingtomor
row.
Mbat
ha:
ThanksRadebewewi
l
lmeety
out
her
e.
Theyal
ll
eft
.
Sphe:Wehavenochoi
cebuttoi
nvol
veIsi
phoi
nthi
s
sheistheonl
yonewhocangett
hroughhi
m.
Mamz
o:That
'st
ruebutl
et'
swai
tunt
ilt
omor
row.
TJ:
Whathei
sdeni
edbai
l
.
Mbat
ha:
Hewon'
tl
et'
sal
lj
usthav
efai
th.
Mamz
o:Thanky
ouf
orbei
ngher
e.
Mbatha:I
'm gl
adIcoul
dhelp,
canwepassbyt he
hospi
tal
mydaught ert
oldmethatshei
sther
e.
Mamz
o:Okaymysonandhergi
rl
fr
iendar
ether
e.
TJ:
Let
'sgot
hen.
Theywenttot
hehospi
tal
whi
l
eSbani
stay
edi
na
pri
soncel
l.
War
den:
Someonei
sont
hel
i
nef
ory
ou.
Sbani
:Hel
o.
Mel
i
ssa:
Ihopey
ouar
eset
tl
ingwel
lther
e.
Sbani
:St
opt
hisbef
orey
ougethur
t.
Meli
ssa:
I'
m notscar
edMl
i
loIwi
l
lmakesur
eyouf
or
i
njai
l.
Sbani
:Yourpl
anwi
l
lnotwor
ktr
ustme.
Hesai
ddr
oppi
ngt
hecal
l
.
Warden:
Youl
ookl
i
keadecentguywhyar
eev
en
her
e.
Sbani
:I
t'
sjustasetup.
Warden:Hopeyougetoutt
omorrowbecausei
fyou
ar
etransfer
redyouwon'
tsur
viv
einther
e.
Sbani
satdownandt
ri
edtocal
m downsohecan
communicat
ewit
hhi
sancest
orst
oavai
lthemsel
ves.
I
nser
tthi
rt
yfour

Thr
eemont
hsl
ater

Thingshavebeengoodwithmeactuall
ytheyhave
beengreatmostwomenar ecomingtomef orhel
pif
I'
m unabl
etohelpIsendthem t
omyt her
apistshe
agreedtohel
pmef orfr
ee.
Zaneisstil
lnotokayshel ostitwhenshef oundout
thatGif
tmov edtoCapeTownwi thhisfamil
y,she
hasbeenst al
kingthem onsoci almediaandIthink
sheisjusttor
turi
ngher sel
f.Simshasbeent herefor
hereversinceshetriedpushinghi m awaybutit
didn'
twork,meandSbani arest i
l
lfri
endsbest
fri
endsifyouaskmeandi t'sgreat.
I'
m goingtoZane'
shousetoseehershehasn'
t
attandedcl
assesi
nawhi l
eandI'
m star
ti
ngtoget
reall
yworri
ed.
It
akeoutmyphoneandcal
lher
.
Me:
Fri
endI
'
m out
sidepl
easeopen.
Shet
ell
smet
ocomeandIdo.
Me:
Fri
endhey
.
Zane:
Heyf
ri
end.
Me:
Okayy
ousoundexci
tedwhat
'sgoi
ngon.
Zane:
Me?Exci
tedIdon'
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ng
about
.
Sheaskswi
thahugesmi
l
eonherf
ace.
Me:
Qui
tpl
ayi
ngcomeont
ell
me.
Zane:
OkaayI
'
m goi
ngonadat
etoday
.
Me:
Adat
ewi
thwho?
Zane:
Whoel
seSi
msy
oudummy
.
Igetupandwedoourspeci
aldanceandIst
art
tear
ingup.
Zane:
Thando.
Iwi
pemyt
ear
s.
Zane:
What
swr
ongmngani
.
Me:I'
mj usthappytoseeyousmili
ngagai
nI'
m
happyyouf i
nal
lybouncedback.
Zane:
I'
m happyt
oo,t
hepainwi
l
lalway
sbether
ebut
I
'm movi
ngonwithmyli
fewhoknowsmaybeIwil
l
fi
ndsomeonewhowilll
oveme.
Me:
Mmmm.
Zane:
What
?
Me:
Ormay
bey
ouhav
efoundhi
m.
Zane:
Iwi
l
lpr
etendl
i
keIdi
dn'
theart
hat
.
Me:
Whybecausey
oul
i
kehi
mtoo?
Zane:
Whosai
dSi
msl
i
kesme?
Me:
Soyouli
kehi
m buty
ouar
eaf
rai
dhemaynot
f
eelt
hesamehi
m.
Zane:
Idi
dn'
tsayt
hat
.
Me:
Whyar
eyousmi
l
ingt
hen.
Zane:
Ihat
eyour
ightnow.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Shet
hrewacushi
onatme.
Zane:
Besi
desi
t'
sst
il
lear
lyf
ormet
obedat
ing.
Me:
It'
sbeenf
ourmont
hsf
ri
endpl
easej
ustbe
happyandi
fSimsiswi
l
li
ngtomakey
ouhappyal
l
ow
hi
mt oobef
oreit
'
stool
ate.
Zane:
Yeahy
eahIheary
ou,
sohowi
syourpr
oject
goi
ng?
Me:
Verywel
landnowt
haty
ouar
efi
ney
ouwi
l
lhel
p
meout
.
Zane:
Wil
ll
ovet
ooandSbani
?
Me:
Whatabouthi
m?
Zane:
Arey
ouguy
sst
il
lfr
iendsy
ouseem t
oocl
ose.
Me:
Wear
est
il
lfr
iends.
Zane:
Mmmmm.
Me:
HahahaI
'
m ser
ious.
Zane:
Ifheisnotmaki
nghi
smov
e,makei
tfi
rstI
meany oul
ovehim.
Me:Ijustdon'
tknowf
ri
endIt
hinkmay
behehasa
gi
rl
fr
iend.
Zane:Justt
alkt
ohim,Sbanii
sver
yhandsomet
hey
wil
lsnatchhi
m awayf
rom you.
Me:
Okayenoughaboutt
hatwhatwi
l
lyouwear
?
Zane:
Idon'
tknowl
et'
sgot
omyr
oom soy
oucan
hel
pmechoose.
Wewentt
oherr
oom andshedi
sappear
edt
oher
cl
oset
.
Zane:
Ican'
tfi
ndany
thi
ngpr
opert
owear
.
Me:Whatdoy
oumeany
ouhav
etomanycl
othest
o
sayt
hat
.
Amessagecamethr
oughherphoneandsher
eadi
t
wi
thahugesmil
e.
Me:
It'
sjustat
extmessagef
ri
end.
Zane:
Iknow.
Me:
Mygi
rli
sinl
ove.
Zane:Mxm Si
mswi
l
lbeher
einanhoursohel
pme
outher
e.
Me:
Weart
hatdr
ess.
Isai
dpoi
nti
ngt
oherl
ongbl
ackdr
ess.
Zane:
Yout
hinkso.
Me:Iknowy ouwi
l
lsexyandr
espect
abl
eont
hat
dr
esstrustme.
Zane:
Okayl
etmeputi
ton.
Sheputthedr
essonandgoshshel
ookedso
beaut
if
ul.
Me:
Fri
endwowy
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Zane:
Thanky
ouf
ri
end.
Anot
hermessagecamet
hroughherphone.
Me:
Simsi
sher
eear
lyIguess.
Shewasqui
tef
orawhi
l
e.
Me:
Fri
endwhat
'
swr
ong?
Zane:
Uhmm not
hing.
Me:
Zanel
e.
Zane:
It'
sGi
fthewant
stoseeme.
Me:
Whatnohemustbecr
azy
.
Shel
ookeddown.
Me:
NonoZanedon'
ttel
lmey
ouwi
l
lgoseehi
m.
Zane:
Ijustwantanswer
sandcl
osur
e.
Me:
Iwi
l
lgowi
thy
ou.
Zane:
Nopleasej
ustgohomeIwi
l
lsendSi
msat
ext
tomeetmeatthemall
.
Me:
Idon'
tl
ikeanyoft
his.
Zane:
Pleaset
rustmel
et'
sgo.
Welef
tZanewentt
omeetwi
thGi
ftwhi
l
eIwent
home.
Me:
Whyar
eyouguy
ssol
oud.
TJ:Si
msistr
yingt
ofi
ndsomet
hingt
oweart
ohi
s
dat
etoday
.
Si
ms:
Theyar
emaki
ngmeaf
ool
wenaThando.
Me:IknowwhatZanewi
l
lbewear
ingsol
etmehel
p
youout.
Si
ms:
Yousawher
?
Me:
YesI
'
m comi
ngf
rom herpl
ace.
Si
ms:
Okayhel
pmeoutt
hen.
Ihel
pedhi
m outandhel
ookedgoodt
heywi
l
llook
r
eal
l
ygoodt
oget
her
.
Sbani
:Youl
ookgoodBaf
o.
Hesaidcomingfr
om hi
sroom r
ubbinghisey
esI
guesshewassleepi
ngIcannevergetov
erhow
goodhelooks.
Si
ms:
Thando.
Hesai
dwav
inghi
shandi
nmyf
ace.
Me:
Whatdi
dyousay
?
Si
ms:
Stopst
ari
ngathi
m.
Me:
Uhmmm y
eahexcuseme.
Iwentt
othekit
chent
odr
inksomewater
,If
elthi
s
col
ognebehi
ndmeandIdidn'
ttur
nhewhi
speredto
myear.
Sbani
:Ar
eyouokay
?
If
eltmyhear
tbeat
ingf
astandmypal
mssweat
ing.
Me:
Uhmm I
..
I'
mfi
ne.
Sbani
:Ar
eyousur
e?
Hei
sdoi
ngt
hisi
ntent
ional
l
y.
Me:
Sbani
please.
It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m andIcoul
dn'
tmi
sst
he
smir
konhisf
ace.
Sbani
:Ngenzeni
mina(
whatdi
dIdo)
.
Me:
Excuseme.
Iwentbackt
otheloungeandTJandSi
mswer
e
l
aughing,
SpheandIsiwentout
.
TJ:
Isever
ythi
ngokayThandoy
oul
ookIdon'
tknow
marn.
Me:
Ever
ythi
ngi
sokayTJ.
Si
ms:
Youseem f
rust
rat
ed.
Theyl
aughedandIendedupj
oini
ngt
hem.
Sbani
:Justl
eav
eThandoal
oneguy
s.
Hei
senj
oyi
ngt
hisIcant
ell
byhi
ssmi
l
e.
Si
ms:Zanej
ustsentmeamessaget hatwewi
l
l
meetatt
hemallbutIdon'
tIwi
l
lfet
chher.
Sbani
:Howdi
dshegett
othemal
l
.
TJ:
Thando.
Theyal
ll
ookedatme.
Me:
What
?
Sbani
:Whydi
dZanel
eav
eSi
ms.
Me:
Uhmm not
hing.
TJ:
Weal
lknowy
ouar
ely
ingr
ightnow.
Me:
Okayshegotat
extf
rom Gi
ft
.
Them:
What
?
Sims:Andyoudidn'
tsayany
thi
ngwhati
fsomet
hing
happenstoher
.
Sbani:
Youshouldhavet
oldust
hemomenty
ou
walkedint
othatdoor
.
TJ:
Whati
fhehar
msher
.
OkayIdi
dn'
tthi
nkofi
tli
ket
hat
.
Me:
Guy
swoawhewon'
thur
torwoul
dhe?
Si
ms:
Ubuzabani
?(Whoar
eyouaski
ng)
.
Me:I
'
m sorr
yguyshesai
dhewant
edt
hem t
otal
kI
di
dn'
tthi
nkmuchofit
.
Sbani
:JustgoSi
msi
fsomet
hingi
swr
ongory
ou
don'
tfi
ndhercal
lus.
Simsranoutsi
deandIsatdownwor
ri
ed,
Ijustpr
ay
toGodGiftdoesn'
thur
ther
.

Nar
rat
ed

Zanear
ri
vedatt
hemal
landwentt
oMuggandBean
tomeetGi
ft
.
Gi
ft
:MaMbat
hat
hanky
ouf
orcomi
ng.
Zane:
Whyam Iher
eGi
ft
?
Gi
ft
:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Zanesmi l
edGiftst
il
lhasanef
fectonherev
enaf
ter
al
lthathappened.
Zane:ThankyouI
'
m sur
eyoudi
dn'
tcal
lmeouther
e
totel
lmet hat
.
Gi
ft
:Of
cosnotbutI
'
m cur
iousdi
dyoudr
essupf
or
me.
Zane:
Fory
ou?ComeonGi
ftt
hatshi
psai
l
edal
ong
t
imeago.
Gi
ft
:OkayIal
readyor
der
edy
ourf
avour
it
e.
Zane:
Youar
ewast
ingmyt
imeIhav
eadat
einaf
ew
minut
es.
Gi
ft
:Adat
ewi
thwho?
Zane:
Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'
sanyofy
ourbusi
ness.
Gi
ft:
OkayIcal
ledyouher
etoapologi
sefor
ev
erythi
ngt
hatIputyout
hrough,
I'
mr eal
l
ysor
ry.
Zane:
It'
sfi
neI'
m waypasst
hatnow,
butIwantt
o
knowwhydidn'
tyoutel
lme?
Gift
:Iwantedtomarr
yyoubutIknewyouweren'
t
readytobemywi f
eandwhenImetMel '
sIcoul
dn'
t
bri
ngmy selft
oaskyoutobemysecondwife.
Zane:
Becausey
ouknewIwoul
dn'
tagr
ee.
Gi
ft
:YesIknewy
ouwoul
dn'
t.
Zane:Gif
tIl
ovedyouandIspental
lmyli
feshowing
youthatIdoandIwouldhav
eagreedt
oany t
hingif
thatmeantyoubei
nginmylif
e.
Gi
ft
:Youwoul
dhav
e?
Gi
ftwasshocked.
Zane:YesGiftIwoul
dhavebutyoudi
dn'
ttal
ktome
youjusthadtohurtmeli
kethatev
eni
fIwasn't
goingtoagreeyoushoul
dhavetol
dmethenIwoul
d
decideformysel
f.
Gi
ft
:Wecanst
il
lmakei
twor
k.
Zanel
aughed.
Zane:
Youmustbecr
azy
.
Gi
ft
:I'
m ser
iousmamakhepl
ease.
Zane:
Don't
,don'
tyoudar
ebr
ingmychi
l
dint
oyour
madness.
Gi
ft
:I'
m notmadbutIl
ovey
ou.
Zane:
Wel
lIdon'
tIhav
emov
edonwi
thmyl
i
fe.
Gi
ft
:Mov
edonwi
thwho?
Zane:
Ifoundsomeonewhol
ovesandr
espect
sme
morethanyoueverdi
d.
Gi
ft
:Zanenoy
ouar
emi
ne.
Hesai
dhol
dingZane'
shandandt
hatscar
edher
becauseshehasnev
erseenGi
ftl
i
ket
hat
.
Zane:
Gif
tyouar
ehur
ti
ngme.
Gi
ft
:OkayI'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
ohur
tyouj
ustt
ell
meyoulov
eme.
Si
msgoti
nsi
deandwentst
rai
ghtt
othem.
Si
ms:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokayher
e?
Zane:
Ohbabey
ouar
eher
e?
Gi
ft
:Babe?
Si
ms:
Yesshecal
l
edmebabei
sther
eapr
obl
em?
Gi
ft
:Nosoi
sthi
shi
m?
Zane:Yesi
t'
shi
m Il
ovehi
m sopl
easel
etmegoand
behappyforme.
Gi
ft
:Uhmm Of
coscongr
atul
ati
onst
akecar
eIhav
e
t
ogonow.
Si
ms:
Soy
oul
oveme?
Zane:
That
'sal
lyouhear
d?
Si
ms:
That
'st
hei
mpor
tantpar
tandIl
ovey
out
oo.
Zane:
Youdo?
Si
ms:
OfcosIdost
handwasam.
Zanewasabl
ushi
ngmess.
Si
ms:
Andshei
sbl
ushi
ng.
Zane:St
opi
tlet
'sgetoutofher
epeopl
ear
est
ari
ng
atus.
Si
ms:
Theyar
ejustj
eal
ous.
Theywentoutt
osomerestaur
antandGif
twas
l
ookingatt
hem wi
thbl
oodshoteyeshewas
breat
hingf
ir
e.
Gi
ft
:IfIcan'
thav
eZanet
hennoonewi
l
l.
Hesai
dgoingtoSimscartofaul
tthebr
akeswhi
l
e
t
heywereenj
oyingthemsel
ves.
Si
ms: Areyouokay
?Youhav
ebeenqui
tesi
ncewe
gothere.
Zane:IhaveneverseenGif
tli
ket
hathel
ooked
dangerousI'
mjustscared.
Sims:Heydon'
tworr
yI'
m her
eandI'm notgoi
ng
anywheret
hismeansIwil
lpr
otecty
ou.
Zane:
Thanky
ou.
Si
ms:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulbyt
heway
.
Zane:
Thankyou,y
oudon'
tl
ookbadyoursel
fand
howdidyouknowIwasgoi
ngtowearsomethi
ng
bl
ack.
Si
ms:
I'
m amanofmanyt
alent
s.
Zane:
Arghi
twasThando.
Si
ms:
Thankst
oher
,Il
ovey
ou.
Zane:
I..
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Si
ms:
Ipr
omi
seIwi
l
lnev
erhur
tyou.
Zane:
Youhavet
oteachmehowt oshootsot
hat
whenyouhur
tmeIjustshooty
ou.
Si
ms:
Youar
edanger
ousZanel
e.
Zane:
Let
'sor
derI
'
m hungr
y.
Theyorder
ed,theywer
ehavingar
eall
ygoodt i
me
theconver
sati
onwasflowi
ngandtheywereboth
happynotknowingwhatwasawai
tingthem out
side.
Whent heyweredoneeat
ingt
heywal
kedt
obeach
becauseitwasnear.
Zane:
Ithi
nksomeonei
sfol
l
owi
ngus.
Si
ms:
Whyar
eyousay
ingt
his?
Zane:
Ihavebeenseei
ngsomeonebehi
ndusbut
whenIlookbackhei
snotther
e.
Si
ms:
Whocoul
ditbe.
Zane:
It'
sGi
ft
.
Si
ms:
NoIdon'
tthi
nkhei
sdanger
ous.
Zane:
Youcoul
dhav
eseenhi
m hewasv
eryangr
y.
Si
ms:
Whatdi
dhesayexact
ly?
Zane:
Hesai
difhecan'
thav
emet
hennobodywi
l
l.
Si
ms:
Okayl
et'
sgobackt
othecarIwi
l
lcal
lSbani
.
Theywentt
othecarandSi
mscal
l
edSbani
.
Sbani
:Shest
oody
ouupdi
dn'
tshe?
Si
ms:
FusegnoIt
hinkGi
fti
sfol
l
owi
ngus.
Sbani
:Whatbutwhy
?
Si
ms:
Het
hreat
enedZaneear
li
eron.
Sbani
:Okayj
ustdr
ivebackhomewewi
l
ltr
ytr
acki
ng
hi
m down.
Si
ms:
ShoBaf
o.
Zane:
And?
Si
ms:
Puty
ourseat
bel
tonl
et'
sgoIl
ovey
ouokay
.
Zane:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Theyki
ssedandSi
msdr
ove.
Athomet
heywer
ebusyt
racki
ngGi
ft
smov
ement
s.
TJ:
Ithi
nkhei
sst
il
latmal
l
.
Thando:
Sbani
.
Heshout
ed.
TJ:
Baf
owhyar
eyouzoni
ngout
.
Sbani
:It
hinksomet
hingi
swr
ong.
Thando:
Why
?
Sbani
:Idon'
tknowbutsomet
hingi
swr
ongl
etme
cal
lSi
msagain.
Sbanical
ledSi
msbuthewasnotpi cki
ngup
becausethecarhadr
oll
edoutoftheroad,Si
ms
couldhearhi
sphoneri
ngingbuthecouldnotr
each
t
oitbecausehewasst
uck.
Sbanibecameangryandhecr
iedi
tfr
ustrat
edhi
mt o
feel
thatsomet
hingwaswrongbutnotseewhati
t
was.
Thando:
Sbani
what
'
swr
ong?
Shewasal
readycr
ying.
TJ:Iwil
lj
ustt
raceSi
msphonebecausecl
ear
ly
somethi
ngiswrong.
Thandowenttot
hekit
chentogetSbanisomewat
er
becausehewasshaki
nguncont
rol
labl
e.
Shecamebackwi
ththewaterandsatdownt
hen
putSbani
'
sheadi
nherlap.
Sphe:
Fami
l
ywear
ehome.
Nooneanswer
ed.
I
sipho:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
TJ:
Simscal
l
edussay
ingt
hatGi
fti
sfol
l
owi
ngt
hem?
Sphe:
Them?
TJ:
Yeshi
m andZanenowwecan'
treachhi
m ont
he
phoneandSbanii
sli
ket
hatbecausehesay
s
somethi
ngiswrong.
Sphe:
Trackhi
sphone.
TJ:
That
'swhatI
'
m doi
ng.
TJdi
dhi
sthi
ng.
TJ:
Igoti
tlet
'sgo.
Sbani
:Let
'sgo.
Thando:
Youar
einnost
atet
ogo.
Sbani
:Ar
eyouguy
scomi
ngornot
.
Theyal
lfol
l
owedaft
erhi
m whi
l
eSi
msandZane
werest
il
lst
ucki
nthecar
.
I
nser
tthi
rt
yfour

Nar
rat
ed

Theyal
lgott
othehospi
tal
.
Mbatha:I
'
m goi
ngt
oaskf
ormydaught
er'
swar
din
t
herecepti
on.
Mamz o:Okaywewi
l
lgocheckonmysonandhi
s
gi
rl
fr
iend.
Whi
leMbathawentt
other
ecept
iont
heot
her
swent
t
otheward.
Mamz
o:Thandowhendi
dyouguy
sgether
e?
Thando:Acoupl
eofmi
nut
esagoIt
houghty
ouwer
e
al
lhere.
Sphe:
Noweneededt
obesomewher
eel
se.
I
sipho:
Okaywher
eismybr
other
?
TJ:
Uhmm hei
sst
il
lbusywi
thsomet
hing.
Zane:
Ohho.
Thegi
rl
swer
enotconv
incedatal
l
.
Mamz
o:Howi
sSi
msdoi
ng?
Thando:
Sti
l
lnochangemama.
Sphe:
Wher
eisZane?
I
sipho:
Shewentout
sidef
orsomeai
r.
Zane:
Thi
sthi
ngi
sreal
l
ywei
ghi
ngonher
.
Thando:
Andshewashopi
ngSbani
woul
dbeher
e,
shesai
dther
e'ssomet
hingt
heyt
alkedabout
.
Mamz
o:Shewi
l
ltal
ktohi
m don'
twor
ry.
Mbat
hagoti
ntot
hewar
d.
Mbatha:
Ther
eisnooneintherecept
ionsoIwi
l
l
wai
thereunt
ilt
her
e'ssomeonewhowi l
lhel
pme.
Mamzo:Okaygirl
sthi
sBabaMbat
ha,
Babemeetmy
gi
rl
sThando,I
siphoandSane.
I
sipho:
BabeawwMamzo.
Mbat
ha:
Nicemeet
ingy
ougi
rl
s.
Them:
Likewi
se.
Mamz
o:Thi
sismyson.
Mbat
ha:
Hei
sgoi
ngt
obef
inedon'
twor
ry.
Sphe:
Zane.
Zane:
Heyguy
s,Baba?
Mbat
ha:
Zanel
e?
Sher
ushedt
oherf
ather
'sar
ms.
Mbat
ha:
Ohmybabyi
t'
sokay
.
Theot
her
swer
elooki
ngateachot
heramazed.
Mbatha:
Iwentt
otherecept
iont
olookf
oryoubut
t
herewasnoonether
etohelpmesowhereisyour
war
d?
Zane:
Thi
sismywar
dBaba.
Mamz o:Okayl
et'
sal
lcal
m down,
Babai
sZaney
our
daughter
?
Zane:
Baba?
Mbatha:
Yesshei
smydaught
erhowdoy
ouknow
her
?
Mamz o:OkayZaneisSi
msgi
rl
fr
iendt
heywer
einan
acci
denttoget
her.
Mbatha:Soi
twasy
oursonwhoal
mostki
l
ledmy
daught
er?
Zane:
Daddynopl
easecal
m down.
Mbatha:
Sot
hisi
swhaty
ouhav
ebeendoi
ngi
n
Dur
ban?
Mamz
o:Mbat
hapl
easecal
m down.
Zane:
PleaseexcuseusIneedt
ospeakt
omyf
ather
.
Thando:
Yousur
eyougoi
ngt
obeokayf
ri
end?
Zane:
Iwi
l
lbef
inedon'
twor
ry.
Mbat
ha:
Zanel
ekhul
uma.
Zane:
Shandul
ist
entheacci
dentwasnotSi
msf
aul
t
thebr
akeswer
efaul
ted.
Mbatha:
Faul
ted?Thi
smeanssomeonewant
edt
o
ki
l
lyouwasitoneofhisgi
rl
fr
iend'
s.
Zane:
Uhmm noi
twasGi
ft
.
Shesai
dlooki
ngdown.
Mbat
ha:Gi
ft
?ushol
omf
anawakaZwane(y
oumean
t
hatZwaneboy?
).
Zane:
Yebobaba.
Mbat
ha:
Whydi
dhedot
hat
?
Zane:
Ifoundouthehasawif
eandwhenIt
riedt
o
l
eavehim het
hreat
enedt
hatnoonewi
ll
havemeif
hedoesn'
t.
Mbat
ha:
Uphi
lomf
anamanj
e(wher
eishenow)
.
Zane:
Inpr
ison.
Mbat
ha:
Ineedt
ohav
eat
alkwi
thhi
m.
Zane:
Babanopl
easej
ustl
ett
hisgo.
Mbatha:
Leti
tgo?Heal
mostgoty
ouki
l
ledand
someone'
sson.
Zane:
Shandupl
ease.
Mbat
ha:OkayIwi
l
lleti
tsl
i
def
ornowsot
ell
mehow
ar
eyoudoing?
Zane:
IlostmybabyBaba.
Mbat
ha:
Ohbabycomeher
e.
Hehuggedher
.
Zane:Giftt
ookev
eryt
hingawayf
rom me,
my
daughterandmylov
e.
Mbat
ha:
It'
sgoi
ngt
obef
inemygi
rldon'
twor
ry.
Zane:
I'
m scar
edBabawhati
fhedoesn'
twakeup?
Theywil
lbl
amemebecauseit
'smyfaul
t.
Mbat
ha:I
t'
snoty
ourf
aul
tandhewi
l
lwakeupj
ust
bet
heref
orhi
m.
Zane:
Ihopeso.
Mbat
ha:
Doy
ouev
enl
ovehi
m ory
oust
il
lhur
t?
Zane:
Ilov
ehi
m al
otBaba.
Mbat
ha:
Okayhewi
l
lbef
ine.
Zane:
Soy
ouandMamzo?
Mbat
ha:
What
?
Zane:
Doy
ouknowshei
smyboy
fri
end'
smot
her
?
Mbat
ha:
Sowhat
?
Zane:
Hay
iBaba
Mbatha:Si
ncey
oual
readyknowherwhatdoy
ou
t
hinkofher?
Zane:
Shei
sagr
eatwomanandIl
oveher
.
Mbat
ha:
That
'st
heonl
ythi
ngt
hatmat
ter
s.
Zane:
Arey
ouhappyt
hough?
Mbatha:
SinceIl
osty
ourmot heri
tisthefi
rstt
imeI
openmyselfupt
oloveagai
nandI '
m happy.
Zane:
That
'sgoodBabasowher
edi
dyouguy
smeet
?
Mbat
ha:
Her
einDur
ban.
Zane:Somydadhasbeencomi
ngt
oDur
banbutI
don'
tknow.
Mbat
ha:
Iwasbusyphel
angi
yaj
ola.
Theybot
hlaughed.
Zane:
Real
l
yBaba.
Mbat
ha:
Didy
ouheart
hat
?
Zane:
What
?
Mbat
ha:
Yourboy
fri
endal
sol
aughed.
Zane:
Arey
ousur
e?
Mbat
ha:
YesI
'
m sur
ecal
ladoct
or.
Zane:
Doct
orpl
easecomedoct
or.
Theother
salsor
ushedi
nsi
deexceptf
orTJ,
Sphe
andThando.

Thando

TJandSpheaskedtotal
ktomeint
hecareven
thoughIwassoanxi
oustoseei
fSi
msisawakeor
notbutt
heyseem t
obesadsoIguesssomet
hingi
s
wrong.
Me:
Guy
scanwedot
hisl
atermay
beSi
msi
sawake.
Sphe:
Wewi
l
lcheckonhi
m af
tert
his.
TJ:Uhmm Thandother
eisnoot
herwayt
osayt
his
Sbanii
sinpr
ison.
Me:
Doi
ngwhat
?IsGi
ftout
?
Sphe:
NoSbani
wasar
rest
ed.
Me:
Arr
est
edbutwhy
?
TJ:
Mel
i
ssasethi
m upThando.
Me:
Sethi
m uphow?Andwhyam Ihear
ingt
hisnow?
Sphe:Wet houghtwecoul
dhandl
eitandhewi
l
lget
outtodaybutwef ai
l
ed.
Me:
SoSbani
wil
lbespendi
nghi
sni
ghti
njai
l
.
TJ:Yeswearepl
anni
ngtogethi
m outt
omor
rowbut
hedoesn'
twantal
awyer
.
Me:
Ishecr
azywhy
?
Sphe:
Becausehei
sinnocent
.
Me:
Whathappenedexact
ly?
TJ:Mel
issatol
dSbaniwhereGi
ftwashopinghewill
hel
pherbutinst
eadhecall
edusandMelissacaught
hi
m andstabbedher
sel
fclai
mingSbanit
riedt
orape
her
.
Me:
What
?Sbani
woul
dnev
erdot
hat
.
Sphe:
Weknowi
twasal
lj
ustasetup.
Me:
SowhatdoIdo.
Sphe:
Wecangot othepol
i
cest
ati
onandy
oucan
tr
ytal
kingt
ohi
m aboutget
ti
ngal
awyer
.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sgo.
TJdr
ovet
othepol
i
cest
ati
onwhi
l
emyphoner
ang.
Me:
Babe.
I
sipho:
Simsi
sawake.
Me:
That
'sgr
eatnewswewi
l
lbet
her
ejustnow.
I
sipho:
Wher
edi
dyouguy
sgoany
way
.
Me:
Wewentt
ogetsomef
ood.
I
sipho:
Okaysho.
Idr
oppedt
hephoneIhat
ely
ingt
oher
.
Me:
ThatwasI
siSi
msi
sawake.
Sphe:
Ohgosht
hat
'
sgr
eat
.
Wearr
ivedatt
hepoli
cestat
ionandgoti
nsi
de,
Sbani
cametoseeandIcoul
dtell
hewaspissed.
Me:
Babear
eyouokay
?
Sbani
:Gent
swhati
sshedoi
ngher
e?
Sphe:
Wef
igur
edy
oumi
ghtl
i
stent
oher
.
Me:
Sbani
pleasej
ustl
ett
hel
awy
erhel
pyou.
TJ:
Simsi
sawakepl
easedoi
tforhi
m.
Sbani
:Hei
sawake?
TJ:
Hewokeupacoupl
eofmi
nut
esago.
Hewant
edt
ocr
ybuthepr
event
edhi
msel
f.
Sbani
:That
'sgood.
Me:
Soy
ouwi
l
llett
hel
awy
erhel
pyou.
Sbani
:Fi
ne.
TJ:
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
ust
haty
ouneededThandot
o
t
ell
youbecauseshedi
dn'
tev
enconv
incey
ou.
Sbani
:I
t'
snotthesameandI
'
m doi
ngt
hisf
orSi
msI
can'
twai
ttoseehim.
Me:
Ohbabear
eyousur
eyouar
egoi
ngt
obeokay
?
Sbani
:Iwi
l
lbef
ine.
Me:
Mel
i
ssai
sgoi
ngt
opayf
ort
his.
Sbani
:Don'
tdosomet
hingst
upi
dtomor
rowIwi
l
lbe
outofher
e.
TJ:Weshoul
dgonowwi
l
lseey
ouaty
ourbai
l
hear
ing.
Sbani
:Uhmmm Mel
i
ssacal
l
ed.
Sphe:
What
?Wher
e?
Sbani
:Her
eshewasj
ustgl
oat
ingaboutev
ery
thi
ng.
Me:
Thatsonofabi
tch.
Sbani
:Justgomyt
imei
sov
er.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Sbani
:Il
ovey
out
oost
handwasam.
It
ri
edt
ohughi
m butt
hewar
denr
efusedandwel
eft
.
TJ:Don'
tcr
yThandohei
sgoi
ngt
obeoutby
tomorr
ow.
Me:
Ihopeso.
Sphe:Doy
ouguy
sthi
nkweshoul
dtel
lIsi
phoand
Sane?
Me:Ithinkweshoul
dbecauseweal
lneedt
ogo
supportSbani
tomorr
ow.
TJ:
Goodl
uckont
hat
.
Me:
Youshoul
dtel
lthem.
TJ:
Nono.
Sphe:Isi
phosentmeamessagethatweshoul
dgo
str
aighthomewewi l
lseeSi
mstomorrowt
hedoct
or
sai
dheneedst orest
.
Me:
OkayTJj
ustdr
ivehome.
TJdr
ovehomeandwegoti
nsi
de.
Sphe:
Wher
eisMamzo?
Sane:
Shel
eftwi
thBabaMbat
ha.
Sphe:
Okaywher
eisI
si?
Sane:Shewentt
oputCebot
osl
eepIwi
l
ldi
shupf
or
youguys.
TJ:
Thanky
oubabe.
Iwentt
ohel
poutSanei
ntheki
tchen.
Sane:
Sowher
ear
eyouguy
scomi
ngf
rom?
Me:
Uhmm howi
sSi
ms?
Sane:Real
lyThando?It
houghty
ouguy
ssai
dyou
weregoingtogetsomefood.
Me:
Let
'sgosi
tdown.
Wegav
etheguy
sfoodandweat
e.
Sphe:
Mamakhei
ssheasl
eep?
I
sipho:
Yesf
inal
l
y.
Me:Soguyswehav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyoupl
easeI
si
don'
tov
err
eact
.
I
sipho:
Ohokay
.
TJ:
Sbani
isi
njai
l
.
I
sipho:
Jai
l
?Asi
nar
rest
edorwhat
?
TJ:
Yesar
rest
ed.
Sane:
Butwhy
?
Me:
Mel
i
ssasethi
m up.
Wet
oldt
hem whathappened.
I
sipho:
Hei
smybr
otherwhyam Ionl
yfi
ndi
ngout
now?
Sphe:
Ithappenedt
odaywewer
est
il
ltr
yingt
oget
hi
m out.
I
sipho:
Iguesst
hatdidn'
ttur
noutwel
lbecauseI
don'
tseemybrotherany
where.
Sphe:
Babecal
m down.
I
sipho:
Don'
t?Don'
ttouchme.
Me:
Isi
phocal
m downhewi
l
lbeoutbyt
omor
row.
Sane:Arey
ousureaboutt
hat?It
hinkweneedt
o
fi
ndthisMeli
ssaandmakeherpayfort
his.
TJ:
Let
'swai
tfort
omor
row.
I
sipho:
I'
m goi
ngt
obed.
Sphe:
YesIt
hinki
t'
sbestweal
lgot
obed.
Weal
lwentt
obedandwhenIgott
her
eIcr
ied
my
sel
ftosl
eep.
I
nthemorningIwokeuppreparedf
orcour
t,Iwent
downst
air
sandeveryonewasready
.
Me:
Isi
phoar
eyouokay
?
Shej
ustl
ookedatmeandkeptqui
et.
Sphe:Don'
tmi
ndhershei
sst
il
langr
ythatwedi
dn'
t
tel
lher
.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sgo.
Weall
goti
ntothecarandwentt
ocourt,
wegot
t
her
eandsett
leddownwhilewai
ti
ngforSbani
.
TheybroughthiminandRadebethel
awyerwasal
so
ther
e,Iwipedateart
hatf
ellf
rom myeyeIjust
coul
dn'tstandsei
nghimli
kethat
.
Judge:
MrRadebehowdoesy
ourcl
i
entpl
ead.
Sbani
:Notgui
l
tyy
ourhonour
.
Thejudgekeptqui
etf
orsometi
methenhe
request
edtospeakwi
thbothl
awyer
sinhi
s
chambers.
Me:
Doy
ouguy
sthi
nkhewi
l
lgetbai
l
.
Mbat
ha:
Hewi
l
ldon'
twor
ry.
I
sipho:
Thi
sisscar
ywhati
fhedoesn'
tgetbai
l
.
Mamz
o:Let
'sbeposi
ti
vepl
ease.
Theguyswerejustquit
eIguesstheywerescar
edof
theout
comes,Ilookedacr
osstheroom andIsaw
Meli
ssasi
tt
ingdownwi thsomeladies.
Sane:
Ist
hatMel
i
ssa?
Me:
Yest
hat
'sher
.
Sane:
Iwi
l
lbeback.
Me:
NoSanepl
easej
ustsi
tdown.
Sane:
NoIneedt
otal
ktoher
.
TJ:
Sanel
i
siwesi
tthef
uckdown.
Sane:
Mxm.
TJ:
Whatdi
dyousay
?
Sane:
Not
hing.
Mamz
o:Pl
easest
opt
his.
Judge:
Orderi
ncour
t.
Weal
lkeptqui
et.
Judge:Tryingtokil
lsomeoneespecial
lyawomani s
di
sgusti
ngandshoul dn'
tev
enbeallowed,t
oalsoto
tr
yandf orceyoursel
fonsomeonei stheworset
hing
eversoy ourbail
MrKhozai sdeni
ed.
Me:
What
?No.
Ihear
dmy
sel
fshout
ing.
MrRadebe:
Mot
ionpl
easej
udge.
Judge:
Nomot
ionMrRadebe.
Il
ookedatSbani
andhewasl
ooki
ngst
rai
ghtat
Meli
ssawit
hredeyes.
I
sipho:
Bhut
i.
Shesaidr
unni
ngtohi
m andhehuggedherbr
ief
ly
becauset
hepoli
cewer
etaki
nghi
m away.
Mamz
o:Ohmywhatdowedonow.
Mbat
ha:Let'
sgot
alkt
oRadebeandaskedabouta
wayf
orward.
Me:
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
his.
Sane:
Ihav
eapl
an.
TJ:
Whatt
hef
uckwi
l
lwedonow.
Sphe:
TJl
et'
sgo.
Theybot
hlef
tIsi
wasacr
yingmess.
Me:
Babepl
easecal
m down.
Sane:
Let
'sgoout
side.
I
sigav
eCebot
oMamzo.
Me:
Sowhat
'
syourpl
an?
Sane:
Let
'sf
oll
owMel
i
ssaandherf
ri
ends.
I
sipho:
Whatdoy
ouwantust
odo.
Sane:
Ihav
eal
readycal
l
edanUberl
et'
sgoj
ustt
rust
me.
Weal
lwai
tedforanUberIdon'
tthi
nkt
her
e'sany
one
whowast
hinki
ngstr
aight
.
I
nser
tthi
rt
yfi
ve

Wecanneverknowwhenwewill
loseourl
ovedones
t
hat
'swhyweneedtospendeachdaycher
ishi
ng
t
hem becauseinabl i
nkofaney ethi
ngschangeand
t
here'
snowayt ogobackt oshowingsomeonehow
y
ouf eel
,l
if
eist ooshortweshouldspendeachday
l
i
vingitt
othef ull
estandappreci
ati
ngeachotherso
t
hatwewon' thaveanyr egr
ets.
Sbani i
sdriv
ingli
keamani acandnoonei swill
i
ngt o
sayany t
hingbecausetheyknowt her
e'snogett
ing
throughhim whenheislikethi
s,wearequitepray
ing
thattheysurvi
vewhateverthathashappenedto
them.
Weseepar amedicspassi
ngusandpoli
cefol
l
owi ng
behindthem andweal ll
ookateachot
her,
Sbani
i
ncreasest hespeedandatthi
smomentweal ldon'
t
carewej ustwanttoarri
vetot
hescene.
Whenwear
enearTJl
ooksathi
sphone.
TJ:
Thi
sisi
tguy
sSi
msphonei
sther
e.
Sphe:
Arey
ousur
e?
TJ:
Sbani
pul
lov
er.
Sbani
stopst
hecarandt
heyall
getoutr
ushi
ngt
o
Si
mscarwhichr
oll
edoutoft
heroadandmeand
I
siphof
oll
owbehi
ndt
hem.
Pol
i
ce:
Pleasedon'
tgoneart
hescene.
Sbani
:That
'sourbr
otheri
nther
e.
Poli
ce:Pl
easecal
m downt
hepar
amedi
csar
edoi
ng
thei
rjob.
Weall
movebackandal
l
owthem t
odothei
rjob,
one
par
amedi
cpassusandt
heguysst
ophi
m.
TJ:
Shomf
ethuhowbadi
sit
?
Par
amedi
c:Ar
eyouf
ami
l
y?
TJ:
Yest
hat
'sourbr
otherandhi
sgi
rl
fr
iend.
Hescr
atcheshi
sheadandsi
gh.
Paramedic:Uhmm wearesti
ll
try
ingt
ogett
hem out
butitseemslikey
ourbr
otheri
stheonewhoisi
n
dangerexcuseme.
I
sipho:
PleaseGoddon'
tl
ett
hem di
e.
Ihol
dhercl
ose.
Me:
Theywon'
t.
Isayt
ryi
ngt
oconv
incemy
sel
fmor
ethanher
.
Theyfi
nal
lyputt
hem i
nstret
chersandtheyar
e
i
njur
edSimsfaceisnotr
ecognisabl
e.
Sbani
:Youl
adi
esst
ayher
ewewi
l
lgoandcheck.
Wenodwhi
l
etheyt
alkt
othepol
i
ceandpar
amedi
cs.
Ilookt hem withworr
yasIseet hattheyare
pani cki
ng,t
heyar ebusyscr
atchingthei
rheadswhil
e
talking,t
heyretur
ntousandweal lgetint
othecar
followingbehindtheparamedics.
MeandIsi
phogeti
nt hebackandIlayherheadon
mylapasshedr
if
tsof ft
osleep,
Iclosemyeyes
t
ryi
ngtosl
eepbutIheartheguystalki
ng.
Sphe:
Didy
ouseehowbadi
twas?
TJ:
Idi
dn'
tev
enseeSi
msf
ace.
Sbani
:Doy
ouguy
sthi
nkhei
sgoi
ngt
omakei
t.
Theykeepqui
etf
orawhi
l
e.
Sphe:
TobehonestIdoubtat
leastZanei
snotas
badasSi
ms.
TJ:
Idon'
twantt
obur
ymybr
other
.
ThatmakesmesadandIf
eel
myt
ear
sst
reami
ng
downmyf
aceIdon'
tev
enbot
herwi
pingt
hem.
Sbani
:Met
ooBaf
o.
Sphekeepsqui
etandIknowhei
scr
yinghei
sthe
emoti
onalone.
TJ:
Sphecomeon.
Sphe:
Ijust
..I
'
m..
If
inal
lygathert
hecour
agetoopenmyey esandTJ
i
sholdingSphewhil
etearsar
ealsost
reamingdown
hi
sface,IseeSbaniwi
pinghi
sfacewhil
edriv
ing.
Wegettot
hehospi
tal
andweal
lrushi
nsi
deev
en
I
sipho.
Thedoct
oratt
endt
othem andtheyar
erushedt
o
thet
heat
re,
Shawnisal
sohere.
Sbani
:Shawnhowbadi
sit
?
Shawn:
Ipromi
setoi
nfor
myouguy
swhenwear
e
donepl
easej
ustwai
t.
Hesayswhi
lerunni
ngt othetheat
re,
thesadparti
s
t
hatMamzowentov erseaswithhermankantii
t
woul
dhavebeenbetterifshewashereweallneed
her
.
TJ:
Shoul
dwecal
lMamzo?
Sbani
:Al
readydi
dman.
Weal
lsi
tdownandkeepqui
et.
I
sipho:
Ouch.
Weal
lj
ump.
Sphe:
Babewhat
'
swr
ong?
I
sipho:
Ithi
nkmywat
erj
ustbr
oke.
Sbani
:Ohnonotnow.
Herushest
othenur
seandt
heyt
akeherwi
thSphe
f
oll
owingaf
tert
hem.
TJ:
Atl
eastnowSphewi
l
lthi
nkaboutsomet
hingel
se.
Sbani
:Yeahman.
Wesitdownandjustwait
,hour
spassandwehear
not
hingnotf
rom Spheandnotfr
om Shawn.
Me:Doy
ouguy
sthi
nksomet
hinghappenedt
othe
baby
?
Ast
heyar
eaboutt
oanswerSpheappear
slooki
ng
dr
ainedbutsmi
l
ing.
Me:
And?
Sphe:
Theyar
efi
ne.
Sbani
:They
?
Sphe:
Isi
andmydaught
er.
TJ:
Daught
er?Congr
atul
ati
onsBaf
o.
Me:
Canweseet
hem.
Sphe:
Fol
l
owme.
Wefoll
owedhi
m andgoti
ntot
her
oom I
siphowas
asl
eep.
Sbani
:Hei
scut
e.
TJ:
Shel
ooksl
i
keme.
Me:That
'sv
eryt
rueshei
ssocut
ewi
thSbani
'
sbi
g
ey
es.
Sphe:
Ifeel
robbed.
Weal
lchuckl
e.
Sbani
:What
'shername?
Sphe:
Wewanty
out
onameher
.
Sbani
:Cebol
enkosi
.
Sphe:
Thanky
ouBaf
o.
Theybr
ohugged.
Me:
That
'sacut
ename.
Nurse:
Excusemeweneedt
otaket
hebabynowand
sheneedstorest
.
Weal
lgotoutandwentbackt
obei
ngst
ressed.
Sphe:
Hav
eyouguy
shear
dany
thi
ng?
Sbani
:Not
hing.
Me:
Iwi
l
lgogety
ouguy
ssomecof
fee.
TheynoddedandIwenttogetsomecoffeeand
guesswhoIsawsnoopingaroundGif
tandhejust
stoodt
hereandl
ookedatmewhi lesmil
i
ng.
Ithi
nksomet hi
ngiswrongwit
hhi
m may behei
s
crazy,Iwentbackt
otheother
swi
thoutbuyi
ngthat
coffee.
TJ:
Whyar
eyour
unni
ng?
Me:
IjustsawUhmmm.
Sbani
:SawwhoThando?
Me:
Gif
t.
Sphe:
Wher
e?
Me:Byt
hedoorhewastal
ki
ngtosomenur
seand
whenhesawmehejustsmil
ed.
TJ:
Thi
sGi
ftguyi
saski
ngf
ort
roubl
e.
Sbani
:Let
'sgoseei
fhei
sst
il
lther
e.
Ast
heywer
eaboutt
oleav
eShawncame.
Sphe:
So?
Shawn:Theoper
ati
onswereasuccessbutSi
msi
s
notoutoft
hewoodsyet.
Sbani
:Whatdoest
hatmean?
Shawn:
Thegi
rli
soutofdanger
.
TJ:EhhShawnst
opbeat
ingar
oundt
hebushhowi
s
Si
mbongile?
Hesai
dshout
ing.
Shawn:
Uhmmm heal
mostmadei
tUhmm i
t'
sbad
guysIdon'
twanttoli
e,westi
llwai
ti
ngforanother
doctorwhowi
llper
form anot
hersur
ger
ylateron.
Me:
Canweseet
hem?
Shawn:
Ofcosandt
heyar
eint
hesamewar
dpl
ease
fol
l
owme.
Whi l
ef ol
lowingaf t
erShawnIpi nchedmy sel
fI
want edtoconf ir
mi fthiswasreali
tyornotbecauseI
fel
tlikeitwasamov iemay besomeonef or
gottosay
cut,Ihav eonlyseent hisinmovieswheretheytel
l
familiesthatthepersonal mostmadei tbutwhenI
fel
tthepai nwhenpi nchingmyselfIr
eali
sedthatthi
s
i
sr ealit
yourr eal
it
y.
Shawn:
Iwil
lgi
veyouguystenmi
nutesandy
oucan
tal
ktot
hem t
heywil
lheary
ouguys.
Zanehadmachinesaroundherbutitwasbett
ert
han
SimsIhaveneverseensomethi
ngliket
hatand
neveri
nmywi l
destdreamshaveIthoughtt
hatI
wouldseeit
.Hehadbandagesaroundhisheadand
faceact
ual
lyevery
where.
Sphe:
Let
'st
alkt
oZanef
ir
st.
Wenoddedandwentar
oundherbed.
Me:
Heyf
ri
endi
t'
sme.
That'
stheonl
ythi
ngt
hatcameoutofmymouthI
tr
iedtal
ki
ngbutnowordscameoutofmymout
h.
Sbani
:Heyyoudon'
tneedt
otal
kat
leastsheknows
youar
ehere.
TJ:Heyskeem weareall
her
epleasej
ustgetbet
ter
andcomebackt ous,Si
msneedsyouwealldo.
YouseeTJandSbaniarethestrongestone'
sinal
l
ofusorat
leastt
heyactl
iketheyarestrong.
Weal
lki
ssedherf
oreheadandwentt
oSi
ms.
Sphe:I
sthi
sreal
ormay
beI
'
mjusthav
ingabad
dream?
Sbani
:Ihav
ebeenaski
ngmy
sel
fthatev
ersi
ncewe
gother
e.
IguessI
'
m nott
heonl
yonewhot
hinkst
hisi
snot
real
.
Sphe:Baf
opleasepul
lthr
oughIknowy ouar
estr
ong,
st
rongert
hanallt
hesemachinesI
siphogavebi
rt
h
andi
t'
sagi
rlIwanty
out
omeetherpl
ease.
Hesai
dthatandl
eft
.
TJ:Si
msyouknowweal lneedyout osur
vive,
we
hav
ebeenthroughalottogetherIknowthisis
not
hingj
ustkeepfi
ghti
ngIl oveyouman.
Heal
sol
eft
.
Me:InyouIfoundabr ot
herandt here'
snodaythat
wentbywithoutyoushowi ngmet hatyoucar
eIjust
wantyoutoknowt hatIappreci
atey ouandIcar
e
pl
easejustpleasedon'
tdie.
Iwi
pedmyt ear
sandl
ookedatSbani
whowas
hol
dingSi
mshand.
Me:
Wil
lyoubeokay
?
Sbani
:YesIwi
l
lbef
ine.
It
appedhi
sshoul
derandl
eft
.

