Co-

wif
e
#61

AtBakang'
shouse(
Gabor
one)
..
.

Thesl i
degateopenedthenWendydrove
through,Bakangsadl
ywatchedherasshe
steppedoutandgotherbabythenshepushed
herov eri
napr am.Hepoppedhisknuckl
esand
sippedwineasshesatdownandpul ledher
colouredbabycloser
..
.

Wendy
:Hi
..
.
Bakang:
Hi.
..(
sighed)whatdoy
ouwant
?
Wendy :Yourlawyertol
dmewhaty ousaid,
thankyouf orgivi
ngmeev eryt
hingbutidon'
t
wantadi vorce.Iwantyou...Youhavebeen
nothi
ngbutgoodt ome, yousacr i
fi
cedsomuch
formeandi loveyou.Ipani
ckedwhenIfound
outaboutMel ani
e,butIhavehadtimet
othink
abouti
t.I
'm sorryforhur
ti
ngy ou.
Bakang:(l
ooki
ngatherwi
threddi
sheyes)When
yousaidyouwantedtol
eavedidyouwanttogo
seeherfather
?
Wendy :
Honest l
yy es,
itwaschil
dish,Imeanwe
di
dn'tevendate.Itwasaoneni ghtst
and. .
.I
guessithoughtwhenpeopl ehavechi l
drenthey
mustbet oget
herbutIdon'tlov
ehi m, il
ovey ou.
Bakang:Howdoy ouknowy oudon'
tlov
ehim?
(r
ubbedhiseyes)Idon'
twanttogethurtWendy
,
youhavealr
eadyembarrassedme.Whatwill
changenow?
Wendy :(
heldhi shand)I'
ll
loveyouandr espect
you,iadmitthatIcanbebossysomet imesbut
I
'm wil
li
ngtochanget hatandrespectyouasmy
husband.Mel anieisyourdaughter,
you'
reon
thebir
thcerti
ficate.
..SheisaMot swana,sheis
aTawana.Youhav
etoaccepther
..
.
Bakang:
(lookedatthebabyasshepl
ayedwi
th
atoy)Whyar eyoudoingt
his?
Wendy: BecauseImadeami stakebabe,ihav
e
hurtyouanddisrespect
edy oubutlet'
sbe
honest,i
didn'
tcheatony ou.Ididn'
tevenknow
thatiwaspregnant
Bakang:Wendywhatdoy oumeany oudidn'
t
cheatonme?Di dn'ty
ougetangr yatNalediand
beather?Thesekidsarethesameagewheni
waswi t
hNalediyouwer ewiththisguyandthen
youactedangeli
cactingli
keav icti
m whenyou
weredoingthesamet hingther
e.
Wendy:Okay
,okay,
icheat
ed.
...I
'
m sorr
y,can
wegiv
eitatry?(
hekeptqui
et)pleasef
orgi
ve
me.
.

Hekeptquiett
hensheli
ft
edhershortdress
j
ustabitandputherl
egontheotherside
sit
ti
ngonhislapfaci
nghim,sheputherar ms
aroundhi
sneckandf acedhi
m, hesighed
faci
ngtheotherwaythensheleanedov erand
Frenchki
ssedhim..
.

Wendy :IloveyouBakangandi canseeyouare

hur
ting,letmeheal y
ou..
.Letmer est
oreyour
di
gnity.
..Youdon'thavetolonel
ywheny ou
haveawi f
e..
.
Bakang:
Idon'
ttr
usty
ou.
.
Wendy
:I'
l
lear
nyourt
rust
..
.You'
l
ltr
ustmeagai
n

Shel eanedov erandkissedhimthenshe

unzippedhi strouser
sandt ookouthi
spipe,he
helplessl
yhel dherwaistasshemov edher
pantiesasideandsl i
ddownoni t,hi
sli
psparted
asherwar mthengulfedhiswholemanhood
thenshel ift
edhischinandkissedhim gr
indi
ng
onhi sthing..
..
Wendy
:Mhhh.
..
.Touchme.
..

Hesl i
ppedhi shandsunderhert opand
caressedherasshegr i
ndedhi m, hegl ancedat
thebabyl ookingatt hem andt urnedhi sheadt o
theot hersi
de, shestoodupandt urnedar ound
givi
nghi m herbackt henshehel ditandsaton
i
tashegr unted, shehel
dt het ableandbounced
onhim ashehel dherwaistunt i
lhest arted
crumbl i
ngdown. ..Hegruntedassheci rcledher
herselfaroundhi m unti
lhest oppedcummi ng
thenshest oodupandpul l
eddownherdr ess.
Sher eachedf orthebaby '
swi pesandwi ped
himt hem shef ixedhispant sandsatonhi s
l
ap...

Wendy
:Ar
eyouhungr
y?
Bakang:
Aref
il
lwi
l
ldo.
..
Shegrabbedhisglassandwalkedi
nsidet
he
housethenheturnedandlookedatt
hebaby.
..
Heswallowedtearful
l
yandbowedhishead
rubbi
nghiseyes.
..
.Hisphonerang.
..

Bakang:
Hel
l
o?
Temo:
Hey
,howar
eyou?
Bakang:
Idon'
tknow..
.(si
ghed)Wendysay
swe
mustgetbackt
ogether
Temo:
That
'scr
azy
,whatdi
dyousay
?
Bakang:Idon'
tknow,iguessIshouldlether
back,ihavenothi
ngt
ol oseanyway.I'
ml onel
y
andshesay sshewil
ll
ov eme.
Temo: Shei
sgoingtohurtyou,areyousureyou
wil
lbeabletohandlebei
ngaf athert
oawhi t
e
baby?Thatt
hingisgoingtomakepeoplelaugh
atyou.Whatifshecamebackbecauset heguy
r
ejectedher
?Whathappenswhent
heguy
f
inall
ycomestoBotswana.
Bakang:I
fshehur t
smeI '
l
lhangmy sel
f,I
'
m
ti
redofal
lthese.Thisi
smylastchance.
Temo: Wendyisgoi
ngt ostressy ouanywayi
f
that
'syourchoi
ceirespectit,
wor konyour
marriageandfi
xthi
ngs,lovey ouryel
lowbone,
what'shername?
Bakang:
Idon'
tknow,
shesai
ditbuti
for
got
..
Temo:
What
everhernamei
slov
eher
.
Bakang:
Yeah,
shapo
Temo:
Shapo.
..

Hehungupasshehandedhi
mthedr
inkand
satdown.
..

Atmymot
her
'shouse.
..
Mymot herandIweresi
tti
ngonthecouchas
Apr
ilpl
ayedwiththechi
l
dren.
..
.

Mama:
Sowhatwashei
npr
isonf
or?
Me:
Armedr
obber
y?
Mama: Hesoundsver
ydanger
ous,
areyousur
e
t
hat'
sthekindofmanyouwant?Hesounds
ver
yscary.
Me:Heisnotscar
y..
.It
'shi
spastandI
'
m not
goi
ngtojudgehi
m...
Mama: Andthemoney ?Thecar
?Heseemst o
behavi
ngwayt oomuchmoneyf orsomeone
whojustgotoutofpr
ison,wher
eishismoney
comingfrom?
Me:
Hehadmoneybef
orehewasar
rest
ed
Mama:It
houghthisgi
rlf
ri
endcommitt
ed
sui
ci
debecauseofpovert
y,Nal
edi
thegaoboi
ngwanaka?Moshi maneyowagagokemo
tshabahel
akemout wal
ela.Youwillgotojail
forspendi
ngt hi
smoneywi thhim..
.Thepolice
won'tspar
ey ou,doyouwanty ourchil
drento
growupwi t
houty ou?
Me:Idon'
tknowanythi
ngabouthi
sbusi
nesses,
whywouldtheyar
restme?Henevert
ell
sme
any
thi
ng.
Mama: Idon'
twantt
oseey oudest
royyourli
fe
mygirl
,iam awoman.Iknowthereisnot
hing
i
ntoxi
cati
ngli
keabadmanwi thmoneybut...
.
Me:Mamapleasedon'
tmakemefeel
bad,
ilov
e
hi
m andhei
ssweet,helov
eski
ds.
Mama: Healsoputagunt oaman'shead
dur
ingrobbery,heassault
edapol i
ceoff
icer.I
f
hehadar ealgunonhi mthenhewasr eadyt o
ki
ll
andhewon' thesitat
etokilly
ouwheny ou
makehim angry.All
menar esweetunt
ilt
hey
ki
ll
thenwesaybuthedi dn'tl
ookli
keakill
er..
.I
haveabadf eel
ingabouthim.Heiscl
earl
ya
goodfatherbuttherei
sanothersi
deofhi
my ou
haven'
tseenandwhatscar esmeisthatyou'
re
al
readystayi
ngwi thhi
m,thatqui
ck.
Me: Kegoutulemamabutidon'
tunder
stand
yaanongjustbecauseamanwasonceinprison
peopleshouldrej
ecthi
mli
keheisanoutcast?
Mama: Ngwanakai t
'snotabouthishi
story,i
t'
s
aboutthefactthatdespiteyearsbehi
ndt he
barsheisstil
lri
chl i
kehewasn' ti
njai
l,
somethingisn'
tright?Yiusaidhewasf i
redand
neededmoney ,hedi drobberyandgotarrest
ed
andhismoneywast akenyetsomehowhest i
ll
managedt osuppor tyoufrom pri
son?
Me: (si
ghed)Hisbusinessi
shi sbusiness,i
don'twanttobreakmyheadt hi
nkingabouti t.
Hel ovesandrespectsme,that'
salliwantf rom
aman, cl
earl
ytherearenogoodman, they'r
eall
taken.Ithi
nkit'
sbettert
obewi thani mperfect
manwhodoesn' tcheatandloveschildren.I
t's
hardtof
indamanwhoi speacef
ull
i
keTumel
o,
BakangharassedandbeatmebutTumel
oisa
gentl
esoul
.
Mama: Well.
..Hedeser vesali
ttl
ecreditifhe
i
sn'tviol
entbuthesoundsl i
ket r
ouble,you're
dati
ngat hief.Theoneswegr ewuphear i
ng
aboutwer eviolentonotherpeopleexceptt hei
r
womenbutt heyal l
endedupi njailwheret hey
eit
herkill
edanot herinmate,gotkil
l
edorhung
themselves.Ifyoulov ehimtakehimt ochur ch
may behewi llchange,gongwegaamaswe
masweonal ebokankakabel etsobutthat'sonly
possiblei
fheknowsGod.
Me:(smil
ed)I
'
llt
akehi
mtochur
cht
his
Sunday.
..
.
Mama:(smil
ed)Hisdaughteri
sadorabl
e,she
wi
llmakeagoodbigsistermathat
agasego
r
atagobatshol
etsa
Me:
(laughed)I
thel
aabat
amol
adi
mpat
seo
kar
ebakakgwamashi
.
...

Att
hemal
l
...

Tumeloappr oachedtheATM machineasa

manf ol
lowedhi m,helookedbackandtheguy
bentoverty
inghi sshoe.Heconti
nuedwalki
ng
andgotinthemachi ne,hegotali
ttl
ecashas
theguywaitedt henhesteppedoutput
ti
nghis
wall
etinbackpocket .
..

Man:
Cani
tal
ktoy
ou?
Tumel
o:Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Man:
Kgosi
woul
dli
ket
oseey
ou.
Tumel
o:No

Hewal
kedawayandt
hemanf
oll
owedhi
m..
.
Man:
Idon'
tthi
nky
ouunder
standme,
hei
s-
Tumelo:
(tur
nedaroundandf
acedhi
m)Isai
d
no,
,st
opfoll
owingme.
Man:
Doy
ouknowwhathappenswheny
ou-
Tumelo:Takeonemor est
epandI '
l
lbreakyour
fr
ontteeth.Tel
lhi
m hemustcomet omei fhe
wantstot al
ktome, Thatr
oyalnonsense
doesn'
tmeanshi tnowadays,hehasnopower
overanyone.Tel
lhimi sai
dthat.
Man:Yourdaught
erisi
nnocent
,itwoul
dbepi
ty
i
fany
thinghappenedtoher

Hepausedwal
ki
ngandt
urnedar
oundl
ooki
ng
athi
m..
..

Man:
Let
'sgo.
..
Hesighedandfol
l
owedtheman,
theman
openedthedoorf
orhi
mthenhegoti
nandt
hey
droveoff
.

Minutesl
aterthemandr
ovethr
oughthegat
e
andparkednexttot
hechi
ef'
scar,
Tumelo
steppedoutandfol
l
owedhiminsi
de.

Kgosiwassi
tt
ingonthecouchwit
hhi
slegs
cr
ossedashewatchedtheTV..
.

Man:
Key
o
Kgosi
:Thanky
ou,
youknowwhatt
odo.
..
.
Man:
Ofcour
se.
..

Themanwal
kedout
..
.
Kgosi:Ihear
dwhathappenedandIam
off
ended.You'r
edi
srespect
ful
andful
lof
yoursel
f.
Tumel
o:Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ngabout
.

Themansmashedast oneontheglassandt
he
al
arm wentof
fthenTumel otur
nedaround
l
ooki
ngathim,hethrewov eraknif
eand
Tumelododgedasitfell
onhisfeet.
..

Kgosi:(stari
ngathi m)Youj ustbrokeint
omy
house...Iunderstandy ou'
reonpar ol
e..
.Things
aren'
tlookinggoodf oryou.Isther
esomet hing
youwantt osaybef oreyougobackt o
j
ail?.
..
..
...
..
..
..
.(9t)
.
Co-
wif
e
#62
AtKgosi
'
shouse.
..
.

Tumelo:
( cal
mlyl
ooki
ngathim)I'
llst
ayaway
fr
om Nalediandy
ourgrandchi
l
dren.I
'm sor
ry
Kgosi
:(smi
led)I
'
m gl
adweunder
standeach
ot
her.
.(tot
heman)Timahoomotogol
o..
.

Themandi sengagedtheal
arm andhur
ri
edto
thet
elephonefrom t
hesecuri
tycompany.
..

Kgosi
:I'
m sorr
yaboutt hat
, idon'
tnor mall
ydo
thi
stopeoplebutihear dyou'r
ev i
olentandI
knowthatpeopleli
key ouonlyunder standone
l
anguage,well
..
..2languages, v
iol
enceandj ai
l.
Tumelo:
(star
ingathim)Ist
il
lcan'tbel
iev
ey ou
j
ustdidt
hat.Seri
ouslyyouj
ustbrokeyourown
window.
..
..I
t'
sveryfunnywhenanol dperson
doesthingsliket his,wherei comef r
om adults
don'
tbehav eliket hisbecauset heyareusuall
y
theonesr ebukingusf ordoingbad...
.Idon't
evenknowwhet hertol aughorbeof fended.I
t
mustbet oughhav i
ngt ofightyourson's
batt
les.
..
Kgosi:
Getout
,I'
m donewi
thy
ou.Leav
ebef
oreI
cal
lthepol
i
ceony ou.
Tumel o:Andnextt imey ouwantt ofr
ameme,
l
uremei ntoapl acethathasv al
uable
i
nformat i
ont hathaspot enti
altomakemer i
ch
andmay beyourcasemi ghtbeconv i
ncing,
i
don'tstealfr
om poorpeopl elikeyou.Idon'
t
knowwhi chdetectivecameupwi t
hthatname
buttheydon' tcallmeThegol denboyf or
nothing..
..Haveani ceday .
..
.

Hetur
nedaroundandwalkedpassedt
he
messengergl
ari
ngathi
m, hegotacol
dchi
l
l
downhisspineasTumel
osqueezedhi
s
shoul
der.
..
.

Tumel o:
Thequickestwaytomakeanenemyi s
tothreat
enhisdaughter
,(smil
ed)Biggest
mistakeofyourl
ife,
ihopey oual
readyhavea
Wil
l.

Hesmiledandrandownthestai
rsastheman
qui
etl
ypickedt
heglasspi
ecesswall
owing.

Att
hemal
l
...
.

Minutesl
aterTumelosteppedoutofthetaxi
andgotinhiscarwhereher oll
eddownthe
windowanddi al
edhisfr
iend'snumberashe
droveoutofthepacki
ng...
.
Ken:
Hel
l
o?
Tumelo:Youwon'tbel
iev
etheshi
tthatj
ust
happened,i
thinkij
ustwentt
ostoneageand
backin10mi nut
es
Ken:
(laughed)whathappened?
Tumelo:
Thechi
efj
ustt
hreat
enedmemaf
ia
st
yle
Ken:whatdoyoumeant
hechi
ef?Chi
efchi
efas
i
ntheechiefor
-
Tumelo: Yesthatshi
t,andhi smessengerhad
theaudacitytoeventhreatenmydaught er
(si
ghed)ur r
rhmani thi
nkit'sgoingtobehard
tostayoutofj ai
li
fpeoplear egoingtot
ake
advantageofmypr obationlikethis.
Ken:SoBakangist
hatweak?Whosef
ather
fi
ght
shisbattl
esasanadul
t?
Tumel
o:Thesepeopl
edon'
tevenseehow
muchtheyhavehur
tNal
edi
,ift
heydidt
hey
woul
ddot hi
ngsproperlyl
ikecal
lingafamily
meet
ingandapologisi
ngtohert henpoli
tel
yask
t
obebacki nthechil
dren'
sli
ves.Ididn'
tknow
t
hisr
oyalshitst
il
lexi
sted.
..
Ken:Baatsenwabuti
woul
dn'
tal
l
owt
hat
rubbi
sh,wouldy
ouall
owi
t?
Tumel o:Idon'
thav eapr oblem wi thhim bei
ng
thereforhischil
dr enbutwegonnahav ea
problem ifhethinkst herearebenef it
sforbeing
ababydaddy ,I
'l
lkillhimf orthatandr i
ghtnow
Naledi'
sbestinterest saremypr iorit
y.Ifshe
doesn'twanttheguynearherchi ldrenI'
llmake
sureheunder standst hatandwhenshei sready
tolethim orhisfami lyinI'l
lsti
llbeokay .
Ken:
You'
ret
ool
eni
entbuti
gety
ou.
..
Tumel
o:GetmeBakang'
snumber
,iwantt
ocal
l
hi
m.
Ken:Don'
tthr
eatenhim,youknowyoucangot
o
j
ailf
orthr
eattokil
lri
ght
?Ifyou'
regoi
ngto
t
hreat
enedusepar
abl
es
Tumel
o:No,
I'
m notcal
l
ingf
ort
hat
..
.
Ken:
Alr
ight
,I'
l
lsendi
t.
Tumelo:Sur
e,andtheni not
icedy oudriv
e
aroundwit
hthosecomput ersinthebackseat
themonnaot aaredi
rel
amat hata,what
happenswheny ougetstoppedbyt raf
fic
offi
cer
sandtheyseizethoseforawhi le?
Ken: Theywi l
lneedawarranttodothatand
thatshittakestimetobesigned,I
'l
lhave
cleanedoutt hedatabythen,mywifeis
pregnant.Iwon'tmakeami stake
Tumelo:Beverycarefulican'
taffordtogo
serv
etimeagain,ireall
yloveNaledi,kebatago
nyal
akennal elel
wapamonna, ifeelsogrown
havi
ngsomanypeopl edependingonme.
Ken:(
laughed)Nyalalai
taka,
idon'
twantt
oliea
womant astessweeterwhenshehasyourri
ng
onherfinger
Tumelo:
(laughed)Sar
ial
otogakeny
ala
kamosohelay aana
Ken:Sheevenconsult
sy oubeforetaking
cer
taindeci
sions,
shejusttel
lspeopleshehas
toconsul
tthehusbandfirst
,imaginethat!You
don'
tgetthatwhenyouar eaboy f
riend
Tumel
o:(
laughed)Ihav
etogetmar
ri
ed
Ken:
(laughed)Shapo

Hehungupanddrov
eashortdi
stancet
henhe
r
ecei
vedamessageanddi
aledanumber..
.

Bakang:
Hel
l
o?
Tumelo:Ir
eall
ythoughtwehadan
under
standi
ng,Iam di
sappoi
ntedi
nyou.
Bakang:
Whoi
sthi
s?
Tumel
o:I
t'
sTumel
o
Bakang:
Wher
ethehel
ldi
dyougetmynumber
?
Tumelo:Soyougotyourf
athert
othreat
enmy
daughterwhenI
'
mt aki
ngcareofyourchi
ldr
en?
Bakang:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ngabout
.
Tumel
o:Thent
alkt
oyourf
ather
.

AtGabor
one.
..
.

Meanwhil
eBakanghungupanddi
aledhi
s
f
ather
'snumber.
..

Kgosi
:Hel
l
o?
Bakang:
What'
sgoingon?Tumelocall
edme
sayi
ngyout
hreat
enedhisdaught
er.
Kgosi
:inev
ersai
danythi
ngabouthi
sdaught
er,
iwant
edhimtostayawayfr
om thechi
l
dren.
Bakang:
(angr
il
y)Whydi
dyoudot
hat
?Youj
ust
mademel ookli
keawimpinfr
ontofthatguy
,
heprobablythi
nksI'
m af
rai
dofhi
m enoughto
sendmy" daddy"af
terhi
m,howcanyou
embarrassmel i
kethat
?
Kgosi
:Idi
dn'
tment
iony
ou
Bakang:
Itdoesn'
tmatter
,it
'snotyourchi
ldr
en,
God!Nowhepr obabl
ythi
nkshei nt
imidat
esme.
Kgosi
:I'
m sor
ry-
Bakang:
Sothi
siswhaty
oumeantaboutr
oyal
bl
oodwhatnot
?
Kgosi
:Idon'
tunderstandwhyy ouarel
ett
ing
hi
mr ai
seyourchi
ldren,you'
rebeingacoward.
Bakang:Hei sabet terfat
herthaniam
obv i
ousl
yandI '
llgetmychancewhenNal edi
forgi
vesmeunt ilthenI'l
lkeepmydistance,she
deservesthat.I
t'
st heleastIcandoafterwhatI
did.Thereisnopoi ntinforci
ngherandfighti
ng
withher.
..
Kgosi
:Shoul
dIcal
lhi
m andapol
-
Bakang:No!(sighed)I
'l
ltakecareofi
t,j
ustst
ay
outofmybusi ness.You'
remaki ngmelookli
ke
ali
tt
leboyinfrontofthisguy,you'
reboost
ing
hi
sego, soonenoughhewi l
lbeboasti
ngabout
i
t.Stopembar r
assingme
Kgosi
:Iwasj
ustt
ryi
ngt
obehel
pful
Bakang:
Bye
Kgosi
:By
e

Hehungupandputonhi st-
shir
tthenhemade
hiswaytot hel
iv
ingroom asMelaniewas
gett
ingir
ri
tatedl
yingonherpram,hepaused
l
ookingatherasshebegancr yi
ngthenhe
searchedforWendyinthekit
chen,shewasn'
t
ther
eandt hebabystart
edcryi
ng..
.Hewalked
outandmetWendyatt hedoorasshewalked
i
n...
..
.
Bakang:Wher
ehav
eyoubeeny
ourdaught
eri
s
cr
ying?
Wendy
:Ihadt
oputt
het
rashout
side
Bakang:
Att
endher
..
.
Wendy:Okapal
elwakegot
shol
etsangwana
haal
ela?
Bakang:
(di
ali
ngonhisphone)makeherst
op,
sheismaki
ngnoiseandit
'si
rri
tat
ing.
..
.

Hesatunderthegazeboandleanedbackon
t
heplast
icchairput
ti
nghisfootonthetabl
e..
.

Tumel
o:Hel
l
o?
Bakang:Ij
ustspoketomyf at
her
,iapol
ogiseon
hi
sbehalf,
forgetev
eryt
hinghesai
d.Every
thing
i
ssorted.
Tumel
o:I
sthatso?
Bakang: Ihavenopr obl
em wi t
hy oui tol
dy ou
thi
sbef oreandI 'dli
ketomeetwi thyouand
Naledi sothatwecanal l
talkabouti t.She
hasn' tcall
edlikey ousaidshewoul d,iassume
shedoesn' twantt ocallmesoaskhert o
cont actme.Wewi llmeetonlyf oraf ew
minut es, i
needhert ounderstandsomet hi
ng
becausei doubtsheknowsr egar dlessofwhati
didi nthepasti sti
ll
haverightsov erthose
childrenandi canlodgeacompl aintagainsther,
thecour twouldv erymuchl i
stent omeasa
fatherbecausenopar enthast her ighttost op
ther elati
onshipbet weenaf atherandhi s
children.
Tumel o:Iknowthatbutyouwon'
tuset
hose
ri
ghtst ocontr
olher,
seethat
'swher
eicomein,
youhar assherij
umpi n,
youmakemov eson
her.
..IJumpi n
Bakang:
wehav
ebeenov
ert
hati
ssuea
t
housandt
imesandI
'
m notaboutt
otal
kabout
i
t,wi
l
lyout
alkt
oherornot
?
Tumel
o:I
'
llt
alkt
oher
,shewi
l
lcal
lyou.
Bakang:
Thanks,
bye
Tumel
o:Sur
e

Hehungupandwalkedbacki
nsi
dethehouse
asWendywaschangingt
hebaby
'sdiaper
..
.

Bakang:
I'
m goi
ngtoMaun,
ihav
eaf
ewt
hingsi
needtosor
tout.
..
Wendy:It
houghtwewoul
dst
ayher
eand
r
econnect
..
.
Bakang:
Wer
econnect
ed,
ihav
ethi
ngst
odo.
Wendy
:Iguesswewi
l
lgot
oget
her
Bakang:
Goandgetyourt
hingsee,
I'
mleav
ing
i
nacoupleofhour
s.
Wendy:Otaasal
aleMel
ani
ewhi
l
eIgopack
t
hebags?
Bakang:
No,
gowi
thher
.
Wendy
:Al
ri
ght
..
..
Bakang:Andyoumustt
alkt
oyourmot
hert
o
getherorsomethi
ng
Wendy
:Why
?
Bakang:Idon'
tfeelcomfort
abl
ear oundher,
surel
yyouunderstand..
.Unl
essyouwoul dn'
t
haveaproblem i
fi br
oughtPri
ncessoverto
staywit
hus.
Wendy:You'
renotev
ensur
ePr
incessi
syour
daught
er
Bakang: Shei
smydaughterandi fweare
stayingwithy
ourdaught
erthenI'm br
ingi
ng
Princesstostaywi
thus,
you'l
ltakecareof
them both
Wendy
:(si
ghed)I
'
llt
alkt
omymot
her
..
.
Bakang:
Good.
..

Hewal
kedt
othebedr
oom.
..
..

Atmyhouse.
..
.

Latert
hateveningfi
nishedbat
hingthechil
dren
anddressedthem intheli
vi
ngroom asApril
squeezedlot
iononherar msandlegsstanding
nakednexttome. .
..

Apr
il
:(smiledandshowedmeherar
m)l
ookI
hav
ebl i
stersal
lov
er.
..
Me:(
laughed)Imusttakeyoutothecl
i
nicso
t
hatt
henur secani
njectyourbut
t
Apri
l:
I'm scar
edofnur
ses.
..Idon'
twantan
i
nject
ion
Me:
(laughed)Thenr
ubof
fthebl
i
ster
s
April:(
squeezedthel ot
iononAt si
l
e'sarm)I'
ll
givethisoneblist
ers,hescratchedtheti
nyone
ont heface.
..
.(showedmehi shand)You
shouldcuthisnails,hescratchedtheli
tt
leone
prettybad
Me:Heetsonedidi
tel
elejang.
..Agomphanail
cut
teri
nthedrawer..
..(
threwherpant
ies)put
onyourpant
iesandpy j
amasbef or
eyougo...

ShedressedupandranoutthenTumel
o
walkedandkissedmethenheli
ft
edAmeand
ki
ssedhim onthecheek.
..

Tumel o:Myf avour

iteboy
, howareyouson?
(roughlysqueezedhistummy )Ahngwanakeo
tsherweket alaNaledi
,ojelesengwet
ota?
Me:
(laughed)Hehadmi
l
k
Tumelo:Atsi
leandMasegoaremilkpeopl
e..
.
Thisguyneedssoftpor
ri
dgeorrealf
ood,nna
gakemoj esaheeatsandthendri
nksmilk
aft
er.
..
Me:
Goj
esamot
hol
egone.
.
Tumelo:Wenawamoi t
sapel
a,her
emi ndsof
Apri
l
...
.Apri
lkanaoneaganamashi ,
she
wantedfoodrightaway ,
hermom neverdidany
oft
hoset hi
ngst sabogokgwisabecauseshe
st
oppedonherown. ..

Hewalkedinthekit
chenandgrabbedhisfood
thenhesatonthecouchandputhim onhislap
thenhestart
edeati
ngandfeedi
nghi m,At
sile
suckedhisl
ipsandbangedhiswalkerl
ooking
atTumelo..
..

Tumelo:
Uhugakeagodumedi
salai
taka.
..Le
l
onalebant
si,
someti
mesifor
getot
hers.
..
(
pul
ledhi
swall
erandputt
hePhal
etshedi
pped
i
nsoupinhi
smouth)comeeat
..
..
Me:Tumeloyouneedt
ost
opt
hat
,ot
aabol
aa
bongwanake
Tumelo:
Golomobannamo, mi l
kisforMasego.
..
(smi
l
edandr ubbedAt si
l
e'shead)Akereboy?
You'
reaSibandalai
takaweeatser i
ousfood.
..
Me:
Apr
il
'
shai
risr
eal
l
yni
ce,
whodoesherhai
r?
Tumelo:(
frowned)Kant ekeenemang
ngwanyanay ol
e?Idon'tthi
nkshegavemeher
namebuti havehernumber ,If
orgotmyphone
i
nthecaryou' l
lgeti
tfr
om myphone
Me:Iwantt
oknowifshecanhelpmedo
Masego'
safr
owit
houthurt
ingher,
ifshecr
ies
I
'l
lst
op.
Tumelo:Ithi
nkshecanhel
p,shehasal
i
ttl
e
daughterwit
hlonghai
r.
Me:
Shedoesathome?
Tumel
o:Yeahandithi
nkshedoestent
sforhi
re
andst
uffbecausei
sawsomet ent
soutsi
de.
.
Me:
GaseDudut
ota
Tumel
o:Duduasi
nTuel
o'
sgi
rl
fr
iend?
Me:
Yes
Tumelo:
(laughed)Noway,thatgi
rlcannotbe
thewomanTuel oiscr
azyabout
Me:
Uhukagor
eng,
whyar
eyoul
aughi
ng?
Tumelo:(l
aughed)I'
m notlaughi
ngbutno,
that
womani sn'
tDudu.Idon'tknowDudubutfrom
whatiheardfrom y
ouandTuel oDuduo
i
keti
l
enyana.
Me:
(gav
ehi
m myphone)Thi
sisDudu.
..

Hef
rownedandgav
ebackt
hephone.
..

Tumel
o:(
laughed)Shi
t.
..
.It
'
sher
..
.(l
aughed)
Thi
siscr
azy
,doesn'
tsheknowmekant
ethi
s
gi
rl
?
Me:Notr
eal
ly
,ihav
en'ttoldhermuchaboutyou.
Youknowhowpeopletalkaboutexconv
uct
s..
.
Tumel o:(l
aughed)Tueloodiraboso, amme
ngwany anayogaamodi r
eseso?t hisgirl
isn'
t
worthit.Nnagaker at
eboata,that'
st heone
thi
ngt hattur
nsmeof fi
mmedi atel
yona
womanbecauseIbel iev
einloyalty,
y ousleep
wit
hmyf ri
endorbr ot
herswear edone.Real
womenbamakgakgagapebabanal estandard,
nnagakebat edilotsabomataj wagot saya
mosadi yoorobalangledit
salakamosoo
l
want shalebandlalot
he,no.
Me:(
swall
owed)Evenifyoubr
okeup?Imeani
f
anexdat
esyourfr
iend?
Tumelo:I
t'
sthesamethi
ng,woul
dy oubeokay
i
fIsleptwi
thyourl
it
tl
esi
sterj
ustbecausewe
brokeup?
Me:
Iguessnot
..
.
Tumel o:Kanai fshecansl eepwi t
hTueloafter
sl
eepi ngwithBakang, nothingwi l
lstopherf
rom
sl
eepi ngwithanyi fTuelo'
sf r
iends,such
womenbaabor abecausebal wantshamaj i
ta
andr onakanagar elwel
amosadi gonna
seri
ous, garengapanej aakalona.Ronar aa
betsanahel amogout walangespeci al
ly
becausekukuet senyabodipalemakgakga
amongstt heguy s...I
fyou'rel
ooset hat'
swhen
guyscanqui et
lysharey ouandl aughaboutit
behindy ourback.
Me:(l
aughed)wai
tsekemathata,
soweshould
l
etgoodguyspassbecausetheyarel
i
nkedt
o
ourexs?
Tumelo:Babekantewhat
'syourar
gument
?You
fi
nditokay?Wouldyoudatemeifiwas
Bakang'
sfri
end?
Me:
No,
itwasaj
oke
Tumelo:Eheamporeont
urneroff
,hav
inga
gi
rl
fri
endwhorespect
shersel
fandhave
boundar
iesgomonatebl
ind..
.
Me:
Apr
il
?!Nai
lcut
teret
aal
alat
il
erur
i?

Shewalkedouti
nmyheel
shol
dingt
henai
l
cut
ter
..
..

Apr
il
:Looky
ourshoesl
ookgoodonme.
..
Tumel
o:(
laughed)Babebonamokwany
oot
ura
orwel
e
Me:(gasped)Monyana!Oit
segor
esthakoseo
kebokae?Heebathong,sohaodi
egi
l
ej aanao
i
ti
rannakoo?

Shelaughedwal
ki
ngov
erandhandedmet
he
nai
lcutter
..
..
Apri
l
:Daddytakeapi
ctur
eofme,
I'
m goi
ngt
o
showgrandma..
.

Helaughedandt
ookpi
ctur
esofherwi
thmy
phone.
..
..

Tumel
o:BythewayBakangwantstomeetus
tomor
row,
hewantstotal
kabouttheki
ds
Me:
I'
m nott
alki
ngt
ohi
m
Tumelo:Youdoknowt hatatsomepoi ntyou'
l
l
havetogetov erhismistakesandlethimi n
ri
ght?Bakangl ooksli
kear easonableguytome,
evenwheni talktohim kekgonagout wagore
oshapohela, kanaronabannababer edir
a
melatoeveryday ,t
osomeext enti
understand
hissi
tuat
ion.Thewor stthingthatcanhappen
toamani stodat eawomanwhodoesn' tli
ke
stepchi
ldr
enhoogoney ou'
redoomedsoonor
l
ateryou'
ll
abandonyourchildr
en,i
t'
sbesto
tl
halamosadiwatengearl
ierorassoonasshe
star
tsshowingsi
gnsofhatingyourkids.
Me:Bakangisnotthatki
ndofaman,heisthe
t
ypethatchoosesawomanov erhi
schi
ldren,
t
hat'
swhyi hatehi
m.
Tumel o: Buthiskidswil
llookforhim andwhen
theyfi
ndouthewant edtocor r
ecthimselfbut
youkepthi m awaybecausey ouwer ebitt
erthey
mightr esenty ou.Lethi
m selfdestructwi
thout
yourhel p.Ifhedoesn'tsupportthem aft
erthis
you'
llhav eacl eanconscience.Let'
sjustmeet
him andseewhathehast ooffer.
Me:
(si
ghed)Fi
ne.
..Wewi
l
lmeethi
m
t
omorr
ow..
..

AtMaunI
nter
nat
ional
Air
por
t.
..
Thenextmorni
ngBakangansweredhi
sphone
astheywal
kedoutoftheai
rpor
t.
..
.

Bakang:
Hel
l
o?
Temo:(
pressi
ngt
hecomput
er)BKwee?Oi
tse
l
ait
eekemang?
Bakang:
Mang?
Temo:Tumeloisthegoldenboy,mathakaba
moneylaunder
ing,remembertheywereworki
ng
wit
hthatsecur
itycompany,t
hisguyKennedyke
enewathatsecuri
tycompany.
Bakang:
Iremembercasey
abone
Temo: Wewer etalki
ngaboutt heseguy s
malobaledetectiveMolfbecausei personall
y
bel
ievetheseguy sdi
dn'tjustbreakintogetthe
money ,
thatrobberywasj usttothrowusof fthe
i
nvesti
gation,nnakedumel agor etheymust
havehackedt hesystem becausethemoney
wast akenandt heywentt opr i
sonbutkeba
theyar est i
l
l dri
vingfancycar sandf l
ashi
ng
money .Iwantt hisguybehi ndbar sonyatsa
molao.West ruggletofindmoneybonet hey
takeitwi thoutwor ki
ngf orit.
..
ther eisnowayhe
canst i
llaffordtosuppor tNaledi.Wehav ebeen
tai
li
ngKennedyf ormonthsnow. ..Wear e
waiti
ngf ortherighttimet osurpr isehi
m.These
guyst hinklowofourdepar tment ,baiponahel
a
baleunt ouchabl ebecauset heyuset echnol
ogy.
Bakang:
Trueforanex-
conv
icthehaswayt
oo
muchmoney .
Temo:
ButI
'
llneedy
ourhel
ptogethi
m
Bakang:Whatdoyouwant
?I'
m meet
ingt
hen
todayi
ntheaft
ernoon.
Temo: Actst
upidandbefri
endhim,sot hatwe
canknowexact l
ywherehestays,hi
sof fi
ceand
thei
rcomputers.I
ficanaccessthatI
'll
catch
him,iknowat hecomputerandhowt heseguys
hackthesy
stem,
ijustneedt
ocat
chhi
m of
f
guard.
..
Bakang:
Nopr
obl
em,
I'
ll
dot
hat
..
..
Temo:Alr
ight
,letmet
alkt
oMol
fandgetback
toyou.
Bakang:
Sur
e..
..

Att
her
oadbl
ock.
..
..

LateronKennedysloweddownashe
approachedaroadblock,hereachedi
nthe
backandswi t
chedoffhislapt
opsandhidthem
undertheseat,heshovedthescanner
sunder
hi
sseat sandpull
edtheseatbelt.
..

Thecarsmov edthenandhedr
oveover
,the
off
icerr
aisedhi
shandandwalkedov
er.
..
Of
fi
cer
:Mor
ena!
Ken:
(smi
l
ed)Of
fi
cer
..
.
Of
fi
cer
:Pul
lont
hesi
deoft
her
oad.
..
.

Hepul
ledoverandt
heof
fi
cerwav
edathi
s
col
l
eagues.
..
.

Off
icer
:I'
m goi
ngt ohav
etoasky
out
ost
epout
oft
hethev ehi
cle.
..
.
Ken:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Of
fi
cer
:Mor
enaor
etsheker
ephapha.
..

Hetookofftheseatbel
tandst
epped
out
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Co-
wif
e
#63

Att
her
oadbl
ock.
..
.

Kenwaitedbytheroadandwat chedasthe
off
icer
ssearchedhiscarthenhetookouthis
phoneandtextedhisfr
iend.
..

Atmymot
her
'shouse.
..
.

Tumelodrovethroughthegat eandparkedthe
car
,ist
eppedoutandcar r
iedMasego, Tumelo
car
ri
edAt si
l
ewhi leApri
lstruggl
edwithAme. .
.
Mymot herstoodupfrom herchairandput
asi
deforTumel othenshesatonherr ag..
.

Tumel
osquat
tedandgr
eet
edher
..
.
Tumel
o:Dumel
ang.
..
Her
:Dumel
angwanakawaat
soga?
Tumel
o:Emma
Her
:Hav
easeat
..
.

Hestoodupandsatonthechairput
tingAt
sil
e
onherlap,
ihandedMasegoovertomymot her
andwalkedint
hehousetogetchair
s...

Mama:
Hel
l
oApr
il
,howar
eyou?
Apri
l
:(satont
her
agandt
ookof
fhershoes)I
'
m
fi
ne.
..
Mama:
(lookedathi
m)Waat
sogaPapa?
Tumel
o:Emma.
..Lonal
eat
soga?
Mama:Yes.
..Exceptmybackisachi
ng..
.IfI
'
m
si
tt
ingl
i
kethisatnightI
'
llhav
eaproblem.
Tumel
o:May beyouar
eover
worki
ngyour
sel
for
youl
ethourspasswhi
ley
ou'r
esit
ti
ngint
he
sameposit
ion.
Mama:Mycust
omershavei
ncr
eased,they
makeor
der
sandexpectmetofi
nishquickl
y.
Tumel o:(l
aughed)Iunder standbuty ouneed
yourrest,toperform eff
icient
lyand
professional
l
yy ouneedt orestsot haty
oucan
producet hebestwor k.Youmi ghtwanttoadda
dayt otheexpect edfi
nishdat ejustforr
est
ing.
Mama:
Iwi
l
ltr
ythat
..
.Howar
eyourpar
ent
s?
Tumel
o:Mymot
heri
sdoi
ngwel
l
...
Mama:Ihear
dyou'
reaSibanda,
KeSi
bandasa
Zi
mbabwekanasaSataf
rika?
Tumel
o:(
laughed)KeSi
bandasaBot
swana
Mama:( l
aughed)Don'
tbeembar r
assed,
Set
ebelei
sactuall
yoneofthesweetest
l
anguagesinAfri
ca,Ev
enwheny oudon'tknow
whatt heper sonissay i
ngyoujustcan'tst op
l
istening,womenl ovethataccent.
..Evenback
i
nourday sNdebel emenuset ochar m uswi t
h
theirdeepv oicesandaccent s,
theybuiltus
houseswhent heycamewi ththeconst ructi
on
compani est hatbuil
troadsandgov er
nment
fl
ats..
.(theybot hlaughed)Don'tbe
embar rassed...
Tumel
o:(
laughedembar
rassed)HahahaIwon'
t
beembar
rassed.
..
Mama:
Waat
sogamosadi
mogol
o?
Tumelo:
Yes,
Shehasul
cer
sbutshei
staki
ng
tr
eat
ment.
Mama:
I'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hat
..
.
Tumelo:
Shehasbeenfi
ghti
ngt
hem f
ory
ear
s
buti
beli
eveshewi
llr
ecover
.
Mama:
InJesusnameshewi
l
l.
.
Tumel
o:Amen
Mama:
Sowher
edoy
ouwor
k?
Tumel
o:(
thought
ful
l
y)I
'
minbet
weenj
obs
Mama:
Sohowar
eyout
wopay
ingr
ent
?
Tumel
o:Ihadsav
edmoney
Mama: Onepast orwaspr eachinginchurchlast
Sunday ,hesaidcommi tti
ngacr i
mei sli
kea
drug,justonesteal i
senought ogety ou
addicted.Somucht hatev enwheny oucan
makeanhonestl i
vi
ngy ouoptf orcri
me, i
t'
sli
ke
ademont hatwant stohaunty oubecausey ou
can'tbef r
eeknowi ngy ou'rebreakingthelaw..
.
You'll
alway sbewat chingov ery ourbackand
that'
snothappi ness,wheny ouhearaknockon
yourdoory ourhear tskips.

Iwalkedov erwi t
hchairsandsatdownasmy
mot hercontinuedtalki
ng.
..Tumel
oswallowed
thoughtful
lyandr ubbedhishandstoget
her
l
ooki ngont heground..
.
Mama: Gasebot shelobongwanakagot shel a
kal et
shogo, peaceist heonl ywayy ou'
llenjoy
l
ife.Nowaday siwatchy oungpeopl ewhot hink
theyar einl ovebutdoev ery
thingt heycant o
dest r
oyt hat.Ifoneofy ougoest oj ailt
heot her
mi ghtmov eonorcheat , thi
swi llbreaky out wo.
Yourchi ldrenwi l
lsuffer,childrengetabduct ed
andr aped...Howwoul dy ouf eelknowi ngt hat
yourdaught erwasr apedbyy ournei ghbour
whi l
ey ouwer einpri
sonf oracr i
mey ou
i
nt enti
onallycommi t
ted?( het houghtabouti t)
Howwoul dy oufeel?

Hel ookedathi sdaughterassheplayedwit

h
thechi l
dren,justthet
houghtonitsownwas
heartbreaking,hedidn'
twanttoimaginea
grownmanont opofhisdaught
erasshecried
helplessl
y ,
hesi ghedandrubbedhisfor
ehead.
..
.
Mama:
Tumel
o?
Tumel
o:Maa?
Mama:
Howwoul
dyouf
eel
?
Tumel
o:(si
ghedandswall
owedapai
nful
lump)
I
'dbedi
sappoint
edi
nmy sel
f
Mama: That'
swhatmi ghthappen, gakei tse
goregotil
eengmogonnagor ekegor eejaana
butmaybeGodi susingmeson.You' refar
muchbet t
erthant
his,you'r
ey oung...Young
enoughtofaili
nbusinessesandkeept r
ying
unti
lyougetonebreakthrough.Not hingcomes
easy.
..I
fit
'seasyyou'l
lpayforitsomehow. ..
Tumel
o:Emmekeaut
wa
Mama: Eeut wangwanaka,Astheysay
inggoes
moremogol ogobetwawat aolawamot howaa
i
peta,
ev ery
onecankeept r
yingtoshowy out
he
waybuti fy
oudon'twanttochangenothingwi
ll
changey
ou.
Tumelo:
(rubbi
nghishandst
oget
herl
ooki
ng
down)Keautwa..
.
Mama: Iheary ourmot hergoest ochur ch
regularly ,icani magi neherev eningpr ay ers
beingj ustabouty ouf i
ndi
ngy ourway .I'
m sur e
peoplear egossi pi
ngaboutheri nchur ch, it
's
hardt obeapar entt oacr i
minalit'sev enhar der
toacceptt haty ourdaught erchoset odat ea
cri
mi nal butthat '
snotwhati seei ny ou.Thi sis
thefirstt imeI '
m seei ngyoubuti canal ready
tel
lyou' reanobedi entchi l
d,i
don' tseev iolence
orapr i
soneri ny ou, changeyourl if
e.( l
ookedat
me)Nal edi t
saamot hoy owagagol ey e
kerekeng, pr
ayandt rustGodt ohelpy out wo
fi
ndawayt ogetmoneyi nthemosthonestway
possibl e.Keaut wal a?
Me:
Emma.
..
Mama:
Keabonagor
elear
atanabongwanaka,
Nomanwi l
l suppor tthreechi ldrenthatar en't
his...Bannabar onabaseaf rikababat shaba
goseny egelwamogomaswe, haneol ey o
mongwenkabeer il
eNal edi agokopaP200wa
ti
ny amashi wasi abuty oust ay edand
suppor tedher .LewenaNal edi younev erj udged
thismanusi nghi spast ,manywomenwoul d
hav ejudgedhi mj ustbecausehecomesf rom
pr i
soni bil
eel eSi bandawi thanaccentj aana
(weal l
laughed)Youbot hlov eeachot her, you
j
ustneedt oputy ouract stoget herandst ar t
findingway st omakecl eanmoneyorel seApr i
l
wi l
lbehel pingAt siletoj umpi npeople's
wi ndowst ost eal koor esetsebogoduboba
tseny e..
.(weal ll
aughed)Lesekal atshega,
banababat aal eut swelaabol eut wabot hoko
j
wal egodu, onedayy ourwal letwilldisappear
kant eAt si
let ookt hemoneyt obuyf oodat
school ..
Tumel
o:(
laughed)mmehaaut
swel
annat
abe
gosatshwanel
ehaat
hagel
amomant
unga
batho.
Mama:Aka!Aker
etabeel
ewenaomo
t
hagi
sangkafest
eregor
eatseedi
phonemo
mant
ung
Tumel
o:(
laughed)Aony
aa
Me:(l
aughed)Amosomabet
weent
hebar
glar
bar
s
Tumel
o:(
laughed)Babel
ewenawaar
ial
o?Go
si
ame.
..
Mama:(laughed)I
'mj
ustki
ddi
ng,
iknowy
ou'
re
bet
tert
hant hat
..
.
Me:
I'
mleavi
ngt
hekidsher
e,wear
etaki
ngApr
il
t
ohergr
andmot
her
's
Mama: Ohnopr obl
em,t
heycanevenspenda
night
,it
'sbeenawhil
esi
nceIhavebeenwit
h
them
Tumel
o:(
stoodupandl
eanedov
ershaki
ngher
hand)Thankyousomuchfory
ourwisewords,
i
defi
nit
elyhav
ealott
othi
nkaboutt
onight
..
.
Mama:You'
rewel
come,ihav
easony
ouragei
t
wast
alki
ngtoAbal
eng.
Tumel
o:Thanky
ou
Me:
Apr
ilputt
hebabydown,
it'
sti
met
ogo.
..
.
Apri
l:(
smiledshy
ly)If
eel
li
kest
eal
i
ngoneof
thebabies
Mama:
Whatdi
disayaboutst
eal
i
ng?
Tumelo:(
laughed)Let
'sgobaby,
wewi
l
lget
them t
omorrow..
.Noneedtosteal
Me:
(laughed)I
yaa.
..Ar
eyeApr
il
..
.

Minutesl
aterweallgoti
nthecaranddr
oveout
asTumelor eadhi
smessagesandf r
owned
worry
ingl
y.
...
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Tumelo:
Nothing.
..(
puthi
sphonedown)Il
ove
yourmother
,sheissweet
Me:(l
aughed)Gatwestopsteal
i
ng,it
's
cont
agiousyou'
l
lgiv
eittothekids
Tumelo:(laughed)Il oveyourmom, (l
ookedat
meandhel dmyhand)Shei srightaboutlovi
ng
measapr isoner
, ihadgi v
enupaboutl ovebut
youmademebel ieveagain..
.iev enwanttoturn
myl i
fearound,yourmot herisright.Nothav
ing
thatl
it
tl
ev oiceatt hebackofy ourheadmust
bereall
ygr eat
.Ilov eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
..
Tumel
o:I
'm goi
ngtotur
nmyl i
fear
oundand
makeanhonestli
vi
ngbutj
ustknowthat
somet
imesbeinggooddoesn'
tpay
,wil
lyoust
il
l
l
ovemeifihadnothi
ng?
Me:
Ofcoursei
woul
dlov
eyou,
I'
m notwi
thy
ou
f
ormoney
..
.
Tumel
o:WhenIgotouticonsi
deredli
vi
nga
cl
eanl
if
ebuttheniwonderedi
ftherei
sa
womanwhocandateabr okemen.
Me:Justst
opshadydeal
ssot
hatwecanbui
l
d
ourf
amilyi
npeace.
..
.

Heglancedatt
hebackasApr i
lwasplay
ing
withhi
sphonethenheleanedover,
imethi
m
half
wayandweki ssedasheranthr
oughared
l
ight.
..
..
..

Att
hebusr
ank.
..
.

Dudupul l
edoverandst eppedoutwithPrincess,
theyapproachedthebusasi tpul
ledover.Tuelo
steppedoutwithabl ackbagandsmi l
edat
Dudu, t
heybothspreadt hei
rarmsandhugged
thenhel i
ft
edPrincess,shetookhisbagand
f
oll
owedhi
mtot
hecar
..
.

Tuel
o:Hey
..
.
Dudu:Heyy
ougai
nedsomuchwei
ght
,youl
ook
good.
..
Tuel
o:ThanksandPri
ncessissogrown,
it'
s
beenawhilesi
nceihaveseenher
..

Theygotinthecart
henTuel
orev
ersedt
hecar
anddroveout.
..
.

Tuel
o:Mymothersaysshewoul
dli
ket
oseeme
butI
'
m exhaust
ed,I'
l
lgotomorr
ow.
Dudu:Canpassbyherhousei
fyouwant
,idon'
t
mind.
Tuel
o:I
'
llgot
her
elat
er.
..Sohowi
sBakang?Di
d
yout
alktohi
m?
Dudu:No,
erdon'
ttal
kthatmuchweonl
ytal
k
aboutt
hechi
ldr
enonly.
Tuel
o:Al
ri
ght
..
.(anawkwar
dmomentpassed)
howhaveyoubeen?
Dudu:
I'
m gl
ady
ou'
reout
Tuel
o:I
'
m notgoi
ngbackt
her
e..
.

Hetookouthi
sphoneandt
ri
edt
ocal
lTumel
o
buthedi
dn'
tanswer
..
.

Dudu:
whati
sit
?
Tuel
o:i
wastryi
ngthi
sguysphoneandheisn'
t
pi
cki
ng,l
egal
egongweotaacall
erback.

Minut
eslat
ertheyarr
ivedhomeandwal kedi
n
t
hehouse,TueloputPrincessdownadhugged
Duduthenhekissedherwhi l
ethei
rdaughter
wat
chedTV.
.
..

AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..

Lat
eronwearri
vedhomeandf
oundhi
smot
her
get
ti
ngreadyf
orchur
ch.
..
.

Her
:Apri
l,
hur
ry.
..Goandchange,
wear
egoi
ng
t
ochurch!

April
wenttoherroom asisatdown,
she
walkedoverf
ixi
ngherskir
tandshookmyhand,
ist
oodupandwehugged. ..

Her
:Hel
l
omygi
rl
Me:
Hel
l
o
Her
:Legor
ogannaket
swabat
ho,
chur
ch.
..
Me:
Iunder
stand.
..
Her
:Pl
easev
isi
ttomorr
owwheni
hav
eti
meso
t
hatwecant
alkmore
Me:
I'
ll
def
ini
tel
ydot
hat
..
Her:
Ormay
bewecanal
lgot
oget
her
,it
'sj
usta
l
it
tl
e-
Tumelo:(
checkedhiswat
ch)No,wear
e
meeti
ngsomeonei nafewminut
es,maybenext
Sunday
Her:
Thi
sonei
saf
rai
dofchur
ch,
ipi
tyy
oumy
gi
rl
.
Tumel
o:AoSmabatho,you'
resupposedt
ohel
p
meaddpoint
sbuty
ou'r
esubt r
acti
ngmarks
Her
:(l
aughed)Sor
ryr
ra.
..(
louder
)Apr
il
??

Sher
anouti
nherski
rtt
henweal
lst
eppedout
,
shegoti
nherVi
tsanddr
oveoutwav
ingatus.
..

Tumelo:(checkedhist
ime)Bakangi
swai
ti
ng
forus.
..Let'
sgo..
..
Me:Evenifhecanwai
t2hour
shei
sfi
ne,
o
l
athabanaakere.
.

Wegoti
nthecaranddr
oveout
..
..
..

AtSedi
ehot
el.
..
.

Welaterwalkedpassedbet weenthetables
makingourwayt othetablewhereBakangwas
si
tti
ngwithTemoandhi scoll
eaguehaving
dr
inkswatchingSupersport.
..

Tumel
o:(
whi
sper
ed)Iknowt
heot
herguy
Me:
(whi
sper
ed)Whoi
she?
Tumel
o:Hei
swi
thCI
D,hei
sadet
ect
ive.
Me:
Shoul
dwegoback?
Tumel
o:I
t'
stool
ate.
..Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeany
oul
oveme?
Tumel
o:Il
oveyounomatterwhathappens.
..
.
Becal
m,I'
m sur
eit
'snot
hingser
ious.

Bakangstoodupandshookhandswi
thTumel
o
ashisfr
iendsr
emainedseat
ed.
..
.

Bakang:
Ait
a
Tumel
o:Yah
Me:
Hel
l
o
Al
l
:Hi
Temoandhi sf r
iendst oodupandoccupi ed
anothertabl
ejustaf ewt ablesusaswesat
down...
.Tumelocar efull
yobservedt hem aswe
exchangedgreetings..
..Twospeci alconstables
walkedinandwhi speredt oTemot henhest ood
upandwal kedov ertous. .
..
……….(9t)

Iam sti
l
ltr
yingtofindtheri
ghtt
imefort
he
i
nserts,
bepatientastheycomerandomly
.
Alwaysremembert oLike,
muchlove
Co-
wif
e
#64

Att
hehot
el.
..

Temo:
BKcanwet
alk?
Bakang:
(st
ood)Sur
e..
.(t
ous)Excuseme.
..
Theybot
hwalkedaway
,awai
tr
esst
ookour
order
sandl
eft.
..

Tumel
o:Babewhatdoest
hisguydo?
Me:
Temo?Ekar
ekel
eCI
D
Tumel
o:Howcl
osei
shet
oBakang?
Me:
They
'r
ebestf
ri
ends
Tumelo:
Al r
ight.
..(
laughedandshookhi shead)
Yourmom wasr i
ght,ican'
tstopl
ookingover
myshoulder,idon'
ttrustpoli
ceoff
icersar
ound
meandi feelli
keI'
m beingfoll
owed.
Me:Ist
her
esomet
hingy
oudi
dwr
ongsi
ncey
ou
gotout
?
Tumelo:
(si
ghed)Yeah,
I'
llshowy
ouwhenwe
gett
omyof f
icefr
om here
Me:
Okay
..
.
Temoleftwit
hhisfr
iendasBakangwalked
backandsatdownlookingatme,hestar
edat
mycleavageandIpull
edupmyv est
..
.

Bakang:
Thanksf
ormeet
ingme.
..
Tumel
o:(
looki
ngathi
m)Sur
e

Ikeptqui
etandst
aredathi
m,iknewhewasup
tosomethi
ngbuticoul
dn'
tputmyfi
ngeroni
t.
.

Bakang:I
'
m gladweallmettodi
scussthi
s,f
ir
st
I
'dli
ketothankyouforbr
ushi
ngoffwhatmy
fat
herdi
d,Ihadnothi
ngtodowithit
.
Me:
(toTumi
)Whati
shet
alki
ngabout
?
Tumel
o:Wewill
tal
kabouti
taft
er,(
tohim)Can
yougost
rai
ghtt
othepoi
nt?You'
reall
overthe
pl
ace.
..
Bakang: Iwantthechildr
entov i
sitme,theyare
gettingol dandi wantthem t
oknowmeast heir
father,ihavenopr oblem wit
hhim beingthere,
theset hingshappen...Chi
ldr
enhav estep
fathersbuti tdoesn'
tmeant heycan'tknowtheir
biologicalfather
s.Iknowi wrongedy oubutit
doesn'thav et oaff
ectthechil
dren.
Me:
You'
l
lseet
hem onweekends.
..
Tumelo:
Butiwantt
hingstobecl ear
,idon'
t
wantasit
uati
onwher
ey oujustshowupat
ni
ght,
wewi l
lhav
eapr obl
em ifyoudothat.
..
Bakang: Shewi l
lmeetmeatt hemall
,that'
s
whereI'l
l col
lectthechil
drenanditwi
llalways
beduringt heday .Icanevensendmysi stert
o
col
lectthechi l
dren..
Me:
Resegowi
l
lcol
l
ectt
hem.
Bakang:Howmuchdoy
ouneedf
orchi
l
d
support
?
Me:
2.7Kpermont
h,900f
oreachchi
l
d..
.
Bakang:
Icanonl
yaf
for
d2Ksof
ar,
ihav
eloans
anddebts.
Me:
Okay
..
.
Bakang:(
stari
ngatTumelo)Anotherthingi
wanttopointouttoy
ou..
.Iam awar ethaty
ou
haveacriminalr
ecor
dbutasaf atherihavethe
ri
ghttoaskifyouhavebeenrehabil
it
atedor
not.
..
Tumelo:
(star
ingathi
m)Idi
dmyt i
me,i
thas
not
hingtodowithmyfut
ureort
hesechi
ldr
en.
Bakang:Idon'
twantmychi ldr
entobeexposed
tocertai
nacti
vit
iesorcer t
ainpeopl
e,ihave
connecti
onsandi fitcomest omyattenti
onthat
youaresomehowi nvolvedinshadydeal
sI'l
lbe
thefir
sttocal
lthepol i
ceony ou,t
hat'
sifyou'
re
breaki
ngt hel
aw...
Tumel
o:(
star
ingathi
m)Ar
eyout
hreat
eni
ngme?
Bakang:(
stoodstar
ingathi
m)Iam mot
ivat
ing
you.
..
.(t
ome)I '
l
lcally
ou..
.

Hewal
kedpastt
hewai
tr
essassheser
vedus
t
hedri
nks.
..
.

Me:
Thanks
Wai
tr
ess:
You'
rewel
come,
any
thi
ngel
se?
Me:
No,
thanks

Tumelotookadeepbr
eat
handsi
ppedhi
s
dri
nk.
..
.

Tumelo:
Ithi
nki
mighthav
eunder
est
imat
ed
thi
sguy.
..
Me:Nowy oubel
i
eveme?Hedoesn'
tdeser
vet
o
benextt
omychildr
en,
obuwamakgakgahe
won'
tseemychildren..
.Somepeopl
ear
e
mani
pulat
ive,
you'r
et ootr
ust
ing.
.
Tumel o: (t
hought f
ully)Andhi sfri
endisa
detectivewhoi sfri
endswi thoneoft he
detectiveswhoar restedmey earsago.He
probablyaskedt hem t okeepaney eonme. ..
Kensay shespenthour satthepolicestati
on,
thepol i
cewant edpr oofthathewascar ryi
nghis
ownl apt opsandt hatt heywer enotstolen,he
sayshewasonhi swayhomet ocoll
ectthe
recei
pt sbutt hosear ev er
yoldl apt
ops,ifhe
doesn'thav epaperst heymighthol dont othem
andi thinkt heyjustwantt otakeal ookat
what'sinsi de.
Me:Cantheyl
inkany
thi
nghappeni
ngi
nhi
s
comput
ertoyou?
Tumelo:Idon'tt
hinksounl
esstheygetmyown
computer.(st
oodup)Let'
sgo,i
hav esomet
hing
toshowy ou..
..
Wepai
dandwal
kedout
..
..
.

AtMP'
shouse.
..
.

Wendyt ookoutherdaughter
'sr
ibbonsfrom her
handbagandputt hem onhermother'
slapas
sheheldMelanie.
..

Her:You'
renowt
yingmedown,
youknowi
hav
e
ajob.
Wendy :
You'l
l getanannymama, I'
l
lpaythe
nanny.I
'mjustt r
yingt
osav emymar r
iage.
..
.
Lucasdoesn'twantany t
hingtodowithme,i
havetomaket hi
ngsworkwi t
hBakang.
Her:
Thi
ngswon'
twor
k,menar enothi
ngli
ke
women.Awomancanacceptanotherwoman'
s
chi
l
dbutamancan'
tacceptanot
herman's
chi
l
dinhi
shouseunlesshefoundy ouwi
tht
hat
chi
l
d,i
fheorshecameafter
,forgetit
!
Wendy:Bakangl
i
stenst
omeandhe
under
standsme.
..Hewi
llunder
stand.
..(
stood)I
havet
ogo. .
..

Melani
ebrokeint
oaf i
tofcryasWendywal ked
outwit
houtlooki
ngback,shedi
aledhisnumber
asshegotinthecaranddroveout.
..
.

Bakang:
Hel
l
o?
Wendy:(smil
ed)Heybabe,I'
m pl
anningto
prepar
ey ouaMex i
canplat
teril
eanedfr
om a
fr
iendatschool
..
.You'
ll
enjoyit
.
Bakang:(
clear
edhi
st hr
oat
)Aboutthat
..
.It
hink
ist
il
lneedtimetot
hinkaboutt
his.
Wendy
:(st
oppedsmi
l
ing)Thi
nkaboutwhat
?
Bakang:
Aboutt
his,
ther
ear
emenwhoar
egood
atbei
ngst
epf
ather
s,I
'
m notoneoft
hem.
Wendy:Thathasbeentakencareof,il
efther
wit
hmymot her
,shewil
lbestayi
ngwi t
hmy
motherunt
ilsheisanadult
,shewon'tcometo
ourhouse.
..Wecanmaket hiswork.
Bakang:
Idon'
tknow.
..Ineedt
ime,
giv
emet
ime.
Wendy
:Ti
mef
orwhatbabe?
Bakang:(angr
ily
)Justgivemet hedamnt i
me!I
di
dn'tranoffyoudid!Ididn'
tdest
roythi
s
marri
agey oudid..
.Youdon'tgett
osnapf i
nger
s
sothingscanwor kony ourfav
ourli
keyouhave
afai
ryGodmot herwithamagi cwand...
Wendy :I
'
m sorr
yifI
'
m puttingyouunder
pressur
e,ij
ustl
oveyoual ot.Takeyourti
me
andpleasedon'
tcheatonme, I
'
m sti
lly
ourwi
fe,
you'r
esti
llmi
neandi cansueany onewho
touchesyou.
Bakang:
Bye
Hehungup,shet
hrewherphoneont
heseat
andl
eanedbackdri
vi
ng.
..
.

AtTumel
o'
sof
fi
ce.
..
..

Lateronwewal kedinhi
soffi
ceandhel eaned
overswitchinghiscomputeron,isatonthe
chairandslowlyspanaroundlookingathis
empt yoffi
ce..
.

Me:
Youneedpi
ctur
efr
amesi
nthi
sof
fi
ce,
it'
s
t
ooplane.
..
Tumel
o:(l
eanedagai
nstt
hedeskandfol
dedhis
armsl
ooki
ngatme)Iwon'tbehav
inganoff
ice.
..
Me:
whatdoy
oumean?
Tumel
o:I
'
m shut
ti
ngt
hebusi
nessi
wasgoi
ng
t
odo.
..Iwantt
ost
artcl
eanandst
opst
eal
i
ng.
..

Thecomputerswit
chedonthenheopeneda
fewtabsandpull
edmychaircloser
,hest
ood
behi
ndmeandl eanedovercl
i
ckingonthe
mouse..
..

Tumel
o:Iwantyoutotakealookatt
hisandt
ell
meify
ouunderstandwhat'
shappeni
ng..
.

Iqui
etl
yreadandcl
i
ckedonot
herpanel
stoo.
..

Me:Itl
ooksl
i
keFNBsy
stem orcl
i
ent
sli
st,
I'
m
notsur
e..
.
Tumelo:Wehackedt hesystem andgotcl
ient
'
s
det
ail
s,wemadei denti
calcardsandcashedout
money..
.(cl
icked)Thisisamountofmoneywe
managedt oget..
.
Me:
(swall
owed)Tumel
o..
.(l
ookedathi
m)Thi
s
i
salotofmoney,
whati
fyougetcaught
?
Tumel o:I
twi llbedi ffi
cul
tf orthebankt o
i
nv estigatet hi
sbecauseont heirrecordsit
showst heirclientscashedoutmoneyont hose
ATM machi nes,onl ythecl i
entknowsheorshe
didn'tcashoutt hemoney ,wecashoutbet ween
300and2K, someoft hem don' tnot i
ce
someonecashedoutf r
om t heiraccounts
becauset heyar er i
ch, weonl ytakef rom people
withbi gsalar i
es.Af ewrepor tedsuspi ci
ous
withdr awalsbuti doubtt herewi ll
beany
solutionbecauser eall
yther eisnopr ooft hat
thecl i
entdi dn'tcashout , weuset heexactcopy
ofthei rcards.
Me:Butt
hisi
stoomuch,soy
oucashoutand
t
henwhat?Youputi
tint
hebag?
Tumelo:
Iworkedint hebankforyears
remember,wecreatedghostaccounts,NGOs
andchar
ityor
ganisationst
hatarerecei
ving
t
hese"
donat
ions"
Me:Itstoocompli
catedforme, nev
ermind.
..
(t
houghtful
ly
)wait.
..I
frecor
dsshowwhi chATM
machinethemoneywascashedoutf rom
doesn'tt
hatmeanthebankcangett he
surv
eill
ancefoot
ageforthatexactti
me?Every
ATM machinehascamer as
Tumel o:Mostofthosecamer asarejust
scarecrows..
.Onlyafewoft hem actual
lywork
andev eniftheydo,t
heyaremost lyblur
ry
becauset heyuselowquali
tycamer as,t
heyonly
showaf i
gureandthefaceisn'tr
ecognisabl
e.
Me: Ser
iousl
yy oumademecashoutmoney
usinganotherperson'
sATM car
d,whati
figet
caught?Howsur eareyout
hatnoonewill
recogni
semyf ace
Tumelo:Babe.Iwor
kedforthr
eedif
fer
ent
banks,i
knowwhatI'mtalki
ngabout
Me:
(angr
il
yst
oodup)Sur
vei
l
lancesy
stems
mighthavei
mprov
edwheny ouwer
einjai
l
,
Tumelohowcanyouinv
olv
emei nt
his?I
thoughty
oucar
edforme
Tumelo:(hel
dmyar ms)I '
m sorr
ybutipromi
se
you,t
heywon'trecogniseyouandthebank
neverf
oll
owssuchcompl aint
sbecausethey
assumecl i
ent
sar el
yingaboutsuspici
ous
tr
ansact
ions.Ipromisetheywon't-
Me:(
pushedhishands)Don'
ttouchme.
..I
t
houghtyoucaredaboutme.
Tumelo:Nal
ediyouknowilov
eyou,
thechi
l
dren
neededsomethi
ngtoeat,
whatdi
dyouexpect
met odo?
Me: Behonestwi thmewast heveryleastyou
coulddo, ithoughtthi
smoneyi swhaty ouwent
tojai
lfor ,
iknewwewoul dn'tgetintroubl
ef or
somet hingy oualr
eadygotprosecutedforbut
thi
s,thisisanewcr i
me,youcouldgot ojai
l for
thi
s,Icoul dgotojail!
Tumel o:I'
m sorry,I
'm shutt
ingthisdown, I
'm
goingt oburnthiscomput ersot hatnoonecan
evenr ecoverthedocument s,I'
m sorry,i
twasa
verystupidthingtodobutI 'm changing,t
hat's
whyI '
mt ell
ingyout hisbecausei wanttostop,I
wasn'tgoingt otellyouanyoft hisbecauseit
wasgoi ngt obeawayofl ivi
ngbutwhaty our
mot hersaidgotmet hinki
ng,Iwantt obea
bettermanandt akecar eofthisfamilywith
cleanmoney .I
'm notgoingtodot hi
sanymor e.
..
Me:Ican'
tbel
iev
ey oumademesteal,Iam a
t
hief
,I'
m par
tofthi
s..
.What
everi
tis.
..
Tumel
o:For
giv
eme.
..
Me: (gr
abbedmyphone)I
'
m goi
nghome,
pleasedon'
tcometomyhousetoni
ght
.Ineed
torest.
Tumelo:(
foll
owedmeasi wal
kedout )Don'
tlet
thi
sgetbetweenus,
imadeami stake..
.Can'
t
wegetoveritandmoveon?I'
m burningal
lthis
andt
henI
'
m goi
ngt
ost
artabusi
ness.
..
Me:
IneedsomespaceTumi
..
.
Tumelo:
I'
mr eall
ysorr
y..
.Ify
ougivemeanother
chanceI
'l
lpr
ov etoyouthatI
'm achangedman.

Iqui
etl
ywal
kedoutashefoll
owedmepl eadi
ng,
Irai
sedmyar
m andstoppedthet
axi
.
...

Tumel
o:(
heldmyarm)Pleasedon'
tgo,
let
'sget
i
nsi
deandtal
kkeagokopa..
Me:
Ntogel
aTumel
o..
.
Tumelo:
Whatcani
dot
ost
opy
ouf
rom wal
ki
ng
away?
Me:
Not
hing.By
e

Thetaxi
stopped,igoti
nandcl
osedt
hedoor
thenhedroveoff
..
.
AtBakang'
shouse.
..
.

Hewalkedinandheadedt ot
heki t
chenwhere
hepi
ckedabot t
leofCastl
eandt ooksever
al
si
ps.
..Hesighedandleanedoverputti
nghi
s
el
bowsont hecountert
henhedialedDudu's
number.
..

Dudu:
Hel
l
o?
Bakang:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Dudu:
Whyar
eyouaski
ng?
Bakang:
Iwantt
oseemydaught
er
Dudu:
I'
m homebutshei
soutwi
thTuel
o,t
hey
wentt
obuyfood.
Bakang:(
angr
il
y)Kantekeengleababo
ngwanake?Don'
tyourboyf
ri
endshavesper
ms?
Tuel
ogaat
shol
eel
egor
e?
Dudu:Oathapel
wane?Skat
agel
wamogonna
Bakang.
Bakang:Don'
ttal
ktomeli
kethat,j
ustbecausei
keepaskingt
oseeherdoesn'
tmeani can'
ttake
herormakeyoudowhati want,
Imadey ou..
.
Youwerenothingwhenimetyou.
Dudu: (
laughed)Youmademe?( fr
owned
pointi
ngonherchest )NnaDuduet sang?Kanao
raaNaledi?Nnapapi gakei t
semadi agago,
kenekeabonel amogoNal edi,sheist heone
youshower edwi t
hgi ftsofcars, y
ounev ergav
e
meadi meofy ourmoneyev enfrom the
beginni
ngofourr elationship,younev erloved
mesodon' teventry.Got hreatensomebody
elseesengnna, i
bileTuel okeyooat sena,nna
keagoapeel amyf ami lyr
ragosi ame.
Bakang:
You'
reabi
tch
Dudu:
Oraammagoy
omosesaneokar
ent
swa
yamokger
wa,ennelabohel
oompi
tsal
ebel
ete
gakear
obal
aler
rago.Nxla!
Bakang:(wal
kedoutofthehouse)Ot
oony
ela
Duduetsang,
onthogel
abatsadi
Dudu: Nnaibi
leI'
m nothomelehaokataotaa
shenamahakgor ongol eone,Kant
ekeeng
ekareotandhalel
ay aanaBakang?Koorehao
tagiwaoakany annasetshamekelosagago?
You'renotatt
ract
iveanymorepapi,omonohela,
ot si
didi
hela.
..

Shehungupandhedi
aledhernumberboi
l
ing.
..
.

Voice:Thesubscr
ibery
ouhav
edi
aledi
snot
avail
ableatt
hemoment -

Hesi
ghedandgott
heremai
ningpackinf
ri
dge
t
henhegoti
nthecaranddr
oveout.
..
..
Atmyhouse.
..
.

Laterintheaf t
ernooni steppedoutoft he
houseandhungt hechil
dr en'
slaundryont he
l
ine, t
herewasacarpar kingundert hetreenext
tothef enceandi thadbeenpar ki
ngtheref or
somet i
me.Myconsci encekeptr emindingme
thatistolefrom theATM andt hatIwouldbe
arrestedanytime, i
tcouldhavebeent heDI Sf or
alliknew, i
hadhear dsomuchabouthowt hey
carryouttheirinvesti
gati
ons.

Ipi
ckedt
hebucketanddustedmyphat
aphat
a
onthematasiwalkedi
n..
.

Ist
il
lwonder
edi
fiwast
ooharshonTumibut
par
tofmeconsol
edmeandremindedmethatI
neededtothr
owthattantr
um sothathecan
stopwhathewasdoingimmediately
..
.It
hrew
fourpi
ecesofchi
ckeninthepotandboil
ed
them t
henmyphoner ang.

Ihurri
edtotheli
vingroom andt her ewasa
knockonthedoorj ustbef
or eIcoul dpick,
i
l
ookedatt hescreenandsmi led,itwasTumi .
..I
knewhewascal l
ingtoapologisef orthe
thousandtimes.Iwalkedovert othedoorand
openedthenBakangwal kedi n.
...

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Bakang:
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
ome?
Me: Doingwhat ?Getoutofmyhousebef orei
tel
lTumel o.
..(showedhi mthephone)Heisthe
onecallingandi fit
ell
himyou'r
eharassi
ngme
hewi l
lbeher einlessthanaminute.
..
.
Het
wistedmyarmthenif
rownedandletgoof
t
hephone,i
tfel
lont
hefl
oorthenhel
etgoof
meandgotit
.

Bakang:Gety
ourcl
othes,
wear
egoi
ngt
othe
far
m...
Me:
I'
m notl
eav
ingwi
thy
o-
Bakang:Iwasn'
taski
ngyou!i
beggedyou
enoughNaledi
,youstr
essedmeenough,
lebat
a
gontshamiki
sayaanong.
..
Me:(wal
ki
ngbackwar
ds)Kant
ennakegodi
ri
le
eng?
Bakang:(
grabbedmyarm anddraggedmeto
thebedr
oom)Packy ourt
hingsbuti
fyoudon'
t
wanttoit
sstil
lfi
newit
hme, you'
l
lbetheone
needi
ngthem notme.
Me:
(satont
hebed)I
'
m notgoi
ng.
..
Bakang:Obatagolel
aakere?Wenakanaobat
a
mpama, hankeoreet
sasepeunl
essmothoago
betsa.
Me:
Whatdowantf
rom me?
Bakang:Iwanty outounderstandthati
am t
he
fat
heroft hosechil
drenandifyoudon't
underst
andt henmay beimustmakemyown,
gaodireabor t
ionakere?Wewi l
lseeify
ouwon'
t
doitagain.
Me:I'
m notgoi
ng.
..Youneedt
oleav
ebef
orei
scr
eam
Bakang:(st
andi
ngbef
oreme)Ket
agobet
sa
Naledi
..
..

Iscreamedt henhequicklycover
edmymout h
andpushedmedownont hebed,hegrabbeda
pil
l
owandpr esseditonmyf ace.Iki
ckedand
scratchedhim buthepressedharderandi
couldn'tbr
eathe,t
hemor eistr
uggledthemorei
l
ostenergy,myar msgotweakerandweaker .
..
Myhear i
ngslowlyslippedof fandIknewi was
abouttodieasi couldn'tf
ightbackany more.
..
i
stoppedstr
ugglingthenhequi ckl
ytookthe
pi
llowoffmyf acestill
sitt
ingonmyst omach..
..
Igraspedandcougheduncont rol
l
ablyashe
l
ookedatme. ..
.

Bakang:(
star
ingatme)Nextti
meiwon'tst
op.
..
(gotof
fme)Let'sgo.
..Packy
ourt
hings.

Igrabbedwhat
evericoul
dfi
ndandshov
edi
tin
thebagthenhegrabbedi
tanddr
aggedmeout
.

Heopenedthedoorandpushedmei nside,i
hit
myheadont hecarbeforesi
tt
ingandr ubbed
myheadtearful
l
y,heleanedoverst
aringat
me.
..
.
Bakang:KetaagobolaaNal ediaut
wa?Oneel a
Tumelobongwanake, el
eomangwena?I '
m
gett
inginthecarandI'
m drivi
ngtothefarm,if
youtrytoopenthedoor,I'
l
lsmashy ourhead
you'
llwakeuptomorrow...
..
.Doy ouunderst
and
me?Wankut wagorekareng?
Me:
(swal
l
owed)Yes.
..

Hegoti
nthecaranddr
oveof
f.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
(
9t)
.
Co-
wif
e
#65

AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..

Tumel
owal
kedi
nasApr
ilhandedher
grandmothert
hedrinkandsatdownhol
ding
hersinaplast
iccup..
.

Apr
il
:Hel
l
oDaddy
?
Tumel
o:Heybaby
..
.
Her
:(l
ooki
ngathi
m)Ar
eyouokay
?
Tumelo:
Yes,
ijustneedt
oli
edownf
orami
nut
e,
ihav
eaheadache.

Hepassedtohisdaught
er'sr
oom,grabbedone
ofherduv
etsandspreaditonthef
loorthenhe
gotherpi
l
lowandlaiddown..
.Herecei
veda
message.
..

Babe:I
t'
soverbetweenus,i
thoughtaboutmy
l
ifeandyou'
renotgoodforme,Icandobetter
thandat
ingathi
ef.
Her eadthemessageandswal lowedwit
ha
frownonhi sfor
ehead,heputthephoneunder
hispil
lowandclosedhiseyesforafewmi nut
es
thenhedi al
edherbutshedidn'
tanswer.

Babe:(t
ext)Pleasestopcall
ingme.Shoul
dI
repor
tyouf orharassment?You'
reonprobat
ion,
iwouldn'
twanty ouinjai
l.
Tumelo:(r
epli
ed)Soyou'
redumpi
ngmeov er
thephone?Isthi
saboutt
hefakeATM car
d?
Babe:
It'
sabouty
oubei
ngacr
imi
nal
.
Tumelo: Ist
oppedandal
lthosetr
ansact
ions
wil
lberev er
sedbytomor
row, t
hecomputerwil
l
berunningallni
ght
.Canwemeetandt al
k?I
won'tharassyou.
Babe:I
t'
sover
,inev
erlovedyou.Idon'
twantt
o
tel
lyouwhoil
ovebecauseitwil
lhurty
our
f
eel
i
ngs.
Tumel
o:Whereisal
lthesecomi
ngf
rom?So
youl
oveBakang?
Babe:
Atl
easty
ouknow.
Tumel
o:Soy
ouusedme?
Babe:I
t'
sover
,I'
m notr
espondi
ngt
oyour
messagesanymore.
Tumel
o:I
'
m comi
ngov
er
Babe:I'
m goi
ngt oGaboroneforajobint
erv
iew.
I
'm sorr
ythatIhaven'
ttol
dy outhatIwas
pl
anningtoleave.
Tumel o:Pleasedon'tusethatcard,
I'
m
rever
singt ransact
ions,
itmightseem t
oo
suspicious.
Babe:
Iwon'
tusei
t.
Tumel
o:keetakoowehav
etotalk,
youcan'
t
makedeci
sionswheny
ouareangry
.
Babe:
Ilef
tal
ready
.
Tumel
o:Ar
eyouwi
thBakang?
Babe:
No,
bye.I
'
m swi
tchi
ngof
fmyphone.
Tumelo:Cany oupleaseanswermycall
s?I
won'tshoutatyou,youknowi nev
erdot hatt
o
you.Iunderst
andev er
ythi
ngyousaidbutke
koparekopanekegot hal
oset
segoreker aya
j
anggaker eIstopped.Youhaveever
yrightto
beangrybutplease.
Not
if
icat
ion:
Pendi
ng

Hesighedandfrustr
atedl
yrubbedhi
sface,
his
motherstoodatthedoorholdi
ngaplat
eof
f
ood...
.

Her
:Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Tumel
o:Yes,
I'
mfi
ne.
.
Her
:Soy ou'
rest
il
lthesame,
hidi
ngy
our
f
eel
ings?
Tumel
o:I
t'
snot
hing,
I'
ll
bef
ine.
Her
:Shoul
dibegy
ou?Ar
eyoust
eal
i
ngagai
n?
Tumel
o:(
angr
il
y)UhMama,
uhheh.
..
Her:Jaanongker eng?Gapeker i
leosekawa
nnaont shubel
abi zolohakebuwalewenagake
gir
lf
ri
endy agago...(heimmediat
elygotri
dof
thefrownbetweenhi seyebrows)icansee
somet hi
ngisbotheringyou,pl
easetal
ktome..
.
Tumel
o:(
clenchedhi
sjaws)Nal
edi
brokeup
wit
hme
Her
:Why
?
Tumel
o:IgaveherafakeATM cardtowit
hdraw
money
,shethinksshewil
lgetar
rest
edforit
.
Her
:Doy
oubl
ameher
?
Tumelo:Iknewy ouwer
egoingt
osidewithher
that
'swhyi don'
twantt
otal
kaboutthi
s.
Her:I'
m nott akingsidesbutidon'
tblamethe
poorgi rl
forleavingyou,cl
earlyy
ou'r
enotready
tojointhesoci etyTumelo,gasewenaekareng
otswamot oronkomgmal obahelahaaboo
boelelamol atooneoogape, y
ou'r
eon
probation.(
shakyv oi
ce)Kooregaobonegore
kealwal angwanaka?Tsogaonnekamar ago
kebuwal ewena. ..

Hesatupandputhisar
msonhisl
egslooki
ng
downashismotherwal
kedi
nandsatonhis
daught
er'
sbed.
…

Her
:Tumel
o?
Tumel
o:Maa?
Her:Can'tyouseeI'
m al
readydy i
ng?Whyar e
youembar rassi
ngmel i
ket hi
s?Atchurch
peopletalkaboutme..
.Otherpeople'
schil
dren
takethei
rnamest oradi
of orgoodthi
ngs,bo
Amant l
eMontsholeboMakwal aaremaking
thei
rfamil
iesproudbutwenayoudeci
deto
appearinnewsasacr i
minal
..
.(t
ear
ful
l
y)Why
areyoudoingthist
ome?( r
ubbedhert
ears)Are
youtryi
ngtokil
lme?
Tumel
o:(
swal
l
owed)Pl
easedon'
tcr
y..
..
Her: (
putherhandov erherf aceandl eanedov er
cryi
ng)Idon' tknowwhatt odowi thy ou
anymor e..
.Youj ustbr okemyhear t,
i nev er
thoughty oucoul ddot hisafterspendi ngso
manyy earsinjail.(sniffed)Youj usthadt o
chaseawayt hisgi rlwi thyourbehav i
our , Your
daught erli
kedherandshewasal lshecoul d
tal
kaboutt hewhol eday .Yout ookawayher
mot herandnowy out ookawayt heonl yy oung
womanshecoul dseeasamot herfigur e...Why
doy oukeepdoi ngt hist oy ourdaught er?And
you'rebreakingt hel awl eftandr ight,y ouwi llgo
tojailandshewi llbel eftalonewhenIdi e.Why
doy ouhat ey ourdaught ersomuch?( rubbed
hereyes)Onkami
l
eTumi
,inev
ert
houghty
ou
coul
ddot hi
s..
.
Tumel
o:Iwon'
tdoi
tagai
n.
Her:(stoodup)Idon'tblameher ,andplease
don'tharassher.Keitsegorehaor atawabo
otswagokopamowawamagol egwawago
harasabat ho.
..
.Don'
thar assthepoorgi r
l,gi
ve
hertimet oprocessallt
hese, I
'
m sur eshewill
callyouwhenshewant st oseeyou.

Shewal kedoutasTumel orubbedhisfaceand

sighed.
.…Despacit
orangandher eachedforhis
phone,itwashisfri
end..
.Hesighedandwai t
ed
l
isteni
ngt otheri
ngtone..
.Itwasli
kea
fl
ashback...Hi
sgirl
sdancingtoget
her.
..

Tumel
o:Hel
l
o?
Ken:
Hi,
imanagedt
ogetmyl
apt
op'
s
Tumel
o:Okay
Ken:
Youokay
?
Tumel
o:Nal
edi
dumpedmef
orherbabydaddy
.
Ken:Typi
cal
!Iam notsur
pri
sedatal
l
,di
dn'
tthi
s
guyabuseher?
Tumel
o:Hetreatedherbadl
y,Ican'
tbel
i
eveshe
l
eftmefort
hatlowlif
eshall
owassspoiltbr
at
Ken:
Let'
sfocusonmakingmoney
,I'
m sur
e
you'
l
lfi
ndanotherone.
..
Tumelo:Aboutthat
..
.I'
m qui
ti
ng,
mosadimogoloodisappoint
edandt hat
'
swhy
Naledi
left
,it
hinkI'
l
llosemoreifkeepdoing
thi
s.
Ken:El
egorewenawhynneobabol el
elai
nthe
fi
rstpl
ace?You'
renotsupposedtotel
lwomen
thi
ngsli
kethi
s,monnaonal edi
phir
i
Tumelo:
Itdependsont
heki
ndofwomeny
ou'
re
deal
i
ngwi t
h.
Ken:
Don'
tdot
his,
YouknowI
'
llneedy
ourhel
p.
Tumel
o:Ican'
tdot
hatany
mor
e.
Ken:Ir
espectt
hat,
youservedal
onger
sent
ence,i
tmakessense.
.
Tumel
o:Al
ri
ght
,shapo
Ken:
Sur
eboy

Hehungupandpl
ayedDespacito.
..Apr
ilhear
d
i
tfr
om t
heli
vi
ngroom andwalkedinhummi ng
i
t.
..

Apri
l
:(l
aughed)What
'
sthatl
ady'
snameagai
n?
Theonewhowasdancingwit
hme?
Tumel
o:(
smi
l
ed)Youdon'
tknowhername?
Apri
l
: If
orgoti
t,ical
ledherMamaandshesai
d
shelovesitwhenIcall
herthat
Tumel
o:Yeah,
youcoul
dcal
lhert
hati
guess.
..
Hernamei
sNal
edi
April
:Shedancesnicel
yandsheknowshowto
singDespaci
to,(
laughed)wewer
esingi
ngi
tin
thecar,whenaregoingback?
Tumelo:Um...
.ShewenttoGaboronet
obuy
somethingbutshewil
lbebacknextweek.
(si
ghed)Goandwat chTV,ihav
eaheadachei
wanttosleep
Apr
il
:By
e-by
e

Sher
anoutt
henhel
aiddown.
..
..
..

AtDudu'
shouse.
..
.

Sheserv
edTuelowi
thf
oodandsatnextt
ohi
m
hol
dingher
s..
.
Dudu:
Ker
ogi
l
eBakang,
ket
shogi
l
egor
e
Tuel
o:(
laughed)Whatdi
dyousayt
ohi
m?
Dudu:
(laughed)Hecal
l
edmeabi
tchandi
sai
d
hi
smot herwastheebi
tch
Tuel
o:(l
aughed)Don'tworryabouti t
,I'
llt
alkto
himifhecomesnextt i
mej usthangup, arguing
wit
hamangi veshim mixedsi gnalsnomat t
er
whatyousayony ourconversation,j
usttalki
ng
tohi
m mightgivehimideas.Silenttr
eatmenti s
aman'sworstexperi
ence.It'
scl earr
ejecti
on.
Dudu:
Okay
..
.I'
l
lst
arti
gnor
inghi
m..
.
Tuel
o:I
sPr
incessst
il
lsl
eepi
ng?
Dudu:
Yes,
shesl
eepsear
ly.
..
Tuel
o:(
smi
l
edl
ooki
ngather
)Real
l
y?

Heslowlyputhi
splateonthetableandl
eaned
overki
ssingher
,sheputhersdownandputher
ar
msar oundhim ashegotont opofher
..
.He
tookoutaboxofcondom andt
orei
tthenhe
kissedher
..
.

Dudu:
(smi
l
ed)Soy
ouwentoutt
obuycondoms?
Tuel
o:(
kissedherneck)Iwant
edt
his.
..Iwai
ted
tool
ongforit
..
.Touchit.
..

Sheputherhandi nhisshor t
sandrubbeditas
hekissedherthenher ol
leditonandgotup, he
grabbedherarm andhelpedherstandthenhe
threwacouchcushionont hef l
oor,
hemade
herkneelonitandputherel bowsonthecouch
ashekneltbehindherkissingherneckthenhe
l
ift
edherbuttandslidin.
...
.

Tuel
o:Wow.
.
Dudu:
(sof
tl
y)Mmh.
..
AtMaAbal
eng'
shouse.
..
.

Sheputthechi
ldr
entosleepandwalkedtothe
l
ivi
ngroom f
ixi
ngherdoek,herphonerecei
ved
amessage..
..

Lele:Mamakei leInter
v i
ewatGabor one, they
j
ustcal ledmebar ethei ntervi
ewi stomor row
mor ning,icouldn'tcomet heretosaygoodby e.
Pleasedon' ttel
l Tumel o,hedoesn' twantmet o
wor kandwehadanar gumentbecausei tol
d
himt hati wasn'tgoingt olethim cont rolme.He
saidbadt hingsaboutmychi l
drenandi broke
upwi thhim.I'llcallt
omor row, idon'thav e
air
timeandmyphonehasl owbat tery.Bakang
willcomepi ckt hechi l
drent omorrow, heasked
tospendt i
mewi ththem.

Sher
eadt
hemessagewi
thasmi
l
eanddi
aled
hernumberbutshedi
dn'
tpi
ck.
…

Her:
(typedsmil
i
ng)I'
m sohappyf oryoumy
baby,Godansweredmyprayers.Thatjobi
s
your
s,resear
chandpasstheintervi
ew.

Sheputherphonedownandcheer ful
lywentto
thekitchensi ngi
nggospelt
henshe
remember edshehadn'tbr
oughtenoughmi l
k
forthechildrenandquickl
ycheckedifshesti
ll
hadt hesparekeyshehadgi venherweeks
before,itwast her
e..
.Sheconti
nuedcleani
ng.
..

Byt
her
oad.
..
..
.

Iqui
etl
ystaredathi
m ashetypedonmy
phone.
..Hehadparkedonthemiddl
eof
nowhere,t
herewerethi
ckbushesoneachsi
de
oft
heroadandt
herewasnosi
gnof
dev
elopment
sanywher
ecl
oser
..
.

Me:Iam amothertoy
oungchi
ldr
en,ever
yone
i
sgoingtowonderwherei
am becauseinever
abandonmychil
dren.
..
Bakang:Don'tworryaboutit
,it
'sal
lbeent aken
car
eof f
,tomor r
owI '
m br
ingi
ngourchildren
hereandy ou'
reall
goingtostayinthefarm unti
l
youunderstandwhoy ouareandwhati am.O
nal
emol alanyana.

Heswi t
chedof fmyphoneandputi
tinhis
pocketthenhestart
edtheengi
ne,i
quickl
y
openedt hedoorandranout
,hest
eppedout
andranaf t
erme.

Ir
anal
ongt
hesandyr
oadbutmywei
ghtwas
pul
li
ngmeback, hepul
l
edmyhairfr
om the
backandi
fellonmybackthenhestoodinf
ront
ofmeandslappedme...
.

Bakang:I
fthi
siswhaty ouwantI '
l
lgi
veittoyou
exact
lyt
hewayy ouwant,olekagodir
aeng?
Gakeagokgal
emel akgantel
eobul al
ebatikol
oi
etsamaya?(ikeptqui
etblockingmyface)Ke
buwalewena...
Me:
(swal
l
owedt
ear
ful
l
y)I
'
m sor
ry.
..
..

Hepull
edmeupbymyhai randpushedme
for
ward,Idust
edmy sel
faswewalkedtot
he
caranddroveoff
..
..

Att
hef
arm.
..
.

Lat
ert
hatev
eni
nghedr
ovet
hrought
hel
ast
gateanddrov etothehouse,i
twasdar kand
ther
ewasn' tevenmoonl i
ght
,itwaspitchbl
ack
andallicouldhearwast hecatt
le,
itsounded
morelikeabul lbecausei
twasdeepandscar y
l
ike.
..
.

Bakang: (
brightenedt hel ight s)You' r
egoi ngt o
stayher eunt i
l youbehav e, howl ongy oust ay
heredependsony ourat titudet owardsme.
(changedt hegear s)Tr ustmesear chi
ngt his
farm willbet hel astthingt heydo.You' re
disr
espect ful andf ul
l ofyour self,Thepr oblem
withy ouisy out hinklifeisl ikeawal kint he
park.Peopl emakemi stakes, imadeami stake
butnoy oucoul dn'tfor gi
vemebecausey ou'r
e
soper fectright?What 'sfunnyi si can'tseet hat
perfection,You' r
enotr eallybeaut i
ful,
y ou'r
enot
sexyandy ou'renotev enwor king,youhav e
nothingt oof f
eramanbesi desy ourbody .
You'reapr ost it
uteNal edi, you'renotwor kingor
makingmoneyfr
om anybusi
nessy
etyouli
ve
farmuchbet
tert
hanevenworki
ngpeopl
e.You
areabit
ch!

Iswallowedtear
ful
lyasheparkedt
hecarand
steppedsippi
ngthelastofhi
sbeer
,hethr
ew
thebot t
leawayandopenedmydoor..
.

Bakang:
Let
'sgo,
whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?

Ist
eppedoutfoll
owedhi m asheunl
ockedthe
doorandwalkedinpull
i
ngt hebul
bstri
ng,t
he
weakdeem bulbli
ttheroom...

Bakang:.Dustt
hebedandmakemesomet
hing
toeat.
.
Idustedthebedthenhesatdownstar
ingatme,
Iwentthoughthekit
chenuni
tandfound
cannedbeef.
..

Me:
Ther
eisnobr
ead
Bakang:Don'
tt el
lmewhatwedon'thav
e,cook
what'
sthere.
..Dir
akapelaketshwer
weket al
a..
.
(t
ookoffhist-shi
rtandl
aiddown)Mxm ke
nwetsedibi
rimot al
engwait
se..
.

Iboiledthewat erandthoughtful
lystaredati t,
thethoughtofpour i
nghim wi
thboilingwat er
mademyski ncr awl,I
'dgotojail
andnev ersee
thelightofdayagai nespeci
all
ybecausehe
wasawel lknownper son,hi
sparent swoul d
makesur eirotinjai
landmychi l
drenwoul d
suffertheconsequencesofmyact ions, Icould
i
magi nethem l
ivingunderWendy '
sr oof.I
brushedof fthethoughtandcookedPhal etshe
thenfr
iedthebeefandservedhi m,iwai
tedas
hetast
editasifhewasaboutt ogivememarks
i
naFoodandNut ri
ti
onlesson...Thewayhehad
beentreat
ingmei knewhewoul dthr
owthem
onmyf aceifhewasn'ti
mpr essed..
..

Bakang:
Thanks..
.It
'sdel
i
cious,
it'
sfunnyhow
youusedtoburnfoodandonlystart
edcooking
del
ici
ousfoodwheny ouaredat
ingapr i
soner.

Isatonthechai racr
ossthepoorlyl
itr
oom,it
wasquietandt heroom wascold,icoul
dhear
thewindblowingoutsideastheloose
corr
ugatedir
onmadenoi se.
..

Bakang:
Aren'
tyoueat
ing?
Me:
No
Bakang:
Comel
aynextt
ome.
..
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
..
Bakang:
Don'
tbechi
l
dish.
..

Ir
emai
nedseat edunti
lhefi
nishedeati
ngt
hen
hewal
kedov erandhandedmet heplat
est
ari
ng
i
nmyey es.
..

Iangri
lylookedathim andstoodbythesink
washingit,hewalkedbehindmeandl i
ft
edmy
ski
rtattheback,islappedhishandwit
hwet
handsandhegl aredatme. .
.

Bakang:
Oasi
molol
aakere.
..
?(r
ubbedhiswet
handonmyski
rt
)ontshel
ametsiaatsi
didi
go
serame.
..

Hefol
dedmyskir
tabov
emybackandpull
ed
downmypant
iesasiwashedt
hedi
shes.
..
Therewasasi xsetofsharpkniv
esont hekni
fe
blockandanothersethangi
ngont hedecoli
ne.
Iactual
lyconsi
deredusingthem butmyheart
skippedatthethoughtofbl
ood..
.

Me:Thi
sti
meIfyoutouchmeI'
m goi
ngt
o
r
eporty
ouforr
ape,otaabona.
Bakang:
(squat
tedandpul
l
edmyl
egsapar
t)
Ri
anagoskaenyana.
..

Hepull
edmypanti
esdownt henspr
eadmybut
t
apar
tstar
ingatmypunani
.
...

Bakang:
(gr
asped)Wow.
..
.

Heinsert
edhisfi
ngert
ipi
nme, i
frowned
fl
i
nchingbackandhesqueezedmybut tthenhe
st
oodupl ooki
ngatme,heturnedmyhead
ar
oundandki
ssedme.
..

Bakang:
Imi
ssedy
ou.
..
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
orepor
tyou.
..
Bakang:(sl
owl ybabyki ssedthetipofmynose
andforehead)Whi chmeansi shouldreal
ly
makesur eienjoyt hisandmakei tworthgoing
toj
ailf
orisn'tit
..
.Ihav esomanyt hingsial
way s
wantedtodot oawomanbutt hefearofgetti
ng
dumpedst oppedmesosi nceI'm goi
ngtojaili
mightaswel lgof ullbl
astakere?

Hiswordsgav emet hechil

lsandi knewhe
meantev eryword,ashet urnedmyheadki ssi
ng
myneckmyey esfellonthesamekni f
eblock
againandthet houghtcame. .
.ifi
st abbedhimi
wouldgetthecarkey sandthekeyst othef ar
m
gatesbutifididn'
tstabhim properlyhewoul d
defi
nit
elybrutall
yrapemeandki l
lmewhi ch
meantifIactuallyst
abbedhi mi reallyhadto
givehim abl
ackoutofsomesor thim. .
.My
heartpoundedandmyar mpi t
ssweat edatthe
thoughtasheki ssedmeandpushedmedown
onmykneest henheunzi ppedhi strouser
sand
pull
edouthisdick...
..Hestrokedi tacoupleof
ti
mest henhemov edcloserpointingitatmy
faceandi cl
osedmymout h.
..

Bakang:
(annoyed)Oasi mol
olaaker
e?Kant
e
whydoy ouenj
oyv i
olence?

Tearsroll
eddown, theonlyoptionihadwas
i
mpossi bleformet oexecute.
..Icoul
dn'tki
lla
personorbr ut
ali
seanotherhumanbei ng,
ithen
remember edmymot her'
swor dsabout
submi t
ti
ngwheny oudon'thavecontrolofyour
surroundi
ng.Iopenedmymout handlethim do
ashepl eased.If
ollowedev er
yorderhegav e
me.
..
.

AtNal
edi
'
shouse.
..
.

LateronAbalengparkedi nfr
ontofthehouse,
Reneiandhermot herinlawapproachedthe
house,thedoorwaswi deopenandallthe
windowswer eopen...Thesmellofburnedmeat
wasunmi stakabl
e..

Renei
:It
houghtshel
eftal
ready
Her
:That
'swhatshesai
d..
.

Anei
ghbourwal
kedoutf
anni
ngherf
aceand
gr
eet
edthem..
.

Her
:Dumel
ang
MaAbi
:Hel
l
o?Whathappened?
Her:IthinkSt
arfor
gotherpotonthestove,
waitsesalereut
ulemonkoralekagoitshwara
kgantelaabeker
ekanamot hogongweoi leha
tuckshopongarewagobataanyanse.
..
MaAbi
: shewentt
oGabor
one,
shemusthav
e
f
orgot
ten..
.
Renei
:Nal
ediel
emastshwakgajaananeaka
apaaait
segoreoy
atoropong.

Abalengwalkedinthehouseandl ookedaround,
hemadehiswayt othebedroom ashiswife
fol
l
owedhim.Thebedwasamessandt here
wasawhi t
epi l
l
owont hefl
oorwithalipst
ick
smearonit.
.Hepi ckeditandlookedaround.
..

Abal
eng:
What
'st
his?
Renei
:It
'
spr
obabl
yherl
i
pst
ick,
shesomet
imes
sl
eepswi
thmakeup.
.
Abal
eng: (lookingar ound)Naledi wouldnever
l
eavethehouseunl ockedandt hishousei sa
mess,toomessy .Naledimalatsiake
set
swer ereny anashewoul dn'tleavethehouse
l
ikethi
s...(loudly
)Nal ediobuilelewena?
MaAbi
:Rr
a?
Abal
eng:
Didshecal
lyou?
MaAbi:Shesentamessage,
shesay
sher
phonehasalowbat
ter
y.
Abaleng:Mmekebonemessagewat eng.
..
(He
l
ookedati tforaminut
eandgav ebackthe
phone)Idon'tthi
nkshewrotet
his,wehaveto
reportt
his.
..Shewastakenbyforce.
Renei
:Doy
out
hinkherexconboy
fri
enddi
dit
?
Abaleng:
(looki
ngatbothofthem)whatexcon?
(t
heykeptquiet)Cansomeonetel
lmewhat '
s
goingon
MaAbi :Idon'
tthi
nkTumelowoulddoth-
(pausedgrasped)OhGod,shesai
dshedumped
him becausehedidn'
twanthert
ogo.
Abal
eng:
Tumel
okemang?
Renei:Hejustgotoutofpri
son, hewasinfor
robber
yandpossessi onofaf i
rearm,somethi
ng
l
ikethat.
..Shehasbeendat i
nghi mformonths,
sheaskedmenott otel
lyou,I
'm sorr
y.
Abaleng:
LewenaMamay
oual
l
owedt
hisj
oke
tohappen?
MaAbi :
Ngwanakagaokakewathalogany
a
seemosamekelemotsadi
,whatchoicedi
di
have?
Abal
eng:Gagoaki
we, mosadi
okabaatau
bot
setsi
,canwepleasegobefor
ehedoes
somethi
ngtoher.
..
.

Theyal
lhur
ri
edout
..
.
AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
.

Thereaknockonthedoorandhismother
openedthedoor
..
..Herhear
tski
ppedasnshe
l
aideyesontheoffi
cer
s..
.

Her
:Hel
l
o?
Off
icer
s:Iam const
abl
eDi
pit
se,
maywesee
TumeloSibanda?

Shewalkedbacki
nandshookTumel
ovs
shoul
der.
..
.

Her:Thepoli
cear
eoutside,Ican'
tbel
ieveyou'
re
doingthi
stomeagain.Neighboursal
ready
knowmyt hugsonisbackfrom pri
son.
Hequi
etl
yputonhist-
shi
rtandwal
kedoutt
o
t
hepol
iceof
ficer
s..
.

Tumel
o:Bor
ra
Off
icer
:Canyouputonyourshoes?Weneedt
o
goandhaveaconversat
ionaboutyour
gi
rl
fri
endNal
edi,
whereisshe?
Tumel
o:Idon'
tknow,
shesai
dshewasgoi
ngt
o
Gabor
one
Of
ficer
2:(l
aughed)Idon'tunder
standwhyt
hey
gi
vetheseguysearl
yreleasewaitse.
.
Of
fi
cer
:Let
'sgo.
..

Heputonhi sshoesasApri
ltearful
l
ywat ched
him wal
ki
ngoutwi t
hthepoli
ce...
.sherubbeda
tearasi
trandownhercheekt henher
grandmothergr
abbedherarm andclosedt he
door
..
..
..
..
..
..
..

.
Co-
wif
e
#66

Att
hepol
i
cest
ati
on.
..
.

Tumelotookouthi
sphoneandpressedi
tfora
fewsecondssecr
etl
ydelet
ingt
heincr
imi
nati
ng
messagesthenhehandeditov
er.
..
.

Tumelo:Ispoketoherhoursagoandthat
's
whatshesaid,ihav
en'tl
eftmymother'
shouse
si
ncethen.Ihavebeensleepi
ngforhour
s
(
((Babe:Pl
easestopcal
li
ngme.Shoul
dIrepor
t
youforhar
assment?You'r
eonprobat
ion,
i
wouldn'
twantyouinjai
l
.
Tumel
o:Whereisal
lthesecomi
ngf
rom?So
youl
oveBakang?
Babe:
Atl
easty
ouknow.
Tumel
o:Soy
ouusedme?
Babe:
It'
sov
er,
I'
m notr
espondi
ngany
mor
e.
Tumel
o:I
'
m comi
ngov
er
Babe:I'
m goi
ngt oGaboroneforajobint
erv
iew.
I
'm sorr
ythatIhaven'
ttol
dy outhatIwas
pl
anningtoleave.
Tumel
o:keetakoowehav
etotalk,
youcan'
t
makedeci
sionswheny
ouareangry
.
Babe:
Ilef
tal
ready
.
Tumel
o:Ar
eyouwi
thBakang?
Babe:
No,
bye.I
'
m swi
tchi
ngof
fmyphone.
Tumelo:Cany oupleaseanswermycall
s?I
won'tshoutatyou,youknowi nev
erdot hatt
o
you.Iunderst
andev er
ythi
ngyousaidbutke
koparekopanekegot hal
oset
segoreker aya
j
anggaker eIstopped.Youhaveever
yrightto
beangrybutplease.
Not
if
icat
ion:
Pendi
ng)
)

Off
icer
: (
gav
eittot
heotherof
fi
cer
)Bona.
..I
t
goesalongwit
hthemessagestot
heoldl
ady.
Offi
cer
2: Maybeshewentt oGaborone,gone
mmewhyar ewebot heri
ngoursel
vesaboutthis?
Sheisanadul t
,whatifshewenttotheinter
view
ormay beranoffwit
haboy fr
iend?Mostwomen
abandontheirchi
ldr
enwi t
hgrandmothersand
gotothecity.
..24hourshasn'
tevenpassed,
shecouldbeany wherewithafri
end.
Tumel
o: NotNal
edi
,shelovesherki
dstoo
much.
..Andshewouldn'
tleavethehouse
wi
thoutl
ocki
ngup.
Offi
cer:
Ormaybeyoudidsomethi
ngtoher
becauseoft
heprobat
ionshei
stal
kingabout
,
whatdoesshemean?
Tumel
o:Ihavejustbeenr
eleasedonpr
obat
ion,
iwasi
njai
lforRobbery
Of
ficer
:Ohisee.
..(
sighedandfacedt
heother
of
fi
cer)Bar
eebat senekebathal
oset
se.
..
.

