HEATOFPASSI

ON

#1

Shewal kedintot
hePrinci
pal'
soff
ice,herf
ace
al
readyl ooki
ngpaleholdi
ngonti
ght l
ytoher
st
omach.Shesatdownwhi l
eherPrinci
pal
observedherclosel
y

Pr
inci
pal
:Mor
ningNompi
lo
Nompi
lo:mor
ningpr
inci
pal
Princi
pal:whatseemst
obetheproblem?You'
re
teachersaysyouhavebeenvomi
tingsincemor
ning
Nompil
o:Idon'
tknowwhat
'sgoi
ngon.Ij
ustdon'
t
f
eelwel
l
Pr
inci
pal
:ar
eyoupr
egnant
?
Nompi
la:(
shocked)Noma'
am mymot
herwoul
dki
ll
me
Pr
inci
pal:t
hishasbeenoccurr
ingf
orweeksnow,I
wi
llhavetotal
ktoyourmothermaybeshecantel
l
mewhat '
siswrongwit
hyou
Nompi l
o:Therewon'tbeanyneedSi r
.Ihaven'
ttol
d
herIhaven'tbeenwellbecauseIdon'
twanttoworry
her.Iwil
ltel
lhertoday
Pr
inci
pal
:okay
Shet
ookaf
orm andf
il
ledi
tforhert
hensi
gnedi
t.
Pri
ncipal
:youknowwhatt odo.Br
ingpr
oofthatyou
wenttotheclini
ctodaywhenyoucomeback.Iwill
appountanotherlear
nert
oaccompanyyou
Nompi
lo:t
hankyouma'
am
Pr
inci
palZit
hasteppedoutandcamebackwi th
Nompilo'
sfr
iendThuli
sil
etoaccompanyhertothe
cl
ini
c.Theywalkedoutoftheschoolpr
emisesand
l
aughed.
Sandi
:gi
rlt
heyl
etyougoagai
n?
Mpi
lo:(
laughed)youknowI
'
m agoodact
orbutei
sh
Pri
ncipalZi
thasai
dift
hisgoesonshewi
llhavet
o
speaktomymot her
Sandi
:Idon'
tbl
amehermyFphelayou'
vebeen
missi
ngoutonalotofcl
asses
Nompil
o:(
rol
ledhereyes)cl
assesIdon'
tevenneed.
I
'm at
opAstudent
Sandi
:wel
lsomeofusneedt
hosecl
asses
Nompilo:aahnaweyoucompl
ainal
otasi
fyouwi
ll
notgetpaid
Sandi
:whenwi
llhepi
ckyouup?
Nompil
o:j
ustaf
ewmi
lesf
rom t
hecl
ini
c.Sol
et'
s
hur
ry
Theyhurr
iedtothecli
nicandNompil
ogothercar
d,
herphonebuzzedrecei
vingamessagef
rom bae

Bae:wher
eareyoumybabe,
I'
m wai
ti
ngand
cur
rent
lygoi
nginsane

Shesmi
ledshowi
ngi
ttoherf
ri
endwhol
aughed
bumpi
ngthei
rshoulder
stoget
hersi
tt
ingnextt
oher
.
Nompi
let
ypedar epl
y

Nompi
lo:I
'
m onmywaySt
handwasam.Justhol
d
on
Herepl
iedwi
thahear
tshethengaveherfr
iendher
phoneandwenti
nasthenursecal
ledher
.

Nur
se:(
lookedatt
hef
il
e)youagai
n?
Nompi
lo:(
embar
rassed)yes
Nur
se:whati
swr
ongt
hist
ime?
Nompi
lo:i
tscr
amps
Nur
se:agai
n?
Nompi
lo:yes.
Nurse:I
'
m sur
eyouhaveenoughpi
ll
sathome.St
op
wasti
ngmyt i
me
Nompilo:t
heyhavebeendri
nki
ngt
hem f
or
headachesathomepleasehel
pme
Shewr ot
esomet hingonhercar dandt hensenther
out.Shewenttogett heclini
csstamponher
permissi
onlet
terandgotherpi ll
st henwasfreeto
go.Herfri
endaccompani edhertoabi gBMW.She
smiledandknockedont hewindow.Hesmi l
ed
unlocki
ngthedoor s.ThenNompi losteppedinon
thepassenger
ssi tthenSandisteppedi nandsatat
theback.
Hi
m:(
kissedhercheek)i
ttookyoul
ongenough
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)youknowt
henor
malpr
otocol
Hi
m:howar
eyouSandi
?
Sandi
:(l
ooki
ngdown)I
'
mfi
ne
Het
ookoutR200andhandedi
ttoher
Hi
m:t
hankyouf
orbr
ingi
ngmemygi
rl
Sandismi
ledt
aki
ngi
t
Sandi
:Ihavet
ogobackt
oschool
Hi
m:okaybye
Nompi
lo:bye
Sheopenedt
hedoorandst
eppedoutwal
kingback
toschoolwi
thamonkeysmi
leonherf
acel
ooki
ng
attheR200oncemore.

Hi
m:sohowi
smywi
fey?
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)I
'
m good,
Ireal
lymi
ssedyou
Him:Imissedyoutoo.Youdrivemecr azy,
Idon't
knowwhatyoudidt ome( hekissedherneck)t
hat'
s
whytodayIsaidf
uckwor k,I
'm goingt
oseemygi rl
Shegiggledhear
ingt
hosewor dswhi
leheki
ssed
herpull
ingupherski
rtexposi
ngherl
it
tl
eyel
low
thi
ghs.
Hi
m:l
etuspar
kwher
ewewi
llhavepr
ivacy
Shesmil
edastheydr ovet
oanearbyveld.They
st
eppedoutofthegoinginfur
therf
ormoreprivacy.
Hefi
nall
yfoundthespotandkissedherpul
li
ng
downherpanti
es..
..

*
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*
Shesobbedsi
lent
lyl
ayi
ngonhert
ummyf
eel
inghi
s
heavinessoverher ,hissweat ,thesoundofhi m
panting,moani ng, thesmel lofalcohol.Shedidn't
wantt ofeelanyt hing, shej ustwant edtodie.She
feltawarml iquidf il
lingherupandi twasf i
nall
y
over..
.atl
eastf ort oday.Hegotupandpul leduphis
trousersgoingoutofherhutwhi leshel ai
dthere
disgustedofher self.Shel aidthereasi fshewas
deadf oranhourwi tht hebaby'ski cksreminding
hershewasst illbreat hing.Shef inall
ygatheredthe
strengthtogetupandbat h.

Anhourl aterofscrubbingherselfandput ti
ngon
biglongdressesshehadt ogof etchherdaught er
fr
om school .ShesawaR200not eout sidethedoor
shewal kedbacki nandputi tunderhermat t
ress
andt ookacoi nwal ki
ngoutgoingt oanearby
pri
mar yschoolt ogetherdaught er.Shewast hetal
k
ofthecommuni t
y,peoplecall
edhernames,
shamedherf orfall
ingpregnantat15.Shebought
herdaught ersnacksatanear byt uckshopthen
wenti ntheschoolsi gnedtheregisterattheschool
andherdaught erwalkedoutrunni ngtoher
mot
her
'sar
ms.

Her
:(l
ooki
ngatt
hesnacks)ar
ethosemi
nemama?
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)yesmybaby

Youseenomat terhowemptyshefel
tanddead
i
nside,shealwaysputupasmi l
eforherdaught
er.
Itwasn'tenoughbutitmadeherl
it
tl
edaughterf
eel
safe,nottobeawar eofwhatwashappeni
ngtoher
mot her
.

Thandi
we:wantmet
oopen?

Herli
tt
leAngelnoddedl
ooki
ngatthepacketwi
th
ant
ici
pati
on.Sheopenedthepacketandgavei
tto
her
.

Thandi
we:l
et'
sgohome
Her
:mamaIcanspel
lmynamenow
Thandi
we:r
eal
lyspel
li
tforme
Her
:INAM I
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)t
hat
'sgoodyou'
resosmar
t
Inamismil
edhappil
yheari
nghermother'
swor
ds
andcarri
edontalki
ngnon-
stopaboutwhat
happenedatschool.
*
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***
Shepul
ledupherpant
iesandpul
leddownherski
rt
.

Hi
m:t
hatwasr
eal
lygood
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)t
hat
'sni
ce

Theywal
kedbacktot
hecarandgoti
n.Her
eached
forhi
swal
letandt
oooutR500

Hi
m:buysomet
hingf
oryour
sel
f
Nompi
lo:(
taki
ngi
t)i
twoul
dbeni
cei
fyoubuyagi
ft
f
ormeever
ynowandt
hen
Hi
m:(angr
il
y)IhaveawifeNompi
lo,
Ican'tbeseen
ar
oundcar
ryinggi
ft
sthatar
enotmeantforher
Nompi
lo:yohIwassuggest
ingi
tther
e'snoneedt
o
bi
temyheadoff
Hi
m:(angr
il
y)ar
eyounothappywi
thus?Don'
tyou
l
oveme?
Nompil
o:Idoloveyou(tear
ful)st
opbei
ngli
ket
his
youar
escari
ngme.Ij ustwantyoytoshowmeyou
l
oveme.Givi
ngmemoneyaf t
ersexmakesmefeel
l
ikeasl
ut
Hi
m:(cal
m)butyouknowyou'
renot
,you'
reso
muchmore

Heti
lt
edherheadforhertolookathi
m,hewi
ped
hert
earsandbabykissedher.

Him:ifyouweren'
tsoimpor
tantt
omeIwoul
dn'
tbe
here.Can'
tyouseeyou'
redr
ivi
ngmecr
azy?
Shesmi
ledandki
ssedhi
m buthebr
okei
t.
Hi
m:Ineedt
ogosomewher
e
Nompi
lo:but
?
Hi
m:youknowt
hedr
il
lbabes
Shesul
kedashest
art
edhi
scardr
ivi
ngt
hem away
fr
om t
hevel
d..
..
*
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*
Lat
eron

Pri
nci
palZit
hawal
kedt
other
ecept
ionandgr
eet
ed
themayor.

Pr
inci
pal
:pl
easelet
'sst
epi
nmyof
fi
ce.Langa
pl
easemakeustea
Langa:yesma'
am
Theywalkedintoheroff
iceandsatdownatt
he
vi
sit
orscornercloset
othewindow.
Pr
inci
pal
:MrMayor
Hi
m:pl
easecal
lmeMrSoko
Princi
pal
:(smiled)okayMrSoko, Ihopeyouhave
readthebusinessproposalIsentyou
MrSoko:yesbutIpr
eferyout
ellmemor eabouti
t
i
npersonsoIcanseehowmuchi tmeanstoyou
Pri
ncipal:asyoucanseewehaveanumberof
l
earnershereandourpr obl
em ist
hatthecli
nicis
toofar.Whenevertheygetsi
ckIhavenochoi cebut
tosendthem homeaf tergoi
ngtothecli
nictoavoid
exhausti
ngt hem whentheyareal
readysi
ck.

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat

MrSoko:sowhatar
eyousuggest
ing?
Langawalkedi
nandpour
edt
hem t
eaandbi
scui
ts
thenwal
kedout.

Pri
nci
pal
:Iwantt
oaddamedi calheal
thdepar
tment
,
haveanur
sehereatschoolt
oassistl
ear
nerswho
aresi
ck.Ican'taf
for
dsendi
ngl
ear
ner
shomeeven
forl
it
tl
esicknesses
Mrsoko:(
sippedhi
stea)Iunder
standbutshoul
dn'
t
yougeti
ntouchwit
htheeducati
ondepartment?
Princi
pal:wehavealreadystretchedt
hebudgetfor
thisyearfartoomuch.Weal readyhavefew
sponsorsf orthi
spr
oject.Taket hi
sasanactof
kindness.
MrSoko:don'
twor
ryI
'
min
Pr
inci
pal
:(si
ghedi
nrel
ief
)that
'sgr
eatnews
MrSoko:sohowmuchi
sneeded?
Pr
inci
pal
:letmegett
hepr
ojectf
il
e
Shegotupandwentoverherdeskget
ti
ngt
hef
il
e

Pl
easel
ike,
commentandshar
e
500l
ikesf
orabonusi
nser
t
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#2

Inthemorninghiswif
emadehi m Engl
ishbr eakf
ast
j
ustt hewayhelikesi
t.Thekidseattheircornfl
akes
watchingcart
oonswhi l
ehewal kedtothekitchen
tucki
nginhisblueshi
rtaroundhi sbi
gbel l
y,with
hisredti
ehangingoverhisshoulders.

MrSoko:somet
hingsmel
lsdel
ici
ous
Mr
sSoko:i
t'
syourbr
eakf
astmyl
ove
Hewalkedovert
oherandki
ssedhercheekt
hensat
downassheservedher
.

MrSoko:wher
e'sBusani
?
Mr
sSoko:hel
eftear
lyf
orschool
MrSoko:hi
shar
dwor
kbet
terpayof
f
MrsSoko:(
smiledsit
ti
ngdown)t
heSoko'
snever
f
ail
.Soyouarr
ivedlatel
astni
ght
MrSoko:Iwasbusyatt
heof
fi
ce
Mr
sSoko:whatar
eyouwor
kingon?
MrSoko:aschoolpr
oject
MrsSoko:soaschoolpr
ojectmakesyoust
ayat
workt
il
l11pm
MrSoko:(
stoppedeat
ing)sonowImustr
epor
t
eachandeverymoveImaketoyou?
Mr
sSoko:Iwasj
ust
-

Hebangedt
het
abl
e
MrSoko:(
angri
ly)damnitNandiman!Iam notyour
chi
ld,
youdon'
ttellmewhatIshoul
dorshouldn'tdo.
Knowyourpl
ace!
Heangr
il
ygotupandwal
kedt
othei
rbedr
oom.
Mr
sSoko:(
regr
ett
abl
y)yourf
ood
MrSoko:Angi
kuf
uni
!(Idon'
twanti
t)
*
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*
ATTHEMAKUA'
S

HerAuntobser
vedherasshemadethem br
eakf
ast
,
sheavoi
dedeyecontactt
heent
ir
eti
me.

Her
:Ukhul
elwe?(
areyoupr
egnant
?)
Shekeptquietl
ooki
ngdownasshebangedt
he
tabl
eangri
lyfri
ght
eni
ngThandi
we.
Her
:(angri
ly)Awusakwaziukukhul
uma?(
youno
l
ongerknowhowt ospeak?)
Thandi
we:chaAuntDor
a(NoAuntDor
a)

Shegotupandsl appedheracrossherface.
Thandiwecover
edherf acecryi
ngfeel
ingthe
burni
ngsensati
ononherf ace.

Dora:(
angr
il
y)Ngiyabuzafuthi
,ukhul
elwe?(I
'
m
aski
ngagai
n,areyoupr egnant
?)

Shenoddedcryi
ngandhidherfacewhil
eheraunt
hi
therontheheadcount
lesst
imes.Herhusband
wal
kedin

Hi
m:hhaybowhat
'sgoi
ngon?

Dora:(
screaming)yinasii
sfebe,ukhulel
wef ut
hi.
Ubanioyondlananalemidl
waneyakhe?( it
'sthi
ssl ut
,
she'
spregnantagain,whowi l
lfeedallherpuppies)
Thandiwecr i
edasal
lthosewordscutdeep,
she
thoughtshewouldbeusedtothem bynowbutthey
sti
llcutdeep.Dor
awassupposet obeamotherto
her.

Dora:(
yel
li
ng)Ukhal
elani
?Ukhalel
anisfebe?(
why
ar
eyoucrying?Whyar eyoucr
yingslut
? )
Hi
m:yi
cini
sol
eliThandi
we?(
ist
hist
rueThandi
we?
)
Dor
a:(
screaming)ubaniubabawal
engane?(
who'
s
t
hefat
herofthisbaby?)
Thandiwepoi
ntedathi
m cr
ying,
itwasl
ikepour
ing
fuelt
ofir
e.

Dor
a:UNEMANGA(
LIER)

Shejumpedovert oherbutThandiwepushedher
offandranouttoherhut.Sheclosedt
hedoorand
stoodtherappl
yingfor
cejusti
ncaseshewas
coming.Herdaughterl
ookedatherter
rif
iedi
nthe
bathtub.
*
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**
ATTHEHOUSE

Dor
a'shusbanddr
aggedhert
othei
rbedr
oom and
l
ockedit

Hi
m:yehl
isaumoya(
cal
m down)
Dor
a:l
esf
ebengi
zosi
bul
ala(
Iwi
llki
llt
hissl
ut)
Hi
m:Dor
aawumet
u!(
Dor
ajustst
opi
t)
Dor
a:(
pant
ing)Yi
cini
sona?(
isi
ttr
ue?
)
Hel
ookedaway
Dor
a:(
cryi
ng)why?VusiWhy?
Vusi
:okwenzeki
lekwenzeki
le(
whathashappened
hashappened)
Dor
a:(
angr
il
y)nouyi
nja(
noyou'
readog)
Heangri
lygr
abbedherbyherneckandbangedher
headonthewal
l.

Vusi:yi
ningat
hiuyangi
khohl
wakuthingi
ngubani
(youseem tobefor
gett
ingwhoIam)
Shel
ookedathi
mter
ri
fi
ed
Vusi:uyakhohlwakut hingi
mil
okugezayo,
l
okugcokisayo,lokuphangishokudl
a(you'
re
forget
ti
ngt hatI
'mt heonewho'sbathi
ngyou,
dressi
ngyouandf eedingyou)
Dor
a:ngi
yacol
isa(I
'
m sor
ry)
Vusil
etgoofherasshesatont
hef
loorcr
ying.

Vusi
:ngi
zomthat
haayosebenzal
epl
azi
ni(
Iwi
llt
ake
hert
oworkatthefar
m)

Shesaidnot
hingwhil
ehepi
ckeduphi
sjacket
unl
ocki
ngthedoorandwal
kingout
.
*
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ATTHANDI
WE'
SHUT

Shehear
daknockont
hedoorandkeptqui
ett
hen
hear
dhisvoi
ce.

Vusi
:Thandi
wecomebacki
nthehousesowecan
t
alk
Shekeptqui
et
Vusi
:don'
tmakemecomeback
Sheheardfootst
epsofhi
m wal
kingaway.She
rushedovert
oherdaught
eranddressedherup
quickl
y

I
nam:
mamangi
lambi
le(
MamaI
'
m hungr
y)
Thandi
we:I
'
llgetyouf
ood
ShetookherschoolbagandgottheR200from her
mattr
essandputitonherbra.Shethencar
riedher
daughterout.
Thandi
we:(
put
ti
ngherdown)wai
tformeher
eI'
l
lbe
back
I
nam:
wit
hfood?
Thandi
we:yeswi
thf
ood
I
nam:
okay

Shesatonthestoepwhi
leThandi
wewalkedin.She
foundherauntseat
edonachairwhi
leVusipour
ed
himsel
forangejui
ce.

Vusi
:uzi
lungi
sel
eleuyosebenzaepl
azi
ni(
prepar
e
your
sel
fyou'r
ecomingwi t
hmet othef
armtowor k)
Thandiwe:nakuvumaAuntieakunanki
nga(
ifmy
auntagreesthenther
e'snopr
oblem)
Dor
a:nxSf
ebe
Thandi
we:ngi
cel
akwenzel
aInam ukudl
a(canI
pl
easemakeInam f
ood?
)
Vusi
:yenzasi
hambe

Shemadeaneggandt ook2sli
cesofbread.She
thensl
icedpolony.Shemadeasandwichwi t
ht he
eggandbr eadthenputthepol
onyontopwal ki
ng
out.

Thandi
we:t
akeoutyourl
unchbox

Shequi
ckl
ytooki
toutandThandiweputt
he
sandwi
chandgavehersl
iceofpol
onytoeat
.

I
nam:
(taki
ngoutherj
uicebot
tl
e)mom i
jui
ce
Thandi
we:youwi
llhavet
odr
inkwat
er
I
nam:
(sul
ked)butIwantj
uice
Thandi
we:babymommycan' tgetyouj
uice,
you'
l
l
getwat
erfr
om thet
ank.l
etsgo
Vusist
eppedoutwi
thhi
scarkeys
Vusi
:asambeni(
let
'sgo)
Thandiwelif
tedherdaughterandgotinattheback
ofhisvan,hesteppedinanddr oveout
.They
droppedheroffatherschoolandThandiwehada
momentwi thher.

Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)youputt
oomuchVasel
ine
Shewipedheroi
lfaceandr ubbedi
tonherbald
head.I
manwasst i
llnothappyaboutnothavi
ng
j
uice.

Thandi
we:mommyhasanewj obandIpr
omi
seyou,
youwil
lhavet
ast
yluncheseveryday
I
nam:ngi
zokhul
isaizi
nwel
enjengalamanye
mant
ombazane(i'
l
lgrowhairl
iket
heothergi
rl
s?)
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)yes
I
nam:
andI
'
llhaveanewuni
for
m andnewshoes?
Thandi
we:yesmyl
ove.
..SeeGodanswer
spr
ayer
s
I
nam:
(smi
led)yes
Thandi
we:Iwi
llcomegetyouaf
terschoolokay?
I
nam:
okaybyemommy

Shewentbackt ot hevanandwavedgoodbyet o
herdaught er.Shegotemot ionalseei ngher
daught eramongstot herl ear nersl ookingpoor ,her
unifor
m waswor nout ,hershoeswer eal readyt orn
andshewasbal dwhi l
eot herl earnershadt heir
puffsorwavyhai r
.Shef oundher selfcr yi
ngast he
vanwentandt hewi ndcar ryinghert ear saway.
Theywentpassi ngavel dthenaf terawhi le
reachingtheOr angef arm.Shewasi ntroducedt o
theotherf ar
mer sthenVusiwentt otalkt ohi sboss
andshewashi red.Har ddayl abourst artedast hey
prunedt hetreesandwentt ohar vestor angest hat
werer eadyont heot hertrees.Theyhadabr eakand
everyonehadt heirlunchboxeswhi l
eshehadnon.
Vusitoldhert ocomewi t
hhi mt obuyf oodandshe
real
lyhadnochoi ce.Shewashungr yandt ired.She
knewsheneededener gyt ocar r
yon.
Shefoll
owedhimt ohiscart
hendroveoutfr
om t
he
far
m.Hedr oveinhighspeedandstoppedt
hecarin
themiddleofnowhereandsteppedoutoft
hecar
.

Vusi
:buya(
comeher
e)

Thandi
wel
ookedathi
m conf
used
Vusi
:(angri
ly)yi
ningaweawusezwa?(
what
'swr
ong
wit
hyou, ar
eyoudeaf ?
)

Shesteppeddownf r
om thevanandVusiroughl
y
pul
ledhertothepassengerssi
de.Heopenedthe
doorandturnedheraround.

Vusi
:goba(
benddown)

Shecr
iedknowi
ngwhatwasaboutt
ohappen,
he
for
cefull
ypushedherdownpul l
ingupherdress.He
l
ickedhisli
pslooki
ngatherroundbutti
ntorn
panti
es.Hepushedt hem ont
hesidegri
ppingthem
withhislef
thsndandunbuckledhisj
eanstaking
outhisrod..
.

Vusi
:todaywe'
l
ltr
ysomet
hingnew

Hepushedhi srodbetweenherbut tcheeksand

Thandiwef li
nchedandscr eamedi npainfeeli
ngher
anusbeingt eared,shequickl
ybackeduphi tti
ng
him wuthherel bow.Hest umbledbackasi thithim
hardont hechest .Shecri
edmovi ngawayf rom the
car.Hedr essedupqui ckl
yandwal kedtoherangr il
y
hit
tingheracr ossthefaceandstrangledher

Vusi:AWUFUNI!(
Youdon'twantto)ukhona
ozongni
kamcanef ut
hiufr
esh(t
here'
ssomeone
whowi l
lgi
vei
ttome, she'
syoungandf r
esh)
Thandi
we:(
cryi
ng)mal
um'
vusino.Ungayenzi
l
ent
ongi
yakucel
a(Uncl
eVusinopl
easedon'
tdoi
t)

Hepushedherof fandkickedheront heground

thenwentt ohi
svananddr oveoff,
Thandiweran
behindhisvan,
fall
ingonthegr oundintear
sbutgot
upandr antosaveherdaught erwatchi
ngthevan
disappear
..
.

Pl
easel
ike,
commentandshar
e
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#3
Att
hepr
imar
yschool

Vusiar
ri
vedandwentt
otal
ktot
hesecur
it
yguar
dat
t
heschoolgat
e.

Vusi
:sawubonamnumzane(
gooddaySi
r)
Sguar
d:kunj
animnumzane?(
howar
eyouSi
r?)
Vusi
:ngi
yaphi
la(I
'
m good)
Sguar
d:howcanIhel
pyou?
Vusi
:I'
m her
etogetmydaught
erI
nam
Sguar
d:whi
chgr
ade?
Vusi
:Gr
adeR
Sguar
d:Gr
adeR?.
..Ther
e'sonl
yonechi
ldwi
tht
hat
nameandshe'
sinGrade2
Vusi
:unempandl
amos?(
she'
sbal
dheadedr
ight
?)
Sguar
d:yes
Vusi
:(smil
ed)yesyesshe'
stheone,
there'
san
emergencyathomemanjehermothertoldmeto
comegether

Theguar
dslookedateachotheraswhathedaid
madenosense,sincet
heysawhi m wi
thhert
his
morni
ngdri
vingtothefar
m.

Guard:(
givinghim aregi
ster
)writ
eyourname,
surname,telephonenumberandsignonthelast
box.Youwi llt
hengostrai
ghtinandtur
nrightt
he
fi
rstof
fi
ceyouseewi l
lbethepri
ncipal
soffi
ce.

Hef
il
ledandsi
gnedt
her
egi
stert
henwenti
n.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtmaSoko'
shome

Shemadehermot
hert
eaandsatdown
MaBongwe:uyaziFezilekubhal
weebuswenikut
hi
awukhori
ght(youknowFezi l
eit
'swr
it
teni
nyour
facet
hatyou'
renotalr
ight)
MaSoko:uyazima,
izi
ntozi
nzi
ma(
youknowma,
t
hingsar
ehard)
MaBongwe:namanj
e?(
evennow?
)
MaSoko:yebo(tear
ful)umyeniwami
uyangi
phunyukakancanekancane(yes.
..I
'
m sl
owl
y
l
osingmyhusband)
MaBongwe:ohMt
anami(
ohmychi
ld)
MaSoko:(
cryi
ng)heeasi
lyget
sangr
ynow.Not
hing
Idoi
severenough
MaBongwe:maybei
t'
sti
meyougothel
p
MaSoko:Idon'
tbel
ievei
nthoset
hingsma.I
'
ma
pr
ayi
ngwomanma
MaBongwe:hhayboI'
mtryi
ngtohel
pandther
e's
nothi
ngwrongwit
hget
ti
ngalovepor
ti
ontomake
yourl
ovestr
ong
MaSoko:hewi
llchange,
he'
sjustdi
str
act
ed,
ther
e's
j
ustsomuchworkthathehastodo
MaBongwe:andanot
herwomanst
opl
ooki
ngaway
f
rom t
heobvi
ous
MaSoko:(
offended)t
her
e'snoot
herwomanSoko
woul
dnevercheatonme
MaBongwe:(
clappedherhandsonce)Igi
vsup
Shet
ookhercupoft
eaanddr
anki
t
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
ATSI
CALOHI
GH

Nompil
ohel
dthehandupl
ookingatherbeaut
if
ul
spar
kli
ngbr
acel
etandi
tpi
ssedSandioff
.

Sandi
:canwej
ustdot
hisact
ivi
tynow
Theyi
gnor
edherl
ooki
ngatNompi
lo'
sbr
acel
et
Sandi
:hhyboguysi
t'
sjustabr
acel
et
Nompi
lo:j
ustabr
acel
et?I
tcostR300dar
li
ng
Sandi
:soyouspentR300f
ort
hatt
hing?
Nosi
:don'
tmi
ndherwenaMpi
lo,
she'
sjustj
eal
ous
becauseshecan'
taf
for
dtohaveone
Sandi
:mxm atl
eastI
'
m notsl
eepi
ngwi
thanol
d
mantogeti
t
Nosi
:mxm asi
fther
e'samant
hatwoul
dsl
eepwi
th
you
Theylaughedwhil
eSandiangr
il
ygotupandt
ook
herbooksmovingtoanot
hergroup.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
ATTHEPRI
MARYSCHOOL

Thandi
wearri
vedcover
edindustcryi
nghyster
ical
.
Oneofthesecur
it
yguardsrushedtoherasshe
wentdownonherkneeslookingupathi
m.

Thandi
we:(cr
ying)di
dhet
akeher
?Di
dhet
akemy
daught
er?
Guar
d1:cal
m downpl
ease
Thandi
we:(
cryi
ng)OhNkosi
yami
..
.Ihavet
ofi
nd
her
Shegotupbutt
heguar
dhel
dherdown

Guard1:hedi
dn'tt
akeher
.Inam i
sst
il
lher
e,now
cal
m downlet'
sgot oMpho.

Theywalkedtot
heschoolgat
eandMphogaveher
watert
odr i
nkwhi
leshecal
meddown.

Mpho:youneedtocalm downbecauset
hepri
nci
pal
wontl
etyoutakeyourdaught
erinthi
sst
ate

Shenoddedandt heystayedwit
hherandgaveher
aclothetodusther
self
.Shethensi
gnedt he
regi
sterandwentintothepri
nci
pal
'soff
ice.

Thandi
we:af
ter
noonma'
am Masuku
Masuku:Thandi
wehowcanIhel
pyou?
Thandi
we:Icameher
etoaskf
orper
missi
ont
otake
mydaughterhome
Masuku:i
sthi
saboutt
hemant
hatcamei
near
li
er?
Thandi
we:(tear
ful
)yesmydaught
eri
snotsaf
e,soI
havetotakeherawayfr
om t
hispl
ace
Masuku:doeshehur
tyou?Tel
lmesoIcanhel
p

Shekeptquietforasecondt hi
nkingofhowmany
ti
messhe'shascr iedtopeopleandnevergothel
p
i
nsteadgetti
ngabeat i
ngf r
om UncleVusi.She
rememberedwhensheevenspoket oapolice
off
icerwhojustdismissedherbecausehewas
Vusi'
sfri
end.

Masuku:pl
easet
alkt
omebef
oreIcal
lthesoci
al
wor
kers

Thandiwe'shear
tpounded,she'
sheardstori
esof
howtheyt akeki
dsawayfrom thei
rmotherswhenin
dangerthat'
swhatVusialwayssaid.
Thandi
we:hedoesn' twantust oli
veathishome
anymore.Irefusedtomoveandhet hreat
entohur
t
mydaught er,
that'
swhyI '
m heretogethersowe
cangotoar elati
ve'
splaceinjoburg,AuntRose

pri
nci
palMasukul
ookedatherandshewasr
eal
ly
convi
nci
ng.

Masuku:thatmakessensebutyouknowt her
e
mightnotbeanyschoolwil
li
ngtotakeheratthi
s
t
imeoft heyear
Thandi
we:Iunderst
andbutt
her
e'snot
hingIcando
ri
ghtnowplease
Masuku:okayl
etmest
artpr
epar
inghert
ransf
er
r
ightnow
Thandi
we:okayt
hankyou
Shewaitedwhi l
eprinci
palMasukuwenttomake
I
nam' st
ransfer.Thi
rtyminutesl
atershewal
kedout
theschoolgateholdingherdaughter
shandnot
knowi
ngwher
etogo
Guar
d1:(
whi
sper
ed)got
alkt
oher
Mpho:No
Guar
d1:di
dn'
tyousayyoul
oveher
?
Mpho:Thembahl
ukananami(
Thembal
eaveme
al
one)
Guard1:ndondaci
nausize(justmanupandhel
p
her)
.It
sclearshehasnowher etogoandwe'
ve
heardrumoursaboutheruncle,r
umourst
hatar
e
notgood

Mphoswal lowedasf eargotthebett

erofhi
m, he
hasalwaysl i
kedherbutwasneverbr aveenoughto
tal
ktoher.Hel ookedatherhopelesswit
hher
daughtersadlylooki
ngupather .Mphoswallowed
andgavehi mselfsomecour ageandapproached
her.

Mpho:i
tisn'
tsaf
etogohomer
ight
?
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)yesandIhavenowher
etogo
Mpho:Il
ivewi
thmygr
andmot
her
,it
'sat
hreer
oom
notmuchbut
Thandi
we:asl
ongasyourgr
andmadoesn'
tmi
nd
Mpho:I'
m sur
eshewont
,youcango.I
llcal
lherand
l
etherknowyou'
recomi
ng
Thandi
we:(
wipedhert
ear
s)okay
Shewal
kedt
oMpho'
shomewi
thherchi
ld.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Sandiwal
keddownt
hest
reett
alki
ngt
oher
sel
f

Sandi
:mejealous?Shethi
nkssohi
ghl
yofher
sel
f.I
canhaveherblesseri
fIwant
ed

ShewalkedpastMaSoko'
shouse,MaSokosaw
herwhi
lehangingt
hel
aundryonthewashi
ngl
ine

MaSoko:hel
loSandi
Shel
ookedont
hesi
deandsmi
led
Sandi
:Af
ter
noonMaSoko.Idi
dn'
tseeyout
her
e
MaSoko:(smil
ed)Icansee,Ihavepr
omisedyour
grandmot
herspinachf
rom mygarden.Canyou
comegetitsoyoucantakeithomewithyou
Sandi
:yesma

Shewal
kedi
nwhil
eMaSokohangedt helastshi
rt
andwal
kedi
nsi
dethehousewi
thSandi.

MaSoko:seatdownmychi
ldI
'
llbeback

Shetookaplast
icbagandwentoutt ot
hegarden
whil
eSandisatt
herelooki
ngaroundthekit
chen.
MaSokocamebackwi t
hthespinachal
readyina
pl
asti
candsatdown.

MaSoko:sohowi
sschoolmychi
ld?
Sandi
:(smi
led)schooli
sgr
eat
.Ican'
twai
ttof
ini
sh
andgotovarsi
ty
MaSoko:youareanint
ell
igentgi
rlandIcansee
you'
l
lbesuccessf
uloneday
Sandi
:(smi
led)mygr
andmot
hersayssot
o
MaSoko:Il
ovethefactthatyou'
resokindand
honest
.Di
ff
erentf
rom thekidsoftoday
Sandi
:yes
MaSoko:soI
'
m goingtoaskyousomet
hingandI
needyout
obereal
lyhonestmychi
ld
Sandi
:okayma
MaSoko:soI'
veheardrumoursthatmyhusbandi
s
par
adi
ngwithschoolgi
rls.I
sthi
strue?
Sandiqui
etl
ylookeddown,
herhear
tbeat
accel
erat
ed

MaSoko:listenmydearchi
ld,
ever
ythi
ngyousay
wil
lstaybetweenus.Evenmyhusbandwontknow
youtoldme.
Sandisai
dnothi
nglooki
ngdownavoi
dingeye
cont
act.MaSokotookoutR200f
rom herbr
aand
puti
tonthetabl
e

MaSoko:I
'
llevenpayyou
Sandi:(
swall
owed)IgamalakheuNompi
loThwal
a
(hernameisNompiloThwala)
MaSoko:umt
anakaGl
adys(
Gladys'
schi
ld?
)
Sandi
:yes
MaSoko:ar
eyousur
e?
Sandi
:yessheevenhasanewbr
acel
etboughtby
hi
m
MaSoko:(
shocked)hhaybo
Sandi
:MaIr
eal
lyneedt
ogo
MaSoko:okayt
aket
hemoney

Shet
ookt
hespi
nachandmoneyt
henl
eftr
egr
ett
ing
ever
ythi
ngshesai
d.

Pl
easel
ike,
commentandshar
e
THEHEATOFPASSI
ON

#4

Nompil
owal kedhomehummi ngt
oasongplayi
ng
onherheadsets.Busaniwal
kedbehi
ndherand
pul
ledherbackbyherbackpack

Nompi
lo:(
star
tl
ed)whatt
hef
uck
Busani
:(l
aughed)r
elaxi
t'
sme
Nompil
o:(
tookof
fherheadset
s)whati
swr
ongwi
th
you?
Busani
:(smi
led)I
'
m sor
ry
Nompi
lo:whatdoyouwant
?
Busani
:(smi
led)comeonwhyar
eyoual
waysl
ike
thi
stome?
Nompi
lo:l
ikewhat
?
Busani
:li
ket
his,
socol
d.Whatdi
dIeverdot
oyou?
Nompi
lo:st
opbei
ngal
lovermyf
ace
Busani
:wel
lIcan'
thel
pmysel
f,you'
resobeaut
if
ul
i
t'
shardtoi
gnoreyou
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)yahnecheeseboy
Busani
:(smi
led)andt
hatsmi
lei
sbr
eat
htaki
ng
Nompi
losmi
ledbl
ushi
ng
Busani
:sohowl
ongwillwekeepgoi
ngi
nci
rcl
es?
Tel
lmewhatam Idoi
ngwrong?
Nompil
o:Busaniyou'
reagr
eatguy,
I'
mjustseei
ng
someoneri
ghtnow
Busani
:forhowlongcauseI
'
vebeenaski
ngyouout
si
ncethefir
stgr
ade
Nompi
lo:nowyou'
rekeepst
absonme?
Busani
:(smi
led)noI
'
m not
Nompi
lo:goodbecausei
tisnotcool
Busani
:I'
m sor
rycanwebef
ri
endst
hen
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)sur
e
Busani
:it
'shotwanti
cecr
eam?
Nompi
lo:whowoul
dsaynot
ofr
eei
cecr
eam
Busani
:okayl
et'
sgot
hen

Shesmi
ledandwal
kedwi
thhi
mtobuyi
cecr
eam

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMpho'
shome

Hear
ri
vedhomeandwal
kedt
othemostbeaut
if
ul
vi
ewever ,theviewofthemostbeaut i
fulwoman
evercooking.Shewaswear ingawr aparoundl
ong
dressthatrevealedherhourglassshape.Shewas
skinnyofcoursebutyoucoul dnevertakeaway
beautygivenbyGod

Mpho:hel
lo
Thandi
we:(
tur
nedandsmi
led)hi
Mpho:(
smi
led)howar
eyou?
Thandi
we:I
'
mfi
nehowar
eyou?
Mpho:I
'
m good,
youl
ook.
..Beaut
if
ul
Thandi
we:(smil
ed)t
hankyou,
Gohogavemesome
ofyoursi
ster
'sol
dcl
othes
Mpho:wher
eissheandI
nami
?
Thandiwe:theywentt
oherf
ri
endwhohasa
tuckshoptobuydri
nks
Mpho:shecoul
d'vet
oldme,
Iwoul
d'veboughti
ton
mywayhome
Thandiwe:(
smi l
ed)I
'
m sur
etheyj
ustwant
edt
o
st
retchthei
rlegs
Mpho:(smi
led)okay.
..Ummhletmegot
akeabat
h
andchangesoIcancomeenjoythi
sdel
ici
ous
di
nner
Thandi
we:ummhbef
oreyougot
her
e'ssomet
hingI
wanttosay
Mpho:(
satdown)okay
Thandiwe:(satdown)ngiyabongangakokonke
ongenzelakona(thankyouf orever
ythi
ngyou'
re
doi
ngf orme)
Mpho:don'
twor
ryabouti
t.I
'
m gl
adIcoul
dhel
p
Thandiwe:Idon'
tknowwhattodobutal
lIknowi
s
thatIcan'
tstayheref
orever
Mpho:Thandi
weyouknowyoudon'
thavet
ogo
Thandi
we:Ihavet
oVusiisprobabl
yhunt
ingus
downri
ghtnow.We'r
ejustnotsafe
Mpho:youneedt
orepor
thi
m
Thandi
we:Ican'
t
Mpho:i
t'
stheonl
ywayyou'
l
lbesaf
eandf
reef
rom
hi
m
Thandi
we:youdon'
tunder
standt
hatIonce-
I
nami
wal
kedi
nwi
thGogocar
ryi
ngt
hedr
inks.
I
nami
:Mommywe'
reback
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)j
usti
nti
me,
foodwi
llber
eadyi
n
thi
rt
y
Gogo:Mphosewubuyi
le(
Mphoyou'
reback)
Mpho:(
smi
led)yesgogo
Gogo:hel
pnanaputt
hedr
inksi
nthef
ri
dge
Mpho:okay
Gogo:mmhsomet
hingsmel
l
sdel
ici
ous
Thandi
we:(
smi
ledget
ti
ngup)wai
tti
llyout
ast
eit
Mphogotupandhel
pedInamiputt
hedr
inksont
he
f
ri
dgethenwentt
ohisr
oom.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
ATMASOKO'
SHOUSE
shelookedatherhusbandatt
hedinnert
abl
ewhil
e
eati
ng,Busanicoul
dseesomethi
ngwaswr ongwi
th
hismother

Busani
:Ma
Shedi
dn'
trespondandMrSokol
ookedatherbut
hermi
ndwasel sewher
e
MrSoko:Mkami(
mywi
fe!
)
MaSoko:mmh?
Busani
:ingabekonkekul
ungi
le?(
isever
ythi
ng
al
ri
ght?
)
MaSoko:yebo.
..Konkekuhambakahl
e(yes.
..
Ever
ythi
ngisal
right
)
Busani
:awukathi
ntiukudl
akwakhosol
okesi
cal
il
e
kudl
a(youhaven'
ttouchedyourf
oodsi
ncewe
beganeat
ing)
MaSoko:angi
lambangamf
anawami(I
'
m not
hungr
ymyson)
MrSoko:unesi
cini
sekoawugul
i?(
areyousur
e
you'
renotsi
ck?)
MaSoko:ngi di
niwenje,
bengi
sebenzakakhul
u
elangeninamuhla(I
'mjustt
ir
ed,I
'vebeenworki
ng
toomuchi nthesun)
MrSoko:okay
MaSoko:ngi
phet
hwei
khanda(
Ihaveaheadache)
MrSoko:hhambol
ala(
got
osl
eep)
Busani
:uthat
hemaphili
siekhanda,
ngi
zoya
kuyol
ali
sabantwana(t
akepill
sfort
heheadache,
I'
ll
taket
hekidstobed)
MaSoko:ngi
yabongamt
anami(
thankyoumychi
ld)
Khanyi
:mamangicel
ainyamayakho(
mom canI
haveyourpi
eceofmeat)
Noxol
o:namif
uthimama(
met
oomom)
MaSokoshar
edi
tfort
hem t
hengotupandwentt
o
herr
oom.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
ATNOMPI
LO'
SHOME

Hermotherl
ookedatt
heunfami
li
arbr
acelet
,
wonderi
ngwhereshegoti
tfr
om asi
tlooked
expensi
ved.

Nompil
o:thi
sissodel
ici
ousmom,
your
eal
lyknow
yourst
uff
MaGl
adys:ngi
yabonga
Shecar
ri
edoneat
ing
MaGl
adys:wher
edi
dyougett
hatbr
acel
et?
Nompi
lo:(
lookedati
t)I
..
.Ummh.
..Goti
tfr
om Sandi
MaGl
adys:Sandican'
taf
for
dsuchbr
acel
et
Nompi
lo:herboyf
ri
endboughti
tforher
MaGl
adys:andwhyar
eyout
heonewear
ingi
t?
Nompil
o:shecoul
dn'
ttakei
thomebecauseshe
woul
dgetintr
oubl
e
MaGl
adys:wel
lIdon'
twanti
ther
etakei
tback.
Uyazihermothert
alkstoomuchnextthi
ngshe'
llbe
sayi
ngyou'r
einfl
uencingherdaught
ertododi
rt
y
thi
ngs
Nompi
lo:(
taki
ngi
tof
f)Iwi
ll
MaGl
adys:howi
sschool
?
Nompi
lo:good
MaGl
adys:Ihopeyouappl
iedf
orvar
sit
y
Nompi
lo:
Ihavef
orbusi
nessmanagement
MaGl adys:Mpilosi
khul
umilengal
okhu,
applayel
ai
teachi
ngornur si
ng(Mpil
owespokeaboutthis
applyforteachi
ngornursi
ng)
Nompi l
o:maramamaangi zi
boningi
ngushishel
a
nomai nurse(
butmom Idon'
tseemyselfbeinga
teacheroranurse)
MaGl adys:okubalul
eki
leukuthiut
hol
eumsebenzi
naseucedilekufunda(whatisimport
anti
syou
gett
ingajobaf t
erstudyi
ng)
Nompi
lo:(
angr
y)hhaychamama
MaGl
adys:don'
tyoudar
egi
vemet
hatf
ace
Nompi
lo:(
looki
ngdown)ngi
yacol
isa(I
'
m sor
ry)
MaGl
adys:ngi
yakucel
amt
anami(
pleasemychi
ld)
Nompi
lo:Idi
dappl
yfort
eachi
ngasasecondopt
ion
MaGl
adys:okay
Theycar
ri
edoneat
ing.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
ATTHANDI
WE'
SROOM

Shesmi
ledlooki
ngatherdaughterl
ayingonthe
bedwi
thherbigtummybreathi
ngasi fshewasin
ICU

I
nami
:mamangi
yaf
a(mom I
'
m dyi
ng)
Thandi
we:(
laughed)udl
ekakhul
u(youat
etoo
much)
I
nami
:(smi
led)kumnandiukuhl
alal
a(i
t'
sni
ce
l
ivi
ngher
e)
Thandi
we:ngi
yazimt
anami(
Iknowmychi
ld)
Inami:mamaangi
funikubuyel
aekhaya,ngi
funa
kuhlal
ala,
nagogonamal umeMpho.( mom Idon'
t
wanttogobackhome, Iwantt
ostayherewith
grandmaandUncleMpho)
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)comel
et'
spr
aysowecangot
o
sl
eep
I
nami:(
get
ti
ngdownf
rom t
hebed)Iwantt
opr
ay
mysel
f
Thandi
we:okay
Theykneel
eddownandcl
osedt
hei
reyes

Inami:Nkul unkul
uonot hando, Nkulunkuluono
musayi thinabantwanabakhoabakudumi sayo.
Siyabongakusi vi
kela,siyabongaukusandi sela
i
zinsukuzokuphi la,si
yabongaukusi phaukudla
namuhl anomndeniomusha.Si celauchubeke
ubuyeusi colel
ekuzozonkhei zonoesi zenzayo.
Egamenil enkosiujesuAmen
Thandiwe:(
smiled)Amen..
.Thatwasabeaut
if
ul
prayernowlet
'sgettobed

Inamij
umpedint
obedt
henhermot
herj
oinedher
astheycuddl
ed.

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#5
ATMASOKO'
SHOUSE

MrSokol
ight
lyshookhi
swifet
owakeupwhi
leshe
act
edasi
fshewasasleep.

MrSoko:MamaBusani
MaSoko:mmh.
..
MrSoko:vukauyongi
lungisel
amanziokugeza
(
wakeupandf i
xmeabat h)
MaSoko:ngi
celauzenzel
eangizi
vakahl
e(canyou
pl
easedoityoursel
fIdon'
tfeelr
eal
lywel
l)
MrSoko:kant
ikwenzakal
ani(
what
'sgoi
ngon?
)
MaSoko:( tur
nedandlookedathi
m)Mandlakhe
ngiyazikut
hiuyagangal
angaphandl
e(Mandl
akheI
knowyou' r
ehavinganaff
airoutt
her
e)
MrSoko:kushobani
?(whosai
dthat
?)
MaSoko:why?
MrSoko:Idon'
thavet
imef
ort
his
MaSoko:yingakhobewungangit
hint
ikulezi
nyanga
ezindl
uli
le(
that
'swhyyouhaven'
tbeentouchingme
thesepastfewmonths.
Hest
eppedoutoft
hebed
MaSoko:(
angr
y)ngi
khul
umanawe(I
'
mtal
kingt
o
you!
)
MrSoko:(
angry)angi
nasikhat
hisalombhedowakho
(
Idon'
thaveti
mef oryournonsense)
Masoko:awukhombingi
shonokuzisol
a(youdon'
t
evenshowregr
et)
MrSoko:( shoutinglookingathi swif
e)Ukuzisola?
Ngizi
solel
eningi ngenzilutho?Ungathinawubusy
ul
alangaphandl eucabangekut hinamingenzanj alo.
Ngikongingalalinawengi balekelal
ezif
o(regret?
Whywoul dIr egretmysel fwhenI '
vedonenot hing
wrong?Don' tthinkthatsinceyouar eopeningyour
l
egsoutt herewe' realldoingit
.That'
swhyI 'm not
sl
eepingwi t
hyou, I
'mr unningawayf r
om diseases?
MaSoko:(
tear
ful
)what
?
Heangr
il
ywal
kedoutoft
hei
rbedr
oom.MaSoko
steppedoutoft hebedi
ntear
s.Shesatdownas
shef el
tdizzyandcri
ed.Whydidshehavet
ogo
throughtbisagain
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
ATDORA'
SHOUSE

Doraleanedont hewal ll
impingtot heki
tchen.She
couldbarelyseeaf t
erbei ngbeatenl i
keadogl ast
night
.Shest il
lcouldn'tgetthelookonhi sfaceout
ofhermind.Whatshesawl astnightwasnotaman
butamonst er.Shejusthatedher ,shehated
Thandiwewi t
hallherhear t
.Hebur stthr
ought he
doorfri
ghteningher .

Vusi
:(angr
il
y)abakabuyi
,solokeabakabuyi
!(t
hey
ar
enotback,THEYARESTI LLNOTBACK)
Dor
a:bazobuya(
theywi
llbeback)
Vusi
:(fol
dinghi
sfi
sts)Ngi
zombulalaThandi
we,
ngi
zombulala(I
'm goi
ngtoki
llThandi
we,I'
m goi
ng
toki
llher
)
Dora:uzobuyaakukhol
angahl
alakhona(shewi
ll
comeback, t
here'
snowhereshecanstay)
Vusi
:kukhona,i
lel
ephinj
eizol
o?(
ther
eis,
wher
edi
d
shesl
eeplastni
ght?)
Dor
a:(
rubbi
nghersor
eneck)angazi(
Idon'
tknow)
Vusi
:(bangedthet
abl
e)vel
ekuzei
ntooyaziyo,
usi
li
ma( youknownot
hing,
you'
rej
ustst
upid)
Hest
ormedoutwhi
leDor
abegancr
ying.
》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》
ATMPHO'
SHOME

Thandiwewokeupsoear l
yandcl eanedt
heyar
d
andthehousethenmadebr eakf
ast.Gogowokeup
andwal kedt
otheki
tchensurpri
sedtosee
ever
ythingcl
eanandready.
Gogo:(smi
li
ng)sawubonamt
anami(
mor
ningmy
chi
ld)
Thandiwe:sawubonagogo,ul
elenj
ani(
mor
ning
grandma,howdidyousleep?)
Gogo:ngi
lel
ekahle,yohucoci
lekuhl
e(Isl
eptwel
l
,
yohyouhavecleanedit'
ssonice)
Thandi
we:(smiled)ngi
yabongagogonawufuna
manziokugezaakhona( t
hankyougrandmaifyou
wantwaterforbathi
ngtheyareher
e)
Gogo:(smi
led)ngi
yabongamt
anami(
thankyoumy
chi
ld)
Gogowenttogetherbatht
ubandcamebackt o
pourhotwat
er.Shethenwentt
oherroom.Mpho
walkedi
nwhil
eThandi wewasprepar
inghi
slunch
box

Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)mor
ning
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)mor
ning
Mpho:sot
hisi
showi
tfeel
stohaveawi
fe?
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)I
'
m notyourwi
fe
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)butyouwoul
dmakeabeaut
if
ul
wi
fe
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)st
opi
t
Hewal
kedcl
osert
oher
Mpho:I'm serious.Thandiweaf t
ereverythingthat
hashappenedt oyou,Iwantyoutothatitwasnever
yourfaul
t.Don' tdoubtyourself
,don'
tevert hinkso
l
owofyour self.You'r
ebeautif
ulandintell
igent.A
greatmom t oInami ,asurvi
vorandfighter.You'r
e
justoneinami lli
on.Amant hatwil
lmar ryyou
wouldbesol ucky.

Shebecamesoemot i
onal,shehadneverrecei
ved
compli
mentsbef
ore,al
lsheevergotwasinsults
andthr
eat
s.Shejustneededtohearthat
.
Thandi
we:ngi
yabongat
hismeansal
ott
ome
Mpho:andyoucanstayhereaslongasyouwant
.
It
'sgr
eathavingI
namihere,
shekeepsgogo
companyandevenstoppedaski
ngmeaboutwhen
I'
l
lgetmarri
ed
Thandi
we:(
laughed)ohsoyou'
reusi
ngmyl
it
tl
egi
rl
Mpho:(
laughi
ng)what
?NO
Thandiwel
aughedandInamiwalkedi
ntheki
tchen
rubbi
nghersl
eepyeyesgoingt
ohermotherquiet
ly

Mpho:l
ookwho'
sup
Thandi
we:(
li
ft
edherup)ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
ogr
eetus
I
nami
:(l
aidherheadonhermom'
schest
)mor
ning
Mpho:(
playi
ngwi
thhernose)mor
ningbunny
I
nami
smi
ledpushi
ngawayhi
shand
I
nami
:mamaIwannabat
handgot
oschool
Thandi
we:(
sighed)youar
enotgoi
ngt
oschool
todaymybaby
I
nami
:why?
Thandi
we:ummh.
..
Mpho:becausemommyisl
ookingf
oranewschool
f
oryou.Aschoolt
hati
sbi
ggerandbet
ter
I
nami
:Idon'
twantt
ogot
oanewschool
Mpho:buti twillbefun,you'
llmakenewf ri
endsand
havewhi t
et eachers.YourEnglishwil
lbeon
ster
oids.Youwi l
lbeli
ke(bri
tishaccent)"
mommy
where'smyt eaandbi scuit
s"
I
nami l
aughedlooki
ngatMpho,
Thandi
weendedup
j
oini
ngherinthelaugh

Mpho:seei
twi
llbef
un
I
nami
:(smi
li
ng)okay
Thandi
we:(
putherdown)nowgot
oourr
oom,
I'
ll
bri
ngyouwatert
obath
I
nami
:uncl
eMphogr
eetOl
wet
huandLangaf
orme
Mpho:(
smi
led)okaybunny
Shewentt
othei
rroom whi
leThandi
wesi
ghedi
n
rel
ief

Thandi
we:t
hankyou
Mpho:i
t'
sokay,
Ishoul
dgobat
haswel
l
Thandi
we:yeaht
her
e'senoughhotwat
erf
or
ever
yone
Mpho:(
smi
led)t
hanks
Hewentt
ohi
sroom
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Meanwhi
le

MaSokogather
edhert
hingswhi
lehermot
her
wai
tedf
orher.

MaBongwe:I
'
m gl
adyou'
vef
inal
lycomet
oyour
sense
MaSoko:pl
easemama,
I'
m doi
ngi
tsot
her
e'sno
needt
orubitonmyf
ace
MaBongwe:Iam notr
ubbi
ngi
tonyourf
ace
MaSoko:thi
schangesnot
hingnot
hing,
Iam st
il
la
Chr
ist
ianwoman
MaBongwe:ehwhathast
hisgott
odowi
thGod?
MaSoko:asambeIdon'
thavet
imet
oexpl
ain
MaBongwegotupandf ol
lowedherdaughtert
oher
carandt heydrovetoal
ocalSangoma.Theywai t
ed
forawhi l
ewithsomanypeopl e,
Masokowasso
embar r
assedshehadwr appedascarfaroundher
face.Theywenti nandt
heSangomat hrewthe
bones..
.

Sangoma:(
ngi
bonaint
ombazana..
.yi
yoezama
kubhi
dli
sal
omshadowakho)Iseeagi r
l.
..She'
sthe
onetr
yingt
odest
royyourmarr
iage..
.Makhosi
MaSoko:okay
MaBongwe:Makhosi
Sangoma:mar
aakunanki
sangi
zoml
ungi
sa

Hest
art
edwr
appi
ngmut
iint
onewspaper
s.

Sangoma:l
out aeukokisabeseuyawuphuzangembi
kwekut
hini
hlangane( youboilt
hisanddri
nki
t
bef
oreyoubecomei ntimate)
MaSoko:okay
MaBongwe:Makhosi
Sangoma:hewillt
akethisf
rom youandgiveitt
o
thegi
rlwhentheyarei
ntimateandyrustmethatgi
rl
wil
lnevergi
veyouproblemsagain
MaBongwe:Makhosi
Theytookwhathegavet
hem andpai
dthenwent
home.Theyarr
ivedhomeandMaSokoboiledt
he
muti

MaBongwe:makesur
ekut
hinamuhl
ani
yenza
MaSoko:yeboma
MaBongwe:naweuzamemanikubamuhl eufake
i
spice,madodaayadinwaumauziphat
hisakwe
salukwazi(
youmustalsotr
ytobebeautif
uladd
spice,mengetti
redwhenyouactli
kea
grandmother)
MaSoko:hhamama
MaBongwe:yeboindodauyayi
jabul
isa
nj
engomkayo(yes,
youmustmakeyourownman
happyast
hewi f
e)
MaSoko:okaymamangi
yakuva(
okaymamaIhear
you)
MaBongwe:(
smi
li
ng)Amen
Shel
etboilandputitasi
det
hentookhermother
home.Shethenwentt ot
heshopsandbought
somethi
ngforlat
er.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Att
heschool
Thembatookonesandwi
chf
rom Mpho'
slunchbox
andtookabi
te.

Themba:(
chewing)yabonal
okukwenzi
weumfazi
wangempela(
youseet hi
swasmadebyareal
woman)
Mpho:(smil
ing)hhayyenauyal
ishayaibhodo,kube
uvekudlakwakheizol
oyoh!Yoh!Yoh!(shesure
cancook,i
fyoucould'
vetast
edherf oodyesterday
yohyohyoh)
Themba:mshademf
ethu(
mar
ryherbr
other
)
Mpho:Iwantt
omanj
ustt
hatshe'
sinar
usht
o
moveout
Themba:makeapl
an
Mpho:al
lIcandoismakeherenj
oyherst
ayand
somehowgainhertr
ustpl
usIenj
oyt
heenergy
Inami
bri
ngsinthehouse
Themba:(
laughed)Ei
shIwi
sht
hingscangowel
l
foryoumybrother
Mpho:Ihopesot
ooman, sowhati
shappeni
ng
bet
weenyouandthatgi
rl
..
.Mapule
Themba:yohmfet
hulomuntui
smi
lki
ngmedry.Her
bi
rthdayi
sint
wodaysandIknowuzofunama
weavesandnai
lsl
ezi
ntozabo
Mpho:(
laughed)t
hat
'sasl
ayqueenf
oryou
Themba:(
laughed)ei
shmf
ethu.
..Awungi
pheesi
nye
i
sinkwa
Mpho:(
laughed)hambakusl
ayqueen
Theybot
hlaughedandMphoshar
edmor
ewi
thhi
m

Pl
easel
ike,
commentandshar
e
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#6

Af
terschool

Nompil
owaswal ki
nghomewithherfri
endinthe
bl
azi
nghotsun,Nompilot
ookoffherschoolj
ersey
andworei
toverherhead.

Sandi
:attimesli
kethi
sIcanonl
yimagi
nemysel
fin
myapar t
ment,wit
hshort
son,cr
optopandani
ce
col
ddrink
Nompi
lo:(
laughed)nowt
hat
'st
hel
if
est
yleIwanna
l
ivepr
obabl
ygetmar
ri
ed
Sandi
:(smi
led)andhavebeaut
if
ulki
ds

Nompi
lobur
sti
nlaught
eri
thur
tSandi
Nompil
o:uyazchommief
oryoutohavebeaut
if
ul
ki
dsyouneedtomarryawhi
teguy.
..
Sandi
:thati
sreal
lynotf
unny
Nompi
lo:aski
esI
'
mjustj
oki
ng
Sandi
:Iwi
llgetmar
ri
edt
oamant
hatl
ovesmet
he
wayIam
Nompi
lo:(
hol
dingi
nherl
aught
er)yep
Herphoner
angandsheanswer
ed

Nompi
lo:babe

Sandil
ookedatherandsher
oll
edhereyesl
ooki
ng
away
MrSoko:myl
if
e
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)uyangi
khumbul
ane(
youmi
ss
meri
ght?)
MrSoko:uyaznaweuyangi
hlanyi
sa(
youknowyou
dr
ivemecrazy)
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)oohbaby
MrSoko:manj
engi
kubonani
ni?(
sowhenam I
seei
ngyou?
)
Nompi
lo:namuhl
angi
yobengi
busykakhul
u(t
oday
I
'l
lbet
oobusy)
MrSoko:kungabanj
anikusasa?(
howabout
t
omorrow?)
Nompi
lo:t
omor
rowi
sokay
MrSoko:I
'
llpi
ckyouupatourusualspot
Nompi
lo:okaybabebye
Shehungupsmi
li
ng
Sandi
:ubusyne
Nompi
lo:ohst
opi
t,youknowyoushoul
dbe
avai
labl
ebutnott
ooavai
labl
e
Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)okaymr
sSoko
Nompi
lo:(
laughed)don'
tsayi
toutl
oudbutFYII
'
m
t
henaughtyMrsS
Theybot
hlaughedwhi
leBusanicameandgr
eet
ed
them.

Busani
:hel
lol
adi
es
Them:hi
Busani
:soummhMpi
locanwehangoutl
ateri
f
you'
ref
ree
Nompi
lo:ummhI
'
m hangi
ngoutwi
thmymanso.
.
Busani
:(smil
ed)yeahi
t'
sfi
ne,
justwonder
ingwho'
s
themyster
yguy.Doyouknowhim Sandi
?
Sandi
:ummh.
..
Nompi
lo:shedoesn'
tI'
m keepi
nghi
m asecr
etf
or
now
Busani
:sur
e,I
'
llseeyouar
oundt
hen
Nompi
lo:sur
e

Hewalkedawaywhi
let
heycar
ri
edonwal
kingl
ike
chamel
eonsint
hebl
azi
ngsun.

Sandi
:sowhosays'
Mpi
lo'
bet
ter
,daddyorson?
Nompi
lo:(l
aughed)ohmygoshdon'
task
somet
hingthati
sobvious.
Sandi
:daddysaysi
tbet
ter
?
Nompil
o:noboyboycal
lsi
tbet
teryabonai
thas
t
hatf
lavor
Sandibur
stoutl
aughi
ng
Nompil
o:(
pull
edSandit
ot hesi
de)l
etgoovert
o
t
hatshoptobuyi
cebeforeImelt
Sandi
:okay
Theywal
kedt
otheshopcont
inui
ngt
hei
rtal
ktobuy
i
ce
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMpho'
shome

Gogowal kedt
othesi
tt
ingroom andfoundInami
l
ayingont hematwat
chingt.
v.Shecouldtel
lshe
wasn'thappy.

Gogo:(nanabewuzival
elei
mi niyonkel
andl
ini
,
yi
nindabaungayangakuyodlalangaphandl
e)nana
you'
vebeenl ockedi
nsi
dethewhol eday,whydidn'
t
yougopl ayoutsi
de?
Inami:(
uthemamangingadl
alingaphandl
e
akukaphephi
)mamasaidImustnotgoout si
de
becauseiti
snotsaf
e

Thandi
wewal
kedi
n,gr
eet
edgogot
hensatdown.
Gogo:yiniungavumiinganekut
hii
dlal
engaphandl
e
ubhoreki
le(whydon'tyouall
owthechil
dtoplay
outsi
deit'
sclearshe'
sbored)
Thandi
we:iti
snotsaf
eforhert
opl
ayout
sidegogo.
He'
ssti
lll
ooki
ngforus
Gogo:kodwahowl
ongwi
llyoul
ivel
iket
his?
Thandi
we:whenwemovet
ojobur
gal
loft
hiswi
ll
end
Gogo:(
clappedonce)eyangazi
Thandiwe:(
toInami
)babyj
ustbepat
ientsoon
you'
llpl
ayfreel
y
I
nami
:okay
Mphoknockedandwal
kedi
n
Mpho:bakuphibantubakul
omuzi
?(wher
ear
ethe
peopl
eofthishouse?)
.
Inamicameoutrunni
ngfrom t
helivi
ngroom wi
tha
smileandMpholif
tedherupti
ckl
inghermakingher
l
aughveryhard.

I
nami
:di
dyougr
eetmyf
ri
ends?
Mpho:yesandt
heygavet
his

Heputherdownandopenedhi sbagpackt aki

ng
outapacketofSimbachips,
al i
tt
lej
uiceanda
chocol
ate.Sheexci
tedl
ytookthem whil
eher
motherwalkedi
n.

Thandi
we:(
smil
ed)youknowt
hat
'scal
ledspoi
li
ng
achil
dtoomuch
Mpho:(
laughed)notmebutherfr
iendsatschool.
Tur
nsouttheybringhert
reat
sfr
om homeever yday
Thandi
we:nowt
hatexpl
ainswhyshel
ovesschool
Mpho:but
..
..Igotyousomet
hing

Hesearchedhispocket
sandt
ookoutal
unchbar
chocol
ategi
vingitt
oher.
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)t
hankyou,
you'
rever
yki
ndt
o
me
Mpho:(smi
led)youdeservetobespoi
ledpl
usI
don'
tthi
nkBunnyiswill
ingtoshar
e

ThandiwelookedatInamisi
tt
ingont
hefl
ooreat
ing
hersnacksandsmi l
ed.Shewassoador
able.

Thandiwe:(smi
led)okay,
youshoul
dgoget
changed.I'
l
lmakeyousomet hi
ngtoeatandst
art
prepar
ingfordi
nner
Mpho:noyougoandr
elax,
I'
llbemaki
ngdi
nner
Thandi
we:butt
her
e'snoneed
Mpho:(
pull
inghertothesi
tt
ingr
oom)nonott
oday,
your
est.I
'
llcook.Hel
logogo
Gogo:yebomt
anami
Mpho:yousi
tdownandI'
l
lcook.I
'
m agr
eatcook
ChefBunnywi
llhel
pme
Gogo:wehuyocedamacar
rot
sloyo(
ohshe'
l
lfi
nish
t
hecarrot
sthatone)

I
nami
peekedt
hrought
hedoor

I
nami
:(scr
eami
ng)t
heywi
llmakemeseebet
ter
Gogo:kushokonakut
himehloakhosewayiX-
ray
(
thenthatmeansyoureyesar
eanx-ray)
Ever
yonelaughedwhi
leI
namiaskedconf
usedwhat
anXrayi
s
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
ATMASOKO'
SHOUSE

MrSokosatdownwhi l
ehiswifedishedforhi m,he
coul
dn'thel
phimselfbystari
ngatherpoppi ng
cl
eavagewhenshel eanedoverdishingforhim.
Whenwast helastti
mehesawhi swi f
elooking
sexyl
ikethat
,herlomgcurlyhair
,andper f
ectly
doneeyebr
owsoohandt
hathotr
edlipst
ick.Thi
s
wasthewomanhemarri
ed18yearsago.

MaSoko:yoursteak,
justt
hewayyoul
ikei
t.Not
r
aworovercooked
BabSoko:(
smi
led)kwenzakal
animaSoko?(
what
's
goi
ngonmaSoko? )
MaSoko:( smi l
ed)ngimi ki
sebantwanakumama
ngobabengi funkuthisibenesi
khathinjesethu
sobabil
i.Ngifunakucolisangalempibesinayo(I
tookthekidst omymom becauseIwant edust o
havetimet ogether
.Ialsowantt oapologizefort
he
fi
ghtwehad)
BabSoko:sengi
kundl
uli
sil
elok-(
Ihavel
ett
hatgo-
)
MaSokot ur
nedwal ki
ngtothesinkandhegota
si
teofherbi
groundbut t
,whenwast helasttimehe
sawherinsomethingli
kethat?Short
,ti
ght,showi
ng
al
lherl
ovehandles.Hiswifewassobeaut i
fuland
Johnni
edowntherecouldn'tagr
eemor e.Shecame
andsatdown

BabSoko:uyaziukugcinakwamikukubonaumuhle
kanjenakwakungembikokuthiut
holeLi
ndi
wena
Fiki
le(youknowthelastti
meIsawyout hi
s
beautif
ul,
itwasbef
oreyouhadLi ndi
wenaFiki
le)
MaSoko:ngempel
a?(
real
ly?
)
BabSoko:ngempel
amaSoko, umuhlekwengi
losi
(f
orr
eal,
you'r
ebeauti
full
ikeanAngel
)
MaSoko:(
blushi
ng)ngi
yabonga.Ishoul
ddot
his
mor
eoften
BabSoko:(
tookherhandandki
ssedi
t)Icoul
dget
usedt
othis
MaSoko:l
et'
seat
,west
il
lhave.
..
Shet
ookoneoneheelandranhisf
ootbet
weenhi
s
l
egs,
sendi
ngShri
ver
st ohi
sspine.

MaSoko:desser
t
BabNkosi
:Desser
t?
MaSoko:ni
ceni
cet
ight
,fatj
uicydesser
t
BabSoko:(
li
ckedhi
sli
ps)oh.
..I
sthe.
..
de.
..
desser
t
ready?
MaSoko:(
li
ckedt
hespoon)mor
ethanr
eady.
ifyou
l
ikewecanski
pdi
nnerand.
..

Hewastednot i
megoi ngovert
okissher.Shebroke
t
hekissgettingupt aki
nghishandandleadinghi
m
t
otheirbedroom, hefoll
owedli
keagoodboynot
t
aki
nghi seyesof fherbuttt
hatshookasshe
wal
ked.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
ATSANDI
'
SHOME

Shel ookedatheroldersistersi
tti
ngi
nfrontofthe
mirrordoingherhair.Shewassobeaut i
ful,
shehad
thatblackAmericanl ookli
keAjionaAl
exus.Sandi
act
ual
lywonder
edhowi
tfel
ttobel
ikeher
.

Buhle:uyongi
bukakuzekubeni
ni?(
howl
ongwi
l
l
youkeepstarr
ingatme?)
Sandi
:(l
aughed)umuhl
e(you'
rebeaut
if
ul)
Buhle:(
turnedandlookedather
)naweumuhl
e
(you'
realsobeaut
if
ul)
Sandi
:umaneuyashonj
e(you'
rej
ustsayi
ngt
hat
)
Buhl
e:t
omeyouar
ebeaut
if
ul,
wear
eal
lbeaut
if
ul
i
nourownway

Sandil ookeddownsadl y,
shehasneverf el
t
beautiful,
shewasn'tbeautif
ul.Shewasdar k,had
eyesbi gliket
heywer egoingtof al
loutanddry
roughski n.Shecoul
dn'tevenl ookathersel
finthe
mirror.Hersist
erwalkedoverandsatnextt oher.
Shet urnedherface,cuppingitandlookedat
Sandi'seyes
Buhle:al
lofthisi
sjustacover,
whatisimportant
(poi
ntedatherheart)i
swhatisinsi
dehere.Beauty
fadeswithti
mebutchar act
erandpersonal
it
y
doesn't
.Sobehappyandacceptt hewayyouar e
becauseyou'rebeauti
ful
Sandi
:(smi
led)t
hankssi
s,Ineededt
oheart
hat
Buhle:(
huggedher
)Iknowandal
waysbel
ieveme
overanyoneel
se
Sandi
:Ido
Buhle:nowl
etmedoyourhai
rsoyoucanbeext
ra
beauti
ful
Sandi:(
laughed)okay.Sowhatar
eyourpl
ansf
or
nextyear?
Buhl
e:(
get
ti
nghercomb)Idon'
tknow
Sandi
:youreal
lyneedt
oputyourhi
ghercer
ti
fi
cat
e
togooduse
Buhl
e:(
laughed)maybesomeothert
imer
ightnow
Benj
aminisdri
vingmeinsane
Sandi
:(l
aughed)howdoesi
tfeell
iket
obei
nlove?
Buhl
e:(combi
ngherhair
)I '
m gl
adyouasked,
it'
s
l
ikeeat
ingchocol
ateandlemon
Sandiburstoutl
aughi
ngwhi
lehersi
stercar
ri
edon
tal
kingt
il
llate

Pl
easel
ike,
commentandshar
e
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#7
ATMPHO'
SHOME

Mphowokeupandwal kedoutofhisroom t
oget
wat
erintheki
tchen.Hef oundThandi
weseatedi
n
t
heseati
ngroom cryi
ng.

Mpho:Thandi
wekwenzenj
ani
?(Thandi
wewhat
's
wr
ong?)
Thandi
we:(
wipi
nghert
ear
s)kuze(
not
hing)
Mpho:(
satnextt
oher
)you'
recr
ying
Thandi
we:(t
earf
ul)ukuthinj
eizi
ntoazi
ngi
hambel
i
kahl
e(i
t'
sjustt
hatthingsaren'
tgoi
ngwellf
orme)
Mpho:yi
niekwenzaushonj
e(whatmakesyousay
t
hat?
)
Thandiwe:uncl
e..
..Vusihurtmebadly(tear
ful
)no
matterhowfarIrunhe'salwaysther
e...
.he'
sal
ways
suff
ocati
ngme( crying)ever
yti
meIcl osemyeyes
he'
sal
wayst
her
e

Mphopul
ledheroverf
orahugwhi
leshecr
ied.

Mpho:ever
ythingisgoingtobeokay.Thi
ngswil
l
changeIpr
omi se.Justbestr
ongI'
llbewi
thyou
ever
ystepoftheway

Shemanagedtocalm downandbr
oket
hehug
wipi
ngawayhertear
s.

Mpho:youknowyou'vebeenthroughsomet
hing
har
dandtraumatic.I
twon'tj
ustgoawayoverni
ght
,
youneedtogetcounsel
li
ng
Thandi
we:Idon'
thavemoney
Mpho:t
her
e'sf
reecounsel
li
ngatt
hecl
ini
c
Thandi
we:(shaki
ng)Ican'
tri
skVusif
indi
ngmeand
I
nami (
touchi
ngherbell
y)mybaby
Mpho:(
sur
pri
sed)you'
repr
egnant
?
Thandi
we:yes(sighed)andIhavenowher
etogo.I
can'
tevenprovi
def orI
nami
Mpho:canIt
ouchi
t?
Thandi
we:what
?
Mpho:t
he.
..baby
Thandi
we:ummhokay
Hepl
acedhishandonherbumpandhi
seyes
wi
denedshocked.

Mpho:wow.
..Ther
e'sababyi
nther
e

Thandi
wecoul
dn'
thel
pbutl
augh
Mpho:whyar
eyoul
aughi
ng?
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)you'
remaki
ngmel
augh
Mpho:(
smil
ed)howdoesi
tfeelt
ohaveaper
son
i
nsi
deofyou?
Thandi
we:i
t'
swei
rd,
Ican'
texpl
aini
t
Mpho:howf
arar
eyou?
Thandi
we:I
'
m notsur
efi
veorsi
xmont
hs
Mpho:don'
ttheyt
ellyouatt
hecl
ini
c?
Thandi
we:Icoul
dn'
tUncl
e-
Mpho:don'
tcal
lhi
mthat
Thandiwe:wi
thmyfir
stpregnancyIwasscar
edand
Vusiforbi
dmefrom l
eavi
ngthehouse
Mpho:I
'
m sor
ry
Thandiwe:thedayIgavebi r
thwashel l.Hedr opped
meof foutsi
dethecli
nic,Icr
awledi nandt he
demandedmycar d,
Ihadnoneandt heyjust
embar r
assedmei nfr
ontofpeopl e.Itwasj ust.
.
(shookherhead)Idon'twishthattohappenon
anyone
Mpho:(
hel
dherhand)I
'
m sor
ry
Thandi
we:Ihavebeentryi
ngtobestrongforsuch
alongt
ime.Ijustwantt
orestbutIf
eelsoalone
Mpho:you'r
enotal
one,youhavemeandIwontl et
yougothrought
hispr
egnancyalone.Let
'sst
artby
putt
ingasmi
leonyourface.Si
nceyoucan'
tsl
eep
I'
l
lstayupwi
thyou.WantIcecream?
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)okayanddowhat
?
Mpho:t
alkaboutanyt
hingnotsadordepr
essi
ng
Thandi
we:okay
Mpho:andIwantthi
spregnancytobedi
ff
erentsoI
wantustogotothehospi
talatt
ownandseehow
t
hebabyisdoi
ng
Thandi
we:okay
Mpho:l
etmegett
hati
cecr
eam

Hegotupandwenttothekit
chentogeticecream.
I
twasfini
shedsohedecidedtomakethem custar
d
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
ATMASOKO'
SHOME

shel
aidonherhusband'
schestwi
tht
hei
rfi
nger
s
i
nter
twi
ned.

BabSoko:youknowIhadagr
eatt
imel
astni
ght
MaSoko:(smi
led)andthismorni
ng,Iwonderwher
e
yougett
heenergyfrom you'
reast
all
ion
BabSoko:(
laughed)wellIhadthegr
eat
est
i
nspi
rat
ionofallt
imeslastnight
MaSoko:(
laughed)Ienj
oyedmysel
flastni
ght
.Now
l
etmegofixyouabat h

Shegotupandherhusbandpul
ledherbacki
ntot
he
bedl
aughinghol
dingherhandt
ight
ly.

BabSoko:Il
oveseei
ngyoul
i
ket
his
MaSoko:naked?
BabSoko:(
laughed)no.Beaut
if
ul,
your
emi
ndedme
oft
hewomanImar ri
edyearsago
MaSoko:(
smi
led)butmyl
oveIhavebeenal
ways
her
e
BabSoko:noafterthetwi
nsyoustoppedtaki
ng
car
eofyourself
.Itoldyoubef
oreandafterwegot
marri
edthatIdi
dn'twantyoutochange
MaSoko:seet
hethi
ngis,Ineverevenknewyouf
elt
t
hatway.Wemadeapr omisetocommuni cat
e
r
emember?Whathappenedtothat?
BabSoko:youarerightandI'
m sor
ry.Inevervoi
ced
outhowIf el
tandIdon'tbl
ameyou.Youwer e
taki
ngcareoftheki
dsandmesoi twasselfi
shof
medr i
ft
ingawayinsteadofcommunicati
ng
MaSoko:lett
hisbeabr
andnewst
artf
ort
hebot
h
ofus.Il
oveyou
BabSoko:Il
oveyout
oo
MaSoko:l
etmef
ixyouabat
hnow
BabSoko:(
smi
li
ng)okayMamabo
Shegotupput ti
ngonherrobeandwenttothe
bat
hroom whileSokoreachedforhi
sphoneontop
oft
hedr awertochecktheti
meandi tr
ang.I
twas
Nompilo,hecheckedifhi
swifewascomingandthe
coastwascl
ear
.Heanswer
ed.

BabSoko:hel
lo
Nompil
o:(happy)heybaby,
Ijustwantt
oremi
nd
youofourdatetoday
BabSoko:(
scr
atchi
nghi
shead)aboutt
hat
,Idon'
t
thi
nk-
Nompi
lo:nowebot
hagr
eedt
hatwewi
llmeett
oday
Babsoko:ngi
yobengi
mat
asat
asa(
Iwi
llbebusy)
Nompi l
o:matasangal
endlel
ayokuthiangeke
ukhonekubonaintombiyakho?Ungangenzi
ngizel
aphongobangingeza(toobusytoseeyour
gi
rl?Don'tmakemecomeovert her
ebecauseIcan)
BabSoko:(
angr
il
y)angekeuzeul
inge(
youwoul
dn'
t
dar
e)
Nompil
o:ushonje?Si
zobonaphel
a(r
eal
ly?We'
l
l
seeaboutt
hat)
Hi
swi
fecameback
MaSoko:amanzial
ungi
lebaba(
yourbat
hisr
eady
myl
ove)
BabSoko:si
zobuyesi
khul
ume(
wewi
llt
alkl
ater
?
Hehungupandsmi
ledget
ti
ngupput
ti
ngonhi
s
boxer
s.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMpho'
shome

Ever
yonehadt
hei
rsof
tpor
ri
dgepr
epar
edby
Thandi
we.

Mpho:youshoul
dgogetr
eadyt
ogot
othehospi
tal
Gogo:(
wor
ri
ed)uyagul
a(i
sshesi
ck?
)
Mpho:(smil
ed)no,I
'
mt aki
nghert
othedoct
ort
o
checki
fthebabyisokay
Gogo:okay
I
nami
:namingi
ngeza?(
canIcomet
oo?
)
Thandi
we:nott
odaybabymaybesomeot
hert
ime

Shewentt
ogetr
eadywhi
let
heot
her
sremai
ned
behi
ndeat
ing

Gogo:ngi
yat
hembauyayaziint
ooyenzayo(
Ihope
youknowwhatyouar
edoi ng)
Mpho:uqondekut
hinigogo?(
whatdoyoumean
gogo?
Gogo:hambauyodlaubukel
emapopayinana(
go
eatwatchi
ngcar
toonsbaby)
I
nami
:okaygogo

Shet
ookherbowlandwentt
othesi
tt
ingr
oom.

Gogo:ususondel
anakakhul
unalent
ombazane.
Angi
cabangikut
hiyi
ntoenhl
eleyookomanj
e(you
ar
egett
ingtooattachedt
othi
sgi
rl
,Idon'
tthi
nki
tis
agoodthi
ngrightnow)
Mpho:whati
sthatsupposet
omean?
Gogo:sheisdeal
ingwi
thalotofthi
ngsrightnow.
Shesti
llneedst
imetogethert
hingstogether
Mpho:I
'
mjusthel
pingherasaf
ri
end
Gogo:Iwasnotbor
nyester
day,t
hewayyoul
ookat
heri
snotthewayafri
endlooksataf
ri
end
Mpho:Idofeelsomet
hingforherbutIwon'
ttake
advant
ageofher.Iwi
llwai
tforhertohealf
ir
st
Gogo:Idon'
twantyout
ogethur
t
Mpho:Iwon' tgethurtbecauseIdon'thavehi
gh
expectati
onsrightnowsheneedsast r
ongsupport
system soshecangetoverherf earsandbefree
fr
om thepr i
sonshe'skeptwi t
hinhersel
f
Gogo:(smi
led)ohmyson,youremi
ndmeofyour
fat
her,
alwayscari
ngf
orpeople

Mphosmi
ledandcont
inuedeat
ing.Thandi
wecame
backt
hent
heywentt
othehospi
tal

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Meanwhi
le

Nompilowalkedtotheirusual
lyspotandwai
tedf
or
Soko.Thi
rt
ymi nuteslaterhearr
ivedi
nhisf
ord
ranger
,Nompilosmiledandhoppedi n

Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)hel
lobaby
BabSoko:yebo
Shel
eanedoverf
oraki
ssbuthepushedherback.
Nompi
lo:hhaybokwenzenj
ani
?(what
'swr
ong?
)
BabSoko:angekesi
khonekuchubekangal
ent
o
esi
yenzayo(wecan'
tcont
inuedoingwhatweare
doi
ng)
Nompi
lo:ngoba?(
because?
)
BabSoko:ngobaangi
saf
uni(
becauseIdon'
twant
to)
Nompil
o:minangi
yakuthanda,angekeuvel
e
ungi
shi
ye(Il
oveyou,youcan'tjustl
eaveme)
BabSoko:ngiyi
ndodaeshadile,naweuyazikut
hi
l
okhubekuyintoyeskhashane(I'
m amarri
edman,
youknewthiswasgoi ngtobeforawhil
e)
Nompil
o:ubungasiyoindodaeshadi l
el esikhathi
ul
alanami,wangi
thembi sakuthiukuthiuzoyi shi
ya
l
enkomooyibizangomkakho( youwer en'ta
'
marri
ed'manwhenyouwer esleepi
ngar oundwi th
me,youevenpromi sedtoleavethatcowyoucal la
wif
e)
BabSoko:bengi
ndluli
sai
sikhat
hingawe,
l
eyonkomongiyi
thandakakhulu(Iwasjustpassi
ng
ti
mewi t
hyouandIl ovet
hatcowal ot
)
Nompilo:(
tear
ful
)Sokoungenziso,
babywhat
changed?WhatdidIdowrong?
BabSoko:ungaphi
ndeungi
fonel
e,hl
ukananaminj
e
(nevercal
lmeagai
n,j
ustl
eavemealone)
Nompil
o:(
tear
ful
)babyno.
..Letmemakeyou
happy

Shereachedoutt
ounzi
phi
spant
sbuthepushed
herhandsaway.

BabSoko:kuphel
il
e(i
tisover
)
Nompi
lo:(
cri
ed)babyngi
yakucel
a(babypl
ease
BabSoko:(
openedt
hedoor
)phuma!(
getout
!)
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)babyngi
yakucel
a

Hepushedheroutbutshehel
dont
othecarseat
s
andhi
thim ont
heface

BabSoko:phumamani(
getout
!)
Nompilo:(
cryi
ng)angi
yindawo(I
'
m notgoi
ng
anywhere)
BabSoko:phuma!(
getout
!)
Nompi
lo:ngeke(
never
)

Hestar
tedpinchi
ngheronherarmsandshe
whi
mper edandscreamedcr
yingi
npai
n

Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)uyangi
li
maza(
you'
rehur
ti
ngme)
BabSoko:(
pinchi
ngher
)angi
shouyadel
ela

Hepinchedherhardshebegantobleed.Hepushed
heroutheroutandshefellont
hegroundlanding
onherbum.Hequi ckl
yclosedt
hedooranddr ove
off
.Nompilogotupandranbehindhiscar.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*(*
*
Att
own

Thandi
weandMphowal
kedouthol
dinghands,
not
muchwassai dafterexperi
enci
nganemotional
heartwar
mi ngmomenteal i
erseei
ngherunborn
babybutthosewer en'
ttheonl
ygoodnews, she
foundoutthatshewasHI Vnegati
ve

Mpho:sohowwast
heexper
ience?
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)amazi
ng.Ican'
tthankyou
enough
Mpho:(
smi
led)youdon'
thavet
o
Thandi
we:nowI
'
m hungr
y,weshoul
dheadback
home
Mpho:nope,
I'
m buyi
ngmyboynandoschi
cken
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)yourboy?

Mphohel
dherhandsandl
ookedather

Mpho:li
sten,IknowwhatImightsaysoundscrazy
butaft
erwitnessi
ngt
hat,hear
inghisst
rong
heart
beat
.Iaskofyoutoletmebehi sfat
heraf
ter
he'
sbor
n
Thandi
wel
ookedathi
m shocked
Mpho:(shakyvoi
ce)wedon'
thavet
obeina
rel
ati
onshi
pifyoudon'
twantt
o.Iwi
llj
ustbehi
s
dad
Thandi
we:ar
eyousur
eaboutt
his?
Mpho:posi
ti
ve
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)okay,
sowhatwi
llyounamehi
m?
Mpho:(
smi
led)Si
phi
we
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)t
hat
'sal
ovel
yname
Mpho:let
'sgetyousomet
hingt
oeatandshopa
f
ewthings
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)okaybabaSi
phi
we
Mpho:(
smi
led)babaSi
phi
weIl
ovet
hat
Thandiwe:(smi
led)youbett
ergetusedt
oitt
hough
I
'm notsureNkosinamiwil
lbehappywit
hit
Mpho:(l
aughed)Idon'
tmi
ndbei
ngherf
atheras
wel
lifshewants
Thandi
we:wel
lletusnotf
orcet
hings.I
twi
llhappen
nat
ural
lywhenshewants
Mpho:(
smi
led)okayl
et'
sgo
Theybot
hwal
kedt
otheshops.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Meanwhi
le

Nompil
owal kedhomesobbingsisi
lent
t,shemetup
wit
hBusaniwhowaswal ki
nghomewi thhis
si
bli
ngs.Hestoppedandgreet
edherbutshe
i
gnoredhim andcont
inuedwalki
ngaway.

Fikil
e:(l
ookedback)bhutii
yakhal
alent
ombazane
(brothert
hatgi
rli
scrying)
Busani
:Icansee,
car
ryonwal
kinghome.I
'
llcat
ch
upwithyou
Li
ndi
we:okay
Busani
:gost
rai
ghthomenot
alki
ngt
ost
ranger
s
okay
Fi
kil
e:okaybr
other
Theywal
kedhomewhi
leher
anovert
oher
Busani
:Nompi
lo
Hecouldn'
thelpbutobservet
hemarksonherar
ms
andhervesthadli
tt
lebloodst
ains
Busani
:whathappened?
Nompi
lo:not
hing
Busani
:(hel
dherar
m)t
hisdoesn'
tlookl
ikenot
hing
Nompil
o:(pushedhi
shandsof
f)I
'
mfi
nej
ustl
eave
mealone
Busani
:nott
il
lyout
ellmewhathappened
Nompil
o:(
sighed)mom f
oundoutaboutmy
boyf
ri
endandpinchedme,ar
eyouhappynow?
Hesnor
ted
Busani
:what
?
Nompi
lo:t
hisi
snotf
unny
Busani
:I'
m sor
ry
Nompil
o:mxm j
ustl
eavemeal
one.Idon'
twantt
o
geti
ntr
oubl
e
Busani
:okayaski
esyeva?
Shenoddedandwal
kedaway

Pl
easel
ike,
commentandshar
e
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#8
ATMPHO'
SHOME

Inami wal
kedoutofhermot
hersroom i
nherfif
th
outf
it,model
li
nginherpi
nkBarbi
edollt
-shi
rt
,blue
j
eans, pi
nksneaker
sandapinkweaverocki
ng
shadesposingli
keamodelonamagazi newhil
e
everyonecheer
edforher
.

Thandi
we:Ist
il
lthi
nkyouwentoverboar
dwi
tht
he
weave
Mpho:(l
aughi
ng)areyouki
ddi
ngme?Theweavei
s
whatcomplet
esthelook
Thandiwelaughedwhi
leMphotookpi
ctur
esof
Inami.Gogowaslooki
ngatt
hecutebabyclot
hes
remindi
ngherofoldti
mesbeingamom.Istil
lcan'
t
beli
evewewi l
lbehavi
ngali
tt
lemaninthehouse
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)heevenboughtdi
aper
s
Mpho:theywerecheapandwi
llexpir
eal
ongt
ime
af
terhe'
sborn.Gogoshewasfight
ingwi
thmethe
ent
ir
eti
mespeci
all
ywhenIt
ookshor
tsf
orI
nami
Thandi
we:Idon'
tli
kebumshor
ts
Mpho:t
here'
snothingwrongwit
hbumshort
s.I
nami
i
sachil
d,Iseenothingmoret
hanachi
ldthatmust
wearwhatmakesherhappyallt
hemenwithdir
ty
mindsmustgotohel l
Thandi
we:oookayweunder
stand
Gogo:Idoagr
eewi
thhi
m
I
nami
:il
ovemyshor
ts
Mpho:(
highf
ivedher
)yesgi
rl
!

Shelookedatherpi
ctur
esonhermot
her
snew
phone

Mpho:youl
ookl
ikeaBar
bie
I
nami
smi
led
Mpho:canyouguysgotryoutt
heot
hercl
othes.
Mommypl easegohel
p,Thandi
wegothemessage
andtookInamiwi
thhertothei
rroom.Mphothen
movedandsatclosert
ohisgrandmotherandt
ook
herhand

Mpho:gogo
Gogo:sewenzenimanj
e?(
whathaveyoudone
now?)
Mpho:(l
aughed)hhawgogoangi kenzangal
utho
(
grandmaIhaven'tdoneanyt
hing)
Gogo:ngi
yakwaziwenaphel
a,phumanayo(
Iknow
you,
outwithi
t)
Mpho:ngikul
umenoThandiwengacel
akuthi
angivumel
engibeubabawezi
nganezakhe(Ispoke
wit
hThandiweandaskedhertoletmebeherkids
fat
her)
Gogo:i
ni?(
what
?)
Mpho:(si
ghed)usendluleezi
ntweniezi
ntweni
ezi
nzi
ma, uyakudi
ngaukuphumul a(shehasbeen
thr
oughal ot
,shedeservesabreak)
Gogo:Mphoukukhul
isai
nganeakusi
mdl
alo(
Mpho
r
aisi
ngachi
ldi
snopl
ay)
Mpho:I
'
m pr
epar
edf
oral
lthat
Gogo:uzoyithat
haphiimali
?Kahlekahle
uyi
thathephiimaliyokut
hengazonkelezi
nto?
(wherewillyougetthemoney?Actuallywheredi
d
yougetthemoneyt obuyallt
hist
hings?)
Mpho:amasavi
ngsgogo
Gogo:mtanamiungaf
eliut
hando(
mychi
lddon'
tdi
e
forl
ove)
Gogo:hhaykemt
anamiakunanki
nga(
okaymy
chi
ldnoprobl
em)
Mpho:ngi
yabongagogo(
thankyougogo)
Gogo:I
'
m goi
ngt
obeagr
eatgr
andmot
her
Mphol
aughedt
aki
ngat
oyf
rom herson'
sit
ems
*
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***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtNompi
lo'
shome
Shecr iedi
nherroom t
hengotupandl ookedat
herselfint
hemirror
.Shestillcoul
dn'tbeli
evehedid
thattoher.Sheheardaknockont hedoorandshe
quickl
yputonaj acket
,wipedhert earsthenwentto
open.ItwasSandicarryi
ngherl if
eSciencet ext
book.Nompi l
othrewherselfatherandcr ied

Sandi
:whati
sgoi
ngon?
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)comei
n

Shewal
kedinandt
heywentt
oNompi
lo'
sroom and
satont
hebed

Sandi
:whati
sgoi
ngon?
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)ungi
shi
yil
e(hel
eftme)
Sandi
:bani
?(who?
)
Nompi
lo:Soko.
..
.Hel
eftme
Sandi
:(cover
edhermout
h)ohmyGodI
'
m sor
ry
Nompil
o:(
taki
ngoffherj
acket
)bukaungenzeni
(
lookatwhathedi
dtome)

Sandil
ookedatherar
msshocked

Nompi
lo:uvel
ewangi
nci
nzangat
hingi
mnt
wana(
he
j
ustpi
nchedmeli
kealit
tl
eki
d)
Sandi
:(huggedher
)I'
m sor
ryf
ri
end,
youdon'
tneed
hi
m anyway
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)howcanyousayt
hat
?Il
ovehi
m
Sandi
:okayI
'
m sor
ryf
ri
endever
ythi
ngwi
llbeokay

Sheconti
nuedt
ocrywhi
leSandihuggedher
.She
broket
hehugandgotup

Nompi
lo:Ihavet
otr
yonel
astt
ime
Sandi
:Mpi
lopl
ease.
..
Shegotupandchangedclothesandtookher
si
debagputt
inginherr
edlipsti
ckandtookouta
per
fumehiddenonherclosetandsprayedi
ton.
Sheti
edherhairupinabunt henl
eft

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtmaBongwe'
shouse

MaSokosippedherj
uicewhi
lehermot
hercame
backwi
thcooki
esandsatdown.

MaBongwe:thewayyou'
resmi
li
ngIt
ake
ever
ythi
ngi
sgoingwel
l
MaSoko:kundl
ulal
okhoma(
waymor
ethant
hat
)
MaSoko:ngi
kutj
eli
lekut
hiMkhul
usgodounezi
nto
ezi
ri
ght(
Itol
dyouMkhuluSgodohastheri
ghtst
uff)
MaSoko:youknowMaallt
hatwasn'
tnecessar
y
onl
yyourl
astadvi
sewashugehel
p.Yousee
yest
erdayIr
eal
isedwhatwentwr
ongi
nmy
marri
age
MaBongwe:hhawwhatwentwr
ong?
Masoko:Istoppedtaki
ngcar
eofmyself
.Ist
opped
bei
ngsexyformyman.Youknowmat hi
smorning
wetal
kedandhel etmeknowhowhefelt
MaBongwe:(
smi
led)ngi
yakuj
abul
ela(I
'
m happy
f
oryou)
MaSoko:nothankyoumom f
orhel
pingmeandf
or
babysi
tt
ingt
hekidsf
orme
MaBongwe:Ienj
oyedhavi
ngt
hem over
.

MaSoko'
sphoner
angandshesmi
ledexcusi
ng
her
sel
fbef
oret
aki
ngi
t.

MaSoko:(
smi
led)baba
BabSoko:(
smi
led)mamawezi
nganezami
MaSoko:whatdoIowet
hecal
l?
BabSoko:I
'
mjustmi
ssi
ngmygoddess
Masoko:(
smi
led)Imi
ssyout
oo
BabSoko:l
etmet
akeyououtf
orl
unch
MaSoko:l
unchsoundsgoodwher
e?
BabSoko:l
etmesur
pri
seyou.Wher
ear
eyou?
MaSoko:atmymot
her
shouse
BabSoko:okaymyl
oveI
'
llbet
her
eaf
termy
meet
ing
MaSoko:okayl
ovebye
BabSoko:ngi
yakut
handa(
Iloveyou)
MaSoko:namingi
yakut
handa(
Iloveyout
oo)
Babsoko:bye

Shehungupsmi
li
ngl
ikeat
eenager
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtMrSoko'
sof
fi
ce
Hecheckedtheti
meofhi
sphoneandr
eadt
he
busi
nessproposal
.Hi
sPAwalkedi
n

PA:Si
r
MrSoko:aahyesThembeka
Thembeka:MrZondocal
ledandcancel
ledhi
s
meeti
ng
MrSoko:asi
nnow?
Thembeka:yesSi
r
MrSoko:okay
Thembeka:Ihavetogofet
cht
heref
reshment
sfor
yourmeeti
nglateronwi
thMsZit
ha
MrSoko:okay

Shewalkedoutandlef
twhil
eMrSokodi dsome
workonhislapt
op.ThedooropenedandNompi l
o
wal
kedin,i
nashor tbl
ackdr
essandaj acket
.Her
l
ipsseduct
ivel
yredandwedgesgi
vingheral
it
tl
ebi
t
ofhei
ght.

MrSoko:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Nompil
ocl
osedt
hedoorandwal
kedovert
ohi
s
desk

Nompi
lo:Idon'
tli
kehowt
hingsendedbet
weenus
MrSoko:i
twoul
dn'
thaveendedt
hatwayi
fyoudi
d
asIsai
d
Nompi
lo:doyoublameme?Ienj
oyedwhatwehad
anddi
dn'tt
hinki
twoul
dendli
kethat

Shesatonhi
slap

MrSoko:butwebot
hknewi
twoul
dend
Nompilo:(
putherhandsonhermanhood)Iknow
butyoucan'tj
ustf
eedmet henj
ustst
opwithout
war
ningme.(whi
sper
ed)youhavet
osaygoodbye
t
omepr oper
ly

Hisbreathi
ngchangedwhi
lehispipehar
dened.She
unbuckledhist
rouser
sandthi
stimehedidn'
tfi
ght
her.

MrSoko:t
hisi
sthel
astt
ime
Nompi
lo:Ipr
omi
set
oneverbot
heryouagai
naf
ter
t
his

Helif
tedupherdressandlookedathermouth
wateri
ngnicel
yshavecookie.Hecouldn'
twai
tto
havethat
.Hegotupl i
ft
inghertositonthet
able
andspreadherlegsr
ubbinghercookie.Hestr
oked
hi
spipeandr ubbedi
tonherj ui
cesthenheshook
hi
sheadandpul li
nguphispants.

MrSoko:getout
Nompi
lo:hhaybabyl
et'
sdot
his
MrSoko:(pul
lesherdownf r
om t
het
abl
eand
pushedherout)getoutnow!
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)Soko
MrSoko:ungaphi
ndiubuyel
a(don'
tevercome
back)

Hepushedheroutandcl
osedt
hedoor

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMpho'
shome

Thandiwewalkedoutsi
de,t
hecloudsweredarkand
i
tseemedl i
keitwasgoingtorai
nbutThandiwe
coul
dn'tr
esistt
hebreezycol
dair.Mphowalkedout
thehouse
Mpho:i
t'
scol
dyoushoul
dbei
nsi
de
Thandi
we:(
smi
ledandl
ookedathi
m)Ij
ustl
ovet
he
ni
cecoldai
r
Mpho:(
puthi
shandsonherbel
lyandsi
ghssadl
y

Thandiwe:whati
swr
ong?Ar
eyouhavi
ngsecond
thoughts?
Mpho:noIj
usthat
ethef
actt
hatIcan'
tpr
otectyou
andt
hekids

Thandi
wel
ookedaway

Mpho:Idon'
tli
keseei
ngyouli
vingi
nfear
,youknow
t
hisi
saffect
ingInamiandi
twil
laff
ectSi
mpiwe
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)Ican'
t
Mpho:yesyoucan,youcanyou'r
estrongert
han
youthi
nk.Pl
easethi
nkofourkids,doyouwant
them t
oli
veinhi
dingforf
orever
Thandi
we:(
cryi
ng)Ican'
t

Sheranbackinsi
dethehousecr
yingandwentto
l
ockhersel
finherroi
m.Mphoregret
tabl
yfol
lowed
behi
nd

Gogo:umenzeni
?(whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?)
Mpho:kuze,
besi
khul
umanj
e(not
hing,
wewer
ejust
t
alki
ng)
Gogo:l
etherbei
t'
scl
earwhatyousai
dupsether
Mpho:but
..
.
Gogo:she'
spr
egnantanddoesn'
tneedst
ress
Mpho:Iapol
ogi
zegogobutwhatwewer
etal
king
abouti
simport
ant
Gogo:whati
simport
antist
hatshei
spregnantand
shemustbenotst
ressedsoshecanhavea
beaut
if
ulbaby.Af
athert
obeknowthis
Mpho:Ihearyougogo
Gogo:Amengocook

Hewentt
otheki
tchenwhi
leGogor
eadherbi
ble
.

Pl
easel
ike,
commentandshar
e
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#9

AtMpho'
shome
MphoknockedonThandi
we'
sdoorandt
her
ewas
st
il
lnoanswer

Mpho:Thandi
wepleaseopenup,Ij
ustwanttotal
k..
.
(
sighed)I
'
m sosor
ryIsaidthati
twasinsensi
ti
veof
me
Thandi
we:(
sni
ff
ingt
ear
ful
)pl
easeMpho,
notnow
Mpho:I
'
mreal
lysor
ry.
..Canyouatl
eastcomet
o
eat
?
Thandi
we:I
'
m nothungr
y.Ij
ustwantt
obeal
one
Mpho:youhavet
oeat.I
namiwi
llbr
ingyouyour
f
oodjustnowokay?
Shedi
dn'
trespond
Mpho:pl
easeeat
Hewal kedtot
hekit
chenandgogolookedathissad
face.Sheknewhergrandsoncar
edaboutThandiwe
butnotthismuch.
..

Gogo:shewi
llcomear
ound
Mpho:(
sighs)r
eal
ly?
Gogo:yesj
ustgi
veheramomentt
oher
sel
f
Mpho:okay.I
namit
akeyourmot
her
'sf
oodt
oher
I
nami
:okay

Shet
ookherf
oodandwentt
ohermot
her
'sr
oom.

I
nami
:mamavul
a(mom open)

SheopenedthedoorandInamiwal kedinwit
hher
plat
eoffood.ShehandeditoverandThandiweput
i
tont opoft
hedrawerthensatont hebed.I
nami
tookthepl
ateandplacedi
tonhermot hersl
ap.
I
nami
:mamayi
dla(
mom eat
)
Thandi
we:ngi
zodl
a(Iwi
lleat
)
I
nami
:yi
dlamanj
e(eatnow)
Thandi
we:I
namij
ustst
op
I
nami
tookaspoonf
ullofr
iceandbeef
stewsoup

I
nami
:openyourmout
h

Thandi
wesmileddef
eat
edandopenedhermout
h
whil
eInamif
edher.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtNompi
lo'
shome
Hermotherl
ookedatherwhi
leshest
aredi
nto
spacewit
houtt
ouchi
ngherfood.

MaGl
adys:nanaar
eyouokay?
Nompi
lo:(
sighed)I
'
mfi
ne
MaGl
adys:youdon'
tlookf
inee,
whati
sgoi
ngon?
Nompi
lo:I
'
mjustst
ressedaboutt
heexams
MaGladys:ohmybabyyouwi lldogood, don't
st
ressyoursel
f.Iwi
llacceptwhateverresult
syou
br
ingathomeandi fitdoesn'
tgowel lyoucan
al
waysgobackandt ryagai
n
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)I'
m hur
ti
ngmama
Hermothergotupandhuggedherwhi
leshecr
ied
herhear
tout.

MaGladys:konkekuzol
ungamt
anami(
ever
ythi
ng
wi
llbeokaymychi l
d)
Nompi
lo:angekema(
itwontmom)
MaGladys:i
twil
ltr
ustme.Comel
etspr
ay,
you'
l
l
f
eelbet
teraf
ter
wards
Nompi
lo:Idon'
twantt
opr
ay
MaGl
adys:I
'
llpr
ayf
oryou.Come

Hermom t
ookherhandandwal
keswi
thhert
othe
l
ivi
ngr
oom andprayed.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Thenextday

Thandiwelookedatherdaughtersl
eepi
ngpeaceful
andtearsfel
ldownf r
om hercheekstoher
daughter
scheekthinkingaboutwhatMphosaid.

Thandi
we:mamahelpme,Iam tr
yingbutI
'mfai
li
ng.
Heisri
ght
,Iam acowar
d,Iam weak.I
'mfai
li
ngmy
chi
ld.I
'
mtr
yingt
obest
rongbuti
t'
shar
d

Shequi
ckl
ywi
pedhert
ear
s

Thandi
we:youwoul
dn'
twantmet
ocr
y..
.Ther
e'sno
ti
metocry

Sheki
ssedherdaught
erscheekandwal
kedout
.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMaSoko'
shouse

MrSokowokeupear l
yinthemor ni
ngandwentt o
drai
nhispipe.Helookedathi suri
neandnoti
cedit
wasgreenhest oppedf r
eakingoutandpeedagai
n
i
twasgr een.Heclosedhi seyesandopenedthem
agai
n,i
twasst il
lgreen.
BabSoko:(
shocked)hhawmadodakwenzakal
ani
l
a?(ohmanwhati sgoi
ngonher
e?)

Heshookitandl
ookedati
t,i
twassti
llt
hesame
andhefel
tnopai
n.Heputitbacki
ntohisboxer
s.
Hiswi
fewalkedi
nandhuggedhimfrom behi
nd

MaSoko:you'
reupear
lyy,
whydi
dn'
tyouwakeme
up?
BabSoko:youwer
esl
eepi
ngbeaut
if
ull
y
MaSoko:(t
ouchedhismanhood)wantali
tt
le
somet
hingsomethi
ngbefor
eyoustartt
heday
BabSoko:(
movedherhand)no.
..I
..
..Ihaveanear
ly
meet
ing
MaSoko:(
wor
ri
ed)ar
eyouokay?

Tur
nedandki
ssedherf
orehead.
BabSoko:uyazukut
hingiyakut
handaangi
sho(
you
knowthatIl
oveyouright
?)
MaSoko:ngi
yaz(
Iknow)
BabSoko:ungakukhohl
wal
okho(
don'
teverf
orget
that
)
MaSoko:Iwont
BabSoko:l
etmet
akeashowerandgot
owor
k
MaSoko:okay
Shewalkedoutandwentt
odot
hebedwhi
leher
husbandtookashower
.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
MEANWHI
LE

Thandi
wewalkeddownthest
reet
,shefel
tasifal
l
eyeswereonher
.Shebumpedont oagir
lsheknew
Sonto.Theyusedtoplaytoget
herwhenshef i
rst
arr
ivedtoli
vewithherauntbutthi
ngschanged
whenshef el
lpregnantandherparent
sbannedher
fr
om seeingThandiwe.

Sont
o:(
shocked)Thandi
we
Thandi
we:Sont
o

Shebur
stoutcr
yingandhuggedThandi
we.

Sont
o:(
tear
ful
)I'
m sohappyt
oseeyou
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)met
oo
Sonto:It
houghthehadki
ll
edyou,
I'
m sogl
adyou'
re
okay.
Thandi
we:wher
eishe?
Sont
o:hebr
utal
lybeatyourauntandwasar
rest
ed
Thandi
we:(
shocked)auntDor
a?
Sont
o:yeshei
sar
rest
edf
orassaul
t
Thandi
we:wher
eismyaunt
y?
Sont
o:she'
sinhospi
tal
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)Ij
ustcan'
tbel
ievet
his.
Sont
o:Iknowit
'st
oomuchtotakei
nbutthati
s
whathasbeenhappeni
ngonourst
reet
Thandi
we:he'
sgoi
ngt
ogodown
Sont
o:itwon'
tbeenoughtolockhi
m upf
orf
orever
.
Youneedtorunasfarasyoucan
Thandi
we:r
un?
Sonto:runhewashunt i
nghunt i
ngyoudown
Thandiwe,someonespot t
edyoui ntownandt ol
d
him.Hewentt olookforyoutherebutl ucki
lynever
foundyou,Ithinkt
hat'
swhenhel ostitandtookout
hisangeronyouraunt..
.(lookedatThandi wewi t
h
desperateeyes)getInamifarfrom thisplace,
changeyournamei fyouhavet ospeci al
lynowthat
peoplehaveseenyou.Youar enotsaf eatall
Thandi
we:(
pani
cki
ng)I
'
m notsaf
e
Sont
o:yesj
ustgo
Thandi
we:okay.
..Okay.
..I
'
lll
eave
Sont
o:t
akecar
eofyour
sel
f

Thandi
wewal
kedawayqui
ckl
y
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
shome

HeknockedonThandi we'
sdoorbutther
ewasno
response,
heknockedagainandInamiopenedt
he
doorrubbi
nghersleepyeyes

Mpho:heybunny,
canyouwakemommyup.Iwant
t
otal
ktoher

I
namil
ookedbackandnot
icedhermot
herwasnot
i
nbed

I
nami
:she'
snother
e
Mpho:(
openedt
hedoor
)whatdoyoumeanshe'
s
not
-
I
nami
:(t
ear
ful
)wher
e'smama?
Mpho:t
hisi
snotgood

Heyur
nedbackandbumpedont
ohi
sgr
andmot
her

Mpho:sor
rygogo
Gogo:whati
sgoi
ngon?
Mpho:Thandi
wei
smi
ssi
ng
Gogo:mi
ssi
ng
Mpho:Ican'
texpl
ainIneedt
ofi
ndher
Gogo:I
namicomet
omemychi
ld
Inamiwal
kedtoherscarednotmaki
ngsenseat
whatwashappeni
ng.Mphoputonhi sj
acketand
Thandi
wewalkedinlookingl
i
keshehadseena
ghost
.
Mpho:Thandi
we
I
nami
ranovert
ohermot
herandhuggedher
.
Gogo:wher
ewer
eyou?
Thandi
we:weneedt
oleave,
it'
snotsaf
e

Shewenttothei
rroom andputherdaught
erdown
get
ti
ngthei
rclot
hes.

I
nami
:mamawhat
'sgoi
ngon?

Thandiwe:(
tear
ful
)weneedt
oleave.
..He'
sgoi
ng
toki
llus
I
nami
:(cr
ying)Idon'
twantt
odi
e
Mphowalkedinwit
hGogot
heyl
ookedatThandi
we
whol
ookedinsane.
..
Gogo:Thandi
weyehl
isaumoya(
Thandi
wecal
m
down)
I
nami
:(r
ant
ogogocr
ying)gogowe'
regoi
ngt
odi
e
Gogo:you'
renotgoi
ngt
odi
e.Comeher
emychi
ld

Gogowal
kedoutwi
thI
namiwhi
leMphost
ayed
behi
ndwi
thThandi
we.

Pl
easel
ike,
commentandshar
e
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#10

AtThandi
we'
sroom
Mpho:Thandipl
easecal
m down
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)Ineedt
oleave,
Ineedt
ogo
Mpho:pl
easecan'
tyouseeyouar
escar
ingI
nami
Thandi
we:i
t'
snotsaf
e..
.Shesai
dit
'snotsaf
e

Mphowal
kedt
oherandhel
dherst
il
l

Mpho:pl
easebr
eathi
nandout
..
.Comeoni
n
(
inhal
ed)andout(
exhal
ed)

Thandiwedi
dasheinst
ruct
edt
il
lshewascal
m.
Theythensatdown.

Mpho:nowt
ellmewhathappened
Thandiwe:Imetaf ri
endofmineSontoandshet ol
d
meVusii shuntingmedown, someonespot t
edus
i
nt ownandt oldhim.Hewenttolookforusand
whenhedi dn'tfi
ndushebeatmyaunt( tearful
)he'
s
i
njailbutIknowi twonthol
dhim offf
orforever.I
needtogof arfarawaywithmykids..
.Ican'tri
sk
hi
m-
Mpho:Thandi
we
Thandiwe:(
shaki
ng)Ineedt
oescape.I
tisn'
tsaf
e,i
t
i
sn'tsafe
Mpho:Thandi
weyoucan'
trunawayf
rom t
his.You
havet
ofight
Thandi
we:(tearf
ul)noMpho,hewil
lki
llme,
hewi
ll
ki
llmykids.Ihavetopr
otectt
hem
Mpho:t
heonlywayyoucanprot
ectt
hem i
sby
br
eaki
ngthesil
enceandhavehi
mlockedupf
orever
Thandi
we:t
heywontbel
ieveme
Mpho:theywi
ll
,youhavehaveInamiasproof.You
mighthavegi
venbirt
hat16butyoufel
lpregnant
whil
eyouwerefif
teen.Youwer
eami nor
,thatis
enoughproof
.Haveyout
ri
edr
epor
ti
nghewas
rapi
ngyou?
Thandi
we:hemademedr
opt
hecase
Mpho:youcanr
eopent
hecase
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)Idon'tknowifIcandothis.I
can'
tdr
agmydaughterintothi
s,theywi
llcal
lher
names.
Mpho:wewilldealwithi
twhentheti
mecomesbut
r
ightnowlet
'sjusttaket
hisonebi
gstept
oget
her
(
tookherhand)please
Thandi
we:andever
ythi
ngwi
llend?
Mpho:(
wipedhert
ear
s)t
her
ewi
llbenor
unni
ng.
Youwil
lbefr
ee
Thandi
we:okay(
sni
ff
edt
ear
ful
)I'
mjustscar
ed
Mpho:ever
ythi
ngwi
llbeokay.Comeher
e

Hehuggedherwhi
leshecr
ied
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Atschool

Pri
ncipalMasukuwalkedtothegat
eandgreet
ed
Themba.Hest eppedoutofhiswor
kst
ati
ontotal
k
totheprinci
pal

Themba:i
sever
ythi
ngal
ri
ghtPr
inci
pal
?
Masuku:Ihaveaprobl
em her
e,Mphohasn'
tbeen
comingtoworksi
nceFridayI
'
m sur
eyouhave
not
iced
Themba:hhawIt
houghthet
ookl
eave
Masuku:Noandthisiscompromisi
ngsecurit
yher
e.
Haveyouseenhim orspokentohimrecent
ly?I
t
ri
edtocallhi
m butitdoesn'
thothr
ough
Themba:Ihaven'
tseenorhear
dfr
om hi
m si
nce
Fri
day
Masuku:canyoupl
easecheckonhi
mtoseei
f
ever
ythi
ngi
sokay.Iwoul
dhat
eforhi
mtol
osehi
s
j
ob
Themba:Iwi
llgoseehi
m af
termyshi
ftandIwi
ll
tel
lhi
mtocallyou
Masuku:thankyou,
whatyoudoher
eatt
hisschool
i
simportant.Youar
eappr
eciat
ed
Themba:i
t'
sgoodt
oknowt
hel
it
tl
eonesar
eal
ways
saf
e.
Masuku:pl
easekeepupt
hegoodwor
k
Themba:(
smi
led)yesma'
am
Masuku:l
etmeheadbackt
omyof
fi
ce

Shewal
kedbackt
oherof
fi
ce
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
hedoct
orsof
fi
ce

Hewr
otesomet
hingonMrSoko'
sfi
le
Dr:wel
lever
ythi
ngseemsfine,
yourbl
oodpressur
e
i
sokay,noabnormal
iti
esandyou'
reHIVnegati
ve
MrSoko:(
sighs)t
henwhati
sit
?
Dr:usuallywhenurinei sgr eenitiscausedbyf ood
colouri
ngordyesusedi nmedi caltestsperf
ormed
ont hekidneysorbl
adder .Thepseudomonas
aeruginosisbact
eri
al infectioncanal socontr
ibute
tothiscolourbutIwillrunmor etestsjustsoyou
canbeont hesafeside
MrSoko:okaysowhenwi
llIgett
her
esul
ts?
Dr:t
omor
rowt
obesaf
eavoidanysexualact
ivi
ti
es
t
il
lweknowwhatt
her
ealpr
oblem i
s
MrSoko:Iwi
lldosodoct
or
Dr
:thatwoul
dbeal
lMrSoko.Haveagr
eatday
MrSoko:okay.Yout
oodoct
or

Hegotupandwal
kedout
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Atschool

Nompi l
owal kedoutoft
heexam r
oom f
eel
ing
exhausted.Shewalkedtoanear
bytr
eeandlai
don
thegrass.Sandijoi
nedher

Sandi
:thatpaperwashar
d
Nompi
lo:Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t
Sandi
:sohowdi
ditgowi
thSoko?
Nompil
o:hor
ri
ble,
Ican'
tbeli
evet
hatmanusedme
andt
hrewmeoutl i
keapieceoft
rash
Sandi
:I'
m sor
ryf
ri
end
Nompi
lo:(
sighed)Iwasj
ustat
hingt
ohi
m.

Busaniwal
kedoverandgreet
edt
hem.Nompi
loj
ust
l
ookedathim notr
espondi
ng.
Busani
:sohowar
eyourar
mspr
ett
ybabe?
Nompi
lo:(
rol
ledhereyes)
I'
mfi
ne
Busani:youknowtheysaywhenagi
rlhat
esaguy,
thatgi
rlact
uall
ylovest
heguy
Nompi
lo:Idon'
that
eyou
Busani
:(smi
li
ng)soyouadmi
tyoul
oveme

Sandil
aughed

Nompi
lo:getoutofmyf
aceBusani
Busanibl
ewheraki
ssandwal
kedawaywhi
le
Sandil
aughed.

Sandi
:he'scut
e,whatcoul
dbeper
fectr
evenget
han
youdati
nghisson?
Nompi
lo:(
laughed)it'
stempt
ingbuthe'
snotmy
t
ypeofguy.He'sjustaboy,I
'
mi nt
orealmen
Sandi
:youdat
eoneol
dmanandsuddenl
yyou
knowyourt
ype
Nompilo:(
qui
ckl
ygotupandlookedather)yoh
fr
iendyouknownot
hing.Hi
sdickisbi
glikereal
ly
bi
g
Sandi:(
laughed)howdoyouknowi
t'
sbi
gwhenhe'
s
theonlyguyyou'vebeenwi
th?
Nompi
lo:(
laughed)Ij
ustknow.Whenhi
sinIf
eeli
t
Sandi
:ithur
ts
Nompi
lo:notwhenI
'
m wet
.Itj
ustf
it
sper
fect
ly
Sandil
aughednotunder
standi
ngat
hingshewas
sayi
ng
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
shome

ThandiweandMphowal kedinathomehol
ding
hands.Shehadcriedf artoomuchatt
hepolice
stat
iontel
li
ngherstorytosomeonewhodidn'teven
seem tobeli
eveher.ShesatdownandImanir anto
herandhuggedher
.

I
nami
:mom you'
reback.Di
dthedoct
orhealyou?
Thandi
we:yesbaby.If
eel
bet
ternow,
didIscar
e
youeal
ier
?
I
nami:yesbutgrannytol
dmeyouweren'
tfeel
ing
wel
l.Idon'
twanttoleavethi
spl
ace
Mpho:youandyourmom wi
llst
ayher
eforasl
ong
asyouli
ke
I
nami
:for
ever
?
Mpho:(
smi
led)f
orever
I
nami
:(smi
li
ng)youhear
dmama,
for
ever

Thandi
wesmi ledsoft
lyrubbi
ngherdaught
ersback.
Mphowalkedt otheki
tchenandcamebackwi t
h
bowloffr
uitsalad.

Mpho:Imadet
hisf
oryou
Thandi
we:I
'
m nothungr
y
Mpho:youhaven'
thadanyt
hingsi
ncemor
ning.You
needt
oeatsoyoucanhavest r
engt
h
Thandi
we:I
'
mfi
neIneedt
olaydown
Mpho:youhaveababyt
othi
nkabout
Thandi
we:(
gotup)j
ustst
opt
ell
ingmewhatt
odo.
Leavemeal
one

Shewenttoherroom andshutt
hedoor.Gogo
walkedi
nwithherspi
nachandgr eet
edMpho.He
gavethesal
adtoInamiandwalkedtotheki
tchen
wit
hgogo

Gogo:(
satdown)sot
ellmehowdi
ditgo
Mpho:good.Werepor
tedhim andacasewas
opened.I
twasj
usthardforher
Gogo:Ij
usthopei
twi
llal
lbewor
thi
t
Mpho:i
twi
ll
,i
tmightnotfeell
ikeitnoebutshewi
ll
bepr
oudofher
selfoneday.Iwillbewit
hherever
y
st
epoft
heway
Gogo:I
'
mj ustworr
iedaboutmygrandchi
ldr
en.
Whathappenedthi
smor ni
ngscar
edher
Mpho:Thandi
wespoket
oherandIassur
edher
ever
ythi
ngisf
ine
Gogo:Ididt
hesame(
sighed)i
tshar
dseei
ngher
motherl
ikethat
Mpho:Iknow

Hi
sphoner
angandheanswer
ed.

Mpho:mf
ethu
Themba:manyoumustcomebackt
owor
k.
Pri
nci
pali
sworri
ed
Mpho:ei
shIf
orgot
.
Themba:heaskedmeaboutyou.Justcal
lher
Mpho:sur
emf
ethu
Themba:danki
esan
Hehungupandcal
ledt
hepr
inci
pal

Thr
eeweeksl
ater
..
..

Pl
easel
ike,
commentandshar
e
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#11
Thandi
wehi dunderneat
hMpho' sjacketast
heyran
downthestepsgoingintothelawyerscarwi
th
j
ournal
istt
akingpict
ures.Theythendroveoff
..
.

Mpho:ar
eyouokay?

Thandi
wenodded

Mpho:whydi
dtheyevenmovet
het
ri
alt
onext
month?
AdvoDi neo:weaskedfort
hechar geofassaul
tto
bechangedt oatt
emptedmur derthat'
swhythey
request
edf ut
heri
nvesti
gat
ionsmustbeconduct ed.
Thandiweyouwi l
lgetj
usti
ceIpr omise
Thandi
we:Ij
ustwantt
histobeoveranddonewit
h.
I'
mtir
edmylif
eisnowlivi
nghel
lpeoplear
esayi
ng
badthi
ngsaboutme
Mpho:theywil
lusual
lyrunoutoft
hingst
osayand
t
alkaboutsomethi
ngelse
AdvoDineo:andIencour
ageyout
ogof
or
counsel
li
ng
Thandi
wesai
dnot
hing
AdvoDi neo:i
tmightseem l
ikeit
'snothingbuti
twi
ll
real
lyhelpyou,youcantakeoutwhat 'sonyour
chesttosomeoneandf eelbett
erafterwards
Mpho:she'sri
ght,
tal
kinghel
ps.Af
teral
loft
hist
he
ki
dswillneedthei
rmom
AdvoDineo:anditwi
llhel
pyounott
obr
eakdown
whenyout aket
hestand
Thandi
we:Iunder
stand
Shesi
ghedl
ooki
ngoutt
hewi
ndowast
reespassed.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtI
nami
'
sschool

Shesatonthestoepwit
hherfr
iendseati
nglunch.
Agirlf
rom t
hehi
ghergradeswalkedtoherwit
hher
fr
iendsandsnat
chedInami'
ssandwichstompingi
t
ont
hegr
ound.

I
nami
:(t
ear
ful
)whydi
dyoudot
hat
?
Gi
rl
:achi
ldofar
api
stmustnotbei
nthi
sschool

Thegi
rl
sbehi
ndt
hegi
rll
aughed

Ol
wet
hu:whatyouar
edoi
ngi
swr
ong
Gi
rl
:shutupl
oser

Theywalkedawaywhi
leI
namicr
iedandherf
ri
ends
huggedher.

Langa:wecanshar
emysandwi
ch
Ol
wet
hu:andmi
net
oot
houghyouhat
echeese

Shet
ookonef
rom Langa'
slunchboxandat
eit
.
*
***
***
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***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtNompi
lo'
shome

Shewalkedar
oundt heroom t
ryi
ngtowrapher
headar
oundthings.Shewassupposetogether
peri
odt
woweeksagobuti tdi
dn'
tcome.

Nompi
lo:Ican'
tbepr
egnant
..
.Mom wi
llki
llme

Shet
ookherphoneandwentt
ogoogl
etypi
ng

*
missedmyper
iodwhat
'swr
ong*

Pregnancyist
hef i
rstthi
ngt
hatpoppedup.Her
heartbeatsoharditwasasifi
twasgoi ngtopop
outofherchest.Shepull
edupherblouseand
l
ookedatherbel l
yinthemir
rori
twasj ustnor
mal
butshef
elti
t.Shef
eltt
hebabymoved

Nompi
lo:no.
..Ican'
tbe

Shesear chedaborti
onongoogleandnumberof
di
fferentcli
nicspoppedupshelookedatthei
r
addressesandmost lywer
efar.Shebithernai
ls
nervouslyandsentSandiatext

Nompi
lo:It
hinkI
'
m pr
egnant
Sandi
:WHAT?
???
???
Nompi
lo:hel
pmeIneedt
oabor
t
Sandi
:Iknownot
hingaboutabor
ti
onandi
t'
swr
ong
Nompi
lo:t
hisi
snotababyyet
Sandi
:Ist
il
lcan'
thel
pyouf
ri
endj
ustt
ellyourmom
Nompi
lo:shewil
lki
llme.Idon'
twantababyIwant
t
ogotovarsit
y
Sandi:ehIdon'tknowwhatt osay.Gotothecli
nic
toconfir
mi fyouarepregnantsometimespeopl
e
missperiodsbecausetheyarestressedandyou
havebeenst ressi
ngaboutSoko
Nompi
lo:andsl
eepi
ngt
oomucht
oo?
Sandi
:uhm.
..
Ithi
nkso
Nompi
lo:I
'
m scar
edaccompanymef
ri
end
Sandi
:okayI
'
m comi
ng

Shehungupandwai
tedf
orherf
ri
end
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
hehospi
tal

Thandi
wesatnexttoheraunt'
sbedr eadi
ngthe
bi
ble.Anur
sewalkedinjusttocheckonherpati
ent
andshewasalwaysfascinat
edofhowcar ing
Thandi
wewasforheraunt
Nur
se:youknowt
her
e'snoonel
ikeyou
Thandi
we:l
ikeme?
Nurse:yest
hewayyoucar
eabouther
.Notmany
peopledowhatyoudo
Thandi
we:she'
smyaunt
Nur
se:Isee
Thandi
we:wewer ebot
hvicti
mst othi
smanandi
t'
s
hardbutI
'mt r
yingtogethi
ml ockedupsohe
doesn'
thurtanyoneeveragai
n
Nurse:thati
ssobr
aveofyou.Youshoul
dbepr
oud
ofyourself
Thandi
we:t
hat
'swhatever
yonesays.Nur
se
Nur
se:yes
Thandiwe:doescounsel
inghelpaper
sonf
orget
ever
ythingbadthathashappenedtot
hem?
Nurse:nobutitdoeshel
papersoncometoter
ms
wit
hwhathappenedandhowshoul dtheygoabout
l
ivi
ngt hei
rli
vesposi
ti
vel
ydespi
teever
ythi
ng.I
t
wontmakeyoufor
getbuti
twil
lhel
pyouheal
.What
makesyouthi
nkyouneedcounsel
ing?
Thandiwe:I'
m nothappy,Ijustfeelempty,
everyt
hingisexhausti
ng(tearful)Mphoistryi
ngso
hardtohelpmebutIj ustl
ashoutathi m.Ifeel
hopelessandIcan'tsl
eep,ever yti
meIclosemy
eyeshe'sther
ebymydoorcomi ngtochokeme
Nur
se:Isee,
your
eal
lyneedhel
p
Thandi
we:(
sighed)Ij
ustwantt
obel
eftal
one
Nur
se:don'
tfor
ceyour
sel
f.Doi
twhenyou'
rer
eady

Shesmi
ledandl
ookedatheraunt

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
hecl
ini
c

Thenur
sesatdownandl
ookedatNompi
lowho
wasshaki
ngi
nfear

Nur
se:you'
repr
egnant
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)Ican'
tbepr
egnant
Nurse:youarepr egnant
,youknowi ti
snottheend
oft
hewor ld.Thereareteenagemothersoutther
e
whohavet heirbabiesandsti
llf
ini
shuptheir
st
udies
Nompi
lo:Idon'
twanti
t
Sandi
:mar
afr
iend
Nur
se:youneedt
othi
nkt
hingst
hrough
Nompi
lo:Idon'
twantababy
Nur
se:howaboutyout
ellt
hef
atherf
ir
stbef
oreyou
makeadeci
sion
Nompi
lo:he'
smar
ri
edsoIal
readyknowhi
sanswer
Sandi
:butthi
sisyou,wi
llyoubeabl
etol
ivewi
th
your
selfaf
teryouabor
t?
Nur
se:t
her
ear
eot
heropt
ionsexceptabor
ti
on
Nompi l
o:Idon'
twanttohaveachi
ld..
.Whatwi
ll
peoplesay.Iwasaccept
edatvar
sity,
thi
ngsar
e
goingwellforme
Nurse:wel
lri
ghtnowyouareabitemot
ionalsoyou
needtimetothi
nkaboutt
hings
Nompi
lo:okay
Nurse:andifyoucometoadecisi
ont ohavean
abort
ion,pl
easedoitwher
eit
'ssafe.Thesearethe
hospit
alswhereyoucanhaveasafecl eanabor
ti
on
Nompi
lo:okay
Nur
se:okayt
hatwoul
dbeal
l

Theygotupandwal
kedout
.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
shome

Thandi
wegothomef
rom t
hehospi
talandf
ound
Mphowat
chi
ngt
.v.Wi
thI
namieat
ingi
cecr
eam.

Thandi
we:hey
Mpho:heywher
ewer
eyou?

Shesatnextt
othem andI
namiqui
etl
ylai
dherhead
onhermothersl
ap

Thandi
we:Iwasatt
hehospi
tal
.Youmi
ssedme
baby?
Mpho:shehasbeenf
eel
ingdownsi
nceshegot
backt
oschoolandwon'
ttal
ktome
Thandi
we:what'swrongbaby?Di
dsomet
hing
happenatschool?

I
nami
sai
dnot
hing

Thandi
we:t
alkt
omemychi
ld.
..I
ssomeonehur
ti
ng
you?
I
nami
:mamawhati
sar
api
st?

Shewenti
ntocompl
eteshock.
..Sheswal
lowednot
knowi
ngwhattosay

Mpho:arapi
sti
saper sonmanorwoman,mostl
y
manthatdoessomethinghur
tfult
oawoman.What
makesyouaskthat
?
I
nami
:agi
rlatschoolcal
ledachi
ldofar
api
st
Mpho:you'
renotachi
ldofarapi
st.You'
remy
daught
erandhaveIevergi
venyouanyreasont
o
seemeasar api
st?

I
nami
shookherhead

Mpho:meandyourmot
hermadeyoupur
elyoutof
l
oveyouhearme?
I
nami
:yes
Mpho:I'
l
ltalktothepri
nci
palassoonasIar
ri
ve
tomor
rowatwor kandyoumustshowusthegir
l,so
shewon'tbotheryouagai
n
I
nami
:(smi
led)okaydad
Mpho:comeher
e
I
namiwenttohi
m andhuggedhi
m whi
leThandi
we
l
ookedatt
hem smi
li
ngtear
ful

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#12
AtMpho'
shome

Mphoknockedandent eredThandiwe'
sr oom.He
foundherpackingthebaby'
sclot
hesintohisbag
hiscot
twasal r
eadyboughtalongwithtoysthat
wereeverywhere.

Mpho:hey
Thandi
we:hey
Mpho:howar
eyou?
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)Idon'
tknow

Mphot
ookherhandandpul
ledheri
nforahug

Thandi
we:yourhugsar
ealwayssowar
m,myki
ds
arel
uckyt
ohaveaf at
herl
ikeyou
Mpho:(
smi
led)It
rymybest

Hewantedtobreakt
hehugThandi
weheldonabi
t
t
ight
er.Hesmil
edandhuggedherabi
tti
ght
ert
hen
t
ouchedherbel
ly.

Thandi
we:youknowyou'
real
wayst
ouchi
ngme
Mpho:I
'
mtouchi
ngmybaby

Thandiwelaughedandf eltli
tt
lemovements,
she
movedhishandt owheret heywer
ethentheyhad
boththei
rforeheadsagainsteachothersmil
ing

Thandi
we:sot
hisi
showhappypr
egnancyf
eel
sli
ke
Mpho:(
smi
led)Iguesst
hisi
s.Ican'
twai
ttohol
d
hi
m
Thandi
we:met
oo
Theybot
hsatdownont
hebed

Thandi we:youknowaf t
ermymom passedawayI
feltsoal oneandscar ednof amilymemberwant ed
tot akemei n.Idon' tknowwhyauntDor achooset o
takemei nbutsheshedi dandt oldmeIwasgoi ng
tobeherver yownl it
tlegirlandt hi
ngswer egr eat,
shel ovedmebutt hingschangedwhenVusicame
i
nt oourl ives.Atf ir
sthewasgood, car i
ng, bought
megi ftandsoon.Myauntwaswor kingsowe
didn'tr eallyneedhi m.Thi ngschangedwhenshe
l
ostherj ob,Hewasi ncont r
olofever ythingand
wassoabusi ve.Idon' tknowhowabuser sdoi tbut
theybr eakusi ntopi ecestillwedon' tknow
our selves.Shebeatheratever ychancehegotand
shet ur nedt oal coholf orcomf ortt
hat '
swhenhe. .
.
Hest artedt ouchingme. .
.(
tearful)hewoul dpul lme
tot heirroom wher eshebedr unkasl eepandwoul d
tel
lmet hati fIdon' tdoashesayshecanj ustburn
thehousedownt hehousewi t
hheri nside.Ij ust
l
ookedathi m alreadywant ingt ocryandl ookedat
myauntt henhet ookast i
ckandhi therbutshe
didn'
tmoveordoanyt hing.Thehesai d"seehow
knockedupshei s,shewon' twakeupevenwhen
thehousebur nsdown"het henforcedhimsel fon
me.( cryi
ng)itwaspai nful,
Icri
edandIbl edbuthe
didn'
tcar e.Het henthr ewmet ot heoldhutout si
de
andaf ewblanket sandt oldmet oneversay
anythingt oanyone.It houghtmyauntwoul dcome
rescuemet henextdaybutshenevercame.I nstead
heboughtmeabat htub, si
ngleplatestove,and
food.Ionl ywenti nsi
det hehousewhenhesai dso
andmyauntj usthatedmeandwhenIhadI nami ,
I
didn'
twanthert obel ikeme, Iwant edt
obr eakf r
ee
that'
swhyIr eportedhi m whenhedi di
tagainbut
hisfriendruinedever ything
Mpho:I
'
m sosor
ry,
yout
rul
yar
ear
emar
kabl
e
woman
Thandi
we:(sqeezedMpho'shand)Ifeelsaf
eand
prot
ect
edinyourpresence,don'
teverchange
Mpho:I'l
lneverchange,
Ipromiseandeveryt
hing
thathashappenedtoyouwi l
lneverchanget
heway
Iseeyou.You'l
lalwaysbebeautif
ulinmyeyes
Shesmi
ledwhi
leheki
ssedherf
oreheadandgotup.

*
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***
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***
***
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***
**
AtNompi
lo'
shome

Shel ookedatbabyphot o'

sonherphoneand
wonder edhowl i
fewoul dbelikeifshehadherbaby.
Shecoul dal readyseeher sel
fwi t
hherbabygi r
l
wearingmat chingout f
it
s.Ont hatnoteshe
searchedf orpi cturesofmot her'
swear i
ngmat ching
outf
itswi ththeirki ds.Shesmi l
edlookingathow
beaut i
fultheywer e,shegotintoInstagram and
vi
ewedmanydi fferentvideosofmot herswiththeir
babies.Shet ouchedherf l
atbell
yandcl osedher
eyest akingadeepbr eathinandout
Nompi l
o:Idon'
tknowwhatt odowi thyou( si
ghs)I
knowwhatyourf atherwil
lsay,he'
l
lneveraccept
you.I
'm al
soaf r
aidofmaki ngthethebi ggest
deci
sioneverandhavi ngtol
ivemyl i
fewi t
hregret
s.
MaybeI '
m overthinking,maybehe'l
lloveyou..
.

Shedi all
edSoko'sphoneandi tsimpl
ysaiduser
busywi t
houtri
nging.Shesighedandsearchedi
n
herdr awersforanothersi
mcar d,
shedidn'
tfi
ndit
andwentt othekit
chen.Shedecidedtostar
t
prepar i
ngdinnerbycutti
ngthecabbage.Her
mot herwalkedinandgr eet
edher

Gladys:yohwhoar
eyouandwhatdi
dyoudot
omy
daughter?
Nompilo:(smi
led)hhawmama, Ij
ustfel
tli
ke
cooki
ngf ormymot her
.Ther
e'snot
hingwrongwi
th
that
Gladys:wel
lthankyouandIdodeser
vet
obe
spoil
ed
Nompi
lo:exact
ly!soputyourt
hingsdownandgo
r
est

Shehangherjacketoverthechai
randputher
handbagonthechairthenwenttositonthecouch
i
nthesitt
ingr
oom.Nompi l
osearchedhermothers
bagandgotholdofhermot hersphonethendi
all
ed
Soko'
snumber

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtSoko'
shouse

Everyonecheeredf
orFiki
lehol
dinguphernewdol
l
thatherfat
herboughtf
orherasapr esent
.

BabSoko:(
smi
li
ng)
happybi
rt
hdaybaby
Fi
kil
e:(
happy)t
hankyoudad
Li
ndiwe:(
sadl
ylooki
ngatherdol
l)Isai
dIwant
eda
puppy
MaSoko:babywecanneverchooseourgi
ft
s.We
havet
obethankf
ulf
oranythi
ngweget
Busaniwal
kedi
nwi
thabox
Busani
:lookatwhatIgotyoubot
h

Theyrantohi
m excit
edthei
rbrot
heralwayshadt he
bestgi
ft
s.Heopenedupandt her
ewasabeaut i
ful
brownpuppytheyscreamedhuggingeachother

Busani
:(l
aughed)st
opscr
eami
ngyou'
rescar
ing
hi
m.Comehol dhim

Hetookhim outofhi
sboxandhandedhim overt
o
Fi
kil
etheybrushedhim andhel
ickedt
hei
rfacesi
t
melt
edthei
rhearts.

Li
ndi
we:(
smi
li
ng)ourl
it
tl
ebaby
Busani
:youhavet
onameyourl
it
tl
ebaby
Fi
kil
e:Bob
Li
ndiwe:(l
aughed)ournei
ghborsnamei
sBob.How
aboutBrowniesi
ncehe'sbrown
Fi
kil
e:Il
ovei
t.ourl
it
tl
eBr
owni
e
BabSoko:wel
lBr
owni
eissol
uckyt
ohave2
mother
s
MaSoko:he'
l
lpoopever
ywher
e

MrSoko'
sphoner
angandheanswer
edi
t

BabSoko:Sokospeaki
ng
Nompi
lo:I
'
m pr
egnant
BabSoko:what
?Who'
sthi
s?
Nompi
lo:i
t'
sNompi
lo
Hest
eppedout
side
BabSoko:soyouar
ethi
sdesper
ate?
Nompil
o:thisi
snoj
okeIwentt
othecl
ini
c.I
'
mfour
weekspregnant
BabSoko:abor
tit
Nompi
lo:what
?
BabSoko:youhear
dme
Nompil
o:i
t'
sababy,
youwantmet
oki
llani
nnocent
soul
BabSoko:ifyouwantt
ohaveit,
haveitbutkeepme
outofit
.Iwil
lwat
chyoudrownyourselff
rom a
dist
ance.Whatdoyouevenknowaboutraisi
nga
chil
d?
Nompil
o:youknowwhatf
uckyou,
I'
llr
aisemychi
ld
wit
houtyou
Hehungupandwentbacki
ntoj
oinhi
sfami
ly
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtNompi
lo'
shome
Sheputthephonebackint
ohermot her'
sbagand
conti
nuedtoangr
il
ychopthecabbage.Hermother
cameandlookedatherangri
lychoppingthe
cabbage

Gladys:i
t'
sei
theryoudon'
tknowhowt
ochop
cabbageorsomeonepissedyouupaminut
eago
Nompil
o:(
smil
ed)I
'
m sor
ry.It
hinkt
hiskni
fei
sn'
t
shar
penough
Gl
adys:changei
tthen
Nompi
lo:(
tookoutadi
ff
erentone)t
her
e
Gl
adys:ar
eyouokay?
Nompi
lo:I
'
m good
Gl
adys:gotanyr
esponsef
rom var
sit
y?
Nompi
lo:notyet
..
.Mom howdi
dyouf
eelwhenyou
hadme?
Gladys:(smiles)Iwasyoungandscar
ed.Idi
dn'
t
knowwhatIwasgoi ngtodowithababyandmy
famil
yt urnedthei
rbackonme.Weonlygotal
ong
whenyourf
atherdeci
dedt
opaylobol
a.It
hought
l
ifewoul
dbegoodbutheleftmeandIhadtowor
k
hardf
oryoutogrowupandgotoschool
Nompilo:andI
'm gr
atef
ulf
orever
ythi
ngyou
sacr
if
icedforme
Gladys:(
smil
ed)don'
t.I
'
m yourmother,Iwasn'
t
doingyouafavour
.You'r
emychilditwasmydut y
asthepersonwhobroughtyoui
ntothisworld
Nompilosmi
ledandcarri
edonchoppingt
he
cabbagewhi
lehermothertookoutt
hecar
rot
s
*
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***
Thenextday

Atschool

Bot
hpar
ent
ssatatt
hePr
inci
pal
'
sof
fi
ce
Masuku:I
'mreal
lydisappoi
ntedtobedeal
ingwit
h
suchaprobl
em atthelastweekbefor
eschool
cl
oses.I
t'
scl
earthatAgnesgotthisfr
om home
Agnes'
smom:I'
mr eal
lysorr
yMrGama.Ihaveno
wordst
odescr
ibehowsor r
yIam.
Mpho:meandmyf amil
yaregoingthrougha
dif
fi
cul
tt i
me, Iaskofyout oputyoursel
finmy
shoesorhermot hersshoes.
..Askyoursel
fhowyou
wouldfeelifyourchildcameathomeandsai dshe
wascalledthedaught erofarapist
.
Agnes'
smom:I
'
mreal
lysor
ry
Masuku:youMr sNkosineedtositdownwi t
hyour
daughterandt
alktoher.Letherknowit
'swrongto
bul
lyandbadmout hotherkidsandthatrapeisn'
t
somethingtoj
okeabout.Iti
saser i
ousmat t
er
Agnes'
smom:Iunder
stand
Mpho:If
orgi
veyouandpleasetellyourf
ri
endI
nami
i
smydaughterandanyonethattouchesher
t
ouchesme, bet
teryeti
fyoucan'
tsuppor
tust
hen
mindyourownbusiness
Agnes'
smom:yes
Masuku:I
'
llbr
ingt
heki
dsi
n

Shegotupandwentt
ogett
heki
dst
hensatdown.

Masuku:Agnesi
sthesomet
hingyouwantt
osayt
o
Nkosi
nami?
Agnes:(
regr
ett
abl
y)I
'
mreal
lysor
ry

I
nami
sai
dnot
hingl
eani
ngonherf
ather
.

Masuku:rapeisn'
tsomethingtoplaywith.Those
wereseri
ousaccusati
onsandyoucoul dgot ojai
l.I
bel
ieveyourmom hasal ottoteachyouwhenyou
gethome.Butyourpunishmenti shel
pingteachers
packuptextbooksaft
ereachandever ylessonand
pi
ckinguptoysonmsZwane' sclassafterschool
Agnes:(
sadl
y)yesma'
am
Masuku:doyouf
orgi
veherI
nami
?
I
nami
:yes
Masuku:good,
areyouhappyMrGamawi
th
ever
ythi
ng?
Mpho:yesIam
Masuku:goodt
hatwoul
dbeal
l.MrGamaneedst
o
gobacktowork
Agnes'
smom:t
hankyou

Theyal
lwalkedoutandaccompani
edt
heki
dst
o
thei
rcl
asses.

Pl
easel
ike,
commentandshar
e
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#13

Nompi
loandSandigott
hei
rKot
aandwentt
osi
ton
t
hechai
rsout
sidetoeat

Sandi
:Sohaveyoudeci
dedonwhatyouar
egoi
ng
todo?
Nompil
o:(si
ghs)Idon'
tknowf ri
end.Ther
e'sapart
ofmethatwantsthist
hingoutbutthenthere'
sthi
s
par
tofmet hatthi
nksofthefut
ureofhowl i
fewould
beaft
ershe'sbornandI'
m successful
Sandi
:butyouwontbesuccessf
uloverni
ght
Nompi
lo:Iknow
Sandi
:andyourmom wi
llf
li
p
Nompi l
o:Iknow( sighs)i
t'sthet
houghtof
burdeningmymom t hatkill
smethemost,you
knowyest erdaywet al
kedaboutthi
ngsandI
real
izedhowshe' sbeent hebestmom tomeand
I'
mj ustadisappointment
Sandi
:mymainconcer
niswhatwi
llyousaywhen
yourmot
heraskswhoist
hefat
her
Nompil
o:(shookherhead)whathaveIgot
ten
mysel
fint
oSandi.WhatdoIdo?

Busaniwal
kedinandboughtakotaforhi
msel
f.
Sandisi
gnal
edNompi l
owit
hhereyes.Nompil
olai
d
hereyesonBusaniandqui
ckl
ylookeddown

Nompi
lo:(
whi
sper
ed)no.
..No.
..Nonothappeni
ng
Sandi
:(whi
sper
ed)youhavenochoi
ce
Nompi
lo:Ican'
tdot
hist
ohi
m
Sandi:he'
sthet
ickett
oyourchi
ldhavi
ngher
ri
ghtf
ulsurnameandhavingagoodlif
epl
ushe'
s
beenaf t
eryouf
oryears
Nompi
lo:(
hesi
tat
ing)Idon'
tknowaboutt
his.
..Oh
myGodhe'scomingover.
..
Sandi
:you'
redoi
ngt
his.
..
Busani
:gi
rl
s
Them:(
smi
led)hey
Busani
:it
'sbeenawhi
lesi
nceIl
astsawyouandi
t
feel
sli
keforever
Nompi
lo:who?MeorSandi
?
Sandi
:don'
tyoudar
etr
ytomaket
hisal
ovet
ri
angl
e.

Sandismi
ledandgotup

Nompi
lo:wai
twher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Sandi
:youbothl
ikeeachot
herst
oppl
ayi
ngar
ound
andgetint
oit
Nompi
lo:(
laughedi
ndi
sbel
ief
)what
?

SanditookherKot
aandl
eftwhi
leBusanisatdown
smil
ing.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
shome

Thandi
wemadet eaandsatout
sidewi
thGogowho
wasknit
ti
ngyel
lowbabyshoes.

Thandi
we:(l
ookedati
t)wowgogo,
you'
rer
eal
ly
goodatthi
sgogo
Gogo:(smi
led)Ij
usthopehe'l
lli
ket
hem.Ist
il
lneed
t
ostartkni
tti
ngadressforI
nami
Thandi
we:Idon'
tthi
nkshe'
sreal
lyt
hri
ll
edaboutt
he
newmemberi
nthef
ami
ly.
Gogo:(l
aughed)Idon'
tbl
ameher
,bei
ngt
heonl
y
chi
ldinthehouseisgl
ory

Thandi
wesmi
ledandsi
ghed

Thandi
we:gogot
hankyouf
orever
ythi
ngyouhave
doneformeandtheki
ds
Gogo:(
smi
led)t
here'
snoneedt
othankmemychi
ld.
Idi
dwhatanymotherwoul
ddo
Thandiwe:(
smi
led)andIwil
lal
waysbegratef
ulfor
that
,notmanypeoplecanopenthei
rhomesfor
anyone.
Gogo:t
her
e'snoneedmychi
ld.I
'
m happyt
ohave
youher
e

Ther
ewassi
lencef
oramoment
Thandi
we:gogocanIask?
Gogo:askmychi
ld
Thandi
we:whatdoyout
hinkofMphodeci
siont
o
fat
hermykids
Gogo:whyasknowaf
tersol
ong?
Thandi
we:Idon'
tknow
Gogo:wel lt
obehonest ,knowingmyboyhemade
thatdecisi
ont hi
nki
ngoft hekidsandthinki
ngof
you.Hei sinlovewit
hyouandheknowst hatyou
sti
llneedtohealfrom everyt
hingthathashappened
toyou
Thandi
we:Iunder
stand
Gogo:butIwantyout oknowthateventhough
Mphoi shelpingyouwit
hthekidsandisinlovewi
th
youitdoesn'tmeanyou'r
eindebt
edtohim.
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)Ihearyougogo
Gogo:af
teral
lthi
sendsIwantyoutoputyouand
t
hekidsfi
rsti
neveryt
hingyoudo.Dowhatmakes
youhappy
Thandiwe:Iwi
ll
,sogogowho'
sthegi
rlont
he
pi
cturesonthewall
?
Gogo:that'
smygr anddaughter
,Mpho'ssist
er.She'
s
mar r
iedandlivi
ngt hehighli
feint
own, i
t'
sbeensix
yearsnowsi nceshecamehomewi t
hmy
grandchi
ld.Ijusthopeshe'shappy

Herphoneranginsi
dethehouseandsheexcused
her
selfandwenttoansweri
t.

Thandi
we:hel
lo
Voice:hel
lot
hisi
sNt
ombif
rom Langahospi
tal
,can
IspeaktoThandi
weMhl
ongo?
Thandi
we:t
hisi
sherspeaki
ng
Nt
ombi:okayI'
m call
ingtol
etyouknowt
hatDor
a
Makuaisawakenfrom hercoma
Thandi
we:r
eal
ly?WowummhcanIcomeseeher
?
Nt
ombi
:yesma'
am youcan
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)t
hankyou

Shehungupandsi
ghedwal
kingout
sidet
ogogo

Thandi
we:t
hatwast
hehospi
tal
.AuntDor
ais
awake
Gogo:(
smi
led)t
hat
'sgoodnews
Thandi
we:t
heysai
dIcancomeseeher
Gogo:but
?
Thandiwe:Idon'tknowgogo, whatifshedoesn't
wanttoseeme.Thi ngsdi
dn'treal
lyendwel l
betweenus( si
ghed)Idon'tknowwhatI '
llsaytoher
.
Ij
ustwantpeacebutWhati fshedoesn'twant
peacebetweenusl ikeIdo?
Gogo:(
smi
les)wel
lyouwon'
tknowt
hatunl
essyou
go.Justdon'
thavehi
ghhopes
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)okay.
..Ishoul
dgo
Gogo:go

Shewenti
nsi
det
ookherhandbagandl
eft
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Meanwhi
le

Nompi
lol
aughedatBusani
'
sjokeswal
kingdown
t
hestr
eet
.

Nompil
o:okaytel
lmethemostembar
rassi
ngt
hing
t
hathaseverhappenedt
oyou
Busani
:ohnoI
'
m not
Nompi
lo:comeont
ellme
Busani
:ookaysoIgr
ewupfatandonedaydeci
ded
togoswiminadam myfr
iendsknew
Nompi
lo:(
laughed)I
'
m goi
ngt
oenj
oyt
hisone
Busani:(smil
ed)sowewer ebusyswi mmi ngwhen
suddenlyoutofnowherecamebees. ..Ever yone
j
ustpicksupt hei
rcl
othesandr unsfort heirli
ves
whileI
'm str
uggli
ngtoswim outandt ryingt oputon
mypant s(Nompilol
aughedherl ungsout )andboy
wasIst ungli
kehell
andIwasl iketi
meoutI '
m
fuckengetti
ngoutofhere.(
laughed)Ir anhome
naked
Nompil
o:(
laughedhar
d)ohmygoshIcanj
ust
i
magine
Busani
:(l
aughed)seet
hat
'smyembar
rassi
ngst
ory
Nompil
o:(
laughed)Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
ievei
t.Sohowdi
d
youl
oseweight?
Busani
:Ineverwor
kedout
.Ij
ustl
osti
tnat
ural
ly
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)you'
rear
eal
lycoolguys
Busani
:Ist
il
lwantt
oknowwhyyouhavebeen
pushi
ngmeaway
Nompi
lo:we'
ref
rom di
ff
erentwor
lds
Busani
:thatmeansnot
hingt
ome
MrSoko'
scarcameandslowdownappr
oachi
ng
t
hem.Thewindowrol
leddown

Nompi
lo:ohow
MaSoko:Iwonderi
fyourmom knowsyou'
re
wal
kingupanddownthwstreet
swithboys

Nompi
losai
dnot
hing

MaSoko:i
nthecarnow
Busani
:butI
'
m wal
kingMpi
lohome
MaSoko:Isai
dint
hecarnow!
Nompi
lo:Busanij
ustgo
Busani
:I'
m sor
ryaboutt
his
Heopenedthedoorandsteppedinwhi
leMaSoko
st
eppedoutandwentclosertoNompil
i

MaSoko:Iknowthet
ypeofgi
rlyouar
eandIdon'
t
wantyouanywher
enearmysonever.
Nompi
lo:we'
rej
ustf
ri
ends
MaSoko:samewayyouwer
efr
iendswi
thmy
husband?

Shel
ookedatherf
ri
ght
ened

MaSoko:
you'
redeadl
y,st
ayawayf
rom myson
Busani
:ist
her
eapr
obl
em?
MaSoko:no
Shewentbacki
ntot
hecaranddr
oveof
f
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
hehospi
tal
Thandiwewalkedinnervousashel
l.Shealways
cameher eandreadherthebibl
ebuttodaywas
dif
fer
ent.ShewalkedtoherbedandDor alookedat
her

Thandi
we:Aunt
y

Shel
ookedatherandcr
ied

Thandi
we:(
hel
dherhand)i
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
Dor
a:(
cryi
ng)Icoul
dn'
tpr
otectyou.
..I
'
m sor
ry
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)If
orgi
veyou.
..Pl
easedon'
tcr
y

Sheki
ssedherhandandsqueezedi
tti
ght

Dor
a:t
akecar
e
Shesighedcl
osi
nghereyesandherhandsl
owlyl
et
goofThandiwe'
shand.Thandi
wepani
ckedand
shookher

Thandi
we:(t
ear
ful
)aunt
yno.
..Aunt
yDor
a!
Nurse!
..
..
Nur
se!

Anur
sedhur
ri
edi
nsi
dewi
thadoct
or

Nur
se:pl
easegowai
tout
side
Thandi
we:(
cryi
ng)what
'shappeni
ng?
Nur
se:pl
easegoout
sidema'
am

Shewentout
sidecr
yingwhi
let
hedoct
orchecked
herDor
a
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtSandi
'
shome
Nompilowalkedi
nandwenttoSandi'
sroom.She
thr
ewhersel
fonthebed,Sandiwal
kedinal
ready
curi
ousaboutwhathappened

Sandi
:sohowdi
ditgo?
Nompi
lo:hi
smom knowsaboutme
Sandi
:thatyou'
repr
egnant
?
Nompi
lo:shesai
dI'
m deadl
yandt
hatIshoul
dleave
hi
ssonalone
Sandi
:shewaspr
obabl
ytr
yingt
oscar
eyou
Nompi
lo:maybeIshoul
djustabor
t
Sandi
:butmypl
anwi
llwor
k
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)noSandii
twontwor
k

Sandiswal
lowedl
ooki
ngatherf
ri
endwhom she
di
dn'
tknowhowt
ohel
p

Pl
easel
ike,
commentandshar
e
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#14

AtMpho'
shome
Gogodi
shedf
oreveryoneandcall
edthem.I
nami
cameandpul
ledoutachairt
ositdown

Gogo:comewashyourhandsf
ir
stmybaby
I
nami
:(smi
led)oops

Shegotupandsteppedonali
tt
lebl
ockputf
orher
andwashedherhandsonthesi
nk,Mphocameand
di
dthesame

Mpho:it
'sget
ti
ngl
ate,
didshet
ellyouwhenshe'
l
l
beback?
Gogo:nobutIt
hinkt
hingswentwel
lforhert
otake
t
hislong
Mpho:orheraunthur
therf
eel
ingsnowshe'
s
wonder
ingsomewher
e
Gogo:mustyoual
wayst
hinkoft
hewor
st?
Mpho:wel
lthewor
ldhasn'
tbeenexact
lyf
airt
oher
gogo

Thedooropenedandshewal kedin,
sorrowwas
wri
ttenonherface.Mphorushedtoherandhelped
hersit
,GogoaskedInamitoexcusethem andshe
wenttowatcht.v.Gogopour
edheragl assofwater
andshetookasi p

Mpho:ar
eyouokay?
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)I'
mfi
ne
Gogo:whathappened?
Thandiwe:shesawmeandcr i
edaskingfor
for
giveness.If
orgaveherandthenshe..
.She
passedaway
Gogo:(
sadl
y)OhI
'
m sor
rymychi
ld
Mphohuggedherwhi
leshewi
pedawayhert
ear
s.

Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)Ican'
tbel
ieveshe'
sgone
Mpho:(
tookherhand)she'
satpeacenowknowi
ng
t
hatyouhavefor
givenher
Gogo:(satdown)he'
sright
,thepeaceyouhave
beenlongingf
orfi
nall
ycame
Thandi
we:(
smi
ledt
ear
ful
)Iknow
Mpho:(
smi
led)we'
reher
eforyou
Thandi
we:I
'
mlucky
Gogo:soarr
angement
sfort
hefuneral
.Ar
ether
e
anyfamil
ymembersyoucancontact
?
Thandi
we:no..
..IknownoonebutIwi llgot
othe
pol
icest
ati
ontoseei fIcangetherphonemaybe
shehasrel
ati
vesnumber s
Gogo:okay.
..Ij
usthopeshe'
sinsur
ed
Thandi
we:Ihopesot
oo
Mpho:evensowe'l
lmakeapl
ansosheget
sa
di
gni
fi
edf uner
al
Thandiwe:youhavedonesomuchf
orme,
Ican'
t
keeptaki
ngmor e
Mpho:we'
ref
ami
ly
Gogo:he'
sri
ghtwewi
llmakeapl
an
Thandi
we:(
huggedMpho)t
hankyou

I
nami
camebacke

I
nami
:I'
m hungr
ygogo
Gogo:(
smi
led)comet
hef
oodi
sal
readyget
ti
ng
col
d

Shesmi
ledandcamet
ojoi
never
yonesi
tt
ingdone
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Meanwhi
le

Nompilocamehomeandf oundhermotheri
nthe
ki
tchensi
tti
ngandwaiti
ngforherwit
hpacksof
unopenedpads.Shecoul
dfeelherhear
tski
pabeat

Nompi
lo:hima
MaGl
adys:si
t
Shesatdown
MaGl
adys:wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?
Nompi
lo:(
looki
ngdown)Iwaswi
thSandi
MaGl
adys:okaywhati
sthi
s?
Nompi
losai
dnot
hingl
ooki
ngdown
MaGl
adys:(
bangedt
het
abl
e)l
ookatme!
Nompi
lo:pads
MaGl
adys:whyar
en'
ttheyused?
Nompi
lo:Ihavebeenusi
ngt
hem
MaGladys:I
'
m notst
upi
d,t
hesewer
esupposedt
o
beused.Nompi
lo!
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)I
'
m sor
rymama
MaGl
adys:you'
repr
egnant
?

Shenoddedcr
ying,
hermot
hershookherheadi
n
di
sbel
ief

MaGl
adys:(
angr
y)getoutofmyf
ace!

Nompi
logotupandwentt
oherr
oom cr
ying
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMaSoko'
shouse
MaSokodishedfort
hef
ami
lywi
thBusanihel
ping
herandt
hetopi
cwasNompi
lo

Busani
:we'
rej
ustf
ri
endsIdon'
tgetwhatt
hef
ussi
s
al
labout
MaSoko:aboyandagir
lcanneverbej
ustfr
iends.
Thatgi
rli
sbadnews,
I'
vehear
dstori
esabouther
Busani
:whatdot
heysayabouther
?
MaSoko:t
hatshesl
eepswi
thol
dmar
ri
edmen
Busani
:thosear
ejustl
ies
MaSoko:(
lookedathi
m)ar
eyoucal
li
ngmeal
ier
?
Busani
:noI
'
m sor
ryma

BabSokowal kedi
ntaki
ngof
fhi
sjacketand
hangi
ngitoverthechai
r

BabSoko:whatar
eyout
wot
alki
ngabout
?
Busani
:mom saysIshoul
dstayawayfr
om my
cl
assmatesj
ustbecauset
heyaregi
rl
s
MaSoko:Iwast
ell
inghi
mthegi
rlcal
ledNompi
loi
s
badnews

BabSokoSwal
lowedhear
ingt
hename.
..

BabSoko:l
ist
ent
oyourmot
her
.Ther
ear
epl
ent
yof
gi
rl
sforyououtt
her
e
Busani
:notyout
oodad
BabSoko:she'
sbadnews
Busani
:sonowwe'
regoi
ngt
ojudgeabookbyi
ts
cover
MaSoko:meandyourf
atherknoewhati
sbestf
or
you
BabSoko:Ievenhear
dshe'
spr
egnantsost
ayaway
fr
om her
MaSoko:(
lookedatherhusband)pr
egnant
?
Busani
:shei
snotpr
egnantI
'
m sur
eshewoul
d've
tol
dme
BabSokoshooki
shead
BabSoko:wher
e'st
hef
oodI
'
m hungr
y
MaSoko:Busanigocal
ltheki
dst
ocomeandeat

Busaniwentt
ocal
lhi
ssi
ster
s
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtNompi
lo'
shome

Shecri
edunderneat
hherblankets,coul
dn'
tgether
mother'
sdi
sappoint
edlook.Shejustwantedthe
worl
dtoswall
owhert her
eandt hen.Thedoor
openedandhermotherwalkedin
MaGl
adys:Nompi
lo
Nompi
lo:ma
MaGl
adys:wakeupweneedt
otal
k
Nompi
losatupst
rai
ghtandl
ookedathermot
her
MaGl
adys:whoi
sthef
ather
?
Nompil
o:hewant
snot
hingt
odowi
thmeandt
he
baby
MaGl
adys:Idon'
tcar
ehehast
otaker
esponsi
bil
it
y
Nompil
o:(
tear
ful
)Idon'
twanthi
minmyl
if
e
anymor
e
MaGladys:Idon'
tcar
eaboutwhatyouwant
.Do
youknowhowhar dandexpensi
vei
tist
orai
sea
chi
ld?
Nompi
lo:I
'
llseewhatIcando
MaGl
adys:t
ellmet
henameoft
heboynow
Nompi
lo:Mandl
akheSoko
MaGl
adys:wher
eishef
rom?
Nompi
lo:f
rom her
e
MaGl
adys:Mandl
akhe?
Nompi
lo:Themayor

Shel
ookedatherdaught
ershocked

MaGl
adys:t
hemayor
?
Nompi l
o:(cr
ying)I
'm sorr
ymama, Iwasyoungand
stupi
d..
.Het ookadvantageofme.Hepromisedme
theworld
MaGladys:youwer
ebusysl
eepi
ngwi
thamar
ri
ed
man?
Nompi
lo:I
'
m sor
rymama
MaGl
adys:(
angr
y)you'
reahomewr
ecker
Nompi
locr
iedhyst
eri
cal
MaGl
adys:st
opcr
ying
Nompi
lost
oppedcr
ying
MaGladys:thatmani
soldenoughtobeyourfat
her
Nompil
o,arghyouhavenoshame,youdon'
tlove
your
sel
f.You'
rej
ustdi
rt
y..
.You'
renotmychi
ld

Shegotupandl
eftwhi
leNompi
locr
iedhyst
eri
cal
ly
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Thenextday

Ear
lyinthemor
ningNompi
lowaswakenbyher
mother.

MaGl
adys:vuka(
wakeup)
Nompi
lo:mmh
MaGl
adys:Nompi
lovuka(
Nompi
lowakeup)
Shesl
owl
ywokeupr
ubbi
nghersl
eepyeyes
Nompi
lo:ma
MaGl
adys:(
hambauyogezaugcoke,
kumel
e
niyobi
kai
sisukasoko)gobat
handgetdr essed,
youmustgoannounceyourpregnancyatthe
Soko's
Nompi
lo:i
ni?(
what
?)
MaGl
adys:ungi
vil
e(youhear
dme)
Nompil
o:mamaIcan'
t.Hesai
dhedoesn'
twantt
his
chi
ld
MaGladys:Idon'
tcare,t
heri
ghtthi
ngmustbedone.
Heshoul
dhavet houghttwi
cebeforesleepi
ngwith
achi
ldyoungenought obehisdaughter.Thatman
hasnoshame
Nompi
lo:butmama
MaGladys:gogetreadydressappr
opriat
elyt
he
womanwhowi llaccompanyyouwillneheresoon

Shewalkedoutoftheroom whileNompil
ohadno
choi
cebuttogetup.Shewentt obathandputon
cl
othes,
alongdress,ajacketandadoek.Shewas
soembarrassedwhensher eali
zedthewomenwho
wereaccompanyingherwasherneighborseven
Sandi
'
sgr
andma

MaGl
adys:seni
zawenzanj
alokebaf
azi
MaNkosi
:kul
ungi
le.Asambe

Theyal
llef
tMaGl
adyshouseandwentt
othe
Soko'
shouse.

MaNkosi
:youknowwhatyoudi
dwi
tht
hatmar
ri
ed
mani
sshocki
ng
Sandi
'sgogo:uvelewazibonaubhi
dlisai
khaya
l
omunyeumf azi(youjustsawyourselft
ear
ing
anot
herwomanshome)

Nompi
losai
dnot
hingf
oll
owi
ngt
hem

MaNkosi:whenGl
adyst
oldmeIcoul
dn'
tbel
ievei
t.
Ij
usthadtoseei
tmysel
f
Sandi'
sgogo:beni
lal
aphi
?(wher
ewer
eyouhavi
ng
sex?)

Nompi
losai
dnot
hing

MaNkosi:yent
ombazanesi
khul
umanawe(hey
l
it
tl
egi
rlwe'ret
alki
ngt
oyou)
Nompi
lo:(
embar
rassed)kakhe(
athi
shouse)
Sandi
'
sgogo:awunamahl
oni(
youhavenoshame)
maNkosi
:mxm
Sandi'
sgogo:kusukel
anamuhlauhlukane
nomzukuluwami(f r
om t
odaystayawayfrom my
granddaught
er)

Theycar
ri
edonwal
kingandt
alki
ng
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMaSoko'
shome
Shewokeupear lyaft
erstr
ugglingt osleep.What
herhusbandsaidaboutthegirlbeingpr egnant
di
dn'tsitwel
lwi
thher.Maybei tishischi l
dthat
's
whyheevenspokeabouti t.Shegotdi sturbedbya
l
oudknockont hedoor.Sheopenedt hedoorand
Twool dwomanwal kedinaanot herwomanwho
l
ookeddown

MaNkosi
:sawubonama
MaSoko:(
swal
lowed)yebo
MaNkosi:wear
esentbytheZwanefami
ly,
appar
ent
lyadogfr
om thi
sfami
lyhaseat
eneggs
fr
om t
heZwane'
s
MaSokolookedatt
hespeechl
ess.Herwor
stf
ear
washappeni
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Thandi
wewalkedhomef
rom t
hepol
icestat
ionand
metgogoal
ongthewayf
rom t
hei
rThursdayprayer

Thandi
we:gogo
Gogo:(
smi
led)mygi
rl
Thandi
we:(
tookherhandbag)l
etmehel
pyou
Gogo:thankyoumychi
ld.Howdi
ditgoatt
he
pol
icestati
on
Thandiwe:Imanagedtogeti
ncontactwi
thafew
famil
ymember sandtheywil
lbecomingtomorr
ow.
Gogo:t
hati
sgoodnews
Thandi
we:(smi
led)Iknowandl
ucki
lymyuncl
ehad
heronhisf
uner
alpolicy.
Gogo:youshoul
dgocl
eant
hehousesot
heyar
ri
ve
atacleanhome
Thandi
we:(
swal
lowed)ummh.
..
Gogo:Icanhel
pyout
hought
her
e'sr
eal
lynotmuch
Icando
Thandi
we:t
her
e'snoneedgogo,
Iwi
lldoi
t
Gogo:(
smi
led)t
hat
'smygi
rl

Theycarri
edonwal
kinghometal
kingaboutt
he
weatherandot
heri
nter
est
ingst
uff

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment

Announcement
:dearr
eader
sIhaver
ecent
lyst
art
ed
onanewj obsoIwon'
tbeabl
etof
oll
owmypost
ing
schedul
e
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#15

AtNompi
lo'
shome

Gladysmadet
heladi
esteaandcooki
eswhi
let
hey
satdownandherwhathappened
MaNkosi
:yohMf
azi
Sandi
'
sgogo:(
clappedonce)hhay
MaGl
adys:whathappened?
MaNkosi:wegott
heandtol
dthem wehavecome
t
oannounceNompilo'
spr
egnancy
MaGl
adys:t
hen?
Sandi
'sgogo:(
uvel
ewasicoshal
omf
azi
)hi
swi
fe
ki
ckedusout
MaGl
adys:what
?
Sandi
'
sgogo:shedi
dn'
tevenmakeust
ea
MaNkosi :yazItol
dNompiloonourwayt her
ethat
sheshouldn'tf
eelbadaboutanyt
hing,
thatman
tookadvantageofher
Sandi'
sgogo:(nodded)Iagree.
..Iagr
ee.Nompil
o
i
sagoodchi ld,she'
stheonethathasbeenkeepi
ng
Sandigrounded
MaGladys:youneedtogobackl
adiess,whatwillI
dowi
thababy, wit
hthebot
hofthem?I '
m barel
y
maki
ngenought osust
ainmeandher( t
earf
ul)t
hat
mancan'
tjustr
uinmychi
ld'
sli
feandl
ivet
hel
avi
sh
l
if
est
ylewi
thhiswif
e
MaNkosi
:eyl
omfaziusi
hlazi
sekakhul
u(aht
hat
womanembar
rassedustoomuch)
Sandi
'
sgogo:I
'
veneverbeent
reat
edl
iket
hat
MaGl
adys:ngi
yani
cel
a(I
'
m beggi
ngyou)
MaNkosi
:aahsesi
zawut
hini(
ahwhatcanwesay)
Sandi
'
sgogo:(
shookherhead)hhayasazi
MaGl
adys:mor
etea?
Sandi
'
sgogo:t
hel
athel
a

MaGl adyssighedandpour
edmoreteaf
ort
hem.
Sandiknockedandgreet
edever
yone

Sandi
:I'
m her
etosee-
Sandi
'sgogo:yoh(gotup)If
orgott
otakemyBP
pi
ll
s.Sandicomelet'
sgo
Sandi
:butgogoI
-
Sandi
'sgogo:youwil
lcomeseeyourf
ri
endl
ater
,
sheneedstobealoneri
ghtnow
Sandi
:ohokay
MaGl
adys:youcancomeseehert
omor
row
Sandi
:(smi
led)okayma

Sandil
eftwi
thhergr
andmot
herandwenthome

MaNkosi
:I'
l
lhavemor
eteaandcooki
es

MaGl
adyssmi
ledandpour
edher
sel
facupoft
ea

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMaSoko'
shome

BabSokocamehomeear
lyf
rom hi
smeet
ingf
rom
wor
kandf
oundhi
swi
febusycl
eani
ng

BabSoko;kwenzenj
ani
?(whati
swr
ong?
)
MaSoko:akumelangakut
hikubeusemsebenzi
ni?
(
aren'
tyousupposetobeatwork?
)
BabSoko:Il
eftear
ly
MaSoko:(
wipi
ngt
hest
ove)oh
BabSoko:Iwantustot
alkaboutwhatisbother
ing
you.Yousai
dnothi
ngti
llIl
eftt
hismorning.Di
dIdo
somethi
ngwrong?
MaSoko:youi
mpr
egnat
edt
hatsl
ut
BabSoko:nott
hisagai
n
MaSoko:(
lookedathimtear
ful
)pl
easedon'
t.
..
Pl
easest
oplying.Pl
ease
BabSoko:butI
..
.
MaSoko:(
cryi
ng)Iknoweveryt
hing.Iknowabout
Nompi
loandthepregnancyyouspokeabouti
s
your
s..
.Pl
easest
opt
ryi
ngt
omakemei
nsane
BabSoko:(
sighed)I
'
m sor
ry
MaSokocover edhermout
hinshockandcri
edBab
Sokot
riedtohugherbutshepushedhi
m awayand
wentt
ot hei
rroom

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtNompi
lo'
sroom

Shecri
edunderneathherblanket
s, shewasso
embarr
assedofwhathappenedf orsureshewas
nowthetal
kofthet own.Shegotaphonecal land
answer
edwithoutlooki
ngatt hecallerI
D

Nompi
lo:(
wipedhert
ear
s)hel
lo
Busani
:hey
Nompi
lokeptqui
et
Busani
:Nompi
loar
eyout
her
e?
Nompi
lo:Busanipl
easedon'
tcal
lmeagai
n
Busani
:why?
Nompi
lo:becauseIsai
dso
Busani
:isi
ttr
ue?You'
repr
egnant
?
Nompi
lo:j
ustl
eavemeal
onepl
ease
Busani
:whydi
dn'
tyout
ellmeNompi
lo?
Nompi
lo:becauseIknewyouwe'
regoi
ngt
orej
ect
me
Busani
:whoi
sthef
ather
?
Nompi
lo:hewant
snot
hingt
odowi
thme
Busani
:justt
ellmehi
sname
Nompi
lohungupandt
urnedof
fherphone

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtDor
a'shome
Thandiwehel
dherbreathwalkinginsi
dethehouse.
I
twasmessedup, thi
ngswer eupsidedown,blood
waseverywher
e,ontheflooronthesink,
onthe
tabl
e.Somechair
swer ebrokenitwastoomuch.
Shewenttoheraunt'
sroom

》》 hedr aggedhertoheraunt'
sroom andshe
foundherl ayi
ngonthebed,herfacewasnumband
herlef
teyewassl owlycl
osingfrom swell
ingaf
ter
beingslappedmorethantwicebyVusi .

Vusi:ngat
hiuyakhohl
wakuthingi
zawenzani
mawal akwenzaengif
unaukwenza..
.(youseem t
o
beforgett
ingwhatIwil
ldoi
fyourefusetodowhatI
wantyout odo)
Thandi
we:(
cryi
ng)kubuhl
ungu(
it
'spai
nful
)

Heslappedherhar
dandshecriedscreami
ngf
or
herauntwhi
lehetear
edhercl
othes.
..
》》》》》》

Shesnappedoutofitandst ar
tedpanickingallbad
memoriescameback.Shef el
tnauseousandt hrew
uponthefloor
,herchestclosedinandpant ed
havi
ngahar dti
met r
yingtobreathandr anoutside
fi
nal
lygett
ingsomeai ri
nherlungs.Sont oalong
wit
hsomeot herladi
esrushedt oher

Sont
o:Thandi
wear
eyouokay?
Thandi
we:(
pant
ing)I
'
m..
.I'
m..
..I
'
mfi
ne
Sont
o:getherwat
er

Oneoftheladieshur
ri
edtogetherwaterandcame
back.Shedrankthegl
assofwaterandtheytook
hert
osi
tundert
heshade.

Thandi
we:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Sont
o:wehear
daboutyourauntandcamet
ohel
p
Lady1:we'
resor
ryaboutyourl
oss
Lady2:yeswear
e
Thandi
we:t hankyouforyourcondolences.Isaw
herbefor eandwebot hmadepeace, sheapol
ogized
andIfor gaveher.(
smiledtearful
)Itwasamazing
andnowcomi nghere,
thi
spl acehassomanybad
memor ies
Sont
o:Iunder
stand.That
'swhywe'
reher
etohel
p.
You'
renotal
onewe'reher
eforyou
Thandi
we:t
hankyou
Sont
o:l
adi
esl
et'
sst
artcl
eani
ng.Yousi
ther
e
Shenoddedandt
heywenti
nsi
deandst
art
ed
cl
eani
ng
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtNompi
lo'
s

Hermot
herwalkedi
nwi t
hherplat
eoffoodandput
i
tont
opofherdrawerandshookhert
owakeup.

MaGladys:Nompi
lovukaudl
e(Nompi
lowakeup
andeat
)
Nompi
lo:ngi
sut
hima(I
'
mful
lma)
MaGl
adys:nowakeupandeati
t'
sanor
der

Nompi
lowokeupandhermot
hergaveherherf
ood.
MaGladys:lookIknowwhathappenedwas
embar
rassingbutwehavenochoi ce.Thatmanhas
tot
akeful
lresponsibi
li
tyofwhathedid
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)peopl
ewi
lll
aughatme
MaGladys:(
angr
y)youshoul
d'vethoughtabout
t
hatbefor
eyousleptwi
thamar r
iedman!
Nompi
losai
dnot
hingcr
ying

MaGl adys:yout hi
nkIam enjoyingthis?Youdon't
knowwhatI '
m goingthrough,yousleptwitha
mar r
iedman, brokeanotherwoman' smar r
iage.I'
m
goingt obeseenasabadmot her,
Iwi l
lbelabel
leda
fai
lure.Iraisedasl ut(
shookherhead)youdon' t
l
oveyour selft
hatmani soldhehaswr inkl
esonhi s
facenott oment ionthatbell
y
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)I'
m sor
ry
MaGladys:whatdoyouknowaboutrai
singachi
ld?
Tel
lmewhatdoyouknowaboutr ai
singachil
d?
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)Iknownot
hing
MaGl
adys:achi
ldi
snopl
ay.Youhavenoj
ob,
you
havenot
hing.Howwi
llyour
aisei
t?

Nompil
osai
dnot
hingandhermot
herangr
il
ygotup
andl
eft
.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtMpho'
shome

Thandi
wegothomeandsatont
hecouchnextt
o
Mphogreet
ingever
yone

Gogo:howdi
ditgo?
Thandiwe:good,Idi
dn'
tdomuchbecausebei
ngin
thathousefr
eakedmeoutbutIhel
pedwashthe
blanket
sandsoon
Mpho:Ist
il
ldon'
twantyout
oover
wor
kyour
sel
f
Thandiwe:(puthishandonherbell
y)yoursonis
fi
ne,youdidn'thavetokeepcal
li
ngmet heenti
re
ti
ms
Gogo:(l
aughed)I
'
m wai
ti
ngt
oseehi
m oncet
he
babyisborn.

Thandi
wesmi l
edthensi
ghedl
ayi
ngherheadover
Mpho'sshoul
der.

Mpho:whati
sit
?
Thandi
we:i
t'
sjustt
hatt
heladi
esgavemewordsof
comfor
tandtheysai
dtheywil
lal
waysbet
her
efor
me
Mpho:andhowdi
dthatmakeyouf
eel
?
Thandi
we:Nothing,whenIwasabusedinthat
houset
heyallturnedabli
ndeye.Wherewerethey
whenIneededthem?Andnowt heyar
ehereand
she'
sgone.I
t'
st oolat
e
Gogo:i
t'
swhatwealldo.Peopledon'
ttel
lyouhow
muchtheyl
oveyouuntilyouaregone.It
'sl
if
emy
chi
ld,
youknownowt hatnotever
yonethatsmil
es
wit
hyouisyourf
ri
end
Thandi
we:Iknowgogo(
smi
led)Ir
eali
zedt
hatIf
eel
moresafei
nherewit
hyout
hanthere
Mpho:(
smi
led)t
hat
'sbecauseI
'
mfeedi
ngyougood

Thandiweandgogolaughed.Inamiwalkedoutof
thei
rroom wear
ingherweaveandcar r
yingherdol
l.
Shesawhermot herandsmiledgoingovertohug
her

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#16

AtMaSoko'
shouse

Shewentt
oopentheandMaNkosiwal
kedi
nwi
th
Sandi
'
sgogoandNompil
o.

MaSoko:hhaybo
MaNkosi
:pl
easecanwesi
tdownandt
alkas
adul
ts?
MaSoko:(angry)Imademysel
fcl
ear
,Idonotwant
youguyshere!
MaNkosi:(
shouti
ng)hheywedi
dn'
ttel
lyour
husbandt
oimpregnat
eachil
d!
Sandi'
sgogo:(
clappedonce)andwe'
renotl
eavi
ng
ti
llt
hisi
sresol
ved!

BabSokowal
kedoutwithhissonaf
terhear
ing
noi
cefr
om al
ltheshout
ing.

BabSoko:kant
iwhati
sgoi
ngo-
MaNkosi:(shout
ing)goodhereisthemanwe're
l
ooki
ngfor.Wear eheretotel
lyouaboutthebaby
youmadewi thNompiloinyourwif
e'sbed
Busani
:(shocked)what
?!
Nompil
olookeddownandcri
edwhil
eMaSoko
t
urnedt
oherhusbandalr
eadyint
ears.

MaSoko:(
tear
ful
)ni
lel
eembhedeniwami(
yousl
ept
i
nmybed)
BabSoko:azangemkami
banemanga(
nevermy
wif
etheyarelyi
ng)
MaNkosi
:(l
aughed)hheskhohl
akal
isendoda!

Nompilosteppedout si
dewhil
epeopleexchanged
wordsinsi
det hehouse.Shefeltweakandsomeone
pul
ledherbackbyhershoul der,shet
urnedback
anditwasBusani ,hehadthelookofangerand
di
sgustinhisf ace

Busani
:(angr
il
y)soyouwer
esl
eepi
ngwi
thmy
f
atheral
lal
ong?

Nompi l
olookedathi
mi nt
ear
s,shewasway
beyondembar r
assedandhur
t.Hehel
dherbyher
shoulder
sandshookher

Busani
:TALK!

Nompilosaidnot
hing,
shej
ustcr
iedl
andi
ngonher
kneescryi
ng.

Busani
:Ican'
tbel
ieveyour
ightnow,
you'
repl
ayi
ng
thevi
cti
m
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)I
'
m sor
ry
Busani
:It
houghtyouweredi
ff
erentbutyou'
rej
ust
awhore!Agoodfornot
hingwhore
Hewentbackinsi
deandwentt
ohi
ssi
ster
sroom
andt
heyweren'tt
her
e.

Busani
:Fi
kil
e!Li
ndi
we!

Helookedforthem i
nthecl
osetandhear
dsnif
fi
ng,
helookedunderneat
hthebedandtheyweret
here
fr
ight
ened.

Busani
:comeher
e
Li
ndi
we:(
tear
ful
)peopl
ear
efi
ght
ing
Fi
kil
e:t
heywi
llhur
tus
Busani:theywontcomeher
e.Il
ockedt
hedoor
,I
wil
lprotectyou.Nowcometome
Theycrawledoutandhehuggedt hem, thenoise
st
il
lscaredthem asthei
rparentswerescreami ng
al
ongwi thothervoi
cestheydidn'
trecognize.

Busani
:coveryourear
sformesoyoudon'
thearal
l
thebadthi
ngstheyaresayi
ng

Theycoveredthei
rli
tt
leearswit
hthei
rhands
bl
ockingthenoiseandthei
rbrot
herli
ft
edthem t
o
si
tont hebed.Hetookouthisphonefr
om his
pocketandcall
edhisgrandpar
ents
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**

AtMpho'
shome

Thandi
wewaseati
ngfri
edoni
on,Aacharandr
ice
whenMphowalkedinget
ti
nghi
slunchbox
Mpho:youknowt
hesecr
avi
ngswi
llbet
heendof
you
Thandiwe:(l
aughi
ng)j
ustbegrat
efulI
'
m notcr
avi
ng
prawns,crabsandwhatwhat
Mpho:(
laughed)youknowifyoucr
avedfort
hatI
woul
dturnthetownupsidedowntr
yingt
ogetthose
pr
awnsforyou
Thandi
we:(smil
ed)I'
m soluckywhi
chr
emi
ndsme
I
'mrunningoutofAachar
Mpho:(
tookouthi
swal
let
)her
e'sR100you'
l
lbuyi
t
your
sel
f
Thandi
we:(
tooki
t)okayt
hankyou
Mpho:soyourr
elat
iveswi
llar
ri
vet
oday?
Thandi
we:yes
Mpho:sohaveyout
houghtaboutwhatt
heywi
lleat
?
Icangi
veyoumycardtodrawoutmoney-
Thandi
we:noyou'
renot
.Theywi
llsor
tthemsel
ves
out
Mpho:Idon'
tmi
nd,
Ist
il
lhaveat
housandl
eft
Thandi
we:No..
.You'renotbendi
ngyourbackf
or
them.Whatyoudof ormeisfart
oomuchIcan't
askmorefrom you
Mpho:(
sighed)I
mjustt
ryi
ngt
ohel
p
Thandiwe:(
smiled)Iknowbutyouhavedone
enough.YouboughtclothesforThebaby,toysand
thebabycott
,newschooluniformf orI
nami,plus
you'
refeedi
ngus, weblewoffallyoursavi
ngs
becauseofus.Icanneverthankyouenough
Mpho:(
smi
led)youknowIdon'
tmi
nd
Thandi
we:Letmewal
kyout
owor
k
Mpho:(
shocked)hhai
t'
sgoi
ngt
orai
nAppl
est
oday
Thandi
we:(
laughed)shutup,
gogoandI
namiar
e
st
il
lasl
eepsoIdon'twanttobeal
one
Mpho:l
uckyt
hem t
heygett
osl
eeponhol
idays
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)t
heybot
hdi
dsl
eepl
atel
ast
ni
ght
Mpho:(
smi
led)yeahl
et'
sgo

Het
ookhi
sbackpackandt
heywal
kedout

Mpho:(
smi
led)Icoul
dgetusedt
othi
s
Thandi
we:(
laughed)uswal
kingt
oget
her
?
Mpho:(
laughedandl
ookedather
)yesandseeing
youl
augh,youhavet
hemostbeauti
fulsmi
leever
.
Thandi
weandhel
dhi
shand,
hishear
tski
ppeda
beat

Thandiwe:Ineverthoughtther
ewouldbeadayt hat
Iwouldbehappy.YesIhadhappymoment safter
Inamiwasbor nbutthis.
..Thi
sisj
ustdiff
erent
.It'
s
happi
nessati t
'sbest(ki
ssedhischeek)t
hankyou
Mpho:(
smi
led)you'
regoi
ngt
omakemel
ate
Thandi
wel
aughedandt
heycont
inuedt
hei
rwal
k
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Meanwhi
le

Busani
'sgrandpar
ent
sdrovetot
hei
rson'
shouse
af
terbeingcall
edbyBusani
.