Sbani
Havey oueverseenorexper iencedsomet hingbut
convi
ncedy oursel
ft hati
twasnotr eal becausey ou
wereindenialthat
'smer ightnow, Iknowt heyarein
hospi
talandi t
'
sbadbuther eIam tryi
ngt oconv i
nce
myselfthatthi
sisjustadr eam.Ifeel badbecauseI
hadthepowert ost opallt
hisbutitwasal lvivi
d,I
coul
dn'tseeany t
hingandIcan' thelpitbutbl ame
myselfandthoset hatgavemet hi
sgi ft
.
Ift
heyhadshowedmet hiswasgoingtohappenI
couldhav
epreventedi
tfr
om happeni
ngbutnow
hereweare,I
'
ml ooki
ngatmybrotherwhomaynot
survi
veal
lthi
s.
Me: Si
mbongil
ethere'
snoneedt ot el
lyouthis
becauseyouknowt hatyouneedt of i
ght,youneed
tofi
ghtforus,f
orZaneandmosti mportantl
yfor
Mamz o.Wedon'twantt oloseyoubecauseIknow
wecannev ersurv
iveitandy ouknowi tsoplease
fi
ght.Il
oveyouBaf oandIknowy ouwi l
lpullt
hrough.
Themachinestar
tedbeepi
ngandhest
art
edshaki
ng
uncont
rol
l
able.
Shawn:
Youneedt
oleav
e.
Me:
Nowhat
'sgoi
ngon.
Shawn:
PleasegetoutSbani
.
Istoodbythedoorasot
herdoct
orsandnur
ses
att
endedtohim.
Shawn:
Hei
scodi
ngandwear
elosi
nghi
m.
Heshout
edt
othenur
ses.
Me:
NoSi
msf
ight
,keepf
ight
ingy
ouhearmef
ight
.
Ishout
edwhi
l
ecr
yingIf
eltl
i
keIwasl
osi
ngmymi
nd.
Shawn:
Weneedt
orushhi
mtot
heat
renow.
Iwentandt
heot
her
scamer
unni
ngt
ome.
TJ:
Ishe.
..
Me:Notheyarerushi
nghi
mtot
het
heat
ref
or
anot
heroper
ati
on.
Sphe:
Whathappened?
Me:Idon'tknowhe..
.hejustst
art
edshaki
ngandthe
machinesstart
edbeepingtheysai
dhewascoding.
Thando:
Thatcan'
tbegood.
TJ:
Let
'sj
usthopehewi
l
lbef
ine.
Me:
Let
'sgot
othewai
ti
ngr
oom.
Weal
lfol
l
owedeachot
hert
othewai
ti
ngr
oom.
Me:
Weneedt
ofi
ndhi
m.
Sphe:
Findwho?
Me:
Gif
t.
TJ:
Let
'sgo.
Me:Thandost
ayher
eandkeepchecki
ngonI
sipho
andZane.
Sphe:
Andcal
luswhenSi
mscomesoutofsur
ger
y.
Thando:
Okaypl
easebesaf
e.
Iki
ssedherf
oreheadandhuggedherti
ghtwhenwe
wereaboutt
oleaveMamzocamer ushi
ngtous.
Thando:
Mama.
Shesai
dthr
owi
ngher
sel
father
.
Mamz
o:Ohnganezam (mychi
l
dren)
.
Shehuggedusonebyone.
Mamz
o:Howi
she?
TJ:
It'
sbadMamzo.
Mamz
o:Hei
saf
ight
erIknowhi
m.
Sphe:
Let
'sgo.
Mamz
o:Wher
ear
eyouguy
sgoi
ng?
Wej
ustkeptqui
etandl
ookedather
.
Mamzo:Sbani
Iknowt
hatl
ookandy
ouar
enot
goi
nganywher
e.
Sbani
:Mamzowel oveyouandyouknowwer
espect
youbutpl
easedon'
ttryt
ostopusnow.
Mamz
o:Okayj
ustpl
easebecar
eful
.
Us:
Wewi
l
l.
Wel
eftt
hem andgoti
ntot
hecar
.
Sphe:
Wher
edowest
art
?
TJ:St
opdon'
tdr
iveoutoft
hehospi
tal
yetl
etmetr
y
hacki
ngi
ntot
hei
rcamerasandseei
fhelef
tornot
.
Wewai
tedf
orhi
m whi
l
ehewasdoi
nghi
sthi
ng.
TJ:Seemsli
kehetal
kedtoanurseandaskedher
aboutZaneandSi
mst henhest
ayedforafew
mi
nut
esandl
eft
.
Sphe:
Let
'sgot
henkeepchecki
ngwhathedi
dnext
.
Idroveoutofthehospitalatthi
smomentIknowmy
ancestorswil
lnotbeablet ocommuni catewit
hme
sinceI'
m angry
,Inordertodosot heyneedmet o
calm downandcl earmyheadbutt heywil
lhaveto
forgi
vemebecauseIcan' tdot hatnow.
TJ:
Seemsl
i
keheboughtat
ickett
oCapeTown.
Me:
Wher
eshoul
dwecheckt
heai
rpor
t?
TJ:
I'
mtr
yingt
otr
ackdownt
hecarhewasdr
ivi
ng.
Sphe:
Howdoyoudot
hatnawey
oushoul
dbe
arr
est
ednj
e.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Weal
ll
aughed.
TJ:
Dri
vet
othi
saddr
ess.
Idrov
et ot
headdr
esshegavemeandwesawt
he
carGif
twasdri
vi
ngatthehospi
tal
.
Me:
Yout
hinkhei
sher
e?
Sphe:
Let
'sj
ustgoi
nsi
de.
Wewentinsideandt
heyt
oldusthatGif
thi
redthat
car,
hedroppeditaf
ewhoursandtookanUberto
theair
por
t.
TJ:
Idon'
tthi
nkwewi
l
lfi
ndhi
m butdr
ive.
Sphe:
Dri
vef
astSbani
.
Idr
ovef
astbecauset
heai
rpor
tiski
ndofr
eal
l
yfar
.
TJ:
Doy
ouguy
sthi
nkSi
mswi
l
lpul
lthr
ough.
Sphe:
Real
i
tyi
sthechancesar
ever
ysl
i
m.
Me:
Yeahbutwepr
ayhedoes.
TJ:AndwenaSbaniwhenwil
lyougi
veThandoa
chanceImeanl
if
eistooshor
ttobedoi
ngwhatyou
aredoi
ng.
Me:
Andwear
eher
e.
Sphe:
Youar
ejustdodgi
ngt
hequest
ion.
Me:
Canwej
ustgo.
Wesear
chedar
oundbutnot
hingIaskedt
hesecuri
ty
andhet
oldmethatt
hepl
aneisabouttot
akeoff
.
Wer
ant
oitbutwewer
etool
ate.
TJ:
Guy
slookt
her
e'si
sGi
ft
.
Hewasl
ooki
ngatuswi
thahugesmi
l
eonhi
sface.
Me:
Isi
tpossi
blef
ory
out
ost
opt
hisaer
opl
ane.
Secur
it
y:Onwhatgr
ounds.
Sphe:
Justf
ucki
ndoi
t.
Secur
it
y:I
'
m sor
rybutwecan'
t.
Anot
herper
sonwhowor
kst
her
ecamet
ous.
Lady
:Someonet
oldmet
ogi
vey
ouguy
sthi
spaper
.
Wet
ooki
tandshel
eft
.
TJ:
"YOUWI
LLNEVERFI
NDMEANDTHEYARE
GOI
NGTODIE"
.
Me:
Sonofbi
tchhewi
l
lnotgetawaywi
tht
his.
Sphe:
Weneedtohunthim downwhoknowshecan
comebackandf
ini
shthem up.
Myphoner
inged.
Me:
Thando.
Thando:
Youneedt
ocomebackt
othehospi
tal
.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon.
Thando:
Justcomebacknow.
Me:
Thando.
Sheal
readydr
oppedt
hephone.
TJ:
What
'sshesay
ing?
Me:
Let
'sgo.
Sphe:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
Shesai
dweneedt
odr
ivebackt
othehospi
tal
.
TJ:
Let
'sgot
hen.
WerantothecarandTJdrovetothehospi
tal
,Ipr
ay
toGodSi
msi ssti
l
lal
ivebecausei
fnotI'
mflyi
ngto
CapeTowntoni
ght.
I
nser
tthi
rt
yfi
ve

Wegotint
oanUberandaskedthedr i
vetofol
l
ow
Meli
ssaandhi
sfr
iends,Idi
dn'
tknowwhatSane's
pl
anwasbutIwashopingitworksoutinourf
avour
.
Sane:
Pleasedr
opusher
e.
ShesaidonceMeli
ssa'
scarst
opped,
thedr
iver
droppedusaft
erwepayed.
I
sipho:
What
'st
hepl
an?
Sane:
Youshoul
dn'
thavecamewi
thusI
siy
ouhav
e
ababytowor
ryabout
.
I
sipho:
It'
snotl
i
key
ouguy
sar
eher
etodi
e.
Sane:
Youmaynev
erknow.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeanSane?
Sane:
Not
hingl
et'
swai
tfort
hem t
ogetdr
unkf
ir
st.
Me:
Sowegoi
ngt
ojustsi
tbyt
hegat
e.
Sane:
Yest
hisi
sgoi
ngt
owor
ktr
ustme.
Ijustnoddedmyheadi nthiscaseIwi l
ldoany t
hing
forSbani t
ogetoutofjail
Ican'tseem toerasehis
faceonmymi ndwhent hejudgetoldhimthathis
bailwasdenied.Sbani
isst r
ongIhav eseenhim
breakaf ewti
mesbutIhav eneverseenhimt hat
scared,hewasr eal
l
yangr ybuthewasal soscared.
I
sipho:
Thandowhat
'
sony
ourmi
nd?
Me:I
'
mj ustt
hinki
ngaboutSbani
Ihav
enev
erseen
hi
mthatscar
ed.
I
sipho:
Het
ri
edt
oactst
rongbuthewasscar
ed.
Zane:Ihav
eknownyouguysforashor
testt
imebutI
haveseenhowstr
ongheishewill
befi
ne.
I
sipho:
Ihopesoneveri
nmywholel i
fehaveI
t
houghtthatmybr
othercanbear
rested.
Me:
It'
snotl
i
keher
eal
l
ydi
ditI
sihewassetup.
Sane:Wear
egoingt
osortt
hisout,
thi
sMel
i
ssa
needswomanl
ikeustosor
therout.
Me:Im wi
thy
ouont
hatoneI
'
m wi
l
li
ngt
odo
any
thing.
I
sipho'
sphoner
ang.
Me:
Youshoul
dswi
tchi
tof
fbef
oret
heguy
sfi
ndus.
I
sipho:
May
bei
t'
saboutCebo.
Sane:Thi
siswhatImeantwhenIsai
dyoushoul
dn'
t
havecame.
Me:Weknowy oul
oveyourbr
otherI
sibutCebo
needsj
ustcal
laanUberandl
eaveplease.
I
sipho:
Arey
ouguy
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
?
Sane:Wewi
llt
rustIhav
egotal
ltheski
l
lst
opr
otect
thebot
hofus.
Me:
Theski
l
ls?
Shel
aughed.
Sane:
YesThando,
Isi
hav
eyoucal
l
edt
heUber
?
I
sipho:
Yesi
t'
squi
tenear
.
Wewait
edforafewmi nut
esandt
hent
heUber
cameandt
ookIsipho.
Sane:
Lett
hegamebegi
n.
Me:Youneedtofi
llmeupont
hispl
anofy
our
ssoI
knowwhattoexpect
.
Sane:
Chi
l
lbabeIt
hinkweshoul
dgeti
nsi
denow.
Me:
Geti
nsi
deanddowhat
?
ShekeptquietandIf
oll
owedbehindher
,whenwe
wereatthedoorshetookoutagun.
Me:
Saneagun?Wher
edi
dyougetagun?
Sane:
Keepi
tdown.
Me:
Nowedi
dn'
ttal
kaboutanygun.
Sane:
Thandopl
easekeepi
tdown.
Me:
Promi
semey
ouwon'
thur
tany
one.
Zane:
I'm notpr
omi
singy
out
hatpl
easef
oll
owmeor
j
uststayhere.
Isi
ghedbecauseshewasdamnser
ious.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sgo.
Wegoti nsi
deandther
ewassmokeevery
wher
e
becausetheywer
esmokinganddr
inki
ng.
Sane:
Ladi
esIseey
ouar
ebusycel
ebr
ati
ng.
Mel
issa:
Ohwhodowehav
eher
eMl
i
lo'
ssupposedl
y
wi
feandherf
ri
end.
Theyal
ll
aughednotsei
ngt
heguni
nSane'
shand.
Sane:
Ohsoy
ouf
indal
lthi
sfunnyhuh?
Sheaskedpoi
nti
ngagunont
hem.
Mel
i
ssa:
Thandopl
easet
alkt
oyourf
ri
end.
Me:Ohyouknowmynamenow?It
houghtIwas
Ml
il
o'ssupposedl
ywi
fe.
Mel
i
ssa:
Pleaset
hinkaboutmyson.
Theot herl
adi
esweredeadqui
etmay
besomeof
them hadpeedonthemselv
es.
Sane:Thi
nkaboutyourson?That'
sveryir
onic
becauseyoudi
dn'tt
hinkaboutSbani
'
sf amil
ywhen
yousethi
m up.
Mel
i
ssa:
Idi
dn'
tsethi
m uphet
ri
edt
oki
l
lme.
If
oundmy
sel
fsl
appi
ngher
.
Me:
Hewil
lnev
erdot hatIknowhim whatIdon'
tget
i
swhyy
oudiditbecauseGifti
sinpr
ison.
Sane:
Tel
lusMel
i
ssawhatwer
eyouhopi
ngt
ogai
n.
Mel
i
ssa:
Ladi
espl
easecal
lthepol
i
ce.
Sane:I
fanyofyouwant
stodi
eyoucangoahead
andcall
thepol
i
ce.
Theyl
ookedateachot
herandkeptqui
et.
Me:
Soar
eyoudr
oppi
ngt
hecaseornot
?
Meli
ssa:Iwi
l
lnotdot
hathet
ri
edt
orapemef
or
god'
ssake.
Sane:
Ohhet
ri
edt
orapeokayt
hat
'sf
ine.
Samet
ookoutherphoneandcal
l
edsomeone.
Sane:
Sendt
hev
ideo.
Shesai
danddr
oppedt
hephone.
Me:
Whatv
ideoSane?
Sane:
Justwat
chandl
ear
ndearf
ri
end.
Amessagecamet
hroughherphone.
Sane:SoMel '
swhenareyoudroppi
ngthecharges
becauseallIknowist
hatSbanii
snotspendi
ng
anotherdayinpri
son.
Mel
i
ssa:
Fucky
ou.
Sane:
Ohf
uckme?That
'
scut
eist
hisnoty
ourson?
Sheshowedhert
hev
ideo.
Mel
i
ssa:
Nopl
easedon'
thur
thi
m.
Sane:
Ohsouy
akwazi
ukut
hipl
ease?
Sanewasonanot
hermode.
Me:Welli
t'
suptoyou,
yourson'
sli
fei
snowi
nyour
handssowhatwouldi
tbe.
Mel
i
ssa:
Youar
ebl
uff
ingar
en'
tyou?
Sane:
Thandoshet
hinkswear
ejoki
ng.
Sanel
ookedatmeandwel
aughed.
Me:Justmakethatcal
landshewi
l
lber
esponsi
ble
f
orherson'
sdeath.
Lady:Mel
issaweal
lknowy ouli
edandframedMli
lo
nowpleasedother
ightt
hingthesepeopl
earenot
j
oking.
Me:
Ohy
oul
i
ed.
Shel
ookeddown.
Sane:Sowhat'
sitgonnabeMel'
sbecauseIjust
recor
dedyourf
riendher
esayi
ngthatyoufr
amed
Sbani.
Meli
ssa:
OkayIwil
ldr
opthechar
gesj
ustpl
ease
showmei fmysoni
sokay.
Sanemadeav i
deocallandsomeguywashol ding
Meli
ssa'
sson,wowIcan'tli
eI'
mimpressedInev er
wouldhavet
houghtofdoingsomet
hingli
kethis.
Mel
i
ssa:
Ohbabymommyi
sgoi
ngt
ofi
xthi
sI
pr
omi
se.
Thebabywasj
ustmaki
ngbabysounds.
Sane:
Timei
supl
et'
sgo.
Mel
i
ssa:
Canwedoi
tmay
bet
omor
row.
Me:
Ohweget
ti
ngsmar
tnow.
Sane:
Youhaveonl
y1hourt
ofi
xthi
sifnoty
ourson
di
essowhat'
sgonnabebabymomma.
Mel
i
ssa:
Okayl
et'
sgo.
Whenwegotout
sideTJandSphegotoutoft
hecar
.
TJ:
Sanel
i
siwewewer
ewor
ri
edsi
ckabouty
ouguy
s.
Sane:
Asy
oucanseewear
efi
ne.
Sphe:
Whywer
eyouher
e?What
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Me:Meli
ssai
sgoi
ngt
othepol
i
cest
ati
ont
odr
opt
he
char
ges.
TJ:
What
?Buthow?
Sane:Wedon'
thav
eti
met
oexpl
ainar
eyouguy
s
comingornot
?
Sphe:
Wai
tSanei
sthatagun?
Me:
Saneher
eissav
aget
hat
'sal
lIcansay
.
Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.
TJ:Okayl
et'
sgo,howdi
dyougether
ebecausewe
don'
tseeanycar
.
Me:
Uber
.
Wegotint
othecarandTJdr
ovet
othepol
i
ce
st
ati
on.
Whenwegott
her
eSanet
oldMel
i
ssat
ogetout
.
Sane:Gointhereanddropthosechar
gestel
lthem
thatyoul
iedIdon'tknowwhybutyouwil
lfi
gureit
out,uwumasterangit
hiwena.
Mel
i
ssa:
HowdoIknowt
haty
ouwon'
thur
tmyson?
Sane:
Youdon'tknowsweetheartbuti
fyoudaret
ry
andcrossusj
ustknowthatyoursonwilldi
e.
Shegotoutoft
hecarandr
ani
nsi
de.
Sphe:
Herson?Whati
sshet
alki
ngabout
.
Sane:
Iki
dnappedherson.
TJ:
Youdi
dwhat
?
Sane:
Youhear
dme.
Sphe:
Howdi
dyoudot
hat
?
Sane:
Myf
ri
endhel
pedmeout
.
TJ:Whati
fshet
ell
sthem t
haty
ouki
dnappedher
son?
Sane:
Thenshewi
l
lnev
erseeherson.
Sphe:
Arey
ouser
ious?
Sane:Doyouthi
nkt
hisisajoke?Sbani
isoutt
her
e
probabl
yscar
edasfuckandy ouar
ehereaski
ngme
questi
ons.
Me:
Babecal
m downwear
eint
hist
oget
her
.
TJ:
Imustsayt
houghI
'
mimpr
essed.
Sphe:
Youcansayt
hatagai
n.
Me:Whenwewentt
oMeli
ssa'
shouseIdi
dn'tev
en
knowwhatt
hepl
anwasbutI
'm al
soi
mpressed.
TJ:
Sobabyt
ell
mear
esomeki
ndofagangst
er?
Wel
aughed.
Sane:
May
be.
Wekeptont alki
ngIwast el
li
ngthem aboutwhat
happenedinthathouse,Ican'
tl
ieI'
m happythatI
wil
lsleepi
nSbani '
sarms.
Sane:
What
'st
aki
nghersol
ong?
Justaswewerest
il
lwonder
ingshecameout
runni
ngtot
hecar.
Me:
So?
Mel
i
ssa:Theyt
oldmetheyal
readyt
ransf
err
edMl
i
lo
t
owestv
il
lesoIneedt
ogowiththem.
Me:
Whyar
eyouher
e?
Mel
issa:
Ijustwantt
opl
eadwi
thy
ouguy
snotki
l
l
myson.
Sane:
Wewon'
tki
l
lyoursoni
fyoudowhat
'sr
ightso
nowgo.
Sher
ani
nsi
de.
Sphe:
Thi
sisbadwest
vil
l
eist
hewor
st.
Sane:
Hewi
l
lbeoutdon'
twor
ry.
Wewai
tedabi
tfort
hepol
i
cet
oleav
ewi
thMel
i
ssa.
Sane:
Let
'sgohomewewi
l
lwai
tther
e.
Sphe:
Whydon'
twef
oll
owt
hem?
TJ:Notheywil
lthi
nkweputMel
i
ssat
othi
swhen
theyseeus.
Me:
Yesl
et'
sjustgohome.
Ican'tl
ieIwasabitscaredyoumayneverwith
Melissa,shehaspr
ovent obecr
azywhatifshetell
s
them wef or
cedherIdon'tev
enthi
nkt
hatshecar es
aboutherson.
Whenwegothometheyal
lranout
sideIguesst
hey
t
houghtSbani
waswit
hus.
I
sipho:
Andwher
eismybr
other
?
Me:
Hewi
l
lbeher
elat
er.
TJ:
Let
'sgeti
nsi
de.
Weal
lgoti
nsi
deev
enZanewasher
e.
Me:
Fri
end.
Zane:
HeyImi
ssedy
ou.
Wehugged.
Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Zane:
I'
m okayUhmm I
'
m gr
eatact
ual
l
ysi
nceSi
ms
i
sawake.
Me:
That
'sgr
eatnewsIshoul
dgoseehi
m.
Zane:
I'
m sor
ryaboutSbani
.
Me:
It'
sfi
nef
ri
endhei
scomi
nghomet
oni
ght
.
Mamz
o:Doy
ouguy
str
ustt
hisMel
i
ssa.
Sane:
Shewi
l
lnotcr
ossusIhav
eherson.
Mamz
o:What
?
Mbat
ha:
Highf
ivej
obwel
ldonemygi
rl
.
Wel
aughed.
Zane:
Real
l
yBaba.
Mbat
ha:
That
'swhatIwasgonnado.
I
sipho:
Ihopehecomeshome.

Sbani
Iwasi nacell withoneguyat leastthat'
sarel
iefbut
I'
m suretheyst il
lgoingt omov emet oanothercellI
swearI'm goingt odie,Ican'twr apmyheadar ound
allt
hisitsti
l
l feel
slikeadr eam.Imayspendt herest
ofli
feinjailf
orsomet hingIdi dn'tdo,Ihav
ebeen
try
ingtostaycal m soIcanconnectwi t
hmy
ancestorsbutt heykeept ell
i
ngmet hesamet hing
that"it
'sgoingt obeokay "Idon'tknowhowbutI
guessitwill
.
I'
m worr
iedabouteveryonebutmostimpor
tantl
yI'
m
worri
edaboutmysi st
erIknowsheisnotstr
ong
enoughfort
his,It
rustThandobutIknowshe'sal
so
worri
ed.
Guy
:What
'sony
ourmi
nd?
Me:
Not
hing.
Guy
:I'
m Zakhel
e.
Me:
Sbani
.
Zakhel
e:Sowhyar
eyouher
e?
Me:
Somegi
rlsetmeupman.
Zakhel
e:Iknowhowy
ouf
eel
.
Me:
Youar
eal
soher
eforsomet
hingy
oudi
dn'
tdo?
Zakhel
e:NobutIki
ll
edmystepfat
herbecausehe
ki
ll
edmymot herr
ightI
nfr
ontofme.
Me:
That
'shect
icman.
Zakhel
e:Yeahbutat
leastIgett
obei
nthi
scel
lal
one.
Me:
Sot
heyst
il
lgoi
ngt
omov
eme.
Zakhel
e:Ithi
nksobuti
fyoupayt
hem t
heywi
l
lal
l
ow
youtostayhere.
Me:Ij
ustwantt
ogetoutofher
ebutt
henIdon'
t
t
hinkIwi
ll
.
Zakhel
e:Wasshey
ourgi
rl
fr
iend?
Me:
Who?
Zakhel
e:Imeant
hegi
rlwhosety
ouup.
Me: Noit
'sal
ongst
orybutIwi
l
l t
ell
youoneday
becausewesti
ll
goi
ngtobehere.
Zakhel
e:Yeahmany
ouwi
l
lbef
ine.
Me:
Ihopeso.
War
den:
Sbani
Khoz
a.
Me:
Yes.
War
den:
Comey
ouar
egoi
nghome.
Me:
Home.
War
den:
Justcome.
Zakhel
e:Iguesst
hat
'
sagoodby
ethen.
Me:
Shomf
ethu.
Myheartwasact
ual
l
ypainingforhi
m Imeanhewas
j
ustdef
endinghi
smother
,Ithi
nkIneedtohel
phi
m.
Zakhel
e:Sor
ryKhoza.
Me:
Sho.
Hegav
emeapaper
.
Zakhel
e:That
'smyaddr
esspl
easecheckonmyl
i
ttl
e
brot
herforme.
Me:
Okaywi
l
ldo.
If
eltsor
ryf
orhi
m mor
enow.
War
den:
Taket
hoseof
fandweary
ourcl
othes.
Me:
IfImayaskwhathappened.
Warden:Thel
adyagr
eedthatshesety
ouupt
hen
shedroppedt
hechar
ges.
Me:
Whatwi
l
lhappent
oher
.
War
den:
Shei
sout
sidewi
tht
hepol
i
cey
oucanask
t
hem.
Inoddedandwentout
side.
Pol
i
ce:
Iknewy
oudi
dn'
tdoi
t.
Me:
Ohi
sthati
tnow.
Theyl
aughedIl
ookedatMel
i
ssaandmyanger
cameback.
Me:
Whatwi
l
lhappent
oher
?
Poli
ce:Wewereact
ual
l
ywai
ti
ngf
ory
out
oopena
caseagai
nsther
.
Mel
i
ssa:
Mli
l
opl
easeIhav
easont
olookaf
ter
.
Me:
It'
sfi
neI
'
m notopeni
nganycase.
Pol
i
ce:
Arey
ousur
e?
Me:
YesI
'
m sur
e.
Pol
i
ce:
Wewi
l
ltakey
ouhome.
Inoddedandgoti
ntot
hecar
,Mel
i
ssacal
l
edacab.
Pol
i
ce:
Takecar
e.
Me:
Arey
ouf
li
rt
ingwi
thmemi
ss?
Shesmi
l
ed.
Pol
i
ce:
Ist
hatawr
ongt
hing?
Me: Yest
hat'
swhyyouarr
estpeoplewhoar
e
i
nnocentinst
eadofi
nvest
igat
ingyouar
ebusyf
li
rt
ing
nxaaa.
Il
ookedatherandshehadhermout hopen,Igotout
ofthecarandstoodbythegate.IknowIwasnoti n
j
ailforalongt
imebutitfeel
sli
keitIcan'
tl
ieIwas
scared.
Igoti
nsi
deandknockedatt
hedoor
.
I
sipho:
Comei
n.
Igoti
nsi
deandt
heyal
lrant
ome.
Me:
Woawy
ouguy
sar
egoi
ngt
oki
l
lme.
Theyl
aughedbet
weent
het
ear
s.
Mamz
o:Godi
sgr
eat
.
I
sipho:Ohbhut
iI'
m sohappyy
ouar
eback,
didt
hey
hurtyou?Ar
eyouhungry?
Me:
Angel
justcal
m doI
'
mfi
nel
et'
ssi
tdown.
Aswesatdownt
her
ewasaknockont
hedoor
.
Sanewentt
ogett
hedoor
.
Me:
Whati
sshedoi
ngher
e?
Mel
i
ssa:
I'
m her
eformyson.
Sane:
Justwai
tsomeonei
sbr
ingi
nghi
m.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Sane:
Iki
dnappedhersonsoshecant
alkt
het
rut
h.
Il
ookedatherandshewasdamnser
ious.
Me:Youdi
dwhat?Whati
fshear
rest
edy
ou?Thi
s
womaniscr
azy
.
TJ:Justcal
m downSbani
what
'si
mpor
tanti
sthat
youarehomenow.
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ouSaneIowey
oumyl
i
fe.
Sane:
Youowemenot hingwear
efami
l
y,di
dyou
openacaseagai
nstt
hisone.
Sheaskedpoi
nti
ngatMel
i
ssa.
Me:
NoIdi
dn'
tandpl
easedon'
taskmewhy
.
Theyal
lj
ustl
ookedatmel
i
keI
'
m cr
azy
.
Sphe:
What
'si
mpor
tanti
sthaty
ouar
ehome.
Thando:
Yeaht
hat
'st
rue.
Shewasl ooki
ngatmel
i
keshedoesn'
tbel
i
evet
hat
I
'm back.
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?
Thando:
Ishoul
dbeaski
ngy
out
hat
.
Me:
I'
mfi
nel
et'
sgoshower
.
ShenoddedandIt
ookherhandt
henwewent
upst
air
s.
Me:
Sowhatdi
dyouandSanedo?
Shet
oldmeevery
thingandj
ustl
i
keev
ery
oneel
seI
wasi
mpressedwit
hSane.
Me:
Shei
sgood.
Thando:
Real
l
ygoodbabe.
Me:
Joi
nmei
ntheshower
.
Thando:
Okaydi
dtheyhur
tyou?
Me:Notheydi
dn'
t,
theyputmewi
thonl
yoneguy
whi
chIactual
l
ywanttohelp.
Thando:Youaret
ooki
ndKhozawhyar
eyounot
pressi
ngchar
gesagai
nstMel
i
ssa.
Me:
I'
mjustt
hinki
ngaboutherson.
Thando:
Hay
ino.
Me;IknowbutIdon'twanthersontogrowup
wi
thoutbot
hparentsImeanGi f
tisal
readyi
npri
son.
Thando:OkayIcan'
tsayIwoul
dhav
edonet
hesame
butIunder
stand.
Wecont
inuedt
obat
hti
l
lwewer
edone.
Me:
Mar
rymeThando.
Shel
ookedatme.
Thando:
What
?
Me: Marr
ymeI '
m notget
ti
nganyy oungerand
neit
herareyou,l
if
ehasshowedust oomanyt i
mes
thati
tisshort
.Ial
mostspentmyl i
feinpri
son,we
havebeenthroughalott
ogetherandI'
m nowsure
t
hatIwantt
ospendt
her
estofmyl
i
fewi
thy
ou.
Thando:
Uhmm Idon'
t.
.
Me:
I'
m gi
vi
ngy
out
woday
stot
hinkabouti
tokay
.
Thando:
Okay
.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Thando:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Igotdr
essedandwentbackdownstair
sleav
ing
Thandoinourbedr
oom IguessIsur
pri
sedher.
Me:
Wher
eisMel
i
ssa?
TJ:
Shel
eft
,shesai
dthanky
ou.
Me:
Ohwel
li
t'
sfi
ne.
Mbatha:Youdidgoodsonbynotpressi
ngchar
ges
agai
nstsheiscrazyshej
ustneedshel
p.
Sphe:Youwoul
dhavespenttherestofyourl
i
fei
n
pri
sonbutyoual
lthi
nkMeli
ssaiscrazy.
Mamz
o:Cal
m downSphesi
hle.
Sphe:
Nomamapeopl eal
waysdowhatt
heypl
ease
wit
hSbani
becauseheiski
ndandt
hatpi
ssesmeoff.
Hesai
dgoi
ngout
side.
I
sipho:
Sphe.
Me:Noleav
ehimtocal
m downf
ir
st,
angel
getme
somefoodIneedt
ogoandseeSi
ms.
Mamz
o:I
t'
ski
ndofl
atenowy
ouwi
l
lgot
omor
row.
Me:
NoIcan'
tmamat
her
e'ssomet
hingIneedt
odo
t
ohim.
Mamz
o:Okayt
henZanei
sal
sot
her
e.
InoddedandI
sibr
oughtmyf
ood.
Ithinkit
'st
imeGodgi vesusabr eakandal l
owusto
behappyagai n,
Imeani t
'sbeenproblem af
ter
problem wealsodeser v
esomehappi ness.Ineedt
o
waitforThandot ogivemeananswersowecan
celebrat
esomet hinggoodf orachange.
I
nser
tthi
rt
ysi
x

Sbani
Idi
dn'
tev
enwaitforTJtoparkt
hecarwhenwegot
tot
hehospi
tal
Ijustgotout
.
Sphe:
Sbani
mar
nyouwantt
odi
e.
Idi
dn'
tmindhim Ij
ustr
aninsidet
hehospi
tal
they
werenoti
nthewaiti
ngroom soIrant
ohisward.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Mamz
o:Cany
ouj
ustbr
eat
hef
oramoment
.
Me:
Younotser
iousr
ight
?
Mamz
o:Sbani
samakhozaI
'
m st
il
lyourmot
her
.
It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Me:
I'
m sor
rymamaI
'
mjustwor
ri
ed.
Mamz
o:Wher
ear
etheot
her
s?
Me:
Theyar
ecomi
ng.
Theygoti
nsi
de.
Sphe:
Howi
she?
Mamz
o:Thesur
ger
ywassuccessf
ulbuti
t'
sst
il
lbad.
TJ:
Buthei
sgoi
ngt
obeokayr
ight
?
Mamzo:Thedoctorsai
dwewi
l
lknowt
hataf
ter
maybet
hreedays.
Sbani
:Thr
eeday
s?
Mamzo:
Iknowhowy
oual
lfeel
butl
et'
sbest
rong
f
orhi
m.
TJ:
Wher
eisThando?
Mamz
o:Shei
swi
thI
sipho.
Sphe:
Issheawake?
Mamzo:Yessheisandcongr
atul
ati
onsIsawmy
gr
anddaught
ershei
ssocute.
Sphe:
Thanky
oumamaIwi
l
lgocheckont
hem.
Hel
eft
.
Sbani
:Howi
sshe?
Isai
dpoi
nti
ngatZane.
Mamz
o:Shei
sgoi
ngt
obef
ine.
TJ:
Thi
sissohar
d.
Sbani
:Youcansayt
hatagai
n.
Mamz
o:Ihav
enev
ermetanyofSi
msgi
rl
fr
iends
whenhef
inal
l
yfi
ndst
heonet
hishappens.
Sbani
:Hewi
l
lpul
lthr
oughIknowhi
m.
TJ:
Yeahdon'
twor
ryMamzohei
sgoi
ngt
obef
ine.
Mamz
o:Soni
mthol
i
le(
didy
ouf
indhi
m).
Wel
ookedateachot
her
.
Me:
Ubani
(who?
).
Mamz
o:Don'
tev
enst
artThandot
oldmeev
ery
thi
ng.
TJ:
Wedi
dn'
tfi
ndhi
m.
Mamz
o:Doy
out
hinkhei
sst
il
ladanger
?
Me:
Eywedon'
tknow.
TJ:
Butwewil
lputsomepeopl
etokeept
hem saf
e
whi
let
heyar
esti
llher
e.
Mamzo:
Pleasemakesur
etheyar
esaf
eIneedt
ogo
now.
Me:
Wheni
shemar
ryi
ngy
ou?
Mamz
o:Endabeni
zami
wezi
ngane(
Inmybusi
ness)
.
TJ:Weareser
ioushecan'
tkeepy
ouawayf
rom us
wit
houtt
ell
i
ngus.
Me:
Andwhenar
ewemeet
inghi
m becauseasi
mazi
.
Mamz
o:Youwi
l
lmeethi
m soonby
enowIl
ovey
ou
al
l
.
ShekissedSimsandlef
tsay
ingshewi
l
lfi
rstsay
goodbyetotheot
hers.
TJ:
Youaret
heonewhotoldust
hatMamzohasa
mandoyouknowwhoheis?
Me:
NoIdon'
t.
TJ:
Ofcosy
oudo.
Me:
ButI
'
m notgoi
ngt
otel
lyou.
TJ:
Mxm.
Webot
hlaughed.
Me:
Imi
sshi
m hecoul
dbel
aughi
ngv
eryhar
dnow.
TJ:
IknowBaf
obutl
et'
shav
ehope.
Me:
Yeaht
hat
'st
heonl
ythi
ngwehav
enow"
hope"
.
TJ:
Doy
out
hinkGi
fti
sgoi
ngt
ocomeback?
Me:IhopenotbecauseIdon'
twantbl
oodi
nmy
hands.
TJ:
Let
'sgocheckont
heot
her
s.
Wewentt otheot
her
sandtheywerebusyt
alki
ngto
thei
rdaught
erandThandowassl
eepi
ngontheother
bed.
Me:
Angel
.
I
sipho:
Bhut
i.
Ihuggedher
.
Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
I
sipho:
Tir
edandi
npai
nabi
tthough.
Me:
Youwi
l
lbef
ine.
I
sipho:Thankyouf
orgi
vi
ngourdaught
ersucha
beauti
fulname.
Me:
Youwel
come.
TJ:
Whendi
dThandosl
eep?
Sphe:
Justaf
terMamzolef
tshel
ookeddr
ainedso
Shawntol
dhertor
estabit
.
Me:
Shawn?
Theyl
aughed.
Sphe:
YesShawntheywereactual
l
ytal
ki
ngand
l
aughi
ngIt
hinkt
heykindofcl
ick.
Me:
Okay
.
TJ:
Arey
ouj
eal
ous?
I
sipho:
Bhut
iyouar
ejeal
ous.
Me:
JustleavemealoneI
'
m notj
eal
ous,
whenwi
l
l
t
hedoct
ordischar
geyou?
I
sipho:
Tomor
row.
Me:Okaywewi
llhav
etof
indsomepeopl
etowat
ch
ZaneandSi
ms.
TJ:Yeahi
t'
salr
eadyl
atel
et'
sgonowwewi
l
lcal
l
them t
omorr
ow.
Sphe:Iwi
l
lstaywi
thI
siphoandt
hebabyandIwi
l
l
keeponchecki
ngt
hem.
Me:
Okayl
etmewakeThandoup.
TJ:
Justcar
ryherhawubeagent
lemanf
oronce.
Me:
Car
ryherhai
bo.
I
sipho:
HawuBhut
i.
Me:
Okayokay
.
TJ:
Byeguy
swewi
l
lseey
out
omor
row.
Icar
ri
edThandoandshewasfastasl
eep,
thet
hingI
havenoti
cedwi
thThandoi
sthatshei
saheavy
sl
eeper.
Iputherinthecarandwewenthome,
wepassedby
TJsgirl
fr
iend.
WhenwegothomeThandowasalr
eadyawake,
they
goti
nsi
dewi
thTJsgi
rl
fr
iendwhi
chIdidn'
tev
en
know.
Me:
Okaywhoi
sthat
?
TJ:
Mygi
rl
fr
iend.
Me:
Youhav
eagi
rl
fr
iendsi
ncewhen?
TJ:I
t'
sbeenawhil
enowIjustdi
dn'
twantt
orushi
t
ti
l
lI'
m sur
ewhatweare.
Me:
Sonowy
ouknow?
TJ:
YesIknowshe'
sal
lIneed.
Me:
I'
m happyf
ory
ouman,
what
'shername?
TJ:
Sanel
i
siwe.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sgeti
nsi
de.
Thando:
Wemadesomef
ood.
TJ:Thankyousothi
sismygirlf
ri
endSanel
i
siwe,
Sanethi
sismybrotherSbani
andIseeyouhavemet
Thando.
Sane:
YesIhav
emetherni
cemeet
ingy
out
ooSbani
.
Me:
Greatmeet
ingy
out
oomakot
i.
Weat
eandt
hent
heywentt
osl
eep.
Thando:
I'
m goi
ngt
osl
eept
oogoodni
ght
.
Me:
Uhmm Thando.
Thando:
Yes.
Me:
Cany
oupl
easesl
eepwi
thmet
oni
ght
.
Thando:
Sleepwi
thy
ou?
Me:Idon'
tmeani
tli
ket
hatwewi
l
ljustcuddl
e
pl
ease.
Thando:
Okayl
et'
sgot
hen.
Wewentt
omyr
oom,
Iwantt
otel
lThandot
hatIl
ove
herandweshouldtr
yagai
nbutIst
il
ldon'
ttr
ustwhat
i
fshedisappoi
ntsmeagai
n?
I
'm al
overandIl
ovehar
dsoIwantsomeonewhoi
s
goi
ngtogivemewhatIgi
ve.
Thando:
I'
m goi
ngt
otakeashower
.
Me:
CanIj
oiny
ou?
Thando:
Whatar
ewedoi
ngSbani
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
Thando:
Okayj
oinmebuti
twi
l
lbei
nnocent
.
Me:
Okayi
nnocenti
tis.
Wewenttoshoweranditwasr
eal
l
yinnocentev
en
t
houghIdi
dn'
twantitt
obe.
Me:
Let
'ssl
eepGoodni
ght
.
Thando:
Canwet
alk?
Me:
Okaywhat
'
sony
ourmi
nd?
Thando:Uhmm li
stenall
t het
hingsthathav
e
happenedovert
hepastf ewday smademer eal
i
se
thatl
if
eistooshortsoItookthisdeci
siont
otel
lyou
howIf
eel
abouty
ou.
Me:
Thando.
Thando: Pleasejustli
sten,I'
m sorryabouthowI
behavedt helasttimebutIl earntmylessonandI'
m
will
i
ngt omakeuswor k.Ilovey ouandeverydayI
wishwear etogetherpleasejustgivemeachance
that'
sifyoudon'thav eagi rl
fr
iend.
Ikeepqui
etf
orawhi
l
e.
Thando:
Pleasesaysomet
hing.
Me:Ilov
ey outoobutpleaseThandodon't
di
sappointmeagainjustputyourstudi
esand
pr
ojectf
irstt
henusandourf amily
.
Thando:
Ipr
omi
seIwi
l
ldo.
Me:
Nowcomegi
vemeaki
ssImi
ssedt
hosel
i
ps.
Thando:
Buty
ouwer
eki
ssi
ngy
ourPA.
Me:
Thandower
eyouspy
ingonme?
Shechuckl
ed.
Thando:
No.
Me:
Wasi
tyouwhot
oldMahl
etost
opsei
ngme.
Thando:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ngabout
.
Me:
Okaycomenow.
Shecameandsatonmyl
apt
henweki
ssed.
Me:
Imi
ssedt
his.
Thando:
Notmor
ethanIdi
d.
Me:
Okayl
et'
ssl
eepnow.
Wegoti
ntobedandshesl
eptont
opofme.
Inthemiddleoft
heni
ghtThandowasmovingmind
youontopofmeandourgr oi
nskeptont
ouchi
ng
eachother.
Me:
Thandowangahl
ali
sekanj
e?
Thando:Yourphonehasbeenr
ingi
ngbutwhenI
movey ouknow.
Me:
YesIknowbecausey
ouar
etempt
ingme.
ImovedherthentookmyphoneIhadt
enmi
ssed
cal
l
sfrom Luthando.
Thando:
Whowasi
t?
Me:Thisi
sstr
angeitwasLut
handoIt
hink
somethi
ngiswrong.
Thando:
Cal
lherback.
Me:
It'
s1:
30i
nthemor
ning.
Thando:
Justcal
lherpl
ease.
Idi
alhernumberandshepi
cksupont
hef
ir
str
ing.
Luthando:
Youallar
ebusysl
eepi
ngwhi
l
ether
e's
dangerinyourway.
Me:
Whatdanger
?
Luthando:Sbaniyouaresupposetoknowev er
ythi
ng
andy ouaresupposet ohelpev
eryoneespeci
all
y
yourfamil
ybuty oujustbecometooangryandthat
blocksyourvi
sions.
Me:
IknowIj
ustdon'
tknowhowt
ocont
rol
myanger
.
Luthando:Youneedtoworkonthatpl
easenowget
upandr ushtothehospi
tal
bef
orethatnur
se
fi
nishesthem of
f.
Me:
Whatnur
se?
Lut
hando:
TheoneGi
fthi
rednowgoandt
ell
TJI
sai
dcongr
atul
ati
onsont
hatbabyt
heyj
ustmade
wit
hSane.
Me:
What
?
Sheal
readydr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Me:
Getdr
essedweneedt
ogo.
Thando:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
Iwi
l
lexpl
ainont
heway
.
Igotdr
essedandwentt
owakeTJup.
Me:
Knockknock.
TJ:
What
?
Me:
Getdr
essedweneedt
ogonow.
TJ:
Okay
.
Iwentt
ocheckonThandoandshewasdone.
Thando:
I'
m donel
et'
sgo.
WemetTJandSanei
nthel
ounget
henwel
eft
.
TJ:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
Lut
handot
oldmet
otel
lyout
hat
congr
atul
ati
onsont
hebabyy
ouguy
smadet
oni
ght
.
Isai
dwhi
sper
ing.
TJ:
What
?
Me:
Yes.
TJ:
Youmean?
Me:
YesImeanj
ustt
hat
.
Hel
ookedatSanet
hensmi
l
ed.
Me:
SoGi
fthi
redanur
set
ofi
nishof
fZaneandSi
ms.
TJ:
What
?
Me:
That
'swhatLut
handosai
d.
Sane:
Theyar
egoi
ngt
obeokayt
hough?
Me:
Yesi
fwegett
her
efastenough.
Sane:
Yoh.
Thando:
Wel
comet
oourf
ami
l
ybabe.

Wegottothehospi
tal
andrantothewar
dand
guesswhat
?Thenursewasstandi
ngbyZane'
sbed
si
dewi
thaneedl
einherhands.
TJ:
Whatdoy
out
hinky
ouar
edoi
ng?
Nurse:
Uhmm Iwas.
.uhm t
hedoct
ort
oldmet
odo
t
his.
Me:
Whi
chdoct
or?
Nur
se:
HewenthomeandIdon'
tthi
nky
ouknowher
.
Thando:
Okaygi
vemet
hatneedl
e.
Sphewasalsoher
ehesai
dhewassl
eepi
ngandt
he
nurset
oldhi
mt or
est
.
Nur
se:
What
?
Thando:
Isai
dgi
vemet
hef
ucki
nneedl
e.
Shegav
eherr
eluct
ant
ly.
Thando:
SoifIi
njecty
ouwi
tht
hisneedl
enot
hingi
s
goi
ngtohappen.
Nur
se:
Nopl
easedon'
t.
Thando:
Why
?Imeani
t'
shar
mlessr
ight
.
Ihav
enev
erseent
hissi
deofThandoandI
'
mlov
ing
i
t.
Nur
se:
Nopl
easeIdon'
twantt
odi
e.
Thando:
Andy
out
hinkt
heywantt
odi
e?
Shesl
appedher
.
Nur
se:
Iwaspai
dtot
hispl
easeIneededt
hemoney
.
Me:
Thandowai
t,whopai
dyou.
Nur
se:
Idon'
tknowhi
sname.
TJshowedherGi
ft
spi
ctur
e.
TJ:
Wasi
thi
m?
Nur
se:
Yesy
esi
twashi
m.
Sphe:Ical
l
edt
hepoli
ceIthi
nkit
'sbesttheyfi
ndGi
ft
becausewear
enotsupposetokil
lanyone.
Thando:Soyouwer
ewill
ingt
oki
l
ltwopeopl
ejust
becauseyouwer
epaid?
Nur
se:I
'
m sor
ry.
Thepoli
cecameandtookt
henur
sewhot
oldt
hem
aboutGi
ftandt
heypr
omisedt
ofi
ndhi
m.
TJ:
Theybett
erfi
ndhim becausei
ftheydon'
ttr
ust
meIwil
lki
ll
him wit
hmybar ehands.
Me:
Thandower
eyour
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
oinj
ecther
.
Thando:
Fort
hem,
yes.
Me:
Thatwassexybyt
heway
.
Thando:
Youar
ecr
azy
.
Sphe:
Whoi
sthi
sbeaut
if
ull
ady
.
Sane:
I'
m Sanel
i
siweTJ'
sgi
rl
fr
iend.
Sphe:
Nicemeet
ingy
ouI
'
m Sphehi
sbr
other
.
Sane:
Nicemeet
ingy
out
oo.
Me:Ineedsomesl
eepI
'
mti
reddoy
out
hinki
t'
ssaf
e
f
orustoleave.
Shawn:Youcansl
eepintheotherbedsIhave
organi
sedf
oryouguys,
Ijustheardwhathappened.
TJ:
Thanksman.
Shawn:
Youcanshar
ebedsi
fthat
'sf
inebyy
ou.
Sane:
It'
sfi
net
hanksdoc.
IguessSanewi
l
lfi
tjustf
inei
nthi
sfami
l
y.
Sphe:
Youcancomesl
eepwi
thmeSbani
.
Me:
NoIwi
l
lsl
eepwi
thThando.
TJ:
What
?Youguy
sar
ebackt
oget
herar
en'
tyou?
Thando:
Yeswear
e.
Sphe:
Justkeepi
treal
thi
sti
me.
Me:
Wewi
l
lmanl
etssl
eep.
Weal
lwentt
oourbedsandsl
ept
.
I
nser
tthi
rt
ysi
x

Isatinthebedr oom anddi gestedwhatj ust

happened, di
dSbani propose?itwasj ustsurrealto
meIdon' tknowwhy .IknowIlovehi m alotandI
wantt ospendt herestofmyl i
fewi t
hhim butIdon' t
knowI '
mj ustscaredofdi sappointi
nghi m againnot
thatIdon'ttr
ustmy selfbel
iev
emeIdo, Ij
ustay yI
don'tknow.Ishouldbehappyi nfactoverthemoon
butmyemot ionsar eallovertheplaceIguessI '
m
j
ustov erwhelmed, IthinkIneedtoseemyt herapist
.
AsIwasst
il
li
ndeept
hought
sthel
adi
escamei
nto
myroom.
Sane:
Babear
eyouokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
I
sipho:Buty
oudon'
tl
ookf
ineThandodi
dyouand
mybr ot
herf
ight
?
Me:
Nowedi
dn'
tfi
ghthepr
oposed.
Theyscr
eamed.
Sane:
Youdon'
tsoundexci
tedt
hough.
I
sipho:
Andy
oudon'
tev
enl
ookhappywhy
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
Sane:
Yousai
dyesr
ight
?
Il
ookeddown.
Them:
Thando!
Me:
Hegav
emet
imet
othi
nkabouti
t.
I
sipho:
What'
sther
etot
hinkabouti
sthi
snotwhat
y
ouwant ?
Me:
Ofcosi
tis.
Sane:
So?
Me:
Iguesshecaughtmeof
fguar
d.
I
sipho:
Idon'
tunder
stand.
Sane:Howdoyouthi
nkheisf eel
i
ngr i
ghtnowthat
yousaidy
ouwil
lthi
nkaboutitbecauseI'
m sur
ehe
expect
edyout
osayy esr
ightaway .
Me:Someti
mesIfeell
i
keSbani
doesn'
tdeser
veme
l
ikehei
stoogoodforme.
I
sipho:
Obv
iousl
y.
Shesai
dleav
ingt
her
oom.
Sane:
What'sreal
l
ygoingonThandobecausewhat
youaresay
ingdoesn'
tmakesense.
Me:Don'
tgetmewrongIl
oveSbanibutsometi
mesI
wonderi
fhelov
esmetooorhesti
ll
feelssor
ryfor
me.
Sane: Si
badala(wear eold)Thandotobehavingthi
s
conversati
onbutwhywoul dSbanibewithyouifhe
doesn'twanty ou,Sbaniknowswhathewant sifhe
wasf eel
ingsor r
yforyouhewoul dn'
thavemended
thi
ngswi thyou.
Me:
Ijustdon'
tknow.
Sane:I
'm averystr
aightforwardpersonminaThando
andI'
m partofthi
sfami lynowsoI '
m notgoingtotry
andunderstandwhaty ouar esayi
ngbecauseit
doesn'
tmakesenseal l Icansayisuzolahl
ekel
wa
okukhonangokungekho, Sbanihaspr ov
enhislove
toyouevenaf t
eral
lthaty oudid.
Me:I'
mjustscaredI'
m notusedtobei
ngaround
peopl
ewholovemel ikethi
sIalwaysf
eell
i
ket hey
wil
lwantsomethingi
nr et
urn.
Sane:Butthisti
mei t
'
snotl ikethatyougett ohavea
family
,amanwhol ovesy ou,justappreci
atewhat
youhav eandenj oyeverymomentbecausel if
eisnot
promisedtoany one,afterallthathappenedy ou
shouldknowt hatlif
eisshor tsoy ouhav etomake
thebestofit.Li
v einthemomenti fsomeonei s
will
i
ngt omakey ouhappyt henal l
owt hem to.Sbani
i
shandsomehecangetanygi rlhewant sbuthe
chosey ou,
hef oundy oubr okenanddeci dedt oheal
youandmendy ourheart.
Me:
Yousoundl
i
kemyt
her
api
stnow.
Wel
aughed.
Sane:I'
mj ustgoodwithwords,
ifyouwantt obe
happyletgoofy ourpastcompl
etelyanddon't
comparepeopl eyouhavenowwi thpeopleyouused
toknow, weallcarr
yourbargai
nweal lhaveourown
stor
iestotellbutwesmileandli
vehappybecause
l
ifegoeson.
Me:YouknowIusedt obeaprosti
tut
eand
ever
yti
meSbanitouchesmeIwonderifheisnot
di
sgustedofmybodyormay beifhedoesn'
tthink
aboutall
themanthathavebeenbetweenmyl egs.
Sane:
Hav
eyout
alkedt
ohi
m aboutanyoft
his?
Me:
No.
Sane:Thent al
ktohi
m babemakehi m under
stand
yourfears,
getassur
ancefrom hi
m abouthowhe
seesy ouandhowhef eel
saboutyourbodyandy our
past.
Me:
ThankyouIguessther
eisnoneedt
otal
ktomy
t
her
api
stnow,y
ouar er
eall
ygood.
Sane:
That
'
swhyIst
udi
edpsy
chol
ogy
.
Me:
Itmakessensenow.
Sane:Ihav
ealsohavemademyownmi
stakesbeen
thr
oughalotbutyoucannev
ersay
.
Shetookoffhershi
rtandexposedherbackandI
coul
dn'tbel
i
evemyey esshehadsomanyscar s.
Me:
OhmyGodSanewhathappened?
Sane: Mymot herusedt obeatmeupf rom t heageof
sixifIremembercor r
ectly,herparentsdisownedher
andt hrowheroutofthehousewhenshewas
pregnantwi t
hme.Theywer edi sappoi
ntedatherf or
fal
li
ngpr egnantwhil
eshewasst il
li
nhighschool
most lybecauseshewasi nmat ri
c,shelefthome
andcamet oDurban.Shet oldmeshet ri
edabor ti
ng
mebuti twasneversuccessf ulsoIhadt opayf or
causinghersomucht rouble,Istart
edhav ingsex
whenIwast enyearsoldbecauseIhav etobr ing
foodathome.
Iwasacryi
ngmessbutSanewasnotcr
yingatal
lI
appl
audhershei
sver
ystrong.
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyour
unaway
?
Sane:
Iknowt
hismaysoundstupidbutIdi
dn'
twant
tol
eavemymotheral
onebecauseshehadmanaged
t
omakemebel
iev
et hati
twasall
myf aul
tsoIwas
t
ryi
ngt
omakeupforallt
hepai
nIcausedher.
Me:
Idon'
tev
enknowwhatt
osay
.
Sane:Istayedwi t
hherandmadesur eIdi
dwellin
school j
usttomakeherpr oudregardl
essofwhat
shewasdoi ngt omebutal lIdi
dwasal wayswrong
i
nherey esbutIst ayedanyway.Aft
ersomey ears
shef i
nall
yapologisedandthendied,st
il
lIbl
amed
my sel
fforallt
hat.
Me:
Howdi
dyouf
inal
l
yletgo.
Sane:
Ifoundhel
p,somebodytotalkt
owho
managedtochangemymi ndsetandt
oldmet
hati
t
wasnevermyfault
.
Me:I'
m sosor
ryaboutal
lthatSaneI
'
m gl
ady
ouar
e
okaynow.
Sane: I
ttooktimebutI'
mf i
neandI'
m happysobe
happyandknowt hatever
ythi
nghappensfora
reasonandt hatyoushoul
dnotletanyt
hingbr
eak
you,justal
lowittomakey oustr
ong.
Me:
Thanky
ouIl
ovey
ouokay
.
Sane:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Wehuggedf
orawhi
l
e.
Me:
DoesTJknow?
Sane:
Heknowsbutnotaboutt
hebeat
ings.
Me:
Hehasnotseeny
ourback?
Sane:Yesthat'
swhatwefi
ghtaboutmostt
imes
becauseIalwayswearav
estandIdon'
tbathwi
th
hi
mi nthebathroom.
Me:
Youshoul
dtel
lhi
myoucan'
thi
det
hem f
orev
er.
Sane:
I'
m notr
eadyf
orhi
mtoknowy
et.
TJ:
Wel
lIknownow.
Wejumpedandhewasst
andi
ngbyt
hedoorwi
thhi
s
ar
msfolded.
Sane:
Baby
.
TJ:
Don'
t.
Hesai
dandl
eft
.
Me:
Howl
onghashebeenst
andi
ngt
her
e?
Sane:
Idon'
tknowThandoI
'
mint
roubl
e.
Me:
Justgot
alkt
ohi
m.
Sane:
I'
m pr
egnant
.
Me:
What
?NosoLut
handowasr
ight
.
Sane:
Ihav
en'
ttol
dhi
mthatIt
ookt
het
est
.
Me:Congrat
ulat
ionsmommyj
ustgot
ell
him
ev
eryt
hing.
Sane:
Okaypl
easet
alkt
oSbani
.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
ohi
mjustnow.
Sane:
Wishmel
uck.
Me:
Goodl
uckbabe.
Sheranoutsi
dewhileIt
houghtaboutallt
hatshe
sai
d,ital
lmakessenseIshouldn'
tletmypasthold
mebackbecauseIwasl osethemanIl ov
eov er
somebadmemor i
esandmyi nsecuri
ti
esaboutmy
body.Iwasabouttogodownst ai
rswhenSbani
enter
edtheroom.
Me:
Arey
oust
il
lgoi
ngt
oseeSi
ms?
Sbani
:NoIwi
ll
got
omor r
owIdon'
twantt
odi
stur
b
hi
m maybehei
sal
readysl
eepi
ng.
Hewasnotev
enl
ookingatmeGodwhatiswrong
wi
thmewhydoIkeepondisappoi
nti
ngt
hisman.
Me:
Yes.
Isai
dandhet
urnedandl
ookedatme.
Sbani
:Yeswhat
?
Me:
Youknow.
Sbani
:NoIdon'
tknowThando.
Me:
YesIwi
l
lmar
ryy
ouSbani
.
Sbani
:Andt
henwhatchangedy
ourmi
nd?
.
Me:It
'snotli
keIsai
dnowheny
ouaskedmeIj
ust
sai
dIwillt
hinkabouti
t.
Sbani:WellIguesst
hatsoundedl
ikeanot
omeI
meanIt houghtweareonthesamepagebutwhenI
proposeuthiyouwil
lthi
nkabouti
t.
Me:
I'
m..
.
Sbani
:Don'
tsayy
ouar
esor
rypl
ease.
Me:
Cany
ouat
leastsi
tdownsowecant
alk.
It
houghthewasnotangr
ybutnowhei
spi
ssed.
Me: Li
stenIjustreal
i
sedIwaswr ongIhadt
houghts
i
nmymi ndt hatmaybey oudon'tl
ovemeenough
youjustfeelsorr
yme, everyt
imey out
ouchmeI
wonderi fy
ouar enotdisgustedofmybodybecause
ofthejobIusedt odo.
Sbani:BabyIunder st
andy ourwor ri
esbutIt hi
nkI
havepr ovenenought oy out hatIlovey ou,
Ichose
youknowi ngwhaty oudo.I '
mt heonewhodeci ded
tolovey oueventhoughy ouf el
tli
key oudidn't
deservemyl ove.Thef i
rsttimeIsawy ouwer ea
prost
itutebutIsawbey ondt hatandf elli
nlovewit
h
youandnoy ourbodydoesnotdi sgutmeImeanI
l
ov ebeingburiedinsi
dey ou.
Hewi
nkedandIchuckl
ed.
Sbani:Imeani tIloveyou, y
ourpastdoesn' tdefine
youandy oushouldstopf eedingy ourmindallthese
negat i
vethoughts.Noonef orcedmet obei nthis
relat
ionshipI
'm withyoubecauseIwantt oand
pleasetalktomewher every oufeelli
keyouar enot
enoughf orme, Iwil
lremindy outhatyouareenough.
Me:
Ilov
eyouMrKhoza.
Sbani
:Il
oveyout
ooMr sKhozaandmusa
ukut
etema(st
opcry
ing)
.
Il
aughedbet
weenmyt
ear
s.
Me:
Sowher
eist
her
ing?
Hel
aughed.
Sbani
:Iwi
l
lbuyi
ttomor
row.
Me:
Can'
twai
t.
Sbani:
Pleasedon'tev
erl ookatanyofusint
his
famil
yandt hi
nkthatyouar eher
ebecausewefeel
sorr
yforyoubecauset hat'
snotthecase.
Inodded.
Sbani
:Nowwi
pet
hoset
ear
sandgi
vemewhat
's
mine.
Me:
Nonotunt
ilwear
emar
ri
ed.
Sbani:Tel
lmeyouar
ejokingImeanyouhav
ebeen
screamingmynameallt
hiswhil
ebutnowusho
kanje.
Me:
Imeani
tbabe.
Sbani
:St
handwasam no.
Ir
ant
othebat
hroom whi
l
eher
anaf
terme,
Dear
Godt
hanky
ouIsaidi
nmymind.