Theot heroff
icerwalkedbacki nwithMaAbi ,
AbalengandRenei ,Tumel oclenchedhi steeth
asMaAbi l
ookedathi m suspiciousl
y ,Abal
eng
glar
edathi m andRenei raisedherey ebrows
surpri
sed,hewasn' tt
elevisionhandsomebuthe
wasn'tbadeither,hewasmout hwater i
ng.
..
.
Shenev erunderstoodwhycr i
mi nal
sal ways
l
ookedbet terthangood-hear tedmen. ..
Offi
cer:Ehbot sadiweinter
viewedr r
eTumel o
haandi tshowshewast oldthesamet hing..
.
Coulditbet hatshelef
twi t
haboy fri
end?The
boyfri
endshet ol
dherotherboyfr
iendshei s
l
eav i
nghimf or
?Itseemsshei sal adythat
enter
tainsal otofmen,wehav etoexplor eal
l
possibi
lit
ies
Abal
eng:
Nal
edii
snotli
ket
hat
..
.Shewoul
dn'
t
dat
e2peopl
eatthesamet
ime.
Renei
:Andi
knowher,shei
smybestfri
end.
..
Shetol
dmecount
lessti
mesthatshel
oved
Tumelo
MaAbi
:Butshesay
sTumelodi
dn'
twantherto
gof
oranint
ervi
ew,hewant
edt
ocontr
olher.
..
Tumelo:(
facedher)Il
ovey ourdaughter,
I
wouldnevertr
eatherli
kethat.
..Ilov
eherand
mydaughterlovesher,
shei stheonlyperson
whoacceptedmei nthesociety,nooneaccepts
pri
soner
s..
.Peopleareafr
aidofmeandi can'
t
l
ookatany onewi t
houtthem whi
speri
ng,
Nal edi
i
st heonlyper sonwhogav emeachance...For
thatI
'llworshipthegroundshewalkson
becauset oherI '
m notacri
minal
,gaampone
kelelepanti
tikanalegodu,eneobonamonna.
Offi
cer :Nyaammemogol ogolohasengwese
teng,nowI 'm gett
ingconfused..
.Yourmessage
saysTumel odidn'twanthertogof oran
i
nterviewandy etheretheyjusthadapeacef
ul
conver sat
ion.
..
Tumel o:That'
sexactlywhathappened, ican
neverstopawomanf rom worki
ng,Ievent ol
d
Naledithatsheshouldt hi
nkofabusi nessidea
becausei am notrel
iable,
i j
ustgotoutofpr i
son.
Idon'thaveast abl
ejob.
MaAbi:Letmeseethemessages.
..
.(sheread
themessagesandgavebackthephone)I'
m
sorr
ymyson...
.(si
ghed)I
'
mjustfr
ustrat
ed..
.
Tumel
o:Iunder
stand.
..Andev
ery
onei
sn'
t
wrongtosuspectme,iunder
standthatmy
cr
iminalr
ecordwil
lhauntmetherestofmy
l
if
e..
.
Offi
cer
:I'
l
lhavetoasky
out ogobackhomeand
comebacktofil
eforamissingper
sonatl
east
aft
er24hoursshecoul
dbeoutwi t
hafri
end.
..
.
Abal
eng:Areyouser
ious?It'
salmost11now
andyou'
resayi
ngweshoul dcomet omor
rowor
adayaft
ertomorr
ow, shecouldbedeadbynow
Offi
cer:
It'
stooearl
y,i
t'
sbeenal
most7hour s.
..
I
t'
st ooearl
yforanadult
.Goandaskal l
her
fr
iendsandcheckwithdist
antr
elat
ives.
.
Tumel
o:(
sighed)Thanky
ou.
..

Herf ami
lywalkedoutqui
etl
yasTumel
owal
ked
behindthem,Abalengsl
oweddownandwai
ted
forTumelo..
.
Abal
eng:
Ait
a..
.
Tumel
o:Yeah.
..
Abal
eng:
Iam Abal
eng,
Nal
edi
'
sbr
other
Tumel
o:Shet
oldmesomuchabouty
ou.
..
Abal
eng:
Ican'
tsayt
hesameabouty
ou
Tumelo:I
'm notsur
pri
sed,shesai
dyou'
ret
oo
prot
ecti
ve.
..Shewasstil
ll
ookingf
orawayto
tel
lyou.
Abal
eng:(
star
ingathim)Ihopey
ouhav
e
not
hingt
odowi tht
his..
.
Tumelo:Idon'tbutnowthatI'
mthi
nkingabout
i
t,idoubtNalediwrotet
hosemessages.Sheis
alazytyperandshedoesn'twri
tef
ull
words,
shealwayscut sthel
astl
etter
sout
..
.
Abal
eng:
Yout
hink?
Tumelo:WemetBakangtodayandshewassti
ll
angryathi
m,shehat
estheguy.
..Iact
ual
l
yhad
toconvi
ncehert
omeethim andnowsuddenl
y
shel
oveshi
m?
Tumelo:Inev
erli
kedBakang, idon'
tknowwhy .
..
Ther
eisjustsomethingabouthim...AndI
somehowt hi
nkthi
sguycanki llaperson,heis
oneofthosepeopl
ey oujustcan'tt
rustno
matt
erhowmucht heypretendtobei nnocent
.
Tumel
o:I
'
llcheckouthi
shouse,
justt
omake
sur
ehedoesn'thav
eher.
Abal
eng:
Youbot
hknoweachot
her
?
Tumel
o:No,
I'
mfr
iendswi
thhi
sfr
iend
Abal
eng:(
gav
ehim hi
sphone)Sav
eyour
numbersowecantal
k..
Tumel
o: (
saveditandgavehim his)Sav
eyour
s
aswel
l.
..I'
l
lgiv
ey oufeedback.
..
Abaleng:
(shookhandsandbumpedshoul
der
s)
Sure..
.

Theypar
ted.
..
..
AtDudu'
shouse.
..
..
..

Justaft
ermidni
ghtTuel
o'
sphonerangashe
sl
eptbehindDuduwit
hhisar
m aroundher
waist
..
.

Dudu:
(hal
fasl
eep)Babephone.
..
Tuel
o:Et
aadi
dimal
a..
.

Theytri
edtosleepbutitkeptr
ingi
ng,
he
reachedfori
tandpicked..
..

Tuel
o:Hel
l
o?
Tumel
o:Tuxwee?
Tuel
o:(
lookedatthescreen)M*r
etel
ait
aka.
..
.
(Tumel
olaughed)kerobetset
hemonna
Tumel
o:Not
sogathemonna,
I'
m out
side.I
wantt
oseey
ou..
.
Tuel
o:No,
I'
m sl
eepi
ng.
..
Tumelo:Osimolol
agothapel
wakef r
eedom
akere?Don'
tevenfor
getwhatidi
dforyoui
n
pri
son..
.Yagopeki
sakuku
Tuel
o:(
laughed)Tsekmonna,
okae?
Tumel
o:I
'
m out
side,
inf
rontofy
ourhouse.
..
Tuel
o:Kekomosadi
ng
Tumel
o:Idon'
tknowwher
eshest
ays
Tuel
o:Doy
ouknowt
hepol
i
ceapar
tment
s?
Tumelo:Ihavebeeni
npri
sonforal
most5years
andidon'thavemycomputerwi
thmeGoogle
mapswoul dgetmether
e..
.Themonnata
kwanolait
aka.
Tuel
o:(
satupy
awni
ng)What
'
sgoi
ngon?
Tumel
o:It
hinkBakangt
ookNal
edi
byf
orce,
i
wantyout
ocheckonmeandI
'
llbusti
nwhi
l
e
youtwoar
etal
ki
ng.
Tuel
o:Whatdi
dshesay
?
Tumel
o:Hernumberi
sn'
tav
ail
abl
e..
.
Tuel
o:Al
ri
ght
,I'
l
lbet
her
einaf
ewmi
nut
es.
..
Tumel
o:oboso
Tuel
o:Fosekmonnai
wassl
eepi
ng
Tumel
o:(l
aughed)Kanakegoneoeutwang,
amporeoswelamongwaneng.Gojewago
i
peel
wamest aah
Tuel
o:(l
aughed)waii
nnakelangotsegothe
(t
heybothburstoutl
aughi
ngloudl
y)shapo
Tumel
o:(
laughed)Shapo.
..

Hehungupandl
aidnextt
oherki
ssi
ngher
cheek.
..
Tuelo:
Babe?Let
'sgot
oget
her
,ihav
etohel
pa
fr
iendwit
hsomethi
ng.
..
Dudu:
(fr
owned)I
'
m sl
eepy
Tuel
o:Let
'sgo.
..
Dudu:
Pri
ncessi
ssl
eepi
ng.
.
Tuel
o:Wewi l
lputherinthecarit'
snotlikeshe
i
sgetti
ngi nataxi.
..I
'
llputherblanketsinthe
backseatandshewi llbecomf ort
able..
.Let'
s
gotogether.
.
Dudu:
Okay
..
.
Tuel
o:(
kissedher
)Il
ovey
ou.
..

Heswitchedontheli
ghtsandtheygotdressed,
hemadet hebackseatcomfythenshecarri
ed
heri
nthecarashelockedthehouseandgoti n
thecar
,hegentl
yrever
sedlookingather
...
Tuel
o:Keskai
pol
ael
angwana
Dudu:
okabaka.
..

Theyl
aughedanddr
oveof
f.
..
.

AtTuel
o'
shouse.
..
.

Afewmi nuteslaterheparkednexttohim,
Tumeloappr oachedthecarwi t
hahugesmile
asTuelogotoutoft hecar,theyfi
stbumped
andshoulderbumped. .
..

Tumelo:(
laughed)Yougai
nedwei
ghtmyman,
shi
t!Youweretraumati
sedi
nther
eweren'
tyou?
Tuel
o: (
laughed)Ij
ustneededpropermeal
s
that
'sal
l..
.Comeseemyl ady
..
.
Tuel
oopenedthepassengerdoor,
Dudu
st
eppedoutandalmostpanickedl
ooki
ngat
hi
m butshesmil
edcalmly.
..
.

Tumel
o:(
smi
l
ed)It
'sni
cetofinal
l
yseey
ou,
Tux
tol
dmesomuchaboutyou.
..
Dudu:
(av
oidedey
econt
act
)Thanky
ou.
..
Tuel
o:Soy
out
hinkhet
ookherbyf
orce?
Tumelo:(sighedandturnedt
ohim)Yeah,she
sentmeamessagesay i
ngshewasgoingto
Gaboroney etshelef
tthepotonthest
ove,she
didn'
tanswermycal l
sandi t
hinkitmi
ghthave
beenhimt exti
ngme.
Dudu:
Naledii
ssti
ll
bitt
er,
shewouldn'
tgowit
h
hi
m wil
li
ngl
y.
..I
fsheiswit
hhim hefor
cedher
..
..
Tuel
o:(
goti
nthecar
)Al
ri
ght
,let
'sgo.
..

Dudugoti
nthebackt
henTumel
ogoti
nand
t
heydr
oveout
..
..
.

AtBakang'
shouse.
..
.

Abal
engknockedont
hedoor,
minut
esl
ater
Wendyopenedthewi
ndowandmovedt
he
cur
tai
ns.
..

Wendy
:Cani
hel
pyou?
Abal
eng:
Hi,
Iam Abel
.
..I
sBakanghome?
Wendy
:No,
whoar
eyou?
Abal
eng:
Iam j
ustaf
ri
end,
wher
eishe?
Wendy :You'
reknocki
ngonmydooraft
er
midnightaski
ngaboutmyhusband'
s
whereaboutswheni don'
tev
enknowyou?
Abal
eng:
Nev
ermi
nd.
..Thanksany
way
..
.
Hegotbacki
nthecaranddr ov
eoutthenshe
cl
osedthewi
ndowandt houghtf
ull
ywentt
obed.

Asshestart
eddozi
ngoffther
ewasanother
knockonthedoor
,sheopenedthewi
ndow
agai
nandlookedatTuel
oandTumelo.
..

Wendy:Shoul
dIl
ockt
hegat
eorwhat
?Whati
s
i
tagai
n?
Tuel
o:OkaeBK?
Wendy
:Hei
sonat
ri
ptoShakawe,
why
?

Shelookedatthecarandr
ecogni
sedDudu
underthel
ighti
nsi
dethecarasshecl
eanedher
face.
..
.

Tuel
o:Hi
snumberi
sn'
tav
ail
abl
e..
.Doy
ouknow
wher
ehei
s?
Wendy:Ij
ustsai
dhei
sinShakawe,
whydoy
ou
wanthi
m?
Tuel
o:Nal
-
Tumelo:
(int
enti
onal
lyi
nterr
uptedhi
m)Hi .
..I
s
ther
eawayi coul
dgetincontactwit
hhim
besi
deshisphone?Becauseit
'snotavai
l
able
ri
ghtnow
Wendy
:You'
l
ljusthav
etowai
t.
Tumel
o:Thanks

Theybothwalkedawayt henshecl osedthe

windowandwal kedbackinside.Shesatont he
bedandsmiledindisbel
iefthenshecl ear
edher
memor ycar
dandconnect edherphoneont he
chargert
omakesur eitwouldn'tdi
eonher
whensheneededi tthemost .
AtMaAbi
'
shouse.
..
..

Ear
li
ert
hatmorningaround2am Abal
eng
par
kedi
nfrontofthehouseandshestepped
out
..
.

Her
:Goodni
ght
Abi:
(readi
ngatextmessage)Tumel
osay
s
Bakangisn'
tathi
shouse.
..
Her
:(si
ghed)Ihopehedidn'
ttakehert
othei
r
f
arm,I'
m sur
pri
sedthepoli
cewon'thel
pus..
.
Renei
:Butt
hey
'r
esay
ingweshoul
dcomeaf
ter
24hours
Abi
:That'
stool
ong.
..Weshoul
dgotohi s
par
entshouset
omakesuresheisn'
tthere.
Her:
Won'ttheygetangrygot
wer ealapi
sawi t
h
t
hesamer eacti
oneveryti
me?INol ongerknow
whattodoanymore,andthatfar
m hasal otof
l
ocks,t
hefenceishighandi
t'
sonthemi ddl
eof
nowher
e,i
fshei sther
eshei
shel
pless,evenif
shej
umpst hefenceshewon'
tmakeit.
.
Abi
:Cal
lmei
fshecal
l
s.
Her
:Goodni
ght
..
.

ShegotinthehouseandlockedthenAbidr
ove
out.Shesatonthebedandsighedthenshe
kneltdownandprayed.
..
.

AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..
.

Shet ossedandturnedast ear

sfellf
rom the
cornersofhereyesthensheknel tonthef l
oor
andputherel bowsont hebedandpr ayed..
.The
doorslowlyopenedt henshepausedand
l
ookedback, April
washol dinghernewt eddy.
..
Apr
il
:Ican'
tsl
eepwhenIcl
osemyey
es.
..
Her
:Comeher
ebaby
..
.Kneel
down,
let
'spr
ay
t
ogether

Theycl
osedt
hei
rey
esandbegunpr
ayi
ng.
..
.

Her:Ihavedoneallicould,
all
isi
nyourhands
now.IcannotcontrolwhatTumelodoesin
secretbutLor
dlethimr ememberhi
sdaughter
i
nt i
mesl i
kethi
s-
April
:(meanwhil
e)Godpl easebringdaddy
homeandi wi
ll
nev erf
ailatschool,I
'
lll
i
stento
adultsandhel
pgr andmacl eanthehouse.
PleaseGodi misshim andi wanttobewithhi
m
-

Tuelo'
scarli
ght
sli
ttheent
ir
eroom asthecar
parkedinf
rontoft
hehouse,Apr
ill
eapedupand
mov
edt
hecur
tai
ns.
..

Apr
il
:(smiledasherbar
efrontli
neshowed)Oh
myGod, Iprayedandi
thappened..
.Idi
dn'
tthi
nk
Godreal
lyexisted,
wow!
Hi
smot
her
:Weshoul
dsayAmen.
.

Sher
anbackandknel
tdown.
..

Her&Apr
il
:Amen.
..

Sheranouttot
heliv
ingroom andopenedt
he
door,
Tumelowalkedinandshejumpedonhis
arms,heki
ssedherandhuggedherwarmly
...
.

Tumel
o:I
'
m notgoingany
wher
e..
..Nev
er,
I'
ll
nev
erl
eaveyou.
..
.
Heki
ssedherandhuggedherashi
smot
her
wal
kedover
..
..

Her
:whathappened?
Tumelo:Naledii
snowheretobef oundbutthe
poli
cetol
dherpar ent
stocomebackaf ter24
hoursift
heywantt ofi
leamissi
ngperson's
repor
t.Theythoughtihadsomethingtodowith
i
tbutit'
ssorted.
..
Her
:(si
ghed)Okay
..
.

Hisphonerangandheansweredwal
ki
ngt
ohi
s
daught
er'
sroom car
ryi
ngher
..
.

Tumel
o:Hel
l
o?
Tuel
o:Yeah,
hol
dforDudu.
.
Dudu: HiTumelo,
ifbot
hoft hei
rnumbersaren'
t
avail
ablethenhetookhertohisfat
her'
sfar
m.
Thereisnonetworkthereandithasthr
ee
fencesandabout3or4gat eswithbigpadl
ocks.
Tumel
o:Cany
out
akemet
her
efi
rstt
hingi
nthe
morni
ng?
Dudu:
Yesbutwewon'
tgeti
n,t
hepadl
ocksar
e
bi
g
Tumelo:I
t'
saf ence,
I'
ll
findawaytogetus
thr
oughthatfence,i
doubtit
'sast
oughasthe
pri
sonfences
Dudu:
Okay
,thanks
Tumel
o:Not
hanky
ouf
orhel
pingme.
Dudu:
Shei
smyf
ri
endt
oo.
.by
e
Tumel
o:Shapo.
..

Hehungupandsatont
hebedhol
dinghi
s
daught
er.
..
Tumel
o:Got
obedbaby
,it
'sl
ate.
..

Shejumpedi
nbedandcl
osedherey
eswi
tha
smil
eonherface.

Att
hef
arm.
..
.

Around6am iopenedmyey estohi

m
penetr
ati
ngmef rom theback,hepul
ledoutand
point
editonmyS, if
linchedandhequickly
pushedmeov erhisDgoi ngall
thewayinsi
de
me, i
screamedclosi
ngmyey esasheheldme
ti
ghtl
yandbegunt othrust.
..
.

Me:
It'
spai
nful
..
..St
op.
..
.St
op.
..
.Bakangwai
t.
..
.
OhmyGod..
..
Heheldmeti
ght
lyandwentdeepert
henhesl
i
d
outandsl
i
ppedi
nmypunani t
henbacktot
heS
andbacki
nmypunaniagai
n..
.

Hegotupandspr eadmybut tthenhesl apped

mypunani andspatoni t,hesl i
ppedbacki n
againandl aidbehi ndmegoi ngf ortheS. ..He
wentbackandf orthbetweent hetwohol esuntil
icouldn'tfeelanyoft hem t henhef inall
ybegun
moani ngandhi tmewi t
hthel aststrokef ill
i
ng
meupwi t
hhi sjuicesthenhesl i
doutand
sli
ppedi ntheSwher eher elaxedunt i
lhis
erecti
onmel t
ed....HisDsl owl yslippedoutof
mySandi sighedwi t
hreli
ef .Wendyst ormedi n
andt ookpi ct
uresofusont hebed, i r
eallydidn'
t
havet heener gyt orunbuti putmyhandov er
myf aceasshet ookpicturesofme, Bakang
quicklygotupandputonhi scl othes.
Iknewwhatt hosepict
uresmeant,i
didn'
thave
anydef enceincourtanditbr
oughttear
st omy
eyes,icoveredmyf acecryi
ngthensheputher
phonedownandgotont hebedtaki
ngof fher
heel.
..

Shesatont opofmeandst ruckmewi thher

heelontheheadsev eralti
mes, ipushedherof f
andshef ellont hefl
oorthenshechar ged
holdi
ngapar aff
inlampandsmashedi tonmy
head..
.thepar affi
nspil
ledonmyheadgoi ng
downasshedr aggedmeont hef l
oor.
...My
handswer eshaki ngandmyhear twas
pounding,fearwasr unningthroughmybl ood
andcont r
olli
ngme.Shepul l
edmeout sideand
downt hewoodenst air
s..
..

Me:
(cr
ying)Wendyst
op.
..Gakeaapar
a..
..
Bakangr
andownthest
air
sput
ti
ngonhi
st-
shi
rt
andgoti
nthecar
..
.

Me:
(scr
eami
ng)Bakang?
?

Herever
sedanddr oveoffasshedraggedme
ontheground,about4herdboysappr
oachedi
n
hor
sesassher eachedforthesti
ckand
whi
ppedme. ..
.

Wendy:(
shegr
abbedmyhairandconti
nued
whi
ppingme)I
'm si
ckandti
redofyou.
..What
t
eachesyout
osleepwithmyhusband?
Me:(cr
ying)I
'
m sor
ry..
.(cov
eri
ngmypunani)
Pl
easeletgoofmetheher dboysar
ecoming
pl
ease,bagomponelathemmakeagorapela.
..
Wendy
:Lett
hem comeandseey
ou,
you'
rea
bi
tch.
..Howcanyousl
eepwit
hamarri
edman?
Amanwhost il
lhasar
ingonhi
sfi
nger
?

Shepi ckedt
hesouilandpour
edonmyfaceand
coveredmyf acecl
osingmyeyesassoi
l
par
ticleshur
tmyey es.

Ibl
indl ystoodupspr eadingmyar mstry i
ngnot
tobumponany t
hingmaki ngmywayt ot he
houseasshewhi ppedmeont hebutt,shegave
meonehel lofawhi pthatwentacr ossmyback
andst raightint
omyhear t,i
curvedmybackand
scratchedmy sel
fasshewhi ppedmesome
mor et heni t
urnedaroundandgr abbedher
neck, shemi ssedast epandf ell
downt henisat
ont opofherchoki ngherasshegagged
holdingmyar ms...

Herey
est
urnedandIf
ear
ful
l
yletgoofherand
r
aninsi
dethehouse,shecoughedandranaft
er
methenshegrabbedmeandwef el
lonthe
f
loor
,ihi
tmyfaceont hefl
oorandbled.
..
..

Oneoft heherdboy spulledheroffmeandi

coveredmy sel
fwi thmyhands, theotherone
pull
edasheetandgav eittomewi t
houtlooking
atme, icov
eredmy selfandstoodont hecorner
rubbi
ngmyey es,tearshelpedwashof fsomeof
thesoili
nmyey es..
.

Wendy:(fi
xedhert -
shi
rtandgr abbedherphone
onthetablebreathi
ngheav i
l
y)I '
m notdonewit
h
youyet
,thisisthebeginni
ng...Nowy ou'
regoi
ng
topayf
ort hatdickyoujustenjoyed.

Shewal
kedoutanddr
oveof
f.
..
Theherdboysremorseful
lyst
aredatme,t
hey
di
dn'
thav et
heconfidencetotalkt
oanyofhis
womenbuti couldt
elltheydi
dn'tl
i
kethest
atei
wasin.
..

Herdboy:Wehavet
ogo,wewant
edtoseehi
m
butsincehel
eft
,wewi
ll
comelat
er.
..
Me:(
rubbedmyeyes)Canyoupl
easehel
pme
l
eav
e?Please.
..Ahor
sewil
lbefi
ne.
..
Her
dboy:
Wecan'tdoiti
fhehasn'
tsai
d
any
thi
ng.
..Wemightl
oseourj
obsbutthi
sis
howwefeedourfami
li
es.
Me:
Okay
,I'
m sor
ry.
..

Theywalkedoutandclosedt hedoort
heni
brokedowncryi
ng..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.(9t)

Al
way
sremembert
oLi
keandl
eav
eacomment
bel
ow.Muchl
ove.
..
Co-
wif
e
#67

I
nhi
ssi
ster
'scar
..
..

Bakangdr ovethr oughthelastopengat eand

steppedoutt oclosei t
,ashepul ledt
heheav y
chainsher econsideredthenheopenedt hegate
againandr eversedbacki n,helockeditand
drovebackcl osingtheothergat esWendyhad
l
ef topen.
..

Bakang'
scarappear
edi
nthefr
ontandhe
sl
oweddownasshepulledov
erandangr
il
y
walkedover
..
..
Wendy:(
angri
l
y)Youcowar
d!y
ou'
regoi
ngt
o
r
egretmaki
ngmeaf ool
Bakang:
(angr
il
y)Maki
ngy
ouaf
ool
?Ar
eyou
ki
ddingme?
Wendy:You'
reacowar
d!You'
renot
hingbuta
cowar
d...Whydi
dyourunaway?

Heopenedthedoorandst eppedoutasshe
st
oodther
ef ol
dingherarmsst ari
ngathim wit
h
adare,
heslappedheracrossthef acethenshe
sl
appedhi
m back, herai
sedhishandagai nto
sl
apherandshest aredathi
mf ol
dingherar
ms.

Wendy
:Tryitandmyfat
herwi
llmakesureyou
r
otinj
ail
.Haveyouf
orgott
enwhomyf at
heris?
Bakang:
(pointedatherandpokedherf
orehead)
Nxla,
otaalela..
.
Wendy
:(sl
appedhi
shand)don'
tpokeme,
So
t
hisi
swhaty
oubeendoi
ng?
Bakang:SelosanthahelaWendywear eov er,
thi
smarriagewasaj okefr
om thestart
.What
makesyout hi
nkyoucancont r
ol me?(hetook
offhi
sri
ngandhi therontheforeheadwit
hi t)
I
'm nott
heonewhosl eptwi
thanotherman. .
.
Wendy :Andsoy oumakey our sel
ffeelbetterby
sleepi
ngwiththattr
ash?Howaboutl ett
ingme
mendy ou?Ibrokeyourhear t
,howaboutl ett
ing
mef ixourmarri
age..Letmel oveyou, r
espect
youandgi v
eyouchi l
dren.
..Whyr unof fwithdir
t
l
ikethat?DoYouev enhav estandardsort ypes
neBakang?Koor engwany anay oomaswey o
omor ataeng?
Bakang:
I'
m notf
ixi
ngany
thi
ng.
.What
'sbr
oken
can'
tbefi
xed.
Wendy :Toobad,
you'resti
llmyhusbandsoI '
m
suingthathoodr
at.IfI
'm goingtolooseyou
thenI'
l
l wal
koutwithsomet hingfr
om thi
s
mar
ri
age.
Bakang:
Idon'
tcar
ewhaty
oudowi
thher
Wendy:(
tur
nedandwal
kedaway
)Iseey
ou
t
hinkI
'
mj oki
ng.
..

Shegoti
nthecar
..
.

Bakang:Andcl
oset
hosegates,y
ou'
renot
supposedtol
eavet
hem open.
Wendy
:What
ever
..
.
Bakang:
IwantmycarassoonasIgett
her
e,
whywouldResegogi
veyoumycar
Wendy:
BecauseI
'
m st
il
lyourwi
fe!I
'
m par
tof
t
hefamil
y.

Shedr
oveof
fthenhegotint
hecaranddr
ove
backt
othef
arm house.
..
.
I
nTumel
o'
scar
..
.

LateronTumeloandAbalengweresi
tt
inginthe
frontasTuel
osatinthebackwit
hReneiand
Dudu...
.Tumibeguntogetanxi
ousasthebig
fenceappear
edinfrontoft
hem...
.

Tumel
o:Wher
eist
hehouse?
Dudu:
(poi
nted)I
t'
sthatsi
de.
..
Abaleng:Iguesswewi
l
lhav
etodr
iveal
ongt
he
fencethen
Tuelo:YeahandIj
usthopet
hisi
sn'
tel
ect
ri
c
fence
Tumel
o:I
tdoesn'
tl
ookl
i
kei
t.
..

Hepar
kedt
hecarandt
heyal
lst
eppedout
,The
guy stookoutt heshov el
sandi nspectedthe
fence...Theyshooki tandbegundi ggingunder
asTumel owal kedovertakingoutapl i
ersfr
om
hispocket .Hesi mplycutthef encelikeatai
lor
cuttingapi eceofclothwithanewpai rof
scissorsthenhepul ledthef enceapar tand
walkedi n..
..

Tumel
o:Ar
eyeng.
..

Theyturnedaroundandl
ookedathi
m st
andi
ng
i
nsidethefence..
.

Abal
eng:
Uhu.
..
Tuel
o:(
laughed)Gol
omol
egodust
rai
ght
..
.
Tumel
o:I
t'
sjustl
ogi
ctheao.
..
Ladieswalkedt
hroughthefenceastheguys
pull
editenoughforacartodri
vethr
oughthen
theygotinanddrovet
hrough..
.

Tumel
o:Ther
eisanot
herpl
i
ersi
ntheback.
.
Abal
eng:
Okay
..
Renei
:Whoi
sgoingt
ofi
xthatf
ence?Theyar
e
goi
ngtomakey
oupayfori
t
Tumelo:Wewilldenyit
,aker
erichpeopl
e
alwaysdenyt
hings.Wewi l
ldemandev i
dence
thatpr
oveswer eal
lydi
dit.
..
Abaleng:Andthefencewillbethelastt
hingon
thei
rmi ndbecausewear egoingtoreportt
hem
forabducti
ngher,thi
sti
mehewi l
lpayforthe
thi
ngshedoest opeople.Ibi
lennawaankol ot
a,
heknowsheowesme. .
.

Awhi
l
elat
ert
heypar
kedi
nfr
ontofanot
her
f
enceagai
nandcutt
hrough.
..
.

I
nthef
arm house.
..

Aft
erbat hingisatonthebedandl ookedat
my selfonthemi r
ror,
atleastmyf acewasn't
swollenbutmyl egshadmar ksoft hestickshe
usedt owhi pmeandi wassur eIhadt hem on
mybackt oo.Acarstoppedout sideandi
quicklypeakedthroughthecur t
ains...

Bakangranupt
hewoodenst
air
caseand
walkedi
n..

Bakang:I'
m sorr
yfortr
yingtoleave,
ithought
aboutitanditwasn'
tri
ght..
.(l
ookedatthe
brui
seonmyar m)Areyouokay ?
Me:
Leav
emeal
one.
..Iwantt
ogohome
Bakang,Ihaven'
tseenmychi
l
dren,
I'
m sur
e
theyar
ecr yi
ng..
.
Bakang:
I'
m goi
ngtogetthem,
ijustwant
edt
o
makesureyouareokay
..
.
Me: I
'mf i
ne,pleasel et
'sgo.Iwon'
treportyouor
Wendy .
.I'
m sor ryfortryi
ngtocomebet ween
youandy ourchi ldren,
you'l
lhav
eaccesst o
them anyti
mey ouwant .I'
m sor
ryf
orbeing
stubborn.I
'm sor ry
Bakang:Butican'
tl
etyououtl
ooki
ngli
kethi
s,
theymightthi
nkIdidi
t.
.Wewil
lgotomorr
ow
wheny ou'
refi
ne.
Me:(cryi
ng)Let'sgonow,
iwanttobuy
pai
nkil
lers,Ihav
eaheadacheandmyback
hur
ts,pleasehelpme..
Bakang:
(huggedme)Justonemor
eday
..
..
Me:Doy ouknowt hatWendyisgoi
ngtosueme?
Can'
tiatleastfi
l
eanassaultcaseagai
nsther
?
I
figotomor rowallt
hebrui
seswill
begoneand
i
twi
l
lbeherwor
dagai
nstmi
ne.Pl
ease.
..
Bakang:
(si
ghed)I
'
llbey
ourwi
tness
Me:
Youwon'
tbet
her
epl
ease
Bakang:
Ican'
t.
..Putony
ourcl
othes.
..

Heleanedov erandkissedme, t
hedooropened
andTumel owal kedi
n..
.Bakangstoodupand
l
ookedatev eryoneastheyallgoti
n,igr
abbed
thesheetsandcov er
edmy selft
heniranint
o
Tumelo'sarmsashehuggedmet i
ghtl
y.
..
.

Tumel
o:What
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:(cryi
ng)Heforcedmeandrapedme.
..(i
movedt hesheet
)hiswi
fej
ustbeatmewitha
bi
gstick..
.

Tumel
oshookhi
sheadl
ooki
ngatt
hemar
kson
myl egsthenheturnedmear oundandlooked
atmyback.Achai rbrokeasAbal engand
Bakangcr ushedonit,
Abi punchedhim onthe
faceseveralti
mesthenTumel oqui
ckl
ypulled
him upandpushedhi m back...
.

Tumel
o:You'
remaki
ngmat ter
sworse,
wehav e
agoodcasedon'
tl
etyourangermessitup.
Abaleng:
(br
eat
hingheav
il
y)Ket
aagobol
aa
Bakangautwa?
Bakang:
Idi
dn'
thi
ther
..
.
Abal
eng:(
scr
eaming)Shej
ustsai
dyour
aped
her
!Saysomethi
ngaboutt
hat.
.
Bakang:(
wipedhisnose)You'
regoi
ngt
opay
forwhatyoujustdi
d..
.
Tumelo:
(stari
ngathim)Andyou'
regoi
ngtopay
anevenbiggerpr
ice.
..Noonei
sabovethel
aw.
Ify
oudon'tgotojail
forr
apeI'
m goi
ngtoki
ll
youandthecauseofdeat
hwill
beregi
stered
unknown,t
hat'
swhatyoushoul
dbeworried
aboutnow.
Bakang:
Arey
ousur
eir
apedher
?

Abalengboil
edathi
sresponseandpunched
hi
m again,Tuel
oheldhim backanddragged
hi
m outsidetal
ki
ngtohim, Dudupi
ckedmy
cl
othesaroundthehouseandhelpedmet oget
dr
essed...
.

Dudu:
Arey
ouokay
?
Me:
(rubbedmyey
es)I
'
mfi
ne.
..
Dudu:
Got
aasi
amaaut
wa?
Me:
Mmh.
..
.

Tumel
ohel
dmyhandandwal
kedmeout
..
.
Tumel
o:Shoul
dil
i
fty
ouup?
Me:
(shy
ly)No,
I'
mfi
-

Hejerkedmeupbehindmylegsandcarr
iedme
tothecarwhereheputmeinthebackt
henhe
gotinandlookedatme.
..

Tumel
o:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
Yeah

Hepull
edmecloserandki
ssedmeasev
ery
one
goti
nthecar
..
.

Tumel
o:Yomongweakgweet
sennakebat
ago
nnakomoragol
eNal
edi
..
.
Tuel
oadjust
edthedr
iver
'sseatandstar
tedthe
carasever
yonegoti
nthenher ev
ersedthecar
anddrov
eout..
..

I
nBakang'
scar
..
..

Wendysenttwopict
urest
othejournal
ist
'
s
phoneastheysati
nthebackseat.
..
..

Wendy:Will
youletmeknowassoonasy
our
newspapercomesout?
Journal
i
st:
Fridayi
nthemor
ningt
henewspaper
wil
lbeout.
..
Wendy
:Iwanty
out
oshowev
ery
thi
ng
Journal
i
st:No,I
'l
lbl
urtheotherpartsotherwi
se
thenewspapermightbesuedf orpubl
ishing
expl
ici
tcontent
..
.
Wendy :
Butherfacewi
l
lbeoutakere?Kananna
kebataodirej
aakaDaniel
ateadir
e,gaona
Facebookpagene?Iwantever
yoneinMaunto
tal
kabouther.
Journal
i
st:I
twil
lcomeoutinanewspaperand
ournewspaperhasaFacebookpage.
..
Wendy :Nyaaletmegi veittoDani
elwenake
belael
aosenat hatthi
ngkebat agonna
dramatichel
abat hobaf acebookbanthogel
e
ngwany anayo,badimmol elel
eaiponegore
gasesepe.
Jour
nal
i
st:Itwi
ll
bedr
amat
ic,
thesecasesar
e
al
waysdramati
c..
.
Wendy
:Okay
,thanks

Hest
eppedoutt
henshedr
oveof
f.
..

Att
hepol
i
cest
ati
on.
..
Hourslat
eri sati
napr i
v at
eroom withtwo
f
emal eoff
icersexplai
ningthematterthough
t
heiratt
it
udewasn' thardtoread.
..

Off
icer
:(si
ghed)Ihearyoubuti
fyoudi
dn'twant
t
ogowhydi dn'tyouscr
eam ordosomething.
..
.
Me:
Hesuf
focat
edmebef
oreandi
wasaf
rai
d
Of
fi
cer
:Amme?
Me:
Yes
Off
icer
:Whydidyoulethi
mini
fyouknewt
he
ki
ndofapersonheis?
Me:Ij
ustopenedt
hedoor
,idi
dn'
tknowhe
woul
ddot hat
..
.
Off
icer
:Andyouspentani
ghtwi
thhi
m wi
thout
r
unningordoi
nganythi
ngt
o-
Me:
(si
ghed)Cani
pleasej
ustopent
hecase
kanakewenaodet
ermi
nangwhet
herI
'
mly
ing
ornot
?
Officer:I'
m notj
udging, I'
mj ustt r
yingtogetthe
i
nf ormat i
onyou'regivi
ngme. .
.i
thappenst hat
somepeopl eaccuseot hersoft hecr i
met hey
didn'tcommi tsimplybecausemay betheyget
caughti nacompr omisingposi ti
onormay be
theydi dn'
tgetsomet hingt heywant ed,wehave
api l
eoft hosecasesmoel enggor eweendup
i
mpr i
soninginnocentpeopl e.I'
ml ookingatthe
factthaty ougotcaughtwi thy ourmar ri
edbaby
daddybyhi swifewhoaccor di
ngt oy outook
picturesasev i
dencet osuppor thercaseand
nowy ou'r
esay i
ngher apedy ou.
Me:
(tear
ful
l
y)Soi
shoul
dn'
trepor
thi
m orwhat
?
Of
fi
cer
:Di
dher
apey
ou?
Me:
(cr
ying)Yes
Offi
cer:(
sighed)Iyoo.
..(t
heylookedatone
anotherandraisedtheireyebr
ows)Soy ou'
re
f
il
ingt
wocasesagai
nstt
hemanandhi
swi
fe?
Me:
Yes.
..
Offi
cer:(pushedt hepapertome)I '
m goingt o
giv
ey out woformst hatwi l
lbefi
ll
edbyt he
doctor,hewillexaminey ourinj
uri
esandf il
li
n
whereheseesf it
s..
..
thisistheevidencet hat
wil
lbeusedi ncour ttopr ov
ewhathappened. ..
Got othehospi t
al..
.(
closedthefil
e)wedon' t
havecar ssoy oumustgot othehospi t
al by
yoursel
f..
.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
..

Meanwhi
leoutsidebythedeskanot
herpol
i
ce
of
fi
cerwalkedinholdi
ngacupoftea..
..

Her:
(whi
spered)Gat
weareshewast
akenby
f
orceandraped?Kanawaayaka
Of
fi
cer
2:Kanakehoo,
whydi
dn'
tshef
ighthi
m?
Whydidn'
tshebi
tehi
sdick?Sheisl
yi
ng..
.She
i
sonlyfi
li
ngnowbecausesheknowsthewife
wi
ll
sueher .
Specialconstable:Sheisly i
ng,sheenjoyedit
.
Howcanshej ustwaitforev ery
onetogohel p
her.
..Shewant edi
t,kootengguypr omi sedhi
m
di
vorceandwhenhecoul dn'tshedecidedto
badnamehi m.Koor eronar ebat abannabone
babat agobai satoronkong.Mxm ont ena
gore..
..Obony edingwar itsateng?
Off
icer
2:(
laughed)Ibel
i
eveyouonlygetr
aped
i
fyouwant,I'
mt i
redofweakwomenwai t
se..
.
I
t'
sjustpl
ainstupi
d,whynotf
ightf
oryoursel
f?
Offi
cer3:Buwanghel ajalo,al
l thewomenwho
havenev erbeenrapedt alkli
ket hat,
wai tuntil
yourli
ttl
esisteri
sr apedt henwewi l
lseeify ou
willbl
ameherf orbei ngt ooscar ed,wewi llsee
i
fshewi llgoKung- fuonar apistandbi t
eof fhis
dickorpullit
,kootengl et sayagor eeveryone
whowasr apedwasf oolishgal ebuwej aaka
basadi
bamapodisil
egone,al
readysoci
ety
bl
amesr apev
ict
imsandyou'
rejoi
ning?Thi
sis
whywomennev err
epor
t.
..
Offi
cers2:Nyaay ommaowor se,i
t'
sa
babymamai ssue, sheisbitt
ert hatguyeny etse
andshei safrai
dt hewifewillsueher .Yesya
assaultwecanseeshewasbeat enbutar ape
casewi l
lbehar dtoproveandshewon' twi
n
thatcaserekabecha!i fguyeleebuwahel a
goreitwasagr eedonheel athemmacasee
canbedi smissed, t
hesebaby mamasar ebitt
er,
whydi dn'
tshescr eam?Fr om Maunt ot hefarm
okho!Ifshedidn'tfi
ghtshelikedi t
.
Speci
alconstable:Kanakehoo, nnathemmaI
can'
tberaped...I
'l
lneverberaped,I
'l
lki
ckthe
guyandpullhisdick,I
'l
lscr
atchhim andbeat
him
Of
fi
cer
3:(
looki
ngather
)Wenagi
rl
Speci
alconst
abl
e:Shewant
edt
ober
aped.
..
Shewant
edi
t.
Offi
cer
1:Enemmaonear ata..
.Haosabat
ego
rei
piwahaokaket
hemma, thesewomenkefi
l
a
goreabobabatakast
yle.
..
Offi
cer
3: (
stood)Andyoumustr
educeyour
voi
ceslemoof isi
ng,
don'
tl
etany
onehearyou
t
alki
nglikethat..
.

Minut
esl
ateri
walkedoutandaswepassedby
t
hedeskIcoul
dtel
lnoonebeli
evedme.

Iapproachedthewait
ingchair
swhereTumelo
waswai ti
ngforme,hestoodupandwalked
over,
tearsrol
leddownasi huggedhi
m cr
ying.
..
.

Me:
Thesepeopl
edon'
tbel
i
eveme.
..Theyt
hink
I
'ml
ying.
..
Tumel
o:Pol
i
ceof
fi
cer
sar
eli
kecl
eaner
sina
company,theydon'
taf fectthecasei
nanyway
anditdoesn'
tmatterift heydon'
tbel
i
eveyou,
i
t'
supt othemagistr
at e, t
hat'
swhomatter
sina
case.Wegoingtowi nt his.
..
Me:Ial
readybat
hedandther
eisnopr
ooft
hat
hef
orcedmet ogother
e..
.
Tumelo:
Don'
tlett
hesepeoplediscourageyou,
theydot
hist
opeople.
..Don'
tleti
tdiscourage
you.
Me:
Gagonamosol
a,noonewi
l
lbel
i
eveme.
..
Tumel o:Thejudgewi l
lbel i
evey ouandt hat'
s
whomat ter
s,tohellwithherhomewr ecking
case...Shewant speoplet odoubty ou.Let's
go..
..I'
m goingtomakesur ethiscaseendsi n
courtandhegoest ojailforthis,forsur
ehewi ll
begr antedbailbecauseit'smost lyabout
moneyandhi sfami l
yhast hatbuthewi l
lhave
hisdayi ncourt,gagotshamekel wemocour t
kanaNal edi
...
wheny ouf acethemagi st
rate
thi
ngsgetser
ious.Ibel
i
eveinthejusti
ce
syst
em wheny ouhaveevi
dence.Trustmebabe
okay?
Me:
Okay
..
.

Hehel
dmyhandaswewal
kedout
..
.

6MONTHSLATER.
..
..
Co-
wif
e
#68

AtMaunMagi
str
atecour
t.
..
..

Myhear tpoundedasIf
acedt hemagistr
ate,
therewasabout20peoplebehindmei nthe
audiencewhohadcomef orthecaseandj ust
belowHi sWorshi
pwasapanel ofaboutthree
courtstuffbusytypi
ngwhi l
eot herspassedthe
papers,justbei
nginacour troom asan
accusedwasenought or aisemyhear tbeat
,I
wasi nsomuchf earIcouldn'thearmostoft he
thi
ngs.IguessIwaswai tingf orthewordguilt
y
andtheamountt obepaid. .
..
.

Magi
strat
e:(concl
uded)Ther ef
oret
hiscasewi
l
l
r
emainopenunt i
lav er
dicthasbeenmadeon
t
heothercaseast hey'
reli
nked.

Idi
dn'tknowwhet hert
osmi l
eorcrybuticoul
d
tel
lWendyandherf amilyweren'
thappy.I
tur
nedar oundandl ookedatmymot herandshe
smiled,Tumi winkedatmeandi smiledand
shyl
yf acedforward.

Awhi
l
elat
erwewal
kedoutoft
hecour
troom.
..
Wendy'
scousi
n:(
laughed)Kemathata,
sogi
rle
bony
egoreeit
shwarelel
ekarape.
..
Herfr
iend:I
magine..
.Mmekanathatr
apecase
wil
lbedismissedandshewi
llcomeandpayfor
t
his.
Wendy '
scousin:Imeanreall
y, whywoulda
pri
ncer apealowli
fe?Shewi shes..
.Haobona
neaganel el
abanagotweanwemor ni
ngafter
pil
lakereshewantedtotraphi m butkeraathe
tri
ckdidn'twor
knowshewant stopuni
shhi m,i
f
iwasWendyi wouldl
ovemyhubbywai t
se,
therebabymamasar ebitt
ert heygotdumped
withtheirbi
gheadedbabies.

Duduqui
etl
ywalkedpastt
hem andsteppedon
hert
oewit
hherWedgeheel,shejumpedand
hel
dhert
oestakingof
fherfl
atshoes.
..
.
Wendy'
scousi
n:(
gri
nni
ng)I
shhhhhh.
..
..Mme
weee.
..
.Youbr
okemytoe
Dudu:(
putherhandonhermout h)I
yooosorry
themma, i
didn'
tseeyou.Maybeifyouweren'
t
busygossi
pingIwoul
dhav eseenyou.
..
.
(wal
kedawayandmut ter
ed)Bit
ch..
.

Iheldmyl aughterbackasDuduwal kedaway

l
ikenothinghappened, onceoutsidethe
premisesmostpeopl eleftassomescat t
ered
aroundstandingingroupschatting.
...Iwal
ked
overtomymot herandhuggedher .
..
.

Me:Iguessifil
oset
her
apecaseI
'
llbesuedf
or
homewr ecki
ng.
..
Mama: Youwon'
tloseit
..
.You'
ll
winit
,it
'saver
y
str
aightfor
wardcase.
..Whorunsawaywi t
ha
boyfri
endleav
ingapotont hest
ove?
Me:
(smi
l
ed)You'
rer
ight
..
.

Tumelosmil
edandwinkedatmeashewal
ked
pastuswi
thTuel
o..
.

Me:(
blushi
nglooki
ngathi
m)I
'
m goi
ng.
..You'
l
l
gowi
thReneiakere?
Her
:(l
aughed)Yes.
..(
turnedandl
ookedat
Tumel
owhoqui ckl
yfacedawaytoavoi
dher)
Waakokatota.
..Mmeket samae
Me:
(laughedshamef
ull
y)By
e..
.

Shewal
kedawayt
heni hur
ri
edt oTumiwho
cl
osedmeinhi
schestandkissedmyforehead.
..

Tumelo:(smil
ed)See,theycan'
tchar
geyou
unt
ilal
ltheinvest
igat
ionshavebeendonet
o
pr
ovewhet
heri
twasr
apeorconsensual
.
..
Me: Ij
usthopethi
ngsgowel
l,I
'
mt ir
edofthem
postponi
ngcases,i
t'
sbeenmonthsandheis
sti
l
lwalkingar
oundli
kehedidnothi
ngwrong.
Tumel
o:I
ttakest
imebabe.
..Bepat
ient
..
Me:
(si
ghed)Okay
..
.

Renei
andDuduwal
kedov
erchat
ti
ng.
..
.

Dudu:
OKsi
r,y
oucangonow.
..Wrneedher
Tumi:(
laughed)Youjusteasi
l
ychaseme,
babe
arey
ougoi ngtoall
owt hem?
Me:
(smi
l
ed)Um y
es.
.

Hel
aughedandwal
kedaway
..
.
Me:Ihopet
hisi
saboutAbal
eng'
sfar
ewel
l
Par
ty.
..
Renei
:(l
aughed)Gi
rlf
orgetthepart
yI'
m proud
ofyou,
thist
imeyoudidn'
tlookter
ri
fi
ed.
..
Me:
(smi
l
ed)t
hanksbuti
wasshaki
ng

Wecont
inuedt
alki
ngappr
oachi
ngt
hecar
..
..
.

AtChasay
aandbr
other
sat
tor
ney
s..
.

Lateronhislawyer'
sPAledBakangandhis
fatheri
ntohisint
ervi
ewroom sect
ionedf
rom
hisoffi
cethensheadjust
edtheroom
temperatur
e...

Her
: (
smiled)Di
dir
emembert
osaygood
morning?
Kgosi
:(l
aughed)Yes,
thr
eet
imes.
..
Her:(
laughed)I
'm sorry,
todaymybosshasa
l
otofcasesandI '
mr unningupanddown, heis
onhiswayf r
ocour t
,justwaitforhi
m..
.Um..
.
Mayi bri
ngyouTeaandmuf f
instokeepy
ou
busywhilewait
ing?
Kgosi
:(smil
ed)Thanksbutwej
usthad
br
eakfast
..
.
Her
:Thanky
ou.
..

Shewalked,Bakanghadbeenget t
ingqui
eteras
daystothecourtapproached,heabsent
mindedl
yrubbedhi shandstogetherandpi
cked
hi
snoseashi sfatherl
ookedathi m..
.

Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay
?
Bakang:
Yes.
..(
sighed)Ij
ustdon'
twantt
ogot
o
j
ail
..
.
Hi
m:Youwon'
tgot
ojai
l
,notasl
ongasI
'
m
br
eat
hing.
Bakang:Idon'
tunder
standwhywecan'
tjust
tal
ktothemagistr
ateworki
ngonthi
scase..
.

Chamawal
kedi
nandsatdownopeni
nghi
s
fi
l
e..
..

Chama: Wecan' tbri

bethemagi strat
e,Idon'
tdo
that..
.Anddon' tletmoviesfoolyou,it
'squi
te
diff
iculttobri
bet hemagi st
ratebecausethey
arewel lpaidandwon' tri
sktheirj
obsf ora
cri
mi nal.
.Canwest opfocusingonbr i
bing
peopleandact uall
yfocusonf i
ndingloophol
es
i
nherst ory
...
Kgosi
:Iagr
eewi
thy
ou.
..
Bakang:
Theyfoundmysemeni
nherbody
,they
ar
egoingtosendmetojai
l
.
Chama: I
tdoesn'
tmeany ourapedher,stop
beingnegat
ivebecauseyou'
l
l chokewhen
askedquesti
onsincourt
.You'renotgui
lty,
that'
swhytheycally
ouaccusedi ncourt
..
.
Bakang:
Okay
..
.
Chama:Tomorr
owy oumightbesentt
oj ai
l
,I'
m
j
ustgiv
ingyout
hepossibi
l
iti
esofwhatthe
magist
rat
emightdeci
detodo..
.
Kgosi
:Youmeani
ftheyf
indhi
m gui
l
ty?
Chama:No,theymi ghtkeephimi ncustody
whil
eawaiti
ngtri
alespeciallyi
ftheybeli
evehe
mighti
nter
fereorharasst hecompl ai
nant,
or
evenmisshisdates,anythingr
eallyit
'st
otall
y
uptothemagistr
ate...
Bakang:(
swall
owed)Areyouser
ious?AndI
'
ll
beinpri
sonforhowlong?
Chama:Idon'
tknow,casesar
ebreaki
ngthe
shel
vesincourt
s,i
tmightt
akemonths.
..
.We
havebeengoingupanddownforsixmonths
now,
itcanev
engoasf
aras2y
ear
sfr
onow.
..
Bakang:SoI'
l
lser
veyear
sbehi
ndbar
sbef
orei
evengetsent
enced?
Chama:Rapeisaseri
ouscrime.
..Butwewi l
l
appl
yforbai
landhopetheydon'
tdenyy oubail
.
Ij
ustwantedtol
aydownt hepossi
bil
it
iesyou'
ll
befaci
ngonTuesday.
Kgosi:(
sighed)Sotell
me,ist
her
eapossi
bil
i
ty
thaty
oumi ghtl
osethi
scase?
Chama: Wear egoi ngtowi nthiscase,thereis
noquest i
onabouti t.
..
Yout wogotback
togetherandr anofftothef ar
ml ikeyouusedt o
i
nt hepast ,herparentsknowt hattheyonce
againr eport
edherabduct edbutendedl eav i
ng
thefarm wi t
houtheraf terreali
singthatyout wo
werej ustintoxicat
edbyl ove,itl
ookslikeshe
neverr eal
lysay sgoodby ewhenshei sthinki
ng
ofyou.Shel i
edt oherboy fr
iendandmot her
sayingshewasgoi ngtoani ntervi
ewbecause
you'
reamar ri
edmanandshedi dn'twantt hem
tosuspectany thing.Themessageswi l
lprov e
thi
s..
.Whi leatittheboy fri
endwillanswerf or
moneyl aunderingany wayyoutwoenj oyed
yoursel
fint hefarml ikeyoualway sdidint he
pastuntilyourwi f
eshowedup, y oupanicked
andleft.
..Wheny ougotbacksheandy ourwi fe
seemedt ohavehadaf i
ghtbecauseshewas
brui
sed.Youapol ogisedandy ouagr eedt otalk
toyourwi feaboutdr oppingthehomewr ecking
casebutwhenherboy fri
endscaughty out woin
ther
eshegotf ri
ght enedandcr i
edr ape,tomake
matterswor sey ourwi feref
usedt odropt he
casesoshef il
edf orrape.Yoursemenbei ngi n
herdoesn' tmeany ourapedher,itwas
consensual sex..
.Not hingsaysy ourapedher ,
thecourtwor kswi thev i
dencenotsy mpat hy.
Bakang:
(si
ghedr
eli
eved)Okay
..
.
Kgosi
:(si
ghed)Iunder
standnow
Bakang:
I'
dli
ket
ofi
l
efort
hecust
odyofmy
chi
l
dren
Chama: Wewil
lgetintothat.
..I
twil
lcomeand
I'
l
lmakesur ey
ougetaf airdealonyour
chil
dren,
noparenthastherighttost
opanother
fr
om seeinghi
s/herchil
d..
.
Kgosi
:Iwantt
hosechi
l
dreni
nourf
ami
l
y..
.
Chama: Theonlywaypossiblei
sforhertobe
foundguilt
yfortheoff
enceofhomewr ecking
andshef ai
lstopaythenshecanbesentt ojai
l
andyouhav ecustodyofthem.Theyhavea
casetodayr i
ght
?
Bakang:(si
ghed)Yeah..Idi
dn'
twantt
obet
her
e,
paparazzi
swill
llbethere.
..

Minuteslat
ertheywalkedout
sideand
approachedtheparki
ngareawherehi
sfat
her
gotinhiscar.
..
Kgosi
:Pleasedon'
ttal
ktoNal
edi
orher
wit
nesses.
Bakang:
Ofcour
senot
,iunder
standt
hat
..
.By
e
Kgosi
:By
e

HedroveawaythenBakanggoti
nhi
scar,he
adj
ustedt
heseatandlai
ddownchangi
ngthe
set
ti
ngsonhisphoneandcall
edTumel
o..
..

Att
hebut
cher
y..
..

Lat
erthataf
ter
noonTumel
ostoppedt
hecar
,
Tuel
oandAbalengst
eppedout
..
.

Abal
eng:
Tuxkant
emthakanyanay
olewal
e
cr
osslal
eKoreay
oleokae?
Tuel
o:(
laughed)Tr
evor
?HahahaTr
evouso
t
eng.
..Wedidn'
ttal
kforawhi
leaf
terhi
sfi
ght
wi
thBakangbutnowadayswetal
k..
Tumel
o:Whatwer
etheyfi
ght
ingabout
?Bakang
seemstobeal
waysf
ight
ingwit
hhisfr
iends.
Tuel
o:Justsmal
lshi
t,di
l
otsamaj
i
tahel
a..
.It
wasalongtimeago.
..
Abal
eng:
Hei
sagoodguyMrT.
..
Tumelo:I
'dl
iket
oseelecr
osslal
eKor
ea
wai
tse,koot
engomathonyana
Tuel
o:(
laughed)Don'
tst
art
..
.

Theguyswalkedinandl
ookedatthefresh
st
eakthroughthecl
eancl
eargl
ass..
..

Tuel
o:Weshoul
dpi
ckt
hespi
cedone
Tumelo:Naledi
saidwemustbuyafreshone,
shesaidtheyarepl
anni
ngt
omar i
nadeit.
..
Abaleng:Idon'tunderst
andwhypeopleare
thr
owingaf arewellpart
yforme,youcoul
djust
convertal
lthisint
omoneyanddeposi ti
tinmy
accountsoi canusei ti
nChina.
..

Tumelofel
thisphonev
ibr
ati
nginhi
spocket
andansweredwalki
ngoutoft
henoi
sy
but
chery
...

Tumel
o:Hel
l
o?
Voice:IhaveMoni queJensoncar dandI '
mt he
onlyonewhoknowsy oudupl icatedFNBcl ient'
s
cardandmadewi thdrawalsindi f
ferentATMs...
Thepol i
cehaven'thadar easonr eadmessages
betweeny ouand" Naledi
"becauset heydon' t
havear easontobutonecal lcanchangeal l
that.You'
reona4y earprobat ion..
.Imagine
doing4y earsf
irstfortheviolationofy our
probati
onandt henser vi
ngt i
mef ormoney
l
aunderi
ngorwhat
evert
heycal
li
t .
..Youcoul
d
spendover10y
ear
sawayfrom yourpreci
ous
daught
er.
..
Tumel o:
Idelet
edthosemessagesandiknow
forsurether
eisnowayyoukeptthem f
or6
mont hs.
.
Voice:(laughed)Everheardofmiscel
laneous?I
thoughty ousaidyoureadlawbooksi nprison,
i
fi t
ellthem whathappenedt heywil
lapplyfora
courtordertogetthosemessagesf rom your
networkpr ovi
derdummy !I
tdoesn'
tmat t
erif
youdelet edmessagesi nyourphone,Mascom
doesn'tdeletethei
rs.
Tumel
o:(
swal
l
owed)Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Voi
ce:
Tel
lhert
odr
opt
hecase.
..
Tumelo:
For geti
t,y
ou'r
egoi
ngt
opayf
ort
he
wayyoutreatedNaledi
.
Voi
ce:Choosi
ngagir
lf
ri
end'
sfeel
ingsovery
our
chi
l
d'sl
if
eisveryman'
sweaknessisn'
ti
t?So
you'
regoi
ngt
olosey
ourf
reedom f
oramar
e
gir
lf
ri
end?
Tumel
o:You'r
egoingt
ojai
lev
eni
fitmeansme
goi
ngwit
hy ou.
..
Voice:
Good,i
fican'
thav
eheryoucan'
thav
e
ei
ther,
we'
rebothgoi
ngtojai
l
.

Hehungupandtur
nedaroundst
ari
ngatt
he
guy
sastheyst
aredbackathi
m..
..
.

Abal
eng:
What
'sgoi
ngon?I
sBakangbot
her
ing
you?
Tumel
o:No,
I'
m good.
..

Hej
oinedt
hem ast
heyappr
oachedt
hecar
..
..
.

AtCr
imi
nal
Inv
est
igat
ionDepar
tment
..
..
Lat
erthedetect
iveputanotherf
ileontheshel
f
andpausedashisphoner ecei
vedseveral
messagesatonce,hewalkedov erandreadhi
s
messages.
..
.

Hefr
ownedstar
ingatsev
eralscr
eenshotsof
Tumel
oandNaledi'
smessageandapi ct
ureof
Moni
queJenson'
sATM card.
..

Unsavednumber: Ihaveallt
heinf
ormati
onyou
mightneedaboutTumel oSi
bandaandI'
l
lbe
avai
labl
eforanintervi
ewanyt i
mey ouwant
.
Fr
om: Aresponsibleci
tizen.

AtAbal
eng'
shouse.
..
.

Lat
ert
hataf
ter
noont
hel
adi
esandi
wer
e
makingchakal
akai
nthekitchenastheguys
broket
hebigicebl
ocksont hepavementand
threwt
hem inametalbat
hf ul
lofdri
nks.
..

Tumel
oquiet
lywashedthebr
aaist
andasTuel
o
wal
kedov
ertohim hol
dingacanofbeer
..
..

Tuelo:What'
sgoi
ngon?Youbeenqui
etsi
nce
thatcal
l.
..
Tumelo: I
'
m goi
ngbacktojai
l.
..Bakangi
sgoi
ng
toreportmeifidon'
tgetNal
editodropt
he
case..
.
Tuel
o:Hav
eyout
oldany
oneaboutt
his?
Tumelo:(
stoodupandf acedhim)No, andi
tr
ustyoutokeepittoy oursel
funti
liget
arr
est
ed.Don'ttel
lNalediaboutitbecauseI
wantt
hisguyt opayfort r
eati
ngherbadl y
.
Tuel
o:St
uxkanai
tmeansy
ou'
l
lbeser
vingt
hat
4yearsbeforeanythi
ng,
andthemagistr
ate
mightbestif
fsinceyou'
renotafi
rstt
ime
of
fenderespecial
lywhenyoudidthi
swhil
eon
pr
obation,
youcoul ddo10years.
..
Tumelo:That
'swhyy
ou'r
enotsupposedtotel
l
her
,ij
ustwanttoenj
oymyl astday
swithher
bef
oreigobutknowi
ngthathewi l
lbebehi
nd
bar
swi l
lgi
vememor epeace.
Tuelo:Andifhedoesn'
tgot oj
ail
?Whatif
Naledi'
scasegetsdismissedbecauseofl
ack
ofevidenceorsomethingandyoustil
lgot
ojail
?
Tumelo:That
'sachanceI
'
m wil
l
ingt
otake..
.
Don'
ttell
anyone,
evenDudu.
.Womentalk,
she
mighttel
lher
.
Tuel
o:(
sighed)Iwon'
ttel
lher
..
..
.

I
nthehouse.
..
..
MeanwhileIputanot
herbowl
ofchakalakai
n
t
hef r
idgeandjoi
nedDuduwhowasslicingt
he
veggi
es..
..

Renei:(
yawnedbor ed)Mxm i
fonl
ythi
swasa
bi
rthdaythi
ng.
..Ican'tbel
i
evehei
saboutt
o
l
eav e.
..
Me:
Hewil
lbev
isi
ti
ngi
t'
snotl
i
kehei
sgoi
ngt
o
t
hemoon.
..
.
Renei
:Wait
seAr
onaenekeskebekwa, y
ou'd
swearyout
wodon'thavealit
tl
esist
er,isent
heramessagey
esterdayaboutAbi'
sfarewel
l
andshesai
dsheisinMalawi
Me:Uhu,
lennagakei
tsesepe.
..Ot
aaf
eil
a
kana

Imadeasandwi
chandpl
acedi
tinacl
eanbowl
theni
wal
kedout.
..
.
Me:
Goi
ngt
ofeedmyman.
..

Theyalllaughedasi wal
kedoutand
approachedhim, Tuel
owalkedawayasTumel
o
tur
nedar ound..
..

Me:Imadet
hisf
ory
ou,
thoughty
oumi
ghtbe
hungr
y..
.
Tumel
o:(l
eanedov
erandki
ssedme)Thanks.
..I
l
oveyou
Me:
(smi
l
ed)Fi
nishi
tify
oul
oveme.
..

Iturnedaroundandwal
kedawayasmyphone
receivedpi
ctur
esandamessage.
..

Unsav
ednumber
:Someonewi
l
lbesi
ngi
ngt
his
songver
ysoon.
..
.Goodby
emyl
over
,Goodby
e
myfri
end.

Iswall
owedandtur
nedaround,Tumel
owas
l
aughingwit
htheot
herguysstandi
ngbyt
he
braai
stand.
..
..

Me:
(repl
i
ed)Whatdowant
?
Number
:Youknowwhatt
odo.

Isi
ghedandwal
kedbacki
nthehouse.
..

Renei
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
Yes.
..
.(t
ear
ful
l
y)I
'
mfi
ne.
Dudu:(
tur
nedandl
ookedatme)You'
renotf
ine,
yourv
oicei
sshaky
..
.
Renei
:What
'sgoi
ngon?
Icover
edmyfacecr
yingastheyhuggedme
thenimov
edbacksniff
ingandwipedmytear
s..
.

Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
..Let
'sf
ini
sht
his.
..

Wecont
inuedmaki
ngchakal
aka.
..
..
..
..
..(
9t)
..
Co-
wif
e
#69

AtAbal
eng'
shouse.
..
.

Itwasawarm eveni
ngandt heful
l moonwas
uptooearl
y..
.Wewer eal
lsitt
ingonourcamp
chai
rsinsmallgr
oupschatti
nghav i
ngdri
nks.
DJLaTi mmy'sKem* bel
etebangedfrom
Tuelo'
scarandever
yonepaused...Afewti
psy
peoplerantothecarandopenedal lt
hedoor s,
theydidn'
tevenknowTuel obuttheyi
ncr eased
thevolumeandf ormedacircl
edancinghol ding
thei
rbeerandpoi nt
ingatoneanother.
..The
songwassur pri
singlyni
ceandIfoundmy self
hummi ngandnoddi ngastheydancedalong. .
..

Dudugr
abbedmyhandanddr
aggedmet
her
e..
..

Dudu:Obatagobi nahetahelarebine,
kebo
hol
yjwaeng...
.HeelaRenei het
a!Yourhusband
i
sdancingitwithhisbuddi
esnt searel
wer i
ng,
het
akwa, basadibabanyetswenglerata
motsohe.

Renei l
ookedatAbi,
TumeloandTuel
odancing
withacoupleofotherguy
sthenshelazi
ly
draggedhersel
fover.
..
.Wedancedunti
lwe
couldn'
tbreat
h..
..
Us:(
screaming)Seloseokem* belet
e..
.(t
he
songpausedandwescr eamed)Abogonnal e
babarwalangskir
tkamachesa. ..Sel
oseo...
..
(weal
llaughedandpoi ntedattheladi
es
weari
ngmachesawi t
haski rt
)Seloseoke
m*bel
ete..
.(danci
ng)Rem* bal
ete..
.

Weal ljoy
full
ysangpointi
ngoutthi
ngson
othersandsangunt i
lweweretir
ed,iputmy
arm aroundDuduaswewentt oourcamp
chair
s.Isippedmydr i
nkandtookoffmyshoe
theniputmyf ootonDudu'sthi
ghasweal l
happil
ychat t
edloudl
y..
..

Renei
:KanaMaduowoul dbedanci
ngthi
ssong
gore,
thatgi
rlcoul
ddance.
..Near
ata
mozobozobokana...
Me:
(laughed)Hei
kanaDousneazobamma,
a
mpolai
sagommelega,
shewoul
dbedrunkand
I
'l
lcarr
yherhome,
mybestf
ri
endbat
hong.
Renei
:Neremmer ekammey oobutatl
eastshe
spokeforuswhenpeopl
eteasedus.Hermouth
wasourdefence.
.
Me:Mxm ankanaoneal
walaWendygor
e,she
badl
ywantedt
obeather
..
.
Renei
:(l
aughed)Shecal
l
edherCandy
Dudu:(
laughed)I'
dki
l
lforaf
ri
endli
kethat
..
.A
womanwhot al
ksshi
ttomyfaceandspeaks
goodbehindmyback..
.
Me:Shewasthekindoffri
endthathol
dsyour
handandsti
l
lremindsyouofthebadthi
ngsyou
di
dtoher,Maduokanawaabuwa.Abenako
nngwemmaTr evoragonkhandakospatel
a
Renei
:(l
aughed)Leburut
hwanal
eokanal
eboi
,
benneat shabaBakang.
Me:
HahahaMaduoankomany
ahoo.
..Ar
ewho
i
sbaby si
tt
ingwho?Didn'
tyousayI'
m auseless
fr
iend?Haahetsagonkomany akehampotsa
goremosimaney oomokhutshwaneyol
ekeene
mang?
Dudu:
(laughed)Tal
ki
ngaboutTuel
o?
Me:Yes,shedidn'
twanthim nakoyat
engkeha
aboregi
letot
aaf osegagokopalif
tmogo
Tuel
o..
.
Renei
:Shewasagr
eatf
ri
end
Dudu:
Canwehav
ethesamef
ri
endshi
p?

Ther
ewassi
l
enceaswel
ookedatoneanot
her
..
.

Renei:(
sighed)Icoul
dr eal
lyuseaf r
iendr ight
now,imeanNal ediwon'ttell
meany thingabout
herpri
vatelif
ejustbecausei madeami stake
onetime!Idon'tknowmuch( seduct
ively)about
hercute.
...
smoothcriminal.
..
Dudu:Nal
edii
slucky
,Tumel
oisoneofakind.
..
Atl
eastyoucanbesurehei
snotacheat
er
Me:Youcanneverbesur
eaboutt
hese
cr
eatur
es,set
serebaahel
amomodi mong.
Dudu:
Trustmey
our
sdoesn'
tcheat
..
.
Renei:
Butf
oramanhei
sokay
,obont
ejwa
senna.
Me:(l
aughed)Laasi
molol
aaker
e?Nextt
hing
you'
l
lbetouchi
nghim..
Dudu:Evenifi
hadacrushonhi
mi twoul
d
di
sappeartheminut
eireal
i
seheisyour
s..
.
Renei
:Okho!(
weal
llaughed)Yout
woact
ual
l
y
tr
iedshar
ingaman
Me:
Andi
tendedt
her
e..
Renei
:(l
aughed)Thi
smandr
ovey
out
wocr
azy
Dudu:(
laughed)AndStarf
ail
edt
oCo-wi
fe,she
i
sthewor stCo-
wifeanywomancanget
..
.
Jeal
ousy?Iyoo
Me:
(laughed)Ican'
tshar
e..
.

Meanwhi leTumeloputdownt heempt ybott

le
andopenedanot heroneasotherscont i
nued
tal
king..
.Tuelowalkedar
oundt heguysand
stoodbehi ndTumeloput
tinghisarm around
him...

Tuel
o:(whi
sper
ed)That
'senough.
..Doyou
wanttogohome?IcanaskNaleditodr
iveyou
home..
.
Tumel
o:Nokeshapo.
..
Tuel
o:Butgoeasyont
hebot
tl
es.
..

Heconti
nueddr
inki
ngast
heguy
scont
inued
chat
ti
ng.
..
.
Meanwhi
leTr
evor'
sgi
rl
fr
iendrecogni
sedme
andwal
kedover
,wesmiledandhugged..
..

Her
:Hi
,howar
ethet
ri
plet
s?
Me:
(laughed)ogopot
sebonehel
a?
Her
:(l
aughed)Banabaokil
ebar
esi
ant
sha
mabel
o,howisPrincess
Me:Thet ri
pletsarefi
ne.
..LePrincessoteng.
..
(t
oDudu)Thi sisTrev
or'
sgirl
fr
iend..
.Kehabata
gontshelahat sel
engwheni wasi nlabour
,she
hadPrincesst heenti
ret
ime
Dudu:
(smi
l
ed)Hel
l
o,t
anki
themma.
..
Her
:(smi
l
ed)any
time.
..
Me:Youcanhaveaseatov
ert
her
e..
.Di
dyou
guy
sjustar
ri
ve?
Her
:Yeah..
.Andwewon'tbel
ong,
I'
m goi
ngt
o
wor
kearlyi
nthemorni
ng
Tuel
owalkedov
erandhel
dmyhandt
aki
ngme
asi
de.
..

Dudu:
Uhu!
Tuel
o:(
laughed)Rar
emeh-
meh
Me:(
laughed)Dudut
hewaboul
elahankakeka
di
raTuelosepe.
..
.
Dudu:
Nyaammannakemogot
samehel
a

Ever
yonelaughedaswest
oodashor
tdi
stance
fr
om them..
.

Tuel
o:PleasetakeTumihome,it
hinkhehad
enough.
..Heisnotdrunkbuthei
stipsy.Iasked
hi
mt ogohomebuthesai dhewasf inemmeke
i
tsegoreifyousaidi
thewoulddoit.
Me:Yes,l
etmego.
..I
sther
eany
thi
ngt
hati
s
st
ressi
nghim?
Tuelo:(
sighedl
ookingatme)Itr
ustyouto
recei
vethismatur
ely.
..
.Bakangi
sblackmai
li
ng
him..
.
Me:
Iknewi
t,hesentmemessagest
oo.
Tuel
o:Reall
y?Tumel ot
oldmenottot
ell
you
unti
lhegoestojail
becausehewasaf
rai
dyou
mightdr
opt hecase.
Me: Dr
opt hecasef
orwhat?Blackmai
lnever
stops,
hewi l
luseusever
ytimehewant s
somethinggagonamosola.
..
.Anywaythanks
Tuel
o:By
e

Isaidmygoodby est
otheladiesand
approachedTumeloashewasst andi
ngwit
h
othermen,iputmearmsar oundhiswai
stt
hen
heturnedaroundandki
ssedme. .
..
Me: (
frownedsmi
l
ing)Icansmel
lal
cohol
on
yourbreat
h...
.
Tumel
o:Sor
ry.
..
Me:Canwegohome?I
'
m exhaust
ed.
..Ineed
somesleep.
..
.
Tumelo:Al
ri
ght
..
.(t
urnedt
oev
ery
one)Guy
s
goodnight
..
.
Al
l
:Goodni
ght
..
.
Abal
eng:
Dri
vesaf
ely
..
Tumel
o:(
laughed)Shei
sdr
ivi
ng.
..
Abal
eng:
(laughed)Al
ri
ght
,goodni
ght
..
.

Wewal
kedt
othecar
..
..
.

Atmyhouse.
..
..
..
Lateronwewal kedint henhecl osedt hedoor
andl ocked,iwalkedtot hebedr oom t akingof f
myj erseythenhet urnedmear oundandki ssed
measwest oodont hepassage. ..
..i
tried
reachingfortheswi t
chest olightt hepassage
buthepushedmyhandt ohisbonert henhe
unzippedmyj eansandpushedt hem downon
mykneest ogetherwitht hepant i
es...Hegotup
andki ssedmeasi putmyhandi nhi s
sweat pantsandpol i
shedhi smanhood. .
..

Hewashar dandr eady.

..Rubbingmyhandoni t
gotmewet .
..Andhegr oanedasi st
rokedhi
m
standi
ngagainstthewall,hestrokedhimsel
f
standi
ngi
nf rontofmeandl oweredhimself
thenhesqueezedhi mselfinasi f
rownedand
moanedsoftly.
..
.
Itwasawei rdpositionbuti twassweet ,icould
feel thefrictionofhi sdickashegent l
ybumped,
hepausedandki ssedme, ididn'tknowwhat
beerhewasdr i
nkingbuti twasn' tbadj ust
manl y.
..Myj uicesl ubri
catedhi sdi ckashewent
i
nandoutst andi nginfrontofme. ..Itsomehow
feltlikewewer eacoupl eofhor nyt eenager s
hidingbehi ndt hehouseorsomet hing,just
wei r
dbutv erysweet ..
.Everyt imehesl i
douti
coul dn'twai tforhimt oslidebacki nwi thmor e
power ..
..
itwast oosweeti didn'twanthi mt o
stop. ..

Heincr
easedhisspeedasthethrobbi
ngofmy
cl
it
sincr
easedmakingmeenj oyeverypoundhe
gaveme..
..Heheldmywaistandpounded
har
deraswebot hbreat
hedononeot her.
..
.

Tumel
o:(
wit
hadeepv
oicei
nmyear
)#*
-":
ăw
Me:
(sof
tl
y)aw-
aw-
aw-
aw
Tumelo:(
sloweddown)Damn..
.(wel
aughed
thenheki
ssedme)thankyou.
..
Me:
(lai
dmyheadonhi
schest
)No,
thanky
ou.
..
.

Hehuggedmeaswest oodunderthepart
ial
l
y
l
itpassage.
..Wegiggl
edagai
nlookingatone
anothert
henheslowlysl
i
dout,hi
ssemen
dri
ppeddownonmypant ies.
..
.

Me:
(fr
owned)Eww.
..
Tumel
o:(
swi
tchedt
hel
i
ght
son)What
?
Me:
(smi
l
edandpoi
nted)Bona.
..

Helookedatsemenandl
aughedthenhebent
ov
erandpulledupmypant
ies.
..
.
Tumelo:Nekegothapi
sa..
.Youshoul
dbe
thankf
ul,semenhaspr
otei
nsonontshi
wake
sperm same.
Me:(l
aughedandpulledoutmyj
eans)Idon'
t
bel
i
evethattheor
y..
.
Tumel
o:(
laughed)Babeweoi
tseb*
bel
ete?
Me:
(laughed)No
Tumel
o:B*
beletekegoj
anelanamomaboteng
l
eemeoadinao,Babekooreopalet
swekego
gor
ogakobedroomng?
Me:(laughed)Hael
ennalewenayoo
pal
etswengkegogorogakemang?Mxm
Tumel o:(
singi
ng)Seloseokeb* bel
ete.
..
.Ke
bobelete.
..(
paused)Abogonnal ebabaha
babar eanapangditl
hala..
.(singingpointi
ngat
me)Sel oseokem* belete.
..Nal edikeb*belet
e..
.
(paused)Abogonnal ebaer engomokapaga1
helaaboat shol
atir
ii
..Karet hreeatonce!
(si
ngingpointi
ngatme)Sel oseokeb* bel
ete.
..
Aekebobel
ete.
..
.
Me:(l
aughedandsatont
hebedlooki
ngathi
m
ashesang)Kant
eontsegonej
aanahaotagi
l
we?
Hahahanekesai
tse.
..
.

Hel
aughedandl
aidont
opofmeki
ssi
ngme.
..
.

Tumel
o:Keagor
atast
handwasam waai
tse?
Me:(rubbi
nghischi
nbear
d)Iknowilov
eyou.
..
.
(
laughedandsang)Mamantshwarennakesi
a
l
emat ebel
e..
..
Tumelo:
(laughedandki
ssedme)Wi
l
lyou
marr
yme?
Me:
(looki
ngi
nhi
sey
es)You'
redr
unk.
..
Tumel
o:I
'
m not
..
.Iwantt
omar
ryy
ou.
..
Me:Askmeint
hemor
ningwheny
ougetupand
I
'l
lsayy
es.
..
Tumel
o:Thanks,I'
l
lcal
lmyfat
hert
omor
row.
..
Hei
shi
nternat
ionalcal
l
slet
sone.
..
Me:Whenlastdi
dyouv
isi
thi
sfami
l
y,t
he
Si
bandas?
Tumelo:
Wheni
was26i
thi
nk,
itwasawhi
l
e
ago.
..
Me:
Itwas.
..
Tumelo:
(tookof
fhi
st-
shi
rt
)Letmegett
het
ub
ready
Me:Wait
,let
'stalk.
..Iwantt
oshowy ou
somet
hing..
.(showedhi mthemessages)Look
Tumelo:(
hereadthemessageandgavemet
he
phone)You'
renotdr
oppi
ngthecase.
..
Me:Yes, iwon'tbutiwasthinkingwecoul
dtel
l
theprosecutorthathecontactedus,i
sn'
the
supposedt ostayawayfrom us?
Tumelo:(
proudl
ykissedme)Il
oveyou,y
ou'r
e
i
ntel
l
igentgori
anacomehere.
..(
hecuddledme
andki ssedme)Oneofhi sbailcondit
ionsi
s
thathei snotsupposedt ocontactyouorthe
witness, asf
ort hist
hreatwaii
hei sgoingto
reportmewhet herwecompl yornotbutwewi l
l
crosst hatbr
idgewhenwegett her
e..
.
Tomor r
owmor ni ngfi
rstt
hingwear ereport
ing
thi
s,heusmaki nganappear ancetomor r
ow
akere?
Me:
Yes
Tumelo:Hewi l
ldef
ini
tel
ygetr
emanded,
hopef
ull
y..
.(hel
dmyhand)Let'sgot
akeabat
h
kenkgabraaihela.
..
.

AtMaunMagi
str
atecour
t.
..
..
.

Thenextmorning,courtroom 3wasal mostf

ull
asBakangtookast and...Hewasv i
sibl
y
uncomfor
tableandf orthefir
stti
mei was
confi
dent
,icouldn'
twaitt oheart
hewhatthe
magi
str
atehadt
osayandi
twast
aki
ng
f
orev
er.
..
.

Prosecutor:(concludedfixinghisti
e)Andso
yourWor shipwer equestt hattheaccusedbe
remandedashehasv i
olatedoneoft hebail
conditi
ons.Theaccusedwasnotsupposedt o
contactthecompl ainantoranyoft he
witnesses,despitethestatedcondi t
ionshe
contactedandmadeanat tempttoblackmail
thecompl ai
nantwet her
ef orerequesthe
remainsincust odyuntiltheendoft hetri
al.

Myhear tpoundedast heproceedi ngs

conti
nued, l
awjargonswer ethrownar oundas
thebenchcl er
kinterpretedtoSet swanabuti
wasn'tgoingtowai tfortheinterpretat
ion,i
knewt her
ewoul dbet hewor dj ai
l andperhaps
howlonghewoul dbet her
e..
..
Magi strat
e:(concl
udedhi sorder)Theaccused
shall beremandedwi t
himmedi ateef
fect
,he
wil
lr emainincustodyandment ionhi
mself
befor eHisWor shi
pMar opeont he7th
Nov emberatMaunmagi str
atecourtat08:30i
n
courtr oom 2..
.

Ididn'thearot herwordsbutt
hosearethe
wor dst hatbroughtj
oytomyheart,Bakang's
facesuddenl ybecamepal eandhisli
psdried.
..
Hisf atherlookedaroundcomplet
elyconfused
andshookhi shead...

IsmiledatTumeloandmymot hert
henikepta
seri
ousfaceasthebenchcl
erkconti
nued
i
nterpret
ing.
..
.
Aft
ercourtt
hepoliceof
fi
cersappr
oached
Bakang,
puthishandsbehindhi
sbackand
cuff
edhim..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Co-
wif
e
#70

AtMaunpr
ison.
..

Bakangquiet
lystr
ippedal
lhiscl
othesand
handedthem over
...Thej
ail
guar
dgott hem and
star
edathim...

Him:Eventhewat ch..
.You'
resupposedtobe
naked.
..Exactl
yli
key ouwerewheny ouwere
born.
..
Bri
ngt hatnecklacet
oo
Het ookthem of
fandhandedthem thenhe
reachedfortheorangej
umpsuit,t
heylooked
l
iketheyhadbeenwor nforsever
alyears,t
he
colourwasgoneandt heyweretooli
ght..
.They
barelyl
ookedorange,i
twasjustanother
colour.
..
.

Bakang:
Thesehav
ebeenwor
n,ar
eyousur
e
they
'r
emine?
Guar
d:Theyar
enowy
our
s
Bakang:
Whyarey
ougi
vi
ngmeauni
for
mthat
hasbeenwor
n?
Guar d:Thegov ernmentf eedsorphans,
vulnerablechildrenandt heelder
lydoy oureall
y
thi
nki twillspendmoneyonpr i
soners?Thev ery
peopl ewhot raumat i
sedt hesociet
y?Thisisn't
ahot el.Uselogi c..
.Thegov ernmentwoul d
ratherdeposi tmoneyi ntoorphansaccounts
thanbuyy ouanewuni form,okgabelagoy akae
kaothol
aokanamehel
amo?bef
asti
don'
t
hav
eallday
..
.
Bakang:Nokeagoutwamor
ena,iwasj
ust
aski
ng..
.(t
heguardcal
meddown)Sohowisi
t
i
nside?
Guar
d:I
nter
msof
?
Bakang:
Thel
i
fei
nsi
de.
..
Guar
d:I
t'
sapr
ison.
..
Bakang:Ihav
eneverbeeni
npri
sonbef or
e,i
don'
tknowwhathappensinpr
ison.Ihaveonl
y
watchedmov i
es.
..
Guard:(l
aughed)Amer icanmov iesmakei tl
ook
fancyandcute,thi
sisAf rica..
..(
sighed)Just
don'tl
etthem knowy ou'refrom ther oyal
family
..
.Youmi ghtpayf ory ourfather'
sacti
ons.
Bakang:
whatdoy
oumean?
Guard:Akereyourf
atherhasbeensendi
ng
peopletojai
lfr
om hi
scustomarycourt
?Bateng
gonehal
ait
akaandnopr
isonerfor
getst
he
nameoft
hepersonwhosentthem t
ojai
l.
..
.
Bakang:
(swal
lowed)i
getyou.
..Um.
.Sohow
pri
sonswork,
whoisgoingt
obemyr oommate?
Guard:
You'redi
vi
dedwedon'
tjustputyouin,
Murdersonthesameroom,r
apistonthesame
room,t
hievesonthesamer
oom, etc.
.
Bakang:
SoI
'
m goi
ngt
obesl
eepi
ngwi
thr
api
sts?
Howmanyarewei
naroom?
Guar
d:Haent
atesar
eye,
iwor
kwi
tht
ime.
..

Bakangputonhi
sjumpsui
tsandwal
kedout
wherehejoi
nedt
hequeue,t
heguar
dledthe
pri
soner
s..
..

I
nthey
ard.
..
.
Thegateopenedandtheguardledthem in,
pri
soner
spausedandstaredatthem...Three
tal
ldar
kguyswhistl
edandclappedhands. .
..

I
nmat
e4:
(cl
appi
nghands)Fr
eshmeat
!

Ot
her
slaughedandcl
appedhands.

Minuteslat
erBakangwalkedi nhiscel
l
...There
were2bunkbeds. .
.2upand2down. .Theot her
fati
nmat ewaslayi
ngonthel owerbunk
snori
ng..
.Bakangwalkedinhol di
ngonebl anket
andstaredatthesl
im mattr
ess. .
.

TheguardwalkedawaythenBakangsatdown
andleanedoverr
ubbinghisheadfrustr
atedl
y,
theroom wastoosmallandevenwor sewith
fourpeopl
etocontai
n,i
twasst uf
fyandhe
coul
dsmellt
heotheri
nmat
e'sar
mpi
tsf
rom
wherehewassi
tt
ing..
..

Heshookhisheadandstood,
anotheri
nmat
e
bumpedonhim ashewalkedint
henhepushed
Bakangagai
nstthewal
l
...
.

I
nmat
e2:
(angr
il
y)Want
hul
a!Obat
agodi
raeng?
Bakang:(frownedst ari
ngathim)Obat ago
nyelaakere?Nxl a.
..Touchmeagai n.
..(
he
waitedhishear tsecret
lypoundi
nghopinghe
wouldn't
)Isai dtouchmeagai n.Don'
ttryt
o
scaremel aitakannaket swamaxi mum pri
son.
..
Thisisahot eltome.
I
nmate2:(
cal
med)Justwat
chwher
eyou'
re
goi
ng.
..
gasegor
enekeomanal
ewenabrazene
Bakang:
No,
skabat
agomphaphel
amel
ait
e..
.
Thef i
rstinmatehear
dthear
gumentandtur
ned
aroundr ubbi
ngthesl
obonhischeek.
..

I
nmat
e1:
(looki
ngatBakang)Wehav
ea
r
oommat
e? .
..(
smi
led)Hi
..
.MynameisPaul
.
..

Bakangjustgl
aredathim andfacedt
heother
way,thesecondinmatesatnexttohi
m..
.

I
nmat e2:(whi
spered)Heisfr
om Maxi
mum
pri
son,okgonagoi thel
aelegor
eonalel
ebo
robberyandotherseri
ousoff
encesi
nhiscase.
Maximum gagoi wehela
Paul
:(whi
sper
ed)Iyoo..
.Leeneobogal
ejang,
wil
lheandSkul
lgetalongtot
a..
..
Inamat
e:Maybehewi
l
lhel
pus,
Skul
li
sso
abusi
ve.
..Mxm..
.
Bakangt houghtful
lylookedaroundatthedi r
ty
oldbuildingandsi ghed...Hecouldn'
tbeli
eve
Nalediact uall
ydidthattohi m.
..
Shehadr uined
hisli
fef orever,
ruini
nghi sjobandbusiness
togetherwi thhisdignit
y.Thethoughtofherout
therebreat hi
ngmadehi m angry.
..

Atourhouse.
..

Lat
erthataf
ternoonwewalkedinthehouse
andhugged,heswungmear oundandputme
downthenheleanedoverandkissedme..
.

Hisphonehadbeenri
ngingforawhil
ebuthe
didn'
twantt
opickbecausewewerestil
l
celebr
ati
ngsendi
ngBakangtopri
son..
.

Tumel
o:I
'
m pr
oudofy
ou.
..
Me:
Thanks.
..
Tumel o:You'
reastrongwomanandy ousti
ll
haveal ongwayt ogo..
.Thisisjustthe
beginningbabe,wehav eonlydealtwi t
h30%of
ourproblems.Ibrokethelawagai n.
...(he
gl
ancedathi sphoneagainasi trangt henhe
switcheditoff
)It
'snotamat terofthepol i
ce
doinginvesti
gati
onstota.
..
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Tumel o:ProbationconditionsandBai l
condi t
ionsar ebasicall
ythesamet hing...
You
violateanyoft hecondi ti
onsy ougost r
aightt o
prison.Thepol i
cenowknowi br
oket helaw, i
hav eaf eeli
ngt heyhav elongbeent aili
ngme
andBakangpr obablygav et hem thelastscr ew
tonai lme, Ibeencar el
essbecausei was
distractedbyal lthegoodt i
mesi hadwi thy ou..
.
Ishoul dhav etakenMoni que' scar dfrom you
themi nut eigav eyoutheot herone,y ouwer en'
t
supposedt ocar rybothcar ds.Any wayi mi ght
gotojai
lany
timeand.
..(
kneltdown)Iwantt
o
goknowingyou'
remywife.
..(openedt
heri
ng)
Wil
lyoumarryme?
Me:
(smil
edandqui
ckl
yresponded)Yes,
I'
ll
mar
ryyou.
..

Hegotupandputi
tonmyf
inger
..
.

Tumel o:Iknowi nourculturewear enot

engagedunt ili haveactuallysentmypar ents
andpai dBogadi butpleasedon' ttakeitof f
,i
spoket omyf atherandhewi l
lcomedoal lthe
necessar ytr
adi ti
onalstepsofpay i
ngBogadi
evenifI '
m notar ound..
.Idon' tknowwhat '
s
goingtohappeni figetarrestedbef orethe
weddingbuti lovey ou..
.Inmyhear tyou'remy
wife.IjustwishIcoul dmar ryyout odayright
nowbecauseIhav eabadf eeli
ng,I'
m not
scaredofpr i
sonI '
mj ustscar edofget ti
nghurt,
myheartbeingbroken.
.Beingcheated.
..Idon'
t
havemucht i
mewi thyou,
i di
dn'
twanttot el
l
youthi
slastni
ghtbecausei wantedyoutowalk
i
ncourtfreshl
ikeyoudidthismor ni
ng.
Me:
(si
ghed)y
ou'
rescar
ingme.
.?
Tumel o:Andpleasefindawayt osur vi
veand
takecareofallourchildren,I'
m count ingony ou
totakecar eofApri
l.
..Mymot herissick,ihave
nothingtomynameexceptt hecar ,ij
ustsigned
i
tt oyourname...Iwon'thav eany thingwhenI
walkoutofpr i
son..
.All I
'
llbeabl etoof feryouis
l
ov e.
..pr
omi semey ouwon' tcheatonmewhen
I'
m gone...Pl
ease,I
'l
ldiei fyoubr eakmyhear t.
..
Iloveyousomuchi tscar estheshi toutofme. .
Me:
Iwon'
tcheat
..
..
Tumel
o:(r
ubbedmybell
y)Getamor
ningaf
ter
pi
ll
,wecan'
taff
ordanot
herbaby
Me:
(chuckl
ed)I
'
m oncont
racept
ives
Hesmi l
edandkissedme,ther
ewasaknockon
thedoorthenhepausedandquickl
yhandedme
hisphoneandwallett
henhewalkedtothedoor
andopened..
..

Of
fi
cer
:Si
banda?
Tumel
o:That
'sme
Of
fi
cer
:Ar
eyouav
oidi
ngus?
Tumelo:
(tur
nedaroundandputhi
sarms
behi
ndhisback)No,ihadt
osaygoodby
e..
.
Off
icer
:Uhnoneedf
orcuf
fsmyman,
let
'sj
ust
go.
..

Het urnedar
oundandfol
lowedthem tothecar,
istoodatthedoorl
ooki
ngatthem asthey
droveawayinapoli
cecarthenIopenedhis
walletandcover
edmymout hinshock..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
(9t)
...
Co-
wif
e
#71

Atmyhouse.
..

Itookadeepbr eathstar
ingatthezer o'
sonthe
chequetheni sl
iditoutofthewalletand
properl
ylookedatit.
..
.25K,toomuchmoneyf or
someonewhohadn' tworkedinawhi lebuti
couldn'
tbeexcitedaboutitbecausei knewi
t
wast hereasonhewasi njail
.

Icl
ickedonhi sphoneasiwalkedbacki nt
he
house,therewasal ar
get
extont hescreenthen
Isatont hecouchandwhisperedreadi
ng..
..

Me:Pleasevi
sitmymother
,ihadal
ong
conv
ersati
onwi t
hher
.
Ididn'
tknowmuchaboutMr sSibandaexcept
thefactthatshewasachur chaddict
,Idi
dn'
t
knowwhatI '
dsaytoheroncetherebutigot
readyandl ef
t.
..
..

AtMaAbi
'
shouse.
..
..

Abal
engwalkedi
nthel
ivi
ngroom car
ryi
ng
Atsi
l
eandsatnextt
ohismothert
henhel ai
d
hi
m onhisl
apandremovedhiswetheavy
di
aper.
..
.

Abi
:Hel
l
oboy
..
.Mamahei
stoool
dfordi
aper
s
Her:Heis,Nal
edihasn'
tpott
ytrai
nerthem..
.A1
yearol
disoldenoughtowakeupwhent hey
wanttopeehael eAmeenehedoesev er
ything
i
nhisdiaperkaibil
eheisn'
teventr
yingtostand
orcr
awl
..
.
Abi
:Amei
sst
il
lnotwal
ki
ng?
Her
:Eehei
snotev ent
ryi
ng.
iwanttokeep
t
hem f
or2or3threemonthssothati
canteach
t
hem t
oatl
eastcomplai
nwhentheyareabout
t
opeeatni
ght
.
Abi
: Renei musthavebeent aughtverywel
l
...
.I
neversmel lpeearoundt hehouseandLoago
neverpeesont hebl
anket s.Reneiusedtowake
hi
m ont hemi ddleoftheni ghtforapee
nowaday shei stheonewhowakesher
compl ai
ningthenshet akeshi mtot he
bat
hr oom.
Her:Theseonesaretoomanyf orLel
e,
ngwanakeokaserobalekegolal
aar ol
abosigo
j
othe.Iwanttotal
ktohim aboutit
..
.Iwant
them f
oratleastt
hreemonths..
.(si
ghed)
Anywayhowi syourprepar
ati
ongoing?
Abi
:I'
m done,
tomor
rowat8am I
'
llber
eadyt
o
l
eav
e.
Her:Don'
tsl
eepwit
htheChi
nesepeoplet
lhe
ngwanakeonyet
seotoget
semosadi mo
Botswana.
Abi
:(l
aughed)Iwon'
t
Her
:Please,
iwon'
tev
enacceptt
hathal
f
Chi
nesebaby..
.
Abi:
(laughed)IloveRenei,
ihaveal
way sl
oved
herandI'l
lrespectherevenonherabsence.
Her:Evenwi
thy
ourbeaut
if
ulcoworkernextt
o
you?Ihear
dyoutwowerehuggedupinthe
off
ice?
Abi:I
'
m goi
ngtokil
lMaf
uthaf
uthafort
his,
ke
eneyoomaaka,howcanshetell
youthi
ngsli
ke
thi
s
Her
:Justdon'
tcheat
Abi
:Iwon'
t.
..
.
AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..

LateronIknockedonthedoort
henApri
l
openedthedoor,shehuggedmeti
ght
lysmi
l
ing
asIheldherdearl
y.

Me:
Heybaby
..
.Howar
eyou?
Apr
il
:Fi
ne.
.
Me:
Isy
ourgr
annyhome?
Apr
il
:Yes

Iwalkedinandsatont hecouchwhi l
eshewent
tocallher,
herbookandpenci l
wer eont he
couchandIr eachedf ori
t.
..Shehadamessy
handwr i
ti
ng,herl
etterswereallfaci
ngt he
oppositedir
ecti
onandherwor dswer en'teven
makingsense...
.Iturnedthepageandf rowned,
shewasget ti
ngzer ooutofallthequest ions.
..I
pul
l
edherbagoverandopenedot
herbooks,
it
wasal
lthesamethi
ng..
.

Mi
nut
esl
atershesatnextt
ome.
..

Apr
il
:Shei
scomi
ng.
..
Me:Okay..
.(poi
nted)Apri
lwhyisyour4faci
ng
t
hissi
de?Lookaty our9andev en6..
.wr
it
e
t
hem properl
yli
kethis.
..(
Ishowed)

Shewr ot
ethefort
wonumber
scor
rect
lyand
repeat
edthesamet hi
ng.
…

Me:(si
ghedandclosedherbook)Li
sten.
..Do
youknowtheAlphabet
s?
Apr
il
:Yes
Me:
Tel
lme.
..(
shesai
dthem cor
rect
ly)Good
gi
rl
..
.(iwrot
edownt wolett
ers)whataret
hese
l
ett
ers?(shekeptqui
et)Youdon'tknow?
Apr
il
:Idon'
tknow.
..
Me:
Youhav
etot
ry.
..
Apri
l
: (
sadly
)Idon'
tknow,
I'
m st
upi
d.I
'
m dul
l
andretar
ded.
Me:
Whywoul
dyousayt
hat
?
Apri
l
:Thet
eachersaysI
'
m stupi
dbecauseIonl
y
knowhowtospeak,i
can'
treadandwri
te.
Me:(
sighed)You'
renotdul
l.
..Andy
ou'
renot
st
upi
d,don'tcal
lyour
sel
fthat.
Apr
il
:Idon'
tknowany
thi
ng.

Hergrandmot
hersatdownfi
xi
ngherheadscar
f
hol
dingacontai
nerofsomepi
ll
sasshe
coughedpai
nful
ly.
..
Me:
(smi
l
ed)Dumel
ang.
..
Her
:(coughed)Dumal
angwanaka,
howar
eyou?
Me:I'
mf i
ne,
Tumel
osai
dishoul
dcomeher
e..
.I
don'
tknowwhy.
Her:(coughed)Oh, ihaveadoctor'
s
appointmentinGabor one.
..They'
regoingto
operatemenextweek, usuall
yAprilst
ayswi t
h
mysi st
erbutshehasal otofchil
dren.
..Apri
lis
aquietchildandsot heytendtobullyher.She
askedmei fshecouldstaywithyouwhi l
ei was
i
nt hehospi t
al,i
askedherf at
herandhesai dhe
wouldt al
kt oyou.
Me:Weneverhadachancebutyes,
I'
ll
staywi
th
her
.Um.
..
.April
isf
ail
i
ngterr
ibl
y,why?
Her
:Idon'
tknow,herteacher
str
iedt
heirbest
,
t
heyhavebeatenherandnowwear ejust
wat
ching.
..
Me:Whybeather
?Sheclearlyhasapr
oblem.
..
Sheknowst
hingsbutcan'
treadorwri
te,
itmust
besomeki
ndofcondi
ti
on.
.
Her
:Shei
sjustnat
ural
l
ydul
l
...

Iwasn'
tcomfor
tabl
ewit
htheworddullbuti
t
seemedtobeanormalwordabouthersomuch
shehadaccept
edit
..
.

Me:
Whenshoul
dIpi
ckherup?
Her
:Tomor
rowi
ftodayi
stoosudden.
.
Me:I'
l
lpassbyl
ateri
ntheeveni
ngandcoll
ect
hersothaty
oucanrest
,you'
recoughi
ngalot
..
.
Her:Thanky ousomuch. ..(l
ookingatme)
Tumeloaskedmet otel
lyouthathel ov
esme...
(ismil
edshy ly
, i
didn'
tknowhowt orespond.
..
)
Hisfatherwillbecomingt oBotswanaina
coupleofweekssot hatwecanar rangefort
he
negoti
ations.
Me:
Emma
Her:Pleasebepati
entwithTumel
o,I
understandhowdiff
icul
tthi
ngswi
llbewhenhe
i
sbehi ndbarsbutheisworthwai
ti
ngfor,I
'
m
notspeakingforhi
m becausehei
smyson. .
.
I
'mjustt al
ki
ngasawoman. ..
Me:
(laughed)Iunder
stand.
.
Her:Tumelowaautwa,kemothoyo
di
phosonyanammehel ahaomokgal emel
ao
i
paakanyakabonako,nekekopahel
agoreako
osekawahelapel
ongwanakagol ebega
Tumeloahedit
semogopol okawena.
Me:
(laughed)Emma
Her:(l
aughed)Keengot shega?Gasegorekea
mmuel el
a,nnakeaswajaanammamy
granddaught
erseemst oreal
lyl
ikeyou,
you
haven'
tbeentogetherf
orlongbutshecan't
stoptal
kingaboutyou.
..
Me:
(laughed)Iunder
stand.
..
Her
:Howar
ethet
ri
plet
s?
Me:
Theyarewit
hmymot
her
..
.I'
l
lbeget
ti
ng
t
hem t
oni
ght.
Her
:Theyshoul
dv i
sitmewhenIcomeback
f
rom t
hehospit
al.
..
Me:I'
l
lbringt
hem...(
sighedandst
ood)Ihav
eto
go.
..I
'
llpassby.
..
Her
:By
e
Me:
(t
oApr
il
)By
eApr
il
..
.
Apr
il
:By
e

Iwal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
..
..

AtMaunpr
ison.
..

Lat
eratni
ghtBakangwasl ayi
ngonhisback
wit
hhisey
esclosed,thesmellwasnauseat
ing
andhewassuffocat
ing.
..Skul
lwal
kedinand
l
ookedathi
mforami
nut
ethenhet
appedhi
s
knee.
..

Skul
l
:Exeh?
Bakang:
(openedhi
sey
esandl
ookedathi
m)
Ola.
..
Skul
l
: Givemeyourbl
anket
,koboy
amee
mpolaisaser
ame
Bakang:(
closedhisey
es)Waat
senwa..
.(
other
i
nmat eswhisper
ed)Goaskf
oranext
rablanket
orsomethi
ng...
Skul
l
:(st
ari
ngathi
m)Ti
sakobo.
..

Hedi dn'
trespondthenSkullpulledi
tti
pping
him over,hegotdownandpul leditbackthen
Skullpunchedhim ontheface, hesl
ippedand
fel
lont hefloor
..
.
Skul
l
:Nextt
imei
won'
tbesosweet
..
.

Hespr eadtheli
ghtblanketoverhi sbedand
j
umpedont heweakshakybed. .
.Bakangl ai
don
theyel
lowsheddingmat tr
ess,t
hesmel l
was
unbearableandSkulltossedandt urnedshaking
theweakbunkbedt hatl ookedli
kei thadbeen
weldeda100t imes.Themosqui t oeshelped
themselveswit
hhimsel fashesl appedhi mself
forhoursunti
lhefell
asl eep.
..
.

Meanwhi
lei
nanotherblockTumelowaslay
ing
onhi
sbackwit
habl anketoverhi
msel
fandhis
l
egsonthewal
l.
..

I
nmate1:(l
aughed)Ican'tbeli
eveyou'
reback.
..
I
figetoutofthi
sshitholeI'
ll
nevergetback.
..
Never
,thevi
olencei
sj usttoomuch.
Inmate2:Goldenboyaker
egaatshwenngweke
opehei sfr
iendswit
hthebigguy
sobaj esadi
cut.
.
Tumelo:
(laughed)BoSol
l
ybaapay
aDDSy
aana,
thef
oodiskak
Inmate1:Atleastyoutast
edgoodfoodout
ther
e..
.Yourboywasbeat enbythegangto
comeni ce,theybeathi
m sobadhelostat
ooth.
Kehaal el
aar eTumelohannealet
engnkabo
gosannej aana
Tumel
o:(l
aughed)Okaekant
e?Idi
dn'
tseehi
m
wheniar
ri
ved..
.
I
nmat
e2:
Hei
sthenextr
oom.
..
Tumelo:I'
l
lcheckonhimint
hemor ni
ng,how
canSkulll
etguyshar
assmyboy..
..
lai
tame
banna,gabaamoimisa(t
heyal
ll
aughed)
Inmate2:
(laughed)Gabaamoi
misa.
..Ago
chekangwanamest ah
Tumelo:Mmht amochekaphakel
a,Hav
eyou
guysseenanynewguycomi ngi
n?Heis
aver
ageheightandabi
tdark.
I
nmat
e:Theonewi
thbi
gbut
tocks?
Tumelo:(
laughed)Iwoul
dn'
tnoti
cethatona
guytabekebatangmomar agongaautie
nngwenemonna?Want waelaSpar
kswaitse
Spar
ks:(
laughed)Ehe,
wesawhi
m..
.Theone
fr
om Maximum?
Tumel
o:No,thi
sonei
sfr
eshf
rom t
hebox.
..he
i
sthechi
ef'
sson.
I
nmat e:
Banabadikgosil
ebonebal
ekel
a
pr
ison?KetshabaBotswanapol
i
ceser
vice
Tumelo: (
laughed)Okel emileLesetedil
ait
aka
areomol etshol
ong,akerelennakant ethe
i
nv est
igat
ionswer ebeingcar r
iedtheminutei
madet hef i
rstwit
hdrawal ofmymoney .
..
I
nmat
e:Gagosaf
ebuti
fil
eav
ethi
spl
ace,
I'
ll
nev
ercomeback.
..Thi
sisn'
tl
if
e..
..

Ashourswentbyt
hechat
ti
ngf
adedandt
hey
fel
lasl
eep.

AtMaunI
nter
nat
ional
Air
por
t.
..
.

ThenextmorningApri
lheldAtsi
le'
shandas
theyranci
rcl
i
nguschasingafterLoago.
..
.Iwas
carr
yingAmewhi l
eReneigotMasego,ihugged
Abalengandsighedonhischest.
..
.

Me:
Pleaset
akecar
echi
nchong
Abal
eng:
(laughed)Iwi
l
l.
..

Imov edbackasReneihuggedhi
m,hel
eaned
overandkissedher
..
.
Abal
eng:
Ilov
eyousomuch.
..I
'
llbebacksoon.
..
Renei
:Pl
easet
akecar
e..
.
Abal
eng:
Bye.
..

Heli
ftedLoagoandkissedhimthenAt sil
eand
soonandsof or
th..
.Hiscoworkerwalkedpast
usdraggi
ngherpinkluggageandsmal lbag,
shepushedherweavebackandf lasheduswith
asmile.
..
.

Her
:Hel
l
o?
Me:
Hi.
..

Renei
keptquietasshewal
kedaway,Abalemg
awkwardl
ylookedtheot
herwayandquickly
pi
ckedhisson..
.
Abi:
Loagot
akecar
eofmommyokay
?You'
re
themanoft
hehousenow.
.

Hekissedhim andputhim downt henheki

ssed
Renei whosemoodl ev
elhadreducedtozero.
..
Hegr abbedhisl
uggageandwal kedaway,Renei
tear
fullyhur
ri
edtothecar.
..

I
nsi
det
hepl
ane.
..

Awhilelat
erAbal
engwal
kedovertohi
s
assi
gnedseatandsi
ghedsi
tt
ingnextt
ohi
s
coworker.
..

Her:
( smil
ed)I
tmustbehar
dforherwat
chi
ng
youleave.
..
Abi
:(si
ghed)Yeah.
..Iwonderhowgr
ownmy
boywil
lbewhenIgetback
Her:Hewi
llbegrown,ifyouwantanewbor nI'
l
l
makeoneforyou,Itol
dy ouiwantyourbaby
kanaAbal
engandy ou'r
eav oi
dingt
heissueke
i
potsagor
ewar egoril
eng
Abi:
(laughedandl
ookedather
)Wasi
mol
ola
aker
e?
Her:(
laughedandhel
dhi
shand)St
art
ingwhat
exact
ly?
Abi:
(laughed)Stop..
.You'
rebei
ngnaught
y..
.
(l
ookedar ound)Stop
Her:(l
aughed)Stopbei ngababy ,
wear eleav i
ng
thecountry.
..Andy oubettertakethi
sof f.
..(she
pull
edouthi sri
ng)Rol agolomo, kegaga
Reneil
weogor walelaene.(putiti
nhispocket )
You'l
lputitbackwheny oucomet oBotswana
again.
..
.(hesmi l
edandputi tbackonhisf inger
again)Ntshagolomot herra..
.Oirang.(she
tookitoutagai
n)I'
m stil
lgoi
ngtofucky ouwit
h
i
tony ourfi
nger.
..(heswall
owedandt ooka
deepbreath)aut
waAbi ?(heli
ckedhisli
psthen
shetouchedhiszipper)HahahaAbi!

Sheletgoofhi
mthenhesi
ghedl
ooki
ngt
he
otherway.
..

Her
:(smi
l
edl
ooki
ngathi
m)Ket
il
egogoj
a
aut
wa?
Abaleng:(
laughed)WaatsenwaMichele.
..
nako
tsedingwewat eoit
heet
se?Stopt
alkingli
ke
that
,ontshwarisakopa.
Her:(
lookedathisbonerandl
aughed)Wow..
.
You'
resoweakandI 'm sogoi
ngtoenjoyy
ou.
..
(gi
ggl
ed)Yagor eoboelamosadiwagagoabo
kegoheditsemadaeseautwa?
Abal
eng:
(shookhi
sheadandcov
eredher
mouth)Shhh.
..Mamodumo..
.Heebanna
ngwanyanayowabuwa,you'
remaki
ngnoise.
..
Her
:(bl
ushedandwhispered)Okay
,I'
l
lkeep
qui
et.I
'
m sor
ryfort
ouchingyou.
Abal
eng:
(smi
l
ed)For
giv
en.
..

Theybothsighedandl
eanedbackast
hepl
ane
tookof
f.
...
..

AtMaunPr
isons.
..
.

Laterthatmor ni
ngBakangwal kedi
nthe
shower sbarefoot
,therewasdirt
ywaterf
lowi
ng
ont hefl
ooranddi sgusti
ngresi
duewasbrewi
ng
ont hecornersofthewall.
..

Af
ewpr
isoner
swal
kedoutt
henhest
oodunder
t
het
ornshowerandt
urnedt
het
aps.
..
.

Skul
lsmackedanotherpri
soneront hebackof
theheadastheyfear
ful
lyhur
riedout,Helooked
atBakang'
sfreshbut
tandappr oachedashe
wasshowering..
.