GogoSoko:f
akamafut
hababakuyaphut
huma
(
dri
vefast
erwehavetohur
ry)
Mkhul
uSoko:ngi
yahambamkami(
Iam goi
ngmy
wi
fe)
GogoSoko:ngabekwenzakal
anikul
oyamuzi(
I
wonderwhatishappeni
ngatthathouse)
Mkhul
uSoko:umzikul
ubekazwakal
aengat
hi
ut
huki
le(
ourgrandsonsoundedsoscar
ed)
GogoSoko:bazal
iabanj
aniabal
wa
phambikwezingane(whattypeofpar
ent
sar
ethey
fi
ght
inginfrontofthechi
ldren)
MkhuluSoko:wewi
llgetanexpl
anat
ionwhenwe
gett
here
GogoSoko:webet
terI
'
m upsetver
yupset
Mkhul
uSoko:eyi
nkosi

Theydr
ovet
othei
rson'
shouse
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMaSoko'
shome

Peoplecamet oseeatwhatwashappeninginthat
houseastheycouldheartheloudnoi
seand
breaki
ngoft hi
ngs,
Nompilowentinsi
deaft
erseeing
peoplegatherupwonder
ingwhyshewast hereand
thesit
uati
onwaswor sei
nside.
BabSoko:(
shout
ing)l
eavemyhousenow,
how
dar
eyoucomeher eandinsul
tmeandmywif
ein
myownhome
MaNkosi:(angr
y)ifyouact
edyouragewewouldn'
t
behere,
you'readogawhorethi
schildi
syoung
enoughtobeyourchild
MaSoko:(
shout
ing)t
hissl
uti
snochi
ld

Sandi
'
sgogocl
appedonce

MaNkosi:(
laughed)minanginguwengabe
ngi
kungi
sel
aumnt wanaomushamanapukeni( I
fI
wereyouIwouldbeprepari
ngnappiesfort
henew
baby)
MaSoko:thatchi
ldi
snotwel
comedher
eovermy
deadbody
MaNkosi
:he'
sanhei
rtot
hisf
ami
ly
MaSoko:(
angr
y)what
BabSoko:l
eavemyhousenow
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)asambeni
(let
'sgo)
MaNkosi
:asi
yindawo

ThedooropenedandMkhuluSokoandhiswif
e
walkedi
n.BabSokoandMaSokower eshockedt
o
seethem.Theyl
ookedatt
hem notknowi
ngwhatto
say,

MaSoko:(
respect
ful
)Sani
bonaniboSoko
Them:yebomakot
i
BabSoko:hl
alaniphansi(
pleasesi
tdown)

MaNkosiandsandi '
sgogowerequietamazedby
theirsuddenchangeofbehavi
orastheyal
lsat
down.MaSokoevenpi ckedupthet
hingst
hathad
fal
lenf r
om thet
able.
MaSoko:awut
hingenzei
ti
ye(
letmemaket
ea
GogoSoko:chaMakoti
,hl
alaphansi(
nomy
daught
eri
nlawsitdown

Shesatdown

BabSoko:(smi
led)ngabesenzenikuze
si
vakashel
weyini?(
Whatdidwedot ogetavi
sit
fr
om you?)
GogoSoko:si
zekuzocazul
ulalesi
cakacakaesi
kil
o
muzi(wehavecometosortoutthi
sdilemmathatis
happeni
nginthi
shouse)
BabSoko:besesi
-(wewer
e-)
GogoSoko:(
smi
led)bomamani
njani(
ladi
eshow
ar
eyou?)
Them:(
smi
led)wear
efi
nehowar
eyou?
GogoSoko:wear
efine.I
'
m Mandl akhe'
smot her
andnextt
omeismyhusband.Ourgr andsontol
d
ther
ewasabigfi
ghthappeninghereandaskedus
tocomeandseeift
heproblem canber esol
ved
Them:weunder
stand
GogoSoko:Iwouldli
keusal
ltot
alkasadul
tsand
respectoneanot
her
.
MaNkosi
:it
'sal
ri
ght
Gogo:okaynowt
ellmewhatbr
ingsyouher
e

MaNkosit
ookadeepbr
eat
hinamdoutandt
old
t
hem whyt
heyweret
her
e.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtAuntDor
a'shome

Thandi
wewel
comedt
hef
ami
lymember
'st
hathad
ar
ri
ved.Somanywer
eshockedt
oseeher

AuntPauli
ne:(
huggedher)yohThandi
weyouhave
gr
ownl ooki
ngexact
lyl
ikeyourmother
.Dor
adida
gr
eatjob
Uncl
eAlf
red:shedi
dagr
eatj
obi
ndeed.Wher
ear
e
youwor
kingnow
AuntNobayeni
:minaIwantt
oknowwhoi
sthe
fat
heroft
hatbabyyou'
recar
ryi
ng
Thandi
we:somanyquest
ionsatonce
Uncl
eAl
fr
ed:t
ellyourmant
hatwewanti
lobol
a
AuntPauli
ne:(
laughed)andshe'
sbeaut
if
ul,
I'
mjust
di
sappoint
edyouhadki dsatayoungage
Uncl
eAl
fr
ed:i
tdoesn'
tmat
terwhatmat
ter
sist
hat
t
heboymustl
obolaher
AuntNtombi
ni:hhawther
e'snof
oodi
nher
e.
Thandi
weuthisidl
eni
?
Thandi
we:I
'
m notwor
kingandIdon'
thavemoney
to-
AuntNtombi ni
:youknowmysist
erworkedhar
dto
rai
se.I
nf actyoushouldbet
heonegi
vinghera
beauti
fulfuner
altoday.
Uncl
eAl
fr
ed:l
eavet
hechi
ldal
one
AuntNt
ombi
ni:khonadi
dyouevenf
ini
shschool
?
Thandi
we:(
sadl
y)i
t'
sal
ongst
ory
AuntNtombini
:(cl
appedonce)yohexcuses.My
si
sterwoul
dbesodi sappoi
ntedinyou
AuntPaul
ine:mxm nevermi
ndherl
et'
sgodosome
gr
oceryshopping

Thandi
wefol
lowedPaul
inet
ohi
scarandt
hey
drovet
otheshops
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtMaSoko'
shome

GogoSokol
ist
enedt
oeachandever
yonespeaki
ng.
Hersonwasaskedaboutwhathehadt
osayabout
ever
ythi
ngandhespoke

BabSoko:Iwantt oapol ogi zetomywi fe,Iloveyou

NaBongwe.You' rethel oveofmyl ife,t
hemot herof
myki ds.Shewasj ustami stake,Idon'tloveher.
She'snot hi
ngt ome.Ij ustneededt otakeoutst ress.
Iregretwhat '
sIdi dandhopeyoucanf inditinyour
hearttoforgiveme.Iwi l
lregr ethurti
ngyouf ort
he
restofmyl i
fe.Idon'twantt hischild,Iwillnever
regarditasmi ne,Idon'tevenknowi fit
'smi newe
usedpr otecti
onandI 'm sur eIwasnott heonl yone
shewassl eepingwi th.Myl oveOnl yyourki dsare
minepl easeMaSokodon' tl etwhatwehavebe
destroyedbynot hing

Eachwordcutdeep,shewashur
ti
ngdeepl
y,Ma
Sokosobbedsi
lent
ly
GogoSoko:hhayi keit'
sgoodthatwehaveal l
spokenthet r
uth.Iaskofyouladiestogobackwi th
ananswert hatwet heSoko'
sar enotsureift
his
babyisoursandbyt hatwewillwai
ttil
lthebabyis
bornforconfir
mat i
on.
MaNkosi
:wehearyou
Sandi
'
sgogo:yes
GogoSoko:si
yabonga
MaNkosi
:kubonget
hina

Theygotupsayi
ngt
hei
rbyesandl
eft

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#17

Att
heshoppi
ngcent
re

Thandi
wehel
pedherauntwi
thhergr
ocer
y
shoppi
ng

AuntPaul
ine:sot
ellmeaboutyourl
if
e
Thandi
we:Idon'
tknowwher
etobegi
n
AuntPauli
ne:(
smiled)whathappenedafterDora
t
ookyoui n?YouknowIwant edtotakeyoui nbut
I
'm marr
iedanddidn'twantt
ocausecompl icat
ions
Thandi
we:I.
..Under
stand
AuntPaul
ine:Ihaveadaught
eryourage,
she'
sin
var
sit
ydoingherthir
dyear
Thandi
we:t
hat
'sni
ce
AuntPauli
ne:youknowIunder standwhenwe're
youngwegett ooexcitedanddoadultthi
ngsand
endupbeingpr egnantbutyouknowthisisnott
he
endoftheroad.Youcanst il
lpi
ckyoursel
fupat
l
eastyouhaveonebaby
Thandi
we:Ihaveadaught
ershe'
ssi
xyear
sol
d
AuntPaul
ine:(
shocked)oh.
..That
's.
..That
's.
..
Thandi
we:di
sgust
ing?
AuntPaul
ine:Idi
dn'
tsayt
hat
Thandi we:wel
lyourlooksaysital
l.You'
real
l
j
udgi ngme.Yetyoudon' tknowwhatIwentthrough
(tearf
ul)l
ivi
ngwithmyauntDor aaf t
eryoual
l
refusedtotakemei n.Iwasrapedbyherboyfri
end,
beaten,i
nsul
tedandallofyouwer en'
tther
e.He'
s
thereasonshe'
sdeadandsi nceyoucameyou
didn'
taskbecauseyoudon'tcare.Youonlycome
whenwe' r
edead
AuntPauli
ne:(
lookedaroundembarrassed)
Thandiweyoudidn'
thavetosaythatinpubl
ic.I
di
dn'tknow
Thandiwe:(tearf
ul)welli
tiswhatitisandifallof
youar easki
ngi fI
'm worki
ngandsoonwor r
iedthat
Iwil
laskyout osupportmef i
nancial
lythenrelax
thefatherofmyki dsistakinggoodcar eofmeand
thekids
AuntPauli
ne:I
'm sor
rymychi
ld.It
houghtyouwer
e
wellt
akencareof
Thandiwe:heari
ngAntNt
ombinit
alkli
kethat.
..I
real
izeIcan'
tbeint
hesamesamer oom wit
hyou
guys.
AuntPaul
ine:don'
tsayt
hatThandi
we
Thandi
we:(
cri
ed)Idon'
tfeel
wel
l.Iwantt
ogohome
AuntPaul
ine:(
lookedar
ound)pl
easedon'
tcr
y
peopl
ear
elooki
ngatus
Thandi
we:(
cryi
ng)Idon'
tcar
e

Sheputdownt
hepl
ast
icsandwal
kedaway

AuntPaul
ine:wai
t

Shedidn'
tli
stentohercar
ryi
ngonwal
kingaway
andtaki
ngat axihome

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtNompi
lo'
shome

Sheat
eherinst
antpor
ridgewhi
lehermot
hersat
downdri
nki
nghertea.
MaGl
adys:I
'
m gl
adyou'
ref
inal
lyeat
ing
.
Nompi
lonoddedherheadnotsayi
nganyt
hing

MaGl
adys:theladi
estol
dmewhathappened.I'
m
gl
adt
heeldersarri
vedandsor
tedever
ythi
ngout
Nompi
lo:yes
MaGladys:Sokowast
heonl
ymanyouwer
e
sl
eepi
ngwi t
hright
?
Nompi
lo:yes
MaGl adys:Idon'
twantsurpri
sesandIhopeyou
knowt hi
smeansyou'retakingteachi
ngasyour
career.Iwillonl
yhel
ptakecar eofyourbabyi
fyou
dot eaching
Nompi
lo:okay
MaGl
adys:Ihopeyou'
vel
ear
ntyourl
essonabout
marr
iedmen.Stayawayf
rom t
hem becauset
hey
useyouandwhentheyar
edonetheythrowyou
awayli
kerubbi
sh
Nompi
lo:Iknow
MaGladys:nowyouneedt
oworkhar
dknowing
ver
ywellyouhaveababyt
opr
ovidef
orandstay
awayfr
om boys
Nompi
lo:yesma

Shef
ini
shedupandgotupwashi
ngherbowli
nthe
si
nk

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMaSoko'
shouse

Thegrandpar
entswentt
ocheckonthei
rgr
andki
ds
thencamebackontheli
vingr
oom.MaSokosaton
thecouchnextt
oherhusbandwi
thheri
n-l
aws
si
tt
ingont
heot
her

MkhuluSoko:I
'm ver
ydisappointedinyouson,
committ
ingadul
teryandbetrayingyourwif
elike
thi
sworseyoudiditwithachildyoungenought o
beyourdaught
er.Wet aughtyout obebet
tert
han
that

BabSokoswall
owedsayi
ngnot
hingonl
ylooki
ng
downashamed.

GogoSoko:I 'm al
sodisappoi
ntedonhowyou
handledthewhol esi
tuati
on.Wehadt obecall
edby
ourgrandsonduet othecommot ionthatwas
happening.Asmuchasi thur
tsMakot iwhent
hose
womenar rivedyouwer esupposetoshowaUni t
ed
fr
ont.Youwer esupposet ohandlet
hisasgrown
adul
ts
MaSoko:(tear
ful
)pl
easef
orgi
veme,
Idon'
tknow
whathappened
MkhuluSoko:Iwassurpri
sedtoseethemanofthe
houseexchangi
ngwordswi t
hwomeni nahouse
wherehisl
it
tl
ekidsar
ei nthenextr
oom hi
ding
undert
hebed
BabSoko:I
'mreal
lysor
ry.IknowIdi
dn'
thandl
ethe
si
tuat
iont
hebestway
GogoSoko:nowwehavet otal
kaboutwhatyoudi
d
Mandl
akhe,cheat
ingonyourwife

MaSokocoul dn'
thel
pbutbur
sti
ntotear
s.She
excusedhersel
fandwentt
oherbedr
oom Gogo
sokofol
lowedher.

Mkhul
uSoko:ndodana(
son)
BabSoko:ba
Mkhul
uSoko:youbet
terf
ixthi
s,whatyoudidwas
st
upi
d,messi
ngaroundoutsi
deyourmarri
ageand
bei
ngstupidbymaki ngababyoutt here.Youdon't
dothatt
ot hewomant hatlovesyou,awomant hat
vowedtobewi thyouthroughthickandthin.A
womant hatgaveyoubeaut i
fulchi
ldr
enandmade
sur
eyoul ookcleanandnicebef or
eyougot owor k
andfedyouwhenyoucameback.
BabSoko:(
regr
ett
abl
y)i
fIcoul
dtur
nbackt
imeI
woul
d
MkhuluSoko:youneedt of i
xthi
s.Shewontf orgi
ve
youinjustoneday, youhavet ostartafresht
reat
herwellshowheryour egr etwhathappened.You
haveknockeddownherconf i
dencenowyouhave
tohelpherrestoreit
.Youhavet owor shipthe
groundsshewal kson, doever yt
hingr i
ghtbyheror
elseyouwi l
lloseeverythingandt r
ustmewomen
l
ikeherarer aretofi
nd.Shewaswi t
hyoubef ore
youhadal lt
heser i
chesandt heywillallmean
nothi
ngwhenyourf ami l
yi sgone
BabSoko:Iunderst
andbaba.Idon'
tseemysel
f
wit
houther.Myfamilyi
smyeverythi
ng
Hel
oosenedhi
sti
ethi
nki
ngaboutl
osi
nghi
swi
fe
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Meanwhi
le

MaSokor ushedi
ntoherbedr
oom intears,shesat
i
nf r
ontonthemir
rorcryi
ngherheartcouldn'
ttakei
t
anymore.GogoSokowalkedi
nandsatnextt oher
huggingher
.

GogoSoko:phephi
samt
anami(I
'
m sor
rymychi
ld)
MaSoko:(
cryi
ng)whatdi
dIdot
odeser
vet
hisma?
Whatdi
dIdo?
GogoSoko:not
hing,
noonedeser
vest
his
MaSoko:(
cryi
ng)heevendi
ditwi
thachi
ldmaa
chi
ld!
GogoSoko:Iknow,
I'
m sor
rymychi
ld
MaSoko:whatdoIevendonow?
GogoSoko:( wipedawayhert ear
s)thi
nk,thi
nkasa
mot her
,thi
nkofyourki ds.Whathappenedscared
them speci
allythegir
ls,Busasai
dhef oundthem
hidingunderneaththebed.Theyaresti
ll
traumati
zed
MaSoko:(
tear
ful
)Iknow.
..I
t'
sjustt
hatt
hisi
sso
har
dforme
GogoSoko:Iknowbutyouhavet obestr
ongmy
chi
ldandonlyyouknowt hewayforwar
d.Ifyou
wanttowalkoutofthismar ri
ageIwoul
d
underst
andnoonewoul djudgeyouandifyou
chosetostay,Iknowitwillbehar
dbutwewi l
lbe
wit
hyouever ystepofthewaywheneveryouneed
us
MaSoko:Ihearyou,
Ijustneedt
ime
GogoSoko:wecant
aketheki
dstoourhometo
gi
veyouguysti
metotal
kandfindawayfor
ward
MaSoko:(
sighed)okay.
..ButIneedt
otal
ktot
hem
f
ir
st
GogoSoko:t
hat
'sal
ri
ght
MaSokonoddedandwi
pedhert
ear
sheadi
ngt
othe
bat
hroom
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtDor
a'shome

AuntPauli
nealongwit
htheot herrel
ati
vesgot
homefrom themort
uary.Theirdaughter
sandsons
hadarr
ivedandwerehelpingtocleantheyard
al
ongwi t
hsomecommuni tymember s.Theygot
i
nsideandwenttositonthemat tr
ess.

AuntNt
ombi
:hheyi
t'
shar
dtobel
ieveoursi
steri
s
gone
AuntThobil
e:t
hatistr
ue,
itt
akemebackt
otheday
weburiedThandeka
AuntNtombi :eymysister,
thatonewasbeaut i
ful
.
Shewasyoungbutshewast hegluethatgluedus
allt
ogetherasaf ami
ly.Herdeathtookit
'stol
lon
theenti
refami l
y.Toherfamil
ywasever ythi
ng
AuntThobi
le:Iwasexpect
ingherdaughtert
ocome
wit
hustothemor t
uary.Doradi
draiseherri
ght
?
AuntNtombi:i
t'
scleart
hatDoraspoi
ledthechi
ld
rot
ten.Pr
egnant!She'
spregnantwhi
leher
agematesaregetti
ngdegrees
AuntThobil
e:wher
eisshel
ivi
ng?I
sn'
tshesuppose
t
obeher ee?
AuntNt
ombi:Paul
inewast
hel
astonet
otal
kto
her
..
.Paul
ine

Pauli
newasdeepi nthoughtaboutwhatThandi
we
sai
d.Itateheri
nside,t
hiswouldhavenever
happenedifThandekawasal i
ve.Shel
ovedher
daughterwit
hallherheartt
hiswasunfor
givabl
enot
aft
erwhattheydid
AuntNt
ombi
:Paul
ine!
AuntPaul
ine:huh?
AuntThobi
le:hhawumysi
sterar
eyouokay?
AuntPaul
ine:I
'
mfi
ne
AuntNtombi:whathappenedtoThandeka's
daught
er.Youl ef
twi
thhertobuythegroceryand
camebackal onequi
etasyouare
AuntPaul
ine:(
sighed)Ispoketoherandshetold
meofhowherst aywithourSisterDorawasso
unpl
easant(si
ghs)wehavet r
ulyfail
edoursi
ster
AuntThobi
le:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
AuntPaul
ine:shesai
dshewasabusedbyDor
a's
boyf
ri
end
AuntNtombi :(
laughed)andyoubel
ievedhermxm
she'sali
er.Shecanseet hatwi
thDoragoneshe'
s
goingtostarvenowshe'screat
ingapityst
oryso
wecanal lemptyourpockets
AuntPaul
ine:(
shookherheaddi
sagr
eei
ng)i
t
soundedser
ious
AuntThobi
le:ei
shangaz
AuntNtombi
:Iwon'
tbepl
ayedbyachi
ld.Wher
eis
sheri
ghtnow?

AuntPauli
nekeptqui
etst
il
lthi
nki
ngabout
ever
ythi
ng

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

.
#18

AtMaSoko'
shouse

Bab'Sokowal
kedintot
heguestr
oom wi
thapl
ate
offoodandwokehiswif
eup.

BabSoko:MakaBusanivukaudl
e
MaSoko:I
'
m nothungr
y
BabSoko:pl
ease
MaSoko:I
'
m nothungr
y,Ij
ustwantt
obeal
one
BabSoko:wehavet
otal
k
MaSoko:(
satupandl
ookedathi
m)t
alkaboutwhat
?
BabSokosai
dnothi
ngnotwant
ingt
omakeher
moreangr
ybuti
twastoolat
e

MaSoko:(angry)t
ellmewhatyouwantustot
alk
about
..
.Shouldwetalkabouthowandwher
eyou
madethatbaby?
BabSoko:Ihaveneverbroughtherher
e,Iwoul
d
neverdi
srespectyoul
ikethat
MaSoko:di
srespect
!Youdi
srespect
edmet
he
momentyouwentoutsi
de
BabSoko:IknowandI '
m sorr
y.Ireal
lyam andI
woulddoj ustaboutanyt
hingtomaket hi
sright
.
(wentdownonhi sknee)youandt hekidsaremy
everyt
hing.Ican'
tloseyou,Ij
ustcan'
t
MaSoko:youshoul
d'vet
houghtaboutt
hatbef
ore
yousl
eptwi
thher
BabSoko:(
swal
lowed)I
'
mreal
lysor
ry
MaSoko:whatyoudidi
sunforgi
vabl
e(tearf
ul)what
di
dIeverdotodeser
vethi
s..
.Am Inotbeauti
ful
?
Am It
oofat
?Why?
BabSoko:Iwasjustst
upi
dinsteadof
communicat
ingwithyouIwentout

MaSokoshookherheadi
ndi
sbel
ief

BabSoko:pl
easegi
vemeachancet
omakeal
lof
thi
sri
ght
.Thatbabyi
snotmi
ne
MaSoko:whati
fit
'syour
s?
BabSoko:Iwantnot
hingt
odowi
thi
t.I
'
lldo
anyt
hingyouwant
MaSoko:Ineedt
othi
nk
BabSoko:okay.
..Ummhwi
llyoucomebackt
oour
room?
MaSokogavehi
mthel
ook
BabSoko:I
'mjustworri
edofwhattheki
dswil
lthi
nk
whentheyseeussleepi
ngindi
ff
erentbedr
ooms
MaSoko:(si
ghs)Iaskedgr
andmat
ost
aywi
tht
hem
t
il
lwe'
veresol
vedthis
BabSoko:okay
MaSoko:canyouexcusemeIneedt
otakeabat
h
BabSoko:okay

Hegotupandwal
kedoutcl
osi
ngt
hedoor

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtSandi
'
shome

Sandiwalkedintheki
tchenl
ookingf
orherphone
whi
lehergrandmotherwasdishi
nghersel
ffood
t
hatwasleftduri
nglunch.
Sandi
'
sgogo:(
satdown)whatar
eyoul
ooki
ngf
or?
Sandi
:myphone,
Iwantt
ocal
lNompi
lo
Sandi
'
sgogo:f
orwhat
?
Sandi
:she'
smyf r
iendandpeoplearesayi
ngpainf
ul
thi
ngsabouther
.Shemustbef eel
ingsolonel
y
Sandi'
sgogo:Idon'
twantyouanywher
eneart
hat
gi
rlshe'
srot
ten
Sandi
:mar
agogoshe'smyf
ri
endandsheneeds
menowmor et
hanever
Sandi
'
sgogo:whatki
ndofachi
ldi
sshesl
eepi
ng
wit
hanol
dman?
Sandi
:weal
lmakemi
stakes
Sandi
'
sgogo:mi
stakes?

Sandisai
dnot
hingnotwant
inghergr
andmot
hert
o
l
ashather.
Sandi'
sgogo:shebr
okethathomeandever
ythi
ng
horr
ibl
esaidtoheri
sri
ghtshedeser
vesi
t.
Sandi
:hhamar
agogo
Sandi'
sgogo:youshouldhavehear dthethingsthat
mansai dtoher
.Het ol
dherexact l
ywhatshei sto
him-nothi
ng.Whenwet el
lyoutostayawayf rom
menyoul aughandt hi
nkwear ecrazythenthis
happens.Youdon'tevenknowt heamountofpai n
youmaket hewifefeel
.Isti
llsayyouare
growi
ng,youwil
lgetmar ri
edandyouwi llknowhow
i
tfeel
slikethedayyougot hroughit
Sandi:(
sighed)butwecan'
tdenyt
hef
actt
hatSoko
tookadvantageofNompil
o.
Sandi'
sgogo:ther
e'snosuchandshebet
terpr
ay
thechi
ldGladyshasexperi
encedt
oomuch
embarrassmentshecan'
thandlemor
e
Sandi
:Ihopeshecanf
orgi
veNompi
lo
Sandi
'
sgogo:IknowIwoul
dneverf
orgi
veyou
Sandi
:(l
aughed)hhawgogo
Sandi'
sgogo:phelayou'
ret
helightandhopeoft
his
famil
y.Iwantnothi
ngbutforyoutosucceed
Sandi
:(smi
led)andIwi
llgogo
Sandi
'
sgogo:goodandst
ayawayf
rom t
hatgi
rl
Sandi
:(si
ghed)okay

Shewal kedt
oherroom andcamebackwi tha
heavylaundr
ybasket.Sheopenedthei
roningboar
d
andstartedI
roni
ng.Whilehergr
andmotherwas
eati
ngherpapandspi nach.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtThandi
we'
sroom

Mphoknockedandwalkedi
n.HefoundThandi
we
ont
hebedlayingonhersi
defaci
ngthewall
.Mpho
coul
donl
yseeherback

Mpho:mamaNami(
Nami
'
smom)

Thandi
wedi
dn'
trespond

Mpho:Iknowyou'
renotasl
eep.Let
'st
alk
Thandi
we:(
sni
ff
ed)aboutwhat
?
Mpho:aboutwhati
sbother
ingyou,gogotol
dme
youcamebackearl
yfr
om shoppingcryi
ngand
ref
usedtotal
k
Thandi
we:i
t'
snot
hing
Mpho:l
et'
stal
k
Thandi
we:I
'
mfi
neIdon'
twantt
otal
k
Mpho:Iwon'
taskagai
nmamaI
nami
Thandiwe:(
angr
il
ysatupst
rai
ght
)whycan'
tyou
j
ustleavemealone
Mphogaveheronel
ookandshef
eltr
epr
imanded

Thandi
we:I
'
m sor
ry,
I'
mjustt
ir
edofpeopl
etel
li
ng
mewhattodo.
Mpho:andI
'
mti
redofyourmoods

Thandi
wel
ookedathi
m shocked

Mpho:don'
tlookatmethatway,
I'
mtired.One
momentwe'rehappyt
henextyou'
resadandyou'
re
nott
alki
ng.
Thandiwe:(
tearf
ul)it
'sj
ustthatIwasathomeand
myaunt ssai
dhor r
ibl
ethingsaboutmeandbeingi
n
thathousebri
ngssomanybadmemor i
es
Mpho:peopl
ewi
llal
wayst
alkThandi
Thandi
we:buti
thur
ts
Mpho:t
hat
'swhyIsuggest
edcounsel
li
ng
Thandi
we:i
twontwor
k
Mpho:youwon'
tknowunlessyoutryit
.At
tendone
sessi
onandt
akeitfr
om t
here..
..
please
Thandi
we:whatwi
llIgeti
nret
urn?
Mpho:(
smi
led)I
'
llbuymor
eaar
charandoni
ons
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)okay
Mpho:butseriously,I
'
m sorryaboutwhathappened,
theynevercaredaboutyoubackt henit
'sabitt
oo
hardforthem tocarenow.Youhavei mport
ant
thi
ngstowor r
yabout ,Ineedyoutobereadyfor
courtsoon.
Thandi
we:(
sighed)Iknow
Mpho:sot
hiswi
llbegoodf
orus
Thandi
we:yes
Mpho:andforyourowngoodstayher
eandletyour
fami
lyhandl
eeveryt
hing.We'
l
lgoingt
othef
uneral
onSatur
day
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)okaybabaSi
phi
we
Mpho:(
smi
led)eeyI
'
m br
oke
Thandi
we:Ij
ustwantchocol
ate
Mpho:l
unchbar
Thandi
we:okayoh
Mpho:I
'
llgobuyi
tit
'sal
readyl
ate
Thandi
we:okay

Shegotupandt
heybot
hwal
kedout

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMaSoko'
sroom

Sheputonherpyj
amasandsatonthebedmissing
herchi
ldr
en.Shet
ookherphoneandcal
ledBusani

Busani
:ma
MaSoko:(
smi
led)hel
loboy
Busani
:(wor
ri
ed)ar
eyouokay?
MaSoko:(smi
les)I
'
mf i
ne,Ij
ustmissuouguys.The
housei
sjustt
ooquietwi
thoutyou
Busani
:Icancomebacki
fyouwantasi
nnow
MaSoko:noboyI
'
mfi
nej
ustst
ayt
her
eandbewi
th
yoursi
ster
s
Busani:sowhatwi llyoudo?BecauseIwil
l
understandifyouleavehim mom.Whathedi di
s
unfor
givable.Ist
il
lcan'tbel
ievehesl
eptwit
h-
MaSoko:(swal
lowed)don'tsayi
t!He'
ssti
llmy
husbandandyourfat
her.Whathappeneddoesn'
t
i
nvolveyoui
t'
sbetweenmeandhi m
Busani
:Idon'
tunder
standmom,
youwi
llf
orgi
ve
hi
m?
MaSoko:Ican'
tlosemyfami
lyovert
his.I
twi
llbe
har
dbutwewi l
lgetthr
ought
his
Busani
:youwon'
tloseus,
wewi
llal
waysbewi
th
youma.Don'
tmakeexcuses
MaSoko:Il
oveyourf
ather,
he'
smyhusbandandI
wantt
hegir
lst
ogrowupi nahomewit
hmom and
dad
Busani
:andwhataboutNompi
lo'
sbaby?
MaSoko:Ican'
tdi
scusst
hatwi
thyou
Busani:wel
leveni
fyoufi
xthi
ngswi
thhi
m,I
'
llnever
for
givehimforwhathedi
d
MaSoko:he'
syourf
atherr
egar
dlessofwhathedi
d
Busani:he'
snotandIjusthopet
hegir
lswontl
ear
n
thi
scrap.I'
m gladwe'
l
lbehavingourChr
ist
masand
newyearher e
MaSoko:wat
chyourmout
h
Busani
:goodni
ghtmom
MaSoko:butIwashopi
ngt
ogetachancet
otal
kto
t
hegi
rl
s
Busani
:theyar
eal
readysl
eepi
ng
MaSoko:oh
Busani
:goodni
ght
Hersonhungupandshesi ghed.Thi
nki
ngabout
everyt
hing.Herhear
tbeatforthi
smanevent hough
shewashur ti
ng.Shegotupandwentoutherr oom
bumpingi nt
oherhusbandwhowascar ryi
nga
glassofwaterwhichspi
ll
edonherpyjamat op.

BabSoko:I'
m sosor
ry.
..I
'
llgetyousomet
hingt
o
wipeyour
self
MaSoko:i
t'
sokay
BabSoko:noIcan-
MaSoko:i
t'
sokay,
Ineedt
otal
ktoyouanyway
BabSoko:okay
MaSoko:It
houghtaboutever
ythi
ngandIwantus
t
oworkonourmar r
iagefort
hesakeofourki
ds
BabSoko:(
nodded)t
hankyou
MaSoko:thi
sdoesn'
tmeanIhavefor
givenyou.
Whatyoudidhur
tsmetothecoreandIcan'
tjust
forgiveyouover
night
.Youhavedest
royedal
lthe
trustIhadinyoubutIjusthavet
ogi
veyouanother
chance
BabSoko:thankyouandipromiseI'
l
ldoeveryt
hing
Icantoearnbackyourtr
ust.I
'
llbebyyoursi
deand
bethehusbandIshouldhavebeenalongti
meago
MaSoko:okayt
hat
'sal
l
BabSoko:okay
Shenoddedandwentbacki
ntoherr
oom

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtNompi
lo'
shome

Shewaslayingi
nbedsleepl
esswhensher
ecei
ved
atextmessagef
rom Sandi
.
Sandi
:heybabe
Nompi
lo:heyf
ri
end
Sandi
:howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Nompilo:i
t'
shard,I'
m sur
eyourgr
andmothert
old
youeveryt
hing.Ever
yoneknows,I
'
mt het
alkofthe
ti
me
Sandi
:I'
m sor
ryf
ri
end
Nompi lo:hesai
dhur
tfulthingstome,hesaidIwas
nothingandhewantednot hingtodowit
hthebaby.
Her eall
yhurtme(at
ear droppedwhil
eshewas
typing)mymom can'tevenl ookatme.I
'
mj usta
disgrace
Sandi
:I'
m sor
rymyf
ri
endal
loft
hiswi
llpass
Nompi
lo:nowIhavenochoi
cebutt
ot aket
eachi
ng
sot
hatshecanhelpmetakecar
eofthebaby
Sandi
:thi
sisr
eal
lysad
Nompi
lo:Ij
ustwi
shIwasdr
eami
ng
Sandi
:I'
mreal
lysor
ryf
ri
end.Iwi
llbebyyoursi
de
for
ever
Nompi
lo:t
hankyouf
ri
end

Theycar
ri
edont
alki
ngt
il
llat
e

Oneweekl
ater
..
..
..

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#19
AtAuntDor
a'shouse

Peoplecamebacki nnumbersf r
om thegraveyar
d,
washedt heirhandsandgottakeawaysoff ood.
ThandiweandMphogott hei
rtakeawaysandsat
underthet enteat
ing.Thandi
wekeptt aki
ngpieces
ofmeatf rom Mpho'sfoodandhel aughedenjoyi
ng
ever
ycr azyt hi
ngshedid

Mpho:(l
aughi
ng)youknowyouar
ecut
ewhenyou
st
affyourmouthl
iket
hat
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)r
eal
ly?
Mpho:(smi
li
ng)
mmhandyourmoodshavereall
y
i
mprovedsi
nceyou'
vest
art
edat
tendi
ngcounsel
ing
Thandi
wesmi
ledt
ear
ful

Mpho:(smil
ing)ohnother
ewegodon'tcr
y(wipi
ng
awayhertears)you'
remakingmel
ookbad..
.
Ever
yoneislookingatusnow
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)I
'
m sor
ry
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)i
t'
sokay
Thandi
we:Idi
dn'tknowtal
kingwouldhelpandever
si
nceI'
vestar
tedI'
m seei
ngt hi
ngsdi
ff
erentl
y.I
t'
s
st
il
lworki
nprogress
Mpho:(smi
led)I
fIhadmoneyIwoul
dtakeyout
o
seeoneoft
hebest
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)whatIgeti
senough

MeanwhileThandiwe'
slookedatherf
rom afar
,they
wit
nessthewayt heysmil
edandhowhewi pedher
t
earsofhappinessaway.
Nomzamo:i
sthatt
hem?
Gabi
sil
e:yeahmom t
oldmei
t'
sthem
Nomzamo:he'
ssogoodl
ookingt
houghwhati
she
doi
ngwit
hsomeoneli
keher
Gabi
sil
e:herbeaut
yisundeni
abl
e
Nomzamo:she'
sfat
Gabi
sil
e:t
hat
'sbecauseshe'
spr
egnant
Nomzamo:Idon'
tseeanyofthat
.Anywaywhati
s
shedoi
ngwit
hherlif
einst
eadofhavi
ngbabi
es
Gabisil
e:Idon'
tknowey.Iwisht
ogreetherbutI
'
m
scared.Yourmom sai
dshe'sasnobwhowant s
nothingtodowithust
hat'swhysheonlycame
today
Nomzamo:t
hat
'st
rue

AuntPaul
inecamef
rom behi
ndwhi
let
heywer
e
t
alki
ng
AuntPaul
ine:gi
rl
sst
opgossi
pingandgohel
pout
Nomzamo:(
laughed)okayaunt
Gabi
sil
e:andwewerenotgossipingma.Wewer
e
j
ustl
ookingatoursi
sterThandi
we
AuntPaul
ine:(
lookedatt
hem)ohThandi
we.I
'
ve
beenwanti
ngtot al
ktoher
.
Gabi
sil
e:I
'
m comi
ngwi
thyou

Theywal kedovertoThandi
weandMphowhower
e
st
il
ltal
kingandl aughi
ng.

AuntPaul
ine:gr
eet
ingst
oyout
wo
Thandi
wesai
dnot
hing
Mpho:gr
eet
ingsma
AuntPaul
ine:I
'
m Paul
ineThandi
we'
saunt
Mphogotupandr
espect
ful
lyshookhandswi
thher

Mpho:I'
m happytomeetyouma.I
'
m Mpho,
Nkosi
nami'sfat
her
AuntPaul
ine:who'
sNkosi
nami
?
Thandi
we:ourdaught
er
AuntPaul
ine:(
smi
ledembar
rassed)ohIf
orgotI
'
m
sor
ry
Mpho:i
t'
sokay
AuntPaul
ine:Iwoul
dli
keyout
omeetyoursi
ster
s.
Gabi
sil
eandNomzamo
Gabi
sil
e:(
smi
led)hi
Nomzamo:hi
Thandi
we:hi

Theyshookhandsandshel ookedatthem.They
l
ookedsogoodint hei
rexpensi
vefancyclot
hesand
l
ongBrazil
ianweavesandmakeup.AuntNt ombini
wal
kedt
othem andgr
eet
edt
hem

AuntNtombi:sothi
sisthemanwhoi
sbusymaki
ng
youpregnantwit
houtpayi
ngl
obol
a
AuntPaul
ine:hhayboNt
ombi
ni
AuntNtombi:what
?Iti
sthet
rut
h,weneedto
di
scussthi
snow.Whatheisdoingi
swrong.Let
's
al
lgoinsi
de

MphogotandThandi weheldhimti
ghtgivi
nghi
ma
l
ookofdi sapprovalbuthelookedatherand
assuredhereverythingwasalri
ghtandtheyal
l
walkedinside.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
shome
Inamiwaspl ayingout sidethest oepwi t
hherdol l
s
whileGogowasi nsidemaki nglunch.A car
stoppedinfrontoft hegat eandawomanst epped
outwithfourkids1ol dboyaged10andt hr
eegi r
ls
aged4, 5andsi x.Inamil ookedatt hem from afar
wonderingwhot heywer e.Theygott hei
rbig
suit
casesandwal kedi n,Inamitookherdol lsand
raninsi
de

I
nami
:Gogo!Gogot
her
ear
epeopl
ecomi
ng
Gogo:who?

Thewomanknockedandwal
kedinsidewi
thher
ki
ds.Gogowasshockedt
oseeherinherhome.
Gogo:Nal
edi
!
Nal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)gogo

Sher
ushedovert
ohugherandki
ssedhercheeks

Gogo:(
tear
ful
)Ican'
tbel
ievet
hisyoucamehome
Naledi
:(smili
ng)there'
snoplaceli
kehome.Those
areyourgrandkids.YourememberTshepo,af
ter
TshepoIhadLer ato,It
henhadItumel
engthenmy
l
astbornDi puo

Gogoshookt
hei
rhandshuggedt
hem gi
vingt
hem a
ki
ss.

Gogo:(
tear
ful
)IneverthoughtIwouldeverseeyou
her
e,Ihavebeenprayi
ngf oryoueversi
nceyoulef
t
Nal
edi
:(smi
ledhuggi
ngher
)wel
lI'
m backnow
gogo.Don'
tcr
y..
.You'
l
lmakemecr
y
Gogo:(
wipedhert
ear
s)l
ookatmygr
andchi
ldr
enal
l
gr
ownup
Nal
edi
:theygr
owf
asteachday.Whoi
sthi
s?
Gogo:oht
hat
'sThandi
we'
schi
ld
Nal
edi
:who'sThandi
we?Ki
dsgoputt
hatinmy
r
oom,Tshepoyouremembermyr
oom ri
ght?
Tshepo:yesma
Gogo:ohwai
tThandi
wehasbeenusi
ngyourr
oom
Nal
edi
:(t
otheki
ds)guysl
eavet
hebags(
togogo)
what
?
Gogo:yesThandiwehasbeenl
ivi
ngwi
thusf
ora
coupl
eofmont hsnow
Nal
edi
:whoi
sthi
sThandi
we?Wher
eisshe?
Gogo:shewentt
othef
uner
alwi
thMpho
Nal
edi
:whati
sshedoi
ngher
e?
Gogo:i
tisal
ongst
ory
Nal
edi
:(conf
used)wel
lIneedt
ounder
standgogo
Gogo:howaboutyousitdownandhavesomet
hing
t
oeat.Makesomef ort
hekidsaswell
Nal
edi
:ohokay

Shetookouticecubesfrom t
hefri
dgeandmade
j
uice.Meanwhil
eInamiwentouttoplaywit
hher
doll
s.Thel
it
tl
egirlheragewalkedoutandsat
befor
eher

I
nami
:doyouwantt
opl
ay?

ShenoddedherheadandI
namigaveher
,herot
her
dol
l.

I
nami
:mynamei
sInamiwhati
syour
s?

Di
puosai
dnot
hingt
aki
ngof
fthedol
lshai
rri
bbon
andcombi
ngt
hedol
lshai
rwi
thherf
inger
s

I
nami
:don'
tdot
hatherhai
rwi
llf
allof
f

Shei gnoredI
namiandcarri
edon, I
namit
ookback
herdol landt
hegir
lcri
ed.I
namilookedatherhur
t
toseehercr yshegaveherbackthedol
lbutshe
sti
llcri
ed.

I
nami
:I'
m sor
ry.
..
.Don'
tcr
y

Theol
derbr
otherandt
heot
hersi
ster
swal
kedout
.

Tshepo:(
angr
y)whomadeyoucr
y?

Dipuopoi
ntedatI
namiwhi
lehersi
ster
scomf
ort
ed
her
Tshepo:whydi
dyoumakehercr
y?
I
nami
:(swal
lowedscar
ed)Idi
dn'
t

Thei
rmot
herwal
kedoutangr
il
y

Nal
edi
:(l
owt
one)whati
sgoi
ngonher
e?
Tshepo:t
hischi
ldr
efusedt
ogi
veDi
puooneofher
dol
ls

NalediheldInamibyherearsandsher el
easeda
l
oudscr eam havingherear
spinchedandherhead
shookhar dbackandf or
thmakingherpinkweave
fal
loff.Shecriedpai
nful
lyandsheletgoofher
Nal
edi
:(angry)shutupandwipeawaythoset
ear
s.
I
fyoucryI'
llsmackyouhardacrosst
heface

Shekeptquietsobbi
ngsi
lent
lywit
hbothhands
cover
ingherearsandNal
ediwalkedbacki
nandsat
down.

Gogo:whatwashappeni
ng?
Nal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)youknowhowki dsaregogo,
al
waysmaki
ngeachot hercr
yit
'ssort
ednow.Let
megogivet
hem jui
ceandcookies.
Gogo:(
smiled)pleasedo,
Idon'
twantmy
gr
andchil
drentostarve

Shetookthetrayofmanycooki
esinabigbowland
fi
veplast
iccupsofjui
ceandputitdownonthetoep
outsi
de.Herkidswer eplayi
ngtogetherwit
hI nami'
s
dol
lsandteaset s.Tshepowaspl ayi
ngonI nami's
seesawwhi l
e.Inamisatont hestepssti
llcoveri
ng
herearsl
ookingdownast earsfel
lonthefloor.

Thegi
rl
srantothei
rmotherexchangi
ngt heweave
l
aughi
ngexcit
edlywhi
let
heirbrot
herfol
lowedthem.
Nal
edil
ookedInami

Naledi
:(shookherhead)mxm.Eathercooki
esi
f
shedoesn'twantthem

Theyat
ewhi
let
hei
rmot
herwal
kedbacki
nsi
de.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Att
heMakua'
s
TheunclesandAuntspoketoMphoandasked
abouthisi
ntent
ionswit
hThandiwe.Theytoldhi
m
thathehadtobeamananddot hingsr
ightandhe
agreedwit
hthem.Af t
erthei
rtal
kwasdone

UncleAlf
red:wejustwantyoutodotherightthi
ng
becausepeoplearelaughi
ngatourdaughterbusy
beari
ngkidsforamant hatshowsnogood
i
ntenti
onsforher
Mpho:Iunderst
andmyel der
sandwoul dl
iket
o
apol
ogizeforwhatIhavedone.Ipromi
sedtot
alkt
o
myelderssowecandot herightthi
ng
AuntNtombi
:andrememberwedon'
tjustwant
l
obolabutal
sothedamages
Mpho:Iunder
standver
ywel
l
Uncl
eAlf
red:(
smi l
ed)youknowIdon'
twanttobe
t
oohappyjustyetti
llever
ythi
ngi
sdonebut
Thandiwehaschosenverywell
.Amatur
ed
respect
fulman.Icantel
lyouar
eagoodmanand
willbeagoodleaderi
nyourhome
Mpho:(
smi l
ed)youhavealsorai
sedabeauti
fuland
r
espect
fuldaughterandf
orthatIwi
lldowhatis
r
ight
Uncl
eMbuyi
seni
:wel
lthatwoul
dbeal
lthankyou
AuntPaul
ine:ummhbef
oreweal
lgoIwoul
dli
ket
o
saysomething
Uncl
eMbuyi
seni
:we'
rel
ist
eni
ng
AuntPaul
ine:I
fyoueverneedanyt
hingThandi
we
pl
easecal
lme.We'refamil
y
Thandi
we:okay
AuntPaul
ine:gi
vemeyournumber
spl
ease

Thandi
wegaveherAunthernumber
s

AuntPauli
ne:It
hinkweshoulddeci
deonwhatt
o
dowiththi
shome.Iwasthinki
ngweshoul
drenti
t
outsoThandi
wecanhavemoneyt
odot
hingssi
nce
she'
snotworki
ng

Uncl
eAl
fr
edcoughedandcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat

Uncl
eAlfr
ed:act
uallyregardi
ngt
hishouse.Meand
mywifeandoursonwi llbemovi
nginafteralli
t
wasourgrandmothershomebeforeweal ll
eft
l
eavi
ngittoDora
AuntNt
ombi
:whyar
eyoumovi
ngawayf
rom t
he
ci
ty?
Uncl
eAl
fr
ed:t
hati
snoneofyourbusi
ness
AuntNtombi
:Ihopeyou'
renotgoi
ngt
oli
vewi
th
t
hatjunki
eher
e
AuntPaul
ine:t
hisi
snopl
acef
ort
hat
UncleAlf
red:bot
tom l
ineisthatwe'
removi
ngher
e
sothishousewontber ent
ed
AuntPaul
ine:(
sighed)Iguesst
her
e'snot
hingIcan
donow.
AuntNt
ombi
:hhaykewe'
redone

Theyal
lgotupandwal
kedout
.

Mpho:ar
eyouokay?
Thandi
we:you'
renotgoi
ngt
opayl
obol
aar
eyou?
Mpho:Iam i
tist
he-
Thandi
we:NoMpho,
you'
renotgoi
ngt
odot
hat
Mpho:why?
Thandi
we:becauseLobol
aisaser
ioust
hingi
t'
s
marri
age
Mpho:andyoudon'
twantt
obemywi
fe?
Thandiwe:MphoI'
m gr
atef
ult
hatyou'
rehel
pingme
andItakeyouasafri
endandwantthi
ngstostay
thatway.Don'
tgetmewrongyou'
reagoodguyand
I
'mluckyt
ohaveyoubymysi
debutt
hisi
stoo
much
Mpho:(lookedather)I'
m doi
ngittoshutdown
quest
ionsaboutthef at
heroftheki
ds.It(
swal l
owed)
i
tdoesn'tmatteri
fyoudon'tloveme.I'
m sti
lldoing
i
tfort
heki ds

Hewal
kedof
fandThandi
wef
oll
owedhi
m

Thandi
we:wher
ewi
llyougett
hemoney?
Mpho:Iwi
llmakeapl
an

Shecoul
dfeelthesuddentensionmixedwithali
tt
le
bi
tofangerbet
weent hem andwhywoul dn'
thebe?
Heshouldbedoingthist
ot hewomanhel oves,
womanwhogi veshim ki
dsofhi sown
Mpho:l
et'
sgohome
Thandi
we:okay

Theywalkedoutandmetoneofthet eachersat
I
nami '
sschoolwhogavethem al
if
t.Shedr opped
them of
fatthegat
e.Bef
oretheywalkedint hr
ough
thegate

Thandi
we:I
'
m sor
ryf
orever
ythi
ngIsai
d
Mpho:i
t'
sfi
ne

Inamisawt
hem andrant
othem.Mphol
if
tedherup
whil
esheputherar
msaroundhi
snecksi
lent
ly
cryi
ng.
Thandi
we:(
wor r
ied)babywhati
swr
ong?Di
d
someonehurtyou?

Shenot
icedherear
swer
ered

Thandi
we:whathappenedt
oyourear
s?
I
nami
:(t
ear
ful
)Tshepo'
smom pi
nchedme
Mpho:what
!Nal
edii
sher
e?
Thandi
we:who'
sNal
edi
?
Mpho:mysi
ster
Thandi
we:whydi
dsh-

Nalediwalkedoutinherbr ownwraparounddress
andherhai rcutshort
.ShewasMpho' scopyexcept
shehadf emalefeatures.Shesawherbrotherand
smiledhappilywalki
ngt ohim
Nal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)Mpho!
Mpho:(
happy)Nal
edi
Nal
edi
:putdownt
hechi
ldandhugyoursi
ster

Inamiti
ghtenedhergri
pnotwanti
ngtoletgowhi
le
ThandiobservedMpho.HelookedatThandi
weand
didn'
twanttopourfueli
ntot
hefir
e

Mpho:(smi
led)shemi ssedherf
athersomuchshe
doesn'
twanttoletgo
Nal
edi
:(sur
pri
sed)wowshe'
syourchi
ld
Mpho:(smi
les)yesandt
hisnextt
omei
sher
mother
Naledi
:ohyou'
ret
heThandi
wegogoi
stal
king
about

Thandi
wenoddedherhead
Thandi
we:car
etoexpl
ainwhyyouhur
tmychi
ld
Nal
edi
:what
?
Thandi
we:(angry)don'
teverl
ayyourhandonmy
chi
ldeveragai
n
Nal
edi
:hhayboi
sshet
alki
ngt
ome?
Thandi
we:(
poi
ntedather
)don'
teverdot
hatt
omy
chi
ld

Shewalkedpassedherandwenti
nsi
det
hehouse
shockedtof
indaful
lhouse.

Mpho:hor
mones
Nal
edi
:mxm Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
ieveyou'
rehome
Mpho:t
hat
'swhatyougetf
ordi
sappear
ingf
orages

Theybot
hwal
kedi
nsi
de
Naledi:goodnowt hatwerehere.Let'
stalkabout
sl
eepi ngarrangement s.Iwantmyr oom back
actuallyIdon'tunderstandwhyisn'
tThandiwe
sharingabedwi thbabydaddy
Thandi
we:t
hati
snoneofyourbusi
ness
Gogo:gir
lsnoti
nfr
ontoft
hekids.I'
m sur
ewecan
fi
guresomethi
ngoutf
orsolongtil
laft
ert
he
holi
days
Nal
edi:(smil
ed)Ineedmyr
oom backgogobecause
I
'm backforfor
ever
Mpho:(
shocked)what
?

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#20

Naledi
:thel
astt
imeIlef
tthi
sismyr oom orhas
thi
ngschangedandI'
m nolongerwelcomeinmy
ownhomeorwat erhasbecomet hi
ckert
hanwater
Mpho:Nal
edij
ustst
op
Gogo:canyouki
dspl
easeexcuseus
Thandi
we:anddon'
tdar
etakemydaught
er'
stoys
orwe'l
lhaveapr
obl
em
Di
puo:(
looki
ngathermom)butmama-
Nal
edi
:Justputt
hest
upi
ddol
ldown!
Sheputthedol
ldownandwal
kedoutwit
hher
si
bli
ngs.Mphotol
dInamit
ogositi
ntheki
tchen
andshedid.

Gogo:canweal
lsi
tandt
alk

Nal
edisatdown

Gogo:wedohavet
otal
kaboutsl
eepi
ng
ar
rangement
s
Nal
edi:mykidscansleepinmyroom.Thebedis
bi
genoughtof i
tmeandt hegi
rl
s.Tshepocansl
eep
onthefl
oororthecouch
Gogo:okay
Mpho:okay,
Thandi
wewi
llmovei
ntomyr
oom
Thandi
welookedathi
m sur
pri
sedandi
tcaught
Naledi
'
sat
tenti
on.

Nal
edi
:kant
iwhyisbabymamaspookedbyt
he
i
deaofyouguyssl
eepi
ngtoget
her
?
Mpho:wedi
dn'
twantt
osl
eept
oget
hert
il
lwe'
re
marr
ied
Nal
edi:(
snort
ed)youshoul
d'vet
houghtaboutt
hat
bef
oremakingbabies
Mpho:t
hat
'snotf
unny
Gogo:okayI
namiwi
llbesl
eepi
ngi
nmyr
oom.I
s
t
hatokayThandi
?
Thandi
we:yesma
Gogo:thenwearegood.Ibegyout opleaserespect
oneanotherandst
opfight
inginfrontofthe
chi
ldr
en.(ther
ewasawkwar dsil
ence)arewecl ear
?
Them:yes
Gogo:good.Nowst
artmovi
ngt
hings
Theyal
lgotupandst
art
edmovi
ngt
hings.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtNompi
lo'
shome

Nompi l
owaswashingherclot
heswhi l
egirl
s
passedherhomewhisperi
ngtooneanot her
point
ingather
.Shesi
ghedignori
ngt hem t
hen
Sandicameandgreetedherfr
om theothersideof
thefence

Sandi
:Hey
Nompi
lo:(
smil
ed)heysi
ncewhendoyougr
eetme
st
andi
ngoutsi
de?
Sandi
:(l
aughed)I
'
m notr
eal
lyst
ayi
ng
Nompi
lo:youwi
llgetsunbur
nt
Sandi
:(smi
led)nevermi
ndt
hati
t'
sokay
Nompil
o:youwontcomei
nsidebecauseyouwer
e
t
oldt
ostayawayfr
om meri
ght?
Sandi
:ummh.
..
Nompi
lo:i
t'
sokayIunder
stand(
smi
led)youal
ways
war
nedme, youal
wayswarnedme
Sandi
:I'
m sor
ryf
ri
end
Nompil
o:(t
earful
)Ithur
tsandther
e'snorunning
awayfr
om this.(
wipedhertear
ssmili
ng)I'
l
ljust
havet
oridethisouttot
heend
Sandi:andyoucandoi
tjustbel
ievei
nyour
sel
f.I
gotyousomething
Nompi
lo:what
?
Sandi
:come

Nompi
lowal
kedt
othef
anceandSandigavehera
bl
ackpl
ast
ic.Sheopeneditandi
twasabeaut
if
ul
pur
plej
our
nal,decor
atei
nsparkl
inggl
it
ter

Sandi:If
igur
edsinceyou'
regoingthroughahar d
ti
meandIwontbeal waysther
eforyoui fyouneed
mesincewe'regoingtovarsi
tysoon.Ifi
guredthis
mightbeyournewbestf r
iend
Nompi
lo:(
smi
ledt
ear
ful
)thankyou.
..Il
ovei
t
Sandi
:(smi
led)you'
rewel
come.Soexci
tedabout
var
sit
y?
Nompil
o:(
wipedhert
earssmil
ing)no.
..I
'
llbedoi
ng
acour
seIhatesomuchandI '
l
lbepregnantwhil
e
mypeersar
erocki
ngthei
rcroptops
Sandi
:(smi
led)i
twi
llbet
empor
aryt
hough
Nompi
lo:(
laughedt
earf
ul)Idon'
twantt
obea
mom..
.Butiti
swhatiti
s
Sandi
:(l
aughed)Iknow
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)don'
teverbel
ikeme
Sandi
:yeah.
..UmmhIneedt
ogohome
Nompi
lo:yeahsur
e.Thanksagai
n
Sandi
:sur
e

Shewalkedawaywhi
leNompi
lowentbackt
odo
thel
aundry

*
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***
***
**
AtMpho'
shome

Theyspenttheenti
redaymovingt
hingstoeachof
thei
rrooms.Inamiwashelpi
nginmovingherbaby
brother
sthi
ngstoherfather
sroom.Thandiwe
stoodbythedoorsnacki
ngonapacketofsnacks

I
nami
:mamayouwi
llnowsl
eepwi
thdadj
ustl
ike
Owethu'
spar
ents.Owet
husai
dhermom anddad
shar
earoom becauset
heyar
emarr
ied
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)yes
I
nami
:(happy)okay.
..I
'
m hungr
y
Thandiwe:l
et'
sgototheki
tchen.Ishoul
dst
art
prepar
ingdi
nnerri
ghtnow
Inami
:Iwantt
ohel
p.Makemyf
avour
it
ebeefst
ew
andri
ce
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)okayl
et'
sgo

Theywalkedtotheki
tchenandstar
tedprepar
ing
dinner
.Nalediwal
kedinandtookoutcooki
esfrom
thecooki
ejar

Thandi
we:weonl
yhavecooki
esi
nthemor
ning
Nal
edi
:wel
lI'
m hungr
y
Thandi
we:i
fyoueatt
hem nowt
her
ewontbe
enought
otheki
dst
omor
rowmor
ning
Nal
edi
:sonowyou'
ret
hebossoft
hishouse?
Thandi
we:I
'
mthi
nki
ngoft
heki
ds
Nal
edi
:wel
lI'
m hungr
y
Shetookfi
vebi
scui
tsandwentt
othesi
tt
ingr
oom
gi
vingsometoherki
ds.
I
nami
:canIhaveonet
oomama?

Thandi
wetookoneandgavei
ttoherdaught
er.
Thenshecookeddi
nner
.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtMaSoko'
shouse

Shewassli
cingt
hetomatoeswhenherhusband
wal
kedinandwashedhishandsoff
eri
ngtohelp.
BabSoko:whatcanIdot
ohel
p?
MaSoko:chopt
hecar
rot
s

BabSokosokohel
pedbychoppi
ngt
hecar
rot
s
whi
leMaSokowasf r
yingt
heoni
on

MaSoko:soIwast
hinki
ngaboutt
hebaby
BabSoko:whataboutt
hebaby?
MaSoko:aboutwher
eitwi
llber
aisedandst
uff
BabSoko:yes
MaSoko:Idon'twantt
hatchi
ldtocarryyour
surname,Idon'
twantt
hatchi
ldtoexistbutIknow
there'
snothi
ngIcandoaboutit(
sighed)i
fit
'syour
chil
dyouhavetodowhatisrightandtakecareofit

BabSoko:Iwi
lldoanyt
hingyouwant
MaSoko:we'
l
lwor
koutonourbudgetandsee
whatt
odooncet
hebabyi
sbor
n
BabSoko:okay,
didyoucal
ltheki
dst
oday
MaSoko:yes.
..Theyar
edoi
nggood
BabSoko:Imi
sst
hem t
hehousei
sreal
lyqui
et
wit
houtt
hem

MaSokodi dn'
trespondandcont i
nuedf r
yingher
onions.BabSokosaidnothi
ngfeeli
ngt hecold
shoulderandconti
nuedtohelpherquietl
y.They
cookedandquietl
yhaddinnertogether

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
sroom

Hegotaspongef rom t
hecl
osetandsheet
s.
Thandiwewassitti
ngonthebedsnacki
ngonsl ap
chipsdippedint
omatosauceandmayonnaise.He
tookonepi l
lowf
rom t
hebed
Thandi
we:soar
eyouenj
oyi
ngt
his?
Mpho: ohyoumeansl
eepi
ngont
hef
loor
?I'
m
enj
oyi
ngital
ot
Thandi
we:youknowt
hat
'snotwhatImean
Mpho:whatdoyoumean?
Thandi
we:sof
orhowl
ongwi
llwekeept
hisup?
Mpho:f
orasl
ongasi
ttakes
Thandi
we:Idon'
tthi
nkIcant
oler
ateyoursi
ster
muchmoreshejustget
sthebett
erofme
Mpho:youbasical
lyhat
eeveryt
hingnowadays
evenme.It
'syourhormones
Thandiwe:Ican'
tbel
ieveyou'
rebl
amingallt
haton
myhor mones.Shehurtmydaughter
,inamidoesn'
t
feelf
reeinthi
shouse
Mpho:butyouhaveal
readyspokenwi
thherabout
i
t.It
houghtit
'snowwaterundert
hebr
idge
Thandiwe:(
shookherhead)Idi
dbutyousai
d
nothi
ng
Mpho:Iwi
llt
alkt
oher
Thandi
we:(t
earf
ul)andI'
m usedt
osl
eepi
ngwi
th
mydaughterhowwi l
lIsl
eepnow?
Mpho:j
usthugoneofSiphi
we'
steddybear
s,i
f
t
hat'
snotenoughyou'
remoret
hanwelcometojoi
n
medownt her
e

Heki
ssedherf
oreheadandgoti
ntohi
sbl
anket
s.

Thandi
we:you'
reser
iousl
ysl
eepi
ng?
Mpho:Ihavewor
ktomor
row
Thandi
we:Ihat
eyou
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)Il
oveyout
oo
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)you'
ret
rul
yenj
oyi
ngt
his
Mpho:(smil
ing)Ican'
tgetgetenoughofyour
beaut
if
ulscent
Thandiwelaughedkicki
nghim whi
lehetur
ned
cat
chingitandkissi
ngit.Shel
ookedathim

Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)you'
reki
ssi
ngmyf
oot
Mpho:i
t'
snotmyf
aul
tyouhavebeaut
if
ulf
eet
Thandiwe:(
smil
es)that'
sni
ce.I
'
m doneeat
ingcan
youtakethi
stothekit
chen
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)youneedt
ost
opmaki
ngmeyour
sl
ave
Thandiwe:(
laughed)you'
ret
hef
atherandpourme
aglassofwater
Mpho:okayokay

Hegotupandwenttotheki
tchenwhil
eThandi
we
gotunder
neat
hthebl
anketwait
ingf
orhim
Twomont
hsl
ater
..
..

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#21

Thandi
wehuggedMphoi
ntear
sofj
oy
Thandi
we:i
t'
sfi
nal
lyover
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)yesi
t'
sfi
nal
l
yover
Thandi
wehel
dMpho'
shandl
ooki
ngathi
m
Thandiwe:thankyouforbei
ngbymysi deand
beingthepi
ll
arofmyst r
ength.TodayIgetjusti
ce
andi t
'
sbecauseofyou.Thankyou.Inevert hought
therewereevergoodmenbef oreImetyou
Mpho:(smi
led)t
here'
snoneedtothankme.
Ever
ythi
ngI'
vedonehascomef r
om thegoodness
ofmyheart
.Nowl et
'sgooutandcel
ebrat
e
Thandi
we:ummhweshouldrushbackhome,
I'
m
sureI
namiiswor
ri
edsi
ckaboutme
Mpho:Naledii
swi
tht
hem.Wecanj
ustgoandhave
mi
lkshakes
Thandi
we:(
sighed)okay

Theywentt
oanear
byr
est
aur
antandboughtf
ood
toeat
Mpho:t
her
ewego,
Iam st
arvi
ng
Thandi
we:yeah
Mpho:ar
eyouokay?
Thandi
we:yes(
sighed)I
'
mjustt
ir
ed
Mpho:wej
ustgother
eandwe'
veal
readyor
der
ed
f
ood
Thandi
we:okayi
t'
sfi
nenever
mindme
Mpho:(
droppedhi
sfor
k)okaywhat
'swr
ongnow
Thandi
we:(
lookedathi
m)what
'swr
ong?
Mpho:eversi
ncemysi
sterarr
ivedyou'
vebeen
moody.You'r
eal
wayscomplai
ningabout
ever
ythi
ng
Thandi
we:shehasbeenhur
ti
ngmychi
ld
Mpho:t
hathappenedal
ongt
imeago
Thandi
we:whataboutthoser
emar ksshehasbeen
makingrecent
lyaboutI
naminotbeingyourchi
ld
Mpho:(
sighed)shewasj
ustpl
ayi
ngar
ound.I
twas
aj
oke
Thandi
we:herki
dsar
ebul
lyi
ngI
nami
.
Mpho:shedeal
twi
tht
hat
Thandi
we:whyar
eyoubei
ngl
iket
his?
Mpho:l
ikewhat
?
Thandi
we:i
t'
sli
keI
'
mthebadguyher
e
Mpho:mysi sterhasbeent hr
oughalott
oo.Her
husbandleavi
ngherwi ththekids,
she'
sunderal
ot
ofstr
ess.It
'sbetteryouhaveme
Thandi
we:Idon'
tfeel
li
keIhaveyouar
oundyour
si
ster
,maybeit
'st
imeIlookedf
orajob
Mpho:youcan'
tlookf
oraj
obyou'
reheavi
ly
pr
egnant
Thandiwe:wel
lyoursi
stercompl
ainedaboutt
hepi
g
fi
nishi
ngallt
hefoodinthefri
dge
Mpho:Thandi
wecanyouj
ustst
op
Thandiwe:(
tear
ful
)youdon'
tknowwhat
's
happeningwhenyou'
reatwork
Mpho:don'
tcr
y
Thandiwe:(wipedhert
ears)t
hisi
st oomuchforme.
Aft
erthelobolayou'
vecompletel
ychangedyoucan
nolongertoler
ateme.Ifi
t'
saboutthemoneyIwil
l
payitback
Mpho:( r
egrettably)noI '
m sorr
y..
.Pleasedon' tcry.
It
'sjustI
'm str
essedoutwi thworkandot hert hings.
Youknowyouandt hekidscomef i
rstandI'mt rying
mybestandi tfeelsli
kei t
'sneverenought oyou.
Nowadaysi t'
sal laboutyouandNal edi,
thefight s
andt hemoods.I 'mindebtaswespeakt ryi
ngt o
provideforeveryoneathomebutst i
ll
..
.I'
mt r
yi ng
everythi
ngIcanbut ..
.(si
ghed)Ijustneedt obr eath
Thandi
we:(
swal
lowedsni
ff
ing)I
..
.
Mpho:Ididn'
twantthi
ngst ogettot
hisbutt
her
e's
nopeaceathomei thasbecomeawarzone.That's
whygogopr efer
stobeatchurchmostoftheti
me
andIprefert
obeatwor k.Atl
eastonl
ythenweare
surr
oundedbypeoplewhocar eabouthowwefeel
(si
ghed)Ihavelostmyappeti
teletmebuyBunny
donutssowecango
Hegotupbef
oreshecoul
dsayanyt
hingwentt
othe
count
er.

*
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***
*
Att
heRes

Nompil
olai
donhersi
deont
hebedwr
it
ingonher
j
ournal
.

Nompil
o:thesepasttwomont hsthi
ngshavebeen
har
dandgoodt ome.Iwi shthingswer
ediff
erent
bet
weenmeandmymot her.Thefactt
hatI
di
sappoi
ntedhersti
llhur
tstothecore,
I'
m gladIl
eft
,
Icouldn'tevenst andt hel ookonhereyes.She
wasn' tevent hatthril
ledaboutmyr esultseven
thoughIobt ainedbachel oradmissionbutit'
sokay
rightnowIhavet odogetmyt eachingdegreeand
pr ovi
def ormybaby. ..Wowi tst
il
lfeelsweirdthat
soonIwi llbeamot her .Someonewi l
lcal
lmemom
(smi l
ed)Iwonderi fitwi llbeaboyorgi rl

Herroommat
ewal
kedi
nsucki
ngonal
oll
ipopand
l
ookedather

Her
:doyoual
wayshavet
olockyour
sel
fin?
Nompi
lo:(
closedherj
our
nal
)Il
ikebei
ngi
ndoor
s
Her
:it
'snotbecauseyou'
repr
egnantr
ight
?
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)am It
hatobvi
ous?
Her:(
laughi
ng)I
'
vebeenpr
egnantbef
oresoIcan
t
ell
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)okaysowhatdi
dyouhave?
Her:(
putt
ingherbackpackonherbed)abeaut
if
ul
babygir
l
Nompilo:andhowdi
dyourpar
ent
sfeelabout
ever
ything?
Her:(si
tti
ngonherownbed)Idon' tknow, Iwould
notsayt heywer esuperexcitedatfi
rst.Mom was
shockedher' li
tt
leSibahle'waspregnantbutt hi
ngs
changedaf terafewmont hs.Iam t
heonl ychildat
homesoIguesst heykindofwar medupt ot heidea
ofhavinganewmembert othefamilyandchanged
thei
rmi nds
Nompi l
o:l uckyyou,mymom won' tevenlookatme.
Iapologizedsomanyt imesbut .
..IguesswhatIdid
i
sunf orgivable.Youshoul d'veseenherwhenI
showedhermyr esults.Shesai dgoodnowgo
studyteachi ngsoyoucanwor kforyourchil
d.I
knowshemeantwel li
t'sjustthewayshesai dit.
Shehasgi venuponmebei ngthelighti
nthef amil
y.
Ijusthatemysel f,IwishIwasnotpr egnant.
..Then
againIknowIcandot his.Icanbeagoodmom and
r
edeem mysel
ftomymot
her
Sibahl e:wellcryingoverspi l
tmi lkwon'thelp,I
rememberwhenIwasi nyourshoes.Il i
vedt hewil
d
l
ifeandwant ednobabyevent houghmypar ent
s
hadaccept edi tbutt hingschangedwhenIgave
birth,holdingherf ort hefirstt
imeandhear ingher
cryyouknowt hef eelingt
hat( smi l
edthinki
ngabout
i
t)" youmadeababy" .Sojustgi veitt
ime
mot herhoodst artswaybef oret hebabyisbor n.
Allowyour selftofeel everythi
ngbecauset hatbaby
i
sgoi ngt obet heonl yper sont hatwil
lloveyou
uncondi t
ionally(l
aughed)seeyou' remakingme
missmybaby
Nompi
lo:(
laughedt
ear
ful
)I'
m sor
ry
Sibahl
e:(
gotupandsatnextt
oher
)comeseemy
angel

Nompi
losatupwhil
eSi
bahl
eunl
ockedherphone
goi
ngt
othegall
ery
Nompi
lo:what
'shername?
Sibahl
e:Joy(l
aughed)Iknow-whonamesachi
ld
Joyatthisdayandagebutyouknow
grandmother'
s
Nompil
o:(
laughed)yeah(
sawherphot
o)ohwow
she'
ssocute
Sibahl
e:(
smi
li
ng)Iknow.Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
ieveImade
that
Nompilo:(
smil
ing)Il
oveherbigeyes.She'
sso
beaut
if
ulIcoul
deatallofherup
Sibahl
e:(
laughed)that
'showIf
eltwhenshewasa
baby.Hercutenesswaswaytoomuch
Nompi
lo:sowhathappenedwi
thherdad?
Sibahl
e:hewant stobepartofherl
if
ebutmy
parent
sar edeter
minedtokeepherfort
hemsel
ves.
Theyturneddownmoneyf ordamagesbutIdo
makeplansf orhimtoseeher
Nompi
lo:wowJoyi
sonel
uckygi
rl
,l
ovedal
lover
Sibahl
e:(
laughed)Iknow,
whataboutyourbaby
daddy?
Nompi
lo:hedumpedme
Sibahle:thati
shi
sloss.Youjustf
ocusonschool
andr aisi
ngyourbabythenthi
ngswil
lfal
lint
opl
ace
Nompi
lo:yeah
Si
bahl
e:yeah,
nowl
ookatherpout
ing
Nompil
o:(smi
li
ng)you'
remaki
ngmewantt
ohavea
babygi
rl

Si
bahlel
aughedandt
heycar
ri
edonl
ooki
ngatt
he
pi
ctur
es.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMpho'
shome

Thekidsweredri
nkingjui
ceinthesi
tti
ngroom
watchi
ngt.
v.Andachi ckenwalkedi
nthroughthe
openeddoorthenthegirl
sscreamed
Thegi
rl
s:(
scr
eami
ngt
err
if
ied)mama!
!!
!anani
mal
I
nami
:(l
aughi
ng)i
t'
sjustachi
cken
Di
puo:(
ter
ri
fi
ed)I
'
m scar
ed
I
nami
:don'
tbescar
ed

Shegotupandchasedt
hechi
ckenoutt
hencl
osed
thedoor
.

I
nami
:(smi
li
ng)see!I
t'
sgonenoneedt
obescar
ed

Shewalkedbackandaccidentall
yknockedoff
Dipuo'
sglassofj
uiceandDipuocr i
ed.Inamiqui
ckl
y
gotdownpanickl
ytryi
ngtocollectwit
hherhands
onthefloor
I
nami
:(shaki
ng)I
'
m sor
ry.
..Pl
easedon'
tcr
y

Naledicamef r
om behi
ndandki
ckedherl
it
tl
ebut
t.
Shefellonherfaceandcr
iedwi
thbot
hhandsover
herbuttfeel
ingpai
n.

Nal
edi
:(shout
ing)whatdi
dyoudo?
I
nami
:(cr
ying)I
'
m sor
ry
Naledi
:(angr
y)uyadel
elane!Yout
hinkt
hisi
syour
house!Stopcryi
ng
I
nami:(
wipedhert
ear
swi
thonehandshaki
ng)i
t
wasamistake
Nal
edi
:(Shout
ing)UNEMANGAMAN!(
YOUARE
LYI
NG!)

Sheangri
lygrabbedherandsmackedherhardon
herback,I
namiscreamedcryi
nginpai
ncall
ingfor
hermotherandsheletgo
Nal
edi
:(shout
ing)hheyst
opcr
yingandsi
tdown

I
nami
qui
ckl
ywi
pedhert
ear
sandsatdown.

Naledi
:Dipuot
akeherjuice.(l
ooki
ngatI
nami)wena?
Whyar eyousi
tt
ingthereaftermaki
ngamess?Get
upandcleanyourmessbef oreIsmackyou.You
thi
nkI'
m yourmother?

I
nami
qui
ckl
ygotupandwentt
ogett
hemop.

Nal
edi
:andst
opt
ouchi
ngyourbum

Shedidasshewast
oldandcamebackmoppi
ng
thef
loor
.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
heSoko'
s

Busanit
ookouthi
sbagst
otheki
tchen.

Busani
:thatwi
llbeal
l

Hi
smot
herwal
kedt
ohi
m andhuggedhi
mint
ear
s

MaSoko:can'
tbel
ievemyboyi
sleavi
ng
Busani
:(smil
ed)comeonmaI
'
llcomeandvi
sit
wheneverIcan
BabSoko:(
smi
led)l
ett
heboybei
t'
sti
mehef
ace
thewor
ldonhi
sown
MaSoko:(smil
ed)behaveyoursel
fandst
ayaway
f
rom gi
rl
sfocusonyourstudiesokay
Busani:(sar
casti
c)whathappenedt
o"youwi
llget
yourfuturewif
eatvarsi
ty"
?
MaSoko:(l
aughed)thatwassett
opasstime.
You'
reonl
ygoingtheretost
udyandgetyourdegr
ee
not
hingel
se
BabSoko:youbet
terl
ist
ent
oyourmom son
Busani
:canwego
BabSoko:sur
e(t
aki
nghi
scarkeys)l
et'
sgo
Busani
:Ipr
efermom dr
ivesmet
her
e
BabSoko:oh
MaSoko:butyourfat
hercant
akeyout
her
epl
ushe
hasaconf
erencethat
-
Busani
:ifyoucan'
ttakemet
her
eI'
l
lgobyt
axi
BabSoko:whydon'
tyouwantmet
otakeyout
her
e
Busani
:Idon'
twantt
obear
oundamanl
ikeyou
BabSoko:(
angr
y)what
?
MaSoko:noi
t'
sfi
neIwi
llt
akeyout
her
e.Let
'sgo

Shehelpedhersontakethesui
tcasest
othecar
thent
heydrovetojoburg

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtThandi
we'
sroom

Thandiwesatonherbedf eel
i
ngmildpai nsonher
abdomenwi ththebabymovinguncontroll
able.She
wasexhaust edandstr
essedandwasj ustrestl
ess.
Inami wal
kedinandgotbetweenherlegs,
stret
chingherarmsaroundhermother'
sbi gbell
y.

Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)heyyou
Inamisaidnot
hingpl
acingherheadonhermot
her
's
bell
ytr
yingtohearwhatwashappeningi
nsi
de.

Thandi
we:whatdoyouhear
?
I
nami
:mybr
other
Thandi
we:(
laughed)yourbr
otherr
eal
ly?
I
nami
:(shyl
y)yes
Thandi
we:andwhati
shesayi
ng?
I
nami
:thathei
shappy
Thandi
we:(smi
led)wowyoucanhearal
lthat
.
You'
regif
ted

I
nami
sighsl
ooki
ngdown

Thandi
we:what
'swr
ongbaby?
I
nami
:mamayouanddadar
emar
ri
edr
ight
?
Thandi
we:yes
I
nami:whenwi
llhebuyahousesowecanst
ay
t
oget
herasafamil
y?
Thandi
we:(
swal
lowed)I
..
.Idon'
tknow.Whyar
e
youaski
ng?
I
nami
:not
hing.
..MamaI
'
mti
redcanIsl
eepher
e
Thandi
we:yesyoucanbaby.Yourf
atherbr
ought
youdonut
sdidyoueatt
hem?

I
nami
shookherheadno

Thandi
we:
why?
I
nami
:I'
m nothungr
y

Sheclimbedupthebedandlaidnextt
ohermot
her
sleepi
ng.Fewmi nut
esl
aterMphowalkedi
nand
therewassil
ence..
.
Thandi
we:canwet
alk?
Mpho:Ihavet
orushbackt
owor
k
Thandi
we:I'
m sor
ryfornotshowi
ngappr
eci
ati
ont
o
you.Whatyoudoformeandmyki dsi
salot
Mpho:okay

HewalkedoutandThandi wesattherenotknowi ng
whattodo.Shegotupwant i
ngtolaynextt oher
daughterandherdaught er'
stopwaspul ledupand
shehadr eddishmar ksonherback.Thandi we
pull
eduphert shir
tandyoucoul dseei twasahand
mark.Shet earful
lypull
eddownherdaught erstshi
rt
andputabl anketoverher .Shethent ookherphone
andsentapl easecal lme.Shesatt herewaiti
ng
morethant went yminutesforthecallanditcame
thr
ough.

Voi
ce:hel
lo
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)aunt
yit
'sThandi
we.Ineeda
pl
acetosay.I
t'
sur
gent
,I'
l
ltel
lyouever
ythi
ngwhen
Igett
her
e
auntPaul
ine:wher
ear
eyou?
Thandi
we:I
'
m packi
ngmybags
AuntPauli
ne:getat
axit
otownmyIwi
llcomeand
getyouther
e
Thandi
we:okay

Shehungupandpackedherbag.Shepackedi nthe
biggestsuit
caseput t
inginami'scl
othes,
hersanda
fewbabycl othes.ShethenwokeI namiandtoldher
theyhadt oleave.Theywal kedoutandfound
Nalediwatchingt.v.

Naledi
:(chewi
ngherbubbl
egum)Iwonderwher
e
youaregoing
Thandi
wesai
dnot
hingandwal
kedoutwi
thher
daught
er

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#22
MaSokowasdr i
vingwhi l
eBusanilaidbackputt
ing
headphonesonlisteni
ngtosomer apt r
ack.His
motheropenedthewi ndowandthebr eezyairbl
ew
i
n.Hequi ckl
ygotupi npanicmodet aki
ngoffhis
headphonesthatti
mehi smotherwasl aughi
nghard.

Busani
:mom!
MaSoko:(
laughi
ng)what
?
Busani
:(l
aughi
ng)youknowwhatyoudi
d!
MaSoko:Ij
ustwantt
otal
ktomyson

Shecl
osedt
hewi
ndow

Busani
:okayl
et'
stal
kI'
mli
steni
ng
MaSoko:Idon'
tli
ket
hewayyou'
rebehavi
ng
ar
oundyourfat
her
Busani
:(si
ghed)Iwi
shyoucoul
dst
opcal
li
nghi
m
t
hat
MaSoko:buthe'
syourf
ather
Busani:noIwontcal
lamanthatcheat
edonmy
motherwithaschoolgi
rlmyf
ather
,ohwaitheeven
i
mpr egnatedher
MaSoko:(
sighes)Iknowwhathedi
dwasnotgood
Busani
:itwasdi
sgust
ing
MaSoko:( shout i
ng)st optalki
nglikethat
!Thatman
i
snotyouragemat e,hewor kedhar dtoputfoodon
thetable,
todr essyou, you'r
eher ebecauseofhim.
You'renowgoi ngtovar si
tywheredoyout hi
nkthe
moneywi llbecomi ngf rom?He' snotperfectIknow
butyouwi llr
especthi m asyourf ather
.Youmust
stopfight
ingabat tlethatdoesn'tconcernyou
Busani
:okay
MaSoko:(sighed)Iknowalloft
hisdoesn'
tmake
sensebutyou'l
lunderst
andwhenyougr owup
Busani
:okay
Heputonhi
sheadphonesl
ist
eni
ngt
omusi
c
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMpho'
shome

Gogocamebackhomef rom church,

shewalkedin
thr
oughthegat
etothedooralreadysensi
ngthat
somethi
ngwasmissing.

Gogo:sengi
buyil
e,baphibant
ukul
omuzi(
I'
m back,
where'
severyoneinthi
shouse)
Nal
edi
:si
ngapha(
we'
reher
e)

Gogowalkedtothesi
tt
ingr
oom andf
oundNal
edi
si
tt
ingonthecouchandsatdown

Gogo:hhawi
sn'
tMphoandI
nami
'
smot
herbackyet
?
Ihear
dever
ythi
ngwentwel
l
Naledi
:kantiwhati
sthi
sbi
gthi
ngt
heyhavebeen
at
tendi
ngi ncourt
?
Gogo:t
hemur
dercaseofheraunt
Nal
edi
:ohwel
ltheycamebackbuthadan
ar
gument
Gogo:anar
gument
?
Naledi
:yesthenthenextthingshe'
sst
andi
ngbyt
he
doorwithal
lherbagsleaving
Gogo:(
conf
used)l
eavi
ng?Goi
ngwher
e?Andwhat
di
dMphosayaboutthat?
Nal
edi
:mybr
otherhadal
readyl
eft
,It
ri
edt
ost
op
her
Gogo:(
looki
ngather
)you?
Naledi
:yesgogoIt
ri
edbutyouknowhowst
ubbor
n
sheis
Gogo:(wor
ri
ed)maraangayenzanj
anii
ntoenje
uThandi(
buthowcanThandidosomethingl
ikethi
s)
Nal
edi
:gogocal
m down,
she'
sabi
ggi
rl
Gogo:(
shaki
ng)howcanshejustl
eavewi
thI
nami
l
iket
hat.Mypoorchi
ldmustbescared

Naledil
ookedathergr
andmothert
akingouther
phonewithhershakyhands,
shebecamescared
andwor r
ied

Gogo:(
gaveherthephone)f
unainumberyakhe
l
apho(l
ookforhernumberther
e)

Naledit
ookherphoneandsearchedforThandiwe'
s
phonenumberswhilehergogofannedhersel
f
taki
ngoffherj
ackett
ryi
ngtogetsomeai r
.
Mur mur
ingsomethi
ngtohersel
f

Nal
edi:I
'
m cal
li
nghergogo,
I'
m cal
li
ngi
t'
sri
ngi
ng.
TSHEPO!TSHEPO!

Tshepor
ani
n
Nal
edi
:getgogoagl
assofwat
erandherhi
ghbl
ood
pi
ll
snow

Herantotheki
tchent
ogetgogoaglassofwater
andputitont
opofthetabl
ethenwentt
osearchfor
herpi
ll
s.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtAuntPaul
ine'
shome

Gabisil
eledThandiwetotheguestroom whi
le
car
ryingInami.Shelai
dInamiont hebedand
hel
pedt akeof
fhershoesandj acket

Thandi
we:(
smi
led)t
hankyou
Gabi
sil
e:(
smi
led)youneedal
lthehel
pyoucanget
.
Thandi
we:(
laughed)Ir
eal
lydo
Gabi
sil
e:sol
etmeleaveyouher
etoset
tl
einyou
canj
oinusintheki
tchen.

Thandiwe'
sphoner
angandshesear
chedf
ori
tin
herbag.

Thandi
we:okayt
hanksagai
n

Gabisil
ewalkedoutwhi
leThandi
wel ookedatt
he
call
erID.Herhear
tski
ppedabeatseeingitwas
gogobutshegaveherselfsomebraveryand
responded.

Thandi
we:gogo
Gogo:oht
hankGod,
Thandi
wewher
ear
eyou?
Thandi
we:Iam atAuntPaul
ine'
shouse
Gogo:(
sighsi
nreli
ef)whydidn'
tyousayyouwer
e
goi
ngtovisi
tyouraunt.Iwasworri
edsi
ckabout
you
Thandi
we:itwasj
ustaspar
eoft
hemomentt
hing.
I
'm sor
rygogo
Gogo:butyouknowt hat'
snothowthi
ngsaredone,
ri
ght?Youcan'
tjustleavewit
houtt
ell
ingme.What
am Isupposet
ot hi
nkwhenIcomebackhomeand
fi
ndyougonehuh?
Thandiwe:IknowwhatIdi
dwaswr
ongandI
'
m
real
lysorr
ygogo
Gogo:andIwastoldyouhadanar gumentwit
h
Mpho,Ihopeyouleftaf
teryouguyssor
teditout
Thandi
we:hehadt
orusht
owor
k
Gogo:whenwi
llyoubeback?Thisthi
ngofyou
bei
ngawaywhileyou'
reheavi
lypr
egnantdoesn'
tsi
t
wel
lwithme
Thandi
we:Iwi
llcomebackgogo
Gogo:when?
Thandi
we:I
'
llbeher
efort
woweeks
Gogo:twoweeks?WhataboutI
namiphel
a
t
omor r
owshemustbeatschool
Thandi
we:(
sighed)Iwi
llmakeapl
an
Gogo:noThandiweyoucan'tj
ustmakehasty
deci
sionsl
iket
his.Iwantyoubackhometoday
Thandi
we:andwhatdoIsayt
othem gogo,
Ijust
gother
e
Gogo:t
ellt
hem inamihastogotoschool
,theywi
ll
under
stand.Youcan'
tjustt
akethechi
ldandupand
l
eaveli
kethat.I
namineedsstabi
li
ty
Thandi
we:(
lookedatherauntwal
kingi
n)ngi
yakuva
gogo.
Gogo:okayI
'
llbewai
ti
ngf
oryourar
ri
val

Shehungupwhi l
eherauntwal
kedi
nwi
that
rayof
foodandhandeditover
.
AuntPaul
ine:her
eIhopeyoul
ikei
t.I
t'
sabi
tspi
cy
Thandi
we:t
hankyou,
Ilovespi
cyf
ood
AuntPaul
ine:(
smi
led)met
oo
Thandi
we:(
haveonef
ullspoon)t
hisi
sreal
lyni
ce
AuntPaul
ine:sowast
hatgogo?
Thandi
we:yes.youknowgogo,
she'
swor
ri
ed
AuntPaul
ine:mmh.Ihopeyoudon'
tmindme
aski
ngbutwhathappened?ImeanI
'm worr
ied
becausei
thasn'
tbeenlongsi
ncewecelebr
atedyou
andMpho'smarri
ageandnow
Thandi
we:Mpho'
ssi
steri
sabusi
ngmydaught
er
AuntPaul
ine:what
?

Thandiwegotupandputt hetrayonat ableatthe

cornerandwalkedovertoInamipull
inguphert -
shirt
.Thepinkvisi
ble,
andtheothermar ksofbeing
pinchedunderneat
hherarmpits.AuntPauline
shookherheadasherhear tsank
AuntPaul
ine:whywoul
dshedot
his?
Thandiwe:(t
earful
)shejusthatesmychild.Atf
ir
st
shebeatherupj ustbecauseherkidswanted
i
nami '
stoysthenshei twasbecauseInamichoose
towatchcartoonswhileherkidswereplayi
ng
outsi
de.Ithasbecomeal ivi
nghellint
hathouse.
AuntPaul
ine:haveyout
ri
edtal
kingt
oyour
husband,
Imeant hi
sishi
schil
d
Thandiwe:he'
scaughtbetweenmeandhi ssi
ster
.
(tear
ful
)Tobehonesthe'sti
redofmenowandI
don'tbl
amehim.Het ol
dmehowhef el
tandI
reali
sedofhowmuchofabur denIam t
ohim.
AuntPaul
ine:(
huggedher
)cal
m down
Thandi
we:(
cri
ed)soIhadt
oleavef
ormydaught
er
andforme
AuntPaul
ine:Iunder
stand.Youcanst
ayher
eforas
l
ongasyoul i
ke
Thandi
we:Ican'
t.I
namihast
ogot
oschool
AuntPaul
ine:I
'
llsor
tthatout
Thandi
wenodded
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Atschool

ThembasawhowdownMphowasandaskedwhat
washappeni
ngi
nhi
sli
fe.Het
hent
oldhi
m
ever
ythi
ng

Themba:butItoldyouMf ethupayi
nglobol
aforher
wast oomuch.Igetthatyouloveherandyoudid
allt
hathopi
ngthatmaybeshe' l
lchangehermind
butwehavetoagr eethatthedayyoutookherin
shewasn'tl
ookingforlove.Shewasvulner
ableand
youwer et
heretohelp
Mpho:IknowandIdon'
tregr
etever
ythi
ngI
'
vedone
f
orher
Themba:andnowyoursi
steri
sont
hepi
ctur
ethe
l
astti
meIremembershewasadramaQueen
Mpho:butshe' smysi st
erandIdon'twantt
olose
heroversomeonewhodoesn' tevenloveme.I
woulddoanyt hingforThandi
weandsheknows
that(
smiled)she's.
..
Themba:(
smi
led)yourweakness
Mpho:(
smi
led)l
et'
sjustsayI
'
ddoanyt
hingf
orher
l
ove
Themba:Igetyou
Mpho:andt hefi
ghtsathomearetaki
ngit'
stollon
us.We'r
estarti
ngtofight
,somet
hingthatnever
happenedwhenNal ediwasnotl
ivi
ngwi t
hus.I
missherlaughs,Imissseei
ngherhappy
Themba:Iknowmaybet
her
e'saw-

Mpho'
sPhoner
angandhet
ooki
toutr
espondi
ng.

Mpho:gogo
Gogo:Mphodi
dThandi
wet
ellyouabouthervi
sitt
o
heraunt
Mpho:(
sur
pri
sed)what
?No
Gogo:shepackedherclot
hesandleftwithouteven
tel
li
nganyone.IwasshockedtoseehergoneI
cal
ledherandIcouldtel
lsheisnotplanningto
comeback,kantiwhathappenedaft
ercour t
?
Mpho:not
hing,
Idon'
tknowwhyshe'
sdoi
ngt
his
Gogo:I
'm worr
iedbecauseshe'sheavi
lypr
egnant.
Shecan'
tgivebirt
htherewhenshehasahomeher e
wit
hus.Theywi l
ltal
k,I
'
m suretheyaretal
kingnow.
Aheavi
lypregnantwomanl eavi
ngherhusbandto
st
aywiththem it
'scl
earther
eareproblems
Mpho:Iwi
llhandl
ethi
sgogopl
easedon'
twor
ry
Gogo:okay
Mpho:l
etmecal
lherj
ustnow
Gogo:nopr
obl
em

ShehungupandMphodi
all
edThandi
we'
snumber
.
Thandi
we:hel
lo
Mpho:hi

Thewasawkwar
dsi
lence

Mpho:so.
..I
thascomet
othi
s?
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)I'
m sor
ry
Mpho:(
swal
lowedapai nfull
umpinhi
sthroat
f
orgi
ngasmile)i
ts.
..okay.Whatdi
dyoutellt
hem?
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)thet
rut
h..
.Ij
usthavet
opr
otect
mychil
d
Mpho:(si
ghed)ther
e'snoneedtoexpl
ainyour
sel
f.
Gogoisworri
edaboutyou,thel
eastyoucandois
sayapropergoodbye
Thandi
we:Iwi
llcomesowecant
alk
Mpho:okaybye
Thandi
we:bye
HehungupandlookedatThembawhol
ookedat
hi
m want
inganswers

Mpho:(
swal
lowed)I
..
.Ihavel
osther
Themba:I
'
m sor
rybr
o

Heopenedthedoorandwalkedoutwi
thbot
hhands
i
nhispockett
ryi
ngtogetsomeair

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtThandi
we'
sroom

Sheputherphoneasidewipi
nghert
ear
sawaywith
thebackofherhands,I
namiwokeupandThandi
we
smil
edlooki
ngather
I
nami
:mom
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)heyyou'
ref
inal
lyup
I
nami
:wher
ear
ewe?
Thandiwe:auntPaul
ine'
shouse,
wewi
llbel
ivi
ng
herefr
om nowonokay?
I
nami
:okay
Thandi
we:IknowAuntNal
edihasbeenhur
ti
ngyou

I
nami
bur
sti
ntot
ear
shuggi
nghermot
her

I
nami
:(cryi
ng)shebeatmeevenifIsaysor
ry
mama.
..Shekickedmehere(
touchingbum)ithur
ts

Thandi
we:(holdi
ngherti
ght)noonewil
leverhur
t
youagainaslongasIam ali
ve.Ipr
omise,I
'
m your
motherandI'
llal
waysloveyou.I
t'
sokaybaby
Sheheldherbabywhi
leshecri
ed,
herheartwas
breaki
ngbutshehadt
obestrongforher
.

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#23
AtAuntPal
ine'
shome

Thandi
wewalkedt
otheki
tchendraggi
ngherf
eet
andfoundI
namieat
ingwi
thGabisil
emakeher
l
unchbox.

Thandi
we:(smi
li
ngpl
ayi
ngwithInami'
scheeks)
nowthat'
swaytoomuchfoodforali
tt
lest
omach

I
nami
justsmi
led

Gabi
sil
e:(
smil
ed)shedoesn'
tsaymuchonl
ygi
ves
meherbeaut
if
ulsmil
e
Thandi
we:shewasn'
tal
waysl
iket
his.She'
shi
ghl
y
acti
veandthehappi
estsoulever
.Thatwoman.
..
(si
ghs)al
mostdestr
oyedmychi l
d
Gabisi
le:mom tol
dmewhathappened( smiled)
t
hingswi l
lchangeplusthi
sli
tt
leoner
ighthereis
l
uckyI'm asuckerforki
ds
Thandi
we:(
laughed)Icant
ellt
hat
'st
oomuch
pol
onyandcheese
Gabi
sil
e:(
laughed)what
?Noot
hisi
sfi
ner
ight
I
nami?

I
nami
smi
ledandnoddedyes.

Thandiwe:(
satdown)Ial
sowantmyEngl
ish
breakf
ast
Gabisi
le:(
smil
ed)t
hensi
tdownMadameandl
ett
he
chefserveyou

Theyalll
aughedandAuntPaul
inewal
kedt
othe
ki
tchenputt
ingonherear
ri
ngs.
AuntPaul
ine:ohmyGodwhati
sthi
snoi
seal
labout
?
Thandi
we:we'
resor
ryaunt
y
Gabisi
le:(
smiles)ohpleaseyouwerecomplai
ning
aboutthehousebeingt ooqui
etnotsolongago.
Godanswer edyourprayers
AuntPaul
ine:(
smil
ed)Iknowbutwehavet
ogoand
t
alktogogoaboutyoumovingi
nhere
Thandi
we:(si
ghs)Idon'
tthi
nkthat
'sagoodi
dea.
She'
salr
eadyagainstt
heidea
AuntPaul
ine:t
hensheneedst
obet
oldt
het
rut
h
whyyouaremovinghere
Thandi
we:aunty.Idon'twanti
ttobel
ikeI
'
m
makingthem seem l
ikebadpeople
AuntPauli
ne:whatyoudidleavi
ngli
kethatwit
hout
tel
li
ngthem waswr ongandthi
sisnotsomethi
ng
youcanf i
xjustoveraphonecal
l
Gabi
sil
e:mom i
sri
ghtdot
hissoyoucanl
ivewi
tha
cl
earconsci
ousness
Thandi
we:i
t'
scl
earIwontwi
nthi
s
AuntPaul
ine:theyareyourf
amilysot
hingsl
ikethi
s
needtobediscussed.Yousti
ll
needtotal
ktoyour
husbandaboutthis
Thandi
we:Ical
ledhi
m andhehasnopr
obl
em
AuntPauli
ne:wewi
llt
alkaboutal
lthatwhenweget
t
here.Eatsowecango
Gabi
sil
e:we'
real
readyof
f.Comebaby

Inami
steppeddownf
rom herchai
randwentt
ohug
hermother
.

I
nami
:byemom
Thandi
we:byebaby

Shet
hengotherbackpackf
rom Gabi
sil
eandt
ook
herhandwal
kingoutout
.Thandi
wewasl
eftwi
th
heraunt
.

AuntPaul
ine:canImakeyousomet
hing?
Thandi
we:j
ustcer
eal
AuntPaul
ine:(
smi
led)okay
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)youhaveabeaut
if
ulhomeher
e
AuntPauli
ne:(
smiled)t
hankyousomuchbutt
his
oneisnotmine.Iboughti
tformydaught
er
Thandi
we:(
shocked)what
?!Al
loft
his?
AuntPauli
ne:(smil
ed)i
twashertwentyfi
rst
bir
thdaygif
t.Shehasrespect
edmetil
lthi
sfarso
shedeservesit
Thandi
we:wowi
t'sbeaut
if
ul.
..
yout
oldmeyouar
e
marri
edwhenwi
llImeetmyuncle?
AuntPauli
ne:anyti
me.Wel ivecl
osebyIjustcome
heretovi
sitGabibecausethehousecangetso
l
onely.Hecomeshomef oraweekt henworksthe
restoft
hemont h.Thefarmi spr
ett
ymuchhar d
wor
k
Thandi
we:(
nodded)Isee.
..
.Isee

Sheser
vedherabowloff
oodandmadeher
sel
ftea.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtMaSoko'
shome

Shesentthekidsouttoschoolandwal
kedback
i
nsidejoi
ningherhusbandwhowashavinghis
Engli
shbreakf
ast.

BabSoko:di
dyoucal
ltheboyt
ocheckonhowhe'
s
doi
ng?
MaSoko:(smi
led)youknowme.Idi
dthatear
lyi
n
t
hemorning
BabSoko:(
smil
ed)Iknowi
fther
e'sanyt
hinghe
needspl
easet
ellme
MaSoko:youknowIwil
l(si
ghs)Iknowyouwant
t
hingst
ogobacktothewayt her
ewere
BabSoko:theboyhaslostallrespectforme.It
's
l
ikeheneverusedtolookupt ome( sighs)butI
don'
tbl
ameher .Idi
dalloft
hi smyself,Ishoul
d've
beenagoodleadertothem setti
ngupexampl esof
howawomanmustbet r
eatedf r
om menott his
MaSoko:( si
ghed)it
'spoi
ntl
essgoingaroundin
cir
clesandwewontmovef orwar
difwekeep
tal
kingandthinki
ngaboutwhathappened.It'
sli
ke
waiti
ngforawoundt ohealthencutt
ingitopen
again
BabSoko:(
sighedr
egr
ett
abl
y)I
'
mreal
lysor
ry
MaSoko:(t
eardr
op)Imi
ssmyfami
ly(
wipedi
t)I
wantt
hingstogobackt
onor
malsowehavetotr
y
BabSoko:(t
ookherhand)I'
llneverf
orgivemyself
forwhatIdi
dandI'
llbefor
everthankfultoyoufor
givi
ngmeachance
MaSoko:( noddedyes)Ispoket oourson.Iknow
whatyoudi dwasbadbutt hatdoesn'
tgi
vehim any
ri
ghttobedi srespectf
ul.Youal
soneedt ost
op
walki
ngongl assandbef ir
m wit
hhim orel
sehe'l
l
usethi
sagai styout ogetawaywi t
halotofthi
ngs
i
nt hefut
ureonl yifyoudon'tst
epup
BabSoko:Iknow
MaSoko:sobeaf
atherwhathappenedi
sbet
ween
usnotus
BabSoko:Iwi l
l.
..Thankyouforbei
ngt
hemost
beauti
fulandcourageouswif
e.You'
ret
rul
yonei
na
mill
ion
MaSokosmi
led
BabSoko:(
smi
led)l
esosmi
lemadoda
MaSoko:(
gotupsmi
li
ng)j
ustst
opi
t
Babsoko:wamuhl
entombi.Angi
khol
wanamanj
e
kut
hiungumawezi
nganezami.

MaSokol
aughedwal
kingaway.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
shome

Thandi
wear r
ivedwi
thherauntandknocked.Nal
edi
openedthedoorandfol
dedherarmsseeing
Thandi
we.

AuntPaul
ine:mor
ning
Nal
edi
:Mor
ning
AuntPaul
ine:wer
eher
etoseegogo

Naledist
eppedasideandtheywalkedi n.Thandiwe
wasnotr eal
lykeentoseegogo,herhear tski
ppeda
beatwhensshesawgogoi nt heki
tchen.They
greet
edeachot herandwalkedtothesitt
ingroom.
AuntPaul
ine:gogower
eher
etotal
kabout
Thandi
wecomi ngtost
aywi
thus
Gogo:yesaboutthat
.It
'snott
hatwedontwanther
tovi
sityoubutyoucanseesheisinnostat
etobe
doi
ngt hat
.Thebabycancomeatanymoment
AuntPaul
ine:that'
swhywer eheregogo.Ibeli
eve
ther
eisami sunderstandi
ngbetweenhereandI
needustotalk.Thandiweisnotjustvi
sit
ingshe
hasaskedtomovei nwithus
Gogo:(
shocked)what
?
AuntPauli
ne:that
'swhywe'
rehere.Idon'twant
theretobebadbloodbet
weenusandwantust obe
completel
yhonestwit
heachother.Thandiwe
pleasegoahead
Thandi
we:(clear
edherthroat)ummhf ir
stIwould
l
iketothankyougogoforever yt
hingyouhavedone
forme.Youopenedyourhomef ormeandal ways
ther
ewheneverIneededyou.Pl easedon'tbeangr
y
atmeforwhatIhavedone, leavi
ngwi t
houttel
li
ng
you.Ididn'
tmeantodisrespectyoubutIhadt odo
whatIhadt
odot
opr
otectmychi
ld
Gogo:(
sighed)whatar
eyousayi
ngmychi
ld.
You'
renotmakinganysense,
whydi
dyoul
eave?
Thandiwe:Il
eftbecauseIcoul
dn'
ttol
eratet
heway
Naledihasbeenabusingmeandmychi l
d
Nal
edi
:(clappedherhandsoncelaughingi
n
di
sbel
ief
)Ican'tbel
ievewhatI
'm hear
ing
Gogo:(lookedatNaledi
)Nal
edi
?Isthi
saboutwhat
happenedbackt hen?Butwespokeabouti
tand
Naledistopped
Nal
edi
:shej
ustwant
sanexcusef
ormovi
ngout
Thandiwe:shehasgogo.Speci
all
ywhenI '
vebeen
att
endingcourtmychil
dhasmar ksal
loverher
body,IaskedInamiandshetol
dmeever yt
hing.
Gogo:whyam Ihear
ingt
hisnow?Andhowdi
dyou
goaboutsol
vingt
hat?
Thandiwe:It
ri
edtotal
ktohergogobuti
tal
ways
resul
tedinabigar
gument.
Nal
edi
:youar
elyi
ngThandi
we(
tear
ful
)whyar
eyou
doi
ngt
his?
AuntPauli
ne:ever
yonecal
m down,
wedi
dn'
tcome
her
etofight

Mphowal
kedi
nandgr
eet
edever
yonesi
tt
ingdown.

Gogo:wel lI
'
m gladyou'
reback.Thandiweishere
todaywi t
hheraunt.Shewon'tbeli
vingwit
hus
becauseshesaysNal ediisabusi
ngInami.Idon'
t
knowi fyoualr
eadyknowaboutt hi
sbecausethisis
myf i
rstti
me.Alltheyeverdoisfi
ght
Mpho:( si
ghed)Iwil
lst
artbysayi
nglackof
communi cat
ioni
swhathasgotusheretoday.My
sist
erlaidherhandsonInamibutweaddressed
thati
ssue
Nal
edi
:andIst
opped
Thandi
we:(t
earful
)she'
slyi
ng.Myauntsawt
he
marksyest
erday.Theyar
estil
lther
e
Mpho:t
henwhydi
dn'
tyout
ellme
Thandi
we:I'vebeentr
yingbutyoual
waysbr
ushed
i
toffbecauseshe'syoursi
ster
Nal
edi
:andyouneverl
ikedme
Mpho:you'
vebeentel
li
ngmeaboutthesi
ll
y
remar
ksonly.
..Okayf
inecanweresol
vet
hisnow
soyoucancomebackhome?( Thandi
wel
ooked
away)soyouhavemadeyourdecisi
on
Gogo:Thandi
we
Thandi
we:(t
earf
ul)I
'
m sor
rygogobutIhavet
okeep
mydaughtersaf
e
Gogo:(
tear
ful
)fr
om us?
AuntPaul
ine:gogopleasecal
m down,
Thandi
we
meanswell.Wecallhavetocal
m downandsort
t
hisout
Mpho:gogopl
ease
Nal
edi
:Ican'
tbel
ievemybr
otherpai
dlobol
aforal
l
t
his

Nal
edigotupandwal
kedout

AuntPaul
ine:Thandii
sdoi
ngwhatanymot
her
woulddof orherchild.Iunder
standthatyouare
marri
edt hat'
swhywe' r
eherebecauseIdon'tl
ike
howthingsar ebeingdone.Ithasn'
tbeenlongsince
yourmar ri
ageandyourwi f
eisalr
eadymovingback
toherfamily.Iwantedt omakesurethatandher
bothagreedt othi
s
Mpho:Iunder
stand(l
ookedatThandi we)Inami'
s
mom Iwontholdyoubackfrom doingwhatyouf eel
i
sright
.Idon'
twantyoutogobutt hisisyourl
if
e.
AuntPaul
inet
here'
snoneedf orust odragthi
sone
out
.Gogowehavet oletherl
ivewiththem
Gogo:(
shenoddedyes)i
fthat
'swhatyouwantt
hen
sobeit
Thandi
we:t
hankyou
Mpho:shedi
dn'
ttakemostofherst
affspeci
all
yfor
t
hekidssoI'
l
lmakeaplantomovethem-
AuntPauli
ne:youcanl
oadt
hem atmyvant
ocut
outcost
s
Mpho:okayl
etmegett
oit,
(toThandi
we)you
shoul
dcomeandpackyourclot
hes
HegotupandThandiwef ol
lowedhim.Theygotand
i
nt hei
rroom.Mphostar
tedtotakeapartthebaby
cri
bwhi l
eThandi
wetookouttherestoft
heclothes
topackthem..
.

Thandi
we:babaSi
phi
wecanwet
alk?

Mphosai
dnot
hing

Thandi
we:(
tur
nedt
ohi
m)pl
ease
Mpho:(
gotupl
ooki
ngathi
m)yes
Thandiwe:Icanseet
hatyou'
reangr
y,I
'
m sor
ry
abouteveryt
hing
Mpho:(
sighed)don'
tbe,
you'
redoi
ngwhati
sbest
f
oryourkids.
Thandi
we:ourki
ds
Mpho:(swal
lowed)wel
lri
ghtnowi
tdoesn'tf
eell
ike
i
t.Youdidn'
tevenl
etmehaveapropergoodbye
wit
hInami
Thandi
we:I
'
m sor
ryIcanbr
ingherdur
ingt
he
weekend
Mpho:okay
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)pl
easef
orgi
veme,
Ineedyou
Mpho:( si
ghedandsmil
ed)it
'sokay,
justt
akegood
careofyoursel
fandmykids.Wheneveryoufeell
ike
you'vehadenoughpackyourbagsandcomeback
home.Thi swil
lal
waysbeyourhome
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)okay

Mphopul
ledheroverandhuggedher

Mpho:Il
oveyou

Thandisai
dnot
hingbr
eaki
ngt
hehug
Thandi
we:(wipedhert
ear
s)ummhweshoul
dget
backtopacki
ng
Mpho:Iwasaboutt
osayt
hesamet
hing.Let
's
cont
inuepacki
ng
Thandi
we:yes

Shewalkedbackandt
akeoutal
lhercl
othesf
rom
thecl
oset

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtVar
sit
y

Nol
wazirushedtocl
ass,shecheckedt
heti
meand
pi
ckedupspeedthenbumpedont osomeone
dr
oppingthebooksshewascarryi
ng
Voi
ce:sor
ry

Hewentdowngett
ingherbooks,Nol
wazifr
oze
whenhegotupandfacedher.Hedroppedher
books

Busani
:YOU!
Nompi
lo:(
shocked)Busani
!

Shewentdownt
ogetherbooksbuthegr
abbedher
ar
m andNompil
owhi
mper edi
npain

Busani
:(angr
y)whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Nompi
lo:(
pushi
nghi
m of
f)Busaniyou'
rehur
ti
ng
me
Busani
:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Nompi
lo:
Ischoolher
e
Busani
:whyoutofal
lthecar
eer
syouchoset
his
one?Whyhere?
Nompi
lo:I
'
mjusther
etogetmydegr
eet
hat
'sal
l
Busani:l
ieryou'r
eafucki
ngli
er,
agirlt
hatsl
eeps
aroundbreakinghomes.Youhavenoshamel i
ving
yourli
fehappilywhi
lemymom i sl
efytopi
ckupt he
brokenpieces
Nompil
o:(
tear
ful
)I'
m sor
ryaboutever
ythi
ngandI
'
m
notpr
oudofwhatIdid
Busani:j
ustshutup,ever
ythi
ngthatcomesoutof
yourmouthisalieandstayoutofmywayyou
disgustme

Heletgoofherandwalkedi
n.Shestoodoutt
her
e
r
ubbingherwri
stpul
li
nghersel
ftoget
hert
hen
f
oll
owed
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMpho'
shome

Mphoputgogo'steaontopoftheheaddrawer.She
wassi
tt
ingsti
llonthebedreadi
ngherbiblequiet
ly

Mpho:don'
twor
ryabouthergogo,
shewi
llbef
ine
Gogo:(si
ghed)Iknewshewoul
dleavebutIdi
dn'
t
t
hinkitwouldbethissoon
Mpho:(
smil
ed)atl
eastshe'
swi
thf
ami
lyandshe
knowst
hiswil
lal
waysbeherhome
Gogo:(
smi
led)ar
eyouokay?
Mpho:(
smi
led)yeswhy?
Gogo:Iknowyouwer
elooki
ngf
orwar
dtohavi
nga
br
ight
erfutur
ewit
hher
Mpho:youtol
dmeoft hepossi
bleendr
esult
ssoit
i
swhatiti
satleastnowInamiissaf
eandthere
wontbeanyfi
ghtsinfr
ontofher
Gogo:Iknow
Mpho:(
gotup)Ineedt
ogotrygetsomesl
eep.SoI
canbeful
lyawakedur
ingmyshif
t
Gogo:okayson.Restwel
l

Hegotupandwal
kedoutt
otheki
tchen,
that
'swhen
Nal
ediwal
kedi
n

Nal
edi
:hi
Mpho:hi
Nal
edi
:I'
m sor
ryaboutwhathappened
Mpho:i
t'
sokay
Nal
edi
:Icanseryou'
rehur
ti
ng
Mpho:t
hiswasboundt
ohappen,
allt
hati
slef
tis
f
ormetopickupt
hepi
ecesandmoveon.St
art
ing
wit
hbui
ldi
ngmysel
fahomeofmyown
Nal
edi
:(shocked)youwantt
omoveout
?
Mpho:thi
shousewontbebigenoughforal
lofus.
I
t'
sgoingtobeahomef oryouandtheki
ds.Ineed
t
ostartaf
reshandhavemyownl i
fe

Nal
edinodded

Mpho:Ineedt
ogot
akeanap
Nal
edi
:okay

Hewalkedt
ohi
sroom whi
leNal
edimadeher
sel
f
f
ood.
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#24

Onemont
hlat
er
Mphoqui ckl
yhel
pedavisi
torf
il
lint
heregi
stert
hen
openedthegateforhi
m.HerushedtoThembawho
qui
cklygavehim hi
sphone.

Mpho:hel
lo
Gabi
:heyMphoi
t'
sGabi
Mpho:Iknow,
Isavedyournumberi
sever
ythi
ng
okay?
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)you'
reaf
athert
oabeaut
if
ulheal
thy
babyboy
Mpho:(
jumpedi
nexci
tement
)Yes!Yes!
Themba:(l
ookedatMpho)whati
sgoi
ngon?
Mpho:(
happy)myboyi
sher
e!Myboyi
sher
e

Thembascr
eamedi
nexci
tementcongr
atul
ati
ng
hi
m
Gabi
:youguysar
egoi
ngt
obur
stmyear
drum
Mpho:I
'
m sor
ryI
'
mjustsoexci
ted.Howi
shi
smom?
Gabi:she'
sgood,theyarebot
hper
fect
lyf
ineand
wil
lber el
easedt
omor r
ow
Mpho:wher
ear
eyounow.CanIt
alkt
oher
?
Gabi:I
'
m onmywayt othehospit
al.Iwil
lcal
lyou
whenIgetthere.Shelef
therphonehomel astni
ght
soIhaveitwit
hmer ightnowandI '
llmakesureyou
tal
ktoher
Mpho:okay,
Iwil
laskf
oradayof
ftomor
rowsoI
cancomeseethem
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)okay,
shar
ethegoodnewswi
th
ever
yone
Mpho:Iwi
ll
.Thanksf
ornot
if
yingme
Gabi
:sur
ethi
ng

ShehungupandMphol ookedatThembaunabl
eto
cont
ainhi
sexci
tement
.
Mpho:(
happy)I
'
m adad!
Themba:papaMpho!

Theybot
hlaughed

Mpho:l
etmecal
lgogo,
she'
sgoi
ngt
obesohappy

Het
ookhi
sphoneanddi
all
edhernumber

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
hehospi
tal

Thandi
wequiet
lyst
arr
edint
ospaceforamoment
get
ti
nglosti
naworldofherown.BabySi
phi
we'
s
l
oudcr ybr oughtherbackt orealit
yandshesl owly
gotoffthebedwal ki
ngtohi sbabycot t
.Shel ooked
athim cryingforamoment ,alookofdisgust
formedonherf aceinvoluntar
il
y.Sheswal l
owed
l
ookingathi m andst r
etchedoutherar mst otake
him butsomet hingstoppedher .Shecouldn'tbri
ng
hersel
ftodosuch.Shest eppedbackandGabi
walkedincar ryi
ngabasketoff rui
tsandabagwi th
cleanclothes

Gabi
:hel
lohel
lo,
that
'snotawar
m wel
comef
rom
myboy
Thandi
:(smi
led)hehasj
ustwokeup
Gabi
:(putt
hefr
uitbasketandt
hebagont
hebed)
whyaren'
tyout
akinghim?
Thandi
:(satdown)If
eeldi
zzy,
I'
m scar
edI
'
lldr
op
hi
m
Gabi
:canI
?
ThandinoddedyesandGabisi
let
ookhi
m andt
ri
ed
tosoothhi
m buthecont
inuedtocry

Gabi
:It
hinkhe'
shungr
y
Thandi
:thatcan'
tbe,
I'
vej
ustf
edhi
m no.He'
sjust
sl
eepy
Gabi
:di
dn'
tyousayhej
ustwokeup?

Thenur
sewal
kedi
n

Nur
se:mor
ning
Gabi
:mor
ning
Thandi
:..
.mor
ning
Nur
se:havewef
edt
hebaby?
Thandi
:I.
..
Nur
se:(
gent
lyt
ookt
hebaby)hehast
oeat
Gabi
:that
'sokay
Nur
se:i
tisi
mpor
tantt
hatyouf
eedyourl
it
tl
eboy

Shehandedhi
m overt
oThandi
we

Nur
se:t
akeoutyourbr
east
..
..Goon.
..

Thandi
wedi
dasshewast
oldandbr
eastf
edt
he
baby

Thandi
we:Canyouchangeandgi
vehi
mfor
mul
a?
Gabi
sil
e:butbr
eastmi
lki
sgoodf
orhi
m
Nur
se:i
tist
hebest
Thandi
we:Idon'
twantt
obr
east
feed
Gabi
sil
e:whatf
or?Imeanyou'
rest
ayi
ngathome
Thandiwe:(
angry)don'
ttel
lmewhatt
odo.Don' t
wanttobreast
feedendofstor
y(t
earf
ul)Ican'
tdo
thi
s.Takeit
Nurse:(satnextt
oher)pl
easedon'
t,
heneedst
obe
fed.Iknowallofthi
sisover
whelmi
ngbut
everyt
hingwillbeokay
Gabi
sil
e:It
oldI
nami
'
sfat
herabouthi
sli
tt
leboyand
hewassohappy
Thandi
we:I
nami
'
sfat
her
,wheni
shecomi
ng?
Gabi
sil
e:t
omor
row
Thandi
we:(
sighedi
nrel
ief
)okay
Nurse:(
gotup)Ineedt
oat
tendot
herpat
ient
s.I
'
llbe
back

Shewal kedoutwhil
eGabil
ookedatThandi
we
breast
feedingnotl
ooki
ngatthebaby.

Gabi
:Thandi
wear
eyouokay?
Thandi
we:I
'
mfi
ne
Gabi
:Icamewi
thyourphonesoyoucancal
l
I
nami
'
sfat
her
Thandi
we:(
hereyesbr
ight
en)youdi
d?Wher
eisi
t?
Gabi
:(sear
chedherbag)somewher
ein.
..
..
.Ohher
e
i
tis

Thandiwegotupt
akingt
hephoneandhandi
ngover
thebabytoGabi
sil
e.

Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)l
ookwho'
sbei
ngagoodboy,so
qui
etandsweetasi
fyouwer
en'
tcr
yingawhil
eago

Thandi
wescrol
leddownhercont
act
sandgott
o
'
papaInami
'andcall
edhi
m.

Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)hel
lomamaSi
phi
we
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)hel
lobab'
waI
nami
Mpho:(
smi
led)howar
eyou?
Thandi
we:I
'
mfi
ne
Mpho:t
hankyou
Thandi
we:f
orwhat
?
Mpho:f
orbr
ingmeaheal
thybeaut
if
ulbabyboy
Thandi
we:(swal
lowed)i
ts.
..I
t'
snot
hing.Whenar
e
youcomingtoseeme?
Mpho:t
omor
row
Thandi
we:okay(
smi
led)pl
easecome
Mpho:(
smi
led)Iwi
llIpr
omi
se
Thandi
we:okay
Mpho:whatshoul
dIbr
ingyou
Thandi
we:not
hingIj
ustwantyouher
e
Mpho:okayIwi
llbet
her
ebutf
ornowIhavet
ogo
Thandi
we:okay
Mpho:t
akecar
eofyour
sel
f
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)Iwi
ll

Hehungupandshesatont
hebedsmi
li
ngl
ooki
ng
atherphone

Gabi
sil
e:Iwi
shIcoul
dst
ayl
ongerbutIneedt
oget
t
owor k
Thandi
we:youcanputi
tati
t'
sbed
Gabi
sil
e:what
?
Thandi
we:t
hebaby
Gabi
sil
e:(
looki
ngatThandi
we)whyar
eyoucal
li
ng
hi
mit?
Thandi
we:Di
dI?
Gabi
sil
e:youj
ustdi
d
Thandi
we:Ihaveal
otonmymi
ndIcoul
dn'
thear
myself
Gabi
sil
e:(
put
ti
nghi
m down)oh.
..Ishoul
dgo
Thandi
we:okay.Ummht
hankyouf
orcomi
ng
Gabi
sil
e:sur
enopr
obl
ems.We'
rebasi
cal
lysi
ster
s.
NowIhavetogo
Thandi
we:bye

Shewalkedoutfeel
ingsomet
hingwasof
fbut
brushedi
toffwalki
ngaway

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Atvar
sit
y

Nompil
osatatthel
ibr
aryst
udyingbooksabout
ent
repr
eneur
shipandBusaniwalkedi
nsit
ti
nginthe
opposi
tel
ooki
ngather.

Nompi
lo:(
whi
sper
ed)whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Hesai
dnot
hingj
ustst
arr
ingather

Nompil
o:(
conf
used)what
'sgoi
ngon?Whyar
eyou
l
ooki
ngatmeliket
hat?

Hesai dnot
hingjustst
arr
ingatherchewinghis
bubblegum.ItsentShi
ver
sdownherspi ne,she
packedupherbagandqui ckl
ygotupleavi
ng.On
herwayoutshebumpedi ntoSibahl
e

Sibahle:heyt
her
eyouar
e?Ar
eyouokay?Youl
ook
fr
ightened
Nompi
lo:I
'
m..
.I'
m(si
ghed)I
'
mfi
ne
Si
bahl
e:noyou'
renoti
sitt
hatguyagai
n?I
she
gi
vingyoupr
obl
ems?
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)Ineedt
ogetoutofher
e
Sibahl
e:noNompi l
o,thi
shast
ostop.He'
smaking
yourli
feali
vinghel
l,whati
shetoyou?Acrazyex?
Thebabybabydaddy?
Nompi
lo:i
t'
sal
ongst
ory
Sibahl
e:wel
lI'
m al
lear
s..
.Let
'sgosi
tundert
hat
shade
Nompi
lo:okay

Sibahl
etookherhandandt
heywentt
osi
tundert
he
shade.

Si
bahl
e:sowhat
'si
shi
sst
ory?
Nompi
lo:he'
sthesonofmybabydaddy
Si
bahl
e:(
shocked)what
?ThatguyImeanhe'
s.
..
Nompi
lo:yeahIhadanaf
fai
rwi
thhi
sfat
herand
nowhe'
sangr
yatmef
orcausi
ngpr
obl
emsi
nhi
s
par
ent
smarri
age
Si
bahl
e:wowt
hisi
sjustshocki
ng
Nompi
lo:I
'
m notpr
oudofwhatIdi
d.Thatmanused
me
Sibahl
e:yeahImeanit
'snotyourf
althecan'
tkeep
hispantszi
pped.Heshoul
dstopfight
inghi
s
father
sbattl
esandl
eaveyouinpeace
Nompil
o:(si
ghed)Idon'
twantdr
amaIthi
nki
twi
ll
bebestt
hatIst
ayindoor
sfr
om nowon
Si
bahle:t
il
lwhen?You'
resupposet
ohavef
unand
befr
eeherenotbecoopedupinyourr
oom
Nompi
lo:(
gotup)wellthi
sist
hepr
iceIhavet
opay
f
orwhatIdid.Ineedt
ogo
Sibahle:canwegohavel
unchatanear
by
restaurant
?
Nompi
lo:Idon'
thavemoney
Si
bahl
e:i
t'
sonme,
Ihat
eseei
ngyousad
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)okaywecango
Si
bahl
e:(
smi
li
ng)gr
eatmamaSi
bahl
e
Nompi
lo:(
laughi
ng)l
et'
sgoauntwaSi
bahl
e

Si
bahl
egotupsmi
li
ngandwal
kedawaywi
thher
.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtGabi
sil
e'
swor
k

Gabi
sil
etal
kedwi
thhercoll
eagueAprilbyt
he
phot
ocopyi
ngmachi
nedrinkingcof
fee.

Gabisi
le:I
'mtell
ingyousomethi
ngisof
f,she
doesn'twantt
obr eastf
eedandshecal
lsherbabyi
t
asifit
'sanobject
Apr
il
:maybeshe'
sover
whel
medbybei
ngamot
her
Gabi
sil
e:shehadachi
ldbef
ore.Hernamei
sInami
weli
vewithher
Apri
l:maybei
tpostwhatwhatt
hing.Depr
essi
on
af
tergivi
ngbi
rt
h
Gabi
sil
e:ohpl
easeshej
ustl
ovesat
tent
ion.
Apri
l:i
sitorever
ythi
ngshedoesiswrongnow
becauseyouhaveacr ushonherman
Gabi
sil
e:(
smi
led)mxm.
..
Apr
il
:seet
hatsmi
led
Gabi si
le:(walki
ngtoheroff
ice)buthaveyouseen
thatguy. ..Hi
sbody..
.Hisheight
..
.Thewayhet alks
andhi s( smil
ed)smil
e.Plushe'sneat
,he'
sjustthe
fullpackage
Apr
il
:(smi
led)f
ullpackager
ight
?
Gabi
sile:Ili
kethefactthatwe'reofthesamehei ght
whenI'm wear i
ngheelsandIcoul dtel
lhe'spacked
downt here.Thi
sguypr acti
callybr
oughther
ever
ythingshecr aved.Thelengthshegoesj ustto
makeherhappyar eincredi
ble.Wit
haguyl i
kethatI
wouldopenmyl egs180degr eesandt el
lhimI'm al
l
your
s
Apr
il
:(l
aughi
ng)st
opf
ant
asi
zingaboutThandi
we'
s
man
Gabisil
e:(
laughing)Ican'
thel
pmyself.Thatman
deservesagoodwomannott hatsel
fi
shpigthat
cal
lsherchilditasifi
t'
sanobject
.HowIwi sh
Apr
il
:nowt
hat
'scr
azyt
alk.Sheneedshel
p
Gabi
sil
e:herl
ivi
ngwi
thmei
senough
Apri
l:wel
lMphowil
lbevi
sit
ingr
egul
arl
ysoIdon'
t
t
hinkthatwoul
dbeaprobl
em
Gabi
sil
e:(smi
li
ng)wel
lnowthatyouputi
tthatway
andI
'l
lgivemyboythemotherl
yloveheneeds
Apr
il
:that
's.
.Good.Ineedt
ogett
owor
k
Gabi
sil
e:(
smi
li
ng)sur
e

Apri
lwal
kedoutwhi
leGabi
sil
esatdownsmi
li
ng
t
hinki
ng
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtThehospi
tal

Thedoctorper
for
medar egul
archeckupon
Thandi
weandwr otesomethi
ngdownonhercar
d

Dr:youandt
hebabyar
eperfect
lyf
ine.Youshoul
d
havebeendi
schar
gedal
ready
Thandi
we:canyoudi
schar
gemenow?
Dr
:yesIcan
Thandiwe:ummhdoctorIwantt
ostop
breast
feedi
ngandgi
vethebabyfor
mula
Dr:youcandothatt
her
e'snoprobl
em.Youhavet
o
feedthebabyi
neveryt
hreetof
ourhours
Thandi
we:(
sighed)okay
Dr
:al
ri
ghtl
etmegosi
gnyourdi
schar
gepaper
s
Thandi
we:okayI
'
llcal
laf
ami
lymembert
ocome
getme
Dr
:al
ri
ght
Shet
ookherphoneanddial
ledauntPaul
ine'
s
numberwhil
ethedoct
orwalkedoutandMpho
wal
kedin,
shesmiledhangi
ngup.

Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)hel
lo
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)hi

Hewalkedi
ncarr
yingapl
ast
icf
rom PEPandwent
overt
ohugher
.

Mpho:Icoul
dn'
twai
tfort
omor
row
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ngt
ear
ful
)I'
m gl
adyoudi
dn'
t
Mpho:(
wipi
ngawayhert
ear
s)no.
..Don'
tcr
ypl
ease
don'
tcr
y.What
'swr
ong?
Thandi
wesai
dnot
hingj
ustcr
ying.Hehuggedher

Mpho:don'
tcr
yI'
m her
e..
.Shh.
..
Thandi
we:(
cryi
ng)i
t'
shi
m..
..
it
'shi
m..
..
Mpho:(
conf
used)who?
Thandi
we:(
cryi
ng)t
hatman.
..hel
ooksj
ustl
ikehi
m
Mpho:(
swal
lowed)shh.
..I
t'
sokay
Thandi
we:noi
t'
snot
..
.Idon'
twanti
t
Mpho:(
rubbi
ngherback)cal
m down.
..Cal
m down
Thandi
we:I
'
m sor
ry.
..I
'
m sor
ry
Mpho:don'
tbe.
..We'
l
lgett
hrought
hist
oget
her

Shecont
inuedt
ocr
ywhi
leher
ubbedherback
ki
ssi
ngheront
hehead.

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#25
ATTHEDOCTOR'
SOFFI
CE

Mphoexplai
nedThandi
we'ssi
tuat
iont
othedoct
or
hopi
ngtogetanexpl
anati
onaboutwhatwas
happeni
ngtoher
.

Dr:al
thoughiti
sabittooear
lytotellshei
s
showingsignsofpost
-nat
aldepression
Mpho:(
conf
used)whati
sthat
?
Dr:i
t'
sdepr essi
onthatisexper
iencemost l
ybynew
mother'
s.occur saft
erchil
dbi
rt
h.Signscanbe
tr
oublesleeping,f
eeli
ngoverwhelmed,excessi
vel
y
cryi
ng,hopelessness,pani
catt
acksandsoon
Mpho:whatdowedo?
Dr:f
ornowwe'renotsur
eifshe'sj
ustover
whel
med
bywhatishappeni
ngconsi
deringherpast
experi
encesoIwi l
lsendherforatherapysession
thenyouwillhavetomonitorherathomeifshe
saysshefeelsempty,orshe'semoti
onlessorsad
alloft
heti
mef ormor et
han2weeksyouwi llneed
tocomeback
Mpho:okay,
I'
mreal
lywor
ri
edaboutherandmyson
Dr:t
hegoodt hi
ngisthatshehaschangedyourson
fr
om breast
feedtofor
mul asoyouwonthavetobe
worri
edaboutyoursonbeingunderfed.
Mpho:Idi
dn'
tknowshedi
dthat
Dr:
shewi
llneedf
ullsuppor
tfr
om youandher
famil
y
Mpho:(
sighed)okaydoct
or
Dr
:letmecal
lDrNgobesewhowi
llassi
sther
Mpho:okay

TheDoct
ort
ookt
hephoneandcal
ledDrNgobese.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtGabi
sil
e'
swor
k

Shewast ypi
ngsomeworkonherl
apt
opwhenshe
gotacal
l.Shetookt
hephoneandsmi
ledr
eal
isi
ng
i
twasMpho.

Gabi
:Bab'
waSi
phi
we
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)hi
Gabi
:(smi
li
ngspi
nni
ngar
oundi
nherchai
r)hi
Mpho:ummhcanwet
alk?
Gabi
:sur
e
Mpho:Inami
'smot
herhasbeendischar
ged,
we'
re
al
readyonourwaytoyourhouseand-
Gabi
:(r
emember
ed)oht
hekeys,
Iwi
lldr
iveover
andbr
ingt
hem t
oyou
Mpho:okayIhopeIwontbeget
ti
ngyoui
ntot
roubl
e
Gabi
:(smi
led)No.
..No.
..
.Noi
t'
sfi
ne,
Iwi
llbr
ing
t
hem
Mpho:okayt
hankyou.I
tmeansal
ott
ome
Gabi
:sur
eanyt
ime

Hehungupandgotupmakingherwayt
oher
bossesof
fi
ce.Themomentshewal
kedi
nherboss
l
ookedupandsmi l
ed

Hi
m:MsMadonsel
a
Gabi
:MrGcobo
Him:howmanyt
imesmustIt
ellyout
ocal
lme
Phil
ani
Gabi
:(smi
led)Phi
lani
Phi
lani
:(smi
led)t
her
ewego
Gabi:mysist
erhasbeendischar
gedf
rom t
he
hospit
alandalr
eadyonherwayhomesoIneedt
o
gohomeandgi veherthekey
Phil
ani
:youdi
dn'
thavet
oask.Gobutcomeback
soon
Gabi
:(smi
led)t
hankyouPhi
la
Phi
la:al
ri
ghtGabbygi
rl

Shewal
kedoutoft
heoffi
cewhil
ehest
arr
edather
but
tmaneuver
ingi
nherskir
t.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
het
axi

Mphohel
dthebabywhi
leThandiwewaslooki
ng
outt
hewi
ndowwatchi
ngtreespasdby.Hisphone
r
angandhesearchedfori
tinhi
spocket
sand
f
inal
lygothol
dofi
tansweri
ng

Mpho:hel
lo
Gogo:hel
loMpho
Mpho:gogo
Gogo:wher
ear
eyouwi
thmygr
andson
Mpho:we'
reonourwayt
oGabi
sil
e'
shouse
Gogo:ohgoodgoodgood.I
'
m comi
ngt
oseemy
l
it
tl
eboy
Mpho:(
smi
led)andhe'
ssocut
e
Gogo:ohmyGod,
I'
m comi
ngt
oseehi
m andhol
d
hi
m.Whereisi
smother
?
Mpho:she'
snextt
ome
Gogo:gi
vehert
hephone

MphoshookThandi
wewi
thhi
sel
bowandshe
t
urnest
ohi
m.

Mpho:gogowant
stot
alkt
oyou

Thandi
we:hel
logogo
Gogo:Thandimt
anami(
Thandimychi
ld)
Thandi
we:yebogogo(
yesgr
anny)
Gogo:whyar
eyougr
umpy?
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)I
'
m notgr
umpygogo
Gogo:(
smi
led)oh.Howar
eyou?
Thandi
we:I
'
m goodgogo.Howar
eyou?
Gogo:I
'
m good.Mphot
oldmet
hegoodnewdabout
t
henewf ami
lymember
Thandi
we:yebogogo
Gogo:t
hankyoumychi
ld,
I'
m gl
adyouandt
hebaby
ar
eokay
Thandi
we:yebogogo
Gogo:I
'
llbecomi
ngt
oseeyousoon
Thandi
we:wewi
llbewai
ti
ng
Gogo:okayt
akecar
eofyour
sel
f
Thandi
we:Iwi
llgogo
Gogo:byebye
Thandi
we:bye

ShehungupandgaveMphobackhi
sphone.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtVar
sit
y

Sandiwaswalki
ngtotheli
brar
ywhensomeone
whist
ledather
.Sheconti
nuedtowal
kawayti
llt
he
per
sonr
anaf
terherandf
inal
lycaughtupwi
thher
..
.

Hi
m:hey
Sandi
:(l
ookedathi
m andcar
ri
edonwal
king)hi
Hi
m:whydi
dn'
tyoust
opwhenIwascal
li
ngyou?
Sandi
:I.
..Idi
dn'
tthi
nkyouwer
ecal
li
ngme
Hi
m:(
smi
led)what
'syourname?
Sandi
:Sandi
siwe
Hi
m:I
'
m Sanel
iso,
wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Sandi
:I'
m goi
ngt
othel
ibr
ary
Sanel
iso:wellI
'vejustgotmyselfali
brar
ypar
tner
.
Let
'swalktheretogether.Youcoolwit
hit
Sandi
:ummhyeah
Sanel
iso:gr
eat

Theywal
kedt
othel
ibr
ary
Sanel
iso:whyi
sitmyf
ir
stt
imeseei
ngyouher
e?
Sandi
:I'
m newher
e
Sanel
iso:ohaf
resher
Sandi
:wel
lnotaf
resherf
resher
.It
'sbeenamont
h
Sanel
iso:(l
aughed)alr
ight
,sowhereel
sehaveyou
beenbesidesyourroom andthel
ibr
ary
Sandi
:whyar
eyouaski
ng?
Sanel
iso:becauseIwantt
ogi
veyouat
our
Sandi
:wellI
'
vebeent
oaf
ewpl
aces.
..ButIl
ove
bei
ngindoors
Sanel
iso:(
smi
led)comeon(l
aughed)youhavegot
tobekiddi
ngme.Youcan'
tbeindoor
shere
Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)why?
Sanel
iso:thi
sist
heonl
yti
meyou'
l
lbef
reef
rom
yourparents
Sandi
:andbewil
d,getpr
egnantandgobackhome
wit
hnodegree
Saneli
so:youcanhaveharmlessf
unlikechecki
ng
outaf ewplaces,
foodj
oint
s,Musi
cfesti
valsand
otherstuf
f
Sandi
:wi
thwhatmoney?
Sanel
iso:wel
lluckyyou,
you'
veear
nedaf
ri
endof
goodusetoyourside
Sandi
:not
hingi
sformahal
a
Sanel
iso:(
smil
ed)spendi
ngt
imewi
thabeaut
yli
ke
youisenough

Sandibl
ushed

Sanel
iso:(
smi
li
ngl
ooki
ngather
)andshebl
ushes
Sandi
:(smi
led)st
opi
t
Sanel
iso:(
laughed)okayokayl
et'
sgo
Theybot
hwal
kedt
othel
ibr
arysmi
li
ngateach
other

*
***
***
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**
AtGabi
sil
e'
shouse

Gabisi
lewalkedint
othebaby'sroom andf ound
Mphol ooki
ngatbabySiphiwesleeping.Shestood
nexttohimjoini
nghimlookingathiscuteness.

Gabi
:he'
sador
abl
eisn'
the?
Mpho:(
touchedhi
scheeks)yeah.
..Sopeacef
ul
Gabi
:yeah.
..Butwhat
'seat
ingyou?

Hel
ookedather
,thatwaspr
obabl
ythef
ir
stt
imehe
hasbeenaskedthatquest
ionbyanyoneshowi
ng
greatconcer
n.

Gabi
:youcant
alkt
ome
Mpho:(si
ghed)I'
mjustworri
edabouthismother
..
.
She'sj
ustgoingt
hrougharoughpatch.She'
sgoi
ng
toneedallt
hesupportshecangett
omakei t
thr
ough
Gabi:Iknow.
..InoticedwhenIwentt othehospi
tal
tocheckonher .Icouldseeshe'snotokay,
she
seemedabi tdistantfrom Phi
we

Mphosi
ghedsmi
li
ng

Gabi
:(smi
led)whyar
eyousmi
li
ng?
Mpho:(
smi
led)heal
readyhasani
ckname
Gabi
:(l
aughed)I
'
m sor
ry.
..I
..
.Ifyoudon'
tli
kei
twe.
..
Mpho:(
laughed)no.
..Il
ovei
t.I
t'
sbeaut
if
ul
Gabi
:(si
ghedsmi
li
ng)okay

Theybot
hsi
ghedl
ooki
ngatbabyPhi
we.

Gabi
:he'
ssol
uckyt
ohaveadadl
ikeyou
Mpho:(
laughed)Ihaven'
tevenst
art
ed
Gabi
:shhh.
..
Mpho:sor
ry
Gabi:butI
'veseenyouwithInami.You'
rea
remarkabl
emanbesi deswhathappensbetween
youandhermom youst il
ltakegoodcareoft
hem.I
wouldkil
ltohaveamanl i
keyouasmyhusband
Mpho:(l
aughedawkwardly)yeah.
..Butyouwil
lal
so
beagreatmother
.Inamican'tst
oppraisi
ngyou
Gabi
:(smil
ed)ki
dsar
emyweakness.Iwi
llt
akecar
e
ofhi
m, Ipr
omise
Mpho:(
smi
led)t
hankyout
hatwoul
dmeanal
ott
o
me
Gabi
:(smi
led)i
t'
sokay.Ineedt
ogetbackt
owor
k
Mpho:ummhgogowil
lbecomingher
etoseeher
andt
hebabysoIhopeyoudon'
tmind
Gabi
:it
'sokaywe'
ref
ami
ly
Mpho:okay
Gabi
:(bl
ewki
ssesatt
hebaby)byePhi
we

Mphosmi
ledwhi
leshehur
ri
edout

*
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**
AtMcDonal
d's

Sandisatdownwhil
eSanel
isocamebackwi
tht
hei
r
orderandsatdown
Sanel
iso:t
her
ewego
Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)somuchf
ood.I
tmustbeexpensi
ve
Sanel
iso:(
laughi
ng)i
t'
snot
.Lookatt
hepr
ices
Sandi
:(shocked)wowi
t'
scheap
Sanel
iso:oookaycl
oseyourmout
hbef
oret
heysee
you'
refarm Jul
ia
Sandi
:mxm I
'
m notf
rom af
arm
Sanel
iso:(
playedwi
thherchi
n)I
'
mjoki
ngchi
ll
hhaw
Sandi
:(smi
led)okay.Sot
ellmemor
eabout
your
self
Sanel
iso:ohwher
edoIevenbegi
n?
Sandi
:fr
om t
hest
art
Saneli
so:I'
m Sanel
isoNgwenyaf
rom Jor
bugand
I
'm heretogetmydegr eei
nIT
Sandi
:wowt
hat
'sgr
eat
.I'
m si
tt
ingwi
thaner
d
Sanel
iso:(
laughi
ng)I
'
m notaner
d
Sandi
:(l
aughed)yesyouar
e
Sanel
iso:sohowaboutyou?
Sandi
:I'
m doi
nganadmi
nist
rat
ioncour
se.Iwant
ed
todosomethi
ngel
sebutmymat hswaspoor
Sanel
iso:t
hatsucks
Sandi
:Iknowbutei
therwayI
'
m movi
ngf
orwar
d
Sanel
iso:t
hat
'ssomet
hingt
olookf
orwar
dto

Sandismi
ledandt
heycar
ri
edoneat
ing.

*
***
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***
**
AtGabi
sil
e'
shome

Mphocar
ri
edPhi
wewhowascr
yingouthi
slungs
t
otheki
tchentaki
ngouthisbot
tl
ef r
om t
hewat
er
t
hatwascooli
ngitdown.Hefel
titandi
twasali
tt
le
war
m,hesuckeditanditwasokay

Mpho:daddydoesn'
tknowhowt
odot
hisboy.

Heputitinhismout handhequiet
lysuckedi
t.
Mphosmi ledfeel
ingasifhehadsavedtheworl
d
fr
om tsunami.Gogowal kedi
nandgreetedhi
m.
Surpr
isedtoseethebabybeingbottl
efed

Gogo:hhawwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Mpho:(
smi
led)f
eedi
ng
Gogo:wher
e'sThandi
we?Sheshoul
dbe
br
eastf
eedi
ng
Mpho:ummhThandiweisnoti
nther
ightplacet
o
br
eastf
eed.She'
sover
whel
medbyeverythi
ngsothe
doct
orsuggestedwedon'tbehar
donherbutgi
ve
hert
imetodigestever
ythi
ng
Gogo:Idon'
tunder
standMpho
Mpho:shedoesn'
twantt
hisbaby,
shesayshe
r
emindsherofhim
Gogo:(
cover
edhermout
hshocked)what
?
Mpho:(si
ghed)Idon' tknowwhatt odo.Ihope
thi
ngschangef orthebet t
erandforthattohappenI
needyourf ul
lsupport.Ispoketoherdoctorand
shewentf orcounsell
ingbeforecomingher eand
shehasn'tsaidanythingtomeeversi nce.Shejust
wentstr
aighttobed
Gogo:(
sighed)dearLor
dpl
easei
nter
vene.Letme
hel
pyou

Shegentl
ytookt
hebabyf
rom hi
m andcont
inuedto
feedhi
m whil
eMphowenttocheckuponThandiwe.
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#26

AtSanel
iso'
sroom
Sandiwal
kedi
nandl
ookedar
oundf
orachai
rbut
ther
ewasnone.

Sanel
iso:i
sther
esomet
hingwr
ong?
Sandi
:ummht
her
e'snochai
rformet
osi
t
Sanel
iso:(
smi
led)si
tont
hebed
Sandi
:ont
hebed?
Sanel
iso:Imeani
fyoudon'
twantt
ost
ayyoucan
go
Sandi
:(si
tt
ingont
hebed)noummhi
t'
sokay
Sanel
iso:(
smil
ed)l
etmegetmyl
apt
opsowecan
watchthemovie

Hegothi
slapt
opandputi
tont
hebed
Sanel
iso:ummht
akeof
fyourcl
othessoyoucanbe
comfort
able
Sandi
:ohokay

Sheleaneddownt oloosenhershoelacesbuthe
wentdownbef or
eheranddi di
thimself,
Sandi
l
ookeddownathi m ast hi
swast hefi
rstti
meany
guyhaddonet hi
s,yetaloneshowi nt
eresti
nher.He
rubbedhernotsoper f
ectfeetl
ookingather

Sanel
iso:you'
resobeaut
if
ul
Sandi
:(smi
ledshyl
y)you'
rel
ying
Saneli
so:(ki
ssedherfeet
)it
'st
rue.
..Ineverl
ie.
..
.
There'
sjustsomethi
ngaboutyou..
..

Heslowlygotupandleanedoverpressi
ngt
heir
f
oreheadstoget
herwhil
eSandilookedathi
m wit
h
hi
seyesclosed..
.hi
sli
psgotcl
oset
oher
'sshef
roze
astheyi
nter
locked

Sandi
:Idon'
tknowhowt
oki
ss
Sanel
iso:t
her
e'saf
ir
sttimef
orever
ythi
ng.
..Just
cl
oseyoureyesandfol
lowmylead

Shecl
osedhereyesandsharedakisswit
hhimit
wasanunexpl
ainabl
eexper
ience.Heki
ssedher
goi
ngdowntoherneckshefrozeoncemor e

Sandi
:Idon'
tthi
nkthi
sisagoodi
dea.
..Wedon'
t
evenknoweachothert
hatwel
l
Saneli
so:butIknowwhatI
'mfeel
ing.
..AndIcant
ell
youfeeli
ttoo..
..
Iwantmor
ethanfri
endshi
pwecan
tr
y
Sandi
:wehavet
owai
t.
..Thi
sist
oosoon
Sanel
iso:whywai
tforsomet
hingwe'
l
levent
ual
lydo
Sandi
:I.
..

Hekissedherpushi
ngherdownont
hebedand
#seal
ed

*
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***
***
*

Thr
eeweeksl
ater
..
.

Shewaswakenbyherr ingingphone,
sheslowlygot
uplookingattheunfamil
iarnumberonherscreen
havingsecondthoughtsabouttaki
ngitbut
eventuall
yanswered

Thandi
we:hel
lo
Voi
ce:(
huskydeepvoi
ce)hi
Hi
shuskydeepvoi
cef
ri
ght
enedhersheknewi
t.
..
.

Thandi
we:(
swal
lowed)who.
..
who'
sthi
s?
Voi
ce:Ij
usthear
dthegr
eat
estnewsever
.Ihavea
son

Hereyeswi
denedi
nshockandshef
roze.Vusi
l
aughed

Vusi:see..
.Youcannevergetr
idofme,Il
ivein
Inami andnowMyson.Iwi l
lal
waysbeapar tof
you,youcannevergetri
dofme( l
aughed)youwill
alwaysbemi -

Shehungupdr oppingherphoneont hefl

oorand
gotupinpanicmodebr eat
hingheavil
ywalki
ng
aroundtheroom whil
ehisvoiceencoredi
nher
head.Herphonerangagainandshest ompedit
screami
ngcover
ingherear
sandstoppedand
squeezeher
sel
fint
oacornerwhi
speri
ngtohersel
f.

Thandi
we:( t
earful)Ihat
eyou..
..Ihate
you.
..
please.
...
leavemeal one.
...Ihat
eyou.
..
.

Thebabycriedfr
om theot
herroom anditi
rr
itat
ed
her.Shegotupfrom t
hecornerandbangedthewall
angril
yscr
eaming..
..

Thandi
we:STOPI
T!STOP!

Thebabydi
dn'
tst
opcr
yingi
tmadeherevenwor
se.
Itdr
ovehert ot
heedge,shewant
editst
op.She
angri
lywalkedoutandwenttohi
sroom bangi
ng
thedoor.

Thandi
we:qui
et.
..
.QUI
ET!

ShebangedthedoorhardwhileI
namilookedather
fr
om adist
ancefri
ght
enedofhermother'
ssudden
i
nsanestat
e.Shewasbangingthedoorhardandit
scar
edInami,shescr
eamedfrom adi
stancecryi
ng

I
nami:(
scr
eami
ng)Mama!
..
..Mamayou'
rescar
ing
me!
Butital
lwentint
ovein,hermothercouldn'thear
anythi
ngatall
,al
lshecouldhearwast hei rri
tat
ing
cri
esandVusi'
sawf ull
augh.Sheburstt hrough
babySiphi
we'sroom andstoodbeforehi sbaby
cri
bandhekeptquiet.Shelookedathim cr yi
ng

Thandi
we:(
cryi
ng)I
'
m sor
ry.
..
.I'
m sor
ry.

Shetooktheli
tt
lepi
ll
owathi sf
eetandputitonhi
s
facewhil
ehecriedki
ckingandpushingheroffwi
th
hisli
tt
lepower
lesshands..
..

Meanwhi
le.
..
..
..
Gabiwalkedhomet
alki
ngt
ohermot
herovert
he
phone.

Gabi
:I'
m al
readyatt
hegatema.Iwentt
ogetmy
babymil
k,I
'm sur
ehe'supal
ready
AuntPaul
ine:(
laughed)I
'
m comi
ngoverIcan'
tget
enoughofhim
Gabi
:(l
aughed)Iwi
shhewasmi
nema

Shehear dInami'
sscream anddroppedeveryt
hing
rushinginsidethehouse.Sheranintotherooms
shef oundInamicr yi
ngpulli
nghermotherbackby
herdr ess.Gabiwalkedinandfoundhertryi
ngto
suffocatebabysiphiwe.
Gabi
:(scr
eamedpushingThandi
weof
f)you'
l
lki
ll
t
hebabyst opi
t!
!THANDIWESTOPIT!

Gabipushedherof fwit
hmor eforceandshef el
lon
topof fofInami.Shescreamedcryingpulli
ng
herselfawayf r
om hermot her
'sheavyweight.Gabi
quicklytookthebabyandt ookInami'
shand
runningoutandget ti
nghercarkeysonherwayout .
Sheunl ockedhercarandI namigotinandshe
fol
lowed.

Gabi
:(wor
ri
edl
ooki
ngatI
nami
)ar
eyouokaybaby?

Inami shookherheadnocryi
ng,Gabinoti
cedbaby
Siphiwewasqui ett
hewholeti
me.Shepani cked
checkinghim up,hewasbreat
hing..
.Butwhyl i
ke
this.
..
.Hewasweakt ocr
yandst r
uggli
ngtoopen
hiseyes
Gabi
:(cr
ying)pleasedon'
tdi
ebaby.
..
.Cr
yingGod
hel
phim please

I
nami
cri
edseei
ngherauntcr
y

Gabi:(
wi pi
ngawayhertear
s)i
twi
llbeokay
baby..
.don'
tcr
y..
.Don'
tcry

ShebuckledupthebabyandI
nami'
sseatand
rever
sedoutal
mostcrashi
nghermother
'scarwho
stoppedby.

AuntPaul
ine:(
wor
ri
ed)Gabi
sil
ewhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Gabi:(
tear
ful
)Thandi
weisacti
ngcrazy.
..Cal
lthe
pol
iceIneedtogotothehospi
tal

Shedr
oveouti
nar
usht
othehospi
tal
.

*
***
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***
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***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMpho'
shome

Gogowaspackingsomeofhercl
eancl
othesi
nher
bagwhenNalediwalkedi
n.

Nal
edi
:aahgogoyou'
rel
eavi
ngagai
n?
Gogo:yesThandi
weandt
hebabyneedme
Naledi
:luckyherIr
ememberwhenIhadmyki
ds
wit
hnoonet ohel
pme
Gogo:don'tevent
hinkaboutblami
ngme, you
stoppedcominghomeaf t
eryourfi
rstbor
n,even
saidyourri
chhusbandhiredsomeonetohelpyou
Nal
edi
:Idi
dn'
twantt
obeabur
dent
oyou
Gogo:f
ami
lycanneverbeabur
dent
osomeone

Thewassi
lencewhi
legogopacked

Nal
edi
:we'
reoutofbr
ead
Gogo:(
tookoutherwal
let
)her
e'sR20
Nal
edi
:(t
ooki
t)t
hankyou
Gogo:andcookfort
hekids.I
t'
snothealt
hyf or
them t
obeeati
ngbreaddayinanddayout .Ican'
t
comeheretocookfort
hem whileyou'
rehere
Nal
edi
:(l
ooki
ngdown)Iwi
llcookf
ort
hem

Ther
ewasamomentofsi
lence
Nal
edi
:gogocanIpl
easehaveR700Tshepomust
got
oaschooltr
ip
Gogo:(
lookedather
)hhaybot
hat
'sal
otofmoney
Nal
edi
:IknowgogobutIwi
ll
payi
tback
Gogo:wi
thwhatmoney?Youneedtotakethese
ki
dstomaintenancecour
tsot
hei
rfat
hercan
pr
ovidef
orthem
Nal
edi
:Idon'
twantt
obotherhi
m gogo.Iwantto
moveonwithmyli
feandshowhim Idon'
tneedhim
Gogo:wel lyoudoneedhi m andthesearehiskids.
Hehast odot herightthi
ngbecausehiskidsar e
expensi ve.Notsol ongIhadtobuyanexpensi ve
calcul
at orforTshepoandhel pMphobuyt hem
unifor
msf orthenewschoolnott omentionthe
groceriesandt hi
si staki
ngstrai
nonMpho.He' s
sti
llpayinghi sdebtandhasababyt ot
akecareof
evenont hatI'mt hankful
lthatgi
rlGabi
sil
eisdoing
everythingf orSiphiweasi fhe'
sherown.Youneed
togetaj obsoyoucanhel pout
Nal
edi
:ther
ear
enoj
obsar
oundher
egogo
Gogo:Iwi
llt
alkt
omaDl
ami
nimaybet
heyneeda
maid
Nal
edi
:(f
rownedl
ooki
ngatgogo)amai
dgogo?
Gogo:whatcanyoudo?Youdon'
tevenhavepaper
s
t
hatshowyouareeducated
Nal
edi
:(sul
king)butbei
ngamai
dgogo
Gogo:youhavekidst
ofeedputt
hati
nyourmi
nd
andforgett
herest

Nal
edisi
ghedandwal
kedoutofgogo'
sroom.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Att
hehospi
tal

Gabi
sil
est
oodoutsi
dewhil
ethedoct
orshel
pedher
ki
ds.Shet
ookherphoneandcal
ledMpho
Mpho:hel
lo
Gabi
:hi(
tear
ful
)ummhI
'
m att
hehospi
tal
Mpho:what
?What
'swr
ong?
Gabi:(
tearf
ul)Thandi
wewasact i
ngcrazywanti
ng
tokil
lSiphi
we,Ifoundhersuf
focati
nghim wi
tha
pil
lowitwasjustscary
Mpho:(
shookhi
sheadi
ndi
sbel
ief
)what
?

Gabi
sil
esawt hedoct
orcomi
ngwi t
hInamiwhohad
herl
eftar
m bandagedandwal
kingincrunches

Gabi
:(wi
pedhert
ear
s)Ihavet
ogot
hedoct
ori
s
comi
ng
Mpho:okayupdat
emepl
ease

Shehungupandwal
kedt
othedoct
or.
Dr
:ar
eyouI
nami
'
smot
her
?
Gabi
:I'
m heraunthermot
her
'snother
e
Dr:wel
lInamiisper
fect
lyf
ine,shedi
dn'
tsust
ain
seri
ousinj
uri
essheonlysprai
nedherankl
enothi
ng
hasbeenbroken
Gabi
:thankyoudoct
orandhow'
sthebaby?
Dr:he'sal
sodoi nggoodwasabi tweakbuthe'sf
ine
nowwe' veputhi m undermechanicalvent
il
ati
ont
o
helphim wit
hoxygen.Heshoul dbef inebutI'
m
keepinghim overnightt
ocheckforbr ai
ndamage
Gabi
:(si
ghed)okay.
..canIseehi
m?
Dr
:yesyoucan

Shewal
kedinandwenttolookatbabySiphiwe
l
ayi
ngontheli
tt
lehospit
albedwit
honshecouldn'
t
hel
pher
sel
fbuttocrythepainshefel
twastoo
much
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)I'
m sor
rybaby.
..I
'
m sor
ry.
..

TheDoct
orwal
kedi
nandshewi
pedawayhert
ear
s
l
ooki
ngathi
m.

Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)sowhencanIt
akehi
m home?
Dr:Iam keepi
nghim over
nighthopef
ult
omor
row
youcancomet akeyourbabyhome
Gabi
:(smi
led)t
hat
'sgoodnews.
..CanIst
ayabi
t
l
onger?
Dr:yesyoucanbutr
ememberyourni
eceal
so
needsyou
Gabi
:Iknow.
..Ishoul
dgo.Sheneedsmemor
e
Dr
:whathappenedi
fImayask?
Gabi:I.
..It
hink.
..
.Inaminot i
cedsomethi
ngwas
wrongwi ththeSiphiweand...
.Andtr
iedtogethi
m
hel
pt hat'
swhenshef el
l.
..Iwasonl
youttogethim
mil
k
Dr:Isee.
..Wellyoushoul
dbecar
efulandnotl
eave
t
heki dsalonefort
oolong.
Gabi
:yesIknowbet
ternow
Dr
:okayl
etmegoat
tendt
oot
herpat
ient
s
Gabi
:okayIneedt
ogetmygi
rlhome

Shekissedhisfor
eheadandwalkedoutwi
tht
he
doctor
.ShewenttoI namiwhowassit
ti
ngonthe
benchlooki
ngatherbandagedfoot
.Gabiwal
kedto
herandkneeledbeforehert
aki
ngherhand

Gabi
:heybaby,
howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
I
nami
:good
Gabi
:whathappenedscar
edyour
ight
?

I
nami
noddedyes

Gabi
:youmustunder
standt
hatmamai
ssi
ckt
hat
's
whyshedi
dthat.

Inamil
ookedatherauntnotbel
ievi
ngwhatshewas
sayi
ng.

Gabi :yourmom lovesyouandshedi dn'tmeanto

hurtyouoryourbr other.Shejusthasn'tbeen
feeli
ngwel lbutshewillgetbett
erandever yt
hing
willgetbacktonor malokay
I
nami
:okay
Gabi:sount
ilsheget
sbett
eryouhaveme,
noone
wil
ltakeyoutoli
vewit
hthatevi
llady
I
nami
:(smi
ledhuggi
ngher
)okay
Gabi:(smiled)andI
'm proudofwhatyoudi
dback
ther
epr otecti
ngyourbrotherl
iket
hat
.That
'swhat
bigsister
sdo
I
nami
:(smi
led)It
ri
ed.
..
whenwi
llmom getbet
ter
?
Gabi
:Idon'
tknowbutshewi
l
lust
osuppor
therand
notj
udgeher
I
nami
:okay
Gabi:(smi
led)l
et'
sgohomesoIcancookyoua
nicehotmealandthenwatchourf
avour
it
ecar
toon
ti
llgogoandyourfat
herar
rive
I
nami
:(smi
led)okay

Shegotupandwai
tedf
orherandt
heywal
kedout
tohercar

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Lat
ert
hatday
GogoandMphoarri
vedatGabi'
shomeandshet
old
t
hem ever
ythi
ngt
hathashappened

Mpho:sowher
eisshe?
Gabi:Idon'
tknowI'vebeentr
yingtocal
lmymom
aboutherwhereaboutsbutherphoneisof
f
Mpho:howcanyout
ellhert
ocal
lthepol
ice
Gabi
sil
e?
Gogo:ohpl
easewhatwasshesupposet
odoMpho
Mpho:( angry)anyt
hingbutnotcal
lthepolicenow
theywillthi
nkshe'scrazyandunfi
ttobeamot her
.
Theymi ghttakeawayI namiandSiphi
we, doyou
haveanyi deaofhowt hiswil
laf
fecther.She'
s
depressedsheneedst obehandledwi t
hcar e
Gabi:(
tear
ful
)Iwasscar
edokay,
Ihadnot
imet
o
t
hink,shewantedt
okil
lmybaby
Mpho:(
shout
ed)he'
snotyourbaby!
Gogo:(
lookedatMphoshocked)hhayboMpho
t
akethatback
Gabi:(
wipedhertear
s)i
t'
sokaygogo(sighed)he'
s
ri
ghthe'snotmybaby.Letmetr
ytocalldadmaybe
heknowwher esheis

Shegotupandwal
kedt
oherr
oom whi
legogowas
l
eftbehi
ndwit
hMpho

Gogo:wast hatnecessaryMpho?Sayi
ngthattoa
womant hatispracti
call
ymother
ingyourson.She
di
dwhatanyonewoul ddoseeingsomeonetryi
ngto
ki
llababy
Mpho:sheknowsThandi
wehasn'tbeenherself
si
nceshegotbackfr
om thehospi
tal
.She'
shas
beenthr
oughsomuchtrauma..
.Ineedtogot othe
poli
cest
ati
ontoknowwhereshe'sbei
ngkept...
Gabisi
lewal
kedoutofherr
oom andt
heyal
llooked
ather
.

Mpho:and?
Gabi
:Ical
ledherandshe'
sal
readyonherwayh-

Theysawt
hecarl
ight
s

Gabi
:she'
sher
e

Theygotupandwal
kedoutt
omeetwit
hher.She
camegreet
ingt
hem andwal
kedi
nwit
hthem.
Gabi
:mom I
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyout
hewhol
eday
wher
ewereyou?
Mpho:wher
e'sThandi
we?
Gogo:canweal
ljustsi
tdownandl
etherspeak

Theyal
lsatdown

AuntPauline:thankyougogo.Af t
erMychildl
eftI
foundThandi wecryingherewantingtocommit
suici
defeeli
nggui l
tyaboutshedid.I'
veseenmy
fri
endsdaught ergothroughthi
ssoImanagedt o
tal
kt oherandt ookhertoaPsychi at
ri
chospi
tal
.So
she'singoodhands

Ever
yonesi
ghedi
nrel
ief
Mpho:thankyouaunt
yIt
houghtyoucal
ledt
he
pol
ice
AuntPaul
ine:(
smi
led)don'
tbesi
ll
y.how'
sthebaby
andInami
?
Mpho:(
smi
led)t
heyaref
ine.Inamii
sknockedoff
byt
hemedswhilePhi
wewi l
lberel
easedtomorr
ow
AuntPaul
ine:(
smi
led)t
hat
'sgoodnews
Gabi:UmmhIdon'tmeantoberudebutIhadalong
daysoIneedtogetsomesleep.Ther
e'sf
oodl
eft
forever
yonei
fyou'r
ehungr
y
Gogo:bef
oreyougoIwouldliket
ot hankyouallf
or
whatyoudidtoday,
taki
ngcareofthekidsand
hel
pingThandiwebyunder
standi
ngt hesit
uat
ion.
MayGodbl essyou
Mpho:yesThankyou
Gabinoddedt
henwal
kedt
oherr
oom.Hermot
her
l
ookedathergo

Mpho:thankyouagai
nmaf ornotcal
li
ngt
hepol
ice.
Ifear
edtheworstwhenGabisi
let
oldmeshet
old
youtocallt
hepoli
ce
AuntPauli
ne:shewasfri
ght
enedandal
lthatwas
onhermindwast ogetSi
phi
weandInamitothe
hospi
tal
Mpho:(
swal
lowed)Iunder
standbutt
hankyou
Gogo:(
smil
ed)thankyou.Thandi
wei
sluckyt
ohave
youonhercor
ner
AuntPaul
ine:everyt
hingisokaynoneedtothank
mewe'ref
ami ly.
..
ummhIshoul dgethomebefor
e
myhusbandget swor r
ied.LetmecheckonGabi
bef
oreIgo
Mpho:andpleasegivemethenumber
softhe
Psychi
atr
ichospi
talwher
eThandi
weisbei
ngkept
AuntPaul
ine:okayl
etmet
akeoutmyphone.
..
I
havetwo.Oneoft
hehospi
talandoneoft
he
doct
orswho'smyfri
end
Mpho:(
smi
led)okay

Shet ookoutherphoneandgavehimthenumbers
whileGogoexcusedher sel
fandwentt
ocheckon
I
nami .AuntPauli
nethenwenttoGabi'
sroom and
foundt het
hedoorlocked

AuntPaul
ine:baby.
..
.Babyi
t'
smemom opent
he
door

Sheputherheadonthedoort
ohearwhatwas
happeni
nginsi
deandshecoul
dhearher
echil
d
sobbi
ng.
AuntPaul
ine:(
sadly)babydon'
tbl
ameyour
selff
or
whathappened.
..Phiweissame,I
namii
ssafeand
t
heirmom issafe

Shehercont
inui
ngtocryanddeci
dedtol
etherbe.
Shewalkedbackandsai
dhergoodbyest
henwent
hometoherhusband

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#27

AtAuntPaul
ine'
shome

Sheputonherbodyl
oti
onandjoinedherhusband
whowasreadingabookinbed.

Pauli
ne:youknowI'mr eal
lyworriedaboutour
daughter
.Befor
eIleftshelockedherselfi
nher
room andwouldn'
tletmeinatt hatti
meIcouldhear
shewascr yi
ng
Madonsel
a:t
hiswhol
ethi
ngwasnewt
oher
,
wi
tnessi
ngsomeonet
ryi
ngt
oki
llababy
Pauli
ne:Iknowandshehasbondedwit
hthatbaby.
Loveshim asi
fheisherowni
tworri
esme
Madonsel
a:Iknow,
I'
m al
sowor
ri
ed
Paul
ine:It
oldhernott
obl
ameher
sel
f
Madonsel a:Ihopethat
'stheonlyi
ssuebecauseI
don'tmydaught ertogethurtwhil
etheyar
ebusy
rebuil
dingtheirl
ivesi
nherhome
Paul
ine:Iknow.I
'
llt
alkt
oherwhenshe'
scal
m
tomorr
ow
Madonsel
a:(
fol
dedt
hepagehewasr
eadi
ng)
pl
easedo

Heputhisbookontopoft
heheaddr
awerandt
hey
ki
ssedgoodnight

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Thenextday

InthemorningGabisi
lewokeupandwal kedoutof
herroom andstoodinfr
ontofInami'
sroom
thi
nkingwhetherornotsheshouldknock.She
decidedt
oknock

Gabi
:Inamiwakeupi
t'
sti
met
ogetr
eadyf
orschool
.

Shesmi
ledknowi
ngver
ywel
lInamiwoul
dn'
tgetup
andwal
kedin.

Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)wakeupbabes
Shesl owlygotupandGabiwal kedoverl i
ft
ingher
upwhi leshesleptonhershoul der.Shewentt othe
bathroom andhel pedherbat ht henbandagedher
arm andlegbef orehel pingherputonheruni form.
Shet henmadeherbr eakfastandwentt otakea
showermoment slatershewal kedoutalldressed
upf orworkandj oinedI namif orbreakfast.

Gabi
:howi
syourbr
eakf
ast
?
I
nami:(
smi
led)goodyou'
ret
hebestcookeraf
termy
mom
Gabi
:(l
aughed)shesur
ecancookr
ight
?
I
nami:yes.Ihopeshecancookf
orusonceshe
f
eel
sbet t
er
Gabi:shewil
l.
..Todaywe'r
egoi
ngtogetyourbaby
brot
herfrom t
hehospit
al.Howdoyoufeelabout
that
I
nami
:(smi
led)I
'
m happy
Gabi
:(smi
led)I
'
m happyt
oo

Gogowalkedofherroom andcamet ogreett

hem.
Gabit
hensentherInamitogetherschoolbagin
herr
oom whil
eshemadeherl unchbox.

Gogo:i
t'
sgoodt
oseeyousmi
le
Gabi:(
smil
ed)ther
e'snot
hingt
obesadaboutgogo.
Thandiweisinasafepl
aceandhersonwi
llbe
di
schargedtoday
Gogo:Iknowdear.
..AboutwhatMphosai dlast
ni
ght.Hewasfrust
ratedandstressedabout
Thandi
we.Youknowwheni tcomestoher..
.
Gabi:youdon'thavet
oexplai
nanythi
nggogo.I
understand,
Ihavenorightt
ocal
lthei
rsonmybaby.
Gogo:butst
il
lMphohadnor
ightt
otal
ktoyout
he
wayhe-
Gabi
:(smi
led)gogodon'
twor
ryI
'
mfi
ne
Gogo:(
smil
ed)okaymychild.SoaboutPhi
webei
ng
di
schar
gedwhowi l
lgethi
m?
Gabi:hisfat
hercan.He'
sinhisson'
sbir
th
cert
ifi
catesoheshouldtakehisI
Dforconfi
rmat
ion
that
'sall
Gogo:okayt
hankyoumychi
ld

InamicamebackandGabiputherl
unchboxi
nher
backpackandt
heywavedgogogoodbyeand
walkedout

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Atvar
sit
y

SandisawSanel
isowal
kingoutoft
hel
ibr
arywi
tha
gi
rlandr
ushedovert
othem.

Sandi
:hey
Sanel
iso:(
lookedar
ound)ummhhi
..
.

Thegi
rlhewashol
dinghandswi
thl
ookedather

Her
:hi
Sandi
:ummhIhaven'
thear
dfr
om yousi
ncet
hat
day

Thegi
rll
ookedatSanel
isof
oranswer
s

Sanel
iso:me?
Sandi
:(conf
used)yesyou
Sanel
iso:youmustbeconf
usi
ngmewi
thsomeone
el
se.Idon'
tknowwhoyouar
e
Sandi
:I.
..
Sanel
iso:pleaseexcuseme, meandmygi
rl
fr
iend
haveclassestoattend.Let
'sgobabe

Hewal
kedawaywithhi
sgi
rl
fr
iendwhi
leSandi
st
oodt
hereswal
lowi
ngapai
nfull
ump.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtGabi
'
swor
k

Gabispoket
ohermot
herovert
hephone

Gabi
:mom I
'
mfi
ne
Her
:youwer
ecr
yingl
astni
ght
Gabi
:IwasshakenbywhathappenedbutnowI
'
m
fi
ne
Her
:ist
hatal
l?
Gabi
:yesmat
hat
'sal
l.I
'
mfi
ne
Her
:ifyousaysot
henIbel
ieveyou
Gabi
:(watchedApr
ilwal
kingi
n)Ineedt
ogetback
t
owor know.Loveyou
Her
:loveyout
oo

ShehungupandlookedatApr
ilwhocameandsat
downcar
ryi
ngafi
le.

Gabi
:what
'
swr
ong?
Apr
il
:(gi
vingGabit
hef
il
e)Ishoul
dbeaski
ngyou
t
hat
Gabi:(
lookedati
t)i
t'
sthefi
nancef
il
e..
.ohIwas
supposetogivei
ttoPhil
ani
Apr
il
:babesar
eyouokay?
Gabi
:(sighed)Thandi
wet
ri
edt
oki
llherbaby
yest
erdayluc-
Apr
il
:(shocked)what
?
Gabi
:lucki
lyIgothomequi
ckl
yandmanagedt
o
t
akethekidstosafet
y.
Apr
il
:andher
?
Gabi:mom gotheradmitt
edtoaPsychiat
ri
c
hospit
al..
.Youwontbeli
evehowMphogotangr y
whenIt ol
dhim Iaskedmom tocal
lthepol
iceand
thatIcall
edSiphi
wemybaby.Hegotangr yand
shoutedatme
Apr
il
:I'
m sosor
ryf
ri
end
Gabi:hereal
lyhur
tmyf eel
ings.Ical
lhim mybaby
becauseIhavegrownsocl osetohim.Ilovehi
m as
i
fhei smysonbuti ft
hati sgoingtostar
tprobl
ems
I'
m goingtokeepmydi stance
Apr
il
:butwoul
dn'
tthatbedest
royi
ngyourpl
anst
o
get
ti
ngyourman?
Gabi
:Idol
ovehi
m but
..
.it
'scl
earhel
ovesher
..
.And
Idon'
twantt
ogethur
t.
April
:(smi
ledtaki
ngherhand)yeah,
I'
m pr
oudof
youeventhoughIdon'tknowhowyou'l
ldoitsi
nce
theypract
ical
lyli
vei
nyourhouse
Gabi:youknowthismorni
ngIf el
tli
ketaki
ngabat h,
getdressedandgotowor kyouknowj ustl
eave
InamibehindbutIj
ustcouldn'
tbri
ngmyselftohurt
her.She'
sjustastr
aumatisedasmeandshe' sjust
i
nnocent.Myhomei sthesafestpl
aceshe'sbeenin
maybeIshoul dj
ustmovet omypar ent
shouseto
avoidconfl
ict
Apr
il
:ser
iousl
ymovi
ngoutofyourownhomef
or
t
hem
Gabi
:(l
aughed)t
heydon'tneedmeandit
'sbet
ter
t
hiswaybecauseI'
m al
readycat
chi
ngfeeli
ngs
Apri
l:(
smil
ed)al
ri
ghtbuti
fitwasmenxnxnxno
onewouldmakememoveoutofmyownhousej ust
sotheycanbecomfy
Gabi
:(l
aughed)Ineedt
ogetri
dofthi
sbabydusti
n
myheart,
thatboyhast
urnedmetobeabigsoft
ie
Apr
il
:(l
aughed)Ir
eal
lywi
sht
oseet
heboy
Gabi:(
laughed)sadl
yIdel
etedallhi
sgoofypi
ctur
es
butIhaveoneIwant edt
oprintoutbutIwont
anymor e

Tookoutherphoneandshowedherfr
iendandshe
smil
edasbabyPhiwe'sphot
omeltedherhear
t

Apr
il
:(smi
les)he'
ssobeaut
if
ul
Gabi:(
smiledt
akingbackherphone)Iknowey.I
hopeonedayI'l
lholdminehavi
ngasuppor t
ive
part
nerli
keMpho
Apr
il
:youknowguysl
ikehi
m ar
ehar
dtof
ind
Gabi
:(si
ghs)Icanonl
ypr
ayIf
indt
heone
Apr
il
:Phi
lanii
sint
erest
ed
Gabi
:hejustwant
stosleepwit
hmet opr
ovea
poi
ntthathecangetanygi
rlhel
ikes
Apr
il
:(l
aughed)comeonhe'
sbeenhi
tt
ingonyou
onl
y
Gabi
:Idon'
tcar
ewor
krel
ati
onshi
psar
enotmy
t
hing
Apri
l:(
gett
ingup)al
ri
ghtal
lIknowi
sonecannever
knowwi t
hyou
Gabi
:(l
aughed)mxm getbackt
owor
k

Apr
ill
aughedwal
kingoutofGabi
'
sof
fi
ce

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtGabi
'
shome

GogoandMphoar rivedhomewithbabyPhiwefr
om
thehospi
tal
.Mphosatdownont hecouchlooki
ng
athi
scutefaceholdinghi
sfi
ngerwit
hhiswhole
hand.Gogocamebackwi thgl
assesoforangej
uice
andcookiessi
tt
ingdown
Gogo:beaut
if
uli
sn'
the?
Mpho:(smi
led)Iwi
shIcanj
ustl
ookathi
m
ever
yday
Gogo:youwoul
dn'tbeevenhavi
ngt
hismomenti
fit
wasn'
tforGabi
sil
e

Mphosi
ghedl
ooki
ngaway

Mpho:Ididn'
tdoanythi
ngwr onggogo.Igett
hat
she'
sbeenveryhelpf
ulwiththebabybuttocallhi
m
herbabythat
'scr
ossingtheli
nespeci
all
yatat ime
l
ikethiswhenThandi
wei shavingahardti
me
bondingwit
hhim.
Gogo:(
shookherhead)andIbeli
evetherecould'
ve
beenabett
erwayofputti
ngitoutforhernotl
ike
that.Youdon' tspeaktoawomant hathasbeen
mot heringyourbabyl i
kethat.Mot her
ingbot hyour
kids.Shebuyst hegrocer
yher e,el
ectri
cit
y, Phi
we's
bill
st othedoctorandnott oment ionthemoney
thatwoul dbeneededt opayf orInami '
stransporti
f
Gabi sil
edidn'
tdr opheroffherself
.Thelit
tleyou
sendcanonl ybuyt hebabydiapersandhi sfor
mula
Mpho:Itol
dyougogot
otel
lmei
fyouar
eshor
tof
anyt
hing
Gogo:tel
lyouwhenIcanseeyou'r
ealr
eadydoi
ng
thebestyoucan.Iknowyouspendmostathome,
yoursi
sterandherkidsar
eeat
ingoutofour
pocket
s.
Mpho:(
sighed)okayIwi
llapol
ogi
es
Gogo:t
hat
'sal
lI'
m aski
ng
Mpho:Iwillt
alktoherwhenIgetback.Ineedtogo
tothehospit
altohearwhatt
heyhavet osayabout
Thandiwe
Gogo:okay
HekissedbabyPhi
we'sf
oreheadandhandedhi
m
overtohi
sgrandmot
herthenbidt
hem f
arewel
l

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Att
hePsychi
atr
ichospi
tal

Mphoarr
ivedatthehospitalandwast akento
doct
orKhumalowhohel pedhi m under
standwhat
wasgoi
ngt ohappenfr
om nowon.

DrK:ithascomet omet hatMsMhl ongohasbeen

suff
eri
ngf r
om Postpar
tum depressionwhichhas
nowadvancedt oPsychoti
cdepr ession,
Ibel
ieve
somethinghappenedandt r
iggedhert ogett
ot hat
phase
Mpho:psychot
icdepr
essi
on?
DrK:Thisi swhenadepr essedpersonexper i
ences
delusi
onsorhal l
ucinat
ionsorparanoia.This
i
nvolvesseei ngandhear ingthi
ngsthatdonotexi st
orbeli
evingt hatpeopleareblamingthem, watchi
ng
them orstalkingthem.Theymaysi ncerelybeli
eve
theyareevilandt hecauseofbadt hingshappening
i
nt hei
renvironment .
Mpho:(
swal
lowed)she'
sgoi
ngcr
azy?
DrK:Ineedyout ounder standt hataper sonwho
experiencesdepr essi vepsychosi shasmaj or
depressionandpsychot i
csympt oms.Depr essi
on
occurswhenyouhavenegat ivefeelingst hataffect
yourdai l
yli
fe.Thesef eeli
ngscani ncludesadness,
hopelessness,gui l
tandi rri
tabil
ity.Ifyouhave
cli
nicaldepression, youmayal soexper ience
changesi neating,sl eeping, orener gyl evels.
Exampl esofpsychot icsympt omsi ncl ude,
delusions,
hall
ucinat ionsandpar anoir.I nthiscase
shewaspar anoidt hatsomeonei soutt ogether.
Somet hinghappenedt oherandshedi dn' tgett
he
requir
edhel ptodealwi thitsoanyi nfor mationthat
canhel
puswi
llbever
yhel
pful
Mpho:(swal
lowed)she.
..Shewasr
apedbyher
uncl
e..
.
DrK:l
etmegetmypenandpapert
hisi
simpor
tant
..
.

Shegotherpenandpaperwhi
leMphotol
dher
ever
ythi
nghethoughtwoul
dbeofhel
p.

Mpho:sowhat
'st
henextst
epdoct
or
DrK:atthisstagewehavepr escr
ibeda
combinati
onofant idepressant
sandant i
psychotics
andputherunderi ntensecare,However,these
drugstakeseveralmont hstobemostef fecti
ve.SoI
needyout obepat i
entbecausenovi si
tsar e
al
loweddur i
ngt hi
st i
me
Mpho:what
everi
ttakesf
orhert
ogetbet
ter
DrK:wi
tht
hei
nfor
mat
ionyouhavegi
venme,
we
wi
llhel
phert
ogetbet
ter
Mpho:t
hankyoudoct
or.Thatwi
llbeal
l

Hegotupandt
heybot
hwal
kedout

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#28

AtGabi
'
shouse

Inami gotdroppedoffbyherteacher.shesawher
fatherbythedoorandqui ckl
yrantohi min
excitement.Helif
tedherupandspi nheraround
whi l
eshelaughed

I
nami
:(l
aughi
ng)daddyyou'
remaki
ngmedi
zzy
Mpho:(
laughi
ng)I
'
m sor
ry
I
nami
:whywer
en'
tyouatschoolt
oday?
Mpho:(
smi
led)becauseIhadt
ogogetyourbaby
br
other
I
nami
:(exci
ted)he'
shome?
Mpho:(
smi
led)yeshe'
shome.Wantt
oseehi
m?
I
nami
:yes

Hewalkedinsidewit
hherandt heywalkedtobaby
Phiwe'
sroom.Het ookhi
m outofhiscribandsat
downont herockychai
rintheroom andInami
st
oodinfrontofhimrunningherli
tt
lehandsinher
brot
hershair
.

I
nami
:(smi
led)hehasni
cehai
r
Mpho:(
laughed)i
t'
sal
waysabouthai
rwi
thyougi
rl
s
huh?
Inami:(
laughedt
ouchi
ngherhair
)aunt
yGabi
sil
eis
helpi
ngmegr owmine.Iwanti
ttobebi
gli
keher'
s
Mpho:(
smi
led)youst
il
lhaveal
ongwayt
ogo
I
nami
:(t
ouchedhi
sli
tt
lehand)hel
lopr
ett
ybaby.
..
Mpho:sodi
danyonet
ellyouwher
eyourmom i
s?
Inami
:AuntyGabisaidshe'
snotfeel
ingwel
lbut
onceshefeel
sbettershewil
lcomebacktous
Mpho:(
smi
led)t
hat
'st
rue

Gogowal
kedi
nther
oom

Gogo:(
smi
led)t
houghtIknowt
hel
it
tl
evoi
ce
I
nami
:(smi
led)gogomyvoi
cei
snotl
it
tl
e
Gogo:got
akeof
fyouruni
for
m soyoucaneat
I
nami
:I'
mful
lgogo
Gogo:butyoust
il
lneedt
otakeof
fyouruni
for
m
I
nami
:okaygogo

Sheki
ssedherbr
other
sforeheadandthenwalked
outwi
thgogo.Mphospentsometimewi t
hhisson
aft
erawhil
ehebegantocryMphot r
iedtosooth
hi
m buthecont
inuedtocr
y.Thedooropenedand
andGabiwal
kedin..
.

Gabi
:hi
..
.Letmehel
p

Shet
ookof
fonebl
anketof
fhi
m andhel
dhi
m

Gabi
:ther
e..
.Ther
ePhi
we.
Mpho:you'
reanat
ural
Gabi
:onceyouspendt
imemoreti
mewi
thhi
m
you'
l
lknowhowtokeephi
m cal
m.
Mpho:(smiled)yeah.Iwanttoapologizeabout
whatIsaidyesterday.Ididn'
tmeananyoft hat
,I
wasstressedandwor r
iedaboutPhiwe'smother
Gabi
:it
'sf
ine,
itwasinappr
opri
ateofmet
ocal
lhi
m
mysonatasensiti
vetimeli
kethi
s
Mpho:AndIdoappr
eci
ateever
ythi
ngyoudof
ormy
ki
ds
Gabi
:it
'sokay

Therewasanawkwar dsilencewhil
eshet hought
aboutwhetherornotsheshoul dtel
lhim abouther
movingout.Shealwaysf eltnumbinhispresence,
shecouldbarelymaintaineyecontactwhenshe
spoketohim.Hej ustdidsomethingtohershe
coul
dn'tunderst
and

Gabi
:ummhIneedust
otal
kaboutsomet
hing
Mpho:I
'
mli
steni
ng
Gabi:it
'saboutI
nami'
str
ansport
.Nowadaysatwor
k
i
twi l
lbereall
ybusysoIwil
lbeleavi
ngear
lyi
nthe
mor ni
ngandknockingof
flat
esoIaskedher
teacherMsSombukat otr
ansporthert
oandfr
om
school
Mpho:o-
kayandhowmuchd-
Gabi
:nodon'
twor
ryaboutt
hatshe'
saf
ri
endso
t
her
e'snoneedshesai
dshe'
l
ldoi
tforf
ree
Mpho:ohokayt
hankyou
Gabi:i
t'
sokay.(
handedPhiwetohim)youneedto
feedhi
m nowbef or
ehegivesoutaheart
breaki
ng
cry
Mpho:(
smi
led)okay
Gabi
:Ineedt
ogochange
Mpho:okay

Shewal
kedoutandwentt
oherr
oom.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Atr
es

Sandi
'sroom matewalkedi
nandfoundhercr
ying,
sheuncoveredherandsatonherbedl
ooki
ngather
Lebo:what
'supwi
thyou?
Sandi
:(sni
ff
ing)i
t'
snot
hing
Lebo:I
'
m notst
upi
dyou'
vebeensul
kingf
ort
hepast
fewweeks
Sandi
:(t
ear
ful
)Isawhim wi
thanot
hergi
rlandhe
act
edli
kehedidn'
tknowme
Lebo:(
laughed)you'
rest
il
lont
hat
?
Sandi
:(cr
ying)I
'
m hur
ti
ngandyouar
elaughi
ng
Lebo:l
etmeguessyou'reoneofthosevi
llagegi
rl
s
whower et
oldbyyourgranniest
hatyou'
llmeetyour
husbandhere(
laughed)welcometoreal
itydol
l
Sandi
:(cr
ying)het
ookmyvi
rgi
nit
y
Lebo:sorrygi
rlyouhavet
obest rongbutthi
sisn'
t
somef ai
rytal
eland.Youf
alli
nlove,goodforyou.
Yougetdumpedandyoumoveon.You' l
lgetused
toitandwhat'sthenameoftheguyanyway
Sandi
:Sanel
iso
Lebo:(
bursti
nlaught
er)Sanel
isotheeComrade?
(l
aughedhard)yohhhaynothatguyfucksever
yone
withhi
sweakassgame

Sandigotunder
neat
hherbedcover
sandcr
ied

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Twoweeksl
ater

Inami st
eppedoutofhert eacher
scarandwentto
herfather.Mpholookedathowshewascl umsi
ly
dressedandherhai rwast i
edupinamessybun
clearl
yshowingitwasn'tcombed.Het ookati
ssue
wipingofftheshi
nyVasel ineal
loverherf
ace
Mpho:babyyoulookli
keamess,whydi
dgr
annyl
et
youl
eavethehouselooki
ngl
iket
his?
I
nami
:thebabywascr
yingsoIdr
essedmysel
f
Themba:(
laughi
ng)youl
ookl
ikeyouwer
e
swimminginVasel
i
ne
I
nami:(l
aughi
ng)Noaunti
eGabi
sil
eal
waysdi
dit
l
iket
hisnowshe'sgone
Mpho:(t
ookoutThemba'
scombandcombedher
hai
r)she'
sgone?
I
nami:shedoesn'
tcomet
othehouseanymor
e.
Daddydidwedosomethi
ngwrongtoher
?
Mpho:(si
ghed)shehast
owor
klateandgett
owor
k
ear
lysoI'
m pret
tysur
eyoumi
ssedher
I
nami:she'
sneverhomeandthebabycr
iesalot.
Gogohastocookandstopt
hebabyfrom cr
ying
Mpho:gogoi
staki
ngcar
eofyouguysal
one?
I
nami
:yes
Mpho:(
fi
xedhercol
l
ar)t
hisdoesn'
tsoundgood
I
nami
:Idr
essmysel
fsogogocanmaket
hebaby
qui
et
Mpho:whomakesyourl
unchbox?
I
nami
:(openedherschoolbag)gogodi
ditl
astni
ght
Mpho:(l
ookedatt
hebreadandjui
ce)okayt
hat'
s
ni
ce(gaveherati
ssue)wi
petheVasel
ineonyour
l
egs

Shet ooki
tandwipedhersel
f,t
hebel
lrangandshe
rushedoutfort
herassembly.