Si
ms

Facingdeathmakesy ourealisesomanyt hings,

beingaroundpeopl eanddon' tt ellt
hem howy ou
l
ov eandappr eci
at ethem isthewor stthi
ngev er.
WhenIwasi nacomaIhear dev er
ythingeachoneof
myf amilysaidIknewt heylov edmebutInev er
knewi twast hatdeep, Iheardev eryweep, everycry
andev erywor d.Iwant edsomucht otell
them how
muchIl ovet hem butIcoul dn'tandt hatmademe
verysadbecauseIt houghtIwi llnevergetthe
chancet otellthem.Thati swhyIsayi t'
svery
i
mpor tanttoappr eci
atepeopl ewhi letheyarest i
l
l
ali
vebecausewhent heyar egonei tdoesn'tmat t
er
thatmuch, I'
m gr atefultobeal i
vet odaytobegi vena
secondchancet obewi t
hmyf amilyespeciall
yZane.
Somepeopl ewoul dblameherf orwhathappened
butIdon'tshehadnocont r
oloverGi
ftandshe
total
l
ydidn'tknowthathewasthatcrazy,Iknowshe
alsoblamesher sel
fbutt
herei
snot i
mef orthatal
lI
wantisforust obehappyandappreciat
eeach
secondwel ivebecausewewerebothgivena
secondchance.
Zane:
What
'sony
ourmi
ndy
ouhav
ebeenawf
ull
y
qui
et?
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Zane:
Ilov
eyouandI
'
m gl
ady
ouar
eback.
Me:
It'
sgoodt
obeback.
Zane:
Don'
tev
ersl
eepf
ort
hatl
ongpl
ease.
Me:
Nev
erbabyIpr
omi
se.
Zane:
I'
m sosor
ryaboutwhathappened.
Me:
Itwasnoty
ourf
aul
tsost
opapol
ogi
si
ng.
Zane:
It'
sjustt
hat
..
.
Me:I
'
m notgoingt
osayt
hisagai
nstopapol
ogisi
ng
i
fIev
erhearyousayy
ouaresorr
yagai
nsizoxabana.
Zane:
Okayokayf
ine.
Me:
Iwantust
ofor
getaboutwhathappenedand
moveon.
Zane:
Okayi
t'
sjustt
hatIdon'
twanty
out
obl
ameme
oneday.
Me:MyloveIwil
lneverblameyoubecauseIknowi
t
wasnotyourf
aultsopleasel
etsdr
opit.
Zane:
Okaygoodni
ght
.
Me:
Goodni
ght
.
Iki
ssedhert henshelayedonmychest ,
thishas
becameherhomeshehasbeensl eepingher e
everydaysinceIwasstil
linacomaev eni fIdoubted
herloveformeInowknowshei smysoul mat e.I
sti
ll
wantt oseeGi f
tIknowhei sinpri
sonbutIneed
toseehim andl ookhi
mi ntheeye,i
fIhadachanceI
wouldkillhi
m butSbaniwouldseethatbef oreI
arr
angei t
.IholdZanetightanddri
ftt
osl eep.
Ihearpeopl
etal
kingwhenIopenmyeyesi
t'
sZane
andSbaniandit
'
sal r
eadyt
henextday
.
Me:
Isi
tmor
ningal
ready
?
Sbani
:YesBaf
o.
Me:
HayIt
hinkt
heyki
ndofmani
pul
atet
het
imeher
e.
Wel
aughedbef
orehehuggedme.
Sbani
:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngBaf
o?
Me:
Pai
nst
her
eandt
her
ebutIwi
l
lbef
ine.
Zane:
BabeI
'
m goi
ngnowIwi
l
lseey
oul
ater
.
Me:
Okayby
eIl
ovey
ou.
Zane:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Shel
eft
.
Me:
Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
?
Sbani
:I
'm sohappyy
ouar
eback.
Me:
Don'
tcr
yonmenow.
Sbani
:Fuseg.
Me:Youcr
iedev
ery
daywhenIwasinacomaIdidn'
t
knowyoul
ovedmethatmuch,
Ilov
eyoutooman.
Sbani
:Mxm y
ouaret
alki
ngtoomuchnowmay
be
youshoul
dgobackt
osleep.
Me:
NoI
'
m nev
ersl
eepi
ngt
hatl
ongev
eragai
n.
Sbani
:I
'm gl
adBaf
o.
Me:
Ihear
dyouwer
ear
rest
ed.
Sbani
:Ahhwhot
oldy
ou?
Me:
I'
m notr
eveal
i
ngmysour
ce.
Wel
aughed.
Sbani
:Mxm sour
cey
oknukaIal
readyknow.
Het
oldmewhathappened.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowMel
i
ssawast
hatcr
azy
.
Sbani
:Nei
therdi
dImanbutGi
ftmani
pul
atedhera
l
ot.
Me:St
il
lmanwhatshedi
dwascrazyI
'
m gl
adshe
wi
ll
bejoini
nghermani
npri
son.
Hel
ookeddown.
Me:
Don'
ttel
lmey
oul
ethergo.
Sbani
:Idi
dmanshehasason.
Me:
Sowhat
?Youal
sohav
eaf
ami
l
y.
Sbani
:Iknowbutit
'
ssomet
hingIhadt
odoshe
needshel
pthat
'sal
l.
Me:Shedoesn'
tev
ent
hinkt
hatshei
ssi
ckhowwi
l
l
shegethel
p.
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Me:NonoSbani
don'
ttel
lmey
ouget
ti
nghel
pfor
her
?
Sbani
:Don'
tl
ect
ureme.
Me: Don'
ttel
lmenottolectur
ey ou,
youalmost
spenttherestofy
ourl
if
ei npri
sonbecauseofher
.
Sbani
:Iknowbutt
hisi
smyt
askIwast
oldt
olether
goandhelpher
.
Me:
Yourancest
orst
oldy
out
hat
?
Sbani
:Yes.
Me:Hayhayangiy
izwakel
e(Idon'
tgetanyoft
his)
doesThandoknow.
Sbani
:Noshedoesn'
tandkeepi
tthatway
.
Me: Sheisnotgoi
ngtobehappyaboutthi
sImean
thi
ngshav eawayofcomingout,
whatifMeli
ssai
s
sti
l
lplott
ingagai
nsty
ou.
Sbani
:Shei
snotIknow.
Me:Idon'
tli
kethi
s,shei
syourexandnowy
ouar
e
busyhel
pingher.
Sbani
:I'
mjusthel
pingherbesi
desIpr
oposedt
o
Thando.
Me:
Youdi
dwhat
?WowI
'
m happyf
ory
ouBaf
o.
Sbani
:Danki
eBaf
o.
Me:
Didshesayy
es?
Sbani
:Yesshedi
d.
Me:
That
'sgr
eatIcan'
twai
ttogetoutofher
e.
Sbani
:Onedayatat
ime.
Me:
Stayawayf
rom Mel
i
ssa.
Sbani
:It
houghtwewer
ewaypasst
hatnow.
Me:It
'sjustt
hatIdon'
ttr
usther
,whoel
seknows
aboutthi
s?
Sbani:Justy
ouev
ery
bodyst
il
lresent
shersoIwon'
t
tel
lthem.
Me:
OkayIknowy
ouar
est
ubbor
nsoj
ustbecar
eful
.
Sbani
:Iwi
l
lI'
m notdoi
ngt
hisbecauseIl
i
kebut
becauseIhav
eto.
Me:
Don'
tfal
li
nlov
ewi
thher
.
Wel
aughed.
Sbani
:Ij
ustt
oldy
ouI
'
m get
ti
ngmar
ri
edsonot
ime
fort
hat.
Me:
Good.
Sbani
:Therearesomethi
ngsIhav
etodotoyou,i
t
wil
lbepainf
ulbutitwi
l
lmakeyougohomesooner.
Me:
Haydon'
tki
l
lmeSbani
.
Sbani
:Justt
rustme.
Wel
aughed.
Me:
Let
'seatf
ir
st,
thanksf
ort
hef
ood.
Sbani
:Youwel
come.
EventhoughIdon'ttr
ustMel i
ssawhat'
simportanti
s
thatIt
rustSbaniandIknowt hathi
sancestor
swi l
l
neverl
eadhim astray
, Ijustdon'
tunder
standwhy
theyarebri
nginghim closertoMeli
ssa.We
conti
nuedeatingwhil
et alkingandl
aughingIr
eally
missedhisstubbornass.
I
nser
tthi
rt
ysev
en

Zane

It
'sbeent hreeday ssinceIwokeupandt hedoct or
saidhewi llnotdischargemey et,
ev erydayIwakeup
andsitnextt oSimsbedsi deIdon' tbelievethis
happenedt hewor separ ti
st hatGiftdidi t
.Ican' t
helpbutbl amemy selfifIj
ustgav ehi m anot her
chancet hiswouldn' thavehappened, IriskedSims
l
ifeforloveandnowhei ssleepingher eandmay
neverwakeup.Ipr ayforhim mor et hanIpr ayf or
my sel
fbecausehesav edmef r
om mymi sery,he
broughtbackhopeandl oveinmyl ifeifitwasn' tfor
him IknowIwoul dhav ewentbackt oGi ftbuthi s
l
ov econv i
ncedmet hatIdeser vebet t
er,thatI
deserveev eryt
hinghewasof feri
ngme.
Ispentmostofmyt imegivi
ngGiftmyal l
andhe
hurtmebeyondmeasur eswhenSi mscomesand
putthepi
ecestogetherGi
fttakeshim awayfrom me,
Ineedtofi
ndhim andmakehi m payforthis.
Youal lmaybeaski ngy oursel
veswher eIcomef rom,
wellI'
m origi
nall
yf r
om Escour tandI 'm anonl ychi ld
mypar entswer emar riedbutmymot herpassed
awaywhenIwas16y ear sol
dduet oahear t
problem.Myf atherador edmymot hersomucht hat
hepr omisednev ertot akeanotherwi febutIt hinkhe
needssomeonebecausehei slonelysinceIal so
mov edtoDur ban.Myf atherknewt hatIwasi na
rel
ationshi
pwi thGiftbuthewasnev erf ondhi m he
j
ustt ol
eratedhimt omakemehappy ,Iwi shI
l
istenedtohi m whenhet ol
dmet hatGi fti snotr i
ght
forme, heusedt osay" Neleyouar est i
llgoingt o
fi
ndt heonenotl omf anawakaZwane"It houghthe
wasj ustbeingapar entbuthi sinsti
nct swer et ell
ing
himt hatsomethingwaswr ongwi t
hGi f
t.
Parentsmaybeov erprot
ectiv
ebuttheyknowbestI
nowbel i
evethat
,Ineedtocallmyfatherandtal
kto
hi
m butIdon'tknowwhet herhei
sbackf rom
overseasornot.
I
tbreaksmyhearttoseeSi
msl i
kethi
sIdon'tknow
whetherhewil
lwakeupornotbutweareprayinghe
doesmostlymebecauseIwil
lneverf
orgi
vemy sel
f
i
fsomet
hinghappenst
ohi
m.
Me: St
handwasam pl easewakeupI'm sosorr
yt hat
thi
shappenedtoy oubuty ouneedtowakeupand
comebackt ome, Ibeli
evewest i
l
lhavealongway
togoIsti
llneedyout olovemeandmet ol
ovey ou
backwholeheart
edly.Ipromiset
omakeGi ftpayf or
whathedidIlovey ousomuch.
Iwant
edt
ocr
ysomuchbutIwasv
eryangr
yatGi
ft
.
Sbani
:ZanecanIcomei
n?
Me:
Uhmm y
eahsur
e.
Sbani
:Howar
eyou?
Me:
NotgoodIwanthi
mtowakeup.
Sbani:Hewi
l
ldon'
twor
ry,
youknowy
oual
sohav
eto
restr
ight
.
Me:
IknowbutIj
ustcan'
thel
pit
.
Sbani
:St
ophol
dingy
ourt
ear
sjustcr
y.
Isi
ghedandl
etal
lthepai
noutwhi
l
eSbani
comfor
tedme.
Me:
It'
sal
lmyf
aul
tifIj
ustwentbackt
oGi
ftt
his
woul
dn'
thav
ehappened.
Sbani:
Heyit'
snotyourfaul
tyoual
sodeser
vebet
ter
,
i
fy ouwentbacktoGif
tmay behewoul
dhaveki
ll
ed
youortreat
edyoubad,youwouldal
wayscome
secondbecausehehasawi fe.
Me:
But
..
.
Sbani
:NobutsZanele,Si
msisgoingtowakeupand
youtwoarest
il
lgoingtolov
eeachot herj
uststop
tel
l
ingyour
sel
fthatitwasyourf
aultbecauseit
wasn'
t.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Sbani
:Forwhat
?
Me:
Thet
alk.
Sbani
:Youar
ewel
comeandy
oushoul
drest
.
Me:
Yesdoct
or.
Sbani
:Youshoul
dcal
lyourf
atherhei
swor
ri
ed.
Me:
Howdoy
ouknowt
hat
?
Heraisedhi
shandshowi
ngt
hebr
acel
etsonhi
s
wr
ists.
Me:
Ohsor
ryIal
way
sfor
get
.
Sbani
:Ihav
etogonow.
Me:
Uhmm cany
oupl
easedomeaf
avour
.
Sbani
:Shoot
.
Me:Ihaven'
tdreamtofmymot herf
oraveryl
ong
t
imeandInol ongerfeel
connect
edtohercanyou
t
hrowy ourbone'
sforme.
Hel
aughed.
Sbani
:Iwi
l
lwheny
ougetbackhomebutshei
swi
th
you.
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ou.
Sbani
:Shoseey
oul
ater
.
Me:
Lat
er.
Hel ef
tandIwentbackt omybed, thi
sthi
ngofnot
feeli
ngconnectedtomymot herhasbeenbotheri
ng
meal otI
'mjustgl
adthatshei swithme.Idi
dn'task
Sbani aboutGi
ftbecauseI
'm planningonfi
ndi
nghi m
my sel
fwi t
houttel
l
ingthem Ijusthopeheisnotin
pri
sony et.
Sbani

Il
eftthehospi
talanddecidedtopassbyMcDonal
d
andgetsomef ood,I
'm backathomenowand
ever
yoneishomeex ceptforSi
ms.
Thepol i
cehav en'
tarr
estedGif
tyettheysaythathe
i
sont herun,IknowZanei spl
anningtofindhi
m
withouttell
i
ngusbutt hatwil
lnothappen.Hisfat
her
seemst obeMamzo' smanbutI '
m sti
ll
notsureyet,
I
don'tknowhowt hatwil
lworkoutifi
t'
strue.
Igett
oMcDonal dandpl
acemyorder
,If
eel
someonetappi
ngmyshoulderandt
heonlyper
sonI
thi
nkoffi
sGift
.
Me:
What
?
It
urnandseesomeoneIusedt
ogot
ovar
sit
ywi
th.
Me:
Thobani
Dladl
a.
Thobani
:Ml
i
lo.
Me:
Mymanhowhav
eyoubeen?
Thobani:
Ihav
ebeenar
oundmf
anaki
thi
,eww
ani
saziwamadoda.
Me:Ukubamat
asandodabutI
'
m gl
ady
oust
il
ldoi
ng
wel
l
.
Thobani
:It
'sr
eal
l
ygoodt
oseey
ouagai
n.
Me:
Sameher
eDl
adl
asowhatdoy
oudo?
Thobani
:I'
m al
ect
ureratUKZN.
Me:
Ohokayt
hat
'
sgr
eatman.
Thobani
:Nor
ingIseey
oust
il
lnotmar
ri
ed.
Me:Notyetmanbutsoony
ouwi
l
lbeget
ti
ngan
i
nvi
tat
ion.
Thobani
:Met oobutIt
hinkIfoundsomeoneev
en
thoughshedoesn'
tknowityet.
Me:Let'
ssitdownwhi
l
ewear
est
il
lwai
ti
ng,
sowho
i
stheluckylady
.
Thobani:NomanIdon'twantt
oji
nxi
tsheisa
studentther
eandsheaskedmetohel
pheroutwi
th
somet hi
ngsoItol
dhertomeetmehere.
Me:
Bestofl
uckBaf
o.
Thobani
:AsbongeMl
i
lo.
AsIwasabouttostandupandgocol
l
ectmyor
der
Thandocamethroughthedoor
.
Thobani
:Ther
eshei
sman.
Iwant
edtolaughathi
m becauseThandoi
smi
ne
andmineal
one.
Thando:
Hel
l
o.
Shewasnotsei
ngme.
Thobani
:Thandohey
.
Il
ookedather
.
Thando:
Babewhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Thobani
:Babe?
Me:Ipassedbyt
ogetsomef
oodandIbumpedi
nto
Thobanimyoldf
ri
end.
Thando:
Ohokayyoucanst
ayandwaitf
ormeI
'
m
sur
eitwon'
tbel
ongri
ghtMrDladl
a?
Thobani
:Actual
lyuhhmm Ineedt
ogosomeot
her
ti
me,itwasniceseei
ngyouKhoza.
Me:
Niceseei
ngy
out
ooDl
adl
a.
Thando:
Andt
hen.
Me:Hewasbusyt
ell
i
ngmeaboutagi
rlhel
i
keskant
i
hemeansyou.
Thando:
Shamel
et'
sgot
hen.
It
ookourf
oodandwel
eft
.
Me:
Whenar
eyoul
ear
ningt
odr
ive?
Thando:
Wheny
ouf
indt
imet
oteachme.
Me:
Okayev
eryweekendt
hen.
Thando:
Thanky
oudi
dthepol
i
cef
indGi
ft
.
Me:
Noty
etandZanei
snothandl
i
ngi
twel
l
.
Thando:I
t'
sagoodthingt
hatshei
sst
il
li
nhospi
tal
shewil
lnotdoany
thingst
upi
d.
I
fonl
ysheknewwhatZanei
spl
anni
ng.
Me:
Yeaht
hat
'sgood.
Myphoner
ingsandi
t'
sanunknownsnumber
.
Me:
Answeri
t.
Thando:
Hel
o,ohokayIwi
l
lgi
vehi
m.
Il
ookather
.
Thando:
It'
sMel
i
ssa.
Whatdoesshewantnow.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Mel
i
ssa:
Mli
l
oIneedy
ourhel
p.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Mel
i
ssa:
Canwemeeti
nper
son.
Me:What'st
hisaboutMel
issa?Gif
tal
mostki
l
ledmy
br
otherandyouwantustomeet .
Mel
i
ssa:
Please.
Me:HowwillIknowt
hatyouarenotset
ti
ngmeup,
Gi
fti
syourhusbandaf
teral
l.
Mel
i
ssa:
Pleasewecanmeetaty
ourhouse.
Me:
Okayf
inecomebyl
ater
.
Mel
i
ssa:
Thanksby
e.
Thando:
Whatdoesshewant
?
Me:
Tomeet
.
Thando:
Andy
ouagr
eed?
Me:
Yes.
Thando:
Wow.
Me:
Babecomeon.
Thando:Don'
ttel
lmet
ocomeon,
youar
eput
ti
ng
ourl
ivesatdanger
.
WegothomeandIpar
kedt
hecar
,Thandogotout
andr
ushedi
nsi
de.
TJ:
Whatdi
dyoudo?
Me:
Me?Not
hing.
TJ:
Comeon.
Me:OkayIgotacal
lfr
om Mel
i
ssashewant
sust
o
meet.
TJ:
Yousai
dnor
ight
?
Me:
Wel
l
.
TJ:
WtfSbani
whati
fit
sasetup.
Me:
Iknowi
t'
snot
.
TJ:
Ihopey
ouknowwhaty
ouar
edoi
ng.
Me:
TrustmeIknow.
TJ:
Howi
sSi
msandZane?
Me:Si
msi st
hesame,Zanei
sfinebutshebl
ames
her
sel
fforev
ery
thi
ngandsheisplanni
ngtogetGi
ft
.
TJ:
Shet
oldy
out
hat
?
Me:
Nobutshei
sthi
nki
ngabouti
tIknow.
TJ:
Weneedt
ofi
ndGi
ftsoonman.
Me:
Trustmewewi
l
landguesswhat
?
TJ:
What
?
Me:It
hinkMamzoi
sinar
elat
ionshi
pwi
thZane'
s
f
ather
.
TJ:
What
?That
'ssomemessedupshi
t.
Me:
Yeahmanl
etmegot
alkt
oThando.
TJ:
OkayI
'
m al
sowai
ti
ngf
orSane.
Me:
Soi
sshepr
egnant
?
TJ:
Idon'
tknowshedoesn'
twantt
otaket
het
est
.
Me:
OkaymanIwi
l
lbeupst
air
s.
TJ:
ShoBaf
o.
Iwentupst
airsIknowThandoi
sangr
ynowIneedt
o
sof
tenherupbecauseIhavegotapl
anabout
meeti
ngMel's.
AkhonaQampi
andChar
mai
neNkosi
thanky
ouso
much

I
nser
tthi
rt
ysev
en

Onemont
hlat
er

Lifehasbeengr eat,Si
mswasdi schargedfrom t
he
hospi t
alandeverythi
ngisgoi ngv erywellnow.I'
m
busywi t
hschool,myprojectandt heweddingbut
Sbani hasbeenbehav i
ngal i
ttl
est ranget
hesepast
fewday sIdon'
tknowwhet herI '
m sei ngt
hingsor
what .Isi
phoisgraduati
ngt omor rowsowear ebusy
planningsomethingspecial f
orher ,wear
ehav i
ng
l
unchwi
tht
hegi
rl
s.
Sane:
Ihat
ebei
ngpr
egnantguy
syoh.
I
sipho:
That'
sexactl
yhowIf eltbutoncey
ouhol
d
y
ourbabyitchangesever
ything.
Sane:
Ican'
twai
ttopopupt
hiski
d.
Me:Youst
il
lhav
eal ongwaytogobabe,
Zaney
ou
hav
ebeenawful
lyquietar
eyouokay
?
Zane:
Ithi
nkSi
msi
scheat
ingonme.
Welookateachot herSi
msispl
anningtoproposet
o
Zanetodayandit'
sasurpri
seIt
hinkthat
'swhyshe
i
scompl ai
ning.
Sane:
NobabeSi
msl
ovesy
ou.
Zane:
Butheisact
ingveryst
rangel
adi
esheev
en
putapasswor
dinhisphone.
I
sipho:
I'
m sur
eit
'snot
hingbabe.
Me:
Yeahl
et'
sor
der
.
Weorderedandwait
edwhi
l
ehav
ingabot
tl
eofwi
ne
besi
desSaneOfcos.
Ouror
dercameandwest
art
edeat
ing.
Zane:
SoThandohav
eyouguy
ssetadat
eyet
?
Me:NobutIt
hinkSept
emberwoul
ddoI
'
m st
il
lnot
sur
eaboutadatet
hough.
Sane:Youguysshoul
dwaitf
ormet ogivebir
thI
can'
tbelooki
ngli
keahippoonyourspecial
day.
Wehear
dsomeonelaughi
ngandwel
ookeduponl
y
t
obemetbyMeli
ssa.
Mel
i
ssa:
Ohsor
ryguy
sIdi
dn'
tmeant
ober
ude.
Zane:
Whyar
eyouev
enst
andi
ngher
e?
Mel
i
ssa:
Ijustwant
edt
osayhi
.
I
sipho:
Don'
tev
enst
artMel
i
ssaj
ustgetl
ost
.
Melissa:Noneedt
ofi
ghtj
usttel
lMli
loIsai
dthank
youf ort
aki
ngmysonoutyest
erdayandforour
grocery.
Ichokedonmydr
ink.
Me:
Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?
Sane:
Don'
tmi
ndherThandoI
'
m sur
eshei
sjust
l
yi
ng.
Mel
i
ssa:
Mel
yi
ng?
Shet
ookoutherphone.
Mel
i
ssa:
Ist
hisnothi
snumber
?
Sheshowedmewhi l
esmi
l
ing,
ther
ewer
ecal
l
sand
messagesf
rom Sbani
.
I
'
m notgoi
ngt
ocr
y,Isai
dtomy
sel
f.
I
sipho:
Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oachi
eve?
Mel
i
ssa:
Not
hingby
eladi
es.
Sane:
YetwenaMel
i
ssa.
Zane:
Justl
eav
eherbabe.
Theyl
ookedatme.
Sane:
Pleasedon'
tcr
yThando.
Me:Sot
hiswhySbanihasbeenact
ingstr
angel
atel
y,
doy
ouguysthi
nktheyarehavi
nganaffai
r?
Zane:Idon'
tknowbutIknowSbani
lov
esy
ousoy
ou
shoul
dt al
ktohim.
I
sipho:
Yeaht
alkt
ohi
m butIhopehei
snotmessi
ng
ar
ound.
Sane:
Hebet
ternotbecauseIwi
l
lki
l
lhi
m Iswear
.
Me:
Idon'
tknowl
et'
sgo.
Wewentt oahotel
togetreadyf
orZane'
ssupr
ise,
shedoesn'
tknowanyt
hingwhenwegettoahot el
I
ordert
wobottl
esofwine.
I
sipho:HayThandodon'
ttel
lmey
ouwi
l
ldr
inkt
hese
bott
les.
Me:
OfcosIwi
l
l.
Sane:
Sbani
isgoi
ngt
oki
l
lyou.
Me:
Iwi
l
lki
l
lhi
mfi
rst
.
Ican'
tli
eImayactlikeI'
m okaybutI
'
m not,whatwi
l
l
IdoifSbanii
scheatingonme?Whyi shealways
cal
li
ngMel i
ssa?Whywoul dhetaket
hem out?Nohe
canneverdothatt
omeorwoul dhe?
Zane:Fri
endnoyouar
edrinki
ngwi
nef
rom t
hebot
tl
e
atl
eastpouri
nyourgl
ass.
Me:
No.
Zane:
Youar
ehur
ti
ngIknowbutdr
inki
ngwon'
t
r
esol
veany
thi
ng.
Me:I
'm okaypleasej
ustgetdr
essedIwi
l
ldr
ess
whenIfi
nishthisbot
tl
e.
Shelookedatmet henwentt
ogetdr essed,Idr
ank
thewholebott
leIknowit'
salotbutIdon'twantto
thi
nkaboutwhatMel i
ssasai
d.
Sane:
Thandol
et'
sgo.
I
sipho:
Thandoy
ouar
enotdr
essedy
et.
Me:
Pleaset
ryhel
pingmeout
.
It
ri
edget
ti
ngupbutIf
ell
Sanecamet
okneel
nex
tto
me.
Sane:
Iknowy ouar
ehurtaboutwhatMeli
ssadi dbut
youarenotgoi
ngtorui
nZane'sdaybywhaty ouare
doi
ng,letmehel
pyougetupandy ougetdressed.
Tr
ustSanenottobeataroundthebush,t
heyhel
ped
megetdressedandI'
m drunkngi
dakiwebakwet
hu.
Adrivercamet ofetchusandwewentt othe
rest
auranttheguysbooked,welookedreall
ysexyi
n
ourdressesIdon'tknowaboutmet houghbecause
I
'mjustdrunk,Ican'tev
enwalkproperl
y.
I
siphotextSphet
hatwear
eher
eandt
heyt
ell
ust
o
getinsi
de.
I
sipho:Hol
dont
omepl
easebecausey
ouar
egoi
ng
t
of al
l.
Wegeti
nsi
deandSi
msisonhiskneeswi
thaboxof
t
heri
ngandther
ear
ebal
loonswri
tt
enwil
lyoumar
ry
me?
Sims: Babethesecoupl eofday shavebeenhel
lbut
theymademer eali
sethatIwantt ospendther
estof
myl i
fewi t
hyou, Iwanty out
owakenextt ome
everyday,Iwantt olov
ey outhewayy oudeserv
e.
Ngicelaubeumkami maMbat ha.
Us:
Ncooah.
Zane:
OhbabeIwi
l
lmar
ryy
ou.
Theguy
swhi
stl
edwhi
l
eMamzowasul
uat
ing.
Wehuggedandcongr
atul
atedher
,Sbani
camet
o
st
andnextt
ome.
Sbani
:Babehowar
eyou?
Ikeptqui
et.
Sbani
:Thandol
wam.
Me:
Justl
eav
emeal
one.
Hecamecl
oset
omymout
h.
Sbani
:Sayhaaah.
Me:
Angi
funi
.
Sbani
:Soy
ouhav
ebeendr
inki
ng?
Me:
No.
Sbani
:Bukay
oucan'
tev
enst
andpr
oper
lyThando.
Me:
Don'
tshoutoutatme.
Peopl
ewer
ebusycel
ebr
ati
ngnotmi
ndi
ngus
Sbani
:Ut
hini
?
Me:Isai
ddon'
tshoutatmeSbani
atl
eastIhav
e
beendri
nki
ngnotunf
ait
hful
.
Sbani
:Whohasbeenunf
ait
hful
?
Me:
YouSbani
.
Sbani
:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Me:
Not
hing.
Sbani:
Iseet
her
e'sapr
obl
em canweat
leastgot
alk
outsi
de.
Me:
Fine.
Hehel
dmet
henwewenti
nhi
scar
.
Sbani
:Sowhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
Hav
eyoubeenseei
ngMel
i
ssa?
Sbani
:Uhmm seei
ngherhow?
Me:Don'
tactdumbwi t
hmeSbani ,
IsawMelissaat
t
hemalltodayandshesaidIshoul
dthanky
ouf or
t
aki
ngthem outyest
erday
.
Sbani
:Uhmm l
ookThando.
..
Me:
Don'
ttel
lmey
ouar
echeat
ingonme,
wit
hher
?
Sbani
:Of
cosnotI
'
mjust
..
.
Me:
Idon'
twantt
oheari
t.
Sbani
:Pl
easel
et'
sjustt
alkaboutt
his.
Me:
Idon'
tUhmm.
Iv
omi
tedal
lov
erhi
m.
Sbani
:Whatt
hehel
l
.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryI
'
m..
.
Iv
omi
tedagai
n.
Sbani
:Shi
tI'
mtaki
ngy
ouhome.
Me:
NoIwantt
ocel
ebr
atewi
thmyf
ri
ends.
Sbani
:Howwi
l
lyoucel
ebr
atewheny
ouar
eli
ket
his.
Me:
It'
sal
lyourf
aul
t.
Sbani
:Di
dImakey
oudr
ink?
Me:
Ofcosy
oudi
d.
Sbani
:OkayI
'
m sor
ryl
et'
sgohome.
Hetookouthi
sshi
rtandwipedmyv
omitof
fhi
m
anddrov
etopl
ess,
Icouldn'
thel
pmy
sel
fbutst
areat
hi
sbody.
Sbani
:St
opst
ari
ngatme.
Me:
I'
m not
.
Iadj
ust
edt
hecarseatandsl
ept
.

Sbani
Ilookedatherasshewassl eepingwi thhermout h
pouted,Ididn'
tthi
nkMel i
ssawasgoi ngt obet hi
s
stupidItoldhernottotel
lThandoaboutt his
becauset heydon'
tknowandt heyhat ehernowshe
i
sr ui
ningev ery
thi
ng.Iguessit'
st i
meIst ophel pi
ng
herbecauseshei sstupidIwonderwhathappened
toherormay beshewasal waysst upidjustthatI
didn'
tnotice.
Ihat
elyi
ngtomysel
fbutIdon'thaveanyfeel
i
ngsfor
Meli
ssawhat'
ssoeveri
t'
sjustthatIwasassi
gned
tohel
phersoIdon'
thaveachoice.
Idr
ivei
nsi
dethehouseandwhenIt
ryt
ocar
ry
Thandoi
nsi
deshewakesup.
Thando:
Don'
tcar
ryme.
Me:
Butbabey
oucan'
twal
kpr
oper
ly.
Thando:Leavemeal
oneSbanij
ustbecauseI
'
m
drunkdoesn'
tmeanI
'm st
upi
d,y
ouarebusyfucki
ng
Melissabehi
ndmyback.
Me:
I'
m notf
ucki
ngherIpr
omi
se.
Sheget
sinsi
deandIf
oll
owher
.
Thando: Stopfol
lowingmear ound,Ihavebeen
askingy ouift
here'
ssomet hingwr ongsinceyou
havebeenact ingstr
angelatelybuty ousaidit
's
nothing.Iknowhowmuchy ouhat ebeingli
edto
that'
swhyIdon' texpecty
out oli
e.
Me:
Thando.
Thando:
Ineedt
oshowerandsl
eep.
Shesai
dleav
ingmei
nthel
ounge.
IknowIshoul
dn'thav
el i
edbutIhadnochoicethey
wouldbeangryatmet oo,Ij
usthopeThandodoesn'
t
tel
ltheot
her
sbecauseIknowt heywi
ll
chowme
ali
ve.
IcheckonThandoandshei sfastasl
eep,Igr
abmy
keysandleaveIneedtotal
ktoMel i
ssabefor
eshe
rui
nseveryt
hingforme,IhopeIhavebeengivi
ngher
fal
sesignal
s.
Idr
ivetoherpl
aceandpar
kout
sidemay
bei
t'
sbest
i
fshejustgoesbackt
oCapeTown.
Iknockandsheopensf
orme.
Mel
i
ssa:
Mli
l
o.
Me:
Mel
i
ssahey
.
Mel
i
ssa:
Pleasecomei
n.
Me:
I'
m notst
ayi
ngl
et'
ssi
tdownweneedt
otal
k.
Mel
i
ssa:
Ohokaysoundsser
ious.
Me:
Iti
sact
ual
l
y.
Meli
ssa:Letmewakemysonupsohewi
l
lseet
hat
youarehere.
Me:
Noi
t'
sfi
nedon'
twakehi
m up.
Idon'
tthi
nkMel
issai
sgoingtousehersenses
anyt
imesoonsheisbusyact
ingl
ikehersonisour
sondamn.
Mel
i
ssa:
Okaywhat
'sup.
Me:
Whatdi
dyousayt
omyf
ianceet
oday
?
Mel
i
ssa:
Uhmm not
hing.
Me:Idon'
tev
encar ewhatyousaidbutletmebe
cl
earwit
hyouMelissaI
'm hel
pingyoubecauseI
havet
onotbecauseIwantto.Idon'tunder
stand
howy outhinkbecauseyoualway
sdost upi
dthi
ngs,
Idon'
tlikespendi
ngt i
mewithyoubutIknowwhat
I'
m doingsostoptryi
ngtocausetroubl
eforme.
Mel
i
ssa:
I..
.
Me: Justshutthefuckupandl i
stenaft
erwhaty ou
didtomeIhat eyoubutthisi
smyj obIhavetodoi t
,
what everi
deasy ouhaveinyourheadarenottrueI
don'tli
key ouandIwill
neverdo.AfterI
'
m donewi t
h
al
l t
hisI'm movingonandIexpecty outodothe
sameandst opbeingstupi
d.Iseeyouar ebusy
playi
nghappyf amilywit
hmeal wayswant i
ngmet o
playwithyourson.
Mel
i
ssa:
ButIt
hought
..
.
Me:Youthoughtwrongandi
fyoudon'
tchangeIwi
l
l
st
ophelpi
ngy ousdi
di.
Isai
dthatandl
efthert
her
ewi
tht
ear
sinherey
es.
I
fshet houghtIwashelpi
ngherbecauseIwanther
thensheiscrazi
erthanIthought,
Ihavebeenwill
ing
tocheckoutonZakhele'syoungerbrot
herbutIhave
beenbusysoIcheckoutt headdressandIdriv
e
ther
e,i
t'squit
efarandit'
sintheslums.
Igetoutofthecarandlookaroundsomepeople
real
l
ystayinunhealt
hyareasthisr
eall
yshowshow
wediff
erinthi
scountry,whenyouli
veinthesubur
bs
youdon'tev
enthinkthatther
earepeoplewholi
ve
l
ikethi
s.
Iwalkaroundlooki
ngfort
henumberoft hi
sshack
unti
lIseeit,
Iknockonthedoori
tjustl
ooksli
kea
doorbutit'
snotadoor.
Lady
:Justopent
hedoorBhut
ithatboydoesn'
tl
ock.
Me:
Ngi
yabongasi
si.
Iopenthedoorsl
owl
yandhej
umpsf
rom somet
hing
thatl
ooksl
ikeabed.
Me:
Heydon'
tbescar
ed.
Boy:Angi
nal
uthoungangi
li
mazi(Idon'
thav
e
any
thingpl
easedon'
thurtme)
.
Thatst
abbedmyhear
t.
Me:Ngekengi
kl
imazeboyubhuti
wakhoongithumil
e
(I
'
m notgoi
ngtohurty
ou,yourbr
othersentme).
Hekeptqui
etandtookhist-
shi
rtt
owi
peachai
rfor
mesoIcansitdown,Isatdown.
Me:I'
m Sbani
andIwasar
rest
edwit
hyourbr
other
sowhenIgotouthet
oldmetocomecheckupon
you.
Mpendul
o:I
'
m Mpendul
owhenwi
l
lhegetoutofj
ail
.
Me:Idon'
tknowboybuty
ouar
eyoungwhodoy
ou
st
aywith.
Mpendul
o:Ist
ayal
one.
Il
ookedaroundandther
ewasasmallcupboar
d,a
small
tabl
eandat wochair
sandwhathewassitt
ing
onIassumewasabed.
Me:
Howdoy
ousur
viv
e?
Mpendul
o:Ihel
ppeoplear
oundher
esotheygi
veme
f
oodsometimesmoneyandonweekendsIworkat
t
hecarwashbyt her
oad.
Me:
Howol
dar
eyou?
Mpendul
o:El
even.
Me:
What
?Don'
tyouguy
shav
erel
ati
ves?
Mpendulo:
Whenmybrotherwasar
rest
edIwentt
o
st
aywithmyuncl
ebutonedayhetri
edrapi
ngmeso
Ir
anaway
.
Me:
What
?
Mypal
mswer
eact
ual
l
ysweat
ingf
rom anger
.
Mpendul
o:Her
edr
inksomewat
erBhut
i.
It
ookt
hecupanddr
ank.
Me:
Thanksboy
.
Mpendulo:Manjeubhut
iusezophumaej
ele(Sonow
mybrotherwil
lnowbeoutofpr i
son)
.
Me:
Iwi
l
ldomybestt
ohel
phi
m okay
.
Mpendul
o:Okay
.
Me:
Doy
ougot
oschool
?
Mpendul
o:YesIpromisedmymot
herandmy
br
othert
ofi
nishschool.
Me:That
'sgreatboysowoul
dlov
est
ayi
ng
somewhereelse.
Mpendulo:Ipr
eferst
ayingherethanwithpeopl
e
whowill
t r
eatmebadj ustbecauseI'
m anorphan.
Il
ookedupbecauseIdi
dn'
twanthi
mtoseemecr
y.
Mpendul
o:I
ndodaay
ikhal
iBhut
i(Amandoesn'
tcr
y).
Hesai
dlaughi
ngandIj
oinedhi
m.
Me:
Let
'sgo.
Mpendul
o:Towher
e?
Me:
Let
'sj
ustgo,
ist
her
eany
thi
ngy
ouwantt
opack?
Het
ookhi
sbackpackandputsomeenv
elopest
her
e.
Mpendul
o:Shoul
dIal
sot
akemyuni
for
m?
Me:
No.
Heclosedt
hedoorandthenf
oll
owedmetothecar
,I
don'
tknowwhatI'
m doi
ngbutal
lIknowi
sthatI
'
m
goi
ngtohelphi
m.
Mpendul
o:I
sthi
syourcar
?
Me:
Yes.
Henoddedandj
ustadmiredt
hecarwhi
lesmil
i
ng,I
dr
iveawayandt
heladyIsawear
li
erst
opsthecar
.
Lady
:Thanky
ouf ort
aki
nghi
m pl
easet
akecar
eof
hi
m,heissmart
.
Me:
Iwi
l
lsur
elydosi
si.
It
ookoutR500f
rom mywal
l
et.
Me:
Pleaset
aket
his.
Lady
:OhGodwi
l
lsur
elybl
essy
out
hanky
ou.
Me:
Youar
ewel
come.
Idr
oveoutoft
hesl
umsandgoti
ntot
her
oad.
Mpendul
o:Ar
eyout
aki
ngmet
oyourhome?
Me:
Yes.
Mpendul
o:Doy
oust
ayal
one?
Me:
NoIst
aywi
thmyf
ami
l
y.
Mpendul
o:Won'
ttheyhat
eme?
Me:
Not
heyar
egoodpeopl
e.
Mpendulo:Okaybuti
fIdon'
tl
ikei
tther
epr
omi
seme
youwil
ltakemebackhome.
Me:
Ipr
omi
se,
arey
ouhungr
y?
Mpendul
o:NoIat
euphut
huwi
thsugarwat
er.
Hai
bot
hiski
dhasbeent
hroughal
ot.
Me:
Okayi
t'
sal
readyl
atesoIwi
l
ltakey
out
otown
t
omor
row.
Mpendul
o:Whataboutschool
?
Me:
Don'
twor
ryy
our
sel
faboutt
hat
.
Idrov
ehomeandwhenIgotther
eIsawcars
meaningt
heywereal
lbackf
rom t
hepart
yexceptf
or
SimsandZanet
heybookedahotelr
oom.
Me:
Let
'sgoi
nsi
de.
Mpendul
o:I
sthi
syourhouse?
Me:
Yesboy
.
Mpendul
o:Ihav
enev
erbeent
oabi
ghousebef
ore.
Iopenedthedoorandever
yonewasinthel
ounge
evenThandoIguesssheissobernow.
Mamz
o:Sbani
wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?
Me:Iwentt
ofet
chMpendul
o,f
amil
ythi
sis
Mpendul
oanewmemberofthi
sfamil
y.
Mpendul
o:Sani
bona.
Theyl
ookedathi
m andkeptqui
etunt
ilIl
ookedat
them.
Mamz
o:Comeher
eboy
.
HewalkedtoMamz owhohuggedher
,shet
ookhi
s
handandtheywentupst
air
s.
Sphe:
Don'
ttel
lushei
syourl
ongl
ostson.
Me:
Ofcosnotr
ememberZakhel
e?
TJ:
Theoney
ouwer
einacel
lwi
th?
Me:Yesandheaskedtocheckoutonhisyounger
brot
hersoIjustcamewi
thhi
m herebecausehehas
nowheretostay.
Sphe:
OkayThandot
oldaboutMel
i
ssa,
whyar
eyou
doi
ngthi
s?
Me:
Youwon'
tunder
stand.
TJ:
Sur
ewewon'
tsot
ell
us.
Thando:
I'
m goi
ngt
osl
eepI
'
m noti
nter
est
edi
nthi
s.
Me:
Thando.
Shekeptqui
etandl
eft
.
I
sipho:
Bhut
iar
eyouhav
inganaf
fai
rwi
thMel
i
ssa.
Me:
NoIwi
l
lnev
erdot
hatt
oThando.
Idon'tknowwhatIwi
lldobecauseIhav
etohel
p
Meli
ssabutit'
scausi
ngtensi
onbetweenussoI
'm
confusedonwhattodonow.
I
nser
tthi
rt
yei
ght

Iwentupst airswhileSbani wast r

yingtoexplainto
thefami l
yabouthi sinvol
v ementwi thMel i
ssa,I
'm
notbeingdr amat i
corunf airIknowt hathehasa
call
i
ngandhei sboundt ohel ppeople.Hedoesn' t
oweanyexpl anati
onwhendoi ngwhathei ssuppose
todobutt hist i
mei t
'sdif
fer entsoheshoul dhave
tol
dus, Melissaputhi minj ailandwest i
lldon'
ttrust
herIthinkshest il
lhasanagendai fnotshewoul dn't
havegloatedt ousabouthowSbani hel
pedherand
hersonmay beshet hi
nkst here'
sapossi bi
li
tyfor
them tobesomehappyf ami l
y.
Sbani i
skindandIcannev ertakethatawayfrom
him andI'm notpl
anni
ngtobutf orallthi
stoworkI
needMel issaoutofourl
ivesbecauseIknowshei s
sti
llgoingtocausealotoftroubl
esf orusandthe
factthatsheishisexmakesmemor esickwhatif
t
heyfall
inloveagai
nohGodnoIdon'
tev
enwantt
o
t
hinkaboutit
.
Andthent
her
eisaki
dhewaswithwhatifhei
shis
sonmaybeMeli
ssai
shi
smothernonoitcan'
tbe.
Iheart
hedooropeni
ngandMpendul
ojustst
ands
ther
e.
Mpendul
o:Ar
eyouokaysi
si?
Me:
YesI
'
mfi
ne.
Mpendul
o:Buty
oudon'
tl
ookf
inear
eyousur
e?
Me:
Isai
dI'
mfi
ne.
Ishout
edandr
egr
ett
edmy
sel
faf
tert
hat
.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryboy
.
Mpendulo:Nokulungi
l
e(it'
sfi
ne)youdon'
tl
ikeme
andIgetitmostpeopledon'
tl
ikeme.
Thatmademef
eel
mor
ebadsoIgotupandst
ood
nextt
ohim.
Me: Noboyit'
snotli
kethatI
'
mjustnotf
eel
i
ngwel
l
I
'm sor
ryforshout
ingatyou.
Mpendul
o:Tal
ki
nghel
ps.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Andhowdoy
ouknowt
hat
.
Mpendul
o:Ij
ustknow.
Me:
Let
'ssi
tdown.
Isatonmybedandhesatont
hef
loor
.
Me:
Nodon'
tsi
tont
hef
loor
.
Mpendul
o:Ar
eyousur
e?
Me:
Yesboy
.
Mpendul
o:Sowhyar
eyounotokay
?
Thi
sboyseemssmar
tandhei
scut
e.
Me:
Iwi
l
lbef
inedon'
twor
ry.
Mpendulo:Myt
eacheral
waystol
dmethatbot
tl
ing
t
hingscausesmoredamageinsi
de.
Me:
Howol
dar
eyouagai
n?
Mpendul
o:El
even.
Me:
Youar
etoosmar
t.
Mpendul
o:Iknow.
Me:
Sowher
ear
eyourpar
ent
s?
Mpendul
o:Dead.
Il
ookedathi
m andf
eltbad.
Me:
I'
m sosor
ry.
Mpendul
o:Nodon'
tbe.
Me:Whathappenedt
othem i
fyoudon'
tmi
ndme
aski
ng?
Mpendulo:Myf
atherki
ll
edmymotherandmy
br
otherkil
l
edmyfatherf
orki
l
li
ngourmother
.
Me:
Uhmm I
'
m sosor
ry.
ThisboyhasbeenthroughalotIdon'
tknowwhether
heisstr
ongormay beheisusedtobadt hings
happeni
ngtohim sohepretendstobestrong.
Mpendul
o:I
t'
sfinecanIsl
eeponyourbedI
'
m abit
t
ir
edandBhutiSbanipr
omisedt
otakemetothe
mall
tomorr
ow.
Me:
It'
sfi
ney
oucansl
eep.
Hehadshower
edandwaswear
ingSbani
'
sshor
ts
andt
-shi
rt
.
Sbanigotint
otheroom l
ooki
ngdrai
nedIguessthey
gavehim ahardt
ime,Igotupandatt
emptedto
l
eave.
Sbani
:Cany
ousi
tdownandl
etmeexpl
ain.
Me:
NoIdon'
twantt
oli
stent
oyou.
Sbani
:Canyoupl
easest
opshouti
ngI'
mt r
yingto
speaktoy
ouli
keanadul
tbutyouarebusyshouti
ng.
Me:
Don'
ttel
lmet
ost
opshout
ingI
'
m angr
ySbani
.
Sbani
:Iknowy ouareangryandI
'
m notsay
ingdon'
t
bebutpleasebereasonabl
e.
Mpendul
o:Canyoubot
hpl
easest
opf
ight
ingand
t
alkl
ikeadul
ts.
Me:Youdon'
tgett
otel
luswhatt
odo,
whodoy
ou
t
hinkyouar
e?
Sbani:Don'
tThandodon'
tyoudar
etal
ktoMpendul
o
l
ikethat.
Mpendul
o:It
oldy
ou,
youdon'
tl
ikemebuty
ousai
d
y
oudo.
Hesaidgett
ingoutofourr
oom,
Ilookeddown
becauseofbei
ngashamedofwhatIjustsai
dtot
he
poorkid.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tmeanwhatIsai
d.
Sbani
:Iwantedt
oex
plai
ntoy
ouwhyIhel
ped
Meli
ssaout.
Hesai
dignor
ingwhatIwassay
ing.
Sbani:Iwasassi gnedtohelpMel i
ssaandherson
andIknowIshoul dhav etol
dy ouguysespeci
all
y
yousincey ouar emyf i
anceebutIknewy ou
wouldn'tunderstandandI'm sorr
yaboutthatbutI
don'
tgett ochoosewhoIhel p.Iwantal
lofyouto
tr
ustmeMel issafooledmeonceshewi l
lneverdoit
agai
nsoI '
m sorryforwhatshesai dIpr
omisetogo
wit
hy ounextt imeIgoseeher .
Me:
Okayj
ustt
alkt
ouspl
ease.
Sbani
:Iwi
l
lIpr
omi
se,
doy
our
ememberZakhel
e?
Me:
Yes.
Sbani
:Mpendul
oishi
syoungerbr
otherhewi
l
lbe
stay
ingwit
husfrom nowon,
Ihat
ethewayy
ou
spoketohi
m Thandoitwasr
ude.
Me:
IknowI
'
m sor
ry.
Sbani
:I
'm nott
heoney
oushoul
dbeapol
ogi
si
ngt
o.
Hesai
dget
ti
ngup.
Me:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Sbani
:Ineedsomeai
r.
Me:
Areweokay
?
Sbani
:Yeswear
efi
ne.
Hewasnotev enlooki
ngatme, Sbanigetspissed
offeasil
ybuthet r
iessohardtocalm downbecause
Luthandot oldhimt ost
aycalm atal
ltimes.Igetwhy
heisangr ythoughIshouldn'
thavetalkedto
Mpendul olikethatImeantheyalsotookmei nli
ke
theyaredoi ngtohim.
Ifol
l
owedSbani outandwenttolookf
orMpendul
oI
meanIneedtoapol ogi
zeIdon'
twanthi
mtofeel
unwelcomebecauseofme.
Sane:
Arey
ouokaybabe?
Me:
I'
mfi
nehav
eyouseenMpendul
o?
Sane:Heisi
nthegar
denwi
thSbani
theyseem
pret
tycl
ose.
Me:
YeahIguess.
Sane:
Arey
ousur
eyouokay
?Di
dyouandSbani
tal
k?
Me:
Yeswet
alkedbabeandwear
efi
nenotf
inef
ine.
Sane:Whathappenednow?y ouguy sareal
ways
fi
ghti
ngkanti
youshouldn'tbedoingthatImeanyou
areaboutt
ogetmar r
iedforheaven'
ssake.
Me:
Wewi ll
befineIj
ustneedt
otal
ktoMpendul
o
t
her
e'ssomethi
ngIsai
dsoIwanttoapol
ogi
ze.
Sane:
Okayf
ine.
Me:
IsMamzoandBabast
il
lher
e?
Sane:
Not
heyl
eftandI
'
m al
sogoi
ngt
obednow.
Me:
Okaybabegoodni
ght
.
Iwenttothekit
chentoeat,Ipi
ckedthr
ought he
windowandsawSbani andMpendul
olaughing,I
guesshereall
yli
keshim Ihopehedoesn'
treplace
me, wel
lI'
m bei
nginsecurenowandIdon'tl
ikeit.
Theygoti
nsi
dewhi
l
eIwaseat
ing.
Me:
Didy
ouguy
seatIcandi
shupf
ory
ou.
Sbani
:Weal
readyat
ethanky
ou.
Me:
Mpendul
ocanwet
alk.
Mpendul
o:Nosi
siThandoI
'
mti
redI
'
m goi
ngt
o
sl
eep.
Me:
Ohokaywewi
l
ltal
ktomor
rowt
hengoodni
ght
.
Sbani
:Iwi
ll
showhi
m hi
sroom,
youwi
l
lfi
ndme
upst
air
s.
Me:
Okaybabe.
Theywentupstai
rsandIj ustl
ostmyappet
it
e,Idon't
evenknowifSbaniisfi
neormay beheispr
etending
tobebecauseIwasr eal
lyrudetoMpendul
o,Ithi
nkI
haveadegreeofdisappointi
ngpeopl
eandmy sel
f
fort
hatmatter
.

ItookSbani'
scarkeysandwentoutside,Iknowhow
todri
v eandIhaveadri
ver'
sli
censethankst oSbani
.
Igotintothecaranddr
ovetoMel i
ssa'
spl aceIhope
I
'
m notmaki
ngami
stake.
Iparkedbyhergateanddebatedwhet hertogo
i
nsideornot,whatIgeti
ntotr
oublebutIj ustwantto
tal
ktoheraboutthiswhol
ething,Iwanthert o
underst
andthatIdon'
thaveapr oblem withSbani
hel
pingherbutsheshouldknowt hatI'
m Sbani'
s
fi
anceeandshemustnotgetanyi deas.
Igotoutofthecarandwentinsi
de,Iknockedandno
oneanswered.Iopenedthedooranditwasnot
l
ockedsoIgoti nsi
de,shewasnotintheloungesoI
walkedtothebedroom.Ifoundherr
emov inga
pil
l
owf r
om herbaby .
Iguessshehear
dfoot
steps.
Meli
ssa:Ml
i
loisthaty
ou?Iknewyouweregoingto
comeback,If
igur
edmay bemysonwasaproblem
soIki
ll
edhi
m.Ikill
edhim sowecanbet
ogether.
Shewassay
ingal
lthi
snotl
ooki
ngatme.
Me:
Mel
i
ssay
oudi
dwhat
?
Shel
ookedatanddr
oppedt
hepi
l
lowont
hef
loor
.
Mel
i
ssa:
Uhmm whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Me:
Youki
l
ledy
ourson?
Mel
i
ssa:
ThandoUhmm I
..
.
Me:
Justshutuphowcr
uel
arey
ou?
Isai
dtaki
ngoutmyphone.
Mel
i
ssa:
Dropt
hatphone.
Me:
Orwhat
?
Iaskedunl
ocki
ngitwhenIl
ookedathershewas
point
ingagunatme.
Mel
i
ssa:
Giv
emet
hatphoneorIwi
l
lshooty
ou.
Me:Meli
ssayouarecr
azysoy ousuf
focatedy
our
sonbecauseyout
houghtSbaniwant
sy ou.
Mel
i
ssa:
ShutupIknowMl
i
lol
ovesme.
Shecamecl
oserandmyphonef
ell
.
Me:Youneedt
obelockedupyouar
ecr
azyIdon'
t
ev
enknowwhatSbanisawiny
ou.
Mel
i
ssa:
Mli
l
olov
esmeI
'
m notcr
azy
.
Me:Ify
ouar
enotcr
azyt
henwhydi
dyouki
l
lyour
son?
ShelaughedIfeltl
ikeIwasinthesamer oom wi
th
thedevil
,doyouknowt hoselaughswhereyoufeel
l
ikethedevil
islaughingatyou?Iusual
l
yhearthem
from t
hemov i
esespeci al
l
ythoseNiger
ianmov i
es.
Meli
ssa:Ohmysonhewasdi
stur
bancebet
weenme
andMlil
osoIf
igur
edwhynot
?
Me:
Sbani
ismi
neMel
i
ssaandmi
neal
one.
IwishIdi
dn'
tsayt
hatbecausesheshotmyl
egandI
fel
ldown.
Me:
Mel
i
ssapl
easel
et'
stal
kaboutt
his.
Mel
i
ssa:
Tal
kaboutwhat
?
Me:Whyareyoudoi
ngal
lthi
sbecauseyouwi
ll
nev
ergetSbani
youarej
ustdest
roy
ingy
ourli
fe.
Shekneel
eddownnextt
ome.
Mel
issa:
IfIwi
l
lnothav
eMl
i
lot
hent
hatmeansy
ou
wi
ll
nothavehi
m ei
ther
.
Shesaidput
ti
ngaguninmyhead,It
riedgr
abbi
ngi
t
andfoughtmindy
ouI'
m shoti
nmyleg.Wekepton
fi
ght
ingandIhear
dthegungoesoff
.
Me:
Godno.