Hesqueezedhi
sbuttt
henBakangjumpedand
t
urnedaroundl
ooki
ngupathi
m. .
.

Bakang:(angr
il
y)Oany
elal
ait
aka.
..Obat
a
goreng?

Hebitchslappedhim acr
ossthef ace,Bakang
sli
ppedont hewetfl
oorandfellonhi sbuttthen
helif
tedhim upbytheneckandsmackedhi s
faceont hewall
,hefr
ozetempor ari
lyasthe
painspreadaroundhishead.
..Hegai ned
consci
ousnessandspatbl
oodont
hef
loor
..
.

Bakang:
Themonnawampol
aa(
pushi
nghi
m),
nt
ogelawampol
aa..
..
Skull
:(hol
dinghisneckagainstthewall)Idon'
t
wanttobeaty ou.
..Idon'
t,
butify oukeepdoing
thi
syou'll
leavemenochoi ce..
.Keagor atasaan
Bakang:
Gakegay
..
.Nt
ogel
awampol
aa.
..
Skul
l
:Iwanty
ou.
..
Bakang:Naagakegobat
e..
.Lesagonkgamawa
mpolaa
Skull
:I
'ml ett
ingy ougobecausei
don'twantt
o
forceyou,ifIusef or
cel
ait
akagaonago
siamelwakedi lo.Aredi
redil
ohel
ajaakago
tshwanetse..
.

Another"bi
gfi
sh"pr
isonerwal
kedi
nand
showered..
.
Bakang:(
tohi
m)Mrkopaobuweler
rey
oa
nt
ogele,
idon'
twantt
ofi
ghthi
m..
.
Him:(showeri
ng)Notgetti
nginv
olv
edbruh,I
'm
abouttogetouti
figetinvol
vedinafi
ghtI
'l
lbe
gi
venextramonths.Sor
r y
..
.

Hewal
kedout
..
.

Skull
:(t
othepr
isoner
)Gosenay
oot
senangkea
thapa

Skulltur
nedhim aroundast heystruggl
ed
arounduntilBakangsli
ppedont hewetf l
oor
,
Skullputhisarm ar
oundhi sneckandl ocked
hi
mt henhest rokedhimselfandpenet rat
edhim
asBakangf rownedwi t
hhisel bowsont hefl
oor
andhi sbackcompl et
elybentintoaCshape. .
..
Skul
l
:Ohman...Thi
sissof
ucki
nggood.
..
.O
monatel
ait
akaautwa.
..
.

Hesli
dhisanacondainsi
deanddr i
l
ledhi
m
sever
alt
imes,pr
isonerskeptgoi
ngbackatt
he
doorastheysawthebigguyfeasti
ng.
.

Bakangcl
osedhi
sey
esashi
sri
nggott
ornby
ever
ythr
ust.
..
.

Bakang:(
choki
ngasSkul
l
'sar
mlockedhi
sneck)
The-rr
awa-mpolaa
Skul
l
:Relax.
..I
fyoudon'
trel
axy ouwon'
tsi
tfor
aweek.
..Lewenakooregaor eetse.
Bakang:
Ntogel
aee.
..
Skul
l
:(t
hrust
ing)Emapel
e..
.Haaaa.
..
..
Haaaaa.
..
..Haaa

Hefel
thi
sassl i
ter
all
yteari
ngandgaveint
he
pai
n,her
elaxedhismusclesasSkul
lthr
ust
hi
m...

Skul
l
:(cl
osedhi
sey
es)Ohmannnnnnnnnn.
..
..
..

Hef i
l
ledhisSwithhi
sjui
cesandletgoofhi
s
neck,Bakangr
emainedlayi
ngther
eastears
fi
ll
edhiseyes.
..
.Skul
lsl
idoutandgotup.
..

Skul
l
:(gav
ehi
m ahand)Ema.
..
Bakang:
(puthi
sheadonhi
sar
msandsaton
thefl
oor
)Tswamogonnamestah
Skul
l
:(gr
abbedhi
sarm andpull
edhi
m upashis
semendri
ppeddownhi
st hi
ghs)Sor
ryl
ait
aka
aut
wa.
..

Hestar
eddowninhisey
esandl
eanedov
er
babyki
ssi
nghi
m...

Skul
l
:Nooneisgoingtomesswi
thy
ouher
e,
skawar
alai
taka.
..Ki
ssme.
..
Bakang:
Tshabakookebat
agot
hapa
Skull
:Wear ebathingt ogether,gaonamol ora,
youdon' thaveat oothbr ushorany thi
ngbut
you'
lluseev ery
thingt hat'smine,nnakeago
rat
alaitakawaabonagor ekeraay aa?..
.
(st
ari
ngathi m)I'
m goi ngt oprotectyou,tr
ust
mey ou'llneedmypr ot ectionl
ookingt hi
sgood.
Ocleanmogomaswe. .
..Kissme. .
.

Bakangst
oodt
herewit
hafrownonhis
for
eheadt
henSkul
ll
eanedoverandFr
ench
ki
ssedhi m,Tumelowal kedinunawareand
hunghiswashingr agov ert
heot hert
orn
shower,heremov edasmal lpieceofsoap
stuckunderhisfl
ip-f
lopsandbeganshower i
ng,
Skullt
urnedaroundandsmi l
ed...
.

Skull
:(l
aughedloudl
yandwhistl
ed)Tjovi
tj
o..
.
Goldenyoupieceofshi
t,koor
eogor ogahela
abeosancheke
Tumelo:(
fistbumpedandshoul
derbumped)
El
a-el
askeem wareng?

Bakangshamefull
yturnedar
oundand
showered,
Skull
turnedthewateroffandpul
l
ed
hi
m overbythebackofhisneck..
.

Skul
l
:Kegosupegel
etsar
uri
,becauseokany
ela
haboy
Tumel
o:(
laughed)Don'
twor
ryabouti
t.
..
Skull
:(laughed)Nokeadhl al
askeem skawar a..
.
Mthakay okeeneBK, BKthisistheGolden
boy.
..IfI'
m notaroundtohelpy ou,heisthego
toguy.Thesest upi
dpr i
sonersarev er
yvi
olent,
kediphologolohelaschuri
tylesonegasena
sepe.
Tumelo:Ai
ta.
.(l
ooki
ngatthecutonBakang'
s
l
ips)ahSkull
skabetsangwanathemonna
Skul
l:Itwasjustanargument,
youknowhow
couplesare.
.Basadibadingal
oGol
dwaait
se
di
ot se
Tumel
o:Tonei
tdown,
thokomel
ahaoj
angt
eng
mest
ah
Skul
l
:No,
gonewaabuwaGol
d,keaut
wa
Tumel
o:Mmeket
hapemonna,
cheer
s
Skul
l
:sur
e
Heturnedar oundandshower
edasSkullpul
l
ed
Bakangov erforashower,
Bakangswal
l
owed
tear
ful
lyasSkul l
rubbedhi
sbackgoi
ngdown
hisS..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Co-
wif
e
#73

AtMaunPr
ison.
..

Bakangwal
kedoutasSkul
landTumel
ost
ared
atoneanot
her
..
.

Skul
l
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Tumel o:NoSkull,i
fyoulovet hi
sguyy ouhave
totreathimrightsothathecant r
eatyouri
ght .
Thereisnousei nt r
eati
nghi m badlyandhaving
himf earyou.
..Forgetsurpr
iseblowjobsifyou'r
e
goingtotreathim badly.
Skul
l:
Heisstubbor
nandgaar
eet
se.Henev
er
doesany
thi
ngi t
ell
himt
odo..
.
Tumel
o:Atl
eastgoeasyont
hebeat
ings,
come
on
Skul
l
:Okay
,Iheary
ou
Tumel o:No, don'
tjustsaythatandthenturn
aroundt odosomet hi
ngelse.YouknowIgot
yourbackj ustasy ougotmi nebutwheny ou'
re
taki
ngi ttoof arI
'
lll
etyouknowbecausey ou'
re
myf ri
end. .
.Ratangwanaomot hokomele,
mot hohael ewagagoomot reat
ershapo-
shapo...
Skul
l
:Ihear
dyou.
..
you'
rer
ight
.
Tumelo:Best rat
egic.
..Youmightneedt hi
sguy
oneday ,Rememberhowi tr
eatedPaul?He
neverforgotit
,heistheonewhopi ckedme
whenIwasr el
eased,itookabathathishouse
andhehadal r
eadyboughtmecl othes.
.Hedid
al
lthatformekesamokopa.Don' tbet oo
rough.
..
bui
ldarel
ati
onshi
pwi thhi
ml egonehaa
ganait
'sbesty
ouleavehim causeheisgoi
ng
tobeyourenemywheny ougetout,kanagake
buweshapo?
Skul
l
:Noobuwasent
e,I
'
llt
alkt
ohi
m
Tumelo:Treat
erngwanashapowhenhegets
rel
easedyou'l
lst
il
lbeal
lhethi
nksabout
,tr
ust
me.
Skul
l
:Al
ri
ght,
cheer
s

Tumel
otookashowerandwal
kedout
..
..

Att
heof
fi
ce.
..
.

Hourslat
erBakangwait
edoutsi
derubbinghi
s
handstoget
her,Aguar
dwalkedoutholdinga
warm cupoftea.
..
Guar
d:Youcancomei
n
Bakang:
thanks

Hewalkedi
nandsatont
hechai
rast
heof
fi
cer
st
art
edathi
m..
.

Of
fi
cer
:Yes?
Bakang:Goodmorning,
Ihaveacomplai
nt-
aboutmyroommat e.Heisv
iol
entandI'
dli
ket
o
bemov edtoanot
hercell
.
Offi
cer:
Wedon' thaveaccommodat ion,t
he
roomsaref ull
asi ti
s..
.Ifyouhavewalked
aroundotherroomsy ou'llr
eali
sethatsome
pri
sonerssleepont hefloor.Theydon'
teven
havemat t
resseslikeyou..
.Wedi dyouaf av
our
putti
ngyoui nthenewcel l
s.
Bakang:
Iwoul
dn'
tmi
ndsl
eepi
ngont
hef
loori
fi
getgoodr
oommat
es
Of
ficer
:Goodr
oommat
esor
ayaj
ang?Thi
sisa
pr
ison.
..
Bakang:AndI'
m wor
ri
edthatthejai
lguar
ds
nevergeti
nvol
vedwhenotherinmatesar
e
harassi
ngus.
Offi
cer:Thisisn'tajuvenil
epr ison, wedon' t
havetogeti nvolvediny ourcatf ights.You' r
e
expecti
ngt oomuchf rom us...Idon' tknowwhy
you'r
ecompl ainingwheny ousl eepont hebed,
wedi dyouaf av our
...
.Mostnewguy ssl eepon
thefl
oorandr apecasest akey ears,ify oudon't
getbailyou'l
lspendsev eral winterssl eepi ngon
thefl
oormmewabonal ewenagor ewedon' t
evenhav eblankets.Ditonkanat seoser amese
hetahelathat'swhyl egot holetser urilothehela
seramehel elelamogol ona.
Bakang:
Idon'
tmindthecoldnessasl
ongasi
canshar
ewithl
ogicalpeopl
e.Howarewe
sort
edgonemme?Ifeel
li
kevi
olenti
nmat
es
shouldhav
ethei
rownpl
ace
Offi
cer:
Morenaakooikemele,
oledisi
wake
bankanebagago?Ar
et heyr
apingyou?
Bakang: (
shamefull
y)No,ofcoursenotbutthi
s
guykanaont sehelamogonnagakekgonego
hema, gotswahanolehaonkgogakampama,
setsekesabuwesepehaal eteng.I
t'
snotthat
I'
m afr
aidofhim oranythi
ng,iknowthatifI
'
m
i
nv ol
vedinmischiefI
'l
lbegivenextr
atimeor
somet hi
ngbutiwanttowai tformytri
aland
fi
nish.
Of f
icer:(
hef oundhi msel fl
aughi
ngand
remember edhewasi nt heoffi
ce)Sorrymorena,
gasegor ekeat shegabutal lt
heseguy sare
viol
ent,ifwemov eyougongwer egoisakogo
wor se.Andy ou'llbehereaskingmet omov e
yougapet hequest ioniswhowi llagr
eet omove
outoft heirassignedr oomsbecausewedon' t
hav espacet ota,wear ef ul
lkanacourtleyonee
dir
amat hataenti
sit
sealltheill
egalimmigrant
s,
theyshoulddeportthem i
nsteadofput t
ing
them herebecausenowwear erunni
ngoutof
spaceandf ood,t
heyhav estretchedourbudget.
Bakang:
Idon'
tcar
eaboutallthat
,ij
ustneedt
o
moveouteveni
fisleepunderthetr
ee.
Of
fi
cer
:Buty
ou'
l
lst
il
lmeethi
m.
Bakang: (si
ghed)Gaobat egonthusamy
brotherwaitse,kef i
l
ahel agoregal
enasepeka
mat sheloarona, koregagonalehaeledi
condom l or
et swaletsehelali
keweareanimal
s,
i
si tpartoftheconst it
uti
on?Legonegoreere
kelekagogobol elel
agor egakeannasent
eabo
ampol elakabudgety alona.
Offi
cer:
Itsnotme,y oupeopleareblamingthe
wrongpeople,you'
retheonesv oti
ngforthe
wrongpeopleandwhent heygetinparl
iament
t
heyf al
lasl
eepinsteadofv oi
cingoutyour
worri
es.Doy ouknowhowmuchi sgiv
ent o
BotswanaPrisonser
vicest
ota?Wear eal
way
s
thelastandl
eastonthebudget.
..Lona
magol egwammusogaonasepel elona
Bakang: (
stoodup)Nowy ou'regett
ingpolit
ical
tel
lingmeaboutt hegov ernmentkebuwaka
safet yyame, maybey ouhav esomet hi
ng
agai nstme, gosi
ame...I'
llthinkofbet t
erway s
todef endmy sel
fbecausei havetri
edt obehave
sot hatIcangetoutofher ebutIdi dn'tknow
thisishowpeopl earetreatedi npri
son, l
enna
I'
lldefendmy sel
fandf i
ndawayt oenjoymy
staybecausel ebai
lleganakay one.
Off
icer:NyaaBailkedil
otsacourtmor enanot
us,wear ej
ustheret omakeyoust aybehind
bars,
ifthecourtgivesusyourwarrantof
Li
berati
onwer eleaseyouwithimmedi ateeff
ect
,
otsenakahaoapol adi
aparotsaronaot sena
mogot sagagoaboov aasimpleast hat
.
Bakang:
It'
sokay
,I'
l
lfi
ghtback.
..
Of
fi
cer
:Ify
oubr
eakt
hel
awy
ou'
l
lanswerf
ori
t.
.
Bakang:Molaowatengoemetsennahel
a?We
aregett
ingbul
li
edkanaanl
eit
irankar
egal
e
bone.
Of
fi
cer
:(l
aughed)Got
aasi
amamybr
other
..
.

Bakangwal
kedoutoft
heof
fi
ce.
..
.

AtDudu'
shouse.
..

Tuel
osatunderthetr
eewi t
hPr i
ncessashe
ti
edther
obestot het
yreswingthenshest ood
onachai
randtieditt
ot hestr
ongestbranch..
..

Pr
incess:
(smi
l
edl
ooki
ngup)Iwant
..
.
Tuel
o:(
laughed)Wai
tokay
..
.
Hegotdownandtest
editsst
rengt
hpressi
ngit
downthenhepi
ckedherupandsatheronit
..
.

Tuel
o:I
'
m pushi
ngy
ouokay
?

HisGTIdrov
ethroughthegat
eashepushed
Pri
ncessontheswing.
..
.Dudurol
l
eddownthe
windowandsmiledatt
hem asPri
ncesswaved
ather.
..
.

Pr
incess:
Daddyi
s-i
smadet
heswi
ng
Dudu:
(laughedsteppi
ngout)Heyguys..
..Wow,
i
t'
sactuall
yverybeaut
if
ul.
..Di
dyoupaintitpi
nk?
Tuel
o:Yeah,
want
edi
ttol
ookabi
tgi
rl
y.
..
Dudu:
(laughed)Wow

Shewal
kedov
erandki
ssedTuel
o,hepi
cked
Pr
incessandl
edheri
nthehouse.
..
.

Dudu: (sighed)idrovetothemal lf
ornothi
ng,
thecoupl echangedt heirmind.
..Appar
entl
yi
don'thav eacatchydecogoodenoughf orthei
r
weddi ng.Customer ssomet i
mesmakeme
sick.
..Wedon' thav efoodandi don'
tknowwhat
todobecauseIwantPr incesst
ost ar
tschool.
Moneyi sscarestota
Tuelo:Iwanttobookf orapermitsothatIcan
tur
nmyGTIi nt
oat axibecauseidon'
tknow
howl ongitwil
ltakeformet ofi
ndajob.
Dudu:
Yeahthat
'spr
obabl
ybet
ter
,mybusi
ness
i
sn'
tdoingwel
l.
..
Tuelo:Iwantt
ogocheckonmymot
hert
his
aft
ernoonwill
youf
uelforme?
Dudu:
Ial
readydi
d,ket
shet
sekaP200
Tuel
o:Al
ri
ght
..
Dudu:(
gavehi
m P300)You'
l
lbuyhersomet
hing
sheneeds,
bat
sadil
ebonebabataonnaoba
neel
asomethi
ngoutofnowher
e
Tuelo:
Thanksbabe.
.(ki
ssedheront
hecheek)
keagorat
a..
.
Dudu:
Orat
wakennamot
howame.
..

Hegoti nt hebat hroom andshower edasDudu

walkedi nthemessyki tchen,hehadl eft
everythingl yingar oundwhenhepr eparedfood
fortheirdaught er,sher oll
edherey esand
cleanedt heent i
reki tchenthenshebegun
cooki ngasPr incesswat chedtheTV, Tuelo
walkedi ntheki tchensmel l
ingsweetand
l
ooki nghandsomei nhisli
ghtbluejeansand
l
ongsl eev et-shirt
...Sheglancedathi m ashe
l
ookedf oragl assofwat erholdi
nga
toothbr ush...Shej ustnot i
cedhowmuchwei ght
hehadgai ned...
.Hel ookedgood. .
..Ther eal
Tuel
oandhisconst
antsmi
l
esseemedt
ohav
e
sur
facedt
oo..
.

Dudu:
Wagoboal
eng?
Tuelo:Idon'
tknow.
..Iprobablywon'tt
akelong,
may beanhourortwo...Unlessipassbythe
off
iceskebatagodiralicencekerenka
Dudu:
Okay
..
.

Hewentt obrushhisteet
hassheconv i
nced
hersel
fhewouldn'tdothatt
oher,atl
eastnot
sosoon.Hewal kedbackintheki
tchenandput
theglassi
nthesinkandnoticedshewasn'tt
he
same. .
.

Tuel
o:Ar
eyouokay
?
Dudu:
(fakedasmi
l
e)YeahI
'
mfi
ne.
..
Tuel
o:(smil
edandki
ssedhercheek)Il
ovey
ou
andyou'r
emyonlyone.
..
Dudu:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Tuel
o:Mpaakany
etsangwanaket
samael
e
ene.
..
Dudu:
(smi
l
edandputt
hepl
atedown)Okay
..
.
Letmedot
hat
..
.

Sheprepar
edtheirdaughterwi
thasmil
eonher
faceandhandedherov er
,hesmil
edatherand
fi
xedherhai
r..
..

Tuel
o:Let
'sgocheckongr
andma.
..Sayby
e
mama!
Pr
incess:
Byeby
eMama.
..

Hel
eanedov
erandki
ssedhert
henhewal
ked
out,
shesighedsmil
ingl
ooki
ngatthet
hrough
thel
ighti
nnercur
tai
nsandwentbackt
o
cooki
ng..
..

Att
hePaedi
atr
ici
an.
..
.

Apr
ilwassit
ti
ngont
hebedhummi
ngasi
spoke
tot
hedoctor.
..
.

Dr:I
tdef
ini
tel
ylooksli
keDyslexi
abecauseshe
i
t'
snotauti
sm...
sheisshowingsignsof
dysl
exi
a...
Me:
Isi
tament
alcondi
ti
on?
Dr:No,i
t'
snotament al conditi
oni t'
salearni
ng
di
sabil
it
y..
.Shefindsithardt ounder st
and
words,l
etter
sandnumber s.Chil
dr enli
kethis
areoft
enexposedt ohar shreali
tiesofabuse
fr
om teachersandotherst udents.Sincethey
can'treadandwr i
temostassumet heyar e
stupidwhi leit'snott rue...Dyslexiahasnot hing
todowi thintelli
genceandchi l
drenl i
ket his
oftenhav et alentst hatneedt obenur tured.I '
ll
giveyouanexampl ewi thathletes,most
athlet
esandspor tsstar sareact uallydy slexic.
..
Ifyoulistencar efull
yt otheirinterviewsy ou'll
picksomet hingf rom t hem.Mostdi dn'tgof ar
withschool simpl ybecauset heycoul dn'tr ead
orwr i
tet hought heymi ghthav eunder stood
whatt heywer ebei ngt aught .Oursoci et ycal l
s
thesepeopl est upidandt heyof tengr owupwi th
l
owsel f
-esteem, theyhar dl
ysucceedi nlife
unlesst heyhav east rongsuppor tsyst em.
Me: (
looki
ngather
)Soshewon'
tgof
arwi
th
school?
Dr:Onl
yifyoudon'tassi
sther
, t
hesechil
dren
havenowacceptedt hebadnamest heyare
call
ed,
theybel
ievetheyarestupi
dsot heydon'
t
eventr
ybutifyouencourageheryouwi l
lbe
surpr
isedwhenshegoest oatert
iar
yschool.
(si
ghedandwr ot
edownanumber )Butl
etme
ref
ery outosomeonewhospeci ali
sesin
l
earni
ngdi sabi
lit
ies,sheknowsev er
ythi
ngther
e
i
saboutl earni
ngdi sabi
li
ti
es.Shewill
assess
herandseewhatt reatmentssui
tsher
Me:Thanky ou..
..Sot
ellmethis,Ihavea1y ear
ol
d..
.Hi sbrotherandsist
erarenowwal ki
ngbut
heisnot ,
hei snotevenbothered..Theyare
tr
ipl
ets.Couldsomet hi
ngbewr ong?
Dr:Mostthi
ngsarenoti
cedwhenachildi
s2
year
soldor3, gi
vehi
m anextray
earandsee
whathappens,somechil
dren'
sdevel
opment
paceissl
owt hought
heyareperf
ectl
ynor
mal.
Me:Okay,
itj
ustwor
ri
esmebutI
'
llt
rynott
o
wor
ry.
..

Awhil
elat
erApr
ilandi
wal
kedoutandcaughta
t
axi
..
..
.
AtMaAbi
'
shouse.
..
..

Reneiandhermot heri
nl awweresitti
ngonthe
couchast hechildrenplayedonthelargespace
i
nt heli
v i
ngr oom. .
.LoagoandAt sil
efoughtfor
aremot et henAtsilebithim ont
hear m,he
burstoutcr yi
ngwi thhismout hwideopenthen
Reneili
f t
edhi m andgott heremotefrom
Atsil
e..
..Hecr i
edasshepl acedi
tont heTV..
.

Thegrandmotherl
ift
edAtsi
l
eandtheybot
h
shushedthem whi
leMasegoandAme
conti
nuedplay
ing.
..

Renei:
Hey.
..Whyar
etheyf
ight
ingj
ustbef
orei
askforaf
av our
Her
:whatf
avour
?
Renei
:Iwanttostar
tlooki
ngforajobsoiwas
wonderi
ngifyouwouldbabysi
tforme,my
motherstay
satthecattl
epostanditst
oofar
fr
om Maun.Iwanthimt obeclosersoi
cansee
hi
m mor eoft
en.
.
Her:Iwouldn'thaveapr
oblem butial
sowantto
t
akeNal edi'
schildr
ensothatshecanalsost
art
l
ookingforaj ob.Shewon'
thaveajobifsheis
wit
hchildren24/ 7.
.
Renei:(
sighed)IguessI'
llj
ustbeahousewife..
.
Abalengwon'tbemaki ngal otofmoneyandi
doubthewi l
lsendmeal otbecausehewil
lalso
haveexpensesinChi na.
Her:I
'l
lj
usttakehermygi rl
,ketaareng.Ke
morwalowame, gankeepal elwakemor walo
eleway one.I
'm sureI
'l
lmanage. ..ButI'
l
lneed
tohir
esomeonewhowi l
l washt hei
rlaundr
y
onceeverySaturday.I
'l
ltellyouhowmuchi ti
s
thenyouandNal ediwil
ldividetheamount
accordi
ngly.
Renei
:(smi
l
ed)Thanky
ousomuch.
..

Meanwhi leiwalkedthrought hegateholdinga

plasticofsmal
lgr ocer
iesbreathingheavil
yas
thesandysoilpulledmeback. .
.April
hurri
edin
excitedtoseethechi l
dren.
..
..Abaleng'scarwas
parkinginfr
ontoft hehouseandf oramomenti
forgothewasonhi swayt oChi na.
..

Atsi
legotoffmymot her'
slapasi wal
kedinand
rantowardsme, ismiledandpickedhim up,
Masegost aggeredoveraswellandi l
if
tedher.
..
Reneigottheplasti
cfrom myar m asApril
easi
lyli
ft
edAmeandki ssedhi
m.

Renei
:Takegot
huse.
..
Me: Thanks.
..(
totheplast
icandwenttothe
ki
tchen)Ohi missedyoumyl ovi
es.
..(
iputt
he
downandl
i
ftedAme)Heycut
ie.
..
.
Mama: Iwantt otakethesechi
ldr
ensothatyou
canlookforaj ob,Apply
ingwhil
einthehouse
i
sn'thel
pful.Fi
ndany thi
ngevenbeinga
waitr
ess,you'l
lfi
ndaf ancyj
obwhiledoi
ngit.
Me: Mamammathreechi
ldr
eni
st oomuch,you
al
readyhav
eaweakbackandyouknowy ou
neverst
opdoi
ngy
ourcarpet
s,I
'
llbefi
ne.
Mama: Iknowy oufeelguil
tybecauseyouthi
nk
theyar
et oomanybuti t'
smyr esponsi
bil
i
ty.I
'
m
taki
ngthem gapelewenaohemephehopel e
ngwanaka,banabaal api
sa.
Me:(si
ghedandsmil
ed)Iguesscoul
dtr
yitf
or
t
hreemonthsorso.
..
Mama:
I'
ll
alsobet
aki
ngLoago
Me:AoLoagogoest
oschool
aker
ekanahei
s
dr
oppi
ngout?
Renei
:No,
buty
ouknowi
don'
tqual
i
fyf
oran
offi
cej
ob,i
canonlyworkasshopassi
stantor
thesej
obstsaboChoppi
est
heyknockofflat
e.
Me:ButMamahasabackpr obl
em whydon'
t
youaskyourmothert
ohelpsi
nceshei
shealt
hy
andshei
sn'tev
enwor ki
ng?
Renei
:Shest
aysatt
hecat
tl
epost
Me:
Shecancomet
oMaun
Renei
:Andl
eav
ehercat
tl
ewi
thwho?
Me:it
'snotli
keshei
swatchi
ngthem,
shehasa
her
dboy .
..Shecanj
ustv
isi
tther
e.
Renei:Mymotheri
nlawsai
dshewouldbabysi
t
hergrandsoni
don'
tseeanyt
hingwr
ongwith
that
Me: Shehasabackproblem!MamaI '
mt aking
mineifyou'
real
sotakingLoago,4chil
drenis
toomuchy ou'
real
readyweak.I'
l
ltakemi ne,i
haveAprilf
oraweekort woanyway,shewi l
l
helpme.
Mama: April
islikeadaughtert
ome, ifher
grandmot herishav i
nganoperati
onthenI'
lll
ook
afterher.Herfathersuppor
tedyouwheny ou
hadnot hing,idon'tseewhysheshouldbea
burden.
Me:
Nomamay
ou'
reweak,
it'
stoomuch.
Mama: I'
mtakingthechi
ldr
en,it
'snot
negot i
ablei
bil
eokaganakaApr ilonbasisthat
shei sn'
tusedtomey etbutify
ouf indajobshe
i
sal socomi ngher
e.Gaokakewanna
mmabanabankanebagagobaber ekalegal
eka
hergr andmotheri
scomingbackmmehel ake
tsaabanakaf orce
Me:(si
ghed)IguessIcoul
deasi
l
yfindajobi
fi
st
artgoi
ngoutthereorevenwor
ktheseodd
j
obs.
Renei
:(l
i
ftedLoago)I
'
m goi
nghome,
I'
ll
bri
ng
hi
m overtheweekend
Me:
cany
ougi
veusar
ide?
Renei
:Idon'
thav
efuel
Me:
I'
ll
fuel
Renei
:I'
m goi
ngtotakef
orev
eri
nShopr
it
e,i
mightdel
ayyou.
..Bye

Shewalkedout,iknewshewasn' thappywith
myopinionaboutmymot hercar
ingforalotof
chi
ldr
enbutIwasn' thappywithherchoosi
ng
minetobabysi
twhi lehersenj
oyedheryouth.

AtMaunMagi
str
ateCour
t.
..
.

Thefoll
owingweekKgosi andhi
swifest
aredat
theoff
icerassheexpl
ainedBakang'
sbai
l
condi
ti
onsf ort
he5thti
me. ..

Of
fi
cer
:Theaccusedshoul
dfi
rstpay40K,
bri
ng
3bloodrel
ati
veswhowi llsi
gnf orhisbai
l;t
hey
shoul
dbepermanent l
yempl oyedand
pensi
onabl
eandeachmustbei naposi t
ionto
pay15Kshouldtheaccusedabscond.He
shoul
dn'
tbeinanycont actwitht he
complai
nant,
herfr
iendsorherf amil
y.He
shoul
dalsosurr
enderhist r
avell
ingdocuments
andbeincourtwhenevercalled.
Hi
smot
her
:(si
ghed)15Ki
sn'
tbad
Offi
cer:Letmeclar
if
yi t,t
hesepeopl emust
remainwi t
h15Kont heiraccountsafter
deducti
onsbecauset hecour twantstomake
suretheywouldbeabl etopayt hatmoney
shouldBakangdoother wise.Ineedthree
monthsbackbankst atement stoprovethi
s.
Hismot her:Whor emai
nswith15Kafter
deductions?Peoplearebr
oke,ragommonakae?
Bil
editsalatsagaBakangcouldsignj
aanong
l
arebloodr elat
ive
Kgosi:Themagistr
ateobvi
ousl
ydoesn'
twant
him out.
..(
angri
l
y)Thisi
snonsense,
I'
m goi
ng
tohighcourt.
.
Hi
smother:
(si
ghed)Thisisbad,thi
s
magi
str
atei
scorrupt
,howcant heyputsuch
amount
skanaitwasat y
pingerror?
Officer:Themagi str
ategi vesbai lcondit
ions
l
ooki ngatt heser i
ousnessoft hecr i
me,this
accusedwasgi venbai lbefor eandhe
threatenedt hecompl ainants.Wehav e
ever yt
hinginrecor d,Rapei saser i
ouscr i
me..In
Bot swanaMur der,rapeandr obber yarevery
seriouscr i
mes, bailyat engcannotbeP200i f
that'swhaty ouexpect edespeci allywit
han
accusedl i
kethisonewhopr ov edhecanst i
ll
threatenpeopl e,I'
m sur pri
sedt heyev en
consi deredtogiv ehim bai lagai n.The
magi strateusuallyrejectssohedi dhi ma
favour .
.Ifnoneoft her elati
v escanqual i
fythen
hewi l
lpleadwi t
ht hemagi stratewhenhe
ment
ionshi
msel
f.
Hi
smot
her
:It
stoof
ar.
Of
fi
cer
:Ther
eisn'
tmuchi
canhel
pyouwi
th.
.
Kgosi
:(angri
ly)Thesepeopl
ear
ecorr
upt
,40K
and15Kf orbailhel
ayammabail?

Hewal
kedoutt
henhi
swi
fef
oll
owedhi
m..
..
.

AtMaunPr
ison.
..
.

Thef ol
lowi
ngdayBakangapproachedhi
s
fatherashewassadl
ysitt
ingonthechair
,he
sighedandsatdownsmili
nghopefull
y.
..

Kgosi
:Wedon'thavearelat
ivet
hatremains
wit
h15Kafterdeduct
ions,t
heclosestr
elat
ives
goasfaras13K..
Bakang:(si
ghed)Theydon'
twantmetogetout
,
okay.
..(
stoodup)Okay..
.myli
fei
sover
.I'
m
done
Kgosi
:Wai
t-
Bakang:
Bye.
..

Hewal
kedbacki
nsi
de.
..
..

5MONTHSLATER.
..
..
.
Co-
wif
e
#72

AtMaunPr
ison.
..
.

LateronTumelowalkedoutofhi
scel
l
,ayoung
manr anovertohi
m andhuggedhimt
ight
ly.
..
he
uncomfort
ablypushedhi
m backl
ooki
ng
ar
ound.
..
.

Tumel
o:HeishNamebanna.
..
itol
dyounott
o
hol
dmelikethat
Namet so:
(laughed)Imi
ssedy
ou,
shem l
ookat
you.
..Hahaha
Tumelo:Wareng?(
looki
ngathi
sst
it
ched
for
ehead)whathappened?
Nametso:Someguy sfoundmei ntheshower
andtossedmear ound,it
oldSkul
laboutitabo
agobakgal emela,kant
ethatwast hemistake
ofmylife.
..Someonehi tmefrom behindandi
bl
ackedout ,iwokeupt oanurseattendi
ngme.
Tumel
o:Can'
tyouappeal
yourcaseor
somet
hing?I
t'
sbeentool
ong
Namet
so:Youdon'
twanttohel
pmeaker
e,i
bil
e
i
fyouwer
emyboy f
ri
endtheseguy
swoul
dn'
t
t
ouchme.
Tumel
o:(
laughed)Oasi
mol
olaaker
e?
Namet so:
Okay-okaybutatl
eastyoucouldget
ablowjob,aguygivesabett
erblowj
obthana
gi
rlbecauseheknowsy ourbodybett
er.
..
Tumel
o:(wal
kedpasthi
m)I
thel
aobuwahel
a
ol
eser
ious.
..
Nametso:(
laughed)forgetev
eryt
hing.I'
mjust
gladmyfri
endishere..Ist
hereanythi
ngof
yourst
hatneedswashi ng?
Tumelo:
Nobutmybl
anketi
sdi
rt
y,i
tsmel
l
sa
l
it
tl
efunky
Nametso:I
'
llwashit
,thesunisst
il
lup.Idon'
t
hav
etoil
etr
iesotaampechetsaakere?
Tumel
o:I
'
llgi
vey
ou.
..
Namet
so:
Alr
ight
,It
'sal
mostt
imel
et'
sgoget
f
ood.
..
.

Theyappr
oachedt
hequeuewi
thpl
ast
icpl
ates,
Skullandal
ltheot
herbigguyswereholdi
ngt
he
spoonsservi
ngotherpr
isoner
s..
.Theygavej
ust
halfaspoondespi
tethelonghoursbet
ween
theli
ttl
emeals.

Bakangquietl
yjoinedthequeue, hel ookedat
thefoodintheanot herpri
soner
'spl ateand
wonderedwhati twas...
Basedont hecolourhe
wasn'tsur
ewhet heritwasPhalet sheorMabel e
buthesawabonest i
ckingoutont hef ood.
..

I
tseemedl i
keMeatandPapawer emixed
togetheri
nonepot ..
.Exactl
yhowhisfather
usedt odofortheirdogsatthef
arm,the
thoughtofthatdownhi sthr
oatwasnauseating
buthewashungr yandhisstomachhadbeen
rumblingforhours..
..

Heputhi
spl
atef
orwar
dav
oidi
ngey
econt
act
wit
hSkullasot
hert
hebi
gguygav
ehi
m hal
fa
spoon.
..

Skul
l
:Gi
vehi
m somemor
e..
.

Theguygavehi
m aful
lspoonthenBakang
passedasSkul
ll
ookedathi
m admirabl
y.
..

Aft
ertaki
ngafewst epshespott
edTumel o
si
tt
ingafewfeetfrom hi
mt al
ki
ngtohisfri
end
andwalkedovertothem..
.Hesatnextto
Tumeloandstaredathisdi
sgust
ingfood..
.

Bakang:
Hel
l
o
Tumel
o:(
looki
ngathi
m)Hi
Namet
so:
Ther
ranngat
hel
a,y
ourpl
atei
sful
l
.
Bakang:
(pushedi
tov
er)Takei
tal
l
Namet
so:
Thanks.
..Keet
a..
.

Namet ookbothpl
atesandlef
t..
.Tumelo
cont
inuedeati
nghisfoodandputtheempty
pl
ateasideforNametsotocol
lecti
t.
..

Bakang:
Whyar
eyoupr
etendi
ngy
oudon'
tknow
me?
Tumel
o:(stoodup)I
'
m notpr
etendi
ng,
idon'
t
knowyou..
.

Hef
oll
owedhi
m..
..

Bakang:
Iwantt
obey
ourr
oommat
e,whatdoi
do?
Tumelo:Ar
eyouf
ucki
ngshi
tt
imgme?Ar
ryou
ser
ious?
Bakang:You'
ret
heonl
yper
soni
knowher
e..
.I
needyou.
Tumelo:YouneedSkul landifhefindsoutyou
haveissueswithwhathewant shewi llmake
yourli
fealiv
inghell
,okay?(pausedandst ar
ed
i
nhisey es)Doy ouknowwhypr isonerscommit
sui
cide?
Bakang:
No.
.
Tumelo: I
tcanbehar dtoaccepty ourf at
e,it
's
eit
hery oufucksomebodyory ougetf uckedbut
what'
swor seisifaprisonkingdeci deshelov es
you..
.Youdon' tevengett odecidewhi ch
pri
sonert opicksoy oucanpr ovey ouar eaman
becausey ourfatehasal r
eadybeendeci ded.
Whaty ouwer eoutsideistotall
ydifferentfr
om
whaty ouar ehere,pr
isonisn'tajoke...
Bakang:
(tear
ful
l
yst
ari
ngathi
m)Cany
ouhel
p
me?
Tumel
o:(
star
ingatmeandhi
m)Whyshoul
dI?I
am her
ebecauseofy
ou.
.
Bakang:Wear
ebot
hher
ebecauseofour
act
ions
Tumelo:(
thought
ful
ly
)Cor
rect
,itdi
dn'tcome
outr
ightbutyouknowwhatImean..
..Idon'
t
owey oushi
t.
Bakang:Novemberi
stoofar
..
.Idon'
tthi
nkI'
ll
surviv
ejustaweekl
etal
onethreemonths,
please
Tumel
o:Ev
erymanf
orhi
msel
f.
..

Hetur
nedaroundandwal
kedaway
,Bakanggot
Tumel
o'spl
ateandwentt
owashit
..
.

Hel
aterjoi
nedNamet
soashewaswashi
nga
f
ewthings.
..
Bakang:
Hi
Nametso:
Hi,
(smi
l
ed)You'
reSkul
l
'snewf
ri
end
r
ight
?
Bakang:
(si
ghed)No.
..I
'
m Gol
d'
sfr
iend
Nametso:
(st
oppedwashingandl
ookedathim)
Andwhatdoyoumeanbyt hat
?Gol
disn'
tli
ke
that
?Kanaoneankaket
sa?
Bakang:
No-
nonotl
i
ket
hat
..
.Noti
nthatway
..
Nametso: (
smiledinreli
ef)Ohi see..
.Ohso
Skul
lisforcef
ullyi
nit
iati
ngy ou?Hedi dt
hatto
mostguy shere,you'
l
l bedisposedwhenanew
pri
sonerarri
ves.Thoughi tmighttakemonths
oryearsbecausehei spicky.Howl ongwil
lyou
behere?
Bakang:
Idon'tknow,
Keiment
ionerka
November.Tell
meaboutGol
d..
.
Nametso:Wehavedif
ferentt
hingstodoher
eto
keepoursel
vesbusyl
ikegardening,
shoe
making,etc.Tumeloli
kescarpent
ryki
ndof..
.
Notsurewhatt heycal
lit
..
.Theyfi
xcouchesand
bedsforthepublic
Bakang:
Dot
heygetpai
d?
Namet so: Yeahbuty ouonl ygett hemoney
wheny ougetr el
eased, t
hest atehol dst he
moneyf ory ou.Heat tendsev erySundayser vi
ce
andnev ermi ssesone, heknowst heBi bleand
mostv ersesbyhead.It hi
nkhewasr aisedbya
chri
sti
anwomanorsomet hing..Notsur eabout
thatonet hough.Andonemor ething...(laughed)
Don'twakeGol dwhenhei ssleepi ng,what ev
er
youwantt osayt ohimy ouj ustwai tunt i
l heis
up.
Bakang:Isee..(
lookedatt
hecl
othesont
he
ground)Aretheyhis?
Nametso:Yeah,
I'
m washi
ngthem forhi
m he
doesn'
tl
ikeweari
ngcl
othesoverandover.
..
Bakang:
Letmehel
pyou.
..
Namet
so:
Thanks.
..(
laughed)Ihopey
ouar
enot
t
ryi
ngt
oseducehi
m
Bakang:
(laughed)I
'
m notgay
,ij
ust
..
.Ineed
hi
m..
Namet
so:
Iunder
stand.
..

Theycont
inuedwashi
ngandchat
ti
ng.
.

HourslaterTumelowaslayingonhi st
orn
mattr
essi nhiscel
l,
Bakangwal kedinhol
ding
Tumelo'swellfol
dedorangeclothesandplaced
them nexttohispi
ll
ow..
.

Bakang:
(shookhi
sshoul
der
)Tumel
o?
Tumelo:(
hal
fsl
eep)Waany
ela.
..Oskant
sosa
kerobet
se.
Bakang:
Ibr
oughty
ourt
hings.
..
Heturnedaroundfaci
ngt hewallandsleptt
hen
Bakangsighedanddustedt heshelft
henheput
them downasSkullwalkedin,hepausedand
glar
edathim...

Skul
l
:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Bakang:(
swall
owed)Namet
soaskedmet
o
dropthem f
orhi
m
Skul
l
:Soyaanongwhydi
dn'
tyouwashmine
si
nceyouhadti
metohel
pNamecar ef
orGold?
Bakang:
Howwoul
diknowy
ouneededy
our
s
washed?
Skul
l
:(boi
l
ing)Wankar
abi
sanemonna?
Tumelo:(
angr
il
yturnedaround)Let
ogaleny
ela
thebannaker
obetse!Skull
tsaamothowa
gagoandgetout.
..
!
Skull
grabbedBakangbyt hebackofhi sneck
anddraggedhi m outsi
de,otherpri
soners
quiet
lywat chedashewal kedintheshower
withhim wher ehepushedhim againstthewal
l,
Bakangst eppedonapi eceofbarsoapand
sl
ippedont hefl
oor
..
.

Bakang:
Wampol
aat
her
ra.
..
Skul
l
:Ar
eyouseduci
ngGol
d?
Bakang:(sl
owlyst
oodupmassagi
nghisel
bow)
I
'm notseduci
nghim,i
washel
pinghi
m.
Skull
:Areyout
ryi
ngt
ocheatonme?Areyou
tr
yingtoembarr
assmei
nfrontoft
hesef
ool
s?

HebeachslappedBakangacrosst
heface,
Bakangtear
ful
lyr
ubbedhischeekand
swall
owed..
.
Skull
: Youbetterbehavel
ikesomeonewhoi sin
arelationshi
p,ihaveafucki
ngr eputat
ion
aroundher eandy oubett
erunder st
andt hat,y
ou
mustbehav ebett
erthaneveryfucking
pri
soner '
sbecausey ouarenotjustapr isoner
.
You'reSkull'
sboy,doyougett hat?
Bakang:
(swal
l
owedt
ear
ful
l
y)Yeah.
..
Skul
l:(r
ubbedhischeekandt hebrui
sefrom t
he
prev
iousnight
)Ireal
lydon'
twanttoleavemarks
onyourbodylikethi
s..
.Stopbeinghot-
headed.
..
Don'tpr
ovokeme. .
.Sorrymelai
teautwa?
Bakang:
Yeah.
..

Skull
leanedov erandFrenchki ssedhim as
Bakangslight
lycompl i
ed,hesl i
dhishandi n
Bakang'spantsandsqueez edhi sbuttthenhe
tur
nedhi m ar
oundandpul leddownhi spant s.
..
Bakangf r
ownedast earsdr oppedont hefloor
,
heputhispalmsont hewall andbithi
sl owerl
ip
asSkul
lpenet
rat
edhi
m..
.

Bakang:
GaonaVasel
i
ne?
Skul
l
:Ehedi
l
e..
.Isi
ttoopai
nful
?
Bakang:
Yeah.
..

Skullpul
l
edoutl eanedov erdr
oppi
ngalarge
spitonBakang' sSt henhemassageditand
pusheditinwi t
hhi sfinger,
hespatonhi
sDand
massagedi ttoot henhesqueezedhimselfinas
Bakangfrowned, heslidinandhel
dhiswaist
thenbegunt hrusting.
...

Skull
:(bi
thi
stongueandincreasedhi
s
speed)Ohyeah.
..Ohyeah..
.ohyeah.
..

Bakangqui
etl
yrel
axedhi
smuscl
esasSkul
l
fi
l
ledhi
m upandpul
l
edoutt
henhepul
l
edup
hi
spantsandwal
kedout
.

Bakangslowl yturnedar oundandpulleduphis

pantsthenhewal kedt othetoil
etwherehesat
downandf art
edSkul l'
ssemendownt hetoil
et.
Justthesoundshemadeashi ssemen
droppedint hetoil
etwashear t
breaki
ng..
.He
couldn'
trecogniset heper sonhewasbeing
reducedtoandi tstillseemedlikesomeki ndof
anightmarehewoul dwakeupt oandperhaps
heaveahugesi gh..
.

Hecov er
edhisfaceandcri
edsit
ti
nginthe
toil
et.Helaterwashedhisf
aceandwalkedout
withreddisheyes,hehadater
ri
bleheadache
andt heveinsonthesideofhi
sheadwer e
erect..
.
Hel
aidonhi
smat
tr
esst
henaguar
dwal
kedi
n..
.

Guar
d:Youhav
eav
isi
tor
..
.

Atmyhouse.
..
.

Meanwhil
eaft
erbathi
ngthechi
ldr
en,iputthem
onthecar
pett
oplay,Apr
ilwal
kedoverholding
thetoy
sandgavethem..
.

Me:Apr
ilbr
ingy
ourbooks,
iwantust
odoy
our
homework
Apr
il
:Idon'
tknowany
thi
ng
Me:
Youneedt
ost
opsay
ingt
hat
..Br
ing

Shebr
oughtherbooksandisatt
her
efor
al
mostanhourtry
ingtogethert
owri
tet
he
answer sdownbutev enherpenci
lgri
pwas
wr ong..Idi
dn'tknowwhatwaswrongwi t
hher
buti hadaf eeli
ngsomethi
ngwasn'tr
ight
..I
sighedandgav eup,i
all
owedhertoplaywit
h
thechildren.
..

Iquietl
yobser v
edhertalki
ngtot hetoysandt he
chi
ldren,herpronunci
ati
onofcer tai
nwor ds
wasawkwar dforheragebutt hatpartdidn'
t
botherme, itwasprobablybecauseshewasa
l
atet al
kerascommonl yknown. ..
atleastthat
's
whatIt hought.

Imi ssedTumel oandi wishedIcouldhav

ea
chatwi thhi m,every
thingwasbor i
ngandi st
il
l
hadn' tdecidedwhatt odowi t
hthechequei
didn'tev enknowi fi
twasokayt ocashit.
..My
phoner ang..
.
Me:
Hel
l
o?
MrsSibanda:
IwenttoseeTumi anddr
opped
hi
m somet oi
l
etr
ies,
heaskedforyou.
Me: I
'
llvi
sittomor
rowaftergoingtoApr
il
'
s
school,
I'
dl i
ketoseeherteacher
MrsSibanda:You'l
lupdatemewheny ouget
backthoughIdon'tbl
amet het
eacher,Apr
ili
s
j
ustli
kethat,osemata..
.Shecan'
tevental
klike
heragemat es.
..Shetal
ksli
kea4yearold
Me:
May
beshei
ssi
ck
MrsSibanda:
Nosheisj
ustsl
ow,otaagola.
..
Banababangwebant
sehel
ajal
o,babonya.
Me:
Emma,
gosi
ame
Mr
sSi
banda:
Bye

Ihungupandl ookedatAme, hesti

l
lwasn'
t
crawl
ingatage1t houghtheothert
wowere
evenwalki
ng..Idi
dn'tknowifiwasworr
ied
aboutnot
hingbuti
twasaf
eel
i
ngi
coul
dn'
t
i
gnore.

AtMaunpr
ison.
..
.

Lat
erKgosiwait
edbythechai
rsandlookedat
hi
ssonwalkingover
,hehadbrui
sesandhe
l
ookedti
redandhungry.
..

Bakanggl
ancedathisfat
herashesatdown,
he
qui
etl
yhel
dhistearsbackli
keamanand
cl
enchedhi
steeth.
.

Hi
sfathercouldsmell
hisson'
sar
mpi
tsf
ort
he
f
ir
stti
mei nhisli
fe.
.

Kgosi
:Howar
eyou?
Bakang:
Didy
oubr
ingmeany
thi
ng?
Kgosi
:Li
kewhat
?
Bakang:Areyouseri
ous?Ineedt
obath!Idon'
t
haveanythi
nghere!Pl
easetel
lmeyoubrought
met oi
let
ri
esorsomething!
Kgosi:Ididn'
tknowy ouneededanyt
hing,i
thoughtleaphakisi
wa.Ihav enev
ervi
sit
ed
anyoneinpr i
son,idi
dn'tknowhowitgoes
Bakang:Ther
eisnothingwearegivenher e,we
eataft
er8hoursandthefoodisjustami xture
ofevery
thi
ng.Thesepeoplear
eviolent,have
youappli
edforanot
herbail
?Ineedt ogetoutof
youASAP...(
tear
ful
ly
)Helpmeout !Please
Kgosi
:what
'shappeni
ng?
Bakang:
Theyarevi
olent
,that
'sal
l
.Pleasebai
l
meoutandI'
ll
neverviol
atemybailcondi
ti
ons
Kgosi:
weappli
edforanotherbai
l
,weare
wait
ingfort
hemagist
rate.I
fhegrunt
syoubai
l
y
ou'
l
lbeout
Bakang:Ifhedoesn'
tthenappealt
othehigh
court
,I'
m notspendi
ngamont hinhereI
'
d
rat
herdiethanli
veli
kethis.
Kgosi
:Don'
ttal
kli
ket
hat
-
Bakang:(st
oodup)Getmeout..(
paused)And
getDorcastotal
ktoNaledi
aboutvi
sit
ing,
I
needtotell
hersomethi
ng.Bye

Hewal
kedawayt
henhi
sfat
hersadl
yst
oodup.

AtApr
il
'
sschool
..
.

Thenextmorni
ngIst
eppedoutoft
het
axi
and
wal
kedinschool
..

Iaskedaf
ewst
udent
swher
e2Cwasandt
hey
di
rect
edme.

AsIappr oachedtheclassroom theteacher

washol di
ngast i
ckstandingnexttoApr i
lwho
hadherhandsov erherheadf l
inchi
ngast he
teacherwhippedhersev er
alti
mes...

Teacher:
Osedaidai
..
.Howcanyouwri
te
nonsenseli
ket
his,i
sthi
swhatIwr
oteonthe
board?
Apr
il
:(cr
ying)No
Teacher:You'
rever
ystupi
d,ev
ery
oneincl
ass
canwr i
tebutyoucan'
t.
.(t
othecl
ass)Mo
tshegengsemoamoase!

Allt
hestudentsl
aughedatherthenshethrew
thebookonApr i
l
'sfaceandwalkedtothe
board,
tearsfi
l
ledmyey esasistoodatthe
door
..

Iwashel pl
essandididn'tknowwhattodo. .
.All
thestudentsst
oppedlaughi ngast
heyturned
l
ookingatme, Apri
lsmiledhopeful
lywit
ht ear
s
i
nherey esbutremainedseat edaf
rai
doft he
teacher.
..

Me:
Goodmor
ning

Shetur
nedar
oundandqui
ckl
ysmil
edwi
thabi
t
ofpani
cbuti
didn'
tsmi
l
eback..
.

Me:Aprilgetyourbag...(star
ingattheteacher
)
Idon'
tthinkyou'l
lbeat eacherf orl
ong.
..You
don'
tdeservet obestandi ngthere,
I'
m sureall
theunemployedgr aduatesoutt her
ewoul ddo
bett
erthanthis.
Apri
lwalkedovercar
ryi
ngherbag,t
hestick
marksonhermar ksweresti
l
lverymuchv i
sibl
e
andiputmyhandar oundherneckrubbi
ngthe
tear
sthatdri
edonhercheeks..
..

Me:Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hisi
showourchi
l
drenget
t
reat
ed
Teacher
:(hear
tpoundi
ng)Mysi
ster
-i
ts
Me: Saveitforsomeonewhocar es,cl
early
somet hi
ngiswr ongbuty oucan'tseeit
becausemay beyou'r
enoteducat edenoughi
guessormay beyoujustdon'tcare.Kantearen'
t
teacherssupposedt onoticei
fsomet hi
ngisn't
ri
ghtwi t
hast udent?-(
sighed)whyam i wasting
myt i
mewi t
hy ou.
..

Ist
eppedoutoft
hecl
asshol
dingApr
il
'
shand
andheadedtot
heheadmast
er'
sof
fi
ce,
my
phonerangont
heway..
.

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Dor
cas:
HiLel
e,cani
seey
ou?
Me:
Aboutwhat
?
Dor
cas:
Bakangwant
stosee-
Me: Pleasest
opcal
l
ingme,bat
hotswangmogo
nnakaBakang, I
'
mtryi
ngtomoveonwithmy
l
ife.Ihavesomanythi
ngstoworr
yaboutt
han
Bakang.Leavemealone.

Ihungupandwal
kedi
ntheof
fi
ce.
..

AtMaunPr
ison.
..
..

Meanwhi
l
eTumel
owal
kedi
ntheshower
sand
pausedlookingatSkul
lshout
ingatBakang,
befor
ehecoul dmakesenseoft hei
rarguments
heslappedBakangacrosstheface.
..Bakang
hel
dhi scheekandswallowedquiet
lystar
ingat
Skull
..
.

Skul
l
:(angr
il
y)I
'
m notgonnat
ell
youagai
n..
.

Tumelowalkedov
erandpushedhi
m awayf
rom
Bakang.
..

Tumel
o:Skul
lthat
'senough.
.Lethi
m go
Skul
l
:Gol
dar
eyousl
eepi
ngwi
thmyboy
?
Tumelo:Idon'
tfuckS,
lethi
m go.
..
Bakang
tsamaa
Skul
l:
(st
ari
ngathi
m)YouwalkoutandI'
l
lbeat
yousohardyouwon'
tremembery
ournamefor
aweek,t
ryit
Tumelo:
(looki
ngathi
m)Kar
etsamaa.
..I
fyou
tr
ustmethengo
Skul
l
:(gl
ari
ngathi
m)Tr
yit
..
.

Bakangconf
usedl
yst
aredatbot
hoft
hem.
..
..
..
..
(9t
)

Al
waysremembert
oLi
ket
hei
nser
ts,
much
l
ove.
..
Co-
wif
e
#74

AtChoppi
es.
..
.

Themanagersmi
l
edandhandedmet
he
paper
s..
.
Her
:Anyquest
ions?
Me:
(smi
l
ed)
No,
Thanky
ousomuch.
..
Her
:By
e

Iwalkedoutanddial
edmymother
'snumber
wit
hahugesmi leonmyface.
..

Mama:
(lowv
oice)Hel
l
o?
Me:(smil
ed)Mama?Theyhi redme...
.(f
ixedmy
voi
ce)You'
retal
ki
ngt otheoffi
ceassi
stantof
Choppi
es..
.Nananananana.
..Valuef
ormoney !
Mama:
(for
cedasmi
l
e)I
'
m pr
oudofy
ou
Me:
(st
oppedsmi
l
ing)Ar
eyouokay
?
Mama:
Arey
oudonet
her
e?
Me:Yes,I
'
m onmywayt omeett
woparents
whosechi
ldr
eniwantt
okeepdroppi
ngoffand
pi
cki
ng,t
heywil
lpayme350permonth.
Mama:Buthowwi
l
lyoupi
ckt
hem wheny
ouar
e
atwor
k?
Me: That'
sthepr obl
em butican'
tletmoney
passmeby ,I
'
llseewhatt odo.Theygot o
school wi
thPrincess,maybeDuduwi ll
pick
them formeusi ngmycarorsomet hi
ng
Mama:
wil
lsheagr
ee?
Me:Duduisunder
standi
ng,
I'
m notsurethough,
ihopesheagr
eesbecausekoChoppiesthey
wil
lonl
ypayme1.5Kpermonthandi knockoff
r
eall
ylat
e.
Mama: Okay ,
sal
ekaphakel akeitewake
sethabiseganagowel a, ihav
ebeenl yi
ngon
thebedsi ncemorning.
..I'
m notfeel
ingwelltot
a.
Mynei ghbourcookedsof tporr
idgeforthe
chil
drenandt ookthem forawhi l
esoi canrest
butit'
sget t
ingworse.May beIneedtogot othe
hospital
Me:
Aomama,
whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
meal
lthi
s
ear
li
eri
nthemor
ning?
Mama:Youwereexci
tedabouty
ourj
ob,
idi
dn'
t
wantt
ospoi
lyourday
...
Me:
I'
m onmyway
..
.Hav
eyoucal
l
edRenei
?
Mama:Shedidn'
tanswerherphone,
i t
hought
maybeshecouldgett
hem butshedidn'
t
r
espondthat
'swhyIcal
ledmyneighbour.
Me: Kanannamamat sogalerekebuwat hata,I
don'tunderstandhowi t
'sdi
f f
icul
tforRenei to
staywithhersonwhogoest oschool al
lday
andcomehomeat5pm, shehasacarandshe
coll
ects2ofLoago' sclassmat esandanot her
primaryschool st
udent ,al
ltheseparentseach
payherP400, whichsoundsl ikeagood
businesstome. .Shemakes1. 2forhersel
f
whileAbalengst i
l
l paysallthebill
s,Kanteke
engosabuseLoagomamakagor ewaabona
goreoal wala?
Mama:
Loagoi
smygr
andson,
ifRenei
say
sshe
doesn'
thav
eti
met
olookf
oraj
obket
aar
eng?
Me: I
fmychi l
dr enwer egoingtoapreschooli
wouldn'tneedy ourhelp,becauseonecanonl y
l
ookf orajobbet ween7am and5pm, af
terthat
bathobachai si
t sendbabat engtheyarebusy,I
feell
i
keRenei obat agoratanahelabecauseit
seemsshedoesn' twanttobewithhersonat
night
.
Mama:That
'snowaytot
alkt
oy oursi
steri
n
l
aw,t
hiswasyourf
ri
endwhathappened?
Me: Shemar r
iedmybr ot
her,t
hat'
swhat
happened. .
..Ican'
tbel
ievesheislet
ti
ngher
mot herenjoyhersel
finthecattl
epostwhi
leyou
breaky ourback,Loagoismynepheweebut
Renei i
sgoi ngtoofar.
Mama: Ineedtosityoutwodownsowecan
sol
vethisbecauseshealsotol
dmeshedoesn't
wanttotalkt
oy oubecauseyoudon'
twantto
under
standhersituat
ion,
shefeel
sli
keyou'
re
bei
ngtooself
ishaboutmenotadmi
tt
ingshei
s
mydaughtert
oo.
Me: Fi
rstofal
l sheisn'tyourdaught
er,
shei s
yourdaughterinlaw...Thereisabigdi
fference
thereandthat'
swhyshedoesn' tcarei
fyou're
sickeneabat agobel egelwangwanahel a.
Mama: Justcomehomeandt
akemet
othe
hospi
tal
..
.
Me:
(si
ghed)Okay
..
.

Ihungupanddi
aledRenei
butshedi
dn'
ttake
mycall
sasusual
...
..

AtMaunPr
isons.
..
.

Tumeloandanotheri
nmatequietl
ystar
edat
chessboar
dastheotheri
nmatesstoodbehind
them f
oldi
ngt
heirarmscal
cul
atingthenext
mov
e..
.Tumel
ofr
ownedt
hought
ful
l
yand
mov
edthepawn.
..
..

Tumelo:
(lookedathi
sopponentandsmi
l
ed)
Checkmate!

Ever
yonelaughedandcl appedhands,the
opponentqui
etl
ystaredatt heboardandstruck
backsmili
ng.
..Hi
ssuppor terscheer
edhi m as
Tumelo'
screwquietl
ywat chedhopingf ora
goodcomeback..
.Ajailguardwalkedin..
.

Hi
m:Gol
dSi
rwagobat
a..
.
Tumelo:
(movedhi
spawnthought
ful
l
yand
l
eanedback)I
'
m comi
ng.
..

Hewalkedout
sideasTumelocont
inued
pl
ayi
ng..
.Awhil
elaterhesmi
ledashemadet
he
l
astwinningmove,
theguyscheer
edandhi
s
opponentshookhi
shead.
..
.

Tumelo:(
laughedandfi
stbumpedwi
thhi
s
opponent
)Har dyl
ait
aka
Hi
m:(
laughed)Tsekmonna.
..

Hewal kedintheoff
iceandsatdownthenhe
reachedfortheboxofCFCont hedeskand
beganeatingleani
ngback.
..

Theof
ficert
urnedar
oundhol
dingaf
il
eandsat
down.
..

Hi
m:War
engl
ait
aka?
Tumel
o:(
chewi
ng)Shar
p..War
eng?
Hi
m:Whenar
eyougoi
ngbackt
oyourr
oom?I
canonl
ykeept
hisgoi
ngf
orshor
tper
iodof
ti
me..
.
Tumelo:I
'l
lgeti
nnextweek.
..Skawar
a,oa
tshoganaar
e?
Him:No,i
t'
snotthat.
..Theguyiscomplai
ning
andaski
ngquesti
onsnowandy ouknowwe
workwit
hpapers,idon'twantt
ofindmysel
fin
asit
uati
onican'
texplaintomysuperv
isor
s.
Tumel
o:Ihearyou..
.Skawar
abosskeaboa.
..
Sowhenam iseeingmygir
l?
Hi
m:Aboutt
hat
,themonnabedi
scr
eet
..
.
Tumel
o:Di
dany
onesaysomet
hing?
Hi
m:Nobutt
hisonei
sver
yser
ious.
..
Tumelo:Nobodyknowsunl
essy
ourboy
s
sni
tches
Hi
m:Theywon'
t.
..
Tumelo:
(putt
heboxdownandwi
pedhi
s
fi
nger
s)Dri
nkekae?
Hi
m: (l
aughed)Waathol
anemonna?Youeat
myfoodandaskf oradr
ink?Tel
lyourgi
rl
fr
iend
t
obringyouadrink.
..
Tumel
o:Nkadi
mephoneee.
..
Him:(thr
ewhimthephone)Befastbef
ore
anyonewalksinmalat
siagot
etsemalopehel
a,
theseguysseem t
ohavebeeninl
ovewitht
he
previ
ousbossbaantena
Tumelo:(
laughed)Butt
heguywasstri
ct,
these
ty
pestsaboI'mtooperfectif
oll
owt
hebooks
anddon'
tsmi l
elemajit
a...
Hi
m:Hecl
aimst
obeper
fect
Tumelo:Everysainthasahi story,ioncetr
iedto
tal
ktothatguyy earsagoel egor ewewant ed
giv
ehim somet hing..
.Kanar obberymagistrate
ogoshapaka10y earsronarerebonamor ena,
weareher ebutwhenwegetoutt aborel
e
shapokopat eng...
.Infactwehadconnect i
ons
causeneresatshwar war ot
he, kehareret
ar ego
neelecutr
enner etswamasi
gorecheke
batswana,(
laughed)Kenwant
edtostalkhi
s
wif
eandmakesur eshewasn'
tcheati
ng,amo
welahelamasigolait
eamegorehaakait
hela
poogonekwaabodi boa
Hi
m: (
theybot
hlaughed)Wenaneochekamang
j
aanong?
Tumelo: Mydaughterwassick,shehadbeen
admitt
edi nthehospit
alanditstr
essedmea
l
ot.
..
(sighedandleanedbackcr ossi
nghislegs)
Nyaalaiteel
ekeetsenahaet senaha,kgantel
e
keafi
lagor eweareputti
nghim underpressure
rebatagomoseny etsaspane..
.
Him:Waii
..
.Ther
eisnousef ol
lowi
ngtherules
whenyougetpaidnot
hing.
..Gareamogelesepe
kanaandwehavefamili
es.Let
saov aethe
monna..
.
Tumel
o:(
dial
ed)Al
ri
ght
..
..
.
Att
hehospi
tal
.
...

Ifol
l
owedt
henurseasshepushedmymot
her
's
bedtot
hewar
d..
..

Me: Sohav
ingami
l
dhear
tat
tackmeanswhat
exactl
y?
Nurse:
(laughed)Ketaarengtot
a?I
tmeansshe
hadami ldheartat
tack.
..(
webothl
aughed)
Whatdon'tyouunderstand?
Me:
(laughed)Igety
oumma.
.
Nurse:ShewillonlybereleasedwhenherBPi s
backtonormal...Gonejaanat otasheneedst
o
restandreducestress..
.Kanat herear
eso
manyt hi
ngsthatcanr aiseBP
Me:Mmekebanalegober
ekamogokana,
mamagaanne.
..
.uh!
Mama:
Don'
tfor
gett
obr
ingmeheadset
sso
t
hatIl
i
stent
other
adi
o
Me:
I'
ll
bri
ngt
hem.
..

Sheparkedherbedandi
putherhandbagby
thebed.
..
.

I
nthecar
..
.

Meanwhilethephonerangt henApr
ilopened
thehandbagandanswer edasLoagoandAt si
l
e
emptiedthehandbageatingsomepaper s.
..

Apr
il
:Hel
l
o?
Tumelo:
(smi
led)Hey
..
.Wow.
.Idi
dn'
texpectt
o
heary
ourvoi
ce
Apr
il
:(sur
pri
sed)Dadddy
!!Ar
eyoucomi
ng?
Tumel
o:No,
Ist
il
lhav
eal
i
ttl
eti
me.
.Wher
eis
mom?Idon'
thav
eenought
ime
Apr
il:
Shei
sint
hehospi
tal
wit
hhermama
Tumel
o:Howi
sev
ery
thi
ng?
Apr
il
:Fi
ne

Iappr oachedthecarasAmewasleaning
outsidethewindowholdingmypant
yli
ner,i
quicklygothim andopenedt
hedoor.
..

Thecarwasamess,
all
mypaper
swer
eoutand
wet.
..
.

Me:Apri
ldi
dyout
aket
hem outoft
hei
rcar
seat
s?
Apr
il
:Theywer
eti
red
Me:
Andy
ou'
repl
ayi
ngwi
thmyphone?
Apr
il
:Iwast
alki
ngt
oDaddy
,hewant
stot
alkt
o
y
ou
Me:
(gott
hephone)Daddycan'
tcal
l
,hei
sin-
(
not
icedt
hecal
lwason)Hello?
Tumel
o:(sof
tl
y)St
handwasam.
..(
ismi
l
ed
bl
ushi
ng)warengPonono?
Me:
(smi
l
edbl
ushi
ng)Hi
..
..
Tumel
o:Can'
tst
opt
hinki
ngabouty
ou.
..
Me:(smil
ed)What'
swrongwi t
hyounewena,
koor
ey ouneverst
opbr
eakingthelaw.
..Ar
en't
yousupposedtobeinyourcel
l?Phoneoetsaa
kae?
Tumelo:
I'
minpr
isonnotpl
anetmar
s..
.War
eng
Ponono?
Me:(bl
ushi
ng)Mxm,banabagagobant
seny
a
st
ress,
bachothi
l
echeque
Tumelo:Eeakereyoudon'
twantt
ousei t
..
.I
shoul
dgetmy selfabadgi
rlwhowi
llcashthe
chequesigi
veher ,
wenaoabaesabarikewena.
Me:
(laughed)Ihav
efourchi
ldr
enandan
i
mmat ur
ehusbandtothi
nkfor.
.
Tumelo:Aebabethemmakegodi le,
aftert
his
I'
l
lneverbr
eakthelawagain.I
'
m serv
ingmy
sent
encesandthenI'
ll
repent.
..
Me:Repentmyboy ,y
ouknowihavesomuch
l
ovetogiveyou.
..Iwantt
ospoi
lyouj
aanong
waij
elaset
sakaboganka.
Tumelo:(l
aughed)I
'mrepenti
ng.
..Soli
sten
babe,Comet otheof
fi
celatert
onight
..At8pm
andrequesttoseeMrSereo
Me:
Why
?
Tumel
o:Justdoi
t,goshapoaut
wa
Me:
Shapo

Ihungupsmi
l
ing.
.….
AtMaunpr
isons.
..
.

Lat
eronTemostar
edatBakangashelazi
l
y
wal
kedover
,hehadlostwei
ghtandhel
ooked
l
ost.
..

Hesi
ghedandsatdown.
..

Temo:
Howar
eyou?
Bakang:
I'
mfi
ne.
..

Hewaitedf
orhimtogoonbuti tseemedthat
wastheonl
yresponsehehad,hescrat
chedhis
headandbi
toffthepeel
sonhislipswi
thhis
teet
hasTemost ar
edathim.
..

Temo:
Whenar
eyouget
ti
ngout
?
Bakang: Idon'tknow..
.KeImenti
onernextweek.
Myf athercontactedalawyerandheadv i
sed
mepl eadbef orethemagist
ratesothathecan
reducetheamountorcondi ti
ony ablood
rel
ativ
esot hatany onecansignformybail.
Temo:I'
l
lgetTr
evortosi
gnf oryoubecausehi
s
busi
nessgi
veshim wayoverthat.
..
Bakang:
Yeah.
..
Temo:
Howi
siti
nsi
de?Iher
etheyar
ejust
ani
mal
s
Bakang:Notreall
y,goshapohel
a.Thef
ood
sucksbutotherwisegoshapo.
Temo:
(laughed)Ar
en'
ttheyt
ryi
ngt
otapy
ou?
Bakang:(l
aughed)Waiit
hoset
hingsdon't
happenhere,kedil
otsadimovi
eshela.
..We
i
nteractj
ustfi
ne.Gapennagagonamotho
yookalekangmogonna
Temo:
(laughed)Iknow.
..Theywoul
dn'
ttr
yiton
y
ou,
secur
it
ywoul
dfi
ndacor
psei
ntheshower
..
Bakang:
Exact
ly.
..
Hav
en'
tyouseenWendy
?
Temo: Isawherwithsomewhiteguy.
..Hei
s
notwhiteassuch.
..Kemohutanyanawabo
RomanRei ghsobamor i
riobl
ackthat
aomme
eseIndia
Bakang:(swal
lowed)Okay
..
.Itmustbeher
daughter
'sfat
her.
..
Temo:
Don'
tst
ress
Bakang:I
'm not
..
.Ijustcan'
tbel
iev
ei messed
upmyl i
feforher.Iworshi
pedthewrongGod..
.
Temo: Weal lmakemi stakesBK, youmade
yoursatleasty oudidn'tmur deranyone. .
.I'
m
sti
llhereforyou.TrevorandTuel obet rayedyou
butI'm st
il
lhereandI '
llsti
llbeherebecause
gakegor atehelawheny ou'r
eusef ul t
omel i
ke
theydidtoy ou.Theseguy susedy oubecauseo
bonaTr evor?thatbusinessoebul etsweke
wena, Tueloisdriv
ingacary oupai dcashf or
andhenev erreturnedadi me.
.Despitet
hatthey
sti
llbet
rayedyou.I '
m hereandI'
llbeherewhen
youwal kout.I
fy ouneedany t
hing,I
'l
lbr
ingi
tor
sendmywi f
e..
.Ifyou'renothappywithanyt
hing
hereletmeknowsot hatIcanfol
lowitupor
tal
kt oyourl
awy er.
Bakang:(si
ghed)Yeah.
..ButI
'
mfi
ne,I
'
llt
alkto
themagistr
atenextweekandmaybehewill
l
isten.
Temo:
Mor
apel
elai
takaot
swe,
obopamegor
e
Bakang: I
'
m goingtobehonestwithhi
m about
alotofthings,i
fhedoesn'tl
etmeoutthenit
's
st
ill
fine.Ihaveacceptedmyfateandidon'
t
bl
ameany onebutmy sel
f.
Temo:You'
l
lbefi
ne.
..Ihav
etogo,
I'
ll
seey
ou
agai
nnextweek
Bakang:
Sur
e
Theypar
tedandTemoglancedathi
m sever
al
ti
mesashewalkedawaydraggi
nghisfeet
..
.

I
nsi
de.
..
.

Minut
eslat
erhewal
kedbacki
nhiscellandlai
d
down,Skul
lwal
kedi
nandsatonhisbed..
..

Skul
l
: (
rubbedhi
sback)Idi
dn'
tseey
ouar
ound,
wherewereyou?
Bakang:
(cl
osedhi
sey
es)Ihadav
isi
tor
..
.
Skull
:Alr
ight
..(
lookedar
oundandfoundnoone
thenheputhishandonhispantsandsqueezed
hisbutt
)Araagothapatherr
a..
.
Bakang:Nnakaitsapa,r
etaagot
hapa
kgantel
e..
.kanamidni
ght
Skul
l
:Nopr
obl
em.
..
(not
icedBakangkept
cl
osi
nghi
sey
esdozi
ngof
f)Ar
eyousl
eepy
?
Bakang:
Yeah.
.
Skul
l:(
sli
dhishandoutandspankedhi
m ont
he
butt
)Alr
ightt
akeskagothodi
a
Bakang:
Shapo

Skul
lwal
kedout
..
.

Atmyhouse.
..
.

Lat
erthateveni
ngi f
inishedbathi
ngthechil
dren
andputthem onthecar pett
owat chTVthenI
di
aledReneiwalki
ngt othekit
chen..
.

Renei
:Hel
l
o?
Me:Aomma,ihav
ebeencal
li
ngy ouall
day
,i
t
oldyoumamahasbeenadmi
ttedinthe
hospi
tal
andy
oushoul
dcomegetLoago.
Renei:Baby sit
ti
ngy ournephewf oranightwon'
t
hurtyouNal edi,oalapisaorataattenti
on.I'
m
ti
redofy oumaki ngmef eelli
keani nt
ruderi
n
thi
sfami ly
.Incasey ouhaven'tnot
icedIam
mar r
ied,kegor osit
swemol apenglesemmuso
gakegi r
lf
riendnna, MmaAbi i
smymot herandi
f
Ihavesituationsshemusthel p.
Me:Whydoesn'
tyourmot
herhel
p?Eneo
ber
ekaeng?
Renei:Waai pereka,mymot herdoesn' tget
anythi
ngf r
om me.Shemustwor ktohav efood.
MyhusbandandIgi veyourmot her1t housand
permonth..Andwenay oobuwangy o,kego
bei
lebotsetsi wit
hmyHusband' smoney .Ihad
tocompromi seforyoutoeatandf eedy our
chi
ldren,
nowt hatyouhav etobaby sityour
nephewf orani ghtoalela,
gaoi t
segor emadi
anengoaphat haulahaolemot setsineel eaga
Loago?Waabor amma.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngsomewher
e-
Renei: Moi sehel akooi sangbagagot eng,
Naledi wai ponamma.Youf eelentit
ledt o
everything...Odi r
il
eAbi yourhusband, het akes
careofy oul i
key ou'
remeandnowy oudon' t
wantmet oenj oymygoodmot herinlaw?Kant e
wenaony alwal engr ebonegor eanenggaona
goi sabanakogomat salaago?Youneedt oget
mar ri
edmmawar etapapol is,stopinter f
ering
betweenmeandmymot herinlaw, i
fy ouhada
mot herinl awy ouwoul dn'tbeal loverthe
place..
.Baby si
tLoago, I
'm goingt ocheckonmy
mot herinl awwhenIgetbackI '
m goingt o
sleep.Dosomet hingf oranot herpersonl ewena,
myhusbandandIhav etakencar eofy ousi nce
forever.By e

Shehunguponme, i
wasboil
i
ngbuti di
dn'
t
havemuchtime,i
twasalmost8pm andihadt
o
gotopri
son.Idi
aledDudu'
snumber..
.
Dudu:
Co-
wif
e?
Me:
(laughed)Wenakana.
..
Dudu:
Ker
emogadi
kane?
Me: KewenaCo-wif
e,esengnnai
ja.
..Themma
I'
m goingsomewhere,
ineedababysit
ter
,my
ki
dsar ewit
hLoagoandApr i
l
Dudu:
Ushu!Yaanongnnakennamannana?
Me:(l
aughed)I
'
m dr
ivi
ngoutasi
speak,
ket
sil
e
gobatshel
akoo
Dudu:
Howmuchar
eyoupay
ingme?
Me:Youlongpai
dyour
sel
fol
ebet
seonkur
uka
aboonjel
amonna
Dudu:
(laughed)Mxm.
..
.Bat
shol
elwang?
!
Me:
(laughed)Ketshabamakgakgaamot
hoa
r
ent
isaditant
etsamany al
o
Dudu:
Shehbabygi
rlnnat
hemmaI
'
m amoney
maker.
..I'
m ami
ll
ionair
e.(webot
hlaughed)
Don'
tforgett
hei
rblanketsi
ncaseyoutaket
oo
l
ong.
Me:
Keagor at
athewadar
li
e..Kegor
ata
mar
atoskeem
Dudu:
(laughed)wai
i
,bol
opemustf
all
.
..
Me:
(laughed)Or
aagor
ekeJenni
ferLopez
?
Dudu:
Owor
se.
..

Ihungupandqui
ckl
ypackedt
hei
rbagst
henwe
headedt
othecar
..
..

AtMaunPr
isons.
..

Afewmi nut
esafter8pm ipul
ledoverandlitthe
cl
osedgate,t
hesecurit
yguardappearedt o
havebeental
kingtotheradi
oasi confusedly
l
ookedar oundwonderingi
fishoul
dgetoutt
o
tal
ktohim orjustwait
,heopenedthegat
eand
approachedthecarthenir
oll
eddownt he
window...

Guar
d:Hi
..
Me:Hi,
um.
..I
'm her
etosee.
..Um..(
putmy
handonmyfor
ehead)If
orgothi
sname...Jesus
Guar
d:(
laughed)Dr
ivet
hisway
,it
'sourhouses
Me:
Komant
ungal
ona?
Guard:(
laughed)Li
sten.
..Drivei
ntothese
houses,theyar
enumber ed..Dri
veint
ohouse
number26, someonewillhelpyouthere
Me:
Who?
Guar
d:Idon'tknow,
I'
mj ustf
oll
owingt
he
or
ders(
laughed).Haekareotshogi
lej
aana?
Me:(
laughed)Eeket
shogi
l
eandi
t'
sver
ylat
e,
kemang?
Guar
d:(
laughed)Idon'
tknow.

Iroll
edupt hewi ndowandj oi
nedthemainroad,
ididn'
tdri
vef orlongthenijoi
nedtheroad
getti
ngintothepr i
sonstuffhousesandbegun
countingasi drovepastthehouses.

Housenumber26, t
hereitwas.
..It
urnedthe
wheelanddrov
et hroughtheopengatethen
par
kedbehindthegov er
nmentcar..
.

Myheartski
ppedwhenInot icedt
her
ewasajail
guar
dstandingbehindthehousei
nthedar
k,i
swit
chedoffthel
ights.
..
.

Asuddenknockont
hewi
ndowst
art
ledmeand
ist
eppedout.
..
Guar
d:Hi
,Nal
edi
?
Me:
Yes
Guard:Let
'sgo,
hur
ryup.
..Wedon'
thav
e
enoughtime

Ihur
ri
edinsi
dewher
et her
ewasanot
herguar
d
whostoodupandwalkedovert
om..
.

Guar
d2:
Sear
chher
..
.

Theybothr
anthei
rhandsal
lov
ermeasi
spreadmyarms.
.

Guar
d2:
Arey
e..
.

If
oll
owedhimtothebedroom,
iwasn'
tsur
e
whatwashappeni
ng,
thoughit
rust
edTumelo
wit
hmyli
feiknewatthebackofmyheadthat
hewasacri
minal
-Theycannev
erbetr
ust
ed...

Heopenedt hedoorf ormeandi walkedinthen

thedoorshut,il
ookedar oundtheroom and
uncomfortabl
yfoldedmyar ms, t
hetoil
et
fl
ashedtheniturnedar oundl
ookingatthedoor
asitopenedslowly..
.

Tumelowal kedinshi
rtl
essandclosedthedoor
thenheleanedagainstthedoorf
rame
seduct
ivel
yl ooki
ngatmeast hecornerofhi
s
l
ipsli
ft
ed..
.

Isi
ghedi nrel
i
efl ookingathim ashewalked
overandkissedme, hepausedandpul l
edout
mydr essthenhet ossedmeont hebedandgot
ontopofmeki ssingme, t
hedooropenedand
guardpeakedint henhecl osedthedoor.
..
Me:
(whi
sper
ed)Ar
etheyl
i
steni
ng?
Tumel
o:Yes.
..
Closey
ourey
esandki
ssme

Iki
ssedhim ashepushedmypant i
esoutand
squeezedhi
mselfin,
ipausedkissi
ngasmy
mouthopened, myeyestur
nedandi putmy
armsaroundhisneckasheleanedoverki
ssi
ng
me...
..
..

.
.
.
Co-
wif
e
#75

AtPr
isonst
affhouses.
..
Myabdomencont r
actedashesl owlypull
edout
l
ookingatmet henwebot hsighed,helaid
behindmeandpi nnedhisel
bowont hepill
ow
holdingmyhandwi thhi
sotherhandcar essi
ng
myski n.
..Ir
ubbedmycol df
eetonhi swar m
feetandhejoinedr ubbi
nghisfeetonmi ne.

Wedi dn'
ttalkforaf
ewmi nutesashequietl
y
rubbedmyhandsandf i
ngersthenhesl
owl y
pull
edmyhandov ert
ohismout handkissed
i
t..
.hi
schestwar medbybackandi enj
oyed
everysofttouchhegaveme...

Tumel
o:Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Me:Therearemanyt hingsbother
ingme..
.Fir
st
mymot heri
ssick.
.HerBPi shighandAbi i
sn'
t
ar
ound,myl i
tt
lesi
sterisn'
taroundeit
hersoi
musttakethechil
dren.Ihadfoundajobat
Choppiest heywer egoi ngt opayme1. 5Kbut
nowi thi
nkI '
llhavet oquititbecausenoonewi ll
babysitformeatni ght.Renei doesn'twantto
staywithherson, ifshedoesn' tcoll
ecthim
tomorrowI '
llhavet ostaywi thhi mt oobecause
Idon'
twantmymot hert odeal withchil
dren
now.Apr ilisn'tdoingwel latschool butatleast
I'
m buil
dingherconf i
dence. ..
..Iam lonely.
..
Somet i
meswhenI 'm havingabaddayi wish
youcouldhol dmebuty ou'renott herewhenI
needy out hemost .Youhav ebeenher efora
fewmont hsandal readyi feel li
keit'
sal i
fe
ti
me...Idon' tthinkI'l
lsurvivemor emont hs,I
'm
l
onely
Tumel o:
( si
ghedandkissedmyneck)Qui tt
hat
j
obandf ocusonthechildren,tr
yaj obthatwil
l
all
owy out oknockoffat4andi fy oucan'tf
ind
i
tthengof orbusi
ness,ithinkpi
ckingschool
chil
drenisagoodi dea.Asf orRenei i
don'twant
total
kmuchabouti tbuti knowy oucan'tst
ay
withherson,i
twillstrainy ou.
..Cari
ngf or
toddl
ersisn'
tajoke,lethert akeherson.
(si
ghed)I'
m sureApr i
l willbefinewit
hamot her
l
ikeyounexttoher .
..Iknowshewi l
l,
wej ust
havetobeal i
tt
lebitpat ient.(r
ubbingmybut t)
Turnaroundandf aceme. ..Kegobolelesengwe

It
urnedaroundandfacedhim asher
est
edhis
j
awonhi shand..
.Hetouchedmycheekand
l
eanedoverkissi
ngme...

Tumelo: Babei hat

et otellyout hisbutI '
m going
tobeinpr isonforatleastfivey ears..Iwas
given10y earsforrobberybuti onlyser ved5
years,i
wasr el
easedont heprobat ion..
.
Probati
ondoesn' tmeany ouar efree, you'r
enot
supposedt ocommi tanycr i
medur ingt hatti
me
becausei fyoudoy ou'll
gobackandser vethe
remaini
ngt i
me.SoI '
llbeinprisonf orawhi l
e
andI'my ett
ohearwhatthey'
regoingt
osay
aboutthesecondcase.Thejudgemightbe
hardonmesi nceI'
m notafir
stti
meoffender.
..
(ishookmyheadandher aisedhisvoi
cetry
ing
toconvinceme)THAT'SIFTHEPROSECUTOR
CANPROVEHI SCASE
Me:
(si
ghed)Tot
annaI
'
mlosi
nghopeTumi
..
.
Tumelo:
Pleasedon'tl
osehope,wewi ll
be
toget
her
..
.Pleasebabe.
..Igott
his,
trustme.
Me:Ican'tli
veli
kethis,
prisonvi
sit
ati
ons?And
nowI'm gett
ingfuckedonst r
angebedsli
keI'
m
aprosti
tute?What'snext?Youhavetobe
ser
ious,I'
mt oooldforthi
s.Youneedtogrow
up.
Tumel
o:(
cal
mly
)Ponono?
..
.Babe?
..
.Babe?
Me:Don'
ttr
ytosweett
alkme.
..
5year
sist
oo
l
ong
Tumelo:Iknowit
'st
oolongthat
'swhyker
ebe
pat
ient
,I'
m beggi
ngyou.
..Don'
tgowhereithi
nk
thi
sisgoing.Ican'
tl
ivewit
houtyou.Il
oveyou
andyou'r
emywi f
e..
.Iwanttomarryyou.
..My
fat
her-
Me: Aboutthat,it
hinkweshoul dwai tuntil
you'
reoutbecausei twil
lbemor edr amat i
ci f
youpai dbogadifr
om behi ndthebar s,people
l
iketalking.
..Andthereisnohur ry.
..Just
behaveandgetout .Focusony ourcases, r
ead
booksi fyouhaveto, pl
eady ourcases. .
..Ask
forbailagai
norsomet hi
ngI'ml onely..
Tumel
o:I
'
lldot
hat
..
.

Thedooropened.
..

Guar
d:Mest
aaechai
l
e..
.ar
eye
Tumel
o:10mi
nut
es.
..

Hecl
osedt
hedoort
henher
eachedf
orhi
s
cl
othesandputt
hem onasiwaslay
ingdown
cover
ingmysel
fwit
hthesheet
s..
.

Tumel
o:(
star
ingatme)Don'
tcheatonme.
..
Me:
(ty
ingmyhai
r)Don'
tst
art
..
.
Tumelo:Wealr
eadyhaveenoughprobl
ems,
I
can'
tdealwi
ththat
..
.Pl
easefocus
Me:
Don'
ttr
ytot
urnt
hingsar
ound.
..
Tumel
o:(
angri
l
y )Idi
dn'
tl
iket
het
onei
picked
fr
om y
our"I
'
ml onely
"
Me:
Thengetout
..
.
Tumel o:
(star
ingatme)Shoul dI?BecauseI
will
..
.Will
youliveontherunwi t
hmeandour
chil
dren?Whichoneismor emature?Servemy
sentenceandgetoutorbr eakoutandl i
veli
kea
thug?Ormay bey ouwantmet ot akeyouto
Zimbabwe, whichisi
t?Perhapswecoul dgo
l
iveinSowet oormaybesomewher ei
nNami bi
a,
ker
engNal
edi
?Whatdowant
?
Me:(tear
ful
ly
)Idon'tknow.
..I
'
m st
ressedandI
don'
thaveanyone.
..Youcouldbet
here!But
you'
rehere.
..
Tumel o: (
crawledonthebedandhuggedmeas
icried)I'
m sorry.
..Iwasn'
tscreami ngaty ou.
..
(rubbingmyback)Iknowt hisisfrustrat
ingbut
best rongforme, iswearI'
m wor t
hi t
..
.I'
m sorry
thatIputy outhroughthisbutwheni getoutI'
ll
makei tuptoy ou.Bealit
tl
epatient,cany oudo
thatformel ov
e?Cany out r
ysthandwa?
Me:
(sni
ff
edandr
ubbedmynose)Okay
..
.I'
l
ltr
y
Tumel
o:(
kissedme)Iknowy
oucandoi
t.
..Let
'
s
go

Igotoutofbedandgotdr
essedt
henhehel
d
myhandaswewal kedout.
Heopenedthecardoorformethenigoti
n,he
l
eanedinandFrenchki
ssedmet henhecl
osed
t
hedoorandinsert
edthekeysi
nt hei
gni
ti
onfor
me..
..
..

Tumelo:(
pul
ledt
hebel
t)Dr
ivesaf
ely
..
..(
leaned
overandki
ssedmeagai
n)Il
oveyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
..
Tumelo:
(mov
edawayfrom t
hewindowand
pi
nchedmycheeksmi
l
ing)Goodni
ght.
.

Iblushedandr ever
sedthecarasheandthe
otherthreeguardswatchedme,idrov
eaway
l
ooki ngatthem onthemirr
orastheygoti
nthe
pri
sonscar .
..
..
..
..

AtDudu'
shouse.
..
.
Latert
hatnightiparkedthecarandknockedon
thedoor,sheopenedt hewindowandmov ed
thecurt
ainsyawning..
..

Dudu:Theyaresl
eepi
ng.
..It
hinki
t'
sbesty
ou
gett
hem inthemorni
ngkanajang?
Me:
Yeah,
ofcour
se.
..
Dudu:(
smi
l
edandwhi
sper
ed)Wast
hedi
ck
good?
Me:(l
aughed)Icouldcal
lbot
hhisparent
sand
gi
vethem present
sevencall
Jesusjustt
osay
Hal
lel
ujah!
Dudu:
(laughed)Hal
l
eluj
ah
Me:
.(l
aughed)Mxm oratadi
tabat
aabat
honna
ket
swagoselehel
a..
.goodni
ght
Dudu:
(laughed)Goodni
ght
..
..
Shecl
osedt
hewi
ndowandl
aiddown.
..

Tuelo:(
movedcl
osert
oher
)SoNal
edi
is
cheati
ngonTumi?
Dudu:Shei
sn'
t,j
ustbecauseshewent
somewherel
ateatnightdoesn'
tmeanshei
s
cheat
ing
Tuel
o:Keut
uleconv
ersat
iony
alona
Dudu:Iwasj
ustteasi
ngheridon'
tevenknow
whereshewentandshejustwental
ongwith
t
hejoke..
.
Tuel
o:Oh,
igeti
t.
..(
yawnedandki
ssedher
)
Goodni
ght
Dudu:
Night
..
..

AtMaunPr
ison.
..
.
Lateronatmi dnightSkul
lslowlygotdownas
thebedmadenoi set
henhesi l
ent l
ywoke
Bakang, hepretendedhecouldn'thearhimf ora
whilethenhel eanedoverandFr enchkissed..
.
Hepushedhi m backandgotupt hent
hey
sil
entl
ywal kedout

Oncei ntheshowerSkull
t ur
nedthetapsandlet
thewat erf
lowmakingnoiseasBakangf ol
ded
hisarmswai t
ingforhim,hewalkedoverand
kissedhim asBakangrel
uctantl
ycutthekiss
shortandturnedaround.
...

Skul
l
:Di
rabl
owj
ob.
..
Bakang:
No,let
'sj
ustdot
hisandgeti
tov
erwi
th
nnakaotsel
a..
.
Skul
l
:Iknowbutj
ustl
i
ckar
oundt
het
ip
Bakang:
Don'
tSkul
l
,weagr
eedy
ouwon'
task
fort
hatifi
dowhaty
ouwant
,whyar
eyou
changi
ngnow?
Skull
:Si
sget
ti
ngbor
ing,
let
'sdosomet
hing
di
ffer
ent
Bakang:Di
ffer
ent
?Howabouty
ousuckmydi
ck
forachange?

Skullsmackedhi
m acrossthefacewiththe
backofhishand,Bakangkneedhim onthe
crouchandpunchedhim onthethroat
,Skull
pushedhim agai
nstthewallandtheybot
h
sl
ippedont hewetfl
oor.
..

Theyexchangedequal brutalblowsforsome
ti
meunt i
lSkullfl
i
ppedar oundandpi nned
Bakangdownbutheal soflippedaroundlyi
ng
ontopofhi m asthewaterf el
lontheirf
aces
andintothei
rnoses.Hel etgoofBakangt hen
hequickl
ygotont opofhim andgrabbedhis
neckfrom behi
ndandtur
nedhisneckar
ound
cover
inghismouthwit
hhishead..
.

Skull'
sey eswidenedalmostpoppingoutashe
fel
thisnecksl owlybreaki
ng,Bakangbithi
s
l
owerl ipandsnappedhi sneck.Kneeli
ngbehind
him Bakangbecamef acetofacewithSkul
l'
s
faceashi seyesstaredathim wit
houtbli
nki
ng.
Het hrewdownhi sheadsmacki ngitonthe
fl
oorandsl owlystoodupt henhespatoneach
ofhisey esandwal kedout.
..

Onhiswayouthepausedt hought
ful
lythenhe
walkedbackanddraggedhisbodyunderthe
shower,hewashedoffanyevi
dencethenhe
wrenchedhiswetcl
othesandwalkedoutnaked
holdi
ngthem..
.

Oncei
nthecel
lhesi
l
ent
lyputonhi
scl
othes
withoutwakingt
heothersnori
nginmat
es,
then
hehungt hewetonesandlaiddown
thoughtf
ull
y.
..

Thefeel
ingwasgoodasheheav
edahugesi
gh
wit
hasmi leandlai
donhi
ssi
defal
l
ing
asl
eep..
..
..
..
.(9t
).
.
Co-
wif
e
#76

AtMaunPr
ison.
..
.

Thenextmorni
ngpri
soner
swatchedf
rom a
di
stanceasSkul
l'
sbodywast
akenout.

Hi
sroommat eskeptgl
anci
ngatBakangwho
wasfol
dinghisar
mshidingthecutonhi
sar
m
watchi
ngwithast
rai
ghtf
ace.Namet
sowal
ked
overandst
oodnextt
ohim..
.

Namet
so:
(whi
sper
ed)whathappenedt
ohi
m?
Bakang:
Idon'
tknow.
..
Nametso:
(lookedatt
hecutonl
i
psuspi
ciousl
y)
Arey
ousure?
Bakang:
(angr
il
y)Doy
ouwantt
oendupl
i
kehi
m?
Nametso:
No, ofcoursenot
..
.(qui
ckl
ywal
ked
away
)Nev er
mi nd.
..
Bakang:Oyakae?Takwano..
.(hequi
ckl
y
walkedbackagai
n)Yaanongoyakae?
Namet
so:
(st
oodnextt
ohi
m)Sor
ry.
..

Meanwhi
l
ethewar
denwal
kedi
ntheof
fi
ce.
..

War
den:
Theyl
eft
..
Of
ficer
:Sowhatdot
heyt
hinkcoul
dbet
he
pr
oblem?
Warden:Theythi
nkheslippedonthewetfloor
andbrokehisneck.
..
wesuggestedal otof
pri
sonerssl
iponthatfl
ooranditneededtobe
workedon.
Officer:Goodjob(sighed)Wehav etomov e
Bakangoutoft her
e...Iknowhedidit.Hehasa
cutabov ehi
sli
pandwet al
kedafewmont hs
ago, hesaidhewoul ddef endhi
mself.Ican't
affordt ohavethi
spi nnedonmewhenhe
wasn' tevensupposedt obei nt
hatcelli
nthe
fi
rstpl ace.
..
Warden:Andhei
sment
ioni
nghi
msel
fnext
weekithi
nk.
..
Off
icer
:Ipraytheygranthim bailorel
sewago
nnamolalanyanagonemo. ..
ifhef i
ndsout
what'
shappeninghere,hisfatherwill
makesur
e
wordgetsout.Anyway ,
goodj ob
War
den:
Thanks

Hewal
kedout
..
..

I
nthey
ard.
..
.

Minut
eslat
erBakangappr
oachedTumel
oashe
wasplay
ingMhelewit
hhisfr
iends.
..

Bakang:
Canwet
alk?
Tumelo:
(Dr
oppi
ngt
hepebbl
esi
neachhol
e)I
'
m
busy
Bakang:
Itwon'
ttakel
ong.
..
Tumelo:
(angr
il
ylookedupathi
m)Isai
dI'
m
busy
..
.
Hewal
kedawayandappr
oachedNametsowho
waswashi
nghi
sclot
hest
ogetherwi
th
Tumel
o'
s..
.

Bakang:
Goandcal
lTumel
oforme
Namet so:
(washi
ng)Hedoesn'
tli
ket
obe
di
sturbedwhenheisonthemiddl
eofthegame,
waatseakere
Bakang:(gr
abbedt hewetlaundr
yandt hr
ewit
ont hef
loor)Karetsamaawagobi tsaTumel
o,i
f
youdon'tcomebackwi thhimI'm goingt
o
teachyoual esson

Pani
ckedNamet sodr
iedhi
shandsandwentt
o
Tumelo.Hesquatt
ednextt
ohim andwhi
sper
ed
i
nhisear..
.

Tumel
o:Tsamaa.
..Akany
ela.
..
Nametso:
Goldt
her
ra,
whatev
eryou'
l
ldot
ohi
m
af
ternnat
abent
sekei
tei
l
wekana.
Tumel
o:Kar
etsamaahaakakeagor
esepe.
..

Nametsowalkedbackinsi
deandf
ear
ful
l
y
appr
oachedBakang..
.

Namet
so:
Her
efused.
..
Bakang:
Say
ingwhatexact
ly?
Namet so:Hesaidyou'
rel
yi
ngyouwon'tbeat
me...BKtherrannaskampetsakesagodir
a
sepe,soy ou'
regoi
ngtobeatmebecauseGold
ref
usedt ocome?
Bakang:
(looki
ngathi
m)Iwasj
ustki
ddi
ng.
..I
'
m
sorr
y
Nametso:
Thanks,nnabat
hogakebat
ego
t
senngwadingal
o.
Heturnedaroundandpickedtheclot
hes
Bakanghaddr opped,
guil
tst
rickenBakang
hel
pedhim pickthecl
othes.
..

Bakang:
Sorr
yforthreat
eni
ngyou,iknowhe
car
esaboutyouthat'
swhyisai
dthat,ithad
nothi
ngtodowit
hy ouandI'
dneverhurtyou.
Namet
so:
It'
sokay
..
.Igeti
t.

Bakangwal
kedaway
..
.

AtDudu'
shouse.
..

Laterthatmor
ningipar
kedt hecarandst epped
out..
.Duduhadspreadabigblanketinfrontof
thehouseandsatthechil
drenthere.
..Aprilwas
eati
ngsoftpor
ri
dgef
rom herbowlwhil
eDudu
hadAmeonherl apf
eedi
nghim andthe
other
s..
..
.

Me:(
laughed)Nowyoul
ooklikeanol
dlady
..
.
Mamakeenemot howagojesabanabamo
di
kol
ogil
e
Dudu:
(laughed)Idi
dn'
tthi
nkt
heycoul
dfeed
t
hemselves
Me:
Yeah,
ifeedt
hem t
oo.
.

Isatonbl
anketthenAmecrawledovertome,
Dudugavemet hebowlandstoodup..
.

Dudu:
Didy
ouhav
ebr
eakf
ast
?
Me:No,Ij
usthur
ri
edher
e,i
thoughtt
heymi
ght
t
roubl
eyou
Dudu:
Letmecooksomet
hingf
orus.
..

Shewalkedinsi
dewhi l
eifedthechil
dren,
minutesl
aterif
ini
shedfeedingthem andwiped
thei
rmouthstheni wal
kedbacki nt
hekitchen
whereshewasf ryi
ngsomeeggs.Ileaned
agai
nsthercounterandfoldedmyarms. .
..

Me:
IsTuel
oar
ound?
Dudu:Hewentt
other
ank.
..
.(l
ookedatme)Ar
e
youokay?
Me:
(si
ghed)I
'
mfi
ne.
..
.
Dudu:You'
renot
..
.What
'sgoi
ngon?
Me: Tumel
owi l
lbei
nj ai
lfor5y ear
s,Idon'
t
thi
nkI'l
lmakeitt
o5y earsandt hat'
sjusta
minimum wit
houtcounti
ngt hesentenceheis
goi
ngt ogetf
orthesecondof fence.
Dudu:
(pausedandl
ookedatme)Pl
easedon'
t
saywhatIt
hinky
ou'
reaboutt
osay
..
.
Me:
What
?
Dudu:Thatyou'r
eleavi
nghi
m, i
fyouthi
nkther
e
aremenoutt her
ey ou'
rewr
ong..
.You'
ll
meet
anot
herBakangagai n,
Tumeloisagoodguy,
j
ustwaitforhim.
Me:Andwhati fafterwait
ingforsolongi f
ind
outthatheisnotwhoi thi
nkhei sorwhatifhe
doesn'tev
enmar rymeaf t
ersol ong.Iwould
havewasted5y earsofmyl i
fe..
.ican'tdoi
t
Dudu:Yesyoucan.
..(
looki
ngatme)Why
wouldn'
tyou?
Me:Everyt
hingaboutmyli
fei
samess. .
.My
motherissi
ckandnowI '
m st
uckwithchi
ldr
en,
i
won'
tfindajobwithchi
l
drennextt
ome24/ 7.
Dudu: Lett
hei
rgrandparentssupportt
hem,t
ake
them toschoolwiththei
rsupportandfi
nd
yourselfaj
ob.Bitt
ernesswon'tbri
ngyou
anyt
hinggood...BanabakebanabagaBakang,
hemusthel pyou.Lesagoikimetsa
mor wal
o...
wenaot shot
setoomuchgaokake
wadi r
amakgakgaj aakaronabama1-1..
you
needchildsupport
.Thesechil
drenwil
lgolook
forhim whentheyaregrownany wayy
oumi ght
aswel l
getthehelp.
Me:(t
earful
l
y)Bakangt r
eatedmebad,taki
ng
hismoneyisli
kesayingili
kewhathedid,i
wish
icamefrom arichf
ami l
ysoi woul
dn'
tneedhi
s
money.Henev erst
oodupf orme,heall
owed
hiswi
fetobeatmet wice!
Dudu: Andyoudr oppedt heassaul
tcase
againsthersogetov erit
..
.Thi
nkfory our
chil
dren.Idon'twantBakangbuthi smoney
reportsinmyphoneev er
y27thofthemont h,
i
t'shisresponsibi
li
ty.Iunderst
andy ourwounds
arefreshbutpleaseheal ..
.
Me:(
rubbedmyt
ear
s)Iwi
shi
didn'
tneedhi
s
money.
..
Shehuggedmeasi cr
iedonhershoul
derand
gent
lyr
anherhandsaroundmyback..
.

Dudu:You'
llbefi
ne, aft
ersometi
mey ou'
l
lget
usedt
ot helonel
iness..Thenhewil
lbeoutand
youwon'trememberhowl onel
yyouwere.Iwas
oncel
onely..
.Andi knowsomet i
meswel oose
hopewhenourr elati
onshipsgothr
oughhell
,
tr
ustmei know.Itshware
Me:(
sighed)5y
ear
smmal
eeneuh.
..Eekea
ut
wa
Dudu:
Justbepat
ient
Me:
Okay
..
Dudu:
Letmef
ini
shcooki
ngr
eje.
..
Me:
Okay.
..(
walki
ngout
)I'
m goi
ngtocheckon
t
hechi
l
drentogaret
shwar
amolato.
..
Iwal
kedouttocheckonthechi
l
drenast
hey
pl
ayedonthebl
anket.
..

Myphoner
ang.
..

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Abi:Hey, howar eyou?Iwasjusttal
kingto
Mama, ididn'
tknowshewasadmi tt
edcany ou
pleasetellmet hingsonti
me,justbecausei
can'tphysical
lybet her
edoesn'
tmeany ou
shouldn'
tt el
lme
Me:
Yeah,
sor
ry.It
houghtRenei
wil
ltel
lyou.
Abi:
Shedidn'tsayany
thing,shehardl
yanswer
s
thephonetoo,anypar
ticul
arreason?
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Abi
:Iknowsheisyourf
ri
end,I
'm di
sappoi
nted
i
fyouprot
ectedheri
nst
eadoflooki
ngoutfor
me,t
hereisnowayshewouldn'
tanswerthe
phoneatni
ghtsev
eral
timesf
ornor
eason,
i
knowyouknow
Me: Idon' tknowany thi
ngaboutRenei,weused
tobef riendsbutnotany mor eandyoushoul d
tel
lhert ocomegetLoago, Mamai si
nt he
hospital andi can'
tcareformorethani have
now, ilongt ol
dhert ogethim butsherefused.
Abi
:(si
ghed)I
sshecheat
ingonme?
Me: Idon'tknow,al
liknowisshedoesn'tstay
withLoagobecauseshei slooki
ngforajob, I
'
m
yettofindoutwhatkindofjobsheislooking
forthatstart
satnightwhenthebabyknocks
offfrom school.
Abi:Reneiontsenyastr
ess,Shetakesf
orev
er
toanswert hephone.Iwonderwhather
problem i
s.I'
m heret
ryi
ngtobett
erourli
ves
andshei sdoingthat
..
.
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
..
Abi
:Ifshei
scheat
ingI
'
m goi
ngt
odi
vor
ceher
becausether
ear esomanywomeni could
choosefrom,womenwhowoul dprobably
appreci
atewhatI'
mt r
yingt
odoforourfamil
y.
Gakebatestress.
Me:TalktoherAbiandtel
lhert
ogetLoago,
nnakeaimelwa.Idon'
tevenknowwhoisgoing
tobabysi
twhenIgocheckonmamaatt he
hospi
tal.
Abi:I
'
llt
alkt
oher
,shar
p.Byt
hewayhowi
sthe
rapecasegoi
ng?
Me:I'
m notsure,i
t'
staki
ngfor
ever
..
.Ihav
e
deci
dedtoforgetabouti
t.
Abi
:Casesal
way
stakeal
ongt
ime,
bepat
ient
.
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Abi
:By
e

Ihungupandwal
kedbacki
nsi
de.
..
..
AtMaunmagi
str
atecour
t.
..
.

Thefoll
owingweekthecourtwashalfful
las
Bakang'
sfamil
yandf r
iendstookthei
rseat
s..
.
BakangandTueloarri
vedalitt
lel
atej
ustbefor
e
befor
ethecourtst
art
ed.

Bakanggl ancedatt hem andswall

owed,he
wouldhav epr efer
rednottoseethem t
ogether
.
Hecoul dn'tunderstandwhyTuelocamet ohi
s
proceedingwi thhisbabymama...Hetooka
deepbr eathandl i
stenedtothemagist
rat
e.

Onceever
ythi
ngwasdoneandhi sturncamehe
t
ookthestand.Dorcascouldn'
tholdhertear
s
l
ooki
ngatBakang, hehadlostweightandhe
wasdarki
ncompl exion.
.Thepantshewas
weari
ngkeptsli
ghtl
yf al
l
ingashelif
tedthem.
Bakang:YourWor shipIcanaf fordt he40K
cashbail butt hecondi ti
onsofmysur et
iesar e
i
mpossi ble, mybl oodr elat
ivesdon' tremai n
withthatamountaf terpayingev erything.The
onlypeopl ewhocanaf fordthatar ef r
iendsso
I'
mr equest i
ngt haty oureconsi dert hat
conditi
onandal l
owf ri
endst osi gnmybai li
fnot
l
owert heamount .Iam awar ethatt hecr imei n
disputeisaser i
ousmat ter.
..
.Iam awar eoft he
damagei thascausedt othev ictim and
everyonear oundher .Ihavespentmont hsi njail
andIunder standhowi mpor tanti tistot reat
otherswithr espect .Iknowy ougr antedmebai l
beforeandi didn'tfoll
owt hei nstructionsand
may beit'
sgoodt hatididn'tsot hatIcango
thereandseewhathappensi npr i
son.What ev er
happensi npr isonst aysinpr i
son, noonewi ll
reall
ytel
l youexact l
ywhathappens. .
.Ourl oved
onesv i
situsandev erytimeweseet hem we
wearmasksofbr averyt ohideourbr ui
sedegos
andf ears.IwishIcoul dt el
lyousomucht o
showy outhati understandmy sel
fbetterbutI
'd
rathernotto,idon'twantt otraumatiseyou.I
hav echangedmymi ndsety ourwor shi
p,I'
m
pleadingwi t
hy outogi vemeanot herchance..
.
Thanky ou.

Therewassi
lenceast
hemagist
rat
eplayed
wit
hhispenl
ookingathisf
acet
henhe
scr
ibbl
eddownsomethingonhi
sfi
le.
..
.

Magistr
ate:(l
ooki ngathim)I'
llmakeaf ew
changesconcer ningthesuret
ies.Therestof
thecondit
ionsst and.Ihopeforyoursakeyou'
re
notapathological l
i
ar.
Bakang:
Iwon'
tdi
sappoi
nty
ou.
..
Hi
spar
ent
ssi
ghedi
nrel
i
ef.