Themba:manthisi
sthesecondt
imeshecomest
o
schooll
ooki
ngli
keamess
Mpho:(
sighed)Iknow
Themba:it'
scleargogoisstruggl
ing,t
hatwomen
rai
sedyourparents,r
aisedyouandnowgr eat
grandchi
ldr
en.She'soldshecan'tdothingsasshe
usedto.youneedt ofi
xthingswiththatGabisi
le
Mpho:howdoIevendothat
?Shehasal i
feofher
own.Shet
oldmehersel
fshe'
llbeget
ti
ngtowork
ear
lyandknocki
ngof
flat
e
Themba:(l
aughed)comeonmandon' ttel
lmeyou
boughtt
hatshit
.Thisgi
rlisint
oyouandwebot h
knowwhenyousai dshemustnotcal lPhi
we-
boy
herbabyyoushutt
eredallherdreamsofyouguys
bei
ngtogether
Mpho:st
opspeaki
ngi
nri
ddl
esman
Themba:useherweaknesst
ogetwhatyouwant
Mpho:(shookhi
shead)nononobadi
dea,
what
aboutPhiwe'
smother
?
Themba:(
rai
sedaneyebr
ow)whatabouther
?
Mpho:howwi
llshef
eel
whenshecomesback?
Themba:f i
rstofallshedoesn'tl
oveyou.Shemade
thatcleart
oyouevenbef oreandaft
eryoupaid
l
obolaf orherandsecondshe' snother
eandshe' s
notevengoi ngtobeher etoday,
nextweekandnext
mont handt hosekidsneedsamot herf
igure.St
op
thi
nkingsmal l
Mpho:Idon'
twantanyonet
ogethur
t
Themba:okayt
henl
etyourki
dssuf
ferwhi
leyou'
re
wai
ti
ngforj
uli
ett
oar
ri
veaJul
iett
hatdoesn'
teven
wantt
oboy.
Mpho:don'
tsayt
hatman
Themba:gogoshoul
dbenursi
ngherkneesandB.
P
buti
nst
eadshe'sbusywi
thyourki
ds
Mpho:whataboutherj
ob?
Themba:(laughed)whenawomani sinlovehhey
theymaket hingshappen.Youj ustgot el
lheryou
knowwhyshel eft-don'
tintoitthatdeepandt el
l
heryouneedher ,umubambabambe, begherbe
gentl
eandsof t
.Ifshehesi t
atesaskhert othink
aboutandki sshert rustmeyou' llseeresul
ts.You
seewiththiskindofwomanyoudon' thavetotryso
hardbecauseGodhasal r
eadygi venyouherheart.
Justbeaman
Mpho:(
sighes)ohmanI
'
m goi
ngt
oregr
ett
his
Themba:youwil
ldealwi
thyourJul
ietaf
terseven
monthsthat
'si
fshehaschangedhermindabout
you
Mpho:Ihearyouman
Themba:I
'
m yourbr
othert
akemyadvi
se
Mpho:Ihearyou

Acarar
rivedandMphogotupst
eppi
ngoutwi
tht
he
r
egi
ster

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtGabi
'
shome

Shewasworkingonherlaptopwhenhermother
walkedi
ncomingfrom herbedr
oom,greet
ingher
andmakinghersel
ftea

Her
:doyouwantt
ea?
Gabi
:not
hankyouma
Her
:Gogocal
ledawhi
leago
Gabi
:mmh.
..
Her:shewastel
li
ngmeofhowmuchshe's
st
ruggli
ngwit
hthekidsandhowmuchofhel
pyou
werewhenli
vingwit
hthem
Gabi
:oh
Her:andt
hatshewi
shesyoucoul
dlendahandi
f
youcan
Gabi
:pl
easemamadon'
t
Her
:theyneedyouGabi
Gabi:Ican'
tbei
nthathouse.I
'
m her
ebecauseI
needpeaceofmind,i
t'
sformyownsake
Her
:whataboutt
heki
ds?
Gabi
:theyhavet
hei
rownmom anddad
Her
:(shocked)hhaGabi
Gabi
:(si
ghs)pl
easemadon'
tmakemel
ookbad.
Her
:thent
ellmet
het
rut
h
Gabi
:no
Her
:Gabi
Gabi:I'
m gett
ingtoocl
osewi t
hthekidsandit'
s
makingpeopl euncomfort
ableandtheyareri
ghtto
thi
nkt hatwaybecauseitwil
lbeli
ketaki
ng
advantageofThandiwe'ssit
uati
on.SoI'
m keeping
mydi stance
Her
:honeyyouknowyoucanhel
pasanaunt
.We'
re
f
amily
Gabi
:(gotof
fthechai
r)Ineedt
ogot
otheof
fi
ce
Her
:mmh.
..

Sheputherlapt
opinit
'sbagandtookhercarkeys
walkingoutt
ohercaranddrovetowork.She
ar
rivedandwenttoheroff
iceherfr
iendj
oinedher
af
ter.

Apr
il
:hey
Gabi
:hey
Apr
il
:sohow'
syou?
Gabi:(si
ghed)mom tryi
ngbyallmeanstomakeme
feelbadaboutl
eavingthekidsathomeasifIdon'
t
feelbadaboutthatal
ready
Apr
il
:IknowI
'
m sor
rybabes
Gabi:(
sighed)i
t'
sfine,I
'
llcheckont
hem l
aterj
ustt
o
easemyconsci ousness
Apri
l:Idon'
tknowi fyouneedthi
sanymor
ebutyou
t
oldmet oletyouknowi fther
ewasanopeni
ngin
t
hesecur i
tysectorwhenoperati
on"
getmyman
wasinmot ion"
Gabi:ri
ghtnowhi m worki
ngherewouldbeabad
Idea,Ijustneedhimfarawayfr
om me.Can't
beli
evingI'm hur
ti
ngoveraguythatdoesn'
tloveme
atall
Apr
il
:okaysoyou'
regood?

Shekeptqui
etforabr
iefmomentthinki
ngabouti
t.
Thiswasgoi
ngt obeagoodjobforhim,the
benef
it
saregoodandthesalar
ywoul dhelphi
ma
l
otinpayi
nghisdebtt
hatgogospokeaboutand
helphim wit
hhi ski
dsbutt het houghtofseei
nghi
m
everydayhereatwor kwouldt ormenther.Howwil
l
shegetoverhersi l
lyli
tt
lecrushonhi m whenshe
seeshim everyday.
...

Gabi
:(si
ghed)I
'
m goi
ngt
oregr
ett
his
Apr
il
:(smi
led)comewithhi
sCVtomor
rowt
heni
t'
s
adonedealandever
ythi
ngwri
tt
enher
e
Gabi
:sur
e.Thankyouf
ort
his
Apr
il
:(smi
led)Ienj
oymaki
ngyourl
if
eal
ivi
nghel
l
Gabi
:(smi
led)Iknow.
..Iknow

Apr
ilwal
kedoutwhi
leGabit
ookoutherl
apt
opt
o
wor
k.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Lat
ert
hatday

Gabiarri
vedatherhouseandfoundgogodoing
l
aundryoutsi
deshewal kedoverandgr
eetedher.
Shewasembar rassedandashamedofwhatshe
di
d,leavi
nganoldwomanwi t
htwokidstotakecare
of

Gogo:(
smi
led)Gabi
sil
emychi
ldi
t'
sgoodt
osee
youher
e
Gabi
:yesgogo
Gogo:Iwasaski
ngmysel
fwhatdi
dIdowrongt
o
youforyout
oleavemeatat
imeli
kethi
s
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)for
givemegogo
Gogo:I
'm str
uggl
ing,i
t'
sbeentwoweeksbutitf
eels
l
ikeali
fetime.I
'm si
ckIcan'
tbeonmyfeetfortoo
l
ongandmybackpainsdon'
tall
owmet odot
hings
t
hatIusedtowhenIwasyourage.Ican'
tmobthe
f
loorIcanonl
ysweep
Gabi
:I'
m herenowgogo.Wehaveawashi
ng
machi
net ohel
peasethewor
k
Gogo:Idon'
tknowhowt
heset
hingswor
k
Gabi
:letmehel
p

Shehel pedgot odothelaundryandwentback

i
nsi defindi
ngthehouseamessandcl eaned.Gogo
hadal readydonethedishes,shebathedPhi weand
fedhi m whil
egogowentt orest.Shethencooked
soI namicangetf oodforwhenshecomesback
from school.ThedooropenedandI namiwal kedin
wi t
hherf at
her.Mphowassur pr
isedtoseeGabi si
le
whi l
eInamir anoverandhuggedher .

I
nami
:(happy)you'
rebackaunt
ieyou'
reback
Gabi
:(smi
led)I
'
m notr
eal
lybackj
ustcamet
ocheck
uponyouguys.Gochangecl
othesandcomeget
yourf
ood
I
nami
:(sul
ked)okay

Shedraggedherschoolbagwal
kingt
oherr
oom
whil
eGabi di
shedforher.

Mpho:hi
Gabi
:hi

Shesaidnot hi
ngaf t
eravoidi
nghisseduct i
vegave
whichalwaysmadeherweak.Shedi shedf orI
nami
thenquickl
ymadeherwayt othebaby'sroom.She
walkedinandl ookedatPhiwesleeping,she
touchedherhear tandfel
titbeat
ingasi fshewas
onamar at
hon.
Gabi
:(whi
sper
edt
oher
sel
f)whati
swr
ongwi
thme?

Sheheardthedoorshutanddidn'
tlookback.She
couldt
ellwit
hhisfootst
epshewascomi ngcloset
o
her.Hestoodnexttoherandl
ookedatPhiwe

Mpho:t
hankyouf
orcomi
ng
Gabi
:it
'sf
ine

Thewassi
lence

Gabi
:ummht her
e'sapostatwork.We'
rei
nneedof
asecur
it
y,It
houghtyouwouldli
ketoappl
y,i
tpays
goodmoney.Youcancompileyourcvandsenti
tto
me
Mpho:okay

Ther
ewassilenceagainwhil
eGabistolegl
ancesof
hi
smanlyfeatur
es.Hemovel ookedatherandshe
l
ookeddownshl yf
eel
ingli
keshe'sbeencaughti
na
si
n.Hetookherhandandgotcl osert
oher.

Mpho:ar
eyoupuni
shi
ngme?

Gabigott
ongue-
ti
ednotknowi
ngwhattosay.I
t
wasthefi
rstt
imehehadheldhersoupcl
ose

Mpho:(whisperedi
ntoherear
)Iknowyoulef
t
becauseyou'r
escaredofwhatyoufeelf
orme
Sheswal
lowedlit
eral
lysmell
inghisscentsoup
cl
oseandfeel
inghiswarm breat
honherneck.

Mpho:stoprunni
ngandcomeback(ki
ssedher
col
larbone)I
'l
lmakei
twort
hyourwhil
e

Hest
eppedbackandwal
kedoutf
rozenf
eel
ingasi
f
t
hatwasjustadr
eam

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#29

Nompil
owaswait
ingf
orthebuswhenthreeguys
spokel
oudl
yhavi
ngaconver
sati
oni
nterest
ingto
her.

Guy1:(
laughi
ng)what
'stheuseofcal
li
ngyour
sel
fa
busi
nessmanifyoubarel
ymakeinter
est
Guy2:(
laughi
ng)andwhyacarwashman,
ther
ear
e
pl
ent
yofcarwashesoutt
her
e
Guy3:you'
renothel
ping
Guy1:Ithi
nkyouneedtost
artsomet
hingnew
becauseyoucanseethi
scarwashthi
ngisn'
tgoi
ng
anywhere
Nompi
lo:oryoucanaddsomethingt
hat'
sgoi
ngt
o
br
ingi
nmoneyot hert
hanwashingcars

Theyt
urnedandl
ookedather

Guy3:somet
hingl
ike?
Nompilo:addingachisanyama, pl
aysomeni ce
musicnottool oudi
twil
lirr
it
atetheneighbor
sand
sel
lbooze.Createasecretmancavef orama-gent
s.
Aplacewher ehecanescapehi snagginggir
land
chi
llwi
ththegent s.
Guy1:he'
l
lneedali
censet
osel
lboozeandt
he
pl
aceforthepl
ace?
Nompi
lo:ki
llr
entanduset
hegar
ageathome.
somet i
mesyouhavet obendafewr
ulestoreach
yourfinaldest
inat
ion.I
t'
sonlyt
emporar
ytil
lyouget
therealthi
ng.

Theguysnodded
Guy3:(
smi
led)wow.
..What
'syourname?
Nompi
lo:I
'
m..
.Nompi
lo
Guy3:I
'
m Busi
zweandt
hesear
emyf
ri
ends,
Mmel
i
andDoctor
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)ni
cet
omeetyou
Busi
zwe:sowhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Acarpar
kedandt
hewi
ndowr
oll
eddown,
itwas
Sbahl
e.

Sbahl
e:heygi
rlhopi
n
Nompi
lo:byeguys

Sheopenedthedoorandgoti
nwhileBusi
zwe
smil
edwatchingherhopi
nghedoesn'
tfor
gether
face

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtAtGabi
'
shome

Shel ookeddownshyl ysmil

ingl i
keateenagegi
rl
holdingoutabi gbowlofwat erwhil
eMphowashed
hishandst hentookthehandcl othonhershoul
ders
wipinghishands.Shet henwentt otheki
tchenand
camebackwi thatraycarr
yinghi sfoodandserved
him
Mpho:(
smi
ked)t
hankyou

Shesmi
ledshyl
ysi
tt
ingdown.

Mpho:ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
oeat
?
Gabi
:I.
..
Mpho:Idon'
tenj
oyeat
ingal
one
Gabi
:(smi
led)okayI
'
lldi
shf
ormysel
f

Shegotupandwentt odishforher
sel
f,gogo
walkedint
othedi
ningroom andgreet
edher
grandson.

Gogo:pl
easedi
shf
ormemygi
rl
Gabi
:(smi
led)yebogogo
Shedishedforherandser
vedherthenwentt
ogeta
wetclot
hsoshecanwi peherhands.Shet
hen
j
oinedthem

Gogo:(
smi
li
ng)Ihavet
rul
ymi
ssedyourcooki
ng
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)ohGogoyouknowyour
stakest
he
cup
Gogo:(
lookedar
ound)youhavecl
eanedit
'sso
l
ovel
y.Itshowsi
tneededawoman'stouch.Mpho
whyareyousoquietcompl
ementher
Mpho:(l
aughi
ng)whatdoyouwantmet
osaygogo,
youhavesai
deveryt
hing
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)pl
easest
op..
.Ummhihavedeci
ded
t
ocomeandhel pgogowit
htheki
ds
Mpho:(
smi
led)r
eal
ly?
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)yes
Gogo:(
happy)ohmychi
ldt
hatwoul
dmeanal
ott
o
mebutwhataboutwor
k?
Gabi
:I'
l
lsor
tthatout
Gogo:t
hankyoumychi
ld
Mpho:(
smi
led)t
hankyou
Gabi:(
smil
ed)i
t'
sokay.Nowcanweconti
nuetoeat
causeyouwil
lendupmakingmecryl
ikeababy

Theyl
aughedandcont
inuedt
oeat
,shehear
d
Phi
wecry

Gabi
:excuseme,
feedi
ngt
ime
Mpho:goahead

Shegotupandwentt
ogethi
sbot
tl
efr
om t
he
ki
tchenandwentt
ohi
sroom.
Gogo:(
smil
ing)she'
sagoodwomanful
lofl
ove
andIcanseeshe'
sinlovewi
thyou
Mpho:mmh.
..
Gogo:i
fyoudidn'tpaylobol
aforThandi
weIwoul
d
saymarryhersoyoucanknowhowi tfeel
sli
ket
o
l
oveandbel oved.Lovi
ngsomeonedoesnothave
tobehardwork,ithast
obebeaut i
ful
Mpho:(
sighed)gogo.
..
Gogo:(smil
ed)Idon'tknowwhatthatgi
rldidtoyou.
i
tdoesn'tmatterhowmanyt i
messhepushesyou
away,youwillalwaysbether
eforherwhenshe
needsyou.Ihopeoneofyouwakesupbef oreit
's
toolat
e
Mpho:(
sighed)oneofus?
Gogo:i
t'
seit
heryouwakeupandreali
set hatshe'
s
nott
heoneforyouorshewakesupandr eali
sethat
she'
sbusypi
ckingst
onesl
oosingarealdiamond
Mpho:(
smi
led)Ihopeshewakesup
Gogo:(
laughed)ofcour
seonl
yyouwoul
dwantt
hat
Mpho:(
laughedandsi
ghed)Ihavef
oughtsomuch
forusandtherehasneverbeenabreakt hr
ough.It
feel
sli
keI'
mr unni
nganendl essmarathon(si
ghed)
eventhest
rongestat
hleteshaveli
mi t
s
Gogo:whatar
eyousayi
ng?
Mpho:(
sighed)i
t'
snothi
ng(gotup)Ineedt
oget
goi
ngit
'sgett
ingl
ate.Letmegosaygoodbye
Gogo:okay

HegotupandwentPhi
we'
sroom.Hef
oundGabi
bot
tl
efeedi
ngPhi
we

Mpho:hey
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)hey
Mpho:I'
ml eavi
ngI
'
vecomet
osay(
kissedhi
s
f
orehead)bye
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)saybyedaddy
Mpho:(
kissedhercheek)goodbye
Gabi
:goodbye

Hewal
kedoutandki
ssedGogo'
scheek.

Mpho:goodbye
Gogo:t
akecar
eofyour
sel
f
Mpho:Iwi
ll

Het
ookhisj
acketandst
eppedoutput
ti
ngiton.
I
namiwaspl
ayingwit
hherdol
lsonthegrass

Mpho:eyyoungl
adycomeher
e
I
nami
:I'
m busydad
Mpho:Iwontr
epeatmysel
f

I
nami
lef
therdol
lst
her
eandr
ant
oherf
ather
.

Mpho:doyouknowwhatt
imei
tis?
I
nami
:no
Mpho:butyoucanseei
t'
sal
readyget
ti
ngdar
kri
ght

I
nami
noddedyes

Mpho:whenthesonst
artt
ogetl
owerandcl
oset
o
t
hatmountai
nyoupackupyourt
oysandgeti
nsi
de
t
hehouseokay?
I
nami
:okay
Mpho:okaywho?
I
nami
:baba
Mpho:(
smi
led)comeher
e
Hehuggedherandbabyki
ssedheral
loverherf
ace
whi
leshelaughed.

I
nami
:(l
aughi
ng)daddyst
op
Mpho:(
laughed)Ihavet
ogonowbunny
I
nami
:okayI
'
llmi
ssyou
Mpho:(
smi
led)Imi
ssyoual
ready
I
nami
:(smi
led)we'
l
lseeeachot
heratschool
Mpho:(
smiled)I
'
mlooki
ngf
orwar
dtot
hat
.Nowgo
t
akeyourdoll
sin

Shewentt
ogetherdol
lsandwenti
nsi
det
henhe
l
eft
.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Lat
ert
hatday

AtauntPaul
ine'
shome

Sheranar
oundbehi
ndherdaught
erwhowasgoi
ng
upanddownpacki
nghercl
othes.

MaPaul
ine:(
laughi
ng)what
'sgoi
ngonwi
thyou
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)I
'
m goi
ngbackhomema
MaPaul
ine:(
laughedi
ndi
sbel
ief
)why?What
happened?
Gabi:(
smi l
ing)Iwentther
eandr
eali
sedt
heki
ds
needmeandIf eltgui
lt
yfi
ndi
nggogodoi
ng
ever
ythingbyher sel
f
MaPaul
ine:(
clappedonce)i
sthatal
l?
Gabi
:(smi
led)
mamawhatmor
edoyouwantf
rom
me?
MaPaul
ine:(
smi l
ing)I
'
mjustconf
usedbyal
lthi
s
andt
hesmilethat'
sbeenonyourface
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)can'
tsomeonebej
usthappy
MaPauli
ne:youknowyoucoul
d'vecomet
akeyour
st
ufft
omorrow
Gabi
:Idon'
tli
vet
hatf
arandIl
eftt
hebabyasl
eep
MaPauli
ne:(
smi
li
ng)
oh.
..
.Ihopeyou'
renotmoving
backt
her
esoyoucanchangemeninfrontoft
hose
ki
ds
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)mom comeon.YouknowI
'
m not
l
iket
hat
MaPaul
ine:okayj
ustdon'
tgethur
t
Gabi
:Iwontanddon'
ttel
ldad
MaPauli
ne:Iwont,
Ihopehehasagoodj
obandhe
mustaf
fordyoubecauseyoumydar
li
ngwil
lcosta
f
ort
une
Gabi
:noteveryt
hingi
saboutmoneymom.Ijust
wantamant hatcanl
oveme,emoti
onalsuppor
tis
ever
ythi
ng.IwantsomeoneIcanbui
ldahomewi t
h
andhaveafamily.
MaPauli
ne:(smil
ed)youknowt
hemant
hatwi
ll
wi
feyouwillbesolucky
Gabi
:(smi
lest
ear
ful
)mom you'
l
lmakemecr
y
MaPaul
ine:(
smi
ledt
ear
ful
)you'
remaki
ngmecr
y
Gabi
:Idon'
twantt
ocountmyeggsbefor
ethey
hat
chbuthe'
sagoodman.Icanfeeli
t
MaPauli
ne:j
ustr
ememberi
fyoudon'
tfeel
appr
eci
ated-
Gabi
:leave
MaPaul
ine:(
smi
led)t
hat
'smygi
rl
.Comeher
e
Hermot
herpul
ledheroverf
orahug
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Thenextday

Atvar
sit
y

Nompi
losl
owl
ywal
kedt
ocl
assandaguyr
anover
andgr
eet
edher
.

Hi
m:hey
Nompi
lo:hi
Hi
m:I
'
m Zakhel
ewe'
rei
nthesamecl
ass
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)ohhiI
'
m Nompi
lo
Zakhele:I
'
veseenhowseri
ousanddedi
cat
edyou
aretoyourbookssoIwonder
ingi
fwecoul
dstudy
toget
her
Nompi
lo:ummh.
..

Busaniwal
kedover

Busani
:(smi
li
ng)hey
Zakhel
e:what
'sup

Nompi
lol
ookedaway

Busani
:sowhatar
ewet
alki
ngabout
?
Zakhel
e:i
t'
sapr
ivat
emat
ter
Busani:ohokayanyway(lookingatNompilo)
Ijust
wantedtoaskifwe'r
estil
lgoingforour(t
ouching
herl
itt
lebel
ly)babyscantodaymyl ove
Zakhel
e:(
shocked)you'
repr
egnant
?
Nompilo:(movedBusani
'
shandawayf rom her)
Busanistopit
.YesI'
m pregnanti
sther
eani ssue?
Zakhel
e:noi
t'
sjust
..
.You'
renotshowi
ng
Busani:(
huggedherf
rom behi
nd)we'
rest
il
lint
he
fi
rstt
ri
mesterbutwe'
llgett
her
e.
Zakhel
e:congr
ats.
..UmmhIshoul
dgo

Hewalkedawaywhi
leNompi
lot
urnedandangr
il
y
l
ookedatBusani
.

Nompi
lo:whatwast
hatal
labout
?
Busani
:I'
mjustprot
ect
ingmyl
it
tl
ebr
otherf
rom
cont
ract
ingSTI'
sandSTD's
Nompil
o:st
opt
reat
ingmel
ikeI
'
m someki
ndofa
whor
e
Busani:maybeifyoudi
dn'tbehavel
ikeoneI
wouldn'tbet
reati
ngyouli
keone
Nompil
o:I
'
mti
redofyourgames.Justl
eaveme
al
one

Shewal
kedt
ocl
asswhi
lehef
oll
owedher

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtGabi
'
swor
k

Sheplayedwit
hherpent hi
nkingaboutwhat
happenedyester
daybetweenMphoandher ,smil
ed
al
onelikeasil
lyteenagegi
rlcover
ingherf
acein
di
sbeli
ef

Apr
il
:(wal
kingi
n)oohmoghur
l.
.Iwantt
hedet
ail
s
Gabi
:(qui
ckl
ylookedupandsi
ghedi
nrel
ief
)ohi
t'
s
you
Apr
il
:(si
tt
ingdown)yesi
t'
smenowoutwi
thi
t
Gabi
:(smil
edspi
nni
ngar
oundi
nherchai
r)what
canIsay?
Apr
il
:(smi
li
ng)gi
rlyou'
reki
ll
ingmeher
e
Gabi
:yest
erdayhej
ustwental
lbadboyonme
Apr
il
:(l
aughed)what
?
Gabi
:(smil
ing)hejust.
..
.(shookherheadsmili
ng
i
ndisbel
ief
)Ialwaysknewhehadt hatside.
..Ij
ust
..
.
Idi
dn'
tknowhewast hatgood
Apr
il
:(exci
ted)ohmywor
d
Gabi
:(smili
ng)yest
erdayt
hingsgotint
ensegi
rl
.He
hel
dmecl oseandwasl i
ke(mimicki
nghim)"are
youpunishi
ngme? "
Apr
il
:(shocked)what
?
Gabi:gi
rlatt
hatt
imeIcan'
tspeak.
..Ievenf
orgot
howt obreat
handhewaslike"Iknowyouleft
becauseyou'r
escar
edofwhatyouf eelf
orme"
(
cover
edherface)IswearIhad59hear
tat
tacks
whenhesai
dt hat
.Iwasshaki
ng,Iwaswet
Apr
il
:(smi
li
ng)gi
rlwhatar
eyousayi
ng?
Gabi:(
smil
ing)
hemademegobackt omyhouse
sameday.Icouldn'
tevensl
eep(touchedhercol
lar
bone)heki
ssedmeher e(smil
ed)he'sjust
..
.Thi
s
manwi l
lbetheendofme
Apri
l:(
smi
ling)wow.
..Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay.He
fi
nal
lynot
icedyou
Gabi
:(smi
led)yeahhef
inal
lyseesme
Apr
il
:(smi
led)I
'
m happyf
oryou
Gabi
:thankyou
Apr
il
:hi
sCVpl
ease
Gabi
:ummh(openedherbagtaki
ngitout
)hegave
i
ttomewhenIdroppedoffBunny.
Apr
il
:(l
ookedati
t)okay.
..(
eyeswi
dened)whoah
Gabi
:what
?
Apr
il
:hehasadegree(
smil
ed)nowonderyoucl
ick
he'
sanumbersguyaswel
l
Gabi
:(smi
led)what
?
Apr
il
:Bachel
orofcommerce.
..Whati
sthi
sguy
doi
ngbeingasecuri
ty?
Gabi
:wow..
.I'
m surehehadhi
sreasons.Canyou
pul
linsomestr
ings.
..
Apri
l:wel
lheshoul
dputhisqual
if
icat
iontogood
use.Wecouldusesomeoneli
kehim here
Gabi
:you'
resayi
ngI
'
m notgoodatmyj
ob
April
:nowhatI'
m sayi
ngisifwehaveaguyli
kehim
herether
ewontbeanyneedf orustopayext
rat
o
getourbooksaudit
edagain
Gabi
:Igetyou
Apr
il
:tel
lhim Iwantt
oseehimt omorr
ow.Ri
ght
nowIwillgotal
ktoPhil
aniaboutt
his
Gabi
:(smi
led)okay
Apri
l:(
gotup)okayletmegoandi fheget
shi
red
youbetterkeept
hingspr
ofessi
onal
Gabi
:Iwi
llcomeon
Apri
llaughedwal
kingoutwi
thhi
sCVt
oPhi
lane'
s
of
fi
ce.

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#30
AtGabi
'
swor
kpl
ace

Apr
ilwal
kedi
nwi
thasadf
ace

Gabi
:badnews
Apr
il
:goodandbad
Gabi
:badf
ir
st
Apri
l:wecan'
taf
for
dtohi
rehi
m asaC.
Abutt
he
secur
ityj
obishi
s
Gabi
:(smi
led)i
tdoesn'tmatteraslongashegota
j
obandanywayIhaven' tt
oldhim aboutt
hefi
rst
onesohewontreceivethebadnews
Apr
il
:(smi
led)gr
eatsocongr
atul
ati
ons
Gabi
:thankyou(
smi
led)l
etmecal
lhi
m andt
ellhi
m
t
hegreatnews
Apr
il
:I'
l
lleaveyout
oit

ShewalkedoutandGabipi
ckedupherphone
cal
li
nghim
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**

AtMpho'
swor
kpl
ace

Mphowasl ookingatThandi
we'spi
ctur
eswit
h
I
nami whenThembawal kedin,
hegotagli
mpseof
whathewasl ooki
ngat.

Themba:(
scof
fed)theyar
eri
ghtnehweal
ways
l
ovewhatwecan'thave
Mpho:(
lookedatThemba)whati
sthatsupposet
o
mean?
Themba:thi
sGabigi
rli
sbeauti
ful
,ful
lofrespect
andlovesyou.Andt
hatassdamn!IfIhadawoman
l
iket
hat
Mpho:(
sighed)Ican'
tst
opt
hinki
ngabouther
.If
eel
l
ikeI
'
m betrayi
ngher
Themba:who?Thandi
we?
Mpho:Ievendream ofherlockeduporchained
surr
oundedbypeoplewhoar einsane,
traumati
zing
herfur
ther
more.Icall
edthem andtheytoldme
she'
sdoingokaybutsaidIcan'tcomeseeher
Themba:youar
eovert
hinki
ngthingsman.howcan
youbet
raysomeonewhodoesn'tloveyou?
Mpho:st
opsayi
ngt
hat
Themba:wel
lthet
rut
hhur
ts
Mpho:thenont
heotherhandIdon'
t.
..WhenI'
m
wit
hGabisil
eIj
ustf
eeldi
ffer
ent
.howam Igoingto
dothi
sman?Ineedtobackdownbef or
ethi
shurt
s
manypeople
Themba:andyourki
ds?Whowi
llt
akecar
eoft
hem?
Mpho:Icanki
ndl
yaskhert
odot
hat
Themba:(
laughi
ng)youwantyourki
dst
obe
poi
soned
Mpho:(
lookedatThemba)shewoul
dn'
t
Themba:gi
rl
sdon'
ttaker
eject
ionver
ywel
lbutbe
myguest
Mpho:Gabi
sil
edoesn'
tst
ri
kemeast
hatki
ndofgi
rl
Themba:what
everyousayman

Hi
sphoner
ang

Mpho:i
t'
sher
Themba:whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?t
akei
t
Mpho:hi
Gabi
:hey.
..Howar
eyou?
Mpho:I
'
m good
Gabi
:ummhI'
m cal
li
ngt
otel
lyout
hegoodnews.
Yougott
hej
ob
Mpho:(
happy)ar
eyouser
ious?
Gabi:(
happy)yessoyou'
llj
ustputi
tyour
resi
gnati
onlet
terandser
veyournoti
ce.Youwi
ll
star
therethefol
lowi
ngmonth
Mpho:(
happy)wowt
hankyouf
ort
his
Gabi
:you'
rewel
come.Ihavet
ogot
akecar
e
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)yout
oo

HehungupandThembal
ookedatherwant
ing
answer
s.

Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)Igott
hej
ob
Themba:(
happy)wowcongr
atul
ati
onsman
Mpho:t
hanksman.Letmegot
alkt
omyboss
Themba:youdot
hatman

Hegotupandt
oPr
inci
palMasuku'
sof
fi
ce
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Atr
es

Nompilowrot
eonjour
nelt
hent
ookherphoneand
cal
ledhermother
.

MaGl
adys:hel
lo
Nompi
lo:hel
lomai
t'
smeNompi
lo
MaGl
adys:Nompi
lo?I
sthesomet
hingwr
ong?
Nompil
o:(
smi
led)noma.Ij
ustwant
edt
ohearyour
voi
ce
MaGladys:(
smi
led)oht
hat
'sgr
eat
.I'
mfi
nedear
howareyou?
Nompi
lo:I
'
m goodma
MaGl
adys:how'
sschool
?
Nompi
lo:schooli
sgood
MaGladys:youcoul
dn'
thavecal
ledataabet
ter
t
ime.Ihavegoodnewstoshare
Nompi
lo:okaywhatdot
heysay?
MaGladys:Ispoketomycousi
nandshe'
spr
epar
ed
t
otakeandr ai
sethebabyast
heirown
Nompi
lo:what
?
MaGladys:t
hiswayyoucancont
inuewi
thschool
st
ressf
ree
Nompi
lo:butt
hisi
smybabyma
MaGl adys:whowil
ltakecareofi
twhil
eyouareat
schoolbecauseIhaveafullt
imejobher
eIcan'
t
taket
hebabyt oworkwithme
Nompi
lo:t
heSoko'
swi
llhel
p
MaGladys:youmychil
dsti
llhavealott
olearn.
Ri
chpeoplearegr
eedyandfullofdi
sappoi
ntments
Nompi
lo:Idon'
twantt
ogi
veawaymybaby
MaGl
adys:i
t'
sonl
yunt
ilyouf
ini
shschoolandgeta
j
ob
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)butma.
..
MaGladys:t
hisisnotupf
ordi
scussi
onNompi
lo.If
youdi
dn'tsl
eeparoundwi
thol
dmenwewouldn'tbe
her
einthefi
rstpl
ace
Nompi
lo:andI
'
m sor
rymom
MaGladys:sor
rydoesn'tchangeanyt
hing.My
cousi
nwilll
ovethatbabyasifit
'sher
s.Whatcan
yougivet
hatbaby?
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)that
'snotf
airmama
MaGladys:Idon'
thaveti
mef orthi
s.You'
reaki
d
andIhavemademyf i
naldeci
sion.Bye

Shehungupandquickl
ywipedhert
ear
staki
ngt
he
j
ournalandwr
it
ingever
ythi
ngdown.

*
***
***
***
***
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***
*
Lat
ert
hatday
MphohaddinneroverGabi'
splacetocel
ebrat
ehis
newjob.Het
henhadt oleaveasitwasgett
inglat
e
andGabiwal
kedhim out.

Mpho:t
hankyouagai
nforwhatyoudi
d
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)Idi
dn'
tdoanyt
hing
Mpho:(l
aughed)notmanypeopl
ecangetj
obs
wi
thoutgoi
ngonani nt
ervi
ew
Gabi
:(l
aughed)okayyougotme
Mpho:(
tookoutachocol
atebar
)at
okenof
appr
eci
ati
on
Gabi
:(t
ooki
tsmi
li
ng)t
hankyou

Sheopenedi
tandt
ookabi
te.
Gabi
:(smi
li
ngwhi
lechewi
ng)t
hisi
sni
ce.Wanta
bi
te?
Mpho:(
smi
led)noi
twasf
oryou
Gabi
:(l
aughed)Ismel
ll
ovepot
ion
Mpho:(
tuckedherhairbehi
ndherear
)Idon'
thave
t
oworkhardont hat
Gabi:(
smiledpl
aci
nghishandonhercheekand
si
ghedwi t
hhereyescl
osed)Icant
ellyouhave
secondthought
saboutusandyou'
rewor r
iedabout
Thandiwe
Mpho:(
sighedput
ti
nghishandsi
nhi
spocket
s)I
'
m
nott
hathardtor
eadri
ght?
Gabi:you'
renot
..
.(putherhandsaroundhim)j
ust
giveusachancethenwe' l
ltakei
tfr
om ther
e.No
rush
Mpho:(
sighes)t
hankyou
Gabi
:(smi
led)al
ri
ght.Icandr
iveyouhomei
fyou
l
ikei
t'
salr
eadydark
Mpho:(
smi
ledl
ooki
ngather
)andt
hebaby?
Gabi
:(smi
ledl
ooki
ngaway)st
opl
ooki
ngatmel
ike
t
hat
Mpho:(
laughed)l
ikewhat
?
Gabi
:(l
etgoofhi
m)I
'
m goi
ngt
ogetmycarkeys

Hepull
edherbackandhindbehindatreethen
l
eanedoverki
ssingandassgri
ppingher.She
cl
osedhereyesgett
ingl
ostontheli
psofamanshe
l
ovedfeel
ingeachandever
ysqueeze.Hebr oket
he
ki
ss

Mpho:carkeys

Shebitherl
owerl
ipsmi
li
ngandr
ant
othehouset
o
getcarkeys
*
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***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Fourmont
hsl
ater

Mphowal kedoutofbuil
t-
itt
aki
ngouthi
sphoneand
cal
li
ngGabiwhi l
egetti
ngint
othecar
..
.Shewas
l
ayingont hematli
fti
ngupPhiweint
heairsmi
li
ng
andlaughingenj
oyingit

Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)t
her
egoest
hepi
lot
..
..Wee.
..
..

Phiwel
aughedwhi
leI
namir
ani
ncar
ryi
ngGabi
'
s
phone.
I
nami
:aunt
yyourphonei
sri
ngi
ng.
Gabi
:whoi
sit
?
I
nami
:Phi
we

Shesmil
edlayi
ngPhiweonherchestandsl
owl
y
satupst
rai
ghttaki
ngit

Gabi
:daddy
Mpho:(
smili
ng)heybabe,
ihavej
ustf
ini
shed
payi
ngfort
hemat er
ial
.

I
namigr
abbedhercombandst
art
edcombi
ngher
l
ongPer
uvi
anhair

Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)I
'
m wai
ti
ngf
ort
hesl
ips
Mpho:(
laughed)whati
fIdon'
thavet
hem?
Gabi
:(l
aughed)youwoul
dn'
tdar
ewantt
ofi
ndout
Mpho:(l
aughed)you'
rer
ightIdon'
twanttofi
ndout
I
'l
lbr
ingthem.Anywaywhatar eyouupto?
Gabi
:meandcapt ai
nhavejustlandedi
nCapet
own
andmyhairdr
esserispul
li
ngallstopst
omakeme
l
ookpret
ty
Mpho:(l
aughed)t
hathai
rst
ylebet
terbef
ree.I
'
m
r
unninglowoncash
Gabi
:(l
aughed)t
her
e'snot
hingf
orMahhal
a
Mpho:(
smil
ed)wantmet
obuyyouanyt
hingf
rom
t
heshops
Gabi
:br
ingsomet
hingI
'
lll
ove
Mpho:(
sexyhuskyvoi
ce)webot
hknowwhatyou
l
ovedoesn'
tneedmoney
Gabi
:(l
aughed)heybehave18par
ent
sguar
dian
Mpho:(
laughed)Il
oveyou
Gabi
:(smi
ledandwhi
sper
edt
oInami
)tel
ldaddy
youl
ovehim
I
nami
:(scr
eami
ngt
othephone)Il
oveyout
odaddy
Mpho:(
laughi
ng)Il
oveyout
oopr
incess
Gabi
:(smi
led)bye
Mpho:seeyousoon

Shehungupandl
aiddown

Inami
:(fol
dingherar
mspout
ing)Aunt
yI'
m not
done.
..Getup
Gabi
:(smi
li
ngget
ti
ngup)I
'
m sor
rybaby

Shesatuppl
ayi
ngwi
thPhi
wewhi
leI
namicombed
herhai
r

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Atr
ehabi
li
tat
ioncent
re

Thandiwewalkedt
ot hepsychol
ogist
soffi
ceand
knocked.Shewasletin,
shesmiledgreet
ingt
he
psychologi
st

DrDhludhl
u:(
smi
li
ng)howar
eyouf
eel
ingt
odayMs
Mhlongo?
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)gr
eat
DrDhludhl
u:I'
m pr
oudtosayyouhaveprogressed
qui
etgracef
ull
yoverthepasttwomont
hssince
bei
ngmovedf rom t
hehospit
al
Thandiwe:(smili
ng)wel
lthisplacehasbeen
peaceful
..
.Gavemeenought imetogathermy
thoughtsandfiguremyselfout.I
tgavemeroom t
o
expressmyselfandlear
n
DrDhludhlu:that
'sgoodtohear.Ihavecal
ledyou
herebecauseIwantust ot al
kaboutwhatwetalked
aboutyesterday,wespokeandyougavemeyour
reasons.Iaskedyoutogosl eeponitandcome
backwi t
hyourf i
naldeci
siontoday
Thandi
we:yesandIsti
llstandonwhatIsai
d.I
'
m
gi
vingupbabySiphi
wef oradopt
ion
DrDhl
udhl
u:ar
eyousur
e?
Thandi
we:yes
DrDhludhlu:Ihavecal
ledasocialwor kertot
alkt
o
youaboutt hi
sandexplai
nthepr ocess.Ialso
understandthatyouneedtogetthef ather
s
approvalfi
rstsoIwil
lmakeplansofhowandwhen
youtwocanmeetandt al
kaboutt hi
s
Thandi
we:al
ri
ght
DrDhl
udhlu:thatwil
lbeal
lyoucangobackand
enj
oyyourfreshairi
nthegarden
Thandi
we:(
gotupsmi
li
ng)t
hankyou
Shewalkedoutandwentt
ojoi
ntheot
herl
adi
esi
n
thegar
den

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#31
AtGabi
'
shome

Inamisawheraunt
'sdri
vei
nandscr
eamedi
n
exci
tementgoi
ngout.

I
nami
:(exci
ted)daddy'
sher
e
Gabi:(
smi
li
ng)becar
efulIdon'
tdon'
twantyour
fat
hertor
unyouoverwit
hhiscar

Mphost
eppedoutofthecarrecei
vingthebest
wel
comefr
om herdaughter
.Hehappi l
yli
ft
edherup
i
nahug
Mpho:youhavet
hewar
mesthugsever
I
nami
:(smi
li
ng)whatdi
dyoubuyus?
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)noIl
oveyoudadoranyt
hing
I
nami
:Il
oveyoudad.Whatdi
dyoubr
ingme?
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)seef
oryour
sel
f

Heputherdownopeni ngthecardoorandshe
hoppedingetti
ngplasticsful
loft
reat
s.Mphothen
foll
owedhertakingonebucketofKFC.Theywalked
i
nt hehouseandMphogr eetedGabipul
li
ngher
close,
Gabipoli
telypushedhim back

Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)noti
nfr
ontoft
heki
ds
Mpho:(
lookedatI
namilooki
ngthrought
hepl
ast
ics)
babyt
akeyourpacketofmarshmall
owsandgot
o
yourr
oom

Shedi
dasshewast
oldandwentt
oherr
oom

Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)Imi
ssyou
Gabi
:Imi
ssyout
oobutwehavet
obecar
eful
Mpho:(
sighed)butI
'
m st
arvi
ng
Gabi:(
smil
ed)I
'
llf
eedyouwhenwehavet
he
chance.Nowwherear
ethesl
ips?
Mpho:(
smi
li
nghandi
ngt
hem over
)ther
e
Gabi
:whenwi
llt
heydel
iveri
t?
Mpho:t
omor
row
Gabi
:(smi
led)Ican'
tbel
ieveyou'
ret
wot
il
esaway
fr
om f
ini
shingupyourhome
Mpho:(
smi
ledholdi
ngherhand)andi
t'
sal
lthanks
t
oyoumymi ni
steroff
inance
Gabi
:(smi
led)Idi
dn'
tdoanyt
hing
Mpho:i
f"didn'
tdoanythi
ng"meansall
owingmeto
usemytwomont hspaytof
ullypaymydebtwhi
le
youpayoffeverythi
ngel
sethenyoushoul
ddo
moreofthem
Gabi:(l
aughed)Iwoul
ddoi tagai
nifIhadt
o.Your
happinessismyhappiness

Hel
eanedovert
oki
ssherbutshest
eppedback

Gabi
:pl
ease.
..
Mpho:I
'
m sor
ryIj
ustcan'
thel
pmysel
f
Gabi
:soaboutApr
il
'sdi
nnerpar
tyt
oni
ght
Mpho:Iwashopingwecouldspendourdayof
f
t
ogetherunder
neat
hthecover
s
Gabi
:youknowt
hat
'si
mpossi
blespeci
all
ywi
th
gogoher
e
Mpho:I
'
llconvi
ncehert
osl
eepoverathome
Gabi
:andt
heki
ds?
Mpho:youcanaskyourmot
hert
otakecar
eof
t
hem
Gabi
:(si
ghed)dower
eal
lyneedt
ogo?
Mpho:(heldherwai st
)we'
r egoingandputon
somethingtightandsexy,nopantiesanditmustbe
easi
lyli
ftedup( l
ookedathercleavage)defi
nit
elya
v-
neckdr essandnobr a
Gabi
:(smi
ledcover
ingherf
ace)goshyouandyour
demands
Mpho:(smil
ing)Icannevergetenoughofyour
sexi
ness.Nowcal lyourmom
Gabi
:mmh.
.
Mpho:Ineedt
ogodel
iversomef
oodathome
Gabi
:okay,
travel
saf
ely

Heki
ssedherandt
ookt
hecarkeyswal
kingout
.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Atr
es

Sbahl
epackedhersuit
casewhil
eNompi
lor
eada
bookaboutent
repr
eneurshi
p.

Sbahl
e:(
smil
ing)t
hewayyoulover
eadi
ngabout
busi
nessIwouldsayyou'
redoi
ngt
hewrongcour
se
Nompil
o:(
smil
ing)t
here'
snothi
ngwr ongwi
th
equi
ppi
ngyour
selfwit
hnecessaryskil
ls
Sbahl
e:(smi
li
ng)maybeyoushoul
dteachme
somethi
ngaboutbusi
nesswhenwereopen
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)Iwi
llgl
adl
ydo-

shecl
osedhereyesi
nafrownf
eel
ingami
ldpai
n
fr
om under
neat
hherbel
ly
Sbahl
e:ar
eyouokay?
Nompi
lo:I
'
m..
.I'
mfi
nej
ustf
eel
ingl
it
tl
epai
ns
Sbahl
e:i
ftheycont
inueyoushoul
dseeadoct
or
Nompi
lo:t
heyar
enott
hatbadso.
..I
'
llbef
ine
Sbahl
e:okaysot
ell
meyou'
regoi
nghomet
osee
yourf
amily
Nompil
o:(putt
hebookthebookasi
de)I
'mj
ust
gonnast
ayhere.Ther
e'snotmuchwai
ti
ngf
ormeat
homeanyway
Sbahl
e:you'
l
lgetbor
edher
e
Nompi
lo:r
ightnowt
hispl
acei
sthesaf
estoft
hem
al
l
Sbahl
e:i
sthi
saboutt
heguy?
Nompil
o:(si
ghed)yeahandmymom.Ij
ustdon'
t
needanystr
essatthemoment
Sbahl
e:okay.
..Iunder
stand.
Nompi
lo:butyouenj
oyyour
sel
fandki
ssmy
daught
erf
orme
Sbahle:(
laughed)Iwi
llshe'
sahandf
ul(
closedher
sui
tcase)alldone
Nompilo:l
etmeaccompanyyoupl ust
here'
sabook
I'
vebeenmeani ngtobuyatthebookshop.Ial
so
foundaperfectspottojustr
elaxandr
eadmy
bookswithoutdist
urbance
Sbahl
e:okaylet
'sgo.Yout
akemyhandbag,
I'
ll
car
rytherest
Nompi
lo:howwi
llyougethome?
Sbahl
e:myboyf
ri
endi
sal
readywai
ti
ngf
orme
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)l
uckyyou

Sbahl
esmil
edandgaveNompil
oherhandbagthen
tookt
her
estoft
hebagsbef
oreexi
ti
ngtheroom.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtMpho'
shome

Mphoar
rivedandtheki
dsrushedtothecarget
ti
ng
t
hefewplast
icst
hatwerelef
t.Thenhewalked
i
nsi
defi
ndinggogoandhissist
er

Tshepo:(
exci
ted)mauncl
eboughtusKFC
Nal
edi
:gotputt
hati
nthef
ri
dgeandunpackt
he
ot
hert
hings
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)hel
loever
yone
Gogo:af
ter
noonson
Mpho:sohow'
sthevi
sitt
reat
ingyou
Gogo:i
t'
sgoodt
obehome.IhopeGabi
sil
eisn'
t
st
ruggl
ingwi
tht
heki
ds
Mpho:Iwasatherhousej
ustnowshe'
sdoi
ngwel
l
Gogo:oh
Mpho:we'
regoi
ngt
oacol
league'
sdi
nnerpar
ty
Nal
edi:youtwoseem t
obespendi
ngalotoftime
t
ogether.Goi
ngshoppi
ngt
ogether
,wor
k,dinner.
..
Mpho:separ
atet
ravel
li
ngwast
esmoney
Nal
edi
:excuses
Gogo:wenaMsexcuseshowf arar
eyouwit
h
get
tingthatusel
esshusbandofyourst
opay
maintenance?
Nal
edi
:ummhwe'
rest
il
lwai
ti
ngf
ort
heDNAr
esul
ts
Gogo:i
thasbeenmont
hswai
ti
ng
Nal
edi
:ummhl
etmegomakeacal
l

Shewal
kedoutandgogogotup

Gogo:l
etmegopacksowecanl
eavet
oget
her
Mpho:ummht here'
snoneedgogo.Gabihas
al
readyaskedhermom t
obabysit
Gogo:i
twontbesaf
eforhert
obeal
one
Mpho:wewi
llbet
aki
ngt
hem overt
oherhouse
Gogo:ohsoyoucanhavet
hehouseal
lto
your
selves
Mpho:whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutgogo
Gogo:youar
espendi
ngtoomuchtimewit
hher.
Shoul
dIremindyout
hatyoupai
dlobol
aforher
cousi
n.
Mpho:Iknowt
hat
Gogo:sodon'
tdosomet
hingt
hatwi
lldest
royt
his
fami
ly.
Mpho:we'
renotdoi
nganyt
hing
Gogo:Ihopeso
Mpho:Ineedt
ogoandcheckt
hebui
lder
s
Gogo:okay

Hegotupgett
inghi
skeysandgoingtothecarhis
phoner
ang.Hesearchedf
ori
tinhispocketand
t
ooki
toutandr
eal
izedi
twasThandi
we'
sdoct
or

Mpho:Doct
or
Dr
:mor
ningsi
r
Mpho:mor
ning,
isThandi
weokay?
Dr
:she'
sdoi
ngf
inet
hat
'swhyI
'
m cal
li
ng
Mpho:okay
Dr:canyoupl
easecometomyofficet
omorrow.
There'
ssomet
hingimpor
tantwehavetodi
scuss
Mpho:ummhokay
Dr
:thatwi
llbeal
lenj
oyyourday
Mpho:yout
oo

Hehungupandst
eppedi
ntot
hecar
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
hecof
feeshop
Nompil
osatatthereader
scor
nerwri
ti
ngonher
j
ournal
.Busaniwal
kedinbuyi
ngsomedonut
sand
sawher.Hewalkedover

Busani
:(l
ooki
ngoveratherj
our
nal
)whatar
eyou
wri
ti
ngthere
Nompi
lo:(
qui
ckl
yhi
dit
)not
hing
Busani
:(si
tt
ingnextt
oher
)whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e
Nompil
o:(
taki
ngoutabookontheshel
fnextt
oher)
j
ustdoi
ngsomer eadi
ng.Sohowar
eyougoingto
t
err
ori
zemet oday?
Busani
:I'
m st
il
lthinki
ngabouti
tbutwhyar
eyou
her
ewhenever yoneelsei
sgoinghome
Nompilo:notmuchiswai
ti
ngformeathome.I
doubtanyonemissesmeanyway
Busani
:andwho'
sfaul
tist
hat
?
Nompi
lo:(
sighed)i
taal
wayst
hewoman'
s
f
aul
t.
..
aah

Shegotupandbentdownf
eel
ingmi
ldpai
nsbel
ow
herbel
ly

Busani
:eyyy.
.Ar
eyouokay?
Nompi
lo:I
'
m..
.I'
mfi
ne.Justl
i
ttl
epai
ns.Theycome
andgo
Busani
:thi
scoul
dbeser
ious
Nompi
lo:I
'
llbef
ineBusani

Sheslowl
ygotherbagandwal kedout.Whil
e
Busanil
ookedatherfeel
ingsorryforherhetook
thebookandputitontheshelfandsawherj our
nal
onthechai
r.Hetookitandrushedoutbutshewas
gone
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtGabi
'
shouse

Gabil ookedather selfinthemi r

rorqui etunsur eof
thelittl
er edsexynumbershewaswear i
ng.Anopen
V-neckdr ess,herchestwasi ntheopenandher
beaut i
fulf i
rm perkyboobsdi dn'
tdisappoi ntherand
herni pplespoi ntedoutt hroughthesof tfabri
c.She
turnedar oundl ooki ngathowgr eatshel ooked.This
dressedhuggedheri nther i
ghtplaces.Shehear d
thecarhootandqui cklyputonherl ipstick.She
l
ookedather selfoncemor eandf eltuncomf ort
abl
e
withthewayherni ppleswer est
ickingoutand
pushedf orwardher32i nchePer uviancover ingher
nipples.Shesmi ledasi tlookedbet terthenshet ook
herpur seandr ushedout .Mphocoul dn'tstop
stari
ngathergor geoussel f.
Mpho:you'
rebeaut
if
ul
Gabi
sil
e:(
smi
li
ng)t
hankyou

Hepushedbackherl
onghai
rlooki
ngatherni
ppl
e
pr
intt
emptedtot
ouchthem.

Gabi
:(pushi
ngherhai
rupf
ront
)babe
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)sor
ry.Igotyousomet
hing.
..

Hetookoutabeaut
if
ulneckl
acewi
thastarpi
ece.
Shesmil
edlooki
ngatitt
henhehel
pedherputiton

Mpho:i
t'
scheapbut
..
.
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)i
t'
sbeaut
if
ul.Il
ovei
t
Shet
urnedl
ooki
ngathi
m whi
lehehel
dherwai
st.

Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyou
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)anyt
hingf
ormybeaut
if
ull
ady
Gabi
:let
'
sgo

Heopenedthedoorforherandshesteppedi
n.
Thenhewentovertothedri
versseatget
ti
ngi
nand
dri
vingout

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtApr
il
'shouse
Thecouplearr
ivedandwalkedingr
eetingever
yone
andMphoexcusedhi msel
ftojoint
hegentsinthe
braaiwhi
leGabiwaslef
twiththegi
rls

Apr
il
:whatonear
thar
eyouwear
ing?
Gabi
:(conf
used)adr
ess(
smi
led)Baepi
ckedi
tout
hi
mself
Ni
col
e:you'
renaked
Gabi
:I'
m notnaked
Apri
l:I
'
m sur
ewecanf
indsomet
hingt
hatwi
llf
it
youinmycloset
Gabi
:I'
m notchangi
ngmydr
ess.
Nakedi
:ohpl
easel
eavet
hegi
rlal
one
Ni
col
e:howwi
llourmanl
ookatyou?
Gabi
:Idi
dn'
tdr
essupf
oryourman
Apri
l:wel
lyoushoul
d'veputont
hisdr
essf
orhi
min
pr
ivat
e
Gabi
:whyar
eyoubei
ngl
iket
hisguys
April
:youknowourhusbandswi
llbehereandyou
dressi
ngli
kethat
..
.Thei
reyeswi
llbealloveryou.
Youknowmen
Ni
cole:youknowwhatguysl
etusnotdr
agt
hisout
we'
lll
eave
Apri
l:noonei
sleavi
ngmyf r
iendwi
llcomewi
thme
andputonsomethi
ngdecent
.Come

Gabif
oll
owedApr i
ltoherr
oom andsheopenedher
cl
osett
akingoutcl
othes.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
hebr
aai

Theguyschatwhi
lebusywi
tht
hemeatandhavi
ng
col
dbeer
s

Phi
lani
:sohowdoesi
tfeel
li
ket
ohaveawoman
whoearnsmoret
hanyou
Mpho:i
tdependsonwhi changleyou'
reusi
ngt o
l
ookatit
.Idon'thaveapr obl
em withapowerful
womanaf teral
lI'
mraisi
ngmydaught ertobecome
one.Al
lthatisi
mportantisrespect
Phi
lani
:(l
aughing)whati
sthi
smansayi
ng?Money
ear
nsyour espect
Mpho:(smi
led)wel
linmycaseIhavenothi
ngto
off
erbutl
oveandrespectandIhavebeenbl
essed
togetawomanwhoaccept swhatIcanoff
er.
Cebo:you'
real
uckyman,
youknowwit
hApr
ilI
knowifmypocketsr
undr
yshe'
sgone
Mpho:(
laughed)wel
lmywomani
samazi
ng
Thel adi
eswal kedoutwi ththesaladsdressingthe
table.Hel ookedatGabidr essedinat ot
aldiff
erent
dressandGabil ookedathi m andhegavehera
l
ookofdi sappr ovalshelookeddownavoi di
nghi s
gaze.Ni colewentt ogett hemeatandcal lt
heguys
tojointhem.Thent heywentt othetable

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

.
#32

ATAPRI
L'SHOUSE

GabisatonMpho' sl
apwhi
let
heot
herl
adi
essat
nextt
otheirhusbands.

Mpho:(
whi
sper
ed)whathappenedt
oyourdr
ess?
Gabi
:(whi
sper
ed)t
hel
adi
esmademechange
Mpho:andyouj
ustdi
dastheysay.Nowwhatt
hey
saymatt
ersmor
ethanwhatIsay
Gabi
:ofcour
seno,
Iji
stdi
dn'
twantt
ofi
ghtwi
th
t
hem
Nakedi:(l
ooki
ngatthem)whatar
eyout
wol
ove
bi
rdstalki
ngabout?
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)not
hing

GabigotupandpouredMphoandhersel
fsome
j
uicewhil
ePhil
anist
aredatherbut
tandi
tdidn'
tsi
t
wellwi
thNicol
e

Ni
col
e:babe
Phi
lani
:mmh?
Nicol
e:ar
eyougoi
ngt
oannouncet
hebi
gdayor
shoul
dI?
Phi
lani
:what
?
Ni
col
e:soguyswehavef
inal
lydeci
dedonadat
e
f
orourweddi
ng
Nakedi
:(smi
li
ng)f
inal
lyaweddi
ngmaybrI
'
llgeta
manthere
Apr
il
:(smi
li
ng)sowheni
sthebi
gday?
Ni
col
e:nextmont
hont
he28t
h
Apr
il
:(happy)can'
twai
t
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)congr
atul
ati
ons
Cebo:sowhenar
eyouput
ti
ngar
ingoni
tMpho?
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)soon
Phi
lani
:havi
ngsecondt
hought
s?
Mpho:(laughed)notr eall
ybutwe'r est
il
lbusy
buil
dingandwoul dhavecoldfeetonabeaut i
ful
womanl iket his.Manywomenenvyher ,insecuri
ti
es
wri
ttenint heireyesatherpresenceanddon' tget
mest ar
tedonmen.Shemakest hem rethinkof
whetherornott heyhavechosent heri
ghtwoman
becauset heycanbar elyf
ocusi nherpresence

Nakedisi
ppedherdr
inklooki
ngatt
heladi
est
he
si
tuat
ionhadtur
nedfrom bei
ngsweett
osour
.
Apr
il
:(swal
lowed)dr
inksanyone?
Mpho:countusout
,weshoul
dgetgoi
ng

Shegotupandtheybot
hwalkedoutwhi
let
heguys
l
ookedatherbubbl
ebum maneuver
ingi
nherdr
ess.
Nicol
eel
bowedherman

Phi
lani
:ouch
Ni
col
e:whatar
eyoul
ooki
ngat
?

Apri
llookedathermanwit
hhi
seyesf
ixedonGabi
'
s
assandsuckedherteet
h

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtBusani
Busaniwasont
hephonet
alki
ngt
ohi
smot
her

MaSoko:sowhenar
eyoucomi
nghome?
Busani
:aahIdon'
tknow,
Ihaven'
tdeci
dedyet
MaSoko:butmeandyourfat
herhadsomuch
pl
annedforourf
ami
ly.Youknowafamil
ygetaway
Busani
:youwillhavet
ogowit
houtme.Ihaveal
ot
ofworkthatIwannadoher
e
MaSoko:butboythi
swouldbegreatt
imef
oryou
andyourdadtof
ixthatbr
okenbond
Busani
:I'
l
lbet
her
eonot
herhol
idaysmom.Right
nowIhavesomucht
odo.Wherearemysi
sters
MaSoko:t
heywentt
obedear
ly
Busani
:(smi
led)ohokayI
'
llt
alkt
othem Tomor
row
MaSoko:youcant
alkt
oyourf
ather
Busani
:ummhmybat
ter
yisl
ow.Igot
tago

Hehungupandlaidont
hebedlooki
ngatNompi
lo'
s
j
our
nal.Heopenedandr
eadit

Nompi lo:dearjournal, I'

vebeent ryi
ngtosl eepfora
whilenowbutmyhear tisheavy.Ther e'
snowor dor
wor dsthatcandescr i
bewhatI '
mf eeli
ngr i
ghtnow.
Ifeelsoal one,Ihavenoonet ot alktosincemy
mot herhast urnedherbackonme.Idon' tblame
her,Ididthistomysel f .Iwant edt oknowhowi tfelt
l
iket obelovedbyaman, hegavememoneyand
tookmyvi rgi
nitysuchasmal lpriceforsomet hing
big.Het ol
dmel ies,saidifitwasdonebyboysmy
agei twouldhur tandi fnotdonecor rectl
yIwoul d
bedamagedf orlif
e.Iwasst upidenought obelieve
him.Hesai dhismar riagewasf alli
ngapar tandHe
wasi nlovewi t
hmeandIwoul dbehi swi f
eaf t
erhe
divorcesherbuther eIam.Pr egnant ,adisgraceto
mymom andahomewr ecker.Hedeni edmei nf r
ont
ofeveryoneandcal ledmeawhor e.YesIcouldn'
t
bel
ievethosel i
pst hatoncesay" Iloveyouandyou
dri
vemecr azy"wer egoingtobet hesamel i
pst o
say"I'
mj ustami stake,hedon'tloveme.I '
m
nothi
ngt ohim.Iwasj ustastressr eli
ever
".Those
wordsstillcuttoodeep.Ishoul d'veneverall
owed
himtogi vemear idehome.I '
m suchaf ool

Heswall
owedlooki
ngatt
hedriedtear
sonpaper
.
Hepagedthr
oughtothel
astpage.Scanni
ng
t
hrough

Nompi l
o:Icanneverbef r
eef rom mysinswith
Busaniconst antl
yremindingmeoft hem andmy
mom ont heotherhandfor ci
ngmet ogi
veawaymy
daughter.Ican'tsl
eep(dri
edt ears)Idon'
twantto
giveherup, howwi l
lIexplainmyselftoher.(her
tearshadr ui
nedmostofherwr i
ti
ng)ift
hisGodis
mypuni
shmentf
ort
hepai
nIcausedMaSokot
hen
l
eti
tbe

Heputitdownandpaceddownt
her
oom not
bel
ievi
ngwhatheread.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtGabi
'
shome

TheyarrivedhomeandGabiwenti nsidewhil
e
Mphol ockedthegat
eandt hegaraget henwent
i
nside.Het ookof
fhi
sjacketwalkingtoherroom.
Hefoundhersi t
ti
ngonthebedt akingoffher
ear
ri
ngs.

Gabi
:ar
eyouangr
yatme?
Mpho:whywoul
dIbeangr
yatyou?
Gabi
:becauseI
..
.

Hewentt
othebat
hroom

Mpho:becauseyouletanotherwomant
ellyouhow
t
odressjusttoeaseherinsecur
it
ies
Gabi
:theyar
emyf
ri
ends
Mpho:soi
twi
llal
waysbet
hem f
ir
st
Gabi
:(sighed)no.
..YouknowIl
oveyouandwoul
d
doanythingtomakeyouhappy

Hewal
kedouti
nhi
sboxer
sandl
ookedather
Mpho:i
sthatso?
Gabi
:yes(
shegotup)bel
ieveme

Hewalkedtoherandt urnedheraroundfacingher
bedandunzi ppedherdressplant i
ngwetkisses
downherbackwhi leshebitherlowerl
ip.Het hen
pusheditdownf rom hershouldersanddroppedit
tothefl
oorcuppi ngherperkyboobsgent l
ypinching
hersharpnipples.Shearchedherbackput ti
ngher
handsoverhi s.

Mpho:(
smi
ledspeaki
ngsof
tl
y)baby.
..
doyouwant
me?
Gabi
:mmh.
..
.yes

Heki
ssedherneckand#seal
ed
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtNompi
lo'
sroom

Shefelttwistedandturnedfeel
ingrestless.Shegot
upandsear chedherbagforherjournalandi t
wasn'tthere.Shelookedforiti
nherdr awersand
underthebedbuti twasn'tther
e.Shepani cked
tur
ningt heroom upsidedownlookingf orit
.

Nompi
lo:wher
eisi
t?

Shel
ookedf
ori
tagai
nandst
il
lcoul
dn'
tfi
ndi
t.She
satont
hebedt
ryi
ngt
oret
raceherst
eps

Nompil
o:Iwasatt
hecof
feeshop,
Iputi
tinmybag
andcamehomebutwherei
sit?

Herphonerangandi
twasanumbershedi
dn'
t
knowbutsheanswer
ed

Nompi
lo:hel
lo
Busani
:hii
t'
sBusani
Nompi
lo:t
hisi
snotagoodt
imef
oryouri
nsul
ts
Busani
:Ihaveyourl
it
tl
ebookwi
thme
Nompi
lo:what
?
Busani
:youl
efti
tatt
heshopwhenyour
ushedout
Nompi
lo:di
dyour
eadi
t?
Busani
:shoul
dIr
eadi
t?
Nompi
lo:pl
easedon'
treadi
t,canyoubr
ingi
ttome
now
Busani:I
'
m notbr
ingi
ngi
ttoyou.Youshoul
dcome
geti
ttomorrow
Nompi
lo:Busanipl
ease
Busani
:youhaveunt
il12noonorI
'
mreadi
ngi
t

Hehungupandsheputherphonedownt
hengot
i
ntobed
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Thenextday

Gabisl
owl
yopenedhersl
eepyeyesandqui
ckl
ygot
upreali
zingitwasbr oaddaylight
.Mphowalkedout
oft
hebat hroom inat owelandwentt
ositonthe
bedkissi
ngherf orehead.

Mpho:mor
ning
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)heybabe.
..Whydi
dn'
tyouwakeme
up?
Mpho:(
smil
ed)youl
ookedsopeacef
ulIdi
dn'
twant
t
oruint
hat
Gabi
:thankyou.
..(
tookhi
shand)Ummhbabe
Mpho:(
lookedather
)yes
Gabi:(
playi
ngwit
hhi
sfi
nger
s)Ihavebeent
hinki
ng
aboutsomethi
ng
Mpho:I
'
mli
steni
ng
Gabi:It
hinkmaybei
t'
sti
mewet
oldourf
ami
ly
aboutus
Mpho:(
sighedpul
li
ngbackhi
shand)wher
eist
his
comi
ngfrom?
Gabi:webot
hagr
eedtotr
ythi
ngsoutandi
ftheygo
wellwewoul
dtel
lthef
amil
yandmakeitof
fi
cial
Mpho:t
hisi
snotther
ightt
imeandIknowour
el
der
swontagreetot
his
Gabi
:atfir
sti
tmi ghtbehardfort
hem butwi t
htime
t
heywi l
lwarm uptotheidea.I
fwesticktogether
,
l
oveandsuppor toneanotherwecansur vi
ve
whatevert
heythrowatus.Thissneakingaround
wontdousanygood
Mpho:nowisnott
her
ightt
ime.Whatwi
llhappen
whenThandi
wecomesback?
Gabi
:wewi
llexpl
aint
oherever
ythi
ng?
Mpho:j
ustl
iket
hat
?
Gabi
:whatar
eyousayi
ngMpho?
Mpho:(
gotof
fthebed)Ineedt
ogo.
Gabi
:butwe'
renotdonet
alki
ng
Mpho:it
'sur
gent
.Youshoul
dbat
handgocol
lect
t
hekids
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)what
'ssour
gentot
hert
hant
hist
alk
Mpho:(
put
ti
ngonhi
scl
othes)l
et'
snotdot
hisnow
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)don'
tyoul
oveme?
Mpho:( satont hebedtaki
ngherhand)youknowI
l
oveyouand( si
ghed)you'
reri
ghtit
'st
imewet ol
d
ourfami l
iesaboutthi
s.Canwej ustgi
veitmore
ti
me, I
'm wor r
iedThandiwemightcomebackand
takethi
st hewr ongwayandhaveanot herepi
sode.
Let'
swai tforhertocomebackandseei fshe'
s
sett
ledthenwecanexpl ai
ntoher
Gabi
:(wi
pinghert
ear
s)okay
Mpho:(
wipedhertear
s)nowst
opcr
ying,
you'
re
maki
ngmef eelbad
Gabi
:(smi
led)I
'
m sor
ry
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)nowgobat
h,youst
ink
Gabi
:(l
aughedsl
owl
yget
ti
ngup)i
t'
sal
lyourf
aul
t

Shesl
owlygotupandwalkedt
othebat
hroom whi
le
Mphogotdressedandl
eft
.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Atgogo'
shome

Mphoar r
ivedhomeandwenti
ngreet
ingever
yone.
Naledit
ookoutthel
aundr
ywhil
eGogoremained
wit
hMpho

Gogo:howdi
dthedi
nnergo?
Mpho:gr
eatbutI
'
m notst
ayi
ng.Ihavet
orush
somewhere
Gogo:wher
e?
Mpho:Thandi
we'
sdoct
orr
equest
edt
oseeme
Gogo:(
wor
ri
ed)i
ssheokay?
Mpho:(smi
led)t
hedoct
orsai
dshe'
sdoi
ngsomuch
bet
ter
Gogo:(
smiled)t
hat'
sgoodnews..
.Theki
dsal
ready
missher
.Inamican'
tstopaski
ngmeabouther
Mpho:(smiled)Iknow.Thosetwohavethegr
eat
est
bondever.Ihopeshecanbui l
dthatbondwi
th
Phiwe
Gogo:Ihopesot
oo(
smi
les)Iwi
shIwast
heone
goi
ngtoseeher
Mpho:you'
l
lseehersoon
Gogo:gogogodon'
tkeepherwai
ti
ng

Helaughedr
ushi
ngtohisroom t
ogetchanged
af
terhewasdoneherushedout.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtAuntPaul
ine'
shouse
GabipacketPhi
we'sbagwhil
ehermom satonthe
couchholdi
ngPhiwelooki
ngatherdaught
er.

Her
:howwast
hedi
nner
?
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)good
Her
:(smi
li
ng)j
ustgood?
Gabi
:whatdoyouwantmet
osayma?
Her
:wast
hemyst
eryguyt
her
e?
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)mom st
opi
t
Her:Ir
eallywantt
oseethi
smant
hat'
smaki
ngmy
daughtersohappy.Whenar
ewemeeti
nghi
m kant
i
Gabi
:youwi
llmeethi
m soon
Her
:andIhopeI'
llbeholdi
ngyourbabysoon.Oh
t
heloveI
'
m goingtogiveher
Gabi
:(laughed)ohyou'
vealr
eadymadeupyour
mindthatyourfir
stgr
andchi
ldi
sgoi
ngtobeagirl
Her:(
laughi
ng)angi
shoIknowshe'
l
linher
itmy
l
ovelygenes
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)ohmama
Her:Ihopeyouf i
ndsomeonewhowi lll
oveyouj
ust
l
ikehowt hatboylovesThandi
we.Youseethei
rlove
canneverbebr okennomatterwhat
Gabi:(
sar
cast
ic)don'
tsayt
hatmama.Whati
fI
havemyeyesonhi m?
Her
:(f
uri
ousl
ylookedather
)what
?
Gabi
:(smi
led)I
'
mjoki
ngma
Her:youdon'
tjokeaboutsomet
hingser
iousasthi
s.
Youandherarecousinsandshe'
smar r
iedtohi
m.
Gabi
:Iknowt
hatmom Iwasj
ust
-
Her:youcanj okeaboutanyt hi
ngbutnott
heir
marriage.Ididn'tr
aiseasluttowr
eckpeople'
s
homes.Thatt houghtshoul
dneverevencrossyour
mind.Iforbidit
Gabi
:(si
ghedget
ti
ngup)Ishoul
dgetgoi
ng.
Her
:(si
ghed)myl
ovedon'
ttaket
hist
hewr
ongway
Gabi
:Iwasj
ustj
oki
ngbuti
tdoesn'
tmat
ter
.Ineed
t
ogosogogodoesn'
tfi
ndt
hehousewit
hnoone
Her
:okay

GabitookthebagandSiphiwewhil
ehermot
her
cal
ledInamiandwalkedthem t
othecar
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Mphost oodbythedoort aki
ngahugebr eathinand
out,t
odaywasgoi ngt obet hefi
rstti
mehewoul d
seeThandi weeversi nceshel ef
tandhedi dn'
tknow
whattoexpect .Heopenedt hedoorwalkingin.She
wasst andingbeforet hebiggestwindowlooking
outsi
de.Shesl owlyt urnedandlookedathim.She
wasbeaut i
ful
,hethoughthewoul dfi
ndherski nny
andsadbuthersi mpl esmi l
eandglowingskinsaid
other
wi se.Shewal kedupt ohim.

Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)Iwaswor
ri
edyouwoul
dn'
t
come
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)wel
l.
..I
'
m her
e

Shehuggedhi
m andhejuststoodt
herenot
knowi
ngonwhetherheshouldhugherornot

Thandi
we:youchangedyourcol
ogne?
Mpho:I
..
.
Thandi
we:whydi
dyou?
Mpho:Ij
ustdi
d..
.Idi
dn'
tthi
nki
twoul
dbeani
ssue
Thandiwe:(l
ookedathim)i
t'
snotjustt
hat.
..(smi
led)
Iguesswhensomeonesavesyousomet hi
ngas
si
mpl eastheircol
ognecanbri
ngsomuchwar mth,
andaf eel
ingofsafet
y.I
thappenswhenIthinkof
you
Mpho:you.
..
thi
nkofme
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)yes.
..It
hinkofmanyt
hings.
Howi
smybaby?
Mpho:t
heyar
edoi
ngf
ine
Thandi
we:(
tookhi
shand)Comesi
tdownsowecan
tal
k

Sheledhimtosi
tdownandpour
edwat
erf
or
her
selfbef
oresi
tt
ingdown.

Mpho:(
sighed)I
namimi
ssesyou
Thandiwe:(smiled)Imisshert oo.Imissmy
famil
y..
.(si
ghed)bei ngherehasmademer eal
ize
howIwasbr oken,thatmanbr okemeMpho, he
destr
oyedmysel f-
confi
dence,heputmei nt
oadar k
space.Ibottl
edever yt
hingi
nsidecl ai
mingt
obe
str
ongandi ntheendi texploded
Mpho:andt
hat
'snotyourf
aul
t
Thandi
we:Iknow.
Ther
ewassi
lence

Mpho:(
lookedathereyes)whatar
eyounott
ell
i
ng
meThandiwe?
Thandi
we:Iwantt
ogi
veSi
phi
weupf
oradopt
ion
Mpho:(
shocked)what
?!
Thandi
we:pl
easel
ist
-
Mpho:he'
smyson!
Thandi
we:(sof
tl
y)pl
easel
ist
en(
hel
dhi
shand)bab'
waInamingi
yakucel
a

Hesqueezedherhandt
ryi
ngt
ocal
m down.

Thandi
we:Si
phi
weisabeautif
ulbabyboyandI
knowhehaswarmedupint
oyourheartsbutt
ome.
Hetakesmebackt
othedarkestmomentsofmyli
fe.
IwishIcouldloveandtakecareofhi
m butIcan't
.
I'
m scared,
I'
m scaredI'
l
lhurthi
m andthere's
nothingsopai
nf ult
hantobehatedandhur tbya
personwho'ssupposetobeyourmot her
.
Mpho:(shookhi
shead)he'
sjustababyThandi
we.
..
He'
sinnocent
Thandiwe:Iknowthat'
swhyIdon'twanthimto
suff
erathismothershands.Iwanthimtoberai
sed
i
nal ovi
nghome.Ther earemanycouplesoutt
here
whowoul dlovet
or ai
sehim ast
heirown.Bab'
waInamiIwanttocomebackhomesowecanwor k
onourmar ri
age

Hequickl
ylookedathernotbel
ievi
ngwhathewas
hear
ing
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#33

Mpho:I'
vebeendyingtohearyousaythosewor ds
butwhatyou'
reaskingistoomuch.Hehas
becomeapartofus, Iwantus(smi
ledsqueezi
ng
herhand)t
oworkonourmar ri
agebutgi
vingupon
myson(shookhishead)Il
ovet
hatboy.Ther
e
shoul
dbeanotherway
Thandiwe:wecanhaveanopenadopt i
onwhereby
youcanmakear rangement
swithhisparent
stosee
him andtheycansendyoupict
uresofhim
Mpho:(
shookhisheadi
ndi
sbel
ief
)soyouhave
t
houghtt
hist
hrough
Thandiwe:Ispoket
oDrDhl udhl
uandshehel
ped
megat heri
nformat
ionaboutadopt
ionand
expl
ainedallt
heoptionswecangof or
Mpho:no..
.I'
m notgi
vingupmyson.Justcome
homeandwewi l
lworkthroughthi
s.Iknowyou're
st
il
lshakenbythefactthatyoualmostkil
ledhi
m
but
..
.
Thandi
we:(si
ghed)Ihadf
ourmonthstoheal
.We
tr
iedonceandyouknowwhathappened
Mpho:thatwasbef
oreyougothel
p,t
hingswi
llbe
di
ff
erentthi
sti
me
Thandi
we:howl
ongwil
lwekeepdoi
ng,
howl
ong
wil
lyoufor
cehi
mint
ome?
Mpho:I'
mj usttr
yingtounderst
andwhywoul
da
motherwanttogiveawayherownson.Ahuman
bei
ngyoucar ri
edf orni
nemonthsandwentt
hrough
l
abourjustforhi
mt obeher
e
Thandi
we:(cl
osedhereyest
aki
ngadeepbr
eat
hin
andout)doyouwishtoknowhowhewas
concei
ved?

Mphosai
dnot
hingl
ooki
ngdown

Thandi
we:(looki
ngathi
m)I'
l
ltel
lyou(
swal
lowed)I
wasraped.
..Anddoyouknowwhatiti
stoberaped?
Mpho:(
looki
ngdown)Justst
opi
t
Thandi
we:Tober apedistobebr oken,i
nmor e
waysthanIcouldevercount.Tober apedistohave
somebodyreachinsi
detoyoursoul ,andforcei
tto
sl
owlydie.Haveyoueverhadsomebodygr abyour
hand,maybeplayf
ull
yatfir
st,butthenholdonjust
al i
ttletoot i
ght l
y, andf oramomentyour ealize
you’ renotst rongenought obr eakf reeandj ust
havet owai tforyourhandt obe
released? ..
..I
magi net hatfeel ing, thatmoment
wher eyour ealizeyouar en’tst rongenought obreak
freewhent hatper songr absyourwr ist,andi magi ne
thatf eeli
ngappl iedtoyourwhol ebody.Yourar ms,
l
egs, voice,ever ythi
ng…becomeusel ess.( t
earful)
Yourbodyi sn’tevenyourbodyanymor e.Itbelongs
tot hem.Andnotonl yyourbody, butever ythingyou
arei sexposedandr ippedawayf r om you.And
ther e’
snot hingf oryout odoexceptwai t.Atsome
point ,youst opst ruggl ing,ormaybeyounevereven
coul d,paralyzedbyf earort hest enchofal coholin
theirbr eath.Andyouf eelast houghanyt hingint he
wor ldcoul dbebet t
ert hant hi s.Evendeat h.You
mayevenpr ayt hatyoucoul dchoosedeat hinstead.
Unf ortunately,youcoul dn’t
, andever ysecondt hat
passedf eltli
keanhour ,excr uciatinghourby
excr uciati
nghour .
Helookedatherwi
thhi
seyesal
readyr
edasi
fhe
wasaboutt
ocry.

Thandiwe:(si
ghed)It
'ssomething,anexperi
enceI
don'twantmydaught ertoexperi
ence.Themoment
Ihadheri nmyarmsIj ustwantedtopr ot
ecther
,I
di
dn'twanthertobeanot hervi
ctim butwit
h
Siphiwe.
..HowcanIt akecareofababyI 'ma
dangerto?Thisisnotonlyaboutmebutaboutwhat
i
sgoodf orhimtoo.
Mpho:t
his.
..Thi
sist
oomucht
otakei
n

Hegotupandwal
kedout

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtBusani
'
spl
ace
Nompil
oknockedandheopenedt
hedoorl
ett
ing
heri
n.

Busani
:hey
Nompi
lo:hi
..I
'
m notst
ayi
ng
Busani
:(walkedi
n)andIdi
dn'
tmakeal
lthi
sfood
fornot
hing
Nompi
lo:(
fol
lowedhi
m)pl
easegi
vememyj
our
nal
Busani
:si
t
Nompi
lo:(
lookedar
ound)canyouj
ustf
oronce
l
ist
ent
ome
Busani
:comeandsi
t.Iboughtmuf
fi
nsandI
'
llmake
tea
Nompi
lo:(
lookedathi
mtur
ningont
heket
tl
e)why
ar
eyoudoingthis?
Busani
:I'
m bei
ngni
cet
oyou
Nompi
lo:si
ncewhen.
..
your
eadmyj
our
nal
Busani
:fi
neyesIdi
d,nowsi
tdown
Nompil
o:(
angr
y)howcanyour
eadi
t.I
t'
smy
pr
ivacy
Busani
:si
tdown
Nompi
lo:I
'
m notsi
tt
ingdown
Busani
:thenyou'
renotget
ti
ngi
tback
Nompi
lo:(
sighed)okay.
..Whatdoyouwantf
rom
me
Busani
:justhavebreakf
astwit
hme.IknowI 'm
al
readyabadguyi nyourjour
nalbutIbel
ieveone
canchangeandbeaher o
Nompil
o:(
satdownl
ooki
ngathi
m)I
'
vemademy
bedandI'
mlyi
ngini
t
Busani:(pouredheracupoft ea)youknowt heysay
don'tj
udgeaper sonunt i
lyou'
vewal kedinhi
s
shoes.I'm gl
adIr eadyourjournalbecauseI
wouldn'thaveknownhowever ythi
ngaf f
ect
edyou.
(satdown)ihavebeendoi ngwhatI 'vebeendoi
ng
becauseIwassoangr yatyouf orwhatyoudid.I
wasangr yatyouf orchoosingmydad, Iwasangry
atyouf orhurti
ngmymom l i
kethat.WheneverIsaw
youinmyheadIthought,
you'r
eenj
oyi
ngyour
sel
f
l
ivi
ngasifnot
hinghappened
Nompil
o:(t
ear
ful
)thi
sissomet
hingI
'
llal
ways
r
egret
Busani:Iknow...Af
terreadi
ngyourjournalI
real
izedthatyouwer ealsoavicti
minal lthis.He
tookadvantageofyouandwhathur tsthemosti s
thathe'
sgettingawaywi thit
.He'snotpuni shedby
anyone,Iimaginedandt houghttomysel fwhatif
tabl
eswer eturnedandmysi sterwasinyourshoes
Nompi
lo:Iwoul
dn'
twi
shi
tonanyone
Busani
:Idon'
twanttobeabadguyi
nyourl
if
e.SoI
humblyaskforf
orgi
veness
Nompi
lo:(
smi
ledt
ear
ful
)ist
hisaj
oke?
Busani
:(smi
led)no.
..I
'
m ser
iousl
ysor
ry
Nompil
o:okay.
..Icanonl
yfor
giveyoui
fyoufor
give
meforhurt
ingyouandwrecki
ngyourfamil
y
Busani
:(smi
led)If
orgi
veyou
Nompi
lo:If
orgi
veyout
oo
Sheopenedherbagandt
ookoutsweet
s

Nompi
lo:wantsome?
Busani
:(smi
li
ng)whynot

Het
ooksomeandhadthem whi
let
hei
rcont
inued
t
ochataboutt
heol
ddays
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtGabi
'
shome

Gabiwassweepi
ngt
heyar
dwhenshesuddenl
yfel
t
di
zzy,
shedroppedt
hesweeperandsl
owl
ywentt
o
si
tonthest
oep.

Gabi
:Bunny!Bunny!

I
nami
camer
unni
ngt
oher

I
nami
:ma
Gabi
:canyoupl
easegetmeagl
assofwat
er
I
nami
:okay

I
nami
rani
nsi
det
hehousebumpi
ngi
ntogogo.

I
nami
:sor
rygogo
Gogo:It
oldyounott
oruni
nsi
det
hehousebecause
you'
l
lfal
landknockof
fthosebunnyt
eet
h
I
nami
:(smi
li
ng)I
'
m goi
ngt
ogetaunt
ywat
er
Gogo:okay

Shewenttogetherwaterwhil
egogowentoutand
foundGabiseat
edonthestoep.

Gogo:ar
eyouokaymygi
rl
?
Gabi
:I'
m goodgogoj
ustf
eel
i
ngdi
zzy
Gogo:(
laughi
ng)Itol
dyouthesunwast
oohot
,you
shoul
d'vesweepedearl
yint
hemorni
ng
Gabi
:Ihadt
ogett
heki
dsf
rom mymom'
shouse
Gogo:comei
nsi
dei
t'
stoohot
Gabigotupf eel
ingl
ightheadedandsl
owlywal
ked
i
nsidewi t
hgogoholdingherhand.Shel
edhert
o
t
hel i
vingroom.ShesatdownandI namicamewit
h
aglassofwat er
.

Gabi
:(t
aki
ngi
t)t
hankyoumyl
ove.Youcangopl
ay

Shehappil
ywalkedoutandtheyhear
dhertal
king
andl
aughingwithherf
atheronherwayoutbefor
e
hewalkedin.

Mpho:af
ter
noon
Them:af
ter
noon
Gogo:sohowdi
ditgo?Howi
sshe?
Gabiwasconf
usedbygogo'
squest
ions

Mpho:she'
sfi
ne,
act
ual
lydoi
nggood
Gabi
:who?
Mpho:MakaI
nami
Gabi:(
shocked)I
nami
'
smom?Youwentt
osee
Thandiwe?
Mpho:yes
Gogo:sowhatdi
dthedoct
orsay?Wgeni
sshe
comingbackhome?
Mpho:shesai
dsoon
Gabi
:(l
ooki
ngathi
m)whatar
en'
tyout
ell
ingus?
Mpho:(si
ghed)shewant
stogi
veupoursonf
or
adopt
ion
Gogo:(
shocked)I
ni?
Gabi
:(shocked)whywoul
dshedot
hat
?
Mpho:i
t'
sapr
ivat
emat
ter
Gabi
:Idemandt
oknow

MphogotupandwenttoSi
phi
we'
sroom andGabi
gotupwant
ingt
ofol
lowhim

Gogo:j
ustl
ethi
m beal
one
Gabi
:Ij
ustwantt
ounderstandgogo.Whywoul
d
shewantt
ogiveawayPhiwe
Gogo:I
t'
scompl
icat
ed
Gabi
:makemeunder
standgogo
Gogo:i
tisr
eal
lynotmypl
acet
otel
lyou.Letmego
t
alktohi
m

Shegotupandwalkedpasthergoi
ngtoPhi
we's
room.ShefoundMpholooki
ngatPhiwepl
ayi
ngall
byhimsel
f
Gogo:why?
Mpho:shesaysheremindshim oft
hatman(shook
hi
sheadindisbel
ief
)sheref
usedtoeventr
y
Gogo:t
her
ehast
obeanot
her
Mpho:(si
ghed)shehasmadeuphermi ndgogo.I
tr
iedtoconvi
nceherbutshet
oldofhowshehadto
berapedforhi
mtobeconceived.
Gogo:(
sighed)butt
hatmanisinjai
l,
thi
schi
ld
doesn'
tdeservet
osuff
erfr
om hissi
ns
Mpho:shesaidPhiwewouldsuf
feratherpresence.
He'sj
ustsomethi
ngshecannotoverl
ook.Apar tof
meunderstandsherandanot
herpart
..
.He's
supposetobemyson

Gabiwal
kedi
nwi
thashockedexpr
essi
oni
nher
face.

Gabi
:Phi
wei
snotyourson?
Mpho:(tur
nedangr
il
ylookingathi
m)nowyou
eavesdr
oponmyconver sati
ons
Gabi
:I.
..Sot
hisi
swhyshedoesn'
tlovehi
m,she
wasraped
Mpho:(
shout
ing)shutupandgetout
Gogo:Mphoyou'
l
lscar
ePhi
weandmakehi
m cr
y
Mpho:(
sighed)whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Gogo:Iknowyouaref
rastr
atedsonbutshe'spar
t
ofourfamil
yandt
hisshouldn'
tleavet
heroom
Gabi
:(si
ghed)I
t'
sfi
negogoi
t'
scl
earhedoesn'
t
wantmehere
Gogo:donotexagger
ateGabi
sil
e.It
hinkweshoul
d
t
ellyout
hetrut
haboutPhiwe
Gabi
:I'
mli
steni
ng

Gogotol
dGabiever
ythi
ngabouthowbabyPhiwe
wasconcei
vedandthenexpl
ainedwhatwas
happeni
ngnow.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtBusani
'
spl
ace

Nompi
logotupandl
ookedar
ound

Busani
:li
kewhatyousee?
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)r
ichki
dget
ti
ngyourownf
lat
Busani
:(l
aughed)comeonit
'snotmyfaultmyso
cal
ledf
atherworkshar
dformetohaveallthi
s
Nompi
lo:Ihopemydaught
ercansayt
hatoneday
wit
hmyownmoneyofcour se
Busani
:ohsoyou'
rehavi
ngagi
rl
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)yesal
it
tl
eAbel
la
Busani
:Abel
la?
Nompil
o:(
smi
li
ng)i
tmeansbr
eat
hinFr
ench.My
l
it
tl
eli
fe
Busani
:(l
aughed)okayl
it
tl
eMpi
lo.
..Sowhatwi
ll
youdo?
Nompi
lo:wi
thwhat
?
Busani
:aboutyourbabybei
ngt
akenawayf
rom you
Nompil
o:(
sighed)t
her
e'snotmuchIcando.Ican
bar
elyt
akecareofmyselfwhatwi
llIdowi
thababy
onboar
d
Busani
:ist
her
eanyt
hingIcandot
ohel
p
Nompil
o:not hi
sisoutofyourhands.I
'vealr
eady
doneenoughdamaget oyourfamil
y.Idon'twantt
o
addmybur dentoyourmom, Ican'
tevenfaceher
act
uall
yit
'sbett
erthi
sway.
Busani
:butt
hisi
syourbaby
Nompi
lo:j
ustst
opi
t!Ishoul
dgonow

Shet
ookherj
our
nalandputi
tinherbagand
wal
kedout
.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Lat
ert
hatday

Mphopl
ayedwi
thhissonwhoputtoysi
nhi smout
h
maki
ngnoi
sewithhi
sbabytal
k.Gogowalkedin
wi
thapl
ateoff
ood

Gogo:you'
vebeenher
etheent
ir
edayy,
youneedt
o
eat
Mpho:I
'
m nothungr
y
Gogo:youknowwecan'
tforcehertol
oveherson
andshe'smaki
ngt
hisdeci
sionforval
idr
easons
Mpho:(
sighed)notyout
oogogo
Gogo:thi
swasboundt ohappenatsomepoi nt
.I
knowwhenwef oundherandI namit
heloveshe
gaveherdaught
eramazedusweover lookedthe
factt
hatshewasviol
ated.whenshelooksather
daught
ersheseeshersel
fthat'
swhyshe'
sso
over
prot
ecti
ve.She'
sprot
ectingher
sel
f.
Mpho:(
sighed)Butst
il
l-
Gogo:woul dyoupr ef
erhert ocomebackhomeand
bear oundPhi we,givi
nghi m alookofdi sgust,
hitti
nghi mfornor eason, get
ti
ngbl amedf or
everyt hi
nggoingwr ong.You'velivedthatlifeand
feltthepainwhenyoul ivedwithyourmot herwit
h
herhusband.Doyour emembert hepai nyouf elt
whenshel ovedtheki dsshegotwi t
hherhusband
andi lltr
eat
edyoursi ster.Youwal kedalltheway
from t owntomyhouse

Mphoqui
etl
yhel
dhi
mtohi
schest

Gogo:hewi l
lhaveachancetoabett
erli
fe.Have
par
entswhowi llovehi
m andhaveunshared
mother'
slove
Gabiwal
kedi
n

Gabi:I
'
vethoughtaboutever
ythi
ngandIwantt
o
adoptit

Ever
yonel
ookedathershocked

Mpho:what
?
Gabi:Ilovehi
m asifhe'
smysonandIdon'
tseemy
l
ifewithouthi
m.IfThandiwecan'
tbehi
smot
herI
'm
readytostepin
Gogo:t
hisi
ssomet
hingyoucan'
tjustdeci
deon
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)justt
hinkabouti
t,I
fIadopthi
m you
gett
oseehim growupandbei nhisl
ife
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)t
hiscoul
dwor
k..
.Gogot
hiscoul
d
wor
k
Gogo:Thandi
wehast
oappr
ovef
ir
st
Mpho:(
gotup)l
et'
sgot
ohernow
Gabi
:now?Shoul
dn'
twemakeanappoi
ntment
Mpho:theywi
llmakeanexcept
ion.Let
'sgot
hisi
s
i
mportant
Gabi
:Ist
il
lneedt
ochange

HeputPhi weinhi
scri
bandt ookGabi
'
shand
rushingout.Het
ookhercarkeysandrushedtoher
car.Theygotint
hentheydrovetot
hecentre.
.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
hecent
re

Thandi
we'
sfr
iendbr
aidedherhai
rwhi
let
heyt
alked
a

Khensani
:nowthatwe'
real
onet
ellme.
..
howwas
t
hedatewithhubby?
Thandi
we:(
blushed)comeonguys
Zi
nzi
:ohmywor
dshe'
sbl
ushi
ng
Khensani
:tel
lus
Thandiwe:(smil
ing)hewasnice,def
ini
tel
ychanged
buthestil
lgivesmet hesamelookthatmakesme
feell
ovedandwant ed

Theyal
lscr
eamedi
nexci
tement

Thandi
we:Imi
sshi
m.
Khensani:sowhathappenedwhenyout
oldhi
m
abouttheadopt
ion?
Thandiwe:hefreakedoutwhi chisexpected.I
understandhehasbondedwi thhim whil
eIwas
herebutthisi
sf orhisgood.He'l
lgetalovingfami
ly,
Iwantthesocialwor kert
odoapr operbackground
check,andIwantt hem togivemychi l
dthelif
eI
couldnevergi
vehi m.
Khensani
:Iagr
eewi
thyouont
hatone
Thandiwe:( smil
ed)assoonasI 'mf reetogohome,
Iwanttowor konmymar ri
age,youknowIal ways
fel
tsomet hingformyhusbandbutIal wayspushed
i
tasidebecauseIcoul dn'tunderstandwhatIwas
feel
ing,Ididn'
tevenknowwhatl ovei sandwhenI
sawhi mt odaymyhear tbeatthesamebeati tuse
towheneverIwasar oundhim.
Zi
nzi
:(smi
led)ncoaashe'
sinl
ove
Thandi
we:he'
sjustamazi
ngmyf
ir
stl
ove
Khensani
:oohf
ir
stl
ove

Oneoft
hewor
ker
swal
kedi
nandcal
ledThandi
we
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
heof
fi
ce

Mphowai
tedi
nant
ici
pat
ionandGabihel
dhi
shand

Gabi
:rel
axshe'
l
lagr
ee
Mpho:Ihopeso( tookherotherhandlooki
ngather )
I'
m sorryaboutlashingoutonyoul i
kethateali
er.I
shouldn'thavetakenmyangeroutonyou.Tobe
honestyou'vebeent heref
ormet hrougheverythi
ng
Ireal
lyneedt ostartshowi
nghowmuchI
appreciateyou
Thandi
wewal
kedinandlookedatt
hem hol
ding
hands,
Mphoqui
cklyl
etgoofGabi'
shands.

Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)MakaI
nami
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)BabakaI
nami
.Gabi
sil
e
Gabi
:heycousi
n
Thandi
we:soI'
vebeent
oldyouwantt
otal
ktome.
Whatisthi
sabout
?
Mpho:canwesi
tdown?
Thandi
we:okay

Theyal
lsatdown

Mpho:Idi
scussedwhatwespokeaboutwi
thgogo
andGabi
Thandi
we:o-
kay
Mpho:andGabii
swi
ll
ingt
oadoptourson
Thandi
we:(
lookedatGabi
)No
Mpho:butmakaI
nami
-
Thandi
we:Isai
dno
Gabi
:butcousi
ninthi
swayMphowon'
thavet
o
compl
etel
ylosehi
sson
Thandi
we:Iwil
lchoosemysonaverygoodfamil
y
thatwi
lll
ovehi
m andoff
erhi
m ever
ythi
ngheneeds.
Gabi
:Icanof
ferhi
m-
Thandiwe:andwherewil
lyouputhi m dur
ingfamil
y
gather
ingsoryouwanthimt oknowmeashi sevi
l
auntorthi
sisyourwayoftryingtogetyourshare
ofmyhusband?That '
sifyou'renotal
ready
sl
eepingwithhi
m
Gabi
:(swal
lowed)what
?
Thandi
we:I'm notgi
vingyoumysonandi fyoutrul
y
l
ovemeMphoyouwoul dtryunder
standwhyI '
m
doi
ngthis.Thi
sdecisionisbet
tert
hantryi
ngtokill
hi
m
Gabi
:butgi
vingawayyourson?He'
l
lhat
eyou,
he'
l
l
gr
owupwonder i
ngwhyyougavehim up
Thandiwe:I'l
ldealwithitwhenitgetst
othat.
(t
earful
)Mpho, I'm wil
li
ngtooverl
ookeveryt
hing
you'vebeendoi ngsinceIwasgonesowecanst art
Afresh.
..Ij
ustneedyout ocrossthi
sbri
dgewi t
hme
andIpromi se(taki
nghi shandwhi l
eGabiwatched)
you'l
lneverregretit

Mphoswall
owedl
ooki
ngatherwhi
lehi
shear
t
ski
ppedabeat
.

Thandi
we:j
ustt
hinkabouti
t.
..

Anur
sewal
kedi
n
Nur
se:yourt
imei
sout
.Wecan'
tdi
stur
bthei
rdai
ly
r
outi
ne
Thandi
we:we'
real
readydone

Shegotupandkissedhischeekthenwalkedout
whatGabisatt
herelooki
ngathim shockedbyhi
s
act
ions

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#34

Gabifol
lowedMphooutoft
hecent
reandst
epped
i
nsidethecarwi
thhi
m

Gabi
:(l
ooki
ngathi
m)whatwast
hatabout
?
Moho:what
?
Gabi
:(angr
il
yshout
ing)whatyoudi
dinsi
de,
let
ti
ng
hert
ouchyouli
kethatandevenki
ssi
ngyou!
Mpho:(poi
ntedatherwit
haninti
midat
inglook)
don'
ttal
ktomeasi fyou'
ret
alki
ngtoyourchil
dand
whatdidyouexpectmetodo?Pushheraway?You
seem t
oforgett
hatshe'
smywi f
e
Gabi:(
shouti
ng)what?Yourwi f
e?.
..Af
terever
ythi
ng
I'
vedoneforyou,t
akingcareonyourdaughterand
rai
singPhiwe.(
helaughed)Breaki
ngmyneckand
backgett
ingyouajob,(t
earful
)hel
pingyouclear
yourdebtsoyoucanbuildyourdream homeand
youjustr
unbacktohert hemomentyouseeher
Mpho:( l
aughing)ohsoyoudi dn'tdothi
ngsoutout
ofkindnessitwasalljustanactapl antolur
emei n
soIcanl eavemywi fe.I
t'
sclearmyki dsaren'
tsafe
aroundyou.You'llpr
obablypoisonthem justtoget
backatme
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)what
?..
.Iwoul
dneverhur
tPhi
weand
I
nami
Mpho:ohr
eal
ly?
Gabi:(t
earf
ul)I.
..
.Il
oveyou,
youpromisedt
hat'
s
we'
lltel
leveryonewhentheti
meisri
ghtandnowit
i
sther i
ghtti
me
Mpho:it'
soverwhatwehadi sdoneandIdidn'
t
for
ceyout odoeveryt
hingyoudidandifyouwant
totel
lthem goaheadandtel
lyourmom anddad
howyouseducedyourcousi n'
shusbandathis
l
owestmoment
Gabi
:(cr
ying)whyareyoubei
ngl
iket
his.
..Whatdi
d
Idot
odeser vet
his?
...
Mpho:(si
ghedr egr
ett
abl
y)list
en..
.(t
ookherhands)
you'
reabeautif
ulwoman, youhaveaperfectbody,
abeaut
ifulsoulandbrai
nsal otofmenwouldkillt
o
haveawomanl i
keyou
Gabi:(
tear
ful
)Idon'
twantot
herman(sni
ff
ed)I
needyou..
.Il
oveyouandIwoulddoanyt
hingf
or
you.
..
Mpho:stopcr
ying,youneedtounderst
andthat
t
hingshavechanged.Thisdaywasgoingtocome
(
sheshookherheadi ndenial
)I'
m sorr
ythi
ngshad
t
oendt hi
sway

Gabitear
ful
lycr
ossedhearmsandl ookedoutt
he
window.Hesighedst
art
ingthecar
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtRes

Nompil
owaspackingherl
uggagewhenherphone
r
ang.Shesatdowntaki
ngthecal
l

Nompi
lo:hey
Sbahl
e:heyhow'
syourst
aynotf
eel
ingl
onel
y?
Nompi
lo:Ihavedeci
dedt
ogohome
Sbahl
e:yaaayf
inal
l
y
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)Ij
ustmi
sshome.
Sbahl
e:notwor
ri
edaboutt
hatboyanymor
e
Nompi
lo:weact
ual
lymetandt
alked.I
t'
sal
ong
st
orybutwemadepeace
Sbahl
e:wowokayt
hat
'ssur
pri
sing
Nompil
o:(si
ghed)Iknowbuti
tfeel
sgoodknowi
ng
hedoesn'
thatemeanymore.
Sbahl
e:yeahIwasj
ustchecki
nguponyou
Nompi
lo:t
hanksgi
rl

Shehungupandcont
inuedt
opack
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Meanwhi
le

Mphowasdr i
vingwhenheheardGabi
'
ssnif
fshe
l
ookedatherandlookedbackont
heroad

Mpho:canyoust
opcr
ying?
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)ohyouexpectmetobeal
lhappy
seei
ngyouget
ti
ngcosywithyourex
Mpho:she'
snotmyex
Gabi
:(cr
ying)st
opt
hecar
Mpho:what
?
Gabi
:(cr
ying)Isai
dst
opt
hecar
,Ineedai
r
Mpho:I
'
m not
-
Gabi
:(hi
tt
inghi
m)Isai
dst
opt
hecar

Hepul l
edoverandsheopenedt hedoorand
steppedoutcryi
ng.Shewalkedawayf r
om t
hecar
whileMpholookedather,t
hesunwasbl azi
nghot
hegotabot t
leofwaterandsteppedoutwal
kingt
o
her.Hestoppedbyher

Mpho:comebackint
othecari
t'
sbl
azi
nghotout
her
e.Heredr
inkt
hiswater
Gabi
:(sheknockedi
tof
fhi
shands)l
eavemeal
one

Hewenttogett
hebot
tl
eofwaterandcameback
openi
ngandpouri
ngt
hewateroverher
.Shegot
angri
l
yhi
tti
nghi
m

Gabi
:(hit
ti
nghi
m)whatar
eyoudoi
ng?.
..
.whatar
e
youdoing?

Mpholaughedlooki
ngatherhi
tt
inghi
m wi
thher
l
it
tl
ehands.Itwasasifhewasbeinghi
tbyI
nami

Mpho:(
laughi
ng)what
'swr
ongwi
thyou?
Gabi
:(cr
ying)youusedme.
..
Mpho:st
opi
tnowi
t'
snotf
unnyanymor
e
Gabi
:(hi
tt
inghi
m)Ihat
eyou.
..
Hepushedheroffandshefellonheronherback.
Shelookedhi
m breathi
ngheavil
yandafel
tasharp
pai
nonherwr i
stquickl
yholdi
ngit

Gabi:(tearful
)soi thasgott othishuh?It'
sallover
now, youj ustwant edtopasst imewi t
hme( snif
fed)
Ihadal readygivenuponyou. .
.Turnthisi
n
what everwayyouwantt obutyouknowt hetruth
(sni
ffed)Imovedoutt obeawayf r
om youandyou
real
izedyourki dswer esuff
er i
ngthenyoucamet o
meknowi ngver ywel lhowIf el
taboutyouandt ook
advant ageofme.Pr omi seswe' r
emadeget ti
ngmy
hopesupbutatt hebackofyourheadyouknewt he
trut
h( tearful
)youwi n...
youwi n

Shegotupandwalkedt
otheli
ft
inghert-shi
rtt
o
wipeherf
aceof
fthewatert
hatwasdrippingfr
om
herhead.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtApr
il
'sof
fi
ce

Ni
col
eknockedandwal
kedi
n

Ni
col
e:heyt
her
e
Apr
il
:(smi
li
ng)hey
Ni
col
e:t
houghtIshoul
dsayhi
,Icamet
oseehubby
Apr
il
:thankyou
Ni
col
e:wher
e'smi
ssf
inance?
Apr
il
:sheandt
hatboyf
ri
endofher
stookadayof
f
Ni
cole:mxm Iwonderwhatsheseesinthatguy.
Whathesaidatthedi
nneritst
il
ldoesn'
tsi
twell
wi
thme
Apr
il
:don'tsayyouhear
ditf
rom mebutt
hatguyi
s
marr
iedtohercousi
n.
Ni
col
e:(
shockedsi
tt
ingdown)what
?
Apr
il
:Ishoul
dn'
thavesai
danyt
hing
Nicole:nospeak.ComeongirlI
'
m goodwi
th
secrets.Doeshercousi
nevenknowshe'
sshaggi
ng
herman
Apri
l:she'
swasadmit
tedtot
hehospi
talf
or
depr
essionsoshehasbeenaway
Ni
col
e:what
!
Apr
il
:that
'swhyIj
ustl
ookatt
hem al
lcocky.
Ni
col
e:whatwi
llhappenwhenshecomesback?
Apri
l:t
hegl
asst
owershehadgot
tenher
sel
fint
o
wil
lfal
l
Ni
col
e:(
laughi
ng)andIcan'
twai
tfort
hatt
ohappen
Apri
l:she'
sstil
lourfri
end.She'
sbeenlongingto
fi
ndamant hatwil
lloveandmar r
yher.
..Shejust
madeawr ongdeci si
onoutofdesperat
ion
Ni
col
e:nob*
tchi
sgoi
ngt
obedesper
ateonmy
man.Ihopethatwomancomesbackanddealwi t
h
hersoshelear
nst oneversl
eepwit
hamar ri
edman.
NowthatIknowt hi
sI'
m notcomfor
tabl
eleavi
ngmy
manwithheralone
Apr
il
:hha
Ni
col
e:woul
dyou?

Apr
ilr
oll
edhereyes

Nicol
e:exact
lywhatImean.Ishoul
dgo,
I'
m st
il
l
busybuyingstaf
fformywedding
Apr
il
:(smi
li
ng)okayenj
oyyourday
Ni
col
e:(
smi
li
ng)yout
oo

Shegotupandwal kedoutofherof
fi
ce.She
thoughtofGabianddi
all
edhernumberbuti
tdi
dn'
t
gothrough
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtGabi
'
shome

Gabiquiet
lyst
eppedoutoft
hecarandwalked
i
nsidethehousewhil
eMphof ol
lowed.I
namir
ant
o
her

I
nami
:fi
nal
lyyou'
rehomeaunt
yI'
m hungr
y
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)whatwoul
d-
Mpho:I
'l
lmakeyousomet
hingt
oeatsweet
hear
tgo
pl
ayinyourr
oom
I
nami
:don'
ttaket
ool
ongdad
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)Iwont

Shehoppedgracef
ull
yint
othehousewhi
leGabi
tur
nedandlookedathi
m.
Gabi
:ser
iousl
y
Mpho:Ipr
eferyoust
ayawayf
rom myki
dsf
ornow
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)oh.
..Okay

Shewalkedinandwentpastt
hel
ivi
ngr oom not
sayi
nganyt
hingtogogogoi
ngtoherroom.Mpho
cameandsatdown

Gogo:t
hingsdi
dn'
tgowel
l
Mpho:(si
ghed)she'
snotbacki
ngdownonher
deci
siongogo
Gogo:(
looki
ngathim)It
houghtyouwoul
dbe
t
akingt
hisreal
lybad
Mpho:Ihavedeci
dedt
orespectherdeci
sion
Gogo:(
shocked)j
ustl
iket
hat
?
Mpho:yes(
sighed)Idon'
twanthi
mt of
eelwhatI
f
eltwhi
legr
owingup.Thiswil
lbeforhi
ssake
Gogo:nononoyou'
renott
ell
ingt
heent
ir
etr
uth
Mpho:shewant
sust
otr
ymaket
hingswor
kwi
th
ourmarr
iage
Gogo:(
shocked)yoht
hisi
s..
.
Mpho:(smiled)Iknow, shef
inal
lywokeupli
keyou
saidgogo.I
'm sti
llt
ryingtowrappedmyhead
aroundthi
swhol ething
Gogo:wow.
..
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)Iknow
Gogo:(
smi
li
ng)t
hisi
sjustunbel
ievabl
e,howdoes
Gabi
?
Mpho:she'
shur
t,sher
eal
lywant
edPhi
webutshe'
l
l
beokay
Gogo:ohshameandshewoul
d'vebeenagood
mom

I
nami
camef
rom herr
oom.
I
nami
:dad!
!
Mpho:okayokay

Hegotupandli
ft
edherupgoingt
otheki
tchen
openi
ngthef
ri
dgetaki
ngthi
ngsoutt
omakef ood

2weeksl
ater
..
..
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#35

Atwor
k

Gabiar
ri
vedandpar
kedherf
ather
'scaratt
he
parkingl
otandwalkedt
othegat
e,Apr
ilr
ushedto
hercalli
nghernamesoshecanwaitf
orher.She
waited..
..

Apr
il
:heygi
rl
Gabi
:heybabes
Apr
il
:you'
reear
ly
Gabi
:Ihavesomuchwor
ktodo,
IthoughtIshoul
d
beear
lytosor
toutt
hemess

Theywalkedt
othegatewher
eMphowasst anding.
Gabij
ustavoi
dedeyecont
actnotsayi
nganyt
hing

Apr
il
:mor
ningMpho
Mpho:(
smi
li
ngopeni
ngt
hegat
e)Apr
ilhowar
eyou?
Apr
il
:we'
regood

Theysi
gnedt
her
egi
sterandwal
kedi
n.

Apr
il
:what
'shappeni
ngbet
weenyouguys?
Gabi
:not
hing
April
:not
hing?Howcani tbenothi
ngwhenyou've
beencomi ngtoworkwithswoll
eneyesfr
om cryi
ng
i
nt hepasttwoweeks?Youandyourboyf r
iendar
e
nolongeralll
ovey-
dovey.Ever
yoneisl
it
erall
y
tal
kingaboutyouguys
Gabi
:(si
ghed)hedumpedme,
ther
eyouhavei
t
Apr
il
:what
?
Gabi
:he'
sgoi
ngt
ofi
xthi
ngswi
thhi
swi
feandt
hat
's
t
hat
Apri
l:(
lookedather
)youknowyoudon'
thavet
o
pr
etendwi t
hmer i
ght?
Gabi:(
walkedintoheroff
ice)talkingabouti
twont
help.I
'vebeggedhim di
dever ythingaski
nghimt o
giveusachanceandhej ustsaidno.(tear
ful
)he's
sleepi
nginPhiwe'sroom andI namihasbeen
movedt osleepwit
hgogoappar entl
yI'
m anbit
terex
thatwouldpoisonthem.
Apri
l:(
shocked)what
?Whati
sgogosayi
ngabout
al
lthi
s?
Gabi
:(wi
pedhert
ear
s)It
hinkshe'
skepti
nthedar
k
Apr
il
:sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?Fi
ghtf
orhi
m?
Gabi
:(tear
drop)Idon'
thavethestr
ength(wipedit
away)I'
m alr
eadyalaughingst
ockherebeing
dumpedbyasecur it
yman, Idon'
twanttohurt
myselfmore.Canwet al
kaboutsomethingelse
pl
ease
Apr
il
:sur
eaboutNi
col
e'
sweddi
ng.
..
Gabi
:I'
m notgoi
ng
Apr
il
:butshei
nvi
tedus
Gabi
:I'
m noti
nthemoodf oraweddi
ng.Idon'
twant
herf
lashi
ngherexpensi
veringonmyface
Apr
il
:okay,
you'
l
lbeokayhey
Gabi
:(smi
led)yeahI
'
llbeokay
Apr
il
:okayl
etmegetbackt
owor
k
Gabi
:sur
e

Shewenttoheroff
icewhil
eGabisatdownand
openedherl
aptoptur
ningi
ton.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtGabi
'
shome

AuntPaul
inesatwi
thgogoi
ntheki
tchendr
inki
ng
t
eawithbi
scuits

Gogo:i
t'
ssoni
ceofyout
ocomevi
sit
Paul
ine:(
smi
li
ng)I
'
mjustsadt
ofi
ndPhi
we
sl
eeping
Gogo:(
smili
ng)andhe'
ssoacti
venowadayspull
ing
t
hisandthat
,thr
owingt
hingsawayandeati
ngthem.
I
'm goi
ngtomisshim
Pauli
ne:Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
ievet
heydeci
dedt
ogo
thr
oughwi t
hit
Gogo:whatcanwesay.Theyknowwhattheyare
doi
ng.Theonlyt
hingwecandoi st
osupportt
hem
Pauli
ne:Iagr
ee.
..I
'
m wor
ri
edaboutmydaught
er
though
Gogo:Gabi
sil
e?
Pauli
ne:yes,she'
shasbeensoquietl
atel
yhaveyou
not
icedanythingstr
angeabouther
?
Gogo:shehasbeenspendi
ngal
otoft
imei
nher
room
Pauli
ne:sheonl
ycameathomeoncelastweek
borr
owingherfat
her
'scar
,whati
swrongwit
hher
car
?
Gogo:(
clear
edherthr
oat).
..Shegavei
ttoMphoso
hecandropoffI
namiatschoolwhengoi
ngtowork
Paul
ine:butt
heywor
katt
hesamepl
aceandt
hey
usedt
otr
avelt
oget
her
Gogo:eeymychildtobehonestt
hingshaven'tbeen
thesamesinceThandi
werefusedtoletGabiadopt
herson.SheandMphocamebacknotl ooki
ngeye
toeye.It
ri
edtotal
ktothem butt
heysaiditwas
nothi
ng
Pauli
ne:(
sighes)Iwasal
wayswor
ri
edGabi
'
s
at
tachmentwi t
hPhiwe
Gogo:t
hisi
sal
lhar
dforusbutwehavet
oaccepti
t
Paul
ine:Iknow.
..Iwi
llt
alkt
oher
Gogo:thatwouldbegoodandt
ellhershe'
syoung.
Shewillmeetthemanofherl
if
eandgi vehi
m
beaut
if
ulkids
Paul
ine:(
laughing)andIcan'
twait
.Icanalr
eady
seet
hem r unni
ngintheyardbusy"gogo,
gogo"
Gogo:(l
aughing)myyear shavepassed.I
'
ml uckyto
havemadei tthi
sfar.EvenifGodweretoremember
metodayIwon' tcr
yol dageisnojokeandIdon't
wanttoburdenmyki ds
Paul
ine:Iunder
stand
Gogopour
edher
sel
fmor
eteaandt
heycont
inuedt
o
t
alk

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Att
heshops

Nompi l
owaswal ki
ngt oanATm whenshesaw
beautif
ulbabyclothesinAckermans.Shet ouched
herbumpr emember i
ngsheneverboughtanyt hi
ng
forherdaughterandwal kedin.Shesmi l
edlooking
atthelit
tl
evestsandt i
nysocks, i
tallj
ustmelted
herheart.Shecouldalreadyseeherl i
tt
lepri
ncess
i
nt hem.Shewal kedar oundt
ouchi ngandfeeling
thefluf
fybabycl ot
hesanddeci dedt obuyaf ew
i
temsf orherlit
tl
eone.Thenwentt othecounterto
pay,shef oundMaSokoont heot hert
il
lpayi
ngf or
herki
dscl
othes

Nompi
lo:gooddayma

MaSokosaidnot
hinglooki
ngatherbi
gbumpand
l
ookedatt
hepinkbabyclot
hes.

MaSoko:soi
t'
sagi
rl
Nompi
lo:(
pol
it
elysmi
li
ng)yesma
MaSoko:l
et'
shopeshewontbeasl
*tl
ikeher
mot
her

Everyonelookedathershocked,Nompi
lowasway
beyondhur t
.Shelookeddownashamedwhi l
eMa
Sokot ookherthi
ngsandwal kedout
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Atwor
k

Gabiknockedandwal kedintoPhi
lani
'
soffi
ce,
fi
ndi
nghim workingonhi slapt
op.Hestoppedand
l
ookedatherstandingbyt hedoor.

Phi
lani
:don'
tjustst
andt
her
ecupcakecomet
akea
si
t

Shecamei
ntaki
ngaseat

Phi
lani
:howcanIhel
pyou?
Gabi
:I'
m notf
eeli
ngwel
lsoI'
m her
etoaskf
or
per
missionsoIcangoadoct
or
Phi
lani
:youknowI
'
m get
ti
ngt
ir
edofyouandt
hat
boyfr
iendofyourstur
ningthi
splacei
ntoyourown
l
itt
leplayi
ngground.Aski
ngtoleaveworkwhenever
youfeelli
kei
t
Gabi
:(wor
ri
ed)i
shesi
ck?
Phil
ani
:(l
aughing)l
ookatyoual
lwor
ri
ed.Hewent
toseehi
swi f
e.

Shel
ookeddownf
eel
ingembar
rassed

Phil
ani:ohweal lknownow, i
t'
ssti
llhar dtobeli
eve
howmucht imeandenergyIusedt ryingt oimpress
you.Askingyououtondat esonlytobet urned
downwhi leallIhadtodowast obemar ried
because..
.(l
aughed)youjusthaveat hingf or
marri
edmen
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)I'
m nother
etol
ist
ent
oyouri
nsul
ts
Phi
lani
:(l
aughed)wellt
hetrut
hhurts.Iwant
edt
o
makeyouawoman, marryyoubuthey..
.
Gabi
:(gotup)Ihavenot
imef
ort
his
Phil
ani
:goontaket
herestofthedayof
f,even
tomorr
owjustt
ohealyourbr
okenheart

Shewalkedoutoftheof
fi
cet r
yingsohardnotto
cryl
ikeababy.Shewenttoheroffi
ceandtookher
handbagandlapt
opthenwenttohercar
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
hecent
re

Thandiwewasonherkneeslooki
ngatt
hepi
ctur
es
ofPhiwe'
spot
enti
alpar
ents.

Mpho:(
sighed)sowhodoyout
hinkcandoabet
ter
j
obr
aisi
ngourson
Thandiwe:(l
ooki
ngatt hepict
ures)Idon'
tknow
thei
rprofi
lesar
egr eat.Theycant akehimtothe
bestschoolandvar si
ty.Idon'
tknowwhodoyou
thi
nkwi l
ldoabetterjob
Mpho:thi
sshoul
dbeyourver
yowndeci
sion.He'
s
yourson
Thandi
we:(
smil
ed)Iwantyouri
nputashi
sfat
her
asmyhusband
Mpho:( smil
ed)buti fIchooseyou'llobvi
ousl
y
i
nfluencedtopi ckt
hecoupleIpickedbecauseyou'
ll
bedoubt i
ngyourmot herl
yinst
incts.Ihaveone
coupleinmi ndbutwewi l
leachchooset hen
compar eorst atewhatwel i
keabouteachcouple.
..
Solet'
sbot hcl oseoureyesandputourhandont he
couplewet hinkcant akecareofourson
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)okay

Theylookedatthepi
ctur
esputinl
inet
hencl
osed
thei
reyes.Thandi
weputherhandonthethi
rd
pi
ctur
efr
om herlef
tandMpho'shandlandedont
op
ofher
s.Thenslowlyopenedt
hei
reyes.

Mpho:(
smi
led)

Het ookherhandsandpull
edhert
owardshi
m.She
crawledovertohi
m smil
ingandheki
ssedher
hands.

Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)I
'
vebeendyi
ngf
ort
hismoment

Thandiwelookedathi
m smi
li
ngbuthisface
changedtobeingsadandThandi
welookedathi
m
worryi
ngl
y
Thandi
we:babywhat
'swr
ong?
Mpho:(l
ookingdown)Igaveuponusanddi dso
manythings,t
hingsthatI
'l
lal
waysregret
.ThingsI
hopeyou'l
lfi
nditinyourhear
ttof
orgivemesome
day
Thandiwe:(
sighed)i
st hi
saboutGabi si
le?(he
l
ookedatherandl ookeddownashamed)t helast
ti
meyoucameher eandhowyouwer eholding
handspaint
edt heenti
repict
ure.Iknewr i
ghtther
e
thatyou'
vebeenmessi ngaroundwi t
hher .
Mpho:(
squeezedherhandsandki
ssi
ngthem)I
'
m
r
eal
lysorr
y..
.Idon'
tknowwhatwasIt
hinki
ng
Thandiwe:youneedt ostopt aki
ngthishard.I'
ve
l
earnedal otfr
om myt herapysessionsandoneof
thethi
ngsIhavel earnedi stheimpor t
anceof
for
giveness.Shesai dforgivi
ngyour sel
fisas
i
mpor tantasforgi
vingot hers.Guil
tistoxi
c,same
asr e-l
ivi
ngt hemi st
akeover&over .Loveyoursel
f.
Forgiveyourself.Ihavealwayspushedyouaway
andt hatresult
edi nyouwonderingifitwasall
worthit.Youkeptgi vi
ngoutlovet osomeonewho
neverreturneditthatmusthavebeenhar dforyou.
Don'tfeelguilt
yaboutwhatwhathappened.Whati s
i
mpor t
antisnowi sourfreshstart(smil
ing)new
beginnings
Mpho:(
smi
led)newbegi
nni
ngs

Hetouchedherfacecuppi
ngitwithbothhandsand
shesmiledput
ti
nghersoverhis.Hekissedher
for
ehead

Mpho:Il
oveyou
Thandi
we:Il
oveyout
oo

Helookedatherwi
tht
hei
rfor
eheadsagai
nstone
anot
her
Mpho:sayi
tagai
n..
.Pl
ease
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)I
..
.Lovey-

Heplacedhisli
psagainsther
sgentl
y,shedid
nothi
ngasthiswasherf i
rstt
imebei
ngkissedby
someone,shejustst
oodincompleteshockand
pushedhim back.

Thandi
we:I
..
.Idon'
tknowhowt
oki
ss
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)myl
it
tl
evi
rgi
n
Thandi
we:(
playf
ull
yhi
tt
inghi
m)st
opi
t.
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)t
her
e'sf
ir
stt
imef
orever
ythi
ngj
ust
f
oll
owmylead

Hepl
acedhi
sli
psonher
sagai
nandbeganni
bbl
ing
onherl i
p,requestingf oraccessandbef oreshe
knewwhatshewasdoi ngsheopenedhermout h
all
owinghi stonguet of indher s.Shecoul dn'thel
p
thefeeli
ngofadr enal i
net hatappear edi
nherhear t
.
Hisamazi ngsmel l i
ntoxi catedher -hewasbackt o
usinghisoldcol ognej ustper f
ect.Sheshuther
eyesslowly, herhandsaut omat i
call
ygoingt ohis
neck.Theki ssbecamepassi onatenotbr eaking
once.Shef eltsopr otectedandsecur ei
nhi s
presenceasoneofhi shandswentdownt oher
waist.Histonguer anal ongherbot t
om l
ipbef ore
enteri
nghermout handexpl oringitagai
n.Thedoor
openedandt heybr oket heki sslookingdown
ashamedl ikekidscaughtbei ngnaught y

DrDhl
udl
u:(
smi
li
ng)i
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Thandi
we:(
movi
ngnextt
ohi
m)ummh.
..yesdoct
or
DrDhl
udhl
u:haveyoudeci
dedyet
?
Mpho:(
clear
edhi
sthr
oat
)yeswehavef
oundone
DrDhl
udl
hu:(walki
ngt
othem)okayl
et'
stal
kabout
whyyouchosethem

Theypickedupt heatt
acheddocumentswit
hthe
couplespict
uresatthefr
ontcoverandputt
hem on
thetabl
ethent heyal
lsatdown

*
***
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***
*
Att
hedoct
ors

Gabisatont
hebedlooki
ngatt
hechat
sont
hewal
l
andthedoct
orcameback.

DrPhenyo:ar
eweokay?
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)I
'
m goodIt
hink
DrPhenyo:(smi
li
ng)wel
lwe'
vetestedyourur
ine
andthetest
scameoutposit
ive,
you'r
etwomonths
pregnant
Gabi
:(sur
pri
sed)what
?I.
..
DrPhenyo:(
smi
li
ng)yesyou'
regoi
ngt
obeamom
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)I
'
m pr
egnant
DrPhenyo:yessoyouneedt otakethi
ngsslow.
Theseheadachesyou' vebeenget t
ingandthe
dizzinessarehappeningbecauseofyourhighblood
pressure.Youneedt otakethi
ngssl owandavoi
d
thingsthatstr
essyou
Gabi
:(nodded)yesDoct
or
DrPhenyo:doyouwantust
odoascan?
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)yespl
ease
DrPhenyo:pl
easel
ayont
hebedandl
if
tyourt
-shi
rt
up

Shedi
dasshewast
old
DrPhenyo:al
readyt
hinki
ngofaname?
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)Mphoent
le
DrPhenyo:(
smi
li
ng)t
hat
'sabeaut
if
ulname

Gabismi
ledunabl
etocont
ainherexci
tement
.

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#36

Att
hedoct
or'
s

Gabiwal
kedoutput
ti
ngthebabyscansi
nherbag
andherphoner
ang.Shetooki
toutandr
esponded

Gabi
:hel
lo
MaPauli
ne:heymygir
lI'
mjustwalkingoutofyour
of
fi
cetheysayyout
ooktherestofthedayoff.
Whereareyou?
Gabi
:I'
mint
own
MaPaul
ine:wher
esoIcancomest
rai
ghtt
oyou
Gabi
:atSer
vedr
est
aur
ant
MaPaul
ine:okayI
'
m onmyway
Gabi
:okay

Shehungupandst eppedintohercartouchingher
bel
lysmili
ngthendri
vingofftotherest
aurant.She
arr
ivedandwalkedhermotherwal kedi
naswel l
andtheygotatableandorderedfood

MaPaul
ine:sohowar
eyou?
Gabi
:(smil
ing)I
'mf
inema.Your
eal
lyneedt
ost
op
methatquesti
on
MaPauline:t
hat'
sbecauseI '
m worr
iedaboutyou.
Thesedaysyou'vechanged,Imissmybubbly
daught
er,soful
lofhappinessandlaught
er
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)I
'
m her
ema
MaPauli
ne:tel
lmewhat'sgoi
ngon,
Icanseeyou'
re
sad.I
'
m yourmother
,youcantel
lmeanyt
hing
Gabi
:(si
ghed)t
heguyIwasseei
ngdumpedme
MaPaul
ine:(
hol
dingherhand)I
'
m sosor
rymybaby
Gabi
:yeah.
..Ir
eal
lyl
ovehi
mthat
'swhyt
hisi
sso
har
dforme
MaPauli
ne:itwil
lpassmygir
l,youknowinlif
eyou
winsome,youlosesome.I
t'
shislossbecause
you'
reagoodwomanandanyguyt hatwouldhave
youwouldbelucky
Gabi
:see!That
'swhatIdon'
twantt
ohearbecauseI
don'
twantanyguyIwanthim
MaPaul i
ne:iti
snotli
keyoucanforcehi
mtolove
you.Heleftandthat
'si
t.Youmoveonandshow
him youaregoodevenwi t
houthi
m
Gabi
:I'
mtr
yingma
MaPaul
ine:t
ryhar
der
,orr
eplacehi
m wi
thsomeone
el
se,
someonebett
ert
banhim
Gabi:(si
ghed)he'
sir
replaceabl
e,Ican'
tst
op
t
hinkingabouthim.He'severyt
hingIwantinaman
MaPauli
ne:heyther
e'spl
entyoff
ishoutt
her
e.St
op
sobbi
ngaroundandcatchoneyouli
ke
Gabi
:(si
ghed)I
'
llt
ry
MaPauli
ne:anddon'tbesadoveragoodf
or
not
hingpi
eceofrubbishboy

Thewait
ercamebackandser
vedt
hem whatt
hey
order
ed

*
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***
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***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
spl
ace

Hesteppedoutofthecarandlookedathi
shouse.
Oneoftheworkersranovert
ohim.
Hi
m:boza
Mpho:sur
eNdoda.Icanseeyouhaveal
ready
f
ini
shedupwi
ththeroof
Him:yessirwearepushi
ngandpushi
ng.Just
doi
ngf i
naltouchupsi
nsi
dethenwewil
lbedone
Mpho:good,
mywi f
ewillbecomingbackhome
soon,
Iwanthert
ofindherhousereadyf
orher
Hi
m:(
smi
li
ng)shewi
llf
indi
tcl
eanandr
eadyf
orher
.
Mpho:(smil
ing)Icanal
readyseeli
tt
leonesrunni
ng
aroundint
heyar dandherser
vingservi
nglunch
(poi
nti
ng)overther
e
Him:that
'
swhatweallwant
.Youknowyoucan
neverbeamanunt
ilyouhaveafamil
yofyourown
Mpho:that
'st
rue..
.I'
m get
ti
ngmyactstr
aightf
or
herandmykids.iwanttol
eadbyexample.Beher
prot
ect
or
Hi
m:andshebet
terbeagoodwoman.Youknow
womanoft
oday
Mpho:(
laughed)nahshe'
snot
hingl
iket
hem she'
s
j
ustoneinami l
li
on
Hi
m:okayl
etmegetbackt
owor
k.
Mpho:sur
e

Her
ushedovert
othehousewhi
leMphowentback
t
ohi
scar

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtNompi
lo'
sroom

Shefol
dedherbabycl
othesandputt
hem i
nher
babybag.Herphoner
ang

Nompi
lo:hel
lo
Busi
zwe:hey
Nompi
lo:whoi
sthi
s?
Busi
zwe:i
t'
sBusi
zwe
Nompi
lo:ohhi
,wher
edi
dyougetmyphonenumber
?
Busi
zwe:Isnoopedar
ound
Nompi
lo:okay
Busi
zwe:Ij
ustwant
edtot
hankyoufort
hebusi
ness
i
deasyougaveme.Theyr
eal
lyhel
pedalot
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)ohi
twasnot
hing
Busizwe:Ir
eal
lyneedt
ost
arthangi
ngoutwi
th
peoplewhohavebrai
ns
Nompi
lo:(
laughi
ng)Youshoul
-

Shedroppedherphoneont hefl
oorasshefeltan
i
ntensivepainunder neathherbel
ly.Shet
ri
edt o
breat
hasshenor mall
ydoest omakeitgoawaybut
i
tgotmor epainfulshescreamed.Hermotherran
i
ntother oom findingherbentdownholdi
ngont o
herkneesi ntears
MaGl
adys:(
wor
ri
ed)what
'swr
ong?
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)i
t'
sthebabymamai
tsAAAAH!
MaGl
adys:(
wor
ri
ed)buti
t'
stooear
ly

Hermotherl
if
tedupherdressandsawblood
r
unningdownherlegsandquickgotuppani
cki
ng.

MaGl
adys:wai
ther
eI'
l
lbeback
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)pl
easedon'
tleavemeal
one.
..

Shescreamedinpainagainwhil
ehermother
rushedoutt
ogogetsomehel p.Shecameback
withnei
ghborsaf
terandtheytookhert
othecli
nic

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
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***
**
AtGabi
'
shouse
Mphoarri
vedandI
namimetherhal
fwayt
othe
house.

I
nami
:daddy
Mpho:(
li
ft
ingherup)t
her
e'smygi
rl
I
nami
:whatdi
dyoubr
ingme?
Mpho:(l
aughi
ng)Idi
dbr
ingsomedr
iedf
rui
ts.They
ar
einthecar
I
nami
:let
'sgogett
hem

Theywentt
othecarandgott
hesweet
sthenwent
i
nsidet
hehouse.

Mpho:yourmom l
ovedt
hebr
acel
etyoumadeher
I
nami
:(smi
li
ng)r
eal
ly?
Mpho:(smi
li
ng)yesandt
her
e'ssomet
hingImust
t
ellyou

Gogowal
kedi
nandgr
eet
edt
hem

Gogo:youar
ebackear
ly
Mpho:(
smi
led)yesandIhavegoodnewst
oshar
e
Gogo:(
smi
li
ng)we'
rel
ist
eni
ng
Mpho:I
nami'
smom wil
lbefreetocomehomeaf
ter
t
headopti
onhasbeenf
inal
ised
Inami:(
jumpi
ngar
oundinexci
tement)mom i
s
comingback!Mom i
scomingback!
Gogo:(
smi
li
ng)t
hisi
sgr
eatnews
Mpho:(smil
ing)yescan'
twai
ttoforhertocome
home.Iwentbyt oseehowfartheyar
ewi t
hthe
house.Iwantustohaveourfr
eshstarti
nourown
home
Gogo:t
hankGod.I'
vebeenmeaningt
otal
ktoyou
aboutt
hat
.Li
vinginthi
shouseseemstobecomi
ng
wit
hlot
sofprobl
ems
Mpho:ummhdi
dGabi
sil
esayanyt
hing?
Gogo:nobuthermot
heri
swor
ri
edabouther
.
Mpho:wellshedoesn'thavetobeworr
iedforso
l
ongbecauset hehouseisalmostf
ini
shed.They
wil
lst
artpaint
ingnextweek
I
nami:(
standi
ngbetweenherf
ather
sknees)dad.
..
I
wantmyroom tobepink
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)i
twi
llbepi
nkBunny
Gogo:Bunnygogetyourt
oysf
rom out
side

Sher
anout
sidel
eavi
ngherdadandgogo

Gogo:Ihavet
oaskt
hisandIneedyout
obehonest
.
Di
dyouordi
dyounotsl
eepwi
thGabi
sil
e
Mpho:(
swal
lowed)hhawgogowhyar
eyouaski
ng
mesuchaquesti
on?
Gogo:Iwantthetrut
hbecausethi
ngswerenotli
ke
thi
sbefor
e.EversinceyouwenttoseeThandi
we
thi
ngstur
nedsouri nthi
shouse.Mebei
ngquiet
doesnotmeanI '
m stupi
d
Mpho:(
sighed)i
tonl
yhappenedonce
Gogo:(shookherheadi
ndisbeli
ef)whatwer
eyou
t
hinki
ng?She'syourwif
e'scousi
n
Mpho:Iwasn'
tthi
nki
ngst
rai
ghtandIr
egr
eti
t
Gogo:whatwi
llThandi
wesay?
Mpho:It
oldherandshef
orgaveme
Gogo:j
ustl
iket
hat
?
Mpho:wetal
kedabouti
tandwebothwantaf
resh
st
art
.Rel
axgogoIknowwhatI'
m doi
ng
Gogo:(
sighed)i
fyousayso
Mpho:sowi
llyoubemovi
ngi
nwi
thusi
nournew
home?
Gogo:(
smil
ing)Imi
ssl
ivi
nginmyownhome,soI
wil
lbegoi
ngbackhomegivi
ngyouspacewi
thyour
wif
etobond
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)okaybutpl
easecomeandvi
sit
Gogo:Iwil
lIpr
omi
se.Sowhenwi
llt
headopt
ionbe
fi
nal
ized
Mpho:Idon'
tknowbutt
omor
rowwear
emeet
ing
t
hepotenti
alpar
ent
s
Gogo:Ihopet
heyar
egoodpeopl
e
Mpho:Ihopesot
oo

Inami
wal
kedinwit
hhert
oysi
naboxandputt
hem
downwat
chi
ngt.v.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
hehospi
tal
Thedoct
orwalkedoutandMaGl
adysgotup
headi
ngtohi
m

MaGl
adys:what
'shappeni
ngdoct
or
Doct
or:wehavedet
erminedthatshe'
shavi
ngwhat
wecallani
ncompet
entcervi
x
MaGl
adys:whati
sthat
?
Doctor
:incompetentcer
vix,
simplymeansher
cer
vixistoweaktoholdthebaby,whichcanresul
t
toherhavinganearl
ymiscarri
ageorearl
ybir
th
MaGl
adys:(
shocked)yohcanIseeher
Doct
or:yesyoucanbutshe'
sheavi
lymedi
cat
edso
youcan'
tstayt
heret
oolong
MaGl
adys:okayt
hankyoudoct
or

Heopenedthedoorandshewalkedinfi
ndingher
daught
erl
ayingt
herecryi
ng.Shetookherhand
Nompil
o:(cr
ying)mama...Theycoul
dn'
tsaveher
..
.
Theycoul
dn'tsaveher
..
.
MaGl
adys:(
tear
ful
)I'
m sor
ry

Shecontinuedt
ocr
ywhi
lehermot
herst
oodnextt
o
herhol
dingher

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#37

AtGabi
'
shome

GabiknockedandwalkedintoPhi
we'sroom f
indi
ng
Mpholayingdownhisblanketst
osleep.

Gabi
:hi
Mpho:i
fyou'
reher
elooki
ngf
oraf
igj
tpl
easel
eave
I
'
mjustnoti
nthemood
Gabi
:I'
m nother
et ofi
ght
.Ther
e'ssomet
hing
i
mportantImusttel
lyou
Mpho:I
'
mli
steni
ng

Gabiwal
kedt
ohi
m andt
ookhi
shand

Mpho:(pul
li
ngi
tback)whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his
Gabi
sil
e?
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)I'
m pr
egnant

Mphol
ookedatherwi
thashockedexpr
essi
on.

Gabi:Iwenttothedoct
orbecauseIhaven'tbeen
feel
ingwelll
atel
yandIfoundoutI'
m pregnant
Mpho:(
tur
nedgoingt
othewi
ndowopeni
ngi
t)t
his
i
snothappeni
ng
Gabi
:(cl
osi
ngi
t)mosqui
toeswi
llgeti
n
Mpho:(
lookedather)yout
oldmeyouwere
pr
event
ing.Yousaidyouwereont
hepil
l
Gabi
:If
orgott
otaket
hem.Wewer
ehavi
ngso
muchsexit
-
Mpho:(
shookhisheadno)youcan'
tbepr
egnant
,
whatam Igoi
ngtotel
lThandi
we?
Gabi
:thet
rut
h..
.

Shet
ookhi
shandandputi
tonherf
latbel
ly

Gabi:Ihavealit
tl
eyouinsi
demeMpho, t
hat'snot
goingtojustvani
sh.Oursecr
eti
sout
,everyonewil
l
know
Mpho:not
hisi
snothappeni
ng
Gabi
:justacceptMphoent
le
Mpho:who'
sMphoent
le?
Gabi:ourbaby.(
tear
ful)Mphoyou'r
egoingt
obea
fat
herandt heonlyt
hingyouarethi
nki
ngaboutis
Thandiwe.What'sonyourmind?Abort
ionri
ght
?
Youwantmet ohaveanaborti
on
Mpho:st
opput
ti
ngwor
dsi
ntomymout
h
Gabi:I
'm car
ryi
ngyourbl
ood,yourfut
ureandI
expectnothi
ngbutyourf
ullsuppor
t
Mpho:you'vej
ustt
oldmethenewssoyoucan't
j
ustexpectmetodecidewhathappensnext
Gabi
:(wi
pinghert
ears)okayI
'
lll
etyousl
eeponi
t
(
tookoutt
hescans)here

Shewal
kedoutandwentt
oherr
oom
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Att
hecent
re

Thandi
wel ookedatherbr
acel
etasi
tspar
kled
agai
nstthemoonlight
.
Khensani
:youwon'
tst
opl
ooki
ngatt
hatwontyou
Thandiwe:(
sadly)Ijustmissher.
..Imi
sshersmil
e,
Imisshercomforti
ngsmi l
eandhugs.Afterwhat
happenedtodaybetweenmeandMpho.Imi ss
them,Iwanttobewithmyf ami
ly
Khensani
:ohbabydon'
twor
ryyou'
l
lbewi
tht
hem
soon
Thandi
we:(smil
ing)youknowIconnect
edwithhi
m
onanotherl
evelwhenweki ssedt
odayandhewas
sogent
le
Khensani
:(gi
ggl
ing)Isawthewayyouweresmil
ing
af
termeeti
ngwithhim.Iknewsomethi
nghappened
Thandi
we:(l
aughi
ng)Il
ovethefactt
hatwe'
reopen
wit
heachotherandhe'
sgentl
ewithme.Thefat
her
ofmykids
Khensani
:(smi
li
ng)sowhat'
sgoi
ngt ohappen
whenyougetoutofher
e.Igett
hatyouwantto
workonyourmarri
agebutwhatwi
llyoudoto
i
mpr
oveyour
sel
f?
Thandiwe:Idon'
tknow..
.Iwanttogobackto
schoolgetmymat r
icandstudyfur
therbutIcan'
t
dothatnowbecauseIdon'tli
ketheideaofl
ivi
ngin
abackstabber'
shouse.Ineedtogetajobsowe
canbothsaveupmoneyt obuildourownhome
Khensani
:that
'sagoodpl
anbutyouknowj
obsar
e
noteasyt
of i
nd
Thandi
we:IknowbutI
'
llt
ry
Khensani
:I'
l
lpr
ayf
oryousot
hingsgowel
l
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)t
hatwoul
dmeanal
ott
ome
Khensani
:(smi
li
ng)
let
'sgot
osl
eep.Youhaveal
ong
dayaheadofyou
Thandi
we:goodni
ght
Khansani
:goodni
ght

Shet
urnedpul
li
ngt
hebl
anket
soverhersl
eepi
ng
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Meanwhi
le

Mphot wist
edandt ur
nedunabletosleepthinki
ng
aboutGabibeingpregnantandhowThandi we
wouldtakeit.Tur
nedonhi sphone'
sflashl
ight
l
ookingatthescannotevenknowi ngwhathe' s
l
ookingat.Het ur
neditoffandcall
edThemba

Themba:br
other
Mpho:br
other
Themba:whyareyoucal
li
ngmeatt
hishour
?
What'
swrong?
Mpho:I
'
m st
uckbet
weenchoosi
ngt
hewomanI
l
oveandmybaby
Themba:Phi
we?Di
dn'
tyouguysagr
eet
o-
Mpho:noit
'snotPhi
we(
sighed)Gabi
sil
eis
pr
egnant
Themba:shi
t!

cl
osedhi
seyest
aki
ngi
tal
linwi
thadeepbr
eat
hin

Themba:howdi
dthathappenman?
Mpho:she.
..Shetol
dmeshewasont
hepi
llandI
j
ustdi
ditwithoutt
hinki
ng
Themba:t
hat
'
sshi
tman
Mpho:nowt hingsar efi
nall
ylookingupf ormewi t
h
thewomanIl oveandmymi stakesaretryingtotake
awaymyhappi ness.Gabisil
eisabeaut i
fulwoman,
sweet ,
lovingandsensi ti
ve.Iknowshe'llbet hebest
mom t omychi l
dshehasshownmet hatwhen
takingcareofI namiandPhi we.Ihavet hisfeeli
ng
i
nsi dethatI'
vehur thersomuchandIneedt omake
thingsrightwithher.Idon'twanttheretobebad
bloodbet weenusbutIknowi fIchoseGabiIwoul d
beunhappyf ortherestofmyl i
femyhear twi l
l
alwaysbel ongt oThandiwe
Themba:IknowmanIknow
Mpho:andI'm wor
riedaboutwhatwi
llhappenwhen
al
lofthi
sgoesout.Whatwi l
lhermot
herandf at
her
say.Herf
atherwil
lkil
lme.WhatdoIdoman?What
doIdo?
Themba:i
t'
sobvi
ousthetr
uthneedstocomeout
.
Justmakesur
eThandiwehear
sitfr
om you
Mpho:(
sighed)yeah
Themba:t heimportantthi
ngrightnowi stobe
honestwithyourwoman.Thi swon'tseatwellwit
h
herobviouslybutyouneedt oletherdecideonly
aft
erthencanyout aket henextstep.Evenwhen
youtakethenextstepj ustknowyoudon' thaveto
ti
eyourselfinalovelessmar ri
agejusttobeinyour
chil
dsli
fe.Timeshavechanged, youhavingachild
withsomeonedoesn' tmeanyoumustmar rythem
Mpho:Ihearyou
Themba:nawemanyoushoul dn'
thavegoneraw
withher,nowthatchi
ldi
sgoingtobeaconstant
reminderofhowyoubetrayedyourwif
e
Mpho:Ijusthopeshecanf
orgi
veme,I
'
llr
egr
ett
his
f
ortherestofmylif
e
Themba:got
alkt
ohert
henandseehowi
tgoes
Mpho:yeaht
hanksman
Themba:sur
egoodni
ght
Mpho:goodni
ght

Hungupput
ti
nghi
sphoneawayt
ryi
ngt
ogetsome
sl
eep
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Thenextday

AtMaSoko'
shouse
Busanicamebackf rom thespazawi
thbreadand
peanutbutter
.Hetri
edcal l
ingNompi
lobutshe
didn'tpi
ckup.Hewal kedinsi
deandputt
hose
thingsontopofthetable.

MaSoko:(t
akingoutsli
cesofbread)f
inal
lyyou'
re
back,
yoursi
ster
swer ereadyt
oeatmeal lup
BabSoko:aboutt
ime,
I'
m al
sost
arvi
ng
MaSoko:Ineedt
odosomegrocer
yshoppi
ngt
oday.
We'
reoutal
mostever
ythi
ng

Babsokol
ookedathi
ssonwho'
seyeswer
efi
xed
onhi
sphone.

BabSoko:heyboyputt
hatphoneaway
Busani
:Ican'
t,
Iheardpeopletalki
ngaboutNompi
lo
bei
ngrushedtothehospi
tallastni
ght
BabSoko:oh...Ineedt
ogettowork.MaSokocan
youpleasepackupmybr eakf
ast
,I'
llhavei
twhenI
gett
ot heoff
ice
MaSoko:okayl
ove
Busani:ar
eyouseri
ousr
ightnow?Shecoul
dbei
n
thehospit
aldyi
ngaswespeak
MaSoko:ifsomethingbadhadhappenedI
'
m sur
e
t
heywould'vecal
ledus

Herphoner
angandBusanil
ooki
nghersi
gnal
ing
hert
otakei
t

MaSoko:MaSoko
MaNkosi
:hel
loMaSoko.I
t'
sMaNkosi
MaSoko:yebomaNkosi
MaNkosi
:IhavebeenaskedbymaGl adystot
ell
yout
hatl
astni
ghtNompi l
ogotsi
ckandwas
admi
tt
edtothehospi
talandshel
ostherbaby
MaSoko:ohthat
'ssadnews,
iwil
lgoandseeher
l
ateron.I
sshebackhomeyett
?
MaNkosi
:nobutshewi
llbedi
schar
gedt
oday.
MaSoko:thankyoumaf
orl
ett
ingmeknow.I
'
lll
et
t
hethefamilyknow

Shehungupandl
ookedatt
hem ast
heywant
ed
answer
s

MaSoko:t
hatgi
rlhadami
scar
ri
age
BabSoko:(
sighed)t
hat
'ssad
Busani
:(sadl
y)shemustbedevast
ated
MaSoko:ohpleaseforal
lweknowshecould'
ve
deci
dedtohaveanaborti
onaf
terseei
ngherpeer
s
enj
oyingvar
sit
yli
fe
Busani
:shewasfineandshel ovedherbabygi r
l.
SheevennamedherBel l
a,shehadpl ansforher,
shehadplannedt
obet hebestmot herever.Gether
degr ee,
getajobandtakecar
eofherkidbutno
therewer epeopl
eli
keusbri
ngingherdownaddi
ng
stress
MaSoko:(
rememberedherbuyi
ngcl
othesand
swal
l
owed)wellwecan'
tchangedwhathappened

Busanigotupandwentt
ohi
sroom

BabSoko:what
'sgoi
ngonwi
tht
hisboy?
MaSoko:(
sighed)Idon'
tknow
BabSoko:l
etmegett
owor
k
MaSoko:l
etmemakeyousomet
hingt
oeatf
ir
st

Hewait
edwhilehi
swi
femadehi
m peanutbut
ter
sandwi
ches.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtGabi
'
shouse

Mphost oodintheshower,
eyesclosedaswar m
waterr
andownhi sbody.Heheardfootstepsand
openedhiseyesfi
ndingGabinakedinfrontofhi
m.

Mpho:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Gabi
:taki
ngashowetwi
thmybabydaddy

Hest
eppedbackwant
ingt
ogetout

Gabi
:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?Let
'st
alk
Mpho:Ican'
ttal
ktoyouwhi
leyou'
renaked.Get
dr
essed
Hest
eppedoutwrappinghi
msel
fwithat
oweland
shef
oll
owedhim put
ti
ngonherrobe.

Gabi
:Iwantt
oknowonwhatyouhavedeci
dedon
Mpho:Ineedt
otal
ktomywi
fef
ir
stt
henwe'
l
l
deci
de
Gabi
:Imadet
hisbabywi
thyounother
Mpho:she'
smywi
feandt
hisbabyi
showI
bet
rayedher
Gabi
:(t
earf
ul)ohsoshe'
smor
eimpor
tantt
hanyour
ownblood
Mpho:(si
ghedr egr
ett
ably)noI'
m sorr
y,Idi
dn'
t
meantohur tyourf
eeli
ngsit'
sjustt
hatI'
minatight
spotr
ightnow
Gabi:haveyouevertakent i
met othi
nkabouthowI
feelabouthoweverythi
nghasaf fect
edme.(tear
ful
)
I'
m alaughingst
ockatwor k,I
'm mockedbymyboss
andmyf r
iendsarel
aughingatmebehi ndmyback
Mpho:(
sighed)I
'
m sor
ry,
I'
m sor
ryIdi
dyouwr
ong.
Gabi
:sor
rydoesn'
tchangeanyt
hing,
I'
m pr
egnant
Mpho
Mpho:whatdoyouexpectmet
odo?Tel
lmewhat
doyouexpectmetodo?
Gabi:t
ochooset hewomant hatlovesyou,awoman
thatwoul
dchooseyouoverever yt
hing,t
hemother
ofyourchi
ld.(tear
ful
)Iknowi twontbeeasy..
.It
won'tbeeasybutwecandot his.Wecanbea
famil
yandr ai
seourbabytoget her
..
.Please(
she
wentdownonherknees)pl ease
Mpho:(
looki
ngaway)pl
easegetup
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)I'
m beggi
ngyou
Mpho:(swallowed)Ican'
t,youmustacceptt hat
Thandi
wei sthewomanIl ove.I
'l
lsupportyouand
I
'l
lbethereformychi l
d(helpinghergetup)you're
abeauti
fulgoodwomanandMphoent l
ewi l
lbe
l
uckytohaveamot herli
keyou.
Gabishookherheadindisbel
ief
,shewal
kedout
cr
yingandgoingtoherroom.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtPhal
aneHol
dings

Phil
aniwal
kedi
nwithhi
swifewhowasaskinghi
m
questi
onsandmar
kingacheckl
ist
.Theybot
hsat
downandheopenedhisl
aptop.

Ni
col
e:di
dyoumanaget
ogetyoursui
t?
Phi
lani
:yes
Ni
col
e:andt
hegr
oomsmensui
ts?
Phi
lani
:al
lgood
Ni
col
e:okayI
'
m nowl
eftwi
-
Phi
lani
:(shocked)ohwoul
dyoul
ookatt
hat
Ni
col
e:what
?
Phi
lani
:Gabi
sil
eisr
esi
gni
ngwi
thi
mmedi
ateef
fect
Ni
col
e:(
shocked)r
esi
gni
ng?
Phi
lani
:yesshe'
sresi
gni
ng
Ni
col
e:(
pagi
ngthroughherdi
ary)shecan'
tst
and
t
heshameshebroughtuponhersel
f
Phi
lani
:(l
aughed)you'
reenj
oyi
ngt
hisar
eyou?
Nicol
e:(l
aughing)shebroughtt
hisuponhersel
f
bl
ahblahbl ah"manywomenenvyher ""she'
s
beaut
ifulshehascurves"wuuuushem!
Phi
lani
:(l
aughed)noneofuswi
llf
orgett
hatday
Ni
col
e:(
laughi
ng)mxm l
ookatt
hem now
Phil
ani
:(l
aughed)butt
henthisi
sshortnot
ice.Ist
il
l
needtogetsomeonetofi
lli
nhershoes
Ni
col
e:(mischi
evouslook)wel
ldi
dn'tyousayher
Mphoiseducatedandskil
ledi
nthatarea?Shame
thepoorguyneverhadachancet
oshowuswhat
he'smadeof
Phi
lani
:wher
ear
eyougoi
ngwi
tht
hisMr
sMe?
Nicol
e:Gabi-
girlwantst
oquit.It
'sf
ineshecanqui
t
butfi
rstshemustt r
ainherex-boyf
ri
endtobeour
fi
nancemi ni
ster
Phi
lani
:(l
aughi
ng)ohj
eezyouar
egood
Ni
col
e:(
laughi
ng)I
'
m gl
adyougetme
Phi
lani
:I'
l
lmakehi
m herassi
stant
Ni
col
e:t
hat
'
smyman

Theybot
hlaughedt
henNicol
ewenttomakeher
sel
f
acupofcoff
eewhil
ePhi
laniwentt
hroughhi
s
email
s
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#38

AtPhi
laneHol
dings

Phi
lanical
ledGabit
ocomet
ohi
sof
fi
ceandshe
came.
Phi
lani
:pl
easesi
t

Shesatdown

Phi
lani
:Ir
ecei
vedyourr
esi
gnat
ionl
ett
er
Gabi
:yes
Phi
lani
:whyar
eyour
esi
gni
ng?
Gabi:becauseIwanttostartaf
reshsomewher
e
el
se.I'
veenjoyedworkinghereandI'
vegai
nedlotof
experi
encebutIthi
nkit'
stimeIspreadmywings
Phi
lani
:ar
eyousurethat
'sal
l
?You'
renotr
unni
ng
awayfr
om yourex?
Gabi
:noSi
r
Phi
lani
:youdounder
standt
hatt
hisi
sshor
tnot
ice?
Gabi
:yesandI
'
llhel
pwher
everIcan
Thewasaknockont
hedoor

Phi
lani
:comei
n

Mphowal
kedi
nandf
oundGabi
.

Mpho:sor
ryIdi
dn'
tknowyou'
rebusyI
'
ll
-
Phi
lani
:nocomei
n.I
t'
saboutseei
ngyourwi
fer
ight
?
Mpho:ummh.
..
Phi
lani
:comei
nwehavesomet
hingi
mpor
tantt
o
di
scuss
Gabi
:(get
ti
ngup)Iwi
llgi
veyousomepr
i-
Phi
lani
:thi
sact
ual
lyi
nvol
vest
het
woofyou.So
pl
easesitdown
ShesatdownandMphoj
oinedher

Gabi
:ist
hisaboutt
heof
fi
cegossi
p?
Phil
ani:(l
ooki
ngatMpho)MsMadonsel
aherewil
l
beleavingussoonsoIneedsomeonet
ofi
lli
nher
bi
gshoes.Iunderst
andyouknowsomethi
ngabout
fi
nance
Mpho:(
clear
edhi
sthr
oat
)yessi
r
Phil
ani:t
hisisyourchancet
oputyourdegreeto
gooduse.MsMadonsel awi
llshowyoutheropes
onhowt hingsaredoneandifyoudowellyouthi
s
posi
tionisyours
Mpho:(
sur
pri
sed)ar
eyouser
ious?
Phi
lani
:(smi
li
ng)Idon'
tjokeaboutser
ioust
hings.
Soareyouupforit
?
Mpho:(
happy)yes.
..YesIam
Phi
lani
:Ihopet
her
e'snopr
obl
em wi
tht
hatMs
Madonsel
ayouwi
llshowMrGamaever
ythi
ng
Gabi
:yesSi
r
Phi
lani
:youwi
llbeherassi
stantf
orsol
ong
Mpho:yesSi
r
Phi
lani
:thatwi
llbeal
l.Todayi
sthel
astt
imeIsee
youint
hatunif
or m
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)yesSi
r.WhendoIst
art
?
Phil
ani
:tomor
row.I
'
m sur
eyourwi
fewi
llbehappy
toheart
hegoodnews
Mpho:shewi
ll

Phi
lanigotupandshookhands.Gabigotupand
wal
kedoutt oherof
fi
ce.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtNompi
lo'
shome
Nompi l
olookedatthel
itt
lepinkvestandcried
si
lentl
y.Hermotherwalkedinandf oundher
standi
ngtherecryi
ngwhilethebaby'sclot
heswer
e
scatt
eredonherbed.

MaGladys:(
feel
ingsor
ryf
orher
)youshoul
dbei
n
bedr
esti
ng
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)pl
easel
etmebe
MaGl
adys:mar
amt
anami
Nompilo:(
cryi
ng)pl
easedon'
t.
..Don'
tactl
ikeyou
car
..
.care.
MaGl
adys:Idocar
e
Nompil
o:youdon'
t.
..Youneverwant
edher.Ihope
you'
rehappynow.Yougotwhatyouwanted
MaGl
adys:Nompi
lodon'
tsay-
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)Iwoul
dli
ket
obel
eftal
onepl
ease
MaGl
adys:Nompi
lo
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)mamapl
ease.
..

Shesteppedbackandwalkedoutwhil
eNompilo
cri
ed.Shewalkedbackt
ot heki
tchenandhear
da
knockonthedoor

MaGl
adys:comei
n

MaSokowal
kedi
n

MaSoko:mor
ning
MaGl
adys:mor
ning
MaSoko:Howar
eyou?
MaGl
adys:I
'
mfi
ne
MaSoko:maNkosicameandt
oldmet
hesadnews.
I
'mt
erri
blyso-
MaGladys:pl
easestoppret
ending.Webothknow
t
heyneverwantedhertohavethisbaby.Youar
e
r
ejoi
cinghermiscar
ri
ageaswespeak
MaSoko:hhawI
'
mtr
yingt
obesympat
het
ic
MaGladys:(
angr
y)wedon'
tneedyourpat
het
ic
sympat
hy
MaSoko:shu.
..Youknowwhatl
etmel
eave.
MaGl
adys:l
eave
MaSoko:Itr
yfeel
ingsor
ryf
oryoursl
utandt
hisi
s
t
hethanksIget
MaGl adys:(scoffed)behappyal
lyouwantitsti
ll
doesn'tchanget hefactt
hatyou'
resl
eepi
ngwi t
ha
whoreyoucal lahusband.He'sprobabl
yopening
anothergir
lsthighsaswespeak

MaSokoangr
il
ytookherhandbagandwal
kedout
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Lat
ert
hatday

Gabiwalkedoutwithherlunchboxandsatont he
chai
rsundertheshade.Shepul l
edoutherbaby's
scanandlookedatitgett
ingemotional
.Shenoticed
Apri
lwascomi ngtowardsherandputitbackinto
herpocket.

Apr
il
:heycanIj
oinyou?
Gabi
:sur
e
Apr
il
:ar
eyouokay?
Gabi
:(noddi
ng)I
'
mfi
ne
Apr
il
:Ihear
daboutyourr
esi
gnat
ion
Gabi
:yeah
Apr
il
:andIhear
dthatMphowi
llbeyourassi
stant
,
wher
eishe?
Gabi
:hewentt
oseehi
swi
fei
nthemor
ning
Apr
il
:(si
ghed)I'
m sor
ry,
Ican'
timagi
newhatyou'
re
goi
ngthrough
Gabi
:I'
llbefi
ne,youshoul
dn'
tworr
yaboutme.I
'
ma
bi
ggirlIcantakecar
eofmyself
Apri
l:sowhatdoyoupl
ant
odonowt
hatyouhave
resi
gned?
Gabi:Idon'
tknow..
.Ihaveli
tt
lesavedi
nmy
accountaft
erspendingalotontheki
dsbutI
'
ll
makeapl an.
Apr
il
:howwi
llyoul
ivewi
tht
hem i
nthesamehouse?
Gabi
:I'
m movi
ngaway.Ineedt
obeal
onej
ustt
oget
awayfr
om al
lthi
snegat
ivi
ty
Apri
l:yeahsoyou'r
ejustgoi
ngt
olethi
m getaway
wit
hever yt
hing?
Gabi
:whatdoyouexpectmet
odo?
Apr
il
:fi
ght
Gabi
:pl
easel
et'
sjustdr
opi
t
Apr
il
:(si
ghed)okay

Theyhadl
uncht
oget
hert
henwentbackt
owor
k.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Att
hecent
re

Thandi
wewavedatthecouplewhodr
oveoutaft
er
thei
rmeet
ingandwalkedbacki
nsi
dehol
dinghands

Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)t
hatwentpr
ett
ywel
l
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)yest
heyar
ereal
lygoodpeopl
e,I
'
m
sur
emysonwi
llbewel
ltakencar
eof
Thandi
we:yeah.
..

Het
urnedandl
ookedather

Mpho:(
sighed)t
her
e'ssomet
hingIhavet
otel
lyou.
Thandi
we:ummhmor
ebadnews?
Mpho:(
nodded)yes.I
..
.Idon'
tknowhowyou'
l
ltake
t
his
Thandi
we:(
swal
lowed)whati
sit
?

Heavoi
dedeyecont
actl
if
ti
ngherhandupand
put
ti
nghisot
heroneont
opofhers.

Mpho:i
t'
sGabi
sil
e
Thandi
we:(
lookedathi
m)whatabouther
?Isshe
chasi
ngyououtofthehouse?
Mpho:no.
..She'
s.
..She'
spr
egnant
Thandi
we:(
shepul
ledherhandbackshocked)
what!
?
Mpho:(
swall
owed)shet
oldmeshewasont
hepi
ll
.
I
'mreal
lysor
ry
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)sor
ry?Sor
ry?
Mpho:(swal
lowedapainfull
umponhisthr
oat)I
'
m
sor
ry,pl
easefor
giveme.IfIcoul
dtur
nbackti
meI
wouldhaveneverdonethat
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful)youf
*ckedherr
awMpho.She'
s
car
ryi
ngyourchi
ld..
.
Mpho:Iknowand.
..I
'
m sor
ry

Thandi
we:youknowwhatIcan'
tdot
his

Shesteppedbackwanti
ngt
owalkedawayand
grabbedherhandgoi
ngdownonhisknees
Mpho:(
swal
lowedast
ear
sfel
lout
)pl
ease.
..
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)Mphol
etgo
Mpho:(cr
yinghol di
ngontoherdr
ess)no..
.I'
m not
l
ett
ingyougo...Don'tgi
veuponusplease.Mama
kaI
namingiyak'cela
Thandiwe:(cryi
ng)t
hi shardformeMpho. .
.I
wantedtogi veyouyourf i
rstchil
d..
.you'vetaken
thatawayfrom me...Howwi l
lIfeelli
vinginher
houseandseei ngherpr egnant?Whathappens
whent hebabyisbor n?
Mpho:we'
l
lfi
gur
eitoutt
oget
her
..
.Iknowwewi
ll
Thandi
we:(
wipedawayhert
ear
s)pl
easegetup

Hegotuphol di
ngherhands,shelookedathi
s
sorrowf
uleyesandfel
tsorr
yf orhi
m.Shelovedhi
m
thatshewassureofbutthi
swasj usttoomuch
Thandi
we:Iwantt
omakeadecisi
onri
ghtnow
whenI'
m soemoti
onal
.Ineedt
imetot
hinkthi
ngs
thr
ough
Mpho:okay
Thandi
we:(wi
pingawayhist
ear
s)yourdaught
er
mustnotseeyouli
kethi
s
Mpho:(
sighed)I
'
m sor
ry
Thandi
we:don'
tbe.I
'
m gl
adyout
oldme

Oneoft
hecar
egi
ver
swal
kedout

Car
egi
ver
:MsMhl
ongoyou'
reneededout
side.
Thandi
we:I
'
m comi
ng(
looki
ngatMpho)Ineedt
o
go
Mpho:okayt
akecar
eofyour
sel
f
Thandi
we:yout
oo
Shefol
lowedthecar
egi
verbacki
nsi
dewhi
leMpho
wenttohiscar
.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMadonsel
a'
shouse

Mapauli
neopenedt
hedoorandGabiwal
kedi
n
gr
eet
ingthem.

MaPauli
ne:(happy)whatawonder
fulsur
pri
se.
Babaourbabyishome

Herf
atherwal
kedt
othem f
rom t
heki
tchensmi
li
ng.

Madonsel
a:(
happy)t
her
e'smybaby
Gabi
:(huggi
nghi
m)daddy
Madonsel
a:f
inal
lyyou'
rehomei
t'
sbeenl
ong
Gabi
:I'
m her
enowt
hati
sal
lthatmat
ter
s
MaPaul
ine:(
taki
ngherhand)goodt
imi
ngcome
hel
pmeinthekit
chen
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)okay

Shewenttoputherhandbagont opofthecouch
andtookof
fherjacketputt
ingitdownt hengoingt
o
j
oinhermotheratthekit
chenwhi leherdadsaton
thechai
rwatchi
ngt hem whil
ehavinghisglassof
wine.

MaPaul
ine:i
sitmeoryou'
regai
ningwei
ght
?
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)i
t'
syou
Madonsel
a:(
laughi
ngscr
atchi
nghi
sbear
d)whati
s
i
twit
hgirl
sandgaini
ngweight
MaPaul
ine:(
laughi
ng)youcanneverunder
stand.
Gabi
:dad?
Madonsel
a:yesbaby
Gabi
:howdi
dyouknowmom wast
heoneyouwer
e
goi
ngtomar
ry?
MaPaul
ine:wher
eist
hiscomi
ngf
rom?
Gabi
:Ij
ust
..
.Iwantt
oknow
MaPaul
ine:baby.
..
Madonsel a:nomyl ovei t
'sokay.I '
llt
ellher ,
howI
knewyourmom wast heonei t'ssimpl e.Firstthi
ng
thatmademel oveherandst i
llloveherevennowi s
howr espect f
ulshewast ome.Secondl yendur ance
andpat ience, notmanywomenhavet hat .Yousee
thi
swomenr ighthasst oodwit hmeagai nstal l
odds.Ther ewasat i
mewhenIhadt odependon
herlit
tlesal arybecauseIhadl ostmyj ob.Notmany
womencanst andthatbutshest uckbymysi de
throught hegoodandt hebadt i
llIwasbackonmy
feet.Agoodwomanmustbeabl et ohandl ediffi
cul
t
sit
uations, howyouhandl echallengesdet ermine
howmat uredyouar e.Suppor ti simpor tantshe
suppor t
edmewhenIneededhert hemost ,wemen
alwaysfacechallenges,
insecur
it
iesandlowself
esteem whenthingsaregoingbad.Afterever
ythi
ng
wewentt hroughIknewsshewast hewomanI
want edt
obewi th
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)wowmom
MaPaul
ine:(
smi
li
ng)ohmyl
ove

Hewentar
oundt
het
abl
eandki
ssedhi
scheek.

Gabi:(smil
ingt
ear
ful
)youguysar
egoingtomake
mecr y.Iwantmychi
ldtohavewhatIhad.Gr
owing
upinahappyhomewi thyourmom anddadaround
pr
otect i
ngyou
MaPauli
ne:ohmychildyou'l
lfi
ndthemanthatwil
l
l
oveyou.You'
reabeauti
fulsweetyoungl
adywit
h
anopenheart
Madonsel
a:(
smi
li
ng)j
ustl
ikeyourmom
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)I'
m notl
ikeher
..
.I'
m ahor
ri
bleper
son.
MaPaul
ine:(
wal
kingovert
oher
)babydon'
tsay
t
hat
Madonsel
a:(hol
dingherhand)whyar
eyousayi
ng
t
hatmychild
Gabi
:Idi
dsomet
hing,
I..
.
MaPaul
ine:whatt
alkt
ous
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)pl
easeexcuseme

Shewenttoherr
oom l
eavi
nghermom anddadi
n
theki
tchen

Madonsel
a:l
etherbe,
shewi
llt
alkt
ouswhenshe'
s
r
eady

MaPauli
nesighedsadl
ywhi
leherhusbandgotup
andhel
pedheraroundt
heki
tchen.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Att
hecent
re
Theyweresit
ti
ngatthecaf
eter
iahavi
ngsupper
,
Khensanil
ookedatThandi
weplayi
ngwit
hherfood

Khensani
:ar
eyougoi
ngt
oeatt
hat
?

Thandi
wel
ookedather

Khensani
:eversi
nceyoucamebackfrom t
hat
meeti
ngyou'vebeensad.Ar
eyouchangingyour
mindabouttheadopt
ion?
Thandi
we:(
sighed)no.
..I
t'
shubby
Khensani
:whatdi
dhedonow?
Thandi
we:hemadeherpr
egnant
Khensani
:(shocked)ohnot
hat
's.
..
Thandi
we:Iknow.
..Hebeggedmet
ofor
givehi
m
andI
..
.Ij
ustdon'
tknow.
Khensani
:whatdoesyourhear
tsay?
Thandiwe:r
ightnowI'm hur
ti
ng.(
put
ti
ngherhand
overherheart
)Ifeel
li
kehehasstabbedmewitha
kni
feinhere
Khensani
:I'
m sor
ryhey
Thandiwe:he'shurt
ingmor e,
Isawhi sfearoflosi
ng
meinhi seyestoday..
.Itwasmyf i
rsttimeseeing
hi
mi ntears.Fir
sti
nmyl i
feIact
uall
yf el
tlovedand
needed.
Khensani
:wowmendon'
tjustcr
y
Thandi
we:(
smil
ingtear
ful
)Iknow.That
'swhyI
'
m
puzzl
edbywhattodo.
Khensani
:Isayf
orgi
vehi
m, weal
lmakemi
stakes
anddeser
veasecondchance.
Thandi
we:andt
hebaby?
Khensani:youcanmakear rangement
sonhowt hi
s
i
sgoingt owork.Judgingbythetypeofguyhei
s,
hewillgowithwhateveryou'r
ecomfort
ablewi
th
Thandi
we:(
sighed)yeah
Khensani
:heaccept
edyouwi
thyourki
ds,
I'
m sur
e
youcandothesame
Thandi
we:Ij
ustdon'
tknow
Khensani
:justt
hinkabouti
t

Theycont
inuedt
oeatwhi
leThandi
wet
hought
abouti
t

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#39

Att
hecent
re

Thandiweknockedandwasl
eti
nint
othedoct
ors
off
ice.
DrDhl
udhl
u:MsMhl
ongo
Thandi
we:mor
ningDoct
or
DrDhl
udhl
u:howcanIhel
pyou?
Thandi
we:ummhyes.UmmhIneedt
omakeacal
l
andtal
ktomyhusband
DrDhludhl
u:youknowifyouarehereyouarenot
al
lowedtomakecallsorr
eceivecal
ls.We'
vemade
anexcepti
onbecauseoftheadopti
on
Thandiwe:IknowandI '
m gr
atef
ulforever
ythi
ng
you'vedoneforme.Ij
ustneedtotal
ktohimi t
's
veryimport
ant.Pl
ease

Shel
ookedatThandi
wef
orasecond

DrDhludhl
u:goaheadbutknowi
t'
sagai
nstt
he
rul
es
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)Iknow,
I'
llbequi
ck

Shet
ookt hephoneanddi
all
edMpho'
sphone
number
,itrangandhepi
ckedup.

Mpho:hel
lo
Thandi
we:heyi
t'
syourwi
fe
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)heywi
fey
Thandiwe:(smil
ing)hiummhIcan' ttalkf
orl
ongbut
Ij
ustwant edtotellyouthatIt
houghtaboutthe
si
tuat
ionandIf orgiveyouandI'm surewecanfind
awayt omaket hingswor kbet
weenus.
Mpho:(
happy)ar
eyouser
ious?
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)yeah
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)wowIl
oveyou
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)Il
oveyout
oobutIneedt
ogo
now
Mpho:wai
tbef
oreyougo.Ihavegoodnews
Thandi
we:I
'
mli
steni
ng
Mpho:Ihaveanewj ob,
I'
llbet
hef
inancemanager
atPhi
lanehol
dings
Thandi
we:(
sur
pri
sed)what
!
Mpho:(smil
ing)yeahthi
ngsarelooki
ngupforus
mylove.I
'l
lbemaki ngenoughforustol
iveagreat
l
if
e
Thandi
we:(
happy)wowt hosearethegr
eat
estnews
ever
.WowbabeI'm sohappyforyou
Mpho:f
orus.Il
oveyou
Thandiwe:Il
oveyout
oo.
..Ineedt
ogonowDr
Dhludhl
uisgivi
ngmethelook
Mpho:(
laughed)okayIl
oveyou,
blowmeaki
ss
Thandi
we:(
blewhi
m aki
ss)t
her
edi
dyougeti
t?
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)wentst
rai
ghtt
omyhear
t.
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)ki
ssmybabygi
rl
Mpho:(laughi
ng)bunnydoesn'
twantt
obeki
ssed
anymoreIdon'tknowwhatthoset
eacher
sar
e
teachi
ngourkids
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)ohmywor
dbutt
hat
'sgood-

DrDhl
udhl
u:heyt
imeoutyout
wol
ovebi
rds
Thandi
we:(
laughed)t
imeupbabebye

Shehungupput
ti
ngdownt
hephonesmi
li
ng
get
ti
ngup.

Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)t
hankyoudoct
or
DrDhl
udhl
u:pl
easur
e.

Shewal
kedoutandwentt
ojoi
ntheot
her
s

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtGabi
'
shouse

Mphowalkedoutt
otheki
tchenandgogol
ookedat
hi
m smi
le

Gogo:(
exci
ted)hal
ala!
!!
!
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)mar
agogo
Gogo:al
il
il
il
i.
..
.!That
haGamaThat
ha!
Mpho:(
happy)t
hankyougogo
Gogo:(
smil
ing)t
hisi
sastartagreatt
hings,
Godhas
seenourst
ruggl
esandhe'sopeningdoorsforyou.
Mpho:I'
mr eal
lyhappyGogo,rememberIst
illneed
todowellbybeinganassi
stantandonl
yafterthenI
cangetthejob
Gogo:I
'
m happyf
oryou
Mpho:I
'
mjustwor
ri
edaboutwor
kingwi
thGabi
sil
e.
Gogo:what
?Youdon'
ttr
ustyour
sel
f?
Mpho:nowe'
renotongoodt
erms,
thi
smi
ghtbeher
chancet
opuni
shme
Gogo:It
houghtIknewherbyt
hewayshewas
t
reat
ingtheki
dsbutnowIdon'
tknow.
Mpho:Itol
dmakaInamiandshewasn'
thappy
aboutever
ythi
ngbutshef
orgaveme
Gogo:andaboutyournewj
ob?
Mpho:(smi
li
ng)Idi
dandshewasreal
lyhappy.Thi
s
i
sgoingtobeastar
tofgr
eatt
hings
Gogo:(
smi
li
ng)I
'
m sohappyf
oryoumyson
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)met
oo,
nowwher
e'st
hatl
it
tl
egi
rl
Gogo:I
namif
ini
shupeat
ingdon'
tkeepyourf
ather
wait
ing

Shewalkedf r
om t
heki
tchentot
hem car
ryi
nga
bowlcerealdri
nki
ngt
hemi l
k.
I
nami
:I'
m done
Mpho:(
taki
ngherschoolbag)okayl
et'
sgo
I
nami
:dadwhyar
eyounotwear
ingyouruni
for
m?
Mpho:i
t'
sbecausedaddyhasanewj
ob
I
nami
:(exci
ted)anewj
ob?
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)yesI
'
llt
ellyouabouti
tont
heway
I
nami
:whatdoyoudoi
nyournewj
ob?

Mphoansweredherwhi
let
heywentt
othecarand
dr
ovet
owor k.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtNompi
lo'
shome
Nompil
o'smom wal
kedi
ntoherr
oom wi
thabowlof
oat
s.

MaGl
adys:(
sadl
ylooki
ngather
)Mpi
lo.
..

Nompil
oqui
etl
ylookedathermom notr
espondi
ng
t
hentur
nedl
ookingatthewall

MaGl adys:youneedt
oeatsoyoucangai
n
st
rength

Shest
il
ldi
dn'
trespond

MaGl
adys:(
sadl
y)I
'
m sor
ry.
..Iknowt
hismustbe
hardforyouandIknowI '
m al
sot obepart
lybl
amed
forthi
s.IhavebeenhardonyouandIbl amedyou
foreveryt
hing.If
ail
edt
oprotectyou

Nompilot
urnedsit
ti
ngupstrai
ghtl
ooki
ngather
motherwi
thhertearf
uleyes

MaGl adys:Ifocussedmor eonpuni

shingyou.
Forgett
ingyou'rejustachi
ldandasmuchasyou
aretobebl amedhet ookadvant
ageofyou.He'sa
marriedmanol denought obeyourfat
her.What
washet hinki
ngsleepingwithayounggir
l.
Nompi
lo:wecan'tchangewhathashappened,
I'
ve
l
ear
ntmyl essonma
MaGl adys:IknowandI'
mr eal
lysor
ryaboutyour
baby.Youwi l
lheali
twonthappenoverni
ghtbuti
t
wil
lgetbetter
.
Nompi
lo:Iknow
MaGladys:sotakecar
eofyour
sel
fanddon'
tlet
hi
stor
yrepeati
tsel
f
Nompi
lo:Iwont
MaGl adys:f
ocusmor
eonyourst
udi
essoyoucan
excel
l
Nompi
lo:Iwi
ll
MaGladys:Il
oveyou,
youar emydaughterandi
t
pai
nsmet oseeyouhurt
ing.Comehere

Shehuggedherwhi
leshecr
ied

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
heof
fi
ce

Mphoarr
ivedandwenttoseePhi
lanethenwent
st
rai
ghtt
oGabi'sof
fi
ce.Apri
lwaspassingbywhen
hesawhi
m andwenti
n.

Apr
il
:wel
llookatyoul
ooki
ngal
lsmar
t
Mpho:(
smi
li
ngf
ixi
nghi
sti
e)t
hankyou
Apr
il
:Ij
ustwant
edt
ocongr
atul
ateyouonyournew
j
ob
Mpho:I
'
mjustanassi
stant
Apri
l:f
ornow,
soonyou'
l
lhavet
hisof
fi
ceal
lto
your
self
Mpho:Ihopeso
Apri
l:Iknowt
hingsar en'
tgoingwell
betweenyou
andher ,
shemighttakethischancetoset
tl
escor
es
wit
hyouandr uinyourchancesofgetti
ngthi
sjob
Gabi:(
walkingi
n)wellt
here'
snoneedforal
lofthat
.
Iam aprofessi
onalandIdon'
tmi
xmyper sonal
i
ssueswithwor k.MrGamaherewil
lgetal
lthe
tr
aini
ngheneedssohecanhavet hisj
ob
Apr
ill
ookedathernotknowi
ngwhatt
osay.

Gabi
:I'
m sur
eyouhavesomewor
ktodoi
nyour
of
fi
ce.
Apr
il
:yeah

Shewalkedoutl
eavi
ngthetwooft hem i
ntheoffi
ce.
Gabigr
eetedMphothenputherjacketoverher
chai
randhandbagdownsit
tingdownonherchai r

Mpho:youdi
dn'
tcomehomeyest
erday
Gabi
:Iwoul
dn'
tcal
lapl
acewher
eI'
m hat
edhome
Mpho:nobodyhat
esyou
Gabi
:youdon'
twantmear oundyourki
dsand
yest
erdaymor
ningIcoul
dseeGogo'satti
tudehad
changedt
owar
dsme.Yout
oldher
?

Mphosi
ghedl
ooki
ngdown

Gabi
:it
'sokay
Mpho:I'm notyourenemy, Idon'
twantustobe
enemies.Wear egoingtohaveababyt oget
herand
Iwanttobet hereforyou.Ihavespokentomy-
Gabi
:it
'sokaysayi
t,yourwi
fe
Mpho:(si
ghed)Itol
dheraboutt
hepr
egnancyand
shehasagreedthatwecanmakethi
ngswork
Gabi:Idon'
tneedyourpi
tyandI
'vedeci
dedtomake
thi
ngseasyforyouandyourwif
e.I'
m havi
ngan
aborti
on
Mpho:(
shocked)what
!?No,
youcan'
tdot
hat
..
.
Gabi
:whynot
?
Mpho:becauset
hat
'smybabyandasIsai
dIwi
ll
supportyou,I
'l
lgowi t
hyout othedoct
or,andI
'l
l
provi
deeverythi
ngyouneed, I'
l
lbeinhisorherl
ife.
Ipromise.
..Gabisi
leplease
Gabi:Ihaveal
readyspokent
omydoctorandyou
can'
tchangemymi nd.I
t'
smybodymydecisi
on.
Let'
sstartwor
king
Mpho:(sadl
y)whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?I
sitbecause
Idon'
twanttobewit
hyou
Gabi
:notever
ythingi
saboutyouandIdon'
twantt
o
beasingl
emom havingtoexplai
ntomychil
dwhy
hi
sdadchosehi swif
eandnother.
Mpho:t
hati
snotf
air
Gabi:yousaidthi
sbabywas'betr
ayal
'toyour
marriage.Idon'
tthi
nkwhat
everIdeci
dewith'
baby
bet
rayal'mat t
ers
Mpho:Idi
dn'
tmeani
tli
ket
hat
Gabi
:itdoesn'
tmat
ternow.Let
'sgetbackt
owor
k,I
meanitnow.Wewillst
artbyfi
li
ng,

Shegotupandopenedhercabi
nett
aki
ngoutf
il
e.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Lat
ert
hatday

Nompilo'
smotherwal
kedi
nandf
oundNompi
lo
packi
ngherbags.

MaGl
adys:l
ookwho'
spacki
ng
Nompil
o:yeah,IummhI'mleavi
ngtomorr
ow
morni
ng.Classeshavel
ongresumedI'
m sur
e
t
here'
salotofcatchi
ngup
MaGladys:(
smil
ing)I
'
m sur
e.Ij
ustwant
edt
otel
l
youSandiwashere
Nompi
lo:Idon'
twantt
oseeanyoneyet
MaGl
adys:Iunder
stand.I
'
llgot
ellher
Nompi
lo:t
hankyou

Shewalkedoutwhil
eNompi
lo'
sphoner
ang.She
tooki
tandanswered.

Nompi
lo:hel
lo
Sbahl
e:heymommy
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)don'
tcal
lmet
hat
Sbahl
e:what
?Why?
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)Il
osther
Sbahl
e:(
sadl
y)ohmyGodI
'
m sosor
ry
Nompi
lo:(
tearf
ul)I
'
llbeokay.I
'
m comingback
t
omorr
ow, Ij
ustcan'
tbehereanymore
Sbahl
e:t
hingsst
il
lbadwi
thyourmom?
Nompilo:(wi
pedhertears)she'st
ryi
ngbutthe
connecti
onisjustnott
here.Ijust
..
.Idon'
tknow.
Sbahl
e:yeah
Nompil
o:soI'
m comingt
omor
row.Fr
om nowonit
's
al
laboutme.Star
ti
ngwit
hmechangi
ngmycoarse
Sbahl
e:t
hat
'sabol
dmove
Nompi
lo:we'
l
ltal
kabouti
tmor
ewhenIgett
her
e
Sbahl
e:okay.
Nompi
lo:bye
Sbahl
e:byet
akecar
e
Nompi
lo:yout
oo

Shehungupandcont
inuedt
opackherbags.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
heof
fi
ce
Gabipi
ckedupherj
acketandt
ookherhandbag

Mpho:goi
ngsomewher
e?
Gabi
:youreal
lyneedt
ostopaski
ngmequest
ions
youshoul
dbeaskingyourwi
fe
Mpho:I
'
mjustaski
ngaquest
ionanyonewoul
dask
Gabi
:I'
m goi
ngt
oseeadoct
oraboutourl
it
tl
e
pr
oblem
Mpho:(
gotupgr
abbi
ngherar
m)you'
renotabor
ti
ng
mychil
d
Gabi
:letgoofmeMpho
Mpho:(
soft
ly)l
ist
enwecanmakethi
swor
kjust
don'
tdothi
spleasedon'
tdot
his
Gabi
:(l
ooki
ngathi
m)l
etmegoorI
'
llscr
eam
Mpho:t
hemomentyouwal
koutt
hatdoor
.I'
m
cal
li
ngyourmom
Gabi
:(scof
fed)andsaywhat
?Yousl
eptwi
thher
daught
erwhi
leyou'
remar
riedtoherni
ece?Mydad
wouldgomadandpossi
blykil
lyou
Mpho:i
fthat
'st
hepriceIhavetopayformychi
ldt
o
l
ivet
hensobeit!(
let
tinghergo)youchoose

Shelookedathi
mlaughi
ngi
ndi
sbel
iefandwal
ked
out
..
.