Sbani

Igotoutoftheshowerandr antotheroom because

ofthevisi
onIjusthad,
Iwr appedatowelar
oundmy
waistandrantothekit
chenshout i
ngThando's
name.Idon'tknowwhat '
sgoingonbutIsawal otof
bloodthenThandoandMel i
ssa.
Me:
Thando,
Thando.
Isawherpl
ateont
heki
tchent
abl
eandpani
cked,
wheredi
dshego.
TJ:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Sphe:
Whyar
eyoushout
ing?
Me:
Hasany
oneseenThando?
Sphe:
NoIt
houghtshewasi
nthebedr
oom.
Me:
Nowel
eftherher
eeat
ingandwentupst
air
s.
TJ:
May
beshewentt
ogetsomeai
r.
Me:
Nosomet
hingi
swr
ongIhadav
isi
on.
Sphe:
Whatcoul
ditbenow?
Isearchedf
ormycarkeysi
ntheloungebutt
hey
werenotwhereIputt
hem,I
siphoandSanewere
alsoawakenow.
Me:
Mycarkey
sar
enother
e.
Sane:
Whatdi
dyouseeexact
ly?
Me:
Thando,
Mel
i
ssaandal
otofbl
ood.
I
sipho:
Nomay
beshewentt
oseeMel
i
ssa.
Sane:
Ithoughty
ouguy
sspokeaboutt
hisMel
i
ssa
thi
ng.
Me:Wedi
dandIt
houghtwewer
efi
nebutIguessI
waswr
ong.
I
sipho:
Let
'sgot
oMel
i
ssa'
shouse.
Sphe:
Wewi llgot
herebuty
oul
adi
esst
ayhereand
l
ookafterCeboImeanwecan'
tgowi
thher
.
Sane:
Yeahy
ouar
eri
ght
.
TJ:
Baf
ogogetdr
essedwhi
l
eIbr
ingt
hecarar
ound.
Ir
anupst
air
sandwor
emyt
racksui
ts.
Mpendul
o:I
sev
ery
thi
ngokayBhut
i?
If
orgothewasev
eni
nthi
shouse.
Me:
Yesev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
neboygobackt
oyourr
oom.
Mpendul
o:OkayBhut
i.
Helef
tandIf
ini
sheddressi
ngthenwentt
othecar
SpheandTJwereal
readywait
ingforme.
Sphe:
Whatdoy
out
hinkhappened?
Me:
Idon'
tknowBaf
oIj
usthopeThandoi
sokay
.
Sphe:
Shei
sfi
nedon'
twor
ry.
Ireall
yhopeshei
sfi
neandthatshedi
dn'
tdo
anythingst
upi
dI'
mti
redofal
lthi
sdramaaroundmy
family.
Wegotther
eandr
ani
nsi
de,
wewer
enotr
eadyf
or
whatwesaw.
TJ:
NoThandowhathav
eyoudone?
Shewassi
tt
ingont
hef
loorwi
thMel
i
ssanextt
oher
.
Thando:
Idi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngshe.
..
shej
ustat
tacked
me.
Weal
lj
ustst
oodt
her
eandnoonemov
ed.
Thando:SheisdeadbutIdi
dn'
tki
l
lherIsweary
ou
havetobeli
eveme.
Welookedateachother
,whatdowebel
i
evewhen
t
hingsarel
i
kethis.
I
nser
tthi
rt
yni
ne

Sbani

Weal lj
uststoodther
eIt hi
nknoonewaswi l
l
ingto
askwhathappenedbecausewewer eallafr
aidof
whatThandomi ghthav edoneImeanwhatdowedo
i
fshei stheonewhoki l
ledMelissa,t
hewor stthi
ng
i
st hatsheisdeadsowewi l
lneverknowi fThando
didornot.IknowIwillknowbecauset heyhav et
o
showmesomet hingi
fnott henitmeansThandoi s
guil
ty,whatdowedonow?
TJ:
Uhmm Thandowher
eist
hebaby
?
Shepointedt
ot hebedandTJwenttherehefelthi
s
pulseandnoddedthathewasdead,Sphewentt o
thebathr
oom topukeIdon'twhet
heroutofshockor
may behewasjustdisgust
ed.
Me:
Whathappenedexact
lyThandodi
dyouki
l
lthem?
Thando: NoIdi dnotIcameher ejusttotalkto
Mel i
ssabutwhenIgother eshewasnoti nthe
l
oungesoIwentt oherbedroom, shewashol di
nga
pil
lowr emovingitfr
om herson.Whenshehear d
footstepsshesaid"Mlil
oIkill
edhi m sowecanbe
togetherbecausehewast hereasonwhyy oudidn'
t
wantme"IwasshockedandIaskedherwhatshe
haddonebutt henwhenher eali
sedi twasmeshe
wasshocked.
Shefl
inchedIguessbecauseoft
hegunwoundon
herl
eg.
Thando:Itookoutmyphonet ocallyoubutwhenI
l
ookedathershewashol di
ngagunIaskedhert o
dropitandtalkinst
eadshesai
dy ouwer eher
s,Itol
d
herwhatshewasdoi ngwascrazyandthatshe
needstobel ockedupbecauseshenev erhav
ey ou
sincey ouareminebuti
nsteadsheshotmyleg.She
thencamenextt omeandputaguni nmyhead
tell
ingmet hati
fshecan'thav
eyouthenneit
herwil
lI
that'swhenwef oughtt
henIheardgunshot
sand
shewast heonewhowasshot .
Il
ookedatherandsawthatshewast ell
ingthet
ruth
nowayshehadplannedforthistohappenandthe
waysheexplai
nsmakessensebecausei fsheis
l
yingt
henitmeansthatsheplannedthi
sal ongti
me
ago.
Me:
Okay
.
Sphe:
Gent
scanwet
alkout
side.
Wef
oll
owedeachot
herout
side.
TJ:
Ibel
i
eveher
.
Me:
Met
ooman.
Sphe:
Idon'
tknowwhatt
obel
i
eve.
TJ:Ther
eisnowayThandopl annedal
lthi
sImean
thewayshenar
ratedi
t,i
t'
sjusthowithappened
rememberMeli
ssawasapsy chopath.
Sphe:
Evensowhatwasshedoi
ngher
eint
hef
ir
st
pl
ace.
Me:That'
swhatIdon'
tgetImeanwet al
kedabout
t
hisandwehadanunder st
andi
ngIeventol
dher
t
hatnextti
mewhenIcomeher eIwil
lcomewithher.
TJ:Idon'
tseehowaskingoursel
vest
hiswi
l
lhel
pus
whatweneedt odi
scussiswhatdowedonow?
Me:Idon'
tknowbecausei
fwecal
lthepol
i
ce
Thandowil
lbear
rest
edformur
derofachi
ldandhi
s
mother
.
Sphe:IhearyouguysbutIdon'
ttr
ustThandoshe
hasbeendoingthingstodi
sappoi
ntusforavery
l
ongt i
menowwhati fshei
stheonewhoisa
psychopathi
nallt
his?
TJ:
HaySpheThandomaybemanyt
hingsbutnota
murder
er.
TJwasst andi
ngbyThandoinal
lthi
shewashavi
ng
nonofitandIwaswit
hhim onthatoneasmuchas
Thandocanbeahandfulsheisnokil
ler
.
Me:Iwi
thy
ouTJshedidnotdoitImeanwhat
woul
dshegai
nbecausesheal
readyhasmeandshe
knowst
hatIl
oveherandIwoul
dhav
enev
erchosen
tobewi
thMeli
ssa.
Sphe:
Hay
iIdon'
tknow.
TJ:Iscef
ekelesi
osenzay
oSphesi
hle(Youar
ebei
ng
nauseousnow).
Me:
Let
'snotar
guepl
ease.
Sphe:
Sowhatdowedo?
TJ:
Ithi
nkIhav
eapl
an.
Wel
ookedathi
m.
Sphe:Seemsl
ikeThandopl
annedt
hiswi
thy
ouwhy
areyousochi
l
led.
TJ:Don'tyoudar efuckwit
hmeSphesihl
eareyou
sayingI'
m amur dererhuh?DoIlookl
i
keI'
m cal
mt o
you?Seingani nnocentchi
lddeaddoyouthi
nkI'
m
thatheart
less?
Me:
Guy
swooawpl
easest
opt
his.
TJ:
Uyangi
dakel
wal
o.
Myphoner
inged.
Me:
It'
sLut
hando.
Sphe:Pickupmaybeshewi
l
ltel
luswhatr
eal
l
y
happenedhere.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Iputt
hephoneonl
oudspeaker
.
Lut
hando:
Shedi
dnotdoi
t.
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Shehadalreadydroppedt
hecal
l,wel
ookedateach
otherandSphelookedatTJwit
hregr
et.
Sphe:
Baf
oI'
m..
.
TJ:
Sav
eit
.
Hesai
dgoi
ngi
nsi
de.
Me:
Hewi
l
lcal
m down.
Sphe:
WhatIsai
dwasr
eal
l
yhar
sh.
Me:I'
m al
sodisappoi
ntedSpheIgett
haty
oudon'
t
tr
ustThandobutTJisyourtwi
nyoushoul
dknow
bett
er.
Isai
dleav
inghi
mther
egoi
ngi
nsi
deTJwasbusy
assi
sti
ngThandot
osi
tont
hebed.
TJ:Thi
sisjustafl
eshwoundIwi
l
lfi
ndsomethingt
o
wraparoundyourl
egmaybesomebandages.
Hesai
dlooki
ngar
oundt
hewar
drobe.
Me:
Heyar
eyouokay
?
Thando:
Doy
oubel
i
eveme?
Me:YesbabyIbeli
evey
ou,
youwoul
dnev
erdo
somethi
ngli
kethat
.
Thando:Whatwil
lhappennow?MaybeIshouldgo
tothepol
icest
ati
ontoexplai
nwhathappened.
Me:Poli
cest
ation?NoThandotheywon'
tbeli
eve
youconsi
der
ingallt
hedramathathashappened
i
nvol
vingMel
issa.
Thando:Ishoul
dn'
thavecameher
eal
lIwant
edwas
j
usttotalktohert
hat
'sal
l.
Me:Don'
tbeaty oursel
fupwhat '
simportantisthat
weknowy oudidn'tkil
lthem sodon'
tblamey oursel
f,
eveni
fyoudidn'tcomeher eMelissahadalready
ki
l
ledherson.
Shenoddedwhi lecryi
nginmyarms, weallwant
ed
Mel i
ssaoutofourli
vesbutwedi dnotwantherto
die.Ithi
nkit'
sgoodthatsheisoutofourli
ves
foreverIknowthatsoundsheart
lessbutwhoknows
whatot hertr
oubl
esshewouldhav ecaused.
Sphecamei
nsi
det
hehouse.
Sphe:
Sowhati
sthepl
an.
Heaskedl
ooki
ngatTJbutTJl
ookedatme.
TJ:Isaywet akeMeli
ssa'
scarputthem i
nsi
deand
parkitout
sidethegat
ethenburnthispl
acedown
becausethereisnowaywecancleanupal l
thi
s
mess.
Me:Thenwet akethegunwit
husthat'
sagr
eatpl
an
at
leastherf
amilywil
lgett
oburyher
.
TJ:
Yeahwepl
annedt
hiswhol
ethi
ngr
ightThando?
HesaidlookingatSpheandThandowasso
confused,
it'
snoteasytopi
ssTJoffbutIt
hinkt
he
hormonesarejustplay
ingwi
thhim.
Thando:
What
?
Me:
Don'
tmi
ndhi
m Thandoi
t'
sthehor
mones.
TJ:
Mxm l
et'
sgett
owor
k.
Sphe:Let'
schangeMelissa'
sclot
hesandbur
nthese
onesbecausetheyfoughtsotherecoul
dbe
Thando'sfi
nger
pri
ntsinthem.
TJ:Kant
iuyayi
khul
umai
ntoey
enzai
sensenawe
twi
nbrother
.
Me:
Cany
oubot
hjustst
opt
hispl
ease.
Sphetookthecl
othesoffandworesomegl ovest
o
putt
heothersonwhileIbroughtt
hecararound.We
putt
hem insi
dethenparkedthecarout
sidethegat
e.
Sphe:
It'
sal
readymidni
ghtsol
et'
sbur
nthi
spl
ace
downandleavepl
ease.
TJwenttotakepetr
olfr
om ourcarwhil
eIcarr
ied
Thandotothecarwethenburntt
heplacedownand
l
eft,
whenwewer eatthegatemyphoner i
ngedit
wasLuthandoagai
n.
Me:
Lut
hando.
Luthando:Got
othenearestr
iverandcleanse
yoursel
vesbef
oreget
ti
ngintothathouse.
Me:
It'
sthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ghtandwest
ayi
n
sur
bur
bst
her
ear
enor
iver
sher
e.
Lut
hando:
Iknowt
het
imegot
otheoceant
hen.
Me:
Whatshoul
dwedowhenwegett
her
e?
Luthando:
Youwi
l
lknowwhatt
odowheny
ouget
there.
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ou.
Lut
hando:
Andbecal
m Sbani
.
Shesai
dthatl
aughi
ng.
Me:
Ihav
ebeendoi
ngagoodj
obwi
tht
hatone.
Lut
hando:
Iseeby
e.
Me:
TJdon'
tdr
ivei
njustdr
ivet
othebeach.
TJ:
It'
sint
hemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ght
.
Me:IknowbutLuthandosai
dwemustcleanse
our
selvesbef
oregett
ingi
nsi
det
hehouse.
Sphe:
Sowehav
etobat
hint
heocean.
Me:
Yesl
et'
sjustgoguy
s.
TJdrov
ether
ewewereallj
ustsi
l
entIdon'
tknow
whatwasgoi
ngi
nthei
rheadsbutonmymi neI
hopedthatthi
swast hel
astti
mewehandl e
somethingl
ikethi
s,Imeanwecan' tkeepdoingt
his
becauseift
houghnoneofuski l
ledMel i
ssaandher
sonwest i
ll
holdoursel
vesaccountable.
Wehav esomanyi fonlywedidnott
hat,
ifonl
ywe
di
dnotdot hisbuther
ewear enowandIknow
Thandowil
l al
waysthinki
t'
sherfaul
tsomehow.
TJ:
Wear
eher
e.
Igotoutf i
rstandwentneartheocean, t
herewasa
platewithanincenseandmat chesIlookedaround
andIknewt hatIhadtousethem.Ili
titupandt hen
talkedtomyancest orsaf
terIwasdoneev erythi
ng
wascl earonwhatIwassupposet odo.Icleansed
them allt
henmy sel
f.
Sphe:Inev
erwantt
odot
hisIhat
eget
ti
ngget
ti
ng
i
ntotheocean.
Me:Makest
het
woofusbutt
henwehadnochoi
ce
l
et'
sgo.
Wegoti
ntot
hecaranddr
ovehome.
TJ:
I'
m goi
ngt
osl
eep.
Sphe:
Met
oo.
Theydi
sappear
edi
ntot
hepassage.
Me:
Iwi
l
lgett
hef
ir
stai
dki
tsot
hatIwi
l
lfi
xyourl
eg.
Shenodded,Iwi
shIknewwhatwasgoi
ngthr
ough
herheadIj
usthopeshedoesn'
tbl
ameher
sel
fthat
much.
Icamebackwiththefi
rstai
dkitandt
oldherthatwe
shoul
dgoupstair
s,If
ixedherwoundthenputa
bandageoni
t.
Me:
Let
'ssl
eep.
Shenoddedandt
henwegoti
ntobed.
Me:
Youar
esoqui
tewhat
siny
ourmi
nd?
Thando:
Doy
oubl
amemef
orwhathappened?
Me:
Baby
..
.
Thando:
Behonestpl
ease.
Me: NoIdon'
tblameyouasy ousai
dwheny ougot
thereMeli
ssahadal
readykil
l
edhersonsooneror
l
atershewouldhavediedal
sobecauseshewasnot
goingtogetme.Wedon'tknowwhatherplanwas
buti
twasnoty
ourf
aul
tshewasacr
azypsy
chopat
h.
Thando:
Ishoul
dn'
thav
egonet
her
e.
Me:Iagreewithyouthereyoushouldn'
tgonet here
Thandobecausewespokeaboutt hisbutthere'sno
usenowwhat '
sdonei sdone,youneedtoforgive
your
selfandforgetaboutt
his.
Thando:
Whati
ftheyf
indoutIwast
her
e?
Me: Youshoul dhavethoughtaboutt hatbeforeyou
wentther ei
nsteady oudi
dn'tnotthatIbl amey ou
butalltheti
mey oudon'
tthinkbeforey ouact,I
thoughtwhathappenedwi t
hChadwoul dhave
taughty oualessonbutclearlyi
tdidn'tbutIhope
youlearntyourlessonthi
sIr eal
lyhopey oudidfor
yoursakeThandobecausewewi l
lnotalway sbe
theretobailyouout.
Thando:
ButIdi
dn'
tdoi
t.
Me: Iknowy oudi
dn'
tdoitbutwhatthepol
icef
ound
yout herehuh?Doyout
hinktheywouldhave
bel
iev edyou,not
heywouldhavenotIknowbecause
Melissaoncesetmeup.
Thando:IknowI
'
m sor
ryIwi
l
ldomybestf
rom now
onIpromise.
Me: Makethatpr
omiset
oy oursel
fsothatyouwon'
t
bedisappoi
ntedi
fyoudothingswithoutt
hinki
ng
everagai
n.
Shenodded.
Me:
Let
'ssl
eepIl
ovey
ou.
Thando:
Goodni
ghtIl
ovey
out
oo.
Weki
ssed.
Iknowmostoft heti
meIsayt hiswhenThando
doesn'tli
stenbutsomet i
mesIr eall
ydoubtthatshe
i
smysoul mat e,whatLuthandosai daboutnotbeing
surethatshei stheoneformeornotal wayscomes
tomi ndintimesl i
kethi
sbutI '
m oldnowIdon' tthi
nk
I'
m stil
lgoingtomeetsomeonewhocanbet heone
forme.Ican' tshakethefeeli
ngt hatwearenotgood
foreachot her,ourl
oveisjustar ghIdon'
tknowbut
i
t'sl
ikeweal way satt
racttrouble.
Icl
osedmyey esandt
ri
edtosleepi
twasr eal
l
ya
hect
icni
ghtnowit'
s2am i
nthemorning.
Thando

Iwokeupi nthemor ni
ngSbani wasst i
l
lsleeping
nexttome, Idi
dn'tgetmuchsl eepIkeptt hi
nking
aboutwhathappenedl astnight,whatwoul dhav e
happenedifIdidn'tgot oMel i
ssa'shouse.May be,
may beallt
hiswoul dn'
thavehappenedy eahIknow
Melissahadalr
eadyki ll
edhersonandIdon' tbeliev
e
thatshedeservest oli
veafterwhatshedi dbut
may beshealsodeser vedanot herchancewho
knowsI '
m notGodaf t
erallIcan'tjudgepeople.
Sbani
:Pennyf
ory
ourt
hought
s?
Me:
Mor
ningnoI
'
mfi
ne.
Ididwanthimt oworr
yaboutthefactt
hatIbl
ame
my sel
fforMeli
ssa'
sdeathbecausewhathesaid
yester
daynightmadesensewhathappened
happenedthere'
snouseinblamingmyself
.
Sbani:Ihatei
twheny ouar
eliket
hisMeli
ssa
wouldn'thavehesi
tat
edtokil
lyoubuty
ouf eel
bad
becauseagunwentoffpleasedon'tt
ortur
eyoursel
f
sthandwasam,shewastheonewhowashol ding
thegunsoshekil
ledher
self.Let
'sgotakeashower
I'
mt aki
ngyouout.
Me:
Onadat
e?
Iaskedr
aisi
ngmyey
es.
Sbani
:Yes.
Me:Cometot
hinkofi
tyouhav
enev
ert
akenmeout
onadate.
Sbani
:Iguessi
t'
syourl
uckydayt
hen.
Me:
Ilov
eyouSbani
samakhoza.
Sbani
:Nam ngi
yakut
handaThandol
wam.
Wewentt othebathr
oom t
otakeashowerthen
whenwewer edonewewentdownstair
stheother
s
wereal
readyther
e.
Us:
Mor
ning.
Theykeptquietandwer
eal
i
sedt
heywer
eal
lst
ari
ng
tothet
elevi
sion.
"
Int
oday
'snewsamot
herandhersonwer
efound
outsi
dehery arddead,themot herwasshotandher
sonsuf f
ocatedtodeath.Thepol i
cearest
il
l
i
nvestigati
ngandtheypr omisetofindwhoeverdi d
thi
ssot hatthefamil
yoft hi
syoungbeautif
ullady
andhercut eli
tt
lesonwi l
lfi
ndjusti
ce"Idi
dn'
tev en
knowwhatt osaySbani wenttotheTVandswi tched
i
tof f
.
I
sipho:
Bhut
iwewer
est
il
lwat
chi
ng.
Sanewaslooki
ngstraightintomyeyesandIf
elt
gui
lt
yeventhoughIdidn'tkil
lthem.
Sbani
:Babysi
tdown.
Isatdownandl
ookeddownbutIf
eltt
hei
rst
areson
me.
TJ:Ther
e'snoneedtofeelgui
l
tyThandoIf
orone
am gl
adthatMeli
ssaisdead.
Theyal
ll
ookedathi
m.
TJ:
What
?Iknowy
ouar
eal
lgl
adt
hatshei
sdead.
I
sipho:
Whathappenedseemsl
i
key
ouknow?
Sane:
Thando?
Sbani
:What
?Cany
oual
lj
ustl
eav
eThandoal
one.
I
sipho:
Why
?Di
dsheki
l
lthem.
Sbani
:Howcoul
dyouev
enaskhert
hat
?
Sane:
Thando?
Me:
Idi
dnotki
l
lthem.
ZaneandSi
msgoti
nrunni
ng.
Si
ms:
Didy
ouguy
swat
cht
henews.
Sphe:
Mor
ningt
oyout
ooSi
ms.
Zane:
Mor
ningguy
ssodoy
ouknowwhathappened.
TJ,
Sbani
andSphe:
No.
Me:
Yes.
Si
ms:
Okaywhi
chi
swhi
ch?
Me:
IknowwhathappenedbecauseIwast
her
e?
Zane:Fri
endIknowy
oudi
dn'
tki
l
lthem sowhat
happened?
Inarrat
edwhathappenedtothem andIwas
surpri
sedtoseeIsi
pho'
sfacebecauseitshowed
thatshebeli
evesme,Iexpect
edhertobet hel
east
t
obel
i
eveme.
I
sipho:
ThandoI
'
m sosor
ry.
Si
ms: Di
dyouguysmakesur
ethatnot
hingl
edt
o
Thandobei
ngther
e?
Sphe:
Yeswedi
d.
Sane:
Goodr
iddance.
Wel
ookedather
.
Sane:What?If
eelsorr
yforhersonbutIcan'
t
pret
endli
keI'
m nothappythatMeli
ssaisdead
becauseIwassti
llgoi
ngtokil
lhermyself
.
Zane:
I'
m al
sohappyImeanit'
scleart
hatshewas
goi
ngtodoanyt
hingtogetSbani
.
TJ:Weshoul
dallj
ustf
orgetaboutt
hisandf
ocuson
I
sipho'
sgr
aduat
ion.
Si
ms:
Yeaht
hat
'swhati
mpor
tantr
ightnow.
Ther
ewasaknockatt
hedoor
.
Us:
Comei
n.
Twoof
fi
cer
scamei
nandmyhear
tski
ppedabeat
butSbani
hel
dmyhand.
Sbani
:Whatdi
dwedot
ogetav
isi
tfr
om abant
u
bomthet
ho.
Thel
adydet
ect
ivel
ookedathi
m.
Det
ect
ive:
Wear
eher
eonr
egar
dofMel
i
ssa'
sdeat
h.
Si
ms:
Thi
nasi
ngenaphi
lapho?
Det
ect
ive:
Wewantt
oasky
ousomequest
ions.
TJ:
Ask.
Det
ect
ive:
Wher
ewer
eyouguy
sbet
weenmi
dni
ght
?
Us:
Her
e.
Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.
Zane:Meandmyfiancespendourni
ghtatbot
ani
c
gardeny
oucanpassbythereandask.
Everyonewaschi
ll
edIalsokeptast
rai
ghtf
aceev
en
thoughIwasabitscar
ed.
Det
ecti
ve:OkaysoMrKhozawhenl
astdi
dyousee
Mel
issa?
Sbani
:Yest
erdayar
oundt
wel
vemi
dday
.
Detect
ive:
Cany
ouper
hapsel
abor
atewhyy
ouwer
e
ther
e.
Sbani:
Idon'tt
hinkt
hat
'
sanyofy
ourbusi
ness
detect
ive.
Det
ect
ive:Mel
issasety
ouupr
ight
?Di
dyouper
haps
hat
eherfort
hat.
Sbani
:YesIhat
edherf
ort
hat
.
Detect
ive:
Cani
tbethatther
easonyoudi
dyouwant
toopenacaseagai
nstherwassoyoucanki
ll
her
?
Sbani
:Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouar
einsi
nuat
ingbutIdi
d
notki
l
lher.
TJ:Ithi
nkthat
'senoughnowdet
ect
iveunl
essy
ou
arechargi
nguswithsomethi
ng.
Det
ect
ive:Thankyouf
oryourt
imewewi
l
lbebacki
f
somet
hingelsecomesup.
Sphe:Goodl
uckof
fi
cer
sIhopey
ouf
indwhoev
erdi
d
thi
s.
Thel
adydet
ect
ivel
ookedatSbani
.
Sbani
:Don'
tl
ookatmel
i
ket
hatl
i
keIt
oldy
out
he
l
astt
imeIdon'
twanty
ou,
angi
kuf
uni
.
Hesai
dopeni
ngadoorf
ort
hem.
Si
ms:
Thatwasf
un.
TJ:
Tel
lmeabouti
t.
Sane:
Youguy
sar
ecr
azy
.
Zane:
Itseemsl
i
key
ouar
ethei
rmai
nsuspectSbani
.
Sbani
:That
'swhatIseebutI
'
m notwor
ri
ed.
I
sipho:Thandochi
l
lnoonei
sgoi
ngt
oknowt
haty
ou
werethere.
Sphe:
Canwehav
ebr
eakf
astnowI
'
m hungr
y.
Me:
Youguy
swer
esochi
l
ledIwasdamnscar
ed.
TJ:
Wepl
annedt
hisv
erywel
lThando.
Hesai
dlooki
ngatSpheIwonderwhathappened
bet
weenthem,Sbani
lookedatSphet
henlaughed.
Sphe:LookI
'
m sorrybaf
oIshouldn'
thavesai
dwhat
Isai
dIwasjustshockedandconfused.
TJ:
Okay
.
Sbani
laughedagai
n.
Sbani
:ComeonTJ.
Si
ms:
Whathappenedkant
i?
Sbani
nar
rat
edt
ouswhathappened.
Sphe:
ButIhav
ebeenapol
ogi
si
ngsi
ncel
astni
ght
.
Sbani:
Itol
dit
'sthehor
monesweall
knowTJ
doesn'
tgetpi
ssedofft
hiseasi
l
y.
Mamz
oandMbat
hagoti
nsi
det
hehouse.
Mamz
o:Guy
s.
Us:
"guy
s".
Mamzo:What'
swr
ongwi
thmesay
ingt
hatphumani
ki
mipl
ease.
Si
ms:
Youl
ookhappyMama.
Mbat
ha:
I'
m gi
vi
ngi
ttohert
her
ightway
.
Us:
Hai
bo.
Mbatha:Whatit'
str
ueyouboysshoul
dcometome
forsomelessonssothaty
ourwomenwill
alway
sbe
happy.
Weal
lj
ustl
aughed.
Mamz
o:Ihopey
oudi
dn'
tki
l
lMel
i
ssaandherson.
Sbani
:Nowedi
dn'
t.
Het
hent
oldt
hem whathappened.
Mbat
ha:
Good.
Zane:
HawBaba.
Mbat
ha:
What
?
Thismanisheartl
essbutyoucannev
erknowor
predi
ctbecauseheisal
way ssmi
li
ng,
Iwasalso
comfort
ablebecausenoonewasblamingmefor
whathappened.
Mamz o:Iwantt
otal
ktoyouguysaboutt
his
cohabi
ti
ngyouaredoi
nghere.
Wel
aughed.
TJ:
Idon'
tl
ikewher
ethi
sconv
ersat
ioni
sgoi
ng.
Si
ms:
Menei
ther
.
Mamz
o:Gi
rl
sni
ki
pit
il
evel
e(ar
eyoucohabi
ti
ng)
.
Sane:
Uhmm we.
..
Mbat
ha:
Youar
ewhatbaby
?
Wel
ookedateachwej
ustdi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
.
Mamz o:
Thegi
rl
sar
emov i
ngoutt
otheot
herhouse
unt
ily
ouall
getmar
ri
ed.
Sbani
:HayMamzowher
eist
hatcomi
ngf
rom?
Mamzo:
From meSbani
ist
her
eany
onewhohasa
pr
obl
em wi
ththat
.
Theguyswerebusymumbl
i
ngsomet
hingbutno
onespoke.
Mbat
ha:
GoodI
'
m gl
adweunder
standeachot
her
.
Sphe:Butweareusedtostayi
ngt
ogetherIdon'
tsee
aneedtoalloft
hisbecausewewil
ltotheother
houseandtheywil
lcomehere.
Mamz
o:Iwi
l
lbest
ayi
ngwi
tht
hem t
her
e.
Us:
What
?
TJ:
Wear
etoool
dfort
his.
Mbat
ha:
Wewi
l
lbest
ayi
ngwi
tht
hem.
Mamz
o:Noy
ouwi
l
lst
ayt
hissi
dewi
tht
heboy
s.
Wel
aughedathi
m.
Mbat
ha:
Whathaymamabongeke.
Mamzo:I'
m gl
adweunderst
andeachot
her,
gir
ls
packy
ourbagsIwantt
ofindyouatt
hehouselat
er
nowI'
m goi
ngonadate.
Shesai
dleav
ingwi
thMbat
haf
oll
owi
ngaf
terhi
m.
Me:
Whatj
usthappened?
Sbani
:Hayguy
ssi
badal
afort
his.
Sphe:AndMamzowi
ll
giveahardti
mewehaveto
askhernowi
fwewantyouguystocomeher
e.
Sane:Babel
et'
sgot
oourbedr
oom anddoourt
hing
befor
eIleav
e.
TJ:
Rightaf
tery
ou.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Me:
Babeandt
hatdat
e?
Sbani
:Let
'sgogetr
eady
.
I
siphoandSphewentt otheki
tchentoprepar
ethei
r
breakfast,
Ihopethosedetect
iveswon'
tcomeback
here.Mamzoi stryi
ngtomakeourl i
vesdif
fi
cul
tI
betterstar
tprepar
ingf
ormyweddi ngbecauseIcan'
t
st
andbei
ngawayf
rom Sbani
.
I
nser
tfor
ty

Sbani

Wewentupst
air
stoprepar
eforourdatewewere
bot
hki
ndofexcit
edIguessit
'sbecausewehav
e
nev
erwentonadatebefor
e.
Thando:
Doy
oul
i
ket
hisdr
ess?
Ij
uststar
edathershelookedhotshewaswear
inga
bodyhuggingbl
ackdress.
Thando:
Babest
opst
ari
nghowdoIl
ook?
Me:Youl
ookbeauti
ful
sthandwasam Iki
ndwantt
o
r
ipt
hatdr
essoffri
ghtnow.
Thando:
Behav
eyour
sel
fMr
.
Iwenttoherandweki
ssedunt
ilwehear
dsomeone
cl
eari
ngthei
rthr
oat
.
Mpendul
o:Sor
ryt
oint
err
upt
.
I
'm st
il
lnotusedt
ohav
inghi
m ar
oundIt
otal
l
yfor
got
hewasher e.
Me:
Ist
il
lfor
gety
ouar
eher
eboyhowdi
dyousl
eep?
Mpendulo:
Isl
eptwel
lBhut
ithebedwas
comfor
tabl
e.
Me:
That
'sgr
eat
.
Thando:Uhmm I
'
m sor
ryboyaboutwhatIsai
dthe
otherday
.
Mpendul
o:I
t'
sfi
nesi
sThando.
Thando:Noit'
snotf
ineIdon'
twanty
outothi
nkt
hat
Idon'
tli
keyoubecauseIdoandwhatIsai
dwas
uncal
ledfor
.
Mpendul
o:OkayIf
orgi
vey
ou.
Hel
ookedatme.
Me:
What
?
Mpendul
o:Youpr
omi
sedt
otakemet
othemal
l
t
oday.
Me:
Okayboygot
akeashowerandgetdr
essed.
Her
anout
.
Thando:
Real
l
y?
Me:Don'
tstartThandoyouknowIpr
omi
sedhi
m and
Idon'
twanttolethi
m down.
Thando:
Ithoughtwewer
egoi
ngonadat
ejustt
he
twoofus.
Me:IknowandI
'
m sor
rybuti
twi
l
lhav
etobet
he
t
hreeofus.
Thando:Iwantt ogoonadatewithyouandnotthi
s
boyImeany ouhardl
yknowhim butnowyouare
putt
inghim beforeme.
Me: ReallyThando?Yout hi
nkthi
sisacompet i
ti
on,
I
'mt heonewhobr oughtMpendulohereandI
promi sedhim abett
erli
fe.Yousawt hathehas
nothingwhati shesupposet owearhuh?
Thando:Ijustwant
edust
ohav
esomequal
i
tyt
ime
toget
herthat'
sall
.
Me:
OkayIwil
lgogetMpendul
oandy
ouwi
l
lexpl
ain
t
ohim whywecan'
tgowit
hhim.
Thando:
Noi
t'
sfi
newecangowi
thhi
m.
Me: Youbetterstartworkingony ouratti
tude
towardshim becausehei sher etostay,Idon'
tl
ike
thewayy outreathim andi fyoudon'tchangewewi l
l
haveabi gproblem ImeanIdon' tgetwhaty our
problem i
syouj ustapologisedtohimj ustnowbut
herey ouar
ecal l
inghim" t
hi sboy"
.
Thando:
BabeI
'
m..
.
Me:Youarewhat
?Sor
ry?Idon'
twantt
oheary
our
sor
ryany
more.
Every
timewhenIt hinkwearemov i
ngf or
wardwit
h
Thandoshet akest enstepsbackwardsandI'
m
real
l
yt i
rednow, Idon'tgetwhatherprobl
em i
s.She
i
sstarti
ngtobecomev eryi
nsecur
eImean
Mpendul oi
sjustaki dwhywoul dshebejeal
ousof
him.
Me:
Iwi
l
lgocheckuponMpendul
o.
Ibumpedi
ntoSphe.
Me:
Wat
chwher
eyouar
egoi
ng.
Sphe:
Woawwhyar
eyoupi
ssed?
Me:
Not
hing.
Sphe:It
houghty
ouandThandower
egoi
ngona
date?
Me:Yeswear
ebutIf
orgotthatIpromi
sed
Mpendul
owewoul
dgot othemal l
.
Sphe:I
sipho,
CeboandIar
egoi
ngt
othemal
lwecan
takeMpendulowi
thus.
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Sphe:YesBaf
oy ouandThandoneedyourti
meso
youcansortyouri
ssuesoutev
enthoughIsti
ll
thi
nk
shedoesn'
tdeserv
ey ou.
Sphehasreal
l
ystoppedli
ki
ngThandoandhecan'
t
evenpr
etendany
mor e.
Me:
ThanksmanIwi
l
lgot
alkt
oMpendul
o.
Iwentt
oMpendul
o'
sroom.
Me:
Heychapar
eyoudone?
Mpendul
o:YesI
'
m doneBhut
iSphegav
emet
hese
cl
othest
owear.
Me:Okayl
ist
enI'
mtaki
ngsi
sThandoonadateso
Bhut
iSphewil
lgowi
thyout
othemallandgety
ou
ev
ery
thi
ngy
ouneed.
Mpendulo:
Okaynopr
obl
em butyouwil
lgowit
hme
nextti
mewhenyouar
enott
akingsisThandoona
date.
Me:
Def
ini
tel
yboy
.
Igavehi
m myblackcar
dandt
oldhi
mthatSphe
knowsthepi
n.
Me:
Wit
hthi
scar
dyoucanbuyev
ery
thi
ngy
ouneed.
Mpendul
o:Ngi
yabongaBhut
i.
Hehuggedme, t
hisboysureknowshowtomakeme
f
eelemoti
onalandwhatIli
keabouthimisthathei
s
r
espect
fulandheappreci
atesever
ythi
ng.
Me:
Seey
oul
atert
hen.
Wef
ir
stbumpedandIwentt
omyr
oom.
Me:
Wecango.
Thando:
IsMpendul
oready
?
Me:
Yes.
Wewentdownst
air
sandt
heguy
swer
ether
e.
Me:
Siy
avay
amanj
egent
s(Wear
eleav
ingnow)
.
Sphe:
Sur
e.
Me:IgaveMpendul
omybl
ackcar
dSphepl
ease
don'
tfi
nishmymoney.
TJ:
I'
m al
sogoi
ngt
othemal
l
.
Si
ms:
Met
oo.
Me:
Don'
tst
artwi
thmepl
ease.
Theyj
ustl
aughedwhi
l
ewewentt
othecar
.
Thando:
IthoughtMpendul
owasgoi
ngwi
thus.
Me:
Youwant
edt
ogoonadat
ewi
thmeal
oner
ight
?
Thando:
Rightbut
..
.
Me:
Butnot
hingThando.
Idr
ov eust
oaf ancyr
estaur
anttobehonestIwas
nolongeri
nthemoodf oral
lthi
s.
Thando:
Thi
slooksf
ancy
.
Me:
That
'sbecausei
tis,
canweor
der
?
Thando:
Okay
.
Me:
Wai
ter
.
Thewaitercameandwebot hor
deredwhi
l
ewai
ti
ng
forourordert
heybr
oughtourdr
inks.
Thando:
Thanky
ouf
ort
his.
Me:
Any
thi
ngt
omakey
ouhappy
.
Thando:Iknowyoudon'twantmet
oapol
ogi
zebut
I
'm sor
ryaboutear
li
er.
Me:It
'sf
inesohav
eyout
houghtaboutadat
eforour
weddi
ng.
Thando:
Notr
eal
l
yIt
houghtwewoul
ddot
hat
toget
her
.
Me:
What
every
oudeci
dei
sfi
newi
thme.
Thando:Okayyoushoul
dgivemeyourbl
ackcar
dso
Icanplanourweddi
nginst
eadofgi
vingi
tto
Mpendulo.
Me: Lalel
aThandoI 'm goingtosaythisforthelast
ti
me, youar enotinacompet it
ionwithMpendul othe
factthatyoudon'tli
kehi m Imeanit'
sclearnowt hat
youdon' tl
ikehim shouldnotaffectourrel
ationshi
p
andy ouropinionsabouthowy oufeelabouthim
shouldst aywithy oubecauseIdon' tneedt ohear
them.I '
m notgoi ngt of orceyoutolikeMpendul o
becausei tcamenat ur altomebutIdon' tthinkI
needsomeonel ikey oui nmyl i
fe,t
hismeanst hisis
howy ouwi lltr
eatCeboandTJscomi ngbaby
becauset heyar enoty ourown?Sot hisishowy ou
weregoi ngtot reatMpendul oifhewasmysonbut
noty ours?It oldy out ost opdisappointi
ngy ourself
becausei twillhav ebadconsequences.Iadmi tI
'm
notper fectIhav eal somademyownmi st akesbutI
don'tthinky ouknowwhaty ouwantThandoandt his
i
snotaboutMpendul othisisabouty ouandy our
atti
tude, Imaynotbeper fectbutIsureknowt hatI
deser vewaybet terthanwhaty ouaregiv i
ngme.I
l
ov ey ouGodknowsIdobutIwi l
lneverset t
lefor
l
esst hanIdeser venev er.
Ifel
talotbet
teraft
ersayi
ngthatIlookedatThando
andshewascr yi
ng,whenyousaysomet hi
ngthat
makessenset oThandoshestart
scr yi
ngli
keshe
underst
andsthedepthofwhatyouar esayingbut
thenshedoessomet hi
ngworse.
Thando:
Whatar
eyousay
ing?Pl
easedon'
tbr
eakup
wi
thme.
Thewai
tercamewit
hourfoodandThandoexcused
her
sel
fandwentt
otheladi
esroom.
Ist
art
edeat
ingt
henshecamebackandj
oinedme.
Thando:
Thi
sisni
ce.
Me:
Sur
eis.
Weat
eandwhenwewer
edonewej
ustsatt
her
e.
Me:
Arey
our
eadyt
oleav
e.
Thando:
Sur
e.
Me:
Ist
her
eany
thi
ngel
sey
ouneed?
Thando:
Wecant
akeawal
ktot
hebeachi
fyoudon'
t
mind.
Inodded.
Wetookawalkaroundt
hebeach,t
hewavessure
knowhowtomakemecal mtheybri
ngpeacet
omy
mindandhear
t.
Wesatdownandfacedt
hebeach,Thandosat
bet
weenmylegsandwebothwatchedthewaves
whi
l
enotl
ooki
ngateachot
her
.
Thando: Iknowt here'
snothingIcansayt hatcan
makey outrustmebecauseIt urntosaysomet hing
anddot hecompl et
eopposi tesoIpr omi
set oletmy
actionsspeakf rom nowon.Iknowy oudon' t
deser vemebutIwantt hi
st owor k,
I'
m af oolandI'
m
stupidIknowbutIneedy oubymysi deyouhav e
prov enhowmuchy ouloveme.Fr om nowonIwi l
l
showy ouhowmuchIappr eciat
eandl ov
ey oubut
pleasedon'tgiveuponme, I
'm grat
efult
ohav e
someonel i
key ouinmyl i
fe.
Ibentherheadtowardsmeandwi pedhert
ear
s,no
matterhowmuchImaydoubtThandobut
somethingdrawsmet oheri
t'
sal i
keamagnetandI
knowIwi l
lneverbeabl
etolethergoeveni
fIwant
to.
Thando:
Ilov
eyouhubby
.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oowi
fey
.
Il
oveherngempel
abutmyhearti
smissi
ng
somethi
ngIhopeThandocanbeabl
etofi
l
litbef
ore
i
t'
stoolat
e.
Mpendul
o

I'
m Mpendul oasyoual lknowI 'm anor phanwel lI
hav ebeenanor phanal mostal l myl if
e.Myl i
feused
tobesweetandnor mal likeev eryoneel seoncebut
thingschangeIhearpeopl esay ingt hat'showl i
f eis
ri
ght ?I'
m al mostel ev enbuthal foft het hingsIhav e
doneorIhav ebeent hroughmademymi ndgr owup
fasterthanmyage, Ihadt olearnhowt obest rong
andhowt osur v
iveonmyownsoonaf t
ermybr other
gotar r
est ed.Wewer enev erreallypoorbutIhad
everythingIwant edbecausemymot herandmy
brothermadesur eofi t
,mybr otherwasmy
everythingwewer esocl oseandheal way s
protectedme.Whenmybr otherwasnotar oundI
usedt owi t
nessmyf atherabuseheri nall certain
way sbutIwoul djustwat chanddonot hingbecause
Iwasaf raidandy oung, Itoldmybr otherev ery
t hing
andhedeci dedtodr opoutofv arsityandcomeback
homet opr otectmymot herandI .Someday sIwi shI
didn'ttellhim may behewoul dstillbeher e, Iknow
myfatherwoul
dhavekil
l
edmymot herev
entual
l
y
buti
twouldhavebeenbett
erthatwaybecausemy
brot
herwouldst
il
lbeher
ewi t
hme.
Myf atheronceabusedmybr othersexual l
ybutI
knowhet hinksIdon' tknowandIt hi
nkt hat'soneof
thereasonsheki ll
edhi m, hewasaf r
aidt hathewi ll
doittomet oonotknowi ngt hathehaddonei t
alr
eady .Yeahmyf atheroncer apedmeandInev er
tol
dany oneabouti t,hei snott heonl yper sonwho
hassexual lyassaul t
edmet heladyt hatBhut i
Sbani
gavemoneyt othatdayhecamet ofetchme
watchedherhusbandr apemeal ongwi thhi sfri
ends,
shetriedt opr ot
ectmebyal lcostandt heynev erdid
i
tagai n.I'
m sweetandr espectful becauset hat's
howIwasr aisedbutt hepai nandhat eIcar ryinside
i
spoi sonous.Iwantt ogetmyr ev engeonedayandI
knowIwi llnomat terhowl ongi ttakes.
Mymot herwasagreatwomanwhosacr i
fi
ced
ever
ythi
ngtoseeushappyevenherownhappiness
andshedidn'
tdeser
vetodi
einthehandsofaman
whoonceclaimedtolov
eherbutthat
'showthe
worl
disnowadays.
I'
m gratefulforBhut iSbani herescuedmef rom my
miseryandIf eltconnect edtohim somehowbutI
don'tknowhowi t
'sgoingtobesi ncesi
sThando
doesn'tli
keme, Iheardhert al
ki
ngt oBhutiSbani
aboutmegoi ngwi ththem todayandIf eel
likeI
'm
i
ntruding.Ithoughtaboutr unningawaybutIcan'tgo
backt othatlife,Godhasf i
nall
yanswer edmy
prayersandgav emeaf amilywhatmor ecanIask
for.
Sphe:
Boyar
esur
ethat
'sal
lyouneed?
Me:
YesI
'
m sur
eBhut
i.
Sphe:
Weshoul
dal
sogety
ouaphone.
Me:
Aphone?
Sphe:
Yesaphonedon'
tyouhav
eagi
rl
fr
iendt
ocal
l
.
Wel
aughed.
Me:
Hay
iBhut
iIdon'
thav
eagi
rl
fr
iend.
Ireal
lydon'twanttogobackt omyoldschoolal
lthe
chil
drentheredon'tli
keme,someofthem come
fr
om backgr oundsjustl
ikeminebutt
heylaughat
mebecauseIdon' thav eafamil
yandbecauseIwork
att
hei
rhomessomet
imesj
ustt
ohav
esomet
hingt
o
eat
.
Sphe:
HayhayMpendul
oyoushoul
dgetagi
rl
fr
iend.
I
sipho:ButbabeMpendul
oisst
il
lyoung,
don'
tl
ist
en
t
ohi m boy.
Ij
ustlaughedt
henwewentt
oEdgar
'sconnectt
oget
acel
lphoneforme.
Sphe:
Chooseboy
.
Me:IwantacheaponeIdon'
twantt
ofi
nishBhut
i
Sbani
'
smoney .
Isi
pho:Youcannev
erfi
nishthemoneythati
sint
hat
cardsochoosewhi
cheverphoneyoul
ike.
Il
ookedar
oundt
hest
oreandchoseSamsungA10.
Sphe:
NonoIsayt
aket
hisone.
Hesaidpoi
nti
ngataphonet
hatcostmor
ethanf
ive
t
housand.
Me:
Hay
iBhut
iSphe.
I
sipho:
Justt
akei
tboy
.
Inoddedandt
ooki
t.
Sphe:
Let
'sgetsomet
akeaway
s.
I
sipho:Don'
tfor
getmeandt
hegi
rl
sar
emov
ingout
t
oday .
Sphe:It
otal
lyf
orgotMamzoi
sbei
nghar
donusf
or
noreason.
Wehadal r
eadyatesowewentbackhomeit
soundedforei
gntohearmysel
fsay
inghomebut
that
'showitisnow,Ihav
eahome.
Me:
Thanky
ouf
ort
oday
.
Sphe:
Whot
aughty
ouhowt
obet
hisappr
eci
ati
ve?
Me:
Mymot
herandmybr
other
.
Isi
pho:Youwereraisedri
ghtboyyourmot
hermay
notbehearbutsurelysheispr
oudofthemanyou
arebecoming.
Me:
Thanky
ousi
sIsi
pho.
WegothomeandBhut iSbani'
scarwasparked
out
side,Ifel
tmyheartbeat i
ngfastwhati
fhewi l
lbe
madt hatIboughtal
lthesethings.
Wegotinsi
deandhewaswat
chi
ngTVal
onei
nthe
l
ounge.
I
sipho:
Bhut
iwher
ear
etheot
her
s.
Sbani
:Upst
air
spacki
ng.
Sphe:
Babeyoushoul
dalsogopackbef
oreMamzo
comesher
eanddragyouallt
otheot
herhouse.
Theyl
aughedandl
eftmewi
tht
hiski
ndy
etscar
y
man.
Sbani
:Whatdi
dyoubuyboy
?
Me:
Ever
ythi
ngIneeded.
Sbani
:Let
'sgot
oyourr
oom soy
oucanshowme.
Hehel
pedmecar
rymyshoppi
ngbagsupst
air
s.
Sbani
:I
sthi
sal
lyoubought
?
Me:YesBhutiI
'
m sorr
yIdi
dn'
tmeant
ofi
nishy
our
moneyBhuti
Sphe..
.
Sbani
:WooawMpendul
ocal
m downzi
ncanekabi
l
ezimpahl
a.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Sbani
:Yesbutwewi
l
laddnextt
imewhenwegot
o
themall
.
Me:Ithoughtyouweregoi
ngt
obemadIal
so
boughtacell
phone.
It
ooki
toutandshowedhi
m.
Sbani
:GoodI
'
m happyasl
ongasy
ouar
ehappyboy
.
Me:
Thanky
ouBhut
iSbani
Godwi
l
lbl
essy
ou.
Sbani:Whydoy
oual
way
swantmet
ocr
ywhenI
'
m
aroundyou.
Wel
aughed.
Me:
Okaysor
ry.
Hebl
ankedoutandhi
sey
esbecamewhi
te.
Me:
Bhut
i.
Ishookhi
m andhej
umped.
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?Yourey
eswer
eIdon'
tknow?
Sbani
:I
'mf
ineboyt
hat
'
showIbecomemostoft
he
ti
me.
Me:
Why
?Ar
eyousi
ck?
Heshowedmehi
swr
ist
sandt
her
ewer
ebangl
es
ar
oundthem.
Me:
Arey
ouasangoma?
Sbani
:Somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
,let
'
sgoseey
ourbr
other
.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Sbani:
Yesandwest i
llhav
eal
ott
otal
kaboutIdi
dn'
t
l
ikethevi
sionIj
usthad.
Hesaidgetti
ngup, Ichangedmyclothesandwore
someoft henewones.I fheisasangomat hen
ther
e'sapossibi
li
tythathemayseet hatIwasonce
sexuall
yassault
edohnowhatwi llhappenthen.
If
oll
owedaf
terhi
m whenIwasdonechangi
ng.
Sbani:
Gowai tf
ormei
nthecarIwi
l
lgosaygoodby
e
totheladi
es.
Me:
OkayBhut
i.
Iwenttohiscarandwaited,hecameaftersomef ew
minut
esthendrove.Ioncewentt oseemybr ot
her
buti
twasal ongti
meago, t
heyletmeseehimf ora
fewsecondsbecauseIwasaki d.
Heparkedout
sidet
henwegoti
nhetalkedt
osome
manthenwewer et
oldt
ogowaiti
nsi
de.
Sbani
:Ar
eyour
eady
?
InoddedI'
m scaredIhaven'
tseenmybr ot
heri
na
l
ongt i
me, Iwonderhowtheytr
eathim her
ebecause
thestor
iesIhearaboutpri
sonarebad.
Isawhi
m wal
ki
ngsl
owt
oourdi
rect
ionandIr
ant
o
hughi
m.
Me:
Bhut
i.
Zakhel
e:Boydon'
tcr
yShhh.
Wewentt
osi
tdownmybr
otherhadt
ear
sinhi
sey
es.
Zakhel
e:Thanky
oumant
hanky
ou.
Sbani
:I
t'
snot
hingIwi
l
lgi
vey
ouguy
ssomespace.
Hel
eft
.
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?Ar
etheyt
reat
ingy
ouwel
l
?
Zakhel
e:Cal
m downI'
mt heonewhoissupposeto
beworri
edaboutyounottheot
herwayaround.
Me:
Bhut
iI'
mfi
neBhut
iSbani
ist
reat
ingmewel
l
.
Zakhel
e:I
'
m gl
adboywher
edoy
oust
aynow?
Me:
Het
ookmei
n.
Zakhel
e:Ar
etheyt
reat
ingy
ouwel
l
?
Me:YesBhut
itheyboughtmethesecl
othes,a
cel
l
phoneandtheyhaveaver
ybeautif
ulbighouse.
Zakhel
e:I
'
m gl
adboyandMpendul
opl
easebea
goodboy.
Me:Iwil
lnev
erembarassy
ouorl
ety
oudownBhut
i,
uzophumanini
lana.
Hesi
ghed.
Zakhele:
Angazi
boybutdon'
twor
ryy
our
sel
fabout
thatokay.
Me:
Imi
ssy
ou.
Zakhel
e:IknowboyboyIknow.
Me:
IknowwhatBabadi
dtoy
ou.
Hel
ookedatmeshocked.
Zakhel
e:Mpendul
owhatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Me:
Her
apedy
ouIknow.
Zakhel
e:What
?Don'
ttel
lmehedi
ditt
oyout
oo?
Hewasangr
yreal
l
yangr
y.
Il
ookeddown.
Zakhel
e:Mpendul
ononooo.
Hebangedt
het
abl
e.
War
den:
Hli
saumsi
ndosboshwa.
Zakhel
e:Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?
Me:
Iwasaf
rai
dhesai
dhewoul
dki
l
lmama.
Zakhel
e:I
'
m sor
ryy
ouhadt
ogot
hrought
hatboyI
'
m
sosorr
y.
Me:
It'
sfi
nehei
sdeadnow.
Iwant
edtotel
lhi
mthatsomemandi
ditt
oobutI
wasafr
aidofhowhewouldr
eact
.
Zakhel
e:Il
ovey
ouokayandIwi
l
lbeoutofher
eone
day.
Me:IknowIlov
eyout
ooBhut
iandIwi
l
lvi
si
tyou
ev
erydaynow.
Zakhel
e:Okaygocal
lBhut
iSbani
formeIneedt
o
t
alkt
ohi
m okay
?
Me:
Okayby
eBhut
i.
Ihuggedhi
m andl
eft
.
Me:
Bhut
iSbani
Bhut
iwant
stot
alkt
oyou.
Sbani
:Okayboygowai
tformei
nthecar
.
IwenttothecarIcan'
tdescr
ibehowhappyIam t
o
fi
nall
yseemybr ot
herIprayt
oGodonedayhe
comesoutofthathell
holeatl
eastt
oseeme
graduat
e.
I
nser
tfor
tyone

I
sipho

Todayismygr aduat i
ondayi nordertowakeup
ecstat
icIwokeupv eryemot i
onal becausemy
parentsarenotheretowi tnesstheirli
tt
legi
rl
graduate,
Iknowt heyar elookingdownonmebut
i
t'snotthesame.Mamawoul dhav emademydr ess
yessheusedt osewcl ot
hesbutshewasabusi ness
womanshej ustdi dthatontheside,Babawoul d
probablysaynot hinghewasmor eli
kemybr ot
herhe
didn'tl
i
keormay beknowhowt oexpresshis
feeli
ngs.I'
m gratefultoGodt hatt
hisdayhadf i
nally
comeaf tereverythingwehav ebeent hr
oughIhad
l
osthopebuther eIam, It
houghtaftergiv
ingbir
thto
mydaught erIwoul dstr
ugglewithschoolbutIdidn'
t
thankstoallmyf amilymember sforhelpi
ngmeout .
Imi ssKhozasomuchhewoul dhavebeensopr oud
afterourparentsdi edhemadesur et oloveusli
ke
hisown.
Il
ayonmybedandlookupt
hecei
l
ingj
ustt
hinki
ng
aboutev
ery
thi
ng.
Mamz
o:I
siphousal
ele?(Youar
est
il
lsl
eepi
ng)
.
Me:
Idon'
twantt
ogomama.
Mamz
o:Nonsensewhy
?
Me:
Iwi
shmypar
ent
swer
eher
e.
Mamz o:OhbabyIknowhowy oufeelbutdothi
sfor
them y
ouneedt ocel
ebr
atet
hisdayforthem,you
maynotbeliev
eitsometi
mesbuttheyarelooki
ng
downony ou.
Me:
Imi
sst
hem mamaev
ery
day
.
Mamz o:Iknowyoudosweet
hear
tbutweareal
lfor
you,Imaynotbeyourmot
herbi
ologi
cal
l
ybutIwi
ll
alwaysbeyourmother
.
Me:
Iknowmamat
hanky
ou.
Mamz
o:Nowwakeupandgot
akeashower
.
Inodded,Ireal
lydon'tfeell
ikecelebr
ati
ngtodaybutI
don'
twantt oletmyf amilydownIknowt heyare
l
ookingforwardtot oday.AllIwantri
ghtnowisto
seemybr othernothingelsebutIknowhi m,hewil
l
notcomeher e.
Iwakeupandmakemybedaft
erthatIgotakea
qui
ckshowerbef
oret
heyki
l
lmeinthishouse.
WhenIgetoutoft
heshowerIf
indt
hegi
rl
ssi
tt
ing
onmybed.
Sane:
Mor
ningbabe.
Me:
Mor
ninggi
rl
s.
Zane:
I'
m her
etodoy
ourmakeup.
Me:
Youar
eguy
sar
ebei
ngext
ranowi
t'
snotl
i
keI
'
m
get
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
Thando:HayIsit
hisi
sbi
gespeci
all
yafterev
ery
thi
ng
wehav efacedovert
hel
astf
ewmont hs.
Sane:
Shei
sri
ghtbaby
.
Me:
Okayf
ine.
Thando:
Thi
sisy
ourdr
essSbani
del
i
ver
edi
t.
Iopenedi
tandt
her
ewasanot
e.
"MorningAngelIhopeyouarehappyaboutt
oday ,
thi
sadr essmamamadef oryouwhenshewasst il
l
ali
ve,sheknewonedayy ouweregoingtograduat
e
soIkeptitfory
ou.Wearitwithpr
ideandIknowy ou
wil
llookbeauti
ful
,Ilov
eyou".
Iwasal
readycr
yingt
hisissomet
hingIwant
edt
o
makemel ookf
orwar
dt othi
sday
.
Zane:
Ahbabey
ouar
emaki
nguscr
ynow.
Me:
I'
m happy
.
Sane:Okaysitdownbef
oreMamzocomedr
agus
outofhere.
Thando:
Don'
tev
enment
ioni
tguy
sMamzoi
sso
ext
ra.
Me:
Sheev
enl
ockst
hegat
eandsl
eepswi
tht
hekey
.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Zane:I
magi
neshei
sjustpuni
shi
ngusf
orwhatI
don'
tknow.
ZanedidmymakeupandThandomyhai r
,Sanewas
busyeati
ngsheeatsalotandIsweari
tseemsli
ke
sheiscarr
yingt
wins.
Thando:
Okaywearedoney
oucanputy
ourdr
esson
whil
ewegogetdr
essed.
Me:
Thanky
ouguy
s.
Iadmir
edmydr essbefor
eput
ti
ngitoni
tfi
tli
kea
glov
eit
'sthatmot her
sknowbesteveni
nhergrav
e
mymot hersti
l
lmakesmehappy .
Ther
ewasaknockont
hedoor
.
Me:
Comei
n.
Mpendul
o:Mor
ningsi
sIsi
pho.
Ihav
enev
ermetaboyasr
espect
ful
ast
hisone.
Me:
Mor
ningboywhendi
dyougether
e.
Mpendul
o:JustnowBhut
iSphedr
oppedmeof
fand
l
eft
.
Il
aughed.
Me:
Mamzodi
dn'
tal
l
owhi
mtocomei
nri
ght
?
Mpendul
o:Yesshesai
dhewi
l
lmakey
oul
ate.
Hewascar
ryi
ngf
lower
sandabox.
Mpendul
o:Hesai
dIshoul
dgi
vey
out
his.
It
ookthefl
owersandi
nsi
det
hesmal
lboxt
her
ewas
abeaut
if
ulneckpi
ece.
Me:
Thanksf
ordel
i
ver
ingboy
.
Mpendul
o:Icanhel
pyouputi
ton.
Me:
Yespl
ease.
Mpendul
o:Youlookbeaut
if
ulsisI
sipho,whydoy
ou
l
ookalotl
ikeBhuti
Sbaniareyout
wi ns?
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Nobabyhei
smyol
derbr
other
.
Mpendul
o:OkayIseeby
eI'
m goi
ngt
otheki
tchen
bef
oremamaki
l
lsme.
Webot
hlaugh,
I'
m al
soi
nlov
ewi
tht
hisl
i
ttl
eguy
.
Me:
Okayboy
.
Hel
eftandIf
ini
sheddr
essi
ngandev
ery
thi
ng.
Mamz o:
Isi
phoKhoz
angi
yakushi
yami
na(
I'
mleav
ing
youbehi
nd).
Il
aughedkantiwhoisgraduatingwhenshewil
ll
eave
mebehind,Igotoutofmyr oom andwent
downstai
rsweari
ngthisdressistheonl
ythi
ngthat
makesmel ookforwardtothisday.
Mamz
o:Ohmybabyy
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Wasn'
tsheshout
ingatmej
ustnow,i
fgr
owi
ngol
dis
l
iket
hist
hencountmeoutpl
ease.
Me:
Thanky
oumamay
oual
sol
ookgood.
Thegi
rlsdeci
dednott
ogosi
nceIhav
esi
xti
cket
s
onl
y,i
twil
lbeMamzo,BabaMbat
haandt
heguys.
Mamz
o:Let
'sgopl
easeBabai
swai
ti
ng.
Weal
ll
ookedather
.
Mamz
o:What
?
Sane:
Sotheonl
yreasony
ouwantt
ogoi
sbecause
youwantt
oseeBaba.
Mamz
o:Angi
siy
eumngani
wenunj
alo.
Shesaidtaki
ngherpur
se,whenwegotoutsi
deBaba
wasalreadywai
ti
ngforus.Hesai
dtheguy
swere
al
readygone.
Wear r
ivedthereandasIhadant ici
pat
edmybr ot
her
didn'
tevensayany t
hing,ev
erythi
ngwentwell
we
thenwenttot akepi
cturesaft
erthatwewentback
home.
AsIthoughtther
ewasatentandt
hegir
lswerebusy
runni
ngaround,t
hisf
amil
ycanbeext
raItol
dthem
todosomet hi
ngsmall
.
Me:
Itol
dyouguy
sthatIwantsomet
hingsmal
l
.
Si
ms:
Thi
sisv
erysmal
langel
come.
Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
Sims:Roll
thoseey
esonceagai
nandIwil
ltaket
hat
tentoutmysel
fandweall
gotosleep.
Il
aughed.
Me:
Okaysor
ryBhut
iSi
mbongi
l
e.
Si
ms:
Good.
Wegoti nsidet het entbefor
eeatingpeopl
esaidthei
r
speechesaf tertheywer edoneweal lstar
tedeati
ng,
Iwasstill
hopi ngmybr otherwouldspeakbuthe
wasbusyeat ing.Ipushmypl at
easideandlookat
mybr ot
her, het akeshisplateandcomesi tnextt
o
me.
Sbani
:EatI
sipho.
Me:
I'
m nothungr
y.
Sbani
:Uf
unaukukhal
a(Youwantt
ocr
y?)
.
Me:
YouknowI
'
m notal
i
ttl
egi
rlany
mor
e.
Sbani
:Youst
il
lmyAngel
soeat
.
Ismil
eandst
arteat
ing,af
terwear
ehet
akesmy
handandwestandI
nfront
.
Sbani:Ihaveneverbeenreal
lygoodatexpressi
ng
myf eeli
ngsnotthatI
'm notgoodwit
hwor ds
becauseIam y oucanallaskThandoify
oudon't
bel
i
eveme.
Wealllaugh,
heholdsmyhandsandl ookstr
aight
i
ntomyey esandIstar
tcry
ing.Idon'
tknowwhybut
ever
yti
memybr otherl
ooksdeepinmyey esIjust
cr
ythat'showconnect
edIfeeltohi
m.
Sbani: Si
si omncaney ouaregr owingsof astandI
don'tthinkI '
mr eadyf orwhat snextf rom nowon, I
'
m
proudofy ouaf terwel ostKhozaIwasaf raidthat
youwi l
ll
osef ocusbuty oudidn't
.Congr atulati
ons
myl ov ekeepondoi ngmeandev eryoneel searound
uspr oud,Iwasn' tsurehowwewer egoingt ogrow
upaf terourpar entsdiedbutGodgav eusaf amil
y
thatwewi llalway sbet hankfulfor.Il
ovey ouso
muchAngel what everyoudor emembert haty ouare
amot hernowy ouneedt obeagoodexampl etoher
alway s.
IwasacryingmessIhavenev
err
eall
yhear
dmy
brot
herpourhi
sheartoutf
ormel
ikethi
s.
Sbani:Nowst
opcr
yingandf
oll
owmeIgoty
oua
present.
Hewi
pedmyt
ear
sandev
ery
oneel
sef
oll
owedaf
ter
us.
Isawmydr
eam carandl
ookedathi
m.
Me:
Noy
oudi
dn'
t?
Sbani
:YesIdi
dit
.
Me:
Bhut
i.
Sbani
:Her
ear
ethecarkey
s.
It
hrowmy
sel
fonhi
sar
ms.
Me:
Ngi
yabongaBhov
ungane.
Ir
antothecarandopenedi
t,Ican'
tbel
i
evemy
br
othergotmeacar.
Igotbackt
otheot
her
sandt
heycongr
atul
atedme.
Mamzo:Wear
eleav
ing,
gir
lsmakesur
ethaty
ouar
e
homebef
oret
en.
Sims:Hay
ingekmamawear
eov
ert
hir
tyf
orgod'
s
sake.
Mamz o:
Arey
out
alki
ngbackatmeSi
mbongi
l
ehuh
ut
hini
.
Si
ms:
Not
hing.
Mamz
o:Okayby
ethen.
Sphe:
Babecanwegof
orar
ide.
Me:
Sur
eBabakhe.
Wel
eftt
heot
her
sdr
inki
ng.