Aft
ercourtthej
ailguardsescor
tedhi
mtothe
carandl
eft.Resego,Dorcasandchi
efwai
ted
outsi
detheoffi
cefortheorder.
..

Of
fi
cer
:Comei
n..
.

Theyall
walkedi
nholdi
ngt
hei
rbr
eat
hasshe
openedBakang'
sfi
l
e..
.

Of
fi
cer:Um.
.Suret
iesmustbondt
hemsel
ves
wi
ththeamountof5K
Resego:(
sighed)ThankGod!Iquali
fy.
..
.(t
ook
herfat
her'
sbankstatement
s)myf at
heralso
qual
ifi
es
Of
fi
cer
:(l
ooki
ngatt
hei
rst
atement
s)bot
hof
yourbankst atement sar eokaybutIst illhav eto
i
nterv i
ewy out omakesur eyouunder st and
whati tmeanst osi gnbai l f
orsomeonebecause
you'r
enowsay ingt othest ate,
you'r
e
responsibl
ef ortheaccused. ..I
fhebr eaksone
ofthebai lcondi ti
onsy ou'llpayt hi
smoneyand
i
tdoesn' tmat t
erwhen, ev enifit
'sont hemi ddle
ofthemont handhecont actsthecompl ainant
wewi l
lwantt hatmoneyi mmedi at
ely,ify ou
don'thavei tthemagi stratemi ghtdecidet oput
youinj ai
lunt ilyoupayt hatmoney .Thest ate
want edtokeephi mi npr isonsohecanat t
end
allhi
scour tday sbuty ou'resay i
ngy ou'llbe
responsibl
ef orhim.Doy ouunder standwhat
you'r
eget t
ingy ourselvesi nto?
Resego:
Yes.
..
Offi
cer:Youmustt
ellt
hedefendantt
hatwhen
youareoutonbail
lehamothoakagor oga
gaorelewena,
haorenxlahelaobidi
way oo
i
leng.Haolemobeili
ngwaikil
ela,
youavoid
sit
uati
onsthatwi
ll
forcey
out oreactbecause
you'l
lbesentt
ojai
limmediat
ely
.
Resego:
I'
ll
lethi
m know.
Of fi
cer:
Aftertheinter
viewI'
m goi
ngtowri
tehi
s
war rant
yofl i
berati
on,t
hisi
sthepapert
hatwil
l
releasehimi njail
andhemustcomeher eto
signaf ewt hi
ngshaagol ol
wakwa.
Resego:Thanky
ou.
..
.Sotheyar
egoingt
o
rel
easehimimmedi
atel
ywhentheygett
he
l
etter
?
Of
fi
cer
:Yesma'
am
Resego:
(si
ghed)Okay
..
.

AtMaunPr
ison.
..
.

Awhil
elat
erBakangarr
ivedandfoundhi
s
cel
l
matesuncomfort
abl
ysitt
ingonthei
rbeds.
.
Bakang:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
I
nmat
e1:Theyareinvest
igat
ingSkul
l
'sdeat
h.
Wewereal
lquesti
oned..
.
Bakang:
(hear
tpoundi
ng)Whatel
sedi
dthey
say?
I
nmate2:
Nnatheyaskedmei fhehadenemi
es
orany
onewhowantedhim dead?
Bakang:
And?
I
nmate2:Itoldt
hem every
onewant edSkull
,
t
heywant edmet oki
ndofsayy outwower e
r
omanticall
yinv
olvedbutidi
dn'twantt
oget
i
ntot
hat,i t
oldt
hem hewasy ourbestfr
iend.
Bakang:
(si
ghed)Isee.
..
Guar
d:(
hitt
hebarsst
art
li
ngt
hem)Bakang?
Comewithme.
..
.
Bakangwal
kedoutandfol
lowedt
heguardas
Tumeloandhi
scloseni
tgangwatchedhi
m..
.

Pr
isoner
:Hedi
dit
..
.
Tumelo:Butheisgoingtogetawaywi t
hit
becauseifhegetscaughthedragsthestaf
f
wit
hhim.Idon'tseethem l
ett
inghim get
caught
Prisoner
: Ohyeah,
hewasn'
tsupposedt
obei
n
thereinthefi
rstpl
ace
Tumelo:(si
ghed)I '
mjustwor
ri
edthathemi ght
getrel
easedaf t
ergett
ingawaywithmurder,he
mightactuall
ythinkheknowshisshi
tand
harassmyf amily
.Ineedtogetoutofhereas
soonaspossi bl
e, i
don'
ttr
usthi
m around
Naledi
.
Pr
isoner
2:Butheseemsr
easonabl
e
Tumel
o:Notonwomen,
Menwhobeatwomen
areafrai
dofot hermen, i
fyouseehi m beati
nga
womany ou'dthi
nkheknowshi sshit
,facehim
andhewi llshi
tonhi spants.Iknowguy sli
ke
hi
m. .
.Allthesesissiest
hatareourwomenher e
nebabetsabasadi kont
ekwagapehabat swa
gonehagabakakebaagobuwagor ekopr i
son
godiragalaeng.
Pr
isoner
:Let
'shopehewon'
thur
thert
hen.
.

I
ntheof
fi
ce.
..

Bakangtookaseatandfacedtheinv
esti
gator,
hesecret
lylookedatt
hecutshehadfrom the
fi
ghtbuttheywerenowfai
ntandinvi
sibl
e..
.

Hi
m:Howcl
osewer
eyout
oPhi
ri
?
Bakang:
Hewasmyf
ri
end,
wewer
ebestf
ri
ends.
Hi
m:Whathappenedt
ohi
m?
Bakang:Idon'
tknow,
I'
m st
il
ltr
yingt
owr
apmy
headaroundit
Hi
m: Coul
dy ouhav
egot
teni
ntoanar
gument
t
hatescal
ated?
Bakang:
Nah,
hewasn'
tl
iket
hat
..
.
Hi
m:I
sther
eany
waywhowant
edhi
m dead?
Bakang:Skullandihav
eal otofenemi esbuti
can'
tspecif
icall
ythi
nkofone,it
'saprison.
Thereisal
way ssomethinghappeningbehind
yourback
Him:(si
ghedandcl
osedhi
sdi
ary
)Al
ri
ght
,thank
you.
..Youcango.
..
.

Hewal
kedout
..
..

Ever
yonef ear
ful
l
ystar
edathi
m ashewal ked
backinsideandmadehiswayt
ot hecel
l
.He
coul
df eelpower
,hecoul
dsmell
itontheairbut
i
twasapi
tyhewasaboutt
oleav
e..
.

Hegotont
hebedandlai
ddownashi
s
cel
l
matesl
ookedathi
m.…

I
nmat
e:Howdi
ditgo?
Bakang:
Itwasf
ine.
..
Inmat
e2:
(stood)I
'm goi
ngt
owashmyt
hings,
canIt
akeyours?
Bakang:
No,
I'
m goi
nghome.
I
nmat
e:Wi
l
lyougi
vemey
ourt
oil
etr
ies?
Bakang:
Justal
i
ttl
e,Namet
soi
sget
ti
ngt
her
est
.
I
nmat
e:Thanks.
..

Mi
nut
esl
ateranot
herguar
dwal
kedi
n..
..
Guar
d:Mor
enawar
rantegor
ogi
l
e,ar
eye.
..

Bakangjumpeddownt
hebedandf
oll
owedt
he
guard.
..
..

AtTebel
opel
etest
ingcent
re.
..
.

Latert
hataft
ernoonBakangswall
owedasthe
l
adyassist
inghim putt
hesil
verbowlont
he
tabl
eandsatdown. .
.

Her:(
smil
ed)Maduoadul
e,whatdoy
out
hink
mightbeyourst
atus?
Bakang:
IhopeI
'
m negati
vebuti
alsoknow
ther
eisahi
ghpossi
bil
i
tyofmebeingposi
ti
ve
Her
:I'
mtaki
ngofftheli
d..
.(putt
wosampl
eson
t
hetabl
e)Asihavealr
eadyexplai
nedt
oyou.
..
Ther
earethepossi
bler
esul
ts.
..Cany
ou
i
nter
prett
hem f
ormeonemor et i
me?
Bakang:(
point
edatthet
wol i
nes)Thi
stest
ing
sti
ckmeansposit
iveandthatonemeans
negati
ve.
..
Her
:Good..
.(l
i
ftedt
hel
i
d)Thesear
eyour
r
esul
ts.
..

Bakangl
i
ckedhi
sdr
yli
psandl
eanedback
swall
owi
ng.
..
.

Her
:Ar
engmaduo?
Bakang:
(hi
svoi
cet
rai
l
edof
f)Pos-
ti
ve.
..
Her
:Howdoy
ouf
eel
?
Bakang:(bowedhi
sheadandr
ubbedhi
shead
tear
ful
ly
)Cany ougi
vemeaminute?
Her
:(cal
mly
)Yes.
..Takeasl
ongasy
ouwant
..
.
Bakang:
Gaonamet
si?
Her
:(st
oodup)Comi
ngr
ightup.
..
.

Shewal kedoutsidet
henBakangtookafew
breat
hingexercisesst
andi
ngup,shewalked
backinandhandedhi m agl
assofwater.He
drunkandsatdowncr ossi
nghislegsf
acing
her.
..
.

Her
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Bakang:
(smi
l
edhopeful
l
y)Yes,
I'
m good.
..So
howsooncanist
artmyARVs?
Her:(
smi
l
edproudl
y)OhmyGodIthi
nky
ouj
ust
t
urnedmeonwitht
hatst
atement
Bakang:
(laughed)Thanky
ou
Her:(
laughed)Onaseri
ousnot
e,I
'
mreal
ly
pr
oudofy ou.Ili
kei
twhenmydayatwor
kends
wit
hacl i
entli
keyou.
..
Minuteslat
erhewalkedoutofTebel
opel
eand
gotinhissi
ster
'scar
..
.

Resego:
And?
Bakang:Posi
ti
ve..
.ButI'
m okay
,iknewi
twoul
d
happen.Ij
ustneedanHI Vposi
ti
vewomanto
star
tmyl i
fewit
hfrom scrat
ch.
Resego:
(tear
ful
l
y)Howdi
dyougeti
tinpr
ison?
Bakang:
Ther
ear
eal
way
sfi
ght
sinpr
ison.
Resego:
I'
m sor
ryf
orwhaty
ouwentt
hrough.
Bakang:It'
sokay,i
twasal earni
ngexper
ience.
..
Atleastmynextgirl
fr
iendisgoingtobethe
queenofmyhear t.Kebatay ooposi
ti
veibi
le
l
ehay oonegativ
eakapr et
endertobegoodI '
m
notwastingmyt i
me.
Resego:
Stayawayf
rom Nal
edi
andDudu.
..
Bakang:Theywon' tevenknowI 'm out, I
'
m not
goingtocontactthem.I '
m notgoingt ot al
kto
them unt
ilmychi l
drenare12y earsol d,old
enoughtounder st
andwhydeci dedt hiswast he
bestwayt ostopthedr ama.Theonl yt hi
ngI '
m
goingtodoist oopent hem eachanaccount
anddepositmoneyonmont hl
ybasi s,ifNaledi
doesn'tt
akethosecar dsfrom yout heni t'
ssti
ll
fi
netoo.Iwon'tbotherher .
Resego:Okay,Andpleasemovebacki
nwi t
h
Mama. .
.KeraaDorcas.Youneedcompanyunti
l
youfindyourposi
ti
vebabes(
theybot
hlaughed)
I
'm seri
ous
Bakang:I
t'
strue.
..
.Andt
hewayI'
m hungr
y,i
just
needherfood..
.Borr
owmeyourphonekemo
reeankapeele
Resego:(
laughed)Shecookedal
ready
..
.Just
wait
..
..
Bakang:
(laughed)Mani
lov
ethatwoman
Resego:
Sometimesifeell
ikeshewasmore
thanj
ustahousehel
per,whatdoyout
hink?
Bakang:
Iknowt
heol
dmanhasacr
ushonher
Resego:
It'
sactual
lymorethanthat
..
.Anyway
maybeI'
mj ustbei
ngcrazy
...
.Ev
eryoneis
exci
tedt
oseey ou
Bakang:
Doi
lookokay
?
Resego:
Ihaveyourcl
othesatmyhouse,you
havetowashofft
heprisonscentbef
orey
ou
j
oinever
yone.
..
Bakang:
(laughed)okay
..
..
..
.

Shedr
ovet
oherhouse.
..
.

AtDor
cas'
shouse.
..

Al
mostanhourl
aterResegost
oppedt
hecaras
everyoneclappedhands, hesmil
edandst epped
outoft hecar..
.Heshoulderbumpedhi suncle,
Temo, Resego'shusbandandf i
nallyhuggedhis
fatherthenhehuggedt heladi
esstarti
ngwith
hisaunt ,
Temo' sgi
rlf
ri
endandfinall
yDorcas
whocoul dn'tcontr
olhertear
sinfrontof
everyone..
.

Theyhuggedf
oral
ongt
imeasBakang
smil
ed..
..

Dorcas:(rubbedherey eswithati
ssue)You'
re
mov i
ngi nwithmei mmedi at
elydoyou
understandme?Andy ou'l
lbebehavingli
kea16
yearoldunt i
lI'
m sat
isf
iedthatyouareaman, o
ganagogol agoraagor ekegotseehelaj
aaka
ngwanaunt i
lyou'
reoldenough.
Bakang:
(laughed)Emma.
..
AtShopr
it
e..
..

Laterthataf
ter
nooni walkedintheshop
carryi
ngAmeasApr ilheldAtsi
lewhoheld
MasegoandLoago. ..Theywonderedaround
distur
bingbusypeopleandgetti
nghitwit
h
plasti
cs..
.

Me:Apri
lmov et
hissi
de.
..Loagogot
hissi
de
anddon'
tletgoofMasego..
.

Theyformedali
newalki
ngal
ongtheshel
vesas
ipushedthebi
ggestt
rol
l
eyandputAmeinsi
de.
..

Apr
il
:Whatar
ewebuy
ingMama?
Me:Food,noonei
sgetti
ngsweets,
okay
?You
cangetsmall
bott
lesofdr
ink.
..
Theymadenoiselaughi
nggiggl
ingaswe
passedshel
ves,t
heymettwoot herchi
ldr
en,
a
gi
rlaround6andaboyroughly3..
.i
tbecomea
pl
aygroundastheypl
ayedcatchwiththe
Shoprit
ebal
l.
..

Me:
Guy
sst
opi
t.
..Apr
ill
et'
sgo.
..

Thelit
tl
egir
lthrewApri
ltheballandithitt
he
bott
les,t
heycrushedonthefloorasi qui
ckl
y
pushedthem fr
om thebrokenglasses,aman
hurr
iedoverandlif
tedt
helitt
leboy..
.

Him:(
looki
ngathisdaught
er)It
oldy
out
oput
downtheball
didn'
ti
?
Her
:Sor
ry.
..
Hi
m:I
'
m notpay
ingf
ort
hatchocol
ate,
puti
t
downandgot
othecar
.
Her
:(t
ear
ful
l
y)ButIsai
dI'
m sor
ry,
for
giv
eme.
Him:Iforgi
vey oubutitdoesn'tmeani can'
t
puni
shy ou.(pointedatthebrokenglasses)I
'
m
goi
ngt opayf orthatwit
hy ourchocolat
emoney.
Go..
.I'
m comi ng..
.

Shewal
kedoutr
ubbi
ngherey
esthenhelooked
atme,t
her
ewassomethi
ngabouthi
m..
.

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry,
ihopey
ourki
dsar
eokay
?
Me:
Theyar
eokay
..
.
Hi
m:(smil
ed)Howthehel
ldi
dyoumakeso
manybabi
esofthesameage?
Me:
(laughed)Thi
sismyst epdaught
er,
thi
sone
i
smynephewandt heset
hreearemine,
tri
plet
s.
Hi
m:Oh.
..Igeti
t.
..(
sighed)Thatnaught
yli
tt
le
gi
rli
smyf ir
stbor
n,ihav
enoi deawhyshei
sso
naught
y..
.Andthi
sismyl astbor
n.
Me:
Hei
scut
e..
.
Hi
m:(smil
edst
ari
nginmyeyesandgav
eme
hi
shand)MynameisThebe.
.
Me:(
smil
ed)Iam Nal
edi
..
.(not
icedhehadr
ing
onhi
sfi
nger)Wherei
sshe?
Thebe:(
smi l
edlooki
ngatme)Shei
sinthecar
,
sheispregnant
..
.Shecan'
tqueuef
orl
ong
Me:
Oh.
..
Thebe:
Wher
eist
hei
rdad?
Me:
Um.
..Hei
sinpr
ison.
..

Thecleaner
swalkedoverholdi
ngthecl
eani
ng
equi
pmentandwemov edasideashegot
cl
osertomet aki
ngouthisphone.
..
Thebe:Cani haveyournumber
?(i
smiled
rel
uctantl
ythenhesmi l
edst
ari
ngatme)We
sti
l
lhav etodiscusst
hedamagecausedbyour
chi
ldr
eny ouknow.
Me:
(laughed)Okay
..
.

Itypedmynumber ,
hesav editt
henhepaged
meanddel etedthecal
lfrom hislog.Heputthe
phonei nhispocketandmov edbackast he
cleanermopped, thewifewalkedov erhol
ding
theirdaughter'
shand..
.

Her
:Hi
..
.Keut
waar
eot
hubi
l
edi
l
o..
.
Thebe:(
hel
dherwaist)Hey.
..Yeah,t
heywer
e
pl
ayingcat
chwit
hthislady
'schil
dren.
..
Her:
(smi
ledandshookmyhand)Hi
,ar
eyour
ki
dsokay
?
Me:
(smi
l
edandshookherhand)Yes,
theyar
e
f
ine.
..
Her
:I'
m sor
ry.
..
Me:
It'
sokaykebanaaker
e..
.
Her
:Letmegetdr
iedf
rui
tst
hissi
de.
..
I'
l
lbeback
Thebe:(caref
ull
yhel
dherwai stmov
inghert
o
thedryside)car
eful
,thef
looriswet
..
.

Sheheldtheirdaughter'
shandandwal kedaway
thenhestaredinmyey esasiblushed,hegave
mehishandandi lookedbackather ,shewas
goneandt hechil
dren'satt
enti
onwason
somethi
ngont heshelve.
..
.Iputmyhandonhi s
thenhesof tl
ycaressedit.
..

Thebe:
Nicemeet
ingy
ou.
..
Me:
Nicemeet
ingy
out
oo
Thebe:
I'
ll
cal
lyout
omor
rowmor
ning.
..
Me:
.Okay
,By
e..
..
..

Igotthekidsandpushedmy
tr
oll
ey..
..
..
..
..
..
..
(9t
).
..

Co-
wif
e
#77
Atmyhouse.
..
.

Lat
erthatev
eni
ngiputt
hechil
drent
obedand
l
aidonthebeddi
ali
ngRenei
..
.

Renei
:Hel
l
o?
Me: I
t'
sbeen2weeks..
.Canyoupleasegetyour
son.Kelapi
l
emma, ihavebeenpati
ent.Leha
gotwekeduelel
amadiagaAbaleng.I
'm not
worki
ng,myfoodisfi
nished.
..Nnabongwanake
gabatseneskwel
ejaanonggokubugamakuku
kethapi
sawagagommeosal wal
egaantapisa.
Renei
:I'
l
lgetl
ater
Me: Tomorrowmor ni
nghei snotgoingto
schoolbecauseI'mti
red.
..Ihavebeenwaking
upev er
ymor ningwhenishouldbesleepi
ng
withmychildrenwhodon'tgotoschool.
Renei
:I'
l
lgethi
m..
.
Me:Whathappenedyou?Whatishappening
wit
hyourli
fe?Abisay
syouarenotpicki
nghis
cal
lsonti
me.
Renei
:Andhedoesn'
tknowwhy
?
Me:
Why
?
Renei:Justtel
lhi
mt oenj
oyChinawit
hhis
coworker,idon'
thaveti
met ocr
yforhi
m.He
won'tti
emedownwi thababyandgoenjoyhi
s
l
ife.I
'
mt ooy oungtobetheseol
dugly
desperat
ewi
v eswhowaitathomefort
he
husbandtof
inishsl
eepi
ngaround.
Me:Abal
engnevercheats,icouldtel
lthatl
ady
want
shim buthewon'tdoany thi
ng.Youknow
Abal
eng.
..Youknowthet y
peofaper sonheis,
whyareyoudoubti
nghim now?I sthatwhyy ou
ar
esobitter
?Abicanneverhurty ou.
.
Renei
:(si
ghed)I'
l
lpassbyandpi
ckhi
m,i
found
ajobyanightshi
ftbutI
'
lll
eav
ethej
ob
Me:
Kant
ewhyi
sn'
tyourmum hel
pingy
ou?
Renei
:
I'
ll
tal
ktoher
Me:Okay
..(
anot
hercal
lcamet
hrough)Ihav
ea
cal
l
..
Renei
:By
e..
.

Ihungupandl
aidonmybackpi
cki
ng.
..
Me:
Hel
l
o?
Thebe:
(sof
tl
y)Hey
Me:
Hi
Thebe:
Icoul
dn'
tst
opt
hinki
ngabouty
ou.
..
Me:(
laughed)Wai
t,wher
ear
eyou?Ihopey
ou
ar
enothome
Thebe:(l
aughed)Isteppedoutwithmy
daughter
,iwantedtoinflat
ethetyr
es. .
.Welli
actual
l
ywant edtotalktoyoubutheyi neededa
goodreasont ol
eavet hehouseatnightri
ght?
Me:
(laughed)Ri
ght
..
.
Thebe:
Wher
edoy
ouwor
k?
Me:
Cur
rent
lyunempl
oyed,
ihadfoundaj
obbut
mymot
heri
ssicksoidon'
thav
eababysi
tter
.
Thebe:
Howl
ongwi
tht
hisguybei
npr
ison?
Me:
5year
smi
nimum
Thebe:
(whi
stl
edi
ndi
sbel
i
ef)t
emet
e..
.
Me: ButI'
mthinki
ngofsomet hi
ngt
odo
concerningababysi
tt
er,
I'
ll
findasol
uti
on
beforetheendofthemonth.
Thebe:
Howf
ardi
dyougowi
thschool
Me:
Ihav
eadegr
eei
nICT
Thebe:
Therei
sapostIsawont
henewspaper
aboutt
hat
,havey
ouappli
ed?
Me:
Idi
dn'
tseet
henewspaper
Thebe:Pleasecheckitoutoryoucanemailme
yourdetail
sandI'
llpr
intfory
ouintheoff
ice
phakel
at henyoucanpassbyandcol l
ectwago
sender.
Me:
Thanks,
I'
ll
emai
lyouaf
tert
hiscal
l
Thebe:
Ret
aabuwakamoso
Me:
Alr
ight
..
Thebe:
Goodni
ght
Me:
Goodni
ght
..
.
Ihungupandsighedwit
hasmilegoi
ngfrom
oneeart
oanother..
.Hewasexact
lywhatIwas
l
ookingf
or.
..
..

AtDudu'
shouse.
..
.

MeanwhileDuduswitchedof
fthel
i
ght
sandl
aid
down,herphonerang..
.

Dudu:
Hel
l
o?
Bakang:Hi
,sor
ryforcal
l
ingl
ate.Ij
ustgot
rel
easedandI'
dli
ketoseePri
ncessifyoudon'
t
mind
Dudu: Fi
rstofal
ldon'
tevercal
l meafter7pm
unl
essi t'
sanemergencyconcerningher,doyou
understandme?(hekeptquiet)Iam i
na
rel
ati
onshipthativer
ymuchr espect,
doy ou
under
stand?
Bakang:(cal
mly)Sorr
y,ketaal
etsakamoso
duri
nglunchtime,i
sthetimeokay?
Dudu:
Yes,
it'
sfi
ne.
Bakang:
Bye
Dudu:
Wai
t.
..
oneor
eng?
Bakang:Kekopagobonangwanaf oraday
,
pref
erabl
ySatur
daysothatIcant
akeherout.I
wanttobuyherclot
hesorwhatev
ery ou
suggesti
sfi
ne.
Dudu:(
sighed)Idon'
tthi
nkyou'
l
lseehimthi
s
Sat
urday,wear egoi
ngtoTuel
o'
sparent
s..
.
Reyamor akengthewhol
eweekend.
Bakang:
Keengkesasalel
eene?You'
l
lcol
l
ect
herwhenyougetback.
Dudu:
Sheispartoft
hef
ami
l
ysoi
t'
simpossi
ble
t
oleaveherbehi
nd.
Bakang:
Sowhencani
seeher
?
Dudu:
I'
m notsur
e,I
'
llt
ell
you
Bakang:
Kef
il
agor
ewant
shokodi
sa
Dudu: Canwenotdot his?Youcannotkeep
cominganddi sappeari
ngonmydaught erand
expectmet obeokaywi thit
,you'reconf usi
ng
her.ShealreadyknowsTueloasherf ather
becausey ou'
reneverther
e,Princessoabuwa
kanaBakang.Shei soldenought oknowt hese
thi
ngs, howam igoingtoexplainyout oher
becauseeneoi tsepapaeleTuel o?
Bakang:
( sadl
ycl
enchedhisjaws)AnDuduhao
di
resente,howam isupposedtofeeloneel
a
Tuel
ongwanake?Obonaodi rasente?
Dudu:Whatwasi supposedtodo?Galelat
ha
banarer eng?Ifanothermani swil
l
ingtobe
theref
orhershoul di st
ophi m?Moneyisn'
t
parent
ing...Parent
ingispicki
ngyourchi
ldfr
om
school
...Teachingherhowt owr
it
eandhowt o
saywor dscor r
ectl
y,makingaswingforher,
beinghercr yi
ngshoul derandatt
endingher
bruiseswhenshef all
s..
.Tuel
odoest hatever
y
day...Shoul
di nowj umpandchasehi m away
becausey oudeci dedtoshowupl egonekesa
i
tsel egorewhenwi l
lyoudisappearagain?I
won' tbethatkindofbaby mamay oor apel
ang
borrejwagago.
Bakang:Iunder
standall
thatandi hav eno
probl
em withherhavi
ngastepfatherbuti don'
t
underst
andwhyi tmustbedif
f i
cultformet o
seeher,can'
twebothbeherf athers?
Dudu:
Huh.
.Ronat
aber
elebusyr
rakaweekend
Bakang: You'
ll
tellmewheni t
'stherightti
meto
seeherbutkenekekopagommona, i
t'
sbeena
whil
e.Iknowi wasn'
tthereforherbutI '
m
changing..
.Idon'
tthi
nki t
'slateforbet obond
wit
hher ,ngwanay oolessthan4y earsgoeasy
goiccorectamogoene- (Tuelo'staxil
itthe
house)
Dudu:Wewi
l
ltal
ktomor
rowTuel
okey
o,go
shapo.
Bakang:
Bye

Shehungupandwentt oopent hedoor,Tuel

o
walkedhol
dingaplast
icofBraaipackand
Pri
ncess'
sdrinksf
orschool
..
.

Tuel
o:(
kissedher
)Hey
..
.
Dudu:
(tookt
hepl
ast
ic)Hi
.
..
Tuel
o:I
'
m exhaust
ed.
..

Heheadedt oPri
ncess'sroom andthrewaP5
l
itt
leTeddybearonherbedhehadboughtf rom
therankthenheclosedthedoorandwentt o
thei
rroom wherehetookof fhi
sclothesand
gotinbed.
Duduwalkedoverholdi
ngawarm pl
ateoff
ood
andhandeditoverl
yi
ngnextt
oTuelo.

Dudu:(shet
ookabi
teofhi
schi
cken)Howwas
yourday?
Tuel o:(slappedherhand)Fot shek..
.Don' teat
myf ood...(chewi ng)I'
m goingt ocheckonSt ux
tomor row, hesay sheaskedhi slawy erto
rev i
ewhi scasebecauseasl ongashehasn' t
beenpr ov enguiltytheycannotsayhebr oke
oneoft hepr obat i
oncondi ti
ons, atthispoint
thereisnopr oofher eall
ydidany t
hingbecause
her eversedt hetransactionsandcl eanedhi s
traces,theonl ythingtheyhav eiswhatBakang
sentt hem andgi v enthei
rhistoryitcanbe
arguedt hathef ramedTumel o,t
heguydoesn' t
ev enhav et heMoni queJenson' scar d,hetook
picturesofanFNBcar dandsai dit'
sher s.
St
ux'smotherf
oundt
hecar
dinherhousewhi
l
e
cl
eaning.
Dudu:
Butt
hemessagesar
eincr
imi
nat
ingaker
e
gat
wehewassay
ingbohewehewe
Tuelo:Yesbutt hatprovesnothi
ng,itgiv
es
them ar easontoinvesti
gatehim nottoarrest
him becausegabasur ehedidanything.
..
Don't
tel
lNal edi
,heisplanningtosurpri
sehergape
i
t'sapr ocessitmightfailmmer emoneet se
hopet henshewi ll
becr ushed,l
ethera
i
thobogeunt i
lwearesur e.
..
Dudu:
It'
sbet
tert
hatway
..
.

Att
hehospi
tal
.
...

Thenextmorni
ngaf t
erdroppi
nghissonat
school
Reneiwalkedinhermotheri
nlawsroom.
Shewassti
ll
asleepandshedecidedtoclean
herherdeskandgowashsomeofherunder
garments.
..

Soonaft
ershesatnextt
oherbedandpr
epar
ed
herbr
eakfast
..
..
..

Renei
:Goodmor
ning.
..
Her
:(get
ti
ngup)Mor
ning
Renei
:Ibr
oughtyousof
tporr
idgewit
hsourmi
l
k,
Iknowyoupref
ersourmil
koverfr
eshmil
k
Her:Thankyoumygir
l,howhaveyoubeen?I'
m
notseeingy
ouaroundanymorewhat'
sgoingon?
Renei
:(si
ghed)I
t'
scompl
i
cat
ed.
..
Her
:Iwi
l
ltr
ytounder
stand.
..
Renei:
Thewomant hatAbi
isst
ayingwit
hat
Chinapostedapict
ureofAbisl
eepingonthe
bed,I
tdidn'tshowt
hewholebody.Itwashis
facebuthewasasleepandshesai d,"
My
classmatedozedoffwhenweshoul dbedoi ng
l
at eni
ghtstudyi
ng,
suchabore".Shedel et
ed
thepostaft
erisentheramessageaski ngher
whyshepost edmyhusbandonheraccount .
Her:
Butyounev
ertalkt
otheotherwoman,
whatiswr
ongwithyouyoungwomen?
Renei:Abi deni
edi t
,hesaidhedoesn'tstudyat
nightandhewassl eeping,i
fheistell
i
ngt he
trut
hthenshet ookapictureofhim whil
ehe
wassl eeping.Thisgir
lhasanat t
it
udesonna
totaI'
m notgoi ngtohurtmy sel
fwithAbi,he
shouldn'tbesharingwithherinthefir
stplace.
Her
:Di
dyout
ell
himt
his?
Renei
:Hesaidi
t'
scompanypol
icy,t
hecompany
i
smakingthem shar
eanapar
tmentsothati
t
canspendl
essonaccommodation.
Her:
Buti t
hinky
ou'
ret
hinki
ngtoomuchabout
whatishappeni
ngi
nChina,I
fAbiunder
stands
himselfhewon' tcheat,
wor ry
ingaboutitand
assumingwon' thelp.Youmi ghtmakemi st
akes
herethinki
ngy ou'r
erevengingonlytofindout
hedidn'tdoany thi
ngandmenar en'tas
forgi
vi
ngaswomen.Don' tbreakyourhome
withassumpt i
ons, i
t'
sgoodt hatyouarelooking
forajobbutdon' tdoany t
hingbesidesthat.As
soonasi l
eavethehospitalI'
llt
akeLoagoand
youcabf reel
ywor k.
Renei:You'
rest
il
lweak,I
'
llst
aywi
thhi
m.Imake
alit
tl
emoneyonmybusi nessany
way.
..Mme
regookepeleohole.
..
Her:Iunderstandhowy oufeelmygi r
lbutItrust
Abinottodowhathi sf at
herdidtome, his
fat
herlongabandonedusandAbi hadtostep
upthat'
swhyhei sstillpr
ovi
dingforeveryone.
Hehasal waysdonei tandnowi t
'sanor mfor
him.Understandy ourhusbandandappr eci
ate
him,gareganebannakebat hobadiphosobut
monnawaakgal eml wahelaaboaut wa.Tell
him aboutthatpostandl ethim dealwit
hit.
..
Lethim knowhowi nsecureitmakesy oufeelto
knowt hatheisoceansawaywi t
hanother
woman, lethim knowandhewi llal
ways
remembert hatandt rytoprovehisfait
hful
ness
toyou,soonenoughy ouwon' tneedassurance.
Renei
:(si
ghed)Okay
..
..
Her:(
smil
ed)Gatweny al
ogotwetuu.
..Being
t
iedtoanot
herpersonmeanscommuni cati
ng,
wit
houti
tyou'
ll
nev ergoany
where.
Renei
:(l
aughed)Hei
sh.
..

AtThebe'
sof
fi
ce.
..
.

Laterthatmor ni
ngIst
eppedoutofthecarin
hi
ghheel s,Idon'
tknowwhyifel
tlikesl
ayi
ng
butIfoundt heneedtowearmytightbl
uejeans
wit
hmyhi ghheelsandawhit
elongsleevet-
shi
rtwi
thasl
eev
elessj
acket
..
.

Iaskedforthedir
ect
ionst ohisofficeatthe
recept
ionandgotdir
ect edthere,iknockedon
thedoorandopenedt henhet urnedaround
l
ookingatthedoor.Hisf acel
itupashesmi l
ed
andstoodup...

Thebe:Hey .
..(
lookedatmefrom headtotoe)
wow. .
..
.I'
mt el
li
ngy ouifi
sawyouliket
histhe
fi
rstti
menkaboket shabi
lel
egokopanumber ,
shit
!

Webot hl
aughedashepeakedout
sidethe
off
iceandclosedt
hedoort
henhegrabbedthe
tel
ephoneanddial
ed.
..

Thebe:
Hey
..
.Hol
dmycl
i
ent
ssant
seket
husa
mongwe.
..Al
ri
ghtshapo.
..
.

Hehungupandt ookoffhisbl
ackjackett
hen
hehungitbehi
ndhischairandhuggedme, he
wasdefi
nit
elyusi
ngBOSScol ogne.
..

Thebe:
Hav
easeat
..
.

Itookadeepbreat
handsatdownt
henhesat
downstari
ngatme..

Thebe:
War
eng?
Me:
Sepe.
..
Thebe:I
'
m goi
ngtoattendaconf
erenceat
KasaneontheWeekend,doyoumindcoming
wit
hme?
Me:
(smi
l
ed)Um.
..
Thebe:
Doy
ouv
isi
thi
m onweekends?
Me:
No
Thebe:
Thenwhat
'
sthepr
obl
em?
Me:
Ijust
-
Thebe:Don'
tworr
yaboutmywi f
e..
.Shewil
lbe
busywithmymot her
,shei
smov i
nginthi
s
weekendbecausesheisdueanyt
imenext
week..
.
Me:
I'
ll
thi
nkabouti
t.
..
Thebe:Nal
edi
wear
egoodf
oreachot
her
waait
setot
a?
Me: Iknowbecauset otannaker at
aboy f
ri
end
yame, ilovehim andi wouldn'
twantaguywho
willcl
aim hehasf all
eninlovewithmeandst ar
t
harassingmewheni breakupwithhim.When
myboy fri
endgetsoutI '
m stoppi
ngthisbecause
heiscr azy,iwouldn'
twantt ogetonhiswr ong
side..
.
Thebe:
Whati
shei
nfor
?
Me:
Robber
yandpossessi
onwi
thaf
ir
ear
m.
Thebe:(l
aughed)Shi
t.
..
.Hesoundsl
i
keathug,
hewill
cutmybal l
sifhecat
chesmewit
hyou.
What'
shisname?
Me:
(laughed)Tumel
oSi
banda
Thebe:
KeMot
ebel
e?
Me:(
laughed)Yes,
hismotherkeMot
awana
andt
hef at
herkeMotebel
e
Thebe:Baobaabolaakanabao..
.Gapegaba
tshabetor
onko.Gaomot shabe?
Me:
(laughed)Hei
snotv
iol
ent
Thebe:
Hei s,i
fheisnotasissyinprisont
hen
heisvi
olentbecauseyouhavetofighttoprov
e
you'
reaman.Haar at
awabany edi
saabaj a
gonekwa
Me:(l
aughed)
Kgangtsaagorr
a,l
eav
emyman
al
one.
..Hewouldn'
tdothat
Thebe:
Gaatswagonekwaaboar
ehi
thel
a
rot
hemontungwagoremur
a
Me:
(wel
aughedl
oudl
y)Hewoul
dn'
t.
..
Thebe:(l
aughed)Iknowwhat
'satst
ake,wewi
l
l
becarefulkanamathakaamangwegabago
tshwarabaagobolaaabobai
polaa.
..
Me:(l
aughed)That
'st
rueandwehavehi
gh
numbersofpassi
onkil
li
ngs.Whenaman
cat
chesyouhekill
syouandhangshi
msel
f.
Thebe:Butthenumbersaregoingdown
nowadays,kil
epassi
onkil
l
ingstsatuma..
.I
remembertheguywhoki l
l
edhisgirl
fri
endand2
chil
drent
henheshothimselftodeath.
Me:(l
aughed)You'
rescar i
ngme, Tumi candoi
t
youknow..
.Hehasnev erraisedhishandtome
butIf
eell
ikehecandoi t.Aer r
aaretogele
Thebe:No,don'
tstart
..
.Wewi l
lrespecthi
m.I
'
ll
defi
nit
elyr
especthim..
.gagodi
ramakgakgamo
di
lotsabana.Rebagolokana..
.Thereisno
reasonwhyy oushoul dgivemywi f
eat ti
tude
andt her
eisnor easonwhyi shoulddisrespect
ourconv i
ct,
wewi llr
espectt hem andnot
changeany t
hing.Don'thaveat t
it
udet owar ds
him nomat t
erhowmuchf unwear ehav i
ng
herebecauseokamompol ai
salewenai fIstar
t
acti
ngdumbathomemi sbehav i
ngbef oremy
wiferetannalemat hatawaabona?
Me:
True.
..
Thebe:(
handedmemyenv el
ope)al
ri
ght
,goand
appl
y..
.Wewillt
alkaker
e?
Me:
Yeah,
thanks

Istoodupandhewal kedovert
ome, we
huggedf orawhileaswebot hdrewone
another'
sscent..
.Hegentlyt
ouchedmycheek
andt i
l
tedhisheadkissingme..
..Hi
sli
ps
chargedme. .
..Hepausedandhuggedmet hen
hekissedmyneckandopenedt hedoorforme.
..
Thebe:I'
l
lcall
y oubefor
eIgohome...Um.
..
Wait.
..(
hegav emeP200)PaySprintCour
ier
s
sothattheycandeliv
eritont
ime.
Me:
Thanks.
..
.

Iwalkedoutandpassedbytherecept
ionast he
tworecepti
oni
stqui
etl
ylookedatme, iknew
theywouldtal
kaboutmebutwhatt hehell.

AtSpr
intCour
ier
s..
.

Aft
erdr
oppingoffseveraljobapplicati
onsIgot
i
naJewel l
eryshopandpi ckedaf ewt hi
ngs
wit
hthechangef r
om Thebe' spechetso..
.Ithad
beenalongtimesinceIfeltthewayIdi d,my
moodwashi ghandi wasj usthappy..
.My
phoner
angasi walkedoutoft heshop. .
Me:
Hel
l
o?
Dudu:Heyyou,
Haveyout
alkedt
oResego
aboutchi
l
dsuppor
t?
Me:
I'
ll
cal
lhert
omor
rowt
odaykebezebeze.
..
Dudu:
(smi
l
ed)Uhu!Andt
hen?
Me:Aeshi
t!Ican'
t.
..
..I
scan'
twai
tse.
..Ihav
elost
myabil
i
tyt
ocan. .
.Gakekgoneshem
Dudu:(
laughedloudl
y)Hehehei
l
ii
ii
themmase
di
reTumi j
alokagokopa
Me:
(laughed)whatdi
didonow?
Dudu:
Ojesi
tseaker
e?
Me:Shitguyelemma. .
.Hae.
..I
scan'
twait
se.
..O
ki
lewabonamonnaagohuggerhel aabesetse
oiponakahat asegahubasaagwe?I'
m goi
ngto
hel
lforthi
s..
.
Dudu:
Didy
out
ell
him aboutTumi
?
Me:That'
sthegoodthingthemma, guye
marri
edandheloveshiswife.Ther
ightt
ypeto
hav
ef unwit
hakeregakebat eboil
oveyou,ha
Tumiatswakeachaisatogaankgata
molal
anyanao.
Dudu:
(laughed)Nnyaammehaguyeny
etseo
si
ame..
.What '
shisname?
Me:Thebe,
shi
tshi
tDuduwee?Guyel
e!
Modemo!
Dudu:
Tisaphot
okebonewenahahaha,
nkwat
sepel
amaan
Me:(
laughed)I
'
llsendit,
shem masweny
anaa
t
engat ur
neronclarri
mewee!
Dudu:
(laughed)Dr
opperosendehmonna
Me:
Shapo.
..

Ihungupandsentherthepi
ctur
ethenshe
cal
ledmeasigotinthecaranddroveof
f.
..
Me:
Hel
l
o?
Dudu:
Tshut
shu!Maswenyanaahbanna.
..The
mmaonkapolel
egaohetsa
Me:
(laughed)I
'
llgi
vey
ouwhenI
'
m done.
..
Dudu:
(laughed)Ont
seny
abof
ebemaan
Me:
Bef
ebeel
eengt
ota?
Dudu:(
laughed)Shi
shitshi
ticanonl
yimagi
ne
what'
sundertheboxer
s
Me:(l
aughed)I
'
m goingt
oKasanewi
thhi
m
wenaosalalebana
Dudu:
That
a
Me:
Gongweket
agoadi
mahaot
hamet
swe
Dudu:Eet
hemma..
.(l
aughed)Ret
aahel
etsa
mosadiabat
howena
Me:
Agoot ogaayabot
set
simgre
mmakaakenyet
sal
aapakwa,gar
engat
hesepe
mogoeneaker
e,kanawenammat
abeongat
ha
gakegoadi
ma?
Dudu:Nyaakemonohela,
i j
ustl
i
ck,
washand
puti
tbackwhereshel
efti
t.Womenuni
te!
Me:akere!Shpomma,
I'
m goi
ngt
ocheckon
hubby,
shapo
Dudu:
Shapo

Ihungupandcont
inueddr
ivi
ng.
..

AtMaunPr
ison.
..

Latert hatdayTumelowalkedoverandsat
downl ookingatme,hewasn'tsmil
ingbuthe
defini
telynoti
cedev
eryt
hingiwaswear i
ngand
thejealousyonhisf
acewast oomuch...
.
Tumi
:(l
ooki
ngatmynewwat
ch)Hey
Me:
Hi.
.Imi
ssy
ou
Tumi
:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
..
Me:
Thanks.
..
Tumi:
(st
ari
ngatme)Any
thi
ngnewi
shoul
d
knowabout
?
Me:
(swal
l
owed)No,
why
?
Tumi :
Nothing,
IheardDudubabysatt
hewhol
e
nightfory
ouawhi l
eagoandy oucamebacki
n
themor ni
ng.Neoletsekae?
Me:Tuelotol
dy ou?Wow.
..Iwasher ewit
hy ou,
i
t'
sthatti
mewhenwemetatt hestaf
fhouses.
Wheni gotbackDudusai
di shouldcomeint he
morni
ng.Babei woul
dnevercheatony ou
Tumi
:(st
ari
ngatme)Nal
edi
?
Me:
hee?
Tumi
:Oskankar
abaor
ehee,
Nal
edi
?
Me:(f
oldedmyhandsandl
eanedbackwi
than
at
ti
tude)Rra?
Tumi:(her
oughl
yunfoldedmyar
ms)Don'
tdo
thatwhenI
'mtal
kingtoyou.
..
Me:
Ker
engneTumel
o?Iwaswi
thy
ou
Tumi
:I
fyoucheatonme.
..
Me:
what
?Whatwi
l
lyoudo?Fi
nishi
t.
..Thr
eat
en
me.
..
Tumi:(sighedandhel
dmyhand)Babe,
Ilov
e
you.
..Pleasedon'
thur
tme
Me:
I'
m nothur
ti
ngy
ou,
whyar
eyouaccusi
ng
me?
Tumi
:(angr
il
y)Becauseicanf
eel
it!Icanseei
t
al
lov
eryou,what'
shisname?
Me:
(st
oodup)Thi
siscr
azy
,I'
mleav
ing
Tumi :
(st
oodup)I
'
mt alki
ngt oyou,babe??
Nalediweeemapele.
..(i
keptwalking)Please
don'twal
kawayfr
om me. ..(
swall
owedt earful
l
y
andpunchedt
het
abl
e)I
'
m sor
ry.
..Canwet
alk?

Hecl
enchedhi
steet
handwal
kedbacki
nsi
de.

I
nhi
scel
l
..

Hewal kedi
nandputhisheadonthetopbunk
bedhidinghi
sfaceasanotheri
nmat
ewalked
overt
ohi m..
.

I
nmat
e:Ar
eyouokay
?
Tumi
:(hi
sheaddown)Shei
scheat
ing.
..

Hesl
owlysquat
tedr
ubbi
nghi
sfaceandcl
osed
hi
seyes.
..
Tumi:Ohshit
..
.Ican'
tbel
i
eveIlov
eherli
ket
his,
Ihav
et ogetoutorel
seI'
m goi
ngtodi
e..
.
I
nmat
e:Gohav
esomewat
erort
akeashower
..
..
Tumi:(t
ear
ful
ly
)Ican'
tbel
i
evei
feel
li
kecr
ying.
..
Shi
t,shegotme.
I
nmate:Agonwamet si
..Yourthought
sar
e
t
ort
uri
ngy ou,
it'
spr
obablynothing
Tumi
:No,shefuckingsomeone(shakyvoi
ce)
i
t'
sal
loverherfaceandthatat
ti
tude?That
'sa
di
ckat
ti
tude!

Namet
sowalkedinandt
ouchedhi
sbackashe
sl
owl
ystoodup.
..

Namet
so:
Hey
,ar
eyo-
Tumi :
(angr i
l
yturnedaroundpoi
nti
ngathim)
Don'tfuckingtouchmel i
kethat
,getout
!Bot
h
ofyou, getout.
..
..
.Tswanglot
he!
Theybothwalkedoutthenhetookof
fhist
-shi
rt
andsatonthebedcov eri
nghi
senti
rehead
probabl
ycr
ying..
..
..
..
..

ThoughIdon'tpostonweekendsIwil
lbe
posti
ngpendinginsert
sthi
sweekend,thanks
forpat
ience.KeepLiki
ng,muchl
ove..
.
Co-
wif
e
#78

AtPr
ison.
..
.

Latert
hatev eni
ngNamet sowalkedi
nandput
downTumi 'sclothesthenhesatnexttohi
mf or
afewmi nutes..
.Ithadbeenhour ssi
ncehehad
sl
eptandhewonder edifindeedhewasasleep
orsomethingwaswr ong.
Hequiet
lyl
eanedov
erhi
sfaceandl
i
stenedt
o
hi
sbreat
h...

Tumel
o:(
wit
hhi
sey
escl
osed)Gor
il
eng?
Nametso:(
star
tl
edhemovedback)Sorry
,iwas
j
ustchecki
ngifyouar
eal
i
ve..
.Yousleptthe
whol
eday .
Tumel
o:I
'
mfi
ne.
..
Namet
so:
Okay
,I'
m goi
ngt
omycel
l
...

Hedi
dn'
trespondt
henNamet
sowal
kedout
..
..
..

Atmyhouse.
..

Iquiet
lyshookAme'sthi
ghashefel
lasl
eep
nexttohisbrot
herandsi
stert
heniqui
etl
y
walkedt
otheli
vingr
oom wher
eisatont
he
couchanddi
aledDudu.
..

Dudu:
Hel
l
o?
Me:Youhavetostoptel
l
ingTuel
omyt
hings,
he
t
oldTumithatIsl
eptout
.
Dudu:Ihav
en'tt
oldhi
m anyt
hing,
hemade
assumpti
onsandhelikest
alki
ngaboutt
hat
ni
ghtgoreigottheki
dssoyoucangoout.
Me:Heshouldst
ayoutofmybusiness,
Tumi
wasangrywit
hme.Hef reakedmeoutidon'
t
ev
enthinkI
'l
lgotoKasane..
Dudu:
Wasi
tthatbad?
Me:Hewasangryandhehardl
ygetsangr
ywi
th
mebutiqui
ckl
ylef
tbecauseidi
dn'
tknowhow
t
orespond.
.
Dudu:
Iyoohei
samagi
cianoadupel
ela.
..
Me:
Hescar
edme,
thewayhesay
sdon'
tcheat
onmei
t'
sli
keheknowswhathewi
l
ldoi
fido.
Dudu:Youcanpausethefunwi
thThebef
ora
whil
eunti
lTumeloisokay
Me: Yeah,butdon'
ttel
lTuel
oanyt
hingoit
ir
il
e
tsaaoai sehel
a.I'
l
lseewhattodokatomorrow
i
fi deci
det ogobecauseIdon'
twantTuel
oto
knowIl eft
.
Dudu:
Yeah
Me:
Shap

Ihungupandl aiddownwat chi

ngTV, Iwas
l
onelyandi wishedTumi wasaroundsowe
couldtal
k.Iknewhewasst r
essedandhav i
ng
nothingelsetodoi npr i
sonmusthav emadei t
worse.Ifeltsoguilt
yt hecomedyi was
watchingbor edme, icouldn'
tcallThebetolet
him knowi hadchangedmymi ndbecausehe
musthav ebeenhomesoi swit
chedof ft
he
l
ightsandwentt obed. .
Asi
lai
ddownmyphoner
ang.
..

Me:
Hey
Thebe:(
hisv
oiceechoed)Hi
,ar
eyousl
eepi
ng
al
ready
?
Me:Thebeidon'
tthi
nkIcandothi
s..
.Hepicked
somethi
ngwhenIv i
sit
edhi
m ear
li
ertoday
Thebe:
pickedwhat
?El
egor
eomor
eil
eor
eng?
Me:idon'
tev
enr
ememberhowi
tst
art
edbuthe
wasangry
Thebe:
I'
minthebathr
oom,I
'
llcal
lyouwhenI
geti
nthecar
,I'
m comi
ng.
Me:
Whatwi
l
lyout
ell
her
?
Thebe:
I'
ll
figur
esomet
hingout
.

Hehungupandputhi
sphonei
nthepocket
,hi
s
wi
fewaslayi
ngontheblanketashi
smot
her
massagedherswol
l
enfeet..
.

Thebe:
(gr
abbedhi
skey
s)I
'
m goi
ngt
ocheckon
DT
Wif
e:(
pressedtheTVr
emov
eandcheckedt
he
t
ime)I
sn'ti
tlat
e?
Thebe:
Iwon'
tbel
ong.
..
.

Hismot herr
eadhim andcontinuedtomassage
herdaughter
,inf
actt
heybothpi ckedsomethi
ng
buttheykeptqui
etashewal kedout..
.

Atmyhouse.
..

Lat
ert
hateveni
nghepar
kedoutsi
deandi
wal
kedoutputt
ingonmyni
ghtdress.
..
Heopenedthedoorasi
approachedt
hecar
thenigoti
nandcl
osedthedoor.Hel
eaned
overandki
ssedme..
.

Thebe:
Whathappened?
Me:
Hej
ustf
elti
tthemi
nut
ehesawme
Thebe:
Thereisnowayhecanjustknow,you
musthavesai
dsomet hi
ngordi
dsomet hi
ng.
Haveyouevercheat
edbefor
e?
Me:
No
Thebe:
Shi
t.
..You'
regoi
ngtogetmei
ntr
oubl
e..
.
Tel
lmeexactl
ywhathappened?
Me:
Hesai
diwasbeaut
if
ul
Thebe:
Soy
ouwer
eov
erdr
essed,
goon?
Me:
Heaccusedmeofcheat
ingandi
gotangr
y
Thebe:
Ther
e!That
'st
hepr
obl
em.
..Younev
er
getdef ensi
ve,nevergetangr y..That '
swher e
mostamat eursgetcaught ..
.Al lt
hesecheat ers
getangr ywheny ougetsuspi ci ous,hamot hoa
thibakabogal ekanamakgakgat heyar e
cheati
ng. .
.Whycoul dn'tyoujustkeepcal m and
l
aughi toff?Yourmai ngoalist omakesur ehe
feelsl
ikeit'
sjustinhi sheadbecausey ou'r
et he
sameNal edi
,ifyou'r
enev erov erdressedt ov i
sit
him don'tchangei t
..Becausewagoi potsagor e
keengonnaokgabi l
ehelanowaday s.He
spendshour st hi
nkingabouty ousoev erytiny
bitofchangehewi llbethefirsttonot ice
becauseenet her eisnothingdi strust
inghimi n
there,becarefulhowy ourespondt ohim.Gawa
buwamakgakgaaker e?
Me:
No
Thebe:
Goapol
ogi
seandifhedoesn'
tbuyt
he
apol
ogywewil
ldr
opthet
ripandgosomeother
ti
me.
Me:
No,
iwantt
ost
opt
hewhol
ethi
ng.Idon'
t
thi
nkIcandothis.
..Henot
icedonthef
ir
stday
andwehav en'
tevendoneanythi
ng,
whatwil
l
happenoncewehav edoneit?
Thebe:Hewon' tknow..
.I'
llhel
py oudothis,he
fi
ndout..(
kissedme)Hewon' tknow...I
underst
andhowy oufeel,
it'
snormal tofeel
that
waywheny ouj ustst
artedthesethings,oagol
a
i
tcan'tbeeasy .
..I
'
m notletti
ngyougo. .
.

Heleanedoverandki
ssedmet
henhehel
dmy
handandsighed.
..

Thebe:Thegoodthingi
sthathei
sinprisonand
for5years,
thisi
swhatmakesthingeasy..
.Le
nnasheiswi l
lbei
nconfi
nementsoonandwe
will
havethebestti
meourliv
es.Wecando
thi
s..
.Okay?
Me:
(si
ghed)Okay
..
.
Headjustedhisseatandsl
i
dbackthenhe
l
eanedov erandkissedmeadj
ust
ingmyseat,
heputhishandundermypanti
esandrubbed
me.Irubbedhisbulgeandi
twastheri
ghtsi
ze.
..

Hesl
i
dmyseatbackandgotont
opofme.
..

Me:
Um.
..I
'
m notr
eady
.
Thebe:
Itwon'
ttakel
ong.
..
Me:
Andt
hecondoms?
Thebe:
(smi
l
ed)Wecangobuyt
hem
Me:
(laughed)Ni
cet
ry.
..

Welaughedashesatbackandsi
ghedf
ixi
nghi
s
boner
..
..Hi
sphonerang.
..
.
Thebe:Hell
o?..
.**..
.I'
m onmywayback. ..**.
..I
knowit'
slate,
I'm coming..
.**.
..(
smiled)You
knowicannev erdot hatt
oy ou(heputmyhand
onhisboner).
..**
...I
'm dr
ivi
ngandt alki
ngt othe
phone,t
hepolicewi l
lchargeme, I
'm comi ng.
Loveyou

Hehungupandputt hephonedownt
henhe
unzi
ppedhist
rouser
sandputmyhandinsi
de
butizi
ppedhi
spants..
.

Me: Youhav
etogo,
it'
slat
e..
.Idon'
twantt
obe
sued..
.
Thebe:
(ki
ssedme)Goodni
ght
Me:
Night
..
..

Ist
eppedoutofthecart
henhedr
ov eaway,
my
nei
ghbour
scurtai
nsmovedasiwalkedinmy
houseandcl
osedt
hedoor
..
.

AtPr
ison.
..

ThenextdayTumeloapproachedhisf
ri
endand
satdown,hecoul
di mmediat
elyt
ell
something
wasbotheri
nghim asheputhisel
bowont he
tabl
eandrubbedhishead.
..

Tumelo:
(bi
thi
sli
pthought
ful
l
y)Ineedy
our
hel
p..
.
Ken:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Tumelo:Ithi
nkNaledineedsmoney ,
ineedto
sendthechildr
entoschoolsothatshecanlook
forajob.Idon'
twantguysdoingherfavor
s
becausetheywill
wantsomethinginret
urn.
..
Ken:Cheati
nghasnot
hingtodowi
thmoney
Stux,
ifshewantst
ocheatshewi
ll
sti
l
lcheat
,
yougavethisgi
rlyourcarandyourver
ylast
chequeifshedoesn'tseeyouref
for
tsshewill
neverseethem.Whathappened?
Tumelo:(si
ghed)Ican'tputmyf i
ngeronit
..
.
Justgiveheralargecut,I
'
llsor
tyououtwhenI
getout.Iwantschoolfeesforthechi
ldr
en
that
'sherbiggestworr
yatt hemoment .
Ken:St
opdoingthist
oyourself
...Pleasetel
lme
youdon'
texpecthert
obef ai
thfulfor5y ear
s.
You'
regoi
ngtobev er
ydisappointedi fy
ouhave
suchhi
ghhopes...
Tumelo:Ifimakesur eshelacksnothi
ngshe
wil
lbefaithful
.Womencheatf orareason.
..I
f
youdon'tgiveherareasonshewon'tcheat.You
havetohel pme.Idon'twanthertoneed
anyt
hingoraskf avoursfr
om men...
Ken:
(st
ari
ngathi
m)St
ux
Tumel
o:(
impat
ient
ly)Pl
ease!Justdoi
t.
.
Ken:
(si
ghedandl
eanedback)Al
ri
ght
..
.I'
l
l
contactherandgetherbudget
.Howar
eyou
goingtopayme?
Tumelo:
I'
ll
findaway .
..
Gapetal
ktoAgust
ín
aboutmybail.Ineedt
ogetoutofher
eASAP..
.
Ken:Youwereonpr
obat
ion,
cany
ouev
enget
bai
lfort
his?
Tumelo: Justtal
ktohim...I
'mjustt
ryingt oget
outhere..(
sighedfr
ustrat
edly)HaNaledi aka
chit
aot abeankut usi
tsebothokowait se.
...
,kea
mor at
ahel amogoser ious.Idon'
tknowwhat
I'
l
ldotot hatmanorheri fI'
m everi
nasi t
uation
wherei catchherwithanotherman..
..Ican't
l
oseher .
Ken:
Don'
ttal
kli
ket
hat
..
..
Tumelo:
(stood)Goandgetherbudget..
.
(st
ari
ngathim)Tellheril
oveherandwheni get
outshewil
lforgetal
lthel
onel
inessshefel
t
whenIwasl ockedup.
Ken:
I'
ll
lety
ouknow.
..By
e
Theypar
tedasTumel
owal
kedbacki
nsi
de.
..
..

AtDor
cas'
shouse.
..
.

Iparkedthecarandputthechildr
endownone
byonet henweallwalkedtowardsthedoorand
knocked..
.Bakangopenedt hedoorand
panickedlooki
ngatmeandt hechi
ldr
en,i
pausedawkwar dl
y,i
didn'tknowhewasoutand
idi
dn'tknowhowt orespond...

Bakang:
Hi
Me:Idi
dn'
tknowyouwer eout
..
.Iwant
edauntie
Dor
castobabysi
tthem f
ormef ort
heweekend.
Bakang:(
gotAme)Thanks, shewentt
ochur
ch
butI'
l
lbabysi
tthem unt
ilsheget
sback.
Me:
Pleaset
akecar
eoft
hem.
..I
'
llcal
l
Bakang:
(smi
l
edandgottheirbag)Youhaveno
i
deahowhappyiam ri
ghtnow..
.Thankyoufor
gi
vingmeachance.
.
Me:Ijustneededababysi
tt
er..
.Andpl
ease
openanaccountforthem i
fyouwisht
obe
ther
eforthem.
Bakang: Yes,consideri
tdone.
..I
'
m sorr
yabout
that-
thatti
me, I'
m notsurehowyoufeelabout
discussi
ngi tbutI'
m sorr
-
Me:
Imustgo.
..
.By
e

Iwal
kedawayasmyphoner
ang.
..

Me:
(smi
l
ed)Hel
l
o?
Thebe:
And?
Me:
Ijustdr
oppedt
hem,
ithi
nkwecango.
..
Thebe:
Alr
ight
,cheer
s
Me:
bye

Ihungupanddr
oveof
f.
..
..
.

2DAYSLATER.
..
..
………….(
9t)

Remembert
oLi
ke,
muchl
ove
Co-
wif
e
#80

Atmyhouse.
..

Hepull
edmecl oserandki
ssedmeagainthena
r
oughknockont hewindowstar
tl
edusaswe
t
urnedaroundandlooked,
itwasadar
kf i
gure
andi
sti
l
ldi
dn'
trecogni
sewhoi
twas.

Thebe:
Whoi
sit
?
Me:
Ican'
trecogni
sehi
m..
.
Thebe:
Whowear
sacapatni
ght
?

Thebesteppedoutofthecarandwalkedover
asi r
emainedinthecar.Ir
ememberedTumi
metmeatt hestaffhousesmonthsbefor
eand
thatthever
yfi
rstti
meIsawhi m hehadbroken
outofpri
son..
.

Myar mpi
tsgoticyandIbegunsweatingas
Thebeapproachedhim,theguytookoffhi
scap
anditookagoodl ookathim,i
twasKennedy.I
si
ghedinreli
efrol
li
ngmyey esandsteppedout
ofthecar
..
Thebe:
Hel
l
o
Ken:
Whoar
eyou?
Me:(
gotbet
weenthem)Thebei
t'
sokay
,i
r
ecogni
sehi
m,thanks.
..
Thebe:
(wal
kedback)Al
ri
ght
..
.
Ken:
(fol
l
owedhi
m)Iwast
alki
ngt
oyou.
..Who
ar
eyou?
Me:
Hei
saf
ri
endofmi
ne,
cani
hel
p-
Ken:Iwasn'ttal
ki
ngtoyou.
..(gr
abbedhis
j
acketfr
om t hebackandpull
edhim back)I
'
m
tal
ki
ngtoy ou,omang?
Thebe:
(lookedathi
m)Letgoofmyj
acket
..
.
You'
rewrinkl
ingi
t.
..
Ken:
(angr
il
y)Whyar
eyour
unni
ngaway
?
Thebe:(t
urnedaroundandf
acedhi
m)I
'
m
l
ist
ening,oneoreng?
Ken:
Whoar
eyou?
Me:
Hei
s-
Ken:(
angri
l
y)Isai
dI'
m nott
alki
ngt
oyou.
..St
ay
outofi
t.
Thebe:
Elegor
ewenaomang?
Ken:(pushedhim onthechest )Kar
eomang?
(l
ookedathi sr
ing)Andyou'remar r
ied..
.(he
aggressi
velypushedhim again)oseriousnerr
a?
Thebe:
Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
odo?
Ken:I
'l
lpunchy
ouont
hef
acei
fyoukeep
tal
ki
ng..
.
Thebe:
Kedi
dimet
seee
Ken:
(wal
kedov
er)You'
rest
il
ltal
ki
ng.
..
.

Hekeptqui etst
ari
ngathim,Ifoldedmyarms
andleanedagainstthecarl
ookingatthem as
theyquiet
lystar
edatoneanother .
..
.
Ken:
Doy
ouknowt
hatshehasaboy
fri
end?
Thebe:
Iknow.
..AndI
'
m sor
ry.
Ken:Idon'
tthi
nkyouknowwhatyoujustdid,
i
feel
sorryf
oryourwif
eandchi
ldr
en.Ireal
lydo..
.
Thebe:
Cani
go?
Ken:
Ret
aakopanamasi
gol
ait
aka.
..Tsamay
a

Thebedraggedmybagt ot
hest oopandhanded
memyhandbagt henhedroveout.Iunl
ocked
thehouseandwalkedinwhil
eKendr aggedmy
baginandlookedatme,helookedatmeso
muchi f
eltashamed.
..

Ken:
Kant
ekeengodi
raSt
uxy
aananemma?
Me:Thebei
sjustaf
ri
end.
..Hegav
emear
ide
home.
Ken:
I'
m notachi
l
dNal
edi
,gaodi
resent
e.St
ux
i
sv erystressedandy ou'r
emakinghisstay
ther
ev eryterri
ble.Ihavebeeni
njailf
oryears
andhav ingtodeal withacheat
inggir
lf
ri
endis
thewor stthi
ngonecandeal wi
th.Tumeloloves
you,doy ouknowt hat?
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
..
..
arey
ougoi
ngt
otel
lhi
m?
Ken:
Yes,
Heneedst
oheari
t
Me:
Whatwi
l
lhedo?
Ken: Nothing!itwi l
lbreakhi shear tandhewi l
l
stareatt hewal ls,Ot aagor eng?Aker eoko
prison.
..Onaser iousnot eNal edigaodi r
esente,
i
fy oufeel li
key oucan' twait5y ear si
t'
sbetter
tolethim knowt hanst resshiml ikethis,
Idon't
thinkyouunder standhowmuchy ou'rehurt
ing
him.Onal elest ress, youhav en'
tev enchecked
onhi m...15mi nut esi nprisonhel awaapal a.
Stuxcangetoutofpr i
sonf oraf ewhour s,i
fyou
knewbet teryouwoul dbehav e.Ifitwashim
knockingont hatwi ndowt rustmet herewould
hav
ebeenbl
oodspat
ter
.
Me:
Butnot
hinghappenedwi
tht
hatguy
.
Ken:Andifyou'
regoingtobewi thTumel olear
n
totel
lthetr
uthbecauset hedayhet eachesy ou
totel
lthetr
uthyou'
llneverli
et ohim,ifyou
wrongedhim admitbecausei fyouli
ehewon' t
l
ikeit
.Justafri
endlyadvise.
..(walki
ngtowar ds
thedoor)Iwascheckingonaf ri
endthisside
andsawacarher e..
.Igav eyourmot herschool
feessabana.Callmeify ouneedany thi
ng.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Ken:
Goodni
ght
.

Hewalkedout
,il
ockedt
hehouseandsatdown
si
ghi
ng..
..
.

AtGabor
one.
..
.
ThenextMondaymor ni
ngt hebankspokesman
stoodbef
oresever
aloff
icerspointi
ngatthe
revi
ewedtr
ansacti
onsont heproject
or.
..
.

Spokesper son: (
poi
nted)Thi sishowmuch
Tumel omanagedt ogetf rom ourclientsafter
hacki ngoursy st
em...Her eversedthe
transactionsbacktot heclientsonthisday .
...I
don' tknowwhyhechangedhi smi ndbuthi m
get t
ingar r
estedandpr osecuteddoesn' tbenefi
t
usi nany way.Thisisbadf orbusinessandmor e
clientswillspendmoneyandcl ai
mi t'
spartof
thesesuspi cioustr
ansactions.
Man:(cl
ear
edhisthroat)Weshoul
dn'
tbe
wor
riedaboutt
his,headquar
ter
swil
ltakecar
e
ofi
t
Spokesper son:
Headquartersy
oumeanin
SouthAfrica?Howwi l
ltheydealwi
thi
twhen
theyar
ef acingthesamepr obl
ems?Theonl
y
diff
er encei st heycont rolthemedi arepor t
s
whi chi swhatI 'm suggest i
ng...Wehav ehear da
l
otofsuggest ionsbutweneedt hisguyback
withourst affany way ,it'
sat rickyst r
ategy ..
.But
that'smyper sonal opinion,clear l
yoursy stem i
s
hispl ayground.Hedi dthisy ear sagoandwent
topr i
son, thesamedayheget southeget sour
cli
ent smoney .Wewi l
l l
osecust omer si fthey
startf eel
ingl iketheirmoneyi sn' tsafewi thus,i
knowi wouldn' ttr
ustabankwhosesy stem is
easyt oaccess.Weneedt ost opt hest atef r
om
maki ngnoi seaboutt hisandst rategi
cal l
ybr i
ng
thisguyonboar d...What evert hecasewemust
taket hepol iceoutofi t.
Man:Rehir
ehim?Noway..
.wewon'thi
rehi
m,
Never
.Thatonei
soutofquest
ion.Whoist
he
pr
osecutor
?
Spokesman:
Iam notsur
e..
.
Man2:Jamest
onisri
ght
,weshoul
ddealwi
th
t
hispr
ivat
elyt
hanhavet
hepubl
ict
hinkweare
notsecur
ed.

Themeet
ingcont
inued.
..
..
.

AtCr
imi
nal
Inv
est
igat
ionDepar
tment
..
..

Thenextmorni
ngthebank'
slawyerknockedon
thedoorandwal
kedinasthedetect
ivesi
pped
hist
eaholdi
ngabigsoftl
engwinya.
..

Hi
m: Goodmor
ning.
..
.(smi
l
ed)Iwasj
usthav
ing
br
eakfast
Lawy
er:
(smi
l
ed)Nopr
obl
em,
lonakanal
ejal
e
eme
Hi
m:Ti
romor
war
ree
Lawy
er:
Iknowhey
..
.
Hi
m:(
wipedhi
shands)Hav
emaseat
..
..
AtMaunPr
ison.
..
.

Lat
ert
hatdayTumel
ost
aredathi
sfr
iend
l
ist
eni
ng.
..
.

Tumel
o:Ar
eyousur
ehewaski
ssi
ngher
?
Ken:Isawt hem andial
mostlosti
taboke
i
tshwara..
.Hespentthewholeweekendwith
herbecauseshehadabi gbag.Theywere
arr
ivi
ng..
.
Tumelo:
(rubbedhi
sey
es)Idon'
tknowwhatt
o
say
..
.
Ken: Kedil
otsamakgakgahel abecauseo
nyetselegone,obatagobewamot sel
eng.I
tol
dhi m heisl
uckybecausehanneomo
hit
het segonehal
ehadirajaakaaneadi ra.
..
.
(Tumel oswall
owedtearf
ull
yandr ubbedhis
facel
eaningbackwithr
eddi sheyes)Iknow
howmuchy ouwantthi
stowor koutbuti don'
t
know..
.Ij
ustfeell
ikei
fyoudon' twalkaway
you'
ll
endupdoi ngsomethingstupid.
Sometimesbeingwiseisknowingwhent o
l
eave.Nalediotaagogolega..
.
Tumelo:Idon'
twantt
odiscussleavi
ngherso
soon,i
t'
stoosoonfort
hat,I
'mjusttry
ingto
fi
gureouthowIcanmaket hi
ngseasierforher
whil
eshewai t
sforme.
..
.Didyout el
lherthat
youwouldtell
mewhathappened?
Ken:
Yes
Tumelo:
Fuxk, gaakakeatakwanoy aanong,
omotshosi
tse.Shit.
..(
swall
owed)Youmust
askhert
ovisitme,tellherI
'
m notangrywith
her
..
.
Ken:
Alr
ight
..
.
Tumel
o:(
stoodup)Goshapo.
..
Hewal
kedawayr
ubbi
nghi
shead.
..

AtDor
cas'
shouse.
..
.

Lat
eroni knockedonthedoor
,Bakangstepped
outcarr
yingtwoofthem,t
heywerecleanandin
warm newclothes.
.

Me:
(smi
l
ed)Heyguy
s..
..Hel
l
obabi
es
Bakang:
(smi
l
ed)At
sil
etal
ks
Me:
(smi
l
ed)Hedoes.
..
.Comeher
e..
..

Igothi
mt henhehelpedmeputt heot
hert
woi
n
thecar
,andbroughtthei
rbags.
.

Bakang:
Thanky
ouf
ort
his.
..
Me:
You'
rewel
come,
bye

Idrov
eoutandheadedt othemallf
orabitof
shopping,i
boughtafewthingsf
orschooland
l
aterdroppedthem of
f.
..

AtPr
ison.
..
.

Lat
erthatdaymyheartpoundedasTumelo
wal
kedov er,
hewasclear
lystr
essedbuthe
di
dn'twanttoshowi
t.Hetookaseatstari
ngi
n
myey es.
..
.

Me:
Hey
..
.
Tumel
o:Hi
..
.Howwasy
ourweekend?
Me:
Itwasokay
..
.
Tumel
o:(
star
ingatme)Di
dyouusepr
otect
ion?
(
ikeptqui
et)di
dyou?
Me:
(tear
ful
l
y)Yes.
..
Tumel
o:(
ir
ri
tat
ed)Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
Me:
(rubbedmyey
es)I
'
m sor
ry.
..
Tumel o: Emisagosuny etsay ou'
rei r
ritat
ingme..
.
(ikeptqui etandcont i
nuedr ubbingmyey esas
hest aredatmet henhemov edhi shandcl oser
)
Givemey ourhand..
.(iputmyhandonhi sand
hehel dmesof tl
ystari
ngatme)If orgiveyou
butIfy oucheatonmeagai nI 'm goingt o
disci
pliney outhoroughly,autwa?Soi fyou
knowy ou'regoingtocheatl etgoofmyhand
andwal koutoft hi
spr i
son,nev ercomeher e
again.Sleepwi thanymany ouwantandenj oy
yourf r
eedom.You' l
lneverhearme
compl aining.
..
Letmedomyt imei npeace. ..
Me:
I'
m sor
ry,
I'
ll
nev
erdoi
tagai
n..
.
Hestoodupandpul l
edupthenhehuggedme
asicri
ed,hekissedmeandhuggedme
agai
n..
..
..
..
..
..
..(
9t)

Li
kef
oraSundaybonus.Muchl
ove.
.
Co-
wif
e
#79

AtDor
cas'
shouse.
..
.

Bakangkickedtheballt
oAt sil
ewhoki ckedit
back,Bakangcheeredforhim andkickeditover
toMasego, shetr
iedtokickitbutchangedher
mindandpi ckedi
tup..
.

Bakang:
(laughed)Ki
cki
tbaby
..
.Ki
cki
t
At
sil
e:(
ir
ri
tat
ed)Ki
i
ii
ck!
Shethrewitov
er,Bakangcheer
edf
orherand
walkedcl
oser.
..
.

Bakang:
Youwantt
ocat
ch?
..
..Cat
chi
t.
..

Het hrewitoverandshecaughtitl
aughi
ng,
Bakangr ol
leditovertoAmewhopushedi t
backgi ggl
ingandwav inghi
shandsontheair
wishinghecoul dstand..
.

Bakangli
ft
edhim andwav edhim overt
heball
makinghim ki
cktheball
wi t
hbothlegs,Ame
gi
ggledevenlouderashi
ssi bl
i
ngslaughed.
..
.

Meanwhileaneighbour'
sdaught
erwalked
passedthefencesmili
ngatthem ast
heymade
noi
sekickingthebal
l.
..
Her
:(smi
l
edandsl
oweddown)Hi
..
..

Bakangpausedandturnedaroundcar
ryi
ng
Ame...Hewasn'
tsurewhoshewasbutheknew
hehadseenherbeforeandboydidshelook
goodinherworkuni
form..
..

Bakang:
Hi.
..Howar
eyou?
Her
:(smi
l
ed)I
'
m good.
..Ar
etheyt
ri
plet
s?
Bakang:
Yeah
Her
:Ar
etheyy
our
s?
Bakang:
Yes.
..
Her
:(walkedbackt
othegat
e)Letmesee
t
hem...

Shewal
kedi
nsi
deandl
i
ftedMasegot
henshe
r
ubbedAt
sil
e'
shead.
..
.

Her:(
laughed)Theyl
ookl
ikey
ou..
.Ioncehear
d
yourwifegaveyouawhit
ebaby,
gossipcanbe
somisleadi
ng
Bakang:
(laughed)Shedi
d..
..Theseonesar
e
fr
om myex. .
.Doi knowy
ou?
Her
:(l
aughed)Mi
dowee?I
ja.
..
Bakang:(
laughed)Iseri
ouslydon'
tremember
you,pl
easetell
mebef oreimakemov esonyou
becausealli
seeisagor geouswoman
Her
:Mynamei
sTsame.
..Weusedt
o-
Bakang:(l
aughed)Holyshityoulookhot !Do
youremembert hatyoulookedli
keal i
ttl
e
monkeybackt henwheni usedtov i
sitmama
hereher
e...
(t
heybothlaughed)Fuckno!Pl ease
tel
lmeyou'relyi
ng,you'
renotTsame. ..
.The
Tsamei knowhadt wofunnyf r
ontteetht hat
madeherlookl
ikeabunnyrabbit
..
.(wal
ked
ov
erandtouchedhercheektr
yingtoopenher
mout
h)letmeseesomet hi
ng..
..
Tsame:(l
aughedandsl
appedhi
shand)St
opi
t
Mido.
..
.
Bakang: (l
aughed)Bunnywee,t
akwano.
..
.(she
mov edbackwar dsashewalkedover
)Come
here..
..Iwanttoseesomethi
ng..
..
Tsame:(
laughed)Oasi
mol
oal
aakere,
nkabe
kesagobolel
elagor
ekemangfuzi
kewena.
..

HeputAmedownashi ssibl
ingsplay
ednextto
hi
mt henhewalkedov
ertoTsamewhowas
l
aughingl
ooki
ngathim ashewalkedover
..
..

Tsame:(l
aughedandcoveredhermout
hwi
th
herhand)Midodon'
ttouchme...
Bakang:
(smi
l
ed)Takwano.
..Iwantt
osee
somet
hing

Shetr
iedtorunbuthegrabbedherwaistf
rom
behi
ndandturnedaroundbreat
hingand
l
aughingdownherneckasshel aughedl
oudl
y..
..

Bakang:
Takebone
Tsame:
(laughed)Ihadt
hem f
ixedl
asty
ear
..
.

Shetur
nedar
oundandsmi
l
edwi
thhert
eet
h
out
..
.

Tsame:
See?

Hest
aredinhereyesforami nute,
itwasclear
t
hecrushneverwentaway..
..Shelookedway
t
oobeauti
ful
butherpersonalit
ywasst i
l
lthe
sameandhejustwant
edtokissherbuthe
ret
ri
evedandmovedbackswall
owing.
..
.

Tsame:
Arey
ouokay
?
Bakang:
Yeah.
..
Tsame: (
sighedandl
eanedagai
nstthefence)I
hear
dy ouwer ei
npri
sonforr
ape,Idon'
tbeli
eve
youdidit
.
Bakang: (
shamef ull
ylookingont hegr ound)I
did...It
'sthei
rmot her,Iwantedt ogetbackwi t
h
herbutsher ejectedmeandi t
'sunder standabl
e
thatsher ej
ectedme, ilef
therf ormywi fewho
wi l
lsoonbemyex. .
.Iwasgoi ngt hroughal ot
ofr ejecti
onandi wasangr yatthewor ld.Ifel
t
cheat edbecausei l
eftmychi l
dr ent oraise
anot herman' schi l
dandi t
ookoutmy
frustrati
onsont hewr ongper son.It ookhert o
thef arm and...
..(tookadeepbr eat h)It
happened.
Tsame:(sighed)Atl
eastshedoesn'
tst
opyou
fr
om seeingthechil
dren,
sheisagoodper
son.
Bakang:Ihaven'
tseenthem i
nalmost18
mont hsorso.
..Notsur
eexactl
ybutweare
reconnect
ing.
Tsame:(l
ooki
ngathi
m)Youhav
ebeent
hrough
alot
..
..
Bakang:(
sighedandputhishandsinthe
pocket
slookingathi
schil
drenplay
ing)yeah..
..
I
twasal earni
ngexperi
ence.
..Whatdoesn'tki
ll
youmakesy oustr
ongerri
ght?
Tsame:
(smi
l
ed)Ri
ght
..
.
Bakang:Whatabouty
ou..Whathaveyoubeen
upto?(l
ooki
ngather)Kareothat
swegil
e
tshwenekewena
Tsame:(l
aughed)Stopcall
ingmet hat.
..(si
ghed)
Idi
dTourism andhospi
tali
tysoI'm workingat
MaunLodge, assoonasIfinishpayi
ngf ormy
si
ster
'sschooliwantt
ov enturei
nto
ent
repr
eneur
shi
p.
Bakang:
Soundsgr
eat
..
..Hav
eyoudr
aft
eda
busi
nesspl
an?
Tsame:
Yeah
Bakang:
I'
dli
ket
otakeal
ookati
t.
..

Wendy'
scarapproachedthegate,
Tsame'
s
hear
tski
pped.
..Shecouldn'
taff
ordalawsui
t.
..

Tsame:
OhmyGod,
isi
ther
?Ihav
etogo
Bakang:Relax.
..You'
renotl
eav
ing,
sheandI
haveseparated..
.
Tsame:
Shei
sst
il
lyourwi
fel
egal
l
y
Bakang:Don'
tbeababyandpeopledon'
tj
ust
getsuedforgr
eet
ingmarr
iedpeople.

Wendywal
kedi
nthr
ought
hegat
ehol
dingan
envel
opeandappr
oachedthem asTsame
pi
ckedAmeandkeptherselfbusywi
thhi
m..
..

Wendy :
Iwithdr
ewmycaseagai nstNaledi
..
.
(gav
ehimt hepapers)si
gnoveryourhousein
Gaboroneandi won'
taskforanyt
hing.
Bakang:Ial
readyt
oldmyl
awy
erabouti
t,she
sentourdocuments.
Wendy:Thanks.
..(
lookedatTsamebutcoul
dn'
t
f
indany
thingnegat
ivetosay)Whoisshe?
Bakang:It
'
snoneofyourbusi
nessandifyoutr
y
thestuntyoupul
l
edonNalediyouwil
lpayfori
t.
Wendy:
Idon'
tcarewhoyouscr
ew,
ihav
e
movedontobet
tert
hings
Bakang:Thatwouldbetrueifyoudi dn'
tneed
myhouse, heisadeadbeatdadf orneeding
anotherman'sproper
tytohousehi sgir
lfr
iend
andchildbutI'
m notcomplai
ning,Iwouldn't
wantt
ostartmyli
feonaf reshstar
tandusethe
ver
ysamehousei usedwithawomanl i
keyou.
Whoevermynextgir
lfr
iendisshedeser
ves
muchbett
erthanusingthesamesheetsiused
wit
hanyofmyex's.

Shetur
nedar oundandwal kedaway ,Bakang
l
ookedatTsameasshehel dAme'shandsand
suppor
tedhim ashewal kedoverkickingthe
soi
landlaughingexci
tedtobewal king..
.

Bakang:(
laughed)Inevert
houghtoft
hat
..
..I
'm
goingtoputthesepapersi
nsi
dethenwewi l
l
takeyouhalf
way .
Tsame:
Alr
ight
..
..

Mi
nutesl
aterhewal
kedoutandl
if
tedbot
h
MasegoandAtsi
l
esuppor
ti
ngthem wi
thhi
s
armsasTsamecarri
edAme,theywal
kedoutof
thegateandwal
kedtowar
dsTsame's
resi
dence.
..

Bakang:
Howi
syourmot
her
?
Tsame:
Shepassedon2y
ear
sago.
..
Bakang:
Idi
dn'
tknow.
..I
'
m sor
ry.
..
Tsame:
Ihav
emadepeacewi
thi
t.
..
Bakang:
Howdi
dyourboy
fri
endt
akei
t?
Tsame:(
laughed)You'
resosli
ck,
arey
out
ryi
ng
toaskmeifihaveaboy f
ri
end?
Bakang: (
laughed)Koorehaokankarabahel
a
gokareng?Idon'twantyouifyout
hinkI'
m
crushi
ngony ou.
..Idon'
tdat
ebunnyrabbi
ts,
my
standardsarehigh
Tsame:
(laughed)Iknow..
.I'
l
lhav
etol
ose50kg
andwei
ght10kgt oquali
fy
Bakang:
(laughed)I
'
llcal
lherbackt
osuey
ou
Tsame: (
laughed)Apol ogies..
.Hahaha. .
.(si
ghed)
Iwalkedoutofmyr elati
onshipof2y ears
mont hsback.
..Hesl eptwi t
hev erypassingskirt
wit
houtev enusingpr otecti
on,hehadchi l
dren
al
lov ert
hatididn'
tknowabout .Wheni found
outaboutthethirdchildi deci
dedi twasenough.
Bakang:
(lookedather
)Di
dyougett
est
ed?
Tsame:
Ist
art
edmyARVsl
astmont
h
Bakang:That '
sgood. .
..Imeani t'
sbadhe
i
nf ect
edy oubutgoody ouar enotoneoft he
peoplewhost il
lthinkHI Visadeadl ydisease.
I'
m proudofy ou..Ihopet heygivemeARVs
soongakebat edi storytsamet seto..
.(they
bot hl
aughed)ser i
ous, (
smi l
edlookingather )
Howcomey oujustdisclosedy ourstatuseasil
y?
Iwouldn'ttel
lanyonewhoi sn'tposi
tivemy
status
Tsame:
Itr
usty
ougapeor
il
egaompat
eaker
e
sowhyshouldIbeuncomf ort
ablewit
hmy
chil
dhoodf
riend.
..(
laughed)Youusedt ocar
ry
meont hebackofy ourbi
cy cl
e,doyou
remember?
Bakang:
(laughed)Ir
emembert
hat
..
.oseboi
!
Tsame:
(laughed)Youwer
etoof
ast
..
..

Theywalkedi
nherhouse,
sheputAmeont
he
couch.
..

Tsame:
Hav
easeat
..
.
Bakang:
(satdown)Thanks.
..
.

Hesatdownandswi
tchedt
heTVon.
..
.

Tsame:(
wal
kedaway
)I'
m goi
ngt
otakeof
fmy
uni
for
m,keet
a..
.
Bakang:(l
ooki
ngather
)That
'saf
ineassy
ou
gotther
ebunny
Tsame:
Fot
shekMi
do.
..

Sheclosedthedoorandtookof
fhercl
othes
thenshewalkedoutwit
hherbum shor
tsanda
bigt-
shir
t.
..

Tsame:
I'
m cooki
ng.
..Obat
achi
ckenkanar
ed
meat
Bakang:
Bacon
Tsame:(l
aughed)Kootengwareokoroyal
househa.
..I
'l
lfr
ychickenfeetf
oryoui
ja.
..
Bakang:Kanay ouweremywifeko
mant wanengnakoenenter
etshamekel
ebo
Trevorandthosekidsbamosadiy
onenga
rent
anextdoor .
..
Tsame:
(laughedbl
ushi
ng)Don'
tst
art
..
.
Bakang:(
laughed)Andwehadsexbehi
ndt
he
house.
.Kehagolemonategor
e
Tsame:
(laughed)Mi
dot
her
raakooemi
se
Bakang:
Howoldwerewekant
e?nxl
aI'
l
lnev
er
l
etmychildr
enpl
aymant
wanewait
se
Tsame:
(laughed)Hahahat
leke!Kagor
eng?
Maybet
heywon' thav
esex
Bakang: I
fihadsexatt
hatagetheywi
l
l
probablythi
nkabouti
t.
..Hel
lno,
andmy
daughterwon'tpl
aywit
hboys.
Tsame: Lewenaneor atasexr r
a,etareke
apeil
emmuaboogal egil
eor e"Agonne
bosigo"kanay ouspokebr okenEnglishtaboore
"Guysit'
stheni ght"tabegot wegonnabosi go
aboosi molola.Andnowt hatI'
mt hi
nkingabout
i
t,youhadsexl ikeanadul t.
..Fora9y earol
d
youwer enotsupposedt oknowwher ethehol
e
wasandev er
y t
hi ng,
i didn'
tknowi hadahol e
unti
lyoutoldme
Bakang: (
laughed)Nakotsedingwebot haema
nebahav ersexkebaut wa,
onet i
mei came
from schoolandsawt hem dayli
ght
..
.They
thoughtididn'
tseeitbatol
abaapar ahoo,
waii.
..
Tsame: (
laughed)Oneohemisi
tsweke
morobalogapeneoganelel
annahelakanabo
Tshepineosababone
Bakang:Tshepinear ati
wakeTr evorandil
iked
yourbunnyrabbitt
eet hgapey ouwerethemost
clev
ergir
lintheplaygroundot saaboA.My
motherdidn'
twantmet oplaywi t
hother
chil
drenantenablindkegopot seBunnyrabbi t
mmekekganel wagot akwanohaMamaa
nkopakogoenegor eketeforaweekendket aa
bint
shamogat akegoakant se,mantwaneale!
Tsame: (
laughed)Wai
tsewenasoy
oust
il
lcal
l
yournannyMama?
Bakang:
Ket
waet
seket
aar
eng
Tsame:
I'
m goi
ngt
ocook.
..Keet
a

AtPr
ison.
..
.

Tumelostar
edathi
sfr
iendandr
anoutof
words.
..

Ken:Sheisnotthere.
..Shehasn'tbeenhome
thewholeweekendandi askedTuxapparent
ly
shegaveherkidstotheirdad.Idon'tknow
whereshewent .
..

Tumeloputhi
sheadonthetabl
eand
swal
l
owedapai nf
ull
ump,hecouldonly
i
maginewhatwashappeni
ngwher ev
ershe
was.
..
.
Tumel
o:5yearsl
eeneomontsi
,sheisgoingt
o
l
eaveme.
..(
looki
ngathi
m)whatshouldIdo?
Ken:
Stopt
hinki
ngabouther
Tumel o:Ican'
t,
ihavenothi
ngtodoexceptto
thi
nkaboutwhatshei sdoingoutt
here.Idon'
t
understandhowNaledicannotknowi l
oveher,
ihavenev ergi
venherreasontodoubtme.
Ken: Outofsightoutofmi nd,somewomenar e
l
iket hat
.Idon'tknowwhyy ou'
resurpri
sed
may beit'
sbecausey ouandApr i
l
'smother
neverdealtwithcheat i
ngsoy outhi
nkall
womenwi ll
bel ikeher,l
ovi
ngy ouand
respecti
ngy ou..Shewasoneofaki nd,you
can'tbeluckytwi ce.
..
Tumelo:Keutwaibi
lekemi sammagwe
ngwanake,shehadast and.
..I
t'
sapitypeopl
e
putherunderpr
essuretosucceedandi t
over
whelmedher.Ijustdon'twantt
oseet he
samehappeningtoNaledi..
.I'
mtryi
ngmybest
toprovideforher,shehaschi
l
drenisn'
tthat
enought okeepherbusy ?Whyisshelet
ting
guystri
ckher ?(si
ghed)Maybesheisjust
depressed
Ken:Ohno,you'
renotmaki ngexcusesf orher.
Shedoesn'
trespectyouandy oushoul dlether
gobecausesheisnowpushi ngy outodo
somethi
nghorri
ble.Thebiggestweal way s
makeistofoll
owawomanwhocl earl
ydoesn't
val
ueyouandatt heendoft hedayy oudo
somethi
ngyouwer en'
tplanningt odo, t
hesame
womenwi l
lbesay i
ngmenar etrash,Lether
go.
..
Tumelo:Shewascheat edandabused,she
probabl
ythinksI'
l
ldothesametoher ,
ineedt
o
helpherheal.I
thappensto
Ken:I'
m sor
ryidon'tcarehowdepr essedmy
wif
ei si
fshespreadsherl egsforanotherman
I
'm sendi
ngherstraighttohell
withasl i
tonher
thr
oat.I
fI'
mf ai
thf
ul tohershebetterdothe
same, i
ficandoitshecan,i
t'ssimpleasthat.I
'
ll
for
giv
eherf oranyt
hingexceptgiv i
ngawaymy
pri
de,thatt
hingbetweenherl egsismydamn
pri
deandsheknowsi t
.Don'tletthi
sgir
lplay
wit
hy ourmind.
Tumelo:(si
ghed)I'
m sur
eshev i
sit
edafriendor
something.
..Shewasprobabl
yathermot her'
s
house.Gakebategodumel agoreakantsiet
sa,
basadigabachite.
..Womennevercheat
Ken:Igavethemoneytohermot her,
shewas
withhersi
steri
nlaw..
.Nalediwasn'
thomeand
theysai
dshewoul dbebackonSunday
after
noon.Maybeshejustarr
ivednow
Tumel o:
( r
ubbedhi sface)HeishNal edi o
nkutusabot hoko,I'
m hav i
ngchestpai ns.
..and
thepainfulthi
ngi sthattherei
snot hingi cando
exceptsleep.Ifinwasoutt hereIwoul dgot al
k
toherbutshedi dn'
tvisi
tmei ntent
ionally
knowingI '
m stressed,gakethalogany eNal edi
Ken:
Didt
hel
awy
ercome?
Tumel
o:No.
..
Ken:Heish.
..Idon'
tknowwhat
'snextnowbut
golebegamosadi atsamaal
ait
akasimol
olago
i
thoboga.
Tumelo:Theseguyslebonebat
shwakgotswe
kemadi ,
Iwantedtogocheckonherl
astnight
buttheywantcashandimustpaybef
orethey
arr
angeformet ol
eave.
Ken:
Howmuchdot
heywant
?
Tumelo:
Yomotonaobat
a4Kandt
hewar
dens
eachwant2K
Ken:Kantemathakaabat saagor erel
ema
madi?gasegorebaathola,aker
ebanaba
mapoloti
kibantshi
wakama2Kwhi leother
pri
sonersarel
iedtogotweanot herpri
soneri
s
bei
ngputinsolidar
yconfinement?
Tumel
o:Mxm myf
ir
stmi
stakewast
ogi
vet
oo
muchatt
hest
artsot
heyt
hinki
hav
emoney
.
Ken:(sighed)I'll
workoutsomething,I'
m al
so
brokebecauseI '
m sti
l
lunderi
nvesti
gationand
I
'm outonbai lsoIcan'
taff
ordtomakea
mistake.(stoodup)I '
l
ltal
ktoAgustínabout
yourbail,perhapstheywil
lsaysomet hi
ng
duri
ngt hecour seoftheweek.
Tumel
o:Al
ri
ght
..
.Thanks.
..

Atmyhouse.
..
.

Lat
ert
hatev eni
ngThebedrovethr
ought he
gat
easi dial
edmymot her'
snumber.
..
.Itwas
compl
etelydarkandIhadn'
tlef
tmyli
ghtson..
.

Mama:
Hel
l
o?
Me:
Hi,
ijustar
ri
ved.
..Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Mama:I'
mf i
ne,Nal
ediweneedtot
alk,
Tumel
o'
sf r
iendwasherey
ester
day
Me:
I'
ll
passbyt
omor
rowmor
ning.
Mama:
(si
ghed)By
e

Ihungupanddi
aledDor
cas'
snumber
..
..

Dor
cas:
Hel
l
o?
Me:Dumel
ang.
..Ijustar
ri
ved,
whenshoul
dI
col
l
ectt
hechil
dren?
Dorcas:Tomorrowmor ni
ngisbest
,Bakangl
eft
wit
ht hem t
heyv i
sit
edhischi
l
dhoodfri
endnext
-
door.
..Bait
isi
tsegonekoo.
Me:
Okay
,thanky
ou
Dorcas:
AndthankyouLelef
orall
owingusto
seethechi
l
dren,
.Iknowitmusthavebeenhard
giv
enourhist
orybutthi
sist
hebestdeci
sion
youhav eevermadeconcer ni
ngthei
r
rel
ati
onshipwithus.BakanggavemeanATM
cardhemadef orthem awhi l
eago,hesaysthe
moneywi ll
star
tcomi nginmonthendsoy ou'
ll
beabletosendt hechil
drentoschoolandhunt
forajob.
Me:
(smi
l
ed)Thanky
ou.
..
Dor
cas:
Bye

IhungupasThebequiet
lystar
edatme
admir
abl
y,ibl
ushedandlookedtheot
herway
..
.

Me:
Whati
sit
?
Thebe:
(hel
dmyhand)Iwi
shy
ouwer
emywi
fe.
..
Me:
(smi
l
ed)Don'
tst
art
..
.
Thebe:Ihadav
erygoodt
ime,
weshoul
ddot
his
oft
en..
.
Hiswifecal
led,
helookedatitf
oramoment
andputitonsil
entmodethenheputitont
he
dashboardandheleanedoverki
ssi
ngme..
.

Me:
(gi
ggl
ed)Answert
hephone.
..
Thebe:
I'
ll
answeri
twhenwepar
t,Comeher
e..
.

Hepull
edmecl oserandkissedmeagai
n,a
r
oughknockont hewindowst ar
tl
edusaswe
t
urnedaround.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..

Li
kef
ort
henexti
nser
t,muchl
ove.
..
Co-
wif
e
#81

I
nTumi
'
scar
..
.
Onmywayf rom pri
soni coul
dn'
tstopthi
nking
abouthowheeasi lyforgaveme,if
eltr
eli
eved
andal i
tt
leguil
tyforthesadnessisawonhi s
face.
..Myphoner ang..
.

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Thebe:
Sweet
hear
thi
Me:
Hi
Thebe:
Ibeent
hinki
ngabouty
oual
lday
Me:Thebeidon'
tthi
nkIcandot
his.
..Hi
sfr
iend
t
oldhi
m andhewasangr y.
Thebe:Pleasetell
meyou'
renotgoi
ngt ol
etthi
s
getbet
weenus. ..Wear
ejusthav
ingfun.Di
d
youapologise?
Me:
Yes
Thebe:
And?
Me:
Hef
orgav
eme
Thebe: Exactly,hedoesn'thav eachoicebutt o
for
givey ou.5y ear
sisalotandi knowusmen. .
.
Iam aguyi knowwhatI '
mt al
kingabout,thi
s
guycanmakey ouwait5y earswhi l
ehei sin
pri
sonandt henmar r
yanot herwomanwhenhe
getsout .Hewi llsi
nghel ovesy ounowbecause
heispr i
son.I fther
ewer ewomeni npr i
sonhe
wouldhav el ongsleptwitht hem.Monnaal emo
pri
soni sjustlikeanunempl oymentman, hewil
l
belovingunt ilhehasmoneyandf reedom then
you'
llseehi st r
uecolors.
Me: Ijustfeel bad,
hewasr eall
yhurtandhis
eyeswer er edl i
kehewascr yi
ng.Ihavebeen
hurtbefore, i
knowhowi tf
eelstolovesomeone
andt heydon' tseeyoureff
orts.
Thebe:
Whathappenedt
othatr
elat
ionshi
p?
Me:Youmeanwithmyex?Wepart
edandit
wasanast
ybreakup,
hewascheat
ingandhe
nev
erv
aluedme
Thebe: Andy outhinkheisbettert
hanhi m?The
worstmi st
akewomenmakei stotreat
boyfr
iendslikehusbands, whatift
hisguy
doesn'tmarryy ou?Wenay ouwasted5y ear
s
mogoene.You' resingl
e,youmustkeepopt i
ons
openunt i
lsomeonepay sbogadi.
Me:
(si
ghed)I
'
mjustst
ressed.
..
Thebe:
Cani
comeov
ert
oni
ght
?
Me:
whatabouty
ourwi
fe?
Thebe:Shewillbef i
ne,ithinksheisl
abouror
something.
..Mymot herwast aki
ngcareofher
wheni wasleaving..
.Canwemeetandt alk?
Pleasedon'
tlethisfaketear schangeyourmi nd.
Il
ov eyou,I
'
mf alli
ngi nl
ov ewithyou.
..Idon'
t
wanttoloseyou. .
.
Me:
Thebebat
hong.
.
Thebe:
Keagokopababe,
arebuwe.
..Ket
ekoo?
Me:You'l
lcomelat
ertoni
ghtwhenthechi
l
dren
ar
esleeping,
idon'
twantthem t
oseeyou.
..
Thebe:
alr
ight
,il
ovey
ou
Me:
bye

Ihungupandcont
inueddr
ivi
ng.
..
.

AtMaunLodge.
..
.

Lat
eronBakangparkedthecart
henTsame
hur
ri
edoutandleanedinthecar
..
.

Tsame:
Hey
..
.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Bakang:(handedherachocol
ate)Boughtt
his
foryou.
..Hopeyoulikei
t.
Tsame:.(openeditandtookabi
te)Il
ovewhi
te
chocol
ate..
..Thanks.
..
Bakang:
(smi
l
ed)Mov
eback,
I'
m goi
ngt
owor
k..
.
Tsame:
(laughedandmov
edback)Okay
..
.
Bakang:I'
m goi
ngt
oGabstomor row.
..I
'
llbe
ther
eforaweekorso,ihav
en'tbeeni
nt he
offi
ceforawhil
esoihavealottoworkon.
Tsame:
Alr
ight
,takecar
eanddr
ivesaf
ely
..
.
Bakang:
Sur
e..
.
Tsame:
Youl
ookcut
einabl
ueshi
rt
..
.
Bakang:
(laughed)Thanks.
..

Hedroveoutasshewal
kedbacki
nsi
deeat
ing
herchocol
ate.
..
.

AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..
.

Awhi
lelat
erint
heafter
noonisteppedoutof
t
hecarastheschool
busdroppedAprilatt
he
gate,
iwait
edforherwi
thasmil
eassher
an
thr
oughthegateandhuggedme.
..

Apr
il
:(smi
l
e)Mamai
wantt
ogowi
thy
ou.
..
Me:(
smiledandgotherbag)Imi
ssedy
ou,
how
wasschool
?
Apr
il
:Iwantt
ogowi
thy
oupl
ease.Cani
come?
Me:
Isgr
annyhome?
Apr
il
:Wi
l
lyout
akemewi
thy
ou?

Wewal kedint hehouseandpausedl ooki

ngat
hergrandmot herwaslyi
ngont hefloorj
ust
befor
et hekit
chendoor.Idroppedtheschool
bagandqui cklyshookhershoulderasshe
sl
owlyresponded. .
.

Me:
MmaSi
banda?Getup.
..
Ihel
pedherupandhadhersitont
hecouchas
Apri
lmoppedthespi
l
ledwater.
.

Me:
Arey
ouokay
?
Her:
Ifel
tali
t t
ledizzyandbeforeIknewwhat
washappeningi f
elldown.Eversi
ncemy
oper
ati
onifeel di
zzy,thedoct
orssaidiwoul
d
befi
neastimepassedbutI '
m st
il
lthesame.
Me:Thi
sisn'
tgoodatal
l
...
hav
eyouhad
any
thi
ngtoeat?
Her:Yes,icookedlunchforApr
ilear
li
er.
..Wena
oatsogangwanaka?Iwaswor r
iedwheny ou
coul
dn'tgetApril
thisweekend,
I'
m nowusedt o
gett
ingyourhelp
Me: (
laughed)Iknow.
..Wehadaf
uner
alt
o
att
endatRakops, myuncl
ewasbei
ngbur
ied
thi
smor ning.
Her:I
'
m sor
ry,
idi
dn'
tknow...
(shemassagedher
shoul
der
s)Mybackisreal
l
ypai nf
ul.
..
.
Me:Doyouhav
eanoint
menti
canuset
o
massagey
ourback
Her
:Checkmybagi
nthebedr
oom.
..

Iwalkedinthebedroom andsearchedherbag
thengottheointment,
af ewoldpicturesf
ell
from herhymnbook.Istaredatthem smil
ing..
.
ItwasTumel obackwhenhewasj ustaboyand
hewasst andingnextt
ohi sfat
herwhowasi na
blueoveral
lholdi
ngahelmet .
..
.Iputthe
pict
uresbetweenthepagesandwal kedout.

Apri
lsatonthecouchwit
hherlunchandbegun
eati
ngasi unbut
tonedMmaSibanda'
sdressat
thebackandmassagedherbackwiththe
oint
ment..
..
Me:
Wher
eisMrSi
banda?
Her:It
hinkheiscur
rent
lyi
nZambi
a,hehasa
constr
ucti
oncompanyther
e,Tumi
saidhewon
atenderther
e..
..
Me:
Howcomehenev
ercomesher
e?
Her:
Wehadabi gfi
ghtyearsagothatresul
ted
i
nusspli
tt
ingup,wefoughtforTumeloandi
wonhim.Heneverf
orgavemef ortaki
nghis
sonanduptonowwedon' ttal
k.
Me:
whatwer
eyouf
ight
ingabout
?
Her:If
oundouthehadawi f
ei nZimbabweand
SouthAfri
ca, i
tseemedwhat evercount
ryhe
workedinhehadaf amil
y,heisprobably
st
arti
nganot heroneinZambi aaswespeak.I
di
dn'tl
ikethatarrangement.
Me:
SoTumi
isy
ouronl
ychi
l
d?
Her
:Yes,
(si
ghedandt
urnedherneckar
ound)
Youhel
pedmebymassagi
ngme.
..If
eel
so
muchbett
er.
..
Me:You'r
ewelcome.
..Sowhatkindofaper son
i
sTumi ?Heissohardtounderst
and.
..Idon't
knowifheisasweetpersonorheishidi
ng
somethi
ng.
Her:Peopl ebehav edi fferentl
ywhent heyar e
withthei rparentsbuti knowhi m asacar ing
person, hehasapr obl em ofmaki ngi mpul sive
decisionswhenhei sst ressedbuthei s
gener al
lyokaycompar edt oallthesemeni see
aroundher e.Hei sal sogoodatcor recting
himsel f,Idon'tr
ememberhi mr epeat i
ngt he
samemi stakesov erandov erexceptt his
moneyl aunder i
ngt hinghegothi msel fint
o, i
thi
nkhegotaddi ctedt of r
eemoneybuti don' t
thi
nkhewi ll
doi tagai n.Asapar tner..
.judging
withhi sr el
ati
onshipl eApr i
l'
smot herhewasa
goodmanandApr il
'smot herwaswonder f ul
too..
..Theywer egoodt ogetherexcepthe
coul
dn'tpr
ovi
deforheraft
ergett
ingf
ir
edbyt
he
bank.Shegotdepr
essedandcommi t
ted
sui
cidewhenApril
wasy oung.
..
Me:
(massagi
ngher
)Isee.
..
Apr
il
:(eat
ing)Mamacani
comewi
thy
ou?
Me:Youcan'
tl
eavegr
annyal
one,Iwi
shIcoul
d
t
akeyoubutwecan'
tmakegrannyst
ayal
one.
.
M
Her:I
fyougetherI'l
lgosl eepov eratmy
mother'
shouse,Ifi
ndithar dt ostayalone
nowadays.Iwanttomov et omymot her'
s
housesowecanst aytoget her
.Ihaveaf eeli
ngI
mightdiesoon.
..Thisoper ati
ondidn'tsolv
e
anyt
hing.
Me:Youwon'
tdi
e..
.Somet
imesheal
i
ngt
akes
t
ime..
.
Her
:That
'st
rue.
..
Apr
il
:(smi
l
ed)Socani
come?
Her
:(smi
l
ed)Yes,
gety
ourt
hings.
..

Sherantoherroom asi
cont
inuedmassagi
ng
hergranny
..
..
..

AtMaAbi
'
shouse.
..
.

Reneil
weapproachedthehouseholdingher
son'shandandaplasti
contheotherhand,she
walkedinandhandedhermotherinlawsome
grapesandadrinkthensheputt
her esti
nthe
fr
idge.
..
.

Reneil
we:(speaki
ngf
rom t
heki
tchen)Howar
e
youfeeli
ng?
Her:If
eel
somuchbet
terbuti
real
l
ywantt
o
st
artmycarpet
s
Reneil
we:Pl
easewaitwi
ththat
..
.It
'st
ooear
ly
foryoutowork,
justr
est
..
.

Loagoopenedhi sFrenchf ri
esandbegun
eati
ngandr oll
ingonthef l
oorasScooby
watchedlayi
ngont hest oopstari
ngatthe
Frenchfr
ies..
..Herol
ledov ertohi
s
grandmotheranditquicklysnuckin,
grabbed
thepackandr anoutside..
..
..

Renei
l
we:(hol
dingabott
leofsal
t)Br
ingy
our
chi
psLoagokegolokel
e..
.

Loagolookedatt
hef l
oorandfoundnothi
ng,he
stoodupandcheckedhispocketsbuthesti
l
l
couldn'
tfi
ndanyt
hing.
..

Renei
l
we:
Tisat
he!
Loago:
It'
sgone.
..
Renei
l
we:
Ijooot
aipona.
..

Shewentt
oputthesal
tbackandsatnextt
o
hermot
herinl
aw..
..

Reneil
we:
(undoi
ngherhai
r)Hav
eyout
alkedt
o
Abi?
Her
:Hehasn'
tcal
ledmeandunl
i
kehi
m may
be
hei
swri
ti
nghisexamsagai
n.
Renei
lwe:(
sighed)That
'swhathesai
d..
.He
sayshewon'tbecomingforChri
stmas,
idon'
t
under
standthi
sschool.
Her:
Hetoldmethesame,
hesay
sfl
i
ghtt
icket
s
ar
eexpensi
ve.
Renei
l
we:
WhenIt
hinkofthef
actt
hathewi
l
lbe
st
udyi
ngf
or3y
ear
st her
e..
.Uh
Her:
Butit'
s2year
ssincethi
syeari
sal
ready
endi
ng.
..Don'
tl
osefocus.
Reneil
we:Nakotsedingweketel
wake
boit
hobogo,iwonderifamancanbef
ait
hful
fort
hreeyear
s.
Her:Somemencandoi
t.
..Dosomet
hingt
o
keepyourmi
ndbusy
.
Reneil
we: I
'
ll t
rybutevenourcommuni cati
onis
veryweaknowaday s.
..Hecanskip5day s
withoutcal
ling.Hecant akehourswi
thout
getti
ngonli
ney ett
hat'
swherewecommuni cat
e
most l
y.Wheni askhesay st
hestudi
esis
getti
ngseriousandhespendst i
mereadingand
studyi
ng.
Her
:Hemi
ghtber
ight
..
.