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#40

Gabisatinsi
dehercarl ookingatherphoneont
he
passengerssit
,ithasbeent wohour snowandt
he
onlypersonthathasbeencal li
nghasbeenMpho.
Sheignoredhiscalls,
anothercallcameinandi
t
wasal andli
nefrom Capet own.

Gabi
:Gabi
sil
espeaki
ng
Voi
ce:heybabesi
t'
sAmber
Gabi
:heyAmber
,tel
lmeyouhavegoodnews
Amber:yeah,I
'
vespokent othelandlor
dandthere'
s
afl
atyoucanr ent
.Icheckeditoutforyouandit
'
s
al
lgoodforyou.It
'sfull
yfur
nishedsoit'
sperf
ectfor
afr
eshstartpl
usyou'llbecl
oset ome
Gabi:(
smil
ing)wowt
hankyousomucht
hismeans
alottome.
Amber
:soi
sever
ythi
ngcomi
ngal
ongaspl
anned?
Gabi
:Idon'
tknow.It ol
dhimI '
m goi
ngtoabor
tand
hestar
tedacti
nglikehecared.Heeventhr
eat
ened
tot
ellmyparents
Amber
:what
?
Gabi:yeahI '
vebeenwai t
ingforthei
rcal lbutt hey
haven'tcall
edsoIr eckonhedidn'tcallthem whi ch
i
sgood.Ial r
eadyfeelbadaboutever ything,peopl e
havetur nedagai
nstme( tear
ful)I'
mt heevi l
creat
ur eandhe'sthevicti
m.Ij ustwantt ogetaway
fr
om thisplaceandhavemybabyi npeace.( sadly)
DidItellyouhecalledmybabybet r
ayal ?
Amber
:bet
rayal
?
Gabi:yeahandyouknowwhenIt ol
dhim Iam
pr
egnantt heonl
ypersonhecar edaboutwaswhat
wil
lhiswifesayorf
eel abouti
t.Nowthatit
'sokay
wit
hher ,i
t'
sfi
neIcanhavet hebaby.
Amber
:that
'
smar
ri
edmenf
oryou
Gabi:Idon'
twantmychi ldtobetreatedli
keme, l
ike
tr
ash.Thewaygogol ookedatme. ..Idon'twantmy
chil
dtobel ookedatl
ikethat.I
t'
sbet t
ershegrows
upknowi ngthatherf
atherisdeadt hantogrowup
spendingti
mewi thhi
m wheneveri tisokaywithhis
wife
Amber:Ihearyou,
youandIar
erocki
ngt
hesame
boat
Gabi
:pl
easesendmethel
andlor
dsbanki
ngdetai
ls
soIcansendhi
mthedeposi
tandpayupfront
Amber
:al
ri
ght
,Ihavet
ogoI
'
m st
il
latwor
k
Gabi
:okayt
hanksagai
n.Ishoul
dheadbackhome
now
Amber
:al
ri
ghtbyegi
rl
 Shehungupandst art
edhercarheadi nghome.
Shearri
vedandparkedinsi
dethegar agethenwent
i
nsidethehousenotknowingwhattoexpect .She
foundherparent
sinthekit
chental
kingand
l
aughingwhil
ecooking

MaPauli
ne:(
smili
ng)ohther
eshei
ss,
comeher
eI
wasst
art
ingtogetworr
ied
Gabi
:(put
ti
ngdownherhandbag)about
?
MaPaul
ine:Iwentt
ocheckonyouatwor
kandwe
wer
etol
dyouwentt oseeadoct
or
Gabi
:ohyeahIwasn'
tfeel
ingwel
l
Madonsel
a:whatwaswr
ong?
Gabi
:nothi
ngmyir
onlevel
sar
elowbutI
'
llbef
ine.
Whatarewecooki
ng?
MaPaul
ine:yourf
avour
it
eoxt
ail
Gabi&herdad:yum yum
MaPaul
ine:(
laughi
ng)IknowIcannevergowr
ong
wi
thoxt
ail
Gabi
:Ihavenewst
hatIneedt
oshar
e
Madonsel
a:we'
rel
ist
eni
ng
Gabi
:I'
m movi
ngt
oCapeTown
MaPaul
ine:what
!
Madonsel
a:why?
Gabi
:Iwantt
ospr
eadmywi
ngsma
Madonsel
a:spr
eadyourwi
ngs?
MaPaul
ine:whataboutyourj
ob?
Gabi
:Ispoket
oaf
ri
endandshepr
omi
sedme
somethi
ng
Madonsel
a:youhaveagoodjobatPhi
lane
Hol
dingswhywouldyouwanttothr
owallthataway?
Doyouknowhowhar di
tisnowtogetajob?
MaPaul
ine:yourf
atheri
sri
ght.You'
reluckyPhi
l
ani
t
ookyouinri
ghtaft
eryoufi
nishedyourdipl
oma
Gabi
:Iknowyou'
reworr
iedbutIneedt
odothisf
or
mysel
f.Myworki
ngenvi
ronmenthasn'
tbeen
pl
easantl
atel
ysoIneedachangeofscener
y
Madonsel
a:i
fthat
'swhatyouwantt
hengoahead.I
knowwecan'tst
opyou
MaPaul
ine:I
'
m nothappywi
tht
hisatal
l
Gabi
:letmegochanget
ocomf
ycl
othes
Shewentt
oherr
oom
MaPauli
ne:babayou'
rej
ustgoi
ngt
oletherdoas
shepl
eases
Madonsel
a:Icanseehermi
ndi
sal
readymadeup
MaPaul
ine:Idon'
twanthert
oleave!

Madonsel
asai
dnot
hingt
aki
nghi
sgl
assofwi
ne
goi
ngwatcht.
v.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtPhi
we'
sroom

Mphospoket
ohi
sfr
iendovert
hephonel
ooki
ngat
hi
ssonwhowaspeacef
ull
ysl
eepi
ng.

Mpho:It
ri
edcall
ingherbutshedi
dn'
trespond.I
t
j
ustwentst
rai
ghttovoicemai
l
Themba:t
here'
snot
hingyoucoul
d'vedoneman,
shehadal
readymadeuphermind
Mpho:butt
okil
lani
nnocentchi
ldj
ustbecauseI
coul
dn'
tbewit
hher
Themba:that
'
swomenf oryou,justbegl
adshe
di
dn'tpoi
sonanyofyourkidsbecauseIknow
Thandiwewouldhaveneverfor
givenyoufort
hat
Mpho:(
sighed)Iknow(
smi
led)andwe'
reongood
t
ermstogether
.
Themba:seeifthi
schickhasabortedthent
hat'
s
onelessthi
ngtoworryabout.Thandiwewonthave
toworryaboutbabymamadr ama
Mpho:Gabi
sil
edoesn'
tst
ri
kemeasthattypeof
per
son.Shefi
ght
sforwhatshel
ovesbutbacks
downwhensheneedsto
Themba:al
lIknowi
sthatshe'
snoangel
Mpho:yeah
Themba:j
ustf
ocusonyourl
if
e,yourwi
feandki
ds.
Mpho:yeahIguessyou'
rer
ight
.Ineedt
ogo
Themba:sur
e

Hehungupandcont
inuedt
olookathi
sson.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Thenextday

Nompiloarri
vedandSbahl ewel comedherwitha
bi
gwar m hug.Shet ooki nherluggageandthey
bot
hsatont hebedqui etl
yholdinghands.Nompilo
smil
edtearful
lylookingatSbahl ewhowasal so
smil
ingintears.Shel ookedatherbedandsawf ive
pi
nkandwhit
efl
oat
ingbal
loonst
iedt
oher
headboar
d

Sbahle:It
houghtwewoulddoal
it
tl
ecer
emonyf
or
yourangelbuti
fyou'
rer
eady
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)okay.
..Let
'sdoi
t

Sbahlegotupandsearchedf
orcandl
esputti
ng
them down.Theybothkneel
edbefor
ethecandl
es
andpr ayed.Nompi
l
owassoemot i
onalSbahl
eheld
herhand

Nompi l
o:(cr
ying)shel
eftmet oosoon,Iwasgoi
ng
tospoilherr
otten(t
heybothlaughed)butGodhad
otherplansf
ormyangel .Iknowshe'snotgone,
she
willal
waysbei nmyhear t
.
Sbahl
e:(
smi
li
ng)t
hat
'st
rue.Youwer
egoi
ngt
obe
thebestmothereverbutyouknowshe'swit
hthe
angel
snowandshe' l
lbeyourl
uckycharm
ever
ywhere.Comel et'
ssendherourl
ove
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)okay

Theygotupandshet ookthebal
loonshandi
ng
them overNompi
loandtheywalkedoutsi
deandl
et
theball
oonsgofr
eethentheywat chedt
hem
fl
oati
ng.

Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)t
hankyouf
ordoi
ngt
hisf
orme
Sbahl
e:(
smi
li
ng)you'
rewel
come
Nompi
lo:l
et'
sgobacki
nsi
de.I
t'
scol
d
Sbahl
e:(
smi
ledhol
dingherhand)sur
e

Theybot
hwenti
nsi
de
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Thr
eemont
hsl
ater

Inami
raninfrontofherfat
herwhowascar
ryi
ng
hermotherbl
indfol
dedtothehouse

Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)pl
easedon'
tletmef
allpl
ease
Mpho:(laughi
ng)thisisatr
ustexer
cise.Tr
ustme
babe.Babygirlopenthedoor
Inami
:(t
ipt
oei
ngt
ryi
ngt
oopent
hedoor
)I'
m
openi
ng
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)openi
ngwhatbaby?
Mpho:(
tohi
sdaught
er)shhh.
..
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)Ican'
tbel
ieveyou'
regangi
ng
uponme
Mpho:baber
elaxwe'
real
mostt
her
e

Theywalkedinandheputherdownandunf ol
ded
thebl
indf
oldandshestoodtheshockedandher
handsoverhermouthamazed.

I
nami:(pul
li
ngherdr
ess)mommydoyoul
ovei
t?
I
t'
sgoingtobeournewhome!

Thandi
welookedar
oundlooki
ngatt
hebiggest
whit
espaceshehaseverseenwi
thboxes
ever
ywhere.

Mpho:Iknowt
her
e'snof
urni
tur
eyetbut
..
Thandi
we:(
tur
nedar
oundhuggi
nghi
m)Il
ovei
t,t
his
i
sbeaut
if
ul
Mpho:(
huggi
ngher
)real
ly?
Thandiwe:(
smil
ingt
earf
ul)yesIdon'
tknowwhatt
o
say.Thankyoumylove
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)Iwoul
ddoanyt
hingf
oryou
I
nami:(
pul
li
ngherski
rt
)mommycomeseemy
r
oom
Thandi
we:(
fol
lowi
ngI
nami
)okayokayI
'
m comi
ng

Theyal
lwentt
oherr
oom

Thandi
we:wowi
t'
s.
..
whi
te
I
nami:(
excit
ed)dadi
sgoi
ngt
obuymeabedanda
t
abl
eand...And.
..
Mpho:(
laughi
ng)wewi
llpai
ntt
her
oom t
oget
her
I
nami
:(j
umpedi
nexci
tement
)yes
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)t
hat
'sal
otofwor
ktobedone
I
nami
:(poi
nti
ngont
hewal
l)dadIwantaBar
biedol
l
her
eandmi
ckeymouseher
eand.
..
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)we'
l
ldr
awal
loft
hatandf
lower
s
I
nami
:(scr
eami
nghappy)yeahSunf
lower
s
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)nowt
hisi
sabeaut
if
ulsi
te
Inami
:andwhentheybr
ingmybr
otherbackwewi
ll
beahappyfami
ly

Thandi
wesi
ghedsadl
y

Mpho:howaboutyougoandexpl
oret
hebackyar
d
andchoosewher
eIshoul
dbuil
dyouaswing
I
nami
:okaydad

Sheexcit
edlyr
anoutwhil
eMphotookThandi
we'
s
handspull
inghertohi
msel
fput
ti
nghisar
ms
aroundherwaist
.
Mpho:it
'sgoi
ngtotaket
imeforhert
oacceptt
hat
herbr
otheri
snotcomingback.
Thandi
we:(
sighed)Iknow.
..
Mpho:ti
ghtnowyoushoul
dbef
ocusi
ngont
urni
ng
t
hishouseint
obei
ngahome
Thandi
we:(smil
ing)Iknow.
..Iwaswor
riedabout
l
ivi
nginthatwoman'shousewhenI'mreleasedbut
tur
nsoutmyhusbandhadbui l
tmeahome.
Mpho:(smi
li
ng)i
t'
sjustsogoodt
ohaveyouback
home.Backi
ntomyar ms
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)yourwar
m ar
ms
Mpho:(
hol
dinghert
ight
ly)war
m war
m war
m ar
ms

Shesmi
ledl
eani
ngcl
oserf
oraki
ss

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Atvar
sit
y
Nompi
lowal
kedoutofcl
assandBusanir
anaf
ter
her
.

Busani
:hey
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)hey
Busani:(
smil
ing)sowe'
rebacktosquar
eone.Me
chasingyouaroundandyoutur
ningmedownat
everypoi
nt
Nompil
o:(
smi
li
ng)Idon'
tknowwhatyou'
ret
alki
ng
about
Busani
:(l
aughi
ng)us
Nompi
lo:(
tur
nedsmi
li
ngl
ooki
ngathi
m)us?
Busani
:(smi
li
ng)yeahus.Whynot
?
Nompi
lo:(
wal
kingaway)i
twoul
dneverwor
k
Busani
:(f
oll
owi
ngher
)whynot
?
Nompil
o:becauseofwhathappened.Whatwoul
d
yourmothersayaboutusbei
ngtogether
?
Busani:t
hatdoesn'
tmatt
er.Iwantt
obewi
thyou
andthatisal
lthatmat
ter
s
Nompi
lo:(
tur
nedlooki
ngathi
m)no,
Iwantl
ess
dr
amainmyl i
fe
Busani:Iknowyouhaven'tforgi
venmef oral
lthe
thi
ngsIdi dtoyouwhen..
.(sighed)Il
oveyou,I
've
alwayslovedyousincepri
mar yevengaveSandi
sweetstogiveyou
Nompi
lo:(
laughed)I
'
veneverr
ecei
vedanysweet
s
Busani:(
laughed)Iknow,Ifi
guredshe'
sbeeneati
ng
them andIstopped.Iwrot
eyoual et
terandscar
boy
foundthelett
erandreadital
lowedthankGodI
didn'
tputyournameatt heend
Nompil
o:(l
aughi
ng)ohIr
ememberSandit
ell
ingme
aboutt
hatday.
Busani
:(l
aughi
ng)thatl
ett
erwasaddressedt
oyou
andyouwereabsent.Iwasthencal
ledRomeo,my
l
if
ewasal
ivi
nghel
l
Nompi
lo:(
laughed)I
'
m sor
ry
Busani:It
houghtt
hi ngswouldbediff
erenti
nhigh
schoolbutyousti
lldidn'
tlookatme.Ihadallt
hese
snobsthrowingt
hemsel vesatmeandnott hegir
lI
l
ove
Nompi
lo:(
sighed)Busani
..
.
Busani:Iknowyou'r
enotperfectandI'
m notper
fect
ei
therbutIknowhowIf eelabout.Despi
te
everyt
hingthathashappenedIstil
lwanttobewith
you.Justgivemeachance
Nompilo:(sighed)BusaniI.
..Igetwhatyou'
re
sayi
ngit'sjust.
..t
hisisnottherightt
ime.Af
ter
ever
ythingI'vebeenthroughIjustneedsomet i
me
outandIneedt ofocusonmyst udi
es
Busani
:Igett
hatandt
her
e'snoneedt
orush
Nompi
lo:ummh.
..
Busani
:justt
hinkabouti
t
Nompi
lo:sur
e.Ineedt
ogonow
Busani
:okay

Shewalkedawaywhi
lehet
urnedandwentt
ojoi
n
hi
sfr
iend

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#41
AtThandi
'
shome

Shewassi tt
ingout si
dewatchingMphomaki nga
swingf ortheirdaughteronthebiggesttr
eeint he
yard.Shel ovedt hebondtheyhadt oget
her,
theway
theylaughedandhel pedoneanot her
.Shewat ched
astheyt ri
edi toutwithhi
m pushingheranditwas
perfect

I
nami
:(scr
eami
ngi
nexci
tement
)mommyl
ook
Thandi
we:wowt
hat
'samazi
ngyouar
eswi
ngi
ng
I
nami
:weeee!
!!
Mphowal
kedandsatnextt
ohi
swi
fe.

Mpho:(
hol
dingherhand)whati
sonmywi
fe'
s
mi
nd?
Thandi
we:(
smili
ng)j
ustt
aki
ngi
nthef
eel
ingof
havi
ngafamil
y
Mpho:(
smil
ing)youbett
ergetusedt
oit
.Sot
ellme
nowwhat'
sonyourmi nd
Thandiwe:Iwast hinkingaboutourl
ives.
..Mine
act
uall
y...AboutwhatIshoul ddonow.Idon' twant
tobeahousewi f
e,Iwantt ogotoschoolandgetmy
matri
c.Iknowi t'
sgoi ngtotakeyear
sbutt hi
sis
somethingIstronglywantt odo.Iwanttobe
someonemydaught ercanlookupto.
Mpho:Iunderst
and(smili
ng)andIalsowant
nothi
ngbutthebestforyou.Soifyouwantt
ogo
backtoschoolyou'
l
lgobackt oschool
.Ij
ustneed-
wejustneedt
ositdownandplanourbudget
.I
hopeyouhavenoti
cedyourhousei
sempty
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)Ihave
Mpho:soweneedtobuyi
mpor
tantt
hingsf
ir
st.Li
ke
ast
ove,chai
rs.
..
Thandi
we:abed
Mpho:(
rai
sedaneyebr
ow)abedhuh?
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)ohmyGodst
opi
tyouper
v
Mpho:(
laughi
ng)I
'
m nott
heonewhoment
ioneda
bed
Thandiwe:t
hat
'sbecausei
t'
simport
antandwhy
di
dn'tyoubuyt
hoset hi
ngsbef
oreIgother
e?
Mpho:(
gotuppul
li
ngherupsmili
ng)andr
uin
havi
ngmyfir
stf
amilyshoppi
ngnever
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)what
?

Theyhear
dacarhoot
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)t
hat
'sourt
ranspor
t
Thandi
we:(
conf
used)what
?
Mpho:(
toI
nami
)Bunnyt
imet
ogo

Shejumpeddownfrom herswingandr
ant
oher
par
entshol
dingbot
htheirhands.

I
nami
:(si
ngingi
nexci
tement
)we'
regoi
ngt
o
t
own.
..
we'r
egoingt
otown
Thandi
we:(smi
li
ng)she'
sevensi
ngi
ng,
whathave
youdonetomydaughter
?
Mpho:(
laughi
ng)comeonwe'
reget
ti
ngusedt
othe
goodl
if
ejoinus

Shelaughedwhi l
et heybot
hsangthei
r"wear
e
goi
ngt otown"song.Theylockedthedoor
sand
wal
kedoutf i
ndingThembaout si
destandi
ngnextt
o
adoublecapfordr anger
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)myman

Theyshookhandsandbumpedshoul
der
s

Themba:(
huggi
ngher
)Skonigoodt
ohaveyou
back
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)i
tfeel
sgoodt
obeback
I
nami:(
touchi
ngt
hecar)daddylookIcansee
mysel
fonthecar
.(l
aughi
ng)Ilookfunny
Mpho:wher
edi
dyoupul
lthi
soneupf
rom?
Themba:Ibor
rowedi
tfr
om mybr
other
.Pl
easet
ake
car
eofit
Mpho:don'
twor
ryaboutat
hing.Thanksman
Themba:anyt
hingf
orf
ami
ly.Nowst
opwast
ing
t
imegoandhaveagr
eatt
ime
Thandi
we:t
hankyouagai
n

MphoopenedthedoorforThandi
wet
ost
epinwhil
e
Thembahel
pedInamitogetinaswel
l
.Hethengot
i
nanddrovetotown

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
hegym

Nompi loranontheTr eadmi l

lwi
thherfri
endont he
sidejoi ni
ngherast heyputonheadset sli
steni
ngto
musi c.Nompi lopi
ckedupherpaceandSbahl etr
ied
tocat chupwi thherbutf ai
ledsheshestopped
catchingherbr eat
hwhi leNompi l
oquickenedher
paceunt i
lstepsbecamel eaps,shesl
oweddown
stoppi ngseeingSbahlesi t
ti
ngdowncat chi
ngher
br
eat
h

Nompi
lo:(
taki
ngof
fherheadset
s)whydi
dyoust
op
Sbahle:goshyou'
regoi
ngt
oki
llyour
sel
fwhat
's
wrong?
Nompi
lo:not
hing'
swr
ongIj
ustwantt
obur
nmor
e
f
at
Sbahle:weshoul dj
ustgoanddoyogaal
lthi
s
runni
ngj ustai
n'tmythi
ng.Nowtel
lmewhat'
son
yourmi nd
Nompi
lo:(
sighed)f
inei
t'
sBusani
Sbahl
e:(
drankherwat
er)whatabouthi
m?
Nompi
lo:heaskedmeout
Sbahl
e:(
snor
ted)what
?
Nompilo:(
smili
ng)t
hisi
snotfunnySbahl
e.Theguy
l
iter
all
ypouredourhi
shear
tforme.Hewasj ust
cute
Sbahl
e:andyou'
ref
eel
inghi
m?
Nompi l
o:Idon'
tknow..
.Imeannotsol
ongIwas
pregnantwit
hhisli
tt
lesi
ster
.Thi
sisj
ust
complicat
edbecausewe'r
eongoodtermsandI
don'twanttobr
eakhisheart
Sbahl
e:soyouwantt
odat
ehi
m becauseyouf
eel
sor
ryforhi
m?
Nompil
o:what
!No.Iwantt
otr
ythi
ngsoutbutwhen
It
hinkoft
hedrama.
..
Sbahl
e:Isaygof
ori
t
Nompi
lo:j
ustl
iket
hat
?
Sbahle:i
t'
snotasi
fyouguysaredati
ngtoget
marri
ed.YouknowwhenIl i
keaguyIdatehi
m and
i
fitdoesn'twor
kouti
tdoesn'
tworkout.
Nompi
lo:r
eal
ly?
Sbahl
e:yeahandyou'
resi
ngl
esoenj
oyyour
sel
f.
Thi
sisyourli
fe
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)yeahyou'
rer
ight
Sbahl
e:nowl
et'
sgot
akeashowerandheadback
homesoyoucant
ellRomeoaboutyourundyi
ng
l
ove
Nompi
lo:(
laughi
ng)mxm what
ever
Sbahle:ohyouguyscanjoi
nmeandbybehbeh, he
tol
dmeaboutsomecoolj oi
ntatsomevil
lage
outsi
det own,
hisf
riendi
shavi
ngabirt
hdaypart
y.
Sowe' r
egoingtochecki
touti
tshoul
dbef un
Nompi
lo:yeaht
hatwoul
dbeni
cebutl
etmet
alkt
o
hi
mfir
st
Sbahl
e:al
ri
ght

Theywenttotakeashowerthenwentstrai
ghtt
o
thei
rpl
ace.Shearri
vedandtookherphonecall
ing
Busanihequi
cklyanswered

Busani
:hey
Nompi
lo:heyhowar
eyou?
Busani
:I'
m goodhowar
eyou?
Nompil
o:(smil
ing)I
'
m good,
ummhIt
houghtabout
whatyousaid.
Busani
:yeah?
Nompi
lo:andI
'
m wi
l
lingt
ogi
veyouachance
Busani
:(happy)wowt
hankyou,
youwontr
egr
eti
t
Nompi
lo:okaysomyf
ri
endi
nvi
tedust
oapar
tyso.
..
Busani
:sur
eI'
l
lcomeoversowecangot
oget
her
Nompi
lo:coolwe'
rel
eavi
ngi
nanhour
Busani
:al
ri
ghtI
'
llbet
her
e
Nompi
lo:sur
e

Shehunguplooki
ngatSbahl
ewhotookout
di
ff
erentout
fi
tswonder
ingwhi
choncehewoul
d
l
ookin
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Meanwhi
le
Theyarri
vedatthepartyandt
herewer el
ot'
sof
peopledancingasEmcimbini
played.Theguys
greet
edf r
iendsthathadcometotheparty.

Busani
:thi
sisar
eal
lyni
cepl
ace
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)yep

Aguywal
kedovertot
hem andgreet
edt
hem
bumpi
ngshoul
derswi
thBusani
.

Busani
:ummhbabeI
'
dli
keyout
omeetsomeone
Him:(
smili
ng)sot
hisi
sthegi
rlyouweretal
king
about
.(huggi
ngher)I
'
m Li
ncoln,
Busani
'sfr
iend
Nompi
lo:I
'
m Nompi
lo
Li
ncol
n:wowyou'
rer
eal
lybeaut
if
ul
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)t
hankyou
Busani
:sodoyouknowt
hebi
rt
hdayboy
Li
ncoln:(
laughi
ng)Idon'
tknowandIdon'
tcar
eI'm
j
ustheretoeatandgetdrunk.Nowl
et'
sgogetyour
gi
rlsomethingt
odrink.
Busani
:sur
e.
Lincol
n:(poi
nti
ng)t
her
e'ssnacksandmeathel
p
yoursel
f
Nompi
lo:speaki
ngasi
fthi
sisyourpar
tyIsee
Li
ncol
n:(
laughi
ng)Il
ikeher

Nompi
lowalkedovert
othet
abl
eanddi
shedher
sel
f
somesnacks.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
own
MphoandThandi
wesattoget
herasaf
ami
lyeat
ing
chi
psandbakedf
ish.I
nami

Thandi
we:eydon'
tpl
aywi
thyourf
ood
I
nami
:butIwasmaki
ngawal
kiet
alki
eman
Thandi
we:Isai
dno

I
nami
stoppedpl
ayi
ngandsul
ked

Mpho:i
fyoubehaveanddowhatmommysays
daddywi
llbuyyousweet
syou'
l
lhaveathome
I
nami
:(smi
led)mar
shmal
lows
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)mar
shmal
lowsi
tis
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)t
hankyou,
sohow'
swor
k?
Mpho:i
t'
sgood,Igett
inghelpf
rom someofmyold
f
ri
endsaft
erGabisi
ledroppedmeoutofthebl
ue
Thandi
we:Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
ieveshedi
dwhatshedi
d
Mpho:(si
ghed)yeahshemadeherdeci
sionand
ther
ewasnothingIcoul
ddotostopherso.
..I
pref
ernottot
hinkabouti
t
Thandi
we:( put
ti
ngherhandoverhis)I
'm sor
ry,I
knowlosi
ngachi ldi
sn'
teasyandIknowdeepdown
you'
resti
llgri
evi
ng,I
'
m hereforyouandwewi l
lget
thr
oughthistoget
her
Mpho:(
puthi
sot
herhandont
opofher
s)Iknow

I
nami putherhandont
opoft
hei
rssmi
li
ngandt
hey
l
aughed.

Mpho:f
ini
shupsowecangohome
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)yessi
r

Theycont
inuedtoeataf
tert
heyweredonet
heydi
d
someshoppingandwentbackhome.Theygot
homeandf oundThembawaiti
ngf
orthem.
Mpho:I
'
m sor
rywet
ookl
ongman
Themba:i
t'
sal
lgood.Iseeyouboughtal
otofst
aff
Mpho:j
ustfewbasi
cthi
ngs.Theywi
lldel
ivermost
oft
hestaf
ftomorr
ow
Thandi
we:t
hanksagai
nfort
hecar
Themba:(smi
li
ng)we'
ref
amil
ynoneedt
othankme.
Let
'sgett
hesethi
ngsi
nthehouse

Thembahel pedMphomovet hefri

gdeandst ove
i
nt othehousewhi leThandiwet ookInamiinsidethe
housewhowasal readysleepi nginherchest
wearingherfat
her sjacket.Mphocamebackand
tookthetwoMat tressesinsidethehouseand
ThandiwelaidInamidownt akingoffherjacketand
shoesandwentt ogetabl anketwhileMpho
steppedoutwithhi sfr
iend.
Mpho:t
hanksagai
nmanf
orever
ythi
ng
Themba:(
smiled)t
hat'
swhatbr
other
sar
efor
.Igot
tosaymanshe'ssofi
ne
Mpho:(
laughed)yeahyeahshei
s..
.
Themba:treathergoodman,she'
sbeaut
if
uland
respect
fuli
t'
shardtofindwomenli
kehernowadays
Mpho:Iknow
Themba:andst opbeatingyoursel
fupaboutwhat
thatwomandi d.Theblamei sonher,t
hat'
swhyshe
ranawayr i
ghtafterdoi
ngit.She'
sjustanevil
self
ishbitch,amur derandamani pul
atorwho
want edtodestroyyourmar ri
ageforhersel
fi
sh
reasons.Shepl annedeverythi
ngandt r
ustmet her
e
wasnot hingyoucoul d'
vedone.
Mpho:(
sighed)Iknow
Themba:thewomanyoul ovewillgiveyouplent
yof
chil
drenandthere'
snothi
ngmor ebl issf
ult
hanhave
yourkidsunderoneroof,
beingabl etoseethatt
hey
areokayandbeingabletoprotectthem
Mpho:(smi
led)Iknowandyou'
reri
ght.Wowwho
knewyouwouldbegivi
ngmegr eatadvi
ceoneday?
Themba:(
laughi
ng)am It
hatgood?
Mpho:l
ikeanol
dmanwi
th29gr
andchi
ldr
en

Thembal
aughedst
eppi
ngi
nsi
det
hecar
.

Themba:maybei
t'
sti
meIgotmar
ri
ed
Mpho:def
ini
tel
ynotwi
thPhumzi
le,
youcan'
taf
for
d
her
Themba:(
laughi
ng)F*
ckyouman
Mpho:(
laughi
ng)j
ustgett
hef
*ckof
fmyyar
d

Hel
augheddr
ivi
ngoutwhi
leMphowentt
ocl
ose
t
hegat
e
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Lat
eronatt
hepar
ty
Nompi lowalkedoutoftheloudcrowdandwal keda
threehousesawayf r
om thepart
ycarryi
ngonlyher
glassofjuice.Shestoodbeforeahuge
construct
ionsi t
ewonderingwhattheyweregoing
tobuil
dshel ookedandreadtheboardnextt
oher .
Shehear dahuskydeepvoi cenexttoher

Hi
m:hey

Shel
ookednextt
oherandi
twasBusi
zwe.

Nompi
lo:(
sur
pri
sed)hi
Busi
zwe:(
smi
led)whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Nompi
lo:I
..
.
Busizwe:youknowt hi
spl
acemightbej
ustavi
ll
age
butit'
ssti
llnotsaf
eforal
adyt
owanderoffj
ustli
ke
that
Nompi
lo:Ij
ustneededsomeai
r
Busizwe:(
smil
ed)okay.
..Inevergottothankyou
foryouramazi
ngideas.
..(l
ookingatherfl
attummy)
someoneinter
rupt
edus.Aboyoragi rl
?
Nompi
lo:(
sighedsadlytouchi
ngherbel
ly)itwas
goi
ngt
obeagi r
l(l
ookingathi
m)shedidn'tmakeit
Busi
zwe:(
sadl
y)I
'
m sor
ry
Nompil
o:i
t'
sokay.
..
.(
looki
ngatt
hebui
ldi
ng)what
ar
etheybui
ldi
ng?
Busi
zwe:Theysayi
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeacol
lege
Nompilo:(l
ookedatt
heboardnexttoher )empty
yoursavingsandbuythi
stwor oom houseadd
moreroomssoyoucanr entitouttothestudent
s.
It
'sgoi
ngt obeali
fet
imeinvest
ment
Busizwe:butyou'
renotevensur
etheyar
egoi
ngt
o
fi
nishbuil
dingit
Nompi
lo:(
wal
kingaway)t
henyou'
l
lrenti
toutt
o
peoplewhowanttoblowof
fsomest
eam af
ter
part
yingatyourj
oint
Busizwe:(fol
lowi
ngher
)wher
edoyouevenget
theseideas?
Nompil
o:Idon'
tknow.
..Ij
usthaveaneyef
or
busi
nessIguess
Busi
zwe:canIhaveyournumber
s?
Nompil
o:Ihaveaboyf
riendandI
'm sur
ehe'
s
wonder
ingwhereIam aswespeak
Busi
zwe:l
ist
en-

Herphoner
angandsheanswer
ed

Nompi
lo:hey
Busani
:heyI
'
m wor
ri
edaboutyou.Wher
ear
eyou?
Nompi
lo:Iwentt
ogetsomeai
r,Ihaveaheadache
sot
henoi
sei
sget
ti
ngabi
ttoomuchf
orme
Busani
:wher
ear
eyousoIcant
akeyouhome?
Nompi
lo:onehouseaway
Busani
:al
ri
ghtI
'
m comi
ng

Shehungupandt urnedlooki
ngatBusi zwe.Hewas
real
lytallandhadbi gbroadshoulders.Hehad
manl yfeatur
eshisni cel
ycutbeardunder neat
hhis
chinandhowhi scapwaspul ledsol owyoucould
barelyseehiseyesunl essyouwer esoupcl ose.
Hisoutfitwasblacki tmadeherabi tcuri
ousabout
thetypeofguyhei s.

Nompi l
ogavehimtheglassandtheirfi
ngers
brushedagai
nsteachother,
shelookedintohis
eyessoupcloseandnot i
cedhissmile.Hi
sdark
l
ipswer esot
empting.
.Shequickl
ysteppedback
Nompi
lo:(
swal
lowedcat
chi
ngherbr
eat
h)Ineedt
o
go
Busi
zwe:don'
tfor
getme

Shesmi
ledwal
kingawayandbumpedi
ntoBusani
.

Busani
:ther
eyouar
e
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)yeahummhwecangonow
Busani
:(l
ooki
ngatt
hemanbehi
ndher
)who'
sthat
?
Nompi
lo:af
ri
endcanwegonow
Busani
:(l
ookedathi
m)i
ntr
oducemet
ohi
m
Nompi
lo:(
laughi
ng)you'
rej
oki
ngr
ight
?(l
ookedat
hi
sser
iousface)ohyou'
renot
Shetur
nedandlookedatBusi
zwewhowast
alki
ng
tosomeoneovert
hephone.

Nompi
lo:Si
zwe

Hetur
nedandsai
dsomet
hingovert
hephonet
hen
hungup.

Busi
zwe:yes
Nompi
lo:meetmyboyf
ri
endBusani

Hewalkeduptohim andshookhishand.Busani
l
ookedathim,hi
swast allandBusanif
elt
i
nti
midatedi
nhispresense.
Busi
zwe:soyou'
ret
hel
uckyguy.Takecar
eofher
Busani
:Iam t
aki
ngcar
eofher
Busi
zwe:Idowi
sht
ost
ayandchatbutIhavewor
k
todoinsi
de
Busani
:sur
esur
e

Hewentpastt
hem wal
kingt
othepar
ty.

Nompi
lo:t
her
eyouhavei
t.Canwegonow?
Busani
:ummhsur
e.Li
ncol
niswai
ti
ngf
orus

Theywentt
oLi
ncol
n'scaranddr
ovebackt
othei
r
pl
aces
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#42
Busanipar
kedout
sideandNompi
loopenedt
he
doorwanti
ngtost
epoutbuthegr
abbedherar
m

Busani
:ummhcanwet
alk?
Nompi
lo:aboutwhat
?
Busani
:aboutwhathappenedeal
ier
Nompi
lo:Okayt
alk
Busani
:I'
m sor
ry,
Isawyouandhi
mtoget
herandI
wonder
ed...
Nompi
lo:i
fIwasf
*cki
ngwi
thhi
m?
Busani
:babe-
Nompi
lo:t
hiswon'
twor
-
Busani
:nononooo.
..Babepl
easedon'
tsayt
hat
.
Nompil
o:thel
astt
hingIneedi
shavingtoexpl
ain
whoI'
m hangi
ngoutwithj
ustbecauseyouare
i
nsecur
e
Heputhi
sar
m ar
oundherwai
stl
ooki
ngather

Busani
:(sof
tl
y)babe.
..Babel
ookatme

Shekeptl
ooki
ngout
side

Busani
:pl
ease.
..

Shel
ookedathi
m

Busani
:(sof
tl
y)I'
m sorr
ybabe.I
twil
lneverhappen
agai
n,Itr
ustyouandIdon'twantt
oruinwhatwe
haveovernothi
ng.Il
oveyouandIgetjeal
ousover
you
Nompi
lo:(
scof
fedl
ooki
ngaway)j
eal
ous?
Shet
urnedt
olookathi
m andhehadt
hisser
ious
l
ookonhisf
ace.

Busani
:I'
m ser
ious,
Iloveyou
Nompil
o:yetyoudon'
ttr
ustme,
isi
tbecauseofmy
pas-
Busani:(puthi
sfingerofherl
ips)sshhh,
thisgot
not
hingt odowithyourpast.Imadeami stakeand
i
twillneverhappenagain
Nompi
lo:Ihopeso
Busani
:soyouf
orgi
veme?
Nompi
lo:no
Busani
:(ki
ssi
ngherneck)pl
ease.
..
Nompi
lo:(
laughi
ng)okay.
..Okay.
..If
orgi
veyou
Busani:(
kissedhercheek)t
hankyou,
you'
rea
goddess
Nompi
lo:mmhIhavet
ogonow
Busani
:al
ready?
Nompi
lo:yeahIhavesomuchwor
ktodo
Busani
:st
aywi
thmej
ustal
i
ttl
ebi
tpl
ease
Nompi
lo:(
sighed)okayonl
y10mi
nut
es
Busani
:(smi
li
ng)soundsf
inewi
thme

Sheclosedthedoorandtheycont
inuedt
otal
k
aboutthei
rfunnychi
ldhoodmemor i
es

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMpho'
shome
.

Theysatonthemat
tressinthei
remptybedroom
wrappedinonewar
m blankethavi
ngglassesof
winetoget
her.
Thandiwe:(
tookasi
pandsmi
led)t
hisi
sn'
treal
ly
thatbad
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)It
oldyou,
you'
l
llovei
t
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)yeahyeahyeah

Mphol
ookedatherandshebl
ushedl
ooki
ngaway.

Thandi
we:(smi
li
ng)your
eal
lyneedt
ost
opl
ooki
ng
atmeli
kethat
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)why?
Thandi
we:i
tmakesmef
eel
awkwar
d

Hetookhergl
assofwi neandhist
henputt
hem
down.Heheldherhandslooki
ngdeepi
nhereyes,
get
ti
nglosti
nthem...
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)you'
rebeaut
if
ul
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)t
hankyou
Mpho:andthere'
ssomethi
ngIneedt
odo,
thatI
shoul
d'vedonealongt
imeago
Thandi
we:andwhati
sthat
?

Hepull
edoutali
tt
lebl
ackboxandThandi
west
ared
ati
tshocked.

Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
lysmi
li
ng)baby
Mpho:(smi l
ing)withthi
sringIpr omisefait
hfulness
andpatience,respectandlighthear
tedness,
att
enti
venessandsel f-improvement .Iwil
lcelebrat
e
yourtr
iumphs, andloveyoual lthemor eforyour
fai
lur
es.
Thandi
wenoddedsmili
ngt
earf
ull
ywhi
leheputthe
ri
ngonherfi
nger
.Hethenl
eanedonandfr
enched
ki
ssedherand#seal
ed

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Thenextday

Att
heMan-
cave

Busizwel
if
tedt
hechai
rsputt
ingt
hem ont
opoft
he
tabl
eswhil
eThapel
osweepedthefl
oor

Thapel
o:(
happy)yohbosst
hepar
tywasl
it
,we
madesomuchmoney
Si
zwe:(
smi
led)wel
lever
ythi
ngdi
dgowel
l
.I'
m gl
ad
Thapel
o:andIsawyouyester
daytal
kingt
othat
pret
tygi
rli
nawhiteshor
tsandredtop.
Si
zwe:mmhsoyouwat
chever
ythi
ngIdonow?
Thapel
o:noI
-

Al
adywal
kedi
nAdi
dast
racksui
tsandst
il
ett
os.

Her
:heyTee
Thapel
o:bossl
ady
Her
:(ki
ssi
ngBusi
zwe'
scheek)babe
Si
zwe:hi
,wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?
Her:It
oldIwasgoi
ngtoseemysist
erwehad
somethingi
mport
antt
odiscuss
Si
zwe:andwhati
sthat
?
Her:hhawbabysi
ncewhendoIt
ellyouwhatI
di
scusswithmysist
ers
Sizwe:si
nceyoupr
omi
sedt
ocomeandhel
pher
e
yester
day
Her
:(si
ghed)I
'
m sor
ry
Si
zwe:i
fIgotmoneyever
yti
meyousai
dsor
ryI
woul
dberichbynow
Her:(put
ti
ngherar
msar oundhi
swai
stl
ooki
ngup
athim)baby.
..I
'
mr eal
lysor
ry
Si
zwe:youknowIhat
eempt
ypr
omi
ses
Her
:I'
l
lmakei
t(ki
ssedhi
m)upt
oyou
Si
zwe:(
kissedher
)youbet
ter
Her
:canIhavesomemoneyt
ofi
xmyhai
r
Sizwe:(
shookhisheadi
ndisbel
ief
)Iknewi
t,you'
re
herebecauseyouwantmoney
Her
:butIneedt
olookbeaut
if
ulf
oryoubabe
Sizwe:Idon'
tneedyoutol
ookbeaut
if
ul,
Ineedyou
tohelparoundher
einst
eadofbei
ngaslayqueen
Her:somegi r
lsj
ustaskandbegi
venmi
naIhavet
o
begtil
ljesuscomes
Si
zwe:t
hat
'sbecauseIwor
khar
dfort
hismoney
Her:(
tear
ful)don'
tmakei
tseem l
ikeI
'
m evi
l
.Igi
ve
youemotionalsuppor
t
Sizwe:youknowwhatI
'
m noti
nthemood.Thapel
o
sortherout
Thapel
o:sur
eboss
Si
zwe:gi
veherR200
Her
:R400Ineedt
ranspor
t

Thapel
olookedathi
sboss

Si
zwe:mni
ke

Hewalkedovert
othecount
erwhi
leBusi
zwewent
out
sidetost
artt
hefi
re

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtNompi
lo'
sroom

Nompil
owasmakingcof
feewhenSbahl
ear
ri
ved
l
ooki
nglikeamess

Nompi
lo:l
ookwho'
sback
Sbahl
e:(t
hrewher
sel
finherbed)pl
easemakemea
cupoffood
Nompi
lo:(
laughi
ng)f
ood?
Sbahl
e:(
laughed)cof
fee,
Imeancof
fee
Nompi
lo:al
ri
ght

Shemadeheracupofcof
feeandgavei
ttoher
Sbahl
e:soyouj
ustdi
sappear
edonmeyester
day,
youdeci
dedtohaveapri
vat
epar
tywi
thyourman
Nompi
lo:(
laughi
ng)youwish,
Ijustcoul
dn'
tst
and
t
henoi
se.YouknowI '
m apart
ypooper.
Sbahl
e:yohyoul
eftt
ooear
lyt
hatpar
tywasl
it
Nompi
lo:I
'
m gl
adyouenj
oyedyour
sel
f
Sbahl
e:whatnow?
Nompi
lo:(
sippedhercof
fee)not
hing
Sbahl
e:not
hingmeanst
her
e'ssomet
hingwr
ong
Nompi
lo:i
t'
sBusani
Sbahl
e:whatabouthi
m?
Nompil
o:I'
m notsosureabouthi
m,yest
erdayhe
gotj
eal
ousjustbecausehesawmet al
kingto
anot
herguy
Sbahl
e:uuhguysdogetj
eal
ousovert
hat
Nompi
lo:Ij
usthavet
hisf
eel
i
ng,
somet
hingi
sof
f
Sbahle:comeongivet
hepoorguyabr
eak,
he
react
edl i
keanynor
malguywould
Nompi
lo:yeahyou'
rer
ight
Sbahl
e:mmhbuti
fyoudon'
tfeelappr
eci
atedl
eave
Nompi
lo:yeah
Sbahl
e:Ineedt
osl
eep
Nompi
lo:af
terdr
inki
ngcof
fee?Idoubtyou'
l
lbeabl
e
t
o
Sbahl
e:(
put
ti
ngdownt
hecupofcof
fee)wat
chme

Shet
urnedandpul
li
ngt
hebl
anket
soveryosl
eep.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMpho'
shome

Shesatupinthebed,hervisi
onst
il
lsl
ight
lybl
urr
ed
l
ookingatMphositt
ingattheedgeoft
hebed.he
fel
thermovementandlookedbackather.
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)heybabe.howdi
dyousl
eep?
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)good.

Hesmi l
edwhi l
eshest artedt
or ubmyeyest ryingto
rubt hebluroutofthem.Hef elthi
m move, but
bef oreshecouldmoveherhandst oseewhathe
wasdoi ngshefelthisli
psonher swhi chmadeher
smi rkandgiggle.Shekepthereyescl osedand
wr appedherarmsar oundhisneck.thenhegr abbed
herl egsandpickedherupont ohi slap.hest
opped
kissingherandl ookedintohereyes.

Mpho:Idi
dn'
thur
tyoul
astni
ghtr
ight
?

Thandi
wenoddedsmi
li
ng
Mpho:youwereamazing.
..(
puthi
shandonher
thi
ghs)t
hiscooki
eissodamnsweet.Ican'
tget
enoughofit
..
.

Hepushedhishandfutherr
ubbingherj
uicyl
ips.
Shemoanedbiti
ngherlowerli
pandtheyhearda
bangonthedoor.Thandiwejumpedontheside
cover
ingher
sel
fwiththesheets

Mpho:(
whi
sper
ed)i
t'
slockeddon'
twor
ry
I
nami
:(yel
li
ng)mamaI
'
m hungr
y!
Mpho:mommywil
lbewi
thyoui
naf
ewmi
nut
es.
Gotoyourr
oom

Therewassil
ence.WantedtogetoffbutMpho
pul
ledherbackandkissedherget
ti
ngont op
spreadi
ngherl
egs..
.
Thandi
we:Inee-
Mpho:(
kissedherneck)shewentt
oherr
oom,
I'
llbe
qui
ck

Hekissedherpul
li
ngouthisblackvei
nedpipe
rubbi
ngitonherj
uicyhoneypot.I
namibangedthe
doorlouder

I
nami
:(scr
eami
ng)mommyopenup!

Thandi
we:(l
ooki
ngatMpho)pleasewe'
llcont
inue
thi
slat
erandyouhavet
ogetreadyforwork

Mphofl
ippedovertothesi
dewhil
eshegotup
get
ti
ngdressed.Putt
hebedcoveroverhi
snaked
bodywhil
elookedawaysul
king.Sheopenedt
he
doorandwenttoatt
endherdaughter

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#43
AtGogo'
shouse

Thandi
wepour
edgogoacupoft
eaandher
sthen
satdown.

Gogo:(
smil
ing)It
'ssogoodt
oseeyou,
Ithought
youhadfor
gottenaboutme
Thandi
we:(laughing)hhawGogoIwouldnever
,I
wouldneverforgetyou,you'
rel
ikeamot
hertome
Gogo:I
'
m gl
adyouf
eelt
hatway
Thandi
we:Ido,
that
'swhyIcame.Icamet
othank
youf
ort
aki
ngcar
eofmydaught
erwhi
leIwasaway
Gogo:onnono.
..Youshoul
dn'
tthankmeGabi
sil
e
di
dmostof..
.

Shekeptquietqui
cklyregret
ti
ngwhyshe
ment i
onedGabisi
le'
sname.Shel ookedat
Thandiweandshewasj ustst
irr
ingathertea
withoutsayi
nganything.ShelookedatGogoall
tonguetiedandsmiled

Thandiwe:i
t'
sokaygogo,Iknowever
ythi
ngthathas
happenedwhileIwasgone,Iknowaboutheraf
fai
r
wit
hMpho
Gogo:(
sighed)I
'
m sor
ry,
Ionl
yfoundoutabouti
t
l
ate
Thandiwe:Iknow, Iwasangrywhenmyhusband
toldmeabouther .Iwasveryangryl
ikeanyother
humanbei ngwoul dbuti
tallt
urnedt
o
disappoi
ntment.Iwasdisappoint
edinhim but
mostlyher
.She'sfami
lyandIexpect
edhert
o
underst
and,yesthi
ngsweren'
tcl
earbet
weenme
andmyhusbandatt heti
mebuthehadpaidlobol
a.
He'sknowninthefamil
ythathe'
smyhusbandand
shestil
ldi
ditandevengot-

Shequickl
yheldherselfr
emember i
ngthatgogodi
d
notknowMphoeveni mpregnat
edher.Whatwas
theuseoftal
kingaboutababyt hat
'snolonger
ther
e

Thandi
we:(si
ghed)Iwi shwecoul d'
vet al
kedabout
whatshedidandIcoul dtr
yt ounder standwhatled
hertot
hat,Imeanwe' r
etalkingaboutt hewoman
wholovedandtookcar eoft hekidswhi leIwas
awaybutIguessshecoul dn'tfacethemusi cso
shechoosetorunaway.Ei therwayIhavef orgi
ven
herandIhaveforgi
venmyhusband( smili
ng)andI
l
ovehowpeacef ult
hingsar e
Gogo:(
smi
li
ng)wow.
..Il
ovehowyouhavegr
own,
speaki
ngli
keamatur
edwoman.Mygrandson
neverwentwr
ongwit
hyou.NowIseewhathesees
i
nyou
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)ohgogo,
I'
m st
il
llear
ningasi
t
goes
Gogo:andt
hehouse,
doyoul
ovei
t?
Thandi
we:Il
oveit(
smi
li
ng)Iplant
omakesomany
goodmemorieswit
hhi
mt her
e
Gogo:that
'sal
lI'
m hopingfor.Remembertoalways
pray,
prayforyoursel
fandyourf ami
lyt
rustme
nothi
ngcanevergowr ongbecauseGodwillgui
de
youandprotectyourfamily
Thandi
we:(
nodded)yesgogo
Gogo:andal sodosomethingtoimproveyourli
fe.
I'
m notcursi
ngyourmar r
iage,
pleasemychi l
ddon't
takethi
sthewr ongwaybutiti
simpor t
anttowor k
onyourself,
geteducat
ed,andotherdecrease
Nompi
lo:(
laughi
ng)adegr
eegogo
Gogo:(
laughi
ng)I'
m oldIdon'
tknowt
hesethi
ngs
butpl
easegetthem soyoucanhaveajob,
a
marr
iagecanendanyti
mesobepr eparedforwhen
t
hathappensyouwil
lbeindependentandbeableto
f
eedyourkidswi
thoutneedi
nghelpfrom anyone
Thandi
we:Ihearyougogo
Gogo:(
smi
li
ng)awuzwekemakot
i.
Thandi
we:(
smil
ing)thankyouforyourwi
sewor
ds
andIpromi
seIwon'tletyoudown

Gogosmi
ledlooki
ngatherandt
heycont
inuedt
o
dr
inkt
hei
rtea

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*

AtNompi
lo'
sroom

Shewaswatchi
ngamovi
eonherl
aptopwhen
Sbahl
ewal
kedincomi
ngfr
om t
heshower.Sheput
l
oti
onedher
sel
flooki
ngatNompi
loandshe
r
emovedherheadset
s

Nompi
lo:ar
eyousayi
ngsomet
hing?
Sbahl
e:whatar
eyoubusywi
th?
Nompi
lo:(
put
ti
ngi
taway)j
ustwat
chi
ngamovi
e.
Sbahl
e:(
looki
ngather
sel
fint
hemi
rr
or)myhai
risa
mess
Nompi
lo:I
fonl
yIknewbr
aids,
Iwoul
dbeofhel
p
Sbahl
e:Don'
twor
ry,
Boogavememoneyf
orsal
on
Nompi
lo:hegaveyoumoneyf
orsal
on?
Sbahle:yeah,
girl
fr
iendallowance.Ineedt
olook
pret
tyforhim andforthattohappenheneedsto
pay
Nompi
lo:l
uckyyou
Sbahl
e:cheeseboybet
teruphi
sgame,
andt
ellhi
m
i
fhedoesn'
tdoi
tyou'
l
lgetsomeonewhocandoi
t
f
orhi
m
Nompil
o:t
hatwil
ljustsendhimthewr
ongmessage,
he'
l
lsayI'
m agol
ddi ggerand.
..
Sbahl
e:(
put
ti
ngoncl
othes)t
henhe'
snotyourguy.
Agoodmanknowshemusttakecar
eofhislady'
s
needs
Nompi
lo:wel
lit
'sst
il
lnewso.
..
Sbahl
e:canyouaccompanymet
othesal
oon
Nompi
lo:(
sighed)doIr
eal
lyhavet
o?
Sbahl
e:(smi
li
ngputt
ingonherpumps)youhaveno
choi
ce.YouandIareli
ketwi
nsnowplusyoureal
ly
needtogooutmore,j
ustenj
oyli
feal
it
tl
ebit
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)butIdogoout
Sbahl
e:l
et'
sgooutagai
n
Nompilo:(
getti
ngup)fi
nebutt
heybet
terbef
ast
becauseIsti
llhavet
ocomebackandstudyf
ormy
exam
Sbahl
e:j
ustchi
llwehaveSat
urdayandSundayt
o
pr
epar
e
Nompi
lo:f
ine

Sheputonhershoesgett
ingherhandbag.They
thenwalkedoutl
ocki
ngt
hedoorandheadingtothe
saloon
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Att
hesal
oon

Mihlal
iwastal
kingt
othel
adi
esatt
hesal
oonwhi
le
gett
ingherhai
rdone.

Mihl
ali
:yohI
'
mt el
li
ngyoul adi
eswheneverIaskf
or
moneytodomyhai rhegoesonandonabouthowI
wantmoneybutdon'twanttoworkf
orit.
Anot
hercust
omer
:that
'st
hest
oryofmyl
if
ebabe
Nandi
:youknowmanar
est
ingy

Nompi
loandSbahl
ewal
kedi
n

Sbahl
e:hel
lol
adi
es
Nandi
:(smi
li
ng)hey
Zama:(
looki
ngatNompi
lo)andwho'
syourf
ri
end?
Sbahle:(smil
ing)Nompil
o,we'vebeenf
ri
endssi
nce
thebeginningoftheyearbutshe'
sthet
ypethat
staysindoors
Zama:babygir
lyoushouldgetoutmore.Thisai
n't
yourmama'splace,
youneedtorunwild.I
rememberbacktheninmyvarsit
ydays..
.(t
hinki
ng
abouti
t)mmhIwaswi l
d
Nandi
:(sar
cast
ic)t
hat
'swhyyouf
ail
edal
lyour
modul
esanddroppedout
Zama:comeon,
thel
ect
ureshat
edmet
hat
'swhyI
fai
led
Nandi
:isn'
tthatwhatweal
luset
osayi
npr
imar
y
exceptyout
ooki
tonanot
herl
evelt
ovar
sit
y

Theyal
llaughedwhi
leNompi
loandSbahl
esat
down

Mi
hlal
i:guys.
..
guys.
..You'
rest
il
lnothel
ping
Sbahl
e:whati
sthepr
obl
em maybewecanhel
p
Anot
hercust
omer :weneedamanualwr
it
ten"
how
t
odealwit
hstingyman"
Nandi
:(l
aughi
ng)Mi
miher
ewast el
li
ngusofhow
shehastobeghi
smantogivehermoney
Mihl
ali
:Imeaneveryti
mewhenIaskformoney,
he
wi
llbecomplai
ningabouthowIshoul
dhel
phimin
hi
sbusinessbl
ahblahblah
Sbahl
e:wel
lluckymeIdon'
tdealwi
tht
hatcause
mymani sspoil
ingme.
Anothercustomer
:what
everl
ovepor
ti
onyou'
re
usi
nggi r
l.Ineedi
t

Theyal
llaughed

Nandi
:youknowIlovehowthi
ngsweredoneback
i
nthedays,youknowmengot oworkwhil
ethe
womentakecareoftheki
dsandthehouse
Zama:nowgonear
ethosedays.
..
Sbahl
e:(
laughi
ng)Ibetmygi
rlher
ebegst
odi
ff
er
Nompilo:well
..
.Iseenot
hingwrongwit
hbei
ng
support
ivetoyourman,youknowhelphimr
each
hisgoals.

Theyal
llaughed

Mi
hlal
i:Ibetmymanwoul
dki
llt
ohaveagi
rll
ike
youbutt
henhe'
sst
uckwi
thme

Theladi
eslaughedandt
hedoorsl
ideopenwi
th
Busi
zwewal ki
nginandt
heladi
esl
ookedathi
m
wit
hlustf
uleyes

Nandi
:heySi
zwe.
..
Busi
zwe:l
adi
es.
..

Nompil
o'seyesl
andedonhi
sandhi
sonher
sitwas
awkwar
d...

Mi
hlal
i:(
smi
li
ng)baby.
..

Hequi
ckl
yshi
ft
edhi
sfocusandwentovert
o
Mihl
alibabykissi
ngher.Nompil
osawthekissand
i
gnoredt hem t
aki
ngoutherphoneandscr
olli
ng
downpost sonFacebookblocki
ngwhat
everwas
happeningaroundher
.

Mi
hlal
i:(
smi
li
ng)whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Sizwe:Iwaspassi
ngbyandIsawyourpr
ett
ysel
f
fr
om adistance
Mi
hlal
i:(
smi
li
ng)oohbaby
Si
zwe:Ican'
tst
aylong,Ineedt
obuyaf
ewt
hings.
Shoul
dIgetyousomething?
Mi
hlal
i:pi
zza,
youknowmyf
avour
it
e
Si
zwe:okay
Mi
hlal
i:Iwi
llwai
tforyouher
e.
Si
zwe:al
ri
ght
..
.(
wal
kingout
)seeyoul
adi
es
Them:bye
Hewal
kedoutandst
eppedi
ntohi
scar

Nandi
:lookathi
m wal
kingoutl
ikeheai
n'tast
ingy
man

Theyal
llaughed

Mihl
ali
:(smil
ing)t
hat'
smyman,wefightl
ikecr
azy
behi
nddoor sandseeusasapowercoupl
ewhen
we'r
etogether
Anothercust
omer:(gotup)t
hanmani sj
ustreal
ly
damnhotyou'realuckygir
l(l
ooki
ngathersel
fin
themirr
or)damnyouneverdisappoi
ntmeZamzo
Zama:(
smi
li
ng)youknowmegi
rl
..
.Youknowme
Shegotupandwenttopaythenl
eftandSbahl
e
wentt
ositt
aki
ngoffherdoek

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtThandi
we'
shome

Shecamebackf rom gogo'

shouseandwentin,she
foundthedooropen.Afrai
dthati
tmightbea
cri
minalshewentbacktot hegat
etaki
ngouther
phonecall
ingherhusband...

Mpho:heybabewher
ear
eyou?
Thandiwe:I
'
mI '
m home,It
hinkt
her
e'sacr
imi
nal
i
nside.Thedoori
sopened
Mphol aughedwalki
ngoutt
oseeherwit
hthe
phoneonhi searandshel
aughedf
eel
ingli
kea
completefool

Mpho:(
hangi
ngup)i
t'
sonl
yme

Sheputherphonebackint
oherhandbagand
wal
kedtohim smil
ing.

Thandiwe:your
eal
lyscar
edme,
whatar
eyoudoi
ng
here,
youshouldbeatwork
Mpho:Icamet
ohavel
unch
Thandiwe:(
walki
nginsi
det
hehouse)lunch?I
thoughtImade-di
dyoufor
getyourl
unchbox?

Mphof
oll
owedhersmi
li
ng
.

Thandi
we:(
tur
nedl
ookingathi
m)whyar
eyouso
qui
e..
.Andt
hatsmi
le?
Mpho:Iwantt
hisl
unch.
..

Heputhisarmsaroundherandf
renchki
ssedher.
Shebroket
hekissgaspi
ngforai
rwhil
ehekissed
herneckl
if
ti
ngupherdress.

Thandi
we:Mpho.
..

Heli
ft
edheruphuggingherlegsaroundhi
swai
st
andki
ssedherwal
kingtotheirbedr
oom..
.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Atar
est
aur
ant
SbahleandNompi losatdownandt hewait
erserved
them thei
rjuices.Sbahlesmiledchatt
ingon
What sAppwi thherboyfri
endt hent
akingaself
ie
andcont i
nuingt ochatsmili
ngwhi l
eNompi l
o
sippedherjuiceplayingwiththestr
awbor ed

Sbahl
e:(putt
ingdownherphone)What'
supwi
th
you?You'vebeenmoodysincethesal
oon
Nompi
lo:i
t'
sjustmoodswi
ngs,
Ithi
nkI
'
llbeget
ti
ng
myper
iodssoon
Sbahl
e:ar
eyousur
ethat
'sal
l?
Nompi
lo:whatel
secoul
ditbe?
Sbahle:Idon'
tknow...(
sippedherj
uice)maybet
he
wholeladieschatchangedyourmindaboutnot
get
ti
nggi
rl
fr
iendal
lowancef
rom yourman
Nompi
lo:(l
aughed)Idon'
twantgi
rl
fri
endal
lowance
t
henextthi
ngyouknowt heguythi
nksheownsyou
Sbahl
e:aar
ghyou'
reexagger
ati
ng
Nompi
lo:Ij
ust
..
.
Sbahl
e:youj
ust
?
Nompilo:haveyouevermetaguyandyouguys
j
ustcli
ckandt henlateronyoufi
ndouthehasa
gi
rl
fr
iend?I'm exper
iencingt
hat
Sbahle:(
confused)aahthatsoundsl
ikeamess.
(gett
ingup)pleaseexcusemeIneedt ogot
othe
bathroom
Nompi
lo:sur
e

Sbahlewal
kedt
othebat
hroom whi
leBusi
zwe
walkedi
n.
Busizwe:heyman, Iforgott
ogetthespicesbutI
keepthinkingther
e'ssomethingImustgetfr
om
Owent here'ssomethi
ngImustgetf r
om Owenman
Owen:youkeepf
orget
ti
ngaboutmeman
Busi
zwe:(
laughi
ng)yeahIhadt
odr
opofmygi
rl
andcomeback
Owen:(
laughing)I
'l
lgogett
hem f
rom t
heback.
Gi
vemeami nute

Hewait
edtappi
nghiscarkeysonthecounter
l
ooki
ngaroundandsawher .Hewentover

Si
zwe:hey
Nompi
lo:(
sippedherj
uice)hi
Si
zwe:sowhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Nompi
lodi
dn'
trespond,
sucki
nghert
eet
hthen
t
aki
ngasi
p

Si
zwe:soyou'
reangr
yatme
Nompi
lo:whywoul
dIbeangr
yatyou?
Si
zwe:becauseofwhathappenedatt
hesal
oon
Nompi
lo:Idon'
tknowwhatyouar
etal
kingabout
Si
zwe:canIhaveyournumber
?
Nompi
lo:whyi
sthi
sgi
rlt
aki
ngsol
ong
Sizwe:(
holdi
ngherhand)i
fyouj
ustgi
vemet
ime,
I
canexplai
never
y..
.

ThedooropenedandBusaniwal
kedi
nlooki
ngat
them wi
thafacef
il
ledwi
thrage
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#44

Hewalkedovert
othem andsatdownl
ooki
ngat
t
hem whil
eNompi l
ocr
ossedherarms
Busani
:(l
ooki
ngatBusi
zwe)andwhatdowehave
her
e?

Busi
zwej
ustsi
lent
lyl
ookedathi
m

Nompi
lo:i
t'
snotwhatyout
hink
Busani:t
hisi
sthesecondt
imeI'
mf indi
ngyout
wo
toget
her.Whatgameareyoupl
aying?
Nompi
lo:t
her
e'snogame
Busani
:andyou?Whyar
eyousoqui
et?
Busizwe:(
get
ti
ngup)Idon'
thavet
imef
ort
his
bul
lshit

Busaniqui
ckl
ygotuppushi
nghi
m back.
Busani
:(angr
y)soyout
hinkt
hisi
sgame(
pushed
hi
m)yout hi
nkthi
sisagame
Busi
zwe:putal
eashonyourpuppyNompi
lo.
..Puta
l
eash
Nompi
lo:(
pushi
ngBusaniback)canyouj
ustst
opi
t
Busani
:you'
ref*
ckinghi
m,you'
reF*
cki
nghi
mthat
's
whyhe'ssococky

Busi
zwel
aughedandBusanigotmor
eangr
y

Nompi
lo:(pushi
ngBusaniback)Idi
dn'
tsl
eepwi
th
hi
m.Don'tlethi
m gett
oyou

Owencamebackandr
ushedovert
othem.

Owen:(
toBusi
zwe)what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Busizwe:i
t'
snothi
ngj
ustani
nsecur
eboyf
ight
ing
overhisgi
rl
fri
end

BusanipushedNompiloasideandchargedat
Busi
zwewi thapunch,hequickl
ydugandpunched
himinhisstomach.Hewentdownonhi skneesat
excr
uciat
ingpai
nkickedin.Hewantedtothrow
anot
herpunchbutOwenhel dhi
m back.
..

Owen:he'
snotwor
thi
tman(
lookedatt
hem)get
outofher
e

Sbahlecamebackconf
usedaboutwhatwas
happening

Sbahl
e:what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Nompi
lo:(
put
ti
ngBusani
'
sar
m overhershoul
der
s)
t
akeourbagssowecango
Sbahle:(l
ookedatBusi
zwe)wai
tyou'
ret
heguyat
thesaloon..
.
Nompi
lo:(
pissed)l
et'
sgo

Sbahlet
ooktheirhandbagsandfoll
owedt hem
whil
eNompi l
ohelpedBusaniwalkedoutjust
out
sidehefellonhiskneesandvomited.Nompil
o
l
ookedawaydi sgustedandLi
ncolnsteppedoutof
hi
scarwalkingover.

Li
ncol
n:what
'shappeni
ngher
e
Nompilo:let
'sjustgethimi
ntothecarandgot
othe
hospi
tal,I
'
llexplai
nont heway

Hehelpedget
ti
nghim upandtaki
nghiminsi
dethe
cart
henthegir
lgoti
nandhedr ovet
othehospit
al.
Busi
zweandhisfri
endwerelooki
ngatthem t
he
whol
eti
me.

Owen:whatwast
hatabout
?
Busi
zwe:youknowboys
Owen:i
sthi
sthegi
rlyout
oldmeabout
?
Busi
zwe:yes
Owen:(
smi
li
ng)she'
sbeaut
if
ul
Busi
zwe:andgotbr
ains,
Iknowwi
thherIcangof
ar
Owen:you'
real
readydoi
ngwel
laswespeak
Busi
zwe:Iknowandit'
sallt
hankstoher(sighed)
shesawmewi thMihl
aniearl
ierandIcantellI
'
m
notonhergoodbooks
Owen:soshe'
sfeel
i
ngyout
oo
Busizwe:(
smi
li
ng)Ican'
texpl
aini
tyetbutheyyou
neverknow
Owen:j
ustsoyouknowmostwomandon'tt
akea
guywho'
sclai
mstolovet
hem whi
lebusywi
th
anot
herwomansoser
iousl
y
Busi
zwe:IknowIwi
llendt
hingswi
thher
Owen:( walki
ngovertothecounter)okayt
here'
s
yourstuffandIneverwantyourdr amahere.I
f
worki
ngwi thyouisgoingtoaffectmybusiness
negati
velywe'regoi
ngtohaveapr obl
em
Busi
zwe:under
stood.I
'
m sor
ryman
Owen:sur
e

Hewentt
ogett
hespicesandgavet
hem t
o
Busi
zwet
henhelef
t

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
heschool
Thandiwearr
ivedandgr
eet
edThembaout
sidet
he
schoolgat
e

Themba:whatcanIdof
oryou?
Thandi
we:notmuch,
I'
mjustwai
ti
ngf
ormy
daught
er
Themba:(l
aughi
ng)youar
ereal
lyear
lyandi
sn'
t
thatMpho'
sjob
Thandiwe:(l
aughi
ngchecki
ngherwatch)i
t'sonl
y
tenminuteslef
tandi
t'
ssoquietatt
hehouse.I
don'
tevenknowwhatt odobecausether
e'snot
mucht odo
Themba:that
'sabighouseanyonewoul
dbescar
ed
l
eftal
oneinthere.Thatshowsi
tneedst
obef
il
led
wit
hlotsofchil
dren
Thandi
we:(l
aughed)chi
ldr
enwoul
dhavetowait
.
I
'm st
il
lenj
oyi
nghavingmyhusbandal
ltomysel
f
Themba:(
laughed)I
'
venot
icedhecomeshome
duri
ngl
unchnowadays
Thandiwel aughedthinki
ngaboutwhathappened
ear
lier,shelookedaroundhersurr
oundi
ngsand
nothingmuchhadchanged

Themba:what
'sonyourmi
nd?
Thandiwe:it
'sjusthardtobeli
evet hatnotsolong
ago,Iusedtost andherewaiti
ngf ormychi l
d
havi
nggr eatconversati
onswithyouwi t
htheenti
re
worl
dhangi ngonmyshoul der
s,fear f
ul,
inpainand
suff
eringIfel
tlaughingandsmi l
ingwasacr i
me.
buttoday..
.
Themba:(
smi
led)t
oday?
Thandiwe:I
'm st
andingher
efreeandwaiti
ngformy
daughterwi
thar eal
l
yhappyface.Ifyout
oldme
backthenonedayIwoul dbethi
shappyIwould've
sai
dyouar elyi
ngbuthereIam...
.
Thebel
lrangandtheki
dsr anoutoft
hei
rcl
asses
andpar
entsstar
tedar
ri
ving..
..

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
hehospi
tal

Theywaitedf
orBusaniwhil
ehewasexaminedby
thedoct
or.Li
ncol
nsatontheopposi
tebench
playi
ngagameonhi sphonewhi
leNompilol
ooked
athim

Sbahl
e:Ist
il
lwantt
oknowwhathappened
Nompi
lo:we'
reyouguysst
alki
ngme?
Li
ncol
nlookedather

Nompi
lo:answerme
Lincol
n:nowewerepassi
ngbyandBusanispot
ted
youinthatpl
ace
Nompi
lo:mxm
Sbahl
e:(
snort
ed)
thatSi
zweguyhasi r
onfi
stst
o
get
sadmitt
edinhospi
taloverasi
ll
ypunch
Nompi
lo:t
hat
'snotf
unnySbahl
e

Busaniwalkedoutsl
owlywit
hanur
secar
ryi
nghi
s
medicat
ion.Theywentover

Nompi
lo:i
shegoi
ngt
obeokay?
Nurse:thedoct
orsai
dhewi llbefi
ne.Hedi
dn'
t
sustai
nanyseriousi
njur
ies.Theygavehi
m pi
ll
sto
hel
pwi
tht
hepai
n,hewi
llbef
inebyt
omor
row
Nompi
lo:(
nodded)okay
Nur
se:youcant
akehi
m home,
heshoul
dgetsome
r
est
Li
ncol
n:I
'
llmakesur
eoft
hat
.
Nompi
lo:t
hankyounur
se

Theywalkedoutwithhi
m andwentt ot hecar
.They
gotinandLincol
ndrovethem overtoBusani'
s
pl
ace.Theyhelpedhim getint
obedandLi ncol
n
walkedoutwithSbahl
egivingthem space

Busani
:I'
m sor
ry
Nompil
o:I'
mt i
redofyouapol
ogi
zing,
get
ti
ngyour
asski
ckedfornothi
ng
Busani
:(angr
y)t
hatwasj
ustal
uckypunchI
woul
d'veki
ll
edhi
m
Nompi
lo:seet
hisi
swhatIdon'
twantt
odealwi
th
Busani
:what
?
Nompil
o:Ican'
tdealwi
thyourt
emper,
Iwantpeace
i
nmyl i
feri
ghtnowandmyl i
fei
salr
eadygoi
ng
sout
h..
.
Busani
:Imadeami
stake.
..
weal
lmakemi
stakes.
..
Nompil
o:no,Ishouldn'
thaveagr
eedt
ousdat
ingi
n
t
hefi
rstpl
ace.It'
sjustwrong
Busani
:noi
t'
snot
..
.Li
sten.
.
Nompi
lo:i
t'
soverbet
weenusBusani
.
Busani
:you'
remakingawr
ongdeci
sionbecause
you'
reemoti
onalj
ust.
..
Nompi
lo:I
'
m ser
iousBusani
.It
'sover
,Ishoul
dgo
Busani
:Nompi
lo.
..

Shegotupandwalkedoutwhil
ehescr
eamedher
namebutsheignor
edhim andwal
kedout
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtThandi
we'
shouse

Shechoppedtheonionsgett
ingtearfulandputiti
n
theoiladdi
ngminceandfryi
ngitti
llitforawhil
e.
Meanwhi l
eMphosatonthematwi thawi gon
l
ookingatInamipouri
ngwaterint
ot heircups
tal
kingtohert
oys

I
nami
:daddydoyouwantt
ea?
Mpho:youknowIwoul
dneversaynot
oyourt
ea
I
nami:MrsEl
ephantgavei
ttomeasagi
ftf
rom her
t
ri
pinLondon
Mpho:(
act
ingshocked)London!
I
nami
:(smi
li
ng)yesshel
ovest
ravel
li
ng
Mpho:(
taki
ngasi
p)t
hist
eai
samazi
ng

Thandi
wel
aughedandt
heyal
llookedather

Thandi
we:ohpl
easedon'
tmi
ndme
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)l
etmegohel
pmom i
ntheki
tchen
I
nami
:okay

Hegotupandwal kedtotheki
tchenhuggi
nghis
wif
efrom behi
ndwhileshesti
rherpast
amaking
sur
eitdi
dn'tst
ick
Mpho:youknowIwoul
dn'
thavetopl
ayt
eai
fshe
hadali
tt
lesomeonet
okeepherbusy
Thandiwe:(t
urnedandlookedathim)ummhabout
that
.Idon'twanttohaveanotherchi
ldanyt
ime
soon.
Mpho:(
sighed)why?
Thandiwe:becauseIwanttogotoschool,
Iwentt
o
thecl
inict
oday..
.I'
m st
art
ingfamil
yplanni
ng
Mpho:butyoucandoboth,
ther
earegirl
swho
matr
icul
atewhi
lepr
egnantandeven.
..
Thandiwe:IknowbutIwanttofocusononet hi
ng
atatime.I'
m 21andIhavenothingthatIcansayI
workedhar df
or.Mostofmypeer sareal
readyin
var
sitydoinggoodfort
hemselves.Ineedtopush
myselftodoandachievegr
eatthings
Mpho:Ial
sowantwhati
sbest
,Ij
ustgotyouback
andi
tfeel
sli
kei
m-
Thandi
we:(
smil
ing)you'
renotl
osi
ngme.I
'
m not
goi
nganywher
e
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)al
ri
ght
..
.

Theyfr
enchedki
ssedandshewentbackt
ocooki
ng
whil
ehewenttoplaywi
thInami

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtNompi
lo'
s

Shewalkedi
ntaki
ngof
fhershoesandSbahl
e
f
oll
owedher.
..

Sbahl
e:youj
ustdumpedt
heguy
Nompi
losai
dnot
hingsi
tt
ingdownonherbed

Sbahl
e:youover
react
ed,
weal
lmakemi
stakes

Nompi
lo:Imademydeci
sionSbahl
eandt
hat
'sf
inal
Sbahl
e:ohcanIaskwhy?
Nompilo:becauseIdon'
twantanydrama.What
happenedtoday..
.It
'sj
ustnotwhatIwant
Sbahl
e:whywast
hatguyevenf
ight
ingwi
thBusani
?
Nompi l
o:Idon'tknowandIdon' tcar
e.(tearf
ul)
whenIl ostmybabyIpr omi
sedtodobet terandnot
l
ethistoryrepeatit
self
.Sofareveryt
hinghasbeen
abouttryi
ngt omakei tworkwit
hBusani, deali
ng
wit
hhi sjealousyandthenit'
sBusizwehi t
ti
ngon
met henbeingal ll
oveydoveywithhisgirl
fri
end
Sbahl
e:I
'
m sor
ry
Nompi l
o:don'
tbe.Ican'
tlosef ocus,
Ineedtodo
goodsoIcanchangecour ses.That'
sal
lI'
m goi
ng
tofocusonnow.Me
Sbahl
e:(gotupandsatnextt
oher)Iknowand
you'
reri
ght.Youshoul
dfocusonyoursel
fmor
e
Nompilo:(
looki
ngather
)youknowI '
vebeen
t
hinki
ngabouther.Sheshoul
d'vebeenbornt
his
month
Sbahl
e:(
sadl
y)I
'
m sor
ry
Nompil
o:(
smi
ledt
ear
ful
ly)I
'
llbeokay.(
gotup)want
noodl
es
Sbahle:ifwecar
ryoneat
ingl
iket
his.
.Soonwewi
ll
belookingli
kepi
gs
Nompi
lo:(
laughed)bi
gbeaut
if
ulpi
gs

Sbahl
elaughedwhi
leNompi
lot
ookoutpacket
sof
noodl
esandgotapotmaki
ngnoodl
es
Fouryear
slat
er

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#45
Nompilowalkedbackhomewi pi
ngawaysweaton
herfor
eheadcausedbythebl azi
ngsun.Shef inal
ly
gothomeandt hefi
rstt
hingshedi dwast opour
hersel
faglassofwater
,hermot herwalkedout
fr
om thesi
tti
ngroom carr
yingapl at
e.Shethrewthe
bonesonthebinandputi tonthesink.

MaGl
adys:you'
reback
Nompil
o:(
smi
li
ng)yeboma,
whatar
eweeat
ingf
or
l
unch?
MaGl
adys:ukudl
akwakhokuseMi
crowave(
your
f
oodi
sinthemicrowave)
Nompi
lo:ngi
yabonga
MaGladys:manj
e?Uyamut
hol
aumsebenzi
(so?
Canyoufi
ndajob?)
Nompi
lo:I
'
m st
il
lappl
yingbutyouknowt
imesar
e
har
d
MaGladys:t
hiswouldn'tbehappeningi
fyout
ook
t
eachi
nginthefi
rstplacenowl ook
Nompil
o:(si
ghed)Iwi
llf
indaj
obma,
Ijusthavet
o
bepat
ient
.
MaGladys:(angry)whatwereyoueventhi
nki
ng
st
udyingbusinessmanagement ,
who'sbusi
ness
wereyouthi
nkingyouar egoi
ngtomanage?
Nompi
lo:mybusi
ness
MaGl adys:(shouti
ng)yourbusi
ness?Whereis
yourbusinessnow, it
'sbeenmont
hssinceyou'
ve
beenapplyappl y
Nompi
lo:pl
easest
opshout
ingatmema
MaGladys:yazevenyourfr
iendSandi
siwei
s
wor
kingnowbutl ookatyou
Nompilo:wedi
dsomethi
ngtotal
lydi
ff
erent
,she
choosetoworkfort
heboss,
Ichoosetobethe
boss
MaGladys:mxm bossyaniwhenwe'
rest
il
l
suf
fer
ing
Nompil
o:(
sadl
y)t
hingswi
llwor
kouti
ntheendmaI
j
ustneedt
obepati
ent

MaGladysshookherheadi ndi
sapprovalandwent
t
oherbedroom.Nompilolostherappeti
teandput
t
hefoodbackint
othemi crowaveheadingtoher
r
oom.Sheheardhermot hertal
king

MaGl adys:(t
earf
ul)howlongwi l
lyoukeep
punishi
ngmemyLor d.
..
whateverIhavedone
pl
easef orgi
veme.Ithoughtshewoul dbethelight,
betheonet oendmyst ruggl
esbuther eIam dear
Lordsti
llsuff
eri
ng..
.WhatdidIdot odeservethis.
..
Nompil
oswall
owedtear
ful
lyandwentt
oherr
oom.
Get
ti
nginbedcryi
ng

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtGabi
sil
e'
sapar
tment

Entlestaredoutthewindowsadlyasitrai
ned
want i
ngsobadl ytoplayout
side.Shecoughed
touchingtheglasswithherl
itt
lehandswant i
ngto
toucht herai
ndroplet
sandlickedherpalm hopi
ng
totasteit

Gabi
:Ent
le!

Shet
urnedl
ooki
ngbackandgotupscr
atchi
ngher
head

Ent
le:Mama!Mama!

Gabisil
esmil
edlooki
ngatherangelwalki
ng
towardsher
.Shekneeleddownandhelpedherput
onawar mj
acketwhi
leEntl
ekeptlooki
ngatthe
window

Ent
le:(
pointi
ngwi
thhert
humb)mamamvul
a
(mamar ai
n)
Gabi
:(zi
ppi
ngherj
acket
)yesi
t'
srai
ningbaby
Ent
le:(
sucki
nghert
humb)f
unudl
ala(
Iwantt
opl
ay)
Gabi
:(pul
li
ngdownherhand)don'
tsuckyour
t
humb
Ent
le:f
unudl
ala(
Iwantt
opl
ay)
Gabi
:uzodl
alangaphandl
emaseuphol
il
e(youwi
ll
pl
ayoutsi
dewhenyouar eheal
ed)
Ent
le:(
looki
ngathermom)phol
il
e?(
heal
ed?
)
Gabi:(
smil
ing)yebo,buyangikuphuziseumut
hi
ozokwenzauzivencono(yes,
comel etmegiveyou
medici
nethatwillmakeyoufeelbetter)
Ent
le:mut
hienandi
?(del
ici
ousmedi
cine?
)
Gabi
:(l
if
ti
ngherup)yesbaby

Shewenttothebat
hroom andtookoutpanadoand
aspoonandpouredsomef orherdaughter
.Entl
e
swal
lowedandshowedhermot herhertongue

Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)goodgi
rl

Shecarriedhertoherbedroom whereshefoundher
phoneringing.Sheputherdaughteronthebedand
sheplayedwi t
htheteddybearswhileshetookt
he
cal
l.

Gabi
:hey
Voi
ce:heywher
ear
eyou?
Gabi
:I'
m athome
Voi
ce:I
'
m comi
ngover
Gabi
:(smil
ing)wel
lyouwouldn'
tli
stenevenifIsai
d
don'
tcome.Sowhat ever
,becar
efultheroadscan
besl
ipper
y
Voi
ce:(
laughi
ng)youwor
ryt
oomuch,
I'
llbet
her
e
wit
hyou.Bye
Gabi
:bye

Shehungupandt hr
ewherphoneont hebed.Entl
e
grabbedi
tswappi
ngt oopenitandi
tdid.Gabi
l
ookedatherdaught
erfocusedontryi
ngtofindt
he
gamessheusuall
yplaysbutshegotnowhere.
Ent
le:(
looki
ngathermom)mamagame

Gabiswipedandopenedagameaboutpopping
bubbl
esandEnt l
eplayedl
aughingwhi
leGabij
oined
herpoppingbubbl
estoget
her.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
shome

Mphol ookedathi swifeappl

yingsomemascar aon
herlashes.Shel ookedsobeauti
fulwit
hher10inch-
curl
y-Bobweaveandmakeupper fect
ingher
al
readybeaut i
fulface.Shegotuplookingather
husbandadmi ringherbeauti
fulandputonher
heel
s.
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)howdoIl
ook?

Sheturnedar
oundwhi lehebi
thislowerli
plooki
ng
atherperf
ect
lyshapedhourglassbodyinthat
beauti
fulmar
oonof fshoul
derdress.Hefel
this
manhoodharden."PII
I!
"

Her
oll
edovert
otheot
hersi
deoft
hebed.

Mpho:t
hat
'sThemba,
letmegot
alkt
ohi
m
Thandi
we:(putt
ingonherear
ri
ngs)al
ri
ghtdon'
t
takel
ong.Idon'
twantustobelat
e

Hewal
kedoutandbumpedi
ntohi
sdaught
er.
Mpho:ssh.
..
I
nami
:ssh.
..
Mpho:(whi
sper
ed)makesur
eshedoesn'
tcomeout
okay?
I
nami
:(whi
sper
ed)okay

Hewentoutt
ospeaktothem andcameback,
he
wal
kedint
othei
rroom andfoundThandi
weputt
ing
makeuponInami.

Thandi
we:whydi
dn'
thecomei
nsi
de
Mpho:hehadt or
ushsomewher
e.Ummhbut
there'
ssomeonewho'
sher
etoseeyoubuti
t'
sa
surpri
se
Thandi
we:youknowIdon'
tli
kesur
pri
ses
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)comeonyouar
egoi
ngt
olovei
t
I
nami
:you'
regoi
ngt
olovei
tmom i
t'
sbi
g

Mphopul l
edoutabl
indf
oldandcoveredhert
hey
thenheldbot
hherhandswalki
ngoutwithherwhi
le
Shestruggl
edtowal
kinthegrasswit
hherred
bott
omsheel s

Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)babypl
easedon'
tletmef
all
Mpho:(
laughi
ng)don'
twor
rywegotyou.
Thandi
we:Iwonderwhot
hisi
s
Mpho:t
akeof
fyourbl
indf
oldandsee

Shet
ookofherbl
indf
oldand.
..

Mpho&I
nami
:SURPRI
SE!
!
herj
awsl
it
eral
lydr
oppeddownl
ooki
ngatabrand
newVol
kswagenpolowi
thabi
gredri
bbononit
.

Thandi
we:who'
scari
sthi
s?
Mpho:(laughi
ng)i
t'
syoursmylove.If
igur
edsi
nce
yougotyourli
censeandpassedyourmatri
cwi
th2
dist
inct
ionyoudeser
vetohaveyourownwheels
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
lyhuggi
nghi
m)ohmyl
ove
Mpho:you'
reareal
l
yspecialwomant omeandI
l
oveyou(taki
ngoutthecarkeys)car
etot
akeusf
or
ari
deinyournewwheels?
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ngt
aki
ngt
hekeysf
rom hi
shand)
ofcour
se
I
nami:whenIpassmat
ri
cyou'
l
lbuymeacart
oo
r
ightdad
Mpho:(
laughi
ng)wel
lyouhavet
ogetf
ive
di
sti
nct
ions
I
nami
:Iwi
llgett
en

Theyalll
aughedandwentclosetothecar
.Mpho
sentI
namitogetthescissor
s,shecamebackand
Thandiwecutther
ibbonwhileMphotookpict
ures,
thensheexpl
oredhernewbabywi t
hherfamily

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtGabi
'
sapar
tment

Sheheardaknockonthedoorandgotupfr
om her
bedwalki
ngtothedoor
.Sheopenedandhewalked
walkedi
ncarr
yingpl
asti
cswit
htreat
shuggi
ngher

Hi
m:hel
lo.
..hel
lo.
..hel
lobeaut
if
ul
Gabi
:(f
eel
ingsqueezed)t
hat
'st
oot
ightAr
chi
e
Ar
chi
e:wher
e's.
..
Ent
le:(
runni
ngt
owar
dshi
m)papa.
..
papa

Hedroppedt
heplast
icsandranovert
oherand
l
if
tedheruphuggi
ngherkissi
nghersoftcheeks
Archi
e:(
smi
li
ng)Ili
vefort
hesemoment
s.She
l
ookswaybett
ert
hanlastweek
Gabi
:Iknow,
themedi
cat
ionhasbeenhel
pingal
ot
Ent
le:papaswi
di(
daddysweet
s)
Ar
chi
e:Iboughtmanysweet
sforyou
Gabi
:she'
ssi
ck,
shecan'
thavesweet
Archi
e:I'
m sur
eonemar shmal
lowwonthur
t.Pl
us
shewillsucki
tti
llki
ngdom comes
Gabi
:(pi
ckedupt
hepl
ast
ics)okayf
ine

Shet
ookt
hepl
ast
icst
oherki
tchenwhi
leAr
chi
e
fol
lowedherandputl itt
leEnt
leontopofthetabl
e.
Shef i
ddledwiththeplasti
cshermom putontopof
thetabletaki
ngoutsnacksandsweet s.Gabi
sil
e
tookoutt hepacketofmarshmall
owandgaveher
one.

Entl
e:(showinghi
mthemar
shmal
low)
papabuka
(daddylook)
Ar
chi
e:yum yum eat

Sheat
ewhi
leGabit
ookoutabowlandpour
edt
he
Si
mbachi
ps

Gabi
:sowhyar
eyouher
e?
Ar
chi
e:can'
taguyj
ustvi
sitaf
ri
end?
Gabi
:afri
endyou'
ret
eachi
ngherdaught
ert
ocal
l
youdad
Archi
e:butIam herdadandyoureal
lyneedt
ost
op
resi
sti
ng.I
'l
llove.
..Il
oveyoubot
h.

Heputl
it
tl
eEntledownandshewenttoher
mot
hersroom whil
ehewalkedovert
oher
.

Archi
e:(
car
essedherarms)IknowwhatI
'
mfeel
i
ng
andIknowyoufeeli
ttoo
Gabi
:(smili
ng)butIl
ikeourf
ri
endshi
pandIdon'
t
wantallt
hattogodownt hedrai
n
Archi
e:(pul
ledhercl
oset
ohimsel
f)Iwasn'
tmuch
ofafri
endlastweekwhenyouwereri
dingi
t
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)Iwas.
..
Ar
chi
e:(
sar
cast
ic)oohsayi
t,youwer
eusi
ngme
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)j
ustst
opi
t
Archie:butonaser i
ousnote,Iwanttobewithyou.
Let'
st r
yt hi
ngsout.I
'm notper
fectandI'
m notgoi
ng
topromi seyoutheworldbutngiyathembi
saukuku
phathakahl
e.Ngiyabonaukut
hikunzimaukut hi
wethembeumunt ukodwaIwi l
learnyourtrust
.I'
ve
beenaroundyoulongenought oknowt hatIwant
youtobeinmyl i
fe.Manjengiyakucel
a
naMadonselangamkeleenhli
zweniyakho...
Gabi:ar
ethi
ngsreall
yoverbet
weenyouandt
he
motherofyourchi
ld?Nomixedfeel
ings?
Archi
e:not
hing,webrokeuptwoyearsago.She
onlycal
lswhenmydaught erneedssomethi
ngori
s
si
ckandshedr opsheroffatmyparent
shouse
whenit'
smyt ur
ntospendt i
mewi t
hher.
Gabi
:okay,
Icanwor
kwi
tht
hat
Ar
chi
e:(
smi
li
ng)sot
hat
'sayes
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)yes

Hesmi
ledl
eani
ngdownf
oraki
ss.

Ar
chi
e:you'
l
lneverr
egr
ett
his
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)Ibet
ternot
.Letmegocheckont
hat
l
it
tl
emonst
er,
Iknowshe'
supt
onogood
Ar
chi
e:andwhatdoIdot
hen?
Gabi
:pi
ckamovi
e,we'
l
ljoi
nyouj
ustnow.

Shewentt oherbedroom whi

leAr
chietookoffhis
j
acketwalkingtothesit
ti
ngroom.Gabiwalkedinto
herroom andfoundlit
tl
eEntl
easl
eepont hefl
oor
wit
hherst arneckl
ace.

Gabi
:outofal
lthej
ewel
ryIhaveyoual
wayspi
ck
t
hisoneout.
..

Shetookhert
oherbedandpul l
edablanketover
thenwal
kedoutleavi
ngthedoorsl
ight
lyopenand
wenttojoi
nArchi
eont hecouch
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtGogo'
shouse

Everyone:HAPPYBIRTHDAYTOYOU,HAPPY
BIRTHDAYDEARGOGO, HAPPYBI
RTHDAYTO
YOU!HI PHIP.
..HOORAY

gogobl
ewt
hecandl
eswhi
leever
yonecheer
ed.

Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)cutt
hecakegogo

Shecutthecakewit
hThandi
we'shel
phol
dingt
he
kni
fe.Thensheki
ssedgogo'
scheek.
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)Il
oveyougogo.
Mpho:(
scr
eami
ng)CAKE!

Ever
yonel
aughedmeanwhil
eNaledil
ookedather
wit
hsomuchhatredf
rom t
heback.

Zandil
e:mayeuyazi
zwal
ogi
rl(
thatgi
rli
str
uly
feel
ingher
sel
f)
Nal
edi
:mxm
Zandi
l
e:di
dyouseehercar
?
Nal
edi:i
malikabhut
injal
o(t
hat'
sallmybrot
her'
s
money.YouknowIal wayswonderwhatheseesin
her
Zandi
l
e:hheymhl
ampeudl
isi
we
Nal
edi
:youcoul
dber
ightyazi
.Ineedt
oinvest
igat
e
Zandi
l
e:l
etmegogetsomecake

Shel ookedatThandiwe'scarbythegate.She
suckedhert eet
handl ookedatthepeopleand
everyone'satt
enti
onwasatgogoshedeci dedt
o
walkovert othecar.
.

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#46

Shelookedatthecarandlookedaroundwonderi
ng
whatshecoulddotodamagei t.Shepickedupa
rockandgotcl
osewant i
ngtoscr at
chit.
..
.

Voi
ce:Nal
edi

Shequickl
ytur
neddr
oppi
ngt her
ockbehi
ndhernot
bel
ievi
ngwhoshewasseeing.
Her
:Ican'
tbel
ievet
hisi
syoual
lgr
ownup

Shesteppedt
owar
dsherandNal
edist
eppedback
unabl
etosayaword.

Her
:don'
tbeaf
rai
dofmeI
'
m yourmot
her
Naledi
:(shout
ing)stepback!Getawayf
rom me.
You'r
enotmymot her

Everyonefocusshi
ft
edtowheretheywerestanding.
Gogowasshockedt oseeherdaughterhomeaf t
er
suchal ongti
meandMphowasal soshocked.He
walkedover
Mpho:whati
shappeni
ngher
e?
Her
:(shocked)Mpho.
..
Mpho:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Her
:Iheardmymotherhadabi
rt
hdaycel
ebr
ati
on
soIdeci
dedtocome
Nal
edi
:(angr
y)you'
renotwel
comeher
eleave!
Her
:Iknowt
hingsdi
dnotendwel
lbet
weenusand.
..
Mpho:spar
eusyourst
upi
dst
ori
esj
ustl
eave!
Gogo:that
'senough!
.Idon'
trememberteaching
youtobedisrespect
ful
towardsyourel
ders.She
mighthavedoneyouwr ongbutsheisst
il
lyour
mother.

Theyal
lkeptqui
etl
ooki
ngdown

Gogo:nowi
nst
eadofbei
ngbusyembar
rassi
ng
yoursel
vesi
nfrontofeveryonehere,l
et'
sgoinsi
de
andtalkasadul
ts.Makotipleasehandl
ethi
ngshere
thi
sisimport
ant
Thandi
we:yesgogo
Gogo:l
etsgoi
nsi
de

Thandiwehelpedhertowalkbacki
nsi
dewhil
ethey
fol
lowed.Theyallgoti
nsi
deandsatdownexcept
Mpho.Thandiwewentoutside.

Gogo:si
tdown
Mpho:Iwoul
drat
herr
emai
nst
andi
ng
Gogo:t
hisi
smyhouseandyoudoasIsay

Hesi
ghedandsatdown.
Gogo:Lesedi
..
.
Lesedi
:gogo
Mpho:whyar
eyouher
e?Whot
oldyouaboutt
he
par
ty?
Lesedi
:mpho.
..
Mpho:Nogogoshemustgi veusanswerss,t
his
womanil
ltr
eatedus,t
reat
edusl i
ket
rashwhile
pl
easi
ngherhusband.Wehadt owalkbyfoot
fi
ndi
ngawayhome
Lesedi
:(t
ear
ful
)I'
m sosor
ry
Mpho:(angr
y)that
'sal
lyouhavetosayhuh?"
Sor
ry"
.
Sorr
ydoesn'tt
akeawaythepain,
webacame
gogo'
sburdenbecauseofyou
Lesedi
:(wi
pedhertear
s)IhavenoexcuseforwhatI
didandIwishIhaddonethi
ngsdif
fer
entl
ybutI
wasbli
ndedbylove
Mpho:andnowyou'
renotbl
ind?Af
tert
went
yyear
s
Lesedi
:Iwast
ryi
ngt
osur
vive.Ihadnoj
oband.
..
Mpho:youchoosehi
m andhi
schi
ldr
enoverus.
YouknowwhatIcan'
tli
stent
othi
sI'
m done

Hegotupandlef
twhi
legogokeptqui
etl
ooki
ngat
Nal
edicr
ying.

Gogo:uyayi
bonai
misebenzi
yakhoLesedi
?

Nal
edigotupcr
yingandwentt
oherr
oom.

Meanwhi
le

Out
sideMphowentovert
oThandi
we
Thandiwe:(
smili
ng)babe,
you'
reback(
fi
xinghi
sti
e)
thatwasquick
Mpho:wher
e'sNkosi
nami
?
Thandi
we:she'
s.
..
(l
ookedar
ound)she'
sovert
her
e
bymycar
Mpho:goodl
et'
sgo
Thandi
we:(
conf
used)what
?
Mpho:we'
rel
eavi
ng
Thandi
we:butt
hepar
ty.
..
Mpho:Thandiwedon'
tIdon'
twantt
oar
guewi
th
youovert
his.Let
'sgonow

Shekeptqui
etandwal
kedwi
thhi
mtot
hecar

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtGabi
'
spl
ace
Shewentt
ocheckonherdaughtert
hencameback
andl
aidonAr
chie'
schestwatchi
ngt.
v.Whi
leheput
hi
shandonherbuttcar
essi
ngher.

Ar
chi
e:she'
sst
il
lsl
eepi
ng?
Gabi:yeahit
'st
hemedi ci
ne.Youshould'
veheard
hernannycompl ai
ningofhowshekeepsherupon
herfeettheent
ir
eday( l
aughing)she'
ssonaughty
andtalkstoomuch
Archie:(l
aughing)that
'smyli
t t
legi
rl
,sheand
Lesegowi llgetal
ongjustf
ine.She'
sabi tmor
e
authorit
ati
veandIknowshe' llbeoverpr
otect
ive
overEnt l
e.
Gabi
:Iwishtoseeher(
smi
led)Ibetshel
ooksj
ust
l
ikeherf
ather
Ar
chi
e:(
laughed)am It
hatgoodl
ooki
ng?
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)al
it
tl
ebi
t
Archi
e:(
runni
nghi
shandunder
neat
hhert
shi
rt
)so.
..
Howlongcanshekeeponsl
eepi
ng?
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)youshould'
vet
houghtaboutt
hatt
he
momentshewenttosleep
Ar
chi
e:(
kissi
ngherneck)I
'
llbequi
ck.
..
Gabi
:(pushinghi
m back)no.
..I
'
m notcomf
ort
abl
e
doi
ngitwithheraround
Ar
chi
e:butshe'
ssl
e-
Gabi
:(gotof
fthecouch)no
Archi
e:(
sighed)okayI
'
m sorr
y,somet
imesIf
orget
ofhowmuchofagoodmot heryouar
e
Gabi
:andyoushoul dneverfor
getthat.Idon'twant
mychil
dtofindmehavi ng..
.Andbet raumatizedfor
ther
estofherl
ife.PlusEntl
eisabittooemot i
onal
andfr
agil
e.Youwi l
lhavetoforgi
vemebutt hese
aret
hetypeofthingsItakeseri
ously
Ar
chi
e:Iunder
standandI
'
m sor
ry
Gabi
:okay
Shel
ookedbythedoorandherdaught
erwas
st
andi
ngther
ecarryi
ngherEl
ephantfl
uff
ytoy.

Gabi
:lookwho'
supal
ready?

Sher
ubbedhereyesmaki
ngherwayt
ohermot
her
.

Ar
chi
e:howar
eyouf
eel
ingmyangel
?

Shebur
ri
edherfaceonhermot
her
'schestnot
sayi
nganyt
hing.

Gabi
:shedoesn'
ttal
kmuchwhenshewakesup
Archi
e:(smil
ing)okay,Icoul
dli
vewi
tht
hat.(get
ti
ng
up)I'
m sureshe'shungry,l
etmemakehersome
soup,
she'
l
lfeelbet
ter
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyou

HekissedEntle'
sfor
eheadandwalkedt ot
he
kit
chenwhil
eGabisatdownpushingt hebowlof
Dorit
osunderneatht
hecouchthentakingthe
remoteput
ti
ngoncar toons
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
shome

Theyarr
ivedhomeandInamist
eppedoutoft
hecar
sul
kingwithherar
msfol
ded.

Inami
:whydidwehavet
oleavesosoon?Idi
dn'
t
eveneatmycake
Thandi
we:st
opsul
kingandgeti
nsi
de
I
nami
:daddy.
..
Thandi
we:leaveyourf
atheral
one.I
'
llbuyyoua
cakewhenIgototheshops

Mphounl ockedthedoorandstrai
ghttothei
r
bedroom.Het hr
ewhimselfonthebedandl aidback
coveri
nghisfacewithhishands.Thandiwewalked
i
nandcl osedthedoorputti
nghisjacketontopofa
chair

Thandi
we:canwet
alkabouti
t?

Mphodi
dn'
trespond,shet
ookof
fherheel
sandsat
ont
hebednexttohim.
Thandi
we:ngicel
asikhul
umest
handwasami(
can
wepleaset
alkmyl ove)
Mpho:angi
funikukhul
umangako(
Idon'
twantt
o
t
alkabouti
t)
Thandiwe:ukukubonaunjenaakungiphathikahl
e,
i
ngabekumayel ananalomamal ofi
keephat hini
?
(seei
ngyoulikethi
sdoesn'tsi
twellwithme, ist
his
aboutthewomant hatarr
ivedattheparty?)
Mpho:
Thandi
we.
..
Thandi
we:i
ssheyourmot
her
?
Mpho:(
satupl
ooki
ngather
)Thandi
we.
..
Thandi
we:Ij
ustwant
-
Mpho:(
ir
ri
tat
ed)Thandi
weawuyi
yekel
endaba!
Thandiwe:(si
ghed)I
'm sorry.
..Idi
dn'
tmeant
o
upsetyou..
.Iwasjustt
r yi
ngto...
Shegotupwant
ingt
owal
kawaybuthegr
abbed
herar
m st
oppi
ngher
.

Mpho:wai
t(si
ghedregret
tabl
y)I
'
m sor
ry.Idi
dn'
t
meantoshoutatyou.
Thandi
we:i
t'
sfi
neyousaidyoudon'
twantt
otal
k
abouti
tsot
here'
snoneedtodosomethi
ngyou
don'
twantt
otalkabout
Mpho:I
'
m sor
ry

Hegent
lypul
ledhert
ohi
msel
fandshesatonher
l
ap.

Mpho:she'
s.
..She'
smymot
her
Thandi
we:okay.
..Youneversai
danyt
hingabout
hert
ome
Mpho:that
'sbecauseshehasneverbeenr
eal
lya
mothertome.It
'salongst
ory
Thandi
we:Ihavet
het
ime.
..
Mpho:weli
vedtoget
her,mom anddad.Dadpassed
awayandsheremarr
ied.Tr
eatedusli
ketr
ashand
weranawaytoli
vewithgogo.That
'si
t
Thandi
we:ohmyl
ove,
Idi
dn'
tknow
Mpho:(si
ghed)nowshe'
sbackact i
ngl
ikenothi
ng
happenedwit
hexcusesthatdoesn'
tmakesense.
Busyaskingf
orforf
orgi
veness
Thandiwe:Iknowt hi
smustbehar dforyouandI'
m
beggingyout opleasetakeyourt i
me.Iknowt hi
ngs
weren'teasyasyousayandi tmusthavebeenhard
foryou,havingtodealwi t
hasachi l
d.ButIwant
youtoknowt hattherecomesat imewher ebyyou
havetobur nthebr i
dgewi t
hyouont hesideandt
he
personyoul oveont heothersidebecauseyouhave
toprotectyourselfandtherecomesat i
meyouhave
tomendt hatbr i
dgehopingt hatpersonhas
changedsoyoucanr ebui
ldwhatyouoncehad.I
wantyoutoknowwhat
everyoudeci
deI
'
llal
waysbe
her
eforyou.

Sheki
ssedhi
m andhuggedhi
m

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Af
terwor
k

Sandisteppedi
ntoMl
ondi
'
scargr
eet
inghi
m and
shut
tingthedoor

Sandi
:wher
e'sever
yone?
Mlondi
:Idon'
tknow,
Iguessmostpeopl
edon'
t
workonSatur
day
Sandi
:(l
aughed)Iwoul
dn'
tbewor
kingher
eifIhad
achoi
ce
Mlondi
:(l
aughed)we'
reont
hesameboat
..
.Igot
yousomethi
ng
Sandi
:what
?

Gaveherdai
rymi
lkchocol
ate

Ml
ondi
:Ihopeyoul
ikei
t
Sandi
:ummhI
'
drat
hernot
Ml
ondi
:it
'sj
ustagi
ft
Sandi
:not
hingi
sformahhal
anowadays
Ml
ondi:Iknowbutthiscomesf
rom t
hegoodnessof
myheartpleasedon'
ttur
nmedown
Sandi
:(smi
li
ngt
aki
ngi
t)okay
Sheopenedi
tandt
ookabi
tewhi
lehest
art
edt
he
cardr
ivi
ng

Ml
ondi
:sohowi
swor
k?
Sandi
:ti
ri
ng,wor
kingi
nabut
cher
yisser
iousl
y
goi
ngtoturnmetobei
ngaveget
ari
an
Mlondi
:(l
aughi
ng)t
herewayIl
ovemeatt
her
e
wouldbemeatmissi
ngever
yti
me
Sandi
:Ihaveext
raatmypl
acepl
easedon'
ttel
lon
me.Iwouldgetf
ired
Mlondi
:(smi
li
ng)Iwontdon'
twor
ry.Iknowi
dla
l
ayif
asel
wekhona
Sandi:yeah.
..IfgogonewwhatIdonowshewoul
d
bedisappointed
Mlondi:ajobi
saj
obasl
ongasyoucanputf
oodon
t
het able
Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyouf
ormaki
ngmef
eelbet
ter
Ml
ondi:buti
t'
sthetr
utht
herear
emanypeople
wi
thoutj
obsoutther
ebethankf
ulf
orwhatyouhave.
Sandi
:you'reri
ghtandIj
ustwantt
obeindependent
andhel
pt akecareofmygrandmot
her
.Thatwoman
hasdoneal otforme
Ml
ondi
:(smi
li
ng)wow
Sandi
:what
?
Mlondi
:it
'syou,you'r
ejustdi
ff
erent.Al otofgi
rl
s
wouldrat
hersitbackhomepr osti
tutethemselves
fornai
lsandweavesbutyou'reheret akingext
ra
shif
tsworki
ngtryingtomakemoney
Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)youknowwear
en'
tthesame
Ml
ondi
:Iknowandyourboyf
ri
endi
sal
uckyman
Sandi
:(l
aughed)Iwi
sh
Ml
ondi
:what
?Ishenott
reat
ingyougood?
Sandi
:no.
..Idon'
thaveaboyf
ri
end
Ml
ondi
:(smi
li
ng)canIbeyourboyf
ri
end?
Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)Idon'
tknow
Ml
ondi
:youdon'
thavet
odeci
denow
Sandi
:okay
Ml
ondi
:her
ewear
e

Hepull
edovert
othesi
deandshesteppedout
headi
nginsi
det
hehouseandcamebackwi tha
bl
ackplast
icwi
thst
eaki
nsideandgaveitt
ohim

Ml
ondi
:thankyoubeaut
if
ul
Sandi
:it
'sokay
Mlondi
:Iwi
shIcant
akeyouhomesoyoucancook
f
orme
Sandi
:(l
aughed)don'
tpushi
t.
Ml
ondi
:(smi
li
ng)okayokayI
'
m sor
ry
Sandi
:you'
vej
ustsubt
ract
edpoi
ntsf
rom bei
ngmy
boyf
ri
end
Ml
ondi
:Ibet
termakei
tupt
oyout
hen
Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)youbet
ter
.Ishoul
dgoi
nsi
dei
t'
s
get
ti
ngdark
Ml
ondi
:sur
egoodni
ght
Sandi
:goodni
ght

Hedroveawaywhi
leshewentbacki
ntot
he
commune.

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#47

Thenextday

Nompi l
owokeupandcl eanedthehouse.Her
mot hergotr eadyforwor kandlef
therwhi le
cleaning.Shemadet eaanddr ankitbeforegoi
ngt o
takeabat h.Shegotdressedupandt ookoutallher
document sfrom t
hedrawerl ooki
ngatt hem.She
sighedl ookingatthem andgotupput t
ingonher
shoes,t
aki
ngthem andwalki
ngoutt
hehouse.She
l
ockeditandputthekeyundert
hefl
owerpotand
wenttothei
nter
netcafe.

Zet
hembe:mor
ningNompi
lo
Nompil
o:mor
ningThembe(
lookedatNombuso)
morni
ngNombuso
Nombuso:(
wit
hanat
ti
tude)mor
ning
Zethembe:cametocheckyoure-
mai
l.Youknow
theywontrespondi
noneday
Nompilo:(sighed)ri
ghtnowIwishtheywoul d.It
's
beenmont hsbusyappl yi
ngandnothing.Noteven
i
nternt
ioships,allmyhardworkoryearsstudyingall
fornot
hing
Zethembe:youshouldn'
tgiveup,
maybeyoushoul
d
l
ooki ntoot
heropt
ions,youknowhavi
ngyourown
business
Nompilo:andstar
titwi
thwhatmoney?Idon'
t
qual
if
yf oraloanandIdon'
tevenhaveajob.
(t
earf
ul)I'
m evenaf r
aidtoeatathome,
embarrassedt hatI
'm sti
llabur
dentomymom even
nowwhenIshoul dbet heonetakingcar
eofher
.I'
m
j
ustadi sappointment,Idon'
tevenknowwhyI
changedcar eers
Zethembe:youneedtostopthinkingli
kethat,t
here
aremanygr aduat
essuchasmysel fwhofail
edto
getajobevenwi t
hourdegrees.Iknowyou' r
efullof
regret
sbutyoudidwhatyoul ovedandr i
ghtnowi t
mightseem thati
twasallf
ornot hingbutonedayi t
willal
lbeworthit
.
Nompi l
o:(wipedhertears)reall
y?Becauseright
nowit'
st ough,Icanbarelyaffordtobuymysel f
toi
let
ri
esandIcanseeal lofthisistaki
ngast rai
n
onmymom.Food, el
ect
rici
ty,fi
rewoodallofthese
thi
ngsareexpensi ve
Zet
hembe:Iknowt
hat
'swhyI
'
m of
fer
ingyouaj
ob.
Nombuso:what
!?Youwanthert
owor
kher
e?
Zet
hembe:yesi
sthatapr
obl
em?
Nombuso:no.
..Ofcour
senot.Ijustt
houghtyou
di
dn'
thavemoneyt ohi
reanotherper
son
Zet
hembe:IknowbutI
'
llgi
veyousomet
hing.I
t
wontbemuch-
Nompil
o:(smi
li
ngt
ear
ful
)it
'sbet
tert
hannot
hing.
Thankyou
Zet
hembe:youcancheckonyouremai
lthenst
art
worki
ng
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)t
hankyousomuch

Shehuggedhim andwipedawayhert
ear
sseat
ing
down.Tur
ningont hecomput
er

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtThandi
we'
shome

Inamihadherbr
eakf
astinthel
ivi
ngr
oom wat chi
ng
cart
oonswhil
ehermotherpour
edhersel
ftea.Her
phoner
angandshepi
ckedi
tup

Thandi
we:mor
ninggogo
Gogo:mor
ningmakot
ihowar
eyou?
Thandi
we:I
'
m goodhowar
eyou?
Gogo:I
'
m doi
ngf
inet
hankst
oJesus
Thandiwe:Amen..
.UmmhgogoIwoul dliket
o
apol
ogizeaboutyest
erday.Leavi
ngwi
thoutsayi
ng
goodbye.
Gogo:ohyes,aboutthat
.Don'tworrymychil
dI'
m
notangr
y,Iunderst
andthingstookasuddentur
n
whenLesediarr
ived.ThatwhyI'm cal
li
ngt
ochecki
f
Mphoisokay
Thandiwe:wet al
kedaboutityesterdayandhetol
d
meever yt
hing(si
ghed)thi
sisr eal
lyhardforhi
m
gogo,Idon'tknowwhattodobutIknowIhavet o
bebyhi ssi
de
Gogo:Iknowmychi
ldbutwecan'
trunawayf
rom
t
hefactt
hatshe'
sthei
rmot
herandIwoul
d'vel
oved
f
ort
hem tomakepeacebef
oreIl
eavet
hisworl
d
Thandi
we:pleasedon'
ttal
kli
kethatgogo.West i
ll
needyou.Rightnowhe'
sstil
lhurt
ing,weneedto
gi
vehimt i
me.Iknowmyhusband, hedoesn'
thate
herhe'
sjusthurtbywhatshedid
Gogo:Iknow..
.Naledihasl
ockedhersel
finher
room si
nceyester
day.Ihadtodi
smissthepart
y
myself
Thandi
we:I
'mr
eall
ysorr
ygogo.Itwaswr
ongofus
tol
eaveyouwi
thguest
sjustl
ikethat
Gogo:it
'sokaymychild.Iunder
standyourhusband
neededyou.Pleaseconti
nuetobebyhisside
Thandi
we:Iwi
ll
..
.

Mphowal
kedi
ntaki
ngof
fhi
sheadset
scover
edi
n
sweat

Thandi
we:Ihavet
ogogogo.Wewi
llt
alksoon
Gogo:okaybyebye

Shehungupl
ooki
ngatherhusbandget
ti
ngabot
tl
e
ofwat
erfr
om t
hefr
idge.

Thandi
we:mor
ningr
un
Mpho:yes,
youshoul
djoinmenextt
ime,
the
morni
ngbreezei
samazing
Thandi
wee:(
laughed)oner
unandyoual
readyf
eel
l
ikeOscar
Mpho:(
laughi
ng)di
dIment
ionOscari
smymi
ddl
e
name?
Thandiwe:(
laughing)Iguessi
tgotl
ostathome
aff
air
scausei t
'snotonyourID

Mphol
aughedwal
kingovert
ohi
swi
febabyki
ssi
ng
her
.

Mpho:Il
oveyou.
..
Thandi
we:Il
oveyout
oo.
..

Hekissedheronelasttimeandwenttotheir
bedr
oom.Shewant edt hem t
otal
kaboutitbut
fi
gur
edi i
twasn'
ttherightt
ime
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtSandi
'
sroom

Shewasdishi
ngf
orhersel
fstewandricewhenshe
hear
daknockonthedoor.Sheputdownherplat
e
andwentt
oopen.
Sandi
:(shocked)Ml
ondi
.(l
ookedar
ound)whatar
e
youdoi
ngher e
Mlondi
:I.
..I
..
.Waswonder i
ngi
fIcant
akeyouout
f
orlunchthat'
sifyou'
ref
ree
Sandi
:ummmh.
..
.
Mlondi
:ifyou'
rebusywecanhavei
tsomeot
her
t
ime
Sandi
:Ihaveal
readycookedsohowaboutwesave
moneyandstayin
Mlondi
:(smi
li
ng)okayIj
ustneedt
ogetsomet
hing
f
rom mycar
Sandi
:okay.
..

Hewentoutt
ohiscarwhi
leSandidi
shedf
orhi
m as
wel
l.Hecamebackandknocked
Sandi
:comei
n

Hewal
kedi
ncar
ryi
ngashoppi
ngbag

Mlondi
:I'
m back,
Idon'
tknowwhatwewi
lldowi
th
t
hem si
nce...
Sandi
:(smi
li
ngtaki
ngthebag)we'l
leatever
ythi
ng.
Si
tonthebedI'
l
lserveyoujustnow

HesatonthebedwhileSandipr
epar
edwaterfor
hi
mt owashhishands.Hewashedhishandsand
Sandiser
vedhi
mf ood

Ml
ondi
:(eat
ing)wowt
hisi
sdel
ici
ous
Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyou.
..
Theycont
inuedt
oeat

Sandi
:sot
ellmeaboutyour
sel
f
Mlondi
:I'
m MlondiNdlangamandle,I
'mlivi
ngwit
h
mom andmyf ivesi
sters.Imakealivi
ngby
tr
anspor
tingpeopl
etowor k.(
sighed)I'
m sorr
yI
don'
tknowwhatt osay
Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)i
t'
sokay.
.
Mlondi:Il
ookedforajobst
rai
ghtaftermatr
icsoI
canbeabl etosuppor
tmyfamily.Twoofmysi ster
s
arei
nvar si
tysoIhavetofi
ndmeansofpr ovidi
ng
ever
ythingtheyneed
Sandi
:you'
reagr
eatbi
gbr
other
Ml
ondi
:it
'shar
dbutIt
ry.
..Sot
ellmeaboutyour
sel
f
Sandi
:okaymyl
if
eisal
sopr
ett
ysi
mpl
eso.
..

Shetoldhi
m abouther
sel
fandt
heyt
alkedabout
thei
rli
ves
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***

Att
hei
nter
netcaf
e

BusaniparkedherFor
deco-
sportj
ustoutsi
dethe
i
nternetcafeandNombusowalkedoutandstepped
i
nsidekissi
nghim.

Nombuso:heybabe
Busani
:heyl
ovi
e

Helookedt
hroughthewi
ndowandsawNompi
lo
hel
pingsomeonetypi
ngonthecomput
er
Busani
:whoi
sthat
?
Nombuso:i
sn'
tthatskankcal
ledNompil
o.Uhl
ulwe
i
mpil
oanddecidedtosleepherwaywit
hZethembe
t
ogetajob
Busani
:real
ly?
Nombuso:youshould'
veseenherthismorning
busycryi
ngofhowmuchshe' safail
ureanda
burdentohermother
.Thembefeltsorr
yforherbutI
knowitwasallanacttot
ryandfoolmebutI '
m not
stupi
d
Busani
:whoknewagir
lli
kehersoful
lofher
sel
f
wouldonedaybewor
kingatacafe
Nombuso:what
'swr
ongwor
kingt
her
e?
Busani
:not
hingIwasjustsayi
ng.Sheusedt
olook
downonjobsli
kethi
sso...Youknow
Nombuso:knowwhat
?
Busani
:comeonbabeyouknowwhatImeant
.
Nombuso:justbecausesomeofusdidn'
tgoto
schoolbecauseourparent
swer
en'
tri
chenough
youthinkwe'r
estupi
d.Idowhat
everIhavetodot
o
putf
oodont
het
abl
e
Busani:andt
hisj
obi
sjustasteppi
ngst
onebabe
becauseyouandIar
egoingtogofar
Nombuso:(
smi
li
ng)youmeant
hatr
ight
?
Busani
:Isur
edoandI
'
m goi
ngt
omakesur
eofi
t

Hefr
enchki
ssedherwhi
leNompil
olookedathi
m
andcar
ri
edonwit
hworkignor
ingt
hem.

Zet
hembe:Busanihasdoneexcept
ional
lywel
lfor
hi
mselfdon'
tyouthi
nk?
Nompil
o:hehasindeed.Ihear
dhegothi
redatour
f
ormerhighschoolasateacher
Zethembe:(smi
li
ng)Iknow,hi
sfatherwassoproud
heboughthimthatFordecospor
t.IwishIhada
fat
herli
kethat
Nompi
lo:(
smili
ng)wecanonl
ydr
eam t
obet
hose
t
ypeofparent
stoourki
ds.
Zet
hembe:youknowi
t'
sti
met oknockof
fyoucan
gohomeI'
llf
ini
shupwi
ththem and.
..
Nompil
o:noit'
sokayletmehel
pthem.I
t'
snotl
ikeI
haveanyt
hingwait
ingformeathome
Zet
hembe:okaysur
e

Shecarri
edont ypi
ngthecli
ent'
sc.vwhil
e
Zethembehel pedanotherone.Aft
eranhourshe
knockedof fandwenthome.Theweat herhad
changedandShewast i
redandhungry,
theonly
thi
ngshehadsi ncemorningwastea.Acarslowed
downdr i
vingnextt oher
.Shelookedatthedr
iver
anditwasBusani .

Busani
:hey
Nompi
lo:hiBusani
Busani
:geti
nsi
debef
oret
her
ainpour
s
Nompi
lo:not
hankyou.I
'
mfi
ne
Busani
:justgeti
nsideNompil
owegr
ewupt
oget
her
andyourhomei sfarfr
om her
e

I
tbegant
orai
nandshest
eppedi
nsi
dehi
scar

Busani
:ther
ewego
Nompi
lo:t
hanks
Busani
:Ihear
dyou'
rej
obhunt
ing
Nompi
lo:yeahandyouknownowadaysi
t'
shar
dto
f
indaj
ob
Busani
:Iknowandwhenyoumaket hewr
ong
choi
cewithcar
eer
syou'
llgetnowhere
Nompil
o:IknewwhatIwasdoingwhenIchooset
o
dobusi
ness.Iwanttohavemyownbusi
nessesone
dayanditwil
lhappen.
Busani
:heyI
'
m notf
ight
ingyou.Iwantt
ohel
p
Nompi
lo:(
lookedathi
m)hel
p?
Busani
:yes,Iknowyouwantt ost
artyourown
busi
nessandf orthatt
ohappenyouneedmoney.
SoI'
m wil
li
ngt olendahand
Nompilo:(
smili
ng)wowreal
ly?
...
Iwi
llpaybackever
y
centonceI'
m upandrunni
ng
Busani
:Idon'
twanti
tback
Nompil
o:what
?Butyoucan'
tjustgi
vememoney
f
orfr
ee
Busani
:Iknow,Iwashopingwecoul
dhave
(t
ouchedherthi
gh)ar
rangement
Nompil
o:(
qui
ckl
ypushedof
fhi
shand)whatar
e
youdoi
ng?
Busani:comeonyou'
vedonet
hisbef
oredon'
tact
sur
prised
Nompi
lo:Ican'
tbel
ieveyou.Opent
hedoorsoIcan
go
Busani
:(angr
y)youknowwhatyourpr
obl
em i
s?.
..
Uyaphapha,youthinksohighlyofyour
selfacti
ng
l
ikeaprincess,whenyou'
renot hi
ngbutagoodf or
nothi
ngb* t
ch.Busyacti
ngl i
keyourp*ssyisso
speci
alwheni tonl
yproducesdeadbabies( opened
thedoor)getthef*
ckout

Nompi
lol
ookedathi
mint
ear
s

Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)youar
eyourf
ather
sson.
Busani
:(angr
y)GETOUT!

Shesteppedoutandwal
kedhomet
hrought
her
ain
cr
ying.
..
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#48

AtNompi
lo'
shome
Shearr
ivedal
lwetf
rom t
her
ainandgr
eet
edher
mother
.

MaGladys:t
herai
ncaughtupwithyou.Idon'
tget
whatyouaredoi
ngal
ldayatthatcent
er
Nompi
lo:Iwaswor
king.Zet
hembedeci
dedt
ohi
re
me
MaGl
adys:(
smi
li
ng)r
eal
ly?
Nompilo:yes.
..Iwontbepaidal
otofmoneybutat
l
eastIcanbuyasagofmai zemeal
ie
MaGladys:(smil
ing)t
hatwouldmakeahuge
di
ff
erence.(
lookedather)ar
eyouokay?
Nompil
o:yesI
'
mfi
nemama.Ij
ustneedt
ochange
cl
othes
MaGladys:okay,
goaheadandhur
ryupbef
oreyour
f
oodbecomescol d
Nompi
lo:okay

Shewentt
oherr
oom andchangedcl
othes

Nompi
lo:shi
t

Shequickl
ysear chedforherphoneinherjean
pocket
sandt urnediton.Itwassti
llwor
kingshe
si
ghedinreli
ef.Sheputonherpyj amasandwentto
j
oinhermotheri nthekit
cheneati
ng
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Thenextday
AtGogo'
shome

Mphocamei nandgreet
edever
yone.Thekidswer
e
get
ti
ngthei
rschool
bagsreadyt
ogot oschool.
Tshepo:uncl
ecanwepl
easehavepocketmoneyso
wecanbuysweetsli
keot
herchi
ldr
en..
..
Lerat
o:andt
heyl
aughatusbecauseweeatschool
food

Naledil
ookedawayembarr
assedwhil
eMphot
ook
outhiswall
etandt
ookouttwent
yrand

Mpho:her
e..
.Shar
eitR5each

I
tumel
engtooki
twit
habigmonkeysmil
eonher
f
acebuthi
sbrot
hersnat
chedi
tfr
om hi
m.

Tshepo:I
'l
lgi
vei
ttoyouatl
unchpl
usyoual
ways
l
oseeverythi
ngt
ogethol
dof
I
tumel
engsuckedhi
steet
hwal
kingout

Tshepo:t
hankyouuncl
e

Mphosmil
edwhi
leTshepot
ookhi
sschoolbagand
wal
kedout
.

Nal
edi
:thankyoubr
other
Mpho:nopr
obl
em.Unj
anigogo?
Gogo:I
'
m doinggoodson.I
'm happyt
oseeyou
homeafterever
ythi
ngt
hathashappened
Mpho:(si
ghed)Iknowt hi
ngsjustgotoutofcontr
ol
i
nasplitsecond.Ineveri
maginedadaywher eby
myownmot herwouldwalkbackintoourl
ives,
not
af
tert
hewayshet r
eatedus.
Gogo:ei
shmychi
ldwhatcanIsay?
Mpho:I'
m angryatherforwhatshedid,herbei
ng
backbroughtbackal
lthosememor i
es.Iknow
holdi
ngontothepastwonthelpmeatal l.Iwoul
d
l
iketomeetheragainsowecant alkaboutaway
for
ward
Nal
edi
:(t
ear
ful
)I'
m notmeet
ingt
hatwoman
Mpho:youdon' thavedobeher e,noone' sforcing
youtodosomet hi
ngyoudon' twant.Justknowi t
's
nothealthyforyout ocar
ryal
lthishatredyouhave
forher.Itdest
roysyouanditwillcert
ainlymake
youhur tpeopl
ear oundyouandshe' sourmot her
,
thefactthatsheacknowledgeswhatshedi dwas
wrongandwantt omaket hi
ngsr i
ghtmeans
something.Iwantt omendthatbridget hatseparate
meandher .
Gogo:(smil
ing)i
ttakescourage, alotofbr
averyfor
someonetodowhatyouar edoi ngson.Icouldn'
t
bemorehappy( l
ookedatNal edi)Iunderst
andyou
arest
il
lhurt
ingandyouar enotf orcedtoforgi
ve
yourmotherwhenyouar enotr eady.Takeyourti
me
mychil
dsowhenyoudoi t
,youdoi
tcomi
ng
st
rai
ghtfr
om yourhear
t

Nal
ediwi
ppedhert
ear
swhi
legogohel
dherhand.

Gogo:(
looki
ngatMpho)shal
lIcal
lher
?
Mpho:yes

Shetookoutherphoneandcal
ledt
hei
rmot
her
set
ti
ngupt hemeeti
ng

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtGabi
'
shouse

Ntut
hukospokeont
hephonewhileput
ti
ngGabi
'
s
cl
othesi
nthewashi
ngmachine.
Ntuthuko:(l
aughi
ng)youknowIneverpictur
ed
myselfbeinganannybutt hemoneyreal
lyhelpsey
andGabii sn'
tabadboss.Lastmonthshegaveme
someofEnt l
e'
sclot
hesthatnol
ongerfit
smindyou
theyarestil
lnew
Fri
end:luckyyoufri
endmyMadamei smadefr
om
hel
l.Ihavetotakecareofherki
ds,cl
ean,
dothe
l
aundry.Itsl
ikeI'
mthesecondwife..
.
Nt
uthuko:mmh.
..

Ent
lepeepedthr
oughthedoorwit
hanaught
ysmi
le
andqui
cklyranbackt
otheli
vingr
oom.

Ntut
huko:gi
rlIhavet
ogo,
thel
it
tl
edevi
lisupt
ono
good
Fr
iend:okaygi
rl
Shehungupandwal
kedt
othel
ivi
ngandcover
ed
hermout
h

Ntut
huko:(
looki
ngatt
hedr
awi
ngont
hewal
l)
ENTLE.
..

shesmi
ledbi
ti
ngherlowerli
plooki
ngatNt
uthuko.
Whil
eNt
uthukowasjustspeechl
ess

Ent
le:Aunt
ybuka.
..
Nt
uthuko:i
t'
sbea-
uti
-f
ul.
..

"
Yourmom i
sgoi
ngt
oki
llus"shet
houghtt
oher
sel
f.
Theknockont
hedoorf
ri
ght
enedher
.

Nt
uthuko:whoi
sit
?
Voi
ce:hhawnowIneedapasswor
dtogeti
nsi
de
mydaughter
shouse
Ent
le:(
eyeswi
deni
ng)gogo

Shedr oppedhercrayonsandrantothedoor
exci
tedwhi leNtut
hukofoll
owedherandopenedt he
door.Sher anint
ohergogo'sarmswhil
eshelift
ed
herupgi vi
ngherapr operhugandmanykisses.

Nt
uthuko:(
picki
ngupherbag)sawubonama
MaPaul
ine:(
wal
kingi
nsi
de)unj
animt
anami
?
Nt
uthuko:ngi
yaphi
lama.Iwasnotexpect
ingyou
MaPaul
ine:Gabit
oldmemygr
andchi
ldi
ssi
ck,
soI
cametomakesur
eshehasbeent
aki
nggoodcar
e
ofher
Ntut
huko:(
closi
ngthedoor
)she'
sfeel
ingbet
teruze
ucal
enokugangalookatt
hewall

Mapaul
inel
aughedlooki
ngatt
hewal
lwi
th
dr
awi
ngsofcir
cles.

MaPaul
ine:youdi
dal
loft
hatmzukul
u?
Ent
le:nenzemaol
ange
MaPaul
ine:mmhmaor
angeamahl
eso

Nt
uthuko:canImakeyout
eama?
MaPaul
ine:yesmychi
ld
Ent
le:f
unamaTi
ps
MaPaul
ine:machi
ps?
Nt
uthuko:yourmom sai
dnoj
unkf
oodbecausei
t
makesyousi
cksweet
hear
t
MaPauli
ne:j
ustgivemygrandchi
ldchi
ps.
..No
wondermygrandchil
dissot
hinyouarest
arvi
ng
her
.

Shesatdownwit
hEntl
eplayi
ngonherl
ap.
Ntut
hukowentt
oputherbagint
heguestr
oom and
camebacktomaket
ea

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
shome

Thei
rmot
herar
ri
vedandgr
eet
edever
yonesi
tt
ing
down.

Gogo:Lesedimychi
ld,
Ihavecal
ledyouher
e
becauseyoursoni
sreadyt
omaket
hingsr
ightwi
th
you.Mpho..
.
Mpho:ummhmom. ..(sighed)IwouldbelyingifI
saidwhatyout ouswhenwewer eyoungwasgood.
Youhaven' tbeenagoodmot hertous.Wesuf fer
ed
whileyouwer esti
llalive,becamegogo' sburden
andneverhaveyouevercamet ovisitus,t
ojust
checkonhowyourki dswer edoing.Aretheybeing
fed?Dot heyhaveschooluni for
m?Ar etheysick?.
..
Nothing
Lesedi:(
tearful
)Iknow...I
'
m sorry,
Ihavehurtyou
andyoursi ster
.Ichosehimi nst
eadofyou,r
aised
hiskids,caredforthem whil
emyownsuf fer
ed.
There'snoexcusef orwhatIdidandit
'ssomething
I'
l
lregretfortherestofmyl i
fe

Nalediwal
kedoutofherroom andstoodbyt
he
doorlooki
ngathermothertear
ful
ly

Nal
edi
:whynow?
Lesedi:(
lookedather)Idon'
tknow. .
.Notsolong
we'vebeencel ebr
ati
ngmyl astbor nsgraduati
on
andsomet hinghitme.Peoplepr aisedmeofhow
muchofagr eatmotherIwast ot hem andIsmiled
tothem butdeepdownIwasangr yatmyself
,I
askedmysel fhowcanIbeagr eatmot herwhenI
fai
ledmyownchi ldr
en.EventhoughIknewi tmight
bealreadylateforfi
xthi
ngsbet weenus, Ij
usthad
totry

Nal edinoddedherheadcryi
nghermot hergotup
stretchi
ngherarmsf orahugandshewal kedtoher
mot herhuggingherwhil
ecryingherheartout
.They
thensatdownwi t
hhersti
llholdi
ngherhand

Mpho:(swall
owedapainf
ullump)Iwantust
oput
ever
ythi
ngbehindusandstartaf
reshsowecan
workonbeingafamil
yagain
Lesedi
:thatwoul
dmakemesohappy
Gogo:( smil
ing)Ihaveal waysdreamedofthisday.
I'
m proudofyoumyki ds,myteachi
ngsneverwent
i
nvai n.Forgivenesssuretakescourageandit
doesn'tmakeyoul ookweak.Lesedidon'
ttakethi
s
chancef orgranted,begratef
ulandbethebest
mot heryoucanbe.Youhavemanygr andchil
dren
thatsti
llneedyouasyoucanseeIcannol ongerdo
thi
ngsIusedt odo
Lesedi
:Ipr
omi
segogotodot
her
ightt
hingf
rom
nowon.CanIgetahug?

Theyal
lgotuphuggi
ngt
hei
rmot
herhappy

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtGabi
'
shome

Gabiar
ri
vedhome,
themomentshewal
kedi
nher
daughterrantoher,
shedr
oppeddownherhandbag
andjacketkneel
ingdownandrecei
vingabi
g
welcomehug.

Gabi
:hel
lomyangel
Ent
le:noodl
esss…!
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)Wow.
.Iam hungr
yletmeeati
t.
Ent
le:(
scr
eami
ng)no!

Shekissedhert
ummyandst
art
edmaki ngchewi
ng
soundandEATINGTHEFOODfrom hertummy.

Ent
le:(
laughi
ng)mamano!
MaPauli
ne:(
laughi
ng)mot
her
hoodsui
tsyou
i
ndeed
Gabi
:(l
ookedathermom)mom,
you'
reher
e
MaPaul
ine:ofcour
seIam,
Iwoul
dn'
tjustl
eave
wi
thEnt
lebecauseyougother
e
Gabi
:(gotup)l
eave?
MaPaul i
ne:(t
ookEntl
e)yes,Ent
lei
soldenought
o
comevisithergr
andparent
snow.Ihavecometo
takeherhome
Gabi
:(swal
lowed)what
?
Nt
uthuko:Ihavepackedever
ythi
ngshewi
llneed
MaPaul
ine:t
hankyoumychi
ld

Gabilookedathermotherspeechlesst
ryingtot
hink
ofawayt hatwil
lmakehermot hernottakeher
daughterhomewi t
hher.
..Shejustcoul
dn'ther
bei
ngseenbyhi m
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#49

Theybot
hwalkedtotheli
vingr
oom whi
leNt
uthuko
pi
ckedupGabisi
le'
shandbagandj
acket
.

Gabi
:(l
ookedatherEnt
leget
ti
ngundert
het
abl
e)
mayoucan'
tjustt
akeherhome
MaPaul i
ne:Gabisi
leyouhavebeensayingshe'
s
tooyoung,she'
stooyoung...Thi
schil
dhasahome.
Ahomewher eshe'
sloved,wherether
e'sabi
gyard.
Shewillpl
ayaroundfreel
ynothere
Gabi
:IknowmabutIl
oveitwhenmydaught
eri
s
her
e.Idon'
twantt
obesepar
atedwi
thher
MaPauline:t
hencomehomewi t
hus, i
thasbeen
l
ongsinceyou'vecomehome.Yourcousi
nnever
evengotthechancetot
hankyouforwhatyoudi
d.
Gabi
:pl
easemamadon'
ttel
lmeaboutt
hem
MaPauli
ne:wear ef amil
yandEntleneedstoknow
herfami
ly.Yourfatheri
sfuri
ousaboutthi
sissue
wit
hEntl
e'sfathernotdoingther
ightt
hing
Gabi:(
sighedget
ti
ngup)hewi
ll
..
.he'
sjustnotokay
fi
nancial
ly
MaPauli
ne:youar
elyi
ng.
..Whati
sgoi
ngon
bet
weenyouandhim?

Nt
uthukowal
kedoutf
rom oneoft
her
oomswi
th
herhandbag

Ntut
huko:ummhmyj
obi
sdoneher
ema'
am I
'
m
r
eadytoknockof
f
Gabi
:(pour
edher
sel
fwat
er)t
hankyouAnt
yNt
o
Nt
uthuko:comesaybyet
oyourbeaut
if
ulAunt
y

Ent
lecr
awledoutfr
om under
neat
hthet
abl
eand
wal
kedtoherhuggi
ngher.

Ent
le:byebye
Nt
uthuko:byesweet
hear
t

Sheletgoandwal
kedoutwhi
leEnt
lewentt
oher
grandmother
.

Gabi
:I'
m goi
ngt
otakeashowerpl
easet
akecar
eof
her
MaPauline:wewi
llst
il
ltal
kabouti
tevenwhen
you'
redone

Shewalkedt
oherbat
hroom whi
lehermot
herkept
Ent
lecompany
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
shome

Mphowal kedoutofhi
sstudyaf
tert
akingacal
l,
he
walkedovertohi
swifeandhuggedhimfrom
behind.

Thandiwe:soyoudi
dn'
ttel
lmeabouthowt
hings
wentthismorni
ngathome
Mpho:ohI'm sor
ry,Ifor
got..
.Wet alkedthings
thr
oughandexpr essedourselves.Wef orgaveher
andagreedtofocusmor eont hefuturethanthe
past
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)t
hat
'sgoodnews
Mpho:(smil
ing)Iknowandspeaki
ngofthefut
ure.
..
(
hehuggedherf rom behi
ndki
ssi
ngherneck)Iwas
t
hinki
ngit'
stimeweaddedanewmemberi nt
othe
f
ami l
y

Shedr
oppedaplat
eandbentdownqui
ckl
ytr
yingt
o
pi
ckupthebr
okenglasses

Thandi
we:shi
t.
..
.

Hebentdownandhel
dherhands
Mpho:wewi
llcl
eanupt
hismessl
ater
.Come.
..
Thandi
we:(pi
ckedupapi
ece)ummhI'
drat
herdoi
t
now.I'
m sur
eyouhavel
otsofwor
ktodo
Mpho:Idon'
t.
..
Thandi
we:wel
lIdo.Ist
il
lneedt
ohel
pNkosi
nami
wit
hherhomework
Mpho:she'
sdoi
ngi
taswespeak
Thandi
we:Ineedt
ochecki
t.
..
Mpho:I
'
llchecki
t.
..
Thandi
we:oh
Mpho:whatwr
ong?
Thandi
we:not
hingi
swr
ong
Mpho:okay(smi
li
ng)nowcomet
othi
nkofi
tthi
sis
aper
fectpl
acetomakeababy

Hel
eanedoverf
oraki
ssbutshel
ookedaway.

Thandi
we:canyoucheckonyourdaught
erwhi
leI
cl
eanupthismess
Mpho:(
sighed)okay
Hegotupandwentt
ocheckonI
namiwhi
leshe
cl
eanedup

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtNompi
lo'
sroom

Shewaswr
it
ingdownabusi
nesspl
anwhenacal
l
camei
n.

Nompi
lo:hel
lo
Sbahl
e:heygi
rl
..
.i
t'
sme
Nompi
lo:ohheyhowar
eyou?
Sbahl
e:I
'
m goodhowar
eyou?
Nompi
lo:I
'
m unempl
oyed
Sbahl
e:ohmar
agi
rl
Nompilo:Iknowit
'shar
d,Ihaveapiecej
obbutI
knowIwontgetmuchandmebei nghereIknowmy
chancesarelow
Sbahl
e:whydon'
tyoucomeupher
ethent
otr
y
Nompi
lo:I
'mlowoncashr
ightnow,
Iwon'
tbeabl
e
t
oevenrentapl
ace
Sbahl
e:youcancomecr
ashwi
thmeher
ewhi
leyou
l
ookforajob
Nompi
lo:wowbutar
eyousur
e.Idon'
twantt
obea
bur
dentoyou
Sbahle:comeongir
l.I'
m cur
rent
lywor
kingpar
tti
me
atsomeschoolthemoneyImakecancoverus
both.I'
m sur
eyou'
ll
findajobsoon
Nompi
lo:okay,
letmef
ini
shwor
kingher
efort
his
mont
hsoIcanhavemoneyfortr
anspor
t
Sbahl
e:okaybabe
Nompil
o:t
hankyousomuch.I
'
lloweyouf
ort
he
r
estofmyli
fe
Sbahl
e:(l
aughed)ohpl
ease..
.You'
remaki
ngme
bl
ush.Butyou'
remyfri
endandI '
l
ldowhatIcant
o
hel
p.Iknowyouhaveitrough
Nompi
lo:t
hankyou
Sbahl
e:goodni
ght
Nompi
lo:goodni
ghtbye

.
shehungupandt
hrewher
sel
font
hebedhappi
ly

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtThandi
we'
shome

Shewalkedoutfr
om thebat
hroom andsatont
he
bedput
tingonlot
ion.Mphocrawledovert
oherand
ki
ssedherneckcaressi
ngherarms
Mpho:yousmel
lsodel
ici
ous
Thandi
we:t
hankyou
Mpho:i
t'
sti
meyoust
oppedt
aki
ng

Hepl antedwetki
ssesonherneckandback.He
thenmovedhi shandstoundohertowelbutshe
quicklygotup.
..

Mpho:what
'swr
ongnow?
Thandi
we:Idon'
twantababy
Mpho:(
sighed)whynot?Imeanit'
sbeenfouryear
s
nowandyouar edonewit
hschool.I
t'
sti
mewehad
ourownandwe' r
eokayfi
nanci
all
y
Thandi
we:Iwantt
ogot
ovar
sit
yandgetadegr
ee.
Mpho:bei
ngpr
egnantwi
llnotst
opyouf
rom goi
ng
t
ovarsi
ty
Thandiwe:Iwanttofocusononet hing.Idon'
twant
todealwit
hmor ningsicknessesandbooksatthe
samet i
me.Ther easonIdi dwel
lwit
hschoolwas
becauseIhadnodi str
actionandhavingababythe
cryi
ngandf eedi
ng
Mpho:we'renotgett
inganyyoungerandI
'm sur
e
gogoisaskingquest
ionsaboutusgivi
nghera
grandchi
ld
Thandiwe:we'
resti
llyoung.I
'm 25andyou'
rel
ike
30.There'
ssti
llt
imelotsofit
,gogohassomany
grandki
dsI'
m sureshedoesn'tnoti
ce
Mpho:Idon'twanttowai
tanylonger,Imar
ri
edyou
becauseIloveyouandIsawyouasawomanIwas
goingtohaveafuturewi
th,
haveaf amil
y.
Thandiwe:IknowandIl oveyoutoo.(satnextto
him)myl ove,
somanyt hi
ngshavehappenedt ome
andI'vebeencagedf orsolongInevergottoenjoy
thi
ngsmypeer sachi
eved.It'
sonl
ynowt hatIf
eel
soalive,soempower edpl
easedon'tcutmy
happinessshor t.Canwejustwaitforafewmor e
yearsjustuntilIgetmydegr eet
henaf t
erthanyou'
ll
havel
it
tl
eonesr
unni
ngar
oundt
heyar
d

Mphosi
ghednoddi
ng

Thandi
we:(
huggedhi
m)t
hankyoubabe
Mpho:sur
e.
Thandiwe:(
kissi
nghi
m)nowl
etmeshowyouhow
grat
efulIam

Shegotupanddr oppedhert
oweltothefl
oor
get
ti
ngont opofhim ki
ssi
nghim passi
onat
elywhi
le
hesqueezedherboobs

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtGabi
'
shouse
Shewaswakenbyal oudscr
eam, Entl
ewascr yi
ng
ontheothersideofthebedcryingforhermother.
Gabirol
ledtotheothersidef
indingherseat
ed
cr
ying,grabbi
ngherlegs.

Gabi
:(wor
ri
ed)babywhat
'swr
ong?

Shesai
dnothi
ngl
ooki
ngathermotherwi
tha
sor
rowf
ull
ookonherf
aceandalookofconf
usi
on.

Gabi
:come.
..Getbacki
nbed

Shet
urnedl
ayingdownonhertummyandgotint
o
cr
awl
ingpose.Shecrawl
edandgrabbedt
hebed
cover
s.Shetr
iedt
ogetupbutshecoul
dn'
t,
she
begantocr
yGabigotwor
ri
ed.Sheli
ft
edherupand
hel
dher.

Gabi
:what
'
swr
ongbaby?
Ent
le:(
rubbi
ngherl
eg)nawo
Gabi
:ubuhl
ungu?(
isi
tpai
nful
)
Ent
le:ahambi

Hermot
herwal
kedt
hrought
hedoor
.

MaPaul
ine:i
ssomet
hingwr
ong?
Gabi:(
getti
ngup)It
hinkt
her
e'ssomet
hingwr
ong
wit
hEnt l
e'
slegs
MaPaul
ine:what
?
Gabigotoutofbedcar r
yingherandputherdown,
herlegscol
lapseunderher.Sheheldherup,gent
ly
coaxinghertostand.Sheref
usedandstarted
cryi
ng.Shedidn’tpushit
.Justasshefel
tthepanic
ri
singinherthr
oat.Shegotup

Gabi
:Ineedt
otakehert
othedoct
ornow
MaPaul
ine:butshewasj
ustf
ineyest
erday
Gabi
:(t
earf
ul)IknowbutShecan'twal
knowIneed
t
ogethelp.Gogetdressedqui
ckl
y

Hermotherr
ushedtogetdressedwhil
eshegother
daught
erawarmjacketandhelpedherputiton.
Sheputonhersl
eepersandrushedoutwithher
daught
erget
ti
nghercarkeys.

Gabi
:mawe'
rel
eavi
ng!
Shequi
ckl
ywalkedoutofherr
oom andt
heyal
llef
t
goi
ngtoseeadoctor

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#50
att
hehospi
tal

Gabist
oodbyherdaught
er'
ssi
dewhi
lehermot
her
dr
essedherup.

Ent
le:(
str
etchi
ngoutherar
ms)mama

Gabipi
ckedherupandki
ssedher
.

MaPaul
ine:don'
twor
rymychi
ldshewi
llbef
ine.
Gabi
:Ihopeso.
..
Thedoctorcamebackwi
thaf
il
eandwentovert
o
herdesk

DrLedwaba:okayI
'
m back
Gabi
:andwhat
'swr
ongwi
thher
?
DrLedwaba:Ihaveherscansandnothingsbr oken.
She'scomplet
elyhealt
hybutIwi
llr
unmor etestsas
thi
sisunusual.Iwi
llneedt
odomor etests.So
ther
ewi l
lbeanopeningtodoanMRIscannext
week
Gabi
:ascan?
DrLedwaba:Thebr ai
ncont rol
sthoughts,memory
andspeech, arm andlegmovement sandthe
functi
onofmanyor ganswi t
hinthebody.Sothe
MRI sprovidemor edetai
ledinfor
mat i
onaboutthe
i
nneror gans(softti
ssues)suchast hebrain,
skelet
alsystem.Anydest ructi
onofbr ai
nti
ssueby
atumorcandi sruptthecommuni cat
ionbetween
di
ff
erentpartsoft
hebrai
n.Theresul
twil
lbealoss
off
unctionsuchasspeech,t
heabil
it
ytoreadorthe
abi
li
tytofol
lowsimpl
espokencommandsand
movementsowehavet ochecktobesure
Gabi
:sowecant
akeherhome
DrLedwaba:yesbecausesheshowsnosi gnsof
bei
nginpain.Pl
easescheduleournext
appoi
ntmentattherecept
ioni
stf
orthescan
Gabi
:okay.
..Thankyoudoct
or
DrLedwaba:wewi
llgett
othebot
tom oft
hisdon'
t
worr
y.
MaPaul
ine:yest
hankyou

Theywal kedoutandGabisetupandappoint
ment
whilehermot hert
ookEntl
eandwenttothecar.
Aft
ershewasdonemaki nganappoint
mentshe
walkedoutandbumpedi ntoanoldwomanwho
hel
dherr ighthandwit
hbothherhands.
Her
:thokozagogo

Gabidi
dn'
tknowhowtorespondbuttheredand
whit
ebeadsonthewoman'swri
stconfi
rmedtoher
t
hiswomanwasat r
adi
ti
onalheal
er.

Gabi
:(swal
lowed)Thokozagogo
Her :unt
wanaangekeasizakal
ela.Uyafunekaeki
bo,
ufunwaabadal abakhabobaba.(
yourchildwontbe
helpedhere,she'
swantedathome, wantedbyher
fathersancest
ors)

Sheletgoofherhandandwal kedaway.Gabistood
ther
ei nshock,
sheturnedt
olookatthewoman
wantingtoaskift
here'
sanyotherwayt odealwi
th
thi
sbutshewasgone.Shewal kedoutandwentto
hercar
.Hermot
herwasont
hedr
iver
sseatandher
daught
eratt
heback.

Gabi
:what
'
sgoi
ngonher
e?
MaPaul
ine:we'
regoi
ngt
oseesomeonegeti
nsi
de
Gabi
:nomawe'
renotgoi
ngt
oseeanyone
MaPaul
ine:ar
eyoucomi
ngornot
?

Shedidn'
targuewit
hherandsteppedi
nsi
det
hecar
.
Herphonerang,i
twasNtuthuko

Gabi
:hel
lo
Ntut
huko:hel
loma'
am mymot
heri
snotf
eel
ingwel
l
socanIhaveadayoff
?
Gabi
:atsuchshor
tnot
ice?
Nt
uthuko:pl
easemakaEnt
le
Gabi
:okayi
t'
sfi
ne
Nt
uthuko:t
hankyousomuch
Gabi
:okayIhopeyourmom get
sbet
ter
Nt
uthuko:Ihopesot
oot
hankyou.

Shehungupandcall
edherbosslet
ti
ngherknow
shewon'
tbecomingtoworktoday

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtMpho'
shome

Thandi
wewal kedintothei
rbedr
oom carr
yingatray
withbr
eakfast
.Sheputt hetr
aydownandwal kedto
thebat
hroom, herhusbandwassti
lli
ntheshower .
Thandi
we:babe.
..Babe.
..
.BabaI
nami
?..
.

Hedidn'
trespondandThandi
wesl
idedt
hedoor
open

Thandi
we:babe
Mpho:mmh?
Thandi
we:ar
eyouokay?You'
vebeeni
ntheshower
si
nce6am.NowIt'
snolongeracol
dshower
Mpho:(
sighed)I
'
m sor
ry,
Ijusthaveal
otonmy
mi
nd
Thandiwe:i
sitbecauseoft
hebabyi
ssue?Myl
oveI
thoughtwetal
ked..
.
Mpho:i
t'
snott
hat
.Wet alkedabouti
tandIwontbe
i
nthewayofyouachi
evingyourgoals.
Thandi
we:t
henwhati
sit
?
Mpho:Ihadt
hest
rangestdr
eam.
..(
shookhi
shead)
never
mind
Hest
eppedoutoft
heshowerwr
appi
nghi
msel
f
wi
thatowel

Thandi
we:whatdi
dyoudr
eam about
?
Mpho:Icoul
dn'
twal
kandmyf atherwasj
ust
l
ooki
ngatmenotsayinganyt
hing
Thandiwe:i
twasj
ustabaddr
eam.Her
eyouar
eon
yourfeet
Mpho:(
sighed)Iguessyou'
rer
ight
Thandi
we:Iam r
ight
.Imadeyoubr
eakf
ast
Mpho:(
taki
nghi
stoot
hbr
ush)t
hanks
Thandi
we:l
etmegohel
pInamigetr
eadyf
orschool
Mpho:okay

sheki
ssedhi
m andwal
kedoutwhi
lehebr
ushedhi
s
t
eet
h
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
hei
nter
netcaf
e

Nompi l
osweepedt hefl
oorhummi ngasongwhil
e
Zethembeturnedont hecomputer
s.Helookedat
herandlaughed,shetookofherheadset
sand
l
ookedathim

Nompi
lo:whyar
eyoul
aughi
ng?
Zethembe:(
smili
ng)you.
..You'
resohappy.I
'
ve
neverseenanyonesohappywhi l
eworki
nghere
Nompil
o:(
smil
ing)wel
lIgotacal
lfr
om af
ri
endand
shet
oldmeIcancomel i
vewit
hherforaf
ew
mont
hswhilel
ookingf
orajob
Zet
hembe:(
smi
li
ng)wowt
hat
'sgoodnews.
Nompilo:(smil
ing)Iknow.Imeanmebeingt
her
e...
I
'm sur
et her
ear ebett
erchancesofmef
indi
ngajob
t
herethanher e
Zet
hembe:okay.
..

Shewal
kedovert
oZet
hembe

Nompil
o:ummhZet
hembethankyouforgi
vingme
t
hisj
obandIwontj
ustl
eaveyouhangi
ng
Zethembe:i
t'
sokay.I
'm gl
adyou'reget
ti
ngthis
chanceandknowifitdoesn'twor
koutyou'
real
ways
welcometocomej oi
nus...
.

Busanil
ookedatt
hem huggi
ngandhej
ustbegant
o
boi
l
Nombuso:(
searchi
ngthroughherhandbags)
wher
e'st
hestupidphone..
.Fi
nal
lyfoundit
..
.Babe?
..
.Babe?

Sheshookhi
m

Nombuso:babe?
Busani
:yi
ni?
Nombuso:hhabodon'
tbi
temyheadoff.(
saw
Nompil
osweeping)I
fyouwantt
hatsl
*twhynotgo
andaskformaLB?
Busani
:ini
?(what
?)
Nombuso:i
t'
scl
earyouhavef
eel
ingsf
orher
Busani
:don'
tbesodump
Nombuso:wow.
..Dumbne?
Busani
:getof
fmycarnow
Nombuso:(
openi
ngt
hedoor
)mxm sl
ima
Busani
:sl
*t

Shegotofft
hecarandwenti
nsi
dewhi
leBusani
droveaway
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtGabi
'
shouse

Shelookedatherdaughtercr
awli
ngt ohertoys,
she
l
aiddownandpl ayedwithherdol
lwhileGabi
l
ookedather.Herheartwasheavy.Shef el
tasif
somehadst abbedherinherhear
t,painsohardto
bare.Shegotupcryi
ngandwentt oherroom.She
satdownandcr i
ed..
.

MaPauli
ne:cryi
ngwonthel
p.Youcan'
thi
det
his
manforf
orever
Gabi
:(wi
pinghert
ear
s)t
hedoct
orswi
llhel
pher
MaPaul
ine:nodoct
orwillhel
pher,
thi
schi
ldneeds
t
obeint
roducedtoherancest
ors

Gabisai
dnot
hingandi
tir
ri
tat
edMaPaul
ine.

MaPauline:kant
iwhatareyouhi
ding?Whatmakes
thi
smansospeci al
thatyoudon'
twantustoknow
him?KhulumaGabisil
eTalk!
Gabi:Idon'
twanthi
minmyl
if
ema.We'
rebet
terof
f
wit
houthim
MaPaul
ine:why?I
sheacr
imi
nal
?
Gabi
:no
MaPaul
ine:THENWHAT?
Gabi
:justl
eavei
tma!
MaPauli
ne:hhaybo!Thi
sismygr andchi
ld,
she
can'
twal
k.Didyouseeherreact
ionthi
smor ni
ng,
shecriedconfused,
yourchi
ldwi
llgr
owupwi
tha
disabi
li
ty.I
t'
sgoingtobehard
Gabi
:(angr
y)Iknowt
hatma!
MaPaul
ine:t
henhel
pher
,wher
eisherf
ather
?
Gabi
:he'
smar
ri
ed!

Hermotherlookedathershockedshest
eppedback
cover
inghermout h.

Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)that
'swhyhe'
snoti
nthepi
ctur
e..
.
MaPaul
ine:yousl
eptwi
thamar
ri
edman?
Gabi
:(wal
kedover
)I'
m sor
rymamaI
..
.

Shesl
appedheracr
osst
hef
ace

MaPauline:(poi
nti
ngather
)you...YouSl
*t.We
neverr
aisedyoutobeasl*t
,looknow,aninnocent
chi
ldi
ssuf
fer
ingbecauseofwhatyoudi
d.Whoi
s
he?
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)I'
l
lsor
tthi
sout
MaPauline:ofcour
seyouwillangishoyouknowit
al
l.Iwonderwhatyourf
atherwillsaywhenItel
l
hi
m
Gabi
:(swal
lowed)pl
easedon'
ttel
lhi
m
MaPaul
ine:unl
ikeyouI
'
m nol
ier

Shewal
kedoutandGabif
oll
owedher
.

Gabi
:mamapl
ease.
..Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
MaPaul
ine:I
'
m goi
nghomet
omyhusband
Gabi
:ma.
..

Theywenti
nsi
dehermot
her
'sr
oom andshe
packedi
nfr
ontofher
.
Gabi
:mom pl
easedon'
tgo
MaPaul
ine:(
lookedather
)thent
ellmet
het
rut
h
Gabi
:Ican'
t.
..
MaPaul i
ne:thenyou'
reonyourown.Maybeseei
ng
yourdaughtersuf
ferabitmor
ewillbr
ingyout
o
yoursenses
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)mapl
ease.
..

Shehear dEnt
lecr
yingandrushedouttoher.She
foundhercryi
ngwantingtobeheldandsoothed.
Shepickedherupkissedandhuggedher,t
ell
ingher
everyt
hingwil
lbeokay.Hermotherwal
kedoutwi t
h
herbags

Gabi
:mamapl
easedon'
tgo.
..
MaPaulinewal
kedoverandkissedEntl
e'
s
f
oreheadthenl
ookedatherdaughter
.

MaPaul
ine:whenyou'
rer
eadyt
otel
lthet
rut
hyou
knowwheretofi
ndme

Shewalkedoutt
hedoorwhi
leGabil
ookedather
.
Thi
nki
ngabouttel
li
nghert
hetr
uth.
.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Atgogo'
shome

Nal
ediwal
kedoutofherr
oom i
nani
cepi
nkf
lar
e
dr
essandsandal
s.

Gogo:l
ookatyou,
sopr
ett
y
Naledi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyougogo.Ican'
tbel
ieveI
'm
goi
ngtohavelunchwit
hmymot her.If
eell
ikea
l
it
tl
egirl
Gogo:(
smi
li
ng)goenj
oyyour
sel
f

Lesediar
ri
vedandknockedont
hedoor
.

Lesedi
:koko
Gogo:comei
n
Lesedi
:af
ter
noongogo,
howar
eyou?
Gogo:I
'
m goodhowar
eyoumychi
ld?
Lesedi
:I'
m good,
I'
m her
eformyshi
ningst
ar
Nal
edi
:(l
aughi
ng)her
eIam
Shewal
kedoverandhuggedhermot
her
.

Nal
edi
:I'
mready.
..Gogo
Gogo:havef
un
Nal
edi
:thankyoubye
Lesedi
:bye
Gogo:bye

Theybothwalkedoutandgogowal kedt
othedoor
andwatchedthem astheygoti
nsideMaLesedi
's
caranddroveaway.Herphonerang.

Gogo:ngabesengubanil
ofonako?

Shet
ooki
toutandanswer
ed.
..
Gogo:hel
lo
Gabi
:hel
logogoyi
minauGabi(
hel
logogoi
t'
sme
Gabi
)
Gogo:Gabi
?
Gabi
:yes.
..Ineedt
oseeyou.Ineedt
oseeyou
al
oneinpr
ivate
Gogo:al
one?
Gabi:yesi
t'
simpor
tant
.Ngi
yakucel
agogoanddon'
t
t
ellanyone
Gogo:kant
ikwenzenj
ani
?
Gabi
:Iwi
llexpl
ainever
ythi
ngwhenwemeetpl
ease
go
Gogo:okayyoucancomeonSunday.
Gabi
:okayt
hankyou

Shehungupandwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehouse
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#51
Att
hebeaut
ySal
oon

Nal
ediandhermotherwer
eget
ti
ngaf
ootmassage
andsi
ppingwine.

Nal
edi
:(r
elaxi
ng)wowt
hisi
ssoni
ce
MaLesedi
:(smi
li
ng)Iknow.Thi
siswhatamom
wi
thmorethant
hreekidsneeds
Nal
edi
:(l
aughi
ng)t
hat
'st
rue
MaLesedi
:Ihear
dyouweremar
ri
edwassur
pri
sed
t
oseeyouli
vingwit
hgogo
Naledi
:yes.
..I
t'
sa.
..I
tsalongst
ory(
laughedt
ear
ful
)
i
tjustmakesmeemot ional
MaLesedi
:youcant
ellmeanyt
hing.
..I
'
m your
mot
her
Nal
edi
:wel
lIgotmar
ri
edwhenIwasyoung,
Iwas
18gogowasagai nstitbutIwentonwi t
hitand
mar ri
edhi m.Hewasabusi ve(tearf
ul)andummh
thi
ngswentbadwhenwecoul dn'thaveababy.He
alwayshi tmeandt ol
dmeofhowusel essIwas.
ThatIcoul dn'
tevengivehim chil
dren.Icheat ed
withhisf r
iendandIhadt hekids.Thingswer e
betterfi
rstbuttur
nedbadwhenhest art
edsleeping
withmyf r
iendandshet ol
dhim ever ythi
ngthat'
s
howt hingsended
MaLesedi
:justl
iket
hat
?
Naledi
:yeshedi
vor
cedmeandl
eftmewi
thouta
t
hing
MaLesedi
:thatmusthavebeenhar
dforyou
Nal
edi:(
sighed)yes,everyt
hinghehadwasi nhi
s
mother'
snamesot her
ewasr eal
lynot
hingt
oshare.
Hehadpl annedeveryt
hingformont hs
MaLesedi
:(hel
dherhand)I
'
m sosor
ry
Nal
edi
:(si
ghesofrel
ief
)I'
venevert
oldanyonet
his
(
smil
ed)Ifeelsomuchbetter
MaLesedi
:(smi
li
ng)i
t'
sgoodt
otal
kandI
'
m your
mot
heryou'
resupposet
otel
lmeever
ythi
ng
Nal
edi
:that
'sgr
eat
MaLesedi :If
ail
edyouasamot herandIdon'
twant
youtomaket hesamemi st
ake.Youhaveto
i
mpr oveyoursel
fsoyoucanbeabet termot
hert
o
yourkids
Nal
edi:mxm don'
tevenwast
eyourbr
eat
hmaI
'
m
damagedgoodsnothing-
MaLesedi :(l
ookedather)you'
renotdamaged
goodsyou' r
emydaught erandyou'r
eaf ight
er.Your
ki
dsl ookupt oyouandtothem youwi l
lalwaysbea
hero.It
'snevertool
atetoturnyourl
ifearound
Nal
edi
:butwher
edoIbegi
n?
MaLesedi
:(smi
li
ng)f
ir
stlet
'sstar
taboutyour
dr
eam.Tel
lmesomethingthatyouhavealways
dr
eamedabout.
..

Nal
edismil
edli
keal
it
tl
egirlandt
oldhermot
her
whatshehasal
waysdreamedabout.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
hepar
k

Sandismi
ledshyl
yavoidi
nghi seyesashestar
edat
hert
henhefixedherhai
rsti
llstar
ingather
..
.

Ml
ondi
:you'
rebeaut
if
ul
Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyou
Ml
ondi
:ohIboughtyoual
it
tl
esomet
hing

Sandil
aughedwhenhepul
ledoutal
unchbarf
rom
hi
spocket

Mlondi
:(smi
li
ng)What
?!Icoul
dn'
tcomeempt
y
handed
Sandi
:Ial
waystel
lyout
her
e'snoneedtobuyme
anyt
hingwhenyoucomehere.Ienj
oyspendi
ng
t
imewi
thyou.
Ml
ondi
:ohgr
eatt
henI
'
llhavei
tal
ltomysel
f
Sandi
:(snat
chedi
tfr
om hi
m)nowayi
t'
smi
ne
Mlondi
:(smi
li
ng)you'
resomet
hingel
seyouknow
t
hat?
Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)maybe.
..
Ml
ondi
:ngi
yakut
handa

Sandil
ookedathi
minshocknobel
ievi
ngwhatshe
washeari
ng.

Sandi
:what
?
Ml
ondi
:Il
oveyou
Sandi
:youmeant
hat
?
Mlondi
:yes,
Ineverknewt r
ueloveexistunt
ilImet
you.Il
ovehowyour espectmeandnotl ookdown
onme.Notmanyl adieswouldeventhinkoflooki
ng
mywaybutyougavemeachance
Sandi:wellt
heysaydonotj udgeabookbyi t'
s
cover.I
'm al
laboutknowingaper sonbef or
e
j
udgingthem andIl oveyoutoo.AllmylifeIgrew
upwithinsecuri
ti
esofhowIl ooked.Ialwaysknew
alotofmenwoul dt akeadvant
aget hat'
swhywhen
myf i
rstrel
ati
onshipdidn'
tworkoutIgaveupon
l
ovebutnowI '
m openinguptoyou.I '
m making
myselfvulner
abletoyou.WhenIl ove,Ilovehard
Ml
ondi
:Il
oveyouj
ustasyouar
e

Hekissedherandgent
lypushedherdownont
he
bed.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtMadonsel
a'
shouse

Madonsel
aopenedt
hedoorf
orhi
swi
feandt
ook
herbagwhil
eshewal
kedi
n.
Madonsel
a:hhawmkami
,you'
rebacksosoon?
MaPaul
ine:Ihadt
oleave,
yourdaught
eri
sso
i
mpossi
ble

Shesatdownandherhusbandj
oinedher

Madonsel
a:sheref
usedt
oletyoucomehomewi
th
ourgr
anddaught
er?
MaPaul
ine:(
shookherhead)Iwi
shi
twast
hatbut
..
.
Madonsel
a:butwhat
?
MaPaul i
ne:Ial
waysthoughtIknewmydaught er
butIguessIwaswr ong.Ourli
ttl
egir
lisnomor e
Madonsela,t
hisnewGabi si
le,
isali
er,ful
lofsecr
ets
andnowherchi l
dissufferi
ngforhersins
Madonsel
a:Idon'
tunder
standwhatyouar
esayi
ng,
whatar
eyousayi
ng?
MaPauline:ourgranddaughterisparal
yzedwet ook
hertoadoct orandshecouldn'
tfindanything
wrong.Wet henwenttoseeat radit
ionalheal
erand
shetol
dussheneedst obeintroducedtoher
ancest
ors
Madonsel
a:what
?
MaPauli
ne:yesandwhenIaskedherwhot
he
f
atherwas.Sher
efusedt
otel
lme
Madonsel
a:kantiwhat'swrongwiththi
schi l
d.Thi
s
i
swhatIhavebeent alkingabout
.Ift
hingswer e
doner
ightf
rom thestartbutno..
.Nowl ook.Whyis
shehi
dingtheboy?
MaPaul
ine:(
sighed)shesai
dhei
samar
ri
edman
Madonsel
a:(
shocked)what
?!
MaPauline:yes..
.Yourdaughteri
sahomewr
ecker
..
.
Ist
il
lcan'
tbelieveitevennow
Madonsel
a:Gabi
sil
e?
MaPauli
ne:yes..
.Iaskedherwhothemanwasand
sher
efusedtotel
lme.Sher ef
usedtot
ellmeebe
abonakut
hii
nganeyakhei
yahl
upheka
Madonsel
a:Mkami
doyouseehowser
ioust
hisi
s?
MaPaul
ine:Iknow
Madonsel
a:weneedt
ogett
othebot
tom oft
his
MaPaul ine:yourdaughteri
sstubbor
n.Itri
edto
tal
ktoherbutsher efusedtoli
stent
hat'swhyIlef
t.
IthoughtifIl
efthert
oseeherdaught ersuf
fer
inga
l
itt
lebitshemightcomet ohersenses
Madonsel
a:(
sighed)l
etmecal
lherandt
alkt
oher
MaPauli
ne:okay,I
'
m goi
ngt
otakeabat
handgot
o
bed.I
'
mreall
ytir
ed
Madonsel
a:okay

Shegotupandwenttot
hei
rbedr
oom whi
le
Madonsel
afol
lowedher
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtGabi
'
shome
Shelookedatherdaught ersleepingpeacef
uland
brokedowni nt
otears.Shehear dherphoner i
nging
andwentt othesit
ti
ngr oom lookingfori
tonthe
couchandf oundit
.Herhear tskippedabeatwhen
shereal
iseditwasherf atherbutshegaveher sel
f
somebr averyandresponded

Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)dad
Madonsela:mychi
ld.
..
yourmot
hert
oldme
ever
ythi
ng
Gabi
:(cr
ying)I
'
m sor
ry
Madonsel
a:Iknowbutthisisnotaboutyou
anymorei
t'
saboutyourinnocentdaught
er.She'
s
suff
eri
ngf
orsomethingshedoesnotknow
Gabi
:(sni
ff
ing)I
'
mtr
yingt
ofi
xit
Madonsel
a:youdon'
thavet
odot
hisal
one.We'
re
you'
ref
ami
ly,
babyt
ellus,
wewon'
tbeangr
yatyou
Gabi
:youwil
l(tear
ful
)hehurtme.
..Idon'
twanthim
i
nmyl i
feandIdon'twanthiminmydaughter
slif
e.
We'r
ebett
eroffwit
houthim
Madonsel
a:baby.
..

Shehear
daknockont
hedoor

Gabi
:(cr
ying)Ihavet
ogo
Madonsel
a:Gabi
sil
e!

Shehungupandgotupwi
pingawayhert
ear
s.

Gabi
:whoi
sit
?
Ar
chi
e:i
t'
smeAr
chi
e
Sheopenedt
hedoorandt
hrewher
sel
fathi
m
cr
ying

Gabi
:I'
m sogl
adyou'
reher
e..
.
Ar
chi
e:hey.
..Heydon'
tcr
y..
.

Hepushedbackthedoorwit
hhi
sfootandwalked
i
nsidest
il
linhugposewit
hGabiwhi
leshecr
iedand
satdownonthecouch.

Gabi
:I'
m scar
ed.
..Mydaught
ercan'
twal
kandi
t'
s
al
lmyfault
Archie:don'tblameyoursel
f..
.You'r
eamom and
youwi llwhateveritt
akestogetyourdaught
er
feel
ingbet t
er.Evenifitmeanslocki
ngonthedoor
s
youdon' twantt oknockinokay?
Gabi
:okay
Hehuggedherf
ort
hel
ongestt
imewhi
leshecr
ied

Fewdaysl
ater
..
.

Gabiarri
vedatGogo'
shome.Shest eppedoutofher
carfi
xingthescar
faroundherf
aceandwentt othe
backgetti
ngherdaughter
.Hepull
edherhoodie
overherhead

Ent
le:(
pushi
ngi
tback)mama
Gabi
:it
'scol
dbabyyouhavet
oweari
t

Shepul
ledi
tfowardandt
ookherofff
rom herseat
.
Shel
ockedthecarandwenti
nsi
de.Sheknockedon
t
hedoorandgogoopened.

Gogo:Gabi
Gabi
:yebogogo
Gogo:comei
n

Shewalkedi
nandsatdown.Gogoshort
lyf
oll
owed
andshecoul
dn'
tbel
ievehereyeswhent
hechil
d
Gabiwascar
ryi
ngpull
edbackherhoodi
e.

Gogo:(
shocked)Gabi
!
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)Ineedyourhel
pgogo.Ihaveno
wher
eelsetogo
Gogo:i
sthat
?
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)yes.
..I
t'
sMpho'
schi
ld
Gogo:don'
tcr
yyouwi
llscar
ethechi
ld
Gabi
:(wi
pedhert
ears)I'
m sorr
y..
.She'
sparal
yzed
sosheneedst
obeintroducedtoherancest
ors
Gogo:doesherf
atherknow?
Gabi:Ican'
ttel
lhi
m...Pl
easedon'
ttel
lhi
m gogo.I
don'
twantdr amainmyl i
fe.Meandmydaughter
aredoingwellwit
houthi
m
Gogo:buthe'
sthef
ather
Gabi
:pl
easegogo.Ij
ustwanttogetmydaught
er
hel
pandgetawayfrom t
hispl
ace..
.Sowil
lyou
hel
pme?

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#52.

AtGogo'
shouse

Gogol
ookedatGabishockedbyherr
equest
.

Gogo:youwantmet
okeepMpho'
schi
ldasecr
et?
Gabi
:Iwouldn'
tbeaski
ngt
hisf
rom youi
fIhadno
choi
ce.GogoMphoismarr
iedandheishappywi
th
hiswif
e(sighed)Idon'
twantt
obeapr
obl
em i
n
thei
rli
fe.
Gogo:butyoucan'tkeepherawayf
rom herf
ather.I
knowatfir
sti
twillbeashockbutwit
hti
met hings
wil
lcometogether
Gabi:Istandtolosealotgogo.Myprideanddigni
ty,
thi
siswhyImovedt oCapet own.Toavoidal
lof
that
.Hedoesn' thavet
oknowgogo.Whycan' tyou
understandI'
m desper
ate(tear
ful
)I'
m alr
eady
l
osingmyf amil
y..
.
Gogo:butthisisnotthewaytodoit.Mphomaybe
manythingsbutIknowhecanbeagoodf ather
.I
knowhewoul dwanttoknowandbei nhi
s
daught
er'sli
fe.Youneedtostopactingli
keavict
im,
youknewver ywellMphowasmar riedtoyour
cousi
nwhenyousl eptwit
hhim.Thebot hofyou
werebusyplayingmi ndgameswit
hmebutIcoul d
seewhatwasgoi ngon.Nowt her
e'sababy...
Gabi:(
gotup)Icanseeyouwonthel
pmegogo.SoI
shouldgo
Gogo:nodon'
tgo.I
'
lldoi
t,t
hati
smygr
eat
gr
andchi
ldandIwi
llhel
pher
.
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)thankyou.Wecandoi
tnowj
ustt
ell
mewhatisneeded,Iwil
lgobuyi
t
Gogo:lomsebenzican'
tbedoneoverni
ghtand
cert
ainl
ynothere.Ineedt
ocallhi
suncl
esathome
theyaretheoneswhowi l
ldoit
.
Gabi
:butIdon'
twantmor
epeopl
etogeti
nvol
ved
Gogo:Mphor
arel
ygoest
her
esoyoucancal
m
down
Gabi
:(si
ghed)okay.
Gogo:ml
ethel
a(gi
vehert
ome)

GabiputEnt
leongogo'
slapandshehel
donher
motherwant
ingtocr
y

Gabi
:(satnextt
ogogo)i
t'
sokaynanat
hisi
sgogo
Gogo:(smil
ing)hhayboi
ntombiyaGogo.
..
Ungasabiugogo(don'
tbescar
edofgogo)
Entlel
ookedatt
heunfami
li
arol
dladyandf
rown
reachi
ngouttohermom.Gabit
ookher

Gogo:doest
hismakeyouhappy?
Gabi
:what
?
Gogo:herbei
ngaf
rai
dofherrealfamil
y..
.Weare
goi
ngtogohomewher eshewillbesurr
oundedby
st
rangerswhoar
esupposetobef amil
ytoher

Gabisai
dnot
hingl
ooki
ngdownashamed

Gogo:whati
shername?
Gabi
:(cl
ear
edhert
hroat
)Mphoent
le
Gogo:(
smi
li
ng)t
hat
'sabeaut
if
ulname.
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)Iknow
Gogo:got oyourhouseandcometomet
omor
row.
Wewi l
lleaveearl
yinthemorni
ng
Gabi
:okay.
..Thankyougogo.Ihavet
ogo
Gogo:okayni
hambekahl
e

Shegotupcar
ryi
ngherdaught
erandwal
kedout
.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
hepar
k

MaLesedil
aidt
hebigblanketont
hegrasswhil
e
wit
hNaledi
'
shelp.Shel
ookedattheki
dsplayi
ngon
t
heswingsandsli
des.

MakaNal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)t
heyar
etr
ulyenj
oyi
ng
t
hemsel
ves
Nal
edi
:Ihaveneverseent
hem havet
hismuchf
un
i
nalongti
me
MakaNaledi
:maranaweNaledif
ourgrandki
ds.You
di
dn'
tjustmakemeagrandmotherbutagogoroshe
Nal
edi
:(l
aughed)mom pl
easedon'
tjudgeme
MakaNaledi
:(l
aughi
ng)youknowIunderst
andwi
th
numberoneandnumbertwobuttherest
?
Nal
edi
:(l
aughedhard)okayokaymaybeIwentona
bi
text
rawit
htheothertwo

Theybothl
aughedhar
dandkneel
edonthebl
anket
taki
ngoutf
rui
tsal
adsandsandwi
chesf
rom t
he
basket

MakaNaledi
:sohaveyouthoughtaboutopeni
ng
yourownbusi
ness?Thelastt
imewet al
kedyou
sai
dyouloveanyt
hingt
odowi thhair
Naledi
:yes.
..Butma,Iknownot
hingabouthai
r.I
canonlydocornrowsandbrai
ds
MakaNal
edi
:youwi
lll
ear
n.
Nal
edi
:fr
om wher
e?
MakaNal edi:weal lhavetost ar
tsomewher e.
Ther
e'sacol legethatoffersahai r
dressingcourse.
Thelect
ureri smyf riendsoI '
l
laskhert ogiveme
moreinf
or mat i
on.Youwi llthenenrollt
hereand
l
earneverythingyouneedt olearn
Nal
edi
:andt
hef
ees?
MakaNal
edi
:Iwi
llhandl
eitdon'
twor
ry
Nal
edi
:thent
heki
ds?Gogoi
stoool
dtol
ookaf
ter
t
hem
MakaNal edi:st
opwi t
ht heexcusesmychi ld.I
knowyou'rescaredbutyouneedt odot hi
sf or
your
selfandf oryourkids.Fornowt hei
rneedsar e
smallbuttheywillgr
owupandwantbi ggerthings.
Youmustbeabl etobuyt hem sotheydon'tgoout
tool
dmenseeki ngthem, speci
all
yyourgirls
Nal
edi
:(si
ghed)Iknow
MakaNal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)Iwi
llbebyyoursi
de
Naledi
:(smil
ing)t
hankyoumom,Ij
ustdon'
twant
youtoruinyourmarri
agewhi
let
ryi
ngtohel
pus
MakaNaledi
:mxm Ispentyear
srai
singhi
ssons,
he
shoul
djustl
eavemealoneandletmebewi t
hmy
chi
ldr
en
Nal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hat
'st
rue
MakaNaledi
:cal
ltheki
dst
ocomeeat,I
'l
lgogett
he
cool
erboxfr
om t
hecarwit
hthedr
inks
Nal
edi
:okay

Shegotupandwentt
ogetthecool
erboxwhi
le
Nal
edical
ledt
heki
dstocomeandeat.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Atchur
ch
Thandiwesatinchurchwhi l
epr i
estwaspr eachi
ng.
Itwasasifshewasn'tt here,herhusbandsbehavi or
athomedi dn'
tsitwel
lwi thher .Washeal readytir
ed
ofher?Butit'
stooearlyoratl eastshet hought.
Coulditbethebabyissue?Butt heyspokeabouti t
andhesaidhedoesn' tmi ndwai ti
ng.Thenwhati sit
?
Thedream didn'
tevenmakesense.I sitthesexbut
i
thasbeendamngood.Herdaught ershookher

Thandi
we:huh?
I
nami
:it
'st
imet
ogomama
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)oh

Shegotupandwal kedoutoft
hechurchwi
thher
daughterholdi
ngherhand.Shehear
davoice
cal
lingher,
shet ur
nedanditwasThemba.He
walkedoverandgr eet
edthem
Themba:canIpleasecat
char
idewi
thyou.Youcan
dropmeclosetohome
Thandi
we:sur
e

Sheunl
ockedthecarandtheyal
lgoti
nsi
dewi
th
Thembaatthebackseat

Themba:ar
eyouokay?
Thandi
we:yeswhy?
Themba:youseem abi
tof
f.
Thandi
we:I
'
mfi
nej
ustwomani
ssues
Themba:youshoul
dgetaf
ri
endwhoyoucant
alk
to
Thandiwe:(
smiled)I'
m goodwithnof r
iends.One
minuteyouguysar ecoolthenextherhandsareall
overwhatisyours
Themba:(
laughed)eyt
heot
hergender
Thandi
we:kant
iwhenar
eyouget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
Themba:wuuuMshanasavemebysi
ngi
ngpl
ease

Thandi
welaughedandInamisangonesongwhi
ch
wassangatchurchandtheyal
ljoi
nedher
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtGabi
'
shome

Gabiunl ockedt hedoorandwal kedincarryingher

daught er.Thehousewasspar kl
ingcleanitwas
cl
earhermot herhadbeent akinggoodcar eofi t
.
Event heyar dwascl ean,
shewasn' tplanningon
comi ngbackt othishouse.I thadsomany
memor ies.Sher emember edt heexci t
ementshe
hadwhenhermot herandf athersur pri
sedherwi th
i
taf t
ershegotherf ir
stgoodpayi ngjob.I
twas
goingt obet hest artofgreatt hingsandgr eatthings
didcomebutatt heendt hi ngswentsout h.She
walkedar oundgetti
ngintoeachroom.Shegoti nt
o
babyPhi we'sroom andithadbeencl eanedout ,al
l
thet oysandbabycl othesalongwi tht hecr i
bwas
gone.Tear sfi
ll
edheteyesashermi ndbegant o
replaceever yt
hingthatwasnol ongert here.She
sti
llremember edhim sl
eepingi
nt hisr oom saying
'
she' mightpoi sonhisson.Sheremember edhow
shewentdownonherkneesbeggi nghi mt ochose
herandt hebabyandhet ol
dherst raighthel oves
Thandi we.Shesi ghedpushingawayal lthose
thought s.

Gabi:mommyisgoi
ngt
oputyoudownandgoget
ourbagsokay

Shewantedtoputherdownbutshehel dont i
ghtl
y
wit
hherli
ttl
ehandswant i
ngtocry.Shesi ghedand
wentt
oherbedr oom looki
ngf oratowel,shefound
i
tandpiggybackher .Shethenwentt ogetthei
rbag.
Sheopenedthef r
idgeandi twascleantherewas
nofood.Shetookhercarkeysandwal kedoutt
o
hercar.Taki
ngEnt
ledownf rom herbackand
putt
ingheronherseatatthebackthensteppi
ngin
anddrivi
ngout.

Shearri
vedattheshopsandwentt oshoprit
e
putt
ingherdaughterinsidet
het
roll
eyandpushi
ng
i
tin,Ent
lewassleepyf rom t
hel
ongdriveand
ever
yonebegant olookatGabifunny.

Woman:i
sthechi
ldokay?
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)yesshe'
sjustsl
eepy
Woman:(
shookEnt
le)hel
lonana.
..

Entl
elookedatherfri
ght
enedandtri
edtor
eachout
tohermother.Gabipi
ckedherupbefor
eshecoul
d
cry.
Woman:(
smi
li
ng)she'
ssoador
abl
e
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyou

ShetriedtoputEntl
ebackint
othet r
oll
eybutshe
cri
ed.Sheendedupdoi ngtheshoppingwhile
carr
yingher.Shewenttopayandt henpushedthe
tr
oll
eyt ohercarandpackedever
ythingthendri
ving
home.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Lat
eron.
..

Gabir
eceivedacallwhil
edishingforher
sel
f,she
st
oppedandr ushedovergett
ingitnextt
oEntlewho
wasasleep.Sheanswers..
.
Gabi
:hey
Ar
chi
e:hi
..
.Howar
eyou?
Gabi
:I'
m good.
..
Ar
chi
e:howar
ethi
ngsgoi
ng?
Gabi
:it
'spr
omising.
..Ispoket
ogogoandshe
agr
eedtodoittomorrow
Archi
e:okaythati
sgoodnewsandshepr
omi
sedt
o
keepitasecr
et?
Gabi
:itt
ookal
otofconvi
nci
ngbutsheagr
eed
Ar
chi
e:(
happy)wowbabet
hat
'sgoodnews
Gabi:(smi
li
ng)Iknow.
..Youdon'
tknowhowI'
m so
rel
ievedri
ghtnow.Ij
ustwishi
twasalr
eadydoneso
Icouldcomehomesoon
Ar
chi
e:andyourpar
ent
s?
Gabi:ri
ghtnowmydaughteri
smyf
ir
stpr
ior
it
yIwi
ll
fi
xthingswitht
hem i
nti
me
Ther
ewasaknockont
hedoor

Gabi
:ther
e'saknockont
hedoor
Ar
chi
e:It
houghtnooneknewyoucame
Gabi:yeahonl
ygogoandIknowshewoul
dn'
ttel
l
anyone.She'
strust
wor
thy
Ar
chi
e:eveni
fitmeansbackst
abbi
nghergr
andson
Gabi
:it
'sf
orpeace

Shewalkedovertothedoorandopenedi
t.She
droppedherphonenotbel
ievi
ngwhoshewas
seeingi
nfrontofher
..
.

Mpho:wher
e'smydaught
erGabi
sil
e?
Gabi
:wa.
..
.Mpho?
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#53
Hewalkedinl
ooki
ngaroundandGabiclosedt
he
doorf
oll
owinghi
m.Hesawhersl eepi
ngonthemat
i
nthesitt
ingr
oom andwalkedover

Gabi:pl
easedon'tpickherup,
she'
sscar
edof
peopleshedoesn'tknow

Mphodi dn'
tcar ehejusthadt oholdhisdaught
er.
Hegent l
ylif
tedherupandt ookherresti
ngherhead
onhischest, shesli
ghtl
yopenedhereyesf ora
secondandwentbackt osleephol di
ngont oher
fat
hersjackettight
ly.Mphosmi ledfeel
ing
emotionalkissingheratthetopofherhead.
Gabi
:soIt
akei
tgogot
oldyou
Mpho:whatdi
dyouexpect
?Youl
iedt
ome,
you
sai
dyouhadanabort
ion.
Gabi
:Idi
dwhatwasbestf
ormeandmychi
ld.
Mpho:you'r
elyi
ng, youranawayforyourown
sel
fi
shreasons.Your anawaybecauseIchosemy
wif
einsteadofyou.Itol
dyouIwoul dbetheref
or
mychildandprovideyouwitheveryt
hingthi
ngshe
needsbutbecauseyouwant edtopunishmeyou
l
iedandleft
.
Gabi:youknowwhatI '
m notgoi
ngt
oarguewit
ha
manwhor eandjustsoyouknowMphoentl
ehasa
fat
herwaiti
ngforherbackinCapeTownaft
er
everyt
hingI
'm goi
ngback.
Mpho:youwontdot
hat
?
Gabi:(
smi
led)youcl
earl
ydon'
tknowme.I'm onl
y
her
ebecauseofherifi
twasn'
tfort
hisst
upid
cer
emony,youwouldhav-
TherewasaknockonthedoorandGabil
ookedat
Mphonutheshrughi
sshoulder
sconfi
rminghedi
d
notknowwho?