Mpendul
o

Weallsleptl
atel
astnightitwassuchawonderful
dayIcan'twai
ttograduate,Mamzocamet ofet
ch
osi
siyester
dayandtheywer esodrunkbesi
desis
Sanebecausesheispr egnant
.
Iwakeupandgooutsi
deIseeBhutiSbanicl
eani
ng
theyar
d,It
akeabl
ackplast
icbagandjoinhi
m.
Me:
Mor
ningBhut
i.
Sbani
:Mj
i
taogr
end?
Me:
I'
m okayy
ou?
Sbani
:I
'm goodj
ustt
ir
edandhungr
y.
Me:
Youcangor
estIwi
l
lcl
eant
hey
ard.
Sbani:
Noit'
sfi
ne,gotakemyphoneandor
der
breakf
astf
orever
yone.
Me:Youall
didn'
teatt
hemeatwebr
aii
dsoIcan
war
mi tup.
Sbani
:Okaydot
hatboy
.
Igr
ewuppoorandIdon'tli
kepeopl
ewhospend
moneyalotev
eniftheyhavei
t,l
i
feisunpredi
ctabl
e
youcanhavemoneytodayandwakeupt omorrow
wit
hnothi
ng.
Iwentt
otheki
tchenwarmedupt hemeatt
ookbr
ead
formeandBhuti
thenwentout
side.
Sbani
:Uy
idl
ali
l
ent
wanat
hanks.
Weatesil
ent
ly,Il
ookedathim si
nceIgothereheis
t
heoneIfeelconnectedt
onobhutiTJkindofgets
mebutforwi
thBhut i
Sbaniit
sdiff
erentIdon'
tknow
may
beit'
sbecausehei stheonewhot ookmei n.
Sbani
:Youshoul
dbeeat
ingi
nst
eadofl
ooki
ngatme.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Wil
lIber
etur
ningt
omyol
dschool
?
Sbani:
Unfort
unatelyyesboyi
t'
sthet
hir
dter
m
al
readyIcan'
tjustkeepyouhere.
Me:
Idon'
twantt
ogobackt
her
e.
Sbani
:Why
?
Me:
Theki
dst
her
etr
eatmebad.
Sbani:
SorryboybutIdon'
twanty
out
odr
opoutof
schoolpl
easejustbepati
ent
.
Me:
Can'
tIdr
opoutofschool
?
Sbani
:Unfort
unat
elynoMpenduloschoolis
i
mportantIpromi
seyounextyearIwil
lfi
ndy oua
ver
ygoodschool.
Me:
Okay
.
Sbani
:Iwil
lyoudropy
outher
emy sel
fandf
etchy
ou
aft
erschoolev
ery
dayIpr
omise.
If
akesmi
l
ed.
Me:
Thanky
ouBhut
i.
Sbani
:I
sther
eany
thi
ngel
sey
ouwantt
otel
lme.
Iknewexact
lywhathewant
edmet
osaybutI
'
mjust
notr
eadyy
et.
Me:
No.
Sbani
:Yourbr
othert
oldmewhathappenedt
oyou.
Il
ookeddown.
Sbani
:Therei
snoneedt
obeashamedi
twasnever
yourf
ault
,washet
heonl
yonewhomolest
edyou?
Idebat
edwhet
hert
otel
lhi
m ornot
.
Me:
No.
Hecl
enchedhi
sjaws.
Sbani
:Ar
etheyst
il
lal
i
ve?
Me:
NoBhut
i.
IwaslyingIknowifItellhi
m hewill
wantt omake
them payormay betell
meaboutf orgi
veness,
I'm
notreadyforthatl
ectureIwantt
omaket hem pay
my sel
f.
Sbani
:Ihopey
ouar
enotl
yi
ngt
omeMpendul
o.
Me:
NoI
'
m nott
rustme.
Iknowhei
saseerhewi
l
lmay
beknowt
hatI
'
mly
ing
butIwi
l
lcr
osst
hatbr
idgewhenIgett
her
e.
Sbani
:Iwil
lfi
ndy
ousomehel
pyouknowsomeone
total
kto.
Me:
Idon'
twantt
otal
ktoast
ranger
.
Sbani
:Shewi
l
lnott
ell
any
onenotev
enme.
Me:NoIpr
efert
alki
ngt oyoubutnotnowIwi
l
llet
youknowwhenI'
mr eady.
Sbani
:Okayf ai
renoughIwil
lneverbeabl
etobri
ng
yourmotherbackormay betur
nbackthehandsof
ti
mebutIpr omisetobehereforyoual
ways.
Me:
AndI
'
m gr
atef
ul.
Sbani:
Yousur
esoundl
ikeyouar
etwent
yMpendul
o
areyouyouar
eal
mostelev
en.
Il
aughed.
Me:
Thehar
dshi
pswef
acemakesusgr
ow.
Sbani:Okayboybutint
hishousey
ouareachildso
befreeandenjoyyourl
if
eyouaresti
l
lyoung.
Inodded,Ipr
ayhedoesn'
tfi
ndoutt
hatI
'
mly
ing
aboutthosepeopl
ebei
ngdead.
Me:
Wil
lmybr
otherev
ercomeoutofj
ail
?
Sbani
:Leav
ethatt
ome.
Me:
Okay
.
It
rusthim butIdoubtmybr
otherwi
l
leverbeoutI
j
ustpraytoGodhedoessohecanbeher etosee
megr owandbecomeabet t
ermanthanourfather
was.
Sbani
:Let
'scont
inue.
Wecont
inuedcl
eani
ngunt
ilal
ltheguy
swer
eawake.

Nar
rat
ed

Lady
:Idon'
tknowwher
etheyt
ookhi
m Iswear
.
Man1:
Youwi l
lhav
etof
indoutbecauseI
'
m not
goi
ngtoj
ail
.
Lady
:I'
m notgoi
ngt
odot
hat
.
Man1:
Youwanthi
mtot
ell
ever
yonewhatIdi
d?
Lady
:Idon'
tcar
e.
Man1:
IfIwer
eyouIwasgoi
ngt
ost
artcar
ryi
ng.
Lady
:Justki
l
lme.
Man1:YouknowIcanbur
nthi
sshackdownwi
th
t
hesebastar
dsyoucal
lmychi
ldr
en.
Thewomanj
ustkeptoncr
ying.
Man1: I
'
m gi
vi
ngyoutwodaystof
indthatboybef
ore
theyfi
ndoutt
hathi
smotherwast
heirmothers
sist
er.
Lady
:Okaypl
easedon'
tki
l
lmychi
l
drenIwi
l
lfi
ndhi
m.
Man1:
Twoday
ssi
yezwana?
Lady
:Yest
woday
s.
Themangotoutt
omeetwi
thhi
sfr
iends.
Man2:Howcanyoubethi
scar
elessIt
houghty
ou
sai
dyouwil
lwat
chthatboy
?
Man1:
WasIsupposet
obehi
ssecur
it
yguar
d?
Man2:Yesy
ouwere,wedon'
tst
ayinthi
ssti
nki
ng
pl
acesowewerenotgoi
ngtowatchhisev
erymove.
Man1:
Itwasni
ceandal
lwheny
ouwer
ebusyr
api
ng
hi
mint
hisst
inki
ngpl
ace.
Man3:
Cany
oual
lj
ustst
opf
ight
ingandr
elax.
Man2:Udakiwewenaandrelax?Rel
axhow?How
wi
llIexpl
ainrapi
ngachi
l
dt omyf amil
y.
Theot
her
slookedathi
m.
Man3:It
'snotl
ikeitwasyourfi
rstt
imedoi
ngitcome
onwhoar eyoukiddi
ngyoualsosleepwi
thyourown
chi
l
dren.
Man2:
Fucky
ou.
Man1:
Myquest
ioni
showdowesol
vet
his?
Man3:
Ithi
nkweshoul
djustf
orgetaboutt
his.
Man1:Forgetabouti
t?Youarecr azymywi f
et ol
d
methatthepersonwhot ookthatboywasaKhoza
sot
hatmeanshi smot herwasthesisterofthatboy
.
Man2:
Youar
enotev
ensur
eaboutt
hat
.
Man1:
I'
m notgoi
ngtojai
lsosi
nceyoual
lstayi
nthe
sur
bur
bsyoushouldl
ookforhi
m bef
orei
t'
stoolat
e.
Hesai
dleav
ingt
hem t
her
e.
Man3:Whati
fhei
stheonewhohi
dtheboyandnow
hewantst
osetusup.
Man2:
May
behef
oundoutt
hatIsl
eptwi
thhi
swi
fe.
Man3:
Youdi
dwhat
?
Man2:Comeonthatl
adyi
shotukut
hinj
e
uy
ahlupheka.
Man3:
Youar
esi
ckl
et'
sgof
indt
heboy
.
Man2:
Okaydi
dyouf
inal
l
yfi
ndy
ourni
ece.
Man3:
Who?Thandolwet
hunobutIwi
sht
ofi
ndher
t
hatgi
rlwassweet
.
Hi
sfr
iendl
i
ckedhi
smout
handt
heyl
eft
.
I
nser
tfor
tyt
wo

Wearenowappr oachingDecemberlif
ehasbeen
good,reall
ygoodi fyouaskmewedeci dedtoget
marri
ednexty earaft
ermygr aduati
onbecauseIstil
l
needtof ocusonschool .Every
oneishappyandI '
m
al
sohappyi fsomeonet ol
dmeaf ewy earsbackt
hat
Iwouldbet hishappyIwoul dhavejustlaughed
becauseIhadconv i
ncedmy sel
fthathappinesswas
nevermadef ormebutlookatmenow.Inev erreal
l
y
prayedforthisl
i
febutGodsawmet hroughany way
nowIhav eav er
ygoodr easont
owor shi
phi m, Iwas
star
tingtobecomev er
yinsecur
eandsel f
ish
becauseI'm nowli
vi
ngagoodl i
febutIrealisedwhat
Iwas
doi
ngwasver
ywrongbecauseGodcanst
il
ltakeal
l
thi
sawayf
rom me.
Mypar entsdiedwhenIwasy oungbutIsti
llt
hinkof
them, Idon'tev enwantt otalkabouthowImi sssis
Sindi t
hatwomansav edme, shediedformeandf or
thatIwi llal
way sbegr at
eful.Ineedtomaket ime
andv i
sitherbutit'
shar dbecausewher ewebur i
ed
heri swher eIdon'twisht ogobecausei tallj
ust
bringbackal l mypastbutIneedt odot hatno
mat terwhatj ustforhersoshecanknowt hatIwill
nev erforgetherandwhatshedi dforme.
MpendulohasbeendoingwellatschoolandIhave
nodoubtthathewil
lpass,
theguyshav ebeentry
ing
toworkouthisbr
other
scaseit'
shardbuti t
's
promi
singandknowingSbanihewi l
lnotgiv
eup.
Itur
nsoIcangetbackt
osleepbutt
here'
sknockat
thedoorIi
gnor
etheper
sonbutshedoesn'
tstop.
Mamzo:ThandowakeupIknowy
ouar
enot
sl
eepi
ng.
Mamz ohasbeentreat
ingusli
ketenagersshejust
becamethosestr
ictmother
'soutoftheblue,we
evensneakoutwhenwewantt oseet heguys.I
t'
s
badguyscansomeonecomeandt akeherplease.
Ikeepqui
etandli
stenwhet
hershei
sgoi
ngornot
butsheknocksagai
n.
Me:
MamaI
'
m notat
tendi
ngt
oday
.
Mamz o:
Butyourt
imet
abl
esay
ssomet
hingel
se
Thandol
wet
hu.
OhGodsheev
enhasourt
imet
abl
est
hiswoman.
Me:
OkayI
'
m upnow.
Mamz
o:Opent
hisdoorIwantt
oseet
haty
ouar
eup.
Igetupy
awni
ngandopent
hedoor
.
Mamzo:Di
dyouseet
heti
me?Yougir
lsl
ove
sl
eepi
ngbuty
ousayyouwantt
ogetmar
ri
edhah.
Me:
Goodmor
ningt
oyout
oomama.
Shechuckl
es.
Mamzo:
Hayigoodmor ni
ngy
animakethatbedand
got
akeashowerIal
readymadebr
eakf
ast.
Ilaughandsheget sout,Il
ovehersomuchsheis
themot herIneverhadshewasmadef orthi
s
mot her
hoodt hi
ngImeanwhocanmot hersomany
grownupchi ldr
en.
Imakemybedandgot akeabathIr
elaxinthe
bathtubunt
ilt
hewat erbecomescol
d,Igetoutand
fi
nishmydailyrout
inebeforegoi
ngt
ot heki
tchen.
If
indZaneeat
ingwhi
l
eyawni
ng.
Me:
Mor
ningf
ri
end.
Zane:
There'
snot
hinggoodaboutt
hismor
ning
mngani.
Il
augh.
Me:
Didshewakey
ouupt
oo?
Zane:Kmel
esi
museekhayal
abadal
a(Weshoul
d
sendhert
oanadul
tshome).
Webot
hlaugh.
Me:Theycanbr
ingherbackwi
thi
naf
ewday
sI'
m
t
ell
i
ngy ou.
Zane:
Fewday
s?Fewmi
nut
esThando.
Me:
Doy
ouknowsheev
enhasourt
imet
abl
es?
Zane:IknowItol
dherIwasn'
tatt
endi
ngt
odaybut
shehadmyt i
metabl
einherhand.
Me:
Met
oof
ri
end.
Mamz o:Ni
busyniy
angi
hlebal
a(Youar
ebusy
gossi
pingaboutmeher
e).
Zane:
Who?Us?Nev
ermama.
Me:
Wewoul
dnev
erdot
hat
.
Mamz
o:Oho.
Zane:
Whydi
dn'
tyouwakeSaneupmama?
Mamz
o:Shei
spr
egnant
.
Me:
Ican'
twai
ttogetpr
egnant
.
Mamz
o:Notunt
ily
ougr
aduat
e.
Me:
But
..
.
Mamz
o:Nobut
syouar
eal
readyl
atenowgo.
Zane:Mamay
ouar
ethebestandIl
ovey
oucanI
pl
ease..
.
Mamz
o:No.
Welaughed,t
hiswomani
sdr
amat
icl
aphoshei
snot
ev
enthatold.
Zane:
Buty
oudi
dn'
tev
enhearwhatIwant
edt
osay
.
Mamzo:
What
every
ouwantt
osaymustnoti
ncl
ude
Si
ms.
Il
ookedatZaneIwantedt
olaughatherbecauseI
knewshewantedtotal
kaboutSi
ms.
Zane:
CanIspendt
heni
ghtatt
heot
herhouset
oday
?
Mamz
o:No.
Zane:
Imi
ssmydad.
Shepr
etendedt
ocr
ybutMamzoj
ustl
aughed.
Mamz
o:Iwi
l
ltel
lhi
mtocomeher
etoni
ght
.
Shesai
dleav
ingust
her
e.
Me:
Fri
endy
ouar
ejustbei
ngdr
amat
icl
i
key
our
mot
hernow.
Zane:
Let
'sgoIwi
l
ldr
ive.
Wet
ookourt
hingsandl
eft
.
Me:
Aft
ercl
assI
'
m meet
ingupwi
thSbani
.
Zane:
Ial
sowanttoseeSimsi
t'
sbeenamont
h
si
ncewespentt
henightt
oget
her
.
Me:
Mamai
simpossi
bleI
'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
Mamz osay sthati
fwespendal lourt
imewiththe
guystheywillfi
nduslessat
tract
ivewhenweget
marri
ed,Iagreethatmakessensebutwear eused
tobei
ngt hem soallt
hisi
sjustimpossibl
eforus.
Wegottocampusandatt
endedourcl
assaftert
hat
wecal
l
edtheguystocomeusingonecarbecause
Si
mswasgoingtodri
vewithZane.
Zane:Whatshoul
dwedo,doyout
hinkweshoul
dtel
l
theguystogoandaskMamzotol
etusspendthe
nightwi
ththem.
Me:
IknowSbani
wil
lnotdot
hat
.
Wewal
kedt
othepar
kingl
otandf
oundt
hem al
ready
wai
ti
ngf
orus.
Si
ms:
Pri
soner
s.
Theybot
hlaughed.
Zane:
It'
snotf
unnyy
azi
.
Sbani
:Babe.
Weki
ssed.
Si
ms:
Youguy
swi
l
lspendt
heni
ghtr
ight
?
Me:
Noy
ouknowMamzowoul
dki
l
lus.
Sbani
:I
t'
snotupf
ordi
scussi
onsi
badal
akabi
foral
l
thi
sshi
t.
Si
ms:
Seey
oul
aterman.
Theyf
istbumpedandt
henSi
msl
eftwi
thZane.
Sbani
:Yougood?
Heaskedwhi
l
ewegoti
ntot
hecar
.
Me:
I'
m goodst
handwasam y
ou?
Sbani
:I
'm okay
.
Me:
Aren'
tyousupposet
obeatwor
k?
Sbani
:NoIt
ookadayof
f.
Me:
Okay
.
Sbani
:Ithoughty
ousai
dyouwer
enotgoi
ngt
o
att
endtoday.
Me:Babeyouarenotgoi
ngt
obeli
evet
his,
Mamz
o
hasourt
imetabl
essoshewokeusup.
Sbani:
Ithinkt
aimashoul
dmov
ebacki
nwi
thher
sheisbored.
Theycal
lBabaMbat hat
aimahei
sal
sodoi
ngwel
li
n
thi
sfat
herhoodt
hing.
Me:
Youar
eri
ghtweshoul
dtal
ktoBabaaboutt
his.
Sbani
:Doy
ouwantt
oeatoutorIshoul
djustdr
ive
home?
Me:
Justdr
ivehomebabe.
Hedr
ovehome,wef
oundBabasi
tt
ingi
nthel
ounge
wi
thMpendul
o.
Mpendul
o:Si
sThando.
Me:
Heyboyar
en'
tyousupposet
obeatschool
?
Mpendul
o:Theyt
oldusnott
ocomet
oday
.
Me:
Okay
,Babaunj
ani
?(howar
eyou)
.
Mbat
ha:
I'
m okaybabyandy
our
sel
f?
Me:
I'
m al
lgood.
Mbat
ha:
DoesMamzoknowy
ouar
eher
e?
Me:
Noshedoesn'
t.
Hel
aughedandwhi
stl
ed.
Me:
Pleasedon'
ttel
lher
.
Sbani
:Tai
mawon'
tdot
hatst
handwasam l
et'
sgo
upst
air
s.
IlookedatBabaandhewasst
il
ll
aughi
ng,
Ideci
ded
tofoll
owafterSbani
.
Sbani
:So?
Heaskedwhi
l
eki
ssi
ngmet
hent
her
esti
shi
stor
y.

Sbani
ThandoandZanespentt henighthereI'
m noteven
readyforMamzo'slect
uretoday ,
Saneisall
owedto
comeher eanyti
meshel i
kesbecauseshehas
"needs"that
'swhatMamzosai d.Itmustbegood
beingpregnantIt
hinkmostoft heti
meshej ustcr
ies
sayingit
'shormonesbutIknowi t'
snotshejust
want st
oseeTJ.
AnywayI '
m notthereweki ndofgotsomet hi
ngst o
worryabout,youseeev eryti
mewhenwest ar
tbeing
happysomet hingjustdragsusbackt othepast
.Few
daysagowef i
ndoutt hatsomeonehasbeen
fol
lowingThandoandt hatsomeonehasbeen
watchi
ngMpendul obutit'
snoteasyt ogethi
m
becauseIdrophi mt oschool andf
etchhim.
YesterdayIt
oldhimthathisteachersaidtheymust
notgot oschoolbutwewantt ofixthisfi
rstsoIj
ust
l
iedbutIexplainedever
ythi
ngtohi steacher.I
'
m not
real
lyreadytohaveanyofmyf ami l
ymember s
l
eav i
nginfearbecauseofsomescumbagsweneed
thesepeoplefast.
Iwakeupandgot
othebathr
oom t
owashmyf ace
andbrushmyt
eet
h,Thandoi
sst
il
lsleepi
ngandI
underst
andbecauseIknowshei sti
redaf
teral
lthe
thi
ngswedidy ester
day.Iknowyouguysmustbe
curi
ousbutthat'
snotforyoutoknow.
Igetoutofmyr
oom andbumpedi
ntoTJ.
Me:
Mor
ning.
TJ:
Hav
eyouseent
hepaper
s?
Me:
TJIj
ustwokeupobv
iousl
yno.
TJ:
Look.
It
aket
hepaperandr
eadt
hrough.
Me:
Whati
sthi
s?Doy
out
hinkmay
bei
t'
soneofhi
s
f
amil
ymember
s?
TJ:Idon'
tknowbuti
fit
'
sthem whywer
etheyqui
et
al
lthi
swhile.
Me:Tomyknowl
edgehedoesn'thav
eanyf
ami
l
y
member
slef
tbesi
deshi
sbrother.
TJ:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dtal
ktohi
m.
Me:
Somet
hingi
snotr
ight
.
TJ:
I'
m wi
thy
ouont
hatone.
WewakeupSpheandSi
msandweal
lgot
o
Mpendul
o'
sroom.
Me:
Mji
tay
ouar
eawake?
Mpendul
o:Yeswhatdi
dIdo?
TJ:
Not
hingboy
.
Si
ms:
Thenwhyar
ewehol
dingameet
ingher
e?
Ipasshi
mthepaperher
eadsandpassi
ttoSphe.
Me:Boydoy
ouhav
eanyf
ami
l
ymember
sbesi
des
Zakhel
e.
Mpendul
o:Noonewhocar
eswhy
?
Sphe:Whenyousaynoonewhocaresy
oumean
theyar
ether
ebuttheydon'
tcar
e?
Mpendulo:
Aft
ermybr
othergotar
rest
edIwentt
o
staywi
thmyuncl
ebutIr
anawaywhenhet r
iedt
o
rapeme.
Sphegav
ehi
mthepaper
.
Me:Someonepostedy
ourphot
other
eandsai
dyou
wer
emi ssi
ngdoyouhaveanyi
deawhoi
twouldbe?
Mpendul
o:Def
ini
tel
ynotmyuncl
e.
Si
ms:
May
bei
t'
shi
m.
TJ:Idon'
tthi
nksoImeanMpendul
ohasbeen
st
ayingal
oneallt
hiswhi
l
ethi
sdoesn'
tmakesense.
Me:
Somet
hingi
snotaddi
ngupher
e.
Sphe:May
bethi
sisthesamewhohasbeen
watchi
ngMpendul
o.
Mpendul
o:Someonehasbeenwat
chi
ngme?
Me:
Yeaboybuty
ouar
esaf
eokay
.
Henodded.
Sims:
Thi
smeansthepol
i
cemaycomeher
esi
nce
somepeopl
ehav
eseenMpendul
oher
e.
Mpendul
o:Pl
easedon'
tl
ett
hem t
akemeaway
.
TJ:
Wewon'
tboydon'
twor
ry.
Me:Gent
slet'
stalkout
side,
boysl
eepy
ouar
enot
goi
ngtoschool.
HenoddedandIhat
edt
oseet
hef
earIwassei
ngi
n
hi
seyes.
Wel
efthi
sroom andwentt
othest
udy
.
Sphe:
Whatdowedo?TJdi
dyouf
indoutwhohas
beenfol
l
owi
ngThando?
TJ:
Noty
etbutI
'
m st
il
ltr
ying.
Me:
Thi
sti
meI
'
mlostwhatdowedo?
Sims:Howaboutwecal
lthesepeopl
eandt
ell
them
thatwehav
eMpendulo.
TJ:
Isayl
et'
swai
t.
Hesai
dbusywi
thhi
scomput
ert
hedooropenedand
t
aimagoti
n.
Mbat
ha:
Thepol
i
cewer
eher
e.
Me:
Whatdi
dtheywant
?
Mbat
ha:
Theyaskedmei
fIknowanyMpendul
o.
Si
ms:
Shi
t.
Mbat
ha:
Rel
axIt
oldt
hem t
hatIdon'
tanyMpendul
o.
Sphe:
Youdi
d.
Mbat
ha:
YesdoIknowanyMpendul
o?
Weal
ll
aughed.
Us:
Noy
oudon'
t.
Mbat
ha:
Sowhat
'
sgoi
ngon?
Wef
il
ledhi
minonwhat
'sgoi
ngon.
Mbatha:Whoev erputMpendulo'
sphotoint
hat
newspaperisdesperat
eandist ot
all
ynotafami
ly
member ,
ifhe/shewasaf amil
ymembert heywoul
d
havetookMpendul oalongti
meago.
Me:
Yeaweal
sot
hinkso.
Mbat
ha:
Sowhatdoy
ouhav
e?
Si
ms:
Not
hingsof
ar.
TJ:
Hol
dthatt
houghtIt
hinkIf
oundsomet
hing.
Sphe:
Idon'
tseeany
thi
ng.
Me:
Met
oo.
TJ:Thi
spict
urei
sblurbuti
fMpendul
oorThando
knowthi
spersontheycani
dent
if
yhim.
Si
ms:
Wai
twhywoul
dthebot
hoft
hem knowhi
m.
TJ:
Becauset
hesamepersonwhohasbeen
wat
chi
ngMpenduloi
sthesameper
sonwhohas
beenf
oll
owi
ngThando.
Sphe:Thi
ssoundscompl
icat
edwhywoul
dthesame
personbeint
erest
edi
nbothoft
hem?
Me:Idon'
tknowbutl
etmegett
hem may
bet
hey
hav
etheanswertoal
lthi
s.
Iwentt
owakeThandoandMpendul
oup.
Thando:BabeIhopet
hisi
simpor
tantIwasst
il
l
enj
oyingmysleep.
Me:
Don'
twor
ryIwi
l
lmakesl
eepyagai
n.
Thando:
Not
hanky
oul
astni
ghty
oudi
danumberon
me.
Webothchuckl
ed,
IlookedatMpendul
oandhest
il
l
l
ookedscar
ed.
Wegoti
nsi
deandt
heysatdown.
Mbat
ha:
Thandoy
oul
ookt
ir
ed.
Me:
Tai
madon'
t.
Theguy
slookedatThandoandl
aughed.
TJ:
Cany
oubot
hpl
easecomeandl
ookatt
hisphot
o
i
t'
ski
ndofbl
urbutmay
bey
ouwi
l
lbot
hrecogni
se
hi
m.
Theybothconcentr
atedont hescreen,
Iwas
crossi
ngmyfingersthattheyident
if
yhim sowecan
dealwit
hhim onceandf orall
.
Thando:
Icannev
erf
orgethi
m ev
eni
fIwant
edi
t'
s
hi
m.
Sphe:
Who?
Thando:Heusedt
obemyaunt'
shusbandt
heyused
toabuseme,hewoul
dtouchmeanddoall
bad
thi
ngstome.
Si
ms:
Ishet
heoney
ouonceshout
edatt
hemal
l
?
Thando:
Yesi
t'
shi
m.
Mpendul
owasj ustqui
tebutall
thefearIsawi
nhi
s
ey
eswasr epl
acedwithhateandanger.
Thando:Ihat
ehim hewouldmakemedoal l
thebad
thi
ngstohim Iwassti
l
lyoungbutIknewwhathe
wantedmet odowasnotr i
ght
?
Mpendul
o:Hedi
ditt
oyout
oo?
Weal
ll
ookedathi
m ev
enThandowasshocked.
TJ:
Whatdoy
oumeant
oyout
ooMpendul
o?
Helookedatusl
i
kehewasr
egr
ett
ingsay
ingwhat
hesaid.
Me:
Boywhatdoy
oumean?
Hej
ustgotupandr
anout
.
Iat
tempt
edt
orunaf
terhi
m butt
aimast
oppedme.
Mbat
ha:
Lethi
m cal
m downf
ir
st.
Thandowassitt
ingont
hefloorev
eryoneel
sewas
j
ustshocked,
IsatdownnexttoThandoandhugged
her.
Weneedt
ofi
ndt
hismanandmakehi
m payf
oral
l
t
his.
I
nser
tfor
tyt
hree

Sbani

I
'
m notev
enshockedIdon'
tknowhowIf
eel
act
ual
l
y
wearest
il
lsit
ti
ngdownwedon'tknowhowallthi
s
f
it
stoget
her,whywoul
dThando'
sunclebelooki
ng
f
orMpendulo?Aret
heymayberel
atedorwhat?
Thando:
Doy
out
hinkt
hismanal
sor
apedMpendul
o?
Icl
enchedmyjawsont
hatquest
ionbecauseIdon'
t
wantitt
obetr
ue.
TJ:Ihopeit'
snotbecauseIwon'
tbehel
d
responsi
bleforwhatIwil
ldot
ohim.
Si
ms:
Ireal
l
yhopesot
oo.
Mbatha:
Sbani It
hinkyoushoul
dgotal
ktohi
m now
maybehewilltel
lyouwhat'
sgoingonsowecanget
t
othebottom ofthisonewayortheot
her
.
Sphe:
Het
rust
syouj
ustgoBaf
o.
Idragmyfeetsoutsi
dewithmyheartonmyknees
becauseIknowexactl
ywhatMpenduloisgoi ngt
o
say,ImayhavebeenthroughalotmyselfbutI
wouldhaveneversurv
ivedbei
ngmolested.
Ist
andbyhi
sdoordebat
ingwhet
hert
ogoi
nornot
.
Mpendul
o:Bhut
igeti
nIcanheary
ourhear
tbeat
ing
f
rom her
e.
Hesayswhil
einsi
dehisr
oom,Ihaver
eal
lymast
ered
howtost
aycalm butt
odayIf
eell
ikeI
'
m goi
ngto
l
osemymi nd.
Imasterenoughcour
ageandopent
hedoor
,
Mpenduloislay
ingonhi
sbed.
Me:Boyar
eyoureadyt
otel
lmewhathappened,
howdoyouknowthatman?
Heget
supf
rom hi
sbedandst
andbyt
hewi
ndow.
Mpendul o:I
twasTuesdayaf ternoonIj ustcame
backfr om schoolandIwasaboutt ogot ot hecar
washbecauseIwashel pingoutt herebutwhenI
wasonmywayt here,thatladyy ousawt hatdayy ou
camet of et
chmewasst andingbyherdoorwhi le
herhusbandwasout si
desher aisedherhandand
whisper edrunbutIlaughedbecauseIt houghtshe
wasjoki ngandIdi dn'
tknowwhyIshoul drun.When
Ihadpassedbyt hehusbandcal l
edmeandt ol
dme
togeti nsidehewillgiv
emesomemoneysoIdon' t
havetogot othecarwashbecauseIwasr eall
ytir
ed
andIt houghthewasbei ngsincereIlistenedt ohim.
Igotinsi deandhischildrenwer enott hereandt he
l
adywasalreadycryi
ngbegginghishusbandnotto
dothi
s,Iwasfeel
ingsorr
yf orherbecauseIt
hought
somethi
ngbadwasgoi ngtohappent ohernot
knowi
ngitwasthebeginningofmymanysor r
ows.
Hewasnowsi t
ti
ngdownont hef
loorandIwas
si
tt
ingbesi
dehim whathur
tmethemostisthat
Mpendulowasnotcryi
ngandIwantedhi
mt ocr
y
j
ustsohecanletgoofthepai
n.
Me:
Youdon'
thav
etocont
inueboyi
t'
sfi
ne.
Mpendul o:NoIwantt oIhav en'ttal
kedaboutt histo
anyone...Isatont hechai
rwai t
ingf ort
hehusband
togivemet hemoneyhepr omi sedsoIcangoand
buysomebr eadforsupperbutt omysur pri
setwo
othergent l
emancamei nsidehi sshackt heother
onewast heoney oujustshowedme, whatmade
mescar edi sthewayt heladywascr yi
ngand
pleadi
ngwi t
hherhusbandIt houghtmay bethey
wer egoingtosell metothosemanbecauseIhav e
heardabouthumant r
affi
cking.Ist oodupandt ol
d
them thatI'
m goingbecauset heyar enotgivi
ngme
themoneybutt hehusbandt iedherwi feandtoldher
towat chwhatt heyareaboutt odo, neveri
nmy
whol
eli
fehaveIthoughtthatIwoul
dbehur
tli
ket
hat
t
heyall
rapedtaki
ngturns.
Hepausedandl
ookedatmeIdon'
twanttoli
eIwas
cr
yingmyheadf
eltl
ikei
twasgoi
ngtoblastbecause
ofanger
.
Mpendul
o:Iwantev
ery
onet
oheart
hissol
et'
sgot
o
t
hestudy
.
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Henoddedandl
edt
heway
,whenwegoti
nsi
det
hey
wer
elooki
ngatme.
Me:
Youal
lneedt
oheart
hissopl
easesi
tdown.
Mpendulo: Theyal ltookt urnsuntil
l Ifel
tli
kemy
backwasbei ngt or napar tIknewt heywer eraping
mebutIdi dn'tunder standwhyt heywer emaking
noiseli
kecows, whent heywer edonet heygaveR10
butIlef
titthereandwenthome.It ookabat hand
cri
edmy selftosleep, Iwasi nsomuchpai nthat
evencryinghurtIjustwant edt oforgetaboutal lt
hat
happenedbutIcoul dsmel lthei
rcol ognesIcould
hearthei
rlaughter .Iwant edt okil
lmy selfandt i
l
lthi
s
dayknowwhyIdi dn't,t
henextdayIwaswokenup
bythel adyandhegav emeasmal lcameraandtol
d
met hatifnexttimetheytr
ytorapeImustshow
them thev i
deo.Indeedi
tworkedinmyfavour
becauseaf terIshowedthem t
hevideot
heynever
cameback, hereyoucanwatch.

Hesaidgiv
ingTJasmal
lcameraandTJputiti
nI
don'
tthi
nkanyonewasr
eadyf
orwhatweallsaw.
Sphe:
Swi
tcht
hatt
hingof
f.
Hesai
dshout
ingatTJandheswi
tchedi
tof
f.
Thando:I
'm sosor
ryMpendul
oIshoul
dhav
ejust
ki
ll
edthatmanonceandforall
.
Si
ms:
It'
snoty
ourf
aul
tThando.
Mbatha:
Mpendulocr
yingdoesn'
tmakey
ouweak
pl
easeatl
eastcr
y.
Hel
ookedatmeandInodded.
Wasi
shoi
skhal
othatev
ery
onecoul
dn'
tst
and.
TJ:
Excuseme.
Il
etMpendul
ocr
yinmyar
msunt
ilhef
ell
asl
eep,
I
di
dn'
twantputhi
mt osleepbecauseIf
eltl
i
ke
somet
hingwasgoingtohappentohim.
Mbat
ha:
Sont akehi
mtohi
sbednot
hingwi
l
lhappen
wear
eallher
enow.
Inoddedandwentt
ohisr
oom t
henIl
efthi
mther
e
andtookThandot
oSane'
sbedr
oom.
Sane:
Sbani
what
'
sgoi
ngon?
Zanewasal
soi
nther
oom.
Me:
Pleasej
ustbeher
eforhersheneedsy
ou.
Zane:
Absol
utel
y.
Me:
Babet
rysl
eepi
ngIl
ovey
ouokay
.
Thando:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Il
eav
ethem andwentbackt
othest
udy
.
Si
ms:
Whatnow?
Sphe:
Myguni
sready
.
Weal
ll
ookathi
m.
Sphe:
Ify
oual l
arenotreadytoki
llIcandot
hisby
mysel
fbecauseI'
m notlet
ti
ngthosemangoscott
f
ree.
TJ:
I'
m wit
hyoubutIt
hinkweshoul
dtaket
his
matt
ert
othepol
icest
ation.
Me:
That
'snotenough.
Weall
tur
nedandlookedatt
aimaweneededhi
mto
t
ell
uswhattodo.
Mbatha:Thosemanar
eal
readyi
npr
isonaswe
speak.
Sphe:Tai
mathat
'
snotf
airIwantt
hem deadIdon'
t
thi
nkIwil
lwi
peawaywhatIsawinthatv
ideo.
Hesatbut
tdownandcri
edSimsjoi
nedhi
m andt
hey
cr
ied,
Iwentt
oTJandlookedathi
m.
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?
TJ:
I'
m angr
ySbani
.
Me:Iknowmetoobutget
ti
ngourhandsdi
rt
ywon'
t
hel
panyone.
TJ:
I'
mfuckenangr
ydamn.
Hesai
dhit
ti
ngthetabl
eandev
ery
onel
ookedathi
m
Iwasal
soshocked.
Mbat ha:
IfIcanreactandshowy ouhowIf eel
you
canbesur pr
isedbutpleasecalm downthoseman
will
feell
iketheyareinhell
,Ihavemypeopleon
them whattheydidtoMpendul owill
bedonetothen
100×Ipromi seyou.
Weall
noddedIwonderhowMpendul
oreall
yfeel
s
sei
ngmybrot
her'
sbrokenl
i
kethi
sbecauseofall
thi
smakesmewonderhowbrokenMpendulois.
Si
ms: Canwegogetsomedr
inksIcal
l
edmamashe
wi
llbeheresoon.
Mbat
ha:Iwi
llstaybehi
ndj
ustt
omakesur
e
ev
ery
oneissafe.

Simstookt hecarkeyanddrovestr
aighttopri
son
wealllookedateachotherandkeptquietIthi
nk
becauseweal lwantedtogother
e.
I
ftai
mathoughtweweregoingtodropt
histhenhe
waswrong,myphoneri
ngedanditwasLuthandoI
l
ookedatitandi
gnor
edhercall
.
TJ:
Arey
ounotgoi
ngt
oanswert
hat
.
Me:I
t'
sLut
handoBafowhati
fshei
sgoi
ngt
otel
lus
t
ojustl
ett
hem go.
TJ:
I'
m al
sonotr
eadyf
ort
hat
.
Wewereallangr
ybutSphewasli
vi
dheisthemost
emoti
onal
onebutIknowthi
ssideofhi
m andIdon'
t
l
ikei
tonebit.
Myphoner
ingsagai
nandi
t'
sLut
handoIdeci
det
o
pi
cki
tup.
Lut
hando:
Checky
ourpocketanddowhaty
ouhav
e
todo.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Shej
ustdr
oppedt
hecal
l
,okayt
hatwasst
range.
Sphe:
Whatdi
dshesay
?
Me:Shet
oldmet
ocheckmypocketanddowhatI
hav
etodo.
TJ:
Checky
ourpockett
hen.
Ihesit
atedbutthencheckedmypocketIcoul
dn'
t
bel
ievemyey esther
ewasasmal lbot
tl
ewr i
tt
en
poison.
Me:
Guy
scheckt
hisout
.
TJ:
Ist
hiswhatIt
hinki
tis?
Me:Talkaboutwi
tchcr
afthowdi
ditev
enl
andi
nmy
pocket
.
Sphe:
Itdoesn'
tmat
terweal
lknowwhatt
odo.
Wewer esi
tt
ingatthebackseatsoSi
msdidn'
tknow
anyofthi
sbecausehewasdr ivi
ngwhenhepul
led
upbythepri
sonhel ookedatus.
Si
ms:Wear
ehereIdon'
tknowwhatwewi
l
ldobut
wehav
etodosomethi
ng.
Itol
dhim whatLut
handosai
dandIshowedhi
mthe
bott
le.
Si
ms:Thi
sjustmadeourj
obmucheasierbecauseI
wasgoi
ngtoshoott
hem r
ightI
nfr
ontoft
hewar dens.
Me:
I'
m sur
eyouwer
egoi
ngt
odot
hatngempel
a.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Sphe:
Ihav
eneverbeenthisangr
yIcan'
ti
magi
ne
howMpendul
oisfeel
ing.
TJ:
Idon'
twantt
oli
eIwoul
dhav
eki
l
ledmy
sel
fifi
t
happenedt
ome.
Me:Meneit
hermanthatshi
tisdeepandI
'
m sur
eit
messesy
ouupf orr
eal
.
Si
ms:
Sowhatdowedonow.
Sphe:
Weneedtof i
ndsomeonei
nsi
det
opourt
his
poi
sonint
hei
rfood.
Me:Let
'sgoi
nsi
deandt
alktoZakhel
eI'
m sur
ehe
knowssomepeopl
ewhoareeasi
lybought
.
Weallagr
eedwhenwegoti
nsi
deweaskedt
osee
Zakhel
e.
Wesatdownandwai
tedf
orhi
mtocomet
ous.
Si
ms:
Isi
tmeorZakhel
elooksl
i
keI
sipho.
TJ:
Myt
hought
sexact
ly.
Iwasaboutt
otal
kwhenZakhel
esatdown.
Zakhel
e:Maki
ta.
Sphe:
Baf
oogr
end?
Zakhel
e:WhatcanIsayukukhal
aaksi
zi
.
Iwasj
ustl
ooki
ngathi
m andt
omysur
pri
sehedoes
l
ooklikemymot her,
whatcouldthatmeanbecauseI
knowmymot herhadnootherchi
ldr
enbesi
desme
andIsipho.
Si
ms:
Weneedy
ourhel
pman?
Zakhel
e:Whatki
ndofhel
pcanyoupossi
bleneed
fr
om meImeanI '
minpri
son.
Them:
Sbani
.
Me:
Ohsor
ryguy
s.
Itoldhi
m whathappenedandhechuckl
edf
rom
beingangr
y.
Zakhel
e:Whythehell
wouldyouguyssendt
hem
herei
nsteadofki
l
li
ngthem y
aziIt
rust
edyou.
TJ:
Wewant
edt
obutwewer
etool
ate.
Me:Wewantt
oki
l
lthem t
hat
'swhyweneedy
our
hel
p.
Zakhel
e:I
sMpendulookay?Beingher
emademefail
toprot
ectmyli
tt
lebr
otherIshoul
dhavebeent
her
e
toprot
ecthi
m.
Me:
Hei
sfi
neandi
t'
snoty
ourf
aul
t.
Hechuckl
edagainthat
'swhatI
siphodoeswhenshe
i
sangrybuti
tcan'tbe.
Zakhel
e:Of
cosi
t'
smyf
aul
tIshoul
dhav
epr
otect
ed
hi
m.
Sphe:
Blami
ngy
our
sel
fwi
l
lnothel
ppl
easej
usthear
usout.
Wet
oldhi
m whatourpl
anwas.
Zakhel
e:If
eell
iket
hat
'stooeasythoughespeci
all
y
si
ncetheyhav
emoney, moneytal
ksinthi
splace.
TJ:Pl
easej
ustgetussomeoney
out
rustcandot
his
andwewill
payhim.
Zakhel
e:Doy
ouguy
shav
eenoughmoney
?
Sphe:
Moneyi
snotapr
obl
em.
Si
ms:
Yeahdon'
twor
ryy
our
sel
faboutt
hat
.
Zakhel
e:OkayIneedtogetsomemant or
apet
hem
andbeatthem bef
oret
heydiepl
ease.
Me:
Thati
sfi
nebyus.
Zakhel
e:Gi
vemet
hatpoi
son.
Weal
ll
ookedateachot
her
.
Zakhel
e:I
'
m goingtomakesur
et heydi
etrustme
aft
erwhattheydi
dtomyli
tt
lebrothert
heydon't
deserv
etoliv
e.
Si
ms:
Sohowwi
l
lwegi
vey
out
hemoney
.
Hetoldthewar
dent
ogivehim apaperandapen,
Zakhel
eseemstoberespect
edaroundhereandI
don'
twhy .
Zakhel
e:Wr i
teyournumberhereIwil
lsendy
ou
accountnumber soft
hepeopleIwil
lworkwi
tht
hen
youcantransferthemoney
.
Sphe:
Thi
sneedst
obedonet
odaypl
ease.
Zakhel
e:Consi
deri
tdone.
Wewr
otedownournumber
s.
TJ:
Wewi
l
lhearf
rom y
out
hen.
Zakhel
e:Sureandthankyouforev
erythi
ng
especi
all
yfort
akingcareofmybrother.
Me:
Nopr
obl
em wewi
l
lbewai
ti
ngt
hen.
Hegotupandl
eftandweal
ldi
dthesame.
Sphe:
Ngi
funaubeerobanday
o(Iwantcol
dbeer
).
TJ:I
'
m stil
lunset
tl
edaboutt
hist
hingofhi
mlooki
ng
l
ikeI
sipho.
Sims:
Thewayhechuckledwhenhei
sangr
yist
he
samewayI
siphochuckl
es.
Me:Hel
ooksal
otl
i
kemymot
herandIr
eal
l
ydon'
t
knowwhy?
Sphe:Wewil
lhavet
olooki
ntoi
tbutnowl
et'
sgo
havesomedri
nks.
Weal l
agreedandl
eftIhopeZakhel
edoesthi
s
soonersowecanfocusongetti
ngMpendulosome
hel
pbecauseIknowhei sdamagedmorethanhe
thi
nks.