AtMaunPr
ison.
..
..
.
Latert
hataf
ter
noonTumel
owalkedoutofthe
showerwipi
nghimsel
fwi
that
owel andsaton
thebed..
.

Hestil
lcouldn'
tstopt hi
nki
ngaboutt hekissKen
tol
dhim aboutandt heconfir
mationr esponse
abouttheusingprotecti
on.Hewishedhecoul d
haveaskedmor equest i
ons..
.May be..
.Just
maybehewoul dfeelbett
er.Thepainwasr ight
onhisthroatandhecoul dn'
tswallow, i
tfeltli
ke
hist
hroatwascr ackingandthepai nwoul dn't
goaway .
...

Heputthetoweloverhi
sheadandcl osedhis
ey
estight
ly.Nametsowalkedinandqui et
ly
st
oodatthebarsstari
ngathim..
.Hesl owly
movedthetowelfr
om hisfaceandlookedat
hi
m..
.
Tumel
o:Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Nametso:
Iwishyoucoul
dtalktome,
Icansee
youar
ecarry
ingsomuchpain..
.
Tumel
o:I
sthatal
l
?
Nametso:Canyouatleastcr
yifyoudon'
twant
t
ot al
ktoanyoneaboutwhatevert
hat'
shur
ti
ng
you?Cryi
ngdoesn'
tmakey oulessofaman
Tumel
o:(
annoy
ed)That
'si
t,getout
..
.
Namet so:(
laughed)Mytonguecanfi
xallt
hose
feel
ingsifyouletme,emakadinaokego
thuse..
.Youdon'thavet
odoany t
hingpapi
aukwe?
Tumelo:
(smiledshaki
nghishead)I'
mreally
hur
ti
ngrightnow,Idon'
twanttolaugh.
.getout
..
.
Nametso: (
smil
ed)Uuushem. .
.Thereisthat
handsomesmi l
e..
.It
'sbeendayssinceIhave
seenit
..
..Tumel
oi l
ov eyoursmil
e..
.sesexy
gore
Tumelo:(smil
edandcover
edhi sent
ir
ehead
wit
hat owel)Tsamaather
ra..
.kenal
e
st
ressnyanagakebategotshameka
Nametso:I
'm notpl
aying,y
ouhav easexy
smil
e..
.Obotsegirl
fr
iendyagagowhatshe
l
ikesmostaboutyoushewi l
ltel
lyout
hatyour
smil
etakesfi
rstposi
tion,
ithel
aosmi l
erka
bonyaandit
'saturnon.
Tumel
o:(
laughed)Kantewenakukuegot
udi
l
e
j
ang?Doyouev ergetaboner
?
Namet
so:
Yes.
..Wheny
ousmi
l
eatme.
Tumelo:
(tookthetowelof
fhi
sfaceandl
ooked
athi
m)Ser i
ousl
y,doyougetaboner
?
Namet
so:
(laughed)Yes.
..
Tumel
o:Okay
..
.Hav
eyouev
erhadsexwi
tha
gi
rl
?
Namet
so:
No.Whywoul
dIdot
hat
?
Tumel
o:Keagogot
shwar
elangwany
anahel
a
yooshapowaMokgalagadi
,thoseonest
urn
gayguysst
rai
ght
..
..
Nametso:(l
aughed)wai
iti
sathemonyanayoo,
otahi
thel
areitshasamakeuprot
her
eledi
choma..
.
Tumel
o:(
laughed)waat
senwal
ait
aka.
..

Foramomenthef orgotabouthi
sstressesand
cont
inuedchat
ti
ng..
.Awar denwalkedin.
..

Warden:Yourwar
rantofl
i
ber
ati
onhas
ar
ri
ved..
..
.
Namet
so:
(shut
ter
ed)What
?
Tumel
o:(
sur
pri
sed)What
?

Atmyhouse.
..
..
.
Laterthateveni
ngaf terbat
hingweallputon
ourwar m py
jamasandsatont hedinnertabl
e
asi hel
pedApr i
lwit
hherhomewor k..
.Other
chi
ldrenweresleepingexceptAtsil
e,hewas
sti
l
l walki
ngaroundt hehouseholdi
nghis
bottl
e..
..

Me: (
smiled)Wow. .
.I'
mr eall
yproudofyou
becausey ourBandPar ef aci
ngi nther
ight
di
recti
on,wej usthavetowor kont heot
her
l
etter
sandy ourmessyhandwr it
ingbutyouare
doinggreat.You'
reveryint
elli
gent..
.
Apr
il
:(smi
l
ed)Yout
hinkI
'
mint
ell
i
gent
?
Me: (smiledandrubbedherhead)Yes, andI'm
happyt obey ourmom. ..Don'tfeel
sadwhen
youdon' tunderst
andot herthingsthatyour
classmat esunderst
and.You' r
especi al
,
i
nt el
li
gentpeopledon'tquicklyunderstand
somet hi
ngbutwhent heydot heynev erfor
get,
t
hat
'sy
ou.
Apri
l
:(smil
edpr oudl
y)Okay,
theteachert
oldt
he
cl
asstoclaphandsf ormebecauseiwrote4
and7nicely
,theywer ef
aci
ngthi
ssideandshe
washappywi t
hme. .
.
Me:
(smi
l
ed)Il
ovey
ournewt
eacher
Apri
l
:Sheisni
ce,
shei
sI'
m acl
evergi
rl
..
.
(y
awning)
Me:Alr
ight.
..It
hinki
t'
sti
metosl
eep.Got
obed
I
'l
lputyourbooksinthebag.

Shegotdownandwalkedashor
tdi
stancethen
shepausedandl
i
ftedAtsi
l
ewhowassl eepi
ng
onthefl
oor.
..

Apr
il
:(bi
tingherl
i
pshol
dinghi
mti
ght
ly)ATi
s
asl
eep..
.
Me:
(wal
kedov
er)I
'
ll-hahahawai
tsewenaApr
il
bat
hong.
..
.

Ifol
lowedhertothei
rbedroom wheresheput
him onthemattr
ess,if
ixedthetr
ipl
etsasshe
gotont hel
it
tl
ebedandcov eredher
selfwi
th
theblanket
s.

Me:
Goodni
ght
..
..

Isli
ght
lycl
osedthedoorandbegancl
eaning
thehouse,
iincr
easedtheChannel
Ov ol
ume
j
ustabitandgainedthemomentum..
.

AtKen'
shouse.
..
.

Meanwhil
eTumelof
ini
shedshavi
ngint
he
bat
hroom andt
ookawarm bat
hthenhe
br
ushedhi
steet
h..
.

Inthebedroom Kentookoutafewofhi
st-
shir
tsandthrewthem onthebedashi
s
pregnantwif
ewasl osti
noneofShel
don'
s
novels.
..

Ken:
Babei
sthatt
-shi
rtcl
ean?
Her
:(r
eadi
ng)Mmh.
..
Ken:
Babet
hemmagawal
eba.
..Bona.
..
Her:(
lookedandlaughed)I
t'
sdir
ty.
..Sor
ry.
..
Checkthatsi
deforcleant-
shi
rt
s.
Ken:
Thanks.
..
Her
:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
odr
ophi
m of
f?
Ken:
No,
I'
ll
bor
rowhi
m mycar
.
Her
:Okay
..
.Lebol
elet
seNal
edi
wat
eng?
Ken:
Hewant
stosur
pri
seher
Her:WenaleTumelol
eit
aathupaele1kea
bona,kanaoneonkwel
agonejaanaever
yti
me
yougotrel
eased.
Ken:(
laughed)Arealmanjustpopsup..(
he
cr
awledov ert
oherandkissedher)Andyou
weredoinggreat
..
.(ki
ssedher)Il
oveyou.
..
Her
:Lov
eyout
oo

Hegottheclot
hesandwal
kedouttot
he
bat
hroom whereTumel
owasdryi
nghi
msel
f.
..

Tumelo:(
lookedatt
hecl
othes)Ar
etheycl
ean?
Iwanttosmellgood
Ken:(
laughed)Mywi
fewashedt
hem.
..Di
shapo
Tumelo:(
hesmel
l
edt
hem)Mmm t
heysmel
l
good.
..
Ken:
You'
reonel
uckybast
ard,
whydi
dthey
wi
thdr
awt
hismat
ter
?
Tumelo:Idon'tknow,I
'
llfi
ndoutmor eabouti
t
tomorr
owal liknowisthatI'
m spendi
nganight
wit
hmygi rlt
onightandI'
llnevergobackto
pri
sonagain,segaselakikesesele..
..
Ken:
Letmegogett
hekey
s..
.

Hewal
kedout
..
..

Atmyhouse.
..
.

Lat
eronicheckedonthechil
drenagain,
they
weresl
eepi
ngthenisentatextwalki
ngtothe
l
ivi
ngroom.
..

Me:
(text
)Youcancomebanabar
obet
se.
Thebe:
(repl
i
ed)Al
ri
ght
,10mi
nut
es.
.
Ibrushedmyt eet
hagainj
ustincaseihadf ood
stuckonmyt eethorsomethi
ngthenipicked
thelastt
oysintheli
vi
ngroom, t
heli
ghtsofhis
carli
tthewindowstheniopenedthedoor..
.

Hewal
kedoverandhel
dmywai stki
ssi
ngme
t
henwewalkedinsi
deandcl
osedthedoor
.

Thebe:
Howwasy
ourday
?
Me:
(si
ghed)Nnar
ragakesur
eaboutt
his.
.
Thebe: I
thappenswheny ouaredoi ngt
hisfor
thefir
sttime. .
.Ignor
et hefeeli
ng.
..Hewon'tbe
feel
ingguiltywhenhedoest hesame.Imagine
wasting5y earsonsomeoneandf i
ndoutthat
theylovesomeoneel se..
.Whatmakesy outhi
nk
heisdifferentfrom yourex?Wasn' thealso
goodatt hest art?
Me:
Hewas.
..
Thebe:
Soi nact
ual
lyf
actyoudon'
tknowhim..
.
Don'
tbesurekalov
emot hoal
ekoprisonkana
asabereke.

Wesatdownthenhel
eanedoverki
ssi
ngme,he
pul
l
edoutmypy j
amapantsandl
aidontopof
mekissi
ngme.

Het ookoutaboxofcondomsf r
om hisback
pocketandtoreit
,thr
eecondomsf el
ldown
thenhegrabbedoneandr ol
ledi
tonashe
kissedme.Hepulledmebackandspr eadmy
l
egst henhesli
dinandleanedoverki
ssingme.
..

ThedooropenedthenTumelowalkedinand
pausedst
ari
ngatmest i
llhol
dingthedoor
knob.
UnawareThebeconti
nuedgri
ndingas
ChannelOpl
ayedsof tmusi
c,Ipushedhim of
f
andclosedmylegs.Heturnedaroundand
l
ookedatTumel othenhepull
edoutt he
condom andl
ift
edhispantsup...
.………(9t
).
..
Co-
wif
e
#82

Atmyhouse.
..

Heslowlyturnedt hekeystari
ngatThebe,my
heartwasbeatingsohar dit
houghti
twouldf al
l
out,
Ireachedf ormypy jamasandputt hem on
asThebef earf
ullyzippedhispants.
..

Tumel
o:(
putt
hekey
sinhispocket
sst
ari
ngat
hi
m)Nneel
aphoneyagago.
.
Thebe:
Ilef
titathom-
Hepunchedhim onthef
ace,Thebefel
lonhis
backandquickl
ygotupholdi
nghisnoseand
l
ookedathishandtoseeifbl
oodwascomi ng
out.
..

Tumel
o:(
angr
il
y)Skaarekelekagonnaci
vi
l
aboobat
agontir
elabotsot
siaut
wa?

Theberubbedhi
snoseandlookedathi
shand
againt
henTumelobit
chsl
appedhim onthe
cheek.
..
.

Tumel
o:Ketaagothubakampamaboyaut
wa?
Bri
ngy
ourphone..
.
Thebe:
(hehandedhi
mthephone)I
fyout
ouch
meagain-
Tumel
o:Whatwi
l
lyoudo?Ot
saagor
eoka
nthengnemonna?Ot ogaony elakanawai tse
tota?Sityourskinnyassdown...(t
urnedtome
asi begancr y
ing)Wenaodi di
mal e.I'
m goingt o
deal wi
thy ou.
..Kegobolel
etsegoreket il
egogo
shimegahaokaboel el
aakere?Didy outhinki
wasj oking?Tswelelaodir
ewar mupy adikeledi
.

Thebeslowlysatnexttomeont hecouchand
l
eanedov ersupport
inghisachinghead,Tumelo
pressedthephonewal ki
ngtot heki
tchenand
camebackhol dingt
hebi ggestkni
fefrom t
he
blockthenheleanedagainstthedoorframe..
..

Tumel
o:Passwor
dkemang?
Thebe:
Sebaga
Tumelo:(
ent
eredi
tandwentt
hroughhi
sphone)
Sebagakedi
omang?
Thebe:
Mydaught
er
Tumelo:If
eelsor
ryforherbecauseyou'
re
exact
lywhatsheisgoingtomarry.
..Howdid
yousaveyourwif
e?
Thebe:Canwenoti nv
olv
emywi fe?Shei
sin
l
abor(stoodup)Iknowiwrongedyouand-
Tumelo:Sitt
hefuckdown!I
'l
lst
ickt
hiskni
feon
yourchestgaokatshameka
Thebe:
(qui
ckl
ysat
)Sor
ry
Tumel o:Mosadiwa-(
foundheront
hecal
l
regi
ster)Nevermind.
..
Thebe:
Shei nl
abour,
ify
ouletthi
sgoiwon'
t
seeNaledi
again,
tabegohelet
segoneha.
Tumel o: Otetset shameko,Soy ouwantt o
protecty ourwife'sfeeli
ngs?(turnedt ome)Ar e
youl i
steningtot hat?Heact uall
ycar esabout
herfeelings,youknowwhy ?Becausey ou'r
e
nothingbutapi eceofmeatt ohim, sheisthe
realthi
ng. .
.Wenasesokewenaomot isangin
ourhouse, wi
thourt oddl
erssleepingint he
room(boil
i
ng)fucki
ngarandom guyonour
couch.
..Theverycouchyourchi
l
drenpi
ckt
hei
r
foodfrom whenitf
all
s..
.
Wi
fe:
Hel
l
o?
Tumel
o:(
tohi
m)What
'
shername?
Thebe:
Mar
y
Mar
y:Hel
l
o?
Tumel
o:(
tookadeepbr
eat
h)Mar
y?
Mar
y:(
frowned)Yes
Tumel
o:War
eng?
Mar
y:Gaker
esepe,
whoi
sthi
s?
Tumelo:
(pl
ayi
ngwit
hthekni
fest
ari
ngathi
m)
Thi
sisTumeloSi
banda,
okokae?
Mary:I
'
m home.
..You'
rescar
ingme,whoare
you?I
smyhusbandokay ?Hehasn'
tbeen
answeri
nghi
sphoneforhour
s.Olepodi
si
?
Tumel
o:Soy
ou'
renoti
nlabour
?
Mary:I
twasaf
alseal
arm.
..Wher
eismy
husband?
Tumel o:Ther easony ourhusbandhasn' tbeen
answer i
ngy ourphonecal l
sisbecausehewas
havingsexwi thmygi rl
fr
iend,Iam anex
conv i
ct.
..Ijustgotr eleasedfrom prisonand
foundy ourhusbandont opofmygi r
lfr
iend,i
n
thehousei pai dfor
, onthecouchi boughtf or
ourchildren...Hedidal lthesewhi l
et heywer ein
thenextr oom. .
.SotellmeMar y.
..Whatshoul dI
dotoy ourhusband?Becauseenegaakakea
tswahel a,waany el
abuti wantedtoconsul t
youf i
rstbecausey ouar etheonlyv icti
mi nthis
sit
uation.
Mary:(
swal
l
owed)Myhusbanddoesn'
tcheat
..
.
Lesanggot
shamekaj
alo,
I'
m pr
egnant
..
.Where
i
sTee?
Tumel
o:Mar
ydoy
ouhav
eacar
?
Mar
y:Yes
Tumelo:Geti
nthecarandcomeher e.
..I
'
llst
ay
ontheli
neanddirecty
ouunt i
lyougetherehae
kgaogayourhusbandwil
lrecharge.
..
Mar
y:Gi
rl
fr
iendy
agagoet
enghool
eyone?
Tumelo:Yes.
..
Tryt
ohurr
yupbecauseimi
ght
j
ustchangemymi ndandcuthi
sbal
ls.
Mary
: Don'
tcutt
hem j
usty
et,
keet
a..
.Thi
smust
beajoke.

Shehungup,
Tumel
owentthoughhi
sphone
andl
ookedathi
spi
ctur
est
henhelookedat
hi
m..
.

Tumel
o:Mosadi
wagagoobosul
a?
Thebe:
oraay
ang?
Tumelo:
Skampot
sagor
eker
ayaj
ang?
Nkar
abe
Thebe:
No,
gaabosul
a.
Tumel
o:Sokekgangy
agony
atsanna?

Hekeptqui et,Icoul
dn'
tstopwonder ingwhat
thewifewoul ddoorsaywhenshear ri
ved.I
alr
eadyhadacaseofhomewr ecki
ng, the
secondonewoul dvali
dat
eev eryt
hing.Every
one
whohaddef endedmedur ingtheWendy '
s
Facebooksagaont henewspaperwoul dbelef
t
speechless.
...

Afterafewmi nutesThebe'swif
epul l
edov eras
Tumi hungupt hephone, heunl
ockedt hedoor
forherthenshewal kedin,hecl
osedandl ocked
thenheleanedagai nstt
hedoorst ar
ingather
foldi
nghisarmshi dingt
heknifeinsi
det he
sleeveofhist
-shirt
...
Hiswi
fest
aredatmeandhim ashel
ooked
downavoi
dingherf
ace.
..

Her:
(tur
nedtoTumi)Iknowy
ourwi
fe.
..Ionce
sawheratShopr
it
e..
.Shewaswi
thal
lyour
chi
l
dren.
Tumel
o:Shei
snotmywi
fe,
shei
snotawi
fe.
..
Her:Yeah,
girl
fr
iend.
..(
looki
ngatherhusband)
Thebewhat'sgoingon?
Thebe:Pl
easehaveasi
t,y
ou'
renotsupposed
tostandf
orlong.
Her :
( angrily)Stopt hat!Don'tpretendyoucare
becausey oudon' t,it
oldy oui wasn'tf
eeli
ng
wellbuty oudi dn'tanswery ourphonet hewhol e
day .
..Kant et hisiswhaty ouhav ebeenupt o?
(tookadeepbr eath)Iforgiv
ey ou..(heshook
hishead, heknewi twasn' tgenuine)Seri
ously,I
forgi
v ey ou.Ij usthopey ou'l
l beasf or
givi
ngasi
am ify ouf indy ourselfinthesameposi t
ion.(
to
me)Wenammagakenakgangl ewena, I'm not
evengoi ngtowast emybr eathony ou, you're
notmar riedandy ouobv i
ousl ydon' tunder stand
whatthatmet almeans.I fy ouwer eamar ried
womanIwoul dasky oucer tainquest i
ons
j
aanongkaol ekgar ebegakenasenkase
buwangl ewenakadi kgangt salelwapal e
monna.Youdi dn' tmar rymeandy oudon' towe
meanexpl anation, sodon' twor ryaboutmeand
iwon'tsuey ou.I fi wanti cant akeapi ctureof
younowandgot ot hecust omar ycour ttosue
youbutnodearI '
m notgoi ngt odot hat.Instead
I'
m askingGodt obl essy ouwi thmar r
iage...I
j
ustwanty out obeawi feandunder standhow
i
tfeelstocomef acet of acewi t
hawomanwho
knowinglysleptwi thyourhusband.I bil
enna
haneoakedi t
swei woul dunder standbuty ou
knowhei smar ri
ed, y
ouknowmeandsawme
evenpret endatShopr ite.Amodi moago
segohatsekany al onnakaandonedayy ou' l
l
rememberThebe' swi fe.Bat engbasadi baba
tshwanangl ewenaj aanawhodon' trespect
marri
ages, mostoft hem nevergetmar ri
ed
becausei nst
eadofst ruggl
ingwiththeir
boyfr
iendsunt i
ltheysucceedbonet heywant
ourfi
nishedpr oductssokegokopel any al
o.I
'
m
done..
.(facedTumi )I'
m done..I
'm goinghome,
mpay ameebot hoko...
Tumel
o:Whatshoul
dIdowi
thy
ourhusband?
Mary
:Anythi
ngyouwantbutmakehedoesn'
t
st
opbreat
hing,
hischi
l
drenmightneedhi
m.
Tumel
o:(
nodded)Isee.
.
Mary:(l
ookingatTumi )Butmyadv iceisthat
youlethi
m go...Bot hofthem.Ther ear esome
womenwhoar en'tcapabl eofhav i
ngf amilies
andcommi tti
ngt ooneman.May beshei sone
ofthosewomen, youcandr agahor setot he
ri
verbutyoucan'tf orceittodrinkthewat er .
..
Youcanpr ovi
deawomanwi t
hev eryt
hingasa
manandshewi llturnaroundandcheatony ou
withsomeonel ikethis.
..(t
oherhusband)I 'm
sorrytosaythi
sbuti fi metthis(pointingat
Tumi wit
hhert humb)Hadi metthisbef ore
meet i
ngyoui wouldn'thav egi
veny out he
secondlook..
.It'
sfunnyt hatyouar esleeping
aroundspreadingy ourpoorper f
or mancet he
enti
retown,you'reembar r
assi
ngme.I 'm sure
thi
swomani swonder i
ngwhyi marr i
edy ou.
..
Nx l
aletmegobef orei saysomet hingstupid..
..

Shewal
kedt
owar
dst
hedoor
-

Tumi
:(t
hought
ful
l
y)Wai
t.
..

Shepausedandt urnedaroundasTumel o
walkedtowardsher,hetouchedhercheek
softl
yandkissedher.Iswall
owedtearf
ull
yand
rubbedmyey es.
..
Tumelo:I'
m sor
ryforkissi
ngyouwi
thouty
our
permissi
on..
.Iwi
shi couldfi
ndawi
feli
keyou.
Bye..
.

Shequiet
lytur
nedaroundandwal kedout
rubbi
ngoffhertear
s.Tumeloclosedthedoor
andsatonthefloorst
il
lhol
dingtheknif
e
l
ookingatus..
..

Tumelo: (si
ghedandspokecal mly)Iwasgoi ng
tobeaty ousobady ouwoul dbleedbuti just
l
earnedsomet hi
ngfr om yourwife.You'r
ebot h
notworthgoi ngtojailfor
..
.Ifikil
lyoushewi ll
cheatonmewi t
hanot herman...(
lookingatme)
Thereisonlyonewomanwhowi l
l l
oveme
unconditi
onallyandit'smydaught er..
.It
'sapity
hermot herisgone.Shewast oogoodandnow
iknowwhatt heymeanbyy oucan' tbelucky
twice.(stoodupandopenedt hedoor)Youcan
go...(
lookingatthecar)Yourwifeiscryi
ngin
thecar .
..(handedhi
mt hephone)You'rethe
man, youhav eawif
eandy oucanst i
l
l sl
eep
withotherwomenwi thoutevenhidi
ngy ourr
ing.
Salute..
.

Thebequiet
lywal
kedout side,Tumeloremained
atthedoorandwatchedt hem astheydrov
eout
fol
l
owingoneanotherthenhecl osedthedoor
andthrewthekni
feintheki t
chen.

Hewentt othebedr
oom andqui etl
ypackedhi
s
cl
othesinthebag,t
earsfi
lledhiseyesashe
shovedhisclot
hesi
nside,hegotov er
whelmed
andsatdowncov er
inghisf ace.

Hecl
enchedhi
sjawsandbli
nkedacoupl
eof
t
imesgett
ingr
idoft
hetear
stryi
ngt
ocomeout.
Iwalkedi
nandst oodbyt hedoorframel ooki
ng
athim,hewasbr eaki
ngthoughhedi dn'twant
tocryorshowit.Henoticedi wasstandingat
thedoorandstoodupcont inuingtopackhis
clot
hesandz i
ppedhisbag.Idi dn'
twanthimt o
l
eavebuti wastooscaredtosayany thi
ng...
.

Hebumpedonmeandwentt othecarwher ehe

puthisthi
ngsandgotbacki nthehousef orhi
s
shoes.Hesatont hecornerofthebedand
l
eanedov erhi
skneet heniwalkedov erand
stoodbetweenhislegsashesatont hebed
theniputmyar msar oundhisneckrubbinghi
s
head.Heswallowedhar dandputhisar ms
aroundmywai stsit
ti
ngont hebed..
..
..

Me:I'
m sor
ry..
..Pl
easeforgi
veme,Iswear
..
..I
swearI'
l
lneverhurtyouagai
n.(
rubbi
nghishead)
I
'
m sor
ry,
pleasedon'
tl
eav
eme.
..Il
ovey
ou.
..
.

Hestoodupandhuggedmef orafewminut
es
asicri
edonhisshoul
derst
henheletgoofme
andconti
nuedcol
lect
inghi
sthi
ngs.
..

Me:
Pleasesaysomet
hing.
..
.
Tumel o: You'll
nev erchange...
.Andy ou'r
enot
thewomani needi nmyl i
fe.Ifist
aywi thyou
I'
m goingt oki l
l youandi don'twantmy
daught ertolosebot hparents.Youal l
owedy our
chil
drent ohav ear el
ati
onshipwi t
ht hei
rfather,
theyhav eamot herandaf atherbutmi neonl y
hasme.Ihav et othinkforherbecauseI 'm her
onlypar ent.Istil
l l
oveyoubuti can'tbewi t
h
you..
.Notaf terwhatIsaw.Ican' t
..
.I'
m sorry.
Me:
(wal
kedov
er)Pl
ease-
Tumel
o:Don'
ttouchme.
..Youdi
dn'
tev
enwash
yourhandsbutyoutouchedhi
sdick.I'
ll
come
coll
ectmydaughtertomorr
owmor ning.
..Wher
e
arethecar
sregi
strat
ionpaper
s?Ineedmycar
back
Me:
Ial
readychangedi
ttomyname.
..
Tumel
o:Iwanti
tback.
..
Me:Iwon'
tsi
gni
tback.
..Imadeami
stakeI
'
m
sor
ry.
Tumel
o:Soy
ou'
ret
aki
ngmycar
?
Me:I
twasagi
ft
,whyar
eyoumaki
ngi
tseem
l
ikeI
'
mtaki
ngi
t?
Tumelo:(
thr
ewov
ert
hekey
s)Ican'
tbel
i
eve
thi
s..
..

Hemovedhi
sthi
ngsi
ntoKen'
scaranddr
ove
of
f.
..
.
AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..

Afewmi nut
eslaterheparkedi nfrontofhi
s
mother'
shouseandswi tchedof ft
heengine,
Bekezel
awaspl ayi
ngwi t
hal owv olumeashe
l
eanedbacksighingtr
yinghar dnott o
rememberseeinghim pull
ingoutofher .
..
.

Heleanedovert
hesteeri
ngwheelr
esti
nghi
s
heavyhead,
hisheadachefi
redf
rom t
hesi
deof
hi
sheadgoingdownt hebackofhi
shead.
..

Tearsfi
ll
edhi
sey esashecl osedhiseyes
frowni
ngandquietl
ydr oppedthem,heleaned
backontheseatandr ubbedhisfacethenhe
tookadeepbreath.
..

Hest
eppedoutoft
hecarandknockedbuthi
s
mot her'
sdoorbutshedidn'trespond,he
continuedtoknockseveralti
mesandpeaked
throughthewindow,l
uckilythewi ndowwasn'
t
closed..
.

Hemovedthecurtai
nsandl
eanedinsi
det
hen
hesawhi
smot herly
ingont
hefloor
..
..

Tumel
o:Mama!
?.
..(
rant
othedoor
)Shi
t!

Heopenedt heboot,grabbedascrewdri
verand
remov edt helockthenheki ckedhi
swayin,he
ranacr ossther oom andpickedherfr
om the
fl
oor,hel aidheront hebedandcheckedher
pulse.
....

Tumel
o:Mama!
?
Hestoodupandt ookadeepbreath,
hetooka
momenttorelaxandmakesurehewasn' t
shaki
ngthenhecheckedherpulseagai
n.

Therewasnopulse..
.heopenedherey
esand
tookalookatherpupil
s..
..

Tumel
o:(
swal
l
owed)No.
..
.

Hereachedforherphoneanddi
aledhi
sfat
her
paci
ngaroundtheroom...
.

Tumelo:
(anxiousl
y)Ngi
yakucel
aBaba
i
bambe..
..
..
ngiyacel
aphendula,
ngi
yakudi
nga.
..
..
..
Ngi
yacel
a..
..Shit
!

Hehungupandcar
ri
edhert
othecar
..
.
Tumelo:Nkulunkul
ungi
cel
aungangenzi
kanj
e,
ngi
yakuncenga..
..

Heslowlylai
dheronthebackseatandwent
backforherhandbagandmedicalcar
dsthen
hedrovetothehospit
aldi
ali
nghisuncl
e..
.

Uncl
e:Hel
l
o?
Tumelo:Hel
lo?Kei
sit
semosadi
mogol
oko
Let
sholat
hebe
Uncl
e:I
ssheokay
?
Tumel
o:Herhear
tisn'
tbeat
ing,shedoesn'
t
hav
epulseandsheisnotbr
eathing.
..
Uncl
e:OhGod.
..(
pani
cked)Wher
ear
eyou?
Tumel
o:Onmywayt
othehospi
tal
.
Uncl
e:Yourauntandi
wil
lbet
her
einaf
ew
mi
nut
es,
don'
tpani
cmyboy
.
Tumel
o:Okay
..
.
Uncl
e:Wher
eisApr
il
?
Tumel
o:Ataf
ri
end'
shouse.
Uncl
e:Good,
don'
tpani
c.
Tumel
o:By
e

Heovertooksever
alcarsandarr
ivedint he
emergencyparki
ngwi t
hinafewmi nutes.He
st
eppedoutandcar r
iedhismotherinside.
..
.

Anursedir
ect
edhi
mt othebedwherehel
aid
herdownandgent
lyf
ixedski
rtcov
eri
ngher
knees.
..
.

Tumel
o:If
oundherl
yi
ngont
hef
loor
Nur
se:
Alr
ight
..
.
Hecheckedherpul
seandpausedl
ooki
ngat
Tumel
o...

Nur
se:
I'
ll
beback.
..

Minutesl
aterhewal kedbackandputont he
stet
hoscopeinhisear st
henhepl acedi
tonher
chestandli
stenedasTumi st
aredathim..He
pull
edupherey el
idsandsighed..
..

Nurse:Wai
tov
erther
e,t
hedoct
orwi
l
lat
tend
herinafewminut
es
Tumel
o:I
ssheokay
?
Nur
se:(
soft
ly)Thedoctorwi
l
lcal
lyou,
namao
emehaal
epelelai
taka.
..
Hewal
kedoutast
henur
sepul
l
edt
hecur
tai
ns.

30mi nut
espassedashewasanxi ousl
yrubbi
ng
hishandstogetherandshakinghisknees.He
gotti
redandfinall
ystoodup, hepacedaround
withhishandsinthepocketst henanurse
call
edhimin..
.

Ashewalkedinhetookonel
ookatt
hedoct
or
andknewitwasover.
..

Hisheartpoundedasthedoct
orspoket
ohi
m
andallheheardwas..
..

Doct
or:
Andshel
ongpassed.
..

Hebowedhi
sheadandcl
osedhi
sey
esashi
s
uncl
eandauntwal
kedi
n..
..

Uncl
e:Hel
l
oDoct
or.
..
Tumel
o:Ineedsomeai
r.
..
.

Hewal kedoutoft
hebui
ldi
ngandleanedover
thecarasthedoctor
swordsechoedinhi
s
head.
..
...
..
..
..
..
..

Pl
easeLi
keandl
eav
eacomment
,muchl
ove.

Co-
wif
e
#83

Atmyhouse.
..
Asiswitchedofftheli
ghtsthatnightIcoul
dn't
sl
eep,igotundercoverhol
di ngmyphone
wonderi
ngwhatIcoul dpossi bl
ysayto
convi
ncehim..
..Icall
edhim ov erandoverbut
hedidn'
tpickmycal l
s.Iwant edtodri
veoverto
hi
smot her'
shousebuti didn'twanttoknockon
herdoorthatl
ate.Shedidn'tseem wellear
li
er.
..

Me:(t
exted)Tumi
I'
m sor
ryplease,
Idon'
tknow
whattodotoshowyouthatIam sorr
y.
Tumi:
(repl
i
ed)Ican'
ttal
k,I
'
llcal
ltomor
row
morni
ng.
Me:(cr
yingtypi
ng)Pl
easejustt
alkt
ome
pl
ease.
..I'
m beggi
ngyou.

AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..
Str
aightfrom thehospit
alheparkedinfrontof
hi
smot her'
shouseandl eanedovert
hest eer
ing
wheel,hestil
lcouldn'
tbeli
eveshewasgone
actual
lyhecoul dn'
tbel
ieveanyt
hingthathad
happenedal lt
ogether.
..

Nomat terhowmuchhet ri
edtonott ot hi
nk
aboutThebeget ti
ngoffherandremov ingthe
condom rightinfr
ontofhim hecouldn't.
Bekezelawasst i
llpl
ayi
ngonr epeatmodeand
heturnedupt hevolume,headjustedtheseat
andlaidonhi sbackswit
chingoffthelightsi
n
thecar.

Itwasdarkexceptforthegr eenl
ightsofthe
radi
oont hedashboard,het ookoffhist
-shi
rt
andcoveredtheli
ghtsthenhehunghi sfoot
outsi
dethewindowandl i
stenedtothesong.
Hegotemot ionalandcov
eredhisfacetaki
nga
deepbreath.
..Hishear
tandmi nddi
dn'tagree
onsomet hi
ngandhewast ornbet
weent hetwo.
Hereceivedamessageagai n.
..

Sthandwa:Babepleasepi ckmycal l
s,I'
m sorr
y.
Ican'tsl
eep.Ihavebeent ry
ingtosleepfor
hoursbutican't
.Youj ustwalkedoutofpr i
son,
youshouldn'tbealone..
.Youshouldn'thave
seenwhaty oujustsaw.I'm sorr
y.Il
ov eyou

Hereadt
hemessageandputt
hephonedown
t
henshecal
l
ed.
..
.

Atmyhouse.
..
.

Meanwhil
ethephonecont
inuedtori
ngfora
whi
lethenhepi
ckedbuthedidn'
tanswer,
i
nsteadtherewasmusicpl
ayingonthe
background.
..
.Isni
ff
edandrubbedmytear
s
l
ist
ening..
..

bekezel
angi
l
indent
ombi
yami
,ngi
l
inde
ngi
yabuy
adar
li
ewami
bekezel
angi
l
indent
ombi
yami
,ngi
l
inde
ngi
yabuy
adar
li
ewami
shov
amal
angakuphel
uny
aka
ngi
boni
sthandwasami
,
st
handwasami
ngakugci
nakudal
a
st
handwasami
ngi
yakukhumbul
a
shov
amal
angakuphel
uny
aka
ngi
boni
sthandwasami
,
st
handwasami
ngakugci
nakudal
a
st
handwasami
ngi
yakukhumbul
a
bekezel
angi
l
indent
ombi
yami
ngi
l
indengi
yabuy
adal
iwami
bekezel
angi
l
indent
ombi
yami
ngi
l
indengi
yabuy
adal
iwami

Igotemotional
...
Itwasani cesongandi thad
hissexyaccentbutIcoul dn'
tunderstandthe
l
anguage...
.Theonl ywor dsiunderst
oodwer e
Sthandwasami .Her educedthev ol
umeand
keptquiet
,ial
sodi dn'tknowwhatt osay..
..

Me:
Babe?
Tumel o:Youhav ehurtme. .
.(swall
owed
painful
ly
)I'm di
sappointed..
.Thiswas
supposedt obet hemostv i
ctor
iousdayofmy
l
ife.Thebankmi r
aculouslydroppedthe
charges..
.(tear
full
y)Godgav eusanot her
chanceSt handwasami andy oucouldn'
tbe
pati
ent.
..
..You'
renotapat
ientwoman
Sthandwasami, Whyar
eyousoi mpat
ient
?
Me:
(cr
ying)I
'
m sor
ryTumi
.
...Pl
easecomeback
Tumel o:Youhav enoi deahowmanyt imesi
pict
ur edmyf irstnightwi t
hy ou,itookmyt ime
shav i
ngatKen' shouse. ..Icl
eanedmy self
thoroughl yj ustf ory ou,forourf ir
stnight..You
weresupposedt oruni nmyar msandcr ytears
ofhappi ness. ..Buty ou'renotpat ient(tearf
ully
)I
am soj eal ousofy ou...Your educedmet o
nothing,y oudon' tvaluey ourselfsomuchy ou
becamet heot herwoman.St handwasami
you'revaluabl e...You'rebeaut i
ful andy ou
shouldbet hewi fenott hesidechi ck,that'
st oo
l
owf oryou.Whati sawont hatcoucht oday
i
sn'tmyi deaofMr sSi banda.Youj usttookme
tosquar e1. …
Me:
(cr
ying)Pl
easecomebacksowet
alk.
..
Tumel
o:(
sighed)Mymot
herpassedaway
,i
foundheront hefloor(
myhear tski
pped)Idon't
feelli
ketalki
ng...Givemetimet odealwithit
.
Myauntwi ll
collectApri
li
nthemor ning.Don'
t
callunti
lIcallyou,that
'sal
lI'
m aski
ngf or.
Me:
Okay
..
.Goodni
ght
Tumel
o:By
e

Hehungupt hephoneandputi
tdownl ooking
athismot her
'shouse,
hecoul
dn'
tgetinside..
.
Helockedt hecarandlai
ddowncl
osinghi s
eyes..
..
..

Atmymot
her
'shouse.
..
.

Thenextmorni
ngsoonafterTumelo'
saunt
col
lect
edApri
lidr
oppedthechil
drenatschool
anddrovet
omymot her
'shouse.
Shewassi tt
ingoutsidebehindt
hehouse
havi
ngteaandkni tt
inghercarpetswhil
esun
baski
ng,Isteppedoutoft hecarasScoobyran
towar
dsmebutIst ompedmyf eetannoyedand
i
tranaway .Mymot herpausedandl ookedat
measi walkedov ercryi
ng..
..

Iputthekeysdownandsatnextt
ohercryi
ng
l
oudly,shepul
ledmyheadonherlapand
rubbedmybackasi cr
ied.
..
.

Her
:what
'swr
ong?
Me: Tumel ocaughtmewi thanot herman. ..
.
(cr
ying)Mamai thi
nkher eall
ylov edme, ke
gonekel emoganggor ehel ovedme.Iwas
waiti
ngf orhi
mt ohurtmesomuchi Idi
dn'tsee
everyt
hinghedi dforme..
.Idon' tthinkhewi l
l
seemel ikethatanymore, i
feellightmy self
.I'
m
afr
aidI'
llneverbehappy.….Hesai di shouldn'
t
cal
lhi
m..
.
Her:
Everythi
ngwedohasconsequences
ngwanaka,haobony emonnay ooiketi
l
engo
di
gadithakoot shet
hisamakgwaho,wenaone
osenyegil
ejaanong.Cry.
..
.That
'sall
youcando
Me: Andhej ustl
osthismother,ifeelgui
lt
y
becausei knewshewasn' twellbutiwast oo
excit
edaboutmeet i
nganothermani f
orgotto
j
ustcheckonherbef oresl
eeping..
.I'
m
unrel
iabl
e...Hetrust
edmewi thhismot herand
daughterbuti l
ethim down.
..
.
Her:(
rubbi
ngmyback)Mayhersoul
resti
n
peace.
..
.

AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..

Daysl
aterclosef
ami
lyandfr
iendsmembers
gat
her
ed, t
herewasabigbr
ownt entatt
he
cor
neroftheyar
dwithov
er30mat t
resses
i
nsidewheremostmensleptwhi
l
ewomen
sl
eptint
hehouse..
.

I
nf rontofthetentwasabi gfir
eareawithbi
g
fi
rewoodboi l
ingwaterinadr um,youngmen
passedbyhol dingbowlsofmeatf rom t
hecow
thathadjustbeenslaughtered.
..

Youngwomenf r
om churchaswell
thefamil
y
gatheredaroundtheotherfir
ear
eamakingtea
andbaki ngbreadwhil
eot her
spr
eparedteaf
or
everyone..

Youngchi
ldr
enpl
ayedont
heopensandyar
ea
chasi
ngoneanot
her.
.

Meanwhi
l
ecl
osef
ami
l
ymember
shel
daf
ami
l
y
meeti
ngsitt
ingi
nMr sSibanda'swell decorated
l
elwapanaaseveryonelookedatTumi for
answers,
ascommonl yexpectedf r
om ev er
y
grownchil
dtohaveinsuredtheirparents...
.

Uncle:
Ee,Tumi asy oucanseei t
'shar
d..
.We
havealr
eadycontributedtofeedevery
onefor
thepastcoupl
eday s.
..Whenistheri
ghtti
me
fort
heburiall
ookingaty ourbudgetor
i
nsurancecompanypol i
cy?

Itbr
okehishearti
nhalf,hedi
dn'
thave
i
nsurancecovernordidhehaveanymoney
saved..
.Hedi
dn'tevenknowhowt oexpl
aini
tto
everyone.

Tumi:(clearedhisthr
oatshamefull
y)Ij
ustgot
rel
easedf rom pr
ison.
..Ihadnomeansof
payi
ngi nsurancepoli
cies.Thel
astmoneyihad
keoneaker ekil
edij
oandthecowwej
ust
ki
ll
ed.
..Idon'thavemoney
.

Therewassi
l
enceasever
yonewonder
edhow
theywoul
dburyher
..
.

Auntie:Havet heSibanda'sbeeni
nfor
med?
Kanat hosepeopl eshouldknowthisi
sthei
r
responsibi
li
ty.Theycameal lt
hewaytopay
bogadi sur
elyt heyhavetoburyher
,wherei
s
Sibanda?Wher eisyourfather
?
Tumelo:Ihav
ebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lbuthei
sn'
t
answeri
ng
Uncl
e:Heshoul
dcomehereandf i
xallt
hese,
wetookcar
eofhisr
esponsi
bil
i
tiesforf
artoo
l
ong..
.
Ol
destuncl
e:Wecan'
ttr
ustt
heSibanda'
swhen
wehaven'
tseent
hem i
ndecades.
..Thi
sisour
daughter
,let
'
scont
ri
but
emoneyandpayf
orher
coff
in.
Chur
chelder:
Thechur
chwil
lbuyt
hecof
fi
n,
MrsSibandawasadedi
cat
edmemberofthe
chur
ch.

Tumigotmoref
rust
ratedasdiscussi
onsof
howtogethi
smotheracof f
inconti
nued.I
t
wasn'
thowhealwayspictur
edit
,hismother
bei
ngburi
edbycont
ributi
onswasundignif
ied
andhewasashamed...
.

Hetookadeepbr eat
ht r
yingt
ocalm downbut
hist
hroatcr
acked,heleapedupandwalkedout
l
ikehewasjustgoingforsomefreshair
..
..

Lat
eronafewpeopl
earr
ivedt
ogetherwi
th
morechur
chmembers,
Kenarri
vedwithhi
s
wifeandqui
etl
yscannedthecr
owdf orhi
s
fr
iendbuthecoul
dn'
tfindhi
m.Hespot t
ed
Tuelowhowasalsosearchi
ngforhi
m...

Hewal
kedov
erandl
eanedov
erwhi
sper
ing.
..

Ken:
Mer
apel
oeasi
mol
ogaSt
uxokae?
Tuel
o:Idon'
tknow,
lennant
sekemmat
aka
mathokesammone.

Theotherconcer
neduncl
ewal
kedov
ert
o
them.
..
.

Uncl
e:OkaeTumel
o?
Tuel
o:Gaay
omot
eng?
Uncl
e:Hel
ongwalkedoutofthemeet
ingear
li
er
butt
hatwashour
sago,wherecoul
dhebe?
Theyspli
tandsear
chedbutcoul
dn'
tfi
nd
hi
m...
..
..
..
..(
9t)

Al
way
sremembert
oLi
ke,
muchl
ove.
Co-
wif
e
#85

AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..

Lesego:Nt
atsal
eswet
hemma,
odi
raeng
kante?
Me:Tumel oweegaoyegopel
emony anaor
el
seI'
llcauseascenei
nfr
ontofal
lthose
peopl
e.

Tumel
ohel
pedherupanddust
edhert
henhe
openedt
hedoorf
orher
..
.

Tumelo:(
closedt
hedoor
)St
ayi
nther
e..
.Don'
t
sayanyt
hingokay?
Lesego:
Okay
..

Het
urnedar
oundandf
acedDudu.
..

Tumelo:Canyoupleasegowi ththi
sgirl
to
coll
ecthermother'
sjacket
.Justcoll
ecti
tand
bri
ngitheresothatIcanbetheonet opresent
i
ttohertogaennaekar ekeganagor ongwa
kanagakerongwakear omeletsa.
Dudu:
Okay
,wi
l
lyout
ell
Tuel
owher
eiwent
?
Tumelo:Yes.
..(
lookedatme)Neel
aDudukey
gakenagotsamay a,i
won'
tgo..
.
Ihandedhert hekeyfeel
i
ngalit
tl
eguilt
y,come
tothinkofiti wasn'
tevensur
etherewas
anythingbet weenthem,i
twasjustafunny
feel
ingi got.Iqui
etlywat
chedasTumi opened
thedoorf orDudut hencl
osedandleanedover
..
.

Tumi
:(softl
y)LesegoI
'
mver
ysor
ryaboutt
his.
Wewil
l t
alk.
Lesego:
Okay
..
Tumi
:AndI
'
m sor
ryy
ouruni
for
m gotdi
rt
y
Lesego:(smi
led)Don'twor
ryaboutit
,itwas
l
ongdi r
tybef
orei cameby.Ihavebeenwearing
i
tallday.
Tumi
:Al
ri
ght
,I'
l
ltal
ktoy
ou.

Dudurever
sedthecarlight
ingusasTumi st
ood
i
nf r
ontofmeprotect
ingmef rom t
hebright
l
ights,
Duduremember edshewaslight
ing
ever
yoneanddeemedt
henshet
urnedt
hecar
anddrov
eoff.

Ifol
dedmyar msashestoodbef oreme, itwas
abitchill
yandthecoldbreezefrozemy
earf
laps..
..Hetookoffhi
sleatherjacketand
putitaroundmet henhefoldedhisarms
star
ingatme. .
.

Tumi
:(si
ghed)Youhav
emyat
tent
ion.
..Whati
s
i
t?
Me:
Doy
oul
oveher
?
Tumi:Iwoul
dn'
tsayl
ovebutsheiskindacute,
Sheisachri
sti
anmaybeshewon'tsleeparound
wit
hmar r
iedmenonourcouchinfrontofour
chi
ldr
en.
Me:Il
oveyouandiunder
standt
hatyou'
re
angr
ywit
hme, andt
hat'
sfi
netoo.Iknowi
disappointedy oubuti won'twat chy ouwal k
awayf r
om mewhenIknowi canmakey ou
happy,iwon' tlety out akemydaught eraway ..
.I
knowApr ili
sn'tfami li
arwi thal otofpeopl ehere
may besheknowsaf ewl adiesf rom chur chbut
sheneedsmer egardlessofwhati shappeni ng
betweenus.I '
dl i
ket ocont i
nuest ay i
ngwi thher .
Otswapr isonohi thelakennal eApr i
l evenon
thenighty ouar ri
vedy ouf oundherwi thme.
Evendur ingmymi stakesi neverabandonedher
becauseI 'm hermot her .Iunderst andherbet t
er
thanany oneher eev eny out hef ather..
.You
knowshehasacondi tiont hatturnst omake
peoplejudgeherandi don' twantpeopl et o
verbal
lyabuseher .Ourf i
ghtshav enot hingt o
dowi t
hourchi ldren.
Tumi:You'r
eright.
..ABOUTHER, Sheneedsyou.
Iobvi
ouslycan'tcareofherasmuchasy oucan
soyou'l
lkeepherf ornowuntilIf
indaj
oband
accommodat i
on.Any thi
ngelse?
Me:
Ilov
eyouand-
Tumi
:Whatdoy
oumean?
Me:
Idon'
tunder
stand
Tumi
:Whatdoyoumeanwheny
ousayy
oul
ove
me?Whati
slov
etoyou?
Me: Imadeami st ake.
.Ithadnothingtodowi t
h
myf eeli
ngsfory ou, iwasscaredt obelonel
y.I
wasi mpati
enti acknowl edgethat..
.Ishoul
d
havebeenpat ient .
..I
'm notmakingexcusesbut
Iwascheat ed,beat enandembar r
assedbya
manbef oresoi thoughty out
reatedmegood
becauseourr elationshi
pwasnew.It hought
eventual
lyyou'llcheatonme.I 'm sorr
yplease
for
giveme.
Tumi:Idon'
tthi
nki wil
lforgetwhatyoudi
d,i
forgi
veyoubuti don'
tthi
nkIcanseey outhe
sameaf t
ert
hat..Ican'
t.Idon'twantt
oli
etoyou.
It
'soverNal
edi.
..
Me:
NnakeaganaI
t'
snotov
er,
kel
eki
l
egogo
rapelamot howamodi mosoy oul eav emeno
choicebutt obef orceful.Otampet sahel akana
onkobabuti won' tl
eav ey ou..
..You' remy
boyfriendandi fi seey ouwi thagi rlI'
m goingt o
beather ,
Iswear .I'
llgot hatlowf ory ou.Ler ona
reitei
lwekebany anamobar ekobamo
bannenggasennasemat ayoket aal etel
ela
mony anawadi baer etegont seelamonna.She
want sy out othinkshei shol ythat '
swhyshe
cameher ewithherugl ychur chuni formlooki ng
l
ikesheaboutt of l
yt othemoon.Thesear et he
typesofwoment hatchaseawayst epchi ldren
oncet heyhav ear riv
ed, keuni f
or my aengy a
masi go?Igett hathermot hersenty oubutba
tshwanahel alemmagwe, whydi dn' tshesend
herdaught ertogeti tbecauset hi
sgi rli
sol d
enought odr i
ve?Shewant stobr ingy outwo
togetherandi t
'snothappeni ng, y
ou' remi ne.
Tumi:(
shookhisheadandsi
ghed)St
handwa
sam i
fI'
my our
sgopalaengtobefai
thf
ul?
clearl
yyou'r
enotwhoithoughtyou'
re.
..You'
rea
total
lydif
fer
entchar
act
erfrom whatIfel
linlov
e
withi meanlookwhaty
oujustdidtothatli
tt
le
girl
Me: I
'l
ldowor sei ficatchy ouwitht hat"lit
tl
e
gir
l"agai
n,You'renotl eavingmehael esengwe
youcanpuni shmeoraskmet oassur eyou
somehowwet hery out akemyphoneand
passwordsorsomet hing,dowhat ev eryouwant
butyou'r
enotl eav i
ngme.I '
mt i
redofbei ng
orderedaround, imadeami st
akef or gi
vemeso
thatIcanmakei tupt oy ou.Whatwi llt
hatlit
tl
e
gir
lgiveyou?
Tumi:Whatarey ougi
vingmewena?Kao
pal
elwahelakegonnaf ait
hful
?I'
m notaski
ng
youtodoany t
hingformeexcepttobef ai
thf
ul,
fai
thf
ulnesshel
ay aapala.
Me:Butbabehowmanyt i
mesdidIcheat?St
op
j
udgi
ngmehar shl
y.
..obuwaekar
eibi
lekego
t
sholet
sebana,t
herearewomenwhohav e
doneworse(ifol
dedmyarms)Iwantaf ai
r
chance.I
'
m notevenaski
ngy ouI
'm gi
vi
ng
my sel
fafai
rchance,
garekgaogane.
Tumi:(sighed)Idon'twanttogethurtNaledi
becausei fyoukeepcheatingonmeI 'l
lki
l
l you
andimeani t.
..I
'
llki
l
l y
ouandgost ayin
Tsholotsho..
.
Me:
Iwon'
tcheat
..
.
Tumi:(st
ari
ngatme)Doy
ouknowthatican
beatawomansobadshewouldanswerwhenI
sneeze?
Me:
(laughed)Yes
Tumi:Don'tl
augh, I
'
m ser i
ous.
..Let
satsil
eke
taagobetsanggagonnaga1hel aandyou'l
l
nevert
akemef orgranted,anketil
egogo
shapabecausegaonahankagobet sangteng
kadiat
a.Ican'tevenslapy ouI
'dbreakyourjaw,
ican'
tchokey ouI'
dcr ushyourneckbones...
Gaonahankagobet sangteng
Me:(
smil
edbit
ingmylowerl
i
pst
ari
ngupathi
m)
Sohavey
ouforgi
venme?
Tumi
:You'
renotl
i
steni
ngt
owhatI
'
m say
ing
Me:(i
smil
edandwr
appedmyarmsaroundhim
l
ayi
ngmyheadonhi
schest
)I'
mlist
eni
ng..
..I
'
m
l
ist
eni
ng.
..
Tumi:(
pull
edmychi
nup)Nt
heet
sapel
egor
e
kar
eng..
.
Me: (
giggl
edandputmyar msuphisneckthen
stoodonmyt oeskissi
nghi
m)Iheardyou.
..I
heardevery
thi
ng..
.
Tumi
:Neker
eng?
Me:(pl
ayi
ngwi t
hhisearfl
aps)You'
l
lwhi
pmei
f
ihur
tyou.
..Ihear
dyou..
.
Tumi:(l
ookingatmylips)Youhav
et oapol
ogi
se
toLesego.
..Thatwasn'tni
ceatal
l.
..
Me:
I'
ll
apol
ogi
set
oher
,I'
m sor
ry.
..
Hel eanedov erandFrenchkissedme, Dudu
pull
edov erandf l
asheduswi ththel
ights,she
quicklyswitchedtheli
ghtsoffthenshest epped
outandgav eTumi t
hejacketandcarkey s,
Lesegost eppedoutlookingatTumi andwai ted
bythecar .
..
.

Dudu:
Her
eyougo.
..
Tumi
:Thanks.
..(
pul
l
edmyhand)Comeher
e..
.

If
oll
owedhim ashel
edmet oLesegowhowas
l
eani
ngbythecarfol
dingherar
ms..
.

Tumi
:Hey
..
.Ar
eyouokay
?
Lesego:
(smi
l
ed)Yes
Me:I
'
m sorryf
orpushi
ngy ou.
..Youhadnothi
ng
t
odowi t
hourargumentsandi shoul
dn'
thave
i
nvol
vedyou.I
'
m sorr
y,f
orgiveme. .
.
Shel
ookedatTumel
oandf
eltobl
i
gat
ed.
..

Lesego:
It'
sokay
,if
ell
ont
hesand.
..Idi
dn'
tget
hurt
.
Me:
Thanks.
..(
tohi
m)I
'
llwai
tov
ert
her
e..
.

It
urnedaroundandwalkedovert
oDuduwitha
monkeysmi l
e,sher
espondedwit
hthesame
smil
easwehuggedandsl ight
lyj
umpedli
ke
si
ll
yteenager
s.

Meanwhi
leTumel
oandLesegowal
kedi
nsi
de
t
heyard.
..
.

Tumel
o:I
'
m sor
ryaboutwhathappenedear
li
er.
..
Lesego:
It'
sokay
,iunder
standhowex'
scanbe.
.
Tumelo:Sheiski
ndofmygirl
fr
iendkoor
ewe
aregoi
ngthroughshi
t.
..
sant
se.
Lesego:
Whowr
ongedwho?
Tumel
o:Idi
d..
Lesego:
Oh,okay
..
.Youcangetmynumberand
cal
lmeifyousheisst
ressi
ngyou.
Tumel
o:(cl
ear
edhist
hroat
)Doy
out
hinky
our
mom i
sthissi
de?
Lesego:
Shei
sint
hemai
nhouse.
..
.Soca-
Tumel
o:(t
urned)Al
ri
ght
,shap.
..Fr
om hereI'
l
l
col
l
ectApri
lsoyoucanjoi
nyourfr
iends.
..
Lesego:
(foll
owedhim)Youdidn'
ttakemy
number,ineedyourhel
pwit
hmyassi gnment
s..
.
Whatdidy oust
udy?
Tumelo:(paused)Iworkwi
thcomputer
sand
sof
twares,idon'tknowany
thi
ngaboutTour
ism
Lesego:
Myl apt
opi
stooslow,
ithi
nki
need
newupdatedwhatwhat
..
..
Tumel
o:(gav
eherhi
sphone)Al
ri
ght
..Sav
eyour
number

Shesavedhernumberandpagedherselft
hen
shegavehi
mt hephone,hetur
nedaroundand
walkedi
nthehousedelet
inghernumber.

Hesquattednextt
othechoi
rmasterasshe
waslyi
ngnexttohisaunt
sthenhehandedthe
j
acketover.
..
.

Tumel
o:Her
eiti
s..
.
Her
:Tanki
mogwewame.
..
Aunt
ie:
(laughed)Uhusoy
oual
readygav
ehi
m
awif
e?
Her:
Ee..
.Isawy
ouwal
ki
ngoutwi
thLesego,
is
sheback?
Tumel
o:Yee,
shei
sout
side
Her: Sheshouldprepar
eyout ea,
menhadt ea
earl
ier.
..
.Pleasedon'
thesi
tat
et oaskhert
o
prepareyousomet hi
ngtoeat.Sheisj
ustl
ike
yourlit
tl
esisteraker
e?Kemonnaonneomo
romahel a
Tumel
o:(
laughedshy
ly)Emma
Her:ShouldIleavewit
hApri
lfr
om here?I
underst
andy ou'r
ebusyandsheisn'
t
comfortabl
ewi thany
one.
Tumel
o:I
'
llt
akeherwi
thme.
..
Her
:Okaymyboy
,thanky
ou.
..

Tumel
owal
kedout
..
.

Att
hegat
e..
..
Meanwhi
leIbut
tonedTumel
o'
sjacketand
si
ghedaswestoodbythegat
echatti
ng..
..

Dudu:
(laughed)Kehakemmol
elagor
eTumel
o
hasagirl
fr
iendnnaka.
..
Me:
And?
Dudu:Shesai dshedoesn'
twanthim eneibi
le
Tumelojustaskedhertoaccompanyhi m.I
beli
eveher,shetol
dmeshei sn'
tint
erestedin
boys.Sheisasweetgirl,
shetal
ksaboutt he
Bibl
e.
Me:Yeah,
sheseemsv
erysweet
..
.If
eel
badf
or
pushi
ngher.
..

TueloandTumel
owalkedoutofthegate
chatt
ingasTumel
ocarr
iedApri
lonhis
shoulder
..
..
Tuel
o:(
fi
stbumped)Sur
eSt
ux,
kamoso
Tumel
o:Sur
eboy
..
.

IgotinthecarashelaidApr
ili
nthebackseat
thenjumpedinsi
de,ipull
edt
heseatbeltashe
rever
sedthecarandpluggedinhi
sphone
playi
ngDanceHall.
..

Tumel o:(
sighed)Mymot herwasn'tsupposed
todi e,
shewassupposedt ohearthatI'mfree.
.
Shewassupposedt oseemegof oryears
withoutbreaki
ngthelaw,shewassupposedt o
wat chmemar r
yandgiveheralotof
grandchil
dren..
.
Me: Sheisstil
lwatchi
ng. .
.Youcansti
l
lgiveher
that
...
.Let'
sdedicatethi
ssecondchancet oher
.
I
'm dedicati
ngittoher..
..(Ir
ubbedhi
shandas
heheldt hegearsti
ck)I'
llloveandr
espectyou.
.
Webot hleanedov erandmethalf
wayki
ssing,
Bekezel
apl ayedthenheincr
easedthev
olume
andsmi l
edl ooki
ngatme...

Tumel
o:Il
ovey
ou.
.Pl
easedon'
thur
tme.
.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
.
Tumel
o:Ar
eweget
ti
ngt
het
roubl
emaker
s?
Me:
Wecangett
hem t
omor
rowmor
ning
Tumelo:
Let'
sjustgett
hem, i
t'
sbeenawhi
l
e
si
nceIhaveseenthem,theymustbebi
gnow.
..
ImissAme
Me:
(laughed)Amehel
a?
Tumelo:Andot her
st oo(laughed)kooreI
thel
aa
mpolaamogomaswel ai t
aameat shamekaa
ntse,
I'
mt ell
ingyou.
..Thedayhel eanstowalk
hewillneverstopwalking.Hewi l
lbethese
ty
pesofki dswhogomi ssi
ngbai t
samaelahela.
Me:
(laughed)I
'
llt
iehi
mtot
het
ree.
..

Hesmi
l
edandst
eppedont
heaccel
erat
or.
..

Atourhouse.
..
..
.

Laterthateveni
ngi cl
osedthechil
dren'
s
bedroom andunwr appedthetowelaroundme
walkinginthebathroom,Tumelosteppedinthe
tubandhel pedmegeti nsi
dethenwebot hsat
downl ookingatoneanother.
..

Me:(
sighed)Huuuuh.
..
.It
'ssowar
m..
.Neke
t
senywekeserame...
Tumelo:
(smi
l
edandpul
l
edmeov
er)Come
her
e..
.
Ismi l
edandsatontopofhi m ki
ssingme,he
strokedhi
mselfandreachedundert hewater
touchingmethenhelif
tedhimsel fupand
squeezedhimselfi
nasi fr
oze...
.

Me:
(sof
tl
y)Mmm.
..
.

Heki
ssedmeandcar
essedmybody
..
..
.

Tumel
o:Getup.
..

Hesteppedoutoft
het
ubandl
edmet
othe
bedr
oom. .
..

Me:(gi
ggl
ed)Wearewet.
..Ragor
obal
akae
af
terwett
ingt
hebed.
..
Hesmi ledandt urnedtothelivi
ngr oom where
wekissedst andingthenhesl owlylaidmeon
thecouchandgotont opofme. .
..Irubbedhis
bonerashedesper atel
yrubbeditagai nstme
breat
hingdownonme. ..Hekissedmyneckand
conti
nuedr ubbinghimselfagainstbuthi s
erect
ionweakenedashet houghtfull
ykissed
me.

Hi
sweapongotsof
terwi
thev
eryr
ubi
gav
e
hi
m..
.

Me:
Arey
ouokay
?
Tumel
o:(l
ookedt
heot
herway
)Yeah.
..Let
'
sget
down.
..

Wegotdownandlai
dont hecar
petashe
ki
ssedme,hesl
owlygai
nedhiserect
ionagai
n
asirubbedhim..
.Hegent l
yrubbedmybr east
s
andleanedovertonguingmynipplesthenhe
pausedlooki
ngundert hecouch,hecouldsee
anopenedcondom. ..

Heignor
editandcontinuedki
ssi
ngmeashe
hi
sdickgotsoftagai
n...

Me:
Ner
ragor
il
eng?
Tumel
o:Ki
ssme.
.

Iki
ssedhi
m sof
tl
yandhepushedhissof
tdick
i
nme, i
tsl
idi
nandhepushediti
nwithhis
fi
nger
sandalmosthur
tme,if
li
nchedback..
.

Me:
Ouch.
..
.
Tumel
o:.What
?
Me:It
'spai
nful,y
ou'
renoterect
.Kant
enerra
gasegorentseosahavesexinpri
son?Shoul
d
youbeharderthaneverbef
ore?
Tumel
o:whatar
eyousuggest
ing?
Me:(st
oodup)Nothi
ng.
..Nev
ermi
nd..
.You
shoul
dn'
thavegot
tenmyhopesupfornot
hing
Tumel
o:I
'
m notf
eel
i
ngwel
l
...I
'
m st
ressed
Me:
Shoul
dn'
tst
ressmakey
ouwantsex?
Tumelo:Wear ewir
eddifferent
,notev
eryguy
getsanerecti
onaft
erlosingtheirmot
herand
fi
ndingoutthatt
hei
r-nevermind.
.
Me:I'
m sor
ry.
..
.It
otal
l
yfor
gotaboutt
hat
..
.I'
m
sor
ry

Iwalkedoverandhuggedhi
mt i
ghtl
yasheput
hisarmsaroundmet henhi
sphonerang.
..He
reachedf
oritonthetabl
eandanswered
holdi
ngmeandki ssi
ngmyneck..
..
..
Tumel
o:Hel
l
o?
Si
banda:
Sabonandodana,
khonasi
fi
ka.
Tumel
o:Ungaphi
?
Si
banda:
Ngi
ngasemal
l
Tumel
o:Uwedwa?
Si
banda:
No,
ngi
l
obabakaz
iwakhol
oThembi
e
Tumel
o:Ubuy
elabant
wana?
Si
banda:
Yebo.
Tumelo:
Yindabaezelabokodwa?
Akuf
anelangababesesikol
o?
Si
banda:
Kumel
ebav
alal
i
sel
abo.
Tumel
o:Kul
ungi
l
eke,
ngi
yabuy
a.

Hehungupandki
ssedme.
..
Tumelo:
(smil
ed)Getdr
essed,
timet
omeet
yourf
amily
..
.
Me:
(laughed)Whatwer
eyousay
ing?
Tumel
o:Mydadj
ustar
ri
ved.
Me:
Alr
ight
..
.

Iexci
tedl
ygotanddressed,mi
nut
esl
aterwe
gotinthecaranddr
oveof f
.

Att
hemal
l
...
.

Minut
eslaterwepar kednexttoasi l
verCRV
wit
haf orei
gnnumberpl ate,Tumelostepped
outashisfatherapproachedout,ial
readyknew
i
twashi m.Itneedednoex planat
ion.
..

Theyshoul
derbumpedl
aughi
ngexci
tedl
yas
theotherol
dladyst
eppedoutsmi l
ing,he
huggedherthenashortchubbyyoungwoman
steppedoutandhuggedhimtight
ly..
.

Twoy oungchil
drensteppedoutandran
towardshi
m, hepickedbothofthem and
huggedthem emot i
onal
ly.
..
.

Tumel
o:(
smi
l
ed)Youguy
sar
esobi
g..
.What
's
up?
Ol
destboy
:(t
urnedhi
scapt
otheback)I
'
m cool
Tumel
o:Imi
ssedy
ou.
..

Ismil
edleanedagai
nstthecarthenhewal
ked
overandhandedmet heyoungest,
hewas
about4years.
..
.
Tumel
o:comeher
e..
..

Ifol
l
owedhim car
ryi
ngtheboy
..
.Hisfat
her
huggedmebeforehecoul
devenint
roduceus
sodidtheol
dlady.
..

Tumelo:
Thisi
smyfat
her.
..Andmyaunt
..
.
(l
ooki
ngather
)andmyli
tt
lesist
er.
.
Si
banda:(
smiled)Nicetof
inal
l
ymeetyoumy
daught
er,
I'
m notleavi
ngbefor
eipaybogadi
.
..
Aunti
e:(smil
ed)Yes.
..Wehav
ehear
dal
ot
aboutyou..
.
Sist
er:
(looki
ngatme)You'
rebeaut
if
ul.
..Just
l
ikehedescribedy
ou.
.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
..

Thesi
sterwal
kedov
erandhuggedme,
i
huggedhersmil
i
ngthenTumelohuggedbot
h
ofusandputtheol
destnephewdown..
.

Tumel
o:Al
ri
ght
..
.Um
Si
banda:
Let
'
sgo
Tumel
o:Yes.
..Fol
l
owme

Igoti
nthecarhol
dingt
hey
oungest
..
.

Ol
dest
:Iwantt
ocomewi
thy
ou.
.
Tumel
o:Sur
eboyhopi
n,l
et'
sgo.
..

Hej
umpedinthecart
henTumelodrov
eoutof
t
hepar
kingl
otashisf
atherf
oll
owedhi
m..
..
..
..
*
Thenexti
nser
twi
l
lfol
l
owat11:
15pm t
oni
ght
.
*NextweekI '
l
lbeonst udyleaveandthest
ory
wil
lpauseunt i
lIf
inishwrit
ingmyexamswhi ch
wil
llastaweek.I'
llkeepremindingy
ouasthe
dateapproaches.
*
Likeandl
eav
eacomment
.Muchl
ove.
..
Co-
wif
e
#84

AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..
.

Youngwomensur roundedt hetabl

eset t
ingup
cupsinacoupleoftray st
oserveev er
yonewi th
tea,t
hechoirmast
erl edtheIPHCy oungl adi
es
tothetabl
ewheretheyj oi
nedthefami l
y
member sandserv
edt ea.
..
.
Shemadeadr i
nkandgrabbedtwoSconest
hen
shehandedherdaught
er.
..
..
..

Choi
rmaster:Pl
easegivethistoApril
,ev
ery
par
entkeepsfeedi
ngtheirchil
drenbutshe
l
ookslost
,kooremasi
kaant sejang
Her
:Okay
..
.
Choirmast er:Pl
easekeepacl oseey eonher ,
nooneseemst ocar ekeipotsagoreaoki lea
thapat ot
a.Myf riendmustbev erysadlooking
downathergr anddaught erbeingneglect
edl i
ke
thi
s..Tumel ocannott akecareofherl i
kea
womanwoul dgapehehasal otonhismind.
Thesepeopl eexpecthi mt othrowmoney
aroundl i
kehedi dn'twalkoutofpr i
son
yesterday
Her:Nnakanagakemoit
seTumelo,Mma
Sibandausedt
otal
kabouthi
m buti
havenev
er
seenhim.
Choi
rmaster
:You'l
lknowwhenyouseehi
m,he
l
ooksli
keApri
lexcepthei
sdark.
..
.
Her
:Okay
..
.(wal
kedout
)Letmegof
indher

Thechoirmasterjoi
nedt heelder
sasy oung
l
adiesservedpeoplewithtea.MeanwhileApril
ranaroundwit
hot herchi
ldrenastheychased
oneanotherpl
ayinguntilsheandt heothergi
rl
bumpedononeanot herandfelldowncr yi
ng.

Theotherchi
l
d'smot
herhur
ri
edoverand
hel
pedhergetupmassagi
ngherf
orehead.
..
..

Her:Sor
rynnana.
..
.Sorry.
..(
angri
lyatApri
l)
Watchwhereyouaimt hatbighead,okathul
a
ngwanakalekhandalel
ekana, mokwerekwere
yo!
Shewal kedawaywi t
hherdaughterasApri
l
quietlyr
ubbedherf orehead,
thebumponher
foreheaderectedasshebr avel
yconti
nued
playingwithotherchil
drenbutthepai
ngot
i
nt ensethenshehur ri
edtothehousetotel
lher
grandmot her
.

Shestil
lcoul
dn'
tunderst
andwhysomany
peoplevi
sit
edthem,shecaref
ull
ywalked
betweenthemattr
esseslyi
ngont hefl
oort
ryi
ng
tomakeherwayt othegrandmother'
s
bedroom..
.

Aunt
2:Hey
..
.Hey
..
.Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?

Apr
ilpanicked,
shehadneverseenthatwoman
bef
ore,shebithernai
l
sstar
ingback..
.
Aunti
3:KanangwanaaTumelogaabuwe,okare
ser
oanyanagatwelekoskwel
eotshwarazer
o.
Aunt:AoMaOy oucannotcall
achi
ldret
ardedin
fr
ontofher,shecanheary ouandt
hischi
ldis
goingthr
oughal otr
ightnow.Hassheeven
beentoldwhatishappeningandwhytherear
e
somanypeopl e?
Aunt:Waiishewon'
tevenunderstandwhat
deathis,
thischi
ldi
sveryslow.Her
grandmotherusedtovi
situswithherandshe
neverspoke.

Thechoi
rmaster
'sdaught
erwal
kedi
nhol
dinga
tr
ayandhandedt
heoldladi
es.
..
.

Her:
(lookingatApr
il
)Ihavebeenlooki
ngf
or
you,
didy oueatany
thingmylove?
Apr
il
:No.
.
Her:(
putherarm aroundherandwalkedout
wit
hher)Let'
sgo...(l
ookedatherbump)what
happenedtoyourforehead?
Apr
il
:IbumpedonMasham
Her:Gorur
ugil
e,l
et'
sgotomymother
'scarso
thatIcanmassagei
twit
hanoi
ntment.
..Papa
agookae?
Apr
il
:Idon'
tknow.
..I
'
m hungr
y.
Her
:I'
l
lfeedy
ou.
..Ihav
eyourdr
ink
Apr
il
:Lesego?
Lesego:
Mmh?
Apr
il
:Iwantt
ogot
omama'
shouse.
Lesego:
(conf
used)Whoi
syourmot
her
?
Apr
il
:Nal
edi
Lesego:I
'
llaskother
swher
eshei
sfornowl
et'
s
takecar
eoft hi
sbump..
.
Theyheadedt
othecarwher
eshet
ookcar
eof
herbump..
.

AtPaul
'
shouse.
..
.

Paulsteppedoutoft
het
axi
andopenedt
he
gat
e...
.

Paul
:Thanks,
kamoso.
..
Taxi
man:
Sur
e

Heclosedthegat eandwalkedtowardshis
houseremov i
ngther i
bbontyi
nghisclean
browntint
eddreadlocks.
..
HenoticedTumelo
wassitt
ingont hestoopwithhi
sheaddown
andwonder edwherehiscarwas...
Paul
:Hey
..
.
Tumel
o:(
looki
ngathi
m)Hey
..
Paul
:Papi
arey
ouokay
?Wher
eist
hecar
?
Tumel
o:EkogoNal
edi
Paul
:Takemyhand.
..

Heheldhi
shandt henPaulpul
ledhim up,
Tumelodustedhi
sbackpocketsasPaul
unl
ockedthehousethentheywalkedin.
..

Paul
: (
taki
ngof
fhi
scl
othes)Howar
eyou
hol
dingup?
Tumelo:Ineedmoney
..
.Ihav
etobuymy
motheracoffi
n.
Paul:
Ibettheyexpecty out
oburyy
ourmot her
wheny ouhavelessthan24hoursoduleko
pri
son.Idon'
tunderstandpeopl
ewait
se..
.Andi
hopethisisthelastt
imeyouarebreaki
ngthe
l
aw.Youhav etostopusi
ngmoneyt oimpr
ess
Naledi
,ifshelovesyoushewil
ll
ovey oueven
wheny ouarebroke.Youcan'
tkeepgoingback
topri
sonl i
keathug.
Tumel
o:Iwon'
tbedoi
ngt
hatany
mor
e
Paul
:Idon'
tknowhowi canhel
p,whatshoul
dI
do?Ketseeashor
tloan?
Tumel
o:Di
ray
alol
ait
aka.
.

Hesatonthecouch, Paulwalkedintheki
tchen
andwarmedleft
ov er
sf r
om thenightbef
ore
thenhehandedthem toTumi .
..
.

Paul:Eatt
hat,
i don'
tfeel
li
kecooki
ngtonight
...
(satdown)So.
..I'
l
lapplyf
oraloant
omor r
ow
l
ehakesai t
selegoredoi qual
if
ywit
hmypol ice
record.
Tumi:Yoursisnotbadthat
'swhyy
oucanst i
l
l
gethi
red.
..(chewi
ng)Thisi
sgood.
..Ki
tchene
kgonagodireaseswaajaana
Paul:(
laughed)YesPapi
,heeel
egor
eyouhav
e
neverhadit?
Tumi
:(smi
l
ed)No.
..
Paul
:(st
ari
nginhi
seyes)Yourey
esar
ered,
do
youhaveaheadache?
Tumi
:Yeah,
howdoy
ouknow?
Paul:Agoelegoregonalesengwesekesase
i
tsengkawenaGol denboy
?(laughed)Waa
gorengNaletsana?
Tumi:
Mxm Nal
edi
odi
ramat
akal
a,Icaughther
wit
hsomeguy
Paul
:(sur
pri
sed)Real
l
y?Howcomey
ouar
enot
i
njai
l?
Tumi:
Nal
edi
wil
lnev
erknowhowi
feel
about
her
Paul:(
laughed)Banyanat
hebabr
ave,
koor
e
Naledigaagotshabe?
Tumi:(l
aughed)Obat
aclapa(
handedhi
mthe
pl
ate)Thanksfort
hefood
Paul
:Any
time.
..Howmuchdoy
ouneed?
Tumi
:10Ki
sokay
,I'
l
lpayi
tof
fini
nst
alment
s
Paul:
Nopr
obl
em,
wewi
l
lappl
yfori
ttomor
row
rel
emmogo
Tumi:(
stoodup)Ihavetogo,
ilef
twi
thout
say
ingawor dt
oany one.
..
Paul
:(st
ood)Letmegoputt
hisdownandt
ake
youhalf
way.

Heputt
hepl
atedownandcl
osedt
hedoort
hen
t
heywal
kedout.
..
..

Atmyhouse.
..
.
Lat
ert
hatdayDuduknockedonmydoorand
wal
kedinasIwassl
eepingonthecouch.
..

Dudu:
Let
'sgot
otheser
vice
Me:Ican'
tgo..Tumel
odoesn'
twantmet
her
e,
hesai
di shoul
dwaitf
orhi
scall
.
Dudu: You'
renotv i
sit
ingTumel o,you'regoingto
Mr sSibanda'
smemor ialser
vice.
..Aprilneeds
you,havey ouwonder edhowshei stakingthi
s?
Hergrandmot herhasal waysbeent heonl y
personsheknows, herandthechur chmember s
thenyoucameal ongandgav eherat asteof
havingamot her.
Me:Iwonderi
fany
oneexpl
ainedwhat
happened
Dudu:Tumii
samanandhewon'
tunder
stand
Apri
lbett
ert
hany
ou,
atthi
sti
meheisworri
ed
aboutbuy ingthecof fi
nandf eedingt hose
people.
..Wenaast hemot hermustmakesur e
yourdaught erisfine.Ifyouwanty ourmany ou
mustactl ikeit,
you' r
et heonewhohur thim so
makeanef f
orttogethi m back.Bany anabama
IPCbat etsegonekwabai thategisadi t
ee,
mmehagonasepesebasegabi lengkeene
Tumi helajaana...Baamot saa.Ot areperhaps
Me:(st
oodup)Ij
ustwantt
omakesur
eApr
ili
s
f
ine.
..
Dudu:
Takeabat
h,andpl
easel
ooky
ourbest
.

Ir
eluct
ant
lyt
ookabat
handgotdr
essed.
..
.

AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..
..

LateronTumelowalkedi
nthey
ardand
squattednextt
ohi
sunclewhowassit
ti
ng
i
nsi
del
elwapanawi
thot
herf
ami
l
yel
der
s..
.

Tumelo:(
whispered)If
oundthemoneyfort
he
coff
inbuti
twill
beav ai
labl
eadayaf
ter
tomorr
ow
Uncl
e:I
t'
sst
il
lokayaker
elesol
etsay
a7day
s.
Tumel
o:That
'swhati
thought
Uncl
e:Wewereworri
edaboutyou..
.Neverl
eave
wit
houtsay
ingany
thi
ng.Yourf
riendswereal
so
worri
ed
Tumel
o:I
'
llcal
lthem..
.(st
oodup)Gosi
ame,
mmekeyegobat aApri
lkemothapi
se
Uncl
e:Ee

Hewal
kedout
..
..

I
ntheki
tchen.
..
.
Minutesaft
erTumelowalkedi
nthehouse
thr
oughthebackdoorandheadedtohi
s
daughter
'sroom,
heknockedsoftl
yandsl
owl
y
openedthedoor.
..
..
.

Therewasay oungladykneeli
ngdownapply i
ng
bodyloti
ononhisdaughter.
..Shetur
nedaround
andlookedathim,shehadar edchurch
barrr
ett
eonherheadandherwhi t
edresshad
spreadaroundhercomplet
elycoveri
ngherlegs.

Apr
il
:(smi
l
ed)Daddy
!

They oungl
adystoodupandmovedback
holdi
ngApril
'
spyjamasasTumelowalkedov
er
andlift
edhi
sdaughter
,heki
ssedherand
brushedherhai
rback.
..
Tumel
o:Hey
..
.Youl
ookcl
ean.
.
Apr
il
:(smi
l
ed)Lesegobat
hedme.
.
Tumelo:
(smil
edandshookherhandst
ari
ngi
n
herey
es)Hi,
mynamei sTumelo
Lesego:
(av
oidedhi
sey
es)Mynamei
sLesego
Tumel
o:Hav
eweev
ermet
?
Lesego:No..Mymot herandMrsSi
bandawer
e
fr
iendsatchurch,t
heyhelpedt
hechoi
rwit
h
si
ngingandallthat
..
.
Tumel
o'
:Soy
ou'
reMr
sMar
umo'
sdaught
er?
Lesego:
Yes
Tumel
o:(
star
ingather
)Howol
dar
eyou?
Lesego:
(shy
ly)Kagor
engnebat
hong?
Tumelo:
(laughedandpul l
edherchi
nput
st
ari
nginherey es)Lesego?
Lesego:
(smi
l
ed)Raa?
Tumel
o:Howol
dar
eyou?
Lesego:
22
Tumel
o:Cool
,whatdoy
oudo?
Lesego:
I'
m st
udy
ingTr
avel
andTour
ism
Tumel
o:Yearmang?
Lesego:
Year2
Tumel
o:Thi
suni
for
mr eal
l
ylooksgoodony
ou.
Redl
ooksgoodonyou.
Lesego:
Thanky
ou.
..
Um.
..(
swal
l
owed)Ihav
eto
go..
Tumelo:No,don'
tgo.
..Ihavetogohelpoutat
thefi
rearea,
doyoumi ndkeepinganeyeonher
for
awhile?
Lesego:
Nopr
obl
em.
..

Heputherdownandst
aredatLesegof
ora
second,
sheuncomf
ort
ablypi
ckedApri
l
's
cl
othesf
rom t
hebedthenhegr
abbedt
hedoor
knobandsl
owlycl
osed.
..

Tumel
o:Ar
ewegood?
Lesego:
Yeah
Tumel
o:Apr
ilkeet
ababyout
wa?
Apr
il
:Okay
..
.

Heclosedthedoorandwal
kedoutheav
inga
hugesigh.
..
.

Byt
hel
adi
esf
ir
epl
ace.
..

Meanwhil
eDuduandIapproachedthef
irepl
ace
andjoi
nedmor eladi
esast
heywashedthe
di
sheschatt
ing..
..
Woman:
(laughed)Ther
ehei
s..
..

EveryoneturnedandlookedatTumeloashe
walkedoutoft hehouseandheadedtothe
men'sf i
repl
acewhereheshoulderbumpedwit
h
hi
sf r
iendsandcousins.

Woman2:
Guy
syoushoul
dher
ehi
mtal
ki
ng.
.
Waman1:Hehasasexyaccent
..
.Okar
egat
we
r
ragwekeMotebel
e
IPCCsinger
:(l
aughed)Cansomeonepreacht
o
theguysohecanbl essuswit
hhi
spresenceat
church
Singer2:(l
aughed)Godforbid,
lethi
m stayout
ofchur ch.Whyinvi
tetemptati
onandleadall
thesistersi
ntotemptati
on?
Me:
(si
ghed)Mxm gat
webat
hokebaker
est
e
mmebabuwabobelet
ehel
a..
.
Iputthepl
atedownandwal
kedawayasDudu
fol
lowedme...

Dudu:
(whi
sper
ed)whatt
hehel
lwast
hat
?
Me:
Mxm.
.I'
m goi
ngt
otal
ktoTumel
o
Dudu:(
grabbedmyarm andpul
l
edmeasi
de)
Canyoubreathi
nandout?
Me:
Yes
Dudu:
Doi
t.
..(
idi
d)doi
tagai
n
Me:
Uhwant
api
sa.
..Ineedt
otal
ktoTumel
o
Dudu:
It'
stooear
ly,
gapegol
eso.Don'
tcause
dr
ama...

Meanwhil
et hechoir
masterwalkedout
l
elwapanarubbingherar
msl ookedaroundf
or
anyfamil
i
arf ace,
i
twasnowget ti
ngdarkand
cold.
..
..shespot
tedTumelochat
ti
ngwi
thhi
s
fr
iendsandwalkedover
..
.

Her
:Tumi
!?
Tumel
o:Maa?

Hemetherhal
fway
..
..

Her:(handedhimt hecarkeys)Pleasegoand
col
lectmyj acketathome,Juniorishomehe
wil
lgiveittoyou
Tumel
o:Yesma'
am
Her
:Apr
ilokae?
Tumel
o:Shei
swi
thLesego
Her
:(wal
kedaway
)Okay
..
Tumelogotinthehouseandknockedt
henhe
walkedin,
Lesegowaslyi
ngnexttoApr
il
Facebook'
ingonhersmart
phone.

Tumel
o:Hey..
.(stari
ngather)Yourmothersent
metoyourhouse, wouldyouli
ketocomewi t
h
me?I'
l
lbuyyout wodr i
nksatSpar
Lesego:
Yes,
I'
dlov
eaj
uice.
..ButApr
ili
sasl
eep.
Tumel
o:Um.
..Ar
eye,
itwon'
ttakel
ong.
Lesego:(gotup)Okay
,ineedt
otakeof
fthi
s
unif
orm anyway..
.

Meanwhileiimpati
entl
yli
stenedtoDudu
play
ingDrPhilonmeunt i
lTumeloandthe
churchgir
lpassedri
ghtnexttous,wepaused
andlookedatthem..
.

Tumel
o:(
tous)Hel
l
o
Dudu:
Hi.
..

Hewalkedtot
hecart
heni
fol
l
owedhi
m,Dudu
pacedbehi
ndme.
..
.

Dudu:
(whi
sper
ed)Nal
edi
!Remol
esongkana.
..
Hee?Hey

Theybot hcl
osedthedoorsthenhest ar
tedthe
engine,Iwal
kedtothedriver
'sandputmyhand
i
nsidet hewi
ndow.Iswitchedofftheengine
andr emovedthekeys.
..
.

Me:
You'
renotl
eav
ingwi
thher
..
.
Tumelo:(
steppedoutoft
hecarandsl
ammed
thedoor
)Naledimphekey
Me:
You'
renotget
ti
ngi
t.
Tumel
o:(
angr
il
y)kar
enneel
akey
Dudu:
Nal
edi
busakeyy
abat
ho
Me:
Whoi
sshe?
Tumelo:
It'
snoneofy ourbusi
ness,gi
vemethe
damnkeybeforeIloseit
.Andy oubet
terl
ower
tovoi
ce,r
emol esonggoloha
Me:Idon'
tcar
e..
you'
renotl
eav
ingwi
tht
hisgi
rl
.

Iwalkedtotheothersi
deofthecarandopened
thedoorthenipull
edheroutbyherhai
rasher
redhatfel
l.
..

Lesego:
(pushedme)Don'
ttouchme,
you'
re
hurt
ingme
Me:
Getout
..
.
Tumelo:(angr
il
y)Nal
edikegokgalemel
a
l
abohelo.Kekopaotsamae,boalakogalona.
Me:
I'
m notl
eav
ing.
..
.

Ipushedthegir
landshef
ell
downont
he
ground.
..
..
..
..

.
Co-
wif
e
#86

I
nTumi
'
scar
..
.

Ireducedt
hevolumeastheyoungboyf
ell
asleeponmylap,t
heol
derboymov edt
othe
windowandlookedout
side.
..

Hi
m:(
smi
l
ed)Ican'
twai
ttoseeBot
swana.
..
Tumel
o:(smil
edandlookedathi
m ont
he
mir
ror
)You'l
lseeal
ottomorrowwheni
t'
snot
dar
kmyboy .
..

Itur
nedaroundandlookedathim,hespoke
fl
uentEngl
ishandhewasagoodl ookingli
tt
le
boy.
..Ver
yneatwit
hani cehai
rcut
...

Me:Hespeaksfl
uentEngl
i
shy
oo,
iexpect
eda
st
rongaccent
Tumel
o:Youknowpr
ivat
eschool
student
s
Me:Heishandsome.
..(
tohi
m)what
'
syour
name?
Tumel
o:Br
ianSi
banda
Me:
(smi
l
ed)You'
rev
eryhandsome
Br
ian:
Thanky
ou
Tumel
o:St
handwasam,
myf
atherandauntar
e
goingt ouseaguesthouseunti
lwehav e
organisedproperaccommodati
onbuty ouknow
chil
drencan'tstayi
nahotelorguesthousesoi
wast hinki
ngwe-
Me:Youdon' thav
et oask,
ofcourseyoursi
ster
canstaywithus.Ijustwi
shihadknownIwoul d
havecleanedthehouseturni
ngthi
ngsupside
down.
Tumel
o:Thembiwil
lhel
pyoucl
eantomorr
ow,
shei
seasytogetal
ongwit
h.You'
regoi
ngto
l
oveher
.
Me:Mmhshelooksl
i
keaqui
etper
sonandshe
i
sbeaut
if
ult
oo.

Wel at
erarr
ivedhomeandsteppedoutofthe
car.Tumicarri
edthey
oungestboyi
nsidethe
houseandlaidhiminthechi
l
dren'
sbedroom..
.
Br
iansatont
hecouchl
ooki
ngar
ound.
..

Me:
(gaveBri
ant
her
emot
e)Youcanchange
t
hechannel
..
.
Br
ian:
Thanky
ou

Tumelosteppedoutandcamebackcarr
ying
twobigbagsasThembiewalkedinbehi
ndhim,
ismi
ledandmov edthecouchcushi
ons.
..
.

Me:
Pleasehav
easeat
,I'
l
lpr
epar
eyourbed.
..
Thembie:Thanky
ou,
youhav
eav
eryni
ce
house.
..
Me:
Thanks

Iwal
kedinourbedr
oom wher
eTumi
was
put
ti
ngthebags.
..
Me:Whatdowedowi ththerooms?Iwant
edt
o
f
ixThembi acomf
ort
ablebed,shoul
dwemove
t
hechil
dren?
Tumi
:No,
it'
slat
e..
.Shewi
l
lsl
eepont
hecouch
Me:
Okay
..
..
Tumi
:I
'm goi
ngt
osaygoodby
etomyf
ather
..
Me:
Okay
..
..

Hewal kedoutasIf
oll
owedhi mtothel
ivi
ng
room whereThembiwassitt
ingqui
etl
y,Isat
nextt
oherassher ubbedherson'
shead...

Me:It
'satwobedroom housesoyou'
ll
usethe
couchtodayt
henwewi l
lfi
gureoutev
eryt
hing
tomorr
owmor ni
ng
Thembi
e:Nopr
obl
em.
..
Me:(st
oodup)Comethi
ssideBr
ian.
.Letme
showyouwhereyousl
eep.

Bri
anfol
lowedme, i
fixedhim acomfort
abl
e
bednexttotheot
herchildr
enthenhelai
ddown
yawni
ng..
.

Me:
Thet
oil
eti
sthi
ssi
de
Br
ian:
Okay
..

Iclosedthedoorandwal kedbacktot
hel
iv
ing
room asTumi alsowalkedincl
osingt
hemain
doorlookingatus..
..

Tumel
o:Theol
dmanj
ustl
eft
..
Me:
Okay
Thembi
e:Hemustbeexhaust
ed
Tumel
o:Hei
s..
..

Isatonthecouchwit
hherasTumit
ookof
fhi
s
j
acketandpassedtothebedr
oom.
..
.

Tumel
o:Goodni
ghtl
adi
es.
.
Thembi
:Goodni
ght
Me:(
sighed)I
t'
sver
ylat
eThembi
,wewi
l
l
pr
operl
ymeetinthemorni
ng
Thembi
:(smi
l
ed)Ofcour
seandt
hanky
ouf
or
accommodat
ingus.
..
Me:
Isi
tyourf
ir
stt
imei
nBot
swana?
Thembi:Notreally
,ioncevisit
edaf ewy ears
agobutididn'tgoanywherer eal
ly
,Ididn'tsee
Maunorany thingbecausei wastakenst rai
ght
topr
isonwher eIwasv isi
ti
nghi m.
Me:
(laughed)Yourbr
otheri
sat
roubl
emaker
Thembi :
(laughed)Tel
lmeabouti t,
itwasn't
evenanor mal meeti
ngy ouknow..
.Hehad
arr
angedaoneononemeet i
ngandi was
shakingtheentir
etime.Ikepttel
li
nghimi
wantedtogobackhomebecausei wasn't
goingtoriskgetti
ngarrest
edhereleavingmy
onlychil
datt heti
me.Tumel ousedt obe
tr
ouble,you'r
eseeingthemat ur
esideofhi m.
.
Me:
(laughed)I
'
m gl
adhei
schanged.
..
Thembi
:(l
aughed)Yeah.
..
Me:I'
lltakeyouonatourar
oundMaun
tomorrowaf t
ergoi
ngtoMrsSibanda'
shouse,
wewi l
lgowi t
hthechi
ldr
enBri
anseemed
curi
ousear l
i
er
Thembi:Thatwouldbeniceofyou.
..(
opened
herbag)Ibroughtyouthi
scl
othasagift
..
.I'
m
notsurei
fyou'l
lli
keit
Me:(
smiledandhuggedher
)Ar
eyouser
ious?I
l
ovei
t..
.Thankyousomuch
Thembi
:You'
rewel
come.
..
Me:
(looki
ngatherr
ing)Ohy
ou'
remar
ri
ed?
Thembi:Iam awindow,myhusbanddi
edina
caracci
dentyear
sagoandTumi hasbeen
hel
pingmeal otsi
ncethen.
Me:
I'
mver
ysor
ryf
ory
ourl
oss
Thembi
:It
'
sokay
..
.
Me: (stoodupholdingmyAf r
icanpri
ntcl
oth)
Thembi mmai t
'slat
e,I'
l
lseeyouinthe
mor ning..
.Wewi l
lchatandgettoknoweach
othert omorr
ow.Goodni ght
Thembi
:Goodni
ghtmydear
..
..

Iexci
tedl
ywalkedinourbedr
oom andj
umped
onthebedsitt
ingonTumelo'
stummyashelai
d
onthebed..
..
Me:
(whi
sper
ed)Mysi
sterbr
oughtmet
his.
.
Tumel
o:(
smi
l
edandki
ssedme)Il
ovey
ou.
.

Iputtheclot
hontheheadboar
dandgot
undercov
erthenhegotontopofmekissi
ng
me...
.

Tumel
o:(
star
ingi
nmyey
es)Il
ovey
ou.
..
Me:
HahaIl
ovey
out
oo.
..
.

Hel eanedoverandFrenchki
ssedmethenhe
slowlygotdown,ilai
dmyheadonhischestand
fell
dozedoff..
..
..

I
ntheki
tchen.
..
..
.

Thenextmor
ningIsl
owl
ygotupandTumi
wasn'
tonthebed,Isl
owlymademywayt ot
he
l
ivi
ngroom wher
ethechil
drenweremaki
ng
noi
seeati
ngthei
rbreakf
astandchat
ti
ngl
oudl
y.

It
urnedtot
hekit
chenwhereThembi
was
pr
epari
nganot
herplat
e..
..

Me:
(yawni
ng)Goodmor
ning.
..
Thembi
:(smi
l
ed)Goodmor
ning.
..
Me:
Idon'
tusual
l
ywakeupt
hisl
ate.
..
Thembi:
(laughed)Di
ddaddykeepy
ouupal
l
ni
ght?
Me: (
laughed)No..
.We..
..HahahaThembi wee.
..
I
ja.
..Iwasjustexhaust
ed.Ididn'
thearhi
m
get
tingup.Whereishe?
Thembi:Hewenttohismother'
s..
.(handedme
myf ood)Thi
sisf
oryou.
..(
laughed)Yourhai
r
though.
..
Me:
(laughed)Letmegobat
hfi
rst
..
.

Iputthefooddownandheadedt othe
bathr
oom, if
il
ledthetubandt ookof fmy
cl
othesthenIsteppedinthetub, Asi satdowni
heardherphonev i
brat
ingonthest ool.Iwiped
myhandsandcl i
ckedonthephone, i
twasa
cl
assyphone..Forsomer easoni cl
ickedonher
gal
leryandmyj awsdropped..
..(9t)
Co-
wif
e
#87

Atmyhouse.
..
..

Forsomer easonicli
ckedonhergaller
yandmy
j
awsdr opped,shehadseveralvi
deosofporn
andinci
dent al
l
ycli
ckedonon, t
hesoundscame
onandIqui ckl
ystr
uggledtolowerthevol
ume,
t
hedooropenedandshewal
kedi
n..
.

Thembi:(
angr
il
y)Whyar
eyousear
chi
ngmy
phone?
Me:
(hear
tpoundi
ng)I
'
m sor
ry.
..
Thembi
:(angr
il
ydel
etedherv
ideos)Howcan
yougot
hroughmyprivat
ethi
ngs,whodoes
that
?
Me:I'm sorr
y..
.I'
m sorr
y,I
'm alwayscuri
ous.
..I
l
ikelookingatpictur
esandv ideos.Don'
tworry
aboutthatporn,iunderst
and
Thembi
:Youunder
standwhat
?
Me:I'
ddefi
nitelyhav esev
eralsof
tpornvideos
onmyphonei filostmyhusband..Imean(i
real
i
sedthedi recti
oniwantedtotalkwouldn'
t
soundpoli
te)Nev ermind,I'
m sor
ry
Thembi
:Ican'
tbeli
evethat
'
swhatyout
hinki
keept
hisvi
deosfor,myWhatsApp
automati
cal
lydownloadsvi
deos.
..Iwasinthi
s
adultgr
oupwherewet al
kaboutwomenst uff
andweendedupdi scussi
ngsex,someladies
sharedvi
deosandthat'
showIgott hem.
Me:I'
mver
ysor
ry,
pleasedon'
ttel
lTumi
about
t
his.
..
Thembi:(put
ti
ngsecuri
typasswor
donher
phone)Iwon'tt
ell
him butyouhav
etor
espect
mypr i
vacy
Me: Yes,i
will
andpleasedon'tfeel
uncomf or
tabl
ear
oundher e.
..Ididn'
tsnoop
aroundbecauseyou'
reinmyhouse.Feel fr
ee
Thembi
:Ist
hatal
lyousaw?
Me:
Yes.
..Why
?
Thembi
:I'
mjustaski
ng.
..
Me:
(smi
l
ednaughti
l
yandst
oodup)Why
?Is
t
her
emore.
..
?Letmesee
Thembi
:(l
aughedandmov
edherphoneaway
)
Ther
eisnot
hing.
..
Me: (
smilednaughti
ly)Sowhatwer ey
outal
king
aboutwithyourfr
iends,shar
ewi t
hme..Any
tr
icksNdebelewomendot opleasemen?I'
l
l
sharetheSetswanaoneswi t
hy ou
Thembi
: (
laughed)Tumisai
dyouwer
enaught
y,
idi
dn'
tthi
nki twasthi
sbad.
Me: (l
aughedandsatdown) .Youknowwhat .
..
You'reri
ght,
I'
m wi t
hmysisterinl
awandi
shouldbehavel i
keawellbr
oughtupMot swana
woman.Ishoul dmi ndhowi t
alkt
otheinlaws.
(tookadeepbr eathandspokewithanEngli
sh
tone)MayIpl easetakeabath?
Thembi:
(laughed)y
es,
wher
edoy
out
hrow
tr
ash?
Me:Atthegat
e,t
hecarpi
ckst
hem on
weekends.
Thembi
:Al
ri
ght
..
.
Shewal
kedoutt
heni
tookabat
h..
..

AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..
.

Thef amilygat
heredi nameet i
ngasTumel o'
s
uncleintr
oducedSi bandaandhi ssist
ertothe
restofthefamily
...Thetwof amili
esgreeted
oneanot herandwentst r
aightintothetopicof
theday .
.

Uncl
e:Yesso.
..Tumisai
dhewoul
dgi
veust
he
moneyfort
hecoffi
n.
Tumelo:Aboutthat
..
.Whenit
oldmyfather
aboutitheaskedmenottoborr
owmoney
becausehewoul dt
akecar
eofallt
heexpenses.
Si
banda:Hei
sri
ght
..
.MmaSibandaandI
weren'
ti
ngoodt
ermswhenshediedbecause
shewasst i
l
langryatmef ormakingcertain
thi
ngsbutshewasst i
llmywife,wespokeev er
y
onceinawhi l
ewheni tinvol
vedourboysoI '
d
l
iketogiveherapr operburi
al,
shedeser vesit
becauseshegav emeasonandwehadour
happyti
mebef oreshemadeadeci sionthatshe
wouldn'
tbeabletohandl ecert
ainthingsabout
whoi am.Sheshoul dreal
lybebur i
edin
Tsholot
shobecauseshei saSi bandabut
becauseofthissit
uationwewon' tevendiscuss
that
..
.
Uncle:
Wear ehappyt
ohearthatMrSibanda..
.
Youhav ej
ustsol
vedal
lthepr
oblemsand
questi
onswecouldn'
tanswer
..
.Thankyouv er
y
much.

Afterashortdi
scussi
onthemeetinggot
dismissed,
Tumi andhisf
atherwalkedt
othe
car..
..
.
Si
banda:
Sohowi
sev
ery
oneatt
hehouse?
Tumel
o:(
smi
l
ed)Theyar
egood.
..
Si
banda:Excel
l
ent
..
.Thembi
isn'
tgoi
ngbackt
o
Tshol
otsho.
Tumel
o:Whatdomean?Ihav
eaf
ami
l
y
Sibanda:Tumi theseboy sneedaf athernota
bank,ifyoudon' tmakesuretheygr owup
aroundy outheywi ll
growupt obepar tofthe
thugsinTsholot sho.Idon'
tunderstandwhy
Thembi '
swel l
bei ngdoesn'
tbothery ou,You
don'tevenknowScot t,y
ouhaveonl yseenhi m
onceort wicesincehewasbor n.Yourbr ot
her
woulddoabet terjobthanthi
s,don'tdisappoi
nt
him...
Tumelo:
(sighed)Iknowihaven'
tbeenther
efor
Bri
anandScot tl
eeneThembi physi
cal
l
yand
emoti
onall
ybutit'
snotli
keIneglect
edthem.I
wasinpri
son...
Sibanda:AndIunder standthat'
swhyIhel ped
yousuppor tt
hem butnowy ou'reout.
.Whatar e
yougoi ngt
odoabouti t?Ihavebeensuppor t
ing
them forawhi l
enowbutbusi nessisn'tgood.
It
'snotsafeforhertost ayalonelikethis,l
ast
mont hther
ewasabr eaki
ngin,lucki
lyshewas
atchurch..
.Ithi
nkev eryonenowknowsshe
staysaloneandt heywantapi eceofher .
Tumel
o:(
sighed)Shedidn'
ttel
lmewhenI
cal
l
edherfrom pr
ison
Si
banda:Shedoesn'
twantt
ost
ressy
ou
obvi
ousl
y..
Tumelo:I'
l
lseewhatt odo...Heythi
sisgoi
ngto
beharderthanIthought,I
'
llhavetoworkdoubl
e
sothatIcanprovideforal
lt heki
ds.Thi
ngs
won'tbeaseasyast heyusedt obebecauseI
wassuppor t
ingthem wit
ht hefakeATMsbut
nowI '
m cl
ean.Idon'twanttogobackt opri
son
ihavetomakeanhonestl i
ving.
Sibanda: Thembi i
sy ourr
esponsi
bil
i
ty,actl
i
kei
t.
Iknowy ourmot herwasthemainreason
Thembi coul dn'
tcomeher ebutsheisn'
ther
e
anymor e...
Tumel
o:I
'
llt
akecar
eofi
t.
..
.

Theygoti
nthecaranddr
oveaway
..
.

Atmyhouse.
..

Lat
eroni washedt hedishesThembi hadused
tomakebr eakfastthenicleanedtheki
tchen
andwipedev eryt
hingaroundt hehouseasshe
wassit
tingont hecouchchat ti
ngandblushi
ng
wit
houtevenr eali
singit
..
.

Me:You'
rebl
ushi
ng.
..Whoar
eyout
alki
ngt
o?I
t
houghty
ouareawidow
Thembi:(
laughed)Youwishyoucoul
dstealmy
phoneandlookatmyt hi
ngsagai
n,don'
tyou?
Me:(
laughed)No.
..Buty
ousmi
l
eli
kesomeone
whoi
si nlov
e
Thembi:(
smil
edbl
ushi
ng)i
am noti
nlov
e..
.At
l
eastIhopeso
Me:
Whoi
she?
Thembi
:Justsomeguy.
..I
t'
snot
hingser
ious.
..
Me:
Okay
..
.

Iconti
nuedcl
eani
ngast
hechi
l
drenpl
ayed
outsi
de..

Thembi
:(r
epl
i
edhi
stext
)Lol
yeah,
I'
ll
bepat
ient
Hi
m:Thanks,
I'
ll
makei
tal
lupt
oyoumyqueen
Thembi
:Takeal
lthet
imey
ouneed.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
oubabe
Thembi
:Il
ovey
out
oo

Ipickedthetoys,t
iedthecurt
ainst
henopened
thewi ndowstoletthest
uffi
nessoutsi
de.
..
.

Me:I'
m goi
ngtocal
lafri
endofmi neandask
hert
oaccompanyustothemal l
,shewil
lbe
hel
pingusmanagethechil
drensothatwecan
fr
eel
ywalkaroundt
hemal l
..
.
Thembi
:Wowt
hanky
ousomuch.
..Ican'
twai
t.
..
When?
Me:(
laughed)Wecancal
lhernowi
fyoucan'
t
wai
t
Thembi
:(l
aughed)Cal
lher
..
.

Igotmyphoneandst
eppedoutoft
hehouse.
..
Dudu:
Hey
Me: Hi,l
et'
staket hekidstothemallthemma,
Tumi '
sli
ttl
esisterarri
vedwiththei
rfather
yester
daysoI '
mt akinghertothemal land
perhapsashor tdr i
vearoundtoseeMaun.
Dudu:Thekidswi l
l gethi
tbycar s,
bonebanaba
gagobabaphadi mogangbaobakat samay aele
group..
.Justbri
ngt hekidsoverandf reel
yshow
heraround.Bri
ngt hoseNdebel estooI'm goi
ng
tositt
hem downandmaket hem repeat
Setswanawor dsjustsoi canlaughatt hem.
Me:(l
aughed)Don'
tabusemysi
ster
'schi
l
dren
wena.
..
Dudu:
Howol
dar
ethey
?
Me:Ihav
en'taskedbuttheol
destl
ooks7,
r
oughlyt
hesameageasApr i
landthel
astbor
n
l
ooks4ifnot5y ear
sold.
Dudu:
Ohevenbettert
heoldesti
sgoi
ngt
o
t
eachmethei
rlanguage.
Me:
(laughed)Al
ri
ght
,by
e..
..
.

AtDudu'
shouse.
..

Laterthataft
ernoonweal lst
eppedoutoft he
carandknockedonDudu' sdoor,sheresponded
thenweal lwalkedinasthechildr
enmade
noisemi xi
ngtogether
.Shewal kedoutofthe
bedroom andhuggedThembi .
..

Me:That'
smyf r
iendDudu.
..Dudut
hat
'
s
Tumelo'
sli
tt
lesi
sterThembi
Dudu:(smi
l
ed)You'
rebeaut
if
ul.
..Il
ovey
our
ski
n..
.
Thembi
:(smi
l
ed)Thanky
ou.
..Ni
cet
omeety
ou
Dudu:
Nicet
omeety
out
oo.
..
Me:
wedon'
twantt
ost
ayf
orl
ong.Let
'
sgo
Thembi.
..Wemustdodgetheki
ds.
..Amemi
ght
cr
yifheseesmeleavi
ng.
Dudu:
Okay
,enj
oyy
our
sel
vesl
adi
es

Wequi
etl
yrushedt
othecaranddr
oveof
f.
..
..
..

AtBackpacker
s..
.

Lat
eroni par
kedunderoneoft
hebiggesttr
ees
byther
iverbankst
henweshutthedoors..
.

Me:ThisisThamal
akaner
iver
..
.It'
sever
f
lowing..
.Weeatfi
shandTswiir
ightf
rom t
his
r
iver
...
Thembi
:whati
sTswi
i
?
Me:(
laughed)Wewi
l
lpassbyt
hemal
landbuy
i
tatCo-op.
..
Thembi
:Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul.
..

Weappr oachedtheol
dbri
dgeasi l
edtheway,
shelookedattheoldl
ogsasthedarkstr
ong
cur
rentsofwaterfl
owednoisi
l
y..
.

Thembi
:(smil
edfear
ful
l
y)Ican'
tcr
ossov
er.
.
Whati
fthelogbr
eaks?
Me:(l
aughed)Thembi l
et'
sgo,don'
tbeachi
l
d..
.
Takemyhand, I
'
llhol
dy ou.
..
Thembi
:Jesus.
..
.

Weheldhandsandcr
ossedoverasshe
l
aughedandgiggl
edf
earf
ull
y,myphonerang
andipi
ckeditaswel
aughed.
..

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Tumel
o:l
etshegaeng?
Me: (
putonloudspeaker
)Thembiwasafr
aidt
o
crossthebr
idgehaBackpacker
s,ihadt
ohold
herhand
Tumel
o:(
laughed)Youshoul
dhav
elether
cr
ossbyhersel
f
Me:(
smi
l
ed)f
rom her
eshei
scr
ossi
ngonher
own
Thembi
:(sheputherar
m ar
oundmeand
l
eanedover)Whatdi
dyousay?Don'
tst
art
Tumelo:(l
aughed)I'
m sor
ry.
.any
way .
..
..
I'
m
comingoverthere,
therei
ssomet hi
ngIhavet
o
tel
lyou.
Me:
Her
e?Byt
her
iver
?
Tumel
o:Yes,
Ilov
eyou.
.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
IhungupandledThembi
toaf
ewf
isher
men
si
tti
ngbyther
iver
..
.