MaPaul
ine:Gabi
sil
e
Gabi
:(whi
spered)shi
tit
'smymom.
..
ummhummh
gohi
de.Givehertome
Mpho:(
hel
dhert
ight
lyst
eppi
ngback)no
Gabi
:(pani
cki
ng)thi
sisnott
hetime.
..Themoment
shewalksi
nthiswil
ldr
awadi f
fer
entpict
ure
Mpho:Idon'
tcar
e
BabMadonsel
a:(
knocki
ng)Gabi
!
Gabi
:(swal
lowed)Mphoplease.
..Mydadwi
llf
li
p
andt
hiswil
lscareEnt
le.
..Pl
ease

Mphoswal l
owedasfearkickedinbutt
hiswasher
daughter.Themoretheyli
edt hemorehisdaughter
wasgoi ngtokeptawayfrom him.I
twast i
me,it
's
ti
met hetruthcameout.
Mpho:i
t'
sti
met
heyknewt
het
rut
h.Opent
hedoor
Gabi
:(t
ear
ful)whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
ome.
..They
ar
emypar ents
Mpho:t
heyar
eboundtoknowt hetr
uthj
ustopen
t
hedoorGabi
becauseI
'm notgoi
nganywhere.

Thedoorknobmovedasherf
athert
ri
edt
oopen.

BabMadonsel
a:i
fyoudon'
topennowIwi
llknock
thi
sdoordown
Gabi
:I'
m comi
ng!

Shewalkedovert
othedoorandopenedi
t.Her
fat
herandmotherwal
kedin.
BabMadonsel
a:whatt
ookyousol
ong?
MaPaul
ine:youhadusknocki
ngl
ikecr
azypeopl
e
Gabi
:I'
m sor
ry.
..

Herfat
herhuggedherwhi
lehermot
hermadeher
wayint
othesitt
ingr
oom f
indi
ngMphoonthe
couchwit
hEntle

MaPaul
ine:(
conf
used)Mpho?
Mpho:yeboMa
MaPaul
ine:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Mpho:t
her
e'ssomet
hingwehavet
otel
lyou

MaPaulineswal
lowedlookingathim.Washet he
fat
her?Noherdaughterwouldneverdothat
,she
hadmoralsandstandardsatl
eastthat
'showthey
rai
sedheruptobe.
BabMadonsela:I
'
m happyyou'
rehome.Thi
s
meanswewillgettot
hebott
om ofthi
sasafami
ly.

Gabisaidnot
hingl
ooki
ngatherf
atherasherhear
t
shat
tered.

BabMadonsel
a:(wal
kingtothesit
ti
ng)Ineedt
o
seemylit
tl
egi
rlnow.I
t'sbeenlongI'
m sur
eshe
missesme

Hewal
kedovertot
hesitt
ingr
oom andf
oundMpho.
Hegr
eet
edhim andsatdown.

BabMadonsel
a:wel
lthi
sisasur
pri
se.Whatbr
ings
youher
eson?
MaPaul
ine:(
lookedathi
m)Iwonderwhy?
Mpho:(sighed)Idon'tthi
nkt here'
sabet
terwayto
putthi
sbutwhenmy. ..Thandi wewasawaymeand
Gabisi
lebecamecl ose.Wedi dthi
ngst
hatwe'r
enot
proudofand. .
.AllIam sayingi st
hatMphoent
lei
s
mydaught er
BabMadonsel
a:(
angr
il
ygotup)HHEYWENA
MFANA!

Gabist
oodi
nfr
ontofMpho

Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)babano!

Her oughlypushedhert ot
hesideandshef el
lon
topoft hetablerol
li
ngovertotheotherside.Ma
Paulinequicklygotinfr
ontofherhusband, The
noisehadal readystar
tl
edEntl
eshecr iedaheart
breakingcry
MaPaul
ine:babahhayi
..
..Uzol
imazai
ngane(
my
l
oveno,
youwi l
lhur
tthechil
d)
BabMadonsel
a:(
angr
y)ungi
jwayel
akabil
omf
ana.
Mpho:ngi
yacol
isababa(iam sor
ry)

Gabisl
owlygotupf r
om thefl
oorwi
thbloodspi
ll
ing
downfrom herhead.Herfat
herl
ookedather

BabMadonsel a:(point
ingather
)andyou. .
.Youare
adisgrace,adigr
acet othefami
ly.Ineverknewyou
woulddegr adeyoursel
fthatmucht osl
eepwi t
h
yourcousinshusband.AMARRI EDMAN!
Gabi
:(wal
kingt
ohi
mint
ear
s)dadI
'
m s-
BabMadonsel a:don'
teventhi
nkaboutit!Youar
e
dirt
y..
.Ungcol
il
e!You'r
enotmydaught erandyou
(shookhishead)youareluckybecauseyouare
car
ryi
ngt
hatchi
ld.Nxl
a!

Hel
ashedoutandMaPaul
inel
ookedatt
hem.

Gabi
:(cr
ying)mama?
MaPaul
ine:youdi
sgustme

Shewal kedoutwhi
leGabicri
edsitt
ingthere.Mpho
gotupandwal kedt
oherwhi l
etryi
ngt osoothhi
s
daughterwhowascr yi
ngforhermot her
.He
kneel
edbef or
eherandgaveherEnt l
e.

Mpho:I
'
m sor
rybutyouhavet
opickyour
selfup.
Thi
swasboundtohappenatt
heend.Yourparent
s
areangr
yri
ghtnowbuttheywi
llcomear
ound.Ent
le
shoul
dbeourfi
rstpr
ior
it
ynow.Okay?
Gabi
:(gotup)okay,
excuseme.Ineedt
ocl
ean
mysel
fup

Shegotupandwentt
othebat
hroom
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtThandi
we'
shome

Shedi shedf orherdaughterthencall

edhert ocome
takeherf ood.Shetookherpl ateandwentt ositin
thesitti
ngr oom.Eatingwhilewatchingt.
v.She
checkedt het i
meonherwr istwatchandithadbeen
already30mi nut
essi nceshearri
vedandher
husbandwasnothome.Shewentt oherbedroom
andt ookherphonef r om t
hebedcal l
inghim.Itrang
onceandhepi
ckedup

Mpho:hey
Thandi
we:(
sighedi
nrel
ief
)hey.Wher
ear
eyou?
Mpho:atGabi
sil
e'
shouse
Thandi
we:whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
her
e?
Mpho:i
t'
sal
ongst
ory
Thandi
we:cuti
tshor
t
Mpho:Iwentt
oseegogoandshetoldmeGabi
sil
e
cametoseeheraboutawel
comingcer
emonyt
hat
hadt
obedonef ormydaught
er
Thandi
we:yourdaught
er?
Mpho:yestur
nsoutsheneverhadanabor
ti
on.I
haveadaughter
Herhear
tski
ppedabi
tandshesl
owl
ysatont
he
bed
Mpho:babear
eyout
her
e?
Thandi
we:(
tear
drop)yeah
Mpho:I
'
llbehomenowsowecant
alkabouti
t
Thandi
we:yah
Mpho:Il
oveyou

Shesai dnothinghangi ngupast earsst art

edt o
fl
ow.Thi swasnothappeni ng,shethought .She
knewt hingswer egoingt ohar
df rom beginning
whenMphot ol
dheraboutGabi si
le'
spr egnancy, but
whenhet oldherGabi si
lehadanabor tiont hatwas
goodnewst oher .Shewoul dneverhavet owor ry
aboutanot herchildorwomanoutt here.Thi sjust
couldn'tbehappeni ng,notwhenMphodesper atel
y
wantsachi l
d..
.Inamiwal kedandThandi wequi ckl
y
wipedhert ears

I
nami
:mamaI
'
m done
Thandi
we:putyourpl
atei
nthesi
nk,
I'
llcomeand
cutyousomecake
I
nami
:ar
eyoucr
ying?
Thandi
we:noIhavesomet
hingonmyeye.Go.
..Put
yourpl
atei
nthesink

Shesteppedbackandwentt
othekit
chenwhil
e
Thandiwewalkedt
othebat
hroom washi
ngherface.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Meanwhi
le

Nompi l
owaswalki
nghomefrom t
heshopcarryi
ng
herblackpl
ast
ict
hathadati
noffi
shandonions
whensheheardsomeonecal
li
ngher.Shetur
ned
andsawSandiwalkingt
owar
dsherpull
ingher
sui
tcaseandhandbag.
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)Sandi
Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)heygoshl
ookatyoual
lbeaut
if
ul.
I
t'
sbeenlong

Nompi lowasactuall
yshockedt oseeher ,
shewas
beautif
ulandherdar kskinwasf lawl
ess.Def i
nitel
y
di
fferentfr
om theti
meshewasi nhighschooland
bythewayshewasdr essedani cewhiteshort
j
umpsui tandwhi t
esneaker s,wit
hherl ongbraids
hangingdownf rom herleftshoulder
.youcouldt el
l
l
ifewasgoodandshehadgai nedalitt
lebitof
weight.Sandihuggedher

Nompilo:(
smil
ing)it
'sbeenl
ongandyoul
ook
beaut
if
ul.Li
fei
st r
eat
ingyougood
Sandi
:(t
urni
ngar
ound)yout
hinkso?
Nompi
lo:(l
aughing)Icant
ell
..
.Soyoudeci
dedt
o
comevi
sitgranny
Sandi
:yeaht
oshar
ethegoodnews
Nompi
lo:goodnews?
Sandi
:(wavi
ngherl
efthandather
)not
ice
somethi
ng
Nompi
lo:(
not
icedt
her
ing)youar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
Sandi
:(smil
ing)yes..
.He'sgoingt
obesendinghis
el
dersnextmonthf orthelobol
anegot
iat
ion.I
'
m so
happy
Nompi
lo:wow.
..You'
reget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)yeahand.
..

Herphoner
angandshesear
chedf
ori
tinher
handbag

Sandi
:thatshoul
dbehubby.Hewor
ri
esal
otabout
me..
.

Nompil
onoddedwhi
leshet
ookherphoneoutand
answer
ed
Sandi:hell
o..
..
.Yest hi
sisherspeaking..
..Yes..
..
.I
haven'tcheckedmyemai l
slatel
y..
..What?..
..
.
(coveri
nghermout hwithherotherhand)Ohmy
GodIaccept ..
..I
'
llcheckitandreply.
..Thankyou

Shehungupandj
umpedi
nexci
tement

Nompi
lo:what
'sgoi
ngon
Sandi:Igotajob,
Iappl i
edafewmont hsbackand
wascal l
edforanintervi
ew.Theynevercal
ledmeso
Ithought.
..
.OhmyGodt hisi
sthebestnewsever.I
needtocallhi
mt hisisgoodnews
Nompil
o:(
smi
li
ng)congr
atul
ati
ons.Thi
sisgood
news
Sandi
:thankyousomuch.
..

NompilowatchedSandical
li
nghermanexci
ted
shar
inghergoodnews.Everythi
ngwasgoi
ngwell
f
orher
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtMpho'
shome

Mphowal
kedi
nsidet
hehouseandfoundInami
pl
ayi
ngi
nthesi
tt
ingr
oom wit
hherdoll
s.

Mpho:wher
e'syourmom?
I
nami
:int
hebedr
oom.Shewentt
osl
eep
Mpho:okay

Hewal
kedt oherbedroom andfoundheronthebed
wi
thablanketcover
ingherfrom herwai
st.Hereyes
wer
efi
xedonherl aptop.
Mpho:hi
Thandi
we:hi
Mpho:canwet
alk?
Thandi
we:I
'
mli
steni
ng
Mpho:pl
easeputyourl
apt
opawayf
orasecond

Shedi
dasshewast
odandl
ookedathi
m.

Mpho:Iwantust
otalkabout
..
.mychil
d.Iwanther
t
obeapar tofmyl
if
eandIknowt hi
swi l
laf
fectyou
t
wo..
Thandiwe:(si
ghed)tobehonest..
..Ipr
efernott
o
getinvol
ved.Iknowhowmot her'
scangetwiththei
r
ki
ds.Iwontst opyoufrom seei
ngheroreven
sendinghermoneyf orcl
othesorfood.
Mpho:(
sighed)butIwanthert
oknowherbr
other
s
andsi
ster
s.
Thandiwe:Iunderst
andbut.
..Notnowi
t'
stoosoon.
I
'm notreadytofaceherorhermom.Maybewith
ti
mebutnotr i
ghtnow
Mpho:okayIunder
stand
Thandi
we:t
hankyou.
..
Mpho:t
omorr
owIwontbehome.GogoandIare
goi
nghometohel
ptheuncl
eswiththewel
comi
ng
cer
emonyt
hatmustbedoneforher
Thandi
we:okayshoul
dIpackf
oryou?
Mpho:yes
Thandiwe:okay(
smil
ed)gl
adt
oseeyourdr
eams
arefi
nall
ymakingsense
Mpho:(
smi
led)Iknow
Thandi
we:shal
lIdi
shf
oryou?
Mpho:yes
Shegotupandwentoutt
otheki
tchenandMpho
fol
lowedher
.
.

Mpho:sowhatwer
eyoubusywi
thonyourl
apt
op
Thandi
we:Iwasdoi
ngr
esear
chaboutt
hecour
seI
wanttodo?
Mpho:okayandwhatdoyouwantt
odo?
Thandi
we:Iwantt
obeaf
orensi
cpat
hol
ogi
st
Mpho:youwantt
oexami
nedeadpeopl
e?
Thandi
we:yesandhel
psol
vecr
ime.
Mpho:andhowl
ongwi
llt
hatt
ake?
Thandi
we:si
xyear
sandmor
e
Mpho:what
?
Thandiwe:(si
ghed)Ihavetodosixyearsofmedi cal
school.Oneyearofint
ernshi
pundersupervi
sion.
Twoyear sofCOSMOS( communit
yservicemedi cal
off
icerservi
ce)andFouryearsofregi
str
artr
aining
atamedi
calschool
.
Mpho:that'
s.
..13year
sofstudying.NoThandiwe,
youcan'tdothat.Whataboutourplans,
star
ti
nga
fami
ly?
Thandi
we:Iwantt
odot
his.
Mpho:choosesomet
hingel
se.Maybenur
singor
t
eachi
ng
Thandiwe:(l
ookedathim)youpromisednotto
st
andinmywayofachi evi
nggreatt
hings.Idon'
t
wanttodowhatever yonedoes,
Iwantsomet hi
ng
di
ffer
ent,somethi
ngnew.
Mpho:youhavetor ememberthatyou'
reamar r
ied
woman.Youhaver esponsibi
li
ti
es,
Inamineedsyou,
Ineedyou.Youhavet oknowyourlimi
t
Thandi
we:Idi
dn'
tknowget
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
oyou
meantbei
ngchai
ned.
Mpho:what?Ihavebeendoingeveryt
hingIcanto
makeyouandI namihappy,Imarri
edyoubecauseI
l
oveyouandIwantt ohaveaf amil
ywithyou.Ihave
wai
tedfouryears.Hi
redatutorf
oryouthroughout
allt
hegradesti
llyoufi
nished.EvennowI '
m aski
ng
youtoputthi
sfami l
yfi
rstandst udysomet hi
ngthat
wontseparat
eyouf rom yourfamily.Iwi
llsuppor
t
youallt
heway
Thandiwe:(t
earful
)Ican'tbeli
eveyou'
rekeeping
tabsonme.Fi ne,I
'l
ldowhat everyouwant.You
pickanycourseandI '
lldoitaslongasitmakesyou
happy.Here'
syourf oodMast er

Heputhi
sfoodont hetabl
eandpushedi
ttohi
m
andwentt
oherr oom.Hedidn'
twantt
oaddfuelt
o
thef
ir
eandletherbe
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtGabi
'
spl
ace

Shesatont
hebedpl
ayi
ngagameont
hephone
wit
hherdaughter
.Avideocallcamei
nfrom Ar
chie
sheanswer
edandhi sfacepoppeduponthescreen.
Ent
le'
seyeswidened

Ent
le:papa!
Ar
chi
e:(
smi
li
ng)heyt
her
ear
emyangel
s
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)hey
Ar
chi
e:youl
ookl
ikeamess
Gabi
:Ihadal ongday.Gogotol
dMphot hetrut
hand
cametoconfrontmet henmyparentspi
tchedup
nowtheyaren'tt
alki
ngtomeanymor ebecausethey
knowthetr
uth.Myl i
feisadi
saster
Archi
e:i
tdoesn'
thavetobel
iket
hat
.act
uall
yyou
shoul
dbegladthetrut
hcameoutnowsoonert
han
l
ater
Gabi
:who'
ssi
dear
eyouon?
Ar
chie:yours,
Iknewi
twasabadi deafr
om the
st
artbutIknowonceyouputyourmindint
o
somethi
ng,youar
egoi
ngt
odoi
tnomat
terwhat
anybodysays
Gabi
:thet
hingi
sIdon'twanthi
minmychi
ld'
sli
fe
butt
hatwonthappennowright
.
Archie:i
t'
sgoingtobeokay.Youandhi m canco-
parentli
keIdowi t
hthemot herofmychi l
d.Iknow
i
t'shardbutifyousetr
ulesbet weenthetwoofyou
aboutwhenhecanseeher .You'renolongera
teenagernowyou'reamom, youthinkwit
hyour
headnotyourhear t
Gabi
:youmakei
tsoundsoeasy
Archi
e:(smi
led)Iknowit'
snotbutwit
hgreat
under
standi
ngyouguyscancomet oanagreement
.
Rememberit'snotaboutyoubutEnt
le
Ent
le:papa.
..
Archi
e:(smil
ing)yesyousweet
hear
t.
..I
t'
sal
labout
you..
.Imissyou
Entl
e:(
smil
ingwant
ingt
otoucht
hecr
ackedscr
een)
Missyou.
..
Gabi
:(pushi
ngherhands)don'
ttoucht
hescr
een.
Ent
le:papa.
..
Gabi
:lookatwhatyourchi
ldi
sdoi
ng?
Ar
chi
e:(
laughi
ng)t
ouchpapa'
sface.
..Touchi
t

Gabiputherlit
tl
ehandsintohermouthandshe
screamed.Theyalllaughedatherasshetookout
herhandslookingatthem t
hinki
nghermotherhad
bitthem of
f.Shebegantocrylooki
ngatherhands

Ent
le:(
cryi
ng)papa.
..
Ar
chi
e:ohnomommyputbackherf
inger
snow

Hermot heract
edl
ikeshewastaki
ngsomet
hingout
ofhermout handt
ouchedherhandst
ret
chi
ngher
fi
ngers
Ar
chi
e:yaayf
inger
sar
erest
ored!

Sheclappedherhandsinexcit
ementandbur
ri
ed
herheadonhermot her
'schest.

Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)Iwi
shyouwer
eher
e.
Archi
e:youknowifIwastheremissfi
nger
s
wouldn'
tbetheonl
yonelayingonthatdel
ici
ous
t
empt i
ngdair
y
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)younaught
yman
Ent
le:naught
ymel
..
.
Archi
e:(
laughi
ng)wor
kthi
ngsoutandcomeback
home.
Gabi
:okay.Goodni
ght
Ar
chi
e:Il
oveyou
Gabi
:Il
oveyou
Ent
le:l
avu
TheylaughedandGabibl
ewhi
m aki
ssandsai
d
goodnightt
henhungup.

Onemont
hlat
er.
..

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#54

AtSbahl
e'
spl
ace

Nompil
owalkedinwi
thhersui
tcase.Sbahl
ehelped
heri
nandcarri
edsomeofherbags.Theyputthem
downandshehuggedher.
Sbahl
e:wel
comehomebaby.
..Imi
ssedyou
Nompi
lo:(
smil
ing)Imissedyout
oo.(l
ookedar
ound)
wowyouhavereall
ydonegoodforyoursel
f
Sbahl
e:(smi
li
ng)wellthi
sismybrot
her
shousesoI
can'
treal
lyt
akethatcompli
ment
Nompi
lo:wonthemi
nd?
Sbahle:nohedoesn'
tli
vehere.Heboughtt
his
housewhenhewaswor ki
ngthissi
de.He'
sworki
ng
i
nZambi asohewon'
tbehereanyti
mesoon.We
j
usthavet oworr
yaboutfood,el
ect
ri
cit
yandthe
waterbil
l
Nompi
lo:okay.Ij
usthopeIgetaj
obsoon.
Sbahl
e:befor
eyouwor
ryaboutt
hat
,letmeshow
youyourroom.
Nompi
lo:okay

Shet
ookherbagsandf
oll
owedher

Sbahl
e:t
hati
smyr
oom andt
hisi
sthebat
hroom.
Thent
hisi
syourbedr
oom

Shewalkedi ntheroom andlookedatt hesinglebed

i
nt hemiddleoftheroom withnicebluecover sand
thecurt
ains.Therewasal i
tt
lecloset.Sheputdown
herbagslookingaroundandnot icedat owelbar

Nompi
lo:whati
sthi
sdoi
ngher
e?
Sbahl
e:t
ohangyourpant
iesher
eduh
Nompil
o:(
laughi
ng)t
hankyouf
ormaki
ngmel
ook
st
upi
d
Sbahl
e:sodoyoul
i
kei
t?
Nompi
lo:i
t'
sgr
eat
.Waybet
tert
hannot
hing
Sbahle:okaysomayyoursel
ffeelathome.Ihaveto
rushbackt owor
k.Mylunchbreakisabouttoend
Nompi
lo:okay.
..I
'
llunpack.Haveagoodday
Sbahl
e:yout
oo
Shewalkedoutwhi leNompilosatonthebedand
tr
yingt
ol eteveryt
hingsinki
t.Shegotupand
openedthewi ndowf orsomefreshai
r.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
sof
fi
ce

Apr
ilwal
kedi
nandf
oundMphost
arr
ingi
ntospace.

Apr
il
:issuesathome?
Mpho:(
lookedatherandsi
ghed)hi
Apr
il
:wi
feyandbabymamagi
vingyoupr
obl
ems?
Mpho:i
t'
scompl
icat
ed
Apr
il
:(si
tt
ingdown)I
'
m agoodl
ist
ener
Mpho:wellforstarter
sIhavenopr oblem withthe
motherofmychi ld.Wemadear rangement sonhow
andwhenwi llIseemydaught er.Wel lmywi fe
wantstodoacour sethatwil
ltaket i
met o
accompli
shand. .
.(lookedather)youknowwhat
l
et'
sdropit.We'recolleaguesandI ti
sj ustnotri
ght
Apri
l:(
smi
li
ng)i
t'
sokaybutwheneveryouwantt
o
t
alkrememberI
'
m agoodlist
ener
Mpho:(
smi
led)Iwi
llr
emembert
hat
Apr
il
:(gotup)okayl
etmegetbackt
owor
k
Mpho:sur
e

Shewal
kedoutwhi
leMphoopenedhi
slapt
opand
car
ri
edonworki
ng
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Meanwhi
le
Nompi l
owentar oundtownwithherCVl ookingf
ora
j
ob, shegott urneddownbyal otofpeoplebutshe
refusedt ogi
veup.Shesawar estaurantacr
ossthe
street,sheusedt ogotobackinvar si
tydaysand
deci dedtotr
yi toutbef
orecal
li
ngi taday.She
crossedt hestreetandwentover,i
twasabusyday
asi twasf ul
l.Shesawt hemanagerandwal kedto
her.

Nompi
lo:af
ter
noon
Manager
:(smi
li
ng)af
ter
noonhowmayIhel
pyou?
Nompilo:I
'
m desper
atel
ylooki
ngf
oraj
ob,
Icando
anyt
hingyouwa-
Manager
:(ser
iouslook)di
dyouseeapostt
hat
sayswe'
rehir
ing?
Nompi
lo:nobut
..
.
Manager
:thendon'
twast
emytime.I
fyou'
renot
her
etowineanddinet
henyouknowwherethedoor
i
s
Owner
:ist
her
esomet
hingwr
ongher
e?
Manager
:noSi
r,Iwast
ell
ingMsher
ethatwe'
renot
hi
ri
ng
Nompi
lo:pl
easeSi
r,Iwi
lldoany-
Owner
:haveyoudonewai
tr
essi
ngbef
ore?
Nompi
lo:noI
..
.
Owner
:fol
lowme

Nompi lofollowedhert othebackandi twasbusy,

chef'smaki ngdishes,steam alloverandf i
re,
dif
ferentaromasi nt
heai randsomuchnoi se
call
ingdifferenttabl
enumber s.Shewal kedtoa
l
adyt hatwasdoi ngdisheslikeamachi ne.

Owner
:Nel
ethi
sisyournewf
ri
end.
..
(
lookedatNompi
lo)
Nompi
lo:Nompi
lo
Owner
:getheramopandst
artcr
acki
ng
Nel
e:yesSi
r

Hewal
kedoutwhi
leNel
egotheramopandbacket
.

Nel
e:t
hef
loorget
smoppedal
lthet
imenot
imet
o
r
est
.

Nompil
oputherc.vawayandst
art
edt
omopt
he
f
loorwi
thoutanyquest
ions.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtGabi
'
swor
kpl
ace

Gabiwal
kedtoherof
ficecar
ryi
ngherdaught
erwho
wascryi
nghyst
eri
cal
ly.Ever
yonel
ookedatherl
ike
shewasabadmom t i
llshewalkedi
ntoheroff
ice
andclosedi
t.Shet
ri
edsoothi
ngherbutshe
conti
nuedtocrywi
thherri
ghthandonplacedon
herheart
.

Gabi
:whati
swr
ongnowbaby?Shhh.
..Mommyi
s
her
e

Shecontinuedtocryingapai nf
ulcryitbrokeGabi'
s
heart
.Hernannyhadt akenhertothedoct orand
confi
rmednot hi
ngiswr ongwi t
hher ,
theygaveher
medicinetohelpcalm herdownsoshecansl eep
butshewasst il
lcr
ying.Aphonecal lcamei n...
Mpho...Hejusthadtocal latati
mel i
kethiswhen
hisdaughterwascryingf ornoreason..
.She
i
gnoredhim buthekeptcal li
ng.Sheknewhewas
notgoingtogiveup

Gabi
:(t
aki
ngi
t)t
hisi
snott
her
ightt
imet
ocal
l
Mpho
Mpho:Ij
ustwantt
otal
ktomy(
hear
dhercr
ying)i
s
t
hathercr
ying?
Gabi
:that
'swhyI
'
m sayi
ngt
hisi
snott
her
ightt
ime
t
otal
k
Mpho:(
wor
ri
ed)whati
swr
ong?I
sshesi
ck?I
'
m
comi
ng
Gabi:Ihaveal
readytakenhertothedoctor.Ther
e's
nothingwrongwithher,she'
sjustcr
yingforno
reason
Mpho:Nor
eason?Ichi
ldcan'
tjustcr
yfornor
eason
Gabi
:wellIdon'
tknowwhatyouwantmetosay.I
t'
s
myfi
rstti
mewi t
nessi
ngsuch.I
tmustbef
rom your
si
deofthefamil
y
Mpho:(
laughi
ng)what
?
Gabi:maybeshegott hi
sfrom t
hatauntofyour
s
thatcr
iesforever
ythi
ng.Shecriedbecauseshe
washappyt oseeyouandEnt l
e...Cr
iedduri
ngt
he
ceremony.
..cr
iedduri
ng..
.
Mpho:(
laughi
ng)okayokay
Gabi:Ican'tbel
ieveyou'
rel
aughi
ngwhil
eyour
daughteriscryi
ng.Shehasherhandoverherhear
t.
It
'sweird

Gabimovei
tawaybutsheputi
tbackoverher
hear
t

Gabi
:it
'sl
ikeshe'
singr
ief
.Moani
ngsomeone
Mpho:(
wor
ri
ed)r
eal
ly?
Gabi
:yesummh.
..
Mpho:putt
hephoneonl
oudspeaker

Sheputi
tonl
oudspeaker

Mpho:kwenzenj
aniGama?KwenzenjaniMl
angeni
?,
Shabangu.
..
.,
Mbokane.
..
.,
Mdlul
i.
..
.,
Manyoni..
.,
SiwelasakwaNonkosi ,WenakaDi ngane,
UMlangen’ omuhlengezi ndlebezakhe, Wena
kaSidwabasi Luthulisi
ngabangcwabaseza
noml andakazi,
Ludongal ukaMavuso, Ivusoeladl
a
umunt uesesiswiniongaphandl ewasinda
ngokut i
bal
ekela,Sidlubuladlwedlwesakwal obamba,
Sit
sisibaphasi besibadlungul i
sa,Tit
fotimbhobho
ti
mchi l
iba,Wenaowawel aubombongokuhl ehlet
ela,
NgwanekaBhuza, kaSomhl olo.
...

Gabil
ookedatherdaughtercal
mingdownwhil
eher
fat
hercont
inuedtoprai
seherbyhercl
annames.I
t
wasbeauti
fuli
tactual
lymadeheremoti
onal

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtGogo'
shome
Thandi wear ri
vedandpar kedhercarout side.She
steppedoutofhercari nherr edstil
ett
os,shebent
downget t
ingherl it
tl
er edpur seandaf ewguys
wal kedpastadmi r
ingherper fectroundbut tinthat
beaut i
fulwhitejumpsui t.Naledilookedatherf r
om
afarwhi l
ebr aidi
ngLer ato.Shef l
ickedherlong
Brazili
anhai rtotheside, f
ort hefir
stti
mei nherl if
e
shef oundherbeaut i
ful,shecoul dseethebeaut y
thathadherbr othergoingcr azy.Shewonder edif
allthebadt hingsshedi dtoherwer ewor thit,she
hadt hissuddengui l
tandr egretofhowshehur ther
daught erandevenmadehert omoveout .She
wonder edifshecoul deverfor gi
veherforher
wr ongdoingsbutshewoul dneverknowunl essshe
asksf orforgiveness.

Thandi
we:af
ter
noon
Nal
edi
:hi
Thandi
we:i
sgogohome?
Nal
edi
:yes
Shepr
oceededt
owal
k
Nal
edi
:Thandi
wewai
t!

Shestoppedandlookedatherwithaseri
ouslook
onherfacewhil
eshewal kedoverfr
om underneat
h
thet
reeleavi
ngherdaughtersucki
ngonal ol
li
pop
l
ooki
ngatamagazi ne

Naledi
:ummht
her
e'ssomet
hingIwantust
otal
k
about
Thandi
we:okay.
..I
'
mli
steni
ng
Naledi:i
t'
sabouthowIt reatedyouwhenIgother e.
IknowwhatIdi dtoyouandyourdaught erwas
wrong.Iwasdealingwitht hepainofhowmy
marriagewentdownt hedr ainbutIst
il
lhadnor i
ght
tohurtyourdaughter
.Iknowshe' ssti
llafr
aidofme
andIdon' tbl
ameher.Ijustwantyout oknowIam
real
lysorry.
Thandi
welookedatherst
raighti
ntheeyesbutshe
showedremorseandregr
et.Shecoul
dseeshe
meantever
ywor dshesai
d.

Thandi
we:Iforgiveyoubutyoustil
lneedto
apol
ogizet
oher ,shemighthavebeenyoungbut
whatyoudidaffectedher
,that
'swhysher efusest
o
comeherewithoutmeandsher eal
lylovesgogo
Naledi
:Iunder
standandIwil
lapologi
zet
oher.
(smil
ed)Youaremybr ot
her
swifeandhelovesyou
verymuchyouar easgoodasbeingmysist
ernow
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)yes
Naledi
:letmenotkeepyouwai
ti
ng.Gogo'
sinsi
de,
shewentt ot
akeanapaboutanhouragoI'
m sur
e
she'supnow
Thandi
we:okayt
hankyou
Thandiwemadeherwayt othehousewhi l
eNal
edi
wentbacktoherdaught erandcontinuedtodoher
brai
ds.Herothertwodaught erswereplayi
ngonthe
sandwi t
htheirbr
other
.Leratolookedatthem f
rom
afardesper
atelywanti
ngt oplaywiththem

Ler
ato:(
touchi
ngherhead)mamai
t'
spai
nful
Nal
edi
:hangonRatoI'
m al
mostdone.Don'
tyou
wantt
olookbeaut
if
ul?
Ler
ato:Ido
Nal
edi
:thenst
andst
il
l

Shesighedsti
lllookingatherbrot
herandsist
ers
playi
ng.Thandiwer ushedoutthedoorwit
ha
terr
if
yingl
ookonherf ace,
itwasasifshesawa
ghost
Thandi
we:Nal
edi
!.
..
.Nal
edi
Nal
edi
:yes
Thandi
we:pl
easecomei
nsi
de
Nal
edi
:(wal
kingover
)what
?What
'swr
ong?

Shewalkedovertoherandhereyeswer ered.
Thandi
we'spalefaceandt earfuleyesworri
edher.
Sherushedinsi
dewhi leshef ol
lowedherandwent
toGogo'sr
oom.Shef oundherl ayi
ngont hebed
wit
hanopenedbi blelayi
ngf acedownonherchest
wit
hbothhandsont opofit.Shewal kedoverand
shookher

Nal
edi
:gogo.
..
.Gogo

Sheputherhandonhernecktocheckherpul
sebut
shef
eltnot
hingexcepthercol
dnesswhi
chsent
shi
versdownherspi ne.Shequi ckl
ysteppedback
l
ookingatherlif
elessbodyasf ear,painandshock
ki
ckedin..
.Itwasqui etforamomentandshebr oke
downcryinghystericall
y,Thandiwebr okeint
otears
andrushedt ocal
lherhusband. ...

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

.
#55

AtGogo'
shome

Theywat chedast heunder t

akertookherbodyto
theherse.Mphost oodt hereswall
owingapainful
l
umponhi st
hroat,hewasi npainbutthi
swasnot
theti
met obr
eakdown.Nal edisatonthestoep
cryi
ngwi thherbrotherstandingnextt
oher
swall
owi ngapainfullump, hewantedtobreakout
andcrybutt hi
swasnott heplaceortime.Hehadto
makesur ehisgrandmothergotapr operdi
gni
fi
ed
funer
al.Thandiwewalkedoutoft hehousewearing
oneofNal edi'
sdress,
adoekandanot herdoekover
hershoulders.ShegaveNalediaglassofwaterand
shedrankwhi leherki
dssadlylookedather.

Thandiwe:Iknowthisishar
dbutyouneedtopul
l
yoursel
ftoget
her.Yourki
dsshoul
dn'
tseeyouli
ke
thi
s
Naledi:(
tear
ful
)shewasamom t omeThandiwe
(
crying)andnowshe'sgone.
..She'
sgone.
..
.

Shecri
edhyst
eri
cal
lyandherdaughter
sbeganto
cr
y.Mphorushedovert
oherwhileshecri
edint
o
Thandi
we'
sarms
Mpho:l
etmegetheri
nsi
desoshecanl
aydown

Heli
ftedherupandwenti
nsi
det
hehousewhi
le
Thandiwetookt
hegl
ass.

Thandi
we:comewi
thmeki
ds

Thandi
welift
edDipuoupandwalkedinsi
dewhi
le
theki
dsfol
lowedher.Shesatt
hem downint
he
kit
chenandlookedatthem.

Thandiwe:I
'
m sur
eyou'r
ewonder
ingwhyyourmom
i
scryingandyou'
rescar
ed.
Tshepo:she'
scr
yingbecausegogoi
sdead
Ler
ato:(
tear
ful
)wewi
llneverseeheragai
n
Thandiwe:(
sighed)Iknowyou'
ref
eel
ingver
ysad.
I'
m sad,t
oo.Webot hlovedGr
andmasomuch,and
shelovedus,too.

Ler
atocri
edandhuggedhertherestfol
lowedand
shehuggedthem.Herhusbandwalkedoutandthey
l
ookedateachother

Thandi
we:I
'
llst
ayhere.Wecan'
tleavethem al
l
al
onenotwhenthei
rmotheri
sfal
lingapart

Therewasaknockonthedoor,
thedooropened
andtwooldl
adiesr
espect
ful
lydressedandgr
eet
them
Neighbor
:I'
m gogoZwaneandnextt
omeisgogo
Sibi
ya.Wearegoodfri
endswit
hnaGama.Wesaw
theunder
taker.
..
Mpho:(
sighedsadl
y)yessadl
ygogohasl
eftus
GogoSi
biya:we'
resor
ryf
oryourl
oss
GogoZwane:(
tear
ful
)shewasagoodwoman. .
.but
Iguessi
twasti
me.Youcanneverquest
ionGod'
s
pl
ans
GogoSi
biya:i
fther
e'sanywaywecoul
dhel
p
Mpho:wehaveadaughterathomet
hatneedsus
andmysisterher
eisnotfeel
i
ngwel
l.Wecan'
tleave
herher
ealonewitht
hekids
GogoSi
biya:Icanst
aywi
tht
hem
Mpho:t
hankyougogo.Iwi
ll
cal
lourf
ami
ly
memberstocomeandassi
st
GogoSi
biya:t
her
e'snopr
obl
em
Thandiwe:l
etmecookforthem.Sowel eavet
hem
wellf
ed.Ial
soneedtocleanthehouse
GogoZwane:Iwi
llgett
hegi
rl
sfr
om homesowe
canhel
p
Thandi
we:t
hatwoul
dmeanal
ott
ome.Thankyou
Mpho:t
hankyou.Letmegot
osor
tsomet
hingsout

Hewal
kedoutwhi
leThandi
webegancooki
ng

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Meanwhi
le

Gabiunlockedherdoorandwal kedinwi t
hAr chie
fol
lowi
nghercar r
yingEntl
ewhowasf astasleep.
Hewalkedt oherroom andputhertobedt akingoff
hershoes,thenwalkedtoGabi'sbedroom and
foundhertakingoffhercl
othes.
Ar
chi
e:hereyesl
ookswol
len
Gabi
:itmusthavebeenf
rom al
lthecryi
ngshedi
d
ear
li
eron.I
twasjustsomet
hingelse
Ar
chi
e:di
dyout
akehert
othedoct
or
Gabi
:hernannydidandt
herewasnot
hingwr ong.
Herf
athercal
ledandmanagedt
ocalm herdown
Ar
chi
e:oh?
Gabi:yeahhest art
edprai
singherwitht
heirclan
names( smil
ing)itwascute.YouknowI'm notone
forcult
urebutitwasjustbeauti
ful
.Can'
tbelieveI
almostdepri
vedmydaught erherf
ather
slove
Archie:(
satonthebed)Iwoul
d'veal
sodoneagood
j
obr aisi
ngherasmyown.

Tur
nedandl
ookedathi
m
Gabi:Iknow.That'
swhyIwasn'
twor
ri
edabouthi
m
notbeinginEntl
e'
slif
e
Archi
e:thel
astthi
ngIwant
, i
stobestucki
nalove
t
ri
angle.Iwantustobeser
iouswitheachot
herand
i
fyoumessar oundwit
hhimI '
m outt
hedoor
Gabi
:(satonhisl
ap)I'
m notmessingar
oundwi
th
hi
m.He'sjustEnt
le'
sfathernot
hingmore.
Archi
e:(car
essi
nghert
highs)I
'
m notshar
ingal
l
t
hiswithanyone
Gabi
:(smi
li
ngki
ssi
nghi
m)I
'
m your
sandonl
yyour
s
al
one

Hef l
ippedheroverandgotbetweenherlegstaki
ng
offhi
sj acketandshi
rtwhil
eGabiunbuckledhis
pantshest eppeddowntakingof
fhispantsandhis
bl
ackpi pedroppedhangi
ngdownhi sthi
ghs..
..Her
phoner ang..
.

Gabi
:myphone.
..
Ar
chi
e:(
kissi
ngherneck)i
gnor
eit
..
.

Heunhookedherbr aandsqueezedonewhil
e
sucki
ngtheother.Shemoanedsoftl
y..
.Herphone
neverst
oppedringing

Gabi
:Ar
chi
e..
..

Hesi l
encedherwi thakisswhi lecar essingher
thighsandl eftwetkissesgoi ngdownherbel l
y
goingdownt oherpearl.Shecl osedhereyesashe
movedherl acepant i
est othesidei ndulgingher
withhi swar mt ongue.Shecur l
edhert oesmoani ng
sof t
ly,youseehermoansal waysgothi m...They
wer esof tnotfakedhesl owlyslippedhi sfingerin
herper fectfoldshebithislowerl i
pf eeli
ngher
ti
ght nessar oundhisfinger.Helookedatherwhi le
fi
nger ingheradmi ri
ngherbeaut yhel eanedover
kissingherandr ubbedhi sbl
ackpi peonherj uices.
Ar
chi
e:(
pant
ing)baby.
..
Gabi
:(sof
tl
y)huh.
..
Ar
chi
e:Il
oveyou.
..
Gabi
:Il
ove.
..
.aaah.
..

Shear chedherbackfli
nchingwhilehesqueezed
himselfinherl
it
tl
eslit
.Ther i
ngingphoneannoyed
him andhepushedi tofft
hedr awer.I
tfel
ldownon
thefloor.
..

Gabi
:myphon.
..
.

Hewental li
nf i
ll
ingherup,sheputherhandsonhis
chestpushinghim backbuthetookbothofthem
andpinnedt hem overherheadenj
oyingherhoney
pot
..
.Tast
inghersweet
nesswi
theacht
hrust
..
..

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtSbahl
e'
spl
ace

Thedooropenedwhi
leSbahl
etookoutMacar
oni
get
ti
ngreadytocook

Nompi
lowal
kedi
ncar
ryi
ngabl
ackpl
ast
ic

Sbahle:l
ookwho'sback.Iwaswor
ri
edaboutyou,
I
tr
iedcall
ingbuti
twasof f
Nompil
o:Iwentt
olookf
orajobandgoti
tatt
he
r
estaur
antweusedtogotowhenwewereinvar
sit
y
Sbahl
e:r
eal
ly?
Sheputt
hepl
ast
icont
opoft
het
abl
e

Nompilo:t
heyletustaket
hel
eft
over
shome.Ihope
yourokayIboughtsomehome
Sbahl
e:mxm f
oodisfood(
taki
ngoutt
het
akeaways)
whatdowehavehere?

Sheopenedi
tandt
her
ewer
esal
adsandst
eakand
l
ambchops.

Sbahle:yum yum.I
'
llmakeusmacar
oni
,yougo
takeashowerandcomebacktoeat
Nompi
lo:(
wal
kingt
oherr
oom)myf
eetar
eki
ll
ing
me
Sbahl
e:you'
l
lbeoookay.

Shetookabi t
eofthesteakandcl osedhereyes
enj
oyingthetendernessnicef
lavours.I
thasbeen
l
ongsi nceshehadmeat .Shewasgl adshecould
for
getaboutthetinstuf
ftoday
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMaLesedi
'
shome

Shespokeovert
hephonewithNal
edit
ell
inghert
he
sadnews.Shesatdownshockedt
oheargogowas
gone.

MaLesedi
:butar
eyouokay?
Nal
edi
:(t
ear
ful
)I'
l
lbef
ine.Ourf
ami
lywi
llar
ri
ve
tomorrowbutf
ornowt
henei
ghbor
sar
eher
e
helpi
ng
MaLesedi
:andMpho?
Nal
edi
:hel
eftwi
thhi
swi
fenotsol
ongago
MaLesedi
:I'
mr eal
lysorr
yaboutgogo,
Iknowthi
s
mustbehar
df oryouandIpromiseIwi
llcomeover
t
omorrowandbewi thyou
Nal
edi
:okay
MaLesedi
:Nal
edi
Nal
edi
:ma?
MaLesedi
:Il
oveyou
Nal
edi
:Il
oveyout
ooma

Shehungupwhi
leherhusbandwheel
edhi
msel
fin
theki
tchen.
Hi
m:whodoyoul
ove?
MaLesedi
:mydaughter
,Naledi
..
.Shewasj
ust
t
ell
ingt
hatgogohaspassedaway
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry
MaLesedi
:thanks
Hi
m:mymedi
cat
ionhasr
unout
..
.
MaLesedi
:tel
lyournur
set
odoar
efi
ll
Him:i
twouldbenicet
ojusthavemywifet
akecar
e
ofme.Oursonsareal
lgrownup,weshoul
dbe
havi
ngthi
stimetoour
selves
MaLesedi:myki
dsneedme.Ineedt
obui
lda
r
elat
ionshi
pwit
hmykids.
..
Hi
m:(
angr
y)wi
thmymoney!
MaLesedi :(
angry)youowemet hatmuch,owe
them!.It
ookcareofyourkids,r
aisedthem upt
il
l
theyweregrownmen.Whi l
e(t
earful
)whil
emyki ds
weresufferi
ng.Youturnedmeintobeingamonst er.
Youselfi
shbastard!
Hi
m:(
angr
y)wat
chyourt
ongue
MaLesedi
:(angr
y)ohwhat
?Youwi
llhi
tme?
Hi
m:Lesedi
MaLesedi
:Ihat
eyou(
tear
ful
)Ihat
eyou

Shewalkedoutt
ogetsomeai
r,shest
aredatt
he
st
arsastear
sescaped

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtGabi
'
sroom

ShecheckedifArchiewasint
heshowerandwent
tot
hekitchenwit
ht hephoner
ingi
ng.

Mpho:hel
lo
Gabi
:heyI
..
..Isawyourmi
ssedcal
l
Mpho:(
angr
y)whydi
dn'
tyouansweri
nthef
ir
st
pl
ace?
Gabi
:wellyou'r
enotmyboyf
ri
endandyouar
eeven
l
uckyI'
m call
ingyouback
Mpho:I'm cal
li
ngbecauseI.
..Iwant
edtotel
lyou
thatIt
hinkMphowasgr ievi
ngforher
grandmother.
..
.Shemusthavesensedit
Gabi
:(sadl
y)I
'
mreal
lysor
ry.
..
Mpho:(
sadl
y)yeah.
..I
'
m st
il
lshockedbutyou
know
Gabi
:Iknowshemeanteveryt
hingt
oyou.Ican'
t
i
maginewhatyou'
regoi
ngthrough.
Mpho:(swal
lowedapai
nfull
ump)how'
smy
daught
er?
Gabi:she'
sasleepi
nherr
oom i
t'
sbeent
hir
ty
minutesIthi
nk
Mpho:ummhcanyoucheckher
?
Gabi
:ar
eyouser
ious?
Mpho:(
sadl
y)pl
ease

Shewenttoherroom andtur
nedonthelamp.She
l
ookedathersl
eepingwithherar
m overher
for
eheadl
ikeshewast i
red.

Gabi
:she'
sasl
eep.
..St
il
lbr
eat
hing,
herchesti
s
goi
ngupanddown.Areyouhappynow?
Mpho:(
sighed)t
hankyou
Gabi
:youar
enotgoi
ngt
olosehert
oo,
she'
sokay
Mpho:canyoubr
ingheroverf
ort
hef
uner
al
Gabi
:ummh.
..
Mpho:pl
ease.
..
Gabi
:okaywheni
sthef
uner
al?
Mpho:t
hisSat
urday
Gabi
:okay.
..Ihavet
ogobye
Mpho:bye
Shehungupandwal
kedoutofherdaught
ersr
oom.

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
.

.
#56
AtGabi
'
spl
ace

Shewasmakingnoodl
eswhenArchiewalkedout
fr
om herbedr
oom i
nherpi
nkgown,shelaughed
l
ooki
ngathim.

Ar
chi
e:(
smi
li
ng)what
?
Gabi:youreal
lyneedtobr
ingsomeofyourcl
othes
overtoavoidalloft
his
Ar
chi
e:butIf
eel
sexyi
nthi
sgown
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)Icant
ell
Ar
chi
e:(
wal
kingover
)whatar
eyoumaki
ng?
Gabi
:noodl
es.
..I
'
m st
arvi
ng

Shedishedf
orher
sel
fwhi
leAr
chi
ereachedf
ora
for
k..
.

Archi
e:mightaswellgetusedt
ot hei
deaofeat
ing
noodlesbecauseIcantel
lyou'
renotmuchofa
cooker.
..I
t'
salwaysnoodles
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)Icancook.
..Ial
wayscookf
orEnt
le
Archi
e:(
smi
li
ng)openyourmout
hher
ecomest
he
t
rain
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)i
t'
shotyou'
regoi
ngt
obur
nme

Theybothblewthenoodl
eswrappedaroundt
he
for
kthenhef edher
.Shesmi
ledchewingandArchi
e
babykissedher
Gabi
:soIhavesomet
hingt
otel
lyou
Ar
chi
e:(
frowned)ohnot
hisi
snotgood
Gabi
:babe.
..I
t'
sser
ious
Ar
chi
e:okayI
'
mli
steni
ng
Gabi
:Mphocall
edtol
etmeknowhi
sgr
andmot
her
hadpassedaway
Ar
chi
e:t
hati
ssad
Gabi:yeah..
.Andhewant smet obri
ngEntleover
fort
hef uner
al.Iwoul
d'veaskedmymom t otake
hertherebutwearenotexactlyonspeaki
ngterms
so..
.
Archi
e:Iseenoprobl
em wi
tht
hat.
..(
heldherwaist
)
babe,youknowyoudon'
tneedper
mi ssi
onfrom me
aboutsuchmatt
ers
Gabi:Ij
ustdi
dn'
twantyout
othi
nkI
'
mtr
yingt
oget
backwithhim
Ar
chi
e:It
rust
,youwoul
dneverdosomet
hingyou
wouldn'twantmetodowiththemot herofmychil
d.
Youandt hisguyar
eEntle'
sparentsandIbeli
eve
youwi l
ldowhatisbestf
orher.Iunderst
andthat
thi
swomanwasapar tofyourli
fetoosoyou
shouldgoandgetclosur
e
Gabi
:(smil
ingput
ti
ngherar
msoverhi
sshoul
der
s)
whatdidIdotodeser
veyou
Archie:(
kissedher
)Idon'
tknow.
..(
kissedher
)I
don'tknow

Hef
renchkissedherandl
if
tedherupt
aki
nghert
o
t
hebedroom

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Thenextday.
..
.
Att
her
est
aur
ant

Busi
zwewal
kedi
nwi
thhi
sladyMi
hlal
i,
hepul
led
outachai
rforhert
osi
tdown.

Mihlali
:Ist
il
ldon'
tgetwhyIhadtocomewit
hyou
here,youshould'
vedroppedmeatt
hesal
oontodo
nai
ls
Si
zwe:wewontt
akel
ong,
Orderanyt
hingyoul
ike
Mihl
ali
:whyshoul
dIor
derwhenwewontst
ayher
e
f
orlong
Si
zwe:(ki
ssedhercheek)babebepat
ientokay,
I'
ll
bedoneinaminute
Mihl
ali
:youalwayssayt
hatandt
akewhat
..
.Two
hour
s..
.four
?
Si
zwe:you'
reexagger
ati
ngasusual
..
.
Owen:(
wal
kedover
)heyyout
wol
ovebi
rds

Si
zwet
urnedandt
heybumpedshoul
der
s
Si
zwe:heyman
Owen:hey,
(lookedatMi
hlal
i)Mi
hlal
i?
Mi
hlal
i:(
eyesf
ixedonherphone)hiOwen
Owen:Ihavecookedupsomegoodst
uffi
nthe
ki
tchenwanttogivei
tat
ry?
Si
zwe:yeah.
..Let
'st
ryi
toutman.Babe.
..
Mi
hlal
i:I
'
llhaveami
lkshake

Theybothwalkedovertot
hecounterandOwent ol
d
oneofthewaitr
essestogetheramilkshake.They
wenttotheki
tchen

Owen:soImi
xedaf
ewspi
cesbur
nedupmyst
eak
al
it
tl
e.
Si
zwet
ookabi
teandchewed

Si
zwe:mmm.
..
.t
hisi
sreal
lygood
Owen:(
smi
li
ng)soI
'
m get
ti
ngat
humbsup?
Si
zwe:t
humbs.
..
.up

Hesawagirlmoppingthefl
oor
,ther
ewasjust
somet
hingabouther,
shejustl
ookedfami
li
ar.
..

Owen:soshoul
dIwr
it
edownt
hemi
xforyou?
Si
zwe:sur
e
Owen:okayl
etmegett
oit

Si
zwel
ookedatt
hegi
rlandher
emember
edher
,
howcouldhefor
gether
,shehadlostwei
ghtand
wasabitwornout.Hewal
kedovertoher

Si
zwe:l
ookwhoi
smoppi
ngt
hef
loor
?

Nompilol
ookedupandwast akenbackseeingt hi
s
tal
lbl
ackfi
gurestandi
ngbeforeher,
shehadnever
shewouldseehim.Speci
all
yaf t
erhecutoutallti
es
wit
hhim avoi
dingdramatofocusonherstudies

Nompi
lo:hahahat
hat
'ssof
unny
Si
zwe:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Nompi
lo:i
t'
scal
ledwor
king
Sizwe:whati
sasmar
tgi
rll
ikeyoumoppi
ngf
loor
s
here?
Nompi
lo:mysmar
tnessdoesn'
tpayt
hebi
ll
s
Si
zwe:butwhycomeher
e?Youcoul
d'vecomet
o
me.
Nompilo:Ionl
ygothereyesterdayandthi
sist
he
fi
rstj
obIgot.I'
m happyhere,Idon'
tgetwhati
s
yourprobl
em
Si
zwe:youmoppi
ngar
oundmyf
ri
endsr
est
aur
ant
i
stheprobl
em
Nompilo:soyoupref
erImopyourfl
oor(
rol
ledher
eyes)wowt hat
'ssot
ypi
cal
lyofyou
Si
zwe:Icoul
dgi
veyouabet
terj
oband.
..
Nompi
lo:why?
Si
zwe:becauseI
..
.Ioweyout
hatmuch
Nompi
lo:I
'
m okayher
e
Si
zwe:you'
renot
..
..Babeyou'
remoppi
ngt
hef
loor
Nompi
lo:I
'
mfi
neher
e

Owencamebackwi
thcont
ainer
sful
lofspi
ces.
Owen:al
linher
e
Sizwe:t
hankyouman.(
lookedatNompi
lo)whendo
youknockoff
?
Nompi
lo:t
hat
'snoneofyourbusi
nessexcuseme

Shet
ookhermopandbucketwal
kingout
.

Owen:what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Si
zwe:howcanyouhi
reherasyourmoppi
nggi
rl
man?
Owen:Ij
ustsawagirll
ooki
ngf
orajobandIhi
red
her
.Shootmefornotknowi
ngshewasyour
gi
rl
fri
end
Sizwe:she'
sthegir
lthatwentawolonme,theone
herstupi
dboyfri
endattackedme.I
thappeneda
l
ongt i
meago
Owen:ohshe'sthatgi
rl
.Di
dn'
tshewanttogiveyou
chancebecauseyouhadagir
lf
ri
end?She'l
ldothe
sameevennowbecauseMi
hlal
ii
sst
il
lher
e
Si
zwe:atwhatt
imedoessheknockof
f?
Owen:wecl
oseatf
ivesoshe'
l
lbeoutat6:
30pm
Si
zwe:t
hatl
atehuh?
Owen:yeah
Si
zwe:ummht
hankman

Theybumpedshoul
der
sthenbot
hwal
kedout

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtThandi
we'
shome

Thandiwewasput
tingonherdoekwhenherphone
rang.Shepi
ckedi
tuplooki
ngattheunknown
numberandanswered.
..
Thandi
we:Mr
sGamaspeaki
ng.
..
Voi
ce:heygi
rli
t'
sKhensani
Thandiwe:Khensani
?(smil
ed)heygi
rl
.WowInever
thoughtIwouldhearf
rom you,
you'
reout
Khensani
:(happy)yesIam,Imanagedtogetyour
numberfr
om DrDhl udhl
uandIthoughtIshoul
dcal
l
Thandi
we:wow.
..I
'
m gl
adyoucal
led
Khensani
:socanwemeetf
ordr
inks?
Thandiwe:ohIwish.
..Iwi
sh.
..
butIcan'
t,
my
husbandsgrandmotherhaspassedaway..
.Soi
t'
s
real
lynotagoodtime
Khensani
:I'
m sosor
ryf
oryourl
oss.Condol
encest
o
yourfami
ly
Thandi
we:thankyou.Thi
ngsar ereal
lyupsidedown,
Icanseemyhusbandi shurti
ngbuttryi
ngt obe
str
ong.(
tearf
ul)Mydaughtercri
edyesterday.
..I
meanIdon'tblameher,
thi
swomanwasl ikea
mothert
ome, sheopenedherdoor
sf ormewhenI
hadnowheretogo.Shefedusandt ookcar
eofus.
HowcanIforgetthat
Khensani
:Iknow,youusedt
otel
lusabouther
.I'
m
sosorrymylove
Thandi
we:(
wipedhert
ear
s)Iknow.
..Thankyou
Khensani
:best
rongandprayf
oryourf
ami
ly,
ever
ythi
ngwil
lbeokaythen
Thandiwe:t
hankyou.
..Iwi
llcal
lyouaf
terthe
funer
al.
..
Ibel
ievewehavesomucht otal
kabout
Khensani
:wheni
sthebur
ial
?
Thandi
we:t
hisSat
urday.Iwi
l
lsendyout
headdr
ess
Khensani
:okayt
hankyou.Takecar
e
Thandi
we:yout
oo

Shehungupandgotupwal kingt
ot heki
tchenand
gett
ingt
wocupst
hent ur
ningont hekett
le.Her
husbandwal
kedi
naftert
alkingoverthephone.
Thandi
we:so.
..
Mpho:Iwastal
kingtomyuncl
eandeverythi
ngis
goi
ngwell
.Tomor r
owmyaunt'
swillgotothe
mort
uarytobat
hheranddoeveryt
hingnecessar
il
y.
Thandi
we:Iwil
lgobuyever
ythi
ngt
hatwi
llbe
neededtocookfort
hef
uneral
Mpho:t
hankyou.Yout
akemycar
d
Thandi
we:okay.
..Tea?
Mpho:no.
..Howi
sInamidoi
ng?
Thandi
we:aft
ercryi
nglastnight,
shemanagedt
o
sl
eeplat
eron.Idon'
tknowi fshe'
sup

Shewal kedtot hekitcheninherpyjamaswithasad

face,hermot herlookedatherandMphot ur
ned
aroundandl ookedathowsor rowfulshewas.He
walkedovert oherandl i
ft
edherupwhi l
eshe
huggedhi m sadly.
Mpho:ever
ythi
ngwil
lbeokaybabygi
rl,
gogoisata
bet
terpl
acenow.Shemightbegonebutshewill
al
waysbewi t
husinspi
ri
t,she'
sanangelnow.
Okay?

Inaminoddedherheadwhi
leher
ubbedherback
comfort
inghisl
it
tl
egir
l.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtGogo'
shouse

Lesediwal
kedinandgr
eetedever
yone,
theaunt
s
weresit
ti
ngonthematt
resswithNal
edi
.Shesaw
hermotherandherf
aceli
tup.
Lesedi:(
putR200ontheplate)I'
m sosorr
yforyour
l
oss.Gogowasagoodwoman, amothert
o
everyoneandhergoodheartblessedusinsomany
way

Oneoftheaunt
sbursti
ntotear
swhiletheother
t
ookthemoneyfol
dingitandputt
ingiti
ntoherbra.

Her:ar
eyounotLesedi
?Theonet
hatmar
ri
edmy
br
othersson?
MaLesedi
:yesi
t'
smeAunt
yNombul
elo
Aunt
yNaMbhele:hhabemihl
olo,
youleftmysi
ster
i
nlawtor
aiseyourki
ds.Wher
ewer eyou?
Aunt
yJabhi
le:t
hisi
snott
het
imeNombul
elo
Aunt
yNomadlozi
:(t
ear
ful
)tel
lher
.Thi
sisnott
he
pl
aceort
ime
Naledi
:andwefi
xedt
hingswi
thmama,
shei
sapar
t
ofourli
vesnow.
MaLesedi
:ift
her
e'sanywayIcanhel
p
Naledi
:there'
snotmuch, thechur
chladi
eshave
del
iver
edcooki estheybakedtomorr
owboaunty
wil
lgotot hemor t
uarywhilet
heladi
espeel
MaLesedi
:okaysohavet
hevegesar
ri
ved?
Nal
edi
:notyet

Mphoandhiswifewal
kedinandNal
ediupdat
ed
hi
m aboutwhatwashappeni
ng.

Mpho:mywi
fewi
llgobuywhatwi
llbebeededf
or
t
hefood
MaLesedi
:Iwi
llgowi
thher
Mpho:okay,
wher
ear
etheuncl
es?
AuntNomadl
ozi
:theyar
ewi
tht
heboysatt
heback,
I
'
m sur
etheyar
edonesl
aught
eri
ngt
hecow
NaMbhele:youdi
dreal
lygoodbybuyi
ngacow.
Youhavereall
yshowedhowmuchshemeanstoal
l
ofus.ShewasourQueen
Mpho:Iknowaunt
y..
.Letmegohel
pout
Thandi
we:wewi
llgobuyt
hegr
ocer
y
MaLesedi
:yesl
et'
sgo

Theygotupandwal kedout .Thandiwequiet

ly
wal kedt oherhusbandsfordr angerwit
hhermot her
i
nl aw.I twaswei r
djustweird, shewasacompl et
e
strangert oher.Shesteppedi nandunlockedthe
doorf orher.Shesteppedi nandhest art
edthecar
reversingout..
.

MaLesedi
:soyouar
emydaught
eri
nlaw
Thandi
we:yes.
..
MaLesedi
:youar
ebeaut
if
ul,
Icanseewhatmyson
seesi
nyou
Thandi
we:t
hankyou
MaLesedi
:sohowl
onghaveyoubeenmar
ri
ed?
Thandi
we:f
ouryear
s
MaLesedi
:andki
ds?
Thandi
we:(
swal
lowed)wehaveadaught
er
MaLesedi
:howol
disshe?
Thandi
we:8
MaLesedi :(smili
ng)wowIhavet wo
granddaught er
sfrom myson.Ican'twaitt
omeet
them.Asyouknow, Imissedoutallonmy
chil
dren'sl
ives,Iwonttakechanceswithmy
grandkidsandwi thgogogonethisisveryi
mport
ant
tome
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)t
hati
sni
ce

Sheconti
nuedt
odri
vewhil
eMaLesedispoket
oher.
Shefel
tawkwar
dtal
kingt
oher
,shewasnotgogo.
Ever
ythi
ngj
ustf
eltwr
ong

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Lat
ert
hatday.
..
.

Gabiarri
vedandst eppedoutofthecarput t
ing
downEnt l
ewhosuckedhert humb.Shet ookher
handandwal kedinsidewit
hever yonel
ookingat
herandthegirlt
hatlookedexactlyli
keMpho.Mpho
sawthem andsmi ledwalki
ngover ,hepi
ckedherup
andthrewherupspi nningi
nci r
cleswhil
eEnt le
l
aughed.Shemi ghthaveknownherf at
hertobe
Archi
ebutshewassl owlybondingwithherr eal
fat
her.
Mpho:(
kissi
nghercheek)hel
lomypr
incess.
..
Daddymissedyousomuch.
Ent
le:phezul
u..
.

Helaughedrepeat
ingwhathedidandhi s
daught
er'
slaughedbroughthim comfort
.Everyone
wasshocked,didhejustcal
lherhisdaughter
?But
he'
smar r
iedtohercousin.
..

Mpho:t
hankyouforcomi
ng.Idi
dn'
tthi
nkyou
woul
dbringher
Gabi
:(smi
led)i
t'
sokay,Ifi
gur
edyouwouldneedher
cl
osetoyou.Herwarm hugsaret
hebestandher
smil
ecanturnabaddayt obei
ngagoodday
Mpho:t
hat'
smybaby(l
ookedather
)ohmyangel
..
.
Daddyl
ovesyousomuch
Ent
le:daddy.
..
Gabi
:(smi
led)yesDaddy
Ent
le:(
smi
led)daddy
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)t
hat
'smygi
rl

Thandiwewalkedoutcarr
yingbi
gkitchendi
shes
andhereyeslandedonMphocar ryi
ngachil
d
shockedbyhowshel ookedli
keherhusbandher
eyeslandedonGabi.
..

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#57

Gabilookedatherandl ookeddown,everyone'
s
eyeswer ef
ixedont hem.Thandiwenoticedand
tookabigbr eat
hinandout .Mpholookedatherand
swall
owednotknowi ngwhattoexpect.Shewalked
downt hestepsandpassedt hem goi
ngt othe
tabl
eswher etheladiesweredoi
ngdishes.

Gabi
:comi
ngher
ewasabadi
dea
Mpho:I
'
m sor
ry,
it'
smyf
aul
t.Idi
dn'
ttel
lheryou
wer
ecoming
Gabi
:oh..
.butIshoul
dgoever
yonei
sst
arr
ingand
i
t'
sreal
lyawkward
Mpho:youar
eri
ght

MaLesediwalkedoutoft
hehouseandfoundthe
t
wostandingther
e.Mphocarryi
ngali
tt
legi
rlt
hat
l
ookedl
ikehim.Shewalkedover

MaLesedi
:hel
lo
Mpho:(
lookedather
)hima
MaLesedi
:son(l
ookedattheEntl
e)t
hisl
it
tl
eone
hast
obemygr andchi
ld.Nodoubt
Mpho:whatmakesyousayso?
MaLesedi
:(t
ouchedherear
s)t
heseear
sar
e
exact
lyyour
s

Ent
lel
aughedcover
ingherear
s

MaLesedi:(
playf
ull
ytouchedhernose)ast
his
poi
ntynoseisdefi
nit
elyyour
stoo

Ent
lel
aughedcover
inghernose

MaLesedi:(
smil
ing)andt
hesel
it
tl
eeyes.
..Ar
e
def
ini
tel
ymine

Theyal
llaughedt
henMphoint
roducedGabit
ohis
mother
.Meanwhil
eThandi
wewat chedt
hem f
rom a
di
stance.

Nei
ghbor
1:soi
sitt
rue,
thatchi
ldi
shi
s?

Thandi
wesai
dnot
hing

Neighbor2:youheardhi
m sayi
ng"
daddymi
ssed
you"blahblahblahyoh
Nei
ghbor
1:sohecheat
edonyouwi
thyourcousi
n?
Nei
ghbor
3:di
dyouevenknowsesi
?
Nei
ghbor1:t
hener
veofthatgi
rl
,showingherface
her
eaft
erwhatshedi
d.Iwouldslapherintheface
now
Nei
ghbor
2:thechil
dlooksexact
lyl
ikehi
m..
.Lookat
t
hem.Sesiyoureal
lyarej
ustgoi
ngt ol
ook?
Thandi
we:(
putdownt
hepl
ates)excuseme,
Ineed
t
ogetmydaught
erf
rom school

Shewal kedawayhol dinginhertear

sandrantoher
car.Shest eppedinsi
dei ntear
sandsawMpho
runningtowar dshercar.Hestoppedinf
rontofher
andt heylookedateachot her

Mpho:(
sadl
y)I
'
m sor
ry

Shest ar
tedhercarandr
eversedoutdr i
vingaway.
Hewal kedoutofthegat
esadlylookingather
disappeari
ngint
othedust.Gabiwalkedover
carryi
ngherdaughter

Gabi:I
'mr
eallysor
ry,
Ishoul
dhavecal
ledand
checkedi
fitwasokayformetocome.Nowlook
whatIhavedone
Mpho:(swal
lowed)i
t'
sokay.Shej
ustneedssome
t
imealone.I
t'
salottotakei
n
Gabi
:Ihopeyouf
ixt
hings.Ishoul
dgo
Mpho:okay.
..CanIhol
dheronel
astt
ime
Gabi
:sur
e

Heheldherwhi
leGabiunl
ockedhercar
.Heki
ssed
hercheek

Mpho:daddyl
ovesyou.
..Mybeaut
if
ulgi
ft
.
Ent
le:(
smi
li
ng)daddy

Heopenedt hedooratt
hebackandputherinher
seatbuckl
ingherupandki
ssingherfor
ehead.She
heldontohisearsandMphotickl
edher,she
l
aughedcr
ossi
ngherar
msonherl
it
tl
ebody.

Mpho:daddyhast
ogo.Byebye
Ent
le:(
wavi
ng)byebye

HeclosedthedoorandEntleconti
nuedtowave.He
wavedbackandwal kedovertothedri
versi
deand
knockedonthewindow.Gabisli
deitdown..
.

Mpho:t
akecar
eofher
.She'
smybeaut
if
ulgi
ft
Gabi
:Iknow.
..Bye
Mpho:wi
llyoubeatt
hef
uner
alSat
urday?
Gabi:(
sighed)Idon'
tthinkIshouldcomebutyou
cansendyourmom t ocomef et
chherandbri
ngher
backafterthefuner
al.Idon'
tli
kethewaythi
ngs
happenedtoday.
Mpho:Ihearyou
Gabi:thi
sissomet
hingIhavebeentryi
ngt
oavoi
d
al
lthisti
meandnow it'
shappening.
Mpho:Iwi
llt
alkt
oher
Gabi
:andapol
ogize,
tel
lherever
ythi
ngt
hatyou
pl
antodoforyourdaught
er.
Mpho:shesai
d..
.(si
ghed)never
mind
Gabi
:tel
lme
Mpho:i
t'
snoti
mpor
tant
Gabi:okayyoudon'thavetotellmebutIwantyou
toknowwhenyout akeEntleforvisit
ingIt
rustyou
wil
lprotectherbyallmean.Don' tgamblewithmy
daughterli
fe,i
fyourwif
edoesn' twanther,she
doesn'twanther.Don'
tforcethingsbecauseyou
wil
lgetbur nedtr
ustme,I'
velearnedmyl esson
Mpho:youhavenot
hingt
owor
ryabout
.Iwi
llsend
mymom tocomegether
Gabi
:okaybye
Mpho:bye
Sherever
sedoutandj
oinedt
her
ouddr
ivi
ngt
oher
house
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtThandi
we'
shome

Mphoar
ri
vedhome

Mpho:canwet
alkaboutwhathappenedt
oday?

Thandi
wesai
dnot
hingt
aki
ngof
fherear
ri
ngsand
wipi
ngmake-
upof
fherf
ace.
Mpho:myl
ovepl
ease

Shesai dnot hingt akingoffherdr essandwal kingt o

thebat hroom inherbr aandl acepant ies.Damnshe
wassobeaut if
ulwi that i
nywai stl i
keshewas
goingt obreak, hecoul djustwat chherst r
ipforhi m
andt easehi m alldayandni ght.Evenaf terallthese
yearshest i
llcouldn'tgetenoughofherbeaut y,
moment sliket hesear everyr ar
e, sheusual l
yhi des
herbodyf r
om hi m sot hisisat reat.Hel ookedat
herbigf ir
mf atasswi t
hstretchmar kson
disappear i
ngt ot hebat hr
oom.Hesnappedoutof
hisdirtythought st hi
nkingofhowheshoul dfixt hi
s.
Shewal kedouti nherpyj amasandgoti ntobed

Mpho:IaskedGabisi
let
obri
ngmydaught
erover
f
orthefuneral
.Idi
dn'
tknowshewoul
dpit
chup
t
oday.
Thandi
we:andyoudidn'
tevent
hinkofme,
thi
nkof
howIwouldfeel
.Comingtoseethewomanyou
sl
eptwit
hrepeat
edlywhi
leIwasaway
Mpho:(
sighed)It
houghtwewer
ewaypassedt
hat
..
.
Thandiwe:(laughedi ndisbeli
ef)ohwow.That 's
whyyouwer epl ayi
nghappyf amilyinfrontof
everyone.(t
ear f
ul)I'
mj ustathingt oyouwi t
hno
feel
ings,yout urnedmei ntoal aughingstockinfront
ofeveryone.(crying)sheneverapol ogizedtomef or
whatshedi d...Sheknewt hest ateIwasi nwhenI
l
eftandshet ookmyadvant age.Shepl ayedhappy
familywithyouandnownowshecomesbackand
showsofwi thherki d..
.
Mpho:( swal
lowedr egrett
ably)I'
m sorry.
..I
'
mr eall
y
sorry.Iwasn'tthi
nking, Il
oveyouandyourf eelings
matt ertome.Wespokeandshewontcomet othe
funer al
,mom wi l
lgof etchEntleforthefuneral.Iwil
l
tel
lyouever ythi
ngf rom nowonandIwi l
lneverput
youi nthatpositi
oneveragai n.(wipedawayher
tear
s)Il oveyou,pleasef orgi
veme
Thandiwesai
dnot
hingl
ayi
ngdownandhet
ookof
f
hi
sshoeslayi
ngdownbehi
ndherwi
thhi
sar
ms
aroundher
.

Mpho:youar emyeveryt
hing,Iloveyouwit
h
ever
ythingIgot
,ithur
tsmet hatevennowyoust
il
l
don'
ttrustme(ki
ssedherneck)butit'
sokay
Thandi
we:(
sni
ff
ingt
ear
ful
)It
rustyou.
..Idon'
ttr
ust
her
Mpho:youhavemyhear
tandt
hatwon'
tchange.I
l
oveyou
Thandi
we:Il
oveyout
oo

Heki
ssedherbackl
ett
inggoandshehel
dont
ohi
s
ar
ms.
Thandi
we:don'
tgo.
..
Mpho:butIj
ustwantt
otakeashower
..
.
Thandi
we:noIwantyouher
e.Hol
dingme
Mpho:Iwantmor
ethanj
ustcuddl
ing
Thandi
we:whatdoyouwantt
odo.
..

Hepull
eddownherpyj
amapant
sandshel
aughed
pul
li
ngthem up

Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)no.
..
Mpho:(
sof
tl
y)pl
easebaby

Hesnuckhishandunderneathandsqueezedher
breastki
ssi
ngherneck.Shemoanedandl ooked
backathim,gi
vinghi
m accesstoherl
ips.He
ki
ssedherpassionat
elywhi
leshesnuckherhand
onhismanhoodst
roki
ngi
twhi
let
heybot
hmoaned
..
..

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
her
est
aur
ant

Nompil
ofi
nall
yfi
nishedupandputcl
eani
ngst
uff
andt
hestuf
froom.

Nompi
lo:I
'
m donef
ort
heday
Nel
e:al
ri
ght
.Yourpeaceof
fer
ingi
sri
ghtt
her
e
Nompil
o:(l
aughi
ng)i
sthatwhatl
eft
over
sar
ecal
led
nowadays?
Nel
e:(
laughi
ng)ohyesi
tshut
syourfamil
y'smout
h
sot
heydon'taskhowmuchyouareearni
ng.
Nompi
lo:(
laughi
ng)Igoti
t.Seeyout
omor
row
Nel
e:t
omor
row

Shetookherbi gtupperandwentout .AblackBMW

X6waspar ki
ngout side.I
tgaveherkindofchill
s,
shehasheardst ori
esofhowpeopl ewere
ki
dnappedr i
ghtaf t
erwork,hi
kingtryi
ngtogethome.
Whileonthathowwasshegoi ngtogethome?One
ofthecooksthatgaveherar idelastti
mebailedout
onher.Thewi ndowr ol
leddown...
.

Si
zwe:st
opcr
acki
ngyourskul
landgeti
n

Shesi
ghedr
eli
evedandr
oll
edhereyes
Nompi
lo:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Si
zwe:(
smi
led)t
ogetyouandmaybet
akeyouout
,
sowecant
alk
Nompi
lo:I
'
mti
redandmyf
eetar
eki
ll
ingme
Sizwe:okaygeti
nandI'
l
ltakeyouhomei
tisnot
l
ikeyouhaveachoice
Nompil
o:(
sighed)onl
ybecauseIdon'
thavea
choi
ce

Shewal kedoverasheunlockedhiscarandshe
steppedin.Shesatontheluxuri
ousleader
.Sheput
hertupperontopofherthighs

Si
zwe:putt
hatatt
heback

Shedidashesaidandputonherseat
bel
twhi
lehe
st
art
edthecaranddroveoff
.
Nompi
lo:t
hiscari
sreal
lyni
ce
Si
zwe:r
eal
ly?
Nompi
lo:must
'vecostyouaf
ort
une
Si
zwe:i
tdi
dbutIsaved,
saved,
savedandsaved.
..
.
Nompi
lo:(
laughi
ng)okayokayIgeti
t,youboughti
t
i
ncash
Si
zwe:(
laughi
ng)your
uinedmygol
denmoment
Nompilo:(l
aughi
ng)I
'
m sorry.I
t'
sreal
lygr
eatt
osee
ever
ythingisgoi
nggoodforyou
Sizwe:t
hankyousotellmeaboutyou,youwereat
schooldoi
ngwell
..
.Didyoufi
nish?CauseI.
..
.
Nompi
lo:youdr
oppedout

Hesmi
ledl
ooki
ngatherandl
ookedbackatt
her
oad

Si
zwe:t
hat
'sonewayt
oputi
t
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)I
'
m sor
rymybad
Si
zwe:sobackt
oyou
Nompi l
o:Ifi
nishedmydegreeandtriedmyluck
nothi
ngt ur
nedoutandIwenthome.Myf ri
endsaid
Icanli
vewi thherandtr
ylooki
ngforaj obagain.I
didn'
twanttobeabur denandtakelongsoIt ook
anyjobIcanget
Si
zwe:andyouchoset
owor
kformyf
ri
end.
Nompi
lo:Iwasdesper
ate
Si
zwe:youcoul
d'vecomet
ome

Hetookalef
tdri
vingawayfrom wher
ehewas
supposet
otakeNompiloto

Nompi
lo:you'
regoi
ngt
hewr
ongway
Si
zwe:ourdat
e
Nompi
lo:It
oldyouI
'
mti
redandIcan'
tjustgoi
ntoa
r
est
aur
antdr
essedl
iket
his
Sizwe:(l
aughi
ng)whosai
dI'
mtaki
ngyout
oa
rest
aurant?

Nompi
locover
edherf
acel
aughi
ngf
eel
ingdumb

Nompi
lo:(
lookedathi
m)okaysowher
ear
ewe
goi
ng?
Si
zwe:i
t'
sasur
pri
se
Nompi
lo:canIatl
eastdr
opt
hisf
oodof
ftomy
f
ri
end?
Sizwe:Ican'
ttur
nbacknowwhenwe'
real
ready
there
Nompi
lo:(
sighs)Icanneverwi
nwi
thyou
Hesmi l
eddr i
vinginful
lspeedturni
ngonmusi c.
Soonhepar kedhiscaroutsidehishouse,
she
l
ookedatt hebighousebefor eher
,shecouldn'
t
bel
ieveitwashi s.
..

Si
zwe:(
looki
ngather
)wel
comehome
Nompi
lo:(
looki
ngatt
hehouse)wowt
hat
'syour
s?

Hest eppedoutandwalkedovertohersi
dewhi
le
shest eppedout
.Shefl
inchedfeel
ingasi
fshewas
steppingonthorns.

Si
zwe:comeher
e..
.

Hel
if
tedherupandshegi
ggl
edi
nvol
unt
ari
ly.
Si
zwe:(
smi
li
ng)youneedt
ogai
nsomewei ghtI
l
ovemywomanwi t
hmoremeati
nthei
rbones
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)IdoubtIcangetbi
ggert
hant
his
Si
zwe:we'
l
lsee

Hecar
ri
edhert
othedoor

Si
zwe:sear
chmybackpocket
Sheputherhandonhi sbackpocketandgott he
keyopeningthedoor.Hewal kedinsideandputher
onthecouchgoi ngbackt olockthedoor .She
l
ookedatt hecandlel
ightdinner,wit
ht woplateson
thetabl
eandt woredr osesinal i
ttl
eseet hr
ough
vase..
.
Nompi
lo:(
taki
ngof
fhershoes)t
hisi
sni
ce
Si
zwe:(
smi
li
ng)t
hankyou.

Hewalkedt
ohiski
tchenandcamebackwi
tha
pi
zzaboxandabottl
eofwine

Nompi
lo:ohpi
zza
Si
zwe:Idi
dn'
thaveenought
imet
ocook
Nompi
lo:Idon'
tdr
ink
Si
zwe:j
ustonegl
ass

Hepour
edheragl
assofr
edwi
neandhandedi
t
over
.
Nompilo:(
tookasi
p)thi
sisni
ce...Youknowyou
wil
lgetintr
oubl
ewithyourgi
rl
fr
iendbyjust
br
ingi
ngmeher e
Si
zwe:i
sthatyouaski
ngi
fIhaveagi
rl
fr
iend?
Nompi
lo:Iknowyoudo

Hedi sappear edi ntooneofhi sr oomsandcame

backcar ryi
ngal i
ttl
ebottl
ewi thhisjacketof fthen
l
iftedupherf eetsi tt
ingdownandput t
ingt hem on
hisl ap.Hepour edsomeonherf eetandbegan
massagi ngthem.Shecl osedhereyesr el
axingas
herf eetgott het endercaretheyneeded.Hewas
reallygoodatt his,helookedatherasshemade
sof tmoansbi tingherl owerlip.Hel ookedather
admi ri
ngherbeaut y,shelookedbeaut ifulyoung,
withbi geyel ashesandl it
tleeyebrows, goingdown
toherl ips,goi ngdownt oherchest ,lookingather
chestundr essi ngherwi thhiseyesseei ngherper ky
boobs.DamnMpi lowhydi dyouhavet olookt his
good?Shet urnedhi m oncausi nghisdi cktojerk..
..

Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ngathi
m)you'
rer
eal
lygoodatt
his
Si
zwe:(
smi
li
ng)t
henIshoul
dopenaspar
Nompi
lo:(
sit
ti
ngup)l
adi
eswi
llquej
ustt
ogetyour
bi
ghandsonthem
Si
zwe:mor
emoneyf
ormet
hen
Nompil
o:(
smi
li
ng)mmmh.
..Sowhyam Iher
e
Busi
zwe?
Si
zwe:Iwant
edust
otal
k
Nompi
lo:about
?
Si
zwe:aboutus.Iwantyou

shesmi ledblushi
nglookingawayHelookedinher
eyesandl ookedatherlipsthenhesl
owlyreached
forherjawandt il
tedhisheadasthei
rli
psmet .She
closedhereyesandki ssedbackasbothofthem
gotlostinthemoment

Nompi
lo:(
breaki
ngt
heki
ss)Ican'
t.
..
Si
zwe:shhh.
..I
'
mf*
cki
ngyout
oni
ght
.

Heki ssedherandgotuppi cki

ngherupwi t
hhis
strongar mswal ki
ngt ohi sbedroom.Therewasj ust
somet hinghi mt hatmadeherwanthi m, backthen
shehadt ofocusonschoolandknewshecoul dn't
dealwi t
ht hedr amai nvolvedinlovebutshehad
alwayswanthi m, thosef ewmoment stheyhad
togetherbackt henwer ehert r
easure.Heputher
downandheki ssedherneckunzi ppingherdress
atthebackandunhooki ngherbr aatthesamet ime
droppingi ttothef l
oor .Shehel pedhimt akeoffhis
blacktshirtandhel eanedoverandki ssedheras
theyslowl ylaidont hebed.Hegotont opofherand
pulledoutherpant iest henheki ssedheragain
squeezingherbr eastast heybot hmoanedi n
uncont r
ollableemot i
ons.Heunzi ppedhispants
andpul l
edouthi sdi ckt henhel ookedinhereyes
and#seal ed....
..
Mpilomoanedashepoundedher ,shovinghisf
ull
l
engthintohert
ightpussy.Hervaginalwall
s
spasmedwi t
hthestrengt
hofheror gasm,
squeezingSi
zwe'sblackpipeandbef orheknewit
hegruntedasheheldhertightl
yfill
ingherupwith
hisseeds.

Sizwe:(
grunt
ed)Uhf
uckmyp*
ssy'
ssodamn
good..
.

Hepul l
edoutandputdownherlegwit
hsemen
dri
ppingoutofherp*ssyanddownherthi
ghs.She
melteddowntothefloort
ryi
ngtocat
chherbreat
h
whil
ehewentt othebathr
oom andcamebackinhis
boxerswit
hat owel
.

Si
zwe:(
kneel
ednextt
oher
)heyher
e
Nompil
o:(t
akingi
tandwipi
ngher
sel
f)t
hanks.
..I
don'
tevenknowyourst
atus.
..
Si
zwe:I
'
m cl
ean.
..
Nompi
lo:howdoyouknowt
hat
?Whenl
astdi
dyou-
Sizwe:wewentf
orat
estaboutaweek.
..
.(l
ookedat
her)ago

Shesighednoddi
ngherheadandsl
owl
ygotup
whil
eSizwesupport
edher.

Nompil
o:Ineedt
ogo.
..I
'
m sur
eSbahl
eiswor
ri
ed
aboutme
Si
zwe:ar
eyoupr
event
ing?
Nompi
lo:no
Si
zwe:i
fyouneedpi
ll
s..
.
Nompi
lo:nowyouwantt ogi
vemeyourgir
lf
riend'
s
pi
ll
s?(
tearf
ull
ylookedathi
m)you'
resuchajerk
Si
zwe:no.
..
babeyou'
ret
aki
ngt
hist
hewr
ongway
Nompi
lo:(
putonherpant
ies)shutupandt
akeme
home
Sizwe:i
tcameoutt hewrongway,ifyouwantt
o
keepit,
it'
sfi
newi t
hme.Iwi l
ltakecareoft
hetwoof
you,I
'm aresponsibleman
Nompil
o:(
put
ti
ngonherdress)r
esponsi
blemen
don'
tgoar
oundfucki
ngwoment heyj
ustmetr
aw
Si
zwe:whyar
eyoual
lwor
kedup?
Nompi
lo:(
lookedathi
m angr
il
y)j
ustt
akem-

Hesi l
encedherwi thakissandl i
ftedherupputti
ng
herlegsar oundhiswaiststeppingbackandsi t
ti
ng
onthebed.Hepul l
edupherdr esst hr
owingiton
thefloorandsuckedherper kyfullboobs,she
moanedsof tl
yandlookedr eachedf orhisD*ck
whil
ehemovedherpant iest ot
hesi derubbingher
wetent rance.Sheslowlyloweredher sel
ffeeli
ng
him stretchi
ngherli
ttl
elove-hole..
.
Si
zwe:f
uckt
hisp*
ssyi
ssosweet
..
.

Shehadanaught ydirt
ysmileon, f
indi
ngpl easur
e
i
nsat i
sfyi
nghim whil
eslowlymovingupanddown
andmovi ngherhipsi
naci r
cularmot i
onand
stoppi
ngsqueezinghimin.Itsenthim overtothe
edgefeeli
nghersweetwarmt h..
.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Thenextday

Shewokeupandsl
owl
ygotupput
ti
ngon
Busizwe'
st-
shirtsmelli
nghiscol
ogne.Shestil
l
di
dn'tunder
standwhatt heywereorweredoing.
Shedidn'
tknowi fwhathappenedhappened
becauseoflustorlove.Si
zwewalkedinwit
hat ray.
..

Si
zwe:l
ookwho'
sup?It
houghtyouwer
edead
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)mor
ningt
oyout
oWor
ld
Si
zwe:(
smi
li
ng)Imadeyoucer
eal

Nompil
o:(
remember
ed)shitwor
k!(
get
ti
ngup)I
needt
ogobefor
eOwenf i
resme
Si
zwe:It
oldhi
m youqui
t
Nompi
lo:(
lookedathi
m shocked)what
?
Sizwe:(
put
ti
ngt het
rayovert
hedr
awer)Iwon'
t
havemygirl
fr
iendmoppingmyfri
endsfl
oor
Nompil
o:yourgi
rl
fr
iend?Ar
eyoul
ist
eni
ngt
o
your
sel
f.Ineedt
hatjob
Sizwe:youdon'
t.
..Youcancomeworkwi
thme,
I
canevenhelpyoustartsomet
hing
Nompi
lo:youhaveagi
rl
fr
iendr
emember
Si
zwe:Ihaveendedt
hingswi
thher
Nompi
lo:youwhat
?
Sizwe:I'
m notlet
ti
nghistoryrepeati
tself.Iwasnot
happywi t
hherf r
om thebeginningandIknowyou
gotturnedoffbythefactthatIwaswi thherback
then.Idon'
tknowwhat 'schanged,afterwhat
happenedlastnightIknowwhatImi ghtloseagain
i
fImessup.Il ostyouonceandIwontl oseyou
again.Idon'
tknowwhatt hef *ckIj
ustsai dbutI
hopeitmakessense

Nompi
losmi
ledandsatonhi
slapwi
thherar
ms
ar
oundhi
sneck
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)t
hatmadeal
otofsense.

Theyki
ssedandhuggedhol
dingont
oeachot
her
foramoment

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMi
hlal
i'
sroom

Mihlal
iwokeupandsatupstr
aightyawni
ng
str
etchi
nghersel
famessagecamei nandshetook
herphoneont hedr
awerandsmiledseei
ngitwas
fr
om Sizwe.
.
Mi
hlal
i:(
smi
li
ng)baby.
..

Sheopenedi
tandr
eadi
t
Boo:heyIhopeyousl eptwell
.Ijustwantyout o
knowt hatyouaret hemostbeaut i
fulgi
rli
nt he
worldandIenjoyedever ymomentIspentwi thyou
(sheblushes).Idon'tknowhowt osaythis(ohmy
Gogit'
shappeni nghe'sproposing)butIcan'tbe
withyouanymor e( shefr
owned) .Ihavetofocuson
mybusi nessandot herimport
antst uf
f.I
'm sorr
y
takecareofyour sel
f

Shere-
readt hemessageagainnotbelievi
ngwhat
shewasr eading.Shecal
ledhim buti
twentstr
aight
tovoi
cemai l
.Shegotupangr i
ly.
..
Mi
hlal
i:hecan'
tdot
hist
ome.
..Hecan'
t

Shecal
ledherf
ri
end.
..
.

Her
:hel
lo
Mi
hlal
i:youwon'
tbel
ievewhatIwokeupt
o?
Her
:what
?
Mihl
ali
:Si
zwej
ustdumpedmeonat
ext
.Al
ousy
t
ext
Her
:what
?
Mihl
ali
:I'
m goi
ngcrazyhere.It
ri
edt
ocallhi
m and
hi
sphonei sof
f.Idon'
tknowwhattodo
Her
:Si
zwei
snott
het
ypet
odumpyouont
ext
Mihlal
i:IknowI'
vebeenwithhi
mf oryear
s
somethingisoff
.Maybehe'scheati
ngandthegi
rl
sentmet hist
extonhisphone
Her
:yahnehei
shyouknowIhaveap-
Mi
hlal
i:Ineedt
ofi
ndhi
m.Pl
easehel
pmef
ri
end
Her
:butI
..
.
Mihl
ali
:pl
ease.I
'm sur
etheyar
eathi
shouse.I
'
m
goi
ngcrazyhere
Her
:(si
ghed)f
ineI
'
llpi
ckyouup
Mi
hlal
i:t
hanks

Thi
rt
ymi
nut
esl
ater

Theypar
kedout
sideandbot
hst
eppedoutgoi
ngi
n.

Mi
hlal
i:hur
ryup
Her
:st
opbossi
ngmear
ound,
Ihavebi
ggeri
ssues
her
emyf
-
Mi
hlal
i:come

Shef oll
owedherandst oodnexttoherwhileshe
unlockedt hedoorwithherkey.Sheopenedsl owl
y
andt heybot hwal
kedi n.Herjawsdroppedtothe
fl
oorf i
ndingBusizwenudet appi
ngagirlf
rom
behindwear i
nghi
st-shirtpushedup.Hestiff
ened
whilegrunt i
ngrel
easinginsideofher.
..
.

Mi
hlal
i:Si
zwe!
Her
:(shocked)Nompi
lo!

Shef l
inchedwhenhepul ledoutofherqui ckl
y.
Nompi loquickl
ypull
eddownt het-shir
twit
hhis
semenf lowingdownbet weenhert highsandlegs.
Shedidn'tknowwhatt osayl ookingatSbahle
standi
ngbyt hedoorwi
thMi hl
ali
.Sbahle'
seyes
widenedseei ngBusani
'sthickshaf t
.Hequickl
y
pul
leduphi
sboxer
s

Mi
hlal
i:(
angr
il
ywal
kingover
)youb*
tch.
..
.

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#58

Mi
hlal
i:(
angr
il
ywal
kingover
)youb*
tch.
..
.

Nompi
loqui
ckl
ywentbehindBusizwewhostood
f
ir
mlooki
ngatMihl
aliangr
il
ywalkingover
.

Busi
zwe:(ser
iousl
ylookedathi
m)whatar
eyou
doi
nghere?
Mihlal
i:(
shouti
ng)Iwantt
odealwi
tht
hisb*
tch
t
ryingtostealmym-

Shesl i
ppedandf el
ldownl andi
ngonherbut tclose
tothet abl
etheywer ebusyat .Shefrownedlooking
athert heslimyliquidonherf i
ngersfrom t
hefloor,
Busizwel ookedathert r
yingsohar dnotolaugh
remember i
ngthef l
oorgotwetf rom Nompil
o's
squirt
ing.Hebi thisl
ower l
ipsuppressi
ngal augh
readytobr eakout.Sbahlecoveredhermout h
wantingt ovomi t

Sbahl
e:(
frowni
ng)t
hati
sjustdi
sgust
ing
Busi
zwe:(
wal
kedt
oher
)Mi
mist
opt
hismadness
okay

Hehelpedherupandshel
ookedathi
mtear
s
bur
ninghereyes.
Mihl
ali
:(t
ear
ful
)pleasedon'
tdothi
s(sni
ff
ed)Il
ove
youand..
.Il
oveyoupleasedon'
tdothi
s

Shedidn'
tknowwhatt osayaspainchokedher
,she
didn'
twanthimtoleaveher,whatwoul
dhappent o
her?Whatwouldshedowi t
hherself
?Hewasgoi ng
tobeherbigbr
eak!
Busi
zwe:comeher
e..
.

Hetookherhandandwal kedt othestudywit

hher.
Nompil
owatchedt hem goti
lltheydisappear
edi
nto
ther
oom andclosedthedoor .Shelookeddown
embarr
assed

Sbahl
ewal
kedovert
oherwat
chi
ngherst
epnot
want
ingt
ost
epont
hei
rcum.

Sbahl
e:car
etoexpl
ain?
Nompi
lo:I
..
.
Sbahl
e:(smil
ing)younastyb*
tch,youarr
ived
yest
erdayandyou'real
readyt
akingdickf
rom
someone'sman
Nompi l
o:(smiledshyl
ycrossi
ngherl egs)Idon'
t
knowhowi thappenedokay.Onemi nutewewer e
tal
kingthenexthe'sfucki
ngme...
.Itjusthappened
sofast
Sbahl
e:youbet
tercomebackhome.Iwantal
lthe
det
ail
s..
.
Nompilo:(
whi
sper
ed)Ineedt
osi
tdownIf
eell
ike
I
'm goi
ngtodr
opmyut er
us
Sbahle:(
laughed)ohmanhe' sgoodbutyouneedto
getyoursel
fcleanedupt hi
s(l
ookedathi
ssemen
downhert hi
ghsandl egs)isr
eal
lynotapret
tysi
ght
tosee
Nompi
lo:yeah.
..

Shet
urnedandsl
owl
ywal
kedt
ohi
sroom.
..
..

.
Att
hest
udy

hecaughtherbreat
hasat earescapedthecorner
ofhereyesandranalonghernoseasshel ookedat
hi
m.Hemovedhi shandtowipehert ear
sbutshe
pusheditaway

Mihl
ali
:don'
ttouchmewi t
hahandt hatj
ust
f
inger
edherami nuteago.
..(
lookedathi
mtear
ful
ly)
whatisgoi
ngonSi zwe?
Si
zwe:Idi
dn'
twantt
hingst
oendt
hisway
Mihl
ali:(t
earful
lyl
ickedherdryl
ip)whatdi
dIdo
wrong?Pl easetel
lmebecauseI'mf ai
li
ngt
o
understandwhyyouwantt odumpme
Sizwe:youdidnothingwr ong.
..I
t'
sme. ..Idon't
knowhowt oputt hisbutIloveher,Ihaveal ways
l
ovedhersi ncethedayImether .Wecoul dn'tbe
toget
herbecauseshechooset ofocusonher
studi
esandot herstuff.
..
.Idon'
twantyout oget
hurtt
hat'swhyI'm breakingupwithyou.
Mihl
ali
:(t
ear
ful)f
oryear
swe' vebeent
oget
herand
nowyou'ret
hrowingal
lthataway
Si
zwe:(
sighed)I
'
m sor
ry.
..
.
sheshookherheadcr yingandhuggedhi m.He
sighedhuggi
ngher ,hehatedmakinghercry,it
brokehim.Heneverwant edawoment ocry
becauseofhim butitwastime,Mihl
alineededto
growupandl earntostandonherown.Bet tera
womant hatt
riesthanawomant hat
'sgoingtobea
burden.Hebrokethehugandwi pedawayhert ear
s
l
ooki
ngather

Sizwe:Idon'
twantust
obeenemies,
Icar
eabout
youandwi l
lal
waysbether
ewhenyouneedme..
.

Mihl
alinoddedandki
ssedhi
sli
pst
henst
epped
back

Mi
hlal
i:I
'
llwai
tforyou
Si
zwe:Mi
mi.
..
Mihl
ali
:(putherf
ingeroverhi
sli
ps)sshh.
..You
don'
thavetosayanything.Byef
ornow

Shet
urnedandwal
kedoutf
indi
ngSbahl
elooki
ng
ar
oundt
hehouset
ouchi
ngagi
raf
fescul
ptur
e.

Mihlal
i:ummhcanwego.I
'
m doneher
eandI
'
m
sureyouhavet
orusht
owor k
Sbahl
e:okay

TheybothwalkedoutandMi hlal
itookherkeysand
wenttothecar.TheysteppedinandMi hl
alist
art
ed
thecarandreversedoutjoi
ningt
her oad.

Mi
hlal
i:soyouknowt
hatgi
rl
?
Sbahl
e:ummh.
..
.Yes.Weusedt
ober
oomi
esback
i
nvarsi
ty
Mihl
ali
:(swal
lowed)okaysowhatt
ypeofaper
son
i
sshe?
Sbahl
e:(
sighed)I
..
.Idon'
tfeelcomf
ortabl
e
di
scussi
ngherwithyou.She'smyfr
iend.
Mi
hlal
i:It
houghtIwasyourf
ri
end

Ther
ewassi
lencei
nthecar

Mi
hlal
i:(
tear
ful
)di
dyouknowal
lal
ong?
Sbahle:Idi
dn'
t.
..IwasshockedwhenIsawherat
thehouse.shemovedbackher et
wodaysago.I
didn'
tknowshewasseei ngsomeonetil
lnow.I
knowyouar ehurti
ngandI'
mr eal
lysor
ry.
..
Mi
hlal
i:(
tear
ful
)Il
ovehi
m

Shecover
edherfacecr
yingandSbahlepul
ledover
tot
hesideandpull
edherclosehuggi
ngher
...
.
.
Meanwhi
le

Busizwewalkedint
ohi
sroom andfoundNompi
lo
walkingoutoft
hebedr
oom dr
yinghersel
f.

Busi
zwe:(
wal
kingovert
oher
)hey
Nompi
lo:hey.
..
Busi
zwe:(
puthi
sar
msar
oundherwai
st)youokay?
Nompil
o:(
sighed)yeah.
..Di
dyoumanaget
osor
t
t
hingsout
?
Busi
zwe:yes.
..Shewon'
tbeapr
obl
em agai
n
Nompi
lo:yousur
e?
Busi
zwe:(
sof
tl
y)posi
ti
ve.
..
Nompi
lo:okay.
..
Hel
eanedi
nandf
renchki
ssedher
..

Busi
zwe:l
et'
stakeashower
Nompi
lo:butIhaveal
ready-

Hedroppedhert
oweltot
hef l
oorandl
if
tedherup
wal
kingint
othebat
hroom whil
eshewasnude..
.

Nompi
lo:(
laughi
ng)Wor
ldst
opi
t.
..
.St
opi
t

Hesmil
edsayi
ngnot
hingwal
kingi
ntot
heshower
wi
thher

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtGabi
'
shouse
Shedr
essedherdaughteri
napret
tyl
it
tl
epi
nkdr
ess
andbl
ackleggi
ngsunderneat
h.

Gabi
:don'
tyoul
ooksopr
ett
y
Ent
le:(
touchi
ngherpuf
fs)I
'
m pl
eet
y
Gabi
:(smil
ing)yesyouare.Gr
annyi
scomi
ngt
oget
youandtakeyout odaddy
Ent
le:she'
staki
ngmet
othecel
ebat
ion
Gabi
:cel
ebr
ati
on?
Ent
le:mmhgogot
oldmel
astni
ght
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)gogowasher
e?
Ent
le:(
smi
li
ng)andMkhul
u..
.shesai
d..
.Shesai
d..
.
Gabi
:shesai
d?
Entl
e:she'
sgoingt
oheavenal
lpeopl
ear
egoi
ngt
o
saybyetoday.
Gabi
:(swal
lowed)owh
Ent
le:youmustcome.
..Ther
ewi
llbeyummyf
ood.
..
Gabi
:andgogot
oldyoual
loft
his?
Entl
e:sheki
ssedmeher
e(put
ti
ngherhandonher
for
ehead)her
e.

Gabilookedatherdaught erspookedoutbywhat
herdaughterwassayi ng.Atfi
rstal
lhertal
ksmeant
nothi
ngshedi smissedthem butnow...
.Therewasa
knockedont hedoor,Entlegotdownfrom thebed
andrant othedoor.Gabifoll
owedandl ookedather
,
shewasi nhighspiri
tandsoener geti
cthanusual.
..
.

Gabiopenedt
hedoorandMpho'
smot
herwal
kedi
n.

MaLesedi
:mor
ning.
..Mor
ning
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)mor
ningma
Ent
le:mor
ning

MaLesedipi
ckedEnt
leuppl
ayi
ngwi
thherchubby
cheeks.
..
MaLesedi
:lookatmyl
it
tl
egi
rl
.

Entl
esmi l
edshowingherlef
tdimple,
shehugged
hergrandmotherhi
dingherfaceonher
grandmother
'sshoul
der.

MaLesedi
:(l
aughi
ng)ohmyshehasmydi
mpl
e.
Gabi:(
laughi
ng)shedi
dtakemor
eofal
lyour
feat
uresthanmine
MaLesedi
:(l
aughi
ng)shedi
d.Herf
atheraskedme
t
ocomegether..
.
Gabi
:we'
l
lshe'
sal
lready.Iwi
llgogetherbackpack.
I
thasanAppl
eanddr
essi
ncasesheget
sdi
rt
y
MaLesedi
:okay

Gabiwentt
ogeti
tandcamebackwal
kingt
hem t
o
t
hecar.

MaLesedi:Isawyouandmysont heotherday.The
wayyoutalkedtoeachot
her
..
.It
'snoteveryday
wher
ebytwopar ent
swhoareco-par
entingget
al
ongthatwell
Gabi:(
smilednoddi
ng)IknowIj
ustwantmy
daughtert
obehappyandf ormetodothat
,Ihave
toavoi
ddrama
MaLesedi
:whydi
dyoubr
eakup?
Gabi
:ummhi
t'
sal
ongst
ory
MaLesedi
:Ihavet
ime
Gabi
:mycousi
ngotsi
ckandwentaway.Ihadt
o
st
ayher
eandtakecar
eofherki
d-.
..Chi
ldandwe
becamecloseandfel
l.
..
.WellIfelli
nlovethenmy
cousincamebackandhedr oppedmeandpi cked
upthepieceswit
hher.It
henmovedbecauseIwas
hurtandhadmybabyf arf
rom her et
henIcame
backbecauseshewassickandneededa
welcomingcer
emonydonesot hat'
sjustaboutit
.
Wet al
kedandwedecidedtodowhat '
sbestforher,
i
t'
snotaboutusattheendoft heday
MaLesedi:(si
ghed)IunderstandandIdon'
tjudge
youforeveryt
hingyoudid.Iknowlovecanbli
ndus
someti
mes.You' r
eareall
ygoodwomanandwho
woul
dmar r
yyouwoul dbesol ucky
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyouma
MaLesedi:l
etmegobeforehestart
scall
ing.He's
taki
ngal
lthi
sfather
hoodt
hingveryser
ious.Igave
birt
htoapri
ncessandsheshoul
dbet r
eatedlike
one
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)hebet
terdot
hat
.

MaLesediputherathercarseatatt
heback
buckl
ingherupandGabileanedoverki
ssingher
f
orehead.

Ent
le:mamaAppl
e
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)whydi
dIevensayIputanAppl
ein
t
here
MaLesedi
:(l
aughi
ng)notsomuchofapr
incess
nowi
sshe?

ShetookouttheApplef r
om herbackpackand
wipeditt
hengaveittohertoeat.Sheclosedt he
doorandsteppedbackasMaLesedir eservedout.
Shewavedatt hem astheydroveoutjoi
ningthe
road.Shewentbackinside.
..

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtBusi
zwe'
smancave
Shewal kedinwi t
hhi m holdinghands, thedelici
ous
mout hwat eri
ngsmel lmeatont hebraaiwashar dto
i
gnor e.Thepl acewaspackedf ul
lofcustomer s
coll
ectingor dersandot hersj ustseatedchill
ing,
havingdr i
nkswithf r
iendslisteningtogoodmusi c.
Hegr eet edhisstaffandwal kedt ohisof f
icewhile
theylookedatoneanot hershockedt oseehim wi t
h
anothergi rl
..
.

Tr
acy:(
whi
sper
ed)whatam Ieyesseei
ng?
Sphe:
Madameevei
sgoi
ngt
ogocr
azy
Nonhl
e:(
passi
ngby)andt
her
eIwast
hinki
ngone
dayhewoul
dwakeupandseeme
Suzy:wellhedi
dwakeupandyouwer
ejust
i
nvisi
ble
Thegi
rl
slaughed.
..

Mmusi
:gi
rl
sgetbackt
owor
k!

Theycar
ri
edonwor
king.
..

*
***
***
Att
heof
fi
ce

Nompi l
okneel
edont
heleadercouchlooki
ngback
atBusizwewhowasbusyonhislaptop.He
stopped.
..
Nompi
lo:whatar
eyoubusywi
th?
Busi
zwe:(focussedonhislaptop)j
ustchecki
ngmy
e-
mails.Iwil
lbewithyoujustnow..
.

Shet urnedandpi ckedupamagazi nethatwason

topoft hetable.Itwasacarmagazi ne,shel
ooked
atnicestbiggestcarandsmi ledal r
eadyimagining
herselfinthatJeepGr andCher okeeitwasadr eam
shewasdet erminedt or each...Busizwewalked
overandl i
ftedherl egssi t
tingdownandput ti
ng
them overhisl ap...

Busi
zwe:(car
essi
ngherl
egs)nowyouhavemyf
ull
at
tent
ion
Nompi
lo:youhaver
eal
lydonewel
lforyour
sel
f.
..
Busi
zwe:(
smil
ed)t
hankyou.
..Iwoul
dn'
thavedone
i
twit
houtyou.
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)gl
adIcoul
dhel
p
Busi
zwe:nowi
t'
smyt
urnt
ohel
psot
ellmewhatdo
youhavei
nmind?
Nompil
o:Ihavescr
ibbl
eddownaf
ewbusi
ness
pl
ans.
Busi
zwe:Ihaveabusi
nesspr
oposalf
oryou
Nompi
lo:okay.
..
Busi
zwe:myfr
iendandIboughtaPr
ivat
eGame
Reser
veinMpumalanga
Nompi
lo:(
sur
pri
sed)youwhat
?
Busi
zwe:yes.
..He'
scurr
entl
yworki
ngther
easa
managermakingsuret
hingsar
egoingper
fect
ly
well
Nompi
lo:okayandwher
edoIcomei
n?
Busi
zwe:Iwantyoutogothereandlearnf
rom hi
m
howtorunit
.He'sal
solear
ningfrom t
heprevi
ous
managersoIwantyoutotagalong.I
'l
lpayyou
Nompi
lo:okay.
..
Busi
zwe:weal
lhavetostar
tsomewhere,Iwantyou
tomanagei
tandifyoudogoodaft
ertr
ainingI
'l
llet
youhavesomeshar
es
Nompi
lo:(
herf
acel
itup)shar
es?
Busi
zwe:yes,sharesaregoingtobeyour
moti
vati
on.I'
mt hemajorityshar
eholder
,soi
fyou
workhardI
'm will
ingt
ogi veyou5%.Havinganidea
tost
artabusinessisonet hi
ng,worki
nghardto
makeitworkisanotherthing
Nompil
o:(smi
li
ng)IknowandI
'
llwor
khar
dtoear
n
eachper
cent
Busi
zwe:good.
..
let
'sshakeoni
t

Theyshookhandstheshegotupandsatonhi
slap
putti
ngherl
egontheothersi
de.Put
ti
ngherar
ms
aroundhi
sneck.

Nompi
lo:sowhendoIst
art
?
Busizwe:(
squeezedherbut
t)af
terI
'
vehadenough
ofyou
Nompi
losmil
edandkissedhim,hedeepent
heki
ss
r
unni
nghishandsal
loverherbody.

*
***
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***
***
***
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***
***
**
Att
hef
uner
al

MaLesediandaf ewantiessatunderthetent
.
Thandiwewassi tt
ingbehindherlooki
ngattheman
fi
ll
ingint
hegr avewithsoilwhil
epeopleofher
churchsang.Mostoft hecommuni tymember shad
come.Entleplayedonhergr andmother'
slap
point
ingattheNaledicryi
ngbyt hegrave.
..

Ent
le:l
ookshe'
scr
ying
MaLesedi
:yesi
t'
sasadday
Ent
le:i
t'
snotasadday.
..
.Gogoi
sgoi
ngt
oheaven
MaLesedi
:(smi
li
ngl
ooki
ngather
)andwhot
old
yout
hat?

Shelookedbackandhereyesl
andedon
Thandiwe'
s.
..
Thandi we'sheartbeatracedlooki
ngatMpho' s
daught er
.Shest i
lldidn'
tknowhowshef el
tabout
her,shewashur t.
..Yesshewashur t
ing.Shef el
t
thi
ski ndofpainal ongt
imeago, t
hepainyouf eeli
n
yourhear twhensomeonehur tyouandt her
e's
nothingyoucandot ohurtt
hem back.Shefeltit
backt henwhi l
eshewascagedbyVusiandnow. .
.

Ent
le:(
wavi
ngather
)hel
lo.
..
.Hel
lo

Thandi
wegotupandwal
kedawayf
rom t
het
ent
,
tearsalreadybur ni nghereyes.Shewal kedf arfrom
thecrowdsandhi dbehi ndabi grockcr ying...She
couldn'tunder standwhyshef eltthatway.She
alwayst houghti twoul dbeeasybuti twashar d,her
cousinsl eptwi thherhusbandandt heyhadababy.
Achi l
dt hatlooksexact l
ylikehim andt hewayher
husbandbehavedar oundher ,youcoul dseeshe
washi swor ld.I tfel tli
kesheandI namiwer e
nothing...Andt hi schi ld.
..t
hischi l
dj ustout shined
them. .
.Maybe. .
.Maybet hiswasasi gn, her
mar r
iagewasdoomedf rom thever yst art
..
.Her
heartbrokei ntopi eces, shedi dn'twantt oloseher
husband.Thi smanl ovedherf rom herwor stt i
ll
now. .
.Howcanshegi veupt hateasi ly?Noshewi l
l
dealwi t
ht hislikeabi ggirlwoul d..
.Shewi pedher
tearsandgotupwal ki
ngbackt ot het entbutsi t
ti
ng
awayf rom wher eMaLesediwasseat edwi th
Entl
e....

Lat
ert
hatday.
..
..
..
Mphocar r
iedherdaughterwhochewedona
drumsti
cksmear i
ngalloverherfat
hersshirtandhe
di
dn'tmind,i
nfanthehadalwaysi maginedhaving
hi
slit
tl
eonesmessi ngaroundt hehouseandf ee.
..
Entl
etookoutchewedmeatf r
om hermout h..
.

Ent
le:daddyeat

Hel ookedatherl i
ttl
ef i
stwitht
hatchewedmeat
andhersal ivaallover.Nononoyou' renotgoi
ngto
feeddaddyt hatbaby..
.noooo.Ohshitther
egoes
nothing..
.Hecl osedhiseyesopeninghi smouth
andsheputherent irefistl
aughi
ng..
..'
Ohthischil
d
i
sevi l'
hethoughtwhi l
edhepul l
edoutherhandand
heat ethejunksmi li
ngl i
keitwasreall
ygood..
..
I
nami
:baba

Het
urnedandlookedatherdaught
err
unni
ngover
t
aki
nghishand.

I
nami
:whoi
sthi
sli
tt
legi
rl
?
Mpho:t
hisi
sMphoentl
ebutyoucancal
lherEnt
le.
Shei
saunti
eGabi
sil
e'
sdaughter
I
nami
:(wi
deni
nghereyes)r
eal
ly?
Mpho:yessoshel
it
eral
lyyourbabysi
ster
Inami:(
smi
li
ng)Ihaveal
it
tl
esi
ster
,canshecome
visi
tus?
Mpho:i
fonl
ymommyi
sokaywi
thi
t
I
nami
:canIgopl
aywi
thher
?
Mpho:doyouwantt
opl
aywi
thbi
gsi
ster
?
Entlel
ookedatI namifi
rstasifhewasscanning
tr
yingtoseewhatt ypeofaper sonshewas.Then
shestretchedoutherarmsandI namismiledtaki
ng
her.Shewentt oplaywithherwitht
heotherkids
whileMphowal kedoutoftheyardtohiscar,
tobe
al
onef oramoment .Hewasaboutt oopenitwhen
hehear dadeepvoi cet
alki
ng...

BabMadonsel
a:youhavenoshameholdi
ngherup
fort
heworl
dtoseeyetyouhaven'
tdonet
heri
ght
thi
ng.

Mphoswal l
owedl ooki
ngdowninshameand
showingrespect
.Thismanwashisdaughter
's
grandfat
herandhewasr i
ghtt
heysti
lldi
dn'
tdo
what'sri
ght.
BabMadonsel a:youusedher,madehertocarefor
yourkidswhil
eyourgirl
fr
iendwasgonet henmade
herpregnantandthrewherovertot
hesidelikea
pieceoftr
ash.Whatkindofamanar eyou?You
disgustme..
.Iwonderwhatmydaught ersawinyou?

Mphoswal l
owingnotsayingawor ditwastheway
thathespoke,hi
scommandi ngvoice.Youcould
pickuphisangerfr
om thewayhespokeandMpho
knewhellwouldbreakl
oseifhesaidonewor d.He
roughl
ygrabbedhim bythecoll
erofhisshi
rt.
..

BabMadonsela:(
angril
y)youdi
srespectmeboy.
..
Yout
hinkI
'm yourfr
iendhuh?
Mpho:(st
ruggl
ingt
obr
eat
h)NoSi
r.
..I
'
lldot
her
ight
t
hing.
.I
MaPaul
ine:baba.
..
MaPaul
inewal
kedover
MaPaul
ine:babaMyeke
BabMadonsela:(
angr
il
ystrangl
inghi
m)t
hisboyi
s
disr
espect
ingme,het
hinkshecanwalkoverme
l
ikehedoestomydaughter..
.
MaPauline:(
pull
inghim back)Iknowyouareangr
y
butt
hisisnottheplace.Ayi
beyincaneKunene,
ayi
beyincaneMnt i
mande...

Heletofgoandhesteppedbackcoughi
ngand
t
ryi
ngt ocat
chhi
sbreath.

BabMadonsel
a:(
poi
nti
ngathi
m)uzosi
ndamf
ana
ayi
kaphel
i

Hewal kedt
ohiscarwithhi
swif
ewhileMpho
unbutt
onedhiscoll
arrubbi
nghi
sneck,l
ooki
ng
aroundtoseeifanyonesawhi
m
.

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#59
AtGabi
'
spl
ace

Gabist eppedoutandr akedt heyar d,alotoft hings

wer eonhermi nd.Shedi dnotl ikethewayt hings
wer ewi t
hherpar ents.Sheknewt heywer e
disappoi nt
edi nher ,
whywoul dn'ttheybe?Thei r
l
ittl
egi rlsleptwi t
hamar riedmanandevenhada
chil
d.Theyal wayshadhi ghexpect ati
onsofher ,
shel ett hem downbutl ether selfdownbi gt i
me.
Shewi shedshecoul dt urnbackt ime, decisionsshe
madebackt henar ehur tingsomanypeopl eeven
now.Sher emember edThandi we' sface,whydi d
sheevengot hereint hef irstplace?Hasn' tshehur t
herenough?Whatwoul dshehavedonei fshewas
i
nhershoes?Herf ather svanpar kedout sideher
yard, herhear tskippedabeat ,t
hingsdi dn'tendwel l
l
astt ime.Herf atherst eppedoutandwentovert o
opent hedoorf orhermot her.Sheal waysadmi red
howt heyl ovedeachot herevenaf tersomanyyear s
theyst
il
llookedateachot
herl
iket
eenager
sinl
ove.
Theyopenedt hegat
eandwalkedi
n..
.

Gabi
:mom anddad.
..Howar
eyou?
MaPaul
ine:Wear
edoi
ngf
ine,
howar
eyou
Gabi
:I'
m okay.
..
Madonsel
a:wesawMphoshowingof
fwit
hour
gr
andchil
dandfi
gur
edyouwer
earound
MaPauline:babapl easewetalkedaboutt
his.We
areher
et ofi
xthings,shemighthaveshamedus
butsheissti
llourdaughter
Madonsel
a:(
sighed)okay
MaPaul
ine:l
et'
sgoi
nsi
de

Theyal
lwal
kedi
nsi
deandsatdown.
Gabi
:canImakeyout
eaor
?
MaPaul
ine:nowear
efi
ne.
Gabi:I
'mreall
ysorr
ymom. .
.(t
earf
ul)I
'
mr eal
lysor
ry
dad.I'
m notproudofwhatIdi
d,Iwasstupi
dand..
.
Madonsela:weknowandwe'
vepuni
shedyouf
ar
enough.Thishast
oendnow
MaPaul
ine:yest
hat
'swhywef
orgi
veyou
Gabi
:real
ly?
Madonsel
a:yesmychi
ldi
t'
sti
meweputever
ythi
ng
behi
ndus
Gabi
:(smi
li
ngt
ear
ful
)thankyou
Madonsel a:butmakenomi st
akeusforgi
vingwhat
hadhappeneddoesnotmeanwehavef or
gotten.I
don'texpecthi storytorepeatit
sel
fandtheboyst i
ll
needst odowhati sri
ghtandpayf ort
hedamages.I
sti
lldon'tunder standwhyyougavehi m my
grandchildwhenhehasdonenot hi
ngtoshowhow
remorsef ulheisf orwhathedi d
MaPaul
ine:baba.
..
Gabi
:Iwi
llt
alkt
ohi
m
MaPaul
ine:andwest
il
lhavet
otal
kaboutthe
per
sonwhowasmostlyaff
ect
edbythi
s.Thandi
we.
Gabi :Iwaspl anningt
ogoseeherandapologi
ze
personally.Iknowshet r
ust
edmeandIhur ther
badly.Iwi shtherewasawayIcouldnotbeinher
l
ifebutEnt l
ebindsustoget
herandIwantusallt
o
getal ongforhersake.She'
spret
tymuchher
mot heraswel l
..
.
MaPaul
ine:t
hati
sther
ightt
hingt
odo
Gabi
:(gotupandhuggedt
hem)t
hankyoumom and
dad
Madonsel
a:(
huggi
ngher
)you'
rel
uckybecause
you'
remydaught
er
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)Iknow
MaPaul
ine:nowaboutt
hatt
ea
Gabi
:(l
aughingwal
kingt
otheki
tchen)I
'
m goi
ngt
o
makeit
..
.I'
m goi
ngtomakeit
Shewal
kedtothekit
chenandtookt
heket
tl
efi
ll
ing
i
twit
hwaterandpluggi
ngiti
n

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
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***
*
AtSbahl
e'
spl
ace

Shebi tthebackofherpenr eplayingwhat

happenedatBusi zwe'shouse.I thasbeenonher
mindt hewhol eday.Thewayi tr avi
shedNono' s
l
itt
lep* ssy.Shefeltpulsesonherp* ssyjust
thi
nkingaboutal lthatmeati nsi
deher .Shelaid
backsl i
ppingherhandi nsi
deherski rtf
li
ppingher
bean,themostpl easi ngpleasurablesensati
ontook
overasj uicesexcretedfrom herpear l
..
.Sheheard
thedooropenandqui cklypull
edoutherhand
rol
li
ngdownf r
om thecouch. ..
Nompi
lo:(
looki
ngatSbahl
egetup)heywhat
'sup?
Sbahle:(
sit
tingonthecouch)hey.
..Iwasj
ust
pi
ckingupt heremote
Nompi
lo:oh.
..Okay.

Sbahlelookedatherf
ri
endcarr
yingsomany
shoppingbags.Shewalkedt
oherandputthem
down

Sbahl
e:wentshoppi
ng?
Nompil
o:(smil
ing)yeahhegavemehiscardt
obuy
what
everIneed.Canyoubelievet
hisman?
Sbahl
e:(
smi
li
ng)j
ustl
iket
hat
?
Nompil
o:(t
aki
ngouttheclothes)j
ustl
ikethat.Igot
r
eal
lynicecl
othesabitexpensi
vebutI
'llneedthem
f
ormynewj ob
Sbahl
e:anewj
ob?
Nompilo:yephedoesn'
tli
kethei
deaofhi
s
gi
rl
fr
iendwor ki
ngforhi
sfri
endso.
.
Sbahle:butdon'
tyout
hinkyouguysar
emovingtoo
fast
.Imeanyouguysmetyest er
dayandal
ready
youareont hehi
gh
Nompi
lo:yout
hinkwear
e?
Sbahle:yes.
..Imeanyouhaven'
thadaboyfri
end
forthepastfouryear
sandhejustbr
okeupwi t
hhis
gir
lf
riend.Hedidn'
thavet
imetohealand.
..
Nompi
lo:(
swal
lowed)and?
Sbahl
e:al
liam sayi
ngi
sthatl
eaver
oom f
or
di
sappoi
ntment
Nompi
lo:oh
Sbahl
e:okayl
et'
sseewhathegotyou

Shetookoutmor eclot
hesfrom thebagslooki
ngat
them whi
leNompi l
okeptquietshakenbywhat
Sbahlesai
d.Shewasr ightt
heywer egoingabitt
oo
fast
..
.Thesex.
..Thebreakup...
Thejob..
.AndWor l
d
didsayhewouldlethergowor kthereoncehe'
s
hadenoughofher.Whati
faft
erhe'shadenoughhe
dropsherandever
ythi
ng?Thethoughtj
ustmade
hertopani
c..
.

*
***
***
***
***
***
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***
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***
*
AtGogo'
spl
ace

Thandi
welookedf
orherhusbandandcoul
dn'
tfi
nd
hi
m.Heaskedoneoftheaunt'
sandshedir
ect
ed
hertohi
m..
.
Meanwhil
eMphot
alkedt
ohi
suncl
eleani
ngagai
nst
t
hecar.
..

UncleMkhuzeni:Ihearyouboy,nomani nhisr
ight
mindwouldbehappyi fsomeonedidsuchtoher
daughter
.Iblameyou, asamar r
iedmanyou
should'
veknowhowt hiswoul
dhaveaffect
edyour
f
amil
ypar
ti
cular
lyyourwi
fe.Youwer
etheone
mar
ri
ednother
Mpho:Iknow.
..
Uncl
eMkhuzeni
:sowhatdoyouwantust
odo?
Mpho:shehasfor
givenmebutherfat
heri
svery
angr
y.Iwantt
omaket hi
ngsr
ightandpayfort
he
damages
Uncl
eMkhuzeni
:Ihearyou
Mpho:andIwantuspayf
orhert
ousemysur
name
Uncl
eMkhuzeni
:isi
t?
Mpho:yes
UncleMkhuzeni
:eynakolokwenganekwabese
kufananawestr
ongngathingumfanakant
i
i
ntombazane
Mpho:(
laughi
ng)ey.
..I
ntombikayi
sei
mpel
a

Theybot
hlaughedwhi
leThandi
wewal
kedoverand
greet
edt
hem.
Uncl
eMkhuzeni
:Makot
i
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)yebobaba
Uncl
eMkhuzeni
:Ithasbeenyear
snowandist
il
l
don'
tseeal
it
tl
eGamar unni
ngaround
Thandi
we:(
smi l
ing)don'
tworryuncl
eyouwi
llseea
l
it
tl
eGamar unningaroundsoon
UncleMkhuzeni
:ther
ebett
erbe,wewantt osee
whatwepaidfor.Wedidn'
tbr
ingyouintoourfamil
y
tojustsi
tar
oundandlookatmynephew' seyesthe
wholedaywebroughtypuheretoexpandtheGama
Clan
Thandi
we:I
..
.
Mpho:(smi
li
ng)wor
rynotuncle.Mywi
feandIwi
ll
haveki
dswhentheti
meisright.
UncleMkhuzeni
:(smi
li
ng)good.Letmegetback
i
nside
Mpho:okayt
hankyouuncl
e
Uncl
eMkhuzeni
:thankyouson

Hewal kedbackinsi
dewhileMphotookThandi
we
handpul l
inghert
obeinfrontofhi
m.Helookedint
o
hereyesandpul l
edhercl
oserforaki
ss

Mpho:youhavebeencr
ying?

Shelookedathi
m andl
ookeddown,itwasamazing
howherhusbandknewher.Ever
yonebarel
ynoti
ced
shehadbeencryi
ngandagainsheknewher
husbandwouldmakeamistakeondeter
miningt
he
reasonwhy.
..

Thandi
we:Iwasj
ustsadbecauseshe'
sgone
Mpho:(
sighs)Iknowthat'
snoti
t.Ent
lebeinghere
hasbr
oughtyoual otofpai
n,wearedeal
ingwitha
r
eal
it
ywet
houghtwoul
dneverbe.
Thandiwe:(t
earf
ul)Iam j
ustscar
ed...I
'
m scar
edI
might.
..
.I'
m scaredshe'
sgoingtotakeyouaway
fr
om me.
Mpho:shewontbabyIl oveonlyyouandI '
m goi
ng
tosayitandsayitti
llyoubelieveitandIdon'
tcar
e
whateveryonesays.
Youdon' thavetofor
ce
yoursel
ftoli
keher,j
ustt akeyourtimeokay?Take
allt
hetimeyouneed

Thandi
wenoddedandMphopul
ledhercl
ose
huggi
ngher
.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Lat
ert
hatday

Thandi
weal
ongwi t
hNal
edit
ooktheboxesof
pl
atest
oaneighbor
scar
.Theyhuggedandsai
d
f
arewel
lthenshedr
oveout
.

Nal
edi
:Ihopewe'
redonenow
Thandiwe:yesweare,
thebigpotshavebeen
ret
urnedtothei
rowners.Al
liswel
l
Naledi:t
hankyouagainf
oreveryt
hingsesiwami.
I'
m suregogoissmil
ingi
nheavenknowi ngher
greatgrandsont
ookagoodwi f
e
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)It
ri
edmybest
Naledi
:Iwasfreaki
ngoutaboutthefood,
potsand
plat
es.Thi
swasact ual
lymyfir
stti
mebeingf aced
withsomethi
nglikethi
sbutIhavelear
ntalotfrom
you
Thandi
we:t
hat'
sreall
ynicetohear.Wearefamil
y
sowealldi
dthebestwecoul dandIlovedhow
uni
tedwewerethroughoutever
ythi
ng
Nal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)t
rue
Theywalkedinsi
dewhilechat
ti
ngandfoundal
lthe
el
dersseatedint
heli
vingroom.Theysatdown

AuntyJabhi
le:wewoul dlovetot akeallofyouher
e
forcominghereandassistingsoourol dersist
er
cangetaproperburial
.Iwoul dbel yi
ngifIsaid
ther
ewassomet hingthatdidn'tsitwellwit
hme.
Uncl
eMkhuzeni
:thati
str
ue,t
hingswentwel
l and
weaskyoutopl
easeconti
nuebeingt
hisuni
tedfor
manyyear
s.
Aunt
yNomadl
ozi:mysi
steri
nlawwoul
dbe.
..
Woul
dbesoproud

Shebur
sti
ntotear
scryi
ngwhil
ehersi
ster
NaMbhel
erubbedherbackt
ryi
ngt
ocalm herdown

NaMbele:calm downmysi
stercal
m down.She'
sat
abet
terplace..
.
.
Entlewalkedinsider unni ngwithacut esmi l
eonher
face,everyonelookedatherandshedi dn'tmi nd
them andr antowar dst hem.Shel ookedar ound..
.
Lookingforaper fecthi dingspot .Theywoul deasily
fi
ndher .
..Shesawt heper f
ectspotandcr awled
underneathThandi we' slongskir t.
..
.Ever yone
l
aughedwhi l
eThandi wef eltj
umpyever ytimeEnt l
e
touchedhert hi
ghswi thhercol dhands.I mani
walkedinwi thhercousi nslookingar ound

I
nami
:mom di
dyouseemyl
it
tl
esi
ster
?

Thandiwepushedheroutwi t
hherf eetandshe
crawl
edoutlooki
ngatt heotherkids.I
namismi l
ed
walki
ngovertotakeoutsidesotheycanpl aysome
morebutsheheldont oThandiwe'sskirtr
ubbing
hereyessl
eepy..
.Thandiwedidn'tfi
ndanythingthi
s
chil
ddocut eandi twasasi fthechi ldwasoutt o
gether .Ent lestretchedoutherar mst oherbutshe
i
gnor edher ..
.Wel lli
keherfathershewasn' tgoi ng
togiveupt hateasi l
y..
.Shegrabbedherski rtand
wentar oundt ryi
ngt ofi
ndawayhowshecoul dget
upt here...Shet urnedar oundandpul ledherselfup..
.
Naledismi ledandhel dherli
tt
lewai stpushi ngher
up,shesatonThandi we'sl
ap, r
estingherheadon
Thandi we' schestandsucki nghert humb. .
.Slowl y
closinghereyes.I namiwalkedcl osesmi li
ng, she
enjoyedhavi ngherar oundandever ythi
ngshedi d
wasf unny, shetouchedEnt l
e'sfootandsheki cked
herhandaway.

I
nami
:she'
smymom t
ooyouknow

Ent
lecontinuedt
osuckherthumbwhil
eThandi
we
l
ookeddownonherchestwi thal
ookofdi
sgustshe
di
dn'tevenknowwasthere.Mphoal
ongwit
hthe
famil
ymemberssawi taswel
landi
tmadet
hem
uncomfor
tabl
e.AuntNaMbhel
egotupandwal
ked
toher

AuntyNaMbhele:l
etmeholdmygrandchi
ldone
l
astti
mebeforewego( t
ookher
)gogo'sar
msare
ful
lofl
oveandtender
ness
Mpho:ummhi
t'
sgett
ingl
ate,
Ishoul
dtakeherback
hometobewi
thhermom
AuntyMbel
e:yesshe'
sbet
terof
fwi
thherown
mother
Nal
edi
:hhayiaunt
y

Thandi
wenoti
cedeveryonelookedatheri
na
str
angewayasifshehaddonet hemosthorr
ibl
e
thi
ngandshedidn'
tunderst
andwhy.Shefelt
att
ackedwi
thever
ywor dt
heysai
d.Mphogotup
andtookhi
sdaughter
..
.

Mpho:I'
mtotakehert
ohermot
her
.Iwi
llcome
backandpi
ckyouuplater
Thandi
we:wecangotoget
hersoi
t'
saonewayt
ri
p
andnotwast
epetr
ol
Mpho:okay.Ni
sal
ekahl
e
Them:Ni
hambekahl
e

Thandiwegotupandt ookherdaught
er'
shand
fol
lowi
ngoutherhusband.Theywentt ohi
scarand
putEntl
einherseatwhileI
namisatnexttoher
.
Theythenbothgotitanddroveoff
..
.
Thandi
we:whathappenedbackt
her
e?
Mpho:Iwoul
drat
hernott
alkabouti
tnowi
nfr
ontof
t
hekids
Thandi
we:Inamiputonyourear
phonesandpl
ay
candycrush

I
nami
didasshewast
old.
..

Thandi
we:yourf
ami
lyhat
esme
Mpho:anddoyoublamethem?Youlookedatmy
chi
ldasifshewasamonsterorsomet
hingyouj
ust
wanttoshreddi
ntopi
eces
Thandi
we:Idi
dn'
t.
..
Mpho:(angr
il
y)youdi
dandeveryonesawit
.Idon'
t
event
hinkshe'
ssafearoundyouanymor
e
Thandiwe:(
tear
ful
)wel
lI'
m sor
ryI'
mfai
li
ngtolovea
chi
ldthatmyhusbandmadewi t
hmycousin.
..
Mpho:( angry)Idon' tknowhowmanyt i
mesmustI
apologizeforthat.Ifit
'ssohardf
oryoutoforgi
ve
mewhydon' tyouj ustpackyourbagsandleaveme.
It
'sclearl
yI'm notthemanyouwantf oryoursel
f.
I'
mt ryi
ng..
.I'
m alwayst r
yingt
omakethingsri
ght
butitisneverenough.

Thandiwesaidnot hi
ngsobbi ngsil
entl
y,hefeltbad
butrefusedtoapologize.Thishasgonet oofar,how
l
ongwi llhekeepapologizingfort
hesamet hi
ng.He
wast i
redofthisandThandi wereall
yneededt o
growup.Hear rivedandpar kedoutsi
deGabi '
s
house...

Mpho:I
'
llbebackwai
ther
e

Hewentt
othebackandt
ookhi
sdaught
erwi
thher
backpackandwenti
nsi
de.Thandi
wesatt
her
e
l
ookingatherwat
che.
..
.

Meanwhi
le.
..
.

Mphoknockedont hedoorandGabiopenedt he
doorinhersi lkpyjamashor tsandsi lktop,herhour
glassshapest i
llr
emai nedevenaf t
erhavi ngEnt le,
hervisi
bleni pplesmadehersexyashel landher
l
ittl
edollfaceandpout yl i
psmadeal lthingswor se.
..
Mphoswal lowedl ookingatherr emember ingt he
moment stheyonceshar ed, heoncehadher
dancingonhi spalm, shedi deverythinghewant ed
withoutaskingwhy.Hel ovedhowf ragil
eshewas
andhoweasyi twast obr eakheranddoanyt hing
hewant s.Wi thhert hi
ngswer esomucheasi er,she
fearedlosinghim andwoul ddowhat everhewant ed
j
usttopleasehi m butwi thThandi we. .
.Thatwoman
drovehim nuts,sheal wayswant st hingst ogoher
way.Sheput sher selffi
rstbeforeanyoneel se..
.
Wellhedoesn' tblameheraf terever ythi
ngshe' s
beenthrough,she' salwayscompl ainingbutt hen
shehasbeenvoi celessforsol ongt hisisthef i
rst
ti
mei nherlif
eshef eel
ssof ree..
..Butshedoesn' t
l
etgooft hings..
.Youseeherpastbi ndst hem
toget
her,Thandiwecanonl ybesaf ei nhispresence.
Hevowedwi thhisl i
fetoalwayspr otectandl ove
herevenifit'
shar d..
.

Gabiqui
cklywentbacktoputonhersilkrobe.
Mphowat chedasherbutshookinthoseshortshi
s
di
cktwigging.Shecamebackdressed..
.

Mpho:(
clearedhi
sthr
oat
)Ican'
tst
ayf
orl
ong.My
wi
feiswaiti
ngformeint
hecar
Gabi
:(t
ookherdaught
er)okay.Iwantt
ocomeand
apol
ogi
zetohertomorr
owi nperson
Mpho:(
puthi
shandsi
nhi
spocket
s)Idon'
tthi
nk
t
hat'
sagoodidea
Gabi
:why?
Mpho:because.
..
Gabi
:(l
ookedbehi
ndMpho)t
her
eshei
s..
.

Thandiwetookof fherheal
swalki
ngovertothem at
fi
rsttheycoul
dn'tseeclearl
ywhatshewascarryi
ng
asitwasget t
ingdarkbutwhenshegotcloseMpho
couldseeshewascar r
yingabi
gtreebranch.

Mpho:geti
nsi
deandl
ockt
hedoornow

Gabi
'sheartbeataccel
erat
edasshest
eppedback
qui
cklycl
osingthedoor..
..
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#60
Gabi
'sheartbeataccel
erat
edasshest
eppedback
qui
cklycl
osingthedoorMphowalkedt
owardsher

Mpho:(
cal
mly)
Thandi
wedon'
tdot
his
Thandi
we:(
shout
ing)st
ayoutofmyway!
Mpho:l
et'
sgohomeandt
alkaboutt
his
Thandi
we:(angr
il
y)Idon'twantt
otalkt
oyou
(l
ookedathimintheeye)getoutofmywayMpho!
Mpho:justcal
m downandlet
'sgohomebeforeyou
dosomet hi
ngyouaregoi
ngtoregr
etfort
herestof
yourl
if
e
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)youl
oveher
..
.
Mpho:no.
..NoIdon'
t
Thandi
we:t
henl
etmebe
Mpho:Ican'
t.
..Mydaught
eri
sint
her
e

Shebur
sti
ntot
earsf
all
ingtothegr
oundwhi
le
Mphoki
ckedof
fthet
reebrance.

Thandiwe:(
cryi
ng)Ican'
tdot
his.
..
.I'
m sor
ry.
..I
'
m
sorr
y..
.

Shesl owlygotupandwal kedtothecar.Shest ood

bythecarl ookingawayandwi pedhertearstryi
ng
tocalm herselfdownbef orest
eppinginside.She
didn'
twantherdaught ert oseeherintearsever,
shemanagedt ocal
m downandopenedt hedoor
getti
ngi nsi
de.Mphost eppedinaswel landlooked
ather...
Mpho:(
swal
lowedr
egr
ett
abl
y)I
'
mreal
lysor
ry.

Shesaidnothi
ngandhest
art
edt
hecardr
ivi
ng
them home

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtNompi
lo'
sroom

Shel
aidonherback

Herphoner
angandshepi
ckedi
tup
Nompi
lo:hi
Si
zwe:hi
?
Nompi
lo:(
sighed)mywor
ld
Si
zwe:whathaveIdonenow?
Nompi
lo:not
hingI
'
mjustnotf
eel
ingwel
l
Si
zwe:what
'swr
ong?
Nompi
lo:Ihaveahear
dacheand.
..
Si
zwe:I
'
llcomeandt
akecar
eofyou
Nompilo:SizweIt
hinkweshouldtaket
hingsslow.
Wehavej ustmetandalreadysomuchis
happening.Usual
lyrel
ati
onshi
pst
hatstartl
ikethi
s
endupbadl y
Si
zwe:babe.
..Babe.
..Wher
eist
hiscomi
ngf
rom?
Nompilo:i
t'
sthetruth.Ihaven'
tbeenina
r
elat
ionshi
pf orsolongandI '
m scar
edthat
..
.
Sizwe:I'
m notgoingtohurtyou..
.Iknowitfeel
sli
ke
everyt
hingismovi ngt
oof astbutt
hat'
sbecausewe
havebot hhel
dbackourf eeli
ngsforsolongthat
nowwear efi
nall
yenjoyi
ngwhatwet houghtwoul
d
neverbe.IknowwhatIf
eel
foryouandt
hisi
snot
j
ustaf l
ing.
..
Nompi
lo:i
t'
snotj
ustt
hat
..
.Idon'
tknowyou
Sizwe:t
hat'
swhyweneedt ospendmoret
ime
toget
her,soyoucangett
oknowmel i
keIwantt
o
knowyou.I'm onmywaygetready
Nompil
o:(
hear
tpoundi
ng)you'
ret
aki
ngmet
oyour
pl
ace
Si
zwe:yessowecangett
oknoweachot
her
Nompi
lo:Ican'
t.
..
.I'
l
lbebusy
Si
zwe:babest
opbei
ngi
mpossi
ble
Nompi
lo:I
'
llcomei
fwewi
llonl
ytal
k
Si
zwe:(
laughed)wewi
llt
alkanddooot
herst
uff
l
ater
Nompi
lo:Ican'
titst
il
lhur
ts
Sizwe:okaywewil
ljustlooki
ntoeachot
her
seyes
anddot hi
ngsyougirl
slovetodo
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)cuddl
ing
Si
zwe:yeaht
hat

Nompi
lol
aughed

Si
zwe:I
'
m out
side
Nompi
lo:comet
ome

Hehungupthent
womi nut
esl
atershehear
da
knockont
hedoorandgotupwalki
ngtoopen

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtMpho'
shouse
Mphocar ri
edInamioutoft hecarf oll
owi ng
Thandi wewhounl ockedt hedoorandt heybot h
wal kedin.Het ookhert oherr oom andputhert o
restwhi leThandiwet ookof fhershoesandj acket
thenl ayingawar m blanketoverher .Shet hen
turnedof fthelightandwal kedoutgoi ngt otheir
bedr oom.Mphowasseat edont hebedunbut t
oning
hisshi rt
,shewentt othebathroom andchangedt o
herpyj amasandcamebackt akingoutawar m
blanketf rom t
hecl oset.

Mpho:canwet
alk?
Thandi
we:Idon'
twantt
otal
k..
.Iwantt
obeal
one
Mpho:(
regrett
abl
y)I
'
m sor
ryaboutever
ythi
ngIsaid
i
nthecar,Il
oveyouandIdon'
twanttoloseyou.
Pl
easedon'tgi
veuponus
Thandiwe:(
sighed)Idon'
twantt
otal
kwhenI'
m
feel
ingli
kethi
spleaseexcuseme.I
'l
lsl
eepi
nthe
guestr
oom
Mpho:(
swall
owed)youcansl
eepher
e,i
t'
syour
r
oom.I'
llt
aketheot
herr
oom
Thandi
we:pl
easej
ust
..l
etmebe

Henoddeddef eatedandshewal kedoutandwent

totheguestr oom.Shel ockedt hedoorgoti nt obed,
curli
ngher sel
fli
keal i
ttl
ebal landcr ied...
.Mpho
sighedandwentt otakeacol dshower ,
hedr iedup
andputonhi spyjamasandt urnedof ft
hel i
ght s
goingintobed.Het wistedandt urnedt ryi
ngt oget
somesl eepbutt hiswasr atherunusual .Itdidn't
feelri
ghtnothavi nghi swi f
esl eepingnextt ohi m.
Hegotupwi t
hhisbl anketandapi l
lowandwentt o
sleepont hecouch

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtNompi
lo'
sroom
Shelai
donherman'
schestwit
hherl
egoverhi
s
whil
eheranhi
shandoverhersmoot
hthi
ghs.

Nompi
lo:babe.
..
Si
zwe:mmh?
Nompi
lo:Iwantt
ost
artwor
kingont
hel
oungesoon
Si
zwe:t
her
e'snoneedt
orush
Nompi
lo:please.
..Si
tt
ingar
oundi
sdrivi
ngmecr
azy.
I
fyoudon'tthenImightaswel
lgobeg..
.
Si
zwe:NO!
..
.(si
ghed)no.Youcancomewor
kwi
th
mehere
Nompi
lo:no.
..Babeyoupr
omi
sed
Si
zwe:youwontgi
veupt
hateasi
lyhuh?
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)yeah
Si
zwe:okay.
..
Nompi
lo:(
gotont
opofhi
m)r
eal
ly?
Si
zwe:askmeagai
nandI
'
llchangemymi
nd
Nompi
lo:(
laughi
ng)you'
ret
hebest
Si
zwe:andyou'
regoi
ngt
ogi
vemest
ubbor
nbabi
es
Nompi
lo:(
kissedhi
m)you'
l
llovet
hem t
hewayt
her
e
ar
e
Si
zwe:yeah

Nompiloki
ssedhi
m andher anhishands
under
neathhert
shi
rtsqueezingherboobs.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Thenextday
AtThandi
we'
shome

Shewokeupear l
yandpr
eparedherdaughterf
or
schoolsi
lent
ly.Shemadehersomethingt
oeatand
prepar
edherlunch.Mphowalkedtotheki
tchen
al
readydressedup.Shehasbeengi vinghim si
lent
tr
eatmentallmorni
nganditkil
ledhim.Shegave
him hi
slunchboxandputt heotheroneonher
daughter
sschoolbag.Mphot ri
edtoki ssherbut
shelookedawaylett
ingi
tlandonhercheek

Mpho:(
sadl
y)Il
oveyou

Shesaidnothi
ngwal ki
ngtoherdaughter,
they
tal
kedwhileMphowat chednothear
ingat hi
ng.
Imanithegotupandwal kedt
othekitchensmil
ing
gett
ingherschoolbag.

I
nami
:let
'sgodad
Mpho:sur
ePr
incess
Theywalkedoutandsheclosedt
hedoorthenwent
backtoherroom i
ntearsget
ti
ngherphonetext
ing
herfr
iendandhourlat
ershehear
daknockont he
door

SheopenedthedoorandKhensaniwal
kedi
n and
pul
ledheri
ntoahug..
.

Khensani
:hey
Thandi
we:hey.
..Let
'st
akeasi
t

Theywalkedovert
othesi
tt
ingr
oom andsatnextt
o
eachot
her.

Khensani
:(l
ooki
ngatherr
edswol
leneyes)cr
iedal
l
ni
ght?
Thandi
we:(sadl
y)yes..
.Cr
iedt
il
lIhadnot
ear
sto
cr
y.I'
mjustexhausted
Khensani
:whati
swr
ong?
Thandi
we:(
sighed)wher
edoIevenbegi
n?
Khensani
:thebegi
nni
ng
Thandi
we:asyouknowwhil
eIwasdeal
ingwi
thmy
i
ssuesmyhusbandhadathingwi
thmycousi
n.
Khensani
:yes
Thandi
we:shet
oldhim sheabor
tedthechi
ldnow
year
slat
ershepi
tchesupwithhisdaught
er
Khensani
:(shocked)what
?
Thandi we:andhe' ssohappyaboutbei ngafather.
Hel ovesthatgirltodeat h,shecamet othefuneral
withherdaught er(tearful)youshoul d'
veseenthem
together.
..I
t'sl
iketheyar enotevenashamedof
whatt heydid.Dur i
ngt hiswhol ef uneralpeopl
e
tal
kedaboutmeaboutwhatt heydidandofhow
muchofaf oolIam f orlettingt hem getawaywi thit
andt hechildistreatedliker oyalty,
youshoul dsee
everyonear oundher ,t
hef ami l
y.She'slikea
princesstheydon'teventr
eatI
manil
iket
hat
.They
tr
eatusl i
keout si
ders.
..
.Yeaht
hat
'swhatwe
are..
..
outsider
s
Khensani
:(sadl
y)nomyl
ovedon'
tsayt
hat
Thandiwe:buti t'
st rueKhensani ,
it'
strue.(tearf
ul)
youknowyest erdayIl ef
twithhimf rom homeand
wedr oppedof fhisdaught er
,wehadaf i
ghtabout
howhi sfami l
ygotangr yatmej ustbecauseI '
m
str
ugglingtoacceptt hechil
d(teardrop)Isawher
andIgotr eall
yangr y.
..Whil
eIam suf feri
ng, she'
s
l
ivi
ngherbestl i
fe...Ij
ustwantedhert of eelwhat
I'
mf eel
ing.(cryi
ng)Ij ustwantedhert ofeelt hepain
she'
smaki ngmef eelandhepr otectedher .
..
Khensani
:(huggedher
)I'
m sosor
ry
Thandi
we:(wi
pedhert
ear
s)It
oldhi
mI'
m donewi
th
thi
smarri
age
Khensani
:ar
eyou?
Thandiwe:(
sighedsadly)Idon'
tknow.
..
.Il
ovehi
m
and(tear
ful
)Idon'twanttolosehim
Khensani
:thent
ry,
tryt
hingsoutagai
n
Thandi
we:Idon'
twanttocompet
ewithhi
sbaby
mamaandhi schi
ld.Whoam Iki
ddi
ngtheyhave
al
readywon..
.
Khensani:maybeyouguysneedsomet
imeapar
t,
j
usttoclearoutyourmi
nd
Thandi
we:Ihavet
houghtaboutthatbutwher
edoI
go?Ihavenohome,Ihavenothi
ng..
.
Khensani
:youcanl i
vewi
thmymom j
ustt
empor
ary
t
il
lyouclearyourhead

Thandi
wel
aughedt
ear
ful
ly

Khensani
:whati
sit
?
Thandiwe:Ican'tbeli
evenotsol ongIhadnowher e
togoandMphot ookmei ntol i
vewithhim andhis
grandmother.YearslaterIsti
llhavenowher etogo.
Ireal
lyneedtogetmyshi ttogether
..
.Ifnotforme,
formydaught er
.Iowehert hatmuch.
Shegotupwipi
ngherf
acewitht
hesl
eevesofher
j
erseywal
kingt
otheki
tchen.

Thandi
we:t
ea?
Khensani
:teawoul
dbef
ine

Thandiweturnedont hekettl
eandt ookoutcups
whil
eKhensanil ookedatheri nworry.Shewas
defi
nit
elynotthegirlshel
ivedwi t
hatt hecentr
e.
Shehaddr eamsal waystoldthem aboutherplans
whenshegoeshome.Backt oschool,var
sit
yand
get
tingthatjobbutIguesst hat'
sli
fethingsnever
gothewayyoupl an..
.
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON

#61

AtMpho'
sof
fi
ce
Hewast appinghispenonhi sdeskindeep
thoughts.Hewasaboutt oloset hewomanhel oves,
howdoeshef i
xthis?How?Hecoul dn'
teven
i
magi nelifewithouther
.Ifonlyhecoul dt
urnback
theti
me, woul dhavenevert ouchedGabiandal lof
thi
swoul dn'tbehappening.Ohgogowhydi dyou
havetogot oosoon..Hisr i
ngingphoneinterr
upted
him.Hel ookedatt hescreenasi tshowedthename
Mphoent le.Hepickeditup

Mpho:hel
lo
Gabi
:(pi
ckedupt
hel
owt
one)hi
..
.Isi
tnotagood
t
imetotalk?
Mpho:l
ist
en.I'm sor
ryaboutwhathappened.My
wi
feissti
llangryanddeali
ngwit
hthewhol emess
we'
vecreated
Gabi
:(si
ghed)Mphopl
easedon'
t.
..Don'tsay
somethi
ngmeanaboutmydaughterjustbecause
thi
ngsaren'
tgoingwel
lforyoui nyourmarri
age.My
daughteri
snotamesswecr eatedifypudon'
twant
tobeinherli
fesaysoandI'l
lleaveinpeace
Mpho:Ineversai
dthat
.Il
ovehert
oobutI
'
mlosi
ng
mywifehere
Gabi:I'
mreall
ysorry.Iwishther
ewassomet hi
ngI
coulddobutI'drat
hernotriskit
,speci
all
yaf
terl
ast
night
.I'
m packingmybagsaswespeakand
headingbacktoCapet own
Mpho:youcan'
tjustmakepr
obl
emst
henpackup
andr
unaway
Gabi:I
'm notr
unningaway.Imustthi
nkaboutmy
daughter
'ssafet
y.Thandi
weisat i
meticki
ngbomb.
Iwantedtoapologizeper
sonal
lybutaf
terthatI
can'
tri
ski t
Mpho:shei
sst
il
ltr
yingt
opr
ocessever
ythi
ng
Gabi:youwi
llneverseeherinthewr ongbecause
youloveher
.Ican'tri
skit
,I'
m sorry.Idon'
teven
thi
nkIcanall
owmychi l
dtovisityou
Mpho:you'
renotkeepi
ngmychi
ldawayf
rom me-
Gabi
:justunt i
lyoufi
xthingswi
thyourwif
eandI
want
edt otalktoyouaboutpayingfort
hedamages
tomypar ents,Iwantpeaceinmyli
feandthi
sthi
ng
ofal
waysf ighti
ngexhaustme
Mpho:Ihearyou,Ihaveal
readytal
kedt
omyuncl
es
andf
ortherecordI'
m notmarryi
ngyou
Gabi
:(l
aughed)whosai
dIwoul
dwantyout
omar
ry
me?
Mpho:(smil
ing)I
'mjustput
ti
ngi
toutt
her
esoyou
don'
tgetanyideas
Gabi
:you'
reonemi
stakeI
'
llr
egr
etf
ort
her
estofmy
l
if
e
Mpho:(
swal
lowed)youmeant
hat
?
Gabi:(
Entl
escreamedatthebackgr
ound)Ineedt
o
go,you'
redaughteri
sal
readyt
hrowingt
antrums
Mpho:t
ellherIl
oveherandki
ssherf
orme
Gabi
:shar
p
Mpho:GabiI
..
.
Shehunguponhi m, hecouldn'thelpbutsensethe
coldshoul
dershegavehi m andwhatshesai dcut
deep.Didshemeant hat?Ofcour seshedidthat
's
whysheendedt hatcallsoquick,shedidn'
twantto
crushwhatwasleftofhisego.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
hel
ounge

Nompi
lolookedar
oundamazedbyhowamazi
ng
t
hatpl
acewas.

Si
zwe:wat
chyourst
ep
Shesmiledathim careful
lylooki
ngdownont he
st
epsnotwant i
ngt otri
pandf all
.Acoupl
ewal ked
outal
ldressedi
nwhi t
eandgr eetedt
hem passing
byhol
dinghands,Si zweinterl
ockedt
heir
swal ki
ng
i
n.Shefeltsospecial.
..

Nompilo:(
lookedatt
hei
nter
ior
)thi
spl
acei
s
beaut
if
ul
Si
zwe:wai
tunt
ilyouseet
heani
mal
sort
hesunset
.
I
t'
sbeaut
if
ul
Nompil
o:(
looki
ngupathi
m)soyou' regoi
ngt
o
st
ickar
oundforawhi
leti
llIset
tl
ein?
Si
zwe:(
smi
li
ng)onl
yforawhi
le
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)t
hat
'sgoodwi
thme

Theywalkedt
otherecept
ionar
eawher
etheywer
e
welcomedwarmly
Her:(
smil
ing)wel
cometoIlangaguesthouse,
whereyou'
remadecomf or
tabl
eli
keyou'reathome
buttr
eat
edliker
oyal
ty.
..

Nompi l
olookedatSandiwhowasallpr
ofessi
onal
i
nheruni f
orm andhadthi
swelcomi
ngsmi leonher
face.Sothi
sisthejobshewasexci
tedaboutthat
day.

Si
zwe:t
hankyouI
..
..
Voi
ce:Si
zwemyman

Theyt
urnedandl
ookedatthi
sshor
tli
ghtski
nned
guywalki
ngdownthest
air
s.

Si
zwe:Champi
onmyman
Hewal
kedoverandt
heybumbedshoul
der
s.

Champ:sot
hisi
sshe?
Si
zwe:yes,babemeetChamp,
ChampmeetMpi
lo
mygir
lf
riend

Heki
ssedt
het
opofherhand
Champ:(
smi
li
ng)ni
cet
omeetyouMadame
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)ni
cet
omeetyout
oo
Champ:l
etmeshowyouwher
eyou'
l
lbest
ayi
ng
fol
lowme

Theyf
oll
owedhim upt
hest
air
swhi
lehewenton
andonaboutt
heloage
Si
zwe:Icanseeyou'
reget
ti
ngusedt
ohowt
hings
ar
edone
Champ:t
hat
'sbecauseIl
ear
nfr
om t
hebest
.Ther
e
wasnoneedtobri
ngmeabodyguar
d
Sizwe:she'
sjusther
etopr
otectmyi
nvest
ment
that'
sall
Champ:goodt
oknow
Si
zwe:wel
eftourl
uggageatt
hecar
Champ:(
openi
ngther
oom)I
'
llsendt
heguyst
oget
i
t..
.Ther
eyougo

Nompil
owal kedinamazedl
ookingaroundt hebig
bed,
ther oom wasamazinghavingthatnatural
woodthemef rom t
hef
loort
othewal l
sandchai r
s.
Thecurtainswereopenedgi
vingyout hebeauti
ful
fewoftheBushhel d.I
twasamazing....
Si
zwe:and.
..Whatdoyout
hink?
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)Il
ovei
t
Champ:excel
lentl
etmegogetyourbags

Hewalkedoutwhil
eNompi l
owalkedovertothe
wi
ndowl ooki
ngoutsi
de.I
twasbeautif
ul.Si
zwe
wal
kedoverandhuggedherf r
om behi
nd.

Si
zwe:Iknewyouwoul
dlovei
t
Nompi
lo:i
t'
sreal
lybeaut
if
ul.I
'
m goi
ngt
oenj
oymy
st
ayhere
Si
zwe:(
smi
li
ng)r
ememberyouhavet
owor
k
Nompi
lo:Iknowbutf
ornowl
etmej
ustenj
oyt
his
pl
acewit
hyou
Si
zwe:(
squeezedherki
ssi
ngherneck)yest
othat
.
Champwalkedinal
ongwi
thaportercar
ryi
ngthei
r
l
uggage,
theytur
nedandl
ookedatthem.Theport
er
putt
hebagsdownandexi
ted

Champ:bef
oreyougetal
lcozyandshi
t,I
'
vegot
somet
hingtodi
scusswit
hyouman
Si
zwe:sur
e..
.Babe.
..
Nompil
o:i
t'
sokay,I'
l
lwai
tdownst
air
sformydr
ive,
we'
rest
il
lgoi
ngright?
Si
zwe:yes
Nompi
lo:don'
ttakel
ongt
hen

Shekissedhi
m andwal
kedoutgoi
ngt
othe
recept
ion.

Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)heygi
rl
Sandi
:(not
ingsomet
hingonhert
abl
et)hi
..
.Long
ti
me
Nompi l
o:(
smi l
ing)i
t'
sbeenl
ongindeedthelast
ti
meIsawyouwaswhenyouwer ecelebrat
ingyour
newj obwhichIguesswasthi
sjobandyouwer e
gett
ingmarried
Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)yes.
..SoIseeyouwi
tht
heboss
Nompilo:(
smili
ng)yeahwe'
redat
ing.Youknow
var
sit
yt hi
ngs
Sandi:ohthat
'swei
rdheusedtocomeher
ewi
th
thatcutel
ady.
..Whatwashername?.
..
Nompi
lo:t
heybr
okeup
Sandi
:when?
Nompi
lo:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)it
'sbeenawhi
le
Sandi
:oh.
..Okay
Nompilo:soI'l
lbeworki
ngher
esoonasamanager
butI
'
llbet r
ainedfi
rst
Sandi:(smi
li
ng)ohl
uckyyoubabysecur
edyoua
greatjob
Nompil
o:(
smi
li
ng)canyouatl
eastactl
ikeyouar
e
happyf
orme
Sandi
:I'
mr eal
lysorr
y.Ij
usthadal
ongdaydeal
ing
wit
hpeople'st
antrumsisn'
tfun
Nompi
lo:I
'
m sor
ry(
smi
li
ng)I
'
llbedeal
ingwi
tht
hat
t
oosoon
Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)yeah
Nompil
o:soweshoul
dcatchupwheneveryou'
re
f
reesoyoucantel
lmeaboutmarr
iedl
if
eyouknow
Sandi
:yeahI
'
lll
etyouknow
Nompi
lo:so.
..
Sandi
:ummhIdon'
tmeant
ober
udebutI
'
m atwor
k
so.
..
Nompi
lo:yeah.
..Sor
ry

Shewal
kedovert
othedi
ningar
eaandsatdown.
..
Assi
stant
:whatwast
hatabout
?
Sandi
:not
hing,
getbackt
owor
k
Assi
stant
:yoh

SandiwatchedasSi
zwecameandwalkedovert
o
her
,kissi
ngherbef
oret
heybot
hwalkedout.

Assist
ant:Ihear
dhe'st
aki
ngheroutt
oseet
he
sunset.
..
that'
ssoromant
ic

Sandisai
dnot
hingasshepi
ckedupt
her
ingi
ng
phone

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
shome
Mphoar r
ivedhomehemadehi swayinsi
det he
houseandputdownhi scarkeysandlaptopbag
down.Thandi wewal kedoutfrom t
hebedroom
dressedinawhi tecroptopandabl uehigh-waist
j
eanandpi nkslippers.Shehadt hi
syounggi rl
ish
l
ookwi t
hherweavet iedinabunandherf lawless
babyf acemaki ngherl ookasifshewas16.He
foundhi mselfsmi l
ingathisgirl

Mpho:hey
Thandi
we:hi
..
.You'
reear
ly
Mpho:Iwaspl
anni
ngoncooki
ngus.
..Di
nner
Thandi
we:IguessIbeatyout
oit
,Ihaveal
ready
madedinner
.Let'
ssit
Mpho:(
wal
kingt
otheki
tchen)wher
e'smyangel
?
Thandi
we:she'
ssl
eepi
ngoverataf
ri
endspl
ace
Mpho:af
ri
endspl
ace?Whi
chf
ri
end?Youknow
howIf
eelaboutmychi
ldsl
eepi
ngoversomehouse

Shesatdownwhi
lehewashedhi
shandsandsat
down.

Thandi
we:she'
ssaf
e,I
'
llbegoi
ngt
ohersoon
Mpho:(
lookedather
)whatdoyoumeanbyt
hat
?
Thandiwe:(
sighed)Ihadsometi
met
othi
nkabout
ever
ythingt
hathashappened.
Mpho:(
swal
lowed)don'
ttel
lmeyou'
regi
vingupon
us.
..
Thandi
we:Ifeell
ike..
.Nothingshavechanged,I
di
dn'tt
hinkwhatishappeningwouldaffectmethis
way.ThingshavechangedandIcanseeyou' re
get
ti
ngtiredofme, ourf
ightint
hecar.
..
Mpho:I'
m sorr
yaboutthat
..
.Idon'tknowwhatgot
i
ntome.Iwasangr yathowyour eactedwhenEnt
le
satonyourlapbutIunder
standnow.Sher emi
nds
youofwhatwedi
d,Idon'
tknowwhatt
osayexcept
forI
'
m sor
ry
Thandi
we:it
'snotonl
ythat
.If
eell
ikeI
'
m not
hingi
n
thi
smarri
age..
.
Mpho:you' r
enotnothi
ng,you'
remywi feandIl ove
you.IknowImessedupbutpl easegivemea
chance.Babedoyour eall
ywantt odot hisnow,
whataboutourchi l
d.I
namiishappyher eli
vingwi t
h
hermom anddad.( hestoppedasemot i
onsgott he
betterofhim)..
..
We'
vebeenthroughsomuch
togethertogiveupnow.Ourfi
rstfightandyou' re
alr
eadyoutt he-

Heswall
owedapai
nfull
umpdownhisthr
oatand
l
ickedhi
sdr
yli
psandtearsbur
nedhi
seyes.
..

Mpho:I
..
.

Hechokedonhi
swor
ds
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)I'
m sor
rybutIhavet
odot
his.
..

Shegotupandwalkedt
othei
rbedr
oom Mpho
sl
owlygotupf
oll
owingher

Mpho:Thandi
wepl
ease.
..

ShegotherbagandMphobl
ockedt
hedoor
..
.

Mpho:Pleasedon'
tleave,
Ilethergo, I
'
llcuther
Entl
eoffourli
vesandyou'l
lgotovar sit
yanddo
ever
ythi
ngyouwantt odo.Nopr essure
Thandi
we:pl
easemoveoutoft
heway.
..
Mpho:(
swal
lowed)pl
easedon'
tleaveme
Thandi
we:moveMpho!

Hemovedawayandshewal kedout,shewal ked

pastthekit
chenandtookhercarkeyswhi l
eMpho
foll
owedherhelpl
essl
y.Shewal kedoutthedoor
andgotintohercarwhil
eMphosatont hestepsa
teardr
oppedashewat chedherrever
seout .
..

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtGabi
'
spl
ace

Shesatlai
donherbedwit
hhol
dherphoneinf
ront
ofherashermanappear
edonthecr
ackedscr
een
Gabi
:hey
Ar
chi
e:heybabe
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)howi
syou?Imi
ssyou
Ar
chi
e:Imi
ssyout
oo.Whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
Gabi
:tomor
row.
..Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Ar
chie:(
smi
li
ng)I
'
m wat
chi
ngamovi
ewi
thmybaby
gi
rl
Gabi
:that
'sni
ce
Ar
chi
e:wher
e'smyangel
?
Gabi
:she'
sher
e
Entl
egoti
ntobedwi
thherdol
lsandl
ookedatt
he
scr
eensmi
li
ngseei
ngherpapa

Ent
le:papa
Archi
e:(
smil
ing)t
here'
smyangel
..
.Whenar
eyou
comingbacktopapa
Shel
ookedathermom f
orananswer

Gabi
:(whi
sper
ed)t
omor
row
Ent
le:t
omor
row
Ar
chi
e:whatwi
llyoubr
ingme?
Ent
le:t
ipsandshocol
ate
Archi
e:(
li
cki
nghi
sli
ps)chi
psandchocol
ateyumm
yumm
Ent
le:(
li
cki
ngherl
it
tl
eli
ps)mmh.
..
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)youguysar
enotdoi
ngt
hisnow
Archi
e:(l
aughinggivi
nghisdaught
erabowlof
popcorn)t
here'syourpopcor
npri
ncess
Herdaught
er'
svoi
ce:t
hankyoupapa
Ar
chi
e:wannasayhit
oaunt
yGabi
?
Her
:yes

Hesatdownthepr
ett
iestfaceappear
edonthe
scr
eenhuggi
ngherdadfrom thebackwi
thher
chi
naeyesandpuf
fycur
ledBr
ownhai
r.

Her
:hiAunt
y
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)hel
loLesego,
aren'
tyousopr
ett
y
Lesego:(
smi
li
ng)I
'
m wat
chi
ngamovi
ewi
thpapa
Gabi
:that
'sl
ovel
y
Ent
le:(
wavi
ng)hel
lo
Lesego:(
sur
pri
sed)daddyl
ook
Archi
e:(smi
li
ng)t
hat
'syourl
it
tl
esi
sterEnt
le.Imade
herwit
hAuntGabi
Lesego:(
eyesbr
ight
en)Ihaveal
it
tl
esi
ster
Ent
le:hel
lopapa
Lesego:hel
loI
'
m Lesegoyoursi
ster
Ent
le:hel
lo
Lesego:whenar
eyoucomi
ngsowecanpl
ay

Ent
lei
nnocent
lyl
ookedathermom f
orananswer
..
.
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)youwi
llpl
ayt
omor
row
Ent
le:t
omol
o
Lesego:okaybyebye
Ent
le:(
wavi
ng)byebye
Lesego:I
'
m goi
ngt
othebat
hroom

Sheletgoof
fherf
atherandgotof
fthebedgoi
ngt
o
thebathr
oom

Ar
chi
e:washyourhandsbef
oreyoucomeback
Backgr
oundvoi
ce:Iwi
llpapa
Ent
le:mamaI
'
m hungr
y
Gabi
:got
akeoutyourf
oodandeat
Ent
le:i
t'
sfi
nished
Gabi
:nopei
t'
snot
.Iknowyouhi
tyourbowlunder
t
hecouch
Ent
le:(
want
ingt
ocr
y)no.
..MamaI
'
m hungr
y
Ar
chi
e:j
ustf
eedmydaught
erf
orGod'
ssake
woman
Gabi:yourdaught
erdoesntwanttoeatheal
thyand
she'
sdevelopedthi
shabitofhi
dingfoodunderthe
couch
Ent
le:(
shaki
nghermom,
want
ingt
ocr
y)mama
Gabi:Ent
leNo,
got
akeoutyourf
oodandeatorI
'
ll
spankyourbut
t

Shekeptqui
et.
..
Archi
e:goeatmybabyt
omorrowdaddyisgoi
ngt
o
buyyouaburger
,chi
psandchocol
atel
otsofi
t

Entl
enoddedwipi
nghertear
yeyesandgotdown
fr
om thebedgoi
ngtogetherfood.
..
Ar
chi
e:Ihopeyoudi
dn'
tfi
llherdi
shwi
thveges
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)mxm vegesar
egoodbutIdi
dn'
tdo
t
hat
Archi
e:youknoweveryti
meyoupullt
hedevi
lcar
dI
earnext
rapoint
sforbei
ngthesavi
or
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)youar
eaj
erkyouknowt
hat
Archi
e:(l
aughing)bestpapai
nthewor
ld,
youbet
ter
getusedtothat
Gabi
:Iam.
..You'
redaught
eri
ssobeaut
if
ul
Ar
chi
e:i
thast
obemygoodgenes
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)ohpl
ease.
..Can'
tbel
ieveyou'
rei
nto
whit
ewomen
Ar
chi
e:(
laughi
ng)what
'swr
ongwi
thwhi
tewomen
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)not
hing.
..I
'
mjustsur
pri
sed
Archi
e:(
laughi
ng)youshoul
dseeyourf
acer
ight
now
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)j
ustshutup
Ar
chi
e:sot
ellmewhat
'snew
Gabi
:Ihavesomuchtot
ellyoubutI
'
lll
eaveal
lof
t
hatfort
omorrow.I
t'
sal
ot
Ar
chi
e:buyasex.
..
il
ogot
ion.
..

Gabil
aughedl
ooki
ngatLesegowal
kingi
nand
j
umpingint
othebed

Ar
chi
e:youknowwhatImeantr
ight
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)nope
Ar
chi
e:buysomet
hingni
cef
ormepl
ease
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)mmhyesyou'
redef
ini
tel
yget
ti
nga
col
ogne
Ar
chi
e:WHAT!
Gabi
:byeee!

Shehunguplaughi
ngandsi
ghedgett
ingof
fthe
bedgoi
ngtocheckuponherdaught
er
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtKhensani
'
smot
her
'shouse

Thandiwegoti
ntobedwi t
hherdaughter
,shecoul
d
seeherdaught
erwassad.I tmadehereven
quest
ionherdeci
sion.
..
.

I
nami
:whenwi
llwegobackhome?
Thandi
we:soon
I
nami
:howsoon
Thandi
we:soonbaby
I
nami
:whydi
dwel
eave?Dadmustbel
onel
y
Thandi
we:hewi
llbef
inei
t'
sonl
ytempor
ary
I
nami
:Iwantt
ogobackhome
Thandi
we:t
hehouseisunderr
enovat
ionswewi
ll
movebackonei
tisfi
nished
I
nami
:(smi
li
ng)r
eal
ly?
Thandi
we:yes,
youwillgetabi
gbeaut
if
ulroom
whenit
'sdonefornowwemuststayhere
I
nami
:okaycanIcal
lhi
m?
Thandi
we:I
'
m sur
ehe'
sti
redandasl
eep
I
nami
:ohokay
Thandi
we:l
et'
spr
ayandsl
eep

Theycl
osedt
hei
reyesandpr
ayedt
henwentt
o
sl
eep

Onemont
hlat
er
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment

Announcement:Ihaveabusyschedulef
amil
ysoI
mightpostshor
tinser
tstomakeupf orl
ostt
ime.
Nomeancomment splease
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#62

Att
hepar
k

Ent
le:(
scr
eami
ng)Papal
ook!Weee!

Archi
elookedathersohappyont
heswi
ngbei
ng
pushedbyhersist
erLesego.
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)t
heyar
esocut
e
Ar
chi
e:(
smi
li
ng)myt
wol
it
tl
egi
rl
s
Gabi
:Entl
ebar
elysl
eptwhenIt
oldheraboutour
dat
etoday
Archi
e:(l
aughing)andI
'm get
ti
ngti
redofmaking
excusestoLesegoaboutwhywe'renotl
ivi
ng
toget
her.I
'vej
ustrunoutofli
esnow..
.
Gabi:(
smil
ing)you'
regonnahavetothinkofmore
l
ies.Imeanwebot hagreedt
otakethingsslowand
Ihavenotyetmethermom. .
.
Ar
chi
e:she'
snotadramaqueenorhavebaby
mamadramaifthat
'swhatyou'
rewor
ri
edabout
.
Gabi:I'
m not
,Ij
ustdon'
twanttorushandI'
vejust
recentl
yfi
xedthingswi
thmyparentsnow,Idon'
t
wantmymom j udgi
ngmefordati
ngwhileEntl
eis
sti
llyoung
Archi
e:Iunder
standbutyou'real
sohumanandyou
can'
tdepri
veyoursel
fthefeeli
ngofbeingl
ovedjust
becauseyouhaveachi l
d.PlusI'
m notast
ranger,
I'
vebeenherewaybeforeEnt l
ewasbor nt
il
lnow
Gabi
:(smi
li
ngl
ooki
ngaway)pl
easedon'
t.
..
Archi
e:(
laughing)youusedmef
oryourownsel
fi
sh
desir
eswithyourbigbal
loon
Gabi
:(l
aughed)mxm youwer
eawi
ll
ingpar
ti
cipant
Archi
e:(
laughing)Ihadnochoi
ce,
howdoyout
urn
downahotpr egnantwoman
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)whatdoIdowi
thyouandyour
cr
azi
ness
Archi
e:(smil
ing)youj
ustletmeloveyou(leaned
overki
ssingherneck)andletmef*ckthatp*ssy

Gabil
aughedpushi
nghi
m back

Gabi
:enoughpl
ayi
nggi
rl
scomej
oinus!

Thegi
rl
scar
ri
edonpl
ayi
ngi
gnor
ingher
Ar
chi
e:mommybet
ternotr
epeather
sel
f!

Theycamer unningoverandt hrewt hemselveson

topoft hem.Thei rfat
hersatt hem downwhi leGabi
dishedf orthem sandwi chesandpour edthem juice.
Entlefrownedl ookingatt hegr eenthingyinsideher
breadandl ookedatLesego.Shet ookabi t
eeat i
ng
withnowor ri
esandshecl osedhereyesasshegot
mot i
vatedt oeatlikebigsi sthenshet ookabi teand
chewedi twasjustawf ul..
.Herpar entslaughed
l
ooki ngatherf rowningf ace

Archi
e:comeonl
et'
seatbabygi
rlaf
tert
hiswewi
ll
havechips
Shecont i
nuedtoeatmot ivat
edbyherdadand
sister .TheyallenjoyedbutmostlyGabienj
oyedthe
feeling, somethingshehadal wayswanteditst
il
l
feltlikeadr eam

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
heweddi
ngvenue

Thandiover lookedeacht ablemaki ngsur e

everyt
hi ngwasi npl
ace.Shef ixedandf oldthe
napkinandputt hegol denf orksont opofi tont he
l
eftoft heplate.Everythingwasj ustper fect.She
sli
ghtl
yt urnedt hegoldenvasewhi chhadwhi te
rosesposi ngasacent repiece.Shel ookedar ound
oncemor enotwant ingt omakeasi nglemi stake,it
wasel egantlybeautifultheTi ff
anyChai rChi f
fon
Sashesandt hebeaut ifulwhitetablecl otheswi th
somedet ail
edgol di
ni t.
Jess:ma'
am t
hecakehasar
ri
ved
Thandi
we:it
'saboutt
ime..
.Thesepeopl
esureneed
tol
earnaboutti
mekeeping.Wedon'twantt
hebri
de
tohaveapanicatt
ackbecauseofacake

Shewalkedt
ot hebakerypeopl
eandtol
dthem
wheret
oputit.MamaKhensaniwalkedinsur
pri
sed
byhowbeauti
fulthevenuewas..
.

Her
:thi
sisbeaut
if
ulThandi
..
.Wow.
..Mychi
ldwow
Thandiwe:thankyouma, i
twasn'
teasybutIappl
ied
everyt
hingyout aughtmeandusedMor den
technol
ogyt heneveryt
hingcametogether
Her:I
'm st
il
limpr
essedyoumanagedtodosoin
thr
eeweeks.Itusual
lytakesmeamonthormore
becauseyouyoungsternowwantever
ythi
ngyou
seeonphonesnow
Thandiwe:(smili
ng)Iknowmat hat
'swhyIusedi
t
togeteverythi
ng,evenbet
teratal
esspri
ce
Her
:(smi
li
ng)I
'
vedecor
atedt
hechur
chever
ythi
ng
i
sgood.
Thandi
we:okay.
..Ihopeever
ythi
nggoeswel
l
Her
:(l
aughi
ng)aslongast
hecakedoesn'
tfal
lor
t
hebri
dethenalli
sgood
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)goti
t
Her:gogetchangedandcomeenj
oyt
heweddi
ng
andsellyourser
vices
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)t
hati
sthepl
an
Her
:I'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssyou
Thandiwe:metoo.
..Doyout hi
nkImadether
ight
choi
ce?ImeanI '
veneverbeenthi
shappyinmyli
fe
butyetsomet
hingisjustmissi
ng
Her:youlef
tforar
easonandyoucanalwaysgo
backbutjustmakesur
eyoualsogobackforgood
reasons
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)Iknowt
hankyoul
etmego
changet
olookpr
esent
abl
e
Her
:I'
l
loverseeever
ythi
ng

Thandiwewalkedoutofthevenueandwentoutsi
de
steppi
ngint
ohercarandget t
ingherdr
essand
shoes.Shewentinsi
dethelodge

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
hel
odge

Nompilolookedfrom herof
fi
cewindowsast he
guest
sar r
ived.Shetookherphoneandsteppedout
ofherroom andwentdownt hestair
sbumpingint
o
abeautif
ulladycarr
yingherout
fit
..
.
Nompi
lo:sor
ry.
..YoumustbeMr
sGama
Thandi
we:yes
Nompi
lo:Ihopet
hest
affi
sn'
tgi
vingyouany
pr
obl
ems
Thandiwe:(
smili
ng)noeveryt
hingisgoingperf
ectl
y
well
,theywereofgreathel
pinsett
ingthevenueup
andIwashappyt ohearyournumber1chefi sthe
oneprepari
ngthedishes
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)weal
waysof
fert
hebest
Thandi
we:j
ustmakesur
enoneofyourwi
ldani
mal
s
j
oinusint
hewedding
Nompi
lo:(
laughi
ng)don'
twor
ryaboutt
hem.
Thandi
we:t
hankyou
Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)l
etmenotkeepyou
Thandi
we:t
hankyou

Nompi
lowal
keddownst
air
sandgr
eet
edt
heot
her
staff.Shelookedl ookedmagni f
icenti
nherwhite
l
adi essuitandr edstil
ettos.Shehadt hatpower
l
ookonwi thar edl i
psti
ckandcateyest hatmade
herabi ti
ntimidatingandhershor tbobcurlyweave
madehermor ebeaut i
ful.I
njustamont hshehad
alreadygainedt hewor kerstrustandrespectand
thingswer erunningsmoot hl
y.Shewasn' ther
eto
playatallbuttherewasj ustoneper sonshenever
seemedt oi mpress...
.
Shelookedatherwhileshewasbusyinthe
recept
ionar
eawonder ingwhatwentwr
ong,they
usedtobegoodf r
iends

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
hebr
idesr
oom

Nal
edif
ini
shedupwi
tht
hel
ipst
ickandmovedaway
f
rom t
hemi
rr
orsot
hebr
idecant
akeal
ook.

Thebr
ide:(
amazed)wowIl
ookamazi
ng
Br
idesmai
d:she'
sreal
lygoodatt
his
Nal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyou
Thebri
de:Iwasabitskept
icalwhenThandi
we
recommendedyoubutlookatmyhair?Mymake-
up.
Wow
Nal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyou
Br
idesmai
d:myt
urnnow
Nal
edi
:let
'sgoonwi
thi
t,wedon'
thavemuchmuch
t
ime
Br
ide:(
sippi
ngherwi
ne)I
'
m al
lowedt
obel
ate
l
adies,
takeyourt
ime

Theyal
llaughedwhi
leNal
edicont
inuedt
odoher
work.Shewalkedoutanhourl aterwit
hhermake-
uparti
stt
rainsuitcase.Themomentshecl osedthe
doorshesighedsmi li
ng"anotherhappycli
ent,
ThankyouLor d"shepulledhersuit
casegoing
downstai
rs

Thandi
we:heysi
s

Naledit
urnedandl ookedatThandi
weinabeauti
ful
yel
lowflaredressandbeauti
fulbl
ackheel
s.Her
heelsanchoredasshemadewayt oher
.Mant hi
s
womani sbeaut i
ful
..
..

Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)hey.
..Sohowdi
ditgo?
Naledi
:(l
aughing)youneedtost
opfreaki
ngout.I
knowwhatI '
m doingandIhaveahappyclient
Thandi
we:(
sighedi
nrel
ief
)that
'sr
eal
lygoodnews
Nal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)Iwoul
dneverdi
sappoi
ntyouandI
j
ustwantt
osaythankyou.Forever
ythingyouar
e
doi
ngformeandIsti
llt
hinkyoushouldn'
thavel
eft
mybro-
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)sshhhpl
easedon'
t
Nal
edi
:(l
aughi
ng)buthe'
sdyi
ngskoni
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)st
opt
alki
ngnonsense
Nal
edi
:andhedoesn'
tloveher
.Hel
ovesyou
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)canyouj
ustst
opt
alki
ng
Nal
edi
:but
..
.
Thandi
we:sayonewordandIswearI
'
llnever
recommendyourser
vices
Naledi
:fi
ne.
..I
'
m zi
ppingmymout
h.Ineedtohead
backhome.Ihavefewcli
ent
swhowantthei
rhai
r
done
Thandi
we:l
etmewal
kyouout

Theycont
inuedt
owal
kout
side
Thandi
we:youdoknowyouar
egoi
ngt
oneed
someonetoworkwi
th.Youcan'
tcar
ryondoi
ngal
l
thi
sworkalone
Nal
edi
:IknowI
'
llst
artl
ooki
ngf
orsomeone
Thandi
we:gr
eat
Nal
edi
:youl
ookbeaut
if
ulbyt
heway
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)t
hankyou

Theycarri
edont
alki
ngti
llt
heygotout
sideand
Naledit
ookanuberhome

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMpho'
sof
fi
ce

Mphowalkedovert
othecouchfrom hisdeskand
satdownwatchi
nghisdaught
erdrawingonher
drawi
ngbook.
Mpho:what
'st
hat
?
I
nami
:it
'saf
lowerdad
Mpho:i
t'
sbeaut
if
ul
I
nami
:(smi
li
ng)Iknow
Mpho:si
ther
eIwantust
opl
ayagame
I
nami
:(gotupandsatnextt
ohi
m)okay
Mpho:soBunny.
..Youcant
elldadanyt
hingr
ight
?
I
nami
:yesbutnohar
dquest
ions
Mpho:(
laughi
ng)nohar
dquest
ionsIpr
omi
se
I
nami
:andwhatwi
llIgetwhenIanswer
Mpho:youear
nyour
sel
f.
..

Hesear
chedhi
spocket
sandt
ookoutcoi
ns

Mpho:pocketmoney(
jumpedhappy)butIwant
onl
ythetr
uth
I
nami
:okayokayokay
Mpho:sodoesmommyhaveanynewf
ri
ends?
I
nami
:(smi
li
ng)mommy?
Mpho:yes
I
nami
:yesi
tsaunt
yKhensane
Mpho:ohr
eal
ly?Nomanf
ri
ends?
Inami
:ohoh.
..
there'
suncl
eNqobihecomest
ovi
sit
uswhenhehastime
Mpho:r
eal
ly?Doeshemakemom happy?
I
nami:whenmommymissesyouhemakesher
l
aughandshefor
get
s
Mpho:(
swal
lowed)ohr
eal
ly?
I
nami
:dadyoust
il
lhaven'
tgi
venmeanycoi
ns
Mpho:ar
eyout
ell
ingmet
het
rut
h?
I
nami
:yes.
..Then.
..
.Then.
..Theygoawayt
oget
her
Mpho:wher
eto?
I
nami:(
shr
uggedhershoulder
s)Idon'
tknowbut
mom comesbackwit
hpizza.CanIhavemycoins
now?
Mpho:okayonel
astquest
ion,
tel
lhowUncl
eNqobi
l
ooksli
ke
Inami
:hei
stal
l.
..Andhemakesusl
aughandhe
hasnohai
ronhischinl
ikeyou

Shelaughedrol
li
ngher sel
fonthematwhi l
eMpho
swall
owedapainfull ump, soshewasr eall
ymovi ng
onandevendatingt hisreall
yhurt
.Itjustcutdeep,
hewasl osi
nghisladydespi tehi
stroubletryi
ngto
fi
xthingswit
hher...

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HEATOFPASSI
ON
#63

Att
heweddi
ng

SizwewalkedovertoNompi l
ot ouchingherf igur
e
fr
om theback,shequickl
yturnedandsmi ledathim
ashemovedst andingnexttoherwat chi
ngt he
coupl
esbeingreunitedbythepr i
est.Thent heyall
satdownasever yt
hingproceededtilltheend.
Everyonegotupandwalkedtot
her
ecept
ionwhi
le
SizweandNompi l
oremained

Si
zwe:you'
vedoneagr
eatj
ob
Nompi
lo:t
hankyou.
..Di
dn'
tthi
nkyouwoul
dcome
Sizwe:(smi
li
ng)whatdoyoutakemef
or.Ihadt
o
comet hisi
sreal
lybi
gtoyou

Shel
eanedoverandki
ssedhi
m
Nompilo:(
smi
li
ng)thankyoubabe.Ihopenextt
ime
I
'l
lbetheonewalki
ngouther
ewithar i
ngcall
ed
Mrsyou
Si
zwe:(
loosenedhi
sti
e)wher
eist
hist
alkgoi
ng?
Nompi
lo:(
laughi
ng)exact
lywher
eyoudon'
twantt
o
go
Si
zwe:(smi
li
ng)l
et'
sgetsomet
hingt
oeatI
'
m
st
arvi
ng
Nompi
lo:we'
rest
il
ltal
king…
Si
zwe:we'
llhaveplent
yofti
metot
alklat
eron.
Comeon,Ican'tr
eall
ytal
konanemptystomach
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)f
ine
Si
zwe:t
hat
'smygi
rl

Hegotupt
aki
ngherhandandshel
azi
lygotupand
wal
kedwit
hhi
mtothekit
chen.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtKhensani
'
shome

Shemovedt hecurt
ainstothesi
del ooki
ngatthe
Fordthatparkedoutside.I
namisteppedoutrunni
ng
i
nsidewhi l
eMphost eppedoutinhissuitcoming
fr
om wor k.Khensaniwipedherhands,taki
ngoff
herapronandwalkedout
side.ShemetI
namionthe
stepspicki
nguphercr
ayonsthatshedr
oppedon
thefl
oor.