Zakhel
e

Igettomycel l
andhitthewall
until
myknuckles
bleed,Isi
tonmybedandcr y.I
fonlyIwasthereto
protectmybrotheral
lthi
swouldn'
thavehappened,I
l
ookatt hebott
leinmyhandandat tempttodri
nkit
butIqui
ckl
ycl
osei
t.
Ithi
nkIhavedisappoint
edandl etmybrotherdown
toomanytimest otr
yandaddt ot hehur
thei s
feel
i
ng,Imeani fIki
l
lmy sel
fthenMpendul owill
be
morebrokenthanheal r
eadyis.
Mymot herusedtotel
lmehowsheregret
srunni
ng
awayfrom home,shetol
dmeshehadat winsi
ster
andtheyweresoclosebutwhenshef
elli
nlovewit
h
myfathernothi
ngelsematt
eredt
oher.
Whenshewaspr egnantwi thmeshewasaf rai
dt o
tellherparentsbecauset heywer estri
ct,
shet oldher
sisterwhobeggedhert ot ellthei
rparentsbutshe
didn'tli
sten.Shetol
dmyf atherandheconv incedher
torunawaywi thhim becauseshewasdeepl yi nlove
withhi m shebeli
evedev er ytalehetoldhernot
knowi ngshewassel li
nghersoul tothedevil
.She
usedt ocr yalotwhenshet al
ksabouthert winsi st
er
"whenIt ol
dmysi st
erIwasr unni
ngawaywi t
hy our
fathershecr i
edandIcannev erf
orgetthepaininher
eyes"t hat'
swhatmymot herusedt osay .
Ti
meswentbyandshewashappywi
thmyf
ather
ev
ery
thi
ngwasgoi
ngwel
lunt
ilhechanged.
Shesaidshecalledhersisterandhersistert
oldher
howshatter
edt hei
rparentswer eaboutherleavi
ng
homeandshebeggedhert ocomeback, "
Iwanted
togohomebecauseImi ssedmypar entsbutmostly
Imissmyot herhalf
,Ital
kedt omypar entsonthe
phoneandtheysaidt heyforgiv
emeandt hatI
shoul
dgohomebuty ourfatherneveral
lowedme
too"t
hatwaswhatsheal sot ol
dme.
Theytr
iedl
ookingforherbutshenol
ongerhada
phoneandtheychangedwher et
heywer
estayi
ng.
"Whydi dn'
tyourunaway "Iaskedher ,"Itr
ieda
coupleoft i
mesbutallthatIbelievedwasl ov ehad
turnedintoabuseandhat ethat'
swhyInev erever
sawmyf amilyagai
n"shesai d.Til
lthisdayIdon' t
knowwhohert winwasandwher eherf amilycame
from, t
hatuncleMpendul owentt ostaywi thwasnot
familyIguessthat'
swhyhet ri
edtor apehi m.If
may beweknewmymot her'
sfami l
yitwoul dbe
betterbecauseshealway stoldmet heywer egood
peoplebutenoughaboutt hat
.
Ical
lthewar dent
hatworkswit
hmehereandtel
l
himtocomet omycell
,youmaybewonderi
ngwhy
I'
m wellknownherebutthat
'
sastor
yforanot
herday
.
War
den:
Zakeswhat
'
sup?
Me:
Ineedaf
avour
.
War
den:
Youandf
avour
swhatnow?
Me:Iheart
her
ear
ethr
eemanwhower
ear
rest
edf
or
r
ape.
Warden:Yeahtheyseem l
i
kehi
ghprof
il
epeopl
e
becausetheyshar
ethesamecell
.
Me:Idon'
tcareiftheyar
ehi
ghpr
ofi
l
epeopl
eornotI
needthem dead.
War
den:
AhhZakest
hat
'
simpossi
ble.
Me:
Iwi
l
lpayy
ouandt
hemany
ouwi
l
lwor
kwi
th.
War
den:
WhatdoIneedt
odo?
Me:Getsomemant or
oughthem upandrapethem
al
ldaythenwhent
heygetsupperpourt
hem t
his.
War
den:
Thatwi
l
lcosty
ou.
Me:
Iknowsodon'
twor
ry.
War
den:
ButIhear
dtheyeatt
hei
rownf
ood.
Me:
Dot
heycookt
hef
oodt
hemsel
ves?
War
den:
No.
Me:Thenst
opbeingstupidthatact
ual
l
ymakesy our
j
obmucheasiersoorganisethosemannowand
makesureyoupaywhoev erworksf
orthem because
youdon'
twantanyt
rouble.
War
den:
Sur
eZakes.
Me:Youwil
l comegett
hisbot
tl
elat
erf
ornow
or
ganiset
his.
War
den:Youst
il
lhav
emyaccountnumberjustsend
t
hemoneyther
eandIwi
l
lwit
hdrawitthengivethem
t
hei
rcut
.
Me:
Iwi
l
ldot
hat
.
Warden:
Doitnowbecausey
ouknowt
hoseman
won'
tworkwit
houtcash.
Itakemyphoneandsendtheguystheaccount
number,
thewardensphonebeeps.
War
den:
HaahaaZakesuy
indodaR100000y
onke.
Thesepeopl
earecrazywhywoul
dtheysend
hundr
edthousand.
Me:
Letmesee.
HeshowsmeandI
'
m shocked.
Me:TakeyourcutanddowhatIaskyoutodo,
take
R10000ther
eandgetmemymer chandi
se.
War
den:
Uyi
bhozaZakes.
Hesay
sandl
eav
e,Ical
lSbani
.
Me:Ar
eyoucr
azywhywoul
dyousendsomuch
money
?
Sbani
:Wedon'
twantanymi
stakesZakes.
Me:
Sti
l
l.
Sbani
:Makesurethosepeopl
edot
hei
rjobandst
op
worry
ingaboutmoney.
Hesaysanddr
opst
hecal
l
,Iwonderhowr
ichar
e
t
hey.
Isi
tinmycel
landt
hinkaboutmyl
i
femay
beIwoul
d
bemar r
iedbynowwi thatl
eastonechi l
dbutwhoam
Iki
ddi
ngIwoul dsti
llbeapl ay
erIdon'twant
commitmentormay beIshoul dsayIfear
commitmentbecauseoft heenv i
ronmentIgrowup
i
n.Iwasal way
saf r
aidthatIwouldt r
eatsomeone'
s
chi
ldl
ikemymot herwast reatedsoInev err
eal
l
y
committedmyselftoanyone.
Ilayi
nmybedandbef
oreIknowiti
t'
sal
ready
suppert
ime,
Igi
vet
hewardenthepoi
sonandwent
forhi
mtocomeback.
Ieatmyfoodwhi leimpati
ent
lywait
ingforhi
mto
comeback, Ihearfoot
stepsandshouti
ngpeopl
e
runni
ngaround.
War
den:
Zakesi
t'
sdonet
heyar
eal
ldead.
Hesay
sgi
vi
ngmet
hepoi
sont
hati
slef
t.
Me:
Sur
e.
Heleav
esandIlookatthebott
leandsmi
l
eIt
hinkI
wi
ll
keepitbecauseIknowI'
m sti
l
lgoi
ngt
oneed.
Thewar dentol
dmethatt
heywereal
lbeat
enupand
assaul
ted,Ismil
ebet
weenthet
earsI
'
m happyt
hey
ar
edeadbutt
heycannev
ert
akeawayt
hepai
nthey
i
nfl
ict
edonmybrot
her
.
Isendtheguysmessagest
ell
ingthem i
t'
sdoneand
thenIcont
inuet
oeatbefor
ereti
ri
ngtobed.
IcansayIknowmymot her'
stwinbecauseshe
alwaysvi
sit
smei nmydr eams,shelooksalotli
ke
mymot herbutIknowit
'snotmymot hert
hat'
swhy
I'
m sayi
ngit'
shertwi
nmay beonedaywewi l
lfi
nd
herfamil
yandmay beonedayIwi l
ll
eav et
hisplace
ngiboneukukhany
a.
I
nser
tfor
tyf
our

AfterallIheardandsawy esterdayIdon' tknowhow

Ifeel t
odayIknewt hatmanwascr uel butt ohurta
kidlikethatespeciall
yaboyi sbey ondcr uel,Iknow
rapei straumaticbutIalwaysf eell
ikeit'
swor sefor
mal es.TheladiesandIsl epttogetherwedon' teven
knowwhent heguy scamebackandwhatt heydid
withal lt
heinformationtheyhad, Iwisht heyki l
l
ed
them Iknowt hat'
sharshbutpeopl eliket hatdon't
deser vetoli
vewhoknowshowmanyki dst heyhurt,
theyshoul
dal
lj
ustgotohel
landIknowt
hei
rseat
s
arealr
eadywai
ti
ngfort
hem t
here.
Ideci
detowakeupandwashmyf
aceal
sori
nsemy
mouththengot
otheki
tchent
omakebr
eakf
ast
.
Igetthereandnoonei sawakesoIpr epar
e
breakfastwithmymi ndallovertheplace,Ihaven'
t
recoveredfrom allt
het hi
ngst hathappenedtome
whileIstayedwithmyauntandt hatmanIwonder
howMpendul ofeels.Ifeelsorryforhim Ij
usthope
withti
mehewi l
l befineIneedt ot al
ktoSbanisohe
canf i
ndsomehel pforhim.
Zane:
Thandoar
eyout
ryi
ngt
obur
nthi
shousedown?
Ij
umpandr
eal
i
set
hatt
heeggsar
ebur
ning.
Me:I'
m sor
ryi
t'
sjustt
hatmymi
ndi
sal
lov
ert
he
pl
ace.
Zane:
Iknowl
etmehel
pyouwi
tht
hat
.
Me:Seemsl
i
kemypasthasawayofcat
chi
ngup
wi
thme.
Zane:I
'
m sor
ryf
ri
endbutat
leastt
hatmani
sin
pri
sonnow.
Me:
Howdoy
ouknowt
hat
?
Zane:
Babat
oldme.
Me:
That'
snotenoughkodwamngani
Iwant
edt
hem
t
odie.
Zane:Bei
nginpri
soni
snoteasyThandosur
elyt
hey
wil
lpayforwhatt
heydi
d.
Me:I
t'
snotthesameandthosepeopl
ehavemoney
sot
heywil
lprobabl
ybeoutbytomorr
ow.
Zane:Let'
shopenotandlet'
sstoptal
kingaboutt
his
wear ewri
ti
ngt omor
rowIdon'twantyoutolose
focussekuseduzephambil
i
.
Inodmyhead, sheisr
ightIneedtofocusonthe
i
mpor t
antt
hingsbecauseIcanfinal
l
yseet hel
ightat
theendoft
het unnel
.
Wemakebr
eakfastwhi
lediscussi
ngwhatwewill
be
wri
ti
ngt
omorr
owbyt heti
mewear edoneev
ery
one
i
sup.
Mamz
o:Yougi
rl
sdi
dn'
thav
eto.
Zane:
Wewant
edt
omamasopl
easesi
tdown.
Wesi
tdownandSbanisi
tsnextt
ome,t
heyalll
ook
t
ir
edyoucant
ell
theywer
edrinki
ngy
est
erday
.
Sbani
:Mor
ningst
handwasam ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
I'
m okaybabe,
youl
ookt
ir
ed.
Sbani
:Wehadacoupl
eofdr
inksy
est
erday
.
Me:
Acoupl
eofdr
inksy
eahr
ight
.
Isayr
aisi
ngmyey
es.
Sbani
:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Hei
ssuchachar
merIf
indmy
sel
fbl
ushi
ng.
Sbani
:Andshei
sbl
ushi
ng.
Me:
Babest
op.
Si
ms:ThandoandSbani
wheny
ouar
edonecanwe
pl
easeeat
.
Weal
ll
augh.
Mbat
ha:
Sbani
pleasebl
esst
hef
ood.
Sbani
:Hayt
aimawhyme?
Sphe:
Ewusi
l
ambi
l
ebakwet
hu(
wear
ehungr
y).
Sbani
blessest
hef
oodwhi
l
ecompl
aini
ng.
Sbani
:Amen.
Weal
ll
aught
hat
'st
heonl
ythi
ngwehear
d.
Mamz o:DidyouevenpraySbanibecausey
ouwere
onlywhisper
ingandwhenit'
sti
met osayamenyou
shout.
Sbani
:Godhear
dmeMamzodon'
twor
ry.
Weall
star
teati
ng,Mbat
hadeci
det
oopent
henews
whi
l
ewear eeati
ng.
"Thr
eeinmat esdiedyest
erdaythepoli
cesuspect
foodpoisoningbuttheyarest
il
linv
estigat
ing,
they
wereallfoundinthei
rcell
beatenupandassaul t
ed
seemslikeallthi
shappenedbeforetheydied"
Weallst
opeati
ngandl
ookattheguy
sbutt
heyar
e
al
leat
ingSphei
sevenwhi
stl
i
ng.
Mbat
ha:
Tal
k.
Theydon'
tmi
ndhi
minst
eadt
heyal
lcont
inueeat
ing.
Mamz
o:Di
dyouboy
shav
eahandi
nthat
?
Them:
No.
Theysayatt
hesamet
ime.
Mpendul
o:Goodr
iddance.
Mbat
ha:
Hayboyt
hat
'
snotr
ight
.
Mpendul
o:Ri
ght
?Wasi
sitr
ightwhent
heyr
apedme?
Mamzo:Mpenduloyouaresti
l
lyoungt
ounder
stand
t
heconsequencesofr
evenge.
Mpendulo:Imaybey oungbutIwi
llnotpr
etendl
i
ke
I
'm nothappythatt
heyaredeadbecauseonewayor
t
heot herIwassti
ll
goingtomakethem pay.
Thesi
tuat
ioni
sabi
ttensenowandwear
eal
l
l
ooki
ngatMpendul
o.
Sims:Toall
ofyouherewedi
dnothaveahandin
thatandIt
hinki
t'
sbesti
fwenev
ertal
kabouti
tever
again.
Mbatha:
Ihopeyoudi
dacl
eanj
obandnot
hing
comesbacktoy
ou.
Theyl
ookathi
m anddeci
det
okeepqui
et.
Sbani:Boyeatupandgogetdressedwet
oldy
our
teacheryouwil
lbelat
etoday
.
Mpendul
o:OkayBhut
i.
Sbani
:Angel
arey
ouokay
?
I
sipho:
Idon'
tknowmay
beI
'
m comi
ngdownwi
th
f
lue.
Sane:It
hinksheshoul
dseeadoct
orguy
sshei
snot
well
.
Sphe:
Babewhat
'
swr
ong?
Heaskedi
naconcer
nedv
oice.
TJ:
Pleaset
akehert
othedoct
orSphenow.
Sane:It
hinkwecantakehery
oucanseeSphei
s
al
readypanicki
ng.
Mamzo:Iwi
l
lgowi
thy
ouguy
sSphey
oucanal
so
come.
Henoddedandgotupt
oprepar
e,Sbani
,
TJandSi
ms
t
ookMpendulot
oschool
.
Ireal
lypr
ayandhopeI
siphoi
snotsi
ckbecauseI
'
m
notreadyfort
hat
.
Whenwegottothedoct
orwewaitedbecausehe
wasbusybutwhenhecameoutandsawushel et
usi
n.
Onl
yMamzoandI
siphogoti
nsi
deweal
lwai
ted
out
side.
Sphewasbusypaci
ngupanddown.
Zane:
Sphepl
easecal
m downshewi
l
lbef
ine.
Sane:
Yeahshei
sgoi
ngt
obef
ine.
Ialsodon'
tthi
nksomethi
ngisser
iousl
ywr
ongwi
th
Isi
may besheisr
eall
ycomingdownwithf
lue
becauseshewasfine.
Wewai
tedforal
mostanhourandIthinkal
lofus
wer
est
art
ingtopani
ckbutwejustkeptqui
et.
MamzocameoutaloneandIcoul
dseei
tinherey
es
t
hatshei
snotokay
.
Sphe:
And?Wher
eisI
sipho?
Mamzo:Shawni
swaiti
ngforanot
herdoct
ort
o
comeanddosometests.
Zane:
Mamahowi
sIsi
pho?
Mamz
o:I
siphocan'
twal
knganezam.
Me:Can'
twalk?Whatdoy
oumeanI
siphowas
wal
kingwhenwecamehere.
Mamz o:
Ialsodon'
tknowwhat'sgoi
ngonev
ent
he
doct
orsaysnothi
ngiswrong.
Sphe:
CanIseeher
.
Mamz
o:Yesgoi
nboy
.
Zane:Whati
sthemeani
ngoft
his?Wi
l
lweev
erget
peacekodwa.
Sane:
It'
sgoi
ngt
ofi
ne.
Shewasconv
inci
ngher
sel
fmor
ethanus.
Me:
Shoul
dIcal
ltheguy
s?
Mamzo:
Nol et'
swai
tfort
heot
herdoct
orf
ir
stSbani
wi
ll
beshat
tered.
Zane:
Idon'
tev
enwantt
othi
nkabouti
t.
Sane:
Mamadoy
out
hinkshewi
l
lbef
ine?
Mamz
o:Iknowshewi
l
lbef
ine.
Wewer
eal
lnotconv
incedbutwekeptqui
et,
the
ot
herdoct
orcameandgoti
ntoShawn'
sof
fi
ce.
Sphe:
Idon'
tknowwhat
'
sgoi
ngon.
Mamz
o:Whatdi
dhesay
?
Sphe:Hesai
dhedoesn'
tknowwhat'
swrong
becausenot
hingi
sshowi
ngint
hetestsr
esul
ts.
Sane:
Maybet
hismat
terneedsSbani
becausehei
s
aseer.
Sphe:
Hewi
l
lnotbeabl
etost
andt
hisIknowhi
m.
Mamz
o:Butwehav
enochoi
cebutt
otel
lher
.
Me: Let'
stakeI
siphot
oapri
vatehospi
talandlet
them runsometestst
henaf
terthatwecallt
he
others.
Weal
lagr
eed.
Shawn: Youcantakehertothehospi
talbutI
'
m sure
theywon'tfi
ndanythi
ng,Idon'
tevenknowhowt o
explai
nthis.
Sphe:I
sity
ourf
ir
stt
imedeal
i
ngwi
thsomet
hingl
i
ke
thi
s?
Shawn:
YesIhav
en'
tseensomet
hingl
i
ket
his.
Mamz o:
Okaywewi
l
ltakehert
othehospi
tal
thank
you.
Shawn:
Hav
eyout
oldherbr
other
?
Me:
Noty
et.
Shawn:Pl
easet
ell
himyouknowhowher
eact
sit
wil
lbehar
dbutheneedst
oknow.
Mamz
o:Wewi
l
ltel
lhi
m sont
hanky
ou.
Sphecarr
iedI
siphot
othecarbecauseshedi
dn'
t
wanttosi
tonthewheelchai
r.
Shewasn'tt
alki
ngIwassoscar
edt
hatshemay
be
can'
ttal
k.
Me:
Babey
ouwi
l
lbef
ineokay
.
I
sipho:
Ijustwantmybr
otherThando.
Me:
Hewi
l
lfi
ndusi
nthehospi
tal
.
I
sipho:Mydaught
erneedsmeThandoIcan'
tbe
paral
ysed.
Zane:
Youwon'
tbest
handwasam.
Godpl
easef
orgi
veusf
orev
erysi
ngl
ewehav
e
commi
tt
edIthi
nkweal
sodeser
vet
obehappy
,I
sai
dasmal
lpray
er.
Sphe:
Wear
eher
e.
Sphecarr
iedI
siphoagaini
nsi
dethehospi
talandwe
fol
l
owedbehindt hem,wewai
tedint
hewaitingr oom
whil
ethedoct
or sweregoi
nginandoutofIsipho's
ward.
Mamz
o:Let
'spr
ay.
Weallhel
dhandsandMamzoprayedbecause
not
hingcameoutofourmout
hs.

Sbani

WedroppedMpenduloof
fthendr
ovear
oundj
ust
cl
ear
ingourheads.
Si
ms:
I'
m gl
adi
t'
sdone.
TJ:
Met
ooman.
Me:Iwantedt
olaughwhent
aimat
alkedaboutus
doi
ngaclean.
Sims:Heyt
hatmanknewwewer
egui
l
tyev
en
thoughwedidn'
tadmi
tit
.
TJ:
Heknewbet
tert
hant
hinkwewi
l
ljustdr
opi
t.
Iwast al
ki
ngandlaughingbecauseIwast ryi
ngto
di
stractmysel
fIdidn'
twanttothinkaboutIsi
pho
becauseIdon'
tknowwhatIwoul ddoi fsheissick
butitcan'
tbebecauseshewasf ineshejustlooked
ti
red.
Si
ms:
Youar
ethi
nki
ngaboutI
siphoar
en'
tyou?
Me:
Ofcosman.
TJ:
I'
m sur
eit
'snot
hingser
ious.
Hi
sphonebeeped.
TJ:
Dri
vet
othehospi
tal
.
Me:
Why
?What
'swr
ong?
TJ:Idon'
tknowIj
ustgotamessaget
hatweshoul
d
dri
vether
e.
Si
ms:
Sbani
letmedr
ive.
Me:
Sur
edr
ivef
astpl
ease.
Ical
ledt
aimaandt
oldhi
mtogot
othehospi
tal
wit
h
Cebo.
Ireall
yhopeandpraymysist
eri
sokaybecauseI
don'thavetheener
gytodeal
wit
hanybadnewsr i
ght
now, Ipr
eferbei
ngtheonewhoi
ssickt
hanseing
hersick.
Si
ms:
Wear
eher
e.
Igetoutandr
uni
nsi
deIf
indSphepaci
ngupand
down.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngonBaf
o?
Sphe:
Wear
est
il
lwai
ti
ngf
ort
hedoct
or.
Thando:
Babeheyshewi
l
lbef
ine.
Mamz
o:Yeahshewi
l
lbef
ine.
TJ:It
houghtyouweregoingt
oseeShawni
shet
he
onewhorefer
redyoutothehospi
tal
?
Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.
Si
ms:Soonerorl
aterwewi
l
lknowwhat
'sgoi
ngon
soj
ustt
ellus.
Sane:
Isi
phocan'
twal
k.
Ifel
tmyheartf
eel
i
ngcoldl
i
keitwasexposedt
othe
outsi
deworl
dandIhel
dmychest.
Me:
Can'
twal
kasi
nshei
spar
aly
sed.
Zane:Shecan'twal
kbutwest
il
ldon'
tknowwhet
her
sheisparal
ysedornot
.
TJ:
Okaywher
eist
hisdoct
orkant
i?
Sane:
Babecal
m down.
Icoul
dhearthem speaki
ngbutIcoul
dn'
tmake
senseofwhattheyweresayi
ngbecauseIwasdeep
i
nmyt houghts.
If
eltsomeonepatt
ingmyshoul
derandi
twasSphe
hi
sey esshotr
ed.
Sphe:
Ogr
endBaf
o?
Me:
Doy
out
hinkshewi
l
lnev
erwal
kagai
n.
Sphe:
TobehonestI'
m nott
hinki
ngany
thi
ngr
ight
nowmymindisjustbl
ank.
Me:
Hay
iIdon'
thav
ethest
rengt
hforal
lthi
sSphe.
Sphe:
Menei
therman.
Thr
eedoct or
scameoutofI si
pho'
swardandthey
wereallt
alki
ngl
iketheyaredi
scussi
ngsomething
ser
ious.Wegotcloserandaskedwhatwasgoingon.
Doct
or:Thesear
ehert
estsr
esult
swechecked
mult
ipl
etimesbutt
her
eisnot
hingwr
ongwithher
.
TJ:
Doest
hismeanshecanwal
know.
Doct
or:
Act
ual
l
ynoandwedon'
tknowwhat
'sgoi
ng
on.
Me:
Canweseeher
.
Doct
or:
YesOf
cos.
WegotinsideandIsi
phowasfaci
ngtheot
hersi
de
andIdi
dn'twanttoseehowhurtshei
s.
Shel
ookedatuswi
tht
ear
sinherey
es.
I
sipho:
Bhut
i.
Me:
OhAngel
arey
ouokay
?
I
sipho:Ican'
tfeelmyl
egsdi
dthedoct
ort
ell
you
what'
swr ongwithme.
Me:
Nobaby
.
I
sipho:
Wher
eisCebo?
Me:
Tai
mai
sgoi
ngt
ocomewi
thher
.
I
sipho:
Cany
ouguy
sgi
veussomespace.
Theynoddedandl
eft
.
I
sipho:
Whatdoy
out
hinki
swr
ongwi
thme?
Me:
Idon'
tknowIsi
butifodokot
elaababonil
utho
may
beIshoul
dlookint
oitIwil
lal
socallLut
hando.
I
sipho:
Whati
fIdon'
tev
erwal
kagai
n?
Me:
Heyheyl
ookatme,
youwi
l
lwal
kagai
ntr
ustme.
I
sipho:
Youdon'
tknowt
hatBhut
i.
Me:I
siphothisi
snot
imet
obenegat
ivepl
easej
ust
beposit
ive.
Shenodded,
Itouchedherl
egs.
Me:
Doesi
thur
t?
I
sipho:
Not
heyar
ejustnumb.
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhatt
hismeansI
siphoIr
eal
l
ydon'
t.
I
sipho:
Whati
fI'
m cur
sed.
Me:Nodon'
tthi
nkl
i
ket
haty
ouwi
l
lbef
ineandI
'
m
t
aki
ngyouhome.
I
sipho:
Yout
hinkt
hat
'
swi
se.
Me:YesIsi
thedoctorscan'
ttr
eatsomet
hingt
hey
don'
tknowsothereisnouseinkeepi
ngyouhere.
I
sipho:
Whati
fsomeonewest
aywi
thdi
dthi
s.
Me:
Noi
tcan'
tbe,
Iwi
l
lgot
alkt
othedoct
or.
Il
eftherIdidn'
twanttothi
nkaboutwhatshesaidI
tr
usteveryonewestaywiththeywil
lnotdo
somethingli
kethi
sbutwhati fweareleav
ingwi
tha
snakeandwedon' tknowit.
Ier
asedthoset
hought
sandwentt
othedoct
or'
s
off
ice.
Me:
Doci
ntaki
ngherhome.
Doct
or:
Isshey
oursi
ster
?
Me:
Yes.
Doct
or:
Isuggesty
ougethersomet
radi
ti
onal
hel
p.
Me:
Yout
hinkso.
Doct
or:
Yespl
ease.
Iwaskindofshockedbecausehei
swhitewhat
doessheknowabouttradi
ti
onayyabel
ungu.
Isi
gnedsomepapersandt
oldev
ery
oneel
set
hatwe
weretaki
ngherhome.
Sane:
Doy
out
hinkt
hat
'
swi
se?
TJ:
Yeswecan'
tl
eav
eIsi
phoher
e.
Il
ookedatSaneandt houghtaboutwhatIsiphosai
d
butnoitcan'
tbeI'
m sureIwouldhav eseenitor
sensedit
,ift
hisi
switchcr
aftorifsomeoneIknow
didthi
sthentheywi
llnotl
ivetotell
thetales.
I
nser
tfor
tyf
ive

It
'sbeentwoday ssincewet ookIsiphof rom the
hospit
alandshest i
llcan'
twalkweal l don'tknow
whatthepr obl
em i
s,Sbani t
ri
edconnect i
ngwi thhi
s
ancestor
sbuthegotnor esponsef r
om t hem.
SpeakingofSbanithisthi
ngiswei ghingonhi m he
hasnotlefthissi
ster'
ssidehedoesn' tev enwantto
gotowork,t
heenvi
ronmentint
hehouseisreal
l
y
awkwardsadtobepreci
sewealldon'
tknowwhat'
s
happeni
ngandwealldon'
tknowwhattodo.
Igetupf
rom bedandgot
oIsi
pho'
sroom.
Me:
Babepl
easegot
akeabat
hIwi
l
llookaf
terI
si.
Sbani
:NoI
'
m notgoi
ngt
oleav
eheral
one.
Me:Ngi
yakucel
ast
handwasam y
ouneedt
ofr
eshen
upandeat
.
I
sipho:
Bhut
ipl
easego.
Henodsandleav
e,Sphehasbeenspendi
ngalotof
ti
mewit
hCebobecauseIsidoesn'
twanthert
osee
herl
i
kethi
s.
Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
I
sipho:
Tir
ed.
Me:
I'
m sor
rybabey
ouwi
l
lbeokaydon'
twor
ry.
I
sipho:
Wil
lIbekodwaThando?
Me:
Trustmey
ouwi
l
l.
I
sipho:
Idon'
tknowt
hisi
sjustt
oomuch.
Me:Ican'
tl
ieandsayIknowhowy
ouf
eel
buti
t'
s
goi
ngtogetbett
er.
Isi
pho:
HowwillIbeabl
etot
akecar
eofCebowhi
l
eI
can'
tevenwal
k.
Me:
That
'swhywear
eher
eIsi
.
Isi
pho:
Idon'
twanty
ouguy
stor
aisemybabyf
orme
Iwanttodoi
tmysel
f.
Me:
Iknowl
oveIknow.
Idi
dn'
tknowany
thi
ngIj
ustwant
edhert
ofeel
bet
ter
.
I
sipho:
Whocoul
ddot
hist
ome?
Me:Idon'
tknowbutwewi
l
lfi
gur
eitoutt
oget
heras
afamil
y.
Shenodded.
Me:
Iwi
l
lgety
ousomef
oodokay
.
I
sipho:
I'
m nothungr
y.
Sphe:Don'
twor
ryThandoIal
readymadehersome
food.
Hesai
dsi
tt
ingdownnextt
oThando.
I
sipho:I
'
m nothungr
yandpl
easet
akeCebooutof
t
hisroom.
Sphe:MamakheCeboneedsyoushedoesn't
under
standwhat
'
sgoingon,t
heonl yt
hingshe
needsisyout
oholdhershemissesyou.
Me:
Sphei
sri
ghtbabepl
ease.
I
sipho:
Okayf
ine.
Sphe:
Andy
ouneedt
oeat
.
I
sipho:
ButI
'
m nothungr
y.
Sphe:
It'
snotnegot
iabl
eIwi
l
lfeedy
oui
fIhav
eto.
I
siphochuckledandIsmil
edi
t'
sthef
ir
stI
'
m sei
ng
hersmil
eafterever
ythi
ng.
Me:
Iwi
l
lleav
eyout
oitt
hen.
Ilef
tandwenttol
ookforSbani,
Ifoundhi
minour
room l
ayi
nginbedandjustst
ari
ngtothecei
l
ing.
Me:
Hubbydon'
tdot
hist
oyour
sel
fpl
ease.
Sbani
:I'
m usel
essThandoIcan'
tev
enhel
pmyown
si
ster
.
Me:Don'
tsayt
hatyouar
enotusel
essmay
bey
ou
shoul
dcal
lLut
hando.
Sbani
:Yout
hinkIhav
en'
tdonet
hatal
ready
?
Me:
Whatdi
dshesay
?
Sbani
:Shesai
dweshoul
dwai
tIsi
isgoi
ngt
obef
ine
whentheti
meisr
ight
.
Me:
Thenl
et'
swai
tst
handwasam.
Sbani
:NoIdon'
twantt
owai
titki
l
lsmet
oseemy
l
it
tl
esist
erl
iket
hat
.
Me:
Iknowbutshewi
l
lbef
ine.
Sbani
:I
twoul
dbebet
teri
fitwasmewhoi
sint
hat
st
ate.
Me:
Wel
lI'
m gl
adi
t'
snot
.
Ir
eal
i
zedIshoul
dn'
thav
esai
dthatgosh.
Sbani
:Real
l
yThando?
Me:
Uhmm.
..
Sbani
:Sav
eit
.
Me:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Sbani
:Ineedsomeai
r.
Hesai
dleav
ingmet
her
eashamedofmy
sel
f.

Iwentdownst
air
stocheckonev
ery
one.
Me:
Heyguy
s.
TJ:WhathappenedbecauseSbani
camedownv
ery
pi
ssed?
Me:
Wehadami
normi
sunder
standi
ng.
TJ:
Ami
norhuh?
Inodded.
Zane:
Howi
sIsi
pho?
Me:
SameIf
eel
ver
ybadf
orher
.
Sane:
IhopeMamzoandBabawi
l
lfi
ndsomehel
p.
Me:
Wher
edi
dtheygo?
Zane:
Toseesomet
radi
ti
onal
heal
er.
Me:
Wel
lIhopet
heyf
indhel
pbecauseweneedi
t.
Si
ms:
Aren'
tyouguy
swr
it
ingt
oday
?
Zane:
Nobabe.
TJ:
Iwi
l
lgot
alkt
oSbani
.
Sane:
Dot
hatpl
easel
oveheneedst
oeat
.
Si
ms:
Ihav
enev
erf
eltt
hishel
plessi
nmyl
i
fe.
Me:
Let
'sal
lj
usthav
ehopet
hist
ooshal
lpass.
Theynoddedwhi
l
eTJwentout
side.

Sbani

Idon'tknowwhatt odoorsaywhenIseeI si
phol i
ke
thi
swhatcoul dbet hemeani ngofal lt
his,t
heyar e
tel
li
ngt hetr
uthwhent heysay"inyangaay i
zi
laphi"I
don'tseeanythingconcerningIsiphonomat t
erhow
muchIt r
ytoconsult.WhatThandosai dreall
yhur t
meshe' ssupposet obemysuppor tsyst
em likeIam
whenshe' sgoingthroughsomet hi
ngbutnoshe
alwaysf i
ndssomet hingtodoorsayt opissmeof f
.
IpraytoGodever
ydaytoi
nter
venei
nthi
ssituat
ion
butI'
m notsur
ewhattodoandthewayI
sipholooks
atmeit
'sli
kesheexpect
smet ohav
eallt
he
answer
s,Idon'
tbl
ameherthoughImeanI'
m her
ol
derbrot
heraf
teral
l.
TJ:
Baf
o.
Iwi
pedat
eart
hatf
ell
from myey
e
TJ:
Don'
tdot
hist
oyour
sel
fngi
yakcel
a.
Me:
Ifeel
sohel
pless.
TJ:
That
'showweal
lfeel
Baf
o.
Me:
Whatar
ewegoi
ngt
odo?
TJ:
May
beweshoul
dgoseeLut
hando.
Me:Ical
ledherandshesai
dev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbef
ine
i
nduet i
me.
TJ:
Whatarewesupposet
odonowj
ustwai
t,ayt
his
i
ssomefuckedupshi
t.
Me:
Hay
imi
naangazi
TJ.
TJ:
Didy
ouandThandof
ight
?
Me:
Kindof
fIj
ustdon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t.
Idon'
twantt
otel
lany
onewhatThandosai
d
becauset
heysti
lldon'
ttr
usthersoIdon'
twantt
o
pai
ntherasthebadperson.
TJ:
Okayfi
xitmanIdon'
twanty
out ostr
esst
oo
muchyoual
readyhav
ealotonyourmind.
Me:
Wewi
l
lbef
inedon'
twor
ry.
TJ:
Let
'sgoi
nsi
desoy
oucaneat
.
Me:
I'
m not
..
.
TJ:
Udaki
wel
et'
sgo.
Hedi
dn'
tev
enl
etmef
ini
shhej
ustdr
aggedme
i
nsi
de.
Me:
Youar
esuchanass.
TJ:
SitdownIwi
l
lmakey
ousomef
ood.
Me:
I'
m notachi
l
d.
Si
msandgoti
ntot
heki
tchen.
TJ:
Cany
oual
lsi
tdownI
'
m maki
ngsomef
ood.
Sphe:
I'
m nothungr
y.
TJ:
Itwasn'
taquest
ionSphesi
hle.
Si
ms:
Yesdaddy
.
TJ:
Fuckof
f.
Wel
aughed.
Me:
Howi
sshe?
Sphe:
Shei
sfi
neIguess,
thegi
rl
sar
ewi
thher
.
Me:
That
'sbet
ter
.
Sims:Doy
ouguy
sthi
nkkunesandl
asemf
enei
nal
l
thi
s.
Sphe:
Idon'
tthi
nksoImeanwhocoul
ddo
somethi
ngl
ikethi
s.
TJ:
Arey
ousur
eyoudi
dn'
tcheat
?
Me:
Hewoul
dn'
t.
Sphe:
Ofcosnotcomeonguy
s.
Si
ms:
Idon'
tknowbaf
ethuIr
eal
l
ydon'
t.
TJmadefoodandthenweat
e,Idi
dn'
treal
i
seIwas
hungr
yunt
ilnow.
Wespentourdayjustlazingaroundnoonewanted
togotoworksowej ustst ay
edinIsi
pho'
sroom and
Iwashappytoseeherl aughingandsmil
i
ng.
Mbat
ha:
Wear
ehome.
Me:
So?
Mamz
o:Af
ter
noont
oyout
ooSbani
.
Me:
Mamapl
ease.
Mbat
ha:
Wedi
dnotgetanyhel
psor
ryson.
I
sipho:
Whatdi
dtheysay
?
Mamz
o:Thatweshoul
dwai
t.
Me:
Idon'
tunder
stand?That
'
swhyLut
handosai
d.
Mamz
o:Thenweshoul
djustwai
t.
I
sipho:
Til
lwhen?
Weal
ll
ookedateachot
her
.
TJ:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dgof
etchMpendul
ofr
om school
.
Mbat
ha:
Hei
sint
heki
tcheneat
ingwef
etchedhi
m.
Me:
Okaywhatshoul
dwedonow.
Thando:
Weshoul
dwai
tguy
sit
'st
hatsi
mpl
e.
Sane:
Simpl
e?Hay
iThando.
Guy
sIt
hinkIneedanot
herf
iancepl
easechoosef
or
me.
Theyal
ll
ookedatThandoandshel
ookeddown.
Mamzo:
Let
'sal
lgi
veI
sisomespacesot
hatshecan
r
est
.
Theyl
eftandIstay
edbehi
ndI
'
m notcomf
ort
abl
eto
l
eavi
ngheralone.
I
sipho:
Youshoul
dal
sor
estBhut
i.
Me:
Icanr
esther
ewi
thy
ouandCebo.
I
sipho:
Ilov
eyouBhut
i.
If
eltmyheartbeat
ingf
ast
,whyi
sshesay
ingi
tli
ke
i
t'
sfort
helastti
me.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oomt
akababa.
Shewasal
readysnor
ingsof
tl
y,Il
ookedatherand
al
sosl
ept.

WhenIwokeupi twasalr
eadydar ki
nsidetheroom
soIgotuptotur
nont heli
ght,If
eltI
sipho'
spulse
andfel
trel
i
efbecauseshewasst il
lal
ive.Thismay
soundawkwardbutI'
m scaredIknowmyl i
fecan
nev
erbet
hesamewi
thouther
.
Il
eftherr
oom andwentt
othel
oungewi
thCebo
becauseshewasawake.
Mpendul
o:Bhut
iar
eyouokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
neboy
izi
n.
Mpendul
o:CanIpl
aywi
thCebo.
Me:
Yesboybutgototheki
tchenf
ir
standt
ell
Zane
t
omakehersomefood.
Her
ant
otheki
tchen.
Me:
Wher
ear
etheguy
s?
Mamz
o:Theywentt
ogetsomemeatandbeer
s.
Me:
Okay
.
Mamz
o:Hav
eyout
ri
edt
oconsul
taboutt
hismat
ter
?
Me:
YesIhav
ebeent
ryi
ngt
obutnot
hing.
Mamz
o:Don'
tbeaty
our
sel
fupboyi
t'
snoty
ourf
aul
t.
Me:Ev
enwit
hMpendul
oint
hehousey
oust
il
lcal
lus
boy
shayi
Mamzo.
Mamz
o:Mxm I
'
m goi
ngt
otheki
tchent
ohel
pthe
l
adiesoutandpleaset
ryt
otal
kThandoher
behavi
ourisnotgood.
Me:Ihavedonethatf
oralongestt
imeMamzot
ryt
o
t
alktoheryour
selfmaybeuzokmamela.
Mamz
o:OkayIwi
l
ltal
ktoher
.
SheleftandIwaslef
tal
one,
Mpendul
owentt
oher
room withCebo.
Theguyscamebackwithmeatandsomebeer s,
we
al
lsatdownandateexceptf
orI
siphobecauseshe
wassti
llsl
eepi
ng.
Mbatha:
Ithinkit
'
sbesti
fweal
lcont
inuest
ayi
ng
her
etogether.
Us:
Yest
aima.
Mamzo:Youal
lweregoingtoagr
eewit
hhim
any
waybutIal
soagreewithhi
m weneedeachot
her
morenowmorethanever.
Mpendul
o:CanIt
akesi
sIsi
pho'
sfoodt
oherr
oom.
Me:
Yesboybutl
eav
eCebot
ohergr
andmot
her
.
Mamz
olookedatmeandIl
aughed.
Me:
Cebomi
ssesy
ouMamzo.
Mamz
o:Ohshesai
dso?
Me:
Ofcos.
Weal
ll
aughedwhi
l
eMpendul
owentt
other
oom.
TJ:
Thi
swasni
cet
hanky
ouguy
s.
Mbatha:
Theyshoul
dbet
hanki
ngusf
ort
hemeat
hawu.
Si
ms:
Yeaht
aima.
Sane:
Thanky
ouf
ort
hemeatBaba.
Sphe:
Butt
aimadi
dn'
tcont
ri
but
eany
thi
ng.
Thegi
rl
slaughedwhil
ecl
ear
ingt
het
abl
e,Mpendul
o
camedownr unni
ng.
Mamz o:It
oldyoutost
opr
unni
ngar
oundt
hehouse
ndodayouwill
fal
l.
Mpendul
o:Si
sIsi
phocan'
ttal
k.
Sphe:
Whatdoy
oumeancan'
ttal
k?
Mpendul
o:Sheshe.
..
TJ:
Boycal
m downandt
alk.
Mpendul
o:Shekeptonopeni
nghermout
hli
keshei
s
t
alki
ngbutnot
hingcameout.
Weallr
anupstai
rspushi
ngeachot
herweall
wanted
t
oseeoursel
veswhatMpendulowastal
ki
ngabout
,
whati
sthemeaningofal
lthi
s?
I
nser
tfor
tysi
x

Sbani

Weal lrantoIsi
pho'sr
oom If
eltl
ikeIwasunableto
breatheli
kesomet hi
ngwaspressingsohardinmy
chest,all
IheardwasMpendulo'svoicesay
ingIsi
can'ttal
k.
Me:
Isi
pho.
..
Angel
pleasesaysomet
hing.
Shewasjustlooki
ngatmewithtear
sinherey
es
andshekeptonopeninghermouthl
ikeshewant
ed
tosaysomethingbutt
her
ewasnov oice.
Shepoint
edtohersi
dedrawer
,Spheopenedand
tookoutadi
aryandapen.
"Idon'
tknowwhathappenedbutIlostmyv oi
ce,
pleasehel
pme"t hat
'swhatshewrotedownandal l
ofasuddenIf el
thotandIwassweating,
Ilooked
aroundtheroom andever
yoneel
sewasj ustcryi
ng.
Iexcusedmy selfandwentout si
det ogetsomeai
r,I
hadtakenoffmyt -
shirtbecauseIf el
tli
kethewal
l
s
wereclosi
ngi nonme.Whatwi ll
Idot otakemyli
tt
le
si
steroutofthismi seryIknowIhav etodo
somethingbecauseshei sexpectingmet odo
somethingsi
nceI 'm herbrother.
Thando:
Babear
eyouokay
?
Il
ookedatherandkeptqui
et.
Thando:Iknowi t
'sstupi
dofmet oaskthatquest
ion
butIsawt hatyouwer esweat
ingandyouhavetaken
offyourt
-shir
t,ar
ey ouokay?
Me:I
'
m notokay
,Idon'
tknowhowt
ohel
pIsi
and
t
hatmakesmefeelhel
pless.
Thando:
Iknowbaby
.
Shesaidgiv
ingmeawar m hugat
otal
opposi
teof
whatIexpectedf
rom her
.
Thando:
Any
thi
ngy
ouneedI
'
m her
e.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
TJ:
Lut
handocal
l
edl
et'
sgo.
Me:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Theykeptqui
etandgoti
ntot
hecar
.
Me:
Babepl
easet
akecar
eofI
siwewi
l
lbeback.
Igoti
ntot
hecarandSi
msdr
ove.
Me:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Sphe:
Lut
handosaidweshoul
dgoandseeZakhel
e
hehasal
ltheanswer
sweneed.
Me:
Answer
sregar
dingwhat
?
TJ:
Isi
pho.
Me:
What
?Buthow?
Sphe:
Wedon'
tknowt
hat
'
sal
lshesai
d.
Me:
Coul
ditbet
hatZakhel
eisf
ami
l
y?
TJ:
Itcoul
dbeImeanhel
ooksal
otl
i
keI
sipho.
Me:
AyIdon'
tknowIj
ustpr
ayt
hathehel
pus.
Si
ms:
Ican'
tev
enl
ookatI
siphot
hisi
sjustsad.
Weal lj
ustdeci
dedtokeepquietandlookoutsi
de
thewindowjusttoavoi
dcryi
ng,weallwantedtocry
andbev ul
nerabl
ebutwealsowant edtobestrong
foreachotherandever
yoneelse.
Si
ms:
Wear
eher
elet
'
sgo.
Me:
Wai
tguy
s,whatar
ewegoi
ngt
osayt
ohi
m.
Sphe:Idon'
tknowbutmay
beheknowssomet
hing
l
et'
sjustgo.

Wewentinsi
deandaskedforZakhel
ehecame
qui
ckert
hanweexpectedl
i
kehewasexpectingt
o
seeus.
Zakhel
e:Maj
i
ta.
Us:
Ogr
end.
Zakhel
e:Ther
e'snothinggr
eataboutthi
spl
acebut
wearenotcomplainingkuy
ancengeka.
Me:
Weneedy
ourhel
p.
Zakhel
e:Youneedmyhel
pmor
eof
tent
heseday
s
what
'
sup?
Wekeptqui
etandl
ookedateachot
her
.
Zakhel
e:What
?IsMpendul
ookay
?
TJ:Mpendul
oisf
ine,
lookmanourli
tt
lesi
steri
ssick
andsomeonetol
dusthatyouar
etheonlyonethat
canhel
pus.
Hel
aughed.
Zakhel
e:I
'
m notasangoma,prophetoradoct
orsoI
don'
tseehowIcanhelpyou.
Si
ms:
Weal
sodon'
tknow.
It
oldhi
m whathappenedt
oIsi
pho.
Zakhel
e:Whoi
syourmot
her
?
It
oldhi
m aboutmymot
her
.
Zakhel
e:I
t'
sher
.
Wel
ookedateachot
her
.
Si
ms:
It'
swho?
Zakhel
e:She'
sbeenvisi
tingmeinmydreamsshei
s
mymot her
'st
winsist
er,shevi
si
tsmeinmydreams
wit
hmymot hert
hat'
showIknowi
t'
sherand
becausemymotherusedt
otel
lmeabouther
.
TJ:
Youar enotmaki
nganysensewhoi
syour
mother
'ssist
er.
Zakhel
e:Yourmot
her
.
Me:Youmeanmymot
herandy
ourmot
herwer
e
t
wins?
Iwasbeyondshocked,mymot
hernev
ert
alked
abouthert
winsi
ster.
Zakhel
e:Cometothinkofi
tyoudol ookli
kemy
motherbutIt
houghtIwasjustsei
ngt hi
ngsbecause
Imissher.
Me:Somymotherandy
ourmot
herweret
winshow
comewenev
ersawnorhear
dabouty
ourmother
?
Zakhele:
Idon'
tknowmay beyourmotherdi
dn'
twant
total
kaboutherbecauseitwoul
dbeenpainf
ult
odo
sosincemymot herl
efthome.
Het
oldusev
ery
thi
ngabouthi
smot
her
.
Sphe:
Soy
ouknewt
haty
ourmot
herhadat
win?
Zakhel
e:YesIdi
d.
Si
ms:
Whydi
dn'
tyoul
ookf
ort
hem.
Zakhel
e:Itnev
erreall
ycrossedmymi ndbutl
et'
s
focusonwhaty oucameher efor
,whatdoIneedto
doinordertohelpyoursi
ster?
Sphe:
Sbani
!
Ij
umpedIwasj ustt
hinki
ngaboutal l
thi
s,Iwonder
whymymot hernevermentionedhertwi
nsister
becausethewayZakhel eputsitseemsli
kethey
wereverycl
ose.
Me:
Huh.
Sims:Whatar
eyouthi
nki
ng?Howi
sZakhel
e
supposet
ohelpI
si?
Me:I
'
mjustt
hinki
ngaboutever
ything,
Idon'
tknow
di
dmymothersaysomethi
ngtoy ouinyourdr
eams?
Zakhel
e:Shetal
kedaboutgoingbacktowher
ethey
werebornIdon'
trememberitwasjustal
ot.
TJ:Doy
ouat
leastknowwher
eyourmot
hercame
fr
om?
Zakhel
e:Yesf
rom Ri
char
dsbay
,eskhawi
ni.
Me: Doyouthi
nki
fwecanaskthem t
orel
easeyou
formaybetwodayssowecangowithyoutheycan
agree?
Hechuckl
ed.
Zakhel
e:I
'
mi npri
sonnotsomeluxur
yhotel
Bafo
j
usttakeyoursi
sterhomeanddowhatyouhav
et o
do.
Sphe:Thankyousomuchf oryourhel
psowhenwe
gettoeskhawi
niwhatshouldwedo?
Zakhel
e:Justaskf
oraDondafamil
ywit
htwinsmy
motherusedtosaytheywer
ewell
knownthatsi
de.
Me:Idon'
tev
enknowwhatt
osayt
hanky
ouso
much.
Zakhele:
I'
m gl
adIcoul
dhel
pandI'm mor
egr
atef
ul
thatf
inal
lyIf
oundmymother'
sfamil
y.
Si
ms:
Arey
oucr
yingnow.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Zakhel
e:Mxm hambani
la(
Leav
ethi
spl
ace)
.
Hesai
dlaughi
ng.
TJ:
Danki
eBaf
owi
l
lseey
ouwhenwegetback.
Wegav
ehi
m somemoneyandl
eft
.
Si
ms:
Ican'
tbel
i
evehei
syourcousi
n.
Me:MetoomanImeanIdon'tremembermymot
her
t
alki
ngabouthav
ingat
winsi
ster.
Sphe:Iguessl
i
keZakhel
esaidi
twasapai
nful
past
sheneverwantedt
orevi
sit
.
TJ:I'
m gl
adwefi
nall
yhaveasol
uti
ont oI
sipho'
s
probl
em Iwasst
art
ingt
olosemymi nd.
Sphe:
Don'
tevengot
her
eIwassoaf r
aidthatmay
be
tomor
rowshewoul
dhavel
ostherhear
ing.
Sims:Weallal
mostlostourminds,
Ijustf
eltl
i
kea
fai
lur
ebecauseIsi
phoexpect
edust ohaveanswer
s.
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkIev
erwantt
oseesomet
hingl
i
ke
t
hateveragai
n.
Myphoner
ingsandi
t'
sLut
hando.
Me:
Hel
o.
Lut
hando:Dr
ivet
oRi
char
dsbaynowy
ouwi
l
lmeet
methere.
Me:Waithowdoy
ouknowt
hatwehav
etogot
o
Ri
char
dsbay.
Lut
hando:AssoonasZakhel
etol
dyouev
ery
thi
ng,
it
al
sounfol
dedtome.
Me:
Okayseey
out
hen.
Sphe:
Wast
hatLut
hando?
Me:Yeahshei
ssayingweshoul
ddr
ivet
oRi
char
ds
baywewil
lmeetherther
e.
Si
ms:
Okayl
etmedr
ivef
ast
.
Hedr
ovef
astt
il
lwegott
othehouse.
Mamz
o:And?Di
dyougetanyhel
p?
TJ:
Ever
yonepackwear
edr
ivi
ngt
oRi
char
dsbay
.
Zane:MeandThandoarewri
ti
ngtomorr
owIt hi
nk
youguysshoul
dgobecauseSaneispr
egnantshe
can'
tgo.
Mamzo:MeandBabawi
l
lal
sogowi
thy
ousoIcan
t
akecar
eofIsi
.
Si
ms:
Ladi
escany
oupackf
orus.
Sane:
Howmanycl
othesshoul
dwepack.
Me:
Pleasej
ustpackbecausewedon'
tknowwhen
wewil
lcomeback.
Theywentupst
air
s.
Me: Mamadi
dyouknowt
hatmymot
herhadat
win
si
ster?
Mamz
o:Noshehadat
win?
Me:
Yesandhert
winwasMpendul
o'
smot
her
.
Mamz
o:What
?
Me:Yessowehav
etogot
othei
rhomei
nRi
char
ds
bay
.
Mamzo:
YesIknowy
ourmot
her
'shomeIhav
ebeen
t
her
e.
Sphe:
That
'sgoodsowewon'
tbel
ost
.
Mamzo:
Itwasalongt
imeagobutmaybeIsti
l
l
r
ememberletmegopackwewi
llt
alkontheway.
Si
ms:
Arewel
eav
ingMpendul
owi
tht
hel
adi
es.
TJ:It
hinkweshoul
dtakehi
m wi
thussi
ncehehas
nev
erbeenhome.
Mbat
ha:
That
'sagoodi
deaTJ.
Hesai
dcomi
ngf
rom out
side.
Sphe:Okayl
etmegocheckonI
siandhel
pher
prepar
e.
Me:
Iwi
l
lhel
pyouout
.
Wefol
lowedeachothertothei
rr oom,
wehelpedI
si
wi
thherbathandever
y t
hingelse.Wedeci
dedwe
woul
dleaveCebobehindsincewewoul ddr
ivi
ngs
l
ongdist
ance.
I
siphoaskedmewher eweweretaki
ngherandItold
hertogetsomehelp,
Idon'
twanttoover
whelm her
withal
lthi
sinf
ormati
onespeci
all
ysi
nceshecan't
tal
k.
Wesaidourgoodbyesanddrov
etoRi char
dsbayI
havenev
erbeentherebef
orebutIhearthati
t'
squi
te
alongdr
ive.
Mpendul
o:Si
sIsi
phowi
l
ltal
kwhenwecomeback?
Me:
Yesshewi
l
lboy
.
Mpendul
o:That
'sgoodsot
haty
ouwi
l
lst
opbei
ng
sad.
Il
aughed.
Me:
Iwasn'
tsadMpendul
o.
Mpendul
o:Youev
enl
ostwei
ght
.
Mbatha:It
houghtIwast
heonl
yonewhonot
iced
kant
iuyabonanaweboy.
Theyal
ll
aughed.
Me:
Pleasel
eav
emeal
one.
Sphe:
Mpendul
oar
eyounotwr
it
ingt
omor
row?
Mpendul
o:NoBhut
iwear
edonewr
it
ingf
inal
exams
now.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Mpendul
o:Yes.
Mbat
ha:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
opass?
Mpendul
o:Obv
iousl
ykant
iwhat
'smyname.
Wealll
aughedi
t'
sgreatseei
nghim sof
reeand
happy
,wetooktur
nsindriv
ingsomefel
lasl
eepon
t
heway
.
Whenwewerei
nt ownwecal
l
edLut
handobecause
Mamzocoul
dn'
tremember
.
Shegaveusdi
rect
ionsandi
twasafif
teenminut
es
dri
vefr
om t
own,weparkedout
sideaverybi
gyar
d.
Lut
hando:
Tooky
oul
ongenough.
Me:
Thi
spl
acei
sfarandhel
l
otoy
out
oo.
Shel
aughedgoshIcannev
ergetov
erhowbeaut
if
ul
shei
s.
Luthando:
Iknowy
oual
lar
enotwel
lsot
her
e'sno
needtoask.
Mamz
o:Lut
handobaby
.
Luthando:MamaI
'
m sor
rywemeetundert
hese
condit
ions.
Mamzo:
That'
showli
fei
smybabybutwehopeal
l
wi
ll
bewell
nowthatweareher
e.
Lut
hando:
Sur
elyi
twi
l
lbepl
easedr
ivet
hecari
nsi
de.
Si
msdr
ovet
hecari
nsi
deandwef
oll
owedaf
terhi
m.
Lut
hando:
Thi
siswher
eyourmot
herwasbor
n.
Me:
Itl
ooksl
i
ket
her
e'ssomeonewhoi
sst
ayi
ngher
e.
Lut
hando:
Yesy
ourgr
andf
atheri
sst
il
lal
i
ve.
Me:
Noy
ouar
enotser
ious.
Idon'tknowwhetherIwasexci
tedorwhatbutmy
heartwasbeatingf
astandIfel
tatearst
reami
ng
downmyf ace.
TJ:
Whatshoul
dwedonow,
knock?
Lut
hando:
Noheknowst
hatwear
eher
elet
'swai
t.

Weallwaitedf orawhi
l
eandaf tersomet i
met he
dooropenedandanol dmancameoutoft hehouse,
heisthoset y
peofmant hatpeoplesaytheyagelike
fi
newineIt hi
nkheissupposetobeol derthanthi
s.
Sphe:
Isn'
thesupposet
obeol
d?
Me:
Myt
houghtexact
ly.
Lut
hando:
Thul
ani
(keepqui
et)
.
Donda:
Ihav
ebeenwai
ti
ngf
ort
hisdayal
lmyl
i
fe
wel
comehomemychi
l
dren.
Lut
hando:
Thanky
oubaba.
Donda:
Comei
nsi
de.
Me:
Shoul
dwecar
ryI
sii
nsi
det
oo.
Donda:
Ther
e'snoneedt
ocar
ryhershecanwal
k
now.
Hesai
dgoi
ngt
othecar
.
Donda:
Comemychi
l
d.
I
siphogotuphesi
tat
ingandgotoutoft
hecar
,weall
madenoisewhenwesawt hatshewasnowablet
o
walk.

I
sipho

Ilookedatthismanandhesi t
atedt otaket
hef i
rst
stepbutwhenIputmyf eet
sdownt heywereableto
carrymeinsidethehouse,Ican'tevendescri
behow
Ihavebeenf eeli
ngt
hesepastf ewday sbeingunable
towal kwheny ouwerewalki
ngj ustfi
neistheworst
thi
ngt
hatIev
erexperi
enced.WhenIl ostmyvoice
thi
smorni
ngIwasconvincedthatmay beIwas
goi
ngtodi
eorbeliket
hisfort
her estofmylif
e.
Wegeti nsidethehouseandIseemymother'
s
photoont hewallwit
hsomeoneelsewholooks
exactl
ylikeher,i
nst
eadofsit
ti
ngdownIgoand
standnextt ot
hephotosandlookatt
hem.
Donda:
That
'
syourmot
herandhert
winsi
ster
.
Iopenmymout
haf
rai
dthatmyv
oicewi
l
lnotcome
out.
Me:
Mymot
herhadat
winsi
ster
?
Iaskandtomysur pr
isemyvoi
cei
sback,
Ifeel
tear
s
andIlett
hem st
ream down.
Befor
ehecananswerMpendul
ogetupandpoi
ntt
o
theot
herper
sonwhoismymot her
'st
win.
Mpendul
o:That
'smymot
her
.
Ilookatev
eryoneshockedbutt
heyal
lseem l
i
ke
theyunder
standwhatisgoi
ngon.
Donda:
Youcanal
lj
ustsi
tdown.
Wesitdownandwai
tIdon'
tknowf
orwhat
?May
be
anexpl
anat
ion.
Sbani
:Somkhul
utheonl
ythi
ngt
hatI
sineededt
odo
wastocomehere.
Donda:
Yesj
ustt
oputherf
eet
stot
hisy
ard.
Me: Ihav
esomanyquesti
onsbutIdon'
tknowI'
m
sti
l
lshockedandhappyt
hatI
'm backt
omy sel
f
again.
Mamz
o:I
t'
sbeenl
ongmkhul
u.
Donda:
Ist
il
lrememberyou,
youusedt
ocomeher
e
alotwi
thmydaught
er.
Mamz
o:Yesbutshenev
ert
oldmeshehadat
win.
Donda:Shewassohurtandhear
tbr
oken,
shedi
dn'
t
l
iketal
ki
ngabouthersi
ster
.
Mamz
o:Iunder
stand.
I
'mj ustl
ooki
ngatthi
sman, hel
ooksalotl
ikeme
whichmeanshelookslikemymotherbecauset
hat
's
thepersonIt
ookafter
.Sbanii
smyf at
her'
sdupl
i
cat
e
buthedoeslookli
keMpenduloabit
.
Luthando:
I'
m glady
ouall
gott
omeeteachotherbut
therearet
hingsweneedt
odonowbecauseIsti
ll
havetodri
vebackhome.
Donda:
IknowIal
readypr
epar
edev
ery
thi
ng.
Lut
hando:Youknowhet
ookaf
tery
ouandhi
s
par
ents.
Shesai
dpoi
nti
ngatSbani
.
Donda:Real
l
y?Didheacceptitbecausey
ouwi
l
l
neverknowwit
hthi
sgenerat
ion.
Sbani
:Youar
etal
ki
ngaboutmel
i
keI
'
m nother
e.
Donda:
Abouty
ounott
oyout
her
e'sadi
ff
erence.
Weal
ll
aughed.