LateronTumi par
kedthecaraswewalkedover
holdi
ngbigfl
owersoft hewat
erl
il
i
es.
..He
l
eanedbyt hecarlooki
ngatusaswewalked
over.
..

Tumi
:Hey
Me:
Hi
Thembi
:Hi

Heki
ssedmeandl
edmei
nthecar
..
.

Tumi
:Thembi
geti
nsi
de.
..

Thembi
wal
l
edov
erandgoti
nthebackseat
,we
al
lcl
osedthedoorsandstar
edathi
m..He
si
ghedandadjust
edhisseat
..
.

Tumi
:Ther
eissomet
hingi
hav
etot
ell
you.
.
Me:
What
?
Tumi:
(st
ari
ngatme)Il
ovey
ou,
ilov
eyouso
much-
Me:
(hear
tpoundi
ng)Pl
easet
ell
me.
.
Tumi
:(si
ghed)Thet
rut
his.
..
………….
.(
9t)

Li
keandl
eav
eacomment
,muchl
ove.

Co-
wif
e
#88
I
nthecar
..
..

Tumelo:Thetrut histhatThembi i
sn'tmymy
bl
oodsisterasy out hi
nk..
.Shei smysi sterin
l
aw...
.(
ilookedatherandshel ookeddownt hen
heconti
nued)Shewasmybr otherswi f
e.He
passedawayy earsagoaf t
ergetti
ngi nvolvedin
acaraccident.Ast heonlybrotherihav etohelp
asmuchasIcan.
Me:Butwhydidy oul
i
etomeinthefi
rstpl
ace?I
wouldneverchaseawayy
ourfamil
y.
.
Tumel
o:Ther
eismor
e..
.
Me:
What
?
Tumel
o:Dur
ingt
hat
-hel
p-wegotcl
ose.
..Too
cl
ose
Me:
Didy
ousl
eepwi
thher
?
Tumel
o:Babe-
Me:
(cl
enchedmyt
eet
h)Di
dyou?
Tumelo:Honestl
yt hat'
swhatmyf ather
expect
edfrom me, ididn'
tseemuchofhi m
onceheandmymot herpartedsoi kindof
wantedtobeclosert ohim andmyNdebel e
famil
y.Iwasdoingi tt
obepar tofthefamil
y..
.
Mymot herdi
dn'tl
iket hei
deasoi keptthe
wholethi
ngasecr etfrom allBatswana.
Me:Yousti
l
lhaven'
tanswer
edme,
Didy
ou
sl
eepwit
hher?
Tumel
o:Acoupl
eoft
imes,
yes
Me:
(tur
nedt
oher)Yougoti
nmyhousebyl
yi
ng
t
ome!Whatdoyouwantinmyhouse?
Thembi:
Ionl
ydi
dwhatheaskedmet
odo.
..I
'
m
sorr
y.
Me:Wereyoucomi
ngher
esoyoucansl
eep
wit
hhi
m somemorebehi
ndmyback?Getout
ofmycar
Thembi
:Andgowher
e?Idon'
tknowwher
eiam.
Me: (angri
ly
)Andi don'tcar
ewhereyougo.
..
.get
out..
.!Wait.
..(
turnedt ohim)Howlongagodid
yourbr ot
herdie?Andwhyi ssheherei
fMma
Sibandadidn'tli
ket heideaofyoubei
ngwit
h
her?Soi sshey ourwi f
e?
Tumelo:No,shei
sMrsSibanda..
..Mar
ri
edto
Stev
enSibandanotme..
.Wear enotmarr
ied.I
am notmarri
edBabecanwe-
Me:
Thembi
getoutofmycar
..
.
Thembi
:Andgowher
e?Youbr
oughtmeher
e..
..
(t
ohim)Wher
edoIgo?
Me: (
angril
y)You'
renottal
kingt ohi
m?Don' t
tal
ktohi m..
.youli
edtome, getti
nginmyhouse
usingli
es,eati
ngmyf ood,l
astingovermyman
andactingli
kemysi st
erinlawwheny ouknew
deepdowny ouwantedhim, whatdi
dy ou
expect?Getout..
.
Thembi
:I'
m notgoi
ng,
idon'
tknowt
hispl
ace.
..
.
Me:
Arey
ouser
iousl
ychal
l
engi
ngmei
nmycar
?
Tumel
o:(
toher
)Wobauhamba,
ngi
zakuf
ica
Thembi:
Daddy(tear
ful
l
y)angi
yazi
lendawo
yonal
eyi
,pl
ease
Tumelo:(angril
y)iknowukut hiawuyazi
but
kumelenginakekelelomunt ukuqal
a,wena
phuma.Ngi zakuthol
a...
vul
aumny angouphume
(sheshookherheadt earf
ull
y)Areyoutryi
ng
ukuthi
ungidelele?
Thembi
:Cha.
.
Tumel
o:Thenphumel
angaphandl
e..
..
.
Me:(angril
y)Kantekeenglechoma?Whyar e
youusingNdebeleinmypr esence?Anddidshe
j
ustcallyoudaddyoristhatanotherNdebel
e
word?Am i afooltouseEnglishsoshecan
underst
andme?KanakebueSet swana?Real
ly
doyouknowwhi chcount
ryy ouarein?
Tumelo:(
angr
il
y)Shutup!(
tur
nedt
oherwi
tha
gl
are)Now
Sheshookherheadst eppi
ngoutofthecarand
cl
osedt hedoor,iangri
lywatchedherasshe
walkedawayandsatont hebigloglyi
ngbythe
ri
ver.Tumelolookedatmespeechl essl
yand
hel
dmyhandbuti pushedhim back.
..
.

Me: Don'
ttouchme...OmaakaTumel ouh..
.So
whatisshedoingher esi
ncesheisnotyour
si
ster?Clear
lysheisnotheretorepr
esentt
he
Si
banda's,sheisnotaSibanda.
Tumi :
Myf at
herbroughtherbecausehecan'
t
takecareofheranymore,hehasnew
responsi
bil
it
iesi
nZambi a.
Me:Whycan' tThembi t
akecareofher
sel
fand
herchi
ldren?whycan'tshefi
ndajob?Why
shoul
dy outakecareofher?Doesn'
tshehave
hands?
Tumi
:Babet
hingsar
ehar
dinTshol
ojustas
theyareher
e,shecan'
tfi
ndajobj
ustl
i
key
ou
can'tf
indaj
ob...Ti
mesarehar
d
Me: I
sthi
ssomekindofcult
ureorwhat ?
BecauseIwi
ll
notbepartofthisjoke,t
hisi
sn'
t
1980whyshouldy
ourbrothersfamilybeyour
probl
em?
Tumi :
Ithoughty ousai
dy oudependedony our
brot
herwheny ouhadnot hi
ng,Ithought
Abalengsacrifi
cedhisfamil
ymoneyandshar ed
i
twithy ou.Di
dn'tyousayev enthewife
compl ai
ned..
.whyisitwrongformet ohelpmy
brot
her ?
Me:Tumi youbroughtawomanyousleptwit
h
toourhouse,howweirdi
sthat
?Didn'
tyoufeel
awkward?
Tumi:Idi
dandI'm sor
rybuti don'
twantthi
sto
aff
ectus,il
oveyouandy ou'r
emyf ir
st
pri
ori
ty.
..
I'
m onl
ygoingtodowhat '
sgoodf or
you,f
oryounotmeorany oneokay?(tur
nedmy
j
awtohim)Youcomef
ir
st.
..Tel
lmewhaty
ou
wantandI
'
lldoi
t
Me:
Real
l
y?
Tumi
:Real
l
yreal
l
y..
.
Me:
(smi
l
ed)Ev
eni
fIsayki
l
lher
?
Tumi
:Yes.
..
Me:
(laughed)Okay
,iwanthert
ogoback
Tumi:(l
i
ckedhisli
pandswal
l
owedl
ooki
ngt
he
otherway)Okay.
.
Me:
what
?
Tumi
:
Not
hing.
.Thi
ngsar
ehar
ddownt
her
e
Me:Sheisagr ownwoman,whycan' tshe
suppor
therkids?Sheshoul
ddoabusi nessor
somethi
ng,andshehasaboy fr
iend.Whycan't
herboyf
ri
endt akecar
eofher?
Tumi
:Shehasaboy
fri
end?
Me:
Yes,
shewast
alki
ngt
ohi
mthi
smor
ning
Tumi:
(cl
enchedhisjawsandleanedback)
Whataninter
est
ingrevel
ati
on.
..Idi
dn'
tknow
shewassleepi
ngaround.
Me: Shesai
ditl
ikeitwasnothi
ngbuthonestl
yI
don'tseewhysheshouldbehere,whyisshe
here?Likewhat
'sthemainreasonforher
comi ng?
Tumi:(
sighed)Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
i
eveshehasa
boyf
ri
end
Me:
(looki
ngathi
m)Ar
eyouact
ual
l
yjeal
ous?
Tumi
:Iam notj
eal
ous,
whywoul
dIbej
eal
ous?
Me:Maybebecausey ousl
eptwi
thhermany
year
sago,shesaidsheevenvi
sit
edi
npri
son,
wasitt
hatseri
ous?
Tumi
:Soapr
isonv
isi
tisasi
gnofser
iousness?
Me:Iwouldn'tcr
ossboarder
sjustt
oseemy
br
otheri
nlaw, behonestwit
hme.It'
syourpast
i
t'
snotli
key oucheatedonme.Sowhat
happened?
Tumi
:Shev
isi
tedme,
that
'si
t.
Me:
Don'
tgi
vemeshor
tanswer
s
Tumi:Babeshevisi
tedmesoonaf t
eriwas
remanded,i
gotbailedoutandv i
sit
edherand
that
'si
t,weneversaweachot heragai
nafter
.
Me:
Mxm
Tumi
:What
?
Me:
You'
renotav
erygoodl
i
ar,
Tumi
:I'
m notly
ing.
..Myl
i
psdon'
ttel
lnol
i
es.
..
i
comehere.
..

Hepul
l
edmecl
oserandki
ssedme.
..

Tumi
:I
sther
eany
thi
ngel
se?
Me: No.
..You'
reluckythi
sisyourpast
,ify
ou
cheatonmeI '
lldestr
oyyou.
Tumi:Aft
erwhatyoudi
dtoLesegoi
don'tdoubt
you.
..Youhavegotal
oosescr
ewinyourhead..
.
Babecani asky
ousomethi
ng?
Me:
Yeah
Tumi:
Canwet akeherwithus?Shedoesn'
t
knowthispl
ace.
..Andiwanthertoleav
ewit
h
myfatheri
mmedi at
elyaf
terbur
ial
.
Me:
Nopr
obl
em.
..
Tumi
:Wi
l
lyouf
oll
owme?
Me:
Okaybutshei
sri
dingwi
thmenoty
ou.
Tumi
:Al
ri
ght
..
.

Hest
eppedoutoft
hecarandsi
gnal
edThembi
whowasrubbi
ngherey
essit
ti
ngonthel
og.
..

AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..
..
Sibandaandafewseniorci
ti
zensweresi
tt
ing
underthetr
eehavi
ngteaandchatt
ing.
..
.

MmaAbiandherneighbourwalkedpastt
hetree
makingt
heirwayi
nasSi bandastar
edather,
herf
acewasf ami
l
iarandheknewhe' dseenher
somewhere.
..

Hecont i
nuedchatt
ingwithothermenbut
keepinghiseyesatthel
adies,MaAbi
'sphone
rangthenshesteppedasidetoanswerit
.
Sibandastoodupandwal kedovert
oher
holdi
ngacupofcof fee.
..
.

Her:(tothephone)Yes...Iwil
ltel
ltherestof
thefamilythatt
het hechiefwantstomeetus.
What '
sthisabout?.
...
.Who?Bakang? ..
.(sighed
shakingherhead)Ican'tbeli
evethis.
..Arey ou
peopleserious?
..
..Youknowwhat ?Iwillcall
y
oubackkemol
esong.
..

Sheangril
yhungupandt
urnedar
oundbumpi
ng
onSibanda'
schest
..

MaAbi
:Iam sor
ry.
..Idi
dn'
tseey
ou
Si
banda:
(smi
l
ed)I
t'
sokay
..
.Gl
ori
ari
ght
?

Shelookedi
ntohiseyesandsmi
l
edcov
eri
ng
hermouthintot
alshock.
..
.

MaAbi
:(smi
l
eddi
sbel
i
ef)No.
..
Si
banda:
(laughed)Doy
oust
il
lst
ayi
nBosej
a?
MaAbi
:(l
aughed)Yes.
..
.
Sibanda:
Let
'
sgoov
ert
her
e..
.Howhav
eyou
been?
Theybot
hturnedaroundandt
ookawal
k
towar
dsthegate.
..
..
.

Atmyhouse.
..
.

Laterweparkedthecarsinfr
ontofthehouse,
Thembi andiremainedi
nthecarwithoutsay
ing
anythi
ngtooneanot her
.Tumelogotoutofhis
fat
her'
scarandwal kedovert
henhel eanedi
n
onThembi '
sside.
..
..

Tumelo:
(av
oidedey
econt
act
)Youhav
etogo
backhome.
..
.
Thembi
:(t
ear
ful
l
y)Gobackt
owhat
?
Tumel
o:Don'
tmaket
hisdi
ff
icul
tthani
tis.
..
Thembi
:Fi
ne,
I'
ll
gobutI
'
m nott
aki
ngt
he
chi
l
dren.
..

Shewalkedi
nsi
dethehouseandgotherbag
thenshewal
kedpastus.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.(9t
)

*Iwil
lbepost
ingonemoreinser
ttomor
row
befor
egoingonstudyl
eave
*
Likeandl
eav
eacomment
.Muchl
ove
Co-
wif
e
#89

Atmyhouse.
..
.

Me:
Whyi
sshel
eav
ingherki
ds?
Tumel
o:Wher
ewoul
dshegowi
tht
hem?Iwant
t
otaket
hem unt
ilshecanst
andonherf
eet
.
Me:
Onherf
eet
?Isn'
tshegoi
ngbackt
oTshol
o?
Tumelo:Thembicansurvi
veher
eonherown,
sheneedstimetofigur
eherwayar
oundand
thenwit
hinacoupleofmonths,
shewil
lbeabl
e
tostaywit
hthekids.
Me:
Sur
viv
edoi
ngwhat
?
Tumel
o:Shewi
l
lfi
gur
esomet
hingout
,gi
veher
ti
me
Me: No,shehastoleav
ethecountr
yandgo
back,whyshouldshesurv
iveher
e?
Tumelo: Idon'
thav econt roloverwhatThembi
does,youchasedheroutoft hehouse, youcan't
chaseheroutoft hecount ry
...Youdon'thav e
thatri
ght,Idefinit
elydon'thav ethatr
ight.
..Buti
havether esponsibil
it
yofmaki ngsureBrianand
Scottarewel lprovi
dedf orandi hopey ou'
llbe
abletohelpmewi t
hthat...
Me:I
'm nott
aki
ngcar
eofherki
dswhi
l
eshei
s
outt
hereenj
oyi
ngher
sel
f
Tumel o:Enjoy i
ngher sel f
?Ar ey ouser ious?She
doesn'thav ear oofov erherhead, shedoesn' t
haveabl anketandshei senjoyher self?She
doesn'tev enknowt henameoft hewar dshei s
i
nandshei senj oyi
ng?Shewasj ustl aughi ng
withyoumi nutesagot hinkingshef oundf ami l
y
andy ouchasedheroutbef oreshecoul dpl ead
hercaseandshei senj oyi
ngher sel f?BabeI '
m
kindofget ti
ngt iredoft ryi
ngt omakey ousee
thebiggerpi cture..
.Apr il
,BrianandScot tar e
thebaggageI '
m br ingi ngt othisr elat i
onshi p,
areyouaccept ingt hem ornot ?I t'sv er ysimpl e..
.
Answermeandseal thedeal .
..(ikeptqui et)are
youaccept i
ngmyr esponsi bili
tiesornot ?Idon' t
haveapr oblem wi t
hAt si
le,MasegoandAme,
Theirfatherisanar rogantpi eceofshi tbutt hey
areprecioust ome, theyar emychi l
dr enand
theywi l
lnev erknowt heirfatherandi hat eeach
other
..
.Theywil
lnev
erknowunt
ilt
heyar
e
grown,iwantt
oknowifApri
l
,Br
ianandScot
t
havethesamechance.
..
Me:
(tear
ful
l
yrubbi
ngmyey
es)I
t'
sdi
ff
erent
..
.
Tumel
o:Howi
sitdi
ff
erent
?
Me:Youl oveThembiandi
don'tl
oveBakang..
.I
sawthewayy ouhuggedher,
thewayshetalks
toyou.
..Idon'
twantt
ogethurt
Tumelo:Doyoureal
l
ywanttotal
kaboutgetti
ng
hur
tNaledi
?Let'
sbehonestandfai
r.
..
.Shoul
d
wereall
ybetal
ki
ngaboutcheati
ngandgetti
ng
hur
t?
Me:
(swal
l
owedandr
ubbedmyey
es)No.
..
Tumelo:Youhav en'
tansweredmekabana. .
.
Tellmethi
s,ifAbalengdi
esinaplanecrush
andReneidieswhoi sgoingtoberesponsi
ble
forLoago?
Me:
Me
Tumel o:Wouldn'
tthatrequir
emelovi
ngand
acceptingLoagoinourhouseasoneofour
chi
ldren?Idon'tunderstandwhaty
ourpr
obl
em
i
swi t
hBr ianandScott
Me: Idon'
thaveaproblem wi
ththem,youknow
il
ovechi l
drenandwil
lneveri
ll
treatt
hem but
I'
m notcomf or
tabl
ewiththi
sbecauseyouonce
sl
eptwi t
hher
Tumel o:I
twasy earsago..
..Shoul dIhavea
problem withthefactt
haty ousleptwith
Bakangy earsago, war
engnest handwasam?
Arewebui ldingthi
sfamil
yornot ?Iloveyou
andi wanttomakey ouhappy .
..Ibeeninprison
fortoolongandt hisar
guingist akingourti
me...
.
Weshoul dbehappy
Me:(si
ghed)I'
m sorr
yifI
'
m comi ngsel
fi
sh.
..
Youacceptedmyt hr
eekids,
iguessitwoul
dn't
ki
llt
oacceptyournephews..
.I
'l
lhel
punti
l
Thembitakesthem..
Hel eanedoverandFr
enchkissedmeasi cri
ed
thenhel edmeinsi
deandclosedthedoor
, he
pull
edmecl oserandFrenchki
ssedmeasi
caressedhim..
.

Helaidmeonthecouchandunzi ppedhisj
eans,
ipull
eduphi
st-shi
rtandcaressedhisst
rong
chestasher
ubbedhi msel
fagainstme..
.I
rubbedhi
sbonerashekissedme. .
.

Hekindofpausedt
houghtful
l
ythenhe
conti
nuedki
ssi
ngmet houghhisweapon
soft
enedonmypalm..
.

Tumelo:(babyki
ssedme)Ihav
etogo.
.My
famil
ywant edafewthi
ngsf
rom mer
egar
ding
theburi
al.
Me:
(cl
osedmyl
egsembar
rassed)Okay
..
.
Tumel
o:(
babyki
ssedme)Il
ovey
ou.
..
Me:
Lov
eyout
oo.
..

Hewal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
..
.

AtWi
mpy
..
..

Thembisatdownandtookoutherphoneasa
wait
ressappr
oached.
..

Wai
tr
ess:
Dumel
ang,
nkagot
husa?
Thembi
:(smi
l
ed)Hel
l
o
Wai
tr
ess:(l
aughed)Par
donme.
..I
'
m sosor
ry.
..
Mayihel
pyou?
Thembi
:(l
aughed)I
t'
sokay
..
.ABanana
mi
l
kshakewi
l
lbef
ine.
..
.Regul
ar
Wait
ress:Comi
ngri
ghtup..
.I'
m sor
ryabout
ear
li
er,youl
ookl
ocal
..
.I'
m sorr
y
Thembi
:(l
aughed)Don'
twor
ryabouti
t.
..

Shedi
aledhersi
steri
nlaw.
..

Her
:Hel
l
o?
Thembi
:Hi,
Tumelo'
sgi
rl
fr
iendt
hrewmeout
.
Canyoucol
lectme?
Her:Thembi
?Coll
ectyouandputy
ouwhere?
Weren'ty
ousupposedtohel
pTumelodeal
wit
h
t
his?
Thembi:Thatwomanishar dtogetalongwith,
sheisangryatt
heworld.Ican'tdeal
withthat,
I'
l
lslapheri
fshekeepstalki
ngbecausei have
asmuchr i
ghtoverTumeloasshedoesbutshe
actsli
kesheist
hepresident.You'
dswearher
chi
l
drenar
eTumel
o'
schi
l
dren.
..
Her:Hai
,wedon'thavespaceattheroom and
weareleavi
ngimmediatel
yaftertheburi
also
youbett
erfi
ndawayt otalktothatbr
at,Tumelo
alr
eadyexpl
ainedhowshei sandhowt hi
ngs
aredonehereconcer
ningthati
ssue.
Thembi:Kindl
yaskbabatodropmeaty our
room soicanbathandsortoutmypaperwork,
i
wanttowal kar
oundthetowndroppi
ng
appl
icat
ionsonMonday .
Her
:Okaybutwhataboutt
hechi
l
dren?
Thembi:Tumelocant
akecar eofhi schil
dren,
I'
m notevengoi
ngtobothermy selfwit
ht hat.
..
Ifhecantakecar
eofAprilhewilldotheboy s.I
havebeenalonesi
nceday1.Hedoesn' teven
knowScot t
..
Her
:Thembidon'
tbehardheaded,youknow
howTumigets,
ift
hingsgetmessyhereyou'
ll
hav
enowheretogo.Wear eleav
ing,humbl
e
y
our
sel
fbef
orehi
m..
.Don'
tpr
ovokehi
m
Thembi:Ir
espectTumel
o,y
ouknowi
dobuthi
s
gi
rl
fr
iend-
Her
:Iwasjustsayi
ng,l
etmet al
ktoyourf
ather
..
Hei
sov ert
heregett
ingtoocomfort
abl
ewith
t
helocal
s,haiSi
bandaisaprobl
em
Thembi
:By
e..

Shehungupandt
ext
edhi
m..
.

Thembi:"
Bepat
ient
,I'
l
lmakeitupt
oyoumy
queen"i
musthavereadi
twit
hmyphone
upsi
dedown.

Shetookalookatherpictur
esandpausedat
Tumel o'
spi
cturet
henshesighedand
swallowedtear
ful
l
y..
.Shehadwaitedyear
sfor
thatdaybutthecl
osetthi
ngshegotwasahug...
Ashar
edhug.
..
.

Wai
tr
ess:
(pl
acedhershakedown)Her
eyougo
Thembi
:Thanks

Thewaitr
esswalkedaway,
asshepr
essedher
phoneshecameacr ossal
ocal
numberonher
cal
lloganddi
aledit
...
.

Dudu:
Hel
l
o
Thembi:Hi
,i
t'
sThembi.
..Nal
edi
usedmyphone
tocal
lyouear
li
er,
canIcomebytoseet
he
chi
ldr
en?
Dudu:
Sur
e,wher
eisNal
edi
?
Thembi:Atherhouse,don'
ttel
lherI
'm comi
ng
ther
e,i
wantt oseethechil
dreninpeace
Dudu:
(laughed)HeyNal
edi
!Emmacome.
..
Thembi:
Idon'
tknowmywayaround.
..Buti
have(
shereadthemoney
)Ihav
e50Pul a.
Dudu:Um..
.Justst
ayther
emyhubbywi
ll
col
lecty
ou,heisataxi
dri
ver
.Whi
chWimpyar
e
youat?
Thembi
:Idon'
tknow
Dudu:Don'
twor
ryhewi
l
lgof
indy
ou,
justst
ay
t
here
Thembi
:Thanksal
ot.
..

AtMr
sSi
banda'
shome.
..
.

SibandaandMaAbiwal
kedoutoft
hegateand
tookawalkaroundt
henei
ghbour
hood.
..
.

MaAbi
:Sowhowast
hat
?
Si
banda:
Thel
adywhoj
ustt
alkedt
ome?I
t'
smy
sist
er.
.Wecamet oarrangeTumel
o'
sbogadi
negoti
at i
onsbuthetoldmeheisnotyetr
eady
fi
nanciall
ysowear eleavi
ngimmedi
atel
yaft
er
theburial
.Wewi l
lcomeagainwhenheisready
MaAbi:
Ihopey
oursont
reat
smyl
i
ttl
egi
rlwi
th
r
espect
..
Sibanda:
Noi hopeyourdaught
erknowshowt o
l
ov eaman,toloveamani storespecthi
m buti
hearsheisar
gument at
ive.
MaAbi :Alli
knowi swhatyoupeoplecal
l
respectisn'
trespecther
esoleavemydaught
er
alone.Tumel oishal
fMotswana,heshoul
d
toler
ateNaledi'
spersonal
it
y.
Sibanda:Ij
ustdon'
twanthertobesur pri
sedby
Tumel o,
myboycanbev erypat
ientwitha
woman. .
.Sosopatientyou'
dthi
nkhei saf ool
butthedayhedealswi t
hhernonsense...she
won'tknowhowt ostophim andneighbourswil
l
haveapr obl
em.Theboyi sfr
om Tsholotsho,we
don'
tpl
aydownt
her
e.
MaAbi
:Waboor
engj
aanongSi
banda?
Sibanda:(l
aughed)Mouldyourdaughteri
swhat
I
'm saying,t
eachherhowtohav eafami l
yand
dealwithargumentsl
ikeanadultItr
iedmybest
withTumi .
MaAbi
:(si
ghed)I
'
llt
ry.
..
Sibanda:(smi
led)Keutwaor
eodi r
adi car
pets,
may bewecangot oSout
hAfr
icaorZambi a
togethersoyoucanbuyyourmateri
als
MaAbi:(
laughed)Sibandakooreontsejang
wena?Ican'tdothatwheny oursoniswit
hmy
daught
er,i
t'
sdirt
y.Let'
sjustparent
Si
banda:
(laughed)Al
ri
ght
..
.Iunder
stand.
..

AtDudu'
shouse.
..
Awhil
elaterTuel
oparkedthecarandst
epped,
Thembigotoutasherchi
ldrenr
antowardsher
..
.

TuxhandedDuduasmallplast
icoftr
eati
es
thenhel
eanedoverandbabykissedher
..
.

Tux:
Youshoul
djustopenapr
eschool
.
..
Dudu:(
laughed)you'
rer
ight
..
.(l
ookedi
nsi
det
he
pl
asti
c)Thanks..
.
Tux:
I'
m goi
ng
Dudu:
Bye

Hejumpedbacki
nthecaranddroveoutas
Thembiwal
kedovercar
ryi
ngScott
..
.

Dudu:
Sowhathappened?
Thembi
:It
'
sal
ongst
orybutshechasedme
away
..
.(puthersondownthenherant
othe
ot
her
s)Wegoti ntoanar
gument.
Dudu:Thembi
youcanjustt
ell
me. .
.Whatwasi
t
about
?Hercheat
ingonyourbrot
her?
Thembi:
Hei
snotmybr
-wai
t,shedi
dwhat
?She
cheat
ed?
Dudu:No,shedidn'
taker
ei knowsi
steri
nlaws
l
iketoaccusepeopleofcheati
ngonthei
r
brot
hers.
Thembi :Oh..
.Wel lTumi i
sn'
tmybr ot her,heis
mylatehusband' sbrotherandwhenhedi ed
thei
rfatheri
nfluencedhi mt otakeov er.Hewas
rel
uctantbecausehesai dhehadagi r l
fri
end
andshewaspr egnant .
..Eventuall
yhewar med
uptoitbecausewhenev erhev i
sit
edhi sf amil
y
i
nTshol oiwoul dbet heretotakecar eofhi m,
onethingledtoanot herandher ewear etoday.
Wehav ebeent hroughhel ltogether...Hel ost
hisj
obandt hingsgotmessy ,i
t'
sav er ylong
stor
ybutwecommuni catedthoughwecouldn'
t
meetoften.Hespentmostt i
mei njai
ltobe
honestandwehav en'
treall
yreachedthatpoi
nt
yetbutthat
'st
hecase
Dudu:(l
aughed)wai
t.
..
.Letmegetthi
sst
rai
ght.
..
Youcameher eknowi
ngaboutNaledi
andeven
sharedahouseknowingTumel
owaswi t
hher
i
nt hebed?
Thembi
:(embar
rassed)Iknowi
t'
s-
Dudu:(
laughedandcl
appedonce)Chi
neke!
Hahahahaiyaa.
..
Thembi
:Ihav
enocho-
Dudu:
Haibonnagakekot
shel
engmmat
a,i
just
l
oveyourthi
nki
ng.
..
Thembi
:(conf
used)What
?
Dudu:Il
oveyoumyf r
iend,
youandmecouldfix
t
hisworl
dit'
sapit
ywehav en'
tbeensetup
t
ogether
.Soyoudidn'
thaveaprobl
em shar
ing
Tumi
?
Thembi:No, iunder
standthathehassomethi
ng
withherbutifhecanbalancehisthi
ngsidon'
t
seeanypr obl
ems.Thepr oblem wi
thNal
edii
s
thatsheisself-
cent
ered.
..
.
Dudu: (fol
dedherar msandmov edcloser
reducingherv oice)I'
m wi
thyou...Youdon'
t
knowhowsel f
ishshecanbewheni tcomesto
sit
uationslikethis.Weoncehadasi t
uati
on
simil
art othisandi j
oo(cl
apped)Shewasokay
wheni twashert urnandtheni
ghti hadtohav
e
myv isitsherefusedt ol
ettheguygo
Thembi
:Tumi
?
Dudu: No, anotherguy.
..Thefatherofour
chil
dren.Itwasdr amat i
cmma. ..
.Itri
edtomake
herunder standthatit
'spossi
blet oshareaman
andhav eaf amil
ywithhim aslongashecan
aff
ordi tandt hewomenar emat ur
eenough.Ke
raagoreweal readyknowgoodmenar efew,
therestareir
responsibleorgaysoidon'tsee
anyproblem withar esponsi
blemanbeing
sharedbyt wowomen, thr
eeistoomuchbutal l
thesemenwhoar er esponsi
blemusttake
anotherwomant oreducethenumberofgood
singl
ewomen.
Thembi :
(laughedandf
oldedherarms)Whoare
you?Ithinkyou'r
eaMotswanav er
sionofmy
fr
iend.
..(l
aughed)shet
alkscr
azythingsl
ike
you.
Dudu:(l
aughed)Honestl
ynnaIdon'thav
ea
probl
em shari
ngamanasl ongashecanaf for
d
tosupporthi
schil
drenandrespectme,whatis
adickanyway?
Thembi
:(l
aughed)Theprobl
em comeswhena
womanlovesadicktoomuch..Nal
edi
'
s
deci
si
onsareinf
luencedbysex.
Dudu:
I'
m goi
ngt
otel
lhert
hatshei
scr
azy
..
.
Thembi
:Pl
easedon'
ttel
lher
..
.Shewi
l
lthi
nki
sentyouort
hatwewer
egossi
p.Tumi
wil
lget
angrywit
hme..
.
Thembi:You'
reri
ght.
..Theseguy
sget
i
nfl
uencedbysex ,
irememberhowourexused
togetangrywhensher epor
tedt
ohi
m.
Thembi:
Iwoul
dn'
twantt
ogetTumi
ther
e,hei
s
hardt
ocont
rolwhenhei
sangr
y.
Dudu:
(laughed)Tumel
ocangetangr
y?
Thembi
:Yes.
.
Dudu:Stopwithyourl
i
es,
Tumeloi
sver
ysof
t.
..
Naledical
lst
heshotsmaybehej
ust
underminesyou.
Thembi:
Hedoesn't
..
.Heissoftandromant
ic
buthedoesn'
tl
ikef
eeli
ngdi
srespect
ed.
Dudu:
(laughed)ButTumi
isv
erysoft
..
.Maybe
hewast ooyoungwhenhewaswit
hy ou.
Thembi
:Maybe.
..(si
ghed)Ihav
etogo.
..Idon'
t
knowhowI'
m goingtostar
tmylif
eher
ebutI '
l
l
bef
ineoneday
.
Dudu: Eheeetherewer etwoadvertsfor
assist
antbenchcl erkwhoi sf
luentinEngli
sh
andNdebel eandt heonef or
Afri
kaans...
quali
fi
cationswereBGCSEi t
hink..
.I
don'tknowwhaty oucalli
tinyourcountr
y, how
fardidyougowi thschool?
Thembi :Ihaveadi
plomainAdmi nist
rat
ion,
may beIshouldapply
.Ihavebeenunempl oyed
foryearsanditwashard.
.Tumi waspay i
ngf or
myschool f
eesthi
nkingI
'dfi
ndaj obaft
erbut
nothing
Dudu:Tryyourl
uckmyf r
iend,younev
erknow.
Sometimeswehav etol
eav eourcomfor
tzone
tofi
ndgreenerpast
ures
Thembi:Let'
ssitdownsot
haticansor
toutmy
paper
s,,
y ou'
regivi
ngmehope

Theysatdownandsor
tedherpaper
s..
.
Dudu:Wemustcert
if
yyourcopi
es,
doy
ouhav
e
al
lyourt
rav
eldocument
s?
Thembi
:Yes.
.Her
e
Dudu: Letmecal
lmyhubbysowecandr opthe
chil
drenatmymot her
'shouseandgocer
ti
fy,
todayisthel
astday.
Thembi
:Thanks.
.
Dudu: Anyt
ime...(
dialing)Anddon' tmi nd
any thi
ngNal edisaidt oyou,shewi l
l t
hinkofitat
nightandf eelguil
tyt henshewi llapologise.She
i
sani cepersonshei sjustselfcentred..
..I
under standherbet t
ert hanmostpeopl ethat'
s
whywegetal ong.Onegoodt hingaboutheri s
thatshel oveschildren,shewi l
lnev erabuse
BrianandScot t
.Irelyonherwheni tcomest o
children.
Thembi
:Icannev
erhateawomanwhodoesn'
t
hatemychi
ldr
en,
ifshetr
eat
sthem f
inet
henI
'
ll
r
espectherf
ort
hat
.
Dudu: Shei
sperf
ectwhenitcomestochildr
en
butdick?Yooshewill
kil
lyouforadi
ck.
..
she
wil
lchaseyououtont hemiddl
eofthenightf
or
adick,shecanbeniceunti
ladicki
sinv
olved.
Thembi
:(l
aughed)It
'sunder
standabl
e..
.Tumi
knowshi
sgame, ibetshecan'
tgetenoughofi
t
Dudu:Andtheyneverr
eall
ydatedforlongfor
hertobesati
sfi
edkootengar
el eahel
a
l
ennenyanelagaTumi.
..
gaait
segor emonna
waalapisakamorobal
owaphakel alephakel
a
verysoonshewil
lbegivi
nghim hardtimewit
h
sex.
Thembi
:what
?
Dudu:Sor
ryi
wi shyouknewSetswana..
.It
's
ni
cetogossi
pinsetswana.
..Ican'
tgossi
p
ni
celyi
nEngl
ish,i
tdoesn'
thavethatt
hing
Thembi
:I'
m afastl
ear
ner,i
nsixmonthsI
'
llbe
abl
etosayafewsentencesinSet
swana.
..
Dudu:
Mnh( walkingout
)Hell
o?Babet
her
raI
'
m
sor
ryfordi
stur
bingyoutoday
..

Shetalkedtohim whi
l
eThembiputherpaper
s
toget
herandclosedherey
estaki
ngashort
sil
entprayer
..
..
.

I
nSi
banda'
scar
..
..

Tumel
ojoi
nedthemainroadanddi
aledKenbut
i
twasn'
tanswer
edthenhecall
edTuelo.
..
.

Tuel
o:Sur
eboy
Tumel
o:Okor
enkeng?
Tuel
o:No,I
'm homeforanhourorso,Dudu
borr
owedthecartohel
pThembi wit
h
somethi
ng
Tumelo:
Obol ail
ethentšwakweena,
Dudu
deser
vesspecialtr
eat
s
Tuel
o:WhydoyouthinkI'
m worki
ngmyassof f
andsavi
ng?Iwantt
omakei toffi
cial
andspoi
l
her,
kebolai
l
emestaah.Sojaanongoebereki
l
e
j
angkaThembi?
Tumelo:
Naledii
sbeingimpossi
ble,
shewant
ed
tot
hrowthekidsoutleThembi
Tuelo:Canyoutwonothur
ttheki
dsont
he
process?That
'shush
Tumelo:
No,wesor
tedi
tout
...Thoughi
didn'
t
goint
odetai
l
sbutwegood.
Tuel
o:Iwonderi
fyourbrot
herf
uckedupyour
l
if
eorlefty
ouapreciousgi
fti
nThembi.
Tumelo:Lif
elai
taaka,
gakeit
selenna.
..Ampor
e
kelebal
awhyi call
edyouTuxthemonnakea
l
wala..
.Kanadi-
deeeganagospana
shaposhapo
Tuel
o:(
laughedloudly
)Whosewifedidyou
scr
ew?Guy sfi
xtheirwiv
esnowadays,t
hese
hoesai
n'tl
oyal
.
Tumel o:(
laughed)Beser i
oust
herra,i
canonly
maintainitforl
ikeasecondgapelesexdri
vee
vai
le,kanai haven'
ttouchedaki
tcatsi
nceIwas
rel
easedbutkeshapohel a
Tuel
o:Butneol
elakanopai
npr
ison,
what
happened?
Tumel
o:Ieasi
l
ylosei
nter
est
..
.
Tuel
o:May
bey
ouwantNameorPaul
i
to
Tumelo:
(laughed)Maret
eTuxaut
wa,
mar
ete
l
ait
aaka,t
sek!I'
m ser
ious
Tuel
o:Visi
taphar
macyandseeaphar
maci
st
hemightassi
st
Tumelo:
(checkedhi
sti
me)I'l
lgotomorrow,
kanakeraathemonnadie-
maany arobala.
..
le
i
nter
estgaey o,
kepel
ohelabecauseiknowi
haven'
thadi
tinawhi
l
emaraakenat
hepassi
on
topinawomandownandmakehermoanmy
name.
Tuelo:
(laughed)Otaabaka,nnakaemamol
a
phakel
al ephakel
agaketheogela
Tumel
o:(
laughed)Shapo
Tuel
o:(
laughed)Sur
esur
e..
.

Hehungupandcont
inueddr
ivi
ng.
..
.

Att
heguesthouse.
..
.

Laterthatafter
noonDuduparkedinf
rontofthe
Sibanda'sroom thenThembi
steppedout.
..
.

Thembi
:(smi
l
edandputherhandonherchest
)
Myhear
tisst
il
lbeat
ing.
..
Dudu:(l
aughed)Ev
ersi
ncewedr
oppedof
fthe
envel
ope?
Thembi
:Yes.
..
Dudu: Girl
pieceofadv i
ce, nevergetexcit
ed
aboutappl yi
ngf oraj ob, ioncesentov er60j ob
appli
cationsandal lresponseswer eregret
si n
factothersnev erbot heredr eplyme.Ifjobsar e
easyi nTsholot heny ougotanot herthi
ng
comi nginMaun, t
hinkofabusi nessidea..
.
Businessesdobet t
erespeci al
lybecauseMaun
i
sat ouristdestination, mostwhi tepeoplebuy
thi
ngsatwhat ev erpricey ouput .
..I
fyousel l
say
anAni mal pr
intcl othforP300i nGabsi nMaun
i
tsov erP800andt ouristswi ll
buyitandev en
tel
lyout okeept hechange. .
.
Thembi
:I'
mv er
ygoodatmakingf
lowerpot
s,
maybeishoul
dthi
nkofthat
Dudu:Eet
hosedoselltoo,t
hinkaboutany
thi
ng
youcandoespeci
all
ytarget
ingtour
ist
s
Thembi
:Ishoul
d..
.Thanks
Dudu:
Yeahany
time

Shedr
oveoutwhi
l
eTumel odrov
ei n,her
oll
ed
downthewi
ndowthenshedidhers..
..

Tumel
o:Hey
Dudu:
Hi,i
havetheki
dsyouguyswil
lcol
lect
t
hem whenyouhaveset
tl
edyouri
ssues.
Tumel
o:Thanks.
..
Dudu:
You'
rewel
come.
..
Tumelo:(
sheroll
edupherwi ndow)Wait
..
.Um..
.
Tuel
oisluckytohaveyou.
..Fir
stimpr
essi
ons
don'
talwayscountaf
teral
l
...
Dudu:(l
aughed)Tumel
oweei
thoughtt
hat
neverhappened
Tumel
o:(
laughed)Ohy
eah.
..Goshapo.
..
Theybot
hlaughedanddr
ovet
hei
rsepar
ate
ways.

Minut
esl
aterTumelopar
kedi
nfr
ontoft
he
r
oom andknocked.

I
nsideThembisteppedoutoftheshowerand
wrappedher
selfwit
hat owelt
henshemadeher
waytothedoorrubbingherwetface.
..

Tumelorai
sedhishandagai
ntoknockbutt
he
dooropenedandheglar
edather
..
.

Tumel
o:(
angr
il
y)Sousukhombi
l
ewena?
Thembi
:Ukhul
umangani
?
Tumel
o:(
wal
kedi
n)Ungazenzi
is'
phukuphukul
a
ki
mi,
arey
oudi
srespect
ingme?
Thembi
:(heartpoundi
ng)Tumii
am nott
hat
ty
peofumf azi
,uyakwazil
awel
okho.
Tumelo:(
stari
ngather
)Angi
sozengi
phi
nde
ngi
kubuze.
..Doyouhaveaboyf
ri
end?
Thembi:(
tearful
l
yshaki
ng)Whatmakesy ou
thi
nksengikhombil
e?Uyanget
husakekhathesi
.
..
Tumel o:Kutshoukuthilawef ut
hi?Mmh?Af ter
everyt
hingey ayenzakal
ay o.
...Wonkel ama
sacri
fi
ceengaway enzafort hisfami l
y,yiyo
i
ndlelaengibongwangay ole?Wenaut shele
uNalediukuthiuleboy f
ri
end. .
.Ngubani umunt u
wakhona, Youal lmustbet hinkingI'm stupidfor
goingtojailsoy oucanal ll
ivelavishl
yt heny ou
turnaroundandsl eepar oundl i
keI '
m not
provi
dingfory ou..
.

Heshutt
hedoorandl
ockeditt
henhewal
ked
ov
erunhooki
nghi
sbel
t,shequi
ckl
y
r
emember
edandgr
abbedherphone.
..
.

Thembi:(
handeditover
)Ngangikhulumal
awe.
.
Butidi
dn'tknowukut
hi ngi
thi
nikuy
esongaci
na
ngi
sit
hiIhaveaboyfr
iend..
.

Her eadthetextmessagequi et
lyasthefrown
betweenhi seyebrowsdisappeared,
helooked
atherasshewasshaki ngt henhehuggedher.
Shebur stoutcryi
nginreli
ef.
..
.

Tumel
o:(
sof
tl
y)I
'
m sor
ry.
..
.I'
m sor
ry.
..

Wi t
hherfaceonhi schest ,herwarmthbr eat
h
madehi sskinsomehowandhersof thands
caressedhim withouteffortthenherubbedher
tearsoffandleanedov erFrenchkissi
ngher ,hi
s
hardrockbonerliftedhisjeansandhur this
dickheadasheunzi
ppedhi
sjeansandpushed
them down..
..
..
.

Hekissedhersof t
lycaressi
ngalloverand
tur
nedherar oundpressingherneckont hebed,
helowereddownhi sbriefsandgrabbedhis
weaponwhi chhewhi ppedagainstherround
buttsever
altimes.
..

Herubbedherwetfl
owingentr
anceandteased
herwit
htheti
passhebi tal
i
psf r
owning
desper
atel
ywait
ing.
..I
thadbeenyearssi
nce
shehadanyandshewasi mpati
ent.
..

Hest r
okedhimselfandsqueezedhimselfi
nas
shet i
ght
lycl
osedhereyespushinghischest
back..
.Hegrabbedherhandandpi nnedit
behindherbackthenhestoodproperlyand
dri
ll
edher..
..
..
..
..
..
.
*
Likeandl
eav
eacomment
*Allthewr i
ter
sfoll
owingthepagebeadv i
sed
thatadverti
singyourpageherewil
lgetyou
blocked,thecommentsect i
onisstr
ict
lyfort
he
storyfeedback.Thisgoestoever
yonewho
keepsshar ingdi
ari
esont hepageandgroup.
Wedon' tallowadvert
isi
ng.Muchlove.
Co-
wif
e
#90

AtSi
banda'
sroom.
..

Shi
rt
lessTumel
ostoodandpul
leduphisj
eans
asThembiremai
nedonthebedlooki
ngat
hi
m...
.
Tumelo:(zi
ppi
nghi
sjeans)Ar
eyouon
cont
racepti
ves?
Thembi:No,idi
dn'
thav
ear
easont
ouse
cont
racept
ives.
Tumelo:(
tookouthi
swall
etandgaveherP50)
Buycontr
acept
ivesatt
hepharmacy
..
.I'
m not
readyf
orababy.
Thembi:Okay.
..(
satup),
arewegoi
ngt
otal
k
aboutNaledi
?
Tumel
o:Whatabouther
?
Thembi:(satup)Ifeell
ikengiy
isivakatshi
,ngi
feel
erangani I
'
mt heotherwoman. .
.Ngingu
mkakhokodwal omuntuungixotsheoutofa
houseyoupai dfor,
Ihav enowherel a
engi
ngathi ngi
yakhona.Ubabakhol ayehe's
l
eavingafterumgcwabo. ..
Tumel
o:You'
l
lst
ayendl
i
nikaMama.
Thembi:(
smiledsurpr
ised)Wow..
..
.Wow. .
ngi
yabonga.
..Sothatmeansngingathat
ha
abant
wana?
Tumel
o:Sur
e..
.(
tyi
nghisshoelaces)y
oucan
col
l
ectt
hem kusasaekuseni
.

Shegotupandhuggedhi
m.…

Thembi:(
smiled)Thankyou.
..Ican'
tbel
i
eve
ukut
hiungiv
umel aukut
hingi
sebenzisei
ndl
uka
mamakho, I
'
m honored.

Hereachedforhi
st-
shi
rtandputi
tont
henhe
ki
ssedherholdi
ngherwaist
..
.

Tumelo:Wot hingiyeendli
niI
'l
lseeyou
tomorrow.(sighed)UNalediakaunder
stand-i
cert
ainthi
ngsandi thasal ottodowit
hindlel
a
akhul
engay oandusasemncanenakhona.
Sengi
thembel ekuwetohelphergrow,umondle
i
ntowhatIwant .
..
.Ngi
zadi
ngaukuthibot
hof
youli
sebenzisanengobayouneedherasmuch
aslamingikudinga.Weallneedoneanother
.
Thembi
:Tumibutakasot
eenagerumuntul
o,
shei
sagrownwoman.Yindabakufanel
engi
-
Tumel o:(star
ingather)Whyngitholal
ent
o
yokuthilamalangauy angi
phendulanxa
ngikhuluma?I sitthenewcountrykumbe
kwenzakal ani
?Pl easedon'
tdisr
espectme,
sesikhulesadlul
at hatst
age.
Thembi:Honeyut
hingi
mondlenj
ani
kant
i
uNal
edi?Ngil
esi
fi
sosokut
hingi
mamukel
ebut
shedoesn'
tli
keme..
.
Tumel
o:Thenmenzeakut
hande,
ulenki
ngawi
th
any
thi
ngIsai
d?
Thembi
:(sof
tl
y)No
Tumel
o:Igett
hef
eel
i
ngy
ouwantt
oweart
he
pant
snow,
shoul
dil
endy
oumybal
l
stoo?
Thembi
:(satont
hebed)I
'
m sor
ry.
..
Tumel
o:(l
eanedoverandki
ssedher
)Seeyou
tomor
row.
.(ki
ssedheragai
n)Lovey
ou..
Thembi
:Lov
eyout
oo.
..

Hewal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
.

AtKgosi
'
shouse.
..
.

TheTawanaclangather
edinl
argel
iv
ingroom
asResegoser
v edt
hem wit
hjui
ceandscones.
..
.

Kgosi
:(concl
uded)Soispoket
ot hemot
her
ear
li
erandshepromisedtogetbacktome.
..
Uncl
e:Butwil
ltheThapel
o'
sagree?Weknow
wedisappear
edoffforqui
tesometi
menowt he
chil
drenar
ewal
ki
ngandt
alki
ngr
arer
eaba
tsal
a
Docar
s:(
rai
sedherhand)Mayi
?
Kgosi
:Yes.
.
Dorcas: Ithinkweshoul dhumbl eourselves
beforet hisfamily, t
obehonestwehav e
broughtt hem not hingbutpai nand
embar rassment .Midohasabusedt hisgirl
countlesst imes, heabandonedherwi ththe
chil
drenandr apedher ,idon' tcareifhei sour
sonbutMi domustbet heret oo.Hemustf ace
thosepeopl eandexpl ainhimsel fbecausei
don'tseet hem easi lyagr eeingtot hi
s.Let 'snot
useourr oyaltybecauset hewayi seeNal edi
sheisn'tint i
midat edbyt hisTawanasur name.
Shei sdet erminedt ohav ethingsdoneherway
wheni tcomest oherchi ldrensowemustf i
rst
makesur esheunder standst hatweknowwe
wrongedher .
Queen: Wel litdoesn' tmat terwhatshet hinks
becauseatt heendoft hedayt hosechi l
drenar e
Bakang' schi l
dren,shei sexposi ngt hem to
makwer ekwer eamagodu, thatboy fr
iendof
hersi saknowncr iminal whocameoutont he
news.ThatNal ediofy oursneedst oknowt hat
thel awi sn'tbasedonsoci albel i
efs,ifafather
deci deshewant st otakepar tinhi schild'
sl if
e
eveni fhecomesaf ter5y earst hel awwi l
l sti
ll
backhi m becausenoonehast her i
ghtto
separ ateachi l
df rom hi sfather .IfBakang
hasn' tsignedov erhisr i
ght st oanadopt ive
fathert henhecanf il
ef oraccess.I nf actwear e
wast i
ngmoneyont hisf ami ly,pay i
ngbogadi f
or
childreni sn'teveni mpor tantbef orethecour tke
raagaoy omol aooor engr ragwengwagao
tshwanet segont shabogadi gor ebanabanne
l
eene.Hegott hoser ightst heni ghthemade
thosechi ldr
en...Thosechi ldrenar ethree,that
meansMi dowi llpay24Kbecauseeachchi l
dis
8Kofwhi chhewon' tevenst aywi ththem
becausethisrebel
li
ousgirlwil
lnotl
ethim st
ay
withthem,got sal
angwagakebomat ahel
a.
Midoi sal
readypayingforalawyerwacasey a
rapewhichispending..
.
Dor cas: Naledideservessomeki ndof
compensat i
on,sher ai
sedt hosechi l
drenal one...
Andt hat"mokwer ekwer e"asy ouputi tact uall
y
rai
sedt hosechi l
drenf r
om 3mont hsol d,he
evendi df rom withinthepr isonwhi letheir
fatherwasoutt her erai
si ngmakut wana. ..
(boili
ng)Idon' tthinkanywomanwhohas
carriedachi l
dfor9mont hsandact uall
yf elther
vaginat earingtopopaf ull
gr ownbabywoul d
tal
kl ikethat..
.Thaty ounggi r
l sufferedwi t
h
tri
pletsandmanagedt or ai
set hem unt il
now
whent heycanr unar oundandt al
k...
Itlefther
damagedemot i
onal l
yandphy sicall
y .Onlya
mot herwi llunderstand,andi meanar eal
mot herwhoact ual l
yfeltlabourpai ns.
Queen:
(angr
il
y)Wel
li
fpushi
ngababyoutofa
vagi
naisanOscarwinni
ngact
ionhowcome
peopl
edon'
thavetr
ophiesi
nthei
rli
tt
lehouses?
Aunti
e:Haobasadi
,whyar
eyout
alki
ngl
i
ket
hat
i
nfrontofmen
Queen: sheistheonewhost ar t
edwi ththe
vaginas,Whyissheher eanywher e?Mma
pushingababyoutofy ourv aginadoesn' tmake
youamot her.
..Bei
ngamot heri srai
singa
chil
d..
.Ifpushingababymeantsomet hingthen
all
thewomenwhodumpedt heirchi
ldrenon
rel
ativesortoi
letsdon'
tdeser v
et hatti
ttl
e.
Aunt
ie:
Shhhh
Queen:Beingamot herismoret hanspreadi
ng
yourl
egsforamanwhoi sn'
teveny our
s,i
guessitwouldbeeasyt ounderstandthis
arr
ogant'
sgirlchi
ldi
shbehaviourbecausesheis
ahomewr ecker.
..
thelawisthereforareason.
Kgosi
:(angr
il
y)Shutup!Bot
hofy
ou-
Dor
cas:
(angr
il
y)Thi
sti
meev
ery
onei
sdoi
ng
whati wantandex actl
yhowi want,i
have
watchedy oustirmysoni nt
hewr ongdir
ect
ion
f
orfart oolong.It
riedtorai
seMidothebest
wayi couldbutthisishasgonetoofar-
Bakang:(l
ooki
ngather
)Di
digety
our
ight
?Who
i
sy ourson?
Resego:
(pausedholdi
ngtheket
tl
e)Iknewther
e
wassomethingaboutthewayyoulovedhi
m...

Therewassilenceasever
yonel
ookedatone
another
,thequeenstoodupandwalked
outsi
de.
...

Kgosi
:(si
ghed)Any
waywe-
Uncl
e:Ar
en'
tyougoi
ngoutt
her
e?
Kgosi
:No,ineedmygr
andchi
l
dreni
nmyname
andherapproachi
swr
ong
Dor
cas:
Thanky
ou
Bakang:Canwepl
easepauset
hismeet
ingunt
il
ihavesort
edmymotherout
Kgosi
:Wedon'thav
eti
me,
ial
readyspoket
o
theThapel
o'
s
Bakang:
Theycanwai
t.
..

Hest oodupandfoll
owedhi smot hert
ot he
backy ar
dwhereshewassi tti
ngont he
stai
rcasesni
ffi
ngrubbi
ngherey es,heslowly
satnexttoherandputhisarm aroundher ,
she
fr
ownedandbeguncr yingthenhepul l
edher
overandhuggedher..
..
..

Bakang:Iknowy oumeanwel l,
noone
underst
andswhoy ouarebutidobecauseyou
aremymot her ,
y oulovedmeandspoiltme.
Youboughtni ceclothesformeandkissedme
ever
ynight.
..Ican'timagineawomanwho
wouldrai
seast epchil
dlikeyoudi
d.Parent
s
makemi st
akesandhav ingadiff
erentopini
on
doesn'tmakey oulessofamot her.Idon'
tknow
whathappenedbutal lowinganotherwomani n
yourhouset akescourage,deepdowny ouknew
myf atherwascheatingony oubutyounev er
tookitoutonmef orthatI'
ll
alwaysrespectand
l
ov eyou.
Queen:
thanky
ou.
..
Bakang: Iunderstandy ouar et alkingoutoflove
buttheyar eright,
Idest royedNal edi'
slif
eand
forthosereasonsi wantt ocompensat eher,i
knowi cangot ocour tandI '
ll
begr ant
edshared
custodybuti wantt of oll
owt radi t
ion.Iwantto
doal l
thisevenwi thPr incess,i needt omake
peacewi ththesewomensot hatt heycan
forgi
vemeandst artheal i
ngfrom t hehelli
madet hem got hr
ough.I twillbeni cetohave
younextt omewhenIapol ogiset ot hese
womenbuti onlywanty outher eify ou
understandmywr ongs.
Queen:
(si
ghed)IguessI'
mindenial
.
.Iknow
howhardi
tmusthav ebeenf
orthem.I'
m sor
ry
Bakang:
Iunder
stand
Queen:(rubbedhertears)Yourf
atheri
shavi
ng
anaffai
rwi t
hDorcas,ihaveknownaboutitf
or
along..
.Hehasn'ttouchedmei nover3year
s,
wedon' tfaceeachotherinbed.
Bakang:
3year
s?
Queen: Ihav en'taskedhi m becauseIdon' twant
hisdir
tyl aundr yinpublic,hei sdoingt hesame
thi
nghedi dbeforeyouwer ebor n.Hecheat ed
withDor casandwhenshet oldhim abouty ou
weagr eedshewoul dcomest aywi thus
becauset henpeopl erespect edroy alty
.Hewas
abouttobecr ownedandi didn'
tpeopl eof
Maunt ol oser espectf orhim soagr eedtobe
yourmot herbef oreeveryonewhi l
eshewas
yournanny .(cryi
ng)Ihav el i
vedwi ththispain
foryears, iknowDor caswassl eepingwi t
hhim
butipret
endedi didn'tseei tj
ustsomy
marri
agecansur vive.NowIhav ehighblood..I
haven'
ttoldyourfatherabouti taswel l
butI
can'
ttakethepainany mor e,i
t'
sapityI'
mt aki
ng
i
toutoni nnocentgirl
sl i
keNal edi
,andNaledi
l
ookslikeDorcaswhenshewasmaki ngme
sweatforyourfather'
sat tenti
on.Shehada
beauti
fulbodyli
keher sandi wasalway sthi
s
ski
nny.Peoplealway sfeltshewoul dmakea
goodqueenandI 'daper f
ectmai d.That'
swhyi
hatefi
twomen
Bakang:(
hesmi
ledandrubbedherey
es)Soy
ou
thi
nkihaveagr
eatt
asteinwomen?
Queen:
(laughed)Yes.
.EvenTsameisbeaut
if
ul,
i
t'
sTsamer ight
?Thelit
tl
egir
lyouusedtopl
ay
wit
h?
Bakang:
(laughed)Your
ememberher
?
Queen:(l
aughed)I'
l
lneverf
orgetherbecausei
oncereadalovelett
eraddr
essedtoher,you
weredoi
ngform 1ithi
nk.
..Thatwasav
ery
compli
cat
edlet
ter,
ithadj
argonandsci
ent
if
ic
words
Bakang:(
laughed)Haomama!Il ookedforthat
l
etterf
orday s,iev
enthoughtidr
oppedit
somewher e.Ispentaweekwaiti
ngtohear
someonelaughatmef orwri
ti
ngtoagir
l ke
kopamarat o.
Queen: (l
aughed)Ionl
ytookitbefor
ey ouwere
alsotalki
ngabouthavingsexwithher,idi
dn'
t
wanty out of
acedefil
ementchargesthat'
swhy
wehadt hatl
ongtalkaboutgi
rl
sandpr egnancy
.
Iwasn'tcomf or
tabl
etodiscussitwi
thy oubuti
feltobl
iged.
Bakang:
Iunder
stand.
..
Queen:(
sighedcal
mly
)Let'
sgoanddi
scuss
br
ingi
ngthekidshome..
Bakang:
Yes.
Theystoodandwalkedinsi
deasBakangputhi
s
arm ar
oundhershoulder
..
.

Bakang:(smil
edandkissedheronthecheek)
Bythewayy ou'
rehot.
..Awoman' swei
ghthas
nothi
ngt odowit
hherbeaut y
..
.It
'st
heatt
it
ude
thatcounts,
ihavel
earntthat
.
Queen:
Thanksmyboy
Bakang:AndI'm goi
ngt
odealwit
ht hi
sni
gga,
outherepreachi
ngaboutf
ait
hful
nesswhenhe
i
scheating.
Queen:(
puthi
sarm ar
oundhi
m andl
aughed)
Don'
tfor
gettopunchhi
m..
.Mxm ol
dbag
Bakang:
(laughed)Ugl
yol
dni
gga.
.
Queen:
(smi
l
ed)Shhh.
..

Theywalkedbacki
nsi
de,shet
ookherseatas
hesatnexttohi
sfat
her.
..
Queen: I'
dliket oapologiseformybehav iour
bagol o,I
'm sorryforthef oulwordsi usedin
yourpr esence..DorcasI'm sorryf or
disrespectingy ou,I
'
m sor rymyki ng..Bagolo
i
nt shwareleng.Mysonandi t
alkedandi think
everyonei sright,weowet hesey oungwomen
apologiesf ornothelping.
Uncl
e:Thanky
ou.
..
you'
ref
orgi
ven,
nnal
egal
e
Kgosi:
It'
sokay,If
orgi
veyouthoughther
eis
not
hingtoforgi
ve,emoti
onswerehigh
Aunti
e:I
t'
sfi
ne.
..(
toBK)Midoomonna
ngwanaka.I
fawoman'stear
smov eyouknow
thaty
ouareontheri
ghttr
ack,kekgol
osel
oseo.
Keagoakgolomotogol
o
Bakang:
Thanky
ou
Uncle:
(si
ghed)Sohowdowear
rangeour
words?
Dor
cas:
It'
sreal
lyaboutMidof
indingt
her
ight
wor
dshis,apol
ogywill
opendoors-
Queen:Butper
hapshisfathercanst
artj
ustt
o
gi
veitali
ttl
eweightand-
Dorcas:Asiwassayi
ng,Mido'
sapol
ogi
eswil
l
opendoors.(t
heQueenkeptqui
et)I
fwecan
getNaledit
oforgi
vehi
mt henwewil
lbeabl
eto
di
scussbogadi j
wabana.
Kgosi
:Shei
sri
ght
,iagr
eewi
thher
..
.

Resegowalkedov
erandcol
lect
edt
het
ray
sas
theywrappedupt
hemeeti
ng..
..
.

Atmyhouse.
..
.

Latert
hateveningIgotupf r
om thebedand
fr
iedsomethingquickthenisatonthecouch
andate,t
hehousewasqui etandiwaslonel
y.I
wasbegi nningtowor r
yaboutTumi nothavi
ng
sexwithme, hehadbeeni npr
isonf orawhile
andThembi '
sar r
ivalwouldtempthi m
especiall
ysincehewasgoi ngthroughmy
betr
ayal andhismot her'
sdeat
h.Thef ood
suddenlygott astelessandisli
dt heplateon
thetable..
.Igotmyphoneanddi aledhim..
.

Tumel
o:Hey
Me:
Hi.
..Imi
ssy
ou,
arey
ousl
eepi
ngher
e
t
oni
ght?
Tumelo:
No,I'
l
lbewit
hmyf at
her
..Wehav
eto
di
scussafewthi
ngs.
..
I'
m onmywayhome
Me:
Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?
Tumelo:
Um..
.Iwaswi t
hThembi
,wewer
e
di
scussi
ngt
hechil
dren.
Me:(swal
lowed)Di
dany
thi
ngi
nter
est
ing
happen?
Tumelo:(hekeptquietasecondlaterthanhe
usual
l
yr esponded)Nothi
nginter
esting,wejust
di
scussedt hechi
ldr
enandheraccommodat i
on.
Shewill
best ayi
nginmymot her
'shouse.
Me:
You'
reput
ti
ngheri
nyourmot
her
'shouse?
Tumel
o:Shehasnowher
etogo
Me:
(tearf
ull
y)Whycan'tsher
ent
?Your
mot
her'shouse?Real
l
y?
Tumelo:Shedoesn'
thavemoneyf orr
ent,i
don'
t
havemoney.Shecanusemymot her'
sroom
whil
etheboysuseApril
'
sr oom si
nceshe
al
readyhasaroom wit
hy ou
Me:(r
ubbedmytear
ssi
lentl
y)Tumi
ther
ragao
kakewaisaThembi
kogalona.
..
Tumel
o:Babear
eyoucr
ying?
Me:(t
ookadeepbreathandexhaled)Idon't
wanthert
ostayi
ny ourmother
'shouse,please
Tumel
o:Myl
ovekei
rey
aanong?Agonagor
eke
taadirajang,inmymot her
'shouseshewon' t
payther ent.Wecouldhavebeenst ayi
ng
togetherbuty ouchasedherout.Ican'
tlether
sleepundert hetr
eewi t
hthechildr
en

Ifeltmyt earscomi ngandhungupt hephone

theni coveredmyf acecry i
ng,Iknewhesl ept
withherf rom t
hatpausebef oreanswer i
ngand
hermov i
ngi nhi
smot her
'shouseaut omatical
l
y
gavehert heupper .Onceagaini hadmadea
quickdeci si
onwithoutconsideringthe
consequences. .
.

Myphoner
ang.
..

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Tumel
o:Hey
,di
dyouhangup?
Me:
(si
l
ent
lycr
ying)Sor
ry.
..
Tumelo:
Areyouokay
?(i
coul
dn'
tspeak,my
hear
twaschoki
ngme)I'
m maki
ngaU-turn.
..

Hehungupt
heni putmyphonedownand
washedmyf
ace.Ipickedt
hephoneanddi
aled
Dudu.
..

Dudu:
Hel
l
o?
Me:
(cr
ying)Tumel
osl
eptwi
thThembi
Dudu:
Howdoy
ouknow?
Me:Icant
ellwhenheisl
yi
ng,het
hinksabout
hi
sanswersbefor
espeaki
ng.
Dudu:I
'm sor
ry,
hearri
vedwhenIwasdr
oppi
ng
herof
fattheguesthouse.
Me:
Youdr
oppedherof
f?Why
?
Dudu:Sheaskedme,shecameher
e..
.We
t
alkedandendedupgoingther
eaf
ter
submi
tt
ingaf
ewj
obappl
i
cat
ions
Me:(
rubbedmyt
ear
s)Buthowcany ouhel
pher
?
It
houghtwewer
efr
iendsDuduet
sang
Dudu:Naledisheisamotherl
i
keme, i
hadto
putmy sel
finhershoest
ounderst
andher
si
tuat
ion
Me:Whataboutmysi
tuat
ion?Shei
str
yingt
o
t
akeTumi
Dudu: Enoughwi t
hthatNal edi
,nobodyi staki
ng
Tumi ,youneedtostopbei ngsoi nsecureyou'
ll
tur
nTumel ooffespecial
wi thyourhistor
y.A
weekhasn' tpassedsincey oucheatedsodon' t
eventhinkaboutscreami ngathim unlessy ou
wantt olosehimt ohersinceshest ayedyears
withoutcheati
ng.Shei sthemot herofhis
chil
drent oosoyou-
Me:Wait.
..
.Hi
schi
l
dren?Ar
en'
ttheyhi
s
nephews?
Dudu:
NodearkebanabagaTumel
ost
rai
ghtha
phateng,t
hebr
otherdi
edbef
oret
heyhad
chi
ldren.
..
Me: (
shookmyhear dastearsfell
)OhGod,i
s
thi
sbadl uckorwhat?No.
..No...I
'
m notl
osi
ng
anotherone,koor
ennakeber ekagonnake
togel
wahel a
Dudu:
Stopcr
yingNal
edi
.
..Nal
edi
?Hel
l
o?

Ihungupandcov er
edmyf aceagai
ncryi
ng.My
heartwaslit
eral
l
ychoki
ngmeandi wi
shedi
coul
d" unhear
"whatshehadjustt
oldme.

Me:
(cr
ying)Maduo?Why
..
..

Ipacedar
oundt
hehousedi
ali
ngRenei
.
..

Renei
:(l
aughed)Loagost
opi
t.
..Don'
ttoucht
he
webcam.
..Hel
l
o?
Me:
(cr
ying)Hi
Renei
:What
'swr
ong?
Me:Tumel ohasafamily
..
.Renei
l
wekant enna
keri
leng,otherwomenhavefamil
iesbutican'
t
hav
ear el
ati
onshi
pthatl
astsmorethan2y ear
s
Renei:
Twof ail
edr el
ationshipsisn'
tbadluck
andwhatdi disayaboutTumi ?Theguyhada
l
otofmoney ,
toomuchmoneyt obesingleand
heisn'
tevenbadl ooking,whatmadey out hi
nk
hewouldn'thavehadawi febacki nTsholo?
Evenheretota,youknowl adieslov
eforei
gn
menbecauset heywor shipt hem Tumiwas
boundtogo.
Me:
ButTumi
keMot
swana
Renei:
NogaseMot swanakeMot ebeleandyou
cantel
l l
ookingathi
m goregaseMot swanaand
thoseguysnnakebaut wal
etsebawor seworse,
i
fy outhoughtBakangwasbadt henwaitunt
il
youpissTumel oof
f,hewil
lhangyouonthe
treebyyourneck.I
'
mt al
ki
ngaboutreal
li
fe
stori
esofthesemengetti
ngangryanddoing
theunthi
nkable.
Me: ButTumeloisn'tl
ikethat
,theycan'
tal
lbe
l
ikethat,t
hat
'sjustast er
eoty
pe.Mostmen
cheatbutwecan' tsayalloft
hem.
Renei:Okayyou'
reright,
letmenotgener al
ise
butTumel owasarrestedf orunl
awful
possessionofafi
rearm dur i
ngthatrobber
y
akere?andheassaul t
edt heoffi
cerswhenhe
wasar r
ested.
Me: Reneithatwasyearsago,hewasy oung
whenhecommi t
tedthesecr
imes,can'
tyou
adv i
semewi t
houtj
udgingmymanandbei ng
stereot
ypical
?IcheatedonTumi heneverlai
da
fi
ngeronme, ifi
twasBakanghewoul dhave
ki
lledme.Tumi i
sn'
tasbadasev er
yonet hi
nk,
l
ethi spastbe.
Renei:
Myadv i
ceisl
eav
ehim, you'
llf
indanot
her
man.Gaketshepemapanti
tinna,y
ouknowmy
opi
nionaboutTumel
oisthereasonwear enot
cl
oseanymore.
Me:
Thanksf
ort
headv
ice.
..
Abaleng:(ont
hecomput
er)Babewhat
'
s
happening?
Renei
:(t
ohi
m)I
t'
snot
hing(
tome)I
'
llcal
lyou
backLel
e
Me:Youwer etal
kingtoAbi ?Nkaboo
mpolel
etsekaletsakgantele,nowheisgoingt
o
beonmycaseaboutTumi .Ididn'
twantto
shar
ethiswithanyonejusty et.
.Lehael
emama
gakebateaitsepele
Renei
:(walki
ngout)Hecoul
dn'
theary
ou,
he
hear
dme. .Iwon'
ttel
lhi
m much.
Me:
Bye
Renei
:JustdumpTumi
andf
indanot
hermanor
st
aysi
ngl
e.
Me:
Okayby
e

Ihungupandr ubbedmyeyes,shewashappi
ly
marri
edandsheassumedgoodmenwer e
l
ini
ngupbyt hesideoft
her oadf
oral
lthesi
ngl
e
l
adiestochooseandmar r
y.

Hiscarstoppedoutsi
detheni quicklyr
ubbed
myt ear
swi t
hthescarfbuticouldn'tst
opcry
ing,
heopenedt hedoorandpausedl ookingatme
asi wascryi
ngwiththescar
fonmyf ace,
he
walkedoverandquietl
ysatdown. ..

Tumel
o:Ar
eyouokay
?

Itri
edtostopcryi
ngbuti
coul
dn'
t,hesl
owl
y
tookthescarfof
fmyfaceandhuggedmeasi
cr
iedl
ouder
..
.

Me:(
sni
ffedandmov edback)Di
dyouhavesex
wi
thher
?( hekeptqui
et)Tumidi
dyousl
eep
wi
thher
?
Tumel
o:Justonce,
itwasn'
tthatgoodbecause
Iwast
hinki
ngaboutyouthewholetime.
..
Me:Whenwereyouplanni
ngt
otel
lmet
hat
Br
ianandScot
tarey
oursons?
Tumel
o:(
looki
ngatme)Howdi
dfi
ndout
?
Me:
Whenwer
eyoupl
anni
ngt
otel
lme?
Tumelo:Whent hi
ngsset tl
edown, I
'm deali
ng
withalotr
ightnowNal edi,idon'
thav et he
energytodealwit
ht hi
s..Mymot her'
sbodyi s
l
y i
nginamor t
uary.Idon'tknowwhaty ou
expectmet odo.Iunderstandi withheldaf ew
thi
ngsfrom mypastbuty ou'
remaki ngmat t er
s
worsebybeingonmycase.I t
'sl
ikey ouf or
got
whathappenedaf
ewday
sago.
Me: AkeremmeTumel ookampol el
elagor e
sinceThembi isherewher edoIst and?Il ove
youandi knowipushedy oui ntocheat ing..
.
(t
ear f
ull
y)Iacknowledget hatandI '
m sorrythat
I'
m beingt oochi
ldi
shr i
ghtnow. ..I'm sorr
yf or
stressi
ngy ouwiththis,
ishoul dn'tevenbe
compl ai
ningbecauseIdi dwor se.Ishoul dn't
hav echasedherout ,
Shecancomeback. .
Tumel o:(herubbedmyt earswithhisthumbs)
It
'sbettershestaysatmymot her'
sbesidesmy
famil
yi sgoingtoneedher ,
theyhav eputthe
chil
drenint heprogr
am garetswaphi t
hong
baagosupi wa...
Me:
Hert
oo?
Tumelo:Idon'
tknowaboutherbuti knowthey
wroteBri
an,Apri
landScottasthe
grandchi
ldr
en.Maybeshewi l
lbewr i
tt
endown
buttheyusual
lysaymothoket sal
aifweare
notmar
ri
edsoi
don'
tthi
nki
t'
sbad.

Iwipedmynoseandwal kedtothebedroom,he
fol
lowedmeasi l
aiddownt henhesatonthe
edgeofthebedholdi
ngmyhand. .
..

Tumel
o:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:Bri
anandApr
ilar
eroughlythesameage,
yousai
dyoudon'
tcheat
..
.idon'
tunder
stand.
..
Tumelo:
Inevercheat
ed.
..Thembi knewi was
l
ookingf
orsomeoneandi toldApril
'
smom t hat
Ihadsomeoneback,Apri
l'
smom j ustassumed
thi
ngswoul
dt ur
noutdif
ferentl
yiguess,idon'
t
know.
Me:
Whathappened?
Tumel
o:(st
oodup)I
'
m going,wewi
l
ldi
scuss
thi
saf
termymother
'sbur
ial
Me:
Wai
t.
..
.(st
oodup)So.
..Ar
eyouwi
th
Thembi orwhat
?Idon'
tunder
stand.
..What
aboutus?
Tumelo:
I'
ll
comespendani
ghther
eaf
ter
tal
ki
ngtomyfat
her.
Me: (
Ihuggedhi mt henheputhi
sarmsar ound
mywai st)Thanky ou..
..(
smil
edwit
htearsinmy
eyes)I'
l
lprepareyousomet hi
ngtoeat.
..
Anythi
ngi npart
icular?
Tumel
o:Justy
our
sel
font
hebed,
don'
twear
any
thi
ng.
.
Me:(l
ookedtheot
herwayembarrassed)You
canhaveitnowi
fyouwant.
..I
t'
stheleastIcan
do

Irubbedmyt ear
sandslowlytookoffmy
cl
othesashest aredatme,Iknewhewasn' t
attr
actedtomeashewasbef ore,
Iwasnothing
butaf atsl
utandshewast heone,shehada
ni
cef i
gureandshehadr eser
vedhersel
fforhim.
May beicouldhavebeent heonehadInot
madet hatmi st
akeandnowIwoul dnev erknow
whohewoul dhavechosenbet weenus
becausei tseemedhewasn' tpl
anningtobr i
ng
herintothecountr
y,ihadlostmyqual i
tyandI
hadt ooffermorethanjustsex,Ihadtobe
obedientandmay behewoul dgivemeasecond
chancebef orehedeci
dedwhohewant edt o
marry.

Islowl
ytookoutmybr aandthr
ewitont
hebed
thenhewalkedoverandgentl
yhel
dmyjaws
withbot
hhandskissingme..
.

Hepulledouthi
st-shir
tandtossedmeont he
bedkissi
ngmesomemor e.
..Thenheknelt
pul
li
ngoutmypant ieswithbothhandsasi
cover
edmyf acewi t
hmyhands, i
knewhejust
hadsexwithher.Icouldsmellherfemi
nini
tyon
him ashegotont
opofmeki
ssi
ngmeand
tonguei
ngmybreat
s.

Iwastooscaredtoevencheckifhehada
boner,
ihadfail
edtogiv
ehim oneforawhi
le,
he
l
aidoverputt
inghi
sweightonmer ubbi
ngmy
entr
ance,i
twasharderthanever
..
.

Il
if
tedmyheadandl ookedati
t,hest
il
lhadher
whit
estai
ns,i
lai
dmyheaddownandr el
axedas
hesqueezedhimsel
finsi
deme.

Itwastherealt
hedeal..Justt
hefr
icti
onofi ton
mywal l
swasenought omakemewet .Ididn'
t
careaboutThembianymor eIwasgoingt o
enjoyt
hewr at
hofmyNdebel ewar
riorjustas
sheenjoyedhertur
n..
.
Tumi :(bi
thislowerl i
pandsqueezedmy
breasts)Uhf uck..
.(kissedmeandwhi sper
edin
myear )Kway enzakalaf uthi
ukuthiy
oulet
eyinyeindodat ast
et hispussyngiy
akutshi
sa
uphil
a...

Hisroughdeepv oicemademewantmor e,he

ki
ssedmeandhungeachofmyl egsonhi s
shoulder
sthenhesl owlypushedinasi f
rowned,
hi
swhol eDwasi nsideandi fel
tli
kehewas
pokingmyuterus...mylegsweregetti
ng
crampsandi couldn'tbr
eatheunderhi
swei ght
soipushedhimj ustabit..
.

Tumelo: Don'
tpushme. .
.Iwanttogi
vei tt
o
you..
.Allofit
,ifyoucoul
dlookatanotherman
thenIwasn'tdoingsomethingr
ight
,I'
mt oo
soft
..
.(stari
nginmyey es)You'
l
lnevercheaton
meaf terthi
s..
..
Heki
ssedmeandbegunt
ear
ingmeapar
tasI
moaned.
..
..
..
.(9t
)

Li
ket
hei
nser
t,muchl
ove.
TRANSLATI
ON

Thembi :i
f eell
ikeiam avisi
tor
.Ifeell
iket he
otherwoman.Iam y ourwifebutthi
sper son
chasedmeoutoft hehousethatyoupai dfor,i
hav enowher etogo.Andy ourfat
herisleav i
ng
afterthefuneral.
Tumel
o:y
ouwi
l
lst
ayatmymot
her
'shouse
Thembi:
thanky
ou.Sot
hatmeansi
cant
ake
theki
ds??
Tumel
o:sur
e.Youcancol
l
ectt
hem t
omor
row
morni
ng.
Thembi
:thankyou.Icantbel
ieveyouallowed
metousey ourmothershouse.I
'm honored.

Tumelo:letmegohome.Iwi l
lseey ou
tomorrow.Naledidoesn'
tunderstandcert
ain
thi
ngsandi thasalottodowiththewayshe
wasraisedandshei ssti
ll
young.I '
mtrust
ing
youtohelphergrow, gr
oom herintowhati
want.Ineedbothofy outoworkt oget
her
becausey ouneedherasmuchi alsoneedyou.
Weneedoneanot her.
Thembi: Tumibutshei
snotateenagerthi
s
person,sheisagrownwoman.Thet hi
ngisi
haveto.....
Tumelo:whytoihaveaf eel
i
ngthattheseday
s
youbackchatme??Isitthenewcount r
yor
what?
?Pleasedon'tdi
srespectme,wehave
l
ongpassedthatstage.
Thembi
:honeyhowmusti gr
oom Naledi
??I
wantt
oacceptherbutshedoesn'
tl
ikeme
Tumelo:
thenmakeherli
keyou,
doy
ouhav
ea
probl
em wi
thwhati
said??
Thembi
:No

Co-
wif
e
#91

AtBosej
agr
avey
ard.
..
.

Inthemorningfamil
ymember sapproachedthe
graveandthrewahandf ulsoi
lonthecoffinas
wesangsl owly
..
.April
slowlyrubbedherey es
sit
ti
nginthegazibothenTumel owalkedov er
andpickedherup..
.Herubbedherbackasshe
cri
edlyi
ngherheadonhi sshoul
der.
Reneiputherhandaroundmyshoul derthenI
smil
edbr i
efl
yandcontinuedsingi
nglookingat
Thembi f
rom acr
ossthecr owd,shewavedat
mebuti i
gnoredher.
..
..

Past
or:
Maywebowourheadsandpr
ay.
..
..
.

Renei
:(whi
sper
ed)Jaanongar
egor
il
eng?
Me:(whi
sper
ed)Ontenagore,nkar
enka
mmusetsagabonekaclapa,nowiunder
stand
howsomepeoplefel
t.
..Shej
ustarr
ivedi
n
Bot
swanaandrepl
acedme.
Renei
:Mmhv er
ysoonshewil
lfi
ndajobt
oo
whil
eyouhav
ebeenunemployedfory
ear
s.Thi
s
i
sthebegi
nni
ng.
Me:
Mxm.
..
Chur
chmember
:Shhh.
..
Thepast
orpr
ayed.
..
..
..

AtDudu'
shouse.
..
..

Bakangdr
ov ei
nandnoti
cedther
ewasnoone
ar
ound,hetookouthi
sphoneandcal
l
edDudu.
..

Dudu:
Hel
l
o?
Bakang:Hi
,odi
ri
lej
angJaanong?Wasn'
tI
supposedt
opickPr
inci
eonweekend?
Dudu:It
oldy
ouwear
egoi
ngt
othecat
tl
epost
Bakang
Bakang:
Sowhenam i
get
ti
ngher
?
Dudu:
Isai
dI'
l
llety
ouknow
Bakang:Kef
il
agorel
antshokodisakabo
ngwanakewait
se,
gakeganei wasn'
tther
efr
om
thebeginningbutdon'twedeserv easecond
chancennal eb9ngwanake?I'm notaski
ngfor
backloveiwantt ospendti
mewi thmychi l
dren.
Isthattoomucht oaskfor
?Dudui t
houghtyou
wouldn'tgivemeaheadachesi ncey ouwere
understandingfrom t
hebeginni
ngbutt hi
sis
toomuchnneel angwanakeplease.Togale
ntena,kanal onalei
lamothoalerapela.
Dudu:
(sighed)You'l
lgetherwhenIcomeback,
shewil
lattendschoolfr
om yourhousef
ora
week,
isthatbetter
?
Bakang:
That
'sbet
ter
,sowhataboutkgangel
e?
Dudu:
Whi
chone?
Bakang:It
oldy
oui wanttopaythedamages
andbogadiketseengwana,shedoesn'
t
necessar
il
yhavetostaywit
hmebuti wanther
tobeinmyname.
Dudu:
I'
m notdoi
ngt
hat
,suppor
therwhil
eshe
st
ayswit
hmebutsheisnotgoi
ngtoyour
famil
yorusi
ngy ourname.You' r
enotpaying
anybogadif
orherbuti wantmydamages
becauseyoust
il
l damagedme, workongivi
ng
met hedamagebutf orgetbogadi
,gakebate
ngwanakeadir
isasur nameeselennakedi r
isa
esel
e.
Bakang:
Duduweekana-
Dudu:Bakangplease,
I'
m al
readybei
ngni
ceto
youlet
ti
ngy ouspendti
mewi t
hherdon'
tpushi
t.
Bakang:
Nogoshar
p.
Dudu:
Bye

Shehungupt
henhedroveout
,hi
sphoner
ang
ashejoi
nedt
heroad.
..
.

Bakang:
Hel
l
o
Tsame:
(sof
tl
y)Heyy
ou
Bakang:
(smi
l
ed)Hi
..
.
Tsame:
Whatar
eyouupt
o?
Bakang: Um. .
.Not hi
ngreal
ly,j
ustbored.
..I
t'
sa
slowweekend.Iwassupposedt obei n
Gaboronebuti camebackbecausewehav ea
meet i
ngwi thNal edi
'sf
amilyaboutchil
dren.I
wantmychi l
drenbuti t
'shardtoreconnect
becauset hemot her
sarestil
langryatme.Dudu
total
l
yr ej
ectedt heideayagoreket sal
e
ngwanai hopeNal ediwon'
tdot hesame.
Tsame:Itwi
llt
aket
imeandlet'
sbeposi
ti
ve
abouti
t,l
et'
shopeNal
ediwi
l
l agree.
Bakang:Iwishicouldstaywit
ht hem,
myl if
e
wouldbelessstressful
.Iwantedthef
irstborn
butthemother.
..(si
ghed)It
'sj
ustnonsense.
Tsame:
You'
l
lbef
ine.
..
.Cani
takey
ouout
?
Bakang:
(laughed)Real
l
y?
Tsame:
Real
l
yreal
l
y
Bakang:
Shoul
diwearapi
nkdr
essorabr
own
one?
Tsame:
(laughed)Ver
yfunny
..
.
Bakang:(
laughed)
HahahaI
'l
ll
etyouknowwhen
Igetoutofmymeet i
ngwit
hNaledi
'
sfamil
y.
Tsame:
Bye
Bakang:
Bye

Hehungupandcont
inueddr
ivi
ng.
..
.

AtMr
sSi
banda'
shome.
..
.

Lateronthatmor ni
ngalongqueueofcar s
droveinandpar kedontheirprevi
ousspots,
Peopletooktheirseat
sast hemast erof
ceremonywal kedoverholdingthe
programme...
.
Renei
lweanditookourseats,
mymotheranda
fewotherwomenweresitt
ingafewchai
rsfr
om
us.
..

MC:Ehhbagaetshoketaabi
tsamal
omeat
e
gor
ebolel
elakabotshel
ojwamoswi
..
.

Idi
dn'tknowMr sSi bandawasn'teducated,she
hadonl ydoneStandard7...i
wonderedifithad
anythingtodowithApr i
l'
sconditi
on."Couldshe
havebeendy sl
exicaswel l?Buthowcomeshe
couldr eadt
heBible?May bedyslexi
acouldbe
outgrown"iwonder edasthespeakerwenton
andonaboutherl ife.

Speaker:
Thedeceasedleav
esbehinda
husband,asonandthr
eegrandchi
l
dren.
..
.
(
lookedar
ound)Wher
ear
ethey
?

Sibandawalkedov erasTumel oalso

approachedcarryi
ngScot t
,holdi
ngApril
'shand
whowashol di
ngBr i
an.ConfusedThembi e
l
ookedar ound,theotherconfusedladi
es
l
ookedather ..
..

Lady:(
looki
ngatherweddi
ngr
ing)Ar
en'
tyou
thei
rmother?go.
..
.
Thembi
e:Am i
supposedt
ogo?
Lady
:Yes,
Go.
..

Shef
oll
owedTumel
oandst
oodnextt
ohi
m..
.

Lady
2:(
whi
sper
ed)Tumel
oony
etsel
eng?
Lady
:Idon'
tknow,
whoknewhehad2sons?
Nnakanakegoner ebabonangkalesolagaMa
Si
banda.Akerebathobabaany adi
siwakoma
gabone,i
tlooksli
kehehadawi feathisfather
's
homev i
ll
ageandanot heri
nhismot her
'shome
vi
ll
age.Doy ourememberhowApr i
l'smother
di
ed?
Lady
2:Poorgi
rl
..
.

Iqui
etl
ywatchedasTumel
ohel
dherhandand
smil
edather.
..

Speaker:(t
ongue-t
ied)Um..
.Yes..
..Shel
eaves
behind.
..Ason,hiswifeandthr
ee
grandchil
dren.
..
.Adaughterandtwoboys..
..

Weal
l cl
appedhandsastheywalkedaway .My
mot
herlookedatmeandi shamef ul
l
ylooked
t
heothersi
de,shetur
nedtoMrSi bandawho
al
soav
oidedher
..

Mama:
(whi
sper
ed)whati
sthi
s?
Nei
ghbour:
(whi
spered)SoNal
edi
ishav
ingan
af
fai
rwit
hamar r
iedman?
Mama:(
shookherhead)i
can'
tbel
i
eveNal
edi
i
sdoi
ngthi
stome...

Tumel
oregr
ett
abl
yglancedatmeashewalked
awayandsi
ghedr
ubbingmyhandstoget
her
..
..
.

Renei:(
whispered)Iknowy out hinkI'
mt oo
j
udgement albutnyaamma. .
.Ifthis
announcementdi dn'tmakethingsclearforyou
you'l
lneverunderstand.You'
rebet t
erthanthi
s,
togel
amot hoy oobat emonnay oo
thwaagetseng.
Me:
Youdon'
tunder
stand
Renei
:No,
youdon'
tunder
stand.
Me:Dropit
,Idon'
twanttotal
kaboutit
.Canyou
besupport
ivef
oronceinyourl
if
esinceyougot
marr
ied?
Renei :Wow. .
..Sot hat'showy ouseeme?How
comey ougav emeamout hf ullwheniwast oo
cowar dt oleav eMogapi ?Didy ousuppor tme?
Whydi dy oupr eacht omeev eryday ?It
'snice
wheny ougi v eadv icebutannoy ingwhenpeopl e
giveonei sn'tit?Iam whoi am becausey ou
didn'tsugarcoatany t
hing,that '
swhatI'm doing,
I'
l
l neverst opj udgingort al
kingunt i
lyoumeeta
mant hatappr eciatesy ou.Iam sur pri
sedthat
youofal lpeopl ecanl owery ourstandardsf ora
man, youusedt obr agabouthowy ouwon' tlet
amanactl ikey ourfatherony ou,whereist hat
Nal edi
?
Me:
Shhh.
..
.
Wekeptqui etasthel
astpar
toftheprogram
endedthenwegotser vedwi
thfoodbutmy
motherdidn'teati
nst
eadsheandherneighbour
l
eft.

Renei
:(st
ood)Let
'sgo.
..
Me:(tookaf
orkf
ull
ofSeswaa)ar
en'
tyou
eat
ing?
Renei
:Noandneit
herar
ey ou.
..(
tookt
heplat
e
andputi
tontheemptychair
)Let'
sgo.
..
..

Ifol
lowedherchewi ngthemeatandgoti
nthe
car,
i cl
osedt hedoorandpul
l
edtheseatbel
tas
Tumel oleanedover.
..
.

Tumel
o:Hey
Me:
Hi
Tumel
o:I
'
llcal
lyou.
..
Renei
:I'
m sur
eyouwi
l
l.
..
Tumel o:(
glaredather)Sayi
tagain..
..(Renei
keptquiet)That'
sri
ght,idi
dn'
tthinkso...
(l
ookedatme)Ar eyouokay?Thembi doesn't
knowhowt hingsaredoneherethat'
swhyshe
j
oinedmet hereandyouknowshei swear i
nga
ri
ng,theythought-
Me:
It'
sokay
,iunder
stand.
..
.
Tumel
o:(
leanedi
nandki
ssedme)Seey
ou.
..
.
Me:
Bye

Hemov
edbackt
henRenei
angr
il
ydr
oveout
..
..

Renei
:Thi
smani sl
yi
ng,t
hissweetgent
leman
hepai
ntsdoesconvi
nceme.Heishidi
ng
somethi
ng
Me:(f
rustr
atedlyr
ubbi
ngmyf
orehead)Renei
pl
ease.
..Please.
..
Renei
:Fi
ne,
I'
ll
keepqui
et.
..
..
.

Att
hecat
tl
epost
..
..

MeanwhileDuduandTuel o'smotherarri
ved
fr
om theploughingfi
eldeachwithabundl eof
sweetreedont hei
rheads..
.Hiscousinsturned
l
ookingatthem andcontinuedtosortthe
watermelons.
..
.

Cousi
n:Thi
swomani
sol
dert
hanTux
Cousi
n2:
Gaseboki
mahel
a?
Cousi
n:Shei
stoool
d..
.Maragoakanakana
Tuel
ooaarengal
emosesanemogokana
Cousi
n2:
(laughed)Andi
fhel
i
kesbi
gbut
tocks?
Cousin:All
thefatwomenshoulddatet al
lmen,
thi
sisjustrape.
..
.Tuxl
ooksli
keherfi
r stbor
n.
Mosadi yoobetelel
angwanahelabatho
Cousi
n2:
(laughed)Enengwanawat engkeeng
arat
abasadibabatona,otaabaka
Cousi
n:(
hear
dmov
ement
s)Shhh.
..
.

DuduandTuel
o'smot
herdr
oppedt
hebundl
es
andsatdown.
..
.

Dudu:
Wher
eisTuel
o?
Cousi
n:Hewentt
okr
aal
?
Dudu:
Wit
hPr
incess?
Cousi
n:Yes.
..
.
Tuelo'
smot
her
:Youcangocoll
ectherify
ou
thi
nkshei
shungr
y.Howlonghavetheybeen
gone?
Cousi
n:Awhi
l
eago
Dudu:
I'
ll
col
l
ecther
..
..

Shedustedherhandsandpi
ckedonesweet
reedwhichshepeel
edasshetookthel
i
ttl
e
pathwaytothekr
aal.
..
.

Meanwhileatt
hekraal
Tuel
of i
xedthewir
ewith
apli
ersandmov edtot
henextlogasPri
ncess
pokedthecowdungwithasti
ck..
..

Pr
incess:
Papa?
Tuel
o:(
twi
sti
ngt
hewi
re)Yes
Pr
incess:
Iwantt
ososo.
..
.
Tuelo:
(point
edwi t
hapli
ers)Gososoov
er
ther
e..
.don'
tsitonthegr
ass
Sher
anandst
ruggl
edt
ounbut
tonherj
eans.
..
.

Pr
incess:
(fr
owned)Ican'
topen.
..
.Ouch.
..
.I
wanttososo.
..
..Papa?

Tuelowalkedoverandsquat t
edi nfrontofher
thenheunbuttonedherti
ghtjeansandpul l
ed
downherpanties,herpubi
car eawasf atand
smoot handherpussycheekswer efatperfect
ly
enclosi
ngeveryt
hinginsi
de.Giltstr
ickenhe
tookadeepbreathandmov edback. .
..

Tuel
o:Nnaor
ote.
..
.

Shesquatt
edandshotpeewhi
chf
ell
onhi
s
shoes.
..
Pri
ncess:
(laughed)Oupspapai
peedony
our
shoe
Tuel
o:(
dust
edhi
sshoe)I
t'
sokay
..
.
Pr
incess:
Iwantt
okaka

Shestoodupandt urnedar oundmov ingback,

fora3y earherbuttswer ebi gwithdimpl es...
.
Shesatdownandcont i
nuedashest aredather ,
hissubconsciousrebukedhi mthenhet urned
aroundcont i
nuedfixi
ngt hewi r
es."Ican't
beli
evei f
eelli
kethis,Godpl easecleanmy
mind,wher eisthi
scomi ngf rom?"his
subconsciouscontinuedbuthest il
lcouldn' t
stopwonder i
ngnomat terhowmuchhet riedto
stophimself,shewasi ndeedhermot her'
s
daughter.Thebuttandt hef atcake..
.

Pr
incess:
(st
oodup)PapamphaTP
Hereachedinhispocketandwalkedover
di
vi
dingitthenhehandedittoher,shepoor
ly
wi
pedher sel
fthenhewalkedover.
..

Tuel
o:Kgonamakesut
he.
..
.

Shebentov erputti
ngherpul msont heground
asTueloleanedov errubbingherclean,hi
seyes
fel
lonherlitt
lepinkinnocenceandt hi
st i
mehe
couldseethet i
nydar kfl
aps..
.hisheartpumped
attwicet
hespeedt henhequi ckl
ypulledupher
panti
esandmov edbackt akingadeepbr eat
h..
..

Tuel
o:Apar
a..
.

Shestruggl
edtopullupherj
eansthenhepul
led
them upforherandbutt
onedherup,hesi
ghed
andki
ssedheront
hel
i
ps.
..
.

Tuel
o:Gopl
ay.
.

Hecover
edherdir
twit
hashov el
asPr i
ncess
ranar
oundbeat
ingwhi
tebutt
erfl
ieswit
hastick,
shest
oppedatabigi
nsectpushi
ngar oundball
ofcowdungandpokeditwi
thast i
ck.
..
.

Pr
incess:
Papacomeandsee,
whati
sthi
s.
Tuel
o:(
laughed)Ket
atar
aza,
oret
atar
aza
Pr
incess:
Tat
ayaza
Tuel
o:(
laughed)Ta-
ta-
ra-
za
Pr
incess:
Ta-
ta-
ya_
za
Dudu:(
walkedov
erchewi
ngt
hesweetr
eed)
Heyguys!
Pr
incess:
(ranov
er)Mama!
Tuel
o:(
tur
nedar
ound)Heybabe.
..

Het
hrewt
heshov
eldownandwal
kedov
er.
..
.

Tuel
o:(
kissedheront
hel
i
ps)Hey
Dudu:
Howf
arar
eyou?
Tuel
o:I
'
m aboutt
ofi
nish.
..

Pri
ncessconti
nuedr
unningar
oundbeati
ng
butt
erfl
iesast
hecoupl
echatt
edgett
ingwork
done..
..
...

AtMaAbi
'
shouse.
..
..
..

Lat
erthataft
ernoonIwalkedthroughthegat
e
asmyf amil
yandBakang'sfamilyweresit
ti
ng
onthechair
stalki
ng,i
greetedthem andtook
myseatasBakangst
aredatmet
ryi
ngt
oread
mymind.

Uncle:
Nalediy
oucamel ateandnowy ou
missedtheimpor
tantpartofourconv
ersat
ion,
di
dn'tyouknowwehadameet ing?
Me:
Iwashel
dupsomewher
e
Uncl
e:Butwhatdowedonow?
Bakang:
Idon'
tmi
ndr
epeat
ingmy
sel
f
Uncl
e:Goon.
Bakang: (
looki
ngatme)Nal ediiwast ell
i
ngour
parentshowmuchi haveembar rassedyou
beforethewhol ecommuni tyabandoni ngyou
wit
ht hreechil
dren,ther
eisnoamountof
apologiesthatwillmakeupf orwhati didandi
knowy ou'resti
l
l angrywit
hmebuti was
thi
nkingforthesakeofourchi l
dren,al
lowme
backont heirl
ives.Icoul
dt akethelegalrout
e
whi chcl earlystatesi hav eri
ght
sont hese
childrenbuti wantt odot hi
ngsthepeaceful
way .Iwantt opayf orthedamagesandbogadi
foreachofmychi l
drent henhavethem
officiall
yusemyname.Youcanst aywi tht
hem
whi letheyv isitbutify ouletmestaywi t
hthem,
I'
llnev erbr i
nganywomanar oundthem unless
i
t'st hecl eaninglady .Iwantust oreachan
agreementandf oll
owi t
.Thankyou
Dor cas:Andifdon'tf
eel conformablewi thhi
m
stay i
ngwi t
hthem withaf eeli
nghemi ghtnot
feedt hem properl
y,i
am anact iv
eoldl ady,
I'
m
notsi ckandi don'
tplough, Ir
aisedtheirfat
her
i
nt othemanhei snow.Al lowmet ostaywi t
h
them, i
don'thaveanyoneIst aywi t
hwhocan
saywi l
labusethechildr
en.
Mama: (coughed)Nalediyouneedthishelpso
t
hatyoucanf i
ndajob,thereisnoreasonwhy
youshouldn'tagr
ee.Idon'tli
kethel
ifeyou'
re
l
ivi
ng,beggingandbeingpl ayedbymen.Ididn'
t
l
ikewhati sawkophi t
hongphakela,ke
mathabisadit
hong.Ikemel
ekadi nao
mosetsanyanaobatet i
ro,
nnakel walel
ago
swahaobonakennakagol wlajaana.Itold
them t
hatIdon'thav
eapr obl
em, thedecisi
oni
s
enti
rel
yupt oyounow.
Me:(
sighed)Yes.
..Hecangett
hem of
fici
all
y
andt
heywi l
lbestayi
ngwit
haunti
eDorcas
Bakang:
(smi
l
ed)Thanky
ou
Uncle:
Iguessfrom her
ewewill
bediscussi
ng
thenextmeeti
ngforpatl
oyabana.
..
.
Kgosi:(
smiled)Youal lhavenoideahowmuch
weappr eci
atethisgesture,i
tisnotoft
enthat
famil
i
esputasi detheirfi
ghtsandthinkfort
he
chi
ldr
en, wehav ealsolearnedalotfr
om thi
s.
Queen:Wer eal
lydidn'tst
artonagoodnot e
fr
om thestart
..
.(smiled)I'
l
lspeakformy sel
f.
..
.I
didn'
tst
artoffi
nt herightnotebutiguessit
showswear emeantt obefamily.I
t'
sourloved
onesthatwehurtthemost(theyal
ll
aughed)
Naledii
smydaught erandI
'
m hermother,l
eha
rekaomanarail
anasesesalangragohelel
are
l
emogagor er
eai t
ia.
Dor
cas:
(laughed)That
'sv
eryt
rue.
…
Mama: Famil
yfi
ght
sandmakesup,l
et'
sallj
ust
j
oinourhandsandrai
set
hesechi
l
drenproper
ly.
Uncl
e:Weshoul
d..
.

Iwasn'
tsurehowifel
tbutiknewwi
thThembi
andherchi
ldr
enaroundIneededaj
ob.My
mothersi
gnaledmeandisquatt
ednextt
oher
..
.

Mama:
(whi
sper
ed)Pl
easebr
ingt
hem t
ea.
..
Me:
(whi
sper
ed)Okay
..
..

Iqui
ckl
ypr
epar
edt
eaandser
vedt
hem,
Bakang
st
aredatmeasi
handedhi
m acupoft
ea.
..
.

Bakang:
Thanks
Me:
You'
rewel
come
Bakang:
Imeanaboutt
hechi
l
dren
Me:
You'
rewel
come
Bakang:
Iwon'
tdi
sappoi
nty
ou
Me:
Ihopeso.
..

AtDudu'
shouse.
..
..
..

Laterthataf
ter
noonTueloparkedt
hecaras
Princesswassleepi
ngonthebackseat
,Dudu
steppedoutofthecarcar
ryi
ngasourmilk
container
..
..
Dudu:Yourmot
her'
smi
l
kisdel
i
cious.
..Pr
incess
i
sgoingtoenj
oyit
Tuel
o:Gl
ady
ouhadf
un.
..
Dudu:Shegav
emewat
ermel
onsf
ormy
mother.
..
.

Tuel
opickedPr
incessfr
om thecarandcarri
ed
heri
nsi
deasDuduf ol
lowedhiminside,hel
aid
heront
hebedandwal kedbackoutsidewhere
Duduwasputti
ngdownt hesweetreed..

Tuel
o:Iam exhaust
ed.
..
Dudu:Metoo.
..BabeI'
mrushingtomymot
her
's
housetodr
opof fherwat
ermelons
Tuel
o:Al
ri
ght
..
.
Dudu:
Ther
rant
shi
mol
l
eledi
pit
saket
aaboaka
pel
a
Tuel
o:Nopr
obl
em.
..
.

Shegrabbedt hecarkeysandrushedout,Tuelo
gotinthekit
chenandt ookoutthebraai
pack...
Hethrewaf ewpiecesinthepotandpour edthe
waterfrom t
hesink..
.Thefl
ashbackofher
I
nnocencecamebackagai nashisbonerpicked
hi
st r
ousers.

Heswi t
chedthestoveonandmadehi swayto
thebedroom wherePri
ncesswasl ayi
ngonher
backdeepinhersleep.Heslowlyclosedt
he
bedroom doorandwalkedoverthenheslowly
tookoffherpantswit
houtwakingherup..
..
..
..

3MONTHSLATER
Co-
wif
e
#92
AtDudu'
shouse.
..

I
nthemor ni
ngDudumadeherwayt o
Pr
incess'
sroom andshookher
..
..

Dudu:
Pri
ncess?Pr
inci
e?

Shetur
nedaroundchewi
ngdeepinhersleep,
Dudunoti
cedshewetthebedagain.
..
.She
shookherheadangr
il
yandspankedherbutt
once.
..

Dudu:Kantewenaj
aanongsagorot
eladi
kobo
osetsaakae?Whyareyouwet
ti
ngthebed?

Pr
incesssl
owl
ygotupandshamef
ull
ylooked
att
hepeest
ainonhersheet
s.

Dudu:(angr
il
y)Whyareyoupeeingont hebed?I
didn'
tevenswit
chofft
helight
sy oucan'tsay
youwer eaf
rai
dofthedark,why?
Pr
incess:
(tear
ful
l
y)Sor
rymama
Dudu:I'l
lforgi
veyoujustt
hisoncebutnextt
ime
I'
m goingt owhipyourbut
twithasti
ck.You
shouldwakeupandgososoi nthetoi
letl
ike
youalway sdo
Pr
incess:
Okay
..
.
Dudu:(t
ookof
fhercl
othes)Takeoffyour
cl
othesandgobat
h..
.I'
l
lbeinther
ei naminut
e

ShewalkedoutsideasDuducoll
ectedherfunky
smell
ingsheetsthenshepausedstar
ingatan
unusualdr
ystainonthesheets.
..I
tmusthave
beenmucus...
Dudu:(
sigheddefeated)Koor
elegomi
nao
minakadi sheetPr
incibat
ho.
..
.

Herphoner
anginthel
i
vingr
oom t
henshe
r
ushedtogeti
t.
..

Dudu:
(smi
l
ed)Heyy
ou
Thembi
:(smi
l
ed)Dumel
atshal
ayame?
Dudu:
(laughed)Akebol
ele
Thembi:Yester
dayIr
eceivedacal
lfr
om t
he
cour
t.
..(
smi l
ed)You'
retal
kingt
othenewpar
t-
ti
meNdebel ecler
kofcourt.
Dudu:
(smil
ed)Wow.
..
.Congr
atul
ati
ons,
when
doyoust
art
?
Thembi
:Let'
snotcel
ebr
ate,
it'
sjustaninter
view
whati
fther
earemoreNdebelesoutthere.
Dudu:That
'sy
ourposit
ion,
otherNdebel
esmy
foot
.Ownthetit
lewenagir
l
Thembi:InthatcaseI
'mthecler
kofcour tt
hen.
..
(t
heybothlaughed).
.Whenareyouvisi
tingme?
Todayifeelli
kecooki
ngalargemealbutI '
m
surr
oundedbyboy sonly
,ineedagi
rlfr
iend
Dudu:(l
aughed)I
'l
lgetPri
ncessandcome
ther
e..
.Ihavetowashhersheetsfi
rst
,
nowadaysshewetst hebed,i
tfr
ust
ratesme
Thembi
:Idi
dn'
tknowPr
incesswet
sthebed
Dudu:I
tjuststar
tedrecent
ly,
shemakesmeso
angr
y.Achildthatpeesonthebedis
embarr
assingbecausey oucan'
tgofora
sl
eepoverwithher.
Thembi:Didyouchangeany thingonherdiet
?
Chil
drendon'tj
uststartwett
ingthebedunless
somethingiswrong.Imeani fachildhas
al
way sbeenwet t
ingthebedi twouldn'
tbe
al
armingespecial
lyay oungchildl
ikePri
ncess
butifsheneverdi
ditbef
orethenshesuddenl
y
start
swet t
ingt
hebedtherecouldmealotof
reasons,doyouswit
chofftheli
ght
s?
Dudu:That'
sthet
hing,
not
hingi
sdi
ff
erent
..
.
Karenothi
ng.
Thembi
:Hai
kids,
may
beshei
sjustbei
ngt
oo
l
azy
Dudu:May
be,
any
wayl
etmebat
hherandcome
over
.
Thembi
:By
e

Shehungupandfi
ll
edthetubt
hensheput
Pri
ncessi
nsi
deandwashedherfacegoing
downonhergent
lywashi
ngherinnocence.
..

Pr
incess:
(fl
i
nchedpushi
ngherhand)Mama!
Dudu:
What
?
Pr
incess:
You'
rehur
ti
ngmewi
thy
ourf
inger
Dudu:
Butidi
dn'
tev
enpokey
oui
waswashi
ng
i
tdownwar
ds
Pr
incess:
It'
sit
chi
ng.
..
Dudu:(
grabbedat
owel
)Okayl
et'
stakeal
ook
ati
t.
..

Shewr appedherwithatowel andlai

dheron
thebedt henshespreadherlegsandstaredat
thesl
ightlyreddi
shbrui
sethatlookedli
keheat
rush.
..

Dudu:
Whathappened?
Pr
incess:
Not
hing
Dudu:
(sof
tl
y)Di
dany
onet
ouchy
oubaby
?
Pr
incess:
(shookherheadsur
ely
)Nope
Dudu:
Andi
fany
onet
ouchesy
ouher
ewhatdo
y
oudo?
Pri
ncess:
(laughed)It
ell
youorPapaort
eacher
ormama
Dudu:(
smil
ed)Yes.
..Standup.
..Showme
wherenooneshoul
dt ouchyou
Pri
ncess:
(smi
l
edpoi
nti
ng)Mypant
iesandmy
but
t
Dudu:Goodgir
l.
..Let
'sgowashy
ouup,
you
haveheatr
ush..
.

Shehel
dherhandandl
edheri
nthebat
hroom.
..
.

Atmyhouse.
..
..