Mpho:It
oldyounott
orunar
oundnowl
ook
I
nami
:Iwasn'
trunni
ngdad

Shepi
ckedupthel
astcr
ayonandwentonbumpi
ng
i
ntoKhensani

Khensani
:(l
aughi
ng)car
efulyou'
l
lknockt
hisbaby
outofmytummy
I
nami
:(smi
li
ngl
ooki
ngupather
)I'
m sor
ryaunt
y
Khensani
:(smi
li
ng)i
t'
sokaygochangei
nto
comfort
abl
eclot
hes.
..Ohyourf
oodisontopoft
he
tabl
e
I
nami
:thankyouaunt
y

Shewenti
nsi
dewhi
leMphogr
eet
edher

Mpho:youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Khensani
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyou
Mpho:Iwashopi
ngt
oseeI
nami
'
smom
Khensani
:shehassomebusi
nesst
oat
tend
Mpho:i
sthatbusi
nessManqoba?
Khensani
:(smi
led)someonehasbeendoi
ngal
i
ttl
e
bi
tofdiggi
ng
Mpho:(
sighed)soshe'
sreal
lyseei
ngsomeone?
Khensani
:Idon'
tknow.Ionl
yknowt
hatt
heyar
e
fr
iends
Mpho:f
ri
endshuh?
Khensani
:yes..
.Don'
tgetmewrongbutshe'
s
enj
oyinghersel
fri
ghtnowandIthi
nkyoushoul
ddo
t
hesame
Mpho:howcanIdot hatwhenshe'sal
lIt
hinkabout
.
Thehouseisemptywithouther,
whati
ssowr ong
aboutamanwantingtofixthi
ngswit
hhiswifeand
havehisf
amilyal
lunderoneroof
Khensani
:(si
ghed)butwhati
fshedoesn'
twantt
hat
anymore
Mpho:(
swal
lowed)t
hen.
..IguessIhavet
oaccept
def
eat
Khensaninoddedherhead
Mpho:si
nceshe'
snothome.Ishoul
dgetgoi
ng
Khensani
:yesofcour
se.Iwi
l
ltel
lheryouwer
eher
e
Mpho:(
smi
led)t
hankyou.Takecar
e
Khensani
:(smi
led)yout
oo

Het
urnedandwal
kedbackt
ohi
scardr
ivi
nghome.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Somewher
eont
opofamount
ain.
..

Sheclosedhereyesbr eathingindeeplysweetfresh
ai
rsurroundedbynat ure.Thebeaut if
ulsunsoft
ly
ki
ssedherskinasi twasal readyhalfwaydown.He
cameandawr appedawar m blanketaroundher.
Shesmi l
edfeeli
ngt hewar mthi tcar
ri
edandlooked
upcatchingaglimpseofhi spr ettyf
acebefor
e
si
tt
ingdownnextt oher .

Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)t
hankyou
Manqoba:(
smi
li
ng)i
t'
sapl
easur
e
Shelookedathim ashespokeasi
fhedi
dn'
twant
to.Socalm andgentl
e..
.Shet
ooki
nahandf
ulof
peanutsgivi
nghim some

Manqoba:so.
..
whatdoyoul
ovemor
ebet
ween
sunr
iseandsunset
?
Thandi we:Icouldneverr eall
ychoosebetween
l
ovingt hesunrisemor eorthesunset.Il
ove
sunrisesandhowt heysymbol i
zeanewdayandt he
beaut yandhopet hatcomeswi thi
t.Butsunset
s
provet hatnomat terwhathappensi ntheday,i
tcan
sti
llendbeaut i
ful
ly.
Manqoba:(
smi
li
ng)t
hat
'st
rue
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)so.
..
Manqoba:so.
..
Thandi
we:whyam Iher
e?
Manqoba:j
ustt
orewi
ndandj
ustl
etyourhai
rdown
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)t
hankyou.
..Ir
eal
lyneededt
his.
Manqoba:mom i
sreal
lypr
oudofyou
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)r
eal
ly?
Manqoba:yesshecan'tst
opt
alki
ngabouthow
per
fectyouare.Or
ganizi
ngaweddingi
naf ew
weeksti
meandi tbei
ngasuccess
Thandi
we:(laughi
ng)It
ri
edmybestpl
usshehad
al
readytaughtmemostofthest
uff
Manqoba:butst
il
l.
..Sohaveyout
houghtabouti
t?.
..
Whatwespokeabout ?
Thandi
we:yes(
sighed)yesIhave
Manqoba:and?
Thandi we:I'
m notgoingt odoi t.Iknowmeandhi m
havehadourdi ff
erencesandt hought hi
ngst urned
sourt hereweregoodmoment sandwheneverI
thi
nkaboutbot hthegoodt i
mest endt oover
shadowt hebadtimes. .
.(smiled)andImi sshim.I
havedr eamsbutIwantt oachi evet hem withhim by
mysi deandam Iscar ed?YesIam, ther
e'sachi l
d
thatIneedt oacceptthati twillbei nourlives
forever.Ihatehim..
.(l
aughed)butIl ovehim mor e.
I'
m goi ngtogiveusachance
Manqoba:(
swal
lowedapai
nfull
ump)whatal
ucky
guy
Thandi
we:(si
ghedl
ooki
ngathi
m)I
'
m sor
ryIknow
youhad..
.
Manqoba:(l
ookedatherwit
hasmi le)don'tmake
t
hismoresadthanital
readyis.Let
'sjustwatchour
l
astsunsetqui
etl
y
Thandi
we:(
sighed)okay

Shel
aidbackr
elaxedandwatchedt
hebeaut
if
ul
vi
ewwithManqobanexttoher
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtGabi
'
spl
ace

Gabiwastypi
ngonherlaptopwhenherphonerang.
Shepickedi
tupwi
thoutlooki
ngatthecal
lerI
D

Gabi
:Gabispeaki
ng
Mpho:mamaMpho
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)speaki
ng
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)nguBabakhe
Gabi
:whatdoyouwant
?
Mpho:hhawsomeonecan'
tjustcal
lthemot
herof
hi
schil
djustt
ocheckuponher
Gabi:t
heonlywomanyoushoul
dcheckuponi
s
yourwifeandl
eavemeal
one
Mpho:okayt
hatwashar
sh.CanIt
alkt
omy
daught
er?
Gabi
:she'
ssl
eepi
ngcal
ltomor
row
Mpho:soear
ly?
Gabi
:yescal
ltomor
row
Mpho:youhat
emet
hatmuch?
Gabi:Idon'
that
eyou,
Ijustdon'
twantt
ocompl
icat
e
t
hings.
Mpho:IknowbutIj
ustneedsomeonet
otal
kto
Gabi
:cal
lyourf
ri
endThemba
Mpho:(
laughedsof
tl
y)whyareyoul
iket
hisnow?
Weusedtobesogoodt oget
her
Gabi:(
swall
owedapai
nfullump)funnyenough
that
'snothowIr
ememberthings.Igotbur
nedwhi
le
youcarri
edonwit
hyourli
fe
Mpho:I
'
m sor
ry
Gabi
:it
'sokay.I
t'
sal
lint
hepastnow
Mpho:i
twasnevermyi
nt-
Gabi
:I'
m hangi
ngupnow.Bye
Mpho:Gab-

Shehungupandhehear daknockont hedoor

.He
madehi swayt othedoorwhilecheckinghis
What sAppforanymessages.Heopenedt hedoor
withhiseyesgluedtohisphone.Hel ookedatthe
personbeforehim andhiseyeswidenedasshe
stoodtherebeauti
full
y.

Thandi
:hi
Mpho:(
swal
lowedspeechl
ess)h…hi
Thandi
:canIcomei
n?
Hemovedt othesidewhileshewalkedin.‘Godthis
womani sbeaut
if
ul’hethoughttohimselflooki
ngat
herbackasshewal kedingoingtot
hekitchen.He
cl
osedthedoorandwentt ojoinher.Hesatdown
overt
hecounterwhi l
esheopenedthetryingtofind
somethi
ngtoeat…

Thandi
:(l
ooki
ngathi
m)youdon'
tevenhavecer
eal
.
Nowonderyouaresoski
nny
Mpho:Iwasgoi
ngt
ogetgr
ocer
yshoppi
ng
t
omorrow
Thandi
:(pout
ed)r
ight
…
Mpho:(
damnIcouldkisst
hoseli
psri
ghtnow)so…
whatbri
ngsyouhere?IsI
namiokay?
Thandi
:thel
astt
imeIr
emembert
hiswasst
il
lmy
home
Mpho:i
tis…
Sheboil
edtheket
tleandmadebothofthem coff
ee
qui
etl
y.Shethensatdownholdi
nghercupwi t
h
bot
hhands.Herpinkmanicur
ednail
slookedso
beautif
ul.Hi
smindpiledwit
hdir
tyt
houghtsofhow
theywoul dl
ookl
ikeifshepl
ayedwi
thhersel
fin
frontofhim.Heshookitof
f

Mpho:whatbr
ingsyouher
e?Didtheytel
lyout
he
bestwayt
oendamar ri
ageisbyhavi
ngtea?
Thandi
:(smi
li
ng)noi
sthatanewt
rend
Mpho:(si
ghed)It'
sbeenmont hssinceyoul ef
t.We
l
eftthi
ngsonabadnot eInever…Idon' tknow
whereIstandwithyou.Youstoppedt aki
ngmycalls,
Khensaniwouldbetheonet obri
ngI namioverand
wheneverIdroppedheroffyouwoul dbeawaywi t
h
yourboyfr
iend
Thandi
:myboyf
ri
end?
Mpho:di
dyouf
*ckhi
m?
Thandi
:whatwoul
d'vehappenedi
fIf
*ckedhi
m?

Hesi
ghedlooki
ngdownshaki
nghi
sheadt
appi
ng
hi
sri
ghtf
ootboil
ing
Mpho:Thandi
…
Thandi:We'
venever.Wewer
ejustf
ri
endsnot
hing
everhappenedbet
weenusevenakiss

Helookedatherj
usttobesureshewasnotl
ying
andhecouldtel
litwast
hetrut
handhecalmed
down.

Mpho:putmeoutofmyst
eryal
ready
Thandi:(
putdownhercoffee)Ineededthatti
meto
myselftofi
gureoutwhatIreall
ywantedinli
fe.I
washur t
,Imeanwhowoul dn'tbethi
ngsjustgottoo
muchf orme
Mpho:butIt
oldyou-
Thandi
:justl
etmef
ini
sh
Mpho:okay
Hesi
ppedhi
scof
fee
Thandi
:Il
oveyouandIwantt
ogi
veourmar
ri
agea
ch-
Mpho:(
exci
ted)YOHMKAMIMKAMIMKAMI
!!
!

Hecoul dn'tevenletherfi
nishasexcit
ementtook
over.Her anovert ohersideandli
ft
edherupand
ki
ssedherpassi onat
ely.Sheunbutt
onedhisshir
t
whilehecar essedhert hi
ckthi
ghsli
fti
ngupher
dress.Hegothi shandi ntoherpant
iessowet…he
#sealed

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#64
Thr
eedaysl
ater
…

Theykissedpassionatelyundert
heshower ,
breaki
ngi tt
ocatchtheirbreat
hbutnotparti
ngt hei
r
l
ips.Theirarmsaroundeachot hernotwanti
ngt he
othert
oletgo.Livi
nginawor l
dtheythoughtthey
hadlost…

Thandi
:(sof
tl
y)dontgot
owor
k…
Mpho:okay…

Hecuppedhercheeksandki ssedher
….f*
ckhe
l
ovedt hiswomant odeath.Hecoulddoanyt
hing
forherjusttobehappy,heneverwantedt
ohur ther
everagain..
.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtKhensani
'
shome

HerbrotherknockedandInamilethiminwithabi
g
smil
e.Heal waysbroughthersi
sterdonutsbef
ore
goi
ngt oworkandanext raoneforInami.

Manqoba:mor
ning
I
nami
:Mor
ning
Manqoba:onetwodonutsf
ormi
ssNkosi
namiand
f
ourforAuntyKhensani
I
nami
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyou.Youcancomei
n

Heopenedtheboxforhertotakeoneandwal
ked
i
nsidej
oini
nghissi
steronthecouchwhowas
havi
ngtea.Shesmi
ledlooki
ngathim andt
ookone
chocol
atecoat
eddonuteati
ng…
Manqoba:how'
sthel
it
tl
eguy?
Khensani
:Ij
ustwannagi
vebi
rt
handgett
hisover
wit
h
Manqoba:(
laughi
ng)per
fect
iont
akest
ime
Khensani
:(l
aughi
ng)wel
lthi
soveni
saboutt
o
expl
ode
Manqoba:(
lookedatI
namiandl
ower
edhi
svoi
ce)
wher
eisshe?
Khensani
:shesentmom atextt
hreedaysago
tel
li
ngherthatshewasf
ixi
ngthi
ngswithher
husband
Manqoba:i
t'
sbeent
hreedayswhatar
etheybusy
wi
th
Khensani
:(smi
li
ng)
maki
ngupf
orl
ostt
ime?
Manqoba:andleavi
ngyoutotakecareofher
daught
erwhil
eyou'reheavi
lypr
egnant
Khensani
:(l
aughi
ng)i
sthatjeal
ousyt
alki
ng?You
needtocal
m downanddrinkcoldwat
er.Youare
j
ustangr
ythatshechosehim notyouandIdon'
t
bl
ameyoumygi rli
sburni
ngflames
Manqoba:anywaywhatdoest
heguyhavet
hatI
don'
thave?Doyouknowhim?
Khensani:yeshe'sagoodguy.They'vecomealong
waytrustmei t'
sbettershechosehi
m becauset
his
wasgoingt obeal ovetri
angl
e.Theyhavesome
romeojuliett
hinggoingon
Manqoba:(
laughi
ng)
itcan'
tbet
hatbad
Khensani:j
uststayawayofyoudontwantt oget
burned.Somegirlgothersel
finvolvedwhil
ethey
wereseparatedandshe'ssti
llburningevennow
wit
hababy
Manqoba:t
hatsucks
Khensani
:juststayaway.You'
l
lmeetsomeone
wort
hyofyourl ovebrot
her
Manqoba:If
eell
ikeI
'
mrunni
ngoutoft
ime
Khensani
:you'renot.You'
reoneoft
hegreat
est
manI'veevermetunl i
kemybabydaddyanylady
wouldbesol uckytohaveyouinherl
if
e
Manqoba:(
smi
led)t
hankyousi
s…(
gotup)Ibet
ter
gett
owork
Khensani
:(smi
li
ng)al
ri
ght
,dr
ivesaf
elyi
t'
sal
ready
st
arti
ngtorai
n
Manqobi
:Iwi
ll

Hewal kedoutsayi nggoodbyetoInamiandgoti nt

o
hiscar.Hedrovet owor kasitst
artedtorai
nhard.
Hesawal adystandi ngbythestopsign.Shewas
wearingar ai
ncoat, car
ryi
nganumbr ell
aoverher
withalargesuitcasenexttoher.Hepul l
edover
rol
li
ngdownt hewindowont hepassenger'
sside

Manqoba:geti
nsi
de
Her
:Idon'
twantt
omessupyourcar
.I'
l
lhi
keavan
Manqoba:Ican'
tleaveyouher
ewhi
lei
t'
srai
ning
l
iket
his.Geti
nsi
de

Heunl
ockedt
hedoorandshecl
osedherumbr
ell
a
thensteppedi
nsi
deandpul
ledherbi
gsui
tcasei
n
allwet

Her:(
looki
ngar
ound)ohnoIam messi
ngupyour
carseats
Manqoba:i
t'
sokaycl
oset
hedoor

Shecl
osedt
hedoorwhil
eManqobagavehera
cl
otht
owipeherf
ace.

Her
:make-
upr
uinedal
lthi
sfornot
hing
Manqoba:(
laughi
ng)youl
ookbeaut
if
ulnat
ural
ly
Her
:(l
aughi
ng)t
hankyou
Manqoba:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Her:I
'm goi
ngtoababyshower.Ihavebeen
bookedtodoaf ul
lmakeoveronthemom atthe
Bontl
eGuesthouse
Manqoba:ohsoyouputpowder
sonot
herpeopl
e'
s
f
aces
Her
:(l
aughi
ng)Iam amakeupar
ti
st
Manqoba:youneedt
oatl
eastbuyacarorgeta
r
elat
ivet
otakeyoutowher
eyouwanttogo
Her:mybrot
hergotcaughtupatwor
kandIdon'
t
t
hinkI'
l
lbebuyi
ngacaranyt i
mesoonwhenIhave
f
ourstomachstofeed
Manqoba:f
ami
ly?
Her:myki
ds.Iwasmar
ri
edanditdidn'tworkoutso
Ineedtowor
ksoIcangi
vethem everythi
ngthey
need.
Manqoba:youar
eagr
eatmom.Theywi
llt
hankyou
i
nthefut
ure
Her
:Ihopesot
ooandwher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Manqoba:I
'
m offtoworkandyou'
rel
uckyIdr
ive
passt
heGuesthouseever
yday
Her
:(l
aughi
ng)l
uckyme
Manqoba:(
laughi
ng)l
uckyyou
Hedr
ovewhi
let
heyt
alkedaboutl
if
e.Theyt
alkedas
oft
heywerelongl
ostfr
iendsr
econnect
edt
il
lhe
st
oppedbytheGuest
house
Mnqobi
:her
ewear
e
Her
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyou.Letmegetmywal
let
…
Mnqobi
:noi
t'
sokay
Her
:thankyou…t
hankGodi
thasst
oppedr
aini
ng
Sheopenedt
hedoorandpushedhersui
tcaseout
andst
eppedoutaswel
l.

Mnqobi
:doyouhaveabusi
nesscar
d?…Ithi
nkI
knowpeopl
ewhomightbei
nneedofyourservi
ces
Her
:Idogi
vemeasec.Ij
ustneedt
o…

Sheunzi ppedherbrownl ongraincoatandMnqobi

coul
dn'tgethiseyesofherbeaut y.Shewasa
beauti
fulshort
,thi
cklightskinnedwoman.Her
cl
eavagewashar dtoignoreandt hefl
aredresssat
perf
ectlyonherhumongoushi ps, itwaslongbut
beauti
ful
Shetookoutherwall
etf
rom t
heinsi
deofthecoat
andtookout3ofherbusi
nesscardsandgavethem
tohi
m.Her eadhername

Mnqobi
:Nal
ediGama
Nal
edi
:that
'sr
ight
.Inevergotyourname
Mnqobi
:Mnqobi
Nal
edi
:thankyouagai
n
Mnqobi
:(smi
li
ng)pl
easur
e

Hedr oveof
fwhileshesmil
edtoher
selfandhung
hercoatoverherarm wi
tht
heumbrell
aand
draggedhersuit
casegoi
ngin

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtGabi
'
sof
fi
ce
Shet ypedonherlaptopandt houghtabouttheone
andonl yandshef oundherselfsmil
ingtoherself
butt henshestart
edmakingscenar iosofeveryt
hing
thatcoul dgowrong.Herheartpoundedasshe
thoughtofwhatshehadexposedherdaught ert
o.
Maybei twastoosoon,whatofhel eavesher?How
willshepi ckupt
hepieces?

Ar
chi
e:whatar
eyout
hinki
ngabout
?

Shel
ookedathim standi
ngleani
ngbythedoori
n
hi
sbl
acksuitandtiecarr
yingapenandpaper

Gabi
:hey,
howl
onghaveyoubeenst
andi
ngt
her
e?
Archi
e:l
ongenoughtoseeyouweirdl
ysmi
lef
or2
secondsandf
rownthenext3seconds
Shesmi
ledcover
ingherf
aceembar
rassed

Archi
e:whatwasgoodaboutt
hesi
tuat
ioni
sthat
youlookedbeaut
if
uli
nver
yscenar
io
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyou.Don'
tjustst
andt
her
e,
comein
Hewal
kedi
nandsatdown
Ar
chi
e:what
'sonyourmi
nd?
Gabi
:not
hingj
ustwor
k
Archie:l
ucki
lywe'
reont
hesamef
iel
d.MaybeIcan
help
Gabi
:letmetackl
eitf
ir
stI
'
llcomet
oyoui
fIf
ail
.So
whatbri
ngsyouhere
Ar
chi
e:j
ustwant
edt
ocheckuponyou
Gabi
:justbecausewebecausewewor
konthe
samebuildi
ngdoesnotmeanyoushoul
dcome
anyt
imeyouwant
Ar
chi
e:(
laughi
ng)af
rai
dIwi
llst
ealcl
ient
s?
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)Icanneverbeshakenbyyou
Ar
chi
e:al
ri
ght
…sodi
nneratmypl
ace
Gabi
:al
one?
Ar
chi
e:onl
yifyouhavesomeonet
obabysi
t
Gabi
:I'
m sur
eNt
uthukoi
sdyi
ngf
ort
heext
rahour
s
Ar
chi
e:(
smi
li
ng)al
ri
ghti
t'
sadat
e
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)al
ri
ght
Ar
chi
e:I
'
llgonow
Gabi
:okay
Heslowl
ywal
kedbackwar
dssmil
ingatheradshe
bl
ushedl
ooki
ngdownatherl
apt
optil
lhewasgone
Gabi
:(bl
ushi
ng)t
hisman…

Shel
ookedatt
het
imeandcar
ri
edonwi
thwor
k.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtSi
zwe'
smancave
HeandNompi l
owerehavi ngl
unch,oneofthe
wait
ressesknockedandwal kedincarr
yingatray
wit
htheirdr
inks.Helookedattheirpl
atethevors
andsteakwasal mostfi
nished

Her
:shal
lIaddmor
eboss
Si
zwe:nongi
ri
ght
.Wenababe?
Mpi
lo:pl
easeaddmor
evor
slove.Nopap
Her
:al
ri
ght

Sheputdownt
hei
rdr
inksont
het
abl
eandwal
ked
out
.

Sizwe:t
heyt
oldmeyout
ookaf
ewdaysof
ftogi
ve
home
Mpilo:yes.Ineedabr
eakaf
terhost
ingallt
hosebig
events.PlusIhaveaf
ewthi
ngsthatIneedtotake
careofathomeandIneedtostartl
ookingformy
ownpl
ace
Si
zwe:ar
eyounotsat
isf
iedl
ivi
ngwi
thme?
Mpil
o:Idon'
tknowhowt henewsgothomebut
someonetol
dmymom I '
m busydoingcatnsi
tand
i
tdidnotsi
twellwi
thherandshetoldmetocome
backhomesowecant alkabouti
t
Sizwe:(
wipedhismouth)youar
eagr
ownwoman,
shecan'tbet
ell
ingyouwhattodo
Mpil
o:Iknowbutlet'
sber
eal
…wher
edoyouseeus
i
nthenexttenyears?

Her
aisedhi
seyebr
owswant
ingt
orespond

Mpil
o:I
'm nottal
kingaboutbui
ldi
ngempiresort
he
busi
ness.I'
mt al
kingaboutus.Doyouseeus
marr
ied?Doyouseeushavi ngki
ds?It
'sbeen
monthsandI '
venevermetyourparent
s
Si
zwe:andIhaven'
tmetyour
s…
Mpi
lo:t
hat
'sbecauseIwantt
obesur
eaboutyour
i
ntent
ions
Si
zwe:Idon'
tknowwhyther
e'sasuddenr
ush.
Don'
tImakeyouhappy?
Mpil
o:youdobutIwantmore.Iwantki
dsandmost
ofmyagematesaremarri
edrightnow
Si
zwe:(
laughed)you'
renotevent
hir
ty
Mpil
o:I'
m beingseri
ousrightnow.Il
oveyoubutif
youarenotseri
oust henImightaswell
leavet
his
shi
p.Ishouldgo,I'
l
lseeyounextweek

Thewai
tr
esswal
kedi
nwi
tht
hepl
ateofbr
aai
meat

Mpi
lo:sweet
ieputt
hatonat
akeawayandwr
api
t
f
orme.I'
m al
readyonmywayout
Wai
tr
ess:yesma'
am

Theybot
hwal
kedoutl
eavi
ngSi
zwei
nhi
sof
fi
ce
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Lat
ert
hateveni
ng

GabiknockedandAr chieopenedt hedoori nhis

blacklongsl eeveshirtandbl ackchinos.Thef act
thathedr essedforadat ethatwasi nhisownhome
waski ndasexy.Shehadputonasexydr essended
j
ustunder neat hherkneesandhasani ceslitonher
ri
ghtsi dereveali
nghersexyt high.Shewasadar k
goddessi nthoser edst il
ettosechoingasshe
wal kedinandshehadr ockedheraf rol
ooking
freakysexy.Hehel pedhert ookoffherfurr
yj acket
andhungi toveronachai r
.

Gabi
:(l
ooki
ngatt
heset
ti
ng)t
hisi
sbeaut
if
ul

Shewalkedovert
othebeaut
if
ulset
ti
ngast
her
ed
candl
esli
tuptheroom i
naromanti
cwayandt
her
e
wasthatsweettherapeut
icscentthatj
ustmadeher
rel
ax.Therewer
er edrosepetal
sont hetablead
ther
ewer esomeleadingtohisroom.Shet urned
andlookedathi
m

Gabi
:andt
owher
ear
ethosel
eadi
ngme?

Hegaveherali
tt
lesmi
lewhi
leshesmir
ked.Hethen
walkedt
oherpul
li
ngoutt
hechair
.Shesatdown
andgotaki
ssonherneck

Ar
chi
e:(
whi
sper
ed)you'
rebr
eat
htaki
ngl
ybeaut
if
ul
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyou.
Archi
e:dinnerwil
lbeser
vedi
n10minut
escanIget
youanythingtodri
nkint
hemeant
ime
Gabi
:agl
assofwat
erwi
llbef
inet
hankyou

Hewalkedtotheki
tchenandpour
edheragl
assof
wat
er.Hetookitt
oheradheardaknockonthe
door
.

Ar
chi
e:pl
easeexcuseme

Hewal kedt
othedoorwhi
leGabiadmi
redGod'
s
creat
ionati
t'
sbest
.Heopenedthedoorandwas
shockedtoseehi
sbabymama

Ar
chi
e:Al
yssa
Al
yssa:(
str
aightf
ace)eveni
ngAr
chi
e
Ar
chi
e:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?I
sLesegookay?
Alyssa:she'
sfi
ne.Shef
orgotherf
avour
it
ejacket
here
Ar
chi
e:ohi
t'
sinherr
oom.I
'
llgogeti
t
Al
yssa:(
shest
eppedi
n)t
her
e'sact
ual
ly…

Hequi
ckl
ytur
nedandst
oppedher
.
Ar
chi
e:youcan'
tcomein.I
'm act
uall
ybusyatt
he
moment.Wecanmeetoverlunchandtal
kabouti
t
Al
yssa:(
suspi
cious)who'
sher
e?Whyar
ethel
ight
s
t
urnedoff
?
Ar
chi
e:mygi
rl
fr
iendi
sher
e
Alyssa:i
sthatt
hegi
rlyou'
ret
ell
ingmydaught
ert
o
callmom?
Ar
chi
e:what
?
Alyssa:(
angry)don'
t“what
?”me,Lesegoistell
ing
mest ori
esabouthavingali
tt
lesi
sterandgoingout
onf amil
ydateswithherot
hermom.Whatdi dwe
agreeonArchie?
Archi
e:Iknowwhatweagreedon,
it'
sjustt
hat
t
hingshappenedsofast
Al
yssa:Isai
dwhatdi
dweagr
eeon?
Archi
e:t
hatImusttal
ktoyoubef
orei
ntr
oduci
ng
Lesegot
omypar t
ner
Al
yssa:andnotj
ustanypar
tner
…yourf
iancee
Gabihear
dthet
wohavi
ngt
hei
rheat
ed
conver
sati
onandwal
kedovert
ofi
ndoutwhatwas
happeni
ng

Gabi
:hi
…isever
ythi
ngokay?
Ar
chi
e:yesi
t'
sfi
ne
Alyssawentpasthi
m andsl
appedGabiacr
ossher
face.

Al
yssa:t
hat
'sf
orpl
ayi
ngmom t
omychi
ldwhi
leI
'
m
st
il
lal
ive
Archi
e:t
hatwasunnecessar
yAl
yssast
opbei
nga
paini
ntheass

Shecoveredherf
acewhil
eAr chi
epull
edherback.
Gabiwentbackandtookherpurseandjacketf
rom
theki
tchen.

Archie:(
wat
chi
ngGabiwal
kpassedt
hem)babe
don'tgo
Gabi
:(st
oppedandl
ookedathi
m)wear
edone

ShewalkedoutandArchi
epushedAl
yssat
othe
si
derunningaf
terher
….

Pl
easel
ike,
commentandshar
e
Heatofpassi
on

#65
Sherandownthest
air
sasi fshewasn'
tweari
ng
anyheel
s.Shewasintear
smumbl i
ngtohersel
f

Gabi
:youneverl
ear
nGabi
,youneverl
ear
n
Ar
chi
e:(
fol
lowi
ngher
)babewai
t!

Shest
oppedbyhercarandsear
chedf
orherkeys…

Ar
chi
e:babecal
m down
Shedi
dn'
tli
sten,shef
inal
lygotholdofhercarkeys
andAr
chi
esnat chedt
hem from her

Gabi
:(t
ear
ful
)gi
vemebackmykeys
Archi
e:I
'm notgoi
ngt
oletyoudr
ivei
nthi
sst
ate.
Let'
stal
k
Gabi
:(cr
ying)Ihavebeent
hrought
hisbef
ore.I
don'
twantmor edramainmylif
e
Archi
e:Iam notwi
thher
…f*
ckIhaven'
tseenheri
n
years
Gabi
:(shookherheadi
ndi
sbel
ief
)you'
rel
ying
Archie:(
sighedcalmly)Iam notbabe.Iswear …I
don'tknowwhyshedi dthat..
.pl
easejustdon'tgi
ve
uponus.Thi sisjustalitt
lemisunder
standing.Can
wegobacki nsi
detosor titout
?
Gabi
:Iam notgoi
ngbackt
here.Shesl
appedme,
I
don'
tevenwanttoknowwhatshewil
ldonext
Archi
e:okaycanyouwai
tformeher
ewhi
leIsor
tit
out
Gabi
:Ar
chi
epl
easegi
vememycarkeyssoIcango
home
Heunl
ockedhercar
Ar
chi
e:geti
n
Shesi
ghedandgoti
n

Archi
e:(
wipi
ngof
fhert
ear
s)Iwi
llbebackj
ustwai
t
formehere
Gabilookedawaynotsayinganythingandhe
closedthedoorretur
ningtohi
sapar t
mentwithher
keysinhispocket.HefoundAlyssaseatedonthe
couchsippingaglassofredwinewi t
hbothfeeton
thetabl
ewat chi
ngTV

Ar
chi
e:(
tur
ningof
fthet
v)gett
hoseof
fmyt
abl
e
Al
yssa:(
putdownherf
eet
)happy?
Ar
chi
e:whatwast
hatal
labout
?
Al
yssa:mehavi
ngaproblem wi
thyoui
ntr
oduci
ng
mychil
dtoal
lyourgi
rl
fr
iends

Archiesmil
edshaki
nghisheadindisbel
ieftappi
ng
himr i
ghtf
ootashebegantoboilupbutthiswas
nottheway.Hewasnol ongert
hatguyandher
tact
icsweren'
tgoi
ngtoworkonhim

Ar
chi
e:(
cal
mly)Gabi
sil
eist
heonl
ywomanIhave
i
nt r
oducedt oLesego.IknowthatweagreedthatI
shoul ddi
scussitwithyoufi
rstandIam sorr
ythatI
didn'tbutIwil
lnottol
erat
eyournonsenseof
comi nghereunannouncedandgoi ngt
ot heext
ent
ofbei ngvi
olentt
omywoman…

Alyssaswal
lowedlooki
ngathi
mtaki
ngonedeep
breathi
nandout.Shehadseenhi
sdarksi
debef
ore
anditwasneverpl
easant

Ar
chi
e:nowf
oryourownpeaceofmi
nd…

Hetookoutar
ingfrom hi
spocketandshoweditt
o
her
…t her
ewaythatrockshi
ned…itwasbeaut
if
ul

Al
yssa:(
swal
lowed)youar
emar
ryi
ngher
Archi
e:nowifyouevercomehereagai
nandtryt
o
pullt
hatst
untyoupull
edtoday…youwontl
ikeme
woman
Alyssa:(putthegl
assdown)okay…maybeIdi d
over r
eactand…I'm sorr
y.Theagreementwasthat
afteryou'vemarri
edher ,
it'
sonl
ythenIcanletyou
i
ntr oducemydaught ertoher
Ar
chie:i
fyouwishf
orust
onotincludeheri
nour
pl
ansfrom nowont
il
lwearemarri
edthensobei
t
Al
yssa:t
hat
'swhatIwant
Archi
e:al
rightbutyoust
il
lhavet
oapol
ogi
zet
oher
forwhatyoudid
Al
yssa:(
sighed)okay
Ar
chi
e:It
akei
twear
edone
Al
yssa:yescanIgett
hej
acket
?
Ar
chi
e:yesyoucan

Hegotof
fthechai
randwentt
ogeti
t.Hehavei
tto
herandt
heybothwal
kedoutt
oseeGabi
.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Meanwhi
lei
nthecar
Gabit
ext
edNt
uthuko

Gabi
:heysisNt
u.I'
mjustchecki
nguponyou.I
hopeshe'
snotgi
vingyouanyissues
Ntut
huko:hisi
si.Noshewasanangelt
oday
evenwenttobedearl
y
Gabi
:ohthankGod.Iknowshecanber est
less
someti
mesandunabletofol
lowherschedule
‍♀
Ntuthuko:youhavenot
hingtoworr
yaboutshe'
s
okay.I'
m nowgoingtosleepaswel
l.Enj
oyyour
sl
eepover
Gabi
:I'
m notsurei
fI'
l
lsl
eepoverI
'
llcomehomei
f
t
herearechanges
Nt
uthuko:al
ri
ghtnopr
obl
em
Gabi
:shar
p
Shegotstar
tl
edwhensomeoneknockedonthe
window.Shecal
meddownwhenshesawAr chi
e,
sheopenedthedoorandl
ookedatAl
yssawho
l
ookeddown

Ar
chi
e:babet
her
e'ssomet
hingAl
yssawant
stosay

Shelookedathi
m maybesur
pri
sedt
hathe
addr
essedherbyhernameandnotLesego'
smom.

Alyssa:hi
…Ij ustwanttoapol ogi
zeforsl
appi
ngyou.
Ishouldn'
thavehandl edthingsthewayIdid,
Lesego'sfatherexpl
ainedthatyouaregoingtobea
partofhislif
eforthelongesttimesoIneedto
acceptthat.Iam tr
ulysorry
Gabi
:it
'sokay
Al
yssa:okayIshoul
dgetgoi
ng
Ar
chi
e:bye
Shewal
kedawayandgoti
ntohercardr
ivi
ngaway
whil
eAr
chi
esteppedi
nsi
deGabi'
scar.

Ar
chi
e:l
et'
sgohaveourdi
nner
Gabi
:I'
m nol
ongerhungr
y
Ar
chi
e:we'
l
lIdi
dn'
tcookal
lthatf
oodf
ornot
hing
Gabi
:Ent
lei
sn'
tfeel
i
ngwel
l.Ineedt
ogethome
Ar
chi
e:l
etmecal
landcheck

Hereachedf
orherphonebutshequickl
yheldonto
i
tandhesmiledleani
ngoverandki
ssingherneck
t
hensoftl
ywhispered

Ar
chi
e:babeIdon'
twantt
ofi
ghtwi
thyou

Gabisai
dnot
hing
Ar
chi
e:okayl
et'
shavedi
nnert
henI
'
lll
etyougo
homeaf
tert
hat
Gabi
:pr
omi
se
Ar
chi
e:Ipr
omi
se
Gabi
:okay

Shesteppedoutandhefol
lowedl
ocki
ngt
hecar.He
tookherhandandtheybot
hwenttohi
sapar
tment
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtMpho'
shouse

Theybothlai
donthecouch,Thandil
ayi
ngonher
man'schestwat
chingherfavour
it
eIndi
ansophi
es
Mphoneverunderstood.

Mpho:sowhenar
eyoumovi
ngbacki
n?
Thandi
:Iwasthi
nki
ngtomorrow,Ial
readyt
oldt
hem
I
'm wor
kingonusgett
ingbacktoget
her
Mpho:andt
heywer
eokaywi
thi
t?
Thandi:yestheyt
oldmetheywil
lsuppor
tmeon
whateverIchooseatt
heend.Ij
usthaven'
ttol
d
InamiyetbecauseIwasn'
tsur
eifwewant edt
he
samet hing
Mpho:Il
oveyoumorethananyt
hing.I
'
vebeen
l
ongi
ngforthi
sdaysi
nceyouleft
Thandi
:thankyoumyl
ove.Canyoupl
easedoone
thi
ngforme
Mpho:whati
sit
?
Thandi
:focusonmerightnow.Iknowitsounds
sel
fi
shbutIalmostl
ostyouandIjust
-
Mpho:shhhhh..
.saynomore.I
'm al
lyour
sforas
l
ongasyouwantmeandr ebui
ldi
ngourtr
ustis
whati
simportanttomeri
ghtnow
Thandi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyou
Mpho:okaybabe

Heki
ssedherf
oreheadwhi
legent
lyr
ubbi
ngher
back.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtNal
edi
'
shome

Shequi
ckl
yputonherpyjamasandputonher
sl
eeper
sdraggi
ngher
selftoherson'
sroom.

Naledi
:Tshepoli
ght
soutandgot
osl
eep.Youhave
schoolt
omor r
ow

Shewentpastt
heli
vingr
oom andf
oundI
tumel
eng
tr
yingt
owrit
ehers

Nal
edi
:youar
enotser
iousl
ywr
it
ingyour
sri
ghtnow
I
tu
I
tumel
eng:mamaIhadt
obat
hfi
rstand…
Nal
edi:It
oldyout
owrit
eyourhomeworkway
bef
orebathti
mebutyouwentoutt
oplay
I
tu:butMama…
Naledi
:I'
m nothavi
ngthi
sconver
sat
ionwi
thyou
r
ightnow.It'
swaypastyourbedt
ime.Iwi
llhel
pyou
wri
teitt
omor r
owmor ni
ng.Comenowtimeforbed

Shegotupr ubbi
nghersl eepyeyesgoingt othei
r
bedroom andNalediturnedofft
helight
sf oll
owing
her.Sheopenedtheirroom andfoundherl i
tt
le
si
stersl
eepingonthespaceandshet urnedt oher
mom

I
tu:mamaDi
puoi
ssl
eepi
ngonmyspace
Nal
edi
:youcancomesl
eepwi
thme

Nal
edit
urnedofft
heli
ghtinthei
rroom and
f
oll
owedItumel
engtohers.Sheturnedofft
hel
ight
aft
ershegotintobedandjoi
nedherl it
tl
eone.She
settheal
arm andthendozedoffforwhatseemed
tobealif
eti
met hatwascutshortbyavi brat
ing
sound.Shewokeupr ubbi
nghersl eepyeyes
l
ookingatthenumbershedidn'trecognize

Nal
edi
:hel
lo
Voi
ce:hi
…I'
m sor
rydi
dIwakeyou?
Nal
edi
:yes…whoam It
alki
ngt
o?
Voi
ce:Manqobat
heguyyou…
Nal
edi
:ohhi
…canyougi
vemeasecond
Manqoba:okay

Shesl
owl
ygotof
fthebedandwentt
otheki
tchen.

Nal
edi
:ar
eyoust
il
lher
e?
Manqoba:yesIam
Nal
edi
:Isl
eepwi
thoneoft
hegi
rl
ssoIdi
dn'
twant
t
owakeherup
Manqoba:Iunderst
andt
hisi
sbadt
imi
ngmaybeI
cancal
lsomeot hert
ime
Naledi
:youhaveal
readyawakenedmei
t'
sabi
ttoo
l
atetobackoutnow
Manqoba:(
laughi
ng)t
hat
'st
rue.Howar
eyou?
Nal
edi
:I'
m goodhowar
eyou?
Manqoba:I
'm good.Aft
ert
hegoodtal
kwehadi
t
wasabithardtoresi
stcal
li
ngyou
Nal
edi
:(l
aughssof
tl
y)j
ustwor
konyourt
imi
ngnext
t
ime
Manqoba:howdi
ditgo?
Nal
edi
:gr
eatIevenear
nedmor
ecl
ient
s
Manqoba:t
her
e'snot
hingmoresexyt
hana
beaut
if
ulwoman,soambit
iousandahust
ler
Nal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)oht
hankyou.It
ry
Manqoba:butf
orr
ealNal
edi
.Il
ikeyouandIwoul
d
l
iket
oknowyoubetter
Naledi:(
sighed)Manqobat her
e'sal otofthings
happeninginmyl iferi
ghtnow.Havi ngtoraisef our
kidsaloneandr unninghousecallsformycl ients…
there'
snospacer ightnowforar elati
onshipright
now
Manqoba:t
here'
snoneedt or
ush.Wecant akei
t
onest
epatatime.Iknowyouhaveother
commitment
syou'l
ljustf
itmeinwheneveryoucan
Naledi
:al
ri
ghtt
henbutifi
tdoesn'
twor
koutj
ust
knowyoubroughti
taponyoursel
f
Manqoba:(
laughi
ng)under
stood
Nal
edi
:andmyki
dscomef
ir
sti
never
ythi
ng
Manqoba:(smil
ing)under
stood.CanIt
akeyouout
foranyt
hingt
omor rowift
here'
sanopeningonyour
schedul
e
Nal
edi
:letmecheck

Shewentqui
etf
ort
enseconds
Nal
edi
:lunchat12:
30t
omor
row
Manqoba:okayyouwi
llsendmeal
lthedet
ail
sand
l
ocat
iononwher et
opi
ckyouup
Nal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)al
ri
ght
Manqoba:l
etmel
etyousl
eep.Goodni
ghtbeaut
if
ul
Nal
edi
:goodni
ght

Shehungupsmili
ngl
ikeaschoolgi
rl
…shepour
ed
hersel
fagl
assofwat
erdranki
tdownandwentto
bed.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Thenextday
AtAr
chi
e'
spl
ace

Archi
eser
vedGabibr
eakf
astasshewalkedoutof
t
heshowerwrappedi
natowel.Shesl
owlymade
herwaytothebedandsatnextt
oArchiewhot
ook
thet
rayandplacedi
tontopofhert
highs.

Ar
chi
e:baconandeggs
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyou
Ar
chi
e:t
hankyouf
orst
ayi
ngoverf
ort
heni
ght

Hesmiledcar
essi
ngherar
m andki
ssi
ngher
shoul
der

Ar
chi
e:yourst
aywaspl
easant
…
Gabi
:(bl
ushi
ng)Iai
mtopl
ease
Ar
chi
e:youknowther
e'snot
hingt
hatwoul
dmake
mehappythant
ohaveyouasmywi fe.
Gabi
:Iknow…
Ar
chi
e:Iknowyouhaveyourownreasonsf
or
want
ingustowai
tandit
'ski
ll
ingme
Shel
aughed
Archi
e:butIwontr
ushyou.Iam apat
ientman.I
gotyousomethi
ng…
Gabi
:okay

Het ookawayt het

rayfrom herandpl acedi
tontop
oftheheaddr awer.Hethenopenedi tandtookout
apieceofblackclothunfol
dingit.Gabi'
seyes
widenedseeingthemostbeaut i
fulri
ng.Theway
thatrockshi
nedandt hethi
nsi l
verbandwas
beautif
ul…

Archi
e:Iwant
edt osurpr
iseyoubutwasscar
edto
getmyheartbroken.Wit
hthisr
ingIaskf
oryour
handinmarri
agebutitcanonlyhappeni
nyourown
ter
ms.

Gabil
ookedathi
mtear
ful
Archie:Gabi si
leIloveyoumor et hananyt hing.
WheneverI '
m withyouIf eel
f r
eeandhavenot hing
holdi
ngmeback.Il oveyourgent lesoulandf r
agile
heart.Iknowyou' vebeenhur tdeepl yi
nt hepast
andIwi llalwaysbegyout oletmenur set hose
woundsbackt olovingwholehear tedl
yagai n.Isee
youast hemot herofmychi l
dr en,theoneswehave
nowandt hemor ewewi l
lhavei nthefutur e.You
arewhathasbeenmi ssi
ngmywhol el
ifeandwi th
allt
hatbei ngsaidIaskyout omar ryme…
Gabi
:I…
Ar
chi
e:shhhhh.
..

Shekeptqui
et

Archie:youdon'thavetorespondt
omer ightnow…
Iwantyout otaket hi
sri
ngwi t
hyou.Thedayyou
feelIam worthyofbeingyourhusbandyouwi l
lput
i
tonandt henI'
llknowyouransweranddowhatI
mustdot omakeyoumywi fe
Gabi
:(si
ghed)okay

Shet
ooki
tandlookedati
tcl
osel
yitwasi
ndeeda
mast
erpi
ece.
Gabi
:puti
tback

Her
etur
nedi
tandf
acedher
Ar
chi
e:canIgetaki
ssf
oral
lthatbeggi
ng

Gabilaughedandkissedhi
m.Heundidhertowel
l
ayingherdownr unninghi
sdownherbody
t
ouchingherhoneypotwhi l
edeepeni
ngt
hekiss…

THREEMONTHSLATER
pl
easel
ike,
commentandshar
e
Heatofpassi
on

#66

Naledisteppedoutofdebonai rswi
th5largeboxes
ofpizza,shepl acedthem att
hebackseatandand
satatthef r
ontwai t
ingforManqoba.Heshortly
camewal ki
ngt owardsthecarcarr
yingaSpar
plast
ic.Hest eppedinsideandgavehertheplasti
c.

Manqoba:Isuckatpi
cki
ngf
lavour
sIhopet
hey
wontmind.
Nal
edi
:(l
ooki
ngatthedif
fer
entf
lavoursofj
uice)
t
heyar
eallgood.Theypr
acti
cal
lydri
nkeverythi
ng
Manqoba:soyougotever
ythi
ngyouneed?
Nal
edi
:yest
hankyou
Manqoba:sowher
etof
rom her
e?
Naledi:Ineedtodr
optheseof
fhome,mom i
s
babysitt
ingthenwecanspendti
metoget
heroverat
mypl ace
Manqoba:ar
eyousur
e?
Nal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)yes
Manqoba:(
smi
li
ng)okayl
et'
sgo

Hest
art
edhi
scarandr
ever
sedoutdr
ivi
nghome

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtGabi
'
shome
AmberandGabiwer eseatedonthecouchShari
ng
awar m bl
anketwhil
ewatchingaromant
icmovie
overaglassofwine.Gabikeptst
ari
ngatther
ingas
i
tshined.

Amber
:(l
ooki
ngatt her
ing)sot
ellmewhat
's
st
oppi
ngyoufrom sayi
ngyes?
Gabi
:(si
ghed)not
hingIam j
ustnotr
eady
Amber:whyi
sit
?Ar
eyoust
il
linl
ovewi
thEnt
le'
s
fat
her
?
Gabi
:(si
ppedherwineandsighed)no…nowi
t'
sjust
compl
icatedyouwontunder
stand
Amber
:tr
yme
Gabi:Idon'tknow…al otofthi ngshavehappened
andI '
m constant
lyquestioningeachandever y
decisionImadeconcer ningmydaught er
,whetheri
t
wasf orthebestornot,samet hingwi t
ht hef
uture.
Willthismarri
agebeagoodt hingforthebothofus
ornot .Thi
ngschange…, peopl echange.Notsol ong
Mphowant edtobeapar tofherlif
esobadandnow
hedr
oppedherl
ikeabagofhotpot
atoes.

Shepour
edher
sel
fmor
ewi
neandsatdown
Amber
:he'
sst
il
lqui
et?
Gabi:yepi
t'sbeenmonthsnow,he'snotsendi
ng
heranythi
ngorcall
ingt
ocheckuponher .You
shouldseeherwhenmyphoner ingsthewayshe
rushestorespondhopi
ngit
'shi
m.
Amber
:(sadl
y)I
'
m sor
ryf
ri
end
Gabi:nosyNomzamocall
edmeandt oldmehe'
s
backwi t
hhiswi
fesoIf
iguredyouknow…
Amber
:yep
Gabi
:Archi
esaysIshouldlethim beandnotdistur
b
hi
speace.There'
snof at
herthatcanjustwakeup
andfor
getshisresponsi
bil
it
iesi
t'
sclearwhatis
moreimport
anttohim
Amber
:thatsoundsl
iket
het
rut
htome
Gabi
:youknowIwasagainstt
heideaofhi
m bei
ng
apar
tofEntl
e'
sli
febutaf
terseei
ngthem t
oget
her
bond,i
twast
hegreat
estthi
ngever.Ij
ustfeltbad
formaki
ngmydaughtermissoutonherfather'
s
l
ove.
Amber :wel
lherdaddoesn'
tgi
veshi
tandshehasa
psychoti
cstepmother
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)Goshdon'
tremi
ndaboutt
hat
.
Amber:andyouwantyourchi
ldtobeapar
tofthat
?
She'
llwai
tti
llshe'
sasl
eepandsuff
ocat
ehert
o
deat
h
Gabi:(
swall
owed)nowt
hatyouputitthatway…I
rememberwhenshewantedtoat
tackmet her
elast
t
imeIwast her
eandshewasrecentl
yr el
easedfrom
t
hement ali
nst
it
uti
on
Amber:Ar
chi
eisdoingagreatjobmylove.He'
s
10Xmoreofafat
herthanthatweakl
ing.Ent
lewil
l
adj
ustwit
hti
me,she'sst
il
lyoung
Gabi
:Ir
eal
lyhopeso…
Amber
:youdeser
vet
obehappyf
*ckt
hem
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)whatwoul
dIbewi
thoutyou
Amber
:(l
aughi
ng)st
upi
d
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)shootmef
orwant
ingpeace
Amber :Idar
eyout ogotoherhouseandaskfor
peace.She'l
ltel
lyoutogett
hef*ckoutofherf
ace
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)orki
llme

Theybothl
aughedandGabiputontheri
ngandher
fr
iendj
umpedupinexci
tementhuggingher
.

Amber
:(happy)t
hat
'smygi
rl
…
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)
youknowt
hisaut
omat
ical
lymakes
youmybri
desmaid
Amber
:thankyouwow…congr at
ulat
ions…l
ookat
t
hosebeauti
fulhandsspar
kli
ng
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)thankyou.Ican'
twai
tsoseet
he
l
ookonhisfacewhenheseesi tonmyfi
nger
Amber:(
smi
led)t
hatj
erkbet
terpaymeupf
or
put
ti
nginagoodwordforhi
m
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)I
ndeed
Amber:(
looki
ngatt
het
ime)ohi
tsget
ti
ngl
ate.I
shoul
dgethome
Gabi
:theset
woshoul
dbebackbynow.Letmewal
k
youout

Theybothgotupandputonthei
rshoes.Ember
tookherhandbagandj
ackett
henshewalkedher
out.

Amber
:thankyouf
orhost
ingmemyl
ove
Gabi
:it
'sbeenl
ong
Amber
:I'
l
lbebackt
otal
kaboutt
heweddi
ng.Cal
l
meanyt
ime
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)okayokayokay

Amberwalkedawayandt
urnedbacki
nexci
tement
huggi
ngher.
Amber
:Il
oveyou
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)Il
oveyout
oo
Amber
:bye
Gabi
:bye

Shewal kedawayandpassedArchiewhowas
carryi
ngEntleasl
eeponhisshoul
derandcarryinga
McDonal d'
spaperbagwithhi
sotherhand.He
greetedAmberandmadehi swaytoGabi,ki
ssing
heront heli
pswhil
estandi
ngonthedoor…

Ar
chi
e:heybeaut
if
ul
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)hey,
hadagoodt
ime
Ar
chi
e:(
smi
li
ng)bestt
imeever
…youdr
inknow?
Gabi
:itwasj
ustonegl
ass…

Shet
ookt
hepaperbagf
rom hi
shandandhe
walkedi
ngoingt
oEntle'
sroom.Heputheri nbed
andtookof
fhershoesandjacketcover
ingherup…

Ent
le:papa…
Ar
chi
e:mmh…
Ent
le:Il
oveyou…
Ar
chi
e:(
smi
li
ng)Il
oveyout
oo…
Hebr ushedherhai rbacklooki
ngatherf astasleep
andgotupt urni
ngof ft
helight
s.Hewal kedtothe
l
ivingroom andf oundGabihavingt heburger.He
noticedtheringonherf i
ngerandsmi ledcoveri
ng
hisfacegoingdownonhi skneesi ndisbel
ief
.She
smi l
edtearfull
yputti
ngitdownwi pinghermout h.
Shekneel edbeforehim andhuggedhi m

Ar
chi
e:t
hisi
snoj
oker
ight
?
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)no…I
'
m agr
eei
ngt
obei
ngMr
syou
Ar
chi
e:(
laughi
ng)Il
ovet
hesoundoft
hat
…Mr
s
Ar
chi
eMochane
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)Mr
sAr
chi
eMochane

Hegotupandli
ftedherup,bot
hl egsaroundhis
wai
standherarmsaroundhisneckf renchki
ssi
ng
hi
m astheymadetheirwaytotheirbedroom…

Ar
chi
e:Il
oveyou
Gabi
:Il
oveyout
oo

Heki ssedherandlai
dherdownli
ft
inguphertank
topkissinghert
it
ti
esgoingdownwithwetki
sses
pull
ingdownhersweat pant
s…

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtNal
edi
'
shome

Nal
ediwasi
ntear
swhent
hemovi
etheywat
ched
camet oanend, Manqobal
aughedwipi
ngthem
awayf r
om herfaceandshelookedawayl
aughi
ng
feel
ingembarrassed

Manqoba:(sof
tl
y)noneofthi
swoul
dbehappeni
ng
i
fwewat chedanhorrormovi
e
Nal
edi
:(l
aughi
ng)woul
dyouj
ustst
opi
t
Manqoba:Iknowmovi
esaboutr
omanceal
ways
endi
ntears
Naledi
:romancemovi
esal
waysr
emi
ndusofhow
beauti
full
oveis
Manqoba:what'
stheuseofr emindingyoursel
fhow
somethi
ngisbeauti
fulyetyourefusetofeeli
tfor
real
Naledi
:Ineversai
dthat
…inl
ovet
hingsdon'
tal
ways
endwell
Manqoba:Icomewi
thgoodi
ntent
ions…
Shel
ookedathi
m andhewasdeadser
ious
Manqoba:Ir
eal
lyli
keyouNaleandaf
terspendi
ng
somuchtimewithyou…Ican'
thel
pmyselfbutfal
l
foryou
Nal
edi
:(si
ghed)Iam notanangelManqoba.Ihave
abadpast
Manqoba:howbadcani
tbe?
Naledi:Iwasmar ri
edandcoul dn'
tconcei vet hings
wentf rom bei nggreatt obei nghor r
ibl
e.( Tearful)All
theblamewasshi f
tedt omeandIwasabused
emotional lyandphysi cal
ly.Ihadnooneandwas
desperat etosavemymar r
iage.Icheat edandf ell
pregnantever ythi
ngbecamebet t
er.Hest opped
beingabusi veandIhadmor ekidswi t
hhi sfri
end
buthef oundoutatt heend…myf r
iendt oldhim and
cheatedwi thhi m.Hedi vorcedmeandl ef tmewi t
h
nothi
ng.Icamebackhomeandhadt ost artafresh…
Idon'tbl ameanyonemaybei fIcamehomewhen
hestart edal ltheabuseIwoul dn'
thavehadmyki ds
butIagai nIt hink,withoutthem Iwoul dn'thave
goneanywher e.(Smi l
edt earfull
y)Theypushmet o
domor etobemor e.Theyar emybl essingsandI
l
ovethem todeath.Theirbi ologi
calfatherdoesn'
t
wantthem t
heydon' tknowi tyetorevenknowhi m.
Iguesswewer eallj
ustf edupoft heabuseand
wantedtogetaway…Iwi l
ltellt
hem whent heyare
al
lgrownupf ornowI 'l
lletthingsbe..
Manqoba:(t
ookherhandlookingather
)al
lthat
changesnot
hing.Ist
il
lwanttobewithyou
Nal
edi
:Manqobawer
eyouevenl
ist
eni
ng?
Manqoba:yesandt
hatmakesmewantyoumor
e
Nal
edi
:(l
aughed)youar
ecr
azy
Manqoba:weal
lhaveabadpastandj
ustbecause
wedodoesn'
tmeanweshouldn'
tbehappy
Naledi
:Iknowbutmarri
agecomeswi
thal
otof
t
hings.I'
m goodwher
eIam
Manqoba:(laughi
ng)fi
rstofal
lIam gl
adyousee
megoodenought obeyourhusband.Secondl
yI'
m
notaskingustorushtoallt
hat…justl
etmebeyour
boyfr
iendfornow
Nal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)okayf
ine
Manqoba:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyou…nowI
'
vebeendyi
ng
t
okissthosepi
nkli
ps
Nal
edi
:(l
aughi
ng)youper
ver
t

Hepull
edherclosepl
anti
ngakissonhersof
tli
ps
andsheputherarmsaroundhi
sneckdeepeni
ngit
….

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtNompi
lo'
shome

Nompil
oputonherpant sandgotuppickingupher
shir
tonthefl
oorputt
ingitonandbut
toningitup…
Sizwet
urnedlooki
ngathergetti
ngdr
essedup…

Si
zwe:youknowyoudon'
thavet
oleavenow
Nompil
o:Ineedtogetmygoodnightrestpl
us…I
don'
thavechangecl
othesf
ortomorrow
Sizwe:youshouldbr
ingsomeoverbecauseIdon'
t
understandwhyyoumovedoutinthefi
rstpl
ace.
Nowwe' r
eli
kef*
ckbuddies
Nompi
lo:wer
en'
twet
hati
nthef
ir
stpl
ace?
Si
zwe:youar
edoi ngal
lthi
sformar
ri
age?Mar
ri
age
i
sablessi
ngitcannotbefor
ced
Nompi
lo:(
laughed)wow…soyoudon'
tloveme?
Sizwe:Il
oveyoubutIam notr
eadyf
ort
hatki
ndof
commi t
ment
Nompi
lo:sowe'
rej
ustpl
ayi
nghouse?
Sizwe:(gotupputt
ingonhi
sboxers)whyareyou
beingli
kethiswhenwe'vej
usthadgreats*
x
Nompi l
o:(angr
il
yputti
ngonhershoes)maybeI '
m
getti
ngti
redofbeingtreat
edlikeawh*rebutt
hat'
s
theplanri
ght!getherandf*ckheronyourwayto
thetopandwhenyougett her
e,dropherl
ikeahot
potatoandgetsomeoneel se
Si
zwe:whatt
hef
*cki
swr
ongwi
thyou?
Nompil
o:ohI'
m sor
ryitmustbesomet
hingt
hat
comeswithbei
ngaf*ckbuddy!
Sizwe:ifyouwanttogetmar
riedf
ine!Dressup
tomor r
owt henwewil
lgotohomeaf f
air
sandget
mar r
iedthendone
Nompi
lo:(
off
ended)Ican'
tbel
ieveyousol
it
tl
eof
me
Si
zwe:yousai
dyouwant
edt
ogetmar
ri
ed
Nompi
lo:f
*ckyou.I
'
m outofher
e
Si
zwe:what
ever
.Idon'
thavet
imef
ort
his

Shelashedoutbangi
ngt
hedoorandwentt
oher
car
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Thenextday

GabiwasshakenbyAr
chi
etowakeup…

Ar
chi
e:babe…wakeup…
Gabi
:(sl
eepy)youcanhavei
tfr
om t
heback.I
'
m
t
ir
ed…
Archi
e:(
smil
edki
ssi
ngherneck)Iknowbutwe
needtogo
Gabi
:mmh…
Ar
chi
e:(
uncover
edher
)babel
et'
sgo
Gabi
:(sl
eepypul
li
ngt
hecover
sover
)babest
opi
t…
Archi
e:(
gotup)
babecomeon…youst
il
lneedt
o
bathEnt
le

Hewentovert ohersideofherbedandpull
edthe
coversaway,itwassodamncol d.Shesatup
pull
ingthem overl
ookingatArchi
ewit
hat i
red
grumpyf ace.

Gabi
:what
'
swr
ongwi
thyou?
Ar
chi
e:Iwantust
ogosomewher
e
Shel
ookedatt
het
imeandi
twas3:
30
Gabi
:atthi
shour
?Youexpectmet
owakeEnt
leup
att
hishour?
Ar
chi
e:i
t'
simpor
tant
,shecansl
eepi
nthecar
Gabi
:wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Ar
chi
e:i
t'
sasur
pri
se…pl
ease
Gabi
:youknowIdon'
tli
kesur
pri
ses
Ar
chi
e:t
hisoneyou'
l
llovei
tpl
ease
Gabi
:(si
ghed)okayokayt
hen
Ar
chi
e:I
'
llpackourbags
Gabi
:okay

Shegotupandwentt otakeashower ,shethen

wrappedhersel
finat owelandwentt oEntl
e'sroom
taki
nghertothebathroom shewassl eepythe
enti
reti
meshebat hedandpr eparedherforthetri
p.
Shedressedherupi nherfavorit
eyell
owpr i
ncess
l
ikedressandblackleggings.Shethendressedher
upwi t
hherbigblacksparklyjacket
.Shecombed
herhai
rupinabunandt
iedi
tupput
ti
ngonher
bl
acksparkl
ybenni
e.

Gabi
:baby…
Ent
le:mmh…
Gabi
:waither
eonyourbedmommywi
llmakeyou
somethi
ngtoeat

Sheleftheronherbedandwentt omakeher
i
nstantpor ri
dge.Whenshecamebackshef ound
herfastasleepanddeci dedt oletherbe.She
packedupherbagt akingt wodr essesandsandal s
thenherot herut ensil
s.Af tershewasdoneshe
madeherwayt oherr oom andf oundAr chiealr
eady
done.Inhi sblueJean' sandbr ownl ongsl eeveshirt
onandt imber lands.Shef oundoneofher
summer t
imel ongf l
or aldresspl acedont hebed.
Shesmi ledandt ookof fthet oweltakingthedr ess
anddisappear ingt otheirbat hr
oom.Thi r t
ymi nutes
l
atershewal kedoutl ookinggor geousasever .Her
l
ongst raightupbr aidshungbehi nd.Leavingher
beauti
fuldarkbeautydollf
acefortheworldtosee.
Hermakeupper f
ectlydonenotdeeminghernat ur
al
beauty.Shewalkedoutsmel l
ingnicecar
ryingher
toi
let
rybag.Thebagswer enolongeronthebed.
Shewal kedtotheli
vingroom andfoundAr chi
e
feedi
ngEnt l
ewhowasbusyr ubbinghersleepy
eyes

Gabi
:al
ldone
Ar
chi
e:we'
real
sodone

Helookedupandjustposedl
ooki
ngathiswoman
l
ookingsobeaut
if
ul.Gabismi
ledenj
oyi
ngthe
at
tenti
onshewasgetti
ng

Archi
e:youar
ebeauti
ful
…wow…I'
m goi
ngt
owi
fe
t
hat…you'r
ebeaut
if
ulcomeher
e
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ngwal
kingt
ohi
m)oh…mybabe…
t
hankyou
Hebabyki
ssedherandhuggedher
Ar
chi
e:l
et'
sgomybeaut
if
ull
adi
es
Gabi
:Ican'
twai
t

Hecar r
iedEnt l
etothecarwi t
hGabifoll
owingand
l
ockingt hedoor.Heputheri nhercarseatatthe
backput ti
ngonherseat bel
tsthengotitwithGabi
putti
ngtheirs.Hethenreversedoutandjoinedthe
road…

Gabikeptl ooki ngatt heri

ng, i
twassobeaut i
ful.
Howdi dshegether e?Notsol ongshewashear t
brokenandhur t,t
heonl ythingshewant edwast o
j
ustr unawayandr aiseherdaught eri
nexilenot
eveni magi ningf i
ndingsomeonewhowoul dl ove
herli
ket hisman…al lherprayershadbeen
answer edf rom beingj usttheotherwoman,
desper at
eandl onel ytobeingsoont obeMr s
Mochane.Al lt
hatr ushaboutget t
ingmar r
iedwasn' t
necessar i
ly,loveevent uall
ycomesyourwaywhen
i
t'
st i
me.I tcannotbef or
ced…t earsfel
ldownher
cheekandshef el
tAr chi
epi ckupherhandand
pl
ant
ingagent
leki
ss…shel
ookedathi
m…

Ar
chi
e:Il
oveyou…

Shejustknewt hi
smanwasherf utur
eandno
matterwhatshewasgoi ngtobethegoodwifehe
deserved.Shesmiledandhefocusedontheroad
whil
epl ayi
ngslowmusi cnott
ooloudbecause
Entl
ewasasl eep

Gabi
:soar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lmewher
ewe'
regoi
ng?
Ar
chi
e:(
smi
li
ng)nobutyouwi
lll
ovei
t
Gabi
:al
ri
ghtIhopei
twi
llbewor
thi
t

Archiesmil
edandcont i
nuedtodriveshescrol
led
downt hei
nternetwhi
lehedrove.Shethentookhis
jacketf
rom t
hebackandwor eittaki
nganapshe
zoomedout
Shewokeupseei ngdi
fferenthousesshedi
dn'
t
recogni
ze,t
hiswassurelyoutsi
detheCapeshe
thought
..
.

Ar
chi
e:hey
Gabi
:(yawni
ng)hey…wher
ear
ewe?
Ar
chi
e:Beauf
ortwest
…
Gabi
:whatt
imei
sit
?
Ar
chi
e:t
enmi
nut
est
oten
Gabi
:geezI
'
vebeenoutf
ort
hatl
ong
Ar
chi
e:(
smi
led)we'
real
readyher
e

Het ookadifferentr
outeanddrovethr
ougha
dif
ferentst
reetpassing3housesthethir
dhedr
ove
throughthelargegatethatwasopenedandpar
ked
hiscarnexttoapol o.
Ar
chi
e:we'
reher
e

Gabilookedatt hebi ggreypai

ntedhouse,t
heyard
wasbeaut if
ulwi ththegrassnicel
ycutandflower
s
perf
ectlytakencar edofbutshewasconf usedof
whytheywer ethere.Thiswasnotaguesthouseor
alodgeitwasj ustahouse.Di dhebuyhert his
house?Yesi t'
sbeaut if
ulbuthesurel
ywould've
spokent oherfi
r stbeforebuyi
ng…

Ar
chi
e:babear
eyoucomi
ng?

Gabil
ookedathim st
andingoutsi
decarryi
ngEntl
e.
Shetookthej
acketsteppedoutwit
hherhandbag,
anoldwomansheknewwal kedoutofthehouse
wit
hanoldmant hatlookedli
keArchi
e…

Her
:(smi
li
ng)myboy!
Shewal
kedoversmi
li
ngandhuggedAr
chi
e.

Her
:(pl
ayi
ngwi
thEnt
le'
scheeks)hel
loangel

Archi
eheldGabi'
shandwhi
leherhear
tbeat
uncontr
oll
abl
ylooki
ngatAr
chi
e'smom.

Ar
chi
e:mom anddad,Iwoul
dli
keyout
omeett
he
womanIl
ove,Gabi
sil
eMadonsel
a.Myl
ovemeet
mymom anddad

MrsMochanesmil
edandhuggedher
,shet
hen
shookhandswi
thMrMochane.

Mr
sMochane:howar
eyounaMadonsel
a?
Gabi
:I'
mfi
nehowar
eyou?
Mr
s:youl
ookf
ami
li
ar,
havewemetbef
ore?
Gabi
:I…(
clear
edhert
hroat
)Idon'
tknow…
Ar
chi
e:let'
sgeti
nsi
de.Idon'
twantt
hissunt
orui
n
mybaby'sski
n
MrsMochane:of
cour
sel
et'
sgeti
nsi
de,
yourbr
other
i
shereaswell

Theyal
lwal
kedi
nsi
de…

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on
#67

I
nsi
det
heMochane'
shome

GabiandArchiefol
lowedAr
chie'
sparent
sinsi
de
andhisbr
otherwalkeduptothem gr
eeti
ngthem
wit
hhisgi
rlf
riend.

Archi
e:babethi
sismybr ot
herMorenaandhi
slong
t
imegirl
fri
endAndiswa.Guysmeetmysoontobe
wifeGabi
sil
eMadonsela
Mor
ena:(
huggi
ngher
)fi
nal
lywemeetyouatl
ast
Andi
swa:(
touchi
ngEnt
le'
scheeks)andwhoi
sthi
s
l
it
tl
eangel
?
Ar
chi
e:t
hisi
sdaddy'
sli
tt
leangelEnt
le
Andi
swa:(smi
li
ng)she'
ssobeaut
if
ul,
looksexact
ly
l
ikehergr
andma
Mor
ena:(
laughed)Iwasaboutt
osayt
hat

MaMochanesmil
edlooki
ngatherwhi
leGabi
l
ookeddownshyl
y.

Gabi
:excusemeIneedt
ouset
hebat
hroom
MaMochane:l
etmeshowi
ttoyou

Sheswall
owedandfol
lowedhertot
hebat
hroom.
Archi
eputEnt
ledownandwalkedoutt
ogetthei
r
bags…

Meanwhil
eint
hebat
hroom MaMochaneandGabi
wal
kedinandshecl
osedt
hedoor.
MaMochane:sowemeetagai
n
Gabi
:Idi
dn'
tknowt
hathewasyourson
MaMochane:ar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lhi
m orshoul
dI?
Gabi
:Iwi
llt
ellhi
mlat
eron
MaMochane:al
ri
ght

Shewal
kedoutandGabisi
ghedl
ooki
ngather
sel
f
i
nthemir
ror
.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMpho&Thandi
'
shome

Thandiwespokeont hephoneandwr otedown

quotat
ionfrom acompanythatlendstent
s.She
hungupandl ookedatthepri
zestheywereabittoo
expensiveonheralr
eadystr
etchedoutbudgetand
shehadt ohir
eextrastaf
fmembersever yt
hingwas
j
uststressf
ul.Shetookherphonedial
ingher
husband'snumber…hervisi
onblurr
edf orafew
secondsandsher ubbedhereyesl
ookingati tagai
n.
Itwentawayandshecal l
edhim…

Mpho:mywi
fe
Thandi
:(smi
li
ng)st
handwasam.Ar
eyoubusy?
Mpho:no…hangupsoIcancal
lyou
Thandi
:al
ri
ght

Shehungupandhecal
ledherback

Mpho:Mr
sGama
Thandi
:myl
ove…Iam cal
li
ngbecauseIneedhel
p
Mpho:I
'
mli
steni
ng
Thandi
:I'
mrunni
ngshor
tonf
unds…t
het
ent
sthatI
wantar
eabi
texpensi
ve
Mpho:whydontyougetthecheaperonesmyl
ove
andt
urnthem i
ntomagic
Thandi:(
sof
tl
y)Ican'
tmyl
ovethisi
smyf i
rstcl
ient
,I
can'
tcompromiseonanyt
hing.I
fIgett
hisri
ghtand
excel
lshewil
lrecommendmet oot
hers
Mpho:butyouhavegivenhera10%discount
,she
can'
texpectever
ythi
ngtobeatatopr
angeatthat
amount…

Thandikeptqui
et…
Mpho:Mkami
…
Thandi
:(sadl
y)yes
Mpho:don'
tcr
y,howmuchdoyouneed?
Thandi
:R30k
Mpho:Idon'thavet
hatki
ndofmoneyi
nmy
accountr
ightnow.
Thandi
:Ineedi
tur
gent
ly
Mpho:Iwil
lheadtot
hebankdur
ingl
uncht
osee
whatIcangetfr
om t
hei
nvest
ment
Thandi
:(si
ghedi
nrel
ief
)thatwoul
dmeanal
ott
o
me
Mpho:youar
enol
ongercr
yingnow?
Thandi
:(smi
li
ng)Iwasn'
tcr
ying
Mpho:I
'
llf
ixi
tokay
Thandi
:okay…Il
oveyou
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)Il
oveyout
oo
Thandi
:youenj
oyyourday
Mpho:yout
oo

Shehungupf eeli
ngdi zzyagain,thestr
essofital
l,
shegotupf eeli
ngt hirstyandgotaglass.She
pouredwaterf r
om t het ap,
shedrankitdownand
putitontopoft hesi nk.Itst
il
ldi
dnotgoaway
i
nsteadtheblurringcameback, sheslowlywalked
totheli
vingroom andl aidonthecoucht aki
nga
nap…
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
sof
fi
ce

Hesmi l
edlookingathi swi fe'
spi ctureontopofhi s
desk.Nextt oher swasapi ctureofI namismi l
ing
wi t
hheri mperfectteethsocut e.Shehadgr own
andhecoul dn'tbemor ehappyt hatshewasf i
nall
y
beingraisedinahappyenvi ronment .Shewas
doinggoodi nschoolandhermot herhadcome
aroundst ar
tingherownbusi ness.Thoughi twas
hardandi tmessedupt hei
rf i
nancesbuthewas
goingtosuppor therthrought hickandt hin…acal l
from hismot hercamei n, i
twasasur pri
sesi nce
theyhar dl
ytalkasshehasbeenbusypr ettymuch
helpingNalediwi thherlif
e

Mpho:MaLesedi
I
tst
il
lfel
tunnat
uralt
ocal
lhermom
Lesedi
:son,
howar
eyou?
Mpho:I
'
mfi
ne,
howar
eyou?
Lesedi
:Iam f
ine,thoughIwassur
pri
sedtoseet
he
motherofmygr andchil
dwit
hmysont oday
Mpho:whoar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Lesedi
:Gabisi
le,
shecamewi
thmysonannounci
ng
thei
rengagement
Mpho:(
swal
lowed)what
?!
Lesedi
:Ij
ustwant
edt
oknowi
fyouknew
Mpho:di
dshecomewi
thmydaught
er?
Lesedi
:yest
heyar
ebot
hher
e
Mphobangedt
het
abl
einanger
Mpho:howcoul
dshe-
…al
ri
ghtt
hankyouf
orl
ett
ing
meknow
Lesedi
:alr
ight
…Iwashopingyoucoul
dletmet
ake
InamioutwhenIgetback
Mpho:youwi
llhavet
otal
ktohermom aboutt
hat
Lesedi
:okay,
letmegonowwe'
rehavi
ngl
unch
Mpho:al
ri
ghtbye
Hehungupbeyondpi
ssed.Hediall
edGabi
'
s
numberandi
twentst
rai
ghttovoicemai
l
…

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Att
heMochane'
s

Lesediwalkedoutoftheguestroom f i
xingher
dressandwal kedt
othebackyar d.Everyonewas
alr
eadyseatedhavinglunch,chatti
ngandl aughi
ng.
Herheartskippedabeatwhenshel ookedatGabi.
Howcoul dshedatetwobr ot
hers…whathappened
toselfr
espect?

Ar
chi
e:mom ar
en'
tyoucomi
ngt
ojoi
nus?
Lesedi
:(smi
led)comi
ng
Shewal kedoverandsatnextt oherhusband
dishingher selfsomer iceandthedelici
oussalads
prepar edbyAndi swaandsomef r
iedchicken.She
l
ookedatEnt l
echewi ngadr umsti
ckmessi ngup
herdr essandsmi l
ed.Shewasherowncopyandi t
wasamazi ng, thelasttimeshesawherwasont he
funeralandshehadgr own.Shecoul dseeshewas
strugglingwi t
hi tsoshegotupandt ookit

Lesedi
:letmehel
pbaby…
Gabi
:don'
t-

I
twasal r
eadylateassheshreddedi
ttoli
ttl
epieces.
Entl
elookedatthepiecesofmeatonherplateand
fr
ownedpushingt heplat
eawayfrom her

Lesedi
:huh?
…eat
Entl
eshookherheadandst
eppeddownwal
king
overtoherf
ather
'ssi
de.

Gabi:shedoesn'tl
ikei
twhenIdot hat,
sheal
so
doesn'twantherfoodtobemixed.Ithast
obe
neatl
yserved

Mor
enal
aughed

Mor
ena:soshe'
saneatf
reak
Gabi
:(l
aughed)al
soacont
rolf
reak

Lesedil
aughedassher ememberedNalediwhen
shewasyoung.Howshedi dn'
twantherfoodmixed
andalwayswantedthingstogoherway,so
stubbor
n.Shehadmi ssedsomuchonherownki ds
l
ifeanddidn'
twantthattohappenwithherown
grandki
ds.Maybethisreuni
onwasn'tgoi
ngtobad
af
teral
l.Atl
eastnowshecouldbecloset
oher
gr
anddaughter
… shesatdownlooki
ngatArchi
e
gi
vingheranot
herdrumst
ick

Andi
swa:youar
espoi
li
ngher
.whati
fImi
xherf
ood?
Gabi
:shewonteat
…
Andi
swa:I
'
lll
etherst
arve
Gabi:shecri
est
il
lshef
aint
s,It
ryt
oavoi
dthatf
rom
happening.
Archi
e:soyousee,
it'
snotsomet
hingweshoul
d
t
akelight
ly
Mor
ena:t
hat
'
sreal
lyhect
ic
Lesedi
:fr
agi
lel
it
tl
egi
rl
Ar
chi
e:i
ndeed

Lesedipour
edher
sel
fjui
ceandsatdown

MrMochane:so…howdi
dthet
woofyoumeet
?
GabiandAr
chi
elookedateachot
hersmi
li
ng

Gabi
:yout
ellt
hem
Ar
chi
e:(
laughi
ng)whyme?
Gabi :(l
aughed)wemett hroughamut ualfr
iend.
Emberi nt
roducedmet ohim, Idi
dn'tli
kehim atfirst
butwehungoutt ogetherandast imewentwegot
closet oeachotherandbef or
eIknewi tIr
ealizedhe
wast hemanIhavebeenpr ayingfor.Agoodf at
her,
pot enti
alhusbandandar espectedleader.Yout ruly
raisedaf i
negentleman
Andi
swa:(
smi
li
ng)t
hat
'ssosweet

MaLesedismi
ledl
ooki
ngathersonashesmi
led
MrMochane:wellIcantel
lyouar
emakingmyson
happy.Wehavespokenasmanandal ett
erhas
beensentt
oyourfamilysowecansoonaskfor
yourhandi
nmarriage
Morena:(
joki
ngl
y)Ihopet
heydon'
tchar
geusan
ar
m andleg
Ar
chi
e:shewi
llbewor
thever
ycentt
rustme

Hesmil
edlooki
ngatherwhil
eshesippedherj
uice
r
eal
izi
ngthi
ngshadjustgonereal
…

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtThandi
'
shome

Shequicklygotupwakenbyt
heloudbangi
ngon
thedoor.Sheputbot
hhandsonherheadasher
headfel
theavy.

I
nami
:(t
ear
ful
)mamavul
a!Mama!
Mpho:st
opbangi
ngt
hedoor
,maybeshe'
snot
homel
etmecal
lheragai
n…
Thandi
:I'
m her
e…

Shesaidslowlygett
ingupfrom t
hecouchmaking
herwayt othedoorandopeningit
.Inamidr
opped
herschoolbagandwal kedi
nhugginghermom
cryi
ng,shelookedatherhusbandandsawt her
eli
ef
i
nhi seyes.

Mpho:thankGodyouareokayMkami
,wethought
somethi
nghadhappenedtoyou,
whydidn'
tyou
pickupthephone?
Thandi
:I…

ShepickedupI
namir
ubbi
ngherbacki
nci
rcul
ar
moti
on

Thandi
:don'
tcr
ybabyI
'
m okay
Mphopickedupherschoolbagandwal kedin
f
oll
owi
nghi swi
fein.Shesatont hecouchand
Mphosatonthecoffeet
ablelookingather
.

Thandi
:Iwasn'
tfeel
ingwel
landIt
ookanapaf
ter
thecal
l
Mpho:Igotacal lf
rom Inami
'sschoolsayi
ngyou
didn'
tpitchuptocoll
ectherf
rom schoolandbef
ore
that,Ical
ledyoucountl
essti
mesaf t
erIwenttot
he
bankandyoudi dn'tr
espond.Ihadtoleavework
early
Thandi
:Idon'
tknowwhathappened.Ij
ustf
eltdi
zzy
andti
redthat
'sal
l
Mpho:l
et'
sgot
othedoct
or
Thandi :I
'
mf i
ne,wedon'thavet owastemoneyfor
nothing.It'
sjustworkstress,someti
mesIthi
nkI
shoulddr opeverythi
ngandj ustgotovasi
tyanddo
teachingornur si
ng.Starti
ngyourownt hi
ngisso
hard
Mpho:I'
m heretohelpyoubabe,Icanseeyouar
e
over
workingyoursel
f,handl
ingt
woeventswhen
youarej
uststart
ingistoomuch
Thandi
:Iwi
llt
aket
hingssl
ow.Ipr
omi
se
Mpho:al
ri
ght
Thandi
:babe…babe?
I
nami
:mmh?
Thandi
:I'
m okay,
mommyisn'
tgoinganywhere
okay?Il
oveyoutodeat
handthatwil
lneverchange
I
nami
:mmh

Sheheldherti
ghtl
yreassur
ingherwhil
eMphogot
upandkissedhiswif
e'sfor
eheadthenwal
kedt
o
thei
rbedr
oom.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Lat
ert
hatni
ght
Gabicameintot hei
rroom alreadydressedinher
si
lkblackni
ghtgown.Ent l
el ai
donherbackpl aying
agameonherf ather'
stabletwhil
eherf at
herlai
d
backwithhisgl
assesonr eadingabookon
fi
nances.Shewal kedtothebed, kneel
ingonitand
crawl
ingovertohermanki ssinghischeek.She
cuppedhisfacet ur
ninghimt olookatherbaby
ki
ssedhim…

Gabi
:hey…
Ar
chi
e:hey…
Hesai
ditwi
thhi
shuskyvoi
ce.Damnt
hisman
wassosexy,
hedi
dn'
thavetotr
ysohar
d

Gabi
:ther
e'ssomet
hingIhavet
otel
lyou
Hebentthecor
nerofthepageandclosedthebook
put
ti
ngitasi
de.Gi
vingherhi
sfullat
tent
ion
Ar
chi
e:Iam l
ist
eni
ng
Gabi
:I…Ioncemetyourmot heronafuner
al.Itwas
whenMpho'sgr
andmot herhadpassedon…i ttur
ns
outi
swasMpho'smot her.
Ar
chi
e:so?
Gabi:Idi
dn'
tknowyouarerel
ated…Idon'
twantt
o
causeprobl
emsbetweentwobr ot
her
s
Archie:(
smiled)babe…MaLesedi i
smystepmother
,
Ihaveneverseenorevenmett hi
sMphoguy.We
arenotrelat
edevenonebi t
.Iam aMochaneand
he'
swhat everheis.I'
m marr
yingyouandnot
hingis
goingtochanget hat
Gabi
:(si
ghed)Idi
dn'
tknowshewasyour
st
epmother
Archie:sheis, shemovedi nandrai
sedusshortl
y
aft
erourmot herdied.Shedoesn'
tevenhavekids
withmyf athernordi dtheyevengetmarr
ied.She'
s
basicall
ymyf ather
'slongti
megirlf
ri
end,
don'tbe
shaken
Gabi
:(si
ghed)okay
Archi
e:butIst
il
lrespectherandIexpectyout
odo
thesame.Sheisthewomant hatr
aisedusandis
Entl
e'
sgrandmotherafteral
l
Gabi
:(smi
led)
Iunder
stand…haveyouseenwher
eI
putmyphone?
Ar
chi
e:no…di
dyoucheckyourbag?
Gabi
:It
hinkIl
efti
tatt
hecar
Ar
chi
e:l
emmegochecki
tforyou

HetookhiscarkeysandwalkedoutwhileGabilai
d
nextt
oEntlewhohaddozedof fwit
hthetableton
herchest
.Sheremoveditandlai
dherdownont he
spongeshehadneatlydoneforher
,coveri
ngher
up….

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#68

ThenextdayGabiwokeupear l
yinthemor ni
ng.
Shet ookaqui ckshowerandwentt ostartprepari
ng
breakfastforeveryone.Shewasal mostdonewhen
shehear dnoisecomi ngfrom thei
rbedroom, Entl
e's
l
aught ercanbehear df r
om theirbedroom, shewas
sureeveryonewasupbynowf rom t
henoi se.She
fi
nishedupandwentt othei
rbedroom theywer enot
thereshehear dEnt l
ebangingthedoorandwal ked
towher ethebangi ngwas.
Ent
le:(
bangi
ngthedoor
)daddyopent
hedoor
,I
wanttobat
htoo

Sheti
ptoedreachi
ngforthedoorhandl
ebuti
tkept
sl
ippi
ngoffherli
tt
lehands.

Gabi
:hheywhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Ent
le:Iwantt
obat
hwi
thdad
Gabi
:nodaddywant
stobat
hal
one.Comewi
thme

Shetookherhandandtheywalkedtotheirbedr
oom.
Lesediwal
kedoutofherroom al
readydressedup…

Lesedi
:mor
ningKot
i
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)mor
ningma
Lesedi
:(pl
ayf
ull
ytouchi
ngEnt
le'
scheeks)ki
dsyour
agear
esupposet
obeasl
eepbynow
Gabi
:she'
sanear
lybi
rd,
I'
m sor
ryshewokeyouup
Lesedi
:don'
twor
ryIwasal
readyup…

Theyhear
dgi
ggl
esf
rom Mor
ena'
sroom

Lesedi
:Ineedtoprepar
ebr
eakf
astangishothi
ngs
havechanged.Youwakeupinbroaddayli
ghtand
wanttobepraised
Gabi:wecomef rom di ff
erentfamili
esmaandwe
werer aiseddi
fferently.Therearesomet hingsthat
mymot hernevert aughtandt heonl yper sonthat
cant eachmeabouti ti
syou.Pl easetreatusasone
ofyourownki dsmaandgui deust obeabet ter
versionofourselvesandbet terwivestoyoursons.
Ont hatnotema, br eakfasti
sr eady,Iwilljoi
nyou
soonaf terbat
hingt hisgirl
Lesedi
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyoumychi
ld
Ent
le:mamaIwantt
oeatf
ir
st
Gabi
:no,
bat
hingf
ir
st

Lesedismi l
edandwal kedt ot hekit
chen.Shewas
surprisedt oseet het ablef il
ledoutwi thdiffer ent
meal s…t herewer escr ambl edeggs, bacon, toast ed
sli
cesofbr ead,sausages, cannedbeans, cer eals,
cookiesandmuf finsshewasshockedaski ng
herselfwhendi dshegett het imet obake.Al lt ypes
ofdrinkswer ether e,coffee, tea,andjuicest hen
therewasal soabowloff ruitsperfectl
ysliced.The
plat
eswer esqueakycl eanwi ththeforkandkni fe
setasi deper f
ectl
y.Ever ythingwasper f
ectlydone
asifitwasaf i
vest arhot elandwhatwasl etwas
forever yonetosi tdownanddi shforthemsel ves.
Nowonderhersonf elloverheel sinlovewi thher ,
shewasgr ounded, r
espect ful.Howcanherown
sonl etsuchper fect i
ongo…

MrMochane:wowmyl
ovedi
dyoudoal
lthi
sinj
ust
5minut
es
Lesedi
:(l
aughi
ng)no…yourdaught
eri
nlawdi
dit
MrMochane:(
sit
ti
ngdown)whi
chone?
Lesedi
:(smi
li
ng)whodoyout
hink?
MrMochane:Ar
chi
e
Lesedi
:(smi
li
ng)
whywoul
dn'
titbeMor
ena?
MrMochane:IknowAr
chi
ehasaf
inet
ast
ein
women
Lesedi:t
hati
snol
ie,
hehasr
eal
lychosenawi
fe
thi
stime.
MrMochane:she' srespectf
ul,
Ili
ket
hatabouther.
Whenwast helastt
imeI'veseenagi
rll
ookdowni n
respectl
iketheolddays…nowadaysyoujustlook
atusdeadi ntheeye
Lesedi
:(l
aughi
ng)hhawmar
ababa
MrMochane:Ineedtomeetherparent
sandtel
l
t
hem mysel
fthattheyshoul
dbeproudofthework
t
heyhavedone
Mor
ena:whatwor
k?

Mor
enawal
kedi
nwi
thhi
sgi
rl
fr
iendhol
dinghands
weari
ngmatchingout
fi
ts.Bl
ackpantsandblue
t
shir
thiswr
itt
enKingandherswrit
tenQueen.

Lesedi
:lookatwhatmyl
ovel
ydaught
eri
nlawmade
us…
Mor
ena:(
lookedatt
het
abl
e)wowdel
ici
ous
Lesedi
:gi
rl
swhower
etaughtt
owakeupear
lyand
servet
hei
rinl
aws
Andiswa:MorenaandIaren'
tmarri
edyetsot
her
e's
noneedf ormetodoallt
hat,t
hat
'swhatIwas
taughtathome
Lesedi
:di
dtheyal
sot
eachyout
ovatnsi
t?
Andi
swa:(
laughed)t
hat
'sr
ichcomi
ngf
rom you…
MrMochane:(
lookedathi
sson)MORENA!
Morena:ENOUGH!Can'
twej
ustsi
tdownandhave
br
eakfasti
npeace
Andi
swa:I
'
m nothungr
yanymor
e.Excuseme
Sheangri
lywal
kedout
sidewhi
leMor
enaf
oll
owed
herout
…

Mor
ena:babewai
t!
Shest
oppedbyAr
chi
e'
scar
Mor
ena:cal
m down
Andi
swa:andl
etyourmot
herwal
koverme
Morena:youknowhowsheget
sbabe.Canwej
ust
gobackandhavebreakf
ast
Andiswa:I
'
m notgoi
ngbackt
her
eagai
n.Let
'sgo
eatout
Mor
ena:andl
eaveal
lthatni
cef
ood…comeonbabe
Andiswa:t
hengoaheadandhavebr
eakf
astwi
th
yourfamil
y
Morena:babecalm down…howwi llt
hingsbeli
kein
thefut
ureifyou'
rereact
ingl
iket
hisalready.
wil
lyou
alwaysrunwhent hi
ngsnolongergoyourway?
Andi
swa:no
Morena:t
hencalm downandshowheryouar enot
whatshewantstoportr
ayyouas.Themomentyou
runshewil
lkeepdoingit
.(Hol
dingher
hands)
WhatevershesaysIdon'tcar
ebecauseI
l
oveyouandyou'rehereformenother
Andi
swa:(
sighed)okay,
maybeIover
react
edI
'
m
sor
ry
Mor
ena:i
t'
sokaycomeher
e

Hegrabbedherbyherwai
stl
ineandki
ssedher
.
Theythenwentbacki
nsi
de.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtThandi
we'
shome

Shestart
edherdayonahi ghnotefeel
ingbet
ter
thanyest
erday.ThankGoditmeantmor ewor
k
wouldbedonet oday.Shepr
eppedeveryonet
ostar
t
thei
rday.Herhusbandwal
kedi
ntot
heirkit
chen
greeti
ngever
yoneandjoi
nedhi
sdaughterfor
breakfast
.

Mpho:Iseeyou'
ref
eel
ingbet
ter
Thandiwe:(
smi
li
ng)Iam,
seet
her
e'snot
hingt
o
worryabout
Mpho:we'
rest
il
lgoi
ngf
ort
hatcheckup
Thandi
we:Ican'
t,
Ihaveal
ott
odoal
ready
Mpho:Youcan'
tbej
ustsickandgetbet
tert
henext
day.I
tcoul
dbesomethi
ngserious
Thandi
we:If
eelbet
ter
Mpho:okayi
fyousayso…bunnydi
dyoudoal
lyour
homework?
Inami:yesdad…mom canIsl
eepoveratEmihl
e'
s
home?Ther e'
sgoi
ngt
obeapyj amapartyandshe
i
nvitedme

Thandi
wel
ookedatMphof
orconf
ir
mat
ion
Mpho:No
I
nami
:butdad…
Mpho:youar
enotgoi
ngt
her
eendofst
ory
I
nami
:(whi
ning)butal
lmyf
ri
endswi
llbet
her
eand-
Mpho:Isai
dno.Endofdi
scussi
on!
I
nami
:(l
ookedathermom)mom!
Thandi
we:gogetyourt
hingswhi
leIt
alkt
oyour
fat
her

shegotdownfr
om herchai
rcr
ossi
ngherar
ms
pout
ingandwalkedt
oherroom…

Thandi
we:babakhe…
Mpho:Isai
dno
Thandi
we:i
t'
sjustapar
tyandi
twi
llonl
ybegi
rl
s…
l
it
tl
egir
ls
Mpho:she'
stooyoungtostar
tsl
eepi
ngout…i
t
st
art
snownextthingshe'
sjumpi
ngoutthewi
ndow
Thandiwe:butwontshej
umpoutt
hewindowifyou
depri
vehertheopport
uni
tyt
obewit
hherfri
ends
Mpho:(
thi
nking)Ineedt
oinst
allcamer
asand
al
armsinherroom
Thandi
we:babear
eyouevenl
ist
eni
ng?
Mpho:huh?
Thandi
we:l
et'
slethergoandhavef
un
Mpho:t
her
ecoul
dbeboyst
her
ewhoar
eol
d
Thandiwe:Icancal
lhermom andask.I
fshe
confi
rmstherearenoboyscanshego?
Mpho:yeahbutI
'
llpi
ckherupaf
terhour
s.She'
snot
sl
eepi
ngover
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)okayt
hen
Mpho:Ineedt
ogett
owor
ktel
lhert
ost
opsul
king
andcome
Thandi
we:okay

Mphof
ini
sheduphi
scof
feeandt
ookhi
ssui
tcase,
goi
ngtohiscarwhi
leThandi
wewenttoher
daught
er.Shef
oundherseat
edonherbedwai
ti
ng…

I
nami
:and?
Thandi
we:youknowyourdadl
ovesyour
ight
?
I
nami
:(t
ear
ful
)hesai
dno
Thandiwe:hesai
dyoucango(
shegot
exci
ted)BUT…
I
nami
:no…
Thandi
we:hewi
llpi
ckyouupaf
terhour
s
I
nami
:butmom!
Thandiwe:hedoesn'
tli
ketheideaofyousleepi
ng
oversomeone'shouse.Don'
tyoulikeyourbed?
We'vespendsomuchmoneyf orthisbedr
oom and
youdon'twantit
.
I
nami
:(sadl
y)Ido
Thandi
we:wel
lyouhavet
woopt
ions.Youcango
andhepi
cksyouupl
ateroryoudon'
tgoatal
l
I
nami
:okayhecanpi
ckmeupl
ater
Thandi
we:anddoesEmi
hlehavebr
other
s?
I
nami:shehasonel
it
tl
ebrot
her…It
oldherabout
myli
tt
lesist
ert
oo.Whenwil
lshevi
sit
?
Thandi
we:Idon'
tknow…getupyouwi
llbel
atef
or
school

Inamigotdownfrom bedandgrabbedherschool
bag.Shekissedhermother
'scheekandwalked
out…

Meanwhi
lei
nthecar

Mphot r
iedtocallGabibutitdi
dn'tgothr
ough.He
wantedtotextherbutletitgo…Inamiopenedthe
doorandsteppedinsmi li
ngwithherimperf
ect
teet
h…
Mpho:what
'swi
tht
hesmi
le?
I
nami
:(smi
li
ng)not
hing
Mpho:(smi
li
ng)ni
yaj
abul
aBunnysmi
li
ngf
or
not
hing

Herever
sedoutwhil
eThandi
west
eppedoutand
wavedgoodbyeatt
hem…

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtNompi
lo'
spl
ace

Shewasr eadi
ngabookaboutl oveand
rel
ati
onshipswhensheheardaknockont hedoor
.
Sheknewwhoi twasandignor
edi tr
eadi
ngher
book.Herphoner angandshel
ookedatitasBae
wit
hhispictur
ef l
ashedonthescreen.
Si
zwe:Nompi
loIknowyou'
rehome.Openup!

Sheignoredhi
m andhekeptbangi
ngthedoor.She
gotuppissedoffandwentt
oopenthedoor.

Nompi
lo:(
stoodbyt
hedoor
)what
!

Hepushedherasi
deandwal
kedi
n

Sizwe:(
angr
y)youdon'
tcometoworkoranswer
yourcal
ls…what'
swrongwit
hyou?
Nompi
lo:It
ookaweekof
f
Si
zwe:howcanyout akeaweekof
fwhenyouhave
aneventyouwi
llbehosti
ngt
hisweek?
Nompi
lo:Champcanhandl
eit
Sizwe:(si
ghed)youknowyou'
ret
heonewho
handleseveryt
hingwel
l
Nompi
lo:t
hatdoesn'
tmat
ter
Si
zwe:babe…
Nompi
lo:don'
tbabeme(
het
ri
edt
otouchher
)don'
t
t
ouchme
Sizwe:Iknowyouareangr
yatmeandyouhave
everyri
ghttobeangr
y.Iwant
edust
obesetbefor
e
wecoul dset
tl
edown
Nompilo:butwear eal
readyset
,thel
oungei
s
makingusgoodmoneyandyourmancavewi tht
he
r
oomsyou' rerent
ing.Webothwantthesame
t
hing…
Si
zwe:Ihavebeenhur
tbef
oreand…
Nompilo:(t
akinghishand)Iwonthur
tyou,we'
ve
beenthroughitallt
oget
herandwewi l
laccompl
ish
ever
ythingtogether
.Iwanttobui
ldwit
hyou,f
orus
andourkids
Si
zwe:(
smi
li
ng)
okayl
et'
sdoi
t…l
et'
sgetmar
ri
ed
Nompi
lo:ar
eyouser
ious?
Si
zwe:yeah…Il
oveyou
Shesmi
ledandki
ssedhi
mthent
heyhugged

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Dur
ingt
heday

ArchiegaveGabihi scardt ogof oragirl

'sshopping
spreewhilehet alkedt ohisfatheraboutcer t
ain
thi
ngs.Gabi neededt hi
st i
meal onesinceshehas
beenavoidingEnt le'sfather'
scalls.Sheknewt hat
hewasal readyt oldbyhi smom, themanycal ls
explai
nedhowhef el
taboutt hi
swhol ething…
parkedhercarout sidetheshoppi ngcentre,t
ookher
phoneandmadet hecall…

Mpho:i
t'
saboutt
ime
Gabisai
dnothingasherhear
taccel
erat
edf
or
not
hing.Shefear
edhim somehow…

Mpho:(
angr
y)youhavet
hener
vet
obr
ingmen
aroundmydaughterwhenyouknowver ywellI
wantnomant or
aiseherot
herthanme!!
.Totopit
allyougoformybr ot
her
,whor*
ngisinyourbl
ood
neh.YouknowIshoul dt
akeyoutocourtandget
fullcust
odyofmydaughter!
!

Shecalmedherselfdown…t al
kingtohersel
fdeep
i
nside"Gabiyouarenotaboutt ocr
y…haven' tt
his
manhur tyouenough,hebrokeyoubefor eandleft
youtopickupthepieceswhi l
ehecarri
edonwi t
h
hiswif
e.Nowhet hinkshecancont r
olyouasi fyou
owehim"

Gabi:i
fyouwantedyourdaught
ernottober
aised
byanotherman,youwould'
vemarri
edmebutthat'
s
offt
hetablebecauseyouareasai
ntandsai
nts
don'
tmar r
ywh* r
es.

Sheshookherheadl
aughi
ngal
it
tl
e
Mpho:you'
rel
aughi
ng?
Gabi :youseem t of orgetthatt hever ysamewh* r
e
i
st heonet hatgotyout owher eyouar etoday.You
seem t of orgetthatIbui ltyou…If edandt ookcar e
ofyouwhi leyoubui l
tyourhouse.Youwoul d'
ve
nevert houghtabouthavi ngyourownhousei fit
wasn' tforme.Isavedyourwi fe'
ssonwhenshe
tri
edt oki llhi
m andIgotyouabet terj obj ustsoyou
cani mpr oveyourwayofl i
vingandhaveever ything
youdesi re.Youknowdeepdownt hati fitwasn' tfor
thi
swh* re,youwoul dbest i
lllivi
ngi nyour
grandmot her'
shouset otopi tallIgaveyoua
chil
d( shel aughed)you' veal lmademyl i
fehel lbutI
pulledt hrough.Ist artedf r
om scr at chwi thnot hing
andt hathur t
syou…t hiswh* r
ehasf oundaman
thatseesandappr eciatesmybei ng.I t'
sagood
thi
nghe' syourbr othercorrectingal lthewr ongsyou
didont ome( Laughi ng)andyou' ret alkingaboutf ull
cust ody. ..fullcustody?Wi tht hatlunat i
cyoucal la
wifewowgoodl uck.Ihavemyownpl ace, owncar ,a
goodj ob.Ent leiswel lt
akencar eof fact uallyshe
waswel ltakencar eofwaybef oreshewaseven
born.CUSTODY?Nj engobauyionandof ffather?
Goodl uck
Mphosai
dnot
hing
Gabi
:nowl
ist
enhere.Iam get
ti
ngmar ri
edand
bei
ngagoodwh*rethatIam,Iwontstopyoufrom
bei
nginMphoent
le'
sli
feasherfat
her.That'
sit
Mpho:Iwantt
omeethi
mfi
rst
Gabi:i
fhef
eel
slikemeet
ingyou,youwil
lmeetand
nextti
medon'
ttalkt
omel i
keI
'm yourf
ri
end

Shehungup…Godt hatfel
tsogood.Shenever
real
izedhowmuchangershehadbot t
leupunt
il
now…shesmi l
edfeel
ingli
keagrownwomanand
openedthedoorget
ti
ngherdaughter
.

Gabi
:sowhatdoyouwannabuyf
ir
st?
Ent
le:(
smi
li
ng)adol
l
Gabi
:butyouhavesomanydol
ls
Ent
le:Iwantanewone
Shelaughedpi
cki
ngherupandcl
osi
ngthedooras
theybothwal
kedi
ntooneoft
heshops….

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Lat
erThatday

ThandiwedroveovertoKhensani
'
shouse.Shehad
call
edhermom andbor r
owedsomeofhercat er
ing
equipment.Shealsomanagedtoget6staff
member stohelpherwit
hherproj
ects.Theyl
oaded
theequipmentint
othecarwhil
eshespoket o
Khensaniholdi
ngherson.

Khensani
:sowheni
sthebi
gday?
Thandi
we:i
naweek…thankGodformom'shel
p.
I
t'
shardfi
ndi
ngt
hingswhenyouhavel
it
tl
etimelef
t
Khensani
:(smi
li
ng)eyyouknowshe'
sal
waysher
e
f
oryou.Wheneveryouneedhel
p
Thandi
we:Iknow.Idecidedt
oletherhelpmewi
th
theot
hercl
ient
.Inthatwaywebothwi n
Khensani
:wow…lookatyougoonaboutbusi ness.I
wishmyboycouldgrowsoIcanki ckstar
tmylife,
l
ookathowskinnyIam,breast
feedingandhaving
st
ress
Thandi
we:i
sn'
tyourbr
otherhel
pingyou?
Khensani
:(l
aughing)f
ir
stofal
lheknowsnothing
aboutbabi
es,second…hedoesn'tspendmuchti
me
homeanymor e.Hehasagirl
fr
iend,mostl
yhe'
swith
herathi
shouseorher s
Thandi
we:(
sur
pri
sed)Mnqobihasagi
rl
fr
iend?
Khensani
:(l
aughed)yesandithasbeenawhi
le.I
havenevermetherbuteyIlovehowshemakesmy
brot
herhappy
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)she'
sal
uckywoman.He'
sa
goodman
Khensani
:event
houghyoubr
okehi
shear
t
Thandi
we:(
laughed)comeonyoucan'
tser
iousl
ybe
st
il
lnotovert
hat
Khensani
:Iwi
llneverf
orgi
veyou.Hewashear
t
br
oken
Thandiwe:Ifeelbadabouteveryt
hingbutIj
usthad
togi
vemyf amilyachancepluswespokeabout
ever
ything.
Khensani
:speaki
ngoff
ami
lyhowi
sever
ythi
ng?
Thandi
we:wel
lever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngwel
l….
.
Khensani
:(f
rowned)but
…
Thandi
we:It
hinkI
'
m pr
egnant
Khensani
:(sur
pri
sed)what
!Whatdi
dhesay?You…
Thandiwe:Ihaven'
ttol
dhim yet
.I'
m notsureyet
.I
missedmyper iodi
t'
sbeent woweeksnowandI
keepgetti
ngsick…Idon'tknowmaybei t
'st
he
str
essofgetti
ngmybusi nessupandr unni
ng,I
don'tknow
Khensani
:thengocheck
Thandi
we:Iwil
laf
tereverythi
ng.IknowifIf
indoutI
am andIt
ellhi
m,hewillprobabl
ytellmetostayat
homeandnotwor
kti
llaf
terIgi
vebi
rt
h
Khensani
:what'
swrongwit
hthat
?Hedoes
ever
ythi
ngforyouanyway
Thandiwe:noooo…youdon' tknowhim.He
becomesover pr
otect
iveandt hi
swouldbehisfi
rst
ch…ohhi ssecondbutthingswoul dbesodif
fer
ent
becausehehasbeenpushi ngf orustohaveababy
Khensani
:wowhowIwi
shIwasi
nyourshoes
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)t
rustmeyoudon'
t
Khensani
:(smi
li
ng)mygi
rli
spr
egnant
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)
I'
m notsur
eyet
Khensani
:sobabymamaont
hesi
de.I
sshegi
ving
youanyprobl
ems?
Thandiwe:(l
ayingdownthebaby)no…I '
m actuall
y
gladsheknowsherpl aceanddoesn'tbotherme.I
keepdistr
acti
ngmyhusbandnott oevent hink
aboutthem.Ilovethepeacebet
weenusandj ust
notreadytohaveherorherkidaroundus
Khensani:butyouknowyouhavetomakepeace
wit
hit.Thekidhastoknowherfat
heratt
heend
Thandi
we:Iknow…j
ustnotnow
Janet
:we'
redonema'
am
Thandi
we:I
'
m comi
ng.BabeIshoul
dgo
Khensani
:okaybabe.Goodl
uck
Thandi
we:t
hankyou
Shewalkedoutoutwhi
leKhensanicl
osedt
hedoor
andat
tendedherbaby

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on
#69

Lat
ert
hatday

Gabigotbackfr
om theshoppi
ng.Archi
ewalked
outt
hehousewhi l
eshesteppedoutwelcomi
ngher
homewi t
hakiss.

Ar
chi
e:hey
Gabi
:heybabe…wher
e'sever
yone?
Archie:mom anddadhadt ol
eave,t
heirnei
ghbor
call
edt owarnthem aboutasuspici
ousman
l
oomi ngaroundtheirhouse.Sotheylef
ttomake
sureeveryt
hingisinorder
Gabi
:oht
hat
'
sbadnews,
Ihopet
heyf
indever
ythi
ng
okay
Ar
chi
e:wewi
llcheckupont
hem l
ater

HeopenedthedoorandletEntl
eout
.Shewas
car
ryi
ngabarbi
edollandat r
anspar
entbagt
hat
hadateaset

Ent
le:(
showi
nghi
m)papal
ookwhatIhave
Ar
chi
e:l
ookatwher
emymoneywent
…God
Ent
le:(
smi
li
ng)Ibuyi
twi
thyourmoney
Ar
chi
e:(
smi
li
ng)
yougi
rl
swi
llf
ini
shmeof
f
Entl
elaughedandwalkedi
nsi
dethehouse.Ar
chi
e
gotthei
rshoppi
ngbagsandGabicar
ri
edthelast
onelocki
ngthecar

Gabi
:sobabe…Mphohasbeencal
li
ngme
Ar
chi
e:Iknow.Isawt
hemi
ssedcal
lswhenyou
askedmet
ochar
geyourphonef
oryou
Gabi
:andyouneveraskedmeabouti
t?
Archie:(smil
ed)babeyoushar eachild.Idon'
tli
ke
theideabuti ti
swhatitis.Ican'
tquesti
on
everythingyout al
kaboutwithhi
m speciall
ywhenit
concer nsEntle
Gabi
:wel
lyourmom t
alkhi
m aboutust
hat
'swhyhe
wascal
li
ng
Ar
chi
e:and?
Gabi
:It
oldhi
mthet
rut
handhewasn'
thappyabout
i
t
Ar
chi
e:t
hati
shi
sownbabyt
onur
se
Gabi
:that
'swhatIt
oldhi
m
Theywalkedinsi
de,sheplacedt hebagofgoodies
ontopofthetabl
e.Het ookther emoteandt
urned
onthetvputti
ngoncar t
oonsf orEntl
ethenwalked
tothei
rbedroom.Gabilockedthedoorandfollowed
him,shefoundhimlaidont hebedwi t
hasexiest
l
ook
Ar
chi
e:showmewhatyougot
…
Shesmiledt
aki
ngoneofthebags,goi
ngtothe
bat
hroom.Sheli
kedi
twhenhermanwant edherto
pl
aydressup…sheevengotnaughtyout
fi
tsforhi
m

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Lat
er…
AtNal
edi
'
shome

Shedishedforherki
dsandtheysatdownandate
asafami l
y.ShewatchedTshepopl
aywit
hhisfood
noteati
ng…

Naledi
:Ist
her
esomet
hingwr
ongwi
thyourf
ood
boy?
Tshepo:no
Nal
edi
:theneat
…
Heeat
esi
lent
lyt
heyal
lfi
nishedandt
hegi
rl
s
rushedtowatcht.
vwhilehecol l
ect
edtheplates
andstart
eddoingthedishes.Sheknewsomet hi
ng
waswr ongwhenhedi dthedishesvol
untar
ily.She
pouredhersel
faglassofwaterandstoodnextt o
him

Nal
edi
:what
'swr
ongboy?
Tshepo:i
t'
snot
hingmom
Nal
edi
:(smi
led)It
hinkyouf
orgetsomet
imeshow
muchIknowyou.Justsayi
t
Tshepo:t
here'
saschoolt
ri
pandIr eal
lywantt
o
go…wewi l
lbelear
ningal
otoft
hings…
Nal
edi
:howmuch?
Tshepo:R1500i
tincl
udesourst
ayi
nahot
el,
cover
sthefoodandfortr
anspor
t
Naledi
:that
'sal
otofmoneysonconsi
der
ingt
hat
notsolongyouwantedaphone
Tshepo:i
tcanwaitmom.wewil
lmeetsci
ent
ist
s
whowi l
lbetel
li
ngusaboutt
hei
rpr
oject
sandhow
sci
encework
Naledi
:sohowwil
lyour
esear
chf
oryourpr
oject
s
wit
houtaphone?
Tshepo:Iwi
llkeepbor
rowi
ngf
rom f
ri
ends
Nal
edi
:okayIwi
llmakeapl
anf
ort
het
ri
p.Whenwi
ll
t
heygo?
Tshepo:i
n2weeks
Nal
edi
:Tshepot
hat
'sshor
tnot
ice
Shecoul
dseet
hedi
sappoi
ntmenti
nhi
seyes
Nal
edi
:butI
'
llmakeapl
anokay
Tshepo:okay

Hesmil
edwhi lesheputdownt hegl
assandwentt o
j
ointheki
dsf eeli
ngabitst
ressed.Herphonerang
andshepickeditupwalki
ngtoher.Sheshutthe
dooral
it
tl
eandanswer ed

Nal
edi
:hey
Manqoba:heybabe,
areyoubusy?BecauseIcan
cal
lsome…
Nal
edi
:noi
t'
sokayl
ove.Howar
eyou?
Manqoba:I
'
m goodhowar
eyou?
Nal
edi
:I
'
mfi
nehowwas-
Manqoba:youdon'
tsoundf
ine,
isever
ythi
ngokay?
Ar
ethekidsokay?
Naledi:everythi
ngisfi
ne…(sighed)mysonwant sto
goonaschoolt ripandIhavenomoneybecauseI
paidforthebui l
dingmater
ial
sf ort
herenovat
ions.
I'
mj uststressed
Manqoba:howmuchi
sneeded?
Nal
edi
:R1500…
Manqoba:Iwi
llmakeapl
an
Nal
edi:babeIdon'
twanttoburdenyouwi
thmy
i
ssues.Tshepounder
standsthati
fwedon'
thave
somethi
ngwedontendofst o-
Manqoba:babe…
Thephonewenti
ntoloudspeaker
.Shet
ri
edt
otur
n
i
toffbuti
tfr
ozewhil
ehespoke.Hersonwas
passingbyherroom whenhehear
dhi
m andhe
stoppedli
steni
ngin
Manqoba:babear
eyout
her
e?
Naledi
:yesI'
mj usthavi
ngissueswi
ththi
sphone.I
canbarelygetmyselfagoodphone.Howwi l
lI
aff
ordaschoolt r
ipanditmeanssomucht ohim
Manqoba:Tshepowi
llgo,
Iwi
llmakeapl
an
Nal
edi
:youdon'
thavet
o
Manqoba:whatmanwoul dIbei fIcanthelpthe
womanIl ove.Myl oveyouneedt ounderstandthat
we'r
einthistogether.Il
ovedyouknowi ngverywell
t
hatyouhaveki dst hatr
elyonyouf oreveryt
hing.I
mighthavenotmett hem yetbutIlovethem as
mine.I
'l
ltr
ybyal lmeanst ocoverwher eyoucan't
Nal
edi
:Ij
ustf
eell
ikeaf
ail
ureandabur
den
Manqoba:youar
enot.Youareagr
eatmom anda
gr
eatwomant ot
ri
es.That
'swhyIl
oveyou
Nal
edi
:Il
oveyout
oo(
sighedr
eli
eved)If
eelbet
ter
now
Manqoba:good.St
opst
ressi
ngbecauseever
ythi
ng
i
sgoingtobealri
ght.Theyaregoi
ngtoascience
expori
ght
?Iheardmyf r
iendt
alkabouti
tatwork.I
t
wil
lbebenef
ici
altoTshepobecausehe'sint
o
sci
encesohehast ogo
Nal
edi
:(l
aughed)Ididn'
tthi
nkyoul
ist
enwhenIt
alk
t
oyouaboutmyki ds…
Manqoba:(
smiled)Ihavehi
ghHopesaboutus
bei
ngafamilyoneday…onlyift
heyacceptme
Nal
edi
:whati
ftheydon'
tacceptyou?
Manqoba:i
twi
llhurtbecauseIlovet
hei
rmom butI
wi
llseei
fwecant r
ytowor kitout
Nal
edi
:(l
aughed)butnogi
vingup
Manqoba:(
laughs)t
hatwi
llbesohar
d
Theybothlaughedwhil
eTshepowalkedt
ohi
sroom
abitexci
tedaboutgoi
ngtothetr
ip

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Twoweeksl
ater
Thandiwaspour ingherhusbandacupofcoffee
whensher ecei
vedanot i
ficat
iononherphone.She
puttheket
tleasideandtookherphoneopeningit.
Shesmiledlookedattheamountt hatwassentto
herbusi
nessaccount .Khensani'
smom senther,
hershareoftheeventshehandedovert oher
.Acall
thencamei n

Thandi
:(smi
li
ng)mor
ningma
Her
:(smi
li
ng)Icant
ellyou'
ver
ecei
vedi
t
Thandi
:number10f
oll
owedby3zer
os
Her
:(smi
li
ng)i
twasgooddoi
ngbusi
nesswi
thyou
Thandi:thankyouma.Ihopewewi
llhavemor
e
col
laborati
onsinfut
ure
Her:i
twoul
dbr
ingmesuchgr
eatj
oy.Spendi
t
wisel
y
Thandi
:wi
lldot
hankyou
Her
:thankyoubye
Thandi
:bye

Shehungupandcheckedherbusi nessaccount.
Shesur elyhadmadepr of
itf
orsomeonewhowas
star
ti
ngbuti twaswor t
hitaft
eral
lthemoneyshe
spent.Shest i
llneededtobuymor estuf
fsoshe
wouldn'twastemoneybyr enti
nganywaybusiness
canwai t.Shehadt otel
lherhusbandthebiggest
newsever .

*
***
***
***
***
***
**
Meanwhi
le…

Mphowokeupandcheckedhi sphonesf
oremail
s.
Facebooknoti
fi
cat
ionskeptpoppi
ngup.Heignor
ed
them andgoti
ntoWhatsApp.HesawThemba's
messageandopenedit
Themba:Mf
ethuawusashokuthibabymamai
s
get
ti
ngmarr
iedhadtoseeitonFacebook

Her
epl
iedshocked

Mpho:what
?

Thembadi dn'tr
espond.Hel oggedintoFacebook
andwentt oGabi '
sFacebook.Herpr ofil
epi ct
ure
saiditall.Shest oodnextt oherhusband, her
holdingagi r
lhedi dn'tknowshandandherman
carryingEnt lealldressedupi nthei
rt radit
ional
att
ire.Hegotal lfi
redup, hesawanot herpi ct
ureon
hertimel i
ne, shewast aggedmyt hisAr chieguy.He
cl
ickedonhi snameandonhi sprofi
lepi cturewas
hisbeaut if
ulwi feGabicapt i
oned'thel oveofmyl if
e
Mr sAr chieMochane ' .Thandiwal kedinwi tha
tr
aysmi li
ng

Thandi
:mor
ningmyl
ove
Mpho:morni
ng…di
dyouknowaboutGabiget
ti
ng
marr
ied?
Sheputt
het
rayont
opoft
heheaddr
awer
Thandi
:ummh…Ithi
nkIrememberAuntPaul
ine
tel
li
ngmesomet
hingaboutt
hat
Mpho:andyoudi
dn'
tthi
nkoft
ell
ingme?
Thandi
:(smi
li
ng)babeIwasbusywit
hbusi
ness,
whocaresaboutwhatGabi
sil
edoeswit
hherl
if
e
anyway
Mpho:(
gett
ingup)ohI
'
m gl
adt
oseet
hatt
hisi
s
f
unnytoyou
Thandi
:baber
elax
Mpho:( angry)howcanIr elaxwhenshegotmy
daughterinvolvedinherloveaffai
rs.Ihaven'
teven
mettheguyt oknowi fhe'
sgoodenought obe
aroundmydaught erandyouar etell
ingmet o
rel
ax…yeahyouwi l
lsaythatbecauseyourdaughter
i
ssaf eherewi thi
nthesewal l
swhilemi neisl
ivi
ng
withamanIdon' tknow
Thandi
:(si
ghed)okayI
'
m sor
rymaybeIt
ookt
his
thewr
ongway.Calm downsowecant
alkabouti
t
andfi
ndawayforward
Mpho:t
heonlywayf
orwardi
sformet
ogot
oCape
Townandgetmydaught
er
Het
ookhi
sphoneandcal
ledGabi,
itwentst
rai
ght
t
ovoi
cemai
l.Hecal
l
edAuntPauli
ne
Thandi
:whatar
eyou-
AuntPaul
ine:hel
low
Mpho:Mor ningAunty,
Ihavebeentryi
ngt
oget
aholdofGabisil
ebutherphonesendsmestr
aight
tovoicemail
AuntPaul
ine:ohshef
lewt
oZanzi
barf
orher
honeymoon
Mpho:wi
thmydaught
er?
AuntPaul
ine:noEnt
lei
sher
ewi
thus
Mpho:si
nceshe'
sher
e.Iwoul
dbehappyi
fshe
cametospendti
mewithme
AuntPaul
ine:ohIwi
llhavet
otal
ktomyhusband
fi
rst
Mpho:okayIwi
llbet
her
einanhour
.Thankyou
AuntPaul
ine:oh…okay

Hehungup

Mpho:l
etmet
akeashowersoIcangogether
Thandi
:shesai
dsheneedst
otal
ktouncl
efi
rst
Mpho:(walki
ngtothebathroom)Ididallt
hatis
requi
redformydaughterforthem nottogiveme
anyprobl
emswhenIwantherwi thme.I '
m goi
ngto
getherandI'
m goi
ngtof i
ghtforfullcust
ody
Thandi
:(f
oll
owinghim)
areyouli
steningtoyoursel
f?
Youwanttotakeawomanwhocant akecareofher
daught
eractual
lywhohadbeentakingcareofher
daught
erformanyyearswi
thoutyout ocour
t.And
whywouldshemar r
yamant hati
sat hr
eatt
oher
daught
er?
Mpho:youdon'tknowhowsheiswhenshe'
s
desper
ate.Shewoulddoanythi
ngtobemarr
ied
j
usttoproveapointt
hatshemovedon
Thandi
:pr
oveapoi
nt?I
sthi
sevenaboutt
hechi
ld
oryoul
oveher
?
Mpho:I
'
m notdoi
ngt
hiswi
thyou
Thandi
:okay…okay
Shewalkedoutwhi l
ehest eppedint
ot heshower.
Shetookthetrayandwalkedbacki ntothekit
chen.
Shecouldfeelherangerbuiltupsoshestepped
out
sidetocatchherbreath.Inamisteppedoutsi
de
i
nherpyjama

I
nami
:mor
ningmama
Thandi
:(f
akedasmi
led)
mor
ningbabygi
rl
I
nami
:I'
m hungr
y
Thandi:gomakeyour
sel
fsomet
hingt
oeat
.
Cornf
lakes?
I
nami
:okay

Shesteppedbacki
nsi
dewhi
l
eshest
oodt
her
e
qui
etl
y.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtNal
edi
'
shome

Shewascl eaningaroundt
heyardwhenshesaw
Manqoba'scarparkingoutsi
de.Shequi
ckl
yran
i
nsidebecauseshewassuchamess.Thegi rlsran
tot
hecarf orthefi
rstti
meandgr eet
edhi
m…he
smiledr
oll
ingdownt hewi
ndow….

Manqoba:(
smi
li
ng)ohhel
logi
rl
s
Rat
o:hel
lo
I
tu:youal
wayscomeher
eandmom comest
oyou
why?
Manqoba:Iam yourmot
her
'sf
ri
end
Dipuo:butmamaalwayssayImustnothavehave
fr
iendsthatar
eboys
I
tu:met
oo
Manqoba:wear
eol
d.Wecanbef
ri
ends
Rat
o:i
sthi
syourcar
?
Manqoba:yes…

Heopenedt
hedoor
s

Manqoba:comei
nsi
de

Theyal
lgoti
nandsatdowngi
ggl
ing.

Di
puo:(
sawashopr
it
epl
ast
ic)
sweet
s
Rato:don'
ttoucht
hem…mamasai
dyoumustask
fi
rst
I
tu:(
looki
ngathi
m)canIhavesweet
s?
Manqoba:l
et'
swai
tforyourmom f
ir
st
Di
puo:ar
eyoumyf
ather
?
Ratoqui
cklycover
edDipuo'
smout
hwhi
leManqoba
t
urnedtolookather.
Manqoba:don'
tcoverhermout
h
Rato:(
removedherhands)
mom sai
dshewi
llt
ellus
aboutaboutourdadwhenwear
eold
Manqoba:i
fyouwantmet
obeyourdad,
Icanbe
yourdad
Di
puo:(
smi
li
ng)youar
emydad
I
tu:met
oo
Rat
o:(
shyl
y)youar
eal
somyf
ather
Di
puo:hei
smyf
atherf
ir
st
I
tu:I
'
m ol
dert
hanyousohe'
smyf
atherf
ir
st

Theycar r
iedonwiththei
rfi
ghtaboutwho'
shewas
fi
rstti
llt
heirmothercamesurpr
isedtosee
everyoneinthecar

Nal
edi
:whati
sgoi
ngonher
e?
Di
puo:he'
smydadf
ir
st
Nal
edi
:dad?
Rat
o:hesai
dhecanbeourf
atheri
fwewanthi
mto
be
Naledi
:andyouallj
ustdeci
dedt
hatheshoul
dbe
yourfat
her.Uncl
eManqoba…
Manqoba:(
laughed)Icoul
dn'
ttur
ndownagood
of
fer
Di
puo:mommycanwehavesweet
s?
Manqoba:It
oldt
hem onl
yyoucangi
vei
ttot
hem
Nal
edi
:okaygi
vemet
hepl
ast
ic

Shetooktheplast
icandt
ookoutpacket
sofSi
mbas
gi
vingthem oneeach.

Naledi
:youwil
lhavet
herestlat
er.Gopl
aysoIcan
t
alktouncleManqobainpeace
Theyal
lst
eppedoutwhi
let
heybot
hremai
ned.

Nal
edi
:dadhuh?
Manqoba:t
heli
tt
leonejustaskedmeoutoft
he
bl
ueifIwasherdad.Idi
dn'tknowwhatt
osay
Nal
edi
:weleftwhenshewasyoungsoshepr etty
muchcluel
essaboutever
ythi
ng.Shealwaysasks
whoherfat
herisbutt
heotherunder
stand
Manqoba:okay…soTshepo?Hashecal
led?How'
s
t
hetri
p?
Naledi
:(smil
ing)ever
yt hi
ngisgoingwell
…( pl
acing
herhandsonhi s)myl ove.Thankyouagainfor
makingital
lhappenf ormyson.Youar eabl essi
ng
tome.Iloveyou
Manqoba:Il
oveyout
oo

Shel
eanedoverandki
ssedhi
m.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
hel
odge

Nompi l
osatinheroffi
cedeali
ngwi t
ht he
paperwork.Shepausedasshef el
tintensepai
non
herabdomen…shehasbeenget ti
ngthesepains
nowandt hensinceyester
day.Sandiknocked

Nompi
lo:comei
n
Shewal
kedi
nwi
thaf
il
e
Sandi
:hi
Nompi
lo:af
ter
noon
Sandi
:Ibr
oughtyout
hef
il
e
Nompi
lo:(
frowni
npai
n)t
hankyou
Sandi
:ar
eyouokay?
Nompi
lo:I
'
m..
.I'
mfi
ne
Sandi
:Ihear
dthegoodnews
Nompi
lo:(
for
gedasmi
le)yeah…butnot
hinghas
beenf
inal
izedyetsol
et'
snotbet
oo….
Shet
ookamomentt
ocat
chherbr
eat
h
Nompi
lo:l
et'
snotbet
ooexci
ted
Shepour
edher
sel
fagl
assofwat
eranddr
ank
Sandi
:ar
eyousur
eyouar
eokay?
Nompi
lo:I
'
m okayst
opworr
yingaboutme.Letme
wal
kyououtsoweIcangetsomefreshai
rallt
his
wor
kissuff
ocat
ingme
Sandi
:(smi
led)Nompi
Nompi
lo:yes
Sandi
:I….
Nompi
lo:you
Sandi
:Ineedf
reshai
rtoo

Theybot
hgotupandcont
inuedt
otal
kaboutwor
k.

Nompil
o:busi
nesshasbeendoi
nggoodlatel
ybutI
t
hinkI
'
vebeendoingthi
sforsol
ong.Ineed
somet
hingnew
Sandi
:butwest
il
lneedyouher
e.You'
ret
heone
doi
ngallt
hework
Nompil
o:seethat
'smymi
stakeIdomostoft
he
wor
kinsteadof…
Shecol
lapsedandfel
ldownt
hest
air
s.Sandi
scr
eamedr ushi
ngdown.
Sandi
:Mpi
lo!
!!
!
Shet
urnedherasever
yoner
ushedover
.Hernose
wasbl
eedingandshewasout
Wor
ker
:whathappened?
Sandi
:cal
lanambul
ancepl
ease
Wor
ker
2:whatdi
dyoudo?
Sandi
:(pani
cking)st
opaski
ngquest
ionsandcal
lan
ambulance!
!!

Peopl
erushedtocal
l,
anambul
ancecameandshe
wastakentot
hehospital
.
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
HeatofPassi
on

#70

AtSi
zwe'
shome
Hewaswat chi
nganol
dmatchwhenChamp
knockedonceandwal
kedi
n.

Champ:t
hemanoft
hemomenti
shi
dingher
e
Si
zwe:(
sippedhi
sbeer
)whatdoyouwant
?
Champ:(
smil
edsi
tt
ingdown)not
hingj
ustcamet
o
seemybrot
her
Si
zwe:sur
e
Champgr abbedhimsel
facanofHei
nekenand
quenchedhisthi
rst
Champ:sowheni
sthebi
gday?Haveyouspokent
o
youruncl
es?
Si
zwesnor
tedandshookhi
shead.Champed
l
aughed
Champ:youar
est
il
ltr
yingt
ofi
gur
eoutawayout
Si
zwe:yeahandshe'
snotbudgi
ng
Champl
aughed
Si
zwe:youar
elaughi
ng?
Champ:ever
yonei
sexpect
ingaweddi
ngsoonat
thel
odge
Si
zwe:(shookhi
shead)whati
sitwi
thwomenand
marr
iage
Champ:Iwassurpri
sedwhenIhear
dthenews.I
knowyounott
het ypetowantt
ogetmarr
ied.What
areyougoi
ngtodo?Dumpher ?
Sizwe:( si
ghed)Iwi shi twast hateasy.Il
oveher,
she'ssmar tandbeaut iful.Iseeusachievi
nggreat
thingstoget herbutmar ri
age?Idon'tknowifI
'm
readyf orallthat.Mi hlanididn'tgi
vemepr obl
ems,
shej ustenjoyedeat ingmeof fdidn'
tcareabout
mar ri
age.Shet hinksoft henowandnott omorrow
Champ:youcanthavebot
h
Hi
sphoner
ang
Si
zwe:Busi
zwespe-
Voi
ce:Si
rMi
ssNompi
lohaspassedoutshef
ellon
t
hestai
rs
Champ:what
?!!
!
Si
zwe:what
?
Voi
ce:shehasbeent
akent
othehospi
talpl
easet
ell
-
Champ:we'
recomi
ng

Hehungupandgotup

Si
zwe:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Champ:yourgir
lfel
latt
helodge.She'
sbeenr
ushed
toherhospi
tali
tseemspret
tyseri
ous
Si
zwequi
ckl
ygotup
Si
zwe:l
et'
sgo
Theyrushedt
oChampscaranddr
ovet
othe
hospi
tal

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
heMadonsel
a'
s
MaPaul i
newasdoi ngthedishesl
ist
eningtomusi c
onther adio.Shecheckedoutonthewi ndow
l
ookingatherhusbandandgr andchi
ldbusyint he
garden.Theyl ookedsocutetoget
her.Herphone
rang,shequi ckl
ydriedherhandsandpickeditup

Her
:hel
lo
Gabi
:hell
omama…j ustcal
li
ngt
oletyouknowthat
wearr
ivedsaf
elyandweareonourwaytot hehot
el
Her
:(smi
li
ng)oht
hankGodt
hat
'sgr
eatnews
Gabi
:Ihopeever
ythi
ngi
swel
lther
ewi
thEnt
le
Her:yesandherfat
hercal
ledandaskedf
orhert
o
vi
sitwhil
eyouareaway
Gabi:ummh…Idon'tknowma.I '
m st
il
lnot
comf or
tabl
eofthei
deaofthatwomanbeingar
ound
mydaught er
.Shecannothat
emeandl ovemy
daughter
Her:(
sighed)Iknow,
wewi
llt
alkt
ohi
m andr
aise
t
hisconcerns
Gabi
:I'
l
lal
socal
lhi
m
Her
:al
ri
ghthowi
sZanzi
bar
?
Gabi
:iti
sbeaut
if
ul…Ican'
twai
ttoexpl
orei
t
Her:takesomanypi ct
uresandcomebackwi
th
anothergrandchi
ld
Gabi:(
laughed)aahmom i
t'
stoosoon.Ent
lei
sst
il
l
young
Her:(l
aughing)she'
stooold.Don'tyouwishyou
hadasi bl
ingwhilegr
owingup?Asi st
eryoucoul d
tel
leveryt
hingorabrotherthatwouldprotectyou?
Gabi
:Idi
d…okayI
'
llt
hinkabouti
t.Ihavet
ogowe'
ve
ar
ri
ved.Ki
ssmybabyforme
Her
:okaybye
Gabi
:bye

Shehungup

Entl
etookt hewater
ingcanandwateredher
grandfat
her'sboot
s.Heburstouti
nlaught
ercal
li
ng
outhiswife.
Madonsel
a:l
ookatyourf
armerwat
eri
ngmyboot
s

Ent
legavehergr
andmotheracut
esmi
leand
wat
eredhisboot
sagai
n.

MaPaul
ine:(
smili
ng)Ent
leyouaresupposet
o
wat
ert
hecarrot
snotyourgrandf
ather
Madonsel
a:Iam wor
kingwi
thacr
azyf
armerher
e
Sheputdownt
hewat
eri
ngcanandwal
kedt
othe
tomat
oes
Ent
le:khul
ubuka
Sheshowedhergr
andf
atherat
omat
oshehad
pi
ckedout
Madonsel
a:t
omat
o
Shetookabit
eandfrownedastheyt
astedawful
,
shethenspi
tandthr
ewitaway.Helaughedso
hardhol
dingontohi
skneesandhiswif
ejoini
ng
him.
MaPauline:yourdaughtercal
ledandItol
dher
Mphowant shisdaughtertovisi
thi
m.sheisn'
t
happyaboutthat…shewor ri
edaboutMpho'swif
e
Madonsel
a:Iknowtheysti
llhaven'
tresol
vedthi
ngs
bet
weenthem butatt
hesamet i
mewecan' tst
op
hi
mf r
om seei
nghisdaughter…

Mpho:Knockknock!
!!
MaPaul
ine:comei
n!!

Heopenedt hedoorandwalkedin.MaPauline
call
edhim outtothebackyar
d.Hecameoutand
thefir
stpersonhelai
deyesonwashi sdaughterat
theli
ttl
egardenwithhergr
andfat
her.Hegreet
ed
everyoneandsatdown.MrMadonsel aj
oinedthem

Mpho:askwehavespokenovert
hephone.Ihave
cometoaskformydaughter
Paul
ine:okayhaveyouspoket
oGabi
?
Mpho:noIexpl
ainedherphonewasof
f
Pauli
ne:shehasarri
vedandcal l
ednotsol ong.I
tol
dheraboutyourrequestandsher aised
concernsaboutherdaughterbei
ngar oundyour
wif
esincetheyhaven'tr
esolvedthei
rissues
Mpho:mywi
fehasnopr
obl
em wi
thmydaught
er
MaPauli
ne:wellwecan'
tgi
veyouEntl
eunti
lyou
andhermotherhaver
esol
vedyouri
ssues
Mpho:withal
ldueandrespectma.Iam heretoget
mydaughter.Ipai
dal
lthatisdueforhersoIwont
begivenanyhassl
eswhenIwanttospendt ime
wit
hher

MaPaul
ine'
sphoner
ang

MaPaul
ine:i
tsher
e

Sheanswer
edput
ti
ngheronl
oudspeaker
MaPaul
ine:Gabimychi
ldyouar
eonl
oudspeaker
Mphoi
sher ewit
hus
Gabi:okayma…Mphomom t ol
dmeyouwantEnt l
e
tovisi
tyou,i
fyouwanttotakeherouti
t'
sfinebutI
wil
lhaveapr obl
em i
fyouwanttotakehertoyour
house.Idon'
twantheraroundyourwif
esincewe
haven'tr
esol
vedourpast

Mphoshookhi
sheadsmi
li
ng

Gabi
:ar
eyout
her
e?
Mpho:Ihearyou.Iwi
llbr
ingherbackl
ater
Gabi
:okayt
hati
sal
lIwant
edt
osay.Youcant
ake
her

Mphogotupandwal kedtot
hegardenpi
cki
ngEntl
e
up.Shecriedashet ookherwhil
eshewasplayi
ng
wit
hdirtbuil
dingcastle.MaPaul
inehungupand
gotup
MaPaul
ine:l
etmecl
eanherup
Mpho:noi
t'
sokay

Hewalkedoutastheyf
oll
owedhim.Heopenedhi
s
carandputheratt
hebackseat
.

Mpho:t
hankyou

Hest
eppedi
nhi
scari
nahur
ryaddr
oveout
Madonsel
a:hewontbr
ingherback
Paul
ine:buthesai
d-
Madonsel
a:mar
kmywor
ds

*
***
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*
Att
hehospi
tal
Sizwearri
vedwi thChampatt hehospit
altheywent
totherecepti
onistandaskedabouther
whereabouts.Luckil
ythedoctorthatat
tendedher
camebyt hereceptiontodeli
verafil
e.Theywere
connectedbyther ecept
ioni
stthere

Doct
or:howar
eyour
elat
edt
oherSi
r?
Si
zwe:she'
smywi
fe
Champl
ookedathi
m
Si
zwe:i
ssheokay?
Doct
or:sheisf
inejustbr
okeherar
m butshe'
s
doi
ngfineandthebabyaswell
Champ:baby?
Doctor
:yesshe'ssevenweekspregnantbutt
her
e
wil
lbecomplicati
onswit
hherpregnancy
Si
zwe:I
'
m..
.I'
mli
steni
ng
Doct or:shehaswhatwecal launicor
nuateuterus…
i
tisagenet icconditionthatcausesonlyhalfofher
uterust oform.Asar esult
,shehasasi ngl
e
fal
lopiant ubeinsteadoft woandaut erusthat’
s
usual l
ysmal leri
nsi ze.
Si
zwe:Idon'
tunder
standbutwi
llt
heybef
ine?
Doct
or:wecanonl
ymoni
tort
hebaby'
sgr
owt
hfor
now

Thedoctoraccompaniedhi
mt oher.Hewasthe
onl
yoneal l
owedin.Shebursti
ntotear
sthe
momenthewal kedinandinrushedtoherhol
ding
hert
ighttohimsel
f.

Sizwe:whydi
dn'
tyout
ellmebabe?Whydi
dn'
tyou
tel
lme?
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)I
'
m sor
ry
Sizwe:i
t'
sokay…i
t'
sgoingt
obeokay.Wear
egoi
ng
tohaveahealt
hybaby.
Nompi
lonodded
Si
zwe:nowcal
m downdontwor
ryaboutat
hing
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Champsatnextt
oSandiout
side

Champ:youar
est
il
lher
e?
Sandi:Icoul
dn'
tjustl
eaveherher
epl
ust
hey
wouldn'tl
etmein
Champ:whathappened?
Sandi
:shej
ustcol
lapsedandf
elldownt
hest
air
s
Champ:nof
oulpl
ay?
Sandi
:youal
sot
hinkIpushedherdownt
hest
air
s?
Champ:noof
cour
senot
.Ar
eyouokay?
Sandi
:I'
m..
.I'
m okay
Champ:you'
renot
…ever
ythi
ngokayathome?
Sandi
:whathappensatmyhousei
snoneofyour
busi
ness
Champ:youbott
li
ngupeverythi
ngisdest
royi
ngyou
anddon'
tseeit
.Youseeeveryoneasyourenemy
andt
hest
aff
-
Sandi
:what
?Whatdi
dtheysay?
Champ:therear ecompl ai
ntsaboutyou.Theysay
i
t'sdif
fi
cultt
owor kwithyou.Can'tyouseet hat'
s
whyyouar estil
lononeposi t
ion…youar enol onger
thatgi
rlwehi r
edt hathadgreatplansforthelodge.
Yousaidyouwant edtogr owandbeexposedt o
manyoppor tunit
iesthatthelodgemi ghtbri
ng.How
canwet rai
nyout obeleaderwhenyoual r
eady
havecreatedyour sel
fabadname
Shesi
ghed

Champ:whenal
loft
hisi
sover
,let
'st
alkovercof
fee
Sher
emai
nedsi
lentt
hinkingabouti
tbutt
henwhat
di
dshedi
dshehavet
ol ose
Sandi
:okay
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtMpho'
shome
Ithasbeen5hour spl uswi thGabi '
schildcr ying
nonest op.Inamiopt edt opl ayout sideasshe
coul dn'ttakeitanymor eandt henei ghbor shad
calledandevencamet ocheckwhatwashappeni ng
andMphoexpl ai
nedt hesi tuati
on.Thandi wewasn' t
havi ngi t,
shewasbeyondpi ssedf rom allthenoi se,
throwi ngofever ythingherf athergavehert r
yi ngto
calm herdown.Thecoucheshadyoghur tspi l
ledall
over ,sweet sscatt
er edacr ossthedi ni
ngr oom.
Thandiknewshewoul dkillsomeonei fshest ayed
andwat chthatbratt urnherhouseupsi dedown.
Shecr iedforhermom anddadt i
llhervoicewas
gone.Mphosatonachai rattheki tchenwat ching
herl yingont hecol df l
oorsobbi ng…shewashungr y
andhercr i
eswer eget tingweakerandweaker .I
t
brokehi sheart,t
hepai nofyourownchi l
dnot
acknowl edgingyoucutt oodeep.Hi sphoner ang
andhepi ckeditup

Mpho:hel
lo
MaPauli
ne:hel
lo,
Ijustcal
ledt
ocheckuponher
si
nceshelef
tcr
ying
Mpho:wear
efi
ne
Ent
le:(
cryi
ng)gogo!
!!
Shetr
iedtoscr
eam buthervoicewasgone.She
crawl
edtohim andgotuptr
yingtoreachoutf
orthe
phone
MaPaul
ine:i
sthather
?
Mpho:shej
ustwokeup
MaPaul
ine:pl
easegi
vehert
hephone
Hegavehert
hephone
Ent
le:(
cryi
ng)gogol
ande
MaPaul
ine:cal
m down…st
opcr
ying
Ent
le:f
unamama…
MaPauli
ne:st
opcryi
nggogoiscomi
ngt
ogetyou.I
won'
tcomeifyoukeeponcr
ying
Ent
le:mmh
MaPaul
ine:I
'
m comi
ngr
ightnow
Ent
le:comenow…

Shegavehi
mt hephoneandwentt
owai
tbyt
he
doorwi
thherarmscrossed

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#71

AtThandi
we'
shome
Shewasal mostdonepr eparingdi nnerwhenshe
l
ookedatEnt lelayi ngont hef loorbyt hedoor .It
wasnowapai nfulscenet owat ch.Inamihad
cover edherwi thherownj acketbutshet hrewi t
acrosst heroom, shewassost ubbornshef ound
hersel fwonder i
ngwher eshegoti tal
lfr
om.Wel lher
fatherwasal sost ubbor n…i t
'satr ai
tyoudon' ttake
noteofbecauseoft hei rkindnessbutyouseet heir
stubbor nnesswhent heyf i
ghtf orsomet hingt hey
l
ove.Shef oundher sel fgoi ngtoherandl i
ftingher
upf rom t hecol dfloor .Shewaswor noutf rom al l
thefight ingandki ckingoft hedoor sandbr eaking
almostever ything.Shecar ri
edhert otheki tchen.
Shedi shedf orherpapandt hest ew.

Thandi
we:i
fyoueat
,Iwi
llcal
lyourmom
Ent
le:mama…
Thandi
we:yesbuteatf
ir
st
Shefedherandt
heenti
ret
imeEntl
ewasstar
ri
ngat
herdeadi
ntheeye.Mphocameandst
aredatthem
fr
om adist
ance.Shemadeherwarm wat
er,
addeda
sl
iceofl
emonandpouredhoney.

Ent
le:mphe…
Thandiwesmi l
edlookingatEnt l
estickingher
tongueoutforhoney.Shesqueezedal i
ttl
ebitinher
mout handputitbacki nt
ot hefr
idge.Shest i
rredthe
mixtureandgavei ttohersoshecandr ink.She
drankitbi
tbybitst i
l
llookingatheryoht hischil
d
canlookataper sonbuti thadseem likeshehad
acceptedfat
e.Shewasst uckwiththesepeopl e,
hungryandtir
ed.Thandi wesawMpho

Thandiwe:canyoupleasedi
shupsoIcanbat
hher
andgivemehermot her'
sphonenumber
Mphowal kedtoherandgaveherhi sphone.She
tookEntl
eandwal kedtothebedroom.She
prepar
edherabubbl ebathandwenttolookfor
Inami'
soldclot
hing.ShesatonInami'
sbedand
text
edGabi usi
ngMpho' sphone
Thandiwe:hiit
'sThandi.I
'm usingMpho' sphone.I
knowwehaveourdi ff
erencesbutIneedust oput
thatasideri
ghtnow.Mphot ookEnt lefr
om your
parentsshehasbeencr yi
ngf oryou.Imanagedt o
feedhernowshe' sokaybutIt hinkshe'
llfeelbet
ter
onceshet al
kstoyou.
Gabi
:okayshoul
dIvi
deocal
lri
ghtnow?
Thandiwe:I
'
m bat
hingher
.Pl
easecal
laf
ter30
minutes
Gabi
:okay

Shegotupandwentt othebat
hroom heari
ng
giggl
escomingfr
om thebathr
oom onlytofi
nd
InamiandEntl
eplayi
nginsi
dethebathtubnaked.

I
nami
:babyl
ook

Shet
ookf
oam andmadeabear
d.Ent
lel
aughed
l
ookingatthegi
rlbef
oreherr
emi
ndi
ngherofher
si
sterLesego
Thandi
we:yougi
rl
sdon'
twast
eti
mehuh?

I
nami
lookedathermom andsmi
led

I
nami
:Il
ovehermom.Canshest
aywi
thusf
orever
?
Thandi
we:butyouj
ustmether
I
nami
:she'
smyl
it
tl
esi
ster
Shewal kedi nandbat hedthem allalongt heywer e
chantingandl aughing.Everythi
ngar oundt hem
didn'
tmat terallt
hesef i
ghtsandever ythi
ng,she
dressedt hem upi nwarm pyjamas.I namil aughed
atEntleasshewor eherol
dones.Thandi we
dressedherupt obewar m andevenmadeherwor e
socks, l
ookingathersocut emadeherwonderi fthe
oneshewascar ryi
ngwoul dbeEnt l
e'scopyor
maybei twasgoi ngt obeaboy…shet ookher
husband'sphoneandmadet hecall.ShegaveI nami
thephonet oholditforEnt
leandwal kedoutt he
momentsheheardGabispeak.Shewentt
ohave
di
nnerwi
thherhusband

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***

AtMaPaul
ine'
shome

Shehadbeencleani
ngthehousenonstopsince
Entl
elef
t.Shekeptmur
muringtohersel
fcleani
ng
thesamespotandherhusbandlookedather
worri
ed.

Madonsel
a:what
'swr
ong?
Pauli
ne:weneedt
ogogetmygr
anddaught
er,
she'
s
cr
ying
Shegotup
Madonsel
a:wecan'
tgot
her
ejustbecauseshewoke
up
Paul
ine:she'
snotokaybaba…evenhervoi
ce…
she'
sjustnotokay
Madonsel
a:okay

Hegotupandgothiscarkeyst
heythendr
oveto
Mpho'shome.Theyar
ri
vedandfoundthegat
e
l
ocked.MaPauli
necal
ledhim

Mpho:Aunt
y
Paul
ine:I
'
m her
eforEnt
le
Mpho:Ent
lei
sfi
neher
e
Pauli
ne:shedi
dn'
tsound“okay”ear
lierwhenI
cal
ledandyoubrokether
ulesbybringinghert
o
yourhome
Mpho:Ent
lei
smydaughterandt
hisisherhome
t
oo.Shewil
lgetusedt
ousindueti
me
Paul
ine:(
angr
y)yeywenaMf
ana!
!
Madonsel
atookt
hephone
Madonsel
a:openthegatebefor
ewecal
lthepol
i
ce
andhaveyouarr
estedforki
dnappi
ng
Mpho:havemear r
estedf
orwant
ingmydaught
er
home.PleasegoaheadSi
r

Hehungup
Thandi
we:whydon'
tyoul
ett
hem t
akeher
Mpho:she'
smydaught
ershe'
snotgoi
nganywher
e
Shehear
dthem scr
eami
ngf
rom t
hegat
e
Thandi
we:t
heyar
egoi
ngt
ocal
lthepol
ice
Mpho:l
ett
hem
Thandiwe:myloveyoudon'
tunderst
andifyoukeep
ondoingthi
s.Theywil
lthi
nkyouarecrazyandshe
wil
lgetful
lcust
odyoveryourdaught
er.
Mphor
ubbedhi
sfacei
nfr
ust
rat
ion
Thandi
we:youar edoingthi
ngsoutofangerr i
ght
now.Iknowyouar ewor r
iedaboutthemant hatwil
l
berai
singEntl
e,Iknowyoudon' tt
rustanyonewhen
i
tcomest oherbutthere'
sanotherway.Justcalm
down
Mpho:youdon'tunderst
andwhenIwenttogether
.
Theydi
dn'twantmet oevenbr
ingherher
e.I
fGabi
knowsshe'l
lneverl
etmeseeheragain
Thandiwe:shewi ll
.Ispoketoherandexplai
ned
ever
ything.Ireal
izethatourunsolvedi
ssuesar
ethe
onescreatingevenbiggerproblems.
Mpho:whatdi
dshesay?
Thandiwe:shehasnoprobl
em.Il efthertot
alkto
Entl
e.Shehadar oughdayIfi
guredseei ngher
mom woul dmakehernottofeelaloneorfeelasif
we'r
emonst er
s.Idon'
tknow
Mpho:okay…
Theyheardt
hepol
icespeaki
ngont
he
l
oudspeaker
…
Poli
ceman:MphoGamathi
sisLi
eut
enantDl
ami
ni
speaki
ng.Opent
hegat
esowecantalk
Thandiwe:(l
ooki
ngathi
mtear
ful
)pl
ease…wewi
l
l
workthisoutIpr
omise
Mpho:okay
Thandiwef ol
lowedhi mt oInami 'sroom.Thegi rl
s
werealreadyfastasleepont hebed.Hepi ckedher
upandl ookedatheri nnocentf acef orthelongest
ti
me.Heki ssedheral loverherf ace, hol
dingback
histear
s.Real i
zingtherewasmuchhecoul ddo.He
walkedoutandThandi wet ookt hekeysopeni ngt he
doorforhim.Abr i
ghtli
ghtshi nedatt hem walking
tothegate.Peopl ehadgather edt oseewhatwas
happening.Sheopenedt hegat eandAunt yPauline
rushedtotakeher …hel ookeddowni nshame…

Mpho:I
'
m sor
ry
Paul
ine:I
'
llmakesur
eyouneverseeheragai
n

Thepoli
cet ookhi
m withthem andotherof
ficer
s
accompani edMaPauli
netotheclini
ctohaveEntle
checkedifshewasokay.Thandiwentbackt othe
housetakinghersl
eepingdaughterandgoingtothe
poli
cestati
onwhilecal
lingGabi
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Att
hehot
el

Archi
ewalkedoutoft
heshowerwr appedinatowel
.
Hewalkedtothei
rbedandkissedhiswif
e.Gabiput
herphoneasi
deandkissedhimrunningherhands
onhisabs…

Ar
chi
e:whydi
dn'
tyouj
oinme?
Gabi:Iwasonacal
l.Ther
e'sdramagoi
ngonback
athome.Mpho'swi
feeventextedmetoday.He
tookEntl
etohi
shousedespit
ewhatIsaid
Ar
chi
e:i
ssheokay?
Gabi
:she'sokay…Idon' tknowokayi t
'shardtotel
l
whenyouar efarbutInamisai dEntl
ecriedthe
wholedayandonl yatenow.I '
mj ustworri
ed,Mpho
i
sactingallcr
azy,Icant el
litworri
esevenhiswife
now
Ar
chi
e:wecancancelever
ythi
ngandgobackhome
Gabi
:(si
ghed)Ir
eal
lydi
dn'
twantt
orui
nthi
s
Archie:it
'suselessbeingherewhenyourhear tisat
home.Let 'sjustgohome, si
tdownandt al
kas
adultsbecauseal lt
hisbackandf ort
hist i
ri
ng.Ever
sincewear r
ivedyou'vebeenonyourphone.Ineed
toseet heguyandt alktohimf acetoface.Idid
wr ongbynotmeet i
nghimf i
rstbefor
eever yt
hingI
needt oassur ehimthathisdaughterisingood
hands.
Gabi
:wedi
dnot
hingwr
ong-
Archi
e:(
kissedherf
orehead)I
'
m notf
ight
ingwi
th
youoverthi
s.
Herphoner
ang
Ar
chi
e:answeri
t
Hewentt
ogetdr
essed
Gabi
:hel
lo
Thandi
we:hiGabi
sil
eitThandi
we
Therewasawkwardsil
enceandtherehadbeen
sometimesi
ncet
heyspokeactuall
ythelastt
ime
theysaweachot
herthi
ngsdidn'
tendwel l
.
Gabi
:hi
Thandi
we:I
'm sor
ryt
obot
heryouonyour
honeymoon
Gabi
:noi
t'
sokay,
isEnt
leokay?
Thandi we:she'
sfineummhyourpar entscameto
getherandmyhusbanddi dn'twanttogivet
hem
her.Imanagedt ot al
ktohi
mt ohandheroverbutit
wast oolateastheyhadalreadycall
edthepoli
ce.I
thi
nkt heyaregoingtopresscharges
Gabi
:(si
ghed)canyoupl
easetel
lmewhat '
sgoi
ng
onbecauseIdon'
tunder
standwhat
'shappeni
ng
Thandiwe:okay…tobehonestmyhusbandi s
scaredoflosi
nghisdaughter.Heisangryt
hathe
nevergottomeetthemant hatwillbeapar
tofhi
s
daughter
'sli
fefor
ever
.He'sjustscaredofl
osi
nghis
daughter
Gabi
:whywoul
dtheypr
esschar
gesi
fhedi
d
not
hingwr
ong?
Thandi
we:GabiIknowwehaveourdi ff
erencesand
wehaveunresol
vedissuesbutr
ightnowIneed
yourhel p.Iknowhehasbeenact ingupbuti tall
comesf rom fear.He'smyhusbandandIl ovehi m,
we' vebeent hroughal ottogether.You'vecaused
meunexpl ainablepai nwi t
hhi m andIhavebeen
havi ngahar dtimet ryingtomoveonandacceptbut
Iseehowhel ovest hisgirl.Isawt hepaini nhi s
eyeswhenEnt ledidn'tacknowl edgehi m ashi s
father.I'
m askingyouf oraf reshst ar
t,l
etusf ix
thingsandt alk.I'
m pr egnantwi t
hEnt l
e'
ssi blings,I
wantt hem togett oknoweachot her.Youshoul d
seeI namiar oundEnt l
e,theyl oveeachot her
uncondi ti
onallydespi t
ehowweadul tsfi
ght .Their
fatherlovest hem uncondi tionall
y,youknowhowhe
i
swheni tcomest opeopl ehel oves.Hewoul ddo
anyt hi
ng.Youknewt hatevenwhenyougot
pregnantf orhim…j ustpleaset alktoyourpar ents
nott opresschar ges.Iknowyou' renotonef or
revenge
Gabi
:okayI
'
llcal
lthem
Thandi
we:(
sighed)t
hankyou
Gabi
:andwewil
lbehomesoonf
orthemeet
ing,
I
agr
eethatweal
lneedt
osi
tdownandtal
kabout
ever
ythi
ng
Thandi
we:okay
Gabi
:andcongr
atul
ati
onsonyourbaby
Thandi
we:t
hankyou
Gabi
:okayl
etmecal
lthem bye
Thandi
we:bye
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Thenextday
Att
hehospi
tal

Nompil
owaswheeledoutofthehospi
talandSi
zwe
hel
pedherst
epi
ntothecar.

Nompi
lo:t
hisi
stoomuchguys.I
'
m okay
Si
zwe:st
opcompl
aini
ngandj
ustenj
oyt
he
t
reat
ment
Nompi lo:(l
aughed)I
'm onl
ysevenweeksbabe.I
don'tthinkIcantol
erat
ebeingtreat
edl
ikeababy
forallthesemonths

Si
zwest
eppedi
ntohi
scaranddr
oveout
.

Si
zwe:Iboughtyout
hings

Shetookt hepl
ast
icbagf r
om thebagandthere
werefruit
sandsimba's.Shefoundaplasti
cinsi
de
fr
om pepandopenedi ttaki
ngoutbabysocks.She
smil
edl ooki
ngatthem butthenshefel
tsudden
sadness

Si
zwe:youdon'
tli
ket
hem?
Nompil
o:no…j ustI'
vebeenthi
nkingofmy
daught
er.
..Idon'tt
hinkIcanhandlel
oosi
ng…
Shechokedonherwor
dsast
ear
srol
leddownher
cheeks.Shequi
ckl
ywi
pedt
hem

Nompi
lo:I
'
m sor
ry
Si
zwe:babewear enotgoi ngtol
osehim.Wewi l
l
doall t
hati
srequired.Youjustneedtostop
st
ressingaboutitplease.Thisi
sgoingtobeour
miraclebaby(t
akingherhand)andwewi llget
mar r
iedandbeahappyf amily
Nompi
lo:yeah…

Heki
ssedherhandandcont
inuedt
odr
ive
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho&Thandi
we'
shome

Theybot hgotbackf rom t

hepoli
cestati
onlast
night.Thankful
lyGabistoppedherparentsf
rom
pressingcharges.Theybothlai
dont hebed
exhaustedfrom everythi
ng.Shehadn'tt
oldhim
abouthertal
kwit
hGabibutbutheknewt
hatGabi
hel
phimt ogetof
fthehook…

Mpho:youawake?
Thandi
we:yes…
Heputhi
sar
m overherwai
standpul
ledhercl
ose
t
ohim
Mpho:yout
alkedt
oherr
ight
?
Thandi
we:yes
Mpho:I'
m sorr
yaboutever
ythi
ng…Idon'
tknow
whatgotint
ome
Thandi
we:she'
sgoingtocutherhoneymoonshor
t
sowecanhaveaf amil
ymeeting
Mpho:okay…
Ther
ewassi
lence
Thandi
we:babe…
Mpho:mmh…
Thandi
we:I
'
m pr
egnant
Hequi
ckl
ygotup
Mpho:(
tur
nedhert
olookathi
m)what
?!
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)I
'
m pr
egnant
Hepul
ledupherpyj
amatopandlookedather
t
ummy…hesawnot hingj
ustl
ookedbloat
ed
Mpho:you'
rel
ying
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)I
'
m pr
egnantyou'
rebabyi
s
here
Mpho:(
exci
ted)nowaywe'
regoi
ngt
othedoct
or
Thandi
we:what
?
Mpho:(
get
ti
ngup)
let
'sgo
Thandi
we:wai
tshowerf
ir
st
Mpho:l
et'
sgo

Het
ookherhandpull
inghert
othei
rbat
hroom and
t
aki
ngof
fthei
rclot
hes….
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#72

Att
hedoct
or'
s

Thedoctordidanul tr
asoundandt heygottosee
thei
rbabyf ort
hef i
rstti
me.Shewas15weeksi t
actual
lycaughtherbysur pri
sesoher eal
lyknocked
heroutthedayt heydecidedtofi
xthings.Hubby
wasovert hemoonspeci all
ywhenhehear dthe
l
itt
leone'sheart
beat.
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)canyout
ellwhatwe'
rehavi
ng?
Doctor:notyetgi
vehi
m orheraf
ewweeksand
we'
llsee
Mpho:youseebunnyyouar
egoi
ngt
ohaveababy
br
otherorsi
stersoon
I
nami:(
looki
ngatt
hescreen)real
lymom?Thandi
we:
(
smil
i
ng)yes…youdon'tbeli
eveyourdad?
Inami smil
edshyly.wel
lmommyandbabywas
healt
hyandt hatwasallt
hatisimport
ant.They
print
edoutthescansoft hei
rbabyandthenwentt
o
thecar .

Mpho:l
et'
sgogetsomethi
ngtoeat
.Wher
edoyou
wantt
ograbbr
eakfastBunny?
I
nami
:(exci
ted)Wi
mpy
Thandi
we:l
et'
snotwast
emoneyandgohome
Mpho:I
'
mtaki
ngmygi
rl
soutt
ohavewhat
evert
hey
want
Inamiscreamedexcit
edattheywentt oWimpythey
grabbedbreakf
astbutThandiwecutitshor
tby
goingbacktothecarfeel
ingnauseous.Theycame
backwhent heyweredoneandt heydroveback
home.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtNompi
lo'
spl
ace

Sizwemadeherbreakf
asti
nbedandsatnextt oher
assheate.Hepl
acedhishandoverherbell
ynot
real
lybel
ievi
ngt
hatshewasreal
lypregnantbutshe
was.Hewasgoingtobeaf at
her
…

Nompi
lo:Ihopeyouhaveupdat
edt
hest
aff
members
Sizwe:Itol
dthem youareokayandwil
lbetaki
ng
somet i
meof f
,It
hinkit'
sbestwekeepour
pregnancypri
vat
ef ornow
Nompi
lo:Iagr
ee,
dowet
ellourpar
ent
s?
Si
zwe:Idon'
tknow.Doyouwantt
otel
lthem?
Nompi
lo:Iwantt
otel
lmymot
her
Si
zwe:t
henI
'
llt
ellmi
neaswel
l
Nompi
lo:t
henegot
iat
ions?
Si
zwe:Idon'
tknowwhatdoyousay?
Nompilo:(l
aughed)babedoIhavetot
hinkof
ever
ythingandmakedecisi
onsalone?
Si
zwe:Ial
waysgowi
thwhatyousay
Nompilo:It
hinkweshouldwaitabi tandjustfocus
onthebaby.Bedrestisthebestfornowandhavi ng
togoforascanaftereveryt
woweeks…i twould
j
ustbeachaosandyouknowIl i
kehandlingthings
myself
Si
zwe:Iagr
ee…I
'
llt
ellmyuncl
est
owai
tupont
he
l
ett
er
Nompil
o:butyoumustknowyou'
llpayahugef
ine
f
orknocki
ngmeupbef oremar
ri
age
Si
zwe:I
'
lldoanyt
hingf
oryou
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)oohbabe.Ishoul
d'vegot
ten
pr
egnantear
li
er
Sizwelaughedtaki
ngapieceoft
hesausage
throwi
ngitint
ohismouth.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Att
hel
odge

Sandiwal
kedi
ntoChamp'
soff
ice.Sheknockedand
walkedi
n.Hesmil
edthemomenthesawher .

Sandi
:Si
r
Champ:(
smi
led)j
ustcal
lmeChamp
Sandi
:(smi
led)okay
Hegotupandl edhertositatt
hecouch,t
herewas
alr
eadycookiesandcoff
eeservedathi
scof f
ee
tabl
e.Theybothsatdownandshepour edforthe
bothofthem
Champ:howar
eyou?
Sandi
:I'
mfi
ne.Howar
eyou?
Champ:I
'
mfi
nenowt
hatyou'
reher
e
Sandismiledlooki
ngaway,whatwashappening
here?SheknewChampast heguythattheyal
l
feared.Hewasn'tf
riendl
ywit
hthestaf
fwellexcept
atthehospit
al

Champ:I
'
m gl
adyoucame,
Ithoughtyouwoul
dn'
t
Sandi:af
tert
alki
ngatthehospi
tal,
Ireali
zedI
neededchange.Ihavebeenhavingissuesathome
Champ:what
'shappeni
ngathome?
Sandi
:it
s…i
tsnot
hing
Champ:Ican'
thel
pyoui
fyoudon'
ttel
lme
Shel
ookedathi
m andtookhercupofcof
fee
si
ppi
ngitandputi
tbackdown
Sandi:(
sadly)mymar ri
age…Ilovemyhusband
but…thingsaren'
tgoingwel
l.Helosthi
sjoband
nowI …I'mjusthavi
ngithar
d.Ihavetodo
everyt
hingbymyselfandallheknowsistocheat
(Tearf
ul)butIdon'
tbl
amehim.I
'm notbeaut
if
ulor
prett
yli
kealltheot
hergi
rl
s…IknewitwouldendI
j
ust…
Champpul
ledheroverf
orahugasshecr
ied
Champ:don'tcry…thatpieceofshi
tdoesn'
tdeser
ve
abeauti
fulsoulli
keyourself
…damnSandiwhydo
yousubj
ectyour sel
ftosuch
Sandi
:I'
m notbea-
Hecuppedherf
ace
Champ:youarebeauti
fulneversayyouar
enot.
…I
l
ikedyouthefi
rstdayIl
aideyesonyou,your
confi
dence…beauty
Hegotcl
oseandki
ssedher,
losti
nthemomentof
needt
heyki
ssedpassi
onat
elybutSandibackedout
Sandi
:I…Icantdot
his
Shegotupandqui
ckl
ywal
kedoutoft
heof
fi
ce
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Twoweeksl
ater
Nompil
olai
dontheexaminat
iont
abl
ewhi
leher
doct
ordi
dthei
nter
nalul
tr
asound.

Doct
or:her
eist
heyol
kssack

Nompil
oandSi
zwelookedatt
hemoni
toral
lshe
coul
dseewasj
ustati
nyshri
mp.

Nompi
lo:i
sther
eahear
tbeatyet
Doct
or:l
et'
ssee….Her
ewego

Sherel
axedforabi
tandhear
dthesoundThumb
thumbthumb…

Nompi
lo:(
smi
li
ng)
ist
hat
?
Doct
or:yest
hat
'st
hehear
tbeat

Shesmi
ledt
ear
ful
lyl
ooki
ngatSi
zwenextt
oher
whowasal sosmi
li
nglooki
ngatt
hemoni
torwhi
l
e
hol
dingherhandt
ight
ly
Doct
or:alli
sgood,yourbabyisdoinggood.
Remembert oal
wayscomeagai naf t
ertwoweeks
sowecancheckagai n.Cont
inuetoeatheal
thy,
avoi
dtravel
li
ngtoomuchandst ressless
Nompi
lo:wewi
ll

Sheremovedeverythi
ngandNompi
lodr
essedup.
Theywereallsmil
eshuggi
ngandki
ssi
nghappy
aboutt
heirbaby
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtThandi
we'
shome

Thetwof amil
iesmetatMpho'shome.Theysatat
thesit
ti
ngroom whil
etheki
dsplayedoutsi
de.Ma
Pauli
nehadcamewi thherhusbandandGabicame
withherhusbandtootheni
twasThandiweandher
husband.
Thandiwe:Iwoul dfi
rstl
iket othankeveryonefor
comingher etoday.Wewer esupposet ohavethi
s
meetinglastweekbutwef elti
twoul dbewr ongf
or
Entl
e'
smot hert
ocutshor therhoneymoonf oran
i
ssuet hathadbeent empor ari
lysolved

Gabinodded,al
lal
ongMphowasavoi
dingGabi
'
s
par
entsgazingathi
m.

Archi
e:wethankyouf
oryourpat
ienceand
under
standi
ng.

Mphocl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat

Mpho:yes…bef orewebeganIwoul dl
iket
o
apologizetoManobaba.I '
mreall
ysorryf
or
everythingIdi
dt hatday.WhatIdi
dwaspur e
disrespectf
ul,
Ihavenoexcuse.Ikindl
yaskforyour
forgiveness
Madonsel a:mmh…Ir espectyouboyandt rustmeI
willtel
lyouwhatyoudi dwaspur edi
srespect .You
tookusasi fwear eyourf r
iends, wearenotyour
fri
end, weareolderthanyou.Iexpect edbet tersince
youar eamar ri
edmanbutIam goi ngtol etthis
passonl ybecauseIam af orgivingman.Youst i
ll
needt ogrowupandbeaman, handl
et hingsl i
kea
mat ureman.Iunder standyougr ewupwi thnomal e
fi
gur einyourl
ifethat'
swhyyouhandl ethingsl i
kea
woman…t hisbett
ernothappenagai n.Iswearyou
willnotli
kemebecausewel etyougoaf t
erdoi ng
shitimpregnati
ngourdaught erandleavingherf or
yourwi fe
MaPauli
ne:youhavenoshamesl
eepi
ngwi
th
cousi
ns
Madonsel
a:NaMadonsel
adon'
tspeakwhi
leIspeak
MaPaul
ine:ngi
yacol
isababa
Madonsel
a:youneedtobetaughtaboutmanhood
boy,
yourushedformarr
iage

Mphol
ookeddownashamed,
Archi
efel
tthati
twas
toomuchnow.Theywereli
ter
all
ydraggi
ngt
hel
i
ttl
e
digni
tyhehadl
eftdown,
worseinfr
ontofhi
s
woman…

Archie:myeldersplease…wear enother etofi

ght.
Hehasaskedf orforgivenessl
etusnotdr aghim
downf orbei
ngabi ggerpersonandaski ngf or
for
givenessafterher eali
zedhismistake.Wear e
heretofixt
hings
Madonsel
a:(
sighed)yes.
..If
orgi
veyouson
Archi
e:weareherebecauseofMphoentl
e.Ibel
ieve
ther
ehasbeenami sunderst
andi
ngbetweenus
aboutwhatwil
lhappentohernowthathermom is
marri
edtome.

Theyal
lnodded

Ar
chie:Iwil
lbeginbyadmi t
ti
ngmymi stakeofnot
meeti
ngEntle'
sfatherfi
rstbef
oremarryi
ngher
mother.AsafathertooIwouldbefur
iousifthe
mot herofmychi l
dgotmar r
iedtoamanInevermet ,
evenmywi feheremett hemot herofmydaughter
beforewegotmar ri
edbecausesheneededt oknow
andanal yzethewomant hatwasgoi ngt
obe
aroundherdaught ermostoft hetimewhenshe
comest ovisitus.Ihumbl yaskforyourf
orgi
veness
brotherandhopet hatevenaf t
erallt
hiswecansit
andt al
kaboutcer t
ainthings
Mphonodded
Mpho:If
orgi
veyoubr
other
Archie:concerni
ngEntle,I'
m happyt hatwear eall
heresowecanbeeachot her
'switnesses.Mywi fe
andIagr eedthatMrGamawi l
lfor
everbeapar tof
Entle'
slif
e.SirEntl
eisyourdaught erandt hatwil
l
neverchange.mywi f
eandIwontevenchangeher
surname.Ent l
eisaGamaandshewi llalwaysknow
hert r
ueidenti
ty,wewillnevertakethatawayf rom
her.Hermot herisherprimarycaregi verandwe
woul dli
kethattonotchangebutyoucancomeand
takehertovisityouinyourhomedur ingt he
holi
daysf oraslongasyouwant .Weal sowanther
toknowhersi bli
ngsandknowherr ealfatherand
cult
ure.Weareallmarr
iedsoever
ythi
ngyoudo
rememberrespectcomesfir
st.

Gabinoddedsmilingdamnshefoundhermansexy
al
lalong.Ever
yonewentquietashespokeandt
hey
al
lagreedtoeverythi
nghewassaying.Agr
eat
l
eaderandher,hisQueen.

Archie:youwi l
lknowofal lt
hei mport
antevent
s
thatwillhappenconcer ningyourdaughter.Youwi
ll
neverbeshutout ,
schoolpl aysyouwi l
lbetol
dear
ly
soyoucanat tendifyoucan, youcandoanyt hi
ng
foryourdaught erandyouwi llbetol
devenwhen
she'ssick.Mybr otheryouwi llneverl
oseyour
daught erpl
easeunder standt hat
Mpho:Iunder
stand
Archie:andlast,
Iwouldli
keustoputeverythi
ng
thathashappenedbehi ndus.Canweallstart
afreshfrom t
odaynotjustforusbutf
orourkids.
Miscommuni cat
ionhasrui
nedsomanyf ami l
ies
l
et'sbuildoursandli
veinpeace
Madonsel
a:Iagr
eewi
thyouson
Thandi
we:met
oo
Mpho:Iagr
ee
MaPaul
ine:(
smi
li
ng)
yesson
Gabi
:Iagr
ee
Archi
e:I
'
vesai
dwhatIwant
edtosay.I
fther
e's
someonewhowant
stoaddcanadd
Mpho:Iam cover
edbr
other
Madonsel
a:youhavesai
dital
l
Thel
adi
esnodded
Ar
chi
e:t
hankyou
Thandi
we:(smil
ing)thankyouforcl
ari
fyi
ngthi
ngs.I
madelunchforeveryone.It
hinkt
hekidsdeser
veto
seeusunit
ed
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)Icoul
dn'
tagr
eemor
e.CanIhel
p
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)yespl
ease
MaPaul
ine:I
'
m comi
ngt
oo
Theladieswalkedtothekit
chenandstar
ted
dressi
ngupt hetablewhil
ethegentl
emantalked.
Theylaterj
oinedthem andhadlunchwit
htheki ds
andlateronintr
oducti
onsweremadebet weenthe
ki
dsandt headults

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#73

AtSandi
'
shome

Champpar
kedhi
scarout
sideandwal
kedoutwi
th
abott
leofwineandaboxofchocolat
e.Heknocked
onthedoorandSandiopenedshewasshockedto
seehi
m

Sandi
:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Champ:t
oseeyou

Shequickl
ypul
ledhi
minsidel
ooki
ngaroundt
osee
i
fanyonesawhim andcl
osedthedoor
.

Sandi
:di
danyoneseeyou?
Champ:mycari
spar
kedout
side
Sandi
:whati
sthi
s?
Champ:Iboughtyouwi
neandchocol
ate
Sandi
:thi
sisunpr
ofessi
onal
Champ:we'r
enotatworkandi
fyouact
ual
lycame
whenIcal
ledyou.Iwoul
dn'
tbeher
e
Sandi
:Iam amar
ri
edwoman
Champ:Iknowt
hatandIst
il
lwantyou
Sandi
:youar
ecr
azy
Champ:wewi l
lhaveownt hi
ngont heside,I
'
llgi
ve
youeverythi
ngyouwant ,easeoffthefi
nancial
burden.Iknowyoul ovehim andI'
m notsayi
ng
l
eavehi m
Sandi
:youwantmet
obeyoursi
dechi
ck
Champ:Idon'
thaveamai
n
Sandi
:I'
mfai
thf
ulonl
ytomyhusband
Champ:youar easmar twomanSandi siweandif
youstophol di
ngyour sel
fbackthere'
sactual
lyalot
youcoul dachi
eveandIcanmakesur eyouget
there.
f*ckI'
vebeenlisti
ngoveryout hedayto
steppedont othelodge….Don'tactasifyoudont
fi
ndmeat t
ract
ive.I'
veseenyourlooks…
Sheswal lowedlookingawayashecar essedherher
cheeks…hemovedhi shanddowntoherper ky
boobs, herpoint
yt i
tsnothardt
onoti
ceundert hat
l
arget shir
t.Hesuckedont hem wet
ti
nghert shi
rt
andlightlybit
ingthem whil
eshemoaned…he
pul
ledi
tupandshehel
dont
ohi
shands.
Sandi
:I…
Hemovedherhandandpl aceditonhi sj
unk…she
swal lowedfeeli
ngt hesi zeofthatthing…shel ooked
downt ouchi
ngi tfeeli
ngi t
'sthi
cknessasi twent
downonhi sleftthigh.Hemadet hingsear
li
erby
undoi nghispant sandl ett
inghert ouchthereal
thing…shef elti
nvol untari
lypulsesdownt here.He
kissedherwhi lecuppi ngherboobs.Thenhel ped
hert akeoffhertshirthel i
ftedherupandwal ked
withhert othebedr oom
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtNompi
lo'
shome

Nompilowasasl eepwhenshef el
tmildpainsonher
abdomen.Shewokeupast heygotworse…shefelt
herpantsgett
ingi npani
cmodeshet hebedcover
asi
deandscr eamedseei ngherpant
sred,Sizweran
toherroom andf oundhercryi
ngherpantsred.
Si
zwe:(
freaki
ngout
)No…no…no…no…
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)mybaby…Si
zwemybaby
Si
zwe:weneedt
ogetyout
othedoct
or
Hel
if
tedherupandwal
kedouti
nahur
ryt
ohi
scar
Nompi
lo:don'
tfor
gett
olock
Hequi
cklywenttol
ockandcamebacktaki
nghert
o
t
hedoctor.Ont
hewayNompilokeptpr
ayi
ngas
t
ear
sfell

Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)
pleasebabydon'
tgi
veuponme…
mommyalreadyl
ovesyou

Theyarr
ivedandhetookherin.Shewasat
tended
i
nahur r
y,shewaslai
dont hebedasanurse
at
tendedher

Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)pl
easesavemybaby
Thenursequickl
yrushedtodoanul t
rasound,she
wait
edforthenursetofindherbaby'
sheartbeat
,
shewashavingsomet roubl
esoshewentt ocall
thedoct
orin.
Doct
or:Mi
ssThwal
acal
m downI
'
m her
enow
Hemovedthement alobj
ectoverhert
ummyandit
wasquit
ehelookedatthemoni t
orbutst
il
lhad
t
roubl
e
Si
zwe:what
'sgoi
ngondoct
or

Doct
or:l
et'
sdoani
nter
nalul
tr
asound
Nur
se:okayl
etmechecki
fDoct
orZwanei
sdone

Theywai t
edt hi
rt
yexcruciati
ngmi nutesf ort
he
i
nternalul
trasoundsotheycant ryt hatwaySi zwe
byhersideassur i
nghertheirbabyi sfine.She
fi
nall
ywenti nforherult
rasoundandt hey
confi
rmedherbabyhasnohear t
beat .Herhear t
broketoli
ttl
epiecesandSi zwetryingsohar dnotto
br
eakandjustl
etti
ngherbe.Aft
ersometi
meShe
wasputunderanesthesi
aandshegott
heD&C
pr
ocedur
edonet oremovethefet
us.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtThandi
we'
shome

Gabi '
spar ent
sleftear
lyandwentt othei
rhome.The
gentst al
kedseat edoutsidewhil
eshetooktheti
me
totalktoThandi wealone.Shelookedatherasshe
didthedi shesnotknowi ngwhattosay,shesti
ll
fearedhersomehow.Gui l
tst
il
lconsumedhereven
thought heyhadj ustmadepeacehour sago

Gabi
:MamaI
nami
Thandi
we:yes
Gabi
:canIpl
easet
alkt
oyou
Thandi
we:okay…
Shewi
pedherhandsandt
heysatdownont
he
chai
rs
Thandi
we:I
'
mli
steni
ng
Shebr
eat
hedi
nandout
Gabi:Iknowwe' veal lagreedtol ett hepastgoand
optedforaf reshst art…butIwant edtoapol ogi
zeto
youper sonallyforwhatIdi d.Iwasst upidand
desperate,Iknowi t'snoexcusef ormyact i
onsbutI
am trul
ysor ry.Idisrespectedwhatyouhadwi t
h
yourhusband, youwer en'
twel landIt ook
advantageoft hesituationcausi ngyougr eatpai
n
evenwor sebr ingi
ngachi ldintot his.Iknowi t
must'vebeenhar df oryout oacceptherasshe' s
alr
eadybear e….I'
mr eall
ysor ry
Thandiwe:(si
ghed)Iwon'tsayIunderstandwhy
youdidwhatyoudi dbutIforgi
veyou.What
happened,happenedandwecantchanget hepast
.I
wontli
eithurtme, t
wopeopl ethatIt
rustedso
muchbet r
ayedmewhi leIwasatmyl owestbutI
can'
tdwellonthepastasi twil
ldestr
oymei nsi
de
andturnmei ntosomeoneIdon' twanttobe.I
for
giveyouandhavenot hingagainstEntleasshe'
s
j
ustinnocent
.Iwantyoutoknowt
hatshe'
l
lbesaf
e
her
eandIwi l
ltr
eatherasmyown.
Gabi:thankyou, ummhIdon' tknowi fitwil
lbea
problem butisitokayifIt
alktoyoui nsteadofyour
husbandi nthingsconcerningher.Likethemaking
oftheschedul e,youhandlemostt hi
ngsandmost l
y
pl
ansal lacti
viti
esyoudoasaf ami l
y
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)i
t'
sokay,
youcancal
lme
Gabi
:(smi
led)t
hankyou
Thandi
we:nowhel
pmef
ini
shof
fthedi
shes
Gabi
:al
ri
ght

Gabihel
pedherf
ini
shof
fdoi
ngt
hedi
shes

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Meanwhi
le

Shewasf
astasl
eepwhenChampqui
ckl
ygot
dr
essedandmadehi swayout .I
twasalr
eadylate.
Hedrovebacktothelodgeandcheckedhisphone
onhi
swayt otheoffi
ce.Hefoundmissedcall
sfrom
Worl
dandhecal l
edhim back

Si
zwe:man
Champ:sur
eman,
Ijustsawyourmi
ssedcal
ls.
Si
zwe:(
swal
lowedapai
nfull
ump)wel
ostt
hebaby
man
Champ:(
shocked)what
?
Si
zwe:Idon'
tknowman…Ij
ust
….If
ail
edt
hem man
Champ:shi
t…manwher
ear
eyou?
Sizwe:I'
m atthedoct
or…shewillbedi
schar
ged
tomorrow,Ijust
…don'twantt
oleaveherher
e…
alone
Champ:I
'
m comi
ng
Si
zwe:no…don'
t
Champ:but
…
Sizwe:pl
easeIdon'twanthertoknowItol
d
anyone…wej ustneedtoprocesst
hist
ogether
Champ:okay…shi
tI'
m sor
ryman.Idon'
tknowwhat
tosay
Si
zwe:(
sighed)yeahi
t'
sjust
….

Hesighedashef el
tt earsburninghiseyesbuthe
wasnotabouttocry.Hehadt obestrongfor
Nompilo.Champknewhewast aki
ngi tt
wiceas
hard…it'
sbeenami nut esincetheyfoundoutthey
aregoingtohaveababy, hetoldmenotsol ong
secondsagoaboutt hebaby' sheartbeatandnow…

Champ:best
rongman,
it'
sgoi
ngt
obeokayman
Si
zwe:yeah…

Thewassi
lence

Si
zwe:Ishoul
dgo
Champ:cal
lmei
fyouneedanyt
hing
Si
zwe:sur
e

Hehungup
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Thenextday

Nompilowasdi schar
ged,Si
zwet ookherhome.It
wasasi l
enttri
p,shesobbedsi
lentl
yti
lltheygot
home.Shef oundthehousesparkli
ngclean,nott
hat
i
tmattered…

Si
zwe:Igotsomeonet
ocl
eanup

Shedidn'
trespondandjustsatonthecouch.
Drowningi
npur esadnessandgri
ef…

Si
zwe:canImakeyousomet
hingt
oeat
Shesai
dnot
hing
Si
zwe:babe?
Nompil
o:(angr
y)canyouj
ustshutup!
…Ilostmy
babyandyouaretel
li
ngmeaboutfood…doIlook
l
ikeIwanttoeat
?
Si
zwe:Ial
sol
ostababy
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)justl
eave…Iwantt
obeal
one
Si
zwe:noI
-
Nompi
lo:ISAI
DLEAVE!
!!
Si
zwe:Ican'
tleaveyoual
onei
nthi
s-
Nompil
o:(
angry)ohyoudon'
twantt
oleave?I
'
ll
makeyouleave

Shestar
tedt
hrowi
ngpi
ll
owsathi
mfol
lowedby
books

Si
zwe:Mpi
lost
opi
t
Nompi
lo:go!
!
Si
zwe:no…
Shethr
ewaflowervaseathi
m andhedodgedi
t,i
t
hi
tthewal
landscatt
eredonthefl
oor
..
Si
zwe:(
tear
ful
)babest
opi
t…pl
ease
shewenttotheki
tchenandtookoutpl
ates
thr
owingoneathim,hedodgeditr
unni
ngtowar
ds
thedoor
.Shetookaknif
ewal ki
ngtohi
m.
Nompi
lo:(
cryi
ng)Isai
dleave!
!!
Hecoul
dseethati
fhewantedt
olivethebestway
wastol
eaveheral
one.Hewentoutthedoorand
shel
ockedi
t.
Si
zwe:babe…st
oppushi
ngmeaway….

Hechokedonhi swor dsashef el

ttear
sroll
ing
down.Damni twashar dforhimtoo,helostachil
d
too,
hisfi
rstbaby…hehadnevermett hem yetbut
heheardhis/herheart
beat.Hespoketohim/ hert
he
l
asttwoweeks…hest eppedbackandwal kedtohis
carhelockedhimselfinandjustcri
ed
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Meanwhi
le

Thandi wewokeupi nthemor ningandpr epared

ever yonef ortheirday.Inamiwasdr oppedof fat
schoolbyherf atherbefor egoi ngt owor k.She
cleanedt hehouseget t
ingacal lfrom al adyt hat
want edhert oplananddoherbabyshower .They
agr eedonat imet omeetoveracof f
ee.Shet ooka
showeranddr essedpr of essional lythent ookher
bookpl annerandt ookhert abletthenwentoutand
drovet ot own.Shegott her eandmett hel ady,they
talkedandshar edi deasofhowshewant edi t
,the
theme, thevenueandt heest imat edpr ice.Thel ady
washappybutsai dshe' llhavet otalktoher
husbandf i
rst
.Theypar tedandshedeci dedt odo
someshoppi ngf oressent ialsneededathome.She
waspayi ngforhergr ocer ywhenanol dmankept
star i
ngather ,sheavoi dedhi m andt ookher
grocer iesgoingt ohercarbutf eltlikehewas
followingher .Shet urnedbackandhewasr eall
y
ther e.
Him:I'
m sor
ryf
orscar
ingyoumychi
ldbutyoul
ook
l
ikesomeoneIknow
Thandi
we:Idon'
tknowanyonet
hatl
ooksl
ikeyou.
Leavemealone
Hi
m:Thandeka…
Thandi
welookedathi
m shockedandt
akenbackby
thename
Him:yes…hernamewasThandeka….Mhlongo.She
tookmydaughterwi
thheryear
sago,Ihear
dshe
cametostayherewi
thherinMpumalangaandI
havebeencominghereonceayearhopi
ngI'
llsee
her
Thandi
we:(
swal
lowed)t
hat
's…t
hat
'smymot
her
Heshookhi
sheadnotbel
ievi
ngi
t
Hi
m:no…what
'syourname?

"Thandi
we"t
heybothsai
datthesametime.He
bentdowncover
inghi
sface,
givi
ngthankstoGod,
peoplelookedatthem andThandiwejuststood
therenotknowingwhatt osay.Al
lthi
swasj usta
surpri
setoher,shehadnoj oyorsadness.Nothi
ng,
hegotupandcamecl osetoherbutshest epped
backnotwant i
nghimt otouchher.

Him:(
tear
ful
)mynamei sFr
edri
ckMof
okeng….I
havebeenwait
ingf
ort
hisdayal
lmyli
fe.Canyou
j
ustgivemefewminut
esofyourti
mesowecan
tal
k
Thandi
we:Ican'
tIhavet
orushbackt
owor
k
Fredri
ck:okaycanIpleasehaveyournumber
s.I
t'
s
real
lyimportantIt
alkt
oyou
Thandi
we:noyougi
vemeyournumber
s

Hetookouthi
sphoneandThandi
wetookouther'
s.
Hecall
edouthi
sphonenumberandshetooki
tthen
savedhi
m asFredr
ick.