Luthandodidever
ythi
nghehadt odoandwhenhe
l
eftIwast ot
all
yfi
ne,Idi
dn'tt
hinkt
hatIhadtodo
somet hi
ngthi
seasyinordertobemynor malsel
f
again.
Mkhulut
oldusever
ythi
ngaboutourmothersandwe
gott
ounderst
andalotoft
hingsthatwedidn'
tknow
andMpendul ogottoknowthatwearehisfamil
yby
blood.Wewer esadthatwedidn'
tmeetour
grandmotherbutwewer egl
adthatat
leastoneof
them isst
il
lal
ive.
Iwentout
sidet
ogetsomeai
randSbani
fol
l
owed
me.
Sbani
:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
Atpeace.
Sbani
:Thi
spl
acei
speacef
ul.
Me:
Ican'
tbel
i
eveIwasunabl
etot
alkandwal
k.
Sbani
:Thatwasj
ustt
empor
aryAngel
.
Me:
Iknowhowar
eyouf
eel
i
ngaboutal
lthi
s?
Sbani
:I
'm happyt
haty
ouar
enor
mal
agai
n.
Me:
That
'snotwhatImean.
Sbani
:I'
m happythatwefoundmymot her'
sfami
lyI
al
wayswant edtomeetthem butIdon'
tgetwhyour
mothernevertol
dusabouthertwin.
Me:
Iguesssher
eal
l
ynev
erwant
edt
otal
kabouther
.
Sbani
:YeahIguess.
Me:
Andy
oushoul
dshav
eandeatmor
eBhut
i.
Wel
aughed.
Sbani
:DoIl
ookt
hatbad?
Me:
Real
l
ybadbutSphei
swor
se.
Sbani
:Youbeingsi
ckwaski
ll
i
ngmeI
'
m happyr
eal
l
y
happythaty
ouarefi
nenow.
Me:
I'
m al
sohappyBhut
i,Ican'
tbel
i
eveMpendul
ois
f
amil
y.
Sbani:Butt
hewayIfel
tconnect
edt ohi
m Iknew
ther
ewassomet hi
ngabouthim butIdi
dn'
tknow
whatitwas.
Me:
Andhedoesl
ookl
i
key
ou.
Sbani
:Andy
oul
ookexact
lyl
i
key
ourgr
andf
ather
.
Me:
Atl
easthei
shandsome.
Sbani
:Yeahr
ightuy
azi
duduza.
Hel
aughed.
Me:
Mxm l
et'
sgetbacki
nsi
de.
Wewentbacki nsi
deandev ery
onewashappy ,
they
wer echatti
ngandlaughing.Mkhul usai
dhewi l
l
slaughtersheep'
sforust omorrowsowewi l
lstay
hereformay betwoort hreeday sIdon'
tknow.I
don'tbeli
eveIthoughtsomeonemi ghthavedone
thistomeImaynotsaywhoIt houghti
twasbut
Godpl easeforgi
vemef orev enhav i
ngthose
thoughts.
I
nser
tfor
tysev
en

Weal lwokeuphappyandexci tedbecausel astni

ght
wegotacal lt
hatIsi
phoiswel lagai n,wet hankGod
forallt
his.Ican'
thelpmy selfbutwonderi fitwon't
happent omeImeani t'
sbeenl ongsi nceIwent
home, i
tusedt obeahomebutnowt her
ei snoone
may beIshouldgot hereandj ustvisitmypar ent
s
graves.Therearesomanyr easonst hatmakeme
feargoingbackthere,thememor iesar ejustbadbut
sinceIdecidedtostartafreshandl eav ethepast
behindIshouldgot heresomet imes.
MeandZanear
ewr
it
ingourf
inal
papert
odayand
i
t'
sonl
yfewweekstoChrist
masEve,Iwakeupand
domydail
yrout
ineaf
tert
hatIgodownstai
rs.
Me:
Mor
ningmommy
.
Sane:
Heybabe.
Me:
Youshoul
drestSane.
Sane:
I'
mt i
redofsl
eepi
ngThandoIj
ustwantsome
fr
eshair
.
Zane:
Wecangooutt
hisev
eni
ng.
Me:
Mor
ningt
oyout
oof
ri
end.
Wel
augh.
Zane:
Hai
sukawesl
eptt
oget
hermos.
Sane:
Dif
fer
entr
ooms.
Shesai
demphasi
singdi
ff
erent
.
Zane:
Yeahy
eahwhat
everso?
Me:
WhataboutCebo?
Zane:
Wecanl
eav
eherwi
thournei
ghbor
.
Sane:
Hayguy swhatifsomethi
nghappens,
youal
l
knowther
e'sneverpeacei
nthishouse.
Me:Ormay
beweshoul
dbookaweekendawayand
t
akeCebowit
hus.
Zane:
That
'sal
soagoodi
deawhatdoy
ousay
mamabear.
Sane:
Asl
ongasI
'
m outoft
hishouse.
Me:
Youcandoal
lthebooki
ngswhi
l
ewegowr
it
e.
Sane:
Okaynopr
obl
em,
goodl
uckbol
ove.
Us:
Thanky
oumommy
.
Wesai
dourgoodby
esandl
eft
.
Zane:
I'
m sohappyI
sii
sfi
nal
l
yokay
.
Me:
Makest
het
woofus.
Zane:AndIhopet
hiswasthel
astt
imewego
thr
oughpainI'
mti
redIj
ustwantal
lofust
obe
happy.
Me:Nam babel
et'
shopewewi l
lnev
erf
ace
somet
hingli
ket
hiseveragai
n.
Zane:It
hinkweshouldpl
ansomethi
ngnicet
his
comingChrist
masjustt
ocheerev
eryoneup.
Me:
Greati
deal
et'
sgr
absomebr
eakf
ast
.
Wepassedbythecafet
eri
aandgotsome
sandwi
chesandthensatdownandate.
Zane:
Iwonderhowit
'
sli
keinRi
char
dsbay?You
knowsometimesImi
sshome,i
t'
sunl
ikeher
eit
's
j
ustpeacef
ul.
Me:It
hinkit
'seasyt
omi
sshomewheny
ounev
er
gr
ewupl i
keIdid.
Zane:
ButI
'
m sur
ether
ear
egoodmemor
iest
her
e.
Me:Yesther
earefri
endbutIwassti
l
lyoungitwoul
d
havebeenbet
teri
fIwasoldenoughtounder
stand
ever
ythi
ng.
Zane:Ifeel
y oubutallIcani
st haty
ouar eatabetter
pl
acenowy oushouldmakei tcount,al
lthe
memor i
esy ouwi shyoushouldhavehadwi thyour
parent
smaket hem withusbecausewear eall
y ou
havegotnow.
Me:Ahhy ouwantmet ocrynow,that
'sexactl
ywhat
Iwanttodobutmosti mport
antl
yIwanttot r
eat
Sbaniwit
hrespectandshowhim howmuchIv al
ue
hi
m becauset
obehonestIhav
ebeenanass.
Zane:MeandSimshaveourupanddownsbutI
appreci
atehi
m wi
thmysoulbecausehebr
ought
backmywor t
handrebui
l
dmybr okenhear
t.
Me:
Yeahf
ri
endl
et'
sgoandwr
it
e.
Zane:
Let
'sgo.
Wewenti
nsi
deourv
enueandsatdown.
Zane:
Goodl
uckf
ri
end.
Me:
Goodl
uckmngani
.
Wesai ddownandf acedthef
rontwaiti
ngforour
papers,whentheyarr
ivedweallconcent
rat
edand
star
tedwrit
ing.

Af
tert
hreewhol
ehoursweweredonewri
ti
ngandI
wasdamntir
edIswearIwant
edtocr
y.
Zane:
Thatwashel
lofapaper
.
Me:
Idon'
tev
enwantt
otal
kabouti
tfr
iend.
Zane:
All
Ineedi
ssomegoodwi
ne.
Me: Weshoul
dpassbyt
hemal
l
,cany
oupl
ease
dr
ive.
Zane:
Ngazengahl
ukumezeka.
Il
aughed,
myphoner
ings.
Me:
Babe.
Sbani
:Thandol
wam.
Idon'
twantt
otal
kaboutt
hewayIbl
ushed.
Sbani
:St
opbl
ushi
ng.
Hesai
dlaughi
ng.
Me:
I'
m notbl
ushi
ng.
Sbani
:Unj
ani
sthandwasam (
Howar
eyou)
.
Me:
I'
m okayKhozay
ou?
Sbani
:I
'mf
inej
ustt
hatImi
ssy
ou.
Me:
Ngi
kukhumbul
enami
hubby
(Imi
ssy
out
oo)
.
Sbani
:Howwasy
ourpaper
?
Me:
Har
dbutwewer
eabl
etowr
it
e.
Sbani
:Okaybabewher
ear
eyounow?
Me:
Wear
egoi
ngt
opassbyt
hemal
lwi
thZane.
Sbani
:Okaydon'
tbuyal
cohol
lapho.
Il
aughed.
Sbani
:Putmeonl
oudspeaker
.
Me:
Done.
Sbani
:Munt
ukaSi
ms.
Zane:
Skeem ogr
end?
Sbani
:Goodandy
our
sel
f?
Zane:
I'
m goodj
ustt
ir
edt
hepaperwaski
ndofhar
d.
Sbani
:Iknowy
oubot
hdi
dwel
l
.
Zane:
Hopef
ull
y.
Sbani
:Okayby
eguy
s,babeIl
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooKhoza.
Zane:Cany
oupleaset
ell
Simst
hatThandoi
s
makingmedri
ve.
Me:
BabeI
'
m not
.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Si
ms:
WenaThandosi
zoxabana.
Me:
I'
m notIswear
.
Zane:
Sthandwasam Imi
ssy
ou.
Si
ms:
Missy
oumor
eMaMbat
ha.
Sbani
:Hayhayai
rt
imey
am.
Si
ms:
Youar
ebei
ngj
eal
ousnow,
byebabeIl
ovey
ou.
Zane:
Lov
eyout
ooby
e.
Sbani
droppedt
hecal
landmeandZanewer
est
il
l
j
ustsmil
ing.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sst
opnowi
t'
sli
kewear
ecr
azy
.
Zane:
Ican'
tst
opmy
sel
fI'
minl
ovewi
thmyman.
Me:
Siy
ajol
a(wear
edat
ing)
.
Us:
Yessi
yaj
ola.
Wepeepedt hroughthewindowsand
shouted"
Siy
ajola"peopl
ebeepedtheirhootersand
welaughed.Itfeel
sawholelotbett
erwhent hings
aregoinggreatbetweenmeandSbani ,
from nowon
Iwil
lmakesur ethatIavoi
danythi
ngt hatwil
lmake
usf
ight
.

Sbani

IfIdi
dn'
tleaveThandobehi
ndIwouldsayIdon't
missDurbanbutbecauseIlef
therbehindImissher
andtheladies,
thi
splacei
sgreati
t'
sjustpeacef
ul.
Sphe:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dspendChr
ist
mast
hissi
de.
Si
ms:
Myt
houghtex
act
ly.
TJ:Weshoul
dtel
lthel
adiestocomet
hissi
dewhen
theyar
edonewit
hever
ything.
Me:
That
'sagoodi
deabaf
ethu.
Donda:
Madoda.
Us:
Mkhul
u.
Donda:
Youshouldtakeawal
kandl
ookar
ound
maybeyouwi
llcatchsomefi
sh.
Weall
lookedathi
m andl
aughedhej
ustsoundedso
muchli
keKhoza.
Sphe:
Weshoul
d.
Me:
Youwoul
dn'
tdar
e.
Mkhul
u:Whynot
.
TJ:Becausehei
sthef
atherofI
sipho'
sbaby
daughter
.
Mkhul
u:Whi
chI
sipho?MyI
sipho?
Si
ms:
Yesmkhul
udeal
wit
hhi
m.
Sphe:
Youguy
sar
esucht
rai
tor
s.
Mkhul
u:Youguy
scangoIneedt
otal
ktoSphe.
Weal
ll
aughedwhi
l
eSphel
ookedscar
ed.
Sphe:Butmkhul
utheyal
sol
eftt
hei
rpar
tner
sin
Durban.
Mkhul
u:Doy
oual
lst
aywi
thy
ourpar
tner
's.
Us:
No.
Mamz
o:Yesmkhul
u.
Us:
Mamzo.
Mamzo:
Itr
iedsepar
ati
ngt
hem butt
heyat
tacked
me.
Mkhul
u:At
tackedy
ouasi
nhi
tyou.
Mamz
o:Somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
.
Wewer
esoshockedbutwej
ustl
aughed.
Si
ms:
Abaf
azi
.
Mkhul
u:Whatdi
dyousay
?
Si
ms:
Not
hingmkhul
u.
Mamzohadr
etur
nedt
otheki
tchenl
eav
inguswi
th
t
hisman.
Me:
Butf
orr
eal
mkhul
uwomanar
eapi
eceofwor
k.
Mkhul
u:Mywomanwast
hebest
.
Hestar
tedt
ell
i
ngusaboutst
ori
esoft
hegoodol
d
day
s.

I
sipho

Ist
oodbyt hedoorandwatchedthem asthey
l
aughedandl i
stenedtomkhul
u'sstor
ies,
everyone
wasjustatpeace.Itookmyphoneandcalled
ThandoIwant
edt
ocheckont
hem andmydaught
er.
Thando:
Isi
babe.
Me:
Youar
eguy
sar
edr
inki
ngwi
thoutme.
Thando:
Wear
enotdr
inki
ng.
Me:
Iknowy
oubabe,
howar
eyouguy
sdoi
ng?
Thando:
Wear
egoodhowar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m gr
eat
.
Thando:
That
'sgoodwear
ehappyy
ouar
ewel
lbabe.
Me:
Thanky
ouhowi
smybabydoi
ng?
Thando:Goodshei
spl
ayi
ngwi
thSanesi
nceshei
s
notdri
nki
ng.
Me:I'
m suresheonl
ymissesherdadt
hatone
doesn'
tevenloveme.
Thando:Youcansayt
hatagai
nCeboi
shi
sfat
her
's
pri
ncess.
Me:
Iknowhowdi
dyouguy
swr
it
e?
Thando:
Wet
ri
edbabe.
Me:
That
'sgr
eatenj
oyt
hen,
kissmybabyf
orme.
Thando:
Wil
ldoby
elov
eyou.
Me:
Lov
eyout
ooby
e.
Sphe:
Lov
eyout
oo?
Il
aughed.
Me:
ThatwasThando.
Sphe:
Real
l
ynow?
Hesai
dcomi
ngcl
oser
.
Me:YesbabeIwasj
ustchecki
ngupont
hem and
Cebo.
Sphe:
Imi
sshersomuch.
Me:
I'
m sur
eshemi
ssesy
out
oo.
Sphe:
IknowshedoesbutImi
ssy
out
oo.
Me:
I'
mri
ghther
enj
est
handwasam.
Sphe:
Youhavenoi
deahowmuchI
'
m happyt
hat
youar
eokaynowIwassowor
ri
edI
si.
Me:
IknowbutI
'
m okaynow.
Sphe:
I'
m gl
ad.
Hesai
dhol
dingmywai
st.
Me:
StopBabakaCebomkhul
uwi
l
lki
l
lyou.
Hedidn'
tstopbutheki
ssedme,heputmeont
opof
t
hetableandIbroket
hekiss.
Sphe:
Damn.
Me:
Thi
sisnotDur
banbabe.
Sphe:
Imi
ssy
ou.
Me:
Imi
ssy
out
oobutweshoul
dwai
t.
Sphe:
Okayt
hen.
Mbat
ha:
Kwenzakal
ani
la(What
'sgoi
ngonher
e).
Ij
umpedof
fthet
abl
eandst
oodbehi
ndSphe.
Sphe:
Wewer
ejustt
alki
ngt
aima.
Mbat
ha:
Tal
ki
nghuh?
Wel
aughed.
Me:
Yesbabat
alki
ng.
Mbat
ha:
Oho.
Il
eftt
hem t
her
eandbumpedi
ntomybr
other
.
Me:
Bigbr
o.
Sbani
:Li
lsi
s.
Il
ovet
hewayhi
sey
esl
i
ghtupwhenheseesme.
Me:
Imi
ssy
ou.
Sbani
:HayI
'
m noty
ourboy
fri
endI
sipho.
Il
aughed.
Me:
Hai
boBhut
i.
Sbani
:Howdoy
ouf
eel
sincey
ouar
ri
vedher
e?
Me:
Atpeaceandhappy
.
Sbani
:I
'm happyi
fyouar
e.
Me:ButI'
m wor
ri
edaboutMpendul
oheseems
di
stanthav
eyoutal
kedtohi
m.
Sbani
:NobutIwi
l
lhav
eachatwi
thhi
m don'
twor
ry.
Me:
PleasedoBhut
i.
Sbani
:Wewer
ethi
nki
ngofspendi
ngChr
ist
mast
his
si
de.
Me:
Hav
eyout
alkedt
othegi
rl
s?
Sbani
:Nowewi
l
lgot
oDur
bant
hent
alkt
othem.
Me:
Okaynopr
obl
em Iwi
l
lgowi
thy
ouguy
s.
Sbani
:Okaymay
bet
omor
roworSunday
.
Me:Ilov
eyouandthanky
ouf
orbei
ngt
hebest
br
otheri
ntheworl
d.
Sbani
:Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Webot
hlaughed.
Me:
Can'
tIj
ustappr
eci
atemybr
other
.
Sbani
:Iknowy
ou.
Me:
Wel
lI.
..
Sbani
:What
everi
tisj
ustaskSpheangi
thi
unendoda
wena.
Hesai
dleav
ingmet
her
e.
Me:
Bhut
i.
Isai
dshouti
ngathim buthewasal
readygone,
I
wentout
sidetoBhuti
SimsandTJ.
Me:
Myl
ovel
ybr
other
s.
Them:
No.
Il
aughed.
Me:
Hawguy
s.
TJ:
Asi
mal
iIsi
(Wedon'
thav
emoney
).
Me:
Whosai
dIneedmoney
.
Si
ms:
Sowhatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:
Wel
lIneed.
..
Si
ms:
Nodon'
tsayi
tfor
getIasked.
Wel
aughed.
Me:
Youguy
sdon'
tl
ovemeany
mor
e.
Theygotupandwal
kedt
othehouse.
Me:
Hawu.
Them:
Wel
ovey
out
oo.
Il
ookedatt
hem astheywal
kedtot
hehouseandI
l
ookedupandthankedGodformyf
amil
y.
Me:
Ipr
ayf
orpeaceandhappi
nessamongstus.
Isai
dasIwal
kedbackt
othehousesmi
l
ing.
I
nser
tfor
tyei
ght
Sbani

ThenextdayIwokeupbef oreevery
oneel seand
decidedtot akeawal karoundtheplacejustt
o
admi r
ewher emymot hergrewup,thisplacei
s
peacefulIthinkIreall
yli
keitheremay beoneday
whenI '
m olderandr eti
redIwil
lbui
ldmyownhouse
here.It
'sl
ikebeingher efi
ll
edoutami ssingpiecei
n
myhear tIguessit '
sbecauseIneverknewmy
mot her
'sfami l
y.
Iwal
karoundtil
lInoti
ceabigrockf
aci
ngabeaut
if
ul
mountai
n,Iwal
kt owardsi
tanddeci
detosi
tdown
andj
ustadmiretheplace.
Voi
ce:
It'
sbeaut
if
uli
sn'
ti
t?
Il
ookaroundtoseet
hepersonwhoi
stalki
ngbutI
seenoone,Ii
gnoret
hevoi
ceandcont
inuelooki
ng
around.
Voice:
Kuhlei
mpel
auy
abona?
(it
'sr
eal
l
ybeaut
if
ul,
do
yousee?)
.
Il
ookbehi
ndmeandIseemymot
herwi
thsomeone
Iassumei
shert
winsi
ster
.
Me:
Mama.
Voi
ce:
I'
m gl
ady
ouf
inal
l
ycameher
e.
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
us?
Voi
ce:
That
'snoti
mpor
tantSbani
.
Me:
But
..
.
Shel
aughsandIf
eel
myey
eswat
eri
ng.
Voi
ce:
Sti
l
lst
ubbor
njustl
i
key
ourf
atherIsee.
Me:
Ist
hather
?
Voi
ce:Yesi
t'
shert
hankyouforcomi
ngher
e,I
'
m
nowcomplet
ebecauseshei
sherewi
thme.
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
.
Voice:Youdon'
thavetosayanyt
hing,
nowgoliv
e
yourli
feandmakey our
sel
fhappystopwor
ryi
ng
aboutevery
oneelse.
Me:
Imi
ssy
ouandBaba.
Voi
ce:
Iknowy
oudoboybutwewi
l
lal
way
sbewi
th
y
ou,
al
lofy
ou.
Ij
ustkeepqui
etandlookathermymotherst
il
ll
ooks
beaut
if
ulmorebeaut
iful
eveninherspi
ri
t.
Voi
ce:
Thanky
ouf
ort
aki
ngcar
eofMpendul
o.
Hersi
stersay
s.
Me:
Hei
smybr
otheri
t'
smyj
ob.
Voice:
Anddon'
twor
ryaboutZakhel
ehewi
l
lbeout
soon.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Shewav
esherhandanddi
sappear
s.
Voi
ce:Keepwel
lmybabyr
ememberwear
eal
way
s
wit
hyou.
Me:
Mama.
Sheal
sodi
sappear
s,Isi
ghandwi
pemyt
ear
s.
If
eel
someonet
appi
ngmyshoul
derandIj
ump.
Donda:
Sbani
.
Me:
Mkhul
uit
'sy
ou.
Donda:
Shewasher
ewasn'
tshe?
Me:
Yeshowdoy
ouknow?
Donda:Thi
swasherf av
our
it
erock,
sheusedt
osay
i
tbroughtherpeace.
Me:Youknowsomet
imesIwonderhowl
i
fewoul
d
hav
ebeenift
heywer
esti
ll
ali
ve.
Donda:
Theyar
eatabet
terpl
acei
twasal
lGod'
s
pl
an.
Me:
Iguessso.
Donda:Youdon'
thav etocar
ryever
yone'
sprobl
em i
n
yourshoul
der
sI'm herenoweventhoughImaydie
soonbecauseI'
m old.
Me:
Don'
tsayt
hatwest
il
lneedy
ou.
Donda:I
'
m happyy
oual
lcameher
eIhav
ewai
tedf
or
tool
ong.
Me:
I'
m al
sogl
adwecamewhi
l
eyouar
est
il
lal
i
ve.
Donda:
Focusony our
sel
ffr
om nowon,
Mbatha
seemsli
keagoodmanandIknowMamzoi sagood
womanletusal
ltakecar
eofyou.
Me:
Iwi
l
ltr
y.
Donda:
Don'
ttr
yandngi
funaumakot
imi
na.
Il
augh.
Me:
Wel
lusekhonaI
'
m get
ti
ngmar
ri
ednexty
ear
.
Donda:
That
'
sgood,
shewassuchaki
ndhear
ted
woman.
Me:
Who?Mymot
her
?
Donda:
Yesherandhersi
sterwer
einsepar
abl
e.
Me:
Didshegi
vey
ouanyt
roubl
e?
Hel
aughsandsmi
l
eli
kehei
sremember
ingi
tal
l
.
Donda:Of
cosespeci
allywhenshemety ourf
ather
,I
admir
edyourfat
herbecausehelovedyourmother
dear
lyandIseeyoulookalotl
ikehim.
Me:
IhopeI
'
m asgoodashi
m.
Donda:
Iknowy
ouar
enowl
et'
sgobackhome.
Me:
Howdi
dyouev
enknowIwasher
e?
Donda:
Ihav
emyway
s.
Webot
hlaughed.
Me:
Wedeci
dedt
ospendChr
ist
mast
hissi
de.
Donda:
Ngempel
a(Real
l
y?)
Me:
Yeswecan'
tl
eav
eyouher
eal
one.
Donda:
Whosai
dIwasgoi
ngt
obeal
one.
Me:
Don'
ttel
lmeuy
ajol
a.
Donda:
WhynotImeanl
ookatme.
Il
aughoutl
oudandl
ookathi
m,hel
ooksdamn
ser
ious.
Me:
Hai
boy
ouar
ewhat
?80?
Donda:
I'
m 75I
'
m nott
hatol
d.
Me:
Youar
enott
hatol
d?Comeonmkhul
u.
Wegeti
nsi
det
hey
ardandev
ery
onei
sawake.
Donda:
It'
snott
hatbad,
right
?
Me:
Bad?I
t'
sthewor
stt
hingIev
erhear
d.
Webot
hlaugh.
TJ:
Shar
ethej
okepl
ease.
Me:
Mkhul
uher
ehasagi
rl
fr
iend.
Theguy
slookathi
m sohecananswerf
orhi
msel
f.
Mkhul
u:What
?Li
sasebenzaphel
a.
Webur
stouti
nlaught
erandhegoesi
nsi
de.
Si
ms:
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
his.
Me:Guy
sIalsot
houghthewasj
oki
ngbutnowI
bel
i
evehim.
Sphe:
Hei
sagi
ngf
inet
houghImeanhest
il
ll
ooks
good.
Wel
ookathi
m.
Sphe:
What
?
TJ:
Yousayi
tli
key
ouwanthi
mfory
our
sel
fnow.
Sphepi
cksupast
oneandt
hrowi
tatTJ.
Sphe:
Fuckof
f.
Hepi
cksmor
est
onesandt
hrowt
hem atal
lofus.
Si
ms:
Whatdi
dwedo?
Weplaythatgamet
il
lMamzocal
l
sust
ohav
e
br
eakfast
.

Wesi
tar
oundt
het
abl
eandSi
msst
arteat
ing.
Mbat
ha:
Simssaygr
ace.
Wewanttolaughathi
m butweknowwewi
l
lbei
n
deept
roubl
e.
Si
ms:
Uhmm Ial
readypr
ayedbyhear
t.
Wej
ustl
augh.
Mbat
ha:
Awuf
uni
Sims?
Heaskspr
etendi
ngt
ogetup.
Si
ms:
Okayt
aimasi
tdown.
Weareoverthi
rt
yyear
sbutt
hismanst
il
lwantt
o
whoopourass.
Si
ms:Godblessourf
oodandt
hehandswho
pr
epar
edthem amen.
Us:
Amen.
Whenwear
eaboutt
oeatmkhul
uint
err
upt
sus.
Mkhul
u:Hai
bo,
Simsi
sthatal
lyoucansay
?
Wealll
ookathi
m,i
sheser
iousnowImeanwear
e
al
lhungr
y.
Mamz
o:Iwasaboutt
oaskt
hat
.
Si
msgi
vesheraney
e.
Si
ms:
But
..
.
Mkhul
u:I
'
mjoki
ngy
oucanal
leat
.
Us:
Yoh.
Wealll
aughandcont i
nueeati
ng, Il
ookatMpendulo
andheisjustpl
ay i
ngwi t
hhisfood.Idon'
tknow
whet
herhei snothappyt obehereormay beheis
notf
eeli
ngwel l
,Imakeament al notet
otalkwi
th
hi
m aft
erbreakfast.
Mamz
o:Sohav
eyoudeci
dedonwheny
ouwi
l
lret
urn
t
oDur
ban?
Me:
Arey
ounotgoi
ng?
Mamzo:NoImeanChr
ist
masi
sal
readyar
oundt
he
cor
ner
.
Mbat
ha:
Iguessev
ery
onel
i
kesi
ther
e.
I
sipho:
Youcansayt
hatagai
nBaba.
TJ:
Iwast
hinki
ngwedr
ivebackl
atert
oday
.
Mamz
o:That
'sf
inebyme.
Wefi
nisheati
ngandwecoll
ectt
hedishesandwash
t
hem aft
erthatIdeci
det
ogoandtal
ktoMpendulo.

Iwal
kout
sideandhei
ssi
tt
ingunderat
ree.
Me:
Mji
ta.
Mpendul
o:Bhut
i.
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?
Mpendul
o:I
'
mfi
ne.
Me: Youcanatl
eastsayi
tli
keyoumeani
tMpendul
o,
Iknowy ouar
enotokaywhat '
sup?
Mpendul
o:Imi
ssmybr
other
.
Me:
Sor
ryboyIknowy
oudobutt
hat
'snotal
l
,angi
thi
?
Mpendulo:Ihav
ebeenhav
ingni
ght
mar
esabout
whathappened.
Me:
Whendi
dtheyst
art
?
Mpendul
o:Af
ewweeksback.
Me:
FewweeksMpendul
oandy
oukeptqui
et.
Mpendul
o:I
'
m sor
ryIj
ustdi
dn'
twantt
owor
ry
any
one.
Me:I
'
mjustany
oneboyI'
myourbr
otherandImeant
i
twhenIsai
dIwil
lal
way
sbehereforyou.
Mpendul
o:Iknow.
Me:
Youwillbefineokay
?nex
tyeary
ouwi
l
lat
tend
t
her
apysessions.
Mpendul
o:Wi
l
lthathel
p.
Me:Yesitwi
l
lbutfornowIwi
l
lbey
ourt
her
api
sty
ou
cantel
lmeanyt
hing.
Mpendul
o:Okay
,di
dy ouknowt
hatmymot
herand
yourmot
herweret
wins?
Me:
NoIdi
dn'
t.
Mpendul
o:Imi
sshersomet
imes.
Me:
Shei
sher
eyouknow.
Hel
ookedar
oundandIl
aughed.
Me:
Noti
nper
sonphel
aMpendul
obuti
nspi
ri
t.
Mpendul
o:Idon'
tunder
standbutokay
.
Me:
Onedayy
ouwi
l
l.
Mpendul
o:Iwantt
ogonowsowecanf
etchmy
r
eport
.
Me:
Arey
ouexci
ted?
Mpendul
o:Scar
edabi
tbutI
'
m exci
ted.
Me:
Iknowy
oupassed.
Mpendul
o:Okayt
eacherwam.
Hesay
sandr
unt
othehouse.
Me:
Iwi
l
lgety
ouuzobona.
Hesti
ckshi
stongueoutandIlaugh,
I'
m happywhen
hei
shappyinfactwhenever
yoneishappy.
Ithi
nkmamaandmkhul uwerer
ightIneedt of
ocus
onmy sel
fandplanni
ngmyweddi ngwithThando
now, andspeakingofThandoIt
hinkIneedt ogether
pregnantnowdon' tl
ookatmeli
ket hatI
'm not
getti
nganyy ounger.

Thando
MeandZanesl eptlat
eyest
erdaysi
ncewewer e
dr
inki
ngcelebr
atingGodknowswhat,Sanetook
Ceboandtheywentt obedearl
yshecan'
twaitt
o
gi
vebirt
hagainsoshecanbeabl et
odrinkagai
n.
Sotodaywearegoingonaweekendawayj ustthe
thr
eeofus,Idragmysel
ftothebathroom andtakea
showeraf
terI'
m doneIgodownstair
s.
Me:
Youar
eal
readydr
essed?
Sane:It
oldyouguysthatIneedtogetoutoft
his
house,i
t'
sbeenlongsinceIwentout
.
Me:
Headachei
ski
l
li
ngme.
Sane:
Dri
nkt
hat
.
Me:
OhgoshIknowi
ttast
est
err
ibl
e.
Sane:
Buti
twi
l
lhel
pyouwi
thy
ourhangov
er.
Me:
Thanksbabe.
Zane:
Mor
ningl
adi
es.
Sane:
Heybabe.
Zane:
Canwegoal
ready
.
Me:
Zaneudl
alengam i
zol
oit
'
sli
key
oudi
dn'
tdr
ink.
Zane:
Iknowhowt
ohandl
emyal
cohol
honey
.
Me:
Mxm what
everl
etmegogetdr
essed.
Il
eftthem t
her
eandwentt
ochangeandpackaf
ew
cl
othes.
Sane:
LetmegetCebosowecango.
Wedecidedtotakeadri
v etoMpumalangaand
spendourweekendther
e, whenwegotther
emeand
Zaneweresotir
edfrom dri
ving.Wedr
ovefrom t
he
ti
ll
wegotherelate.
Zane:
Nextt
imewewi
l
lfl
y.
Sane:Tr
ueIwasn'tdri
vi
ngbutIwant
edt
ocr
yfr
om
si
tti
nginthecarf
orthatl
ong.
Wegoti
nsi
deourl
ogdeandset
tl
eddown.
Me:
Mpumal
angai
sbeaut
if
ulguy
s.
Zane:
Ver
yIl
ovei
ther
e.
Sane:Let
'sr
estsowecangoeatatar
est
aur
antI
booked.
Me:
That
'sasur
pri
se.
Sane:
Yesi
tis.

Wer estedI'
m sureCebowassoti
redbutshe
doesn'tunderst
andanythi
ngshei
sjusthappy
.
Iwakeuptomyphoneringi
ngandi
t'
sSbani
ohmy
Godwedidn'
tev
entel
lthem wewer
ecomingher
e.
Sbani
:St
handwasam di
dIwakey
ou?
Me:
YesIwasj
ustr
est
ing.
Sbani
:Sor
rybabe,
nikuphi
(wher
ear
eyou?
)
Me:
Uhmm homewhy
?
Sbani
:Becausewear
eher
epl
easeopent
hedoorwe
for
gotourkeys.
Hawemah.
Me:
Uhmm.
Sbani
:Thando.
Me:
Wear
enothome.
Sbani
:Wher
ear
eyou?Imeani
t'
slat
enow.
Me:
Babewewentt
oMpumal
anga.
Sbani
:What
?
Me:
Wedeci
dedt
otakeaweekendaway
.
Sbani
:Nat
shel
abani
Thando(
whodi
dyout
ell
).
Me:
Uhmm noone.
Sbani
:Thandol
wet
huy
ouar
enotser
iousr
ight
?
Me:HubbyIam wedi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
eal
lcomi
ng
backt
oday.
Sbani
:Whydi
dn'
tyouguy
scal
l
?
Me:
Uhmm.
Sbani
:Tal
k.
Me:
Sor
rybabe.
Sbani
:Wher
eisCebo?
Me:
Her
ewi
thus.
Sbani
:Okay
.
Hesaysanddropthecal
l
,IgetupandIbumpi
nto
Zaneandfol
l
owingeachothert
omyr oom.
Sane:
DidSbani
cal
lyou?
Me:
Yes.
Zane:
Simsal
socal
l
ed.
Sane:
Wear
eindeepshi
t.
Zane:
Weshoul
dhav
etol
dthem.
Sane:Thewor
stpar
ttheydon'
tev
enhav
ethekeyt
o
thehouse.
Wel
ookateachot
herandl
augh.
Me:
Theywi
l
lmur
derusI
'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
Zane:
Wel
ll
et'
sgoeatkhonasi
ngezof
asi
l
ambi
l
e.
Wel
augh.
Sane:
Yazi
thi
sisnotaj
oke.
Wet akeCeboandf ol
loweachot hertot he
restaurant,
Ican'tbel
i
ev eweleftDurbananddr ov
e
allt
hewayt oMpumal angawi t
houttell
inganyone
whati fsomet hi
nghappenedt ous.Ijusthopethe
guyscal m downandsl eepinthecar,Ilaughto
my selfIactuall
yfi
ndthatfunnybutIknowi twon'
t
bewhenwegetbackhome.
I
nser
tfor
tyni
ne

Wewentt otherest
aurantandorderedourdinner,
I
'm abitscar
edIknowt heguyscanbeabi t
dramati
cbuttheyshouldhaveatleastt
oldusthat
theywerecomingback.Wewi ll
bei nmoretr
ouble
becausewet r
avel
edallthi
swaywi thCebo,I
'm sure
I
siphoisbreat
hingfi
rewhereversheis.
Zane:Ican'
tevenenjoymysel
fnowIknowthey
shoul
dhav etol
dusbutweshouldhavedonethe
samewor sewet r
aveledt
hisf
arwi
thalit
tl
ebaby.
Sane:
Andaheav
ypr
egnantl
ady
.
Webot
hlookedather
.
Me:
Itwasy
ourI
deat
hough.
Sane:Iwi
l
l j
ustcr
yandsaymyemot
ionswer
eal
l
overt
heplace.
Shesai
dlaughi
ng.
Zane:
Yazi
it'
snotf
unny
.
Me:
Wear
eonourownZane.
Sane:
Youguysjustt
ell
them t
hatIcr
iedandsai
dI
wanttocomehere.
Zane:Asifthatwill
wor
kyouknowt
hosemenwi
th
thei
rstubbornness.
Me:
Butwewi
l
ltr
y,her
eisourf
oodl
et'
seat
.
Weat ewhilehavingsomegoodwi neandgood
conversat
ion,i
tfeltgoodt
ojustchi
llal
onet
heonl
y
personwhowasmi ssi
ngwasIsi
pho.
Sane:
Thisisgr
eatthoughweshoul
ddoi
tmor
e
oft
enandinvol
vetheguysof
cos.
Me:
Yest
hat
'st
rue.
Zane:It
hinkweshoul
dheadbackt
othel
odge,
Cebo
needstorest
.
Sane:
YeahI
'
m al
sot
ir
edl
et'
srol
l
.
Weset t
ledourbil
landwentbackt othelodgewe
werealljustt
ir
edsoev ery
onewenttot heirr
oom
becausewehaddi ff
erentrooms,Igotintothe
showerandt hengoti
nt obedinSbani'
st-shi
rt.
I'
m aheavysl
eeperIknowbutIf
eltsomeshuff
li
ng
aroundt
heroom butIignor
edi
tbecauseIwasti
red,
butIf
eltsomeonesi
tt
ingonmybedandj
umped.
Iscr
eamedandr
ant
othedoorbutt
hekeywasnot
ther
e.
Itr
iedr
eachi
ngoutt
othel
i
ghtandl
i
titon,
onl
yto
fi
ndSbanil
aughi
ngonmybed.
Me:
Sbani
whatt
hehel
l
?
Hecouldn'
tstoplaughi
ngandIj
ustcr
ied,myhear
t
rat
ejustescal
atedIwassoscar
edthi
nkingmaybe
peopl
ebrokeintothi
splace.
Hel
ookedatmeandsawt
hatIwascr
ying.
Sbani
:Babear
eyoucr
ying?
Me:Youalmostgav
emeahear
tat
tackandy
ou
t
hinki
t'
sfunny.
Sbani
:Ngi
yaxol
i
sast
handwasam.
Me:
Mxm.
Sbani
:Angi
zwanga?
Il
ookedaway
.
Me:
Not
hing.
Isai
dgoi
ngbackt
obed.
Sbani
:BabecomeonI '
m sor
ryokayIdi
dn'
tmeanto
scar
eyouit'
sjustt
hatIdi
dn'
twanttowakeyouup
si
nceyouweresleepi
ng.
Me:
Okay
.
Isai
dfaci
ngt heot
hersi
deIcan'tl
i
eImissedhi
m
buthescaredmeandI'm angr
yathim,
howdidhe
evengethere.
Sbani
:Babecomeon.
Ii
gnoredhim andt
ri
edsl
eepi
ng,
Ihear
dhi
m si
ghand
get
ti
ngintobed.

Iwokeupthenextmorni
ngandhewasst i
l
lsleepi
ng,
Il
ookedfort
hekeyandopenedthedooronlytofi
nd
ZaneandSanestandi
ngint
hepassage.
Me:
Mor
ning.
Zane:
Isheal
soher
e?
Me:
Who?
Sane:
Sbani
?
Me:
Yeswai
t,ar
etheyal
soher
e?
Them:
Yes.
Me:That'
swhyyouguysdi
dn'
thearmewhenIwas
scr
eamingyest
erday
.
Zane:
Whywer
eyouscr
eami
ng?
Me:Sbani
scar
edme,Iwassleepi
ngandIf
elthi
m
si
tt
ingonmybedandjumped.
Sane:
Sor
rybabel
uckyf
ormeCebokeptmeawake.
Zane:
Howdi
dtheyev
enknowwewer
eher
e?
Me:
Sane'
smanof
cos.
Sane:
Thatonei
sapr
obl
em nekhandael
i
khul
u.
Wel
aughed.
Me:
Atl
eastt
heyar
enotangr
y.
Zane:
Ofcostheyarenotangr
yImeanmeandSi
ms
di
dsomet hi
ngsyester
day.
Me:
Ijustsl
eptIwassopi
ssed.
Sane:
Sor
rybaber
ememberi
ftheyshouti
twasmy
i
dea.
Zane:
Notedbecauseyoucannev
erknowwitht
hem,
maybetheyar
estil
lgoi
ngtol
ashoutatus.
Me:
IsI
sinotangr
y?
Sane:
Idon'
tknowIguesswewi
l
lfi
ndoutwhent
hey
wakeup.
Weall
wentbackt
oourroomstofr
eshenup,
Sbani
wasst
il
lsl
eepi
ngsoIwenttot
akeashowerwhenI
camebackhewasawake.
Sbani
:Mor
ning.
Me:
Mor
ning.
Idr
oppedmytowelandsawhi
m swall
owi
nghard
andIl
aughedont
heinsi
deIj
ustenj
oyedsei
nghi
m
suf
fer
.
Sbani
:Uhmm I
'
m goi
ngt
o..
.t
otakeashower
.
Hesaidl
it
eral
l
yrunni
ngtothebat
hroom,
Ijust
l
aughedandconti
nuedwi
thwhatIwasdoing.
WhenIwasdoneIwentout
sidebumpi
ngi
ntoTJ.
TJ:
Thando.
Me:
Hey
.
TJ:
Yougood?
Me:
Greathowar
eyou?
TJ:
Great
,wher
eisSbani
?
Me:
Taki
ngashower
.
TJ:
OhexcusemeIneedt
otal
ktohi
m.
Inodded.
Iwenttothekit
chenandfoundt
heladi
est
her
e,i
t
wasaselfcateri
ngaccommodati
onsowewil
leat
outorcookforoursel
ves.
Me:
Isi
hey
.
I
sipho:
Heybabe.
Me:
LookI
'
m sor
rywedi
dn'
ttel
lyou.
Isi
pho:
It'
sfi
netheladi
esalr
eadyapol
ogi
sedbutI
'
m
angryy
ouguy sl
eftwit
houtme.
Me:
Sor
rybabei
t'
sjustt
haty
ouwer
enott
her
e.
I
sipho:
Iunder
standi
t'
sokay
.
Me:
Soy
ouar
enotangr
y?
I
sipho:
Ofcosnot
.
Zane:
SoI
siar
etheyguy
sangr
y?
I
sipho:
Idon'
tknowbutIdon'
tthi
nkso.
Sane:
Youguy
sgother
eear
ly,
didy
oudr
ive?
I
sipho:
Nowebookedf
li
ght
s.
Me:
Iwasst
il
laski
ngmy
sel
fhowy
ougother
ethat
f
ast
.
I
sipho:
Thankst
oTJ.
Sane:
Thatonei
sacr
ookI
'
mtel
l
ingy
ouguy
s.
TJ:
Whoi
sacr
ook?
Us:
Noone.
Sphe:
Seni
yichoi
rmanj
e?
Zane:
Arey
ouguy
shungr
y?
Sheaskedqui
ckl
ychangi
ngthesubj
ectandt
hey
l
ookedateachot
herandchuckl
ed.
Sbani
:Weal
readyor
der
edbr
eakf
astsoy
oucanj
ust
rel
ax.
Welookedateachot
her
,theyar
ecal
m andi
t'
snot
l
iket
hem.
Sane:
Uhmm l
i
stenguy
swearesor
rywedi
dn'
ttel
l
youwewer
ecominghere.
Sphe:
Ohnoit
'sf
ineweal
soshouldhav
etol
dyou
guyst
hatwewer
ecomingback.
Nosomethi
ngisnotr
ight
,theyar
elet
ti
ngt
hisgo
j
ustl
iket
hat.
Sbani:
Andsorr
yIscar
edy ousthandwasam Ij
ust
di
dn'twantt
odist
urbyousinceyouwereti
redf
rom
dri
vi
ng,youguy
sdroveri
ght?
Sane:
Uhmm y
es.
Si
ms:
Wer
eyouguy
snotscar
ed?
Me:
No.
TJ:Soy
oualldr
ovefr
om Durbant
oMpumal
anga
wit
hababyandapregnantwoman?
Zane:
Uhmm y
es.
Sphe:
Ohdi
dn'
tyout
hinki
twasr
isky
?
Welookedateachother
,thequest
ionswer
eget
ti
ng
hotandtheywerecal
m.
I
sipho:
Didy
ouguy
sheart
hat
?It
hinkt
heyar
e
del
i
ver
ingourf
ood.
Sane:
Yeahl
adi
esl
et'
sgo.
Si
ms:
Gowher
e?Tot
hedooral
lofy
ou?
Me:
IrememberIwant
edt
ochecksomet
hingi
nmy
r
oom.
Sane:
Iwant
edt
ocheckonCebo.
Zane:
Iwi
l
lhel
pIsi
wit
hthef
ood.
Weal
lwentoursepar
ateway
sandt
heyl
aughed.
Igoti
ntomyr
oom andwentt
othebat
hroom t
opee
whenIcamebackSbani
wassit
ti
ngonthebed.
Me:Oneoft
heseday
syouwi
l
lgi
vemeahear
t
at
tack.
Sbani
:Sor
rybabeIdi
dn'
tmeant
oscar
eyouagai
n.
Me:
Noi
t'
sfi
ne.
Sbani
:Soy
ouf
orgi
veme.
Me:
OfcosIdo.
Sbani
:Thanky
ou,
comeher
e.
Isatonhi
slapandki
ssedhi
m.
Me:Sobabewhyareyouall
calm It
houghty
ouwere
goi
ngtobeangr
ythatweleftwi
thoutt
ell
i
ngyou.
Sbani
:Us?Angr
ynowayweunder
stand.
Theyar
eupt
osomet
hingIknow,
wecanbetont
hat
.
Me:
Okay
.
Sbani
:Imi
ssedy
ou.
Hesaidkissi
ngmehungr il
yandIr esponded,i
t
star
tedheati
ngupsoheputhi sfi
ngerinsidemeand
star
tedpumpi nginandout .Heputt wofinger
sandI
wentcrazyIfeltmyselfbui
ldingupbutwhenIwas
abouttocum hest opped.
Me:
What
?
Ishout
edf
rust
rat
ed.
Sbani
:Rememberwheny
ousai
d"Mxm"t
ome
yest
erday
.
Me:
Babepl
ease.
Helookedatmewi
thasmugonhi
sfaceandl
i
cked
hi
stwof i
nger
s.
Sbani
:Let
'sgoeatst
handwasam.
Me:Babepl
easeI
'm sor
ryokaycany
ouat
leastf
ini
sh
whatyoust
art
ed.
Sbani
:I
'm hungr
ynj
elov
esomyper
for
mancewi
l
lbe
ver
ybad.
Hekissedmyforeheadandlef
tmet heret oservice
myself
,Ineedanothermanguysanddef init
elynota
Zul
uman.Iwentt othebat
hroom t
owi pemy selfand
washmyhandst henwentbacktotheot hers.
I
sipho:
Weal
mostf
ini
shedeat
ingwi
thouty
ou.
Mpendul
o:Ar
eyouokaysi
sThando?
Me:
YesI
'
m okayboy
.
Sbani
:Ar
eyousur
eyouokaybabe?
Igavehi
m adeathst
areandhesmi
l
ed,
ngaze
ngahl
ukumezeka.
Weal lateandwhenwewer edonet heguysdeci
ded
togogetsomecl ot
hessincetheydidn'
tbri
ngany,I
don'tevenknowwhytheyleftt
heirclot
hesin
Richardsbay.
Sane:
Doy
ouguy
sthi
nkt
heyar
ebei
ngsi
ncer
e.
Zane:
Idon'
ttr
ustt
hem.
I
sipho:
Ial
sot
hinkt
heyar
eupt
osomet
hing.
Me:Youcansaythatagai
ntheyar
eacti
ngstrange
andSbani
justdepr
ivedmeanorgasm j
ustbecauseI
sai
dMxm yester
day.
Theyl
aughed.
Zane:
Fri
endsowhatdi
dyoudo?
Me:
Iusedmyhandshaw.
I
sipho:
Sot
hat
'
swhyy
ouwer
eint
her
oom f
ort
hat
l
ong.
Me:
Yesbabe.
Wecont
inuedt
alki
ngwai
ti
ngf
ort
hem t
ocomeback.

Sbani

Mpumalangaisbeaut
if
ulthough,especi
all
yatnightI
don'
tknowwhybutIloveditmorey est
erdaywhen
wegotherebecausei
twasal r
eadylate,I
twasjust
beaut
if
ul.
Sphe:
Sowhat
'st
hepl
an?
TJ:
Ithi
nkweshouldj
ustl
ett
hem enj
oybeingher
e
wewil
lgett
hem whenwegettoRi
chardsbay.
Si
ms:
Youhav
eapl
an?
TJ:Yesav
erygoodonebutIwi
l
ltel
lyouguy
s
tomorr
ow.
Me:
Youknowt
hesuspensewi
l
lki
l
lus.
TJ:
Idon'
tcar
e.
Hesai
dsi
ngi
ngt
hatpar
t.
Sphe:
Mxm y
ekel
a.
Me:
Boydoy
oul
i
ket
hispl
ace?
Mpendul
o:Il
ovei
tbutIl
oveDur
banmor
e.
Si
ms:
Meandy
oubot
hMpendul
o.
Weboughtsomecl
othesandSpheboughtsomef
or
I
si.
Me:
Ican'
tbel
i
evey
ouar
ereal
l
ywi
thI
siman.
Theyl
aughed.
Sphe:
Wil
lIev
erheart
heendofi
tthough.
Me:
Ofcosnot
.
WesawMpendul
otal
ki
ngt
osomegi
rlherage.
TJ:
Youseehowt
hatgi
rli
sbl
ushi
ng.
Sphe:
Thi
sneedsav
ideo.
Hesai
dtaki
ngouthi
sphone.
Si
ms:
Youar
ecr
azy
.
Wel
ookedathi
mti
l
lhewasdone.
Mpendulo:Whywereyoulooki
ngatmeli
kethat
,I
coul
dli
teral
lyf
eel
yourstarespi
erci
ngmyback.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Me:
That
'sabi
text
ramj
i
tasowhatdi
dyousay
?
Mpendul
o:Youdon'
tneedt
oknow.
Sphe:
Sodi
dshegi
vey
ouhernumber
.
Mpendul
o:Of
cos.
Si
ms:
OhgoshIhopey
ouwon'
tbel
i
keSbani
.
Me:
Hai
bo.
TJ:
PlusMpendul
olooksl
i
kehi
m sokubhedi
l
e.
Sphe:
Youcanal
lj
ustaskmeIknowal
laboutSbani
.
Il
aughed.
Me:Youall
aret
alki
ngl
i
keI
'
m nother
e,canwego
payandgo.
Wewentt
opayandwentbackt
olodge.
Zane:
Youguy
stookl
ongenough.
Si
ms:
Whatdi
dwemi
ss?
Zane:
Justgochangesowecango.
Wewenttochangeandwentt
ocheckoutsome
wi
l
dli
fe.
Iwassi
tt
ingnextt
oThando.
Me:
Youseem t
ense.
Thando:
Youar
eenj
oyi
ngt
hisar
en'
tyou?
Me:
Hawkodwamal
avi
sto.
Shel
aughed.
Thando:
Real
l
ySbani
?Mal
avi
sto?
Me:
I'
mtr
yingt
ober
omant
icher
e.
Thando:
HayIgi
veup.
Me:Sowhenwegetbacktot
hel
odgewewi
l
l
cont
inuewher
ewel
eftoff
.
Thando:
NoI
'
m okaynow.
Me:
Soy
ouser
vicedy
our
sel
f?
Thando:
Ihadnoot
herchoi
cebabe.
Me:
Youar
enaughtThandol
wam.
Webothlaughed,wewerenotev
enpay
ingmuch
at
tent
iontotheanimal
s.
Thando:
SohowwasRi
char
dsbay
?
Me:
Wewi
l
ltal
kabouti
tlat
erf
ornowl
et'
senj
oyt
his.
Wehadsomeonewhowast el
l
ingusaboutdi
ffer
ent
animalsandtheirl
i
v es,
itwasact
ual
lyni
ceseing
them att
hiscloserange.
Half
waythroughi
tSanecr
iedbecauseshewas
afr
aidofali
onsowehadtoleaveandgoeatat
somerestaur
ant.
TJ:Sobabewereyoureal
l
yafrai
doryouwer
ejust
hungr
y,ImeanevenCebodidn'
tcry
.
Sane:
Whatar
eyousay
ingTJ?
TJ:
Not
hingbabe.
Sane:
Itbet
terbenot
hing.
Iwant
edtol
aughbutIknowshewoul
djustcr
yand
l
eaveusher
e.
Weallateonal i
ghtconv
ersat
ionanddeci
dedt
ogo
chi
l
linthelodge.
Me:Sowhydidy
ouguy
sdeci
det
ocomeher
eoutof
al
lpr
ovi
nces?
Zane:
Mpumal
angai
sbeaut
if
ulguy
s.
I
sipho:
Youcansayt
hatagai
n.
Mpendul
o:Nextt
imeweshoul
dgot
oCapeTown.
Sphe:
Yeahweshoul
d.
Sane:Ar
eyouguy
sst
il
lgoi
ngt
olashoutatusf
or
comingher
e?
Me:
No,
youguy
sthi
nkweshoul
d?
Zane:
Nono.
Si
ms:
Okayt
henj
ustr
elaxandenj
oyMpumal
anga.
TJ:Ithi
nkweshouldgor
estabi
tIbookedusa
rest
aurantf
orl
ater
.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sgo.
Mpendul
o:Iwi
l
lst
ayher
eandpl
aywi
thCebo.
I
sipho:
Okaywheny
ougett
ir
edj
ustbr
ingt
hem t
ous.
Henodded.