Meanwhilethechil
drenpl
ayf
ull
yranaroundasi
walkedoutholdi
nganotherl
oadoflaundry
t
alkingt
ot hephone..
.
Tr
evor
:Hel
l
o?
Me:
Hidi
dyougetmymessage?
Tr
evor
:Aboutt
hemoney
?
Me:Yesaboutt
hemoneyel
egor
ekesendi
l
ele
waenggape?
Trev
or:
(laughed)Nal
edi
ket
agot
imamadi
ame
kana
Me:
(laughed)I
'
m sor
ry,
mmekei
tshwar
eka
mai
tseo.
Tr
evor
:Howmuchdoy
our
eal
l
yneed?
Me:
Ineed30K,
iknowi
t'
salotofmoneybutI
r
eal
l
yneedtost
artmyI
nter
netcaf
e.
Trev
or:
30Kf oranInt
ernetcafe?El
egor
e
computerkebokae?Beserious
Me: Iwantt
ostar
twit
h5computer
s,apr
int
er,
scannerandacoff
eemachi
ne.
..
.Just
somet hi
ngsmal l
bythemall,
I'
llt
akepasspor t
pictur
esandpr ovi
depri
nti
ngserv i
ces,I'
m sure
I'
l
l makeal it
tlemoneyfrom t
hat( si
ghed)i know
i
t'
sal otofmoneybutpl ease,iknowy our
guesthousemakesmor ethanthatpermont h
please,I
'l
lreturnit
.Makemesi gnaf f
idavit
sand
everythi
ngjustdoi tf
ormychildren
Trevor
:I'
l
ltalktotheaccountanttomorrowand
seehowmuchIcangi veyou,i
twi l
lbeagiftnot
aloan,I
'l
li
ndicatethatforfut
urerefer
ence.
Bakangloanedmemoneyt ostartmybusiness
andhenev erwanteditbackthev eryl
eastIcan
doistoreturnthefavourbygivi
ngy oual i
tt
le
star
tforfr
ee, I
'
m doingitforBK'schil
dren.
Me:Thanks.
..
.Thanksal
ot.
..Sayhi
toy
our
gi
rl
fr
iend
Tr
evor
:Sur
e,by
e
Me:
Bye
Ihungupandsl idthephoneinmybackpocket
thenIpressedthelaundr
yinthef
oamywat er
andsprinkledwashingpowderal
lov
er,pr
essed
them againandrubbedmyhandsoff.

Imov edoverandwashedtheonesi ntheclean

bathmixedwithfabr
icsoft
ener..
..
..Apri
lwalked
overinherfat
her'
sbigphataphat
ahol dasmal l
bucket.
..
.

Apr
il
:I'
mfi
nishedmama.
..
.
Me:Thanks.
..(
wrungandthr
ewinherbucket
)
youcangoplay,I
'
llhangt
herest
April
:iwantt
ohang...(
runni
ngt
owardstheball
thatAtsi
l
ekicked)Call
mewhent hebucketi
s
ful
l

Shej
oinedhersi
bli
ngsandki
ckedt
hebal
las
Tumel
oslowlydrov
ethroughthegat
e,he
par
kedthecarandthekidsr
antowardshi
m.

Tumel
o:(smi
ledandhandedthem apl
ast
icof
sweet
sintoy
s)Heyguys..
..
.

Hewal kedawayf rom them astheyexcitedl

y
torethepl asti
cchoosing,Igotupandheaded
tothef encehol di
ngabucketwher eihungt he
clothes,hewal kedbehindmeandputhi sarms
aroundmet henheleanedov erandkissedme...

Me:
(bendi
ngmyneckf
li
nchi
ng)Kesant
seke
t
hat
swaTumelo
Tumel
o:Tur
nar
ound.
..
Me:
Akoskant
seny
adi
ngal
o,kebusy
Tumelo:(ser
ioustone)Ser
iousl
ystopi
t.
..Tur
n
around.
..
.(it
urnedaroundandfacedhi
m)What
i
sit
?
Me:
Whyar
eyouaski
ng?I
t'
snotl
i
key
oucar
e
Tumelo:(ki
ssedme)Icar
e,howcanInot
care?.
..(
car
essingmeandkissi
ngme)Howcan
Inot?Comeher e.
..
.

Heleanedov
erandFrenchki
ssedmeasi
cl
osedmyey esandki
ssedhi
m back.
..

Me:
Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ng?
Tumelo:
(smil
ed)Arey
ousurey oureal
lydon't
knoworyou'
rehopi
ngforadif
ferentanswer?(i
star
edathi
mt henhel
aughed)Itwasaj oke
Me:
Wel
lIt
'
snotf
unny
Tumel
o:(
laughed)I
'
m sor
ry
Me:
(mov
edawayf
rom hi
m)St
opl
aughi
ng.
..
Tumel
o:(
stoppedl
aughi
ngandf
oll
owedme)
I
'
m sor
ry.
..
.Babe?St
handwasam?

Iwal
kedi
nthehouseandheadedt
otheki
tchen
wher
ehefol
lowedmeandclosedt
hedoor
...
.

Tumel
o:BabeI
'
m sor
ry.
..
.
Me:
It'
sokay
,for
geti
t
Tumelo:
For
getitol
eangry
?No.
..
.I'
m sorr
y..
..
(hel
dmywaistandki
ssedme)I
'
m sorry,
ilove
you
Me: Il
ov eyoutoo.
..Therei ssomet hi
ngIneed
totell
y ou,
Trevorisgoingt oborrowmemoney ,
I'
m notsurehowmuchy etbuti knowi t
's
around30Ksowi t
ht hatmoneypl usthemoney
Bakangi sgoingtopayf orgetti
ngt hechil
dren,
I
wantt oopenasmal l I
nternetcafé?
Tumelo:
WhywouldTrevorbor
rowy
ousucha
l
argeamountofmoney?
Me:
It'
sal
ongst
ory
Tumel
o:Ihav
eti
me
Me:Bakangborr
owedhim moneytostar
this
busi
nessandheisdoi
ngthisf
orthechil
dren,
i
t'
sactual
lynotal
oanbutagif
t.
Tumelo:Sot
echni
cal
l
yBakangi
sfi
nanci
ngy
our
busi
ness?
Me:Iwoul
dn'
tputi
tli
ket
hatbutwoul
dthatbe
wr
ong?
Tumel
o:Nal
edi
?Ar
eyoul
i
steni
ngt
oyour
sel
f?
MeIneedmoneyTumel
o,doy
ouhav
eabet
ter
sol
uti
on?
Tumel o:Nalediidon'thavemoneyonmeatt hi
s
ti
me, ijustgotoutofpr i
sonmont hsbackand
I
'm notwor king,I
'm notplanningtobr
eakthe
l
awei ther.I
twi l
ltakeastrongwomant o
understandmysi tuationrightnow.
Me:
It'
sagoodt
hingt
her
eist
woofus,
Icanbe
under standing50%becauseThembiwi l
l
under stand50%.Partofmedoesn'twanttoask
peoplet of i
nancemebutpartofmef eel
sit
's
therightt hi
ngsoI'
ll
gowi t
hgetti
ngmoneyf r
om
Trevor .
..
Tumel
o:You'
renotget
ti
ngmoneyf
rom hi
m
Me:Iam goi
ngt
ogetthemoneyandstar
tmy
busi
nessTumel
ogakegobotsekeagobol
elel
a.
Tumelo:
(star
ingatme)Nal
edi
arey
ou
chal
l
engingme?
Me:I'
m notchal
l
engi
ngy
ou,
howam i
chal
l
engingyou?
Tumelo:Karedon'
ttakethemoneywar egao
mpotse,whodoy outhi
nky ou'
ret
alki
ngto
usi
ngthattone?
Me:
.Whi
cht
one?
Tumel
o:You'
renotget
ti
nghi
smoney
Hi
sphonerangandwebot
htur
nedl
ooki
ngat
i
t.
..I
twasThembi.

Me:
Wear
est
il
ltal
ki
ng
Tumel
o:I
tcoul
dbeanemer
gency
Me:
Wear
est
il
ltal
ki
ng,
itdoesn'
tmat
ter
Tumel
o:Shh.
..
hel
l
o?….
.hey
Thembi
:(smi
l
ed)I
'
m pr
egnant
..
..
..Ihopei
t'
sa
gi
r-
Tumel
o:(
cutt
hecal
l
)I'
l
lcal
lherback
Me:Sosheispregnant
?(swal
l
owedt
ear
ful
l
y)
Congr
atul
ati
onsTumelo
Tumel
o:Don'
tbel
i
ket
hat
Me:(f
oldedmyarms)I'
mfighti
ngal osi
ngbat t
le
i
sn'
tit
?Threechi
ldr
en?Iwon'twinthis.
..
let
's
j
ustgooursepar
ateways,
It'
sov erbetweenus.
Tumel
o:(
smi
l
edandki
ssedme)Ni
ceone.
..
Me:
.I'
m notj
oki
ng
Tumelo:
AndI '
m notj
oki
ngei t
her..
.(gl
ari
ngat
me)Don'tev
ersaysomet hi
nglikethattome
agai
nifyousti
llv
aluel
if
e.

Hekissedmeandsl
owlylai
dmeonthebed
pul
l
ingoutmypanti
es.
..
..
..
..
..
.(9t
)

Ki
ndl
yLi
ket
hei
nser
t,muchl
ove.
.
Co-
wif
e
#93

Atmyhouse.
..
.

Tumeloputhi
sar
m ar
oundmeaswel
aidon
thebed.
..
Tumel
o:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
YesI
'
mfi
ne.
Tumelo:
I'
ll
findy
oumoney ,l
et'
snoti
nvi
te
Bakangi
ntoourl
ives.Wehavehadenoughof
hi
m.
Me:
Okay
..
.
Tumelo:
Ihopeyouryesesaregenui
ne,
whydoI
feel
li
keyouar
ejustsaying?
Me: I'
mt i
redofbei nghur tandmadef eel
secondbesti nev eryrelat i
onship..
.(tearfull
y)To
behonestwi thy ouy ou'ret helastpersoni
expect edt hisfrom, Inev ert houghtyouwoul d
hurtmel i
ket hi
s.Idon' tthinkIwi ll
trustaman
aft
ert his.Iusedt obel i
ev ei nlovebutnowi
don'tbuti r efuset obeliev eI'm onl
ygoodt obe
asecondgi rlf
ri
end.Gasewenahel a, Bakang
soldmedr eams. ..Ithoughti foundmypr ince
butDudushowedup, i
tt urnedouthel ovedher
mor e,nowy outoo.Youmademef eel l
ov ed
andthenThembi showsupwi thtwochildren
nowshehast hethirdone.Whatam isupposed
todo?(rubbedmyt ear
s)I'
mr eal
lytr
yingthis
shari
ngthingbutgoapala,keapalel
wa.Iknowi
sai
dI'l
lfi
ghttotheendbuti don'
tthi
nkI'l
l
surv
ive.Gongweifyouwer echeati
ngI'd
underst
andbutmokebodi pa.
Tumelo:Kedir
ej angjaanong?Itol
dyouidon'
t
l
oveThembi andshewasn' tev enmi
netobegi
n
wit
h,whyareyout ryi
ngtobr eakour
rel
ati
onshi
pov erthi
s?
Me: Andt hepainfulthi
ngi
sthatyou'
react
ingas
i
fy oudon' tseeyou'r
ehurt
ingme,idon'
t
understandwomenwhoshar emenbutI'
m not
thattype.Ihavetriedgampalel
a.
Tumel
o:Gonemmegopal
aeng?
Me:(t
urnedaroundandl
ookedathi
m)What
doesthatmean?
Tumel
o:Idi
dn'
thav
eint
ent
ionsofcheat
ingbut
nowihaveasi t
uat
ionwhi
chIwishy
oucould
under
stand.Thembii
smybrot
herswif
eand-
Me:Exact
lyyourbr ot
her'
swi f
e..
.Notyour
s.I'
m
notgoi
ngtobeat oy,youputherinyour
mother
'shouse,shehast hreeofyourchi
ldr
en
andwhatdoi have?
Tumel
o:May
beweshoul
dhav
eababyt
hen
Me:
Don'
tpl
aydumb
Tumel
o:(
sighed)Okay
,I'
m sor
ry.
..Whatshoul
d
Idot
ocorr
ectthis?
Me: Idon'tknowbuti havel
ostint
eresti
nthi
s
rel
ationship,i
t'
sboringnowbecausewedon't
l
oveeachot her.Youlett
hethi
rdpersongeti
n
soiwantout .
Tumel
o:I
'
lll
eav
eher
Me:Youknowy ou'
rel
yi
ng,youwereseei
ngher
whil
eyouwerewithApri
l'
smother
,whydidshe
commitsui
cideanyway?
Tumelo:Ialr
eadytol
dyouaboutt
hat.
..(
angr
il
y)
Whatarey outr
yingt
osay?Il
ovedthatwoman
j
ustl
ikei l
oveyou.
Me:
You'
resi
ck
Tumel
o:Don'
tdot hat
..
..Don'
tmakemedo
somet
hingI
'l
lregr
et
Me: Whatareyougoingtodo?Whatwi l
lyoudo
tome?Youl if
taf i
ngertomeI '
l
l f
lytopol
iceand
haveyouarresteddon'tf
orgetyou'r
eon
probat
ion.(
hekeptqui et
)Saysomet hi
ngnow
Tumel
o:(
angr
il
y)Ot
ogaol
elaNal
edi
Me:
Ntedi
saee,
mpet
sa.
..
.Mpet
saTumel
o

Hegotof
fthebedandsli
dhi
st-shi
rtonasi
wr
appedmy sel
fwi
thatowel
..
.

Me:
Soy
ouwantt
oleav
e?
Tumel
o:St
opt
alki
ng.
..
Me:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Tumel
o:I
'
mleav
ing
Me:
Tsaadi
l
otsagagoee
Tumel
o:Nal
edi
wee?
Me:Takeyourthi
ngs,i
fyoustepoutoft
his
housei
t'
soverbetweenus,I
'
m notplayi
ng
gameswithyou.
Tumel
o:(angr
il
ytookof
fhi
st-
shi
rt
)Sowhatdo
youwantmetodo?
Me:Takey
ourthi
ngsandgost
aywi
thThembi
aker
egaokgonegodeci
der
Tumelo:Ideci
dediwantedy
oubuty
ou'
resti
ll
screami
ngatme, obataker
engNal
edi
?(puton
hist-
shi
rt)Mxm keat
samaa
Me:
Tsamaaeebuti
t'
sov
erbet
weenus.
Tumel
o:Yeah,
what
ever
Me:
What
ever
?
Tumel o:(
looki
ngatme)Yeah, whatever.
..
You'r
enotwor thgoingtojai
lfori
fyou'r
e
provokingmet omakemef ai
ltocomplywi t
h
mypr obationcondi
ti
ons.Iwouldn'
twanttogo
tojai
lforawomani caughtwithadickinher
pussy.You'rebit
ch!
Me:
Am abi
tch?Andwhatdoessl
eepi
ngwi
th
t
wowomenmakey ou?
Tumel o:Which2women?Becauseasf arasI
knowThembi istheonlywomani sleptwith,
don'tdisgr
acewomen, you'renotawoman.I
hav edatedalotofwomenbutnev erhav ei ev er
caughtawomanwi t
hadi ckinherpussyand
youexpectmet orespecty ou?Arey ouf ucking
kiddingme?Real l
yarey ouf ucki
ngki ddi
ngme?
Iwasn' tpl
anni
ngt ohaveThembi butaf terwhat
youdi dsheisthebestthingi cangetnow.I 'm
surprisedyoufeelvi
cti
mi sedbyt his..
.Hav ey ou
forgottenhowy ouli
edtomewhi l
ei wasi n
pr
ison?
Me: Youal
readyhad2ki
ds,
youwer
eal
ready
hi
dingthi
ngsfrom me
Tumel o:Yesbuti wasn'twithThembi,ifiwas
shewoul dn'thavewai tedthislongtocome
her e.Wewer eov erandi wassuppor ti
ngthe
children.Youwer ethechosenone, il
ovedyou
butwhatdi dy oudo?Youcheat edonmeand
l
iedt ome!Sof uckoffaut waNal edi
?Iknowy ou
arepl anningtogetbackwi thBakangthat'
swhy
youwanthi smoneybutguesswhathewasi n
prison, hethepr i
sonbi tchokay ?Skul
ldri
l
ledhis
behi nddayandni ght,hewasgayi npri
son.(I
star edathim speechl essly)Iguessnowy ou
knowwhyhei ssof t
.
Me: (
sighed)Ican'tbeli
evey ouhav ebeen
keepi
ngal lthatfr
om me, thehatredyouhav e
formei sunbelievabl
e.Tumel oyoudi dn'
thave
toli
eaboutf orgiv
ingme, youcouldhav esimply
tol
dmet hatyoucan'tforgiv
emei nst
eadof
hurt
ingmel i
kethis?I'
m sorr
ythatIst
art
edthi
s
butican'
tstaywithyouwheny ouarethi
sangry
aboutmypast .Takeyourthi
ngsandgot o
Thembi,sheisabet t
erwomant hanme.
Tumelo:(
sighed)Idi
dn'
tmeanal
lthat
,iwas
angr
y.I'
m sorr
y.
Me:
(si
ghed)Justgo.
..
Tumel
o:I
'
m notgoi
ng.
..I
'
m sor
ry
Me: I
'
llgobacktomymot her'
shousethen.(I
gotupandpackedmybagst henhegotup
holdi
ngmyhand)Pl easedon'
ttouchme..
.Ifyou
touchmeI'm cal
l
ingthepoli
ce

Heletgoofmet heniconti
nuedpacki
ng,
April
andtheki
dsrushedinlaughi
ng,Tumel
opicked
Ameandputhim onhislap..
.

Me:
Apr
ilbabeI
'
m goi
ngt
omama'
shouse,
she
i
snotfeeli
ngwel
l.You'
l
lbest
ayi
ngatAunt
Thembi'
shouse.
Apr
il
:Idon'
tl
ikeauntThembi
Tumel
o:Whynot
?
Apr
il
:Just
Me: You'
regoingt
ohav etogetusedtoher
becauseyou'l
lbespendingmoretimewit
hyour
brot
hers.
April
:Iwanttobewitht
hetr
ipl
ets,
Bri
anand
Scottdon'tknowSet
swanaandtheyspeaka
funnylanguage
Tumel
o:I
t'
scal
l
edNdebel
ebaby
Me:
Andy
ou'
reaquar
terNdebel
e
Apr
il
:.What
?
Me:
OMot
ebel
e
Tumelo:
(looki
ngatme)Sedi
rej
alot
hemma,
Kant
eodi raeng?
Me:It
'sthetr
uth,whyaren'tyout
eachi
ngher
aboutherfamil
ytree.(
zippingmybag)I
'm
goi
ng
Tumelo:Maki
ngdecisi
onswhenyou'
reangryor
happyisal
wayswrong,tr
ustmeonthatone.
Me:I'
m notangr
y..
.I'
l
lret
urny
ourcarwhenI
'
m
donemov i
ng
Tumelo:.Nal
edil
esagodirajalohapelega
bana,t
hesekidsareol
denought oseewhat's
goingon.Canweatleastpretendi
nfrontof
them?
Me:
(cal
meddown)Okay
..
.
Tumel o:(st
oodupandt ookoutP200)Hi r
ea
biggercar,I'
l
lusethecartovi
sitafri
endwi t
h
thekids.I'
llr
etur
nthem l
ateri
nt heaft
ernoon
wheny ou'
redone.
Me:
Okay
..
.
Het ookthekidsoutanddr ov eoffthenisaton
thebedandsi ghedt ear f
ully,partofmedi dn't
wantmet oleavebutt heI nternetcafébusiness
i
deahadmot i
vatedmeandi want edtoact
quickl
ybef or
eTr evorchangedhi smind.I
packedev eryt
hingandt hencal l
edmymot her
beforecall
ingthemov ingt r
uck....
..

AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..
.

Meanwhi l
ePri
ncess,Bri
anandScot twere
play
ingunderthetr
eeswi ngi
ngonApr i
l'
sswi
ng
asDuduandThembi satonthecouchcrossi
ng
thei
rlegshol
dingcupsofcoffee.
..
..

Thembi
:Sohowl
ongwer
eyouf
ri
endswi
thher
?
Dudu:Weweren'
tfr
iendsassuch,
well
iwasa
fr
iendt
oherbutshehatedmebecauseshe
thoughti waslov
edmor e,mydaughteri
st he
oldestandi wasther
ebef or
eher.Wehadour
diff
erencesandsimilar
it
iesbutatthi
spointshe
i
sn'ttalki
ngtomebecausei hel
pedyouthat
ti
me, saleantshwarakapelogonehoo,akereo
i
tsedi l
otsabasadi
Thembi
:Kapel
o?Thehear
t
Dudu:Noholdi
ngagr udge.
..Hear
tisadir
ect
t
ransl
ati
on.(l
aughed)You'r
egetti
ngther
e
madam cler
k
Thembi:(laughed)Idon' thavetimef orgames,
nooffencebuti tseemswoment hi
ssidefoll
ow
ment oomuch.Iwantt omakeal iv
ingandraise
mychi l
drent hebestwayi canev enifi
t'
snot
withTumi .IfNal ediwant schil
dishgamesshe
won'tfi
ndt hem inme, whenTumel ocomesi
givehimf oodandbat hingwat erthenhegoes
towherev erhegoes, i
t'
snoneofmybusi ness.I
didn'
tcomet oBot swanat ofol
lowamanand
havehimf eedmel i
keachi l
d.
Dudu:ButNaledii
slazy,shenev erdoes
anythi
ngwit
hherlife.All
sheknowsi stobe
spoil
tbymen.Womenwhoexpectt oomuch
fr
om amanar epossessivebecauseenemonna
i
smor ethanjustadick.It
'shersalary
.Nnatot
a
gokopamonnamadi ,sorr
y !Idon'
tneedaman
totakecar
eofmeandmychi l
d
Thembi :
Butshei sgoingt
ocrybecauseI '
m
pregnant,Tumelowil
lneverwalkawayfrom
threechi
ldren.I
fhedoeshisrelati
onshi
pswon'
t
l
astlongbecauseoft hesechi
ldren.
Dudu:
That'
str
uewomendon'
tl
ikeamanwi
tha
l
otofchi
l
dren.
Thembi
:Howdi
dyoumeetTuel
o?
Dudu:Hewasgoingt hr
oughal ot
,hewas
del
usi
onalbecauseofstress.Iwasther
efor
hi
m unti
lherecover
ed.
Thembi
:Ehe.
..
.
AtDor
cas'
shouse.
..

Laterthataf
ternoonBakangf i
nishedpainti
ng
thechildr
en'
sroom andst eppedoutholdingan
empt ybucketofpaint
..
..Tsamewav edathim
asshewaspassi ngbythefence...

Bakang:
(smi
l
edwal
ki
ngov
ert
oher)Hey
..
.
Tsame:
(hel
dthef
enceandsmi
l
ed)Hi
Bakang:
(st
oodbyt
hef
ence)Howar
eyou?
Tsame:
I'
m good,
howar
eyou?
Bakang:
I'
m good.
..
Tsame:Icanseey ou'
reexci
tedaboutthe
chi
ldr
enmov inghere,
iguessI'
llbeseei
ngmor
e
ofyouthi
ssidesinceyoudon'twantto
sl
eepover
Bakang:
(laughed)Idon'
twant
?Whosai
dthat
?
Tsame:
Iassumedsi
ncey
ounev
erasked
Bakang:Canyousl
eepov
eratmyhousetonight
?
Wewi l
lwatchmovi
esall
nightandsl
eepat3am
Tsame:
(laughed)Yes,
please
Bakang:
(laughed)Al
ri
ght
,I'
l
ltal
ktoy
oul
ater
Tsame:
Bye
Bakang:
Bye

Hewal
kedbacktohi
smother
'shouset
aki
ng
of
fhi
sglov
esthenhi
sphonerang.
.

Bakang:
Hel
l
o?
Queen:Whendi
dyousaywewi
l
lbecel
ebr
ati
ng
gotswal
wagabana?
Bakang:Ont hei
rbir
thday,
wedecideddoingi
t
ontheirbi
rt
hdaywoul dbegreatsothatt
hey
canalsocelebrat
ewi t
hthei
rfr
iendswhowill
be
t
oldt
hei
rnewnames.
Queen:Okaybecauseiwasgoingthrough
somepi ctur
esofabeaut
iful
jumpingcastl
e,i
thoughttheymightl
i
keit
.Iwanttohireit
Bakang:
Idon'tt
hinkNal
edi
bookedanythi
ng,
youcanpayforitormay
beconfi
rm wi
thher
fi
rst
.
Queen:
That
'
sagoodi
dea,
I'
ll
askher
.
Bakang:
Thanks
Queen:
Bye

Hehungupandwalkedinashi
smot
herwas
wat
chingt
hetel
evi
sion.
..

Dor
cas:Youseem t
ober
eal
l
ycl
oset
oyour
mothernowaday
s
Bakang:
Arey
ouj
eal
ous?
Dorcas:I'
m notj
ealous,i
don'tgetwhyshei
s
suddenlyacti
ngli
keamot hernowwhenshe
didn'
tcareaboutal
l al
ong.
Bakang: Shecar edbutknowingt hatshei sn'
t
reall
ymymot heral
waysmadeherpul lback, it
hadnot hingt odowithlove.Mamay ouknow
you'l
l al
way sbemymot hereveni fididn'tknow
whatr eall
yhappenedi couldfeelt hatbond,
don'twor ryaboutherbutwhatI '
m wor ri
ed
abouti syourloneli
ness,idon'
tthinkPapawi l
l
divorcehernotathi sage,don'tyout hinki t
's
aboutt i
mey oufoundsomeone?
Dorcas:(
sighed)You'
ret
ooyoungt
ogi
veme
rel
ati
onshipadvicemyboy
Bakang:All
iknowisthatamanwi l
l neverhi
de
awomanhel ov
esbuthewi llalwayshi dea
womanhei ssexual
lyattr
actedt o,that'
swhy
husbandswalkinpubl
icwitht heirwivesbut
neverwit
hsidewomen, becausesi dewomen
aremeanttobesecrets.Theyar enotgood
enoughtobeseeninpubl
i
cwith.I
fmyfat
her
neverl
eftherf
ort
hepastyear
shewil
lneverdo
i
t.
Dor
cas:Goandt akeshower,
thatpai
nti
s
get
ti
ngdryanddr opthosedi
rt
yjeansi
nthe
l
aundrybasket
.
Bakang:
Alr
ight
..
.

Hewenttothebat
hroom l
eav
ingheri
n
t
hought
s..
..
..

AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..
.

Lat
eronTumel
owal
kedi
nwi
tht
hechi
l
dren.
..

Tumel
o:Hi
Dudu:
(smi
l
ed)Hel
l
oMrSi
banda
Thembi
:(st
oodup)I
'
llbeback.
..
.

Shefol
l
owedTumel ot
othebedr
oom t
henshe
cl
osedthedoor
..
..

Thembi
:Shoul
dibr
ingt
hef
ood?
Tumel
o:No,
I'
mver
yst
ressed.Ineedsome
sl
eep.
Thembi
:Takeof
fyourJeansandsl
eeppr
oper
ly,
di
dthechi
ldr
eneatanyt
hing?
Tumel
o:It
hinkt
heyar
efi
ne
Thembi:Al
ri
ght
..
.Um.
..Sodoy
ouwantt
otal
k
abouti
t?
Tumel
o:No,
giv
emeami
nut
e..
.

Hetur
nedaroundandlai
ddownthenshe
cl
osedthedoorandj
oinedDudubyt
hecouch.
..
.
Dudu:(
stood)I
t'
slat
emma,
letmegohome
andbathPri
ncess
Thembi:
Alr
ightdarl
i
ng,wewillt
alk
tomor
row.(
loweredhervoi
ce)Hubbyi
sn'
ti
nthe
moodhahaha
Dudu:
(laughed)Icanseet
hat
.…men
Thembi
:Seey
ou
Dudu:
Bye.
..(
wal
ki
ngout
)Pr
incess?Let
'
sgo.
..
.

Atmymot
her
'shouse.
..
.

Lat
erthateveni
ngmymot herwalkedinasi
waspushingthefur
nitur
earoundt heroom
makingsomespacef orothers.
..Sheheldt
he
doorsuppor
tingher
selfandcoughed...
.
Mama:
Theywon'
tfi
tint
hishouse
Me:
I'
ll
putt
hem i
nthest
orer
oom i
ftheydon'
tfi
t
Mama:Iknowy
ou'
ret
ryi
ngt
obest
rongbuti
t'
s
okayt
ocry
Me: I
'
m donecr
ying,
all
menar
eli
arsand
cheater
s.
Mama:
Don'
tfor
gety
ourmi
stakest
oo
Me: Butev enifididn'
tmakeami st
ake,hewas
sti
llgoingtodot hi
s.Healr
eadyhadchi l
drenhe
washi dingfrom me.Het al
kedabout
fai
thfulnessandmademel i
stentostupid
songsonl yforhimt odothev erysamet hi
ngi
l
eftBakangf or.I
'm donewit
hr el
ati
onshipsnow
iknowwhyy ou'v
ebeensinglesincepapaleft
.
Menar ej usttr
ash
Mama:Iunderst
andhowy oufeel
,ther
ear e
morebadment hangoodbutarti
mesi t'
sbest
westopl
ookingformen.Lethi
mf i
ndy ouand
whenhedoesmakesur eheisthekindthatis
afr
aidtohurtyourf
eeli
ngsnottheonethatis
afr
aidtogetcaughtbecausethenhewillwor
k
24/7tomakesur eyouneverhaveareasonto
l
eaveincl
udinglyi
ngandcov er
inghi
stracks.
Me: Thereissuchthi
ngasl ove.I
'
m done
expecti
ngany thi
ngfrom anyone.
..(
tear
ful
l
y)
Tumel odisappoi
ntedme, it
houghthewas
bett
erthanBakangbuthewaswor se.
Mama:
Hei
shi
sfat
her
'sson.
Me: Andy ouknowI'mtir
edoft hesemenwho
al
way sturnoutli
kethei
rfathers,i
sn'
ttherea
mant hatgrowsuphat i
ngthewayhi sfather
tr
eatedhismot herandthentreatshi
s
gi
rlf
riendsbett
erbasedont hat?Dotheyall
havet obejer
ks?
Mama:
(wal
kedov
erandhuggedme)I
'
m sor
ry.
..
Me:
(cr
ying)It
houghthel
ovedme.
..
Mama:
Andi
tshal
lpass.
..
.
Irubbedmyf aceastheli
ghtsofthecar
bouncedont hewall
,isnif
fedandwalked
outsi
de..
..Thetr
ipl
etsraninsi
detheniwalked
tothedri
v er
'ssi
deandknocked..
..

Thembi:(
roll
eddownt hewindowandsmi led)
Hey.
..Tumi i
staki
nganap, hedoesn'
tli
keit
whenpeoplewakehi m upbutitwasgett
ing
l
atesoi r
eturnedyourchi
ldr
en.
Me: Oh. ..
.Okay .Pleaset akecar eofApr il
,she
hasDy slexi
a.Chi l
drenwi thdy slexi
ageteasi ly
frustratedanddi scouraged, don'tcal
l herstupi
d
ev enify ou'
reannoy edt hatshedoesn' t
under standherhomewor k.Herl et
terswillf
ace
thewr ongdirecti
onsandshedoesn' tknowhow
topr onouncewor dspr oper ly
.Sheget s
conf usedbyl ongi nstr
uct ionsandshei s
sensi t
ive.Tellhershei si ntel
li
gentasof t
enas
possibl
e.Childrenwithdyslexi
ataketi
meto
understandthings,t
heydependonmemor isi
ng
thi
ngsthant heactualreadingbecausewords
l
ookl i
keGr eektothem, i
t'
sal earni
ngdi
sabil
i
ty
rel
atedtoapr oblem withreadingandwri
ti
ng.
Sheisnotst upid.
Thembi:(si
ghed)Thatsoundsli
keal otofwor
k,
ihav
etwoboy sandI'
m expecti
ng,Shesounds
l
ikeaslowchi l
dandinmyhousewespeak
Ndebel
e, whoisgoingtoteachherNdebelei
f
shecan'tspeakherownlanguage?
Me: Apri
lspeaksfluentEngl
ishwhywouldshe
needtolearnNdebel e?SheishomeandI'm
sureshewon' tbejumpingbordersl
ooki
ngfor
greenerpasturesbecausethegrassi
sgreen
enoughher e.
Thembi
:(r
oll
edupherwindow)Hahahaar
eyou
sur
eyouwanttogother
ewi t
hme?
Me:
(hel
dmywai
st)Yes,
shoul
dIt
alkt
oTumel
o
aboutt
his?doy
ouhav
eapr
obl
em wi
thhi
s
daught
er?
Thembi:Ididn'
tsaythat ,
Iam sayingyou'
re
gi
vingmet oomucht odo.Itsoundsli
ke
babysi
tt
inganewbor nbabybuti hear
dy ouI'
l
l
tr
ytounderstandher, Idon'
thaveaproblem
wit
hchildr
enandI 'm notthatki
ndofast ep
mother(
roll
edupt hewi ndow)Bye

Shedr
oveoutoft
heyar
dtheni
closedt
hegate
andwal
kedbacki
nsi
deasmyphonerang.
..
..

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Queen:
Hi,
didy
ougetmymessage?
Me:
No,
what
'si
tabout
?
Queen:
it'
saj
umpi
ngcast
lef
ort
hechi
l
dren
Me:(
smil
ed)Ohyesthat
,ihav
en'thadt
imeto
or
gani
sethecel
ebr
ati
on.I'
mtryi
ngtost
artan
I
nter
netcaf
esoi
hav
ebeenr
unni
ngar
ounda
l
ot.
Queen:
.Okay
,I'
l
lkeepsendi
ngy
ouwhati
did.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
..

Ihungupandwalkedinasmymot herwas
undressi
ngt
hechil
drenforabat
h..
.

Me: I
'm goi
ngtofini
shsett
ingupt hehouse
thenineedtositdownandcompar ethe
quotati
onsigotfrom computershops.
Mama:
Alr
ight
,I'
l
ltakecar
eoft
heseones.
Me:At
sil
eaft
ereat
ingy
ouhav
etof
eedscooby
,
hei
shungry
.
Atsi
l
e:(t
hrowi
nghi
st-
shi
rtupandcat
chi
ngi
t)
Okay.
..
Iwal
kedbacki
nmyr
oom andcl
osedt
he
door
..
..
..
..

AtBakang'
shouse.
..
..
.

Ont hesameev eningBakangr ubbedhishands

anxiousl
yashel ookedatt hef oodhehad
preparedthenhewentf oraqui ckshower..
..
Tsameknockedont hedoorbuthecoul dn't
hearhersoshewal kedinandsmi l
edlooking
aroundatthecleanhouse.I tsmel l
ednice..
.
Kindoflavenderbutt hedeli
cioussmel lofBBQ
spicewasev ensweet er,mouthwat eri
ng..
.

Sheslowlyputherhandbagdownandmadeher
wayt ot
her unningshower,sheslowl
yopened
thedoorandl eanedbytheframeadmi r
inghis
bodyaslatherwasheddownhi sfeet
,heclosed
thetapandr ubbedhisfacelooki
ngather.
...
.
Bakang:
(smi
l
ed)Hi
Tsame:
(smi
l
e)Hi
Bakang:
(st
ret
chedhi
sar
m)Comeher
e..
.
Tsame:
(bl
ushedandt
ookhi
shand)whati
sit
?

Bakangquickl
ypul
ledherundert
heshowerand
openedthetapasshescreamedprot
ect
ingher
weave.
..
.

Tsame:(
laughed)Mi
dot
her
ramor
ir
iwame
wena!
Bakang:(l
aughedandpushedt hewethair
behindbothherear
s)It
'sfakehairi
twil
ldry.
..
(unbutt
oni
ngherblouse)Closeyourey
es..
..

Shecl
osedherey
esbl
owi
ngast
hewat
err
an
downherf acethenBakangl eanedov
erand
Frenchkissedherashebl ouseandbrafell
down...
.Het ur
nedherar oundandunzippedher
j
eanst hem hepulledthem downasshepul l
ed
outeachofherl egs..
.

Bakang:
Tsame?
Tsame:
Mido?
Bakang:
Cany
oubemygi
rl
fr
iend?
Tsame:
Ithoughti
was
Bakang:(smil
edandki
ssedheragai
n)For
geti
askedthen..
..

Heclosedthetapandpickedherupt henhe
walkedtothebedroom whereheplacedheron
thebedandkissedher..
.Sheputherar ms
aroundhisneckandsighedashebl essedher
withhi
sroyalbreat
h.Hecaressedhershaved
punani andr eachedforacondom undert
he
pi
llow,sheawkwar dl
ywaitedasher ol
l
edthe
condom downhi spi
peandblockedher
entrance..
..Sheswallowedandtookadeep
breathashet easedherwitht
hetip.
..

Tsame:
Mmh.
..Don'
tber
ough.
..
Bakang:
(whi
sper
edi nherear)Ihaven'
ttouched
awomani naver
ylongtime..
.Doy oureall
y
wanttopuni
shmelikethat?
Tsame:(smil
edrubbinghi
sback)No.
.Takei
t
howeveryouwant,don'
tmindme.
Bakang:(pul
l
edherchi
nov
erandki
ssedher
)I
l
ovey ou
Tsame:
Ilov
etooooooooahhhhhhhhBakang!
!

Hesqueezedhi
mselfall
thewayandr
avi
shed
herasshemoanedhelpl
essl
y.
Minutesl
aterhewal
kedoutofthebedroom
carr
yingherandpl
acedheronthecouchthen
hehandedhertheDSTVremote..
.

Bakang:
Ket
isedi
j
o?
Tsame:
Yes,
thanks.
..

Hebr
oughtt
hefoodi
nat
raywal
ki
ngi
nnudeas
hi
spi
pewaved.
..

Tsame: (
giggl
edandt
hrewhi
m hi
sshor
ts)
Please.
..
Bakang:
(laughedandputt
heshortsaroundher
head)Want hogaaker
e?Ketagobetsa.
..
Tsame: (
laughedtakingabite)Thisi
sni
ce..
.
(changi
ngt hechannels)Thanksfort
hefood.
Bakang:
Any
time.
..
.

Hesl owlymassagedherbodywi t
htheloti
onas
theywat chedtheTV,oncedoneeati
ngshe
appli
edoneonhi mthentheypull
edaf l
uff
y
polarfl
eeceblanketandcuddledwatchi
ngTV
asther ainbeguntofal
loutsi
de.
..
.

Bakang:(whi
sper
edi
nherear
)Babymaki
ng
weatherkeyeo
Tsame:
(laughed)Ourt
ri
plet
sar
etooy
oungt
o
haveal
it
tlesi
ster.
Bakang:
Hahahar i
ght.
..(
playingwi
thherfi
ngers)
Thanksforcomingover.
..(
kissedherf
orehead)
Ir
eall
yappreci
ateit
.
Tsame:
Ilongwant
edt
obeher
e..
.Thanks.
.

Theyt
urnedt
hei
rheadsandl
ookedatt
he
scr
eenasUni
versal
Studi
ossi
l
encedt
hem wi
th
anicemov
ie.
..

AtAbal
eng'
shouse.
..
.

MeanwhileRenei
satonherson'
sbedand
hel
pedhim putonhi
ssocksthenbut
tonedup
hi
swar m py
jamasandli
ft
edhim wal
kingt
othe
l
ivi
ngroom...

Loago:
Imi
sst
alki
ngt
oDaddy
Renei
:Iknowmyboy
,imi
sshi
mtoo
Loago:
Cal
lhi
m
Renei
:Hei
sst
il
lnotanswer
ing,
wewi
l
ltr
yagai
n
tomor
row.

Shesatont
hecouchwi
thhi
m andpul
l
eda
whi
tewar
mthenshechangedt
hechannel
.
..

Loago:
LionGuar
d!
Renei
:(l
aughed)Il
ovet
het
hemesong.
..
.Wai
t
fori
t
Loago:
(laughedhol
dinghi
sbr
eat
h)I
t'
scomi
ng
up.
..

Therewasaknockont hedoor,
Reneigotoff
thecouchandwalkedtothedoori
nherpink
warm socksandpyj
amasasherbuttvibr
ateda
bit
,sheopenedthedoorandfr
oze.
..
.

Loago:
(wat
chi
ngt
v)Mamat
het
hemesong!

Renei
'seyeswel
ledupasshecov er
edher
mouth,Abal
engsmiledandhuggedhert
ight
ly
asshebeguncr
ying,
heki
ssedherandhugged
heragai
n..
..

Abal
eng:
(huggi
nghert
ight
ly)LOAGO?
!
Loago:
Daddy
!?

Loagojumpedfr
om thecouchandranacr
oss
theroom sl
i
ppi
ngont heshi
nywoodenli
ket i
l
e,
Abalengl
etgoofherandturnedar
oundpicki
ng
hisson.
..
.

Abal
eng:
Hey
yyboy
!Imi
ssedy
ou
Loago:
Imi
ssedy
out
oo

Stil
lemotionalRenei
fol
lowedhiminsi
de
rubbinghertears,
hetur
nedaroundaroundand
kissedher..
.
Abal
eng:
(laughed)Ar
eyougoi
ngt
ospeak?
Renei:(
laughedrubbinghertearyey
es)Ican'
t
bel
ievey ou'
reher
e,thisexpl
ainswhyyou
couldn'
tseeourcalls.If
eell
ikecryi
ng
Abal
eng:.Hol
dyourtear
sforal
i
ttl
egi
fti
got
you.
..Cl
oseyourey
es
Renei:
(laughedandcl
osedherey
es)Okay
..
.So
ar
ey ouonbr eak?Ory
ougotFD?
Abal
eng:
(laughed)FD?Gaompone

Heledherout
sidecarr
yinghissonont
heot her
ar
mt henheswitchedt
hef r
ontli
ght
son..
..

Abal
eng:
.Openy
ourey
es.
.

Renei
openedherey
esandl
ookedatt
hewhi
te
sparki
ngcarinfr
ontofherwitharedri
bbonon
thebonnetandanothergi
ftboxbytheri
bbon.
Shecov er
edhermouthagainandlookedat
Abaleng..
.

Renei
:(t
ear
ful
l
y)Abi
?Whati
sthi
s?
Abal
eng:
.Wel
li
thasf
ourwheel
ssoi
tlooksl
i
ke
acartome
Renei
:(l
aughed)YouknowwhatImean.
..
(wal
kedoverinshock)OhmyGod,di
dn'
tyou
sayyouarebrokeandschool
i
ng?Ohnkosiy
am
Abal
eng:
Thekeyi
sthatbox

Sheopenedtheboxandgotthekeyst
henshe
goti
nthecarandstar
tedtheengi
ne,i
twor
ked
l
ikemagicandshecover
edherface.
..

Renei
:(l
ooki
ngar
ound)Abi
?(t
ouchi
ngt
heseat
s)
Abi
?(swit
chedthemusicon)Abi
?Ohmy
Goooooooodthebaseoft
histhi
ng.Lawd!

Hewalkedbehi
ndthecarandpull
edasmall
bat
ter
yoperat
edtoycarforboys,
Loagi
jumped
downandgotinthedr
iver'
sseati
mmediat
ely
..
..

Laogo:
Wowdaddy
Renei
:(walkedov
err
ubbi
nghert
ear
s)Ohmy
GodAbi r
ra..
.

Shecri
edwat chi
ngasAbal engshowedhi m
howitworked,Loagohel dthesteeri
ngwheel
anddrovearoundincircleslaughi
ngashisdad
cheer
edforhim, Reneiranupt ohim and
j
umpedonhi sbackashel aughedandgr abbed
herpi
ggybackingher..
..
Renei
:(missedhi
sneck)Il
oveyou,il
ovebei
ng
marri
ed,i
lovebei
ngMr sAbal
eng..
..
Abal
eng:Il
oveyoutoobabe,
youwer
eal
li
coul
dthi
nkabout.
..
.
Renei
:Ican'
twaitfort
hemor
ningt
odr
ivemy
l
it
tl
edarli
ngaround..
.

HeputherdownandFrenchkissedherast
he
r
aindr
opsstart
edfol
l
owing..
..
...
.(9t
)

Therewil
lonlybeoneLONGi nsertperdayat
7pm unti
lfur
thernoti
ce.Ifanyt
hingisposted
befor
eoraf t
er7pm itwil
lbeabonus.Thank
youforunwav er
ingsupport,
Muchl ove.
.
Co-
wif
e
#94
Atmyhouse.
..
.

ThenextMondaymor ningiprepar
edt he
chi
ldrenf orschoolandf i
xedthei
rlunchboxes
asAt sil
edippedhistoothbrushinthebody
l
otion..
..Ismackedhi sheadandcl osedthe
containerdial
ingthei
rfather.
..
..
.

AtBakang'
shouse.
..
.

Meanwhi
l
ehisphonevibr
atedont hetabl
ewhi l
e
Tsamewasi
roni
nghisshir
t,shelookedatitfor
amomentasitr
angthenshet ooktohim..
..

Hegotupyawningandansweredget
ti
ngi
nthe
bat
hroom t
odraint
hepipe.
..
.
Bakang:
Hel
l
o?

Atmyhouse.
..
.

It
ookadeepbr
eat
hfi
xi
ngMasego'
shai
r.
..
.

Me:
Hi
Bakang:
Hey
,what
'
sup?
Me:Um.
..Idon'
thav
eacarbutthechi
l
dren
hav
etogotoschoolsomehow.
Bakang:Doy
ouneedacarorshoul
dIdr
op
them of
f?
Me:Youcandropthem off,
arey
ougoi
ngt
o
wor
k?Doy ousti
l
lhavey ourj
ob?
Bakang:
It'
smycompany
Me:
Ohi
remembert
hat
Bakang:
Whatt
imedot
heygot
oschool
?
Me:
Theymustbet
her
eby8am l
atest
Bakang:
(peei
ng)I
'
llbet
her
e,i
justgotup
Me:
(laughed)Oar
otane?
Bakang:
(pausedandl
aughed)Keengor
ial
o?
Me:
(laughed)Andy
oust
opped
Bakang:
(laughedandcont
inuedpeei
ng)Oa
swabaNaledi
Me:
Goshapo
Bakang:
Shapo.
..

Hehungupandshooki
twalki
ngoutwher
e
Tsamewasir
oni
nghispant
s..
.

Bakang:
Goodmor
ning
Tsame:
Mor
ning.
..
Bakang:
At-
shir
tandjeanswerefi
ne,
ionl
y
wearfor
malwhenI'
m deal
ingwit
hcli
ent
sor
havi
ngmeet
ings.
Tsame:
Shoul
diputt
hem back?
Bakang:No,
I'
ll
weart
hem.
..Whatt
imear
eyou
goi
ngt owor
k?
Tsame:
At12:
30pm
Bakang:
Alr
ight
,I'
l
lpi
ckdr
opy
ouatwor
k.
Tsame:
Okay

Hegoti
nthebat
hroom andt
ookabat
h..
..

AtDudu'
shouse.
..

Shegotandqui
ckl
ycheckedherwat
ch.
.
Dudu:
(gr
abbedherj
erseyandputi
ton)Jesus.
..

Shefil
l
edthetubandmadeherwayt othe
bedr
oom whereshepeeledof
ftheblanket
sand
gent
lyspankedPri
ncess'
sbut
t,shepaused
l
ooki
ngatherpy j
amapantsonherkneesand
pant
iespoorl
yputon.

Dudu:
Pri
ncess?Pr
inci
e..
.?

Shegotupyawni
ngandgotof
fthebedpul
l
ing
upherpant
s..
.

Dudu:(checkedthebed)Atl
easttodayyou
di
dn'tpeeont hebed(l
aughed)butyouhaveto
pul
lupy ourpantspr
operl
y.Let'
sgo.You'
relat
e
Theygotinthebathroom thenDudupull
edout
herclot
hes,Shesquattedandhelpedhertake
offherpant
iesthenshenot i
ceddryunusual
stai
nsonherpubi careaandthi
ghs..
..
..

Dudu:(
scr
atchedherwi
thherpi
nki
enai
l
)
What'
sthi
s?
Pr
incess:
(looki
ngather
sel
f)Idon'
tknow.
..
Dudu:
(herhear
tski
ppedasshesl
owl
yst
oodup)
Comehere.
..

Shetookhertothebathroom andlai
dherdown
thenshecheckedher,shegrabbedherphone
andli
ghthercaref
ull
ylookingforanybr
uisesor
cutsbutt
herewasnot hi
ng...
.

Dudu:
Hasany
onet
ouchedy
ouher
e?
Pr
incess:
(sur
ely
)No
Dudu:
DidBr
iant
ouchy
ouy
est
erday
?
Pri
ncess:
No,
wewer
eswi
ngi
ngbyt
het
ree
onl
y..
.
Dudu:
Goputony
ourcl
othes.
..

Shegr
abbedherphonecal
l
ingher'
fat
her
'….
.

AtMoet
iCJSS.
..

Tuel
opull
edovert
hentwostudent
sst
epped
outandhandedhi
m money
..
..

Tuel
o:(
smi
l
ed)Thanks,
lebant
lel
aut
wa?
Gi
rl
s:(
smi
l
ed)Er
ra
Tuel
o:(gavet
hem change)Kamosogal
eduel
e,
wil
lyourememberme?
Gir
l1:
(smil
edshyl
y)wewil
ll
ookforaVW t
axi
e
kwadil
weng"Duoski
ll
edme"komorago
Tuel
o:(
laughed)Good,
bye

Theyrani
nsi
detheschoolt
henhej
oinedt
he
roadashi
sphonerang.
..

Tuel
o:Hel
l
o?
Dudu:(
pani
cked)Tuxtherrai
thi
nkBr
ian
molest
edPri
ncessyester
day
Tuel
o:(
swal
l
owed)Whydoy
out
hinkso?
Dudu:Shehasali
tt
leweirdstai
nonherpubi
c
ar
eabutsheisnotinj
ured,cometakeust
othe
cl
ini
c.
Tuel
o:Bat
hher
,I'
l
lbet
her
einami
nut
e.
Dudu:Gasegor
ekeskamothapi
sa?May
bet
he
doct
orwill
needhert
hewayshei
s
Tuelo:
Butshehasn'
tbeenpenet r
ated,i
t'
snot
l
ikeshewasrapedandt heyarebothkids.Bri
an
i
slike7or8..
.Doyoureall
ywanttoinvolvethe
pol
iceonsuchyoungchildren?
Dudu:
Yes,
mydaught
eri
s4y earsol
dandev
en
i
fshewasalso8l
i
kehi
mi wouldworry
.
Tuelo:
Didn'
tyoupl
ayl
i
ket
hiswheny
ouwer
e
young?
Dudu: Actuall
yno, ineverhadsexunt
ilIwas
19,whydoi f
eel l
ikeyou'r
etaki
ngthi
sli
ght l
y?An
8y earoldboyr apedourdaughterandy outhi
nk
theywer eplayi
ng?
Tuelo:
You'r
eov
err
eact
ing,
shehasn'
tbeen
penetr
ated
Dudu:
I'
m notadoct
or,
idon'
tknowt
hat
.
Tuel
o:Di
dn'
tyousayy
oucheckedher
?
Dudu:ButIdi
dn'
tevenknowwhati
wasl
ooki
ng
for
,adoctormustcheckher
Tuelo:Bathhersowecantakehert
othe
hospitaltomakesur
esheisfi
ne.I
fshewas
penetratedwewil
lcal
lTumeloandThembi
to
sortthisout
.
Dudu:
(si
ghed)Okay
..
.

Shehungupandbat
hedher
..
..
.

Atmyhouse.
..
.

Bakangpar
kedi
nfr
ontofthehouseand
st
eppedoutast
hechi
ldr
enranout.
..
.

Bakang:
Goodmor
ningChi
pmunks
At
sil
e:Goodmor
ning.
..
Masegi
:Mor
ning
Bakang:
Highf
iveandgot
othecar
..
.
Hesquattedandputouthi
shandupast hey
hi
ghf i
vedandranoutonebyone, Iwalkedof
myroom asheslowlygotuplookingatme
st
art
ingwi t
hmypinkhighheelsandnav yblue
sl
ack..
.Apinkshi
rtandnavyblueblazer.
...He
swal
lowedandputhishandsinthepocket s
si
ghing.
..
.

Bakang:
Goodmor
ning.
..
Me:
Mor
ning.
..
Bakang:
Youl
ookpr
ofessi
onal
Me:(
looki
ngathi
ssmar
tdr
essi
ng)Thanks,
so
doy
ou
Bakang:
Arey
ouwor
kingal
ready
?
Me:No,I
'm wor
kingonabusinessi
dea,I
'
m
goi
ngtoLEAoffi
ces,t
her
eissomethingineed
toaskt
hem maybetheywil
lhelpmeorrefer
met
other
ightof
fi
ce.
Bakang:
Doy
ouneedar
ide?
Me:
Yes,
letmegetmybagandl
apt
op.
Bakang:
Sur
e,I
'
llwai
tint
hecar
..
.

Hewalkedout
side,
igr
abbedmyt hi
ngsand
sai
dgoodbyetomymot herthenist
eppedout
fi
xi
ngmyhairashewaitedinthecarlooki
ngat
me,hedrov
eoutandroll
edupt hewindows.

Bakang:
(lockedt
hebackdoor
s)what
'
syour
i
dea?
Me:(t
ongue-
ti
ed)I
dea-
me?Ohy
oumean
busi
ness?
Bakang:
(laughedandl
ookedatme)Ar
eyou
nerv
ous?
Me:
(si
ghed)al
i
ttl
ebi
t,y
es.Igett
ongue-
ti
ed
ev
eryt
imesomeoneaskmeaboutt
hebusi
ness.
Bakang:
That'sbecausey
oudon'
ttrustyour
busi
nessidea,y
ouhav et
obel
iev
eini tandt
he
moretal
kaboutitthemorei
twil
lcomet oli
fe.
Me:I
'
m afr
aidi
mightbet
hrowi
ngawaymoney
andi
twon'
twork
Bakang:Youhavet ospendmoneyt omake
money,i
t'scal
ledinvestment.Iwasner vous
whenIstart
edmyaudi ti
ngbusiness,iwasn't
surehowmanybusi nessesneededaudi t
ingbut
ri
skedandtodayI'
m happywi t
ht heli
tt
leimake.
Takearisk,i
twil
lmakey ougrow. .
.Youmust
enj
oytheadrenali
ner ushingpartofit
Me:(l
aughed)Okay..
.Toansweryou.It
'san
I
nter
netcafé.Ihav
ealreadyr
egi
steredthe
busi
nessatRegist
ryofcompanies
Bakang:Great,y
ou'
reof
ftoagoodst
art
.What
aboutfi
nancing?
Me:
IaskedTr
evort
oloanmemoneybuthe
sai
dhewoul ddoitforf
reef
orthesakeofy our
chi
ldrenbecausey
ouoncehelpedhim st
arthis
business.
Bakang:
(smi
l
ed)Hesai
dthat
?
Me:
Yeah
Bakang:Heisnott
hatbadaf
teral
l
,whata
fr
iendheis.
Me:
Yeah.
..

Minutesl
aterwedroppedt
hechil
drenatschool
andheadedtothemallwherehedroppedme
offatLEAoffi
ces.
..

AtLet
shol
athebehospi
tal
.
...

Thedoct
ortookoffhi
sglovesandswi
tchedof
f
thel
i
ghtsabovethebed.
..
.
Doct
or:
Dressher
..
.

DududressedherupasTuelosatont
hechai
r
hol
dingDudu'shandbag.
..

Doctor:
(si
ghed)Sheisper
fect
lyfi
ne,
shehas
neverbeenpenet
rat
edbefore.
..Ar
eyousur
e
aboutwhatyouaresayi
ng?
Dudu:
Iwasjustassumingbecausehei
sthe
onl
yboyshewaswi thy
ester
day.
Doctor:I
tcouldhavebeenbett
erhadshecome
wit
ht hestai
ny ouweretal
ki
ngabout.Wher
eis
t
hef ormfrom thepol
ice?
Dudu:
Ihaven'
treport
edy
et,
iwant
edt
omake
sur
esheisfi
nefirst
Doctor
:Youwer
esupposedt
ofi
l
eapol
i
ce
repor
tfi
rst
Dudu:
Idi
dn'
tbutt
hanksf
orchecki
ngher
..
..

Minuteslatertheywalkedoutoft
hepremi
ses
approachingthetaxiasshedial
edThembi
..
.

Thembi
:(smil
ed)Hey
,I'
m aboutt
owal
kinsi
de
fort
hei
nterv
-
Dudu:(angri
ly)Li
stenhere,Yoursonmol ested
mydaught er.Ij
ustwalkedoutofthehospi t
al
nowandIwantt otalktoyouaboutthis.Ican'
t
bel
iev
et herearestil
lchi
ldr
enlikethi
s
Thembi:
(hear
tski
pped)What
?Hedi
dwhat
?
Bri
ancanneverdothat
Dudu:(
boili
ng)Andy ou'redefendinghim?Heel
a
mmay ou'l
l gobackt oZi mbabwewi t
houty
our
sondoy ouunder st
andme?Hewi ll
gotoboy'
s
pri
soni
fhei sarapist.ThisisBotswanahoney
wedon'tplaywithcr i
mi nal
saut wa?
Thembi :(shaking)DuduI '
m sorry,pleasedon' t
i
nvolvet hepolice.I'm sur ewewi lltalk.I'
lltel
l
Tumel owhatBr i
andi d, heisachi ldandhewi ll
bedisciplinedaccor dingly.Idon'tknowwher e
hegetst hatbehav iourbecauseev eni n
Tsholotshohewasn' tont hest r
eets, hei san
i
ndoorchi ld.Theyar eal way sinsidewat ching
TVbutI '
m sor ry,iaccepthi smi stakes.Pl ease
gi
vemet i
met oat tendt heintervi
ewt henI '
ll
col
lecthi mf r
om school andcomeseey ou.Is
Pri
ncessokaydownt here?Ihopehedi dn'tdo
anydamages, doesshehav ecuts?
Dudu:
No,
I'
ll
bewai
ti
ngf
ory
ou.

DuduhungupthenThembi sil
encedherphone
andwalkedi
ntheinter
viewr oom.Sheputher
bagdownandjoined8ot hers.

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
hopenedt
hepaper
,she
coul dn'tunder standwher eBri
anleanedt odo
thatt ogi rl
s, shedi dn'tknowhowt heydeal twith
situationsl iket hati nBot swana."Okayf ocus
Thembi ,"shet houghtassher eadt hef i
r st
quest ion....1.Whati sasubpoena?Shet hought
andwr ot ei tdown. ..2.Whati sasummons?She
wonder edwhatt hedi ffer
encewasf rom t he
fi
rstquest ionandshewasn' tsur
eany mor e.4.
Whati sawar rantofl i
berati
on?Shewr ot ei t
down.5.Howmanyhi ghcourtsaret her ei n
Bot swana?Shedi dn'tknow.6. Wher eist he
highestcour tlocat edi nBotswana?She
frustratedlyshookherheadandt urnedt he
pagehopi ngf ormor equest i
onsthatdi dn' thav e
any thi
ngt odowi thBot swanabutt herewas
none, shecl osedherpaperandwonder edwhat
thewor stcasescenar i
owoul dbef orBr ian. ..
.

Minut
esl
atertheinvi
gil
atorcol
lect
edthe
paper
sandtheircont
actlist
sthentheywal
ked
outsi
de.Shedi
aledTumel
oasshegoti
nhi
scar
buthedidn'
tpi
ck..
..

Att
hemal
l
...
.

Lateront
hatmorni
ngIsteppedoutofthetaxi
hol
dingafi
lef
rom theof
ficeiwasrefer
redto
byLEAoffi
cer
s.Ifi
xedmysl ackandshook
handswit
hthebuil
dingmanager..
.

Manager
:(smi
l
edl
ooki
ngatme)um.
..Wow
Me:
(smi
l
ed)Mor
ning.
..
Manager
:Youl
ookgor
geous
Me:
Myf i
nancet
ell
smet
hesameev
ery
mor
ning,
thanky
ou.
Manager:Oh-
yeah.
..
.(handedmet hekeys)
Al
ri
ght.
..Youcancomei nandinspectt
he
space.
..

Iunlockedt hedoorandpushedt heglass

doubl edoorapar ttheni steppedi nasmyheel s
echoedi nt heempt yroom.Ismi ledalmost
seeingmycomput ersli
nedupwi thcustomers
l
ockedoneachcomput er ,ashortqueuebyt he
ti
ll
ther eascust omer swai tedtopayf orour
services.It urnedaroundandsmi ledlooki
ngat
asmal lcor nerperhapsi couldputacur t
ainof
somesor tandt akepicturesf orpassportsand
manymor e.

Manager
:So?Doy
oul
i
kei
t?
Me:
(smi
l
ed)Yes
Manager
:Ify
oudon'
tpayf
ori
twhoev
erpay
s
f
or-
Me:
I'
ll
takei
t,
I'
m pay
ingf
ori
t.
..t
hanky
ouso
much.
Manager
:(shookmyhand)Pl
easur
eisal
lmi
ne.

Hewalkedoutsidet
heni si
ghedsmi
l
ingpr
oudl
y
asiwalkedaroundhol
dingmywaist
..
.My
phonerang.
..

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Renei
:Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
AtSt
arI
nter
netCaf
é
Renei
:(smi
l
ed)Youal
readypai
d?
Me:Yes,Trevorj
ustsentthemoney.
..
.I'
m so
exci
ted,
i hav
esomucht odo.
.Buyi
ngfurni
tur
e
andequipment..
.
Renei
:I'
m comi
ngt
her
e..
.

Shehungup,
ihadat
alkwi
tht
hemanagert
hen
hegoti nt
hecaranddroveoffasawhi t
eHonda
Fitpul
ledi
ntomyparki
ngspot .Reneist
epped
outthenAbalengf
rom thepassengersi
de.Ir
an
towardsandhuggedhi
mt i
ghtl
y..
..
.

Me:
Abi
?OhmyGod
Abal
eng:
Sduda!
Me:(l
aughed)Itol
dyout
ost opcal
l
ingmethat
..
(l
ookedatthecar)Wow.
..Letmeguessi
t'
sfor
Renei
?
Abal
eng:
Theoneandonl
y

IhuggedRenei
andl
ookedatt
hecaragai
n..
.

Me:
Congr
atul
ati
ons.
..
.It
'sbeaut
if
ul
Renei
:Thanks.
..
Me:
Ithi
nki
shoul
djustl
ookf
ormybr
otheri
na
guyt
odeci
dei
fhei
swor
thi
tornot
.
Abal
eng:
Ist
hatacompl
i
ment
?Thanks.
.

Hewalkedi
nthecafeasReneiandiwal
ked
ar
oundthecarchat
ti
ngexci
tedl
y..
.

Abaleng:(
stoodatt hedoor
)Howabouti
sponsoryoubybuy ingyouchai
rsandtabl
es?(i
smiledgett
ingreadytothankhi
mt henhe
rai
sedhishandbl ocki
ngme)Prov i
dedyoudon'
t
dateanyoneforthenext6mont hs.
..
Me:(smil
ed)Yessi
r,deal
.Idon'
thav
ean
appeti
tef
ormenanyway .
..
Renei
:Thi
sspacei
satt
her
ightspot
..
.
Congr
atul
ati
ons
Me:
Thanks.
..
AtMr
sSi
banda'
shouse.
..
.

Lat
eronBr i
anstoodi
nfrontofhisangr
y
mother,DuduandTuel
otogetherwit
h
Pri
ncess..
..

Thembi:(
tear
ful
l
yangry)Didy
out
ouchher
?I'
m
notgoi
ngtoasky ouagai
n?
Br
ian:
(shaki
ng)No
Dudu:Thenwhyareyourl
egsshaki
ng?Whyar
e
youhandsshaki
ng?
Thembi:(r
eachedf
orabi
gst
ickbehi
ndthesof
a)
I
fy oudon'
tspeakI
'
m goi
ngt
obeatyou,
didyou
touchher?
Br
ian:
(cr
ying)Iwantmydad
Princess:
(cr
yingbi
ti
nghernai
l
s)Hedi
dn'
t
touchme
Dudu:
Whyi
sheshaki
ng?
Thembi
:(angr
il
y)Ican'
tbeli
evet
hisboyi
sdoi
ng
thi
stome..
.Comeher e.
..

Shegr abbedhim bythecol

larsandwhi
pped
him alloverasever
ywhipleftamarkonhis
ski
n, hescreamedjumpingasThembi whi
pped
him until
thesti
ckwasshor t
.

Shereachedforanot heroneandwhi ppedhi

m
unti
lhecouldn'tcryanymore.Hesi l
entl
y
j
umpedbl ockingt hesti
ckswithhisbrui
sed
hands.
..
.Thembi droppedanotherwhiponhis
headthenhesl ippedandfelldownpeeingon
hi
mself.
..
.

Brian:
(scr
eami ng)Idi
dn'
ttouchher.
..Idi
dn'
t
touchher.
..
.(sheconti
nuedwhippinghim)
Daddy
?Daddy
?Daddyhel
pme.
..

Shaki
ngandcryi
ngPri
ncessr
anintoTuelo'
s
armsandburi
edherheadonhischestashe
huggedher
..
..

Pri
ncess:
(cr
ying)Mamamakeherst
op,
shei
s
hur
tinghi
m!

Dudu'shear
tbrokeasBrianhel
plessl
y
screamedforhi
sfatherwhil
eThembi puthi
s
headbetweenherlegsandwhippedhisbehind.

Dudugotupandgr
abbedt
hest
ick.
..
.

Dudu:
That
'senoughpl
ease.
..
.
Thembi
:(angr
il
y)I
'
m notr
aisi
ngar
api
stdoy
ou
underst
andmeBri
an?You'
rel
uckyt
heydi
dn'
t
repor
tmet ot
hepol
ice

Tumelowalkedinandpausedlooki
ngatthe
brokensti
cksonthetil
e,Br
ianrant
owardhi
m
butheblockedhim st
ari
ngatthemarksonhis
bodyinshock..
.

Tumel
o:(
star
ingatThembi
)What
'st
his?
Thembi
:Hemol
est
edher
Br
ian:
(cr
ying)Daddyi
didn'
ttouchher
Pr
incess:
(cr
ying)Hedi
dn'
ttouchme
Thembi:Iwantedtodi
sci
pli
nehi
m bef
orehe
getsusedtothis-
Tumelo:Cany ouseewhatyoudid?Cany ou
l
ookathisskin?Whatkindofapar entdoest
his?
(t
urnedtothem)Andy outwoarejustwatchi
ng?
Getthehel
l outofmyhouse.I
fyout hi
nkhe
rapedhery
oubr
ingmepr
oof
,di
dyouseehi
m
doit?
Dudu:
No-
Tumel
o:Di
dthedoct
orcheckher
?
Dudu:
Shewasn'tpenet
rat
edbutshehad
somethi
ngonherthi
ghs-
Tumelo:(angri
l
y)IsweartoGod, i
fmyson
wasn'
tstandingnextt
omei wouldsl
aptheshit
outofyouDuduandt hi
sf ool
(faci
ngTuel
o)How
doyouwat chsomeonedot histomychil
dafter
whatididforyouinpri
son?
Tuel
o:Idi
dn'
t
-
Tumelo:Saveit
!Getthefuckoutofmyhouse,
youcoul
dhav erapedherforal
liknow.You'
re
theoneobsessedwithpeti
tewomen.Getthe
thehel
loutofmyhouse.

Theywal
kedoutasPr
incessr
emor
sef
ull
y
l
ookedatBr
ian'
sbr
uises,Tumel
opi
ckedt
hecar
key
sandhandedBri
an..
.

Tumelo:Gowaitf
ormei
nthecar
..
.cl
oset
he
doorbehi
ndyou.

Hewalkedoutsideandcl
osedasTumel
ogl
ared
atThembi.
..
..
.……………(9t)

Ki
ndl
yLi
keandl
eav
eacomment
,muchl
ove.
Co-
wif
e
#95

AtSt
arI
nter
netCaf
è..
.

Latert
hataft
ernoonReneiandIpushedthe
tabl
esaroundasthedeli
veryguy
sof f
loaded
t
hem.
..I
twasn'
tper
fectbuti
twast
aki
ngshape.

Renei
:Whenar
ethecomputerscomi
ngin?You
knowforamomentif
orgotyou'
reacomput
er
guru.
..
Me: Ihaven'
tor
deredyet
,Iwantgoodbutnot
expensiv
emodel sandiknowjustwher
etobuy.
Renei:Doyoumi ndi fiputmyt abl
eofnai l
productsi
nfrontoft hecaf e?,
thi
sside..
.Not
blocki
ngtheway ..
.ineedt ogetoutofthehouse.
Beingahousewifeisbor ing,I'
m gai
ningweight
foreati
ngandsleepi ngallday.
Me:(
laughed)Okhumagadi
aker
egi
rl
..Idon'
t
mi
nd
Renei:(
laughed)Ineedt ogetoutandi
hope
yourbrotheragreesbecauseithi
nkIwatched
allt
hemov i
esandTVshowsi ntheworl
d.
(pausedandst aredatme)lookatmegoi ngon
andonaboutmyl i
fe.
..Howareyouhol
dingup
aboutt
hebr
eakup?
Me:
(pushi
ngt
hechai
rs)I
'
mfi
ne.
..
Renei
:Iknowy
oust
il
ll
ovehi
m despi
tewhat
happened
Me: (
smiled)Ilovethatstupi
dsexyI ndebele
warri
orofmi ne,it
'sapityhebel ongst oanother
womannowbuti almosthadhi m. .
.( shookmy
head)ial
mosthadhi m.Istil
lrememberour
fi
rstki
ssandi tgivesmet hesamef eeli
ngitdi
d
whenhef ir
stlaidhisli
psonmi ne...Abadboy
fal
li
nginlovewi t
hme, hrhadj ustbr okeoutof
pri
sonanddeci dedt opassby, ididn'tknowhim
butifel
li
nl ove.
Renei:
(gi
ggl
ed)Nowt
hathei
syourpasscani
askthi
s?Howwashedownther
e?
Me:Heisnor
mal buthecanr
eal
l
ydi
shi
tout
whenhewants.
Renei
:AndBakang?
Me:(l
aughed)Nnyaarraagwebongwanakegaa
t
shegelengwanyanathemma( welaughed
l
oudl
y)Idon'twantt
ol i
e,Midooashapa
r
eckl
esslyanddangerously
.
Renei
:(l
aughed)Butheiski
ndofr
eall
ysoft
nowadays,i
t'
sjustwei
rdseei
nghi
m beinggood.
Me: (si
ghed)If eell
ikehepaidforhi
scrimes,i
wantt owithdrawmycase.It hinkhegotwhat
hedeser v
ed, hehaschangedandhei smaking
arelati
onshipbet weenhim andhischil
dren
work.Iwoul dn'
twantt otakethatawayfrom
them.
Renei:Iguessit
'sreasonablelooki
ngatthefact
thathehasn'tharassedyouinsteadheturned
hisli
fearoundandt ookresponsibi
li
tyf
orhis
chil
dren.Forgi
venessmi ghtnotbeabadi dea.
Me: Yeah.
..(walki
ngout)Let'
sgo,westi
ll
hav
e
alottodo...Ineedtoputupapostforone
persontohel pmeassistcustomer
shere.
Renei
:Don'
tyouneed2peopl
e?Thi
spl
acei
sn'
t
ti
nyyouknow
Me:
I'
ll
hir
emor
easi
grow.
..

Wewalkedoutasi draf
tedinmyphone,Renei
l
ockedthedoor
sandwal kedt
owardsthecaras
if
oll
owedherpressingmyphone..
..
..

AtAbal
eng'
scase.
..

Therecept
ioni
st'
sfacel
i
tupasAbal
engwal
ked
i
n..
.

Her:
( smil
ed)Whatani
cesur
pri
seMrThapel
o,i
di
dn'tknowy ouwer
eal
soback
Abal
eng:
(smil
edandleanedoverthecounter
j
ingl
i
nghiskey
s)Hel
lo..
.I'
m notbad,i
t'
sjusta
shor
tbr
eak
Her
:Mi
chel
eal
sosai
dthesamet
hing
Abal
eng:
Isshear
ound?
Her
:Yes,
shewal
kedi
nthechi
ef'
sof
fi
ce
Abal
eng:
Alr
ight
..
.Wel
l
...
.Ni
ceseei
ngy
ouagai
n
Her
:Yout
oo

Het ur
nedaroundandwal kedt
owardst
he
off
iceheusedt ousebutthechi
ef'
sdoor
opened,Mi
cheleandtheirbossst
eppedout
..
.

Boss:
(smi
l
ed)Abi
goodt
oseey
ou,
howar
eyou?
Abi
:(smi
l
edandshookhands)I
'
m gr
eathow
ar
eyou?
Boss:
That
'sgood.(
tur
nedt
oher
)I'
l
ltal
ktoy
ou
Mi
chel
e:(
smi
l
ed)Thanks,
bye
Abalenglookedatherasshewal
kedaway
withoutl
ookingathi
mt hent
heybot
hwalkedi
n
theoffi
ce..
..

Boss:(
sit
ti
ngdown)Micht
ell
smethetwoof
youdeci
dednottoshar
eanapar
tment
Abal
eng:(
satdownl
ooki
ngathi
m)Di
dshet
ell
youwhy?
Boss:(
puthi
sel
bowsont
hedeskst
ari
ngathi
m)
Youtel
lme
Abaleng:Becauseshewasn' tseri
ousabout
everyt
hing,shekeptst
ealingmyweddi ngri
ng
andhidingitandtheotherti
meshesentmy
wifeapictureofmesleeping.Thismademy
wifethi
nkinwashav i
nganaf fairwi
thhersoi
mov edoutandf oundmy sel
fagoodr oom
Boss:
Shet
ell
smesheki
ckedy
ououtbecause
y
ouwer
esexual
l
yhar
assi
ngher
Abal
eng:
Arey
ouser
ious?
Boss:Wet akecasesofsexual harassment
ser
ious,i
am awar ewel i
veinthesociet
ywher e
womenar eusedandabusedl i
ketheyhaveno
saybutnoti nthiscompany .Yourscholarshi
p
wil
lbetermi natedwi t
hani mmediateeffecti
fit
i
sdecidedt haty ouwi l
lnotbefitf
orthe
posi
ti
onwear etraini
ngyouf or
.
Abal
eng:(swallowed)Youknowme,youknow
I
'dneverdot hi
sletal
onecheatonmywife?
Comeon!Ij ustgotmarri
edandihav
ecleaver
l
it
tl
eboy ,whatmor ewouldibel
ooki
ngfor?
Boss:I
'
llhaveat
alkwit
hmybosslety
ouknow
aboutt
het i
meofyourhear
ing.
Abaleng:
Aheari
ng?Ar
eyouser
iousl
ygoi
ngt
o
bel
ieveherov
erme?
Boss:
I'
mver
ydi
sappoi
ntedi
nyouAbal
eng.
Abal
eng:
(st
oodup)Thi
sisunbel
i
evabl
e..
.Hav
e
agoodday.

Hewal kedoutsi
deandr andownthestai
rs
approachi
ngtheparkinglotwher
eMichelewas
gett
inginhercar.Hetri
edtoopenthedoorbut
shequicklyl
ockeditandroll
edupthe
windows..
..

Abaleng:
(angr
il
y)Mi
chel
e?Whatdi
dyousayt
o
aboutme?
Michel
e:(
start
edthei
gni
ti
onandpushedher
hai
rbacklooki
ngathermi
rror
)Movebacki
wanttodri
veout.
..
Abal
eng:
Michel
e?
Mi
chel
e:Youpl
ayedme
Abal
eng:Opent
hewi
ndowandt
alkt
ome,
how
di
dIplay
?
Michel
e:Youledmeon, bei
ngnicet
omeand
af
teral
lthatyoumov eoutl
eav
ingmetost
ay
al
oneinaf or
eigncount
ry?
Abaleng:
Ileftbecauseyoudisr
espect
edmy
wif
eandmadehert hi
nkwehadsomet hi
ng
goi
ngon, hsdy ounotdonethatIwoul
dn'
thav
e
movedout .
Michele: (
angr
il
y)Soy ouleav
emeal one?That
i
sChi nanotMaun, ihavetoalway
swat chmy
backonmywayt oandf rom t
heclasseswhi l
e
youactlikeyoudon'tknowmemaki ngf r
iends
wit
hChi nesepeople?
Abaleng:Idon'
tthi
nkyouunderstandwhatyou
j
ustdid,thi
sismycareer!Andy ou'
remessi
ng
withit
.Icannotbeasenioroffi
cerwit
hthese
kindsofreport
sandidon'tevenknowwhat
theywill
sayattheheari
ng,youhav et
o
withdr
awt hi
smat t
er.
Mi
chel
e:Sut
ell
akoo!
Sherev
ersedandal
mostranhisf
ootof
fashe
movedback.Hegoti
nhiscaranddr
oveof
f.
..
.

AtDudu'
shouse.
..
.

Laterthataf ternoonDuduwal kedintheli

vi
ng
room hol dingPr i
ncess'sf
oodbutshehadf el
l
asleepont hecouch, shethoughtf
ull
ystar
edat
herandf orsomer easonherbeingsosure
Briandidn'tt ouchhercouldn'
tleavehermind.
Comet ot hinkofitshewasn'tsureli
ttl
eboy s
woul dleav esuchamountofsemen. ..
.

Shesatputthefooddownandr emov ed
Pri
ncessclot
heswhilstshewasasl eepbutshe
di
dn'twakeupsheev enli
ftedherandl ai
dher
onthebedandst oodbythebedl ookingather
asshei nnocentl
yslept
.Itwaswei rdhowher
pantswer eonherkneesi nthemor ni
ngandher
pantieswer ei
nsideout.
..Nowshewassur e
Princessdidn'
thavethosestainsthenight
before.Suresheskippedherbathbutwoul dn'
t
theyhav erubbedoffsi
nceshepl ayedwith
Brianintheafter
noonandnotatni ght?

Shegrabbedhercel
lphoneanddi
aledTuel
o
walki
ngout.
..

Tuel
o:Babe
Dudu:
Weneedt
otal
k
Tuel
o:What
'swr
ong?
Dudu:
Didy
oumast
erbat
eonher
?
Tuel
o:Dudu?
Dudu:
(tear
ful
l
y)Answerme!
Tuel
o:Keet
a
Dudu:I
fyoudon'
tanswermeI'
m cal
l
ingher
fat
herri
ghtnowandwebothknowwhatsheis
capabl
eof
Tuel
o:Ican'tbel
i
eveyou'r
eact
ual
l
ysay
ingt
his!
What'
swr ongwithyou?
Dudu:You'
rewhat
'
swr
ongwi
thme?Shei
sa
baby!
Tuelo:
I'
m comi
ngmyl
ove.
..
.Wewi
l
ltal
kabout
thi
s.

Hehungupt henshesatonthecouchcryi
ng.
..
..
Minuteslat
erheparkedthecarandwalked
i
nside..
.

Dudu:
(cr
ying)Di
dyou?
Tueloslowl
yputthekeysonthetabl
eandknelt
beforeherhol
dingherhands,
shecouldseei
tin
hi
sey esnowandsheshookhr rheadcry
ing.
..

Tuelo:Mogat sakakedi ri
lephosointshwar ele,
please..
.Ididn'
tpenetrateherbecausei knewi t
wouldhur ther.Icouldnev erdothatwhi l
eshe
wasl ookingatmebecauseshei smydaught er
andi cannev erhurther.I'
m sorr
yf orall
owi ng
thedev i
ltouseme.Ker aetswekesat anehel a.
Dudu:
(cr
ying)Shei
sababy
Tuel o:(
huggedher )Iknowthat'swhyiwas
car eful
..
.Idi
dn'tgonearher.Iknowit'
sequall
y
wr ongbuti didn'
tgointher
e...Igav
emy sel
fa
blowj obstar
ingather-
Dudu:
Ican'
tbel
i
evey
oudi
dthi
s
Tuelo:I
'
m sorry,
forgiv
eme.Wedon' thaveto
i
nvolvepeopl
ewi thourfamilysecret
si can
neverhurtPr
incess,never
!Ithappenedonce
andi feltl
ikeav erybad.I'm sor r
y.Don' tl
etthis
stopusf r
om hav ingaf amily,Ial
readyhada
fewwor dswi t
hmyuncl eaboutusget ti
ng
mar ried.Wecannotkeepl i
vi
ngl i
keboy fr
iend
andgi rl
fri
end, you' r
eawi fe.That'swhaty ouare,
oursecondbor ncannotbebor noutofwedl ock
andy oucannotkeephav ingchi l
drenwi th
differentmenl ikesomeoft hesel oosewomen.
Youar ebet terthant hat,iknowy ou'reangry
thi
nkl i
keanadul t.Myuncl ewast ell
ingmehow
muchhecoul dn'twai ttodot his.
..Ar eskar a
seny af ami l
yy ar onakadi lotsedi nnye.Ke
diretsengwanakephosogakeganemmegago
reegor egakemor ate.Howdowest artt
hese
bogadi negot i
ations?
Dudu:(r
ubbi
nghert
ear
s)I
'
mver
ydi
sappoi
nted
i
ny ou.
..
Tuel
o: Iknowmylov
e,I
'
m di
sappoi
ntedi
n
myselftoosowhendoyouwantustoget
marr
ied?
Dudu:
Idon'
tknow,
doy
ouhav
emadi
abogadi
?
Tuel
o:y
es.
..Shoul
dIcal
lmyuncl
e?
Dudu:
(sni
ff
edandr
ubbedhernose)Yes.
..

Hegotupandsatont
hecouchdi
ali
nghi
s
uncl
e..
..
..

AtBakang'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Lat
eronBakangswit
chedofft
hecomputerand
wal
kedoutoftheof
fi
cedial
i
nghismother'
s
number
..
..

Dor
cas:
Hel
l
o
Bakang:af
tercol
lecti
ngthekidsI
'
llbegoingt
o
themallwit
hthem, hopef
ull
yDuduwilll
etme
getPri
ncess.Ij
ustwantedtolety
ouknowi n
caseNal
edi
comest
ocol
l
ectt
hem
Dorcas:
Nopr obl
em,Idon'
tthi
nkshewill
come
earl
ybecauseshesaidshewasfi
xingsome
thi
ngsatheroffi
ce.
..
Bakang:
Fixi
ngwhat
?
Dorcas:
Idon'tknowIthinkf
urni
turebecause
shementionedherbr
otherboughtheraf ew
thi
ngsiguessshewant stopackthem.
Bakang:
Okay
,by
e

Hesmi l
edandwavedahi
semployeeandgoti
n
thecarthenher
ever
sedt
hecardi
ali
ngDudu'
s
number...

Dudu:
Hel
l
o?
Bakang:
Hey
,howar
ear
eyou?
Dudu:
I'
mfi
ne
Bakang:I'
m abouttocoll
ectt
hetri
pletsandI'
m
pl
anningtogoar oundthemallwi
tht hem i
sit
okayifipassbytocoll
ectPri
ncess?
Dudu:Shei
ssleepingandshewasn'
tfeel
i
ng
well
today,
you'
llgethert
omorr
ow.
Bakang:
Okay
,shar
p

Hehungupanddr
oveof
f.
..

AtSt
arI
nter
netCaf
e..
..
.

Reneifi
nishedpoli
shingthefur
nitur
eandjoi
ned
measi waswipi
ngt hefrontgl
assdoorswit
ha
clot
h..
.From adist
anceappearedBakangand
thetri
plet
s,hewascar r
yingAmeasAt sil
eand
Masegowal kedoneachofhi ssides.
..
Renei
:(l
aughed)At
sil
eisv
eryact
ive
Me:
Oaphadi
mogagaai
ket
asent
e

Hedustedhisfeetont hepavementandput
Amedownasher aninsi
defoll
owi
nghis
si
bli
ngs.
..Iputtheclothdownandpickedhi
m
up.
..

Me:
Hey
!
At
sil
e:Mamal
ook!Daddyboughtf
orme
Me:
It'
sani
cecar
..
.Il
ovei
t.
..
Masego:
IgotBar
bie
Me:
Andi
t'
sbeaut
if
ul.
..
Ame:
(showedmet
het
oyt
ryi
ngt
ospeak)
Mmh..
..Thi
s
Me:(
smil
ed)Andy
ouraer
opl
anei
sbeaut
if
ult
oo
Ame.
..
Bakangwalkedar
oundt
hecaf
elooki
ngatt
he
fur
nit
ure.
..

Bakang:
Hel
l
o
Renei
:Hi
Bakang:(t
ouchedthetabl
e)Thi
sisabeaut
if
ul
pl
ace..
.Ifyou'
reper
sist
entyou'
l
lmakealotof
money..
.
Me:
Thanks.
..
Renei
:um.
..Ihav
etogo
Me:
Thanksl
ove
Renei
:wewi
l
lcont
inuet
omor
row
Me:
shap

Shewal
kedout
sideanddrov
eof f
,iputAme
downandwal
kedtowardsBakangashewas
l
eaningagainstthewall
foldi
nghisarms
l
ookingattheent i
rer
oom.Istoodnextt ohi
m
andalsofoldedmyar msaswewat chedour
chi
ldrensl
idingontheshinyt
il
e..
..

Bakang:
Congr
atul
ati
ons,
I'
mver
ypr
oudofy
ou.
Me:Thanksbutihaven'
tst
artedoper
ati
ng,
I'
ll
behappyoncethecomputersareher
e
Bakang:
Didy
ouor
der
?
Me:Yes,
5comput
ers.
..Wel
l6wi
tht
hemai
n
one
Bakang:
It'
sagoodst
art
..
.
Me:
(si
ghed)Howwaspr
isonl
i
fe?
Bakang:
(lookedt
heot
herway
)Whatdoy
ou
mean?
Me:
Howdi
dyoui
nter
actwi
thot
her
s?
Bakang:
(si
ghedandputhi
shandsi
nthepocket
st
ari
ngathi
schi
l
dren)I
twasn'
teasy
..
..
Me:
Isi
ttr
uet
heyr
apeot
heri
nmat
es?
Bakang:
Idon'
tknow.
..
Me:
Iwantt
odr
opt
hecase,
howdoi
doi
t?
Bakang:I
'm notsur
ebutit
hinky
oucanseethe
st
ateprosecutor
.(l
ooki
ngatme)Whyar
ey ou
wit
hdrawingthecase?
Me: I
t'
staki
ngmet oolongandi canseeyou
havechangedifatal
lyou'r
enotfooli
ngme.I
wanttogiveyouandy ourchi
ldr
enachanceto
reconnect
.Ify
oufail
them it'
suptoyou.
Bakang:
Iwon'
t.
..Thanky
ou
Me:
You'
rewel
come

Welookedatoneanotherf
oramoment ,
Icould
seethepainhewashi
dingbutiwasn'
tgoingto
embarrasshi
m byl
ett
inghi
m knowthatiknew
whathappenedtome.Hedidn'
twanttotalk
abouti
tandi
wasn'
tgoi
ngt
opusht
hei
ssue.
..
.

Bakang:
Cani hugy
ou?Asat
hanky
ou.
..
.Ify
ou
don'
tmind.
..
Me:
Sur
e

Het ookouthishandsfrom thepocketsand

turnedaroundhuggingme, Iputmyhands
aroundhim ashetightl
yhuggedme.Thesl i
de
dooropenedt henTumelowal kedi
n,Bakang
quicklyl
etgoofmeandl ookedathim ashe
glaredathim..
..
.

Tumel
o:(
glar
ingathi
m)What
'
sgoi
ngon?
Bakang:
(cal
mly)Nothi
ng.
..
(totheki
ds)Hey
chi
pmunkslet'
sgo.
..Saybyetomommy
At
sil
e:By
e
Masego:
Bye

HepickedAmeandwalkedoutwi
ththekids
wi
thoutsayi
nggoodby
ethenTumelowalked
t
owardsme...

Tumel
o:Ineedy
ourhel
p
Me:whatki
ndofhelpTumelo?it
'sov
erbet
ween
uswhatdon'
tyouunder
stand?
Tumel
o:Taobone

Heheldmyarm andledmetot heparki

nglot
whereheopenedthebackdoormov edback,I
putmyhandonmychesti nshockanddr opped
myjawsstar
ingatBri
an'
sbruises.
..
..

Me:
Tumi
whathappened?Wher
eisThembi
?
Tumelo:(r
ubbedhisfaceandleanedbyt hecar
)
shedi
dt hi
s..
.It
oldhertogobackt o
Tshol
otshoandleavemychi l
dren.Ican'
tli
ve
wit
hawomanl i
kethi
s, I
'
llgotojai
l.
Me:WhereisApri
l?I
fshecandothi
stoher
ownsonican'ti
maginehowshewouldbeat
Apr
il
,whereismydaughter
?
Tumel
o:Ihaven'
tcol
l
ect edherandScot
t,Iwas
att
hehospit
alwit
hBrian..
.
Me:(l
eanedi
nsidet
hecarchecki
nghi
s
f
orehead)Br
ian?Br
ian?

Tumel
otookoutar
ingasi
tur
nedar
ound
l
ooki
ngathi
m..

Tumelo:I'
m sor
ryfortheanger,hol
dinggr
udges,
thebetr
ayalandthewebofl i
es..
.Inowknow
whoy ouareinmylif
eandt hereisnooneli
ke
y
ou.Youareoneofakind,per
fectwit
hyour
i
mperf
ect
ions.
..
Wil
lyoupleasemarryme?..
..
..
..
.
(
9t)

Co-
Wif
e
#96

AtSt
arI
nter
netCaf
é..
.

Istaredathi
mf oramoment ,
ihadwait
edfor
thatquesti
onforsolongandhehadfi
nall
y
askedbutforsomer easoni
twasn'
tasthr
il
li
ng
asi hadimagi
ned..
.

Me:
WebrokeupandI
'
m notr
eadyt
oget
mar
ri
ed
Tumel
o:(
hel
dmyhand)Iknowwebr
okeupbut
i
lov
eyouandi
madeami
stake.
..
Me: Ican't..
.Idon'
tknowwhaty oursituat
ion
withThembi isandev enifiknewi don'tt
hinki
canf eelfreetobewi t
hy ouaf t
erthewayy ou
tal
kedt omet heothertime.Iwouldn'tmind
acceptingy ourboysbutt hethir
dchildcame
whilewewer etogether.Gakeaganagogo
tsholel
angwanaTumel osoy ouhav enoexcuse
forimpr egnati
ngher.
Tumel
o:Thatcanbet
akencar
eof
,shei
sbar
ely
4months.
..
Me:Idon'
twanttocountont hat.
..I
'm sor
ry.My
l
oveli
fehasbeenar ol
ler
-coasterfr
om the
begi
nni
ngandI'm putt
ingastopt oit
.
Tumelo:Byl
eavingme?Nal ediidon'
t
under
standwhyy oucan'tf
orgiv
emewheni
for
gaveyouforworse.I'
m nottryi
ngtor
emind
youofyourpastbutpl
easebeal i
tt
le
under
standi
ng.Ilov
ey ousthandwasam...
.
Pl
ease.
..
Me:I'
m sorr
y,ican'
t.
..Apr i
li
smydaught erand
i
fthi
sishowy ourwifedi sci
pli
neschi
ldr
ent hen
I
'mtakingherunti
licannotbewi thherl
ikeifi
getmarri
edorsomet hing.
Tumel
o:ThemmaNaledi
youcannotsayt
hat
,
getmar
ri
edoray
aeng?
Me:
Thembi
okae?
Tumel
o:Shel
eft
Me:
Justl
i
ket
hat
?
Tumel
o:Yes
Me:
Andy
oudi
dn'
tbeatherf
ort
his?
Tumel
o:No
Me:HowcomeIdon'
tbel
i
evey
ou?May beshe
l
efty
esbutar
eyousur
eyoudi
dn'
tbeather
?
Tumelo:(sighedandputt
her
ingi
nhi
spocket
)
Soyou'r
el eavi
ngme?
Me:Kant
ekeengor
eI'
mleav
ingy
ou?Il
ongl
eft
you.
..
Tumel
o:Obat
agor
ebanakebar
eng?
Me: Hee!Akerebanabagabaawamo
sethareng?Thembi cantakecareofher
chil
dren.Herstyl
eofdiscipl
inedoesn'
tmean
shedoesn'tloveherchil
dren,sheneedst
obe
taughtthatdoi
ngthisisabuseandshewi l
lbe
fi
ne.
Tumel
o:Soobat
aBakang?
Me: AndI'
m notdi scussi
ngBakangwi t
hy ou
afterthewayy out alkedabouthim.Heisaj er
k
thati wouldn'ttakebackbuthei sstil
lmy
children'
sfather .IguesssinceThembi i
sgone
youcankeepApr i
l buti
fshewant sorneedsme
don' thesi
tatetocal l
evenifi
t'
slateatnight
.

It
urnedaroundandwal
kedi
nsi
det
heCaf
eas
hefol
lowedme...
Tumel
o:Nal
edi
?
Me:
Stopf
oll
owi
ngme
Tumelo:Myl
if
eispoi
ntl
esswit
houty
ou,ican'
t
l
ivewit
houty
ou.Ihav
enoreasontol
ivewit
hout
you.
Me:Youwi
l
lgot
ojai
lforThr
eatt
oki
l
l,obue
sent
e
Tumel
o:Howam i
thr
eat
eni
ngy
ou?
Me: Icant ell
that'
swherey ouheaded, I
'm not
takingyouback. .
.Evenifyoupr etendt obe
vulnerableandher ei
sanot heroptionsincey ou
seem conf used,Thembi hasn'
tleftthecount ry
yetsoy oucancal lhert
onur seherchi ldandI '
ll
holdont oApr il
becausei don'tthi
nkThembi
l
ikesher .I'
lll
etyouknowwhenIcan' tbewi t
h
herany mor e,t
hat'
sanotheropt i
on.
Isl
idtheglassdoubledoorclosi
ngthem ashe
desperat
elylookedatmethenIgotintheoffi
ce
spaceandsatdownpr essingmyphone.Hegot
i
nt hecaranddr ov
eoutpressinghi
sphone.

AtMaAbi
'shouse.
..
..

LateronAbisteppedoutoft
hecarl
ooki
ngat
Scoobysuckingabigbonebehi
ndthehouse,
he
walkedinsi
deandhandedhismotherapl
asti
c
ofgroceri
es.
..
.

Her:Thanky
ouson..
.(t
ookadrinkoutand
handedhimthepl
asti
c)Puti
tinthefr
idge.
..
Abi
:(walki
ngtotheki
tchen)Scoobyeabopama,
whathappened?
Her:Nal
edidoesn'
thaveti
mef ori
tanymor
e
i
bil
eAtsi
leseemsf ondofi
t,healways
r
emember
sitaf
tereat
ing
Abi:
I'
llbuyitBobMarti
nanddogf ood,
somethingisn'
tri
ghtwi
thit
..
..Iev
enf eel
guil
ty
fort
eachingNaledit
hatadogeatsleftov
ers.
Sheusedt ofeeditt
heri
ghtfood.
Her:Leenehel aNaledigaananakol edintša
butI'
m gladshespendst i
met hinkinganddoi ng
herbusiness.Tumel odisappointedmemor e
thanBakang, atl
eastwithBakangi knewwhat
toexpectfrom him becausehei sfr om ther oyal
famil
yandt heyareusedt ogetti
ngev er
ything
theywantbutTumel o?(clapped)ah- aho
mpaletsemmel egalehet aughtNal edialesson
kakeyooakany abotoka.
Abi
:Youjustremi
ndedmenaarewhyisNaledi
gi
vi
ngawayherchildr
entoBakang?Thi
sguy
di
dn'
tactli
kehemadechildr
enandnowhe
want
severyonetojump?
Her
:Hehaschanged,
heacknowl
edgedhi
s
wrongsandhei swill
i
ngtochange.I faf at
her
regr
etshismi st
akesandactsrightweshoul dn'
t
denyhim achancetocorrecthimself,
weal l
makemi stakesonceortwiceinourlives.
Abi
:Iknowbutheissti
llf
aci
ngRapechar ges,
i
sn'
thesupposedtostayawayfrom Leleasone
oft
hebailcondi
ti
ons?Hecouldgetarrest
edfor
bei
nginthesameplaceasNaledi.
.
Her:Whowi llr
eporthim?Theset hingshappen
atleastBakangcorrectedhimselfwhil
ethereis
sti
l
l t
ime,hehasar elati
onshipwithhischi
ldren.
Somemendon' tknowi nthei
rteenagers.
Abi:That
'scor
rect
..
.Iguesshedeservesa
secondchancebutihopehedoesn'tusethese
chil
drent
osneakhiswaybackinNal edi
'sl
ife.
Her:iheardhehasagirl
fr
iend,hedoesn'
twant
Naledi.I
'
m gladyoucamebackaf ewday s
beforepatoyabanabasot hatyoucanhelp
youruncle.
Abi
:Wheni
sit
?
Her
:OnFr
iday
..
.
Abi:OkayI'
l
lhelphim doit(si
ghedandsat
down)Ihaveal i
ttl
emoneyf r
om myscholar
shi
p
packageandIwantt obuildyouahouse,you'
ll
putatenantandl i
veonthatpermonth.Idon'
t
wanttohavetogi veyoumoneyev er
ymont h
becauseIwanttof ocusonmyf amil
y.Iwantto
havemor echi
ldrenwheni getbackfr
om school.
Hrr:Thereisnoproblem wi t
ht hatmyboy .
..I
real
lyappreciat
ehowmuchr esponsi bi
li
tyyou
takeforthi
sf amil
y.Iam whoi akbecauseof
you,yousuppor t
edy ourli
ttl
esi sterwamma
botsetsil
ehanneol emodi kolot ongel egone
otswangmogony aleng,younev ercompl ained
aboutusbei ngtooneedyRenei i
sal soagood
wifebecausemanywomenwoul dhav elong
askedhimt ostopsuppor ti
ngNal edi'schil
dren
andmebutRenei nev erdi
dt hat.Ifshe
compl ai
neditwasnat uralbutshei sagood
wifeforthewayshedoesn'tcomebet weenyou
andy ourfamil
y,pl
easetakecareofherand
l
ov eher.Unli
keotherwomenshedoesn' tmi
nd
givi
ngmygr andson,whenhei sher
eshedoes
l
aundr yandchecooks,shecleansthehouse
too..
.Ihopethatwomanshecompl ai
nedabout
i
sn'tinthepict
ure.
Abi:Shewasnev eri
nthepictur
e,shewas
pl
ayful andit
ookherjokestooli
ghtl
y.
..Ihopei
t
doesn'tcostme.
Her
:whatdoy
oumean?
Abi:(
sighed)I
t'
snot
hing.
..I
sther
eany
thi
ngt
hat
needsfixi
ng?
Her:Iboughtal
ockf
ort
heki
tchenbackdoor
,
changeitforme
Abi
:Al
ri
ght
..
.

Hest
oodupandwal
kedi
ntheki
tchen.
..
..
AtBakang'
shouse.
..

Bakangconnect
edhi
sphonetothe
hometheat
erandpl
ayedmusicasthechi
l
dren
pl
ayedonthelar
geli
vi
ngroom.

Amegotal
lthetoycarsandli
nedthem upas
At
sil
epi
ckedhistoyfr
om theli
ne.
..

Ame:(
angr
il
yslappedhi
shandandputi
tback
ont
heli
ne)Nooo!
At
sil
e:(
kickedt
hecar
s)Whyy
out
akeal
lcar
s?
Masego:
(pushedhi
m back)Leav
ehi
m al
one.
..

Bakangwalkedovert
othem andhelpedt
hem
wearthei
rwarm gl
ovesandsocks,Masegoand
Amesatdownandr ol
ledtheballamongst
themselvesasAmewasqui et
lyl
inedupthetoy
cars,hearr
angedt
hem perf
ectl
yaccordi
ngthei
r
sizes.
..

Atsi
l
e:DaddyAmeisal
wayst
aki
ngal
lthet
oys
andputt
ingt
hem onal
ine
Masego:
Het
akesal
lthet
oys
Bakang:(putt
ingsocksonAme'
sfeet
)Hey
buddy,sharewithyour
-

Ameangri
lypushedhi
shandashewas
reachi
ngf
oratoycaront
heli
ne.
..

Ame:
(cr
ying)No
Bakang:
Okay
-okay
..
.It
'sokay
Hest ooduplooki
ngatt helong-l
onglineoftoy
s
andlookedathim again,i
twaswei rdthathe
al
way splayedl
ikethatbuthebr usheditof
fand
walkedinthekit
chentopr eparethem
somet hi
ngtoeat.
..

AtTsame'
shouse.
.

Meanwhi l
eshewalkedi nt
hehouseandtook
offherunif
ormthensheheadedt otheki
tchen
andwar medherlef
toversi
nt hemicr
owave,she
di
aledhisnumberwaitingforthef
oodtowar m
up..
.

Bakang:(hepr
essedthephoneonhi
searwit
h
hi
sshoulderandpouredmil
konhischi
l
dren'
s
Cornf
lakesbowl)Heybabe
Tsame:
(smi
l
ed)Hi
,ij
ustgothome.Imi
ssy
ou
Bakang:
Imi
ssy
out
oo
Tsame:
Cani
comeov
er?
Bakang:
Um.
..I
'
m wi
thAt
sil
eandt
hechi
pmunks
Tsame:
(theybot
hlaughed)Idon'
tmi
ndt
he
chi
pmunks
Bakang:(
rel
uct
ant
ly)Iknowbabebuty
ou
know..
.
Tssme:
What
?
Bakang:Idon'
twanttoi
ntr
oducedi
ffer
ent
woment othem,iwantt
hem tof
eelathome
whenthey'r
einmyhouse.
Tsame:
Iam di
ff
erentwomen?
Bakang:YouknowwhatImean, wehav en't
datedl
ongenoughf ormetointr
oducey outo
thechi
ldren.AstimegoesonI '
l
lletyouspend
mor et
imewi ththem butf
ornowI '
dliketo
spendsomet i
mealonewiththem andonlysee
youwhenI '
m alone.
Tsame:
Iwoul
dnev
erabusey
ourchi
l
drenMi
do
Bakang:Iknowandi t
'snotaboutt
hat,ker
aa
helagorewear est
il
lnewandi wouldn'
twantt
o
i
ntroduceanotherwomant othem agai
nnext
year,l
et'
swaitandseewher ewearegoing
beforeweinvolvet
hem.
Tsame:
Iyoo,
Gosi
ame
Bakang:
Emapel
e..
.Oskangal
a,Il
ovey
ou
Tsame:Il
oveyout
oo.
..I
'mj ustali
tt
lehur
tbut
I
'l
lbefi
ne.Whenar
etheyleavingsoIcansee
you?
Bakang:I
'
m notsure,i
want
edthem t
ospenda
ni
ghtbutidon'
tknowwhatStarwi
ll
say,
ketago
bol
elel
agoreareng.
Tsame:
Okay
,il
ovey
ou
Bakang:
Ilov
eyoumor
e..
.

Hehungupandputt
hephonedownt
henhe
headedtothedi
ningroom whereheputt
hem
onthetabl
eandturnedtotheli
vingr
oom..
.

Bakang:
Guy
scomeandeat
..
.

Atsi
leandMasegothrewawaytheballandran
tothetabl
ethenBakangwal
kedov ertoAme
andpickedhi
m upwalki
ngtothetableti
ckl
i
ng
him ontheway.
..

Bakang:
(theyl
aughed)Ti
met
oeat
..
..

Heputhim downandpushedhi
schai
rcl
oseras
theybeguneat
ing,
ther
ewasaknockonthe
door.

Hemov
edhecur
tai
nspeaki
ngout
sideand
recognizedTumelo'
scar,hepaused
thoughtfull
ywonderi
ngwhattodothenhet
ook
adeepbr eat
handreachedfort
helock
opening...

Tumelosteppedbackfr
om thestooptaki
ngoff
hisshadesasBakangsteppedoutandclosed
thedoor.
..

Bakang:(
puthi
shandsi
nthepocket
s)Cani
hel
py ou?
Tumel
o:(
star
ingathi
m)St
ayawayf
rom Nal
edi
Bakang:(
star
ingathi
m)Idon'
tknowwhat
you'
retal
ki
ngabout
Tumelo:Nextti
mewhenIcat chyouwithyour
armsaroundhery ouwon'tl
ikewhatI'
ll
dot o
you.Iam notSkul
l,I
'm waybrutal
thanthatand
I'
l
ldoworse.Don'ttestme
Bakang:
Howexactl
yam i
test
ingy
ou?I
'
mjust
aboutmychi
l
dren
Tumel o:(angr
il
ypushedhim onthechest)Don't
pret
endy oudon'tknowwhatI '
mt al
ki
ngabout ,
don'
tev erputyourarmsaroundher.IfIcan'
t
havehernoonewi l
lhaveher,i
hopey ouclear
ly
understandwhatI'm say
ing.
Bakang:Iunder
standyou,kegoutul
eandI
won'tbeinappr
opri
atewit
hher,i
sthatal
l
?
Tumel
o:Fornowy
es

Tumelogotinthecaranddrov
eofft
hen
Bakangsteppedbackint
hehouseandcl
osed
thedoor
.Hesatont hecouchandsi
ghed
rubbi
nghisface.
..
.

AtDudu'
smot
her
s..
..
.
Pr
incessplayedwithherdol
lsi
tt
ingonher
gr
andmot her
'slapasDuduwalkedoverand
j
oinedthem onthecouch..
..

Granny
:Di
dyout
alktoBakangaboutPr
incess?
I
t'
ssaidwear
esupposedtoconsul
tfat
hers
whenwemakedecisi
onsli
kethi
s
Dudu:
Iwanttogowi
thhersot
hatshecanuse
myhusband'
sname.
Granny:Youcan' tdot hatwhenweallknowwho
herfatheri
s,womendot hatkabanababa
l
athil
wengkebor raabo.Nowpeoplearegoi
ng
tosayy oudidn'twantBakangt opaybogadifor
hisdaughtersot haty oucangiv
ehertoanother
man.Set samaekangwanakony al
ong,
many aloamal atsiakedifi
li
mihelawhenthi
ngs
getbadhewi l
lmi str
eather.
Dudu:TueloseesPri
ncessashi
sdaught
erand
don'
tforgett
hatBakangonealat
hil
engwana
yo.Olaol
wakenna.Ihadt oworki
nthebush
andIpel
egengj
usttofeedherwhil
ehewas
enjoy
ingl
if
ewit
hWendy .Hecan'
tj
ustsur
face
andgetmydaughter.
Granny :
What '
sf unnyaboutt hisishowy ou
wer en'tbitt
erf r
om t hest art
, IrememberNal edi
beingsoangr yshewant ednot hingtodowi t
h
Bakangandy ousai dy ourchi l
d'sinterests
comef irstnowy ou'readi f
fer entpersonagai n
becauseoft hewor dmar ri
agebasi mpl ewi ll
you
mar ryme.Youadv isedNal edi about
copar ent i
ngy earsagoandi tseemsshe
l
istened. .Ihear dther oy alsar ewor kingona
celebrationoft hechi l
drenbei ngTawana' s.I
'm
suret heirfuturei sbrightconcer ningt hingsl i
ke
i
nher it
anceandt headv antagest hatcomewi th
beingf rom thatf ami ly.Don' tdenyPr incessher
bir
thr ights,Nal edi'
schi l
dr enar egoi ngt oget
everythingt hatbel ongst oBakangwhi l
ey ou'r
e
givi
ngawayy ourdaught ert oament all
y
di
stur
bedt
axi
dri
ver
.
Dudu:(
angri
ly)Whendi
dTuel
obecome
mental
lydi
sturbed?
Her:
Didn'
tyoumeett hi
smanwhenhewas
seei
ngdeadpeople?Isn'
ti
thewasl
ockedat
thel
unati
chospi
tal?
Dudu:Youwouldn'
tunderst
and,You'
ret
hinking
aboutroy
alpeopl
eonlybutthi
ngsaredif
ferent
now.Theyarenotspeci
alkagopehela.
Her:Okatsamay aeekony alongkaenebut
you'r
ebetr
ayingBakangandPr i
ncessher sel
f,
youcouldatl
eastl ethi
m knowy ou'r
egi v
ing
awayhischil
dtoTuel o.Totahanneelekanna
helankabobasadi basatsamaekabanako
many al
onggasegor ekeagoneelelangwanaka,
i
t'
sf r
om anobser v
ationgorestepchil
drenget
abusedinmar r
iages.
Dudu:I'
m goi
ngwithher
..
..Ot
herwomenal
way
s
doitandthei
rchi
l
drenaregrownupnow.
Her
:Iwasj
ustmaki
ngsuggest
ionsmygi
rl
..
..

AtTumel
o'
shouse.
..
..

Lat
erthateveni
ngTumeloputhischi
ldr
enin
bedonebyoneandclosedtheirbedr
oom
makinghiswaytohi
sroom dial
inghi
sfri
end.
..