Fr
edr
ick:okayt
hankyou
Thandi
we:okay,
Ishoul
dgo
Fr
edr
ick:okayhaveagoodday
Thandi
we:yout
oo

Shequi
ckl
ywal
kedt
ohercaranddr
ovebackhome

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#74
AtThandi
we'
shome

Thandiwesatont hecouchl ookingatherphone.

Fredri
ck?Thiswasj usttoogoodt obet rue.Itmust
besomesor tofscam, amancan' tjustfol
lowa
random gi
rlaroundthemal landcl ai
m hert ohis
chil
d.Maybet heyplannedi twiththel adyshemet ,
shetoldher,herrealnameandsur namebuthow
wouldsheknowherr ealmot her'snameand
surname?Sheshookherheadasi tallmadeno
sense.Totakehermi ndof fthingsshedeci dedto
gotothekitchenandbakecooki es…

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Aft
erNompilo'sout
breakyest
erday,Sizwesleptin
hi
scarandwentbackt ocheckonher .Heknocked
andknockedbuttherewasnor esponse.Hecalled
herphoneli
steni
nginandheardi tr
ingfrom i
nside.
Si
zwe:babeopent
hedoor
Hegotnor
esponse
Si
zwe:Nompi
lo?(
HeKnocked)Nompi
lo?
Sti
llt
herewasnor
esponse.Hest
art
edpani
cki
ng
thi
nkingoft
hewor
st
Si
zwe:I
'
m ki
cki
ngt
hedooropeni
fyoudon'
tletme
i
n
Nompi
lo:I
'
m her
e…
Shesai
dinaf ai
ntvoi
ce,
youcoul
dtel
lshewas
cl
osetothedoor
Si
zwe:opent
hedoor
Nompi
lo:no….Whyar
eyouher
e?
Sizwe:Idi
dn'
tleave,
Isl
eptatthecar….BabyIknow
youarehurti
ngandsoam I .Stoppushi
ngmeaway.
Il
oveyouandwewi l
ltr
yagain
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)Ican'
thavebabi
esdontyougeti
t?
Si
zwe:t
herear
eot
herwaysmyl
ovej
ustopenupso
wecantal
k
Nompi
lo:no…I
…It
hinkweshoul
dtakeabr
eak
Si
zwe:what
?…nobabyyoucan'
tdot
hist
ome…t
o
us
Nompi
lo:It
hinki
twi
llbebestr
ightnow
Si
zwe:(
tear
ful
)whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
Nompilo:(t
earf
ul)Il
oveyoubut…Ijustneedtobe
al
one.Ijustdon'
thavethest
rengt
hf oranyt
hing
ri
ghtnow.
Si
zwe:l
etmebeher
eforyoubabe…pl
easel
etmei
n
sowecantal
k.
Nompil
o:Imi
ghtneverhaveki
dsdon'
tyougett
hat
?
Whatwif
ewouldIbe?
Sizwe:Idon'
tcar
e,Il
oveyouei
therway.Ist
il
lwant
tomar r
yyou
Nompil
o:(
tear
ful
)youdon'
tknowwhatyou'
re
sayi
ng
Si
zwe:IknowwhatI
'
m sayi
ngbabypl
ease
Nompi
lo:Ij
ustneedt
obeal
one
Si
zwe:f
orhowl
ong?
Nompi
lo:6mont
hs
Si
zwe:6mont
h'sal
i
fet
imebabe
Nompi
lo:t
hat
'sal
lI'
m aski
ng
Si
zwe:okay…butcanIj
ustcomei
nandhol
dyou…
pl
easeIwontsayanyt
hing

Therewassi l
encebutsheendedupopeni ngthe
doorlett
inghimin.Thescatteredglasseswer
etil
l
therebutheignoredthem f
ollowinghertoher
bedroom.Theygoti nt
obedandcuddl edsayi
ng
nothing,
shesobbednowandt hensil
entl
y.He
kissedherfor
eheadandhel dhert i
ght…

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtGabi
'
sof
fi
ce

Emberknockedandst
eppedi
ntwot
akeaways.
Ember
:hel
loIcomeback
Gabi
:(l
ookedatt
het
ime)whatt
ime-ohwow
Ember:(
sit
ti
ngdown)
yepwaypastyourl
uncht
ime.
Igotuschi
psanddri
nks
Gabi
:I'
vebeensobusywi
thwork,bei
ngawayf
ora
whil
eandIcomebacktoapoolofwork
Ember
:putt
hatal
lawayandeat
Gabi
:coul
dn'
tyougetussandwi
ches?
Ember
:whathel
lnaawyouneedt
ogr
owt
hatass
moref
orhubby
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)Ial
readyhaveat
rai
lerbehi
ndhow
bi
gcanitget
?
Ember
:(l
aughi
ng)Iwonder
?Let
'sexper
iment
Theybot
hlaughed
Ember
:sohowdi
ditgo?Themeet
ing?
Gabi:good,
wet alkedandmadepeace.Myparent
s
wereangryforwhatMphodi dbuthubbycal
med
t
hem downandt herewaspeace
Ember
:mmmhhubby
Gabi:(
smi l
ing)
YouknowIdon'
tli
ketal
kingabout
hubbyal otbutgi
rlI
'
m sol
ucky.Thatmanis
ever
ything
Ember:l
ookatyoui
nloveanywayIwannaknowi
f
sheapol
ogizedf
orat
tacki
ngyouthatwoman
Gabi
:(rol
ledhereyes)noandnott
hatIcare.I
apol
ogizedforwhathappenedbet
weenmeand
Mpho,shesaidshef or
gavemeandthat'
sallt
hat
matt
ers.TherestIdon'tcar
e
Ember
:buthowi
sshel
ikest
il
lthesame?
Gabi
:no…shehaschanged.Actual
lyshehasgrown
athi
ckski
nnol ongert
hatfr
agi
leThandi
weIguess
i
tcomeswi t
hgrowingbutagai
nyoucan'tbea
vi
cti
mforever
Ember
:anddi
dsheexpl
ainwhyEnt
lecameback
wi
thnovoi
ce?
Gabi:ahEmbertobehonestIdon'
tcar
e.My
daughterisfi
neandIdon'
twantanydr
ama.I
'm
happyrightnow
Ember
:but
…
Gabi:thelastti
meIhadaclosef r
iendtel
li
ngmet o
fi
ghtforMphoandIdi djustthat
.Igothurttoa
pointrunningawayfel
tli
keanyonl yopti
onbecause
peoplehadt urnedonme.Iloveyouandyouar emy
fr
iendbutpl easest
ayoutofmyhouseaf f
air
s
Ember
:(shr
ughershoul
der
s)al
ri
ght
Gabi
:thankyou
Ember:sohaveyouguysf
igur
edoutaboutwher
e
you'
l
lli
ve
Gabi:wewil
lbechecki
ngoutaf
ewhousesgoodf
or
rai
singki
ds
Ember
:okayI
'
m happyf
oryou
Gabi
:thankyou

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Lat
ert
hatday
Thandiwewentt ogetherdaught erfr
om schooland
camebackhomemaki nghersomet hingtoeat,
ther
ewasl eftoverr i
ceandst ewaf t
erImaniwas
sort
edshewast ednot imeandwentt oplay.
Thandiwet henstartedprepari
ngf ordinner
,lat
eron
herhusbandar ri
ved.Hewentt otakeashowerand
camebackf ordinner.Theyhaddi nnerasusual.
Imanital
kingaboutever ythi
ngt hathappenedon
herdayasusual …

Mpho:t
hisf
oodi
sdel
ici
ousmyl
ove
Thandi
wewasj
ustst
ari
ngi
ntospace
I
mani
:MOM!
Thandi
we:huh?
I
mani
:dadi
stal
king
Mpho:Iwassayi
ngt
hankyouf
ort
hel
ovel
yfood
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)you'
rewel
come
Mpho:ar
eyouokay?
Thandiwe:yesIjusthadal ongday.Iwenttomeet
aclientattowntheywantedt oseemywor k,sai
d
theywillcall
…IguessI'
mj ustdisappoi
nted
Mpho:youshoul
dn'tst
ress…youknownowyou
havetothi
nkofthebabyyouarecarryi
ngplusI
don'
tseewhyyoushouldstressaboutbusi
ness
becauseIcant
akecareofthisfami
ly
Thandiwe:(
sighed)Iknow.Ijustdon'
twanti
ttodi
e
andit
'snotli
keI'm heavi
lypr
egnant.Icanst
il
lwor
k
anddoal otofstuf
f
Mpho:j
ustdon'
toverdoi
t
Thandi
we:Iwontdon'
twor
ry
I
mani
:done!
Thandi
we:dishi
nthesi
nkandhomeworktobe
donebefor
ebedti
me.Dadwil
lcomeandcheck
Shegotupanddi
dasshewast
old
Mpho:okaywhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Thandi
we:Imetamanatt
owncl
aimi
ngt
obemy
fat
her
Mpho:huh?
Thandiwe:Iknow…hej ustcal
ledmebymy
mother'snameandwhenhecoul dseeIwasn'
ther.
Shet ol
dmeIl ookedli
kehisexloverst
ati
ngmy
mom' snameandsur name.Andshesai dshel
eft
wit
hhi sdaughterst
ati
ngmynameandsur name.I
tol
dhi mthati
twasmeandhewashappy.Ij ust
don'tknowhowt ofeel
Mpho:wow…t
hisi
squi
teal
ot
Thandi
we:Iknow
Mpho:whatdoesyourhear
ttel
lyou?
Thandiwe:I'
veneverthoughtofmyf atherbef oreal
l
Iknewwast hatI'm anorphan.Imeant here'sno
wayIwoul dsufferl
ikethatallt
hoseyear swhi l
e
havingafather…hepr acti
cal
lywentdownonhi s
kneesthankingGodont hespotforfi
ndingme…
whywoul dIsufferl
ikethatwhileIhadaf atherthat
l
ovesme?I tjustdoesn'tmankesense.Hecoul dbe
ascam
Mpho:youcoul
drequestaDNAj
ustt
obesur
e
Thandiwe:(shookherhead)Idon'
tfeell
ike
ent
ertai
ningthis
Mpho:youalsocan'
tjustl
eaveit
.Ifi
twasn't
i
mportanti
twouldn'
tworryyou.Didyouexchange
cont
acts?
Thandi
we:It
ookhi
snumber
Mpho:t
hencal
lhi
m andr
equestaDNA
Thandi
we:
urgh
Mpho:heyhemightbeyourf
ather
.He'
llexpl
ain
whatr
eall
yhappenedbet
weenhim andyourmom
Thandi
we:okay…I
'
llcal
lhi
mtomor
row
Mpho:what
'shi
sname?
Thandi
we:Fr
edr
ickMof
okeng
Mpho:(
smi
led)Fr
eddy'
sdaught
er

Theybot
hlaughed
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
hemancave
Sizwedr ownedhi ssor r
owsi nalcohol ,hehadhad
beerthenmovedt owhiskey,t
akingshot sofvodka
j
ustt onumbt hepai nbuti twast oomuch.WasGod
punishinghimf orwhathesai d?Thi swasnotwhat
hewant ed.Despi t
et hecommi t
mentt hingheloved
her…t hethoughtofhavi ngkidshedi dn'tknowhow
scaryyetexcitingwast hinki
ngaboutf ather
hood,
everythi
ngchangedwhenhehear dthathear tbeat
.
Nowshej ustlefthim…shewoul dr atherbeathome
withhermom t hanwi t
hhi m…hehear daknock

Si
zwe:goaway

ThedooropenedandMi
hlal
iwal
kedi
n,whatwas
shedoi
nghere.

Mi
hlal
i:(
wal
kingt
ohi
m)her
eyouar
e
Si
zwe:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Mi
hlal
i:Imi
ssyou
Si
zwe:j
ustl
eave
Shewentar
oundt
het
abl
eandsatont
opofi
tfaci
ng
hi
m
Mi
hlal
i:what
'swr
ong?
Si
zwe:Iwantt
obeal
one
Shesatonhi
slapbr
ushi
nghi
sbear
d
Mi
hlal
i:who'
shur
ti
ngyoudaddy?
Si
zwesaidnot
hingt
aki
ngherl
it
tl
ehandawayf
rom
hi
sface
Mi
hlal
i:don'
tpushmeaway…l
etmehealyou

Shebabyki ssedhim putti

nghandonhert highs…
sheheldhim byhi sneckandki ssedhim…what 's
theusethebabywasgoneandMpi lowasgone…
thi
swillhelphim nottothi
nkaboutt hem…hegave
i
ndeepeni ngthekissandpul l
ingupherli
ttl
edr ess.
Hesatheront hetabl
estil
lki
ssi ng,
sheunbuttoned
hisshi
rtwhi l
eheundi dhispants….
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Thenextday

Thandi
wecalledherfat
heri
nthemor
ningput
ti
ng
hi
m onloudspeaker

Fr
edr
ick:Mof
okenghel
lo
Thandi
we:hel
loyouar
etal
kingt
oThandi
we
Fredr
ick:ohThandimygi
rl
.Ihavebeenwai
ti
ngf
or
yourcall
Thandi
we:ummhyes…
Fredr
ick:sowhenwi
llyoubef
reesowecanmeet
andtalk
Thandi
we:f
ir
stbef
oreal
lthatIwantust
odoaDNA
test
Fr
edr
ick:Ihavenopr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
Thandi
we:youwi
llcoveri
t
Fr
edri
ck:yesnopr
obl
em youj
ustt
ellmewher
eand
when
Thandi
we:I
'
llt
extyoual
lthat
Fr
edr
ick:al
ri
ght
Thandi
we:t
hat
'sal
lhaveagoodday
Fr
edr
ick:al
ri
ghtt
hankyoumybaby

Shehungupandl
ookedatherhusband

Mpho:hesoundsl
egi
t
Thandi
we:yout
hink?
Mpho:yespl
ushesai
dhewi
llcoverever
ythi
ngso
akusi
yeumal
ambane
Thandi
we:Iguess
Mpho:t
hat
'smyquet
ogot
owor
k
Hekneel
edont
hebedandbabyki
ssedher
Mpho:byemybaby
Thandi
wesmiledashegotupandwal
kedout
cal
li
ngImanit
ocomewi t
h…

Onemont
hlat
er….

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heat
edpassi
on
#75

Att
hedoct
or'
sof
fi
ce

Heopenedt heenvel opethatwasseal edinf r

ontof
them andt ookoutt hepaperr eadi
ngouteachand
everywor d.Itf
eltli
keal i
fetimewheni twasj ust
minutes.Theyst atedhewasi ndeedherf ather
againshehadnoemot i
on,herf at
hercriedtearsof
j
oyevenhuggi ngherwhi lejustsatthere.Thisf el
t
l
ikeadr eam, shekeptt hi
nkingshewi llwakeupbut
noitwasr eal
.Theywal kedoutoft hedoct or'
sof f
ice
andFr edri
ckwal kedhert ohercar …

Fr
edr
ick:Icanseeyouar
enotokay
Thandi
we:I
'
mfi
ne
Fr
edr
ick:youar
enotIcanseet
hat
Thandi
we:I'
m sorr
yIjustdon'
tknow…Idon'
tknow
whattothi
nkorfeel
…
Fredri
ck:i
t'
sokayl
et'
shaveacupofcof
feesoIcan
explai
nwhathappenedandwhyyourmom t
ookyou
withher
Thandi
we:wecangot
othenear
estcof
feeshop
Fr
edr
ick:al
ri
ght

Shesteppedintohercarandhimtohisthendrove
tothenearestcof
feeshop.Theygoti
nandor dered
butThandioptedfort
ea.Hewascar r
yingasmal l
envel
opethistime

Fredr
ick:yourmotherandImeti nthecityofGol d.I
wasjustami nercomi ngfrom asmal lvi
ll
ageat
Lesot
hoandshewor kedasacl eaner.Heraunthad
camewi thherfr
om Mpumal angatogetherpi ece
j
obs.Shehadj ustfinishedschool ,Ir
emember
exact
lythattheplacewemetwasonapostof fice
(hesmiled)shewasbeaut i
fuljustli
keyouhada
gol
densmilewi
thheri
mper
fectt
eet
h.I
'
m sur
pri
sed
youdon'
thavet
hem

Thandi
wesmi
ledt
hinki
ngofI
mani
Fredr
ick:shewastalkat
iveandIwasver
yshyatt
he
ti
me.Wet al
kedaboutworkandthehar
dtimeswe
werefacedwi t
hattheti
me.
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)youshy?Noway
Fredri
ck:Iwas…Ihadnotspokent oanyonesinceI
arri
vedhereacceptmyol derbrot
herathome
decisi
onsweretakenf orme.IwasamanbecauseI
wasbor naboy,itwasmyf i
rstt
imetalki
ngto
someonewhobel i
evedandhaddr eamsi nthose
hardti
mes.(Snorted)Ithoughtyourmotherwas
crazy
Thandi
wel
aughed
Fredri
ck:butshewasthekindesthumanbeingI
evermet .Ever
yti
mewetalkeditwasalwaysabout
her,Icouldn'
tsaymuchaboutmyl i
fe.Shewas
alwayscur i
ouswant
edtoknowt hereistoknow
aboutdif
fer
entcount
ri
esandwhereI
'
vebeen.I
usedtogetherthi
ngsfr
om home,
shehadherown
col
lect
ionofthi
ngs.Webecamecl
osefr
iends
Thandi
we:okay
Fredr i
ck:shewasdevast at
edwhenhermot her
passedawayandauntgotsi ck.Shemovedback
homef ort hefuneralbuthadt ocomebackbecause
therewer ebetteropportuniti
est hatsidet hanhere
andshehadnowher etost ay,shest ayedwi thme
andwef elli
nlovewi theachot her,atwor kthey
want edacl er
k…Ir ememberver ywel ltell
ingherto
gatherherpaper s,shehadsomanydoubt sbutI
forcedherandshegavet hem t ome.Iper sonall
y
deliveredt hem mysel ft
omybossandaf teraweek
shewashi red(smiled)theexci t
ement ,thesmi l
e…
(hecl osedhi seyesi maginingit)Iknewl oveand
happi nessbecauseofher ,
thatdaywast hevery
samedayyouwer econceived
Thandi
wesmil
edf
eeli
ngawkwar
d,noonereal
ly
wantst
oknowhowtheywer
econcei
vedordothey?
Fredri
ck:shehadagoodj obandwehadpl ans
toget
her .Afterf
indi
ngoutshewaspr egnantshe
wasscar edbecausewewer en'
tmarri
ed.Igather
ed
myol derf r
iendsandwewentt oherfamil
ytoask
forherhandi nmarr
iage.Ipai
dhalfandaskedfor
hertolivewi thme
Thandi
we:Idon'
tunder
stand…i
fyouweresoi
nlove
evenaskedf
orherhandwhywouldshecomewith
mehere
Fr
edri
ck:somet
hinghappenedt
woweeksaf
teryou
werebor
n
Thandi
we:okay
Fredrick:Ihadal i
febackathome,Iwasmar r
ied…i
t
wasanar rangedmar ri
ageandwhenImetyour
mot herIstoppedgoinghome.Icutoffthatl
if
eand
want edanewl i
fewiththewomanIloved.It
hought
i
twasgoi ngt obeeasysincemyolderbrot
hergot
T.Bandmovedbackhome.1yearpassedandwe
wer elivi
nghappilybutsomeonemanagedt otel
l
them athome.Theycameunannouncedand
attackedus, shefl
edwi t
hyou
Thandi
wel
ookedathi
m get
ti
ngemot
ional
Fr
edr
ick:Iknowi
t'
sal
lmyf
aul
t
Thandi
we:sot
hat
'st
hel
astt
imeyousawus?
Fredri
ck:no…Iknewwher eshewor
kedand
explainedever
ythi
ng.Shewasheartbrokenbutshe
forgaveme…wecar r
iedonbutIhadtosecret
lygo
seeherbecausewef ear
edbeingat
tackedagai
n.
Thandi
we:di
dyourwi
fehaveki
ds?
Fredr
ick:yesyouhave4ol
derbr
other
s,you'
ret
he
onlygir
l
Thandi
we:okay
Het ookoutpi ctur
esf r
om theenvelope,pi
cturesof
herasababyandhermom car ryi
ngher .I
twast he
fi
rstti
meevershewasseei nghermot her.Shehad
l
ostal lmemor yofherwi thti
mebutt hereshewas.
Shebur sti
ntotearslooki
ngatherdr essedinthose
ol
ddot t
eddr essessitt
ingnextt
oFr edri
cktheireyes
l
ockedcar r
yingher.Thesmi l
ed,theimperfectteet
h.
Whydi dGodhavet otakeher?Herfathergotupand
huggedher
Thandiwe:I
'
m sorr
y…Inevergott
oknowher
,I
neverhadanyt
hingtor
emindmeofher
Fr
edr
ick:i
t'
sokay
Shewi
pedhert
ear
slooki
ngatmor
epi
ctur
es
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtNompi
lo'
shome

Hermotheropenedt
hecurtai
nsandwi ndowsinher
room.Shepull
edherbedcoveroverherhead
complai
ning

MaGl
adys:vukaNt
ombazane
Nompil
o:mom pl
easeIt
oldyouIdon'
twantt
ogo
out
side
MaGladys:i
t'
sbeenamont hofcr
yingandsel
f
I
sol
ati
on.Youdon'tevenwantt
oeat
Nompil
o:Idon'
tfeelhungr
y(t
ear
ful
)Iwantmy
baby…mamawhyi sGodpuni
shi
ngmel i
kethi
s
Tearsr
oll
eddownhercheeksandshehuggedher
kneesbur
yingherf
acei
nthem.Hermotherhugged
herasshesobbed
MaGl
adys:i
twi
llbeal
ri
ght
Nompi
lo:i
twontmama…
MaGl
adys:youwi
llt
ryagai
n.
Nompil
o:(cr
ying)what
'st
hepointi
fI'
l
lkeepon
l
osingt
hem.Thi sismysecondchi
ldmamaand
she'
sgone….she'sgonemama
MaGladys:(
sadl
y)cal
m down…youar
ebr
eaki
ng
myheart
Nompi
locont
inuedt
ocr
y
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtSi
zwe'
spl
ace

Hewokeupal oneinbed,Mihl
alial
wayslef
taft
er
theyweredonef *cki
ng,hegotofft
hebedgoing
strai
ghtt
ot heshowerafterhewasdoneheputon
hissweatpantsandblackvest.Hepausedhear
ing
humming…hewal
kedt
otheki
tchenandf
ound
Mihl
ali
Si
zwe:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Mi
hlal
i:I
'
m maki
ngyoubr
eakf
ast
Si
zwe:youar
enotsupposet
obeher
eIt
oldyou-
Mihl
ali
:youonl
yloveherandwe'
renot
hingj
ust
f
ri
endswi t
hbenefi
ts
Si
zwe:sowhyar
eyouher
e?
Mihl
ali
:justsi
tdownandeat.Howl
onghasi
tbeen
si
nceyou'vehadagreatmeal
Hel
ookedather
Mi
hlal
i:si
tdownpl
ease
Hesatdownandshedishedf
orhi
m.Hehadmade
hi
m Engl
ishbr
eakf
ast
Si
zwe:mmhwher
edi
dyoul
ear
ntocook
Mi
hlal
i:(
laughi
ng)Icanmakef
oodt
osavemyl
if
e
Si
zwe:butt
hisisoverboard…Ihopeyoudidn'
t
br
eakyournai
ls.I
'm notrefundi
nganyt
hing
Mi
hlal
i:(
laughed)what
ever
Heat
e
Si
zwe:t
hisi
sreal
lyni
ce
Mi
hlal
i:(
smi
li
ng)t
hankyou…I
'
llgodot
hel
aundr
y
Si
zwe:youdot
hel
aundr
y
Mihl
ali
:yes,
it'
sfloodi
ngt
hebat
hroom andmaki
ng
t
hehousesmel ly
Si
zwe:i
t'
snotsmel
lyher
e
Mi
hlal
i:i
tis

Shewal kedtothebat
hroom andwal
kedoutwi
th
thelaundryheheardhi
sphoner i
ngandwentt
oget
i
tfrom hisroom.

Si
zwe:Si
zwespeaki
ng
Voi
ce:morni
ngSi
ryouar
espeaki
ngt
oLesedif
rom
Med-cl
ini
c
Si
zwe:yes
Lesedi
:thet
estr
esul
tsar
eback
Si
zwe:okay
Lesedi
:Icont
actedMsThwal
aandshesaidshe
wontbeabletocomegett
hem,t
hatIcoul
dcallyou
tocomeandcollect
Si
zwe:okayI
'
llcome
Lesedi
:thankyouSi
r
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Lat
ert
hatday

Thandiwecamebackhomet al
kingashowerand
gett
ingdressedinwarm cot
tonpant
sandlong
sl
eevetop,shelaidonthebedandsenther
husbandat ext

Thandiwe:'
heymylovecanyoucomehomewi
th
takeout
sIdon'tf
eel
li
kecooki
ng'
Mpho:‘
howdidthemeet
inggo?Isheyour
f
ather
?di
danythi
ngbadhappen?’
Thandi
we:‘
I
'l
ltel
lyouever
ythi
ngwhenyouget
home’
Mpho:I
'
llknockof
fear
ly
Thandi
we:al
ri
ght
Mpho:Il
oveyou
Thandi
we:Il
oveyou,
comehomenow
Mpho:I
'
m comi
ng

Sheputherphoneasi deandl ookedathermot her'

s
pi
ctures,Fr
edri
ckhadl ethertakethem wit
hher .
Shelookedatherownpi ctureswithherfat
herand
smil
ed,shefel
lasleepwhilelooki
ngatthem and
wokeupandhourl at
erhearingknocksont hedoor.
Sheslowlygotoffthebedyawni ngandmadeher
waytot hedoor
.SheopenedandMphowal kedin
wit
haboxofpi zzaandt akeaways.
Mpho:hey
Thandi
we:hey
Shetookthefoodandwal kedtothekitchenplaci
ng
i
tontopoft hetablewhi l
eMphocl osedthedoor
andwentt oputhislaptopbagont opont hecouch.
Thandi
wewal kedtohi m andhuggedhi m.He
cover
edherandsqueezedhert ightl
y…event hough
ti
mehadpassedhi shugsr emainedthesame.They
weresti
llwarm andbr oughtcomfort.

Thandi
we:he'
smyf
ather

Mphol
ookedatherwi
thashockedexpr
essi
on

Thandi
we:Iknow…

Theysatdownonthecouchandshel
aidonhi
s
chestput
ti
ngherl
egsoverhi
s…

Mpho:howdoyouf
eel
?
Thandiwe:I'm okay,wewentt otalkandhe
expl
ainedwhathappenedbet weenhi m andmom.
Theyhadt heirownr omeoandj uli
etstory.Mydad
wasamar ri
edmanf r
om Lesothohi sfamilywas
againsthisloveaffairwit
hmom t heysepar ated
them buttheyalwaysf oundt hei
rwaybacki nto
eachot her
'sarms.I '
m aresultofal oveaffair
(l
aughed)it'
sf unnyisn'ti
t.Theysepar at
edt hem
againwhenIwassi xandt hat
'swhent heylost
contact.Mom movedt oMpumal angawi thme
Mpho:atl
eastever
ythi
ngmakessensenow
Thandiwe:hegavemepi ct
uresofher…ofusandI
j
ustgotemot i
onal.If
oundwonder i
nghowl if
e
wouldhavebeeni fmymot herwasar ound…i ft
hei
r
l
oveaffairwassuccessful(tearf
ul)Iwouldn'
thave
gonethroughhalfofthosethingsIwentthrough
Mpho:I
'
m sor
rymyl
ove
Thandi
we:Idon'tknowwhat
'st
henextst
ep.Tel
lme
what'
sthenextstep?
Mpho:wecan'
tfi
xorchanget
hepastbutwecan
f
indawayofmovingfor
wardtoget
her
.Givehi
ma
chance,giveyourr
elati
onshi
pachanceandt hi
swill
giveyouachancet olearnmoreaboutyourcul
tur
e
andfamily.
Thandi
we:yes…
Mpho:j
ustgi
vehi
m achanceandf
orgi
vehi
m
Thandi
we:okay…
Mpho:I
'
llbeal
waysher
ewi
thyou
Thandi
we:Iknow
Mpho:Ial
sodontneedyoust
ressi
ng
Thandi
we:I
'
m notj
ustemot
ional
lydr
ained
Mpho:don'tbeyouhavenothingtolosegivehi
ma
chanceifhemessesupever ythi
ngthat
'sonhim.I
don'
twanthimt odieandyouenduphavi ngregret
s
aboutknowinghim.Younevergottoknowyour
mom takethischancetoknowyourdad.IknowI
woulddieforanopport
unit
yt oknowmyf ather
Thandi
we:(
sighed)youar
eri
ght
Mpho:doyouhavet
hepi
ctur
es?
Thandi
we:yesI
'
llgogett
hem
Shegotupandwal
kedt
otheki
tchenget
ti
ngt
hem
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
hedoct
or'
sof
fi
ce

Sizwesatandli
stenedasthedoctorspokeand
explai
nedthatt
herewerechromosomal
abnormali
ti
esandt hatr
esul
tedtothemiscarri
age.
Thiswasgoodnewsasi tmeanttheycansti
llt
ry
again…

Si
zwe:Ihearyou
Dr:t
her esul
tsalsoreveal
edt
hegenderofyour
baby.Idon'tknowifyouwanttoknowornot
Si
zwe:t
ellme
Dr
:youwer
egoi
ngt
ohaveagi
rl
Si
zwe:(
sighed)wow
Dr
:I'
m sor
ry
Si
zwe:i
t'
sokay
Dr:thati
sall
,everyt
hingel
sei
sdet
ail
edi
nthat
reportonyourenvel
ope
Si
zwe:t
hankyoudoct
or

Theybothgotupandshookhands.Thenhewalked
out.Hi
sheartwasheavy,
hisli
tt
legi
rlwasgone.He
st
eppedint
ohiscarandcried

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#76
Thenextday

Thandiwewokeupi nthemor ningandst art

ed
prepari
ngforthedayasusualevent houghi twas
theweekend.Inamiwalkedoutofherr oom already
dressedinthebluej
eans,redtshir
tandbl ackvans.
Herhairwasbr ai
dedinacutest yl
ewithcolorful
beads.

Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)l
ookatyoual
lbeaut
if
ul
I
nami
:(smi
li
ng)
thankyou
Thandi
wewi pedoftheshini
ngvaseli
nefrom her
facesmil
ingasitremindedherofol
dtimeswhen
shewasjustlit
tl
e.Shethensatdownherf at
her
cametojointhem al
readycl
eaninblackJean'sand
bl
uet
shi
rt
.

Mpho:mor
ningf
ami
ly
Thandi
we:mor
ningdad
I
nami
:(smi
li
ng)mor
ningdad
Mpho:whatar
ewehavi
ngf
orbr
eakf
ast
?
Thandi
we:eggs,
toast
,cof
fee,
teaorj
uice
I
nami:canIhavecer
eal
,Idon'
twantt
obet
oof
ull
f
ort
hepar t
y
Thandi
we:noyouar
eeat
ingbef
oreyoul
eave
Mpho:whenwi
llt
heycomef
etchher
?
Thandi
we:ar
ound10Ocl
ock
Mpho:soear
ly?
Thandi
we:beat
smebutshesai
dtheywi
llhave
somefunacti
vit
iesbef
ore.
Mpho:l
et'
sgot
her
e
Thandi
we:Idon'
tfeel
li
kel
eavi
ngt
hehouse
Mpho:youneedthefr
eshai
rpl
usIwantt
ogoto
Gogo'
sgraveandsharet
hegoodnewswi
thherand
myfather
Thandi
we:(
sighed)okayf
ine
Mpho:good
Thandi
we:Fr
edr
icki
nvi
tedusf
ordi
nnerathi
s
house
Mpho:Gaut
eng?
Thandi
we:oneofhi
ssonsi
sbased2hour
sfr
om
here
Mpho:al
ri
ghtwe'
l
lgo
Thandi
we:okay
Theyhadt heirbr
eakf
astandhear daknockonthe
door.Imanijumpedfrom herdoorrushi
ngtoopen.
Nalediwalkedinsmil
ing
Nal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)hel
lohel
lo
Mpho:si
ster
Thandi
we:heyskoni
I
nami
:hel
loaunt
y
Nal
edi
:Iseemypr
incessi
sready
Mpho:we'
real
sor
eady
Nal
edi
:ohyouar
ecomi
ng?
Mpho:wewoul
dn'
tmi
ssmyni
ece'
sbi
rt
hdayf
ort
he
wor
ld.
Nal
edi
:(smil
ing)t
hemor et
hemer r
ier
.Ishoul
d
l
eaveher,
youwi l
lal
lcometoget
herasaf ami
ly
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)al
ri
ght
Nal
edi
:bye
Thandi
we:bye

Shewalkedoutandtheyf
inishedupeat
ingt
hen
wentt
ochangef ort
heparty.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtGabi
'
swor
kpl
ace

Shewentt
othebat
hroom andt
ookt
hepr
egnancy
test.Shewashedherhandsandwal kedoutaft
er
placingitinsi
deherbag.Shewentbacktoher
offi
ceandcont i
nuedtowork,
shefr
ownedf eel
ing
sali
vaf i
llupinhermouth.Shehear
daknockont he
doorandAr chi
ewalkedin…

Ar
chi
e:Mr
sMochane
Sher
eachedf
orawi
peri
nherbagandspi
titout
Gabi
:myl
ove
Ar
chi
e:howar
eyouf
eel
ingnow?
Gabi:bet
ter
.…butIcan'
tst
omachanyt
hingeven
water
Shegotupandt
hrewi
tint
hebi
n
Ar
chi
e:di
dyout
est
Gabi
:yes…i
t'
sinmybag
Hereachedf
orherbagwhil
esheopenedt
hedoor
t
ryi
ngtogetsomefreshai
r
Ar
chi
e:whatdoest
wol
inemean?
Gabi
:(qui
ckl
ytur
ned)what
!?
Ar
chi
e:(
conf
used)Iseet
wol
ines
Shequickl
ywal
kedt
ohi
m andgr
abbedi
tfr
om hi
s
handconfi
rmi
ng
Gabi
:(shocked)
I'
m pr
egnant
Archi
e:(
laughi
ng)youshoul
dseethel
ookonyour
face…wearegoingtobepar
ents
Gabi
:(l
aughs)don'
tlaughatme…Idi
dn'
tthi
nki
t
woul
dhappensosoon
Ar
chi
e:wel
lithappened
Hehuggedher
Ar
chi
e:t
hankyoubabe
Gabi
:not
hankyoumyl
ove
Hekissedherneckandtouchedherfl
atbell
y
smil
ing.Shesmiledbackdamnsot hi
sishowitf
elt
bei
ngpr egnantf
oramant hatl
ovesyou,noworr
ies
nonothing
Ar
chie:weneedtogetyout
oeat
.Ican'
tletmy
pr
incessst
arve
Gabi
:(shookherhead)andIam soooooohungr
y
butt
hevomi t
ingattheend
Archie:youneedtoseethedoctormaybetheywil
l
giveyousomet hi
ngtohelpwit
hi t
.Di
dn'tyouhave
them withEntl
e?
Gabi
:noi
twasj
ustdi
zzi
nessandf
ati
guepl
uswei
rd
cr
avi
ngs.
Ar
chi
e:okay
Shef rownedf
eel
ingsal
ivaagainandpul l
edherbag
gett
ingt hewi
per
.Shespatoni tandthrewitway.A
col
leaguewalkedbywit
hf atcakes.Thesmellthr
ew
heroffandsherushedouttothebathroom wanti
ng
tothrowup
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Att
hepar
ty

Nal
ediarr
ivedwi
thtwoki
dsandsnacks.Thetent
wasalr
eadyupandthedecorwasperf
ect.Hergir
ls
wal
kedoutofthehousei
nredandblueJean'sand
r
edJean'sthenj
oinedtheotherki
ds.Thatwasthe
t
hemeoft hepart
y.Dipuowast heonlyoneweari
ng
aredpr
incessdress.Tshepocamet ohelpherwi
th
t
hesnacks.

Tshepo:thedecorpeopl
efi
nishedandIpai
dthem
thedeposit
Nal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)
youdi
dgoodson
Tshepo:uncl
eMnqobiwenttohireaj
umpingcast
le,
hesaidhewillgett
hecakeaf
terandcomehome
Naledi
:jumpi
ngcust
leatsuchshor
tnot
ice,
Idon'
t
t
hinkso

Theywenti nsideandprepar edthesnackspouri

ng
them i nlargebowl salongwi thsweetsandstuf
f.
Aftert hir
tymi nutesMqobiar ri
vedwiththepeopl
eto
i
nst allthejumpi ngcustle.Thekidsgather
edaround
wat chingt hem doi twhil
ehesl i
ppedinwiththe
cake.
Mnqobi
:I'
m back
Heki
ssedhercheek
Nal
edi
:howdi
dyoumanage?
Mnqobi
:(smi
led)i
tdoesn'
tmat
ternow
Nal
edi
:mybr
otherandhi
swi
fear
ecomi
ng
Mnqobi
:oh…soshoul
dIgo?
Nal
edi
:nonever
…it
'st
imeyoumet
.Ij
ustwant
edt
o
gi
veyout
heheadup
Mnqobi
:(smi
led)okaynopr
obl
em
Tshepo:mom uncl
eisher
e
Nal
edi
:al
ri
ghtpl
easegoputt
heseoutt
her
e
Mnqobi
:wher
e'st
hemeat
?
Nal
edi
:I'
vemar
inat
edi
t,i
t'
sont
hef
ri
dge
MphoandThandi
wewal
kedi
ngr
eet
ingever
yone.
Nal
edi
:okaybrot
herIwoul
dli
keyout
omeet
MnqobiNkosimyboyf
ri
end
Thandi
wesmi
ledshaki
ngherhand
Thandi
we:ni
cet
oseeyouagai
n
Mnqobi
:li
kewi
se
Mpho:(
shookhi
shand)If
eell
ikeIhavehear
dthi
s
namebefor
e
Thandi
we:I
'
mf r
iendswi
thhi
ssi
sterKhensani
,how
i
ssheandthebaby?
Mnqobi
:theyar
edoi
nggr
eat
Thandi
we:gr
eatt
hem f
orme
Naledi:okayguyslet'
sgetonwit
hit.Gent
sgodeal
wit
ht hemeatpl ease.Wewil
lhandl
etheresther
e

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Meanwhi
le

Sizwedecidedt
ovi si
tthelodge,hefi
rstcheckedon
thestaf
ftoseehowt heywer edoingandever ything
wasokay…het henwentt oChamp' soffice.He
knockedandwalkedi nfi
ndinghim seatedont he
couchwithSandi.Shequicklygotupgreet i
nghi m
andqui
ckl
ywal
kingout

Si
zwe:whatwast
hatabout
?
Champ:wor
k
Sizwe:nomandon'tpl
aymel
iket
hat
.YouknowI
don'twantt
hatshi
ther
e
Champ:wehaveanunder
standi
ngandi
t'
sout
side
work
Sizwe:wast hi
sout
sideworkamomentago?Next
thingyoubreakupandther
e'sascandalabouthow
your apedher
Champ:shewouldn'
t,
Imeanl
ookather
…who
woul
dbelieveher
Si
zwe:cutt
hatcr
apandendt
hings
Champ:you'
recheat
ingandnoonei
ssayi
ng
anyt
hingaboutt
hat
Si
zwe:t
hati
sout
sidebusi
ness.ENDI
Torr
esi
gn
Champ:f
inewhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eanyway
Sizwe:justdoi
ngavisi
t,checki
ngtoseei
f
everyt
hingisrunni
ngthewayi tshoul
d
Champ:ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne
Si
zwe:al
ri
ght
Champ:wheni
sshecomi
ngback?
Si
zwe:Idon'
tknow.She'
snott
aki
ngmycal
ls
Champ:Iwi
llcal
landask
Si
zwe:okay
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMof
okeng'
shome

Thandi
weandherhusbanddr ovetoMofokeng's
home.Thehousewassi t
uat edinafarmfarfr
om
wheret
heylived.Theyar
rivedinthei
rhome,they
wereal
readywai t
ingf
orthem outsi
de.Mphopar ked
hi
scar
Mpho:ar
eyour
eady?
Thandi
we:(
sighed)It
hinkIam
Mpho:It
hinkt
hat
'syourbr
otherandhe'
stheol
d
man
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)yeah…f
ir
stt
imemeet
ingbi
gbr
o
Mpho:l
et'
sgo
Theyst
eppedoutandwal
kedt
othem gr
eet
ings
eachot
her.

Thandi
we:hif
ami
ly,
Ihopeyoudon'
tmi
nd.Icame
wit
hmyhusbandMphoGama
Fredr
ick:(
smili
ng)noproblem atal
l,Iwoul
dli
keyou
tomeetmysonMphohei smyt hir
dborn.Mpho
meetyourlit
tl
esist
erThandiweandherhusband
Mpho:ni
cetomeetyouj
ustcal
lmeEr
ict
oavoi
d
t
heconfusi
on
Mpho:(
smil
ed)t
hat
'sbet
terbecauset
hat
'st
heonl
y
nameIhave
Theyshookhandsl
aughi
ngandEr
icpul
ledhi
s
si
steroverf
orahug
Er
ic:we'
vel
ongwai
tedf
oryou
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)t
hankyou
Fr
edr
ick:l
et'
sgeti
nsi
de
Theyallwalkedi
nsideandsatdown.Thetablewas
alr
eadysetandtherewasahelperwhogreeted
them andexcusehersel
f
Thandi
we:sowher
e'syourwi
febr
other
?
Eri
c:(
smil
ed)sheworksatEaster
nCapet
hat
'swhy
she'
snother
e,hopi
ngyouwi l
lcomemoreof
tenso
youcanmeether
Thandi
we:Ihopesot
oo
Mpho:youhaveal
ovel
yhome
Eric:t
hankyousomuch,
anyt
hingt
odr
inkbef
ore
theyserveus
Fr
edr
ick:j
ustwat
er
Mpho:I
'
llhavewat
ert
oo
Er
ic:yousi
s?
Thandi
we:j
ustj
uice
Er
ic:comeonguys,
noonewant
'sanyt
hingst
rong
Thandi
we:babyonboar
dher
e
Fr
edr
ick:(
shocked)r
eal
ly?
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)yeswe'
readdi
ngourf
ami
ly
Er
ic:(
smi
li
ng)congr
atul
ati
onsbabi
esar
eabl
essi
ng
Fr
edr
ick:(
smi
li
ng)t
ruehowmanyki
dsdoyouhave?
Mpho:t
hre-
Thandi
we:t
wowel
ostt
heot
herone
Fr
edr
ick:ohI
'
m sor
ryf
oryourl
oss
Thandi
we:i
t'
sokay,
wehaveadaught
ershe'
s10
year
soldnow
Mpho:yeah…
Eri
ccamebackwit
hthedrinksandtheydr
ankwhi
le
tal
kingt
henhaddi
nneraf
ter5mi nut
es
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtSi
zwe'
spl
ace
HekissedMimidroppi
ngdownherdressand
unhookingherbr
a…shebroket
hekiss

Mi
hlal
i:t
her
e'ssomet
hingIhavet
otel
lyou
Si
zwe:(
kissi
ngherneck)you'
l
ltel
lmeaf
ter
Mi
hlal
i:i
t'
simpor
tant
Hepushedherdownthebedandpul
leddown
pant
ieshegotontopki
ssi
ngher
Mi
hlal
i:Iam pr
egnant
Hepaused
Si
zwe:huh?
Mihl
ali
:Ihaven'
tbeenfeel
ingwel
lsoIt
ooka
pr
egnancytest.I
'
m pregnant
Si
zwe:noyou'
renot
Hegotof
fher
Mi
hlal
i:Iunder
standi
fyoudon'
tthebaby.Webot
h
agr
eedthatwear en'
tlover
s.I'
l
lrai
sethebabyal
one
andIwon'tt
ellanyonewhot hefat
heris
Si
zwe:howcanyoubepr
egnant
?Wer
en'
tyouon
pi
ll
s?
Mihl
ali
:(swal
lowed)Idon'
tknowwhathappened…
I
'l
lgo
Shesadl
ygotofft
hebedpicki
nguphercl
othesand
put
ti
ngthem onget
ti
ngherbag
Sizwe:wai
t…howwi
llyour
aiset
hebabywi
thout
anyincome?
Mihl
ali
:I'
l
lmakeapl
ani
fIdon'
tfi
ndanyt
hingI
'
llopt
f
oranabor t
ion
Si
zwe:youcan'
tabor
tmybaby
Mihl
ali
:Ican'
tal
sof
orceyout
obeaf
atherwhen
youdon'twantt
o
Sizwe:I '
l
ltakecar eofever
ythi
ngyouneedbutdon't
mi stakenitforl
ove.Iloveonlyonewomanandall
oft hese,everyt
hingyouwillbegett
ingi
sbecause
ofher
Mi
hlal
i:Iknow
Si
zwe:youcanst
il
lf*
ckr
ight
Mi
hlal
i:(
smi
led)yeaht
heysayi
t'
sgoodf
ort
hebaby
Si
zwe:t
hencomeher
e
Shetookof
fhercl
othesonceagai
nandj
umped
i
ntobed
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
*

Lat
ert
hatni
ght

Mphopulledhi
swi
fecl
osecuddl
ingwhi
leki
ssi
ng
herneck…

Mpho:babe
Thandi
we:mmh…
Mpho:doyouevert
hinkaboutSi
phi
we?
Shekeptqui
etnotsayi
nganyt
hing
Mpho:It
hinkabouthi
m somet
imes…howol
dhei
s?
I
fhe'
swelltr
eated…
Thandi
we:I
'
drat
hernott
alkabouti
t

Shemovedawayf
rom hisbreaki
nghishol
dwhi
le
hetur
nedf
aci
ngdarknessindeepthought

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#77
Fi
vemont
hsl
ater

Si
zwewalkedoutofchecker
swi t
habagoftreats.
Hest
eppedint
ohiscaranddr ovetoMi
hlal
i'
splace.
Hear
ri
vedandfoundherathome

Si
zwe:knockknock
Mi
mi:(
smi
li
ng)comei
n
Si
zwe:hey
Mi
mi:hey,
howar
eyou?
Si
zwe:Ishoul
dbeaski
ngyout
hat
Mi
mi:(
smi
led)I
'
mfi
newe'
ref
ine…
Si
zwe:I
'
m gl
ad,
Igotyouj
unk
Sheopenedupt
hepl
ast
icst
aki
ngoutapacketof
si
mba
Mi
mi:(
smi
led)t
hankyou
Sizwe:(pushedbackherhai
r)youar
ebeaut
if
ulyou
knowt hat
Mi
mi:I
'
mfat
Sizwe:(smi
ledt
ouchi
ngherbel
ly)youar
ejust
beauti
fuli
never
yway…mywi fe
Mimi
:Ist
il
lthi
nkyoushoul
dn'
thaveagr
eedt
othe
el
der
sdemands
Sizwe:what
?youdi
dn'
twantmet
obeyour
husband?
Mi
mi:whatabout
-
Sizwe:(
placedhi
sfingeroverherl
ips)shhhhh
that'
sal
linthepast
Mi
mi:Iknowyoul
oveher
Sizwe:Iwait
edforhert
ocomeback,
beggedher
butsheturnedmedown.
Mimi
:butst
il
l… wear
emar ri
edj
ustbecauseI
'
m
pr
egnant
.If
eelli
kearebound
Si
zwe:youknowt
hat
'snott
rue.Il
oveyouandyesI
wasst
uckuponherbutt
hat
'st
hepastnow
Mi
mi:al
ri
ght
Si
zwe:andaft
ert
hiscont
ractendsnextmont
h.I
wantyoul
ivi
ngwit
hmesoIcant akecar
eofyou
pr
operl
y
Mimi
:thi
swasmyl
astmont
h.I
'
llpackever
ythi
ng
up
Sizwe:I
'
llor
gani
zeyouamovi
ngt
ruckandnoj
obs
farfr
om homenowon
Mi
mi:(
laughi
ng)al
ri
ghthubby
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtThandi
we'
shome

Mphoopenedt hedoorforherandshewalkedi
n
slowlyf
indi
ngNaledi,Lesediwi
thI
mani.She
rushedtohermotherexcit
edwanti
ngtoseethe
baby.
Mpho:we'
reback
Nal
edi
:(smi
li
ng)si
tdownsowecanseeourbundl
e
ofj
oy
Lesedi
:Ican'
twai
ttoseemyGr
andchi
ld
Thandi
wesmil
edsitt
ingdown,
Imansatnextt
oher
andAuntyNal
ediasshemovedthebl
anketaway

Thandi
we:meetyourbabysi
sterAmkel
waGr
ace
Gama
Nal
edi:(
tear
ful
)she'
ssobeaut
if
ulGrace…gogo'
s
name.Thisi
ssobeauti
fult
hankyoubrother
…
Mphosmi l
edrubbi
nghiseyeshol
dingbackhi
s
t
ears.Ever
ythi
ngwasjustt
ooemotional
I
mani
:(amazedt
ouchi
ngherhand)
she'
ssol
it
tl
e
Lesedi
:canIhol
dher
?
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)
ofcour
se
Shegent
lyt
ookandhel
dher…shewast hecut
est
l
it
tl
ethi
ngoneart
h.Shegotemot
ionalbutsmi
led
Lesedi
:(t
earf
ul)youar esobeautif
ul…Ispeakl i
fe
i
ntoyou,happinessandsuccess.Youwi l
lneverbe
i
nneedofanyt hingasIwi l
lalwaysbeheref oryou.
Grannywil
lneverf ai
lyou…I'
llcorr
ecteveryt
hingI
didwrongtoyourpar ent
swi t
hyou.Iloveyou.God
prot
ectherandbl essher

Nal
edishedatearandwipeditaway,
Amkelwa
st
art
edcryi
ngthenLesedihandedherovert
oher
mom andshebreastf
edher…
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtThel
odge

Nompi lorockedi
nherwhi t
eladi
essuitandr ed
sti
lett
oswi t
hshadeson.Shewal kedi
ngr eeting
everyone.Thestaffwassoexcit
ed…sheaskedf or
Champandt heytoldherhewasinhisoffice.She
madeherwayt here…
Meanwhi
le

ChampandSandiwentoverthefi
nanci
alr
ecords
togetherandhet
aughtheraf
ewskil
lonhowt or
un
thelodge.Shesmil
edhavi
ngtodomostofthest
uff
onherownnow…

Sandi
:(smi
li
ng)Icantbel
ieveIt
houghtal
loft
his
washardtodo
Champ:(smiled)nowyouseei t'
snot
.Havingyou
asmyassi st
antmanagerhasbeenhel pf
ul,even
Nompil
ol ear
nedeverythingfr
om meIjustlether
shi
nebecauseI '
m notallaboutt
hat
Sandi
:Ihopeyouwi
lll
etmeshi
net
oo
Champ:youwi
lli
nnot
ime

Sheknockedandwal
kedi
n,t
heywer
ebot
hshocked
toseeher…
Nompi
lo:af
ter
noon
Champ:Nompi
lo
Sandi
:youar
eback?
Nompi
lo:yesI
'
m back
Sandi
:af
tersol
ong?
Nompi
lo:Iwoul
dli
ket
ospeakt
oChamp
Sandi
:aboutt
aki
ngoveragai
n?
Nompi
lo:(
lookedathi
m)al
one
Champ:pl
easeexcuseus
Sandismi
ledshaki
ngherheadandwalki
ngout
.
Champpickedupthefi
lesf
rom hi
m cof
feet
abl
e
goi
ngaroundhisdesk
Champ:ifyouthinkyoucanjustdisappearforthat
l
ongandcomebackwheneveryouf eelli
keittorun
thi
splacethenitwonthappen.Iknowyoul osta
chi
ldbut-
Nompi
lo:(
satdown)Iknowyoual
readypr
omi
sed
yourli
tt
legi
rl
fr
iendt
heposi
tionandIcoul
dn'
t
carel
essIam i
ntobi
ggert
hingsnow.
Champ:al
ri
ghtwhyar
eyouher
e?
Nompil
o:Iwasj
ustchecki
nguponever
yone.Was
hopi
ngtoseeWorl
dtoo
Champ:It
hinkhe'
sathi
shouse
Nompi
lo:Iwentt
her
ebuthewasn'
thomeoratt
he
hi
ve
Champ:hemustbeathi
snewhome,hetol
dme
therewassomewor
kthathadt
obedone.Di
dyou
callhi
m?
Nompilo:hedoesn'
tknowI
'
m backyet
.Iwant
edt
o
supr
isehim
Champ:(
lookedather
)ar
eyouguysst
il
ltoget
her
?
Nompi
lo:i
t'
scompl
icat
ed
Champ:(smi
led)okaycheckhim athi
spl
ace,
I
bel
ieveyout
wohaveal ottotal
kabout
Nompi
lo:t
ellmewher
ehe'
sat
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtGabi
'
sof
fi
ce

Shel ookedatt hescr eenaseveryt

hingseemedso
l
itt
le.Shei ncreasedt hefonttoseewel l
and
continuedt owor k.Itwassodamnhotshecoul dn't
evenf eeltheaircondi ti
oner
,hershoesf elttootight
andshet ookthem of fandbackupwi t
hherchai r
l
ookingatherf ullfeet.Shesi
ghedal r
eadyt iredwith
herbackal r
eadyhur t
ingfr
om bending,get t
ingclose
toseeever ythingont hescreen.Shepul l
edouther
drawerandt ookoutapacketofDor it
ost hehot
onesandeat e…shesawherbosspassi ngbyand
comi ngbackwal kinginshockedtoseeher

Her
:youar
est
il
lher
e?
Gabi
:yes…wher
eshoul
dIbe?
Her
:youar
esupposet
obeat
tendi
ngasemi
nar
Gabi
:yoh!
Shequi
ckl
ygotupt
ryi
ngt
ogethert
hings
Her:l
eavei
t.I
tst
art
edat3hour
sago.I
'
m sur
ethey
ar
edonenow
Gabi
:I'
m sosor
ry,
Icompl
etel
yfor
got
Her
:maybeyoushoul
dtakeaf
ewdaysof
f
Gabi
:butI
'
mfi
ne
Her:you'vebeenstr
uggli
ng.Iknowi
t'
snota
everydaythi
ngbutyester
dayyouwerecomplai
ning
aboutyoureyesight
,youmesseduponaf ew
accounts…
Gabi
:thosewer
eli
tt
lemi
stakes
Her
:youcan'
tmakemi
stakeswi
thmoney
Gabisi
ghed
Her:j
ustt
akeaweekof
fyouwi
llbebackwi
tha
cl
earhead
Gabi
:okay
Shepackedherst
uff
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Lat
eron…
Nompilopar kedhercaroutsi
deandl ookedatt he
housebeforeher .Shewalkedinthrought hegat e,
it
wasbeautifulthegrasswasni celycutandt here
wasapavi ngt owardstheentr
anceandbeaut iful
fl
owersoneachsi de.Shepassedt hetwoGar ages
andwentatt hedoorknocki
ngSi zweopenedt he
doorandhi seyeswi denedshockedt oseeNompi lo.
Shesmiledandhuggedhi m

Nompi
lo:Imi
ssedyou
Si
zwe:youar
eback
Nompi
lo:(
lookedathi
m)yes…canIcomei
n
Hesteppedbackandshewalkedin,t
hekitchenwas
per
fectl
yfurni
shed…andhadthatwoodenf eeland
bl
ackcolor.Shepul
ledupachairandsatdown

Nompi
lo:yourhousei
sbeaut
if
ul
Sizwe:t
hankyou…Icoul
dn'
tli
veinmyparent
s
housefort
oolongpl
usIhatepayi
ngrent
Nompil
o:(
smili
ng)Iunder
stand…wedi dn'
tbuy
muchbecausewewer egoi
ngt oacqui
reeveryt
hing
t
oget
her
Si
zwe:yeah…
Nompil
o:Iwantt
oapol
ogize…Ipushedyouaway
whenIl
ost…whenwelostourbaby
Si
zwe:i
t'
sfi
ne
Nompilo:i
t'
snotfi
ne,Iwassel
fi
shthi
nki
ngonl
y
aboutmyselfandnotcar
ryi
ngabouthowyouf
eel
.
Thisbabywas-
Si
zwe:i
twasagi
rl
…
Shel
ookedathi
m conf
used
Sizwe:t
hetestsreveal
edt
hegenderaswel
l
.It
ri
ed
call
ingt
otellyoubutyoubl
ockedmynumber
Nompi
lo:I
'
m sor
ry…Idi
dn'
tknow
Si
zwe:whyar
eyouher
e?
Nompi
lo:t
oaskf
orf
orgi
veness,
Ireal
izehowmuch
youlovemeandIloveyou.It
houghtabout
ever
ythi
ngyousai
dwhenIwashome.Howyou
l
ovemeevenifIcan't
…butIdidresear
chandf
ind
waysonhowwecanhavebabi es
Si
zwe:It
houghtyouwer
enevergoi
ngt
ocomeback
Nompil
o:it
'sbeensi
xmont
hs,
Ihadenought
imet
o
gr
ieveandheal.
Si
zwe:Mpi
loIdi
dal
otofshi
t
Nompi l
o:youdon'thavetogointodetai
l,Iforgive
you.Iunderst
andt hatyouwerealsogri
evingi na
wayyousawf i
tatthetime.Let
'shaveafr eshst ar
t
please
Si
zwe:Igotmar
ri
ed
Shel
ookedathi
m shocked
Si
zwe:(swall
owed)yeah…Ihookedupwi
thMi
mi
af
terever
ythi
ngandwegotmar ri
ed
Nompi
lo:whoi
sMi
mi?
Si
zwe:Mi
hlal
imyex
Nompi
lo:what
?…
Si
zwe:I
'
m sor
ryi
tjusthappened
Nompi l
o:howlonghaveIbeenwit
hyou?Mor et
han
5yearsandIhadt obegandbegforyoutomarr
y
me.Ileavefor6minutesandyouar
ealready
marr
ied.Thisisajokeri
ght?
Si
zwe:I
'
m sor
ryi
tjusthappened
Nompil
o:(angry)di
dn'tyousayshewasn'
tyourtype
ofwoman, she'
sasl ayqueenandyouwant
ed
someonetobui l
dwith…whathappenedtothat
?
Where'
stheloveyouhavef orme?
Si
zwe:It
houghtyouwer
enevercomi
ngback
Nompi
lo:wel
lIam backnow!
Si
zwe:youneedt
ocal
m down
Nompil
o:(
tear
ful
)calm down…howdoIcal
m down
whenyouarehur
tingmet hi
sway
Si
zwe:I
'
m sor
ry.
Theyhear
dat ruck'
snoi
seout
sideandoneoft
he
worker
scall
inghim
Hegotupandwal
kedoutwi
thNompi
lof
oll
owi
ng
hi
m, t
heyfoundMihlalist
eppingoutoft
hetruck.
Nompilo'
shear
tshatteredlooki
ngatherandthat
bel
lyvi
sibl
e.Sotheywentj ustmarr
iedt
heywer e
al
soexpecti
ng…

Mi
hlal
i:babeIaskedf
or…
ShesawNompi l
oandkeptqui
etwal
kingoverwi
th
herar
mscrossed.
Mi
hlal
i:what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Si
zwe:not
hingwewer
edi
scussi
ngbusi
ness,
she'
s
l
eavi
ngnow
Mihl
ali
:okay,youwil
ltel
ltheguyswher
ethey
shoul
dputmyst uff
.I'
m hungrycanwegograb
somehotwi ngsaf
tereveryt
hingi
sdone?
Si
zwe:yeahsur
e
Mi
hlal
i:okay.I
'
llwai
tfr
om i
nsi
dei
t'
stoohot
Shedraggedherfeetpassi
ngNompi l
oandwal
ked
i
nside.Nompiloswall
owedapai nf
ull
umpand
hur
riedovertohercardri
vingawaywhil
eSi
zwe
hel
pedt heguystooff
load
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtThandi
we'
shome

Shel
ookedatAmkeasl
eeponherf
ather
'schest
andt
ookpict
urest
henavi
deo.

Thandi
we:smi
ledaddy!

Mphosmi ledwithalit
tl
elaught
erandkissedher
l
it
tlehead.Theywer esobeauti
fulwi
thI
maniasl eep
nexttohim hol
dingli
tt
leAmke'sfoot
.Shet ook
mor epi
cturesofthem.

Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)
youar
esocut
e
Mpho:(
smi
led)andyouar
esobeaut
if
ul
Shesmi
ledshyl
y
Thandi
we:Ineedt
ocal
lFr
edr
ickhet
oldmet
o
shar
ethegoodnews
Mpho:goahead
Thandi
we:l
etmegogetmyphone
Shewenttogetherphonef
rom thei
rbedr
oom and
cal
ledhi
m…itrangforawhil
eti
llitwaspi
ckedup

Voi
ce:hel
lo
Thandi
we:hel
locanIspeakt
oMrMof
okeng
Voi
ce:whoi
sthi
s?
Thandi
we:i
t'
sherdaught
erThandi
we
Voi
ce:ohdi
dn'
ttheyt
ellyou…hepassedawayt
his
morni
ng

Thephoneslippedfr
om herhandandcr ashedon
thefl
oor…herheartbeataccel
erat
eduncontrol
labl
y
andsheslowlywentdownonherkneesunabl eto
breat
h.Notearsnosound…shef i
nal
lybrokeouta
cryaft
erminutes
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#78

Mphoputdownt hebabyandrushedt ot
heir
bedroom aft
erheari
nghiswi
fe'
sscr eam.Hegot
ther
eandf oundherlayi
ngonthefloorcr
ying

Thandi
we:(
cryi
ng)
he'
sgone
Mpho:whoi
sgone?
Thandi
we:myf
atheri
sdead

Hekneelpi
cki
ngherupandputheront hebed.
Holdi
nghercl
osewhil
eshecried,t
hedooropened
andHismotherwal
kedincar
ryingthebaby…

Lesedi
:whydi
dyoul
eavemygr
andchi
ldr
enunat
-
ShesawThandi
wecr
ying
Mpho:canyougi
veusacoupl
eofmi
nut
es
Lesedi
:okay,
I'
llj
ustt
akedi
aper
ssoIcanchange
her
Mphonoddedandshewal kedi
ntothei
rcl
osetand
t
ookthediaper
sthenwalkedout
.Comingacr
oss
I
manirubbinghereyes

I
mani
:wher
e'smom
Lesedi
:she'
sasl
eepl
et'
sgogetyousomet
hingt
o
eat
I
mani
:al
ri
ght
Shewal
kedwi
thhergr
andmot
hert
otheki
tchen
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtNompi
lo'
spl
ace

Shespoket
ohermot
herovert
hephonei
ntear
s.

Nompil
o:(
tearf
ull
y)Iwai
tedmor
ethanfi
veyears
maFIVEyearsandshecomesbackint
womi nut
es
andt
heygetmar r
ied
MaGladys:(
sighed)I
'
m sorr
ymychi
ld.NaweIt
old
yout
ostoppushinghim away
Nompilo:noma…hehasbeenplayi
ngmeallalong.
Theyneverbr
okeupIwasjustafool
,hi
sst
epledder
togethimtowher
ehewantedtobe
MaGl
adys:i
tdoesn'
tmat
ternow
Nompil
o:(angry)howcanyousaythatma.Iwor
ked
hardf
orthatlodgetobewhati
tist
odayandHe
doest
his
MaGl adys:youar easmar tgir
l.Justsellyour
sharesandst artsomethi
ngnew.Youhadbi gplans
beforel
eavingher e.Thehotelandstuff.Didyou
tal
ktothatest at
eagent?
Nompil
o:no…hewil
lpayi
ngf
orhur
ti
ngmel
iket
his.
I
'l
lmakesureofi
t
MaGl adys:ifyouwanthi
mt opayworkonyour
sel
f
andprovet ohimthatyoudon'
tneedhi
mt o
succeed
Nompi
lo:noI
'
llhi
thi
m wher
eithur
tshar
d
MaGladys:don'
tdosomet
hingt
hatwi
llgetyoui
nto
t
roubl
e
Nompi
lo:I
'
lldealwi
thhi
m
MaGl
adys:Nompi
lo…
Nompi
lo:l
etmet
alkt
otheagentbye
MaGl
adys:bye…
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtGabi
'
shome
Shewaswatchi
ngahor
rormovi
ewhi
leeat
ingi
ce
cr
eam i
ntear
s…

Gabi
:(t
earf
ul)gohomeit'
sclearyouarenotcomi
ng
bl
oodyraci
st!Iknewsheneverli
kedmet hedayI
gott
here…don'tgoint
her
etheywi l
lki
llyou…

Thewasaknockonthedoor
,shekeptqui
et
thi
nki
ngi
twasherbori
ngnei
ghbors.

Ar
chi
e:babeopenup
Sheroll
edhereyesfornopart
icul
arr
easonand
wipedhert
earsgoingtoopen.Ent
ler
aninhuggi
ng
andtouchi
ngherbelly

Ent
le:hel
lobr
other
.I'
m home
Shethenwentt
oherr
oom t
oputdownherschool
bag
Gabi
:Ent
leschooloutsoear
ly?
Archie:(
walkingi
nclosingthedoor)ear
ly?Checkthe
ti
me.Youwer esupposetopi ckherupat14:00it'
s
17:00.Ihadtorushfrom wor ktopickherupafter
theycall
edyoucount l
esst i
meandatwor kthey
saidtheyletyououtearly
Gabi
:I'
m sosor
ry…If
orgot
.(Tearf
ul)Idon'
tknow
what
'swrongwit
hme,Ikeepforget
ting
Archi
e:It
oldyout
osetupandalar
mf ort
he
i
mpor t
antst
uff…l
etmeguessyoufor
got?
Gabi
:(cr
ying)
Ifor
got…I'
m sorr
y.Whyar
eyoubei
ng
sohardonme.Everyoneishardonmeasi
fIdo
ever
ythi
ngint
enti
onal
Ar
chi
e:(
sighed)I
'
m sor
rydon'
tcr
y
Gabi:(
cryi
ng)howcanInotwhenyouar
eangr
y
ri
ghtnow
Ar
chi
e:I
'
m sor
rybabecomeher
e
Hepull
edhercl
oseforahugandki
ssedherwhi
l
e
shesul
kedli
keababy.
Ent
le:mamaI
'
m hungr
y
Gabi
:(si
tt
ingdown)
Ifor
gott
ocook
Ent
le:whatwi
llIeat
…Mamahowcanyounotcook?
Ar
chi
e:r
elaxhotst
uff
.I'
l
lmakeusnoodl
es
Ent
le:Iwantt
oeatatar
est
aur
ant
Gabi
:what
?Si
ncewhendoyoumakedemands?
Ent
le:(
sul
king)papa?
Ar
chi
e:wewi
lleatoutj
ustf
ort
oday
Gabi
:makenoodl
esnoonewi
lldi
e
Ent
le:Papa?
Gabil
ookedathi
m
Ar
chie:I
'
m sor
rybabygi
rlbutmom i
sri
ghtpl
usi
t'
s
al
readyl
ate
Ent
le:butwewentt
hatt
imeatni
ght
Archi
e:t
heycal
ledandsai
dit
'scl
osedwewi
llgo
someothert
ime
Ent
le:okay
Gabi
:gotgetyourl
unchboxsoi
tcanbewashed
Shewentt
oherr
oom
Gabi:youarespoi
li
nghert
oomuch.She'
seven
becomingloudmouth
Archi
e:Ili
kehert
hisway.Shewi
llt
ellusever
ythi
ng
evenifsomeonei
shurti
ngherat
Gabi
:butst
il
l
Ar
chi
e:I
'
mtoohungr
ytof
ightwi
thyou
Shel
aughedwhi
lehewal
kedt
otheki
tchen
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtThandi
we'
shome

Shewasseat edlayi
ngonhersideinthebedwhil
e
breast
feedi
ngherbabygirl
.MaLesediwasseated
onachai rf
oldi
ngthebaby'
sclothes,
Mphocame
backwithherphone

Mpho:l
ucki
lyi
t'
sst
il
lwor
king,
youj
ustcr
ackedt
he
scr
een
Thandi
we:canyoupl
easecal
lthem sotheycanl
et
usknowaboutthepr
epar
ati
onsofthefuneral
Lesedi
:Idon'
tthi
nkitwoul
dbeagoodi
deaf
oryou
togo.Amkelwaissoli
tt
le
Thandi
we:Iwantt
ogo.Hewasmyf
ather
Mpho:i
fshewant
'st
ogoshewi
llgoandpayher
l
astr
espect
Lesedi
:okay
Thandi
we:Ijustf
indi
thar
dt obel
ieve.Ispoket
o
hi
m athreedaysagoandallwasgood
Lesedi
:theydi
dn'
tsaywhatwast
hecauseofhi
s
death?
Thandi
we:Idi
dn'
task,
Ijustl
ostmymi
ndwhenI
hear
d
Mpho:l
et'
shearwhatt
heysay
Mphocal
ledEr
icandputt
hecal
lonl
oudspeaker
Er
ic:hel
lo
Mpho:Eri
cyouar
espeaki
ngt
oGamaThandi
we'
s
husband
Er
ic:yes…yesyes…howmayIhel
p
Mpho:mywifehadjustr
ecei
vedshocki
ngnews
af
tercal
li
ngmyfather
-i
n-l
awthathehaslef
tus…
Er
ic:yes…hepassedaway
Mpho:thati
ssosad,
whenanddoyouknowwhat
wasthecause?
Eri
c:tobehonestwedon'
tknow,wevi
sit
edhima
monthagowecal l
edyest
erdayandwecoul
dn'
tget
tohim.Thenwewenttochecksamedayandhe
wasgone
Mpho:t
hati
ssosai
d
Eri
c:Iknowbr
otherbutwhatcanwesay.Onl
yGod
knowswhyhetookhim
Mpho:wheni
sthef
uner
al?
Eri
c:Idon'
tknowiti
sstil
lbei
ngdi
scussedwi
ththe
famil
ybutitwontbeanyti
mesoon.Maybeaf
ter
nextweek
Mpho:okaypl
easel
etusknowonwhatyoudeci
de
onandwhatwecanhelpon
Eri
c:wewil
ltel
lmysi
stert
onotwor
rywedon'
twant
herlosi
ngt
hebaby
Mpho:shehasalreadygi
venbir
ththat'
swhyshe
cal
ledbecauseshewantedtoshar
et hegoodnews
wit
htheoldman
Er
ic:Ei
sh…I
'm sor
rymanbutcongr
atul
ati
onswhat
di
dyouget?
Mpho:ababygi
rlhernamei
sAmkel
wa
Er
ic:congr
atul
ati
onsman.Pleasedon'tworr
y.Iwi
ll
l
etyouknowaf t
erever
ythi
ngisdiscussed
Mpho:al
ri
ghtt
hankyou
Er
ic:t
hankyou
Hehungupandl
ookedathi
swi
fe
Thandiwe:hesai
dtheywerelastwit
hhi
m month
agobutIrememberIlastspoketohimi
nthreedays
andhesaidtheyhadcomet ovisi
thi
minhishouse
thatday
Mpho:maybehef
orgotandhehasal
otonhi
smi
nd
Thandi
we:youcan'
tfor
gett
hatyouwer
ewi
thyour
f
athert
hreedaysago
Lesedi
:Makot
iisr
ight
.Somet
hingi
sjustnotr
ight
Mpho:l
etusletthem handl
ethi
ngst
hei
rwayand
st
opspecul
atingthi
ngs
Thandi
we:butsomet
hingi
snotr
ight
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtSi
zwe'
s

HemassagedMi
hlal
i'
sfeetwhi
leshewassnacki
ng
ont
hebed.

Mi
hlal
i:sohowdoyouf
eel
?
Si
zwe:f
eel
?
Mi
hlal
i:af
terseei
ngher
Si
zwe:I
'
mfi
ne
Mi
hlal
i:youdon'
tfeel
anyt
hingf
orher
?
Si
zwe:youar
enotbei
ngser
iousr
ightnow
Mi
hlali
:Iwantt
oknow,
didyout
ellhert
hatwear
e
mar
ried?
Si
zwe:yes
Mi
hlal
i:and?
Sizwe:shewasangr
yobl
ivi
ousbecauseshe
beli
evedwehadachance
Mi
hlal
i:andyoudon'
t?
Si
zwe:wow…youknowwhatI
'
m done
Hest
oppedandgotof
fthebed
Mi
hlal
i:(
sighed)I
'
m sor
ry
Si
zwe:what
everman.I
'
m goi
ngoutf
orsomef
resh
ai
r
Mi
hlal
i:butIsai
dI'
m sor
ry

Heputonhi
sshoesi
gnori
ngher
,walkedout.He
openedt
hegat
eandtookhi
scardr
ivingout
*
***
***
***
***
*
Nompi l
osawhi scargooutt hegat e,t
heymustbe
goingoutt oeat .Thiswasgoi ngt obeaper fect
chance.Ther e'snot hingthatcoul dhurthimt han
l
osi ngwhathe' swor kedhardf or.Shewasgoi ngto
burnt hishouseandt hemancavebuthi sparents
l
ivet here?F* cki tf*
ckt hem.Howcoul dtheylet
theirsondot hatt oher ?Sheopenedt hesagatt he
back.Al lthepet rolbombsshehadmadewer ethere.
ThankGodf orgoogl eshewasahomemade
terr*r
*st.Shegr abbedhermat chesandt ookt he
sagwal ki
ngi ntot hehouse.Hel itonebot t
leand
threwi tintheki tchenf ir
st…Phaa! !Thecurtai
ns
wenti ntof l
amesandshewentt oanot herone
movi ngt othebat hr
oom shehear dsomeone
scream i nterrorsh* t!Sh*t!Sh* t
!!
!!

Shet
urnedbackr
unningt
ohercar
,shesawpeopl
e
comi
ngbutshehurr
ieddr
ivi
ngaway.

Nompi
lo:ohmyGod…nonono
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#79

Sizwewasdr i
vingbackhomeandhesawpeople
surroundi
nghishousewithf
ir
efi
ght
ersandpol
ice.
Hisheartski
ppedabeatasheparkedandqui
ckly
steppedout

Si
zwe:whathappened?
!
Thepol
icest
oppedhi
m
Of
fi
cer
:youcan'
tgetcl
osei
t'
stoodanger
ous
Sizwe:(
pushingt
hem of
f)mywi
fei
sint
her
e…get
outofway..MIMI
!!MI
MI!!
Of
fi
cer
:yourwi
fewasr
escuedandsentt
othe
hospi
talbutIwi
llneedyout
ocomewi
thmef
or
quest
ioning
Sizwetur
nedt
ohi
scarandst
eppedi
ndr
ivi
ngt
othe
hospi
tal
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtNompi
lo'
spl
ace

Nompilopacedupanddownherr oom.Unabl
eto
sl
eep…t hepol
iceweregoi
ngtoknockonherdoor
atanymoment .Whathadshedone?Noonewas
supposedtobehomedamn!
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Meanwhi
le

Hearri
vedatthehospi
talandwasdi
rect
edt
othe
doct
orthatwasatt
endi
ngher .

Si
zwe:(
wor
ri
ed)Drhow'
smywi
fe
Dr:Mrwetri
edallwecanbutwecoul dn'
tsaveher,
shehadsevereburnsandhadinhaledsomuch
smokeshewasal r
eadyunconsciouswhenbrought
here…
Si
zwe:no…nother
….Notmywi
fe.
.MI
MI!MI
MI!
Dr
:I'
m sor
rysi
r
Si
zwe:(swall
owedapai
nfull
ump)
myson…Ionl
y
wentoutforsomeai
r…no
Hefeltashar
ppai
nacrosshi
sheartandsl
owly
wentdownonhisknees,
thedoct
orheldhi
m up
cal
li
ngforhel
pwhil
ehecoll
apsed.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Thenextday

Thandi
wedidthedi
shesandMaLesedi
wal
kedi
n
fr
om Imani
'
sroom car
ryi
ngl
aundr
y.

Lesedi
:youshoul
dn'
tbeevendoi
ngt
hat
,Iwi
lldoi
t.
Youshoul
dbet
aki
ngt
hist
imet
obondwi
thyour
baby
Thandiwe:ahmamaIcan'tj
ustlayonthebedthe
wholeday.I'
m usedt
odoingthi
ngsandkeeping
busy.Idi
dwhenIhadI maniandwe'r
esti
llf
ine
Lesedi
:it
'snotr
ight
Thandi
we:tomeit
'sfi
neplusAmkel
waisn'
taf
ussy
babyaf
tereat
ingi
t'
ssleepsl
eepsl
eep
Lesedi
:alr
ightI'
m of
ftodot
hel
aundr
y.Anynews
aboutyourfather
Thandi
we:nobutIwi
llcal
lthem now
Lesedi
:al
ri
ght
Shedri
edherhandsandt ookyogurtf
rom t
hefri
dge
andwenttoherroom.Shewasst i
llsl
eepi
ng
peacef
ul…shetookherphoneandcalledEri
c…

Er
ic:hel
losi
s
Thandi
we:hey…howi
sever
ythi
ng
Er
ic:ever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngwel
l
Thandi
we:di
dtheel
der
smeet
?
Eric:notheyagr
eedtoholdthemeetingatLesot
hoI
am actuall
yonmywayt her
e.Iwil
lcallyouwhen
theyhavedecided.Ial
readytol
dyourhusbandthis
Thandi
we:Iknow.Ij
ust
…
Eric:Iknowthisishar dforyouasyou'vejustonly
knownt hemanf oraf ewmont hsandyoudon' t
knowhowt hingsaredonei nthisfamil
y.Wedon' t
handl esuchmat ter
sweonl ylist
entotheelders
backathome.Hehasbr ot
hersandsister
sback
therewhowi llmaket hedecisi
on.Stayathomeand
takecar eofyourbaby
Thandi
we:but
…
Hehungup
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
hehospi
tal

Si
zwewokeupi
nthehospi
talandhi
spar
ent
swer
e
ther
e.Hi
smom hel
dhi
shandwhi
lehi
sfat
herst
ood
besi
dehisbed.

Mot
her
:(sadl
y)howar
eyouson?
Si
zwe:mamapl
easet
ellmeIwasdr
eami
ng,
tel
lme
Mimii
ssaf
eathomewithmyson

Helookedathisparentsastheyshookthei
rheads
noconfi
rmingeverythi
ng.Hejustcover
edhisface
andshedtears.Theywerereall
ygone.Hismother
huggedhim andhisfat
heralsocomfort
edhimt i
ll
hewascalm
Fat
her
:youneedt
opul
lyour
sel
ftoget
hert
hisi
snot
howIt
aughtyout
obe
Mot
her
:hej
ustl
osthi
sfami
lypl
easel
etmysonbe
Fat
her:wherewereyouwhenthefi
restar
ted.The
pol
icefoundpet
rolbombsout
sideyouryard
Sizwe:Iwentt
ogetsomeair.It
ookmycarand
wentbythegarage.If
il
ledi
tupandboughther
tr
eats
Mother
:seeIt
oldyouhewoul
dneverdosuch.I
knowmyson
Fat
her
:whydi
dyougooutf
orai
r?Di
dyouf
ight
?
Sizwe:kindof…Nompilovisi
tedmeinourhome
hopingtomaket hi
ngswor kandItol
dherIwas
mar ri
ednowandwhatwehadwasover .Shecri
ed
andl ef
tlat
eronmywi f
ekeptaskingifIwantedto
getbackwi t
hher..
.Idi
dn'twantt
of i
ghtwit
hhersoI
l
ef twhenIcamebackt hehousewasonf ir
e
Fat
her
:thi
sbet
terbet
rue
Si
zwe:Iwoul
dneverki
llmywi
fel
etal
onemychi
ld
Thedoct
orwal
kedi
n
Dr
:ohsorr
ytoi
nter
rupt
.There'
sanof
fi
cerher
e
want
ingt
oseeMrShabalal
a

Theof
fi
cerwal
kedinandgreet
edever
yone.Hi
s
par
ent
slef
twit
hthedoctor

Of
fi
cer
:of
fi
cerNdl
ovuher
e.Ij
ustwantyout
otel
l
mewher
eyouwer
elastni
ghtwhent
hef
ir
est
art
ed

Si
zwet
oldhi
m ever
ythi
ngt
hathappenedyest
erday.

Offi
cer
:di
dyourexmakeanyt
hreat
sbef
orel
eavi
ng
yourpr
emises?
Si
zwe:nott
hatIr
emember
.Shewasj
ustemot
ional
Offi
cer
:isshesomeonet
hatcanwantr
evengeon
you?
Sizwe:I
…Idon'
tknow.Shedoesn'
tst
ri
kemeast
hat
typeofper
son
Off
icer
:peopl
erepor
tedseeingsomeoner
uni
ntoa
Vol
kswagenTiguananddrivi
ngawayduri
ngt
hefi
re
Si
zwe:(
thi
nki
ng)no….
.shewoul
dn'
tdot
hatt
ome
Of
fi
cer
:doesi
tri
ngabel
l?
Sizwe:myExNompiloThwal
a.Shecamedr
ivi
ng
thatcar
..
.Ti
guan,
Blueincol
or
Of
fi
cer
:yes
Sizwe:yesbutno…shewoul
dn'
tdothat
.Howwoul
d
sheevenknowhowt omakeapetr
olbomb?
Off
icer
:Iwil
lver
if
yfi
rstyourwhereabout
sand
i
nvesti
gat
eher.Youarebothsuspects
Si
zwe:okay
Offi
cer:t
hankyouf
orcooper
ati
ngandIam sor
ryf
or
yourloss
Sizwenoddedandhewal kedoutwhi
lehelaidback
overt
hinkingever
ythi
ng.There'
snowayNompi l
o
woulddot hattohi
m.Shewasnott hatheart
lessto
burnapr egnantwomaninsideahouse…nonever
buthercar …maybeitwassomeoneelsedriving
bye.Thenwho?Hebar el
yhadenemies
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Meanwhi
le

Nompi
lowat
chedt
henewsandt
her
ewasnot
hing
ontv.Shetur
nedontheradi
oandl i
stenedt
othe
news.Theyrepor
tedahouseburntdownkil
li
nga
pregnantwoman.Shepani
cked

Nompilo:(
tear
ful
)nowhathaveIdone?WhathaveI
done.
Shesqueezedher sel
fintoacor nerhuggingher
kneescryi
ngwi t
hherf acebur i
edi ntoherknees.
Shecriedforanhourt henkeptqui etjustsitt
ing
theret
ryi
ngt ocoll
ecthert houghts.Shehadt oleave.
Shequickl
ygotupandpackeduphersui tcaseand
rushedtoloadthem inhercaranddr ovehomej ust
tolayl
ow.Shear ri
ved, hermot hershockedt osee
her

MaGl
adys:youar
ebackal
ready
Nompil
o:(
avoi
dingeyecont
act
)yes…Ideci
dedi
t
woul
dbebestifIcomehome
MaGl
adys:l
ookatme
Nompi
lo:aahmama
MaGl
adys:l
ookatme
Shel
ookedatheronceandl
ookedaway
MaGl
adys:you'
vebeencr
ying
Nompil
o:(
tearful
)Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
tma.I
j
ustwantt
ol aydown
MaGl
adys:okaygor
estchi
ld
Shewalkedtoherroom andherphoner
ang.She
l
ookedattheunknownnumberbutanswered
Nompi
lo:hel
lo
Voi
ce:am It
alki
ngt
oNompi
loThwal
a?
Nompi
lo:yes
Voice:youaret
alki
ngtoof
ficerNdl
ovu.Iam atyour
placewherecanIfi
ndyou.Ihaveafewquest i
ons
thatIneedtoaskyou
Nompi
lo:concer
ning?
Ndl
ovu:I'
m sureyoualr
eadyknowaboutt
hef
ir
e
t
hattookplaceattheShabal
alapr
emi
ses
Nompi
lo:(
act
ingshocked)what
?No
Ndlovu:wellIwanttoaskyouaboutyour
rel
ati
onshipwiththeShabal
ala'
sandwhatyouwer
e
doingther
eyesterday
Nompi
lo:Iwentt
otal
ktoSi
zweaboutbusi
ness
t
henwenthome
Ndl
ovu:busi
ness?
Nompilo:yesweownalodgetoget
herandIhad
beenawayf orawhil
esoIwenttoseehi
m abouti
t.
Ievenstart
edoffatt
hel
odge
Ndlovu:youwentt
her
eonl
yforbusi
nessnot
hing
el
se?
Nompi
lo:yesbusi
ness
Ndl
ovu:anddi
dyouseehi
swi
fe?
Nompil
o:yesbutwedi
dn'
ttal
kmuch.Il
eftaf
terand
wentt
omypl ace
Ndl
ovu:canyoucomet
othest
ati
on?
Nompi
lo:Iam homei
nMpumal
angaal
ready
Ndl
ovu:why?
Nompi
lo:becauseIcoul
dn'
tber
einst
ated.
Ndl
ovu:oh…wher
ewer
eyout
heni
ghtoft
hef
ir
e?
Nompil
o:Iwashomepacki
ngsoIcanl
eavei
nthe
morni
ng
Ndl
ovu:whatcardoyoudr
ive?
Nompi
lo:Vol
kswagenTi
guan
Ndl
ovu:mmh…bl
acki
ncol
or?
Nompi
lo:At
lant
icbl
ue
Ndl
ovu:al
ri
ght
…thankyouf
oryourt
ime
Shehungupsi
ghi
ngi
nrel
ief

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Oneweekl
ater

Si
zwekneelednextt
ohiswife'
sgrave.Hi
shear
t
washeavybuthejusthadt
ovisither
.
Sizwe:myl
ove…Igotyouyourf
avor
it
efl
ower
.Ar
ed
rose
Heputi
tont
opofhergr
ave
Sizwe:shewasgr antedbai ltoday…Iknowi t
'scrazy.
Howcant heyletamur derwal kf r
eewhileyou're
here.(Swall
owed)Idon' tknowwhatt odo…I '
m so
angryIjustwantt osnapherneckorshoother
once…Iknowi t'
swr ongbuti t'sallIt
hinkabout.I
hatehersomuch( t
ear sburnedhi seyes)shet ook
youandmysonawayf rom me.I 'l
lnevergettohold
him oryou…whyi sGodpuni shingmel i
kethis?
Whatdi dIdot odeser vethis?Ibeggedherand
beggedbutshewasdone.Whydi dn'
tsheki l
lme
thenandj ustl
etyoul ive…buti t
'sfi
ne.Iloveyou
andshewi l
lgetwhat '
scomi ngt oher

Hegotupandwal
kedbackt
ohi
scar

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtThandi
we'
shome

Shewaschangingherbaby'
sdiaperwhenMpho
walkedi
nandsatatthecorneroft
hebedplayi
ng
wit
hhisdaught
ersfoot

Mpho:sohaveyouhear
danyt
hingf
rom your
br
other
Thandi
we:not
hing
Mpho:youshoul
dgi
vet
hem acal
lit
'sbeenaweek
now
Thandiwe:Idon'
twantt
obotherthem.Theywillcal
l
i
ft heyseeaneedtocal
lme.Idon'twanttobetold
thatImusttakecar
eofmybabyandmi ndmyown
business…ohwaitandal
sobeingremindedthatI
methi m 6minut
esago
Mpho:(
sighed)maybehewasst
ressed.Losi
nga
f
atheri
sabi
gthi
ng
Thandiwe:(dr
essingherup)Idon'
tcareanymore.
I'
m notpartofthefamil
yanyway,I
'm aresul
tofan
aff
air
Mpho:don'
tsayt
hat
Thandi
we:Ial
readydi
d
Herphoner
ang
Mpho:yourphone
Shet
ooki
t
Thandi
we:Thandi
weGama
Voi
ce:aft
ernoonma'am youaretal
kingtoRaymond
Ri
chardsalawyerf
rom Richar
d'satt
orneys
Thandi
we:I
'
mli
steni
ng
Raymond:Iam hopingifyoucanmaket i
met osee
metomor r
owattowni nouroffi
ces.Ther
e'san
i
mportantmat
terthatweneedt odiscuss
Thandi
we:about
?
Raymond:Ican'
tdi
scussi
tovert
hephone
Thandi
we:am Ii
ntr
oubl
e?
Raymond:noma'
am i
twontevent
akel
ong
Thandi
we:al
ri
ghtatwhatt
ime?
Raymond:10ocl
ock,
theaddr
essi
s…
Shegrabbedapenandwr ot
edownt headdress
aft
erthatt
hecallended.Shelookedatherhusband
holdi
ngandkissingAmke'sforeheadwhil
eshe
suckedherthumb

Thandiwe:thatwasalawyer
, aski
ngmet ocomeby
hi
sof f
icetomorrowat10oclock.Richar
d's
at
torneysdoyouknowt hem?
Mpho:yeswewor
kwi
tht
hem.Whati
sitabout
?
Thandi
we:hedi
dn'
tsay.Canyoucomewi
thme?
Mpho:al
ri
ght
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#80

Att
hel
odge

Si
zwewentpasteveryonewhowaslookingathi
m
i
gnor
ingt
hem.Heknewhewast het
alkofthet
own,
hi
sst
orywasalloverthepaper
sandont henews.
Hewentt
oseeChampi nhisof
fi
ce

Si
zwe:Mel
usi
Champchuckl
edbei
ngcal
ledbyhi
sful
lnamei
na
l
if
eti
me.
Champ:Busi
zwe
Si
zwet
hrewhi
msel
font
hecouchandsi
ghed
Si
zwe:whatar
etheysayi
ngman?
Champ:she'sout…busi
nessi
snotdoi
ngwell
,who
wantstosupportabusi
nesst
hatmakesmoneyfor
amur der
Sizwe:Ir
egretbr
ingi
ngherher
e…Iregr
etgi
vingher
shares…F*ckwhatthehel
lwasIt
hinki
ng
Champ:eydon'
tbeatyour
sel
fupf
ort
hepast
.We
canst
il
lbuyherout
Sizwe:goahead.Idon'
tfeel
li
ketal
kingt
ohercause
Idon'tknowwhatImightdotoher
Champ:sur
e
Si
zwe:getmesomet
hingst
rongman
Champ:sur
e
Champpi
ckedupt
hephoneandcal
ledr
ecept
ion
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtNompi
lo'
shome

Shelaidonherbedaftercr
yingforsometime,her
motherwasfuri
ouswheni tallst
artedbuthasbeen
supporti
vet
hroughoutever
ything.Shewalkedint
o
herroom wi
thatrayoffood…

MaGl
adys:mt
anamiwakeupandeat
Nompi
lo:I
'
m nothungr
y
MaGl adys:I
fIwereyouIwoul
deatbecauseIhear
d
j
ailf
oodi snotni
ce
Nompilochuckl
edandsatupwhi
leshehanded
overt
hetray.
Nompi
lo:dumbl
ingandbeefst
ew
MaGladys:(
smil
ed)yourf
avori
te….Iwi
llbemaki
ng
yourf
avouri
temeal
sfrom nowon
Shesmiledlooki
ngathermom butgotconsumed
bygui
ltaft
erandlookeddownatherfoodsadly.
Nompi lo:youwi
llbewelltakencareof.Ispoketo
myl awyerandmyshar ef r
om thelodgewillcome
strai
ghttoyou.Iknowyouar eangryevennowbut
thankyoumamaf oreverythi
ngyouhavedonef or
me.Pl easedon'
tquesti
onyourpar enti
ngskill
syou
didthebestwhatdoomedmei smyself
MaGladys:(t
earful
)don'
tgiveupyet
…youcansti
ll
r
iseaf
tereveryt
hing.Iwi
llbeher
etobackyouup
Nompil
o:IknowbutIwi
llgoawayf
ort
hel
ongest
t
ime.

MaGl
adyssai
dnot
hingwhi
leNompi
loat
e
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Thef
oll
owi
ngday

Thandi
weandherhusbandpr
epar
edf
ort
heday.
Shepackedherbaby'
sbagandpr eparedforInami
togotoschoolt
hentheydroppedherofffir
stand
wenttothel
awyer'
soffi
ces.Theyparkedbeforethe
bigbui
ldi
ngandsteppedoutmakingtheirwayi n.

Thandi
we:youknowIhavebeent
hinki
ngofhavi
ng
myownbakery.
Mpho:Iseenopr
obl
em i
nthat
.Youar
ehomemost
oft
hetime
Thandi
we:andyoudon'
thaveaprobl
em wi
thme
worki
ngwhil
eAmkeissti
llababy?
Mpho:ifyoufeelgoodenoughtoworkthengo
aheadbesidesMaLesediseemstobehavi ngso
mucht i
meonherhandsshewi l
lbabysi
tforyou
thoughI'
m gett
ingti
redofhernow
Thandi
we:(l
aughed)metoo…Iwasscar
edt
otel
l
youbecauseshe'
syourmom
Mpho:(l
aughed)wel
lifyouaregoingtostartyour
busi
nessnow,Imightaswelltel
lhertomovei nso
wecanallbemiser
ablefort
her estofourl
ivesbut
i
fnotIcant
ellhert
ogi
veusspace
Thandiwe:Il
iketheideaofspacebutIthi
nkI'
lll
et
herhandaroundf orabit.I
thasbeenablessi
ngnot
tocookordot helaundryandli
steni
ngtoInamigo
onandonaboutever yt
hingint
hisworl
d
Mpho:(
laughed)seehowt
wof
acedyouar
e?
Thandi
we:(
laughed)l
etgogobeman
Theygreetedtherecepti
oni
standhecal l
edMr
Richar
dsal er
ti
nghim aboutthei
rarri
valt
henthey
walkedin.Thandi
wewassur pr i
sedtoseeEri
cand
2othermal esshehadonlyseeni npi
ctur
esshe
wasshownbyherf ather
.Herbrother
sandtheir
wives.

Ri
char
ds:MrandMr
sGamat
hankyouf
orar
ri
ving
Thandi
we:mor
ning
Ri
char
ds:pl
easehaveasi
t
Theysatdown
Ri
chards:youareal
lcal
ledher
econcer
ningMr
Fr
edri
ckMof okeng'
swil
l
Eri
c:canyouj
ustgetonwi
thi
t.Someofuscome
fr
om afar
Thandi
we:canIask?
Ri
char
ds:yes
Thandiwe:i
sn'
ttheWi
llsupposet
ober
eadaf
tert
he
funer
al?
Richar
ds:(
lookedatherconf
used)t
heydi
dn'
ttel
l
you
Thandi
we:t
ellmewhat
?
Thel
awyerl
ookedatherbr
other
s
Thandi
we:Er
ic?Thut
o?Mor
ena?
Thut
o:we'
vel
ongbur
ri
edf
ather
Thandi
we:(
shocked)what
?
Er
ic:canwecont
inuewedon'
thaveal
lday
Thandi
we:(
angry)
youdon'
ttel
lmethathowcan
youburymyfat
herwit
houtt
ellme
Morena:(
yel
li
ng)ohwedidn'
tknowthatwehadt
o
askpermi
ssi
onfrom abast
ardchi
ld
Mpho:(
get
ti
nguppoi
nti
ngathi
m)eywat
chi
tboy
t
hisi
smywi f
e
Thenoi
cewokeAmkel
waandshebegant
ocr
y
Ri
char
ds:ever
yonecal
m downpl
ease

MphosatdownwhileThandi
westart
ed
br
east
feedi
ng.Ri
chardscl
earedhi
sthroatl
ooki
ng
away

Er
ic'
swi
fe:Can'
tyouseet
her
ear
emenher
e?
Thandi
we:(angr
y)t
her
e'st
hedoori
ftheyarenot
comfor
tabl
eseeingamotherf
eedahungrybaby
Richar
ds:pleaseletherbreastfeedandfocushere.
MrMof okenghadawi lli
nplacest at
ingwhathe
wishestohappent ohisassetsi fheweretopass
on.Ihavethewillhere.Iti
sthisdocument
Heshowedi
ttot
hem

Hehaswr i
ttendowneverythi
nghewant edyouto
knowandf oryoutohave.Iwanteditt
ober eadto
onlyhi
schildbutthegent
lemenheresaidthere'
sno
needastheirwivesknoweveryt
hing
Thandi
we:Ial
sohavenopr
obl
em
Ri
char
ds:okayIwi
llr
eadhi
sexactwor
ds
"mychi l
dren…thedayt hiswi llbereadIwoul dhave
l
ongpassed.Iwantyoual ltoknowt hateven
thoughdeat htookme, Ist i
lldiedahappymanandI
havenor egret
saboutmyl i
fe.Ili
vedt hebestwayI
couldandIexpectyout odot hesame.Don' task
yourselfwhyandhowbecauseonl yGodknows.
Thandi wemydaught erIknowIhaveabi gdeptwith
yout hatcanneverbepai dof fevenbymysoulbutI
wantyout oknowthatIl oveyoumychi ld.Iputyou
throughsomuchwi thmyr ecklessnessandaf ter
yout oldmeaboutyourpastIhadsl eeplessnights
thi
nkingabouteverythi
ng.Theyboyshad
everythingbutyoumybaby…Iam l i
vingthefarm
withal
lit
'sli
vestocktoyou.Youcansel li
tifyou
want.I
tisyour sandmyt wocars.Theboyshave
nothi
ngtocr yforasIhavetakencareofthem since
theywereyoungboughtt hem housesandhel ped
them tostartofthei
rbusi
nesses.Ipreparedthem
forali
fewithoutmebutInevergott odot hatwit
hy
-
That
o:(
laughed)no….Popswoul
dn'
t
Richards:(cont
inui
ng)ThemoneyIhavei nvest
edin
thebankt heexactamountbeingR2mi l
lionwi l
lbe
sharedamongstal lmyfourchildrenequal l
yandthe
moneyi nmybankt heexactamountbei ngR300
000wi llbesharedbymy2si stersandonebr ot
her.
Myl awyerandIdr af
tedalet
terwi thal
lthenames
andsur namesandt heexactamountf oreach
i
ndividual.
Er
ic:(
angr
y)t
hisi
stot
almadness
Ri
char
ds:t
hisishi
sfi
nalwi
shes.Hel
eftever
ythi
ng
t
oyoursi
ster
Mor
ena:t
hisi
sjustf
ake
Er
ic:(
angr
y)doyouknowhowmucht
hatf
armi
s
wor
th?45Mi
ll
ionf
*cken45mi
l…

Thandi
wewasj ustoutofi
t.Shewasj ustshocked
andspeechl
ess.Herheart
beataccel
eratedasifshe
haddonesomethingwrong,shestar
tedshaking

Thandi
we:pl
easehol
dher
…It
hinkI
'
m goi
ngt
odr
op
her

Hequicklyheldthebabywhil
esheputbackher
b*oob.Thebrothersgotupcussi
ngandfi
ghti
ng
andasecur i
tyguardwascall
edandtheywere
escort
edoutside

Mpho:ar
eyouokay?
Ri
char
ds:Mr
sGamaar
eyouokay?
Thandiwe:(tear
ful
)yes…I
'
m sor
ryi
t'
sjustal
loft
his
i
sal ottotakein
Ri
char
ds:Iknowbutt
hiswashi
slastwi
shesand
don'
teverf
eelgui
lt
yaboutanyt
hing
Mpho:he'
sri
ght
.Yourf
atherl
eftever
ythi
ngt
oyou
wi
ll
ingl
y
Thandi
we:Idon'
tevenknowwher
ehe'
sbur
ied
Ri
char
ds:Iwi
llgetyoui
ncont
actwi
thhi
ssi
bli
ngs
Thandi
we:okay
Richar
ds:Iwi
llneedt
hefoll
owi
ngdocument
ssowe
canquickl
yhavethef
arm onyourname

Hegaveherthepaperwi
thal
lthet
hingsshewi
ll
needt
obring.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Atasal
on

Mnqobiwal
kedinwithfi
ndi
ngNaledibr
aidi
nga
l
it
tl
egir
landanotherl
adywashi
nganotherwomans
hai
r.Hegr
eet
edever
yonecar
ryi
ngabi
gbox

Nal
edi
:I'
m al
mostdonemyl
oveyoucanputt
hem
atmyoff
ice
Mnqobi
:al
ri
ght
Hewalkedt
oherof
fi
cewhi
let
hel
adi
esl
ookedat
hi
sback.
Nal
edi
:al
ldone…l
ookathowbeaut
if
ulyouar
e
Gi
rl
:mom l
ook!
Her
:youar
ecut
ebabe
Nal
edi
:Iwi
llbebackl
adi
es

Shewal
kedt
oherof
fi
ce,
huggi
ngandki
ssi
ngher
man.

Nal
edi
:thankyoumyl
ove.Youar
esuchal
if
esavi
or.
Sheopenedt
hebox
Nal
edi
:Igotal
lthi
satagr
eatpr
ize
Mnqobi
:how'
sbusi
ness?
Nal
edi:good.Babystepsremember…mynail
t
echnici
anwi l
lst
artt
omor rowbutbusi
nessdi
dwell
f
orjustafir
stdayandt heladi
eshavebeengr
eat
Mnqobi
:okaybusi
nesswoman
Nal
edi
:(smi
led)t
hankyouf
orsuppor
ti
ngme
Mnqobi
:Iwi
llal
waysbewi
thyou
Theyki
ssedandshewentbacktol
ookingatt
he
bundl
esofhai
rcol
lect
ed.Hethenwentbackt
o
workandshedi
dthesame.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtNompi
lo'
shome

Shewokeupanddidchor
esar
oundt
hehousethen
wentbackt
oherr
oom.Peopl
ecametovi
sither
mom butsheknewt heyjustwant edt oseeherand
getwhat evergossipt osipwi t
ht heirt ea.They
woul dstaytil
llate,
shef eltl
ikeapr i
soneri nherown
homeandt hemor eshewasal onet hemor eshe
thoughtofjail.Themor eshej ustgotdepr essedas
i
fshewasl osinghermi nd,sheki l
ledsomeone?I t
sti
lldidnotmakesense…Godknowsshewent
theretobur nthehousewi thnooneandj ustleave.
Sheshoul dn'thaveevenwentt oSi zwe, al lthesigns
wer etherewhenshecoul dn'tfi
ndhi m att hemen
caveorl odge…shet houghtofever ythingt hatshe
woul dundoont hatday…i tdrovehercr azyj ust
thi
nkingabouti t.Sheneededai rsheonl yhadt hree
mont hsoff r
eedom andshewasgoi ngt oenj oyit…

Shet ookabat handwor eti

ghtsandant upac
oversizedtshir
t.Pl
ayingonhermakeuphavi ngthat
sexyl ook,putonhersneakersandaccessories
addingherbl ackbuckethat
.Shet ookpict
ureson
hermi rrorandacoupleofselfi
es.Shegotcashi n
hersidebagandmadeherwayout .Shewas
surprisedtoseeChampseat edint heki
tchenwith
hermot
her

MaGl
adys:oht
her
eshei
s.Youhaveavi
sit
or
Champ:hiNompi
lo
MaGladys:youcanbothsitandtal
kint
hest
udy.I
wi
llbr
inghim somet
hingtodrink
Nompi
lo:t
hat
-
Champ:t
hatwoul
dbegr
eatma.Pl
easel
eadt
he
wayMsThwala
Nompi l
owal kedtothestudywhi leChampl ooked
aroundadmi ri
ngthehousesi ngi
ngprai
sest oher
mom.Onet hingshewaspr oudofisthatshe
managedt obui l
dhermom abeaut if
uldesirabl
e
homedur i
ngherbr eakwithSi zwe.Thecommuni ty
enviedherthat'
swhyt odayt heyarerej
oicingover
herdownfall.Alwaysaskingherwhowi l
lfeedher
si
nceNompi loi
sgoingtoj ailbutbabygir
lhasi tal
l
undercontr
ol .

Theywal
kedi
nandsatdown.Champnoddedher
hi
sheadsi
tt
ingdown.

Champ:youreal
lywental
loutwi
tht
hishouse.Thi
s
i
sastudyfi
tforaking
Nompil
o:(r
aisedaneyebrow)wer
eyouexpect
ingt
o
f
indBarbi
edolls?Ohplease
Champ:Iseeyouhaveyourf
ight
ingspi
ri
ton
Nompi
lo:I
'
m notsel
li
ngyoumyshar
es
Champ:t
hebusi
nessi
ssuf
fer
ing
Nompil
o:Idon'
tcar
eyoumakeapl
an.I
'
m not
sel
li
ngmyshares
Hermot
herwal
kedi
nwi
thcooki
esandgl
assesof
dr
ink
Champ:(
taki
ngacooki
e)t
hankyouma

Shesmi
ledandwal
kedout

Champ:l
ist
ent
hemanwant
syououtandaf
ter
ever
ythi
ngyoudi
dtohi
m…j
ustgi
veupt
heshar
es
Nompi l
o:Ididn'tknowshewasi nsi
de,It
hought
theywentoutf ordinner…Ionlywantedto…you
knowwhatnevermi nd.Iam st
il
lnotsell
ing.Those
shareswil
ltakecar eofmymot herwhil
eI '
m gone
Champ:whowi
llsuppor
theroncewegooutof
busi
ness?
Nompil
o:youwon't
,you'
vewor
kedt
oodamnhar
d
f
oritt
ojustl
eti
tfai
l
Champ:Iwi
lldoubl
ethepr
ize
Nompi
lo:youorhi
m?
Champ:me…us
Nompilo:(
chuckl
es)youdon'tevenknowwhoyou
arenegoti
ati
ngfor
.Justgetoutofmyhouseman,I
don'
thavetimeforthi
s
Champ:Iwontl
eaveunt
ilwemakeadeal
Nompil
o:ther
e'snodeal.Yourl
it
tl
egirl
fr
iendwil
l
makesurethelodgerunssmoothlynow.Ineedto
goenj
oymyf reedom
Shegotupandwal
kedout

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#81

Champcal
ledBusi
zwewhi
ledr
ivi
nghome

Champ:she'
snotsel
li
ngman…t
heb*
tchi
snot
sel
li
ng
Busi
zwe:eveni
fyoudoubl
ethepr
ize
Champ:shewant'
stheshar
est
otakecar
eofher
mothert
il
lshe'
sout
Busi
zwe:nxyouknowt
hatgi
rli
stest
ingme
Champ:maybei fyoutal
ktoher
,she'
lll
ist
en.She
di
dn'tevenseem regr
etf
ulf
orwhatshedid.Ifound
heralldr
essedupt ogotoapar
ty
Busizwehungup,Champcoul
dt el
lhewasway
beyondpissed.Acal
lcamei
nfrom Sandi

Champ:hi
Sandi
:heybabe…ar
eyoudone?
Champ:yesbutshedi
dn'
twantt
osel
l
Sandi
:ohyoudon'
tknowt
hatgi
rl
Champ:aft
ert
hest
uffyout
oldmeaboutherInow
bel
ieveyou
Sandi
:di
dyout
alkt
oMrShabal
ala?
Champ:notyet
.Wewantt
odealwi
ththeshar
es
i
ssuefi
rstt
henwewil
lmakeyoumanager
Sandi
:al
ri
ghtbabe.Comebackhubbyi
sgoing
homefortheweekend.Ineedyout
owar
m upmy
bed
Champ:(
smi
led)Il
iket
hesoundoft
hat
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtThandi
we'
shome

Mphokissedherf
oreheadandgoti
ntobed
spooni
ngher.

Mpho:ar
eyouokay?
Thandi
we:yeah…thankyoufornott
ell
ingyour
mom aboutthei
nheri
tance
Mpho:Idon'
twanttoputunnecessarypressure
ontoyouandhavi
ngpeopleborrowingmoneyf rom
you.I
t'
syouri
nheri
tanceandyougett odecidewhat
youwanttodowit
hi t
Thandi
we:Iknow…Ihaven'tdeci
dedyet.Eri
csaid
i
t'
sworthR45mi l
li
on.MaybeIshouldselli
tsinceI
knownothi
ngaboutowningaf arm
Mpho:ohmaybeyoucanappl
yandst
udyf
ori
t
Thandi
we:I'
m waypastt
hatbabe,I
'm amom wi
th
ki
dsandahusband.Whowi l
ltakecar
eofal
lofyou
i
fIgostudy?No
Mpho:wecangetanannyormai
d
Thandi
we:Idon'
twantanyonear
oundmyf
ami
ly
Mpho:(si
ghed)myloveR45mi ll
ionisnothing,we
canbl
owi touti
njust3yearsbutthefarm…i t'
san
i
nvest
ment .I
twil
lmakemoneyf ormanyyear sto
come.Youwon'thavetoworryaboutmoneyort he
ki
dsfutur
e.Itwasyourfat
her'
streasur
et hat'
swhy
hegaveittoyou
Thandi
we:Ihearyoubutl eavi
ngmyfamil
yand
l
ett
ingsomewomanmot hermykidsandtakecar
e
ofyou…Ijustcan'
t.Thi
ngshavebeengoingsowell,
Iwantthem t
ostaythesame
Mpho:andt
heywi
llbutyoumywi
fear
egoi
ngt
o
st
udywhet
heryoul
i
kei
tornot
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)sowhatwouldyouwantyour
wif
etobuyyouforyourbi
rt
hday?
Mpho:theonlygi
ftI
'
m dyi
ngforiswrapped
under
neaththi
spanti
es…I
'm dyi
ngtojustr
avi
shi
t

Thandi
wel
aughedandt
urnedki
ssi
nghi
m.

Thandi
we:Il
oveyou
Mpho:Il
oveyout
oo

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtNompi
lo'
shome

Shethrewhersel
fonthebedhavingbeingwasted…
shesmi l
edtoher
selfMemori
zingever
yt hi
ngthat
happenedtoni
ghtdamnthatni
ggadefinitel
ycan
dishoutd*ck…shel i
stenedtomusi
canddeci
dedt
o
callSbahl
e.It
'sbeenlong…herphoner
angfora
coupleofti
mest i
llshepickedup

Sbahl
e:t
hener
vesyouhavecal
li
ngmeatt
hist
ime
Nompilo:I
'
m sor
ryjustthati
t'
sbeenl
ongandI
neededsomeonetotalkto
Sbahl
e:got
alkt
othati
nnocentwomanandbaby
youki
ll
ed
Nompi
lo:Idi
dn'
tdoi
tint
ent
ional
Sbahle:youdi
d…youknowyouarewaytoof*
cked
upthat'
swhyGodisn'
tgivi
ngyouanybaby
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)don'
tsayt
hat
Sbahl
e:youki
ll
edheroverwhat
?Ad*
ck?
Nompil
o:(
cryi
ng)noIonl
ywant
edt
obur
nthe
houseonl
y
Sbahl
e:saveyourcr
ocodi
let
earsforthosewho
car
e.Shehadaf ami
ly,
motherandsibli
ngstot
ake
car
eof
.Whatwi
llhappent
othem now?
Nompi
lo:Si
zwewi
llhel
p
Sbahle:you'
rej
ustanevi
lb*
tch.Can'
tbel
ieveIonce
tookyouin.Nevercal
lmeagai
n.Iam notyour
fri
end

ShehungupandNompi l
ocr i
ed.Suddenlyal
lthe
happi nesswasgone.Shefeltsoaloneandhorri
ble
forwhatshehaddone.Sheki l
ledsomeone?She
startedcr yi
ngwhil
ehavi
ngmemor i
esofthatday.
Shecoul dseeherbei
ngburntwithherbaby…she
criedbr eaki
ngdown
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtMnqobi
'
shome

Nalediwokeupget t
ingreadyf
orwor
k,shehad
oversl
eptandeverythi
ngwasjustamess.Mnqobi
walkedintot
heroom wi t
hacupofcoff
eewhil
eshe
gotdressed.
Mnqobi
:mor
ningbeaut
if
ul
Naledi
:whydi
dn'
tyouwakemeup?I
'
mr unningl
ate
forworkandt
heki
ds?OhmyGodIdidn'
tcheckup
onthekids
Mnqobi:Idi
d,t
heyar
efi
neTshepohasever
ythi
ng
undercontr
ol
Nal
edi
:Ineedt
ogo
Mnqobi
:canyouj
ustcal
m down
Nal
edi:no…Ihavetol
eadbyanexamplebef
ore
t
hoseladiesbel
it
tl
eme.Theyal
readyseemeasa
weakl
ing
Mnqobi:t
hat'
sal
linyourhead.Youhavebeen
r
unningitwel
l
Nal
edi
:ofcour
seyouwi
llsayt
hat
.Youl
oveme
Mnqobi
:(smi
led)butI
'
m ser
ious
Nal
edi
:Ihavet
ogo
Mnqobi
:let
'scheckont
heki
dsf
ir
st
Nal
edi
:butwor
k?
Mnqobi
:ki
dsf
ir
st
Nal
edi
:fi
ne

Shegotherover
nightbagwhi
leheputdownt
he
cof
feegett
inghi
scarkeys
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtNompi
lo'
shome

Nompi l
owassi tt
ingoutsidejuststari
ngint
ospace.
Shecouldn'teatordoanyt hi
ngt oday…Sizwe'scar
parkedoutsideandhest eppedout .Herhear
t
poundedthinkingaboutwhyhewast her
e.He
walkedtoherandj uststoodbeforeherlooking
downonher …

Nompi
lo:st
ari
ngi
srude
Si
zwe:si
gnovert
heshar
es
Nompilo:Ican'
t…Iwont.Whowi
llt
akecar
eofmy
motherwhenI '
m gone?
Sizwe:youshoul
d'vet
houghtaboutt
hatwhenyou
burnedmyhouseandwi fedown
Nompil
o:(
tear
ful
)I
'mr
eallysorr
y…Idon'tknowwhat
youwantmetodotoprovethatI'
m sor
ry
Sizwe:si
gnoveryourshar
esandI'
llt
ransfert
hem
toMihlal
i'
sfami
ly'
s.Theyaremor
edeser vi
ng
Nompi
lo:t
hesharesar
etheonlythi
ngIhaveand
st
opacti
ngli
keyougavethem t
omef orf
ree
Hel
ookedar
oundt
hehouse
Si
zwe:youhaveabeaut
if
ulhome,
youknowt
hat
Nompi
losai
dnot
hing
Sizwe:itwoul
dbeapityf
ori
ttobemyster
iousl
y
petrolbombedatni
ghtwi
thyourmom i
nsi
de
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
lyget
ti
ngup)youwoul
dn'
tdar
e!
Sizwe:(
grabbedherbyherneck)
trymeandwewi
ll
seewhowi l
lwin
Hel
etgoandshef
ellont
hegr
oundcoughi
ng.

Si
zwe:youhaveunt
ilt
oni
ghtt
osi
gnover

Hewal
kedout
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
hedoct
or'
sof
fi
ce

Theylookedatt
hescreenl
ooki
ngatthei
rbabyand
hear
ingthebaby'
sstr
ongheart
beat
…

Dr
:yourbabyi
sper
fect
lyf
inebutt
oobi
g
Gabi
:toobi
g?
Archi
e:youheardtheman.Canyoutel
lthegender
?
I
'mt i
redofEnt
leandherst
ori
esabouther'br
other
'
Dr
:let
'st
ryandsee
Gabi:It
houghtIwast heonlyone.Shefr
eaksme
outnow.Yesterdayshesaidshesavedhimf r
om a
sharkatt
ackithadhurthim onhisfor
ehead
Archi
e:that
'
scr
eepyshet
oldmet
hewoundwas
heali
ng
Dr
:(laughed)wel
lIdon'tknowaboutt
heshar
k
at
tackbutshe'sr
ightaboutget
ti
ngabrot
her
Ar
chi
e:i
t'
saboy?
!
Dr
:yest
her
e'shi
sdi
ngl
esong
Gabi
:(smi
li
ngemot
ional
)myl
it
tl
eboy
Ar
chi
e:aMochanePr
ince…
Heki
ssedherhandandl
ookedatt
hescr
een
Gabi
:pl
easepr
intt
hoseout
Dr
:al
ri
ght
Gabi
:(l
ookedatAr
chi
e)t
houghtofaname?
Ar
chi
e:(
smi
led)I
'
m cl
uel
ess…I
…Idon'
tknow
Gabi
:youhaveenought
imet
othi
nkabouti
t
Ar
chi
e:yeah…
Dr
:Iam donenow
Hegaveherwiper
stowi
peof
fthej
ell
yandAr
chi
e
hel
pedhergetup

Dr:ever
ythi
ngisokay,Iam onl
yconcer
nedabout
thebaby'
sweight.Haven'
tyoubeenexper
iencing
anybackpainhavingtopeeinever
y10mi nutes?
Gabi
:yesi
t'
spar
toft
hepr
egnancy
Dr:yourPel vi
cfloorist hei ssue.pregnantwomen
canbeaf f
ectedbypel vicgi rdlepainandl ower
backpai n,andthiscanal lbel i
nkedbackt othe
pelvi
cfloorbecauseal loft hemuscl esandt he
pelvi
sar eintr
insical
lylinked.Thewei ghtofa
growingbabycanputpr essur eonyourpel vi
cfl
oor
andchanget hecentreofgr avi
ty,
sobei ngawareof,
andexer ci
singthepel vicf l
oormuscl esdail
ycan
helpstr
engt henthemuscl esandeaseanypai ns.
Ar
chi
e:howdoessheexer
cise
Dr
:ther
ear
eappsIwi
llgi
veherapamphl
etwi
thal
l
theexer
cisesshewil
lneedanditwi
llevenremind
hertoexerci
seandal
sot heki
ndsoffoodthatare
goodforher
Ar
chi
e:she'
seat
ingt
oomuchj
unk
Dr
:youmustgodownont
hati
t'
snotheal
thy
Gabi
:Okaycanwegonow
Dr
:Iwi
llgogett
hepamphl
et
Hest
eppedoutwhi
leAr
chi
elookedather
Gabi
:what
?
Ar
chi
e:t
hisi
sser
ious
Gabi
:Ihear
dhi
m…I
'
m notdeaf
Thedoct
orcamebackgi
vingt
het
hepamphl
etsand
pi
ctur
esofthescans
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Lat
ert
hatday

Nompi
lohadt
houghtaboutever
ythi
ng.Ther
ewas
nowayar oundi t
.Hewoul ddoashesays…hehad
nothi
ngt ol
ose.Shehadt ogivehim hershar esbut
howwoul dshet akecar eofher?Noshehadt o
makeadealandat leastgetsomething,theywer e
worthgoodmoney.Shet ext
edhim askingt he
l
ocationandhesenti tvi
aWhat sApp.Shedr ovethe
i
twast heoldhouse…shegotchi ll
sjustst anding
outsi
delookingatitasmemor i
escameback.I twas
underconstructi
onandmosthadbeenr epairedbut
i
tjustdidn'
tfeelri
ght.Shesenthi m atext

Nompi
lo:wher
ear
eyouI
'
m out
side
Si
zwe:comei
n
Nompi
lo:Ican'
tcomei
n
Si
zwe:al
ri
ghtgohomet
hen.Youwantnodeal

Shedidn'
trespondandslowlywal
kedin…thehair
s
onthebackofherheadst oodasShr
iver
'swent
downherspine.Shefel
tsocoldsuddenl
yandher
heart
beataccel
erat
ed.Sheheardsomeonescream
andturnedbackqui
ckl
y..
.ohitwasj
ustki
ds
passi
ngby.Shewalkedinint
othebur
nedkit
chen

Nompi
lo:hel
lo
Si
zwe:I
'
m her
e!

Sheheardhim cal
lfr
om oneoftherooms.She
l
ookedforhim andfoundhiminoneroom bur
nt
beyondseatedonthecorner
.Withabottl
eofgi
n
andwhiskeynexttohim,hol
dingpaper
sandapen.

Si
zwe:t
hisi
swher
eshet
ookherl
astbr
eat
h
Nompiloswall
owedasf
earki
ckedi
n,herhear
tbeat
accel
erat
ing
Si
zwe:t
akeadr
ink
Nompi
lo:Ican'
tjustgi
veyout
heshar
esf
orf
ree.
Si
zwe:(
laughed)I
'
m notbuyi
ngt
hem ei
ther
Nompi
lo:IneedmoneySi
zwe.
.whowi
llt
akecar
e
ofmymom?
Sizwe:(
angry)doyouthi
nkIcar
e!Doyout
hinkI
careaboutyouoryourmom?!
Nompil
o:(t
ear
ful
)theyar
ewor
thR800kthat'
salot
ofmoney.I
fyougiveme50%I
'l
lsi
gnthem over
Si
zwe:(
laughed)t
hisb*
tchi
scr
azy
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)that
'sal
lI'
m aski
ng
Si
zwe:(
angr
y)youhavenor
ightt
oaskf
oranyt
hing.
Si
gnnow
Nompi
lo:(
tear
ful
)Wor
ldI
…
Sizwe:al
ri
ghtgoandthedayyougetsent
encedwi
ll
al
sobet hedayyouhear…orIcanmakethecal
l
nowandyouf indt
hehouseinfl
ames…
Hegotupt
hrowi
ngt
hepaper
sather
Si
zwe:si
gn!
Shet
ear
ful
lysi
ghedt
hepaper
s
Si
zwe:i
nit
ialeachpage
Shedi
dasshewast
oldi
ntear
s…t
hiswaswor
se
thanjai
l…allherhardworkgone!Shejustbroke
downsitti
ngdownandcover i
ngherfacecrying.He
walkedtohertakingthepapers…
Si
zwe:seehowitf
eelswhensomet
hingi
mpor
tant
i
stakenawayfr
om you

Nompi
lodi
dn'
trespondj
ustcr
yingherhear
tout

Si
zwe:getup
Shedi
dn'
tli
sten
Si
zwe:(
pul
li
ngherbyherhai
r)Isai
dGetUp!
Sheangr
il
ygotuphi
tt
inghi
m onhi
sfaceandchest
Nompilo:(
cryi
ng)can'tyouseeyou'
rehur
ti
ngme?I
can'
tbeli
eveIlovedyou!

Hest
ruggl
edherandpushedheragai
nstt
hewal
l…
t
hest
enchofalcoholi
nhi
sbreath…
Si
zwe:(
angr
y)hur
t?Youwantt
otal
kabouthur
t?!

Shet ri
edt oscr
atchhi
m whil
ef i
ghti
ngf orherbreat
h
butshegotweakerbyt hemi nut
eItwasl ikehehad
turnedi nt
oabeast.Shesuddenlystoppedf i
ght
ing
andpeegusheddownherl egs,heletgoofherand
shej ustsli
ddowncoughingandcr ying.Heheldher
closet ohim…

Sizwe:(
tear
ful
)seewhatyou'
vetur
nedmeint
o…
f*
ckIlovedyouandyouscrewedmeMpil
oyou
SCREWEDME! !!

Hegr
abbedt
hebot
tl
eofGi
nandputi
ttowar
dsher
mout
h

Si
zwe:dr
ink

Shepushedi
tof
fst
il
lcr
ying.Hef
orcef
ull
ygr
abbed
herfacesqueezi ngbothhercheeksandpour ingit
.
Sheswal l
owedandchokedoni tcoughing.He
pull
edhert ohisf aceagainandki ssedher …she
pushedhi m backbuthet i
ghtenedhi sgri
pbitingher
l
owerl i
pnott ost opandhecont i
nued.Hepul led
downhi ssweat pantspul l
ingouthissemi -hardpipe
thenputherhandonhi m…shef el
tithardenover
hergripandl etgopushi nghim back.Shet urnedon
herkneeswant ingtogetupbuthepul l
eddownher
ti
ghtsalongwi thundiesandpl uggedi ntoher…she
fl
inchedatthesuddeni ntr
usionashef i
ll
edherup
ti
ghteninghisgr i
psoshedoesn' tmoveand
pumpedher …herl i
pspar t
edgivingintohim ashe
pumpedi ntoher …..

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#82
AtNompi
lo'
shome

Shear r
ivedhomeandt ookabat haf terthatshe
j
umpedi ntobedandzoomedout …musthavebeen
thealcoholors* xbutshej ustsleptlikeababyf or
thefir
sttime.Shewokeupi nt henextdaywi t
ha
poundingheadache.Shepul ledoutherdr awerand
poppedsomepai nkil
ler
s.Shel ai
dont hebedf acing
theceil
ingt hinki
ng.Itwascl earshehadl osther
sharesandt herewasnowayofget t
ingthem back
butshehadt omakeapl an,shecoul dn'tjustleave
hermot herwi thnothingandsheusedal lshehad
savedupbypayi ngforthelawyer .Allshehasnow
i
shercar …yepi t'
sthelastassetshehasandcan
makegoodmoneyoutofshewi llfi
gureoutwhatt o
doaf t
er

Shet
ookherphoneandmadeacal
l
Voi
ce:hel
lobeaut
if
ul
Nompi
lo:Ineedsomeonet
obuymycari
t'
sur
gent
Voi
ce:Imi
ghtbei
nter
est
edhowmuch
Nompi
lo:R300k
Voi
ce:(
laughed)
you'
recr
azyR200k
Nompil
o:Iboughtt
hatcarayearagoit'
sasgoodas
new.f
indmeabuyerwhodoesn' thaveti
mefor
games
Voi
ce:youar
ethatdesper
atehuh?
Nompi
lo:(
laughs)Iwi
sh,
whywoul
dIbedesper
ate?
Voi
ce:f
ineI'
l
lputdownR200kandpayt
her
esti
n
monthl
yinst
all
ments
Nompi
lo:t
hatwon'
twor
kwi
thme.
ineedcashal
lof
i
t
Voi
ce:okayfi
ne.Iwil
lletyouknowl
ater
.Sol
et'
s
meetandf*ckonelastti
me
Nompi
lo:wi
tht
hoseweakasssst
rokes.Idon'
tthi
nk
so
Shehunguphopi
ngshehear
sfr
om hi
m soon.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtSi
zwe'
spl
ace

Sizwel aidonhi sbedt hinkingabouttheshares.He

didn'tquest i
onhi sdeci siont otaket
hesharesfrom
her.Shedi dn'tdeser vet hem special
lyaft
er
everythingshehaddone, j
ailwasjustali
tt
le
punishmentpl usshewoul dbeouti nnotime
paradingt hest r
eetsaf terget ti
ngparol
e.Thelaws
ofS. Aar eneverf ai
r.Atl eastnowshewi l
lwalkout
withnot hingbutaj ailrecor dnoonewi llwantto
wor kwi t
hheraf terthat .Hewasdi st
urbedbyhis
ri
ngingphone.Hel ookedf oritandfoundit
under neatht hesheet s…

Si
zwe:hel
lo
Champ:heymanhowar
eyou?
Si
zwe:I
'
m goodmanhowar
eyou?
Champ:good…di
dyout
alkt
oher
?
Si
zwe:t
heshar
eswi
llbei
nmynamebynextweek
Champ:(
laughedi
ndi
sbel
ief
)no…howdi
dyoudoi
t
man?
Si
zwe:t
hatdoesn'
tmat
teri
t'
ssol
ved
Champ:howmuchdi
dyouof
ferher
?
Si
zwe:nothi
ng,shedeser
vesnot
hingf
rom me,
they
werenother
sinthefi
rstpl
ace
Champ:damn…andshej
ustl
etyougoj
ustl
iket
hat
Si
zwe:evenl
etmef
*ckt
hatp*
ssyf
orf
ree
Champ:(
laughs)she'
sfort
hest
reet
sman.
Sizwe:(
laughed)she'
sabadb*
tcht
hatcan'
thol
d
nothi
ng.
Champ:sowhatwi
llyoudowi
tht
hem?
Sizwe:Iwi
llgi
veMimi'
sfami
ly3%i
nhonoroft
hei
r
daughtert
henkeepthe2%
Champ:orsel
lmethet
wopercent
,itst
il
lwon't
changet
hatyouar
ethemaj
orit
yshareholder
Si
zwe:Iwi
llt
hinkabouti
t
Champ:pl
easedo
Si
zwe:al
ri
ghtshar
p
Champ:shar
p

Hehungupget
ti
ngupt
ohi
ttheshower
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtThandi
we'
shome

Shesear chedovert
heweekendforschoolsshecan
enrolli
ntodof armi
ngmanagementandl ucki
ly
universi
rtyofMpumalangaal
sooffer
edthecoar se.
Itwascloset ohome

Lesedi
:(l
ooki
ngatt
hescr
een)whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Agri
c?
Thandi
we:j
ustl
ooki
ngatcour
sesIcando
Lesedi
:youwanttogotoschool
?Why?Youal ready
haveabusinessandahusbandthatsuppor
tsyou
fi
nanci
all
y
Thandiwe:businesshasstoppedr i
ghtnowandI
keeprefer
ri
ngmycl i
ent
stomyf r
iendsmom whi
ch
meansI '
ml osi
ng.Ineedsomet hi
ngsolid
Lesedi
:not
hingbeat
swor
kingf
oryour
sel
f
Thandi
we:Iknowthat
,thi
swi
llcomeinhandyone
dayandIhavespokentomyhusbandabouti
t
Lesedi
:theki
ds?
Thandi
we:yeahaboutt
hat…mayouhaveahome
andahusband,youbei
ngalwaysher
e…who'
s
taki
ngcar
eofyourhusbandwhenyouar
ehere?
Lesedi
:heunder
stands
Thandiwe:noma.Idon'twantt
obecausi
ng
probl
emsi nyourhousehol
d.
Lesedi
:youneedal
lthehel
pyoucanget
Thandi
we:myhusbandisher
etohel
pandInamii
s
notali
tt
lebaby,
shecancl
eannowandhel
paround
wit
heveryt
hingelse
Lesedi
:yourhusbandi
snother
easwespeak
Thandi
we:hewentoutt
oseehi
sfr
iendbecausehe
canseehe'
snotneeded
Lesedi
:soyoudon'
tneedme?
Thandi
we:maIam notchasingyouaway.Youcan
comeheretoseeyourgr
andchildr
enanyti
mejust
l
ikehowyoudowi t
hNaledi
'skids…speaki
ngof
them,whenl
astdi
dyouseet hem?
Lesedi
:I…
Thandiwe:exactl
y,youhavetobalanceoutthetwo.
Youar espendingwaymor eti
mewi thyour
grandchil
drenthi
ssidethanthatsi
de.Itwi
llendup
causingproblemsonbot hsi
desclaimi
ng
favouri
ti
sm
Lesedi
:Iguessyouar
eri
ght
.Idi
dn'
tthi
nkofi
tthat
way
Thandiwe:Iknow…don'tworr
yaboutmeeveryt
hing
i
sgoingwel l
,Iwil
lcal
lyouwhenIneedyou.I
promisebutyouneedtobewi t
hyourhusband…the
poormani sti
redofsl
eepingal
oneandafrai
dto
voi
cei
toutbecausewewi
llsayhei
ssel
fi
sh
Lesedi
:(l
aughed)nowthatyouputitt
hatway.Ij
ust
wantedmylit
tlebabyt
obewel lt
akenof
Thandi
we:shewi
ll
Lesedi
:okayi
sitokayi
fIl
eavet
oday
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)yes
Lesedi
:al
ri
ghtt
hankyoumychi
ld
Shewalkedt
oherbedr
oom whi
leThandi
wesi
ghed
i
nrel
ief
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtThemba'
spl
ace

Hi
sgirl
fr
iendser
vedthem pl
atesandtheywentt
o
si
tunderthet
reeshadeeati
ngaft
erfi
xinghi
scar.

Mpho:t
hisi
sdel
ici
ous,
youshoul
dmar
ryher
Themba:(
laughi
ng)ahmanshe'
sst
il
lonpr
obat
ion
Mpho:it'
sbeen2year s,
ifyouwantedtomar r
yher
youwould'vemarri
edher.Wear enotgett
ingany
youngerman,it
'sonlyri
ghtforyoutogetagood
womanandset tl
edown.Whowi llt
akecareofyou
whenyouar esi
ck?Don'tyouwantt ohaveaf amily
ofyourown?Areyounott ir
edofbeggingf ors*x?
Themba:(
laughed)ei
shdon'
tevenment
ioni
t
Mpho:youar ebusyspendi
ngallyourmoneyon
thesewomenwhodonot hi
ngforyou.Lookatyour
house.Ibui
ltahouseandmywi feturnedi
tint
oa
home.Iam amanbecauseofher ,peopler
espect
mebecauseofher
Themba:ei
sh…konaithur
ts.Idowantt
hatl
if
etoo,
I
wantal
lmykidstol
ivewit
hmeandhaveast abl
e
home.
Mpho:sowhati
sst
oppi
ngyou?
Themba:ei
sh…
Mpho:youal
waysspeakhi
ghlyofher
,shecooks,
cl
eansandmakessureal
ltheki
dsyoumadeout
t
her
ehaveever
ythi
ngt
heyneed.Sowhy?
Themba:Ihaven'
tbeenmaki
ngenoughmoneyf
or
l
obola
Mpho:that'
salameexcuse.Stoppl
ayingwit
h
someone'sdaught
er.Ihavedaught
ersminaIwoul
d
cast
rat
eanyguyt hatwanttoplayt
hem
Themba:ei
shokayMf
ethu.Ipr
omi
seIwi
llf
ix
thi
ngs
Mpho:good
Themba:sohowar
ethi
ngs?
Mpho:thi
ngsaregoodathome.Thebabyi
sokay,
mywifeisokay.
Themba:al
ri
ghtandt
hei
nvest
igat
ion?
Mpho:t
heywentqui
etandIdeci
dedt
oleti
tgo.I
t
woul
dreal
lyhur
tmywife
Themba:okay
Mpho:pl
usshehasalotonherpl
ateal
ready,
the
babyandherst
udi
es
Themba:st
udi
es?
Mpho:yesshewillbegoi
ngt
oter
ti
arynextyeart
o
f
urt
herherstudi
es
Themba:she'sstar
ti
ngagai
nwit
hherf
orensi
cwhat
whatadventureagai
n?Thi
swomandoeswhatever
shewant'
swhenevershewantyouwoul
dswear
shewearsthepants
Mpho:(l
aughed)nothatisnott
hecase.
.shewil
ldo
somethi
ngrel
atedtofarmingandIwastheonethat
suggest
edit
Themba:(
laughed)andwher
edoest
hatl
eaveyou
andtheki
ds?
Mpho:wecanhi
reanannyt
ohel
pwi
tht
heki
dsand
housedut
ies
Themba:(
laughs)uyajabula…Iwouldnevernever
mybeauti
fuloutther
et otheseboys
Mpho:(laughed)wellIfearnot
hing.Iknowandtrust
mywi f
ecompl etel
y.Iwanthertoempowerher self
andacquireallt
hethingsshewant s.Whenshe
winsIalsowin
Themba:hhaydoyoumanIwoul
dnever
Theybot
hlaughed
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Lat
er

Shegotthecallandever
ythi
ngwasset ,shegota
cal
landeveryt
hingwouldhappent omorrow.
Checkingoutt
hecarandt r
ansf
eringcasht hen
changingi
tint
ohi sname.Shej
oinedhermot her
outsi
dedoingthelaundr
y

Nompil
o:mat
her
e'ssomet
hingIhavet
otal
ktoyou
about
MaGladys:doesi
texplai
nhowyougott
hose
Mar
k'saroundyourneck?
Shet
ouchedherneck
Nompi
lo:Il
ostmyshar
es
MaGl
adys:Isee
Nompi
lo:Ihadt
odoi
tforourpr
otect
ion
MaGladys:i
sthatwhyyouhavet
hoseMar
k's?He
f
orcedyoutosignt
hem tohi
m?
Nompi
lo:i
tdoesn'
tmat
teranymor
e
MaGladys:(
tear
ful
)i
tdoes…hehur
tyou,
let
'sgot
o
t
hepoli
ce
Nompi l
o:noma…j ustl
eti
tgo.Isol
dmycar,
wewill
haveenoughmoneyt obuil
d3backroomst
hatyou
wil
lrentoutwhil
eIam awaysoyouhavemoneyto
maintai
nyoursel
f
MaGl
adys:(
tear
ful
)butyoul
ovet
hatcar
Nompi
lo:whati
stheusema.Ican'
tletyoust
arve
whi
lei
t'
sparkedi
nthegar
age
MaGladys:youl
ikeact
ingl
ikeIcan'
ttakecar
eof
mysel
f
Nompilo:Iknowyoucanbutmyhear twontbeat
easeknowingIdi dn'
tleaveyouwithanythi
ngtofal
l
backon.Iwillgetpeoplewhowillbui
ldfastata
l
essprice
MaGl adys:(
tear
ful
)mybabywhydon' tyouuset he
moneyt oaddanotherl
awyerandfight.Whyareyou
givi
ngup?Wecangot othepol
iceandr epor
thim
forhurt
ingyou,t
heywil
lseeheisnotsoi nnocent
Nompil
o:Idon'
twantt
ofightma…Ij
ustwantt
obe
j
udgedgetmypunishmentandmoveon
MaGladys:youar
espeaki
ngl
iket
hisbecauseyou
don'
tknowjail
Nompi
lo:Iknowl
et'
snott
alkabouti
t

Hermothersai
dnot
hingcar
ryi
ngonwi
thher
l
aundr
y
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtThandi
we'
shome

Sheheardaknockonthedoorandwal
kedoutof
herroom passi
ngI
maniwhowasplayi
ngonthe
si
tti
ngroom
I
mani
:(yel
li
ng)mamat
her
e'ssomeoneatt
hedoor
Thandi
we:Ihear
dnoneedt
oscr
eam

Sheopenedt
hedoorandt
hewasadel
iver
yguy.

Del
iver
yguy:af
ter
noonma'
am i
sMrGama'
shome?
Thandi
we:yes
Del
iver
yguy:Ihaveapackageher
eforhi
m
Thandi
wet ookt
hebi
gbr
ownenvel
ope.Sheshooki
t
andsqueezedit
…
Thandi
we:what
'si
nher
e?
Del
iver
yguy:Idon'
tknow…canyoupl
easesi
gn
her
e
Thandi
wet
ookt
hepenandsi
gnedf
orhi
m
Del
iver
yguy:t
hankyou
Thandi
we:t
hankyou
Hewentt ohisdel
iver
ycarwhil
eThandiweclosed
thedoorcuri
ousaboutwhatisinsi
de.I
tfel
tli
kea
fi
le…afil
efrom workmaybe?Theyhadnosecr et
s
sohewoul dn'
tmindifsheopenedit
.Shewalkedto
theki
tchenandtookakniferi
ppingi
topen….

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#83

Shewaspul
li
ngoutt
hef
il
ewhenshehear
dthe
babycry.Sheputi
tdownandhur r
iedtoatt
endher .
MphocamebackandI namir
ushedt ohi
m excit
ed.
Healwaysbroughthersomet
hingfrom whereverhe
wentevenwork.Hegaveherabarofchocolate

Mpho:wher
eisyourmom?
I
nami
:shewentt
othebaby

Thandi
wewal
kedoutwi
tht
hebaby

Thandi
we:youar
eback
Mpho:yesi
twasasmal
lpr
obl
em t
ofi
x
Thandi
we:youhadadel
iver
y,It
hinki
t'
saf
il
efr
om
work

Mphol ookedatt
hebrownenvelopewri
tt
eninl
arge
boldcapit
als‘
confi
dent
ial’
alr
eadyopenedatt
he
top
Mpho:di
dyouopeni
t?
Thandi
we:yesbutIdi
dn'
tlookatwhat
'si
nsi
de
Mpho:t
hisi
sconf
ident
ial
Thandi
we:wekeepnosecr
etsbet
weenussoIdon'
t
seeanypr
obl
em
Mpho:butt
hisi
sconf
ident
ialandwor
krel
ated
Thandiwe:whydi
dn'
ttheydel
iveri
tatwor
kifi
t'
s
workrelat
ed
Mpho:Iam sayi
ngthi
sandyouaresayi
ngthat
.We
mi
ghtbemar ri
edbutIst
il
lneedmypri
vacy
Thandi
we:pr
ivacyandmarr
iagedoesn'tmixifyou
wantustobeprivat
ewebeprivat
etogether
Mpho:t
hatdoesn'
tevenmakesense
Thandi
we:tomeitdoes.Whyar eyouget
ti
ngall
workedupoveraworkfil
eunless…youaredoi
ng
somethi
ngyouknowisagainstthelaw
Mpho:Iam not
!
Thandi
we:don'
tputmyf
ami
lyi
ndangerbyst
eal
i
ng
atwork
I
nami
:mom anddadar
eyouf
ight
ing?
Bot
h:no!
Inami:mom don'topendaddy'
sthi
ngswit
hout
per mi
ssi
on.YoualwayssayIshouldnott
akeyour
thingswi
thoutpermissi
on
Mpho:t
hat
'sr
ight
Thandi
we:Ialsor
emembersayingnevereavesdr
op
whenpeoplearet
alki
ngaboutt
hingsthatdoesn'
t
concer
nyou
I
nami:Iwasn'
teavesdr
oppi
ngyouar
efi
ght
ing
wher
eIam
Thandi
we:wewer
enotf
ight
ing
Mpho:(
cal
mly)
wedon'
tfi
ghtwet
alki
nthi
shouse
I
nami
:thenyouar
etal
kingt
ool
ouddad
Mpho:(
sighed)okayf
orgi
veme,
I'
m sor
rymyangel
Hel
ookedathi
swi
fe
Thandi
we:okayokayI
'
m sor
ry
Mpho:I
'
llwor
kont
hisi
nthest
udy

Het
ookt
hef
il
eandwal
kedt
othest
udy
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Att
hest
udy

Hegoti ntohi sstudyandcl osedthedoorl ockingit

thentookoutt hefilewal kingtowar dshisdesk.
SiphiweGiftMor gan, heopenedi tandtherewer e
pictur
esofhi m asababyhesmi ledlookingathow
cutehewasandhowhel ookedal i
keabi twith
Inami andhermot her .Theywer enotidenticalbut
youcoul dtelltheywer er el
ated.EvenAmkel wa
l
ookedmor eofhermot herthanherdadbl amei ton
theirmothersst ronggenes.Hel ookedatmor e
pictur
esofhi m gr owi ngwi thhisfami l
y.Theyhad
pickedani nterracialcoupl ethathadbeen
struggli
ngt ohaveki dsf oryears.Theywer est abl
e
hadgoodj obsandhewasgoi ngtobet heonl ychild
gett
ingalltheattenti
on.Hewentt hrought heir
pi
cturesandsuddenl ygotdisturbedbyoneandi t
l
ookedl i
keacur rentonehei ssi xyear soldnowhe
wasl ayi
ngonabl oodydi r
tyfl
oornakedwi th
wounds, darkMar ksonhi sbum bl eeding.Ther e
wasanot heronecl oseuphi sf aceallbruisedup
andoneeyeshuthavi ngadar kcircl
eont heot her…
heswal l
owedashi shear t
beataccel eratedlooking
atanothercloseupwi t
hbr ui
sesonhi swr istsand
ankl
esl i
kehehadbeent i
edup.Ont hesepi ctur
es
hewassoski nnyyoucoul dseehi sribs,hehad
woundsandar ashonhi sentirebody.Heopened
upaf il
e,i
twaswasdoct or'
sfilestati
nghi sheal th
stat
usandt her
ewasal soapol icefi
le

Hequi ckl
yscannedreadingont hedetai
ledpol
ice
affi
davitSimphiwewasfoundchai nedatthe
basement ,hewasseverelyemaciatedandhad
brui
sing,lacer
ati
ons,andulcer
salloverhisbody,
accordingtothepoli
ceandcour trecor
ds.Healso
showedsignsofbeingsexuall
yabused.Aman
beli
evedtobehi
sgr andfat
herwasarrest
ed.Thi
ngs
didn'
tmakesense,wherewerehisparent
s?Hetook
hisphoneandcall
edt hePI

P.
I:yes
Mpho:It
'sGamaspeaki
ng,Ireceivedthef
il
e.Ineed
i
nformat
iononwhathappenedf orhimtoendup
wit
htheman
P.I:i
t'
salli
nt hefi
le.Hisparentsdivorced, t
hef at
her
i
sanal coholicandt hefemalegotf ul
lcust odyafter
thatshewentabr oadf orherstudiesleavingt heboy
withhergrandfather.That'
swhent heboybecamea
victi
m.Hewasst arvedandsexual lyassaul t
ed,he
wasr eport
edbyanei ghborafternotseeingt heboy
forsomet i
me.Theboyi scurrentlyfi
ghtingf orhis
l
ifeinhospitalcurr
entlydeali
ngwi thkidneyf ail
ure
Mpho:(
swal
lowed)t
hankyou…Isendyout
her
est
oft
hemoney
P.
I:al
ri
ght
Hehungup

Mphol ookedatmorestuf
faboutthecaseandhi
s
heal
th.Hisheartbr
eaki
ng,theyfai
ledhi
m,hefai
l
ed
hi
m.Thi swouldn'
thavehappenedhadtheynot
gi
venhi m away
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtNal
edi
'
ssal
oon

Shewasdeal i
ngwit
hherfi
nanci
albookswhenher
motherknockedandwal
kedin.

Lesedi
:isi
tsaf
etocomei
n?
Nal
edi
:(smi
led)comei
n.Howar
eyou?
Lesedi
:I'
mfine,Ij
usthadt
ocomeandseeyour
sal
oon.It
'sbeauti
ful
Nal
edi
:thankyouma…Iunder
standt
hebabyi
s
keepi
ngyoubusy
Lesedi
:notanymore,
makot
itol
dmeIam nol
onger
neededsoIpackedmybagsandlef
t
Nal
edi
:I'
m sur
eshedi
dn'
tputi
toutt
hatway
Lesedi:anywayIgavet
hem thespacet
heywant.I
tr
ied,sohowar emygrandki
ds?Iwanttot
akethem
outtoeat
Nal
edi:t
heyar
eokayandathome.Youcantake
t
hem andcanyoubewit
hthem t
oni
ght.Mnqobi
want
sust ogooutf
ordi
nner
Lesedi
:noprobl
em,
speaki
ngofhi
m whenar
eyou
gett
ingmarr
ied
Nal
edi
:(l
aughs)mar
ri
agema?I
'
mfarf
rom t
hat
Lesedi
:whynoti
t'
sbeenayearandmont
hs
Naledi:Il
ovehi
m andhelovesme.Itol
dhim howI
feelaboutmarr
iageandwebothagreedtoj
ust
dating
Lesedi
:soyouarejustdat
ingforf unthere'
snoway
for
ward?Whydi dyougetthekidsi nvol
vedinyour
shenani
gansthen?Whenyoubr eakupyouwi ll
i
ntr
oducet
hem t
oanot
herman?
Nal
edi
:mama
Lesedi:noIneedanswers… thebothofyouar en'
t
gett
inganyyounger,hedoesn'tevenhaveachi l
d,
doyouknowhowhar ditistofindamant hathas
nokidsbutlovesyoursasiftheyarehis?Theywi l
l
snatchhim anddon'
tcomecr yingtome.Doyou
evenseeaf utur
ewithhim?
Nal
edi
:youmama…yesIdoseeaf
utur
ewi
thhi
m
Lesedi:thenmakethingsclear
…wear enot
entert
ainedbythisboyfr
iendandgirl
fr
iendt
hing.
Youar etooold,
don'tyouwantt obeli
keyour
brother
Nal
edi
:I'
vebeent
her
emama
Lesedi
:soyouarel
ett
ingyourpastgeti
nthewayof
beinghappynow
Naledi:Ij
ustdon'
twanttoaddunnecessar
y
pressureonhim andIfeel
li
keit'
swaytooear
ly.I
havenotseenhi m athi
sworstyet
Lesedi
:mygi
rlyouwi
llcr
y
Naledi
:Iwon'
t…maIam asel
fmadewomanwi
thor
wit
houthimI'
l
lli
ve
Lesedi
:okay
Nal
edi:t
hekidsar
ehome,
letmecallt
hem andt
ell
t
hem youarecomingt
opi
ckthem up
Shet
ookherphonecal
li
nghersonTshepo

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Lat
eron

Af t
erdinnerNompi l
owentt otakeashower .She
l
iteral
lysatont hef l
oorhuggingherkneescr ying.
Shef el
tthesamepai nshef el
twhent hatoldman
playedher,thesamepai nshef el
twhenshel osther
babygi r
l,t
hever ysamepai nnowshef eel
saf ter
l
osingherl astbabygi r
l.Sbahlewasr i
ght ,
thiswas
herpunishmentf r
om God.Whowoul dgi veachi ld
tosuchamonst er?Godknowsusi nsideout, he
knewshewasnevergoodf rom thestart…jail
maybeabet terplacethanhere…shegotupand
turnedi toffdryi
nghersel
fthenwal kingintoher
bedr oom.Heopenedhercl osetandpul ledouta
boxhi ddenattheback.Shet ooktheboxandwent
tosi tonherbed.Shet ookoutpi ct
uresofherscans
andsmi l
edputti
ngthem asidethent ookout
pict uresofherandSizwe.Shet ookoutmat ches
from herdr awersandsetthosepi cturesali
ghtwhile
i
nt ears.Shethrewthem i
nt hebinandl aidont he
bedhuggi ngscansofhert wobabi essobbing
silent l
yti
llshefel
lasl
eep…
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
shome

Afterseei
ngal lthosephot oshecoul dn'tstomach
anythingsoheopt edoutf ordinner.Thandiwehad
dinnerwithherdaught erthentheydidt hedishes
whilehewat chedt .v.theycamet ojoinhim buthe
excusedhi mselfgoi ngtot hei
rbedroom.Thandi we
carriedonwat chingt vwithherdaught erthensent
hert obedturningof fallt
hel i
ghts.Shewal kedint
o
theirbedr
oom f indi
ngMphoal r
eadyi nbed.She
checkedAmkei
nhercr
ib…

Mpho:she'
sasl
eep,
Icheckeduponher
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)t
hankyou

Shewentint
othebathr
oom andtookabathcame
outaf
ter50minut
esalr
eadyinherpyjamas.She
goti
ntobedandlai
donherhusband'schest.

Thandi
we:ar
eyouokay?
Mpho:yes
Thandiwe:youknowsometi
mesyouseem t
oforget
thatIknowyou.Youdi
dn'
thavedi
nnerwi
thusand
thenquickl
ycameherewhenweweresupposedto
betogetherasafami
ly
Mpho:I
'
mti
red
Thandi
we:i
sthatal
l?Tel
lmewhat
'sonyourmi
nd?
I
sits*x?
Mpho:no…
Heputt
hebookont
opofhi
sdr
awer
s
Mpho:haveyoueverthoughtofSiphi
we,howhei
s?
Whereheis?Andifhe'
swel lt
akencareof?
Thandi
we:(
satup)wher
eisal
loft
hiscomi
ngf
rom
now?
Mpho:j
ust
…Ihavebeent
hinki
ng
Thandi
we:Hei
swellt
akencar
eofbyaf
ami
lyt
hat
l
ovesandwanthi
m
Mpho:howsur
ear
eyouoft
hat
?
Thandi
we:Idon'
tknowandt r
ulyspeaki
ngIdon'
t
car
eandIdon'tt
hinkIeverwil
l
Mpho:(
sadl
y)hecoul
dbeabusedorst
arved
Thandi
we:Theywi
llf
indhi
m newpar
ent
s
Mpho:howcanyousayt
hataboutsomeoneyou
car
ri
edfor9months
Thandi
we:(f
rust
rat
ed)youknowwhyIl ethi
m go.I
don'
tunder
standwhydoweal wayshavetogoback
andtal
kaboutit
.Can'
tIj
ustcarr
yonwi thmyli
fe
wi
thoutbei
ngr
emi
ndedofhowIwasvi
olat
ed
Mpho:you'
reangr
y?
Thandiwe:(
angry)yesIam becausethisi
snotthe
fi
rstt
imeyouarebr i
nginghim up.Heisgoneokay
andIwantittostaythatway.
Mpho:cal
m downyouwi
llwaket
heki
ds
Thandi
we:l
ett
hem wakeup
Mpho:I
'
m sor
ry…Iwasj
ustt
hinki
ngout
loud
Thandiwe:ifyouwantmegonejustsayso.Iwi
ll
takemykidsandl eaveyou,
Icanaff
ordabett
erl
ife
forthethr
eeofus
Mpho:youar
ethr
eat
eni
ngmenow?
Thandiwe:Iam j
usttell
ingyoulikei
tis.Youknow
ever
ythingaboutmeandknowt hereasonbehind
eachandeverydecisionItook.Idon'
texpectyouto
bedoingthistome.
Mpho:(
sighed)I
'
m sor
ry…I
…
Thandi
we:youar
efor
given.Don'
teverdoi
tagai
n
Sheturnedswitchi
ngofftheli
ght
sandsl
eptwhi
le
heremainedlayingonhisbackst
ari
ngi
ntoai
rti
llhe
fel
lasl
eep
*
***
***
***
***
***
**
Thatni
ght

《《 hehear dhim scream andcr yingint hathouse,

her ant ot hedoorbangi ngi ttryi
ngt oopenedbuti t
wasl ocked…hi shear tpoundi ng,eyesbur ni
ngwith
tears.Het ri
edtokicki tdownbuti twashar d.He
wentar oundt hehousebr eakingt hewi ndowbuti t
wasbl ockedwi thplanks…hewascr ying…hewas
screami ng…hewentqui etandal lhecoul dhearwas
anevi llaugh…anevi llaught elli
nghi mt hepredat
or
hadwon…t hathewasaf ai
lure,hef ai
ledt osave
him》》

Hewokeupbr
eathingheavi
lyal
readysweat
ing…
Thandi
weswi
tchedonherlamp
Thandi
we:(wor
ri
ed)
mylove….Ar
eyouokay?You
werehavi
ngabaddream

Hewokeupandwal kedt ot
heirbathr
oom,
Thandiwefollowedhim.Heopenedt hetaband
washedhisf aceonthebasin.Thandiwetr
iedt
o
touchhim butheret
aliat
ed

Thandi
we:(
sadl
y)myl
ovewhat
'swr
ong?
Mpho:it
'snot
hing,
gobackt
osl
eepyouhaveal
ong
dayahead
Thandi
we:(sadl
y)whydon'
tyouwantmetotouch
you?DidIdosomethi
ngwrong?Wasthedr
eam
aboutme?
Mpho:(
sighed)no…I
'
m sor
ry.Comeher
e

Hepul
ledhercl
oseforahugbutt
hedr
eam wasst
il
l
i
nhishead.Whatwashegoingt
odonow?
Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#84

Everhadadream t
hatfel
tsosurr
eal?Nompil
osat
onawhi t
esheetl
aidonthebeaut
ifulgr
asscl
osi
ng
hereyes.
.

Nompi
lo:Iam goi
ngtocountt
othr
ee1…2…3…
r
eadyornothereIcome

Sheopenedhereyesandgotupdressedi
na
beaut
if
ull
ongsleevedwhi
tedressandwhite
str
appedst
il
ett
os.Shehear
dgi ggl
esbehi
ndahuge
oar
ktr
ee.Shewentt
her
e…

Nompi
lo:Gotyou!

Thegirl
slaughedhuggingher
, t
heywereso
beauti
ful
,hertwogi
rls.Shesmiledl
ooki
ngatthem
astheyresembledt
heirfat
hers.Shehuggedt
hem
al
lsmilesandhappiness.

Abel
la:Il
oveyoumommy
Ami
ra:mommy
Nompi
lo:Il
oveyoumybabi
es
Shehuggedthem smili
ngitwasbeautif
ulshewoke
upactual
lysmil
ing.Shelookedatherscansand
smil
ed

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtMpho'
shome

Shewokeupear lytookabat hthenwenttomake

breakf
ast.Shecamebackf i
ndi
ngAmkecr ying,she
tookherandbreastfed.Herhusbandwalkedoutof
thebathr
oom alr
eadyi nhissweatpant
sandbl ack
l
ongsleevetshi
rt.

Mpho:mor
ning
Thandi
we:mor
ning,
howar
eyouf
eel
ingt
oday?
Mpho:I
'
m okay
Thandi
we:canwet
alk?
Mpho:I
'
mli
steni
ng
Thandiwe:Idon'tl
iket
hewaywef
oughtyest
erday.
EvenInaminoticedyester
day
Mpho:okayi
twonthappenagai
n
Thandi
we:andaboutSi
phi
we.Myl
ovewegavehi
m
toagoodlovi
ngf
amily.Hei
swel
ltakencar
eof
,
don'
tworr
yabouthi
m
Mphoshookhi
sheaddi
sagr
eei
ng
Mpho:he'
snotokay…hei
sn'
t
Thandi
we:he'sf
ineandi
fhei
sn'
t,
therear
epeople
whowillhel
phimfindanewf
amil
y.Ididt
hebestI
coul
d
Mpho:youtalkofhi
m asi
fheisn'
tyourbabyasi
f
he'
sjustanit
em youdon'
twant
Thandi
we:youknowthat
'snott
rue…youknowwhy
Ihadtogi
vehim up,
Ial
mostkil
ledhi
m
Mpho:youwer eoutofyourmindandover
whel
med
byeveryt
hingthi
sti
mei twil
lbebet
ter
.Wewil
lbe
pr
epared,Iwil
lbehere
Thandi
we:soyouar
epl
anni
ngt
ogogethi
m?
SheputAmkebacki
ntohercr
ibandcamebackt
o
si
tdown
Mpho:heneedsus
Thandi
we:(
conf
used)needushowwhenshehasa
mom anddadthataretakingcareofhi
m.He's
happywhereheis.Whycan'tyoujustl
ett
hingsbe.
Idon'
twanttosoundevilbutIdon'
twanthi
m, I
don'
twanthim ar
oundme.YouknowhowIhadhi m
ri
ght?
Mpho:t
hesamewayyouhadNkosi
nami
Thandi
we:(
angr
y)don'
tbr
ingmydaught
eri
ntot
his
Hesl i
dofft
hebedandpushedupthemattr
ess
getti
ngthefi
le,
hethrewitont
hebedandshe
j
umpedof fthebedlooki
ngati
twit
hherar
ms
crossed
Thandi
we:(
shaki
ng)noyoudi
dn'
t…
Mpho:(
swal
lowed)Ihadt
oknowi
fhewasokay
Thandi
we:(
shookherhead)no…youwoul
dn'
thur
t
methisway
Mpho:heneedsus
Thandi
we:(
angr
y)t
akei
tback!Idon'
twantt
ohear
i
t.
Het
ookt hefil
eandpull
edoutt
hephotosthr
owing
t
hem ather.Theyscat
ter
edonthef
loor,
hisl
it
tl
e
body,
thebr
uises
Mpho:lookatyoursonandt
ellmest
rai
ghtupyou
don'
tcare
Herheartstoppedlooki
ngatthepictur
es,shewent
downonherkneesast earsr
olleddownhercheeks
droppingontothephotos.Hereadhishospit
alf
il
e
whileshecried
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMnqobi
'
shome

Naledil
aidonhischestwhi
lehehel
dhert
ight
ly
ki
ssingherfor
ehead.

Mnqobi
:youdi
dn'
tfor
getwor
ktodayr
ight
?
Nal
edi:(
laughi
ng)no…i
t'
ssunday,Ij
ustwantt
o
st
ayinwi t
hmymanandj ustenj
oyquali
tyt
ime
Mnqobi
:(smi
led)al
ri
ghtandt
heki
ds?
Nal
edi
:mom i
swi
tht
hem
Mnqobi
:al
ri
ght
Nal
edi
:babe…
Mnqobi
:huh?
Nal
edi
:doyouevert
hinkabouthavi
ngki
ds?
Mnqobi
:(heswal
lowed)yeah…
Nal
edi
:howmanydoyouwant
?
Mnqobi
:whatwehavei
senoughi
fyoudon'
twant
anymor
e
Nal
edi
:I'
mtal
kingaboutyou
Mnqobi:onei
sokaybutI
'
m ol
dnowIdoubtIcan
haveone
Nal
edi
:(l
aughed)amani
sfor
everf
ert
il
e
Mnqobi
:(l
aughed)whyar
ewet
alki
ngaboutbabi
es
Nal
edi:i
t'
sthewayyoulovemine,i
tjustmakesme
wonderwhyyoudon'thaveoneofyourown
Mnqobi:Ihavefer
ti
li
tyi
ssues,
IknowIwas
supposedtotel
lyouwhenwef i
rstmetbutwhen
yout
oldmeyoudidn'
twantanymor
echi
ldr
enI
fi
gur
editdi
dn'
tmatt
eranymore
Nal
edi
:(l
ookedupathi
m)I
'
m sor
ry…Idi
dn'
tknow
Mnqobi:i
t'
sokaydon'
tfeelsorr
yforme.If
ound
whatIhavebeenl
ooki
ngf or,abeaut
if
ulwomanand
ki
dsIloveasmyown
Naledi
:(t
ear
ful
)Il
oveyouandgr
atef
ulf
oral
lthe
t
hingsyoudoforus
Mnqobi
:Il
oveyout
oo
Heki
ssedherandf
li
ppedherover
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtThandi
we'
sbedr
oom

Mphohadleftheral
oneaf t
erreadi
ngoutal
lthe
compi
ledfi
le.Shehadcriedti
llnot
ear
scamedown.
Hecamebackwi ththebabyandsatonthebed
ki
ssi
ngAmke.Heputheronhercr i
bandsatdown
att
hecornerofthebed
Thandiwe:nothi
ngIeverdoisgoodenough…I
thoughti
twasf i
nall
yoverandthatIwoul
dli
ve
normall
ylikeever
yoneelse.Nott
hinki
ngaboutthe
pasttoooftenandmakingsomethingofmyself
Mpho:andyouar
edoi
ngj
ustt
hat
Thandi
we:no…t here'
salwaysgoingt obet
hatone
thi
ngthatwi
llpullmebackr emindingmeofhow
weakIam ofhowIwi llneverescapemypast.
Mpho:youar estr
ongerthanyouthi
nkandIknow
howhar dthi
sisforyou.Iknowthi
sisnotwhatyou
wishedforhi
m, youdidwhatwasbestattheti
me
butthi
ngschanged.Arewegoi ngtodesser
thi
m
evenwhenweknowheneedsus?
Thandi
we:wewer en'
tsupposedtoknowinthef
irst
pl
acethat'
swhyIcutalll
ossesbutnooo…youjust
hadtodig.Notcar
ingaboutmyfeeli
ngsor
well
bei
ngbecauseallyoucareaboutispl
ayi
nghero
Mphosai
dnot
hing
Thandi
we:okayt
ellmewhatdoyouexpectofme?
Tot
akehi
m andl
ovehi
m whol
ehear
tedl
y
Mpho:yesbutIknowitwonthappenoverni
ghtsoI
woul
dbehappyi fwejustprovi
dedhi
m asafehome
andhel
pedwithhishealt
hissues
Thandi
we:wedon'
thavet
hatamountofmoney
Mpho:wehavet
hef
arm
Shel
ookedathi
m
Thandi
we:myf
arm?
Mpho:youcansel laf ewcat tlesandI '
llthrowin
whatIhave.Ther e'saf amilyt hati
swi l
li
ngt o
donatehim kidney.Thei rsonhadacaracci dent
he'sbeeninacomaf ormont hsnow.Br aindead
theyarewill
ingt odonat ebutwehavet ocomeup
withthemoneyf orthesur geryandot hermedi cal
expenses.We' velethim downoncel et'
smakei tup
tohim,don'tmakehi m sufferf ort
hatmonst erssins.
He'sinnocentinal lt
his,howwoul dhef eelknowing
thatyouwer eablet otakecar eofhi ssister,same
bloodbutyoul efthim outf orthewol ves
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)whydoyoual
wayshavet
obr
ing
mydaught
eri
ntot
his
Mpho:I
'
m sor
ry…I
'
mjustt
ryi
ngt
omakeyousee
Thandi
we:I
'm usedt
oyoudoingthi
stome…fi
rsti
t
wasGabiandherchi
ldnowthis…it
'sokay
Mpho:(
sighed)I
'
m nottr
yingt
ohur tyou,
wecango
f
orfami
lycounseli
ngandgetallt
hehelpweneed.
Thandi
we:dowhat everyouwantit'
snotl
ikewhatI
saymatter
s.Gotot hefarm andsel
lwhat
everyou
wanttosel
leventhef ar
mi t
self
Shegotupandhet r
iedtot
ouchherbutshe
ret
ali
atedwal
kingout.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtNompi
lo'
shome

Everythi
ngwentwel lthroughouttheday,mightbe
thedream butever ythi
ngwentsmoot hl
ytheycame
tochecki nthecarever ythi
ngwasgoodandal lthe
transact
ionsweremadenowal lshehadtodowas
startwit
hbuyingt hemat er
ialandgetsomeonet o
startwit
ht hebui
lding
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***

Thr
eemont
hsl
ater

Mphowal kedi nwi t

hgr ocer i
es,I
namihel pedhi mt o
carryther estint henhewentbackandcameback
withnewspi dermanbedcover s.Inamipacked
awayt hegr ocerywhi l
ehewentt her oom pr epar ed
forSiphiweanddi dt hebedf orhi m.Ithadbeen
repaintedanddecor atedi nhisfavoritespiderman
theme.Theymanagedt ogetpar entalright
sof
Siphiwef r
om t hewomanwhi l
ethatani malofaman
wentt ojail.Thandi wewasn' thappyabout
everythingbutMphowentonaheadwi thever ything
andsheneverst oodi nhiswayevent houghi twas
eatingheraway, shecol laborat
edevenwhent hey
screenedt hem pr ovinghewasgoi ngt obewel l
takencar eofshedi dn'truinthi
ngsf orhi m.Cat t
les
weresol datherf arm al lshedidwassi gnf or
everyt
hingandt hesurger
ywasdoneand
everyt
hingwaspai d.Thandi
wewal kedoutofthei
r
room carryi
ngAmkel waandwalkedi nt
oSiphiwe'
s
room.Itwasr eall
ydoneandhewasgoi ngtobe
withthem inaweekort wo.Hegotupl ooki
ngatthe
wonder f
ulworkhehaddoneandt urnedtohiswif
e
andbabygi rl

Mpho:whatdoyout
hink?
Thandi
we:i
t'
sni
ce
Hewal
kedt
oherandhel
dherhand
Mpho:allofthi
swouldn'thavehappenedwi thout
you.Al
lthispai
nyouar efeeli
ngrightnowwi llbe
goneoneday.Hewi l
leventuall
yfillourhear
tswith
l
oveandl aught
ert
hesamewayI namiandAmke
does
Thandi
we:sur
e
Shehadstoppedtal
kingmuchsinceever
ything
st
art
ed.Shedecidedtokeepqui
etandjustlet
t
hingsbe.

Mpho:(
playf
ull
y)hel
lodaddi
esgi
rlhel
lopr
incess

Amkel wasmi l
edatherf ather,
het ookherwhil
e
Thandiwewal kedtot heki t
chenf i
ndingInami
packingeverythi
ng.Shehasbeenmadeawar eofa
boythatwascomi ngt ostaywi ththem andthathe
wassi ck.Shewasexci tedaboutt henewmember
butalsowor r
iedabouthermom notf eeli
ngwel l
recentl
ybutherfathert oldhershewi l
lgetbet
ter
withtimeandshet r
ustedherf at
her.Thandiwetook
outfoodshewasgoi ngt opr epareforlunchwhile
Mphoj oinedherintheki tchen.

I
nami
:dadwhati
sthi
s?

Shest
oodcar
ryi
ngaphaml
etaboutdi
ff
erentmeal
s.
Mpho:ohputt hati
nSiphi
we'sroom.Itisa
pamphletonthekindsoffoodyourbrotherhasto
eatt
obuildupast rongi
mmunesyst em andr ecover
well
.Thenursewi l
lusei
ttoprepar
ehi smeals

Shewentt
oputi
tinhi
sroom

Thandi
we:(
lookedathi
m)anur
se?
Mpho:hewil
lbeneedi
ngspecialcareandIdon't
t
hinkyouar
ecapableofof
fer
ingt hatr
ightnow
Thandi
we:andwher
ewi
llyougett
hemoney?
Mpho:Iwashopi
ng-
Thandi
we:thefarm?Wehaveusedmor ethan
R800kforthemedicalbil
lsandblewallofour
savi
ngsforhisroom,clot
hes,fur
nit
ureandall.Let
menotment i
ont hel
egalbil
lsaswell
Mpho:moneymeansnot hi
ngoverli
fe.Wecanstil
l
accumulatemoneywithwhatwehavebuthi m,you
onlygetonechanceatli
fe.Youcan'
tseri
ousl
ybe
putti
ngapr i
cet
agonyourson'slif
e
Thandi
weshookherheaddef
eat
ed

Thandi
we:okay…okay
Mpho:whydoyoualwaysdothis.It
ryt
otal
kt oyou
andmakeyouseereasonbutyoujustt
urni
tintoa
fi
ght
Thandi
we:I
'm notf
ight
ing,angi
shoyouknowwhat
youaredoi
ng.I'
mjustfol
lowingyourl
ead
Mpho:youhavesomuchangeri
nyou,
youneedt
o
seeather
api
st
Thandi
we:(angr
y)Idon'
tknowwhatmor edoyou
wantfr
om me.Iletyoudowhateveryouwant
wit
houtst
andinginyourwaybutit
'snotenough
Mpho:yourment
alandemot
ionalwel
lbei
ngmat
ter
s
t
ome.Iwantyoutobeokayandbehappy
Thandi
we:howcanIbehappywhenyoudot
hist
o
me?
Mpho:whatam Idoi
ngt
oyou?
Thandiwe:(
tear
ful)youknow…whydoIhavet
o
expl
ainmyselfoverandover
Mpho:becauseIwantt ounder st
andhowi sInami
anybetterthanhi m?Hewassexual lyabusedas
someonewhowentt hrought hatIexpect ed
sympathyf rom you.Iexpect edsympat hyf r
om you
ashismot her.IloveyoubutIam t i
redofnur sing
yourfeeli
ngsever ythingisalwaysaboutyou.You
havebecomesosel f-
centredt hatyoudon' tcare
whathappenst oanyoneel seevenyourbl ood,
becausewhet heryoul i
keitornothe' syourblood.
I'
m notevenhi srealfatherbutIcar emor eabout
him morethanyou.Yout urnever yonet hatwantsto
helpint
oanenemy.Iwant edust odealwi t
ht hi
s
toget
herasaf amilyandi fwemakei toutstil
l
toget
herwecangett hroughanyt hing
Thandi
we:(
wipedhert
ear
s)okay
Mpho:whati
sthatsupposet
omean?
Thandiwe:(
tear
ful
)Iwi
lldoasyousay.Iwi
llputmy
feel
ingsasi
deanddogoodbyhim
Mpho:(
lookedheri
ntohereyes)doyoumeant
hat
?
Thandi
we:(
wipedhertear
s)yes,
youcansel
lmore
soyoucanhaveenoughmoneyt opayt
henurse
Mpho:(
sighed)t
hankyou,
comeher
e
Shecamecl osewhil
ehehuggedherandbaby
ki
ssedher.Inamicamef r
om herr
oom wearing
headphonesshesawt hem andwalkedoverjoi
ning
onthehug.

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#85

Si
zwewalkedinwhi
leChampandSandiwasst
il
l
watchi
ngatt
henewsupdatel
ooki
ngatNompil
o
bei
ngusher
edouti
ncuf
fst
othepol
icevan.

Sandi
:Ican'
tbel
ievei
t'
sfi
nal
lyoverf
orher
.17
year
sisthel
ongestti
me
Champ:t
he7yearsissuspendedsi
nceshe'
saf
ir
st
ti
me.Herl
awyerdi
dputupagoodf ight
Sandi
:isi
tmeorshel
ookssodamnf
at

Sizwecl
ear
edhist
hroatandSandimovedaway
fr
om Champsdesk

Sandi
:mor
ningSi
r
Si
zwe:mor
ning,
bri
ngmesomet
hingst
rong
Sandi
:whi
skeyoni
ce
Champ:makei
tdoubl
e
Shewal
kedoutSi
zwesatdown
Si
zwe:youar
est
il
lshaggi
ngi
twi
thher
Champ:noI
'
m notwewer
ejustl
ooki
ngatt
henews
updat
e.She'
sfi
nal
lydown
Si
zwe:wi
tht
hatst
upi
dli
tt
lesent
ence
Champ:shewi
llst
il
lhavenot
hingwhenshewal
ks
out
Sizwe:yeaht
hat
'swort
hcelebrat
ing.I
fonl
ywe
knewhowyourfutur
ewithsomeonewi thendup,
I'
m surewewoul
dbewi thoursoulmatebynow
Champ:(
laughi
ng)youbel
ievei
nthatsh*
t?
Si
zwe:(
laughi
ng)j
ustt
hinki
ng
Champ:sowhatnow?
Si
zwe:getdr
unkandf
*ckar
ound
Champ:(l
aughing)yeahmanbutweneedtotalk
aboutt
hegir
l.Shewor kedhar
dandear
nedittobe
mademanager
Sizwe:sur
edowhateverbutIwantt
oseegood
changes.Moneybet
terbecomingin
Champ:Ihavenodoubt
Sandiwalkedi
nwithatraywithgl
assesofwhi
skey
ontherocksandservedthem
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtKhensani
'
shome

Sheopenedt
hedoorandThandi
wecamei
n

Khensani
:(sadl
y)ohmybaby.I
'
m sor
ryf
orbei
ng
gonewhil
eyouneedme
Thandi
we:I
'
m gl
adyouar
ebacknow
Khensani
:comei
n
Shet ookAmkelwaandThandiwewal kedint
oher
newhome.I twasbeaut
if
ull
yfurnished,Khensiwas
workinginCapetownshegotmuggedandl ostthei
r
contactsbutcamehomeafterfewmont hs

Khensani
:(smi
li
ng)she'
ssobeaut
if
ulandyoul
ook
sodevast
ated
Thandi
we:don'
tyouhaveanyt
hingst
rongt
odr
ink?
Khensani
:cof
feeorGi
n?
Thandi
we:Gi
nsoundsper
fect
Thandiwelai
dbackonthecouchcoveringherf
ace
wit
hherhand.Whi l
eKhensanif
ixedheradri
nk.She
gaveittoherandshegul
peditdown

Khensani
:woahgi
rlsl
owdown…damn!
Thandi
we:mor
e

Khensanipour
edhersomemor
eandshet
ookasi
p

Khensani:what
'swr
ongwi
thyoul
ooki
ngf
or
devast
ated
Thandi
we:f
*ckmen!F*
ckmarri
age!F*
ckki
dsand
F*ckl
if
e!F*
ckmom anddad!
Khensani
:what
'sgoi
ngonbabet
alkt
ome
Thandi
we:hewentontodigthewhereabout
soft
he
chi
ldIgaveupf
oradopti
on,hefoundouthewas
abusedandst
arvednowhe'
scomi
ngt
oli
vewi
thus
Khensani
:thati
shecti
c,Imeanyougavehi
m up
becauseyoualmosthurthi
m
Thandiwe:t
hatdoesn'
tmatternow,ther
e'snothi
ngI
candoasIam alwaysr emindedofhowmy
daughterwasmadel i
kehim.WheneverItrytotell
him whyIdon'
twanthim withusI'
m seenasa
monster.Whatki
ndofmot herdoesthattoherkid.

Shekeptquietthi
nkingandtear
sjustr
oll
eddown
hercheeks.Khensaniputdownthebabyand
huggedherwhi l
eshecried.

Thandi
we:(t
ear
ful
)doyouknowhowmuchhe
wantedaboy?
Khensani
:who?
Thandi
we:whenIwaspr egnanthewouldrapeme
andtouchmybell
ytel
li
ngmehewasmaki nghis
boystr
ong…hewouldundr essmeandj ustst
areat
menakedcall
ingmethemot herofhi
sson.He
woul ddoi tt
omewhenhe' sdr unkandt el
lmehow
gratefulhewast omeasIcar r
iedhisson.Hisheir
,
thatIwassentbyGodt obor ehim sonstocarryhi
s
name…Ihat edhim, Ipr
ayedt oGodnott olethim
havehi sway.Thedi sappointmentinhiseyeswhen
hesawI namimademesodamnhappybuthewon
eit
herwayatt heend.Her emi ndsmeoft hepower
hehasovermet hatnomat terwhathewasr i
ght.
Godsentmet omakehi m anhei r
Khensani
:(t
ear
ful
)babedon'
tsayi
tli
ket
hat
Thandiwe:(
tear
ful
)buti
t'
strue,hewi l
lfor
everown
meandIhaveaccept edfate.Ihavetocareandlove
him asmysonandwai tforhisfathert
o
congrat
ulat
emeont hegoodj obbecauseIknowhe
wil
lcome.
Khensani
:youhavet
otal
ktoyourhusbandabout
t
his
Thandi
we:whydon'tyoul
isten?Ialr
eadytol
dyou,
ri
ghtnowtheonlyt
hinghecar esabouti
sgett
ing
hi
m homeandIhaveaccept ed.Iam t
ir
edandI
don'
twanttof
ightanymore.IfIkeepfi
ght
ingInami
mightendupknowinghowshewasconcei ved
becauseever
yti
meItrytotalkt
ohim heal
ways
bri
ngitupandshe'
sol denoughtounder
stand
now…andGodknowshowmuchIl oveher,she
gavemear easont
olivetosmile
Khensani
:(t
ear
ful
)I'
m sosor
ry
Thandi
we:(tear
ful)don'tbe,Iwi
llbeokay.Iam a
bi
ggirl
,I'
vehandledwor sethisi
sj ustsmallwater
s
butIt
hinkI'
l
lneedmor eofthisstuff.If
eelatease
Khensani
:(l
aughed)l
etmepourusmor
e
Thandi
we:(
laughed)pl
easedo
Khensanidi
lut
editwi
thtoni
cwat
erandhandedher
anot
herglassasshedrank
Thandi
we:Khensi
Khensani
:huh?
Thandi
we:ifIdon'
tmakeital
ive…pleasepr
omi
set
o
ensur
eallmykidsaret
akencar eof
Khensani
:(l
aughed)t
hat
'sGi
nforyou,
nowyouar
e
t
alki
ngbull
sh*t
Thandi
we:(l
aughs)
don'
tdr
inktoomuchbecauseI
thi
nkI'
m goi
ngtohavet
otakesomehomeandIwi l
l
needyoutodri
vemehomel at
er
Khensani
:(l
aughs)b*
tchyouwi
llgeti
ntot
roubl
e
Shej
ustl
aughedanddr
ankagai
n
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtGabi
'
shome

Shesmil
edt
earf
ullylooki
ngatherbabyboy
suckl
i
ngonherbreast.Ar
chi
estoodnexttohi
sbed
al
ongwit
hhermot her

MaPauli
ne:he'
ssohandsome,
whati
sthatonhi
s
f
orehead
Ar
chi
e:i
t'
sabi
rt
hmar
k
Gabi
:itst
il
lfr
eaksmeoutwhenIt
hinkaboutEnt
le'
s
st
ori
es
MaPauline:Ibeli
evet
hechil
disgif
ted,she
pr
edi
ctedt hatyouweregoi
ngtohaveaboyandhe
wasgoingt ohaveascaronhisf
orehead
Ar
chi
e:mamai
sri
ght
Gabi:Iknowbuti t
'sjustcreepyokay.Talkingto
ghost,I'
m scaredwhati ftheytakeheratni ght.She
wascl aimingthatshewaspl ayi
ngwi thhim outside
andIwoul dnotf eelhim kickbutrightaft
ershe
comesbackwi t
hhi m becausenowhe" wantst o
rest
"Iwoul dfeelhim move.Ther ehast obeaway
ofturningitofffornowt il
lshe'
sol der,
Idon'twant
peoplet oaccusemybabyofwi tchcraft
MaPaul i
ne:I
'
m sur
eyouwi
ll
dealwi
tht
hatwi
th
yourhusband
Ar
chi
e:wewi
llt
alkabouti
twhenwegethome.
MaPaul
ine:whenwi
llyoubedi
schar
ged?
Gabi
:lat
ert
odayort
omor
row

Archi
e'sphoner
angandhewentt
oansweri
t
outsi
de
MaPaul
ine:l
etmeholdmygrandson…ohmyl
it
tl
e
man.Ar
chieMochaneJuni
or

Shegent
lyt
ookandhel
dhi
m,hewasheavyand
bi
g…

MaPaul
ine:yougavebi
rt
htoasol
dier
Gabi
:4.
8kgIt
houghtIwasdyi
ng
MaPaul
ine:(
laughi
ng)youdi
dgoodmygirl
.Lookat
MrMochanehere…IheardMphoandThandi
weare
get
ti
ngt
heboyt heygaveawayback
Gabi
:what
?
MaPauli
ne:yepaf
tersi
xyear
stheydeci
det
oget
hi
m back
Gabi:whygivehim upi
nthefi
rstpl
ace?Iaskedt
o
adopthim butt
heyweren'
thavi
ngit
MaPaul
ine:It
hinkt
heydi
dthatt
ospi
teyounow
l
ookatt
hem
Gabi
:ever
ythi
nghappensforar
easonmaybei
fI
t
ookhim,Iwouldn'
thavemetmyhusband
MaPauline:youknowwhattheysay,
whenanot
her
doorcl
osedanotheroneopens
Gabi:(
sighed)l
et'
snottalkaboutthem.Theyknow
whattheyaredoing.Ihaven'
tbeenabletogeti
n
cont
actwi t
hThandiwet otal
kaboutEntl
evisi
ti
ng
butnowIunderstand.Ihopeshe'sokay
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Atj
ail

Nompi l
owasusheredinbyaguardtothevi
sit
ing
room andshefoundhermotherwai
ti
ngforher
l
ookingaround.Ofcour
sethi
swasjustadif
ferent
scenari
oforawomant hatwentt
ochurch

Nompilo:MamaIgother
eyest
erdayandyouar
e
al
readyvisi
ti
ng
MaGl adys:Ij
usthadtomakesur
eyouar
efi
ne,
yourunclemadeithappen.
Nompi
lo:Isawhi
mlastni
ght
MaGl
adys:hepr
omi
sedt
okeepaneyeonyou,
Nompi
lo:al
ri
ghtt
hankyou
MaGl
adys:het
oldmet
obuyyout
heset
oil
etr
ies
Nompi
lo:t
hankyouma.Thi
sreal
lymeansal
ott
o
me
MaGl
adys:(
wor
ri
ed)
areyouokay?
Nompilo:mamaI'
mf i
ne,
thebabyi
sfi
neIt
hink.I
haven'
tfel
tanypai
norseenbl
oodyet
MaGladys:okayifanyt
hinghappensj
ustl
ethi
m
knowhewillhel
pyou
Nompi
lo:Iwi
ll
,howi
sever
ythi
ngathome?
MaGl
adys:good
Nompi
lo:t
het
enant
snotgi
vingyouanypr
obl
ems?
MaGl adys:noandIfoundanot heronehesaidhe
doesn'tmindtheroom bei
ngfinishedoffwhi
lehe
al
readylivest
here.Hewi l
lpayhalfthepri
cet
illi
t'
s
fi
nished
Nompil
o:(
smi
led)t
hat
'sbet
ter
,that
'sal
lIneededt
o
hear
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
shome

Itwasgetti
nglat
eandMphohadbeent ryingto
contactheronherphonebutitwentstr
aightto
voicemail
.Hegotwor r
iedsheneverdi
sappeared
withoutsayi
ngwher eshewasgoing.Nalediar
rived,
shehadaskedt otakethegir
lsoutsi
nceitwasa
l
ongweekendsheknockedandMphoopenedt he
door

Nal
edi
:heybr
other
Mpho:hey
Nal
edi
:wher
e'smyni
ece?
Mpho:I
namiyouraunti
sher
e
I
nami
wal
kedoutwi
thherbag
Mpho:gotever
ythi
ngyouneed?
I
nami
:yesmom packedi
tbef
oreshel
eft
Nal
edi
:wher
eisshe?
I
nami
:shesai
dshewasgoi
ngt
oseeaf
ri
end
Mpho:gowai
tupi
nthecar
,youraunti
sgoi
ngt
obe
wi
thyousoon
I
nami
:okay,
bye
Mpho:beonyourbestbehavi
orokay
I
nami
:okayl
oveyou
Mpho:l
oveyout
oo
ShewalkedoutandNal
edij
ustl
ookedathim,his
eyeswereredandyoucoul
dtel
lhewasjustt
ired
Nal
edi
:br
other
Mpho:Iwi
llbef
ine
Nal
edi
:when?
Mpho:(
sighedsi
tt
ingdown)assoonasheget
s
her
e
Nal
edi
:andyourwi
fe?Howi
sshet
aki
ngi
t?
Mpho:hardbecauseshedoesn'
twantt
oat
tendany
t
herapy.
Nal
edi
:(si
ghed)Iwi
shIcoul
dhel
p
Mpho:whatyouaredoing,t
aki
ngheroutt oget
somefreshai
rawayfrom homei sever
ythi
ng.It
's
har
dforherseei
nghermom l i
kethat,i
t'
sbeenlong
si
nceIheardanyonel
aughinthishouseexceptfor
AmkelwabutIhavehopethatalloft
hiswil
lchange
Naledi:butcanIaskbrother
…ifI
namiwastobe
rapedr i
ghtnowandhaveababywoul dyouforce
hertokeepi tevent
houghyouseeitki
ll
sherinsi
de
havingaconst antr
eminderoft
hatmanwalk
aroundyou
Mpho:(
swal
lowed)t
hisi
sdi
ff
erent
Nal
edi
:how?
Mpho:hewassuf
fer
ing
Naledi
:youcould'
veoff
eredhel
pwitht
hemedical
bi
llandstuf
fbutbri
nghim her
e.Youar
eki
ll
ingher
andyoudon'tevenknowit
Shet
urnedandwal
kedout
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***

Lat
eron

Mphosawcarlight
sandwentt
ocheckonthe
window.I
twasThandi
we'
scar,
hesteppedoutand
sawKhensani
.

Khensani
:thankGodyouar
eher
e.Canyoupl
ease
assi
st
Her
ushedt
othecarwor
ri
ed
Mpho:what
'sgoi
ngon?Wher
e'sAmkel
wa?
Hef
oundThandi
wedr
unk
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)
seeIt
oldyouhe'
sonl
ywor
ri
ed
aboutt
hedamnbabynotme
Mpho:youar
edr
unk?
Thandi
we:noI
'
m sober
…Duh!
!
Shel
aughed
Thandi
we:wher
e'smybot
tl
e?
Mpho:pl
easet
aket
hebabyi
nsi
de
KhensanitookAmkelwainsidewhileMpholif
ted
Thandiweinsidewhi
leshejustlaughed.heputher
i
ntheirroom andwalkedoutKhensaniwasst i
ll
car
ryi
ngAmkel wawhowasasl eeponherchest.