Whenwegott oourr
oom wel
ayedont
hebedand
j
ustr
elaxed.
Thando:
SohowwasRi
char
dsbay
?
Me:
Great
,mkhul
uisst
il
lal
i
ve.
Thando:
Yourmot
her
'sf
ather
?
Me:
Yes.
Thando:
That
'sgr
eatst
handwasam.
Me:
Indeediti
sI'
mj ustgladwewer
eabl
etogoback
t
her
ewhi l
eheissti
l
l al
ive.
Thando:
I'
m sur
eshewashappyt
oseey
ouguy
s.
Me:
Ver
yhappy
.
Thando:
OkayI'
m gl
adIsi
isf
inehersi
tuat
ionwas
real
l
yweighi
ngonyou.
Me:
Icannev
eri
magi
nemyl
i
fewi
thouther
.
Thando:
Iknowbaby
.
Me:Sowoul
dyoumi
ndspendi
ngChr
ist
masi
n
Ri
char
dsbay?
Thando:
Youwantust
ospendChr
ist
mast
her
e?
Me:
Yest
hat
'si
fyoudon'
tmi
nd.
Thando:
OfcosIdon'
tmi
nd.
Me:
Great
,thanky
oubaby
.
Weki
ssed.
Thando:
Soi
siti
nrur
alar
eas?
Me:
Notr
eal
l
y.
Thando:
Okayl
et'
srest
.
Me:
Butbabe.
..
Thando:Aft
erhowy oupuni
shedmeekseni
youar
e
notgett
inganyt
hing.
Me:
Comeon.
Iknowwher
etot
ouchhert
ogetwhatIwantsoI
workedmymagi
candther
esti
shi
story
.
Me:
Thatwasgood,
thanky
oubabyIl
ovey
ou.
Thando:
Ilov
eyout
ooHl
ase.
Shesai
dandstar
tedsnor
ingsof
tl
yont
opofmeand
Ifol
l
owedaf
terher.
Whenwewokeupi
twasal
readydar
kout
side.
Me:
Whatt
imei
sit
?
Thando:
19:
30.
Me:
Shi
t,TJsai
ddi
nnerwi
l
lbeat19:
00wear
elat
e.
Thando:
Let
'st
akeaqui
ckshower
.
Wet ookaqui
ckshowerandgotdressed,we
checkedther
oomsaretheywereallgone.It
ext
ed
Simsandhesentmethelocat
ion,nowwehadt o
takeanUber.
Whenwegott
her
etheywer
eal
readyeat
ing.
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyouguy
swakeusup?
Sane:WesentMpendul
ot owakeyouguy
supbut
thepoorki
dcamebacktraumati
zed.
Thando:
Why
?
Sphe:
Youbot
hknowwhy
.
Me:
Wher
eist
hisWai
terI
'
mfami
shed.
TheylaughedbecauseIwaski
ndofchangi
ngt
he
subj
ect.
Thewai
tercameandIor
deredf
ormeandThando
si
nceev
eryoneel
sewasalr
eadyeat
ing.
Half
wayt
hroughourdi
nnerawai
tercameandgav
e
Zaneapi
eceofpaper.
Wait
er:
Thosegent
lemanov
ert
her
esai
dIshoul
d
gi
veyouthi
s.
Si
ms:
Letmeseet
hat
.
Hesai
dsnat
chi
ngi
t.
Si
ms:
I'
m bei
ngt
est
ed.
Me:
Whatdoesi
tsay
.
Si
ms:"
Caretojoi
nus,
youcanbr
ingy
ourf
ri
ends,
the
l
adi
esOfcos"
.
Sphe:
Siy
ajway
eleka.
Me:
Hav
en'
thi
tany
onei
nawhi
l
e.
TJ:
AndIt
hinki
t'
sti
mef
ort
hatnow.
Zane:
Cal
m downguy
s.
Si
ms:
Cal
m downandl
ett
hem di
srespectusl
i
ket
his?
Thando:
Nobuty
ouguy
scan'
tgoar
oundhi
tt
ing
peopl
e.
Me:
Wewi
l
ljustt
alkt
othem j
ustst
ayher
eandeat
.
Wel
eftandwentt
othoseguy
stabl
e.
TJ:
Howzi
tgent
s.
Theyl
ookedateachot
herandl
aughed.
Si
ms:
Car
etoshar
ethej
oke?
Guy
1: Wesaidwewantedt
ohavesomedri
nkswi
th
t
heladies,
wedidn'
tknowt
haty
ouwerethel
adi
es.
Hel
ookedathi
sfr
iendsandt
heyl
aughed,
IswearI
f
eltmyar
mpi
tsi
tchi
ng.
Sphe:
List
enandl
i
stenv
erycar
eful
l
y,ar
eyou
l
ist
eni
ng?
Heaskedhol
dingt
heguywhowast
alki
ngbyhi
st-
shi
rt
.
Sphe:Youwi l
lnotdi
srespectusli
ket
hatespeci
all
y
notInfr
ontofourwoman, ningasi
j
wayel
ikabi
ni
zolimala.
Peopl
ewer
enowl
ooki
ngatus.
Si
ms:
Ist
hatcl
ear
?
Theynodded.
Me:
Tal
k!
Them:
Yessor
rygent
s.
Wewentbackt
oourt
abl
e.
Zane:
Wast
hatev
ennecessar
y?
Si
ms:
Youwantt
ojoi
nthem?
Zane:
No.
Si
ms:
Eatt
hensi
ngakaxabani
.
Wesawt hoseguysleavi
ng, If
eltuneasybecausewe
arenotfr
om herewhatiftheytrysomethingbut
ngekebalungesotheyshouldn'
tev entr
ybecause
theywil
lgethur
treal
lybad.
Seasonf
inal
e
I
nser
tfi
ft
y

Sbani

Wear ehavingt hetimeofourli

vesandI '
m happywe
decidedtoj ointheladiesbutIhaveabadf eel
ing
aboutsomet hing.Ilookatever
yoneandIseet hem
l
aughi ngandhav ingtheti
meoft hei
rli
ves,I
'm
exci
tedaboutwhat '
sgoingtohappentonightImean
i
t'sbeenl ongsi ncewegav eanyoneabeat i
ngIknow
thi
si sgoingt obef un.
Me:
Ladi
escanIst
eal
thegent
sforasec?
Them:
Sur
e.
TJ:
Yini
Sbani
?
Sphe:
Hei
ssuchamoodspoi
l
erphel
alona.
Me:
Mxm wehav
eapr
obl
em.
Si
ms:
Cany
out
alkal
ready
.
Me:
Theyar
est
il
lher
e.
TJ:
Who?
Me:
Thegent
sfr
om ear
li
er.
Si
ms:
So?
Me:
Theyar
ewai
ti
ngf
orus.
Sphe:
Why
?
Me:
TobeatusupOf
cos.
Theyj
ustbur
sti
ntol
aught
er.
TJ:
Beatwho?Wot
hiuy
adl
ala.
Sphe:
Ser
iousl
y?I
'
m goi
ngbackt
othet
abl
e.
Me:Guy
sI'
m ser
iousIt
hinkweshoul
dsendt
he
l
adi
esandt
hekidsbacktothel
odge.
TJ:
Thi
sisgoi
ngt
obef
un.
Theyal
lsmi
l
ed.
Si
ms: Theladi
esshoul
ddr
ivet
hemsel
vest
henwe
wi
llcatchanUber.
Me:
Truebuty
oual
lknowhowst
ubbor
ntheyar
e.
Sphe:
TrueBaf
obutwecan'
tputt
hei
rli
vesi
ndanger
.
Me:Let'
sgot
alkt
othem,
doy
ouguy
shav
eyour
guns?
Them:
Alway
s.
Weal
lwal
kedbackt
othet
abl
e.
TJ:Uhmm ladi
essomethi
ngimpor
tantcameup,we
needyouandthekidst
odriv
ebacktothelodge.
Zane:
Why
?What
'
sgoi
ngon?
Si
ms:
Not
hingi
mpor
tantbabe.
Thando:
Weal
lknowy
ouar
ehi
dingsomet
hing.
Me:
Wear
enot
.
Sane:
Ifanyofy
ouget
shur
theehy
ouwi
l
lsee.
Wel
aughed.
TJ:
Babey
ouar
epr
egnant
.
Sane:
Icanst
il
lusemygunt
hough.
I
sipho:
Isi
ttheguy
sfr
om ear
li
er?Isawt
hem out
side.
Sphe:
Youwentout
sidebyy
our
sel
f?
I
sipho:
NoIsawt
hem t
hrought
hewi
ndow.
Me:
OkayIwi
l
laski
fther
eisnobackdoor
.
Zane:Wepackedatthebackv
eleandwecame
thr
oughthebackdoor.
Si
ms:
Good,
nowpl
easegetupandgot
othel
odge.
Thando:
Guy
spl
easebesaf
e.
TJ:
Wewi
l
ltakecar
eofeachot
her
.
Sane:
Youguysshoul
djustgi
vemet
hegunandl
et
mesortt
hem out
.
TJ:
Youar
ecr
azyst
opbei
ngst
ubbor
nandgo.
Wet
ookal
loft
hem t
othecarandsai
dourgoodby
es.
Thando:
Promi
semey
ouwi
l
lcomebacki
none
pi
ece.
Me:
Ipr
omi
sebabenowgo.
Wewatchedt
hem dr
ivi
ngoutt
henwewentback
i
nsi
de.
Si
ms:
Let
'shav
eadr
inkf
ir
st.
Me:
YeahI
'
mthi
rst
y.
Wehadourdr
inksandj
ustr
elaxedf
orabi
t.
Sphe:
Look.
Hepoi
ntedt
hrought
hewi
ndowandt
hoseguy
swer
e
l
ooki
ngatus.
TJ:Theyj
ustmessedwi
tht
hewr
ongpeopl
elet
's
showthem howwedoit
.
Me:Yeahlet'
sshowt
hem howweZul
u'
steach
peopl
erespect.

Wegotupandwalkedoutthr
ought
hemain
ent
rance,
theywer
eall
standi
ngbyonecarsmoki
ng.
Wecal
l
edanUberandwai
ted.
Guy1:Wecant
aket
hel
adi
eshomewhi
l
eyoual
lwai
t
foranUber
.
TJ:
Doy
ouseeanyl
adi
esher
e?
Guy
2:Ar
eyouguy
sscar
ed?Imeani
fyouwer
enot
whywoul
dthel
adi
eswai
tinsi
dewhi
l
eyoucal
lan
Uber
.
Me:Youcangocheckthem outandi
ftheyar
ether
e
pl
easetaket
hem home.
Theot
herguywenti
nsi
dewhi
l
etheot
her
slaughed.
Guy1:
Somel adi
esr
eall
ysett
lef
orlessImeanl
ook
aty
ouguy s,
whointhei
rri
ghtmindcandat
eaguy
whosti
ll
call
sanUber?
Hisf
ri
endslaughedagai
nsothi
sonei
sthecl
own
andhethi
nksheisallt
hat.
Iwentcl
osert
ohi
m andl
aughedt
il
lhegoti
rr
it
ated.
Me:Whyarey
ouguy
snotl
aughi
ngi
sitnotf
unny
any
more?
Iaskedhim andhisfr
iendsandtheykeptqui
etbut
myguy slaughedli
ketheywerecrazyandwhenthey
stoppedtheybecamescarybecausewewer enow
pissed.
Theotherguycamebackandsawt
hati
twas
i
ntense.
Guy
2:Thel
adi
esar
egone.
Hi
sfr
iendskeptqui
et.
Guy
2:Guy
swhat
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Sims:What'
sgoingonher
eist
haty
oual
lneedt
obe
taughtsomerespect
.
Theyl
ookedateachot
herandl
aughed,
thi
slaughi
ng
thi
ngi
sbecomingreal
l
ybori
ngnow.
Wegotclosert
othem andt
hegoodt
hingi
sthat
t
heywerealsofour
.
Ist
oodneart
hef
ir
stguyandl
ookedathi
m.
Me:Iwonderwhatyourwif
ewi
l
lsayi
fshef
indsout
youi
mpregnatedhersi
ster
.
Theshocki
swhatwasf
unnyt
heyshoul
dhav
e
l
aughed.
Guy
1:How?
..what
?
Isl
appedhi
m andtheot
herguy
stookoutt
hei
rguns
notknowi
ngthatweal
sohadguns.
TJ:WeareZul
u'sandwedon'
tfi
ghtusi
nggunsso
l
et'
sdothi
swithoutguns.
Theyl
ookedateachot
herandnodded.
Sphe:It
hinkweshouldt
aket
hisawayfrom peopl
e
becausetheyar
ealr
eadywat
chingus.
Guy
2:Iknowapl
acey
oucangeti
ntot
hecar
.
Me:That'
snotgoi
ngtowor
klet
'swal
kabi
t,Isaw
j
usttheperf
ectpl
ace.
Ithi
nkwewer
ehavingalotoff
unbutwejust
neededt
obecar
efulbecausei
fnotwewouldendup
hurt
.
Wewal
kedt
il
lwer
eachedaqui
etpl
ace.
Si
ms:
Thi
sishowwedoi
t.
Hesaidhitt
ingtheguywhowasnextt
ohimthent
he
fi
ghtstar
ted,i
twasfunandal
lunt
ilwehear
da
gunshotandSphewasshot.
Weal
lrushedt
ohi
m.
Sphe:
It'
snot
hingj
ustaf
leshwound.
Me:
Ithoughtwesai
dnoguns.
Wehi
tthem l
i
kewewer
ecr
azyaf
tert
hat
.
Guy1:Pl
easef
orgi
veuswedi
dn'
tmeant
odi
srespect
you.
Weleftt
hem andtooktheircarkey
sthent
ookt
hei
r
carandwentbacktothelodge.
TJ:
Sphey
ouokay
?
Sphe:
I'
mfi
ne.
Si
ms:
Thatwasf
unbutt
rut
hbet
oldi
twasal
sor
isky
.
Me:
Ver
ytr
ue.
TJ:If
eel
sor
ryf
orSphet
hel
adi
esar
egoi
ngt
oki
l
l
hi
m.
Sphe:
Don'
tev
enment
ioni
tbr
o.
Wecont i
nueddriv
ingwearegladthatSphedi
dn'
t
gethurtkakhul
ubecauseany
thingcouldhave
happened.

Thando

Wehav ebeenpacingupanddownwondering
what'
sgoingon,ar
etheyokayormaybesomething
happened.Wetr
iedcal
li
ngthei
rphonesacoupleof
ti
mesbutnothi
ng.
Zane:It
hinkweshoul
djustdr
ivebackt
orest
aur
ant
andlookfort
hem.
I
sipho:
Iagr
eewi
thy
ou.
Wetookthecarkey
sbutwhenwewer
eaboutt
ogo
wehear
dsomeoneknocking.
Me:
Whati
fit
'st
hoseguy
s?
Sane:
ThenIwi
l
lshoott
hem.
Wechuckl
ed.
I
sipho:
Saneyouandgunsbat
hong,
weshoul
dname
y
ourbaby"gun"
.
Iwentt
oopent
hedoorandi
twasoSbani
.
Me:
Arey
ouguy
sokay
?Di
danyofy
ougethur
t?
Sbani
:Babewearefi
ne,
canyoumov
eawayf
rom
thedoorsowecangeti
nsi
de.
Me:
Uhmm sor
ryguy
scomei
n.
I
sipho:
Whosecari
sthat
?
Theysatdown.
Si
ms:
Thoseguy
s.
Zane:
Bebey
out
ookt
hei
rcar
,won'
tthatbr
ingus
tr
oubl
e.
Si
ms:
Noi
twon'
trel
ax.
Sane:
Sphewhyar
eyoubl
eedi
ngi
nyourar
m?
Sphe:
Bleedi
ng?
Weal
ll
ookedathi
m.
I
sipho:
Babear
eyouhur
t?OhmygoshSphe.
Sphe:
It'
snot
hing.
I
sipho:
Letmegett
hef
ir
stai
dki
tint
hecar
.
Sane:
SoSphey
ougotshot
?
Sphe:
It'
snot
hingr
eal
l
y.
Hel
ookedscar
edheknowsSanedoesn'
tj
okeand
t
heguysl
aughedathi
m.
Sane:Soyoual
lar
el aughi
ngdi
dn'
tyousayy
ouwi
l
l
takecar
eofeachother?
TJ:
Butwedi
d.
Zane:
Ify
oual
ldi
dthenhowcomeSphegotshot
?
Sbani
:I
twasj
ustami
stake.
I
siphocamebackandhel
pedSpheout
.
I
sipho:
Ami
stakehuh?
Si
ms:
Youal
lshoul
dbeshout
ingatSphenotus.
Me:
Youwer
esupposet
opr
otecteachot
her
.
TJ:Lookweal lmadeami st
akeandy oushouldbe
thankful
thatSpheisst
ill
ali
ve,
weshoul dhavebeen
mor ecareful
yeahbutyoucan'
tjustshoutatusl
ike
wear ekids.
Wekeptqui
et.
Sbani
:I
'm goi
ngt
ocheckt
heki
ds.
Zane:
Sowhatwi
l
lyoudowi
tht
hecar
?
Sphe:Theywi
ll
fetchi
t,wet
aughtt
hem r
espectso
theywil
lcomebackandapol
ogi
ze.
Me:
Howdoyouknowtheywon'tcomebackwi
th
t
hepol
i
ceormay
bethei
rfri
ends.
Si
ms:
Thent
heywi
l
lfi
nduswai
ti
ngf
ort
hem.
Sane:
Tomorrowweshoul
ddr
ivebackhomeIdon'
t
wanttodi
ehere.
Wel
ookedatherandl
aughed.
TJ:Hawmamakhewhathappenedt
oyourshoot
ing
ski
l
ls?
Sane:
Soy
oumeanIcan'
tshoot
?
Shest
art
edcr
ying.
TJ:
NobabeIdi
dn'
tmeani
tli
ket
hat
.
Sane:
Youmeanti
thowt
hen?
Sheaskedwal
ki
ngt
othei
rroom,
TJf
oll
owedher
.
TJ:
Thel
i
feIl
i
ve.
Weal
ll
aughedathi
m.
Me:
Sphey
ousur
eyouokay
?
Sphe:
YeahI
'
mfi
neIj
ustneedt
olaydown.
I
sipho:
Okayl
etmehel
pyouout
.
Sphe:
YouknowIcanst
il
lwal
kri
ght
?
I
sipho:
Iknowbabybutl
etmehel
pyou.
Theybot
hwal
kedt
othei
rbedr
oom.
Si
ms:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dal
sogot
osl
eepZane.
Zane:
Yeahgoodni
ghtf
ri
end.
Me:
Nightl
ove.
Theyl
eftmeal
oneandIst
ayedt
her
ewai
ti
ngf
or
Sbani
.
Sbani
:Babear
eyoust
il
lher
e?
Me:
Iwaswai
ti
ngf
ory
ou.
Sbani
:Let
'sgot
obedt
hen.
Wewal
kedt
oourbedr
oom.
Me:
Youknowwhaty
oudi
dwasr
iskyr
ight
?
Sbani
:IknowThandol
wam butweal
lcamebacki
n
onepi
ece.
Me:
Nextt
imebemor
ecar
eful
.
Sbani
:Rel
axt
her
ewon'
tbeanextt
ime.
Me:
Goodl
et'
ssl
eepwear
edr
ivi
nghomet
omor
row.
Sbani
:Goodni
ghtst
handwasam.
Me:
Goodni
ghtHl
ase.
Weki
ssedandpl
ayedabi
tthensl
ept
.
Wewokeupt henextmorni
ngandpreparedforour
dri
vehome,
luckyforal
lofuswedrovethefamily
carwhenwecameher esoweweresettl
ed.
Wewentt otheloungewithourl
uggagesandhad
breakf
astfi
rst
,inthemiddleofi
tweheardaknock
atthedoor
.
Mpendul
o:Iwi
l
lgett
hedoor
.
Hesaidalr
eadywal
kingtot
hedoor
,wecouldn'
t
bel
iev
eoureyestheguysfr
om y
est
erdaywereher
e
al
lofthem.
Guy
1:Gent
lemanandl
adi
es.
Us:
Yes.
Guy1:Wear eher
et oapol
ogi
sef
ory
est
erdayand
askforourcarback.
Sbani
:Sur
e.
Hesai
dthr
owi
ngt
hecarkey
stot
hem.
Theytookt
hem andl
eft
,theguy
sfi
stbumpedand
l
aughed.
Zane:
Whatdi
dyouguy
sdot
othem?
Isi
pho:Ial
sowanttoknowbecauset
heonewho
apologi
zedwasthecockyone.
Si
ms:
Wet
aughtt
hem r
espect
.
Sane:
Idon'
tev
enwantt
oknowhow.
Af
terbr
eakf
astwepr
ayedt
henourl
ongdr
ivebegan.

Nar
rat
ed

Theguystookt
hei
rcaranddr
ovebackt
othehouse
andchi
l
led.
Theyl
ookedateachot
herandl
aughed.
Guy1:Ial
waysknewthatZuluguy
swer
est
upi
dbutI
di
dn'tt
hinki
twasthatser
ious.
Guy3:Theythinkt
heycanbeatusupj
ustl
i
ket
hat
andgetnothing.
Guy
2:Butt
rut
hbet
oldt
heydi
danumberonus.
Guy
4:Igi
vet
hem t
hatbutt
heyar
enotr
eadyf
or
what
saboutt
ohappen.
Guy
2:Whati
ftheguywhopr
ophet
essesy
ouf
oresee
t
hebomb.
Guy
1:Idoubthewi
l
l.
Guy2:
Let'
shopesobecausei
fhedoeswewi
l
lbei
n
t
roubl
e.
Guy3:Hewon'
ttr
ustmet
heywi
l
ldi
einabl
i
nkofan
eye.
Guy
4:Andt
her
ewon'
tbeanysur
viv
ors.
Guy1:Thi
sisgr
eatIt
hinkweshoul
dcal
lGandt
ell
hi
mt hegoodnews.
Guy
2:Wi
l
lheev
ercomeoutofpr
isont
hough?
Guy
3:Wewi
l
lgethi
m outaf
tert
heyar
eal
ldead.
Guy
4:Gwi
l
lbehappyt
oknowt
hatwef
inal
l
ygot
t
hem.
Guy
1:Ican'
tl
ieIf
eel
sor
ryf
ort
heki
dst
hough.
Guy
4:Idon'
twantt
oli
eIdon'
tfeel
anyr
emor
se.
Guy
2:Weshoul
dwat
cht
henewsl
atert
odaysot
hat
wewon'
tmi
sst
hei
rdeat
h.
Guy1:
Weneedt
ost
ockupal
cohol
sowecan
cel
ebr
ate.
Theyalll
aughedwhi
l
etheot
heronecal
l
edt
hei
r
fr
iend.
G:
Isi
tdone?
Guy
1:Anymi
nut
efr
om nowont
hatcarwi
l
lbl
ow.
G:
That
'swhatIwantt
ohear
.
Guy
1:Yeahnoneoft
hem wi
l
lsur
viv
ethi
s.
G:
Iknowt
hanksgent
s.
Guy
1:Nopr
obl
em y
ouwi
l
lgetoutoft
her
esoon.
G:
Ican'
twai
t,Iwantt
oat
tendt
hei
rfuner
al.
Guy
1:Sur
ecase.
G:
Keepmeupdat
ed.
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Guy
1:Let
'spr
epar
eoursuit
swewill
begoingt
oKZN
t
oburr
ythem,wearedoi
ngall
thi
sforG.
Them:
ToG.
Theysmi
l
ed.
I
nser
tfi
ft
yone

Sbani

Lif
eal wayst ur
nsupdi f
ferentl
ythanwhatweexpect
orwewant ,notsolongagowewer ehappyand
havingthet i
meofourl ivesbutherewear enow
aboutt odie.Il
ookar oundandt heyareeati
ngsince
west oppedatt hegar aget ogetsomef ood,howdoI
evenbegi ntotellt
hem t hatthereisabombher ein
thi
scarandi twil
lblowof fanyt
imef r
om now.Idon'
t
wantt odieandIdon' twantany onetodiesoIhave
todot hisbecauseIdon' thav eenoughtime.
Thando:
Babear
eyouokay
?
Me:
Uhmm y
esI
'
mfi
ne.
Mpendul
o:Bhut
iwhyar
eyounoteat
ing?
Me:Iwi
ll
eatboy,Sphepl
easest
opt
hecarbutdon'
t
swi
tchof
ftheengine.
Sphe:
What
?Wear
eint
hemi
ddl
eofnowher
e.
Me:
Guy
spl
easedon'
tpani
ckokay
.
TJ:
What
'sgoi
ngonSbani
?
Me:Someoneplant
edabombinthi
scarandi
tcan
bl
owoffanyminutefr
om now.
Them:
What
?
Me:
Pleasel
et'
scal
m down.
Si
ms:
Sphest
opt
hecar
.
Me:
Justpr
essthebr
akesbecausei
fyouswi
tchof
f
t
heengi
nethebombwil
lgooff.
Sane:
Whocoul
dhav
edonet
his?
Sphe:
Whoev
erdi
dthi
swi
l
lpay
.
Me:Wehave10minutest
ogetoutof
fthi
scarso
cany
ouall
stopt
alki
ng.
Iopenedthedoorandt heygotoutonebyonewhen
Spheletgoofthebrakest hecarcr
ashedandburned.
Wewer enowsitt
ingbyt heroadinthemiddleof
nowherestr
andedwi t
hki ds,t
hoseguysplay
edwith
fi
reIcan'
tevenexpl
aint hewayI'mfeel
ingri
ghtnow.
I
sipho:Whatarewegoi
ngt
odonowbecausei
t'
s
darkandI'
m scar
ed.
TJ:Wear
eher
edon'
twor
rywewi
l
lcomeupwi
tha
pl
an.
Me:
Guy
scanwet
alkasi
de.
Wewal
kedabi
tandt
henst
opped.
Me:
Theyar
ewor
kingwi
thGi
ft
.
Si
ms:
What
?
Sphe:
Sot
hismeanst
heyknewusal
lal
ong.
Me:
Yest
heyhav
ebeenf
oll
owi
ngus.
TJ:Weneedt
odeal
wit
hthi
sfastweal
mostdi
ed
today
.
Me:Weneedtotal
ktoZakhel
eaboutGi
ftbutnow
howwi
llwegethome.
Sims:Ihi
redacari
twil
lbehereinafewbutwe
mustkeeplowbecausethoseguyst
hinkwear
e
dead.
Me: Yeahi
tmustst
ayli
ket
hatwewi
ll
getthem
becausetheyar
epl
anni
ngoncomi
ngtothefuner
al.
Wewal kedbacktotheot
hersandthecarwas
al
readyhere,i
ttookusst
rai
ghttoDurban.We
ar
rivedther
earound3am i
nthemor ni
ngandweal
l
wenttosleep.

Iwokeupanditwasar
ound12middayIwasst
il
l
ti
redbutmyphonewasri
ngi
ngnonstop.
Me:
Hel
o.
Mamz
o:Oht
hankGodumkhul
uJehov
ah.
Me:
Mamzowhat
'
sgoi
ngon?
Mamz o:Wesawont henewsthaty
ourcarcr
ashed
andtheysai
dthatt
herewerenosurvi
vor
s,It
hought
ohnkosyam.
Me:
Cal
m downmamawear
efi
neandwear
ehome.
Mamz
o:Al
lofy
ou?
Me:
Yesal
lofus.
Mamz o:WethankGodthatyouareabl
etofor
esee
thi
ngsbecauseifnotwewouldbetal
ki
ngsomethi
ng
dif
fer
entnow.
Me:Yesmamanowcal
m downanddon'
twor
ry
your
sel
f.
Mamz
o:BabaandMkhul
uar
eont
hei
rwayt
her
e.
Me:
Her
e?
Mamz
o:YesSbani
I'
m sur
esebezof
ika.
Me:
Okaymamaby
ethen.
Thismeansmostpeoplethi
nkwear edeadthi
sis
messedupbutthebestpartisthatwearestil
lal
i
ve.
Ideci
detotakeashowerbeforejoini
ngtheother
s
downstai
rsandIf
indthem eati
ng.
Me:
Mor
ning.
TJ:Howcomey
oul
ookf
reshI
'
m dogt
ir
edev
enaf
ter
sl
eepi
ng.
Me:
Ngi
yagezami
na.
TJ:
Mxm.
Zane:
Canwepr ayandthankGodf
orsav
ingusl
ast
ni
ghtI'
m st
il
lshocked.
Wepr
ayedandsatdown.
Me:SoMamzot
oldmet
hatmkhul
uandt
aimaar
e
ont
heirway
.
Ladi
es:
What
?
Theyj
umpedandwel
aughed.
Si
ms:
Whyar
eyouj
umpi
ng?
Sane:
Weneedt
obat
hImeanwear
est
il
li
nour
sl
eepwear
.
Shesai
dwhi
l
etheydi
sappear
edt
othepassage.
Me: Boygotakeabat
hsowecangof
etchy
our
schoolrepor
t.
Mpendul
o:OkayBhut
i.
Sims:Icoul
dn'
tsl
eept
hinki
ngwhati
fSbani
didn'
t
seethatbomb.
Sphe:
Iev
enhadsomeni
ght
mar
es.
TJ:
I'
m angr
yIj
ustwantt
ofi
nisht
hoseguy
sof
f.
Me:
Simsdidy
out
ell
ZaneaboutGi
ftbei
ngi
nvol
ved
i
nal
lthi
s?
Si
ms:
Noty
etIknowshewi
l
lbl
ameher
sel
ffor
ev
ery
thi
ng.
Mkhul
u:Ar
en'
tyoual
lsupposet
obedead?
Sphe:
Arey
ounotsupposet
oknock?
Mkhul
u:Uy
alwaSphe?
Wel
aughed.
Mbatha:
Im gl
adt
oseeal
lofy
oubutwher
ear
ethe
gi
rl
s?
Me:
Upst
air
s.
Mkhul
u:Whodi
dthi
s?
TJ:
Somepeopl
ewhoneedt
obedeal
twi
th.
Mbat
ha:
Whoar
ethosepeopl
e?
Me:
It'
sGi
ft
.
Mbat
ha:
Gif
tasi
nZane'
sex.
Sphe:
Yest
aima.
Mkhul
u:Tel
lmeev
ery
thi
ng.
Wet
oldhi
m ev
ery
thi
ngt
hathashappened.
Me:
Idon'
tknowhowwewi
l
ldeal
wit
hhi
m si
ncehe
i
sinpri
sonbuthi
sfri
endsarecomi ngandt
heywi
l
l
beher
etodaytopaythei
rrespect
s.
TJ:
Wewi
l
ldeal
wit
hthem t
hesoonert
hebet
ter
.
Me:Youneedt
ocalm downTJbecausenowy
ouar
e
nott
hinki
ngwi
thy
ourhead.
Hej
ustnoddedandt
hel
adi
escamedownst
air
s.
Zane:
Baba.
Mbat
ha:
Babyar
eyouokay
?
Zane:
YesBabaI
'
mfi
ne.
I
sipho:
Mkhul
u.
Mkhul
u:Ladi
es.
Wel
aughed.
Me:
Mkhul
uthi
sisThando,
Zanel
eandSanel
i
siwe.
Mkhul
u:Ni
cemeet
ingy
oul
adi
es.
Thando:
Likewi
semkhul
u.
Mbat
ha:
Let
'sdi
scusst
hepl
an.
Weall
satdownanddi
scussedwhatweneededt
o
do.
Zane:
Ineedsomeai
rguy
s.
Wenodded.

Zane

Ihadalr
eadycall
edanUbertotakemet opri
sonI
needtotal
kt oGi
ft,
Ihear
dtheguystalki
ngearl
i
erso
Ican'
tputthem i
ndangerany
mor eIneedtodeal
witht
hisal
l bymyself
.
Isl
owlyopenedt
hegat
eandgotoutr
unni
ngt
othe
Uber.
Me:
Pleaset
akemet
owest
vil
l
epr
ison.
Dr
iver
:Okay
.
Il
eftmyphoneoutsi
debythepool,
Iknowt
hisi
s
ri
skybutIdon'
twantt
hem t
otraceme.
Dr
iver
:Wear
eher
e.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Ist
andout
sidedebat
ingwhet
hert
ogoi
nornotbutI
havet
odot
his,
Ihav
ehadenoughofGi
ftandhi
s
games.
Ihav
ebeenwai t
ingf
oralmostt
hir
tyminutesnowfor
himtocomebutnothingwhenI
'm aboutt
oleaveI
seehim comi
ng.
Gi
ft
:MaMbat
ha.
Me:
Zwane.
Webot
hsi
tdown.
Gi
ft
:Whatdi
dIdot
ogetav
isi
tfr
om y
ou.
Me:Iknowy
ouareshockedthaty
ouar
eseei
ngme
her
ewhenyout
hinkI'
m dead.
Gi
ft
:Dead?Butwhy
?
Me:
Hahahay
ouar
enotf
unny
.
Gi
ft
:Iwasn'
ttr
yingt
obef
unny
.
Me:
Stopal
lthesegamesGi
ft
.
Gi
ft:
Iwasneverl
i
kethi
sZaneyouchangedme
whenyouchoset
hatboyov
erme.
Me:
Youwer
eal
way
sli
ket
hisGi
fthav
eyouf
orgot
ten
thaty
ouar et
heonewhopl
ayedmeandki
l
ledour
daughter
.
Gi
ft
:Idi
dn'
tki
l
lher
.
Me: Of
cosy oudi
d,sonowt
ellmewhydidy
ouask
yourfr
iendstopl
antabombinourcar
.
Gi
ft
:MaMbathayougi
vemetoomuchcredi
tImean
I
'minpr
isonhowwoul
dIhav
edonethat
.
Me:Don'
tactdumbGiftwebot
hknowy
ouknow
whatI
'mtal
kingabout
.
Gi
ft:
EvenifIdi
dIwoul
dn'
ttel
lyou,
Ineedt
ogoso
pl
easeleav
e.
Me:Youwanttotel
lyourfriendsthatweareal
i
veoh
sorr
ybabeyouareali
ttl
et oolatebecauset
heyar
e
al
readyint
hehousepayingt hei
rrespect
snot
knowingwhatawai
tsforthem.
Gi
ft
:Ify
oudar
ehur
tthem.
..
Me:Whatwill
youdobecauseuy
afananj
enenj
a
engenamazi
nyo.
Gi
ft:
Onewayort
heothery
ouwi
l
lpayf
orwhaty
ou
di
dtomeandMel'
s.
Me:Youar er
eal
lycr
azy
,thedayyougeti
tinyour
headthatIdi
dnothi
ngt
oy oui
sthedayyourmind
wil
lst
artworki
ng.
Gi
ft
:Leav
eanddon'
tev
ercomebackher
e.
Me:
Wit
hpl
easur
e.
Gif
t:Thosepeopl
echangedy
ou,
youusedt
ohav
ea
goodheart.
Me:Noyouchangedme,Ihav
eneverlov
ed
someonel
ikeIdi
dwit
hyoubutthenyouhur
tme.
Gi
ft
:Zane.
Me:
No,
byeGi
ftandy
ouwi
l
lpayf
orwhaty
oudi
d.
Gi
ft
:MaMbat
ha.
Icoul
dhearhim shout
ingmynamebutIdidn'tt
urn
backti
llIwasoutsi
de,
Istoodout
sideandtooka
deepbreath.
Ican'tbel
ieveIdidwhatIdi
dandGiftdidn'
tfeel
anything,
Iknowt heneedl
ewassmal lbutIthought
hewasgoi ngtofeel
thepri
ckyethedidn'
t.Istand
outsidewai t
ingf
oranUbertopassbybecauseIl eft
myphoneathome.
Si
ms:
Geti
n.
Idon'
tev
enknowhowheknewIwasher
e.
Me:
Uhmm babehow.
..
Si
ms:
Idon'
thav
eal
ldaycany
ougeti
nthecar
.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Si
ms:
Doy
ouact
ual
l
yusey
ourmi
ndt
othi
nk?
Me:
Ofcos.
Si
ms:Peopleareoutt
heretr
yingtoki
llusandy
ou
j
ustdi
sappearwit
houttel
l
inganyone.
Me:
Uhmm.
Si
ms: Justshutupyourf
atherwi
l
ldeal
wit
hyouI
don'
thavetheenergy.
Me:
BabeI
'
m sor
ry.
Si
l
ence.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tmeant
owor
ryany
one.
Sims:Yety oudi
d,t
heworstparty
ouj ustl
eavey
our
phonebyt hepooll
ikesomeonekidnappedyouor
something.
Me:
Ngi
yaxol
i
sa.
Sil
ence.Idecidet
oalsokeepquietbecauseheis
angry,
myf atheri
sgoingtomurdermeI '
mt el
l
ing
you.

Wegettot
hehouseandSi
msjustgetoutoft
hecar
l
eav
ingmether
e,If
oll
owedaf
terhi
mt i
llweget
i
nsi
de.
Mbat
ha:
Zanel
eMbat
ha.
Me:
Baba.
Mbat
ha:
Arey
oucr
azy
?
Me:NobutIneededt
odot hi
ssothatGi
ftwi
l
lst
op
hur
ti
ngever
yonebecauseofme.
Mbat
ha:
Comeher
e.
Me:
NoBaba.
Mbat
ha:
Awuf
uni
Zane.
Me:
HayBabaIknowy
ouwi
l
lbeatmeup.
Mbat
ha:
I'
m notgoi
ngt
odot
hat
.
Hesaidgett
ingupandIj umpedhidi
ngbehi
ndSi
ms,
Iknowit
'scrazyr
ightbecauseSimsismadatme
butI'
minvol
v i
nghiminallthi
s.
Sbani
:Tai
maIt
hinkt
heyar
eher
e.
Mkhul
u:Youal
lneedt
ogohi
det
henwewi
l
lremai
n
her
e.
Weal
lwentupst
air
stohi
de.
Thando:
Soyouhav
enev
erl
ovedany
onel
i
key
ou
l
ovedGift
?
Me:
How.
.what
?
Sane:
Wehear
dev
ery
thi
ngy
ousai
dtoGi
ft
.
Me:
Buthow?
I
sipho:
Ithi
nkweal l
havedev
icesi
nourbodi
esev
en
t
houghIdon'tknowhow.
Me:
Thi
siswhySi
msi
sangr
y.
Thando:
YeahIguess.
Me:
Babecanwet
alk?
Si
ms:
No.
Me:
Please.
Si
ms:
Isai
dnoZanel
enowl
eav
emeal
one.
WhenIwasabouttot
alkwehear
dgunshot
scomi
ng
f
rom downst
air
sandweran.
Me:
Baba,
Baba.
Mbat
ha:
What
?
TJ:
What
?Youshott
hem?
Mkhul
u:Theyar
enotdeady
oucandeal
wit
hthem.

Gi
ft

Ihavebeentry
ingt
ocallmyguyssinceZaneleftt
his
placebutt
heyarenotpi
cki
ngupIdon'tknowwhat '
s
goingon,t
hat'
swhyIwantedthem toki
l
lever
y one
becauseIknewift
heysurvi
veditwon'
tbegood.
Mybodyhasbeeni tchingIdon'
tknowwhat'
sgoing
onbutit
'sreal
lybad,Ineedtodosomethi
ngIknow
theyhaveafamilymemberher emaybeIshoul
djust
kil
lhi
m becauseIknowt heywil
lki
llmyf
ri
ends.
Igooutsi
deandIseehim playingsoccerwit
hthe
other
s,noonetoucheshi
mi nt hi
splaceandIdon'
t
knowwhy ,
Iapproachhi
m ev enthoughIfeelweak
andweakerbyeachstepItake.
Me:
Zakescanwet
alk.
Zakes:
DoIknowy
ou.
Me:
Nobuti
t'
sur
gent
.
Zakes:
What
'si
tabout
?
Me:
It'
saboutMpendul
o.
Don'
taskmehowIknowabouthi
m Ihav
emyown
ways.
Zakes:
Whatabouthi
m?
Me:
Let
'st
alkpr
ivat
ely
.
Wewal
kawayf
rom t
hecr
owd.
Zakes:
Sowhat
..
.
Idon'tev
enwaitforhi
mt ofi
nishIstabhi
m butIf
eel
mybodyget t
ingweaker,
Istabhim agai
nandhe
l
andsont hegroundbutIfol
lowhim asIfeel
a
pier
cingpai
ninmyhear t
.
Il
ooknexttomeandhei
sbleedi
ngbutmyhear
tis
beat
ingsl
owandIknowi
t'
sabouttost
op.
Il
ookatmyarm andi
t'
sswollenIf
eltsomethi
ng
whenZanet
ouchedmeIguessshedi ditonpurpose.
NowIdiewi
thoneofthei
rs.

Resti
npeaceGi
ftZwane.
Fi
nal
e

Lookingbackt owhatIhav ebeent hr

oughf eelsli
ke
adream, Ineverthoughtt hatIwouldbewher eIam
today.Inev erreal
lybel i
evedinhappilyev erafter
becauseIt houghti tonlyhappensi nmov iesor
fai
ryt
al esbuther eIam, whowoul dhav ethought
thatapr ostit
utecanendupwi t
hal ovingf ami l
yand
adegr ee...
yesadegr eemeandZanegr aduat eda
mont hago.Godr eallycomest hroughf orusi n
unexpect edway s,hepr ovesthatnomat terhow
muchwesuf ferhei salwaystherewat chingand
readytot akeust oourdest iny.
I'
m outofwor dsIwi
sht herewassomet hingIwould
real
lysayt oshowhowgr atefulIam butIsurepr ay
everydaybecauseIknowt hat'sthel
eastIcoul ddo.
Mypr ojectisgoi
ngreal
lygreatandI '
m gladI'
m able
tohelpallthewomenI '
m helpingthat'
satleastthe
onlywayIcanshowmygr ati
tudetoGod.
Alongthewayt herearepeopleIwishIneverlost
,
peopleIknowwoul dbehappyt oseethatIalso
madei nthisli
fe,itpai
nsmet oknowt hatt
her eare
peoplewhol osttheirl
ivestr
yingtosavemeand
thosearethepeopl eIwi l
lal
wayscarryinmyhear t
fortherestofmyl i
fe.

Wel lt
odayisthedayIhav ebeenwai t
ingfor,t
heday
IbecomeMr sKhozaof fi
cial
l
yI'm beyondhappyI
don'tevenknowhowt oexpressitinwor ds.Tobe
honestIthoughtbythistimewewoul dhav ebroken
upIwasst arti
ngtobelievethatmay bewewer enot
madef oreachother,ItookSbani'
sl oveforgranted
toomanyt imesforhimt obest i
llheretil
lthi
sday .I
treat
edhiml i
keheowedmesomet hingforgett
ing
thathelovedmet hr
oughmywor stday s,hefel
lin
l
ovewit
hmeknowingver
ywellt
helif
eIwasli
vi
ng
t
hen,
Iguessi
fIdi
dn'
tbel
iev
eintruel
ovenowIdo.
Iwasbrokenbuthepat chedmyscarsandmademe
thewomanIam t oday
,Icannev
ersayhowmuchI
appreci
atehim butIwil
ll
etmyacti
onsspeakf
or
themselves.
Every
timeIwanttoexplai
nhowt hislif
ethingworks
Ij
ustdon'tknowwhattosaybutal lIknowi st
hatno
onecanbesur et
hattheyhaveitallfi
guredout
becauseital
waystakesunexpectedturns.
WespentourDecemberholidaysinRichardsbay
anditwasgreatevent
hought heguysmadeuswor k
har
dj ustt
ogetbackatusfornottel
li
ngt hem about
goi
ngt oMpumalanga,i
magine.
Sanegavebi r
thtotwobouncingbabyboyswhich
thei
rfat
hernamedSi nqobil
eandManqoba, hesaid
ever
yoneneededt oknowt hattheyar
eZulubyjust
heari
ngtheirnames,crazyIknowbutthei
rnames
arebeauti
ful.
Zanei
sthreemont
hsandIsi
phoisnowworking
event
houghSphei
snothappyaboutt
hat
,Ifeelsad
somehowI '
m scaredthatmay beI'
mi nf
erti
leIhave
beenoffthepil
lsi
ncet hebeginni
ngoft hi
sy earbut
sti
l
lI'
m notpregnant.IknowSbani wantsachi l
dI
meanhei snotgetti
nganyy oungerI'
mj ustafrai
dof
whatwouldhappeni fIcan'
tgivehim one.
Ihearthem si
ngingout si
deandIgetof fmybedthen
openthecurtainsit'
sabeauti
fulday,Ismil
ewit
h
tear
sinmyey esjusttear
sofjoyIcan'tbel
i
eveit
's
real
lyhappening.
Thegi
rl
s:Umakot
iungowet
hu
Si
yav
umauzosi
washel
a,asi
phekel
e
Si
yav
uma,
siy
avuma.
Me:
Niy
abhi
mbamar
n.
Sane:
Hai
suka.
Wel
aughed.
Zane:
Fri
endy
oul
ooksadwhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
I'
mjusthappyZanel
e.
I
sipho:
Youneedt
ogetr
eadywedon'
twantt
obe
l
ate.
Sane:
Babecheerupy
oudeser
vei
t.
Me:
CanIgetsomewi
ne?
Li
zzy
:Noy
ouwantBhut
iSbani
toki
l
lus.
LizzyisIsipho'
sf r
iendIdon'
tknowify ouremember
herbutt heonet hatusedtodateNick,thatwhit
eguy
Isipholi
edaboutdat i
ngyear
sagoIal sodon'tknow
thestorywel lbutthat'
swhatIsi
photoldussot hey
fixedtheirfr
iendshipandsheisagoodgi rl
.
Me:
Onegl
assonl
y.
Zane:Nopl
easegot
akeabat
hit
'sal
readypr
epar
ed
foryou.
Ist
ri
ppednakedandt
heyal
ll
ookedatme.
Me:
What
?
Sane:
Whenl
astdi
dyouseey
ourper
iods?
Me:
Lastmont
hwhy
?
I
sipho:
Not
hingj
ustgobat
hbabe.
Il
ookedatthem andwenttothebat
hroom t
her
eis
nowayIcouldbepregnantImeanIwouldknowif
I'
m pr
egnantri
ght?Andbesi
desmyper i
odswere
nor
mal
lastmont
h.
If
ini
shedt
akingmybat
handwentbackt
ot hem i
n
myroom,Sanewascar
ryi
ngacr
yingManqoba.
Me:
Letmehel
pyou.
Sane:NoThandoyouneedtogetr
eadyIdon'
twant
Sbanitost
andint
healt
arandthi
nkyouarenot
coming.
Wel
aughed.
Me:
Stopbei
ngdr
amat
ickusaseear
ly.
It
ookManqobaandhekeptqui
eti
mmedi
atel
y.
Me:
YouseeIhav
egotmagi
chands.
Zane:
Letmedoy
ourmakeupt
hen.
Shedidmymakeupaf t
ershewasdoneIput
Manqobaonmybedbecausehewassl eepi
ngand
prepar
edt
ogetdressed.
I
sipho:Wil
lyourdr
essfi
tnj
ebabey
oul
ookl
i
key
ou
gainedsomeweight.
Me:
What
?Isi
nopl
easedon'
tsayt
hat
.
Iwasal
readypani
cki
ng.
I
sipho:
I'
mjoki
ngchi
l
l.
Theyhelpedmegetdr essedwhilet
heywereal so
gett
ingdressed,
Zaneismymai dofhonourifIcoul
d
Iwouldhavemadeal lofthem mymaidofhonour s
becausetheyhavebeenmypi ll
arofstr
engthbut
what'si
mpor t
antist
hattheyareall
here.
Li
zzy
:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulThando.
Me:
Thanky
oubaby
.
Isi
pho: I
'm notgoingt ol i
efirstt i
mehear ingyour
storyIcouldn'tbeli
evehowmybr otherfell
inlove
withaper sonl i
keyoubutt henIgott oknowandI
real
isedy ouwer emadef orhim, therearetimes
wher eIwant edtogi v
eupony ouandwant edmy
brothertodot hesamebutIguessi t'
struewhen
theysaywhat '
smeantt obewi llbenomat terwhat.
InyouIf oundasi sterandaf r
iendandI 'mr eal
ly
gratefulf
orthatandpl easeThandodon' teverhurt
mybr other,i
fy oufeellikey ouhav ehadenoughj ust
stayawaybutIknowy ouwon' t.IloveyouandI
appreciateyou.
Ev
ery
onei
nther
oom wasnowcr
ying.
Sane:
Isi
youar
erui
ningourmakeup.
Me:ThankyouIsit
hismeansal
otespeci
all
ycomi
ng
f
rom you,
Ilov
ey outoo.
Zane:
Letmef
ixy
ourf
acenomor
etear
spl
ease.
Ther
ewasaknockatt
hedoor
.
Me:
Mama.
Mamz
o:Ohbabyy
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Mamz
o:Gi
rl
spl
easegi
veusamoment
.
I
sipho:
Wewi
l
lgochecki
fthecar
sar
eready
.
Zanef
ini
shedmymakeupandal
sol
eft
.
Mamz
o:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
Happy
,ner
vousandhappy
.
Mamz o:I
'm gl
adI
'
m stil
lher
etowi
tnesst
hisdayand
I
'm happyfory
ousthandwasam.
Me:
Thanky
oumama.
Mamz
o:Forwhat
?
Me:Forev
erythi
ng,youarewonder
ful
andItr
uly
bel
i
eveyouwer esentfr
om heav
entoplayar
oleof
bei
ngamot hertoal
lofus.
Mamzo:
OhThandol
wet
huIdon'
twantt
ocr
yand
r
uinmymakeup.
Wel
aughed.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Mamz o:OhbabyIloveyoumoreandt heonlyadvi
ce
Ihaveforyoui
stoalwaysprayforyourhome,for
yourchi
ldr
enandyourhusband.Don'teverst
ayif
youarenothappybecauseyourhappinessmatter
s
morealwayschooseyoursani
tyokay?
Me:
Okaymama.
Mamz
o:Iwi
l
ltel
lthegi
rl
stocomeandgety
ou.
Inoddedandshel
eft
,It
ri
edwri
ti
ngmyv owsbut
thenwedeci
dedweweregoi
ngtospeakfrom t
he
heart
.
Sbani

WellwhatcanIsayl i
feislif
eandnoonecanev er
havethebestdef initi
onofi teveni ftheytried.I
stoppedt r
yingt ocr ackmymi ndt hinkingoft hebest
wayt odescr i
bel if
ebecausei twor ksi nit
sownway
andher eIam t odayi nasuitwai ti
ngt ogetmar r
ied
totheloveofmyl i
fe.Thepastf ewy earsli
fehas
beenbadwef acedchal l
engeaf terchal l
engeandI
start
edt obeli
ev et hatwewer enotmadef or
happiness,Idon' tev enwantt ot hi
nkaboutt he
peoplewel ostbecausei tal
lbringsbackt hepain
thatIhavebeent ryingsohar dt obur yinside
becauset hat'
st heonl ywayIcandeal wit
hi t.
Aft
erfindingoutthatGi
ftdiedandst abbedZakhele
i
nthepr ocesswewer ealldevastatedespecial
l
y
Mpendul obutGodandIdlozibeingonoursi de
Zakhelemadei tandheisherewi thust oday
.Zane
l
atertoldusthatsheistheonewhoki ll
edGiftwe
wereshockedbutwecoul dn'tpretendli
kewecar ed
sowecel ebrat
ed.
Ithi
nkfrom todayonwar dswewi l
lbegett
inggood
newsonl yImeansi ncethi
sy earbeganwehav e
beenhappyr eall
yhappyandIwi shitcoul
dstaythat
way.Iknowl if
eisnotalway ssweetbutwehav e
tast
edbitter
nessf arenoughwedeser vet
hisand
ever
ythi
ngel sethat'
scomi ngourway .
IknewthatThandowastheonebutsomeday
sI
doubt
edherbutthenher
ewear e.
Idon'
tknowhowshef eelsabouthav
ingababybut
shewouldhavetofor
givemebecausesheisalr
eady
carr
yingmyseedandI'
m ov ert
hemoon.
Me:
Gent
scany
oual
lgetdr
essedweneedt
oleav
e.
TJ:
Chi
l
lhawu.
Me:Don'
ttel
lmetochi
l
lI'
m nottheonewhof
orced
youal
ltodri
nkl
i
kefi
shesyester
day.
Si
ms:
Ithi
nkI
'
m st
il
ldr
unk.
Sphe:
Zanei
sgoi
ngt
oki
l
lyou.
Me:
Ify
oudon'
tgetdr
essedIwi
l
lleav
ewi
thouty
ou.
Wearesti
ll
asti
ghtaseverIthi
nkwearemore
cl
osernowaddi
ngZakheletothebr
other
hoodt
hey
ar
eal
lgr
eatandIl
ovet
hem somuch.
Zakhel
e:Cany
oual
lj
ustst
opshout
ingandsl
eep.
Wel
aughed.
TJ:
Andsl
eephay
iudakwengempel
awenaZakes.
Me:
Guy
scany
oust
opt
hisbef
orengi
nishay
e.
Sphe:
Youal
way
sshout
ingy
ini
ukor
il
eyi
niBaf
o.
Theyl
aughedandIsmi
l
ed.
Si
ms:
Noway
!
Me:
YeswaybutThandodoesn'
tknowy
et.
Zakhel
e:Hahuzof
awena.
Theywer
eal
lget
ti
ngdr
essednow.
TJ:
Sohowf
ari
sshe?
Me:
I'
m notadoct
orIdon'
tknow.
TJ:
Mxm.
Zakhel
e:SoLi
zzy
..
.
Weal
ll
ookedathi
m.
Us:
Nooo.
Zakhel
e:What
?
Sphe:
SoLi
zzywhat
?
Zakhel
e:Howol
disshe?
Me:
Shei
syoungsof
orgeti
t.
Si
ms:
Shei
sIsi
pho'
sageandSpheandI
siphoar
e..
.
Me:Don'
tev
ensayi
twenaSphey
ouar
esucha
t
rai
tor
.
Wel
aughed.
Sphe:
Hayhay
.
Me: Guy st
hanky ouIknowy ouhat espeeches
becauseniyakhalabutIwantt otakethisti
meand
saythanky ouforalwaysbeingthereandf or
remai ni
ngmybr other
'st
il
lthisday,there'
salotI
wantt osaybutweneedt ol eavesoIl oveyoual
l
majita.
Them:
Wel
ovey
out
ooBaf
o.
Wewalkedouttoourcar
sIlookedatthem and
Zakhel
eandSimsweresti
ll
drunk,Ir
odewithSphe
i
nthecar.
Sphe:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
Happy
.
Sphe:
Iknowy oufeel
waymor
ethanhappybuty
ou
hat
eexpressi
ngyoursel
f.
Me:
Youknowmev
erywel
lBaf
o.
Sphe:I
'm gl
adyouarefi
nall
yhappyaft
eral
lwehave
beenthr
ough,aft
erhowy ouhavest
oodbyallofus
andcarr
iedall
ourprobl
emsi ny
ourshoul
dersyou
deser
veit.
Me:
Thanksman.
Sphe:
Youl
ookgoodbyt
heway
.
Me:HaySpheI
'
m notr
eadyf
ory
out
otel
lmet
hat
youar
egayandyoul
oveme.
Sphe:
Youar
esuchanassbutIl
ovey
ouman.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooBaf
o.
Sphe:
Arey
our
eady
?
Me:
Kindofner
vousbutIam.
Sphe:
Mel
engabeushay
eist
if
f.
Me:
NoIneedt
obesoberf
ort
his.
Sphe:
Let
'sdot
his.
Wegotoutofourcar
sandwentinsi
det
hehall
,i
t
wasbeauti
ful
l
ydecor
atedandt
herewer
elotof
peopl
einsi
de.
TJ:
Whoar
eal
lthesepeopl
e?
Me:
Wasj
ustaski
ngmy
sel
fthat
.
Zakhel
e:Weshoul
djustchaset
hem outbazoqeda
ukudl
anje.
Wel
aughedandpeopl
elookedatus.
Me:
Youar
ecr
azy
.

West oodthereandIwasi mpat

ient
lywait
ingfor
Thandotoar r
ive,Iwantedtoseehowbeaut if
ulshe
l
ooked.WhenIsawt heladi
escominglooking
beaut
ifulIf
eltmyhear tbeati
ngfastandwonder ed
howmywi f
el ooked,shecameinandt ai
maand
Mkhuluwer ewalkingherdownt heisl
etal
kabout
drama.
Igotl
osti
nherbeaut
yandfel
tmyey esget
ti
ng
moist
,Iwi
pedatearandl
ookedather.
Tai
ma:
Treatherwel
l
.
Hewhi
sper
ed.
Mkhul
u:Makemor
ebabi
es.
Il
aughedmkhului
scrazyhewasal
sowhisperi
ng,
af
terhandi
ngThandotometheywentt
ositdown.
Me:
Youar
ebeaut
if
ul.
Iwhi
sper
edandshebl
ushedandmout
hedt
hanky
ou.
Pastor:
Wear eheretodaytowit
nesst
he
matrimoni
albet
weenThandoandSbani ,
wewill
hear
thei
rvowssincetheydecidedt
ospeakfr
om t
he
heart
.
Thando: Thef i
rstti
meIsawy ouIknewy ouwer e
diff
erentfrom allt
hemanIhadknownandmet , t
he
wayy oulookedatmewasdi ffer
entandIfeltsafe
aroundy ounotknowi ngyouwer emysaf eplace,not
knowingy ouaremypeaceandmyf orev
er.Nev er
reall
ybelievedinloveatf
irstsightori
nloveatal lbut
youchangedal lt
hatfort
hatKhozaIwantt othank
you.Iwantt ot hanky ouf orl ov
ingmeandf orbei ng
patientwi t
hmebecauseIknowIwasapai ni nt he
ass, Ithoughty ouwoul dcomei nmyl if
eanduseme
thenl eav eliket heyall didbutbecausey ouwer e
sentf rom abov ey our emai nedwi t
hmet hroughi tall
.
Nowor dscanev erdescr ibehowIf eelabouty oubut
Ipromi set oshowy ou, Ipr omisetotakecar eofy ou
andt oal way sbet heref ory outil
ldeathdouspar t.
Ngiy akut handamy eniwam andIr emembert henot e
yougav emewhenwef irstmetIdi dn'
tunder standi t
butnowIknowwhaty oumeantwheny ousai dmi na
ngingowakho, I
'm allyour sandnot hi
ngwi l
l change
thatMl ilo,Hl ase,Bhov ungane.

Shewasnowcr
yingIwi
pedhert
ear
sandl
ookedat
her
.
Me:
Uhmm wher
edoIev
enbegi
n.
"
Ekuqal
eni
"theguy
sshout
ed.
Me:WhenIsawy ouIknewy ouweretheoneforme
andthatwewil
lspendtherestofourl
iv
estogether
,I
rememberIdi
dnottell
y oumynamebutIsaidy ou
mustcallmehubbyIguessIpr edi
ctedt hefuture
becauseher ewear e.Wehavebeent hroughal ot
toget
herbuti tal
l madeusstrong,
Ilovey ou
Thandolwam notev enwordscanexpr esshowIf eel
butI'
m gladIhav emyact i
onstospeakf or
themselves.Youar emywor l
d,mypill
arofst rength
andmyf orever,Ipromisetol
ov ey
ou, t
opr otectyou
andmosti mpor tant
lytost
andbyy oursideal ways.
Togiveyoul otofbabies.
Ev
ery
onel
aughed.
Me: Andtoprovi
deforyou,WenaUngowami Iknew
i
tthenandIst i
l
lknowitnowsomat terwhat
happensknowt hatnot
hingcancomebet weenus
becausethi
sistil
ldeat
hdouspar t
.Ilov
ey ou
mkami .
Pastor
:WhatGodhasjoinedtoget
hernomancan
putasunder
,youmaykissthebri
de.
Wekissedt
henl
eftt
otakepi
ctur
eswi
thev
ery
one
el
se.
I
sipho:
Congr
atul
ati
onsBhut
i.
Theyal
lcongr
atul
atedus.
Me:
Wehav
etogoseey
ouguy
saf
tert
hreeday
s.
Mamz
o:Goodwel
lmyki
ds.
Wesaidourgoodby
esandl
eftweweregoing
ov
erseast
oourhoneymoonwejustcoul
dn'
twai
t.
Me:
MrsKhoza.
Thando:
MrKhoza.
Me:
WenaUngowami
.
Thando:
Nowandf
orev
er.
Weheldhandswhil
ethedri
verdroveustot
he
ai
rpor
tandthi
sisourhappi
l
yev eraft
er.

THEEND.