Namet
so:
(smi
l
ed)Wow,
ist
hisr
eal
?
Tumel
o:Okokae?
Namet
so:
I'
m home,
atmymot
her
'shouse.Why
?
Tumel
o:Takwano
Nametso:(
frowned)O-okay
..
.It
'sl
atet
hough
whydon'ty
oujustpickme?it'
scol
d.
Tumelo:
I'
ll
tal
ktosomeguywataxi
togetyou,
i
can'
tl
eavethehouseI
'
m wi
thmychil
dren.
Namet
so:
(gi
ggl
ed)Nnay
aanongkebat
elwa
engner
ra?
Tumel
o:(
smi
l
ed)Waasi
mol
olaaker
e?
Nametso:
(laughed)I
'
m comi
ng.
..Di
dyout
akea
bat
h?
Tumel
o:(l
aughed)Yes.
..Akoot
ekwano,
what
'
s
wit
hathousandquesti
ons?
Namet
so:I
'
m coming,don'
tcal
lthet
axi
,I
'l
ltal
k
t
osomeone.Whatareyoucooki
ng?
Tumel
o:Ihav
en'
tdeci
ded.
Namet
so:Markt
hemov i
esweshoul
dwat
chi
n
DSTVhooi
fther
eisany
..
.
Tumel
o:Al
ri
ght
,cheer
s

Hehungupandwal kedt
otheli
vingroom wher
e
hescannedt
hroughmoviechannel
sandtook
outhi
sphone.
..
Tumelo:(t
extmessage)Ij
ustmar kedavery
nicer
omant i
cmovieyoumi ghtl
i
ket owatch
toni
ght.I
'
m makingPopcorns.Can'twai
ttosee
youagain
Not
if
icat
ion:
Del
i
ver
edt
oPaul
i
to

Heswitchedof
fthescreenbefor
ereadi
ngthe
not
if
icati
onandthr
ewt hephoneonthecouch
onhiswaytotheki
tchen..
..

AtPaul
'
shouse.
..

Hereachedf orhi
sphoneandreadt hemessage
smi
lingthenheswi t
chedof
ftheTVandheaded
tot
hebedr oom wherehegotdressedand
j
umpedi nhiscar.
..

Paul
:(t
extmessage) Comi
ngpapi ,
lol
whatani
cesur
pri
sey
oucr
imi
nal
Not
if
icat
ion:
Messagenotsent

Hethr
ewthephoneontheseatwit
houtlooki
ng
att
hedel
i
veryrepor
tandj
oinedthetr
aff
ic.

Atmymot
her
'shouse.
..
..

Meanwhi l
eisteppedoutofthetaxiandclosed
thegatetal
kingtothephone..
.Tumel o'
snone
stopcall
swer ebeepi
ngasi wast al
ki
ngt othe
phonebuti wasn'
tgoingtopickthem.

Me:Okay
,idon'
tmi
nd.Theycanspendani
ght
wi
thyou.
Bakang:
Thanks,
pleaset
akecar
eofy
our
sel
f.
Me:
Iwi
l
l.Toni
ghtI
'
llbewor
kingont
he
chi
l
dren'
spar
ty.
..
Bakang:
Pleasedot
hat
,wedon'
thav
eenough
ti
meonourhands.
Me:Weal
sohavetobuytheboyssui
tsanda
ni
cewhi
tedr
essforMasego.
..
Bakang:
(laughed)Someonei
sinagoodmood
Me: (laughed)Notr eal
ly,
I'
mj ustgladmy
Inter
netCaf eisf
inall
ygetti
ngt ogether.
Tomor rowI'l
lbespendingmyt imet heredoi
ng
myl astt ouchesbeforeIconnectt hecomput er
s
andi nternetthentherealworkbegi ns.I'
m
final
lywor kingwithcomput ers,somet hi
ngI'
m
passionat eaboutandwentt oschool for
Bakang:(smiled)I'
mr eal
lyproudofy ou.
.You'r
e
astrongwoman, ani ndependentsinglewoman
whoi shighl
ymot ivated,idon'tknowwher ethi
s
Naledihasbeenhi dingbuti l
ikeherthoughshe
i
nti
mi datesme.
Me:
(laughed)Thanky
ou.
..
Bakang:
Bye
Me:
Bye

Ihunguptry
ingtoopenthedoorbuti twas
l
ockedthenirememberedmymot herhadt ol
d
meshewoul dbeatchurch.Isear
chedf ormy
keysi
nthebagandunlockedt hehouse...
.

Itwasarel
ieft
obef i
nall
yhomeaft
ersucha
l
ongdayofwor k,Itookabathandgrabbedmy
foodfr
om theoven, t
hiswasoneofthe
advant
agesofstayingwithmymother.Shewas
agoodcookandi l
ovedhercooki
ng.
..

IsatonthecouchandswitchedontheTV
gett
ingr
eadytowat cht
hesoapoperastheni
gotaknockont hedoor
.Iwalkedt
ot hewindow
l
icki
ngmyoi l
yfi
ngerandpeakedatthe
unfamil
i
arcarpar
kinginfr
ontoft
hehouset
hen
iopenedthedoor
..
..
..
..
.(9t
)
Co-
Wif
e
#97

Atmymot
her
'shouse.
..
..

Isatont hecouchandswitchedontheTV
getti
ngreadytowat cht
hesoapoperastheni
gotaknockont hedoor
.Iwalkedtothewindow
l
ickingmyoi l
yfi
ngerandpeakedatthe
unfamil
iarcarparki
nginfr
ontofthehousethen
iopenedt hedoor.
..

Me:(smil
ed)Hi
,whatani
cesur
pri
se.
..Whose
cari
sthat?
Arona:(l
ookedatitandsmil
ed)That
'
smy
boyfr
iend'
sbabe..
.Doy oul
i
keit?
Me:(curvedmyl i
ps)Um..
.Iguess.
..Whoisyour
boyf
riend?Youknowsomet imesiforgett
hati
haveal i
tt
lesi
ster
,idon'
tthi
nkMama
remember syouaswell
Ar
ona:(
laughedt
yingher22i
nchweav
e
wal
ki
nginthehouse)Wherei
sMama?
Me:
Mamagaay
ooi
l
eker
ekeng
Arona:Heybomamakadi kereketsamasigo
batho,
Iwantedtoseeherbeforegoingtothe
cl
ubwi t
hmybaet omorr
owi mi ghtheadonto
Gabsapparent
lywearewrit
ingexams, mxm
Me:HaoRi
ribat
ho,youj
ustar
ri
vedandyou'
re
goi
ng?Nnathehaat
shekegobonebone2
minut
est
hemma
Arona:Lel
emmadon' tbemama, omponapona
engkakennay o?( r
anal i
psti
ckonherli
ps
usinghersmartphonescreen)Monatewaahel
a
kwammaATIot i
lekoFreshExclusi
veI'
m
goingwithRaphael,
ragobetsakhiri
khor
ongt
he
whol
eni
ght
..
..
Me:
Whoi
sRaphael
?
Arona:Mynewbae, Leleyou'
retoosl
ow..
.Heis
acop..
..Urhyoushouldseehimi nhi
s
unif
orm...
wai
tseBotswanaPol i
ceuni
for
mi s
sexybathoshems
Me:
Whenwi
l
lyoubeback?
Ar
ona:
I'
m notsur
eyouknowcl
ubsar
e
Me: Idon'tknowhowt heyare,
ihaveneverbeen
toacl ub.Whenwillyoubeback?Don'tgoback
toGabonewi t
houtseeingmama,shehasbeen
sicklatel
yandshewasaski ngaboutyou.
Arona:(laughed)Soyoust i
llhav en'tbeentothe
club?Leley oumustli
veal i
ttle,you'realmost30
andy ouhav eneverseenthei nsideofacl ub?
You'renotev enmarri
ed,beingagooddoesn' t
payaf t
erall.Hanneelegoreot arhusbandy are
nkabeel egone.Let'
sgot oget her.
..Whereare
thetri
plets?
Me:
Doy
ouwantev
enknowt
hei
rnamesaunt
ie?
Ar
ona:
Ofcour
sei
know.
..Let
'
sgo
Me:
Ican'
t,
I'
m or
gani
zi
ngmychi
l
dren'
spar
ty
Arona:you'
llbebackbefor
eyouknowi t,
pl
ease..
.Ifyou'r
esleepyI
'l
ldr
iveyouback.
Raphaelborrowedmet hecarheisri
dingwi
th
hi
sbr ot
her.Theyarepoli
ceoffi
cersy
oucan
tr
ustthem.
Me:
Urhnnakeai
tsapamma,
I'
ll
seey
oui
nthe
mor
ning.
Ar
ona:
Sui
tyour
sel
f,
..
.(wal
ki
ngout
)By
e
Me:(st
oodbythedoor
)Themmaoboewena
mamaneagobat apl
ease,
koor
eokareele
goneogorogangmoMauuaboohetel
ela?
Arona:
ByeLele,
youl
ookbeaut
if
ulbyt
heway
.
Theconvi
ctguy'
sdi
ngdongi
smagical
Me:
(laughedconf
used)What
?
Ar
ona:
OhmyGodt
hat
'smybr
otheri
nlawi
was
t
alki
ngabout
,nev
ermi
nd.I
'
llseey
oui
nthe
morni
ng
Me:
Bye

Shegoti
nthecaranddroveoutthenigotback
i
nthehouseandlockedthedoor
...
..

AtTumel
o'
shouse.
..
..

Meanwhil
eNamet sowal kedoutoftheki t
chen
wit
habowl ofsal
typopcor nsandsatnextt o
Tumiwhowaswat chi
ngt hemovieasi tstar
ted,
Nametsopull
edabl anketoverTumi andlaid
hi
sheadonhislap...

Tumel
o:(
rubbedhi
saf
ro)Hav
eyouf
oundaj
ob?
Namet
so:
Nobutmymot
herdoesn'
twantme
tol
eav
e,shesaysimuststayhomeunti
lif
inda
j
ob.Myfi
rstsal
aryI
'
m connecti
ngdr
eadl
ocks..
..
Afr
oebothoko
Tumelo:Il
ovedreadl
ocks,y
ou'l
ll
ookbeauti
ful
..
.
(r
ubbedthesaltonName'sli
ps)Iwanty
out o
moveinwithmeasast ayinmaid,I
'
m sureyour
motherwil
lunderst
and.
..

Hegotupandsmi
l
edl
ooki
ngathi
m..
.

Namet
so:
Arey
ouser
ious?
Tumel o:Yeah,Ihavealit
tlesi
tuat
ion.Idon't
knowwher eThembi i
sbutshel ef
tmewi t
h2
boy s.Nalediiswill
i
ngt otakethegir
lsoi need
yout obaby sitt
heboy sforP700,that'
sallican
affordr i
ghtnowbecauseI '
m notworking,I
'l
lbe
rentingmymot her'
shouset otenantsbutiwant
renov ateitfi
rst
.
Nametso:Noproblem,gagonabot
hataeveni
f
youdon'
tpayforthefi
rstfewmonthsi
t'
sokay,
you'
remymyf ri
end..
.

Hegotupandsatonhisl
apf
aci
nghi
m as
Tumi
eheldhi
swaist.
..
.

Namet
so:
Ilov
eyou.
.
Tumel
o:Name-
Namet
so:
(si
ghed)Iknow,
iknow.
..

Therewasaknockont hedoor
,Tumeloquickl
y
thr
ewhim ont
heothersideofthecouchand
walkedtot
hedoor.
..Nametsopull
edablanket
overandat
ehispopcornasTumi openedt
he
door.
..
.
Tumi
:Fuck!
Paul
:(smi
l
ed)what
?
Tumi
:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Paul:
(rai
sedhi
sey
ebr
ows)Um.
..
.Youcal
l
ed
me?Yousai dy
oumar
kedamovi
eandmade
popcorn?
Tumi
:(t
hought
ful
l
y)Shi
t
Paul
:(sof
tl
y)Papi
?What
'sgoi
ngon?
Tumi
:Not
hing.
..I
'
mjust
-
Paul
:I
sther
esomeonei
nther
e?
Tumi
:No,(
steppedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
)
Comeher
e..
.
Paul
:(pushedhi
shands)No,
what
'
sgoi
ngon?I
f
i
t'
sNalediI'
ll
go,
whoisit?
Tumi :
(heldhisj
awtryi
ngtokisshi
m)Babeit'
s
j
ustaf ri
end..
.Nothi
nghappened,i
havenever
touchedhim.Hedoesn'tevenknowidothi
s
Paul
:I
'l
lbet
her
ejudgeoft
hat

Tumeloshookhi
sheadandl
eanedagai
nst
Paul
'
scarwhilehewal
kedi
nthehouse.

Nametsostoppedchewingastheshort
dreadl
ocksti
nyguyclosedthedoorl
ookingat
hi
m, heputdownt hepopcor
nconfused.Paul
shookhisheadlooki
ngathim..
.

Paul
:Hi
Name:
Hi
Paul
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Name:
(hear
tpoundi
ng)Um.
..Wher
eisGol
d?
Paul
:I
'mt
alki
ngtoyou,
what
'
sgoi
ngon
bet
weeny
out wo?
Name:
Pleasedon'
tquest
ionme,
bot
saTumi
.
Paul
:Gakebat
egobot
saTumi
,kel
ebi
l
ewena
gol
oha
Name: I
'
mt hebabysi
tter
,idon'
twantany
tr
oubleI
'm onprobat
ionnkatsamaaifther
eisa
probl
em.(outl
oud)Tumi ?!

Hetookof
fthebl
anketandreachedforhi
s
pant
sonthefl
oorasTumi walkedi
n..
.

Paul
:Hewasi
nhi
sboxer
s?Wow.
..Thi
sisj
ust
wow
Tumi:Nothi
nghappenedPauli
comeon, heis
thebabysi
tt
erkegobolel
etsewhathappened
aker
e?
Paul:(t
ear
ful
l
y)Ican'
tbeli
eveyou'
redoingthi
s,
themessagesaysitall
.You'
reunbel
iev
able..
.
Aftersomanyyearsyoudothistous?
Tumi
:I
'm sor
ry.
..(
hel
dhi
shandandpul
l
edhi
m
overf
orafor
cedhuggedt
henheki
ssedhi
m)I
l
oveyouokay?
Paul
:Thenwhoi
she?
Tumi
:Hei
saf
ri
end,
don'
tbehar
donhi
m.

Nametsot earf
ull
yputonhisclot
heslooki
ngat
TumelokissingPaul
,Hisheartpoundedas
tear
sfi
ll
edhi seyes.
..

Tumi:
(looki
nginPaul
'
sey
es)Il
ovey
ou,
you
needt
or el
ax.
..
Paul
:Withhi
m asasi
tt
er?Asi
tt
ert
hatshar
esa
bl
anketwit
hyou?
Tumi:
Itwasaguyt
hing,
don'
tbel
i
ket
hat
.Let
'
s
gooutsi
de.
..

Hel
edhi
m out
sideandcl
osedt
hedoort
hen
Nametsosatdownr ubbi
nghistear
s..
.Scott
wal
kedintheli
vi
ngr oom wi
thhiseyesclosed
t
henNamet sopausedandlookedathim...

Namet
so:
Nana?Nana?

Scottwal kedtot hedoorthenNamet sopi

cked
him upandt ookhimt obedwher ehel ai
dhim
downandcov er
edhi m asher el
axedandsl ept
peacef ull
y.Hecheckedont heotherscoveri
ng
them wi ththeblanket
st heyhadkickedthenhe
walkedoutandmetTumel owalkingin.Paul'
s
carlightsdisappearedatt hegat
easTumi
closedt hedoor...

Tumi
:I
'm sor
ryaboutt
hat
..
.
Namet
so:
Soy
ou'
rebi
sexual
?
Tumi
:ki
ndof
,yes
Nametso:(
tear
ful
l
y)Andy oumademethi
nk
youdon'
tdothatf
oral
ltheseyear
s?Why?Am i
t
oouglyforyou
Tumi:
It'
snot
hingl
i
ket
hat
,idi
dn'
twantt
ocheat
onPaul
Namet
so:
You'
resel
fi
sh!
Tumi
:Becausei
didn'
twantt
ocheat
??
Namet so:Youneedt ostopconv i
ncingyoursel
f
thatyou'r
enotacheat erbecausey ouare,you
cheatedony ourgirl
fr
iendwithyourdead
brother'
swife,youcheatedonNal ediwit
hher
tooandnowPaul ontheside,
youf uckanyhole
youcomeacr ossbuty ouconvi
ncedy oursel
f
you'renotacheater.
Tumi:(
angril
y)Kanteompuisaj
angName?
(wal
kedcloseropeninghi
shandforasl
ap)O
mpuisajang?
Namet
so:
(swal
l
owedandhel
dhi
shand)Sor
ry
Tumi
:(pushedhi
m of
f)Don'
ttouchme,
o
mpui
sajang?
Namet so:
(lookedatthechil
dren'
sbedroom
door)Tumi banabarobetse,t
helitt
leonewas
sl
eepingwal ki
ng,i
hadt oputhim backint
he
bed.Youneedt ocalm down..
.I'
m sorry
.

Sti
l
lshaki
nghereachedouttohi
sjawand
car
essedhimtocalm hi
m down.
..
.

Namet
so:
I'
m sor
ry,
let
'sgobackt
othe-

Tumi ki
ssedhimt henheunzippedhi
sjeansand
droppedthem pushingNamedown, heknel
t
downandpushedhi sbri
efsdownthenhe
pausedlooki
ngati t
...

Namet
so:
God.
..
Tumelof
oldedhi
st-shi
rtupasNametso
warmedhim upwi
thhisjui
cymout
h..
...
..

AtAbal
eng'
shouse.
..
..

Abiswi
tchedoft
helightsandj
oinedhi
swi
fei
n
bedput
tinghi
sarm aroundher
..
.

Abi
:Babe?Ar
eyousl
eepi
ng?
Renei
:No.
..
Abi
:Weneedt
otal
k?
Renei
:(hear
tski
pped)Whatdi
dyoudoAbi
?
Abi:Babeidi
dn'tdoany t
hing.
..Michel
le
report
edmef orsexualharassment,I'
my ett
o
hearaboutmydi sci
pli
naryheari
ngdat e,
Imight
l
osemyschol arshipt
ogetherwiththepositi
oni
wast
rai
ningt
obepr
omot
edt
o.
Renei
:whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?
Abi:Nothi
ng, sheusedt oteasemear ound
taki
ngmyr ingandi t
ooki tallasajokeunt il
she
sentyouthatpi ct
ure,isweari didn'
tdo
anythi
ngwi t
hher .Sheisangr ybecausei left
heraloneintheapar t
mentandshedoesn' tfeel
safe,imadef ri
endsthere...Theonesi showed
youont hepicturessoi hangar oundwitht hem,
sheisjeal
ousaboutt hatbecauseshehasn' t
madeanyf riendsandshef eelsunsafefrom
schooltoherapar tment.
Renei:
Iguesswewi l
lhearfrom y
ourbosses
aboutit,wehavecomesof ar,
youcan'
tlose
thi
sespeciall
ywheny ouareabouttofi
nish
school.Let
'sprayaboutit
Abi
:(cl
osedhi
sey
es)okay
Renei
:(gotup)Let
'skneel
down
Abi
:what
?Babei
t'
slat
eandcol
dI'
m sur
eGod
wi
l
lunder
stand
Renei
:Pl
ease.
..

Heshookhi
sheadandknel
tdownnextt
oher
t
henshebeganpr
ayi
ng.
..
..
..
.

AtBakang'
shouse.
..
.

Thefoll
owingmor ningiknockedonthedoor
,
Bakangopenedt hedoorshirt
lessi
nhis
sweatpants.
..Heclearl
ydidn'
thavean
underwearonbecausei couldseehismachi
ne
andthesmel loffr
iedeggsandRussianwasn'
t
hardtopick.
..

Bakang:
(smi
l
edsur
pri
sed)Hey
Me:
(smi
l
ed)Hey
Wel
ookedoneanotherf
orawhilet
henhe
r
ememberedandopenedthedoorwiderf
orme
t
ogeti
n..
.

Bakang:
Pleasecomei
n,sor
ry.
..
Me:
Thanks,
thehousei
squi
et
Bakang:Theyar
esti
llsl
eepi
ng,
iwant
edt
oget
thei
rbreakf
astr
eady
..
.
Me:Oh,Iwaspassi
ngbyandthoughtt
heywer
e
upsoicangobuythei
rpar
tyclot
hes.
Bakang:Youcanhav
ebreakf
astwhi
l
eiwake
them upandgett
hem r
eady.
Me: Nothanks..
.(
sighed)Idon'
twantt ogiveyou
fal
sehope.( hi
sfacesaddened)Wewi ll
never
betogethernomat terhowmucht hi
sco-
parenti
ngbringsuscloser,idr
oppedt hecase
forthechil
drennotus.Irespectyouast hei
r
fat
herbutnotenought
omakey oumyman, i
don'
tloveyouandiwouldn'
twanttoconf
use
yougongweobonakebuasent elewenaabeo
akanyagorekeagobat
a.

Helickedhisdryl
ipslookingatme
speechlessl
ytheniturnedaroundwal
ki
ngout
..
.

Me:
Bye.
..
.

Heswal
lowedtear
ful
l
yasi
closedt
hedoorand
wal
kedaway.
..
..

AtDudu'
shouse.
..
..
..

Onthesamemor ni
ngDuduquiet
lymoved
Pr
incess'
spant
iesasi
deandcheckedherwhi
l
e
shewasasl
eep,
shewasfinet
henshesighedin
rel
i
efandwal
kedoutasTuel
owalkedoutofthe
toi
let
..
.

Tuel
o:Mor
ning.
..
Dudu:
Mor
ning.
..

Tuel
opassedtoPrincess'
sroom wherehe
l
ookedforhisspar
etyre,Dududesper
ately
del
ayedhersel
fbythepassagepicki
ngtiny
paper
sthatshewouldn'tnor
mall
ysee.

Alongminutel
atershepushedt
hedoorand
l
ookedatherdaughterwhowaspeacef
ul
asl
eepinherbedwhileTuel
owasclosi
ngthe
wardr
obeholdi
ngaspar ewheel
..
.

Tuel
o:what
?
Dudu:
Not
hing.
..
.
Tuel
o:(
off
ended)Yout
houghti
wasr
api
ngher
?
Dudu:
Inev
ersai
dthat
..
.
Tuel
o:That
'swhaty
out
hought
,whydon'
tyou
tr
ustme?
Dudu:Youcan'
tex
act
lyexpectmet
otr
usty
ou
sosoon..
.
Tuel
o:Fi
ne,
iunder
stand.
..
Dudu:
Sowher
eist
hemoneyf
orBogadi
?
Tuel
o:I
'
m st
il
lsav
ingi
t
Dudu:
Howmuchdoy
ouhav
esof
ar?
Tuel
o:I
'
m notsur
e
Dudu:Yousai
dyouhav
emoney
,di
dyoumeet
youruncl
e?
Tuel
o:Hetol
dmetoonl
ytal
ktohi
m about
marr
yingwheni
havet
hemoney
Dudu:
Soot
shwer
ebokaeee?
Tuel
o:P800
Dudu:
Eitandr
eteTuel
o?Bogadi
ke12Kwago
gor
ogalengkogotwelve?
Tuelo:Duduiam at
axi
dri
ver
!Whydoy ou
expectthi
ngstobesmoot
h?,I'
l
lneedacoupl
e
ofyearstosave
Dudu:
Iyes??Thewayy ouweretal
ki
ngneobua
j
aakamot hoaipaakant
se,
,arey
oueven
pl
anni
ngt omarrymekanay ouj
ustwantto
del
aymesot hatyoucanrapemydaughter?
Tuelo:(angri
l
y)Rapey ourdaughter?Duduifi
wantedt orapeheri wouldhavelongdoneit,
o
l
ekagor eng?I'm support
ingthi
sfamilyand
that'
sthethanksi get?Rragweokaekaeneo
siame?
Dudu:Areyoureal
lygoi
ngtogotherewit
hme?
Isuppor
tthi
sfamily,
ojannaoaparanna,my
tent
spaytherentandbuyfood
Tuel
o:Real
l
y?Whenl
astdi
dyouhav
ea
cust
omerr
enty
ourt
ent
?
Dudu: Sobecauseit'
snotaseasonf ortent
s
youthinkyoucancont r
olev
er yt
hingher eoreka
goremaP4ny anaagagoar ekabr aaipack?
Mxm t hi
sispointl
esswhyam i arguingwi t
ha
l
unatic,set
senwahelasaSabr ana-

Tuel
otur
nedheraroundandslappedheracr
oss
thef
acethenshesl
owlysli
ppeddowncov er
ing
herf
acecryi
ng.
..
.

Tuel
o:Don'
tev
ercal
lmeal
unat
ic

Pri
ncessstoodatthedoorshaki
ngl
ooki
ngat
hermothercry
ing.
..

Pr
incess:
Papa?
Tuel
o:(
angr
il
y)Getbackt
obed!

Shequickl
yclosedthedoorandsatdown
completel
yshockedatherfather
'sresponse.
..
Dudustoodupr ubbi
nghertears.
..
.

Dudu:I
'
m goingtor
epor
tyouformol
est
ingmy
daught
er,
you'r
egoi
ngtojai
l
Tuel
o:Idon'
tcar
e,iwasabigfishi
npri
son
nebautwakanna.Doilookl
ikeicar
e?tsamaa.
..

Sheturnedaroundandpul
ledPr i
ncess'
sarm
walki
ngout,Tuelor
emember edprisonbef
ore
Tumelodefendedhimthenhef ol
lowedher.
..
.

Tuel
o:(
sof
tl
y)Duducanwet
alkaboutt
his?
Emahoo
Dudu:
I'
m goi
ngt
orepor
tyou.
.
Tuel
o:(
pul
l
edherback)Kar
eemaPel
emonna!
Dudu:
Tuel
owampol
aakana!
Tuel
o:(
slappedher
)Kar
eemapel
e..
.
Dudu:(
openedthedoorandpushedher
daught
eroutsi
de)RUN!RUNPRINCESS..
.

Tuelot
ri
edtogr abPri
ncess'
sarm butDudu
pushedhim backandclosedthedoor,
Tuel
o
tur
nedaroundandslappedherthenhesaton
herandpunchedher..
..

Tuel
o:Kantekeengosautwe?(
punchedher)
Hee?(punchedher)Wher
earey
ougoing?I'
m
notgoi
ngt oj
ail
..
.
Dudu:(cr
yingandscr
eaming)Tuel
owa
mpolaa..
.Bathont
husangmothowampol
aa.
..
Meanwhil
eatthegatePri
ncessstopped
runni
ngassheheardhermother
'sdesperat
e
plea,
shet
urnedaroundandranback.

Sheopenedthedoorandlookedatherf
ather
asherepeat
edlysmashedhermother'
shead
wit
hwoodensculptur
e..
..

Pr
incess:
(cr
ying)STOP!Mama?
Dudu:(l
oosi
ngherbreat
h)Goaway!Run.
..
.
(angr
il
y)I
'm goi
ngt
obeatyou,goaway!

TuelogotupbutDuduheldhi sfootand
draggedalong,
heturnedaroundandputhert o
sl
eepwi t
ht hel
astf
atalbl
owt henhewal ked
outbutPri
ncesswasnowher et obefound.He
walkedbackinthehouseandl ookedaround.
..
.
Henot i
cedDuduwasn' tmovingthenheshook
hercall
ingher,therewasnor esponse.
..He
checkedherpulsebutt herewasnopul sehe
stoodupt houghtfulthenhegoti nthecarand
searchedhiscarf orar opeandwentback
i
nsidethehouse. .
...
..
.

Suspici
ousnei
ghborsappr
oachedthefence
whisperi
ngtoanot
herandpoint
ingtot
hehouse.

Meanwhi l
ePr i
ncessrannonest opasshe
appr oachedthemai nr oad,breathi
ngheavil
y
andi nthemi stofshocksher anacr osst
he
roadasat axiski
ddedr i
ghtinfrontofher,
she
fel
l downandgotupt henshecont inued
running.Thet axidr
iversteppedoutandr an
afterher..
..
Passenger
:(pr
essedt
hehazar
dsandst
epped
out)Osiame?

Thetaxidri
verpi
ckedherupasshook
chant
ing..
..

Pr
incess:
Run.
..
..
.Run.
..
.Run.
..
.

Othercar
sstoppedbyt
hesi
deoft
her
oadand
surr
oundedher.
..
.

Man:
Cal
ltheambul
ance,
ori
l
engj
aanong?
Taxi
dri
ver
:(shaki
ng)Shecameoutofnowhere
butI
'
m sur
ei di
dn'
thither
,gakeabet
sasepe.
..
.
Passenger
:(shookher
)Nnana?
Pri
ncess:(shakingrubbi
ngherhandst
oget
her
)
Run..
..Run..
..Run..
..
……
Ki
ndl
yLi
ket
hei
nser
t,muchl
ove
Co-
Wif
e
#98

AtSt
arI
nter
netCaf
é..
.

Thedel
i
v eryguysputdownt helastboxesand
dust
edtheirhandsasiinspectedthe
comput
er s.
.

Hi
m:(
gav
emeabook)Si
gnher
e
Me:
(si
gned)Thanky
ousomuch
Hi
m:You'
rewel
come.
..

Theywal
kedout
sidet
heni
dial
edRenei
.
...
Renei
:Hel
l
o?
Me:
Hey
,thecomput
ersar
eher
e,comehel
pme
Renei
:Heel
ammamonnawameot
il
egakena
nakoyadicomput
era
Me:Ehe!otaabaka,
ret
aabonagoreot aabay
a
kaet
afoley
adinalal
emakeup,
legalekaonale
monnaotaebaahapelegagaAbaleng
Renei
:(l
aughed)Aochomzaomper
ekaj
ang?
M:
Het
ahel
aot
ekwanol
erat
abanna
Renei
:(l
aughed)Myman'
sdi
cki
sthesweet
est
Me:(cur
vedmylipsdisgusted)t
hat
'smy
br
other,
stopi
t,i
can'tpict
urehimli
kethat
Renei
:(l
aughed)Whypi
ctur
eiti
nthef
ir
stpl
ace?
Me:Nnahagot wemonnaomonat ekesi
molol
a
pel
ekagopicturathedi
ckit
self
..
.Kooret
abeke
l
ebonalenkony anayat
eng,nxwigagoakiwe
gotweresekar
annar
ebuabuwakabannaba
rona.
Renei:(l
aughed)Gapekegor ehaout wagot we
monnay ol
eot shot
semonat eosimol olago
i
pot sagorekwegot ewajang, monatekeeng
hela?Isithi
ssize?Thewayhemov eshiswaist?
Kanabannababangwebai tsegokuny apa..
.
Jaanongi t
helaoipotsadi
pot sokabontsinyana
haout walel
amonat ewat eng,(l
aughed
naughtil
y)atleastI
'
m safebecausehei sy our
brother
Me:
Oraagor
ennagakesaf
e?Shoul
dIguar
d
mymanwhenif
indhi
m?
Renei
:Eegaophazamakeat
saa
Me:(l
aughed)Hetammaot egont husago
pl
uggerdi
lo,ineedhel
pinstal
l
ingsoftwar
es
andTumeloisthebesticangetri
ghtnow
j
aanonggapegakebategomoneel amixed
si
gnal
s
Renei:
Justaskhim,
ifhest
art
ssmi
li
ngyou
breakthatsmi
lebyr
emindi
nghimt
haty
ouare
over
Me:
(laughed)Ev
ilf
ri
end!
Renei
:I'
m cookingsomet
hingf
orhubbyt
henI
'
ll
dri
veby.Ciao.
..

Ihungupandopenedt
heboxes.
..
..

Byt
hesi
deoft
her
oad.
..
.

Apoli
cecarapproachedast hecrowd
sur
roundedPri
ncess,thedri
v i
ngoffi
cersl
owed
downconfusedandrolleddownthewi ndow.
..
.

Of
fi
cer
:What
'shappeni
ng?
Taxi
man:
Wef
oundal
i
ttl
egi
rlcr
ossi
ngt
her
oad,
shedoesn'
tseem t
oknowwhat
'
sgoi
ngon.
…
Off
icer
2:Weal
readyhav
eanemer
gencyt
o
at
tend.
..
Of
fi
cer
:Wecan'
tl
eav
eher
Of
ficer
2:I
'
m suret
heydi
spat
chedsomeone
ov
erhere,l
et'
sgo.
..
.
Off
icer
:Letmegethert
hendropy
ouguysat
t
hescenewhil
eitakehert
othest
ati
on
Of
fi
cer
:Di
rakapel
aee.
..
.

Theoff
icerpi
ckedpr
incessandgotbacki
nthe
cart
henheheadedtoDudu'shouse.
..
..
.

AtDudu'
smot
her
s..
..
.

Meanwhi
leshebentoverput
ti
ngherar
m
behi
ndherbackandbegunsweepi
ngthey
ard
thenherphoner
ang,
shepausedandwal
ked
backinsi
de..
.

Her
:Hel
l
o?.
..
.
Voice:Dumelang..
.Mynamei sMorwadi,
iam
Dudu'sneighbor
.Wear ewait
ingf
orthepoli
ce
tocomet oherhousebecausesheislyi
ngina
poolofbloodanditlooksl
i
keherboyfr
iendis
dead,heishangingbytheneck-
Her
:(hear
tski
pped)Wher
eisherdaught
er?
Voi
ce:Wedon'
tknow,
somepeopl
esayt
hey
sawherr
unni
ngaway
Her
:Jesus.
..Thanky
ou,
I'
ll
bet
her
e

Shehungupanddi aledoneoftherelat
iveswho
didn'
twastemuchtime,afewmi nuteslatert
he
carparkedout
sidethensherushedout
pressi
ngherphone.
AtBakang'
shouse.
..
.

MinuteslaterBakangopenedt hecardoorand
putthechildr enonebyonei nsidethenhe
handedeachoft hem theirbag.Masegoand
Atsi
leti
ckledoneanot herlaughingloudl
yas
Amet ri
edt oconcent ratelini
ngcoi nsonthe
seat
, At
silef ellonhispatternthenhepunched
Atsi
lepushi nghi m back..
.

At
sil
e:Whyar
eyouhi
tt
ingme?

Atsi
l
epunchedhi
m backandt
heyexchanged
bl
owsasMasegoscreamedpushi
ngthem
apar
t..
.

Masego:
(loudl
y)daddy
??Daddy
!Theyar
e
f
ight
ingagai
n
At
sil
e:Hest
art
edi
t!

Bakanggoti
nthecarandcl
osedt
hedoor
tur
ningt
otheback.
..
.

Bakang:
Guy
sisai
dnof
ight
ing,
nof
ight
ing

HenoticedhowAmecar ef
ull
yli
nedt
hecoi
ns
accor
dingtosi
zedescendi
ng..
.

Bakang:
Amewhatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Hekeptquietandcont
inuedli
ningupthecoi
ns
hefoundinthehouse,
Bakang'sphonerang
thenhetur
nedaroundpicki
ngit..
..
Bakang:
Hel
l
o?
Dudu'
smother
:(pani
cked)Rr
agwePr
incess
wherear
eyou?
Bakang:
(concer
ned)I
'
m home,
what
'
sgoi
ngon?
Dudu'
smother:
Cany oupleaser
ushov ertothe
hospi
tal
andgetPri
ncess?I'
m atthehospit
al.
Duduandherboyf
ri
endhadabi gfightandshe
i
sinICU
Bakang:
Wher
eishe?
Her:Hei
sbei
ngatt
endedi
ntheotherr
oom buti
t
hinkhei
sdead,
hehunghimsel
f
Bakang:What?Tuel
ohunghi
msel
f?I
'
llbet
her
e
i
nami nute.
..
I'
m comi
ng

Hehungupanddr
oveout
.….

AtSt
arI
nter
netCaf
é..
..
Isatonthechai
randsmil
edlookingatmy
brandnewcomputerasii
nstal
ledthe
softwar
esthenmyphonerang.
...

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Bakang:
Hi,
wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
Att
heCaf
é,what
'
sgoi
ngon?
Bakang:
DuduandTuel
ohadaf
ight
,appar
ent
ly
hehunghimsel
f.
..
Me:
What
?
Bakang:Dudu'smot
heraskedmet oget
Pri
ncesswhileshewait
edatthehospi
tal
,I
'l
l
passbyanddr opof
fthetr
ipl
ets.
Me:
IsDuduokay
?
Bakang:
Idon'
tknowbuti
hav
eabadf
eel
i
ng.
..
Keeta
Me:
Shap

Ihungupandt houghtful
lystaredatthewall.A
fewmi nuteslaterheparkedout si
deand
openedt hedoorf ort
hechi l
dren,Iwalkedover
andpickedAme.Thewor ryonhi sfacewasn't
hardtonot i
ceashet hrewdownt hechildr
en's
bagandt urnedback,iquicklyfoll
owedhi mto
thecarcar r
yingAmeonmyl eftwaist.
..

Me:
Pleasel
etmeknowhowshei
sdoi
ng
Bakang:
(roughl
yrev
ersi
ng)Al
ri
ght
..
.
Me:
BKpl
easedr
ivecar
eful
l
y

Heskiddedoffandj
oinedtheroadasother
dr
iver
sangri
lyblewt
heirhornsathi
mf or
al
mostcausinganaccident.
..
.
AtLet
shol
athebehospi
tal
.
...
..

Bakangranthroughtheemergencyent
rance
andspottedDudu'smotherhol
dingPri
ncess
gi
vingherwaterinabottl
ethenhehurri
edover
..
.

Bakang:
Issheokay
?
Her:Sheisfi
ne.
.Theythinkshewit
nessedwhat
happenedbecauseshewasscaredhal ft
o
deathwhenwear r
ivedhere,t
hedoctors
att
endedherbutnowt heyareat
tendingher
motherinICU
Bakang:
Whathappened?
Her:
Idon'
tknowmyson, nei
ghbor
ssaythey
hear
dherscreamingandsawPr i
ncessr
unni
ng
outwhentheycheckedTuelowashangi
ngfrom
ther
aft
ers
Bakang:
(shookhi
shead)Ican'
tbel
i
evet
his.
..
Her
:Pl
easet
akeheroutofher
esheneedst
o
r
est
..

Anur
sewal
kedov
er.
..
.

Nur
se:
Thedoct
orwoul
dli
ket
oseey
ou
Dudu'
smot
her
:Okaymydaught
ert
hanky
ou.
..

Shefol
lowedt henur
sethenBakanglift
edhis
daughterandfoll
owedthem i
nsidepassi
ngby
thenursestat
ionwhereasurgeonwast al
ki
ng
tothephone.

Doct
or:
Hel
l
oagai
n
Dudu'
smot
her
:what
'
sgoi
ngon?I
ssheokay
?
Bakang:
(looki
ngar
ound)Wher
eisshe?
Doct
or:
Shei
sint
heat
er.
..(
sighed)Wet
ri
edour
bestt
osav
eherl
i
febut
-
Dudu'
smot
her:
(cov
eredhermout
htear
ful
l
y)
OhGodpl
easedon'
tdothi
stome..
.
Bakang:(
cur
ios)Hewasn'tf
ini
shed.
..
..(
rubbed
hershoul
der
)Lethi
mf i
nish.
..
Doctor :Mama?CanIf i
nishbeforeyoucan
cry?.
..Iwassaying,
wet riedourbestbuti
t
seemsi tmi
ghtnotbeenoughsowear e
refer
ringhertoMarina,sheiswaiti
ngforthe
plane..
..Shewil
lbeflyi
ngi nashortper
iodof
ti
me.
Dudu'
smot
her
:(si
ghed)Oht
hankGod.
..
Bakang:
whataboutherboy
fri
end?
Doctor
:Ishouldn'
tbetheonetel
l
ingyouthi
s
buthewaspr onounceddeadonarr
ival
,hei
s
themorgue.
Dudu'
smot
her
:Cani
flywi
thher
?
Doct
or:
Um.
..I
'
m notsur
eaboutt
hat
..
.
Bakang:(t
urnedtoher )I'
ll
fuelt
hecar,wewil
l
dri
veoverthere.I
twi l
ltakeabout8hoursbut
wewi l
lgetthere.
..Letmegol eavePr
incessat
home
Dudu'
smot
her
:Br
ingherher
efi
rst
..
.

ShehuggedandkissedPr
incesst
henshe
handedherback.
..

Bakang:
I'
ll
cal
lyou.
..
.

Hewalkedoutoft
hebui
l
dingcar
ryi
nghi
s
daught
er.
..
..

AtSt
arI
nter
netCaf
é..
..
..

Al
mostanhourl
atert
her
ewasaknockatt
he
door,Iwalkedoutoft
heoffi
cearea
approachi
ngt hedoor
,thet
ri
plet
swer epl
ayi
ng
onthelargespacerol
li
ngthei
rtoys.
..

Isl
idtheglassdoor
sthenBakangwal
kedi
n
carr
yingPri
ncesswhowasasleeponhi
s
shoulder
..
.

Me:
Hey
Bakang: Duduhasbeenr ef
erredtoGaborone,
shei sfly
inginacoupleofminutesbutiwantto
accompanyhermot hertothehospit
al.Weare
tr
avelingbyroad.Icoulddropheratmy
mot her'
shousebutshei satchurch,
theyare
preparingforthei
r-
Me: Pleasey oudon'
tneedt oexplai
nyoursel
f,
PrincessislikeadaughtertomeandDudui sa
fr
iend...You'r
emypar enti
ngpartner,
idon't
mindhel ping.
Bakang:
You'
l
ltal
ktomymot
heranddr
opher
off
.
Me:
Ofcour
se.
..Mot
ise.
..Comet
hissi
de.
..

Igrabbedoneofmychi l
dren'
st owelsand
spreaditdownforhert
henhel aidherdown, I
watchedashef i
xedherlit
tl
eski r
tcoveringher
thi
ghsandpushedherhai rawayf rom herface
thenhegentlypi
ckedherhercheekandst ood
upwest aredatoneanotherforami nuteortwo
thenwehugged...Ti
ghtl
y..
..

Me:
(si
ghed)Dr
ivesaf
ely
..
..
Bakang:Iwi
ll
..
..Thanksf
orev
ery
thi
ng,
ireal
l
y
appreci
atei
t
Me:
Sur
e..
.

Her
ubbedt
hechi
l
dren'
sheadsbi
ddi
ngt
hem
goodbyeandrushedout,i
slowl
yclosedthe
shopdoorsl
ookingathiscarasi
tdisappear
ed
i
nt het
raf
fi
cthenIwalkedback.

AtGabor
one.
..
.

Hour
slat
erBakangandDudu'
smotherwal
ked
wal
kedal
ongthehospi
tal
corr
idor
..
..

Bakang:
(tur
ned)Thi
sway
..
.

Theyt
urnedtot
hewardsasBakangcar
ri
eda
l
it
tl
ebagwithDudu'
sthi
ngs.
..

Bakang:
Aren'
tyouhungr
y?
Her:No,I
'
mf i
ne.Ican'
tbehungr
ywhen
si
tuati
onsar
elikethi
s
Bakang:Butyoumusteatot
herwi
seyou'l
l
coll
apseandIwouldn'
tknowwhattodo.
(openedthebagandandhandedherajui
ce)
Pleasehaveadri
nk
Her:
(tookadi
pandsi
ghedi
nrel
i
ef)Thanky
ou
son.
..

Theysloweddownandwal kedi
nsi
dewhere
theyenqui
redandgotdi
rectedt
oherbed.
…

Theysloweddownast heyappr oachedherbed

star
ingather
,shewasn'tmov ingandshewas
connectedt
othemachi nes.Therewasan
oxygencordonhernoseandaI Vbyt hebed.
..

Bakang:(putdownt
hebag)I
'
llgi
vey
oua
minute.
..
Her
:No,
yougoi
nfi
rst
.I'
l
lwai
tout
side.
Shewalkedout
sidet henBakangslowlysatnext
toherbedandtouchedherwar m softhand,she
hadbandagesaroundherheadandpar tofher
ri
ghteyewascompl etel
ycovered.
..
.

Bakang: Duduetsang?Don' tleav ey ourgir

l..
.
Don' tleaveme, Iknowwedi deachot herwr ong
butwest ill
madeababyt hatwemustr ai
se
apar tortogethersopl easedon' tgi veup.Ilove
you. .
.(smi l
edtear f
ully
)don' tbeof fended..
.I
reallydol oveyou. .
.Ididn'tcomeal lt
heway
from Maunt oGabor onef ornot hing,icamet o
gety oubabeandy ou'llbewal kingoutoft his
hospi talbyyourself.Wear egoi ngt oraiseour
childrenandbeaf ami l
y .
..Ineedy outoput
thingsi norderlikeyouoncedi d.Thi sti
meI 'm
mat ure, I
'
llappreciatey ouref forts...Bothofy o.
Pleasegetup. .
...
..Weneedy ou...
Atmyhouse.
..

Latert
hateveni
ngibat
hedt hechi
ldr
enandput
them i
nthei
rpajamas,
Pr i
ncesswassti
l
lawful
ly
quiett
hanthecheer
fuloneiknewbutI
assumeditwasbecausewehadn'tseeneach
otheri
nalongtime.

Iserv
edeachoft hechi
l
drenwit
habowlof
Cornfl
akesandsatonthecouchwat
chi
ngTV
astheyate,igr
abbedmyphoneandsentat
ext
message...

Me:
Howi
sDudu?
Bakang:
Att
hehospi
tal
,thi
sisbad.
Me:
Howbad?
Bakang:
Sheisconnectedt oalotofmachi nes,
shecan'
ttal
kbutthey'
resay i
ngit'
sbecauseshe
hasbeenmedicated.(hesentapi ctureofher
wit
hhereyesclosed)Ilov
eher .Ican'tl
ooseher.
Notli
kethi
s
Me:
(tear
ful
l
y)Shewi
l
lbef
ine,
don'
tl
osehope.
Bakang:
Me:
BK?
Bakang:
Ilov
eher
Me:
Cani
cal
l
?
Bakang:
Sur
e

Isi
ghedanddi
aledhi
snumber
..
..

Att
hehospi
tal
.
...
..

Bakangswal
l
owedhol
dingherhandsi
tt
ingby
thebedashi
sphoner
ang,hetookadeep
breat
handpi
ckedhol
dingherhand.
..

Bakang:
Hel
l
o?

Atmyhouse.
..
.

It
ookadeepbr
eat
hwal
ki
ngt
otheki
tchen.
..

Me:
Hey
Bakang:
Hi
Me:
Howi
sshe?
Bakang:Idon'tknow.
..Sheisnottal
ki
ngbutthe
i
njur
yisbad, headinj
uryarereal
l
ybad..
.Ihope
shedoesn'tgettobebraindeadorsomething
Me:Shecan'
tbethat
,let
'sbeposi
ti
ve.Dudui
sa
f
ight
er,
shehastotel
luswhathappenedfor
t
hem t
oendupl
i
ket
his.
Bakang:
iwondert
oo.
..I
'
llt
alkt
oyoul
ater
Me:
Bye
Bakang:
bye

Ihungupandheadedtotheliv
ingr
oom where
ther
echil
drenhadf
all
enasleeponthecarpet
whil
ewatchingTV,
Igott
heirbowlsandtook
them t
obedonebyone.

Minut eslateriswitchedoffthelight
sandtook
offmygownt heni gotinbed, it
ossedand
turnedf oracoupl eofhourstheni heard
Pri
ncesscr yi
nghy steri
cal
ly
,i qui
cklygotupand
swi t
chedt heirl
ightson.

Shewassi
tt
ingont
hebedr
ubbi
ngherey
es.
..
Me:
Pri
ncesswhat
'
swr
ong?
Pr
incess:
(cr
ying)Papaisbeat
ingmamawi
tha
bi
gthingandbloodiscomingout.
..
.

Il
ift
edherupandswi tchedofft
hel
ight
stheni
wenttomyr oom withherandgoti
nbedwith
her,Il
aidherinf
rontofmeandputmyar m
aroundher..
..

Me:
Doy
ouknowani
ght
mar
e?
Pr
incess:
No
Me: I
t'
sabaddr eam..
..Thatdi
dnothappen.
Mamai sfi
ne,shewentt owork.Sheislat
e
becauseshehadt obuyy ouabicy
cle.
Pri
ncess:
(cr
ying)Papawasbeat
ingher,iwant
togoseeher.Iwanttogohome.
...Iwant
Mama
Me:ShhhPrincess,mamai satwork.I
fyou
don'
tbel
iev
emecl oseyoureyesandsleep.
Whenyouwakeupmamawi l
lbehereokay?
Pr
incess:
Okay
..
..

Afterafewsni ff
sandt ossesshefinal
l
yf el
l
asleep,Iswit
chedof ft
hel i
ghtsandlai
dnextto
her.Ineverknewi deeplycaredforDuduuntil
thatnight.
..
itookashor tsi
lentpr
ayerforher
anddozedof f.
..
.

AFEW DAYSLATER.
..
……….
.(
9t)

Al
waysremembert
oLi
keandl
eav
eacomment
,
muchl
ov e.
Co-
Wif
e
#99
AtTsame'
shouse.
..
.

Thestaffquant
um dr
oppedTsameandher
fr
iendatthegatet
hentheywal
kedi
ntheyar
d..
..

Fri
end:(l
ookedatherasshepr
essedherphone
fr
ustr
atedly
)Areyouokay?
Tsame: I
'
mf i
ne,Bakangtakesf
orevert
o
respondtomymessagesandi tseemslikeI
'
m
forci
ngmy selfonhim,ekarekemmor aka
sengwehel a.
Her
:Aoel
egor
ewhathappened?
Tsame: I'
m notsur
emmaoki l
ewabonamonna
helaekareobatagoi kgogelamor ago,kanai
fi
don'tcal
lhim hedoesn'tcallme,kennakemo
tapangkadi SMS.It'
sbeenday sresakopane
andhi sbi
ggestexcuseist hathedoesn'twant
toconf
usehi schi
ldrenbyint r
oducingalotof
woment othem, i
nev erv
isithim andhedoesn't
wantmet omeethi schil
drenmmekebanahel a
bakebaitsengbecausethei rgrandmotheri
s
myneighbor.
Her:Heisjustbei
ngaresponsi
blefather
,hei
s
agoodfather.Giv
ehi
mt ime..
.Ronabasadi
kanarebayabannaunderpressurethata
Tsame:Butthingshavechanged.
..(
looki
ngat
herphone)Isenthi
m amessagei nthemorning,
kehahehasn'trepl
i
edgaaboaot abeabuabo
gorehewaswi thhischi
l
drenwait
sennai ft
his
i
showi tsli
ketodateamanwi thchil
drengo
taapal
at ot
a..
.
Her
:May
behedi
dn'
tseet
hemessage
Tsame:Letmecal
lhim...(
handedhert
hekey
)
Tsaakeyobul
e,I
'l
lcatchup.

Herf
ri
endunl
ockedt
hehouseandwal
kedi
n
whil
eTsamewalkedtothefenceandcol
lect
ed
hersockswai
ti
ngforBakangtopi
ckthecall
..
..
.

Bakang:
Hel
l
o?
Tsame:
Hi
Bakang:
Hi
Tsame:Isentamessagei
nthemor
ning,
didn'
t
youseeit
?
Bakang:Oh,iwasgoi
ngtor
epl
yitbutt
heni
got
di
stract
ed.Howareyou?
Tsame:
Canwemeetandt
alk?
Bakang:
I'
minGabs,
I'
ll
seey
ouwhenIgetback
Tsame:
Whendi
dyougot
her
e?
Bakang:
Ihav
ebeenher
eforacoupl
eofday
s
Tsame:Andyouneverbot
her
edtotel
lmethat
?
Kanannantsekar
eomoMaun, Kantener
rao
bonaodir
asente?
Bakang:
Kaeng?
Tsame:Youjustl
eavewi
thoutt
ell
i
ngme?What
areyoudoi
ngthere?
Bakang:Pr
incess'
smotheri
sinthehospi
tal
,
Dudu'smotherneededari
deandidroveher
here.
Tsame:Doesn'
tshehav
erel
ati
ves?Hanneosa
rat
analeDuduet
sangmmagwenkabea
kgweeedi
wakemang?
Bakang:
Gakei
tse.
Tsame: (l
aughedindi sbel
ief
)Midoy ou'
renot
seri
ousaboutus, It'
sov er
.I'
m donewithyou.
Don'tevenbotherbeggi ngmeorl y
ingtome, i
haveobservedy ou,nowaday syoumake
excusesforeverythi
ng.Lent uyagagoy ou
don'twantmet herebecausey ourchil
drenar
e
supposedlyther
el i
kei wouldabusethem.It'
s
over.
Bakang:
Okay
,nopr
obl
em.Goshar
p
Tsame:
Goshar
p?

Hehungupt henshecall
edhim agai
nbuthe
didn'
tpi
ckthenshewalkedi
nt hehouseand
threwherbagnextt
oherfri
end

Her
:What
'swr
ong?
Tsame:
(tear
ful
l
y)Bakangbr
okeupwi
thme
Her
:Whatdi
dhesay
?
Tsame:It
oldhi
mitwasov
erandhesai
dokay
goshar
p
Her
:Youbr
okeupwi
thhi
m?
Tsame:Hebr
okeupwit
hme, i
wasn'
tseri
ous.I
wantedt
oseehowser
ioushewasaboutus.
Her:
Lewenamma,oraagoreekaremonnaa
i
tšat
šaor
aoboobuwadil
otseo?Kanajaanong
obonyel
egot
hoi
bil
ewagoitshwar
elel
akalone.
Ot
shami
ki
lekamonna
Tsame:I'
l
ltalkt
ohim..
.I'
m sur
eit
'sj
usta
misunder
standi
ng.Ketaabuwaleenekgant
ele.

Shet
urnedar
oundandt
ookof
fheruni
for
m..
..

AtBakang'
ssui
te.
..

Laterintheeveninghepar kedthecarand
steppedouthol di
ngtakeaway sthenheopened
thedoorandputt hem onthebed, hepushed
thedoorwi t
hhisf ootclosi
ngitandadjusted
theaircondit
ioner.

Hewhistl
edtakingoffhi
sjer
seyandj umpedon
thebedswit
chingtheTVonwi tharemot e,
he
gotundert
hecov er
sandpulledthetakeaways.
Supersportwasshowi
nghisteam andseei ng
hi
splayersgetti
ngonthefi
eldwasr ef
reshing,
hegrabbedagr i
ll
edpi
eceofst eakandleaned
backont hebigpil
l
owincr
easingthevolume. .
.

Hi
sphoner
ang.Hegl
ancedati
tandpi
cked.
..
.

Bakang:
(mut
edt
het
v)Yeah?
Temo:(
watchi
ngt
hegame)Coachopi
ki
le
baf
anasent
ewaabona?
Bakang:(l
aughed)Keabonal
ait
aka,
rabashapa
toni
ght.
..Heel
athemonnaTsamedumpedme
Temo:
(laughed)Sor
ryboy
Bakang:
(laughed)i
am ar
med
Temo:(l
aughed)Howdareshe?Can'
tyoushe
seeyoulov
eher.Hear
tbr
eaker!Womenare
t
rash,
sohowdi
dshedoi
t?
Bakang:Shej
ustblurteditout
,ni
ggayoushoul
d
haveseenmyface.Idi dn'
tknowwhethert
osay
thankyouorwhat.Ihav ebeenstr
uggl
ingt
olet
herknowthatiwasn'tfeeli
ngthi
sanymorebut
shejustmadeitsoeasy .
Temo:(l
aughed)You'r
elucky,godampiwanne
ol
emommudi ngwagodampi wakanago
monate,i
thel
aekareokakwalelakogaewaba
bol
elel
agorenyaammebadi mobooraTawana
batenggabaantshokel
adirope.
Bakang:(
laughed)Segasel akikesesele,iwas
str
essedbecausei havev owednottohurt
womenl i
kethatanymor e.Mygoal wastolet
hergobeforeDudui sdischargedbecausethen
iwouldn'
tbecheati
ng.
Temo:That
'str
ue,wecan'
tforceourselv
esto
bewit
hpeoplewedon'tf
eel j
ustbecausewe
areaf
rai
dtobelabel
ed.I
'm proudofherfor
endi
ngi
tbef
orei
tget
sdr
amat
ic.
Bakang:I
'm pr
oudofhertooweneedwomen
l
ikeher,
therewouldn'
tbeanystr
esst
ota.She
j
ustsavedusawhol elotofdr
amabydumpi ng
me,I'
m proudofher.
Temo:
Howi
sDudu?
Bakang:Shei
sgetti
ngbet
terbytheday
..
..She
i
srecoveri
ngbutshest
il
lcan'
ttal
k.
Temo: Shewil
lgetthere,wai
tsepeopl
echange.
IwouldhaveneverthoughtTueloofal
lpeopl
e
cantrytomurdersomeone, obonawena?
Wenanenkadumel alait
akabecauseyouwere
crazybutTuel
o?Uh
Bakang:I
'm al
soshocked,i
don'tunderst
and
whatcouldhavepushedhimtodoi tbecause
Duduleenekemot hohela,
sheisn'tst
ubborn.
Shealwaysseesgoodinpeoplekoorekeipotsa
gorewhathappened.Haveyougonet othe
memor i
alserv
ice?
Temo:WifeyandIdr
oppedbyyester
day,his
motheri
scryi
ngli
kecrazyandhi
sbrotherslook
l
ost.
Bakang:Mxm baogabankamet heyki
ll
ed
Maduo,ihopenowomandat esthem because
thepoorgi
rlwi
llf
acephysi
calandsexualabuse.
Temo:(
laughed)Theywi
l
lref
orm aker
elewena
ochenj
i
tse
Bakang: Butsomet hingsar ebett
erleftundone
thant obecor r
ectedaf ter
.Thewayi abused
Naledi koorengwanawabat holehaakanal e
goreshef orgivesmeshewi l
lnevertakeme
back.Bannagar eakany e,nakoeleatthefarmi
onlyhadonet houghtinmi ndkesaakany etse
kamoso, ididn'teventhinkaboutmychi l
drenor
theriskofi nfecti
onsi puthert hr
ough, t
hepai n
offorcedsexwi t
houtlubricati
on..
.Sheendur ed
allt
hatbecauseofmeandshest i
llmanagest o
smileatmeandev enhel pme.Womenar e
diff
erent..
.Theyar estrongerthanmen, theyare
speci
albecausennaifsomeoner apedmeI '
d
ki
llt
hem, theywoul
dbef oundlayi
nginapool of
bl
ood.I'l
lforev
err
espectNaledibecauseiknow
herpainandshereactedtotal
l
ydiffer
entf
rom
howi would.
Temo:(si
ghed)Anddr oppi
ngthecasewasj
ust
sel
fl
ess,obakelai
taka,don'
tevert
reata
womanl i
kethat
Bakang:Kebaki
leMr
,iwishIcoul
dtur
nback
thehandsofti
megobacktothatti
mewhen
NalediandDuduwer
efri
ends
Temo:(
laughed)Oki
l
ewannal
aki
thent
šake
wena
Bakang: (
laughedshakinghi
shead)Tmosmol e
neesel akiel
esesele..
.Wait
sekebaesit
se.Ha
modimoakamphat shonoeokamodi moleene
AzwindinewaMuv hungogaanagotsaasepeI'
l
l
worshipmywomen.
Temo:
(laughed)Buty
ousai
dNal
edi
made
t
hingscl
ear
Bakang:Shedi
dandi under
standherstand,
unl
ikeDuduiwenttoofarwit
hherbutker aa
hel
agoreifatal
lther
eisa1i namill
ionchance
andigetit
.
Temo: (si
ghed)Trevorl
eenewagobat athe
monna, hesayshemi ssesyou.Thebannabury
thehatchtrentshebasadidiout,
thatr
oadtr
ip
wetalkedabouty ear
sago,lareng?
Bakang: I
'l
ltal
ktohim..
.Hemadeami stakeand
I
'm wil
lingtoforgi
vehi
m, heal
readydi
dmea
bi
gf avorhelpi
ngNaledil
ehakesesuregore
bafanasobechet saexkanaothusanna
Temo:(l
aughed)Nohedi df
oryounnao
mpolel
etsegapehehasagirl
fr
iend,baseri
ous
wit
hthei
rrelat
ionshi
pandheistalki
ngabout
marri
ageandki dsokannaamoi misa
moshaaneame.
Bakang:
Aimi
seaut
west
resssapamper
s
Temo: (
laughed)Agoobuwaengkagawabaa
botset
sineol at
hil
e,nnakebei
l
ematset
siga
bedikennankabuwangkagot ur
agapampers
l
eNan
Bakang:(
laughed)TsekmaanakereDuduke
mmei l
ebotsetsikevai
lePri
ncessadul
emo
nt
ung,waboor engyaanong?
Temo:
(laughed)Ehesor
ryi
remembert
hat
Bakang:
(laughed)Fuckof
fmest
aa,
Temo:
(laughed)Shap
Bakang:
(laughed)Shap

Hehungupandi
ncr
easedt
heTVv
olume.
.

AtMaAbi
'
shouse.
..
.

Thenextmor
ningKgosi
andhi
swi
fepar
kedt
he
carandapproachedMaAbi asshewashanging
hercl
othesont hel
ine,
shedri
edherhandsand
metthem half
waywher et
heyshookhandsand
satdown..
..

Kgosi
:Weapol
ogi
zef
orj
ustpoppi
ngupl
i
ket
his
MaAbi
:Nopr
obl
em
Queen:
Mmel
eat
sogamol
ekane?
MaAbi :I
'
mf ine,
isti
l
lhaveapr
obl
em wit
hmy
chestbecauseican'
tst
opcoughi
ngbutI
'l
lbe
fi
ne.
Queen:
Hav
etheycheckedTB?
MaAbi:
Ihavebeenwai
ti
ngf
ortheresul
tsf
or
mont
hs,youknowhowfr
eehospi
tal
sare.
Queen:Weshouldgotoaprivat
edoctor
,hei
sa
famil
ydoctorhewil
lat
tendyouusingmy
medicalcar
d.HisnameisTumisangLedi
mo,
from t
heeLedimofami
ly
MaAbi:Ir
emembert
haty
oungman,
sohei
sa
doct
or?
Queen:Yes,
hei sverygood.Hewi l
lhelpyou
andhehasfriendsingovernmenthospital
s
becausehewor kedinLetshol
athebeforqui
te
somet i
me.
MaAbi
:I'
dli
ket
odot
hat
,
Kgosi:(l
aughed)Ladi
escaniatl
eastt
alkabout
mygr andchil
drenandl
eavey
outwot odiscuss
yoursicknesses?
Queen:(
theybot
hlaughed)I
'
m sor
rykgosi
yame,pl
easegoon
Kgosi:(
laughed)Wecamet ol etyouknowt hat
Duduetsanghadabi gf i
ghtwithherboy fr
iend
andshei sinthehospital
,Bakangi sin
Gaboronewi t
hhersobogadi willbepaidonhis
absencebutwewer erequesti
ngt hatthe
cel
ebrati
onpar tofi
twai tf
orhi m sohecan
enj
oythisdaywi thhischil
dren.It
'sjusta
r
equest
MaAbi:Nal
edialr
eadytoldmeaboutt hei
rpl
an
sotot
aronagarenabothata.Bogadiboka
gor
ogabanabataagorosiwamor ago.
Kgosi:
ThankGod,t
hankyou..
.(
stoodup)We
won'tt
akelong,
weareheadedtothefar
m
Queen:(stoodup)Iwillcal
lyouwhenIgetback
fr
om farm sowecanpassnyt hehospit
alf
or
yourchesttobecheckedf asterbogol
ohael e
TBot seel
er ur
idi
pil
i
si ourgrandchi
ldrenar
e
waytooy oungboNal edikebanakanasant se
baruti
wagonnabat sadi
MaAbi
:(st
oodup)Obuwamahoko,
kegone
t
ota

Thetri
ochatt
edwalki
ngtot
hecarwjer
ethey
shookhandsandpart
edasthechi
efdr
oveout
oftheyar
d.
MaKgosi fi
xedherboycutweavelooki
ngat
her
selfonthemirrorasthechi
efadmiredher
andsoftl
yheldherhand.
..

Kgosi
:Thanky
ou
Queen:
Forwhat
?
Kgosi :Forbei ngmyqueen, it
'sbeendecades
sinceIhav eseenpar tofyou.Iam fall
inginlove
withy ouev eryday ,I
'
m sorrythatIhadt urned
youi ntoabi tt
erspit
efulwomany ouwer e,
thanky ouf oral lt
hegoody oudid.You
protectedmyi magebeforethepeopl eand
that'
smor et hananyqueencando.Weal l made
mi st
akesont hewaybutit'
sni cewhenwe
cooper ateliket hi
s,t
hankyouf orbeingmywi f
e.
Queen:
Thankyou.
..(
sighed)Howi
s
Duduet
sangdoi
ng?
Kgosi
:Hesay
ssheisr
ecover
ingwel
l
,heseems
tobeaft
erar
euni
onofsomesort
.
Queen:
AkerehehasTsame?Midokabobel
ete,
mothoyot
heeril
egogotsaahetel
ela
Kgosi
:(l
aughed)Ogot
sit
semang?
Queen: (
laughed)Lentshenyedit
sengwana, ka
i
bileodiril
wekebat hobamekgwaet shwanang
j
aanongeneowor se,
hisheartisv er
yweakhe
l
ov eseverythi
ngthatpassesbyt he
road.Ngwanakeoakgar akgatshegat hebatho
kegor atabasadibogologaany alegot hehela
j
aakamal omagwey ookoSaut af
rika
Kgosi
:Heplay
edwit
hhisfi
rstchance,
i doubt
hewil
lhav
easecondchance.Youcan'tbe
l
uckytwi
ce
Queen:Iblamemy selff
orthingsnotworking
out,
thosegirl
swer eyoungandi nnocent
,we
coul
dhav emadei tpossibl
eforhim butiwasa
motherinlawfrom hell
.Bakangcouldhave
donesomet
hinghi
stor
icbyawakeni
ngt
heol
d
tr
adi
ti
on.
Kgosi:Isupport
edtheideabutyouweret
he
neckandi fthenecki
sn'tsuppor
ti
vet
hehead
won'tobviousl
yfunct
ionwell.
Queen:
Nyaammedi
lodit
aasi
ama.I'
ll
prayonit
,
DudukeammonamothokeNal
edi
,shelooks
i
mpossibl
e
Kgosi:(
laughed)Mybrot
hertel
l
smet hatev
en
hi
sy oungestwifei
sspoi
ltanddif
fi
cul
tbutt
he
ol
deronesal waysmanagetoputheri
nher
pl
ace.
Queen:
(laughed)Wai
tsekemat
hat
a,
Kgosi
:whatdoy
out
hinkofpol
ygamy
?
Queen:Idon'thaveaprobl
em withpol
ygamy
,i
thi
nkitshouldbelegal
i
zedsot hatwecanst
op
cry
ing.Ifsomethi
nghappenswi t
hyour
knowledgeitdoesn'
taff
ectyou.
Kgosi
: Kgm..
.Soyouwoul
dn'
thaveaprobl
em
wit
hDor cas?Ker
aahel
a,nott
hatiwantheror
anyt
hing..
.
Queen: Didy ouseri
ouslybeli
evei neverknew
youwer esl eepi
ngwi t
hherallthesey ears?The
onlythingthathurtmewasy ouf acingmeev er
y
dayandl yi
ngaboutit.Ihavenev erhatedher
evenaf terknowingshewassl eepi ngwithy ou
andi li
kedt hatshelovedResegoandMi dot he
sameway ,shewasahar dwor kerandi l
ov ed
havingherar oundbecauseshehel pedme.Iam
abov eher..
.Shewast heCo-wife.
Kgosi:(pul
l
edov
erandfacedherspeechl
essl
y)
War engneMmaKgosi?
Queen:
(laughed)Cany
oudr
ivet
hiscarpl
ease?
Kgosi
:(smil
edstari
ngather)Repeaty
our
sel
f
pl
ease,idon'
tthi
nkiunder
standyou
Queen:(l
aughedbl
ushi
ng)I
'
m notr
epeat
ing
myself
,dri
vethecar
Kgosil
eanedoverandbabykissedherthenhe
huggedherandsmiledlooki
nginhereyesas
shesmiledandshookherhead..
.Hesighedand
j
oinedtheroadastheyheadedtothethei
r
far
m...
..
.

Atschool
..
..

LateratnoonAmequi etl
yli
nedupcr ayons
accordingt othei
rcolorsmaki ngapatter
nthen
anotherst udentpassedbyst eppi
ngonhi s
patter
n, heangr i
l
ypushedhi m down,the
studentf el
ldownhi t
ti
nghi sheadont hechair
thenhegotupandt ri
edtopushAmebutAt si
l
e
quickl
ybl ockedhim andpushedhi m down..
.

At
sil
e:(
angr
il
y)Don'
tpushhi
m..
.
St
udent
:(cr
yingr
ubbi
nghi
shead)Hepushed
me..
At
sil
e:Becausey
oust
eppedonhi
spat
ter
n
Masego:(
rubbedthest
udent'
shead)At
tydon'
t
pushhi
m...(
tohim)Sor
ryokay?
Student:(
cryi
ng)I
'm goi
ngt
otel
lteacher
,
(l
oudly)Teacher
!?
At
sil
e:Idi
dn'
tpushy
ou,
arey
oucr
azy
?

Theteacherst
oppedmarki
ngt
hei
rpaper
sand
walkedoverasthest
udent
smadenoi
se
chatt
ingl
oudly.
..

Teacher
:Guy
s!Keepqui
et!Ican'
thearmy
sel
f
thi
nki
ng..
.

Shepausedl
ooki
ngatt
heempt
yboxesof
cray
onsandt hebigpatter
nAmemadeont he
fl
oor.
..Shecoul
dn'tputherfi
ngeronitbutit
waswei r
dandbr i
ll
iantf
orhisage,thepat
tern
wasper f
ectasitdi
dn'thaveanycrayonst
icki
ng
outoftheother
s.

St
udent
:AmeandAt
sil
epushedme.
..Myhead
i
shurt
sher
e..
.
Teacher:(
checkedandf
oundabump)What
happened?
Atsil
e:(
Amekeptqui
et)Hedi
dn'
tpushhi
m and
ididn'
tpushhi
m
Teacher:Ly
ingi
sbad,
I'
ll
askagai
n.What
happened?
Atsi
le:(
lookingather)Isaidi
di dn'tpushhi
m
andAmedi dn'
tpushhi m maybehepushed
hi
mself( noti
cedhisshoeswer en'tti
ed)orhe
tr
ippedonhi sshoelaces.
Teacher
:(Masego)Babywhathappened?Bea
goodgir
landtel
lthetr
uth
Masego:(l
ooki
ngatAmebi
ti
nghi
snai
l
s)Idi
dn'
t
seeanyt
hing
Teacher:
I'
m goingt
ocallyourmotherorfat
her
becauseyoualwaysbeatother
sandlieabouti
t,
Atsi
lewhyareyoulyi
ng?
At
sil
e:I
'
m notl
yi
ng
Teacher:
(annoy
ed)You'
reapathol
ogi
calli
ar,
(angr
il
yturnedt
oher)Masegowhathappened?
Masego:
(cr
ying)Idi
dn'
tseeany
thi
ng
Teacher
:Mxm totannaker il
ebal
ekgaogany
e,i
can'
thavetr
ipl
etsharassingmyclassl
i
kethi
s,
goandsitdown,all
ofy ou.

Theyal
lwentt
othei
rseat
sbutAmer
emai
ned
wit
hhispat
ter
n..
.
Teacher:GoandsitdownAme,(angr
il
y)Isai
d
go,ketagobatol
amol omoonkareolomil
weke
notshio,go!
Ame:
No.
.

Hesatnexttohispat
ternandcontinuedl
ini
ng
thecl
asscrayons,
theteachershookherhead
andwenttothepri
ncipal
'soff
ice.
..
.

AtSt
arI
nter
netCaf
é..
.

Meanwhil
eihandedmyassi
stantheroff
er
l
ett
erthenshereadi
tsmi
li
ngandf acedme.
..

Her
:Thanky
ouma'
am
Me:
(laughed)Pleasecal
lmeNaledi
or
MmagweAt sil
e,ma'am i
stoof
ormal
Her
:(nodded)Yesma'am (
webot
hlaughed)I
meanMmagweAt si
l
e...
Me: (
sighed)Al
ri
ghtsoI '
l
lseey ouwheny ou
repor
tforduty,
thecomput ersareherebuti
needtobuyaf ewthingsinGabor one,
gakeitse
gorekeagoeber ekajangbutI'l
lmakesur e
whenweopennex tweekev ery
thingwil
lbeset.
Her
:Thanky
ouma'
am,
I'
ll
beont
ime
Me:
(smi
l
ed)Shar
p..
.

Shestoodupandwal
kedoutasmyphone
rang.
..

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Pr
inci
pal
:Hel
l
oMmagweAt
ty
Me:
Hihowar
eyou?
Pr
inci
pal
:I'
m good,
cany
oucomet
omyof
fi
ce
whenyoucol
l
ectthechi
l
drentoday
?Iwoul
dli
ke
t
otalkt
oyouaboutsomethi
ng.
Me:
(shookmyhead)Whatdi
dAt
sil
edo?
Pri
ncipal
:It'
sbothboysbuti
don'
twantt
otal
k
aboutitoverthephone
Me:
I'
ll
bet
her
einashor
twhi
l
e.
Pri
nci
pal:
KanteAmeokil
eagobonaa
pedi
atr
ici
anabouthi
sdel
ayedspeech?
Me: No,
thedoctorsaidweshouldn'
tbeworri
ed
unti
lheis4year
sol dbecausesomechildr
endo
thi
ngsatthei
rownpace, iknowheonlyhas
l
itt
lewordsinhi
sv ocabul
arybutit
houghti
t'
s
nothi
ngbecausethedoctorsaidi
t'
snormal.
Pr
inci
pal
:Okay
,wewi
l
ltal
kwheny
ougether
e.
Me:
Bye.
..

Ihungupandsortedmypaper
wor
kthenmy
phonerangagai
n..
.
Me:
Hel
l
o?
Bakang:
MmagweAt
tywee?
Me:
(smi
l
ed)Rr
agweAt
ty
Bakang:
kethwaagal
etsemyt
roubl
esome
chi
pmunkskemogolabone
Me:(l
aughed)thepr
inci
palj
ustcal
l
edme,
Bakangtherr
aosekawat senyabongwanake
kabotoutuj
wagagopolis
Bakang:(l
aughed)Don'
tfor
gety
oubeatmeup
wheni wasinthehospi
tal
,howsur
ecanwebe
thatt
heytookitfr
om me?
Me:(
laughed)Fosekyoumusttal
ktoyoursons,
mxm verysoontheywil
lspoi
lmyangel
icgi
rl
Bakang:
I'
ll
tal
ktot
hem,
iwasj
ustchecki
ngon
them.
Me:
Theyaregood,
I'
m pl
anningtogivemy
mot
herorDor
casallt
hechi
ldrentodaybecause
I'
m comingther
etobuysomet hingsfort
he
computersandextr
ainks.Kebatalecoff
ee
machinesothatIcanservecof
fee.
Bakang:
Howmanyst
affmember
sdoy
ouhav
e?
Me:Ihaveanoffi
ceassist
antandacleaner
,the
cl
eanerwil
lbeservi
ngteaaswellbecauset
he
Cafèi
ssmal l
.
Bakang:
I'
m pr
oudofy
oumi
ssi
ndependent
.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Bakang:Doyouhav
eaccommodat
ioni
n
Gaborone?
Me: Umm. .
.IwasthinkingofusingArona's
room thoughshesay ssheissharingwit
haguy.
EletsalayagaAronaj aanakeipotsagoreao
i
tekanetsemot hal
ogany ongtota
Bakang:(
webothlaughed)Icanaccommodate
you,I
'
mr ent
inganapart
mentf oracoupl
eof
days,I
'
llt
akethecouchwhil
ey ouusethe
bedr
oom.
Me:Okay,t
hatwi
l
lbegreat
.I'
l
llety
ouknow
whenIgetint
hebus.I
'
m pl
anningtouset
he
ni
ghtbus.
Bakang:I
'l
lpi
ckyoufr
om t hebusrank,
it'
sver
y
col
ddownher ebri
ngaj acketkanaMaunis
al
way shotev
eninwinter
Me:I'
l
lbr
ingajer
seynnarr
agakenaj
acket
,
set
aanhothahel
aseramesakoo.
Bakang:Aboogothol
asehubasagor
oba,
I'
ll
tel
lpeopl
eidon'
tknowyou
Me:
(laughed)Aor
ra
Bakang:
(laughed)Shapaut
wa
Me:
Shap.
.

Ihungupandcont
inuedwor
king.
..
.
Atschool
..
.

Latert
hataft
ernoonTumelopar
kedt hecar
thenApri
landtheboysranover
,theygotint
he
carandpull
edthebelt
s..
.

Tumel
o:(
smi
l
ed)Heyguy
s
Apr
il
:Hel
l
odaddy
Br
ian:
Hi,
(gav
ehi
mthepaper
)IgotB
Tumel
o:Buty
oual
way
sgetA,
whathappened?
Br
ian:
Idon'
tknow
Tumelo:
It'
sprobabl
ybecausei
t'
sanewschool
,
you'
l
lbefine
Scot
t:Daddyi
wantmama
Tumel
o:(si
ghed)Mamahadtogohomet
oget
moreofhercl
othes,
shewi
l
lbeback.
Br
ian:
Shesai
dshewi
l
lcomef
orus
Tumel
o:what
?
Bri
an:Isawheryest
erday,shecamehereand
shesaidshewassorryforbeat
ingmetoo
much,shesaidshewil
lcomef ormeandScott
whenshehasahouseandal otoff
ood.She
sai
dnott ot
elly
ou.
Tumelo:(
fakedasmi
l
e)That
'
sni
ce.
..(
sighed)
Readytogo?
Al
l
:Yeah.
..

Hepl
ayedmusi
cdr
ivi
ngout
..
.

Meanwhileisl
oweddownasiappr
oachedt
he
school
gate,Tumel
oroll
eddownhi
swindowas
didApr
ilatt
heback.
..

Apri
l
:(smi
l
edwi
del
yandwav
ing)Mama?Mama
hi
Me:
Heybabyhowar
eyou?
Apr
il
:Whenar
eyouget
ti
ngme?Iwantt
ocome
home
Me:I'
m goingtoGaboronetoni
ght,
whenIget
backI'
m getti
ngyouandspendingthewhol
e
weekendwi t
hy oumyloveokay?
Apr
il
:Okay
..
.
Tumel
o:(
looki
ngi
nmyey
es)Hi
Me:
Hi
Tumel
o:Whenar
eyouget
ti
ngme?Iwantt
o
comehome
Me:
(laughed)Ihav
eenoughboy
s,sor
ry
Tumel
o:(
laughed)I
twaswor
that
ryhey
?
Me:
(laughed)Sor
ry.
..(
tot
heboy
s)Hel
l
oboy
s!
Bot
h:Hel
l
o
Me:(
smi
l
ed)Theseboy
slooky
ou,
wai
tshol
a
r
ra
Tumel
o:Thanks
Me:
Bye
Tumel
o:By
e

Idrov eintotheschool andheadedtot he

pri
nci pal'
soffi
cewher eIwasupdat edaboutt
he
tr
iplets'
sbehav iorespeciall
yAme's
awkwar dness.Iwalkedoutoft heoff
ice
conf usedbyt herecentpat t
ernshehadbeen
maki ngwi thanythi
nghef ound.
..

AtGabor
one.
..
.

Laterthateveni
ngBakangwal
kedintoDudu'
s
room andputherfoodonthet
able,hesatdown
andr ubbedherhand.
..
.
Bakang:
Hey
..
.

Sheslowlyt
urnedherheadandlookedathi
m
wit
honeey eastheotherwasunderthe
bandageswrappedaroundherhead.
..
.

Bakang:(smiled)Lookaty
ou.
..You'
reso
beauti
ful
t oday..
.

Shel ookedathi m wanti

ngsobadt oknowi f
Princesssurvivedbutshesti
llcouldn'
tcont
rol
herjaws, shewi shedhecoul
dupdat eheron
thatbuthewasn' tthi
nki
nganywher eneart
hose
l
ines.Tear srol
leddownandhewi pedthem
withat i
ssue...
.

Bakang:Don'
tcr
y,you'
rest
rongandI
'
m not
l
eavingwit
houtyou,r
eboalaMaunontsei
nthe
fr
ontseat.
..Tuel
ohunghimsel
f,i
wonderwhat
happened.
..Ican'
twai
tfory
outotel
lmewhat
happened.
..

Sheblinkedasatearfel
ldown,
Bakanggrabbed
astr
awandputi tinhermouthasshesucked
thej
uice..
.

Hermotherwal
kedinandgreet
edhimt
henhe
handedhert
hejui
ceandstoodup.
..

Bakang:
I'
ll
beonmywayout
Her
:Don'
tl
eav
eonmyaccount
Bakang:
Iwasabouttoleav
eanyway,
I'
mtr
ying
tobeatt
hetraf
fi
cbecauseiwantt
obuyaf
ew
thi
ngsatthemall
.
Her
:Okay
,gowel
l
.
Hegent
lyr
ubbedherhandandwal
kedout
..
..
.

Att
hebusr
ank.
..

Thenextmorni
ngar ound5am theni
ghtbus
rol
l
edinthecit
ycenter,It
ookoutmyphone
whil
eeati
ngthelastredgrapesint
heplast
ic.
..

Me:
(text
ed)Reat
senahar
enkeng
Bakang:
(repl
i
ed)Wai
ti
ngi
nthepar
kingl
ot
Me:
Thanks,
lol
jaanongmo keeng?
Bakang:
Me:
Bakang:
Me:
Bakang:
Otshegaeng?
Me: sor
ry
Bakang:Icanseey
ourbus,
emaoy ekopeleere
ephekaonnewant ha,
areyouweari
ngajacket
?
I
t'
sv er
ycold.
Me:I'
m wear
ingaj
ersey
,it
oldy
oui
don'
thav
ea
j
acket
Bakang:
Ari
ght
,shar
p
Me:
okay

Iputmyphonebackint
hebagandst
oodup
pull
i
ngmyt i
ghtj
eansupandf
ixi
ngmyhai
ras
thebusst
opped.
..
.

Thedooropenedt heni
steppedoutastheci
ty'
s
coldnesswelcomedme,Icouldheart
hecold
windblowingasBakanghurri
edover,
heputa
pi
nkj acketar
oundmyshouldersandgotmy
handbagthenhegrabbedmyhandandledme
tothecar.I
twasabitdarkandcol
dnesscoul
d
defi
nit
elyfr
eezet
hewat er
..
..

Heopenedthedoorformethenigoti
nand
cl
osedthedoor.Hegotontheot
hersi
deand
cl
osedthedoorthenheputmybagintheback
andhandedmeahotcof f
ee..
.

Me:(si
pped)Thanksfort
hehotchocol
ate.
..
(
lookedatthej
acket)Whosej
acketi
sthis?
Bakang:
It'
syour
s,i
boughti
tyest
erday
..
Me:I
t'
sbeauti
ful
,thanks,
ker
atamaboany
anaa
t
eng.
..Thankyou
Bakang:
Sur
e

Her
eversedanddr
ov eoutoft
hepar
kinglot
.
Wedrov
et hr
oughalotoftr
aff
icl
i
ght
s, af
ter
spendingsomanyy earsinMaun'sl
it
tl
eroadsi
hadclearl
yforgot
tenthecit
ytraf
fi
canditwas
annoyi
nghowmuchwest oppedevenwhen
ther
ewer en'
tanycars.
..

Me:(si
ghed)I
'm soti
red,
ragogor
ogaleng
bat
ho..
.(l
ookedaround)Ther
eisnoonejustgo
Bakang:
(laughed)Don'
tst
artwena.
..
Me:(l
eanedback)Mybacki
ssopai
nful
,busf
or
8hourseish.
..

Hest eppedontheacceler
atoranddrove
throughtheredl
ight
s,hedidthesamewi ththe
foll
owingonesandincreasedhisspeedonthe
highwaythenweheardt hepoli
cesir
enbehind
us...
.

Bakang:
(lookedont
hemi
rr
or)Shi
t.
..
Me:
(lookedback)Cr
ap!I
'
m sor
ry
Bakang:
It'
sokay
,weary
ourbel
t.
..

Hepulledovertotheneareststopt
henthe
hi
ghwaypat rolcarpul
l
edov erbehi
ndus,the
copwal kedoverasBakangr ol
l
eddownt he
window...

Off
icer
:(l
eanedov
er)Mor
ena?Thatbi
gredl
i
ght
gaebonal
e?
Bakang:
I'
m sor
ryi
-
Of
fi
cer
:Mayi
hav
eyourl
i
censeandI
Dpl
ease?

Helookedatthecarr
egi
str
ationandl ookedat
measBakanghandedhi mthelicense,unaware
hepausedforasecondandswal l
owedst ari
ng
atme,Idi
dn'tseemuchofhisfaceundert he
capbuticouldseehi
sli
pssurroundedbyhi s
shor
twel
ltr
immedbear
dandt
het
ipofhi
s
shar
pnose.
..

Hesnappedoutofi
tandst
rai
ght
enedup
readi
nghi
sli
censeadIDt
henhehandedt
hem
back.
..

Of
fi
cer
:I'
l
llety
ouof
fwi
thawar
ning
Bakang:
Thanky
ou

Hewal kedar oundt hecartomysi de,ashe

passedi nfrontofthecarlightsigotagood
si
dev iewofhi m.Hewasn' tmuscul arbuthe
wascl earl
yast rongman, awel lbui
ltpurea
Mot swanaman.Hi swaistlookedgoodwi t
hthe
bel
tandev eryt
hinghangingar oundthere,f
ora
momenti thoughti waslookingatapol i
ce
off
icerinaAmer icanmov i
e,Godbl ess
Bot
swanaPol
i
ceSer
vices.

Heknockedonmywi ndow,
irol
l
edi tdownt
hen
hel
eanedoverl
ookingatme.Il
ickedmylower
l
ipl
ookingi
nhiseyes.

Off
icer
:Doyouknowwhataseatbel
twas
cr
eatedfor
?
Me:
Um.
..
formysaf
ety
.
Of
ficer
:I'
m char
gingyouforput
ti
ngyour
pr
eciousli
featr
isk,doyouhaveachi
ld?
Me:
Tri
plet
s,t
heyar
ear
ound3
Offi
cer:
Ishoul
dbealit
tl
est
if
faboutthi
s
becauseyouwanttomaket
hosekidsorphans
befor
etimeakere?
Me:
I'
m sor
ryof
fi
cer
..
.
Of
fi
cer
:(t
ookoutacappucci
nor
ecei
ptf
rom hi
s
pocketandapen)cani
hav
eyournames?
Me:
Nal
edi
Thapel
o
Off
icer:Andyourcel
lnumber?(ispel
l
editout
)
I
'm goingtocheckyouinoursystem,i
fyou
don'thaveanyoff
ensesI'
l
llett
hisgo.

Hewalkedawaypressi
nghisphoneaswe
l
ookedathim ont
hemi r
rorthenmyphone
vi
brat
edinmyhandbag,itookitoutandlooked
att
hescreen,i
twasaprivat
enumber .
..

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Voi
ce:
Ist
haty
ourboy
fri
end?
Me:
No
Voice:You'
rebeauti
ful
.
..(
ididn'
tknowhowto
respondwithBakangstar
ingatme)Repeat
afterme..
.Thankyousomuch, nnakeit
seke
senamel at
oepe.
Me:
Thankyousomuch,
nnakei
tsekesena
mel
atoepe.

Hehungupthenhedr
ovepastusj
oini
ngt
he
hi
ghway.
..

Of
fi
cer
:Thanky
ou.
..

Heroll
edupthewi
ndowandaccel
erat
edas
Bakangjoi
nedt
hehi
ghway.
..
.

Bakang:
Mt hakaowaay akakana,
elegor
e
Poli
ceennilelengadvancedmogokana?he
wantedyournumber .
Me:May
behedi
dn'
t.
..Whatmakesy
out
hinkhe
di
d?
Bakang:
Hisf
aci
alexpr
essi
onchangedwhenhe
sawy ou,oti
l
ekamai
kael
eloagomphachar
ge.
Blockhisnumber
Me:(showedhi
mt hephone)Hecal
l
edwi
tha
pr
ivatenumber
..
.
Bakang:
(angr
il
y)Nxl
a..
.

Hest
eppedont
heaccel
erat
or.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.(9t
)
Co-
wif
e
#100

Att
hesui
te.
..
.

Heunl ockedt
hedoorholdingmyhandbagand
openedt heniwal
kedi
n,hehadbeenqui et
si
nceourencounterwit
ht hepol
iceoff
icerandI
wasn'tevensurei
fhewasangr ywit
hmeorj ust
hurt
.
Isl
owl
ytookofft
hejacketandsatont
hecouch
ashecl
osedthedoor.
..

Bakang:Youcangoli
edownforafewhours
akereyoucangoshoppi
ngl
aterar
ound10am?
It
'ssti
l
lverycol
d.
Me:
Yeah.
..
Bakang:
Let
'sgo.
..

Heledmet
othebedr
oom andputmyhandbag
down..
.

Bakang:
Doy
oumor
ecof
fee?
Me:
No,
I'
mfi
ne.
..Thanks
Bakang:
Sur
e
Isatont hebedtakingoffmyshoesandgoti n
bedashewal kedoutclosi
ngthedoor,It
ookof f
myj er
seyandl ai
ddownonhi swhit
ebedding
thenhesof t
lyknockedont hedoorandwaited
formyr esponse.
..

Me:
(looki
ngatt
hedoor
)Tsena

Heopenedsl
owl
yandleanedbythedoor
frame
f
oldi
nghisar
mslooki
ngatme..
..

Bakang:
Heisgoi
ngt
ocal
lyouagai
nbecause
hewantsyou.
Me:(
hest
aredatmewai
ti
ngf
ormyr
esponse)
Howdoir
espondtot
hat
?
Bakang:
Doy
ouwanthi
m?
Me:Ihaven'
thadaver
ygoodlookathim but
ev
enifIdidiwoul
dn'
ttel
lyoubecauseidon'
t
owey ouanexplanati
on.Wehavebeenoverfor
yearsBakang,i am si
ngleandi
fiwanttobeina
rel
ationshi
pI'
l
l choosewhoi want
.I'
l
lchooseby
my self
Bakang:
Youdi
dn'thav
etosayal
lthat
..
.Iasked
youasimpl
equesti
on,doy
ouyouwanthim or
not?
Me: Bakangithoughtyouwer egivi
ngme
accommodat ionasafriendsincewear enot
goingout,i
fthereisaproblem icanleave
Bakang:You'
rest
il
lal
lov
erthepl
ace,
obuaka
di
lotsennakesabuangsepekat
sone,doy
ou
wanthim?
Me:
Honest
ly.
..
.I'
m notsur
e..
.May
benot
Bakang:
(wal
ki
ngout
)Goodcausehei
sacop,
what'
shegoi
ngtoof
fery
ou?
Me:Wow!Somenar
echosenl
ooki
ngatt
he
pocket
?
Bakang:
(tur
nedar
ound)Inev
ersai
dany
thi
ng
aboutmoneyyoudi
d
Me:
You'
resof
ull
ofy
our
sel
f
Bakang:Getsomesl
eepandr
esty
ourback,
I'
m
goi
ngf oradri
ve.

Heclosedthedoorandwal
kedaway
,his
remarkki
ndofspoil
edmymoodbuti ev
ent
ual
l
y
dozeoff.
..
..

AtSt
arI
nter
netCaf
é..
..

Reneiopenedthedoorsandputhermakeup
andnailpr
oductsonthei
rtabl
ethenherphone
rang.
..
.

Renei
:Hel
l
o?
Abi
:Hey
..
.
Renei
:And?Howdi
ditgo?
Abi:Itwasav erbalwarni
ngforbothofus,t
hey
couldn'tdeter
mi newhowastell
ingthetr
uthso
theywar nedbothofus.Ihavedecidedtomove
from theapartmentsheknowsandf ind
somewher eelseshedoesn'
tknow.
Renei
:That
'
sbet
ter
Abi
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Renei:Iwasfi
xingmypall
ets,nextweekweare
openingiwanttobereadyforNaledi
'
s
customers,whentheyf
ini
shpr i
nti
ngI'
m doi
ng
thei
rnail
sandmakeup
Abi
:Andhowmuchwill
itbet
opai
ntsomeone'
s
nai
l
swithnai
lpol
i
sh?
Renei
:It
'
salotofmoneyandi
t'
snotj
ustanai
l
pol
ishbabet
herrawena
Abi
:(l
aughed)Keabot
saaker
ewi
fey
?Ial
way
s
doyournai
l
ssoit houghti
t'
ssomethi
ng
someonedoesathomel yi
ngonthebed,
wago
di
rakaboP10
Renei:(l
aughed)Otantshut
isabat
hobaregao
bonaosai tsegoraagoremosadigaaiti
re
mont e,nai
lsareexpensi
ve.
..
.Ther
eare
compl i
catedones,thecl
assyonesesengmoo
tshasanghela
Abi
:Ehe,anywayI'
m goi
nghomewearegoi
ng
tof
inal
izethechi
l
dren'
sbogadi
wit
hthe
Tawana's
Renei
:Okby
e
Abi
:by
e

Shehungupandcont i
nuedsort
ingherthi
ngs,
therewasaknockontheglassthensheturned
aroundlooki
ngatt
hedoor.Tumelosmiledand
wav edt
henshewalkedoverandopened..
.
Renei
:Hey
..
.
Tumelo:
Hi ,
inot
icedther
ewassomeonei
nsi
de
it
houghtitwasNaledi
Renei
:shei
sinGabor
one
Tumelo:
Yeahshetol
dme,iguessi t
hought
ther
ewasadelayorsomet
hing.
..Sohoware
you?
Renei
:I'
mfi
ne
Tumelo:(
stari
ngi
nherey
es)Cany
out
ell
your
fr
iendist
il
llov
eher?
Renei
:(l
aughed)I
'
lll
etherknow
Tumelo:
.Iknowidisappoi
ntedherbutIbel
i
eve
ther
eisachanceforusifwetry.
Renei
:I'
l
lletherknow
Tumelo:
Thanks.
..(
ther
ewasashor
tsi
l
ence)
Okay
,bye
Renei
:
Bye

Het
urnedar
oundandwal
kedaway
..
..

Atschool
..
.

Dorcasparkedthecarandhel
pedt
hechi
l
dren
outofthecar.
..
.

Dor
cas:
(put
ti
ngAmedown)Car
eful
Ame
Pr
incess:
Wear
elat
e..
.Ev
ery
onei
sincl
ass
Dorcas:
You'
ll
bef i
ne,Amer
unt
othecl
ass.
..
.
Runtoyourcl
asses..
..

Theyallr
antowardsthei
rglassesasAme
walkedawaypointi
ngattheshapesonthewal
l
unablet
outter
.
Meanwhi
leDorcasgoti
nthecaranddr
oveout
oft
heschool
.

Att
heapar
tment
..
..

Meanwhi
l
e..
.
(((
(((
((((
(((Hewal kedar oundt hecartomyside,
ashepassedi nfrontoft hecarli
ghtsigota
goodsi dev i
ewofhi m.Hewasn' tmuscularbut
hewascl earl
yast r
ongmanandf oramomenti
fel
tli
kei waswat chingapol iceoffi
cerin
Amer icanmov i
es.Heopenedt hedoorand
pull
edmeout sidethenhepushedmeagai nst
thecarandcuf fedmyhandsbehi ndme.Iwas
shakingst andinginmyhi ghheelsandshor t
bandageski rtasi tslowlyrol
ledup.Icouldfeel
hisboneronmybut tthenhespankedme, i
moanedandt urnedmyheadt ryi
ngtolookat
hi
m,heputhisar
m ar
oundmyneckl
ocki
ngme
asif
acedthesky
.Thefr
ownonhisf
acegav
e
mechil
l
s..
.

Of
fi
cer
:Whyar
en'
tyouput
ti
ngony
ourseatbel
t?
Me:
(swal
l
owed)I
'
m sor
ry.
..
.

Hepulledmyski rtupandsqueezedmyr ound

bott
om t henher oughlyspankedmesomuchi
heardit.Hepulleddownmypant i
esandspr ead
mybut tapartthenhebentov erl
ookinginside
measi helpl
esslyleanedagainsttheHighway
patr
olcarbonnetwi t
ht hecuffsonmywr i
st..
.
Hespreadmyf lapsandf li
ckedmybeant henhe
sl
idhismi ddlefingeri
nsidemeasi moaned. .
.

Hesl
i
ditoutandst
rai
ght
enedupput
ti
ngi
tin
mymouth.
..
.
Of
fi
cer
:Whyar
en'
tyouwear
ingy
ourseatbel
t?
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
..
.

Hekissedmeandt ookof
fhi
spolicecap
put
ti
ngi tonmyheadthenheunzi
ppedhisnavy
bl
uepant sandstr
okedhi
msel
fstandingbehi
nd
me.Hel i
ftedbot
hofmybutt
om andai med.
..

Icl
osedmyeyesandfli
nchedashepunished
mebythesi
deoftheroadatnightascarsbl
ew
hor
nspassi
ngby))
)))
)))
)))
))

Myalar
m wentoffthenIopenedmyeyeswhi
le
mypearlwasst
il
lthrobbi
ng,mypant
ieswer
e
wetandmyheartwasbeat i
ng..
.
Iswi t
cheditoffandlaidbackcl
osingmyeyes
sot hatt
hepol i
ceoffi
cercouldf
inishof
fhi
s
punishmentbutt hedream wasgoneanditwas
frustr
ati
ng.Islowlyputmyhandi nmypanti
es
to-Myphonei nter
rupted.
..

Me:
(tookadeepbr
eat
h)Hel
l
o?
Renei
:Heyy
ou
Me:Ohgir
lpl
easeprayf
orme,theJezebeli
n
meisfal
l
ingf
orthi
sotherguyt
hatIdon'tev
en
know
Renei
:(l
aughedandsang)Jezebel
oya
nkwat
isa.
..Eh-
ehJezebel
Me: Don'tlaughitsnotfunny,thebathongi feel
soguilt
yf oradmi r
ingthatguy...Unif
ormy a
pol
iceley oneet aaredir
isadiphoso.Soi met
thi
spoliceof fi
cerearl
i
ert hi
smor ni
ng..
.Actuall
y
hestoppedBakangbecauseher anar edli
ght,
God!Hel ookedsogood, let
hekal el
e?
Renei
:(l
aughed)Oasimol
olaaker
e?You
promi
sedAbi 6monthswi
thoutdati
ng
Me: No, t
heimmat uregirl
inmewant sthatcop.
Nnakanakemadi mabef orsurehehasa
secretgirl
fr
iendandchildhiddensomewher e
wai t
ingformet ofal
linloveandt rusthi
mt hen
theyshowup, imeani knowt hatforsuresoi
won' twasteti
meker eilovethehim, iwanthim
j
ustonce.Iwantt otasteandpass.I t
'snotl
ike
I'
llseehim againaft
er.I
'l
lbeleavingGabs
tomor row
Renei
:Hesoundsappet
izi
ng
Me:Renei
oit
seunif
ormy
aPol
i
ceker
ayay
a
t
raf
fi
ctobespeci
fi
c?
Renei
:(l
aughed)y
es
Me: Closeyoureyesandinsertablackmani n
that.
..Ij
ustli
ter
all
yhadaner oticdream abouta
poli
ceof f
icerminutesbef
orey oucalledme,ke
thantsealemot eng,i
ri
leamov erl
ethekakeha
ketsosi
wakeal ar
m enkareeromiwakebal oi
e.
..
.Gorianapel
oy ameekhibi
dukhibi
dui t
ri
ed
cl
osingmyey essothathecanfi
nishoffwhat
hestart
edbutboileboroko
Renei
:(l
aughed)what
'
shi
sname?
Me: (
laughed)Idon' tknowany thingabouthi m..
.
Howbi tchyright?Ican'tbeli
evet hisguyont i
ra
di
lokesai tsesepekaene.IknowIpr omised
mybr otheriwon' tdatefor6mont hsbuti don'
t
wantt odatet hisguy,idon'
tev enneedhi s
namei needhi spunishment,that '
sit
.Gakebat e
goratanal eenet otabecausei at t
ractr
ubbish,i
al
readyknowhei sapi eceofshi ti
fI'
m
att
ractedt ohim soi won'twast etime
Renei:
(laughed)Wenagir
l?(sighed)I'
l
lmakean
excepti
ont hi
sti
mearound,,
i won'tj
udgey ou
becausey ouaresi
ngl
e..
.Iwon' tt
ellonyou.
Me:(
laughed)Thankslov
e,thi
sguymakesmy
bl
oodboil
..
.Ihaveneverhadawetdream i
nmy
l
if
ekelanthakeeutwakalepodi
sil
e,pel
oyame
eredbecauseiwasn'
tdonecummingkeeme
hagare
Renei:
(laughed)Nal
edi
koor
ewai
kut
wagor
e
warengt ot
a?
Me:
(laughed)GoShapmma.
..
Renei
:wher
eisBakang?
Me:Kant
eokae?Goshar
pmmal
etmegoand
buymythi
ngsi
t'
slat
e
Renei
:Tumel
owas-
Me:Pl
easewaitwi
thmoodspoi
l
ers,
idon'
tgo
backt
oex'
s..
.Bye
Renei
:(l
aughed)By
e

Ihungupandt
ookashower
.

Mi
nut
esl
ateri
wal
kedt
othebedr
oom smel
l
ing
andlooki
nggood,
ther
ewasfoodonthet abl
e
butBakangwasnowheret
obefound.
..Idial
ed
hi
snumber .
..

Bakang:
Hel
l
o?
Me:
Hi,
wher
ear
eyou?
Bakang:Idi
dn'
twantt
odist
urby
oursl
eepsoi
rushedovert
ocheckonDudu
Me:
Howi
sshedoi
ng?
Bakang:Shewaswhisper
ing,i
t'
sagoodt
hing
becauseshehasn'
tbeental
ki
ngatall
.
Me:
I'
l
lpassbyt
osayhi
..
.
Bakang:
Cani
comecol
l
ecty
ou?
Me:No,
I'
ll
getacombi
ther
eist
oomucht
raf
fi
c
any
way
Bakang:
I'
m sor
ryaboutear
li
er
Me:
Don'
twor
ryabouti
t.
Bakang:You'
rej
ustaf
ri
end,
ishoul
drespect
yourspace.
Me:
Don'
twor
ryabouti
t.
.By
e
Bakang:
Bye

Ihungupandsighedwonder
ingwhent
he
off
icerwoul
dcall
..
.

Somewher
einMaun.
..
..

Thembi f
ini
shedcleani
ngthehouseanddi d
l
aundr yt
henshehungitont hel
ine.Herboss
steppedoutofthehousefixi
nghershirtand
gotinthecarasThembi satbyt
hest oop
di
alingherf
riend'
snumber .
..
.

Boss:
ByeThandeka
Thembi
:By
ema'
am
Boss:Myhusbanddoesn'
teatcor
nsodon'
tput
mixedveggi
esinther
icel
ikel
astti
me.
Thembi
:Emma.
..

Sherever
sedanddr
oveof
fasThembi
cal
l
ed
overandover
..
..

Dudu'
smot
her
:Hel
l
o?
Thembi
:Hel
l
o
Her:
Duduisi
nthehospi
talpleasecal
lnext
weekmaybeshewil
lbet
alking.
Thembi
:(shocked)whathappened?
Her
:Whoi
sthi
s?
Thembi
:It
'
s-
Thecal
lgotdi
sconnectedduet
oinsuf
fi
cient
fundst
henshesighedandputi
tdown.

Att
het
axi
stop.
..

Latert
hatmorni
ngiwait
edbythest
opf
ora
combi whi
lel
i
steni
ngtomusicwi
thmy
headsets,
myphonerang.
..

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Voi
ce:
(rel
axed)Hey
Me:
Hi
Voi
ce:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
.
Voi
ce:
wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
Keemet
seCombi
hast
opong
Voi
ce:
Stopsef
e?
Me:
Mol
apocr
ossi
ng.
..
Voi
ce:
Oskapal
amacombi
,Keet
aaut
wa?
Me:
Okay
Voi
ce:
Shap

Hehungupt heni si
ghedwi
thabigsmileonmy
face.Minut
eslaterahi
ghwaypatr
olcarpul
l
ed
overtheniwalkedover,
hepushedthedoor
openandi gotin.

Ismi
l
edbri
efl
ylooki
ngi
nhi
sreddi
shey
esashe
admi
redme.
..
.

Hi
m:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:I'
m goingt
ocheckonafr
iendatMari
na
hospi
tal
..(
checkedmyti
me)Butgagona
mosol
a,i
t'
sal
readyt
imeup.
..Wewon'
tmakei
t
i
nti
me
Hi
m: (
checkedhiswri
stwat
ch)Let
'
str
ytoget
t
hereonti
me...Bel
tup.
..

Ipulledtheseatbel tt
henhecar efull
yjoi
nedthe
roadasi pressedmyphone, her eachedfora
buttonthent hesirenwentoff.
..Ipanickedand
l
ookedar oundast hecarscl
ear edthewayf or
him, i
twasamazi nghowdr i
versqui ckl
y
respondedt othesir
en..
..

Me:
(smi
l
ed)Wow.
..
Hi
m:(
smi
l
ed)what
?
Me:
Not
hing.
..

Minutesl
aterhepar
kedatMari
nahospi
tal
then
it
urnedlooki
ngathim,het
ouchedmycheek
andl eanedoverkissi
ngme.Hiski
ssdefini
tel
y
pickedwher etheerot
icdr
eam hadlef
toff.
..He
caressedmyt highandrel
uct
antl
yleanedback
l
ooki ngaround..
..

Him:Kol
oit
sapusokanadiat
ena,
ifsomeone
spot
susI'
ll
beintr
oubl
e..
.
Me:(smi
l
edhol
dingt
hedoor
)Thanksf
ort
he
r
ide.
..
Hi
m:Comeher
e..
.

Hepul
ledmeov eragai
nforakisst
heni r
ubbed
hi
sboner,
iunzi
ppedhistrouser
sandrubbed
hi
m asheswall
owedhelplessl
y.

Acouplepassedinfr
ontofthecartheni
paused,wegreet
edoneanotherthenthey
walkedaway.Welaughedandcontinued
ki
ssi
ngt
henhest
opped.
..
.

Hi
m: (st
art
edt
hecar
)You'
l
lcheckt
hispat
ient
l
ater
..
.

Hequi
ckl
ydr
oveoutoft
hehospi
tal
.
...

Me:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Hi
m:Myhouse-
Me:Idon'
twanty
ourhouse,
cany
oupayan
hourf
oraroom?
Hi
m:Sur
e

Minuteslaterweparkedi
nf r
ontoft
heguest
roomst henhehurri
edouttopay,hewalked
backwiththekeysthenisteppedoutofthecar
andfoll
owedhi m.
Heunl ockedthedoort henisteppedi
n,he
closedt hedoorandt ur
nedaroundtheniputmy
armsar oundhisneckandki ssedhim aswe
staggeredtobed, Ipushedhim onthebedand
tookof fmyclothesasheswal l
owedwatchi
ng
me.

Iwasconf i
dentbecauseiknewiwouldnever
seehim againandiint
endedtosati
sfymyinner
whore.
..Islowl
ytookoffmypantiesand
crawl
edov erhi
m asher ubbedmybottom t
hen
ourheadsmethal f
wayf oraki
ss.

Iteasedhi
m moaningandbumpingonhis
bonerthenir
eachedfort
hecondom andputi
t
onashewat chedli
cki
nghisli
ps,
assoonasi
wasdoner ol
li
ngitonhefl
ippedmeoverand
cuffedbot
hofmyhandsbehi ndmyback
pr
essi
ngmeonthebedthenhel
eanedov
erand
whi
speredi
nmyear
..
..

Him:You'
reunderar
rest
,yousurrender
edall
yourr
ight
stomeexcepty ourr
ighttoscream.
..

Hepulledmeupandki ssedmethenhemade
mekneel onthebedandpushedmyf aceonthe
sheetasmybut tspreadontheair
,myhands
cuff
edbehindme. .
.

Myheartwaspoundingasherubbedmy
entr
anceandfil
l
edmeupasIr oseupopeni
ng
mymout hwide,hegr
abbedt
hecuf f
sand
pushedmedown.

Hi
m:Don'
tmov
e..
.don'
tmov
e
Iswal
lowedasheslidhist
hickweaponi
nside
me,hesighedbi
ti
nghislowerli
pandbegun
thr
ust
ingaspussyfart
sescapedrhyt
hmical
ly
..
.

Hi
m: (
spankedmel i
keahor
se)y
esbabe.
.Il
i
ke
t
hat.
..
.Il
ikethose.
..
.

Hepul ledoutandst ar
edrightinmyhol ethen
hekissedmyVandbl ewai ri
nsidethenhe
quicklypluggedhi mselfandr hyt
hmicall
y
hammer edmeast hepussyf ar
tsescaped
again,uncomf ortableisl
owl yroseupgetting
offthebedashef oll
owedmehammer ingme
holdingmywai stti
ghtly.
..
.

Me:
(sweat
ing)Mmmh.
..
..
.hoo.
..
.hoo.
…

Heputmeonl
ockf
orci
ngmet
ocur
vemyback
sti
ckingoutmyassashebl
ockedmyai
rway
wit
hhi sar
m ar
oundmyneckmyhandscuff
ed
behindmyback..
..

Hehammer edmeundisturbedf
oragoodf iv
e
minutesthenIfel
tmywhol ebodygetti
ngintoa
fr
enzythencamet hefeel
ingofpeeing,
Ifel
tthe
fl
uidsmakingthei
rwayoutandi tr
iedtoholdit
buthewashammer i
nghar dandstr
ongwi t
hout
stoppi
ng..
.

Me:(cl
osedmyey es)ahhhhhhhhh.
..
..
Ahhhhhhhhh.
..Ahhhhhh

Thepleasurereachedmax imum asmywhole

bodyspasmedwi t
hev er
ysquir
tthenev
ery
thi
ng
becameslowasi meltedintoa
bl
ackout..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..(
9t)
..