Khensani
:Ishoul
dgo
Mpho:youwentoutt
ogetdr
unkwi
thher
?
Khensani
:wedi
dn'
tgooutshesawi
tatmyhouse
anddrankit
Mpho:asi
fshedoesn'
thaveenoughprobl
emsof
herownnowyouint
roducehert
oalcohol
Khensani :Thandiwei
sagr ownaswomanwho
makesupherowndeci sionsmaybei fyoudidn't
spendsomucht i
mef orcingtheboyontohershe
wouldn'thavecomet omypl aceinthefir
stplace.I
sopr ayf orthedayshel eavesyoursorryasssand
breakst hechai nsoffeari
ngt hatt
here'
snoman
thatwillloveherl i
keyou.Youactl i
keasai ntbut
you'vecagedher,she'
sdyingr
ighti
nfrontofyou
butyouwontseebecauseyouar esofocusedon
doingtherightt
hingnotthi
nki
ngabouther
wellbei
ng.Heretakeyourbaby
Mpho:whowi
lldr
iveyouhome?
Khensani
:mybr
otherwasf
oll
owi
ngushewi
llt
ake
mehome

Het ookherandshewal kedout .Peopledon'

t
understand,
theydon'tunderstandwhyhe' sdoi
ng
thi
s.Hewant swhatisbestforever yonewhyis
everyonemakinghim seem liketheenemy?He
thoughttohimselfwhil
eputtingAmkel wadownt o
restinhercri
b.Thandiwelookedathi m andsmil
ed

Thandi
we:whyt
hel
ongf
acemyl
ove
Hesatont
hebedl
ooki
ngather
Mpho:whydi
dyougoandgetdr
unk?
Thandi
we:(l
aughs)t
ocel
ebr
atet
her
etur
nofmy
sonmyGiftfr
om Uncl
e
Mpho:st
opi
t
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)what
?Whyar
en'
tyouhappy
babe?
Sheputherar
msar
oundhi
sneckl
ooki
ngathi
m up
cl
ose…
Thandi
we:youknowyouar
ethebestt
hingt
o
happentome
Mpho:youar
edr
unk
Thandi
we:(
laughi
ng)
yekel
alokobabe…l
ist
en…do
youknowwhyIloveyou
Mpho:youar
egoi
ngt
otel
lmeanyway
Thandi
wel
aughedandpushedherf
ingeroverhi
s
l
ips
Thandi
we:shhhhh…ki
ssme
Mpho:no…
Thandi
we:pl
ease
Mpho:got
osl
eep.Ican'
ttal
ktoyouwhenyouar
e
l
iket
his
Thandiwe:youcan'
ttal
ktomewhenI
'
m sober
,you
can'
ttalkt
omeevennow.Ohwel l
Mpho:youar
etel
li
ngyourf
ri
endsourbusi
nessnow
Thandi
we:theyar
etheonl
ypeopl
ewhol
ist
en
wit
houtjudgi
ng
Mpho:whatdi
dyousaybeforeleavi
ng,
didn'
tyou
sayyouwerewil
li
ngt
ogivethingsachance?
Thandi
we:(l
aughed)Ididdi
dn'
tIaft
erbei
ng
bl
ackmail
edandlabeledamonsterbyyou

Shel
aughed
Mpho:st
opl
aughi
ng
Thandiwe:I'
m sorrymylove,Ihavesomuch
l
aughter,Ineedtoseeat her
apist
…(tear
ful
)
probabl
ybecausemyl if
ehasal waysbeenajoke
fr
om birt
ht i
llnow

Shepushedbackhert
ear
slaughi
ng
Thandi
we:ohI'
m sorr
ymyl ove.Don'tworryabout
methisi
sjustaphase.I
'
llmakesur eIspreadlove
andhappi
nessbefor
eI(tearf
ul)bef
or eIl
eavethis
worl
dwithal
lit
'spai
n

Shel
aidbackandf
ellasl
eep

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#86

AtKhensani
'
shome

Mnqobiwalkedi
nwi
thhi
ssi
sterwhowascl
ear
ly
pi
ssedoffbyMpho.
Mnqobi
:wantt
otal
kabouti
t?
Khensani
:(picki
ngupt heglasses)howdar
ehe
bl
amesmef orherdrinki
ng.Canyoubeli
evethatt
he
j
erkblamesmef orhergett
ingdrunk
Mnqobi
:hedi
d?
Khensani
:hedid,youknowhefor
get
sthati
t'
snot
myfaultt
hathe'stheonemaki
nghersuf
fer
Mnqobi:Idon'
tunderst
and.I
sThandi
wehavi
ng
pr
oblemsi nherhouse?
Khensani
:(r
insi
ngthegl
asses)Ican'
tbeli
evet
hat
guy.Whycan'tshej
ustl
eavehim once?She'
sgota
far
mf orGod'
ssake
Mnqobi
:whatf
arm?
Khensani
:herf
atherdi
edandshei
nher
it
edhi
sfar
m.
Geezwakeupdude
Mnqobi
:(l
aughed)Idi
dn'
tknow
Khensani
:Ican'
tbeli
eveyouar
einvol
vedwi
thhi
s
si
ster
.Ihopesheisn'
tsodramati
c
Mnqobi
:she'
sasweet
hear
t
Khensani
:mxm
Mnqobi
:youst
il
lhaven'
ttol
dmewhat
'shappeni
ng
Khensani
:youshoul
dgo.I
'
m sur
eyour‘
son’
is
wonderi
ngwhereyouar
e
Mnqobi:calm down.Stopwor r
yingaboutRomeo
andjul
iet.Rememberwhatyout oldmewhenIwas
cryi
ngoverher ?Youtoldmet oletitgobecause
theyal
waysf i
ndwayst obebacki ntoeachother'
s
arms.Rightnowyouar epissedandangr ybutthem?
I'
m sur
et hati
ssuewillberesolvedbyt hemorning
Khensani
:butshe'
snotokay.Idon'
twantherl
osi
ng
i
tandgoingbacktothatpl
ace
Mnqobi:(
heldher)si
syoucan'thel
pever
yone.She
wil
lcomebacki fsheneedsyouri
ghtnowcalm
downandl ett
hingsbe
Khensani
:fi
ne
Mnqobi
:enj
oyyourni
ght
Khensani
:yout
oo
Hekissedherf
oreheadandwalkedout.Tshepo
wasathishousewhileNal
edispentt
imewi t
hthe
gi
rl
s.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Thenextday
AtThandi
we'
shome

Shewokeupi nt hemor ningwi t

haheavyheadache.
Shesl owlygotof fthebedandwal kedt othe
bathroom br ushinghert eethafterthatshewal ked
totheki t
chenf indingherhusbandwi t
ht heir
daught eral
readybat hedanddr essedupsucki ngon
herbot tl
e.Sheki ssedherf oreheadt wicethent r
ied
tokissherhusband, helookedawayandshehel d
him byhi sfaceandki ssedhim passionat ely.She
thenbr oketheki ssandhel dhimt ohimsel fquietly
Thandi
we:I
'
m sor
ryaboutl
astni
ght
Mpho:si
ncewhenar
eyounowdr
inki
ng?
Thandi
we:i
twasaonceof ft
hing,
Iwashavi
ngi
t
hardandIj
ustneededr
eli
ef
Mpho:whati
fInami
washer
e?Di
dyout
hinkabout
t
hat?
Thandi
we:no…I
'
m sor
ry
Mpho:andyouar etel
li
ngyourfr
iendsouri
ssues
now,Khensanit
oldmeofhowIhavecagedyouand
howI'
mf orci
ngSiphiweonyou.Whydon'twejust
di
vor
ceoncebecauseyouf eelcaged
Thandi
we:pleasedon'
ttal
kli
ket
hat
.Idi
dn'
tsay
thoset
hingstothem.
Mpho:t
henwhatdi
dyousay?
Thandi
we:Ij
ustt
oldt
hem howIf
eelaboutSi
phi
we
l
ivi
ngwithus
Mpho:andhowdoyoufeel
?Di
dn'
tyousayyou
havenoprobl
em wi
tht
hat?
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)Idi
d
Mpho:nowwhyar
eyouchangi
ngst
ori
es?
Thandi
we:I
…I'
m sor
ry
Mpho:Si phiwewi l
lbecomi ngher
ebynextweek,
thenurset hatwil
lbetakingcareofhim wil
lbeher e.
Theywi l
lshar earoom,IgotherbecauseIdi dn't
wanttobur denyouwithhim,shewilldoeverythi
ng
forhi
m event hel
aundry.Theonlythingyouhavet o
doistoleratehim wal
kar oundyourhouse
Thandi
we:youar
eangr
yatme
Mpho:Ijustdon'
tunderst
andyousometi
mes.The
Thandi
weI '
m seei
ngrightnowi
snottheThandi
weI
marri
ed
Hegotoffhi
schai
randwal
kedoutwi
thhi
s
daught
er
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtNal
edi
'
shome

Af
tert
heyhadbr
eakf
astNal
edipl
ait
edt
hegi
rl
shai
r
i
ntostylecornrowsafterthattheyalltookpictures
thentheydecidedtobackcooki es.Inamiwas
cutt
ingthem intoci
rcl
eswhi lethegirl
sdecor ated
them wit
haf orkandNal edihandledeverythingthat
gottodowi t
ht heoven…

I
nami
:it
'sf
unbei
ngher
ethanathome
Nal
edi
:why?Ar
en'
tyouexci
tedaboutyourbr
other
comi
ng?
Inami
:Iam butmom anddadar
eal
waysf
ight
ing
now
Nal
edi
:theyf
ighti
nfr
ontofyou?
I
nami
:not
heysendmet
omyr
oom andf
ight
Nal
edi
:whati
sthef
ightabout
?
I
nami:Idon'
tknow,
Idon'
theart
hem wel
lbutt
hey
f
ightt
henwhenIcomebacktheykeepqui
et
Nal
edi
:maybei
t'
sal
it
tl
ethi
ng.I
twi
llpass
I
nami:andmom i
snothappy,
shestaysi
nherr
oom
mostofthet
imeandcomesoutwhenshe'
s
cooki
ng
Naledi:It
hinktheyar
etoobusythinki
ngaboutyour
brothercomingbackhome.Givethem ti
meand
everythi
ngwillgobackt
onormal
Inami:t
hether
api
stsaysmybr
otherwi
llbr
ing
changeint
oourli
vesandwemustembraceit
Nal
edi
:theTher
api
sti
sri
ght
I
nami
:Iwi
llsavesomecooki
esf
orhi
m aswel
l
Nal
edi:(
smiled)thatisagoodideaandbaby
wheneveryouf eel
aloneorwantsomeonetotal
kto,
I
'm onl
yacal laway
I
nami
:(smi
led)okayaunt
y
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Oneweekl
ater

Thandiwepacedar
oundthehousenervous,t
oday
wastheday.MphohadwenttogetSiphiwefrom
thehospi
tal
,I
namisatonthecouchwatchingt.
v.
Thandi
we:Nkosi
namigi
vememyphonesoIcan
checkwher
etheyar
e?
I
nami
:mom youcal
ledt
hem j
ustnow

Shesawt hem comingt hr

ewthewi ndow.Thedoor
openedandMphowal kedincarryi
nghim,dressed
upinablackpufferjacketandgreysweatpantswit
h
bl
acksneakers.Thenur sefol
lowedhim wit
ha
medicalbag.

Mpho:hel
loever
yonemeetSi
phi
we

Inami walkedovert ouchinghislit

tl
ehands,hewas
sti
llski
nnybutnott oomuchashehadpi ckedup
weightovert hepastmont hs.Helookedatthe
peoplehedi dn'tknowandaf r
iendl
ygirlt
hatsmi
led
tal
kingt ohim evenaddr essinghim byhisnamebut
heshyl yhidhisfaceonMpho' schest
.Thandiwe
j
ustf r
ozeherhear tbeati
ngoutofherchest .
Mpho:comet
hiswaynur
seCl
eo
Cl
eo:
alr
ight
.Af
ter
noon

Shegreetedthem whi
lehef
oll
owedMphot
o
Si
phiwe'sroom.

I
nami
:(exci
ted)
mamadi
dyouseehowl
it
tl
ehei
s?…
mama!

Sheshookherandhermi
ndcameback.

Thandi
we:canyouj
ustst
opwi
thal
ltheexci
tement

Shewal kedtohisroom andlookedathi

.si
tt
ingon
thebedholdingont oMpho'sjacketwhi
let
henurse
tookoutbandagesandmedi cine.Mphotookoffhi
s
j
acket,pull
ingouthisar
mi twassot hi
nThandiwe'
s
heartski
ppedabeatwhilethenur
setookoutan
i
njecti
on.Mphoheldhimt i
ghtwhi
lehecri
ed…
Thandiwe'
sheartpoundedastheneedl
ecut
thr
oughhisflesh

Thandi
we:youar
ehur
ti
nghi
m

Thenur sei
gnoredherandshesteppedoutreadyt
o
cry.Shehaddonet hattohim?He'sgoingthr
ough
allofthisbecauseofher?Gui
ltconsumedher,she
hatedt hatman,shehatedher
selfshejustwal
kedto
theirr
oom andcr i
ed

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtGabi
'
shome

Ent
lekneel
ednexttoherlooki
ngatherbr
otherwho
wasbeingbreast
fed.Shekeptki
ssi
ngherfor
ehead
smil
ing.
Gabi
:youl
oveyourbr
other
?
Shesmi
lednoddi
ng
Gabi
:what
'
shi
sname?
Ent
le:Juni
or!
Gabi
:shhhhhdon'
tmakenoi
se
Ent
le:(
whi
sper
ed)okay
ThedooropenedandArchi
ewalkedi
nwithLesego.
Ent
lequickl
ygotof
fthebedandhuggedhersi
ster
smil
ing.

Ent
le:comeseeIhaveabr
other
Lesego:he'
smybr
othert
ooyouknow
Ent
le:buthe'
sgoi
ngt
oli
vewi
thusf
orever
.
Lesego:andIwi
llcomevi
sitmor
eof
ten
Ar
chie:youcancomeforasl
ongasyouwant
.Get
cl
oseandseeyourbrot
her
Lesegot
ookof
fhershoesandcl
imbedi
ntobed
wit
handgotcl
oset
ouchinghisl
it
tl
ehand.She
smil
edl
ooki
ngandhim grabi
tti
ghtl
y.Ent
lej
oined
her

Entl
e:he'
sdr
inki
ngmil
kcomi
ngoutofmommy'
s
boob.MamacanItast
eit
?
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)what
?
Lesego:mygrandf
atheroncemi
lkedt
hecowsmi
lk
str
aighti
ntomymout h
Ar
chi
e:nowIwantt
oseet
his
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)comet
hensucknobi
ti
ng
Entl
ecamecl osetaki
nginoneni ppol
eandsucking
i
tthenleggowhi l
eLesegof ol
lowedandf r
owned
aft
er.Archi
elaughedlooki
ngatt hem al
lpuzzl
ed
aboutthetast
e
Gabi
:howdoesi
ttast
e?
Lesego:wei
rd
Ar
chi
e:ent
le?
Ent
le:(
lookedathersi
ster
)itt
ast
eli
kewei
rd
Thei
rpar
ent
slaughed
Ar
chi
e:woul
dyoudr
inki
tagai
n
LesegoshookherheadnoandEnt
lef
oll
owed
Gabi
:isn'
tNt
uthukodonewi
tht
hef
ood,
I'
m st
arvi
ng
Archi
e:shewon'
tfini
shupanytimesoonwitht
he
wayyourmom iscontrol
li
ngeverythi
ngatt
he
ki
tchen.Di
nnerwi
llbeservedr
eallylat
e
Gabi
:donewi
thwor
k?
Ar
chi
e:Iwi
llf
ini
shi
tof
flat
er
Gabi
:ther
ewasr
eal
l
ynoneedf
oryout
owor
kfr
om
home
Ar
chie:i
t'
sonl
ytempor
ary,Idon'
twantyout
ofeel
al
one.Mymom iscomingTomorrow
Gabi
:ohl
ord
Ar
chi
e:r
elaxever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngt
obeokay.
Gabi
:pl
easegetmesomet
hingt
oeat
Ar
chi
e:al
ri
ghtI
'
llbeback
Hewal
kedoutwi
tht
hegi
rl
sfol
lowi
nghi
mtot
he
ki
tchen
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtThandi
we'
shome

Thandi
wedidn'
tjoint
hem fordi
nneri
nsteadshe
tookacol
dshowerandi nbedMphowal kedoutof
thei
rbat
hroom i
nhispyjamasandgotintobed.He
huggedhiswi
fefrom behi
nd

Mpho:ar
eyouokay?
Thandi
we:no
Mpho:Cl
eopat
rawi
lldoever
ythi
ngf
orhi
m
Shekeptqui
et
Mpho:she'
str
ainedt
odot
hat
Thandi
we:sheshoul
dbegent
lehe'
sjustaki
d
Mpho:soyoucar
e?
Thandi
we:Idon'
t…
Mpho:ki
ssme
Thandi
we:no
Mpho:al
ri
ght
Heki ssedherbackandsl eptinthemi ddleoft he
night,Thandi wewokeupt oanotherbaddr eam or
rathersayf lashbackst heyfadedwi tht i
mebutnow
theywer eback.Tor mentingher,shewokeup
passingSi phi we'
sr oom andshehear dhi m
groaning.Sheopenedt hedoorandwal kedi nher
heartpoundi ngli
keshewaswat chingahor r
or
movi e.Shej ustfeltli
kethataroundhi m, Cleowas
under neathherbl anketsyoucoul dheart hesounds
ofmusi cf r
om herheadset s.Thandiwet urnedon
hislampandhi seyeswer ewi deopent earsf l
owing
andsal ivacomi ngoutofhi smout hjustgr oaning
painfull
yasi fshewasi npai nbutpar alyzed.This
terri
fi
edher , sheshookCl eopatr
awhoj umpedup
quicklytakingof fherheadphones

Cl
eo:
MrsGamayouscar
edme
Thandi
we:(
shaki
ng)
what
'shappeni
ngt
ohi
m?Why
i
shedoi
ngt
hat
?
Cleo:ohdon'tworry,
hewasst r
uggli
ngtosl
eepand
hall
ucinat
ing.Igavehim somet
hingtohel
p
Thandi
we:buthel
ooksl
ikehe'
sinpai
n
Cl
eo:
itwi
llknockhi
m of
fsoon
Thandi
welookedathi
m notconvi
ncedhedi
dn'
t
l
ookwell
Cl
eo:
gobackt
osl
eepIam her
etot
akecar
eofhi
m
Thandiwe:Iwil
lleavewhenhe'
sasleepandremove
allt
hoseblanket
swhyar eyoucoveri
nghim upl
ike
that
?
Cl
eo:
Idi
dn'
twanthi
mtowakeyou
Thandi
we:r
emovet
hem t
heyar
etooheavy
Cl
eogotof
fherbedr
emovi
ngt
hebl
anket
s.
Cl
eo:t
her
edone,
hewi
llst
ayupanhourbef
orehe
sl
eeps
Thandi
we:Iwi
llwai
t
Sher ol l
edhereyesget ti
ngi ntobedwhi leThandi we
watchedoverhi m, feeli
nghi schesti fhewas
breathi ngwheneverhewentqui et…hef inall
ysl ept
andThandi wewal kedt ot hei rbedr oom andwentt o
thei
rbat hr oom pour ingcol dwat erintot hebat ht ub.
Shegotnakedandst eppedi n,herhear twasst ill
poundi ngf eeli
ngsoheavywi t
hpai n.Vusi'swor ds
j
ustr anonhermi nd, allthet hingsheusedt osayt o
breakher .Howhesai dhewasgoi ngt obeapar tof
herlife, howhesai dhewi llal waysl i
veinhi ski ds,
tearsjustf lowedt hensuddenl yf earcreepedi n, she
wasaf rai dofbreaki ngdown, afraidofl osingcont r
ol
again, af raidofgoi ngbackt ot hatpl aceagai n.Ti ed,
druggedt obekept" stable" .Shet rembledi nt he
waterhol dingherheadasami gr ainehither
suddenl yever yt
hingbecamebl urry.Shel ookedup
andpani ckedseei ngVusishebl inkedandhewas
gone…hewasnott here…shepani ckedbr eathi ng
heavilywasshel osingi talr eady?Shest eppedout
andwr appedher sel finat owel .Amkel wacr iedf rom
hercr ib, shewal kedoutt oat tendher .Mphot urned
andl ookedatherchangi ngAmkel wa'snappy
Mpho:youokay?
Thandi
we:I
'
mfi
negobackt
osl
eep
Mpho:mmh

Hezoomedof ft
osleepwhil
eshewal
kedoutwit
h
Amkelwa.Shewenttothesi
tti
ngr
oom,huggedher
babyandcri
ed

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#87
AtThandi
we'
shome

Shewokeupear l
yinthemor ni
ngandpr epar ed
everyonef ort hedaywhi l
eNur seCl eowasal so
preparingSi phiwef ortheday.Mphowentt ocheck
uponhi m ear l
yi nthemor ningandshehadhear d
him cryeal ieron.Thet houghtofneedl esonachi ld
terr
ifi
edher ,evenwhenherki dsgetvacci nat edshe
l
eavest her oom.Ot herthant hatitwas
uncomf ort
abl ehavingsomeonea‘ stranger ’walking
aroundt hehouseandr earrangingyourki tchenasi f
i
twast heirs.Shewoul dexpecthert obehel pfulbut
theattit
udeshegaveherwhenshear ri
vedandl ast
night,shewonder edifherhusbandmadet heright
decision.Thenur seonl ybehavedwel linfrontof
him othert hant hatshewast otalbullsh*tin
Thandi we'seyes.Shemadeoat sf orhim added
bananat henwentt ohim.Mphosatwi t
hhi sf ami l
y
andhadbr eakfast,hecouldn'thelphi msel fbut
noti
cehiswif
e'sr
edeyesanddar kci
rcl
esunderher
eyes.Hehadaskedthenursenottobri
nghi
mt o
havelunchwit
hthem notwanti
ngtomakehiswife
uncomfort
abl
e

Mpho:mywi
fe?Ar
eyouokay?
Thandi
we:(
sadl
y)I
'
mfi
ne
Mpho:youdon'
tlookf
inet
ome
Thandi
we:It
hinkIwi
llgoseet
het
her
api
stt
oday
Mpho:(
smi
led)r
eal
ly?
I
nami
:you'
recomi
ngwi
thus?
Thandi
we:no…Iwantt
odoi
tal
one
Mpho:Iunder
stand.Yourmom wi
llj
oinuswi
tht
ime
okay?
I
nami
:okay
Thandi
we:eatup.Idon'
twantyout
obel
ate
I
nami smil
edandt
heyconti
nuedt
oeatwhi
le
Thandiweonl
yhadcof
fee.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Att
hepr
ison

Nompilowasusher
edinbyawarderint
oheruncl
es
of
fi
ce.Shesatdownandheruncl
esignaledt
he
wardertol
eavet
hem al
one.

Hi
m:Mpi
lo
Nompil
o:Uncl
ePhikel
a,It
hinkyouenj
oyl
ooki
ngat
yourni
ecei
nthisor
angeunifor
m
Phi
kel
a:(l
aughedl
ighti
ngaci
garet
te)howar
eyou
myKent?Anyonegivi
ngyouanyprobl
ems?
Nompi
lo:noi
nfactever
yonewasabi
ttooni
ce
t
oday
Phikela:Isentt
hewordoutthatwhot
ouchesyou
willbedealtwit
haccor
dingl
y.Ipromi
sedmysist
er
that
Nompilo:j
ustcutthecr
apandgetst
rai
ghtt
othe
poi
nt.There'
salwaysapri
cet
opay,Iknownothi
ng
comesf
ree
Phi
kela:(
laughed)Mysisterwasright
.Youar
ea
smartgir
lthatt
ookstupiddeci
sions
Nompilo:(
smirked)so?Tel
lmewhatyouwant .I
assumesheal sotol
dyouthatIl
ostever
ythi
ng
befor
eIgotlockedupsoIcan'tgi
veyoumoney
Phikel
a:youarerightaboutt
hatbutIhavebet
ter
plansforyou.Ihavebeenmeaningtoputint
o
acti
onbutIneedsomeoneIcant r
ust.
Nompil
o:Ionl
ydealwi
thcl
eanbusi
ness,
clean
hust
lenostr
ess
Phi
kel
a:youhaven'
thear
dwhatIhavet
osay
Nompi lo:Iknowyouwantmet obethemi ddl
eman
doever ythi
ngor ganizepeopletogetyour
mer chandiseont hemoveI '
mt hi
nki
ngdr ugsor
weed, theflopinallofthisisthati
fIjoinIwoul dbe
ri
skingmyf reedom,onemi st
akeandImi ghtbe
stuckher eforeverwhileyoucar r
yonst ressfreenot
l
inkedt oanyone.Idoal lt
hewor kwhileyour eap
therewar dsandwhatdoIget ?Alousypr otect
ion?
Phi
kel
a:10%cut
Nompi
lo:50%
Phi
kel
a:15%Idon'
twor
kal
one
Nompi
lo:25%andnot
hingbet
ternothappent
ome
ormybaby.
Phi
kel
a:yougotyour
sel
fadeal
Nompil
o:nowtellmewhatI
'
m act
ual
lydeal
ingwi
th.
Iwantal
lthedet
ail
s
Phi
kel
a:nowt
hat
'smygi
rl
Heshar
edal
lthedet
ail
swi
thher
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
sof
fi
ce

Therecept
ioni
stl
edThembat
oMpho'
sof
fi
ce.She
knockedandopened

Her
:Si
rMrNkosii
sher
etoseeyou
Mpho:l
ethi
min
Her
:youcancomei
n
Thembawal
kedi
nandshewal
kedaway
Themba:l
ookatyoudr
essedi
nsui
tandt
ie
Mpho:(
laughi
ng)don'
tst
artwi
thme
Themba:(
sit
ti
ng)Iseet
heychangedt
hingsher
e
Mpho:t
heplacewasrenovat
edl
astyear
.Movi
ng
wi
ththeti
mestheysay
Themba:(l
aughed)it
'sni
ce…manhowIwi shedI
wasyourightnow.IwishIwasl
uckyenoughtogo
toschool
.Iwould'
vemadesomethi
ngofmyl if
e
Mpho:i
t'
snott
ool
ate,
youcandodi
stancel
ear
ning
Themba:(laughed)howwi llIwi
ththepeanut sI
earn?Youwoul dthinkthi
ngsareeasynowt hatyou
areatthetopbutrememberourst r
uggl e.Youwer e
fai
li
ngtoevenbui l
dadecenthow, i
fi twasn'tso
thatchi
ckbrotheryouwoul dsti
llbewel coming
l
earnerseverymor ningandyoust i
llhaven'tpai
dme
forthat
Mpho:(l
aughedandsighed)Iunderstandyou
brot
herasIhavebeenthere.Iwi
llal
sot r
ylookfor
openvacanci
eshere,
youar eher
ef orthatr
ight
?
Themba:(
smil
edandgavehimtheenvel
ope)
anyt
hingwoul
ddo,evenasacl
eaner
.Iheardt
hey
paygoodmoney
Mpho:t heydopayar easonabl
eamount
,Ihear
dthe
generalworkerwi
llbereti
ri
ngsoon,
Iwil
ltal
ktoHR
andleaveyourpapersthere
Themba:Iwoul
dbegr
atef
ul.
Mpho:sur
eman
Themba:sohowi
sthel
it
tl
eman?
Mpho:gett
ingbett
er,
thenursehaseveryt
hing
undercont
rolandmywi f
e…It hi
nkshe'
scoming
i
ntotermswiththesi
tuat
ion.Shetol
dmeshewi l
l
goseethetherapi
stt
oday
Themba:ar
eyounotafr
aidt
hatshewi
llhavean
epi
sodeandyouknow
Mpho:Ihaveal
readygi
venthenurseheadsupand
t
oldherIdon'
twanthim pl
ayi
nginfr
ontofherf
or
tool
ongmostthi
ngsshouldbedoneinhi
sroom
andsheshoul
dtakehi
mt othepar
kforfr
eshai
r
Themba:youseem t
ohaveever
ythi
ngi
ncont
rol
Mpho:I'
m cr
ossingf i
nger
shere,hehassuff
eredfar
toomuchandatl easthe'
syoungwecanst i
llmend
thi
ngsandgivehimt hegreat
estupbr
ingi
ngand
havenoregr
etslater.
Themba:Igetyouman(
smil
ed)wehavet
rul
y
grownmmhhavi ngf
ami
li
esofourown
Mpho:i
ndeed
Themba:(
clearedhi
sthr
oat)
youknowIdon'
treal
ly
haveafamil
y,youhavebeenli
keabr
othert
ome
Mpho:Iknow
Themba:Ithoughtaboutwhatyousai
danddecided
thatIwantt
odor i
ghtbymyl adyandherf
amil
y
Mpho:(
smi
led)whatar
eyousayi
ngman?
Themba:Iwouldappr
eci
atei
tifyout
ookpar
tonmy
behal
fonthelobol
anegot
iat
ions
Mpho:Iwoul
dbehonor
edt
odot
hat
Thembasmi
ledandt
heyshookhands
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtKhensani
'
spl
ace

Shepickedupherson'stoysfr
om t
hefl
oorand
broughtt
hem overhi
m whi l
ehepl
ayedonhisown.
Sheheardaknockont hedoorandwenttoopen.I
t
wasThandiwe…

Khensani
:Idon'
twantt
ofi
ghtwi
thyourhusband
Shewascl
osi
ngt
hedoorwhenThandi
webl
ockedi
t
Thandi
we:(
sadl
y)pl
ease…
Khensanil
ookedathersadf
ace
Khensani
:nodr
inki
ng
Thandi
we:Iwon'
t
Shel
etheri
n,shewal
kedi
nandsatont
hecouches
Khensani
:howar
eyou?Iwant
edt
ocheckupon
youbutthi
ngsdidn'
tendwellbet
weenmeandyour
husbandaft
eryougotdrunk
Thandi
we:IknowandI
'
m sor
ry
Khensani
:noneedt
oapol
ogi
zewher
e'syourbaby
Thandi
wequi
ckl
ygotup
Thandi
we:ohmyGodIf
orgotheri
nthecar
Khensani
:what
?!
Thandiwerushedtohercarwhil
eKhensani
fol
lowedher.Sheunl
ockedhercarandopenedi
t
getti
ngAmkelwawhowascr yingherl
ungsout
Khensani:Thandiwhat'
sgoi
ngonwithyou?You
can'
tjustleaveyourbabyi
nthecar
Thandi
we:(shaki
ng)I
'
m sorr
yIj
ustdon'tknow
what'
swrongwi t
hme.ShhhhhI
'
m sorrybaby
Mommy' shere
Khensani
:let
'sgeti
nsi
de
Thandi
wefoll
owedsti
llcal
mingherdownt i
llshe
wascalm.Shesatonthecouchwithhersulking
sucki
ngherthumb
Khensani
:youshouldn'
tlethersuckhert
humbl
ike
t
hatitwil
lrui
nherteeth
Thandi
we:I
'
m sor
ry
Khensani
:babest
opapol
ogi
zingyoudi
dn'
tdo
anyt
hingwrong
Thandi
we:Ij
ust
…I'
m-
Khensani
:don'
t
Thandiwe:Si
phiwecamehomeyest erday,Idon't
knowhowt ofeel.(Tear
ful
)Ididthattohi m, Il
ethi
m
suff
erli
keIdid,whatkindofamot heram I?Hewas
ri
ghtit
'smyfault(cryi
ng)ever
ythingismyf ault

Khensanikneel
edbef
oreherhol
dingherhands.

Khensani:(
tear
ful)don'tdothistoyoursel
f,you
hearme?Don' t
!Everythingyouaresayingitdoesn't
comef r
om you, youwer ehurtandvicti
mized,you
areal
lowedt ofeelhoweveryouf eelandtake
deci
sionsforyourowngood.
Thandi
we:(cryi
ng)Ishoul
d'vel
ongendedmy
miser
ablel
ife.
Khensani:(t
earf
ul)don'
tgiveintothevoi
ce.Youar e
strongert
hanyout hi
nk,t
hinkofhowf aryou'
ve
come.Youhavet wobeautif
ulgir
lswhostil
lneed
you.Pleasedon'tgi
veuponl if
e.Youhavethef ar
m,
pleasedon'tgi
veuponl i
fe
Thandiwe:it
'spointlessl ivingwi t
hsomeonewho' s
alr
eadydead.Themor eIl i
vet hemor etheygetto
witnesshowbr okenIam, atl
eastt heywillf
orget
aboutmeandl ear nt olivewi thoutmel i
keIdi d.I
t'
s
onlyamat t
eroft i
mebef orehel eavesmeaswel l…I
seehe'srunoutoft oler ancef ormenow.Hehasno
ti
met onursemyf eelingsandIdon' tbl
amehi m
Khensani
:st
opt
alki
ngl
iket
hat
Thandi
we:Ili
edt
omysel fKhensi(
chuckl
es)Ili
edto
myself
…hewasright.Nooneknowsmebet t
erli
ke
hedoes.I
t'
smyfaultmyauntdied,myfaultt
hathe
rapedme
Khensani
:(t
ear
ful
)no
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)it
'smyf
aul
thewentt
othose
monst
ers,
ever
ythi
nghappeni
ngt
ohi
mismyf
aul
t
Khensani
:noi
tisn'
tbabyl
ookatme
Thandiwejustspokeblami
ngher sel
fover
everyt
hingitwasli
kehewasn'teventherewhil
e
tal
kingli
kestar
ingint
ospace.Blaminghersel
ffor
everyt
hing.

Khensani
:(shookher
)babe!
Thandi
we:(
cover
edherf
acecr
ying)I
'
m sor
ry
Khensani
:don'
tbe
Thandi
we:I
'
m amonst
er
Khensani
:noyou'
renot
Thandiwe:Ifeell
ikeast
rangeri
nmyownhome.
Thenursegi vesmeanatti
tude,
IguessMphot
old
hereveryt
hingaboutme
Khensani
:youar
eovert
hinki
ngt
hings
Thandi
we:(
angr
y)I
'
m not
!…(
tear
ful
)I'
m sor
ry
Khensani
:(sadl
y)i
t'
sokayj
ustcomeher
e
Shesatnextt
oherpul
li
nghercl
osef
orahugwhi
le
shecr
ied
Thandi
we:(cr
yinghyst
eri
cal
ly)
theyar
egoingt
o
takemebacktothatpl
ace…Mphoi sgoi
ngtot
ake
mebackintothatpl
aceandtakemykids…
Khensani
:(swal
lowedapai
nfull
ump)
hewont
Thandi
we:(cr
ying)hewi
llhedoesn'
tcar
eaboutme
anymore.I
'
m beingpuni
shed
Khensani
:shhhhh
Sheheldherwhil
eshecriedandAmkelwacr
ied
too…Khensanigotherwatert
odri
nkandshe
managedtocalm down.Shegotup

Thandi
we:(wi
pedhert
ear
s)Ineedt
ogo,
Imadean
appoi
ntment
Khensani
:youcan'
tdr
ivei
nthi
sst
ate
Thandi
we:Iwi
llbef
ine…
Khensani
:letmedr
iveyout
her
e
Thandi
we:yourson?
Khensani
:Iwillt
akehi
m wi
thme.Ij
ustcan'
tletyou
dr
ive.Wewillcatchar
idet
ocomebackhome
Thandi
we:but
-
Khensani
:Ii
nsi
st
Thandi
we:okay
Khensani
:letmegethi
sbag.Pl
easest
ayr
ighther
e
Shewentt opackhersonsbagandwal kedout
takinghim al
readysleepi
ngont hef
loor.Thandi
we
gotupandwal kedoutwithherdaughterwhoheld
ti
ght l
ytoherafterbeingshakenbyhermot her
's
cries
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtSandi
'
shome

Itwasthethir
dtimeshehadvomitednow,
everyt
hingj
ustthrewherof
f.Herhusbandknocked
onthebathroom door
Mlondi
:mylovear
eyouokay?Whyi
sthedoor
l
ocked?Pl
easeopen
Sher
insedhermout
handwentt
oopen
Sandi
:I'
mfi
ne
Ml
ondi
:letmet
akeyout
othecl
ini
c
Sandi:cl
ini
c?IthasbeenhowmanyyearsMlondi
we'vebeentogetherworki
ngandwor
kingandwe'
re
st
il
lgoingtotheclini
c?
Mlondi
:wecan'
taf
for
dtohaveamedi
calcover
r
ightnow
Sandi
:mxm yaz
Ml
ondi
:canwego?
Sandi:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
oanycl
ini
c.Iwi
llt
akemysel
f
tothedoct
or
Mlondi:(
sadl
y)howmuchwillyouneedsoIcan
add.IhaveR500inmyaccountri
ghtnow
Sandi
:sendi
t
Ml
ondi
:letmegetmyphone
Sandi
:(i
rr
it
ated)you!Mustyoubet
hissl
ow?Just
for
geti
t.I
'l
lpaywithmyownmoney
Ml
ondi
:ar
ewef
ight
ingnow?
Sandi
:fi
ght
ing?Who'
sfi
ght
ing?
Mlondi
:you,
Idon'tunder
standt
hesuddenchange
i
nyourbehavior
Sandi
:pover
tychangespeopl
e
Mlondi
:whatdoyoumeanpovertybecausewe
spentt
hemoneybuil
dingourpar
entsdecenthomes
andyourhometookmoremoney
Sandi:
myhomet ookmoremoneyhowaboutyour
fi
vesistersthatyouspendtonsofmoneyonthem
everymont hwiththei
rkids?Idon'
thavet
imefor
thi
s.I'
ml eaving
Ml
ondi
:we'
regoi
ngt
oget
her
Sandi:I'
m notgoi
ngt
othecl
ini
c.Iwantt
oshopa
fewthingsatthemal
l
Ml
ondi
:I'
m st
il
lcomi
ng
Sandi
:sui
tyour
sel
f
Shewalkedouttogetherhandbagwhil
eMlondi
wai
tedinthecarcal
li
nghisparent
sforafamil
y
meeti
ng
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtMpho'
shome

Hewalkedoutofarestaurantattownaftermeeti
ng
acol
leaguef
orlunchandbumpedi ntonurseCleo
whowasholdingSiphiwehandandhol dinga
pl
ast
icwithf
ruit
sinside.Theygreetedeachother

Mpho:youguysdeci
dedt
ogooutf
ori
cecr
eam
Cleo:
(laughed)wear
est
ayi
ngawayf
rom t
hatr
ight
now.Fr ui
tswil
ldo
Mpho:howwast
hesi
tuat
ionaf
terIl
eft
Cleo:
it'
sokay,
lastni
ghtshecamei nt
otheroom t
o
tel
lmehowIshoul ddomyj ob.Idon'
tknowofyou
t
oldhert
hatIam aquali
fi
ednurseandIhavebeen
t
rai
nedonhowtot akecareandassi
stmypati
ents
Mpho:(si
ghed)I'
m sorr
y.Shewasdistur
bedaft
er
seei
ngyouinjecthi
m yest
erday.I
'
m sorr
ythat
's
whyIexplai
nedhersit
uati
on
Cl
eo:andIunder
stand,
that
'swhyIt
ryal
lmybestt
o
gi
veherpri
vacy
Mpho:shepr
omi
sedt
ogof
ort
her
apy.Di
dshe
act
ual
lygo?
Cl
eo:
Idon'
tknowwel
eftear
lybef
oreher
Mpho:okay.Pl
easebepatientwit
hus.IknowIam
put
ti
ngyouunderdiff
icul
tcircumstancesbut
pl
easebarewit
hme
Cleo:(placedherhandonhisshoul
der)don'
twor ry,
afterseeinghowmuchl oveanddedicati
onyou've
puttowar dsthisboyget
ti
ngbett
er,
there'
snoway
I'
m goingt odropyouli
kethat
.Ever
ythingwil
lfall
i
ntopl ace

Hi
sphoner
ang
Mpho:I
'
m sor
ryexcuseme
Cl
eo:
it'
sokaywe'
regoi
nghomeanyway
Mpho:wai
tbymycar
.Iwi
lldr
opyouof
f
Cl
eo:
alr
ightwher
eisi
t?
Mpho:(
poi
nti
ng)t
her
e

Shewalkednextt
ohi
scarwhi
lehet
alkedont
he
phone

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#88

Nompilowaspacki
ngbooksattheli
brar
ywhil
esti
ll
thi
nki
ngaboutthedealwi
thheruncl
e.Ther
ewere
alr
eadyinmat
estofanci
edherbutaski
ngoneto
j
oinyouindoi
ngsomei
ll
egalsh*
twasn'
tgoi
ngt
o
beeasy.

I
nmat
e:heysugar

Nompi l
oturnedandl ookedatthewomanwho
stoodbeforeher,shortcolor
edlady.Probablyinher
l
atethir
ti
es,tat
toosonherar ms,neckandf ace.She
hadseenheracoupl eoftimes,shewasr espected
bymosti nmatesbutnevergaveMpi l
oapr oblem.
Mustbet hatbecauset heygotthemessagef r
om
unclebuteit
herway.Thi swast hei
rfi
rstencounter
andMpi l
owasgoi ngtomakei tcount.

Mpi
lo:Mega
Omega:yougother
elastweekr
ight
?Whatar
eyou
i
nherefor?
Mpi
lo:(
chuckl
es)Ibetyoual
readyknow
Omega:youdi
dit
?
Mpi
lo:(
smi
led)I
'
minnocent
Omega:younast
yb*tch.Whydon'
tyoucomeand
sayhi
?Oneofthegirl
scanevenbrai
dyourhai
r.
Youknowyouwontreadthosebooksfort
enyear
s,
youneedtomakefr
iends
Mpi
lo:f
ri
endshuh?Idon'
tseewhynot

Shecouldseeshewasbringi
nghercl oserforher
ownbenefi
tsbutShewasgoi ngtoplayalongtaki
ng
l
it
tl
estepsti
llherpl
angoesintoact
ion.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtThandi
we'
shome

Thandi
wegothomewi thKhensani
,shelai
dinbed
whil
eKhensaniputdownAmkelwatosleep.

Khensani
:ar
eyouokay?
Thandi
we:t
heywi
llsendmebacki
ntot
hatpl
ace
Khensani
:theywont
…youhaven'
tlostt
hebat
tl
eyet
.
Thefactt
hatyouwentt
her
etogethelpmeans
somethi
ng
Thandi
we:I
'
m sorr
yfordr
aggi
ngyouint
oal
lthi
s.
Youhaveajobandakidt
oworryabout
Khensani
:youar
emyf
ri
endandIwor
ryaboutyou
t
oo
Thandi
we:(
sighed)t
hankyouf
orever
ythi
ng
Khensani
:it
'sokay,Iknowyouwoulddot
hesame
forme.So…wher earetheykeepi
nghi
m
Thandi
we:secondr
oom opposi
te
Khensani
:canI
?
Thandi
we:sur
e
Khensaniwalkedoutandwalkedtohi
sroom,she
touchedthedoorknobreadytoopenwhenshe
heardalady'
svoice

Her
:whoar
eyouandhowmayIhel
pyou?
Khensani
:(smi
led)himynamei
sKhensani
,Iam
Thandi
we'
sfr
iend.Icamet
oseeSi
phi
we
Her
:nur
seLi
ndaherebutyoucanaddr
essmeby
myname.Cl
eopat
ra
Khensani
:al
ri
ghthi
Cl
eo:Si
phiweisnotal
lowedvisit
sfrom st
ranger
s
whi
lehe'
ssti
llt
ryi
ngtoadjusttoli
vingher
e
Khensani
:butIam notast
ranger

Nur
seCl
eor
aisedaneyebr
ow

Khensani
:Iam acl
osef
ri
end
Cleo:
howcomeMrGamahasneversai
danyt
hing
aboutyou
Khensani
:itmust
'vesl
ippedhi
smi
nd.CanIseehi
m?
Cl
eo:
I'
m af
rai
dnothe'
srest
ing
Khensani
:butyouar
ecarr
yingsoupwhi
chmeans
youaregoingt
ofeedhi
m
Cl
eo:
Miss…
Khensani
:it
'sKhensani
Cleo:
Iam doi
ngmyj
obi
fyouwantt
oseehi
m you
cantalkt
oMrGama
Khensani
:Ispoket
oherwi
fe
Cl
eo:
Itakeor
der
sfr
om hi
m
Khensani
:al
ri
ght
Thandi
we:(wal
kingt
othem)
opent
hedoorandl
et
herseehi
m
Cleo:Ihaveal
readyexpl
ainedt
oMi
ssKhensani
here
Thandi
we:youwil
lexpl
ainthatt
oyourhusband
angi
shoyoutakeorder
sfrom hi
m.Thi
sismyhouse
andri
ghtnowyoudoasIsay

CleosteppedasideandKhensaniwal kedinwith
Thandiwefollowingher.Theyf
oundhi m kneel
ing
onthef l
oorplayingwit
hhiscartoys.Khensani
walkedtohim whi l
eThandiwestoodbyhi sbed.
Shekneeledandpl ayedwithoneofhiscar safast
racewhileSiphiwewatchedherandsmi lednot
sayi
ngaword.Shekeptt
alki
ngt
ohi
m,hervoi
ce
shakyal
mostwanti
ngtocry

Cl
eo:
hissoupwi
llgetcol
d
Thandi
we:comei
nandf
eedhi
m

Shecameinandsatont hebedcal
li
nghi
mt oeat
whil
eKhensanigotupandwalkedoutwi
th
Thandi
wequietl
y.

Thandi
we:Iknowyouhat
emenow
Khensani
:what
?No…
Thandi
we:IknowI
'
m ahor
ri
bleper
son,
Idi
dal
lthat
tohi
m
Khensani:(
tearf
ul)I
'
m amothertoaboyokayand
haveyouseenhowener geti
chei s?.Iknowwegot
them underdif
fer
entci
rcumstancesbuti twouldki
ll
met ofi
ndhim onedayhurtandbr okenlikethat
Thandi
we:Iknow
Khensani
:youneedt ogetyoursh*ttogetherThandi
andnotonlyforyoursel
fbutforyourkidsaswell.
Theydeservebett
er.Hedeservesbetter
Thandi
we:(
swal
lowedapai
nfull
ump)I
'
mtr
ying
Khensani
:Iknowyougothurtbutyoumustbethe
bi
ggerpersoninal
lthi
s.I
fyoufailhi
mthist
imeit
wouldmakeyounodi f
fer
entthanthatman
Thandi
we:youdon'
tunder
standwhatI
'
m goi
ng
thr
oughri
ghtnow
Khensani
:gett
othebottom ofi
t.I
fyoumessup
wit
hthatboy'
sli
fe.Iwil
lneverf
orgi
veyouThandi
never
.(
wipedhertear
s)Ineedtobewithmysonbye

Shewalkedoutwhi
leThandi
wel
ookedathert
ear
s
rol
li
ngdownhercheeks
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMpho'
swor
kpl
ace

Apr
ilknockedandwasl
eti
nbyMpho.
Apr
il
:af
ter
noon
Mpho:af
ter
noon
Apr
il
:thebossi
srequest
ingt
oseeyour
ightnow
Mpho:al
ri
ghtt
hankyou
Shewalkedoutandhegotupwal
kingt
ohi
sof
fi
ce.
Heknockedandwasleti
n
Phi
lane:MrGama
Mpho:Si
r
Phi
lane:pl
easesi
t
Hesatdown
Mpho:t
hankyou
Phi
lane:Ical
ledyouher
ebecauseIr
ecei
vedt
his
Hegavehi
m aci
rcul
arandher
eadi
t
Phi
lane:wehavebeeninvi
tedtotakeparti
na
Fi
nanceworkshopthatwil
ltakeplacei
nCapetown
Mpho:Capet
own?
Philane:yesi
t'
sat hr
eedayswor
kshopandIneed
yout ogoandr epr
esentusasweareoneoft
he
biggestcompanies
Mpho:ei
sh….
Phil
ane:It r
ustyounottotarni
shmycompany
nameandpi tchup.Youwillbemeetingdif
fer
ent
fi
nancialmast er
swhol eadotherbi
ggest
compani es.Takethi
sasachancet oear
nmor e
knowledge, youwil
lbeneedingitsoonsinceyou'
l
l
begetti
ngaj uni
orstaf
fsoon
Mpho:j
uni
or?
Phil
ane:yes,wewil
lbeprovi
dinganint
ernshi
psfor
youngstudentswhowanttoentertheworl
dof
fi
nanceandequipthem wit
hrequir
edsetofski
ll
s
Mpho:andwhenwi
llt
hatst
art
?
Phi
lane:r
ightaf
teryoursemi
nar
Mpho:al
ri
ght
Philane:ever
ythi
ngconcer
ningyourtr
aveli
ngwil
lbe
takencar eofbyApr
il
.Youwi l
lgeti
ncontactwi
th
her
Mpho:nopr
obl
em
Phi
lane:t
hankyout
hatwi
llbeal
l
Mpho:t
hankyou
Shegotupandwal
kedoutbackt
ohi
sof
fi
ce
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
AtMpho'
shome

Inamicamebackf r
om schoolandThandi wemade
herfood.Shesatont hecouchwat chingcartoons.
Nursecleowentoutwi thSiphi
we' slaundryandher
own.Thandiwest art
edpreparingfordi nner.
Siphi
wewal kedouttothesitti
ngr oom car r
yinghis
toytr
uckandsatnextt oInamil ookingatherf ood.
Inamismiledandgavehi mt heforkt oeather
noodles.Heputitasideandputi nhi shand

I
nami
:noeatl
iket
his
Shepushedoffhi
shandandshowedhi
m howt o
eatwi
ththef
orkandthenhedi
dithi
mself
.Inami
l
ookedathermom andsmi l
edlookingather
brot
her .Thandiwesmil
edshakingherheadand
mademor et hendi
shedforthem separat
elyt
hen
madeRussi ansandsli
cedthem putti
ngthem al
l
over.Inamicamet othekit
chenandputherdi shin
thesink

I
nami
:mamaI
'
m notf
ull
Thandi
we:sowhatmustIdo?
Shesulkedgoingtot
hesit
ti
ngroom butsmiledthe
momentshewaswi t
hherbrot
her.Hewhispered
somethingt
oherandshesmi l
edlooki
ngather
mom andwhi sper
edbacktohi
m.Thandiwewal ked
overwith2di
shesandgaveonetoeach.Inami
smiled

I
nami
:thankyoumama
Si
phi
we:t
hankyoumama
Shecoul
dtel
lthathewasseeki
ngconfi
rmati
onifi
t
wasokaytocallhert
hat
.Shesmil
edandbrushed
hisheadandI nami '
sheadt henwal kedt othe
kit
chen.Hesmi ledf eel i
ngthatki ndgest ure.Hehad
l
itt
letonomemor i
esofbei nghel dort akencar eof
l
ikeachi ld.Hehadbeenl i
vingl i
keanunwant eddog.
Foodwast hrownt ohi m everyoncei nawhi l
eeven
thatf
oodbei ngdr i
edbr eadbutmost lybeenst arved.
Hesomehowf eltsafei nthesewal l
s,hewas
developingabondwi tht hisgirlt
hatwasal lsmi les
andthiswomanhef el theknew butcan' tpi npoi nt
how.Heknewhervoi ce,hersmel l
,herlaughsand
heknewt hemanaswel l
…t hi
ngsdi dn'tfeeltoonew
forhi
m butwer econf using.Heat ewithhissi ster
thi
sfoodwasver yni ce, mamamadeni cef ood
unli
ket hatonet hatsl eepsi nhisr oom.Theyat eup
withhissi sterwhi l
eThandi wewentt ogetAmkel wa.
NurseCl eowal kedinandwal kedovert othem…

Cl
eo:(
taki
nghi
sdish)whomadehi
m noodl
es?Why
di
dyoumakehim noodl
es?
I
nami
:mamamadei
t
Si
phi
west
ret
chedouthi
shandswant
inghi
sbowl
t
ear
ful
ly
Cl
eo:
hei
sn'
tsupposedt
oeatt
his.I
tisnotheal
thy
I
nami
:butmamamadei
tforus

Thandi
wewalkedouttotheli
vingroom car
ryi
ng
Amkelwaandfoundthenurseinti
midat
ingthetwo.

Thandi
we:what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Cleo:I
'm sur
pri
sedtofi
ndSiphi
weeati
ngnoodl
es.
Theyarenothealthyt
hat'
swhyhedoesn'
twantto
eatthatsoupbecauseyouaref
eedi
nghimthi
s
Thandi
we:(si
ghed)gi
vehi
m hi
sfood,
he'sj
ustakid.
EvenIdon'
tli
keveget
abl
esoupandallt
hegreen
stuf
fyoukeepmaking
Cl
eo:
buti
tisnotheal
thy.
Thandi
we:canwenotdot hi
sinfr
ontoftheki
ds?
OkayI'
m sorr
yitwil
lneverhappenagai
ncanyoul et
hi
m eatjustf
ortoday.He'
scryi
ngforGod'ssake
Cl
eo:
okay,
Phi
wecomewi
thmeyouwi
lleatatyou
r
oom
Phi
weshookhi
shead'
no'
Cl
eo:
okayt
hennof
oodf
oryou
Thandiwe:justgi
vethechi
ldabr eak.Hasn'
the
beenstarvedenough?Lethim eatandplaywit
h
otherki
ds.
Cl
eo:
youknowwhat
?It
'sf
ine
Shegavehi
m hisbowlandhekeptqui
eteat
ing
whil
eshewalkedtot
heirr
oom.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***

att
hel
odge

Sandidrovebackandpar kedthecompanycar ,
st
eppinginsidewi t
hherr edsti
let
tosandbl ack
l
adiessuit.Shewal kedinandwentt othebat hr
oom.
Shetookthepr egnancyt estt
henwentbackt oher
off
ice.Shesatt appingherdeskandbitinghernail
s
waiti
ngner vouslyl
ookingatthetime.3mi nutes
downshet
ookitandl
ooked3weekspr
egnant.She
j
umpedheari
ng3knocksandt
hedooropeni
ng.It
wasChamp

Champ:bossyl
ady
Sandi
:(hi
dthest
ick)hey
Champ:howar
eyou?
Sandi
:I'
m okay
Champ:di
dIdi
stur
byou?
Sandi
:no…ofcour
senot
Hewal
kedt
oherdeskandsatdown
Champ:Iwantedtocongratul
ateyouonyournew
j
ob.Notthatt
here'
sanythingnew
Sandi
:(smi
led)t
hankyou.Il
ear
ntal
lIneededt
o
l
earnfr
om t
hegreatest
Champ:west
il
lhaven'
tcel
ebr
atedyou.Toni
ght
?At
ourspot
?
Sandi
:Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
llmakei
t.If
eelsi
ck
Champ:(
smiled)comeondon'
tbeapar
typooper
.
I
'l
lor
deryourfavor
it
ewine
Sandi
:iti
stempt
ingbut
…no
Champ:mmh…youar
enowchangi
nguponmehuh?
Sandi
:what
?No
Champ:don'tf
orgett
hatIputyouont hatchai
r
becausewehadanagr eement.Icansti
llt
akethat
awayfrom you
Sandi:(
smil
ed)don'
tbel
iket
hat
.Ist
il
lwantyouand
Ihaven'
tfor
gott
en
Champ:atourspott
oni
ghtdon'
tbel
ate
Sandi
:sur
e
Hegotof
ffr
om hi
schai
randwal
kedout
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
AtMpho'
shouse

Mphoar
ri
vedf
rom wor
kandtheki
dsalr
eadyin
t
hei
rpyj
amasl
eftAmkel
walayi
ngonthefl
oorand
wentt
owelcomehim home.Hewal
kedovert
ohi
s
wi
feandki
ssesherneck.

Mpho:hey
Thandi
we:hey

Nur
seCl
eowal
kedoutandgr
eet
edt
hem

Cl
eo:
aft
ernoon.CanIpl
easet
alkt
oyouSi
r?
Mpho:sur
enopr
obl
em
Cl
eo:
inpr
ivat
e
Thandi
we:i
tdoesn'
thavet
obepr
ivat
esi
ncei
t
concer
nsme
Mpho:al
ri
ghtl
et'
sgot
alki
touti
nthest
udy
Thandiwetur
neddowntheheatonthestoveand
fol
lowedthem t
othest
udy.Theyal
lwalkedinand
satdown
Mpho:okayI
'
mli
steni
ng
Cleo:Si
rIam tryingtodomyj obbytakingcareof
Siphi
webuti t
'shardforme.Ican'tcontr
olhisdiet
becauseMr sGamakeepsf eedi
nghimf oodsthat
arenothealt
hyandt odayhebr oughtherfr
iendto
l
ookathim.Si phiweissti
llf
ragil
eandcantbe
aroundstr
anger syetashehast ogetusedt ot
his
famil
y.
Thandiwe:Siphi
wedoesn' teatanyofyourgr een
sal
adsandhor r
iblesoups.Ididn'
tgivehimjunk,I
gavehimf oodthever ysamef oodInamiwaseat i
ng
andheenj oyedit.Howwi l
lthepoorchildgai
n
weightwhenhe' sbeingstarved
Cl
eo:
Iam notst
arvi
nghi
m
Thandiwe:(
angry)youar e,youhavebeenf eedi
ng
him onl
ysoups.Hei snott hatsi
ckanymor ehe
needsfoodandt hatstuntyoupulledearl
ier
thr
eateni
ngnottogi vehimf oodifhedidn'tdoas
yousaywasnoton.Howwi l
lhegetusedt ousi fal
l
youeverdoiskeephi ml ockedin,i
nthatroom.He
hasbeenapr i
sonerf arenoughtobeoneevennow
andIknowyougott hatorderfr
om yourhusband
hereangishoyounowmakedeci si
onsforthi
s
familyt
ogether.Didyouseehowhappyhewas
today?Heactuallywentoutt opl
ayinthesunwith
hissist
erandcamebackunhar med.Themor ewe
treathi
ml i
keaspeci alcasehewontbeusedt ous,
hewontf eell
ikefami l
ybutyouwontseet hat
becauseyou'reallfocusedont hefactt
hatIam a
selfi
shmonsterthatwi llhurthi
m
Mpho:t
hat
'snott
rue
Thandiwe:iti
st r
ue( t
earful)am Ibr eakingdown?
YesbutIwon' thurthim.I '
mt r
yingtogethel pbut
i
t'snotenoughf oryouort hisfamily.Iam expected
tobear ock,havenof eelingsandj ustsol di
eron.
(Gett
ingup)Ihavenopr obl em withSi phi
wewal ki
ng
aroundthehousel etalonej oiningusatt hetableto
eatandifyoust i
llconti
nuenotwant inghimt odo
anyofthatthere'snopr oblem butIwon' tl
ethim
star
veonmywat ch.IfIseehi m hungr yIwilldi
sh
forhim,junkfoodornot ,hewi lleat
.Nowexcuseme
Mpho:wear
enotf
ini
shed
Thandi
we:youcanfi
nisht
her
estoft
he
conver
sat
ionwit
hyourwif
e
Mpho:pl
easesi
tandl
et'
stal
kabouti
t
Shesi
ghedandsatdown
Mpho:f i
rstofallNurseLindai sn'
tmywi fe,youare
andsecondl yallt
hemeasur esthataret akenwer e
decidedonwaybef oreSiphiwecamehow.We
didn'
tknowhowyouwoul dtakehi sarri
val.Ithank
youf ort
akingcareofhi m andt hinki
ngofhi m when
youf edInami.Nurseifmywi fegivesourson
anythingtoeatordoest hingsf orhim don'tbeinthe
way.Thet woofyoupl ayavi t
alroleinSiphiwe'sli
fe,
Idon'twantyout ofightatall
Cl
eo:(
respect
ful
ly)Iwasn'tf
ight
ingbutnowthatyou
madethi
ngsclear.Iwon'tbeintheway.I'
m sor
ry
MrsGama
Mpho:myl
ove
Thandi
we:i
t'
sfi
ne
Shegotupandwalkedbacktotheki
tchen.Theki
ds
werewatchi
ngcar
toonsgiggl
ingl
oudlywit
h
Amkelwal ayi
ngonI nami'
schestsucki
nghert humb.
Mphof ol
lowedshor t
lyaft
erandwenttot akea
showerafterthathecamebackandj oinedthem f
or
dinner
.Theki dsatewatchi
ngt.
vwhi l
etheadults
atepeacefull
y.

Cl
eo:
thi
sissomer
eal
lyni
cest
ew
Thandi
we:t
hankyou
Mpho:mywi
fesur
eknowshowt
opr
epar
ethebest
di
shes
Thandi
we:(
smi
led)t
hankyou.
Theyconti
nuedtoeatpeacefull
yaf
tert
hatCleodid
thedi
shesandMphosentt hekidstobed.Helater
j
oinedhiswif
ewhohadal readyshoweredandin
herpyj
amas.Shegotintobedandhewentt o
changeandjoi
nedhercuddling.
Mpho:sohowwasyoursessi
on?

Thandiwe:i
twasokay.Theycal l
edDrDhludhl
umy
psychiat
ri
stt
heywillgivememedi cat
ionf
ormy
anxiet
yanddepression.Ibasi
cal
lyneedpil
lst
obe
happy

Mpho:it
'snotabadt hi
ng.Icanactual
lyf
eela
changei
nyout oday.Youseeopeningupto
someonewhom youknowwon' tj
udgeyouhelps
someti
mes

Thandi
we:yeah

Mpho:whatel
sehappened?

Thandi
we:pr
ett
ymuchnot
hing.
..ohandIt
hinkI
l
ostafri
endt
oday
Mpho:who?

Thandi
we:i
tdoesn'
tmat
ter

Mpho:okay..
..I
'
m sor
ryf
ort
ell
ingt
henur
seour
per
sonalstuf
f

Thandi
we:okay

Mpho:Iknowi
t'
snotokay

Thandi
we:i
tis.
..i
t'
snotl
ikeyoul
ied

Mpho:butst
il
l

Thandi
we:aft
erhewenttoj
ail
.Iwasdesperatet
o
st
artanewlif
eandfor
getever
ythi
ngthathappened,
Il
iedtomysel
f.Mypastwil
lal
waysbethere,Iwi
ll
al
waysberemindedofwhathappenedandnotby
mykidsbutbythepeopl
earoundme.

Mpho:Iwi
llneverspeakaboutt
hatever

Thandi we:youwi l
l.
..i
tmi ghtnotbet odaybut
someday.Iwi l
lkeeponwal ki
ngonbr okenglasses
myent i
reli
fe.Ihavetopr eparemysel fforwhatis
yettocome, whenhe'sf r
eehewi llcomef ormeor
thekids.Ihavet owatchwhatIsayordot o
relat
ivesort hetr
uthwillcomeoutandIknowIwi l
l
stil
lbet heonetoblamed.Iwi l
lberesent edbymy
kids

Mpho:don'tsayt
hat
,wewi
llmaket
hem
under
stand..
.

Thandi
we:don'
tworryaboutanythi
ngyou'
renotat
faul
ther
e.Act
uall
yjustf
orgetIeversai
danyt
hing.
Howwaswor k
Ther
ewassi
lence

Mpho:Ihavet
oat
tendawor
kshopatCapeTown
f
orthr
eedays.

Thandi
we:I
'
m happyforyou,youshoul
dvisi
tEnt
le
whil
eyouarest
il
lther
e.I
'm sur
eshemissesyou

Mpho:(
smi
led)yeah.
..i
t'
sbeenl
ong

Thandiwe:youcantel
lhermom thatsheshould
feelf
reetobri
ngherover.I
'
m sur
eshe' shear
dthe
newsaboutSiphiwethat
'swhyshe'sbeenquiet
Mpho:Iwi
ll

Thandi
we:goodni
ght

Mpho:Il
oveyou

Thandi
we:l
oveyout
oo

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

89

AtSandi
'
sof
fi
ce
Sheleftear
lytogohomeandpr epareforherdate
withChampandl atert
hecl eani
ngstaffcamet o
cl
eanherof fi
ce.Shewi pedherdesksandopened
herdrawersfindingsweetwr appersanda
pregnancytest.Hereyeswi denedsurprised.I
twas
al
readyusedandshepr obablyfor
gottot hr
owit
away.Sheputi ti
nherpocketandcont inuedto
cl
eant henwal kedout
*
***
***
***
***
**
Fewdaysl
ater

Thandi wewassi ck,shefel

tnauseousandhada
runnyst omach.Shehadbeent oldabouttheside
effectsofthemedi cati
on.Shepacedupanddown
herr oom wit
hbot hhandsonherheadasal l
negat i
vethoughtscloudedherbrai
n.Shecouldend
i
tal lri
ghtnow,whatwassheevendoi ng?Whatwas
sheevenhopi ngf or?Thatshewouldjustf
orgetand
ever yt
hingwouldbeal ri
ght
?Shecouldhearhis
l
aughj ustl
aughi
ngather .Shesatonthecornerof
herroom r ockingher selfcr yi
ng.Shef eltsoal one,
thesamel onel i
nessshef eltbackatt hehut .Bei ng
therealonei ndar knessandwai ti
ng…wai ti
ngf or
himt ocomebackandt akewhat everisl eftofyou.
Youar enot hingj usthisl it
tlesl*t,agiftfr om Aunt y
Dee.Al waysasecondopt ion,beingt herebutnot
real
lyseen.Shej ustwant edever ythi
ngt oend, she
want edal lthepai ntoend.Herphoner ang
endlesslybutshecoul dn'theari tshewaswayi n
herthought st hanr eali
ty.Theki dsknockedont he
doorbutshecoul dn'theart hem.Shehadseen
Siphiwel astni ghtgr oani ngi npai nafterbei ngf ill
ed
upwi thmedi cat i
on, i
tbr oughtherbadmemor ies.
Memor i
esofbei ngst ucki nt hatplaceal one, heavi ly
medi catedi npai nunabl et othink
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**

atCapet
own

Mphotri
edcall
ingheragai
nbuti
tdidn'
tgothr
ough.
Ent
leandtheshopassist
antwal
kedoutwit
hher
al
readydr
essedi
nabl
uef
lor
aldr
essandwhi
te
shoes.

Ent
le:daddyhowdoIl
ook?
Mpho:(
smi
li
ng)I
'
veneverseensuchabeaut
if
ulgi
rl
Assi
stant
:shal
lwet
ryt
hepi
nkone?
Ent
le:noIdon'
twanti
t
Assist
ant:youknowyoucantwearonl
yblue
cl
othes,youhavetomixcol
orst
olookprett
y
Ent
le:noIdon'
twanti
t
Mpho:(
laughed)youwontwi
nbl
uei
sherf
avor
it
e
Theshopassi
stantl
aughed
Mpho:pl
easegat
herever
ythi
ngandgi
vemet
he
t
otalamount
Assi
stant
:al
ri
ghtcomel
et'
sgetyouchangedf
ir
st
pr
incess
Ent
le:no
Mpho:l
etherbeandj
ustmakeapl
anf
orust
opay
whi
leshe'
swear
ingi
t
Theassistantsmiledandgothercl
otheswal
kingt
o
thecounter.Hepaidandtheywalkedoutand
steppedintohiscar.
Mpho:putonaj
acket
,it
'scol
d
Ent
le:no
Mpho:Iwasn'
tnegot
iat
ing
Sheputonherj
acketwhi
leMphocal
ledCl
eo

Mpho:zi
pitup
Ent
lef
oldedherar
ms

Cl
eo:
hel
lo
Mpho:Nur
sehowar
eyou?
Cl
eo:
I'
mfi
nehowar
eyouSi
r?
Mpho:Iam f
inet
hankyou.Iam tr
yingtor
eachmy
wif
eonthephonebutIam fai
li
ng.Areyou
anywher
enearher
Cl
eo:shehasnevercameoutofherroom si
nce
morni
ng.Ihavet
opr epar
eInamimyselff
orschool
Mpho:real
ly?Canyoupl
easecheckuponher
.She
hasn'
tbeenwelll
atel
y
Cl
eo:Itr
iedbutherdoorwaslockedandt
hebaby
wascryi
ngbutwentquietwit
ht i
me
Mpho:(worr
yingl
y)t
her
e'sakeyatthecor
neruni
t.I
t
hasourroom'sspar
ekeyY7pleasegeti
tandopen
up.Pl
easehurry
Cl
eo:
okayokay
Sherushedtogetthekeyandwentt oopen
Thandi
we'sdoor.Shefoundherlayi
ngonthebed
wit
hherdaughter.Shewentaroundherbed

Cl
eo:
MrsGama
Thandi
we:mmh
Cl
eo:
areyouokay?
Thandi
we:I
'
mfi
nej
ustwantt
obeal
one
Cl
eo:
MrGamacal
led,
hecan'
treachyouonyour
phone
Thandi
we:Iwi
llcal
lhi
mlat
er
Cl
eo:
hesoundedwor
ri
ed
Thandi
we:okay,
Iwi
llcal
lhi
m
Cl
eo:
okayi
fyouneedanyt
hingcal
lme
Thandi
we:I
nami
?
Cl
eo:
she'
sal
readyatschool
Thandi
we:al
ri
ghtt
hankyou
Cl
eo:
okay
Shewalkedoutwhi
leThandi
weheldontoher
pai
nfulst
omach.Herphonerangandshet
ookit

Thandi
we:hel
lo
Mpho:hey…howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Thandi
we:I
'
mfi
ne
Mpho:andt
hecr
ampshavet
heyst
opped?
Thandi
we:If
eelbet
ter
Mpho:Iwi
llbecomi
nghomet
omor
row
Thandi
we:al
ri
ght
Mpho:myl
ovear
eyousur
eyouar
eokay?
Thandi
we:I
'mfi
nereal
ly,
thedoct
orsai
ditwi
llgo
awayinacoupl
eofweeks
Mpho:okay
Thandi
we:Iwantt
osl
eepf
ornow
Mpho:okay,
Iwi
llcal
lyoul
ater
Thandi
we:okay
Mpho:Il
oveyou
Thandi
we:l
oveyout
oo
Shehungupandsl
ept
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*

atGabi
'
shouse

Shewaschangi
ngherson'
sdi
aperwhenher
mot
herwal
kedi
nwi
thherf
ood.

MaPaul
ine:l
etmehel
pyouwi
tht
hat
Sheputdownt hefoodandhelpedchangehis
diaperwhi
leGabiwashedherhandsont hebasi
n
andwentont aki
ngthefoodsweati
ngdownand
eati
ng
Gabi
:thi
sist
ast
y
MaPaul
ine:(
smi
led)i
twasmadebyyourmai
d
Gabi
:Nt
okozoi
smyhel
perma.Don'
tcal
lheramai
d
MaPaul
ine:wuuhokaybef
oreyoubi
temyheadof
.
Whati
sit?Isi
tbecauseMphoisi
ntown
Gabi
:what?Nomamawhatdoyout
akemef
or?I
am amarr
iedwoman
MaPauli
ne:(smil
ed)goodbecauseIknowhowyou
younggir
lstendtorui
nyourmarri
agebyrunni
ng
aft
eryourex'
s.He'shereandyouaremoody
Gabi:nomait'
snotbecauseoft
hat.Ihavebeen
t
hinkingofopeni
ngmyownbusi ness.Havemyown
audi
ti
ngcompany
MaPaul
ine:t
hatsoundsni
ce
Gabi
:Iknowbutmyf
inancesar
en'
tlooki
nggood
MaPaul i
ne:whydon' tyousellyourhousebackat
home.Ihavebeenwonder i
ngwhyyouhavebeen
hol
dingont oitforsolongbecausei t
'scl
earyour
l
if
enowi sbasedhere.Areyouscar edbecausewe
boughtitforyouandyouf eelli
kebyselli
ngit
,it
wouldfeelli
keyouar enotgratefulf
orourgi
ft
Gabi:Ifel
tli
kethatf
ir
st.Mom thathousewasthe
fi
rstbigthi
ngyouanddadgotme, Howmany
parentsdoyouknowt hatbuysthei
rkidsahouseon
thei
r21stbirt
hday?
MaPaul
ine:(
smi
led)wedi
d
Gabi:it
'sever
ythi
ngtomeandIwanti tt
obeEntl
e'
s
gif
t.IknowIam marriedandever
ythi
ngisgoi
ng
wellbutIhavetohaveaplanforheri
ncase
everyt
hinggoessouth
MaPaul
ine:not
hingwi
llgowr
ong
Gabi
:peopl
echange…Il
ear
ntt
hatt
hehar
dway.
Nevertr
ustamanIt el
lyou,youcouldbeast ep
l
adderwithoutknowingit.Ihaveal
readychangedit
tohername,IlovemyhusbandbutIj usthaveto
haveabackuppl an
MaPauline:(smiled)Iam happytoseeyouhave
grownandt hatyouar emakingdeci
sionsthatar
e
real
lyi
mpor tant
.Ifyouareshortoffunds,Icant
alk
toyourfat
herandwhenouri nvest
mentr etur
nswe
canborrowal umpsum ofcash
Gabi
:(smi
led)Iwoul
dbegr
atef
ul
MaPauline:Ihopeyouhavespokent
oyour
husbandaboutthi
s.
Gabi
:Iwi
llwhenhecomesback.Hehasbeenbusy
atwor
kwithallt
hesemi
nar
s
MaPaul i
ne:alri
ghtheshouldalwaysbeupdat
ed
aboutwhat'sgoi ngoninhi
shouse.Themoreyou
communi catetheeasieri
tbecomeswit
hless
misunderstandings
Gabi
:(smi
led)Iunder
stand
*
***
***
***
***
**
AtSandi
'
shome

Ithadbeendayssi nceshef oundout ,Champnever

suspect edathingwhent heydidt hedeedwel li
t'
s
sti
llt
ooear lytot el
lshepul l
edoutherdr awersand
hadasweett hrowi ngi nthewr apper s.Somet hi
ng
hither,didshet hrowawayt hepr egnancyst i
ck?
Shedi dn'tr
ememberbutshepr obabl ythrewitaway.
Shewaspr egnantt hosewer egoodnewst obe
sharedbutbywho?Nowt hatwast hedilemma.She
hadn'tbeenusi ngpr otect
ionwi ththeseman
becauseshewast akingcont r
acept ives.Howdi d
thisevenhappent hewasaknockont hedoor

Sandi
:comei
n
Ml
ondicamei
ncar
ryi
ngt
wocupsofcof
fee
Ml
ondi
:mor
ning
Sandi
:mor
ning
Ml
ondij
ustt
hrewherof
fspeci
all
ynowt
hatshewas
amanager .Sheneededamanofpowert omatch
herst
atus.Champwast herightcandi
date.Hewas
abadboy, ti
ckedal
ltheri
ghtboxesofaf i
nancial
ly
secur
efutureplushehadthelookstodiefor.
MaybethiswasGodanswer ingforher
,this
marri
ageislongoverdue
Mlondi:Iboughtyouyourf
avor
it
e,cof
feesi
nceyou
barel
yeatnowadays
Sandi
:thanksbutIdon'
tfeel
li
kecof
fee
Mlondi
:younolongerstayforbreakf
astandyour
si
cknesshaven'
tstopped.Didyougot ot
hecli
nic?
Sandi:Ididandi
t'
sjustastomachbugasI
suspected.Whatareyouevendoi
nghere?Idon'
t
wantyout ogetfi
red
Mlondi
:Iam worri
edaboutyou.Howaboutwetake
thedayoftoget
herandjustspendt
imetoget
her
.Go
outtoeatandcomebackwat chamovie
Sandi
:Iam busyher
e.Youknowbei ngamanager
comeswit
hal otofr
esponsi
bil
it
ies,
(get
ti
ngup)I
haveameetingtogotori
ghtnow
Ml
ondi
:ohokay
Sandi
:letmewal
kyouout
.
Hegotupandt
heywal
kedout
*
***
***
***
**

att
her
ecept
ion

Thecl
eani
ngst
affhadgat
her
edwai
ti
ngf
orher

Rebecca:(
exci
ted)sheisgoi
ngt
oshar
ethegood
newsguysIam tell
ingyou
Bongi
:shei
sful
lofdr
amaannounci
ngi
tli
ket
his
Rebecca:weneedgoodnewsspeci
all
yaf
terwhat
happenedtomsThwala
Dudu:don'
tevenremi
ndmentombiayweneed
goodnewsvele.Howfari
sshekonj
e?
Rebecca:f
ourweeknowIdon'
trememberwel
l
Theywal
keddownt
hest
air
s
Sandi
:wewi
llt
alkathome…ohguysmor
ning
Them:mor
ning
Rebecca:mor
ningmommy
Theygi
ggl
edwhi
leMl
ondil
ookedathi
swi
fe
Sandi
:ummhIwi
lladdr
essyouwhenIcomeback
j
ustnow
Bongi
:(smi
led)ofcour
semommy
Ml
ondi
:mommy?
Sandi
:yeahummh…
Ml
ondi
:ar
eyoupr
egnant
?
Rebeccacamer
unni
ngovert
oher
Rebecca:noneedtohidei
tanymor
eweknow
t
here'
sabuni ntheoven
Sandi
:ohl
ord
Ml
ondi
:(sur
pri
sed)whydi
dn'
tyout
ellme?
Sandi:(f
akedasmiled)Iwast
onight(
lookedatt
he
st
aff)itwassupposetobeasurpri
se
Mlondihuggedherl
if
ti
ngherupinexci
tementt
hen
t
hewhol estaf
fcametocongr
atul
ateher.
*
***
***
***
***
**

atj
ail

Nompi l
owat chedasotherinmat esl
efttocheckup
ontheirkids.Herhear
tbroke, shedi
dn'twanther
babytogr owupi napri
son, shewantedhertohave
thegreatestchi
ldhoodevent houghshewoul dn'
tbe
apartofi t
.Megasatnexttoher

Mega:what
'sonyourmi
nd?
Nompi
lo:not
hing
Mega:t heydon'thaveachoicebuttoraisethem
here.Mostf amil
ymember sturnedtheirbackson
them aftert
heygotsentencedandwel lothersl
ike
Jane.Shest abbedthatbast
ardthatmol est
edher,
thecutwasn' tdeepenoughtosendhi stohis
ancestors
Nompi
lo:sheshoul
d'vebur
nedhi
sasssdown
Mega:(l
aughed)shesurer
egret
sit
.Hersist
ersar
e
l
eftwit
hthatmonsterandshe'
sscaredt
osendher
daught
erhome
Nompi
lo:doyouhaveki
ds?
Mega:1boy,2gir
ls.Unf
avor
abl
econdi
ti
onsat
homebutthati
sbettert
hanher
e
Nompi
lo:howol
d?
Mega:boy8andt
wingi
rl
s7howf
arar
eyou?
Nompi
lo:t
hreemont
hsgoi
ngi
ntof
our
Mega:t
hingsbet
terathome?
Nompi
lo:yeahIl
ett
hingsatabet
terst
ate
Mega:mmhIcant
ellyou'
reapr
ett
ysmar
tgi
rl
Theylookedateachot herforami nute…therewas
j
ustweirdchemi st
rybetweent het wo.Maybeitwas
thetr
eatmentshewasgi vi
ngher ,youcouldtel
lshe
washardcor eroughbutgent l
ewi thMpilosofar.
Shehadt hattomboylookandf eelspokeli
keaman
witht
hatcoloredaccentandt attoos.Nompilodi
dn't
haveathi
ngforgi
rl
sri
ght
?Itwasj
ustwei
rd,
the
hormonesweremessi
ngwit
hherhead
Nompi
lo:Ineveraskedwhatyouar
einher
efor
?
Mega:dr
ugs
Nompi
lo:mmhcar
etoshar
ethei
nsandoutofa
dr
ugoperat
ion
Mega:(
naught
ysmi
le)whatdoyouwantt
oknow
Nompi
lo:ever
ythi
ng
Shesmiledandt
oldherever
ythi
ngNompi
lowas
fasci
nat
edbyherli
fe.
Mega:
Nompi
lo:woul
dyoudoi
tal
loveragai
n?
Shesmi
ledwi
thhernaught
ysmi
le
Mega:outwi
thi
t
Nompi
losmi
ledandt
oldheraboutt
hedealshehad.
*
***
***
***
***
***

*
**
AtThandi
we'
shome

Shef i
nall
yhadt hestrengthtogetupandf reshen
upanddoherdai l
ychor es.Thewerecompl aintsin
thefarmthatshedi dn'tf
eelli
kedeal
ingwi t
h.She
wasundersomuchst ressthefar
m wast hel ast
thi
ngonhermi nd.Herphoner anganditwas
Khensani.Shehadbeeni gnori
nghersincet heirl
ast
encounter.Shefeltj
udgedbyheraf t
ershesaw
Siphi
weandi thur
tsinceshewashershoul dert o
cryonbutnowi tf
eltli
keshewasabur dent oher .

Thandi
we:hel
lo
Khensani
:heyThandi
…Ihavebeentr
yingt
ocal
l
youbutyouhaven'
tbeenr
espondi
ngtomycall
s
Thandi
we:I
'
m sor
ryIhavebeenbusy
Khensani
:yeah…Ij
ustwant
edt
ocheckuponyou,
ar
eyouokay?
Thandi
we:I
'
m okay
Khensani
:okay,
Iknowwhenwel
astt
alkedIsai
d
somet
hingst
hat
…
Thandi
we:youdon'
thavet
oexpl
ainyour
sel
ftome
Khensani
:Ival
ueourf
ri
endshi
pandIcar
eabout
you
Thandi
we:i
t'
sokay,I
'
mfineandget
ti
ngbet
terno
needtowor
ryaboutme
Khensani
:don'
tfor
getwheneveryouneedt
otal
k
Thandi
we:sur
e.Ihavet
ogo
Khensani
:okay
Shehungupandcar
ri
edon,
anot
hercal
lcamei
n

Thandi
we:hel
lo
Voice:af
ternoonma'am Ihavebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
l
you,ther
e'sanurgentmattert
hatweneedt
o
discussconcerni
ngthefarm
Thandi
we:t
her
e'smanagementf
ort
hat
Voi
ce:youar
etal
kingt
othemanagerMendr
y
Thandi
we:whati
sit
?
Mendr
y:whencanyoucome?
Thandi
we:Iam busyr
ightnow
Mendr
y:whenyouar
efr
eepl
ease
Thandi
we:j
ustt
ellme

Mendr y:wehavefootandmouthcasesandithas
aff
ectedt hecows,pi
gsandgoat
s.Iti
surgentwe
tal
k,wehavest oppedal
lpr
oducti
on

Thandi
we:(
shocked)what
?

Mendry:andal
lourproductshavebeenr
emoved
f
rom t
heshelvestoavoidfurt
herdamage

Thandi
we:okayl
et'
smeett
omor
row

Mendr
y:al
ri
ghtyouwi
llsendmeal
lthedet
ail
s
Thandi
we:okayt
hankyou

Shehunguppani cki
ngbutshesatdowndoing
breat
hingexer
cisestr
yingt
ocal
m hersel
fdown

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

#90

AtThandi
we'
shome

ThedooropenedandI
namiwal
kedi
nrunni
ngt
oher
huggi
nghermom.
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)hey
I
nami
:howar
eyou?
Thandi
we:I
'm good,
gochangeandcomebackt
o
eat
.Yourf
oodi si
nthemicr
owave
I
nami
:okaywher
e'sSi
phi
we?
Thandi
we:It
hinkhewentoutwi
tht
henur
se
I
nami
:okayI
'
llbeback

Shewentt oherr oom whileThandi wecont i

nued
cleaningtr
yingnott othi
nkaboutt hef arm.Inami
camebackwi t
hherbabysi sterandt ookherfood
sitt
ingdownandeat ingwhilewat chi ngcart
oons
l
ikeshenor mallydoes.Nur seCleoar r
ivedwit
h
Siphiweandgr eetedherwhi leSiphi wewentt o
shar ehi
sdriedfruit
swi t
hhi sbigsi ster.

Thandi
we:Cl
eo
Cl
eo:
yes
Thandi
we:Idi
dn'
tthankyouf
orwhatyoudi
dthi
s
morni
ng.Taki
nggoodcar
eofI
namiandsendi
ng
hert
oschool
Cl
eo:
iti
sokay,
itwasnot
hingr
eal
ly
Thandi
we:butt
hankyou,
Iknowyouar
enotpai
dto
doallt
hat
Cl
eo:
(smi
led)don'
twor
ryabouti
t
Thandiwe:tomor r
owImi ghthavetoleaveearl
y,
ther
e'sanur gentmattert
hatIhavetoat t
end.SoI
am askingyout opleasel
ookaftereveryt
hingti
llI
getback
Cl
eo:
nopr
obl
em
Thandi
we:al
ri
ghtt
hankyou
Cl
eo:
youar
ewel
come
*
***
***
***
***
*

Lat
ert
hatday

Sandikeptr
ecei
vingcal
lsf
rom heri
nlaws
congrat
ulati
ngheronherpregnancy.Thiswas
gett
ingoutofhand,shedi
dn'twantthingst
ogothi
s
wayatall.Ther
ewasaknockont hedoor.

Sandi
:comei
n

Mlondiwal
kedi
nsheli
ter
all
yrol
ledhereyes,t
wice
i
naday.Hewalkedi
ncarryi
nglunchallsmil
es

Ml
ondi
:myl
ovel
ywi
fe
Sandi
:backagai
n?
Ml ondi
:Iknowhowmuchyoul oveworki
ngthatyou
takethi
ngst hatar
ereal
lyi
mport
antf
orgrant
ed.Did
youeat?
Sandi
:NoI
…
Mlondi:(
sit
ti
ngdown)see…youdidn'
twantt otake
thedayoffforustospendt
imetogethernowIwi l
l
comeher esowecanspendittoget
herwhi l
eyou
work.Iboughtyoulunch
Sandi
:(pushi
ngt
het
akeawayaway)I
'
m notr
eal
l
y
hungr
y
Mlondi
:youneedt
oeat.Comeon,
Igotyour
f
avouri
teri
ceandcur
ry
Heopenedi
nandputi
nthespoonSandisi
ghedand
at
e
Sandi:whydi
dyoutellt
hef
ami
lyaboutmy
pregnancywi
thoutt
alki
ngt
omefir
st?
Mlondi:becauset
hisist
hegr eat
estthi
ngt
oever
happen.Wehavebeenmar r
iedforhowmanyyears?
Theyhavebeenaskingaboutwhenwewi l
ladd
anothermemberfot hemix
Sandi:i
t'
sst
il
ltooearl
y,anyt
hingcanhappenI
wantedtowaitali
ttl
ebit
Mlondi
:not
hingisgoingt
ohappent oourbaby.I
t
hinkaft
ert
hehousepr oj
ectIwil
lbesteppi
ngback
f
rom doi
ngthingsathomesowecanhavemor e
moneyathomet oprepar
eforthebaby
Sandi
:Idon'
twantt
ofi
ghtwi
thyoursi
ster
s
Ml
ondi
:Iwi
llmaket
hem under
standt
hatt
her
e'sa
babycomi
ngnow.
Sandi
:okay
Thewasaknockonthedoorandi
topenedSandi
'
s
hear
tski
ppedabeatseei
ngChamp

Champ:ohgr
eet
ingssor
ry,
Ithoughtyouwer
eal
one
Sandi
:I…I
'
m havi
ngl
unchwi
thmyhusband
Mlondi
:(t
urnedlooki
ngathim)hi
,Ibr
oughther
l
unchIhopei t
'snoprobl
em
Champ:nopr
obl
em atal
l.Iwi
llcomesomeot
her
ti
me
Sandi
:isi
timpor
tant
?Because…
Champ:worr
ynotyouwi
llhaveenought
imet
osor
t
i
toutbusi
ness
Sandi
:ohokay
Champ:enj
oyyourl
unch
Ml
ondi
:thankyou
Champcl
osedt
hedoorwal
kingaway
Ml
ondi
:youhaveani
ceboss
Sandi:he'
spret
tyst
rictt
hat'
swhyIdon'
tli
kehavi
ng
vi
sit
st hatar
eunnecessary
Ml
ondi
:iti
simpor
tantt
hatyoueat
Sandi
:If
eelf
oolnow
Mlondi
:youbar
elyat
e.Eatt
hef
oodorI
'
m not
l
eaving

Sandishookherheadi
rr
it
atedandat
e
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**

Thenextday

Thandi
wegotupandpr eparedInami
'sl
unchbox
andschooluni
for
m.Mendr yhadsetoutthe
meeti
ngattownasitwasn'tsaf
ebackatt hefar
m
soshedidthi
ngsli
keshenor mall
ydoes.Cleowoke
upandfoundheralr
eadyup…
Cl
eo:
mor
ning
Thandiwe:mor ni
ng,I'
m sor
ryIdidn'tl
etyouknow
butthemeet ingwi l
lhappencloseby.Youcango
backtosl eep,Iwil
ldoeverythi
nglikeInormal
lydo
butIwillneedyout obabysitAmke
Cl
eo:
okaynopr
obl
em
Thandi
we:ummhcanyoupl
easewakeupI
namif
or
me
Cl
eo:
okay
Shedr aggedhersl eeper sgoi ngtowakeI nami.She
wokeupandwentt obat h.Thandi wewentt oher
room andbat hedAmkel wadr essingherupand
feedingher .Sheleftheri nhercr i
bandwentt otake
abat hdr essingupfort hemeet i
ng, sheputona
blackdr ess.Itusedtobet ightbutnowshehadl ost
alotofwei ghtsoitjusthangl oose.Sheputonher
pumps, tookherpill
saf terthatshewal kedoutand
foundI namiandSi phiwehavi ngbr eakfast.Si
phiwe
wasi nhi spyjamaswhi l
eI namiwasi nherschool
uniform
Thandi
we:mor
ningyout
wo
I
nami
:mor
ningmama
Si
phi
we:mor
ningmama
Thandi
we:hur
ryupbef
oreyougetl
ate
I
nami
:whenwi
llSi
phi
wegot
oschoolmom,
he'
sol
d
t
oo
Thandi
we:whent
het
imei
sri
ghtf
ornowheneeds
tost
ayhome
Si
phi
we:Iwantschool
Thandi
wef
oundher
sel
flaughi
ng
Thandi
we:l
ookwho'
stal
kingnowadays
Si
phi
wesmi
ledwhi
leCl
eowal
kedi
ntot
heki
tchen
Cl
eo:
mor
ning
Them:mor
ning
Thandi
we:Ihaveal
readybat
hedandf
edher
Cl
eo:
(taki
ngAmkeandpl
ayi
ngwi
thher
)al
ri
ghtno
pr
obl
em.
I
nami
:wheni
sdadcomi
ngback?
Thandi
we:youdadwi
llbehomet
oday
I
nami
:wi
llIf
indhi
m whenIcomebackhome
Thandi
we:Idon'
tthi
nkso
I
nami
:(di
sappoi
nted)oh
Thandi
we:getyourschoolbagsowecango.Iwi
ll
bepassi
ngbythemal l
,doyouneedanyt
hing?
Cl
eo:
ummhnot
hingIgotal
lIneededyest
erday
Thandi
we:al
ri
ght
Inamicamebackwi
thherschoolbagwavinggood
byeatSiphi
wewhofol
lowedhertothedoorwaving
goodbye
Cl
eo:
don'
tfor
getherl
unch
Thandi
we:t
hankyou
Shetookthelunchboxsayinggoodbyeandwal ked
tothegarage.Shefel
tnauseousbutatease,calm
l
iketherewasjustsomethi
ngsayingdon'tworryit
's
goi
ngt obeokay.
*
***
***
***
**

Sandiarri
vedatwor kexhaust
ed,shebar elyhad
sleepandf eltl
ikesh*t
.Shekeptt hi
nkingabout
Champcomi ngtoseeheryesterday.Shewondered
i
fheknew.Ofcour seheknewt hestaffspokeabout
i
tt heenti
reday.Shegr eetedt
hest affonherwayto
heroffi
ce,sheopenedandwal kedinf i
ndinghi
m
seatedonherchai rwiththisl
egscr ossedontopof
thetabledrinki
ngcof f
ee.

Champ:f
inal
lyshe'
sher
e
Sandi
:(wal
kingi
n,cl
osi
ngt
hedoor
)mor
ning
Champ:morningIbroughtcof
feebuttheladi
es
repr
imandedmetellmeyouar enolongerall
owed
todri
nkcoff
ee
Sher
oll
edhereyes
Sandi:Ir
eal
lyneedtot
ellt
hem t
ost
artmi
ndi
ng
thei
rownbusiness
Champ:i
sitt
rue?
Sandi
:yesi
tis
Champ:who'
sthef
ather
?
Sandi
:itcoul
dbeyou
Hetookdownhi
sfeett
appi
ngt
hetabl
ewithhi
s
f
inger
sbefor
eget
ti
ngupandwalki
ngtoher
Champ:Ihavenoi
ntent
ionsofbei
ngaf
ather
Sandi
:it
'si
tabi
ttool
atef
ort
hat
Champ:yousai
dyou'
reont
hepi
ll
Sandi
:It
ookant
ibi
oti
cswhenIhadast
omachbug
Champ:t
hat
'sbul
lsh*
t
Sandi
:it
'st
het
rut
h
Champ:Idon'
twantababy
Sandi
:wel
lonei
scomi
ng
Champ:thi
nkthisthr
ough,youaremarri
edandyou
coul
dloseeveryt
hingifyoukeepthi
sthi
ng
Sandi
:it
'snotathingandIdon'
tcar
e.Wecanmake
thi
sworkMel usi
..youlovemeandI…
Hebur
stoutl
aughi
ngst
eppi
ngback
Champ:b*
tchwhat
?If
*ckyougoodandyou
al
readymi
staki
ngmef
oryourhusband?
Hel
aughedagai
n
Champ:i
tdoesn'
twor
kli
ket
hatgi
rl
…itdoesn'
t
Sandi
:(t
ear
ful
)youwon'
tdot
hist
ome
Champ:(deadl ylook)l
istenbabygir
l,Iwilllayout
theoptionsforyou.1youabor t
,keepyourst i
nking
mar r
iageandkeept hejob.2youhavet hebaby
probablyloseyourmarriageandyourj ob.3you
givethebastardchil
dtoyourhusband, helooksl i
ke
asimpal readyandyoul oseyourjob
Sandi
:(t
earful
)Ican'
tabor
theal
readyknowsabout
i
twhatwillIsaytohi
m?
Champ:youmakeapl
an
Sandi
:whyar
eyoubei
ngl
iket
his?
Champ:don'
tcrywehadadealandababywasnot
andi
sstil
lnotpar
toft
hedeal
.Sortt
hisout
Hepushedherasi
deandwal
kedoutwhi
leshesat
downcryi
ng
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***

Att
her
est
aur
ant

Thandi
wemetMendryandheexpl
ainedever
ythi
ng.
Thefar
m wasi
nfarmoretr
oubl
ethansheimagined.

Mendr y:al
lpr
oduct
swer eremovedf
rom the
shelvesandwehavet oref
undthemoneyont he
otherhandwehavet opayallt
heemployees
Thandi
we:wi
llwebeabl
etocoverever
ythi
ng?
Mendry:unfor
tunatel
ynotthemoneywecl aimedis
enoughtodealwithdamagecont rolatthefact
ory
andpaytheempl oyeesbutfortherefundsyouhave
todigi
nsideyourpocketsbecauseweusedt hat
moneytobuymor ecatt
lesrepl
acingtheonesyour
husbandsold
Thandi
we:ar
en'
tther
eanyl
eft
?
Mendr y:r
ightnowit'shardtotellaswehave
separatedthestockthatshowssi gnsofthedi
sease
wear enotsurehowmanyar eaffect
ed.Wehave
veter
inari
answor ki
ng,testi
ngt oseehowmanywe
canvaccinateandt hattoowillbecoveredbyt
he
i
nsurance
Thandi
we:t
hisi
sadi
sast
er
Mendry:themachineryatthefar
misoldandwe
wereplanningtochangeitthi
syear
.Eveni
fwe
weretosellitwewouldmakel i
tt
let
onothi
ngt
o
covert
hedeptwe' r
ein
Thandi
we:whatdoyousuggest
?
Mendry:i
t'
seit
heryouselli
tandpayoffthedebt
,
t
akeyourmoneyanddosomet hi
ngelseoryouget
i
nmor edeptbygetti
ngaloanatthebackand
mortgagethef
arm hopi
ngallwil
lbefi
xedandyou
wil
lbeabletopaybackeachandeverycentwhen
t
hef ar
mi supandrunni
ng
Thandi
we:Idon'
twantt
oloset
hef
arm.I
t'
stheonl
y
thi
ngdadlef
tforme
Mendry:Iwarnedallofyouthatspendi
ngt he
moneythisfarm makesrecklessl
ywil
lrunt hi
sfar
m
down.Youhaveusedmor ethanR2mi l
lionsince
yougotthefarm
Thandi
we:R2mi
ll
ion?
Mendry:(
showedhert
hepaper
s)herethel
ivest
ock
soldandthemoneyt
akenf
rom t
hefarmsbanking
account
Thandi
we:(
shookherhead)t
hisi
sal
otofmoney
Mendr y:t
hefarm makesanaver ageofR300kper
annual.Thisyearwehaven'tbeenablet opr
oduce
wellandwi t
hdraughtourcropsar enotgood
enought obesold.Weoverst ockedproductsf
or
theli
vestockwhichwaslatersoldandt hatwas
waste
Thandi
we:(si
ghed)Iunder
stand.CanIt
hinkabout
whattodo
Mendr
y:ofcour
sej
ustnot
eti
mei snotonoursi
de.
Weareal
readyont
heheadli
nes
Thandi
we:canyoudealwi
tht
hatwhi
leIdealwi
th
t
his
Mendr
y:nopr
obl
em

Hecal l
edthewaiterandaskedf orthebillwhil
e
Thandiwelookedatthedocument ssti
llnot
beli
evingwhatwashappeni ng.Theybothwentt hei
r
separatewayswhi l
eThandi wedrovehome.How
couldtheyspendmor ethanami l
li
onint hepast
fewmont hs.Wheredi dthemoneygo?Si phi
we's
medicalBil
l'
swerear oundR800k.Whatwast he
othermoneyusedon?Shear ri
vedhomepar ki
ng
hercarandwal ki
nginf i
ndingherhusbandhome
playi
ngwi t
hSiphiweandAmkel wa.

Mpho:t
her
e'ssomeoneIhavebeenmi
ssi
ng

Hegotupfr
om t
hematandwalkedt
owar dsher
huggi
ngher
.Shesmi
ledhuggi
nghim back.

Mpho:hey
Thandi
we:heyhowar
eyou?
Mpho:I
'
m good.Howar
eyou?
Thandi
we:I
'
m okay
Mpho:nur
set
ell
smeyouhadt
ogot
oameet
ing
Thandi
we:yes,
thef
armi
shavi
ngpr
obl
ems
Mpho:Ihopei
t'
snot
hingt
hatcan'
tbef
ixed
Thandi
we:howdidweendupusi
ngmor
ethanR2
mil
li
oninayear
?
Mpho:wecover
edSi
phi
we'
sbi
llofcour
se
Thandi
we:R2mill
ion?Nohi
sbillwasar
oundR800k
wheredi
dtherestofthemoneygoto
Mpho:(
sighed)okaycanwet
alki
npr
ivat
e
Sheputdownherhandbagandf
oll
owedhi
mtot
he
bedr
oom
Thandi
we:Iam l
ist
eni
ng
Mpho:Ipai
dupMi
ssMor
gan'
str
avel
li
ngexpenses
Thandi
we:what
?
Mpho:andt
hel
awyer
stospeedupt
hepr
ocess
Thandi
we:t
het
otalamounti
sR3.
5mi
ll
ion
Mpho:IpaidherR500ktosignoverherpar ental
ri
ghtstousandpai dsomemoneyt othesocial
workerstonotgiveusahassleandmakesur e
everyt
hingrunssmoothl
yandSi phiwe'sbil
lwas
morethanR800kIpai dfor2speciali
ststoatt
end
him
Thandi
we:(
shocked)wow.
.justwow.
Mpho:andIpaidof
fR280kf ort
henursetotake
careofhi
mfortherestoft
heyearthenspentto
havehisr
oom doneandbuyhi m st
uff

Thandiwenoddedt
earf
ulandwasabouttoexi
tthe
room whenMphograbbedherbyherar
m.

Mpho:I
'
m sor
ry,
Idi
dever
ythi
ngj
ustsohecan
comehomeandbesaf
e
Thandi
we:pl
easet
akeyourhandsof
fme
Mpho:Icanseeyou'
reangrycanwet
alkabouti
t.
Whati
sgoingonatthefarm

Thandi
we:(
angr
y)Isai
dtakeof
fyourhandsof
fme

Hel
ethergoandshewal
kedout

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

91

AtThandi
we'
shome

Shewatchedthet.vwiththekidsl
ayingtheirheads
onherlapfastasl
eep.Afterwhathappenedear l
ier
Thandi
wet ookthekidsouttoeatwhenI namicame
backfr
om school,Theywer esohappy,Siphiwewas
wayt oohappyasi twashi sfir
stti
megoi ngoutwi t
h
hismom.I twasst il
lhardforThandi weashedi d
l
itt
lethi
ngst hatweresi mil
artoVusi .Howhe
l
aughedandhowheat e,shehatedt hatandal ways
fel
ttheurget ohithim butneveractedoni tbecause
sheoncer eprimandedhi m andhewasdownt he
wholedayandgui l
tconsumedher .Itwasr eallylat
e
pastthei
rbedt i
me, Cl
eowal kedtot hesi t
ti
ngr oom
alr
eadyinherpyj amas

Cl
eo:
canIt
akehi
mtobednow?
Thandiwe:sure…ummhcanyoust
opgi
vinghi
m
thosesleepi
ngmeds.
Cl
eo:
theyhel
phi
m
Thandiwe:IknowbutIthinkweshouldonl
yuse
them i
fheneedst hem.Heisasl
eepisn'
the,he
didn'
tneedapillf
orthat
Cl
eo:
okay
Thandi
we:t
akehi
m
Shesl
owl
yli
ft
edhi
m upandhel
dhi
mtaki
nghi
mto
bed.Hewassoundasleep.Herhusbandwal ked
pastherandst
oodbeforeherforaminutehedidn'
t
knowwhattosayandThandi wedidn'
tevenbother
tolookathi
m.Shewashur t
ing,r
eall
yhurti
ng.His
presencebr
oughtsomuchangert oher.

Mpho:shoul
dIt
akehert
obed?

Thandiwesai dnot
hingli
fti
ngupherhandof fI
nami
andMphot ookherwalki
ngt oherroom.Thandi
we
tookAmkel watosleepinhercr i
bandtookouta
warm blanketfr
om hercloset.Shewasabouttoexi
t
theroom whenMphowal kedi n…

Mpho:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Thandi
wesai
dnot
hing
Mpho:youknowi nthishousewedon'tsl
eepwi
th
ani
ssuethathasn'tbeenresol
ved.Webothagr
eed
ont
hat,so…pleaselet'
stal
kaboutit
Thandi
we:(
cal
mly)t
alkaboutwhat
?
Mpho:t
hef
arm,t
hemoney.Iagr
ee,
Iwast
edmoney
buti
twasf
oragoodcause
Thandi
we:youpai
dawomant
hatgotmy…Si
phi
we
abusedR500kj
ustforf
un
Mpho:shewoul dn'
tletushavehi
m,shewas
planni
ngtotakehim withhert
otheUSAbecause
sheclai
medshet houghtwhenhelefthi
m hewasin
safehands
Thandi
we:Ican'
tbel
ieveyour
ightnow.Ican'
t
Mpho:(
sadl
y)I
'
m sor
ry
Thandi
we:(
tearful
)It
rust
edyouandyout
ook
advant
ageofthat
Mpho:I
…
Thandi
we:allthepapersthatyouweremakingme
si
gnsayingit'
sforSiphi
we, i
twasalll
ies…Iwas
busysi
gningyououtmor emoney
Mpho:It
houghtyour
eadbef
oreyousi
gned
Thandiwe:don'
tyoudarepullt
hatcardonme
(t
earf
ul)howcouldIreadsomethingyougivemet
o
si
gnint wominutes.Af
tert
ormentingand
r
emindi
ngmeofhowmuchIam amonst
er,
Ibarel
y
r
emembersi
gni
nganyoft
hosebutmysi
gnatur
eis
t
her
e!
Mpho:(kneel
ingbefor
ehertaki
ngherhand)myl
ove
Iam sor
ry,I
'm sor
ryaboutever
ythi
ng.
Thandi
we:pl
easedon'
ttouchme
Mpho:Il
ove-
Thandiwe:don't
!St
oplyi
ngtome.Youkeepsayi
ng
youlovemewhenal lyoueverdoi
shur
tme.It'
sli
ke
youenjoyseeingmecryorlosei
t
Mpho:Idon'
t…youknowIdon'
t
Thandi
we:youdo,youkeephur
ti
ngme.Youf orce
thi
ngsonmeevenVusiwasbetterbecausehe
mademef eelpai
nbutyou…youkeepscari
ngme
emoti
onal
ly…I…
Shechokedonherwor
dsast
ear
srol
led
Thandiwe:Itr
ytobeenoughf oryoubuti
t'
snever
enough.Iputever
ythi
ngaside…allmybigdreams
asidefort
hisfami
ly,maybethat'
swhymybusi ness
evenfail
edbecauseIdon'thaveanypassi
onforit.I
wantedtobeawomaninscience…(tear
ful
)heused
toaskmewhatIwant
edt obeandwheneverItold
him Iwant
edt
obeaforensi
cscient
isthewould
l
augh…
Mpho:youar
e-
Thandi
we:no…l etmespeak.Iwantt osaywhat '
sin
myheart,
It r
ybyal lmeanstobeever ythingyou
wantbuti
t'
snothi ngtoyou.Iwantedt ogof oritand
al
lyoueverwant edwasababy.Fi rstyouraf f
air
wit
hGabi,thenSiphiweandt hefarm andnott o
menti
onthepastyoukeepemot ionall
ybl ackmaili
ng
meabouttoacceptwhat everbull
sh*tyoubr i
nginto
mylif
ebutit'
sfi
ne.Iam yourt oykeeppl ayingwith
me
Mpho:( swall
owedapai nfullump)Ineverwantt o
hurtyou,Iloveyouwithal lIhave…andIknowI
tookstupiddecisi
onsandi t
'sbecauseIwasso
desperatetosavehim.Ifyouwer einmyshoesat
theti
meyouwoul dunder stand.Icouldn'tdi
scussit
withyoubecauseyouwant ednothingtodowi th
him,Iwasbasi cal
lyf
orcingever yt
hingj ustf
orhim
tobeher ewithi
nthesewal l
ssafeli
keI nami.Icare
aboutyoumor ethanyouwilleverknowandIwant
onlythebestforyout
hat'swhyIevensuggest
ed
youenrollonacoursethatwil
lenableyout
orun
thefarm your
self
.
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)youal
waysdot
hat
Mpho:what
?
Thandiwe:t
his…t
urni
ngever
ythi
ngonme.Maki
ng
ever
ythingt
obemyf aul
t
Mpho:butIj
ustadmi
tt
edmymi
stakeand
apol
ogi
zed
Thandiwe:youdon'tknowhowmuchyou'vehurt
me.Idon'tevenfeell
ovedbyyou,
youputeveryone
fi
rstandmel ast
Mpho:(si
ghed)IknowandI'
m sor
ry.Let
'sst
artover
,
goforcounsel
ingj
ustt
hetwoofusandwor konour
marri
age
Thandi
we:wi
thwhatmoneywhent
hef
armi
sin
debt
?
Mpho:whatdebt
?
Thandi
we:(
wipedhert
ear
s)t
hef
armi
sindebt
,R3.
5
mi
ll
iondebt
Mpho:(cal
mly)okaywhatar
etheopt
ionst
hatwe
have?
Thandi
we:(
get
ti
ngup)noneIam sel
li
ngi
t
Mpho:wai
twhat
?Youcan'
tsel
lthatf
arm
Thandi
we:Ican
Mpho:wecant
akeoutal
oan
Thandi
we:R3.
5mill
ionl
oan,
mor
tgaget
hef
arm and
l
oseitatt
heend?
Mpho:wewon'
tlosei
t
Thandi
we:I
'
m sel
li
ngi
t
Mpho:doyour
eal
izet
hat
,thatf
arm cansetusup
f
orli
fe
Thandi
we:howcani
tsetusupf
orl
if
ewhenyouar
e
misusi
ngmoney?Gi
vingawomanR500kf
orf
un
Mpho:i
twasn'
tfun
Thandi
we:itwas,i
fonl
yyoulett
helawt akei
t'
s
causenoneofthi
swouldbehappening.He
woul
d'vegott
her
apyf
orf
reeandot
herst
ufff
orf
ree
Mpho:i
tst
il
lwoul
dn'
thavebeent
hesame
Thandiwe:yesandyouknowthatbecauseyouwant
ever
ythingtoal
waysgoyourway.
Mpho:t
hat
'snotwhatImeant
Thandi
we:I
'
m notsl
eepi
ngnextt
oyou
Mpho:whatwil
lthenur
seandt
heki
dssayf
indi
ng
youonthecouch
Thandi
we:Idon'
tcar
e
Mpho:okayI'
l
lgo.Thi
sisyourbedr
oom and
Amkelwaishere
Shedidn'
trespondl
ooki
ngaway.Hetookt
he
bl
anketfr
om herhandsandonepi
ll
ow
Thandi
we:l
eavemypi
ll
ows
Mpho:buthowwi
ll
-
Thandi
we:Idon'
tcar
e

Hel
eftt
hepi
ll
owandwal
kedoutcl
osi
ngt
hedoor
.
Shesatont
hebedandcr
ied.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
*

atSandi
'
shome

Shetookal ongshower , t
hinkingaboutever yt
hing
Champsai d,shehadneverseenhi mliket hat
,so
angryandj ustpur eevil
.Thi smadehert hinkof
Nompi l
o'ssi t
uati
on, howshewashumi li
atedfor
beingimpr egnatedbyMrSokoshel i
vedherl if
eli
ke
i
twashel landevenl ostherbaby.Thet houghtof
l
osingthebabynat ur al
lywasevenbet terthanthe
thoughtofdoi nganabor t
ion.Shedi dn'twantt odo
i
t,shefeltguiltbyjustthinkingaboutit.Thedoor
openedandherhusbandwal kedputti
nghi shand
overhers.Shedi dn'treali
zedt hatherhandwason
herbell
yt heent i
reti
met i
llherhusbandt ouchedher

Ml
ondi:youdon'
thavet
oworryaboutathi
ng.Iwi
ll
makesureyouandthebabyar
ewellt
akencareof
.I
am al
readyl
ooki
ngf
orasecondj
ob
Sandi
:(t
ear
ful
)it
'snott
hat
…Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
mready
tobeamom
Mlondi
:don'
tsayt
hat
…Iknowyouar
escar
edand
I
'm her
eforyou
Heki
ssedhi
sforeheadandwentdownonhi
sknees
t
ouchi
ngherfl
atbell
yandki
ssi
ngit.
Mlondi:heyl
it
tl
eguyIhavebeenl ongi
ngforyoumy
enti
reli
fe,mommyi sabitscar
edandsoam IbutI
am rooti
ngforyourar
ri
valandIloveyouwithal
lI
am

Sandishedat ear,shethoughtofal lthet i

messhe
hadbeenmeant ohim butstil
lhecont inuedtol ove
her.Hewasn' tbadl ookinginsteadMl ondiwasway
betterlookingt hanChampj ustthatGoddi dn'tbless
him withr i
chesl ikeChamp.Shehadbecamet hat
gir
l,thatwantpowerandmoney.Chi l
lingwi t
ht he
bigdogsnotcar ryi
ngaboutsomeonet hatt r
uly
l
ovesher .Thatl ovedherbef oreeverything,when
shewasj ustanugl ygirlt
hatwor kedatabut cher y
andhewasj ustadr iverbuthesawawi fe.They
bothmanagedt ohel peachot herbuildt heirparents
goodbeautifulhomes.Shef eltli
keshewas
burdenedtheent iretimeasMl ondididn'tmake
muchmoneyandshehadt ocovermostt hi
ngsat
homebecausehi smoneyonl ycover ed50%oft he
buil
dingandst uff.Shehadt oaddt he50%andt ake
careofthehousenecessi tieswhi lehehadt obuy
fuelf
orhisbusi nessandt akecar eofhi ssisters
andtheirt
housandki ds.Havi ngki dsont hat
sit
uationwasabi gNOf orher .Theybot hshower ed
thenwenttobed, Mlondimassagedherback, she
l
aterhadIcecr eam l i
steni
ngt oherhusbandt elli
ng
herabouthowwr ongi twasandal lothermyt hs
aboutpregnancywhi chshef oundhar dt obelieve.
Theywentt obedr eall
ylateandsl eptlikeababy
*
***
***
***
***
***
*

AtGabi
'
shome

I
twasl
ateandever
yonewasasl
eep.Shesneaked
i
ntoherhusband'
sroom andgoti
ntobed.Hepul
led
hercl
osertol
ayonhischestwhil
eplant
ingaki
ss
onherfor
ehead.

Ar
chi
e:mom i
sgoi
ngt
oki
llyouovert
his
Gabi
:(whisper
ed)Idon'
tcar
e,I'
mt i
redofl
ivi
ngli
ke
apri
soneroverol
dtradi
ti
ons,Ican'
ttakei
tanymore
Ar
chi
e:(
laughed)youwomenwi
thdr
ama
Gabi
:shhhhhdon'
tlaughsol
oud
Ar
chi
e:(
whi
sper
ed)I
'
m sor
ry
Gabi
:Juni
orwil
lbedownf
orahour
,sol
et'
sget
downtobusi
ness
Ar
chi
e:myf
avor
it
e
Gabi
:Iknowyou'
rest
arvi
ng
Sheranherhandsdownt ohisboxerstouchinghis
memberwhiledeepl
ykissinghim.Shediggedher
handinhol
dinghimint
oherpal m ashefelthim
enl
argeandslowl
ymovedunder neat
hthecover s
andtaki
nghimintohermout h.
Hertonguemoved
l
angui dl
yupanddownhi sshaf tasshet ookhi m
deeperi nsi dehermout h.Herheadf ollowedt he
movement sofherhandt hatwassl i
dingbackand
fort
honhi scock, herfinger swr appedt i
ght l
y
aroundhi spul si
ngmember .Hel etoutaqui etgr oan,
j
ustt ol etherknowheenj oyedwhatshewasdoi ng.
Shesmi l
ed, shehadbeenmi ssinghi m sobadand
dyingt of eelhi m domi natingherf *ckingherl ike
crazybutf ornow, t
heirtenderr econnect ingwas
oneofsof tgaspsandqui etwhi spers.Thatwas
enoughonl yt i
llshewasheal ed.Hi shandsr oamed
herback, gr abbingandsqueezi ngherper fectboobs.
Hecuppedherbi gst r
etchmar kedbut tocks,
squeezi ngt hem inhi spower fulhands,
demonst rat i
ngt oherhowmuchhe, t
oo, hadmi ssed
her.Shecont i
nuedpl easur inghi mt il
lhecur l
edhi s
toegr oani ngr eleasingont hepal m ofherhand.She
pulledt hecover sawayandf orof fthebedget ting
thet owel, threwi tathim adwentbackt ot he
bathr oom br ushinghert eeth.Hewi pedhi msel fand
gotupwal kingt othebat hr oom andki ssingher
neck
Ar
chi
e:Il
oveyou
Gabi
:Il
oveyout
oo
Shehear
dthebabycr
yandqui
ckl
yri
nsedher
mouth
Gabi
:got
tago

Shebabykissedhim andrushedtoherr oom.She

sawhermot hert
urnonthelightsandqui cklysli
de
i
ntohersbeforeshewalkedoutofher s.Shepi cked
him upandcheckedhim.Heneededt obechanged,
shegotadiaperandhermot herwalkedini nher
pyjamasandgown.

MaPaul
ine:ever
ythi
ngokay?
Gabi
:ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
nej
ustchangi
nghi
sdi
aper
MaPaul
ine:(
suspi
ciousl
ook)mmhokay
Shewalkedoutgoi
ngbackt
oherr
oom whi
leGabi
changedhi
m
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
*

Thenextday

Sandiwokeupt obreakf
asti
nbedbyherhusband.
Shesmi l
edl
ookingatthealmostbur nedtoastand
eggsalongwithasausageont hesideandsl i
ced
sal
tedtomatoes.Theywerethefir
stt hi
ngsheate.

Ml
ondi
:Iknowyoushoul
dn'
tbeeat
ingeggs
Sandi
:pl
easedon'
tst
artwi
thme.
Ml
ondi
:(l
aughed)t
heset
hingsar
eimpor
tant
Sandi
:(smi
led)Iknow,
it'
sonl
yfort
odayt
hen
Mlondi
:justf
ort
oday.EatupIdon'
twantyout
obe
l
ateforwork
Sandi
:Iam j
ustgoi
ngt
ost
ayi
ntoday
Ml
ondi
:real
ly?
Sandi
:yes…won'
tyoubel
atef
orwor
k?Youknow
t
heki
dsgoi
ntooear
lynow
Mlondi
:Iwil
lgonow.I'vealr
eadyshower
ed,can
youborr
owmeyourl aptop,Iwantt
oupdatemycv
andsubmiti
ttootherplaces
Sandi
:youcant
akei
twit
hyouorcomebackhome
sowecandoitt
oget
herandappl
yforj
obsonl
ine
Ml
ondi
:(smi
led)Iwoul
dlovet
hat
Sandi
:(smi
led)nowhur
ryup
Ml
ondi
:okay

Heki ssedherf oreheadandgotofft

hebedgoi ngto
getdr essed.Heshor tl
ylef
taf
terSandifi
nished
breakf ast
.Shegotherphoneandcal ledatwor k
noti
fyingt hem thatshewontbeinthencalled
Nompi lo'
smother .

MaGl
adys:hel
lo
Sandi:hel
loma,
youar
etal
kingt
oSandi
,Umt
ana
kagogo
MaGl
adys:ohSandimychi
ldhowar
eyou?
Sandi
:I'
mfi
nehowar
eyouma?
MaGl
adys:Iam al
sof
ine.
Sandi
:Iwantedt
ovi
sitNompi
loadcheckuponher
.
Ij
ustdon'
tknowhow
MaGladys:(
clear
edherthr
oat)ohmychi l
d,
Nompil
oisnotall
owedanyvisitor
sexcepther
f
amil
y.Iwouldsuggestyoucallheri
nst
ead
Sandi
:okayma,
canyougi
vemet
henumber
sto
cal
l
MaGl
adys:al
ri
ghtgi
vemeamoment
Sandi
:okay
Shecall
edthem outwhil
eSanditookthem down
thent
hankedherhangingup.Shecall
edthe
numberalandl
inefrom pr
isonandtal
kedt othe
manincharge
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
**

Att
hepr
ison
Nompil
olazi
lywal
kedint
heoff
iceandsatdown
whi
lehi
sunclegavehert
hephone.

Uncl
e:yougotacal
l

Shet
ookt
hephone

Nompi
lo:Nompi
lospeaki
ng
Ther
ewassi
lenceasshedi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
Nompi
lo:hel
lo…
Sandi
:hel
loi
t'
sSa-
Nompi
lo:Sandiheybabegi
rl
Sandi
:hey…howar
eyou?
Nompi
lo:I
'
m goodsweet
iehowar
eyou?
Sandi:I
'
m okay,Ij
ustt
houghtofyouanddeci
dedt
o
cal
l.Youarenotall
owedvi
sit
orssoyouknow
Nompil
o:i
t'
sallgood.What'
sup?Iknowyou
woul
dn'
tcallmefornoreasonsooutwit
hit
Sandi
:(si
ghed)I
'
m pr
egnant
Nompil
o:ohwowcongr
atul
ati
onsbabewho'
sthe
daddy?
Sandi
:I…i
tMl
ondi
Nompil
o:(l
aughed)ohsoyouwer
eusi
ngpr
otect
ion
whi
leshaggingwit
hChamp
Sandi
:Wenever
Nompi lo:(
laughed)Sandiwe…Iknowyoubetter
thananyoneel se.Weusedt obecl
oseandnoone
willeverunderst
andt hefr
enemyrel
ati
onshi
pwe
have.Youwer eshaggingwit
hChamp
Sandi:okayIwasandIdon' tknowwhot hedadis.
Theybot hknowandChampwant snothingtodo
withthebabyevent hreatenedmet hatIwilll
osemy
j
obi fIdon'
tabor t
.Mybi ggestworryisthatwhatifI
abortMlondi'schil
dthinki
ngOwakaChamp.I '
m
scaredandmyhusbandnowl ovesmemor ethan
ever.Heisfinall
yputti
ngmef i
rst
Nompi lo:champwi l
lneverdot hat.Ungat huswa
yilebhar i
.Babegi rlhaveyourbabyandl iveal i
fe
wi thnor egrets,asmuchashavi ngababyi sa
choi cebutyoucanneverber eadyf ortheemot i
onal
traumat hatawai tsaf tereverything.Ineverhadan
abor ti
onbutIal wayst hinkofhowmygi rlswoul d'
ve
l
ookedl ike.Theirsmi l
esandhowol dtheywoul dbe
bynow.It hi
nkaboutt hem ever yf*ckendaybut
Godt ookt hem awayf rom me.Iwasoncei nyour
shoesyouknowt hatIwant edawayoutabor ti
on
wasonmymi ndbutatt hesamet imeIt houghtof
Bel l
aandhowl ifewoul dbegr eateveni fIhadher
thenIl ostherf indoutIhavef ertil
it
yissues.Idon' t
wi shthatonanyonebabekeept hatblackasss
babyi t
'sobviousi t'sChamp' skidit'
supt oyoui f
youwantt ocomecl eanornott oyourhusbandbut
keepyourbabybecausei t
'sonl ythem thatwi l
llove
youuncondi t
ionally,menst ayandl eavet henext
daybuti fyou'reagr eatparentyourbabywi ll
alwaysbeyourbaby.

Sandi
:Ihearyou
Nompil
o:tel
lthatbul
lywheret
ogetoffandtel
lhi
m
st
rai
ghtyouarehavingyourbabynothi
s.Yoursad
hecan'
tfi
reyouwhi l
eyouaredoingagoodjob.
Growsomebal l
swoman

Sandi
:(l
aughed)Ihearyou

Nompil
o:nowst
opwast
ingmyt
ime,
Igotj
ailf
ood
wai
ti
ngforme

Sandi
:yeahr
ightbutt
hankyou

Nompi
lo:sur
ebabes

Shehungupandl
ookedathi
suncl
ewhowasbusy
f
east
ingonachi
ckennando'
s

Uncl
e:wantapi
ece?

Nompilo:Ihaveformedanall
iancewi
thMegashe
al
sohasout sidecont
actshowsooncanwegetthe
merchandiseandkeepitmoving?

Uncl
e:ar
eyouser
ious?Youdon'
tevenknowher
t
hatwell

Nompil
o:Iam arisktaker
.It'
sei
theronoroff.It
rust
hert
onotmesswi t
hme.Shewant spr
otect
ionand
wantstopl
aygoodmoneybysendi ngherkidsto
goodschoolsawayf r
om dir
tyst
reetsandforthat
sheneedsmoney.I'm wil
li
ngtogiveheracutfrom
minebecauseIknowyouhavenone
Uncl
e:Iwi
llmaket
hecal
l

Nompil
o:goodandmovedmet ohercel
l.Ineedto
keepaneyeonherwhenever
ythi
ngisinprogress

Uncl
e:done

Shegotupgr
abbi
ngadr
umst
ickandwal
kingout
chewi
ng.

Uncl
e:youneedanewj
umper
Nompi
lo:f
*ckyousweetuncl
e

Shewasusher
edt
ohercel
l

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

92

AtThandi
we'
shome

Mphowokeupf
rom hi
sst
udyandi
twasbr
oadday
l
ight
.

Mpho:sh*
twor
k!
Hequi ckl
ygotup,put
ti
nghi shandonhisbackasi
t
hurtandneck.Hewalkedoutofhisstudytohis
bedroom.Thebedwasal readymadeandAmkel wa
wasnoti nhercri
b.Hetookhisphonefrom t
hebed
andcheckedt heti
meitwas10ocl ock.

Mpho:sh*
t!

Her ushedtothebat hroom t ookaquickshower

taki
ngoutclothest owear .Theyweren'
tir
onandhe
didn'thavet
het i
me.Heputt hem onandwor e
unmat chedsocksputonhi sshoesandmadehi s
wayoutgr abbinghisl aptopbagf rom t
hestudy
walkingtowardstheki tchen.Cleowasdoingt he
disheswhenhegr eetedher .

Mpho:mor
ning
Cl
eo:
mor
ning
Mpho:wher
e'sever
yone?
Cleo:I
nami'
smom tookI
namit
oschoolandsai
d
she'sgoi
ngtoeatoutwi
tht
heki
ds
Mpho:okayhaveani
ceday.I
'
m goi
ngt
owor
k
Cl
eo:
okayhaveani
ceday

Her ushedouttohiscaranddr ovetowor k.He

arr
ivedandr ushedtohisoff
ice.Hehadmi ssedthe
mor ni
ngbr i
efi
ngandhewassupposet otellthem
howdi ditgowiththeseminar.Hewal kedinand
cl
osedt hedoor,hetur
nedtof i
ndal adysor ti
nghis
desk.Shet ur
nedtolookathim andsmi led.Mpho
l
ookedatherconf used.Shewal kedaroundt he
deskwal ki
ngtowardshim

Her
:Aa…mynamei
sRudzaniMul
audzi
Mpho:mor
ningMphoGama
Rudzani:Iam her
ebecauseofthei
nter
nshi
p.I
bel
ieveIwillbeworki
ngunderyouasyourassi
stant
Mpho:(
smi
led)Ibel
ieveso.For
givemef
orbei
ng
l
atet
odayi
sjustnotmyday
Rudzani:It
oldt
hem youcal
ledyouroff
iceand
report
edyourcarhadaproblem f
ir
stt
hingint
he
mor ni
ng
Mpho:youar
ealif
esavior.Icanal
readyt
ellyouar
e
goi
ngtobeagreatassi
stant
TheyshookhandsandMphoar
oundhi
sdeskt
osi
t
down.
Rudzani
:youar
enotgoi
ngt
opr
oceedwor
king
l
ookingl
iket
hatri
ght
?
Mpho:what
?
Rudzani
:Iwi
llbeback…

Shewalkedoutoft
heof fi
ceandcamebackaf t
er45
minut
eswithanicecleanironedwhi
teshi
rtanda
bl
ackti
ewi t
hapairofwhitesocksandcoffee.
Mphosmi l
ednotbel
ievingwhatwashappeni ng.

Rudzani
:apar
tofmyj obi
stomakeyourl
if
eeasi
er.
Thatshi
rti
samessyoucangoandchangethen
comebacktohaveyourcof
feet
ohaveyour
str
engthbackohbeforeIf
orgetIgotyousome
painki
ll
erst
hatbackandneckseem tobegivi
ng
youapr obl
em.Yourhandhasbeenonyourneck
si
nceyouar ri
ved
Mpho:wher
ewer
eyouRudzanial
lmyl
if
e

Shesmi ledinnocent lywhi l

ehegotupandt ookt he
shirtchangedont hespot .Hehadhi st shir
tonso
hedi dn'
tthinkofi tbeingapr obl em butRudzani
facedawaygi vi
nghi m herback…hecoul dn'thelp
himselfbutnot iceherbeaut if
ulcur vesandt hatfat
assssqueezedi nt hatpencilski rt
.Goi ngdownt o
herbeaut i
fulyellowl egs.Hef oundhi msel fbiti
ng
hislowerlip.'
Damnanymanwoul dbesol uckyt o
hitthat'
Het houghtt ohi mselfasshet urned
checkingifhewasdownandt heireyesmet .She
smiledshyl yl
ooki ngawaywhi lehel ookeddown
tuckinghisshi r
tandzi ppi
nghi spant s.Put t
ingon
hisblazer

Mpho:al
ldoneRudzani
Sheturnedwithhersmileandwalkedovertohis
desksi
ttingdownwhi l
ehesatonhi schai
rtookthe
pi
ll
sfir
stwi t
hwaterthenstar
teddri
nkinghiscof
fee.

Mpho:t
hankyouRudzani
Rudzani
:it
'sapl
easur
eSi
r
Mpho:howol
dar
eyou?
Rudzani
:21
Mpho:young,beaut
ifulandi
ntel
li
gent
.Ourf
utur
e
char
tedaccountant
Hereyesbr
ight
enedheari
ngthosewor
ds,
theyhad
j
ustmetbutshewasalreadywarmi
nguptohi
m.
Rudzani
:(smi
led)t
hankyousi
r
Mpho:weneedmorefemal
esi
nthi
sfi
eld,
you
shoul
dbeproudofyour
sel
f
Rudzani
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyouSi
r
Mpho:(
smi
led)okayl
et'
sgetonwi
thwor
k
ShenoddedasMphoassi
gnedt
asksf
orher
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
AtSandi
'
shome

Shef el
tbet t
eraf t
ertalkingt oNompi lo.Shewas
goingtohavet hisbabynomat terwhat .I
fher
mar r
iageendsi tendsitwi llbehar dandshewi l
l
call
ednamesbutshewi llsurvi
ve.Shepar kedher
carnextt oChampscarherhear tskippedabeatbut
shegavecal medher selfdownandst eppedoutof
thecargoi ngin.Shegr eetedever yoneandwentt o
herof f
iceasusualshef oundChampseat edonher
seatwi thhisfeetont het able

Sandi
:goodmor
ning
Champ:(smi
li
ng)mor
ningi
t'
sgoodtoseeyouback
andhealt
hyt
houghIt
houghtyouwoul
dtakeafew
daysoff
Sandi
:takeaf
ewdaysof
fbecause?
Champ:(
gotupandwal
kedt
owar
dsher
)youdon'
t
havet oactt
oughwithme…Iknowyout ooktheday
offtosortoutourl
it
tl
epr obl
em.Iwantyout oknow
thatyoumadeagooddeci sion,youmightnotseei
t
nowbutyoudi dgood,thiswoul d'
vedest
royedyour
mar r
iageandyourreputati
onher eatwork
Sandi
:(snort
ed)Idon'
tknowwhethertol
aughor
not…you'r
efunny.WhywouldIabortmybaby?
Champ:youdi
dn'
t?
Sandi
:Mel
usiIwontabor
tmybabybecauseofyou
Champ:t
hatmeansyouareprepar
edt
orai
sei
t
al
onebecauseIwantnot
hingt
odowit
hit
Sandi:yesIam anddon'
tevent hi
nkofpulli
ngyour
stuntaboutget
ti
ngmef i
red.Iknowmyr ight
sand
I'
l
ltakeyoutoCCMAf orunfairdi
smissalandthe
emot i
onalt
raumayouareputtingmet hr
ough
Champ:what
?
Sandi
:tr
yme
Champ:f
inehavei
tyourway
Sandi
:ift
here'
snobusinesst
hatweneedt
o
di
scussthenpleasel
eave
Champ:Ihopeyoudon'
tli
vet
oregr
ett
his
Sandi
:Idoubt

Hemadehiswayoutwhileshewalkedovertoher
chai
randsatdownsi
gning.Shehadnotreali
zed
howlongshewashol
dingherbreat
htil
lthen.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*

AtThandi
we'
shome

Shecamebackhomewi ththekids,sheputthem
downintheli
vingroom andSiphiweplayedwithhi
s
babysi
sterwhileCl
eowal kedoutfr
om herroom.

Cl
eo:
hel
loyouar
eback?
Thandi
we:yeah
Cl
eo:
MrGamahasal
readyl
eftf
orwor
k
Thandi
we:al
ri
ght
…ummhcanwet
alk?
Cl
eo:
okay
Shecamecl
oseandt
heysatdownatt
heki
tchen
Thandi
we:so…Iwentt
oseeSi
phiwe'
sdoct
ort
odo
somecheckupsandseehowhe'
sdoing
Cl
eo:
o…okay
Thandiwe:don'
twor ry,Idi
dn'tdothatbecauseI
doubtyourabil
it
iestocar eforhi
m butbecauseI
wantedtochecki fhe'sokay.Ever
ythingisperf
ect
ly
fi
ne
Cleo:(
sighed)okay,
hewasschedul
edt
oseehi
s
doctornextweek
Thandiwe:IknowbutIjustdi
dit
.Youseethething
i
sNur se,wearerunni
nglowonf undsandIam
afr
aidwecantkeepyouher etohelpwit
hSiphi
we
Cleo:butIhavebeenpaidfortherest…youcan'
tbe
tel
li
ngmet hatyouexpectmet opayupt hemoney
thatIhavebeenpaidfortherestoftheyear
becauseIhaveusedit
Thandi
we:(
sighed)Iam af
rai
dso
Cl
eo:
(fr
owned)t
hatwi
llneverhappen.Wehada
dealandIsignedacontr
acti
fyout
ermi
nat
eitt
hat
's
yourprobl
em notmine
Thandi
we:youneedt
ounder
standt
hatweneedt
he
money
Cleo:(gotup)youwon'tgeti
tfrom me.Iam doing
myj obaspr omisedandonlyyourhusbandi sthe
onet hatcanterminat
emycont ractandheknows
al
lthet er
msandcondi ti
onsweagr eedon.Iact
uall
y
preferhavingthi
sconversat
ionwi t
hhim
Thandi
we:youdoknowt hatal
lthemoneythathas
beenpayi
ngfrom ever
ythingcomesfrom me
Cleo:
for
givemebutIam notint
erestedi
nyour
famil
ypoli
ti
cs.Anyt
hingt
hat'
sgottodowi t
hme
worki
nghere,Iwantt
odiscusswithyourhusband
Thandi
we:al
ri
ghtIwashopingwet
alkwomant
o
womanbuthaveityourway
Cl
eo:
excuseme

Cl
eowalkedbacktoherr
oom whil
eThandiwe
si
ghedgett
ingupandget
tingher
selfagl
assof
wat
er.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
**

Atwor
k

Rudzanif
ini
shedupontheworkshewasgivenand
checkedt
hetime.I
twasalr
eadyti
meforl
unch

Rudzani
:doyouwantmet ogetyousomet
hingf
or
l
unchoryouwilleatout
Mpho:l
et'
sgoeatout
.Bei
ngher
eint
heof
fi
cecan
besosuff
ocat
ing
Rudzani
:(smi
led)yes
Mpho:andpleaseremi
ndmet or
efundyou,
your
moneyfort
heshirtandcof
fee
Rudzani
:ther
e'snoneed
Mpho:pl
easeIknowint
ernshi
pspayl
ess,
youneed
ever
ycentyoucanget
Rudzani
:(smi
led)al
ri
ght
Mpho:youhaveabeaut
if
ulsmi
le,
youknowt
hat
?
Rudzani
:(smi
led)r
eal
ly?
Mpho:(
smi
led)yes
Rudzani
:andyouar
ecut
eifyouwer
en'
tmar
ri
edI
…
Shest
oppedt
alki
ngandMphoj
ustsmi
led
Rudzani
:let
'sgohavel
unch
Mpho:(
get
ti
ngup)l
et'
sgomi
ss

Heputonhi sjacketandwal kedoutwi t

hhert ohi
s
carthendrovetothenear estrest
aurantgett
ing
l
unch, t
heyhadaqui etlunchasRudzaniseem
ashamedofwhatsheal mostsai dearl
ieronand
Mphocar r
iedont al
kingtoherasi fsheneversaid
anythi
ng.Thenwentbackt otheoffi
cel at
eron
*
***
***
***
***
*

Lat
ert
hatday
Rudzanif i
ni shedupwi t
hherwor kedt henpacked
upherst uf fleavingasitwasknockof fti
me.Mpho
bidherf arewel landremai nedbehi ndf i
nishingup
onhi swor kaf terhewasdonehepackedupand
madehi swayoutoft heoff i
ce.Hemethi sbossand
theyhadasmal ltal
kthenhewal kedoutt ohi scar
fi
ndingRudzaniwai ti
ngout sidewit
hherar ms
crossedshaki ngbecausei twascol d.Hewant edt
o
j
usti gnoreherandmi ndhi sbusinessbuthi shear
t
woul dn'
tlethi m special
lyaf terwhatshedi dt hi
s
mor ning.Ifitwassomeoneel sehewoul dhavel et
himl ooklikeamessycl ownt heenti
reday

Mpho:heywhatar
eyoust
andi
ngt
her
efor
?
Rudzani
:I'
m wai
ti
ngf
ormycousi
ntocomepi
ckme
up
Mpho:i
t'
sbeenmor
ethan20mi
nut
es,
comeI
'
ll
dr
opyouoff
Shemadeherwaytohi
scarwhi
leheunlockedt
he
door
s.Shest
eppedi
nwithhi
m.Hestar
tedthecar
andr
ever
sedout
Mpho:youcanwearmyj
acket
Rudzani
:thankyou
Shet ookitandworeit,shesmell
edhiscologneand
smiled.Hehadt henicestsmell
aman' ssmell.
Mphonot i
cedandshel ookedoutthewindow
embar rassed.Shef
eltli
kehecouldseer i
ght
thr
oughher
Mpho:sowher
edoyoul
ive?
Rudzani
:Mar
lot
hhei
ght
s
Mpho:ni
ce
Rudzani
:(smi
li
ng)t
hankyousowher
edoyoul
ive?
Mpho:f
arf
rom her
e
Rudzani
:(l
aughi
ng)okay
Mpho:whodoyoul
i
vewi
th?
Rudzani
:it
'sat
wobedr
oom apar
tmentbutIl
ive
al
one
Mpho:t
houghtaboutget
ti
ngar
oomi
etospl
itt
he
r
ent
Rudzani
:dadhasi
tal
lundercont
rol
,
Mpho:daddy'
sgi
rl
.Ial
sohave3daught
ers
Rudzani
:real
ly?Youmusthavehadsomewhi l
eyou
wereateenbecauseIcantel
lyouar
en'
tthatol
d
Mpho:(
laughed)Iam r
eal
lyol
dmygi
rl
.Myel
desti
s
10
Rudzani
:(l
aughi
ng)st
il
lnotthatol
d.Youwoul
dbe
ol
difshewasmyageort wice
Mpho:doyouhaveachi
ld?
Rudzani
:nowhy?
Mpho:Ijusthadt
oask,
kidsar
ehavi
ngki
ds
nowadays
Rudzani:noIchoset ofocusonmycareerfornow,
I'
l
lthi
nkabouthavi ngkidsonceIf
indt
her i
ghtguy
andafterI'
veprobablysecuredmysel
faper manent
j
ob
Mpho:you'
reagoodgi
rl
,Iwantt
hesamef
ormy
ki
ds
Rudzani
:justdr
opmeovert
her
e
Shepoi
ntedandMphodr
oveoverandst
oppedhi
s
car

Rudzani
:befor
eIgo.Iwanttoapol
ogizeforwhatI
sai
dearl
ier
.Itwasunprof
essi
onalanditwont
happenagai
n
Mpho:don'
twor
ryabouti
t
Rudzani
:haveal
ovel
yni
ghtwi
thyourf
ami
ly
Mpho:yout
oo
Rudzani
:thankyouf
ort
hel
if
t
Mpho:you'
rewel
come

Shet ookoffthejacketandmadeherwayi nside

whileMphol ookedatt hosecheeksbounci ngi nt
hat
skir
t.Heswal l
owedamout hfulofsali
vaafter
sali
vatingsuchbeaut y.Hegothi smi ndbackand
drovehome.Hear ri
vedandf oundever yone
watchingt.vexceptCl eosheal waysstayedi nher
room.Theki dsgotupandr antohim welcomi ng
him home, hewalkedovertoThandiwegr eet
ingher
andkissingAmkel wa'
sforeheadwhileshewas
resti
ngonhermom' schest.Shecouldn'
thelp
herselfbutnot
icetheunfamili
arshi
rtandt i
e.

Mpho:howar
eyou?
Thandi
we:I
'
mfi
ne
Mpho:st
il
lmadatme?
Thandi
we:I
namigoandpl
aywi
thyourbr
other
I
nami
cal
ledSi
phi
weandt
heywentt
ohi
sroom
Mpho:Isai
dI'
m sor
ry
Thandi
we:Iwantthenur
setost
opworkingandgive
usthemoneythatwaspaidf
ort
herestoftheyear
Mpho:t
hatwon'
thappen,
Siphi
weneedsher
Thandiwe:Iwentforacheckupandhe's
completel
yf i
ne,
thesurgerywoundhascomplet
ely
heal
ed.He'shealthy,st
il
labi
tunderwei
ghtbuthe
hasrecoveredgreatl
y
Mpho:wesignedacont
ractandi
fwet
ermi
nat
eit
wewontgetthemoneyback
Thandi
we:wedon'
tneedher
Mpho:butshe'
sal
readypai
d
Thandi
we:Ican'
tbel
ievet
his
Mpho:(si
ghed)j
ustl
etherwor
kfort
her estoft
he
yearwhil
ewefocusonusandrebui
ldi
ngour
rel
ati
onshi
p
Thandi
we:wher
edi
dyougett
heshi
rt
?
Mpho:shi
rt
?
Sher
aisedaneyebr
ow
Mpho:Ispi
ll
edonmyshi
rtandhadt
ogetanewone
Thandi
we:youal
wayshaveanext
rai
nyourcar
Mpho:I…Icomplet
elyf
orgotandsentt
he
r
ecept
ioni
sttogetanewone
Thandi
we:isn'
tshesogener
ous,
leavi
ngal
lher
worktobuyyouashirt
Mpho:whatar
eyousayi
ng?
Thandi
we:whatdoyout
hinkI
'
m sayi
ng?
Mpho:ar
eyouaccusi
ngmeofsomet
hing?
Thandi
we:shoul
dIbeaccusi
ngyouofsomet
hing?
Mpho:(
gotup)I
'
m notdoi
ngt
hiswi
thyou
Thandiwe:yeahgothat
'swhatyouar
egoodat
,
messingeveryt
hingupandleavi
ngmetopi
ckup
thepi
eces
Mpho:( turnedangry)whatdidIdo?Iapologized
aboutt hefarm andwantedtofixthi
ngsbutyou
won' tl
etme!Takemycarandsel lit
,sel
lthi
shouse,
sellmycl othesifmoneymat t
ersthatmucht oyou.
I'
m sorryIwentbehi ndyourbackandmi susedyour
money, I
'
m sorryandIregreti
t.Youknowal lthi
s
mat eri
alstuffdoesn'
tmattert
ome

Hekneel
edbef
oreherl
ooki
ngatherwi
thhi
s
r
eddi
sheyes

Mpho:Il
oveyouandIwouldgiveupever
ythi
ngI
havei
naheartbeatf
oryou.I
'
mr eal
lysor
ryfor
hurt
ingyou, youareeverythingtomeandIcan' t
l
oseyoust handwasam.Doyouknowhowf arwe've
come?Rememberwhenwef i
rstmet?(Swalloweda
pai
nfullump)I '
vehadcount lesstimeswher ebyI
fel
tli
kegi vinguponusbutt henIlookbackand
whatwe' veconquer edtoget herandIreali
zehow
muchl i
fei sbetterwithyout hananyoneel seand
wit
hGogogone…youandt heki dsareallt
hatIhave.
YesIam aj erk…andIknow.Pl easegivemea
chancetochange, giveusachance.Al lt
hese
constantfights…Iwanti talltoend.Iwantt osee
youhappyagai n,Iwanttol aughwi t
hyou
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)Idon'
tknowwhat'
swrongwit
h
me…Iam bri
ngi
ngyoupainmorethanhappi
ness
Mpho:(
shookhi
shead)no…youar
eever
ythi
ngI
want
.Youaremyhappiness
Thandiwe:(cryi
ng)stoplyi
ngt ome…Iknowhow
youfeel,howyour eall
yfeel
.Comi nghomei s
probablydrai
ningforyouthat'
swhyyouar r
ivedlate
today,thesepil
lsaren'
tworki
ngi nsteadIfeelso
horri
ble,wehaven'tbeeninti
matesi nceIgavebirth.
I'
veneverbeenabl etobemysel fsinceIgavebi r
th.I
havehaven' tbeenabl et ofeelorevendi gestwhat
washappeni ngar oundme, Ihadj usthaveababy
thenmydaddi es.Myi nsecur i
tiesofnotbei nga
goodmot herorwi feki ckedi n.Iwonder edhowI
woul dhandl er aisingt wokidsspeci all
yaf terIwent
crazywhenPhi wewasbor n.Iwasscar edi nthel ast
fewweeksbef oregi vingbi rththinki ngtomysel f
whati fIlosei t?Igavebi rt
ht omybabygi r
l,fi
nall
yI
gett ogi veyouababysomet hingyou' veal ways
l
ongedf or.Ikindoff eel wor t
hyt hisi stotally
differentt hanwhenIhadhi m.Il ostmyf atherandI
feltsoal one, If eltpuni shedbyGod.Ihadj ustfound
him andnowhe' sgone, Iwasnowanor phanand
havenoonet ot urnt obutyou.Youar emysaf e
place, nothingandnoonecanhur tme.Mypast
doesn' tmat t
erwheni tcomest oyouandIdon' t
havet owor ryaboutbei ngr emindedofi t.Ihadbeen
feelingbadf orgi vinghi m up, Iwasact i
ngt ough
becauseIwant edt ot akechar gei nmyl i
fe.Ihad
beenapr isoneral lmostal lmyl ife, Iwant edt otake
cont rolofmyl i
f eandnotgi veVusit hepowerover
me.Igett hef arm andIknownot hingaboutr unning
i
t,I'm suddenl yunderpr essur et henyouwenton
anddi ggedmypast .Theper sonIt rustedt hemost ,
youhur tme, youbr okemewi thwi theachandever y
wor dyousai d…Il ostmysel f.Youst ar t
edbei ng
i
nt olerantofme, suddenl ymyt earsmeantnot hing
andIwasbackt obei ngt hegi rlst ucki nahut ,
wai tingf orwhat evert heybr oughtont oherhavi ng
nowher et ogo.Iwasr emindedever ydayofhowI
gotbot hki dsandhowsel f
ishIam ofhowofabad
mot herIam. .
.mysaf eheavengr ewt hornswhi ch
cutdeepert hanakni fe.Withoutt hismar ri
ageI
havenot hi
ng. ..thef ar m gavemeassur ancet hatI'l
l
havesomet hingt of allbackon.Fel tl i
kemyf ather
knewt hatt ooandhewast ryingt ol ookoutf orhi s
daught erandnowIf eelli
keIf ail
edhi m.Ial ways
fail
, Iam af ail
ureandI '
m alwayswal kingon
eggshel lsscar edwhati fsomeonet ellmyki dst he
truth.Howwi lltheyt akei t?Whati ftheyendup
feelingl ikeIdo.It houghtIcoul dcountonyoubut
afteryoubr oughtt hepastonmeandr emindedme
ofever ything...Ir ealizeIhavenoone

Mpho:Ipr
omi
set
onever
-
Thandi
we:no.
..pl
easedont

Mpho:(
sadl
y)Ineverknewyouf
eltt
hisway

Thandiwe:( wipedhertears)butIal
waystel
lyoubut
youchooset oignoreme.You'reti
redofnur
singmy
feel
ings,that'
syourwor ds.I'
m al
sotir
edofallt
he
fi
ghting.
..maybei t'
sti
meweaccept ed

Mpho:no.
..

Thandi
we:maybeweshoul
dgetadi
vor
ce

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Heatofpassi
on

93
Mpho:youcan'
tdi
vor
ceme….we'
renotdi
vor
cing
Thandi
we:It
houghtabouti
tand…
Mpho:(
shookhi
shead)no…
Thandiwe:youcankeepthehouseandal
lyourst
uff
.
Iwil
lsellapieceofl
andonthefar
m andpayofft
he
l
oanthenmovet her
ewit
hthekids
Mpho:we'
renotdi
vor
cing,
wej
ustcant
.
Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)wel
lIhavenochoi
ce
Mpho:youdidn'tt
hinkt
hinkthisthr
oughandyou
haveachoi
ce.Choi cet
ost aywit
hme, achoi
ceto
fi
ghtf
orthi
sf amil
y,achoicetochooseprovi
ding
ourki
dsastablehome
Thandi
we:Icandoal
loft
hat
Mpho:howwhenyou' vejustadmit
tedtomeright
nowthatyouar
enotokay.Howwi llyout
akecareof
ki
dsifyoucan'
ttakecareofyourself
Thandi
we:don'
t…
Mpho:no,
Iwantt
oknowhow?Makeme
under
stand
Thandi
we:Iam at
tendingther
apyandI
'
mtaki
ng
car
eofthekidsmyselfsti
ll
Mpho:sot
henwhat
?What
'ssohar
daboutst
ayi
ng?
am It
hepr
obl
em?
Thandi
we:Idi
dn'
tsayt
hat
Mpho:t
henwhat
?
Thandi
we:Idon'
twantt
otal
kbecausewewi
llend
upfi
ghti
ng
Mpho:whenhaveIeverf
oughtwi
thyou?
Thandi
we:(
sighed)Iam t
ir
edandIwantt
osl
eep
Mpho:howcanyousleepwheneverythi
ngisfal
l
ing
apar
t?Il
ostyouonce….Ican'
tloseyouagai
nand
mykids
Hel
ookedawayast
ear
sbur
nedhi
seyes
Thandi
we:(tear
ful)Ican'
tst
ayher
e…we'
ret
oxi
cto
eachother
.Idon'tknowhowmuchmoreIcant
ake
fr
om you
Mpho:(
shookhi
shead)I
…
Hecoveredhi
sf acewi
thbot
hhandsshaki
ng
uncont
roll
abl
y,hewasn'
taboutt
ocryi
nfrontofher
never
.Hegotup

Mpho:Ineedsomeai
r

Hewal
kedoutandl
efther
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***

AtGabi
'
shome

Archiesatont hecouchnextt oGabiwhohel dher

babysleepingonherchest .Hepulledoverthe
blankettocoverhislegs.Entl
eandLesegoshar eda
couchal lcuddledupintheirpyj
amasandwar mer
blanketeatingcheesecurlsinabowlwat chi
ngt.v

Ar
chi
e:nowt
hisi
sani
cef
eel
ing
Gabi
:(smi
li
ng)bei
nghomeal
onewi
thyourown
fami
ly
Ar
chi
e:(
smi
li
ng)yest
hisi
sjustper
fect
Gabi:i
t'
sonl
yforawhil
ethosewomenar
ecomi
ng
backontheweekend
Archie:(
laughed)Iwi
shtheycoul
dunderst
andthat
Ntuthukodoeseveryt
hingforusper
fect
lywel
l
,we
don'tneedthem
Gabi
:(l
aughed)t
ellt
hem t
hatandt
heywi
llhave
hear
tatt
acks
HetouchedJuni
or'
sheadst
roki
nghi
scur
lyhai
r
back
Ar
chi
e:canI
…
Gabikeptqui
etf
orasecondskept
ical
aboutl
ett
ing
hi
m holdhim?
Ar
chi
e:pl
ease
Gabi
:it
'st
oosoon
Ar
chi
e:(
smi
led)your
eal
lydon'
ttr
ustme?
Gabi
:it
'snott
hat
…
Ar
chi
e:i
t'
sokaynopr
essur
e
Heki
ssedhercheek
Gabi
:babe
Ar
chi
e:mmh?
Gabi
:Iwasthi
nki
ngaboutusst
arti
ngourown
audi
ti
ngcompany.Imeanyouhavetheski
ll
sand
sodoI,woul
dn'
titbegr
eati
fwehadourownt hi
ng?
Ar
chie:Ihavenoproblem withthatbutyouknow
st
art
ingabusinessisn'tchi
ld'
splay
Gabi
:IknowbutI'
m wil
li
ngt
oputintheworkandI
al
sowanttoproceedwit
hmystudi
estodevel
op
mysel
fmore
Archi
e:(smil
ed)okay…Ihavenoproblem wit
hthat
butri
ghtnowstarti
ngabusinessisabitfarf
etched
aswe'veusedupal mostal
loursavi
ngs.Let'
swait
formyinvest
mentt oret
urnt
henwewi llt
alk
Gabi
:orIcoul
dborrowfr
om myparentsandwhen
t
heinvest
mentret
urnswepaythem back
Archi
e:oryoucouldbepat
ientf
oryourhusband
andtr
usthim enoughtomakeaplanforyou
Gabi
:us!I
t'
sourbusi
ness
Ar
chi
e:(
smi
led)yesourbusi
ness
Gabi
:(smi
les)I
'
llwai
t
Ar
chi
e:t
hat
'
smywoman…gi
rl
scanyou-
Gabi
:theyar
eal
readysl
eepi
ng
Hel ookedatthem EntleasleeponLesegochest
whileLesegor est
edherchi noverEntl
e'
shead
asleepholdi
ngont othebowlwhi chwasslowly
sli
ppingoffherf i
ngers.Archiegotupandgotthe
bowlt aki
ngittothekitchenthencamebackand
tookthem totheirbedroom.Hecamebackj oi
ning
hiswi f
e..

Ar
chi
e:canLesegomovei
nwi
thus?
Gabi
:Idon'
tseewhynotasl
ongashermot
herhas
noprobl
em wit
hit
Archi
e:wespokeabouti tandshe'sgotajobwhich
requi
reshertotravelalot,soshesaysandcan't
takeheralongwithher.ItoldherIwil
lspeakwi
th
youfir
st,youhaveababyt otakecareof,
Idon'
t
wantt
obur
denyouwi
thmychi
ld
Gabi
:that'
snonsense,
LesegoismybabyandI
woul
dbehappyi fshecamet ost
aywi t
husf oras
l
ongasshel i
kes.YouknowIlovekidsanditwould
beni
cet ohavesomeonetokeepmi ssbusybody
company.Thisi
sherhomet oobutwewi l
lhaveto
upNtuthuko'
spaybecauseshewillbedoi
ngso
muchwor k
Ar
chi
e:Iwi
llpaymor
e
Gabi
:thenthat
'sset
tl
edbutIwantt
otal
ktoher
mom fir
stwomant owoman
Ar
chi
e:okay,
youhavehernumber
s
Gabi
:Iwil
lsetupadat
ebutt
hanksmyl
ovef
or
t
alki
ngtomef i
rst
Archi
e:you'r
emywi f
eandhowyouf eelmatterst
o
meal ot.Iwasgoi
ngtotakehertoaboardi
ng
schoolsoshecouldvi
situsdur
ingschoolholi
days
Gabi:t
her
e'snoneedf
oral
lthat
,shecancomest
ay
wit
hherfamily
Ar
chi
e:t
hankyoubabe
Heki
ssedherf
oreheadandsherest
edherheadon
hi
sshoul
derwhil
ehebrushedhi
ssonsbacksti
ll
l
ayi
ngonmommy' schest.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*

att
hest
udy

Mphof el
tthedooropenandI namiwal kedin
wrappedi nherbedcover .Hecoul dseeher
becauseoft hemoonl ightthatshinedt hroughthe
topwi ndows.Shewal kedovert ohim andhet urned
ont helamp.Itwasr eallycold,couldbarelyfeelhis
feetandt heblanketfeltsothintoday.

Mpho:Bunny,
whyar
eyouup?Di
dyouhavebad
dr
eams
Sheshookherheadno
Mpho:t
henwhyar
eyouup
Shel
etgooft
hebedcover
sandgaveherf
atherhi
s
awat
erbot
tl
e
I
nami
:it
'scol
d,i
twi
llkeepyouwar
m
Mpho:(
smi
led)t
hankyouangel
Shesmiledforamomentandsuddenlychanged
get
ti
ngsadandhuggedherfathersobbi
ngsi l
entl
y.
Heletheri
nandcover
edherwi t
hhisownbl anket
Mpho:i
twi
llbeokaymyangel
Shecont
inuedt
ocr
ywhi
leMphohuggedhert
ight
ly
Mpho:i
twi
llbeokaymybunny
I
nami
:(cr
ying)youar
ebr
eaki
ngup
Mpho:(
swal
lowedapai
nfull
ump)nowe'
renot
I
nami:Ihear
dyou,youwer
efighti
ngandshewant
s
t
oleaveyoudad,shewant
stoleave
Mpho:i
t'
snotl
iket
hatbabygi
rl
,youhear
dwr
ong
I
nami
:Idon'
twantyout
obr
eakup
Mpho:Ial
sodon'twantt
hatbut…ifi
thappensjust
knowIwil
lalwaysbeyourf
atherandasaf at
her,I
wil
lal
waysloveyouanddon'tl
etanyonetel
lyou
ot
her
wise.
I
nami
:yesdad
Mpho:WhenIhadnot hingGodgavemeyou, you
aremypr incessandIwi llalwaysprotectyou.Mom
anddadar ehavingproblemsl i
kemostmar r
ied
peopledo, wear et
ryi
ngt ogetpastt hem butiti
s
notallbattl
esthatyouwi llwin.Sometimesyou
havet oacceptdefeatgetupandkeepgoi ng.You,
yourbr ot
herandyourbabysi sterar
emybi ggest
blessi
ng, Ineverwanttoseeyouunhappy.Iwantt o
doal l
Icant okeepyouhappy.Okay?
I
nami
:okay
Mpho:Il
oveyou
I
nami
:Il
oveyoudad
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***

t
henextday

Thandi
wewokeupst
art
edpr
epar
ingf
orI
namit
ogo
toschool.Shehadknockedonherdoorandwoken
herup,shewokeupandt ookabathgett
ingdr
essed
forschoolbutt
odayshewasextrasl
ow.

Thandi
we:Inamihur
ryuporyouwonteatandbe
l
ateforschool
Shewalkedt
othekit
chenwit
hasadf aceandsat
downgrabbi
ngherplat
eandforkpoki
ngherfood.
Siphi
wewaseati
nghisfoodgracef
ull
y
Thandi
we:what
'swr
ongbabygi
rl
I
nami
sai
dnot
hing
Thandi
we:ar
eyousi
ck?
Shepi
therhandoverherf
oreheadchecki
ngherbut
shewasn'
tburni
ngup.Hereyeswerered
Thandi
we:babyt
alkt
ome,
what
'swr
ong?
Therewasaknockont hedoor,
Inamijumpedfrom
herchairandrushedtoopen.Nalediandhermother
Lesediwalkedinalongwit
hauntPaul i
ne.
I
nami
huggedherauntNal
edit
ight
,Mphowal
ked
outfr
om t
heroomsal
readydr
essedforwor
k
l
ookingt
ir
edashel
landwasshockedtoseethem
ther
e.

Thandi
we:Aunt
yandma
Paul
ine:Thandimychi
ld,
son-
inl
aw
Mpho:(
respect
ful
ly)yesma
Paul
ine:Iwoul
dli
ket
otal
ktoyout
woi
npr
ivat
e
Thandi
we:mawe…
Paul
ine:Ir
ememberyouhavi
ngast
udy…shal
lwe
Mpho:t
hiswayma
Heshowedhert
hewayandThandi
wef
oll
owed
Theywal kedi
nandAunt yPaul
ine'
seyeslandedon
theblanketst
hatwerefol
dedputontopoft he
couch.ShewenttoseeonMpho' schairwhilet
hey
satont heopposi
techai
rs

Aunt
yPaul
ine:mor
ning
Thandi
we:mor
ning
Mpho:mor
ningma
Aunt yPauli
ne:nowtellmewhati si
tthatis
happeningint hi
shousemaki ngyoufightsobad
thatachildsteal
sthenursesphoneandcal lsher
auntyrighti
nt hemiddleoftheni
ghtcryingthather
fatherwaskickedouttosleepintheStudywhi ch
happenst obet r
ue

Noneoft
hem r
esponded

AuntyPaul
ine:nowyoul
ist
enhere,Idon'
thaveall
day.Youar
egr ownadul
tsnotki
ds.Iam heresowe
cantal
kthi
ngsoutandseehowwecanr esolvet
his
Thandi
we:t
her
e'snot
hingt
ober
esol
vedher
ewe
tr
ied
AuntyPaul
ine:di
dyouseeamarri
agecounsel
or?
Becauseri
ghtnowyouaret
alki
ngtoone
Thandi
wesatback
Aunt
yPaul
ine:whowi
llgof
ir
st?
Mpho:I
fyoudon'
thaveapr
obl
em Iwi
ll
Aunt
yPaul
ine:goahead

MphoandThandi
webothtol
dthei
rsi
deoft
hest
ory
whi
leAunt
yPauli
nel
ist
ened

AuntyPauline:Iwantyout wot oknowt hat

everyoneyoumar ryhasaweakness.Soi fyou
dwellonyourspouse' sweaknessyoucantgett he
bestoutofhisorherst rength.Nowknowt hat
everyonehasadar khistory.Noonei sanangel .
Whenyougetmar r
iedyoust opdi ggingi nto
someone'spast .Whatmat tersmosti sthepr esent
l
ifeofyourpar t
ner.Youmysonmadet hatmi stake
ofdiggingyourwife'spastandi nvitedpr oblems
i
ntoyourownhome.Whatwer eyouexpect i
ngt o
happenaf t
erthechildgetsher e?Di dyout hink
abouthowyourwi fewouldr eact,speciallywhen
youknewherhi st
orywithherment alhealth?Ther e
aresomanywaysyoucoul d'vefeltwithitbut
chooseanopt i
ont hatwoul dhur tyourwi fe.You
don'tdot hattotheoneyoul ove.Wef or giveand
forget .Focusont hepr esentandt hef utur eandyou
remi ndingherofherpastshowshowl itt
leyou
anot heraboutheremot ionalbei ng.Ever ymar r i
age
hasi tsownchal lenges.Ever ygoodmar riagehas
gonet hroughi t
sownt estofbl azingf ire.Tr uel ove
provesi nti
mesofchal lenges.Fi ghtf oryour
mar riage.Makeupyourmi ndt ost aywi t
hyour
spousei ntimesofneed.Remembert hevowFor
betterf orwor se.Insi cknessandi nheal thbet her e.
Donotmakeever ythingaboutt hechi ldrenwhi chi s
somet hingyousonar edoi ng.Ever yt
hi ngyoudoi s
aboutt hekidsnotyourwi fe, youhavei nr esol ved
i
ssuesson.Consi der i
nghowyourmot herl eftyou,
youar eunconsci ousl ypuni shingThandi we
becauseofwhatyourmot herdi dt oyou.Youdon' t
wantThandi wet oleaveherki dst hesamewayyour
mot herdi d,youdon' twantyourki dst ol ivet he
samewayyoudi df orgetti
ngt hatThandi wei sn' ther.
Youneedt odealwi ththisur gent l
y
Mpholookeddownswal
lowi
ngabi
glumponhi
s
t
hroat

Mpho:( tear
ful)I
..
.I'
m sorryThandi
we.IknowIhave
beenhur ti
ngyouandyou' r
eri
ghtaunty.Ihavebeen
constantlytr
yingtofixmymot her'
smistakes
throughherwhi chIseenow.Ihavebeencl aiming
thatIloveherwi t
hherf l
awsbuthowdoIsayt hat
whenIconst antlyremindherandtrybyallmeans
to.
..

Atearr
oll
edandThandiwe'
sheartshat
ter
ed.She
hadneverseenhi
m cr
y,noneveri
tbrokeherhear
t.
Sheheldhishand
Mpho:whenshewal kedintomyl if
e,Ilovedher ..
.I
l
ovedyou, Iwon' tli
eIcompar edyout oher ,asked
mysel fhow? .
..yousuf f
eredfrom thehandsoft hat
manhadhi schi ldbutst il
lmanagedt ol oveherand
neverabandonher .Iwonder edwhymom coul dn't
dot hatforust hat'swhywhenyougaveSi phi
weI
wasshat t
ered.Ir efusedtobel i
eveyouwoul ddo
that.NotwhenI '
vemadeyout obeanyt hingmy
mot herisn'
t.I.
..It r
iedtomoveonbutIal ways
thoughtofhi m, Ijustfeltl
ikeIneededt of orceyou
tolovehi m sohedoesn' tsufferli
keIdid.I '
m so
sorryforeverything

Thandi
we:(
tear
ful
)it
'sokay

MaPaul
ine:i
t'
sokayl
eti
tal
loutson.
..
Shepour
edhi
m wat
ert
odr
inkandl
ookedatThandi

MaPauli
ne:comingtoyoumychildi
fyouwanta
happymarr
iage,
lear
ntoloveyour
sel
ffi
rst

whenyoudon' tloveyour self,

youwi llfi
ndi tdif
fi
cult
toover comeemot ionalchal l
enge.Buti fyouval ue
yoursel f
,youwi l
lalwayshavear easont ojumpout
ofthatchal l
enge.Sel f-loveisabouthavi ngr egard
forourownwel l
-being.That '
sit.Beingabl etolook
atour selvesandappr eciateourgoodqual iti
es,
forgi
veourmi stakes, l
aughatourbl ooper sand
general l
yspeakingt reatour sel
vesni cely.Youwi l
l
beavi cti
mf or
everi fyoudon' tloveyour selfenough
togetupanddustyour sel
f.Youneedt ohavet he
abili
tyt ounderstandyourownf eeli
ngsand
thought s.Understandi ngthem wi t
houtj udging
them wr ongorpr etendi ngt heyar en’thappeni ngi s
trul
yanadvancedf or m ofsel f-
love.Howdoyou
starttounder st andwhenyouhavebeenavoi ding
feel
ingyourf eel i
ngsf orawhi le?Youst ar tbygi vi
ng
yourselfper mi ssiont of eel whatyouf eel.Whet her
i
t’shappyandgr atef ulorsadanddi sappoi nt ed.You
canbesadyourl i
fedi dn’tt urnoutt hewayyou
thoughti twoul dandgr at efulyouar eheal thyatt he
samet i
me. Youar ei mpor tantandhowyouf eel
real
lydoesmat ter.Topr acticesel f
-l
oveist oactl ike
youmat terinyourownl ife.Howdoyoudot hi sif
youhavebeenput tingever yoneel sefir
st?St art
connect i
ngwi thyourt iniestdel ights,addonet hing
thatmakesyousmi l
et ot hepat hofyourday.
Ther e'
sal i
fecoachIwi llrecommendt ohel pyou.
Youhavesuf feredenoughdon' tyout hi
nk?What
happenedt ot hatf iest yThandiwhost oodupf or
herselfwhenever yonewasagai nsther.Youar emy
sist
er si
magi ne, beaut i
fuli ntell
igentandst rong.You
don'tunder standhowyouf eelbecauseyougotso
overwhel medbyever ything.
Thandi
wecover
edherf
acecr
yingwhi
leMphohel
d
hercl
ose.

MaPaul i
ne:that'
showt hi
ngsshoul dbei na
mar ri
agemyl ove.Youshoul dbeabl etoshedyour
tearstotheoneyoul ove.Lastbutnotl eastGod
cannotgi veyouacompl eteper sonthatyoudesire.
Inmar ri
agewegr owbylearningf r
om eachother
andunder st
andingeachot her.Youwi nbydeal i
ng
withthingstoget hernotapart.Let'
stryagainweal l
needt ohealf r
om ourbr okenchi l
dhoodt obecome
betterspousesandbet t
erpar ents.Doyouagr ee?
Them:yes

MaPaul
ine:t
henIam happyl
et'
spr
ay.
..

Pl
easel
ikeandcomment
Fi
nalepi
sode

Heatofpassi
on

*
2year
slat
er*
Thandiweparkedhercarout si
deandt hekids
steppedouti
nt hei
rfullschooluni
for
m wal ki
ng
towardsthegate.Sher ol
leddownthewi ndow
smili
nglooki
ngatt hem…

Thandi
we:ar
en'
tyouguysf
orget
ti
ngsomet
hing

Si
phi
wequi
ckl
yrememberedandranoverwi
tha
bi
gsmil
eki
ssi
nghismot
her'
scheek

Si
phi
we:mamadi
dyouputi
nmor
echi
ps?
Thandi
we:Iputi
nmor
eappl
es
Si
phi
we:aahmama
Thandi
we:(
laughed)youwil
lhavemor
echi
pswhen
youcomebackfrom school
Si
phi
we:(
smi
led)okay,
byebyemama
Thandi
we:byebyemyboy
Hewal kedawayj oi
ninghisclassmat
esgoinginsi
de
theschoolpremiseswhileInamiwalkedover
sulki
ngandki ssedhercheek

Thandiwe:youknowyouwi
llal
waysbemybaby
ri
ght?
I
nami
:butIam ol
dnowmom
Thandi
we:ol
diswhenyouhaveyourownhouse
andowncarkeys
I
nami
:Iwi
llsoon
Thandi
we:(
smi
li
ng)can'
twai
t.
Thesi
renr
ang
I
nami
:got
tagoseeyouaf
terschool
Thandi
we:youraunti
sgoi
ngt
opi
ckyouupokay
I
nami
:yesmom
Thandi
we:okaybye
I
nami
:bye
Shequi
ckl
yrani
nast
heywer
eaboutt
ocl
oset
he
gat
e.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**

atCapet
own

Gabiwal kedint
ohernewl yfurnishedoffi
ceand
smiledwal ki
ngovert othebigwi ndowslooki
ngthe
beaut i
fulvi
ew.Itwasal waysherdr eam t
ogetan
off
iceononeoft hebiggestbui ldingsandshehad
j
ustt urnediti
ntoar eali
ty.Shel ookedattheci
ty
withallit'
sbeautyandsmi l
ed.Youcoul devensee
thebeachi twasmagni f
icent.Shehear dtwoknocks
andt urned,asmileformedl ookingatherhusband
withhisphoneupt akingpicturesofher.

Ar
chi
e:st
ri
keapose…yesmamashakei
t

Shelaughedposi
nginherbl
acksweat
pantsand
whit
ehoodie.Hershor
taf
rolooki
nggr
eatand
mel
ani
npoppi
ng.

Ar
chi
e:(
smi
li
ng)beaut
if
ul
Gabi
:(l
aughi
nghidi
ngherf
ace)okayt
hat
'senough,
Il
ookli
keapiganyway
Archi
e:(laughed)what
?Neveryouar
ethemost
beaut
ifulwomanonear th
Gabi
:mor
ethanLesego?
Ar
chi
e:(
walki
ngover
)shewouldhavet
oteam up
wi
thEnt
let
omatchupyourbeaut
y
Gabi
:(l
aughi
ng)t
hatwoul
dbecut
enessover
load
Heputhisar
msaroundherwai
standkissedbefor
e
shetur
nedandgothuggedf
rom behi
ndgett
ing
neckki
sses

Gabi
:mynecki
schar
coaldar
k
Ar
chi
e:dar
kismyf
avour
it
ecol
or
Shechuckl
edandcar ri
edonlooki
ngatthevi
ew
wit
hhim whil
ehesl i
ppedhishandsunder
neat
hher
hoodi
eandcar essedherbel
ly

Ar
chi
e:Icamet
ocheckupont
heboss
Gabi
:youmeanpar
tner
Ar
chi
e:t
hisi
sabeaut
if
ulvi
ew
Gabi
:it
'sl
ikeadr
eam
Ar
chi
e:(
smi
led)ourdr
eam
Gabi:Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
ieveyouagreedt
ojustr
iski
tal
l
forsomethi
ngwewer en'
tsur
eof
Archi
e:(
smiled)youknowIam agobi gorgohome
ki
ndofguypl usIbeli
eveinyou.Iknowwhenyou
wantsomethingyougof oritnomat t
erwhat
.Iam
l
uckytobemar r
iedtoawomanwhoweshar et
he
sameambiti
onandvi si
on.From havi
ngourown
companytogr owingourfamily
Gabi:Iam st
il
lst
ressingoutonhowam Igoingto
doitoncehe'sborn.Iwouldhavet
odealwithan
el
evenyearold,asevenyearold,atoddl
er,
the
busi
nessandanewbor
n
Ar
chi
e:babe…Mr
sAr
chi
e
Gabi
:Idon'
t-
Ar
chi
e:maMochane…l
ookatme
Het
urnedhert
olookathi
m hol
dingherhands
Archie:MrsMochanel i
sten…yougotthisokay, you
tur
nedagar agebackathomei ntoabusiness.You
havet hatpoweroftur
ningnothingi
ntosomet hing
don'tyour eal
izehowgreatyouare?Breathinwi t
h
me
Shedidasshewast
olddoi
ngbr
eat
hingexer
cises
ti
llshewascal
m
Archi
e:goodgi r
l,youhavenothingtoworr
yabout .
Wehavet hestrongestteam everandnot
hingwi l
l
change.Iwil
lleadt hem t
hebestwayIcant i
llyou
comebackandj oinus
Gabi
:(smi
led)okay…Idon'
tknowwhyIst
ressso
much
Archi
e:becauset
hisi
spr
ett
ymuchyourbabyand
youdon'tt
rustmewit
hanyofyourbabi
es
Gabi
:(l
aughed)don'
tst
art
Archi
e:youcouldn'
tletmehol dJuni
orforamont
h
becauseyoualwayst houghtIwasgoingtodr
op
hi
m
Gabi
:youwer
egoi
ngt
odr
ophi
m
Ar
chi
e:Ineverdr
oppedEnt
le
Gabi
:(r
aisedaneyebr
ow)ohr
eal
lynow?
Ar
chi
e:i
thappenedonceandshel
ived
Gabi
:shehadi
magi
nar
yfr
iendsbecauseoft
hat
Ar
chi
e:ohcomeon
Gabi
:Icannevert
rustyouont hatbutIcant
rust
younottodr
opdownourbusi nessbecausewe
i
nvest
edsomuchi ntoitand…
Ar
chi
e:wedon'
thaveabackuppl
an
Gabi:(
laughed)yeahwedon'
thaveabackuppl
an
l
it
erall
y
Ar
chi
e:(
smi
li
ng)Iwontl
etyoudown
Gabi
:let
'
sexpl
oret
her
estoft
hispl
ace.Thet
eam
wi
llgocr
azy
Archi
e:t
ellmeabouti
topeni
ngdaydeservea
speci
alcelebr
ati
onpl
uswehave4mor ecli
ent
s
Gabi:yourExbossmustbet
hrowi
ngaf
itbecause
yourcli
entsar
efoll
owi
ngyou
Ar
chie:whatcanIsay,peopl
ewantt
heirbooksand
moneytobecontrol
ledbysomeonetheycantrust
Gabi:(
smi
led)you'
rer
ight
.Ihaven'
tseenyourof
fi
ce
yet
Ar
chi
e:l
et'
sgomamai
t'
sanof
fi
cef
itf
oraki
ng
Shesmi
ledwhi
lehel
edheroutt
oexpl
ore
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*

att
hepr
ison

Nompilowait
edner vousl
yforhermotherandchi
ld.
ShehadanEl ephanttoythatshehadmanagedto
organi
ze.Theoperati
onhadbeenasuccessand
runni
ngsmoot h.WithMegaal r
eadyoutt
heywere
maki ngbigbucksandshecoul dcalli
nmor e
favoursfrom uncl
e.Thedooropenedandher
mot herwalkedinwithherson,shesmiledeart
oear
l
ooki ngathim smil
ingather.Hissmil
ealwaysdid
somet hi
ngt oher,
hissmi l
edalwaysupli
ft
edher
spiri
tandgaveherar easontol
ive.

Nompilo:(
wal
kingover
)Hel
lol
it
tl
eman…hel
lo
Thl
olo

Hesmi leddimplespoppi ngonbot hhi scheeks,thi

s
boywasmor ebeautifulthanhandsome.Hehadbi g
beautif
ulbrowneyes, cutebiglips,brownf lawl
ess
skinandbighands.' He'sgoingt obreaksomany
hearts'wordsMegausedt osay.Hest retchedout
hishandssaying" mama"want i
ngt heEl ephant.
Nompi logaveittohim andt ookhimf rom her
mot herki
ssinghim alloverwhilehermot hersat
down.

MaGl
adys:(
smi
li
ng)howar
eyoumygi
rl
?
Nompi
lo:Iam goodmama

Nompi lo'satt
enti
onwasal lonhim andhermot her
understoodt hat
.Shehadbeenvi deocal l
inghim
andsi ngingforhi
m beforebedt i
meeversi ncehe
wasbor nandcamet ovisittwiceaweek.She
couldn'tbethereforhim physical
lybutshehad
witnessedmostofhi sfir
st s.Hermot hertook
vi
deosofal mosteveryt
hing.Shewashappyt osee
him dressedwar mlyinhisNi ketr
acksuitsand
sneaker s.Shewantedonl ythebestforhim andher
mot herknewt hat

Nompi
lo:hei
sgr
owi
ngandsoheavy
MaGl
adys:andhei
sver
ynaught
y
Hethr
ewhistoyacr
osstheroom andl
aughedt
hen
cl
imbeddownhismothergoi
ngtogett
hetoyand
doi
ngthesamethi
ngagain

Nompi
lo:how'
sever
ythi
ngathome?
MaGladys:everyt
hingisfi
ne.Howar
eyou?Isee
youhavegainedwei ght
Nompil
o:(smil
ing)everyt
hingisokay.Iwil
lbeable
toappl
yforparoleaft
erIhaveservedhalfmy
sent
ence.Igotincontactwit
htheparoleoffi
cer
MaGladys:(
smi
ledt
ear
ful
)thi
sisal
lIhavebeen
pr
ayi
ngfor
Nompil
o:(smil
ingtaki
ngherhands)Iknowma.I
don'
twanttobet oohappybutthethoughtofgoi
ng
hometobewi thyouandmyboyi sso
over
whelming.Iwantthi
swithallmyheartandI
al
wayswor r
yaboutSizwefindingoutabouthi
m.He
coul
dtakehim whil
eIam sti
llhere
MaGladys:i
thasbeent
woyear
snow.It
hinkhe
movedonwithhisl
if
e
Nompil
o:hecamet
oseemeaweekagof
ort
hef
ir
st
t
imeinyear
s
MaGl
adys:whatdi
dhewant
?
Nompil
o:hej
ustmadesmal
ltal
kaski
ngaboutl
i
fe
i
npri
son.
MaGl
adys:r
emi
ndi
ngyouoft
hepast
?
Nompi l
o:str
angel
yhenevertalkedaboutthat.He
j
usttoldmeaboutwhathedi dtot heshar
es.He
gavethem tothegir
lsf
amilywhi chisgood.They
deservethem,het
henaskedaboutmywei ght,I
di
dn'tgivehi
m muchdetai
lsjusttoldhimit'
stax
payersmoney
MaGl
adys:(
laughed)Mpi
lo
Nompi
lo:IthinkheknowsorhaveseenTl
hol
oand
i
sfi
shi
ngi nformat
ionabouthi
m
MaGl
adys:youar
enotevensur
eifhe'
sthef
ather
Nompi l
o:Iknowbutbet weent
hetwoguysIsee
Sizwemor ejustt
hatSizweist
oodar kandTlhol
ois
coffeebrowntheotherguyisl
ightasincol
oured
l
ight
MaGl
adys:okay
Nompi
lo:(
smi
led)Iknowmybabydaddy
MaGl
adys:(
laughed)al
ri
ght
Nompi
lo:youknowifther
e'sanyt
hingIl
earnedis
t
hatbl
amingmyselfandthinki
ngofthepastdoesn'
t
doesn'treallyhel pmewi thanything.Thepast
cagesusandwel i
veupi nourheadsapl aceof
sorr
owandr egrets.Ihavepuni shedmysel ffar
enoughspeci allyafterTlhol
owasbor n.Ireal
ized
howmyst upiditycostmeal otoft hi
ngs,my
fr
eedom, mydr eamsandi ttookthel i
feof
someone' sdaught er.Ihatemysel fforwhatIdi dbut
Ihavef orgivenmysel f.PeoplelootedwhateverI
hadleftwant i
ngt obur ymeal ivebutlikeunclesays
"Iam agi rlwi t
hapl an"whenIwal koutofher ethey
wil
lfeelmyar r
ivalandnoti nabadwaybutgood.I
wil
lpickupt hepi ecesandbui l
dmyki nghisempi r
e
MaGladys:(
smi
led)Iknowyoual
waysl
iveupt
o
yourwor
ds
Nompi
lo:Ial
waysdo
MaGl adys:(
looki
ngathi
sgr
andson)andwi
llhe
everknow?
Nompil
o:Iwil
lnevermaket
hatmi
stakeI
'
mjust
wai
ti
ngfortheri
ghtnow.Tl
hol
owil
lknowhi
sdad
MaGl
adys:al
ri
ght
Nompi
logotupandplayedwit
hhersont
il
litwas
t
imeupthenshewentbacktohercel
l
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
att
hel
odge

Champknockedandwal kedintoSandi'
soff
ice
fi
ndingherseat
edonthecouchpl ayi
ngwithher
sonandherhusbandont heothercouch.He
swallowedl
ooki
ngathisfather
'scopyinSandi'
s
hands.

Champ:I
'
m sor
ryt
odi
stur
b
Mlondi
:it
'sokay,
comei
nwewer
ejustl
eavi
ng
anyway
Sandi
:(ki
ssi
nghi
scheek)no…mommydoesn'
t
wantyoutogo
Mlondi
:tel
lmommyi
t'
sti
met
ogobef
oresheget
s
f
ir
ed
Sandi
:(l
aughed)mommyl
ovesyoubaby
Mlondigotupandt
ookhimthenSandihel
pedhi
m
carr
ythebag.Shewal
kedthem t
othedoor

Sandi
:mommywi
llbewi
thyousoon.Il
oveyou
Ml
ondi
:(smi
led)Il
oveyou
Sandi
:Il
oveyou
shekissedhi
m andkissedherboysf
oreheadthen
watchedthem gobefor
eclosi
ngthedoorwalki
ngto
herdeskpassi
ngChampwhost oodi
nthemi ddl
eof
theroom l
ooki
ngmi spl
aced.

Sandi
:howar
eyou?
Champ:t
hisi
sawor
kspacenotacr
eche
Sandi:t
heyj
ustcamet
osayhif
or20minut
es.I
di
dn'tknowi
twasacri
metobeseenf
or20mi nut
es
byyourfami
ly
Champ:l
et'
sgett
owor
k
Sandi
:al
ri
ght
Shetookoutt
hefi
nancefi
leandChampchecked
ever
ythi
ng.Al
lwasgood

Champ:ever
ythi
ngisalr
ight
.Ar
ether
eany
pr
oblemsthatIshoul
dknowaboutconcer
ningt
he
l
odge?
Sandi
:not
hingsof
ar
Champ:al
ri
ght
…sowhati
shi
sname?
Sandi
:who?
Champ:myson
Sandi
:(l
aughed)youhaveason?
Champ:youknowt hathe'
smi
ne.Hel
ooksnot
hing
l
ikeyourhusband
Sandi
:andhel
ooksnot
hingl
ikeyou
Champ:hel
ooksl
ikehi
sgr
andf
ather
Sandi:yes,
Mlondi
'
sfather
.Nowifwearedone,I
wouldliket
obeexcusedther
e'sal
otofworkt
hat
I
'
m deal
ingwi
th
Champ:youknowyoucan'
tkeepi
tasecr
etf
or
for
ever
Sandi
:whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutkant
i?
Champ:you-
Ther
ewasaknockont
hedoor
Sandi
:comei
n
Rebeccawal
kedi
n
Rebecca:mor
ningSi
randMa'
am
Sandi
:mor
ning
Rebecca:MrJacksoni
sher
etoseeyou
Sandi
:we'
real
readydonesendhi
min
Rebecca:yesma'
am
ShewalkedoutandSandit
ookoutsomef
il
esf
rom
herdr
awer.
Sandi
:ar
eyougoi
ngt
ojoi
nusont
hemeet
ingor
what?
Champ:wewi
llcont
inuewi
tht
hissomeot
herday
Shest
eppedbackandwal
kedoutofherof
fi
ce
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*

AtThef
arm

Thandi wedr ankherchamomi l

eteahol dingthecup
oft eawit
hbot hhandswhi l
elookingatt hebeaut i
ful
viewofnat ure,shewasatt hebackoft heir
farmhousesur r
oundedbyvi neyardsbear i
ngtheir
bestf r
uit
.Shebr eathedi
n,t
akingint hefreshair
taintedwit
hascentofgr apesandsl owl ybreathed
outcal ml
yr elaxing.Sheputdownhercupandt ook
herpenwr i
tingdownonherj ournal

Thandiwe:Ineverthoughtinmyl if
eIwoul deverget
toapointwher eIfeelIam atpeace.Iam atpeace
wit
hmyl ifeandIam happy.AllthefearsIhadare
gone,allthepainIfel
tissl
owl ybutsurelynumbing
away.If i
nall
yforgavemypar entsforleavi
ngand
l
etti
ngmedot hi sli
fet hingonmyown.Ihave
seekedcomf ortinGodandf ami ly.I
'
m am st illon
thi
sjour neyofsel f-l
oveandhavel earnthowt oway
buil
dmyt rust ,andmyval ue,empat hyand
compassi onal latthesamet i
me.Ihavel earnedsel f
-l
oveisapr actice, youcan' tdoi tinadayandyou
candoi tcompl etel
yi mper f
ectlyandst i
llbuildyour
l
ovingmuscl esasl ongasyoukeeppr acticing.
pract
icingsel f
-lovemi ghtbemessyandscar yand
soundof fkeyt hef irstfewtimesyoudoi t,but
eventuallyal lthepr acticecomest ogether ,yourlif
e
feel
sbet ter ,yourdeci sionsareeasi er,andyourl ove
i
sst r
onger .Beki ndt oyour selfsoyoucangi vethe
peopleyoul ovet hebestver si
onofyour sel f.

Shel
ookedatMphost
andi
ngnotsofarf
rom heri
n
hi
sbrownpant
sandwhit
eshi
rtwit
hAmkelwain
herpeachesdr
essandnoshoespicki
ngoutgr
apes
andeati
ngwhil
ehelaughed.Shesmil
edandcarr
ied
onwrit
ing.

Thandiwe:weallhavedemonst hatwehavetoface
i
nor dert
obecomebet terpeopl
e.Iseeandfeel
changeandIhaver eal
izedthi
ngsbecomesomuch
easi
erifyoulett
hosewhol oveyouin.Ihave
mendedbr i
dgesIhadbur nedandletgoofthepast
,
aft
erthatI'
veneverbeensopeaceful

Shefeltahandoverherrightshoul derfol
lowedbya
kissonthecheekandsmi ledclosingherj our
nal
taki
ngAmket ositonherlapwhi leherhusbandsat
opposit
efrom herandreachedoutf orherhand
smili
ng.Sheplaceitonhisandsmi led
Mpho:Il
oveyou

Thandi
we:Il
oveyout
oo

Theybothsmil
edandsighedlooki
ngatAmkel
wa
busytaki
ngthepenandwri
ti
ngonhermother'
s
hand

Theend